Archive of Our Own

Megumi hasn't seen Yuji in 4 months. It feels like ages ago when Yuji packed his bags and decided to go on some kinda brotherly bonding trip with Sukuna and Choso.

He’s been in a good mood all day, like he’s anticipating his birthday or he got a work promotion. 

He’s been friends with the guy for a long time now, they met while Megumi and him were in highschool and they have stuck by each other since then. Initially, Megumi was worried their friendship would fade out after graduation but it wasn't the case. 

Yuji’s a family guy so it isn't out of the ordinary that he goes on family trips with his brothers, it’s actually cute. Megumi spends most of his day at work. Don’t get him wrong, he loves the veterinary clinic but sometimes he wishes he could pack up his own bags and leave somewhere with Yuji. 

Preferably as a couples retreat. But hell, he’ll work on that. 

He’s making his way to Yuji’s apartment. It’s a nice place, he usually lives alone, but Sukuna has a room as well. Something about them previously living together, but Sukuna moved out and still crashes sometimes– so it’s convenient for them just to leave it alone. 

But as a result, he’s never met Sukuna in person. He’s a busy guy and a business owner. And he only just re-introduced himself back to Yuji's life a while after highschool, as he was overseas before.

He’s making his way to the building. He already knows the punch access code code to Yuji’s apartment. He texted him earlier.  It’s a nice upscale building, very pleasant in appearance and in a safe neighbourhood. Plus, Yuji lives on a higher floor so it gives a nice window view of the city. 

He’s a little nervous, admittedly, but more like happy nerves. Just a little bit of excitement mixed with anxiety. He punches in the code and makes his way to find the elevator. 

As he makes his way up the elevator he stands waiting for the floors to move up, he takes a deep breath. There's nothing to be worried about, it’s just Yuji. He slowly waits for the floor levels to change as he stands in anticipation. 

When he steps out the elevator door and moves across the hall. His apartment is only a turn away. 

He gives it a little ring and it’s almost instantaneously that the door opens up. It’s almost like Yuji was lurking at the door, anticipating his arrival. “Hey,” Yuji’s smiling widely, as he gives Megumi space to walk in.

“Hey,” he says a little more softly

They stand in silence for a moment, just looking at each other and smiling a little dumbly. God, he hopes Yuji likes him– or is just oblivious to Megumi’s crush. Cause God, there’s no way he isn't obvious. 

Once he’s in the home, Yuji tackles him into a hug. “I’ve missed you,” he can tell Yuji is as equally as happy to see him too. Yuji is always confident with his words and is not hesitant to say what he’s thinking. He always blurts things out. He’s a confident guy. 

Megumi’s always awkward with people, even the ones he likes, “Glad you're back.” 

It almost makes Megumi shy, “me too.” Yuji smells nice and his arms wrap around him with a tight grip, he feels safe in them. 

Megumi wants to be in Yuji’s presence, it’s almost suffocating. It’s embarrassing but it’s enough to feel his heart flutter. 

“You okay?” Yuji’s voice is kind, as he goes to hold him by the shoulder. A small smile gracing his face. 

“Uh, yeah,” Megumi snaps out of his thoughts.

The room feels warm and the couch is rather inviting, Yuji definitely cleaned up. They make their way over, as Yuji sits closer than anticipated, his body almost hovering over his– as their thighs touch. While there’s a whole couch. 

It makes Megumi’s heart skip a beat. A moment into them sitting down, Megumi is contemplating their size difference. There’s a drastic difference to their thighs, Yuji is built like a proper football player. He always liked that about Yuji, his big height and strength always made him feel safe to be around. 

It’s funny that Megumi has done his fair share of beating up local assholes (bullies) at their old high school, but Yuji who looks much stronger does not get into that many altercations. At least not on purpose. 

Yuji barely even joined any sports or clubs at school, until he had to do mandatory hours to graduate.

“Whatcha thinkin about?” Yuji’s voice is teasing. 

He doesn't really wanna mention him, reminiscing about him beating people up. Ha, “I’m uh, a bit thirsty?” 

“Oh! Yeah, lemme go grab you something” 

The AC is pumping and he feels shivers run down his neck, but still, he could go for a cold beverage. It’s warm even in September. Yuji stands up, leaving Megumi alone. As he makes his way over to the kitchen, Megumi lounges on the couch. 

Yuji always makes him feel comfortable. He hears the other man rummaging. He should just yell out that just water is fine, but it seems like Yuji is looking for something a bit fancier. 

He’s never really gotten the jitters from Yuji before, but fuck, theres butterlies in his stomach. 

“Uhhhm,” Yuji’s poking his head from outside the kitchen doorway after a moment, “I don't know if we have any juice or pop,” a small laugh, “probably more chance of finding hard liquor, but hey, we could make ourselves a drink.” 

Megumi is honestly a little bit smitten with the man, it’s undeniable that everything he does– Megumi finds endearing. 

“It’s fine Yuji, water would be great,” he’s not picky. He just needs to clear his throat. 

“Do you want ice?” Yuji hollers. It’s a pretty big apartment, so the chance of Yuji hearing him back clearly is slim. 

“Yeah,” he raises his voice a bit as he glances around the apartment for scenery. Yuji’s couch is pretty comfortable, so he takes his time and settles in. He feels bad making Yuji get him water, maybe he should've come with him? 

A couple of minutes pass, so Megumi decides to make his way over to the kitchen himself.He rather not be yelling across the rooms anyways.  

He almost doesn't hear it, because Yuji is a bit further away but he’s chatting on the phone when he walks in. He’s standing near the hallway towards the bedrooms now. 

So Megumi takes his time to look around the kitchen. It’s a newer model. Definitely better than his own place. Sukuna has that business man's money. It kinda makes Megumi want to cook in this kitchen. Yuji’s a pretty good cook himself. 

He glances at the fridge door which is littered with magnets. Sukuna is a big traveler, usually for leisure, but Yuji barely goes with him. The mangents range from local places, and even cute ones like cats and random cactuses. Yuji is a fan of knicknacks. 

