Chapter Text
Sukuna is confusing.
And let's be honest. Yuji is not a philosopher. He acts first and thinks later, if at all. Thinking deeply about something is not a process he does regularly. It's like finding out how to solve an equation, and, well… Yuji hates math.
Yuji likes simplicity. Simple questions, simple answers, and simple solutions. He can leave complicated stuff to others who are good at it, like Gojo-sensei or Fushiguro. They have the brains for it. Yuji does not.
But Sukuna won't leave him alone. Literally! And Yuji is slowly getting frustrated.
At first, it was simple. Sukuna was calling him “brat”, showing how utterly worthless Yuji is, always waiting to add something mean or rude. Sukuna was exactly the way everyone pictured him, and it was fine because Yuji was expecting it. Sukuna could be an asshole, and Yuji simply didn't mind. He ignored that.
But then it started shifting, leaving Yuji puzzled and vulnerable. And very, very confused. Not only about Sukuna's behavior and intentions, but also about Yuji's own feelings regarding it. His omega’s instincts weren't helping him either.
Yuji never cared about secondary genders. Society? The opposite. In people's eyes, omegas are soft and weak, in need of protection, meant to know their place. Yuji doesn't give a shit. He wants to help people, but his instincts have nothing to do with that. He wants to help people because he is strong. And helping others is something every decent human being should do.
It's not like Yuji hides the fact that he's an omega. It's not like he hates it or doesn't accept it. It just doesn't matter to him. Maybe because he had an accident as a child and he can't smell anything unless it's very strong. This world he's living in, so focused on others' scents, just doesn't concern him. He doesn't feel like a part of it.
In Jujutsu High, no one ever questioned him about his secondary gender, and he's relieved. If those people treated him like something that needed protection, he would bolt. Yuji had only one check-up with Ieiri-sensei, and that was it. They just talked about his heats and pills.
Yuji learned that most sorcerers are alphas, or, rarely, betas. He found this information amusing because it simply means he's rare. He's representing the omegas and proudly stating that they can also do everything the same way alphas and betas do. Omegas can be strong too.
So, yeah, Yuji is surrounded by a gender that society deems as the strongest, but he also lived for some time with the current The Strongest and shares his body with The Strongest from the past, so he's not impressed by that. People are just people, after all.
And Yuji never really paid much attention to his omega's instincts, because why bother? Going into heat is tough, but manageable. He is not a fan, but they always pass, so it's okay. Nesting is nice; that part he likes. Finding appropriate materials and arranging them is kinda fun. The urge to touch and reassure others? It's natural to him, not only because of his instincts. And he still knows when to stop or respect someone’s personal space.
But this? This was something new.
And maybe it's because, as a child, he grew up with only his grandpa, who wasn't really keen on affection, and it made Yuji unused to being pampered or just looked after. Maybe it's because his instincts are simply making him happy, praising the alpha and recognizing his actions as courting. Or maybe, just maybe, it's because he didn't expect such a special treatment from Sukuna himself, and it shocked him enough to mess up his mind and feelings. But the thing is, Yuji's thoughts on Sukuna started shifting.
And it all started subtly.
At first, Yuji thought it was just his imagination. Right after he came back to life, he found Sukuna always present. Which, well, is nothing new. But something changed, and Yuji couldn't pinpoint it at first. The feeling was just slightly different. He used to always feel Sukuna somewhere there, but he seemed distant. And now he's here constantly, waiting.
Yuji realized it one day when he came back to his room after a sparring session with Gojo-sensei.
“You're dehydrated.” Said Sukuna's mouth on Yuji's left hand, and the boy was startled.
“What?” He asked, perplexed.
“Tch. Water. Drink it more, brat.” Came the dry response, and the mouth disappeared.
But to Yuji's surprise, Sukuna's presence remained.
Like he was still watching.
Watching after Yuji.
Which, ridiculous. Since when has Sukuna cared?
It left Yuji puzzled.
Then those small pieces of advice and weird interactions repeated. Eat something; you have a scratch here; be careful; focus; and drink water. Yuji doesn't need it. He lived his entire life depending on himself. He doesn't need it.
But it's nice. Relying on someone. He knows he should hate it. But he doesn't.
