Archive of Our Own

Time One

Yuuji doesn’t know whether this is the best idea he’s ever had, or the worst.

Sure, when he initially saw the flier for a special group yoga class, he thought it would be the perfect opportunity for a date-but-not-date with Fushiguro. They’ve been dancing around each other, and Yuuji is pretty sure Fushiguro is into him too, but there’s still that fear he’s been grossly misreading the situation. Yuuji does tend to have an optimistic streak, and sometimes he gets so excited he doesn't realize when others aren’t nearly as enthused. Especially with Fushiguro, who generally keeps a pretty neutral face, it can be hard to tell. Though, in the end, when Yuuji proposed going to this event together, Fushiguro accepted.

Now, seeing Fushiguro in tight yoga pants that hug him in all the right places, bent over and stretching beside him, Yuuji knows it to be both a blessing and a curse. How he could ever pay attention to a yoga class, he’s not sure. And he’s been too distracted with minding his ‘blood flow’ to even remotely follow the class.

“And now we’re going to end with a vinyasa.” The small, blonde woman leading the group calls out in her too-calming voice. It almost makes Yuuji want to fall asleep—if he wasn’t twisted in a position he never thought possible. “Breathe in deep and follow me.”

As she walks them through a series of steps, Yuuji has a hard time keeping his balance. His body is muscular and stocky, not built for this kind of thing, while, of course, Fushiguro follows each of the movements perfectly, his lean, lithe body fluid and graceful.

Heat rushes to Yuuji’s face, distracting him, and he falls to the side.

Upside down, Fushiguro looks through the space between his arms and legs to address Yuuji. “You okay?”

“Fine, fine,” Yuuji grumbles. He clears his throat, trying to hide his embarrassment, but knowing his face is brighter than the instructor’s lipstick. He tries to get back into position, at least as much as he’s capable.

“You’re doing great,” Fushiguro says with a half-smile.

Yuuji can’t tell if he’s serious, facetious, or both. Probably both.

“Very good, everyone. So beautiful.” Each of the instructor's words are long and drawn out like each word is either carefully planned or it just takes her that long to form them. “Don’t forget, a happy, fruitful life starts with the three E’s: energy, empowerment, and enlightenment.”

A few students in the crowd mutter something under their breath, and it reminds Yuuji of whatever the people would say after the priest spoke that one time he was forced to go to mass with his grandfather.

Dozens of students all begin packing up their yoga mats at the same time. As Yuuji starts to roll his up, he realizes Fushiguro already has his done.

For a moment, his lungs seize, and his heart skips a few beats. Of course, even after an hour and a half yoga session—one Yuuji expected to only be a third as long—Fushiguro somehow looks incredible. Yuuji is drenched in sweat, his shirt is completely dark and sticking to his skin, but somehow instead of looking gross, it makes Fushiguro look like he’s glistening. Yuuji has to force himself to breathe again when Fushiguro pulls his hair back to expose his forehead and wipe away some sweat.

Yuuji would sell his soul to a demon if it meant he had a chance with this man.

“Thanks for coming with me.” Yuuji fails to hide the hesitation in his voice. He only hopes that Fushiguro understands that it isn’t that he didn’t enjoy it— any time with Fushiguro is going to be great—but that he just wishes it wasn’t so embarrassing for him. And he’s still not sure if Fushiguro realizes Yuuji meant for this to be a date.

“I’m glad you invited me.” Fushiguro gives him a smile, one that makes the dimple on the side of his cheek appear, and runs a hand through his hair. Yuuji’s heart skips a beat. “It was fun.”

“Yeah, if falling on your ass while twisted like a pretzel is fun,” Yuuji says the comment before he can think twice about it. He freezes, worried at first that Fushiguro would take offense, but the cute little laugh that comes from him is completely worth the last hour and a half of near-torture.

“Hey, you two are new! Did you see the fliers?” A young woman with blue hair approaches them. There are dark circles under her eyes, ones that are a stark contrast to her pale, sallow skin. “I’m Miwa!”

“Uh, good to meet you.” Yuuji tries not to let his tone convey his hesitation. He wasn’t exactly expecting a welcome committee.

“You did really well today,” she says, looking completely past Yuuji and right at Fushiguro. “I think you’d do really well with our more advanced classes.”

“I’m not so—”

“Oh, I promise it’s worth it! Our master is amazing. Well, or so I’ve heard.” Her brows pinch together, and she brings her hand to her chin. “Anyway, if you come to our meeting later tonight, you can learn a lot more!”

Fushiguro stuffs his mat into the carrier and slings it over his shoulder. “I appreciate it, but we have plans for tonight.”

“That’s okay!” She surges forward and grabs Megumi’s hand, holding it between both of her own. “We meet every night, so there’s always another. Master has so much to teach us, and she’s so smart, too. She knows exactly what you need to lead an energetic, empowered, and enlightened life.”

The woman continues talking, almost as if reading from a script. She won’t let go of Fushiguro’s hand, and judging by the way he keeps shifting his weight back and forth and trying to step away, he’s clearly uncomfortable.

“I appreciate it, but we—” Yuuji tries to interject, but the woman keeps going.

“Oh, did the payments scare you off? That’s okay! You can work it off too, by running classes! Ten classes is enough to pay off one thousand yen.”

Yuuji’s brows pinch together. He may not be the smartest, but the math doesn’t add up. You’d have to run almost ten thousand classes to pay off the cost of the ‘beginner training.’

Miwa continues to push. The crowd starts to thin, though there are several other groups where it looks like other students have been suckered into the same type of conversation. It nears the fifteen-minute mark, and Yuuji’s had enough. He doesn’t know what else to do, so he slides his hand into Fushiguro’s free one and pulls him away. “You know what? Sounds fantastic. Especially the part where you all live together in a group of tents. We’ll be at the meeting on the 31st. I think we’re free then.”

“Perfect! Thank you so much!” Miwa waves then puts her hands together in front of her and bows. “May the light always be with you.”

The two hurry in the opposite direction and make their escape.

Once they’re far enough away, their pace slows, and Yuuji realizes he’s still holding Fushiguro’s hand. His grip loosens, and he expects Fushiguro to pull it away, but he doesn’t, and they continue walking side by side back to the campus parking lot.

“Hey, Itadori?” Fushiguro stops and looks at Yuuji with a confused expression. “Did we just get recruited by a cult?”

They stare at each other for a tense moment before they both burst out laughing.

“I—I think so,” Yuuji confirms through tears. “At first, I thought she was just weird, you know?”

“Same. I mean, someone else I know is a little over-enthusiastic about things,” Fushiguro says, nudging Yuuji’s shoulder, “But after a while, it was pretty obvious.”

“What was it that made you realize? The ‘only eating foods that start with the letter r’?”

“It took you that long?” Fushiguro snickers. The sardonic remark has Yuuji’s chest fluttering with butterflies—he’s got it bad. “I figured it out after she mentioned the commune living. Or maybe it was the fact none of them seemed to have actually met this ‘Master’ yet.”

“Mm, good point.” 

“Wait.” Fushiguro looks over to Yuuji again, his bright, emerald eyes gleaming in the afternoon light. “It’s April.”

“Yeah?” Yuuji tilts his head to the side.

“You said we’d go to the meeting on the 31st.”

Biting down on his lower lip, Yuuji suppresses a smile, giving away the trick Fushiguro has picked up on. “It’s not my fault she didn’t realize there’s no April 31st.”

After another fit of giggles, they lapse into a comfortable silence. Yuuji finds himself half-focused on the conversation and half-focused on the warmth of Fushiguro’s hand in his own. Fushiguro’s fingers are longer than his, and his skin softer, but Yuuji’s hands are bigger and more rough—the side effect of manual labor jobs to help pay his way through school.

He’s so engrossed in everything Fushiguro, he nearly misses the fact they’ve reached his car.

“Well, uh, this is me.” Fushiguro turns to face Yuuji. Slowly, he slips his hand from Yuuji’s, his fingertips hesitating against Yuuji’s palm. “Thanks again for inviting me. It was still fun.”

“You’re welcome. And, yeah, I had a good time too.”