“--yeah, so it’s handled, you don't have to worry about it–” Yuji’s quieter than usual but he still isn't discrete with his words. Megumi considers giving him his privacy, but the other boy doesn't even notice he’s entered the room. “I’ll have it delivered tomorrow night.“ 

Megumi ends up taking a step, jolting Yuji out of his trance as the other boy waves and finishes off this phone call. “Sorry, my job,” he shrugs. 

“Yeah, don’t mention it,” he watches as Yuji smiles, “everything okay?” he ends up adding, sue him, curiosity does peak his interest. Yuji didn't mention getting a job anything soon, he did also come back from his trip with Sukuna recently. Good for him getting back into the workplace. 

“Yeah, yeah, just really odd hours,” Yuji staches the back of his head and look’s off to the side momentarily. They're standing in the kitchen now. “It's a new security gig I'm doing. It's good pay. And, uh, here's your water,” Yuji says as he points out a cup on the counter island. 

Make’s enough sense. Yuji is built like a football player, and boy, does he have the strength to fight off someone in an altercation. “Nice, I'm proud of you,” there’s a small blush on his cheeks. 

“Thank you, Fushigurio,” the way Yuji smiles almost catches Megumi in a headlock. He can’t help but admire Yuji’s smile, it’s so charming. “So what have you been up to?” 

Honestly, Megumi’s life has been the same for a while. Stable. Consistent. “Nothing much, just working.” He's gotten a position at the Veterinary clinic. “It’s nice, being able to help so many animals.” 

Yuji gives him a little nudge, “you’re a lifesaver,” he laughs. He can tell it’s not sarcastic, with the way Yuji is so it makes Megumi smile. Even though the comment is corny as shit. 

“Suppose so,” Megumi nudges back. It’s easy being able to chat with Yuji. He’s missed it a lot. “I’m glad you're back, Itadori.” 

“Yeah me too!” Yuji’s eyes shine, “It felt like that trip took forever,” and at that he glances to the side and scratches the back of his head. “I didn't expect to stay that long, honestly.” Yuji laughs, “let’s go sit down?” 

As they walk, Megumi starts up the conversation, “So what did you do? Tell me all about your trip.” 

“I did a lot,” They end up walking over and Yuji plops himself right back next to Megumi again. The feeling of his body against him makes him fluster, “honestly, I still gotta take it all in and organize my thoughts.” 

“Makes sense,” it was a long trip. “Must've been really fun?” 

“Yeah! It was awesome, the weather was great and the food- don’t get me started on the food!” 

“That sound since,” Megumi’s just soaking in having Yuji so electric and next to him, “I, uh, missed you.” 

With Yuji's a bit closer, he can feel the warmth of his body beside him, “Thanks Fushiguro, I missed you a lot,” he turns over to the side and digs in the drawer, “I've actually got something for you!” 

Yuji pulls out a little keychain, it’s cute, on the front it says something in a different language in a very tiny font. But the main focus is the cutesy little animal, “I know you like dogs! I saw this and thought of you.” 

It’s a really sweet gesture, Megumi’s heart melts, “Thanks, this is really cute,” he spins it around his finger, “I’ll put it on my keys.” 

Yuji’s smile is contagious, as he goes back to hover over him, pushing his own hand towards the keychain, “It has sparkles,” he adds, like he’s genuinely happy he found something cute for Megumi. The intention behind his actions is cuter than the actual keychain. 

Yuji’s a sweet guy.

━

The summer breeze hits Megumi straight in the face. It’s warmer than usual this time of month. The rays of sunshine are blinding him, thankfully his sunglasses are doing a good job. 

They’re slowly making their way to Yuji’s place, Yuji had to drop something off and Megumi wanted to walk his dogs. Now that Yuji’s back in town, they're spending more time together. It’s nice. 

“Ugh,” Yuji whips some of his sweat off with his hand, “this weather has me beat,” he looks fed up (and grosses out) with the way he’s drenched in sweat. 

“Yeah, it’s gross out here.”

Yuji bends down to pet one of his dogs, “Such a good boy,” he mutters as he reaches for the water bottle he’s carrying to pour into the portable cup for the dogs to drink outta. 

Megumi know’s the comment is for the dog, but he can’t help but fluster. Hearing ‘good boy’ out of Yuji's mouth.. It’s something. 

Yuji himself is sweating up a storm. So once he stands back up, he wipes his forearm against his head. Poor guy is acting like he couldn't handle a little bit of sunshine, but admitting it has been hotter than a usual September. 

“You’re just getting even more sweaty, you know that right?” Megumi laughs. 

Yuji reaches out for the bottom of his tee-shirt and lifts it up to his face, wiping off the sweat of his face. And fuck. Megumi can’t help but have his eyes trail to his waistline. Poor guy is probably gonna be soaked in sweat. It’s a little funny that Yuji just got back from a warmer climate but still can't handle the heat here. 

Though, as he inspects the outline of his shirt he can’t miss the bruising on the side of his hip. It’s dark in colour. 

God. Yuji must be already getting into altercations at his job. Yuji’s a great guy. Megumi can't help but pity the fact that he has to get hurt on his job. He hopes they are paying him well.

 “We should get ice cream or something,” Megumi suggests. He could go for a nice sweet snack. He knows Yuji loves sweets too. 

“Hell yeah!” They walk and Megumi can’t get the idea out of his head where instead they would be holding hands, instead of Yuji’s hands around his phone on google maps. 

Yuji ends up finding a place with outdoor seating.

 Megumi always goes for a classic vanilla scoop, it’s classic. Yuji always goes for weird flavors and something different every time. Right now he’s indulging in some weird purple/pink/blue monstrosity with chocolate and sprinkles. 

It’s nice sitting here with Yuji and enjoying the sun, it’s almost romantic. If it wasn't for the fact that they're only best friends while he has the most pining crush on him. Oh well, a man could dream. 

“It’s so nice to be out in the sun, yeah?” Yuji is manspreading on his seat, leaning down as some of the ice cream melts and drips down. 

“Yeah definitely, I wasn't even able to enjoy the summer with how much work I had,” Megumi sighs. Long hours at the clinic does that to him. He loves his job but, fuck, having some personal time would be nice. 