He can't ask anyone about this weird change, even if he wants to. Sukuna is listening all the time. Imagine how awkward the conversation would be. And Yuji doesn't want to. He doesn't want to share with anyone that the King of Curses can be nice. No one would believe him, yeah, but that's not the point. Yuji is just afraid he wouldn't like whatever they might say.
Then came Yuji's heat, the first one in Jujutsu High, and suddenly it was harder to spend it alone, like he always did. So he made a proper nest, using the clothes of his friends, senpais, and even Gojo-sensei’s blanket. But his omega craved a piece of clothing from Sukuna. Why, though? Just because he was nice to Yuji sometimes? They didn't even talk that much! Hm. Maybe that's the problem. Maybe they should talk more.
His memories of the heat are hazy. He does remember Sukuna being present the entire time. Which was weirdly reassuring. He remembers the promise to talk more, which was made on the spur of the moment. Sukuna almost seemed worried about his state. Then, advices. Nice words. Sweet words, almost. He remembers it all.
His name.
Sukuna started calling him Yuji. He still calls him “brat”, but occasionally it's just “Yuji”. And the way it is spoken makes something pause in the boy every time. Because Sukuna can sound like that, and it's unfair. He always says his name like it's something precious. Why? And again, Yuji shouldn't like it. But he does.
Then it was this weird dream where they were holding hands and Sukuna was looking at him with such fondness that it hurt. Yuji blushes at the thought alone. Oh, gods, that's just a silly dream! And it's not even real! Right? Right.
Also, the jokes. Sukuna has this deadpan delivery that's just so hilarious to Yuji. When it first happened, he was so taken aback that he laughed from the bottom of his heart. And he could almost feel how Sukuna warmed to his reaction. Which, again, weird.
The jokes were constant from there. And it was clear they were both enjoying it. Whenever Sukuna's mouth appeared out of nowhere, Yuji snorted afterwards. And once his friends asked what happened, he lied. He couldn't tell them that he was laughing at King of Curses jokes now, could he?
Sometimes Yuji was sure he could sense Sukuna's emotions because they were so different from his own that they were easy to decipher. He started observing him carefully. It was just so weird, but interesting!
Thanks to it, Yuji learned that Sukuna doesn't like when someone approaches him too close. He especially hates Gojo-sensei for his easy-going attitude and affectionate touches. Yuji doesn't mind; his omega loves to be showered with affection. Why did it bother Sukuna? Yuji didn't know. Maybe it was just instincts to protect because Yuji is an omega?
And it finally clicked.
He was at the mall with Fushiguro and Kugisaki, just having some fun together. They came across a lost child, and Yuji immediately felt the urge to reassure the pup and protect them. So, yeah, instincts. He even started purring, which was kinda embarrassing.
And it turns out his friends weren't aware he's an omega at all. Because of Sukuna's alpha scent, apparently. Even better. No one knew besides Ieiri-sensei. So, Yuji came to a simple conclusion.
Sukuna was just having some fun, trolling everyone.
It was all just for his own entertainment.
And it hurt.
Sukuna claimed it was to protect Yuji, but since when did Sukuna care?
But the thought remained, hurting him from the inside, and Yuji didn't want to think about it anymore, so he focused on a pup. But then Gojo-sensei came, and, again, even he couldn't believe him for telling the truth about his secondary gender.
As much as Yuji doesn't care about being an omega, someone else rejecting this part of him made him uneasy. Yeah, he's not like a stereotypical omega, but he still is one. Telling him right in his face that he's not is just inappropriate and rude.
So, when the mom of the pup told him he would be a great mama one day, he kinda just… blue-screened. It was the first time in Yuji's entire life that someone made him realize he could be a mother one day. He knew it deep inside, of course, but the thought was pushed so hard to the back of his mind that he pretended it wasn't even there. The simple acknowledgement that he would be a good mother made him feel so at ease, but it also left him equally embarrassed.
And then something even weirder happened. Gojo-sensei was looking at him with his beautiful eyes, boring them so deeply that it made Yuji shiver. His instincts were screaming at him to run, or else he was going to be eaten. And Gojo-sensei said... He said he would make Yuji his wife and let him bear his successor?! Fortunately, Sukuna gained control and saved Yuji from combusting alive. Honestly, Yuji has never felt more grateful to be able to just leave his own body.
