Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

PREFACE

“... This is the most powerful thing that can be done: Surrender.... And love is an act of surrender to another person. Total abandonment. I give myself to you. Take me. Do anything you like with me… So, that’s quite mad because you see, it’s letting things get out of control. All sensible people keep things in control.... Therefore, the course of wisdom, what is really sensible, is to let go, is to commit oneself, to give oneself up and that’s quite mad. So we come to the strange conclusion that: in madness, lies sanity.”

- Alan Watts

Itadori Yuuji had never given much thought to how he would die. The world had given him plenty of time - and too many reasons - in the past few months. But, he never would have imagined it like this.

He stared across the long dark room, breath caught in his throat, into the eyes of his hunter. The man looked pleasantly back at him. 

Surely it had to mean something - dying in the place of someone else, someone he loved. It was noble, even. That had to be a good way to die, especially for someone like him.

Yuuji knew that if he’d never come to Forks he wouldn’t be facing death now, but even staring that fear in the face he wouldn’t regret his decision. Life had offered him a dream so far beyond any of his expectations. How could he grieve it’s end when the world had let him experience such love.

The hunter smiled, in a friendly way, as he sauntered forward to kill him. 

Yuuji took a taxi to the airport and kept the windows down. To the rest of the world, it was a freezing January winter. In Phoenix, Arizona - where he’d been staying  for the last few weeks - it was a hot seventy-five degrees and the sky was a vivid blue. Yuuji had been shuffled between foster homes since his grandpa's death two years ago. He was wearing faded jeans that had somehow survived half a dozen foster homes, a white t-shirt, and red converse that’d seen better days.  

In the Olympic Peninsula of Northwest Washington State, sits a small town named Forks, under an almost constant cover of clouds and rain. The rain falls more frequently over this small town than any other place in the united states of America. At least, for as far as Yuuji himself had seen.  It was to this small town that Yuuji had been banished to. Maybe he was being a bit dramatic, surely it couldn’t be that bad.

Yuuji was a little excited for his move to Forks. He was here to finish his high school education after all, just a year and a half left on the clock. It felt like a prison sentence, in a way, Eighteen months. Hard time. When the door slammed behind him as he got out of the car, the clang of the door reminded him of iron bars locking into place. 

It was a three hour flight from Phoenix to Seattle, and another hour in a small plane to Port Angeles.  Topped off with another Hours drive down to Forks. It was that last hour that worried Yuuji. He had never been nervous on planes, but that one hour alone in a car with his foster father was worrying.

Nanami had been nice about the whole thing, and he seemed to be excited - genuinely pleased - that Yuuji would be living with him for a while. He had already registered Yuuji at the nearby high school, and was planning to help Yuuji get a car soon. 

When Yuuji arrived in Port Angeles it was raining. He didn’t think that it was a bad omen, just inevitable. He had long since said his goodbye’s to the sun. He spotted Nanami waiting for him from the cruiser. This was exactly what he wanted to avoid, the main reason for his immediate investment in a car of his own. Nothing slows down traffic like a cop after all. 

Yuuji stumbled from the plane and into Nanami’s waiting arms for an awkward, one-armed hug.

“It’s good to see you, Yuuji,” He said as he stepped back from the embrace. “You haven’t changed much, how’ve you been?”

“Alright. It’s good to see you too,” Yuuji offered a somewhat relieved smile, Nanami was trying to be welcoming.

“You really feel okay about staying here?” Yuuji didn’t know if this was an observation about himself or the area. Nanami hadn’t insisted Yuuji move to Forks, though he had requested it, so he should be the last person to question it; but Yuuji didn’t feel like pursuing that.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t sure about it.”

“Fair enough.”

Yuuji only had two duffle bags with him. Most of his clothing had been suited for a Phoenix summer, not the cold wet moss-covered forests of Forks, Washington. He had pooled his resources into investing in a winter wardrobe, but it still wasn’t enough for that much. He could handle his bags, but Nanami insisted on taking one. It threw his balance off a little, not that he was ever really balanced. His foot caught on the lip of the exit door and the duffel bag swung out and hit the guy trying to get in.

“Oh, sorry,” Yuuji said.

The guy wasn’t that much older than him - and he was a lot shorter - but he stepped up to Yuuji with his chin held high. There were tattoos on both sides of the mans neck, and the sneer on his lips only made him look more dangerous. A small woman with slick solid black hair stood somewhat behind the man, staring menacingly at Yuuji.

“Sorry?” She repeated, like the apology offended her.

And then the woman noticed Nanami, still in his uniform as his shift had ended only half an hour before Yuuji’s flight had gotten in. Nanami didn’t need to say anything, he just looked at the man and took a small step in his direction. The guy took a step back, and in that moment he looked a lot younger to Yuuji. He and Nanami just shrugged as the two made themselves scarce. It was funny how they seemed to have some of the same mannerisms at least.

“I found a good car for you,” Nanami announced when they were strapped into the cruiser and on their way.

“What kind of car?” Yuuji asked. 

“It’s a truck, a Chevy.”

“Where did you find it??”

“There’s a family nearby, their son - Sukuna - like’s to talk when he’s not making more paperwork for me,” Nanami paused before he continued, “He told me his father is in a wheelchair now, so he can’t drive anymore. He offered to sell me his truck.”

“I don’t know anything about cars. I wouldn’t be able to fix anything that broke, and I couldn’t afford a mechanic…”

“It runs well, you won’t be needing a mechanic any time soon.”

“How much is it?” Yuuji asked after a moment's thought, after all that part was the deal breaker.

“Well, I already bought it for you. As a homecoming gift.” Nanami looked proud of himself, a soft smile on his lips in contrast to his usually stoic look.

“You didn’t need to do that.” Yuuji protested, though it was more for the sake of it. Free was free. “I was going to buy myself a car.”

“I don’t mind. I want you to be happy here.” He was looking ahead at the road when he admitted this. Nanami had never been one to openly express his emotions in the time that Yuuji had known him. So Yuuji knew that this was a rare moment, and in a way he was touched.

“That’s amazing. Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Well, you’re welcome.”

They exchanged a few more comments about the weather, and that was the end of their conversation. Yuuji looked out his window instead. The outside world was probably beautiful. To him, however, everything was green: the trees were covered in moss, the trunks and the branches, the ground was blanketed in ferns. Even the air seemed to turn green as it filtered through the leaves. It was too green- an alien planet.

Eventually they made it back to Nanami’s place. He still lived in the small house that Yuuji remembered from pictures his case worker had shown him. Only, the place seemed to be bigger in the photos. Nanami had bought the house before he made the decision to take anyone in, so it was expected. There in the street, in front of the house, was Yuuji’s new truck. Well, new to him. 

It was faded, a rusty red that Yuuji immediately fell in love with. The truck wasn’t special, and it wasn’t easy to look at, but the gesture was quickly wrapping around his heart and squeezing tightly. Maybe it was the bulk of the car, it’s age a badge of honor showing how the truck had survived. How even if it was old it would protect it’s driver. Yuuji could see the love in that gesture.

“Wow, it’s awesome! Thanks!”

“I’m glad you like it.” Nanami said, pleased with Yuuji’s excitement.

It only took one trip to get both of Yuuji’s bags inside and upstairs. He got the West bedroom, the one that faced out over the front yard. The wallpaper of his room was a faded blue that matched the dark oak flooring, a pinched roof ceiling. The only modern inclusion Nanami had made was the addition of a new desk in the corner of the room. It had been fitted with a laptop, most likely an invitation for Yuuji to use it for his school work. 

There was only one small bathroom at the top of the stairs that he would have to share with Nanami. Yuuji didn’t actually have that many bathroom supplies. He had been told by some of the girls in his old school that he was at least a little attractive. But that was either a trick of the light or something he could chalk up to natural luck because Yuuji didn’t do anything out of the ordinary when it came to personal hygiene. All that to say, he wouldn’t be crowding Nanami out of the bathroom with his things any time soon.

The best thing about Nanami was that he didn’t hover. Once they were both inside he had left Yuuji alone to unpack his things and get settled in at his own pace. That task would have been completely impossible for his previous families to do. Yuuji found it nice to be alone for the moment, to not have to worry about putting on a fake smile and saying he was comfortable. It was a relief to sit by the window, stare out at the rain, and let his thoughts become honest for a moment.

Forks high school had just three hundred and fifty-seven - now fifty-eight - students; there were more than seven hundred people in his junior class alone back home. All of the kids here had grown up together, have known each other since they were children. Yuuji would be the new kid from the strange big city. He would be something for everyone to stare at and talk about.

Maybe if he had been more popular, he could make it work for him. If he had actually made friends with all of the kids who wanted to hang out with him at his old schools he may have been fine on his first day in Forks. But there was no hiding the fact that he was not that guy anymore. He was the guy who looked like he should be good at sports, until he started walking. All thanks to a stupid knee injury a few years back. He was suddenly too quiet, too fragile, too weak. And his friends slowly started to move on without him.

Sometimes Yuuji wondered if he saw the world through the same eyes as other people. No one had ever understood him, but maybe that was his own fault. Maybe he saw green when everyone else saw red. Maybe he smelled vinegar when they smelled coconut. Maybe there was a glitch in his brain. 

But the cause didn’t matter. Just the effect, and tomorrow would only be the beginning.

Yuuji didn’t sleep well on his first night. After he finally got his thoughts to simmer down the constant whooshing of the rain and wind against his window wouldn’t fade into the background. It was so loud that even pulling the thick old quilt over his head didn’t muffle the noise enough. He didn’t fall asleep until well after midnight, when the rain finally settled to a quiet drizzle. 

Thick fog blanketed the world outside Yuuji’s window the next morning. He felt a shiver run up his spine, it really was like prison here. No one could ever see the sky.

Breakfast with Nanami was quiet. He wished Yuuji good luck at school, and apologized for leaving so early in the morning. Yuuji still had at least an hour before he needed to leave for school, but a small town sheriff’s job was never done and Yuuji could understand that Nanami was needed elsewhere. He enjoyed having the house to himself for that last hour. He didn’t have to worry about anyone rushing him out, nor did he need to entertain company as he got ready. 

Yuuji didn’t exactly want to be early, but after a while he couldn't stand to be in that house any longer. It was beginning to make him feel claustrophobic. He slipped on his jacket - which was a thick red vinyl material that made him feel like he was wearing a biohazard suit - and stepped outside to his truck. It was only drizzling as he made his way out to the truck, and the inside was warm and dry.

Finding the school wasn’t difficult, like most things in the small town it was just off the highway. It wasn’t obvious at first that it was a school, only the sign announcing that this was indeed Forks High School clued Yuuji in on the building. It had looked like a collection of houses, built from maroon bricks and surrounded by trees and shrubs. The building didn’t remind Yuuji of his old school at all.

He parked in front of the first building labeled Front Office. No one else was parked there, so he was sure it was off limits for students, but he decided to go in and get directions instead of circling around in the rain like an idiot.

Inside it was brightly lit, and much warmer than he’d liked. The office was small, and almost gave off the feeling of a smaller clinic than the main office of the town’s largest high school. The only thing that brought it from the stark hospital feeling were the potted plants that filled the room with that dark green that Yuuji was beginning to hate. The room was cut by a long desk, with three chairs on the opposite side aligning it. Yuuji approached the first person he saw, an older balding gentleman who was sitting in the only occupied seat.

“Can I help you?” The balding man looked up.

“I’m Itadori Yuuji,” He informed the man, and saw the quick recognition in his eyes.

“Of Course!” He said, digging through a leaning stack of papers. Yuuji didn’t know if it was because he was new or because Nanami was the town Sheriff, but he wished the man would slow down a little now. “I have your schedule right here Mr. Itadori. And a map of the school.”

“Um, Yuuji is fine.”

“Oh, sure, Yuuji.”

The man went through Yuuji’s classes for him, highlighting the easiest route on the map. He gave him a slip with his locker combination on it, though Yuuji doubted he would actually use it. He tried to keep his backpack as light as possible before even leaving home. The man smiled at Yuuji and hoped, like Nanami, that he would enjoy his time here in Forks. Yuuji smiled back as convincingly as he could.

Other students were finally starting to arrive by the time Yuuji made it back out to the parking lot. It was a relief to him that nobody was driving anything fancy. His old school was notorious for its elite students, so a new Porsche or Mercedes had been common in the student lot. Here, though, the nicest car that Yuuji could spot was a seemingly brand-new silver Volvo that definitely stood out. 

Yuuji examined the map he had been given, trying to memorize it now. He didn’t want to be that new kid, with his nose stuck to the small sheet of paper all day. It wasn’t like the school was that big after all. It won’t be that bad, He lied to himself. Seriously - it was just high school. There was no animal ready to pounce around the corner.  Even so, Yuuji pulled the hood of his jacket over his head as he walked to the sidewalk.

His first class was located just past the cafeteria, a small building with the number “3” painted in the top right corner above the door.  The classroom itself was small. The people in front of him stopped just inside the door to hang their coats, Yuuji copied them. They were both girls, and fairly pale. At least he wouldn’t stand out too much here. 

Yuuji took the slip up to his teacher - an older woman with thinning hair - to sign. She gawked at him when she saw his name, and Yuuji could feel the blood rush up to his cheeks. His teacher - Mrs. Mason - sent him to an empty desk in the back of the classroom without making him introduce himself to the class, he was thankful for that.

Yuuji thought it would be harder for his classmates to stare at him from his spot in the back, but he was wrong. He distracted himself from their stares with the reading list his teacher had given him: Shakespeare, Bronte, Faulkner. All names he had read before. It was comforting… and boring. When the bell rang Yuuji was approached by a tall, slender girl. Her hair was black, glossy.

“You’re Itadori, yes?” She spoke softly, but he could tell she wasn’t meek.

“Yuuji is fine.” His voice caught the attention of everyone within range.

“Where’s your next class?” She asked.

“Um, Government. With Jefferson.” He spoke after checking his schedule.

“Building six. I’m heading to building four, it’s on the way. I could show you?” She gave off a chess club vibe, but she was friendly despite that. “I’m Maki.”

“Thanks.” Yuuji gave her a smile.

The two of them gathered their jackets and left. The trip wasn’t a long one, but it seemed like the conversation between them was stunted. Any jokes that Yuuji would make seemed to either go over her head or just not land. A few months of this and he would probably lose his sense of humor. That being said, Maki was still a nice presence - in her own way of course. She seemed to draw the same unwanted attention that he did. Instead of paying any mind to the boys who threw their affection at her, she ignored them completely. Perhaps there was something to be said about the birds of a feather argument.

They parted ways with small smiles. Though the short walk was awkward, Yuuji thought that he would come around to really appreciate Maki’s friendship in time. The rest of the morning passed in about the same way. After a few classes Yuuji started to recognize some of their faces. There were a few that were braver than the others, that would come up and ask him how he was liking Forks so far. Yuuji tried to be diplomatic about it, but he found himself lying a lot. 

There was one girl who had approached him and not left his side since. He thought she said her name was Momo, but he hadn’t been paying that much attention. She was short, not even up to his shoulder. But, she walked with him to lunch, that was the main reason he hadn’t ditched her yet. Walking or sitting alone at lunch on his first day of school would be social suicide. He didn’t want a flock of people surrounding his table trying to get to know him. So instead, he let Momo lead him to a table that was already half full of her friends. 

It was there, sitting in that lunch room - trying to make conversation with seven strangers - that Yuuji first saw them. 

They were sitting in the corner of the Cafeteria, as far away from where Yuuji sat as possible in the long room. There were five of them, but none of them were speaking, or eating for that matter. Though they each had a tray of food in front of them. They weren’t gawking at Yuuji, unlike any of the other students. So it was safe to stare at them for a moment. To take in their… uniqueness.

There were three boys and two girls, three seated together and two opposite them. The first was tall but young looking, with short black hair that reminded Yuuji of the girl who had walked him to class that morning. Though she was seated, Yuuji could make out the slight weight the intimidating girl placed in her feet - like she was ready to spring at a moment's notice. The second person was tall and muscular. There was some kind of danger in his eyes though, as if he were naturally daring someone to come close. To test him in some way.

The look unnerved Yuuji, so he was quick to ignore the other boy on their side and glance across to one of the others. On said other side of the table were the two seated together. There was a small girl with orange hair, leaning against the boy next to her, her hands under the table likely fidgeting with a phone. The boy beside her was the tallest he’d seen yet. He had cropped hair that seemed to be lazily parted, as his bangs fell half into his eyes. Though he looked intimidating, something about his posture told Yuuji that he wasn’t the biggest threat at their table.

The last boy - the one seated beside the guy Yuuji was ninety percent sure was a psychopath - was not looking at anything in particular. His hair was black and spiked up, it almost made Yuuji chuckle. He was as different as the other four, his muscles firm but relaxed, his expression calm yet his arms were crossed defensively. Yuuji didn’t know what to make of him.

That all is to say, they were all different from each other. In every physical sense of the word they were each uniquely their own. Yet, they were all exactly alike. Every one of them was chalky pale. The palest of all the students in the town that Yuuji had met so far. They all had dark eyes - from his spot they almost looked black - despite the range in hair colors and styles. There were deep shadows under their eyes - almost like bruises. Maybe the five of them had just pulled an all nighter. Maybe they were all recovering from broken noses.

But that wasn’t why Yuuji couldn’t look away.

It was because their faces, despite being so different, so similar, were all insanely, inhumanly beautiful. All five - beautiful. Yuuji knew what it meant to admit that to himself. Yet he couldn’t feel ashamed. They were the faces you never saw in real life - just airbrushed in magazines or in movies. Maybe painted by an old master as the face of an angel. It was hard to believe they were real. 

Yuuji let his mind wander, and decided that if he were going to think of them as beautiful, he should at least pick a favorite. The last boy, the one with the jet black hair that spiked up was his type. The calm opposed his own high strung nature, and Yuuji would be lying if he said he didn’t like the way the boys biceps just slightly stretched the fabric of his shirt. Though he expected the female half of the student body would disagree with him, more than likely favoring the scary guy seated beside his own favorite. To each their own he supposed. 

As he watched, the red-haired girl put her phone away and stood, lifting her tray. She didn’t wait for anyone to follow, simply tossing his unwanted food and leaving. As if on cue, the boy she had been leaning against got up to follow. His own tray left behind on the table as he followed in step behind the girl. It reminded Yuuji of a dance, and made him wonder if they were perhaps partners in some way. After they left Yuuji’s eyes found the others who hadn’t changed. 

“Who are they?” He asked the girl, Momo.

As Momo looked to see who Yuuji meant - though she could probably guess from his tone - suddenly he looked at them, the beautiful one. He looked at Momo for just a moment, and then his eyes met Yuuji’s. Dark, black eyes that locked him into place. He looked away quickly, before Yuuji could even respond. Yuuji looked away, cheeks flushing with a sudden embarrassment that he didn’t want anyone to see. Momo giggled beside him in what sounded like relief.

“That’s Mai Zenin and Aoi Todo.” She spoke as she pointed them out, “The ones who left were Nobara Kugisaki and Junpei Yoshino. They all live together with their adoptive parents.”

“They are… very nice looking.” Yuuji said, probing for the general opinion on them.

“Yes!” Momo giggled again, “They’re all together though, like together.” Her voice held the connotations of small town gossip; but from his own experiences this would have held weight no matter where it happened. Small town or not.

“That’s impressive. Taking care of all those kids.” Yuuji hummed.

“I guess so.” Momo said with a shrug, eyeing Yuuji as if what he said was weird. “I think their mom cant have kids, though,” She added, as if that lessened their kindness.

“Have they always lived in Forks?” Yuuji asked.  He kept his attention on their table as he listened for the answer. The three continued to look elsewhere, their food still untouched. 

“No,” Momo said, in a tone that made it sound obvious, “They just moved here two years ago from Alaska.”

Yuuji felt a strange mix of pity and relief. Pity, because as beautiful as they were, they were outsiders and he knew all too well the experience of being “other”. Relief because he wasn’t the only newcomer here, and definitely not the most interesting by any standard. 

As Yuuji examined them, the beautiful one looked over at him again. When their gazes locked this time, they held. Yuuji could see the curiosity in the other boys' gaze as they looked into each other's eyes. Yuuji looked away first this time, but he could make out some kind of unmet expectation in his eyes.

“Who’s the one with the black hair? That sticks up, not the depressed looking guy.” Yuuji asked.

“That’s Megumi Fushiguro, but don’t waste your time. He doesn’t really talk to anyone, let alone date. Apparently no one here is good enough for him.” Momo said in a tone that implied another story all together, one that Yuuji wasn’t actually all that interested in hearing. 

Yuuji bit his bottom lip to keep from smiling at the thought of Megumi turning Momo down, it was clearly just a case of sour grapes after all. He risked another glance at Megumi and though the other boy's head was turned his cheek was lifted, as if he had been smiling about something too. 

After a few more minutes the three that were remaining at the table had gotten up to leave, walking just as gracefully as the other two had before them. Even the dark haired Todo had a control to his movements that Yuuji could only describe as balanced, almost stalking. Yet, still poised. It was unsettling to watch. Made worse by the fact that Megumi didn’t glance his way again. 

Yuuji met back up with Maki by coincidence on his way to Biology. Apparently the two of them shared that class together as well. They walked together in a comfortable silence, one that he definitely appreciated after spending lunch with Momo and her friends. 

When they entered the building Maki went to sit at her desk, pulling out a chair beside a guy with white hair that Yuuji somewhat recognized from their lunch table. If he hadn’t been so distracted by the five people across the cafeteria he probably would have remembered this guys name. As Yuuji walked further into the room -towards his teachers desk- he spotted the only empty seat, open beside none other than the infamous Megumi Fushiguro. 

Just as Yuuji passed the desk, Megumi suddenly went rigid in his seat. He stared at Yuuji again, meeting his eyes with the strangest expression on his face. It was hostile, furious. Yuuji looked away quickly. Shocked to say the least. He stumbled over a book left in the walkway and had to grab onto the corner of a desk to balance himself. The girl sitting there giggled at him, and his cheeks flushed red again.

Yuuji noticed one thing, though, before he had forced himself to look away. Megumi’s eyes were black. Coal black. 

When his teacher had returned his schedule to him, along with his textbook for the semester, he sent Yuuji on his way. Of course, he had no choice but to sit himself down in the only available seat. Yuuji kept his eyes down as he went to sit by him, still confused by the antagonistic stare he had been given. 

Yuuji didn’t say anything as he took his seat and pulled out his book. He noticed Megumi’s posture change out of the corner of his eyes. The other boy was angling himself away now, seated at the very edge of his chair and averting his face like he smelled something bad. Yuuji pulled the collar of his shirt up, taking a discreet sniff. It smelled like detergent, and when he sniffed the air he caught the slight scent of strawberry from the spare shampoo he’d packed last minute. A bit sweet, but nothing offensive. 

Yuuji shifted to his side and propped his elbow on the table, his cheek rested on his hand and his head tipped forward to block his eyes. At least if he sat this way it was like putting up a metaphorical wall. Megumi wasn’t gone but at least he wouldn’t have to look at him. 

He couldn’t help peeking through his fingers occasionally at the strange boy seated next to him. Megumi didn’t relax once during the entire class period. He stayed propped on the edge of his chair, still sitting as far away from Yuuji as possible. His fist was clenched tightly on top of the desk, his muscles bulging further against the thin black shirt he was wearing. Yuuji could tell he wasn’t nearly as slight as he’d appeared from across the cafeteria - and he thought Megumi was pretty well defined back then already. 

The class dragged on forever with the two of them locked in that tense position. Yuuji never let himself relax in his seat as long as Megumi stayed coiled up beside him. He didn’t know if he was waiting for Megumi to attack or not, if the ringing of the bell would save him or if it would be the call to attack. Now Momo’s behavior was beginning to make sense. Clearly something was wrong with Megumi if this was his reaction to meeting new people. Maybe it didn’t actually have anything to do with Yuuji at all. They had never met after all, so he couldn’t know Yuuji enough to hate him this viciously, right?

Yuuji risked one last glance at Megumi and regretted it. The other boy was staring him down again, his gaze full of disgust and rage. As Yuuji flinched away from him and sunk further into his chair the phrase if looks could kill was in the front of his mind. 

At that moment the bell rang, and Yuuji would have jumped five feet in the air if he wasn’t frozen in his seat at the moment. Megumi was out of the building before Yuuji could remember where he was. As he sat, eyes staring ahead at the blackboard almost in shock, the only thought in Yuuji’s mind was He’s so mean. It wasn’t fair. Yuuji began to gather his things, trying to block out the anger that was gathering in him, for fear his eyes would tear up. His temper was hardwired to his tear ducts, so he usually cried when he was angry. And he knew he was an ugly crier.

“Aren’t you Itadori Yuuji?” A male voice asked. He looked up to see another black haired boy. He was lean, and smiled in a friendly way that contrasted his tired, almost sinister appearance.

“Just Yuuji.” He corrected, gentler than he’d been earlier in the day.

“I’m Yuta,” The boy offered, “Do you need any help finding your next class?” 

Yuuji didn’t know if Yuta was just being nice, or if he wanted to get on his good side, but he took him up on the offer anyway.

“I’ve got Gym next, actually.” Yuuji said, “I think I could find it, but..”

“That’s my next class too,” Yuta said. He seemed thrilled, though it wasn’t that big of a coincidence in a school this size. 

The two of them walked to class with friendly chatter. Yuta had lived in Japan until he was ten before his family was uprooted and moved here, so he missed the sun the same way Yuuji did. It turned out they shared English class together, which gave Yuuji something to look forward to there. If he knew all the material he might as well make a friend to talk to instead. And Yuta was the nicest person he’d met that day. 

Yuta, however, decided to ruin that by opening his mouth when they entered the gymnasium. “So did you stab Fushiguro with a pencil or what? I’ve never seen him like that.”

Yuuji cringed, apparently other people had noticed Megumi’s glare. And if it was that noticeable, then it must have been outside his normal behavior. Yuuji decided to play dumb.

“Was that who I was sitting next to?” He asked, an innocent lift to his voice.

“Yeah,” Yuta nodded, “I thought he was in pain or something, then he’s glaring at you for almost an hour straight.”

“I’ve never spoken to him,” Yuuji shrugged. “So I wouldn’t know.”

“He’s a weird guy…” Yuta seemed to sigh, “If I’d sat with you we could have talked or something, had fun during class.”

Yuuji gave him a smile before he left to speak with the Coach. Yuta was nice, and clearly admiring, but at the moment any mention of Megumi would put Yuuji on edge, so he wanted to steer clear of Yuta for now. The coach didn’t make him get dressed for class today, since he was still waiting for his gym uniform to come in. That also meant he would get to sit out for today's class. Usually he was a fan of sports, his mother used to have to drag him off the volleyball court, but ever since his knee injury the idea of getting back into games made him hesitant. He watched as four Volleyball games ran simultaneously of each other, and wished he could be out there.

The final bell rang at last, and Yuuji gathered his things to bring back to the main office. All he had to do was return the paperwork with his teachers signatures and he could escape for the rest of the afternoon. It was cold enough outside that Yuuji wrapped his arms around himself and made a mental note to bring a warmer jacket tomorrow. As he stepped into the main office the warmth was barely enough to keep him inside as Megumi Fushiguro stood at the main desk. 

Yuuji would know that spiked black hair anywhere, but it didn’t look like Megumi had noticed him yet. Or, if he did, he hadn’t bothered to look up yet. Yuuji didn’t push his luck, he stood - back to the wall - as he waited for the receptionist to free up. Megumi was arguing with the man that had helped Yuuji that morning. As Yuuji listened he caught the jist of their argument. Megumi was trying to trade his sixth hour Biology class to another time - any other time. 

Yuuji couldn’t believe that this could be about him. Clearly something else had to have happened in that room before he came in. The aggravation on Megumi’s face had to have been about something else entirely. How could a stranger possibly hate him this much?  

The door opened again behind Yuuji, and a gust of wind blew in from outside. It ruffled the papers in his hands and fanned his hair around his face. The girl who had opened the door simply dropped a slip of paper into a wire basket and left without a fuss. Not realizing that she had just alerted Megumi to Yuuji’s presence. His back stiffened suddenly, and he turned slowly until his gaze locked with Yuuji;s again. He was still beautiful - even with the hate-filled glare he gave - but for a moment Yuuji felt genuine fear. Like he was actually in danger. The look lasted for only a moment but it chilled him.

“Nevermind then,” Megumi spoke politely under his breath,  “I can see it’s impossible. Thank you for your help.”

He was out the door faster than Yuuji could register yet again, almost as if he were running as fast as he could to get away from Yuuji. Yuuji went meekly to the desk when he felt the room safe enough to move in again. His face flushed white instead of pale as he passed his slip off to the receptionist.

“How was your first day of school, then?” The man asked.

“Fine,” Yuuji lied, his voice weak.

When Yuuji finally made it back inside his truck it was almost the last car in the parking lot. It felt like a haven, already the closest thing to home he had in this small town. His place to recover from the shock that was the last few hours of his life. He sat inside for a while, just staring out the windshield and relaxing. But soon, it became cold enough that he needed the heater. So, he turned the key and started his truck. He kept his breathing steady as he drove back to Nanami’s house, keeping the tears that threatened to spill from frustration at bay.

Chapter Text

The next day was better… and worse. 

It wasn’t raining when Yuuji left the house, even though the clouds were thick and dark overhead, so that was a plus. It was easier, now that he knew what to expect of his days. Yuta came to sit with him in first period, and walked with him to second. They didn’t actually speak much, but he was a friendly presence that kept the major crowds away. People weren’t looking at him as much as they had the day before. Yuuji sat with Momo and her friends again at lunch, Maki and Yuta were there this time for sure, and the guy with white hair Maki had sat with before- who he later learned to be called Inumaki. Yuuji was beginning to feel like he was treading water instead of drowning in it.

His day was worse, though, because he was tired. It was still hard for him to sleep with the sound of the rain and wind against his window. It was worse because his teacher called on him in trig when he didn’t know the answer. He was miserable because he was cleared to play volleyball today in gym and almost immediately he sprained his ankle and was taken out of the game. And it was worse because Megumi Fushiguro wasn’t in school at all.

All morning Yuuji had been dreading lunch, fearing the strange glares Megumi would send him. Part of him wanted to confront the other boy, to find out what his problem was. He even imagined what he would say as he laid sleepless in his bed the night before. Another part of him - the larger, sensible part - felt dwarfed under Megumi’s glare. He knew that if he was given that look again he would be frozen.

But when he walked into the cafeteria with Momo he saw that while Megumi was gone, his four “siblings” were still seated around the same table. Yuta intercepted them and steered them towards his table. Momo seemed elated by the attention, but Yuuji could tell Yuta hadn’t noticed. Yuuji tried to pay attention to the conversation as they all got seated around the table, but he was too tense to be involved. He felt himself waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the doors to open and Megumi to burst in.  He hoped Megumi would just ignore him when he came.

He didn’t come, and as time passed Yuuji grew more and more tense.

By the end of lunch, Yuuji was able to leave for biology with confidence. Megumi still hadn’t shown, so he felt somewhat safe. Yuta - who was quickly taking on the qualities of a golden retriever - walked beside Yuuji to class. Yuuji held his breath at the door, but Megumi wasn’t there either. Yuta followed Yuuji all the way to his seat, talking about an upcoming trip to the beach. He lingered by Yuuji’s desk until the bell rang, and smiled at him before leaving for his seat. Yuuji thought that he would have to do something about Yuta soon, and it wouldn’t be easy. He didn’t want to hurt Yuta’s feelings, he knew he was nice, but Yuuji wasn’t looking for anything right now. 

Yuuji relaxed in his seat, he could worry about Yuta later. Right now he could just enjoy his Biology class without a time bomb next to him. As happy as he was to have the desk to himself, Yuuji couldn’t help but think that he was the reason Megumi wasn’t in class today. It was ridiculous, and maybe even a little bit egotistical to think he could be the only reason Megumi wasn’t there today. It was totally impossible. And yet, Yuuji couldn’t stop worrying that it was true.

When the school day was over, and Yuuji had moved on from his disappointing volleyball experience, he changed back into his casual clothes. He hurried from the locker room - pleased that he had avoided his little retriever friend - and walked out to the parking lot. Students filled the parking lot, so Yuuji decided to wait in his truck for them to clear out. He took the time to dig through his bag, making sure he had everything he needed.

The night before he found out that Nanami didn’t actually do that much cooking for himself. Yuuji requested he be put on kitchen duty from then on. He didn’t actually know all the much about cooking, but he could make more than bacon and fried eggs and that seemed to be enough to convince Nanami. 

He found the little paper envelope labeled food money and the small list he had written up the night before. As he pulled into the line of cars waiting to exit the parking lot Yuuji noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. The other four students that sat with Megumi were getting into the shiny new Volvo that Yuuji had noticed his first day. Of course they owned the nicest car in the lot, if he had actually paid attention the day before Yuuji would have noticed what he now saw. The clean, pressed clothing with the flair that only people from a wealthy background could afford. With their looks they probably could have worn dishrags and pulled it off. It seemed a bit excessive to Yuuji for them to have both looks and money. But life seemed to work that way in his own experiences. It didn’t look like it bought them any acceptance here.

No, Yuuji didn’t fully believe that. The isolation must be of their own desire. He couldn’t think of any door that couldn’t be opened by that level of beauty. 

They looked at Yuuji’s noisy truck as he left the lot, just like everyone else. He kept his eyes straight forward as he drove, feeling relieved as he finally left the school grounds.

The supermarket wasn’t that far from his school, just a few blocks south off the highway. It was a familiar pattern, shopping, so he didn’t mind picking out the week's food. The store was even big enough that the tapping of the rain against the roof was barely audible. 

When Yuuji got home he unloaded all the groceries, stuffing them in wherever he could find open space. He supposed his foster father wouldn’t mind. As he unpacked he tossed a few potatoes in the oven to bake along with a steak that he was pretty sure could be split fairly for two people.

After finishing his chores Yuuji went up to his room, before starting on any homework though he switched into a pair of dry sweats. He checked his email once his laptop started up, only a few new messages appeared. They were friends from a club he’d been forced to join at his last school; so Yuuji sent off short replies of his own.

As if on cue, Yuuji heard the front door shut downstairs the moment he sent the last email. Yuuji hurried downstairs, greeting Nanami on the way to taking the steak and potatoes out of the oven. Their conversation over dinner was generic, and Yuuji knew that Nanami was trying to get closer to him. Small talk just wasn’t really his thing, though he appreciated his efforts. It was quiet for a few moments after they ate, neither of them bothered by the pause. Nanami was the one to speak first.

“So how did you like school? Did you make any friends?” He asked as he took seconds.

“I have a few classes with this girl named Maki, so I sit with her friends at lunch. And this guy Yuta, he’s very… friendly. Everyone’s been nice.” With the obvious outstanding exception being Megumi Fushiguro. Nanami only nodded. 

“Do you know that group of um.. Adopted kids? The ones that just moved from Alaska a few years ago?” Yuuji asked.

“Sure, their father is the town Doctor. I’ve met him a few times, he’s a great man, a bit young though.”

“You’re one to judge,” Yuuji let out a playful laugh before continuing, “They… his kids are… A little different. They don’t look like they fit in.” 

Nanami surprised him with the angry look on his face.

“People in this town,” Nanami scoffed, “We’re lucky to have such a smart surgeon here, if his children wanted to live in a big town we wouldn’t have him. All those kids are well behaved and polite too. I had my doubts - like anyone - when they first moved here, but they’re all very mature. I haven’t had one speck of trouble from any of them. That’s more than I can say for the children of some folks who have lived in this town for generations. And they stick together - camping trips every other weekend, hiking together... Just because they’re new people have to talk.”

“They all seem nice to me,” Yuuji tried to backtrack, surprised at Nanami’s sharp defense. “I just noticed they keep to themselves.”

The two of them lapsed back into silence as they gathered their dishes. Nanami cleared the table while Yuuji took care of actually washing the plates. Nanami left to read in the living room, so he was free to head upstairs. Yuuji skipped on his homework for the night, and felt like it might be a tradition in the making. 

He slept easily that night, completely exhausted from his day. The rain had finally let up outside. 

The rest of the week was uneventful. Yuuji had gotten used to his classes, by Friday he was able to recognize most of his classmates, from their faces at least. In Gym, the kids on his team learned to keep him in the back of most of their games. Which was disappointing, but he knew they didn’t want to see him sprain his ankle again.

Megumi Fushiguro still hadn’t come back to school. 

 Everyday Yuuji waited anxiously until the rest of his “Siblings” entered the cafeteria without him. Then he could relax and join in on his friends' conversation. Mostly it centered around the upcoming trip to La Push beach in two weeks that Yuta was putting together. Yuuji had been invited, and he had agreed though it had been more out of politeness than any actual desire to go. 

By Friday, Yuuji was completely comfortable entering his biology classroom. Fully confident that Megumi wouldn’t be there to surprise him around the corner. For all he knew the other boy had completely dropped out of school. While he tried not to think about Megumi, he still couldn’t keep the nagging worry that this was his fault away. 

His first weekend in Forks was quiet, the rain had let up enough that he slept easily through the nights. By Monday morning he was ready to return to school. 

People smiled at Yuuji in the parking lot, they called him by name and waved. He didn’t know all of them, but he returned the smiles. It was colder out that morning, but it wasn’t raining so he went to class happy.

Yuta took a seat beside him, and Yuuji could hear him complain under his breath about the pop quiz their teacher announced. He had already read the book, so the quiz was easy enough for him. Yuuji was feeling more comfortable than he ever thought he would in Forks. It was a pleasant feeling.

It was snowing when he and Yuta exited the building on their way to the next period.

“Wow,” Yuta said, “It’s snowing.”

“Hm,” Yuuji hummed, trying to ignore the giant puffs floating around him.

“Don’t you like snow?” Yuta looked surprised.

“No. That means it’s too cold for rain,” Yuuji said, “Besides, I thought it came down in flakes- each one unique or whatever. These just look like the ends of q-tips.”

“Haven’t you ever seen snow fall before?” Yuta asked. 

“Sure, on TV.”

Yuta laughed at his comment, and though Yuuji wasn’t actually trying to be funny he laughed along with him. They said their goodbyes, with Yuuji promising to meet back up sometime during lunch. Yuta only nodded, his eyes on Inumaki’s figure a few yards ahead of them. He had a snowball prepared in his hands and Yuuji could only guess what he was going to do with it. 

The day passed in a blur, with excited students chattering on about the snow. Before he knew it Yuuji was on his way to lunch with Momo again today. He could see Maki and Yuta at their shared table already. Inumaki had caught up with them as they entered the cafeteria, talking to Maki about the upcoming dance. Yuuji tuned out their conversation and scanned over the student body out of habit. Then he froze. There were five people at that table.

“Hello? Yuuji? What do you want?” Momo pulled on Yuuji’s sleeve.

Yuuji looked down, he had no reason to feel self conscious but how could he not? Even if - logically - it didn’t make sense for him to be the blame for Megumi’s disappearance he still suspected himself. I haven’t done anything wrong. He tried to remind himself despite his pounding heart telling him otherwise.

“What’s with Yuuji?” Inumaki asked, finally taking notice.

“Nothing, I’m fine,” He said, shaking his head and grabbing a drink, “I’ll just get a soda today.”

“Aren’t you hungry?” Momo asked, concerned. 

“Actually, I’m feeling a little sick.” Yuuji muttered, eyes still on the floor. 

Yuuji waited for them to get their food, then followed them back to the shared table. He sipped at his soda slowly, his stomach turning all the while. Twice Yuta asked if he was alright, and both times Yuuji told him it was nothing to worry about. He was beginning to wonder if he should play it up though. Escape to the nurses office for the next hour.

He decided he shouldn’t run away. He would have to face the next hour whether it was today or tomorrow. There would always be a biology class to get through. Yuuji permitted himself one glance at the table across the lunchroom. If Megumi was glaring at him he would skip biology. Like the coward he was.

Yuuji kept his head down and glanced up under his lashes. None of them were looking his way, so he lifted his head a little.

They were laughing. Megumi, Todo, and Junpei. All three had their hair entirely covered in snow. Nobara and Mai were leaning away as Todo shook his dripping hair out towards them. They were enjoying the snowy day - just like everyone else. Only, they looked more like a scene from a movie than the rest of his classmates. 

Aside from the laughter and playfulness, there was something different and Yuuji couldn’t pinpoint what it was. He examined Megumi the most carefully, but he couldn't find anything immediately noticeable. He seemed less pale, and the circles under his eyes were less noticeable. But there was something more. Yuuji pondered, staring, trying to isolate the change.

“Yuuji, what are you staring at?” Momo asked, her eyes following his stare.

At that moment Megumi’s eyes flashed over to meet Yuuji’s.

Yuuji dropped his head, his hair falling to conceal his eyes quickly. Yuuji was positive though, this time, when their eyes met, that Megumi didn’t look harsh or unfriendly like he had the last time. He just looked curious, unsatisfied in some way.

“Megumi is staring at you,” Momo giggled in Yuuji’s ear.

“He doesn’t look angry, does he?” Yuuji couldn’t help but ask.

“No,” She sounded confused, “Should he be?”

“I don’t think he likes me,” Yuuji shrugged, trying to play it off.

“I don’t think they like anybody, really…” Momo let him off the hook. “Well, they don’t notice anybody enough to like them. But he’s still staring at you.”

“Stop looking at him.” Yuuji whined.

Momo simply giggled again, but she looked away. Yuuji looked up just enough to make sure that she actually did. Yuta interrupted them - already planning a battle of the blizzard in the parking lot after school. He wanted them to join and Momo agreed enthusiastically. The way she looked at him left little doubt that she wouldn’t be up for anything he suggested. Yuuji kept silent, he would have to hide in the gym until the snowball throwing stopped. 

For the rest of the lunch hour Yuuji kept his eyes on the table in front of him. He decided to honor the ultimatum he had given himself, since Megumi didn’t look upset he would go to biology. His stomach still did little flips at the thought of sitting next to him again. 

Yuuji successfully avoided Yuta as he left the cafeteria. The other boy seemed to be an open target for any incoming snowball attack after all. As he arrived at his own classroom, his paired desk was surprisingly empty. Either Megumi had decided to skip or he was late, it worked for Yuuji. Class didn’t begin for another few minutes, so Yuuji doodled in his notebook, making a point to keep his eyes away from the door. 

Yuuji heard it clearly when the chair beside him moved, but he kept his eyes focused straight down on the paper in front of him. His hand stopped doodling, muscles tensed already. 

“Hello,” A soft voice came from his left.

Yuuji decided to look up, stunned that he was being spoken to. Megumi was sitting as far away from him as possible again, but this time his chair had been angled in towards Yuuji. His face was friendly this time, open. A slight smile on his flawless lips, his hair still a bit damp from the snowball fight earlier. His eyes were careful.

“My name is Megumi Fushiguro,” He spoke slowly, “I didn’t have a chance to introduce myself last week. You must be Yuuji?”

Yuuji’s mind was spinning with confusion. Had he made up the entire thing? Megumi was being perfectly polite this time. He had to speak, but he couldn’t think of anything important to say. His mouth moved before his brain could catch up.

“H-how did you.. Know my name?” Yuuji spoke.

“I think everyone knows your name,” Megumi let out a breathy laugh. “The whole town’s heard about you.”

“Oh,” He let it drop. Yuuji looked away awkwardly.

Thankfully, their teacher started the lesson not long after their conversation ended. They were doing a lab today, and would be working with their lab partners to complete it. The slides in the box they were given were out of order, and they were asked to identify the different slides by the cells in the sample they were given. They weren’t supposed to use their books.

“Would you like to go first, partner?” Megumi asked, smiling a beautiful crooked smile. Yuuji could only stare at him like an idiot.

“Or I could start…” The smile faded, Yuuji was sure the other boy was wondering if he needed help.

“No, I’ll go.” Yuuji said, flushed. 

He was showing off just a little bit, he’d done this lab before in one of his old schools so he knew what he was looking for. It should be easy. Yuuji snapped the first slide into place under the microscope and switched it to the 40X view. He studied the slide briefly and smirked to himself, confident in his own assessment.

“Prophase.”

“Do you mind if I look?” Megumi asked as Yuuji began to remove the slide. His hand caught Yuuji’s, to stop him, as he asked. His fingers were ice cold, like he’d been holding them in the snow before class. That wasn’t the reason Yuuji jerked away, though. When they touched it was like an electric current had passed through them, stinging him in the process.

“I’m sorry,” Megumi muttered, pulling his hand back immediately. He continued to reach for the microscope, and Yuuji allowed him to take it this time. He watched the raven haired boy closely, still stunned, as Megumi examined the slide for a shorter time than he had.

“Prophase,” He agreed, writing it neatly down on their shared worksheet. He switched the slide and continued with the second. “Anaphase.”

“May I?” Yuuji asked this time, trying to keep his voice indifferent.

Megumi smirked and passed him the microscope. Yuuji looked through eagerly, only to be disappointed. Megumi was right.

“Slide three?” Yuuji said instead, holding his hand out for the slide. 

Megumi passed it to him, but to Yuuji it seemed like he was being careful not to touch his skin again. Yuuji took the most fleeting look he could manage at the slide.

“Interphase.”

This time Yuuji passed him the microscope before he could ask for it. Megumi took a quick peek then wrote it down. Yuuji could have written it for him, while he looked, but he figured that Megumi had better handwriting. If he could get out of doing a little work in school he would. 

The two of them were finished before anyone else even came close. Yuuji could see Yuta and his partner comparing two slides again and again. Another group had their book open under the table. This left nothing for Yuuji to do but try not to look at his lab partner. He was unsuccessful. Yuuji glanced up, but Megumi was already looking at him, that same look of frustration in his eyes that mirrored his gaze from the cafeteria. Yuuji still didn’t know what set the other boy off, but he preferred Megumi’s curiosity to his vitriol. 

“Did you get contacts?” Yuuji said unthinkingly, having finally identified the difference. 

Megumi seemed puzzled by the unexpected question, “No.”

“Oh,” Yuuji said, looking down at their desk again, “I thought there was something different. About your eyes, that is.”

Megumi shrugged, and looked away.

Yuuji was sure something was different. He vividly remembered that first day. The black color of the other boy's eyes instantly froze him where he sat. The color was striking against his pale skin, but it matched his dark hair. Yuuji remembered noticing that much. Today, his eyes were a completely different color: a strange blue, darker than sapphire, but with the same crystal tone. Yuuji didn’t understand how that could be, unless Megumi was lying for some reason about the contacts. Maybe Forks was making him crazy in the literal sense of the word.

Yuuji glanced over at his partner, Megumi’s hands were clenched into hard fists again.

Their teacher chose to show Yuuji mercy, and approached their table. He glanced over the pairs shoulders to check their completed lab, and then stared more intently to check the answers.

“So, Fushiguro, don’t you think Itadori should get a chance with the microscope?” Their teacher asked.

“Yuuji,” Megumi corrected automatically, “He identified three of the five.”

“Have you done this lab before?” He asked, eyeing Yuuji skeptically.

“Once, but not with onion root.” Yuuji shrugged.

“Were you in an advanced program at your last school?”

“Yes.” 

“Well,” He said after a pause, “I guess it’s good you two are lab partners.” He mumbled something else as he left, but Yuuji didn’t catch it. 

“It’s too bad about the snow, isn’t it?” Megumi said after a long break in their conversation. Yuuji had the feeling he was forcing himself to make small talk. Paranoia swept over him again. It was like he’d heard his conversation in the cafeteria with Momo and was trying to prove him wrong. 

“Um, not really.” Yuuji decided to answer honestly, instead of pretending to be normal. He was too busy dislodging the feeling of suspicion that was trying to block his speech. 

“You don’t like the cold.” It wasn’t a question. 

“Or the wet.”

“This must be a hard area for you to live then,” Megumi lightened up, “The coldest, wettest place in the United States, that is.”

“You have no idea.” Yuuji muttered.

Megumi looked fascinated with Yuuji’s answers, for some reason that he couldn’t imagine. His face was such a distraction that Yuuji tried not to actually look at him more than courtesy absolutely demanded. 

“Why did you come here then?”  No one had asked him so straight out before.

“It’s.. a long story.”

“I think I can keep up,” Megumi pressed. 

“I’m staying with Chief Nanami,” Yuuji said after holding Megumi's gaze for a long moment. He answered without thinking, confused by the dark blue eyes in front of him. “He’s my new foster father.”

“That doesn’t sound so complex,” Megumi said, suddenly sounding more sympathetic.

“No, I guess not.” Yuuji’s voice sounded sad, even to him.

“And you don’t like him?” Megumi’s tone was still kind. 

“No, he’s great. Too young, maybe.”

“What’s the problem then?” Megumi asked, “Other than the weather.”

Yuuji couldn’t understand Megumi’s sudden interest. It wasn’t like what was happening to him was actually anything new. Plenty of kids' went through the system, he was sure Megumi had a similar story - or at least knew someone who did. Megumi continued to stare, fully interested in Yuuji’s answers, listening to his dull life story as if it were somehow vitally important. 

“I don’t know anyone here.” Yuuji kept his answer short.

“So you’re just lonely.” It was an assumption again, not a question.

“So?” Yuuji challenged.

“That doesn’t seem very fair.” Megumi replied with a shrug, but his eyes were still intense. 

“Life isn’t fair,” Yuuji scoffed this time, “Hasn’t anyone ever told you that?”

“Yeah.” Megumi agreed dryly, “I think I’ve heard that somewhere before.”

“So that’s it then.”

“You put on a good show, acting like a good sport,” Megumi nodded, his voice was slow but his gaze was still intent. “But it’s just a show.”

Yuuji glared at Megumi this time and resisted the urge to stick his tongue out at him like a five year old.

“Am I wrong?”

Yuuji averted his gaze and tried to ignore him.

“I didn’t think so.” Megumi murmured smugly. 

“Well what does it matter to you?” Yuuji snipped back, glancing up from his doodles. He kept an eye out for their teacher, making sure they weren’t causing a scene. 

“That’s... “ Megumi paused, mulling it over, “A very good question.” He muttered the rest so quietly Yuuji assumed he was speaking to himself. However, after a few seconds, he realized that was the only answer he was going to get. Yuuji sighed, and scowled at the blackboard.

“Am I annoying you?” Megumi's voice broke the silence again. 

Yuuji glanced at him without thinking, and his mouth opened for the truth again. “No. Not really. I’m more annoyed at myself. My grandpa used to say my face is easy to read - he called me an open book.”

“Really? I find you very difficult to read.” Megumi admitted. Despite everything that he’d said and Yuuji had told him, he sounded like he meant it. 

“You must be a good reader then.” Yuuji nodded.

“Usually.” Megumi smiled meaningfully, a perfect white smile. 

Their teacher called the class to order then, and Yuuji sighed in relief as he turned to pay attention. He couldn’t believe he had just explained his boring life to the beautiful, intimidating boy who may or may not absolutely despise him. Megumi had seemed interested in the conversation, but Yuuji could see now from the corner of his eyes that Megumi was leaning away again. His hands were gripping the table with unmistakable tension.

Yuuji tried to seem interested in the board explaining the lab they had just completed, but his thoughts were unmanageable. When the bell finally rang, Megumi left the classroom with the same swift grace that he had escaped with on Monday. And like that Monday, Yuuji stared after him in fascination. 

“That was awful,” Yuta spoke as he came beside Yuuji, metaphorical tail wagging, “They all looked exactly the same. You’re lucky you had Megumi as a partner.”

“I didn’t have any trouble with it,” Yuuji spoke, a pleased smile on his face. He realized a moment later that his words may be too harsh and was quick to backtrack before Yuta got his feelings hurt. “I’ve done the lab before though.”

“Megumi seemed nice today.” Yuta said as they shrugged on their raincoats. He didn’t sound too happy about it.

Yuuji tried to sound indifferent. “I wonder what his problem was last Monday.”

Yuuji didn’t listen to Yuta’s chatter as they walked to Gym, he was only talking about their trip to La Push and Yuuji had heard most of the details already. P.E. didn’t do much to hold his attention either. Yuta was on his team today, and he chivalrously covered both of their positions. The only thing he had to worry about was when it was his turn to serve. 

The rain was just a mist when Yuuji left the gym for the parking lot, but he was happier when he was in his dry truck. He got the heater running, for once not caring about the loud rumble of the engine. He unzipped his jacket, put down his hood, and let his hair fluff out so the heater could dry it on his way home. 

Before he left the lot, Yuuji looked around to make sure he was clear. That’s when he spotted it, the pale figure leaning against the still shiny, still new, Volvo across the lot. Megumi Fushiguro was standing there, just a few cars down, staring intently in his direction. Yuuji looked away quickly and threw his truck into reverse, narrowly missing the Toyota behind him. Lucky for the Toyota he managed to stomp on the break just in time.  Yuuji took a deep breath and carefully pulled out again, with greater success. He stared straight ahead as he passed the silver car. But, from a peripheral peek, he could swear he saw Megumi laughing.

Chapter Text

When Yuuji opened his eyes in the morning, something was different.

It was the lighting in his room. It was still the somewhat gray-green cloudy light of a forest, but it was clearer. It was then he realized that there was no fog clouding his window. Yuuji jumped up to check, only to groan in horror.

A fine layer of snow covered everything he could see. It covered the yard, his car, the road. That wasn’t even the worst part. All the rain from the day before had frozen solid, making the driveway dangerously slick. Yuuji had enough trouble not falling down on a normal day let alone this. He debated whether or not it would be better to just go back to bed.

Nanami had left for work long before Yuuji had even gotten out of bed. In a lot of ways, living with Nanami was like having his own place. Yuuji found himself reveling in the aloneness instead of feeling lonely. 

He ate a quick bowl of cereal, and drank some of the orange juice from the carton. He actually felt excited to go to school today. He knew it wasn’t for the classes, and he definitely wasn’t anticipating seeing his regular group of friends. If he were to be completely honest, it was because he wanted to see Megumi again. But, he knew that was stupid. 

Yuuji should be avoiding him entirely after babbling at him yesterday. But he was still suspicious, after all why would Megumi lie about his eyes? Yuuji was still a bit frightened of his hostility, and a bit tongue tied whenever he pictured the other boys face. He was well aware that he was in over his head on this one, the two of them were in completely different fields. So, he shouldn’t actually be so anxious to see Megumi again. 

It took every ounce of Yuuji’s concentration to make it down the icy driveway alive. He had almost fallen twice by the time he’d gotten to his truck. He could already tell today was going to be a nightmare. As he drove to school he distracted himself from thoughts of Megumi with ones of Yuta and Maki instead. The obvious difference how teenagers reacted to him around here. Maybe it was because his classmates back home grew up with him and still thought of him as a kid because of it. Perhaps it was because he was a novelty here, where novelties are few and far between. Yuuji still wasn’t sure if he would prefer being alone though. 

His truck had no problem with the black ice that covered the roads. Yuuji still drove slowly, wanting to avoid carving a path of destruction down Main street. When he got out of his truck at school he’d seen why it ran so well. Something silver caught his eye, and he walked to the back of the truck - holding onto the side for support - to examine it. There were thin silver lines crossed around them, his foster father must have gotten up early to put on snow chains. Yuuji’s throat felt tight, he wasn’t used to being taken care of. The sudden, unspoken concern took him by surprise. 

Yuuji was standing by the back corner of his truck, fighting back emotions, when an odd sound caught his attention. It was a high pitched screech, and it was quickly becoming painfully loud. He looked up suddenly.

Yuuji noticed several things simultaneously. First, that nothing was moving in slow motion like the movies, instead the adrenaline rush made him think faster, absorbing everything around him in clear detail. 

Then, Megumi was standing four cars down from him, and staring at him again. This time, Yuuji noticed, it resembled a look of horror. His face stood out in a sea of faces, every one of them frozen in shock. Of more immediate importance, though, was the dark blue van that was skidding, tires locked and squealing against the brakes. It was going to hit the back corner of his truck. And more importantly, it was going to hit him. Yuuji didn’t even have time to shut his eyes. 

Just before he heard the shattering crunch of the two cars colliding, something hit him. Hard. But, not from the direction he was expecting. Yuuji felt his head hit the icy blacktop, hard enough to stun him and keep him in place without knocking him out. There was something solid above him, and cold. He didn’t have time to examine that closer, as the van was still coming, this time it curled around him. 

Yuuji could hear a curse from above him and he could identify the weight on him as a person, but the voice was impossible to recognize. Two hands shot out protectively in front of him, and pushed the van to a stop a foot from Yuuji’s face. The hands fit perfectly into the deep dent now in the vans side. 

It was silent for one long moment before the screaming began. In the mass panic Yuuji could hear more than one person calling his name. But more than the screaming, he could hear Megumi’s low, frantic voice close to his ear.

“Yuuji? Yuuji are you okay?”

“I think so...” His voice sounded funny. Yuuji tried to sit up, and realized Megumi had a firm grip on him, keeping him close to his side. 

“Be careful,” He warned as Yuuji struggled to sit up, “I think you hit your head pretty hard.”

“Yeah.” Yuuji muttered, suddenly aware of the dull throbbing at the back of his head.

“That’s what I thought.” Megumi’s voice sounded, surprisingly, of laughter.

“How…” Yuuji still couldn’t muster up a full sentence. He shook his head and tried again, “How did you get her so… Fast?”

“I was standing right next to you,” Megumi’s tone was serious again.

“Right.. Next to me?” Yuuji struggled to sit up again.

This time, Megumi let him, releasing his shoulders. Megumi quickly slid as far from Yuuji as possible in the limited space. Yuuji looked at his concerned, innocent expression and was disoriented by the force behind those blue eyes. He couldn’t keep his mind focused again, the dazzling effect Megumi had on him - mixed with the likely concussion - had his thoughts swimming. What had he been asking again?

“Don’t move,” Someone instructed once they’d been found.

“Get Kamo out of the van!” Someone else shouted.

There was a flurry of activity around them. Yuuji tried to get up again, but Megumi’s hand pushed his shoulder back down firmly.

“Just stay put for now.”

“It’s cold,” Yuuji complained, still delirious. Megumi’s chuckle distracted him, but the edge to it had him suddenly remembering. “You were over there. You were by your car.” 

Megumi’s chuckle suddenly stopped, and his expression turned hard. “No, I wasn’t.”

“I saw you.” Yuuji challenged. Right now, everything around them was chaos. There were adult voices arriving on scene. Still, Yuuji held onto his argument. He didn’t fully understand why he was challenging Megumi on this when there were a million other reasons. But there was evidence here, now. He had seen Megumi standing by his car and it felt crucial he remember that.

“Yuuji, I was with you,” Megumi leaned in, his voice even, “I pulled you out of the way.”

“No.” Yuuji set his jaw.

“Please, Yuuji.”

“Why?”

“Trust me,” He pleaded, his soft voice was becoming overwhelming. 

Yuuji could hear the sirens now. “You promise to explain later?”

“Fine.” He snapped, exasperated.

“Fine.” Yuuji replied angrily.

It took six EMT’s and two teachers to shift the van far enough to get to them and bring the stretchers in. Megumi refused his, but Yuuji wasn’t so lucky when he tried to do the same. Megumi - the traitor that he was - told them about the hit he’d taken to his head, and how he thought it was probably a concussion. It looked like the entire school was there as they loaded Yuuji into the ambulance. He was somewhat thankful for his delirious state, he probably wouldn’t remember the embarrassment. 

What made it worse was upon their arrival to the local hospital, Megumi who had been riding up front, was permitted to walk in on his own. Yuuji ground his teeth together. They put him in the Emergency room, which was really more of a long room separated by pastel curtains to give patients a “room” of their own. 

There was another flurry of hospital personnel around him as a second stretcher was placed in the bed parallel to his own. He recognized Kamo Noritoshi beneath the patchy bandages covering his forehead. He looked a hundred times worse than Yuuji felt, but he was staring at Yuuji anxiously.

“Itadori, I’m so-”

“I’m fine!” Yuuji snipped, taking a slow breath to calm himself. “Sorry. I’m alright. Don’t freak out about it. Are you alright? You look…”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Noritoshi nodded, then continued his rambling, “God, I thought I was going to kill you! I was going too fast, and I hit the ice wrong…” He winced as the nurse dabbed at his face with a cotton ball.

“Well, you missed me at least.”

“How did you get out of the way so fast? You were there and then you were gone..”

“Um… Megumi pulled me out of the way.”

He looked confused, “Who?”

“Megumi Fushiguro - he was standing next to me.”

“Fushiguro was there? I didn’t see him at all… wow, it was all so fast, I guess. Is he okay?” 

“I think so, he’s here somewhere. But they didn’t make him use a stretcher.” Yuuji muttered. 

He didn’t actually care much about the stretcher anymore. Yuuji knew he wasn’t crazy, if Noritoshi hadn’t seen Megumi there either then… well there was really no other way to explain what he’d seen.

They wheeled him away then for an X-ray. Yuuji told them there was nothing to worry about, and in the end it turned out he was right. He didn’t even have a concussion, just some nasty bruising and a tender spot for probably the next week. He wanted to leave immediately, but the nurse assisting him said he wouldn’t be cleared until he spoke with a doctor. So, he was trapped in the ER with Noritoshi’s constant apologies.

No matter how many times he told the boy not to worry about it, he persisted. Eventually, Yuuji turned and closed his eyes. Even feigning sleep the other boy kept up a soft muttering of remorseful comments. 

“Is he sleeping?” Yuuji heard Megumi’s voice, and his eyes flew open. 

Megumi was standing at the foot of his bed, smirking. Yuuji glared at him. It wasn’t easy, but he was beginning to feel more confident against the other boy now that he had a little mental evidence against him. 

“Hey, Fushiguro, I’m-”

“No blood, no foul,” Megumi raised a hand to stop his apology, smiling at him. He moved to sit at the end of Noritoshi’s bed, but kept his attention on Yuuji. “So, what’s the verdict?”

“There’s nothing wrong with me.”

“Nothing?” He smirked.

“Whatever, nothing physically,” Yuuji gave a snarky laugh, “Either way, they won’t let me go. How come you're not strapped to a gurney like the rest of us?”

“It’s all about who you know,” Megumi shrugged, “Don’t worry, I came to spring you.”

Then a doctor walked around the corner, and Yuuji’s jaw fell. The man was just as handsome as any movie star he’d seen, and though he was pale he looked… healthy? In a way that Megumi didn’t. A bit of color to his cheeks that made him look less threatening than Megumi and his friends. From his fathers description, this must be Megumi’s adoptive… father? He definitely looked young.

“So, Mr. Itadori, how are you feeling?” The doctor asked, his voice friendly and smooth. “You can call me Gojou. It’s unfortunate we’re meeting like this.”

“I’m fine,” Yuuji said, for what he hoped would be the last time. “...Gojou.”

“You’re X-rays came back looking good,” Gojou said as he walked to the lightboard and switched it on, “Does your head hurt? Megumi said you hit it pretty bad.”

