Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Megumi isn't sure exactly what time it is when his phone starts ringing, alerting him of an incoming FaceTime, but he knows it's too late --or too early-- and someone better be dead or dying to warrant such a call. He blearily opens an eye and sees his sister's name Tsumiki Fushiguro blinding him with light in his otherwise dark room. He accepts the call, scowling, and groggily answers.

"It's nearly-" He squints at his phone's clock. "-3AM my time, in case you forgot. Who died?"

Tsumiki doesn't answer immediately, which causes alarms in Megumi’s head to go off. He blinks his eyes rapidly, willing the sleep away. She sniffles softly. He finally focuses on her face and sees how red and blotchy her tear-strewn cheeks are. He sits up. "Why are you crying?" A lead ball of anxiety settles in the bottom of his stomach. "Did someone actually die?"

Tsumiki sniffles again and shakily reaches off-screen and brings a small white stick into view. He squints harder, unable to make it out. She exhales shakily. "I'm pregnant."

Megumi's jaw drops. "Wh-what? How?"

It's ridiculous, obviously, he knows how , but his brain is struggling to keep up and his brain-to-mouth filter is practically non-existent.

Tsumiki wipes her eyes with her sleeve and Megumi watches as the humor appears in her eyes. She sniffles again and huffs out a laugh to herself, then puts on a very serious expression. "Well, Megumi. When a mommy and daddy love each other very much--"

Megumi groans loudly and dramatically, cutting her spiel off. Tsumiki laughs, bright and teasing. He uses his free hand to rub his temples. She's still sniffling, but Megumi’s shoulders relax a little as she laughs. "I mean, like...Are you happy? Were you guys trying for a baby?"

Tsumiki fiddles with her sleeve a little and lets a small sigh escape her. "Well, we had been trying, but it'd been over a year and nothing..."

The gears are finally turning in Megumi's sleep-deprived brain. He suddenly remembers an important obstacle. "Didn't your husband just accept a job overseas for six months? Why would he do that if you were trying for a baby?"

Tsumiki flushes a little. "Well, uhm...He departed a few weeks ago...And well, we may have gotten a bit carried away."

Megumi instantly gets the picture. "Ah."

There are few things Megumi would like to hear about less. He's certain his sister's sexual habits take the cake for things he really would rather not know about. But, he knows she needs him right now so he grits his teeth and slips into an easy face of indifference for her comfort. He shifts to turn on his bedside lamp, which engulfs the room in much-needed warmth.

She stutters a bit, suddenly looking shy. Now that she can see his face, she knows his perceptive eyes are monitoring her. "And- well, uh, I really should've noticed sooner, but I wasn't really tracking, and next thing I know I'm barfing at the smell of pork I'm making for dinner."

Megumi grimaces. "Gross."

"Yeah. Tell me about it." She throws her head back dramatically, staring up at the ceiling. "The whole kitchen is contaminated. I'm not sure how I'll be able to go in there again."

Tsumiki lives at their family house, which is situated on one of the many venues their adoptive parents own. The property is nestled in the outskirts of Tokyo and spans several hundred square meters of land; it's actually one of the smaller plots their family owns, but it is in the perfect location. Their old family house is lavish but is tucked towards the edge of the property. The venue itself is nice, sprawling with lush greenery and astounding landscaping. Tsumiki and her husband had been doing some remodeling, but he knows his old bedroom is exactly as he left it. He nods to himself, instantly deciding what he's going to do. As Tsumiki continues rambling, concerned about the lingering pork smell and describing ---in far too much detail--- her vomiting episode, Megumi simply looks at when the soonest flight out is departing and purchases his ticket.

"Where's Gojo and Geto?" He interrupts. 

She hums and places a hand on her chin, thinking. "Uhhhh. Oh! They're in Kyoto; one of the properties there needed some maintenance before wedding season starts, so they're overseeing it."

Megumi nods and starts considering his options here. If Gojo and Geto are six hours away, they won't be much help for Tsumiki; and Megumi's flight back will take nearly two days. He hums, mouth downturned. Then, he remembers that his dear old best friend Nobara Kugisaki owes him a favor or two and conveniently should be free to step away from work. After all, it's mid-March, and baseball season hasn't started yet so he's certain she's bored out of her mind writing whatever stories she can conjure up until then.

"I'll send Nobara a text. She can come and toss the food for you and maybe you guys can enjoy some dinner together. How's that sound?"

Tsumiki blinks at him, clearly shocked. "Wh-why would that be necessary?"

He rolls his eyes. "Someone should check up on you. You look clammy and pale." He ignores Tsumiki's offended gasp. "Plus, Nobara is a certified dishes professional if there's food involved. Let her come over and dump what you've started, you can open a few windows, then you can have company for dinner. Preferably without pork."

After all, Megumi did all the cooking back in their college days so Nobara, in a rare display, easily accepted dish duty. Plus, Nobara can be easily swayed when Tsumiki's food is involved. They have always been close and friendly with one another, so this would be a good opportunity for them to catch up. Ever since Megumi set out to travel the world for his photography, he's been a bit absent in both of their lives, and he's certain they haven't seen one another in a while. Plus, Nobara does owe him a favor. So before Tsumiki can disagree, he sends off a quick text, which is instantly answered with a thumbs-up emoji. He feels his body relax and lets a small smile slip onto his face. Nobara has always been reliable and not one to ask many questions, which Megumi is always finding himself grateful for.

"She said yes. She'll be there soon." He says simply.

Tsumiki sputters again. "I didn't say yes, Megumi! You said it yourself, I look terrible, I don't need company!"

"It's just Nobara. She will probably offer to do a face mask too while she's there. Just take it easy." He insists, then shifts gears. "Who else knows about the pregnancy?"

"You're the first one I told." Tsumiki replies, tears beading down her cheeks once again.

Megumi feels his chest tighten and tears threaten the corners of his eyes. Even after all he puts Tsumiki through, she's always considering him, and Megumi can't help but feel he takes that for granted. In that moment, Megumi decides he needs to step up and be supportive --not just through late-night phone calls and grainy video calls-- actually be there with her for this precious moment. She already seems to be glowing, despite looking sick, and Megumi feels in his soul that she will be the best mom ever.

He decides to be honest and sentimental, for once. "You're gonna be such a good mom."

Tsumiki practically wails, blubbering with tears fully streaming down her cheeks. Her words die in her throat as the tears keep coming. Megumi clears his throat, suddenly feeling awkward, but Tsumiki knows him. She sniffles. "Thanks-" Sniffles. "You're the-" sniffles. "Best brother, ever."

Megumi feels himself flushing and looks away. "Yeah, whatever." He mumbles, barely audible. He knows she knows him better than anyone. So he leaves it there and waits patiently as she pulls herself together. Once the tears finally stop flowing and Tsumiki seems more settled, Megumi quickly ends the call by complaining about being tired, which she easily accepts and waves him off after thanking him for contacting Nobara. Though, in truth, he won't be sleeping much at all until he lands back in Japan.

Megumi frantically packs his belongings, which thankfully isn't much. He only has a small amount of clothing, toiletries, his laptop, and his camera equipment. The camera equipment itself takes up a majority of his luggage, but he was here in the Galapagos specifically for photography-related business. He had spent the better part of his twenties traveling, but he had been feeling homesick recently and he reasons that Tsumiki's pregnancy is a sign that he should be back in Japan. However, he shudders to think about being back around his family with their constant prodding and nagging about him and his love life, amongst other things. Megumi’s thirtieth birthday looming over him is enough on its own to send him into a spiral about his life. Specifically, his lack of a love life. Though Megumi had dated around in high school and college, he never was able to find someone serious afterward. Of course, traveling as often as he did meant that Megumi always had a convenient excuse to keep any possible romantic partner at arm's length.

Unfortunately for him, his adoptive parents are the picture of sickeningly sweet, over-the-top love and romantic gestures. They love love and everything romance. Hence, why they started their own wedding company decades ago: Heart & Soul Wedding Co. Megumi grew up helping the family business and it's actually how he discovered his love for photography. He spent his teenage years fiddling with any camera he came in contact with and interrogating the business's professional photographer, and their family friend, Kento Nanami.

When Nanami ultimately left Japan in pursuit of his goal to live more simply in Malaysia, Megumi stepped into the profession during college and started polishing up on wedding photography. This brought endless joy to his fathers, simply having the family all work together made them very happy. Tsumiki still works as a wedding planner to this day, so, in a way, it feels like things are going back to how they used to be. Megumi wouldn't mind doing wedding photography again, though he'd have to brush up on trends on Pinterest and in wedding magazines, he still holds a special place in his heart for his first craft.

Megumi hums thoughtfully to himself and takes one last look at his hotel. He's only been in the Galapagos for a few months, but he always has a sense of sadness leaving some of the beautiful locations he gets to shoot at. He mentally prepares for the early morning boat ride and nearly twenty hours of flying ahead of him and shuts the door behind him.

The flight back to Japan is arduous and Megumi feels more like he was hit by a train than had sat in the same seat for a prolonged period of time. He trudges up the unnecessarily long driveway with his suitcase following behind him. His eyes feel as if they're moments away from falling out of his skull and his feet feel weighed down by lead. With the time difference, it is already evening in Japan and though he considered against it, Megumi had the forethought to stop at a supermarket for some easy dinner ingredients. He easily unlocks the front door and is instantly met with chaos. He hears Nobara's distinct voice yelling and the smoke alarm screaming. He leaves his suitcase by the door and rushes into the kitchen where a pot is boiling over onto the open flame and smoke is everywhere. Nobara stands with her back to him, blowing at the pot and waving a towel.

He clears his throat. "What is going on?"

She yelps and spins around, wielding the towel like a weapon before deflating at the sight of him. "Jesus, Megumi! What the fuck?"

Her brows knit together in confusion, but Megumi moves her to the side to turn off the stove and move the pot off the heat. He grabs the towel from Nobara's hands to start cleaning up the mess but Nobara punches him in the shoulder, hard .

"What was that for?" He scowls as he starts wiping up the mess.

Nobara huffs and crosses her arms. "Tsumiki was worried sick about you! Did you not tell her you were coming home? She was calling you non-stop."

Megumi halts his movements. Huh. He never did tell her his intentions, did he? He remembers hardly anything from the end of his phone call that night, but now that he's thinking about it...He realizes he never did say anything. And his phone had been off from the moment he left his hotel. Oops. Megumi instantly feels guilty and his eyes must betray him because Nobara punches him again, much softer this time.

"I'm glad you're back. Even though you're kinda dumb." She sighs and moves to sit on a bar stool at the kitchen island. Megumi rolls his eyes, though she can't see him, she laughs to herself a bit. "You never change, huh?"

Megumi shakes his head but smiles despite himself. He definitely missed having Nobara around. It was one of the few downsides of his profession, he feared. The few people he genuinely cared about all stayed in Japan, which makes visiting them easier, but he can't help the guilt that follows him on his long spans of travel. He doesn't visit nearly as much as he should.

"Where is Tsumiki?"

Nobara's been typing away on her phone while he cleaned up her mess, but she looks up at him. "Oh! She's probably still in the bathroom. Poor girl. She hasn't been able to keep much of anything down. She seems super sensitive to smells right now too. The last few days have been rough."

Megumi frowns. He doesn't want her to dehydrate or lose too much weight. "Should she see a doctor?"

Nobara nods. "Yeah, she's got an appointment, but over the phone, they said there's not much else they can do for her besides prescribing an anti-nausea. Hopefully, it's just an early side effect of the pregnancy, but who knows."

"What has she tried to eat so far?"

Nobara hums thoughtfully. "Well, pork is a no-go. And I'm pretty sure beef is not good, if that pot is anything to go by, it was gonna be nikujaga before she ran off to the bathroom. We haven't tried chicken, but eggs made her barf too."

Megumi grimaces. He can't help the pang of regret he feels, he knows Tsumiki has a lot on her plate and he's certain the stress of him suddenly going ghost exacerbated her worry. He taps his foot impatiently as the wheels in his brain turn, trying to think of any remedy. He remembers the grocery bag he left with his suitcase. "Hold on, I might have an idea."

He brings the grocery bag to the island and spills its contents. He bought miso paste, tofu, mushrooms, and ginger. Nobara goes back to her phone as Megumi gets started making a simple miso soup. As he's cubing the tofu, he hears a door down the hall open and Tsumiki's soft voice rings out. "Sorry Nobara-chan, I really thought the beef would work out. Ughhh."

Her voice gets louder as she gets closer to the kitchen and Megumi stops what he's doing. "I'm not sure what we should do for dinner-"

Tsumiki's eyes widen when they finally land on Megumi. She suddenly launches forward and collects Megumi in a bone-crushing hug. It relieves him that she has enough energy to bounce around and squeeze him so hard. He hears her sniffles against his chest. He lets out his best annoyed sigh. "Don't snot on my shirt, please."

She giggles softly before smacking his chest and pointing at him. "You! You need to learn how to communicate better! I thought the news of you becoming an uncle had driven you to some jungle madness or something!!"

Megumi rolls his eyes, but she continues while waving her arms wildly. "A simple text could've been good enough, Megumi. You should've sent a screenshot of your plane ticket. Something! Anything!"

He hears Nobara snicker at the island and shoots her a death glare. "Yeah, it slipped my mind at the time. My 3 AM brain was barely functioning."

"Mhmmm." Tsumiki shakes her head. Then her eyes soften and she gathers him up in a much more tender hug. "I missed you, baby brother."

Megumi feels the embarrassment creep up his neck. He pats her back awkwardly. He mutters. "Yeah, yeah. I missed you too. You wanna eat or are you gonna barf some more?"

Tsumiki snorts. "You flew all this way for me. You can drop the fake attitude."

She sticks her tongue out at him and he sticks his out too. Then she cranes her neck, looking at the pot on the stove, and sniffs experimentally. "What is it?"

"Just miso soup. Nothing fancy."

She hums and moves to sit at the island with Nobara. Nobara puts her phone away and starts banging her fists on the island. "Food, food, food! Serve us, Megumi!"

Megumi rolls his eyes but pulls out several sets of bowls for soup and rice and dishes out everyone's portions. He listens as Nobara and Tsumiki idly chatter behind him as he finishes cooking. The content feeling comes rushing to Megumi all at once and he's sure now that coming back home was a good decision; his earlier exhaustion is completely gone. Despite all his bickering, he did miss Tsumiki a lot, and it feels good to be helping her for once.

He gently places each dish in front of the girls before grabbing his own food and sitting between them at the island. Tsumiki gives her thanks and takes an experimental sip of the soup. He and Nobara wait with bated breath as she takes a deep breath, smiles, and then digs in for another bite. Simultaneously, they exhale. Megumi takes this as a huge win, Nobara visibly relaxes and looks much more pleased as she turns to her own food.

Megumi feels fulfilled, knowing his sister is eating and his best friend is right next to him. He sits and silently eats as Tsumiki and Nobara's chattering fills the air once again, their laughter brightening the whole space. They continue to chat even after the meal is finished, bringing out magazines as Megumi gathers their dishes to clean. As he diligently scrubs, Nobara suddenly snaps her fingers and directs her attention to him.

"Oi, Megumi. How long are you gonna be home for? I want you to meet Saki and Hana eventually."

Megumi stops his washing and turns, drying his hands and trying to place the names. Ah, that's right. Nobara's team at work consists of her, her photographer Hana Kurusu, and sports analyst Saki Rindo. Nobara works as a sports reporter, which is how she chooses to utilize her degree in journalism. Though it started as a hobby in college to follow Maki, her crush at the time, to any and all sports games, a spontaneous internship offer kept Nobara busy learning the ins and outs of the industry; she must’ve found a good enough contact to stay with sports reporting over her dream industry at the time, fashion. Megumi hums thoughtfully, his schedule is clear for the time being. He'd heard of Saki and Hana through the years, but never actually had the chance to meet either of them during any of his visits home due to one thing or another. The idea of meeting new people spikes his anxiety slightly, but he knows he should meet the people close to Nobara eventually.

He swallows back his nerves. "Yeah, sure, whenever I have time."

Nobara rolls her eyes. "Nuh-uh. I'll find a time, you show up! I know you don't have any plans yet. Therefore, this is the priority!"

Tsumiki covers her giggle behind her hand. Megumi scoffs but doesn't argue. He knows better than to test Nobara and she is well aware of that.

Nobara smirks before she pulls up the calendar on her phone. "Well the season starts soon, the teams have their final Spring Training games at the end of this week, then a break week, and then the season officially starts the first week of April." She sighs. "It's gonna be really busy after that; finally some action! For you too, huh Tsumiki?"

Tsumiki glances up from the magazine she was paging through. She twirls a strand of hair around her finger. "Hm. Well, yeah, but we have quite the staff to help with wedding season. Especially now that Megumi is home. I'm sure he's dying to get some wedding shots for his portfolio, right?"

The tone Tsumiki is using is more playful than serious, but she doesn't realize how truthful her words are. Megumi never got far enough to explain his plans. So he nods. "Yeah, that was the plan actually."

Tsumiki gasps and claps her hands together. "You mean it?" When Megumi nods again she smiles big and bright. "It'll be just like old times! Oh, I'm so excited!"

"So, how about we go out to this new cafe I've been dying to go to during the break week? I'll invite Saki and Hana and as their boss, they have no excuse to say no." Nobara says, clicking through her phone.

Megumi hums his agreement, not that he actually has a say. If he said no, Nobara would have his ass. Nobara keeps clicking away on her phone and he hears a few notifications come through before she exclaims. "A-ha! All set. It's officially in the calendar, no backing out!"

She points a finger at Megumi and her eyes glint dangerously. He holds up both hands in mock surrender. "I have no reason to back out, relax."

She turns to Tsumiki. "You're invited too, big sis. They have crepes on the menu!"

Tsumiki laughs at Nobara's wiggling eyebrows. "I appreciate the offer Nobara, but I'll leave all the fun to Megumi. I'll likely have my hands full with Gojo." She places a hand thoughtfully on her chin. "I still gotta plan a way to surprise announce the pregnancy to them, too."

Megumi's eyebrows shoot up. He's surprised that Tsumiki has been able to keep it under wraps for so long, he figured their adoptive parents were already in the know about the pregnancy, but he guesses the news is better delivered in person. "Remind me what day you're planning on doing that so I can avoid the house at all costs." He deadpans.

Tsumiki scoffs. "You can handle being around Gojo for one day! I need your help!" She widens her eyes, pouts her lip, and blinks rapidly at him. "Please?"

Megumi rolls his eyes for what feels like the hundredth time today. He missed this. "Fine."

Tsumiki squeals with enjoyment. She and Nobara go back to their magazines while Megumi finishes the last of the dishes he'd left. They talk animatedly about the surprise and Tsumiki laments about her husband missing out on the action, but Nobara’s company is enough to keep the cheerful atmosphere alive.

Megumi briefly excuses himself to unpack in his room, which, as he expected, is exactly as he left it. Though he can tell it's been well taken care of --dusted and aired out regularly-- it feels strange somehow. Like a time capsule. His old photography remains pinned on the wall and his minimalistic style is etched throughout. The bookshelves remain as he left them and he runs a finger down the spines. He quickly folds and hangs his clothes, rearranging his drawers to reincorporate some older staples he left in favor of luggage space.

The calm quiet of the room wraps Megumi up in a sense of nostalgia. The last time he was in this room long term, he was fresh out of college and wide-eyedly planning his exploration into the unknown. Now, here he stands, with thirty looming over him like a shadow. Inescapable and ever-present. Megumi feels his skin crawl just thinking of all the things he should have done by now. Societal expectations that he's been avoiding for years now; marriage being the biggest subject. The thought has been rattling around in his brain for a while now. How he ought to seek out a long-term partner. How he ought to follow Tsumiki's carefully laid blueprint of finding a nice man, getting married, and planning a family together. He's been thinking about marriage a lot recently; would he even want to get married? Would he even be able to find someone to marry?

His rapidly spiraling thoughts are interrupted by Nobara's shouting. "Megumi! I'm leaving! Be a gentleman and walk me to the car!"

Megumi's lip curls in a slight smile as he huffs. "Yeah, yeah."

As he walks back to the living room he can hear Tsumiki profusely thanking Nobara. "I'm so serious, Nobara-chan, I'm not sure how I would've survived without your help. You're a real lifesaver and I'm in your debt."

He watches Nobara scoff and wave her hand. "No worries, you're family. My only request is that you help me get Mister Antisocial out of the house sometime!"

She throws her head back laughing as if she told the funniest joke. Megumi clears his throat. "Haha, very funny. Let's go."

Tsumiki scoffs at him and smacks his arm lightly in reprimand. Nobara, unphased, quickly gathers Tsumiki in a big hug before pulling on her coat.

Megumi follows her out to her car as she hums lightly to herself. When Nobara gets to her door, she throws it open and places her purse inside. Then she leans against the open door frame, placing her chin on her crossed arms. Her eyes are scrutinizing as they scan Megumi over. He raises an eyebrow and she laughs lightly.

"Maybe you and Hana will get along. You guys are kinda similar, but she's way more timid. She's kinda cute though, if you catch my drift."

Megumi sighs, he should've known she would immediately try to set him up with someone. "I'll keep that in mind, I guess?"

Nobara scoffs, standing straight. "Megumi, I'm glad you're home again, but I wanna use my connections while I still have them!" Megumi's eyebrow arches, what could that mean?

"I have a feeling things are gonna change a lot this year. So -" She points her finger at him. "I want you to consider it when you meet Hana. She could be your type!"

"You want all of your friends to date before you?" Megumi remembers how adamant Nobara used to be about having a girlfriend before he got a boyfriend.

She tsks. "Who's to say I'm not dating?"

Megumi doesn't bother hiding his genuine surprise. Nobara hadn't mentioned it before. Before Megumi could get a word out, she continues. "I wanted to wait for you to meet her in person, but it is kind of lowkey. For professional purposes, of course."

He nods, understanding what she's hinting at. Their relationship isn't public because of work. Maybe they're colleagues? He's surprised that Nobara is keeping something so trivial hidden, not only from the world but from him too. It must be more serious than she's letting on. The pang of something hits him in the chest. Something he can't quite name. Before he could think too hard about it, Nobara closes her car door and envelopes him in a warm hug. Her arms go around his neck and she pulls him down, he wraps an arm around her back.

"Thanks for checking on my sister these last few days." He murmurs.

Nobara pulls back. "Don't mention it. I had fun, well, minus the cleaning up puke part." Her nose scrunches. "But seriously, it was fun, and now that I know Tsumiki is pregnant and you're staying in Japan for the time being...Expect random house visits from me!"

"They're not random if I'm expecting them." Megumi says simply. Which Nobara punches him in the arm for. Though Megumi can see the affectionate way her eyes glint as she huffs out a small laugh.

"Whatever. I'll text you the details for the cafe later."

She flips her hair over her shoulder and opens the car door again, he watches her sit and place fashionable sunglasses on her face before blowing him a kiss. Megumi nods and watches as she starts the car and turns out of their driveway. He brings his hand up in a small wave as she drives off.

When he walks back inside, he finds Tsumiki bundled up on the couch with some romcom playing on the TV. She looks up when he comes in, pulls an arm from her cocoon, and pats the cushion next to her, signaling him to sit. He plops down next to her and her eyes knowingly narrow. Megumi suddenly feels the crushing weight of Tsumiki's perception, she's one of few who can pick him apart so easily.

"What's been bothering you?" She asks gently as the bubbly introduction scene of her movie plays in the background.

Megumi swallows. He doesn't wear his worry or concern on his face, but Tsumiki knows his tells. She knows when he's lost in thought and what the implications of such absentmindedness usually means for him. The weight of coming home has slowly built up on his back, on top of his previously building concerns about aging and the worries of falling behind. Falling behind in love, falling behind in life.