He found himself in Sukuna's domain, which looked too familiar after inspecting it, and Yuji realized that the thing he deemed a dream wasn't, in fact, a dream. It all happened here when he was in heat. So, yeah, they were holding hands, for real. Yuji and Sukuna. What the hell? And, oh gods, Sukuna was claiming him as his and arguing with Gojo-sensei about it! Why were the strongest people fighting over Yuji?! Were they dumb?!
Then the next revelation came, because apparently Yuji's scent was so nice that Sukuna decided not to let it be smelled by anyone, and Yuji just... He couldn't.
He couldn't believe it all.
It must have been some kind of joke.
Yes, that's definitely a lie, Yuji decided.
And again, the thought hurt.
But he couldn't believe it. Because if he lets himself believe, he will... Ugh!
Sukuna found him like that, still trying to process everything, hiding between the bones. He just wanted to be alone, but Sukuna told him to go back to his body. But remembering Sensei’s hungry eyes made him uncomfortable. Why being here with Sukuna put him at ease, he didn't understand.
“I don't remember giving you permission to stay here.” Sukuna said, and Yuji scoffed.
He thought about them holding hands, about Sukuna himself sending him here, and about how the alpha could just throw him out, but he never did.
“Liar.” Yuji called him.
“You could call me many names, but a liar is not one of them. I do not lie.” Alpha stated, and Yuji perked up at those words.
Sukuna was so close, almost touching him, but still respecting his space. Crouching. Looking at him attentively, observing every movement carefully. If this was just an act, he was really good at it. Yuji couldn't meet his eyes.
“No. I don't believe you. You're just playing with me. There is no way you said all of those things for real.” He murmured, fighting not to be swayed.
“Yuji.” And there it was.
This soft tone is so unlike King of Curses. Why? Why does he have to call him like that?
Sukuna wanted Yuji to raise his head, but Omega couldn't push himself to do so. He would definitely blush, because how can Sukuna just say Yuji belongs to him and then act like nothing happened? So he stayed, hiding.
“I will bite you.” Sukuna said, but they both knew it was an empty threat.
And wasn't it funny? This weird trust between them? Yuji doesn't even know when it started.
Omega covered his neck with his hand anyway, and Sukuna snorted.
“You are in luck that I find those reactions adorable.” He said it in this playful tone of his, and it made Yuji let his guard down.
He found himself in Sukuna's arms a moment later. He was so focused on getting away that the next thing Yuji knew was him sitting in Sukuna's lap on his throne, straddling him. He immediately felt himself blushing harder with every passing second. Why did they have to be so close?! And the worst thing was that he could sense Sukuna's gaze on him. It wasn't uncomfortable like Gojo-sensei's; it was just embarrassing. It was more like Sukuna was trying not to laugh at something he found amusing. Yuji tried to peek, saw Sukuna smiling, and choked, shocked at the fond smile. And that's why Alpha is unfair! How could he even look at Yuji like that? No, Yuji needed to get away.
But he couldn’t. Sukuna pulled him even closer, and Yuji could feel the alpha’s hand on the boy's back. He might have made some kind of surprised sound; he doesn't remember. Omega was blushing so hard at this point that he tried to cover it with his hands, but Sukuna made a disapproving click of the tongue and caught Yuji's wrists.
“No hiding. Eyes on me.” Sukuna said calmly with this deep voice of his, and that's ridiculous. Why is even his voice like that?
Sensing a losing battle, Yuji finally gave up. He looked Sukuna in the eyes and tried to understand. Why was Alpha looking at him like Yuji was something dear to Sukuna? No one has ever looked at Yuji like this. Suddenly, Yuji couldn't do this because this had to be a lie. He tried to find the trace of such in Sukuna's eyes but failed, and Yuji felt his rousing panic. He didn't understand! He has to be wrong; this can't be happening! Why would Sukuna care for Yuji? If he's still going to look at Yuji like this, if he's still going to be nice, Yuji would... Yuji can't hate him like this! That's so unfair! And Yuji can't do this anymore; he can't think about it alone.
All those confusing words, thoughts, actions, everything that happened that day hit Yuji at once, and... He felt frustrating tears gathering in his eyes and just let everything out. All those questions, this uneasiness, frustration, and confusion poured from Yuji, and Sukuna listened with a still, reassuring presence. The boy didn't even know what he was saying at that point.
“Yuji.” The way Sukuna called his name cleared the boy’s mind and brought him back to reality.