They stand in front of each other, mirror images of anxiety, arms crossed in front of their chests and nervously fidgeting with their clothes. Yuuji’s eyes refuse to go any higher than the wheels of Fushiguro’s car. He doesn’t want Fushiguro to go, but he doesn’t know how to ask him to stay either. He wants to ask him out again, but he doesn’t know if Fushiguro is on the same page. For all he knows, he can think it’s just something to do as friends, or that Yuuji is suddenly just really interested in yoga.

“And…” Fushiguro’s voice is low and strained. Yuuji looks up into bright, viridian eyes gleaming with something Yuuji can’t quite place. “Maybe we can avoid cult meetings for our second date.”

Yuuji’s eyes widen. A violent blush spreads across his cheeks. “Y-Yeah. A second date.”

“Cool.” Fushiguro bites his lip as he turns around to open his car door. He seats himself inside but hesitates before closing the door. “See you in class tomorrow.”

“Yeah. See you tomorrow.”

Fushiguro shuts the door and starts his car. Yuuji just stands there dumbly, watching Fushiguro, until he’s pulling away and out of sight.

A second date.

Yuuji’s face hurts with how wide he smiles, and by the time he gets back to his apartment, he still hasn’t managed to wipe it from his face.

Time Two

Yuuji can hardly focus on the movie. Instead, his mind zeroes in on the heat of Fushiguro’s body next to him and how his arm wants to move until it’s settled around his shoulders. Over the last few weeks, their occasional touches have become more than occasional, lingering a little longer than before. They’ll hold hands now, which embarrassingly still makes Yuuji’s heart flutter, though there are moments where Yuuji gets the feeling Fushiguro wants more. And Yuuji certainly does too.

Fushiguro has jumped a few times during the movie. It’s clear he’s a little more than unsettled by Yuuji’s choice of movie, but he doesn’t want to impose either. What if Fushiguro doesn’t like to be touched when he’s scared? Or what if he just doesn’t like things like that?

As sneaky as he can be, Yuuji bows his head and tries to sniff his armpit. What if he smells bad?

Sucking in a breath, Yuuji gathers his composure. He can do this. He’s seen this movie hundreds of times—it’s one of his favorites after all—and he knows a jumpscare is coming up. He prepares himself, ready to take the leap.

Both he and Fushiguro nearly jump out of their skins when the door slams open. They have little time to guess what has happened before Sukuna is tumbling through the entryway, arms wrapped around another person and their lips locked tight. Whoever this person is, jumps into Sukuna’s arms and wraps their legs around his waist. Moaning and groaning, they explore each other’s mouths, and Sukuna presses them against the wall. His hand comes up to run through their shoulder-length white hair before tugging harshly, earning himself a gasping moan.

“Um… Sukuna?” Yuuji, still staring wide-eyed and dumbfounded, finally finds his voice.

His brother doesn’t stop the slow roll of his hips as he grinds against his newest… visitor. “What?”

Yuuji flicks his eyes in Fushiguro’s direction, then to the television. “I said I was having a… date… tonight. Remember?”

Sukuna pauses, but only for a moment, before tilting his head back in a roar of laughter. “Right, right. I totally forgot! We’ll just go back to my room then.” His tone deepens to something more dark and sultry, and his new friend visibly shivers. “Don’t worry. We won’t bother you.”

“I’d rather you—”

Before Yuuji can suggest they go literally anywhere else but here, Sukuna has already lost interest, returning his attention to the person now moaning his name as they head down the hallway.

He waits until he hears Sukuna’s door shut before he lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “I—I’m so sorry,” he says, turning to Fushiguro.

“It’s okay.” Fushiguro says the words, but his voice is strained, and Yuuji can tell he’s uncomfortable. A heavy pit settles in his stomach. “So, that’s your brother?”

“Yep. My twin,” Yuuji responds with a roll of his eyes.

Fushiguro looks like he’s about to say something, but closes his mouth and turns back toward the television. Yuuji grabs the remote, thankful he had the foresight to pause it once they were interrupted, and presses play. 

This time, just a few minutes into it, Fushiguro makes a move for him. He takes Yuuji’s arm and rests it around his shoulders. It allows Fushiguro to sidle closer to him and rest his head on the space between his chest and shoulder. They’re both reclining on the couch, half-laying, half-sitting. Yuuji wonders if Fushiguro can hear his heart slamming against his ribcage or if the sounds of chainsaws on the TV drowns it out.

They’re so close like this, and a contented warmth wraps around Yuuji, just like he’s done with Fushiguro. The hesitation and nervousness he felt at having Sukuna home washes away with each breath, the jasmine scent of Fushiguro’s shampoo too calming for his nerves to remain.

It’s the most comfortable two minutes of his life. Then, the noises start.

“Ah—right there—fuck—”

“That’s it, baby. You take me so fucking good. Fuck, you feel incredible.”

“S-Sukuna. Y-yes! Ah!”

Fushiguro stiffens, and Yuuji has a similar response. Clearing his throat, Yuuji just grabs the remote and turns up the volume, hoping to cover up whatever his brother is doing and wipe his mind clear from that mental image.

It works for a solid thirty seconds, and then Sukuna’s headboard starts slamming against the wall.

“P—Please, Daddy. ”

Yuuji swears he hears a snort of laughter from Fushiguro.

“Yeah? You like that, Sweetheart? You like my cock that much?”

The words coming from the other person’s mouth are garbled and incoherent. Yuuji tries not to think about what that means. Though, he can’t help how his mind wanders. Heat rushes through his body as questions run through his mind. What would Fushiguro sound like? Is that even something he wants? With anyone? With me? Wait—who would be on top? Or bottom? Does it matter?

Yuuji’s brows furrow as he thinks it over, but his attention snaps back to the present when the flush rushes south. Yuuji squirms, trying to readjust so Fushiguro can’t tell he’s sporting a half-chub.

“I’m so sorry,” Yuuji whispers again. He’s sorry for multiple things, really, but he hopes Fushiguro gets the picture. When Yuuji turns to look, he can tell Fushiguro is red-faced too.

“It’s fine,” he replies, keeping his eyes glued to the TV.

Eventually, the rattling stops, and Yuuji thinks they might be in the clear, at least until Sukuna’s door creaks open, and his thundering footsteps announce his arrival in the living room. His and Fushiguro’s stares follow the noise to where Sukuna now stands in the kitchen, bent over at the waist and rummaging through their fridge. He grabs two cans of beer and a bottle of water.

How responsible , Yuuji thinks.

He grimaces when Sukuna turns around. “Really?”

His brother shrugs as he somehow manages to open a beer bottle with just his teeth. “What?”

“Just put some clothes on, man!”

Sukuna looks down at himself. “I am wearing clothes.”

“Barely!” Apparently, Sukuna thinks flimsy athletic shorts that do nothing to hide the outline of his dick count as clothes. Not to mention he decided to completely forgo a shirt, choosing instead to show off his bare torso and those stupid tattoos he got to piss off their grandpa when he was sixteen. “You said you’d find somewhere else to be for tonight, anyway.”

“Don’t be like that. What, is your little boyfriend a prude too?”

Anger boils hot in Yuuji’s veins. “Don’t,” Yuuji warns through clenched teeth. He and his brother have always had a combative relationship, but he swears if Sukuna mentions Fushiguro—

A hand on Yuuji’s thigh quells the growing storm. “It’s okay. Really.”

“Whatever. I’ll try to be quieter this time.” Sukuna waves his hand as he heads back down the hallway. “No promises, though.”

Even after Sukuna is back in his room, Yuuji has a hard time calming down. He tosses his head back against the sofa and groans. “I know I’ve said it a million times, but I am so sorry. He’s just so… ugh!”

“I get it,” Fushiguro says, his voice much calmer than Yuuji expected it to be. “Siblings can be rough.”

“If you’re uncomfortable, we don’t have to finish the movie. We can call it a night.”

“It’s fine.” Fushiguro gives him a reassuring smile. “I promise. I mean, it’s a little awkward, but… I’ve handled worse. My adoptive dad is uh… open … about a lot of things.”

Yuuji snorts, thinking that fits perfectly with what he’s heard about the man. “Thank you for being so understanding.”

“Of course.” Fushiguro snuggles further against Yuuji’s side.

For the third time, they restart the movie, glad that, at least for now, Sukuna is holding to his promise.

