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Their friends are already in a drunk haze. Though they are aware of the tension that’s been simmering between Gojo and her recently (and the past decade), they always pretend otherwise (because they’re good friends like that - and also because they’re so tired of witnessing the stupidity forced obliviousness). And it’s easier to do tonight as the drinks kept coming. Being an adult sucks and work is shit, as Nanami would say. And it’s so rare nowadays for them to have an aligned free time, so why not take advantage of this one night?
Ijichi’s attempting to belt out a high note to a classic rock song, already drunk off his ass. Shoko, just as drunk, is whooping in encouragement to Ijichi’s screeching cat impersonation, cigarette in hand. Mei Mei, who’s not usually big on physical contact, is relaxed as she leans on Nanami, head on his shoulder. Even the usually stoic Nanami is mellowed out from the drinks, cracking a small smile at Ijichi’s poor attempt. Plopping back down into her seat, Shoko took up Nanami’s free space and lifted his arm to put it around her shoulders. Alcohol really does make them all touchy.
Strangely, Utahime didn’t drink a lot tonight. Otherwise she’d be under the same haze as the rest from her beer by now. But she wants to be sober when she talks to Gojo. And she will.
She had an inkling of his crush on her as a brief passing thought, but never bothered to think too much of it. How can she when he expressed it in that childish way of his while she’d always be quick to lose her patience. He made her lose patience.
Embarrassing her by calling her weak. Not using honorifics when he’s talking to her. His blatant disrespect for tradition and the higher-ups. And the different people he dates every week. Can anybody really blame her for not trying to think that he might seriously be into her? Really?
And yet…
Somehow, there developed a level of trust between them over the years. Asking her to investigate the mole in Kyoto is just a recent example. She admits, as annoying as he can be, she does feel some sort of affection for him. Perhaps it’s due to their work and knowing each other for years. And his tauntings don’t really hold much bite nowadays. But, surely these aren’t enough basis to start having a…crush, right?
Ugh, a crush. Out of all people. Why him? And why now?!, she grumbled half-heartedly. But she knows why.
Taking advantage of the karaoke room’s dim lighting and her friends’ inattentiveness, she kept getting lost in thought trying to gather her courage. And her eyes would wander to Gojo.
Said man was currently sitting next to Shoko across from her, recording Ijichi who is now playing air guitar and head banging. Why did you let him egg you on to drink, you poor bastard.
And like he’s being summoned, he turns towards her. Her cheeks heat and she wants to avert her gaze but meets his head-on. It’s time.
I got your answer.
===
It was the weird marriage proposal flirting when he revealed that there’s a traitor among them at first.
Well, what Gojo thought was flirting. To her, he was just being a brat as usual.
“Scary! Hysterics won’t win men, you know?”
“I. AM. YOUR. SENIOR!” For fuck’s sake this idiot is infuriating. It’s kind of hard to not let him get to her.
“See, this is why you aren’t married yet,” he continued as though she didn’t just throw her cup of tea at him. Her chest was heaving and she’s barely restraining the urge to lunge at him and wring his neck. She settled for clenching her fists instead.
“How is that any of your business?!”
“Utahime~ I’m just trying to look out for you! What would people say if you end up still unmarried when you’re wrinkly? No one wants to marry a hysterical woman, wrinkly or otherwise.”
Her eye started twitching.
“But,” he sighed, “if someone has to step up, I guess I’ll do it.”
…
What?
“Hah?”
“I’ll marry you.”
What the fuck.
Did she hear that right?
“What did you say?”
“Have you gone deaf too? I said I’ll marry you.”
“What?”
“You know. You, wife. Me, husband. Us, married.”
“What?! Why would we get married?! No, you know what. Just shut up Gojo!”
This is just one of his ways of trying to piss her off. A new one but whatever. She was getting heated and needed to climb down from that energy. Shutting her eyes she started to take deep breaths. In and out. In. Out.
Just when she was starting to unclench her fists…
“Why wouldn’t we get married? It makes perfect sense for us to,” he said.
She instantly opened her eyes and turned her head towards him, eyebrows scrunched. She was starting to feel riled up again. Just what is he on about now?
“Are you seriously trying to tell me that you’ve thought about us getting married?”
“Yeah. Don’t you?” he casually said.
Again.
What.
The.
Fuck.
Did she enter the Twilight Zone or something?
“Why would I ever do that?” she asked instead.
“Why wouldn’t you do that?”
She stared and waited for the punchline, but the silence kept hanging between them. She could’ve just ignored his joke instead of indulging him. But he’ll never let her do that and would’ve just kept on pestering her. And a tiny part (the sucker part) of her kind of wanted to see where he was going with this.
Ok. Screw it. She decided to humour him. It’s going to bite her back in the ass and she’ll have no one to blame but herself. Fine.
Crossing her arms, she looked into his (she assumed, since he had that stupid blindfold on) eyes. “Go on then.”
He grinned. “You’re hot as fuck. I am, too. So let’s get married.”
It was a crass statement she had never thought he would say. She couldn’t help the thought that came to her, He thinks I’m hot?
Now, Utahime wouldn’t consider herself vain. She has turned a few heads before, although now it’s more because of the scar on her face. There were the usual looks of horror and pity, but it never bothered her and she definitely didn’t think herself ugly because of that and neither did her partners. In fact, her scar’s more of a mark of pride for her. She fought and survived, she’s strong despite what Gojo says. However, this wasn’t the point. The point was she had never expected to be described as hot. Hot as fuck. By Gojo. Especially by Gojo. As much as she wanted to deny it out of spite, anyone can see Gojo is handsome. The man himself knows it. So for him to think that of her made her feel a tiny thrill. Just a bit. She cleared her throat and beat the feeling down quickly. Just another one of his games.
Other than the heat she felt in her cheeks, she kept her face impassive as she replied to him, “Right. And why not just choose other ‘hot as fuck’ people to marry instead of me?”
“Because we’re both sorcerers and teachers. Oh! And we’ve known each other for a long time.”
She waited for him to elaborate as he sat there. “If you’re going by that reasoning only, we can also marry Nanami or Kusakabe,” she countered when none came.
His grin faltered as if he didn’t seem too happy with her argument. No sooner than she said that, she felt the air around them shifted. It felt oppressive and she swore the lights flickered a bit, but it lasted only a moment before everything calmed again.
What the-
“Yes, but our compatibility makes us the best match,” he continued a bit tensely. “Character-wise, you’re perfect. Modest and traditional. What every clan expects,” he spat. Knowing how much he loathes the higher ups, Utahime imagined he’d be rolling his eyes right then if his blindfolds were off. “But clan expectations aside, you have other desirable traits. Other than being a reputable sorceress, you’re also dedicated and hardworking. You’re always pushing yourself and others around you to strive to do the best you can, to at least try. Like with your students. They appreciate your support and love and in turn support and love you. Who wouldn’t love you when you make it so easy, Utahime?”
Her eyes bulged.
“You care, Utahime. I get why you show respect to the higher-ups, since you always try to drill it into me. Practicing what you preach and all. But, even you’re aware that they aren’t always right. I don’t hold even an ounce of respect for them and I never will.” His fist tightened, veins protruding from his skin. “They’re too stuck on their old methods and traditionalist mentality to keep everything stagnant but the world doesn’t work like that. You hold some traditional values and that’s fine and all, but you’re aware that they won’t fit in this changing world. You know how to adapt while they refuse to. Curses are evolving to a higher grade above special and they’re still holding on to that pipe dream of keeping everything the same? Bullshit! They don’t fit in the world I’m trying to build. A better world for the future generation that I know you’d help me make.”