He lets out a long sigh, there's no use trying to hide it, even if he isn't sure he can admit his feelings to himself yet. "Well, I'm feeling a bit...behind."

Her eyebrow raises, urging him to continue. "In certain aspects of life. Maybe it's only hitting me now being back home again, but I'll be thirty this year Tsumiki and I don't have the things people my age usually have."

"Like what?"

He clears his throat again, willing the discomfort away. "I guess...Love. Or, a meaningful romantic relationship of some sort."

She smiles at him with that smile that makes him feel like all of his troubles are gone. "Turning thirty isn't a death sentence, Megumi. Look at me! I'm over thirty. Thirty isn't the cause for a life crisis."

Megumi raises an eyebrow. "You called me nearly every day asking if your hair was turning grey or when you thought you were seeing wrinkles by your eyes."

She gasps. "That's not the same!"

"Right. It's not the same. At least you had a husband when you turned thirty." He says.

"So, you want a husband?" Tsumiki says it so simply, like it's the easiest feat in the world. He isn't even dating, let alone getting married.

"No. I didn't say that."

She hums and points a finger at him. "It's what you implied!"

He crosses his arms over his chest. Is that what he wanted? He does want to try to get more serious about dating, that's for sure, but he never considered what comes after. Marriage? Children? His head starts to hurt just thinking of it. He can't admit it to her yet, but he's always wanted a peaceful life. Getting to pursue his photography, coming home to someone he loves, and domestic bliss; a simple reflection of how he was raised. He had always considered that lifestyle as one he wanted but never allowed himself to pursue. Why? He knows logically thirty isn’t some magical time for him to get his life together, but he had been pushing this feeling down for so long.

He exhales a long sigh. "How far along are you anyways?"

Tsumiki turns to face him, her eyes narrowed and disapproving, but whatever is written on his face --his soul-- makes her sigh and sit straight again. "Well the doctor will confirm it, but probably six or eight weeks."

He hums. He'll have to swing by the bookstore sometime and grab a few books on pregnancy. Hopefully, he can find some good recipes to try too. She continues. "Wanna finish this movie with me?"

He grunts, the movie only just started. "Yeah, okay."

The movie plays, but Tsumiki turns back to him. "I think you should hang out with Nobara more. It might help with finding someone to date. Just saying."

He scrunches his nose. He isn’t sure how hanging out with Nobara would help, maybe just to meet more people? But if she gets wind of him trying to date it'll no doubt be trouble for him. "I'll think about it."

"Hmph." Tsumiki huffs, turning back to the movie. Her hands lovingly rest on her stomach and Megumi lets himself settle, desperately willing the anxiety bubbling under his skin to settle.

Megumi keeps his eyes glued to the screen, watching the young protagonist girl yelling at her friend. She slams a door shut and bangs her head back against the shelf behind her, chanting. "I want to be thirty! Thirty, flirty, and thriving!"

Megumi scoffs. "Only a thirteen-year-old would wish to be thirty."

Tsumiki laughs softly and moves to rest her head on his shoulder. "Shhhh! Keep watching."

By the end of the movie, Megumi is fighting to keep his eyes open. Tsumiki is snoring softly, no doubt drooling on him. He lets a small smile play on his lips, his worries can wait for another day.

Chapter Text

For the next several days that Megumi is home, he spends his time doing one of two things: studying wedding magazines or frantically trying to find a meal that Tsumiki can eat.

While the miso soup he made on his first day home remains a meal she can keep down, Megumi is making it his mission to provide some variety and additional nutrients for her. He had picked up a few books about pregnancy, which helped to effectively worry him into a hole that Tsumiki had to gently coax him out of after finding him spiraling while reading about hyperemesis, electrolyte imbalances, and vitamin deficiencies. They walked to the market that day and picked up several electrolyte jellies and supplements.

While Tsumiki had been able to keep down liquids, most foods he offered her ended up in the toilet. She luckily hasn't lost a significant amount of weight, but Megumi worries nonetheless. He's standing in the kitchen, hovering over a simmering pot with pregnancy meal #17 pulled up on his Pinterest when his phone rings.

Nobara's name flashes on his screen, which is quickly answered, so his recipe is unobstructed.

"Yeah?" He answers, not bothering to keep the frustration out of his voice.

"You already sound annoyed, it's far too early for that." Nobara's critical voice replies. Megumi can hear the chaos of Nobara's small office in the background, with multiple voices layering over each other and loud typing. It sounds bustling and chaotic, as he'd expect for the start of baseball season.

Megumi rolls his eyes. It is well into the afternoon, thank you very much. "Whatever. What's up?"

Nobara laughs somewhat nervously, and he can tell she is multitasking based on the sound of shuffling papers close to the speaker. "Well, I was kinda hoping to catch you at a good time. I need a favor." Megumi groans. "Before you complain, it is really important!"

Of course, Nobara did help Tsumiki when she needed it. Megumi lowers the heat on the stove and takes a calming breath. He shouldn't let his concern for his sister simmer over as frustration; he mentally chastises himself.

"What's the favor?" He asks slowly.

She lets out a wavering sigh. "Well, tonight is the final game for Spring Training." Megumi hums. "And, well, my photographer Hana is sick. Extremely sick. So sick I can't even force her to show up to work without risking vomit on my nice shoes."

"There's been far too much vomit for comfort recently." He replies simply, still unsure of the favor she's asking.

"Ugh. I know, right? Wait, hold on-" Megumi hears her muffled yelling. He waits patiently, calmly stirring his pot and measuring out some ginger. "Sorry, sorry. It's kinda mayhem right now. Well, anyway. My favor! I need you to come be my photographer for tonight, please. Please, please!"

He stops. That's it? "Uh. Yeah. Sure."

Nobara's silent on the line for so long that Megumi has to check to make sure the call didn't disconnect. "Nobara?"

"Huh. I didn't think you'd agree so easily!" She squawks.

"It's just some photos, right? That's fine."

She hums. "Well, yeah, but I thought I'd have to have Tsumiki force you out the door. How is she, by the way?"

Megumi sighs. "She's eating what she can, but we are trying out lots of recipes." He wipes his hands off and picks up his phone again. "When do I need to be there?"

"Oh, meet me at the main stadium at 5:30. I'll meet you-" The background voices get louder again, and Nobara sounds further from the phone. "Oh, shit! Sorry Megumi, I gotta go!"

The call disconnects. Megumi blinks. It's nearly 4:30. If he wants to be there on time, he needs to leave now. An exasperated sigh escapes him as he hurriedly orders a taxi to come pick him up. He looks down at his clothes, since he'd been meal prepping all day, he hadn't bothered to get dressed nicely. He's in sweatpants and a dirty shirt. He runs a hand through his tousled hair as he assesses his plan of action. Firstly, the stove is turned off and a lid is placed on the pot.

Then, he rushes down the hall to his room to make himself presentable. He washes his face, runs a comb through his hair, and spritzes some cologne on. It's late March, so the temperature during the day has been comfortable because the lingering chilly air is warmed by the sun, but as the sun sets, the temperature feels more frigid, and the wind kicks up. So, Megumi opts for a light sweater layered over a plain t-shirt with jeans. He grabs a jacket too, just in case, before slinging his camera bag on his shoulder.

He pats his pockets to ensure he has his phone and wallet as he walks towards Tsumiki's office across the house. He sticks his head in the door. "I'm going to see Nobara. I'm not sure how long I'll be gone, but there are some snacks in the fridge for you and broth on the stove."

Tsumiki looks up from her desk, scrutinizing his appearance before a soft smirk appears on her face. "Ooh-la-la, you're finally going out? Thank goodness for Nobara-chan, she's a lifesaver!"

Megumi rolls his eyes. "It's for work, but yeah. I'll see you later."

Tsumiki giggles and waves. "Bye, have fun!"

The taxi is just arriving as Megumi walks out the door. The baseball team that Nobara covers is their local team, the Tokyo Onitsuka Tigers, so the stadium is only a thirty-minute drive. Luckily, Megumi should be there just in time.

As the taxi pulls into the stadium parking lot, Megumi can't help but notice how full it is. He had expected an empty lot, but it was nearly half full with more people still piling in. Huh. This was just a Spring Training game, so why are so many people here to watch? He didn't really keep up with sports, especially not since being abroad, but this team must be really good or something. Nobara must have a fun time getting all of the fan interactions and engagement online, Megumi thinks.

Megumi pulls out his phone and dials Nobara's number, but he's sent straight to voicemail. He huffs, annoyed at the lack of direction he has here, but starts walking toward the stadium. If there was somewhere Nobara wanted him to be, she should've told him.

The stadium itself is a large and towering, rounded brown brick building with endless windows and stadium lighting encircling the top; large banners with sponsors are neatly hanging off the sides and lightly flutter in the wind. The large sign above the entrance reads 'Tiger Stadium' in bold yellow. There are numerous art sculptures that Megumi notices fans standing in front of for pictures. One is the team's mascot tiger statue, which is cartoonish and large with its yellow coloring and white and black striped baseball cap.

Fans flock to the ticket box, standing in line wearing their own jerseys and caps. Megumi waits in line to buy his ticket, enjoying people-watching as fans enter the turnstile after handing over their tickets. It seems as if most of the fan jerseys have one number in particular emboldened on them, number eighteen. He pushes the information to the back of his mind as he's called up by the box attendant to purchase his ticket.

After passing through the turnstile himself, he walks a short path to the entrance and finds himself entranced by a massive fountain and adorning architecture. The air feels cooler as the fountain water mists and catches in the wind. Megumi startles out of his admiration when a group of fans squeal loudly, making him wince. He inches closer to investigate, simply following the swarm into the building's entrance.

Inside, floor-to-ceiling arched windows circle the main foyer. A gift shop to the left is bustling. Megumi notices life-size standee cutouts of the team's current roster players lined up for people to take selfies with. A large group of women gathers next to one of a particular player more than others: a man with a pink undercut wearing an eye-crinkling smile, throwing up a peace sign with one hand and holding a baseball in the other hand down by his hip. Megumi raises an eyebrow, noting the jersey number—eighteen, again—to ask Nobara about later, and continues through the crowd, searching for an entrance for the media.

Searching the signs above, Megumi decides to head out to the field rather than fight the crowd to find where the media would be. He's sure he would be able to get some decent shots until Nobara managed to find him. He heads up the escalator, admiring the old photos of previous team lineups that line the walls. The smell of popcorn and fried foods wafts through the air as he gets closer to the concessions. Televisions line nearly every surface of the food court; the screen is currently displaying a slideshow of the players with their stats.

Megumi walks further and spots the open doors to the stairs that lead down into the stadium; the setting sunshine illuminates the hall. He could walk through and find his seat, but a nagging feeling that Nobara would be pissed if he didn't try to find her after all hits him. He sighs and fishes his phone out of his pocket, ready to call Nobara again in hopes of her actually answering, when someone's hands roughly grab his shoulders from behind. Megumi tenses up, but Nobara’s laugh instantly relaxes him.

"I was just about to call you again. You know phones only work when they're on, right?" He says as he calmly turns around to face her.

To her defense, her face scrunches in remorse. "Yeah, my phone died, and I left it in the office. Whoops!" She grins, this time looking less sorry about the inconvenience. "But! I had faith you'd find your way, you're a smart cookie after all."

Megumi grunts and falls in line next to Nobara as she walks off, leading him further down the hall instead of through the doors. Her heels clack as they walk, and he notices she's dressed more formally than he would think necessary: black slacks, and a black buttoned blouse that's fashionably tucked into her pants, covered with an athletic windbreaker jacket that Megumi is certain isn't hers. Suddenly, she stops and whips her purse around, digging through and pulling out a lanyard with the word 'MEDIA' printed around it. He bends down slightly as she throws it around his neck.

"Is it always this busy for these kind of games?" Megumi questions. Training games don't count for the season, so it doesn't really make sense to him why it would be so packed.

Nobara turns to him, smiling big and mischievously. "Oh, don't you worry about that! This kind of turnout is pretty unusual, buuuuut-" She drags the word out for several seconds longer than necessary. Megumi raises an eyebrow. She places a hand on the center of her chest. "Yours truly has the inside scoop, which may have been featured in an ominous tweet. Said tweet may have gone semi-viral in anticipation."

Megumi is fully lost. He can't even begin to piece together what she could be referring to. "So, you're saying all of these people are here because of you?"

She finally leads him to a door with a 'MEDIA' sign adorning it, humming as she swipes her keycard. "Well, it's just a hunch." She shrugs casually. "People love a trusted source, aka moi."

Megumi shakes his head, still not following.

"Whatever." He huffs. She's ridiculous sometimes.

Nobara holds open the door for him, and he walks through, instantly awe-struck by how huge the stadium is from this angle. Looking at the building from the outside doesn’t convey just how large it is, especially seeing the scaling bleachers climbing up and surrounding the diamond. The grass on the diamond is an unreal shade of perfect green with reddish dirt outlining the path to each base and piled up for the pitcher's mound. The sun has set low on the horizon, painting the sky beautiful hues of red and purple. Stadium lighting filters in, encasing everyone in bright fluorescents.

Megumi is overwhelmed by how loud it is; the home side of the stadium is bustling with fans who are chanting and waving banners from the bleachers. The away team has a fair share of supporters, but it's obvious from looking that the home team's fans are expecting something exciting, something to warrant a huge turnout. There is a jumbotron at the furthest end of the diamond, directly behind second base, currently showing live footage of the crowd and cartoon tigers dancing to the music blaring throughout the stadium.

Nobara is grinning beside him and takes a deep breath. "Ah, the smell of victory." She turns to him. "It never gets old!"

Megumi crosses his arms. He doesn't understand what she's so excited about, but he's slowly losing his patience. "Where do we set up?"

Nobara clicks her tongue. "You're so impatient, hasn't anyone taught you that's rude?"

Megumi scowls at her, and she simply rolls her eyes, shaking her head. "Fine. This way to the press box, Your Highness!"

Nobara leads him off to a designated area behind home plate, a small shed-like building with several window panels and a fenced rooftop. The door to the press box is located at the top of concrete stairs behind the building, sectioned off from the bleachers with a simple chainlink fence. Nobara leads him up and opens the door to a nice, small air-conditioned loft space. A long desk is attached to the wall right in front of the windows, with office chairs and notepads neatly aligned. Two big-screen televisions are on either side of the room, both showing live coverage of the game.

A girl who looks to be Nobara's age with dirty blonde hair is already sitting in an office chair facing the windows. She turns when she hears them enter and gasps, standing up. The first thing Megumi notices is how her hair is parted, with swooping bangs covering her right eye, and the left side of her hair is pinned back with a tiger-striped clip. Her outfit is more casual than Nobara’s, sports joggers and a plain black polo, but she looks well put together. Though she seems like the tough and rumble type based on her aura alone.

"Ah! Welcome to the Press Box! Isn't it cool?" Both her hands come up to her shoulders, balled up in fists, and she bounces on the balls of her feet. Megumi nearly flinches at her sudden burst of energy. Her voice is loud and boisterous, with an accent that reminds Megumi of delinquents in school.

Nobara tsks. "Manners, Saki." She chides, albeit more gently than Megumi would expect her to. He squints and purses his lips, instantly suspecting something is off.

Rindo straightens up, then dips her head in a small bow. "Ah, right! My name is Saki Rindo, and I'm a sports analyst for the Tigers. Nice to meet you."

Megumi bows back. "Megumi Fushiguro. Likewise."

"Me and 'Bara have been working together for a while. She's mentioned you a lot!" Megumi shoots Nobara a look. Bara? Nobara whips her head away, intently staring at nothing, obviously ignoring him and his analyzing gaze.

Rindo smiles big and continues on her previous escapade. "Anyways! Isn't this place so cool? It has everything we need to do our work, which admittedly isn't a lot, but it's still fun! We've been doing this for years now, so I was thinking you could set up by this window here-" She walks over to a window near the furthest side, which has a nice view of the home team's dugout, the bullpen, and the batter's box. Megumi nods along, noticing the light green gem pendant on her choker flailing as she gestures wildly.

Suddenly, all of the puzzle pieces start to connect in Megumi's mind. He thinks of the facts he knows about Nobara's secret girlfriend. She specifically said their relationship was secret for professional reasons. It was obvious to Megumi when she said it that Nobara was referring to a coworker. Plus, the nickname that Megumi has never heard anyone use for Nobara, who very much always rejected the use of nicknames the entire time he's known her. Then, Rindo's pendant. Light green. Peridot? Nobara's birthstone? It's definitely her. Megumi whips his head over to Nobara, raising an eyebrow and hitting her with a knowing look. She instantly understood, face falling slightly before composing herself. Her hand slices across her neck like a mock blade, threatening him into silence, which he scoffs at.

He tunes back into what Rindo is explaining to him—she is still standing at the window, pressing her fingers to the glass as she points to specific players— but suddenly an automated announcer's voice rings out from the speakers.

"Attention, ladies and gentlemen, the game is set to start in five minutes. Please find your seats at this time."

Rindo claps her hands together. "Duty calls! See you guys after the game!"

She gathers up a few papers that were scattered on the desk and grabs a clipboard. She waves as she opens the door. "Oh, and Fushiguro; enjoy the game! Our team is gonna kick ass!"

Once they hear the door close, Megumi immediately walks over to Nobara, who is still staring out the window. He crosses his arms. "So, Rindo, huh?"

Nobara huffs and visibly deflates. "Is it really that obvious? What could've possibly given it away?"

"Hmm." Megumi pretends to think about it. "I wasn't exactly sure, but your reaction gave it away."

She clicks her tongue and smacks his arm, with a noticeable blush blooming on her cheeks. "Whatever! Get to work, slacker!"

"This feels like a violation of managerial power." He mutters as he goes to set up his camera in the corner anyway.

Nobara settles in an office chair and hums softly, filling the easy quiet between them as she types away on her laptop. Megumi diligently wipes the lens of his camera and sets up his tripod. "Aren't photographers usually on the field?"

Nobara stops her typing. "Oh, well, yeah, sometimes. Our pressbox has a roof, so we can go up there. It's all preference, though, so if you're trying to check out the players, we can go out to the field." She wiggles her eyebrows, and Megumi scowls, which she ignores. "Since this game doesn't really count for the season stats or anything, technically it's not all that important, but!" She smirks. "I happen to know that tonight's game is gonna be a showcase of the official lineup and...well, a little birdy may have informed me of a special guest. A fan favorite, if you will."

"Fan favorite?" Megumi questions. He isn’t sure how a fan favorite could be a special guest in baseball. Maybe a celebrity is coming to throw the first pitch? But, before Megumi could press the question further, the televisions in the room start to broadcast as both teams run out onto the field.

The home team carries a flag with the team's logo on it, and they line up to greet the away team, who are also carrying their own flag. The away team is dressed in red jerseys, with navy blue pants, while the home team is wearing their signature white and black striped uniforms. The teams line up, and then the starting notes of Kimigayo pour in through the speakers. Each player removes their hats, holding them to their chests, and the crowd stands in the bleachers. Nobara stands, but hunches over and continues to scribble a few notes on her notepad.

Megumi steps close and snaps a few shots of the teams lined up. Then, once the national anthem finishes, he takes various moving shots of any players on the home team as they run back to the dugout. He clicks through a few of the photos, opting to adjust his shutter speed for clearer movement shots. The announcers start introducing the teams.

"For our home team today, the Tokyo Onitsuka Tigers are led by head coach Utahime Iori." A tall and slender woman with long black hair stands by the dugout, raising her arm in a wave. She's wearing a polo with the team's logo on the right chest, similar to Rindo's, with a white long-sleeved sleeve layered underneath. Megumi notices she has a long scar spanning the right side of her face across her nose. He can't imagine how she could've gotten such a big scar, but shrugs it off; it isn't any of his business.

"Coach Utahime has been the coach for the Tigers for over a decade. This will be her 14th season with us!"

Rindo is standing next to her and hands over a headset and the clipboard she was carrying earlier. The announcers continue to announce various members of the management team for both teams. Megumi only half-heartedly listens, choosing instead to focus on testing out some shots on the crowd while he waits for the actual game to start.

In baseball, the visiting team always bats first, so Megumi is excited to get a few action shots of the basemen and the pitcher. Though regretfully, he thinks the most interesting shots won't be until their team is at bat. The announcers introduce the team members one by one, some of the names Megumi vaguely remembers from the various slideshows he'd seen throughout the stadium.

Suddenly, the crowd seems to cheer louder, Megumi sees yellow pom poms and a large cheer squad all dressed in yellow clothing. At the head of the cheer squad is a tall woman wearing her hair in high pigtails; she's holding a plastic megaphone in one hand and leading a cheer. The cheer squad starts stomping their feet loudly, then as a player walks to the home plate, they all throw up their arms in a flex, screaming: "Todo! Todo! Todo!"

Megumi follows the player, Todo, who is dressed in catcher gear, and his face guard is lifted. He is huge; if Megumi had to guess, he'd say he's well over six feet tall, broad, and muscularly built all over. He faces the crowd and flexes both of his giant arms, which causes the cheer squad to scream louder.

"Tigers catcher, Aoi Todo, always brings the heat and a show to the diamond." The announcer chuckles. "Before the match, he spoke with our reporters and claimed that he and his brothers would bring the Tigers all the way to the championships this year. We hope that prediction rings true!" The announcers laugh along as the cheer squad continues their chants.

Megumi takes a few shots of the cheer squad; he thinks their team spirit would fit in well as filler in any article. They're all coordinated in dress and have face paint on, they're holding up various signs and waving pom poms, too. Megumi also gets a few of Todo's goofy dances —mostly intended to flex his muscles— that are encouraged by the crowd as he goes to settle at the batter's box. The announcers continue to announce the defense players, and Megumi easily grabs a few good shots for each introduction.

Megumi glances over at Nobara, who is doodling on her paper now. "So who is this special guest?"

Her head shoots up, and her eyes instantly glitter. "Oh my gosh, Megumi! You'll have to wait and see. Yuji is, unfortunately-" She sticks her tongue out, fake gagging. "-a crowd favorite and is the ace of the team."

Megumi raises an eyebrow, confused. "If he's the ace, how is he a special guest?"

Nobara sighs. "Well, last season he was injured pretty badly. He only played a few games before he had to have surgery, and, well, he's been recovering this whole time. Everyone thought he would just retire since he's about to turn 29, and he had been avoiding interviews and appearances the entire time he was gone." She smiles deviously. "Until now, that is!"

She clicks a tab on her laptop and turns the screen to Megumi. It's an article written by Nobara titled: Star Player Yuji Itadori Returns to the Mound? Sources Say Yes!

He looks quizzically at her. She smiles bigger. "Yuji is my biggest contact for this team. He's gonna be here tonight! That's why everyone is here!"

She sighs dreamily, throwing her hair over her shoulder. "Not only do I have pretty privilege, but also trusted journalist privilege! Ah, aren't you jealous, Megumi? The people love me!"

Megumi scoffs, turning back to the field and snapping more pictures. "Yeah. I'm seething with envy over here."

Nobara throws a pen at him, which he easily avoids. Megumi does find himself slightly impressed at Nobara's reach; she always had a knack for getting people to listen to her, and having such an important contact seems like a big deal. But Megumi isn't one to inflate her ego further, so he keeps his eyes on the field.

"Finally, Tigers pitcher Kaito Yuki, who is still relatively new to the mound. Coach Utahime confirmed that this will be his first full season as a starting pitcher; at twenty-one, he will be one of the youngest starting pitchers in history!"

Megumi watches as a tall and lean, younger-looking man walks up to the mound. As the young man walks, he seems wobbly— as if he could trip over his own feet at any moment— and his shoulders are practically glued to his ears. He must be nervous, even though this isn't an important game; his image is an important one in this sport. Especially if the ace is supposedly returning tonight.

