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With a soft knock and a gentle “Shitsureishimasu,” Chousou entered Yuuji’s room, finding the younger still peacefully asleep on the king bed.
He was on his back, an arm strewn on the pillow beside his head while the other was splayed beside him. Thick pastel pink sheets covered most of his bare chest. He may have been asleep alone on the huge bed but it looked pretty well slept on. A small smile curved on his lips knowing just how a disaster Yuuji was when asleep, all limbs flailing, hogging of blankets, and hoarding of pillows. Well, this was usual when he’s alone. When Sukuna-sama’s with him, he would always be cocooned inside the embrace of the Master. Seeing as the comforter was not half on the ground and there were no pillows off the bed, last night must have been one of the tamer nights.
There was a twitch of Yuuji’s eyebrows, a soft mumble and the hand splayed out was seeking for something, a frown adorning his features when he couldn’t grasp what he was searching for.
Chousou internally sighed. This wouldn’t be the first. While he was hoping it would be the last, until Sukuna-sama is back, Yuuji’s longing will only continue. He can, however, cut it short. With that in mind, he made his way to the bed and said, “Obocchama, it’s time to wake up.”
It was a rule in this estate that, in the absence of the Master, the Young Master should only be awakened by either him or Uraume. The Master was an overprotective man and thus, only a handful of them are entrusted with Yuuji’s well-being, that mainly being the two head servants of The Estate. While Yuuji is free to interact with any of the servants, any servant who would initiate contact regardless of form towards the Young Master earned the ire of the Master.
In hushed whispers or when the servants think they are unheard, many have called Sukuna-sama overprotective and his jealousy bordered on possessiveness. Chousou was not going to deny that he is those but rightly so, after so many have tried to hurt and endanger the Young Master in hopes of getting the upper hand against the Master. Some had failed, some had succeeded, all of them dead. Whether it was a quick or prolonged death depended on the Master, or him or Uraume if the Master orders. Anytime Chousou was given the chance, it was always prolonged. Why give mercy when they didn’t deserve it? Uraume thought the same.
Yuuji stirred in his sleep as his eyes fluttered open. Giving him time to adjust to his transition from dreamland to wakefulness, Chousou went and opened the heavy curtains on the full glass windows, letting sunlight seep into the large room. There was a groan from behind him and when he turned back, Yuuji had already buried himself under the covers.
A smile crept on his lips. It was like this on most good days but he would never tire of it. “Ohayou gozaimasu, Obocchama.”
Incomprehensible complaints came from the mound on the bed. Chousou took hold of the sheets and pulled them off the younger enough for his head and a little of his back to peek out. It seemed he had turned his back to avoid the sunlight streaming inside from the windows.
Yuuji glared at him from over his shoulders, and coupled with his bed head, sleep lines on his cheek and pout, Chousou could only describe his Young Master as adorable. Like a grumpy tiger cub being woken. Yuuji turned his back again on Chousou and burrowed his head under one of the huge fluffy pillows.
“Bocchan, you can go back to sleep after 12 hours. For now, it’s time to start your day.” No answer. Smiling and knowing just what to entice his Young Master, he tempted, “The water is warm, just the way you like it.” Chousou waited for another beat before Yuuji moved, lifting the pillow with one hand so that the one visible eye could glare again at the older man.
“I hate you,” Yuuji declared, voice slightly muffled by the bed.
“Yes, we have already established that,” he stated quite fondly.
Yuuji, pout still on his lips, lifted himself with one elbow as he regarded Chousou over his shoulder, “Is the water really warm?”
A kind smile directed towards the younger, he replied, “Who would I be if I couldn’t ensure that much?”
“Fiiine,” Yuuji drawled out as he fully sat up and started stretching, the duvet pooling on his waist and the ugly bruise that adorned the right side of his body was in full view. Located about a few inches above his hips, the bruise was in an irregular spherical shape as big as Chousou’s hand. The bruise would ran along his ribs and spread towards his back where it would continue as a bigger bruise, covering almost a third of his back. It was more flushed unlike the rest of his skin, the edges that lined it was slightly pink.
Of course, it wasn’t a bruise. Bruises, they can heal, they disappear and they don’t give lasting discomfort and pain. This was a curse from one of the Sukuna-sama’s many enemies who succeeded in hurting the Young Master. It was during one of the times the Master indulged in the Young Master’s request to leave The Estate. There was a festival in a nearby village and Yuuji liked to go with his friends.