“It’s fine,” Yuuji repeated, shooting a glare at Megumi.

Megumi was only chuckling at him, clearly not thrown by the glare. Yuuji narrowed his eyes in response.

“Well, the Chief is in the waiting room -you can go home with him now. But come back if you feel dizzy, or notice trouble with your eyesight.” 

“Can’t I go back to school?” Yuuji asked, not wanting to spend the afternoon with a worried Nanami.

“Maybe you should take it easy today.”

Yuuji glanced at Megumi. “Does he get to go back?”

“Someone has to spread the good news that we survived.” Megumi said smugly. 

“Actually,” Gojou cut in before it could go any further, having noticed Yuuji’s bitter expression. “I think most of your classmates are in the waiting room.”

“Oh no.” Yuuji groaned, covering his face with his hands. 

“You can stay if you like.” Gojou raised a playful eyebrow.

“No, No!” Yuuji insisted, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. Perhaps a bit too quickly. He staggered and had to be caught by the kind doctor. 

“Take some Tylenol for the pain.” Gojou suggested as he steadied Yuuji. “It seems like you were lucky.”

“Lucky Megumi happened to be standing next to me.” Yuuji amended with a hard glance at Megumi. 

“Oh. Well. Yes,” Gojou agreed, suddenly occupied with the papers in front of him. He looked away quickly, towards Noritoshi, and walked to the bed. Yuuji knew what that had to mean, the good doctor was in on it. 

“I’m afraid you’ll have to stay with us just a bit longer,” Gojou said, examining the bandages around his cuts.

As soon as Gojou’s attention was away, Yuuji turned on Megumi. 

“Can I talk to you for a sec?” He muttered under his breath.  Megumi took a step back, his jaw clenching again. 

“Nanami is waiting for you.” He deflected through his teeth. 

Yuuji spared Gojou a glance.

“I’d like to speak to you alone, if you don’t mind.” Yuuji pressed. 

Megumi glared, then eased up a moment later when it didn’t seem like Yuuji would back down. He turned his back and started walking down the long hallway. Yuuji didn’t need to wait for a cue, but he did have to run to keep up with the other boy. As soon as they crossed the corner of the hallway Megumi turned around to face him. 

“What do you want?” Megumi asked, sounding annoyed. His eyes were cold.

Yuuji felt intimidated under that stare, and his confidence was quickly leaving him. His words came out too fast when he spoke, losing their severity. “You owe me an explanation.”

“I saved your life- I don’t owe you.” 

“You promised.” He tried to keep from flinching from Megumi’s tone.

“Yuuji, you hit your head,” Megumi said, his voice turning soft enough that Yuuji almost believed him. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my head.” Yuuji’s temper flared, and he glared directly at the other boy.

“What do you want from me?” He glared back. 

“I want to know the truth,” Yuuji settled on, “Why I’m lying for you.”

“What do you think happened?”

“All I know is that you weren’t anywhere near me-” His words came out in a rush, “Noritoshi didn’t see you either so don’t tell me I hit my head too hard. That van was going to crush me but it didn’t. I looked up and saw you- you pushed it away, and your hands left dents in the door; you left a dent in the other car. But you’re not hurt at all.”

It was silent for a long time. Megumi stared at Yuuji incredulously, but his face was tense - almost defensive.

“You really think I pushed a van away from you?” His tone questioned Yuuji’s sanity, but it only made him more suspicious. It was like Megumi was acting. 

Yuuji nodded once, clenching his jaw. Megumi waited for so long that for a moment, Yuuji didn’t expect him to reply. 

“Nobody will believe you.” His tone had an edge to it.

“I’m not going to tell anybody,” Yuuji spoke slowly to control his temper.

“If you’re not going to tell anybody then why does it matter?” Megumi looked surprised.

“Because I don’t like to lie. So, there better be a good reason.”

“Can’t you just thank me and be done with it?”

“Thank you.” Yuuji waited, fuming and expectant.

“You’re not going to let it go?”

“No.”

“In that case,” Megumi spoke lowly as he stepped in, towering over Yuuji,  “I hope you enjoy disappointment.”

They scowled at each other in silence. Yuuji was the first to speak, trying to keep himself focused. He was in danger of being distracted by Megumi’s livid, beautiful face. It was like trying to stare down a tiger in a way. 

“Why did you even bother?” Yuuji asked frigidly.

Megumi paused, and for a brief moment his expression was stunningly vulnerable.

“I don’t know.” He whispered.

And then he turned his back to Yuuji and walked away. Yuuji was so angry it took a few minutes before he was able to move again. When he could finally walk, he slowly made his way back to the exit at the end of the hallway. 

The waiting room was more unpleasant than he’d feared. It’d seemed like every face he knew in Forks - and even some that he didn’t - were there waiting for him to come out. Nanami was the first to approach him, practically rushing to his side. 

“There’s nothing wrong with me.” Yuuji assured, raising a hand to keep a bit of distance. He was still a bit aggravated, not in the mood for chatter. 

“What did the doctor say?”

“That I’m fine and I can go - which I’ve known for at least an hour now.” Yuuji sighed, seeing a few of his classmates approaching them. “Let’s go.”

Nanami put a hand against his back and helped lead him out of the room. Yuuji sent a sheepish smile to his classmates, waving them off to let them know he was fine. It was a huge relief - the first time he’d ever felt that way - to get in the cruiser. The fastest escort back home. 

They drove in silence. Yuuji was so caught up in his thoughts that he almost forgot that his foster father was even in the car with him. He was positive that Megumi’s bizarre behavior was just a confirmation of the weird things he could hardly believe he’d witnessed. 

Nanami was the first to speak when they entered the house.

“Can I get you anything, Yuuji?” His tone was gentle.

“Not right now,” Yuuji shook his head as he walked towards the stairs, “I’m just going to try and relax.”

“Sure,” Nanami nodded, “I’ll come check on you in a few hours then. Enjoy your rest.”

Again Yuuji was filled with a gentle affection for Nanami. It was easy to retire for the time being. As he laid in bed later, Yuuji was consumed by the mystery that was Megumi Fushiguro. And a little bit obsessed with Megumi himself. It as stupid, and he knew it. But he wasn’t as eager to leave Forks as he knew he should be. 

Yuuji decided to go to bed early that night, it wasn’t like there was anything else to do. He stopped only to grab three Tylenol from the bathroom cupboard, and it helped more than he thought they would. His pain eased, and he drifted to sleep.

That was the first night he dreamt of Megumi.

Chapter Text

It was dark in Yuuji’s dream, and what dim light there was seemed to be radiating from Megumi’s skin. It was too dark to see his face but Yuuji knew when Megumi turned around as he began to walk away, leaving him in the darkness. No matter how fast Yuuji ran he couldn’t keep up; no matter how loud he called, Megumi never turned. Troubled, Yuuji woke around 3 in the morning, and couldn’t fall asleep again for hours. After that night, Megumi was consistently in his dreams, but always on the border just out of reach. 

The month that followed the accident was uneasy, tense, and at first, embarrassing. 

To Yuuji’s dismay, he was the center of attention for the rest of the first week. Noritoshi was impossible, following him around, obsessed with making amends somehow. Yuuji tried to convince him that all he wanted was to forget about what happened - especially because nothing had happened to him - but Noritoshi stayed insistent. 

No one seemed concerned about Megumi, though Yuuji had pressed over and over that he was the hero - how he had pulled him out of the way, nearly getting crushed along with Yuuji. He tried to be convincing. Maki, Momo, and Yuta always commented that they hadn’t even seen him there until after the cars had been pulled apart. 

Yuuji wondered to himself how no one else had seen Megumi standing so far away before he was suddenly saving his life. He tried to keep his expression neutral as he realized it was probably because no one else was as aware of Megumi as he was. No one watched out for him the way he did. Megumi was never surrounded by crowds, so no one was there seeking out his first-hand account. People avoided him as usual. Yuuji watched as the five siblings sat at the same table as always, not eating, talking only amongst themselves. None of them, especially Megumi, glanced his way. 

When Megumi sat beside him in Biology later in the day, he sat as far from Yuuji as the table would allow. He seemed totally unaware of Yuuji’s presence. Only occasionally, when Megumi’s face would tense and his fists clenched, did Yuuji wonder if he wasn’t as oblivious as he appeared.

Yuuji tried to shake off the terrible thoughts that appeared, the ones that made him consider Megumi wishes he hadn’t pulled me out of the way-

He just wanted so badly to talk to him, but he had tried the day after the accident and it went as well as he should have expected. In the ER he had just been so furious, so talking then hadn’t worked. He was still angry if he was being honest with himself, Megumi hadn’t trusted him with the truth even though Yuuji was keeping up his end of the bargain. But, Megumi had saved his life, no matter how he’d done it. Overnight, Yuuji felt the heat of his anger disappear. 

Megumi was already seated when Yuuji got into Biology the day after the accident. He sat down, expecting Megumi to turn to him. He showed no sign that he realized Yuuji was there.

“Hello, Megumi,” Yuuji said pleasantly, offering a small smile to show that he would play by the rules. 

Megumi turned his head a fraction towards him, without meeting Yuuji’s gaze, nodded once, and looked the other way. 

That was the last contact Yuuji had with him, though he was only a foot away, every day. Yuuji watched him occasionally - unable to help himself. It was only ever from a distance, though, from the cafeteria or the parking lot. Yuuji watched as the crystal blue color of his eyes slowly darkened day by day. In class, Yuuji gave no more notice that Megumi existed than what he was given. Yuuji was miserable. And the dreams continued. 

Yuta, at least, seemed pleased by the obvious coolness between Yuuji and his lab partner. Yuuji could tell he had been worried that Megumi’s daring rescue may have impressed him, instead it seemed to have the opposite reaction. Yuta grew more confident, sitting at the edge of his desk to talk before biology began, ignoring Megumi as he ignored them. Yuta spoke most often about the trip to the beach. Today he visited the topic again, even though the snow melting had been disappointing, Yuta was excited their trip would be possible soon. 

Momo had made Yuuji aware of another event on the horizon - the girls choice spring dance in two weeks. She had called to ask him the first Tuesday of March, only to be disappointed. 

“Are you sure you can’t?” She persisted when Yuuji told her he’d be busy that weekend. “I was hoping we could, maybe, go together.”

“Sorry, but I’m not going no matter what,” Yuuji felt a pang of guilt, “I won’t be in town.”

“It won’t be as fun without you,” Momo sounded a bit sad.

“You’ll have fun with Yuta and Maki.” Yuuji encouraged her instead. Their conversation didn't last much longer.

The next day Yuuji wasn’t surprised when Momo wasn’t her usual talkative self in Trig. She was silent as she walked by his side between classes, but he was relieved that she was still there. He didn’t want to add salt to the wound by bringing the phone call back up. Momo sat with Inumaki at lunch, and Yuuji didn’t really mind. It was nice to have a quiet meal once in a while. 

Yuta walked him to Biology as quietly as Momo had, the uncomfortable look on his face was a bad sign. He didn’t broach the subject until Yuuji was in his seat. As always, Yuuji was electrically aware of Megumi sitting close enough to touch. Sometimes it felt like he only imagined the raven haired boy’s presence.

“So,” Yuta said, looking at the floor as he effectively snapped Yuuji’s attention back, “Momo asked me to take her to the dance this morning.”

“That’s great!” Yuuji smiled, making his voice bright and optimistic, though both of their expressions during the day had suggested otherwise, “You’ll have a lot of fun with her.”

“Well..” Yuta paused as he examined Yuuji’s smile. He clearly wasn’t happy with his response. “I told her I had to think about it.”

“Why would you do that?” Yuuji let his head tip as disapproval colored his tone.

“I was wondering…” Yuta paused again, seeming to gather his courage, “if, well, even though it’s girl's choice… you might have been planning to ask me.”

Yuuji paused for a moment, hating the wave of guilt that ran through him. But he saw, in the corner of his vision, Megumi’s head tilt reflexively in his direction.

“I’m sorry,” Yuuji began gently, but Yuta interrupted him.

“Did someone else already ask you?” His eyes flashed towards Megumi, before correcting back to Yuuji. He wondered if Megumi saw. 

“No,” He reassured, “I’m not going."

“Why not?” Yuta frowned, observing Yuuji’s face.

“I’m going to Seattle that day,” Yuuji said simply. 

“You can't go some other day?” Yuta pressed one last time.

“Sorry, no.” Yuuji said, “So you shouldn’t keep Momo waiting much longer.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” Yuta mumbled as he stepped back from Yuuji’s desk. Yuuji shut his eyes and rubbed gently at his temples to try and keep the guilt and sympathy he felt at bay. Their teacher began speaking so he slowly opened his eyes. Megumi was looking at him, curious again, with that same sharp line of frustration on his brow. 

Yuuji turned his head to stare back, expecting Megumi to look away. Instead he continued to stare with increasing curiosity into Yuuji’s eyes. The thought of looking away never struck Yuuji. He fiddled nervously with his pencil.

“Mr. Fushiguro?” Their teacher called, Yuuji hadn’t caught his question.

“The Krebs Cycle,” Megumi muttered, almost looking reluctant as he turned to face the board. 

Yuuji’s eyes darted to his notebook when their gaze broke, trying to find his place. He shifted to his left, just enough to rest his elbow against the table. He rested his cheek against his palm in an attempt to hide his face. Yuuji couldn’t believe the rush that ran through him - just because Megumi happened to look at him for the first time in a handful of weeks. He tried to shake it off, knowing he shouldn’t let Megumi have this level of power over him. It was pitiful. Worse, it was unhealthy. 

Yuuji tried very hard not to pay attention to him for the rest of the hour. Since that was impossible, he settled on not letting Megumi notice just how aware he was. When the bell rang signaling the end of his torture, Yuuji turned his back to gather his things, expecting Megumi to bolt from the room as usual.

“Yuuji?” His voice shouldn’t send shivers down his spine the way it did. 

He turned slowly, unwillingly, towards Megumi. His expression warry as he finally faced the other boy. Megumi didn’t say anything.

“Are you talking to me again?” Yuuji settled on asking. 

“No,” Megumi’s lips twitched, fighting a smile as he admitted, “Not exactly.”

Yuuji shut his eyes and took a slow breath to settle his nerves. Megumi waited patiently for his reply. 

“Then what do you want, Megumi?” 

“I’m sorry,” He sounded sincere, Yuuji kept his eyes shut. “I know I’m being rude. It’s just better this way. Trust me.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Yuuji kept his tone even as he opened his eyes, Megumi looked serious. His eyes were a deep black again. 

“It’s better if we’re not friends.” Megumi’s tone didn’t leave room for debate. He’d heard that one before. 

“You could have saved yourself a lot of regret if you thought of that earlier.” Yuuji scoffed. He wasn’t usually one to sting, but Megumi was quickly draining his patience. 

“Regret?” Megumi sounded surprised as the word, and Yuuji’s tone, caught him off guard. “What do I have to regret?” 

“For not letting that stupid van squish me.”

Megumi looked astonished, and he had the nerve to look at Yuuji in disbelief. When he finally spoke, it sounded mad.

“You think I regret saving your life?”

“I know you do.”

“You don’t know anything,” He was definitely mad. 

Yuuji quickly turned his head, clenching his jaw to keep from spewing the wild accusations that came to mind. He gathered his books together and headed for the door, meaning to sweep dramatically out of the room. Instead, his foot caught in the doorway, and he dropped his books. For a moment he debated leaving them, before sighing. When he bent to pick them up, Megumi was there. He had the books stacked in a neat pile and though his face was hard he handed them back gently.

“Thank you.” Yuuji said icily. Megumi narrowed his eyes. 

“You’re welcome,” he replied, polite as always. 

Yuuji straightened up and turned from him again, walking off to Gym without looking back. Class was brutal. They had moved on to basketball, and though he was usually alright at the sport, he didn’t actually know anyone on his team. So he didn’t get the ball more than once a game. 

It was a relief, as always, to leave. Yuuji practically booked it to his truck, there were always too many people in the parking lot who wanted his attention. As he examined the side of his truck, he noted the minimal damage it had taken from the crash. All he had needed was a new tail light, and Nanami had that fixed within the day.

Yuuji froze for a moment as he rounded the drivers side of his truck. He caught sight of a tall figure passing in front of him. Megumi was smirking as he walked to his car, his eyes never once straying towards him. Yuuji hurried into his truck and slammed the door loudly behind himself.  Megumi was in his own car already, two spaces down and cutting Yuuji off as he tried to leave. The dark haired boy parked in the only exit by the cafeteria and blocked him in- probably waiting for his siblings. For a split second, Yuuji considered rear-ending his shiny new car. Glancing in his window, Yuuji saw the line beginning to form behind him. He could make out Noritoshi in the car behind him. Slowly, Yuuji lowered himself from view and resigned to waiting. 

While he sat there, he heard a knock on his passenger window. Noritoshi was there, his car still running behind them. Yuuji cranked the window down, apology already forming.

“I’m sorry, I’m stuck behind Fushiguro.” Yuuji tried to speak gently, but he was starting to get more annoyed by the second. 

“Oh, I know,” Noritoshi smiled as he leaned against the window, lowering his voice slightly. “I just wanted to ask you something, it’ll only take a minute.” 

Yuuji hesitated, nodding for him to continue. 

“Will you ask me to the spring dance?” He continued. 

“I’m not going to be in town. Sorry.” Yuuji didn’t want to sound sharp, he tried to remember that Megumi was the one that used up all of his patience for the day. 

“Yeah, Yuta said that,” He admitted, leaning back from the window. “But I was hoping you were just letting him down easy.” 

“Sorry, Noritoshi,” Yuuji relaxed slightly, shaking his head. “I really won't be here.” 

“That’s cool. We still have prom.”

Before Yuuji could respond, the other boy backed off. He could feel the shock on his face even as he turned to see Nobara, Junpei, Mai, and Todo slide into the car in front of him. In the rear view mirror, Megumi’s eyes were on him. There was no doubt he was laughing, as if he had heard every word Noritoshi had said to him. Yuuji revved the gas pedal, but Megumi was already driving away.

Yuuji took extra care to drive home safely. He spent his first few hours home working on dinner, but even then it was hard for him to concentrate. His head was spinning as the day played over and over, forcing him to analyze every word Megumi had spoken to him. One thought always circled back to him. 

What did he mean, it’s better if we weren’t friends? 

Yuuji’s stomach twisted as he realized what Megumi must have meant. He must have seen how focused Yuuji was on him. He must not be interested at all. 

Of course he wouldn’t be. Yuuji thought angrily, his eyes stinging in what must have been a delayed reaction to the onions because this wasn’t something to cry about - I’m not interesting. 

But Megumi was, and brilliant… mysterious… perfect… and possibly able to lift tons with one hand.

Yuuji resolved himself. This was fine, and he could live with being ordinary. He could leave him alone. He would leave Megumi alone. Maybe once he was through with his school year he could get a scholarship to some college in Hawaii and never look back. Yuuji focused his thoughts on sunny beaches and palm trees as he finished dinner.

Nanami came home just in time for dinner, like clockwork. He seemed suspicious of Yuuji’s somewhat glum behavior, until he smelled the food that was quickly cooling on the table. Yuuji couldn’t blame him for ignoring him in favor of food. Nanami ate breakfast with him occasionally, but today seemed to be a day that his foster father skipped lunch. Nanami thanked him for cooking as he took a serving and began to eat. 

“Nanami?” Yuuji asked when he was almost done. 

“Yes?” 

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to Seattle for the day a week from Saturday,” Yuuji paused. He didn’t want to ask for permission but he felt a bit rude by not doing so, “If that’s okay?”

“Why?” Nanami sounded surprised, but not reluctant. 

“Well, there are a few books I wanted to get for class that are sold out here. Maybe look at some new clothes,” Yuuji remembered the money he had saved for a car of his own. Maybe his winter wardrobe didn’t have to be so pitiful. 

“That truck probably doesn’t get very good gas mileage,” 

“I’ll stop if I need to, Olympia is on the way.”

“Are you going all by yourself?” Nanami asked, almost sounding concerned. Either he was worried about car troubles, or that Yuuji didn’t have any friends. 

“Yes.”

“Well,” Nanami mulled the thought over for a moment before he returned to dinner, “Call me if anything happens. I’ll come and get you.” 

Yuuji felt touched again by Nanami’s care, and he gave him a smile before returning to his own food. 

The next morning when Yuuji pulled into the school parking lot he made a point to park as far as possible from the shiny new car. Getting out of his truck Yuuji fumbled with his keys and dropped them in a small puddle at his feet. As he bent to get them, a pale hand shot out and snatched them before he could. Looking up, Yuuji wasn’t surprised to see Megumi Fushiguro leaning against his truck. 

“How do you do that?” Yuuji asked, amazed despite his irritation. 

“Do what?” He asked, holding Yuuji’s keys out. When he reached for them, Megumi dropped them into his palm. 

“Appear out of thin air.” Yuuji clarified, keeping his voice low even though there was no one around them. 

“Yuuji, it’s not my fault you’re exceptionally unobservant.” Megumi’s voice was gentle as usual, velvet and smooth.

Yuuji scowled right in his perfect face. Megumi’s eyes were blue again, deep and stunning. Yuuji had to look down to reassemble his thoughts. 

“Why the traffic jam last night?” He asked instead, looking away. “I thought you were pretending I don’t exist, not trying to irritate me.”

“That was for Noritoshi’s sake, not mine. I had to give him his chance,” He snickered. “You’re making it into a bigger deal than it is.”

“You…” Yuuji couldn’t think of a bad enough word. It felt like the heat of his anger should be burning Megumi, but the other boy just looked amused. Yuuji was surprised by his sudden desire to hit something, he was normally a pacifist. He turned his back and began to walk away instead. 

“Wait,” He called, but Yuuji kept walking. He sloshed angrily through the rain, but Megumi seemed to easily keep pace with him. 

“I’m sorry, that was rude,”  Megumi said as they walked, Yuuji kept his eyes forward. “I’m not saying it isn’t true, but it was rude to say anyway.”

“Why won’t you leave me alone?” Yuuji grumbled.

“I wanted to ask you something, but you distracted me,” There was humor in Megumi’s tone again. He seemed to have recovered his good mood. 

“Alright,” Yuuji caved, “What do you want to ask?”

“I was wondering if , a week from Saturday - the day of the spring dance-”

“Are you trying to be funny ?” Yuuji interrupted, turning on him. The rain almost drenched his face as he looked up at the raven haired boy. 

Megumi was clearly amused as he spoke again, calmly, “Will you let me finish?” 

Yuuji bit his lip to keep quiet and locked his fingers together. He nodded once for Megumi to continue. 

“I heard you were going to Seattle that day, and I was wondering if you wanted a ride?”

That was unexpected. 

“What?” 

“Do you want a ride to Seattle?” 

“With who?” Yuuji felt completely mystified. 

“Myself,” Megumi stated like it was obvious. 

Yuuji was still stunned as he asked, “Why?”

“I was planning to go sometime in the next few weeks anyway,” Megumi almost won him over, before he continued, “And, to be honest, I’m not sure you’re truck can make it.”

“My truck works fine, thank you.” Yuuji turned to leave, but he wasn’t actually angry. His surprise at Megumi’s request outweighed the anger he usually would have felt for the dig at his car. 

“But can your truck make it there on one tank of gas?” He insisted as he matched Yuuji’s pace again. 

“Honestly, Megumi,” Yuuji said as he stopped under the small roof of the cafeteria and turned sharply, “I can’t keep up with you. I thought that you didn’t want to be my friend.”

“I said it would be better if we weren’t,” Megumi stepped in, “Not that I didn’t want to.”

“Oh, thanks, now that we’ve got that cleared up,” Yuuji rolled his eyes. 

“It would just be… better for you not to be my friend,” He said, sounding desperate for Yuuji to understand. “But I don’t want to stay away from you anymore, Yuuji. I’m tired of it.”

Megumi was serious as he spoke, the gentle tone in his voice was mirrored in his eyes. Yuuji forgot how to breathe for a moment. It took another short prompting before Yuuji found his voice again. 

“Will you go with me to Seattle?” He whispered. 

Yuuji couldn’t speak, so instead he nodded. Megumi smiled briefly, then became serious again. 

“You really should stay away from me,” He warned one last time, “I’ll see you in class.”

And with that, Megumi turned and walked back the way they’d come.

Chapter Text

Yuuji made his way to English class in a daze. He didn’t even realize when class started, his attention was out the window almost that entire hour. Yuta was hesitant to approach him after class, but as they walked together he seemed to brighten up again. He talked mostly about the weather for that weekend. The rain was supposed to take a minor break, so the beach trip was inevitable. Yuuji tried to sound eager to make up for yesterday.

The rest of the morning passed quickly. It was difficult to believe that he hadn’t just imagined what Megumi had said, and the way his eyes had looked. Maybe it had just been a very convincing dream that Yuuji had confused with reality. 

Yuuji felt impatient and frightened as walked with Momo to the cafeteria. He wanted to see Megumi again, his face most of all, to know if he had gone back to that indifferent person Yuuji had known the last few weeks. Momo babbled on about her dance plans, completely unaware of Yuujis inattention. 

Disappointment filled him instantly when he didn’t see Megumi at his usual table. The other four were there, so had he gone home? Yuuji followed Momo through the line, taking only a bottle of water as he’d lost his appetite. He just wanted to sit down and sulk for a little while. 

“Fushiguro is staring again,” Momo said as they walked, “I wonder why he’s sitting alone today.”

Yuuji’s head snapped up, following her gaze to see Megumi. He was smiling slightly as he watched Yuuji, sitting at an empty table across the cafeteria from where he usually sat. Once he caught Yuuji’s eye he raised a hand and motioned for Yuuji to join him.

“Does he mean you? ” Momo asked with an almost insulting astonishment in her voice. 

“Maybe he needs help with the biology homework,” Yuuji gave for a lame excuse as he began to walk away, “Um, I better go see what he wants.”

He could feel Momo’s stare as he walked. When Yuuji appeared at his table he stood behind the seat across from Megumi, unsure. 

“Why don’t you sit with me today?” Megumi offered. 

Yuuji sat down automatically, watching cautiously. Megumi was still smiling. It was hard to believe someone so beautiful could be real. Yuuji was afraid he would disappear in a puff of smoke, and that he would wake up. 

Megumi seemed to be waiting for him to speak. 

“This is different,” Yuuji finally settled on. 

“Well…” Megumi thought over his words for a long time, before they poured out almost in a rush. “I decided, as long as I’m going to hell anyway, I might as well do so thoroughly.” 

Yuuji waited for him to say something that made sense. When Megumi didn’t speak again and the seconds ticked by Yuuji tipped his head. 

“You know I don’t have any idea what you mean.” Yuuji eventually said. 

“I know.” Megumi’s smile was genuine, then he changed the subject. “I think your friends are mad at me for stealing you today.”

“They’ll be alright.” 

“I might not give you back, though,” He said, a playful glint in his eye. 

Yuuji’s breath caught, and he felt the heat rise to his cheeks. Megumi laughed. 

“You look worried.”

“No,” Yuuji said, “Surprised, actually. I don’t know what brought all this on.”

“I told you - I’m tired of trying to stay away. I’m giving up.” He was still smiling, but his eyes were serious. 

“Giving up?” Yuuji repeated. 

“I’m not trying to be good anymore. I’m just going to do what I want now, and let the chips fall where they may.” Megumi shrugged like it was no big deal. 

“You lost me again.”

Megumi’s genuine smile appeared again. “I always end up saying too much.” 

“It’s alright, I don’t understand any of it.” Yuuji rolled his eyes, more playfully this time. 

“I’m counting on that.” 

“So, we’re friends now?” 

“Friends…” Megumi mulled the word over, dubious. 

“Or not,” Yuuji murmured. 

Megumi laughed softly. “Well, we can try. But I’m serious about not being a good one for you.” 

“You say that a lot.” Yuuji noted, trying to ignore the sudden butterflies in his stomach. 

“Because you’re not listening. I’m still waiting for you to believe me.” 

“I wouldn’t hold your breath,” Yuuji finally offered a hesitant smile of his own. Megumi laughed again, and then it was silent for a moment. 

Yuuji let his eyes drift down to his hands, he observed the water bottle so that he had an excuse to look away. Megumi allowed him a moment before he spoke again. 

“What are you thinking?” He asked curiously. 

Yuuji looked up into his deep blue eyes and became stunned again, and as usual the truth slipped out.

“I’m trying to figure out what you are.”

Megumi’s jaw tightened before he relaxed and spoke again. “Are you having any luck with that?”

Yuuji blushed again. He had been stuck in a toss up between Spiderman and Captain America for the last month. There was no way he was admitting to that, so he shook his head quickly. 

“You’re not going to tell me?” He leaned in, smiling playfully. 

“Absolutely not,” Yuuji shook his head again. 

“That’s really frustrating.” Megumi complained. 

“No,” Yuuji jumped to counter, “I can’t see how that could be frustrating. I couldn’t begin to imagine what it must be like for someone to refuse to tell you what they’re thinking.” 

Megumi grimaced and nodded, apologizing before Yuuji could get another word in. The two stared each other down for another moment, before Megumi’s gaze snapped over Yuuji’s shoulder. He began to laugh gently and the tension was split.

“What?” Yuuji asked. 

“Your boyfriend seems to think I’m not being very pleasant to you.” Megumi chuckled again as he nodded towards Yuta at the table, “He’s debating whether or not he should come break us up.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Yuuji deflected instead. “But I’m sure you’re wrong. He wouldn’t jump in like that.” 

“I’m not. I told you, most people are very easy for me to read.”

“Except for me?” 

“Except for you,” Megumi repeated, his mood shifted suddenly and his eyes turned brooding, “I wonder why that is.”

Yuuji had to look away again, his stare was too intense. He concentrated on unscrewing the lid of his bottle before taking a sip. 

“Aren’t you hungry?” Megumi initiated the conversation again. 

“No,” Yuuji didn’t feel like mentioning that his stomach was already filled with butterflies. “You?”

“No, I’m not hungry,” Yuuji didn’t understand his expression, like Megumi was enjoying some inside joke. 

“Can I ask you something?” Yuuji finally started a topic of his own. Megumi nodded. “I was just wondering… if you could warn me beforehand next time you need to ignore me for my own good.” He looked at his lemonade as he spoke. “So I can be prepared.” 

“That sounds fair,” Megumi was pressing his lips together gently to keep from laughing when Yuuji looked up. “Can I have a favor in return then?”

“One,” Yuuji nodded, somewhat guarded. 

“Tell me one of your theories,” Before Yuuji could protest, he continued, “I promise not to laugh.”

“Yes, you will.” He was positive about that.

“Please?” He asked gently, leaning in towards the pink haired boy. Yuuji blinked, his mind went blank again. 

“Um, maybe… bitten by a radioactive spider?” Yuuji mumbled, wondering if Megumi was a hypnotist. 

“That’s not creative at all.” Megumi scoffed, teasing as he spoke, “Kryptonite doesn’t bother me either.”

“I’ll figure it out eventually,” Yuuji defended himself, while Megumi sobered up. 

“I wish you wouldn’t try.”

“Why?”

“I’m not a superhero, Yuuji. What if I’m the bad guy?” He smiled playfully, but his stare was hard. 

“Oh,” Yuuji said as several things suddenly clicked into place, “I see.”

“Do you?” His face was suddenly severe, as if worried he’d said too much. 

“You’re dangerous?” Yuuji guessed, his pulse quickening as he intuitively realized the truth of his own words. Megumi was dangerous. And he had been trying to tell him that all along. Megumi just looked at him, filled with an emotion that Yuuji couldn’t comprehend. 

“But you’re not bad,” he finally whispered, shaking his head, “I don’t believe that you’re bad.”

“You’re wrong.” Megumi’s voice was almost inaudible. 

He looked down and stole Yuuji’s bottle cap from the table, choosing to spin it on it’s side between his fingers. Yuuji stared at him, wondering why he didn’t feel afraid. Just… anxious and on edge. More than anything, though, he was fascinated. But he always felt that way around Megumi, so he disregarded that. 

The silence lasted until Yuuji noticed that the cafeteria was almost empty. He jumped to his feet. “We’re going to be late.”

“I’m not going to class today,” He said, still spinning Yuuji’s bottlecap. 

“Why not?”

“It’s healthy to ditch class now and then.” Megumi smiled, but there was still trouble in his eyes. 

“Well, I’m going.” He said, not wanting to risk getting caught. Megumi turned his attention back to his makeshift toy. 

“I’ll see you later, then.” 

Yuuji hesitated for a split second before the bell got him started. With a last glance, confirming that Megumi hadn’t moved, Yuuji slipped out of the cafeteria. He was lucky enough that his teacher wasn’t in the room when he arrived, so he was able to get to his seat quickly. He was vaguely aware of his friends eyes on him, wondering what was up during lunch no doubt. Yuta looked like he was about to say something, but just then their teacher walked into the room. He sat a box of small kits on Yuta’s desk and asked him to pass them out. 

“I want everyone to take one kit from the box,” He announced loudly, picking up one for himself, “there will be a card, and two tools inside to help you with today’s experiment. I’ll be coming around to prime each of your cards with a bit of water.” He said, snapping his gloves into place. 

As their teacher walked around the class, he placed one drop of water on each card as instructed. Once he reached the front of the class he asked Yuta to demonstrate as he continued.

 “I want you all to carefully prick your finger, like so-“ He said, gently poking the tip of Yuta’s middle finger with one of the tools the kit provided. Yuuji's mouth went dry as his palms clammed up. Oh no. His stomach gave a small turn as the blood pooled to no more than a drop on Yuta’s finger. 

“Then, you’ll apply it to the card,” He finished, holding up the completed card. Yuuji shut his eyes and swallowed. 

Yuuji heard him mention something about a Red Cross blood drive, but his head was spinning too much to care about the details. For the moment he leaned down and rested his forehead against the cool blacktop of his desk. All around him Yuuji could hear the squeals and giggles as his classmates poked their fingers around him. Their teacher paused by his desk. 

“Yuuji, are you alright?” He asked, close and concerned. 

“I already know my blood type,” Yuuji mumbled; remembering the few mandatory tests from his last trip to the ER. 

“Are you feeling feint?” He rephrased. 

“Yes, sir,” Yuuji could only nod weekly, internally kicking himself for not ditching when he had the chance. 

“Can someone take Yuuji to the nurse, please?” He called to the class. 

Yuuji didn’t have to look up to know Yuta would answer. Right now though he welcomed his help. 

“Can you walk?” Yuta asked as he approached, and when he shook his head Yuta slipped one of Yuujis arms around his shoulders to help him up. 

Yuta carefully helped him across campus. When they came around the side of the cafeteria Yuuji slowly pulled himself away, slowly feeling more relaxed as the fresh air filled his lungs. 

“Just let me sit for a minute, please,” Yuuji requested as he leaned back against the building anyway. Yuta helped guide him to the ground without fuss. 

“You’re practically green, Yuuji,” Yuta tried to joke as Yuuji slowly slumped over, resting his cheek against the cool grass. 

“Yuuji?” A different voice called from nearby. Yuuji froze, this was just his luck. 

“What’s wrong- is he hurt?” Megumi’s voice was closer now, and he sounded upset. Yuuji realized he wasn’t imagining it. He squeezed his eyes shut tightly, hoping the day would end.

“I don’t know what happened, I think he fainted,” Yuta said, “He didn’t even prick his finger.” 

“Yuuji,” Megumi’s voice was beside him now, sounding relieved. “Can you hear me?” 

“No,” he mumbled weekly in reply, “Go away.” 

Megumi chuckled. 

“I was taking him to the nurse,” Yuta explained defensively.

“I’ll take him,” Megumi cut in and Yuuji heard the smile in his voice. “You can go back to class.” 

“No,” Yuta protested, “I’m supposed to do it.” 

Suddenly, the ground that Yuuji had been resting on was gone. His eyes snapped open in shock. Megumi had lifted him effortlessly- though his strength shouldn’t surprise him anymore.

Yuuji could only pray not to be sick with the world spinning around him. Megumi started walking before anyone could respond. Yuta called after them, but he was ignored. 

“You look awful,” Megumi said to Yuuji instead, grinning.

“Put me down,” Yuuji groaned, though he still somewhat doubted his ability to stand. Megumi must have known that as he held Yuuji close, and it didn’t seem to bother him.

“So, you feint at the sight of blood?” Megumi was teasing, clearly enjoying himself as he continued. “And not even your own blood.” 

Yuuji knew they were inside when the air around him turned warmer. It didn’t make him feel that much better, but it was nice to know the embarrassing experience was almost over. 

“Oh my,” Yuuji heard a female voice from the other side of the room. 

“He fainted in Biology.” Megumi explained. 

Yuuji opened his eyes. They were in the office, but Megumi was quickly walking them to the nurses room. The grandmotherly nurse looked up from her novel as Megumi swept into the room and gently sat Yuuji on one of the empty beds. Then he moved to stand against the wall, as far from Yuuji as possible. His eyes were bright, interested. 

“He’s just a bit faint,” Megumi explained as the nurse hurried to Yuujis side, “they’re blood typing in biology.”

The nurse nodded knowingly, “There’s always one. Just lay down for a while, it’ll pass.”

Yuuji just nodded again and made to lay on the bed. The nurse turned on Megumi. “You can go back to class now.”

“I’m supposed to stay with him.” Megumi’s tone was smooth enough that the nurse nodded and left them be with the excuse that she was going to fetch Yuuji an ice-pack. 

“You were right,” Yuuji sighed as he turned to face the raven haired boy. 

“I usually am,” Megumi nodded, “but, about what in particular this time?” 

“Ditching is healthy.” 

“You scared me for a minute there,” Megumi admitted after the humor passed. His tone sounded like he was confessing to a weakness, “I thought you were dead for a minute, and Yuta was carrying you off.” 

“Ha ha.” Yuuji deadpanned. 

“Really,” Megumi’s humor returned, “I thought I would have to avenge your murder.” 

“Poor Yuta, I bet he’s mad.” 

“He absolutely hates me,” Megumi nodded almost proudly. 

“How did you even see me?” Yuuji asked when his composure began to return. “I thought you ditched?” 

“I was in my car, listening to a CD.” It was such a normal response it surprised Yuuji. 

The door opened again, so instead of replying Yuuji sat up and took the offered ice pack from the nurse. 

“Here you go dear,” she soothed as she placed the pack in Yuuji's waiting hands. “You’re looking better.” 

“I think I’m fine.” Yuuji nodded, he could tell the nurse was about to suggest he lay back down when another student from his biology class was ushered in. It looked like Yuta would be today's escort. 

Yuuji hopped off his cot, offering it up for the next poor victim of high school biology. Megumi followed him out of the nurses office and into the hall, he stared at Yuuji with an unreadable expression. Before he could ask what, Yuta stumbled out into the hall. 

He sized up Megumi for a moment before his gaze turned back to Yuuji. He looked a bit glum as he spoke. Megumi took the hint, and stepped off to the side to wait. 

“You’re looking better,” Yuta sighed, “Are you going back to class?”

“Are you kidding?” Yuuji shook his head. “I think I’m heading home for the day.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Yuta paused for a long moment before finishing his thought, “So, have you decided about this weekend?” His eyes flicked to Megumi before meeting Yuuji again. Yuuji wondered if he didn’t want Megumi to know. “If you’re going to the beach, that is.”

“Yeah, I said I was in,” He tried to sound as friendly as possible. 

“We’re meeting in front of the school at ten.” Yuta angled himself away, blocking out Megumi as he spoke. It clearly wasn’t an open invitation. 

“I’ll be there,” Yuuji nodded. Yuta was beginning to frustrate him, but he remembered his other friends who were going and resolved himself to go for their sake.

They said their goodbyes and, luckily, Yuta only looked back once when he left. Megumi was at his side the moment it was empty. His voice was teasing as he whispered to Yuuji, when the hall had cleared. 

“Can you walk or do you need me to carry you again?”

“I’ll walk.” Yuuji scoffed at the unexpected joke. 

He walked carefully towards the exit, though Megumi beat him to the door. His smile was sincere as he held it open, though there was a playful gleam in his eyes again. Yuuji just offered a small smile of his own. The cool mist after the rain felt good against his overheated skin, so he was genuine as he thanked the other boy. 

“So,” Yuuji started as they walked slowly towards the lot, “Are you going? This Saturday?” He hoped that Megumi would, but it seemed unlikely. 

“Where are you all going exactly?” He looked hesitant to ask, staring ahead with a blank expression as he waited for the answer. 

“I think it’s called La Push,” Yuuji studied his face, trying to read it. Megumi’s eyes only narrowed.  The raven haired boy glanced down at him from the corner of his eyes, smiling wryly. 

“I don’t think I was invited.”

“I just invited you,” Yuuji said, “Think about it.” 

They were near the area of the lot now that separated their cars. Yuuji turned left, meaning to let the conversation end and head home. Something snagged the back of his hoodie, and yanked him back. 

“Where do you think you’re going?” Megumi asked, looking offended.  He was gripping a fist full of his hoodie in one hand. Yuuji tipped his head in confusion. 

“I’m going home.” 

“Do you really think I’m going to let you drive after that?” His voice sounded offended as he looked, “You’ll get yourself killed.” 

“What about my truck?” Yuuji protested.

“I’ll have Nobara drop it off after school.” Megumi stated, towing Yuuji along towards his car. 

Yuuji protested as he was pulled along by the back of his hoodie. He managed to keep pace with the pushy raven haired boy, and thankfully Megumi didn’t hold him hostage for that long. He leaned against the passenger door as he was freed. Megumi was on the drivers side by the time Yuuji responded. 

“You could have just asked.” He huffed. 

“It’s open,” Megumi said instead, getting into the car. 

Yuuji stood stunned, debating whether he should get in or make a break for his truck anyway. His fate was decided when Megumi rolled down the passenger window and leaned over to look at him. He was calm as he tipped his head, urging Yuuji to step inside as the rain began to pick up. 

Megumi didn’t say anything as Yuuji got in, letting him get settled in peace as he turned the heater up and the music down. He was careful as he pulled out of the lot, and the drive was much more relaxing than Yuuji thought it would be. The music was a gentle piano tune that he recognized but couldn’t quite name, and the heat was beginning to make him doze off. 

The rain blurred the town around them, making it pass by in only blurs of grays and colored lights. Megumi’s voice eventually pulled him from his daze. 

“Are you more comfortable now, living with Chief Nanami?” 

“Yes,” Yuuji answered without much thought. “It’s starting to feel more like home, I guess. I think he’s happy too.”

“I wonder what he would think…” Megumi was musing to himself, this time he elaborated playfully when Yuuji gave him a confused look, “You hanging out with someone so scary and all.”

“What’s your definition of scary?” Yuuji asked instead. He knew now that Megumi was dangerous, but no matter how many times the other boy pressed he couldn’t think of him that way. 

Megumi ignored his question in favor of one of his own. “You don’t think I could be?”

Yuuji thought the question over, deciding if the truth or a lie would go over better. In the end he decided on the truth. 

“I think you could be, if you wanted to.” Yuuji settled on.

“Are you frightened of me now?” His smile was gone, but Yuuji’s quick response brought it back. 

“No.” 

The air was heavy around them as Yuuji’s statement lingered in the air. Eventually Yuuji spoke first, feeling inclined to learn a bit about Megumi in return. 

“Will you tell me about your family?”

“What do you want to know?” It had the opposite effect, Megumi was cautious again. 

“Dr. Gojou adopted you?” 

“Yes.”

“What happened to your parents?” Yuuji asked hesitantly. 

“They died a long time ago,” Megumi was matter-of-fact, slowly softening as he continued, “I don’t remember much of it though. Gojou and Shoko have been like my parents for a while now anyway.”

“You’re lucky.” Yuuji smiled softly. As awful as his time in the ER had been, Gojou had at least left a good impression on him. Even if he was in on Megumi’s secret. 

“I am.” Megumi conceded as he parked the car in front of Chief Nanami’s house. 

“I guess it’s time to go,” Yuuji hummed as he looked outside. With how reluctant he had been to get into the car he was surprised by how reluctant he now was to get out. 

“If you want your truck back before Chief Nanami gets home and finds out about your fainting spell, then yes.” Megumi’s sincere smile was back. 

“I’m sure he already knows,” Yuuji said as he fixed his hoodie, “There are no secrets in Forks, after all.”

Megumi only laughed, but the now familiar edge was present again. 

“Have fun at the beach,” He said instead, looking out at the now pouring rain, “Good weather for sunbathing.”

Yuuji ignored the joke. “You’re not going to be in school tomorrow?”

“No, Junpei and I are starting the weekend early.”

“What are you going to do?” Yuuji figured that it was alright to ask, they were friends now. 

“We’re going hiking in the Goat Rocks.”

Yuuji briefly remembered Nanami saying something about Gojou’s family and camping trips. 

“Oh, well,” Yuuji didn’t think he sounded very convincing when he spoke, “Have fun then.”

“Will you do something for me this weekend?” Megumi was smiling anyway. He turned enough to face Yuuji, catching his eyes and stunning the pink haired boy again. He nodded helplessly. 

“Don’t be offended,” Megumi started, “But you seem to attract accidents like magic. So… try not to fall into the ocean or anything. Alright?” 

Yuuji felt another flush rise to his cheeks at the implication, but again he was more stunned than angry. And, if he had to admit, he had already needed medical attention twice since he’d met Megumi - so it wasn’t like the request was unfounded. And it was nice to know that Megumi worried about him so he couldn’t actually be that mad. 

“I’ll see what I can do,” Yuuji said with a small laugh as he hopped out of the car and into the rain. 

Megumi was still smiling as he drove away.

Chapter Text

Yuuji sat in his room that evening trying and failing to concentrate on the third act of Macbeth, in reality he was listening for the sound of his truck. He thought that it would be loud enough that, even with the pouring rain, he would hear it arrive. But the next time he looked out his corner window it was suddenly there in the driveway. Whoever had left it was already long gone.

Yuuji wasn’t looking forward to Friday, and it more than lived up to his expectations. Plenty of people made fainting comments, while others, like Momo, seemed determined to figure out what happened during his lunch with Megumi. 

“So, what did Fushiguro want yesterday?” Momo asked in Trig. “He looked mad, Yuta was about to go over by the time you left.”

“I don’t know,” Yuuji deflected, “He never really got to the point.”

“I’ve never seen him sit with anyone but his family before, you know? It was a bit weird.” 

“Weird.” Yuuji agreed, wanting the conversation to end. Momo seemed annoyed, but honestly Yuuji wasn’t one to feed gossip. 

The worst part about Friday, though, was that even though he knew Megumi wouldn’t be there he still hoped. When he walked into the cafeteria he fully expected to see a table of five. So, when only Nobara, Todo, and Mai were at the table, he felt a small pang of disappointment. 

At his usual table everyone was full of plans for the next day. Yuta was excitable again, chatting happily with Inumaki about how amazing the weatherman was predicting tomorrow to be. It was warmer this morning when Yuuji woke up, almost sixty. The beach trip might actually be pretty nice. 

That night, at dinner, Nanami seemed enthusiastic about Yuuji's trip to La Push the next morning. Of course, he knew all of the kids going - and their parents, likely their grandparents too - so he had no reason to worry for Yuuji’s safety on this trip. Yuuji wondered if he would approve of his change in plans to go with Megumi to Seattle next week. Not that he was going to tell him. 

“Do you know a place called Goat Rocks? I think people go hiking there,” Yuuji tried to ask casually when he had almost finished his food. 

“Yes, why?” 

“Some kids were talking about going camping there,” He shrugged. 

“It’s not a good place for that,” Nanami warned, “There are too many bears. People only go during hunting season.”

“Oh,” Yuuji mumbled, surprised, “Maybe I got the name wrong.”

The next morning, Yuuji tried to sleep in given it was Saturday.  But a strange light was peeking through his blinds, slowly rousing him. He opened his eyes to see a clear yellow light streaming from his window. Yuuji couldn’t believe it. He hopped out of bed and hurried to the window to check, and there was the sun. It was too low in the sky to be perfect, but it was the sun nonetheless. Clouds were on the horizon, but there was a large patch of blue in the middle that kept a bright smile on Yuuji’s face. He lingered by the window as long as he could, afraid that if he left the blue would disappear. 

He dressed quickly instead, pulling on a thick sweater to keep warm in case the weather turned. The drive to school felt shorter than usual, but he must have been late because when he got there a large van with his friends was parked outside.

Inumaki and Yuta were standing by the driver's door, while Maki and Momo were lingering by Makis' car a few spaces down. There was a boy with white hair and strange black patches in the driver’s seat. 

“That’s Panda,” Maki quietly informed him when Yuuji joined them. “He lives outside town, so he doesn’t go to school here but we’ve all known him since we were kids.”

They all gathered in the van, with Yuuji squished in the back. Yuta sat beside him, smiling happily. It was easy to please him, and right now that predictability helped ease Yuuji’s nerves. 

The drive from Forks to La Push was about fifteen minutes, maybe less with the lack of traffic. Even Yuuji could admit the dense green of the forest was beautiful as they drove, made even more amazing as they passed a bridge over a wide River. The windows were rolled down at some point, and it made Yuuji pleased to have the window seat. 

The mile-long crescent shaped beach appeared first, just as breathtaking as the river and forest before it. The water was dark blue, even in the sunlight, and the whitecaps were breaking along the rocky shore. The steep cliff framing the beach on the opposite side dwarfed Yuuji. There were driftwood trees lining the shore, some bleached bone white from the salt of the waves.

The small group walked carefully along the rocks to the water's edge, with Yuta leading the way to a ring of driftwood logs that had obviously been used for parties before theirs. There was a fire already started when they arrived, Panda and Inumaki passed him quickly to get to it. Yuuji recognized Noritoshi by the fire with a blue haired girl hanging around. 

“Have you ever seen a driftwood fire?” Yuta approached him, but Yuuji only shook his head. 

Yuta guided him to a seat with a grin of his own, picking up a short driftwood stick as he approached the flames. He tossed it in carefully before he stepped out of the way to give Yuuji a view. 

“You’ll like this,” Yuta said, nodding towards the branch as it quickly dried and caught in the fire, “Watch the colors.”

“It’s blue,” Yuuji stared, amazed as the red flames began to lick up a light blue.

“It’s pretty right?” Yuta smiled as he tossed another small log into the fire before he sat beside Yuuji. “The salt does that.”

The rest of their group left them alone for the time being, and for once Yuuji found himself generally enjoying the other boys' company. Everyone else was scattered, some were walking along the beach, others rushed the water, while few took the longer trek towards the cliff. 

Most everyone returned for lunch, right around 12:30 when Panda said he would have it ready. Yuuji found himself wondering what Megumi was up to while he ate, as the others' conversation hadn’t interested him much. He wanted to see the raven haired boy again, but he tried not to think too much about him. If his thoughts were stuck on Megumi all day he wouldn’t enjoy the trip. Yuuji got up when he was finished, and decided to take a few moments by the water. This time he was left alone to enjoy the waves breaking on the shore. 

He ended up tripping a few times on his way back, the rocky gravel made it difficult to properly keep his balance. His hands stung with the long shallow scrapes that had been left behind after a rougher fall, and the knees of his jeans were wet now - but over all he wasn’t upset about it. 

There were new faces around the fire when Yuuji returned, three boys that he didn’t recognize. As he got closer he could make out two of their faces, and though they looked a bit intense, no one else seemed to be bothered by them. In fact, the two that he could see were talking idly with Maki and Momo. They must have been teenagers from the small community nearby. 

As lunch continued and the others finished their food, clouds filled the sky again. Everyone began to split into groups again, but Yuuji’s palms were really beginning to sting, so he stayed seated for the time being. Inumaki was by the van starting up music while one of the new boys - the third that Yuuji hadn’t seen earlier - approached him. 

His hair was the same shade of pink as Yuuji’s, and for a moment he thought he was looking into a mirror as he looked up at the newcomers face. There were small but distinct differences between them though, the newcomers eyes were much sharper for example; and a deep, almost red color that contrasted his own light brown. Yuuji shrugged off his doppelganger theory immediately under his intense stare. 

“You’re Itadori Yuuji, yeah?”

“Yuuji.” he corrected automatically, but nodded. 

“Your dad bought my car.” He sat in the empty space beside him without waiting for an invitation. 

“Oh,” He suddenly remembered his short conversation about that with Nanami, “You’re Sukuna then, right?” 

“How’s the truck running?” Sukuna asked, instead of answering. 

“Great. It’s been perfect so far.”

“Yeah? Have you tried going over sixty?” Sukuna raised a skeptic eyebrow. 

“No..”

“Good, don’t.”

Yuuji couldn’t help a little grin as he said, “It does great in a collision.” 

“That thing is a monster, a tank couldn’t take it out.” 

Their conversation lulled for a minute. Sukuna didn’t look like he particularly wanted to be there, but he hadn’t made a move to leave. There was something about the serious boy that Yuuji found funny. Nanami’s opinion was at the front of his mind - Sukuna like’s to talk to when he’s not making more paperwork for me. 

“So, you build cars?” Yuuji initiated the conversation this time. 

“When I have free time.” Sukuna shrugged, though he didn’t look as begrudged to answer this. In fact, his voice was teetering on playful as he continued, “You wouldn’t know where I could get a master cylinder for a 1986 Volkswagen Rabbit?”

“Sorry,” Yuuji laughed softly, “I haven’t seen any lately. But I’ll keep my eyes open for you.” 

Sukuna flashed a - what Yuuji would later learn to be - rare smile. He wasn’t the only one to notice, one of the first boys joined them. He was taller, with wild black hair and a mark along his nose joined them. 

“Sukuna,” He greeted, eyeing Yuuji with interest, “Make a friend?” 

“Itadori Yuuji, Chief Nanami gave him the old truck.” Sukuna introduced him without a reaction, “That’s Choso.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of you,” The newcomer spoke to him directly, “It’s nice to finally meet you. I was talking to one of your friends, Momo I think? She told me a few of good Dr. Gojou’s.. children were invited. It’s a shame they couldn’t make it.”

Yuuji’s eyes narrowed by a fraction. Choso didn’t make it sound like that much of a pity, and his tone implied they were anything but welcome. 

“They were?” Sukuna asked, a frown in his voice that surprised Yuuji enough to catch his attention. 

“You guys know them?” Yuuji asked instead, realizing he was treading thin ice. 

“Vaguely.” Choso nodded, then spoke in a tone that closed the topic. “They don’t come here.” 

Sukuna had turned away, ignoring Yuuji’s questioning gaze. Yuta was a blessing again, as he came just in time to save the awkward situation. He caught Choso’s attention fairly quickly, though Yuuji wondered if it was just because he wanted the opening to leave now. Choso said his goodbye’s, sizing Yuuji up one last time before he turned and left. He had said Megumi’s family didn’t come here, but his tone had implied more - that they weren’t allowed instead.  Choso’s manner left a strange impression on him. 

“So,” This time, Sukuna seemed to take mercy on him. He nodded towards Choso in indication before he spoke again, “Is Forks driving you insane yet?”

“That’s an understatement,” Yuuji breathed a sigh he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. 

The comment was still twisting in his mind as when he thought of Sukuna’s response. He hadn’t looked surprised, so he reasoned the other boy must be in on it. Yuuji hoped that Sukuna wouldn’t notice he had an ulterior motive as he leaned in with his head tipped innocently towards the beach. He looked up at Sukuna under his eyelashes, trying to imitate the look Megumi had given him more than once.

“Do you want to walk down to the water with me?” He was sure it wouldn’t have the desired effect, but Sukuna looked at him briefly and nodded. 

They walked north, along the uneven, rocky stones. The clouds had finally blocked all of the sunlight, causing the sea to darken and the weather to drop. Yuuji was thankful he remembered his sweater. He shoved his hands into his pockets and angled to face Sukuna. 

“So you’re, what, eighteen?” Yuuji asked, trying to keep the conversation light for now. 

“Nineteen in a few weeks.” Sukuna seemed hesitant to answer. Yuuji was definitely surprised, but he tried not to let it show on his face. 

“I would have thought you were younger,” He said instead.

“Around here that’s an insult, everyone’s itching to turn twenty-one.” Sukuna gave a short breath that sounded like a laugh. Their conversation paused for a beat before Yuuji prompted him again. 

“So, do you come into town much?”

“No,” Sukuna shrugged, “Maybe once I get my car fixed I’ll come up more. Right now it’s inconvenient.”

“Do the others come up often? Choso, and the last guy with you?”

“Choso does, Esu - his brother - not so much.”

“They seemed a bit old to be hanging out here.”  Yuuji said as they paused a good distance away from the group. 

“They’re twenty and twenty-one, Choso is older.”

“Now that I think about it,” Yuuji pretended to remember, “What was Choso saying about the Doctor's family?”

“Gojou’s?” He raised an eyebrow before answering, either not realizing or caring as he confirmed Yuuji’s earlier suspicion . “They’re just not supposed to come past the river.”

“Why not?”

“Do you like scary stories?” Sukuna asked instead, a devious smirk on his lips. 

“I love them,” Yuuji nodded, eager to finally get an answer from somebody.

Sukuna strolled idly to a nearby piece of driftwood and sat down on one of its twisted roots. He watched the water as he waited for Yuuji to take a seat beside him. Yuuji could tell he was going to try to make it good as the wicked smirk remained. 

“Do you know any stories about the people who live in this area- just outside of Forks?” he began. 

“Not really,” Yuuji admitted. 

“There are a lot of legends, some of them date back hundreds of years.” He scoffed, showing Yuuji how much stock he actually put into the areas history. “One claims we’re the descendants of wolves. It’s an unspoken law here not to kill the wolves in the area because of that.”

Sukuna paused to let it sink in, before he spoke words so shocking Yuuji couldn’t respond at first. 

“Then, there are stories about the cold ones ,” 

His voice dropped to an ominous whisper. “There are some about them that run as long as the wolf legends. According to ours, my great-grandfather knew a few. He was like the… leader. Like my father is now. He made the treaty that keeps them from coming past the river.”

Yuuji was enthralled by the story, waiting for the connection as Sukuna continued. 

“It’s believed - around here at least - that the cold ones are the natural enemies of the wolves. Not real wolves that is, the ‘wolves that turn into men’ from the legend. They’re supposed to be like werewolves.” 

“Werewolves?” Yuuji spoke under his breath. “And they have enemies?”

“Only one.” 

Yuuji stared at him, hoping his curiosity looked more like admiration than impatience.

“So, you see,” Sukuna continued, ignoring his look, “They’re traditionally enemies. But this group that came when my great-grandfather was in charge claimed to be peaceful. They were different. They didn’t hunt the way their kind usually do, and they weren’t supposed to be dangerous. So, they made a treaty. If they don’t come past the river, we wouldn’t expose them.” 

“If they weren’t dangerous, then why…” Yuuji tried to understand, Sukuna just laughed a bit mockingly at him. 

“You’re putting a lot of stock into understanding a ghost story,” He seemed to be having fun though, as he elaborated, “There’s always a risk for humans to be around them; even if they were civilized like this clan, they can only claim to be peaceful. You never know when they might get too hungry to resist,”

“What do you mean, ‘civilized’?”

“They said that they didn’t hunt humans. They were, supposedly, able to prey on animals instead.”

Yuuji tried to keep his tone casual as he probed for the story he wanted, “So, how does it fit in with Gojou? Are they like the cold ones your great-grandfather met?”

“No,” He paused dramatically, “They’re the same ones.”

He must have thought the expression on Yuuji’s face was fear brought on by his story, as he grinned, pleased, and continued. 

“There are more of them now, a new female and a new male, but the rest are the same. My great-grandfather knew the leader - Satoru Gojou.”

“And what are they?” Yuuji finally asked the question that was burning his throat to escape, “What are the cold ones?”

“Blood suckers,” Sukuna chuckled and leaned in to whisper, “ Vampires. ”

Yuuji looked out towards the ocean as the story concluded, unsure of what the expression on his face revealed at the moment.

“You have goosebumps,” Sukuna pointed out, proud of himself.

“You were good,” Yuuji gave a half hearted laugh. 

“It’s pretty ridiculous, but it’s just a story,” Sukuna said, “Just don’t talk about it, I get in enough shit as it is and I don’t need everyone arguing about whether or not I ‘broke the treaty’.”

“I won't give you away,” Yuuji nodded with a small smile, his gaze was still out on the water. “I’ll take it to the grave.”

“Try not to say anything to Chief Nanami in particular,” Sukuna tacked on as an afterthought, “Apparently he got pretty mad when he found out a few of us weren’t going to the hospital since Dr. Gojou started working there.”

Yuuji glanced at him from the corner of his eye before he nodded. Nanami wasn’t the most overbearing man, but he had his moments like everyone. Sukuna moved the topic along, unbothered by the mental torment Yuuji was going through from his story. 

“Do you think we’re a bunch of superstitious freaks now, or what?” He scoffed, but Yuuji noted the playful tone in his voice.

“No,” Yuuji offered another smile as he gathered himself and turned back to face him, “But you are very good at storytelling.”

The sound of rocks clattering against each other alerted them that someone was approaching. Their heads snapped up at the same time, and Yuuji spotted Yuta walking over from about ten yards away. 

“There you are, Yuuji,” He called in relief, waving over.

“Is that your boyfriend?” Sukuna mocked, alerted by the jealous edge to Yuta's voice. 

“No, definitely not,” Yuuji whispered. He turned slowly to face the ocean again as Sukuna let out a chuckle. 

“So then, when I finish my car..” Sukuna began.

“Visit me sometime, we could hangout.” Yuuji liked talking to him, Sukuna had - surprisingly - been the easiest person to get along with so far. He was someone Yuuji wouldn’t mind sticking around.

Yuta had reached them before Sukuna could comment, and Yuuji could see him appraise them. 

“Where have you been?” He asked, though the answer was right in front of him. 

“Sukuna was telling me about the area,” Yuuji said, smiling. 

“Well,” Yuta reassessed them, and chose his next words carefully as he watched the camaraderie. “We’re packing up - it looks like it’s going to rain soon.”

The three of them collectively looked up at the sky and Yuuji could only nod, it did look gloomy again. 

“Alright,” Yuuji stood, “I’m coming.” 

“It was fun, Yuuji,” Sukuna said, a devious enjoyment coloring his tone. He reached out to catch Yuuji’s hand before he could slip too far away, “I’ll see you again soon , hm?”

“It was,” Yuuji nodded, realizing that - while his words were genuine - Sukuna’s actions were meant entirely to taunt Yuta. “I’ll tag along next time Nanami plans to visit.”

“That would be cool,” Sukuna dropped his hand, letting him escape. 

“And thanks,” Yuuji gave him a smile before he turned to follow Yuta back to the van. 

He shielded his eyes with one hand as they walked across the rocky terrain, the rain had begun - though slowly. When they got to the car, the others were already loading things back in, so he crawled into the back seat behind Momo and Maki. The two girls were talking amongst themselves, and since the others were still getting packed Yuuji let his head tip to rest against the back of his seat. He slowly shut his eyes, and tried very hard not to think.

