Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Gojo was currently sitting in the spine-aching chair next to Nanami’s hospital bed. He tapped his foot impatiently, preoccupied running through Yuuji and Nanami’s previous mission in his head.

It was a grade 1 curse mission just to get Yuuji a bit more experience with his cursed energy. So it really was nothing Nanami couldn't handle on his own.

Of course, easy enough missions never end up being the case.

The curse had some sort of teleportation ability which tracks based on all the missing person reports with no body or foul play involved. According to Yuuji the curse was about to enact its domain, when he threw his black flash right in the middle of it, a big burst of dramatic blinding light, then boom! Nanami is unconscious on the ground and the curse is nowhere in sight.

Gojo can chalk up to the curse performing a hit and run to escape. However, that does not explain why Nanami is wearing completely different clothes..

It's nothing too different from the same type of style, but Nanami was now wearing a dark green dress shirt and black dress pants instead of his stunning dark blue and tan combo. Gojo would remember it as it is his favorite of Nanami’s suits. He even commented on it this morning in the teacher's lounge. Gojo compliment that it filled out his arms very nicely without the coat on! Of course, his kohai responded with an eye roll and a begrudged “thank you Gojo-san” which perked the six eye users whole day up! Nanami never usually responds to Gojo’s random comments with gratitude like that!

But now he is in a different color scheme which Gojo can still appreciate. The dark green really brings out Nanami's golden locks. But besides that point, his cursed energy seems a bit off. His six-eyes can tell it's the same but there's something different about it that he can’t really put his finger on.

Yuuji immediately called him once Nanami was safe with Shoko, which prompted Gojo to completely rush his mission and accidentally blow up a building (Yaga’s gonna be pissy about that, but oh well) Gojo has been sitting here for about an hour waiting for his kohai to wake up and he was getting a bit impatient.

“So Doc, what's the verdict? You said he's stable and fine overall so.. When is he gonna wake up?”

Shoko didn't take her eyes off her computer to answer. “I already told you it could be at most a day before he wakes. You staring at him isn’t going to make him wake up any faster.”

He knows Shoko was hoping for some peace and quiet today with how busy she’s been this week. But she should know once Nanami came in potentially injured Gojo was going to be making it everyone else's problem. His brain gets thrown out the window whenever it has to do with Nanami sometimes.

A groan was suddenly heard from Nanami's bed turning both Shoko and Gojos heads towards the noise.

Gojo lifted an eyebrow and his lips tugged into a smug smile. Shoko huffed, “Not a word. That was a coincidence, Gojo.”

, “I didn’t say a word. He giggled”

Nanami lifted himself to a sitting position rubbing his head.

“Nanami how are you feeling?”

“Yeah, Nanamin you got pretty bruised up huh? Gave me quite the scare!”

Shoko gave Gojo an unimpressed look. “Will you please not tease my patients as soon as they wake up?”

Gojo only responded with his hands up in surrender enjoining a smile.

Nanami gave them both a curious look and continued to rub his head more.

“Is Itadori-kun alright?! I remember him hitting the curse before I blacked out.” Worry painted the ex-salaryman's voice and surprisingly his face as well. This is odd, Nanami is usually more calm and collected than this. Did something happen he wasn’t made known of?

“Yes, he’s just fine. The curse seemed to get away after it hit you. Yuuji-kun carried you all the way back to the car and hospital wing.” Shoko replied

Nanami's shoulders sagged in relief. Then something else weird happened..

The blonde sorcerer's eyes crinkled and his dimples deepened as he huffed out a laugh.

He’s laughing..?

“Oh jeez. He carried me?! How embarrassing!”

His chest shaking with his head thrown back laughing..

If Gojo wasn’t so distracted by how uncharacteristic this was he would have taken time to enjoy the rich light laughter that rarely graced his ears. He’ll have to figure out how to make Nanami laugh more often.

Shoko and Gojo seem to both blink in surprise and look at each other in confusion.

Nanami’s laughter simmered down to a soft smile, “Is Yuuji here? I’m going to have to bribe him not to say anything. I’m honestly not going to live this down. I just hope he didn’t take any pictures this time for the kids' little group chat.” Nanami then began turning his head looking around the room as if the kid was hiding somewhere.

Embarrassing? Bribe? Group chat? What is Nanami even talking about? Why is he acting so casually? And since when did he care about any antics the kids did? They usually know better and leave him out of it.

The true question is how hard did his kohai hit his head for him to continue to smile like that.

Not that Gojo’s complaining about the smile.

“Um.. Yuuji-kun is back at his dorm.. Nanami, how about you continue to lie down so I can do some more tests? I’ll-uh, be back shortly.” Shoko stepped to leave and Gojo went to follow her to ask what the hell that could be but was stopped when she said, “Oh no you stay here and watch him.”

Betrayed Gojo opened his mouth to reply, “But I-“

“Gojo! Come sit with me! It feels like forever since we’ve talked!”

Nanami was waving him over with a wide grin on his face. Usually, Gojo would have jumped at an opportunity to hear those sweet words from his kohai, but this atypical behavior was throwing Gojo a bit off kilter. At that, Shoko gave him a knowing look and clicked away in her heel.

Gojo reluctantly slid back in his chair. “Umm, so how are you feeling..? Besides, extra uh jolly?” Gojo said as he sat in the chair next to the hospital bed.

Nanami raised an eyebrow while still keeping that lightsome smile on his face. “Jolly? I don’t feel any happier than I usually am seeing you.”

The air was suddenly sucked out of Gojo’s lungs. Ok if he thought there was something wrong earlier he knows there definitely is now.

“..or I guess I am a bit happier since not only do I get an extra day off because of medical leave, but I get an excuse to take up some of your time. You know I hate how much you've been overworking lately”

Gojo felt his face warm up and his tongue refused to form any more words except, “Um..uh.. take up my time..?”

Nanami seemed to smirk at his stumbling words and lean closer into Gojo’s space. “You know I’m starting to think you're the one who hit your head. Why are you acting so shy, Satoru?”

Was.. was Nanami flirting with him?! A logical part of Gojo’s brain was sending out alarm bells alerting him that this couldn’t be Nanami, and he should double no, quadruple-check that with his six eyes. But that seemed impossible since the 7:3 sorcerer all but purred his name.

With all those thoughts racing through Gojo’s head he didn’t notice how much closer Nanami was. They were now practically breathing the same air now. Gojo leaned back a bit, eyes now round as saucers under his blindfold. Gripping anything nearby for leverage not really thinking that he could just teleport out of here any moment. But how was Gojo supposed to think clearly with Nanami giving him bedroom eyes like that?!

“Nanami I-“

“I know you don’t like this during work hours Satoru but technically we’re both not working and I’ve missed you..”

Ok, Gojo should say something to that but the green that shined in Nanami’s golden brown eyes was such a distraction. He was paralyzed by that stare. Unable to stop the blonde's hand from lightly palming his warm cheek. At this point, Gojo could practically feel his heart thumping through his chest. That was the last clear thought he had before Nanami leaned in and kissed him.

His lips were as soft as a rose petal. Moving his mouth so gracefully and smooth. Feeling Gojo’s open shocked mouth as a sign to urge for something deeper. Nanami’s tongue slid against his lower lip, sparking a taste of morning mocha. Gojo seemed to relish the flavor and began to kiss back. Their lips continued to meet as Gojo slipped his hand through Nanami’s hair enjoying the softness that met his fingertips.

Nanami was too comfortable with this. He knew where to swipe his tongue and move his lips with Gojo’s own. Like he’s done this many times before.

He probably would have questioned it more if he wasn’t so preoccupied.

A sudden sound of crashing metal jolted both the sorcerers away from one another. Looking to see Shoko completely dumbfounded with medical tools and papers on the floor.

Gojo glanced back at Nanami, the tousled hair mixed with a red hue on his face seems to also burst Gojo into the full-blown realization that he just played tongue sushi with his usual ‘don’t stand within 3 feet of me’ stoic friend.

Gojo face was a flames as he all but fell out of his chair to give himself some room from the blonde sorcerer.

Nanami blinked down at him as if HE was the one acting unconventional!

“Nanami he- and then- I-.. I should go!”

His six eyes had apparently not caught up with Gojo’s thoughts. Since just when he went to teleport to, anywhere else but here, he instead was met with a face full of the solid door. Abruptly knocking him backwards. He shook his head and didn’t dare to look at his friends' reactions before successfully teleporting away. Trying his best not to think about how intimate that kiss felt.

—

Nanami was blinking at the spot where Gojo teleported from, a bit shocked by his behavior. Jeez, he’s acting like they’ve never kissed before. Usually, if someone walks in on them (which isn't a lot since Gojo’s so strict about it) he appropriately moves away (to Nanami’s disappointment) and continues like normal..

“Uh Shoko, I think something’s wrong with Satoru. He’s acting kinda off don’t you think?”

Shoko rubbed her temple trying her best to de-stress and collect her thoughts all at once.

Chapter Text

The pounding of Nanami’s headache mixed with the sharp scent of antiseptics was an unwelcome wake-up call. That bright blast from that curse was the last thing he remembered. That grade one mission ended with Itadori-kun using his black flash just as that curse began to release its domain. The blast must have been big enough to knock him unconscious. But where did that leave Itadori-kun?

With that realization, Nanami began to get up, “Itadori-“ but a firm hand against his shoulder seemed to push him back down.

“Easy Nanami. Itadori is alright.”

He recognized the Gojo’s voice easily. He began to look around and realized he was in the hospital wing at tech. The warm hand was still on Nanami’s shoulder however Gojo was now making circled motions with his palm almost as if he was attempting to soothe Nanami. It felt too affectionate and with Gojo’s mouth not quirking up but down with concern was rubbing him the wrong way.

Despite Gojo’s protests he began to sit up anyway nudging the other man’s hand off. Deciding to ignore the twitch that Gojo had in response.

It was not odd that Gojo was here to visit him. Since it wasn’t very often that Nanami found himself needing extreme medical aid from missions. But he is also a busy guy, so Gojo must have come here to clear the mission up if he is the first to see Nanami.

“How are you feeling? You’ve been out for almost the whole day and I was beginning to worry.” The solemnity of Gojo’s tone was a surprise. Although Nanami is sure he cares about his well-being, that doesn’t hinder Gojo from his usual obnoxious teasing antics. Did something happen? He said Yuuji was alright so what really was causing Gojo to give him a look like that?

“I have a minor headache but otherwise fine. What happened after I fell unconscious? Did Itadori exercise the curse?”

Gojo tilted his head to the side feeling the weight of the six eyes studying him even through the blindfold. Not unusual behavior but normally Gojo at least smiles to buffer the tension of the obvious use of the powerful technique. This straight face expression didn’t help.

And just when Nanami was about to ask if there was something wrong Gojo said,

“You're wearing different clothes than what you left with.” Again no lighter tone.

“What? I’ve been wearing this since this morning Gojo-san. What are you-“

“-No you wore your dark green dress shirt and black slacks this morning. Along with the black belt and the tiger pattern tie I got you for your birthday. I would know since I picked them out for you.” Arms crossed not a smile or hint of teasing in sight.

Nanami narrowed his eyes at that. The feeling of agitation now sitting next to the unease in his stomach. Not only is he ignoring his question earlier, but Gojo is spouting nonsense about what he’s wearing. The most Gojo did this morning about his clothes was a comment on how well his arms fit in them. Gojo likes to tease, yes but not play weird mind games like this.

“In what universe would I let you pick out what I wear!?”

That comment seemed to make the six-eyed user frown even more.

“..did you change to get a raise out of me because of the spat we got in earlier today?”

Okay, Nanami’s patients have run out. “I don’t have time for your games Gojo. I am getting Shoko-san and-“

But just as Nanami began to sit up and leave, Gojo firmly grasped his left hand with both of his, as if he was holding onto it like a prayer. The 7:3 sorcerer blinked in confusion and looked up at Gojo to finally tell him to fuck off but was met with two crystal orbs looking down at him in concern.

Nanami has seen Gojo’s eyes plenty of times and would never admit he has admired them from afar. But seeing them up close like this with eyes only on Nanami and Nanami alone threw him a bit off balance.

The blonde always disregarded the warm feeling in his chest when Gojo liked to breach his personal space, and time as often as possible. However, it felt a bit more difficult at this very moment.

Gojo spoke before he could find his bearings

“This is my fault you're upset today. I didn’t leave like I should have before we went on our missions.” He has never heard Gojo sound so sincere.

The soft caress of Gojo’s thumb did not help ground Nanami further from this odd interaction.

“I was short with you and that wasn’t fair when you're only showing me you care.”

The most Nanami did for Gojo this morning was hand him his coffee.

“-I’ll do better with the mission load. How about I take you to that new bakery you wanted to try in Tokyo?”

With the soft words and gentleness of Gojo’s touch, Nanami’s brain could not comprehend how to even respond. Especially with the image of the two sharing a sweet chocolate danish at a cutesy bakery in Tokyo. That moment of weakness allowed the six-eyed sorcerer to raise one of his hands, and from what Nanami could only describe as tenderly caress the blonde's cheek.

“-it’ll be a date Kento..”

That seems to snap Nanami out of this godforsaken trance.

What a patronizing prick.

The 7:3 sorcerer lifted his leg and push-kicked Gojo’s stomach with enough force that it propelled and slammed him into the wall. The sound from the impact seemed to vibrate the whole building. Lucky for Nanami the idiot seemed to leave his infinity off to hold his hand.

Nanami grits his teeth in a scowl doing his best to ignore the heat that was rushing to his face. “I deal with your shit enough Gojo and accept that is just who you are. But to pull condescending games while I’m recovering and worried about Itadori is where my limit ends.”

Gojo had to nerve to look at him incredulously as he pushed himself off the now-cracked wall. “Games?! What the hell has gotten into you? I already told you that Itadori is fine! And I even apologized and asked you out to a place you would like.” The face Gojo gave him despite him looking a bit confused mirrored Nanami’s scowl. It appeared foreign on his friend's face. Gojo has pretty good control of his anger even agitation since he’s slightly matured after graduating. Knowing the six-eyed sorcerer isn’t one to take things so seriously.

Which unnerved Nanami even more from this reaction. If this was really all a joke to get a raise out of him, Gojo would have been all smiles once he achieved his desired black lash.

Nanami glanced at the door praying that Shoko would come in and clear him so he could leave already-

Didn’t that door always have circular windows? Why were they now square..? It shouldn’t feel important, but how useless would it be that tech would change the doors to the infirmary all of the sudden? Plus Gojo acting out of character.. Its like Nanami was in another reality.

Wait.

Was he still in the curses domain?

He immediately got up from the bed and grabbed onto Gojo’s arm.

“Teleport me.”

“What? No, you are laying back down and getting checked on by Shoko you are acting completely irrational.”

“For God's sake, for all the times you have to take your life seriously you choose now to? Teleport me now dammit!”

Gojo pursed his lips and in a blink of an eye white walls were suddenly lush green trees. Nanami looked around at the change in scenery. They both were standing on a redwood bridge that overlooked koi fish swimming and kissing the tip of the water.

Nanami didn’t know whether to sigh in relief or exhaustion. So he wasn’t in a domain and this Gojo was real.

“Is your temporary insanity over with enough to explain yourself yet?” Said with a tone that lacked all humor…

Nanami slid a hand down his face the headache now slowly returning.

“Yeah, what do you know about dimension travel?”

Chapter Text

Gojo sat on the tech's wooden bench and mindlessly watched the koi fish swim and nibble off the bread he tore away from his fruit sando.

“..Why are you acting so shy Satoru..”

That kiss made Gojo feel things he never thought too hard about before. Nanami has always been a friend since their school days. Growing a bit closer since he returned to jujutsu. He’s never shown any signs of romantic intentions. Granted, this all could be the result of whatever the curse did to Nanami. But that didn’t stop Gojo from the warmth that ran through his veins when Nanami said his name like that.

He looked so happy at just seeing Gojo. Probably the happiest he’s ever seen him. Nanami is a very reserved guy he doesn’t just burst out grinning for no reason. Nor look at Gojo with a flirtatious gleam in his eyes.

“I’ve missed you..”

With a red face, Gojo chomped on his sando letting the cream and sugar fruit distract his mind.

Yet it did a poor job. All it reminded him of was the many time Nanami would make fruit sandos in high school. Always with fluffy fresh baked bread, homemade cream, and the burst of sweet flavor from the strawberry and kiwi. After endless begging, he would begrudgingly give Gojo a piece. And like a stray cat, he would come back for more and more until Nanami ended up just making extra for Gojo to have one as well. Once he covered the fruit in caramelized sugar for him or switched it up and used strawberry cream. He even made Gojo some a couple of weeks ago! (Mostly for the kids but he probably had Gojo in mind).

Gojo hoped some sweets would clear his head, but of course the only shop open right now had to be that damn bakery with only the darling treat Nanami tended to make! Although this sando was from a high-end dessert bakery it didn’t hold a candle to Nanami’s.

The sudden pulse of Shoko's cursed energy seems to put a pause on his thoughts. Well, it looks like she found him.

“There you are! I was afraid you left the school. Rude to ignore texts you know.” Shoko came up behind him leaning toward on the bench.

“I wasn’t ignoring them I had just been pondering on the best reply possible.” He attempted to joke as he focused on the koi. “So how’d you find me then?”

“Remember the picture app the kids made us get? Well, you forgot to turn off ghost mode.”

Gojo knew it was a bad idea to try to stay hip with the kids! “What?! Megumi is such a little liar he said it was off!”

Her eye seemed to catch the treat Gojo was eating. Ignoring his outrage Shoko said, “Why are you eating a bunch of sando?”

Gojo huffed, turning away from the exhausted sorcerer and took a huge bite. “It’s called stress eating. It’s like smoking or binge drinking but a bit healthier.”

Shoko grimaced as he spoke with his mouth full. “Your an ass. Now, get a hold of yourself and come back with me to the infirmary so I can debrief you on Nanami. It’s serious.”

“Oh believe me I knew it was serious when Nanami whispered sweet nothings in my ear and swapped spit with me!”

Shoko gave him a shrewd look. “Well, It didn’t look like you were complaining earlier?”

Sputtering, Gojo replied, “I am simply worried about a friend who is acting out of character!” That’s all it is! Nanami could never make him feel bashful of all feelings. No one can make the strongest feel things like that.

“uh huh, I understand. I don’t like Nanami like that but even I would become a blushing schoolgirl if he kissed me.”

He pointed the sando at Shoko. “I was not blushing like a schoolgirl. I am a suave bachelor who gets all the chicks he wants. A mere kiss from a stud like Nanami can’t affect me.”

Shoko raised her eyebrow. “Stud?”

On that note, Gojo decided to toss the last half of the sando in the pond. “Let’s just go fix Nanami and pretend this never happened.”

—-

After Satoru’s episode, a very tired Shoko told Nanami that she was able to run some tests from the leftover cursed energy before it dissipated. While waiting for the tests to be done Shoko opted to to get Satoru to discuss the results. As worried as Nanami was for him, he didn’t understand why he had to wait for Satoru to be here. Chances are he went back to their apartment and Nanami can just tell him there.

But when Nanami tried to explain that to Shoko she looked at him like he grew a third head, and just repeated herself before leaving.

Satoru’s reaction was a bit concerning. Even so he knew they’d just clear it all up and go home. Then Nanami could finally have some alone time with his significant other for the first time in 2 weeks! Nanami isn’t going to lie, he was a bit upset about the whole thing. After the deal with higher-ups, he thought that Satoru would be able to cool down on his schedule but it seemed to do the complete opposite. So Nanami mentioned it (in a completely mature way only whining once or twice) and it’s like it struck a nerve with the six-eyed sorcerer. Both of them leaving in a huff breaking the ‘not leaving upset’ rule.

They didn’t even say their ‘love you’s.’

Well, Nanami isn’t one to hold a grudge forever about something like this. So he’ll apologize and they can go make up more in other ways..

A perfect plan.

Shoko and Satoru finally entered through the double doors of the infirmary.

“Finally! Satoru the apple of my eye, the light of my life can you please rescue me from this harpy she won’t let me leave!” Gazing at his husband with a pleading look.

“Harpy!?”

“Light of my life?”

“What else would you be Shoko? You're keeping me against my will and taking away precious time I can have with Satoru. I’m surprised he didn’t go on another mission while we weren’t looking.” That light jab probably didn’t help but Gojo didn’t seem upset by it oddly enough he looked like he found it funny if not a bit confused. That’s odd usually Gojo would get that annoying but cute twitch in his eye from comments like that.

Shoko rolled her eyes. “If you weren’t my patient right now I’d have half a mind to slap you for that. But we’re moving on you both need to hear this.”

Shoko grabbed the papers near her desk. “I put the residue that the curse left into the system to see if we have encountered this curse before and to make sure it didn’t leave any lingering effects. However, all that popped up was this file from 50 years ago. The file called the curse, Sluagh.”

“Sluagh?” Satoru said, “That weak curse that tech couldn’t catch? Didn’t it obliterate people?”

Nanami gave Satoru a weird look. That’s an odd way to word things for him.

“Well, they actually snatched their souls from this plane. They couldn’t catch it cause the curse kept teleporting them elsewhere. Kei, the sorcerer that teleported and survived said that it didn’t just take him to another place but another universe.”

Nanami blinked at that. “Universe? How did he even catch that?”

Shoko continued, “When he was teleported something went wrong possibly like this time, and switched Kei and alternate Kei. Both Keis picked up on the differences and we’re able to deduce that.“

That made Nanami look back at Satoru, who was now sitting with legs spread wide as well as his arms resting on the neck of the chairs next to him. So causal while slightly slouching. The Satoru he knew would not be caught dead in that postion in public. Of course, the six eyes sensed Nanami was looking at the man, and Satoru gave him a shameless grin back. Which he’s not ashamed to say made him flinch a bit.

His poised straight-faced Satoru gave him a cheeky grin.

Suddenly feeling a bit wary Nanami said, “Are you saying what I think you're saying, Shoko..”

“Well unless you two are now suddenly in a relationship and you grew a new sense of humor in the last day. You and the Nanami of this universe have switched.”

Nanami was a bit speechless at that. He was about to argue against Shoko’s far-fetched theory when Satoru of all people started to giggle. Nanami has heard Satoru chuckle and laugh of course, but giggle..? it was unnerving. It honestly made this whole scenario come crashing down on him. He really was in some bizarro reality and most importantly Nanami wasn’t going to see his Satoru anytime soon.

So he decided to direct that irritation to the Gojo fraud.

“Oh, you think this is funny ‘No-jo’? How do we not know that this goof over here isn’t the imposter from another universe?!” Nanami shouted pointing accusingly at what defiantly isn’t his Satoru.

Smile now wiped off, Nojo put a hand to his chest like an offended fair maiden. “Nojo?! How dare you! I am one of a kind. You however are the imposter, Not-ami! My Nanami is far more sensible he would never throw accusations like this!”

“And my Gojo wouldn’t freak out over a kiss like some blushing virgin!”

“Virgin!? I’ve slept with tons- no hundreds of people! Oh and by the way, green isn’t your color buddy.”

Now it was Nanami’s turn to be offended. Satoru loves green on him it brings out his eyes! “You take that back! my Satoru loves me in this shirt!”

“Oh my God, will you two shut up! It was bad enough there's one Gojo before this.” She pointedly looked at Nanami. “You are from another universe because you are acting just like that idiot.” Which made Gojo let out an irked ‘Hey’. “And I’m guessing your Gojo acts reserved and is a stoic kind of guy?”

Damn, she was right. What a nightmare. Doesn’t this only happen in cheesy shojo manga? Nanami then nodded in defeat. “Yeah, and he’s a great kisser that must be a huge difference in this universe as well.” Hoping to get a raise out of the Satoru impersonator.

Which Nanami is sure he did if the sputtering and glare were anything to show by. “Okay Shoko, can you read the rest of the file and tell us how to get our dear less-annoying Nanami back,” Satoru—or Gojo said arms crossed acting like he was all business now. well he guesses he should refer to him as Gojo to prevent a head ache.

Shoko sighed looking even more exhausted, she’s defiantly needed a cigarette, hell Nanami would like one. “That’s the thing the whole file isn’t in the database yet. Which means it’s somewhere in the archive paper trail. It’s going to take a couple of days to dig out.”

Perfect. Tech is traditional in every way possible and only started putting files in computers and getting tech-savvy a decade ago. Which means a lot of the ancient garbage isn’t up to date yet.

Yet, Nanami couldn’t find it in himself to be too worried about his circumstances. Chances are Satoru is already on the hunt for him in his universe. Better to make the best out of this situation.

Gojo and Shoko both looked at Nanami curiously as he jumped up from the bed and straightened out his clothes. “Well since this isn’t getting done any time soon you know what that means.”

Gojo blinked at him, “uh what does it mean?”

Smiling at the new vacation awaiting him, Nanami replied , “You get to show me how this universe survives without a fun Nanami around!”

Nanami found Gojo mirroring his mischievous smile.