Nobara sighs. "Kaito always has a rough first inning. His nerves tend to get the better of him. Poor kid. He's still young, though, so he's got some time to work through it, but he's gotta get over it eventually. Nobody likes a scaredy-cat on the mound, especially not Todo!" She sighs again, resting her head on her propped-up hand.

Sure enough, Nobara predicted it. Kaito consistently throws balls, allowing the first two opposing batters to walk. Todo stands from his catcher position, signaling to the umpire. A timeout is called, and Todo runs up to the mound. Megumi sighs as he watches. He always thought sports were boring, but especially baseball. Even in high school, where baseball is considered the most important sport and several students dedicate themselves to it, Megumi was never interested and only knew the basics of the sport. He always thought games took too long, and the various chants gave him a headache.

Todo walks back to his position, and Megumi watches the third batter walk up as the play resumes. Kaito turns, takes a deep breath, then lifts his leg to a 90-degree angle, cranking his arm back before launching the ball and whipping his leg down. The pitch finally connects with the bat, and Megumi watches as the defense comes alive; the ball is hit and bounces towards second base, and the baseman immediately runs from the base and scoops up the ball. Megumi watches in awe and confusion as the ball is thrown, zipping between players as they get an out and keep the runners from advancing for a point. Kaito pitches again, again, and again. Successfully managing to prevent a runaway inning, seemingly loosening up after whatever Todo said to him. The away team managed two points before Kaito got three batters out. They switch.

Megumi settles into a chair as he clicks through the shots he has. Nobara is scribbling more notes, watching the play from another angle on the television. The next six innings pass them by in a blur. Megumi continues taking his photos, occasionally sitting next to Nobara and aimlessly clicking through his phone as he waits for this endless game to finish. Suddenly, he hears the crowd go wild, erupting in screams, blowing horns, and chanting.

Megumi stands again, craning his neck to see what caused the commotion, when Nobara chuckles. "Took them long enough."

She points a finger toward the bullpen. Megumi's eyes dart over to see the famous pink-haired man from the standees earlier. He enters the bullpen and pulls an arm across his chest in a deep stretch. Megumi watches, momentarily entranced as the man does his warm-up. He's pretty tall and incredibly muscular; you can practically see every arm muscle jutting out of his sleeves, just looking at him has Megumi's thoughts running wild. He shakes his head. This man is likely married with kids already, and so, Megumi forces his thoughts to settle down as he looks away.

Nobara gets up from her chair, gathering up her notepad, before gesturing for Megumi to follow her. He grabs his camera off its tripod and climbs behind Nobara up onto the fenced rooftop. The brisk wind whips against their cheeks, and Megumi thanks himself for bringing a jacket as he clutches it close. Nobara's hair flies around, and she scowls, frantically trying to tie it up. There are several chairs on the roof, and the pair gets comfortable as they wait for the ace to take his spot.

The away team finishes pitching, leaving the score 8 to 5 with the Tigers holding the lead as they head into the seventh inning. The teams switch, and the shift in atmosphere is almost palpable as the pink-haired pitcher runs to the mound. Fans in the bleachers start a new cheer, one Megumi realizes is specially crafted for the ace, and Todo claps him hard on the back as he runs onto the field.

"What a treat for this afternoon, folks. Ace pitcher Yuji Itadori is taking the mound for the first time since his major injury last season. He's well-known and loved by fans, and his stats earn him praise as one of the best in the league. He was gone for quite a while, so let's see how he holds up as he finishes out the game."

Yuji scrapes his foot on the mound several times, then turns into his pitching stance, hands coming together in front of his chest. He smacks the ball against his gloved hand a few times and he takes a deep breath. His left leg comes up into a high arch, nearly pressing into his chest, his upper body twists, and his arm cranks back. Megumi watches closely and snaps a few photos of him as he moves fluidly. It's obvious in the way Itadori moves how much effort and practice he puts into his craft. As the pitch is thrust forward, Yuji's bent leg drops down and bears the brunt of his weight as he twists, the force of the throw has his right leg flying up behind him. The whole stadium feels silent as the sound of the ball hitting the catcher's mitt reverberates.

The umpire waves his arms. "Strike!"

"Wow! He threw out a 160kph pitch like it was nothing! The batter had no chance!" The announcers have unfiltered awe in their voices.

Megumi doesn’t realize he is holding his breath and slowly exhales. He can't help but feel impressed and turns to Nobara, who has a massive grin on her face. There are still two whole innings left after this one, which Megumi would prefer not to sit through, no matter how impressive their ace Itadori is. "I got some good shots of your ace. Can I leave now?"

"No way! You gotta meet Yuji!" Nobara scoffs. "Plus, don't pretend like you weren't checking him out!"

Megumi looks away, suddenly interested in the settings on his camera. "Very funny." He deadpans.

She quirks an eyebrow. "How is that funny? If you think he's hot, I can happily introduce the two of you. I'm generous like that."

"You're telling me Itadori is single?"

"Um, yeah? Why would I offer to hook you up if he wasn't? He's a hot commodity, always has people lining up to date him-" She makes a disgusted face. "-But he's super devoted to his craft. I don't think he went on a single date while he was recovering." She shrugs. "Don't ask me, he's super weird."

"And you think I'm somehow interested in super weird?"

Nobara barks out a laugh. "Megumi, my dearest friend, you are weird. It's like a match made in heaven."

"Don't think I forgot about you and Saki." Megumi says, shifting the conversation and choosing to ignore Nobara. He feels smug as a rare blush blooms on Nobara’s cheeks.

"We aren't talking about me right now! You have the opportunity to meet Yuji and maybe hit it off! Or make it a hookup, whatever you like." She says, waving her hand.

Megumi scrunches his nose and chooses to deflect again. "If he's so great, why don't you date him?"

Nobara pulls off the most revolted look Megumi thinks he's ever seen her make. "Even if hell froze over and Yuji and I were the only people left to repopulate the planet, I still wouldn't. Ew."

"So you're trying to set me up with Itadori, but the mere idea of you dating him means the end of the human race?" Megumi's voice drips with skepticism.

She sighs dramatically, throwing a hand up. "Yuji is more like...an annoying little brother to me. Sure, I can agree with his conventional attractiveness and all of that, but the thought of dating him myself makes me want to vomit. You, on the other hand? He's hot and your type."

Megumi directs his attention back to the field, locking in on Itadori on the mound. His eyes scan over his figure once more, and, well, he is obviously Megumi's type physically, but there's more to it for him. Megumi's always been like that; he never felt fully invested in a hookup but needed something more. Especially now that he's decided that he wants to find someone willing to settle down, he wonders if Nobara knows this about him through her years of witnessing Megumi's habits. Megumi's eyes can't help but wander back to Yuji's muscular arms, though. Then, even from the side, Megumi can see Itadori's sturdy, bubble butt that perfectly fills out his uniform pants. It also doesn't help his case that Yuji is unfairly handsome as well. Chiseled jaw, big eyes, and a boyish charm that he couldn't quite find the proper words to describe. He's gorgeous. Yuji's big, warm smile beams as he waves to fans as the team goes to switch sides.

Wait. Have they finished already?

He glances at the scoreboard—still 8 to 5. Yuji didn't let them score a single point. Huh. Nobara clears her throat, bringing Megumi's attention back to her and their abandoned conversation.

Megumi scowls to cover his blush after getting caught so obviously ogling. "What makes you think he's my type?"

Nobara tsks. "Come on, give me some credit! We've been best friends forever, now you think I don't know your type?" Megumi huffs. "Just meet him, you'll see. He might check all your boxes!"

Megumi grumbles, but sits back and starts taking photos again. He guesses he can wait through the last few innings; he's already sat through most of the game by now anyway. He thinks of what Tsumiki would say; she would encourage him to check this Yuji guy out, especially since she knows about Megumi's slip-up confession that marriage is in the cards for him. Something he is still unable to admit or even utter aloud to anyone else yet. He does his best pretend-sulk as he ignores Nobara's victory claps and happy shimmy, but he's sure she can see his smile from where she is.

Chapter Text

As Megumi sits through the final innings, he has to make a conscious effort not to drool anytime Itadori is on the field. And unfortunately, Itadori is almost always on the field. It's simply unfair how good he is at this sport. Not only is he the best pitcher in the league, but he has a fifty percent batting average and is consistently stealing bases. He's already run home for a point, easily sprinting through a play. His white uniform is half streaked with red dirt, and his face is sweaty and dirty, but he's somehow all the more handsome for it.

Megumi internally berates himself. Relax, be cool, be calm. He's just a man, a sexy, strong, buff, beautiful man, but a man nonetheless.

As Megumi takes his last few shots of the evening, Nobara is busy chatting away beside him. She is bragging, once again, about how much traction her article about Itadori brought their news station, hoping for a raise for her efforts. Megumi hums along as she watches him gently put away his equipment, clicking her pen incessantly.

Ultimately, the Tigers beat their opponents 14-5, easily walking away as the victors. The teams line up to shake hands once again, respectfully bowing, then turning to thank the crowds for cheering for them.

Megumi and Nobara stay seated long enough that the stadium starts to slowly empty and the bustle of voices fades out toward the exit. Nobara stands up and digs through her bag momentarily, shoving her notebook inside before she gestures for Megumi to follow. He follows behind her, down the stairs and out of the pressbox as she makes her way towards the home team's dugout. The stadium lights are blinding in the near darkness of the evening, Megumi squints against the harsh lighting. Nobara leans up against a post with one hand tangled in the chain fencing. Megumi absent-mindedly kicks the red dirt beneath his feet, anxiously stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets as they wait for the players to head back to the dugout.

Before long, Itadori runs up to where they're standing, waving with both hands like an excited child. A big smile cracks his face, eyes crinkling with its force. "Hey, Nobara, gimme, like, 10 minutes, and I'll meet you in the conference room."

Nobara simply nods and pushes off the fencing. Megumi notices Itadori’s head tilt when he sees him, but Megumi simply grips his camera bag strap and follows behind her.

Nobara walks through the stadium with practiced ease and leads Megumi back down the long hallway they were in before. Instead of following all the way back down towards the concessions, she turns down the opposite way and leads him to a new door labeled 'Interview Rooms'.

She scans her keycard, and the keypad flashes green, and the door clicks unlocked. Inside, there is another massive-looking foyer, decorated in more Tigers gear, with several open windowed rooms full of press. Each room is labeled with a number, and Nobara walks to room three, opens the door, and gestures for Megumi to come in. The room is cramped with a green screen area with lighting set up and a desk facing outward to several seats. Nobara quickly pulls the curtains closed, shutting out any wandering eyes.

Megumi settles in a chair closest to the desk as Nobara wanders over and gets her own equipment ready for the interview. She plops a voice recorder and a notebook on the desk before sitting next to him. They sit in comfortable silence while they wait. What should've only been ten minutes, according to Itadori, feels more like thirty, and Megumi spends his time flipping through a book he had in his jacket pocket. Nobara breaks out a bag of snacks, some chips that smell strongly of sweet processed cheese, and munches on them while doodling in the margins of her notebook.

Megumi is just about to complain, of the smell and how long Itadori is taking when, finally, there's a patterned knock on the door before it opens. They both turn in their seats to greet him.

Seeing Itadori on the mound proves to be a disservice to his beauty, Megumi notes. He's dressed simply in a hoodie and joggers with a backward baseball hat to conceal his pink locks. The man is tall with broad shoulders that don't make him seem too bulky and well-groomed, and his eyes, wow. A soft honey brown that accentuates the sun-kissed tan of his face; they are intently trained on Megumi. Then, he smiles. A sweet, small, almost shy smile that nearly knocks the breath from Megumi’s lungs. Get a grip!

"Is Kurusu-san sick? Or did you finally rope another photographer into your crew, Nobara?" Itadori speaks, his voice smooth and confident.

Nobara huffs and crosses her arms. "You said ten minutes! We've been waiting for, like, an hour!"

Itadori's hands come up in surrender. "Sorry, sorry! Todo kept me for longer than I thought. But, I did manage to bring these for you."

He digs into his athletic joggers pockets and produces a handful of small candies. Megumi withholds his judgment, hoping Itadori knows some secret to speeding the process along. Nobara grumbles but holds her hand out and easily accepts the peace offering, much to Megumi’s surprise.

"Hana got sick. This is Megumi." She says before quickly unwrapping a candy and popping it in her mouth.

Megumi bows his head. "Megumi Fushiguro."

Itadori bows his head too, smiling all the while. "Yuji Itadori. Nice to meet you!"

He walks behind Megumi's seat to sit at the chair behind the desk, and as he walks by, Megumi is hit with his cologne; of course, he smells delicious. Masculine and musky, complimented by sweet citrus. Megumi unconsciously inhales deeply, trying to etch the scent into his brain. He sees Nobara smirk out of the corner of his eyes but chooses to ignore her and pretends to go back to his book.

Nobara snaps her fingers in front of Megumi's downturned eyes. He scowls up at her. "We just need one more photo when I'm done with the interview, 'kay?"

Megumi can hear the candy clacking against her teeth and he grits his own before curtly nodding, he just wants to go home already. Itadori sits comfortably across from them, watching their interaction with interest. He leans forward and rests his forearms on the table. "Have you guys known each other a long time? You two seem close."

Megumi clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes, Nobara laughs and throws an arm around his shoulders. "I'm surprised someone as dense as you would notice! We've been besties since high school!"

"Don't you have an interview to start?" Megumi shrugs her arm off him.

Nobara faux gasps, pretending to be hurt at being pushed away. Then she clears her throat and turns towards Itadori, quickly shifting gears. "Let's get this show on the road! Ready, Yuji?"

If Itadori is confused, he quickly recovers and nods again. Nobara reaches forward and clicks the recorder on. She flips back a few pages on her notebook then mimes swiping her hand over her face, easily switching to professional mode. "So, Itadori, everyone is undoubtedly surprised at your comeback tonight. Tell us: does this mean you'll be back on the team full-time?"

Itadori slips into an easy smile. "Yup! I'm expecting to play in every game this season, but I am on a pitching restriction, so, at least for the first few months, I'll probably serve as a relief pitcher for Kaito."

"Speaking of Kaito, how do you feel about his performance?"

Itadori’s smile gets bigger. "Oh, I'm very, very excited to watch him continue to grow! He's still young, but he did all of the heavy lifting tonight and kept it easy for me to come in. We gotta work on his nerves, but the numbers speak for themselves."

Nobara hums. "You're not worried about him snatching the ace position from you?"

Itadori purses his lips. "Hmmm. Not yet, I still have a couple more years in me, and I don't half-ass my pitches. If he wants the ace position, he's gonna have to fight me for it!" He chuckles softly, though his eyes portray a seriousness; his will to fight shining through.

Nobara scratches a line through a question on her notepad. "You say you have a couple more years in you. You just turned 29 and were seriously injured last season. You don't think retirement is on the horizon for you?"

Itadori scoffs and waves a hand as if he could physically brush the question away. "No way! I'm here to stay, baby! Don't say 29 like it's old!"

Megumi can't help but feel envious of Itadori’s opinion on aging; with thirty knocking on his door, he can't imagine how the pitcher remains so optimistic. Especially in a field where age matters, players might not retire so much as get pushed off the field by younger, fresher players. Though, reflecting, Megumi may just be projecting.

"Well, I know that's a relief for your fans. In our magazine's most recent poll, you were voted "hottest player" again. Though, personally, I don't understand the hype-" Itadori sticks his tongue out at her. "-How do you feel about being widely appreciated by the fanbase?"

Itadori plucks off his baseball hat and ruffles his hair before readjusting the hat back onto his head. Megumi ignores the way his stomach flutters. "Well, it's an honor! If that is how someone gets introduced to baseball, then I'm happy to help."

"Uh-huh. And are you still on the market?" At his skeptical look, she huffs and adds. "The fans want to know!"

Megumi rolls his eyes at her boldness. He should've known her journalistic style is more drama-focused than analytical. He can't help but feel a little bad for how she's grilling Itadori, but given their history, he's sure Itadori knew what he was signing up for.

Itadori scratches his cheek and nervously chuckles, pointedly looking away. "Can you ask a baseball question?"

Nobara clicks her tongue, but moves along. "How is your shoulder feeling after the three innings you pitched?"

Itadori rolls his shoulder and rubs it, as if mentioning his injury manifested an ache. "Well, it's actually holding up really well. I'm still in physical therapy and rely heavily on our athletic trainer Maki-san to keep me ready for the game."

Megumi raises his eyebrows. He didn't know Maki worked for this team too. He looks at Nobara out of the corner of his eye; she grips her pen a little tighter but moves on. Hmm. He wonders if Itadori knows about Maki and Nobara's rocky dating history, but he has a professional relationship with Maki so of course she would come up. Itadori doesn't seem phased at Nobara's not-so-subtle shift in mood.

"So would you say your arm is fully recovered, then?" She asks in a clipped tone.

Itadori rubs his shoulder again. "Hmmm. Yeah, I'd say so! I gotta work back up to pitching a full game but I think-"

He isn't sure why, but Megumi gets a distinct feeling that Itadori is lying. He keeps rolling his shoulder absentmindedly and isn't looking Nobara in the eye. Maybe he wants it to be the truth more than anything.

Megumi zoned out through the rest of the question, but it was evidently her last question because Nobara reached forward and clicked the recorder off quickly after, snapping Megumi out of his thoughts.

Itadori exhales then props his head up on his hands, resting his elbows on the desk, and diverts his attention directly to Megumi. "So, you're also a sports photographer?"

Megumi doesn't look up from his book, feigning nonchalance. "No. I usually do wildlife photography."

Yuji's eyes get comically big and his mouth opens in a large 'o'. Nobara cuts in. "Yeah, he was actually just in the Galapagos for a few months; he's only been back in Japan for a couple of days. Isn't that right, Megumi?"

Megumi nods. Itadori gasps. "That's so cool!" He scratches his cheek, looking sheepish. "Where is that?"

"It's off the coast of Ecuador in South America."

Honey eyes sparkle back at him. "Woah! You're so well-traveled! What animals did you see?"

Nobara crosses her legs and has a smug smirk on her face. "Yeah, Megumi? What kind of animals did you see?"

Megumi narrows his eyes at her. "Lots. Are you done?"

Before Nobara can answer, Yuji cuts in. "Wait. So you're a baseball fan? Why don't we exchange numbers and I can get you tickets, anytime. It'll be fun!"

"Um, well, I'm not-" Nobara elbows him, hard, cutting him off.

"He would totally love to get tickets sometime! Here." She roughly pats Megumi's legs before ripping his phone out of his jeans pocket and handing it over to Itadori, unlocked. Megumi knew he shouldn't have given her his password or, better yet, he shouldn't have such an unfounded attachment to the password he created one day fifteen years ago and hasn't changed since. He sighs and resigns himself to his fate.

"Go ahead."

Itadori beams again and quickly puts his number in and texts himself before handing the phone back. "Text anytime, and I know people say that all the time, but seriously you can text me anytime!"

Megumi grunts, trying to hide the blush quickly overtaking his face. Itadori claps his hands together excitedly. "Oh! Maybe you can send me some of your work? I love animals!"

"Uh, sure. Maybe sometime." Megumi mentally berates himself, this level of failed flirting is obviously why he hasn't found a husband yet.

Nobara smacks her palm to her forehead. Obviously, it's painful to witness Megumi's inability to smooth-talk, but Itadori is somehow eating it up. He sits there with stars in his eyes, staring down at his phone like he can't believe he actually got Megumi's number.

Nobara abruptly stands. "Come on, Yuji, we need our photo. Chop, chop, I'm ready to go home."

Megumi forces himself to bite his tongue instead of saying what he wants to; she's the reason they were here this long, she insisted on letting this flirtatious ship sink in front of her very eyes, but he doesn't have the energy to start an argument. He simply stands and prepares his camera. Yuji stands and as soon as he's in front of Nobara, she snatches his baseball hat off his head. He laughs easily and ruffles his hair, then poses next to her. Nobara adjusts herself, ensuring her press pass is visible, and presses her hands along her hair to quickly flatten any fly aways.

"Wouldn't a simple selfie suffice for something like this?" Megumi drones, but snaps a few pictures anyways.

Nobara rolls her eyes and huffs. "I am a professional and my readers expect quality. Sheesh. You're so snippy today."

She mutters something about Hana not putting her through this, and Megumi turns to get his equipment put up. Suddenly, Itadori is up in his personal space, cutting off any snarky response to Nobara's teasing. "So, next week we are on our off week. I also happen to be throwing a birthday bash, whaddya say?"

Nobara gasps. "Yuji, you're a genius! And I never thought I'd say that, by the way." Itadori cocks his head to the side, confused. "Hana and Saki will both be at Yuji's birthday party. It's a perfect place for everyone to meet, so you're going."

Megumi looks at Itadori, trying once again to ignore how close they are. "It's your birthday?"

Itadori brightens. "Yup! It would be cruel to say no to the birthday boy, don't you think Nobara?"

Before Nobara can play along, Megumi sighs. "Fine."

Itadori and Nobara suddenly jump up and squeal together like teenagers. Megumi zips up his bag and heads toward the door.

"Where are you going?" Nobara questions.

"Home. I'm tired. I'll upload your photos and send them to you later." He replies over his shoulder.

Thankfully, Nobara and Itadori simply wave him off and let him leave. Megumi exhales heavily and ignores the butterflies fluttering in his stomach. He doesn't get butterflies, nope. Especially not over some man he just met. Absolutely not.

As Megumi heads down the hall, Itadori suddenly materializes behind him. "Hey, wait up!"

Megumi can only stare. He taps his pockets to make sure he didn't forget anything and is confused. Itadori chuckles lightly. "Sorry, um, if this is weird, but can I take you home? I have a car and you wouldn't have to wait for a taxi or the bus."

They stare at each other in awkward silence for several seconds before Megumi's brain catches up to his request. "You...want to take me home? Why?"

"Well, uh." Yuji coughs awkwardly. "Let's think of it as a thank you! Yeah, yeah! A thank you!"

"A thank you for what?"

"Uh. Um. Well. A thank you, obviously, for uh, you know..." He looks away, eyes darting around the emptying stadium. "Uh- for helping out Nobara."

Megumi raises an eyebrow. He can't help but notice the light blush dusting Itadori’s cheeks and the realization nearly makes Megumi burst into flames. Is Itadori hitting on him? His mind spins and he forces himself to take a deep breath. Against his better judgment- "Sure. Why not."

And just like that he's being led out of the stadium by a boundless Yuji Itadori, who is practically skipping as he shows Megumi to his car.

Itadori's car is a flashy red, the interior is cushy leather and it appears to be some kind of luxury brand, Megumi thinks he recognizes from what Gojo drives. Megumi settles in and Itadori starts up the car. Itadori hums to himself slightly and lowers the radio to a comfortable talking volume.

"So, what's the address?" Itadori asks, pulling up a map function on his car's console screen.

Megumi reaches forward and types the address in himself. Itadori simply hums and smoothly backs out of his parking space. Traffic out of the stadium is not as tedious as Megumi had been expecting, seemingly the majority of the crowd had left earlier, which, he finds himself grateful for. Normally, with a regular taxi driver, Megumi would enjoy a peaceful drive. He could pull out his book and headphones and relax as scenery passed him by. But with Itadori? He feels a weight of expectation mixed with worry. What if Itadori thinks he's boring? What if their personalities clash, then he's stuck the entire drive with him? He shakes his head and wills his anxious thoughts to stop their spiral and reasons with himself; if Itadori and Nobara are friends, he's sure they can find common ground.