It was hard to think of it all as a lie. Sukuna looked at Yuji with such fondness and warmth; Yuji wasn't even aware he was capable of such. And this happened. Sukuna closed the distance between them, inhaled Omega's scent, then exhaled, his breath tickling Yuji's neck, and he shivered involuntarily. Then Sukuna's eyes darkened, and he slowly kissed Omega's scent gland. Yuji made a weird sound in the back of his throat, completely overwhelmed by the sensation. Sukuna put his head on Yuji's shoulder, and for a second, Omega wanted to pet him.
“You are really gonna be the death of me one day.” Sukuna said quietly, and Yuji gasped.
That was, like, the point of his existence. But he didn't want to. Yuji didn't want to die. But he also didn't want to kill Sukuna anymore.
“I want you to be mine and my only.” Sukuna said, looking straight into Yuji's eyes. “My omega. My Yuji.”
Yuji blue-screened for the second time that day. Is this a confession? A proposal? What the heck?! How is he supposed to react? He's still coming to terms with the fact that Sukuna apparently wants him alive and next to him. That he actually cares for Yuji. Becoming his is just... too soon. Yuji tries to say it, and Sukuna understands. It's hard to believe it. They are on the same ground together. Sukuna is smiling and joking. They cuddle! They banter! What kind of alternative universe did Yuji find himself in?!
But the thing is, he loves it. It's different from being around his friends or with Gojo-sensei. In Sukuna's arms, Yuji feels so content and safe, it's ridiculous. But maybe that's how it was meant to be.
“Hey, do you think we are True Mates?” Yuji asks, rubbing small circles in Sukuna's kimono on his chest, his head tucked under the alpha’s chin.
There is a chuckle that Yuji can feel through their bodies.
“Of course you believe in those.” Sukuna answers amused, his lips in Yuji's hair. He's humming for a moment, and the vibrations from his voice do things to the omega. “When I realized it had to be you, I really thought it was meant to be like this.” He murmurs, and Yuji looks up, surprised.
“I just thought the same thing! It can't be a coincidence!” He says it excitedly.
And Yuji is again hit with this full-of-fondness look that he still tries to get used to.
“Well, I'm yours until death do us apart.” Sukuna tells Yuji seriously, and the boy gapes.
“What the– You're MINE?! It sounds like– It sounds like a marriage vow!” He stresses, and Sukuna smirks.
Oh, gods, why is it suddenly so hot here?!
“Really?” Sukuna pretends to make a thoughtful face. “Now that you mention it, those words do sound familiar.” He deadpans.
Yuji promptly fixes him with a hit to his chest, and Sukuna chuckles.
“I hate you!” Yuji whines. “Stop teasing me! Give me some time to think about it all!”
Sukuna snorts.
“You should say it without clinging to me like a lifeline.” He murmurs and squeezes Yuji playfully.
“No way.” Omega responds, tugging himself even further into Alpha's embrace. “I've wanted to do it since my last heat and…” He realizes his own words and makes a loud squeak.
Because, what the hell? Even he didn't know that!
“Oh?” There is laughter in Sukuna's voice, shit.
“No. No, I'm taking it back.” Yuji says quickly, petrified.
“No taking backs.” Sukuna murmurs and gently bites his ear.
Yuji squeals and blushes violently, while Sukuna snickers.
“I swear to gods, you are horrible!” Omega pouts. “Who would have thought the infamous King of Curses could be like this?” Yuji grumbles.
He can sense Sukuna's smirk.
“No one is going to believe you.” He says this, amused, and Yuji sighs.
“I know. I am wondering what kind of scent they are smelling from you, though.” Yuji muses.
The only response is silence, and Yuji feels alarmed.
“Sukuna?”
“Fuck.”
Yuji immediately sits up, breaking the embrace.
“What?”
“Fuck.” He repeats, and he looks annoyed.
Yuji furrows his brows worriedly.
“Did I say something wrong?” And he tries to recall his words, but Sukuna shakes his head.
“I just remembered something horrendous.” He explains and winces. “People would believe you.” He says, defeated.
“Eh? How?”
“My scent.” He offers, and Yuji blinks.
Then he promptly erupts into laughter.
“Don't. Laugh.” Sukuna grumbles, but there is mirth in his eyes.