But what does he even need extra personal time for? He ogles Yuji, who's licking the cone. Maybe if he had a boyfriend…

“You probably had the best sweets on your trip, huh?” He’s curious. Even though Yuji  told him he was gone for a couple of months during the summer, Megumi isn't sure what exactly he was doing. 

Yuji tans easily in the summer, but he still looks like he barely stepped outside more than usual. Huh. Where did they even go again..? 

“Yeah! The food was excellent.” Yuji’s eyes snap from the cone, “And you know, bonding with Choso and Sukuna. It’s always one thing or another with them, yunno? Sukuna is more of a drinker and then Choso’s a sweet tooth” 

Yuji continues, “When I was younger, Choso and Sukuna would go themselves. So it’s nice I finally got included.” 

“Yeah, that makes sense,” Yuji always seemed like a family centric guy. Megumi is too, undoubtedly. “How was the weather? Where exactly did you go again? Sorry I think I forgot.” 

“Brazil!?” Yuji fumbles like he's forgotten. He’s a little silly, it’s cute. 

Yuji has gone on shorter trips with Sukuna over the years but never something with long. The month’s Yuji was gone for this summer felt like ages. Especially since he didn't have any social media and was completely off the grid. He was gone during May to August, now coming back for the fall. 

Fuck, it was a long 4 months. 

Yuji almost feels a little bit older– more mature. 

He wonders what they really did do, usually when he comes back, he does have a little bit of a tan to him. 

“Nice, did you go to the club?” 

Megumi always liked the contrast of their skin. Megumi barely tans, he stays a pale white year round but Yuji’s skin soaks up the sun like it’s second nature. Maybe they stayed indoors more, bar hopping and enjoying city life? 

“A bit,” Yuji chuckles,” we also hiked a bit. Partied at the clubs, great night life there. Haha,” Yuji chuckles.

Megumi is about to respond, but maybe Yuji caught Megumi staring for too long, as he smiles, “Do you want a bite of mine Fushiguro?” he says pointing his ice cream towards him.  

“Uh,” all he’s thinking is Yuji’s spit is all over that ice cream and that just might be an indirect kiss. “I’m okay.”

“You sure?” he’s teasing now, “Knew you regret choosing boring vanilla!” 

“Vanila is not boring,” Megumi rolls his eyes. Vanilla is a staple and it's good in many different forms. “Maybe you're the boring one.”

“Well, maybe we can be boring together?” Yuji’s eyes shimmer in the light.

“Yeah, maybe,” maybe he wishes. Yuji is everything he could dream of in a boyfriend. Tall, handsome, kind, funny, and sweet. God, full package deal. 

━

Having known Yuji for a long time, Megumi has never met Yuji’s older brother. It’s probably because he’s a bit older. There's an age gap and Megumi doubts that he’d be interested in hanging out with his kid brother’s friend. 

Also, Sukuna is barely at Yuji’s apartment. 

“Uh, my brother is coming here today,” Yuji says, the next time they're at his place.  

“Cool, I don’t think I’ve ever met him?” If Sukuna is anything like Yuji, he already knows Sukuna is a good guy. 

“I don't know if he’s coming in, he just needs to pick something up.”

Sukuna doesn't even ring the doorbell, instead he goes to knock (or more accurately– pound) on the door. 

“Imma grab that real quick!” Yuji’s jumping out of his seat. “Won't take long, promise.” 

Sukuna does end up coming inside, he’s a smidge taller then Yuji but what really differentiates the both of them are the heavy black lined tattoos on his face and body. Oh fuck. 

Sukuna is undoubtedly a very confident man. He stands powerfully and he does seem like he means business. 

Without the tattoos, they do seem very similar. It’s obvious Sukuna is older, but their frame and hair–all the same. 

Except for the way Sukuna carries himself and that god awful smirk on his lips.Sukuna, though, already knows who he is.  “This must be Megumi,” he says. Megumi isn't sure if he should stand up to shake Sukuna’s hand. 

“Uh, yeah. Megumi Fushiguro.” 

“Pretty name,” Sukuna responds back, but not in a flirty manner. His tone is mostly indifferent, and it just seems like politeness from his end. Still, something about him is giving bad news…”excuse my brother and I for a moment, would you?”

Yuji is shoving Sukuna to the side, like he’s embarrassed. 

“No problem,” he shrugs. It’s not like it’s a serious issue. 

It does take longer than expected, as Megumi lounges on the couch and tries to distract himself from the conversation. 

They're in Yuji’s room and it’s not like Megumi’s trying to snoop, it's just the walls are thinner than you'd expect and their voices are getting a bit raised. 

They're not exactly arguing, but it’s not like they're having much friendly conversation either. 

“Just tell them they can’t walk in and force them to leave,” Sukuna’s voice is loud, commanding in nature like he doesn't accept no for an answer. 

He doesn't hear Yuji’s response back, but Megumi can't help but wonder. What the hell is going on? Tell whom? 

Odd, but it doesn't mean anything serious. Brothers bicker all the time. 

Sukuna and Yuji end up coming out of the room. The bickering ceased and Sukuna carried a duffle bag nonchalantly. 

“Hey, don't lose that huh,” Yuji grumbles as he watches him walk. Like Sukuna would drop it on the floor or something. It does look relatively large and packed for a duffle bag, and heavier then most admittedly. 

“Yeah we wouldn't want that,” Sukuna’s grin is almost menacing. “Don't wanna make a mess of things for ya.” 

Mess of things? What could be in that damn duffle bag? 

Sukuna turns around and bids Megumi farewell, “It was nice meeting you,” Charming, but with a bit of edge. Someone with a bit of a kick. It’s definitely intriguing. “Enjoy your night,” and with a smile, and a shove from Yuji he’s out the door. 

“He’s weird,” Yuji’s a bit awkward, scratching the back of his head, "ignore him.” 

“He seems fine,” Sukuna does seem a little strange… and a little bit of bad news, but he’s sure he’s a nice guy. Has to be, if he’s Yuji’s brother. 

“Okay, haha, phew,” Yuji laughs, “worried he scared you off.” 

“Nah,” Megumi isn’t gonna say that Sukuna does actually scream bad news, “He works at the car dealership, right?” 