The enemy was cunning enough to use an innocent child for his schemes, informing the child of what to do for a few treats, conveniently leaving out what would be the effect. Before they knew it, Yuuji had already collapsed, feeling a burning sensation on the entire right side of his chest and his whole back. While preoccupied about the sudden events surrounding the Young Master, a fight had broken out with the intention of kidnapping the Young Master and his friends.
Sukuna-sama’s rage at what had transpired leveled the whole village. The enemy who had planted the curse was hunted down, his whole family and those who share his blood killed. Jogo and Hanami, the people who were supposed to be protecting Yuuji, did not escape the Master’s wrath and were obliterated.
What followed were long days of suffering and screaming, of passing out from pain and waking up due to the same. Reverse cursed technique and medication slowly took effect to heal the young boy but even then, there were days when reverse cursed technique was too much, that medication caused more pain than actual comfort.
Chousou must’ve been staring at it for too long because Yuuji moved the sheets to hide the bruise, making the dark-haired man lift his eyes towards the Young Master.
“It doesn’t hurt today,” Yuuji comforted, a reassuring smile on his face.
It’s not the same angry red it was and it had shrunk to at least a third of its original size, a comfort knowing that what they’re doing is effective. But it had taken at least three months for its size to get this small and they have observed that it was becoming slower to heal.
Nanami Kento, one of the lieutenants and the healer Sukuna-sama had tasked, was constantly documenting and checking on Yuuji since the bruise itself was unpredictable. He would be okay one day but then he would be sick the next. Just last week, Yuuji was bedridden because of the same bruise, his fever was high, he couldn’t move the right part of his upper body, he had difficulty breathing, and the bruise flared an angry red that any kind of touch, even a gentle breeze of air, caused pain. Days like this happen more than they’d like it to in the last three months that they have differentiated Yuuji’s good and bad days.
Today seems like one of the calmer days and Chousou nodded and extended his hand towards Yuuji, “Then come along now. Warm bath is waiting.”
Yuuji flashed him a grin as he got up, walking on his knees to get to the edge and taking Chousou’s offered hand as he stepped off the bed. He was led to his ensuite, where steam had already filled, making the pink-haired smile at the warmth as he went inside.
Yuuji took off the only clothing he had on and dipped himself in the huge tub. “Warm,” he sighed.
Chousou smiled as Yuuji settled, head resting at the end of the tub, his eyes fluttering close. He nodded his head and immediately, four servants began their work of cleaning their Young Master. While this happened, Chousou ensured none of the servants touched the Young Master inappropriately. Those who tried already lost their limbs and, more often than not, their lives at the hands of the protective man.
“I understand the water is good but please don’t fall asleep, Obocchama,” Chousou reminded.
Yuuji pouted, opened one eye and said, “Yuuji.”
“Beg your pardon?”
“Yuuji,” Yuuji repeated.
“That’s your name, Bocchan.”
This time, the pout deepened and both eyes were already glaring at the older man. “Yuuji!”
Chousou managed to stop himself from smiling at the last moment. Of course he understands what his Young Master means. Ever since he was young, he had insisted on being called Yuuji. Just Yuuji. There was no need for honorifics. But Sukuna-sama doesn’t like that. He will be the only one who would call the Young Master his name. So to Chousou and Uraume, he was Obocchama, Bocchan, or Yuuji-sama. To the rest of the servants, he will forever be Obocchama, in the very few moments they are allowed to interact directly with him.
“Yuuji-sama,” Chousou placated. It did not, however, placate the younger man.
“Chousou, nooo,” he whined and in doing so, flailed his limbs so that he was sloshing water off the tub, making the ground and the servants wet. “My friends don’t call me with any of those!”
“Your friends are special.”
“You, too!” Yuuji declared.
The smile that Chousou hid a while ago bloomed on his face, feeling the warmth in his chest. His Young Master was always so kind. But he knows where to draw the line. “Yuuji-sama, Sukuna-sama will kill us if we disobey his orders.”
“Sukuna’s not here.”
“All the more that his orders be followed.”
“I really do hate you.” Yuuji submerged until the water was just over his mouth and the servants resumed what they were doing.
The Young Master might not know it but, in the privacy of his mind, he will always be Yuuji.