Chapter Text

When he got home Yuuji told Nanami he had a lot of homework to do, and that he didn’t want anything to eat. There was something on TV Nanami had been looking forward to, so he allowed Yuuji his freedom without a fight as usual. 

Once alone in his room, he locked the door and dug through his desk until he found an old pair of headphones he’d thrown in there when he unpacked. He opened an app on his phone and searched up an old playlist a previous classmate had made for him.

Yuuji dropped onto his bed and hit play, hoping the music would drown out his thoughts. He shut his eyes, but the light outside was still too bright so he pulled a pillow over his head. It had worked initially, Yuuji had listened to the playlist three times before he realized the pounding beat kept thoughts of Sukuna’s story from his mind. He was asleep before the memory of the beach could form. 

His eyes opened in a familiar dark place, aware in some part that he was dreaming. The forest around him was more imposing than usual, it scared him to the bone just to look at. The sound of waves crashing somewhere nearby was the only thing he could hear, and there looked to be a light coming from the direction of the sound. Yuuji knew subconsciously that if he found the ocean, he would see the sun - and that it would offer a comforting release from the dark forest. His mind was made up as he trudged through the trees carefully, trying to follow the sound when a sudden force latched onto his arm and wrenched him back towards the darkest part of the forest. 

“You have to run, Yuuji,” A familiar voice called, so he obeyed. Looking up, he saw Sukuna there, a mix of rage and desperation on his face as he pulled harshly on Yuuji’s arm. 

“Sukuna?” He asked, frightened by the quickly approaching darkness of the trees. “What’s going on?” 

“Just listen to me!” Sukuna hissed. 

“Why?” Yuuji asked with the same desperation in his tone, fighting Sukuna’s grasp.

Sukuna unexpectedly released him, falling to the ground with a grunt. Yuuji turned, despite his desperate need to bolt from the darkness, and ran back to Sukuna. He didn’t look hurt, but he continued to groan as he writhed on the ground. 

In a blink he was gone, and in his place stood a large red wolf with coal black markings. It’s eyes were the same deep-red as Sukuna’s, and they looked over Yuuji for a moment before turning to face the shore. The hair on it’s shoulders was bristling as it snarled dangerously. Yuuji turned his attention from the wolf to the light and watched as it slowly came towards them. 

Megumi stepped from behind the trees, the source of the bright light Yuuji mistook for the sun. His eyes were black and dangerous, but his smile displayed a pretend innocence. He raised his hand, beckoning Yuuji towards him. The wolf growled again. 

Yuuji took a step forward, towards Megumi. He smiled wider, and his teeth were impossibly sharp. 

“Trust me,” He whispered. 

Yuuji took another step, mesmerized. 

The wolf launched itself toward Megumi, his fangs aimed straight for the black haired boy's throat. 

“No!” Yuuji screamed, jerking himself out of bed. 

He yanked off his headphones, panting harshly and clutching at his shirt as he slowly realized he wasn’t in the forest anymore. 

The light in his room was still on, and he was fully dressed. The clock on his wall told him it was six in the morning. Yuuji groaned softly, and fell back on the bed; kicking his shoes off in the process. He was too uncomfortable to sleep, so he unbuttoned his jeans and took them off, his sweater following. If he couldn’t sleep he could at least relax. 

Unfortunately that didn’t come easily to him either. His subconscious had presented the exact ideas he was trying to avoid, and he was going to have to face them now. 

Yuuji sat up again, gathered a fresh set of clothes - favoring sweatpants and a t-shirt - and took a shower. When he left the bathroom he looked for Nanami, but it looked like he had already been called into work. When Yuuji checked the window, the cruiser was gone. 

He returned to his room and turned on his laptop, staring at the google homepage for what felt like forever. Yuuji felt stupid for even considering this, but he didn’t know what else to do. Megumi wouldn’t give him answers, Nanami didn’t know anything, and what little Sukuna knew were all legends. Hesitantly, he typed into the search bar. 

Vampires

When the results came up there was a lot to shift through, he filtered out movies and games but it didn’t help much. Eventually he came to a promising site - Vampires A-Z. The page was simple and white, with black text.

Yuuji explored the page, which consisted of well known accounts and mythos surrounding vampires around the world. There were only three that seemed relevant to him though. The Varacolaci , a powerful being who appeared as a beautiful, pale-skinned human. The Nelapsi, a creature so strong it could take out a community in less than an hour. And one other, the Stregoni Benefuci. About this type, there was only one sentence.

An italian vampire, said to be on the side of goodness. A mortal enemy of all evil vampires. 

It was a relief that Yuuji didn’t know he needed. One small legend of hundreds that claimed the existence of something good. Overall, though, there was nothing that was exactly along the lines of Sukuna’s story or his own experiences. Aggravated, Yuuji turned off the laptop and shut the lid. Though he was angry, he also felt overwhelmingly embarrassed. 

It was all so stupid. He was sitting in his room, researching vampires. He needed to get out of the house, but there was nowhere he wanted to go that didn’t involve a three day drive. 

He pulled on his sneakers and a hoodie, unclear of exactly where he was headed, and left the house. It was overcast, but the rain hadn’t started yet. Yuuji ignored his truck in favor of the small hiking path in their backyard that was almost obscured by vines. It wasn’t long until the road, and his house, were long behind him swallowed up by green leaves. The trail wound deeper and deeper into the forest, but mostly stayed east.

Yuuji followed the trail for as long as his embarrassment pushed him forward, and when it started to fade, he slowed. There was a recently fallen tree nearby, held up in part by the one next to it. It created a sheltered little bench just a few feet off the trail that Yuuji was happy to rest on. 

Here in the trees it was much easier to accept crazy ideas. There was nobody around to disturb him, and the silence of the forest was calming. Yuuji forced himself to go over the two most vital points that he desperately didn’t want to bring up. 

First, he had to decide if what Sukuna said about Megumi’s family was true.

Instinctually, his mind responded with a strong no. It was silly, and childish, to actually believe in an old story. But what then? He challenged himself. If Megumi wasn’t as Sukuna said, then how was Yuuji here - alive - right now? If Megumi was normal they would both be dead. The impossible speed, the strength, his eyes shifting from blue to black and back again. There were small signs too, ones Yuuji never looked at until this moment. Megumi had skipped class the day they’d done blood work. He hadn’t said no to the beach until he heard they were going to La Push. He had told Yuuji he was dangerous… So, could they be vampires?

Well, they were at least Something. Whether it was the cold ones from Sukunas story, or his own superhero theory, Megumi wasn’t human. He was something more. That would have to be his answer for now. 

Then the second - and more important question - What was he going to do if that were true? 

If Megumi were a vampire then what should he do? Involving someone else was definitely out, anyone he told would think he was crazy. 

Only two options actually seemed practical. The first was to take his advice and avoid him as much as possible. Yuuji remembered their plans for Saturday and was gripped with a sudden sadness at the idea of canceling, so he quickly skipped to the other option.

He would do nothing different. After all, if Megumi was something sinister he hadn’t actually done anything to him so far. In fact, he had reacted so impossibly quickly to stop the crash that Yuuji couldn’t convince himself that Megumi was evil. And, for argument's sake, even if he had acted to protect him purely on instinct, should he consider an instinct to save good?

Yuuji knew that he had found his answer, but he didn’t know if there had ever been a choice. He was already in too deep. Now that he knew - if he knew - there wasn’t anything he could do about the frightening secret. Because when he thought of Megumi, his smile, his voice, even his sometimes rough personality, all he wanted was to be with him. Even if Megumi was exactly what he suspected. 

The rain was beginning, Yuuji shivered under the wind chill and decided to head back for now. He had done enough soul searching to last a lifetime. He knew he was close to home when he began to hear cars passing on the street. It was noon when he got back inside and went up to his room to actually dress for the day. His afternoon was spent inside, working mostly on a paper for his english class. 

The day was quiet and productive. Yuuji had his paper finished within a few hours, and by eight Nanami was home. Apparently he had been invited fishing after work and had decided to go. When he showed Yuuji photos of his rather large catch he seemed almost eager - Yuuji reasoned that this was probably the most excitable Nanami could get. 

Yuuji actually slept well that night, exhausted from beginning his day so early. He woke for the second time since moving to Forks, to a bright sunny day. The only downside being that it was Monday. His classmates were lively that morning, with everyone enjoying the weather. Yuta was happy to take his attention as they walked to their first classes of the day. 

When lunch finally rolled around Yuuji was excited to see Megumi, his eyes darted immediately to his table upon entering. He was disappointed when there was no sign of him or his siblings. For a moment, his eyes ran over the rest of the cafeteria, hoping to see Megumi alone at a table. When there was still no sign, he made his way to his usual table with a sigh. 

Yuuji ignored the open seat by Yuta in favor of the open one next to Inumaki, who only asked him a few quiet questions. Apparently he, Momo and Maki were going to Port Angeles Tomorrow night after school to shop for the dance - but he knew that Yuuji had probably never seen the small port town before. It was easy to agree, there were a few bookstores in the town that Yuuji had his eye on that he could probably slip away to while the other three were busy. 

Biology was boring without Megumi, and Gym went about as well for him as it always did, so it was a blessing to finally head home for the day. Tuesday followed a similar pattern. The weather had stayed  pleasant, so Megumi’s disappearance wasn’t as unnerving as the first time. When he got home that day it was relieving to know he would only be there for the next hour to get ready for his trip into town. Nanami’s cruiser was in the driveway, but Yuuji figured he must only be home for an early dinner. It could be hectic at the station on weekdays, so it was quickly becoming a normal occurrence to see Nanami for a few hours after school rather than before bed. 

When Yuuji entered the home there was a bag of Mcdonalds on the counter waiting for him, with Nanami in the living room reading a battered old novel - most likely having finished his own dinner already. Yuuji preferred home made cooking to fast food, but after the boring week he was happy to have a bit of unexpected comfort food. 

“How was work?” Yuuji called into the living room as he made his plate. 

Nanami hummed, breaking his attention from the book. “Like work. And school?”

“Like school.” Yuuji shrugged, but continued, “Inumaki invited me to Port Angeles tonight with some friends.”

“Inumaki Toge?”

“Yes, with Maki and Momo. They want to look at things for the dance this weekend.”

“I thought you weren’t going?” Nanami sounded confused. 

“Well, no, but I thought I could keep Inumaki company while the girls dress shop,” Yuuji didn’t actually plan on that, but it was better than saying he’d ditch them the first second he could to find an old bookstore for a book on west coast vampires. That would make him sound crazy.

“Well, alright,” Nanami relinquished, “Are they giving you a ride?” 

“Yeah, they should be here in half an hour. We shouldn’t be back late either.”

“Remember your house key,” and with that Nanami returned to his book.

Yuuji smiled to himself as he finished off the rest of his food and left the living room. He didn’t want to disturb Nanami anymore than he needed to in his limited time at home. It didn’t take him longer than twenty minutes to get ready, swapping his school clothes for a more comfortable t-shirt and jeans. For a moment he debated taking a jacket, but it didn’t look like it would rain today, so instead he left it on his desk chair. 

Inumaki and Momo were already in the nice white car when it pulled up in front of his house not five minutes later. Yuuji made sure to pocket his phone, wallet and keys before leaving. He called a quick goodbye to Nanami who responded from somewhere in the house, likely getting ready to return to work. The three of them left for Maki’s house to pick her up last, and she joined him in the back seat. 

Inumaki drove comparatively faster than Nanami, so they made it to Port Angeles by only Four in the afternoon. The port city was a beautiful tourist trap, Yuuji realized almost instantly as they entered the town. It was small - barely bigger than Forks - but somehow more polished and quaint. The other three had been here all their lives, so they didn’t pay attention to the attractive boardwalk that Yuuji actually wanted to visit. Instead they began a short drive deeper into the city where the town's stores were located. 

Momo was turned around in her seat to talk to Maki about different dresses she had seen online, while Inukami focused on finding parking. Yuuji was playing on his phone but was quickly roped into the girl’s conversation, as they wanted a boy's opinion. He sat his phone on the seat beside him and shook his head, having no clue. Even in past foster homes he’d somehow managed to avoid going to school dances. 

“Not even with friends?” Maki asked politely, while Momo cut in.

“Or a girlfriend?”

“No one ever asked me to one before,” Yuuji shrugged as the four of them stepped out of the now parked car. 

“People ask you here,” Inumaki provided as he pocketed his keys, he seemed to be teasing as he tacked on at the end. “But you reject everyone.” 

“Except for Noritoshi,” Momo giggled, elbowing Yuuji as if they were in on a joke together. 

“What gave you that idea?” 

“He told everyone he’s taking you to Prom.” Momo looked confused. 

“He said what? ” 

“I told you two it wasn’t true.” Maki stepped in to save him, ushering the three of them to the department store. 

“Do you think if I hit him with my truck he’d stop feeling guilty about the accident?” Yuuji muttered. 

“Maybe,” Inumaki said, “If that’s why he’s doing it.”

Yuuji could only curse his luck as they entered the department store, but thankfully the other three left his dating life alone. Maki and Momo were quick to find dresses to try on, while Inumaki started out in the men's section trying to find a new tie. Not wanting to ditch the moment they got there, Yuuji settled down in the waiting area by the dressing room. It was about an hour before the two girls had chosen contenders for their final dresses. Maki was in a sleek forest green dress that just slightly brushed the floor as she walked, while Momo sported a shorter light blue dress that gathered at the waist and ended close to the knees. 

The three of them left for the shoes and accessories area, hoping to find pieces that matched. Yuuji took the chance to talk to Maki as she sat beside him to try on shoes. Momo had gone off to find Inumaki for his opinion. 

“Maki?” He began, hesitant as the girl tried on a pair of black heels. 

“Yes?” She asked, holding her leg out to examine the heel before slipping the other on. 

Yuuji chickened out. “I like those.” 

“I think I’ll get them,” She nodded, standing for a moment, “Though they’ll never match anything but this one dress.”

“They’re on sale,” Yuuji encouraged, Maki gave him a rare smile and sat back down. She pulled the lid off of the shoe box and began the process of returning them for her more practical sneakers. 

This time, Yuuji looked away as he asked what was really on his mind. 

“So, is it normal for um… Fushiguro’s family to be out of school a lot?” He knew he had failed his attempt to sound nonchalant. 

“Yes, when the weather is good they go camping - even the doctor. They might not look it - well some may not - but they’re all fairly… athletic.” Maki told him quietly, not so much a secret, more of a musing thought. She didn’t ask why Yuuji would want to know, just accepted and answered. Yuuji found himself relaxing in Maki’s companionship.

When Momo and Inumaki returned they were ready to leave, but Maki still needed to change back and purchase her items. Inumaki told him that since shopping went faster than expected he and Momo were planning to head down to the bay until dinner. Maki had agreed to go, while Yuuji took this as his chance to escape. 

He told Inumaki about the bookstore he was going to, and that he would meet up with them at the planned restaurant in an hour. The girls didn’t have a problem with it, so as the other three loaded the car with their purchases, Yuuji walked in the opposite direction, deeper into town. 

The bookstore itself was easy to find, and it looked close to the photos on the website he had located. There were crystals in the window, and books on spiritual healing that didn’t interest him in the slightest. It only took a minute for Yuuji to realize that not only was the store another tourist trap, the book he had been looking for was a novelty. He was a bit embarrassed, not to mention dejected as he left the store empty handed. 

Yuuji meandered through the streets, heading towards where he thought the port was. His frustration in the bookstore had most of his attention though, and within a few minutes he realized he didn’t know where he was anymore. The streets had filled with people getting off of work, and by the time they cleared out Yuuji was more lost than when he started. Looking around, Yuuji thought he saw a shiny silver car, but he quickly turned in the opposite direction. He didn’t want to think about Megumi right now, especially not when he was lost and easily distracted. 

It was too early to go looking for the other three, but it was growing dark and he was starting to get nervous. So, Yuuji took the next right, hoping to find a street that would lead back to the boardwalk. There was a group of three men and one woman that turned the corner just before Yuuji made it. They seemed harmless enough, so Yuuji tried to pass them without being noticed. He moved to the edge of the sidewalk, closest to the buildings, as he hurried to pass them. 

“Hey,” One of the men called as he brushed by, and Yuuji knew they had to be talking to him. He looked up and noticed one man had stopped, while the woman and the other two men were slowing down. 

“Hello.” Yuuji mumbleled, hoping to keep it short as he quickly looked away and walked faster. He could hear a few of them talking in hushed tones as he rounded the corner.

“Hey, wait a second…” A different voice spoke up, the woman. This time, Yuuji kept his head down and ignored them.

They didn’t appear to follow him, thankfully, but the sun was quickly dropping and the streetlights hadn’t come on yet keeping Yuuji on edge. He had wandered far past the parts of Port Angeles that would have been familiar to him. Yuuji patted at his jeans, but his phone was nowhere to be found; and nervously he remembered the last time he had seen it was in the back of Inumaki’s car.  His wallet and keys were luckily where they were supposed to be, but without his phone he couldn’t call the others - or Nanami - to pick him up.

What little sun there was disappeared completely behind a cloud, and as Yuuji turned to glare at it he noticed two men approaching about twenty paces behind him.

They were from the same group he had seen earlier, and suddenly his blood ran cold. Yuuji looked forward at once and quickened his pace, hoping to lose them. He listened consciously for the footsteps behind him, and had to remind himself to breathe. His mistake was obvious a moment later when upon turning onto the next street, it led to a dead end. The other two from earlier - the man and woman he hadn’t paid as much attention to - were at the end of the road, with others that weren’t with them earlier.

“So, it really was you,” The man called out. “Not so tough without your guard dog huh?”

When the street lamps around them blinked to life, Yuuji realized what he hadn’t before. He had met the pair at the end of the road before, albeit briefly. His mind flashed back to the pair he had bumped into at the airport on his first day in Forks. The aggressive man with tattoo’s along his neck, who had chickened out when he saw Nanami. 

Yuuji felt sick as the girl laughed and the men behind him closed in and ushered him further into the trap. 

“He’s kinda cute,” The girl giggled, “A bit of a waste.”

The tattooed man waved his men along and began to approach him, and though Yuuji knew he could handle his own in a fight, five against one wasn’t the best of odds. Yuuji had prepared to scream, air filled his lungs so completely it was almost painful, but his voice was too weak to let it out. He was without his phone, without friends, without protection. And it scared him quiet. 

The strongest looking man shrugged off of a wall and walked into the street, stepping behind the tattooed man.

“Stay away from me,” Yuuji warned as he took a hesitant step back, his eyes locked on the intimidating man. 

He braced himself, preparing to fight back if needed or to run the moment an opportunity presented itself. A pessimistic voice in the back of his head told him he probably stood no chance in a fight. He forced the voice to shut up, resolving to at least take one down with him if it came to that. He swallowed thickly as the space between the first attacker and himself closed. 

A blinding flash stunned the entire group as headlights suddenly flew around the corner. The two men behind Yuuji who had been keeping him caged in had to jump out of the way. Yuuji took the chance and leapt desperately for the road, figuring that even if the car hit him he could probably live through that. Unexpectedly, the car screeched as it fishtailed around Yuuji and stopped only feet from him with the passenger door wide open. 

“Get in!” A furious voice demanded. 

If the situation weren’t dire, Yuuji would be amazed by the speed his fear vanished even before he was off the street.  He hopped into the passenger seat in just a second’s time and slammed the door shut. The lock clicked into place automatically. 

It was dark in the car, Yuuji could barely see his savior's face in the light of the car’s dashboard but it wasn’t necessary. The car gunned it to life again, and quickly spun back around to the road exit, almost taking out two of the men again. Yuuji caught a glimpse of them diving for the sidewalk again as the car sped away. 

“Put your seatbelt on.” Megumi commanded. 

Yuuji had to release his iron grip on the door to obey, but he felt more secure with it on. A nervous sigh slipped past his lips as the tension began to ease and his frightened breathing finally evened. Megumi took a sharp left, blowing through every stop sign he passed. 

Yuuji felt completely safe despite the reckless driving, and was unconcerned with where they were going for the time being. He stared at Megumi in relief, taking in each flawless feature in the limited light as he waited for his fluttering heartbeat to slow. Until it occurred to him how murderously furious Megumi’s expression was. 

“Are you okay?” Yuuji asked, surprised by how weak his voice sounded. 

“No.” It was curt, and his tone was livid with no room for further discussion. 

Yuuji sat in stunned silence, but he knew better than to pick at that scab right now. With the look on the raven’s face he wouldn’t be talking again until he was ready. That time seemed to come sooner than usual, as Megumi pulled the car over on a side road filled with trees. It was dark, and though they were probably only a minute out of Port Angeles it felt like they were the only two for miles. 

“Yuuji?” Megumi’s voice sounded strained, it was obvious he was trying to control his tone now. 

“Yes..?” He asked after a pause. 

“Are you... alright?” Megumi didn’t look at him, but he sounded hesitant to hear the answer. 

“Yeah. I’m okay.” 

“Distract me,” Megumi asked, before adding, “Please.”

“Um,” Yuuji drew a blank, spitting out the first thing to come to mind, “I’m going to hit Noritoshi with my truck on monday.” 

“Why?” He still sounded upset, but at least now there was an amused twitch to the corner of his lips. 

“He’s telling everyone he’s taking me to Prom,” Yuuji began to relax, “So, I figure if I hit him with my car we’re even. Maybe he’ll stop feeling guilty and realize taking me to Prom is a stupid way to make up for it.”

“I heard about that,” Megumi sounded a bit more composed. 

“You did?” Yuuji asked in disbelief, of course word had gotten to Megumi before it’d even gotten to himself.

Megumi finally turned to look at him with a scoff, the livid fury in his eyes had turned to a manageable simmer. 

“Better?”

“Not really,” Megumi shook his head, but he didn’t speak again when Yuuji waited for him to. 

Megumi broke their gaze and leaned back against his seat to stare at the roof of his car instead. 

“What’s wrong?” Yuuji finally asked in a whisper.

“My temper,” Megumi returned in a whisper of his own, “It wouldn’t be… helpful for me to turn around and hunt down those…” He didn’t - or couldn’t - finish his sentence as he struggled to contain his anger again. “At least, that’s what I’m trying to convince myself.”

“Oh,” It seemed lacking, but Yuuji couldn’t think of a better response. They sat in silence for a long moment before Yuuji changed the subject. “The others must be wondering where I am, we were supposed to get dinner.”

Megumi didn’t answer him, instead he put the car back into drive and pulled off smoothly into the road. In no time they were back under the bright streetlights, going too fast for Yuuji’s taste, though Megumi was weaving easily through the other cars. Soon, they closed in on the boardwalk, and eventually parked in a space Yuuji thought would have been too small for the silver car. Looking out the passenger window, he could see the lights of the restaurant he had promised to meet his friends at; La Bella Italia. Inumaki, Momo, and Maki were on their way out, looking anxious. 

“How did you know…?” Yuuji began, but the door opened behind him and he turned to see Megumi getting out. He rolled down his window and rephrased, “What are you doing?”

“I’m getting you dinner.” Megumi’s smile was still strained, but it was a start.

Megumi opened Yuuji’s door for him, while the pink haired boy fumbled to get his seatbelt off. He hurried out of the car and stopped at Megumi’s side. The other boy shut the door and locked his car, Yuuji saw him slip the keys into his back pocket. The sound of the door closing must have alerted his friends, because the next thing he heard was Momo’s voice. 

“Where have you been?” She sounded more suspicious than upset.

“I got lost,” Yuuji hesitated, he didn’t want to go too far into detail, “And then I ran into Megumi.”

“Is it alright if I join you all?” He sounded much more composed than just a few minutes ago, but Yuuji had learned to recognize the polite mask. His friends, however, were stunned by the soft smile and even tone. 

“Sure!” Momo was quick to respond. 

“Actually, Yuuji,” Maki interrupted, “I’m sorry, but we went ahead and ate.”

“It’s fine - I’m not really hungry.” He was prepared to shrug it off when Megumi entered the conversation again.

“You should eat something,” His voice was low, but it wasn’t questioning. Megumi’s attention turned to Yuuji’s friends, “If it’s alright, I’ll drive Yuuji home after he’s had dinner.”

Momo looked like she wanted to say something, but Inumaki beat her to the punch.

“No problem.”

“I’ll see you on Monday, Yuuji.” Maki smiled softly at him before turning her gaze to the taller boy. She appraised him before nodding, “Nice to run into you, Fushiguro.” 

Maki ushered the other two away and Yuuji watched as they walked to Inumaki’s car at the end of the street. Momo was nice enough to wave, so he returned it with a small one of his own. He waited until they had driven away to muster up the courage it would take to face Megumi. 

“I’m really not that hungry,” Yuuji said, finally looking up. 

“Humor me.” 

He walked to the door of the restaurant and stubbornly held it open until Yuuji gave in and entered. There obviously wasn’t going to be any more discussion, and to be honest, he was actually feeling a bit hungry now that the adrenaline rush was passing. 

The restaurant was emptier than Yuuji expected, but he figured that it must still be the off season. The hostess was quick to lead them to a table for two, but Megumi didn’t look pleased. He leaned down enough to whisper a request to the hostess, slipping her what Yuuji assumed to be a tip. For a moment he was stunned, Yuuji had never seen anyone refuse a table outside of old movies. The next table they were led to was much more private, a small booth out of sight from most of the other patrons.  

“This is perfect.” Megumi nodded, giving the hostess a fraction of a smile but even that seemed enough to stun her. 

“Um,” She blushed, “Your waitress will be right out.”

“You really shouldn’t do that to people,” Yuuji said when the Hostess was out of sight, “It’s not fair.”

“Do what?”

“You’re joking; acting smooth like that - dazzling people. She’s probably in the kitchen having a meltdown.” 

“I do?” Megumi didn’t sound embarrassed, rather any anger that lingered in his eyes had been replaced by amused curiosity. A sly smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he continued before Yuuji could answer. “Am I dazzling to you?” 

“Increasingly, lately.” Yuuji answered despite the heat in his cheeks. 

Their server arrived, a young woman with light brown hair pulled into a high ponytail. Yuuji assumed the Hostess had been gossiping behind the scenes as the waitress eyed Megumi over, and she didn’t look disappointed. In comparison Yuuji was only given a quick glance in acknowledgement.

“Hello, I’m Ivy and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I get you started with something to drink?” She playfully tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she eyed Megumi. 

He looked at Yuuji. 

“I’ll just have a coke.”  

“Two cokes,” Megumi said, tacking on as an afterthought. “Thanks.”

“I’ll be right back,” She gave him another unnecessary smile, but Megumi either didn’t see it or care to regard it. He seemed to be more interested in watching Yuuji. 

“How are you feeling?” He asked when the waitress was out of range. 

“I’m fine,” Yuuji replied, surprisingly honest. 

“You don’t feel dizzy?” Megumi looked confused, “Maybe sick? Cold…?”

“Should I?” Yuuji felt just as confused as the other boy looked. 

“I’m waiting for you to go into shock.” Megumi chuckled despite his words.

“I think I’m alright, really,” Yuuji reassured, “I’m usually pretty good at moving on from things.”

“Still, it’ll make me feel better if you get a little something to eat.” 

As if on cue their waitress returned with their drinks and a basket of breadsticks. Her back faced Yuuji as she regarded Megumi first. 

“All ready to order?” She smiled. 

“Yuuji,” Megumi directed. At his hesitation his voice turned gentle, “Please?”

“Um,” Yuuji felt his cheeks warm again as he finally gave in and glanced at the menu. He chose the first thing he saw, “The Penne Rosa, please.” 

“And you?” The waitress turned quickly back to Megumi. 

“Nothing for me,” He said. Of course not, Yuuji’s mind echoed. When the waitress left, he pushed Yuuji’s drink towards him. “Drink.”

Yuuji sipped the soda obediently, and then suddenly began to take longer and larger drinks. He was surprised by how thirsty he was, but thinking back on the night he had it was probably to be expected. He realized he’d finished his drink when Megumi slid his own glass over. 

“Thanks,” Yuuji mumbled, setting down the empty cup. He didn’t immediately go to drink again, as the chill from the first was already making him shiver a bit.

“Are you cold?” 

“It’s just the coke,” Yuuji explained, rubbing his arm with his free hand. 

“Where’s your jacket?” 

“I left it at home,” Yuuji admitted, flushing at Megumi’s disapproving stare, “I didn’t think I would need it.” 

Megumi was shrugging out of his jacket before Yuuji realized what was going on. It was too late to fight back, so he accepted the black leather jacket as it was offered out to him. Yuuji averted his eyes as he mumbled a shy thanks. 

When he put it on, it was surprisingly cold - the way his own jacket felt when he first picked it up in the morning before school. He shivered again, and slowly relaxed into the material. The jacket had a surprisingly pleasant scent at least, not like cologne; almost pine, like the forest. The sleeves were a bit long, but Yuuji just pushed them up. 

His attention finally turned back to Megumi when he was settled back in. The other boy was left in a black knit turtleneck, so Yuuji didn’t feel too bad about taking his jacket since his own T-shirt didn’t offer any warmth. Upon noticing he had Yuuji’s attention again, Megumi slyly pushed the bread basket towards him. 

“I’m not going into shock.” Yuuji huffed. “Seriously.”

“A normal person would. You don’t even look shaken,” He seemed unsettled. As he stared into Yuuji’s eyes, Yuuji realized just how blue they were tonight. Still deep, and ocean like, but this time clearer than ever and much more vivid. An honest reply forced its way up and out of his throat under the mesmerizing stare.

“I feel safe with you.”

The confession didn’t make Megumi happy, instead his brow furrowed and he shook his head. 

“This is getting complicated,” He mumbled, “More than I planned for it to, at least.”

Yuuji picked up a breadstick and nibbled at it hesitantly, wondering if it would be a good time to start questioning him. 

“You know,” Yuuji started, hoping to distract him from the last topic, “You’re usually in a better mood when your eyes are blue.”

“What ?” Megumi’s eyes were a fraction wider, stunned. 

“I don’t know why, but you just seem crabbier when they’re black - so I expect it then.” Yuuji nodded, “I have a bit of an idea why.”

“More theories?” Megumi sighed, “Not from comic books this time I hope.”

“Well, I didn’t get it from a book, but I didn’t think of it on my own either.”

“And?” Megumi pressed. 

“I’ll tell you in the car, but only if-”

“There are conditions?” Megumi raised a cautious eyebrow. 

“I have questions of my own,” He lowered his voice as the waitress approached, "And this time I deserve answers." 

The waitress was back with Yuuji’s plate, cutting their conversation for the time being. She tried to offer the menu to Megumi once more, but was politely refused again. Megumi’s stare was intense, almost impatient as the waitress made a second trip to refill the empty soda glass. Finally when they were alone again, Megumi nodded towards the glass and Yuuji took a sip. 

“Well, ask,” He pushed the moment they couldn’t be overheard. 

“Why are you in Port Angeles?” 

Yuuji started with what he thought would be the easiest to answer. Megumi looked down and folded his hands on the table. There was a long pause, and Yuuji thought he was going to get an answer when the black haired boy finally looked up at him. His eyes flicked up under his eyelashes, and a hint of a smirk pulled at his lips. 

“Next.”

“What’s wrong with-”

“Next,” Megumi repeated.

Yuuji glared over at him before he lifted his silverware and began to eat. If he couldn’t even ask why Megumi was here, then he would need a minute to think over his next question. The Rosa was good, if a bit spicy, but it wasn’t so good that it kept him quiet for more than a few minutes. 

“Alright,” Yuuji tried again, “Then let’s say, hypothetically, that someone could… read minds, maybe with a few exceptions-”

“One exception,” Megumi cut in, “hypothetically, of course.” 

“Okay, only one,” Yuuji was quick to nod, thrilled the other boy was playing alone. “How would that all work though? Wouldn’t there be some kind of limitation? And how would that… person find someone else at the exact right moment? How would he even know they were in trouble?”

“Well, if that... someone had been paying closer attention the timing wouldn’t have needed to be so exact,” Megumi suddenly sounded humorous, “I mean, only you could find trouble in a town this size.” 

“This is supposed to be hypothetical.” Yuuji mumbled, eating another few bites of food.

“Right, of course.” Megumi nodded.

“How did you know?” Yuuji finally pressed. 

Megumi bit his bottom lip and didn’t answer. It seemed like he wanted to, but something was keeping him back. 

“You can trust me.” 

“I don’t think I have a choice anymore,” Megumi finally sighed. “I was wrong - you’re much more observant than I thought.”

“I thought you were always right.” 

“I used to be,” This time he laughed, “I was wrong about another thing too. You’re not prone to accidents, you’re a magnet for trouble. Anything dangerous within 10 miles will find you.” 

“And you put yourself in that category?” 

“Without question.” 

Yuuji swallowed thickly and gathered his courage. He reached his free hand across the table, the tips of his fingers just barely brushed along Megumi’s cold right hand. Surprisingly, he didn’t shy away from the contact, though he didn’t embrace it either. 

“You saved me twice already,” Yuuji spoke gently, “So, thank you.” 

Megumi’s expression softened, but he suddenly looked guilty as he slowly pulled his hands back from Yuuji’s. His eyes locked on the table as he leaned in, his voice low as he admitted:

“I followed you here,” He looked like a punished child as he continued, his words rushed to explain.  “That’s why I’m in Port Angeles. I don’t think normal people go through as many near death experiences as you, but I’ve never tried to keep a specific person alive before.” 

Megumi paused and his eyes flicked up to meet his own once. Yuuji wondered if he should be bothered that he was being followed, but he felt himself smiling anyway. 

“Did you ever think maybe my number was up with the van?” Yuuji laughed softly, “Like final destination. You’re tempting fate now.”

“That wasn’t the first time,” Megumi muttered, but he fixed Yuuji with a hard gaze,  “Your number was up when I met you.”

Yuuji recalled that first day in Biology, that hard and hate filled stare that shook him for days. It was easy to keep the nervous shiver from the memory at bay, because he knew now how safe he felt in Megumi’s presence. 

“You remember.”

“I do.”

“But you’re still sitting here.” He raised a disbelieving eyebrow. 

“Because of you,” Yuuji quickly corrected before prompting him again, “Because, somehow, you knew how to find me today.” 

Megumi pursed his lips and appeared to be mulling over a choice again. He stared at Yuuji with narrowed eyes before glancing at his half full plate. 

“You eat, I’ll talk.” 

Yuuji didn’t resist, instead he scooped up another bite of his Rosa and ate without thinking. His eyes never left Megumi’s, almost challenging the taller boy now that he was eating again. Megumi sighed and gave in, apparently expecting some kind of push back. 

“It’s a lot harder to keep track of you than it really should be,” Megumi finally started when Yuuji took a second, then third bite. “Usually I can find someone easily, once I’ve heard them before.” 

He was looking at Yuuji anxiously as he finished the thought. Yuuji forced himself not to react as he swallowed and stuffed another bite of food into his mouth. 

“I was keeping tabs on Inumaki, apparently not carefully enough. Like I said, only you could find trouble in Port Angeles-'' At Yuuji’s glare he continued, “But, at first, I didn’t realize you’d left on your own. When I figured out you weren’t with your friends I went looking for the bookstore I saw in Inumaki’s head. When I got there you were already gone, so I followed you south. I searched through the thoughts of people on the street, but no one had seen you. I knew there wasn’t any reason to worry but… I felt nervous.

I was driving in circles, listening to everyone who passed until the sun went down. I thought about getting out to find you on foot but-” He stopped when suddenly his jaw clenched tightly. Megumi made an effort to calm himself down, but it took Yuuji’s prompt to get him going again. 

“What?” Yuuji whispered, Megumi’s glare locked on the table. 

“I heard what they were thinking. How that man wanted to… hurt you,” He spit, his lips curling back slightly as his voice dipped low. “I saw your face in his mind.” 

Megumi leaned forward to rest against the table, the weight of the story was taking most of his patience. One hand covered his mouth for a moment as he collected himself before he continued.

“I saw it over and over, all the different ways he planned,” Megumi took a deep breath, “It was so hard, you couldn’t imagine, to leave them back there once I had you. I could have let you go home with your friends and tracked them down. I could find them right now and it would be easy - like shooting fish in a barrel.” 

Yuuji sat stunned, his thoughts were an incoherent mess. He rested his fork against his almost empty plate and leaned back in his chair at some point during Megumi’s speech. Now, his hands were folded in his lap as he looked over the taller boy, trying to understand everything he had been told. Megumi, comparatively, was stiff with nerves. For a moment, Yuuji thought he resembled a statue, before his eyes finally fixed Yuuji with a stare filled with an intense  emotion he’d ever seen out of the other boy. 

“Are you ready to go home?” Megumi finally asked. 

“I’m ready to leave.” He nodded, grateful that they would have at least an hour’s drive home. Yuuji didn’t want to say goodbye yet. 

Megumi waved their waitress over, and she was happy to bring them the check. She handed him the leather book from her apron, but Megumi had a bill prepared already. He slipped it into the book and handed it back to her, already preparing to leave. 

“Keep the change,” He said as he stood, and Yuuji hurried to follow along behind him. 

When they reached the exit Megumi held the door for him again. Yuuji was surprised by the notion of how date-like the night had been. The idea of a first kiss popped into his mind, but he was quick to repress the thought. He blushed, grateful that he was an exception to the other boy’s mind reading ability. Yuuji sighed softly, but when Megumi raised a curious eyebrow he shook his head. 

When they were back by the silver car Megumi opened the passenger door, only shutting it again once Yuuji stepped in. He walked with the same graceful stride around the front of the car, and Yuuji thought that it really shouldn’t amaze him like it still did. Once inside the car, Megumi turned the key and switched the heater on high. It had been cold during their brief moment outside, but the gifted jacket had kept Yuuji warm. Now in the chill of the car he welcomed the extra heat.

Yuuji almost drifted off as the jacket's scent and the warmth from the heater surrounded him, but Megumi cleared his throat once to catch his attention as he merged out into the road. 

“Now,” He said seriously when they were well clear of the restaurant, “It’s your turn, Yuuji.”

Chapter Text

“Can I ask one more thing?” Yuuji pouted as Megumi began to accelerate down the empty road. 

“One.” Megumi nodded.

“Well… you said you knew I left the bookstore, so you followed me south. I was just wondering how you knew which way I went.” 

Megumi kept his eyes on the road and didn’t answer. 

“Come on, I thought we were past avoidance now.” 

“Fine...” Megumi mumbled reluctantly, “I followed your scent.”

“Okay.” Yuuji couldn’t think of a proper response, so he accepted it for now. He would have to think about what that meant to him later, for now he refocused on the conversation. He wasn’t ready to finish his questioning, not now that Megumi was giving up answers. 

“You didn’t answer one of my earlier questions-”

“Which one?” Megumi cut in. 

“Well, how does mind reading work? Can you read anyone’s mind, anywhere? And how do you even do it? Can the rest of your family?” 

“That’s more than one,” He pointed out, but when Yuuji didn’t regard him he just sighed, “But, no, it’s only me. And I have limits, I need to be fairly close. The more I listen to someone’s… voice I guess you could call it, the easier it is to hear them from farther away. But even then it’s no more than a few miles at the maximum. If you’ve ever been in a crowded subway station it’s similar to that, a low hum in the background. If I focus on a voice then it becomes clear; but most of the time I tune it out.”

“Why do you think you can’t hear me?” Yuuji asked, curious. 

“I don’t know,” Megumi glanced at him briefly, mulling over the question, “Maybe your mind doesn’t work the same as others. It could be like the radio, your thoughts are in AM but I only get FM.”

“I don’t work the same? Is there something wrong with me?” Yuuji frowned, reaching for his head as the comparison bothered him more than it really should. 

“I tell you that I can read minds and you think there’s something wrong with you, ” Megumi laughed softly, shaking his head. “It’s just a theory anyway. Now, my turn.”

Yuuji sighed, hesitant to begin. 

“I thought we were past avoiding each other?” Megumi reminded him. 

His eyes wondered as Yuuji avoided the unasked question, he really didn’t want to bring up more embarrassing theories but he knew he owed it to the other boy. He glanced at the speedometer and almost had a heart attack. 

“Holy shit!” He shouted, gripping tightly at his seatbelt.

“What’s wrong?” Megumi was startled, but the car kept steady. 

“Are you joking? Slow down!” Yuuji shouted again, “You’re passing a hundred!” 

“Relax, Yuuji. We’re not going to crash.” 

“Why are you in such a hurry?” He tried to keep his voice even despite his pounding heartbeat. 

“I always drive like this.” Megumi turned to grin at him, but it was short lived. 

“Keep your eyes on the road!” 

“I’ve never been in an accident, and I have a built-in police scanner.” He said, tapping his forehead in example.

“Very funny, but when this thing crashes only one of us will walk away from it,” Yuuji warned, relaxing as the speed dial ticked down towards ninety. 

“Better?” Megumi asked when they made it to an even eighty, Yuuji nodded reluctantly. 

“For now.”

“Then enough commentary on my driving, I’m still waiting.” 

Megumi looked at him, and when Yuuji bit his lip nervously he tacked on.

“I won’t laugh.” 

“I don’t think you will,” Yuuji mumbled, “I’m more worried you’ll be angry.”

“It’s that bad?” 

“I think so.”

“I won’t be angry at you,” Megumi’s voice was calm, “So go ahead.” 

“It was at the beach,” Yuuji finally began, risking a glance at Megumi, “I ran into a… friend of the family. Sukuna.”

He waited for a moment to see if the name would ring a bell, and when it didn’t he continued. 

“His family lives in the neighborhood past the river, near La Push,” Yuuji watched as Megumi’s expression froze, “We went for a walk, and he told me stories about the area. Mostly old legends - I think he was trying to scare me. But, there was one…” 

“Yeah?” Megumi prompted. 

“About Vampires.” 

He had to whisper it, feeling silly for even mentioning it out loud. But, in that moment, he caught Megumi’s hands twitching as they tightened around the steering wheel. 

“And you thought of me?” He asked. 

“No, he mentioned your family,” Yuuji shook his head, and when Megumi didn’t answer he continued. “He thought it was an old wives tale, but… I forced him to tell me anyway.”

“Why?” 

“Because one of the older boys who came with him said your family didn’t come past the river. But, it didn’t sound like a choice. I got Sukuna alone and picked it out of him.” Yuuji admitted. 

Megumi surprised him by laughing, but instead of answering Yuuji’s questioning look he simply asked; “Well, what did you do then?” 

“I looked it up online.”

“And that convinced you?” He didn’t sound interested, but his grip was tightening further on the wheel. 

“No, none of it fit. I mean, most of it was just dumb. And then…” Yuuji paused. 

“What?”

“Well, I guess then I decided it didn’t matter.” 

“It didn’t matter? ” Megumi asked incredulously. His tone made Yuuji look up, and he would be lying if he said he didn’t feel a little bit proud about breaking Megumi’s calm facade. His face, however, looked upset enough to keep Yuuji from saying as much. 

Yuuji stood his ground. “It doesn’t matter to me what you are.”

“You don’t care if I’m a monster?” Megumi scoffed, almost mocking as he continued, “If I’m not human ?”

“No.” 

Megumi stared straight ahead again and the cold mask returned. He didn’t respond. 

“I knew you’d be angry,” Yuuji sighed, “I didn’t want to tell you.”

“I’m not angry with you,” He sounded like it, but his face relaxed a fraction. “I want to know what you’re thinking, as insane as it is.”

“I’m wrong again then?” Yuuji frowned. 

“That’s not what I was talking about.” 

“So I was right!?” He gasped. 

“Does it matter ?” Megumi whispered. 

He was tense, and his grip on the steering wheel was tightening again; but this time it didn’t look angry to Yuuji. Instead he looked afraid, hesitant. Like he was expecting Yuuji to laugh in his face and take it all back. 

“Not to me.” He settled on, “But now I’m curious.”

Megumi’s shoulders relaxed noticeably as he regarded Yuuji again. “About what?”

“Well… How old are you?” 

“I died at seventeen.”

“Okay.” Yuuji nodded, he knew that would be as much of an answer as he would get for now so he quickly moved on, “Then, I guess my next question would be, how can you come out during the day?”

“That’s a myth.”

“So the sun doesn’t burn you?”

“I’ll show you sometime.” Megumi said instead, his voice now carrying an edge of humor. 

“Alright, well what about sleeping in coffins?” 

“Myth.” Megumi paused, then continued hesitantly. “I don’t sleep.” 

“At all?” 

“Not even for a second.” His voice was almost inaudible as he turned to look at Yuuji with a wistful expression. 

His eyes held Yuuji’s, but he was too stunned to look away. The deep blue irises had him locked in again, and he was quickly losing his train of thought. He stared until Megumi turned back to the road. 

“You’re forgetting the most important part though.” 

“Which is?” Yuuji asked, still dazed. 

“What do I eat?” He asked dryly. 

“Oh, that,” He hesitated to bring it up but, “Sukuna mentioned something about it.”

“And what did he say?” 

“That you don’t feed on humans. Your family wasn’t supposed to be dangerous because you hunt animals instead.” 

“He said we aren’t dangerous?” Megumi scoffed. 

“You weren’t supposed to be.” Yuuji corrected, “But, they didn’t want you over there anyway, just in case.” 

“It seems his family has a long memory.” Megumi mused, which Yuuji took as confirmation, “They’re right to keep their distance, we’re not safe. Don’t let that make you comfortable.” 

“I don’t understand.” Yuuji frowned. 

“We try, and we’re usually very good at it,” He spoke slowly, “But sometimes we make mistakes. Like letting myself be alone with you.” 

“This isn’t a mistake.” He couldn’t help the hurt in his voice. 

“It’s a very, very dangerous one, Yuuji.”

They were both silent after that. Yuuji watched the headlights of passing cars as it had gotten so dark that nothing else was visible to him in the pitch black. They were still moving too fast for his tastes, the mountain roads curving sharply at each turn only worsened it. He was aware of how quickly their time was passing and it left a bitter taste in his mouth. He was afraid that when the night was over Megumi may disappear again. Megumi’s words had hinted at an end, and Yuuji hated that. 

“I want to know more about you anyway,” He spoke up, disregarding the warning. “Will you tell me?”

Megumi glanced over, surprised by his sudden 180. “Well.. what else do you want to know?”

“Why do you hunt animals instead of people?” He pressed, almost desperately. 

“I don’t want to be a monster.” He sighed.

“Are they enough, though?”

“I can never be sure. It doesn’t completely fill the hunger, it’s just enough. It keeps us strong enough to resist humans, most of the time.” His voice was strained. “It can be hard.” 

“Is it right now?” Yuuji asked. 

“Impossibly,” Megumi continued, “But… I can bear it.” 

“Because you’re not hungry right now,” Yuuji nodded confidently. 

“What makes you say that?”

“Your eyes. I told you I had an idea about them. People get upset when they’re hungry, and you’re at your grumpiest when they’re black.”

“You’re too observant,” Megumi chuckled, “Are you sure you’re not the mind reader?” 

Yuuji smiled along with him, committing Megumi’s laughter to memory.

“Were you hunting last weekend with Junpei?” He asked when they quieted down. 

“Yes,” Megumi mulled over his words before he spoke again, “I didn’t want to leave, even though I had to. But, it’s easier to be around you when I’m not thirsty.” 

“Why didn’t you want to leave then?” 

“I don’t...  like to be far away from you.” He admitted carefully, “I feel anxious the whole time. I wasn’t kidding when I asked you not to fall into the ocean. It distracted me the entire weekend, and after tonight I’m surprised you made it through a day.” Megumi’s eyes flicked towards his hands. “Not entirely uninjured though.”

“I tripped at the beach, that’s all.”

“That’s what I figured,” He smiled genuinely this time, “I guess it could have gone worse. But, that possibility is what kept me on edge. I don’t usually get on Junpei’s nerves, but I think he wanted to kill me by the time we got home. It was a long three days.”

“Three?” Yuuji furrowed his eyebrows, “Didn’t you get back today?”

“No, we were back by Sunday night.” 

“Then where were you the last few days?” 

“It’s been nice out, remember?” Megumi chuckled, “The sunlight.”

Yuuji thought about it for a moment before mumbling. “You could have called.”

“But I knew you were safe?” 

“I didn’t know where you were. I was…” Yuuji hesitated, looking away. 

“What?” 

“I didn’t like it, not seeing you… or knowing where you were.” He had never admitted anything like this, heat filled his cheeks again as he whispered the rest. “It makes me anxious too.”

Megumi was silent for a long time. Normally Yuuji would have prompted him, but the pained expression on the other boy's face made him pause. 

“This… is wrong..” Megumi finally sighed. 

“What did I say?” Yuuji felt wounded, unable to understand his response. 

“Don’t you get it? I don’t care if I make myself miserable, but I don’t want to hurt you.” He turned his pained gaze to the road, and kept his tone even. “But it’s inevitable. I don’t want you to feel that way about me. It’s wrong. I’m lethal for you Yuuji - please, you have to understand that.” 

“No.” Yuuji said stubbornly, trying not to look like a child. “I already told you I don’t care. There’s no going back from this, I’m already in deep. It’s too late.” 

“Please, Don’t say that. Ever.” Megumi all but begged with the desperation in his voice. 

Yuuji sat quietly, a frown set deep on his lips. His eyes were focused on their surroundings again, watching as the trees flew by outside. Yuuji figured they were getting close to Forks by now, and the night was finally beginning to catch up with him. 

“What are you thinking?” Megumi whispered. 

Yuuji didn’t trust his voice, so he shook his head instead. There was a lump in his throat that he couldn’t break past, and his eyes were stinging. 

“Are you crying?” He sounded surprised. Yuuji quickly reached a hand up to wipe the few tears that slipped out without his permission. 

“No.” He snipped back, but his voice cracked and betrayed him. 

From the corner of his eye, Yuuji saw Megumi reach hesitantly towards him. Slowly, he let his hand fall over the one still in Yuuji’s lap. The touch was feather light, and if it weren’t for the slight chill he might not have felt it. 

“I’m sorry.” His voice was full of honest regret. “I’m just… trying so hard to keep you safe. It's painful to hear that it’s too late.”

Yuuji dropped his hand from his face and breathed out a heavy sigh. This was all new to him, and from the sound of it to Megumi as well. He could forgive him of one petty disagreement. 

“I know.” He whispered back and his hand reached for Megumi’s in return. Megumi allowed him to hold on this time. “We’ve both had a long day.”

It was a few minutes before Megumi spoke again, and when he did he went with a lighter tone. 

“Can I ask you another question?”

“Yes.” 

“What were you thinking earlier, just before I came around the corner? I couldn’t figure out your expression.” 

“I was, um, trying to decide which one of them I could take in a fight. I figured I should at least try to take one down with me.” 

“You were seriously going to fight?” Megumi asked incredulously, “You didn’t think about running?”

“Well, I didn’t exactly have a way out.” Yuuji shrugged, “And I injured my knee a few years ago, so I trip when I run sometimes.”

“What about screaming?” 

“I was getting there.”

“Yeah, I’m definitely tempting fate to keep you alive.” Megumi laughed softly. 

The car was slowing, passing into the small town of Forks. They would reach his house soon, and the lump in Yuuji’s throat returned. 

“Will I see you tomorrow?

“I’ll save you a seat at lunch.” Megumi smiled.

It was dumb, but the night had been so hard that just that tiny promise sent butterflies through his stomach. They had pulled up in front of Nanami’s house, the lights were on in the living room and the cruiser was in the driveway. It was such a normal sight it was almost jarring. Megumi stopped the car and squeezed Yuuji’s hand gently before releasing it, but the pinkette didn’t move. 

“You promise you will?” Yuuji whispered.

“I promise.”

Yuuji considered it for a moment before nodding. He unbuckled his seatbelt and started to pull off Megumi’s jacket when the other boy stopped him. 

“Keep it - it’s supposed to be cold tomorrow; you can give it back then.” 

Normally Yuuji would have given it back anyway, but the look in Megumi’s eye told him it was more than just that. The jacket was his way of proving the promise, so Yuuji shrugged it back on with a shy smile. 

“Right,” He nodded, his hand on the door handle. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then?” 

“Yuuji?” He called, serious again but hesitant. “Will you promise me something in return?” 

“Yes.” He said a bit too quickly. 

“Don’t go into the forest alone.” His lips pursed before he elaborated, “I’m not always the most dangerous thing there.” 

Yuuji shivered at the thought, but was somewhat relieved. This was a promise he could honor. “Sure. No forest, got it.” 

He turned to open the door unwillingly. The promise of tomorrow would get him through the night, but he already couldn’t wait to see Megumi again. 

“Yuuji?” The pink haired boy turned on command, eager for even just one more second. 

Megumi’s pale, gorgeous face was inches from his own. Their breath mixed in the space between them and Yuuji’s heart skipped a beat. His face flushed instantly, and he silently cursed the heart on his sleeve. Every movement from Megumi was slow and calculated, but his eyes held a new resolve. His left hand reached up to gently cup Yuuji’s cheek, and suddenly his heart was pounding. 

It was intoxicating being this close to Megumi. His thumb caressed Yuuji’s cheekbone, and the pink haired boy slowly leaned in. They were just a hair's breadth away when Megumi took a shaky breath and leaned back. His hand lowered to cup Yuuji’s jaw  as the pad of his thumb brushed his lower lip gently.

“I’m sorry. This is as close as I can get for now,” He looked pained as he put distance between them and retracted his hand. “Sleep well, Yuuji. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Megumi sighed softly, and Yuuji knew it was time to go. 

He nodded, blissed out just from that short contact. Yuuji waited for his brain to reboot before awkwardly stepping out of the car. He used the frame for support, ignoring Megumi’s laugh. There was a plus side to finally leaving, Megumi wouldn’t be able to see the red that clearly tinted his cheeks now. 

Yuuji peeked around his shoulder when he reached the door, and saw that Megumi was still parked out front. It wasn’t until he was inside that he heard the car's engine start, and when he looked through the doors peep hole he was gone. Yuuji let himself be touched by the action. He leaned back against the door for a moment and hugged the new jacket around himself with a pleased smile. He basked in the comforting warmth for one last moment before he shrugged it off to hang up. 

“Yuuji?” Nanami called from the living room. 

“Yeah, it’s me.” Yuuji walked in to greet him, the TV was on and playing a movie. 

“You’re home earlier than I thought you’d be.” 

“I am?”

“I wasn’t expecting you until Ten,” He mused, “Did you enjoy yourself?”

“Mhm, it was fun.” Yuuji’s head was spinning as he tried to remember his time in the department store. It felt like a lifetime ago when it’d only been a few hours. “Both of the girls found dresses.”

“Are you feeling alright?” Nanami asked as he took in Yuuji’s worn out state.

“It was a lot of walking, so I’m just tired.” 

“If you’ve already had dinner then try getting some rest.” Nanami said. “I’ll have the day off tomorrow, so let me know if you’re still not feeling well in the morning.” 

“Alright, goodnight then.” Yuuji offered him a drowsy smile as he turned and left for his room. Nanami called a goodnight of his own. 

Yuuji walked up the stairs slowly, his feet dragging the entire way, as a heavy fog filled his mind. He went through the motions of getting ready for bed, brushing his teeth, washing his face. He didn’t come back to himself until he was in the shower. The water was hot - so hot it almost scalded his skin - but he felt freezing. His body shivered despite the temperature, so freezing that he had to crouch under the spray for what felt like hours until his muscles finally relaxed. Briefly, he wondered if this was the shock catching up to him.

Yuuji forced himself to finish his shower when the shivering subsided, but he felt even more worn than before. He dried off quickly when he finished, pulling on sweatpants and a hoodie to keep the warmth in and the shivers at bay. As he slipped under the covers, his mind ran through all of the days events. Some were easier to understand than others - some not at all. 

As he drifted off to sleep, there were about three things he could be absolutely positive about. First, Megumi was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him - and Yuuji didn’t know how strong that part was - that thirsted for his blood. And third, that he was unconditionally in love with Megumi. 

Chapter Text

The next morning it was hard for Yuuji to convince himself that last night had been real. It had all been so impossible, and logic was not on his side. He focused on what he knew was real, if Megumi’s jacket was still downstairs on the hook then it couldn’t have been a dream. 

With that, Yuuji stood and began getting ready for the day. It was foggy and dark outside, almost enough to make him stay home from school. He was dead tired and his bed was still warm, but the lack of sunlight outside meant Megumi would have no reason to skip today. It was enough to convince him to finish changing. 

Yuuji grabbed his backpack from his desk chair on the way out. The light was out in Nanami’s room as he passed by, but the door was shut so his foster father must still be sleeping. He didn’t want to wake him on one of his few days off just to say goodbye before he left for school, so when he made it downstairs Yuuji left a note by the coffee pot.

Feeling better so I went to school. Short and sweet. 

Yuuji grabbed a granola bar from the cabinet above and ate it on his way to the foyer. The black leather jacket was there. Still hanging on the same hook where he’d left it the night before. With a smile he pulled it on, covering the thin sweater he wore. Megumi’s pleasant scent surrounded him as he stepped into the chill of the fog. It was so thick that Yuuji had to walk a few feet from the house before he saw the shiny silver car parked behind his truck. His heart instantly skipped a beat. 

Megumi was by the passenger door before he knew it, pulling it open for him. 

“You look comfortable,” He said, clearly amused as he caught Yuuji off guard again. His voice turned uncertain as he continued, clearly leaving it up for Yuuji to decide, “Can I give you a ride?”

“Sure.” He said, trying to keep his voice even as he approached. 

Yuuji noticed that Megumi wasn’t wearing a jacket as he slid into the passenger seat, but he didn’t comment. The heater was already running as the raven walked back around to the drivers side. It was silent - almost awkward - as they drove into town towards the school. It had been comparatively more comfortable last night when their walls were down. Megumi was driving too fast for his tastes again, but he tried to keep his eyes off of the speedometer.

“No questions today?” Megumi turned to glance at him. 

“Are they bothering you?” Yuuji asked instead. 

“Not nearly as much as your reactions.” He couldn’t tell if Megumi was joking. 

“Do I react badly or something?” 

“No, that’s not it - you’re too accepting of it all. I can’t understand it.” He chuckled, “It makes me want to find out what you’re really thinking.”

“I always tell you when you ask.” 

“You edit it,” He countered, “At least enough to drive me insane.”

Yuuji just laughed softly in response, it would be impossible to tell Megumi every thought that popped into his head even if he wanted to. The rest of the drive was spent in companionable silence before a thought occurred to Yuuji. 

“Where’s the rest of your family?” He asked. 

“They took Nobara’s car,” He said, pulling into the school's lot. He parked beside a shiny red convertible that drew more attention than the silver car. “Flashy, right?”

“Woah,” Yuuji breathed, “Why does she ride with you then?”

“We’re trying to blend in, remember?” He laughed, pulling the keys from the ignition. 

“Well you’re not very good at it.” Yuuji said as he got out of the car. “Why did she drive today then?”

“Haven’t you noticed?” Megumi asked as he met Yuuji at the front of the car.
“I’m breaking all of our rules.”

He stood close enough that Yuuji wanted to close the gap. His fingers twitched - itching to reach out - but he didn’t act on it. Megumi, however, rested his arm casually over Yuuji’s shoulders to pull him along towards the school building. It felt like everyone was staring at them, and maybe they were. Yuuji could make out people stealing glances before they turned to whisper to friends. Momo was standing under the cafeterias roof, her eyebrows raised as they passed her. Yuuji offered a small wave.

“What are you going to tell her?” Megumi asked after they passed. “She’s curious about us. She’ll be waiting to ambush you later.”

“What does she want to know?”

“That’s not fair.” Megumi shook his head, grinning. 

“What’s not fair is you not sharing what you know.” Yuuji rolled his eyes. 

Megumi mulled over his words when they paused around the corner from Yuuji’s first class. He let his arm drop from Yuuji’s shoulder to tuck his hands into his pockets. Megumi actually looked a bit bashful again as he spoke. 

“She wants to know if we’re dating. And how you feel about me.” 

“Oh,” Yuuji nodded, his eyes hesitantly flicking up to meet Megumi’s. He felt heat in his cheeks again as he asked; “What.. should I tell her?” 

“Well…” Megumi pulled one hand from his pocket, rubbing the back of his neck bashfully as he looked away, “If you’re alright with it… you could say yes to the first. But only if that’s what you want.”

Yuuji’s breath caught. He knew even his ears were likely red with how hot his face felt. 

“Yeah.” He nodded dumbly, “I’m okay with it.”

“For the second part, though,” Megumi was more confident now as a little smile broke out on his lips, “I’ll be listening for the answer.”

Yuuji wanted to respond, but he couldn’t find his voice soon enough. The bell rang and Megumi parted from him with one last smile. Yuuji hurried to class, flushed and lost in thought. His mind was racing now, knowing that Megumi would be listening for his confession. He spent his entire first period thinking over what he would say to Momo. 

The fog had lessened by the time third period Trig rolled around. Megumi had been right, Momo was practically bouncing in her seat as Yuuji walked in. He sat beside her in the back row and she didn’t waste any time in addressing him. 

“Tell me everything!” She said excitedly. 

“We just had dinner, then he drove me home,” Yuuji gave the barest of details before tacking on, hoping Megumi would hear, ”He drives like a maniac though.” 

“Was it a date?” She asked before gasping as she put together imaginary pieces. “Did you tell him to meet you there?”

“No, I didn’t. I was surprised to see him.” 

“But he picked you up for school today.” She countered with a pout. 

“Well, yeah, but that was a surprise to me too.” 

“Are you going to go out with him again?”

“We have plans on Saturday to drive up to Seattle if that counts.” 

“Of course it does!” Momo grinned before letting out a sigh. “Wow… Megumi Fushiguro.”

Wow didn’t begin to cover it, but he knew what she meant. Yuuji gave her a nod in response. 

“So… Has he kissed you yet?” 

Yuuji blushed. “No! It’s not like that yet…”

“Do you think that maybe on Saturday-”

“I don’t know,” He cut her off, worried about Megumi listening in. 

“Well, give me some details at least.” Momo seemed to ease up on him, “What happened at dinner?” 

“We just talked, nothing exciting happened,” He started, but at her pout he wracked his brain to find some part of the night that he could talk about, “There was a waitress that kept eyeing him. She was trying to flirt but he didn’t pay any attention.” Let Megumi make of that what he would. 

“Was she pretty?” 

“I thought so, and older; maybe like twenty.”

“Even better!” Momo chirped, “He must really like you.” 

“I think so, but he’s so cryptic,” Yuuji threw that in for Megumi’s benefit. “So it’s hard to tell.” 

“I don’t know how you’re brave enough to be alone with him like that,” She mused. 

“What do you mean?” 

“He’s just so… intimidating sometimes. And I never know what to say to him. At least he’s gorgeous.” She said as if that excused all flaws. 

“There’s more to him than just that.” Yuuji mumbled. 