As they get on the highway heading out of central Tokyo, Itadori taps a simple rhythm out on the steering wheel with his fingers and bobs his head to the radio. Megumi nervously bounces his leg and fidgets with his fingers. He's not sure why he's so jittery being alone with Itadori, but the way his heart is beating suggests he's being hunted for sport rather than being given a generous ride home. At a red light, Itadori turns his head and stares Megumi down.

When the light turns green, Itadori finally breaks the self imposed silence. "So," His fingers continue tapping out a melody. "Tell me a fun fact about yourself!"

Megumi blinks, momentarily caught off guard by the question. It feels juvenile, but he feels his stomach fluttering at Itadori's interest in him. He shakes his head, remembering himself. "A fun fact? Like an icebreaker for the first day of class?"

He grits his teeth and winces, instantly regretting how that sentence came out, but before he can apologize for his brashness, Itadori throws his head back in a hearty laugh. "Well, sure! If that's how you wanna think of it. Man, you're really funny Fushiguro!"

Megumi turns to look out the window, hiding his blush from view. "You first."

Itadori hums and taps his fingers more vigorously, as if his thoughts needed a physical outlet. "Well, I actually wanted to play basketball growing up, but, uh, well the middle school I went to didn't have enough people interested to form an actual team." He laughs fondly at the memory. "My grandpa actually was a baseball coach, back in the day, and I was kinda defiant by looking for another sport. But, here I am now!" He turns to look at Megumi briefly. "Now, your turn! Come on, Fushiguro, don't be shy!"

Despite his initial hesitance, he can feel his nerves easing up and his shoulders relaxing. He searches his memories, desperate for an interesting fact, but with nothing coming to the forefront he settles on something basic. "I'm adopted. Well, I have a sister too and we were both adopted together."

"Ooohh!" Itadori genuinely sounds amazed, despite his fact being so boring. "That's really cool! Wait! Don't tell me you guys had a tragic upbringing in an orphanage? Like in Annie?"

Megumi rolls his eyes to hide the sudden, unexplained onslaught of fondess he feels. "Who is Annie?"

Itadori gasps, putting a hand on the center of his chest in offense. "Annie? Little orphan Annie? Like from the American musical-turned-movie?" At Megumi's blank expression, Itadori gasps again. "You've really never heard of Annie? We have to watch it together sometime! It's a classic!"

"Well, I'm sure whatever you saw in a movie isn't anything close to reality. It was a pre-arranged adoption; my parents were close friends with the couple that adopted us so there was no orphanage." Megumi says simply, shaking his head.

Itadori hums again. "Well, now we definitely have to watch it so you can see why I was so concerned! Do you like movies?"

"I don't dislike movies."

Itadori laughs again, softer this time. "Okay, okay, I'll have to find my best DVDs and we can have a movie marathon! It's mandatory, birthday boys orders!"

Megumi scoffs. "You can't use the birthday boy pass again, it doesn't work like that."

"Does too!" Itadori's lower lip juts out in a pathetically adorable pout.

"Fine, but there will be a limit of two movies." Megumi crosses his arms over his chest. "And they better be good."

"But Annie would have to be one of the two movies, can it be three instead?" Itadori pleads.

"No. Two movies are plenty. Unless you want it to just be one?"

"No, no, no! Two is perfect actually!" Itadori waves his hand around flippantly. "You're so good at planning stuff Fushiguro, any more than two movies would definitely be too long." Megumi shakes his head at Itadori's goofy, teasing smile.

Then, Itadori exhales a long breath. "Okay, new fun fact. Go!"

"You go first."

Itadori clicks his tongue. "Nuh-uh. I went first last time. You go."

Megumi sits and searches his scattered thoughts for another fun fact. He feels unprepared for some kind of test, but so far Itadori has taken his answers with genuine kindness and regard. He worries he will spend too long finding his own fact and he will run out of time to hear Itadori's next fun fact. All of his thoughts jumble together in a hurry to think of something, anything. Think of something trivial, something you could tell a coworker or a friend of a friend.

"I want to get married." Is what Megumi blurts instead. He covers his face with both of his hands, mortified his mouth would even let that sentence slip out.

Yuji is silent for a moment, before throwing his head back with lighthearted laughter. "How about a date first?"

Megumi's mouth goes dry, but before he can formulate a logical response, Yuji cuts in again. "Oh! Unless you need to get married for, like, tax reasons or as a ploy to convince your family? Oh my gosh, is that what the fun fact is?" He balks. "I mean, I guess I'm not opposed to marrying you. You are very handsome after all and-"

"Please stop talking." Megumi cuts off his rambling, fully embarrassed and flushed red.

Yuji turns to face him and tilts his head, confused. "You don't need to get married?"

"No." Megumi seethes.

"Oh! Then, uh, I guess I'm confused?"

Megumi steels himself. He's not one to beat around the bush or avoid the truth of his feelings, but he's barely accepted this truth; yet, here he is spilling his guts to someone he met only an hour ago. "I'll be thirty in December. I only recently decided that marriage is something I want. Not just a hookup or something casual, in fact, I don't really like hookups. I want to settle down and have a house with someone." Megumi swallows, willing himself to shut up, but he can't stop oversharing. "I'll be an uncle soon too, so, yeah. I guess that's my fun fact."

Yuji taps his hands on the wheel, staring straight ahead, and Megumi instantly feels self-conscious. Megumi internally berates himself for saying too much, too soon, but if Itadori reacts poorly then he saves himself some time. He tries to reason with himself that what Itadori thinks doesn't matter.

Then, Itadori hums. "Well, I think that makes perfect sense, but don't you think putting a deadline on love will make things harder?"

All of the thoughts swirling in Megumi's brain halt all at once. "It's not a deadline. I've decided to get serious, that's all."

This time, Itadori chuckles. "That makes perfect sense to me, man. So, how 'bout it then?"

"How about what?"

"A date." He says, simply. "I've always wanted to get married. That can be my fun fact, too."

That piques Megumi's interest. "So, why haven't you gotten married yet? Obviously, people find you attractive."

Itadori shifts nervously in his seat, blinker clicking incessantly in the background. "Uhhh, well, this is gonna sound bad, but my career is probably the biggest reason. My schedule is...undesirable. I travel a lot and of course I like being close to my partner, but that's something I can't compromise on. And distance makes people resentful at best or a cheater at worse." Itadori's face twists painfully. "So, uh, yeah."

Megumi is silent, contemplating his next question. Itadori must take his silence as rejection because he starts rambling. "And I totally understand if you wouldn't want to date because of that! It's no problem! Plus I love making new friends, so-"

Screw it. "Okay. Let's go on a date. You should know my schedule will also be busy. Wedding season isn't for the weak."

Itadori's face blooms a pretty pink and his mouth hangs open, his rambled sentence long forgotten. Then, he smiles big and beautiful.

"Wow, I-" He huffs out a laugh, sounding near delirious. "I really didn't think you'd say yes! Let's go!"

He pumps his fist up in victory, which has Megumi turning to glare out at the countryside to avoid Itadori seeing his embarrassment. Why is Itadori's goofy demeanor so attractive? This shouldn't be so charming to him, but Megumi is blushing like a fool, simply smitten.

Then, Itadori comes back down to Earth, seemingly registering what Megumi said. "Whaddya mean by 'wedding season isn't for the weak'?"

"My family owns a wedding business. My sister is a wedding planner and as of a week ago, I'm a wedding photographer again."

Itadori's eyebrows knit together. "I thought you did wildlife photography?"

The car turns, finally reaching Tsumiki's property, and they travel slowly up the absurdly long driveway. Megumi can't help but feel the thirty minute drive was way to short. A pang of remorse hits him in the chest, he should've asked Itadori more while they're alone.

He sighs. "Well, yeah, but I started doing wedding photography when I was a kid. It's what got me into the whole photography world to begin with."

Itadori nods, paying close attention to what's in front of him. "Oh, okay. That makes sense that you'd be good at multiple kinds of photography."

Megumi just nods, watching as Itadori is hyper-focused on the scenery leading up to the house.

"This is where you live? It's like some kind of movie set! It's so pretty!"

The car creeps slowly, turning into the big U-shape at the front of the driveway before bringing them to the front porch.

Megumi unbuckles. "No, this is my sister's house. And it serves as a wedding venue too, that's why the outside is extra nice."

He pats his pockets to make sure he has everything, then reaches into the back for his camera bag. "Thanks for the ride. I appreciate it."

Megumi nearly startles when he turns back, Itadori is staring directly at him with that same awe-struck look. Then, suddenly, he snaps out of it, shaking his head then smiling big. "Oh, for sure! No problem."

He clears his throat, hoping to ease the awkward feeling settling there. Megumi opens the door and steps out. Before he can close the door, Itadori raises his voice.

"Oh! I'll text you the details about the party later!"

Megumi nods, then let's the door close. Itadori waves and sits there as Megumi climbs the steps up to the front door. Once Megumi is inside, he hears the car driving away. He exhales and leans against the door.

"Who was that?" Tsumiki's voice suddenly rings out. Megumi startles.

She sits comfortably with her legs pulled up on the couch, leaning ever so slightly toward the window facing the driveway. She's so nosy, Megumi thinks exasperatedly. He knows he made a critical error of assuming Tsumiki would be asleep by time he got home. Here she was. Romcom playing in the background, feet propped up beside her, and open wedding binders littering the coffee table in front of her.

He scoffs, taking off his shoes. "Nobody."

Tsumiki doesn't try to conceal her suspicion. "Mmhmm. Well, I know it wasn't a taxi. You were sitting up front." Megumi nervously shifts. "So...who'd ya meet at the baseball game? Hmm? Are they hot?"

"Tsumiki!" Megumi can't help but sputter at her boldness.

She laughs. "Calm down, Megumi. I'm not your mom...But, introduce me to mystery man at some point. Okay?"

Megumi grumbles in place of a response, quickly headed toward his bedroom.

"I never once doubted your game, baby brother!" Tsumiki calls after him.

“Goodnight!” He yells back, already down the hall. He can hear her laughter from his room.

His phone dings with a new notification.

Tsumiki Fushiguro: oh, btw, gojo and geto come home tmrw. need ur help in the AM!

Megumi groans and flings himself onto his bed. Tomorrow's gonna be a long day.

Chapter Text

Megumi can hardly sleep that night. He has far too many thoughts swirling around disrupting his rest. Every action and word spoken to Itadori in different interpretations haunt him. His brain reproduces every word he said with different inflection, different tone. He anxiously worries he drove Yuji away, while also trying to convince himself that he didn't care. That there wasn't any chemistry. When, in fact, it scares Megumi how easily he opened up to Itadori. How could he have spilled such embarrassing thoughts like that? It scares him to think that someone like that could exist, someone can slice him open without even trying, could mean something to him.

Then, he anxiously spirals about the what if. What if Itadori doesn't like him back? What if Itadori is just like that, a shameless flirt? What if Itadori decides he doesn't like someone so expressionless, someone so matter of fact? Then, he shakes his head. Why is this so important to him? Just because he suddenly decided he wants to get married some day doesn't mean he has to marry the first hot guy who he's interested in.

Megumi is begrudgingly wide awake as the birds start chirping outside and the sun peaks over the horizon. He rolls over and checks the time for what feels like the hundreth time and decides its finally a reasonable hour to be awake. Sighing, he throws the blankets off himself and gets ready for the day.

Mentally, he uses the days tasks to distract himself from a certain pink-haired individual who is plaguing his every thought.

Firstly, the biggest headache is gonna be dealing with Gojo. He's honestly surprised he hasn't burst in through the door already, full of energy and ready to cause trouble. Megumi swears that man can teleport sometimes with the way he manages to get around, seamlessly flying hours between cities. Of course, as CEO of his company he is busy, but it feels like it never takes a toll on him. At least, he never appears like it does. With Geto by his side, Megumi feels more comfortable assuming that the grueling hours and constant travel doesn't negatively affect Gojo the way it probably would someone with less support.

Then, of course, the matter of Tsumiki's pregnancy announcement. He isn't exactly sure what his sister has planned, having only seen the various boxes from online stores show up the last few days. Plus, entertaining their parents for breakfast may make things a bit tricky. Tsumiki has been tolerating food a little better, but she's struggling with the worst morning sickness and some smells still set her off. Megumi anxiously picks at the skin around his nails. A typical breakfast with eggs and fish would definitely be a no-go. Hmm.

Megumi wanders to the kitchen, absentmindedly searching through the cabinets in hopes of inspiration striking. Tsumiki must still be asleep because the tea kettle hasn't been set on the stove yet. In his pursuit of tea bags, Megumi's eyes catch on a colorful bag. Crepe mix. That's the perfect solution, he thinks. Not only would it be minimally offensive to Tsumiki's senses, but Gojo loves sweet breakfast.

He pulls out the kettle and the mix before getting to work. Luckily, this mix has all of the ingredients already combined and just needs milk and oil. Megumi knows how to cook basic things, but sweets and anything baking related have always been a big struggle so he hopes this mix makes things easier on him. Crepes are wildly outside of his comfort zone in terms of ease of replicating, but with a good tutorial Megumi is sure he could figure it out. For Tsumiki's comfort, he would try anything.

The kettle is starting to whistle as he's whisking the ingredients in a large bowl. He can hear Tsumiki's footsteps getting closer to the kitchen. Their mugs are set up with teabags already and he decides he will task Tsumiki with making the whipped filling for the crepes. Megumi nods to himself, smiling as things feel like they're going smoothly after the sleepless disaster he had last night.

"Good morning!" Tsumiki chirps when she finally enters the kitchen. Megumi can sense the underlying nerves in her tone.

He keeps his attention focused on the mix in front of him, but raises an eyebrow. "Morning. What's wrong?"

She sputters, uncharacteristically frowning at his accusation. "Nothing! Why would you think anything is wrong?" Her lower lip quivers. "It's not like the smell of any food will make me vomit and ruin the surprise for our dads! No! Nothing is wrong!"

Her previous chipper demeanor quickly shifts as tears start streaming down her face. She wipes them away vigorously, trying and failing to smile through her wobbly lips. Megumi stops what he's doing and pulls her in, letting her face smush against his shoulder. He pats her back timidly. He isn't sure he's ever seen his sister cry so much. It's almost making him uncomfortable to be confronted with so many emotions at break neck speeds.

Sure, she's always been an empath and passionate about people, but she's always been level-headed in ways Megumi admired his whole life. Pregnancy hormones seem like the worst thing imaginable if they have her spiraling like this. That's usually his job, not hers, he thinks wryly.

"I've already thought of that. Crepes are on the menu. And Gojo wouldn't think to question it either." He says, hopefully in a soothing tone.

Tsumiki tightens her grip on him briefly. "You're so smart, ugh! I should've thought of that."

Her words are muffled and she's still sniffling lightly, but Megumi takes that as a win.

"What's the plan for the announcement then?" He asks gently, almost scared that too much prodding will have her falling apart at the seams.

She sniffs and pulls back, giving him his space. "Well, uh, I made these gift boxes with cute grandpa shirts for both of them for after the initial reveal. But, well, I was thinking of pretending to have extra wedding favors from a client and asking them to look at them first."

Megumi nods his head approvingly, so far this seems perfect.

"The "wedding favors" will actually be little baby booties with the year on the bottom and the box will say "surprise!" on the inside...But I'm not sure if I can pull it off seamlessly." She says, nervously picking at her nails.

Megumi nods his head. "I'll give them the favors. I'm better at keeping a straight face than you are."

She nods, anxious energy slowly fading, and exhales. She wipes her face and waves her hands in front of her eyes, cooling the redness blotching her face. Satisfied that she's calmed down, Megumi turns back to his bowl and Tsumiki easily falls into line next to him. She pours their tea and pulls out some fruit to slice. They work harmoniously side by side and Megumi can already sense Tsumiki's typical demeanor returning.

Once the crepe mix has all of its ingredients mixed thoroughly, Megumi sets it in the fridge to rest and pulls up an instructional video. Tsumiki peers over and snickers.

"What?" He huffs.

"Nothing, nothing. Never change little brother." She covers her mouth and silently laughs more.

He rolls his eyes and watches the video intently. He's never made crepes at home before, how else is he supposed to be able to do it? His ginger tea warms him to the bone and settles his nerves, sipping while he watches carefully. After the sleepless night he had, he will definitely need caffeine later, but he and Tsumiki have settled into a new morning routine of drinking ginger tea together since he's been home. For him, he likes ginger, and for Tsumiki it helps her nausea. Win, win.

Tsumiki sighs and scrapes the fruit from the cutting board into a little bowl. She rolls her neck before picking her mug up and walking over to the kitchen island, clicking through her phone.

"Eeek! They'll be here soon, probably in less than thirty minutes. Oh god." She pales. "I think the nerves are gonna make me puke."

"It's not the nerves." Megumi says as he fishes his pan out of the cabinet.

She abruptly stands and rushes down the hall. Megumi sighs. He can't help but feel the tinge of worry, even though Tsumiki says the morning sickness is normal. Neither her or her husband seem that concerned about it. She lovingly told him the vomit was just proof of her bodies hard work and he agreed. As long as she's able to keep healthy, he won't press the issue, she knows what's best for her body and it's changes. He knows she has her first doctor's visit soon, too, so that eases his worries as well.

He turns back to his task, bringing the pan to heat up on the gas stove. Luckily, Tsumiki already had a crepe spreader so he won't have to improvise for making them as thin as necessary. He gently pours the batter onto the round pan, swirling the mixture with the spreader and watches as it cooks through. Bubbles start to form all over the surface, slowly popping themselves and setting the batter up. Megumi uses his spatula to carefully wiggle the crepe free from the pan and is pleasantly surprised at how perfectly brown it is when he easily flips it.

He releases the breath he didn't realize he was holding, letting a smile crack in victory. Crepes aren't so hard! He pats the crepe before scooping it up onto a plate, then pours another into the pan. They'll have plenty of time to cool so the whipped cream doesn't melt out.

He successfully flips several more crepes by time Tsumiki comes back from the bathroom. She seems unsteady and sits down roughly, shakily bringing her mug up to her lips. Megumi eyes her cautiously before offering one of the cooled crepes to her, plain. Taking it, she rolls the crepe into a log and takes a tentative bite before exhaling slowly.

"They're good!" She manages a weak smile before taking another bite.

They sit in easy silence, Megumi easily flipping more crepes out and Tsumiki engrossed in her phone. Her and her husband usually video call in the morning, but Megumi assumes they're waiting until Gojo and Geto arrive.

Time seems to fly as Megumi finishes making more crepes than necessary for breakfast. He anxiously tidies the kitchen, suddenly struck with nerves as the clock ticks down. Their parents have already dropped plenty of hints about wanting to be grandparents, so he isn't worried about them taking the news poorly, but he can't help but worry. Megumi knows him being here will throw them off and doesn't want to preemptively ruin the surprise. As he cleans off the counters, he spots a box with little gift boxes hiding inside.

"Are these the fake wedding favors?" He asks, admiring the bows on top.

Tsumiki looks up from her phone. "Oh, yes! I can't wait for you to see them! Teeny-tiny little baby shoes, oh they're so cute!"

Megumi's lip quirks up in a small smile. Her excitement is infectious and reassures him that her current struggles are worth it to her. That's what matters most to him. He picks up one of the boxes and admires the detail of the neatly tied bow. It's inconspicuous and passes as a high-end wedding favor. Loud knocking quickly bursts Megumi out from his thoughts and nearly makes him drop the favor.

Tsumiki stands, gasping before running toward the door. Megumi slowly walks to the edge of the kitchen and peers around the corner as the door flings open. Their fathers barrel in and Megumi is suddenly stricken, even though it hasn't been that long since he's seen either of them he's completely shocked. They look old.

Gojo’s normally pristine white hair has slightly darkened, turning a light gray. The skin by his eyes is crinkled permanently, reflecting a lifetime of smiling and laughter. Wired frames sit on the bridge of his nose, a fixture for many years now as his vision weakened. Geto's long locks are streaked with silver ribbons, sideburns fully grayed. His forehead is striped with wrinkles from worry and over thirty years of dealing with Gojo’s antics. The area under his eyes that used to be plagued with dark circles from sleeplessly building a business, catching endless flights, and soothing children afflicted with nightmares are webbed with wrinkles that add to his calm disposition.

Tsumiki passes around hugs, squealing with childlike joy as Megumi struggles to settle his nerves. Gojo lovingly sways her side to side in an exaggerated hug. Geto soothes her hair back with a gentle palm before holding her by the shoulders at arms length, appraising her with a sharp eye.

"You're pale, honey. You feeling okay?" Geto murmurs, voice thick with concern.

Tsumiki stiffens, eyes wide. Before she can stumble through a response, Gojo steps forward and smacks a hand to her forehead.

"Nah, she isn't warm. Are you on your period or something?" Gojo asks unabashedly.

Megumi scoffs, annoyed in Tsumiki's place, and makes his presence known as he steps out from the kitchen. "No, I accidentally made some bad pork and she's still recovering."

Gojo gasps and steps away from Tsumiki, throwing his arms up in a flourish. "My 'Gumi! You came to see me!"

Instantly, Gojo’s arms are wrapped tightly around Megumi’s shoulders, squeezing and nearly cutting off his air supply. Even for someone nearing sixty, Gojo is still toweringly tall and strong. Gojo pulls back when Megumi punches his arm, then ruffles his hair roughly. He swats Gojo’s hand away.

"Stop that, I'm not five years old." Megumi grumbles.

Gojo easily laughs, ignoring Megumi's typical demeanor.

He sighs, sounding fond. "Gee, Suguru, how long has it been since all our babies were in the same room? What a treat!"

Geto just smiles, fondness evident on his face as he worries over Tsumiki again, busying himself by straightening stray flyaway hairs. Megumi is surprised they bought his food poisoning story so easily. Gojo watches the two interacting intently, eyes darting between his husband and daughter and then Megumi. Then Gojo narrows his eyes, surprise quickly worn down into suspicion. "What's the occasion?"

Megumi's heart thunks to the bottom of his stomach. He didn't think of his excuse for being home. But, now that he's thinking of it, since when did he ever need a reason to come home to begin with? His parents understand his work, keeping him away from home for months or even years at a time, but he always comes back.

Megumi quickly composes himself, crossing his arms over his chest with a huff. "What, I need a written invitation to come home? I can go--"

Gojo laughs and throws an arm back around Megumi’s shoulders, squishing their heads together. "Nonsense! Don't be so harsh on your old man for wanting some exciting news!" He exaggeratedly sighs loudly, "You're my baby, but you're gonna be thirty soon. What if you popped in to announce marriage? A shotgun wedding? And your beloved is just around the corner! Or a secret surprise baby that you've been hiding from us for years, hmm?"

His words are emphasized solely to tease Megumi, wiggling his eyebrows to maintain a level of humor in spite of the hidden hope behind the message. Megumi forces himself to let Gojo’s words slide off him, trying to ignore the effect they have on him. The expectation in Gojo’s words prod at a sore spot, still healing from being ripped open from Megumi's own confrontation of his feelings. A years old wound, constantly scabbing over, finally left to bleed. Gojo picks up his left hand, analyzing and searching for a ring.

Megumi pulls his hand away roughly, scoffing. "Do you want breakfast or are we just going to talk in the doorway all morning?"

Gojo pouts. "Suguru! Get a hold on your son! He's being mean to me."

"Now Satoru, settle down." Geto chides. Gojo deflates, immediately discouraged. "We had a long flight, why don't we go see what our kids prepared for us?"

Gojo brightens again and claps his hands together excitedly. "Tsumiki, dear, I'll sit next to you and Suguru can sit with the traitor."

Geto just laughs, shaking his head as Gojo sticks his tongue out. Tsumiki giggles when Gojo wraps his arm around her shoulders and marches them toward the kitchen.