His speech rendered her mute, too shocked for words. She’d never thought he would ever be this frank with her regarding his dreams for the people after them.
He went on, “I am the strongest sorcerer and the head of one of the most prominent and powerful clans in the jujutsu world. Despite being small, the Iori clan is still a respectable one. As a head, I say a union between us is a worthy one.”
People say that you can tell when someone is lying if they can’t hold eye contact, or something along those lines. Though he still had his blindfold on, she knew he was looking at her. She could feel the conviction behind his words. Still it was too much, she couldn’t help lowering her gaze. He rarely shows this side of him. His honesty and compliments were definitely affecting her right then. Where was this coming from? This was too much for a joke and if it is then it’s too cruel.
“Plus, we’ve only got each other, right?”
Her head snapped up. Huh?
“It’s hard for sorcerers to build a family in general. With non-sorcerers, they would just get dragged into something they might never fully understand,” he explained. “We rarely get to live to our old age, but it’s easier with other sorcerers, isn’t it?”
A beat of pause. “Weren’t you the one who always said that a sorcerer dies alone? Why even bother marrying if you’re just going to put your family through the pain of knowing you were alone and losing you?”
“Because I don’t want to die with regrets.”
“It’s still incredibly selfish.”
“It is but I want it,” he admitted, “even for a little while. Is it so wrong to want that?”
No, it wasn’t. But it’s one thing to act on that want. She could never do that. Not when there’s no guarantee they’ll live long.
But what if we did?, her mind whispered.
They don’t know what’s going to happen and she couldn’t help but think, would it be so bad to get even just a slice of that happiness for a while? To even try? She’s always dreamed of making her own family but it’s just that. A dream. And she chose to focus on the now. Focusing on her students as if they were her own children as a substitute.
But she couldn’t deny that she’ll always want that dream. How could she not, especially now when he said all those things. Making her really consider a future…with him. What?
He seriously thought this through. With her in mind. Out of all people. But why was she even considering this further?
Is it because…
“I trust you the most, Utahime,” he said.
And apparently he can read minds too.
She couldn’t even be bothered to correct him for his lack of using honorifics. Too wrapped up in the feeling of disbelief and the thought that he viewed her that way, even if he always called her ‘weak.’ But then why else would he divulge the information of the traitor to her first? She felt something tugging at her chest from the weight of his words and actions.
Despite how much his bratty attitude annoys her, she trusts him too. Trusts he’ll take care of his students (in his own strange ways). Trusts he wants a better world for the future generation. Trust that he’ll always have her back. But could she really put someone through that? Put herself through that? She would’ve been lost in deep thought about all this if he didn’t catch her attention again.
“Besides...”
And she also trusts that whatever he was going to say next, was going to make her want to throw the armchair she’s sitting on his way judging by the telltale smirk that’s growing.
Her hackles rose and body tensed.
“I know you want to fuck me-“ the armchair bounced off upon impact with his Infinity, the serious atmosphere broken.
“Heheheheheh…”
Still, as she kept yelling at him to respect his elders, there was a niggling in the back of her mind that knew he meant every word. And that was the beginning of her confusion.
Gojo. Fucking. Satoru! Yaga-san should’ve just kept him in that headlock!
===
The next time, it was the lingering looks.
Upon hearing that they were going to play baseball, she immediately instructed Momo to change and to tell the others to, too. This whole thing was for the students but she couldn’t help but buzz with excitement and also put on her baseball uniform.
Gojo was holding the ends of a baseball bat behind his back, animatedly talking to his students when she walked in, leading her students. Only Yuuji seemed to be sharing the same enthusiasm. Nobara saw her first and offhandedly said, “Eh? Iori-sensei looks so cute in her baseball uniform.” That perked Gojo up and he slid his shades down slightly. This, he had to see. He turned towards the direction Nobara was facing...
And tried not to get turned on.
Holy shit. His grip on the bat faltered and his mouth slackened.
Is he blushing? His reaction didn’t go unnoticed by his students. Well well well. How to take advantage of this? Though it was disturbing to see the increasingly heated look their teacher was giving the Kyoto teacher.
“Huh?! What’s wrong with Gojo-sensei?! Why is he turning red?! Is he dying?!” Yuji exclaimed.
Nobara elbowed him. “Tsk! Shut up, idiot! He’s crushing hard on Iori-sensei, obviously,” she said in disgust.
His face was full of question marks. “I thought they hated each other?”
“She probably hates him. But he doesn’t if he’s looking at her like...that. Blergh! As if he has a chance. Iori-sensei could do better,” Nobara continued haughtily.
An extended essay for you then, Gojo thought with his selective hearing.
As if a light bulb was switched on, Panda gasped. “Of course!” He chuckled. “Now, should I ask him if he likes big boobs or small boobs?” Panda pondered.
Utahime’s boobs, duh.
Maki rolled her eyes. “Ugh! Idiot.” She was referring to both her classmate and sensei.
“Okaka,” Inumaki added.
“Oi! Wipe that drool off your chin,” Megumi said, “it’s gross.” And so pathetic, he thought.
Doing that, he uttered a be right back kids, cocky smile back in place as he swaggered towards her. “What’s this, Utahime? I know you want Kyoto to win this event, but this game is for students only. But, it doesn’t matter since mine are definitely going to beat yours.”
She rolled her eyes and sent her students away to do a warm-up before the game started. Miwa waved at him with starry eyes. When he waved back, Mai and Momo shot him a dirty look before they went with the others. Utahime was facing away from him when she scolded him. “How many times, Gojo? That’s senpai to you. And can you at least try waiting until my kids are out of earshot before you start to talk trash?”
“But I’d rather talk dirty to you instead when they’re out of earshot,” he easily replied.
Her neck should’ve been broken with the way she swivelled her head towards him so fast.
Her eyes widened. What the fuck. Not again.
“I- wha- huh…?!” she lamely sputtered. She couldn’t think of a quick-witted reply right then. Couldn’t think at all. She was so caught off guard she didn’t notice that he had moved closer.
“You look so…” he slowly roved his eyes on her from head to toe, “cute, senpai,” he continued, grinning naughtily.
Why did she feel like those last two words carried another meaning and so…dirty?
Did he seriously just say that to her? Could everyone hear her heart pounding? If she could’ve just use one functioning brain cell she would’ve remembered him describing her as ‘hot as fuck’ yesterday and try to justify he was just messing with her and stepped back to calm the fuck down but No, seriously did he really just say that?
“But don’t think this is going to distract me in making sure my kids win.”
She felt pinned by his eyes. It was difficult for her to even form a coherent thought let alone produce it, especially when he’s looking at her like that. Was this how Medusa’s victims felt when she petrified them with one gaze?
“Uhm- you- eh?” Mouth flapping open and close. Was she about to or experiencing heatstroke?
“You look like a fish, Utahime.”
“Yeah, I- wait, what.”
It took her a while to process those words. Once she did, she was looking at his shit eating grin. Her nostrils flared.
“GOJO YOU LITTLE SHI-“
“Now, now. Don’t go swearing around the kids. That’s not very prim and proper of you,” he said while she pounded her fist against his Infinity. “Geez, Utahime-”
“RESPECT,” pound, “YOUR,” pound, “ELDERS!”