“Like what?” 

“It’s hard to explain but… he’s so much more than his good looks.” He stated simply.

“So, you like him?”

“Yes.” Yuuji whispered, forcing himself to answer.

“How much?” She asked. 

“Too much, probably more than he likes me,” Yuuji whispered at the end, “But I can’t help it.” 

Momo looked over his face for a long pause before offering him a smile. He returned it with a hesitant one of his own. The familiar blush had already risen to his cheeks as he knew Megumi had probably caught that. He did feel a little happy to have finally said it outloud despite the embarrassment that came with it.

Their teacher called on Momo for the next question so the topic was allowed to drop. When class let out Yuuji parted with Momo, as his next class was on the opposite end of the building. It was slow through the next period, but when the lunch bell rang it felt like he skipped through the morning. He shot up from his seat and practically threw his books into his backpack in his rush to leave. 

Just outside the door of his classroom, leaning against the wall, was Megumi. Yuuji smiled as he realized he was waiting for him. 

“Hello,” He sounded amused. It was obvious that he had been listening. 

“Hey,” Yuuji couldn’t think of anything else to say, and Megumi didn’t pitch in. 

The two walked quietly to the cafeteria, with Megumi most likely biding his time to wait for privacy. People were staring at them again, and it was like he had been teleported back to his first day. He tried to ignore the stares as Megumi led him to the cafeteria line. 

Megumi still didn’t address him and - though he tried to be sneaky - Yuuji caught his eye’s glance over his face every few seconds. The amusement in his eyes earlier was giving way to a slight annoyance. He didn’t seem to be upset with Yuuji in particular, but the look was directed towards him. Yuuji fidgeted nervously, but he didn’t know what was wrong so he’d wait for Megumi to bring it up. When it was their turn in line Megumi took a tray and began to fill it with food. 

“What are you doing?” Yuuji’s eye’s widened before he whispered, “I can’t eat that much.” 

Megumi shook his head and laughed, the annoyance dropping for a moment. “Half is for me, obviously.” 

Yuuji raised an eyebrow but Megumi said nothing as he led the way to the same table they’d used before. They were alone, but the table behind them was staring. 

“Pick what you like,” Megumi said, ignoring the attention. 

“Can I ask you something?” Yuuji said and chose an apple, but he didn’t bite into it.

“You always do,” A smile was playing on his lips. “Go ahead.”

“What would you do if I dared you to eat something?” Yuuji teased. 

Megumi grimaced and reached for Yuuji’s apple. He glared as he took a bie, chewed quickly, and swallowed. He handed it back while Yuuji watched with wide eyes. 

“You could eat worms if I dared you, right?” He asked dryly.

“I did once for a dare,” Yuuji wrinkled his nose, “But it wasn’t that bad.”

“I guess I’m not surprised.” He laughed then looked over Yuuji’s shoulder as something caught his attention. “Momo is analyzing everything I’m doing, and she wants to break it down for you later.”

The mention of Momo brought back the annoyed look. Yuuji glanced away and took a bite of his apple so he wouldn’t have to talk. 

“The waitress was pretty, hm?” Megumi asked. 

“You seriously didn’t notice?” 

“I wasn’t paying attention to her.” Yuuji flushed, Megumi continued before he could comment. “I’m not really interested in that though. Something else you said earlier bothers me more.” 

“I’m not surprised,” Yuuji mumbled as their gaze locked again. Megumi was looking up at him from under his eyelashes again. “Eavesdroppers never hear good things.”

“I told you I would be listening.” Megumi frowned. 

“You don’t want to know everything I say,”  Yuuji shook his head, “Seriously, it’s embarrassing.” 

“You’re wrong, I want to know everything you’re thinking.” He was serious, “But I just wish that there were a few… things you wouldn’t think.”

“What things?” 

They spoke quietly, but didn’t whisper. As the conversation went on Megumi had leaned in with his hands folded and elbows propped against the table. He rested his chin gently on top, and continued to watch Yuuji’s face. Yuuji matched him and leaned in, his arms crossed instead. Megumi waited another beat before he whispered, making sure the others around weren’t listening. 

“Do you really believe I don’t care about you as much as you do for me?” He asked, looking almost ashamed as he held Yuuji’s gaze. 

“Yes.” Yuuji couldn’t help the waver in his voice. 

He turned his eyes stubbornly down towards the table and refused to speak again. The silence dragged on, but Yuuji didn’t budge. He had almost memorized the grain pattern on the table when Megumi’s hand reached for his arm. 

“You’re wrong,” He spoke firmly, and when Yuuji looked up his eyes were gentle.

“You don’t know that.” Yuuji shook his head, though his heart was pounding at the words he wanted to believe.

“Why would you think that?” 

Yuuji looked over Megumi’s face, taking in every inch as his mind raced for an answer. He held up a finger when Megumi began to get impatient, but he settled quickly when he knew Yuuji had agreed to answer. Finally, hesitantly, he spoke. 

“Well, other than the obvious,” Yuuji shrugged, “Your goodbyes sometimes feel… permanent. Like you’re looking for a reason not to come back.”

“Perceptive…” He mused, leaning back slightly, “That’s why you’re wrong. But, we’ll put a pin in that. What do you mean by ‘the obvious’?”

“Well.. I mean, look at me,” Yuuji averted his eyes, Megumi’s grip on his arm tightened just a fraction - only enough to feel the twitch, “I’m ordinary. Well, except for bad things like near-death experiences. My grades are alright, I don’t really have anything that I’m exceptionally good at, and my looks are average. But you…” He mumbled. 

Megumi’s eyes narrowed angrily when he began, but slowly softened as he continued. An understanding expression dawned on him, and his hand moved to take Yuuji’s again. 

“You’re right about the bad things,” He started, “But you couldn’t be more wrong about the rest. You don’t hear what everyone thinks about you, how magnetic you are to the people around you. If you can’t believe me on anything else than trust me - you’re not ordinary. Anything but.”

Yuuji didn’t exactly believe him - their contrast was clearly massive - but he did enjoy the praise. He knew better than to say as much to Megumi. 

“Well, I’m not the one saying goodbye.” Yuuji argued his other point instead.

“That just proves I’m right. I care the most because if I can-” He bit his lip, as if he was subconsciously trying to force the words back, “If leaving is what’s right, then I’ll do it. If you’d be safe that way-”

“You don’t think I’d do the same?” Yuuji scoffed. 

“I’d never force that choice on you.” 

The words hung in the air for no more than a few seconds, as Megumi’s mood shifted again. There was a smile pulling at his lips and an almost playful glint in his eye. 

“But, I wouldn’t worry about that,” Megumi said, “Keeping you safe is a full time job, after all.” 

“No one’s tried to off me yet today,” Yuuji breathed a sigh as the tension split, thankful for the lighter tone. 

“Yet,” He returned with a chuckle, “I have another question.”

“Yeah?” 

“Do you need to go to Seattle on Saturday, or was that just an excuse to get out of the dance?” 

“Now that you mention the dance,” Yuuji grimaced at the memory, “It’s all your fault I’m stuck in this mess with Noritoshi.”

“He would have found a chance to ask you even if I didn’t block you in; I just really wanted to see your face,” He laughed, and Yuuji would have been more upset if it wasn’t such a pleasing sound. “If I had asked you, what would you have said.” 

“Probably not.”

“Why not?” He seemed genuinely puzzled. 

“I’m really terrible with dancing,” Yuuji shook his head. 

“That’s not a problem, just follow the lead,” Megumi was confident, but when he saw Yuuji get ready to protest he shifted gears, “Anyway, are you set on Seattle or can we do something else?” 

“I’m alright with it,” Yuuji allowed, “On one condition.” 

“What?”

“Can I drive?” 

“Why?” He frowned. 

“A few reasons. The biggest one being I told Nanami I was going alone and taking my truck. If he asked again I’d probably tell him, but I don’t think that he will. Leaving my truck at home means he definitely will. And your driving is terrifying.” 

“After everything you’ve learned about me it’s my driving that scares you?” Megumi rolled his eyes, “And you don’t want to tell him you're with me?”

“It’s not that, it’s just… less is always more with Nanami.” He hoped the topic would drop with that, “Anyway, where are you planning on going?” 

“The weather is supposed to be nice, so I’ll have to stay out of the public eye. But… you can stay with me if you want.” 

“You’ll show me what you meant about the sun?” Yuuji asked, always excited to learn more about the mysterious boy. 

“Yeah,” He smiled, only to hesitantly add, “But if you don’t want to be alone with me… I understand. I’d rather you didn’t go to Seattle alone though, in a city that size who knows what’ll find you.” 

“Lucky for you, I don’t mind being alone with you.” 

“I know,” Megumi brooded, “You should still tell Chief Nanami, and not just so I can drive.” 

“I’ll think about it,” Yuuji thought that was fair, Megumi’s grumpy exhale was expected. “Let’s talk about something else.” 

“Like what?” 

Yuuji paused and leaned back in his seat. He looked around the cafeteria, making sure nobody was paying attention to them. They seemed to be out of ear-shot luckily. As he looked around, his gaze landed on Junpei; who had already been staring at him when their eyes met. Yuuji glanced away quickly, and noticed the other three watching Megumi closely. He looked back to Megumi and asked the first thing that came to mind. 

“Why did you go to that Goat Rocks place? Nanami said it wasn’t a good place to hike because of bears.” 

Megumi stared at him as if he was missing an obvious piece of the puzzle. 

“ Bears? ” He gasped and Megumi grinned. “Wow.”

“Grizzlies are Todo’s favorite.”

Yuuji took another bite of his long forgotten apple as he thought it over. He spoke again when he looked up at Megumi. 

“So, what’s your favorite then?” 

“Wolves.” He smirked, “But, they’re not common; so I don’t hunt them often.” 

“Ah.” Yuuji said in a politely disinterested tone, having no plans to try the delicacy. 

“We’re mostly used to eating elk or deer; but there’s no fun in that.” He hummed, before laughing at what must have been an inside joke, “Todo prefers early spring, when they’re just out of hibernation. He says they’re more aggressive.”

“Nothing more fun than an angry grizzly bear,” Yuuji agreed dryly. 

“Tell me what you’re really thinking?” Megumi asked with a chuckle. 

“I’m trying to imagine it, but it’s impossible. How can you hunt without a weapon?” 

“Of course I have weapons,” Megumi stated like it was obvious and flashed his teeth in a smile. “Just not the kind most consider when they write hunting laws. If you’ve ever seen a bear attack something on TV, pretend that’s Todo.” 

Yuuji shivered at the idea and peeked across the cafeteria, grateful Todo wasn’t looking his way. The strong muscles were more menacing now than ever, given the new context. Megumi followed his gaze and laughed; Yuuji turned back to look at him. 

“Do you fight like a bear too?” He asked in a whisper. 

“More like the wolf, so I’ve been told.” He said humorously, “Maybe our tastes reflect it.” 

“Maybe,” Yuuji nodded as he tried to picture the ridiculous image. He regarded Megumi with a curious smile as he leaned back in. “Is this something I might get to see?” 

“No! Absolutely not!” Megumi’s reaction was instant, his face turned whiter than usual, and his eyes were filled with a mix of terror and displeasure. Yuuji was stunned by his visceral reaction. 

“Too scary?” He asked when his voice returned from the shock. 

“If that was the case we’d go right now, you need a good dose of fear.” His voice was guarded. 

“Then why?” Yuuji pressed, ignoring the grumpy expression. Megumi debated over a long pause, his lips pursed tightly. 

“Later, okay?” He reluctantly said when the bell rang, standing from his seat. “We’ll be late for class.” 

Yuuji glanced around, surprised to see that he was right. When he was with Megumi time sped by, it seemed impossible to ever have enough time with him. Yuuji reluctantly gave in and stood, grabbing his backpack. 

“Alright, later,” He nodded, “But I’m not going to forget.” 

“I’d be more surprised if you did.”

The tension dropped from Megumi’s face, but Yuuji knew he was still on guard.

Chapter Text

The shock to their classmates still hadn’t completely worn off, as most were watching the two enter Biology. Yuuji noticed when they sat at the shared desk that Megumi didn’t angle his chair away this time. Instead, he sat close enough for their arms to touch. 

Their teacher entered the room five minutes after the bell, pulling a heavy, outdated TV VCR pair along. It was a movie day, the class breathed a collective sigh. It wasn’t anything amazing, an old scifi, but it was enough to keep most quiet. 

The moment the lights were out Yuuji became hyper aware that Megumi was sitting no more than a handful of inches from him. A sudden impulse to reach for the raven overwhelmed him but he balled his hands into fists to resist the urge. They were already being stared at, he didn’t want to bring any more undue attention onto the other boy. Megumi, however, had other plans.

As the opening credits began to roll, his left hand dropped beside the pink haired boy’s. His fingers had ghosted across the closed fist and almost immediately Yuuji opened his hand for him. If the lights were on he may have been embarrassed by how easily he gave in. For now, though, he enjoyed the cool touch as Megumi’s fingers gently played with his own.

Ten minutes into the movie Yuuji leaned over, just enough to rest shoulder to shoulder with Megumi. He didn’t do any more than that but it was enough to keep both of them content through the hour. Occasionally, Yuuji allowed his attention to break from the movie to peek at the taller boy. His nervous heart settled every time as the pleased smile never left Megumi's face. 

Yuuji breathed a sigh when the movie ended and the lights turned back on. He dropped Megumi’s hand to stretch while the other boy grabbed their backpacks. Megumi passed Yuuji’s over when he stood. 

“Ready?” He asked, nodding towards the door. 

Yuuji wanted to groan, it was time for gym class again. He felt sluggish after the movie so the idea of playing basketball was unappealing. Megumi walked him to class in companionable silence, and paused by the door. Yuuji turned to say goodbye, but the torn expression on Megumi’s face made him pause. He raised a hesitant hand, keeping his eyes on Yuuji’s. His touch was gentle but nervous as he slowly moved along the line of his jaw.

“It’ll only be an hour,” He whispered and Yuuji’s nerves settled. 

Finally, Megumi’s hand cupped the back of his neck and his fingers ran through the short hair of his undercut. His hand was icy as ever, but the attention warmed him. Yuuji couldn’t keep back the smile that pulled at his lips from the intimate touch. 

“I’ll see you after school,” Megumi said simply and raised his hand to ruffle the top of Yuuji’s hair. He turned and left without another word, but Yuuji could see a proud smile starting. 

Yuuji walked into the gymnasium feeling dizzy. He changed in a pleased daze, only vaguely aware of the others around him as he slipped on his gym uniform. Reality didn’t fully set back in until he was given a basketball to practice with. They were ordered into pairs, and Yuta took the chance to partner up with him. For once, Yuuji was grateful; Yuta was usually nice enough to do most of the work for them.

“Do you want to be a team?” He asked, standing by Yuuji’s side. 

“Yeah, thanks,” Yuuji nodded quickly. 

The partner work was simple, for the most part they practiced dribbling and passing. Towards the end they paired off with other teams for quick matches. They were given a ten minute break before the end of class to relax and get changed. Yuta followed him off of the court, sticking close to Yuujis side. 

“So,” He started cautiously.

“So?” 

“You and Fushiguro, yeah?” He asked, his tone disapproving. 

“Yeah.” Yuuji said firmly, “Why?”

“I don’t like it,” He shook his head but continued at Yuuji’s glare, “I just mean he looks at you like… well, like an animal. Like you’re something to eat.”

Yuuji wanted to be angry, but a sudden laugh bubbled out at him. He shook his head quickly when Yuta mirrored his earlier glare. 

“Sorry, but, you don’t have to like it.” Yuuji shrugged. 

Yuta looked like he wanted to argue more, but Yuuji didn’t want to continue; so he waved Yuta off with the excuse that he would catch up with him later. He escaped to the locker room and changed quickly. His talk with Yuta was already disappearing as butterflies filled his stomach. He wondered if He should meet up with Megumi in the parking lot. 

Megumi, however, was already waiting for him by the exit. He leaned against the wall, clearly watching the door for Yuuji. Yuuji hummed as he walked to his side.

“Hey,” Yuuji said, smiling up at him. 

“Hello.” Megumi’s answering smile was stunning, but short lived. His eyes snapped up and caught Yutas as the other boy exited the gym. Yuuji looked over in time to see Yuta’s back as he turned away.

“What is it?” Yuuji asked, turning back to Megumi.

“He’s just getting on my nerves,” Megumi mumbled, averting his eyes as he continued guiltily, “And I don’t look at you like an animal.”

“You were listening again?” Yuuji blushed. 

“I was curious, I’m sorry,” Megumi at least looked ashamed, “I heard him think your name when you partnered up so I…” 

Yuuji’s blush didn’t fade, but he wasn’t that upset about the eavesdropping. He was more embarrassed than anything, his performance today really wasn’t the best.

“It’s fine, I guess I can’t exactly ask you to stop listening,” Yuuji laughed, “Just try to ignore it when I’m in gym.” 

Megumi’s pleased smile returned. “I can do that.” 

They walked together back to the parking lot, Yuuji worried internally about Megumi’s siblings. He wasn’t sure if any of them would want to ride with him, and for a moment he debated just walking home. His fears were dashed when the other four were lingering near Nobara’s Convertible. None of them looked up when Megumi passed them and got into the driver's side. Yuuji slipped in after, also unnoticed.

“Pretentious,” Megumi murmured. 

“What kind of car is that?” 

“A Mustang.” He rolled his eyes, not looking at his siblings as he backed out of the parking space. 

Yuuji nodded, he didn’t know much about cars but he’d heard of that. He eyed the convertible as they left the lot. It was an attractive car, and he’d always imagined what riding in a convertible must feel like

“If you let me drive Saturday I’ll pick you up in that?” 

Yuuji still didn’t want to tell Nanami about the change in plans, but the offer was more than tempting. They paused at a stop sign and Megumi looked over at him, a playful grin on his face. 

“I’ll even get there early enough to hide your truck if you’re still worried about the Chief finding out.” 

“How would you get back?” Yuuji hesitated.

“Don’t worry about it, I’ll make it there.” His smile turned sweet as he whispered innocently, “Please?” 

“Alright,” Yuuji gave in with a soft laugh, “Will you tell me why I can’t see you hunt in return?”

“I… suppose,” Megumi grimaced. 

He kept quiet for the last few minutes and stopped the car in front of Nanami’s house. He parked behind Yuuji’s truck, but the cruiser was nowhere to be seen. 

“Are you sure you want to know why?” 

“Well, I was more curious about your reaction.” Yuji clarified. 

“I’m sorry for snapping,” Megumi started, dropping his hands from the steering wheel into his lap, “But… the thought of you being there…” His jaw clenched as he forced out, “While we hunted. I couldn’t stomach it.” 

“That bad?” Yuuji whispered.

“Extremely.” 

“But why?” 

Megumi took a deep breath and shut his eyes. He leaned back against his seat and slowly eased the tension from his jaw. 

“When we hunt we go mostly off instinct…” He started reluctantly, “We don’t think rationally and it’s like our sense of smell takes over. If you were ever anywhere close to me when I lost control I… I would …” 

Megumi choked on the words and shook his head in shame. He turned to look out the window as he took a long breath. It wasn’t as hard for Yuuji to school his expression as he thought it would be. He understood why, and because of that it didn’t frighten him. 

Megumi finally turned to look at him, afraid and guilty. Yuuji’s heart ached to comfort him but he knew his touch wouldn’t be welcome yet. Megumi was guarded again. 

“I see.” He said simply.

“I think you should go inside now,” Megumi’s voice was rough with regret as his gaze turned outside. 

Yuuji decided to give him peace and opened the passenger door after unbuckling his seatbelt. The cool air outside was comforting and helped to clear his mind from the heavy topic. The window was already rolling down as Yuuji shut the door behind himself. When he turned around to look, Megumi had leaned over enough to look up at him. 

“By the way, Yuuji?” He called and there was a small, playful smile on his lips - like he was trying to leave the day on a higher note. 

“Yeah?” 

“It’s my turn tomorrow.”

“For what?” Yuuji tipped his head, confused by the attitude shift. 

“To ask the questions,” He grinned, flashing his teeth “I’ll pick you up at eight.” 

He didn’t wait for Yuuji’s response, but the pinkette had quickly grown used to that. He couldn’t help but to smile anyway as he walked back to the house. It was warm inside the foyer as Yuuji kicked off his shoes and dropped his backpack on the ground by the door to take his jacket off. The moment it was on the hook Yuuji realized he’d forgotten to return the leather jacket. But, his mind reasoned embarrassingly, Megumi didn’t ask for it back either.

That night Yuuji’s dreams were filled with Megumi again. The nightmares had passed, but his subconscious must have been over excited as he tossed and turned through the night. Towards the early hours of the morning, his dreams had turned stressful, imagining any and every question Megumi may ask him.

When he woke in the morning he was tired and on edge. His eyes itched, begging to go back to sleep but he shook off the feeling. It was close to seven when he checked the clock, so he had enough time to shower and dress. Given his rough night he pulled on a thick turtleneck sweater that Nanami had leant him for the winter. He didn’t necessarily think it suited him but it was comfortable; and fairly new. His jeans didn’t look appealing in the slightest, but he pulled them on anyway to avoid wearing sweatpants to school.

Nanami was in the kitchen when he made it downstairs, there was a plate of eggs and toast waiting for him at the table. They ate in companionable silence. On his way out for work Nanami let him know that he’d be home late, apparently Olympia needed extra manpower for a case Nanami wouldn’t give divulge details on. 

Yuuji finished his breakfast and put the dishes in the sink. A glance at the clock told him it was getting close to eight, but he still had ten minutes. He peeked out the living room window on his way to the foyer for his backpack. Outside, the shiny silver Volvo was already parked in Nanami’s usual spot. Yuuji grinned and hurried to pull on his shoes and the jacket from the hook. 

Megumi was waiting in the driver's seat today, not appearing to watch as Yuuji got into the car and settled his backpack by his feet. He turned to face Yuuji when the passenger door shut, a small smile tugged at his lips. 

“Good morning,” His voice was smooth, “You look tired.”

“I couldn’t sleep,” Yuuji confessed automatically.

“Neither could I,” He was teasing again as he put the car into drive. 

“I guess I got a little bit more sleep than you,” Yuuji laughed, “What did you do last night then?” 

“No way, it’s my turn remember?” 

Yuuji grimaced before nodding, “I do. Then… what do you want to know?” 

“What’s your favorite color?” 

“Red,” At least Megumi started with an easy one. “I miss the deserts in Phoenix, everything here is so green.” 

“Red..” Megumi echoed, “What about music?”

Yuuji gave the name of the first band that came to mind. Megumi smiled and opened the car’s center compartment. He only rifled through it for a moment but it was long enough for Yuuji to catch a glimpse of at least thirty other CD’s. Megumi pulled one out and loaded it into the car’s CD player.

It continued that way for the rest of the day. Megumi was always waiting faithfully by the door to walk Yuuji to his next class, asking seemingly insignificant questions. No stone was left unturned, movies he loved and hated, places he’d visited, even the families he’d lived with before moving in with Nanami. 

Yuuji couldn’t remember the last time he’d spoken so much about himself. He was almost certain that, by the time lunch rolled around, he would have bored Megumi. But the black haired boy took every answer with rapt attention, and his questions continued without pause so Yuuji continued to answer. Mostly they were easy, only rarely making him blush. But when he did it only encouraged a new wave of inquiry. 

“What’s your favorite gemstone?” Megumi had asked over lunch. 

“Sapphire,” Yuuji ended up mumbling. Until recently he would have said Amethyst; but staring into Megumi’s eyes forced the word out. 

“Why?” Megumi asked, triggering Yuuji’s blush. Yuuji shook his head but Megumi pressed, “Tell me.” 

“Your eyes are blue today,” Yuuji whispered shyly. He wondered briefly why Megumi would be upset that he couldn’t read his mind when his mouth betrayed every private thought. “If you ask me in a few days I may say Obsidian.”

Megumi’s pause was short.  “What kinds of flowers do you like?” 

Yuuji thought he might get a nosebleed with how hot his face felt. 

Biology was the worst of the day, though. Megumi’s questioning persisted until their teacher switched the lights off to continue the movie from yesterday. Yuuji was thankful for the pause, but it didn’t make the class easier. There was an electricity between them that made it hard for Yuuji to focus on the movie. The end of class came faster than he expected. Megumi stood and grabbed their bags, this time carrying Yuuji’s as he hurried him out of the room. 

Like the day before they walked to the gym in silence and, like yesterday, Megumi reached to cup his cheek. This time, his touch didn’t hold any of the same hesitation. It was confident as his fingers explored Yuuji’s soft, warm skin. Megumi gave him one more smile before he dropped his hand, passed Yuuji his bag, and parted ways for their last period. 

Yuta didn’t talk to him in class today - but Yuuji didn’t exactly care whether or not that was because of what happened the day before. If he were being honest, he was still a bit angry with Yuta for what he said. He made a note to talk to him about it properly sometime, but today he didn’t have the mental energy. 

Megumi was there to pick him up after class, and a wide smile immediately spread across Yuujji’s face. Megumi smiled in return, and for a moment Yuuji thought they were done with the interrogation only for Megumi to begin again. This time he wanted to know more personal things, how Yuuji genuinely felt about Forks, things he missed, or regrets that he had. 

The two of them sat in Megumi’s car in front of Nanami’s house for hours. The sky was almost dark enough to be considered night as rain began to fall outside. Megumi’s probing questions kept Yuuji talking freely, and there were moments when he answered without feeling embarrassed. Finally, when Yuuji had finished detailing his room, Megumi paused instead of asking another question. 

“Are we done?” 

“No, not even close,” Megumi chuckled, “But the Chief will be home soon.” 

“Nanami!” Yuuji gasped. He looked out the window and took in just how dark it was outside. “What time is it?” 

“Seven thirty, almost twilight,” Megumi mumbled, looking out at the horizon.His expression was unreadable. He must have gotten better at knowing when Yuuji wanted him to elaborate because he continued without prompting, “It’s the safest time of day for us, did you know that? But… It’s bittersweet. It means the end of another day. Night is always the same, predictable.” 

“I like the night, it’s the only time we get to see the stars,” Yuuji paused in thought, “Though, I guess not very often around here.” 

Megumi laughed and the mood lightened measurably. 

“Nanami will be here in a few minutes,” He teased.

Yuuji sighed and gathered his backpack. “So, is it my turn tomorrow?” 

“No,” Megumi’s face was playfully outraged, “I’m nowhere near finished.” 

“What more is there?” Yuuji asked, exasperated. 

“You’ll see,” Megumi smiled again and reached over him to open the door. The sudden lack of space made Yuuji’s head spin and his heart stutter.

Megumi’s hand froze on the door and didn’t open it. His expression was suddenly grim.

“Not good.” He muttered.

“What is it?” Yuuji asked, surprised to see Megumi’s eyes narrowed and jaw clenched. 

He glanced at Yuuji for a moment before sighing. “A… complication.”

Megumi opened the door and leaned away, he didn’t touch Yuuji again. The flash of headlights at the end of the road caught Yuuji’s attention as a black car turned onto his street. It parked on the opposite side of the street from them, but stayed a few yards down. It faced them.

“Chief Nanami is around the corner,” Megumi mumbled, his gaze unwaveringly locked on the black car. 

Yuuji hopped out obediently, curious as to what was going on. He tried to piece together from what little he could see of Megumi’s face through the passenger window. He was still staring ahead at the car, but his expression had turned threatening and his teeth flashed dangerously as his lips momentarily parted. Yuuji caught a glimpse and wondered what could have caused the reaction. 

Megumi revved the engine - it was the loudest Yuuji had ever heard the normally quiet volvo - and spared one last glance at Yuuji before he took off. 

“Yuuji,” A familiar voice called from the driver's side of the black car when Megumi sped away. 

Yuuji squinted through the rain, barely making out a head of pink hair from the driver’s window. “Sukuna?”

He was already getting out of the car when Nanami’s cruiser turned the corner. In the passenger's seat was a familiar face. Choso stepped out and followed Sukuna up to the patio of the house. Yuuji eye’d the black haired man speculatively, A complication Megumi had said. Choso stared back at him with a guarded look on his face.

His eyes were intense and piercing, but there was anxiety there too. Yuuji wondered if Choso had recognized Megumi. If he could really believe in the impossible legends Sukuna had so easily shared with him.

The answer was clear as his lips pursed into a disapproving line. Yes . Yuuji thought, Yes he did. 

Chapter Text

“Chief Nanami,” Choso called when the blonde man stepped out of the car. 

Yuuji turned to the house and nodded for Sukuna to follow him. The two of them stepped into the foyer. Choso stayed outside and Yuuji heard Nanami greet him, so he disregarded them for now. 

“So, you’ve got a car?” 

“No,” Sukuna had a bitter expression as he admitted, “It belongs to a neighbor. Choso got her to lend it to us for the day, we had to make a trip into town.”

Yuuji chuckled as he switched on the lights and hung his jacket. Nanami and Choso followed them inside a few moments later. 

“This is a surprise.” Nanami said when the four of them had settled in the living room. 

“It’s been too long,” Choso answered, his eyes flicked to Yuuji once, “I hope it’s not a bad time.” 

“No, we didn’t have any plans tonight. There’s a baseball game on if you’d like to stay.”

“That’s part of the plan,” Sukuna said, “Our TV broke last week.” 

“That, and Sukuna was dying to see Yuuji again,” Choso kept a straight face as Sukuna’s filled with anger. 

Yuuji ducked his head to avoid grinning at the expressive reaction. His eye caught a glimpse of the kitchen and he stood. 

“Is anyone hungry?” He asked, changing the topic. 

“We ate before we came,” Choso said, “Thank you though.”

“I’ll have something.” Nanami nodded. 

Yuuji left for the kitchen while the other three talked, thankful for a break in conversation. He made sandwiches, since they were fairly easy. He had almost finished when he heard footsteps at the door behind him. 

“I wasn’t dying to see you,” Sukuna said nonchalantly as he entered. His next words were awkward, like he wasn’t used to asking, “That being said, how’ve you… been?”

“Pretty good,” Yuuji smiled and turned around. 

“Cool,” Sukuna paused before asking, “Is something wrong with the truck?”

“No, why?” 

“You weren’t driving it.” 

“Oh,” Yuuji laughed, “I got a ride today, that’s all.”

“Nice ride,” Sukuna mused, “Didn’t recognize the driver. I thought I knew everyone around here. Choso looked like he knew him though.” 

“His name’s Megumi Fushiguro” Yuuji hesitated before elaborating, “Dr. Gojou’s son.” 

Surprisingly, Sukuna laughed.

“I wondered why he looked like someone spit on him.” 

“I forgot he didn’t like them,” Yuuji faked an innocent expression, “Does he really believe the stories?” 

“He’s the most superstitious of us all.” 

“Do you think he’d… say anything to Nanami?”

Sukuna raised a suspicious eyebrow. His eyes looked over Yuujis face, considering the words for a long moment before shrugging and turning his gaze to the window. “I doubt it. He doesn’t want to upset the Sheriff again.”

“Oh,” Yuuji said, trying to sound indifferent. 

Sukuna didn’t help him carry the food out, but he did follow him back into the living room. Nanami had switched the TV on and was in his usual chair when Yuuji brought him his plate. Choso was already seated on the couch, Sukuna joined him. He took a seat for himself by the coffee table. 

Yuuji didn’t participate much in the afternoon's conversation. He was too on edge waiting for any sign that Choso would spill. There were a few times when he thought it was coming. Choso’s eyes would occasionally flick to look at Yuuji, and each time there was a level of unspoken concern. Once - during a home run that caught Nanami and Sukunas attention - Choso’s intense gaze locked with Yuujis. He opened his mouth, about to speak, but a quick glare shut him up. 

 It was a long night, and Yuuji had a lot of homework that would be killer later, but he was too afraid to leave them alone with Nanami. Finally, at around Nine that night the game ended. Yuuji couldn’t remember what teams were playing, let alone what the score had been.

“Are your friends planning on visiting again?” Sukuna asked as the two of them waited for Choso on the front porch.

“I’m not sure,” Yuuji shrugged, “When they do I’ll tag along.”

The front door opened behind them and Choso stepped out. He regarded Sukuna briefly before turning to Yuuji. 

“Thank you for the hospitality,” His guard was up and he added knowingly, “Be safe, Yuuji. We’ll be seeing you around.” 

“Until next time then,” Yuuji nodded, just as serious. 

He waited until the two of them were back in their car across the street before stepping back inside. Nanami was in the living room with the TV turned to the news. It wasn’t anything interesting, so he tried to head for the stairs. 

“Yuuji?” Nanami called, “Wait a minute.” 

Yuuji froze. Had Choso said something in the short time he was out with Sukuna? When he entered the living room Nanami was relaxed, so for now he breathed a sigh of relief.

“Yes?” 

“Are you still planning to go to Seattle alone on Saturday?” Nanami asked, though it looked like there was something on his mind. He muted the TV.

“That was the idea…” Yuuji hesitated, “Why?”

“The case I’ve been helping with in Olympia looks to have a copycat in Seattle, or they’re on the move,” Nanami said, “I don’t want to worry you, but I would prefer if you didn’t go alone anymore.”

Yuuji sighed reluctantly before admitting, “Megumi Fushiguro offered to pick me up.”

“Dr. Gojou’s son?” 

“Yeah, he didn’t think my truck could make it.”

“Well, that makes me feel better,” Nanami nodded, “I’ll be out with coworkers early Saturday morning. They’ve invited me fishing again, but I’m not likely to have reception. Please stay with Fushiguro until you get home.”

“I’ll call the station if I need anything, but I’ll be fine with Megumi.” 

“Alright, good. Then, don’t let me keep you any longer.”

Yuuji parted with a smile, happy to finally hop into bed again. He slept much better that night despite not remembering his dream. The gray sky couldn’t ruin his mood when he woke, it was finally Friday. He already decided to forget the tense afternoon with Choso, it seemed harmless now in the new day. 

It was becoming a habit for Yuuji to dress and eat quickly, today he resisted the urge to peek out the window into the driveway. He sat in the foyer and pulled on his sneakers and a moment later he was hurrying out the door. Megumi, as expected, was parked in Nanami’s empty spot.

Yuuji didn’t hesitate to hop into the passenger seat this time. Megumi was already smiling at him, wide enough that Yuuji couldn’t imagine an angel looking more beautiful. His mind blanked again. 

“Sleep well?” Megumi asked, snapping him back into reality. 

“Better than yesterday. How was your night?” 

“Good.” He sounded amused, like he was thinking of an inside joke. 

“What did you do?” 

“Try again later, today’s still mine.” He grinned. 

He wanted to know about people today. Between each class Megumi asked about a different person. Yuuji kept his stories mostly short. He told Megumi what little he knew of his birth parents when he asked. It was easier and harder to talk about his grandfather, Megumi took mercy on him and changed the subject quickly to his friends after that. Then, to Megumi’s apparent surprise, the conversation led to his dating life. 

“So you’ve never actually gone out with anyone before?” He asked, incredulous. 

“Is it really that hard to believe?” Yuuji flushed. 

“Yes, very.” Megumi was serious when he nodded. 

The two were at lunch now, seated at their table. It was a routine now, and it made the day speed by. Yuuji ate slowly, taking a bite of the pizza in front of himself during a brief pause in the conversation. 

“I should have let you drive today,” Megumi suddenly admitted, looking guilty. 

“Why?” Yuuji raised an eyebrow. 

“I’m leaving with Junpei after lunch.” 

“Oh, well,” Yuuji was surprised, and a bit disappointed that he wouldn’t see Megumi after school, but he accepted it quickly, “It’s not too far of a walk, I don’t mind.”

“No, I’m not going to make you walk. We’ll go get your truck and leave it here.” 

“I don’t have my keys,” Yuuji argued,  “I really don’t mind.” 

“Your truck will be here, key in the ignition. Unless, of course, you’re afraid someone’s going to steal it?” Megumi teased.

“Alright, fine,” Yuuji challenged at the dig, “Good luck.” 

His keys were in the pocket of a hoodie he’d worn almost a week ago. It was buried under a pile of clothes in the laundry room. Even if Megumi planned on breaking into his house he wasn’t likely to find them. Yuuji smirked, overconfident as Megumi grinned at the challenge. 

“Anyway, where are you going?” He asked as casually as he could manage. 

“Hunting again,” He answered reluctantly, “I need to if I’m going to be alone with you tomorrow.” 

“You’re going with him again?” Yuuji recalled the last time the two of them had gone together. 

“He’s just getting a bit impatient,” Megumi mumbled cryptically, “He thinks it should be his turn soon, so he wants to be ready.” 

“His turn for what?” 

“Don’t worry about it,” He changed the subject quickly, “Do you want to sleep in tomorrow?” 

“No.” Yuuji knew he answered too fast when Megumi grinned. 

“I’ll pick you up at eight then. Will Nanami be there?”

“No, he’s fishing tomorrow. I did tell him I was going with you, so you wont need to hide my truck,” Megumi looked very pleased to hear that, so Yuuji asked what was on his mind, “What are you hunting tonight?”

“Whatever’s in the area, we’re staying close to town.” 

“And none of the others wanted to go with you?” 

“Junpei is just the most supportive. The rest are still a bit… shocked.”

Yuuji spared a glance at Megumi’s family behind him. No one spared him a glance, each one looking off in a different direction. 

“They don’t like me,” Yuuji guessed. 

“No, that’s not it,” Megumi was firm, but his eyes didn’t quite agree with his words, “What I’m doing is unusual for our kind, they can’t understand it.”

“Neither can I, to be honest.” 

“You’re not like anyone I’ve ever known,” Megumi was suddenly honest, “I like to think I have a pretty good idea of human nature, people are predictable. But, somehow, you’re always surprising me.”

Yuuji blushed and looked away, watching the table of four again. He had to bite back a smile at the praise from Megumi. His words made his heart skip, and the other boy hadn’t even finished yet. 

“But that’s easy to explain,” He continued, “There’s more that I like that’s… harder to put into words-” 

At the table, Mai’s head suddenly shot up to look at Yuuji. Her gaze was hard and angry, a cold glare that rivaled only Megumi’s. He froze in his spot, gaze locked in shock like he was staring down an angry lion. Mai held his eyes in the split second it took for Megumi to stop talking. Yuuji didn’t know if it was the terrified pounding of his heart or whatever Mai’s thoughts were that alerted Megumi. The black haired boy completely stopped what he had been saying to let out a low, angry sound that reminded Yuuji of a growl. 

Mai quickly dropped her gaze and turned her head. Yuuji breathed a shaky sigh as he turned back to Megumi. He knew his face was filled with confusion - and a bit of fear - but he couldn’t prevent Megumi from seeing it.

“I’m sorry about her,” He sighed, “We’ve spent so much time in public together, it will be dangerous for them too if…” 

“If?”

“If… something were to happen to you.” 

Megumi’s head fell into his hands, looking guilty for even considering the negative outcome. Yuuji wanted to comfort him, but he didn’t know how. This wasn’t an issue that could be fixed with words, only time. He reached out to grasp Megumi’s hands, and the other boy reluctantly allowed Yuuji to guide them away from his face. 

Yuuji knew, at least subconsciously, that he should be afraid of what Megumi said, but all he could feel was an ache to relieve Megumi’s pain. Frustration was bubbling under his skin as well, but it was directed at Mai. She had interrupted whatever Megumi was about to say, but he didn’t know how to bring that back up without embarrassing himself. 

Megumi squeezed his hands gently before releasing them with the ring of the bell. 

“You have to leave now?” 

“Yeah,” He nodded reluctantly as he stood. Megumi took a deep breath and tried to lighten the mood, “We still have that horrible movie in Biology to finish - I don’t think I could stand anymore of it.” 

Yuuji was about to respond when something over Megumi’s shoulder caught his attention. 

Junpei, his black hair still draped messily over one eye, was suddenly standing behind Megumi. He was graceful as he appeared, and perfectly calm in comparison to the interaction he’d had with Mai. He was even sporting a friendly  smile as he stared anticipatingly at Yuuji.

“Junpei.” Megumi greeted without turning to look. 

“Megumi,” He nodded, shifting immediately to Yuuji with a pleased glint in his eye, “Hello, Yuuji. It’s nice to finally meet you. I know we-” 

Megumi flashed him a dark look that Yuuji couldn’t understand. Junpei didn’t continue, but he looked at Yuuji. 

“Hello,” Yuuji said shyly in return. 

“Are you ready to go?” Junpei asked Megumi with a frown.

“I’ll meet you at the car,” Megumi said impatiently. 

Junpei left grumpily, with the same grace Yuuji normally associated with Megumi. 

“Is it the wrong sentiment to say ‘Have fun’ before hunting?” Yuuji asked. 

“I think that works.” Megumi grinned, “Stay safe while I’m gone, please.” 

“What a challenge.”

“For you it is.” Megumi leaned in, “So, promise.” 

“Alright, I promise I’ll try to be safe.” Yuuji rolled his eyes playfully, “I’m just going to be doing homework all night.” 

“You could get paper cuts,” Megumi looked reluctant to leave, but Junpei had returned to the cafeteria and was waiting by the door. Yuuji sighed. 

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“It must seem like a long time to you,” Megumi mused, “But I’ll be there first thing in the morning.”

Megumi smiled at him and reached up to ruffle his hair again. He turned and left, Yuuji saw him mutter something to Junpei with a furious look on his face. Junpei only laughed as the two of them left the cafeteria, so Yuuji knew Megumi was pouting in his own way.

Yuuji considered ditching as he walked, alone, to Biology. He didn’t exactly want to go to gym, but he hadn’t spoken to Yuta in a few days so he figured he should at least try to patch things up there. That, and the only other place to go would be home. Reluctantly Yuuji entered his Biology classroom and sat. 

He spent the period thinking. Intuitively, he knew that tomorrow would be it . Do or die. His relationship with Megumi couldn’t continue to balance on a point. They would fall off one way or another, and it rested entirely in Megumi’s hands. Yuuji had made the choice long before to stick with Megumi, and he was committed to seeing it to the end. Whether Megumi followed his… instinct or not was irrelevant to him, he’d already forgiven the raven of either outcome. Because, there was nothing worse than not seeing it out. Then… leaving Megumi behind. He couldn’t stand the thought of turning away. 

The bell rang before he knew it, and Yuuji couldn’t honestly say what had happened in Biology. In Gym, Yuta was speaking to him again. He wished him luck on his trip to Seattle, especially in his truck. 

“Oh,” Yuuji shook his head, “Megumi’s picking me up, actually. But, we’re not going to Seattle anymore”

“Yeah?” Yuuta said, suddenly sulky, “Is Fushiguro taking you to the dance then?” 

“No, I still have no plans on going.” 

“What are you guys doing then?” 

“We’re just hanging out,” Yuuji didn’t know the answer to that question, “Nothing big.” 

“Fushiguro’s picking you up just to hang out?” 

“I’m letting Megumi,” Yuuji emphasized, “make our plans tomorrow, I’m fine if that’s all we do.” 

“Alright,” Yuta gave in, looking at Yuuji with a frown, “If he bails on you though will you come to the dance?” 

“Sure,” Yuuji chuckled. He was fine with agreeing to that, having no doubt in his mind that Megumi would show tomorrow. 

When the day finally ended Yuuji walked excitedly out to the parking lot. He didn’t exactly want to walk home, but he did want to win the unspoken bet. He couldn’t see how Megumi could possibly get his truck here, but when he rounded the corner there it sat. Yuuji was beginning to believe that nothing was impossible for Megumi. He walked around the side of his truck and opened the door, spotting the keys in the ignition. 

There was a note taped to the wheel, with only two words written in elegant script. 

Be safe.

When Yuuji got home he checked the handle first and found it locked, the deadbolt was left unlocked. It was how he remembered leaving it in the morning. He hurried up to his room and checked through his laundry until he found the hoodie he remembered leaving his keys in. It’s pocket was empty. Yuuji looked around his room, nothing was out of order. He reasoned he must have hung his keys on the hook by his door without remembering. 

At dinner, Nanami was quiet. He must have been distracted by the case in Olympia, but he didn’t bring it up again. Yuuji felt bad for worrying his foster father like this. He wasn’t actually going to Seattle, so he could try to relieve him of that fear. 

“You know, Nanami…” He started carefully, “Megumi invited me to catch a movie with him in town. He said he’d rather wait until more people wanted to go to Seattle.” 

“Oh.” He said, sounding relieved, “Okay good, I haven’t met him yet. I may not be here in the morning to do so.” 

“He’s picking me up at eight, so probably not,” Yuuji said, continuing at Nanami’s slight frown, “But I’ll have him come in when he drops me off.”

“Alright, I hope you two have fun then,” Nanami said. 

“Thanks.” 

After dinner Yuuji gathered his hamper together to take care of the piled up laundry. Unfortunately that was a job that only kept his hands busy, his mind was left to wander. He was currently fluctuating between intense anticipation for the morning and a fear that shook his resolve to go. He had already made his choice to go tomorrow, and he had to keep reminding himself of that. Yuuji pulled the note Megumi had left for him out of his pocket more times than he’d like to admit. But, the two beautifully written words calmed his nerves. Megumi wanted him to be safe. He cared about him. Yuuji told himself that over and over, and trusted his faith in Megumi’s control. He couldn’t find another answer, because what was his other choice? To cut Megumi out of his life completely? Unbearable. 

But a tiny - microscopic - voice in the back of his mind worried, obsessively, about a… bad ending. If it would hurt.

Yuuji slammed the dryer door and fought the worry away. He went to his room to work on the forgotten homework. Before he knew it it was close to Eleven at night, and time for bed if he wanted to be up by Seven to get ready. Laying in bed, Yuuji found that he couldn’t sleep. His mind was still filled with worries. So, he did something he had never done before. He took a dose of night time cold medicine to knock himself out. He didn’t usually condone the behavior, but he wanted to be fully rested.  Within half an hour he was asleep.

Yuuji woke early from his dreamless sleep. Though he was well rested, his mind picked up it’s worrying first thing. He dressed in a rush, a red hoodie paired with a white t-shirt underneath and jeans. A quick look in the mirror told him everything looked good. He fixed his hair quickly and brushed his teeth. On his way downstairs, Yuuji peeked out the hall window and saw - as he thought - Nanami’s car was already gone. There were clouds in the sky, but they were thin so he couldn’t imagine them lasting very long. 

Yuuji ate breakfast quickly and was on his way to clean up when a knock on the door sent his heart racing. He ran to the door, having a little trouble with the deadbolt. He wrenched the door open excitedly, and there Megumi stood. All the worries that had filled his mind last night melted away just from seeing the other boy. He grabbed the leather jacket from the hook and stepped outside.

Megumi looked somber at first, but his expression lightened upon seeing Yuuji. He looked over the pink haired boy’s outfit before laughing. 

“Good morning,” He said. 

“What’s wrong?” Yuuji looked over himself and thought, like earlier, that he looked alright. 

“We’re matching.” Megumi laughed again. 

Yuuji glanced up and realized that Megumi was wearing an outfit shockingly similar to his own. The only major difference was that Megumi’s outfit centered on black. Yuuji could even make out a white shirt peeking from underneath Megumi’s hood. 

Yuuji smiled and locked the door behind himself. Megumi led the way to the red convertible that’d been promised and held the passenger door open happily. Yuuji rolled his eyes and got in, he pulled his seatbelt on first for good measure. 

“Where to?” He asked.

“We’re taking 101 North,” Megumi said simply as he stepped into the driver's side. 

He drove a bit slower than usual, but they were out of the town's limits soon enough anyway. They turned off at the one-ten and drove until the pavement ended. There were thick, ivy covered trees surrounding them, with heavy underbrush blocking any view of the ground. 

“What’s all the way out here?” Yuuji asked when they parked. 

“A trail.” 

“We’re hiking?” Yuuji raised an eyebrow. 

“It’s not far, only a few miles. We’re not in a hurry.” Megumi reassured as he stepped out of the convertible. 

It was warm now, so Yuuji left the leather jacket in the back of Megumi’s car. It would be a stretch to say he would even need his hoodie, but he kept that just in case. Megumi, on the other hand, had removed his hoodie and knotted it casually around his waist. 

“This way,” He said, heading directly for the dark forest. 

“The trail?” Yuuji asked nervously as he followed. The underbrush was almost a foot tall, but Megumi disregarded it as he led the way in. 

“I said there was a trail, not that we’d be taking it.” 

“No trail?” Yuuji asked desperately this time, glancing around at the unpredictable terrain. 

“I’m not going to let you get lost,” Megumi turned to him with a mocking smile. 

Yuuji got a better look at his shirt this time and realized that it was a white button down - not the t-shirt he thought it was. Megumi was wearing the first few buttons open, revealing the smooth white length of his neck. Yuuji swallowed thickly, trying to force down a blush as Megumi stared at him with a confused expression. 

“Do you want to go home?” He whispered, sounding pained. 

“No.” Yuuji shook his head quickly and caught up to Megumi’s side. 

“What’s wrong then?” 

“I don’t hike often,” Yuuji said, better to admit that then say he’d been hypnotized by Megumi again, “So you’ll have to be patient.”

“I can do that.” Megumi nodded. 

“I guess you better start leading the way or we’ll be out here until midnight.” 

The hike wasn’t as difficult as Yuuji worried it would be. The path was mostly moss covered flat land, and when the path took them across fallen trees or boulders Megumi was eager to help him across. The cold touch of his hand against Yuuji’s elbow, shoulders - and once waist - was enough to send his heart pounding every time. Yuuji caught a look on Megumi’s face more than once that told him the raven definitely heard it. 

They walked in silence for the majority of the hike. Occasionally, Megumi would ask a question that hadn’t made it into the last few day’s rounds of interrogations. He’d asked about Yuuji’s birthday’s and pets that he’d had growing up. Megumi laughed freely when Yuuji admitted to giving up on pets after killing two fish in a row. The sound was like bells.

The hike itself took them most of the morning - Yuuji knew it was mostly on him for taking so long - but Megumi didn’t show any signs of impatience. Instead, he walked perfectly at ease beside Yuuji. His sense of direction never faltered as he led them deeper and deeper into the woods. He was perfectly polite about it too, going first into tall grass and holding branches out of Yuujis way. 

Finally, after a few hours, the fog of the forest was beginning to lighten. What had once been a murky haze dyed green by the mass of leaves was now a pale yellow tinted. The sun must be coming out, Yuuji reasoned, as they were nearing the peak of the mountain. 

“Are we there yet?” Yuuji asked, curious as light began to peek through. 

“Almost, can you see how bright it is ahead?” Megumi asked.

“Should I?” Yuuji squinted to see but the fog was still too thick to make much difference. 

“Maybe it is too soon for you ,” Megumi teased him.

Yuuji wanted to roll his eyes, but within another hundred yards a clearer yellow light was beginning to break through the branches. Yuuji picked up his pace and passed Megumi, who now let him lead. 

He reached the edge of the treeline and stood, stunned at the sight before him. It was the loveliest place Yuuji had ever seen. A private meadow awaited him, small, perfectly round, and filled with wildflowers. They were soft yellow, white, violet, and pinks. The sun was shining directly overhead, Yuuji was just barely covered in the shade of the treeline. Yuuji turned with an excited smile, wanting to share the beautiful sight with Megumi. The other boy was nowhere to be found. He turned again, looking back into the forest behind himself. Megumi stood, leaning against a tree a few feet back. He was watching Yuuji with cautious eyes and only then did he remember the question of Megumi and the sun. 

The raven haired boy stood straight and didn’t speak as he approached. He stopped beside Yuuji, just out of the sun’s view, with his hands reluctantly undoing the remaining buttons of his white shirt. When Megumi took a step towards the meadow Yuuji tried to follow, but he was stopped. Megumi ushered him back into the treeline before he walked, alone, into the clearing. 

Yuuji watched with wide eyes as Megumi took a deep breath, turned around, and looked up into the bright midday sun.

Chapter Text

Seeing Megumi in the sunlight stunned him. Yuuji blinked so many times his eyes went dry. Megumi’s skin - which was usually pale - was flushed just slightly from the previous day's hunting trip. The healthy pink glow would have been enough to have Yuuji staring in awe on a normal day but this… this was unreal. Yuuji reached up and rubbed his eyes before they returned to Megumi’s glowing form. 

Megumi’s skin was perfect, like crystal, as it almost reflected the sunlight back. His mind couldn’t comprehend what he was seeing. Slowly, Yuuji reached a shaky hand past the treeline and into the sunlight; as if he was confirming that it wasn’t a trick or a spell cast by the meadow. The light hit his arm as it did every other day, it was warm and his skin looked a healthy tan under the yellow rays. But it wasn’t the same radiant glow, and a quick glance back at Megumi confirmed that. 

He was standing perfectly still, only a few yards off from Yuuji. Slowly, he sat and let his eyelids fall shut. Yuuji approached hesitantly and dropped to his knees just a few feet away. His breath was caught as his eyes glued to the beautiful sight in front of him. Finally, after what felt like hours, Yuuji’s attention drifted to Megumi’s lips. They were moving subtly, almost trembling.

“Are you okay?” Yuuji whispered, but even that sounded loud in the quiet meadow.

“Yes,” Megumi’s voice was lower, almost imperceptible, “I’m just singing to myself. It’s… calming.”

It must have purposefully been too low for him to hear. Yuuji nodded and looked away. He needed time to process, so he shifted his position and curled up enough to cross his arms over his knees. The wind was gentle, and despite the direct sunlight overhead it was just cool enough for him to keep his hoodie on. As his eyes drifted around the meadow, he couldn’t believe how it now paled in comparison to the stunning boy beside him. His gaze eventually led to Megumi’s hand, resting in the field only a short distance away. 

Hesitantly, always careful, Yuuji reached with one hand to touch the cool skin on the back of Megumi’s hand. It was perfect, as always, under Yuuji’s touch. Hard, smooth skin that once vaguely reminded Yuuji of marble was now diamond. When Yuuji looked up, Megumi’s eyes were open and watching him. Lighter today, a clear blue that Yuuji always felt safe around. Megumi smiled. 

“I’m not scaring you?” He teased, but Yuuji could hear the nervous curiosity in his tone. 

“No,” Yuuji laughed softly, “No more than usual.”

Yuuji inched closer as Megumi’s smile widened. His hand now rested completely over Megumi’s and itched to explore. Slowly, his fingers trailed up along his arm, pausing just above his wrist. Yuuji noticed his hand shake, so he asked quietly. 

“Is this okay?” 

“Yes,” Megumi breathed, almost automatically and shut his eyes, “It’s nice, I like how it feels.”

Yuuji explored freely now, tracing his fingers delicately along the thin blue veins. He reached with his free hand and tried to turn Megumi’s hand. For a moment it was like trying to lift a car, but when Megumi realized what he wished he turned his hand with a blinding speed that disoriented Yuuji all over again. 

“Sorry,” Megumi mumbled, slowly releasing the tension in Yuuji’s hold, “It’s so easy to relax like this.”

Yuuji only smiled and lifted Megumi’s hand. He turned his palm to the side and back again, watching with interest as the light glittered rainbows against his own skin. 

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Megumi asked impatiently, Yuuji looked up to meet his eyes, “I feel like I always know, it’s weird.”

“You know, I think most people feel that way all the time.” 

“Humor me?” Megumi whispered. 

“I… I was wishing that I knew what you were thinking too…”

“And?” 

Yuuji hesitated. 

“That I could believe you were real and that I wasn’t scared.”

“Please don’t be scared.” Megumi’s response was quick. Pleading.

“That’s not exactly the fear I meant.” 

So quickly, Yuuji may have blinked and missed it, Megumi had leaned in. He was propped on his free arm, leaving his occupied hand in Yuuji’s grasp. Megumi’s face paused only a few inches from his own. He may have flinched away if the sapphire gaze didn’t lock him in place. 

“Then what are you afraid of?” Megumi inquired. 

Yuuji couldn’t find the words to answer. His eyes searched Megumi’s as his mind blanked. For a moment he thought he was under a spell. The proximity was so short, and Megumi was there, right there . Instinctually, Yuuji leaned closer. 

In a split second Megumi was gone, his hand wrenched from Yuuji’s. In the moment it took for Yuuji’s focus to return; the raven haired boy had put no less than a twenty foot distance between them. He stood at the edge of the small clearing, blanketed in the shade of a tree. 

“I-I’m sorry,” Yuuji blushed, “I don’t know why I-”

“Just give me a minute,” Megumi called, just loud enough for Yuuji to hear. 

Yuuji shut his mouth and sat back to wait patiently for Megumi’s return. Ten seconds later he walked back. He stopped a foot away this time, and sat slowly with his legs crossed again. His eyes were focused on Yuuji’s and they never strayed, even as he took two calming breaths. 

“It’s not your fault,” Megumi hesitated, “Not completely. But you couldn’t understand what it feels like for me. So don’t be sorry. Would you get what I meant if I said I was only human?” 

Yuuji nodded once and swallowed. The joke was meant to lighten the mood, but he couldn’t exactly find the humor in it at the moment. He was slowly realizing how dangerous the situation really was. Something must have tipped Megumi off - maybe the adrenaline pulsing through him - because his smile suddenly turned bitter. 

“I’m a predator, after all.” He scoffed, Yuuji assumed it was his own self musing that had set him off, “Everything about me is designed to invite you in. My voice, face, even my smell. But it’s all unnecessary.” 

Unexpectedly, Megumi was on his feet again. He turned and took off out of sight, only to appear across the field under the shade of the trees again. Within moments he was gone and back, as if he’d circled the meadow in half a second. 

“It’s not like you could outrun me,” Megumi laughed mockingly.

He reached up and gripped a low hanging branch from the tree above him. With one hand and a deafening crack, Megumi had dislodged the thick branch from the trunk. He considered it for a moment, then threw it with aggressive strength. It shattered against a large nearby tree, and before Yuuji’s head could turn to watch Megumi was in front of him again. 

He leaned over Yuuji, still as stone as he spoke gently, “And you’d never fight me off.”

Yuuji sat without moving, his eyes wide and mouth open. He had never been so shaken to his core. So frightened. So captivated. Megumi had shown a side of himself completely free of his daily mask. Yuuji was reminded of the wolf Megumi so easily compared himself to, and in that moment he felt like a rabbit as he stared, unblinking back. 

Megumi’s eyes were glowing with interest. As the seconds passed and Yuuji’s stunned expression didn’t fade, Megumi’s own gave way to one of disgusted realization. Then, slowly, guilt. 

“Don’t be scared,” He cooed gently, his voice unintentionally attractive, “I won’t hurt you. I’ll never hurt you.” 

It sounded like he was trying to convince himself. With calculated, unhurried movements, Megumi crouched in front of Yuuji and paused only a foot from his face. His hands were open, reaching out for Yuuji but not yet touching - likely feeling too guilty. Megumi turned his head, keeping his remorseful gaze on Yuuji. 

“Please, don’t be scared,” He repeated in a remorseful whisper, “I swear I can control myself, I was just caught off guard. Frustrated- at myself. I’m sorry, Yuuji.”

He waited this time, but Yuuji’s throat only let out choked squeaks as he tried to force out words that wouldn’t come. 

“I’m not thirsty, you can tell that, right?” Megumi finally asked, winking in a light hearted attempt to draw attention to his eyes. 

At that Yuuji had to laugh, but it was shaky and hesitant. Tenderly - and as always hesitantly - Megumi’s hand found Yuuji’s again. He let it rest between the two smaller palms and waited patiently for Yuuji to move again. The cold touch sparked something in his brain and after a few heartbeats Yuuji carefully began exploring his soft skin again. He looked up and smiled timidly. Megumi’s smile in return made him blush. 

“Where were we? I won't behave like that again.” 

“I honestly can’t remember,” Yuuji breathed when his voice found him. 

Megumi’s smile stayed, but his eyes were pained, “We were talking about what was scaring you.” 

Yuuji looked down at Megumi’s palm and traced the lines idly with his fingertip to buy time. He stayed quiet. 

“I’m, unfortunately, easily frustrated,” Megumi sighed and Yuuji looked up to meet his eyes. 

He was suddenly hit by the thought that this was just as new to Megumi as it was to him. It was every bit as hard - and probably harder still - for him to be here, treating him like glass. Yuuji took courage from that thought. 

“I was scared because I… Well, it’s not like I can stay with you. Not forever,” Yuuji hesitated before he whispered the rest, “Not in the way that I want to.”

“Yes,” Megumi sighed, “Wanting to be with me is something to be scared of. I should have left a long time ago. I should leave now but I…” 

“What?” Yuuji pressed. 

“I don’t know if I can anymore,” Megumi shook his head firmly when Yuuji went to speak, “I know you don’t want me to. And I won't. I’m too selfish, I want to be with you too much to do what’s best for you.” 

“Good.” 

“Don’t be happy!” Megumi sounded tired as he withdrew his hand again. 

He was gentle this time, and he stayed close. But his gaze was firm. Despite the harsh look, he was still more beautiful than any other person Yuuji had ever met. His fascination was quickly interrupted as Megumi spoke again. 

“Your company will never be the only thing I want! Don’t ever forget that!” He was harsh, almost growling as he continued, “I am more dangerous to you than anyone else, and I always will be.”

Megumi stopped and watched as Yuuji thought over what he said. 

“I don’t understand the last part,” Yuuji finally settled on. 

“How can I explain it without frightening you again?” Megumi mused, more to himself. 

It seemed like he wasn’t thinking about it as he returned his hand to Yuuji’s grasp. If the situation were different Yuuji may have giggled at the dog-like behavior. Instead, he held Megumi’s hand tightly between his own. Megumi looked down at their hands and relaxed visibly.

“The warmth is amazing...” Megumi commented as he assembled his thoughts, “I’m surrounded by humans all the time. I can tell each person in a room apart by scent, and it won't matter how many people are in there. And in a room of ten million there may be one scent that is a fraction as… pleasing as yours is to me.”

Yuuji turned the words over in his mind. 

“So it’s rare?”

“I spoke to my… siblings about it, because I’ve never met anyone like you before,” Megumi looked out towards the treetops as he got comfortable, “To Nobara, everyone is about the same. She’s the newest addition, so it’s a bit of a struggle to resist at all. She hasn’t gotten used to the differences in flavor - smell.” He quickly corrected and glanced at Yuuji with a worried look. 

“Sorry.”

“You’re not offending me, or frightening me if that’s what you’re worried about. I can at least try to understand, so just explain it however you can.”

“Nobara,” He breathed and continued, “Wasn’t sure if she had ever met someone as… appealing as you are. Todo has been around longer, so he understood what I meant. He said it’d happened twice to him.”

“What… did he do?” Yuuji asked to break the heavy silence. 

He was curious about another case like theirs, but it was the wrong question to ask. Megumi’s face was dark and his hand balled into a careful fist between Yuuji’s. 

“I understand,” Yuuji nodded when he didn’t answer. 

“Everyone makes mistakes, right?” His expression was pleading. 