After another minute, Fushiguro speaks up. “Hey, Itadori?”

“Yeah?”

A moment passes before Fushiguro continues. “You and Sukuna are identical twins, right?”

“Yeah, unfortunately. Why?” he asks.

“No reason.” Fushiguro readjusts his position, and Yuuji thinks he might see a slightly deeper flush on his cheeks. “Just curious.”

Time Three

Yuuji takes a deep breath and rubs his hands together. They’re sweaty, despite the cold, so he shoves them in his pockets and hopes that’ll do the trick.

They’ve been together for a few months now, but Yuuji still gets nervous every time he and Fushiguro go on a date. The jitters haven’t gone away—that light, fluttering feeling in his chest and stomach that makes it even harder for Yuuji to focus than normal—hasn’t gotten better over time. If anything, the more he’s gotten to know Fushiguro, the more it happens.

His foot taps inside his shoe as he waits at the station.

“Hey, Itadori.”

Yuuji whips around and loses his breath. Fushiguro looks incredible. Not that he doesn’t usually—in fact, he could probably make a brown paper sack look sexy—but dressed up for a nice dinner, his button-up covered with a dark vest that brings out the color of his eyes, he looks absolutely stunning.

“Hey,” Yuuji finally replies, breathy. His gaze refuses to leave Fushiguro, like the rest of the world has fallen away. Even through the long, sleek coat, Yuuji can tell his pants fit him perfectly and will be very distracting throughout the evening.

“You look great.” Fushiguro stops right in front of Yuuji, glancing at him in a similar way.

“You’re beautiful,” Yuuji whispers before he can catch himself.

Fushiguro tenses for a moment, but then his expression relaxes, and a slight rosy hue blooms across his pale cheeks. He mutters a quick ‘thanks’ before grabbing Yuuji’s hand. “So… dinner?”

As if Yuuji had completely forgotten the entire reason they were meeting, he perks up. “Right! Dinner! We should probably get going. See if they can let us in a little early.”

“I can’t believe you got reservations for this place.” Fushiguro keeps hold of Yuuji’s hand as they walk from the station and toward the restaurant. “They’re hard to come by.”

Yuuji doesn’t tell Fushiguro that he made a reservation the moment they started dating. Call him optimistic. “I’m surprised too.”

Small talk is easy enough to come by on their way there. It’s easy to talk to Fushiguro, Yuuji finds, despite their friends saying otherwise. Yuuji has never gotten the sense that Fushiguro is cold and stand-offish, and though Yuuji generally takes the lead in conversation, he never feels like Fushiguro is taking a backseat. It just feels… natural.

They turn the corner to walk the last block to the restaurant, only to see a plethora of swirling red and blue lights. Police vehicles are lined up on both sides of the street, and several officers are holding back a crowd of onlookers.

“What is happening?”

Curious, they continue forward, realizing the barricade is set up just outside of the restaurant they’re supposed to be eating at in just five minutes time. Fortunately, they’re able to see some of the action above the crowd due to their height. Yuuji gasps and squeezes Fushiguro’s hand as two officers escort someone through the front door in handcuffs.

“Supposedly, this whole thing has been a front for the yakuza.” A short, old woman turns around and addresses them, grinning wide as she proudly spreads the gossip. “They’re saying there’s a whole bunch of guns in the kitchen or something. And a secret basement!”

Another group of people join the crowd, and the woman repeats her theories to her new, enthusiastic audience. As the interest fades, Yuuji deflates.

Another failed date.

Yuuji’s hand slips from Fushiguro’s as he retreats from the crowd and heads back the way they came. Fushiguro follows—that much he expects—but he doesn’t expect the hand to return to his and for Fushiguro to stop them both.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

He can’t meet Fushiguro’s eyes, so he stares at their shoes. His are a little old and ratty, even though they’re some of his nicer-looking ones, and Fushiguro’s are, of course, expensive and well taken care of. It just highlights the difference between them.

“It’s fine.” Yuuji knows it’s a flimsy lie, and Fushiguro does too.

“Itadori, come on. You’re pretty easy to read.”

Yuuji sighs. “I’m sorry I can’t manage to take you on a date without it failing spectacularly. And I’m sorry I ruined our night.”

Fushiguro doesn’t answer, and it only serves to heighten the anxiety that has Yuuji’s chest in a vice grip. Then, a hand is cupping Yuuji’s jaw, bringing their gazes together. “Itadori. The night just started. There’s plenty of things we can still do.” In a rare moment of public affection, Fushiguro pulls Yuuji into a hug. “Plus, there’s no way our night has been ruined.”

Yuuji scoffs, “yeah, right.”

“We’re still together, aren’t we?” Fushiguro says, like it’s that simple—like it’s just another thing that is so easy for him, but Yuuji fails to understand. “Itadori, I’m happy just to spend time with you. Come on, I have an idea.”

Hesitant at first, Yuuji takes Fushiguro’s hand again and follows him silently. He allows Fushiguro to guide him into a slightly different part of the area, one a little further from the fancy blinking neon lights of the city, and adorned with fairy lights and the comfortable red glow of lanterns. After walking down a sketchy, narrow alleyway, they reach their destination.

“Seriously?” Yuuji asks.

“Yeah.” Fushiguro smiles wide, proud of his idea. “My sister and I found this place one time. I haven’t been here with anyone else before.”

Yuuji’s heart swells with affection. The fact Fushiguro would share something that had previously just been between him and his sister means the world to Yuuji. He knows how Fushiguro feels about Tsumiki. And the fact he was willing to bring Yuuji here…

“Are you crying?” Fushiguro asks.

“Maybe.” Yuuji doesn’t try to hide the lie, wiping a stray tear from his cheek. “I just… love food, that’s all.”

“Uh, huh.” Fushiguro nudges his shoulder and leads him toward the small shopping center.

Yuuji calls it a shopping center, but it’s mostly a series of food stalls, all brimming with the most delicious-smelling foods and swarming with life. The previous restaurant was a bit cold and lifeless in comparison—stuffy with the air it tries to put on. But here? Yuuji almost feels like he’s back at his grandfather’s home, calling a truce between whatever war was going on between him and Sukuna as they’re called to set the table.

It’s easy enough for Yuuji’s mood to turn around. They try food at several different places, trying bites here and there rather than opting for a full meal at a single place. He and Fushiguro share their servings, allowing them both to taste more than they would be able to on their own. Yuuji’s eyes light up at every new discovery, and his heart overflows with emotion at the way Fushiguro so eagerly takes in every one of Yuuji’s expressions.

Eventually, they opt for dessert, with Fushiguro grabbing some dango and Yuuji trying some cheesecake. They find a small little nook a ways away from the crowd. Not minding one bit that his clothes probably cost more than Yuuji’s ever made in a month, Fushiguro hops up onto a retaining wall and takes a seat, snack in hand.

“Come on. Sit with me.” Fushiguro pats the seat next to him.

Yuuji still considers it for a moment, but when Fushiguro reaches out his hand, he knows he can’t really deny Fushiguro of something he really wants. Yuuji climbs up and takes his place at Fushiguro’s side.

“Thank you,” he says after a moment of silence. “This has been really nice.”

“Of course. This is one of my favorite little secrets.”

Music thrums in the background, some light and airy tune that fits with the relaxed, peaceful mood. Yuuji hands Fushiguro some of his cheesecake, and he receives some of the dango in return. The flavors don't mix particularly well, but he can’t find it in himself to care, especially as Fushiguro scoots closer, huddling together for warmth.

“I’m glad tonight turned out well,” Yuuji admits.

“I meant it, you know.”

Turning his head, Yuuji looks at Fushiguro, brows pinched together, and head cocked to the side. “Meant what?”

“That I’m happy just to spend time with you.” Fushiguro slowly faces Yuuji as well. This close, Yuuji can tell just how long his lashes are, and that there is a small band of freckles just barely dusting across his nose and cheeks. “It doesn’t matter what we’re doing.”

Yuuji’s eyes flick down to Fushiguro’s lips. They’re slightly chapped from the cold, but they look pink and soft, and before Yuuji knows it, he’s leaning in. Their lips press together. It’s only for a moment, but sparks shoot through Yuuji’s spine and electricity buzzes beneath his skin. It’s sweet and sugary—perfect for their first kiss.