Chapter Text

Gojo could tell Kento was upset as soon as he laid his six eyes on his unconscious form.

He changed clothes.

Kento doesn’t hold grudges, but he does do petty things like this to get under his skin whenever he doesn’t like something Gojo did.

Gojo comes home late without warning? Gives Gojo a black coffee with no sugar in the morning. No kiss goodbye? Only one baked dessert treat instead of two after dinner. It's small slightly insignificant things but just enough to irritate Gojo.

And now it was the suit.

If anyone knew that Gojo picked out Kento’s attire they’d probably think he’s a controlling husband, (they wouldn’t be entirely incorrect) but this was all Kento’s idea. Gojo made a suggestion one day on a certain color dress shirt to wear during a tech meeting and Kento fell in love with the idea of wearing something his senpai personally picked out. Usually, he’d turn down Kento’s immature plans, but the thought of the blonde sorcerer dressing how Gojo wanted gave him an odd thrill of satisfaction.

So began the routine, every other day the six-eyed sorcerer set out suits for his significant other. Spoiling the blonde with new ties, dress shoes, and hankies to add a splash of color. Gojo particularly loved the color green on Kento. It made the slight emerald in his hazel eyes pop. However, Gojo hasn’t been able to pick out a suit for him since he’s been gone on a 2-week-long mission. So knowing that this morning he was going to give Kento some more bad news regarding how Gojo had to leave again on a new assignment, he put out the dark suit with green accents knowing that it would spark Kento in a good mood.

But even the blonde's beloved tiger tie he laid out didn’t help the argument they both ended up getting into. The blue was a beautiful color on his 7:3 sorcerer, yet at the moment it was now a glaring reminder that Kento was still mad at him.

He nudged the comforting hand off his shoulder and then snapped at Gojo for trying to discuss the outfit change. No smile or hint of ease like Kento usually shows. The blonde was acting serious not even trying to invade Gojo’s personal space during work hours. He must be very upset to be acting like this.

Gojo had to fix this. Maybe he hasn’t been as attentive to Kento as he should be lately. The new higher-ups that have been placed in charge were not as promising as Gojo had hoped. Leading to Gojo having more on his plate than he thought. Yes, it helped so the kids wouldn’t have to deal with missions they couldn’t handle but other factors were not the change he had planned for.

Kento needed a day dedicated to him, and Gojo needed a day off to regroup. Honestly talking to Kento about it might help.

So he took off his blindfold and broke his own rule of intimacy on school grounds. Kento loves his eyes and finds them captivating whereas others find them intimidating. He grasped his husband's hands and leaned in. He believed sincerity was the best option. Knowing that Kento would appreciate it since he knows Gojo has an issue voicing his feelings even with how long they’ve been together.

“..it’ll be a date Kento..” Gojo said delicately as he leaned in to finish with a kiss. The blonde could never resist that even if he was a bit upset..

Then Gojo found himself nearly slammed through the infirmary’s wall.

His RCT immediately healed the ache that traveled up his spine. Gojo forgets how strong Kento can really be. Feeling completely disgruntled he shot Kento a scowl as the blonde sorcerer finished his nonsense about playing games. “Games?! What the hell has gotten into you? I already told you that Itadori is fine! And I even apologized and asked you out to a place you would like.”

But he was surprised to see the same scowl painted on Kento’s face. That’s when Gojo began to worry. This couldn’t be about earlier. Maybe Kento hit his head during the altercation with the curse? It takes a lot for him to be so visibly agitated like this.

But before Gojo could say something Kento grabbed him and basically commanded him to teleport somewhere. Which is completely out of the question. Now who’s playing games?

“What? No, you are laying back down and getting checked on by Shoko you are acting completely irrational.”

Kento tightened his grip and narrowed his eyes at Gojo like he was the one being unreasonable. “For God's sake, for all the times you have to take your life seriously you choose now to? Teleport me now dammit!”

Gojo does not do well with being ordered around. However, his patience was long gone since Kento kicked him in the wall. Time to get this over with once and for all.

Gojo chose the koi pond in tech. A favorite spot that he goes to clear his mind since Kento obviously needed it.

“Is your temporary insanity over with enough to explain yourself yet?”

However instead of Kento smiling and pointing out his favorite koi fish like he usually does he replied, “Yeah, what do you know about dimension travel?”

What.

Then it all clicked, his foul mood, disregard for touch, Kento didn’t even look like he knew what Gojo was talking about earlier.

This isn’t his Kento.

“Listen I am not who you think-“

Before the imposter could react, Gojo was forcibly grabbing him by the jaw and staring hard with his six eyes. But nothing was amiss. This was Kento. From his blonde hair down to every atom and particle of curse energy. Yet Gojo knows in his heart this isn’t his Kento. How could he be so stupid? If he wasn’t so distracted by thoughts of this morning he would have caught the signs sooner. The imposter's feet kicked helplessly as he lifted him by the jaw. Eyes glowing and killing intent Gojo said, “Who are you?”

This ‘Nanami’ glared at him as he pawed uselessly at the tight grip of Gojo’s hand. Interesting, no fear insight. How dare someone wear Kento’s face like this. Once he gets the proper information from this thing he’ll destroy it from existence..

“Wait! Gojo stop!”

There Shoko was obviously winded from her run here. Through ragged breaths, she said, “That’s Nanami just not our Nanami.”

Gojo dropped the wrong ‘Nanami’

“Explain.”

—

Gojo did not take his eyes off this new ‘Nanami.’

“So you can thank all of this to the Slaugh. It seemed to have switched the two Nanami’s.” Shoko finished explaining her findings.

Shoko pretty much forced the other two sorcerers back to the infirmary to discuss this issue. Better on neutral ground in a more calm climate.

Like anywhere could be neutral when Gojo’s there.

“I believed that to be the case after I factored out that I wasn’t in a domain.” The blonde said so directly to the point.

This Kento was the complete opposite of his.

Reserved, serious, and even well-mannered letting Shoko finish her thoughts without unnecessary commentary.

It felt completely alien.

“Impressive you managed to deduce that with the windows of the door,” Shoko said

“Well that and the fact that Gojo is acting completely out of character even for him.”

Out of character?

“And what am I like in your world?” Gojo found himself asking. He could imagine being too different-

“flippant and egotistical,” Kento said as a matter of fact. Giving him an unimpressed look.

Gojo narrowed his eyes at that. Egotistical he could understand, but flippant? That sounds more like..

Shoko laughed seemingly finding it more amusing than Gojo. “A personality switch. How cliché. Funny you hit egotistical on the head there.”

Gojo gave her a pointed look. “So my Nanami essentially acts like your Gojo?”

Nanami winced at that. “As much as it pains me to think that there is an over-eccentric version of me making of fool of myself, yes that seems to be the case..”

“Over eccentric? If I acted at all like my Kento I couldn’t imagine anything functioning properly. Hell, how has your Japan not imploded yet?”

Nanami sighed. “It has come close once or twice.”

He would say he’s surprised but not really.

Shoko started to get her papers in order. “Since we are going through a transfer of files and data at the moment we won’t get more on the Slaugh until Utahime comes back with it from Kyoto. For now, we should set you up with a room here-“

Gojo cut her off. “-No he’s coming home with me. I am not letting this Nanami out of my sight. We know next to nothing about you enough to trust you.”

Who knows what this Kento was like? Even if he seems cordial at the moment he could be a cursed user in that universe. Whatever the case, he doesn’t trust him enough to be staying in the dorms at tech.

Although he looked like he understood, Nanami’s lips seemed to tighten, reluctant to the idea.

“As reasonable as that is, I don't want to impose.”

Tilting his head daring him to argue Gojo replied,

“I insist.”

Lightning seemed to crack as they stared each other down. It looks like this Nanami is just as stubborn as Gojo can be. But Gojo has a knack for getting what he wants.

Seeing as the blonde sorcerer figured he had no other choice, he broke from the stare-down to look away in annoyance.

“Fine.”

Well, this was going to be taxing. Gojo missed Kento’s laugh already.

—-

Nanami hates being right.

Honestly, he wished he was in the curses domain rather than whatever comedy of errors he ended up being subjected to.

Now he was forced to deal with a Gojo who is supposed to be similar to him in some fashion? Which is very hard to believe since this Gojo is such a- a-

Apathetic dick.

Nanami thought since this Gojo had a similar personality to his he’d be more reasonable and civil on this whole matter. But this Gojo seemed to take this all too seriously.

Interrogating him with 20 questions in the car on the way to the sorcerer's apartment was one thing but how personal the questions were getting was another.

Blindfolded eyes stared back at him calculating with no hint of expression on his face.

Nanami was so used to how expressive Gojo could be that it was nerve-racking to see a version of him act like this. Although Gojo’s carefree attitude could be annoying at times, it was necessary for the kids to be eased with. To show them to not be afraid to experience their youth even in an environment like jujutsu. He would not say Gojo’s the best role model, but he shows he cares despite the weight on his shoulders. That was something that Nanami could regard.

Although he had known him for only an hour, Nanami could hardly say that about this version.

“So you ran away from jujutsu once as well. Interesting my Kento did the same.”

The constant use of his first name was grating as well.

“Circumstances pushed me to step away for a bit. As I’m sure they did for your Nanami.” The blonde chose to face the window. The landscape passing by was better to focus on than this stranger.

“The circumstances of Haibara’s death being what pushed you to be a useless salaryman, correct?”

Nanami’s hands fisted in anger.

“And so what if it was?” He snapped turning to face the other sorcerer and was met with a pair of piercing electric orbs that seemed to illuminate the dark car.

With a stern tone, Gojo replied, “I don’t know if the careless me of your universe has ever told you this, but my six eyes can see when another person lies. Curse energy likes to shake a bit when others bend the truth. I wanted to see if you would be truthful about your past. Just to ensure you weren’t some evil variant of Nanami’s. So answer the question. Is that all you did before coming back to sorcery?” 

Was he attempting to frighten Nanami? For what exactly? While growing up with the six-eyed sorcerer Nanami felt many emotions for his senpai back then, but not once did he ever feel scared or intimidated by the power that Gojo held. He recognizes he holds godly abilities, sure but that never made Nanami treat him a certain way. Nanami felt sympathy even to have to deal with the unlucky burden to be born into that position. Not like he will ever tell his Gojo that.

If this Gojo wants to kill him, so be it. Nanami is not afraid of dying and he will not be pushed around.

Unwavering he said “No matter the universe Gojo Satoru can never intimidate me. So flashing your six eyes will not force me into some sort of submission.”

This Gojo may be harder to read but Nanami thought he saw a flash of surprise in the sorcerer's eyes. However, he was a bit too angry to dissect that at the moment.

“And if you ever mention Haibara’s name again I’ll make sure to find a way to make you regret it. Even if I have to stay here in spite. So, did you detect a lie from that Gojo?”

Staring like he was trying to solve a puzzle, Gojo replied, “No.”

Nanami scoffed and once again turned his body away from the other sorcerer. Unbelievable. Could Nanami see that Gojo was using this to ensure safety? Sure. But the method was unorthodox and done so as if it was to purposely piss him off.

Unless Gojo was doing just that. When his Gojo was upset he would do a similar thing but in a more annoying way of pushing people's buttons. Nanami guesses this is very similar but comes off more serious with his tone replaced with bluntness and masked under the impression of professionalism.

So is this Gojo just acting grumpy?

Terrorizing Nanami for a half-hour car ride cause the guys fucking grumpy.

Thankfully the car stopped at their destination. “Um.. were- we’re here Gojo san.” The poor manager's voice shaking with fear most likely not used to Gojo’s flaunting the six eyes in their presence. Nanami opened the car to put some distance from this Gojo when a hand reached over his waist and shut it for him.

“What are you-“

“I apologize.”

He is what?

This really is another reality.

He took Nanami’s silence to continue. “I’ve acted insensitive. I should know mentioning Haibara like that would be overstepping. Nanami- uh my Nanami says I tend to act ‘pissy’ when things don’t go my way and well today really hasn’t. And I failed to think it hasn’t for you as well and took it out on you.”

The apology was sincere. The most sincere Nanami will probably ever hear from Gojo. What in this world affects Gojo so much that he can admit that he’s wrong? The blonde was about to reply when he finally realized that Gojo was holding his hand. Has he been holding it this whole apology?

Nanami pushed down whatever ache he felt when Gojo took the comforting heat away.

“Uh sorry, force of habit.”

He has yet to open that can of worms about this universe.

“It’s alright. I uh know where you're coming from. It can’t be easy seeing your significant other gone and replaced with someone so opposite. It’s understandable to want to ensure they aren’t a threat.”

“I still should have gone about it differently. Come, you need to eat and rest. I'm sure traveling universes can be tiresome.”

Nanami is not sure that’s the tiresome part.

—

This wasn’t Gojo’s apartment.

This was Gojo and Nanami’s apartment.

While Gojo went to get him some extra clothes, Nanami couldn’t help but explore this place.

The decor seemed to mush together from the likes of both sorcerers. The furniture was something Nanami found in his favorite catalog, but the colors were obvious picks from Gojo. There were even matching sets of slippers by the coach.

But what caught his eye was the picture on the coffee table. Nanami found himself picking it up having to get a closer look to believe it.

There the two sorcerers were both side by side wearing traditional marriage Kimonos. It was a beautifully taken photo with cherry blossoms raining down. It looked like it belonged on a cover of a romance novel.

Hearing footsteps renter the living room. Without looking away from the photo Nanami said, “Are you two.. married?” Words coming out softer than he intended.

“Yes. For about 4 years now.” Sounded almost proud and happy about the topic.

4 years.

Nanami refuses to think too hard about the uncontrollables in life, and one of those is the concept of a relationship and marriage. He has attempted dating as a salaryman but it never felt right while also battling his inner turmoil about the mundane and unavailing life of his job as a nonshaman. Now love would all be in vain for life as a sorcerer. Knowing the risks in his life and having someone be a part of that seemed selfish. So he pushed that dream of having a life partner or family far away. But seeing this picture of him as a happily married couple with Gojo reopened that door he thought closed and locked up.

Staring at this picture seeing the Nanami of this universe grinning not keeping it a secret that this was the happiest day of his life. While Gojo’s soft gaze at the blonde evokes love and tenderness.

Is he able to feel that happy? To make another feel that amount of love as well.

Was his personality stopping him?

He felt an uncomfortable feeling stick in his throat. Thinking it might be the yearning for a relationship Nanami craved with another, but the way this Gojo looked at the other Nanami made the uncomfortable feeling turn sharp.

“Are you in a relationship with your Gojo as well?”

That almost made him drop the picture frame.

“What? Uh no we are just colleagues or um friends.” He felt off balance from the question or maybe the scenario in general. Gojo and Nanami together? How ridiculous.

“Sorry, I just can’t imagine a universe where we’re not together. You don’t have feelings for your Gojo then?”

“No! How-how absurd would it be if we were together? Gojo is far from feeling that way about me.”

Turned away from this happily married Gojo to place the picture back on the coffee table. Trying to Ignore the obvious eyes that were studying him from behind.

Chapter Text

“Eh? You wanna be subtle? What happened to freaking them out and having a good laugh about it?” Gojo whined.

After the Notami (the name Gojo proclaimed he’ll call him for now on) was cleared by Shoko, both sorcerers made their way to the kitchen and dining area where Notami said would be a great place to enact their scheme of messing with the students. Just to pass the time of course. Eating delicious food made by a version of Nanami, and getting a front-row show to take pictures and giggle about for weeks sounded perfect.

Although Gojo was sure Notami wasn’t posing a threat or had ulterior motives, he still felt it was best to keep an eye on the guy. Yaga was probably wondering why Nanami hadn't checked in this morning. Which he will have to deal with however, Gojo is absolutely not telling the higher-ups. They’d have a hissy fit and probably lock Notami up until they found a solution. At the moment Gojo can trust the kids and Shoko to keep this on the low.

The solution will be brought to light once the managers in training, (have a fun first day!) dig out the info from the archives. For now, why not bring some fun to this gloomy tech school?

“Oh come on, this isn’t my first rodeo so just trust me. Freaking them out and scaring them for life are two different things.” Notami winked at him. Gojo’s eyes linger on his dimples. Looking closer, he could see the light smile lines near his cheeks and eyes that his Nanami seemed to lack.

The blonde was even walking casually, hands in suit pockets. Less posh and more lax than the way Nanami held himself. Gojo doesn’t know how he couldn’t tell the difference earlier.

“Scar them? Oh please, I’ve done way worse. I had Yuuji pop out of a box when everyone thought he was dead. I think you acting out of character will be pretty tame.”

Notami chuckled, shaking his head. “I still can’t get over how different you are from my Satoru.” He looked Gojo up and down. “Well, personality-wise that is. Physically.. you look about the same.”

Gojo matched Notami’s coquettish grin. Before, he had never seen his Nanami playfully flirt with another, let alone Gojo. Resulting in his well.. bashfulness earlier. With that in mind, the thought of his strait-laced Nanami giving him a similar flirtatious look felt a bit exhilarating. “Figured I’d be just as hot in every universe. So how boring is the Gojo over there?”

“Boring? Nah. Intense and overly professional? Extremely so. Honestly, I feel bad for other me, well if Satoru hasn’t killed him yet.” Laughing at his own joke.

As the words left Notami’s mouth it was like a switch flipped, turning the light atmosphere heavy. Gojo stopped walking which stopped Notami in return.

Gojo has thought about the implications of Nanami’s switch but didn’t think about his own alternate self being a threat. The thought is worrying. He is confident in Nanami’s abilities, but he’s not invisible, and definitely can’t handle Gojo 1v1. But what is Gojo to do? He can’t dimension travel and doesn’t have knowledge of the curses technique either. He couldn’t help the feeling of frustration build in his chest. It’s a rare occurrence for Gojo to feel useless in a situation.

“I’m sure he hasn’t though. Satoru, although impatient, is also perceptive. I’m sure your Nanami’s fine. Nothing to worry about!” Notami tried to backpedal.

Gojo just smiled in return, Worry isn’t an emotion he likes to feel, so he will gladly pass it on to this upbeat Kento.  “Oh, I’m not worried in the slightest. My Nanami can handle himself. But even if your Gojo did end up killing him.. I guess I’d have to return the favor to his darling Kento!”

‘And then your Satoru’ went unsaid.

Notami’s nervous laugh stopped as he started to look slightly guilty. Good. “..I thought it was self-explanatory, but Satoru wouldn’t find it easy to kill your Nanami especially if he looks like me. Satoru is still a good man. He will be in good hands.“ Notami then gave him a wide smile similar to what Gojo does to ease tension around others. “So, not a funny joke on my part. Sorry about that!” If he didn’t end so blasé Gojo would say it sounded meaningful enough.

Deciding best to change the subject Gojo said, “What is going on between you and alternate-me  anyway?”

They both again began to walk in pace with one another.

At the mention of his significant other, a love-dumb look struck Notami’s face. Taking a moment to answer he replied with a simple. “Oh.. we’re together.” like that answered the whole question. Weird since Notami seems like the type to never shut up about his precious Satoru.

“Okay but like together as in..?”

“knocking boots? Shaking the sheets? Two-person pushups? Yep! All the time! Although Satoru hates it when I word it like that.”

Gojo snorted. “Yeah, I figured you guys screw. But both of you are really together? In a relationship? I just can’t imagine that.” It’s not really Gojo’s style.

“Which part? The relationship, or you being with other me? Cause you didn’t seem to be complaining about me kissing you an hour ago.” Notami said with quirked lips and an eyebrow raised. “From what I remember you tongued my lip pretty good before Shoko interrupted.”

Damn. Gojo was hoping he wouldn’t mention that. Deny Satoru, deny! “What?! Kissing you back? Did you not see that it caused me to go into shock?” He honestly doesn’t know what he was thinking at that moment. But Gojo was not ready to analyze those feelings.

Deflecting didn’t seem to work as Notami‘a savvy look only grew. “So, how long have you been crushing on alternate me?”

What the hell is Notami and Shoko on about? Just because he returned a kiss doesn’t mean anything.

“Do I look 15 years old? Satoru Gojo doesn’t crush on people. It was a nice kiss, let's leave it at that.”

“Aww is the strongest too strong for feewings’?” Notami mocked and fluttered his eyelashes.

Trying not to feel too thrown off by seeing Nanami’s face mock pout for the first time in his life, amused Gojo replied, “What? No. I can see the appeal but I am way too busy dealing with a decrepit sorcerer society. So hard pass on that melodrama ”

Notami snickered. “So essentially you're blaming ‘society’ on your lack of love life. Okay, keep telling yourself that, buddy.”

Gojo narrowed his eyes through his blindfold. Feeling slightly irritated by Notami’s immediate disbelief. In the sorcery society they live in and Gojo’s very active role in it, yeah it’s a good excuse. Plus, he really doesn’t owe a guy who looks like Nanami an answer. Why should Gojo explain to him his deeply rooted feelings on the matter? He already knows how others perceive him. It just isn’t worth it in the long run.

Choosing to look ahead as they continued to walk, Gojo replied, “Yeah I am blaming society. I have bigger fish to fry than whatever lovey-dovey garbage your Gojo decides to focus on.”

“Hmm, well my Satoru can focus on lovey-dovey garbage and reconstructing a whole society. So why can’t you?”

If Gojo truly acts like this he is starting to understand why others get pissed off by him so easily. What does he care that another version of him happens to ‘have it all’ according to this bizzaro Nanami?

“What are you trying to convince me of here?”

Notami gives him that perspicacious look again. Like he’s aware of something that Gojo isn’t. Nanami is guilty of giving him that look at times as well, but he is more subtle and polite about it.

“You know I think I was wrong earlier. You are actually quite similar to my Satoru.” Notami says ignoring Gojo’s previous question.

He doesn’t really appreciate Notami claiming to know things just because he happens to be screwing his alternate self. But before Gojo could voice his opinion on the matter, Notami clapped his hands together, giving him a more easy-going smile.

“Looks like we’re at the kitchen! Now, you get going and do the errands we both know you need to take care of. While I cook a delicious meal!”

With the reminder of food with his students Gojo decides to let the conversation slide off his back.

“Right! I have to speak to Yaga then I’ll send the kids a message about breakfast.”

“Great! See you soon!”

As Gojo turned to leave the feeling of a hand groping his rear. Out of instinct he jumped and yelped away from the pawing hand. Baffled, Gojo looked at Notami with disbelief and cheeks inflamed.

Notami just smiled innocently in response, “Sorry force of habit!” Then left through the kitchen door like he didn’t just fondle Gojo’s ass.

He highly doubts his Gojo lets him do that. Getting a move on to Yaga's office, Gojo feels a bit unsure about leaving Notami in charge of the plan now.

—-

Yaga, thankfully, wasn't in his office so Gojo just shot him a text. He'll be pissed but whatever. Then It really didn't take long to rally up the kids in their school group chat. It was early so they were all against it until Gojo said Notami was cooking. What little traitors.

As Gojo approached the kitchen he was welcomed with a mouth-watering scent of maple and cinnamon.
Oh, he can’t wait to dive into some good homemade cooking! Gojo made his way into the kitchen to be welcomed with the funny yet disturbing sight of Notami wearing a flurry pink apron and flipping pancakes.

It reminds him of simpler times in high school. Gojo would be the one in the pink apron and Nanami would be doing damage control from the fires Gojo would start while attempting to cook. It truly was embarrassing not knowing how to flip an egg, but Gojo wasn’t used to cooking his own meals. Growing up he was used to having each meal prepared by others in the clan. Once he enrolled in school, he could only get away with practicing in the early mornings while everyone was asleep. Well mostly everyone. Gojo had a tendency to ‘accidentally’ wake up Nanami for help. Maybe when this is over he should ask his Nanami for cooking lessons again.

“Hey there! I am guessing the kids are flocking here for the free food.” The blonde said, flipping a pancake with ease.

“You know kids can never pass up on free stuff. Especially food.” Gojo said as he admired the dishes ready to be served. “So what fun idea was to make everyone breakfast?” Ooo bacon, eggs, pancakes.. Just a bite before would hurt..

Notami slapped Gojo’s reaching hand with his spatula. “Like I said before, follow along with me. It’ll be fun but I’m sure Yuuji may throttle me.”

Gojo gave him a curious look. Rubbing his slapped hand. “Cute innocent Yuuji would throttle you? Sounds more like Megumi or Nobara to me.”

Notami smile turned uneasy. “Oh don’t tell me their personality is switched too. Yuuji’s a stern kid who should smile more right?”

Gojo giggled. Oh boy, is he in for a surprise. “Ha! Yuuji should probably smile less considering the cards he’s been dealt. I feel like an emo Yuuji would be scary though. Glad I don’t have to deal with that.”

“My Yuuji-kun has a soft spot for me!” Waving his spatula at Gojo again.

An echo of voices interrupted the two sorcerers as the kids piled into the dining area. All five students stopped in their tracks enamored by the buffet of food.