Megumi hides his smirk, looking down at the ground as Geto lovingly claps him on the back as he walks by to follow everyone into the kitchen. It does feel nice to have everyone together again. Maybe it's the excitement of Tsumiki's announcement, but this visit feels different. It feels more fragile, but also like the start of something new, better, for them. The family feels whole again; a baby on the way and their aging parents laughing without a worry in the world.

Megumi takes a second before following after them to put on his best acting mask, he's gonna need it for this announcement to go smoothly. Gojo somehow already managed to stick his fingers in the whipped cream Tsumiki prepared. He turns when Megumi finally joins them in the kitchen, looking devious with cream on his fingertips. Megumi immediately stiffens. "No. Don't you dare."

Gojo turns his head away briefly, trying to throw Megumi off, then suddenly darts forward. Megumi runs a circle around the kitchen island, barely containing his laughter while Tsumiki and Geto loudly laugh at their display. Gojo huffs out a hurrah as he finally traps Megumi and has him nearly in a headlock. He grips Gojo’s wrist, keeping the whipped cream only a few centimeters from his face when Gojo suddenly drops his weight, causing Megumi to stumble. Gojo laughs, loud and obnoxious, as his fingers finally make contact and he smears the cream all over Megumi's face.

Megumi releases Gojo and pushes him off. Defeated, he sighs and grabs several paper towels to wipe off his face. Gojo didn't go for his hair so it's an easy clean and Megumi considers himself lucky this time.

Gojo laughs as he licks the reminants off his fingers. "Now you're sweet as can be, 'Gumi."

"You're running around like you're not almost sixty, Satoru. Now that I see how agile you're feeling, I'll be sure to let Ijichi know you're available to help set up at the Fukuoka wedding." Geto says smugly as Gojo’s snickering suddenly cuts off, caught. "It works perfectly, now we won't have to schedule Nitta on her day off."

Geto pulls his phone out and starts typing. Gojo slowly crumples, clean hand lowering to hold his lower back. "You know, my back has been hurting since--"

"Actually," Tsumiki interrupts, "Megumi could help with the Fukuoka wedding. Right, Megumi?"

Suddenly, Gojo and Geto's full attention is on him. Gojo’s eyes are wide while Geto's are scrunched in confusion. Megumi clears his throat. "Yeah, I'll be home for a while. When's the Fukuoka wedding?"

"Three days, but we fly out bright and early tomorrow." Geto says hesitantly.

Megumi just hums and turns back to prepare the crepes. Gojo groans loudly.

"Come on, kid. The suspense is gonna kill me! You'll be home for a while? Like that's not the most ominous way you could've said that." Gojo complains, flinging himself on the stool next to Tsumiki and clutching at his imaginary pearls.

Megumi rolls his eyes as he neatly arranges fruit and cream on the crepe in front of him. He gently folds the crepe into a triangle, whipped cream only slightly leaks out the top as he transfers it to a plate. Megumi is already doing mental gymnastics, he avoided answering why he was home once already, he can't keep putting it off. That'll only make them more suspicious, he thinks, but what could he say that wouldn't accidentally ruin the surprise?

In a masterful move, he chooses to ignore Gojo. "Do you want Nutella or jam on your crepe?"

Gojo huffs out what Megumi would describe as an annoyed-yet-baffled laugh, before speaking through gritted teeth. "One of each."

Megumi nods and starts rolling another crepe. One banana with Nutella and the other strawberry with jam. Unsurprisingly, his adoptive father's tastes never change and Megumi had already anticipated this answer. Gojo’s sweet tooth has always been absurd and somehow only gotten worse with age. "Geto? Tsumiki?"

Geto settles in his seat. "I'd like just strawberry, no jam."

Megumi looks at Tsumiki expectantly. Her eyes dart over to the box on the counter, a signal that it's almost surprise time. "Um, let's see. I think I'm feeling strawberry with Nutella, please!"

Megumi nods and diligently prepares their plates and his own before sitting down, next to Geto at Gojo's demand. Megumi watches as everyone digs in, happily chewing and talking, finally catching up after what feels like too long since their last meal together. He easily explains his sudden arrival, lying and saying he finished his contract early and promised Tsumiki to spend the whole wedding season with her. Gojo nearly choked on his food in surprise while Geto chuckled and expressed his gratitude at having the family business back together.

Everything was going smoothly, too smoothly, his parents easily accepted his return with joy and Tsumiki was happily chowing down on her breakfast. As if the unborn fetus inside her could feel the easy atmosphere, it suddenly attempted to make its presence known. Tsumiki's face twisted with panic mid-bite and she suddenly set her food down. She took a deep calming breath, shakily exhaling and sucking her lips into her mouth as if physically restraining any vomit from coming up. Megumi eyed her nervously, feeling exhausted from keeping up the charade and decides now is the time.

He clears his throat, trying to seamlessly disrupt the usual lighthearted bickering of his two parents. "We actually got sent some extra wedding favors from a client and Tsumiki saved one for each of you."

Megumi slides off his stool and picks up the two small gift wrapped boxes from the counter. They're each a small white box, Megumi isn't sure how Tsumiki managed to fit baby booties in such a small box, but he gently sets one down in front of Geto and Gojo.

Gojo licks his lips of cream and claps his hands together. "Oh, are they sweets? They look artisanal."

Tsumiki had moved, resting her elbow on the kitchen island to inconspicuously hold her hand to her mouth. She hums her agreement and plasters on a fake smile, eyes crinkling exaggeratedly.

Gojo shoves his plate aside and hurriedly unties the bow from the box, popping it open quickly without any finesse. His face goes from that of childlike wonder to one of disappointment and confusion. "Wait, these aren't sweets."

As Gojo pouts, Geto gently peels the bow off and opens the box himself. Megumi can see the instant Geto's eyes register the baby booties, the note, and the implications of the gift. His eyes dart quickly to Tsumiki, mouth open in shock, before he stares back down at the gift. Megumi's heart thunders in his ears, excitement and nervousness flooding his system, all while Gojo mindlessly swings one of the booties by its lace in circles up above his head. Tsumiki clears her throat, clearly agonizing over wanting to see their reactions while struggling to keep her food down.

Geto snaps out of his shock, taking a deep calming breath. "Satoru, do you understand what this means?"

Gojo continues swinging the shoe. "Yeah. What kind of wedding favor are baby shoes?"

Geto stares, slack jawed at Gojo's obliviousness. Megumi's hand meets his forehead with ferocious speed and the slapping sound echoes off the kitchen walls. Gojo stops swinging the boot. "What?"

"You have a big brain in that head of yours, put it to use Satoru!" Geto says, face red.

Megumi shifts to place a calming hand on Geto's shoulder, he feels slightly nervous that Geto might actually pass out from shock. His face is reddening, breathing shallow, and his hands are shaking as he points wildly at Gojo. Tsumiki sits, waiting with baited breath, eyes dancing between their two fathers as she waits for it to click.

Gojo watches her in confusion, then cradles the shoe in his hand, examining it with a little more care than previously. He sees the date on the shoe and suddenly slams the shoe down on the island. He stands up, pushing off the island so hard that his silverware clatters loudly.

His eyes zip up and search Megumi’s face wildly, hoping for answers. Megumi just nods. Gojo screams, actually screams. "Wait, what? Who?"

Megumi rolls his eyes. "Who do you think?"

Gojo gasps loudly and his head whips over to Tsumiki. She looks pale but is wearing her best smile. He yells and throws himself at her, instantly wrapping her up in his arms and practically flinging her side to side. "Suguru, our baby girl is pregnant!"

Megumi squeezes Geto's shoulder with steadying pressure, still convinced he might pass out. Tsumiki pushes out of Gojo's arms and, before Gojo can react, rushes to the sink, emptying her breakfast down the drain. Megumi grimaces.

"You're cleaning that." Megumi says, pointing at Gojo.

Gojo blinks rapidly, head swiveling between Tsumiki and Megumi. "How is that my fault?" He asks incredulously.

Megumi rolls his eyes, rubbing Geto's back to give himself something to do. "You literally shook her up, dumbass."

Gojo sputters. "How could I have known she would've thrown up? Suguru! Your son! Talk to him!"

That seems to snap Geto out of whatever shock he was in. He looks up, taking a deep breath and exhaling shakily. "We are gonna be grandparents."

The reverence in his voice is palpable and the look on his face is nothing short of adoration and profound wonder. He abruptly stands and walks over to Tsumiki, who is washing out her mouth, and pulls her hair back for her. He murmurs something to her and Megumi notices the tears in Tsumiki's eyes when she finally collects herself. She immediately hugs Geto and Gojo coos before joining them in a big family hug.

Warmth spreads throughout Megumi's whole body and he can't suppress the genuine smile forcing it's way onto his face. He never thought he'd see this moment, for some reason. Even though he, his sister and their parents have always been close. Megumi has always felt worried about being a burden; a burden for everyone else's happiness by not reacting correctly, being too negative, too skeptical. Being away from home taught him that life goes on without him, his sister flourished even with him gone, and so did their fathers. That was because he was away, wasn't it?

But seeing them together like this and being part of this moment makes Megumi feel some emptiness gnawing at his core, something he can only relate to regret. Regret for missing out on moments like this purely out of fear of ruining the moment or ruining their happiness. Being away didn't prevent their happiness, but it did prevent him from being part of it. He shakes his head vigorously, forcing these feelings to dissipate. He knows their happiness is connected and he feels it as his sister cries in their father's arms. His heart pounds and cheeks hurt from smiling too hard. Tsumiki beckons to him and he allows himself to join, relishing their shared joy.

They embrace easily, taking turns comforting Tsumiki as she allows her tears and laughter to flow freely. Megumi feels the buzz of anticipation sizzling off him, making his hands shake as the adrenaline runs it's course. Megumi wasn't sure what kind of reaction Tsumiki was expecting, but it pleases him to see her brimming with joy. Tears stream down her face and Geto steps back in to fuss over her, he finally seems to have caught his breath and looks himself again; he's bustling with excitement rather than on the verge of collapse. Gojo, who has been uncharacteristically silent for far too long, pulls back and immediately gets to work making baby-related phone calls. Megumi sighs, feeling like his already long day will only continue with various Gojo schemes.

Then, Megumi's phone starts blaring in his pocket. Yuji Itadori flashes on the screen and his heartrate suddenly spikes with nervousness. He steps back and hesitates, he should let the call go to voicemail, he isnt ready to talk to Yuji again, plus he's busy. As he goes to decline the call, Tsumiki's voice is suddenly next to his ear. "You should answer!"

He stares at her, suddenly flustered at being caught so obviously struggling with a simple phone call. She laughs and nudges his shoulder, ushering him away and waving her hand in a little shoo motion. Gojo and Geto swarm her once again and start asking questions. Gojo waves his phone and tries to convince Tsumiki to see his doctor friend, immediately. Megumi holds his hands in surrender, rushing around the corner and accepting the call with his pulse pounding in his ears.

"Hello?"

"Oh! Uh, hi, Fushiguro!" Itadori chuckles nervously on the other line. "I, uh, well I didn't expect you to answer actually! Not for any bad reasons or anything, but I know how busy you are and didn't know when a good time to call was. And, I almost forgot to tell you about the birthday party, but-"

"Itadori, please, breathe." Megumi says, still feeling like his heart may explode out of his chest at how endeared he feels at Yuji's never-ending blathering. He listens as Yuji sucks in a heavy breath. "Now, what did you want?"

He hears Yuji take another deep breath. "Do you want to come over and watch movies with me?" He rushes out in one forceful breath.

Megumi blinks. He's hit with confusion immediately. Yuji actually meant what he said about watching movies? He stops himself from pinching himself, feeling a childlike giddy akin to finding out their crush likes them back bubbling under the surface of his skin. Then, he remembers what he's doing, Tsumiki and his family is important and they're having a special moment just in the next room. So, Megumi mentally steels himself. "No, I'm busy today."

Before Yuji can express his disappointment and before Megumi loses his nerve, he quickly ends the call. Guilt floods through his veins, but he grits his teeth. He exhales and turns to go back into the kitchen when his phone starts ringing again. Nobara Kugisaki flashes on the screen and Megumi's blood runs cold. Surely it is a coincidence, no way she could've found out that quickly, so he answers.

"Yeah?" He says briskly.

"Don't you dare "yeah" me!" Nobara shouts. "What are you thinking? Are you out of your mind? The guy of your dreams asks you out and your goofy ass says no? You better have a good excuse because I'm five seconds from getting my shoes on and driving to your house to drag your ass out for a date."

"Relax-" Megumi starts, but Nobara instantly cuts him off.

"No, no, no. You've lost your mind. I can't believe I gift you the best opportunity on a silver platter and your dumbass can't take the assist! You should be grateful I have an excellent radar for understanding your type and assessing him for years before sending him your way and you can't take the final leap? Call him back. Now!"

She immediately ends the call, leaving Megumi standing in shock. Tsumiki, having heard Nobara's outburst through the phone, appears at Megumi's side. "Was that Nobara-chan? Why is she so upset?"

Megumi grits his teeth and glances over at Gojo and Geto. They're still seated at the kitchen island, pouring over notebooks and gesturing animatedly at one another. Tsumiki follows his gaze and huffs out a laugh. "They're trying to plan a nursery for each of the properties. Now, spill."

Megumi sighs, "I have this...friend-" Tsumiki raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. "And they might've invited me over, but I said no because we are busy with family time. Somehow, Nobara caught wind of the rejection and scolded me like some kind of child."

Tsumiki snorts. "Why not go? I'll entertain them with their nursery plans, you should go have fun! Plus, we will have plenty of family time in Fukuoka!"

Megumi feels his face heat up. Tsumiki is giving him an out, which should make him grateful, but his heart roars in his ears and his hands feel clammy. Now he doesn't have an excuse to turn Yuji down despite not feeling ready to be alone with him in close proximity again, fearing he will embarrass himself further than he did in the car. He sighs and Tsumiki pats his shoulder. Her eyes glitter with excitement for him and Megumi clenches his fists together before nodding resolutely. She smiles and walks back to the island, fluttering her fingers in a cutesy wave at him.

He turns back into the hallway before nervously pulling up Yuji's contact. His finger wavers over the call button. Yuji is nice, so, so nice, and Nobara is right: he's his type. He has Tsumiki's blessing to step out for a bit and it's not like this is a date, no big deal. He can do this. He presses the button and it rings once before he hears Yuji's voice answering. "Fushiguro?"

He clears his throat. "Can you send me your address?"

Chapter Text

Yuji texted Megumi his address, after Megumi adamantly refused his offer to come pick him up again. That would be a disaster, Megumi is certain of that. If Yuji and Gojo met, Megumi fears for his own sanity, so he's resolute in keeping them apart for now. Especially since he isn't quite sure where him and Itadori stand. Sure, they flirted a little bit, but that doesn't mean they'll hit it off and start dating immediately.

Yet, Megumi can't find any excuse for the several hours he's spent trying to make himself presentable. He had quickly excused himself from baby-related activities and said he had other plans, which --lovestruck with their new grandchild-- Gojo and Geto easily waved him off for.

Now he stands, staring at himself in the mirror after trying, to no avail, to tame his wild locks into something that might be more appealing to others, specifically a pink-haired other. He picked out his favorite cologne, one he wouldn't dare tell anyone is only for special occasions, and found the perfect outfit that didn't look like he was trying too hard while actually trying incredibly hard. He decides to play it casual with baggy oversized jeans and a sweater layered over a long sleeve shirt. The monotone grays looks good on him, not to mention his green eyes pop against the cool colors.

He paces his room, he still had some time until he was going to leave, but he's full of nervous energy. Yuji asked him to bring his camera and SD cards to show him the photos Megumi took while he was in the Galapagos. Somehow, that is even more nerve-wracking. Yuji is interested in his photography and unprompted asked about it, showing genuine interest, and it scares Megumi a little bit. He's not sure how he's going to manage to be normal around Itadori. Not only is he hot and goofy, but he's considerate and sweet? Megumi shakes his head, the universe isn't fair sometimes.

He finally emerges from his room, taxi en route, and finds Tsumiki in the livingroom sleeping soundly with her feet propped up and a bag of ginger candies spilling out next to her. Gojo paces while on the phone, wildly waving his arms as he demands priority for something. Geto aimlessly pairs fabric patches together and writes notes down. Megumi raises his eyebrows, feeling a bit sympathetic for Tsumiki, but she seems peaceful. She always had been better with the chaos that surrounds their fathers. Nobody looks up as he walks through the livingroom, but when he opens the door to leave Geto speaks up.

"Don't forget we have an early flight, try not to be out too late." He says, not looking up from his paint and fabric swatches.

"I won't." Megumi promises and waves a hand behind him as he walks out of the door.

His taxi pulls up and he nervously jiggles his leg the entire drive to the station. Megumi decided since Yuji lives a little further out, he would find solace on the train. Wearing his headphones and people-watching would serve as the perfect distraction for his restlessness. His thirty minute ride flies by and Megumi finds himself outside of Yuji's door. The cold March air nips at the tip of his nose, effectively pinkening it after a short walk from the station. The sun is winding down from its peak, slightly warming the chilly day, but Megumi still rubs his hands along his forearms for warmth before finding his courage and tapping a few solid knocks on the door.

He hears Yuji's voice ring out. "Coming!"

And within a few seconds, the door flings open and reveals Yuji in all of his charm and beauty. He's wearing comfortable sweatpants and a tight athletic shirt, which Megumi quickly peels his eyes away from. He clears his throat as Yuji excitedly moves to the side, ushering him in.

"Pardon the intrusion." He mutters, shuffling through the doorway.

As he toes off his shoes, he lets his eyes wander around. Yuji's home isn't lavish in the way that Megumi is used to, but he's impressed by how inviting the space is. It's homey and comfortable with family photos littering the walls, yet still well-designed, modern, and appealing. Yuji's numerous sports jackets hang on a coat rack, his shoes are neatly lined up, and a sports duffel sits stuffed full and ready to go. The home itself is fairly spacious, but not excessive. Megumi feels his previous worries simmer to the surface and Yuji claps a hand to his shoulder before waving his arms out in a grand sweeping gesture.

"I'm, uh, really glad you decided to come over! I picked out some good movies to watch." Yuji says, radiating energy and ruffling his hair. A nervous tick Megumi has noticed he has and can't help but find disarmingly attractive.

Megumi feels his cheeks heat up, but if he were ever to be questioned about it he'd say it was the lingering cold sticking to his skin. He thinks back to Nobara's anger and decides not to be honest; play it cool. "Yeah, I found some time."

"How 'bout I give you the grand tour?" Yuji asks, smiling prettily.

Megumi nods, willing himself to get a grip, and lets Yuji lead him through the house. The livingroom is laid out with care for numerous guests with a large couch with extra floor cushions tucked to the side and a low sitting coffee table. Megumi wonders how many hours Yuji has spent there, sharing a meal with family or friends while they talk endlessly. There's a large TV atop a huge shelving unit full of DVDs. Several framed movie posters line the adjacent wall and add to the charm of the space. He realizes Yuji is definitely a cinephile, which explains his overt movie knowledge.

The layout allows an open floorplan style of kitchen, which Yuji shows him with stars in his eyes. The kitchen is massive and commercial-grade with several appliances that Megumi has only ever seen used in cooking shows. He mindlessly wonders how often, if ever, Yuji himself uses them. There is an aroma of warmth, herbs and spices flood the space. Megumi's eyes catch on the large stock pot sitting on the stove, simmering away. It smells divine.

"This is actually the biggest reason I bought this place, the kitchen sold me!" Yuji says animatedly.

Megumi stares and soaks all the information in. "You like to cook then?"

Yuji laughs, blush dusts his beautiful face as he scratches the side of his face. "Yeah! Nobara said you cook too, right?"

Megumi flushes thinking about what Nobara could've possibly told Yuji. "Nobara would find a way to burn water if left unsupervised. Everyone can cook compared to her."

Yuji flings his head back with laughter. "So, she's always been like that?"

"In college, making packaged noodles and frying an egg was my specialty. Occasionally I'd make a soup or something easy I could find a tutorial for. And that made me the head chef in our apartment." Megumi huffs.

Yuji's eyes crinkle with joy. "Cooking reminds me of my Gramps, so in a way I'd say my joy for it comes from fond memories, but, yeah, cooking and baking is my specialty if I do say so myself."

"Were you and your grandpa close?" Megumi asks, noting the way Yuji's eyes softened at the briefest mention of him.

Yuji's hand goes to the back of his head, ruffling his hair again. "Yes and no. He raised me and shaped me into the man I am today, but...He and I fought, surprisingly, about baseball. He was a legendary coach in the professional league and semi-retired to teach at the high school level." Yuji flicks some crumbs off the counter. "I, uh, actually spent most of my free time testing recipes instead of joining a baseball team like he wanted me to. I loved to cook, even then, but I wasn't good at it yet. He thought it was a useless skill when I could've been playing and being scouted. Then, when he got sick, I spent most of my time with him forcing him to try a new dessert or dish I made." He laughs, eyes looking far off. "I would botch recipes over and over again until I got them right, and I fell in love with being in the kitchen."

"It sounds like your cooking did become a useful skill, then." Megumi diligently collects the new information. He finds himself wondering how exactly Yuji's whole life and career became centered on baseball, rather than cooking or baking, but reserves the question for another day.

Yuji leans his hip against the counter and sighs fondly. "Yeah, it did."

Even though he was initially wary of hesitance or awkward silence, Megumi, again, finds himself in shock at how easy it is to speak with Yuji. He feels compelled to be truthful about himself and curious about the other man. Megumi smiles down at the floor. They're standing around in the kitchen, talking like they're lifelong friends. They just click together so well, it almost scares him. He can't help but wonder why life's cruelty kept them apart for so long. Maybe this is why Nobara was so adament that he put himself out there for Yuji?

Yuji suddenly snaps his fingers. "Oh! I made this soup base for us to have hotpot later, since it's been so cold today. This was one of the first recipes I mastered, I figured I could, uh, teach you how to make the meatballs that go with it if you'd like?"

Yuji reaches over and lifts the lid of the pot, steam furls out and unleashes the full delicious aroma into their faces. Megumi stares, feeling a strange mixture of comfort and excitement. Any previous fears of opening up too quickly dissipate, just like that, with Yuji's own vulnerability and the access to such an intimate, special part of his life. Megumi marvels at how easily Yuji offered him a role in his space. "I can't promise they'll turn out good, but I'll give it a shot."

"I promise they'll be the easiest recipe ever! I'll show you step by step." Yuji holds his hand up and draws an X over his heart.

As if on cue, Megumi's stomach rumbles. He hadn't eaten since the crepes he made that morning, too nervous to stomach lunch and too anxious to feel hungry until right this moment.

"Pfft," Yuji starts, making Megumi flush and look away. "Okay, okay, the tour is postponed. There is no starving on my watch!"

He spins around, opening cabinets and pulling out a bowl, plate, and two knives. A chopping board appears in front of Megumi along with a big bunch of green onions and a knob of ginger. A tray of ground chicken plops down next. "So, the meatballs are chicken based so they're affordable to make in bulk."

Yuji slices open the meat and dumps it into the bowl. He turns back to the fridge and grabs two eggs, then gasps. "Oh, wait! I have this-" he tosses a tube of ginger paste onto the counter "-That'll make it even easier! Now we won't have to grate the ginger ourselves."

Megumi picks up the tube, just to have something in his hands, then looks at Yuji for his next instruction. "You'll wanna pull up your sleeves for this."

Megumi shoves his sleeves up to his elbows and raises his eyebrows as Yuji puts his hands in the bowl. He mixes the meat, then looks over at Megumi. He laughs lightly at the grossed out look on Megumi’s face, then gestures with his chin to the eggs. "Crack both eggs into the bowl for me."