He pulls away, but just barely. Their lips still brush as they breathe each other’s air. Another tense moment passes where Yuuji isn’t sure what Fushiguro is thinking or feeling, but then, their lips are on one another’s again, and this time Fushiguro initiates it.

This kiss lasts a little longer, and they press together harder. One of Yuuji’s hands comes up to cradle Fushiguro’s jaw, and Fushiguro leans into his touch. It’s only their second kiss, and Yuuji already knows he’s addicted; he could do this for hours and never get tired of the feeling.

Finally, they pull away for air, but they remain close, not wanting to break whatever spell is between them.

“See? Perfect date,” Fushiguro whispers.

Yuuji doesn’t voice it, but he thinks to himself that yes, of course it’s a perfect date—he has Fushiguro. And maybe, as long as he has him, the details aren’t as important.

Time Four

Considering what happened at Yuuji’s apartment last time, they didn’t try to do another date at his place. Instead, they settled on meeting at Fushiguro’s, hoping to have a much quieter time, considering he doesn’t have roommates. Anticipation buzzes beneath Yuuji’s skin. It’s been a while since they’ve been able to spend a lot of time together because of finals.

He’s already on his way to Fushiguro’s apartment when his phone rings.

Yuuji’s brows pinch together. There isn’t a reason why he should be calling. “Fushiguro?”

“Uh, hey, Itadori.” Fushiguro’s voice wavers, small and frail, and it’s obvious to Yuuji that something is wrong.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong? I’m already on my way.” He quickens his pace, getting as close as he can to a run without disrupting the other people on the sidewalk.

“I—I’m okay.” Fushiguro reassures him, but there’s still hesitation in his voice; it’s not enough to wash away the panic rising in Yuuji’s system. “But, uh, I think we have to cancel our date.”

Yuuji’s stomach drops. Sirens blare in the distance, growing louder until they’re zooming past Yuuji, heading in the direction of Fushiguro’s apartment. “What happened?”

Fushiguro hesitates. He can hear faint sirens in the background of Fushiguro’s phone, along with the occasional bit of someone passing by and the barking of someone’s dogs. “Nothing. It’s fine. I just…” Fushiguro stops and takes a breath.

When he doesn’t answer, Yuuji does instead. “I’ll be there in, like, five minutes. Even if we have to cancel the date, I still just want to see you. Okay?”

This time when Fushiguro speaks, his voice is more sturdy and even. “Yeah. Okay.”

Yuuji hangs up the phone and shoves it in his pocket, giving up on social graces and breaks out into a run.

It takes him less than two minutes to reach Fushiguro’s apartment. Or, at least, what he assumes is Fushiguro’s apartment. He doesn’t recognize the building, not with the thick, heavy smoke pouring from the third-story windows, but he does recognize the man standing out front with two giant dogs at each side. Yuuji notices Fushiguro first and rushes over.

“Megumi!” He’s at his side in less than a second. Shiro and Kuro yip and snarl before recognizing Yuuji, switching their demeanor to a friendlier one. Yuuji pulls Fushiguro into a hug and buries his face in the crook of his neck. At first, Fushiguro is stiff and rigid, but he soon relaxes into Yuuji’s hold. Once he does, Yuuji gives him a squeeze, letting him know he’s there before pulling away.

His hands pat Fushiguro’s shoulders, neck and face. He peers around Fushiguro’s body, looking him over for any signs of injury, relaxing when he doesn’t find any. “Are you okay? What happened?”

“I—I’m fine.” Even so, Fushiguro doesn’t look him in the eyes.

Yuuji looks at the smoke billowing out before returning to Fushiguro, gently guiding his chin so their eyes can meet. “It’s okay not to be fine. Is that your apartment? Or a neighbors?” It’s hard to tell from the outside of the building, but it could easily be either of theirs.

“Mine,” Fushiguro mumbles, just loud enough for Yuuji to hear over the growing crowd and the building’s screeching fire alarm.

Yuuji sighs, his expression softening, reading the embarrassment behind Fushiguro’s eyes. Before he can console him, the fire department exits the building, stealing their attention. One of the men, a large man with a scar on the side of his face, looks at Fushiguro disapprovingly.

“Are you Fushiguro Megumi?”

“Yes.” When he answers, all the previous embarrassment is gone, replaced by a headstrong stubbornness Yuuji has learned to love.

“You’re lucky we got here quickly.” The other man crosses his arms over his massive chest. “Everyone knows you don’t put water on a grease fire.”

Yuuji presses his lips together tight, desperate to hold in his laugh. It’s really fucking funny—but it’s not. He and Fushiguro were supposed to have a nice dinner at his place to unwind. He knows his boyfriend had been looking forward to it all week; they both had been, really. So for it to end like this, especially to a perfectionist like Fushiguro, the disappointment is immense.

“And you should be good to go back to your apartment soon. Damage was minimal. Let it air out for a few hours, and you’ll be fine.” A hand damn near the size of Fushiguro’s head rests on his shoulder, giving a condescending pat before retreating back to his closed-off position. “And you might want to pay someone to clean and get out the smoke smell.”

“Yes, Sir.” Fushiguro hisses the words out through clenched teeth, and Yuuji can nearly hear how hard he grinds his teeth together. It pains him to say it.

“Well, have a good day, my brother.” The man waves Fushiguro off and joins the rest of his crew.

Dejected, Fushiguro heaves a sigh. He takes his lower lip between his teeth. Yuuji is familiar enough with Fushiguro by now to know it’s to stop it from quivering. He pulls Fushiguro into another hug, rubbing large, soothing circles along his back. He holds his tongue—not wanting to say the wrong thing or assume how Fushiguro is feeling—and instead hopes the words he can’t say are conveyed through his actions.

They stand there like that for a while, with Yuuji holding Fushiguro until he can work out whatever emotions are going through his system. A few people stare, but for the most part, the crowd disperses, and a few residents return to their homes. Finally, Fushiguro pulls away, his eyes still downcast but staying close enough to remain in Yuuji’s hold.

“I’m sorry. We were supposed to have such a nice night but—”

“Hey,” Yuuji interrupts, cupping Fushiguro’s cheeks, “We can still have a nice night.”

Watery, emerald eyes roll in exasperation.

“I’m serious.” Yuuji gives a reassuring smile. “I’m just happy spending time with you. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing, remember?” Fushiguro’s expression changes as Yuuji reflects back Fushiguro’s own words. Yuuji removes his hands from Fushiguro’s face and grabs one of the leashes. “Come on. Let's take the boys on a walk while your apartment airs out.”

The idea seems to perk up Fushiguro’s mood. “Can we go to the dog park?”

As Yuuji takes Shiro’s leash, he’s jerked forward when the large, fluffy husky-mix hears the magic words. “I guess that’s a yes!” Yuuji yells over his shoulder at Fushiguro as he tries to right his balance and get Shiro under control.

Kuro isn’t far behind as he drags Fushiguro along. They catch up quickly, and Yuuji happens to catch Fushiguro’s hand with his free one. Now side-by-side, they’re able to wrangle the dogs back into some semblance of order. Walking next to Megumi, each having one of the dogs, fills Yuuji with a sense of warmth and joy. His chest could nearly burst from it.

This—this tiny little moment in time that means nothing in the grand scheme of their lives—is what Yuuji cherishes. These moments remind him that this is what he wants. He wants this sense of contentment and satisfaction—just being happy to be in the present moment. And he wants that with Fushiguro.

He’s lost in thought enough that he doesn’t fully realize they’ve arrived at the dog park until Shiro is once again tugging hard on his lead, letting out excited little whines alongside his brother. Fushiguro lets go of Yuuji’s hand as they enter, trying to keep the energetic huskies from running away before the gates are fully closed.

The moment their leads are unhooked, both dogs take off. Shiro and Kuro weave in and out of each others’ paths; it’s easy for them to work seamlessly since they’ve known each other since they were born into the same litter. Yuuji follows Fushiguro to a nearby bench where they can rest and watch the dogs run and play.

They stay quiet for a while, watching Shiro and Kuro make new friends, then take off and play independently. Every once in a while, Yuuji looks over to Fushiguro. He can tell his boyfriend is lost in thought. He’s watching and smiling, but he’s not really looking , at least not intently.