As Yuuji stood to be dressed in a black kimono, his hands had to be held away from his body by two servants as a third servant was tying the red obi around his waist. The fourth servant stood at the side, waiting for orders. Chousou had noticed how his arms had become dead weight as the servants held them, how Yuuji kept nodding off, and how he couldn't keep his eyes open. It can be argued that Yuuji just didn’t get enough sleep or the warmth from the bath had affected him and made him sleepy. However, Chousou also knows that ever since he was cursed, Yuuji had become lethargic, more prone to weakness and malaise and Chousou wished the hyperactive and giddy child from before the incident would permanently come back.
As the third servant finished and the servants holding his hands gently brought them back to his sides, Yuuji opened his eyes. He must’ve seen Chousou’s worried look because he smiled.
“Maybe you should stay in bed today, Bocchan,” Chousou suggested. “We will prepare your breakfast and—”
But Yuuji only waved his concerns away, a smile still on his face. “Breakfast has been prepared right? And I’m already dressed so might as well. Plus, Megumi and Nobara are coming today. We can’t stay in my room the whole time.”
“I’m sure your friends wouldn’t mind,” Chousou tried again but Yuuji shook his head, already making his way out of the room. The fourth servant was quick to go and open the door. Seeing as the Young Master was not going to be swayed, Chousou immediately joined and led him to the dining room where Uraume and five more servants were waiting. They were quick to bow and greet him at his arrival.
“Ohayou gozaimasu, Obocchama.”
“Ohayou, minna!” Yuuji returned the greeting as he made his way at the head of the table where Uraume was. “Ohayou, Uraume-san.”
Uraume, who was still in his bowed position, seemed to bow deeper upon hearing the personal greeting. “Ohayou gozaimasu, Yuuji-sama.” Uraume pulled the chair for Yuuji to sit on.
“Ah, it’s English breakfast for today.” Yuuji stated as he eyed plates upon plates of assorted fruits, eggs, meat and bread.
“Hai,” Uraume confirmed.
“I’ll have tea with this then,” he said, smiling towards the dual-haired man.
Uraume nodded and a servant was quick to do the bidding. Yuuji took a croissant, smiling as he started eating.
Uraume and Chousou both shared worried looks as Yuuji wiped his face clean with the table napkin, signifying that he was done with his breakfast. All in all, he only had half the one croissant he got at the start of breakfast, a third of a banana, and half his tea.
“Gochisousama deshita,” Yuuji declared as he placed the used table napkin on the table. When he made his way to stand, Uraume immediately pulled the chair.
“Yuuji-sama, you didn’t eat much,” Uraume said, a hint of concern in his usual monotone voice. “Was the meal not to your liking?”
Yuuji only shook his head. “It was filling. Thank you for today’s breakfast, Uraume-san. Send my thanks to those who helped prepare them.”
Uraume bowed his response as Yuuji made his way out of the dining room, one servant quick to open the door for him.
“His lack of appetite is back,” Chousou started when Yuuji was out of earshot, moving towards Uraume from where he was standing. The servants had started clearing the table. “And he looked tired even after his bath.”
Uraume nodded, eyes still trained at the door where Yuuji left. “At this rate, he will lose weight before he could even gain what he lost the past three months. We should keep a closer eye on him.”
Chousou nodded in response. “I’ll keep close to him today. For now, let’s inform Sukuna-sama and Nanami-sama.”
“Let me do that. Maybe he will finally say when he is coming back. Yuuji-sama might not have asked anything from us but we both how he longs to see Sukuna-sama again.”
Chousou nodded again and left in search and to keep an eye on their Young Master.
Sukuna-sama had been gone for almost a month now. Sukuna-sama leaving The Estate and travelling was not a new thing. He would be gone a couple of times in a year for as long as three months. This trip would not be the longest, however, it would be the longest he has been away from Yuuji when the latter was sick with the curse.
Ever since the incident three months ago, there have been all kinds of threats on Yuuji’s life, anything that they could do to gain the upper hand on Sukuna-sama. All that they got wind of were immediately squashed, no matter how big or small, who the casualty was or how big was the collateral damage. Usually, Gojo Satoru, Sukuna-sama’s most trusted and powerful lieutenant, was enough to quell these. However, when they heard of a large-scale plan from up north that was being headed by Kenjaku himself, Sukuna-sama decided he should personally go there. Rather than bringing whatever Kenjaku had planned to where Yuuji was, they went to it instead, while Yuuji was safely tucked inside the security of The Estate.