“You need to control your temper. No one likes a violent woman. Although, I wouldn’t mind it once in a while-”
“Shut up!” she hissed.
He laughed that stupid laugh that sounds like a buzzing fly as he started walking away from her backwards. “Just thought you should know,” he tossed out and even winked before sliding his glasses back up again and jogging back to his students.
UGH!
She stomped off to her students with a clenched fist and red face. Her students, upon seeing her state, were concerned and figured it had something to do with the white-haired teacher on the other side of the field. Mai offered to shoot him, to which Utahime did consider for a split second before denying the offer. Tempting, tempting but no. She just told them to gather round and discuss the game plan to ensure their win. They were going to beat the Tokyo team.
They didn’t win.
She also didn’t feel heated gazes thrown at her every now and then throughout the game. Didn’t even turn to said gaze and met blue eyes every time. Nope. And if she were to feel that, she wouldn’t like the attention at all.
===
The next incident wasn’t long after the exchange event. It involved him touching her and being all in her personal space. Can’t really blame him for this one: she almost got injured but he took advantage of it every time since then.
She was on her way to her assigned location when he found her halfway.
“Utahime!”
Dread instantly filled her. With a quick mental preparation, she turned towards the voice. “Gojo. What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be on a mission right now?”
“Done. It was so boring I hardly broke a sweat! I guess that’s what happens when you’re up against the strongest sorcerer,” he boasted. “Where ya goin’, Utahime?”
She tried but couldn’t help rolling her eyes at his response. “Gojo, that’s sen- ahem,“ she broke off remembering the last time he called her that and felt her cheeks start to heat. No no, don’t go there. Let’s just pretend that never happened and answer him quickly. “I’m on a mission right now. I’d say that I would love to stay and chat but that would be a lie so bye!” There. That’s that. She walked around him and continued on her way, putting as much distance from him as possible.
But when was he ever known to leave her in peace?
“Ooh, I’ll come with you and I’ll make it quick. Let’s have dinner after!”
She stopped her tracks and turned back around. “This is MY mission, and YOU are not going anywhere with me now or later.”
“But I’m starving! And we never get to hang out much!” he whined.
“Gee, I wonder why,” she muttered. “If you’re so hungry go ahead and get some food for yourself then.”
“I don’t want to be alone.”
Something about the way he said it softened her. To say he rarely shows his vulnerability would be an understatement, because he never had one. Or at least that’s what most thought. He couldn’t have one. Not when he’s the strongest sorcerer they’ve got. Hence why most missions are assigned to him. Too much of it, actually. As if he’s an overworked machine. She suddenly began to feel a loathing for the higher-ups.
“I’m too handsome to be eating alone in a restaurant, Utahime! People would think I’m pathetic!”
At that, she just had to roll her eyes. “You are, though. And it’s perfectly normal to eat by yourself in Japan.”
“Not at upscale restaurants!”
“You never cared about what people think, Gojo and I doubt why you’d start now.” She sighed. “But, I suppose it has been a while since I’ve eaten outside. And company would be nice, even if it’s yours-“
“Oi!”
“ -but I have a couple of rules: One, you can come with me on my mission but you can’t exorcise the curse- no, Gojo!” she stopped him when she saw him opening his mouth, “It’s my mission.”
He pouted.
“Two, I’m craving ramen so we’re gonna eat that later. Three, you’re paying for it. If you don’t agree to my terms, you can go on your merry way and eat your foie gras and tiny portion meals by yourself and have people judge you.”
She’s not that much of a picky eater and didn’t give out the rules as a disguise out of pity to him being alone. Because to be honest with herself she does enjoy his company from time to time, when he’s not being annoying that is. She just can’t let him know that and she has appearances to keep up around him after all. And… she considers him a friend.
Oh wow, friend. Never thought I’d admit that to myself. Friend, huh? A friend that called me hot and basically proposed to me. So not going to overanalyse that now.
She shook herself out of her thoughts. “So? How about it?”
“Fine. But you can’t bail yet after that. We’re getting ice-cream.”
Her mouth twitched a little smile. You and your sweet tooth. “Since we’re gonna hang out after this...yeah, okay.”
Meanwhile, Gojo was a bit dumbstruck because she never smiled when he’s around. At least, not when it’s at his expense. Exhibit A; Yaga putting him in that headlock.
“Aren’t we hanging out right now?” he asked, starting to move closer to her.
“Well,” she began walking again and he followed, “I’m actually on the clock right now and you’re tagging along. Come on, then.”
They reached a dilapidated building and the amount of cursed energy it emitted was almost overwhelming. Gojo helped her put a curtain around the area. Inside the empty building with a cursed weapon in hand, she looked for the cursed spirit. It seems to be good at hiding itself. I’ll check the upper level then.
When she reached the landing, something darted past her. Startled, she held on to the wooden railing but the thing was already rotten and came off when she grasped it. It felt like everything was in slow motion as she started to fall backwards. I’m gonna be so humiliated if I die breaking my neck without even fighting the cursed thing!
A tug on the front of her shirt and an arm around her waist was what she felt next and in a blurry of movement found herself pressed against a wall, black filling her vision. Looking up, she found Gojo with his blindfold down but he was looking to his left. Following his gaze, she saw the cursed spirit at the end of the hallway. Sensing it was spotted, it quickly went running to the left. The hand on her shirt lifted and fingers crossed-
She clamped on that hand. “Wait, no!”
The arm around her waist tightened. “Come on, Utahime. I’ll make this quick-”
“My mission, remember? And we had a deal. Otherwise, I’m going straight home after this.”
He contemplated for a bit and loosened his grip on her waist, but didn’t let her go yet. That made her realise she’s still holding on to his hand. She had just let it go and was about to push him off her when he took her hand back and entwined it with his. Confused, her eyes darted up to ask what he was doing but the words died in her throat.
Her breath hitched and she could hardly think with the way he was looking at her. Like he was trying to memorise every bit of detail. All she could do was gaze back and follow where his eyes tracked. And when it zeroed in on her lips…
She unconsciously let it part and felt the lightest brush of his thumb on her lower lip. With his eyes having a singular focus, he leaned in slowly while she lowered her lids.
Gojo paused and looked at her, still thumbing her lip.
You alright?
And a small part of her remembered that she was supposed to be on a mission, but it wasn’t enough to break this hold he had on her.
“Thanks for…not letting me fall,” she let out breathlessly.
He hummed noncommittally.
“How did you-”
“Teleport.” Again with the mind reading.
“Oh.”
He pressed their joined hands to the wall. It feels as if the space is narrowing in on them, and the pressure feels so good.
“I’ll…uhm…check…”
“Okay, but I’m coming with you,” he said quietly.
Whatever you want, she thought offhandedly.
“Just in case you need back up, ‘cause you’re weak.”
She blinked.
Well that definitely burst the bubble.
She pushed him off her with a glare and a huff. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be quick. I’m hungry for that ramen,” she played off and headed to where the spirit went. She could put this incident aside and (try not to) think about it (at all) later. She had a mission to do.
Watching her walk away, he couldn’t help but think if he should have desserts first. He grinned wickedly.
Not yet.
===
It was like a monster was unleashed after that. Or maybe an overeager puppy. He was never too far away from her. Trading his blindfold for his glasses, they walked together to a nearby ramen shop after finishing her mission. On the way, Gojo kept walking a little too close to her. When they neared the shop entrance, he insisted she went in first by keeping his hand on her back. It stayed there as he guided her towards two empty seats at the counter, making sure to brush the back of her forearms and palm before taking it off. She didn’t say anything for any of it but narrowed her eyes when he sat too close to her. He grinned in response and barely moved to give space, keeping his knee close to hers.