Yuuji puts his hand on Fushiguro’s knee. A silent acknowledgment that he’s there for him, should he take him up on the offer, while also knowing he isn’t going to push the subject. It’s generally been like this for them; Yuuji barrels forward, head over heels and following the pull of his feelings, while Fushiguro remains a little more reserved and logical. He holds himself back, but that’s okay. Yuuji will wait as long as it takes.

He meant it when he said that as long as he gets to spend time with Fushiguro, he’s happy.

“Hey, Itadori?”  

Yuuji is surprised when Fushiguro finally speaks. Maybe it helps that Shiro is coming over with some poor schmuck’s tennis ball he commandeered, so now Fushiugro has something to do with his hands. He turns to Fushiguro and watches as he tosses the tennis ball across the open field. “Hm?”

It takes another second for Fushiguro to speak again—the time it took for Kuro to somehow sprint past Shiro and steal the ball before making his way back in their direction. “You used my name earlier.”

Well, yes, he tends to use Fushiguro’s name a lot. But before Yuuji can ask, Fushiugro clarifies with a smile, “My first name, idiot.”

Despite the insult, his words are honeyed and sweet, full of endearment. It gives Yuuji a slight reassurance that Fushiguro might know him almost as well as he knows Fushiguro. “Did I? I didn’t realize.”

“When you first got there and ran over to me.” Fushiguro grabs the ball from Kuro and tosses it again, then wipes the dog drool on his pant leg. “You called me Megumi.”

It’s hard to tell where Fushiguro is going with it. His tone is flat and deadpan. Yuuji plays it on the safe side. “Sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”

“No, no, I—” for the first time since leaving his apartment, bright, emerald eyes finally reach Yuuji. “I liked it.”

This time, it’s impossible for Yuuji to hold back his smile. On a whim, Yuuji reaches forward to caress his boyfriend’s cheek and dives in for a kiss. It’s quick and soft, but it has Yuuji’s heart hammering against his chest and heat rushing to his cheeks. He smiles into another, then another, peppering them against his boyfriend’s lips. “Okay, Megumi,” he whispers.

The name is sweet on Yuuji’s tongue and flows easily from his lips. He lets out a low chuckle as a pink flush immediately rises to Megumi’s cheeks and ears. 

Megumi looks away, pouting slightly, until both dogs are back and nudging them with their long, cold noses. He looks at them both and their expectant eyes. “There,” he says, nudging his head to the side, “give it to Yuuji.”

The dogs can’t tell the difference, but he can understand where Megumi is coming from now. Hearing his given name, something reserved for the more intimate relationships in your life, coming from Megumi means more than words can express. Or at least not words he’s able to say right now.

But he has a feeling three words, ones he just realized he’s ready to say, will do just fine. 

He just needs to wait for Megumi to be ready to hear them.

Time Five

The gun pops five times in quick succession. Five targets fall to the ground.

“We have a winner!” The attendant turns and points to a wall of cheap, kitschy prizes, including the larger ones at the top. “Go ahead and pick your prize.”

Megumi points to the large stuffed tiger at the top. The man grabs a small step ladder and gets the toy, pulling it off the hook before handing it over to Megumi.

Yuuji continues to watch in astonishment as Megumi holds out the tiger toward him. “Here. For you.”

“Thank you.” Yuuji takes it, smiling, though still a little dumbfounded. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

Megumi bumps their shoulders together as they leave the stall, moving on to whatever game or snack grabs their attention. “Noted.”

Yuuji holds the giant tiger against his side with one arm, and his free hand finds Megumi’s. He’s glad he came up with the idea to go to the pier. Yuuji and Sukuna used to go with their grandfather all the time, and even after he passed, Yuuji and Sukuna would set aside whatever current squabble was between them to go together out of some shared sense of nostalgia. This year, though, Yuuji wanted to share the experience with Megumi.

They walk slowly, taking their time to inspect each of their options. Yuuji allows Megumi to take the lead, wandering wherever his heart desires, until they arrive at the Ferris wheel.

“Want to ride it?”

Megumi nods, and a blush spreads across his cheeks. The ride creaks and groans, and honestly, Yuuji has always worried the damn thing will fall apart, but when he sees the look of wonder and awe in Megumi’s eyes, he can’t find it in himself to say no.

This time, Yuuji takes the lead. “Come on. Let’s go, then.”

They approach the Ferris wheel, and Yuuji can tell Megumi is trying to hide his excitement. The closer they get, the bouncier his step, and his eyes follow the slow movement of each of the gondolas, looking up at the ride with wonder. One stops just in front of them, and the attendant opens the door for them. Both of them have to duck, but they take a seat opposite each other, one on each side of the space, knees touching because of their long legs. It doesn’t help that the cramped space is made even smaller as Yuuji sits next to the giant stuffed tiger.

As the attendant walks away, Yuuji looks at Megumi with an excited smile. “Ready?”

Slender fingers grasp the seat. Yuuji can tell that despite his excitement, Megumi is nervous. “Yep.”

The ride lurches forward just as Megumi answers. Megumi stiffens as the gondola sways but relaxes as it evens out. Neither of them speak. Megumi is busy looking at the world beneath them, eyes taking in the lights and the people, all growing smaller the higher they climb. Yuuji, on the other hand, is entranced by Megumi.

Relaxed, he looks even more beautiful than he usually does. Long lashes flutter against his cheeks, and from this angle, his profile highlights his striking jawline. A soft smile graces Yuuji’s lips. He’s not sure what he did to get so lucky as to deserve someone like Megumi. The ride stops just as they reach the top.

“Is… is this supposed to happen?” Megumi asks.

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Yuuji reassures him with a hand on his knee. “They’ll do it so others have time to get out at the bottom and sometimes just to indulge people if it’s a slow night. Nice view, huh?”

“I like it up here.”

“Good.”

They fall into another easy silence. It’s part of what Yuuji likes about Megumi. He often feels pressured to talk or to carry the weight of a conversation. But with Megumi, he doesn’t have to do that. He can just… be.

Finally, curiosity gets the better of Yuuji. “Have you ever been on a Ferris wheel before?”

“No,” Megumi replies, embarrassment coloring his features.

Yuuji knows Megumi didn’t have the greatest childhood, at least not until his adoptive dad took him in, so it doesn’t surprise him. He’s just glad to be the person who gets to experience it with Megumi for the first time. He looks at the empty space next to his boyfriend. “Can I?”

Megumi scoots over to make extra room.

Yuuji carefully shifts his weight and moves to sit next to Megumi. The carriage lurches and groans, swaying a little as the distribution of weight goes to one side. Megumi’s hands grasp at Yuuji’s arms and squeeze tight.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry.” Yuuji reassures Megumi and puts his arm around him once Megumi lets go of his death grip.

“How are these things even safe?” Megumi grumbles.

Hand sliding down, Yuuji pulls Megumi closer and holds him tight, rubbing up and down his bicep. Once the carriage settles, Megumi’s head rests against Yuuji’s shoulder.

Something thuds against the metal roof. It starts slowly at first, then comes a little more quickly.

“It wasn’t supposed to rain today,” Megumi observes.

Down below, they can see people popping open umbrellas or moving to different areas to find shelter.

“Huh. Hopefully, it lets up.”

Almost on cue, the rain starts pounding harder. The other attendees continue to scatter, scurrying around like ants. They continue to watch for a while, but at a certain point, they realize they’ve been watching a little too long.

“Aren’t we supposed to be moving by now?” Megumi scoots away from stray drops of water making their way into the carriage. His arms cross over his chest, and he shivers. With the rain and cold breeze, in addition to their height, the temperature has dropped significantly. He ends up curling against Yuuji’s chest, and Yuuji wraps his arms around him in turn.

The pounding of rain threatens to drown out their conversation. Yuuji leans closer to speak in Megumi’s ear. “I’m sure we’ll get down soon.”

He hopes it sounds convincing because part of Yuuji is also worried that they’ve been stuck at the apex of the ride for going on fifteen minutes.

Through chattering teeth, Yuuji tries to lighten the mood. “I suppose this tracks for how our dates usually go, huh?”