“Heard there was free food but this is insane.” Nobara was the first to remark.

Yuuji spoke up next. “Yeah Nanamin, this looks amazing! So nice you made us all breakfast!”

They all began to make themselves welcome at the dining table. “Honestly, not that I'm complaining but what's the occasion?” Megumi asked.

Gojo chuckled to himself as he saw Notami blinking at the vocally excited Yuuji, obviously a bit caught off guard despite the warning.

However, Maki pipped in before Notami could get a word in. “I am not questioning good home-cooked food.”

“Salmon” Toge agreed.

Yuuji looked at Notami and seemed to register what he was wearing. "Haha, cute apron Nanami. I wear the same one!"

Notami, finding his bearings calmly finished setting down the plates. “ Thank you Yuuji-kun, and to answer your question Megumi-kun, It’s a celebration of sorts..”

“I think you kids will love it.” Gojo corresponded happily. They’ll hate it.

“What did Gojo sensei’s fish finally live past a month?” Nobara joked, making the other students snicker in response.

Rude. Gojo’s making her do laps later for that later.

“Yes, Blue #2 is alive and well thank you for asking Nobara-chan.” Rest in peace Blue #1 you will be missed.

Notami took a seat next to Gojo and politely laid a napkin on his lap. “It’s something a bit more important than that,” he replied keeping his cool. Gojo did his best to hold back laughter. He has to hand it to Notami, he is playing his part well so far. The kids won’t know what hit them.

“Tell us!” Tell us!”

“Salmon!”

The kids chanted. Well, all but Maki and Megumi who began to fill their plates. But he can tell they are a bit intrigued about all this as well. It’s always nice seeing the kids excited.

Notami seems to notice this and relents his stoic façade to let a smile form on his lips. Notami seems just as fond of the kids Nanami has always made a point of mentoring the students and aiding them when he can. He made a big fuss of it at first not wanting to be responsible for them, but Gojo wore him down knowing that Nanami has a soft spot for kids in general.

Notami’s endearing smile turns vulpine, as he gives Gojo a wink. Ah yes, here comes the big reveal. Did he create some embarrassing secret? Or maybe this is just a warm-up to the spectacle they can keep going all day? Oh, how Gojo loves surprises!

He drowns his pancakes in syrup and begins to dig in. He holds back a groan as the sweet maple hits his taste buds. Notami’s cooking is just as good as his Nanami’s! If he made him breakfast like this every morning Gojo would marry him.

Notami’s calms his face to a bit more demure when facing the kids and says,

“We have decided to let you kids finally know that.. Gojo and I are married!”

As soon as the words hit the air, Gojo hiccups in shock resulting in the fluffy piece of pancake getting lodged down the wrong pipe. Throwing the six-eyed sorcerer into a coughing fit.

“What!?” “Mustard leaf!?” The teens say in surprise or at least what Gojo hears while he is busy choking to death. What a legacy to have the strongest killed by a pancake of all things.

However, his coughing fit seems to slow down as Gojo feels gentle pats on his back to ease the tightness of his throat. He grabbed a glass of water in front of him and chugged it. Feeling relief as the cold liquid soothes his worn throat. Finally trying to catch his breath he sees Notami look at him with faux concern.

“Are you alright, hon?”

His eyes narrow under his blindfold. The conniving bastard. He should have known..

“Married?” Gojo croaks out not sure if he meant to say it as a statement or question.

“-That’s amazing! No wonder we’re having a celebration! Congratulations!” Yuujis eyes sparkled in amazement, apparently loving the idea of both his mentors being together. Toge even nods in approval.

How could they so easily believe he was in a relationship with Nanami? Do they look that good together?

Maki, unimpressed chomps on a large slice of bacon. “Yeah, right. I don’t believe this.” Yes! Exactly!

“Nanami-san would never settle for Gojo. This has to be a joke.”

Ouch never mind.

“What? Nanami would never lie about this.”Yuuji says quickly coming to his mentor's defense. Gojo ignores the fact he was not included in that.

Despite giving his teacher a suspicious look, Megumi nods. “Yuuji’s right, Nanami-san isn’t one to go in on Gojo’s jokes.”

However, Nobara shook her head “Hmm I’m with Maki. No offense sensei but you're not really marriage material.”

Gojo sputters, offended. “What?! I am a tall, handsome rich man. What you really should be saying is, how could I not be marriage material.”

“Only two things from that list are true,” Maki said still not convinced by her sensei.

How dare his students! Not believing it because he wouldn’t (hypothetically) make a good husband. They don’t even question Nanami. Well, who’s Gojo kidding, Nanami probably would make a perfect husband. The blonde is organized, loyal, and considerate, and he even cooks!

Obviously amused but still keeping his stoic persona, Notami finally piped in, “Of course, we are married. It’s actually our fourth anniversary..”

Four-year Anniversary? That number was too specific..

“Four years?!” “-Mustard leaf!”

Megumi raised a questionable eyebrow at both of them. “Four years? How did you both possibly hide it that long? I mean I thought Gojo was just oblivious to your feelings all these years.“

Wait what?

Gojo blinked. “What.”

Does Nanami have feelings for him? Gojo is a very perceptive guy, he’s sure he’d know that if Nanami, his friend Gojo has known since high school, would have feelings for him. Right?

A chair screeching interrupted Gojo’s thoughts. There Nobara stood all business pointing a finger between both Notami and Gojo. “Pause! You really expect us to believe you both are married if I haven’t seen you wear a ring on either of your fingers once!”

Yuuji audibly gasped at the accusation while Toge ate his breakfast like popcorn enjoying the show. Maki crossed her arms expecting an explanation still standing on her point of this all being a fake.

Well since Notami has betrayed him, Gojo isn’t lifting a finger to aid him in his fun anymore. Honestly, like Notmai just has rings at the ready-

“-Oh my goodness it’s gorgeous!” Nobara shouted as she practically jumped over the table to look at the sparkling ring Notami was suddenly wearing on his finger.

Stunning, even breathtaking, wouldn't be words to do that ring justice. Opalescent blue jewels that seemed to gleam in the limelight were just as impressive as the pure silver band that showed pristine artful carvings that Gojo was sure Nanami’s Nordic Viking ancestors would be proud of.

“Whoa, are those gems aqua-marine? It’s full-on glistening! That must have cost a fortune!” Yuuji said in awe.

“Correct, they are aqua-marine jewels. I believed they matched the color of Gojo’s eyes, but still does not do his six eyes justice.”

Gojo felt heat rise up his face. Well- well duh! It's common sense that nothing could do Gojos heavenly six eyes justice.

Nobara, impressed, said, “Aqua-marine?! And you got rings that match each other's eyes. That’s so romantic I don’t know whether to puke or faint.”

Gojo doesn’t know which one he’ll do either..

“We tend to not wear them in fear of losing them on missions, and the chaos from others finding us out." Notami then gestures to Gojo. "How about you show them your ring, Gojo? You put it in your back pocket earlier, remember?”

What is Notami talking about? Gojo humored him and reached into his back pocket. He stilled as he felt the ring on his fingertips. Turning his head slowly looking at Notamk dumbfounded.

Then suddenly it hit him. Earlier when alternate Notami groped his ass he must have slipped the ring in his pocket!

Maybe Gojo was wrong and this is actually an evil variant of Nanami.

Gasps once again were heard from the peanut gallery as he revealed the piece of jewelry to everyone and as expected the ring was gorgeous. It was similar to Notami’s silver band with sharp kite-shaped jewels sitting around the ring. This time the color resembled more earthy tones of brown with flecks of gold and green that simmered in the light. Which he could compare to Nanami’s hazel eyes. Honestly whichever of the two alternates picked them really outdid themselves.

“Wow, is that Tourmaline?!” Yuuji spouted the type of jewel once again.

Megumi gave his friend a strange look, “How do you possibly know what both of those jewels are?”

Nobara chimed in, “Good to know our shopping trips are paying off.”

“Salmon roe bonito flakes..”

“Toges right. You both could barely afford to stare at that. Let alone shop for it.” Maki said.

“It’s called window shopping for a reason!”

While the kids bickered amongst themselves, Gojo gritted his teeth as he glowered at Notami. Who does this guy think he is putting him in such an awkward spot? In front of his students nonetheless! Not to mention damage control when his Nanami returns. Marriage of all things?! The other man, unaffected by Gojo’s obvious annoyance, gave him a sly look in return.

In a stage whisper, Gojo said, “Who’s rings are these?”

“Why they are ours, of course, love. We picked them out together.”

“Why didn’t you say you were married when I asked you earlier?!”

Notamk took an elegant bite of his eggs, “I said we were together.”

“You know what I meant!”

Argument going unnoticed, Megumi asked, “So why did you guys keep it a secret for so long?” Megumi was probably surprised Gojo was able to keep his mouth shut about something like this, especially to him.

Notami took it upon himself to answer. “You know how the higher-ups are and clans for that matter. Keeping it discrete meant less of a headache.” The students nodded in understanding. Dammit, he was good. “We decided it has been long enough. So now we’re telling all of you.”

Okay, maybe the worst is over now? The cat is out of the bag and they can now just eat and continue on like normal..

“Tell us when you knew you were in love, Sensei. I bet it’s like the movies.” Yuuji apparently had to ask.

In love?!

“Oh they are so Proposal coded or I can even see Crazy Stupid Love,” Nobara added while Yuuji nodded, apparently understanding her vision.

“Oh, you kids don't want to hear about that..” Gojo chuckles nervously, deciding to shove a whole pancake in his mouth.

“Tuna tuna.”

“As much as I don’t care about your love life, marriage is a big deal,” Megumi said.

“Yeah, we have to know now.” Maki concurred.

“Yeah, Gojo-san, tell us when you fell in love with me.” Notami egged on. Gojo just knows he's enjoying this.

6 pairs of eyes all stared at him expectantly and suddenly Gojo’s collar felt too tight.

He swallowed the pancake with a loud gulp. “Uhh- Well.. Love at first sight doesn’t just happen. It really just builds up until it just hits you and you kind of know..?” Gojo felt completely aimless..

Wait a second, Gojo totally has control of the narrative now. Notami wants a story? Fine, he will give them one. It’s his turn to flip the script.

Chapter Text

Yu is dead in this universe too.

He’d be lying if he wasn’t wondering about it until the alternate Gojo confirmed it in the car. Distracted by this unthinkable circumstance prevented from plaguing his already overwhelming thoughts.

However, that photo was a blatant reminder.

So here Nanami was, in the guest room of an apartment owned by an alternate self, who is happily married to Gojo. Staring at a picture of Yu and the other Nanami as teens.

Yu’s smile is as big as it would be in his universe.

It seemed he failed Yu in this world, too, but that didn't stop his alternate self from finding happiness.

Why’d they have to have so many god-forsaken photos in this apartment?

Nanami flipped the photo face down and flopped onto the soft mattress. He loosened his tie as he stared at the ceiling.

He doesn’t remember sleep finding him.

—-

Tokyo Tech 2006

Surprisingly, the smell of burnt food woke Nanami up before the fire alarm did.

Nanami used to think it was a luxury to have his dorm close to the kitchen but of course, a certain six-eye senpai had to ruin that. Nanami begrudgingly got up and made his way to the kitchen.

Once he entered it was just who he expected. There Gojo was in a ridiculous pink apron. He was trying to cook who knows what and ultimately failing at it. If the large fire from the pan was any clue.

“Oh come on I followed the directions.. Shut up alarm!”

Why does he decide to cook on days when Nanami wants to sleep in?

He took it upon himself to open the windows and turn the fan on. After a few moments, the fire alarm stopped its irritating beeping. Gojo looked up at the ceiling surprised, like he was some omniscient being that controlled the alarm of all things.

“What are you doing?”

Gojo jumped and turned his head to look at Nanami. Waving a rag at the growing flames. Crazy to think he’s a special-grade sorcerer.

“Nanamin! Help your senpai out, would you? This fire won't go out no matter how much water I put on it!”

Deciding not to argue until after the fire was out Nanami dashed over and used the lid next to the pan to smother the fire.

The blonde sighed, “That’s because it’s an oil fire. The more water you add the bigger the fire will get.”

“Fhew no wonder the thing wouldn’t go out.” Gojo dabbed the sweat that was sliding down his forehead. Nanami caught himself looking and immediately pulled his focus downward. Catching sight of the red tinge to Gojo’s unoccupied hand.

“You burned yourself? It looks awful too.” A bit of concern bleeding from his voice.

“Oh, it’s nothing-“

But before Gojo could argue, Nanami reached into the freezer and shoved the ice back into the six-eye sorcerer's hand. “Maybe when Shoko-senpai wakes up she can look at it. That has to be at least a 3rd-degree burn.”

Gojo chuckled and took the ice pack off and twiddled his fingers now looked perfectly healed. Oh right, he forgot Gojo can heal himself.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head, Kento-kun. I don’t burn that easily. Nice of you to take care of your senpai though.” Blue eyes uncovered and shining in the kitchen light.

Neck now warm with slight embarrassment, Nanami chose to roll his eyes and pull focus to the mess of a kitchen.

“Don’t call me that.” Nanami then pointed at the black goop that sat in the frying pan. “So what were you trying to make anyway?”

Gojo let out a nervous chuckle while scratching his head. “Well it was supposed to be grilled salmon and rice, but I looked away for a second and it was just um on fire..?”

“Fish doesn’t just combust when you don’t watch it.”

Hands on hips Gojo said, “I know that! I was just following instructions. The recipe said to grill each side for 30-40 minutes depending on the thickness-“

“Are you dense? It's 3 to 4 minutes! Who in their right mind cooks salmon for 68 minutes total?!”

“I’m just going by this recipe book! See it says right here ‘three to four-‘ wait that’s not right.”

Nanami glanced at the page and then gave Gojo an unimpressed look, “Why do you have a Chinese cookbook? Do you even know Chinese?”

Gojo closed the book quickly and hugged it away from Nanami’s sight. As if Nanami was interested in stealing a book he couldn’t read. “My grandma is half and I know a little bit I just mixed up the characters that's all.”

Nanami would think it’s common sense that Gojo missed but whatever. This is the second time Gojo has woken him up from the fire alarm. His senpai is also acting a bit more jittery than usual. Which probably means..

“You don’t know how to cook do you?”

Gojo's body was suddenly pressing Nanami against the counter covering Nanami’s mouth with his very large hand. “Shhh! Someone might hear you!” Nanami tried to ignore how noticeably long Gojo’s fingers were wrapped around his face like this. Lips kissed his palm as his fingertips tickled his jawline. The warmth from Nanami’s neck now spread to his face. He then quickly shoved Gojo back an arm's length.

“Use your words next time!” Gojo always had a habit of invading Nanami’s personal space. He had a love-hate relationship with the special-grade sorcerer quirk. It just didn’t help Nanami’s growing affection for his senpai. Despite finding Gojo obnoxious and full of himself, Nanami found it hard to look past how endearing and considerate Gojo proved to show in his special way.

However, that didn’t stop Nanami from feeling completely embarrassed to have a useless crush on his senpai.

“Sorry,” not sounding apologetic in the slightest. “It’s just that if Suguru or Ieiri found out they’d never let it go!”

Nanami, still not seeing the point, says “Dare I say, who cares?”

“I care! You know how lame it is that Satoru Gojo can do everything but cook?”

“Does it help that I already think you're lame?”

Gojo groaned in response, turning his back to him, and decided to poke the black goo that once was salmon. Then Nanami thought he heard Gojo mumble something.

“What?”

Gojo mumbled again but not any louder than before.

His patients now leaving him Nanami snapped “What?”

“Will you teach me how to cook..” Gojo finally articulated, still choosing to focus on poking the burnt fish.

Nanami blinked in surprise. He doesn’t remember a time Gojo asked anyone for help with, well anything, let alone his kohai. He must be desperate to ask Nanami for help.

“Okay.”

Gojo looked at Nanami with wide eyes. “Really?”

“I’m here anyway and I’m tired of getting woken up by fire alarms all the time.” Nanami finds cooking, especially baking relaxing and he doesn’t mind the company either.

Suddenly there Gojo was back to hugging Nanami. “Oh you won’t regret it, Kento-kun!”

Stiff in Gojo’s arms he replied, “I already do at this point.”

Gojo just laughed in return “Alright so where should we start?”

“We can start with eggs.”

“Eggs? That’s boring.”

Clearing up the counter, Nanami replied, “Have you ever cooked an egg in any shape or form before?”

Lips forming in a pout Gojo said, “No..”

“Well then that's why. Now get me a clean pan and spatula. I’ll get the eggs.”

“Yes, chef!”

They cooked every type of egg there was. Fried, sunny side up, and, scrambled. There was some grilled fish left in the fridge along with some tofu so Nanami also added that as well. Emphasizing how long to cook each side this time. Realistically cooking wasn’t too hard as long as you listen to directions. Gojo probably would have done fine if he had a cookbook he could understand. Other than that Gojo of course took it all in stride, Gojo just needed to be pointed in the right direction.

However, right now Gojo was stuck on trying to flip an egg without a spatula.

“How did you make it look so easy?” Gojo said as he ruined yet another egg.

Slightly amused Nanami said “It’s a light flick of the wrist. You, however, are practically tossing them at the ceiling.”

“Don't laugh at me. Here come show me.”

Gojo then grabbed him by the hand to place it over his on the frying pan handle. Nanami was now right behind Gojo looking over his shoulder and breathing in the same air. He sucked in a breath as he felt his chest practically press right against Gojo’s back. Nanami should push him off and criticize his senpai for his lack of boundaries but for some unknown reason, he didn’t this time.

“Isn’t this a little close..” He said instead. Trying to keep his voice even.

Gojo slightly turned his head almost nose to nose now. “How else are you going to teach me? I am more of a physical learner, you know?” Said so nonchalantly. Did Gojo really not think this was a weird position to help cook? Nanami then tried to focus but the white of Gojo’s eyelashes were distracting. This whole position was distracting.

Somehow finding his words Nanami pulled his focus on the egg. Good, Gojo put it on low; it would have probably been burnt by now. “Well, you tilt it like this at 12 o’clock.” The egg then slid down towards the tip end of the pan. “Then it is a quick motion, lightly, keyword light for you, flip it up.” It was awkward doing it with his hand on top of Gojo’s but the egg was successfully flipped.

Gojo then flew his arms up in celebration knocking Nanami back a step. Gojo held up his hand for a high five and Nanami begrudgingly obliged. Nanami was about to ask if he finally wanted to try his food, when Gojo's grin suddenly dimmed a bit and he then rubbed his neck almost shyly.

“How pathetic is it that I'm happy dancing over flipping a dumb egg? God this is embarrassing..”

Nanami tilted his head at that, It was a different sight to see Gojo look sheepish of all things. As one of the strongest, Gojo must feel out of his element by not automatically being good at a manual skill. A rare scene of vulnerability is a different side of Gojo that Nanami isn't used to witnessing. He feels a wave of fondness that Gojo feels comfortable enough to share with him.

“It’s not pathetic, it's brave. It takes a lot for one to come out of their comfort zone to learn a new skill let alone admit their faults and reach out to another to improve. Even as one of the strongest, you have to start somewhere.”

Gojos eyes glimmered at Nanami as his genuine grin returned. “Would you do this again with me, Kento-kun?”

Pushing down his eagerness, Nanami replied with a cool, “The fire alarm will wake me up anyway.”

—

Present time

The dream was interrupted by the smell of toast. Nanami peeled his eyes open. Seems he was still in the alternate’s apartment. It wasn’t often that he dreamt and when he does they are always pointed at his youth.

Nanami sighed and began to get ready. Gojo provided him with some extra clothes and despite being the other Nanami’s, was an outfit he would probably find in his own closet.

Once he emerged from the guest room he was met with a table full of breakfast food and coffee. The alternate Gojo was still in his tech gear but forfeited the blindfold for now. Letting his white locks fall on his forehead. Nanami looked at Gojo who was setting down the plates with raised eyebrows.

It was such a bewildering sight that Nanami was convinced he was still dreaming.

Gojo looked up at the blonde as he entered the room. “Have a good nap?”

With a dry mouth, Nanami replied, “Sure. You cooked?”

Gojo’s lips twitched. “Kento has worked the routine of the importance of good food to me. You seemed surprised?”

Gojo and Nanami’s small routine of cooking together sadly came to an end for obvious reasons in their youth. However, it seems like his alternate self and Gojo kept it going.

With the memory still fresh in his mind, Nanami chose to reply with, “I don’t see Gojo cooking that often, that's all.”

“Well in this world I am..okay at it. Thanks to Kento, he's really the chef of the house.”

As they sat down Nanami saw the mug of coffee in front of him and mindlessly took a sip. To his surprise, it was exactly how he liked it. From the two cubes of sugar down to the type of grounded beans he gets at the store..

“I figured you took coffee the same as my Kento. If it's not to your liking I can start the espresso machine up again.”

Nanami stared at the plate of fried eggs.

It was very considerate. Honestly too considerate. Besides in his youth, Nanami doesn’t remember the last time someone personally cooked him food. Let alone this stranger who all but threatened his life a few hours ago is now playing nice with him? Sure he apologized but Nanami guesses it’s hard not to when he has the same face as his husband. Does the alternate Nanami always wake up to a husband who makes his coffee right? The thought left a lingering spike of agitation.

Nanami put his mug down, his thirst and appetite vanishing, “No need. This is fine, thank you.”

Gojo merely nodded and continued to eat his food. Favoring the strawberry jam with toast more than anything else. Whatever the universe, it seems like Gojo still likes his sweets. Nanami tried to continue eating but he just wanted to get whatever Gojo’s idea of this was out in the open.

“Not that I don’t appreciate the hospitality. However, I find your switch in behavior a bit disturbing.”

With a raised eyebrow Gojo replied, “Is that so? Are you not used to nice things back home?”

“No.”

Sharp blue eyes study Nanami. “Alright Nanami, then explain to me what you believe this is?”

Nanami crossed his arms. “Although we don’t have much in the Slaugh curse, one abundantly clear factor is that you cannot get your Nanami back without me. So not only did you apologize earlier fairly quickly, but you're making me breakfast as, what? An act of truce?”

Deciding to focus back on eating his jam and toast Gojo replied, “Earlier I was thinking about just locking you up until I found a way to switch you two back. However, I had a change of heart in the car.”

“How gracious of you.”

“-But you are right in a sense. It will not do good making an enemy of you. This situation is complicated as is. So I apologize for bringing some type of normalcy to you for the time being.” Gojo ended bitterly.

Nothing about this was normal. Gojo making him a home-cooked meal and acting like a doting husband wasn’t normal. Seeing the loving pictures of friends and family and sitting in a warm home eating breakfast is not normal.

He took a deep breath.

Regardless of Nanami's feelings, this Gojo does have a point. There is not much to accomplish by acting irrationally. They're just playing the waiting game and it’s best to just ignore this reality as much as possible. It just seemed impossible for Nanami..

Whatever the case, he still felt a bit guilty about his abrupt behavior. Nanami went to say something when Gojos phone rang.

With a deep sigh, Gojo took out his phone from his pocket and got up from the table. “If you would excuse me..” The six-eye sorcerer then made his way to another room to answer the call.

His Gojo usually would answer the call no matter who was nearby. Answering with a bored immature ‘what’ probably to some poor manager on the other line. As unprofessional as that is, Nanami finds himself missing that nonchalant attitude.

As Nanami downed his coffee he heard the splintering sound of broken wood coming from the front door.

“Are you serious, Itadori? That's the second door this year Gojo-sensei is going to be pissed.” Nobara’s voice echoed from the hallway.

“It’s not my fault. Megumi slammed me into it.” That was Yuuji yet he sounded more agitated than Nanami had ever heard from him before.

“I don't know Itadori, any normal person's hand wouldn't go through the door like that,” Megumi replied innocently.

“Maybe I should throw you through the door.”

“You can throw him around later just open the damn door.”

A hand reached around and twisted the knob open and three first years piled into the apartment.

The trio immediately turned their attention to Nanami at the dining table. Their faces were a dead giveaway that Gojo and himself were not the only ones with switched personalities. Yuuji’s usual easygoing demeanor seemed to swap with Megumi’s reserved one. Yet nothing seemed different about Nobara at the moment.

“Nanami you're alright!” Megumi shouted with joy. A very foreign-looking sight compared to the gloomy teen he is used to seeing. “Um sorry about the door..”

Considering it wasn’t his door or apartment Nanami could care less. Putting down his coffee he replied, “I am sure Gojo-san can afford to replace it.”

The serious face of Yuuji was possibly a more unsettling sight to witness. Nanami never could see Yuuji being anything but cheerful. “We got a text from Gojo-sensei saying you were fine, but out of commission for the time being. So we wanted to come check up on you.”

“And we brought some bread and muffins from the bakery you like,” Nobara added holding up a brown bag.

That brought a small smile to Nanami’s lips. It seems the kids were just as thoughtful as their counterparts.