“Oh! Yeah! He’s a car salesman,” Yuji looks proud, as he makes his way back to the couch, “It’s his own business and everything. It’s awesome, when I was younger I gotta test drive the cars and everything” 

Still…the bruises on his body are a little weird. All he can wonder is if they're somehow connected to Sukuna. “Does work ever get difficult?”

Yuji sits down, closer to Megumi than he expected, “Why? Interested in picking a car and going for a spin?” 

“Perhaps.” it’ll be good if he had a car. He relies on Yuji a lot to drive him around, as a favor. 

“Do you even know how to drive?” Yuji asks. It’ll be an embarrassing question if Megumi felt intimidated by Yuji. But he know’s Yuji is safe, he wouldn't do anything to hurt him or his feelings. Yuji does not have bad intentions. 

“I do,” Megumi laughs. He remembers when Toji tried to get him behind the wheel when he was younger. He was a fast learner, even though Toji was not the best teacher. He’s a bit of a reckless driver. “I’m just rusty.” 

“Ah,” Yuji’s voice is comforting, “I can help you practice,” he shrugs, “If you'd like.” 

It’s very cute. Yuji helping him learn to drive? He isn't gonna say that he was basically running past the speed limit with Toji, and he definitely knows how to drive. “Sure, I’d like that.” 

There’s a moment of silence before Yuji stretches his legs and brings his hands out to stretch them out. Then, like he’s doing a double take, he glances at Megumi’s hands. It seems like almost an idea flushes in his head and he has a mission to do something. Huh. 

Yuji is a bit clueless, and it seems like the other boy is trying to change the ambiance. There’s a little look on his face like he managed a great idea. 

 “Oh,” he says, leaning in, “your hands are so small.” He's holding his palm out like he wants to compare them, “compared to mine.” It’s a dumb move, the most classic move in the book. Megumi almost wants to roll his eyes, but even he gets flustered over this. 

In all honesty, Megumi is melting at this. God, he’s so easy. But also a part of him can't believe this is happening. What the fuck? 

This couldn't be– Yuji cannot be pulling a move like this. It’s a little dumb too. 

Megumi is pressing his hand right next to Yuji’s, and he can’t help but almost stutter. It feels like flirting, it couldn't be though right? But Yuji might be a bit dense when it comes to admitting his feelings, maybe this is just his little way of doing it. Plus, most average straight guys don't compare hands like this. 

Megumi does take a good look at their hands. Yuji’s hands are a little bit darker compared to his own. Must be the tan from his trip. Megumi’s are more pale, his veins showing. But Yuji’s hands are actually larger than his. More bulky. 

“I, uh,” Yuji starts again like he’s a bit hesitant to say the next words, instead clasping his fingers in between Megumi’s– holding their hand together. “Think they look nice together.” 

The blush to Megumi’s face must be obvious cause there's no way this could be platonic. This was endearing, and maybe the worst confession ever, but also cute as fuck at the same time. 

“I like you,” Yuji’s fumbling over his words, “ like a lot,” a breath again, “I really like you Fushiguro.” 

Megumi doesn't even know if he heard the words correctly, “uh,” he’s on the verge of rolling his eyes but his cheeks heating up give him away. His heart is thumping. This can't be serious. 

So when he sees the puppy dog expression on his face, he knows he needs to act, “I like you too, Itadori.” 

Yuji doesn't seem satisfied. “I mean, like more than a friend.” 

Megumi can't help but laugh silently in his head, “me too.”

“Oh,” now Yuji’s smiling, eyeing him like he just won a prize or scored a goal. “Hell yeah, It’s settled then, I’m gonna take you out on a date.” 

Megumi is almost blushing, “where would you take me?” He’s curious. 

God, a moment ago he didn't even know Yuji was into guys and now they're going on a date together. 

“Huh,” Yuji’s body feels closer the before as he scoots closer, "anywhere you'd like.” he laughs, “but…” he reacts almost like he’s thought of this before, “I’d take you to that aquarium, you know, the one all the tourists go too? I've never been.” 

“Oh,” Megumi actually never was himself too actually, “if you’ve been meaning to go, why haven't you?” 

“Always imagined myself going there with you.”

It’s cute, almost too cute, as Megumi melts away with his words. Yuji’s boyish charm is so intoxicating, it’s almost like he speaks without intending to be adorable– but is anyway. 

“That's cute Itadori,” he’s voice is shy, he’s almost worried Yuji won't hear it, “we should definitely go.” 

━

Yuji picks him up in his car, by the time Megumi leaves his house, Yuji is leaning against his car with a bouquet of flowers. 

It’s a bit corny, but he wouldn't have it any other way. Yuji’s a gentleman at heart. When he walks over, Yuji is covering his face with the bouquet– almost like he wants to surprise him.

It’s definitely a sight to see, a cute boy, his boy , leaning against his car with a bouquet of flowers.  

“Thank you,” he’s a bit shy, this is new. Yuji moves the bouquet over to his direction, his face displaying a boyish grin. He’s never been too interested in dating, but he’s been crushing on Yuji for a while. 

“Hope you like them,” it’s a really nice bouquet, and it screams Yuji. He can tell he did some consideration with the flowers, since they're all picked at random. He probably went to the florist and picked out flowers individually. 

They’re a little… mismatched. It’s cute. 

“They’re cute,” he says flustered. It’s sweeter than just a genetic bouquet– but even that would've been something to fawn about. There's some tulips but also chrysanthemums and some irises. Odd combination but cute. 

He doesn't know much about flowers, but he knows that's an odd combination just by the looks of it. Yuji definitely decided to pick up singles and made his own bouquet. 

Yuji gives him some time to place the flowers in some water, and stays put leaning against the car. Once he comes back, he swings the passenger seat open for him. And shuts in beside him. 

Yuji’s own car is a fancier model too, definitely courtesy of Sukuna. He’s fluid with his actions, probably has been driving since he was younger. Megumi feels safe in his presence. 

There’s a little bit of music playing and excitement in the air. Megumi’s been comfortable in his car before, he knows the feeling of the soft leather and the little quirks the car has. Like the storage in front of the passenger's seat that needs a little flick of the wrist. It’s a nice car. Definitely comfortable and Yuji-like. 