They don’t know much about the history between Kenjaku and Sukuna-sama but they know the former had hated and attempted to kill the latter for years now. When Sukuna-sama had taken Yuuji under his wing when he was only a toddler, the attempts on Sukuna-sama’s life diverted towards Yuuji’s. As such, Yuuji was kept under heavy security and was rarely allowed to leave The Estate. If he is, Sukuna-sama or trusted guards are always with him. Although it rarely happens, when Sukuna-sama cannot accompany Yuuji outside The Estate and something bad happens to him, an attempted kidnapping or an injury, the guards would always pay the price. Such was what happened to Jogo and Hanami, the ones who were entrusted and failed, to protect Yuuji.
The Estate was always kept in a heavy veil, making it seem like a dense forest to anyone outside it. Since three months ago, however, a more powerful spell had been casted around the area to make would-be trespassers think that they are lost in the forest and to ensure they don’t find the entrance to The Estate.
Not surprisingly, Chousou found Yuuji in the Master’s room. Both had separate rooms for themselves in the Main House, they also have a room they both share when Sukuna-sama was home. When the Master was away on a trip, they would often find Yuuji in the former’s room.
Right now, he was curled up on the bed, one of the pillows held tight in his arms.
“Obocchama,” Chousou announced his presence. Yuuji didn’t do or say anything to acknowledge his presence. Still, Chousou remained in the room, standing beside the door, ready for anything his Young Master would need. It didn’t take long though before the younger addressed him.
“Ne, Chousou.”
Chousou found himself moving further into the room and closer to the bed. Yuuji’s voice was low, his sadness evident.
“Did Sukuna say when he was going to be back?”
Chousou didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news, it broke him seeing the usually bright and radiant Young Master so weak and down. “I’m afraid not, Yuuji-sama.”
“No call? Or a message perhaps?”
Yuuji’s morale had considerably lowered upon Sukuna-sama’s departure. Of course, being the sunshine child he was, he always tried to play it off, tried to hide the sadness, but he could only do so much.
When he was in pain or sick or bedridden because of the curse, it had always been Sukuna-sama’s name he had been calling for.
“None, Bocchan.”
His response was to hide his face under the pillow, his hold around it tightening as he curled up even further on the bed.
Yuuji had only left the room when Chousou informed him that Nobara and Megumi had arrived and led him immediately to the theater room where his friends were already waiting for him.
“It’s my turn to pick a movie,” Nobara grumbled.
“It’s always your turn to pick a movie,” Megumi complained but let her browse through the options anyway.
The theater room consisted of a huge custom-made bed, filling most of one wall and half of the other. The bed could easily fit 18 people. The walls where the bed was were padded in lieu of headrest to ensure comfort. There were also many pillows in different shapes and sizes. Across the bed, easily eating three-quarters of space was a wall TV where Nobara had been choosing movies from the selection on screen.
On one side was a snack bar, popcorn, chips, chocolates and drinks. There was also a cabinet filled with comforter, blankets, towels and more pillows. Four servants were there, ready to be of assistance, two of which were already busy preparing the snacks.
“Hey guys,” Yuuji announced as he arrived, both his friends turning towards him as he made his way to them on the bed while Chousou remained by the door after closing it behind him.
Nobara was in a cream-colored kimono adorned with roses and pink obi while Megumi’s was plain dark blue with white obi.
It was custom in The Estate to wear kimonos. It was not a requirement and the occupants were free to dress as they wish in their respective homes within The Estate. However, this was a rule that must be followed when visiting the Main House where Sukuna-sama and Yuuji-sama were residing.
Before the incident three months ago, it would be Yuuji who would visit the Gojo House or the Nanami House. He always liked popping up in their homes unannounced, especially when Sukuna-sama was away. Plus, Nobara and Megumi didn’t like wearing kimonos since they restricted movement.
After the incident though, Nanami decreed Yuuji should stay in the Main House at least until he was stronger and the two found themselves visiting the Main House more often than they have in a year.
Both were also with Yuuji at the festival three months ago and both had gotten hurt. Nobara lost sight of one eye. However, since it was a cursed technique, they would be able to reverse the effect so Nobara can get her eyesight back. Until that happens, she wears an eyepatch over one eye and to cover most of the scar from the wound. Megumi suffered a terrible concussion and a broken arm. His cast was just removed a few weeks ago but he was still required to wear a sling while undergoing therapy.