“Are you asking for my permission? Is it inevitable?” Yuuji was surprised by how calmly he could discuss his own death, “There’s no hope?”” 

“No! Of course there is!” Megumi quickly dashed that line of inquiry, “Of course I would never…”

He left the sentence hanging as he looked into Yuuji’s eyes. “Todo was different, those were strangers. It was a long, long time ago. Before he was as practiced as he is now.”

“So…” Yuuji eventually started, trying to lighten the mood, “If we’d met in… oh, a dark alley…?”

“I could barely control myself in a class of students,” Megumi rolled his eyes, “I almost ruined everything Gojou built for us in seconds, right there. I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself maybe even ten years ago.” 

Suddenly, Megumi’s mood shifted and he laughed, “You must have thought I was possessed.” 

“I couldn’t understand why you were so pissed at me!” 

“You were a demon that day. It was like I was stuck in hell, every second I was going crazier. In that one hour I thought of hundreds of different ways to lure you into a room alone with me, and every time I had to fight it back,” His finished bitterly, “And if I asked you to follow you would have come.” 

“Yeah.” Yuuji tried to speak calmly. 

“But then,” Megumi set them back on track, “there you were again. In that small, warm little room. Do you remember that? I was trying to change schedules. There was only one other person there and your scent was maddening. He would have been easy to deal with too.” 

Yuuji shivered as a sudden chill ran down his spine despite the midday sun. He only now saw the danger that contrasted his own innocent memories. Now, through Megumi’s lens, he knew how close he had truly come to death. 

“I resisted it, forced myself to just leave. When I was outside and I couldn’t smell you anymore it was easier. It made the decision to leave easier, so I did. I was in Alaska by the next morning.” 

He sounded ashamed, but he seemed intent on confessing everything. Yuuji couldn’t get a word in. 

“When I was up there, visiting friends of the family, it all seemed so small. I couldn’t believe that you - a little human - had been so irresistible that I had to run away. I convinced myself to deal with the temptation, because who was a weak boy to chase me out? So I came home…”

Yuuji would normally be frustrated by the insults, but for once they felt important. Like they were necessary to Megumi’s perspective rather than scathing remarks. Megumi continued. 

“I tried to hunt more often before I saw you, but I was arrogant about it. I thought I’d be fine with just that. And not being able to read your mind made it all so much harder, I had to resort to listening to Momo’s thoughts. She’s not very original, you know? And even then I couldn’t know if you really meant what you said. It was very frustrating.” Megumi frowned. 

“But, I wondered if you could forget my behavior from the first day, so I tried to talk to you. I thought maybe I could figure out some of your thoughts, but I didn’t expect your reactions to be as… interesting as they were.

“Of course, then you were almost crushed to death by that van in front of me. I tried to reason it out - with the thought that if I didn’t save you the smell of your blood would push me over the edge. But, looking back on it later, in that moment I couldn’t think of anything but ‘Not Yuuji ’.”

He shut his eyes for the last part of his confession. Yuuji knew he should be scared, terrified even. Deep down maybe he was. But more than anything he felt relieved. He finally understood - despite how partial it was - and was filled with a compassion for the black haired boy.

“What about at the hospital?” Yuuji asked. 

“I put my family in danger by saving you, I gave you another reason to suspect me. That’s why I was furious. As if I needed another reason to kill you,” They both flinched at the harsh word, Megumi powered through it, “Mai, Todo, and Nobara thought it was the right time for me to… deal with the problem. We got into one of the biggest arguments I can remember having in so many years. But, surprisingly, Gojou and… Junpei,” He said his name with a grimace Yuuji couldn’t understand, “Both had my side, and Shoko asked me to do whatever I needed to stay.

“The next day I listened in on everyone you spoke to. Imagine my surprise when you kept to your word and stayed quiet I didn’t understand you at all, but there was nothing I could do so I tried to stay away.”

Megumi met Yuuji’s eyes again, and this time they were surprisingly tender. 

“Despite all of that,” He spoke softly, “I would have fared much better if I had exposed us back then and killed you like a rabid animal, than if I were to hurt you now, with no witnesses and nothing to stop me.”

“Why?” Yuuji’s voice was weak. 

“Yuuji,” Megumi called softly and leaned in. His free hand reached for the pink haired boy's cheek and slowly caressed his soft skin, “I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. You couldn’t imagine how often it tortures me to even think about it. To never see you blush again, or for the light to leave your eyes - and because of me…? It would be unbearable.” He pulled Yuuji in closer as he promised, “You’re the most important thing in the world to me.” 

Yuuji’s head was spinning at the constant tonal shift in their conversation. His grip only tightened slightly on Megumi’s hand as he mulled over the words. From joking, to Yuuji’s impending demise, and now to declaring themselves. He knew Megumi was watching him even when Yuuji averted his eyes. 

“I’m here, which means… I’d rather die than stay away from you,” Yuuji frowned, “Maybe that makes me an idiot.”

“You are an idiot,” Megumi agreed with a laugh. 

Their eyes met again, and this time Yuuji laughed along. Megumi was smiling at him again. The sunlight was lower now, but it still glinted pleasantly from his face. 

“Why did you run from me earlier?” 

His smile dropped. “You know why.” 

“No, I mean what did I do? Like… this, for example,” Yuuji called attention to their hands again as his fingers drew irrelevant patterns against Megumi’s palm, “Seems okay.” 

“You didn’t do anything wrong, I told you,” His smile was back, “It was my fault.” 

“But how can I help? I don’t want it to be so hard on you.” 

“I just wasn’t expecting you to get so close so quickly,” Megumi mumbled. Yuuji thought that if he could, he may have blushed as he continued, “I mean, most humans instinctively stay away from us. And… when you leaned in, the smell of your throat… ” He stopped short and looked up, as if checking to see if he’d offended Yuuji. 

“Okay.” Yuuji nodded, in an attempt to alleviate the sudden tension he pulled his hood up, “I won’t expose it.” 

“I told you I was just surprised,” Megumi argued as soon as the hood went up, but he laughed.

He reached out to guide the cloth back down, and placed his hand gently on the side of Yuuji’s neck. The cold touch should have told him to run, a natural warning, but he felt no fear.

“I’m alright, see?” Megumi asked. “I can prove it, if you want.” 

Yuuji nodded, unable to form a sentence again. His heart was pounding again, so much that he wished he could slow it to keep Megumi from hearing. 

“I do love seeing you blush,” Megumi whispered, “Now hold still. I won't hurt you.” 

He gently released his other hand from Yuuji’s grasp and used it to cup his free cheek. His touch was delicate and questioning as Megumi held his face between his hands. 

The proximity almost sent Yuuji spiraling, but he held on. He made sure to stay as still as possible as Megumi’s left hand slipped down past his throat. It came to rest against his waist as the Vampire leaned in. With a deliberate slowness he pressed the side of his cheek to the base of Yuuji’s neck. Yuuji could hear Megumi’s breath catch. Then, with a pleased hum, Megumi tipped his head to the side and pressed slow, deliberate kisses to the base of his neck. Yuuji shivered at the pleasingly cool touch, unable to help himself as a content hum slipped out. Megumi trailed his lips along the warm skin until he was stopped by Yuuji’s hoodie. Frustrated, but not deterred, he pressed his cheek gently over Yuuji’s chest instead. 

“Ah,” Megumi gasped, listening to the pleasant sound of Yuuji’s heart beating.

Yuuji didn’t know how long they sat there, it could have been hours. At some point, Megumi’s hand had moved from his waist in favor of pulling him in. The beating of his heart was still frantic, but it ever so slowly relaxed. Yuuji watched as the tension in Megumi’s shoulders drifted away along with the rhythm. He knew, again, that he should be scared. But like before, Yuuji couldn’t find any actual fear in his mind. Megumi was finally  touching him - holding him - after all. 

Megumi’s eyes were peaceful when he finally leaned back. 

“Was that… hard?” Yuuji whispered. 

“No, and it won't be so hard again.” Megumi paused, then asked shyly, “Was it… alright with you?” 

“Yeah. It was nice.” Yuuji whispered. 

Megumi smiled at him, and Yuuji returned it.

“Look,” Megumi encouraged this time, taking Yuuji’s hand to press it against his own cheek, “Can you… feel it?”

“It’s warm,” Yuuji’s eyes went wide. 

For a moment, the warmth in Megumi’s cheek distracted him from the fact that he was touching his face. Something that he had only dreamed of doing so far. 

“Don’t move,” Yuuji instructed this time. 

Megumi could have ignored his curious behavior as usual, but this time he held still. His eyes slipped shut and he tipped his head into Yuuji’s palm. The intimate moment lasted long enough for Yuuji to catch his breath. Then, he began to explore. His thumb moved first, caressing Megumi’s cheek, and his fingers followed. His skin was already cooling under Yuuji’s touch, so he moved on. He traced the line of Megumi’s nose and dropped to his lips. 

Carefully, like Megumi was made of porcelain - even though realistically the roles were reversed - Yuuji pressed his thumb to his bottom lip. He wanted so badly to lean in, to see how Megumi’s would feel against his own. But, he couldn’t push him. He would feel too guilty, so for now he dropped his hand. 

Megumi opened his eyes, and they were hungry in a way that made Yuuji’s heart hammer. His arm hugged him close, while the other coaxed Yuuji’s head to the crook of his neck. 

“I… I wish you could understand how I feel,” He whispered, “How confusing it all is.”

Megumi’s hand found his hair and began to play with it. Yuuji couldn’t tell which of them he was trying to comfort with that. 

“Tell me?” He asked. 

“I can try,” Megumi mused, “There will always be… hunger - the thirst. And I know that it’s hard to understand that completely. But… there’s another side. Desires that I don’t even understand fully. Like, I never want to stop touching you.” 

“I think I can understand that much. Probably better than you think,” Yuuji blushed. 

“Does it always feel like this?” Megumi asked. 

“I don’t know, I’ve never felt like this before.” 

Megumi sighed softly, and his hands stopped. “I don’t know how to be with you.” 

Yuuji slowly lowered himself in Megumi’s hold until his cheek was pressed to his chest. He could only hear his breathing. In a very human gesture, Megumi curled around him, and pressed his face to the top of Yuuji’s head. 

“This is enough for me,” Yuuji whispered.

They sat like that for a long moment. So long that the world was beginning to grow dark around them, but Yuuji didn’t care. He wondered if Megumi was as reluctant to move as he was, let alone leave. But, eventually, the light faded and the shadows grew. Yuuji sighed. 

“You have to go.”

“Can you read my mind now?” 

“Something like that,” The smile was clear in Megumi’s voice, he leaned back enough to look at Yuuji, “Can I show you another thing?” 

“What?” Yuuji asked, hesitant at the excitement in his eyes. 

“You’ll be safe, and we’ll get to the car much faster,” Megumi, starting with a warning, put Yuuji’s guard up. “I want to show you how I travel.”

“Are you going to turn into a bat or something?” He cringed, but Megumi only laughed. 

“How original,” He said, releasing Yuuji to stand.  He helped him up after, “Now come on, little scaredy cat. I’ll carry you.” 

Yuuji waited to see if he was joking, but apparently he meant it. Megumi grinned again at his hesitation and reached for him. The vampire pulled him in and crouched just enough to sweep an arm under Yuuji’s knees. It was too fast for him to react, and in a second he was lifted - again - into Megumi’s arms. Yuuji’s blush was only half embarrassed. 

“I’m a bit heavy to carry for miles,” Yuuji warned. 

“Hah!” Megumi’s laugh was the most genuine Yuuji had ever heard. It was rare to see the black haired boy in such high spirits. 

Megumi lifted him just a bit higher, enough to press his lips to Yuuji’s forehead. Next, he guided Yuuji’s arms around his neck. 

“Hold on.” 

Then he took off. If Yuuji had feared Megumi’s driving, it paled in comparison to his natural speed. He darted so quickly through the dark forest Yuuji thought for a moment he had died and become a ghost. The trees flew by them at deadly speeds, missing by mere inches. Yuuji was too scared to close his eyes. He imagined this is what it would feel like to stick his head out of an airplane window. 

For the first time in his life, Yuuji began to feel motion sickness. Then, as quickly as Megumi started, he stopped. They had hiked hours this morning. But now, in minutes, they were back by the convertible. 

“It’s fun right?” Megumi’s voice was filled with excitement. 

He stood, apparently waiting for Yuuji to release him and step down, but no matter how hard he tried his muscles wouldn’t relax. His head spun worse than the time he’d fainted in Biology. 

“Yuuji?” He asked, anxious. 

“I think I need to lay down.” 

“Oh, okay.” Megumi waited again. 

“I need help.” Yuuji admitted. 

Megumi laughed quietly. As Yuuji’s arms were locked around his shoulders he used the hand that had been supporting his back to open the passenger door. Then he turned and sat sideways, resting Yuuji on his lap. He held him close again, and carefully eased Yuuji’s iron grip. 

“How do you feel?” He asked when Yuuji’s arms dropped into his own lap. 

“Dizzy,” He sighed, it was the easiest word to explain how he felt, “I think.”

“I’m sorry, that wasn’t the best idea.” Megumi hummed softly.

Yuuji slowed his breathing, and eventually he found he could raise his head again. The world around him was still too much, but it was easy to keep his attention centered on Megumi if he kept his eyes shut. 

“It was.. Interesting.” He mused.

“You’re paler than I am,” Megumi scoffed. 

“I should have closed my eyes.” 

“Remember that next time.” 

“Next time?” Yuuji almost whined. 

Megumi chuckled, and waited a few more minutes to speak. “Open your eyes.” 

Slowly, Yuuji blinked his eyes open, and there Megumi was. His face was so close - too close. Yuuji didn’t think he’d ever get used to it. 

“I got an idea while I was running…” He waited. 

Yuuji swallowed nervously before asking, “An idea for..?” 

“Well… There’s something I want to try,” He said and took Yuuji’s face in his hands again. “If you’ll let me.” 

Yuuji couldn’t breathe. For a moment he couldn’t blink either. He watched as Megumi hesitated. He was testing his control, to see if it was safe before continuing. Then, when Yuuji didn’t pull away, he leaned in. 

His lips were, as expected, cold. But they were also soft, and pleasant as they pressed gently against his own. It was a shy kiss, as Megumi’s hands stayed unmoving against his cheeks. Yuuji’s shock melted all at once. He returned the kiss eagerly, his hands found Megumi’s hair and held on. His lips parted as his breath returned. It was almost desperate as Yuuji nipped his bottom lip, coaxing him to respond.

Megumi’s hands moved to his waist in a flash, growling excitedly at the comparatively weak nip. Yuuji was surprised again by his strength as he pressed him back against the dashboard. Megumi’s lips had just parted - more eager then he’d ever seen - and he licked into his mouth. He let his teeth brush playfully against Yuuji’s lip, when the pink haired boy’s excited gasp froze him. Immediately, he stopped moving and angled his head away to compose himself. His breath was labored and his gaze hungry.

“Wow ,” Yuuji whispered, dazed.

Megumi’s eyes were wild when he looked back, but he kept his jaw clenched tightly in restraint. His arms tightened around Yuuji every time he tried to give him space. 

“I’m okay, stop being impatient,” Megumi was teasing him, so Yuuji waited patiently. 

Megumi smiled before he slowly began to calm down. He eased back into the seat, removing Yuuji from his spot pressed to the dash. 

“All better?” He asked when Megumi grinned, pleased with himself. 

“Yes,” He nodded before musing, “I’m stronger than I thought.”

Megumi was on his feet again in one graceful movement. Yuuji was back in his arms, but the kiss had hampered his reaction time. He was so used to not touching Megumi that every sudden movement surprised him. In a way, though, he was thankful Megumi had lifted him, as his balance definitely hadn’t returned. 

“Are you still faint from the run or am I that good of a kisser?” He laughed, and it sounded so human to Yuuji. 

This was a different Megumi than the one he had known. Maybe, he mused, different was the wrong word. Deeper. Yuuji fell all the more in love with him none the less. 

“I’m not sure,” Yuuji managed to respond, “Maybe a little of both.”

“I guess I should take you home.” 

“Will you let me drive?” 

“Are you crazy?” Megumi laughed again. 

“No, you’re going to drive way too fast! It’ll make me nauseous.”

“I’ll drive slower,” Megumi argued, “Besides, I could drive better than you on your best day.”

“No way.”

Megumi raised an eyebrow in disbelief, “I’m not letting you drive drunk.” 

“Drunk?” Yuuji scoffed. 

“You’re intoxicated by me.” He was grinning.

“Just drive slowly…” There was no way around it, Megumi was right. Irked, Yuuji asked, “You’re not intoxicated by me? Not even a little bit?” 

Megumi didn’t answer at first, he just leaned in to press his lips to the line of Yuuji’s jaw. He worked his way to Yuuji’s ear, and nipped - so gently he could barely feel it - against the exposed skin. Yuuji’s hands were trembling as Megumi pressed kiss after kiss in the space below his ear. Then, he whispered.

“My reflexes are much better than yours.”

Chapter Text

Megumi could actually drive fairly well when he wasn’t speeding. And, like many things, it looked effortless to him. His eyes barely glanced at the road, and he drove with only one hand on the wheel. The other he kept firmly in Yuuji's hand on his lap. At some point, Megumi had switched the radio on. It was an old station, and Yuuji didn’t know the song that was playing. Megumi seemed to as he hummed along. 

“This is from the fifties,” Megumi said, “It was a pretty good time for music.”

“Are you ever going to tell me how old you are?” Yuuji chuckled. 

“Do you care that much?” 

“Well… no, but I’m still curious,” He mumbled. 

“It might upset you…” Megumi settled on, his gaze turned back to the road instead.

“I wont be mad,” Yuuji shook his head. “Vampires live forever right? I guess I should be expecting a surprise, but I won’t cry about it.” 

“I don’t know about forever…” Megumi sighed and glanced at Yuuji. Whatever he saw must have encouraged him because, though hesitant, he spoke. 

“I was born in 1901,” Megumi paused and glanced nervously at him. Yuuji kept his expression firmly under control. The raven smiled gently and continued, “Gojou found me in a hospital sometime during 1918, it was hard to keep track of the days back then. I was seventeen, and dying.”

Yuuji gasped. Megumi looked into his eyes again and tried to reassure him. 

“I don’t recall much of it - it was so long ago and human memories… fade.” Megumi was choosing his words carefully, and Yuuji could tell he was trying to gloss over what had been his own demise. He couldn’t blame Megumi for that, “I remember how it felt to be changed though. You can’t forget that.”

“What about your parents?” 

“I don’t remember my mother at all, I don’t know if I ever knew her,” Megumi shrugged, unfazed. Yuuji could relate, but he didn’t voice it, “My father left me when I was young, so my memories of him are vague. He wasn’t the kind of man you’d want as a father anyway. And I never found out what became of him. By the time Gojou found me in that hospital, there was no one to mourn me. No one would realize I was gone.”

“How did he… save you then?”

“It’s hard to do what Gojou did.” Megumi was careful again, “There aren’t many who could stop after they’ve bitten. But… Gojou has always been the strongest of us. It should be impossible but he bit and released.” He paused, “All I remember is the pain after though.”

Yuuji could tell from the tight line of his lips that Megumi didn’t want to continue. 

“I think he was lonely though,” He said anyway, “That’s why anyone would change someone, and I can’t blame him for it. I was the first he turned, but Shoko was soon after; maybe within five years.”

“What happened to her?” Yuuji whispered, “Was she also…?”

“Dying?” Yuuji nodded at his question. On her death, Megumi elaborated, “Yeah. She’d been attacked, thrown off a cliff. They brought her straight to a hospital but it was too late to save her. The internal bleeding was too severe. She only had minutes when Gojou…” 

“So you have to be dying then, to become like you?” 

“No, that’s just Gojou. He wouldn’t take someone's life if they had another choice.” As grumpy as Megumi tended to look when Dr. Gojou was brought up, the level of respect was clear now, “He says the change is easier on them, if they’re weak.” 

“What about Todo and Mai?” 

“Mai was next, Gojou changed her too. She found Todo two years after joining us,” Megumi glanced at Yuuji and continued,  “She was hunting, we were in the east near the mountains, when Mai found him in the woods. A bear was about to kill him, so she intervened and carried him back to Gojou. She told me later that she didn’t think she was strong enough to change him herself. I can understand how difficult that must have been for her, now.” 

Yuuji laughed softly and lifted Megumi’s hand. He pressed his cheek to the back of it in a silent apology before pressing a shy kiss to the knuckles. 

“But she made it back?” Yuuji prompted. 

“Yeah, he’d forgiven her as soon as he woke up too. They’ve been inseparable ever since, anywhere you see one the other follows.” Megumi mused for a moment, “They pretend to be married sometimes for fun, and so they can live on their own. But it’s better for all of us the younger we pretend to be so they don’t do it often. We can stick around longer if we start in High school.”

“What about… Nobara and Junpei?” Yuuji finally asked about the two that inspired the most curiosity in himself. 

“They’re both… rare in a way. They developed a conscience, not feeding on humans, without us. Nobara was part of a different coven before us but she says she hated it and doesn’t want me to elaborate much more than that. So, eventually she left to wander on her own. Junpei found her along the way. He has… talents like I do.” 

“You said you were the only one who could read minds!” Yuuji gasped. 

“Junpei can’t read minds,” Megumi scoffed and said, as if it were obvious, “He sees the future. Things that are coming. It’s not set in stone, so it’s more like he sees multiple futures.”

“What kinds of things does he see?” 

“He saw Nobara, and knew that she would belong with our family. He saw Gojou and the rest of us. The two of them came together to find us. Junpei can see our kind the clearest, like when they’re coming… if they pose a threat.” 

Carefully, Yuuji asked, “Are there a lot of your kind?” 

“No, we’re few and far between. Most never settle in one place, and travel alone. I’ve only met one other group like ours, the family I visited in Alaska,” Megumi explained like it was common knowledge, “Those of us who eat… differently like to stick together.” 

“So the rest are just, what, nomads?” 

“I guess you could call them that. We’ve all lived that way once, but it gets boring quickly. I run across others now and again though, since most of us prefer the north.” 

“Why?” Yuuji asked as Megumi parked in front of his house. 

It was quiet and dark. The porch light was out, and Yuuji couldn’t make out any other lights in the house. He couldn’t find Nanami’s cruiser in the driveway either - so he must not be home yet. 

“Did your eyes melt earlier?” Megumi laughed, “I couldn’t go walking down the streets with you in Phoenix, could I? At best I’d cause traffic accidents. It’s one of the most sunless places in the world here, though. It’s nice to be able to go out during the day.” 

“So…” Yuuji nodded and shifted back, “Did Junpei come from a different family too?”

“No, even Junpei doesn’t remember where he came from. He has no human memories, and he doesn’t know who created him either. If he hadn’t been gifted with sight - hadn’t known he was going to join us - I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d become a complete savage.” 

There was so much that intrigued Yuuji, made him want to ask more. But, to his embarrassment, his stomach growled. He was so captivated he hadn’t even realized that the last time he ate had been that morning.

“I’m keeping you from dinner,” Megumi stated. 

“It’s fine,” Yuuji shook his head quickly.

“You should head in.” 

“I want to stay,” Yuuji said instead. Then, hesitantly, he confessed, “I did… tell Nanami you might come in. He’s not home yet so you’d have to wait for him to get back but...”

“Is it alright with you?”  Megumi’s hand was already on the door handle.

“Of course.” Yuuji smiled.

Before he could do anything, Megumi was out of the car and beside his door. Almost simultaneously he had it opened. The two walked quietly to the house and Megumi hurried to open the front door for him as well. 

“It was unlocked?” Yuuji mumbled as he paused half in the frame. 

“I used the key hidden under the mat.” Megumi explained. 

Yuuji turned to him and raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t even known about that key. Megumi quickly broke under his inquiring gaze. 

“I was curious about you…” He mumbled, glancing away. “I found it when I came for your car.” 

“So you’ve been letting yourself in?” 

This time, he was unapologetic. “There’s nothing else to do at night.” 

Yuuji let it go for the time being, because as much as he wanted to be outraged he was also a little bit flattered. That, and he was ready to eat. Megumi was in the kitchen before him, already comfortable in a chair at the table. Yuuji focused on reheating a plate of spaghetti from last night instead of the homely picture in front of him. 

“How often?” Yuuji asked, keeping his eyes on the microwave. 

“What?” Megumi sounded like he hadn’t been paying attention. 

“How often do you… visit?” 

Megumi hesitated. “Every night.” 

“What?” Yuuji turned, stunned. “Why?” 

“You talk in your sleep, it’s interesting.” Megumi had the nerve to look satisfied. 

Yuuji blushed. He knew he talked in his sleep, his grandfather used to tease him endlessly about it. The microwave beeped and he removed his bowl. It wasn’t as hot as he would have usually liked, but Yuuji was too embarrassed to talk so he took a bite of the pasta. 

After a few minutes, when Yuuji finished eating, Megumi asked, “Are you mad?”

 His expression turned guilty when Yuuji looked over at him. 

“That depends on what you heard.”  He decided on

Instantly, Megumi was by his side. He took Yuuji’s hands carefully and leaned down to meet his eyes. “Don’t be upset, please.” 

Yuuji felt more embarrassed than anything, so he tried to glance away. 

“You miss your grandfather,” Megumi confessed, “You’re homesick, and you worry about Chief Nanami. When it rains you’re too restless to talk. Once you said, ‘ It’s too green ’,” 

“Anything else?” Yuuji asked. 

Megumi, as if sensing what he was talking about, said, “You may have said my name a few times.” 

“A few?” 

“Maybe more-”

“Oh no!” Yuuji’s blush only got darker. 

Megumi pulled him in, and when Yuuji didn’t resist his hand threaded through his hair. 

“Don’t be embarrassed,” Megumi whispered, “If I could dream they’d be about you, I’m not ashamed of it.” 

Yuuji didn’t know just how genuine his words were, but they definitely sent his heart racing. He suddenly found that Megumi was right, he shouldn’t be embarrassed. Before he could speak the sound of tires on the driveway had them separating. 

Megumi was back in his seat at the table when Yuuji heard the front door open. He could see the light flick on in the hall and quickly positioned himself in front of Megumi. He had planned to intercept Nanami first, but the blonde man was already in the kitchen doorway looking them over. 

“Oh? Megumi Fushiguro, I assume?” He spoke seriously with a raised eyebrow. 

“Hello, sir,” Megumi said, gently slipping by Yuuji to greet him. The polite toned mask was back, “I’m sorry I haven’t been over to introduce myself yet.” 

“It’s alright. You’re the first who has,” Nanami shook his hand, “Did you two have a fun night?” 

“I did, it was pleasant,” Megumi turned to Yuuji. 

“Of course I had fun too.” 

“What did you get up to?” 

“Nothing interesting,” Yuuji cut in when it looked like Megumi wanted to answer, “How was fishing?” 

“I caught a handful, but nothing large enough to keep,” Nanami said. His attention quickly turned to the microwave, “Are you staying for dinner?” 

Megumi’s calculating gaze flicked to Yuuji for a moment. “Unfortunately I’m needed at home soon.”

Nanami agreed quickly, “I won't keep you then.” 

“Thank you, sir,” Megumi said. “I’ll come over one night this week if that’s alright?” 

Nanami seemed to be won over, as he nodded with a small smile. Yuuji wanted to keep Megumi around longer. But, he knew it had long since passed their time together today. With a reluctant sigh he turned to show Megumi out after Nanami said his goodbyes. 

When they were on the poarch it was like the world shrank around them again. The only light came from the dim lamp by the door. It blanketed them in a golden glow that made Megumi look more like the dream Yuuji already suspected him to be. The raven waited - Yuuji assumed it was for Nanami to head upstairs when he heard the stairs creak and a distant door shut. Then his hands found Yuuji’s cheeks again. His touch was confident this time, lacking all of the hesitation that used to make him pause. 

“It won't be so long,” Megumi said, before adding, “You’ll see me sooner than you think. I promise.” 

“I know,” Yuuji sighed and his hands reached up to cover Megumi’s. 

Megumi leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his lips. Then again, firmer, against Yuuji’s. If his hands hadn’t already been on the vampires they would have found him quickly as he easily responded. 

Megumi ended the kiss first. His eyes were already open when Yuuji blinked his own. There was heat in his gaze, enough to make Yuuji swallow in anticipation. Instead, Megumi pressed one more kiss to his forehead and released him. 

It was too hard to say goodbye so Yuuji released his hold quietly. Megumi was back in his car and gone in the next minute. Yuuji tried not to pout as he walked back into the house and switched the porch light off. He had guessed right earlier. Nanami was nowhere to be found downstairs. Upstairs his bedroom light was on, but when he walked by the door was open and Nanami was sitting on the bed. 

“Are you heading to bed?” He asked when Yuuji passed. 

“I’m a bit tired,” Yuuji lied. His heart was still hammering from kissing Megumi again.

“You look excited,” 

“Oh,” Was all Yuuji could manage, “Do I?”

“No more plans on a Saturday night?” Nanami asked cryptically. “Not with any of the other kids in the neighborhood?”

“None, just sleeping.” 

“And… Fushiguro left?”  Nanami mused.

“I watched him,” Yuuji hesitated, “Why do you ask?” 

“Yuta called the station earlier.” 

“I already told him I wasn’t going,” Yuuji sighed, frustrated, “I’ll call him back later. I’m seriously just going to bed, it’s been a long day.”

“Alright,” Nanami finally let him go, “Sleep well then.” 

“Thanks, see you in the morning.” 

Yuuji walked to his room and shut the door behind himself with a groan. Of course Yuta couldn’t let it go for one night.  When he switched the lights on he had to cover his mouth to keep from screaming in fright. His shock faded quickly as he took in the sight in front of him. Megumi, a pleased grin on his lips, was laying back comfortably in his bed. 

“Your reflexes are getting much better,” He spoke first.  Yuuji flicked the lights out then back on once, “I’m really here.” 

Without regard for questioning how exactly Megumi got into his room, Yuuji lept happily onto the bed beside him. The raven accepted his touch, as his arms wrapped automatically around Yuuji. He was soon pulled up and over his lap, so that Megumi could clutch him close. 

“Sit with me,” Megumi encouraged when he tried to get up.

“I will,” Yuuji said, gently coaxing his arms off, “But I want to change first.” 

Reluctantly, Megumi allowed him to escape. Yuuji hurried to his dresser and pulled out the first things he could find. Sweats and a t-shirt weren’t exactly ideal, but they would at least be comfortable. Briefly, Yuuji paused at the bedroom door. He turned just enough to look at Megumi. 

“Stay.” 

“Of course.” Megumi laid back and made a show out of making himself comfortable on the bed. 

Yuuji shut the door carefully behind himself when he left, making sure it latched. With his luck Nanami would find Megumi immediately if he didn’t take care. 

He decided to take a hot shower, enough to wash and rinse. The familiar scent of his shampoo was calming. He tried not to think about Megumi the entire time, but it was hard with the other boy just a room away. When he was out of the shower he dried and dressed quickly. He leaned against the sink for a long moment before finally motivating himself enough to leave the bathroom. Opening the door was another matter entirely. When he couldn’t linger any more he rubbed the towel over his hair once more and left. 

It was too late to regret not choosing something nicer. Megumi didn’t seem to care though, as he sat -regarding Yuuji -  in the same position he was left in. 

“Nice,” He commented, correcting at Yuuji’s blush, “You look cute.”

“Thanks,” His embarrassment quickly melted into fondness at the compliment. 

Yuuji was back by his side in moments despite his blush. He crawled onto the bed and sat beside Megumi. The other boy sat up and leaned in, allowing his cool cheek to press against Yuuji’s. 

“Mmm..” he hummed softly, “You’re warm again.” 

“From the shower,” Yuuji managed to squeak out when Megumi angled his head down. “It looks like it’s easier for you to touch me now.” 

“Does it?” Megumi smirked, brushing his lips along the length of his jaw.  His hand reached up to cup the back of Yuuji’s head, keeping him in place as his lips stopped below his ear. 

“Much easier.” Yuuji shivered under the affection while Megumi only hummed in acknowledgment. “So I was wondering…” 

“Yes?” Megumi breathed as his free hand found Yuuji’s hip and began to trace slow patterns into the fabric of his shirt. 

“How that’s possible?” His voice shook, making his flush return. 

Megumi laughed softly against his skin, “Mind over matter.” 

Yuuji pulled back to look at him, but as soon as he moved away Megumi froze. The vampire relaxed his grip and allowed him to slowly pull away; though his expression was puzzled. 

“Did I go too far?” 

“No,” Yuuji shook his head quickly, “The opposite, it’s too nice.” 

Megumi considered it and when he spoke it was clearly pleased. “Really?” 

“Do you want a medal?” Yuuji mumbled shyly. 

“I’m just happy,” Megumi clarified, “I never imagined I would want to be with someone in another way than with my family - let alone this. And then, even though it's new to me, to find out I’m good at… being with you…” 

Yuuji thought again that if Megumi could blush he would now, “If it’s so easy why wasn’t it this afternoon?” 

“It’s not easy now either, but this afternoon I still wasn’t sure if I was strong enough…” His hand that had been drawing patterns stopped to hold his waist now, “But I made up my mind that I was. I had to decide that there was no possibility that I would… or that I ever could…” 

Megumi always struggled for words when talking about Yuuji’s possible doom. 

“So there’s no possibility now?” 

“Mind over matter.” He repeated, but his face turned serious and he whispered, “I’m trying, but if it’s too much I’ll be able to leave.” 

Yuuji frowned, he didn’t like talk of leaving. 

“It’ll be harder tomorrow,” Megumi continued, “I’ve been around your scent all day, I’m surprisingly desensitized. I don’t think I’ll have to start from scratch, but after a night apart it might feel… fresh again tomorrow.” 

“Don’t leave then,” Yuuji reasoned. 

“If you insist,” Megumi laughed softly and reached to take Yuuji’s wrists in his hands. “I’ll stay all night.” 

“I haven’t seen you so happy before,” Yuuji observed. “Or optimistic.” 

“It’s supposed to make me feel like that, isn’t it?” His smile stayed but he glanced away shyly, “First love and all. It feels so different than just reading about it, or watching a movie, right?”

“Very different,” Yuuji agreed as his blush returned at the mention of love. 

“It’s intense,” Megumi’s words flowed faster, more eager than ever to express himself, “I’ve read about jealousy more times than I can count too, I’ve heard it in songs, seen it in movies. I thought I understood it, but…” He paused, grimacing, “Well, that day Yuta asked you to the dance…” 

Yuuji reflected for a minute before he nodded; though he remembered the day for an entirely different reason. 

“That was when you started talking to me again.” 

“Yeah,” Megumi seemed reluctant to continue the topic he started, “I was surprised by how… pissed I felt, and I didn’t know why. Then I was even more frustrated because I didn’t know why you rejected him. If you were telling the truth or if it was for your friends sake. Or, worse, maybe there was someone else? I tried not to care, but I wanted to know so badly.” 

“And then a line formed,” Yuuji couldn’t help but laugh, recalling the day, “I guess no one told you about Momo’s invitation?” 

Megumi’s frown turned dangerously close to a pout. “I was lucky enough to find out about that one after you’d already rejected her,” He recovered and continued, “I was nervous every time someone asked you but every time you said no I felt relieved. I… came here for the first time that night.” 

Megumi paused for a minute, holding Yuuji’s wrists in his hands as if he was waiting for him to run away again. Yuuji stayed put. 

“I sat by the window,” He admitted, “I knew what was right was to leave - even if it was only for a year, it could have been enough for you to move on. Maybe you would have said yes to Yuta eventually, maybe Momo, who knows. But, thinking about that made me angry. What I actually wanted was to stay.”

“And then,” Megumi whispered, “While I was weighing my morals against each other, you said my name. It was so clear I thought you had woken up. But then you turned, settled, and said it again. I knew that I couldn’t keep ignoring you.” 

He was silent for a moment, likely listening to the pounding of Yuuji’s heart. 

“Jealousy, though… is strange. It’s a lot stronger than I thought. When Chief Nanami brought up Yuta just now-” 

“You were listening?” Yuuji gasped. 

“Of course.” 

“And that, of all things, made you jealous. Really?” 

“I’m learning how to do this again, it’s stronger because it’s new to me,” Megumi argued, “I never knew I’d been missing something all this time. I thought I was complete when all this time...” 

“I haven’t had to wait very long,” Yuuji whispered, “I’m getting off easy.” 

“Yeah, I should be making this much harder on you,” He released Yuuji’s left wrist to run his hand through his still damp hair, then he spoke dryly,  “You’re only risking your life after all, what’s that worth?” 

“Not much - I’m not missing anything.” 

Megumi looked like he was about to argue when his body became alert. Yuuji tried to pull back, to get a look at his face, but his hand kept his head firmly in place. Then, in an instant, Yuuji was free and Megumi was gone. He barely avoided falling face first onto his mattress. 

“Lie down!” Megumi’s voice was sharp despite the whisper. 

He couldn’t tell where it came from in the darkness, but at least it meant he hadn’t left. Yuuji obeyed quickly and pulled the comforter over himself. He turned, quickly, to lay on his side. Just in time for the door to creak open as Nanami peeked in. 

Yuuji focused his breathing and tried not to play it up too much. It was a long minute of listening. He couldn’t even be sure he heard the door close when Nanami finally left. Then, Megumi was over him, his arms boxing Yuuji in under the covers. He lowered himself enough to whisper playfully into his ear.

“You’re a terrible actor.”

“There goes that dream,” Yuuji whispered, his heart crescendoing in his chest.

Megumi was humming softly as he shifted his weight and settled in beside him. His arms were back around Yuuji in an instant. 

“Should I sing you to sleep?” He was teasing again. 

“Like I could sleep now,” Yuuji laughed, “It’ll be impossible with you here.” 

“Well, if you don’t want to sleep, then…?” 

Yuuji couldn’t answer at first. “I’m not sure what I want to do.” 

“Tell me when you decide.” Megumi smirked and began to explore again in the meantime. 

Yuuji could feel his nose against his neck first, how Megumi paused to inhale before he nestled himself affectionately closer. 

“I thought you were desensitized?” 

“So? You still smell nice, I like it.” Megumi countered, “Do you want me to stop?”

“No,” Yuuji’s curiosity peaked, “What’s it like?” 

“Strawberries,” Megumi mused before chuckling, “Sometimes it’s more like peaches or cherry, but it’s always sweet like fruit.”

“I think I know what I want to do now,” Yuuji changed the subject when his pulse sped, continuing when Megumi pulled back to look at him. “Tell me more about you.” 

“You can ask me anything.” 

“Don’t misunderstand, I'm happy that you do - but how can you resist it? I just don’t get why you’d bother eating animals in the first place.”

“It’s a fair question,” Megumi hesitated, “One a lot of our kind ask, and it’s hard for them to understand too I guess. We’ve all been given a pretty awful hand, sure, but we can still choose to act better. I didn’t want to lose all of my humanity.” 

Yuuji laid in silence, turning the words over in his head. After a few minutes, Megumi whispered nervously. 

“Did you fall asleep?” 

“No.” 

“Is that all you wanted to know?” 

“No,” Yuuji repeated, and continued when Megumi didn’t say anything else, “Why… can you read minds? And you said Junpei sees the future too. I don’t understand how that can happen.” 

“We don’t know much about it either.” Megumi shrugged, “Gojou thinks we keep the strongest part of ourselves with us after we change. He thinks I may have been perceptive, and that maybe Junpei had some slight kind of precognition. We’ll never know in Junpei’s case, and it’s been so long that I can’t recall most of my human memories.” 

“What did the others bring then?” 

“I’ve never met anyone of our kind as strong as Todo, and Mai’s very… tenacious. Stubborn.” Megumi chuckled, “Nobara’s a bit different. She was - apparently - charismatic when she was alive. Her gift is the most subtle, but it’s strong. I guess you could compare it to emotional manipulation. She could calm down an angry mob in seconds, for example, and no one would know she had a hand in it.” 

This time, Megumi waited patiently for him to think. Yuuji considered his words, trying to take it all in.

“Where did it all start, then? Gojou changed you, but someone must have changed him; and someone before them…” 

“Well where did you come from? We could have evolved from the same source, predator and prey,” Megumi smirked, “I mean, the same world creates baby seals and killer whales right? “

“I’m the baby seal?” Yuuji raised an unimpressed eyebrow. 

“Now you’re getting it.” Megumi laughed, Yuuji felt his lips pressing against his forehead. “It’s late, you should sleep. We’ll have tomorrow, and the day after…” 

“You won’t vanish in the morning?” Yuuji wanted to be certain, despite the giddy feeling in his chest. 

“I won’t leave you.” It was a promise. 

Yuuji stuttered, “One more question then?” 

“What is it?” 

“Well… earlier you said...“ Yuuji bit his lip, suddenly feeling overwhelmingly reluctant, “Forget it. I changed my mind.” 

“You can ask me anything you want, Yuuji.” The pink haired boy only shook his head, Megumi groaned, “I keep thinking it’ll get less frustrating not being able to hear your thoughts. Please?” 

Megumi’s voice was so persuasive it took everything in him to keep his lips shut. Yuuji shook his head again and looked everywhere but his boyfriend. 

“If you don’t tell me I’ll think it’s something worse than it is.” 

“Well…” Yuuji began to crack.

“Yes?” Megumi encouraged him and leaned in.

“You… said that sometimes Mai and Todo… pretend to get married. Um, I guess…” Yuuji hesitated, finding it hard to force the question out even as Megumi held his gaze. He swallowed nervously and continued, “Is that kind of… marriage… the same as it would be for humans?” 

“I don’t see what would be different about a wedding?”

“So it’s the same… even after it’s over…?” 

Understanding flashed in Megumi’s eyes and he chuckled.

“ Really? ” He was clearly pleased as his hand moved to cup the back of Yuuji’s head, “That’s what you’re curious about?” 

Yuuji shrugged, unable to form another response. 

“I guess it’s pretty much the same,” Megumi continued, “I mean, I can still feel desire, there are just… stronger urges now.” 

“Ah.” Yuuji nodded. 

“Why did you want to know that?” 

“Well of course I would wonder about you and me someday…” 

Yuuji could tell that Megumi had become serious by the sudden rigidness of his body. He was still gentle, but any caressing had been put on pause. 

“I don’t think we could.” 

“Because it would be hard to be that close?” 

“Partly, but that wasn’t what I had in mind…” Megumi sighed, “You don’t realize how soft you are, fragile. Even now I have to be careful with every action so that I don’t hurt you. I could kill you so easily just by accident Yuuji.” 

His voice had become a soft whisper and he moved his hand to cup Yuuji’s cheek again. His reluctance didn’t stop him from voicing the brutal truth this time. 

“If I didn’t pay enough attention… If I was too excited… I could grab your arms and break them like toothpicks, or your spine for that matter. I- I could reach out, trying to touch your face, and crush your skull by mistake . I can never, never risk losing control like that. I’m sorry.” 

Megumi waited for him to respond, and he could feel the vampire growing anxious beside him. He asked, “Are you scared?” 

“No,” Yuuji answered automatically, a bit surprised that he didn’t need to think about it, “I’m fine, Megumi.” 

“Okay,” He said after deliberating. After another short pause he swallowed and continued, hesitant but much more curious, “Have you ever tried…?” 

“Of course not!” Yuuji blused, “I’ve never felt like this about anyone before.” 

“I believe you.” Megumi soothed him, “I just know how other people's thoughts work. I know… love and lust don’t always go hand in hand.” 

“They do for me.” 

“We have one thing in common then. That’s nice.” He sounded content.

Yuuji waited for a minute before asking, “Does that all mean you, um, find me attractive then?” 

“I’m not human, but I still have eyes.” Megumi laughed, carding his hand back through Yuuji’s hair before he teased, “I’m still a man.”

Yuuji swallowed and nodded, content with the answer. Though he felt too shy to look Megumi in the eye again. 

“Alright.” He whispered after a yawn. 

“You should sleep now,” Megumi insisted, pulling the covers further over him.

“I don’t think I can.” 

“Maybe I should leave after all.”

“No!” Yuuji said too quickly. 

Megumi laughed and settled back down beside him. He began to hum a soft, unfamiliar lullaby into Yuuji’s ear, most likely hoping to soothe him to sleep and it was working quickly. The long day of mental and emotional stress was finally catching up to him. As Megumi continued to hum - in that angelic tone that had him thinking he must be half siren as well - Yuuji allowed himself to slowly be lulled to sleep in his cold embrace.

Chapter Text

The light of another day eventually woke Yuuji. One of his arms was draped lazily over his face, and he felt dazed from sleep. There was something lingering in his subconscious that compelled him to move, to remember. Instead, Yuuji groaned and rolled onto his side, hoping to find sleep again. Then, all at once, as his mind was wondering and about to drift off the previous day flashed into his memory. 

Yuuji sat up so quickly his head spun.

“So you wake up with your hair like that…'' Megumi's voice, wide awake, came from his desk chair. Yuuji flushed and patted it down. 

“You stayed,” He said as Megumi stood and crossed the small path to his bed. 

“You asked me to,” Megumi said, like it was a simple favor and not hours of his time, “Of course I would.” 

Yuuji looked over at the raven as he made himself comfortable on his bed. Megumi’s fingers twitched once towards him, then settled. Like he wanted to touch but a new shyness kept him back. It was cute, so Yuuji pulled away his blanket to scoot himself beside Megumi. He laid his head gently against the raven’s shoulder and cuddled in, enjoying the familiar scent. 

“I thought I was dreaming.” 

“You can’t make me up,” Megumi scoffed but his arms found Yuuji none the less, “Maybe Chief Nanami but-” 

“Nanami!” Yuuji gasped and tried to stand. Megumi let him up about two feet before he used a bit more strength than necessary to pull Yuuji back to his side. If he weren’t the object of the vampire's affection he might consider him a show off. 

“He already left, almost an hour ago,” Megumi gave him a reassuring squeeze as he explained, “So it’s just us here.” 

Yuuji deliberated for a moment. He had no objections to Megumi’s touch, but he must have thought that was what took him so long to answer. Because his grip was quickly loosening. 

“Everything alright?”

“Yeah,” Yuuji turned his head and eyed the door, worrying over morning breath, “I think I just need a minute after waking up.” 

“I’ll wait.” 

Megumi was always polite when it came to releasing him. Yuuji tried to keep the same courtesy in mind as he ran through his morning routine. He brushed his teeth first before he went to work on his hair. It wasn’t that bad. A bit ruffled from sleep, sure, but nothing he couldn’t manage with a bit of water. Finally, he splashed cold water over his face to wake himself up. It was hard not to run back to his room. His heart was already pounding happily, and he knew Megumi would hear it, anything other than that would be embarrassing. 

Megumi’s arms were open and waiting when he returned. 

“Welcome back,” He smiled and pressed a soft kiss to Yuuji’s cheek. Yuuji almost missed the change of clothes, hypnotized just by the soft kiss. 

“You left?” He asked, flattening the collar of his shirt.

“What would Chief Nanami think if I left in the clothes I came in?” Megumi teased. Yuuji’s glare had him continue, “I left last night after you fell asleep… when the sleep talking ended that is.” 

“What did I say?” Yuuji groaned.

Megumi’s eyes turned pleased and he answered quickly, “That you love me.” 

“You didn’t know that already?” Yuuji ducked his head shyly. 

“I still liked to hear it,” Then, in a whisper, “I love you. You’re my life now.”

Yuuji couldn’t think of anything to say. His heart was still pounding, a clear pleased tune he knew Megumi was happy to hear. When the moment passed, as if to show consideration for Yuuji’s human frailties, Megumi spoke with a suspiciously nonchalant tone. 

“Breakfast time.” 

So, in return for the weak jokes, Yuuji clutched his throat and stared at Megumi with wide eyes. Shock instantly spread across his face.

“Kidding!” Yuuji laughed, “I’m not that bad of an actor.” 

“You’re not funny,” Megumi frowned, but he knew right away he was forgiven. 

“It was very funny, actually.” 

“Fine, I’ll rephrase then,” Megumi frowned, and leaned down to position Yuuji’s waist at his shoulder. For a moment he was confused, before he was hoisted up and over when Megumi stood.  “Breakfast for the human.” 

He carried Yuuji carefully, though not as gently, down the stairs. Yuuji protested as he was dragged along to the kitchen, Megumi ignored him. He sat him right side up on the counter and stood in front of him.

“What’s for breakfast?” Yuuji asked, playing along. 

“Um,” Megumi - surprisingly - blanked as the question threw him off, “What… Do you want?” 

Yuuji laughed and slid from the counter, sandwiched between it and Megumi for a moment. He guided the vampire back to one of the chairs at their small dining table. He was happy that Megumi let himself be pushed back into the chair.

“I’ll feed myself, just relax.” 

He found a bowl and a box of cereal fairly quickly. There was a warmth spreading through him, subconsciously aware of Megumi’s eyes on him as he poured his milk and grabbed a spoon. He found he was right when he turned to meet him at the table. Megumi was gazing at him, uncaring that he’d been caught. 

“What are today’s plans?” Yuuji asked to break the silence and took a bite of his cereal. 

“Mm..” Yuuji could tell he was wording his answer carefully, “If you could hypothetically… meet my family today what would you say?”

Yuuji froze and swallowed. 

“Are you scared?” Megumi sounded surprisingly hopeful.

He couldn’t deny it. “Yeah.” 

“Don’t worry,” Megumi’s smirk was self satisfied, “I’ll protect you.”

“I’m not afraid they’ll hurt me,” Yuuji leaned back in his seat, “They just… I don’t know, they might not like me. Do they even know that I know?”

“They know everything. Junpei and I make secrets near impossible, so I couldn’t really hide any of it.”

“Did Junpei see me coming?” 

“... Something like that.” Yuuji wanted to pull his hair out when the cryptic tone returned. Megumi, however, didn’t budge and instead changed the topic. 

“Are you sure you should be eating that?” He said, eyes on Yuuji’s half soggy cereal. “It looks disgusting.” 

“Sure, angry grizzlies are much better.” Yuuji scoffed and ate another mouthful while Megumi huffed at the remark. 

The vampire grumpily stood from the table and walked to the back door that sat on the far side of the kitchen. Megumi didn’t leave the house, instead he simply stared out the window while Yuuji finished his cereal. It was a few minutes before he turned and smiled again.

“You’ll have to introduce me to Nanami if I take you to meet my family.” 

“He already met you.” Yuuji reminded him. 

“Not as your boyfriend.” 

“Well, no,” Yuuji flushed. It was the first time Megumi said it outloud. “But, why do you want to?” 

“Isn’t that what normal couples do?” 

“I don’t know,” Yuuji shrugged. Did they count as a normal couple? He wasn’t sure if the same rules applied here, “I’m not expecting you to do anything that would risk you or your family.” 

“It would be more suspicious not to meet him formally,” Megumi’s smile was patient, “It’s not like you need to give him all the intimate details. But, he’ll want to know why I’m hanging around all the time right? I don’t want a restraining order.” 

“You’ll really be here then?” 

“If you want me to.” 

“I’ll always want you to,” Yuuji warned, but he tried to keep his tone playful as he continued, “Forever even.” 

Megumi walked to Yuuji’s side of the table and leaned against it beside him. Slowly he reached out and brushed his knuckles along Yuuji’s cheek. His expression was pained again. 

“Does that really make you sad?” Yuuji whispered, looking up at him. 

Megumi stared into his eyes for a long stretch of time. He wasn’t surprised when he changed the subject. 

“Are you finished?” 

“Yes.” 

“Get dressed, I’ll clean up.” Megumi took his bowl before he could argue.

It was hard to decide what to wear. It wasn’t like there were a lot of articles online outlining what to wear when your vampire boyfriend takes you home to meet his family. He ended up in the nicest pair of black pants he owned, though they were closer to jeans than dress pants; and probably too tight to be considered anything other than casual. But they weren’t ripped or stained so they were the obvious winner. Finding a shirt was much harder, because no matter what he chose he would still look naturally casual - scruffy. Eventually he settled on a deep red sweater and hoped it wouldn’t make him look too out of place. 

“Alright,” He called and hurried down the stairs, “I’m ready.”

Megumi was at the end of the banister in a moment, close enough that Yuuji almost bounced right into him. He expectedly pulled Yuuji in, unbothered by the sudden impact.  

“Perfect,” Megumi was definitely easy to please, “I almost don’t want to go anywhere.” 

“Well I’m trying not to think about it, so let’s leave before we both change our minds.” 

“You should be more worried about the house full of vampires part; not that they won't like you.” He shook his head with a laugh. 

Yuuji realized as Megumi drove his truck out of town that he didn’t actually know where the other boy lived. They drove past the small river that crossed at the edge of Forks, and on through the forest. The houses grew larger and further apart the farther out they drove. Then there were no houses and a mist began to form between the thick trees they passed. It was barely visible through the underbrush, but suddenly a road to the left appeared and Megumi took it. 

Yuuji didn’t know what he was expecting when they got to the end of what he learned was a long driveway. It definitely wasn’t the extravagant house that met him. It was a large building, about three stories high and the few visible walls were painted a soft white. The rest of the home was made entirely of glass. Megumi parked in front of the house, his truck the only car in sight. 

“Wow.” 

“You approve?” 

“It’s… impressive.” 

Megumi ruffled his hair and stepped out of the car. He was by Yuuji’s door and opening it in a flash. 

“Ready?”

“Not even close,” Yuuji tried to laugh it off as he fixed his hair. He stalled in the car long enough that Megumi reached over to undo his seatbelt and helped guide him out of the car. 

“You look perfect, stop worrying,” He took Yuuji’s hand and helped him up to the porch. 

Megumi was rubbing soft circles onto the back of his hand, Yuuji knew he could feel the tension. The inside of the house was just as impressive as the outside. It was bright and open, and very large. The biggest window was located on the back wall of the home, revealing an elevated view of the forest that was nothing short of breathtaking. There was a conversation pit in the living room that Yuuji wanted to call outdated; but the dark green and gold accents made it look inviting. That, and the fireplace to the right.  The floor was a dark oak, covered in thick carpets that varied in shades of green. 

Waiting to greet them, standing just off to the left of the entryway, were Megumi’s… parents. 

Yuuji had met Dr. Gojou before, but he was struck again by the man’s youth. He was flawless, perfect as Megumi. At his side was, Yuuji assumed, Shoko. She carried the same soft, beautiful features as the rest of them. Something about her demeanor was sunken though - tired. The bags of her eyes were more pronounced compared to Megumi. It was a small difference, but one he noted all the same. The two were dressed casually, dark colors that matched the theme of their home. They smiled, but kept from approaching. Yuuji assumed they were trying not to scare him. 

“Gojou, Shoko,” Megumi’s voice broke the silence, “This is Yuuji.” 

“I hope your head’s feeling better,” Dr. Gojou’s step was casual when he approached Yuuji, but carefully measured. He raised a hand, but kept his distance otherwise. 

“Much better,” Yuuji laughed softly, and stepped forward to meet him, “It’s nice to see you again, Dr. Gojou.” 

“Just Gojou,” The man laughed, “Shoko is the real doctor between us, but she lets me play along once in a century.” 

“Gojou.” Yuuji repeated with a grin, and felt the relief that flooded Megumi at his side. 

Shoko had stepped forward, reaching for Yuuji’s hand when it dropped Gojou’s. Her grasp was as stone cold as the mens. 

“It’s about time Megumi brought someone home,” Yuuji noted that Shoko had a rather unfortunate gloomy air to her, even as she joked, “I was getting worried he’d spend eternity alone.” 

“Where are Junpei and Nobara?” Megumi cut in, and avoided looking into Yuuji’s curious gaze.

As if on cue the two appeared at the top of the wide staircase. Yuuji hadn’t even noticed it until he heard Junpei’s voice from the right.

“You’re back!” He was clearly enthusiastic. Junpei was down the stairs in an instant, a flash of black hair that appeared suddenly in front of Yuuji. Megumi and Shoko shot him a warning glance but Yuuji enjoyed it. 

“Hi Yuuji,” He said and pulled him in for a hug.

If Megumi and Shoko were cautious before they were full on worried now. Yuuji, however, relaxed into the embrace.  It was a bit more forceful than he expected - Junpei definitely didn’t look stronger than him - but other than that it was pleasant. He couldn’t help but like it when Junpei so openly approved of him.

“Megumi was right, you do smell nice,” He commented.

No one else knew what to say, but the tension had surprisingly drained from the room. In a moment Nobara was there, beside Megumi. Yuuji remembered what she could do and raised an eyebrow. 

“Hi Yuuji.” She said, but she kept her distance. 

“Hello,” Yuuji said when Junpei released him, then he smiled shyly at the others, “It’s nice to meet everyone, It’s amazing here.”

“It’s cool that you could make it,” Nobara said with feeling, and Yuuji realized she must have thought he was brave. 

He also noticed that Mai and Todo had yet to make an appearance. Megumi hadn’t outright denied that some of the others disliked him, so the connection was fairly easy for him to make. 

Gojou’s expression changed his train of thought. He caught the white haired man staring at Megumi over the rim of his dark glasses with an intense expression. From the corner of his eye he saw Megumi nod once. Yuuji thought he should try to be polite, and looked away. But he wouldn’t forget the interaction.

His eyes wandered around the room, taking in every inch of the homely space. There were paintings along the wall, mostly oil from what he could tell. All of them were sceneries. 

“Do you like art?” Shoko asked, inclining her haid to the nearest painting.

“It’s beautiful,” Yuuji started, “But I’m not very creative. Did you have them commissioned?” 

“No,” Nobara smirked from beside Megumi, and her voice took on a playfully mocking tone, “Didn’t he tell you he was an artist?” 

“Well, Megumi can do everything, right?” Yuuji asked, like the answer was obvious. 

“I hope you haven’t been showing off,” Gojou laughed and clapped Megumi on the shoulder. 

“Maybe a bit,” Megumi answered, and shrugged off his hand in - what Yuuji thought was - embarrassment.

Gojou shared a brief look with Shoko, one Yuuji couldn’t understand. Though Shoko looked smug. 

“Why don’t you let Yuuji take a closer look at some of them?” Junpei suggested.

The other three agreed to the idea, and Megumi seemed pleased with their decision as he took Yuuji’s hand again. He led them slowly through the house and away from his family, pausing at each landscape to let Yuuji look it over. The fourth he was shown was the first to really catch his attention. It was stunning, almost like looking at a photo. Yuuji was tempted to reach out and touch, to see if the delicate flower petals in the foreground would be as soft as they looked.

“This one’s Shoko’s favorite,” Megumi said, drawing attention to a small cabin in the back of the painting, just behind the first tree line. Yuuji may not have even noticed it otherwise, “It’s where she was born.” 

“It’s amazing,” He knew his answer was generic, but he was truly lost for words, “You did this?” 

Megumi shrugged and guided them along to the next painting. There was something about this one that felt familiar. As they got closer, Yuuji recognized the view as one he’d seen every day. It was the tree line from the forest behind his house, the small path to the right being what clued him in. He glanced over his shoulder at Megumi, who kept his eyes firmly on the painting. 

“I was feeling… inspired,” He said softly, Yuuji couldn’t speak so he continued, “They like you. Nobara especially - for some reason.” 

Yuuji glanced behind them, but the huge room was now empty. 

“They left?” He hadn’t heard them. 

“They’re trying to be subtle about giving us privacy.”

“Mm..” Yuuji hummed, “They like me.. But, Mai and Todo…” 

Megumi frowned, “Don’t worry about Mai, she has her own issues to deal with.” 

“And Todo?” Yuuji was hesitant to ask. 

“He thinks I’ve lost my mind, but he’s been looking forward to meeting you. He’s tried to get Mai out all morning.” 

“Did I do something to her?” Yuuji wasn’t sure if he wanted to find out. 

“She doesn’t like someone on the outside knowing what we are, and she’s jealous.” 

“Of me?” Yuuji asked, astonished. It was hard to imagine a world where someone like Mai would be jealous of him. 

“Mostly your humanity,” He shrugged, “She wants to be human again.” 

“Oh,” Yuuji paused and tried to look on the positive side, “Well, Junpei was very… excited at least.” 

“Yeah. He has his own way of interpreting his visions… possibilities.” Megumi spoke through tight lips.

“You’re not going to tell me what you mean by that,” Yuuji didn’t need to ask. 

A moment of quiet communication passed. Megumi was keeping something from him, and it was clear he wouldn’t elaborate. It was also clear that Megumi knew Yuuji knew he was hiding something. Yuuji raised an eyebrow but didn’t force him to explain. 

“What was Gojou telling you before?” He asked instead. 

“How do you always notice?” Megumi looked as fascinated as he was frustrated. 

“You’re easy to read,” Yuuji smirked. 

Megumi mused for a long time before he finally answered.

“He was telling me a bit of news, but he didn’t know if I would want to tell you.” 

“Are you going to?” 

“I have to, otherwise you might start thinking I’m overprotective or clingy for the next few days - maybe weeks.”

“I might start ?” Yuuji laughed at Megumi’s grumpy look, “What’s going on?” 

“Nothing bad. Junpei just sees a few of our kind passing through some time during the next few days. They know we’re here and they’re curious.” 

“Other vampires?” 

“Yeah. They aren’t like us though, not how they hunt. They probably won't come into Forks, but I can’t let you out of my sight until they’re gone.” 

Yuuji shivered. 

“Finally something scares you. I was starting to think you liked risking your life,” Megumi scoffed, “It’ll be fine. I told you I’d protect you didn’t I?” 

Yuuji let the dig pass and settled for trusting Megumi. He was fairly confident that he could hold his own under normal circumstances. Being forced to the bottom of the food chain certainly put things into a terrifying perspective. Yuuji forced his gaze to explore the room again. 

Megumi followed his line of sight and smiled, “Better than you thought?” 

“Yeah,” Yuuji smiled softly, happy for the change in topic, “It’s so open, I wasn’t expecting it.”

Megumi stepped closer to him, bold now that they were alone again. His arm circled Yuuji’s waist and pulled his back to Megumi’s chest. He was serious again, and it took him a minute to voice the thought. 

“We don’t have to hide here, not even from the sun.”

Yuuji turned back to the painting. A new emotion stirred in him as he looked at it again, this time with Megumi’s worried arm around him. With the new threat it was hard not to feel touched by Megumi’s willingness to shield him. He realized there were tears in his eyes and was thankful that the vampire couldn’t see his face. He dabbed at them quickly and took a deep breath. 

“Crybaby,” Megumi teased him, and Yuuji would have retaliated if he hadn’t pressed apologetic kisses up along his neck, “Do you want to see the rest of the house?” 

“Are there any coffins?” Yuuji asked sarcastically. 

Megumi laughed and stepped away, naturally taking Yuuji’s hand again to lead him further into the home.

“Maybe, you’ll have to see for yourself.” 