As Megumi cracks the eggs in, Yuji lightly mixes them in and then swings his head over to the green onions. "Oops, I probably should've had you chop those first."

"All of these?" Megumi questions.

"Mhm! Trust the process!" Yuji chirps.

Megumi huffs, but starts chopping and scrapes the whole bunch into the meat mixture. Yuji's hands don't move to mix them in just yet.

"Okay, okay, this is the last part. Squeeze as much of that ginger paste in here as you'd like!"

Too nervous to overdo it, Megumi squeezes a small portion into the mixture. Yuji watches closely and hums, so Megumi thinks that it's plenty. Yuji mixes it in. Megumi pulls back tentatively. "More?"

Yuji eyes him, searching his face intently like the secrets of his soul are written there. "Yeah! It's totally customizable. I like ginger plenty, so add more if you like it!"

Megumi squeezes another, bigger portion into the bowl and Yuji hums again, mixing. Then he pulls back, using his wrists to turn the faucet, and scrubs his hands free of the mixture. Turning back to the bowl, Yuji searches the counter, then turns towards Megumi and gently nudges his hip. When Megumi steps aside, Yuji opens the drawer and pulls out several spoons.

"Okay, this is the fun part. You just take two spoons like this-" Yuji places one spoon in each of Megumi's hands and leads him to the bowl by the hands. "And scoop the mixture between the two, rolling it into a meatball shape."

Megumi ignores how the heat radiating from Yuji's body feels so soothing and forces himself to focus. He follows Yuji's instructions and rolls a scoop between the spoons and creates a small ball. Yuji backs away and scooches the plate beside Megumi, which he uses to place the meatball and continues rolling them out.

He hears Yuji rummaging through another cabinet while he finds a his groove scooping the meatballs out. Yuji grunts and finally pulls out a large electric hotpot, it thuds loudly on the free counter. Yuji peaks over at Megumi's work and smiles. "Wow! You're a quick learner, these are perfect!"

Megumi feels his ears heating up at the easy praise falling from Yuji's lips. He clears his throat. "What do we need to make next?"

"Hmm, well, uh, I think we will probably just chop up some veggies and call it a meal. How's that sound?"

Megumi nods and goes back to scooping the meatballs while Yuji uses a ladle to scoop the broth out into the hotpot. They work dutifully side by side, with Yuji occasionally bringing up random stories from his last practice and talking about how excited he is to see Megumi's pictures. Megumi intermittently hums and nods along, not feeling obligation to talk as Yuji easily fills the silence. It makes Megumi feel odd, just how easy they mesh together.

Once all of the meat mixture is gone, Megumi slides the plate out of his way and washes his own hands. Baby bokchoy, shittake and enoki mushrooms, carrots, and some tofu are quickly chopped into manageable pieces by both of them. Megumi is surprised how easily the two fell in line with one another, easily maneuvering in the kitchen and working effecticely for their meal. Yuji carries the heavy hotpot to the livingroom table to heat up while Megumi transfers the extras to a big tray.

He carries the tray and small plate of meatballs, finding Yuji fiddling with the settings on the hotpot. Megumi arranges the table and wanders back into the kitchen to search for bowls and chopsticks.

"Oh, I have some cold barley tea in the fridge, does that sound good?" Yuji asks, coming back into the kitchen.

"Sure, that sounds good." Megumi agrees easily.

They walk back out into the livingroom with all the rest of the necessary supplies for their dinner. Yuji chatters aimlessly about the movie options he had in mind, which Megumi noncommittally agrees with. Truthfully, Yuji could pick any movie and Megumi would still find himself going along with it; if just to spend more time in Yuji's orbit. Megumi settles at the table, letting himself get comfortable. His stomach grumbles again, the broth Yuji made is lightly bubbling in the pot, and he gets to work placing the meatballs in the liquid to cook. Yuji plops down next to Megumi at the table.

"Oh, hey! While we wait for the meatballs to cook, wanna show me some pictures?" Yuji asks, stars sparkling in his eyes.

Megumi finds that he already has a hard time denying Yuji and quickly rises to grab his camera bag. He inserts his SD card and sits back down. Yuji immediately attaches himself to Megumi's side, so close that Megumi can feel his breath on the side of his face. He clears his throat and maneuvers the menu, clicking through and finding his favorite photos to show off.

"So, these photos are from an expedition I went on to Fernandina Island, which is a boat ride away from the island I was staying on. It's mostly volcanic, so nobody lives there, but there's animals that can only be found there. Like this one, a giant tortoise." He shows Yuji a photo of a Galapagos tortoise, which he gasps loudly at. "They were on the brink of extinction a few years ago, but conservationists worked hard to repopulate. Even though they're not safely in the clear yet, it's still cool to see the few that live on the island are thriving."

"Woah, that's so cool! They're huge!" Yuji exclaims, excitedly bumping his shoulder against Megumi's.

He huffs fondly and clicks through a few more photos before finding another interesting one. "This one is a group of marine iguana during mating season, see how they have varying colored scales? These were a subspecies that can be bright pink and red, that one has teal markings, see?"

Yuji gasps, seemingly astonished by the iguanas. "Woah! They're like birds then?"

Megumi hums. "Yeah, the males are bright colored to attract females. Though, we aren't certain what exactly attributes to their color variety. Kinda neat, huh?"

He nods vigorously. "Show me your absolute most favorite animal you saw there."

Megumi looks at him then back down, clicking through his camera intensely searching. Then, he finds them. A series of finches he took over the entire time he spent going between the islands. He nudges Yuji and clicks through them. Yuji tilts his head to the side. "The birds are your favorite?"

"It's not necessarily the birds themselves, no. They're all bland looking with dull coloring, but the premise behind them is my favorite. All of these birds delineate from one single bird and evolved specifically for their own needs. Depending on what part of the island, what food is abundant, they all evolved slightly to fit their needs. They're all the same, yet starkly different." Megumi glances over at Yuji, who is looking extremely contemplative, then quickly looks away. He can't help but cringe at his answer, he could've just shown Yuji penguins or the blue-footed booby; something with substance, a cool color, or something he had ever seen before. Megumi coughs awkwardly and moves to turn off his camera. "So, uh, do you think the meatballs are ready?"

That snaps Yuji out of his silence and he shakes his head, smile reappearing on his face. "Oh! Uh. Sorry. Yeah, they're probably done. Here."

Yuji reaches over to scoop a meatball into a bowl before passing it over to Megumi. He starts dropping the vegetables in to cook. "Here try them."

Megumi tentatively takes a bite of the meatball and is genuinely surprised at how good they taste. "These really are good."

Yuji beams at the praise, happily watching Megumi take another bite. Then, sheepishly he asks, "Do you think people are like those birds?"

Megumi blinks, trying to connect Yuji's scattered thoughts wordlessly. "Well, everything is forced to either evolve or die. So, I'd agree that people are like Darwin's finches in the way that we change in order to fit into our environment, sure." The look in Yuji's eyes is one Megumi can't decipher yet, but he continues. "However, I think that humans have the advantage in the fact that we can pick up and leave when we don't want to change. Or, we can even go back to where we once were and reverse an unwanted change."

The smile and warmth that Megumi has grown accustom to equating to Yuji fills the space as his cheeks uptick, crinkling the skin by his eyes. He exhales, shakily, but also sounding...relieved? Megumi takes a tentative sip of his broth and is quickly impressed with how the ginger in the meatballs pairs well with the herby broth Yuji made. He hums, hoping to change the subject to a much lighter one.

"I'll have to make these for my sister sometime, the ginger should help with her nausea."

"Oh, that's right! You did say that you're going to be an uncle soon, so, how far along is she?" Yuji asks, busying himself with the hotpot and preparing his own bowl.

Megumi rests his bowl on his knee, letting it's warmth soak into him. "Well, I don't think she knows yet. It's still pretty early. Probably only eight weeks or so, but as soon as she told me I flew back."

"You two sound close." Yuji says, sounding fond.

"We could be closer, but that's my fault for being away for work."

"But you're here now. I'm sure she appreciates that." Yuji says it so simply, so earnestly.

Megumi takes over the hotpot, plucking up some of the softened vegetables and more meatballs into his bowl. Yuji follows quickly after and exhales happily while chewing. "Do you have siblings?"

"Oh, uh, yeah! I have a half-brother actually. Kinda a long story, but he's great. Him and his wife live here with my baby nephew, oh!" Yuji stands quickly, bowl in one hand, and rushes to the wall before pulling a frame from the wall. Megumi bites his cheek to suppress his laugh when Yuji nearly trips with excitement on his way back. He plops back down and shoves the photo in Megumi's face. "This is him! My nephew, I mean! Isn't he so cute?"

Megumi looks, noting the older man with dark hair pulled up in a spikey half-up hairstyle standing beside a tall woman with long blonde hair--who must be Yuji's brother and sister-in-law-- each holding one hand of the small boy as he stands wobbly in between them. The boy is very young, no more than three or four, with black hair that falls into his eyes, and Megumi notes that he's wearing a #18 jersey. The photo is taken amateurly, the child's leg is blurry as he's mid-step, but everyone's expressions are the perfect display of pure joy. Picture perfect happiness in one frame.

Megumi smiles and looks at Yuji, he nods earnestly. Yuji stares at him dumbly for a second, as if he forgot what he was going to say, before he takes the photo back, tracing the frame gently before returning it to its home. "His name is Junpei. He's gonna be four this year."

"Seems like you have a personal number one fan, huh?"

Yuji laughs and rubs his shoulder, rolling it a few times. "Yeah, he's going to start youth baseball next summer, but he's young so he will probably change his ambitions ten times over."

The steady bubbling sound from the hotpot offers a calming ambiance while Megumi tries to analyze Yuji. For someone who comes across so earnest and honest, he sure seems skittish about baseball. Which is odd, considering how much of his life revolves around it. Megumi stares, watching as Yuji carefully avoids his gaze. Yuji settles again, sipping his broth with a forced nonchalance. Megumi clears his throat, deciding to test the waters. "How has your shoulder been? Nobara only told me a little about it."

The sunshine under Yuji's skin extinguishes in that moment, turning his face ghostly pale as his eyes bulge from his skull. The food he was slurping down causes him to choke, coughing and sputtering while he smacks a hand to his chest. Megumi pushes a glass of tea to Yuji's hand, watching patiently as he collects himself. Clearly his shoulder is a sore subject, but Megumi can't help but be curious as to why. It's healed. He's playing again. What is it that Yuji is hiding?

Yuji wipes his face, finally not near death. "Oh sorry the food must've went down the wrong pipe." He clears his throat. "But, uh, to answer your question...My shoulder is doing good!The doctors say the surgery was a complete success, so it's only a matter of working up to 100% again." Yuji's smile doesn't reach his eyes.

Megumi chews his food thoughtfully. He wants to ask the right questions to get more information, but he doesn't want to risk hitting a nerve on accident. He doesn’t want to sound detached or uncaring and he especially doesn’t want to make Yuji uncomfortable. The initial impression Megumi got from Yuji was that he is an open book, but mentioning the injury has him quick to end any conversation. He decides to play it safe and speaks evenly. "If you don't mind me asking; what kind of injury did you have? Was it a dislocation?"

Yuji sucks his upper lip between his teeth. "Well, it's a bit more complicated than a dislocation. If I just dislocated it, I probably wouldn't have even had to stop pitching."

Megumi raises an eyebrow. A dislocated shoulder is not something he would imagine they allow players to pitch with. It would be absurd and borderline abusive if they did. Isn't that how injuries get worse? Yuji rolls his shoulder a bit again before continuing.

"It was something they call a 'SLAP' tear, right here-" His fingers dig into the joint of his shoulder, right between the junction of the collarbone and shoulder. "The, uh, tendons and cartilage here ripped. It kinda felt like my shoulder was popping out of its socket sometimes when I was pitching."

Megumi winces. "Sounds painful."

He watches as Yuji's face screws up, as if the memory alone causes him pain, then forcibly evens out. He blows out a puff of air and Megumi can't help but feel guilty for being curious since it's obviously a painful subject. "Yeah, it hurt, but honestly I'm just thankful I get to stay on the mound. Some people, well, they never recover and it's career-ending. That's probably my biggest nightmare, so, uh, I'm glad they fixed it and caught it when they did."

"The surgery they did, is it a permanent fix?"

"Yup! I barely have a scar, too. It's practically a miracle of medicine.The way I understand it, they went in and added an artificial way for my shoulder ligaments to, well, work nicely?" Yuji laughs nervously. "I go to physical therapy still, but the doctors said I should probably be more vigilant of my symptoms for the next few years since I'm still pitching."

"You said it yourself, you still have a long career ahead of you. It's good to know what to keep an eye out for, so you can take extra care of yourself." Yuji nods his head jerkily and Megumi feels the suffocating tension mounting. Yuji's jaw is clenched tight and his fingers are whitening where they squeeze his glass. Megumi reaches forward, adding more vegetables to his bowl, making a mental note to investigate more later. "So, remind me...What movies did you have planned?"

Yuji sets down his glass of tea and the tension in the air instantly dissipates. The easy out Megumi gave him is taken gratefully. "Oh! Well, I thought obviously we have to watch Annie, it's honestly criminal you haven't seen it yet."

Megumi hides his fond huff behind a slightly crunchy carrot, rolling his eyes. Yuji notices and his cheeks pinken. "And, well, for funsies I thought we could watch my favorite romance movie Serendipity."

"Serendipity? Like kismet?"

"Yeah! The movie is about fate working to bring two people who were destined to be back together. It's like the saying 'if you love someone, let them go and if it's meant to be, they'll return to you.' I really like that." Yuji's eyes glow a beautiful golden honey, beaming with joy.

Megumi chews thoughtfully and Yuji reaches forward and helps himself to more of the hotpot. This content feeling settles over Megumi like a warm, weighted blanket. He feels bold, knowing Yuji wouldn't judge him. "Do you believe in fate?"

"Yep! At least, I think that everything happens for a reason. Like, me and you, for example. The chances of us meeting before now should've been pretty high. We have a common friend and lived in the same city, but obviously we only met now for some reason! The universe knows when and where to provide, I think."

The look on Yuji's face let's Megumi know he means every word. Megumi nods. "I'm not sure how I feel about fate, but I do believe in karma. Good and bad. So, maybe if karma is real, fate is too."

Their meal continues in similar fashion until they've both had their fill. Any bad feelings kicked up are quickly forgotten and Megumi finds that Yuji is back to his old self. Yuji animatedly tells stories and picks Megumi's brain. While Megumi talks, Yuji happily slurps his food and pays close attention. They talk, talk, and talk. The many years they were kept apart --by fate, if you ask Yuji-- quickly unravels through their conversation.

Once the hotpot is practically empty and Megumi is warmed to the bone, both from the soup and company, Yuji ushers him up onto the couch. He quickly rushes the dishes to the kitchen, refusing Megumi's offered help before returning. Yuji sits on one end of the spacious couch and Megumi sits a respectable one-cushion-distance away, not too far, not too close.

The first movie Yuji picked plays and Megumi can't help but get caught up in Yuji's excitment. Even though it's obvious he's seen the movie multiple times, his eyes are hooked to the screen, latched to every word, movement, and song. As the movie plays, they find themselves slowly gravitating toward one another. Whether through Yuji's excitement for the movie and watching Megumi's reaction or the atoms in their bodies attempting to fuse back together after finding their lost halves again. It's hard to tell, but neither of them complain as physical closeness becomes comfortable as they inch together.

When the credits roll and Yuji waits anxiously for his verdict, Megumi yawns lightly. "I'm sorry to say, but this movie definitely skewed your perception of orphanages."

Yuji gasps, affronted. "Nuh-uh! It has to based on some truth!"

Rolling his eyes, Megumi decides he's getting too sleepy to argue and wants to finish the second movie before heading home. "Whatever. Put on the next one."

"I'm honestly surprised you're so eager to watch, I wasn't sure if you'd even actually follow through with watching these or if you were just being nice when you said you would. So, uh, thanks."

Megumi glances over his shoulder in an effort to hide his face as Yuji's words paint his cheeks and ears red. The window reminds him there's a world outside, having been nearly convinced him and Yuji existed in their own bubble this whole time. The sky swirls scarlet and purple as the sun falls down the horizon, it's already been a few hours since he got here, yet, it feels like hardly any time at has passed. The more Megumi thinks about it, the more he could find himself getting used to this. Coming home, preparing a home cooked meal and settling down with Yuji before bed.

He immediately shakes his head, refocusing. It's far, far too early to be fantasizing about the future like that and he mentally reprimands himself. This is surely the result of the sleepless night he had last night, surely.

The intro to Serendipity starts, jolting Megumi from his thoughts and Yuji pulls a blanket with him when he settles back down. He easily cozies up, sharing the blanket and letting Megumi in close. Yuji's cologne mixes with a scent that is uniquely him and washes over Megumi. He breathes in deeply when Yuji gasps with shock at whatever is going on between the characters on the screen. Megumi spends more time staring at Yuji than actually watching the movie, but manages to get the basic concept.

Yuji's warmth and occasional gasp, laugh, or question serves only to warm Megumi's soul more. Though, as the movie drags on, Yuji's commentary slows down and his reactions become less animated. Megumi's sleepiness hits him in full force and Yuji shifts them back, yawning all the while. Megumi's head easily falls to Yuji's shoulder and a strong arm encircles him, bringing him in. Yeah, he could get used to this, his thoughts easily run away from him as he imagines how perfect falling asleep like this every night would be.

His eyes droop and droop, every blink becoming a struggle, before finally letting the easy lull of sleep take him.

Chapter Text

For once, Megumi finds himself sleeping peacefully and completely through the night. He's pleasantly warm and comfortable, his mind empty and blissful. That is, however, until an incessant, blaring ringtone has his comfortable bed shifting out from under him and making him jolt up. His heart beats wildly in his chest as it takes him a few moments to remember where he is.

Yuji had jumped up, out from under Megumi, and raced across the room to answer his phone. Panic seizes him, oh God, what time is it? His head whips to the windows and the sick feeling in his throat settles a little upon seeing the darkened skies. Yuji is talking rushedly, pacing lightly before walking back over to Megumi. His eyes portray genuine guilt sprinkled with frazzled urgency. Megumi shakes his head, hoping to calm him. It wasn't Yuji's fault that Megumi both, mortifyingly, fell asleep and forgotten to mention his early morning flight.

Clicking on the speaker, Nobara's voice blares loudly through the phone. "Calm down? Yuji, don't tell me to calm down. Megumi isn't answering his phone and our flight leaves in an hour! He never came home last night so obviously he's with you."

Megumi huffs, clearing the sleep from his throat. "Yeah, I'm here. I'll be at the airport on time."

She gasps. Gojo's voice can be heard, sounding frantic. "What? What happened?" Nobara hushes him. "Nothing. Megumi will be here on time." She directs her voice back to them. "Megumi, what is it you said to me? Oh, that's right: a phone is useless if it isn't on!"

Embarassment passes through him, Megumi honestly doesn't even know where his phone is. He pats his pockets and the surrounding cushions, finding it shoved deep into the couch by their sleeping bodies. He grumbles. "Yeah, yeah. I don't need the lecture. I'll call a cab."

Yuji's eyes widen as Megumi pulls the phone from him, hanging up on Nobara. They're left alone in silence that is brewing with trepidation and embarassment. The livingroom is dark, save for the DVD logo bouncing from edge to edge on the TV screen. Megumi clears his throat.

"I'm really sorry-" "I'm so sorr-" They speak over each other, simultaneously apologizing.

"You don't have to apologize. It's my fault for not mentioning my flight." Megumi stands, mourning the warmth of the couch. "I just need to throw my phone on the charger for five minutes, then I can be out of your hair."

Yuji's face contorts, Megumi isn't for sure because of the lack of lighting, but it looks like he's frowning deeply. A look Megumi already knows he wouldn't want to see in full light.

"Well, how about I take you to the airport?" Megumi opens his mouth, protest ready. "And before you say anything, you'd be able to charge your phone in the car and also enjoy some of the muffins I made. I meant to send them home with you last night, but, uh, well I guess this is a better use for them!"

Megumi feels his skin prickle, the offer is tempting. He would get the opportunity to milk out as much time with Yuji as possible, but there was one major obstacle. "My dad is a little crazy, you don't have to believe me, but I'm saying it for your protection. You don't want to get caught in his sights."

Yuji laughs, sudden and loud. "You make it sound like he's some unhinged murderer or some kind of otherworldly alien!" Megumi makes a face, contemplating agreeing with his assessment. "I'm sure he isn’t that bad, but I'll take your word for it. I doubt we would run into each other outside, anyways. So, whaddya say?"

Yuji's car pulls up to the curb right outside of the terminal and Megumi flings his door open. He only has his camera bag, phone, and container full of muffins to carry with him. Before he can thank Yuji for the ride, Yuji shifts the car into park and opens his own door.

"What are you doing?" Megumi questions, feeling half hysterical just picturing the possibility of chaos if Yuji meets Gojo.

Yuji huffs a small laugh. "I gotta make sure you make it to your gate in time, I'd be a pretty terrible date if I didn't!"

Megumi scowls and swivels back to face him. He has about fifteen minutes to make it and Yuji's concern is genuine and sweet, yet urgency bubbles his blood. "Well, I'm telling you it isn't necessary. I already told you my dad is a bit...extreme. It's best for you to not risk running into him."

Yuji's face drops, eyes darting and staring at something behind Megumi. Before he can turn and look, a heavy hand plops onto his shoulder.

Gojo's voice explodes with excitement beside him. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?"

Megumi groans and turns to push Gojo away, trying to save Yuji, but Gojo's hand comes up to the side of Megumi's head and effectively shoves him to the side. "My, my, what would your name be? How do you know my little 'Gumi and how did he come to be at your house overnight?"

Yuji doesn't fluster, seriousness pinches his face, and he bows respectfully. "Hello, sir. My name is Yuji Itadori. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Gojo preens at the attention. Megumi tries again to push Gojo away, but he holds his hand out and forcefully keeps him an arms length away. He leers into Yuji's personal space. "So, Yuji-kun, what are your intentions with my son?"

Megumi pushes against Gojo's hand and he suddenly drops the tension in his arm, causing Megumi to stumble and yelp with surprise. Yuji's face blooms a beautiful pink and he nervously scratches his cheek, looking off to the side to find his answer. "Well, uh, I guess my intentions are...uh, marriage?"

Megumi feels his heart thud to the bottom of his stomach as his breath hitches. Obviously, Yuji is just saying that because he knows that Megumi is wanting to date seriously. Not that he's actually considering marriage, right? Gojo squeals with delight and claps his, now free, hands together obnoxiously. He darts forward and wraps an arm around Yuji's shoulders. "My, my! I didn't know my little boy was going to get married! He can be so secretive sometimes. Go ahead! Tell me everything about yourself Yuji-kun! Go on!"

Megumi finally collects himself enough to find his voice to interrupt. He shoots Yuji an apologetic look, hoping his eyes convey how sorry he is, but Yuji seems perfectly unbothered by having his personal space invaded by a strange man. Megumi clears his throat loudly. "We have a flight to catch, leave Yuji alone. Come on, already!"

Before Megumi can catch himself for using Itadori's given name, Gojo gasps. "You're so right, 'Gumi!" He turns to Yuji, close enough for their noses to nearly touch. "Yuji-kun, why don't you join us! Have you ever been to Fukuoka? The cherry blossoms are already blooming and it's absolutely beautiful. Come on, I insist!"

Yuji gapes, mouth opening and closing soundlessly. Megumi puts his foot down, stepping in for Yuji. "Absolutely not. It's not happening."