Both found themselves frequenting the Main House to visit Yuuji as soon as they were allowed to leave their own houses.
The three of them grew up together in The Estate.
Megumi had been under Gojo Satoru’s care after his family had been attacked by another sorcerer with a grudge against Megumi’s father, Toji. Toji died protecting Megumi and was only able to entrust the then baby Megumi to Gojo before he succumbed to his wounds. Since then, Megumi has lived with Gojo in his house here in The Estate. He met Yuuji first when Gojo brought Megumi in the main house during a meeting with the Master and his lieutenants. Both children clicked. Or, more like Yuuji had been pulling Megumi along with his whims.
Nobara came to the picture two years later when her grandmother, the only relative she had in the country-side, had died. Nanami Kento, a distant relative, had become her official guardian and she, too, was brought to Nanami’s house in The Estate.
Megumi and Nobara may be the only friends Yuuji has but they are inseparable.
Nobara frowned upon seeing him, “You look like shit, Yuuji. Did you get any sleep?”
Yuuji scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile on his face as he made himself comfortable on the bed with the two.
“You look better than last week,” Megumi commented, “but I’d still agree with Nobara.”
“Well, shit!” Nobara exclaimed. She stood on her knees, one hand on her hip, the other pointed at Yuuji’s nose, making the latter cross-eyed as he looked at the offending finger then back to Nobara’s face. “Look here you idiot, I wasn’t able to visit you when you were sick last week but if that’s what Megumi is saying—”
“I’m fine,” Yuuji cut her off, both hands up to placate them, “I promise. I’ll sleep earlier tonight.”
“And eat healthier,” Megumi added.
Nobara was quick to agree. “Right. Or I’m rattling you out to Kento-ojisan.”
“What?~ You’re downright sadistic you know that?” Yuuji said with a pout.
Nobara gave Yuuji a manic grin before she turned to one of the servants who was standing in attention, “You, girl, don’t give any popcorn or junk food to Yuuji. Prepare whatever is healthy for him.”
“Kashikomarimashita, Ojou-sama,” the servant answered with a bow and a deep voice, making all three look wide-eyed as the servant went on to do Nobara’s bidding.
Megumi elbowed the brunette, saying, “Nobara, that was a guy.”
Nobara swiped Megumi’s elbow away, a scowl on her face, “I didn’t know!”
All servants in The Estate dressed similarly in a mostly-black ensemble, black long-sleeves with white high collar and cuffs. The cuffs and collar should be buttoned. The long-sleeves should be tucked in black pants that were paired with black boots. They should have spotless white gloves on, their hair should be kept short and combed away from the face or in a clean bun, and they should have a white cloth tied around the back of the head that should cover their face starting from the hairline until at least an inch below the chin. Essentially, all servants are expected to adhere to the dress code, shouldn’t have any skin visible, should only talk when addressed, and should keep their mouths shut at all times, whether on or off duty, lest they want to be silenced permanently.
Yuuji laughed as he turned back towards his friends, “I think they’ve gotten used to it.”
“Whose idea was it to dress them similarly anyway?” Nobara continued to complain as she sat back, taking the remote to select a movie on screen.
The first movie was horror on Nobara’s insistence because she wanted to prove that Megumi and Yuuji were cowards. Yuuji didn’t even hide his screams. While Megumi did not let out a peep the entire movie, his hands were white gripping the pillow. Nobara cackled as she taunted and called them cowards.
The second movie was Megumi’s pick and since he was also a child deep down, he chose the cheesiest romcom, daring Nobara not to complain even once. Megumi had won not twenty minutes into the movie when Nobara fake gagged at the couple on screen. Nobara begged to differ, saying that her action did not equal a complaint. Yuuji, who wanted to get back at Nobara for earlier, sided with Megumi and told her it was. This prompted Nobara to throw her popcorn at them that quickly escalated into a full on food fight. And when there was no more food to throw, pillows came next and they somehow ended up in a dogpile, Megumi at the bottom, Yuuji in the middle and Nobara cackling on top of both.
“Get off,” Megumi tried to say but it sounded more “G’r’of” since his face was muffled by one of the many pillows butchered by their pillow fight. His injured arm thankfully wasn’t buried under their combined weight.
