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Choso was not having a good day. He’d spilled his coffee all over himself in the morning, leaving no time left to brew a new one, changed into mismatched clothes and after all that, he’d missed his bus. He was now sipping on a severely overpriced coffee in the college cafeteria, trying his hardest to tune out the chatter coming from around the table.
Something about the most recent rugby match, something something sport.
“You did so well today, brother!” Todo’s resonant voice cut through the noise, slinging an arm over Yuuji’s shoulders.
Choso had to bite his tongue not to comment on the very obvious issue with that statement: Yuuji was absolutely, 100%, not related to Todo in any way.
If it were a sort of nickname, that would have been fine, except with Todo, it was never just a nickname. That delusional pile of muscle was genuinely convinced they were siblings.
In the past, Yuuji has asked Choso to let it go; he claimed Todo meant well, so that is exactly what Choso pretended to do while he seethed on the inside at every social gathering.
He was the one who’d been taking care of Yuuji for years.
He was the one who’d been working double shifts to keep him fed and warm.
That idiot boulder with a ponytail has done nothing for him.
___
At the end of the day, Choso was tired from his classes, and the cool autumn air was seeping into his attitude. He was waiting outside the locker rooms for Yuuji. He’d had enough of this wretched day, and simply wanted to walk home with his brother, brew them a nice cup of tea, and put on Gilmore Girls. Was it really too much to ask?
Probably.
Yuuji and Todo exited the building, the latter wearing shorts. No, not shorts and a hoodie, not even shorts and a shirt. That batshit crazy moron was walzing around shirtless and sweaty in 5 degree weather.
“Ough. Chilly.”
Yeah, no shit.
“Yuuji,” Todo placed his hand on his ‘brothers’ shoulder. “It’s cold. Do you need a ride home?”
“Oh, it’s totally fine I wouldn’t wanna be a hass-”
“Nonsense! I’m driving you home. It’s my duty as an older brother.”
Choso’s jaw tightened so hard he worried he might grind his teeth into a fine dust. He could feel the tension in his muscles. His eyes narrowed, as he glared at the man standing in front of him. He could feel the irritation begin to boil, threatening to spill over.
“You’re not related…” He mumbled under his nose, rolling his eyes.
Todo’s head snapped in his direction.
“Excuse me?” Todo’s voice was low, his posture stiffening as he turned to fully face the other man.
Choso didn’t flinch. Instead, he raised his chin slightly, meeting Todo’s gaze. The air between them seemed to thicken, the temperature dropping a few more degrees as the tension grew. “I said,” Choso repeated, each word deliberately slow and dripping with barely contained anger, “You’re not related to him.”
“Guys-”
Todo pushed past Yuuji and grabbed a handful of the material of Choso’s jumper. He yanked Choso up with an almost effortless strength, dragging him to eye level.
Choso could feel his breath on his lips, the intense eye contact burning through his skull.
Damn, the guy really was strong.
His muscles shone as they contracted, tightening his grip on Choso.
For some reason, he smelt really good too. What Choso had previously thought was sweat in reality was probably shower water.
Hm. Sandalwood.
“Say that again.” He whispered.
“You. Are. Not. Related.” He hissed, eyes narrowing.
“Ha! Wow, okay.” Yuuji rushed to separate the two confusingly territorial sibling figures.
He yanked Todo’s death grip off Choso’s sweater as one would the claws of an angry cat. The tight hold left behind a lump of stretched out fabric.
The two were staring daggers at each other, as though the first to look away would lose the battle.
“Damn, uh,” Yuuji eyed the pair, scratching the back of his head. “What the fuck, guys?!”
“He started it.” They claimed in unison, each pointing at the other.
Unsurprisingly, they ended up walking home.
___
“Help me understand, Choso.” Yuuji pleaded as he fished the teabags out of their teas. “What’s your problem with Todo? I’ve never seen you as wound up by anyone as him - it’s so unlike you.”
“He-” Choso sighed as he pondered over the question, opening the rubbish bin so that Yuuji could throw the teabags into it.
“He, uh, irks me.”
“He irks you?”