"Awww come on, Megumi! Don't be a spoilsport. Let him come if he wants to!"

Megumi whirls around, stunned to hear Nobara suddenly interject. Now it's his turn to stare, blinking rapidly as his brain tries to catch up with the absolute buffoonery. It's far too early for this, he thinks.

"Oh, hey Nobara! Why are you here?" Yuji asks, confusion tossed to the side for surprise.

Nobara scoffs and crosses her arms over her chest as if the question alone offended her. "We kinda have a flight to catch, so hurry up!"

Megumi raises an eyebrow at Nobara. She shrugs. "Free vacation, duh." That's all she offers him as an explanation for her presence.

Gojo nuzzles even closer to Yuji as if physically trying to convince him to say yes. Megumi finally finds a word for how he feels. Mortified. He feels absolutely mortified, but he also can't help but feel a little anticipation. It might be a little fun for Yuji to tag along. Plus, Yuji was interested in his family's business and how the photography process worked. So, it could be a learning experience, he reasons.

Yuji's face pinches, reluctant rejection etches his features. "Sorry, but as much as I appreciate the offer I'm gonna have to decline. I have plans with my brother that I can't put off."

Gojo instantly pouts, hanging his head low as he slinks away from Yuji. He throws himself around Nobara, looking for solace, but she shoves him off brutally. She shifts her attention, instead, to the muffins in Megumi's grasp and pulls them free.

Megumi can't help the pang of disappointment that rings through his skull. He shakes his head. Yuji coming along was a bad idea from the start, he was wholly against it, and he's sure that the trip will be fine without him. It's not a trip for pleasure, it's a trip for business, and it's not like he's so attached to Yuji he has to come. In fact, Megumi is glad he isn't coming, at least, that's what he convinces himself. It'll save him the headache of dealing with Gojo’s antics and having to keep an eye on Yuji.

Yuji offers him a sad yet sweet smile, and Megumi can't help but offer a smile of his own. He can tell Yuji regrets not being able to say yes. As insane as it would be for him to suddenly join him and his entire family on a twelve hour flight, Megumi has a feeling maybe one day Yuji would join him. He walks over to Yuji and desperately tries to ignore the fluttering feeling in his chest when brown eyes soften and study him as if he were the most rare species on Earth. Megumi clears his throat in an attempt to clear the embarrassment. "Thank you for the ride. Get home safe."

Yuji nods airily. "Sure, uh, I mean. Of course! Anytime."

Megumi let's the corner of his mouth uptick in a small smile, then he turns to join his circus towards their gate.

"Oh! Uh, would you text me when you land?" Yuji asks, eyes big and round. "Please."

Immediately, his cheeks light up and he nods briefly before turning away from Yuji. Before he does something dumb like ask if Yuji really meant what he said to Gojo or beg him to join him anyways. Nobara is smiling devilishly, pressing her fingers to her thumb on each hand in a puppet-face, making obnoxious kissy noises as she presses her face-hands together. Evidently Gojo took the muffins from her, with one hanging from his mouth, shamelessly stuffing his face. Megumi scoffs, pushing her hands down and grabbing her to pull behind him. Gojo marches forward, oblivious to the torturous display he put Megumi through.

"You seriously piss me off." Nobara says, voice lacking any serious bite to it, but rolling her eyes as she is pulled along. She's munching on a muffin now, too.

"And your perfume is too strong, you stink." Megumi snaps back. Her perfume is strong, spicy clove and striking floral notes assault Megumi's senses. It's her usual scent, but he says it just to make her mad.

Nobara laughs mirthlessly. "Yeah, well, you can deal with my perfume for the entire flight while you spill and tell me all about your impromptu sleepover with Yuji." Megumi flushes. "Which, by the way, is not what I meant by going out for a date."

Yuji feels shellshocked for the entire ride back home. He can't help but feel a complicated amount of emotions. Firstly, the daze of waking up with Megumi in his arms hasn't wore off. He cannot believe he fell asleep like that! Megumi was so, so warm and Yuji didn't even realize he was asleep until Nobara's call woke him. 3AM is earlier than he usually rises for the day, but the rush of speeding Megumi off to the airport leaves him energized. He figures at least now he can get a good run in before he heads over to Choso’s later. Plus, he still has to stop by the clinic for physical therapy.

As he sets out for his run, he wonders why Megumi was so nervous for him to meet his dad. The guy --Gojo, his brain helpfully recalls-- wasn't that bad. He was genuinely afraid his father was part of the yakuza or something with the way Megumi built it up. Sure, the guy had some quirks, but it wasn't anything Yuji couldn't handle. Something that will haunt him for the next few nights, however, is the fact that he told Megumi's dad that he wanted to marry him. Marry him!

Yuji groans, sweaty from his run, his face slaps resolutely into his hands. He is the only one running this morning, though, that might be simply because of the hour. Usually Toge and Yuta are running with him, but with the sun still resting below the horizon, Yuji finds himself thankfully alone. He isn't quite sure if he could explain to any of his friends what exactly has him so worked up this morning. Not only did he have an amazing date last night, but he somehow managed to meet Megumi's father. He's certain his face would explode a burning red if he were confronted with his feelings right now. It's way too soon to feel so deeply, but his traitorous heart refuses to listen to his brain. They fell asleep together. God. He groans again, nearly tripping with embarassment.

He loses himself, thinking about the what ifs. What if he did agree to Megumi's dads offer of joining them in Fukuoka? Was that truly disappointment Yuji saw flash briefly through Megumi's features? His feet slap heavily against the paved lanes, running helps release his scattered energy. Maki is too perceptive, she would notice right away, but Yuji pushes himself an extra lap just to feel the burn through his chest. The dull ache in his shoulder has only gotten more noticeable the longer Yuji is awake. He rolls his shoulder, opposite hand rubbing the top as he makes big circles with his elbow. Yuji takes his time, gulping down water and doing a few cooldown stretches before drying his sweat with a towel.

Yuji makes his way to the physical therapy room, the smell of sanitizer wafts down the hall. He has physical therapy only once a week now, but back when he was initially injured he was here practically every day for months on end. He checks the clock, it's close enough to Maki's shift that he decides to let himself into the office. Grabbing a light dumbbell, he lays on his stomach and lets his right arm hang with the weight in his hand. He gently flexes up, pulling from the elbow and extending his shoulder backwards. There's a stiffness that has never gone away, yet when Yuji's met with that same resistance he feels the same disappointment over again. The cold feeling of failure rushes through his veins before he exhales, slowly releasing the stretch. He repeats the motion, slowly, losing count of how many repetitions he does before the door swings open.

Maki sighs, annoyance unveiled. "If you're not going to listen to my instructions, could you at least do it during office hours? I haven't even finished my coffee yet."

Yuji huffs. "I'm not ignoring your instructions."

Maki crosses her arms over her chest, iced coffee shaking in her hand. "How many reps have you done?"

Caught, Yuji laughs nervously. Maki let's out an exasperated sigh and sets her stuff down at the desk. "Let me see it."

He moves to a sitting position and pulls his shirt up over his head. Lifting his arm up fully makes him wince slightly. Maki's cold hands gently press the top of his shoulder, then prod around where his collarbone connects. She clicks her tongue to the roof of her mouth. "Have you been pitching today?"

Yuji averts his eyes. "No, I threw some balls with Todo yesterday though."

"It's more swollen than I would expect from that. I think your pitching restriction should be pushed back." Maki steps away, getting ready to write notes.

Her words quickly knock him from cloud nine. Panic grips his throat. "Maki! Please! I promise I'm not overdoing it. You have to trust me to know my own limits!"

"Trusting that is what got you injured in the first place, Yuji. Do you really take me for a fool?"

"No!" He rushes, words thick and pleading. "Please, I promise that's not what I'm trying to do. I can't be pushed from pitching any longer. Gakuganji will kick me. Please, I-"

"Just because your surgery was successful, doesn't mean your shoulder is fully recovered Yuji!" Maki says, voice raising. "Overusing it is what got you in this position to begin with. It's swollen to hell, if you want to keep pitching, you gotta slowly work up to that!"

"I can't sit out another season, Maki!" Yuji says, desperation lacing his words. This isn't how he planned for his visit to go today.

Maki sighs, rubbing her fingers against her temple. "If you can't take it easy, then maybe you should retire, Yuji. You're destroying the muscle, the ligament replacement isn't enough for it to recover. If you keep this up, you won't even be able to pitch casually for a youth team."

Yuji's voice comes out in short breaths, fighting back tears that want to flow. How could she use that against him? She knows how excited he is to coach when Junpei joins a little league. He grits his teeth. "I'm not a quitter. Junpei looks up to me. My grandpa is counting on me to-"

"To carry on the Itadori legacy, yes, I'm aware of your logic here. And I hate to tell you this, but your grandfather is dead. Junpei is a child who will one day grow up and discover that the reason his beloved uncle ruined his arm is for him? How do you think that'd make him feel?" Maki's voice turns distant when he doesn't respond. "If you feel like ruining your arm, then keep doing what you're doing. I'm not your boss."

Yuji stands quietly, pulling his shirt back on. He doesn't bother with idle conversation as he resumes his stretches, but he does count the reps aloud as he continues with his therapy plan. He isn’t intentionally trying to anger Maki, she just doesn't understand. As long as he can convincingly play his role for Coach Utahime, she won't question him. Even if Maki does request that he lower his pitching innings, Gakuganji will believe Yuji over Maki. If Gakuganji had it his way, Yuji probably would've been pitching a full game right off the bat, but Utahime ultimately had the final say. She decided to play it safe, against his and Gakuganji's wishes.

Once he's done, he gets up to bid Maki goodbye. She glances up and right before he leaves, "I never took you for someone to follow a lifestyle that someone else picked for you, but maybe I'm just projecting."

He stops in his tracks.

"I'm not." He says, hoping that his voice exudes the confidence he doesn't have.

"Ice it when you get home. Ten on, thirty off. Four times." She calls after him.

Yuji nods his head and walks out. He silently drives himself to Choso’s while Maki's words echo in his head. That's not what this is, is it? His grandpa was important to him, that's why he decided to follow his footsteps...Not to make someone else happy. He didn't claw his way tooth and nail through rigorous drills in highschool to catch up to his peers. He didn't choose a whole career just because it was what his grandpa would've wanted. Did he? No, no. He is passionate about baseball. Baseball makes him happy!

When he arrives at Choso’s he knocks, tapping lightly enough to be heard but not risk waking up Junpei or Yuki if they're still asleep. Choso had invited him over to talk about his birthday plans and catch up, but Yuji mostly just wants to curl up into a ball and hide away. But, his family is important and deserve his time. Choso opens the door, hair down and clothes wrinkled from morning chores, and takes one look at him, then he smiles his reassuring smile. It takes every fiber of Yuji's being not to collapse into tears, he's far too old to need his older brother to coddle him.

"You seem distressed, is there anything you wanted to talk about?" Choso clicks the door closed and watches him.

Yuji hums, collecting his thoughts, but before he can answer Choso starts talking again. "I'll put on some tea, why don't you go wake Junpei?"

Choso always knows what to do, what to say, what Yuji needs. He smiles, hoping it doesn't look as forced as it feels. "Yeah, okay."

He makes his way up the stairs to Junpei's room. As a reward for moving into his "big boy bed", Choso and Yuki decorated his room however Junpei wanted. At the moment, he is obsessed with exactly two things: baseball and sea life. So his bedroom became an amalgamation of aquatic creatures, paper jellyfish hang from the ceiling and ocean waves engulf the walls in beautiful blues, and baseball. Memorabilia lines the walls, which basically just meant any and all #18 jerseys they could find. The childlike wonder of it all warms Yuji's heart, Junpei knows what he likes and is a very opinionated almost-four-year-old. When Yuji peeks his head in, the toddler is soundly sleeping. He's curled up, holding onto a plush jellyfish.

Yuji bends down next to the bed and pokes his nose. His nose wrinkles, hand coming up to brush away the feeling, before he rolls onto his side. Then, Yuji takes his hand and finds the ticklish junction of Junpei's neck and collarbone. His fingers flutter lightly, but it's enough to make Junpei giggle and push his hand away before blinking open his brown orbs. It takes him a minute to process and when he does a big smile breaks out on his face. "JiJi?"

"Yeah, buddy. Good morning!" Yuji mirrors his smile, feeling his eyes crinkle with joy. Damn Choso, always knowing what he needs. The upset Yuji was feeling earlier still simmers in his gut, but he doesn't feel like he could burst into tears at any moment anymore.

Junpei lifts his arms, baby hands making a grabbing motion at him. Yuji laughs and reaches down, cradling the boy in his arms as he heaves him up. "Wow, you're getting big! Pretty soon I won't be able to lift you up anymore."

The toddler giggles, shoving his head into Yuji's neck, suddenly embarrassed. Yuji carries him downstairs just in time for Choso to bring two teacups over to the table. As he goes to set Junpei down, a small hand presses against his shoulder just right and Yuji has to suck in his gasp. His shoulder throbs, the dull ache from earlier only worsened after his stretching this morning and even the slightest pressure has a deep, sharp pain shooting through him. Junpei doesn't notice and bumbles over to Choso, throwing his arms around his neck.

"Good morning, son." Choso mumbles lovingly into Junpei's hair.

Junpei spots his blocks in the corner basket and jumps up, running over to grab some. Yuji let's himself sit and sip his tea, ignoring the way his brother's eyes burn into him. Choso clears his throat. "Did you have PT today?"

Yuji hums. "Yup. It went well! Nothing to write home about. Pretty sure Gakuganji will let me start pitching full-time again soon."

His eyes roll and Yuji feels his pulse quicken. Choso doesn't believe him. He always became very cold, silently furious, anytime Yuji mentioned Gakuganji. Junpei ambles over, blocks in hand, and plops down between them. Yuji picks up two blocks and fiddles with them, fitting them together then pulling them apart over and over again. "Choso, can I ask you something?"

His brother simply hums, eyes glaring like he's trying to see through Yuji's lies. "Of course you can. Would you like honesty in return?"

Yuji chooses to sideline his question. "Do you think I'm passionate about baseball?"

Choso keeps his face neutral without an ounce of emotion. "Well, I think that is a complicated line of questioning." Junpei pops his lips together loudly and shoves a block into Choso’s face, he replaces his teacup with the block and holds it until the toddler takes it back. "I think that you enjoy being good at baseball and I think you particularly enjoy having a role you can fulfill adequately. I'm not sure if that translates to passion, though."

Yuji stares, feeling that tightness in his throat again. "I've played baseball for almost fifteen years. That is passion."

"That is dedication, which some may argue is an important aspect of passion, but in itself is not passion."

Yuji's eyebrows scrunch together, the words processing. Choso gently shushes a fussing Junpei, fixing his block when it gets stuck to another, before his attention is back on Yuji. "Let me ask you something: when did you start playing baseball?"

"Freshman year."

"And what else happened freshman year?" Choso’s eyes meet his.

Yuji swallows roughly, willing the tightness to leave. When he doesn't answer, Choso takes that as his opportunity to easily spell out what it is he's trying to say. "Wouldn't you say it's an interesting happenstance that your grandfather passed away that same year? Of course, it doesn't have to mean anything. Maybe you were influenced your whole life and coincidentally you joined a team the same year of his death. Or..."

"Or what?" Yuji interrupts, hasty to hear what he has to say. To understand what it is that everyone thinks of him, what everyone dances around when they speak about him. The tea Choso prepared burns his throat on the way down as Yuji gulps it down. Hoping to clear the bile rising high.

"Yuji." Choso sighs. "You joined the baseball team the same week Wasuke passed. To me, that suggests you joined out of guilt or obligation. Especially considering your complete --in your own words-- rebellion, against baseball in previous years."

When his grandpa died, Yuji barely had time to grieve before he was sent to Tokyo. Choso easily took him in; maybe it was in response to being in an unfamiliar environment, learning he had a half-brother, being grief-stricken, or some combination thereof, but he joined the baseball team of his new school on his first day enrolled. Baseball kept him rooted, gave him new friends, gave him responsibilities and goals. Yuji shakes his head vigorously. "It was a coincidence. I had been thinking about it for a long time before that."

Choso exhales, but before he gets the chance to speak Junpei stands and waddles to Yuji. He climbs into Yuji's lap and bonks his head against Yuji's collarbone. "Don't be sad, JiJi. Take this."

Junpei hands Yuji the other block he was playing with, to stack with the blocks Yuji was already fiddling with. Yuji smiles softly. "Thanks buddy, you always know what to say."

The toddler giggles while holding his hands out. Yuji raises an eyebrow. "Oh? You want them back?"

Junpei nods, his messy hair flops and tickles Yuji's nose. Yuji raises his arms above his head, holding the blocks up high, much to Junpei's displeasure. He huffs and hops up, which Yuji takes as his opportunity to stand and bolt away. Yuji laughs while Junpei runs after him with his own raucous screeching laughter following quickly behind. They run in circles around the couch before Yuji allows Junpei to tackle him down and grab the blocks from him.

They hear a door open upstairs and footsteps coming down. Yuki appears, face mask on and hair secured behind a fluffy headband, still in her nightgown. "Oh, hey Yuji." She brings a hand up under her chin. "I forgot you'd be over today. Explains the extra ruckus though."

Yuji sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. "Sorry, Yuki!"

She waves her hand dismissively, walking instead toward the kitchen. The fridge opens, then Yuki pops her head around the corner. "How 'bout you make it up to me by making some breakfast?"

He grins, that's something he can do. Choso pats him on the back, eyes communicating that they will continue their conversation some other time. Yuji knows that Choso cares, but he only really brought the topic up to get his own confirmation. Now more than ever he pushes any doubts he had to the back of his mind. He is loves baseball, he loves pitching, and he will do anything he can to keep on the mound.

"And that's all. Nothing else." Megumi says, exasperated after explaining his date with Yuji for what feels like the hundreth time.

Gojo huffs and crosses his arms over his chest. "So you mean to tell me you're not engaged to the hot baseball player?"

Tsumiki pouts. "I told you I wanted to meet mystery man! Not fair that out of all of us Gojo got to see him first!"

Nobara scoffs. "He's really not all that."

"I don't know, I'd like to gauge his hotness for myself." Geto says, not looking up from his wedding timeline paperwork.

Megumi flushes. "Can you guys be normal for once, please. This isn't as big of a deal as you make it seem. We hung out once, I don't even know if Itadori considered it a date. Let's calm down."

It's always been hard for Megumi to grapple with his parents being so invested in his love life. It seems too invasive, too overbearing, too embarrassing. They don't even know that he does want to get married and they're already acting like this. Though, he does recall not wanting them to know of his intentions for this exact reason. So, he feels vindicated in that regard; they are consistently consistent about annoying him about his love life.

Gojo rolls his eyes. "This situation isn't normal! It isn't often our little 'Gumi completely loses all sense of responsibility and falls asleep on a first date. Not to mention, you don't even have any clothes for our trip!"

"Yeah!" Tsumiki chimes in. "And you didn't feel like mentioning he's possibly the best baker alive? These muffins are delicious and I can keep them down!" She snaps her fingers. "That's it! That's how I get to meet him! I need more of these muffins, ASAP. Actually, the baby needs more!"

Megumi rolls his eyes and decides now is the time to drown them out with his headphones, he's satisfied their curiosity enough for one flight. He reaches in his pockets and frustratingly cannot find them. He checks each pocket before coming to the realization they must've slipped out and are hidden in Yuji's couch cushions somewhere. Resigned to his fate, he looks around his family members who have gone back to their own bubbles. Gojo and Geto are discussing business operations, writing notes, and sprinkling baby conversation throughout. Tsumiki is curled up with a blanket, eye mask ready to sleep through the rest of the flight. Nobara has trashy reality TV pulled up, wired ear buds in, and Megumi nudges her with his shoulder.

Silently, she pulls an ear bud out and hands it to him. They watch episode after episode for the last few hours before the plane lands and they gather their luggage. They decide to walk to the hotel, since it's only a few blocks away, to stretch their legs. Megumi spots a few clothing stores and remembering his current predicament, calls out to the others.

"Hey I'm gonna stop here, I'll meet you at the hotel." He throws his hand up behind him in a wave.

Nobara gasps, throws her bags at Gojo, and runs after him. "I'll come with!" When she gets next to Megumi, she elbows him. "Plus, I think you owe me a new top. Oh! Or maybe a skirt! Something pretty for summer."

He raises an eyebrow. "I owe you? For what exactly?"

She scoffs, pulling him into the closest store. "For setting you and Yuji up. Duh."

Megumi follows her silently around the store. He grabs a few shirts and pants for himself, ensuring they're professional and sleek. For wedding photography, Megumi likes to blend into the background as much as possible. An all black or mostly black outfit is his go-to. It's professional and he doesn't risk standing out too much. So, he fills his arms with pieces he thinks will be suitable and things that he wouldn't mind incorporating into his wardrobe back home.

Nobara tosses dresses, blouses, and skirts over. Her selection quickly becomes light and airy summer pieces. Megumi let's her pick what she wants as he sits with his thoughts. Nobara filled the atmosphere with her own opinions about the reality show they were watching, which contestants she believed deserved to win over others and how annoyed she was with the guys on the show. When they finally ring up, Megumi loads up the bags between his two hands and tucks a bag under his arm, already knowing Nobara doesn't hold her own shopping bags. It's already evening in Fukuoka when they landed, so the streets aren't too lively. The dinner crowd hasn't funneled into the streets yet.

Suddenly, Megumi remembers his promise to Yuji and scrambles to pull his phone out. He shoots off a quick one-handed text: We landed safely. My family loved the muffins.

Immediately, Yuji texts him back a series of party face and heart emojis. Megumi can feel heat creeping up the back of his neck. Nobara breaks the silence. "What's been on your mind? You're quieter than usual. Which is saying a lot."

Megumi's heart starts racing, thinking about Yuji and how much he already likes the baseball player. It's much, much too soon to voice these thoughts. Especially when they have his ears ringing and palms sweating. Something about Nobara's knowing gaze pulls his secrets from him. Tsumiki must have taught her some trick to cracking through his soul and knowing his every tell.

"Do you think it's too early to say I might like Yuji?" Megumi asks, cautious and unsure.

Nobara scoffs, but her eyes soften. "Don't be ridiculous. I've known you both long enough to say with certainty: Yuji needs someone like you just as much as you need someone like Yuji."

Megumi hums. The words bounce around his skull endlessly. Yuji needs someone like him?

The rest of their walk continues in relative silence. They stop to take golden hour pictures in front of the sakura trees, Nobara poses and Megumi snaps as many photos as she wants. As they get to the hotel, they're met with the chaos of Gojo running around on the phone.

"I'm telling you, Ieiri, fly down to Fukuoka so you can check out Tsumiki! I'll buy the ticket now so-"

Tsumiki snatches the phone from him. "Shoko, I'm fine." She pauses. "Yes, I'll be there when we get back for my regular appointment. Thank you. Bye"

Megumi raises an eyebrow. "What happened?"

She sighs. "I was a little dizzy, that's all! But we've been flying all day and I probably got a little dehydrated. I have electrolytes and once we eat dinner, I'll be fine. He's overreacting."

Nobara shuffles over and pulls out a water bottle from her bag, handing it to Tsumiki. Gojo wraps his arms around her, pinning her arms down. "I'm just worried for you, honey! Let Ieiri come take a look!"

Geto stands up from the couch. "Our reservation is in twenty, go get ready!"

He comes around and plucks Gojo off Tsumiki and pulls him out of the door to their adjoining room. Megumi empties his arms of all of Nobara's shopping bags, digging through until he finds his own clothing. Tsumiki grabs his arm as he scooches through to the bathroom to change.

Her eyes get big and round. "Would you go with me to my appointment? I'm only allowed one person and I know you wouldn't spike my nerves."