She was dawdling in front of the ice-cream display as Gojo made his order, “I’d like three scoops: raspberry swirl, butterscotch and chocolate fudge please.” Her teeth ached at hearing the amount of sugar he just ordered.
He turned to her. “What are you getting?”
“I’m fine, thanks. I’m not really into sweet stuff.”
“Come on, I’m sure there’s something here that suits your weak palette.” She refrained from punching him. Using his glasses as a makeshift headband, he went next to her and pointed out a tub of matcha flavoured ice-cream. “How about that one?”
Too close.
“It- it’s fine, Gojo-”
“Can we taste the matcha?” he asked the girl behind the counter, looking at them with a hint of amusement. The employee handed her a small spoon of the matcha ice-cream to sample. Utahime sighed and took it with a resigned thanks. She’ll just have a taste to get him off her back.
Oh. It was quite nice.
“You like it?”
She nodded. “It’s not overwhelmingly sweet.”
He paid for their treat and they left the shop.
She thanked him as he walked her home, two scoops already gone while she still had half left.
“No problem.” He grinned. “Although we need to work on your boring flavour choices. Here, try this.” He offered her his raspberry swirl.
“Oh, uh, no it’s okay.”
“It’s not too sweet, more tart. You’ll like it. Come on, try it.” He hovered the ice-cream in front of her.
Sharing food with Gojo? She tried not to make a big deal out of it.
She gave in to his insistence. Her lips closed around his ice-cream as she took a small bite. She hummed in approval. “You’re right. Not bad. Maybe I’ll have that next time.” She licked her lips to rid the remnants of the raspberry flavour.
She noticed his silence and found him transfixed by her mouth. She turned away and cleared her throat. “Th- thanks.”
That broke him out of his stupor. “Huh...oh. Yeah, sure.” And they walked on. He continued to finish his ice-cream from where Utahime bit. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her glanced at where he continued eating and turned away quickly. He was preening inside but chose not to aggravate her on it.
They reached the outside of her flat. “Thanks, Gojo. I had a nice time, surprisingly,” she joked. He stayed silent at that, face unreadable. Thinking she offended him, she was about to explain her attempt at humour when he once again got up in her personal space.
He loomed over her. “Am I really that bad you can’t stand to be around me?”
“Well, you seem to enjoy bugging me the most,” she blurted out and stepped back a bit. “I was just messing with you, Gojo. I didn’t mean any harm by it.”
He followed and looked at her with lidded eyes. “Then...we should do it again next time. Hang out.” The corner of his mouth upturned, showing teeth. She gulped.
“Maybe,” She said.
With one last smile, he stepped back, bid her good night and teleported away. Utahime let out a breath and stumbled to her flat, knees feeling a little weak. She leaned against her door when she got in. Thinking back on the last hour, she did nothing to stop him from getting close to her. She didn’t even mind it.
The flirting and compliments during the events, the touching today. It was a complete one-eighty from how he usually treats her. It had only been days but she didn’t think this was one of his elaborate jokes. He wouldn’t do that to her. Never.
But it was too much to unpack and she had work the next day. She cleaned up and went to bed. Maybe, it’s just one of those strange days or weeks. I’m sure everything’ll go back to normal tomorrow and I don’t have to think about all this again.
She didn’t know why she was trying to kid herself.
===
Because things changed after that. Nothing drastic. It’s just that Gojo seemed to always seek her out. It continued through texts of him informing her when he was in Kyoto for a mission or a meeting with the old farts (his words) higher ups, then him asking where she was (in class, Gojo) and that he’d drop by (no, I’m busy but he did it anyway during her break times, even if it was for a short while). Her confusion about the whole thing made her irritated at him (good thing too, it was what everybody expected and she didn’t want to seem like she let her guard down too easily) but that always didn’t last long. Eventually, she looked forward to his visits and texts (he also kept sending random memes that she just couldn’t keep up with).
Make no mistake, the dynamic remained: him exasperating her, her scolding him. But their little hangouts turned it softer and worked its way towards intimacy that their friends, colleagues and students felt as if they'd intruded on something that they shouldn’t. These two have been known to be all up on each other’s faces when they’re bickering, yet this time…
They’re too close, the students wondered.
At the next teachers’ meeting, they were at the refreshment table. Their colleagues noticed Gojo seemed to take a roundabout way of getting snacks and drinks. He’d always reach for the same thing Utahime would want to get. And when their hand brushed he’d apologise, but everyone noticed how his hand lingered. She’d shrug it off, but there’s a hint of a smile when she turned away from him. Instead of asking her to pass him a cup of tea nearest to her, he’d reach for it behind her with one hand while the other held on to her arm. So I don’t lose balance, he’d said.
His antics are getting more idiotic, their colleagues sighed.
She didn’t mind the close proximity and touches anymore. Or at least, she acted nonchalant about it. She couldn't help internally screaming. That didn’t mean she started responding to him in kind. For now, she just let him. And the old part of her that didn’t like it during their school days now enjoys his attention.
But it still bothered her. And he could sense it. He knew when to back off and give her an out. Or she’d just run away. Always running away. It was hard to reconcile with the fact that she felt comfortable too quickly if he was in her personal bubble when she should be screaming at him to back off. Why the sudden change now? And did he have to come on too strong? But then again, this is Gojo. Subtlety is not his middle name. And why did she like it? Was it just the thrill of the chase? He did say he thought she’s hot so maybe this an itch to scratch? That thought made her feel a pang of disappointment. Too many thoughts and frustration would make her determined to avoid him at times.
Like this one as a recent example.
He was in Kyoto Tech on some errand and she’d been holed up in her classroom to avoid bumping into him. That plan was useless because he appeared in front of her when she slid the door open to quickly get the papers she left in the staff room. His blindfold was down and he smiled upon seeing her, greeting her with a cheery Utahime!
And god she thought that was so cute.
Focus! “Hello, Gojo,” she replied coolly and turned back around to her chalkboard in case he heard her heart thumping. She could hear him following her in. Picking up her eraser, she started wiping. Nope, not nervous at all.
“Let’s go out,” he said easily from behind her desk.
Her motion faltered a bit. Though she was still confused about this whole thing and had her back to him, she restrained from giving out a smile. “Can’t. Busy.” She dusted off the chalky remains from her hands.
“With what?”
She waved her hand around. “Cleaning.”
Turning back around she avoided his eyes and rearranged her stationary set. He moved to her side and sat with one thigh on the edge of her desk. “Is that so? So you aren’t trying to avoid me?”
Don’t fucking call me out, idiot, she groaned internally. “Mhm,” she confirmed.
A hand on her wrist halted her fiddling, but she didn’t look up.
“Pay attention to me,” he said.
Despite feeling like she might combust any second, she looked up at his smirking face with an eyebrow raised. “Don’t people give you enough of that already?”
He softened, “But I like your attention the most.”
And his earnestness made her feel shy. He probably felt the throbbing pulse around her wrist and started rubbing the spot with his thumb. “Go out with me,” he said again.
Silence on her end before lifting up her eyes to his. “What are you doing, Gojo?” she asked.
“Trying to ask you out on a date.”