Megumi’s always wanted to go to the aquarium. He never saw a reason to go, since it was pretty pricey and he had no real celebration. 

But now, holding Yuji’s hand and observing the fish– he was having a great time. On the first day, Yuji nailed it. 

Yuji is loud when showcasing his love, it’s a new relationship. They're not even dating, yet. So Yuji isn't too touchy and feely and respects his boundaries.

But he isn't scared to lace their fingers together as they walk. Megumi loves that. 

“Do you want something to drink,” Yuji is leaning into him, squeezing his hand a little as they walk past a little kiosk. 

“Sure,” he responds as they make their way across the hall. It’s a small little store, most of the drinks in cardboard boxes and designed with little fish and cutesy stuff. 

Yuji takes a moment to inspect the boxes, “these are adorable,” Yuji’s excited over them as he looks like he can’t decide which one to take. Heh. Lame. He’s lamely adorable. 

Yuji decides on one that's pink with a huge smiling starfish on it. It’s nice that Yuji isn't scared of being himself; like buying himself a cutesy drink at the kiosk stand and sharing it with Megumi, when he asks for a sip. 

Yuji sips out of the drink, eyes wide and full of excitement. Almost like he doesn't believe he's out on a date with Megumi. 

They walk hand in hand, and Megumi tells Yuji random facts. It’s not like he even knows that much. At one point he even started making things up, to see if the other man would buy it. It’s a little cute how Yuji is so naive sometimes, but he’s also very smart too.

Yuji has that boyish charm and confidence that is charismatic. He’s definitely the golden retriever to Megumi’s black cat. 

“This is nice,” Yuji says. They're sitting now. Just watching the eels in the distance. “I never knew there were so many different types of fish.” Hah. Does Yuji think an eel is a fish? Megumi laughs at that. 

Yuji’s a silly guy, the ocean is barely explored and covers more surface area than land. “Yeah, there's a lot.” 

“And they're all so complicated!” Yuji is stroking his hand, holding his hand tenderly. It makes him blush, “and so colorful!” 

“They're cute,” Megumi agrees, “just like you.” They share a laugh and end up walking to Yuji’s car.

Yuji ended up buying him a big stuffed animal. It’s a little silly, but Yuji opens the back door and is about to place it inside before Megumi releases a baseball bat there.

“Didn't know you played baseball, Yuji,” he says offhandedly. It’s a cool hobby. Yuji definitely is the sporty type. 

It’s a good idea that he plays sports. Huh. Looks like a pretty good quality bat too, now that he’s inspecting it. Maybe he’ll feel it out. With a laugh and not much thought, he picks up the bat. 

Then he notices It’s a little heavier than he expected, more so than a regular baseball bat. He’s about to give it a small swing before he notices the bat is dirty… with something? It feels a bit crusty and brown like something has been wacked into something. 

“Uh,” he turns to face Yuji, whos’s face is more serious. It’s a serious and completely different expression than before. It almost makes Megumi startled, it's not like he did anything wrong? “Put that down,” he’s quick with his words. Not giving Megumi a choice or an option. 

Shit. 

Megumi’s a bit confused but whatever, “sure,” cause nothing out of the ordinary happened at all. Which is weird because why did Yuji react like that? So fucking weird. Megumi just hopes he didn't ruin a good night. 

Yuji’s grabbing the bat out of his hands before he can even make another comment, he’s swiping it out of his hands and making sure Megumi doesn't hold it anymore. He gives it a wipe like he's worried about potential fingerprints of something. Damn. It’s not like Megumi’s hands are dirty or anything. 

“Haha,” Yuji says, but he's nervous. His laugh was definitely laced with awkward tension.”Sorry, Sukuna is picky with his stuff.. Let’s head back?” Odd. Maybe, maybe Sukuna does have a thing about personal items. But it’s not he would've known. 

━

Megumi feels like a proper boyfriend. They're barely even dating, but he’s already planning out bento boxes and delivering them to Yuji’s work. It’s domestic and something Megumi has always craved. 

Yuji’s work is a quiet building, in the middle of nowhere. There’s a small parking lot and even that’s empty. It’s a bit secluded in the middle of nowhere. It took him a good three misturns to find the building. 

Still, Megumi is holding a bento box that he's ready to deliver to Yuji. 

Making his way to the door, a huge ‘no loitering’ sign is huge up on the front, and a buzz code to even get in. Yeah, definitely not a space where altercations would occur…. 

He texts his boyfriend that he’s here and loiters at the door to the condominium. Although very empty, it's a very pretty building. Almost oddly so, as it looks way too expensive to be around the surrounding area. Maybe that's why Yuji gets paid so well? 

He sees Yuji walk towards the door in his uniform, he undoubtedly looks handsome in the outfit. Megumi always liked a man in a uniform, he looks good.

“Hey,” Yuji’s words are soft, “you found the place okay?” 

“Yeah.” It’s a bit cold outside, so Megumi hopes Yuji has a microwave for the food he brought him. The rice is probably cold by now. “I uh, brought you something.” 

He digs in his tote bag and reveals the dinner he made, “don't get too excited, it's not too extravagant–”

But Yuji stops him with a kiss on his cheek, the warmth of his lips onto his chilly face makes him blush, “Thank you,” he’s grinning, “If you made it, I’ll love it.” 

That makes him roll his eyes but also have his cheeks heat up. Haha. What if he just bought some fast food and packed it out? Yuji would never know.. 

Megumi is still shy in this new relationship with Yuji, Yuji just spends so much time on him and he’s so endearing, “you're welcome.” 

They loiter in the lobby. Well, Megumi loiters in the lobby. This is Yuji’s job. He’s almost worried that someone would come and kick him out, but Yuji’s security. There's no one else that would do that. 

The building is quiet. You could hear a pin drop. Other than Yuji’s chewing. 

“Slow day, huh?” Megumi laughs.

Yuji responds mid bite, “It’s always like this,” he laughs back. And, oh. Strange. Doesn't seem like a place that'd cause Yuji to acquire random bruises and show up with busted knuckles. 