“Yes, he irks me.” He insisted, knowing perfectly well that the answer was not only insufficient, but also ingenuine. He’s got a problem with Todo because he wants to be the best big brother, and he doesn’t need the competition of a guy with more mutual hobbies and money than him. Choso is in a losing position.
Yuuji was evidently disappointed with the answer Choso had provided, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
“Todo is very important to me,” He said sternly. “As strange as he can seem sometimes, he’s kind and very dear to me, so I need you to make an effort.”
Choso stared into the bottom of his steaming hot cup of tea, his nose scrunched in annoyance at even the thought of having to make an effort with Todo of all people.
“Can you do that, Choso?”
Once again a losing position - Choso couldn’t refuse. The universe was against him.
“...Fine.”
“You don’t sound so sure…”
“I can do it. I said I can do it.”
That’s all it took for Yuuji to light up again, grabbing his phone out of his pocket enthusiastically.
“Great! Tomorrow, 2PM, the Starbucks by the school - Todo will be waiting!” He grinned.
“Wait, hold on, you didn’t-”
“Yap, yap, yap. We had a deal!” Yuuji had already managed to walz over to the couch and switch the TV on. “Come on now, I gotta find out who Lorelai will pick or I will literally rip all my hair out from the stress.”
Choso sighed in defeat and shuffled over to the couch like a sad slug.
That’d be future Choso’s problem.
___
The Starbucks was crowded and the tables were sticky, and to top it all off, his only company was Todo.
Yuuji didn’t give into any of Choso’s desperate pleas to join them.
“Are you enjoying your drink?” Was Choso’s pathetic attempt at small talk.
Todo slowly looked down at his glass of water. “Uh, yes?”
“Oh, good, good.” He tapped his fingers on the table rhythmically, stopping as soon as he felt the stickiness transfer onto his skin.
“You?”
“Huh?”
“Your drink - is it good?”
“Oh, right! Yeah, it’s terrible.” He took a big gulp out of the cup, immediately grimacing. “So gross.” He whispered to himself.
Choso would make the exact same mistake every single Autumn. He’d get over excited as soon as he saw the leaves turn brown, and shortly after starting his rewatch of Gilmore Girls, he’d order his first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season to get in the spirit. Except, Pumpkin Spice Latte is disgusting, and he hates it with a passion. What’s left every following year is always the hope that it’ll grow on him.
It never does.
Todo only nodded in response.
“Y-” “Th-”
“Oh! You go on!” Todo smiled.
“Oh, uh. I was just saying that the, uh, weather’s gotten chilly, hasn’t it?”
“Oh, right, yeah. That happens in Autumn.”
“Yeah…” Choso crumpled the receipt in his hand.
“You like any sports?”
“No, not really.” Choso responded.
“Hm.” Todo lowered his head in thought.
They sat in an awkward silence for a while.
The receipt was now torn into little pieces, forming a pile on the table.
“What kind of music do you listen to?” Choso attempted again.
“Just anything on the radio.”
“Right…”
Choso redirected his attention to his still full coffee cup, and took a big sip. Better to get it over with quickly, in large gulps.
“Any shows you’re into?” Todo asked, seemingly bracing himself for failure again.
Choso put the cup away and swallowed the mouthful of disgusting coffee before responding. “Oh, just Gilmore Girls at the moment.”
Todo’s eyes grew as wide as saucers, almost sparkling.
“Duh, it’s Gilmore Girls season!”
“You’ve seen it?!”
“Only every Autumn!”
“No fucking way! I watch it every Autumn!” Choso beamed, losing the control he had over his calm and collected persona.
Todo’s smile grew wide.
“Okay, I have an important question to ask you.” He grew serious. “Who do you think Lorelai should have ended up with?”
“Max Medina of course,” Choso stated matter-of-factly, not needing to think about it for even for a second.
Todo’s serious facade dropped immediately.
“Right person wrong time!” They both exclaimed in unison.
They continued chatting about Gilmore Girls until the Starbucks grew empty and the sun started setting behind the horizon. Todo offered Choso a ride home, and this time the latter took him up on it.
They walked out of the building, heading towards a lone - no way. Todo drove a fucking G-Wagon.
That rich bastard.
Todo watched Choso’s expression twist into a petty resentment, and immediately began his defence.