“I can’t,” Yuuji answered on top of him, “Nobara’s weighs like five of me combi—”
Yuuji was not able to finish his statement as Nobara pinched his cheeks. “Did you just call me fat?”
Chousou was ready to intervene at any moment, knowing too well the roughhousing the group could get into. However, seeing Yuuji smiling and laughing so carefree made him stand his ground. Moments like these had become fewer ever since the incident and he would want his Young Master to savor the most of it.
They weren’t able to finish the second movie. Not even halfway. The third movie, thankfully, was more subdued, granted they were now lying in a bed filled with popcorn, chips, sliced fruits and soda. Regardless, the three of them were closer in proximity than they were at the start, Yuuji cocooned between his friends and had started dozing off in the middle of the movie. Nobara flicked him on the forehead every time he dozed off while Megumi would nudge him with his uninjured elbow.
Before Yuuji could doze off for the third time, Nobara, who was curled up on her left side, gently nudged his leg with her foot. “Ne, Yuuji.”
Yuuji hummed in response, eyes not leaving the screen but tilting his head to her direction a little bit to signal that he was listening. Megumi, too, gave the girl a side-glance, even if he really couldn’t see her from where he was laying on Yuuji’s right. Listening in on this conversation, especially given the fact that Nobara’s voice was uncharacteristically low and soft, like she didn’t want others to hear except for the three of them, he already knows what question she will ask.
“Did you receive any news from Sukuna?”
Yuuji momentarily froze. Even if he was flat on his back, they saw the way his shoulders hunched faintly as if he was caving in on himself. Ever so slightly, he shook his head, but the two didn’t miss it.
“Did you try calling him?” Megumi asked, his voice low as well to keep the conversation within the three of them.
Yuuji nodded, “Won’t connect.”
Nobara groaned, “Ugh, what’s the use of technology then.”
“Did you try asking Uraume-san or Chousou-san?” Megumi continued.
“They don’t know,” Yuuji voice now a whisper, his eyes downcast and hands fiddling with the edges of his red obi.
“I’ll ask Kento-ojisan when I get home later,” Nobara offered.
“I can call Gojo-san and ask. I’m sure he won’t give a definite answer but at least we’ll know how Sukuna-san is,” Megumi said.
Yuuji, with a shy smile on his face, nodded, thankful for his friends. Until Nobara flicked the tip of his nose and he had to pout at the brunette. “Now focus on the movie. You’ve slept through half of it.”
“No, I didn’t!”
After the third movie was a late lunch in the dining room. Conversation flowed steadily between the three but the worry on Nobara and Megumi’s faces at how little food was touched from Yuuji’s plate can’t be masked. When Nobara was half done with her steak and Megumi almost finished, they saw how Yuuji’s steak was barely eaten. The soup paired with it was at least half empty. However, as the conversation continued, Yuuji had completely let go of his utensils with no indication of picking them up again until lunch ended.
With a silent agreement between the two, Nobara and Megumi dragged on the conversation as casually as they could while putting slices of their own steak on Yuuji’s plate or directly feeding him more fruits, saying something about the food to get the pink-haired boy to eat them.
“I haven’t had pears in forever. These are good. Hai, Yuuji, open up.” And Nobara unceremoniously shoved a forkful of sliced pears in Yuuji’s mouth, almost making the pink-haired boy choke.
“They said this part of the steak is the best,” Megumi said as he gently slid a piece of steak on Yuuji’s plate. “Go ahead, try it.” Yuuji beamed at Megumi and ate the offered food.
In the end, there was only so much they could do but getting the other boy to eat more and looking at the slightly relieved faces of Chousou and Uraume, both would count it as a win.
Yuuji was under strict orders from Nanami to rest as often as he could. Thus, the afternoon found Megumi and Nobara bidding their goodbyes to Yuuji, promising to give him news about Sukuna should they have any. With one last tight hug from the two, both left the Main House.
This was how Chousou found Yuuji once again slumbering in the Master’s room, hugging the same pillow he had a while ago. Chousou laid the comforter over the sleeping boy, informing the servant posted outside to inform him or Uraume immediately should he awake.
Not an hour later found Chousou and Uraume going over the details, including security, administrative, and inventory, of The Estate and the Main House in particular. Their conversation drifted off to the Young Master and what had been happening with him recently. Expressing their concern again at how little he was eating. In the middle of their conversation, there was a knock on the door and both looked up as a servant came in, bowing before addressing them.