“More like demanding,” she huffed out and he grinned. “It’s just...this is too elaborate and cruel to be a joke from you-”
He scrunched his eyebrows. “What? It’s not! Utahime, I swear-”
“I know. I know that,” she assured him, “but I’m just still confused about this. You’ve done nothing but be my constant source of stress for the past 10 years or so and your sudden personality change is throwing me for a loop.” She sighed, might as well be honest. “Look, I realise that you’re feeling some kind of affection for me. You couldn’t be more obvious,” his lips lifted at hearing that and he pulled her a bit closer with the wrist he held captive. “But, could you give me some space for a bit? Just so I can really make sure that I want this?”
The silence didn’t stretch on too much before he nodded and she let out a sigh of relief. He seemed to be searching her face for something, eyebrows furrowed in concentration. “You’re so beautiful, Utahime,” he sighed before leaning in closer to her. Her eyes widened slightly in disbelief and panic, but he just put his forehead against hers. “I can be patient,” he said lowly, placing their hands close to his heart, “whether your answer is yes or no.”
A slow blink before she replied, “Thank you.” The tension she carried slowly seeped out.
She relaxed and they stayed like that for a while. He was still holding on to her wrist, but she didn’t mind not having it back for a while. He adjusted his hand to palm the back of hers, filling the spaces between her fingers with his, covering her entire hand and letting her feel his steady beat.
Their slow inhale and exhale turned the atmosphere tranquil and created a barrier of white noise that surrounded only them, their lids turning hooded as they indolently gazed into each other’s eyes. It felt like no time had passed.
“No pressure, but I really hope it’s yes,” he spoke softly, their bubble so fragile he didn’t want it to burst.
She snorted lightly. “Shut up, Gojo.”
He tugged the corner of his mouth in a tiny smile and rubbed the tip of his nose against hers. It was so adorable that she melted inside at his soft motion. God, is it going to be this easy to wear her down? He’ll just get all soft and understanding like this? Maybe he’s right in that she is weak. Weak to resist him and making her almost feel like taking back the request she made not a few minutes ago.
She was broken out of her musings because they were rudely jolted back to reality when they heard the sliding door frame slam the wall.
They froze.
“Excuse me, sen- oh!”
A beat or two passed before they turned their heads in the direction of the voice, finding Miwa with her mouth agape and eyes wide open in shock, pupils rapidly shifting between her and Gojo. It’d be easy to conclude what was going on but Miwa was too shell-shocked to think properly. She tried to process the scene in front of her: her sensei and Gojo-sensei were sort of canoodling, Eh?; their heads were pressed together, Uhm...?; and he was holding her hand close to his heart, Huh?.
Oh. Oh! Oh my! Wait, what?! Iori-sensei and Gojo-sensei?! Iori-sensei and Gojo-sensei? Iori-sensei and Gojo-sensei. Iori-sensei and Gojo-sensei… oh my god Iori-sensei and Gojo-sensei!!!
Gojo and Utahime stayed still as they saw the different expressions crossing Miwa’s face, obviously lost in her own thoughts. Oh, they’d make such a cute couple!
She observed their closeness once more, And they already look so good together! Gojo-sensei is so handsome and Iori-sensei is unbelievably beautiful. And they complement each other so well! His light hair and her dark one, his bubbly personality to her reserved- like yin and yang! Perfectly balanced! Though I wonder if they do have something in common? Oh! They’re both teachers! And...hmm...can’t really think of anything else besides their twin expressions of slight horror- or is that concern?- directed at me. I really think- eh?
She focused on that last thought and took in the two senseis, wondering why they looked like they got caught red-handed. It wasn’t as if she interrupted a private moment between them!
…
Except, she totally did. Realising what she did she let out a huge gasp, hand in mouth.
Seeing her panicked, Utahime raised her head to tell Miwa that it was okay before she quickly recovered and bowed in apology. “Never mind! Sorry!” she squeaked out before standing back up and promptly slamming the door shut again.
Rushing towards the end of the corridor, she turned at the corner and leaned against the wall. Putting her embarrassment aside for now, her cheeks lifted and giggled. She decided to keep this piece of news to herself. They probably want to keep whatever it is between them low-key. Plus, it’s none of my business but eep! I hope they work out!
She walked away with a spring in her step to meet up with her fellow classmates.
Back in the classroom, the echoing slam made Utahime flinch. She closed her eyes and heaved out a sigh.
“Hey…” Gojo looked in concern.
“It’s fine. Miwa knows to keep quiet,” she assured him, opening her eyes. “I have to get ready for the next class.”
“‘Kay,” he nodded. He then stood unhurriedly, bringing her hand up to his face. What’s he doing?, she wondered as he stared at her unflinchingly. He pressed the back of her hand to his mouth, making sure that she maintained her gaze on him. She wasn’t sure if the flutter she felt was due to the intensity of his eyes, the way he let his soft lips linger or the fact that she had never felt so coveted. Perhaps it was all three. Whichever it was made her free hand tighten; the zing of electricity sparked from the spot he kissed, travelled up her arm and her whole being; being so focused on him was making her feel both alert and heady; her body burning as her blood simmered under her skin. It was addictive.
Seemingly satisfied, Gojo removed his mouth in the same manner he attached it to her hand. Letting it go, he stepped back and slid his blindfold back over his eyes, the warmth he partly emanated from their closeness following after him.
“See you around,” he said and then left for her to bask in the lingering intimacy around her.
Alone and in the safety of her classroom, her mind kept replaying the moment that happened just then. His determination to win her over but never forcefully, the assertiveness he displayed and yet so gentle, the way he didn’t hide how much he desired her...
Oh.
Shit.
I’m in trouble.
Gradually she broke off from her trance, trying to calm herself and not getting lost in thought again. She looked down at the hand he clutched the entire time and brought it up to her chest.
Fuck. I can’t be like this around him, she resolved.
And if she brushed her lips against where he left the imprint of his warmth after that thought…
Well, that’s her own damn business.
===
It’s been a week since then. It was her day off and she felt like staying in. She was preparing lunch with Shoko on speaker when her friend asked what was going on between her and the white haired man. She could just play dumb but that wasn’t gonna get her anywhere. So she just told her friend everything that happened from the exchange event up to their sort-of-confession a week ago. She aired out her elation and confusion whenever they were around each other.
“Huh...dumbass is finally making a move,” Shoko replied, “sure took his sweet ass time, but good for him.” In the background, Utahime could hear Shoko slicing up flesh.
Utahime tsked. “That’s it?”
“Listen, I know him showing interest is throwing you off-kilter but he’s been having a hard-on for you-”
“Sho!”
“-since our Jujutsu High days. I know it’s no excuse and I’m not trying to make one for him. But by what you’re telling me it seems like you’re not immune to his efforts these past few weeks.”
She sighed.
“Buuuut…” she dragged out, “I understand your hesitation to give him a chance-”
“Yeah, the constant ‘you’re weak’ insult, changing partners like changing panties, and you know what since you mentioned his ‘hard-on’ for me, what if he just wants to sleep with me?”
“Then you sleep with him. Ball’s in your court, and I’m sure he won’t mind if you play with his.”
She choked on her spit. “Shoko!”
“I can guarantee that that’s not all he wants from you, though. And you don’t believe that’s all he wants. Idiot even proposed to you.” Utahime huffed. “Look, I’ll just tell you straight up that it seems like you actually want to try with him,” Shoko went on. “But you don’t have to say yes if you aren’t sure. In fact, it’ll be funny if you flat out reject him,” she muttered and Utahime laughed, “serves him right for taking this long to realise his ineptness at expressing his crush on you.”