„It’s a piece of shit from the 80s. It keeps breaking and is technically a safety hazard-„
„It’s a fucking G-Wagon , holy shit-how much money do you have?”
„Man, it’s probably worth less than your shoes.”
Choso’s line of vision dropped to his Prada combat boots.
Hm.
Might be.
He avoided Todo’s eyes, shrugged, and proceeded to open the car door.
By the time they pulled up to the apartment building, the pink sky had turned a deep navy, and a slight drizzle enveloped the neighbourhood.
Todo gripped the wheel and turned to face Choso.
“I didn’t really like you very much as a person,” Todo stated, completely unprompted. “You know, before.”
Choso wasn’t aware the feeling was mutual, and it stung a little to realise.
His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Todo, willing him to continue. There must be more, right?
“I thought you were mean…But you’ve grown on me.” He placed his hand gently on Choso’s shoulder, squeezing it lightly. “I now consider us friends.” He smiled.
“I’m glad.” Choso replied - and he really was. Strangely, the time he’d spent with Todo one on one was the most fun he’d had in a while.
He broke eye contact and began attempting to crawl out of the car, struggling to open the passenger door, wriggling the door handle for an awkwardly long time.
“Ah, right - the door sticks, hold on,” Todo explained, leaning over Choso’s body, pushing the jammed door open.
There was that whiff of sandalwood again.
“Thanks.” Choso whispered as he peeled himself from the seat, exiting into the damp cold of the outside air, hesitating for a second before turning back to Todo.
“Maybe you can, uh-” He paused briefly, unsure of whether this was a good idea. “You should come over one day.”
Todo raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“To, y’know, watch some Gilmore Girls with us.” Choso continued. “...Yuuji and I.” He explained further, as though that implication wasn’t obvious.
Todo seemed surprised by the sudden offer, and for some reason, Choso began to worry about his response.
Maybe it was weird - they hated each other until a few hours ago, and the only reason they weren’t actively fighting now was because they were forced to go to a Starbucks together and bonded over Gilmore Girls.
Why would Todo want to spend more time with him? This is hardly friendship material and-
“Hell yeah! For sure.” Todo smiled.
Choso lit up.
“Alright, yeah! I’ll be in touch.”
Huh.
Yuuji was right.
Choso didn’t stop smiling until he walked through his apartment door.
___
The next time Choso stumbled upon Todo was the very next day.
He was fresh out the shower, about to start styling his hair when there was a heavy knock on the front door.
“Yuuji, the door!” He yelled.
Another knock.
Silence.
Choso sighed, quickly wrapping a towel over his hips and rushing out the bathroom. He swung by Yuuji’s room to find him knocked out.
He threw a stray hoodie from the floor at him violently.
“The door!”
Yuuji grumbled as he wiped the sleep out of his eyes. He looked utterly confused and still unaware of whether this was reality or still a dream.
“For fucks sake,” Choso grumbled to himself, heading for the door.
He threw it open and came face to face with none other than Todo.
“Who the hell are you?” Was the first thing that came out of the unexpected guest’s mouth.
“Todo, I saw you yesterday,” Choso replied, mildly concerned. His eyes widened. “Oh God, did you hit your head?”
“Choso?” He narrowed his eyes as he scanned his body from head to toe, eyes pausing at eye level for far too long to be comfortable. “Choso!” He lit up.
“I didn’t recognise you with the hair down and no makeup and the uh-” Todo paused briefly, his eyes flicking down for a millisecond.
Choso could swear he briefly pointed to his bare chest.
“You work out?”
Oh wow, so he actually did.
Choso wasn’t sure what to think of this entire interaction.
“Sometimes.” He replied.
“Sick.”
They continued staring at each other wordlessly, both waiting for the other to say something.
“W-”
“Imgonnawaitoutside,” Todo turned on his heel and quickly shuffled down the stairs.
Choso was left alone in the doorway, utterly confused.
That was weird as hell, right?
“I’ll let Yuuji know!” Choso shouted, but Todo was already halfway out the door.
What the hell just happened?
____
The last place Choso expected to run into Todo again was at work.
He bartended downtown on free evenings.
Choso had been having a calm shift, the customers only slowly beginning to pour in. He was in the middle of drying dishes when Todo trotted in, loud and proud, surrounded by friends. He only seemed to tone it down a little once he made eye contact with Choso.