“I'm so sorry, it's just... I always forget it matters, cause I can't smell it.” Yuji gasps, then comes to a sudden realization. “How do I smell, by the way?” He asks, fully invested.
“You smell like my future mate.” Alpha responds instantly.
“I'm asking seriously!” Yuji pouts, and Sukuna chuckles.
Alpha inhales with a smile and exhales, closing his eyes. He hums.
“Peaches, cardamon, and patchouli. Sweet and a little bit spicy. It got me bad when I took you here for the first time.” He admits it with a fond smile and opens his eyes.
Yuji still tries to find traces of dishonesty. None. So weird.
“Is it really pleasant?” He can't help but ask.
“It's divine.” Sukuna smirks.
“Divine?! Di– You can't say things like that!” Yuji blushes, but his inner omega is delighted at the praise.
“I only stated the truth.” Says the alpha with a smile.
Sukuna's hand comes to Yuji's scent gland and caresses it absentmindedly.
“And what about you?” Yuji wonders. “How do you smell?”
“Burned wood, smoke, and ashes.” Sukuna says, and Yuji opens his eyes wider.
“It's kinda matching.” He thinks aloud.
“If you agree to mate with me, it would mix perfectly.” Sukuna smirks again, but his hand comes to Yuji's hair now and gently pets them.
Yuji still can't believe Sukuna treats him like that. He can't help but feel puzzled…
“Hey. Why do you want to mate with me so badly?” He decides to ask.
Sukuna smiles fondly, and Yuji really likes to see those smiles directed only at him.
“Because I don't want you to belong to anyone else, obviously.” He responds like it's actually obvious.
Yuji hums.
“And that's it? Just the instincts?” He probes.
“You are the first one for me.” Sukuna whispers after a moment. “The first person I want to cherish. I don't want to ruin it.” And he genuinely looks dejected at the thought.
Huh.
“It’s the same for me.” Yuji admits, and takes Sukuna's other hand. He squeezes it lightly. “You are the first one I feel I can fully rely on. It's safe in your arms.”
The alpha squeezes back.
“That's why I want my own body again. I have two more arms, so it would be even safer.” He deadpans.
“Nooo!” Yuji groans.
Sukuna smirks, then sighs tiredly.
“Going back will be unpleasant, but it's inevitable.” He says, bringing the moment between them to an end.
Yuji guesses it's really time to face reality. He left his body for some time now just to have a date. Can he call it a date? It's definitely a date! But…
“Why unpleasant?” Omega asks, frowning.
“Because that beta doctor will make fun of us.” Sukuna scoffs.
Yuji blinks.
“And still, Ieiri-sensei has gained enough respect not to be called by a mean name.” He teases.
“Oi, brat.” Sukuna pulls Yuji's hair lightly.
“I can't hear you!” Omega mumbles, faking a pout at the nickname.
Sukuna's hand in his hair stops, and suddenly he's holding both of Yuji's hands. The boy looks at him expectantly.
“I will wait as long as you need.” Sukuna says it in a serious tone.
Yuji’s breath hitches.
“For what?” He says it breathlessly.
Sukuna squeezes his hands again and smiles.
“Until you fall for me.”
Yuji gapes. And then he laughs, because this is so ridiculous. He's already falling. Hard. But he won't say it. Yet.
“You're so sappy!” He chuckles.
“Don't remind me.” Sukuna clicks his tongue, and Yuji laughs again.
They just stare at each other for a moment. It's nice. Yuji likes it. It's calm. Safe. Everything changed, but it's better this way. Yuji will do his best and face his own feelings properly. If Sukuna is willing to wait for him, that's even better.
“Should we go now?” Yuji asks cheerfully.
Sukuna nods.
“Yeah, we should. I have something to say.” Sukuna smirks.
Yuji squints his eyes suspiciously.
“Don't declare war.” He teases.
Sukuna snorts.
“Nothing like that, Yuji. It's the opposite, actually. A truce of some kind.” He admits, and Omega gasps.
“Really?!”
A grunt.
“Yes. You better appreciate what I am doing for you.” Sukuna mumbles with a resigned look.
“Of course, Sukuna-sama!” Yuji grins, and Sukuna chokes.
“Better not call me like that if you want to go back now.” He raises one eyebrow challengingly.
Yuji chuckles and takes a deep breath, squeezing their hands for the last time.
“I'm ready.” He says and…