Megumi manages to laugh. “Yeah, I guess that’s true. This isn’t even the worst, is it?”

“Nope.” Hoping to distract Megumi, Yuuji goes over some of the ‘highlights’ of other dates. “Remember when my car broke down, and Sukuna had to come get us?”

“Ugh,” Megumi groans, “and he kept screaming to his obnoxious metal music.”

“Try living with that.”

Megumi presses his lips into a thin line. It highlights the dimples that Yuuji will never stop thinking are adorable. “You hear a different kind of screaming at home.”

“Gross.” Yuuji nudges Megumi, which makes the cart sway. Megumi scrambles again, grabbing Yuuji, and this time, Yuuji can’t help hold back his laughter.

Fortunately, the conversation seems to keep their attention long enough for the ride to start up again. It lurches, and they start moving backward, completing the final rotation until they’re nearing the ground. Megumi relaxes in Yuuji’s hold.

The moment the attendant opens the door, Megumi bolts out, and as Yuuji grabs the tiger before exiting, he swears he can hear Megumi thank at least one of the gods that he’s alive and on the ground.

“C’mon!” Yuuji grabs Megumi’s hand and heads toward the nearest shelter. Water splashes against their clothes and soaks them even more than the rain already does. It’s hard to see very far in front of him, so Yuuji has to squint to try to figure out where they’re going. It seems that all the good spots beneath awnings or inside the few buildings are taken.

“Shit!”

There’s a tug on Yuuji’s arm as Megumi stops moving. He turns to find Megumi bent over and holding his sandal, the strap completely broken.

“Here.” Yuuji hands Megumi the tiger, then bends down and puts his arms behind him. “Climb on.”

Yuuji knows that on any other occasion, Megumi would be horribly embarrassed. The fact that he didn’t protest, immediately hopping onto Yuuji’s back and wrapping his legs around his waist, speaks to how dire the situation is. Rain continues to pour around them, soaking them to the bone.

It’s slow going, with Megumi on his back, sliding down and needing frequent readjustment, but they find shelter beneath an overhang in one of the far, back corners of the pier, down a few alleyways and next to a small food stall.

Each of them breathe a sigh of relief once they’re safely under cover. Megumi sets down the stuffed tiger, just as soaked as they are, then they take the opportunity to wring out their clothes as best they can and shake their hair dry. Yuuji smirks as Megumi’s hair goes in all directions and reminds him of a wet dog.

“What?” Megumi’s brows pinch together as he catches Yuuji staring.

“Nothing,” he answers, knowing full well that the swell in his chest and warm blanket around his heart isn’t ‘nothing’. Before he can get too emotional, a sound catches Yuuji’s attention. “Do you hear that?”

Megumi’s brows pinch together in concentration. “No?”

“Sounds like crying.” Yuuji’s face scrunches in concentration as he rounds the other corner of the building to follow the noise. His suspicions are confirmed when he walks a little further and notices a small child sitting against the wall, legs curled to their chest and sobbing.

“Hey,” Yuuji starts, voice soft and hesitant, hand outstretched like he’s approaching a stray animal. “Are you alright?”

The child looks at him for a second and then scoots further away. It’s not enough to really do anything other than drag himself through the puddles accumulating on the ground, but it sends the message. “Are you lost? Where are your parents? Do you need help?”

Eyes widening, the child’s sobs turn into frightened, panicked breaths. Yuuji opens his mouth to speak, but a soft hand on his shoulder grabs his attention.

“You’re going to overwhelm him. I’ll be right back, okay? Just stay here.” Megumi squeezes Yuuji’s shoulder in reassurance before going back the way they came.

Unsure of what to do, Yuuji sits on the ground and rests against the wall a few feet away from the kid. It’s enough to give them space while still being able to keep an eye on them. It seems to do the trick because in Yuuji’s silence, the panic seems to fade from the kid’s eyes.

As he waits for Megumi, Yuuji gets a good look at the lost little kid. He’s pretty small, maybe only about five or six if Yuuji had to guess, and has dark, fluffy hair. It reminds him of Megumi. Briefly, Yuuji wonders what Megumi looked like as a little kid. Will he ever get to see baby pictures? He smiles, knowing that Megumi probably looked adorable and, knowing his personality, probably very grumpy.

“Hey.” Megumi’s voice comes from Yuuji’s side. He kneels down next to Yuuji and extends a paper tray full of takoyaki. “Want a snack?”

The kid’s head turns immediately. He’s unable to hide the excitement in his eyes. Leaning forward, testing the waters, the kid slowly makes his way toward them. Megumi and Yuuji stay still, letting the kid come to them. Yuuji once again gets the feeling he’s in some kind of nature documentary.

Finally, the kid crawls closer until he deems the two trustworthy. He snatches the food from Megumi’s hand and takes it.

“Careful,” Megumi says, his voice calmer and more soothing than he’s ever heard. “It’s hot.”

Wordlessly, the kid obliges, blowing on his food before taking a bite. As he eats, Megumi nudges Yuuji’s shoulder and nods his head in the kid’s direction. It’s Yuuji’s turn to take over.

“So… what’s your name?”

Chewing on his food, the kid answers through the side of his mouth, “Meguru.”

Yuuji smiles. Now they’re getting somewhere. “Hi. I’m Yuuji.” He puts his hand on Megumi’s knee. “And this is my friend, Megumi.”

Meguru gives a tentative wave, then goes back to nibbling on his takoyaki.

“Where are your parents?” Yuuji asks, trying to make his tone sound calm and curious rather than pressing the kid like he did earlier.

“Dunno,” Muguru mumbles, eyes downcast and a pout on his lips.

“When did you last see them?”

“We… we were…” the kid sniffles and wipes his nose with the back of his hand. Yuuji holds back the urge to wrinkle his nose. Kids are gross. “We were going to the arcade when it started raining.” He sniffles again, lip wobbling as he musters the courage to continue. “We got separated, so I—I—”

“Hey, it’s okay, buddy,” Yuuji coos. “Why don’t we go to the front? We can look for them once the rain lets up.”

Meguru glances at him with a side-eye. 

Yuuji isn’t sure what the kid is thinking or how to convince him to move, but then Megumi gives the kid a soft smile and reaches over to grab the large, stuffed tiger remembered to bring with them. “Can you do me a favor?”

Meguru nods, unsure.

“Tiger told me he’s pretty scared of the rain. I have to make sure this guy over here doesn’t get too scared either,” he explains, pointing to Yuuji with his thumb, “so, can you be brave and hold Tiger?”

With that, the kid’s expression changes and his eyes harden, if only slightly. “Mm hm.”

“Good.” Megumi hands over the tiger and then grabs Yuuji’s hand. 

As their fingers entwine, both of them turn around to check that the kid is following, satisfied when they see him clutching the tiger to his chest and walking just a few paces behind.

“How’d you know?” Yuuji whispers, keeping his voice low so Meguru can’t hear him.

“What, to give a kid food?”

“No, well, yes, but how to calm him down?” Yuuji didn’t expect Megumi to know how to interact with kids, let alone calm one down.

“He reminded me of myself. I was a shy kid, too. Didn’t really like people,” he explains. “Plus, you know how stubborn I can be and how much I love food.”

From the corner of his eye, Yuuji catches Megumi’s smile. “It’s true.”

Once they get to the front of the building, the kid sticks a little closer to Yuuji and Megumi. He hardly comes up to their waist, so they have to keep checking to make sure they don’t lose him either until eventually Meguru is reaching up and grabbing Megumi’s hand.

Yuuji’s heart melts and mixes with the puddles of rain on the ground.

He keeps the thoughts to himself, but the image of Megumi holding the hand of a small, little boy—one that looks so much like him—puts some pieces into place that Yuuji didn’t even know were part of the puzzle. He realized a while ago that he loves Megumi and that he fell hard for him pretty quickly. Now, he knows the depth of what that really means.

He wants to build a life with him.

He doesn’t know what Megumi wants, or what that life would even look like, though Yuuji knows that imagining himself with Megumi and taking care of a small, adorable little child feels right. 