The two walked up the massive staircase that Junpei and Nobara had arrived from. The long hall at the top of the stairs was lined in the same dark oak flooring as the downstairs. Megumi listed off the names of the rooms as they walked, but Yuuji doubted he would remember any of them by the morning. He would have continued if Yuuji hadn’t paused at the end of the hall to stare at a strange ornament adorning it. 

“It’s from the early sixteen hundreds. Back when time was even harder to keep track of,” Megumi commented. 

The cross looked just as old. It was a lighter wood than what was used to decorate the home. He wanted to touch it, to see if the surface was as smooth as it looked, but he didn’t dare reach out. 

“Why do you keep it here?” 

“It was a gift from an old friend of Gojou’s.” 

“He collects antiques?” Yuuji was doubtful.

“No, it was hand carved,” Megumi shrugged, “He doesn’t talk much about the artist. It’s kind of ironic though, don’t you think?” 

Yuuji didn’t laugh as his gaze returned to the ancient cross. It would be over three hundred years old by now. The silence stretched on as Yuuji tried to connect the concept of so many years with the Youthful man.

“How old is Gojou?” He finally asked. 

“He just turned Three hundred and Sixty two.” 

He watched Yuuji carefully as he revealed the truth. When Yuuji looked back with curiosity, Megumi didn’t need to be asked to elaborate. 

“His father was a pastor of some sort, but he made a lot of enemies. Ones that Gojou was forced to deal with when he became old enough to take over. He was Twenty-eight when he was turned by a vampire who wanted revenge on his father.” 

Megumi paused. Yuuji could tell he was debating what he was about to say.

“He knew his father would have him killed if he found out Gojou had been… corrupted. So he hid until the town stopped looking for him.”

Yuuji wasn’t sure what emotion was playing on his face, but Megumi quickly changed the subject. 

“Are you alright?” He asked. 

“I’m fine, but…” Yuuji bit his bottom lip in restraint. Megumi must have seen the curiosity in his eyes because he smiled before he spoke. 

“But you have more questions?” 

“Maybe one or two.” 

His smile widened and he turned back down the hall, pulling Yuuji along by the hand. 

“Come on then, I’ll take you to the source.”

Chapter Text

Megumi led him back down the long hallway to the room Yuuji vaguely remembered him pointing out as Gojou’s study. He paused outside without knocking. 

“Come in,” Gojou’s voice called from the other side. 

The door opened to another wide room, with high ceilings and large arched windows on the furthest wall.  The dark oak flooring was back, and whatever matching paneling would be on the wall had been covered by bookshelves. A mahogany desk sat in the center of the room, in front of an empty leather chair. Gojou sat off to the right, on a small couch positioned in front of a cozy looking fireplace. He was placing a bookmark in the heavy book in his hand. 

The room in all reflected a college dean - Gojou looked too young for the role. 

“What is it?” The man asked, rising from his seat. 

“Yuuji was curious about our - well your - history.” 

“I didn’t want to disturb-” 

“Not at all!” Gojou was grinning as he approached them, “Where are you starting?” 

“London. After you… woke up from the change,” Megumi was hesitant in his phrasing. 

Megumi’s hand found Yuuji’s shoulder before he spun him around to face the door they’d just entered from. Every time the vampire touched him, however casually, Yuuji’s heart gave an eager reaction. Doubled by the embarrassment of having Gojou in the room. 

After settling his heart Yuuji looked up at the wall in front of him. Instead of bookshelves, this one had been lined with pictures. Each was different from the next, down to the colors that varied from vibrant to black and white. Yuuji searched for a connection between the collection, though there was nothing to be found with a quick glance. There were a few, closest to the door, that featured Shoko and Megumi. Something about the sentimental placement set any remaining nerves Yuuji had at ease.

Megumi, however, didn’t let him study them before he was guiding him to the far left. He stopped Yuuji in front of an old painting in a plain cedar frame. It was small, and the colors had clearly muted over time. In no way did it stand out from the extravagant paintings only a few feet away. It depicted the edge of a small town, surrounded by countryside. On the farthest left corner of the painting Yuuji made out a small building with a high roof. It was yards from the town, with one large tree on the path before it. To the side were gray dabs of paint littering the yard. There was one that featured a small cross on top. Yuuji recognized it as a tombstone and shivered. So, he reasoned, the building must have been a church.

“My hometown,” Gojou supplied from only a foot behind them. 

Yuuji jumped, he hadn’t heard the man approach. It seemed like he would never get used to the silent movement. Megumi squeezed his shoulder. 

“I’d tell you about it,” Gojou continued and shared a quick look with Megumi, “But I’m about to head out. The station called a few minutes ago, so I shouldn’t keep them waiting,”

This time he turned to grin at Yuuji, ”And, I bet you’d rather hear it all from Megumi.”

Gojou winked at him over the rim of his glasses and left the room.  Yuuji bit his bottom lip with the hope that it would keep back his embarrassed blush. He could feel the heat in his cheeks, so he turned his flustered gaze back to the painting. When he was sure they wouldn’t be interrupted, Yuuji turned to look up at Megumi. 

“So, what happened next?” 

Megumi’s gaze turned to the photos instead. 

“When he finally knew what happened…” He spoke softly, “Found out what he’d become, he tried to… escape it.” 

“How?” 

“There are a lot of stories about how to kill vampires,” Megumi tried to shrug off the topic, “I guess he tested a few theories.” 

“What?” Yuuji knew his voice was full of shock, “How would he even…”

“It’s not easy to kill us,” Megumi’s gaze flicked to a different painting briefly. “He tried jumping.”

Yuuji followed his line of sight. It was a photo this time, a larger landscape pictured in dark colors. A high cliffside - at least double the height of the jump off at La Push - with crashing waves at the bottom. Yuuji swallowed thickly. 

“Then drowning himself,” Megumi continued, “Then, eventually, starvation. He was young, I’m surprised he was even able to resist at all. The thirst is worse in the beginning. But, he hated himself so much that he somehow found strength.”

“Would… it have worked?” Yuuji’s throat was dry. 

“No, starvation wouldn’t kill us,” Megumi shook his head, and continued before Yuuji could get another word in, “He became hungry and weak. Eventually he strayed as far as he could from humans and hid for months, wondering at night. 

“Then, one night, a deer passed his hiding place. He says he didn’t even think about it when he attacked, being so wild with thirst. Within a moment his strength returned and a new outlook was born. Then he decided to make better use of his time. If he didn’t need to run from people, it would be better for him to join them. After days of planning, he swam to France-” 

“He swam?”

“People do it all the time, Yuuji.”

“It’s just surprising.”

“It’s easy for us-” 

“Everything’s easy for you,” He continued at Megumi’s amused expression, “I won’t interrupt again, promise.” 

“It’s easy because, technically, we don’t need to breathe.” 

“You don’t-” 

“You promised,” Megumi laughed and reached up to cover Yuuji’s mouth, “Don’t you want to hear the story?”

Yuuji grabbed his wrist and tried to shake his hand off, “You can’t spring that on me and expect me not to have questions!” 

Megumi dropped his hand to rest it against Yuuji’s neck instead. His heart responded but Yuuji powered through the butterflies. 

“You don’t need to breathe?” 

“Not exactly,” Megumi shrugged, “It gets uncomfortable after a while, not being able to smell. But, since I haven’t tested it and Gojou’s still around, I guess we could hold our breath indefinitely.” 

“It gets uncomfortable,” Yuuji repeated humorously. 

He hadn’t been paying close attention to his own expression, so he wondered what Megumi saw that made him grow somber. His hand dropped to his side and he stood still again, looking intently over Yuuji’s face. Like he was searching for something he couldn’t find again. The silence grew until eventually, Yuuji asked. 

“What is it?” 

Megumi didn’t answer immediately. “I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.” 

“Why?”

“Because I know that at some point I’ll tell you something - or you’ll see something - and it’ll be too much. You’ll run away screaming,” Megumi stepped in and towered over him again, “I want it to happen. You’d be safe then. So, I wouldn’t try to stop you but… I’d still want to be with you.”

Megumi was staring at his face, waiting patiently for his answer this time. Yuuji reached up and cupped his cheek. He could feel Megumi soften noticeably under his palm, then sighed.

“I’m not going to run away,” He promised. 

“We’ll see about that,” Megumi laughed softly and turned his head to press a kiss to Yuuji’s palm.  

He frowned despite the affectionate gesture. “Well, go on - Gojou swam to France.” 

Megumi’s eyes reflexively turned to another picture - the most colorful one on the wall. This one was ornately framed in what could have passed for solid gold, and almost as large as the door it was positioned next to. If Yuuji hadn’t recognized Gojou in the center of the portrait he may have thought it represented a moment in greek mythology. Every brush stroke was delicate and soft, giving the man a life-like glow that was missing in the time Yuuji had known him. 

“Gojou swam to France and continued through Europe, but it was still hard. He couldn’t do much during the first two centuries of his life, since he hadn’t perfected his self control. Now, though, he’s almost immune to the scent of blood. That's why he likes working at the hospital occasionally.” Megumi seemed lost in thought for a moment before he brought Yuuji’s attention back to the portrait. 

He tapped a pair that stood behind the painted Gojou. Yuuji leaned in to try and make out their faces, but they had long since been covered up. Whether that was on purpose or not Yuuji couldn’t be certain, but it looked intentional. And relatively new. 

“He was studying in Italy when he discovered there were others like him. Civilized compared to the one from the sewers that had turned him,”  Megumi dropped his hand from the portrait, “Francesco Solimena used them as inspiration for this piece; he said he wanted to paint them as gods.” 

“What happened to them?” Yuuji whispered, reaching out to brush his fingertip gently over the splotches of paint. 

“I know they’re still in Italy,” Megumi shrugged, “They were there before Gojou, and they’ll probably stay as long as they can. Gojou was only with them for a few centuries. In all the time I’ve been with him, he’s been very careful to avoid thinking about their story; faces too, so I don’t know what they look like either.”

“Eventually Gojou left, wanting to see what America had in store. He was hoping to find others that lived like him. He was very lonely. It was a few decades before an opportunity would emerge, not until… ” Megumi swallowed. Yuuji knew what should come next, but he wasn’t expecting him to continue, “He was volunteering nights at a hospital in Chicago, in 1918. There was an idea in his head that he’d been thinking about for a few years. Instead of finding a companion he could… create one. He found his chance when the influenza epidemic hit.” 

Yuuji didn’t want him to elaborate anymore, not after seeing the pain on Megumi’s face as he forced the words out. But he couldn't find his voice in time.

“And it was in that frame of mind that he found me. There was no hope, I had been left with the dying and long forgotten. He knew I was alone so he decided to… try.” 

Megumi’s voice was a whisper as he broke their gaze and stared off through the windows. Yuuji waited quietly for him to regain his composure. He was rewarded with a gentle smile when Megumi turned back to him. 

“So we’ve made it back to the beginning.” 

“Have you been with Gojou the entire time?”

“For the most part,” Megumi’s hand found Yuuji’s waist, and he guided the pink haired boy back through the study door.

He didn’t say anything as they walked down the hall, so Yuuji prompted him. “Well?” 

“Well,” He sighed reluctantly, “I had a phase ten years after I was… created, whatever you’ll call it. I was mad at him for curbing my appetite and I was sick of resisting. So, I left for a few years.” 

“Really?” Yuuji suspected that it should have frightened him, but instead he was curious again. 

He could see in Megumi’s eyes that the other boy knew he was curious. Yuuji vaguely realized he was being led upstairs, but he trusted Megumi not to let him trip. 

“That doesn’t disgust you?” 

“Well I can’t say I like it,” Yuuji shrugged, “But it sounds reasonable. If I was raised on tofu I guess I’d want to try steak once.”

Megumi laughed louder than before.  The two were at the top of the stairs now, this time at the end of another long hallway. Megumi’s hand tightened on his waist just enough to encourage him onward. The left wall was paneled like the rest of the house, while the right was open from floor to ceiling with a long panel of glass. Yuuji marveled at just the sheer size of the single window.

Then, as Megumi led them past closed door after door, he began to take in the view. They were just high enough that the fog had begun to break over the tree line in the distance. He could make out the tops of pine trees close to the house, then the larger and larger woods following the mountains. 

“From the moment I was changed I knew what everyone around me thought,” Megumi continued their conversion, “Every moment, everyday, human or vampire.” 

Yuuji turned from the view, focusing on keeping his heartbeat under control when he looked up at Megumi. As expected, the vampire was already looking at him. 

“It took me ten years to leave because I understood exactly why Gojou chose to live the way he did. He hadn’t been trying to lie to me, or hold me to standards he wouldn’t commit to.” 

Megumi swallowed, “I thought that if I listened to my… prey’s thoughts I could pass over innocent people. If I followed a murderer and stopped him from killing someone, then that would make it justified.” 

Yuuji shivered, imagining all too clearly the picture Megumi had described to him. He wondered if the hypothetical person Megumi saved would have been scared, or thankful. 

Megumi eyed Yuuji warily, but continued, “I could hear the monster I was. I could see myself through their eyes. As time went on it became too hard to continue, even if I only preyed on evil humans they were still… humans. So I returned, welcomed back with open arms.” 

Megumi came to a stop in front of the last door in the hall. It stood directly opposite the staircase, cutting the window off from continuing at an angle.

“This is my room,” He informed Yuuji and pushed the door open, pulling him through along the way. 

Megumi’s room was as open as the rest of the house - if not more. It seemed that the wall his door was on didn’t cut the window, as it continued through his room. His view looked down on the small river that bordered the back of their property, out to the Olympic mountain range that had been hard to see from the front of their home. 

The opposite wall was covered in bookshelves; one filled with CD’s, another with books, and a third with a mixture of items - perhaps souvenirs. Yuuji could make out paint supplies on the third shelf of that bookcase in particular. There was no bed, but in its place was a large, comfortable looking black sofa.

Megumi was busy at the first bookshelf, choosing a CD from the hundreds that lined the shelves in front of him.

“How did you organize all this?” Yuuji asked, there wasn’t any rhyme or reason from what he could tell. 

“Mmm… By genre, then personal preference,” Megumi answered absentmindedly as he selected a CD and left to set it up. 

Yuuji approached the bookshelf and looked over the mind-boggling collection. He was reading over a few titles when he heard a soft melody start. When he turned around Megumi was leaning against the window, watching him with a peculiar expression. 

“What?” 

“I hoped I'd feel relieved after telling you about everything. But, I didn’t expect any more than that.” Megumi shrugged, suddenly shy, “It makes me… happy. I like it.” 

“But you’re still waiting for me to run screaming, right?” Yuuji guessed. 

Megumi smiled unsurely and nodded. 

“Well, I hate to be the one to burst your bubble,” Yuuji tried not to grin as he lied casually, “But you’re not that frightening. I don’t find you scary at all, actually.”

Megumi raised an eyebrow in disbelief, then flashed a wide, mischievous smile. 

“You shouldn’t joke about that,” He warned. 

The growl that came from Megumi was low, but there was an edge of familiar playfulness that kept Yuuji from freezing in fear. The vampire shifted, tensing as he prepared to pounce. 

Yuuji took a step back and glared. 

“You wouldn’t-” 

He couldn’t finish before Megumi leapt at him, too fast to be seen. He heard the sofa knock against the wall when they crashed into it. Then the press of the cushions below him as Megumi pressed him onto them. Despite the playful aggression, Yuuji could only feel disoriented from the speed.

He tried to get up once, but the raven wasn’t having any of it. He positioned himself over Yuuji and latched onto his wrists, pressing them firmly against the sofa on either side of his head. Yuuji glared up at him, but the humor in Megumi’s eyes set his nerves at ease again. 

“You were saying?” He leaned down, growling playfully into Yuuji’s ear.

“You’re a very, very scary monster,” Yuuji shivered.

“That’s better,” Megumi approved and began to press affectionate kisses up along his neck. 

Megumi paused before their lips met. His gaze was heavy, and it made Yuuji’s heart skip a beat. He felt a new surge of confidence despite his position. Before he could hesitate, Yuuji leaned up and closed the distance between them. It must have been what Megumi was waiting for, because he responded in kind with a new hunger. His lips moved in time with Yuuji’s - pausing only to let the human breathe. 

A knock on the door caught Yuuji’s attention, so he was sure Megumi would have heard it. Megumi, however, seemed perfectly content to ignore the interruption. When the knock sounded again, louder this time, the vampire pulled back with a frustrated growl. 

“What?” 

“Can we come in?” It was Junpei. 

Yuuji struggled to free himself but Megumi simply readjusted his position. He pulled Yuuji up until they were seated beside each other, then released his wrists in favor of grabbing onto his waist. Yuuji found himself conveniently positioned in his lap not long after. 

“Come in,” Megumi was content by the time the door opened.

Junpei either didn’t see anything unusual about their embrace, or he didn’t care to comment. He walked with an easy grace to the center of the room then folded his legs to sit on the floor in front of them. Nobara stayed in the doorway, her expression a bit shocked. She stared at Megumi’s face with an intent gaze. Yuuji wondered how rare it was for her to sense different emotions from him. 

“It sounded like Yuuji was turning into lunch,” Junpei grinned and leaned in, “We came to see if you wanted to share.”

Yuuji stiffened but Megumi’s face split into another mischievous grin.

“I don’t share,” He played along and wrapped his arms around Yuuji in a small show of defence.

“Actually,” Nobara cut in as she let herself into the room, “Junpei saw a storm coming tonight, Todo said it’d be a good chance to play ball. Are you in?” 

The words were common but the context confused Yuuji. He gathered that Junpei must be a fairly reliable weatherman, though. He looked back in time to see Megumi’s eyes light up, but he didn’t answer.

“Of course you should bring Yuuji!” Junpei answered the unspoken question. Yuuji caught Nobara throw him a nervous glance. 

“Do you want to go?” Megumi asked with an air of excitement uncommon for him. 

The last time he had seen the other boy so eager to show him something, he had almost passed out from shock. But, on the plus side, he had also gotten his first kiss. Weighing his options, Yuuji looked over Megumi’s expectant face and was compelled not to disappoint. 

“Sure, but um, where are we going?” 

“A field. We can only play baseball during thunderstorms - you’ll see why when we get there.” Megumi promised. 

“Do I need an umbrella?” 

The three of them laughed, but Nobara was the first to ask the psychic pair. 

“Will he?” She turned to Junpei. 

“No,” He shook his head, “The rain won’t make it to the clearing, but the thunder will still be loud enough.” 

“Good, it’ll be a fun match,” The competitiveness in Nobara's voice was naturally contagious, Yuuji found himself quickly grinning along with her.

Yuuji wondered briefly if she was doing it intentionally. Using her gift to make him feel at ease with her. He quickly decided that even if she was, it didn’t matter. He briefly wondered how he would have felt if Mai were the one with emotional powers. The thought almost made him shiver, so he quickly dismissed it.

“We’ll go call to see if Gojou can make it,” Junpei said as he stood and hurried towards the door.

“You already know the answer,” Nobara said as she followed him out of the room. She managed to shut the door inconspicuously behind them.

“So, we’re gonna play baseball?” Yuuji asked when they were alone again. 

“We’ll be playing,” Megumi’s smirk was teasing, “ You , little human, will be watching.”

Chapter Text

The clouds were growing dark by the time the duo left for Yuuji’s home so he could get changed. The drizzling had begun when they parked in front of his driveway, it was already looking like Junpei’s prediction would come true. Up until they parked he had assumed Megumi would be staying with him for the next few hours in the real, human, world - considering they couldn’t play until the actual storm started. 

That was before he saw the now familiar black car parked across the street. Megumi was muttering something low and harsh under his breath. The reaction alone could have clued Yuuji in on who was visiting. 

Standing on the porch, leaning against the rail and watching their car, was Sukuna. Choso stood behind him, closer to the front door. He was as impassive as stone while he watched Megumi turn off the engine. Sukuna’s face shifted from neutral boredom to slight shock, then - surprisingly - fury when he noticed who was driving.

Megumi’s anger rivaled his, “This is going too far.”

“Why are they here?” Yuuji’s voice filled with worry, “To… tell Nanami?” 

“Yeah.” Megumi nodded, meeting Choso’s gaze through the drizzle of rain. Yuuji’s knees were weak with relief that Nanami was still at the station. 

“Let me handle it.” The look he got in return made him anxious. But, to his surprise, the vampire agreed. 

“It’s probably better that way,” Megumi sighed angrily, “But you need to be careful. The kid doesn’t know.” 

“Kid,” Yuuji bristled a little at the word, “He’s older than I am.”

Megumi’s anger faded for a moment as he grinned teasingly at Yuuji.

“I know.” 

Yuuji rolled his eyes and put a hand on the door handle. Megumi stopped him again.  

“Make sure to get them inside so I can leave. I’ll be back around dusk to pick you up.” 

“Do you want to take the truck?” Yuuji offered. 

“I can walk home faster,” He laughed, “I’ll be fine.” 

“You don’t have to leave,” Yuuji said instead, glancing back towards his bedroom window. 

“I do,” Megumi threw a glance toward the two on the balcony again, “After you get rid of them you still need to tell Chief Nanami about your new boyfriend coming over tonight.” 

“Right,” Yuuji deadpanned. 

“I’ll be back soon, promise,” Megumi was looking at him with the smile that sent his heart racing. 

The vampire's eyes flicked to the porch briefly before he leaned in to steal a quick kiss from Yuuji’s lips. As always, it ended with an affectionate trail along his jaw to his neck. Yuuji spared the uninvited guests a single glance when Megumi finally pulled back. Choso was no longer impassive. Whatever calm facade he managed to keep had been broken by a clear expression of fear. It didn’t look to be for his own safety, as his hands clenched into fists at his side. 

Yuuji parted with Megumi before things could escalate and stepped out of the car. He half-ran back to the porch, hoping to avoid being drenched just by the light rain. 

“Hey Sukuna. Hi, Choso.” Yuuji greeted them cheerfully, putting up a facade of his own, “Nanami’s at work right now, I’m sorry if you were waiting.” 

“Not long,” Choso said in an even tone, then indicated to a box beside himself, “I just came to drop something off.”

“Alright,” Yuuji eyed the strange cardboard box, “Well, would you like to come in and dry off a little?” 

Yuuji pretended to be oblivious to the intense scrutiny he was under as he unlocked the door and waved them in. Choso hesitated, eyeing Yuuji with a calculated, piercing gaze. Sukuna, however, walked in without a word. Choso finally followed him in with a reluctant thanks. 

Yuuji allowed himself to take one last glance at Megumi. He was standing still by Yuuji’s truck. His eyes were solemn, worried. Yuuji smiled at him, hoping to ease his nerves about the situation. It wouldn’t exactly be easy, but he could handle the two of them. When Megumi only nodded, Yuuji stepped inside and shut the door behind himself. 

“Let me take that for you,” Yuuji offered, taking the surprisingly heavy box from Choso as he led the two into the kitchen. 

“It’s nothing special,” Choso noted, “Chief Nanami has been worried about animal attacks in the area. These are photos and statements from our community. I thought they may help.” 

“Thanks,” Yuuji said with feeling this time, “Nanami works so much, sometimes I wonder if he’s the only cop in town.” 

“I guess the station must be busy with the case, I heard even Dr. Gojou was brought in this morning to help,” Choso said, “Perhaps I’ll pay him a visit at work before we leave town.” 

“No!” Yuuji quickly thought up a lie, “I mean- it’s probably not going to be worth it. He’s been on call for most of the last week. So, he doesn't usually get back to the station until the end of his shift.” 

“I see…” 

Choso took in Yuuji’s changed expression and became thoughtful. Then, he approached the box that Yuuji had left on the table. He opened the lid and began to rifle through the folders inside. 

“Sukuna,”  He said, looking up at Yuuji instead, “I think I may have left a few of the last minute reports out in the car. Will you go check for me? I should make sure everything is here before we leave.” 

“Where are they?” Sukuna groaned. Yuuji glanced at him, but he was looking out the kitchen window into the rain, his eyebrows drawn together.

“They should be in the back seat,” Choso said, “But check the trunk, you may have to dig for them.” 

Sukuna muttered to himself as he walked back through the house and stepped out into the rain. 

Yuuji faced him in complete silence. When it began to feel awkward, Yuuji turned towards the fridge. He wasn’t particularly hungry, or thirsty for that matter, but he was at a loss for what would qualify for normal behavior otherwise. 

“Can I get you anything?” Yuuji asked, pulling a soda from the top shelf. 

“No.” 

“Well… Nanami won’t be back for a long time.” 

Yuuji knew he was being rude, but Choso only nodded. He said nothing. Yuuji sighed and took an awkward drink before he sat the can of soda on the counter and crossed his arms. Choso seemed to sense that he had given up on the small talk. 

“I hear you’ve been getting to know Dr. Gojou’s family,” Choso started, each word calculated. 

“Yes.” 

“Chief Nanami has been a good friend of mine,” His eyes were narrowed, “So, Perhaps it’s none of my business-” 

“You’re right, it isn’t.” 

“Either way, you should know it isn’t safe. His family has a reputation, an unpleasant one at that.” 

“But I wonder if that reputation is deserved,” Yuuji challenged, surprising Choso, “Because his family never crosses the river, do they?” 

Yuuji could tell that his less than subtle reminder stopped him short. 

“That’s… true,” Choso’s expression was guarded. He looked Yuuji up and down once, regarding him, “You seem… well informed. More than I anticipated.” 

Yuuji stared him down. “I am.” 

“I see,” Choso eased up a little, “but Nanami is not as well informed?” 

“He likes Dr. Gojou’s family,” Yuuji evaded the unasked question. 

“Well, it’s not my business,” Choso looked almost bitter, “But it may be his.”

“Maybe,” Yuuji hedged, “but, then, it would be my choice whether or not I decide it is.” 

Choso seemed to think it over for a long time. The rain was picking up outside. Yuuji could hear it tapping harder against the roof. It was the only sound in the room as Choso’s silence stretched on. 

“Yes I suppose,” He finally said, “That is your choice.” 

Yuuji sighed with relief, “Thank you.”

“Just be smart, think about what you’re doing.” 

“Alright.” 

“I mean,” Choso warned, “ Don’t do what you’re doing.” 

Yuuji held his gaze. It was filled with nothing but concern, and Yuuji couldn’t find the words to speak. There was nothing he could say. The front door banged open, effectively shattering the tense atmosphere. 

“There are no more files anywhere in the car,” Sukuna snapped, his voice reaching before he entered the kitchen. 

His hair had been pressed flat by the rain, giving Sukuna an uncharacteristically soft appearance. His shirt was soaked through as well, revealing taut muscles Yuuji hadn’t noticed before. 

“Oh,” Choso looked away, suddenly detached, “I suppose I forgot them.” 

Sukuna grunted, “Perfect.” 

“Well, Yuuji, tell Nanami-” Choso paused for a long beat, “- that we stopped by.” 

“Of course.” 

“We’re leaving already?” Sukuna was surprised. 

“Nanami won’t be back until late tonight.” Choso said as he brushed past Sukuna toward the door. 

“Oh,” He looked the slightest bit disappointed, “Well… I’ll see you around Yuuji.” 

“Sure,” He agreed. 

“Take care.” Choso warned. 

Yuuji escorted them out of the house. He waved briefly when the two were in their car and on their way. His truck had been moved to sit in front of the house so it was no longer blocking the driveway, but Megumi was long gone. Yuuji made his way back inside and shut the door. 

He stood in the hallway for a minute, listening to the rain hitting the roof outside. When his torched nerve endings finally settled, he headed upstairs to finally change out of the stuffy dress clothes. 

Yuuji wasn’t sure what exactly he should put on for tonight. It was just baseball, after all, so surely something casual would be fine this time. As Yuuji concentrated on the upcoming game it became easier to live with everything that had happened this morning. He quickly gave up on choosing an outfit and pulled on a white t-shirt and light blue jeans. Since he wouldn’t be playing he wasn’t too worried about knee stains. 

The home phone rang downstairs two hours later and Yuuji hurried to get it. He was hoping to hear Megumi on the other line. Though, he reasoned, if the vampire wanted to talk to him he would probably just show up at his window.  

“Hello?” He asked. 

“Yuuji? It’s me,” Momo said from the other line. 

“Oh, hey Momo.” Yuuji had to concentrate to remember the last time they had spoken, “How was the dance?” 

“Amazing!” She gushed at the invitation to tell Yuuji every last detail. 

Yuuji tried to be polite, commenting in all the right places, but it was hard to be excited about mundane things like junior year dances now. Momo, Yuta, school - it was all strangely insignificant. His eyes kept flashing out the window, trying to pick out even a hint of lightning in the distance. 

“Did you hear me?” Momo asked, tapping at the mic on her phone. 

“Sorry, what?” 

“I said Maki spiked the punch!” Momo laughed, “I mean- I thought someone would, but can you believe it?” 

“That must have been fun.” Yuuji said. 

“Well, what did you do yesterday?” Momo challenged, sounding betrayed by his lack of enthusiasm. 

“Nothing really, hung out in the sun.”

The sound of a car pulling up in the driveway caught his attention. Peeking out the blinds, Yuuji could make out the headlights of Nanami’s cruiser. 

“Did you ever hear anything back from Fushiguro?” 

The front door slammed shut. He could make out the sounds of Nanami shrugging off his jacket and holster by the door. 

“Umm,” Yuuji hesitated. It was hard to keep track of all the stories he had been telling. 

“Oh, you’re home.” Nanami said as he walked into the kitchen. 

Momo caught his voice. “Is that Chief Nanami? Never mind then - you can tell me all about it tomorrow!”

“Yeah, tomorrow.” Yuuji was happy to get off the phone. He hooked it on the receiver after Momo hung up. 

“Hey Nanami,” Yuuji turned to him, “Choso stopped by again.”

“He did? What did he want?” 

Yuuji glanced towards the clock, he still had time before Megumi would come to pick him up. He turned to face the freezer and began to look for something quick and easy to make while he censored parts of Choso’s visit in his mind. There was a frozen pizza that he deemed acceptable, so he pulled it out and shut the fridge. 

“He was dropping that off,” Yuuji nodded towards the box on the table, “Something about animal attacks.” 

“Oh.” Nanami’s eyes lit up in recognition.

Luckily the evidence distracted him enough to prevent any further questions about the surprise visit. Nanami had just finished sorting through the folders when the oven heated up enough to use. Yuuji slipped the pizza in and leaned back awkwardly against the counter. 

“Well,” Nanami said, finally turning his attention to Yuuji as he stacked the folders back into the box, “What did you do with your day?” 

“Um, well, I’ve been hanging around the house for the last few hours,” Yuuji tucked his hands into his pocket and avoided eye contact as he continued, “And this morning I went to Dr. Gojou’s house.” 

“Really?” The surprise on Nanami’s face mirrored in his voice. 

“Yeah.” 

“Why?” Nanami kept his questioning gaze on Yuuji. 

“Well, um…” Yuuji shrugged, “I just, kind of, have a date tonight. With Megumi. He’s a bit old school, so he wanted me to meet his parents first… Nanami?” 

He was uncharacteristically stunned silent. 

“Is that not okay…?” 

“You’re going on a date with Fushiguro?” 

“Well, that’s the plan.”

“He’s too old for you.” Nanami nodded like the conversation was over. 

“We’re both Juniors,” Yuuji quickly countered. 

Nanami paused. Yuuji worried he wasn’t going to say any more on the subject when he continued.

“Well that’s… better than I thought,” Nanami sighed, then turned to look at him, “He seemed like a nice boy. Has this been going on for very long?” 

“No, it’s still pretty… early,” It was just as awkward as Yuuji predicted to talk about his love life with his stoic foster father. 

“Mm. What are the two of you going to do?” 

“His family wanted to play baseball after Dr. Gojou’s work.” 

“You’re going to play baseball?” Nanami raised a questioning eyebrow. 

His eyes flicked to Yuuji’s right leg. It had been in his files during the adoption, so he wasn’t surprised that Nanami would know about the injury that had left his knee weak. Yuuji shifted slightly, then shrugged. 

“I’ll probably just end up watching.” 

Nanami eased up, “When is he picking you up?” 

“He said sometime this afternoon, so soon I think.” 

Nanami didn’t say anymore. Yuuji wasn’t sure what had set him off. He didn’t seem to be bothered by the fact that Megumi was a guy. And when they had met the other day - even before then, when Nanami had first told him about Gojou’s family - he had nothing but nice things to say. 

Instead of dwelling on the reason for Nanami’s poor reaction, Yuuji focused on finishing dinner. The two ate in relative silence, and when they finished Yuuji started the dishes to pass the time. When he was halfway through the sound of a car pulling up in the driveway caught his attention. He could make out what was likely headlights illuminating the backyard and grinned. 

“I’ll finish the dishes tonight,” Nanami stood from the table, and turned to the door when the bell rang, “Wait in here.” 

Yuuji dried his hands and followed anxiously behind his foster father. He paused in the kitchen doorway, just barely able to make out the front door over Nanami’s shoulder. Megumi was on the other side, shielded from the rain from the blue raincoat. It was surprisingly uncharacteristic of him. Yuuji bit back a giggle before Nanami spoke. 

“Come in, Fushiguro.” 

“Thank you, Chief Nanami,” Megumi’s polite mask was firmly in place. 

“Nanami is fine, I’m not on the job. Let me take your coat,” Nanami took the jacket as Megumi thanked him again, “Why don’t you take a seat in the living room.” 

Yuuji grimaced, but he couldn’t do anything as Megumi followed his instructions. He looked over at Yuuji once and winked. It was always reassuring to be reminded that Megumi was immune to being caught off guard. With an exception.

There was a low, familiar creak as Megumi sat in the only single chair in the living room before Nanami followed him in. Yuuji tried to stay as quiet as he could as he crept along the wall. Sure, Megumi would more than likely tell him what Nanami wanted to talk about, but it was always better to hear for himself. 

“Yuuji told me you’re going out to play baseball tonight.” 

“That’s the plan, sir.” He didn’t sound surprised that Yuuji had told Nanami the truth.

“He also told me that he’s interested in you,” Nanami’s voice was low, “I’m not against him dating, but Yuuji needs stability in his life right now. You understand?” 

“Of course,” Megumi at least sounded calm, “I’ll be here for Yuuji as long as that’s what he wants.” 

“Well,” Nanami sounded surprised again, though he quickly corrected, “It seems we’re on the same page.”

It was quiet for a long moment before Nanami spoke again. 

“I’m sure you know it’s a school night.”

“I’ll have Yuuji home early.”

Nanami paused again, then whispered something that was too low for Yuuji to catch. 

“He’ll be safe with me, I promise.” 

It was impossible to doubt the sincerity in that statement, as it dripped from every word. Nanami seemed satisfied, and soon enough he heard his name being called from inside. Yuuji waited a minute before he entered the living room.

Megumi was out of his seat, but he didn’t hurry to Yuuji’s side like usual. Unsteady he stayed in place with his hands clasped politely in front of himself. Nanami sat on the sofa, regarding them silently. Then he leaned back in his chair, reached for the remote, and turned on the TV. 

“Take your house key, I may head up to bed before you get home.” Nanami turned just enough to look at Yuuji, and smiled softly “Have fun.”

Yuuji smiled brightly in return and nodded. Having Nanami’s approval was a larger relief than he thought it would be. Yuuji thanked his foster father before he signaled Megumi to follow him out. Megumi stopped in the hall to pull on his raincoat and eyed something on the rack in front of him with a smirk. Yuuji blushed when he spotted the familiar black leather jacket that was hidden underneath the raincoat.  

“It’s supposed to be cold tonight,” Megumi hinted. 

It was impossible, as always, to say no to his request. The part of him that genuinely basked in his affection always took control then. Yuuji reached for the leather jacket without a word and slipped it on. The sleeves were still as long as he remembered from the first time. Megumi looked pleased. Just that smile forced away any of the remaining embarrassment Yuuji felt.

Megumi opened the door for him and waited to follow. Once Yuuji was on the porch he stopped dead in his tracks. Parked in their driveway behind Nanami’s cruiser was a large Jeep. It’s tires alone seemed to dwarf Yuuji, though they really only came to his waist. It was a dark green that may have blended easily into the microscopic town of Forks if it weren’t so clearly new .

When they approached the Jeep, Megumi reached up to get the door for him as usual. Instead of stepping right in, though, Yuuji had to judge the distance between the ground and the car itself. As he prepared to make the small jump up to the seat he felt Megumi’s hands hook under his arms and lift him. Yuuji turned his flustered gaze to his seatbelt once he was in the car, intending to put it on. Instead, he froze again.

There were three more buckles than he was used to. 

“Um,” Yuuji deadpanned when Megumi got into the driver's seat, “This is a bit extreme for Forks.” 

“It’s for off-roading.” 

Megumi waited until he had given up on trying to get the buckles attached to help him. Yuuji was glad the rain was still coming down in thick sheets. They were thoroughly blocked from view of the house. At least - enough that Nanami shouldn’t be able to see how Megumi’s hand brushed down his neck and lingered at his collarbone after finishing the last buckle. 

Yuuji quickly gave up on trying to force his heartbeat under control.

“Your car wouldn’t have been enough?” He asked to break the silence, “I mean, this is pretty big even for a Jeep.” 

“It’s Todo’s. I didn’t think you’d want to run more than necessary, and the Jeep can make it farther than my car.” 

“Where do you keep them all?” Yuuji thought back to the morning. He couldn’t remember spotting a garage.

“There’s parking underground, there’s a separate turn off for it along the driveway.”

“Oh.” Yuuji nodded, then something quickly sunk in, “We have to run again?” 

“Well, you won’t-” 

“I think I’m already nauseous.” 

“Don’t be a baby. Just shut your eyes this time, it’ll be fine.” Megumi chuckled and leaned in to press a kiss to his forehead. Then he paused in place. Yuuji looked up at him, confused. 

“You smell nice in the rain,” He explained and pulled away. 

Yuuji wasn’t sure how Megumi navigated through the pouring rain when they finally left for the game. He could barely make out their school when it passed. The darkness that surrounded the Jeep was the only warning Yuuji got to know they had left town and entered the woods. Eventually, Megumi turned onto what Yuuji considered more of a foot path than a road that went up the mountains. Conversation was impossible then, as the uneven terrain bounced and shook Yuuji in his seat. 

Megumi, on the other hand, was clearly enjoying the ride. His grin only widened every time a larger dip in the road bounced Yuuji. 

Eventually, though, the road ended and Megumi parked. The trees blanketed the Jeep and blocked whatever drizzle of rain was still coming through this high up the mountain. 

“We have to run from here, sorry.” 

“Maybe I should just stay behind,” He was already dizzy from the ride alone. 

“You were so brave this morning, what happened to that?”

“I haven’t forgotten the last run yet,” Yuuji mumbled, covering his mouth at the sickeningly dizzy memory. It felt further away than only yesterday. 

Megumi didn’t answer, instead he turned off the car and exited. In an instant he was at Yuuji’s door and helping him with the seatbelts again. Yuuji tried to fight his hands back, but soon the restraints were gone Megumi helped him out of the Jeep. It was barely even misting now. Junpei was right about the weather. 

Megumi was watching him with an intense, calculating gaze. The humor in his eyes never left, instead it seemed to double as an idea struck him. He stepped in, walking Yuuji back until his back was pressed against the Jeep. His hands rested carefully on either side of Yuuji’s head. He leaned even closer, until their faces were only inches apart and he had no room to escape. 

“Why is it scaring you so much?” 

His eyes were piercing. Yuuji gulped.

“Um,” He blanked, “I could hit a tree and die. And, um - throwing up would be really gross.” 

Megumi was caught off guard by the second part, as he suddenly turned his head to fight back a laugh. Then he bent down to press cold, comforting kisses to the base of his neck. His lips trailed a slow line up his throat, stopping under Yuuji’s ear to whisper. 

“Are you still scared now?” 

Yuuji’s brain short circuited. He struggled to hold onto his fears as he choked out, “Yes. Trees.”

“You can’t seriously think I’ll hit a tree.” Megumi lifted his head to look over Yuuji’s face again. 

“Well, no, but I might.” 

Megumi laughed softly and pressed a kiss to his cheek, then paused at the corner of his mouth. 

“Would I let a tree hurt you?” 

It would be a lie to say yes, Yuuji knew it. He vaguely remembered being afraid of something other than dying, but it was impossible to recall at the moment. 

“No,” He mumbled.

“Then there’s nothing to be scared of, right?”

“No.” Yuuji gave in with a sigh. 

Megumi, however, was clearly happy to win. He took Yuuji’s cheeks into his palms and pulled him in for a kiss in earnest. 

It was hard to stay focused when Megumi kissed him, and out of the question to stay still. His arms wrapped around the vampire's shoulders, holding tightly onto him. Without thinking, Yuuji hummed and parted his lips. Instead of taking things any further, Megumi pulled away with a reluctant sigh of his own. 

“You’re playing with fire,” He teased, carefully separating himself, “We should leave before I do something stupid.” 

Before Yuuji could react Megumi had lifted him again. Yuuji could see the effort it took to remain gentle as he was positioned at the vampire’s chest this time. He didn’t need to be told to latch on, as his arms and legs hooked around Megumi’s shoulders and waist respectively. 

“Keep your eyes closed,” Megumi warned him one last time before taking off. 

Yuuji quickly buried his head into Megumi’s shoulder and squeezed his eyes shut tightly. He could barely tell that they were moving this time. Other than the wind, Megumi was so stable it felt like being carried down the sidewalk. Yuuji was tempted to take a peek, to see if they really were going as fast as he imagined. Then he remembered the sick feeling from last time and quickly decided against it.

He didn’t even know they’d come to a stop until Megumi’s hand reached up to card through his hair. He gave it an affectionate ruffle and spoke gently. 

“We’re here, Yuuji.” 

Peeking open his eyes proved that they had come to a standstill. Yuuji tried to unlock his limbs from around Megumi, but he found himself surprisingly stiff. He slipped to the ground after awkwardly releasing his legs, and landed on his butt with a small groan. Megumi was staring at him, caught between a look of worry and humor. Yuuji’s grumpy expression pushed him over the edge, and he broke into a loud laugh. 

Yuuji picked himself up and brushed the dirt from his back. Megumi’s laugh slowed until he finally settled, then his arm found Yuuji’s waist. 

“Don’t be mad,” Megumi chuckled again, “I thought you could handle getting down on your own.” 

It was hard to stay upset over something so small. And really, had the roles been reversed he would probably get a chuckle out of seeing Megumi trip once or twice. As if realizing he was on the verge of being forgiven, Megumi leaned in to press an apologetic kiss to his forehead. 

“Alright, I’m not,” Yuuji finally smiled, “But we should get going now. You promised Chief Nanami to have me home early, remember?” 

Megumi returned his smile with one of his own. He took Yuuji’s hand this time, and led him through the last few yards of dense wood. He stopped just in front of an enormous open field, twice the size of any baseball stadium Yuuji had been to before. 

Yuuji could make out the others in the distance. Shoko, Nobara, and Mai were sitting on a large rock, watching as Junpei and Todo - at least a quarter mile from them - appeared to throw something back and forth. Yuuji couldn’t see the ball, but he didn’t doubt it was there. Gojou was the furthest away and was apparently marking the bases. 

When the two broke into the clearing, Shoko was the first to notice them. Though, Todo was the first to move. He gave Mai a long look before he turned to approach them. Mai, however, stood gracefully and left to meet Gojou without sparing a glance in Yuuji’s direction. His stomach clenched in response, but being ignored was better than being attacked. Nobara and Shoko followed Todo over instead. 

“Was that you that we heard laughing?” Nobara asked, eyeing Megumi with a smirk, “I didn’t know you could get so loud, it sounded like you were choking.” 

“Yeah, that was him.” Yuuji confirmed with a grin.

Before Megumi could retort, Junpei had appeared at his side. He held a baseball in his hand, and tossed it between his palms. 

“It’s time,” He announced. 

As if on cue, a low rumble sounded around them. Then a loud boom of thunder erupted as the lightning struck far off over town. The eerie performance sent a shiver down his spine.

“Unreal, right?” Todo spoke with easy familiarity, winking at Yuuji, “You’ll get used to it.” 

“Let’s go.” Junpei said, ushering Nobara away towards the field. Todo followed them, not quite as graceful but just as fast. 

“Are you ready?” Megumi was radiating eagerness. 

“Of course” Yuuji nodded and leaned up just enough to press a quick peck to his cheek when he was sure the others weren’t looking. Megumi raised a questioning eyebrow that made him flush, “For luck, duh.” 

Megumi chuckled then bounded off after the other three. He was aggressive, much faster than the others as he quickly caught up and passed them.

“We should head to home base,” Shoko said, catching his attention. 

Her voice quickly snapped him out of the Megumi-induced haze that was starting to cloud his mind again. Yuuji reassembled his thoughts and nodded. Shoko smiled softly and turned to lead the way. The two walked in pace, though the vampire kept her distance; never letting there be less than three feet between them. 

“Are you playing?” Yuuji asked.

“No,” Shoko thought on it for a moment before she let out an airy laugh, “Someone needs to keep them all honest, so I tend to referee.” 

“Megumi and Junpei must cheat a lot.” 

“Oh, all the time. But they all participate - you should hear the arguments they all get into sometimes. Especially Satoru, you’d think he was raised by wild animals.” 

“You really sound like their mom,” Yuuji laughed, surprised. 

“Yes, well,” Shoko seemed caught off guard, “I like to think of them that way, on occasion. I lost a child - I guess a mothers instinct never really goes away.” 

Yuuji was stunned. Left scrambling for the words to say as he tried to understand her grief.

“I guess Megumi must have left that part out.” 

“Yeah,” Yuuji mumbled lamely, “He, um, told me you’d been attacked.”

“Mm, that’s a good word for it. I was still pregnant when I died. I was due in two weeks. My partner at the time wasn’t... “ Shoko trailed off with a gloomy sigh.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t-”

“It’s alright. Megumi must have wanted me to tell you that part when I was ready. He’s always been a bit of a gentleman,” She laughed, “It’s easy to think of him as a son because of it - even though he was brought into the family first. That’s one of the reasons I’m happy he’s found you, too.” 

“Really?” Yuuji was stunned.

“Of course. He’s been alone for so long that even Satoru was starting to get worried.”

“You don’t mind then? That I’m…” Yuuji felt hesitant, his eyes flicking to the field where the others were still setting up. Megumi was far out in left field - Yuuji prayed he wasn’t listening in on Shoko, “Wrong?”

“Wrong how?” Shoko looked thoughtful. 

“I’m just a… human,” Yuuji laughed awkwardly at his own wording, “I guess it sounds weird to put it that way but compared to him…“

“I think Megumi would be hurt if he heard you say that,” Shoko gently reprimanded, “But, no, I don’t mind. You’re what he wants, I couldn’t say no to that.” 

Another peel of thunder ripped through the clearing as Shoko came to a final stop a good two yards back from home base. The others had already decided teams, as Gojou stood by second base, and Junpei took the pitcher's mound. He still had the ball in hand, though this time he tossed it up, waiting for the other team to approach. 

Todo was swinging a wooden bat, making a high pitched woosh with each swing. When he approached home base it finally put into perspective how big of a field they were playing it. In a normal game of baseball throwing the distance that separated Junpei and Todo would have been near impossible. Nobara got into position a few feet behind Todo, catching for his team. Mai was silently practicing her swing a few yards away.

“Batter up.” Shoko spoke clearly, Yuuji had no doubt it reached even Megumi who stood the furthest back in the outfield. 

Junpei was completely motionless at the mound, holding the ball now in both hands at his waist. He must have been going with a sneak attack, because before Yuuji could see him move the ball was smacking in Nobara's hand. She hurled the ball back to Junpei who allowed himself a grin. 

“What was that?” Yuuji almost gasped. 

“A strike, if they don’t hit it that’s how we count them.” Shoko explained.

When Junpei pitched again Todo was ready. This time, somehow, the bat swung around in time to connect with the ball. The force of the impact sent a near deafening crack through the field. Yuuji immediately understood why the thunderstorm had been necessary as Todo took off. The ball shot so high in the air over the forest Yuuji spoke without thinking. 

“That’s gotta be a home run!” 

“Wait,” Shoko listened intently, pointing to the furthest part of the field. Megumi was missing.

Yuuji watched, disbelieving, as Megumi sprang from the top of a pine tree with the ball in hand and a wide grin. 

“Out!” Shoko shouted from beside him, then turned to explain, “Todo’s the hardest hitter, but Megumi’s the fastest.”

The first inning continued in much the same way, with Yuuji staring out incredulously. It was impossible to keep up with, almost like he was watching a game of charades. 

The second reason for the thunder's necessity came when Nobara took the bat. Megumi had quickly proven how amazing of an out fieldsman he was, so to avoid going up against him she hit a deliberate ground ball in Gojou’s direction. The race to first base was tense, but over in less than a moment as the two crashed into each other. It was a sickening bang that rivaled the thunder and made Yuuji’s heart leap to his throat. He jumped up in concern, but the pair was surprisingly unscathed as they got up. 

“She’s safe,” Shoko judged in a calm voice. 

Todo’s team was up by one after Mai’s turn at bat. She had managed to pop it far enough passed Gojou’s side of the field to earn a home run. It was soon after that Megumi caught what would become the second and third outs. The moment Shoko called the switch he sprinted to Yuuji’s side, clearly excited by the game.

“Well?” He asked. 

“I don’t think I’ll ever watch Baseball the same way again.” 

“Why?” The puzzled look on Megumi’s face made him laugh. 

“You make the pro’s look like kids, it’d be nice to see you guys do something worse than everyone else for once.” 

Megumi’s grin returned, leaving Yuuji breathless. 

“You’ll just have to watch us instead from now on,” He chuckled, picking up an aluminum bat, “I’m up first, don’t blink.” 

Megumi played smart, keeping the ball out of Mai’s eager reach even if it meant hitting towards Todo. He managed to make it to second base when Todo finally got the ball back into play. Gojou followed Megumi up to bat and knocked one so far out of the field that Yuuji had to block his ears to recover from the deafening boom. By the time Mai had returned with the ball both Megumi and Gojou had walked the bases. 

The score never strayed in one team's favor as the game continued on. Yuuji was surprised to hear them begin to taunt each other when one team would begin to take the lead. Shoko called them to order more than once. 

Gojou was back up to bat with Megumi only a few feet behind him to catch when Junpei gasped. Yuuji’s attention had been on Megumi, who’s head snapped up to look at Junpei before his gasp had even finished. He was at Yuuji’s side in an instant, though his eyes were focused on Junpei who was still looking off into the distance. 

“Junpei?” Shoko’s voice was tense

“I- I didn’t- I couldn’t…” He whispered, then his eyes were on Megumi’s,  “I couldn’t tell!” 

“What is it, Junpei?” Gojou asked, now by their side with the others. 

“I must have been watching from the wrong perspective,” Junpei was speaking quickly, “They were traveling faster, I thought…”

“What changed?” Nobara asked. 

“They heard us playing, they’re curious,” Junpei murmured. 

Yuuji felt every pair of eyes turn to him in an instant, then quickly away. 

“When?” Gojou asked, looking to Megumi for the answer. 

“No more than five minutes if we’re lucky,” He scowled in thought, “They’re running.” 

“Can you make it?” Gojou’s eyes flicked to Yuuji again over his glasses again. 

“No, not with-” Megumi cut himself off and rephrased, “It doesn’t matter anyway, if they catch the scent they could start hunting.” 

“How many are there?” Todo asked. 

“Three,” Junpei said. 

“Only Three?” Todo laughed and crossed his toned arms defiantly, “Let them come then. We have no reason to be scared.”

“Don’t be an idiot,” Mai snapped, finally sparing a stray glance at Yuuji, “We have a handicap.” 

Megumi scowled and hissed an unintelligible warning. Yuuji was thankful for the gesture, but right now Mai’s attitude was the least of his worries. Gojou stood debating for a split second that felt much longer than it actually was. Only Todo was calm, the rest were looking at their leader with nervous eyes. 

“They’re only curious right?” Gojou finally decided, “Then let’s continue the game. No need to put them even more on edge by acting defensive, we have nothing to hide.” 

Whatever argument there was to his decision flared and died quickly. Yuuji turned in time to see Shoko whisper something to Megumi, but no matter how hard he listened it was impossible to pick up on what she was saying. Megumi shook his head once and relief filled her face. 

“I’ll ref now,” Megumi said to Shoko, planting himself firmly beside Yuuji.

As the others began to take their places in the field, wariness filled Yuuji to the brim. He could see the nervous glances everyone was throwing around the forest, watching for any sign of the intruders. Shoko crouched a few feet in front of them - preparing to take over the role of catcher for Megumi - while Junpei stood on Yuuji’s other side. 

Megumi shrugged off the raincoat he had been wearing and pulled it tightly over Yuuji. 

“They’re coming now?” Yuuji asked, zipping the jacket up. 

“Yes, so try to keep as still as you possibly can, keep quiet, and stay behind me when they get here. You need to try to blend in, okay?” 

Megumi was trying to hide the stress in his voice, but it was impossible to keep all of it out. He didn’t wait for Yuuji to respond as, almost as an afterthought, he reached across to steal the baseball cap Junpei had been wearing. He put it on Yuuji and tipped the brim low enough to cover most of his vision

“That won’t help,” Junpei’s voice was worried as he indicated across the field, “Todo could probably smell him from there.” 

“Yes. Thank you, I’m aware.” Frustration colored Megumi’s tone. He pulled the hood of the raincoat over Yuuji’s head as a final touch.

Gojou was standing at the pitchers mound this time, while the others joined the game warily around him. Mai was up to bat, though she didn’t swing at a single pitch. Nobara never left first base, and Todo was lingering closer to third than any of them had gotten during the game. Yuuji swallowed. If his guard weren’t already through the roof it no doubt would have shot up seeing the family of vampires on edge. 

“What was Shoko asking you?” Yuuji whispered. 

“If they were…” Megumi hesitated, then answered reluctantly, “thirsty.” 

Yuuji didn’t answer, and after that the seconds began to tick by in slow silence. When Mai did finally hit a ball, it was no harder than a bunt. Nobara went for it, but it was at a strange almost-human speed. When Mai made it back to home plate she picked the bat up again and prepared to continue the charade. Her mouth was set in a thin line, she looked angry. 

Megumi was paying no attention to the game at all, instead it was split between scanning the tree line and checking on Yuuji. His body was tense with nerves, ready to pounce.

Every second Megumi was worried only multiplied his own fear. His heart was racing again, thundering almost painfully in his chest as the adrenaline started to kick in. He remembered hearing about mice dying of fright once in biology and almost fainted. The raincoat felt unnatural under his palm as he reached up to grip over his chest. Calming his heart truly felt impossible this time.

“Gojou will keep them back,” Megumi whispered when his eyes flicked over Yuuji, “They won't hear you.” 

Megumi’s breath caught in his throat before Yuuji could answer, and his eyes locked across the field. Just behind Todo into the dark, foggy forest. 

“I’m sorry, Yuuji,” He whispered quickly, “I was being irresponsible, stupid. I’m sorry I brought you here.” 

Gojou and Todo were the next to turn into the direction Megumi was looking off into. The sound of the newcomers approaching must have been too faint for him to hear, because soon Shoko and Junpei were as alert. 

Before the strangers approached Megumi took a half-step in front of him, cutting most of his view. Yuuji stepped forward - feeling like a newborn calf as his knees buckled - and clung onto the back of Megumi’s shirt. His fear skyrocketed as he finally peeked over the vampire’s shoulder.

Chapter Text

The strangers emerged one by one from the edge of the forest, standing meters apart. The first of the three men to step into the clearing fell back immediately, allowing the tallest to take the lead. The third stepped in line beside the other two. They closed in as they approached Megumi’s family, giving Yuuji a better view of their appearances. All three were dressed similarly, in dark clothing that didn’t stand out other than the tears and dirt that came with traveling through the forest for days. 

The strangers kept their gaze carefully on Gojou who, flanked by Todo and Nobara, stepped past second base to meet them first. The small group stopped and straightened up at his approach. 

The man standing at the front of the pack was easily the hardest to read of the three. His face was impassive, and he was tall with the strongest build - though it was nothing in comparison to Todo’s. His white hair was buzzed to almost nothing, but small flowers that looked to be less than intentional were caught on the stubble. He smiled, exposing a flash of sharp, white teeth. He was the only one of the three that stood shirtless.

The second man, the one who had fallen back, was wilder. His eyes shifted between the three facing him and the small group surrounding Yuuji. Something must have caught his eye, because the flash of devious recognition that flicked across face was instant. His eyes shifted to Yuuji next and locked on curiously. He held the gaze for a long beat before moving on to the next person.

The final man hovered unobtrusively beside them, slighter and shorter than both. He wore a patch over one eye, and kept his permanently graying brown hair styled up. He looked to be much older than the other two, though it didn’t seem to earn him any points towards becoming the leader. 

His grip tightened on Megumi’s shirt and the vampire took a reassuring step back in response. He felt more then saw Megumi’s arm reach back to brace him closer.

When he looked back at the other two he noticed that even their eyes were different. He had grown so used to seeing Megumi’s deep sapphire blue, or the onyx that would replace it, that the crimson red in each of their eyes almost made him whimper. The leader, still smiling, stepped toward Gojou. 

“We thought we overheard a game,” He said in an odd, raspy voice, then gestured respectively,  “I am Hanami, this is Mahito and Jogo.” 

“Gojou,” Their own leader spoke and began to point out his own coven; deliberately not calling attention to any one in particular, “This is Todo and Nobara, Mai, Shoko and Junpei, Megumi and Yuuji.” 

Yuuji could see each of them following along with the introduction. Mahito’s eyes stayed on him the longest again before he smirked and spoke, for the first time that night. 

“Playing shy?”

Gojou took a half step to the right, cutting off Mahito’s line of vision and directing the attention back to himself. 

“Our newest addition, he hasn’t met others outside of our coven yet.”

“Newborns are always interesting,” Hanami agreed with a smile, then asked, “Well, do you have room for a few more players?” 

“We were just finishing up, sorry; but another time could be fun. How long will you be in the area?” 

“No more than a handful of days at the most, we’re headed north for now,” Hanami explained, “It has been years since we’ve run into our kind.” 

“The region is usually empty aside from us.” 

The atmosphere was slowly teetering on the edge of friendly conversation. Yuuji guessed that Nobara was playing a hand in controlling the situation. 

“How wide is your territory?” 

“The Olympic Range, we keep a permanent home nearby.” 

Hanami looked momentarily surprised. 

“Permanent? Is that possible for a coven your… size?” 

“It’s a bit of a long story, if you’d like to come back to see it we can talk more comfortably there,” Gojou invited.

“That sounds intriguing,” Hanami’s smile was more genuine this time, “We’ve been traveling since Ontario, it would be nice to take the chance to clean up.” 

“I have to ask that you don’t hunt in the area for the time being. We like to keep a low profile,” Gojou’s smile was charming even from where Yuuji stood, but it left no room for objection. 

“Yes, we can understand that,” Hanami nodded, “We ate just outside of Seattle, anyway.”

Yuuji's mind flashed to the case Nanami was currently working; he'd mentioned a second attack in Seattle, a possible copycat. His stomach dropped. 

“We can run from here to show you the way,” Gojou turned to regard the others, “Todo, Junpei, the two of you can go with Megumi and Yuuji to get the Jeep.” 

As he finished speaking three things happened simultaneously. First, a sudden sweep of wind knocked the hood and cap from Yuuji’s head, then Megumi’s grip around him stiffened significantly, while the second man - Mahito - snapped his head up. His nostrils were flaring as his eyes searched. It only took a moment for them to lock onto Yuuji again. 

Everyone became tense when Mahito lunged a foot forward into a crouch. He let out an excited snarl, nothing at all like the playful growls he’d heard from Megumi before. Yuuji felt the world around him spin as the terrifying sound alone almost made him faint.

“Oh?” Hanami exclaimed in surprise, catching the scent on the wind. 

Megumi kept his free arm to the side, ready to react. His gaze never left Mahito’s. Every time the predator shifted left or right Megumi followed him, matching each feint in time to block Yuuji from his view. 

“He’s with us.” Gojou commanded the attention and stepped towards Mahito. Understanding dawned on Hanami’s face and he laughed good-naturedly. 

“A snack for later?” 

Megumi’s glare was piercing as he flashed his teeth dangerously at the newcomers. He took a step back, pressing Yuuji’s chest even further against him.

“I said he’s with us.” Gojou corrected. 

“I see,” The old man, Jogo, laughed in intrigue, “They’re keeping a human for a pet. ”

Todo stepped forward in challenge, eyeing Mahito though he was speaking to everyone. 

“Yuuji is one of us,” He tensed his muscles as he crossed his arms, “Human or not.”

Hanami took a calculated, careful step forward. His hand reached up toward Mahito, who bitterly stood from his crouch. His gaze, however, stayed fixed on Yuuji and he made a show of sniffing at the wind once more. Megumi stayed tense and frozen in front of him.  When Hanami finally spoke, it was calm - attempting to defuse the ticking bomb. 

“It seems there is a lot we don’t know about your way of life.”

“Yes.” Gojou’s voice was still firm. 

“We would still like to accept your invitation,” Hanami’s eyes flicked once to Yuuji then back, “Of course we will not harm the boy. As I said we have already fed.” 

Mahito looked at him with an expression of such pure disbelief that Yuuji wasn’t so sure Hanami was speaking for the group. Then Mahito shared another brief, bitter look with Jogo.

“We’ll show you the way,” Gojou said, and turned just enough to address those going with him, “Nobara, Mai, Shoko?” 

The three gathered and blocked the group in the back from view. Junpei was still rooted in place at his side, waiting for Todo to join them. Megumi was faring much worse emotionally than everyone else, his eyes were filled with panic as he turned around. 

“Let’s go, Yuuji.” 

Yuuji felt like he hadn’t moved in hours. He had been so frightened that every joint in his body had locked into place. It figured that now that it was time for him to run to safety his body would freeze up on him. Megumi grabbed his arm and pulled him sharply, ignoring the frightful haze on Yuuji’s face. Junpei was at his other side, keeping him balanced. 

The moment Megumi reached the tree line he lifted Yuuji up and took off without regard for the other two. Yuuji bit back a scream and wrapped his arms around Megumi’s shoulders. He was too frightened to shut his eyes this time, but it was a relief to see Junpei and Todo right on their heels. The sense of excitement that usually filled Megumi when he ran was gone - but he was no less fast. Even carrying Yuuji he was still pulling ahead of the other two. 

Eventually they reached the Jeep and it felt like Megumi hadn’t bothered to stop as he tossed Yuuji into the back behind the driver's seat. Todo was getting in on his right when Megumi barked an order. 

“Strap him in.” 

Junpei was in the passenger's seat by the time Megumi was in the drivers and gunning the engine to life. Megumi swore constantly under his breath as he swung the car around. It happened so quickly it made his head spin again, not to mention the jostling ride back through the forest that nearly made him sick. 

When they hit the main road it was much easier to make out where they were going. The rain had eased up, though it hadn’t stopped completely. Yuuji spotted a sign and knew exactly where they were. Headed south, away from Forks. 