What flashed before Choso’s eyes were the 7 stages of grief painted on his burly friend’s face, quickly ending on acceptance.
Todo straightened up, smiled widely and walked over to the bar.
“Of all the places to run into Aoi Todo, I’d put this on the bottom of the list.” Choso stated, wiping a glass dry, not making eye contact.
“I’ve been dragged out,” Todo pointed towards a group of people sitting at a booth.
“To a gay bar,”
“It would appear so.”
“On a Wednesday night,”
“Yes,”
Choso put the glass down and looked up at Todo with genuine curiosity.
“And you’re sure you’re not gay?”
The question wasn’t a joke, neither was it rhetorical, but the only response Choso got was a laugh.
“I’ll take 6 beers.” Todo stated once his unwelcome chuckle session had finished, already pulling out his wallet to pay.
He looked good in the blue and pink lighting of the bar, the strobes making his sharp features stand out.
“ID.”
“You joking?”
“ID, please.”
“Choso, you were at my 21st birthday party.”
Choso simply extended his hand, looking at Todo expectantly.
He remembered that wretched party. Yuuji had dragged him out, begging Choso to keep him company at his first University social event. Except, Todo was obviously being annoying, Choso didn’t know anyone, and Yuuji disappeared 20 minutes in, abandoning him as soon as he laid his eyes on a certain black haired guy. He immediately began to follow him like a lost puppy for the rest of the party.
At least Fushiguro turned out to be cool.
Todo slipped his ID out his wallet, rolling his eyes, before sliding it across the bar.
Choso scanned it thoroughly, squinting his eyes. “You sure this is you?” He stared at the picture of a man half Todo’s size, with his hair freely flowing down, no scar adorning his forehead.
“Yes, Choso. Quite certain,”
“Hm.” He grunted, before handing it back.
He took the glasses he’d just dried back out of the cupboard, and poured the beers.
Todo returned to the bar numerous times throughout the night.
Each time he walked up to order, they’d chat about something different. At some point they’d started talking about cars. Todo was surprised by Choso’s knowledge on the topic, and the latter explained his notorious car thief Uncle had taught him all he knew against his will.
He did take a liking to it once Sukuna went to jail, though. It was a way to keep his Uncle’s memory close.
Of course, Choso only chose to keep the good parts in his memory, which is why he never bothered to visit him. No point having him prove every good opinion wrong.
At some point they’d chatted about the gym, and working out. Choso wasn’t into sport, but he enjoyed the routine of the gym, while Todo couldn’t live without some form of competition and strategy in his life.
At the end of the night, Todo swung by the bar last time to leave Choso a generous tip - he’d stayed 3 hours post closing time to serve him and his friends.
„I’m still waiting on that Gilmore Girls marathon,” Todo mentioned offhandedly as he turned to leave the building.
„You got it.” Choso looked up at the man in front of him for a split second, before returning to counting the contents of the register.
—
Choso wanted to surprise Yuuji with his newfound friendship, so he’d taken it upon himself to invite Todo to the Gilmore Girls marathon personally.
Except he didn’t think to get his number, and grossly miscalculated how hard it would be to find him on social media.
Search: Todo, Todo Aoi, Aoi Todo, Aoi Todo Sendai, Aoi Todo Japan Sendai, Aoi Todo Rugby Japan Sendai
He’d scrolled through Yuuji’s entire following list, and checked all of the profiles of the people in their friend group to hopefully stumble across a picture with Todo tagged in it.
No such luck.
This wasn’t going to work unless Choso did something very unethical.
For the sake of friendship.
He slipped into Yuuji’s room, stumbling over unfolded clothes strewn across the entire floor. He ruffled through the mounds of fabric on his bed, and miraculously, dug his way through to Yuuji’s laptop.
He was doing this for him, which cancelled out the horrible violation of privacy, he was sure.
No password, thank god.
He clicked through to Instagram, and then, in Yuuji’s DM’s he found an account that he didn’t recognise…And kinda seemed like a spam bot.
@takadalover321
…Could it be?
He had to find out for sure - there was no way around it. He clicked on the chat, the most recent messages popping up.