It seems like Megumi did speak a little too soon. They’re sitting in silence before some man does end up walking in. Hmh, the first guy that he’s actually coming into the complex. 

Megumi’s expecting him to use his key card and walk in, but he just starts knocking at the glass. Consistently. 

“Lemme, uh, get that,” Yuji says as he pushes his chair back and makes his way to the sentence. He walks in silence and Megumi hears his next words clearly in the dead silence, “Can I have proof of address, sir?” 

“I know you work for Sukuna,” the man hisses, “I know what you and your people have been doing,” the man’s words are getting louder, faster, and more intense. “You’re fucking criminals.” 

What the hell? Megumi feels his stomach drop. This must be a misunderstanding. 

“Sir, if you have a problem with my brother, please contact him,” Yuji’s voice is stern. It seems like he wants to say more, but shrugs back at Megumi and then steps behind the door– outside with the man. So Megumi can’t hear anymore. 

So Megumi is just stuck inside, while he watches this man frantically shove at Yuji and hiss at him. Fuck. What a weirdo. Maybe he just wanted a cheaper deal on a car and Sukuna said no?

But there’s a feeling that something is definitely wrong, deep down in his gut. There's too many signs that things are off. He needs to bring this up to Yuji, or do some investigation for himself. 

He will soon. Soon. 

━

Megumi’s been staying over at Yuji’s more often now. It’s nice, he really enjoys being in his space. It’s also a bit domestic. It’s almost starting to feel like their shared apartment. 

Right now though, Yuji is running late. Megumi has stayed the whole day after he slept over the previous night, since he has a day off. He was going to come back anyways after Yuji’s shift. 

So yeah, he’s cooking his boyfriend dinner. He has some low music coming from his phone that is humming along too. Maybe if Yuji was here he’d sneak up on him and hug him from behind and they’d sway together. 

He’s cooking some veggies and meat and is in a pretty good mood. Surprisingly, Yuji has a good selection of spices. 

He’s stuck in his thoughts before Yuji actually walks in. Finally he hears the sound of his shoes at the doorway and the sound of him hanging up his coat. Surprisingly though, he didn't let out a shout saying he’s home. He must be tired. Having dinner would probably be a nice treat.

“Are you hungry?” he’s calling out before Yuji comes in slowly. Megumi is still cooking, his back behind the door as he faces the stove. So he doesn't see Yuji’s face. 

Like he expected, Yuji sneaks up behind him and wraps his arms around his waist. His grip is tight and his head goes to nest on Megumi’s shoulder. 

“Hey,” Megumi sofly responds, Yuji is gripping him lovingly. If anything, almost a tad bit too tight. “Did you have a good day?” 

Yuji’s silent before he feels the shake of Yuji’s hands against his skin. Like they're trembling. “Uh, Yuji?” 

“Can we, uh, just,” Yuji’s voice is weak and barely audible. Like he’s worried about speaking too loud. “Sit down for a second, together?” 

Yuji’s silent and very stoic. It’s honestly kinda scary. He’s unsure what to do. He’s never seen Yuji look like this, or be this serious. What the fuck happened today?

They make their way to the couch. Megumi has dinner on a low setting, so he follows Yuji’s lead to the couch. Yuji is gripping him like he’s worried he’ll slip away. 

He’s about to sit down, before Yuji basically tackles him and lays down with him, “can you just…?” And he’s holding onto Megumi like a lifeline. His whole body is shaking and he feel’s Yuji trying to control his breathing. 

“Uh Yuji, are you okay?” He needs a response, anything, what the fuck is going on? 

Yuji doesn't even answer, it's almost like he's shell shocked. Fuck. Did he see something? Did he hear some bad news? 

He waits out the silence, but it almost sounds like Yuji is silently crying. Holy shit. Maybe someone died? Is Sukuna okay? 

Yuji's whole demeanor is different. He looks like he seriously did something wrong, seen something, or experienced something intense. Megumi’s trying to piece something together. 

Yuji refuses to talk or say anything, so all Megumi does is softly hold him and comfort him the best he can. He'll just bring it up to him in the morning. 

The next day, Yuji wakes up first. “Morning ‘Gumi,” and he’s throwing an arm over him as he cuddles in closer. His voice is clear, nothing like how it was last night, “Let’s go out for breakfast today.” 

“Uh,” Yuji was just crying yesterday and crying in his arms. He’s acting like nothing happened, “Are you sure?” 

Why would Yuji want to leave? He was distressed yesterday. He’s acting like nothing happened. God, even being around happy people could be triggering– is he sure? Leaving the apartment is not a good idea.. 

“Yeah! Why wouldn't I? Let’s do something nice,” and then Yuji is kissing the side of his cheek and making his way out of bed. With a little humm Yuji makes his way to the bathroom with a  confident walk and stance. 

Maybe he just doesn't want to talk about it. He should give Yuji some time. Yuji makes his way to the bathroom and he hears the shower water running. Hmh. Megumi should get dressed. 

They spend the time getting ready, Megumi’s in some casual attire and so is Yuji. Nothing too serious. But it’s like nothing has ever happened. Yuji didn't bring up yesterday and how he was breaking down in his arms last night. 

“Yuji,” he should just bring it up, he’s worried, “So, what happened yesterday?” 

And to his surprise, Yuji just shrugs, “nothing.”

Megumi doesn't want to drop it. He’s never seen his boyfriend that upset. Even when they were young back in highschool, Yuji never cried like that. But he’s not gonna pry, if Yuji doesn't wanna share yet– maybe he’s not ready. 

It’s fair. He needs to give him some space. 

Yuji never brings it up again. 

━

A couple of weeks later Megumi stayed over once again, but sadly he has to leave to go to work. Yuji does too though. 

“Hey, I was heading out to the clinic,” Megumi says, before he slips on his shoes. “I was kind of hoping maybe you could give me a ride?” 

“Oh,” Yuji’s puppy dog expression is shining, “I really would, but I forgot to mention. I’m only picking up the car tonight. I could pick you up after though?” 

Yuji’s car has been getting cleaned for about a week now. He’d think as his brother owns a car shop, they'd be quicker with his own family's car but alas. 