Utahime sighed again. “I do want to give him a chance. That bastard really dialed up his charm on me, and I’m the idiot that fell for it. As if it’s not enough to be the strongest sorcerer and handsome. No. He just has to be kind in his weird way. Like taking in Megumi and Tsumiki, preventing Yuuta and Yuuji from being executed- and his ambition, Sho! The reason why he took up teaching! How the fuck is he so romantic and I’m swooning- ugh! Annoying dumbass!”
There was silence for a moment until she heard a snort on the other line, then full on laughter. Shoko wheezed out a laugh and Utahime couldn’t contain her own laughter hearing that. Girl sounds like a donkey. Once she calmed down, “Wow! You’re so screwed, Uta!”
“I knooowww,” she groaned.
“But it also seems like you already made your decision.”
“Yeah,” Utahime said. “I guess I just needed to let out whatever I’ve been internalizing. Thanks, Sho. For listening and that laugh.”
“Hey!” she exclaimed. “But it’s no problem. I gotta get back to work now, but I’ll see you this weekend with everyone, yeah?”
They hung up and Utahime continued preparing her meal. Feeling loads better, she fully acknowledged his hard-on crush on her he had been harbouring since they were students, and he’s only now doing something about it.
She smiled to herself. She could meet him halfway.
===
Back in the karaoke room, Ijichi finishes his performance with a mic drop and a ‘rock on’ sign on each hand. Shoko and Gojo give him a standing ovation with a shout of Encore! Encore! Encore! but he ended it with a GOOD NIGHT TOKYO!
Stumbling to her side, she stood up and out from her spot to help him sit down next to Mei Mei. Kind of useless since his body leans forward in the remaining space with a dull thud and he promptly passes out. She turned to Gojo. “Did you forget he was our designated driver?”
“Huh?” he replied. “Oh. Well, shit.”
She sighed. Why does she like him again? “Good thing you’re a lightweight.”
“Oi! What does that have to do with anything? And I just don’t like drinking-”
“Yeah, ‘cause you easily get drunk after just one drink,” she laughed. “Come on. I think we should all head out now and drop them off at the Tokyo Tech dorm,” she said as she bends down slightly to pat Ijichi for the car key. “You’re driving and carrying Ijichi.”
“But-”
She straightens up once she retrieves the key with a hand on her hip and a tilted head. “You’re the one who egged him on! It’s the least you could do-”
“The others didn’t even try to stop me!” he points to the other three, who are watching their back and forth like a ping pong match- though, she’s pretty sure they don’t really understand what’s going on by their glazed looks. He crosses his arms and she kind of wishes he didn’t.
Because he’s wearing a fitted black t-shirt that shows off his pecs and biceps. She tried not to drool but couldn’t help but let her eyes drift. Is it not enough that he’s pretty and now he’s flaunting his muscles- focus! He’s still going on.
“You didn’t even try to stop me! You’re just as much of an accomplice,” he continued, Utahime internally thankful she wasn’t caught and called out for her thirst. “Utahime, this is so unfair-”
Oh god, she actually likes this tall, whiny man.
“You know, when you point a finger at someone, the other fingers actually point back at you so that indicates you’re actually the one at fault-”
This tall, whiny, ridiculous man!
“So really I don’t know why I’m the one being used as a scapegoat-”
“Satoru! I have your answer,” she interrupted. That shut him up. “Let’s just help get them back safely to the dorms first, okay?”
“You don’t play fair, Utahime,” he eventually said. She stuck out her tongue. Mei Mei and Nanami are confused, Shoko gives a knowing look.
===
She met up with Gojo in the empty corridor after helping their friends settle in the empty dorm rooms.
“Go get your man, Uta,” Shoko slurred before falling asleep.
Not my man yet, she thought. But he will be in a bit.
Her man. Hers.
She smiled at the idea and her friend before whispering her thanks and headed out.
Hands tucked in the pockets of her overalls, she feels shy all over again. She’s not really sure how to start it. She settled with Hey, and internally winced. He smirks and echoes her.
Okay, now what? How the hell do I segway into this?
“You called me Satoru,” he said suddenly.
Huh? Did I?
Her confusion must’ve shown on her face. “Before you told me you got my answer,” he explained. “You never call me that.”
“Oh. I didn’t realise-”
“I don’t mind it at all.”
She smiled. Okay.
He remained silent for a bit before asking seriously, “You got your answer for me?”
Hmm, not beating around the bush. Good. But she wants to tease him a bit first. “For someone who said he’ll be patient, you sure are being the exact opposite.”
“Utahime. Please,” he begged. And that please was what did her in.
He’s been patient enough, she decided.
Let me see your eyes, she thought and stepped towards him to back him up against the wall. He grabbed on to her waist when she did.
“Utahime…?” he mumbled.
She took her time reaching up to slide his shades off by the bridge until his eyes were revealed. Good thing he’s holding her because her knees are feeling a little weak right now.
Putting his shades in his pocket, she trails one hand up from one of his that’s holding her waist to his biceps, while she places the other on his pec. Have his chest and arms always been this big? she marveled. Being so up close to his muscles is making her a bit dumb right now, as she’s unconciously gripping his arm and stroking his chest up and down. His hands squeezed her hips lightly.
She didn’t realise the torture she’s putting him through with her continuous touch when he hitched out a breath. “Hime, please,” he breathed out. She looked up to meet his bright eyes, half-hidden. Sliding the hand that’s on his bicep down, she took one of his off of her waist and trapped his wrist to the wall. Sliding her fingers with his, teasing before tangling them together. She brings his other hand up to cup her face, looking at him from under her lashes.
He thumbs her scarred cheek. “Is this your answer, Hime?” he asked desperately. Hopefully.
“Isn’t it obvious?” she breathed out in his palm, giving it gentle kisses.
“Say it,” he pleads for her answer, as he feels a kiss on his thumb, “I need you to say it.”
He bends down and she lets their foreheads meet. “Tell me what you’re thinking, Satoru.” She rubbed the tip of her nose with his, their mouths closely brushing together. He released their joined hands to wrap his arm around her waist so abruptly she had to hold on to his shoulders for support.
He confessed, “I’m tired of you not being mine.”
And that pleased her. So. Fucking. Much.
And so bashful. She tiptoes to hug him and hides her face in his neck.
He groaned. “Utahime~ don’t get all shy on me now!” Hugging her back.
Her shoulders shook in silent laughter. “Can’t help it,” she muffled against his neck, couldn’t resist giving it little pecks.
He shivers and sets her down. “Hey. You still haven’t answered me,” he said, meeting her eyes. “Tell me what you want.”
So, her eyes drift down to his mouth and she brings her own to his. Brushes her lips against his, once. Twice, when he parts it a little bit. A third time on his top lip, finding his eyes again. The fourth on his lower lip. Moving to his chin. The side of his face, up his jawline to his cheek. He shuddered.
She leans back a bit to take him in, finding him stupefied.
“If I said ‘you’?”
He swallowed. “Stop being a tease.”
She smiled. “I don’t want to regret anything and keep thinking of the what-ifs when I knew I had feelings for you. I want to try this. I want this.”
He’s still waiting.
“I want to be with you,” she goes on, “I want you.”
His face softens at her confession and cups her face. “I want that too. Want you.”