“Where are we going?” He asked. 

No one answered, let alone looked at him. 

“Hey, Dammit!” Yuuji’s temper roared and - in a moment of childish fear - he kicked the back of Megumi’s seat, “Megumi! Where are you going!?” 

“We have to get out of here, now,” Megumi kept his eyes on the road, “As far as possible.”

The speedometer passed a hundred and ten. Yuuji reached for the harness and struggled to get the clasps off. 

“No! I need to go home first!” 

“Todo,” Megumi muttered. 

Todo, reluctantly, reached over and snatched Yuuji’s wrists. He held them away from the seatbelts with no more force than what was necessary to keep him back. 

“I’m sorry,” He sighed. 

“Megumi, I’m not joking!” 

“Neither am I! Please just-” 

“No! Nanami’s the Chief of police, what do you think he’ll do if I don’t come home? He knows I was with you, he’ll call in the FBI or something and they’ll look at all of you first!”

“Calm down Yuuji.” Megumi’s voice was under firm control, “Things like that have happened before, we’ll get through it.”

“I don’t want you to have to do this over me!” Yuuji snapped, struggling violently against Todo’s grip.

 Junpei’s voice broke the tension.

“Megumi, you should pull over.”

Instead of answering he sped up. 

“We need to talk this through,” Junpei argued, “If we’re don’t-”

“You don’t get it!” Megumi shouted in frustration, “None of you get it! Couldn’t you - of all people - see it? He’s never going to give this up!”

“Just pull over!” Junpei shouted back with a new authority. 

“Listen to him!” Yuuji jumped in. 

“He’s a hunter, he wants Yuuji - him specifically .” Megumi was pushing one twenty. 

“He doesn’t know where Yuuji lives,” Junpei said.

“How long do you realistically think it would take for him to catch his scent in town? Any one of those three could!” 

Yuuji gasped, all at once realizing exactly where it would end. Tears welled in his eyes as an all new panic filled him. 

“My scent leads home, to Nanami! We can’t leave him there alone!” Yuuji thrashed in his seat again. Todo’s grip stayed firm, but he was beginning to throw concerned looks to Megumi, “Please, we can’t! He’ll die!” 

“He’s right, Megumi,” Todo finally spoke up. “We can’t.”

Megumi was quiet but the car's speed dropped to an unwilling one hundred. 

“We have time to talk out a few options,” Junpei reasoned, “It’s too soon for him to make a move, Gojou’s going to stall them as long as possible; and even if he gets away alone he couldn’t beat all three of us. We’d hear him coming.”  

The car slowed again, this time drastically. Then Megumi eased to a stop on the side of the road. Todo must have thought it was safe to release him now, but once his wrists were free Yuuji went right for his restraints. Megumi turned around enough to reach back and press his hand to Yuuji’s chest to keep him in the seat. 

“We don’t have any options,” Megumi looked him in the eye, “So stop fight-” 

“No! I’m not leaving Nanami!” Yuuji yelled over him. 

“Megumi, you’re not thinking this through,” Todo grabbed Megumi’s wrist this time and pulled his hand from Yuuji’s chest, “We need to take him home.” 

“No.” Megumi was stubborn. 

“He’s no match for us,” Junpei reasoned again, “He never was.” 

“You didn’t hear - he’s never going to stop! We’d have to kill him if we don’t run.” 

Todo shrugged, “It’s on the table. If it has to be done then-”

“And Jogo? Their leader too - if it turns into a fight we’d be up against the three of them.” 

“Seven against three - there are more than enough of us.” 

There was a pause while everyone considered their next possible move. 

Yuuji noticed the reaction on Megumi’s face before Junpei had even spoken. Whatever he had been about to suggest must have been truly terrible, because the fear in Megumi’s eyes alone was terrifying. 

“There’s another option-”

“No!” The fury in Megumi’s voice boomed from each word as he rounded on Junpei and grabbed his shoulder, “ That is not an option!”

Todo looked just as shocked as Yuuji felt, though Junpei was sitting unfazed in the passenger's seat. The psychic pair stared each other down for a long moment. Finally Junpei shrugged off Megumi’s arm and rolled his eyes. 

“Alright,” Yuuji broke the silence, “Do you want to hear my plan then?” 

“No,” Megumi answered grumpily.

“You take me back-” Yuuji started only to be cut off again. 

“No.” 

Yuuji kicked his seat again before continuing. “Take me back. I’ll leave a note for Nanami - he’ll probably be asleep anyway - saying I needed a break from Forks after tonight. I’ll say something stupid happened so I went to visit friends from my last school in Pheonix, it doesn’t matter that much right now. We’ll wait until one of them is watching us to do it, then we’ll run and they’ll leave him alone. Nanami will be angry - and I’ll probably be grounded for the rest of my life when this is all over - but he won't call in the state troopers until at least tomorrow morning and we can be wherever you want by then.”  

The three stared at him with a mix of expressions. Todo was the first to speak, Yuuji took the surprise in his voice as an insult. 

“It’s a pretty good idea actually.” 

“It could work,” Junpei nodded, “We can’t leave Chief Nanami unprotected.”

“I- I know,” Megumi’s stutter only hardened his resolve, “But it’s too dangerous! We should be out of the state by now.” 

“Megumi,” Todo got his attention this time, and spoke with a surprising amount of confidence, “Yuuji’s my brother now. The hunter won’t get through me.”

Junpei was lost in thought for a moment before he spoke, “I don’t see him attacking in Forks anyway, he’s waiting to see if he can get Yuuji alone before he tries going through us.” 

“Well that’s not going to happen, he’ll realize it soon.” 

“Then taking me home will be safe!” Yuuji jumped in firmly, “Come in if you’re that worried!” 

Megumi turned back around in his seat and hunched over the steering wheel. His hands rubbed over his face furiously before he carded them through his hair. When he finally spoke his voice was torn. 

“Whether he’s watching or not we’re leaving tonight. Leave your note for Nanami, pack whatever you grab first from your room, and get right in your truck when you leave. I don’t care what happens once you get inside, if Nanami’s awake - hell, if the whole town is visiting for dinner - you’ll only have fifteen minutes. Got it? Fifteen minutes the second you’re inside.”

Yuuji felt weak with relief, though it was really only for Nanami’s sake. If he could lead Mahito away from his foster father then that was at least one worry off his mind. The Jeep roared to life and Megumi spun it around back towards the town. 

It was a few minutes before Megumi spoke again. This time he was much more collected.

“When we get to the house, if he isn’t there watching I’ll walk you up. Once you’re inside leave the note in the kitchen and I’ll go up to start your bag,” Megumi glanced at him through the rearview mirror, “Junpei I need you to get his truck and bring it to the front of the house, Todo you’ll have to keep watch outside. Once we’re done you can take the Jeep home and tell Gojou.”

“I’m going with you,” Todo said, “You can’t protect him on your own if you run into all three of them.” 

“No, even I don’t know how long we’ll be gone for, I’m not going to ask you to follow us across the country,” Megumi argued, “And this is all if he isn’t already watching. If he is, we keep driving.” 

“We’re going to make it back first,” Junpei spoke confidently. 

“Either way, I’m not going to take the jeep and leave you two alone,” Todo argued. 

“Junpei then.” 

“No, I’m not-” 

Megumi’s unintelligible string of profanities started again. Yuuji rolled his eyes. 

“Well no matter what, when we’re finished at my house,” Yuuji interrupted hesitantly, “The next step is to leave town right? Then… I think I need to go alone.” 

Megumi barked a disbelieving laugh. 

“I’m serious! He saw how all of you reacted out in that field - you especially,” Yuuji reached over the seat to nudge Megumi’s shoulder, “He’s going to think that you’ll stay close to me, so wherever you are is obviously where he’ll think I am!” 

Todo looked at Yuuji - again - with insultingly wide eyes. 

“I think he’s right.”

“I do too,” Junpei agreed. 

Megumi shook his head, “I can’t do that.” 

“You’re going to have to, Todo too.”

“What?” Todo turned on him with a hurt expression. 

“You’d get a better shot at him if you stay behind,” Yuuji reasoned, which seemed to soften Todo up.

“You can’t realistically think I’ll let you go alone,” Megumi scoffed. 

“I’ll take him,” Junpei said, “Nobara too, the two of us could protect him fairly easily.’ 

“I… I can’t,” Megumi repeated, but his voice was weaker this time - close to defeat. His grip on the wheel tightened momentarily. 

“Just hang out for a week or two-” Yuuji tried to sooth, but Megumi’s hurt sound made him quickly rephrase, “A couple days. Let everyone see that I ran away on my own -  Nanami especially. I'll have to call him after I leave and he’ll need to see you’re still in town. Then you can come meet me.”

Yuuji could see Megumi considering it, “Meet you where?”

“Phoenix-”

“You can’t tell Nanami you’re going back to Phoenix and then actually do it! Word spreads, the hunter would find out in no time.” 

“Which is exactly why you need to stay behind, then he’ll never actually believe I’m there.” 

“And if he calls your bluff?” 

“There are millions of people in Phoenix alone, and it’s not like I have a home there for him to track down. We can change hotels every few days too so my scent doesn’t stay in one place.”

“And he’ll be with me,” Junpei added.

“Yeah?” Megumi bit back with a condescending smirk, “And what are you going to do in Phoenix?”

“We’ll stay indoors during the day,” Junpei rolled his eyes, “We can take an overnight flight and check into our hotel before sunrise.”

“It’s not like they’re going sightseeing,” Todo reasoned, “I think he’ll be safer there.” 

Megumi stayed quiet, tapping his fingers on the wheel in thought. 

“Look at it this way then,” Todo tried again, “If we try to fight him while Yuuji’s here someone could get hurt. He will, or one of us - most likely you - will trying to protect him. If we were able to go at him without needing to think about defense though…”

Megumi had slowed the jeep down to a crawl as they drove into town. Despite all of his brave talk Yuuji could feel the knot forming in his throat. He tried not to think about Nanami, alone at home, and instead focused on his breathing.

“Yuuji,” Megumi’s voice was soft and worried as he gave in, “If anything happens to you I’m holding you personally responsible. This is your plan, understand?” 

“Yeah,” He nodded, catching his eye in the rear view, “I’ll be alright, nothing’s going to happen to me.” 

Megumi turned to Junpei instead of answering. 

“Are you sure you can handle this?” 

“I can be very frightening,” And, in example, Junpei pulled his lips back in a grimace to let out a snarl that made Yuuji recoil in surprise. 

Megumi finally sighed in defeat and muttered with a frown, “Just keep unnecessary future’s to yourself.”

Chapter Text

Nanami had - luckily - fallen asleep after all. The lights in the house were off, all except a lamp near the living room window. Yuuji’s mind was blank as he stared at the house. He knew what he had to do, but finding the words to leave Nanami with seemed impossible. He could only hope they would come when he was finally forced to put pen to paper. 

Megumi stopped the Jeep well before Yuuji’s house, far enough back that he could barely make out the license plate on his truck. The three vampires around him quickly became alert and aware of their surroundings. When the engine cut off the only sound that Yuuji could hear was the soft tapping of rain against the felt roof of the Jeep. He was sure the others, however, could hear a cricket moving outside if they listened close enough. 

“I don’t think he’s out there,” Todo finally said and leaned over to help Yuuji with the seatbelts. 

“No, he’s not.” Megumi was tense as he stuffed the keys into his pocket.

“Don’t worry, Yuuji,” Todo’s whisper caught his attention, “I’ll keep everyone here safe for you, the others won’t have enough to do.” 

The intense emotions Yuuji had been trying to keep back since they fled the field built so quickly he couldn’t hold them in. His eyes welled as he looked up at Todo and his heart ached almost painfully. He cleared his throat stiffly to keep the tears at bay and nodded his head instead of answering. It would seem that Megumi and Junpei weren’t the only one’s he was quickly considering his family.

“Junpei, Todo,” Megumi ordered them before anything further could happen. 

Junpei was out of the car first and heading through the rain towards Yuuji’s truck. Todo lingered reluctantly in the back seat, sharing one last look with Yuuji before he too was out of the Jeep. Yuuji could make out his shape along the tree line before he disappeared into the dark forest completely. Megumi had opened his door and taken his hand to help guide Yuuji out. He didn’t wait for Yuuji to catch his balance before he pulled him in under the protective cover of his arm. 

“Fifteen minutes,” He warned as he lead them swiftly up to the house. 

“Yeah, I can make it,” Yuuji took a deep breath and reached up to rub his eyes. He had to focus, it wasn’t time to cry over his situation.

Megumi stopped them in front of the door. His arm was tight around Yuuji’s shoulders, clearly reluctant to be separated. Yuuji turned around enough under his arm to face him. His hands took hold of Megumi’s cheeks, taking advantage of their short moment of privacy to lean up and press a reassuring peck to his lips. 

“No matter what happens after this-” 

“Nothing’s going to hurt you, Yuuji.” Megumi spoke with so much confidence it was hard to remember that harm was coming his way.

“But if something does,” Yuuji continued just as fiercely, “It’s not your fault, okay? I don’t blame you for any of this. Even Junpei couldn’t predict it! So don’t...” 

Megumi’s lips were tightly set in a frown as he looked over Yuuji’s face. He nodded once and tilted his cheek into Yuuji’s palm, but he didn’t speak on the topic. 

“You need to hurry now,” He whispered instead, “I’ll meet you up in your room.”

“Alright,” Yuuji offered him the only smile he could muster and released his cheeks. 

Megumi leaned down and pulled him in for one last kiss before he fully released him. The moment Yuuji stepped into the house, Megumi was gone. He locked the front door behind himself, though his mind was now racing with stress. 

The lock won’t do anything to stop Mahito-  

Yuuji shook his head. He was wasting time worrying about how little protection his house actually provided. Junpei and Todo were right outside, and Megumi was probably upstairs by now. There was nothing to worry about. Yet , his mind supplied unproductively. 

To distract himself he decided to work on his note first. It was better to get the most painful part out of the way. Yuuji grabbed his backpack from where he left it in the hallway as he walked further into the house. He rifled through it until he found a spiral notebook he remembered using for math, and a pen. 

In the living room the light that he had seen through the window was still on. It sat in the farthest corner of the room, on top of a small end table next to the window that led out to the porch. Yuuji tossed his backpack on the couch and brought the spiral notebook to the table. He figured this spot would have to be good enough to leave his message at. He knelt in front of the table, prepared to write. Even now, finding the words to leave behind was hard. Yuuji knew that Nanami didn’t deserve what he was about to do - but there was no other option. He took a deep breath and put his shaking pen against the paper. 

Nanami,

It didn’t work out with Megumi, so I think I need to get away for a while. I’m driving back to Phoenix to visit friends tonight, hopefully it’ll cheer me up. I don’t know when I’ll be back, and I’m sorry that I’m doing this to you, but please don’t try to change my mind. I’ll call you in the morning. 

I’m sorry. 

-Yuuji. 

He wasn’t satisfied with it, Nanami deserved more, but there was nothing to be done. When Yuuji stepped away from the end table he could barely remember what he wrote. He left his notebook as it was - it wasn’t like he would be needing it - and switched off the lamp before he stood. 

He went up to his own room next, creeping silently up the stairs to not wake his foster father. When he was safely inside his own room he locked the door then threw himself to the floor by his bed to dig out one of his duffel bags. Then he reached between the box spring and his mattress to pull out the small pile of cash he’d saved before his move to Forks.

When he turned around he noticed the window was open. Then he saw Megumi at his dresser, yanking open drawers and pulling out random arm-fulls of clothing.

Yuuji took them as they were tossed to him and crammed them into his bag. Megumi returned with another arm full and forced it in after him. By then the bag was full and Yuuji was straining to close it. Megumi brushed his hands away gently and forced the zipper shut, then he pulled it over his own shoulder. 

“You left your note?” Megumi whispered. 

“Yeah.” 

“Then let’s go.” 

Yuuji nodded and unlocked his door. He peeked out into the hall first and slipped out. When he turned around Megumi wasn’t behind him anymore and his window was shut again. He shut the door behind himself and hurried downstairs. 

When Yuuji reached the bottom of the stairs he turned around to take one last look at the house he was leaving behind. He didn’t know if he would ever come back and the thought alone made him whimper. Yuuji swallowed, shut his eyes, and took a deep breath before he stepped out of the house and shut the door behind himself. 

Yuuji ran into the rainy night towards his truck and wrenched the driver's side door open. The key was already in the ignition, so he gunned it to life and took off down the street without looking back. Megumi slipped into the passenger seat through the open window and dropped the duffel bag into the small storage space behind their seats. 

When the house had long disappeared behind them Megumi reached over and gently grasped Yuuji’s wrist. 

“Pull over.” 

“No,” Yuuji choked out. He took another shaky breath, “I- I can drive.” 

Megumi slid beside him and released his wrist in favor of taking hold of the steering wheel. His free hand then went to Yuuji’s waist. Ever so carefully Megumi eased Yuuji up and over his lap and into the passenger's seat, taking control of the truck. They barely swerved when Yuuji finally gave up control of the wheel. 

“I know. But the turn to the house is a lot harder to see in the dark,” Megumi explained.

“We’re going there first?” 

“Yeah.”

Lights flared without warning behind them and quickly approached. Yuuji snapped around in his seat to look through the rear window, his eyes wide with fright. 

“It’s just Junpei with the Jeep,” Megumi whispered and reached to take Yuuji’s hand. He gave it a short, reassuring squeeze. 

Yuuji thought of Nanami, home, alone and nerves filled him again. He held Megumi’s hand tightly between both of his own and tried to focus only on his cool touch.

“Did Mahito show up?” He asked. 

“He was there for the end, he caught you leaving,” Megumi murmured reluctantly. 

“And… Nanami?”

“He’s safe,” Megumi reluctantly spoke the hunters name, “Mahito’s following us.”

Yuuji’s blood ran cold. 

“Are we faster?” 

“No.” Megumi sped up anyway. 

Yuuji shivered. His plan didn’t feel as amazingly brilliant as Todo and Junpei had made it seem earlier. As he tried not to worry about everything that could go wrong he watched the Jeep's headlights in the rear view mirror. 

The lights were blocked by a large shadow for just a moment before a booming clang sounded above them. Yuuji’s piercing scream only lasted a second before Megumi’s hand pulled from his and clamped over his mouth. 

“It’s just Todo,” He released Yuuji’s mouth and put his arm over his shoulders instead, “It’s alright. You’re going to be safe, Yuuji.”

Yuuji nodded slowly and sighed. It was a long time before either of them spoke again. Megumi was too alert to make small talk, and he was too afraid to think of anything to fill the silence. When they crossed the river out of town Yuuji spared a fleeting glance back, filled again with worry. 

“He’ll forgive you,” Megumi broke the silence. 

“What?” Yuuji turned back to look at him. 

“Nanami,” He clarified, “He cares about you a lot. When this is all over - he’ll forgive you.” 

Yuuji looked up at Megumi, his eyes desperately searching for a way to believe him. It felt impossible to be forgiven for running away like this. That - and the idea that he may not come back from this alive at all still lingered in the back of his mind. Megumi must have seen the panic in his eyes. 

“Yuuji, it’s going to be okay.” 

“It’s hard to believe that when we’ll be separated,” Yuuji whispered. 

“It’ll only be for a few days,” Megumi tightened his arm around him, “And it was your idea, don’t forget that.” 

“It was the best idea - of course it was mine.” 

Megumi’s smile in return was short lived.

“Why did this happen? Why me?” The questions were out before Yuuji could stop them.

Megumi turned his gaze back outside and his expression became neutral again. 

“It’s my fault, I shouldn’t have brought you out in the open like that.” 

“I didn’t mean it like that,” Yuuji shook his head quickly, “Like, yeah, I was there, but big deal. The other two didn’t seem to care, so why did Mahito decide to kill me? I mean- it’s not like I’m the only human in forks right?” 

Megumi hesitated, but his answer was honest. 

“I don’t know if there’s anything we could have done to prevent it, to be honest. You smell so good that once he caught the scent he wanted to feed. I got a pretty good look at his mind and…” He sighed, “It was all over once he knew. He might not have bothered under normal circumstances; but, when I defended you it made it much more interesting to him. He loves to hunt, track, and kill - just for fun, and we gave him the biggest challenge of his life. A large coven of strong fighters all dedicated to protecting the weak link. You probably couldn’t believe how happy he is right now.” His tone was filled with disgust. 

Megumi paused before he spoke again, this time full of frustration. 

“But I couldn’t just stand by! He would have killed you if I did.” 

“I thought…” Yuuji hesitated to voice his question, “I didn’t smell as strong to others as I do to you.” 

“You don’t, but it’s still tempting. If you did appeal to the hunter - any of them - we would have had to fight right there in the field,” Megumi breathed a heavy sigh before he continued, “I think I’m going to have to kill him.”

“I thought it was impossible to kill vampires?” 

“Not impossible, just very difficult,” Megumi spared him another hesitant glance, “We’ll have to rip him apart and burn the pieces.” 

“And the others are going to fight with him?” 

“The old man will, I don’t know about Hanami. He’s only with those two out of convenience, so who knows where he’ll fall when the fighting starts.”

“But…” Yuuji’s voice was raw with worry, “the other two, they’ll try to kill you.”

“You can’t waste time worrying about me, Yuuji. You need to think about keeping yourself safe first.”

“Sure, I’ll try to keep it in mind,” Yuuji turned to glance out the back windshield, “Is he still following?” 

“Yeah, but he doesn’t plan on attacking tonight.”

Megumi made the turn onto the invisible driveway up to his house. Junpei was close behind in the Jeep. When they arrived, all of the lights were on inside the large home. It did little to alleviate the frightening darkness in the forest surrounding them, though. Before Yuuji could develop a fear of the dark his door opened and Todo was pulling him out. He kept Yuuji close to his chest as he made the quick dart across the lawn to the home. 

Junpei and Megumi were close behind, entering only moments after. Everyone at home was on their feet watching the door, including Hanami. Todo was letting out a low, seething growl in warning as he sat Yuuji down beside Megumi. Who, in return, took a short step in front of him. 

“We’re being followed,” Megumi announced. 

“I was afraid of that,” Hanami sighed. 

Junpei side stepped around them and hurried to Nobara. He whispered in her ear, quickly and silently. As soon as he finished the two darted up the stairs together without another word. Mai was watching them silently, only moving to Todo’s side when the other two left. Her eyes flicked to Yuuji once with scalding hostility before she looked away. 

“I’m sorry,” Hanami broke the silence, “I was afraid, you see - after your boy there defended the human - that Mahito would be set off.” 

“Can you stop him?” Gojou spoke this time. 

“If I could I would not be here,” Hanami shook his head, “Unfortunately, nothing stops Mahito once he gets started.” 

“We’ll stop him.” When Todo spoke there was no doubt in his words.

“I have been alive close to two thousand years now. In all that time I have never met another like Mahito, he is absolutely lethal.”

Everyone was silently taking in his warning. Yuuji was only now beginning to understand the other covens' ranking. Hanami’s show of leadership in the clearing must have been only that, a show. 

Hanami broke the silence first again. He glanced at Yuuji and took his time to look him up and down. Then, he regarded Gojou. 

“Are you sure it’s worth the trouble?” 

Megumi’s piercing snarl made even Yuuji cringe back a step. Gojou turned to Hanami. 

“You have your answer. Now you’ll have to make a choice.” 

Hanami understood, and he took time to look over every face in the room once more. Then he turned to examine the home, even looking up towards the high ceilings. Finally he regarded the group once more. 

“I won’t be getting in the middle of this. I bear no animosity to any of you, but I won’t go up against Mahito. Perhaps I’ll head north - to the clan in Alaska you’ve told me about. This way of life is quite intriguing.”

Hanami looked like he was finished, but after another pause he gave them one final warning. 

“Don’t underestimate either of them. Mahito alone is every bit as comfortable in the human world as you all seem to be, and he won’t come at you head on. He’s resilient as a cockroach. Jogo will follow him for now, but I don’t know how deep into this mess he intends to get. I’m sorry for what has been unleashed upon your family, truly sorry.”

Gojou disregarded the apology, “We’ll keep it in mind.” 

Hanami took one last look around himself, then hurried out the door. The following silence only lasted a second as everyone gathered themselves. 

“How close is he?” Gojou asked. 

Shoko was already moving around the house. She paused in front of a small keypad on the wall and pressed a few buttons. In seconds large metal shutters began to seal up the glass windows. Yuuji held back a gasp at the expensive security system. 

“About three miles past the river; he’s meeting up with the old man.” Megumi answered. 

“What are you planning to do next?” 

“We’re going to lead them off, then Nobara and Junpei will take Yuuji south.”

“After that?” 

Megumi’s voice was cold, “As soon as Yuuji’s clear, we hunt him down.” 

“Seems there’s no other choice,” Gojou hummed. 

Megumi turned to Mai next. 

“Take Yuuji upstairs and find him something of Junpei’s to wear, then put on his jacket.” 

Mai snapped back with livid disbelief. 

“Why should I? He’s nothing to me but a menace - one that you chose to burden the rest of us with.”

Yuuji flinched back at the hostility in her voice, but he was more worried about Megumi's reaction. Knowing his temper, Yuuji was anticipating a fight. Megumi, however, surprised him. He turned away from Mai, as if she didn’t exist, and regarded Shoko calmly instead. 

“Shoko?” 

“Of course,” She nodded and was at Yuuji’s side in a second. She swung him up and over her shoulder before darting up the stairs faster than he could respond. 

Shoko sat him down in a dark room on the second story of the house. When she clicked the light on Yuuji could make out that they were in a bedroom - he assumed it was Junpei’s. 

“What are we doing?” Yuuji asked breathlessly as he worked to shrug off his jacket.

“Confusing the scent,” She was digging through a nearby dresser, “It’s not going to work for long, but it might buy you enough time to get out.” 

Shoko didn’t wait for him to be ready before she approached. She pulled his shirt off and handed him a new one. As soon as he was done she passed him a pair of jeans and turned around. They were a bit short, but it would do for now. Shoko had already switched into his discarded t-shirt and jacket by the time he finished. She grabbed Junpei’s jacket from a nearby hamper and helped Yuuji put it on before finally dragging him back out of the room. Junpei was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs with a small leather bag in one hand. Nobara was close beside him.

Whatever commotion had been going on downstairs in his absence had settled. Megumi and Todo were by the door waiting to leave, while Gojou approached to give something to Shoko. He turned to give one to Junpei as well - an old, silver flip phone. 

“Shoko and Mai are going to take your truck,” Gojou informed him as he passed. Yuuji spared Mai a glance. Thankfully her vitriolic stare was directed at Gojou this time. 

“Nobara, Junpei - you two take the Mercedes, the tint should protect you in the South.” 

The pair nodded. Gojou finally turned to Megumi and Todo.

“We’ll take the jeep.” 

Yuuji was surprised to hear that Gojou would be going with them. It was then that he realized the trio would be making up the hunting party. His blood ran cold just from the thought of those three putting themselves in danger like this.

“Junpei,” Gojou looked to him again, “is this going to work?” 

Everyone watched as Junpei shut his eyes and concentrated for a long pause. He finally answered when his eyes opened. 

“Mahito will follow Megumi’s scent, the other will follow Yuuji’s truck. We should be able to make it out after that.” 

“Let’s go then.” Gojou left in the direction of the kitchen. Todo followed close behind. 

Megumi went to Yuuji’s side first instead. He pulled Yuuji up and into his arms, almost crushing him close to his chest in the process. The rest of his family was watching, but he didn’t seem to care as he leaned down to press a hard, icy kiss to Yuuji’s lips. It was over before Yuuji could do so much as return it. He sat Yuuji down and reached up to cup his cheeks.  

“It’ll be okay,” He whispered, his eyes burning into Yuujis, “Trust me.”

“I do,” Yuuji hoped he sounded convincing. 

Megumi pulled him in to kiss along his cheek reassuringly, only pausing when he reached Yuuji’s ear. His breath was shaky for once, and so low Yuuji was worried he imagined the whispered words.

“I love you.” 

Then Megumi detached himself. His gaze was forced into a cold, deadly stare as he turned to follow Gojou out of the room. Yuuji knew his tears had finally spilled, but it was impossible to keep them back any longer. He was only slightly relieved when the others looked away to give him a bit of privacy. With a shaking hand, Yuuji reached up to wipe them fiercely from his cheeks. 

Shoko’s phone buzzed a few minutes later, breaking the tense silence. She held it to her ear for just long enough to catch the message before she turned to Mai. 

“Now,” She said and Mai darted for the door without another glance in Yuuji’s direction. Shoko paused once in front of him to gently rest a hand against his shoulder. 

“Be safe,” Her whisper lingered in the air as she slipped out behind Mai. Yuuji could hear his truck roar to life in the background, then slowly fade away.

Nobara and Junpei were waiting at his side. Junpei’s phone was at his ear well before it buzzed. 

“Megumi says the old man is on Shoko’s trail now, I’ll get the car and bring it around front,” He vanished in the same direction Megumi had gone. 

Nobara was the only one left in the long, quiet hallway with him. She was watching him with an unreadable expression. If his nerves weren’t already through the roof they may have doubled under her stare. It felt like forever before she finally spoke. 

“I can feel what you’re feeling,” She started, turning her gaze to the ceiling, “Though, I guess you already know that. But…” 

“What?” 

“Well, I don’t normally like to make it my business to comment on others emotions - but yours are wrong.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Yuuji held back a scoff. 

“You feel like you’re not worth all this, right?” Nobara challenged.

“Well, I’m not,” Yuuji shrugged like it was obvious, “If anything happens to them, it’ll just be for nothing.”

“You’re wrong,” She repeated, turning her head to watch him again. Then, surprisingly, she offered him a small smile, “You’re important. And… not just to Megumi.”

Before Yuuji could dig deeper Junpei had stepped through the front door. He approached Yuuji with his arms out. The bag he had been carrying earlier was long gone, likely already in the Mercedes.

“Can I?” He asked. 

“You’re the first to ask permission.” Yuuji wanted to laugh despite his situation. 

Junpei lifted him as gingerly as the rest and pulled him close for protection. Then he was out of the house and flying towards the car without a word, leaving only the bright lights of the empty home behind them.

Chapter Text

Yuuji woke up in a haze. His thoughts were still twisted up by the relentless nightmares that haunted every moment of his sleep. It took much longer than it normally would have to realize he wasn’t at home in his own bed. The space around him was too empty to be anything but a hotel room. When he looked to his right there was a small bedside table with a lamp bolted on top. A dead give away that he wasn't currently anywhere fancy. 

Yuuji sat up slowly and rubbed at his eyes, trying to remember how he ended up here. At first nothing returned as his subconscious forced the images away. Then, slowly, pieces started to come back. He could recall getting into a sleek black car with tinted windows so dark he thought it was perpetually night time. The engine had been silent the entire ride, despite racing away at speeds twice the legal limit. 

Nobara came to mind next. He knew she had sat beside him in the back seat of the car. At some point during the long ride his head had fallen to her cold, comforting shoulder. He couldn’t remember her ever pushing him off, even when his tears had soaked the cotton sleeve of her shirt. 

His thoughts had been so hectic during the drive that sleep evaded him for a long time. Yuuji was fairly certain they had been in California the last time he was fully coherent, but it was hard to say for sure. He had been tormented by the images that flashed before his eyes each time he shut them. Junpei’s bared teeth, Mai’s resentful stare, the eager grin on Mahito’s face… and - far more often than the rest - the murderous look on Megumi’s before he left.  Even Gojou and Todo’s faces flicked through his mind, but Yuuji tried to repress it all. He had tortured himself enough last night.

Unable to stand thinking about them any longer, Yuuji forced himself on. He could remember spotting a shallow mountain pass and the bright sun in front of them. They must have made the three day trip in only one, because he was sure they wouldn’t have stopped anywhere outside of Phoenix. It was then that he recalled the palm trees and wide freeways that made up the large city. But he had felt no sense of relief, this was no homecoming. 

“Which way to the airport?” Junpei had asked from the driver's seat. His soft voice was the first thing to break the silence that night. 

“It’s off I-10,” Yuuji’s answer was automatic. His voice was distant even in his memory, “We’ll pass it soon. Are we flying somewhere?”

“No, but it’s good to be close. Just in case.” 

Yuuji remembered taking the winding exit loop off of the freeway towards the airport, but nothing after that. It must have been around then that he’d finally fallen asleep against Nobara's shoulder. 

Though, now that he was thinking about it, he vaguely remembered being woken enough to leave the car. His arm had been draped over someone's shoulder - whether it was Junpei or Nobara he deemed irrelevant. 

He had no memory of this room. 

Looking at the digital clock on his nightstand revealed it was three o’clock. If it was AM or PM he didn’t know. There was no light shining around the edge of the thick curtains on the room’s only window. Yuuji rose from the bed, his body stiff, and staggered to the window. 

When he pulled back the drapes it was pitch black. Three in the morning. Yuuji could make out the near empty freeway in the distance, and the hotel parking lot directly below. He took some comfort in at least knowing the time and place. 

He shut the curtains and moved back from the window. His legs still felt stiff and, after a glance down, he realized he was still in Junpei’s clothes. More specifically the too-small jeans. Before pulling them off he dug through the pockets. Empty. No wallet, and worse, no phone. After a quick search around the room yielded no results he hoped they may have been slipped into his bag at some point. 

Yuuji found his duffel bag not far off in the room’s only chair. His wallet was in the deepest pocket on the inside of the bag. No matter how thoroughly he searched, his phone didn’t show. Instead of dwelling on it he tried to just move on. His stupid phone being missing was really the least of his worries.  He was busying himself with finding new clothes when a knock on the door caught his attention. 

“Can I come in?” It was Junpei. 

Yuuji took a deep breath before he answered. “Sure.”

Junpei entered and looked him over slowly. 

“You look like you need to sleep longer.” 

Yuuji just shook his head and looked back at his duffel bag. He pulled a pair of comfortable shorts from a balled up stack near the bottom. 

“We’ll need to stay inside while we’re here,” Junpei said as he walked over to the bed and sat. He turned his head, giving Yuuji a minute to change. 

“Alright.” His own voice was hoarse; it cracked even on one word answers. 

“Are you thirsty?”

“I’m okay,” Yuuji shrugged, “Um… how about you?” 

“I’m fine,” Junpei’s smile was sympathetic, “I ordered you something for dinner. Megumi told me that you need to eat a lot more than we do.” 

Yuuji’s head snapped up. “He called?” 

Junpei’s smile dropped and he looked away. “No. It was before we left, sorry.” 

Junpei stood this time and walked to Yuuji’s side. He grasped Yuuji’s hand gently and led him out to the small living room of their Suite. Nobara was on the couch, watching TV with a bored look on her face. Her eyes glanced once in his direction before they were back on the screen.

Yuuji released Junpei’s hand and sat on the floor beside the coffee table. There was a Pizza box resting on top. He went through the motions of taking a slice and picking at it, barely registering what he was eating.

Junpei sat beside Nobara and stared blankly at the TV as well. Every now and then Yuuji glanced behind himself to check on them, and each time they were as still as the last. It began to dawn on him that they were too calm. He pushed his plate away, his stomach abruptly turning. Junpei looked down at him first. 

“What is it?” Yuuji asked. 

“Nothing,” Junpei’s eyes were wide and honest. 

Yuuji didn’t trust him. 

“What… are we waiting for, then?” 

“Gojou.” 

“Should he have called by now?” Yuuji could see that he hit close to the mark. Junpei’s eyes widened, then flicked quickly away. 

“What does it mean?” His voice broke but he fought to control it, “That he hasn’t yet?” 

“It just means there’s nothing to tell us,” Junpei shrugged, but his voice was too even. Yuuji felt his throat constrict. 

Nobara was in front of him first, touching his shoulder and speaking in a suspiciously even tone. Her touch made his pulse settle for a moment.

“Yuuji, there’s nothing to worry about. You’re safe here.” 

“I know,” He looked away.

“Then why are you scared?” She asked bluntly, but there was genuine confusion in her voice.

Nobara may have been able to read his emotions, but she couldn’t know the reasons behind them. Somehow that came as a comfort to him.

“You heard Hanami,” Yuuji sighed, “Mahito’s lethal, right? What if something goes wrong, they could get separated so easily. If any of them got hurt, Gojou, Todo… Megumi…” He swallowed, his voice turning higher as panic began to set in, “Or Shoko and Mai dealing with the old man. How could I live with myself?  I don’t want any of you to risk your lives for me but-” 

“Yuuji- Yuuji, stop,” Nobara interrupted,  “You’re worrying about the wrong things again. Trust me - none of us are in danger. You’re under too much stress already, don’t add to it by freaking out. Listen to me!” She snapped when Yuuji looked away.

 She waited until he turned back to speak again, gentle this time, “We’re all strong, even Shoko. The only thing we’re scared of is losing you.” 

“But why-” 

“Other than the fact that we just like you,” Junpei cut in this time, planting himself on Yuuji’s side. He rested his hand over one of Yuuji’s and let his thumb rub comforting circles against the back. 

“Megumi’s been alone for a long time, even with a family. You can’t see the changes in him that we do now that you’re here. Do you think any of us want to look him in the eyes for the next hundred years if he lost you?” 

Yuuji felt his guilt slowly begin to subside. But, even as the calm started to spread, he knew he couldn’t trust his emotions with Nobara beside him. He tried not to dwell on that, it’d been a very long day and suspecting Nobara would do nothing to help him. 

They sat silently in the room from then on. The TV was the only noise, and all three watched but Yuuji was sure no one paid attention. Junpei had called the front desk at some point during the night to let them know the maid service wouldn’t be needed. At regular intervals food was delivered, but after the first pizza Yuuji stopped paying attention to what he was given to eat.  

The silver phone resting on Junpei’s bag stayed silent.

His babysitters seemed to handle the suspense much better than he did. As Yuuji fidgeted they grew still, the only movement coming from their eyes as they watched his every move. Yuuji tried to occupy himself with memorizing the room, but after his tenth look around it grew boring. On occasion he stared at the cheap paintings that lined the walls. They reminded him of Megumi’s, though they paled in comparison. Thinking of Megumi made his heart ache painfully in his chest. He quickly moved on. 

Eventually, Yuuji went back to bed just to have something else to do. He hoped that being alone would stop the calm Nobara had been projecting onto him. Yuuji wanted to let his fears take over, if only for a minute, to finally expel the pent up emotions. 

But Junpei had followed him casually into the bedroom, as if he had also - by coincidence - grown bored of the living room. Yuuji began to wonder exactly how strict Megumi’s protection orders had been. 

He tried to ignore Junpei as he laid across the bed. But, after a few minutes, the panic that Nobara had been holding off began to grip him again. He gave up on the idea of sleep and turned until he was on his side, facing Junpei. The vampire was beside him on the bed, sitting with his legs leisurely crossed. Yuuji pulled his knees up and began to fidget with the comforter under himself. 

“Junpei?” 

“Yes?”

Yuuji forced his voice to be calm. “What do you think they’re doing?” 

“Gojou wants to lead Mahito as far north as possible. Once they’re a safe distance away the plan is to turn and wait to ambush him. Shoko and Mai were supposed to head as far west as possible with the old man following them. If he turned back they would head back to Forks to keep an eye on Chief Nanami. Since they haven’t called yet I’d say things are probably going well.”

“So…“ Yuuji hesitated, “Do you really think they’re safe?” 

“How many times do we need to say we’re not in danger?” Junpei laughed softly. 

“It feels like you’re sugar coating it for me.”

“No,” His voice was earnest, “I’ll always tell you the truth when you ask me.” 

Yuuji deliberated for a long moment before deciding Junpei meant it.

“Then will you tell me how…” Yuuji hesitated for just a second before he sat up, “How someone becomes a vampire?” 

His question caught Junpei off guard. He was quiet and his expression turned contemplating. Finally, he settled on an answer that he clearly didn’t agree with. 

“Megumi… doesn’t want me to tell you that.” 

“I have a right to know by now.” 

“I know you do.”

 Yuuji stared at him, waiting. Junpei finally sighed. 

“He’ll be really pissed at me.” 

“It’ll stay between us, and you know he’ll never tell me on his own. I’m begging you, as a friend.” And they were friends now, somehow. Junpei must have known all along they would be. 

“I can tell you how it works,” He finally decided, “But I don’t remember it happening to me, and I’ve never seen it done before. So, just… remember I only know what I’ve been told.” 

Yuuji nodded once and waited. 

“Well, we’re predators. There are probably too many weapons at our disposal, more than necessary at least. Speed, strength, talents like mine or Megumi’s. We’re even attractive to our prey.”

Yuuji remembered Megumi’s pointed demonstration of his skills in the meadow and nodded. 

“We have another unnecessary weapon. Venom.” Junpei flashed his teeth once, “It doesn’t kill, just incapacitates. If it’s given the chance to spread through the bloodstream our prey would be in too much pain to fight back. But if they were to escape, or on the off chance you meet a rare case like Gojou - for example…”

“And the venom was left to spread,” Yuuji continued for him. 

“It takes a few days, depending on the amount and how close it’s injected to the heart. Once the heart stops the change is over but… All that time, every second, the victim would be begging to die instead.” 

Yuuji shivered. 

“It’s not pleasant.” 

“Megumi also said it would be extremely hard for the vampire to do. Why?”

“I guess it’s because we’re kind of like sharks. Tasting or smelling blood makes it hard to keep from feeding, sometimes impossible. To actually bite someone… taste their blood… it would be hard to stop after that. It’s difficult for both sides, blood-lust for one, agonizing for the other.”

“Why do you think you don’t remember it?” 

“I don’t know,” Junpei shrugged, “For everyone else the pain of the transformation is the sharpest memory of their human lives they have left. I… remember nothing.” 

Junpei’s expression turned wistful so Yuuji allowed him a moment of peace. They sat silently, each wrapped in their own thoughts. At one point Yuuji had almost forgotten Junpei was there.

Then, without warning, Junpei lept urgently from the bed. Yuuji’s head jerked up to look at him. 

“Something changed.” His eyes were wide and distant. 

He reached the bedroom door the same instant Nobara did. She had obviously been listening in on their conversation to have caught Junpei’s exclamation. Her hands were on his shoulders first and she helped to guide him back to the room's small chair. She knocked Yuuji’s duffel bag to the floor to make room for him before she crouched enough to look at Junpei. 

“What do you see?” She asked. 

“It’s a room,” His voice was far away, “There are… mirrors on two of the walls. Matted floors. Mahito’s in here waiting, but nothing’s coming. There’s a lot of red - it’s the walls and mats; they're red and black.”

“Where is it?” 

“I don’t know, there’s something big missing,” Junpei’s eyebrows furrowed, “He still needs to find it, but when he does it ends here.”

“When?” 

“Soon, he’ll be there today, maybe tomorrow it depends on what he’s waiting for.” 

Nobara was calm, almost practiced, as she continued her questioning. 

“What’s he doing?”

“He’s looking at something, a recorder maybe? No… it’s…” Junpei’s eyes shut, concentrating, “A cell phone? It’s dark, I can’t see the screen.” 

“What else is in the room?” 

“Just the mirrors. I think there’s something against the back wall, a camera maybe? It looks like a tripod and he’s… touching it but it doesn’t look like it’s recording. He’s just waiting here.”

“There’s nothing else?”

Junpei opened his eyes and shook his head. The two looked at each other with tense expressions. Yuuji broke their silence first. 

“What does it mean?” 

Nobara was the one to answer, but it was reluctant. 

“It means he changed plans. He’s made a decision that will bring him to that room.”

“And we don’t know where it is?”

“No.”

“But we know that he won’t be hunted now,” Junpei’s voice sounded tired as he leaned back in his chair, “He’s going to get past Gojou somehow.”

“Should we call?” 

As if on cue the phone began to ring. Junpei was across the room before Yuuji could turn his head to look. He answered the call and held the phone to his ear, but he didn’t speak. 

“Gojou,” He sighed, though he didn’t seem to be as relieved as Yuuji felt. 

“Yes,” He answered after a glance at Yuuji, then he explained the vision he’d seen, “Whatever made him get on that plane must be leading him to that room.” 

Junpei paused again, then passed the phone to Yuuji with a soft call of his name. Yuuji ran to it. 

“Hello?” 

“Yuuji,” Megumi responded. 

“Megumi!” He gasped, clutching the phone between both hands,  “I was so worried!” 

“I told you to worry about yourself,” Megumi huffed, but it was so unbelievably relieving to hear his voice that Yuuji could disregard the scolding. 

“Where are you?” 

“Canada, near Vancouver. Yuuji, I…” He paused, “I’m sorry, we lost him. He’s too careful, always staying far enough away that I can’t hear him. It looks like he got on a plane. Gojou thinks he’s heading back to Forks to start over.” 

“I know, Junpei saw.”

“He won’t be able to make it to you before we find him, so don’t worry.”

“I’ll be alright. Has Shoko updated you on Nanami?” 

“Yeah.”

“How is he?”

Megumi didn’t answer for a moment. 

“Honestly?” Then he sighed, “Well… he’s alive. He went to work. She said he was in a mood, but I can’t say that it’s surprising. Other than that he’s safe. She also said the old man stopped in your house while he was at the station, but he hasn’t gone near Nanami.”

“And my note?” He tried not to think of the intruder poking around in his belongings. 

“It wasn’t at the house,” Megumi sighed again, “We’re thinking for now that Nanami took it with him. It’s most likely what happened, but Shoko can’t get close enough to check yet.”

The line was silent while Yuuji thought. He could hear Junpei and Nobara whispering in the background. When he looked over at them Nobara moved first, ushering Junpei out of the room before she closed the door behind herself to give them privacy. Maybe reading emotions wasn’t as inconvenient as he thought. 

“What’s Jogo doing then?” He returned to the conversation.

“Probably trying to pick up the trail for Mahito. He’s been looking around the town all night, Mai followed him through the airport and the school. He’s digging but there’s nothing to find.”

“And you’re sure Nanami’s safe?”

“Yes, Shoko hasn’t let him out of her sight; and we’ll be back soon. If either of them are anywhere near Forks we’ll catch them.” 

“Okay,” Then, in a whisper, “I… miss you.”

“I know, Yuuji. I do too,” Megumi paused before he continued shyly, “It... feels like something’s missing when you’re not here.”

“You could come…”

“I have to make sure your safe first. But I’ll be there as fast as I can, I promise.”

“Soon then,” And to remind him, Yuuji spoke gently, “I love you.”

“Would you believe that even with everything I’ve put you through, I love you, too?” 

Yuuji could hear Megumi laugh through the line. Holding his smile back was impossible after that. 

“Yeah, I believe you.”

“I’ll be there soon, Yuuji.” 

“I’ll be waiting.”

The line went dead, but just hearing Megumi’s voice kept the cloud of depression at bay for now. Yuuji stepped out into the living room to return the phone. He found the pair sitting at the coffee table. This time Junpei was crouched on the floor, leaning over a strange, rushed drawing. Yuuji leaned over the back of the couch to peek at it. 

It was a room, square and medium sized. The floor was made of wooden planks, but the mats Junpei had described earlier covered most of it. Two walls facing each other were made entirely out of mirrors, while the wall in the back looked to be a window out into the street. 

“A Dojo?” Yuuji asked, recognizing the familiar shapes. 

Nobara quickly turned to look up at him, stunned. 

“You know this room?” Her voice was calm and even, but there was an underlying emotion that she covered too well to pinpoint.

“Well, the last family I was with signed me up for lessons at a place like that when I was here. They wanted me to make friends,” He shrugged and pointed to a spot where the right hand mirrors cut off into a doorway, “There were bathrooms through a door like this, from this perspective I’d guess the back wall is behind us. It had a lot of old photos of students, and a door that led to a hallway. I think there was an office and an equipment storage room back there.”

Nobara was staring at him, still perfectly composed. 

“Are you absolutely sure this is the same room?” 

“No, of course not. I mean most Dojo’s in America would look like that right?” Yuuji reached down and ran his finger along the lone doorway that split the mirrors, “It’s just… this part looked familiar.” 

“Do you have any reason to go there now?” Junpei asked this time. 

“No, I quit after a week. My knee made it hard to keep up with everyone else.” 

“So there’s no way it could be connected to you?”

“I’m sure it’s just a coincidence. I can’t imagine why I’d need to go there.” 

“Where was the studio?” Nobara asked casually.

“Hm… I think it was a few blocks from my old school. I used to have to walk there Wednesdays and Fridays after class.” Yuuji didn’t miss the look the two vampires shared. 

“So, in Phoenix?” 

“Yes.” Yuuji whispered and looked between them nervously. 

The three sat in silence, staring at the drawing. Finally Yuuji changed the topic. 

“Have either of you seen my phone?” 

Junpei looked guilty. “We couldn’t risk it being tracked.”

“You broke it?” 

“No, no, but it couldn’t come with us. I think Megumi’s the last one that had it.”

“Oh…” Yuuji glanced at the flip phone in his hand, “is this phone safe?”

“Yeah, the number only traces back to Washington.”

“Can I use it to call Nanami?”

“Isn’t he at work?” 

“Yeah, he might not answer but I still told him I would call.” Yuuji’s voice trembled once toward the end. He had thought about what Megumi had said, the old man visiting his house. Hearing Nanami’s voice would help ease his nerves.

“Nobara?” 

She thought it over for such a long pause Yuuji thought she would say no.

 “I can’t see how it would hurt. But you can’t tell him where you’re staying.”

Yuuji nodded eagerly and flipped the phone open. He dialed Nanami’s cell and waited. It rang four times, then clicked to voicemail. Nanami’s calm voice told him to leave a message before he heard a beep. 

“Nanami,” He started, “It’s Yuuji. I made it here safely. I’m sorry I didn’t call earlier. My phone died and I guess I forgot my charger, but my friend let me use his when I got here. Can you call me back at this number as soon as you hear this? It doesn’t matter how late it is I’ll answer, so call the second you get it okay? I’ll talk to you soon.”

Yuuji shut his eyes as he hung up, and prayed that whatever caused Mahito’s change of plans didn’t involve Nanami. He handed the phone back to Junpei and took a seat on the sofa. The news didn’t tell him anything important, but there was nothing else on when he clicked through the channels. 

Patience must go hand in hand with immortality. Neither Nobara or Junpei did anything at all as the minutes ticked on. Occasionally Junpei would draw the room from his vision at different angles. But every time he finished he sat still and waited. Nobara, too, seemed to feel no need to move. Every urge that told Yuuji to pace, peek, or run made him wish to be as effortlessly detached from fear as they were. 

At some point he must have fallen asleep on the couch as he waited for the phone to ring again. Junpei woke him once as his cold hands lifted him from the couch to bring him to the bedroom. Yuuji was unconscious again before his head hit the pillow.

Chapter Text

Yuuji’s body protested again when he woke up, it was still too early. He could already tell that he was starting to get his days and nights flipped. Nobara’s voice sounded from the other room, but when he heard Junpei’s Yuuji assumed they were just talking and drowned them out. He laid idly in bed for much longer than he normally would have before it dawned on him that the vampires didn’t often speak loud enough for him to hear. Yuuji rolled until he was at the edge of his bed and stood. 

In the living room the pair was sitting on the couch again. Junpei was hunched over the table, while Nobara watched from over his shoulder. Neither looked up to acknowledge him. Yuuji spared a glance at the clock over the TV and sighed. Two in the morning. Instead of worrying about his sleep schedule, he walked to Junpei’s other side and sat.

“Did something happen?” Yuuji whispered.

“No,” Nobara shook her head, “Not exactly at least. Mahito’s room hasn’t changed yet, so Junpei’s checking in on what the old man’s planning instead. He’s been drawing this room for almost three hours now.”

Yuuji turned his head to look at the new drawing and felt his blood run cold. The room was small, but one he would know anywhere. It was a kitchen. The fridge was squished against the counters and covered in tiny, familiar splotches: magnets from the surrounding states and menus from the only two diners in Forks. On the other wall was the old door that led out to the back, the window on it big enough to make out the heavily wooded yard. Off to the side, and barely noticeable from the angle Junpei was drawing from, was the outline of a dining table chair.

“The landline goes there,” Yuuji’s hand shook as he pointed to the empty space beside the back door.

Two pairs of eyes snapped to look at him. Of course they wouldn’t recognize it.

“Why...” He swallowed thickly, “Why does it lead to Nanami? How -”

Junpei launched himself from the couch without answering. He had the cell phone out and ringing in his hand, but Yuuji could only focus on the drawing in front of him. Unexpectedly, Nobara slid closer to him and lightly rested her hand on his shoulder. The contact must have made her influence much stronger, because the panic stayed firmly in the back of his mind. And a painful calm took its place. Junpei was at the window, speaking so quickly and quietly that Yuuji couldn’t make out anything that he was saying. 

“Yuuji,” Junpei said as he snapped the phone shut.

When he didn’t answer, the vampire approached him instead and gently nudged his free arm. 

“Yuuji,” He repeated in a whisper, “Megumi’s coming to get you, Gojou and Todo are with him. They’re going to take you somewhere to hide for a while.”

“Megumi’s coming?” Yuuji’s brain latched onto the information like a lifeline. It was barely enough to keep his head above water.

“He’s already on his way to the airport in Seattle. We’ll meet them all there and you’ll leave together.”

“But…” Despite Nobara’s influence the panic began to grab him, “Jogo’s going for Nanami!”

“Mai and Shoko are supposed to stay close, and Nobara and I will go up to help as soon as you’re with the others. Jogo hasn’t considered attacking Nanami anyway.” 

“Then why would he risk going?” 

“I… I don’t know,” Junpei sighed, “There are pieces, but no reason I can find yet.”

“There’s one,” Yuuji sighed and dropped his head into his hands, “Maybe you can’t predict it but… it’s not hard to guess. He’s not tracking me at all, neither of them are. They’ll find someone, hurt someone I love instead… I can’t win, Junpei.”

“We’ll stop them,” Nobara spoke, her hand moving to rub gently against his back.

“And what if you get hurt?” Yuuji lifted his head and turned to her now, “Do you guys think that would be okay with me - that I’d just get over it? Do you really think he can only hurt me using humans?” 

Nobara looked worried. Yuuji caught the meaningful look that Junpei sent her in return. She gripped Yuuji’s shoulder a little tighter, then his head hit the back of the couch. A heavy, black fog washed over him next and his eyes drooped shut without his permission. It would be so easy to fall into the comforting deep sleep but before he could let himself, Yuuji realized what was happening. He fought back desperately, forcing his eyes open as he lurched forward. 

“No!” He snapped, shaking his head as he staggered away from Nobara and around the coffee table, “You can’t just make me go to sleep whenever you two feel like it!”

Their eyes were wide. Yuuji didn’t care to ask whether it was from thwarting their attempts or because he snapped. Right now he needed to leave, so without another word he walked back to his room and slammed the door behind himself. This time Junpei didn’t follow. For close to three hours Yuuji stayed in bed, staring at the wall. His mind was going in circles and there was nothing he could do but be tortured by it. There was no escape. Yuuji could see the end of the road looming ahead of him. The only question was how many other people would he inadvertently hurt before he reached it. 

The only relief he found was knowing that Megumi was on his way, that he could see him soon. He hoped that, maybe, seeing Megumi would help him find another solution, one that was evading him now.

In the other room the cell phone rang, snapping Yuuji from his thoughts. He climbed off the bed and returned to the living room, a little ashamed of his earlier behavior. Yuuji hoped the two knew how grateful he actually was for all of their sacrifices. 

For the first time Junpei was alone in the room. Nobara was nowhere to be seen. When Yuuji checked the clock it was just past five in the morning. 

“They’re about to board,” Junpei said, pocketing the phone, “They’ll land at ten.”

Only a few more hours. Yuuji just had to keep breathing until then.

“Are Shoko and Mai…?”

“They’re alright, no sign of Jogo yet.”

Yuuji sighed, but there wasn’t much relief in it. He asked instead,

 “Where’s Nobara?” 

“She went to check us out.” 

“Ah,” Yuuji nodded. Then, after a hesitant pause, “I’m sorry for snapping earlier, I just…”

“I know, It’s alright,” Junpei offered him a soft smile.

The phone rang again before the conversation could continue. Junpei looked surprised, but he answered none the less. 

“Hello?” He asked, “No, he’s right here.”

Junpei held the phone out and mouthed Nanami. Yuuji practically sprang for it. 

“Hello?” 

“Yuuji? Yuuji!?” It was Nanami’s voice, comforting and familiar. There was an edge of panic to it, but that was to be expected. 

“Nanami,” Yuuji breathed in relief and took a few steps away from Junpei, “I know I shouldn’t have run off but I can explain.” 

Yuuji paused, but Nanami didn’t say anything. The line was silent for a long time before Yuuji spoke again. 

“Nanami?”

“You should be very careful not to speak until I tell you to,” The voice that answered wasn’t Nanami. It was a man, that much was for sure, but it was as unfamiliar to him as it was unexpected.

“I don’t need to hurt him. If you do as I say he’ll be fine,” The man paused and Yuuji stayed silent in stunned horror.

“Very good!” He praised, “Now repeat after me, and try to stay natural; ‘No, Nanami, stay where you are’.”

“No, Nanami, stay where you are.” Yuuji tried not to be stiff but his voice was barely a whisper.

“What a terrible actor,” As if it were a joke the man laughed before he spoke again, “I can see this is going to be hard. Why don’t you find another room so your face doesn’t give it away? There’s no reason for Nanami to suffer, right?”

“No,” He whispered. 

“Then find another room. As you’re walking say: ‘Nanami, please listen to me’.”

“Nanami, please listen to me,” Yuuji pleaded and walked very slowly back to his room. 

He could feel Junpei’s worried stare on his back, but he had to ignore it. Yuuji shut the bedroom door behind himself again and tried to think clearly through the waves of terror that washed over him.

“Are you alone now? Yes or no is enough.”

“Yes.”

“They can still hear you, I assume?”

“Yes.” Yuuji repeated.

“Okay, now say ‘Nanami, trust me’.” 

“Nanami, trust me.” Yuuji spoke, but the words were like bile in his throat when the man responded. 

“This is working out much better than I expected. I was prepared to wait, but he returned from work ahead of schedule. It’ll be less fun this way, less anxiety for you. But it’s easier like this isn’t it? You should be thanking me, little pet.” 

Yuuji waited in humiliated silence. But, at least now he knew he was speaking with Jogo.

“Now I’m going to need you to get away from your friends. Do you think you can do that? Yes or no.”

“No.”

“Then you’re going to need to get creative, because Nanami’s life depends on it. Can you do it now?”

There had to be a way. Yuuji thought back, desperately trying to find a hole where he could make his escape. They were going to the airport, that would have to be it. Sky Harbor International was crowded on a good day with a confusing layout…

“Yes.” 

“Good boy!” Yuuji grit his teeth to stay silent, “I’m sure it won’t be easy for you. But if you don’t come alone then, well... I’m sure Nanami wouldn’t be very happy with that ending. Understand?”

“Yes.” His voice broke. 

“Very good.” Jogo laughed, “You remember your old school in Phoenix, right? There’s a payphone three blocks down, a phone number’s been left for you in the back of the yellow pages. Call it and I’ll tell you where to go from there. Can you do that?”  

Yuuji already knew where he would go. He had known where this would end after he saw Junpei’s first drawing. But he would have to follow Jogo’s instructions anyway. 

“Yes.”

“Before noon, Yuuji. I don’t have all day.” 

“Okay.” Yuuji nodded, more to himself than anything.

“Now, the most important part here is that your friends aren’t suspicious when you go back. Tell them that Nanami called and that you talked him out of coming to get you. Repeat after me, ‘Thank you, Nanami.’ ”

“Thank you, Nanami,” The tears started. Yuuji choked them back.

“Say, ‘I love you, Nanami. I’ll see you soon’.” 

“I love you, Nanami,” Yuuji bit his tongue when a whimper almost squeaked out, “I’ll see you soon.”

“I’m looking forward to talking with you again, Yuuji. Until then.”

Yuuji kept the phone pressed against his ear long after the line went dead. As if Nanami would somehow pick up and tell him it had all been a prank. His fingers felt frozen, he couldn’t even unbend them to drop the phone. He knew he needed to think - quickly even - but his head was full of Nanami’s panicked voice. Seconds ticked by until finally, Yuuji stood. 

He tried to pin how this had even happened first. Mai and Shoko were - last he heard - still in Forks. Yuuji doubted that Shoko would have let anything pass her to get to Nanami. Mai, on the other hand, was tailing Jogo. So, was it possible that Jogo was able to slip past both of them? Or - worse - did Jogo… go through them instead? No. Yuuji tried not to think about that. If something had happened to Shoko and Mai then surely Junpei would have seen that by now. And Gojo had just spoken to them. To stay sane Yuuji had to hope that, by some Miracle, Jogo had simply evaded them. 

Considering Junpei, though, how did his most recent vision play into all of this? Yuuji remembered Nobara mentioning that he had been drawing the new room for close to three hours - six hours after Yuuji locked himself in his room. So Jogo would have had to strike some time between then and now. But, if that were the case, then why didn’t Junpei see it happen? Yuuji was fairly certain that Junpei would have told him if he had. So did that mean the psychic vampire didn’t know they had gotten to Nanami?

All of the unanswerable questions were beginning to make him sick.

Yuuji paced the room, covering his mouth with his hand to fight back the nausea as he worked out what would have to happen next. Lingering any longer on how they got Nanami would waste his very limited time.  There were no options anymore. There was nothing to plan, nowhere to run. His only real choice was to listen. And it was a choice that Yuuji knew would lead him to the mirrored room from Junpei’s first vision. To his death. Yuuji didn’t have anything to offer but his life anyway. There was nothing he could say or do that would change his fate if he wanted Nanami to survive. Yuuji could only hope that Mahito would be satisfied with this. 

With that, his decision was made. Yuuji pushed his fears back as firmly as he could. It would be a waste of time to cry over the outcome when he was a dead man walking. Right now he needed to think clearly. Junpei was waiting for him right outside. If Yuuji wasn’t extremely careful he or Nobara would notice. Evading them was going to be hard, almost impossible.

Yuuji was at least grateful that Nobara was gone. If she had been here to feel the despair that gripped him then there would have been no way to keep them from becoming suspicious. He tried to mentally plot out the airport's layout to keep from worrying.  Maybe his familiarity with it would give him enough time to escape, if Junpei didn’t notice. 

There was another thought that gnawed at the back of his mind. One that he knew he’d have to deal with before Nobara returned. 

Yuuji had to accept that he would never see Megumi again. Not even one last glimpse of his face to carry with himself into the fire. He was going to hurt Megumi, and he couldn’t even say goodbye. It was crushing. Yuuji bit onto his shirt sleeve as his tears overflowed, hoping it would keep his sobs muffled. Then - when he knew he couldn’t burn any more time feeling sorry for himself - Yuuji wiped his eyes, took a deep breath, and composed himself. 