“Apologies for the intrusion, Chousou-sama, Uraume-sama. Danna-sama has arrived.”
Both straightened up immediately when they heard the news, immediately moving out of the room, the servant sidestepping fluidly and following both out of the room.
“Has he arrived at the Main House?” Uraume asked, not even looking behind him to address the servant.
“Danna-sama is on his way here as we speak.”
Before Sukuna-sama left, he had entrusted Yuuji’s daily well-being to Uraume and Chousou. He also informed them he won’t be gone for more than a month. However, with little to no news from the Master, they had assumed that his trip would be extended as this was what usually happened in his previous trips.
They continued their way around the house, turning corners fluidly and servants expertly clearing the path of the two who were ready to greet their Master before he arrived. They were beaten to a punch though, when the tall figure of the Master himself rounded one corner up. He was in his usual kimono, pristine white with dark blue edges, dark blue obi with intricate white patterns. Both Uraume and Chousou immediately bowed upon seeing him, the servants who were present, either standing in their posts or doing their tasks all were doing the same.
“Sukuna-sama, welco—” Uraume started but was quickly cut short.
“Where’s Yuuji?” he asked, didn’t even spare both and the rest of the servants a glance, walking with a determined destination.
Uraume and Chousou and a few servants followed behind Sukuna.
“Obocchama is resting in your quarters,” Chousou answered.
“How has he been?” Sukuna’s eyes never wavered, keeping his eyes straight, uncaring about the servants stopping to show their respects to him so long as they don’t block his way.
“Hai,” Uraume started. “It seems like Yuuji-obocchama’s lack of appetite is back. He seems to tire easily as well. He was better yesterday and we have only noticed this today. We have already informed Nanami-sama about this—”
“Has he been drinking his medicine?”
“Without fail as Nanami-sama directed.”
They were already near the Master’s quarters when Sukuna-sama stopped, half turning towards them and Chousou and Uraume bowed deeper.
“Gojo will be here before sunset. Inform Nanami to come as well. Unless it’s anything urgent, don’t disturb me until then.”
Sukuna-sama had already continued on his way as Uraume and Chousou chorused their response.
Sukuna dismissed the servant standing in attention in his quarters as he ventured deeper into his room. Yuuji was curled under midnight blue sheets, back facing him. Sukuna made his way to the bed and sat, one calloused hand softly caressing the side of his face. His eyelids fluttered and his eyebrows twitched but did not wake at the contact.
“I’m home, my peach blossom.”
As Yuuji’s consciousness crept back and the tendrils of sleep slowly faded, the first thing he noticed was the warmth he was surrounded in. Wanting to go back to the arms of sleep, he snuggled closer to the warmth, noting that the bed seemed firmer than he remembered. He groaned his displeasure, moving slightly to find a more comfortable position. Something moved on his back as if it was pulling him closer and when he suddenly stilled, a deep rumbling immediately followed.
He would know that chuckle anywhere.
Eyes wide open, Yuuji turned and came face to face with a smirking Sukuna.
“Sukuna,” Yuuji breathed, disbelief written all over his face.
The hand that was not holding Yuuji close came up to touch his face, tracing across his ear and combing soft pink locks in his fingers.
Yuuji launched himself at the broad chest of the other man, arms caging in a tight embrace, “You’re back, you’re back.”
Sukuna’s own arms wound around the more slender figure of the younger as the latter pressed his head at the crook of Sukuna’s neck. One of Sukuna’s hands found its way at the back of his head.
“Why are you not answering my calls?” Yuuji complained, voice muffled by Sukuna’s kimono.
“I lost it along the way,” Sukuna answered. “We were ambushed—”
“You got hurt?!” Panic blooming his face, Yuuji was quick to sit up, hands all around Sukuna, lifting sleeves, opening his kimono, turning his head this way and that just to check for injuries.
Before Yuuji could finish though, Sukuna took both of Yuuji’s hands in his, effectively stopping the younger and then pulling him back so that he was lying again on top of the older, tucking his head under his chin and leaving a light kiss on the crown of his head.
“I did not get hurt,” he gently said. “You think me weak, brat?”
Yuuji shook his head no. Of course Sukuna was strong. But he also knows Sukuna had strong enemies. Yuuji settled in fisting Sukuna’s kimono in one of his hands. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“And I feel the same about you, my little peach blossom.”