She grasps his wrist and leans her cheek into it. “I know.”
“Oh? What else do you know?” he joked.
She bites her lip to tamp down her smile. His thumb went to pry it free from her teeth, caressing it.
“I also know you want to kiss me.”
He stops his motion. Throat bobbed down and up. “You’re right,” he said in a hushed tone. Eyes searching hers. Longingly.
“Then what are you waiting for?”
He leans in. “Can I kiss you?”
She closes her eyes and tilts up her head in anticipation. Please. “Yes.”
He complied with her permission, crashing his lips with hers softly. Letting him lead this time. She felt the tension in her body dissipating the moment he kissed her. Relieved. And he keeps kissing and kissing and she never wants him to stop when it feels so sweet, when he makes her feel like this. Soft and happy.
But he did break the kiss after a while and she made a little noise of protest. He kisses her scarred cheek as a quick amendment, rubbing his thumb on her other. The tenderness of that gesture makes her nose prickle and she feels her eyes forming a little water behind her lids.
Gojo sees her making a pained face and stops. “Utahime? What’s wrong?”
She shakes her head. “Nothing,” she explains hurriedly, “just a bit overwhelmed.”
“Am I pressuring-”
“No, I'm fine. It’s just joy. It’s good. Promise,” she said while wrapping her arm behind his neck.
He brushed her fringe back, still looking at her worriedly.
This caring man.
She smiles to reassure him. “Don’t stop. Kiss me again, Satoru.”
Her hand on his chest can feel his heart pounding at her words. He looks at her in amazement and it thrills her.
“Satoru,” she whispers, leaning in. “Kiss me.” Desperate to feel him on her again.
His eyes darken. He slides his hand behind her head and grabs her ponytail firmly. Her breath hitches and she feels desire pooling before he complies and crashes into her again. There’s none of the gentleness from earlier this time. Instead there’s the rough pushing and pulling of lips that leaves her breathless. He takes advantage and places his tongue in her mouth, coaxing hers to meet his and do the same.
“I’ve only ever dreamed of you saying those to me,” he mumbles when he breaks off, trapping her bottom lip with his teeth. “But this isn’t a dream. Right, Hime?” he questions as he veers his lips down to her neck.
Oh, fuck.
“You’re here with me?” he reiterates, breath hot against her skin. She shivers.
“Yeah,” she blurted.
“Good.” He continued kissing down from the side of her neck to her shoulder, sliding off a strap that holds her overalls. “Did you do this on purpose? Knowing that it’ll be all I think of tonight?”
Why is he asking so many questions and expects her to answer when he’s purposely incapacitating her? But she has enough sense to question him even with the seductive haze she’s under. “What do you mean?”
He kissed back up the path to her neck, a hand snaking behind to cup her shoulder. “The off-shoulder shirt and putting your hair up. It’s like you were trying to tempt me the moment you walked in the room. Trying to make me think of you all night and drive me crazy.”
Huh. Interesting. “Did it work?” she teased.
The brief moment when he freezes is her only warning before he spins her around to trap her to the wall. He bites her in lieu of an answer, making her gasp and she clutches onto him. He sucks on her bit of flesh and soothes the sting with his tongue. She moans as the spark of pain-pleasure shoots up her spine, making her hot all over. She’d berate him for leaving a mark on her but him claiming her right now overrides the thought. It’s all she could do to even think of scolding him when she’s lost on how good he’s making her feel.
He left her two more marks before eventually retreating back up, landing more kisses on one side of her face starting with from her jawline and up to her cheek, temple, forehead then repeated with the other side, giving extra attention to her scar, before continuing to her chin. She gives a little giggle when he kisses the tip of her nose.
Half-opening her eyes, she blurrily takes in his flushed, winded state and heated gaze. She can only imagine she looks the same. She grins at him and that sets him off to kiss her ardently once more. She feels a light tug on her bottom lip and takes his cue for her to open up, not even bothering to fight him. He’s relentless in claiming her and making her feel butterflies. She loves it.
She’s beginning to feel like she needs some oxygen and starts to pull away from him with a loud smack, foreheads pressed together. Gojo only lets her for a brief moment with a little No, come back before he blindly searches for her mouth again, landing at the corner then finding his target.
“Mmf- Sato-mmf-” she tries to voice out but he never lets her go too far, as if he’s already addicted. She managed to turn her face away and whooshed out a quick, Wait! Give me a moment to breathe! Not letting that deter him, he holds one side of her jaw and nuzzles the spot between her neck and shoulder on the other side, ravaging that spot instead. She’s trying to catch her breath, eyes staring at nothingness in the dimly lit dorm hallway-
School.
She freezes.
Oh God. They’re making out in the dark after school hours like a bunch of teenagers with their friends and his students not far on the other side. She prayed they’re in a deep enough slumber to not hear anything through the thin walls. Sighing, she leans her cheek on the side of his head as he keeps nuzzling, sensing he’s about to work her up further. “Hey,” she starts. No answer, so she tries again until he gives a noncommittal hum. “We should stop before the groundskeeper makes his round,” nosing his side as she said it.
“Don’t wanna. He can watch if he wants,” he says lazily.
She squawks and pushes him off her shoulders, rolls her eyes when she meets his teasing grin. He reaches for her arm and slides his hand down to hold hers. You’d think she wouldn’t get all shy after making out with the strongest sorcerer in the hallway, but she did. With her tiny smile and looking anywhere except at him, though Gojo wouldn’t allow that and put a finger under her chin to lift her head up again. And his eyes. His beautiful blue eyes that hold the entire universe, have always mesmerized her whenever they’re uncovered. The same eyes that she’s currently getting lost in, that’s looking at her with wonder and yearning.
I’m yours already. Why the doubt?, she conveys wordlessly while embracing him by the waist, chin on his chest.
It just still feels unreal, returning her gesture, but I know it’s not. You’re finally mine now and I’m yours, he confirmed. But these are things that they don’t dare to say out loud. At least, not now. So Gojo settles for, “You’re my girlfriend now, Utahime.” A simple statement. A bit childlike. And silly.
“Hmm?” she suppressed from showing her dimples, an eyebrow raised. Tugging him away from the hallway. ”That so?”
“Yes!” he exclaimed once they neared the exit. “And I’m your boyfriend. We’ve been on a lot of dates these past few weeks so that means we’re a couple.” They’re outside the dormitory steps now.
“Dates?” she questions while walking hand in hand, Gojo swinging them back and forth. “We were just hanging out! So it was never official. Come to think of it we’re kinda doing things a bit assbackwards-”
“Uuurghhh, Hime~” he groans, “You jumped me first, you horndog-”
“Oi, you little shit!” she protests.
“-Which means we’re together now. No take-backsies,” he said.
She scoffed in disbelief. “What kind of logic is that? And I did not ‘jump you.’ I kissed you once-”
“And then begged me for more. Finally able to admit I’m irresistible, eh?” He’s so smug. “Took you long enough but better late than never.” A wink.
“Why must you be a special brand of annoying to me?” she complained half-heartedly.
“Needed to make you think of me somehow.”
“Idiot,” she says fondly. “Can’t do that maturely?”
He sticks his tongue out. “You need to work on the pet names. And where’s the fun in that? Plus, it’s funny seeing your teeny tiny self get mad. Like an angry bunny!”
She stops them and faces him fully. “I already wanna break-up,” she deadpanned.