@takadalover321: choso is chill 👍
@takadalover321: he can keep being your brother
@wormboy69: I TOLDDD YOUUUUU
@wormboy69: he’s chill as HELL he’s the coolest dude i kno
Choso smiled softly as he closed the tab and tucked the laptop back in under the yellow hoodie he’d found it below.
He found Todo.
Just a quick break to cry a little over Yuuji’s message and he’d get to work.
After 40 minutes of joyful weeping looking at his brother's baby pictures, he began putting his plan into motion.
Fridays were Gilmore Girls nights, so he’d arranged for Todo to come over at 6PM - 15 minutes before Yuuji would return from his biweekly movie club.
Now the only thing left was the wait.
With all the plotting and arranging already dealt with, Choso began feeling slightly nervous about the marathon itself. It was unavoidable - he’d always been a walking ball of anxiety, so interacting with new people was never a strength of his.
He’s been told he lacks tact.
And social skills.
And that he’s odd and standoffish.
And unlikable.
So yes, he was worried.
But this was very important to Yuuji, and the last thing Choso wanted was to disappoint him again.
Yuuji would serve as a social buffer anyway…Choso was probably worrying over nothing.
___
Having people over was hell and he never wanted to do it ever again. New friendships be damned. It’s just not worth it.
It’s been a good 3 years since Choso was the one to invite someone over and he underestimated just how nerve wracking it would be.
His first symptom of gut wrenching anxiety was stress cleaning. He got so worried over Todo potentially judging him over dusty shelves or grimey countertops that he’d skipped all his lectures of the day to make time to prepare the house.
He not only scrubbed the entire bathroom, kitchen and living room, but also took it upon himself to tidy up Yuuji’s room too. Maybe Todo would judge Choso over not making sure his little brother lives in an acceptable environment?
Once he was done with the cleaning, he realised he still had 4 hours until Todo would come over, and nothing to do with himself, which is how he found himself having baked a tray of cookies, a pan of brownies and an entire layered cake. Icing, frilly borders and all.
He hoped Todo liked sweets.
Now the last thing to do was to shower and prepare himself for the guest that Choso already highly regretted inviting over.
The only thought in his head while he was showering was „ Only 15 minutes alone, then Yuuji’s home.” on a loop.
Everything was fine.
The second he finished putting up his hair, he heard a knock on the door.
Shit.
Be chill, be chill, be chill, be chill, you’ve spoken before-
Choso swung the door open, smiling as he let Todo in.
„Right on time,” He muttered. Why couldn’t he be late?
He put on the kettle and offered Todo some tea and sweets, which thankfully he agreed to eat, whether that’s out of politeness or an actual will to consume them. Choso didn’t care as long as he could make some space in the fridge. He was beginning to realise he’d gone overboard with the baking…
„When’s Yuuji supposed to come home?” Todo asked.
„Oh, let me check him on Find My,” Choso began frantically looking for his phone, soon realising he’d left it in Yuuji’s bedroom after his cleaning spree. He walked over and pushed the door open. He scanned the room, his eyes settling on the bedside table where he had last seen his phone. Walking over, he reached out and turned the screen on.
Little Bro (1 Message) 4:47PM
CHOSO!!!! SORRY IM STAYING OUT LATE FUSHIGURO ASKED ME OUT HE FINALLY ASKED ME OUT ILL TELL U THE WHOLE STORY LATER
Oh fuck.
Oh no.
Oh shit.
The air started feeling thick in Choso’s lungs.
Yuuji was supposed to be the glue holding this evening together.
Oh God, how was he supposed to tell Todo that he didn’t check his messages for hours because he was madly stress cleaning and baking and it turned out Yuuji was bailing?
This was going to crash and burn.
He should have told Yuuji he was inviting Todo over. All this was happening because he stupidly tried to surprise him.
What should he do? Should he kick Todo out or persevere without Yuuji?
Choso’s brow furrowed as he weighed his options. Either choice felt weird.
With a resigned sigh, he finally concluded that he would leave the decision up to Todo. Perhaps it was the easier route, or maybe it was his way of deflecting the responsibility. Did that really matter?
He walked out the room slowly, making hesitant eye contact with his guest.