However, the blonde isn’t sure how he should go about this. Does Nanami try to act normal to save face so the kids don’t worry their usually upbeat mentor is gone? Honestly, someone could put a gun to Nanami’s head and he’d still refuse to put on the obnoxious act of Satoru Gojo. Nanami was hoping alternate Gojo would return soon from the commotion but it seems that phone call was just too important to ignore.

“..Thank you, that is very considerate of all of you.” He walked over and retrieved the bag from Nobara.

They all seem to make themselves at home at the dining table. Nanami guesses they tend to linger at their apartment often. It's a nice thought that the kids have a place to stay when they want to get away from tech.

Taking a bite of toast Nobara asked, “So how long are you out of commission for?”

“Just a few short days,” Nanami replied as he put the bag down on the table. He is trying to keep his answers as short as possible. But that may be having the opposite effect if Yuujis calculating stare was anything to go by.

“That's great! You love your days off. Maybe we should all have dinner since you're free? We’ll make Gojo pay.” Megumi happily suggested.

Trying his best to make the kids leave faster, Nanami said, “That sounds nice Megumi-kun but maybe another time. I believe it's best that I should be resting..”

However, Nanami either said the wrong thing or didn’t do the right thing as he felt the atmosphere shift as the three kids gave each other questioning looks.

Yuuji was the one to break the silence. “What is wrong with you? First, you don't bombard me with a hug and now you're declining a day out?”

Nanami, not knowing what else to say to save the situation awkwardly replied, “.. Did you want a hug..?”

Yuujis eyes went wide as he stumbled over his speech. “What?! I-I just mean you're not acting like yourself at all. Did that curse hit you that hard?”

“Aww did Yuuji not get his fatherly hug today?” Nobara giggled and Megumi was quick to join in.

“Go hug Papamin Yuuji, you're breaking my heart!”

With pink ears Yuuji scowled at his two friends, “Will you both shut up already!” The reaction only made the other two laugh harder.

Amongst the laughter, Gojo chose this moment to enter the dining room. “All alright change of plans we-“ Gojo stopped and looked at the three teens, Nanami, and then finally the door.

Exasperated, Gojo said, “Who put a hole in the door this time?”

They all pointed at one another.

Nobara let out a scoff. “Megumi, why are you pointing at me? I had nothing to do with it!”

“We can’t both point at Itadori and throw him under the bus.” Megumi candidly replied.

“But he’s pointing at you, knucklehead!”

Gojo just looked at Nanami as if to say ‘Do you see what I have to deal with?’

“We’ll talk about this later. Three of you can use my card to go get food or whatever. But Nanami is not well at the moment. Which I am sure I told you through text.”

“You didn’t say anything about coming to visit,” Yuuji replied while the other two teens whooped and made their way toward the abused door with Gojo’s card in tow.

Gojo with an eyebrow raised replied, “Well I am now.”

Megumi waved at Nanami with a smile. “Get well Nanami-san! Thanks for the lunch money, old man!”

“Yeah,” Nobara agreed, “Enjoy the treats we got you. Even though I was hoping to try some..”

As the other two went out the door Yuuji stopped in front of Nanami. “I-um hope you start acting like yourself soon. It’s weird to see you so serious, Nanamin.” Yuuji finished looking anywhere but his mentor.

It turns out the endearing nickname and consideration was never changing for Yuuji no matter the universe. Nanami smiled at the young sorcerer. “I’ll do my best to get better, Yuuji-kun.”

He looked at him for another moment before nodding and turning to follow his friends. But Nanami could hear his voice shout from the hall. “By the way we deleted the pictures of you being bridal carried out of respect, Nanami.”

What pictures?

—

Gojo does not know what possessed him to make breakfast, but he did. It definitely wasn't the faint look of yearning that painted Nanami’s face as he gazed at the marriage photo. The pining just struck a chord in Gojo reminding him of his early years with Kento.

Gojo shook his head. He chastises himself for being weak enough to be swayed just because this stranger looks like his Kento. It is best to remain civil, chances are he needs this Nanami in order to return his Kento so best to keep him comfortable until they get more information.

If Kento was here he would have swooned at Gojo making breakfast for him. Kento wouldn't shy away from sneaking up behind him as Gojo was cooking and kissed his neck sweetly as he wrapped his arms around Gojo’s waist.

Kento would say his usual ‘I have to kiss the cook,’ As an excuse to distract him while he attempted to cook for his husband. Gojo is happy to have a sweet too since Kento was so sickly sweet.

This Nanami did swoon in his own way. His hazel eyes widened to slight wonder but were still a bit far away as if he too was lost in a memory. Gojo also noticed the way Nanami was looking at him as he set the table. Gojo doesn’t know how he hides it from his alternate self.

However, the steady atmosphere didn’t last as Nanami’s mood quickly turned sour. Although Nanami perceived the breakfast as some sort of truce, He does not see the big deal in his drastic change of behavior and is a bit annoyed at the lack of appreciation for the food. Honestly, Gojo isn't quite sure that's the real reason he's even upset.

But before they could continue, Gojo’s phone, of course, rang. He sighed. Gojo should have turned it off. Not knowing if it would either be a useless manager, Yaga, or one of the decrypted higher-ups, Gojo chose to excuse himself.

After shutting the door to his room he answered with a stern,

“What.”

“Gojo-san,” Great, it's a manager. “uh- there is a special grade curse that requires immediate attention and-”

“Did I not inform the higher-ups that I am on a mission of my own at the moment, and to get one of the grade one sorcerers for special grade missions for the time being?”

The manager began stammering, “I- well yes, but I’ve been told to tell you that if you will not go then we will have to send one of the second years..”

Temper now at its peak Gojo replied in an icy tone, “Is that a threat?”

The manager yelped on the other line. “Please, I-I am just the messenger Gojo-san. I would never-” the manager's voice wobbled in fear. Gojo rubbed his temple. Maybe Kento is right and he does act a bit too scary toward the managers. He just has no patience with them. Taking pity on the manager, Gojo said, “Just send me the details, but you tell the higher-ups that if they ever threaten my students again that I have no problem eradicating another set of slimy figure heads.”

Gojo hung up the phone before the wimpy manager could reply.

The absolute gall of the higher-ups to even think they could manipulate Gojo like this. Not only have they been throwing Gojo on mission after mission for months, but now this? Did they not learn the first time around? This will not go unnoticed as Gojo does not let the wickedness in this society go unchecked anymore. But for now, he will just have to deal with this mission.

Gojo took a deep breath to calm himself reaching for his wedding ring attached to his necklace. A small calming habit Gojo has found himself doing for four years now. He’d rather wear it on his finger, but it would most likely incinerate from one shot of blue.

However, when his fingertips didn't graze the familiar cool silver, Gojo felt a spike of slight panic shoot up his spine. Gojo swore he was wearing it yesterday. Maybe he left it on the dresser, yet even after moving the trinkets and boxes of his and Kentos, it was nowhere to be found. This brought Gojo into a full panic as he began to ransack his room. Gojo is usually so careful about where he puts his ring. It’s a one-of-a-kind gem found on the tour they went to Brazil since Gojo insisted on only the best to provide for his husband. Kento thought it was too much but Gojo insisted.

He thought he heard some commotion in the living room, but was too distracted by flipping furniture to find the damn ring! Kento is going to be so upset. Gojo hasn't had the best husband track record this month. With only being here a day for their anniversary and now breaking the news about that mission yesterday..

While on all fours scouring the floor for his precious ring Gojo had a realization. Kento wouldn't have taken the ring, would he? Out of all the petty things Kento has done, would he really have Gojo spiral like this because he's angry about how often he's gone?

Probably.

Gojo got up from the ground and straightened his clothes off with a huff. Kento is sleeping on the couch when he gets back, that's for damn sure.

Well, it is best to go discuss options regarding the mission. Gojo still doesn’t want to leave this Nanami alone, but having someone come on a mission with him seemed taxing. The six-eye sorcerer then opened the bedroom door.

“Alright, change of plans we-“ Gojo stopped and looked at the three teens, Nanami, and then finally the door.

Oh for goodness sake, that's the second one this year.

Gojo should have known the kids would come to check on Nanami. Especially Yuuji with how their last mission went and the text he left. However, due to the laughter and the lack of shock, it seems that Nanami didn’t let them know about the whole situation. Which relieves Gojo greatly. All it would do would worry his students and probably make Yuuji feel at fault for the whole thing.

It seems that Nanami thought of that as well if he is trying his best to act normal. Well as normal as his Kento is. The action is beyond reassuring. After Gojo pawns his card out for the teens to leave, he holds his breath as Yuuji stops in front of Nanami.

“I-um hope you start acting like yourself soon. It’s weird to see you so serious, Nanamin.” Yuuji finished looking anywhere but his supposed mentor. Yuuji isn't one to discuss his feelings out in the open. Yet Kento has an aura of comfortability that others seem to soak up. This Nanami is no different.

Nanami gave Yuuji a soft smile. Identical to the one Kento tends to give. Something about Kentos smile was so welcoming and kind-hearted it was easy to feel moved away from your fears and doubts just by the quirk of his lip. “I’ll do my best to get better, Yuuji-kun.” the sweet baritone of Nanami's voice seems to hearten Yuuji, and somehow Gojo as well.

So fatherly no matter the universe.

Gojo watched as Yuuji left, making sure they all were out of earshot before he spoke.

Gojo cleared his throat as he looked at Nanami, “You didn’t tell them.” Said as a statement more than a question.

Nanami nodded. “I didn’t want to worry them. The adults can handle this issue.”

Gojo dipped his head in agreement. Saving his students' youth and the future of many others was of prime importance to him, especially Kento. How can this version be so similar yet so different than his?

Gojo shook off the feeling and decided to get back on track. “As I was saying earlier, we have a change of plans.”

Chapter Text

Gojo has just the perfect story to tell his students.

Embarrassing enough for Notami and minor enough that his Nanami won’t kill him if he find out.

“Back in high school when Nanami had an emo haircut—” Gojo began.

Nobara excitedly cut him off. “Embarrassing haircut? You have pictures!?”

“It was the fashion at the time,” Notami replied quickly. Did he really have that haircut as a teen in every universe? “Now please try not to interrupt Gojo-san’s story.”

“Oh, pictures will be shown after the story.. Now we were on a grade 1 mission together. I was mostly there to oversee my kohai…”

Tokyo, Japan 2006

“Oh, Gojo senpai thank you so much for overseeing your little kohai on this mission. I feel so protected with you here.” Nanami let out a loving sign of yearning.

Gojo puffed his chest proudly. “It's no problem Kento-kun. I am the strongest after all.”

All the students groaned in annoyance.

“Could you tell the story without it sounding completely unbelievable?” Megumi cut in unimpressed.

Gojo snickered. “Okay okay, I’ll try to be as unbiased as possible.”

Currently, Gojo and Nanami are investigating the halls of an old retirement home. A nasty little curse has been causing a bit of chaos. It's not too big of a deal, probably just a grade 1.

“Gojo-san, Yaga-sensei said I’m supposed to be doing this mission by myself. While you oversee.”

“It’s Gojo-senpai to you!” The six-eye user said, flicking Nanami’s forehead for good measure.

The blonde slapped his hand away, scrunching his face. “You haven’t earned the right to be called that.”

Gojo just laughed in response. “Honestly, where’s the fun in standing outside while you kill a weak little curse?”

Gojo barely gets the chance to go on missions with his favorite kohai. So why not enjoy his time to finally act as a senpai should? He’ll show Suguru and Ieiri that he is the best senpai there is! Maybe he’ll even get Nanami to buddy up to him.

“This isn’t about fun, it's about killing a curse that ate a bunch of elderly citizens.”

“Eh you're right this curse won’t be fun at all. It’s a grade 1 at best, but that will be a challenge for you Nanami-kun which will make it at least a bit fun to watch!”

Nanami sighed. “Just give me some sort of peace while I try to find this thing.”

“..Or we can play hot and cold until you find it!”

“No.”

Nanami then began to walk down the hall carefully feeling around for cursed energy.

With Gojo’s six eyes, he can already tell where the lizard curse made itself at home. Which was the attic, but like Nanami said, he’s just supposed to chaperone.

Gojo lazily followed close behind. It was a breath of fresh air to go on a mission with Nanami. Sure they were lower missions, but Nanami had a unique way of challenging Gojo. Unlike most, Nanami was kind of an anomaly with how naturally comfortable he felt around his kohai.

Gojo likes to think of himself as an impossible force of nature; the only other person to match that was Suguru. But with Nanami, it was as if he was a stable unmovable force that Gojo just couldn't knock over. It was an interesting change. Too bad his kohai didn’t care for him at all. Seemingly always annoyed with Gojo's presence.

Just as Nanami was about to open up a door Gojo called out, “Cold!”

Nanami’s body twitched as he moved to the door across from it. “Nope, cold again!

Ruffled, Nanami said, “If you are going to be annoying about this, at least be quiet about it.”

“But you're taking sooo long. Do you want to eat somewhere after this? Let's go somewhere cool! We are near the city.” Maybe the Pokémon cafe was open.

“You're only saying that cause you want to go to that Pokémon cafe,” Nanami replied as he continued walking down the hall.

Weird, how’d he know? “Oh and what would you pick? That Vampire cafe you keep mentioning to Haibara?”

That made the blonde stop,“..it looks cool.” Of course, Nanami is never afraid to be himself.

“Ha! Knew an emo like you would love that place!”

Now looking even more agitated than before Nanami replied, “Sorry this is boring you, Gojo-san but I actually have to exercise the curse.”

Gojo waved his hands, “Yeah, yeah let's get on with it.” So grumpy. What has he ever done to his dear kohai to be treated like this? His mission to get Nanami to like him more is failing.

It seemed that Nanami came to realize that the cursed energy he was previously feeling was residual and finally made his way to the attic door. His kohai is so smart!

As Nanami went to open and climb up the stairs Gojo leaned in close to Nanami’s ear and softly said, “You're hot.”

Nanami yelped a loud “What?!” And turned incredulously at Gojo, his ears a crimson red. Odd it isn't that cold in here, is it?

“Hot as in the curse is the direction you're going duh. What did you think I meant? You told me to say it quietly.” Tilting his dark glasses down to give Nanami an amusing look.

Nanami huffed a breath through his nose, “I don’t need your help, Gojo-san” he then proceeded to climb the stairs. Seeing him take out his blunt cleaver behind his back.

Gojo took a moment to let Nanami get upstairs and find the curse himself. This isn't Nanami's first mission so Gojo is confident enough he can take a grade 2 by himself. Not to mention he was a very skilled sorcerer for a first year. Probably move to grade one in the next year or so. Which is good Gojo doesn't hang with weaklings.

Dust from the ceiling rained down as the building shook, obviously coming from upstairs.

One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi.. Okay, he should go check now.

In short strides, Gojo entered the attic just as the lizard curse hit Nanami into an array of boxes near the entrance. Looking back he saw the end of the lizard curses tail slither out of the crater it left in the ceiling. Gojo looked back down at Nanami, who in return gave him an annoyed look blowing his bangs out of his face.

“Well don’t look at me, chameleon-mon isn't going to exercise itself.”

Dusting himself off Nanami spat back, “I don’t need your permission.” So bratty.

The blonde then swiftly propelled himself off the wall following the curse through the crater onto the roof.

Wow, his kohai can sure jump high! Looks like he beat up the curse enough to slow it down if its missing arm in the corner is anything to go off of. It's even bleeding green goo. Gojo nudged it with his foot and it spouted out more gunk. Gross.

Gojo made it up on the roof just in time to see Nanami slash the lizard curse’s head off. The curse was bigger than he thought must be around 12 ft tall. He is a bit impressed that Nanami handled that fairly easily, but not too impressed. Although the curse turned out to be barely a grade one, it’s still pretty laughable to Gojo.

“See Nanami-kun, this mission was easy-peasy.”

However, his six eyes felt a looming presence directly behind him. Huh, the curse must be able to regenerate from the limb cut off in the attic. It crept up on him well enough might even wrinkle his shirt from the effort to kill it. But before Gojo could turn around and blast it from existence, time slowed and Nanami was there a breath from his lips. He slid a strong hand up Gojo’s chest and shoved him out of the direction of the lizard's rampage.

Nanami looked statuesque as he swung his cleaver up and vertically sliced the curse in two. A loud squelching sound could be heard as the green blood sprayed out from its carcass like a broken valve. Baffled by the turn of events, Gojo blinked and realized that Nanami was covered head to toe in green goo. To add insult to injury, as Nanami moved to step forward he slipped on the remaining gunk and fell through the hole in the roof back into the attic in a spat. He peered over the hole and saw Nanami lying there in a pool of green curse gunk. Honestly, Gojo's first instinct was to laugh at his kohai’s humiliating state. Which he did. While pointing and snapping pictures of him of course.

Suddenly his laughter was cut off by a groan of pain. Gojo then registered that blood began to slowly pool from Nanami's shoulder. Amusement quickly turned into slight concern. Gojo jumped down to Nanami's side to assess the damage. Easing the blonde's head onto his lap. He forgets how fragile even other sorcerers can be sometimes.

“As funny as that was, you're an idiot! What were you thinking?” How stupid is Nanami to risk his life for him like that? He knows fully well Gojo would have been fine. Sure it would have maybe sliced him a bit but nothing he couldn’t handle.

“I’m supposed to do this mission myself..” Nanami mumbled in discomfort. “..And I didn't want you to get hurt.” Looking a bit miserable more so from the confession than covered in curse goo.

“Hurt?! That thing couldn't even tickle me let alone hurt me. Now look at you.” There was a clear wound on Nanami’s shoulder where the curse must have impaled him. Best to get him back to tech quickly.

“I should have just let it get slime all over you.” Nanami snapped back yet relented quickly with an eye roll and a huff that betrayed his exhaustion. “But still..”

Still what? No one has ever put themselves in harm's way like that for Gojo before. Being one of the strongest all his life he was treated as such. People don't see him as someone to be protected, more so as a tool used to protect others. A soothing pressure sat next to the growing tightness in his chest.

Gojo carefully helped Nanami take his goo-soaked school coat off, leaving him with just a plain white shirt and tech pants. He also did his best to wipe away any strain of muck from the younger sorcerer's face. Oddly enough, Nanami let him but averted his eyes as Gojo stroked his thumb over the blonde's sharp cheekbone. Too bad, it's not often he gets to admire the anomaly of the golden-green hues that aren't pinched in an irritated glance pointed at Gojo.

He found himself lightly carding his fingertips through Nanami’s soaked locks. “You know.. Your hair is long enough I could probably make a sick mohawk with the goo here.”

Fox eyes turned stormy, “Don’t touch my hair.”

Gojo cackled. Its funny to think that Nanami-kun secretly cares about his hair so much.

Unbothered that he would be covered in green gunk, Gojo placed his hands gently around Nanami’s legs and back into a bridal carry.

“Alright, up we go.”

“Wait don’t pick me up-”

He heard Nanami's breath hitch as Gojo’s fingertips grazed his lower back. He really must be in pain to be acting so vocal like this. Some senpai Gojo is.

“Don’t worry Nanami, we’ll be back at tech in no time.”

Gojo felt Nanami rest his head against his shoulder. A moment or two passes by when Nanami says,

“Gojo-senpai..”

“Hmm yes Nanami-kun?”

It was silent for a second until Nanami finally said softly, “We can go out to eat later, um, if you still want to.”

Gojo beamed surprised by the suggestion from his kohai. “Of course, let’s try out that vampire cafe.”

He felt Nanami’s lips form a small smile against his neck.

Maybe his kohai doesn't find him too annoying after all.

Present time

That ought to show Notami! He has never spoken a word of that story to even Suguru. Which is surprising for him since he had photo evidence of such an embarrassing scene. Gojo would have loved to never stop referencing it. When is there a time that Nanami Kento has ever been that humiliated? But Gojo guesses he kept it to himself since he felt a tad guilty he essentially caused Nanami to get hurt.

However, this reveal was perfect. For some reason, it was easy to come up with a time he fell in ‘love’ with Nanami and what better way to lie than to tell it through a true story? Sure, Gojo may have sounded a bit sentimental but how could he not be talking about the good days? Of course, Gojo will be a bit meaningful about it.

He pulled out his phone with a smile tinged with mischief. “So who wants to see pictures of Nanami covered in gunk first?” Hoping to find the mortified face of Notami only to see a heartfelt smile instead.

Gojo blinked in confusion trying to process why Not-ami was giving him a delighted expression instead.

“That is so romantic Gojo sensei! Who knew you two were high school sweethearts.” Yuuji pumped his fist with unshed tears.

Wait what?

“So typical of sensei to fall in love when someone saves him for the first time,” Nobara stated.

“Typical.” Megumi echoed, “You had a gross look on your face talking about it too.”

Maki nodded, “Nanami-san even asked you out on a date after.”

“Salmon.” Toge agreed

“Wait that's not-” Gojo tried but cut himself off from trying to salvage his plan that was crumbling before his eyes.

What are they talking about? Did they look over the part where Nanami got covered in lizard guts and tripped and fell like a dork?

Really, what in Gojo’s story screamed romance? Now, thinking back, the warmth that Nanami’s protection brought that day feels a little more personal than he remembers. Wait. Did he just describe Nanami looking statuesque out loud? Oh no, it did take an amatory turn.

Gojo didn’t recall having these conflicted feelings when he was younger. It was easier then, just acting as teens at tech should not taking anything too serious and excerising curses. No time for anything else. But now? This felt different. And Gojo isn’t the type to feel different.

“I knew it would be something sappy and slightly humiliating,” Notami said, fun loving grin widening unapologetically. Ignoring Gojo's spiraling existential crisis, the blonde leaned in and kissed him.

His lips were just as soft as last time, but knowing now this wasn’t his Nanami it felt completely wrong.

The kids let out a chorus of groans, disgusted at the blatant PDA.

Gojo pulled away flustered. “Will you stop kissing me?! In front of the children no less!”

Notami seemed to be relishing in Gojo’s mortification. “I can’t help it, you're too cute like this!” Gojo swiftly slapped away the hand reaching to pinch his cheek.

His eyes squinted in disapproval, “What would your husband say about this?”

“He can’t be upset with me kissing another him, that doesn’t make sense.” Gojo highly doubts that.

“I’d be mad!”

“Oh?” Notamk raised a brow, “Why would you be mad?”

Gojo felt swallowed by his own words, “Well I-“

“-What are you both talking about!?” Maki shouted, breaking up their quarrel.

Turning his sight to the students, they all were looking at them with puzzlement and revulsion at their bizarre behavior of kissing and bickering. Notami, finally deciding to forgo his act, laughed out loud.

The sudden rang of Nanami’s laughter seemed to unnerve everyone even more.

He laughed even harder as Gojo shot a glare at him, and tugged on his arm tight towards the door. He gave his students a reluctant smile. “Oh nothing, nothing.. You kids just clean up while sensei and Nanami have a little chat.”

“Nice seeing you kiddos!” Notami shouted out, getting his last words in before being shoved out the kitchen door.

—

Yuuji hesitantly stared at the door where his two mentors left. “Guys is it just me or is Nanami acting.. weird?” Yuuji commented.

“Yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever heard Nanami laugh like that before. Honestly, now that I think about it, I've never seen Gojo look so embarrassed before either.” Megumi remarked skeptical as well.

Maki however continued to eat unfazed, “Or Gojo is just a spaz and his behavior is rubbing off on poor Nanami-san.”

“Nah it’s probably 'cause he’s getting laid.”

“Gross!”

“Seriously I’m eating!”

“Tuna!”

Megumi glared at his friend. “Nobara, I do not need that image in my head. I’m still digesting food.”

“What?! I’m right! You can’t be mad when I’m just stating the obvious.”

On that note, the students decided to change the subject.

—

Gojo teleported them somewhere no one would bother them, his office.

Disoriented, Notami balanced himself on Gojo’s desk. “Sheesh warn me next time you blip me somewhere.”

Gojo crossed his arms, “No, you don’t get to boss me around after that fiasco. Seriously? Married? Fourth anniversary? I thought we were supposed to mess with the kids, not me!”

Gojo can appreciate a good bit when he sees one, but this type of teasing is getting a bit too invasive for his taste. Gojo truly misses Nanami’s respect for boundaries since Notami doesn’t even know what one is apparently. What type of smug annoying prick gets off on humiliating someone like that?!

…Well, Gojo is much more classier than this guy when he does it!

“I mean that was the plan at first.” The blonde began arms crossed casually. “However after talking earlier, I realized how emotionally constipated you were. So I thought it’d be fun to do some, you know... Exposure therapy if you will.”

The lingering annoyance Gojo had from the discussion in the hall was now back tenfold.

Unperturbed by Gojos' scowling, Nanami continued “Oh don’t give me that face. It was funny! I never thought there would be a day I’d see the ‘all-business Satoru Gojo’ so awkward, red, and squirmy.” Notami then stopped and rubbed his chin, “Well, there was this one time I wanted to try something out with Satoru in bed..”