The three of them lean against some empty space against the wall. The scent of fresh takoyaki and other treats fill their nose and have their stomachs growling. Yuuji fronts the bill for the treats this time, grabbing more takoyaki and some dango for them to share. Megumi has to go back and get extra napkins after Meguru makes a bigger mess than either of them thought possible. They entertain the kid with whatever conversation the kid fancies, though it helps that Meguru apparently shares the same taste in anime as Yuuji.

Thankfully, the rain eventually clears.

Meguru tries to act like he’s okay, clutching ‘Mr Tiger’ and telling him that everything will be fine, but Yuuji can tell he’s starting to get worried. They said they’d go find his parents once the rain lets up, and now that it has, his big, golden doe-eyes keep watching passersby, likely looking for his parents.

Yuuji bends down to get on his level. “Hey, Meguru?”

“Hm?”

“What are your parents’ names? And what do they look like? That will make it easier for us to spot them.”

His face scrunches together in concentration, lips pursing and jutting out while his brows wrinkle. Yuuji can’t help but think it’s adorable.

“My mama’s name is Yu. And she’s super pretty!” His face lights up. “She has long, dark hair. Like, super long, and mama always says we have the same eyes.”

Megumi taps on Yuuji’s shoulder. A woman, somewhat fitting the description, is across the pier, seemingly searching for something. Yuuji nods, and Megumi tries to get the woman’s attention. The moment their eyes meet, they widen in realization.

“Meguru!”

As the woman rushes forward, so does Meguru, until they’re meeting in the middle, and she’s wrapping him up in a huge hug.

Yuuji looks to Megumi, sharing a look. It’s pretty clear they’ve found his parents.

The man who was with the woman—Yu—stands beside them and puts his hand on his wife’s shoulder. They talk about something, and their gazes turn toward Yuuji and Megumi as Meguru points in their direction. 

For a moment, Yuuji panics. Are his parents going to be mad? He has to admit, it seems pretty sketchy for two twenty-somethings to be spending time with a five-year-old. But when Meguru and his parents walk closer, their expressions don’t seem to be those of suspicion.

“Meguru says you helped him out? That you kept him company until we could come back?”

Yuuji sputters. “Um, yes, ma’am.”

She laughs and hoists Meguru up onto her waist. “I hope he wasn’t too much trouble. He can be a handful sometimes.”

Surprisingly, Megumi responds before Yuuji can. “He was great. Really brave, right?” he says, giving Meguru a wink.

Meguru responds with a thumbs up.

“Well, we wanted to say thank you,” the father adds, “for making sure our son was safe.”

“Not a problem. We’re just glad you found us without too much trouble.” Yuuji steps back to lean against the wall, but his foot hits something on the ground. He huffs a laugh and grabs Mr Tiger, then hands him over to Meguru. “Here. You took care of him, right? You should keep him.”

“Can I!?”

Yuuji nods, and when he hands it over, Meguru snuggles it close.

“Well, thanks again,” Yu says with a smile. They all say their goodbyes, and as the family walks away, Meguru gives them a friendly wave.

Once he’s gone, Yuuji feels the exhaustion catch up with him. “Kids are a lot,” he muses out loud.

“Yeah, tell me about it,” Megumi agrees.

“You were so good with him, though.” Yuuji nudges his hand against Megumi’s. “I was surprised.”

“Yeah, well, I was too.” Megumi’s pinkie catches Yuuji’s, and their hands hang between them.

“It was kinda cute.” He keeps his words hushed, but he assumes Megumi heard when his head whips around to face him.

“It was?”

“Yeah. He kinda looked like you. Wouldn’t have been far-fetched to think you two were related.” Yuuji lets the unsaid hang in the air. They could’ve looked like a family. A young one, but a family nonetheless. He’s still not sure how Megumi feels about it—hell, he hasn’t even admitted he loves him yet—but Yuuji’s worries are temporarily soothed when Megumi replies.

“I’ve always hoped that if I have a kid, they have my eyes. They’re the one good thing I got from my family.”

Yuuji can’t blame him. He’s been lost in those eyes too many times to count. They’re beautiful, and Yuuji loves them. And the vulnerability of Megumi admitting such a thing tugs at his heartstrings. Yuuji takes Megumi’s hand fully and squeezes it. “Maybe someday.”

Megumi goes quiet, but Yuuji can feel the weight of his stare on the side of his face as he pretends to look somewhere in the distance. Finally, Megumi does the same as he whispers, “Yeah, maybe someday.”

If Yuuji could feel any lighter, he’s sure he would float away. Hope flutters in his chest, and his imagination runs wild with the thoughts of what a life with Megumi could look like. But when his phone vibrates in his pocket, he’s pulled from his thoughts, and when he checks the message, he also realizes the time.

“Oh, shit. It’s getting late.”

Megumi pulls his own phone from his pocket and has the same reaction. “Damn. I guess we should head back, then?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Truthfully, Yuuji never wants his dates with Megumi to end. Though it’s one of those things he’s come to accept.

They take their time walking back down the pier and to the parking lot. Stomachs full, they don’t stop for any more food, but they stop in front of the shooting game from earlier. “Sorry I gave away your gift.”

“It’s okay,” Megumi assures, “I gave it to him in the first place. So I’m complicit anyway.” He tugs Yuuji in the direction of the game. “I can win you a new one?”

Yuuji scoffs. He knows these games are rigged—the fact Megumi won once is a miracle itself. “No, it’s fine. C’mon. Let’s go.”

“You don't think I can do it, can you?”

“No. I mean, yes. I mean—”

Megumi snorts a laugh and lets go of Yuuji’s hand, heading over to the booth and handing the man more money. Wordlessly and without waiting for the man to explain, Megumi begins shooting.

Just as easily as the first time, Megumi hits all the targets square in the center. The attendant is just as surprised. It takes him a moment to realize Megumi won, but when he does, Megumi immediately points to another one of the large tigers in the top row.

When Megumi gives Yuuji the stuffed animal, he has a shit-eating grin plastered across his face. “Can’t let my date go home empty-handed, can I?”

Instead of taking the doll, Yuuji leans over its head to kiss Megumi. He’s taken off guard, stiff at first, then melts into Yuuji’s touch. “As long as I have you, I don’t need anything else.”

Something flashes behind Megumi’s eyes, just for a moment before it’s gone, and he’s playfully punching Yuuji in the shoulder. “Such a sap.”

“Yeah,” Yuuji says, smiling, “And you like it.”

Megumi doesn’t refute it and instead takes Yuuji’s hand, resting his head on Yuuji’s shoulder as they leave the pier and wrap up another near-disastrous date.

Time Six

“Are you serious?”

Yuuji looks at Megumi’s expression, then at the mountain ahead of them, and then back at Megumi. “Yeah. Why?”

“We’re going up that ? And sleeping there?”

“Yeah,” Yuuji chirps back. “It’ll be fun! I promise you won’t regret it.”

As soon as the words leave his mouth, Yuuji watches Megumi’s face fall. “We haven’t exactly had the best track records with dates. And a lot can go wrong.”

Disappointment curls in Yuuji’s stomach, but it doesn’t deter him. Megumi’s not wrong, after all, which is exactly why Yuuji double and triple-checked everything he could before taking Megumi camping. He made sure he remembered all the equipment and that it’s all in working order, he checked the forecast non-stop to make sure they wouldn’t run into any storms or other inclement weather, and he even made sure to brush up on his knowledge of the trails. He’d been on this one dozens of times, though that didn’t stop him from going on his own last weekend just to make sure nothing had changed significantly.

Things would be perfect this time.

“Don’t worry, Megumi. I promise I’ve got it covered.”

He’s probably only humoring him, but Megumi gives him a smile. “Okay. I trust you.”

Heaving his backpack higher and tightening the straps, Yuuji straightens himself up and sets out on the hike. “C’mon, we should start soon so we can be ready before it gets dark.”

He knows they have almost ten hours of daylight for a three-hour hike; it’s just another way Yuuji has been extra careful.

They start slow, and Yuuji turns around every few feet to make sure Megumi can keep up. At first, the hike is pretty easy. They walk hand-in-hand with Yuuji telling Megumi all about his camping trips he would take here. Despite his protests and grumbling about the uneven terrain, Megumi ends up enamored by the large, towering trees and gets distracted by the random birds and small animals they happen upon along the way.