A smile crept its way on Yuuji’s face as he lifted his head to kiss Sukuna’s jaw before settling back. Sukuna, in response, tightened his hold around Yuuji.
“How are you, Yuuji?”
“I’m fine!” Always quick to reassure. Downplaying previous events or what he may be currently feeling. Sukuna could vividly remember Uraume or Chousou wheedling the truth out of the boy’s mouth before any injury or sickness could turn out for the worst. Most of the time, they had to be creative about it.
“But last week you were unwell,” Sukuna continued.
Yuuji stiffened momentarily in his arms. “They told you about that, huh?” he said rather sheepishly as if that should be kept from Sukuna. “I’m fine now though.” And then he nuzzled closer to the other man. Sukuna mentally scoffed. Leave it to his peach blossom to comfort him as if he was the one that got hurt.
“I was informed your lack of appetite is back and you get tired easily.”
“It’s not so bad. I’m still eating. And I’ll just rest if I’m tired.”
“I do not approve of you making light of this,” he gently chided. “Or any illnesses or pains for that matter. Even the most minor discomfort can escalate to something big if you disregard it.”
That made Yuuji sit up to declare his reassurance to the other man. “But I’m really fine now.”
There was a determined glint in his eyes that made Sukuna exhale from his nose. It’s not that Yuuji was lying. He really, truly believes he was well. And he wants others to believe that. But Sukuna had seen this too many times. Boneheaded, his blossom always was. Sukuna slid up so he was leaning on the headboard, arranging one of the pillows with one hand for him to rest on.
“That’s what you said the day you and the two other brats went to the riverbank when you were twelve and broke your ankle again before it could properly heal.”
“I slipped,” Yuuji pointed out.
“Because you couldn’t walk properly,” was the smooth counter. “You shouldn’t even be walking at that time yet, let alone go somewhere.”
Yuuji looked away, frowning and clearly frustrated that he was unable to convince Sukuna about what happened then, and still unable to do so now.
The sigh that came out of Sukuna was gentler. He cupped Yuuji’s face with both his hands. “Yuuji, look at me.”
Ever defiant, Yuuji instead, looked further away.
“Please, blossom.”
Slowly, crimson red met molten gold and Sukuna could see those orbs glaze over with unshed tears.
“These past three months have been hell, more to you than any of us here. All most of us could do was comfort you, hold you, reassure you that the pain will subside soon. The last thing I want is to hear your screams again, to get rid of any discomfort and pain you feel. If I could take your place—”
Yuuji shook his head in his hold, tears spilling the side of his face, his hands clutching Sukuna’s wrists. “No. No, no. Better me than you.”
“I feel the same way, Yuuji,” Sukuna stated, thumbs wiping the tears. “And there is not a day that I don’t think that.”
Yuuji was still shaking his head, more tears rolling down his cheek. Sukuna gently shushed him as he pulled the younger boy to him, gently arranging him so Yuuji was sat on his lap, resting on his chest, an arm wrapped around the boy to hold him close while the other was running down his back for comfort. Sukuna dropped a lingering kiss on the top of Yuuji’s head.
Sukuna continued his comforting strokes until Yuuji’s sobs died down to the occasional hiccup. Yuuji lay boneless on top of him, one hand fisted on the hem of Sukuna’s kimono. Anytime the hand would loosen its grip, he would immediately hold tight, as if Sukuna would disappear if he accidentally let go.
“I’m sorry,” Yuuji whispered.
Sukuna gently shushed him again. “None of that now, blossom. But Yuuji, I want you to understand—”
“I do!” Yuuji bristled but immediately fell on top of him again, the fight leaving him as soon as it arrived. “I do. I just don’t want you to always worry about me.”
“That will never stop,” Sukuna reminded. “So promise me you will take care of yourself better. That you won’t make light of anything especially if it concerns your health.”
Sukuna waited until he felt the other nod against him.
“But you have to promise me you will take care of yourself, too!” Yuuji all but ordered as he looked at Sukuna, eyes still glossy with tears but alight with determination, the hand on his kimono fisted tightly.
Sukuna nodded and kissed the younger’s forehead. Yuuji nodded too and settled back down on Sukuna’s embrace.
“You look tired. Go back to sleep,” Sukuna suggested.
“Are you gonna stay?”
“Yes.”
“Sukuna?”
“Hm?”
“Okaeri.”
A small smile graced Sukuna’s lips. “Tadaima.”