Gojo threw his hands in the air. “Who wouldn’t be embarrassed in that situation? You kissed me in front of my students while telling them we were married and in love!”

“Oh, I didn’t mention the love part you dug that hole yourself with that cutesy teen story. Tell me did you end up going to the vampire cafe? My Satoru hasn’t even taken me there.”

Yes, they ended up going to the vampire cafe. Although unique, it was actually a lot nicer than Gojo expected with the bat chandelier and the coffin-shaped red velvet cake they shared. He vividly remembered the small smile that graced Nanami’s lips as he enjoyed each bite of the tasty gothic-themed treats.

This guy was just as good at deflecting as Gojo was.

He jabbed a finger at Notami. “Just because you're screwing, or now I guess ‘married’ to my alternate self does not mean you understand me in any capacity. This conversation about whatever this is is over.” He asserted firmly.

Gojo was then going to tell Notamj to stay put in his office until the information was retrieved. Hell, he’ll knock the guy out and throw away the key if he has to.

"My husband is my other half, so I think I can understand you more than you realize. And from the looks of it, it seems to be written in the stars that every version of you is completely clueless when it comes to emotional intelligence."

Criticizing Gojo’s insecurities is a conversation he never wants to have—especially with this stranger. Tightening his jaw, Gojo shot back, his voice sharp, “What does that have to do with anything?”

Notami chuckled. “Oh come on. It has to do with everything. You are so focused on yourself that you don’t even realize your own feelings for Nanami. Then you put all your effort into being a teacher and the ‘strongest’. It makes you completely blind to not only your own feelings but those right in front of you. My Satoru was the same way and it took me a while to get it.”

Your own feelings for Nanami.

Gojo knows he can be a bit detached when it comes to other's feelings. People assume a lot about him, so he does the same in return. They think of him as untouchable even otherworldly. Everyone has already decided their expectations on him so why should he care about understanding their complexities? Gojo always just ends up being defined by his six eyes. So he closed himself off, not seeing the point of explaining himself any longer. He can get by just fine without anyone else.

But Nanami always seemed to be a different case.

There was something in Nanami’s steadiness and quiet confidence that made Gojo gravitate towards him. When Gojo his soaring in the heavens of his untouchable existence Nanami was the pillar that kept him from floating too far, the quiet weight that kept his feet on the ground. He has never asked Gojo to change or demanded anything from him. Nanami just offers the stability he can take refuge in when faced with the constant uncertainties. It’s his soft gaze of understanding that was hard to catch but always there. Maybe ironically, Gojo has looked passed others too. And Nanami being one of them. The quiet presence someone he could lean on.

Gojo had always been the one to keep people at arm’s length, but Nanami had a way of quietly pulling him closer without ever seeming to try. With the past on his mind as well as Notami and the kids words he wonders if he’d been blind to his own feelings all along. Something was changing, and not often does change scared him like this.

Gojos previous anger softened to a lingering quiet strife. “Even if I do have feelings for him I can’t be the one to give him what he needs.” Just as Gojo voiced earlier this morning, he is not the type for relationships. In his position how would he be able to give enough?

Notami gave him a knowing look. His voice low and teasing. “My other stoic self is a big boy, Gojo. I’m sure he can decide what he needs for himself.”

Gojo’s couldn't help but feel annoyed by his comment. He says that so easily. Like Nanami would even consider his feeling. Looking back Nanami has been showing up for Gojo, but what has he done to exactly show himself to be capable of what Nanami might need?

He doesn’t really know where to start.

He sighed, shifting his gaze away from Notami. Despite having a look alike right in front of him, Nanami has never felt so far away.

He could really use his stoicism right about now.

The sound of Gojo’s phone buzzing seem to slice through the tension of the room snapping him back to reality. He grabbed it quickly, eyes skimming over the text Shoko had sent him.

“Well, looks like the paper trail was found faster than we thought.”

Chapter Text

Nanami’s routine before and after missions is crucial to keeping him sane. A mug of coffee and a small breakfast before, then a glass of whiskey and home cooked meal after. He doesn’t go to work too early and he doesn’t stay too late. 

So back on another mission while technically still on his current one doesn’t put Nanami in a particularly good mood. 

He has to remind himself that Gojo still has a right to be suspicious. This situation was sensitive so he didn't blame him for wanting Nanami where he could see him. 

From Nanami’s understanding, despite the differences in personality it seems that Gojo still has a solicitous streak that his Gojo back home tends to find himself subtly embracing as well. That encouraged some optimism that he may be more transparent than Nanami thought. 

Yet, Gojo's continuous staring did not go unnoticed. Hell, he hasn’t taken his eyes off him since they left the apartment. Nanami thought they reached some type of middle ground earlier. Even if it was a bit messy. Yet this stare didn’t seem hostile as it was this morning, it looked as if he was more so lost in thought than anything else. 

The car came to a sudden stop definitely not near the mission they were sent on. But before Nanami could ask, Gojo told him, “Stay here. I’ll be back.” 

Nanami has an inkling that Gojo is used to bossing his counterpart around and if the fool is anything like his Gojo he probably likes it. Disturbingly so. On the other hand, Nanami couldn’t help but feel a bit intrigued by seeing Gojo in such a cool confident demeanor. 

Five minutes or so go by and Gojo reenters the car with 2 cups of coffee and a brown bag in tow. Which smells to be a pastry of some sort. Nanami blinked in surprise as Gojo handed it to him. 

“You barely touched your food or coffee before we left. I’m sure that made you a bit upset if your pouting is anything to go by.” 

The tone was lighter than he’s heard the alter Gojo sound since Nanami arrived. Looking in the bag was a warm ham and cheese danish. The bread was flaky and fresh, the smell was already making his mouth water. 

Thrown off by the kind gesture Nanami replied, “Um, thank you.” 

It reminded him of the morning prior. However there was an obnoxious drawl and playfulness missing that is so abundantly Gojo. The lack there of brought about a strange sense of wistfulness. 

“Oh don’t forget your coffee Nanami! Did I mention how nice your arms look in that suit today? It's my favorite so don’t tear it up too much on your mission alright?”

Gojo gave him a small smile in return. “It's no issue.” he then took a sip of his own coffee. “Earlier, you seemed familiar with the kids. Do you mentor them back home as well?” 

Nanami nibbled on the danish and replied. “From time to time. At the moment it is mostly Ino and Yuuji I oversee on missions.” 

Gojo nodded. “Kento does something similar here as well. He’s been playing a more of a bigger role in guiding them. Since I’ve been on more missions lately.” 

Nanami lost count of the amount of times Gojo would dump his students on him for guidance or what Gojo coined as ‘extra tutoring.’ He was slightly touched at first when Gojo introduced Nanami to Megumi and Tsumiki. Even if he became a glorified babysitter with how often he helped out with dinners and check ins. Nanami would be lying if said he didn't enjoy providing the kids with some sense of normalcy. The down time and dinners he had with Gojo and the kids was a pleasant routine he grew rather fond of doing. He refused to think of how.. domestic it was. Even hearing Gojo call him a house husband turned from annoyance to amused exasperation. But as fate would have it, the scheduled visits slowed down 2 years ago when Tsumiki fell into her coma, then Megumi started tech, and Gojos schedule inscreased. A dinner 3 times a week turned into dinner every once in a while. 

That didn’t stop Gojo from his continuous visits as well as throwing other students at Nanami. So he began getting used to mentoring them as he went, but he made sure it was only from afar. Nanami didn’t want to make a habit of it. However Ino and Yuuji then came along with their eagerness and courage to do good. Nanami honestly rather not get too close. Gojo is better equipped to deal with the possibility of his others dying in this job. Nanami, although he hides it well, has an issue seeing Haibara’s dead corpse in place of every young soul lost.

Yet by the sound of it, his counterpart is able to get past that. Well that and every obstacle that Nanami has for himself. A familiar feeling nagged in the back of his throat. Not too different from when he first stepped into their cozy family home. With every inch of new information he finds out about his counterpart the more irritated he gets. 

Nanami chose to reply with, “I’m no teacher. I just mentor as I go.” 

Gojo tilted his head at that. “Well you should think about doing it more. It'd be good for you and the kids.”

A lively voice echoed similar words to Nanami. 

“You are the epitome of a responsible adult Nanami! It’d be good for you and the kids. Aww don’t give me that face. You're just mad I'm right!~” 

“You’ve known me less than a day. I find it hard to believe you have an idea of what's good for me.” It came out more defensive than he liked.

“An observation then. Just like how I noticed you effortlessly handled the kids well earlier, especially Yuuji.” Gojo continued. “Not only do they need someone to look out for them. You seem naturally relaxed when it comes to it, and from the looks of it relaxation doesn't come easy to you.” Well yes, he wasn’t too far off about it, but it still felt disconcerted being read so well. 

That made Nanami take a moment to look Gojo over. His demeanor has shifted from slightly guarded from Nanami to a bit more lax and even choosing to sit a more comfortable length that wasn’t too obviously far away compared to earlier.

The pleasant warmth of the coffee and danish now sitting snug in his stomach did in fact turn his mood around more than he would have thought. Nanami doesn’t know what changed, but he’ll take the olive branch. He just hopes this doesn’t open the door up to more conversation. 

“As an adult I have a duty to protect them. Kids in this field need to be prioritized and shielded from the cursed world. When I have the chance I do my best to do so and I have grown to appreciate the time I have with them. But I am not a teacher or even someone to look up to, I’m just another sorcerer doing what he should.” 

“Sounds admirable.” Gojo’s face was unchanging. 

“Ensuring kids don’t die for a cause they shouldn’t be pushed into isn’t admirable, it's what should be done.” 

Gojo hummed in reply, eyes bright beneath his blindfold; burning wordlessly at Nanami. He didn’t know he could miss how garrulous Gojo could be in conversion until this very moment. Nanami is social, sure but he’s not good at filling silences as Gojo is. 

The six-eye sorcerer suddenly moved from his spot and reached his hand out as if to cup Nanami's face. He grabbed the intruding hand's wrist just before the slender fingers reached skin. 

“What are you doing?” Nanami narrowed his eyes trying to ignore the close proximity of the other man. 

“I’d like to fix the collar of your dress shirt collar. If I may?” 

Far too polite. Gojo would simply invade his personal space. Never be one to consider asking. Always getting a kick out of others reactions. Always thinking his are the most comical. 

Nanami then looked slightly down and saw the shirt was slightly ruffled under his coat. That well.. never usually happens.. He isn’t a complete perfectionist but he always makes sure to be presentable as he leaves. 

Not knowing what possessed him, Nanami loosened his grip on the other man’s wrist. He did his best to not shiver as Gojo’s long fingers caressed his neck to unfold the collar. The movement looked habitual. Nanami has a feeling Gojo is used to this sort of thing with his husband but to apply it to him feels too intimate. Even when Gojo’s hands retreated Nanami could still feel the lingering touches burn against his neck. It felt overwhelming and set forth a stall in his thought process. 

He felt oddly taken care of.. 

Clearing his throat said, “Well thank you. I don’t tend to be so absent minded like that.” 

His face is smooth and patient. “No need, I understand.” 

And Nanami had a strange feeling that he did. 

“How about we go over the mission details?” Gojo suggested. 

“That is probably best.” 

For the first time ever Nanami is a bit relieved to discuss work.

—

The mission was in a small country village two hours outside of Tokyo. 

Nanami appreciates the coolness of early spring where the mist kisses the tree tops and the vibrancy of the towering cedar trees. He always thought villages like this were revivifying just from the view of Mount Fuji alone. With the location just outside of Hakone, the hot springs were probably very nice this time of year. But of course he isn't here for a long awaited vacation, he's here for work. 

They both watched the manager finish up making the barrier around the forest area. It was no one he knew, thank goodness. He’s had enough interaction with alternate others today. 

“Typical that the mission is at an onsen resort.” Gojo said. 

Nanami agreed. A twisted sense of humor to have a job at a vacation destination. “Odd a curse would make their home here. From what I understand this onsen resort is known for its positive experiences.” 

“It doesn't matter. As we discussed-“ Gojo suddenly stopped and lifted his blindfold up over one eye. “A grade one cursed user was not in the report.” 

“A cursed user? Do you know who they are?”

“Yeah she’s a real B.” 

Nanami rolled his eyes. “I’m sure she is, but I'd like some more information about her.” 

Gojo gave him a dry look. “Kento must be rubbing off on me.. No, She has a cursed technique that derives from bees. Acts as their ‘queen’ infusing her curse energy in bees to use as a sort of cursed tool. Calls herself Hachi. From what I remember she tends to stay close to the hives.” 

Nanami nodded. “Well that shouldnt change anything. You take out the cursed user while I dispose of some of her cursed insects that could be nearby any civilians.”

Gojo pulled his blind fold back down and shook his head. “I don’t have a good feeling about this. So I'd appreciate it if you stayed here.”

Ruffled, he replied, “I am a grade one sorcerer, Gojo. I appreciate it if you treat me like one. You can do many things but you can’t be in two places at once and civilians may still need to be evacuated.”

Gojo shook his head and turned to leave. Back now facing him he replied, “I am sure you are just as qualified as Kento. However this is different. If I’m wrong then the hive mind should be all exercised after I dispose of the cursed user.” 

Wrong? Wrong about what? “I wasn’t asking.”

“Neither am I. Now stay put.” Then in a blink of an eye Gojo was gone. 

Nanami couldn’t help but scoff. He did not appreciate being dragged all the way here just to do nothing and be kept in the dark. There is a high possibility that civilians could be injured or worse before Gojo kills the cursed user in time. Nanami has done plenty of missions with his Gojo before where they were in need of more numbers than power. This one was no different. 

Without missing a beat Nanami moved to the trunk of the car and lifted it up revealing his cased blunt blade. 

As he unzipped the case and pulled out the cleaver the manager said, “Um what are you doing Nanami-san? Didn't Gojo-san say to stay put-”

“I am going down the southern part of the forest to see if there are any remaining civilians in need. Although you might take orders from Gojo, I don't.” 

With that Nanami made his way in the direction of the numerous cursed signatures. 

—

At first it was easy to just see Nanami as a potential threat with how opposite he seemed to be from his husband. 

And after unashamedly observing Nanami, Gojo has concluded that he wasn’t like his husband at all. 

He was exactly like him. 

Well despite the personality difference it’s who they are deep down that’s rather the same. Nanami didn’t share the attribute that made Kento obnoxious, crude, and fun loving. It was the core aspects that Gojo could see. Nanami shows compassion in a controlled and responsible way. How tender hearted he looked at the students or the humble way he described his role in others lives. If he’s anything like Kento he is willing to sacrifice his personal desires for the greater good. 

It all made it increasingly difficult to treat him as a stranger. 

This will prove to be tricky if Gojo and him plan on doing this special grade mission together. He believes Nanami can handle himself but he also can tell the blonde has no true stability back home. Which can lead to idiotic lack of self preservation. Gojo can see behind the composed put together attitude. How he angled his words away from the subject of himself. There is a tiredness in his eyes and baggage he continues to carry. 

It slightly frustrated Gojo to see.

Was his counterpart just that careless? Gojo would think that since he had Kento’s personality he’d be a bit more forthright and attentive. Well his husband can be absent minded at times..

There also is the fact that Kento was very good at masking his problems. This Nanami was no different. He’s just unlucky enough that Gojo can see right through it.

Gojo will be having words with his counterpart if he can. 

What truly weakened the rest of his resolve was seeing Nanami shudder from his simple touch of fixing his collar. That compelled the blonde to blush a subtle pink as soft as the cherry blossom petals they got married under. 

Now don’t get Gojo wrong, he will tear the universe apart to find his husband. Any world be damned. However he doesn’t see the harm in nudging a version of Kento in the right direction while doing so.

He has a weakness for every Kento out there it seems.

Now what was not in the plan was a curse user on the supposed special grade mission. Hachi should be locked up. Gojo would know since he’s the one that apprehended her months ago. The cursed island prison is near impossible to break out of and Hachi doesn’t have the network or power to do so.

It all left a bad taste in his mouth. So leaving Nanami back while he handled everything was a no brainer. There were too many unknown variables and Gojo doesn’t need a distraction.

 But knowing Nanami he probably didn’t listen to him anyway.

Once he left It didn’t take Gojo long to find the cursed hives. Hachi’s little minion bees were obnoxiously loud and laughably easy to deal with. As he disposed of the last few curses the hives came into view. However Hachi wasn’t there feeding them cursed energy. Instead there were over 50 hives all birthing the buzzing insects. She must have used the mass amount of cursed energy output to mask her real presence which wasn’t anywhere near here. 

It’s a damn diversion. 

“Help!” 

“Someone help us!” 

A group of hikers cried out, lodged in a mass amount of honey. Disgustingly large bees swarming in circles around them. 

Well there goes Gojo easily using Reverse Red. 

—

Screams echoed over the loud hum of buzzing that vibrated the forest floor; encouraging Nanami to quicken his pace. 

As he emerged from the brush he saw a young couple huddled close together in the dirt near a cliff edge. Uselessly trying to crawl away from the massive cursed bees swarming around them. 

Although they had the similar qualities of regular bees, the curses could only be described as grotesque. Their stingers and mandibles are sharp and enlarged, moving to sink into flesh. Nanami jumped into action, slicing his cleaver down to ratio the bee in two. The carcass released a burst of yellow pollen clouding the air. It gave Nanami enough coverage to dispose of the 5 insect curses before they could lift their stingers. Any more of them and it would have been a bigger issue. 

The blonde held his breath as the rest of the pollen began to dissipate. The young couple coughed and blinked up at him in surprise. 

The man quickly got to his feet and helped, who Nanami assumed was his girlfriend up. They both began to bow continuously in thanks. 

“Thank you so much sir!” 

“Yes, thank you!” 

Nanami acknowledged them with a nod as he peered around the forest. Strange, he swore he felt a larger cursed signature from this area.

“We would have been dead if it wasn’t for you sir.. You truly are just as adept as they say, Gojo Kento..”

Before he could question the women, Nanami swiftly dodged the sharp talons that elongated from the man’s once human form. 

The woman smirked back at Nanami’s calculated glare. This must be Hachi, the cursed user Gojo was talking about. 

“They were right, you are a slippery little grade one. No matter, with the price on your head it’ll be worth all the trouble.” The sleeves of her yellow Komodo slid down her arm as she twirled her hair into a wide bun. 

A hired assassin for Nanami of all people? Well his counterpart that is. 

“Who sent you?”   

“I would love to chat more but I shouldn’t waste any more time. Got to kill you before your hubby gets here.”  

Hachi placed her hand on the once man’s back until it ignited blue with cursed energy. A disturbing wet squelch was silenced by the deafening buzzing as the curse bees crammed their way out of the gaping hole of the man’s mouth. 

Nanami gripped his cleaver tight. The bees were rather easy to exercise but with how fast their numbers were increasing he could quickly be overwhelmed. Nanami needed to dispose of the cursed user fast before that could happen. 

With clear ratio lines, Nanami made quick work of each curse. Slicing through one after the other. Hachi’s eyes widened with slight panic as he advanced closer to her and the hive. She went to step back but realized that she was still dangerously close to the cliffs' edges. 

There’s an idea. 

After finishing off one of the many curses Nanami powered a mass amount of energy in his fist and slammed his knuckles into the ground. The technique collapse allowed a wave of his cursed energy into the bedrock to effectively split directly in her path. The ground quickly crumbled beneath; Hachi let out a yelp as gravity took her and the hive with it. 

Nanami waved off the pollen filled air. Not a very skilled assassin sent after him. Nanami would feel slightly offended if he cared as much. Nevertheless, she should survive the fall at least for questioning. 

As he moved to look over the cliff's edge a body zipped through the air up past Nanami. 

“You think I'd die that easily?!” 

Now airborne with bee wings adjoining her back, Hachi lifted her palms fingers spread wide. Nanami could see the skin in the center of her hands peel back as sharp thin projectiles shot out of them. The black darts the size of knives whistled in the wind with surprising fast velocity. The blonde briskly dodged to the side here the two projectiles thwack through the wooden trees behind him. However it seemed Hachi didn't need a moment to reload, as she continued her onslaught of black darts directed at Nanami. 

He heard the thrill of darts behind him as he began to dash along the tree line. Good think her accuracy needed work. 

What he needed to do now was get her back on the ground; she's less of a threat there. All at once, Nanami promptly turned and kicked off a nearby tree and swiped a dart off the ground. Pulling his arm back and launching the dart like a javelin at Hachi. 

The dart flashed right over the cursed user's head. “Ha! You missed me! And they said you were a grade one to watch out for.” However before she could continue to attack, Hachi’s wings began to slow down. To her surprise and terror the dart stuck through her wings.

“I wasn't aiming for your head.” Nanami said simply. 

Gravity once again was against her as she fell from her high position in the sky. Her weight skidded her through the dirt as she landed against a large cedar tree with a loud thump. 

Nanami patiently walked up to the cursed user and grabbed her by the collar of her komodo. Once perfect bun, now a mess of frizz and muck. Her wide eyes glared back at him. 

“Talk.” 

“Go to hell-”

With a simple push kick, Hachi crashed through the thick tree. Branches cracked and snapped as the tall cedar tree was knocked down. Shaking the ground around them. 

She groaned pathetically from the ground limbs now twisted awkwardly. 

“They didn’t say you were such an aggressive dick.” 

Unfazed, Nanami said “It’s been a long day.” 

Before he could interrogate her more Gojo suddenly appeared in front of him, easily picking her by the throat. 

The women sputtered and struggled for air from the pressure of the six eyes sorcerer's grip. 

“You're supposed to be locked up, Hachi.” Voice low and threatening. “Explain what you're doing here and I might make this quick.” 

Nanami doesn’t get to see Gojo look so intimidating this often. Sure, his power itself intimidates many so does his cock sure attitude in a way. But the serious apathetic nature radiates a darker aura; he only witnessed sparse moments, if at all.

“They’ll kill me” she choked out. 

Gojo tilted his head impassively. “And I won’t?”

“I’m under a vow, it’s impossible.” Hachi trembled. The words sealing her fate. 

“Right. Well then you're no use to me.” 

All too simply, Gojo opened up his palm and blasted her into oblivion. 

Well.. that was unexpected. Nanami is no stranger to killing cursed users when it comes down to it, Gojo especially. Yet somehow this Gojo seemed more accustomed to the act. Like swatting a fly.

“You killed her rather quickly.” 

“And you didn’t.” Gojo shot back, turning to face him. 

What did he expect him to do? Kill her on sight? Wait, how long was he here to know that?

“Were you watching the whole time?” he demanded, slightly irritated. 

Unfazed Gojo said, “Well no. I got here when she started to play darts with you. I was going to intervene sooner but observing you was..” Even with the blind fold on, Nanami could have sworn he looked him up and down. “Interesting. She was right, you are rather aggressive. Even more than my Kento.”

Nanami was about to reply when he heard a familiar buzzing from behind him. Before he could act, Gojo shoved him out of the way and lifted his hand to exercise the remaining curse. The bee however imploded instead leaving a giant wave of pollen in its wake. 

Nanami coughed from the ground. As the pollen cleared he looked up to see Gojo covered head to toe in bright yellow curse remnants. He must have turned his infinity off when he pushed Nanami out of the way. 

The six eye sorcerer scowled in disgust as he looked down at himself. Gojo then took off his blindfold which made it look even more comical since he now looked like he got a botched tan at a salon. He honestly looked ridiculous. Like some oversized highlighter. It tickled something in Nanami’s stomach and before he knew it he was softly chuckling.  

Gojo blinked down at him incredulously. “Are- are you laughing at me?!” 

“I’m sorry” Nanami said in between snickers. “This just feels like a bit of long overdue karma.” Not the right Gojo but it’s still nice to see the six eye sorcerer be covered in cursed guts instead of Nanami this time. 

Gojo's face stayed pinched. “Are you implying that my idiotic counterpart's karma is strong enough to jump universes?” 

Nanami bit back a smile with no avail. “It’s Gojos karma we're talking about, so it wouldn't surprise me. But don’t be too upset, blonde looks good on you.”  

Gojo huffed as he shook the leftover pollen out of his hair. “Any more teasing and I’m not taking you” to the hot springs.”

“Hot springs?” 

“Yes, I'm filthy and believe this day has been taxing enough. So how about we treat ourselves with company money hmm?” 

Nanami couldn’t argue with that. 

—

The onsen was a godsend. 

The crisp coolness of the night complimented the heat of the water nicely. Muscles that Nanami didn’t even realize were tight seemed to ease from the soothing water. As much as a shit show this whole day turned out to be at least something nice came out of it. 

Nanami felt the waters dip beside him as Gojo sinked into the onsen sitting across Nanami. His now eyes uncovered, giving him a small welcoming smile. His fair skin was lustrous under the moonlight and eyes even more so radiant. Something about Gojo always seems to be gleaming with supernatural light and Nanami like a moth feeling allured by the brightness of it all. Thoughts like those are common around Gojo, but he usually is better at ignoring them. 