Eventually, they start getting into a more difficult part of the trek. Yuuji starts to breathe more heavily, both because of exertion and because of the altitude, so he knows Megumi must be feeling it too. When he turns around, Megumi is a little red-faced and bent over, trying to catch his breath.

“Are you sure we aren’t lost?”

Yuuji climbs back down a few feet until he reaches Megumi. “I’m sure. I know exactly where we are.”

Megumi looks from side to side, gesturing to their surroundings that look exactly like their surroundings did twenty minutes prior, and an hour before that.

“I promise.” Yuuji uses the most reassuring voice he can as he extends his hand. “We’re almost there.”

Begrudgingly, Megumi stands up and follows Yuuji’s lead. “How much longer is ‘almost there’?”

“About forty-five minutes.”

Yuuji doesn’t have to turn around to know Megumi rolls his eyes; the groan he lets out tells him enough. He turns, opening his mouth to give a witty retort, but his words stop short as Megumi stumbles forward. He catches his boyfriend in his arms. Megumi’s face is buried in his chest, and his hands grip his arms. Yuuji pulls him closer, righting his position and holding him in a tight hug.

“We don’t have to keep going if you don’t want to. We can go back,” he offers.

“No, no,” Megumi responds quickly, putting his hands on Yuuji’s chest. “It’s fine. Really. I know you’ve been planning this for a while, so I want to see it through.”

Yuuji pulls away enough to give Megumi a tentative smile. “Still, I want you to enjoy it—”

“I am.” Megumi kisses Yuuji on the cheek. “I’m spending time with you.” He lets his hands slide down Yuuji’s arms until their fingers are weaving together. “That’s all that matters.”

Yuuji leans forward, giving Megumi a quick kiss on the forehead, before taking off once again.

They move a little slower, so Yuuji takes the opportunity to share more about camping and what he’s learned over the years. He talks to Megumi about some of the local stories about the mountain: of deities and fierce battles and yokai. Megumi complains a little less and even cracks a few jokes on the way up, his mood improved. It doesn’t seem to take very long for them to reach the campsite.

There’s a large clearing at the end of the copse of trees, giving them a breathtaking view of the valleys below. There are more mountains in the distance, their peaks hidden by thin, wispy clouds, and the sound of wonder and awe that comes from Megumi makes the entire trip worth it.

“I told you it’s nice.”

“It’s gorgeous,” Megumi corrects.

Yuuji comes up behind Megumi and wraps his arms around his waist. His chin rests on Megumi’s shoulder as they both look out at the scenery. Megumi’s hands come to rest on Yuuji’s. They stand there for a while, looking into the distance, appreciating the natural beauty of the wilderness, surprisingly just an hour outside of their town.

“I should set up camp.” Reluctantly, Yuuji lets go of Megumi and returns to the center of the clearing. There are patches of ground where the grass is mashed down, or it’s been reduced to dirt—the spot where most people set up their tents or their fires. Yuuji sets down his pack and gets to work.

“Can I help?”

Yuuji shakes his head. “Nope. I’ve got it. Thank you, though!” He knows Megumi wants to protest, but he also knows Megumi is well aware of how much this means to him. “Do you want to grab the cooler and get some waters?”

Megumi takes that as his cue—an olive branch, letting him feel helpful while Yuuji sets up camp.

As Yuuji works, Megumi keeps him company, hounding him with questions about whether he’s doing it right, if the tent has any holes, or what happens if they can’t start a fire. Yuuji laughs at each of them, reassuring Megumi that this time, he’s got it right. The questions end up more playful and joking rather than serious; it’s becoming a running joke in the relationship that their dates are generally doomed to fail.

“And the food’s not poisoned?” Megumi questions, holding his spoon to his lips.

“Not unless you did it while I wasn’t looking.” Yuuji takes a big bite of one of the homemade meatballs he and Megumi had prepared the night before. “Would you do that just to prove a point?”

“Maybe.” Megumi’s expression gives nothing away as he sips his food.

To prove a point, Yuuji dips the ladle back into the pot they used to reheat the soup over the fire. He grabs himself another serving and pours it into his bowl. “I guess I’ll find out.”

“I wouldn’t poison you,” Megumi admits.

“Aw, how sweet,” Yuuji replies, laying the sarcasm on thick.

“I wouldn’t know how to get down without you.”

Yuuji kicks Megumi’s foot, chiding him for his comment. After a hearty laugh, Megumi gets out of his seat and stands in front of Yuuji, gesturing for him to make room. He takes a seat on Yuuji’s lap and gives him a peck on the cheek—his way of making amends.

By the time their meal is done, the sun is setting over the horizon. It bathes the sky in oranges, blues, and purples. Streams of light pour across the mountains, giving an almost angelic effect.

“Hey, hop up for a second.” Yuuji pats Megumi’s thigh, and he complies. Grabbing their bowls and setting them aside, Yuuji heads into the tent and grabs several of the extra blankets he brought.

Megumi follows as Yuuji heads a little past their little campsite. He takes the larger blanket and spreads it across the grass, giving them a closer and better view of the sunset. Yuuji takes a seat and holds out his hand. Megumi takes it, his hands soft and warm, and finds his place next to Yuuji. Once he’s seated, Yuuji drapes another blanket across both of their shoulders and wraps his arm around Megumi’s waist, and when he pulls him close, Megumi rests his head on his shoulder.

They watch the sun disappear behind the mountains, making room for a vast expanse of stars, brighter than they would ever be able to see in the city. They end up lying on the blanket and looking up at the sky. Yuuji points out the different constellations, and Megumi humors him, listening intently and humming in response to convey his understanding.

Crickets chirp, and leaves blow in the light breeze, filling the space left by their silence. It’s a calming backdrop to such a relaxing evening.

Yuuji turns his head and stares at the side of Megumi’s face. His chest feels full to bursting. Yuuji’s come to know this emotion well. It’s only gotten stronger with time, cementing itself as a staple in his relationship with Megumi.

The words settle on his lips, and they refuse to retreat. There’s something in the back of his mind that tells him now is the time.

“Hey, Megumi?”

“Hm?” Bright, viridian eyes stare back at him.

Yuuji reaches across his chest and cups Megumi’s cheek. With Megumi’s head on Yuuji’s chest, he’s sure Megumi can hear how hard his heart slams against his ribcage. Even still, he takes in a stabilizing breath and presses their lips together.

It’s short-lived, but the heat inside Yuuji’s core feels like an inferno. Their foreheads and noses touch, and their lips brush against one another as Yuuji whispers, “I love you.”

He can feel the way Megumi’s breath hitches. For a tense moment, Yuuji awaits a response. Something, anything , to let him know what Megumi is thinking. He’s felt it between them, both in moments where the passion is intense and threatens to consume them, but also in the mundane interactions, the little everyday things that can sometimes speak louder than the rest.

Still, Yuuji wants to hear the words.

A smile graces Megumi’s features, wide and bright. Brighter than the stars witnessing their confession. 

Megumi moves quickly, pressing their lips together once again, smiling into the kiss. “I love you too,” he breathes before giving Yuuji another.

This time, the kiss is harder, and Megumi’s tongue slides against the seam of Yuuji’s lips. A hunger grows inside of them. Megumi leans over and puts his weight against Yuuji’s chest, halfway on top of him, as he turns his head to get a better angle. Yuuji deepens their kiss. His lungs burn, desperate for air, but he doesn’t want to pull away. His mind is already clouded, the serotonin high of hearing those words from Megumi in full swing, so the lack of oxygen does little to him.

“I love you, Yuuji.” Megumi whispers again when they finally pull away enough to breathe. “So much.”

Emotions catch in Yuuji’s throat as he chokes out his reply. “I love you too.”

Both of their chests are heaving, and they’re well aware of what exactly is between them and pressing against their bodies. The smoldering look in their eyes says what they don’t need to. Megumi backs away from Yuuji, and they both stand up, readjusting themselves and picking up the blankets in a hurry. As they rush back to the tent, Yuuji’s face hurts from smiling so wide for so long. He bites his lip, trying to reign it in, but it doesn’t help.

“Yuuji.” Just before they climb into the tent, Megumi stops him and presses his hands against his chest. “You were right,” he admits, his voice low and hushed. Then, he lifts his gaze. “This date was perfect.”