Hugging her, he laughs in her face. “Can’t.” Tightens the gesture. “Not gonna let you. Just go outside and touch some grass or whatever if you’re pissed.” Alright, that’s funny so she laughs out loud before slapping a hand on her mouth. Her chortles muffled. He bops her on the nose. “My girlfriend.” Mine, he thought. “My cute, angry, beautiful girlfriend.”
“Beautiful, huh? I thought I was hot,” she jested.
“You’re both and everything. You’re perfect,” he says as if stating a fact.
Listen. She can go on about how a person shouldn’t use their physical appearance to measure their worth, but she’s also not above admitting that his statement makes her feel giddy and desirable. What woman doesn’t want to feel wanted? Give her a break.
“Do you know how many wet dreams-”
“You’re so ridiculous,” she cuts him off, putting a finger to his lips. But maybe I’ll bring it up again when our relationship progresses further.
He kisses it and quips, “Your ridiculous boyfriend.” Their grins grow as they continue to banter back and forth. She hides her face in his chest then, relishing his warmth and the steady thrum of his heart, the peacefulness of being in his embrace. She peeks up to find him watching her serenely.
“Come home with me tonight. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” he assures her in her silence, stroking her arms. “I just don’t want to be away from you yet,” he continued, “so stay with me tonight.” And every other night. Forever, he added quietly.
She keeps silent.
“Please, stay,” he asks.
“Come here,” she whispers and tugs by the front of his shirt, signalling him to bend down a bit. Once he’s at her level she glides her hand up his neck and palms his face with the other, wasting no time connecting their lips. She tilts her head when their mouths separate slightly, resumes kissing him long and deep. Then she slows it down, smacks their lips one time, two and one more before pulling away completely.
“Okay,” she breathes out.
Gojo beams. “Okay?” She nods. “Hold tight, babe,” he mouths against her cheek. She buries herself in him, her mouth stretches from ear to ear at his nickname for her before he bends them through space and time.
===
He offers her his bed while he takes the sofa, you know like a gentleman should, to which she just narrowed her eyes at him. “You live in a penthouse. With extra bedrooms. We both don’t want that, so cut the crap.”
“Utahime!” he gasped, hands on his face in shock. “I’m just trying to protect my virtue from naughty senpais like you!”
She rolled her eyes and sighed in exasperation (and amusement). Crossing her arms, she leaned against his doorframe. “Shall I leave then? Wouldn’t want your virtue to be corrupted by a bad senpai like me.”
“Hehehehe. Just kidding.” He was about to say something else when she noticed he was focused on her neck. Her hand shot up. “What!? Is there-”
Wait.
Oh.
Right.
He pulled her hand away and replaced it with his. His eyes started to darken and she stood frozen at his intensity as he brushed the blots he made on her skin (she’ll need to have a talk with him on overt public display of affection, she thought absentmindedly). He would’ve made more when he started to lean in but she stopped him, placing his thumb on her mouth. Confusion peeked through his lust-clouded eyes briefly until she bit the tip, brushing her tongue on the pad. Her brain was so addled she couldn’t think of a reasonable explanation on why she decided to pacify him like that. She didn’t know anything other than that she let her hormones took over for a bit. He shut his eyes and his free hand clenched into a fist, taking deep breaths in and out.
Crap!, she thought and released her trap.
“Sorry,” she let out meekly, “I’m not trying to send you mixed signals. It’s just…”
He swallowed hard. “No, it’s okay.” He nodded. “Probably for the best we hold off anything physical for now.”
“So you’re not upset with me?” she asked worriedly.
At that he snapped his eyes open. “Upset?” his brows scrunched, “Why would- Hime, no! Not at all.” He cupped her face. “Don’t worry.” A kiss on her cheek. “When it comes to it,” her nose, “we’ll figure it out.” Her scarred cheek, lingering on the soft leathery skin.
Damn, he’ll make me putty and want to take off his clothes if he keeps this up.
“Just for the record, it doesn’t bother me at all if you want to give me hickeys too. In fact, I highly encourage you to and don’t be shy about it!”
She smiled in relief. Trust her boyfriend of an hour or so to deliver his romantic preferences in a joking-yet-not-really manner.
“No restrictions on how many and where. My body is your canvas.”
She let out a hearty laugh.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she retorted. “Though I do want to talk about some ground rules in this relationship.”
Just then she felt tension around her jaw. She brought a hand up to cover her yawn.
“Let’s go to bed,” he suggested. “We can talk about it tomorrow. You can use one of my shirts to change into.”
“‘Kay. You got an extra toothbrush?” she asked through watery eyes.
“Just use mine,” he said without pause.
She scrunched her nose in disgust. “Gojo-”
“Oi! Why’d you revert back to using my family name?”
“‘Cause I’m genuinely annoyed. And I've always called you by your last name.”
“Whaa- but I'm your boyfriend!"
She raised a brow. "And?"
“Don't I get a special first name privilege? Okay, nevermind that, but we already swapped spits. Isn’t this another form of it?” She pinched his sides making him yelp. “Kidding! So violent! I have an extra in the bathroom cabinet. I’m gonna change in the other room. Don’t miss me too much!” He parted off.
“You’re ridiculous,” she called after him.
“And yet you’re dating me so which one of us is more ridiculous?” she chuckled at his quip and went to prepare for bed.
Now all freshened up, she steps out of the bathroom to find Gojo already in bed leaning against the headboard. He perks a little when he hears the door unlocked, eyes glued to his mobile screen and thumb scrolling through his social media timeline. “Ready to sleep babe-” he starts asking before his brain momentarily stops functioning, rendering his motor control useless. Because Utahime is wearing his shirt that’s too big on her that reaches mid-thigh. Her soft thighs and long legs. “How about we both sleep shirtless?” he blurted out.
She snorts, lifting the duvet and crawls into his bed. Is she trying to make him go feral? “Maybe some time down the line,” she promised, settling in the middle of the bed and plops on her side facing him. “So tired,” she murmurs, eyes droopy. Locking his phone, he sets it on the bedside table and tucks in next to her after switching off the lamps. He pulls the duvet up and lays next to her with his head propped up in his hand. She readjusts to bury herself in his chest, loops an arm around his torso and shuts her eye. He couldn’t be more happy at her clinginess.
“Babe,” he whispered.
She makes a sound of acknowledgment.
“How do you like your eggs in the morning?” he asked.
A slight crinkle of her forehead, but she keeps her eyes closed. “You can cook?”
“Not really but I can buy us breakfast.”
“What’s in your fridge?”
“Water. And probably half a lemon. I honestly have no idea how it got there.”
She gave out a weak huff. “I'll go shopping for ingredients early in the morning,” she said slowly.
“Watcha makin’?”
“ h’bout cheese…’mlette? M’be...pancakes…? shome..shosage…” she slurs.
He gives a lingering kiss on her forehead. “That sounds nice,” he said in a hushed tone. “Good night, Hime.”
“Night...honey...Shatoru…”
He grins and hugs her closer. Ecstatically happy now that she’s finally with him. He won’t ever let anyone take her away from him. In the darkness, his mind drifted to the memory of his indirect proposal after she threw her tea at him. He’ll ask her directly someday. His eyes flutter close at the thought and he drifts off to sleep filled with dreams of the woman at his side.
===
BONUS SUPER SHORT SCENE:
Meanwhile as soon as they walked out of the hallway, their three friends, Gojo’s first and second year students, while glad that he and Utahime finally got together, were also a bit traumatised. The walls are really thin.