„You look like you’ve just witnessed a murder, what’s going on?” Todo questioned, visibly concerned for Yuuji’s wellbeing.
„Yuuji bailed. Fushiguro asked him out.” He braced himself for Todo’s disappointment, he wouldn’t even be surprised if he were annoyed with Choso for failing to check his messages earlier.
He fully expected Todo to simply say his goodbyes and promptly leave.
„Finally! Took them long enough,” Todo beamed. „So, are we starting from Episode 1 or do you wanna continue from where you’re at?” He sipped on his green tea.
Choso lit up.
His baking wouldn’t go to waste.
„Episode 1, absolutely.”
___
They’d watched a few episodes sipping on tea and eating cake, pausing the show to chat occasionally.
Choso excused himself to go to the bathroom, and swung by the fridge on his way back. He noticed he still had a few beers in it from when he last stocked up for a party.
Might as well offer.
„Hey, want a beer?”
„You’re asking a boar if it shits in the woods.” Todo replied, face dead serious.
So, a yes? Choso supposed.
He grabbed a couple of bottles from the fridge and sunk down onto the couch again, this time closer to Todo than before he’d gotten up.
A miscalculation.
„Got an opener?” Todo inquired.
„Ah, lemme just…” He grabbed Todo’s beer and snapped the top off with his ring.
Todo looked impressed.
Choso was surprised that the living definition of a chad couldn’t open the thing with his eye socket.
They slowly eased back into their marathon, watching episode after episode, pausing and commenting more with each next beer they’d cracked open.
At some point, Yuuji messaged Choso letting him know he’d be out until morning.
When Choso was up, taking the last of the beers out the fridge, Todo broached an interesting topic, visibly tiptoeing around it.
He began by claiming the answer to one specific question represented a person’s truest self.
His drawn out description of the question’s importance took long enough for Choso to sit back down on the couch with the beers open and ready to drink.
„Spit it out, Todo.”
„What kind of man is your type?” Todo questioned, his eyes narrowing.
Choso chuckled. „How’d you know?”
„You work at a gay bar. You also look gay.” He hesitated. „And Yuuji told me.”
„There it is!” Choso laughed. He’d never expect a person like Todo to clock him.
„Answer the question, Choso. This is important insight that I need to form a well rounded opinion of you.” He continued his first line of thought, a completely serious expression on his face.
Oh, what the hell.
If he was sober he’d probably avoid the question like the plague.
But he was tipsy, so.
„I know what I like.” He leaned back on the couch, slinging an arm over the back, his arm nearly touching Todo’s shoulder.
„Smart, but not overbearing.” He began listing as though he’d thought about this very question every day of his life.
„I need him to have heart, be loyal, be caring, especially to people I hold dear to me. Ambition is hot; I like to be pushed to be better. I need him to be sure of who he is and what he stands for. And be strong. Muscles are most definitely welcome. And brown eyes make me weak.” He paused as he continued to think about the perfect partner.
„Oh and long hair. Love that.” He smiled. „Yep, that’s my type.” He shrugged.
He moved his eyes to Todo, hesitating for a moment. The list he’d just recited was echoing in his brain, rattling in his skull like a packet of nerds in a backpack.
Loyalty, caring, ambition, muscles, brown eyes, long hair...
Shit.
Choso looked Todo up and down, left and right, until his line of vision finally settled on Todo’s own eyes.
His face was so close.
Choso straightened up.
Judging by Todo’s expression, he was having the exact same realisation Choso was.
Todo was bang on, perfectly his type, and there was no denying it after Choso literally listed all his characteristics as he would on a build a boyfriend quiz.
Todo did not break eye contact for a second, scanning Choso’s eyes with the deepest curiosity.
„I’ll take that answer.” He whispered. Was he getting closer? Choso swore he could feel his breath on his own lips.
His heart began pounding as they both leaned it slowly, Todo’s eyes flicking down for a second.
Was this really happening?
Choso could basically taste the approaching kiss when-
Bang.
The door flew open, the two men immediately jumping as far away from each other as possible.
„What kinda gay shit goes on around here when I’m not around?”
The light was dim and all Choso saw was pink hair, but he recognised that voice immediately.
„When the fuck did you get out of prison?”