Nanami realized he must be staring too long but came to find that Gojo was staring back. 

Shifting in the water, Nanami broke the comfortable silence, “This is nice. I appreciate the thought of coming here.” 

Gojo’s muscles flexed as he stretched his arms out. “I believe we both deserve it after a long day.” 

Nanami nodded but couldn't help but ask, “I am a bit surprised. I thought you would want to find the papers on the Slaugh as soon as possible. This seems like a distraction.” 

Nanami could see the slight tension in his shoulders. The perplexity of the situation now must be bringing forth more worry then Gojo is letting on. 

“To be honest, he is more safe in your universe at the moment. Also my worries came to a minimum when I realized there was a very specific curse that enacted the switch.” 

“How so?” Nanami said mildly surprised.

“Curses don’t do things by accident people do. The hired assassin somehow filed as a special grade curse also confirms some sort of foul play is involved. Which leads me to believe there’s more to all of this than it seems.” 

“So someone is controlling the curse to kill Kento and when that didn’t work they also lured us here. Why?” 

 “I’m not sure. it’s a hutch but my hutches are usually right.” said coolly. 

“And you are just perfectly fine staying near a place they lured us too?” 

“Of course. I am the strongest. There’s nothing to worry about while I’m here.”

He said it like stating a fact on paper opposed to Gojo's smug tone. But it still was,  “As arrogant as ever.” So used to reminding Gojo of his ego, the light jab slipped out. 

Gojo's lips twitched in response. “Are you not a fan of Gojo's arrogance?” 

Nanami rolled his eyes. “Hardly. The man’s hot air needs to be deflated every now and again or he’ll never come down to earth.” 

Gojo huffed a short laugh. “How come my counterpart and I only share the negative traits?” 

“They seem to be the strongest.” 

That made both then stoic men smile in amusement. 

Gojo let out a low hum and he tilted his head back. Drops of sweat trickle down his exposed throat. 

“Your presence is very refreshing, Nanami.”

Not understanding the compliment, Nanami deflected. “I’m sure it’s just the onsen.” 

“I suppose. But you also have a certain way of grounding things.” 

The words stirred a fond uncomfortability. Gojo has said similar words a time ago when he first came back to sorcery. 

“Doesn’t your Kento ground you?” 

Gojo tilted his head back at him, eyes glowing. “Like an anchor.” 

How quick and heavy Gojo said those words made the statement sound indisputably pivotal. 

The way Gojo thinks about his husband with such intensity made Nanami feel a sudden sharpness prickle his skin. He gave into temptation and asked, “how did you end up with your Kento in the first place?”

Gojo hummed and said, “He wooed me..” his smile grew upon the mention of the memory.   “Well it took him almost dying for me to truly realize some things, but I've come to like how he puts it more.”

“Wooed you?” 

“Yes, well, ever since Kento returned to sorcery he would make weekly baked goods for the kids. However he’d always make something special just for me. Leaving annoying notes along with them. They were mostly puns about bread and were honestly useless. Yet I found myself keeping every single one. I was not very receptive to him at first. I pushed and pushed while he pulled and pulled. For some reason he never gave up on trying to get close to me.” 

So he's just going to graze over the almost dying part?

Well other than that, it is surprisingly not too different from some of Nanami’s actions here and there. He isn't one to vocalize it but he has made an effort to be a person Gojo could turn to. It just sort of happened naturally with Gojo’s pestering self and Nanami’s subtle weakness for it. Although he doesn’t leave notes he does bake at times for the kids and Gojo to enjoy. 

When Nanami made the call to come back to sorcery, in the back of his mind he was holding on to hope that his high school crush dwindled with time. However he knew that wasn't the case when the empty melancholic feeling Nanami has been stricken with for years was effortlessly filled heartily just with Gojos laughter on the other line. It turns out that time only intensified his feelings for the other man. Nanami is only human; he can't help wanting to be close to someone he’s fond of. Even if that someone does not feel the same.

But that’s alright, Nanami has accepted that. He enjoys Gojo’s presence nonetheless. However this discussion of love coming from someone who looked like Gojo only amplified the yearning he did so well to bary and hide all these years. Nanami did his best not to show his slight maelstrom of emotions he was facing. He should have avoided this topic. 

“I’ve always been difficult to deal with.” Gojo continued. “I was a horrible senpai in our teens. Looking back I don't understand what Kento saw in me then, but that’s what he does; he just sees people for who they are.”

Nanami wanted to sarcastically agree, saying it makes sense Gojo’s personality was to mess in both universes. Anything to avoid how soft Gojo’s words were, and the gentle revealing look he was sending to Nanami. So engulfed in the memory of his love. 

Nanami doesn’t run from confrontation but it was unnerving to see Gojos face form into a look of pure longing. 

Pulling his eyes away, Nanami is thankful that the onsen is outside so he can escape and focus up on the sky. Just anything other than the tenderness of that look. 

Not knowing how else to reply he said, “Life can be unexpected that way.” The meaningless statement however felt heavy on his chest.

This man has been away from his husband for less than a day and he has to yearn from him like this in front of Nanami? It is such a sick joke to be put front and center to witness a life he'll never get. He’ll never see this face of longing again, feel the spontaneous but welcoming presence of the students as they stop by, or feel the sweet secureness in a family home. Just return to a world where he is forced to go through the motions of killing curses until he dies. 

Nanami convinced himself that life was more fulfilling that way. He has no regrets protecting the youth and stopping them from facing the same fate Haibara suffered. Although it’s a shit job it’s more meaningful in life to do. He has decided this a while ago, so what is this feeling of doubt eating away at his once (somewhat) peace of mind.

“Kento..” The delicacy of Gojos tone made him pause and turn towards the other man. 

Gojo was now a breath away from Nanami’s lips. When he got so close so soon he didn't know but his slick body was towering over Nanami’s. Gojo’s white locks damp and slicked back away from his eyes. He was no prude, but the vulnerability of both them being nude was now at the forefront of his mind. 

“Are you happy?” he repeated just as softly.

Thrown off by the close proximity, the question didn’t really register. 

“Um.. What?” 

Chest now almost touching Gojo repeated himself, “Are you happy?” 

Steam from the onsen now felt very thick. “I-I don’t see the point of the question.”

“For the sake of asking, I suppose.” Answered easily.

It took some will power to avoid rubbing the exasperation out of his eyes. This guy can’t have his personality with how privy he is to his business. Nanami would be able to focus with some space but the damn wall behind him boxed has boxed in. 

“ ‘Happy’ would imply that I find joy in most of my life which would include my job. I don’t. It’s purposeful and not as soul-crushing as it was as a salaryman. In other words I feel adequate.” 

Gojo tssked. “I’m not touching what you think of work with a ten foot pole, Nanami. I’d just like to hear about what you enjoy about life, like if you finished that one Dostoevsky book. Or the last thing you baked that turned out just to your liking. You can allow yourself to be happy besides working a ‘shit job’ ”

This Gojo was so different from the one he met this morning. The suspicious sharp ringing of his eyes were gone and replaced with a tranquil hum of thoughtfulness and determination. 

It's throwing Nanami completely off guard. 

Why does he care? Why does he give a shit about some random variant of his husband? The steam of the hot springs suddenly felt suffocating and he just wanted to retreat away from these buried feelings that this Gojo was shoveling out. 

Nanami stood up almost knocking heads with Gojo and began to move to the stairs of the onsen. “I believe I’ve spent too much time in the onsen. If you’d excuse me-“ his pathetic excuse was cut off by Gojo grabbing his wrist. 

Touch touch touch. Does every version of Gojo love to invade his personal space? 

“If I said something I said-“

Nanami moved out of Gojo's grip. Wanting to just tell him to drop it and move on from the uselessness of this conversation. However the final remnants of his patience and filter has been peeled away.

 “No, it’s me. I don’t want to indulge myself any further into this delusion.” 

Gojo furrowed his eyebrows. “Delusion? Nanami this isn’t-“ 

“It’s exactly what it is!” His voice started to rise. “I can’t take it anymore. The happy home, the stability, marriage and picture perfect normalcy. It’s all bullshit! Bullshit that I so deeply wish—crave to have and won’t ever get. So excuse me for wanting to take a break from the look that I’ll never receive from the one person I always yearned it to be from.” 

Nanami has great control over his emotions and instances like these are few and far between. So getting his composer back is like waiting for an avalanche to finish crashing and he’ll be damned if he lets someone see the aftermath. 

Just as he went to leave, Gojo's again was able to stop him this time with just his words. “He’s clueless isn’t he?” 

Nanami’s shoulders sagged, still refusing to look in Gojo's direction. “..He’s always a clueless fool.” 

“Of course he is. I know that he’s clueless because I’m the same way. Our egos and one track mind can make us insensible to those around us. He cares he is just incredibly awful at properly showing it.”  

“You don’t think I know that?” 

Gojo tilted his head in curiosity and confusion. 

“I have accepted my role as a cog in the machine in this shit job. I have also accepted who I am in Gojo’s life. He doesn't have a lot of people who he can trust. He needs someone to turn to and I will not selfishly take that away by putting my pathetic unrequited feelings first.” 

“You assume he doesn’t return them.” 

Refusing to entertain the notion, Nanami said,“Just because it worked out so well for you two. Does not mean it will for us. So I think you should refocus on getting your Kento back and less on my life.” 

“I’m the strongest. I think I can do both.” 

Nanami let out a humorless laugh. “You can not possibly have my personality with how bullheaded you are.” 

Gojo moved his hand back but this time grabbed his hand instead. “Is that not how we got here? Because you're too stubborn to have someone take care of you for once? I know my husband and you both are no different to how often you think of others before yourself.”

Gojo’s hand tightened; and he couldn't help but return to the waters next to the other man. 

“So what? Is it just your horrid personality the reason I never take a chance then?” 

“That would be our horrid personality, and I was the one that ended up begging him for a first date. I have a hunch your Gojo will end up doing the same.”  

“Because your hunches are usually right?” Nanami tried to say curtly but it came out more resigned.

Gojos hand then slithered up his arm and started to rub the nape of his neck. He didn't have the energy to argue about it besides it felt nice. 

“Correct.” 

Arrogant bastard. 

Nanami sighed. “I’m not gonna almost die for the sake of that moron to realize he has feelings for me. If I even make it back.”

The kneading of his muscles were lulling him; he could feel his eye droop as he eased his head back more against Gojos hands. 

“Life can be unexpected, Nanami.”

—

Before he could fall asleep, Nanami decided to retreat from the onsen first. The conversation was draining even if Gojos hands felt soothing enough to almost make up for it. Nanami needed some time to collect himself before they left, and while doing so he refused to think harder on any other topics.

Once Nanami made it to the private changing room he proceeded to towel himself off and get dressed. All he asks for is a warm meal and a good night's sleep after this. Hopefully tomorrow they can make more progress on switching each other back. This mission has gone way over his scheduled hours.

Just as Nanami went to slip his coat on he felt a sharp sting on the back of his neck. 

Then nothing at all. 

Chapter Text

Cannon Universe 2011

Gojo does not tire easily. 

Thanks to his RCT he has no problem skipping days of sleep and keeping his six eyes active for hours on end. Five missions back to back was nothing. The missions were tricky at first, since it was a rarity the curses appeared outside of Tengen’s barrier. It forced Gojo to take a special look at each and every mission he went on to ensure there weren't any anomalies. Which shouldn't matter in the first place, Gojo could handle anything easily enough.

This is how it always is. Nothing but mission after mission. Always on the go, never stopping. It’s usually not a big deal, Gojo is the strongest after all. 

So why does he feel so burnt out? 

Well mentally that is. His RCT does great physically, but is pretty useless on a neuro-chemical scale.

Usually, Gojo has his teaching and time at tech with others to destress, and not be so linger on the intrusive thoughts in his head. The thoughts that tempt him to wonder if this constant work is worth the bigger picture he is setting forth for the future. If it's worth losing himself to the status of a weapon. To embrace his only purpose being the strongest, and any silly dreams stay just that, dreams.

Gojo has to consistently remind himself that he has dreams. He's just changed them to fit accordingly with what he can realistically control, and that is what he’s made for. 

Sorcery and changing it for the better. 

Kinda a lame dream, but at least he has one. 

In times like these where he can't decipher his own feelings, his mind drifts to Suguru and what he would say. 

But would Suguru even know the Gojo today? Since he made it clear he didn't in the end. 

He’ll just sleep for 5 hours and do the rest of this all over again. 

But as Gojo went to unlock his door, he suddenly recognized a couple of familiar curse energy signatures. What were they doing in Gojo's campus apartment? 

Once he stepped through the door, a sweet aroma of apple and the tang of mixed spices warmed around Gojo's nose.

“Could you add more? I really want to taste the apple flavor!” Tsumiki's voice bounced off his mini kitchen walls. 

Turning the corner, he saw Nanami stirring a large pot in front of him. His white dress shirt sleeves rolled up, with an apron tied neatly around his waist. Tsumiki was close by on her tiptoes, eyeing the meal with wide eyes, enchanted by whatever the pot was hiding. Gojo’s face was no different as he took in the scene. 

Nanami has come by a few times to help out with dinner, but usually Gojo has to beg and use the kids as leverage to guilt trip him over. But it's easier than Nanami will ever admit. However this was the last thing he was expecting at his on campus apartment; where he rarely takes the kids. They never usually come here, they have a snug place at the Gojo clan estate. Much more homey than his bleak place at tech. 

“If I add more to your portion it may come out too sweet, Tsumiki-chan.” Nanami replied in the soft tone he always uses around the kids. 

Gojo leaned his shoulder against the archway, enjoying the sweet scene in front of him, and felt his drained battery rapidly recharge. A smile naturally stretched along his lips. 

“It must be my birthday with a surprise visit like this.” 

Tsumiki turned to him with a welcoming smile on her face. Nanami, however, continued to plate and portion the food. Seemingly not surprised by his presence. He always had the sixth sense of knowing when Gojo was lurking. 

“Gojo, you're here! Perfect timing too, Nanami is just about done with his sweet beef curry. Doesn't it smell good? He put apples and grapes in it!” 

“Sultanas.” Nanami lightly corrected.

Gojo strutted over to get a better look at the meal in question, deliberately looking over Nanami's shoulder. He spotted the golden hue of curry as Nanami poured each portion in a bowl with a perfect circular scoop of rice in the middle. 

“It looked as heavenly as it smells.” Gojo purred, leaning very much into Nanami's space, purposely inches away from his face. He's very grateful Nanami slaved away in the kitchen for him. So he has to show his appreciation in his love language. 

Which is bothering Nanami.

But the blonde was unflinching as usual, “Any closer and I'm dumping yours in the trash.” 

Too hungry to tempt fate, Gojo took a large step back. 

“Tsumiki-chan, will you please tell Megumi-kun that dinner is ready.” Nanami asked.

The girl nodded, feet padding against the floor as she skipped out of the kitchen. 

Nanami then untied the apron around his waist and hung it back up by the fridge where it usually picked up dust.

“Sorry for intruding, but as I was leaving tech, I saw Tskumiki and Megumi attempting to pic-lock your dorm door.” 

Gojo blinked. Surprised but not necessarily shocked by the kids' antics. “Their supposed to be at the Gojo estate and they know the keys under–”

“-under the mat, yes.” Nanami replied, crossing his arms. “You should really think about moving it by the way. Anyway, I didn’t feel comfortable leaving them unsupervised so I stayed to make dinner.”

Those kids really make Gojo look like the most neglectful benefactor ever. It must be the new staff at the clan house that are being fussy. He heard a thing or two from Tsumiki about it, Gojo will fix that later. 

However, Gojo still couldn’t help but chuckle about it. “Sorry, I have no clue why they hate that place so damn much at the moment.” 

Nanami shrugged, “I asked that as well. Megumi-kun told me the staff, ‘suck at cooking and don’t like his dogs in the house.’ I also knew from the schedule you were returning today, so you’d be back here soon.” 

“Aww Nanami you keep tabs on me?” 

The blonde gave him an unimpressed look. 

Gojo easily grinned back. “Teasing! But seriously, why didn’t you call me? I could have had one of the clan staff come and pick them up.” 

Nanami looked away in response, clearing his throat. “They said they were hungry and I became a little preoccupied with that.” 

Aww, is Nanami really embarrassed? How cute is that!

“Who knew you were such a doting mama bear. Couldn’t leave his cubs alone to fend for themselves could you? At this point, I should get you a minivan and you can take the kids to soccer practice too!” 

Nanami's jaw-tightened, face now aflamed, “If that is all, I'll say my goodbyes to the kids and let you all eat.”

 Oh not so fast! Gojo swiftly grabbed his arm. “Wait, you should stay. It's late and you made more than enough. I’ll even bring my teasing down to 50%” 

Nanami eyes trailed over his face for a moment. Still as hard to read as usual, yet Gojo could tell the wheels in his head were turning. About what, Gojo hasn't a clue. It's always like pulling teeth to make Nanami do something for himself. 

After a beat he replied, “I don't want to intrude.”  

“Well it's too late for that, you already broke in and made dinner, but don’t stress, your intrusions are always welcome, Nanamin.” He looked at his friend with sincerity. Letting his teasing mask slip to reveal a genuine smile. Nanami doesn't mind his games, hell, he lets him get away with more than most others ever care to deal with. So Gojo will behave a bit for him.

His hazel eyes once again lingered. Gojo always thought Nanami had intelligent eyes. Sharp and calculating. The occasional time where Nanami lets a smile or even laugh slip they turn fox-like. Not a mischievous fox, but one that can't help but extrude a warm look from bathing in the sun. He always tends to feel a slight rush when graced with such warmth. 

And this was one of those times. A curve of lips and fox eyes. Blink and you miss it, but it was there. 

Nanami scoffed and shook his arm from Gojo's grip. 

“Bring your personality down to 40% and I'll stay.”

“Deal!” 

—

The beef melted on Gojo's tongue with each bite, he moaned from the sweet spice that left his taste buds singing. The apple and sultans scratched the itch of his sweet tooth perfectly.

Megumi side eyed him and groaned in disgust. “You’re gross. Will you stop making out with the dish and just finish eating already?” 

Gojo took his dish and started to lick the rest of the sauce clean in response. “I can’t help it! It’s the best thing I've ever tasted behind Kikufuku! Nanamin, become my personal chef! I’ll pay you well!”

Nanami dabbed a napkin over his lips. The man is always so put together. “I’m glad you like the meal, Gojo, but you couldn’t afford my rates.” 

Gojo's teasing grin formed into a pout. 

Tskumiki covered her mouth to hold back her giggles, it even humored Megumi’s grumpy nature, who let out a snort. 

Rude! And completely untrue! 

Gojo then gave the blonde a wicked grin. “You guys know, if Nanami is my chef he’ll cook for both of you as well..” 

Tskumiki waved him off and began to gather the dishes on the table, “Nah, Nanami-san will be back cause he’ll miss us so much. Right Nanami-san?”

True, Gojo might as well be paying Nanami at this point for how many dinners he's done for the kids.

The blonde nodded back. “I am always here if you both need me. However, I hope to be better prepared next time. Dinner won't be considered a dessert.” 

“Excuse me, grapes and apples are a healthy treat to have in the fridge.” Gojo retorted. 

“Correct. However, they were the only thing in your fridge. Next to the random block of ground beef and a single box of rice.” 

Okay, it's pathetic, but Gojo doesn't make a habit out of grocery shopping since he's always on the go. 

“Well, you could have made anything in the world tonight instead you made something sweet for me!” 

Gojo moved and wrapped his long limbs around Nanami as a thank you. 

Nanami was unaffected by Gojo’s close proximity. Most likely used to it by now, but his jaw did tighten from Gojo’s attempt to squish his cheek against his. “If you don’t get off me, I’ll douse your next meal with hot sauce.” 

Gojo perked up. “You’ll make me another meal?!” 

Nanami just shook his head, and crossed his arms over his chest. Which Gojo counted as a win. 

Tskumiki then reached over and took Nanami’s plate. 

“Tskumiki, you don't have to clean up.” Nanami said. 

She stood up from the floor, getting a better grip on the dishes. “It's only fair since you made dinner.” Tskumiki turned to her brother and gave him a threatening smile. “Right Megumi..” 

The moody kid conveniently looked the other direction, so Gojo chimed in “Go on kids, sensei is beat!” He then unwrapped his arms from Nanami, to loudly plop his dish on top of Megumi's empty one 

The kid then gave him a death glare in return, grabbing the rest of the dishes, and followed his sister to the kitchen. 

Nanami then picked up his half drunken tea and said, “They are growing up rather quickly, aren't they?” 

Gojo slouched and groaned dramatically at that, “Ugh, don't remind me. Tskumiki is talking about boys and Megumi is already thirteen. Just think, two more years and he’ll be a first year at tech.” 

Makes Gojo feel extremely old for 26. 

Nanami hummed before replying, “And you’ll be teaching him. I’m sure he's going to hate that.” 

“Hey!”

He ignored Gojo’s squawk, “You’ll do a decent job. You just have to stop stretching yourself so thin.” 

“I can’t help being naturally thin.” Gojo joked, attempting to deflect the slight tension thickened the air.

But Nanami didn’t entertain him,  “5 missions in three days is a lot, Gojo. Even for you.”

He then set the cup down on the table, eyes remaining on the leftover herbs. Presumably floating in the gross leaf water. Nanami has always been a tea drinker. As teens he remembered finding him often after missions preparing some tea with a book in hand. Gojo assumes it was a quirk for Nanami to stay on his obsessive schedule with himself. But observing him now, maybe it just helps him clear his head. 

He shifted in his seat, eyes suddenly feeling naked without his blindfold. “It’s fine, you know I can handle it.” 

Nanami exhaled at that, as if he found the statement exhausting. “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” 

, He is usually a fan of Nanami’s brutally honest nature, but not when it's uncomfortably directed at him. 

“Careful Nanami, talking like this may make me think you care.” 

Yet the blondes face remained solemn as his eyes met Gojo’s. “Me and plenty of others do.” 

Despite the matter-of-fact tone, it was a heartwarming statement, genuine even. However the reality of things is clear. No matter how much others do care, when it comes down to it, Gojo will always stand alone in his godly power. A responsibility no one will ever understand. Gojo doesn't tend to dwell on it, he's pretty used to it actually. Yet at times, the reminder of it all makes his skin feel too tight.

Gojo’s silence answered for itself, so Nanami continued. 

“Look, you being who you are, no one could fathom the shit you have to deal with and give up to be. Believe it or not, people who care about you notice. So try to do something selfish once in a while. You’ll go crazy if you don’t.” 

Selfish, Gojo could understand. He tends to take his time visiting sweet shops before and after every mission. Does that count as selfish? 

But dreams. When’s the last time someone cared about what Gojo wanted in that regard? He isn't surprised by much anymore but an almost, dare he say, heart felt lecture like this coming from Nanami is one of the many few. Gojo suddenly finds himself smiling, feeling a warmth ripple up his chest. Oddly enough, for the first time in a while, Gojo doesn't feel too high away from someone. 

“Why don’t you take your own advice.” He challenges instead, tone coming off more light-hearted than intended. “When’s the last time you had a weekend off? You complain so much about overtime, yet you overwork yourself constantly.” 

Nanami tilted his head, genuinely thinking of how to answer, “The time hasn’t come yet, I suppose.”

“What are you waiting for?” 

Gojo caught himself actually intrigued to know the answer, a foreign urge going beyond his normal curiosity. But as he considered the slight twitches of emotion that Nanami let bleed through his face, he had a feeling they were thinking the same thing. 

For innocents to stop dying from curses.

To ensure students enjoy their youth.

To fulfill my only role in this corrupt society.

Someone to share it with.

“The right time.” 

The response was a correct one, but it did encourage a small chuckle from Gojo. He then put a hand to his chin, putting on the front of being deep in thought. “I could just kill the higher ups. I think that’ll require the sorcerers to take time off right?’

That response just made Nanami roll his eyes. “At this point, I’m not complaining if it gives me a week to myself.”

The dry sarcasm encouraged a real laugh out of Gojo. 

“However, you won’t.” Nanami continued. “You know real change takes time, not just senseless execution of authority. That would just make you a hypocrite. ”

Gojo put his hands up in surrender, amused grin still lingering from his laughter. “I know, I know. ‘You want something done right, you have to do it the right way’ or something like that.

Nanami simply nodded in response, picking up his cup to finish his tea. 

Gojo then leaned on the table, resting his fist on his cheek. He stared at Nanami unashamedly, with a growing smile. 

He basked to the comforting presence that Nanami naturally brought. Intuitive to others and in control, for once Gojo feels like he can take a breath and enjoy what he has now. Its a peculiar feeling being seen. He never knew Nanami could see him so easily before.

Nanami, either noticing the silence or felt Gojo’s six eyes spying, as he side eyed him questionably after setting down the tea cup.

He wishes they’d do this every night. Wait..

Gojo then broke the silence, jumping up to his feet. “It’s settled then, every Sunday night is officially, ‘Nanami comes and makes meals like a good housewife’ night!” 