“Sure that'd be nice.”

Yuji does end up picking him up, he can spot the sleek car from a distance. It’s cute, being picked up from work, Megumi doesn't take Yuji’s little actions for granted. 

The moment he steps into the car he smells a brand new feeling. Oh, they did a good job. No wonder it took over a week to clean. 

Yuji’s smile is bright and he leans in to kiss him on the cheek. “Hey, was your shift okay?” 

“Yeah,” in all honesty, Megumi is tired. He goes to place his stuff in the compartment in front of the passenger's seat. Usually there needs to be a little flick of the wrist to open it, but this time he opens it with ease. 

“Oh, they even fixed the compartment?”

“Huh?” Yuji is a little surprised, like he didn't even know. It almost seems like he’s about to question him further with a confused expression on his face, before he nods, “Uh yeah! They did the whole car.” 

“Oh,” Megumi exhales, “nice,” as Yuji smiles back now more comfortably and places a hand on his thigh, as he drives away. His hand feels warm against his skin and Megumi feels himself relaxing to his touch.

But the more he sits in the car, it doesn't feel the same. Surely, they couldn’t have even fixed the worn out feeling of the leather, which now feels more new and harsh. To exchange the whole interior would be insane, at that point Yujis should've just gotten… a new car.

Whatever. He’s definitely imagining things. He can’t be this hypocritical of his own boyfriend. If Yuji said they fixed up the car, they must've really done a seriously amazing job. There’s no reason he would've just exchanged it for the same exact model? 

“You okay?” Yuji says as he goes to squeeze his thigh, “tired?” 

“Ah,” Megumi doesn't even wanna voice his concerns, “yeah,” he settles with. 

“I’ll make dinner then,” and with another caress to his thigh, Yuji drives off back to his apartment.

He should mention the other night again. The idea that Yuji was so distressed is still on his mind. 

“How are you? Feeling a bit better..?” He smiles at the other man, “It must be nice getting your car back!”

Yuji's casual response is, “I’m always good ‘Gumi,” as he squeezes his thigh. Fine, he’ll drop it for now. 

━

Yuji should've been home hours ago. Why is he only coming in now? The apartment is dark. Megumi barely has any lights on, he should have been in bed a long time ago but he can't sleep. The spot next to him is empty and Yuji hasn't responded in hours. 

He’s sitting in silence. Just waiting. He doesn't know how much time has passed. As he hears the doorknob start to move and the door opens. 

And Yuji’s back home. The lights snap on and Megumi goes to look in the direction of the door. Finally.  

But he’s covered in blood. Fuck. He’s beat up. There's some blood dripping from his nose as his eyes look black like he’s just been punched. The expression on his face is aggressive, like he just saw a ghost. He looks truthfully awful. What the actual fuck happened?

There's wiped off blood of his face and his clothes look like they're been in an altercation itself. Poor Yuji! What should he do–

“Yuji, what the fuck? Are you okay?” Did he get jumped? Oh God, his poor baby. “Should I call the police?” He’s already grabbing his phone and ready to dial the number. He’s already opening the lock screen, his own hands are shaky. 

“No,” Yuji is stern in his response, almost too fast. His voice is deep and stern. Then he takes a breath and says something a bit less harsh, “I’m okay. It looks worse than it actually is.” 

“Yuji,” he’s honestly scared and worried for him. Something is going on and whatever it is, it’s serious. It has to be correlated to Sukuna, the man that screamed at them at Yuji’s work was awfully suspicious and that was just a few days ago. This can't be right. No normal person wouldn't have gone to the hospital. 

How the hell did Yuji get home? Was he walking around in public like this? He goes up to the other man and tries to take his hands. Yuji just needs to get some professional help and see a doctor. When he grabs his hand, he feels the calluses like Yuji has been gripping something tightly. 

“I’m fine,” Yuji’s voice sounds unlike him. He’s almost–scared. 

Holy shit, what the fuck? Maybe Sukuna actually is a criminal and Yuji is involved in something. 

“Yuji,” he feels like screaming. What the hell? 

━

Megumi’s digging through the cupboards, drawers, anything. Anything. Anything that’d explain what’s going on. He likes Yuji, he’s even loved him before dating him. Their relationship is special, and now that they're dating– he wants to be in love with him. 

He’d be damned if the perfect guy is somehow under wraps with something sketchy… fucking Sukuna. It has to be him. 

There’s no way that Yuji could be doing anything weird without him knowing. 

Yuji just went to pick up the takeout, Megumi being a little too tired to get dressed, and to save a buck they decided to pick it up themselves (or rather Yuji) then have it delivered. 

Just yesterday, Yuji showed up looking like he killed someone.

Little did Yuji know, Megumi planned it out like that. He’s not actually tired, more like the opposite, his mind is going miles a minute. How could he be tired when he’s scared shitless for his boyfriend's life? 

Fuck. he needs to give this a rest. Yuji’s about to be here any second. He doesn't find anything incriminating, but he knows it’s there. It has to be. Maybe if he went to Sukuna’s bedroom? 

It’s all Sukuna’s fault. He knows this. He’s scared for Yuji. There’s no way Yuji is doing anything purposely bad. Yuji wouldn't hurt a fly. 

With a breath he made his way over. He tries to unlock Sukuna’s door, but he’s met with a lock and the door doesn't budge. Fuck. That’s where he probably keeps all the weird things. But a door that locks from the outside. He has to be right!  

But what is he even doing? This is ridiculous. He can’t be storming his boyfriend's apartment in hopes of finding something mischievous and intending to find something sketchy… 

Yuji would be back at any moment, he can’t seem distressed. Maybe he should just talk to him? Yeah. He’d do that. 

He takes a deep breath and goes to sit down. God. Yuji is a good guy. He’s a catch! Sukuna and Choso are the only family he has, he can’t be questioning his only family. 

There has to be a rational explanation for this. 

Yuji shows up a while after, walking into the room with a little happy whistle. Megumi’s leg is shaking and he’s thinking about how he’ll start the conversation. Megumi almost feels bad. 

Yuji is smiley, as usual. “They didn't have thin noodles so I got thick one’s instead. I hope that's okay?” 