„Today, and you’d know if you'd come to visit. Or answered a call.” He threw his bag onto the kitchen bench, knocking over a few empty beer bottles.
He trotted his way over to Todo, extending a hand.
„Sukuna. And you are?”
„Uh, Todo,” He replied, shaking it hesitantly.
Sukuna narrowed his eyes as he lowered his hand, slowly putting the pieces together.
His eyes widened. „Holy shit, you’re fucking Yuuji’s best friend?”
„I’m not-„
Choso wanted to sink into the floor. He wanted to pull all his hair out. And most of all, he wanted to beat the shit out of his Uncle.
„None of my business,” Sukuna raised both his hands. „I’ll be on the balcony. You two proceed.” He walked out with a cigarette between his lips, snickering.
„I should-„
„Uhuh.” Choso agreed, his head in his palm.
„I’ll see you some other time.” Todo was already halfway out the door, his coat in his hand.
„Yeah, maybe.”
Fucking Sukuna.
____
There was no getting over this.
Things would be significantly less awkward if they had fucked, now that Choso thought about it.
His embarrassment had seeped deep into his core. He was avoiding Todo like the plague, and trying far harder to do so than back when he disliked him.
Well, disliked talking to him, and thoroughly liked looking at him, as it turned out.
Has this always been hidden under the resentment? Or was it the whole reason why he hated Todo so much?
Much easier to hate a hot straight guy than have a pathetic crush on him.
Choso still didn’t believe Todo to be queer, which is why facing him would be disastrous. Choso would have to hear his explanation of ‚experimenting’ - a line he’d heard a million times before.
„Oh sorry, it was fun but it made me realise I’m straight.”
That shit stung.
Choso did not want to deal with it. For now he could just enjoy the possibility of what could have happened if Sukuna hadn’t barged in on them.
Choso wanted to avoid the possibility of running into Todo so desperately, that he took a week off work and called in sick with his university.
All he did during that week was sit in bed watching Gilmore Girls and eating his one million leftover baked goods.
It was fun to believe he had a shot for a little while.
How would he explain it all to Yuuji, though?
„Sorry little bro, I can’t hang around your friend anymore but not because I hate him, but because we almost kissed and he’s straight so it’d be weird.”
Yeah, maybe not.
Choso dragged himself out of bed to serve himself some more cake and of course, ran into Sukuna in the kitchen.
He was gobbling down the brownies Choso had made for Todo.
„Why the long face, kid?”
Choso simply stared at him coldly before turning around to put on the kettle.
„Hey, I didn’t wanna see all that either,” Sukuna threw his hands in the air in defence. „Lock the door next time…”
„Whatever; there won’t be a next time.” Choso sighed, a dull ache in his chest.
„Fuck you mean?”
„He’s straight.”
Sukuna stared back at him in disbelief for a solid 10 seconds.
„Kid, after what I witnessed, if that man’s straight then I’m a criminal.”
Choso’s eyebrows stitched together in confusion as he attempted to make sense of his Uncle’s poor attempt at reassurance.
„But…you are a criminal-„
„Rehabilitated member of society.” Sukuna corrected firmly, pointing a finger at Choso in disapproval.
„A convicted felon, ” Choso insisted further, staring at his uncle in disbelief.
„Potato, Potahto, who cares.” He waved his hand in dismissal.
Choso just sighed and returned to his room.
He’d forgotten his cake.
___
Tomorrow, Choso would have to legally return to society, so he’d decided to make the most of his last day of freedom.
He made a jug of strawberry margaritas, baked a strawberry cheesecake and kicked back with some Gilmore Girls.
Time to wallow a little before having to face reality.
Sukuna claimed to have left for the next month, probably doing something that was bound to get him arrested again, and Yuuji was out with Megumi.
Thankfully he’s been too distracted to realise there’s been a change in Choso’s behaviour, leaving the latter to freely mourn his weeklong friendship and day long crush. Or a month long crush? Year long crush? Choso didn’t really understand much that was going on in his head anymore. All that was certain to him was that yes, he had a crush on Todo, and no, it would not work out.
Oh well.
He took a sip of his first strawberry margarita and turned the tv on, switching on Gilmore Girls.