Nanami rubbed his brow in annoyance. “Gojo..”

Gojo cut him off, waving a finger in his face. “Ah ah ah! You said to be selfish, and what’s more selfish than taking up your time without asking you?” 

Once again, Nanami’s fox eyes peaked through, as he held back an amused scoff. Shaking his head he replied, “You're.. you're an idiot.” 

That's a yes in Gojo’s book!

———

Cannon Universe Present Time 

The light thumps of two knuckles against Gojo’s skull pulled him out of his wandering mind. 

“Hello?? Anyone up there?” Notami sing-songed. 

Gojo turned his attention away from the window and slapped the hand from his face. 

“Have you ever heard of personal space?” 

Still stuck in the memory, Notami snickering felt like whiplash. 

When Shoko called an hour ago, Gojo couldn’t wait a second longer. So he grabbed the upbeat blonde and teleported to her office. Only to be told on the phone that she was currently with a patient, and the managers instead brought the file to her. It further irritated Gojo, so he let Notami off to go make some tea he was whining about. While melancholy found Gojo zoning out in Shoko's office chair.

He’s used to his mind wondering about the past and what once was. And with Nanami on his mind, he can’t help but think of the many times he was there for him. Despite Gojo never asking him once to be. 

Has he always been this clueless? Gojo has been so busy looking back and forth between the future and the past, he never really took a second to see what was right in front of him. 

Maybe distance does make the heart grow fonder..

He can think about this later, now is the time to get Nanami back home safely. 

The blonde counterpart stood over Gojo, mugs in hand, indifferent to his lingering mood from earlier, “Hot chocolate?” Notami asked. Then eagerly shoved the mug in Gojo's hands.

He blinked down at the hot drink now warming his palms, decorated with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. “I-uh thanks?” 

Notami took his own mug from the desk he set it on, and took a sip before saying, “You know, even if the blind fold adds flair, I still can never tell if you're asleep or daydreaming when you zone out like that. Well it’s more like brooding for Satoru.” 

The said blind fold hid his unimpressed look. He doesn't brood. Emo kids like Megumi brood. Gojo instead took a long sip of his hot chocolate. The creamy sweet drink quickly distracted him. “This is amazing! Did you make this with extra sugar?”

“Yeah!” Notami beamed back. “I know you like your— or well Satoru drinks everything sickeningly sweet. I tell him he’s compensating with how bitter he is.” He laughed at his own joke. “But usually he’ll teleport me outside campus when I say that. So, it depends on his mood.” 

Now that piqued Gojo’s interest. “he just teleports because he’s annoyed?” Why hasn't he thought of that before?

“Oh yeah.” Notami casually said, “It’s a bratty thing he does when he’s in a foul mood or wants to be left alone.”

“That’s genius!” He felt an mischievous grin form. Oh, he is using that later. Not on Nanami, Gojo will never survive that. 

Okay, maybe one time won’t hurt.

Notami read his face and let out a nervous chuckle. “Let’s actually pretend you never heard that.. Instead, since we still have a little time, let’s brainstorm some romantic ways you can woo reserved stoic me!”

Gojo furrowed his eyebrows, “Woo him?” 

Notami slammed his cup down in excitement. “Yes, woo! I’m guessing Nanami’s been doing all the heavy lifting. So it's your turn to strike!”

“What? I told you earlier I have no idea if he even feels the same!” 

Does this guy ever give up? Or maybe focus on getting home instead of Gojo and Nanami’s love life!

Notami easily waved him off. “Oh please, he’s another version of me, he has too.” 

Just because he keeps saying that doesn't make it true.

“You're thinking way too far ahead here.” 

Notami pointed an accusatory finger right up to Gojo’s nose. “No, the problem is you haven’t been thinking far ahead enough, that's why we’re in this mess.” He then began to pace, hand on chin. “Now, let’s start small since you have uncontrollable butterflies just thinking about it.” 

“Hey I don’t—“ 

“—Don’t compliment him, he’ll think that’s just superficial teasing and won’t take it seriously..” 

“What’s wrong with teasing?! It’s my second language for flirting!” 

Nanami probably thought it was endearing! Now that he thinks about it, he has been doing it forever, always bothering him in a playful way, but what else should he be doing? Gojo isn't a really romantic guy, hell he doesn't remember the last time he went on a date or did something grand in that regard. Now Notami is talking about it, maybe he should dabble in some research.. Gojo quickly put the mug down, got on his phone, and began typing while Notami continued on. 

“Exactly, that's too shallow. It needs to come from the heart! The depths of your soul, that proves how much you yearn for him!.. Are you writing this down?” 

Gojo scoffed, comfortably leaning back in his chair scanning through articles. “Of course not, I’m googling ideas cause now that you’ve mentioned it, I'm starting to stress out a little— oh look, I can confess my love in a news article! Nanami reads the paper daily, he'd totally see it!” 

Notami then walked over to Gojo and leaned over his shoulder to read the article. “50 Best Romantic Gestures in Film of All-Time” Notami read out loud. “Are you kidding me? You didn’t even read all the way, you just picked the 3rd one down!” 

Gojo shrugged. “I can’t help what sticks out to me, and Nanami doesn’t watch romcoms anyway. So he’ll have no idea it’s inspired by it.” 

“Inspired?! More like a lazy copy, you bum!” 

“Bum!?” Gojo gasped. “You know what, I don’t need your input, I’m the one trying to woo him.” 

“Oh, so you’ll listen to movie articles and not literally another version of him who succeeded!” Notami said, pointing to his ring. 

Gojo inched away from Notami to get the article away from his undeserving sight. “Since when do I listen? I’ll be bookmarking this for later.” 

“Oh, no you wont!” 

Notami then lunged forward, awkwardly reaching to grab the phone out of Gojo’s grasp. But Gojo used his long arms to his advantage, and pulled his phone further away from his grubby fingers. The blonde was practically on top of him while Gojo shoved his palm in his face to push him the opposite direction. Notami then pressed his boney elbow on top of Gojo's head to try to climb over him.  

The six eye user let out a grunt, “Get off and let me use romance inspired from romcoms!”

“No! It's unoriginal!” Notami huffed out lips still squished against his hand. 

The office chair began to swivel around from the uneven weight, rolling them back and forth around the office. The chair then tilted and tumbled both men to the floor. 

As they wrestled around one another Gojo tugged the blondes hair, quickly after he then suddenly felt a sharp pinch of pain in his arm, “Ouch!” Did Notami just bite him?!

Just when Gojo was about to use his strength to propel Notami through the damn wall, both of them froze from the sound of someone clearing their throat. 

Shoko stood above them, file in hand with an amused look on her face.

They both then scrambled up from the floor, Gojo purposefully using Notami as a crutch to get up. The blonde counterpart growled and shoved him back in return. 

“Please, don't stop on my account.” Shoko said, holding back a laugh. 

Gojo narrowed his eyes, snatching the file out of her hand. “Ha. Ha. You know it's about time you got here.”

The overworked sorceress gave him a tired look. “I am not your secretary. I have patients to tend to. If you didn’t scare the newbie managers, they would have called you about the papers and not me.” 

Gojo felt offended. He was not scary in educational settings. “I politely asked them!” 

She scoffed. “By scare, I mean scared you’d send them on another impossible errand.” 

Oh yeah, Gojo does have a habit of shoving some useless paper work off to managers. 

Notami dusted himself off and voiced out, “come on, let’s read the file and hope we don’t have to continue this Scooby doo nonsense.” 

Gojo couldn't agree more. He opened the folder and began to read the contents out loud. 

If you sought out the rest of this file, I fear that the Sluaghs have returned to this plain. 

The Sluaghs are interdimensional curses that work in threes. Two control the travel through plains and one as an anchor to open up their true domain. If they enact their domain, it will send souls to a purgatory like environment until their cursed energy and eventually their victims souls are fully absorbed. Every move I made to exercise them, one by one they would just reappear. In order to return home, I resorted to capturing one by luring it over a trinity knot insignia. With one of the Sluaghs captured I was able to harness its curse technique and create a tool to travel back. I will not disclose any more information. If someone happens to find themselves in a similar situation as I once was, only someone touched by the curse and another as an anchor can help reverse the curses technique. 

The tool I created can be found on level 2 of the archives. Connect to each other's hearts to open the gate and return from where you came. 

However, Gojo suddenly stopped reciting the file as his eyes trailed a line head. 

But heed my words, 

Do not trust anyone from that parallel plain. 

Don’t trust anyone? Well thats ominous.

Notami faced mirroring Gojo’s frown. “What is it? Did he say anything more about getting home?”

Gojo whipped a hand down his face. “Nope! Just not liking how this sounds like the beginning of a F tier escape room. Now we have more work to do to get you home.” 

Notami signed in relief. “Of course it says that, what did you think it would say the magic word and I’d be gone?” 

Gojo side eyed him and mumbled out, “yes..” 

Shoko then lit a cigarette. “Well, I could have told you all that. I read it on the way here.” She mumbled through the cigarette in her teeth. 

The two men then shot nettled looks at the doctor. “Why didn’t you tell us that?” Both Gojo and Notami asked in unison.

Shoko, unfazed, blew out a puff of smoke. “You guys didn’t ask and you rudely took the papers out of my hands before I could get a word in.” 

Talk about a waste of time.

“The trinity knot is curious though.” Shoko continued. “I'm guessing since he found out the curses had a relation in celtic lore the symbol for protection and unity would stop it?” 

Notami nodded, “Yeah, from what I remember, a trinity knot represents a holy trinity, it makes sense he'd try to stop an unholy one with the symbol. He most likely infused his cursed energy in the markings in order for it to work.” 

Well it didn't work that well if he only managed to catch one. 

Notami suddenly jumped over and locked arms with Gojo. “Well now that we know where it is, teleport us there!” 

This is the first time someone has ever claimed to like it when he teleports them. 

Gojo let out an amused snort. “Sorry, the archive is too compact and confusing for me to teleport us there.” 

Notami slouched like a drooping dandelion. “Boo. Let’s get going the super slow way then. Bye tired version of Shoko!” 

Both sorcerers then made their way out of the door. 

“Bye Notami. No offense, but I hope I see the less energetic version later.” 

“None taken!” Notami replied, skipping out the door with a wave. 

As Gojo went to follow Notami, Shoko called out to him. “And Gojo,” he looked over his shoulder, “I know that nostalgic look. Try not to let it bother you until you get Nanami back. Then you can confess your complicated feelings.” 

Is he that obvious to everybody?

“How did you..?” 

“You forget I’m the only girl in our friend group. I can spot that shit a mile away, even if it took you forever to realize it. I was only a bit shocked this morning because I thought you guys finally did something about it. I mean, come on, Nanami basically helped parent the kids with you for years. Not to mention how much he bakes for you.”

Gojo scratched his head sheepishly. “I thought that was just for the kids..” 

Shoko gave him a knowing look. “Just go rescue our kohai please. This version of him is giving me second hand embarrassment.” 

“But he’s supposed to be just like me!” Gojo whined.

“I know.” 

———

The archives were located under jujutsu tech. It was a labyrinth of books, files and curse tools under lock and key. It’s a good thing Kai gave them the proper directions, or else they would have been stuck for hours trying to find the supposed cursed tool. 

As they passed dusty bookshelf after book shelf, Gojo couldn't help but feel slightly perturbed by Kai’s warning. Notami hasn’t had any ill intent from his short time here. It’d be pretty far-fetched to go as far as to say this is some evil variant of Nanami. Even so, Kai’s mission was over 50 years ago. Are the people in that universe that caused such a reaction still in power? 

Gojo put on a smile and directed his attention to Notami beside him. “So since you boasted a bit earlier about how your perfect universe is made out of sugar, spice and everything nice. Tell me, how other-me did it. I would love some pointers! " 

Notami’s eyes shifted to Gojo, lips tugging up, reflecting a similar smiling facade. He then waved a hand as if to dismiss the question. “It’s just boring politics. You know me, once I'm off the clock it's none of my business.” 

As they began their steps down the stairs, Gojo slapped Notamis back with a laugh. “You're so funny, Notami. I'm glad we have that in common! Now don’t be shy, you seemed so confident to mention it earlier.” 

Notami almost toppled over down the stairs from the sudden force, but then quickly caught himself on the railing, shooting a glare back at Gojo. 

However once he met his gaze, Gojo gave him a shrewd look in return.

Notami sighed smile fading to a somber, and continuing their track down the stairs. 

“It’s not something I completely agreed with, but for the past couple years it has shown progress—”

“Don’t butter me up. What did he do?” 

The echo of their steps filled the sudden silence, as they finished descending the stairs, Notami turned to him and replied “He.. disposed of the previous higher ups.”

Well that’s underwhelming. He really thought his other self did something crazier. If it’s really been easy this whole time, then Gojo knows what he’s doing after this.

Gojo barked out a laugh, “Is that all? That’s not that bad. I contemplate doing that all the time.” How dull, and here he thought he was about to uncover some grand conspiracy. Turns out a version of him just found some nerve. 

“He did it recklessly.” Notami shot back. “It almost caused a clan war. He had to completely eliminate the Inumaki clan as well as half the Zenin. It was a shit show. However, it is a lot better now. The kids are safer and no one is holding their breath any longer with ridiculous orders given. Although Satoru still takes on too much—” 

“—Inumaki clan?” Gojo questioned. Their numbers are laughably low, how would they cause any type of trouble?

Notami gave him a curious look in return. “Uh, yeah. One of the major clans in jujutsu.” 

Gojo shook his head. “Hmm not here. The Inumaki clan has been deemed too dangerous to be an organized clan. I think it was probably 50 years or so ago when they outlawed their clan from forming. It was because of their involvement in a coup of some sort.” 

The archives only seemed to get colder as they carried on, air thicker with stale dust. Doing nothing to make the conversation more bearable. 

“Coup? There were power struggles many years ago but they’ve always had elders in the higher ups. Well, until recently when Satoru took them out. The Inumaki and partially the Zenin were the main reason he did so.” 

Ah, so that might explain Kai’s warning. It sounds as if he arrived during the first stages of said ‘power struggles’. No wonder he hid all that information, he didn’t want anyone traveling to a potentially dangerous universe. The Inumaki technique would also explain how they are controlling the Sluaghs as well. But what for? 

“Are you sure he eradicated the whole clan?” Gojo questioned. 

“Well everyone who was deemed guilty. Why?” 

“Any survivors means loose ends. Is your precious husband one to tie up those?” He would assume Toge is alright..

That caused Notami to stop in his tracks and shoot Gojo with a dark look. Apparently not liking what he was implying. “Satoru doesn’t senselessly kill. He’d never hurt his students and besides, the circumstances were difficult.” 

Unphased, Gojo cooly replied, “Except when he had to infinity up all the corrupt oldies right? You know the politics here isn’t sounding so bad now that I know about all the drama in your universe. Tell me, how much do you trust the new higher ups?”

Notami's lips flattened as he began to put together Gojo’s words. “Are you saying that some surviving Inumaki and the higher ups caused this whole thing? Even so, it’s suicide to try to kill him.” 

“Unless they have leverage right? That's you, his husband dearest.” Gojo voiced tunefully. “But it's all a hutch and my hutches are usually right.”

Despite himself, Notami huffed out a laugh. Probably finding this conversation too serious for his tastes as well. 

“Arrogant as ever. Honestly, it's more obnoxious with my personality.” 

As arrogant as ever, Gojo.  

Gojo shook off the familiar words.

If he's right, (which he probably is) this does not bode well for Nanami at all. The other version of himself better be looking after him then. Speaking of the guy.. 

“So what was his final straw? What made him finally decide to do something.” Gojo asked.

Notami slightly cringed at the question, letting a sheepish smile seep through. “They tried to off his darling husband of course! As much as I appreciate his protective nature, I do believe it could have been solved with more.. patients.”

Interesting. Well, an impatient alternate of Gojo is a threatening one.

It's all too unpredictable, so maybe he’ll just have to keep Kai’s words in mind.

——

Universe 2 Present Time

Gojo politely averted his eyes as Nanami rose from the onsen to leave. It was a peculiarly odd feeling trying not to ogle someone who looked exactly like his husband. He instead laid the towel over face, letting it perturb his vision in case his six eyes got any ideas.

Gojo had a feeling the comfortable heat from the onsen would loosen Nanami up a bit to talk, however, he couldn't help but think that Kento would have done a better job. His husband is remarkably intuitive and always seemed to say the right thing. He’s obnoxiously blunt, yet kind about issues that need to be addressed. Gojo would like to believe he helped Nanami step in the right direction. Since he's coming from the sort of perspective of, well ‘his Gojo’ that is. However, at the end of the day it is truly up to Nanami and how he decides to move forward. 

Similarities yet stark differences in both Nanami’s made Gojo’s head spin. His Kento has never been as emotionally closed off as this Nanami seems to be. From the looks of it, Nanami and himself share that cynical side they hide behind; saving others from seeing the torn up reality of their inner turmoil. However, he’s been doing a lot better over the years with Kento as his guiding light in those dark times. But if this Nanami is the other Gojo’s, who was there to aid him in cynical episodes he falls under? From what it sounds like, Gojo’s counterpart probably doesn’t even know what’s right in front of him. 

Gojo sighed, he was getting overheated in here and Kento’s overthinking was rubbing off on him. So, he eased out of the onsen and began to walk back to settle in his room. If he gauged the day’s situation correctly, the perpetrator was possibly making a move with Nanami now alone. Sure, he felt a little bad at using him as unbeknownst bait and taking advantage of their quick new found trust in one another. However, this whole conspiracy needs to come to an end and Gojo would appreciate having his husband back in one piece. Besides, Nanami can handle himself and it’s not as if anyone could do much with Gojo in proximity.

Despite the morbid implications, Gojo did appreciate the lovely resort. Kento would absolutely love a place like this. They even have a room service menu he would no doubt splurge Gojo’s credit card on. Sadly, It's not too often they get down time with one another. Maybe this could be a form of punishment for hiding his ring. A rare smile crept on his face, thinking of how he’ll paint a more dramatic picture of sharing the onsen and expensive treats with Nanami to his husband. Aw yes, petty revenge is what his Kento gets. 

After getting dressed, Gojo made his way to Nanami’s room; only a few steps away from his own. As he approached the room he surprisingly wasn't feeling any other signature nearby besides Nanami’s. Strange, he’s sure the perpetrator would be close by at this point. Not wanting to risk anything, Gojo threw away any of his typical formalities and teleported inside Nanami's room.

At first glance, the space was completely empty, however the slight alarm was quickly squashed once he felt a familiar wave of curse energy behind him. He was about to turn around and scold Nanami for his lack of response. However, whatever he was about to say got caught in his throat, as the blonde's large hands sensually trailed up his back stopping at the nape of his neck. 

“Wont you still for me Satoru..?” The dark timbre of Nanami's voice purred. Gojo almost listened on instinct to the distinct sound of his husband's voice, but the use of his name set off alarm bells. 

Although only for a few seconds, the hesitation was long enough.

There was a sound of a click and a sudden heavy pull of gravity yanking him to the floor. As Gojo quickly got over the initial shock and minor pain of his head bouncing off the ground, he felt the cold metal of a collar wrapped around his neck. He instinctively went to stand, however the collar acted as if it was bolted to the floor, withholding him from standing up. He attempted to rip the collar off but it didn’t even budge from Gojo’s immense strength. Going as far as pushing him further into the ground. 

What the hell could hold him down like this?!

“I was counting on you underestimating me.” There Nanami was kneeling down looking at Gojo with a smug smile tugging his lips. It looked like Nanami. His six eyes are telling him it's Nanami. But something was off. Nanami wouldn't play him this whole time. 

..Would he?

‘Nanami’ raised his eyebrows in mock surprise, letting out a snicker at his expense. “Is that a look of betrayal I see? What little faith you have in your husband.” He then took his index finger and tapped it against his temple. In an instant, the blonde hair changed to pale brown locks and facial features morphing into an unfamiliar man who looked to be of Korean descent. 

“Neat tool isn't it? A disguised cursed mask from the Kamakura period. A Kamo clan relic I borrowed! Made to portray any individual as accurately as possible, even their cursed energy. I just need a little bit of blood and I can become anyone even the six eyes can't pick up.” 

Gojo narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists to calm himself. Whoever this man was, his cursed energy was low and almost non-existent. His cursed tools and wit would be the only reason he could catch his opponents off guard. Not to win, but simply subdue. 

Gojo is familiar with cursed users that are on and off the hit lists. He has killed and arrested most of them. There's honestly not many left, let alone ones that have the guts to go up against Gojo. Most likely not a cursed user then. Must be clan affiliated. That is the only way he'd be able to obtain such powerful curse tools without raising any red flags with the higher ups. 

The man tilted his head, revealing his teeth to strengthen his mad grin. “That chained up collar however, is property of the Zenin. The more curse energy you use, the heavier it gets. Temporary for a special grade like you but it gives me enough time to do as I please.” He looked to be intrigued by the tools. Does he not get to see them in action as often? Or maybe not on someone as strong as Gojo?

Nonetheless, he only cared about one issue. “Where's Kento?”

The man shook his head and tsked. “So many people are terrified of the apathetic all powerful six eyes, but you're a lot less intimidating, collared and leashed like this.” He proceeded to stand up and look down at Gojo. Then laid his heavy boot on top of his head, and began to scrape his shoe against it like a welcome mat. 

The collar was strong enough to even block out his infinity at the moment it seems. 

Gojos, unfazed, glared at the assailant. Sorcerers with egos that are bigger than their cursed energy never last long. If active, he would have been dead ages ago from this flaw alone. 

Gojo will make sure to fix that. 

His six eyes continued to gleam and intensified as he glared unwavering at the man.

“You’ve heard of me, so you understand how far and am willing to go just to prove a point.” His tone is firm and despite being subdued by the collar, “I have obliterated others for less, imagine what I do for this instance?”  

The man’s lips tightened. His once cocky attitude slightly slipped to uncertainty. The cursed tool user can run but he can’t hide behind the fear of God that Gojo naturally strikes into others. 

His enigmatic nature has always made Gojo immensely unsettling to most sorcerers, and terrifying to curse users and figure heads alike. Even his clan was uncomfortable with his presence at times. 

No one feels at ease with an inscrutable weapon with god-like power. 

Well except Kento and a select few. Kento has never seen him as such and would even chastise him for calling himself that, but old habits die hard.

A look of anger then masked the man’s fear. “That's just the thing about you, Gojo. Some of us are tired of this rein you are holding over sorcery.” 

Rein?

Gojo wishes he had more rein over sorcery. 

There had been issues with how he dealt with the previous higher ups and the Inumaki and Zenin who backed them. But something needed to be done with the problems they would needlessly create, and Gojo was tired of the slow pace of change.

It was as if it was a game he was forced to play since he was born. How far can the higher ups push Gojo patients? The attempted manipulations of his life, Riko’ death, Haiabra, Geto, then attacks on his students. 

It was when he targeted Kento that was when Gojo had finally reached his threshold, and when all the previous they all sealed their fates.

It was hypocritical, sure. Some even labeled him a tyrant for the amount of blood he spilt between the Inumaki and Zenin. It was messy and not conducted in the best means as it spiking tensions throughout jujutsu, but now new checks and balances were put in place to hold clans accountable. Yes, the new ones still pushed Gojo’s buttons with similar attempts at enforcing old outdated traditions. However, that is to be expected in jujutsu politics. It would be naive to believe everyone would be happy and nothing ever went wrong. 

Gojo looked back up at the curse-tools user not hiding his annoyance. “I would call it weeding out the corruption, but I assume you think otherwise.” 

The man let out a humorless laugh. As he did so, Gojo spotted black carving of some sort on his tongue. 

“You think lawless mascaring will just get rid of the so-called corruption? Those may have been the roots but they planted many seeds in case a weapon like you went awol.” 

Gojo blew out a sigh, growing impatient with this pointless discourse. “I understand what happened, I am the weapon that turned their brains into mush. Then properly massacred all of them, as you said.” 

The man clenched his teeth holding back a growl. 

The curse-tool user turned around and headed towards the exit. “Talk all high and mighty now, but until you get your act together and do as we say, your precious husband will be sitting pretty in the Sluagh's purgatory domain. Hopefully his soul will be intact by the time you make up your mind.” 

He threw a grin over his shoulder before leaving, “we’ll be in touch.” 

Gojo narrowed his eyes at the empty space the man once was. He then attempted to use infinity to burst the collar from his skin, only to be shoved down to the grown ten times harder. 

All Gojo could do was wait until the cursed collar ware off, but he didn't have the patience for that.

—

Chapter Text

“Wake up.”

Nanami’s cursed energy suddenly jolted him into consciousness. His head jerked up, eyes flying open beyond his control. The force lunged his body forward only to be yanked back by a cool heavy weight attached to his wrists. He blinked groggily, instinctively checking the firmness of the chains behind his back. They were embedded to a floor just below the chair he was sitting in, and from how stiff his back felt, most likely been slouched here for a while.