After he settles in a little Megumi starts, “Yuji, I have some…concerns,” he isn't sure how to word this. There’s a grave look on Yuji’s face.

“..about the noodles..?” Megumi isn't in the mood for Yuji’s cuteness and maybe it shows in his expression. “You're not like, breaking up with me right?” 

Megumi for sure isn't doing that, “of course not, I'm just worried about you.” he takes a deep breath, “What the fuck happened yesterday?–”

Yuji is quick to respond, “nothing Megumi! Some guys tried to rob me but I'm okay I promise!” He stands up straight, “see!” 

Megumi sighs, that’s definitely not everything. “ever since you came back from your vacation, you've been having weird bruises and I’m really worried about you.” 

Yuji’s expression is grave, he’s looking at him deadpanned, Megumi continues, “and honestly i’m scared Yuji. I’m scared for you! What the hell is happening?” 

“--especially with Sukuna. I don't know, maybe it's cause I don't know him well, but I'm worried he might be bringing you into something troublesome–”

But Yuji’s eyes are still kind, but almost like he’s shocked that Megumi has noticed or maybe he’s just puzzled he’s bringing this up. Maybe Megumi should've said nothing.

“Oh, that. Uh, I guess you may be on to something with Sukuna being a bad influence,” Yuji laughs a little, in an uncomfortable way, “he’s starting to get into..boxing…and like, I have no experience whatsoever, but he wants me to fight against him.”

“What the fuck, Yuji? Boxing?” He guesses they could do that but that still doesn't explain everything. “This all can't be linked to boxing ?” 

“You know how brothers are? Plus he’s my older brother and I really don't have the heart to say no to him,” Yuji shrugs. “Plus, that one time I got robbed. Like genuinely!” 

“But like, are you guys safe?” That still doesn't explain the odd baseball bat or the weird items Sukuna and Yuji have around the apartment. 

“He’s always into some weird hobbies,” Yuji’s voice goes down like he’s afraid of Sukuna overhearing, “I think he’s having an early mid-life crisis.”

Megumi doesn't like the sound of this. 

Yuji’s giving a good look. “You know, the reason why he wasn't in my life before was that he was running with a bad crowd, but he’s really better now. He’s trying.” 

That does make sense, it makes more sense than whatever Megumi was thinking. At least Yuji is admitting to something. “He’s a good guy Megumi, I swear this is all weird circumstances.” 

Yuji’s right. He’s just scared. Scared of commitment and being with Yuji and looking for something wrong. 

Sukuna is a good guy, he shouldn't judge him for his past. 

But that still doesn't explain why Yuji shows up bruised and beat up and crying on the verge of trembling. “But what about all the blood? That's not normal.”

“Ah,” Yuji stutters a bit, “You know how I said Sukuna has a bad past? We had some altercations with some guys, he even went to court. It was nothing serious! He was found innocent but the other guy got locked up so now his friends are kinda.. After Sukuna.” 

“Oh,” Yuji’s story does make sense. “Be careful Yuji, I don't wanna lose you.” Yuji can't be lying, he looks so earnest and sweet. 

He’s got a great boyfriend, he’s got the one guy he really wanted. There’s nothing more to it. He knew he should've bought this up earlier. Yuji’s an honest guy. 

━ ━ ━

Yuji’s hates working late, especially when Megumi is waiting for him at home. His heart skips a beat, how he managed to get Megumi surprises him to this day. 

He heads to the sink, his hands are a mess and he makes sure to not touch anything. Just like Sukuna trained him. 

The blood washes straight off into the drain. Fuck, he hates getting his hands dirty. 

There’s not much to do left. Over the years he’s been getting better at dismembering body parts.

“You're done yet?” Sukuna’s voice startles him as they're standing in the garage of the condominium. 

The fact that Choso owns a whole condominium to do his business out of is insane to him. But shit, most of his job is standing around guarding the place. It’s like, the most sketchy headquarters ever. But, it’s not like there's anything too sketchy about it to an outsider. 

Choso is a landlord, coincidentally, who rents out the building to a select few. 

“Yeah,” Yuji responds back. The body that he dismembers is gonna be disposed of by Sukuna. He rather not think about it. It’s gotten to the point that he doesn't think about it. It's a family business. 

Sukuna’s tattoos are darker in the room, against the bright industrial lights. It has to be bright in here to ensure that everything is cleaned up. 

“I have another job for you,” Sukuna pats him on the back, almost like he’s satisfied with the job he’s doing.  “I need you to go scare some guys.”

He doesn't ask why they need scaring, he’s at that point where he just gets directions and follows through. Who knows what Sukuna is up to. 

“Sure,” he sighs. Yuji almost wants to groan, could he do it tomorrow? Megumi is probably in the apartment wondering where he’s at… “send me the address.” 

“Atta boy,” Sukuna hands him a slip of paper, “don’t be afraid of doing some physical damage,” he laughs, it sounds dry and bitter, “you did well last time.” 

Last time, Yuji almost felt bad. But then he remembers these guys aren't good either. Sukuna deals withs scrum, and Yuji just helps out– a bit . 

“And don’t worry,“ Sukuna laughs, “I’m innocent, remember?” 

Yeah. The whole case that occurred this summer. Sukuna was sentenced to a trial and he, Yuji, and Choso had to attend. It took almost the whole summer. 

Sukuna was accused of robbery. And of course, Yuji, the good brother he was, was the alibi. Sure, Yuji knows he runs a sketchy business, most of the cars he sells are stolen but fuck, compared to the other things he does– stolen cars are nothing. 

“And have fun with it,” Sukuna adds with a smirk, “you could take your boy on a nice trip with the money.” 

Yuji lets out a sigh. But the idea of taking Megumi out somewhere warm is motivating. He cracks his knuckles and prepares to text Megumi he’d be late. In the meantime, he’ll mentally zone out and finish his tasks.  

Because at the end of the day, Sukuna isn't wrong.  Christmas is coming up. Maybe they’ll go to Maldives? 

Yeah, that’ll be nice. He smirks to himself, as Sukuna tosses him the car keys. He’ll be quick.