He directed all his attention to the show, completely abandoning his own thoughts and feelings.
Those were a problem for later.
The culmination of the season was about to unfold when there was a gentle knock at the door.
If Yuuji forgot his keys again…
Choso slowly crawled up off the couch with great effort, and begrudgingly shuffled towards the door, this time locked.
He creaked the door open and was faced with Todo, clutching a Gilmore Girls special box set and two vintage car magazines.
Not good.
„What are you doing here?” Choso croaked weakly. He wasn’t mentally prepared for this conversation yet.
„You’ve been kinda absent…And ignoring my texts,” He explained, a sympathetic expression on his face. „I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Choso simply walked away, plopping onto the couch, his friend following him in and slowly shutting the door behind him.
„Look, about what happened-„
„I don’t wanna hear it,” Choso interrupted. „I really can’t take the ‘you're great but I’m straight’ speech again. Just leave if that’s what you wanna talk about.” His shoulders slumped, his heart beating out of his chest. He pathetically still had some semblance of hope - that was always the worst part of these conversations. „I get that straight guys wanna experiment, but damn, why’s it always gotta be with me?”
Todo simply stood there for a while, resembling a plank of wood. Choso nearly forgot he was still there.
After taking a moment to process Choso’s speech, Todo sank down onto the couch next to him. He slowly placed a palm on his knee, Choso flinching away instinctually.
„Choso,” He began, already causing the other to cringe, waiting for the words that would prove his worries right.
„I like you gayly.” Todo stated, fully serious. „I mean, in a gay way. I’ve discovered that I am somewhat gay. Partly. For you.” He continued, stumbling over his words. He was visibly starting to lose the plot in his rambling, steadily becoming more flustered with each word.
„You. Gay.” Choso stated in disbelief. „-ish” He clarified.
„Mhm,” Todo affirmed. „Very.” He smiled, before adding the seemingly important to them „-ish.”
Choso’s eyes widened in realisation. „The gay bar,” He beamed.
„I didn’t know you worked there-„
„No way.”
„It helped, though.”
„Yeah, I’d imagine it would.” Choso smiled, not quite believing what he was hearing.
They kept staring at each other, not quite sure of what should happen next.
„Since we were rudely interrupted last time…” Todo once again placed his hand on Choso’s knee, squeezing lightly, the latter now letting it happen.
Choso once again found it hard to breathe, but it wasn’t constricting his throat. This feeling was closer to a red hot flame bursting in his chest, enveloping him whole.
“If Sukuna comes in again the car mags can keep him occupied-”
“If you mention my Uncle again, this isn’t happening.“
“Duly noted.” Todo scanned Choso’s eyes. “May I?” He questioned as he brought his palm lightly to Choso’s cheek. The latter simply nodded, and they slowly closed the distance.
Todo smelt good, that sandalwood smothering all of Choso’s senses. His lips were surprisingly soft, and moved against his own gently and respectfully.
All of Todo’s featherlike touches were filled to the brim with what felt like reverence, and Choso couldn’t get enough.
It wasn’t long until they ended up in a horizontal position, Choso straddling Todo on the couch. The latter having let his hands wander under Choso’s shirt.
Things were slowly getting heated, breaths shortened, Choso’s hands travelling down-
“What the-Oh my fucking God.” Choso heard Yuuji’s voice.
He jumped away and snapped around to see his brother covering his eyes with his unoccupied hand, the other clutching unused house keys, moving actively to hide behind the door.
The two culprits were now separated, but nowhere near a state they’d want to talk to others in.
“This isn’t what I meant when I asked you two to get along, you know?!” He yelled from behind the door.
“What’s going on?” Choso heard another, muffled voice from behind the door.
“No!” Yuuji basically shrieked. “Don’t, Megumi. They’re making out in there,”
“Who?!”
“…Choso and Todo,”
“No fucking way!” Fushiguro pushed past Yuuji to take a peek at the scene, clearly not believing his own eyes.
He gave them a quick congratulatory thumbs up before being dragged out by the collar by a very uncomfortable Yuuji.
“I’ll be back in an hour, be done by then!” He yelled through the door and rushed off.
This time, Choso and Todo simply laughed it off.
They’d make sure to lock the door next time.