A short man with dark hair moved to flank his side, revealing three elders sitting elevated like judges of high council. Torches rang high and lit the surrounding darkness; warming the heavy damp air that nipped at Nanami's skin. The line of elders were all clothed in blue sokutai besides the elder women in the middle in a dark indigo. He would guess it is a clan head of some sort. Behind them stood three other individuals clothed dark as if only to be seen as shadows of the elders. 

Based on the colors, as well as the snake insignia tattooed along the corners of their mouths, Nanami could only assume this was a branch of the Inumaki clan. He understands that this universe has a few differences. But it would have been nice to mention a rogue branch of the Inumaki be one of them. 

His eyes then trailed up to the firelight that reflected off the long sharp speleothems on the ceiling above. That as well as the rock walls surrounding them could possibly mean they were in a cave system of some sort. Nature's echo chamber, a disturbingly perfect asset to the Inumaki cursed speech technique. 

The clan head’s grey eyes bore down on Nanami in malice. “Prickled thorns.” The venom filled words bounced off the walls around them. 

The shadow beside her then followed, “Kento Gojo, you hereby are sentenced to imprisonment for abiding Gojo Satoru in his decision to enact tyrannical clan killing within the jujutsu society.”

Nanami narrowed his eyes back at the opposing elders doing his best to hold back a sigh. It figures that the cause of all this mess is just needless politics that have nothing to do with him. 

Despite Gojo’s faults, his patience is something that Nanami could give him credit for. From what he has witnessed over the years, he would describe Gojo’s patience as a mountain slowly wearing down. He endures with the times. Never wavering no matter the constant obstacles in his way.

It’s honestly something he can admire about the other man. Since Nanami tends to feel prickled when a job even finds a reason to take up his time without good cause. He could never have had any patience for the constant back and forth of politics in the jujutsu world. It’s one of the many reasons why he left. If Nanami had to deal with that constantly he would have snapped.

This Gojo isn’t evil and he’s sure there probably is some explanation for his actions. Whatever the case, Nanami doesn't care to know why. What matters right now is somehow making it out alive. 

So that means stalling until Gojo can hopefully find him. 

However, this all means they somehow got past Gojo or were able to stall him long enough to do so, which is worrying in itself.

Nanami then met the gaze of the Inumaki head. “From my understanding, the current higher ups do not consist of Inumaki, and only Inumaki.” Nanami cooly replied. 

The elder man on the left end scoffed. “Crimson raven.”

The left shadow then translated, deep voice reverberating off the cave walls, “how brave of a clanless scum to mock us in the position he is in. We should kill him. It will teach that tyrant six eyes a lesson of loss for once.” 

“Cherry.” The elder on the right voiced out. “Agreed.” Their shadow converted. Her voice is light and feminine. 

“Rose petals.” The indigo elder impatiently responded. “We go forth as we discussed earlier. It is best for the Inumaki clan to keep him alive for now.” 

Nanami, unfazed by their threats, continued, “So, I presume the current higher ups are not aware of this?” 

Huffs and growls echoed around the elder seats. 

The right elder spoke. “Sapphaire sparrow.” 

“Gojo has reinstated the higher ups with more compliant fools. Even now they were easily manipulated with just a few cursed words from us. We are the true remaining cornerstones of jujutsu, the great clan that brought the society to where it is today. No thanks to your husband! He may have been thorough, but not thorough enough in eradicating us all.” 

So they are working alone. That is the best case scenario then even more people enacting a civil war. 

“So the curse from this morning, and the cursed user assassin was all coordinated by the remaining Inumaki? Don’t you think your actions are hypocritical?”

It's a bit risky to bait them, but Nanami has a feeling they want nothing more than to say their piece. 

“Rose bush.” The clan head simply put. “It is just. We are taking back what is ours.” 

The right elder then added. “Strawberry seeds,” “Tyranny is only defined by weaklings who are threatened by the harsh truths. You and many others were complicit with Gojo’s actions six years ago. However, as you know, you are a special case where we can use it to our advantage. Gojo’s arrogance and tact will now be his downfall. ” 

Nanami did his best to hold back a snort. Some plan, since they have the wrong Kento. 

“So you imprison me. Then what, use me as black mail forever?” 

He felt a shift from the dark haired man beside him, squaring up to glare down at him. He didn’t have the normal inumaki tattoo. Instead seemed to be strapped with belts full of weaponry. Nanami could barely feel his cursed energy if he had any at all. 

“Do you take us for fools?” He snapped at Nanami. “Gojo believes he eliminated all of the Inumaki clan. He has no reason to believe we are behind your kidnapping.”

Sure, but Gojo should have enough pieces of the puzzle to connect to the dots once the information on the sluagh is obtained. Unless they are the reason they were lost in the archives in Kyoto. 

“Rose blossom.” The inumaki head ordered. “Arata, that is enough. Go forth with the sluaghs domain.”

“Yes, Inumaki-sama.” The man, or Arata replied with a bow. He then reached in the bag tied to his belt and tossed out two oval shaped gems. They clinked against the floor and landed side by side from one another. Arata’s hands motioned forward, tips of his fingers coming together making a three triangle insignia.

“Release.” 

As the curse speech commanded, the gems sparked a green hue in the firelight, brightening rapidly until the gems burst in blinding light causing Nanami to duck his head from the overpowering sight.

Once the green dimmed he turned and was faced with the same curse Nanami and Yuuji encountered a day ago. However, now there were two.

The curses could only be described as large anthropomorphic ravens. Their bleached white skull heads twitched and jerked rapidly. While their sharp beaks were agape chittering out, quiet as a whisper, 

“Death. Death. Decay. Decay. Take us back from once we came. Came.” The words were continuous and rapid as they echoed one another. 

Long rusted link chains draped heavy over the sluaghs wings. The links led up to a collar attachment with a carving of the Inumaki snake in the middle of it. 

He really didn't think much of the collar earlier on his mission. The single curse at the time was unfathomably quick, and Nanami didn’t get a good look up close at the curse before he was blasted into unconsciousness. 

Upon the reveal of the curses, the elders looked at one another in confusion. 

Oblivious to the elders, Arata then commanded,

“Expand Domain.” 

The sound of chains clinking together bounced off the cave walls; as the sluaghs wings unfolded and their taloned hands clasped together. They began to thrash their wings evoking gusts of wind and thick vile cursed energy. The light of the torches flickered in and out, with the only source of light from the sluaghs familiar glowing green aura. 

“Purgatory.” “Purgatory.” “Purgatory.” “Purgatory.” 

Depending on the grade of the curse domains forming were usually instantaneous. Yet the sluaghs were slow moving. Itching towards him like a lion stalking prey, growing closer and closer around him. Just when Nanami felt the cursed energy wrap around his skin, it was gone as quick as extinguishing a candle light with one's breath. 

The ravens were then back to squawking and whispering. “Can’t with two. With two..” 

“Red Volture!”

“Chili spice!”

“Thorns.” 

“As Inumaki-sama just said, you have put us in an awful position, Arata. We bestow to you our ancient tools and Sluagh technique with the limited cursed energy you have to control these curses, and you can’t even do that?”

“My deepest apologies, Inumaki-sama. I was just following the tradition of using the Sluaghs as a means of assassination. They have worked for generations. I was careful and precisely ordered it to capture Nanami Kento!” 

The clan head leaned forward, wrinkled face aging even more with worry. “Rose pedals prickly brush.” “These curses may appear weak but they mess with time and space creating their own plane with a simple flap of their wings. You must be very specific when it comes to these curses or they will travel universes to try to fulfill your order. We’re all three accounted for when you enacted the command? Where is the third?”

So that explains the sluagh appearing in their universe. There is no longer a Nanami Kento in this universe, only a Gojo Kento. So it hopped over to the next universes that had one. 

Arata's face went deathly pale. “They did teleport in different directions after the order.. wait! — there’s supposed to be three..?” 

“Sour apples!” “We told you to only use the Sluaghs if you were able to capture another one in the far west!”

“I assume that was just for precaution and that two would be enough to merely capture him. Even so, you never clearly stated that I needed the third sluagh to enact the domain!” 

The left elder growled, “Pink flamingo.” – “Did you not know that 50 years ago Kai Ito managed to escape taking one of the Sluaghs with him? Only a true Inumaki would know that. It was almost our downfall! Of course, all of you refused to listen to me about this half breed.” 

That seemed to strike a nerve as Arata clenched his jaw and yelled out, “I am just as much of an Inumaki as any of you! Japanese or not.” 

A right elder scoffed, waving her hand dismissively.. “Grapefruit.” --"We don’t care that you’re not Japanese. We care that our last clan head soiled our blood with a non sorcerer whore.”

Arata hands clenched into fists. “You better watch your mouth or there will only be six inumaki remaining here!” 

“Penguin.” The left elder mocked, followed by a huff of laughter.  “You mean six and a half.”

An eruption of arguing in different types of birds, fruits and roses continued that only sounded like nonsense to Nanami since the shadows all but gave up on translating for him.

Amongst the nonsensical chaos Nanami felt a familiar massive cursed signature.. 

It was about time he got here. 

A sudden explosive blast then rumbled the cave around them. 

The sluaghs sqwaked from the thunderous blast. The heavy chains weighing them down from their escape. Making them flail in panic instead. 

Arata, eyes wide and terror stricken, frantically looked around the cave walls. “Impossible. We’re deep in the Inumaki sealed caves miles under a mountain how could he—”

Then another blast came shaking the earth above them, the Inumaki braced themselves from the massive impacts. Fugitive dust began to rain down from above until a final deafening shockwave finally crashed through the rock ceiling. 

The boulders landed directly on top of the squawking sluaghs. Thick waves of dust followed, bursted through the falling rubbles and filled the filterless cave. 

Nanami coughed and shielded his mouth and nose with his shoulder. It was impossible to see, yet two bright blues shined like beacons through the blinding brown fog. 

Out of options Arata then manhandled him, putting him into a standing head lock, knife to throat. 

“Move and you're dead.”

Since Arata has no real Inumaki cursed technique Nanami doesn’t see why he’ll have to listen to that order. 

However, Gojo beat him to the the punch, as he felt his looming cursed energy pulse behind them. Arata's eyes went comically wide with horror, before Gojo simply flicked his finger and a small blast of blue bursted his head off his shoulders. 

Dense blood and brain matter then splattered over Nanami’s face and dripped down his clothes. 

Without hesitation, all three elders cursed out their technique.

“STOP!” “STOP” “STOP” 

The words reverberated along the cave walls, echoing and bouncing their cursed attack ten fold. It would have been impossible for any other sorcerer to match the cursed energy to counter such an onslaught of an attack. Well, anyone except Gojo as always. 

He felt the warm press of Gojo's chest against his back, one of his large hands then wrapped around his waist, shielding him in infinity. Nanami blinked a few times to clear the blood and gunk from his eyes and once he got a good look, Gojo surprisingly appeared to have gone through hell and back.

His hair was desheavled, bits of dirt and grime painted his fair skin, as well as his half torn up uniform. Yet what was most noticeable was the violent red mark around his neck. 

His six eyes narrowed in a piercing cold stare, filled with nothing but malevolence at the Inumaki elders. 

Although powerful, the cursed speech was no match for the shield of infinity. 

The dust settled and revealed the elders shifted to fighting stances, yanking their collars down further and cursed out together once again. 

“Raining Snake Bites!”  “Raining Snake Bites!”  

“Raining Snake Bites!”  “Raining Snake Bites!”  

“Raining Snake Bites!”  “Raining Snake Bites!”  

A burst of violet light exploded along the sides of the walls. Large cursed snakes began to pounce all at once, slithering towards both Gojo and Nanami, biting and chomping at infinity. 

Gojo simply lifted his hand in a sweeping motion, blasting the snake curses with Red from existence and breaking the violet glass walls around them. 

“If your agent kept his mouth shut I may not have seen the Inumaki tattoo on his tongue. An odd place to have it, since it’s usually across the mouth and jaw line. So it could only mean he uses your technique for something specific. Which is where the sluaghs come in. Correct?” 

Instead of replying the elders grit their teeth in anger and fall to their knees, letting their shadows shoot an array of cursed arrows while calling out, 

“Unstoppable force!” “Unstoppable force!”

“Unstoppable force!” “Unstoppable force!”

“Unstoppable force!” “Unstoppable force!”

In a blink of cursed lighting the arrows flashed, directly at them. Nanami jerks back on instinct however Gojo tightens his hold around his waist with a reassuring squeeze. 

There was a time before Nanami was in infinity with Gojo. In the times he likes to show off as usual, Gojo would grab him by the shoulder with a squeeze and a grin. His infinity shield was warm as a steady flame. Yet this Gojo’s was a cooling salve that licked against his wounds. 

Both coaxing and nice in their own right, yet at this moment Nanami found himself yearning familiarity. 

“Don’t worry, I got you.” Gojo said smoothly. 

Words echoing for a mission before: 

Don’t worry so much Nanamin, I got you.

Despite the immense power behind them, the arrows predictably halted from limitless. Yet, the Inumaki command continues its pressure, pushing so much the ground dented and cracked. They continued to do so until the numerous arrows imploded from the unfulfilled command. 

As the dust settles once again, Gojo lifted his palm and pushed the elders and shadows with limitless force, paralyzing them against the cave wall. 

“Finding your pathetic hideout was easy enough. Toge informed me of your clan's tendency to favor caves to hide like snakes. I caved in over 50 mountains before I found all of you. It was the vile stench of those curses I could smell from the Kanto Mountains.” 

The Inumaki head opened her mouth, or at least attempted too but gravity bared down even harder on her. 

“Inumaki.” Gojo continued. “You will not receive my grace this time.” 

He then lifted his left hand, fingers locked around one another and said,

“Domain Expansion Infinite Void.”

In a blink, the massive weight of infinite void expanded in the cave. The air was thick with enormous cursed energy output. As if an ocean dropping into a dry desert all at once. 

The Inumaki, still stuck to the cave wall, were slack jawed, pupils shaking as the massive output slowly insinuated their brain function. 

As much as the Inumaki elders may deserve a death sentence, they should not risk information on properly using the sluaghs to go home. 

Still chained to the ground all Nanami could do was voice out, 

“Gojo, stop.” 

The other man however was unflinching, glare chilling with crazed yet impassive murderous intent.

Wall began to cracking behind the inumaki from the immense continuous pressure.

Nanami has to pull him down before he kills everyone in the room. 

“Satoru.” He said more firmly, turning and yanking his chains making direct eye contact with him. 

That luckily broke Gojo out of his focus, glancing back at Nanami. Yet his face looked even more pinched. He’s sure his blood-caked face did not do him any favors in calming Gojo down. The idiot should remember he’s the one that made a mess in the first place. 

“Kento—“ His eyes shifted back to the Inumaki. 

Nanami pushed himself into Gojo’s line of sight. “Listen, I don’t know exactly what happened all those years ago, but I know that you are much better than pushing yourself on a warpath without thinking all this through.” 

He let out a sharp laugh. “Trust me, I thought it through plenty after hours of gravity pushing me into the earth's crust.” 

“We need them for information so I can switch back with your husband, there could also potentially be more of them out there. We need intel not an execution.”

“They tried to kill you again! How many times do I have to—” Gojo stopped himself and took a breath. His cursed energy immediately ceases. Domain no longer active, dropping the inumaki to the floor with a thud. Limp and unconscious. 

You. That single word resounded through the cave. Nanami found himself taking a breath as well. Doing his best to ignore the pang of emotion that bled through Gojo’s voice directed at him. 

Would he ever..?

Gojo sighed, wiping a hand down his face. “You don’t understand the politics of it all. Years ago the Inumaki staged another coup, nearly taking over the higher up positions, sacrificing sorcerers, my students.. I was the only one able to stop them. They forced my hand and here they are attempting to do so again. I won’t stand by and wait. We can get information another way.”

Nanami shook his head. “You don’t know that for sure. Killing all of them now won’t solve anything at the moment, but create more problems.”

“It will finish what I started. I believe that is solving enough problems.” Gojo growled.

“That’s not the point. You don’t have to do everything. No one is asking you to be the judge, jury, and executioner just because you have the power to do so.” 

“Like anyone but me has proven to be qualified for the fact.”

“Do you not trust the other sorcerers that are in your corner? Your students? Your husband for that matter? You don’t have to bear the burden of power all alone. Most importantly, if you want your husband back we need them alive to do so.” 

Gojo six eyes glowed sharp as they studied Nanami’s own. After a moment his eyes eased to a dim and the tension in his shoulders dropped.

“You know, he said something similar the first time. However, your way of saying it was a bit more.. mean.” 

Nanami couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “I don’t tend to say things lightly. It just wastes everyone’s time.” 

A chuckle stifled through Gojo's lips. “I guess I needed it told to me in an even more blunt way.”  

Suddenly Gojo’s chest was then pressed against his. His hand wrapped around his back and the other delicately cradling the back of his head. Nanami felt his muscles naturally tighten. Since his arms were still chained to his back it made him lean even more into the already close embrace. 

“I know this isn’t appropriate but I was worried.” His lips tickling the hairs on his head as he spoke.

Nanami stilled, words not finding him. Distracted by the sudden onslaught of affection he wasn’t familiar with. “I’m not—”

As if Gojo was reading his mind, he steadily replied with, “I know, but you still have all the best parts of him. Any world is lost without it.” 

Those last words made Nanami stifined posture finally relax in Gojo’s arms. It was best that he let Gojo calm down like this and get down for his high of anger and killing intent. 

But as he was pressed into the curve of his neck on breathing in the familiar jazmine shampoo he couldn’t help but wonder if his Gojo is this worried. Would he ever hold him just as tightly? Would his eyes burn with refuge feeling immense relief seeing Nanami safe? Would he move and level mountains to find him? 

It’s pathetic to be lost in an emotional embrace that clearly isn’t meant for him. 

He’s had enough, he doesn’t know if he can’t take this sentiment any longer. 

“Will you please unchain me now and maybe something to wipe this gunk off me.” Nanami said, breaking the warm silence. 

Gojo pulled back, eyes trailing over his bloodied face and landing on his chained wrists. “Sorry I should have got you out of these sooner.. and maybe should have been a bit less messy with killing that Inumaki.” 

Nanami blew air from his nose. His right side was practically covered in thick red. He could still feel blood drip down his head onto his once white dress shirt. Gojo who was uncaring to it, now had some blood on him as well. 

“It was unnecessary. You didn’t have to kill him.” 

“Hesitation means a possible opening for the enemy. One word and they could have killed you, so I wasn’t going to take that chance.” 

He then stilled once again as Gojo’s hands trailed up his neck. Wiping away thick droplets to reveal the newly forming bruises from Arata. 

“I never asked if you were alright. Your neck..” 

“I’m fine.” Nanami then looked at Gojo’s neck and replied, “I suppose we match.” 

A slight smile curved up his lips, but before he could reply a force once again rocked the ground. 

Nanami is tired of this damned cave. 

A burst of cursed energy and a loud slam shook the cave walls. Dust once again muddied the air. Then before Nanami or even Gojo could process who or what the familiar source of energy was from, Gojo was struck and sent flying across the cave. 

—

After navigating themselves through most of level two of the archives, which mostly contained a few banned cursed tools and weapons. They surprisingly found themselves in front of a table with a white dust cover over it. 

“Well time for the grand reveal!” Gojo then grabbed the top sheet and ripped it off dramatically.

Both sorcerers then tilted their heads at Kai’s “cursed tool.” 

Well more like furniture. 

“I thought he was hiding some secret mirror we would jump through. Not some knock off fortune teller table. Look, there’s even a glowing orb in the middle, what a joke!” Notami exclaimed. 

He wasn’t wrong about this looking ridiculous. Like some prop straight out of the Haunted Mansion. Gojo would know, he's watched the movie 3 times and been on the ride twice at Disneyland. 

The table was modest, about knee high. Circular in shape with intricate deep wooden carvings of what seemed to be the celtic knot that Kai illustrated in his notes. A circle sat in the middle between the three intertwined ovals. There in the center sat a green glowing orb with a matching velvet purple handkerchief under it.. 

“It even has cup holders!” Notami said. Poking at one of the four divots in the table. 

Gojo leaned down, taking a deeper look before replying, “you know, besides the eerie symbol, this would make for a great poker table!” 

“Ooo poker night! I can’t remember the last time I played–” 

A moan then broke out, followed by a high pitched broken whisper. “Three.. We need three..”

The green orb swirled and a black magnified pupil appeared looking erratically back and forth from Gojo and Notami, before sinking back into its original emerald light. 

“Looks like the Madam Liota orb is the captured sluagh.” 

Gojo nodded as he scanned the table. The four divots were too awkwardly shaped to comically be cup holders. They were long and looked shaven to hold something specific. Two of the divots each sat a hand's length from one another, while the other two mirrored them perfectly across the table. 

Connect to each other's hearts to open the gate..

Gojo leaned down to his knees and sunk both his elbows into the table. His arms fit perfectly along the slots. “Kai said we need an anchor and someone that's been touched by the curse. While holding each others ‘hearts.’” Notami blinked and mimicked Gojo, with their arms in this position, it’s as if it urged the users to hold hands beside the cursed orb. 

“Does it want us to hold hands?” Notami said, coming to the same conclusion.

“I guess so..” Gojo reluctantly answered.

“Aw, is someone shy?” Notami leaned in with a taunting grin. Hazel eyes sparkly with mischief. 

Gojo narrowed his eyes. “You’ve molested me three times today!”

“Hey, the first one was consensual! I argue that the last two were dubious for the sake that you definitely liked it but won’t admit it.”

Gojo wordlessly snatched Notami’s hands, sticking his tongue out at the cheekish smile. Which only  reminded him how desperately he needs Nanami’s bold somber back. It was fun while it lasted but it felt like Notami and Gojo were two pinballs chaotically ricocheting around each other. While Nanami was unmoving and constant. Gojo could bounce off him or completely miss his mark. The challenge and trust always brought Gojo back for more. 

Yet the question if Nanami will be there after all this has been chipping away at his mind all day. Notami's words earlier, as well as the potential civil war they might be met with, is not making the probability of Nanami being unscathed in all of this low. Could he have done more in the beginning? Maybe have more sense of urgency a couple hours ago instead of taking nothing seriously like always? 

Time was of the essence and Gojo’s lack of cruciality could have got Nanami killed. 

He suddenly felt a squeeze between their interlocked hands. Notami’s once cheeky sniper has turned into a reassuring smile. “Stop thinking too much. We're more than half way there. Your Nanami will be in one piece.” 

Gojo blinked a bit taken aback but the sudden comforting words. But before he could huff a laugh and dismiss the unneeded reassurance, the table began to shake. 

A moment after their hands touched, the green glow of the orb spread throughout the engravings of the table. The cursed energy was thick, the scent vile and eroded. Much like most curses smell, however this was more potent. Which could possibly mean this curse could be centuries old. Gojo guesses it makes sense for the sluagh to be around so long with a powerful technique like time and space. 

From the sound of it the sluaghs are bending to time and space between universes with their technique. Pared with Gojo’s well, It'd be dangerously unpredictable what could happen if their domains met. 

It might be best to keep these sluaghs controlled as possible. 

The cursed energy then burst into an overwhelming light enveloping them with it. It began as a similar feeling to Gojo’s teleportation technique. Like being on a quick rollercoaster ride as Notamin put it. Nauseating yet slightly thrilling for a moment's notice. However this teleportation felt as if they were getting your limbs stretched further and further. Slow and gradual until, like a rubber band they abruptly snapped back into place.

Dust sprung up as they slammed into the ground. The sound of a wood snapping and a sharp clicking sound of glass rolling happened sudden and all at once. Notami winced and grabbed his head, which Gojo would have done as well if his RTC wasn't so fast acting. The orb disappeared which would be concerning, if he didn’t quickly recognize two figures through the haze. 

His six eyes immediately spotted Nanami and with that a wave of pure alleviation lightened in his chest. 

This feeling was terrifying, yet exhilarating at the same time. A pressure that has been beating against his chest since his epiphany this morning.

He’s safe.

Nanami is safe and Gojo can take him home. He’ll confess that for the first time in forever, he's been struck with a newfound change he thought he'd never be able to fathom. It's something bright, new and vulnerable, and needs to give it to Nanami and only Nanami to cherish and hold dear. He’ll sweep him off his feet and then he can properly ask him for a chance. A chance he can be what Nanami needs and more. Just a chance.

Yet that overwhelming burning feeling of joy was quickly extinguished once his six eyes laid eyes not just the cursed chains that tightly wrapped around Nanami’s wrists, but the copious amount of blood dripping off of his body. 

Then there stood a copy of him with a hand wrapped around his throat. 

..if Satoru hasn’t killed him yet..

..Do not trust anyone from that parallel plane..

Gojo didn’t waste time wondering about the context or asking questions. 

A slight hesitation could mean the worst for Nanami. 

So Gojo didn’t hesitate to strike.