The only expression he could manage was a dull, neutral look. Junpei noticed his expression and Yuuji didn’t wait for him to ask. He had his script memorized.

“Nanami was worried, he wanted to come get me. But I convinced him to stay back in Forks for now.” His voice was lifeless.

“He’s safer there.” 

Yuuji turned away, he couldn’t risk being caught. He noticed a blank stationery pad and slowly a plan formed. 

“Junpei, If I write a letter to Nanami will you give it to him?” Yuuji kept his gaze on the pad and leveled his voice, “Leaving it in the mailbox is okay too.”

“Sure, Yuuji.” His voice was careful, but questioning. He could probably tell Yuuji was coming apart at the seams. 

Yuuji took the pad and went back into the bedroom without another word. He knelt at the bedside table and began to write. His hand was shaking, the letters were almost illegible at first. 

Megumi, 

I love you, and I’m so sorry. But, they have Nanami and I have to try to save him. I know it might not work but... If I don’t go they’ll kill him anyway. I’m so, so sorry. 

Please don’t be mad at Junpei and Nobara. If I do get away from them it will be a miracle. One they’d never see coming. So please forgive them. 

And please don’t go after Mahito. That’s the reason that he’s doing this, at least, I think. I don’t want anyone else to be hurt because of me, and I don’t think I could bear it if it was you. I know it’s an impossible request but… you’ve done the impossible for me before right? 

I love you. Please forgive me.

Yuuji.

He folded the letter carefully and opened the small drawer on the nightstand. There were a few old stationary pads and, luckily, a small stack of envelopes. Yuuji slipped his letter into one and sealed it. Eventually it would find its way to Megumi. He could only hope that the raven would listen to him for once. 

It had taken much less time than he anticipated. The minutes seemed to tick by impossibly slow. Nobara still hadn’t returned when Yuuji finally walked back out to the living room. He was afraid to be in the same room as the vampire, but he was also afraid of hiding away. Too much of either and Junpei would catch on. 

Yuuji thought he was past surprises, far beyond them even, but he was surprised when he entered the room and saw Junpei. He was bent over the coffee table and gripping onto the edge with both hands. His head was moving strangely from side to side. The cheap wood was beginning to splinter under his fingers when Yuuji decided to approach.

“Junpei?”

He didn’t react, instead his head continued to turn back and forth. When he got close enough to look, Junpei's eyes were blank, glazed over. His thoughts went immediately to Nanami. Was it too late? Yuuji rushed to his side, and reached out to touch his hand. 

Immediately Junpei released his grip. His head snapped up to look at Yuuji. There was panic in his clouded eyes now, and he was panting softly.

“Yuuji?” He mumbled, barely recovered from his trance.

“Junpei?” This time it was Nobara’s voice.

The click of the hotel door followed her arrival. She was by Junpei’s side in a second, coaxing him further back from the table and up onto the couch. 

“Did you see something?” She asked. 

Junpei turned away from Yuuji, hiding his face as he mumbled. This time, it was loud enough from him to hear.

“Yuuji.” 

“Yes?” Yuuji furrowed his eyebrows, “I’m here.”

Nobara looked at him sharply. Then, her expression slowly morphed into one of shocked realization. Her eyes flicked quickly between the two faces. Yuuji could guess what Junpei had seen now, but it didn’t surprise him. Death was the only force strong enough to pull that kind of reaction. 

A tranquil atmosphere surrounded him. Yuuji welcomed it this time, it would help him keep his emotions under control. Junpei, too, quickly recovered.

“It wasn’t much,” Junpei finally answered. He was remarkably convincing, all things considered, “Just the first room again, that’s all.” 

He finally looked at Yuuji, smiling but withdrawn. 

“Can I get you something to eat? Drink?”

“No, I’ll eat at the airport.” Yuuji kept his voice just as calm. 

When their conversation died Yuuji excused himself to shower. He could tell Junpei wanted to be alone with Nobara. He was going to tell her that something would go wrong. That they were going to end up failing. 

Instead of eavesdropping Yuuji got ready. Nobara’s calm mood was still doing wonders in helping him remain level headed. He planned as he packed, and when his duffel bag was full Yuuji zipped it shut. He found his small wad of cash in one of the side pockets and slipped it into his back pocket.

By eight thirty the three had left the small hotel room for the airport. This time Yuuji sat alone in the back seat. He stared out the dark window, watching the city pass by. Junpei was in the passenger seat with his head turned towards Nobara. But, when he thought Yuuji wasn’t looking, he would turn just enough to check worriedly on him every few seconds.

“Junpei?” Yuuji broke the silence indifferently. 

“...Yes?” He was hesitant. 

“How do your visions work?” Yuuji kept his eyes focused out the window, “Megumi said they can change?”

“Yes, things change.” He answered, almost hopefully, “Things like the weather normally stay the same. It’s harder with people, I can see the path they’re on. If they change their mind or make a new decision - no matter how small - the whole future can change.” 

“So you couldn’t see Mahito in the room before he decided to go?”

“Right,” He was wary again. 

And Junpei hadn’t seen him in the room with Mahito until he’d made the decision to meet the vampire there. Yuuji tried not to think about what else he may have seen. It would only make him panic, and accidentally cluing Nobara in before they even reached the airport would be disastrous. They would already be watching him twice as carefully with Junpei’s vision. 

This was going to be impossible.

Chapter Text

They arrived as Megumi’s plane was closing in on terminal four, the largest terminal at Phoenix international. Yuuji wasn’t sure if it was luck or just good odds, but it was the exact terminal he needed. It was the most confusing part of the airport due to size alone. And there was an exit on the third floor that might be his only way out. 

Nobara parked on the fourth floor of the large parking garage. The two followed Yuuji silently to the elevator, letting him lead the way for once. They only went one floor down to level three - where the passengers let off - before they stopped in the waiting area. Junpei spent most of the time watching the departure board, and Yuuji heard him whispering to Nobara soon after. They were discussing the pros and cons of different cities as they flashed across: Tampa, Dallas, Portland. All places Yuuji had never seen - never would see. 

Yuuji waited for his opportunity, tapping his foot impatiently. He could tell that Nobara and Junpei were watching him, though they pretended to be people watching any time he would glance up. It was frustrating, every inch he shifted was followed by nervous glances. It was hopeless. Should he just run for it? Would they try to stop him if he did? Could they stop him in a place this public? No, he doubted it. But they would probably follow him. 

Instead, Yuuji played off his fidgeting by leaning down to pull the unmarked envelope from the back of his duffel bag. He dropped it on top of Junpei’s small travel bag. 

“My letter,” He said. Junpei nodded and tucked it away, but he didn’t say anything back. 

The minutes ticked by as Megumi’s arrival grew closer. That was the hardest part. It was like every inch of himself could tell Megumi was close, the longing almost burned him. The faster time passed, the more excuses Yuuji thought of to stay, to see him one more time before he escaped. But every time a plan came to mind, so did the terrible thoughts of what would happen to Nanami if he didn’t leave. Yuuji knew he would lose his chance to escape alone the moment Megumi stepped foot off the plane. 

Several times Nobara asked him if he wanted to get breakfast, and each time Yuuji told her later. Not yet. He stared down the arrivals board, watching as each flight arrived on time. The flight from Seattle, which had been number fifteen on the board, slowly climbed its way up to five. Thirty minutes. 

Yuuji blinked once, then twice. The numbers changed on him, and Seattle shot to the second slot on the list. It was landing early. Twenty minutes. Suddenly, there was no more time. 

“I’m hungry,” Yuuji mumbled, knowing they would hear him. 

Surprisingly, it was Junpei that shot up. 

“I’ll come with you.”

“Actually...” Yuuji hesitated, “Would you mind if Nobara comes instead? I still feel so…”

Nobara stood as Junpei sat. His eyes were wide, confused, but - to Yuuji’s relief - not suspicious. He must still be attributing Yuuji’s demise to a change in Mahito’s plans, not a betrayal by Yuuji.

Nobara walked beside him, her hand casually resting on his elbow as she guided him through the terminal towards the rows of fast food chains. Yuuji pretended to be disinterested in the first few as he scanned for what he really wanted. Around the corner, just out of Junpei’s line of sight, was exactly what he needed. The third floor men’s room. 

“Do you mind?” He asked Nobara as they passed, “I’ll just be a sec.” 

“I’ll be here,” She said and dropped his arm. 

As soon as the bathroom door shut behind him Yuuji bolted. He remembered the last time he had been in the Phoenix airport, getting mixed up in this very same bathroom. Because there was a second entrance on the opposite wall than the one he had come in from. 

Yuuji slammed through the opposite door, letting it fall behind him. It was only a short dash to the elevators, and as long as Nobara stayed put she would never see him. He didn’t look back as he ran, because even if he was spotted he had to keep going. This was his only shot. Around the corner the elevator was just about full. Yuuji shoved himself in between irritated passengers and pressed the button for the ground floor. The doors closed. 

As soon as they opened he was off. He slowed only as he passed the security guards near the exit but once he was out the door he was running again. He had no idea whether or not Nobara was looking for him yet. If she were following his scent then he only had seconds to spare. Outside, there wasn’t an empty cab in sight, but there was a shuttle nearby with its doors quickly shutting.

“Wait!” Yuuji shouted desperately, Nobara and Junpei had probably realized he was gone by now. He stuck his hand through the doors to stop them from shutting. 

“This is the shuttle to the Hyatt,” The driver looked him over and raised an eyebrow. 

“Yeah,” Yuuji was out of breath as he climbed onto the shuttle, “That’s where I’m going.” 

The driver didn’t say anything else as he shrugged and shut the doors. Most of the seats were empty, but Yuuji still sat as far from the other passengers as he could manage. He tried not to think of Megumi standing at the curb, following his trail to it’s end, as the shuttle pulled away. 

Yuuji’s luck held as the shuttle pulled into the Hyatt parking lot. There was a couple pulling their last bag from the trunk of a taxi. He ran to the cab and jumped in the back seat. The driver stared at him in surprise from the rear view mirror. Yuuji just gave him the address of his old school.

“I need to get there fast.”

“That’s way out in Scottsdale,” The man complained. 

Yuuji pulled the wad of cash from his pocket and chucked it into the front seat. 

“Is that enough?”

“Yeah, no problem kid,” The man laughed as he grabbed the roll. 

Yuuji finally fell back in his seat and shut his eyes. He took a moment to center himself. He couldn’t lose control yet, not when he was finally in the clear. If he let his anxiety or his fears overwhelm him, Nanami would die. So, instead, he spent the drive in his thoughts with Megumi. 

He imagined staying at the airport, how he would probably be on his toes just to see the raven sooner. How quickly, gracefully Megumi would move through the crowd. And then, Yuuji thought about how he would probably run the last few feet to meet him - always the reckless one - before he was in Megumi’s arms again, finally safe.

He wondered if they would go north somewhere, so Megumi could be out during the day. Or, maybe, they could go somewhere remote, somewhere they could lay in the sun together again. He tried to picture Megumi at the beach, how his skin would shine like the sea. It was so beautiful in his imagination that the real thing would probably blind him. It wouldn’t matter how long they had to hide there, because Yuuji still had so many things he wanted to ask. He could talk to Megumi forever, even if it meant going without sleep. 

“Hey, this the place, kid?” The cab driver shattered his daydream. 

Yuuji shook his head and slowly blinked open his eyes. His old high school was there to greet him just outside the window. Fear was beginning to fill him as he stared out at the large, empty building. 

“Hello?” The driver asked again.

“Yeah… yeah this is it.” 

“Well… here you go then.” He was anxious to get Yuuji out of the car, probably hoping he wouldn’t ask for change. 

“Thanks,” Yuuji whispered and stepped out of the cab.

There was no need to be afraid, he reminded himself. The phone booth was his priority now, and he had to hurry. Nanami was waiting for him.

He ran the three blocks, hoping the adrenaline would kick back in soon. As he opened the door a small light clicked on above his head. There was a phonebook, just as Jogo had said; and on the last page, written in black sharpie, was the ten digit number. There were two quarters wedged between the pages. Yuuji’s hand shook as he picked up the phone, inserted the change, and carefully pressed each button. 

“Hello Yuuji,” Mahito’s cheery voice answered, “You’re early! I’m impressed.”

“Is Nanami alright?” 

“He’s fine, don’t worry. I don’t have any reason to hurt him. Well - yet.”

“Let me talk-”

“You’re not in the position to be making demands now, are you?” Mahito laughed, “As long as you came alone there’s nothing to worry about.”

“I’m alone.” He had never felt more so.

“Perfect. So, do you remember the Dojo just around the corner from your old home here?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll be seeing you soon.” 

Mahito hung up before Yuuji could say anything else. He stormed out of the phone booth and took off down the sidewalk again. There was a dull, warning ache in his knee, but he ignored it. Instead he pressed forward even when all he wanted was to bolt in the other direction. He felt so slow, like he was trying to escape the ocean during high tide. Despite that, Yuuji only tripped once. He caught himself, roughly scraping his palms against the concrete. Then, as soon as he had fallen he was up again.

Yuuji didn’t think as he rounded the last corner that separated him from Nanami. Just one more block. The sun beat down harshly on his back, his t-shirt clung uncomfortably to his skin but even then Yuuji continued. His whole body felt damp with sweat and for once Yuuji found himself wishing to be back in the cool, dark shade of the forest. Of Home.

The Dojo had finally come into view, looking just as he had remembered it. The parking lot was empty and the blinds on all of the windows had been drawn. Even the door’s blinds had been pulled down completely. As he stood in front of the imposing building fear finally caught him. His breathy pants turned panicked, and his hands shook. But the image of Nanami, alone and scared inside, gave him the strength to reach for the handle. 

The lobby was dark and completely empty, but the air conditioning was still running. The inside of the Dojo hadn’t changed much either. There were new photos at the check in desk, and the carpets in the lobby had been changed but those were the only differences Yuuji could spot. 

Yuuji turned when, in the hallway across the large room, a light clicked on. Hesitantly, he took a step towards the room, and when nothing immediately jumped out at him he took another. The blinds shutting out the sun made the room feel much smaller as he stood in the middle, like the walls were closing in on him. 

“Yuuji?” 

It was Nanami’s panicked voice, coming from the lit room in front of him. Without thinking, Yuuji dashed for it. 

“Nanami!”

“Yuuji!? Where are you!?” 

Yuuji slammed his shoulder into the door as he forced it open. It banged against the wall then slammed shut behind him, but he didn’t flinch as his eyes darted around the small storage room. 

“Nanami!?” 

The room was silent. Then, in the same panicked tone, Nanami repeated. 

“Yuuji? Yuuji!? Where are you!?” 

Yuuji’s head whipped around, trying to find where his voice was coming from. There was a large storage locker pushed against the back wall, he remembered his old sensei kept spare uniforms and rolled up practice mats inside. Nanami’s voice was coming from inside. 

Without thinking, Yuuji hurried to it and forced the doors open. 

Inside was the same equipment he remembered, and a small black phone. Yuuji swallowed as he lifted it, hearing Nanami’s worried cries repeat through the speaker. On the screen was a four second video, repeating over and over as he stared back at it. The view of his home was clouded by the dark, early hours of the morning.  Nanami was onscreen, calling his name as he threw the front door of their home in Forks open. Yuuji watched as Nanami rounded the porch towards the driveway before the video looped back to the beginning. 

“You know,” A voice sounded from the doorway, “you should thank me. Isn’t it better that he didn’t have to be involved in this?”

Yuuji turned slowly and let the phone drop to the floor. All at once it hit him. Nanami was still in Forks, living and breathing in Forks. He was safe. Sure, he definitely wouldn't be happy but that was better than dead. 

“Yeah,” Yuuji answered, his voice surprisingly full of relief. 

“You don’t sound angry.” Mahito raised an eyebrow. 

“No, I guess I’m not.” 

The relief made Yuuji feel brave. Because what did it matter now? He had been tricked. He lost. It would all be over soon, even if it was painful. Nanami would never have to feel this kind of fear. Yuuji almost laughed. There was a small voice in the back of his head that warned him he was dangerously close to snapping from the stress. Ironically, Yuuji thought it sounded like Megumi. 

“Weird, you look like you mean it,” Mahito’s hungry, black eyes twinkled with a renewed interest, “Maybe your strange coven is onto something. You humans are more fun than I remember. I guess I can see why he’d want to study you. I mean - it’s amazing! It’s like you have no self-preservation at all...”

Mahito’s arms were folded casually as he leaned back against the door, watching Yuuji curiously. There was no menace in his stace, no urgency to get this over with quickly. 

“Follow me.” 

And with that, Mahito turned and left the small storage room. Yuuji followed him obediently. There wasn’t a choice anyway, not when Mahito would just come back to get him. When they were in the main room of the Dojo Mahito paused in the middle. Yuuji stayed with his back pressed to the closest wall. 

“I suppose you’re going to tell me that your boyfriend will avenge you?”

“I asked him not to.” 

“Oh?” Mahito grinned again, “And what was his response?”

“I don’t know,” Yuuji shrugged and looked away. It was strange, conversing with his soon to be murderer, “I left him a letter.” 

“A last letter!” This time he laughed, “How romantic. Do you think he’ll honor it?” 

“I hope.”

“And that’s where we differ. I want him to come. Because, to be honest, I’m a bit disappointed. I was expecting a harder challenge, especially against such a large coven. But, then again, luck was on my side.” 

Yuuji waited as Mahito began his gloating. 

“Those women of yours made getting to Nanami much harder for Jogo, but not completely impossible. We just needed bait, so all Jogo had to do was plant the camera early that morning and keep his distance from there. I didn’t actually think we’d get anything useful but Nanami really didn’t disappoint, huh? 

“Once that was finished I had him do a little digging for me. Jogo went to your school and looked through the archives - Forks High School should keep a tighter seal on their student records, don’t you think? Anyway, from there it was all a matter of narrowing down where you’d ended up. I mean, there’s no sense in running around looking when I could wait comfortably for you to come to me.  We knew Phoenix was an option, but he’d found records from New York and Chicago before that so we couldn’t be sure. Jogo heard a rumor around town that you’d ended up in Phoenix, so it seemed even less likely. It was almost the perfect ploy - hiding the place you said you’d be. 

“But, like I said, I couldn’t be sure where to go. When Nanami went to work, though, Jogo was able to poke around your house. He found your voicemail and it was one of the last pieces we needed. And, even then, I couldn’t believe you were honest about being in Phoenix. Having your number was useful, but if you weren’t nearby it was useless.”

Mahito turned his head, as if he was addressing someone on the other side of the room.

“Then, when I was considering taking my chances in Chicago, your boyfriend got on a plane to Phoenix. That told me everything I needed. It was just a matter of bluffing our way through a few phone calls after that.”

Mahito took a deep, unnecessary breath and uncrossed his arms.

“It was so easy I’m almost bored! Now, you see, that’s why I’m hoping you’re wrong about… Ah ! Megumi, that’s his name. Right?” 

He didn’t answer. Mahito’s bravado was wearing off, Yuuji hoped he was finally coming to the end of his gloating. It wasn’t meant for him anyway. He was a weak human. There was no sport, no glory to be earned in beating him. 

“So, would you mind if I left a letter of my own for Megumi?” 

The hunter took a few steps back until he was against the other wall on the distant side of the room. Only then did Yuuji notice the tripod standing beside the vampire, the small red light of the camera flashing as it recorded. Mahito lifted it and adjusted the frame as Yuuji stared back in horror. 

“Sorry,” Mahito laughed, lifting the camera to zoom in on Yuuji’s face, “But I don’t think he’ll be able to resist when he sees this. And I don’t want him to miss anything; this was all for him, after all. You’re just a poor, simple human, in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Before we begin though,” Mahito stepped towards him and Yuuji felt his stomach lurch. This was a different gloating, sinister. “I want to rub a bit more salt in his wounds. Because all this happened to me once before, and I was worried that Megumi would find out and ruin my fun. It was so long ago: the only time my prey ever escaped me.

“My victim back then also had a vampire who was stupidly fond of him, maybe you can relate. When the old vampire knew what I was going to do she stole my prey from the hospital where she worked- you know, as interesting as you are, I’ll never understand the obsession some of our kind have with humans. But, nevertheless, she was obsessed, and when she got her pet out she made the choice that Megumi was too weak to make. She freed him. The poor thing didn’t even seem to notice the pain. He’d been in that black hole of a room for so long, you know. A hundred years earlier and he may have been burned alive for his visions. In the nineteen-twenties, however, it was asylums and shock treatments. When he opened his newborn eyes, though, it was like he had never seen the outside world. He was strong, curious, and completely useless to me then,” Mahito sighed, “So I killed his creator instead.”

“Junpei,” Yuuji gasped, astonished. 

“Yes, your little friend. I was surprised to see him there in the clearing,” He nodded, “Perhaps his coven will get some comfort from this. I get you, but they get him. They should consider it an honor, the only victim to ever escape me. He smelled even better than you do - no offense. Yours is nice too, sweet...”

He took another step towards Yuuji. Then, in an instant, he was in front of him. Yuuji desperately wanted to run but his fear kept him frozen. Mahito raised his hand and carded it through Yuuji’s hair slowly, all the while keeping the camera pointed at the human’s face. Then his hand trailed lower, down along his cheek until it finally wrapped around Yuuji’s throat. 

“No,” Mahito whispered as he stared, unblinking, down at Yuuji, “I’ll never understand the fascination.” He sighed, “Well, I guess we should get on with it. But don’t worry, I’ll call your friends so they know where to find you.” 

If he hadn’t before, Yuuji definitely felt sick now. Pain was coming, he could see it in the vampire’s eyes. It wouldn’t be enough for him to just win, to end it quickly like Yuuji was counting on. Instead, he threw Yuuji to the center of the room and began to circle him. His face was still open and friendly as he decided where to start. 

Mahito crouched as his smile slowly morphed into a mouth full of dangerous, sharp teeth. Yuuji couldn’t help himself then - he tried to run. His legs were weak with fear, and there was a sharp pain in his knee that sent him staggering to the ground, but even then he tried to force himself up. There was an emergency door only ten feet away, if he could just get to it-

Mahito was in front of him in a flash. He kicked Yuuji into the air by the chest, too fast for the human to react. For a moment there wasn’t any pain as his back absorbed the blow. Then, with a sickening crunch, his head hit the mirrored wall. The glass behind Yuuji shattered and fell to the ground with him. As he sat on the floor, unable to choke in a breath, Mahito walked towards him again. 

“Amazing!” He laughed and zoomed in again, first on the splintered mirror, then down to Yuuji, “I thought this place would make for a few good shots, but this is perfect. What do you think?”

Yuuji ignored him and forced himself to move again. He scrambled to his hands and knees, ignoring the glass as he crawled weakly toward the door. 

Mahito was on him again, his foot stepping down on Yuuji’s right leg hard . Yuuji heard the terrible snap before he felt the pain. But then he felt it and he couldn’t hold back his scream. He twisted to reach for his injured leg, focused only on the searing white pain now as Mahito grinned down at him. 

“Would you like to rethink your request now?” Mahito asked pleasantly. He lifted his foot again, and this time he pressed down on Yuuji’s broken leg. There was a loud screech, like a dying animal. Delirious with agony, it took Yuuji a moment to realize it came from him. 

“Come on, don’t you want Megumi to avenge you? Just ask,” Mahito egged him on, “It’s easy ‘Kill him Megumi!’ That’s all you have to say.” 

“No!” Yuuji wheezed, “Don’t Megumi-” And then something hit his face, tossing Yuuji back into the broken mirror. 

There was a sharp rip against his scalp where the broken glass cut in, but the pain was minute compared to his leg. The blood dripped down through his hair at an alarming rate, but Yuuji didn’t know if he just was seeing double as his vision started to blur together. He could feel the warmth dripping onto his shirt though, and the stench of iron was so strong it twisted his stomach. 

Through his clouded vision there was something that gave him hope.  Mahito’s eyes, which had been enthralled in the hunt, were now burning with hunger. The blood - his blood - was driving Mahito mad with thirst. There was nothing left of his original desire to draw this out for as long as possible. 

He begged for it to be quick now. It was all he could hope for as the room began to spin around him. Yuuji heard, as if he was underwater, the final growl of the hunter as Mahito approached him once more. With the last of his energy, Yuuji lifted his arm, his hand instinctively moving to protect his face. There was a sharp sting at his wrist, but it was a tingle compared to the rest of the ache his body was enduring. 

Slowly, Yuuji shut his eyes and drifted off. 

As he drifted, dreams started to form around him. Yuuji heard the happiest sound his mind could conjure up in his final moments. It was deep, horrible and grim, but it was like bells to Yuuji. Another snarl; threateningly familiar. 

Yuuji felt himself coming back, just under the surface of consciousness when the tingling in his wrist turned sharp, but he couldn’t find a way to open his eyes. No matter how terribly he wanted to get up, to see what had happened, his body wouldn’t move. 

And then he knew he was dead. 

Because through the thick, black haze, an angel called his name. 

“No! Yuuji, no, no!”  

The angel cried in horror. His voice was close, like it was right by Yuuji’s ear. There was no light though, no tunnel for him to follow the angel up to heaven. Instead there was only more chaos. He could hear, behind the frantic cries, the sounds of shattering wood, vicious growling, and a high scream that suddenly broke off with a loud snap. 

Yuuji tried to focus on the voice instead. 

“Yuuji, please! Please, open your eyes,” The voice begged, “ Please no , Yuuji don’t, please!”

Yes , he wanted to say, yes, anything you want. But his lips wouldn’t move. 

“Gojou! Hurry!” The angel cried, agony in his perfect voice. Then softer, in broken, tearless sobs “Oh, Yuuji… no, oh please no…”

Yuuji thought he shouldn’t cry, it was wrong. He wanted to tell him it was okay, that everything would be fine. But it felt like he was underwater and quickly drowning. 

Something put pressure on his head. It hurt. But with that pain came the others. Strong and violent enough to shock him awake. Yuuji gasped, crying out as he broke through the haze. 

“Yuuji!” The angel cried. 

“He’s lost some blood, but the wound isn’t deep. It’ll probably need stitches though,” A calm voice came through next, “Watch out for his leg, it’s broken.” 

Another enraged growl ripped through the room.

“ Relax , Megumi.” The calm voice scolded, “We need to work fast, I think some of his ribs are broken too.” 

But those sharp pains were fading. There was a new one taking over, a scalding pain that torched his hand and overshadowed everything else. Someone was burning him. 

“Megumi...” Yuuji slurred, trying to tell him, but his voice was so slow he could barely understand himself. 

“You’re going to be okay Yuuji. Can you hear me? I love you.” 

“Megumi,” He tried again, his voice clearer. 

“I’m here,” Megumi soothed him as his cold hand brushed Yuuji’s cheek, “I’m here, Yuuji.” 

“It hurts,” He whimpered.

“I know, I’m sorry,” Then, away from Yuuji, he snapped, “Can’t you do anything?” 

“I need my bag, Junpei. Hold your breath, it helps.” 

“Junpei?” Yuuji blinked. He couldn’t see anyone.

“He’s here, he told us where to find you,” Megumi turned back to him. 

“My hand hurts.” Yuuji tried to tell him instead.

“I know, Gojou will stop the pain soon-”

“No!” Yuuji finally snapped as the flames overwhelmed him, “No! It’s burning!” 

He screamed again as his eyes shot open. It was like someone was pressing his hand deep into hot coals. There was no fire though, no light from the flames he was sure he would see when he turned his head. He tried again, “My hand is burning! Put it out!”

Megumi’s voice was frightened, “Yuuji…?”

“Fire!” Yuuji shreaked, “Someone, stop the fire!” 

“Gojou! His hand!” Junpei was the one to gasp. 

“He’s been bitten.” Gojou’s voice was no longer calm, unease colored every word. Megumi’s breath caught in horror. 

“Megumi,” It was Junpei again. He was close to Yuuji’s head, and his cool fingers brushed away Yuuji’s tears. He hesitated only once when he spoke again, “We… we can make this easier for him.” 

“No!” He cried.

“There’s another option, but he doesn’t have long,” Gojou said. 

“What?” Megumi begged. 

“You may be able to suck the venom back out. The wound itself is still fairly clean,” As Gojou spoke, Yuuji felt a new pressure on his head. Something was poking and pulling at his scalp, but the fire overwhelmed all other pain.

“Will it work?” Junpei asked. 

“I don’t know, but it’s the only other option. He’s running out of time.” 

“I…” Megumi hesitated, and there was agony in his voice again. “I don’t know if I can do that. I might not…” 

“It’s your decision Megumi, I can’t help you. I need to get the bleeding stopped up here if you’re going to draw more blood.” 

“Megumi!” Yuuji screamed again, twisting on the floor as the burning pain started to scorch up his arm. He realized that his eyes were closed again. Desperate to find Megumi’s face he opened them. Finally, he caught the vampire's eyes. Filled with so much indecision and pain. 

“Junpei, get me something to brace his leg,” Gojou bent over Yuuji, working on his head wound, “Megumi you need to decide now or you won’t have a choice anymore.” 

Megumi’s face was pained, but Yuuji watched as the fear in his eyes slowly hardened into determination.

“I’ll make it stop, Yuuji,” He promised, and clenched his jaw, “It’ll be over soon.”  

Megumi’s cool, strong fingers lifted his burning palm and locked it into place. Then he bent over and pressed his cold lips to Yuuji’s burning skin. At first it was pleasant, it didn’t stop the fire but it was finally a distraction he could latch onto. Then, the pain was immeasurably worse. Yuuji screamed and thrashed against the pairs of cold hands that forced him still.  Junpei was whispering in his ear, trying to calm him but the words didn’t reach. Gojou kept his head and shoulders locked in place.

But then, slowly, his pained writing calmed as the blaze faded to a smolder, then finally to a bearable sting. His consciousness was slipping away from him quickly. Yuuji hadn’t realized how exhausted he was without the constant pain forcing him awake. But he still didn’t want to rest, too afraid of slipping back into the darkness. 

“Megumi…” Yuuji mumbled, his voice nearly inaudible. 

“He’s right here,” Junpei whispered. 

“Stay…” 

The fire was out now, but there was one last jab of pain as Megumi wrenched himself away from Yuuji’s arm. There was panting beside him, harsh and desperate, then red eyes met his own.

“I will,” Megumi's voice was strained, “I’ll stay with you.” 

Yuuji sighed in content. The fire was gone, and the other pains in his body were like distant memories as a wave of exhaustion crashed through him. 

“Is it all out?” Gojou asked from somewhere above him. 

“I think so,” Megumi answered, “His blood tastes clean now. I stopped when I tasted the morphine.”

“Yuuji?” Gojou called to him.

He tried to answer, “Mm?”

“Is the fire gone?” 

“Yes,” Yuuji breathed, “Yes, thank you, Megumi.” 

“I love you.” He answered.

“I know,” Yuuji mumbled, so tired.

Megumi’s quiet laugh, weak with relief filled the space around him. Yuuji let his head tip back, hoping that the sound would finally lull him into a comfortable sleep. 

“Yuuji?” Gojou called him again. 

“What?” He tried not to snap; but he wanted nothing more than to crash.

“Where is Nanami?” 

“Forks,” Yuuji frowned, his voice pitifully frail. “They tricked me, Megumi. There was a video -”

His own words brought a flash of memories to the front of his mind.

“Junpei,” Yuuji tried to open his eyes again, “He knew Junpei - where he came from.” He meant to speak urgently, but as soon as he had remembered the video’s contents he forgot. A sharp stench filled the room and took his attention instead, “I smell gasoline.” 

“We need to move him,” Gojou said.

“No. I want to sleep…” 

“You can sleep, sweetheart, I’ll carry you.” Megumi soothed him. Yuuji felt the ground disappear under him before he was pressed into the comfortingly familiar, painless embrace. Megumi’s voice was the last thing he remembered.

 “You’re safe, Yuuji. Just rest now.”

Chapter Text

As the plane’s wheels touched the ground, Megumi’s impatience refused to stop. He tried to remind himself that Yuuji was less than a mile away and it would only be a few more minutes until he could see him again. But that just made the urge to rip the emergency door from its hinges even stronger. He knew that Gojou could feel his agitation when the older vampire nudged his elbow to remind him to move. 

Megumi tipped his head to the side and took an unnecessary breath. Their window’s shade had been drawn shut, but he still crossed his arms to hide his hands from the excess sunlight in the plane. The hood of his airport-store hoodie fell forward, keeping his face in the shadow. The three of them looked insane to the other passengers, especially Todo, bulging out of a sweatshirt that was obviously several sizes too small. Megumi caught one passenger thinking they’d all remove the sweatshirts before they made it off the jet.

Gojou’s hand rested lightly on Megumi’s elbow when the crew began checking the cabin. Megumi made himself relax. In just a few minutes he could take Yuuji and run. They’d be miles away, and able to hide until they figured this mess out. The thought soothed him a bit. Gojou nudged him again, and Megumi remembered to breathe as a steward walked by. 

The man made his way to the air locked door, and it opened with a hiss. The process was realistically fast, but to Megumi it felt so slow he almost wanted to get up and help. When light finally peeked through, despite knowing it was stupid, Megumi sniffed at the air for Yuuji’s scent. It was likely still too far. He needed to be patient.

The seatbelt light overhead turned off. Megumi felt Gojou’s hand wrap around his wrist, only letting go after Todo and a few of the surrounding people had unbuckled. He wanted to be mad, but without Gojou’s restraint he may have already booked it off of the plane. He let the older vampire into the isle first, it wouldn’t make more than a few seconds difference anyway. 

Megumi had memorized the layout of the terminal from the on-flight pamphlet. The walk from the terminal to the waiting area was short. He wouldn’t be able to hear Yuuji’s thoughts, but Nobara and Junpei should be close enough to find quickly. Anxiously, Megumi started to edge ahead of Gojou as the plane's exit grew closer.

As he stepped onto land, the chaos and agony of Junpei’s thoughts hit Megumi like a brick. 

He staggered to a stop, frozen. He didn’t hear what Gojou said, barely felt his attempt to drag Megumi forward. There was a security guard eyeing them suspiciously.

“No, I’ve got your phone,” Todo said too loudly, giving an excuse to Megumi’s odd behavior.

Todo grabbed his elbow and forced him forward. Megumi scrambled to catch his footing, but it felt like he was floating as Junpei’s memories flooded his vision. 

Yuuji, pale and withdrawn, so nervous it was written on his face. Yuuji, desperate and wide-eyed, as he walked away with Nobara. Then a memory of a vision: Nobara running back to Junpei, worried as much as she was agitated.

Junpei hadn’t waited for Nobara to return, he followed the scent to where it led: to Nobara, waiting outside of a Men’s restroom.

Megumi watched through Junpei’s eyes as he followed Yuuji’s scent to the bathroom's second exit; darting around at a speed he would have considered too conspicuous under different circumstances.

Junpei followed his scent out of the bathroom, through the hall of crowded people, to the elevator, and ended at the sliding doors to the outside. There was a curb filled with taxis and cars, but no scent.

Yuuji had vanished. 

Todo broke his concentration when he forced Megumi forward into the giant airport, where Junpei and Nobara waited nervously in the shadow of a large pillar. Todo’s hand came down to rest on the back of his neck, and he used the placement to bow Megumi’s head away from the sunlight. 

Junpei could see Yuuji now, speeding along the highway in the back of a taxi. His eyes were shut. In just a few minutes there would be a room, covered in mirrors - where the hunter was waiting. Then blood.

So much blood.

“Why didn’t you go after him right away?” Megumi hissed.

The two of us wouldn’t have been enough, Junpei thought, He died.

Megumi forced himself to keep calm when they walked toward the exit, as the pain wanted to freeze him again.

“What happened, Junpei?” Gojou asked, directing them all to the exit. 

The group of five moved through the airport to the parking garage at an intimidating speed. The humans around them moved out of their way, even those running late for appointments. Megumi could only bristle at their speed, it was still too slow. He saw no point in pretending anymore, what did it matter if the humans noticed?

Stay focused, Megumi, Nobara cautioned, We need to work together here. Otherwise…

In her mind she was anticipating the bloody scene they’d find. 

Junpei answered Gojou’s earlier question by shoving a piece of paper into his hand. It was folded into thirds; Gojou glanced at it and cringed back. Megumi didn’t need to look, he saw it all in his head. 

Yuuji’s handwriting. An explanation, there was a hostage, he apologized, then begged. 

Gojou passed him the letter. Megumi crumpled it in his hand before he shoved it into his pocket. 

“They have Nanami?” Megumi furrowed his eyebrows. 

“I don’t know- I didn’t see him, and he won't be in the room. Mahito may have already…” He didn’t finish, but Megumi didn’t need him to. 

“No,” Gojou shook his head, “You would have heard from Mai or Shoko if something happened.” 

“Then why…”

Junpei was thinking back to their hotel, when Nanami had called Yuuji. He clearly remembered hear the Sheriff’s worried voice over the phone, the panic had been raw. Yuuji left the living room to calm him. That was when Junpei’s vision of the room struck. He didn’t have time to put the pieces together - he hadn’t seen Yuuji’s escape coming. 

Junpei was beginning to spiral in his guilt. Megumi hissed, low and hard. 

“Get over yourself,” He seethed at Junpei, “There’s no time for guilt.”

Gojou had moved behind them, and was now muttering an explanation to Todo - who had been slowly growing frustrated from being left out of the loop. Megumi knew when he understood, he could feel the horror in Todo’s mind, then the sense of failure that followed. It was nothing compared to his own. 

Megumi kept his eyes forward, he couldn’t focus on that now - not when everyone else was falling into their own lake of guilt. Junpei had seen the smallest window of opportunity in all of this. It was almost impossible to save his life. It was, however, impossible to catch Yuuji before the blood started to flow. Subconsciously, Megumi knew what that meant. There would be a gap of time between Yuuji’s arrival at the mirrored room and his death. A wide gap. 

He had to be fast enough.

“Do we know where we’re going?” He snapped. 

Junpei thought of a map, and Megumi felt only slight relief that they’d gotten the vital information in time. Yuuji had told Junpei about the Dojo where the hunter had chosen to wait. It was just under twenty miles away, almost entirely a straight shot on the freeway. Only minutes away. 

Minutes Yuuji didn’t have. 

Megumi hadn’t noticed the baggage claim area pass them until they were on the elevator to the underground parking garage. Gojou was beside him, medical bag in hand. He must have snagged it from baggage on their way out. In less than a second after the doors opened they were off. Nobara stopped at a flashy red sports car, but Junpei caught her arm. 

“This one’s too noticeable,” He warned.

“It doesn’t matter which car we take, the police are going to be searching for its owner,” Nobara scoffed. 

Bright freeway lights flickered in Junpei’s mind, blurring from the speed. In the distance, flashing red and blue lights were waiting for them at a roadblock. Some kind of accident - it wasn’t clear yet. Megumi recovered from the vision first, almost flying down the line of cars. The others tried to catch up at a less suspicious speed. Not a single car seemed practical. Too bulky, too old, too colorful. 

“Dammit!” Megumi snapped in frustration, and restrained himself from taking out his anger on the hood of a diagonally parked Chevy, “The sports car’s the only one. It’s the fastest here.”

“But the police-”

“You can avoid them.” Megumi cut Junpei off.

“ Maybe,” Junpei snapped, “But if I can’t Yuuji dies.”

“Does any other car get us there in time?” Gojou asked.

“I can’t check that many!”

“Then we have to risk it. Megumi’s right, it’s the fastest.” 

The paint job was hideous - striking red with a flame decal that seemed to shoot right off of the hood. Megumi had never seen a more noticeable care in his life- but it would have to do. It had obviously been well taken care of, from the brand new spoiler to the shiny silver hubcaps. The windows had been tinted so dark Megumi wondered if the car was street legal. Probably not.

Nobara was beside him now, some other car’s broken antenna in her hand. She flattened it between her fingers, then shaped the end into a small hook. She popped the lock before Todo, Junpei, or Gojou could stop her.

Megumi ducked into the driver's seat, wrenched the cover under the steering wheel off, and fiddled with the ignition wires until the car roared to life. The gas tank was three quarters full - more than he needed. Gojou took the passenger seat just as Megumi sat up, the other three were already in the back. No one blocked the way as Megumi backed out into the lot, then sped through the large garage to the exit.

“Junpei, watch thirty seconds ahead.” 

I’ll try, Junpei’s thoughts responded.

The corkscrew descent took four floors. On the last turn, Megumi hit the back of a Honda as Junpei had seen him do. He ignored the damage, unable to feel that guilty as he spun out into the sunlit payment area. Two of the six lanes were empty, so Megumi pulled into the closest. The red and white striped arm blocked the exit. Before He could even consider running straight through it, Junpei was screaming in his head.

If the police start chasing us now, we don’t make it!

Megumi clenched the steering wheel too hard, before he forced himself to relax. He pulled up to the automated window, while Gojou found the parking slip from where it was placed on the car's dashboard. Before Megumi could take it, Junpei reached forward and snagged it. He could probably see Megumi slamming his fist through the card reader.

He pulled up a further three feet, so that Nobara could work with the card reader instead. She pulled her dark sleeve over her hand, only letting the barest glimmer of sun hit her fingertips as she shoved the ticket into its slot.

Megumi was concentrating on the striped blockade, as soon as it lifted the race was on. There was a beep, then a whirring sound from the machine. Nobara pressed a button and the arm popped up.

Megumi hit the accelerator. He had seen the road ahead of them, Junpei had shown the length of it to him, along with what would be in his way. There wasn’t much traffic - considering it was the middle of a weekday. Megumi was able to see the holes in the pattern anyway. The first section of the freeway was almost empty - but a merge was looming ahead. Megumi veered to the farthest left lane to go around the influx of incoming cars. Once, he had to duck into the shoulder lane to speed past two pickup trucks blocking the fast lane.

The car’s speed was pushing 100, Megumi figured he could probably get another 30 out of the engine - but he didn’t want to risk it yet.There was no way to know how close the car was to giving out under the speed. Megumi could only watch the oil pressure and temperature to know how hard the engine was working. 

The overpass they needed to take was approaching quickly, and it was only one lane. The right shoulder was wide- and unoccupied. Megumi skidded across the six lanes of freeway to make the exit. The cars around them did their best to move out of the way. Junpei saw - just in time - that the shoulder was a hair too small for the car. 

“Nobara, Todo, I’m about to lose the side mirrors,” Megumi snapped, “Give me a view.” 

The two twisted in their seats to look out at the road. He could see the left, right, and behind much better through their eyes. Megumi was unable to keep his speed over 100 as he slid into the right shoulder. The side of their car scraped between a large van and the concrete barrier, permanently mangling the side mirrors. But now they were flying down the road, with only half as many cars to worry about.

Without warning, he saw Yuuji booking it down a white-hot sidewalk, stumbling through his steps. Or he would be, soon.

“Focus on the road, Junpei,” Megumi tried not to seeth, “Just the road.”

“Sorry. I’m trying!”

Junpei’s panic was bleeding into his thoughts. Yuuji, running into a parking lot. The next five miles in front of them. Yuuji, opening the door to a dark room. The patterns coming up in traffic. Blood.

“Stop!” 

Junpei closed his eyes and tried to see nothing but the pavement ahead of them. Megumi knew the images had the power to overwhelm him, so he forced them from his head. It wasn’t as hard to do as he thought it would be.

He pushed the engine to one twenty while Junpei refocused. His thoughts strayed briefly to Nobara, who was entirely still in her seat. Megumi could understand his concern, the calm before the storm. Junpei didn’t linger any longer, instead he searched further along their path. 

They’re setting up the road block, Junpei thought.

There was still plenty of time. Megumi pushed the car to its limit, the speedometer ticked up to one-thirty. In the back of his mind, Junpei was showing him the blockade as it was being set up. The idea of lifting his foot from the gas seemed impossible, but they couldn’t keep going at this rate. 

“Can you find me another way?” 

Junpei was looking, but the only option was another exit half a mile down. He would need to slam the brakes, and it would take them through a few back roads, but it avoided the police awaiting them. Megumi made the decision before Junpei could warn any of the others to brace. Todo swore in the back seat.

Junpei recovered first, having seen it coming, and was now looking ahead. At the top of the exit, there was a traffic light one second away from turning yellow. Megumi pressed the accelerator firmly to the ground, though there was no way even this sports car would make the light. He didn’t have enough time to sort through the thoughts of every car around them, the left turn he needed to take was coming on too quickly. Instead Megumi prayed there were no cops watching as he sped through the now red light. He hugged the left shoulder as the rear end of the car whipped around. Out the window a 40-Miles an Hour speed limit sign flew by. 

In the back seat, Junpei gasped as another vision fogged his eyes.

Yuuji was crawling across the hardwood floor, blood already dripping down his unnaturally pale face. There looked to be glass surrounding him, and the hunter was there - his foot just starting to raise. 

The car swerved as Megumi was overwhelmed by a wave of panic and despair. 

For a moment, he was back home in Forks, sitting in his car and contemplating how he would manage to kill himself when Yuuji died. Todo would never, but Nobara… She was the only one who truly understood how he felt. Maybe she would want to kill him by the end of it, just to put a stop to the second hand pain. 

Nobara reached forward and pressed her hand to the back of Megumi’s neck. In an instant his anguish was forced away and his senses refocused. Beside Nobara, Junpei had regained his composure. 

He was back to checking every outcome he could find, cars froze in his vision as Junpei turned over each direction and turn. The pattern was tight, but Megumi could see the holes in between. He memorized them and pushed the car as fast as it could weave through traffic. 

If he hit another car at this speed, it would send both flying. They would be forced to race out into the sunlight and bolt for Yuuji’s location. Megumi knew he was the fastest, so if he forced everyone to run then normal people would see… something. 

Megumi snaked through, crossing all the way to the right side of the road. Todo was praising his driving as he approached the final light. In the back of his mind, he could see the green signal ahead - but Junpei had other ideas. 

“Turn Right here,” He said, showing a residential road behind the street the Dojo sat on. The street was lined with trees, casting enough shade for them to make it safely without being seen. But Megumi could get them to the door. 

“Slow down.” Junpei warned

“There’s not enough time to-”

If he hears us, Yuuji dies! 

Unwillingly, Megumi pressed the brakes and slowed the car down to sixty as they approached their turn. It was too sharp for him to take any faster, but yet again Junpei told him to slow down. Clenching his jaw, Megumi slowed to forty. 

“Nobara,” Junpei said quickly, “You cut around to the front, the rest of us will have to go through the back. Gojou… get ready.” 

Blood across the mirrors, pooling on the wooden floors. Shaky breaths as Yuuji writhed in pain. 

Megumi pulled the car into the tree's shade and, with perfect synchronicity, the group darted from the car. They left the doors open to prevent any unnecessary sounds that could give away their arrival. 

Megumi didn’t hesitate to take off, hurdling a short wall that blocked them off from the alleyway. Within moments he was in front of the last door that separated him from Yuuji. He could already see what was waiting for him- or what would be waiting for him only seconds from now. Refusing to waste any more time, Megumi angled himself so there would be no mistakes and launched himself through the wooden door. 

The pieces shattered around him, muted by the instinctual scream he could no longer contain. The hunter’s head had jerked up, just long enough for Megumi to see the surprise on his face, before he darted for the scarlet shape on the floor beneath him. One weak hand reached up in self defense, but it was a sluggish, instinct driven mess as it provided no real protection from the hunter’s final attack. 

Megumi collided with the hunter and threw him from his target. With enough force to crater the wooden planks beneath them, Megumi slammed Mahito to the ground. Not one to be outdone, Mahito let out a roar of his own, and twisted until he was able to position himself above Megumi. His fist connected twice with Megumi’s cheek before the raven haired vampire bent his legs and kicked Mahito firmly in the chest, sending him across the room. Todo, who had been waiting by the newly destroyed door, quickly subbed in for Megumi. 

For the short moment the two had sparred, Megumi had disassociated Mahito from the concept of a living being. He was just an object in Megumi’s way.  One he had no problem getting rid of. Now that Todo and Nobara had taken over, however, his desire for revenge felt meaningless. Not that he wouldn’t be jealous of his siblings later - tearing Mahito apart had been dancing around his mind for hours now - there was just something more important he needed to do. 

As he had known Yuuji would be, the human was curled up on the floor surrounded by shards of broken mirror. Everything was red. His eyes were closed, pale hand limp beside him. Even his heartbeat was weak and faltering quickly. 

All the terror and pain Megumi had been pushing away crashed over him at once. Megumi didn’t decide to move, he was just there beside Yuuji in an instant, kneeling in his blood. Fear scorched through every fiber of his being, each of his once small worries bubbling to the surface . 

He was afraid to touch Yuuji - already broken in so many places. He could make it even worse. 

He was afraid that if he got any closer, the scent would overwhelm him. 

But even entertaining the idea of fleeing Yuuji’s side now tore a pitiful sound from his throat. 

In his head, Megumi heard his own trembling voice repeating Yuuji’s name. Cries of No , please repeated like a broken record and he wasn’t in control of the sound. 

Once, Megumi heard himself call Gojou’s name; but the older vampire was already beside him kneeling in the blood. His hands were expertly tracing Yuuji’s scalp, searching for the cuts. He pressed two fingers behind Yuuji’s left ear, and the scabbing that had just started to form released another trail of blood. Yuuji’s face contorted, and he let out a soft whimper of pain. 

“Yuuji!” Megumi begged.

“He’s lost some blood, but the wound isn’t deep. It’ll probably need stitches though,” Gojou’s voice was calm in his ear, the opposite to Megumi’s raw shouts, “Watch out for his leg, it’s broken.” 

Another enraged howl pierced the room. For a moment, Megumi thought either Todo or Nobara were in danger. He looked into their thoughts, but only found a new calmness that hadn’t been there earlier. The pair were gathering pieces of wood, preparing to clean up the… mess. That was when he realized the sound had come from himself.

“ Relax , Megumi.” Gojou was calm, keeping his thoughts practical and impassive, “We need to work fast, I think some of his ribs are broken too.” 

His examination was working to calm some of Megumi’s fears, but not all of them. They had been in time to save his life, but he caught the ifs in Gojou’s mind. Yuuji would be fine if he could get the bleeding stopped. If a rib didn’t puncture his lung. If the internal bleeding was no more than it looked to be. 

“Megumi...” Yuuji mumbled in pain. 

“You’re going to be okay Yuuji,” Megumi resisted the urge to curl around his wounded partner, instead he pleaded,  “Can you hear me? I love you.” 

“Megumi,” He gasped again, his voice clearer. 

“I’m here,” Megumi nodded, “I’m here, Yuuji.” 

“It hurts,” He whimpered.

“I know, I’m sorry,” Megumi’s jealousy skyrocketed as he sat there helpless, Yuuji’s blood soaking into his jeans. It took root in the center of his chest, festering as he wished he could have been the one to tear Mahito apart. To make him answer for all the needless pain. It wasn’t enough that Todo and Nobara had killed him - that they were about to burn him  - it would never be enough. 

“Can’t you do anything?” Megumi snarled at Gojou.

“I need my bag, Junpei.” Gojou called.

Megumi couldn’t tear his eyes from Yuuji, but when Junpei didn’t respond, he looked into his mind. It was then that he saw the complication. 

In his desperate attempt to get to Yuuji, then to protect him, his mind hadn’t fully registered the lake of blood he was sitting in. Whatever his reaction to this much of Yuuji’s blood would have been only a week ago, right now it was buried beneath so much pain that Megumi had almost entirely forgotten about his own instinct. As if the urge no longer existed to him. 

“Hold your breath, it helps.” Gojou said, his arm outstretched for his med bag.

Junpei nodded and held his breath. He approached with caution, a unique look of fear and concentration etched onto his face. Junpei loved Yuuji, but he wasn’t prepared for this. His teeth were clenched tight as he stepped around each puddle of blood. Once the med bag was in Gojou’s hands Junpei retreated.  

“Junpei?” Yuuji slurred.

“He’s here, he told us where to find you,” Megumi’s babbling was cut by one of Yuuji’s pained breaths. 

“My hand hurts.” 

Megumi was surprised by his specificity. There was so much damage.

“I know, Gojou will stop the pain soon-”

“No!” Yuuji shouted with a sudden jolt, “No! It’s burning! My hand is burning! Put it out!”

Megumi froze in fear. A moment ago the human had barely been conscious, now his eyes were wide and searching. He had tried to bolt up, but Gojou’s hands kept him firmly on the ground, “Yuuji…?”

“Fire!” Yuuji’s back arched as he let out another shout, “Someone, stop the fire!” 

His sudden, pained shrieks were suffocating Megumi. Deep down, he knew the meaning behind what Yuuji was saying. He knew exactly what the fire was doing, but he couldn't bring himself to look at the hand Yuuji was desperately trying to shove in his face. Maybe it was fear that kept him from acknowledging the death that was happening right in front of his eyes. 

“Gojou! His hand!” Junpei had returned at the sound of panic, more composed than minutes ago. The older vampire unwillingly stopped his work on Yuuji’s head, only to freeze as the shock hit him. 

“He’s been bitten.” Gojou’s voice was hollow, matter-of-fact. 

Only then could Megumi turn his head to Yuuji’s hand. It was no worse off than the rest of him, still as unnaturally pale. On the heel of his palm was a crescent shaped cut, and already the blood's flow was slowing.

Gojou’s hands were motionless. Fix him! Megumi wanted to scream, but he knew just as Gojou did that the efforts were worthless now. Everything that had been broken would be fixed soon. His skin would knit back together, his bones would repair themselves, all would be whole. 

And his heart would stop beating. 

Megumi, Junpei reached out to him, thinking of Gojou, You can’t let it happen like this. 

Gojou was also remembering his own transformation. The teeth marks on his palm and the long, drawn out suffering of his change from hundreds of years ago. Then, always lined with regret, was his memory of Megumi’s change; having thought, at the time, that biting the hand was the only way to change a person. A phantom burn tingled through Megumi’s hand as he remembered too. 

He’ll still suffer, but only for a day or two…

“Megumi,” Junpei voiced the rest of his thought, “We… we can still make this easier for him.” 

“No!” Megumi cried.

He knew his protests were useless. Yuuji’s fate was already sealed. Junpei’s vision was so strong now, seemingly inevitable. Yuuji was with them in it, his skin perfect with eyes that would outshine the crimson scene around them. He was beautiful, and they would never have to be separated again. 

Megumi’s own thoughts interrupted the vision with his memory of Mai. Angry, resentful Mai who had never forgiven them for taking away her choice along with her humanity. Always so full of regret, mourning what she had lost. Could he bear to face that same regretful stare from Yuuji for the next thousand years?

Yes! Don’t be foolish! The selfish part of his brain shouted, It was better to have Yuuji with him than to lose him forever. But the rational side knew how damned a life this was. The hunger that never really went away. The endless days and nights, never again punctuated by dreams. The slow, inevitable loss of human memories to time. 

Junpei could see that Megumi was drowning. Thousands of futures crossed both of their minds in an instant. One, however, stood out to him. It was a future born from a thought that Megumi hadn’t even realized crossed his mind. It was terrible, an outcome he was sure he was too weak for.

He could kill Yuuji now, before the venom had a chance to spread.

Was it the right thing to do? To stop the pain before it turned bad enough for Yuuji to beg to die? Was it mercy to let him die quickly, still as the perfect human he was?

Megumi looked up at Gojou. He had always come to the older vampire for advice and even now he sought his guidance. When he looked into his mind, though, the odd sight of a viper coiled in the sand met him. The image was so unexpected it sent Megumi into shock again. 

“There’s another option, but he doesn’t have long,” Gojou said, a glimmer of hope in his head. 

“What?” Megumi begged. 

“You may be able to suck the venom back out. The wound itself is still fairly clean,” Gojou spoke as he began working on Yuuji’s scalp. 

“Will it work?” Junpei demanded as every bone in Megumi’s body locked into place. 

“I don’t know, but it’s the only other option. He’s running out of time.” 

“I…” Megumi’s voice broke in shame. Did Gojou understand what he was asking him to do? “I don’t know if I can do that. I might not…” 

“It’s your decision Megumi, I can’t help you. I need to get the bleeding stopped up here if you’re going to draw more blood.” 

“Megumi!”

Yuuji jerked as a new round of pain rained through him. His body thrashed, trying to free his injured leg. This time, his bloodshot eyes opened and focused directly on Megumi. As if he was begging with all he had left. 

“Junpei, get me something to brace his leg,” Gojou directed and Junpei obeyed. Out of the periphery of his vision, Megumi could see Junpei ripping up floorboards and breaking them into the right size. 

“Megumi,” Gojou’s control had slipped and pain bled into his tone. Pain for Megumi, and for Yuuji, “you need to decide now or you won’t have a choice anymore.” 

Yuuji’s eyes were burning into him, desperate for relief. Megumi knew he was the worst person for this job. The one person in the whole world who should not be trusted to carry out this task and yet he was the only one here to do it. He ordered himself to commit, because the only option was failure if he didn’t. 

Yuuji’s wrist felt cold when he took it. A terrible contrast to the inviting warmth Megumi fell in love with. He stroked the back of his hand and gently smoothed out Yuuji’s fingers. The skin around the wound was already beginning to crystalize.

“I’ll make it stop, Yuuji,” He promised, and clenched his jaw, “It’ll be over soon.”  

Without any further hesitation, Megumi held his breath and pressed his lips to the wound. At first, the blood was only a small trickle, barely enough to wet his tongue. Then, without warning, an explosion erupted within him. The first day, when he smelled Yuuji’s blood for the first time, Megumi thought he had been undone. That was only a paper cut compared to the bomb blew him apart when he sunk his fangs in. 

But it wasn’t painful for him. It was the exact opposite, like every moment of suffering in his life had been erased. Each of his nerve endings had been brought to life and for the first time in so many years he felt almost human again. Yuuji’s blood was morphine to the open wound in Megumi’s soul and for a moment he lost himself to bliss.

As Megumi began to draw from the wound he could taste the sour, icy flavor of the venom lacing Yuuji’s blood. The sharp taste did nothing to stop him, and even as the effects of the venom began to reverse Megumi couldn’t pull away. More , his body begged, more!

Outside of the bliss that now clouded his mind, Megumi knew there was pain. Pain that he couldn’t access through the pleasure as he took mouthful after mouthful of Yuuji’s blood. 

He needed to think, to stop feeling and think. 

Desperately, his mind whipped out, searching for something to latch on to that would remind him of what he was here for. 

That’s right, Megumi found solace in Junpei’s thoughts, You can do this, you can save Yuuji. See?

Junpei was showing him now, the could be’s of the future Megumi was desperately trying to carve out. He could see Yuuji smiling, waiting with his arms open for Megumi. He could see them walking together in school. In Yuuji’s room, curled together on his bed. Yuuji, cupping his cheeks and pressing his lips carefully against Megumi’s own. A thousand different scenes with Yuuji, alive, happy and by his side. 

The blissful fog began to clear. His desire to continue drinking Yuuji’s blood was beginning to feel less overwhelming. But the taste of venom was strong, it was still too soon. Yuuji’s pained whimpers began to ease, and with it so did Megumi’s resolve. Without the pain to latch onto, he was quickly going to spiral past his ability to pull away.

“Megumi…” Yuuji mumbled, his voice nearly inaudible. 

“He’s right here,” Junpei tried to sooth him. 

Right here killing you. The sound was fading around them, the light dimming, and with it Megumi’s control. He was going to kill Yuuji and all the while his body would be screaming in joy. He was barely aware of anything else. Even Junpei’s screaming thoughts felt far off and muted. 

It’s time Megumi, Junpei warned , Now. You need to stop now. 

Through his obsession with Yuuji’s blood, Megumi could taste that. There was no more venom coursing through him. His blood, what little was left of it, had finally been cleansed. A new chemical flavor was taking its place and Megumi realized Gojou must have been working fast. Morphine. Megumi let out a soft whine as his Jaw clenched, unable to pull away.

Stop ! 

But Junpei could see that Megumi was lost. Frantically, Junpei was wondering if he would be strong enough to force Megumi off - or if that would only injure Yuuji further. 

“Stay…” Yuuji’s gentle voice broke the fog much easier than Junpei’s panic ever could, “Stay with me…” 

Even now, after everything he’d been through, Yuuji was still brave. It was a key-turning confidence, one that cleared the chaos in Megumi’s mind. Shame overtook the hunger. Was he really such an animal that he couldn’t control himself? As if it hadn’t just been a lifeline to him - Megumi released his jaw and allowed Yuuji’s wrist to drop to his lap. 

Megumi turned to look at his face. Still pale and withdrawn, covered in more cuts than he wanted to count. Yet the pain that had once twisted his expression had relaxed into a closed-eyed calm. 

“I will,” Megumi's voice was strained as he promised, “I’ll stay with you.” 

“Is it all out?” Internally, Gojou worried the Morphine had covered the taste of the venom. 

“I think so,” Megumi answered, though Junpei had seen Yuuji would be fine now, “His blood tastes clean. I stopped when I tasted the morphine.”

“Yuuji?” Gojou asked in a newly calmed, clear voice. 

“Mm?” The human tried to answer.

“Is the fire gone?” 

“Yes,” Yuuji breathed, “Yes, thank you, Megumi.” 

“I love you.” He answered.

“I know,” Yuuji sighed. 

Megumi couldn’t stop the chuckle that bubbled out of him. Yuuji’s blood was still on his tongue. Even now, it was already beginning to tint the edges of his irises an unnatural red. Yet Yuuji still found a way to make him laugh. 

“Yuuji?” Gojou interrupted now that things had calmed down. 

“What?” Yuuji’s tone turned a little sour when he was bothered again, half-asleep and impatient to find the other half. 

“Where is Nanami?” 

“Forks,” Yuuji opened his eyes again, delirious but seemingly enraged by the trick, “They tricked me, Megumi. There was a video -”

“Junpei,” Yuuji suddenly gasped as another thought seemed to strike his delirious mind, “He knew Junpei - where he came from,” Yuuji paused, and a confused look crossed his face, “I smell gasoline.” 

Todo and Nobara had returned from siphoning the gasoline out of nearby cars. They now stood on the other end of the room, emptying the containers over a large pile of debris. 

With a somber expression, Junpei walked across the room to one of the far corners. In it, he found the small hand held camera Mahito had been using; it was still running. Junpei switched it off. The moment he had decided to find the camera, the future flashed before him. Both Junpei and Megumi were privy to the contents, but neither could make sense of the information they had learned in the moment. 

We’ll deal with this later, Junpei thought, We have to clean up this nightmare first. 

“We need to move him,” Gojou said. The scent of gasoline, now being applied to the walls, was becoming overbearing. 

“No. I want to sleep…” 

“You can sleep, sweetheart, I’ll carry you.” Megumi cooed against his ear.

More carefully than he had ever managed in his life, Megumi lifted Yuuji from the blood soaked floor. He tried to support every part, mindful of the tightly wrapped floorboard splint Junpei had made.

“You’re safe, Yuuji. Go to sleep.”