An untamed smile forces its way to his face. "Of course."

Their dinner together is lively and, dare he say, fun. Even though Gojo's loud, grating voice gives him a headache, Geto's playful bickering and scolding evens it out. Megumi isn’t sure he could ever get tired of this. Being around his family grounds him, makes him feel like he has a purpose and, with Tsumiki's baby on the way, new responsibilities to be a role model. Tsumiki's baby could grow up to be a photographer like him, a wedding planner like their mom, or a journalist like their Aunt Nobara. Megumi lets the corner of his mouth raise. Or, a small voice in the back of his head sneaks in, a baseball player?

The future may be uncertain, but Megumi can't stop himself from picturing Yuji here. Sitting at the table next to him, holding hands under the table, while Yuji chats endlessly with his family. He would fit in seamlessly, as if the universe created him just to fill a seat at Megumi's table. He sighs, maybe it is fine to daydream for now.

Chapter Text

Megumi refuses to acknowledge it the whole time he's in Fukuoka, but...He finds himself missing Yuji far too often. He wishes Yuji said yes, wishes he foolishly agreed to a strangers request for him to hop on a twelve hour flight. Being near a happy couple surrounded by their wonderful friends and family has only served to make Megumi's skin itch. The feeling of inadequacy bubbles in the back of his throat, causing him to nervously clear his throat often. So often, that Nobara brought him cough drops and a water. Twice.

He's methodically shooting the reception hall, which is ornately decorated in deep navy and dazzling golden yellow per the bride's request. Gojo and Geto bickered the whole time they strung up the drapes in swooping, crossing patterns. Nobara stepped in with the florist, fluffing up greenery and rearranging standing vases. Tsumiki followed up with their caterer, helping the cake decorator with last minute touch-ups. This is what Megumi loves most about the wedding business: the hustle and bustle of ensuring a couple's every whim is met. He would never say it outloud, but watching Heart & Soul work together to create someone's perfect day is nothing short of magical.

Megumi finds himself feeling nostalgic for when he was still stringy and small, being hoisted up on Gojo's shoulders to pin lights in place or hammer up small details. The small details were the most important, they might not have been the star of the show like beautiful sky-high centerpieces or dazzling chandeliers, but the small details made the event. Megumi always focused on small details in his work; snapping photos of the delicate linens, intentional florals with hidden meanings, the setting pieces, signage. It always made their clients happy because they themselves are usually too caught up in the overall scenery to catch little, intricate details. And Megumi gets to capture them, preserve them, and give them meaning. Encapsulate memories that get to be passed down.

He is peacefully alone, running through his mental shot list when Nobara peaks her head into the room. He checks the time, the guests shouldn't be arriving for another hour or so. He already shot getting ready photos and everything pre-wedding, so he knows he didn't miss anything. Nobara slowly walks his way, eyeing the decorations and craning her neck up to admire the hanging crepe.

"The florist got sick of you? That might be a new record." He says, not bothering to look up from his camera.

Nobara barks out a fake laugh. "Very funny." She shuffles closer before nudging him with her elbow. "Isn't this kinda fun? Reminds me of being in highschool again."

Megumi raises an eyebrow. He does know, that nostalgic feeling has been following him for the last few days. He hums in response, knowing she will fill the silence with whatever thoughts brought her here. Her heels clack as she walks in circles, admiring the reception hall in all of it's fully-prepared glory.

"Have you ever thought about being married?" Nobara's voice is small, smaller than Megumi would ever think possible from her. He lifts his head, eyes full of undisguised judgement and curiosity. She scoffs. "It's just the wedding atmosphere talking, that's all. I'm curious."

"Do you ever think about getting married? You're the one in a relationship." Classic deflection, Nobara's eye roll tells him she caught it.

She pops her lips, thinking. "Honestly? No. Not that I'm not happy in my relationship, but, personally, being married wouldn't suit me." Her forehead crinkles. "That's all. Saki doesn't mind either. If we did, it'd be a quick civil union or something."

Two things surprise him. Nobara and Saki are pretty serious, if Nobara had already discussed marriage with her. And, he always assumed she would be marrying extravagantly. "I thought you'd be the type to want champagne glass towers and food speckled with gold leaf."

Nobara snorts, like she could vividly picture herself doing such a thing. "Nah. Maybe ten years ago, but now? I'm content." Megumi finds himself smiling along, Nobara is clearly head over heels and it makes his chest ache. "Now, would you quit deflecting and answer a damn question for once in your life?" She snaps, pulling the camera from his hands.

He watches as she snaps photos aimlessly. Her photography style has always been...Unique. Often far too zoomed out for Megumi’s preference, as if she can't decide on which aspect she wants to focus on. Megumi sighs. "Yeah."

She pulls her face away from the camera. "Yeah? With Yuji?"

Megumi's face burns. "It's a bit soon for that, don't you think?" He hisses, but Nobara just stares at him, her eyes calculating.

"When you know, you know." She settles on, keeping it simple and shrugging before dropping the camera off into Megumi's hands again.

Megumi let's his fingers strum a light beat on the cameras display, wondering if now is a good time for his questions about Yuji. Nobara turned and started making herself busy by straightening napkins that weren't a hair out of place. He clears his throat. "When did you and Yuji even meet?"

"Remember that internship I got in college?" Nobara doesn't turn to see his nod, but continues. "He was playing for an opposing team at the time, but part of my assignment was to interview an MVP. And, well, as unfortunate as it is, Yuji embodies MVP."

Megumi smiles. It makes sense that Yuji was always like that, always walking sunshine and pure talent.

"And, well, Yuji was popular. The rest is history." She waves her hand, cutting the story short.

He nods again, finding the moment to ask what he really wants to know. "So, you were there when he was injured last year?"

Nobara stiffens before turning to face him, jabbing a finger his direction. "Of course I was there. It was a championship game, so, everyone was there."

Megumi works his bottom lip between his teeth, curiosity weighing on his chest. Of course, it's a painful moment for both Yuji and everyone who had to witness a star player get injured, but Megumi can't help but want to know. Yuji seems sketchy about his injury and Megumi isn't sure if that's simply because the memory is too painful to think about or if it's something else entirely.

Nobara sighs. "It was bad Megumi, really, really bad. Yuji completely ghosted everyone when it happened, too. Wouldn't allow visitors at the hospital, didn't appear in the public eye." Her fingers clench imperceptibly, but Megumi notices. "Pretty sure they scrubbed the video from the internet, too, which, should be impossible. But," She sighs again, deeper this time, as if exhaling all her anger. "But, he's better now. The past is the past."

"Yeah." He breathes. "The past is the past."

Even though he echoes her sentiment outloud, Megumi's heart thuds in his chest. Somehow, hearing it from Nobara makes him feel worse. He makes a mental note to keep his eye on Yuji, watch more closely when he pitches and when he leaves a game. As much as it frightens him, Yuji swears he's fine and ready to pitch more. It's not like Megumi has any sway over Yuji, he wouldn't be able to convince him to do something he doesn't want to do.

Nobara is antsy from the serious atmosphere. Megumi watches her skitter around, touching everything in the room, before the groaning loudly and obnoxiously. "Man, you're getting boring in your old age. I gotta go find something fun to do."

"You're older than me!" He shouts after her. She throws a middle finger up over her shoulder as she leaves the hall, leaving Megumi with his thoughts.

Eventually, Ijichi comes through and finds him earlier than Megumi was expecting. He follows well-known motions of finding the perfect moment, perfect shot, perfect smile. The bride is stunning in her designer gown, the guests are picture-perfect, and everything goes smoothly. Megumi watches, melting off into the sidelines like the perfect shadow as he physically captures their memories. The thrill and exhilarating rush that comes with finding his groove fills Megumi to his core. He can feel every vein rushing with blood, every cell hotwired to his craft. And it feels good, so, so good.

It's well into the night, twinkling fairy lights litter the sky in the garden. The light sea breeze picks up, pushing fresh, salty air into his nostrils. This was one of Megumi's favorite venues growing up, for the garden alone. He would find himself following tiny finches as they hopped from branch to branch, swooping down to pick at seeds or worms. In the spring and summer, the gardens bloomed to life with flora that Tsumiki would spend hours identifying with him. They would spend time splashing in the ocean, laughing and getting drenched in between events.

Soon, his thoughts are cut off when Geto approaches. He leans against the gazebo, crossing one foot over the other as he observes. They stay in comfortable silence as the crickets chirp and the party winds down.

"So," Geto starts, voice steady and low. "Are you planning on staying the whole wedding season? You said you would, but that was before we knew about the pregnancy. I would understand if you just said that to keep up the ruse."

Megumi has always had a harder time deciphering Geto's words, but this question feels clear to him. What he really means is, how long are you staying this time?

"I meant what I said, that wasn't to cover up for Tsumiki." Megumi says, feeling the wind flow through his hair and cool him. Being raw and honest is never easy, but the truth prickles on his tongue. "I've actually decided I will probably stay in Japan for the foreseeable future. If you guys would be willing to put up with me for that long?"

The question is meant to be a joke, but Geto's eyes soften anyways. He reaches a hand up to Megumi's shoulder. "Stay forever if you'd like."

Megumi nods, feeling an unnecessary weight drop from his shoulders. His parents had always been accepting and supportive of his passion. Even when that passion kept him across the globe for months at a time and now here he is, being told something he always knew was true. They'd love him wherever he was.

"Now," Geto says, eyes glowing mischievously. "Why don't you tell me more about Mr. Baseball-Boy Yuji?"

Megumi groans, pushing Geto's hand from his shoulder. Sometimes he forgets why Geto and Gojo make the perfect pair, then moments like this remind him: they're both a pain in the ass. "Yeah, yeah. Join his fan club."

"Satoru already did."

His mouth drops open, then he turns to walk away. Fully intending on walking himself back to their hotel as Geto laughs lightly behind him.

"Oh! And we do have an early flight again!" Geto yells after him. Megumi isn’t far enough to miss what he mumbles under his breath: "Luckily your boyfriend isn't here to distract you this time."

Megumi marches down to the hotel, ears bright red and face hot. He doesn't bother waiting up for everyone before he turns in for the night, knowing another twelve hour flight sits between him and Yuji.

Megumi mentally prepares himself for the long day ahead. Oncce the flight lands he will have a lot to take care of. Right off the bat, they have Tsumiki's first ultrasound and then Yuji's birthday party. Which, just thinking about makes his hands sweat. Nobara gave him a briefing on the flight about who would be at the party; it's not like the whole baseball team will be there, but it'll be pretty close to half of them. Not to mention, Yuji's beloved older brother and nephew will be there. Megumi would like to make a good impression, which is why he managed to snag some souvenirs, not only for Yuji but his nephew as well. Along with some treats his brother and sister-in-law would be able to share, which Megumi owes to Tsumiki's quick thinking. She is the queen of making people like her, even with minimal understanding of their exact interests. It's definitely an art Megumi has yet to master, that's for sure.

Their plan for landing is for Megumi and Tsumiki to immediately hop off and take a taxi to the doctor's office. Shoko will be ready for them, even though she isn't an OB-GYN, Gojo insisted Tsumiki's first appointment be with a 'trusted doctor.'

So, Megumi sits in the back of the taxi trying his best to exude a calming energy to sedate Tsumiki's visible anxiety. Her knee bounces and she's practically vibrating off of her seat, without the seatbelt she would've slunk down to the floorboards.

"Tsumiki," he starts, trying not to sound too exacerbated. "Take a deep breath and tell me what the worst case scenario here is, logically."

She sucks in a deep breath and exhales shakily. "I could've waited too long for my appointment and something is wrong. Why else have I been so sick if I didn’t do something wrong?"

"Morning sickness is normal."

"I'm all-day-sick!" She says, wringing her hands together.

Megumi sighs. "Now is the time to find out if something is wrong and be prepared. You've been able to keep everything down the last few days except this morning, which could've been nerves. Maybe it's settling down and your body is adjusting."

The taxi pulls up to the front of the clinic, slowing to a stop in front of the curb. "Take a deep breath, Shoko will take care of you." He murmurs, before stepping out. Comforting words have never been his specialty and he cringes at his own lacking.

He walks around and helps Tsumiki out, he grips her hand tightly in what he hopes is a reassuring squeeze. She grips harder, not letting him pull away. They walk hand-in-hand through the automatic doors and while they wait for her name to be called after checking in.

"Tsumiki?" Shoko herself pushes through the back, looking around and spotting them. She walks closer, Megumi is slapped with a physical realization of the passage of time. Shoko's deep brown hair has thinned and lightened with wispy tinsels of silver decorating it, while her face remains smooth, the only evidence of age are the light creases adorning her forehead. They stand to greet her.

She offers a light smile. "It's been awhile." Her head swivels over to Megumi. "Megumi, I'll offer my gratitude now that you joined Tsumiki today instead of Gojo. He's banned from this office."

Megumi huffs a laugh. He isn't surprised much, but the thought of Shoko kicking Gojo out does make him laugh. Shoko ushers them from the lobby into the back, passing exam rooms until they reach the room at the end of the hall. The room is cold and smells of antiseptic with an exam table, chair, and what Megumi assumes is an ultrasound machine. Shoko carries a clipboard with her and asks Tsumiki routine questions, which she answers skittishly.

"And for prenatal care, have you been taking any supplements or vitamins?" Shoko asks.

Tsumiki nods. "I was taking prenatal vitamins for about a year before I got pregnant and I've just been taking the same ones since finding out."

Shoko scribbles onto her paper. "Alright, go ahead and lay back. Get comfortable. If you'll pull your shirt up to your sternum and lower the waistband of your pants."

Megumi stands awkwardly in the corner, he fiddles with Tsumiki's phone and gets her husband on video call while she gets ready. Shoko shakes her bottle of gel before applying some to the ultrasound wand. "It'll be cold."

A small pile of gel is placed right below Tsumiki's belly button before Shoko presses the tool down. She swirls the gel briefly before looking lower, eyes glued to the screen as she searches. Megumi watches her sweep the wand around, doing a few small circles before going back over the same spots. She fiddles with the screen, clicking and dragging on the image.

"Well, good news: everything looks good from what I'm seeing so far. You're measuring about 12 weeks pregnant, but we will have you come in again in a week and we will measure growth. Oh." Shoko stops, shifting closer to the monitor before moving the device. "Looks like twins, too."

"Twins?!" Tsumiki's voice squeaks out.

Shoko nods, prodding the ultrasound wand around in a circular motion. She pauses and gestures to the monitor, finger tapping the screen. "Sac one." The wand moves to the left. "Sac two."

Megumi glances at Tsumiki, praying she doesn't faint. Her face is stuck in a shocked expression, skin growing paler by the second. Shoko, seemingly unfazed or unaware of the reaction, continues with the ultrasound and clicks more on the machine. "I got some good captures, you'll be able to take these home with you. Show your husband, pin it on the fridge, the likes." She waves her hand aimlessly as the machine's printer loudly whirs to life.

As it turns out, the biggest shock of this appointment is not finding out that Tsumiki was actually twelve weeks pregnant. Megumi is definitely no doctor, but he stares at Tsumiki's exposed stomach as if it could reveal any answers to him. Sure, her lower stomach definitely is rounding, but not in a 'pregnant with twins' way, more in a bloated way. At least, that's what he thinks. Maybe having the start of a tummy already isn't the norm with a single pregnancy?

Megumi looks down, he was holding Tsumiki's phone with her husband on FaceTime, but he's pretty sure her husband genuinely passed out from shock. He gasped equally as loudly when the news was revealed and Tsumiki whipped her head over, eyes watery and wide, then the screen went black. Megumi reaches a hand out and Tsumiki's immediately darts out and grips it.

Shoko pulls back, she wipes Tsumiki's stomach gently with tissue before cleaning off her device and storing it away. Shoko rolls over to the cabinet on her stool, she pulls out a few vials and labels them quickly. Then, she scribbles more notes on her paper. Megumi eyes Tsumiki, her shocked expression has shifted to one he can't exactly describe. Is it wonder? Wonder that her body is not only capable of sustaining one life, but two? Or is it calculated panic, 'how will we do this?', 'two strollers, two cribs'?

Tsumiki pulls her hand from his and adjusts her clothes. Shoko stands up and waits by the door while Megumi helps Tsumiki up.

"We will do some blood tests today, just some standard labs and genetic testing. I can get you set up with an OB-GYN who can have you come in weekly for ultrasounds. Twins are considered a high-risk pregnancy, so I'm advising that you take twice as many precautions as you already were. Make sure you're staying hydrated, eating, and sleeping well. I'm always a phone call away, even if I'm not your actual doctor. Okay?" Shoko's voice comes out clinically, yet the endearing tone is not lost on them.

Tsumiki nods and they walk behind Shoko back to the lobby. Megumi waits idly as Tsumiki is pulled aside for blood draw and he makes himself useful by calling Geto so he could be there soon. Gojo had insisted on picking them up from the clinic since they wouldn't be allowed into the appointment, this way they can drive Tsumiki out for a celebratory meal and baby shopping spree. Megumi still had Yuji's birthday party to attend, so he and Nobara were going to split off from the group and take their own taxi to Yuji's.

Once the blood draw is done, Tsumiki comes out with a bandage wrap on her arm, peanut butter cracker wrapper in one hand and half-empty water bottle with a brightly colored liquid inside it in the other. Her shoulders don't seem as tense as they were in the exam room and an easy smile paints her face. Megumi raises an eyebrow, tempted to press the matter, but Tsumiki beats him to it.

"Crazy day, huh?" She says, simply. So simply, that if Megumi wasn't in the room with her when she got the news he wouldn't be able to guess she had gotten it.

He shares a small smile with her, "That's one way to describe it."

Tsumiki laughs again and walks them out of the building, tossing her trash. One of her hands rests reverantly against her stomach, like the news is still sinking in. Like she's realizing how much things are going to change. Megumi's own nerves are bubbling up just thinking about it. He watches her twirl a strand of hair around her finger, a nervous tick she has, before pulling her hand to her mouth. She's silent walking beside him while anxiously biting the skin around her thumb nail.

"Stop that." Megumi grits out, stepping in front to lead her out to where Geto and Gojo should be pulling up.

She sighs, pulling the finger from her mouth. Her face distorts into a serious expression and stares at him dead-on. "Can I ask you something?"

Megumi's stomach churns, the possibilities of what Tsumiki could say are endless. She just got some life-changing news. Twins? That's a lot of responsibility, responsibility she most definitely was not expecting. He nods his head stiffly. "Go ahead."

"So, like, do you think Yuji-kun would make more of those muffins if I asked?" She says, simply, resting her thumb and pointer finger on her chin.

Megumi blinks, stopping dead in his tracks. "That's what you're thinking about right now?"

Tsumiki laughs good naturedly. "Well, yeah! I have two little humans in me to feed and right now they want muffins!"

She spins around, the spring breeze catches and whips her hair around. Megumi can't help but think she's glowing, despite getting news that would tank any other person's mood, Tsumiki stands before him laughing and asking for dessert. He can't help but laugh along with her, though his laugh comes out a bit more shocked and breathless. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

Gasping, she playfully smacks at him before holding her hand out. "Am not! Pregnancy is serious business! Gimme your phone, I need to call Yuji-kun."

Megumi holds his hand up. "I can do it." He swallows nervously. He can do it, it's no big deal. His eyes dart up to Tsumiki and she's hiding her smile behind her hand.

Her mocking only fuels him and he presses the green call button next to Yuji's name. It rings briefly before Megumi's ears are graced with an angels voice. "Hello? Fushiguro? You okay?" Yuji's perfect, smooth voice questions.

Megumi clears his throat. "Itadori, I have a request that may sound a bit...inconvenient." Yuji 'mhms', urging him on. "Would you be able to make more of those muffins you sent with me to the airport? My sister said she's craving them. Or, you could send me the recipe if it's too much troub-"

Tsumiki pulls the phone away from him. "Hi, Yuji-kun? I'm Tsumiki, I'm sorry for the odd request, but please don't give Megumi the recipe. He can't bake to save his life and it won't be the same. I'll provide ingredients! In fact, you can come over right now-"

Megumi pulls the phone back. Yuji is laughing on the other end, sounding beside himself with joy. "You don't have to trouble yourself with all of that. The recipe is fine."

Yuji's words spill through his laughter. "No, it's fine!" He chuckles, laughter dying down. "I promise, it's no trouble. I'm honored the muffins were good enough to become her pregnancy craving!"

His ears heat up, Yuji's pure enthusiasm sparks something warm in his gut. "If you're sure...Send me a list of ingredients and I will pick them up."

"Please do the blueberry ones! Gojo liked chocolate best, but I'm dying for blueberry!" Tsumiki calls, shoving her face over Megumi's shoulder and yelling into the phone.

Yuji's laughter echoes in Megumi's soul, subconsciously making him smile. "I'll make some and I can send you home with them. You're still coming over later, right?"

Megumi hums. "Yeah, I'll be there. See you then. Bye."

The moment the call disconnects, Megumi finds himself missing the warmth from Yuji's voice alone. When he looks up, Tsumiki is grinning from ear to ear.

"What?" He asks, only a little embarrassed that his sister caught him swooning like a fool.

"I like Yuji already. I've never seen you so blushy and giddy over a boy before!" Tsumiki squeals, bringing her hands up to squeeze Megumi's cheeks.

Megumi swats her hands away, feeling his face flush hotter at her teasing. "Whatever."

Loud honking and the sound of tires screeching interrupts them. Looking up, Megumi watches as Gojo hops out of the car and runs towards them. Geto is holding the roof handle with one hand and clutching his chest with the other, while Nobara hopped out and is breathing heavily while hunched over, hands on her knees.

"Why does it look like you almost killed everyone on your way here?" Megumi questions.

Gojo sidelines him, running instantly to Tsumiki and wrapping her in his arms. Her face smushes into his chest and Gojo babbles. "Oh, my little girl. Tell me the good news! How's the little baby...girl?" He eyes Tsumiki, craning his head. "Okay...little baby boy? Come on, don't leave me in suspense!"

Megumi clicks his tongue. "It's too early for that."

Geto finally climbs out of the car and sways in place slightly, Megumi's concern is quickly replaced with amusement. This is why he doesn't drive with Gojo, the man is pure chaos on the road. He pulls the neatly folded ultrasound from his bag, unfolding it and handing it over. "You're going to want to take a close look at that, though."

The ultrasound very clearly has two placentas, marked A and B respectively, and the two smallest bubbles where the fetuses sit. Megumi stands close as Geto pulls the ultrasound closer to his face, mouth agape. Nobara pushes Megumi, shoving him away so she could stick her head on Geto's shoulder to also see. She gasps loudly. "What!"

Gojo's head whips over, he releases Tsumiki and pulls the ultrasound from Geto. "What, what?" He adjusts his glasses, eyes scrunching before widening comically and staring down. "Is...is that two babies? One, two, right?" He emphasizes by tapping each sac on the paper. "Two?"

Megumi and Tsumiki both nod. Tsumiki's earlier shock had already worn off remarkably quickly and she beams, pride clearly etched onto her features. Everyone else, however, is getting their first dose of shock. Nobara runs over to Tsumiki and squeals, ear-burstingly loud, and holds her hands. Tsumiki laughs and swings their hands together, Nobara drops their hands and reaches forward, squeezing her in a big hug. "This is so exciting!" She gasps. "Wait, now we gotta redo our nursery mock-ups!"

Geto's head snaps up, like speaking of the nursery reactivated his brain. "You're so right, Nobara. We weren't expecting two babies. Good thing we put off shopping until today, now everything can match."

Tsumiki laughs, easily accepting the additional affection as Geto sweeps in and cradles her face in his hands. Gojo stands, staring at the ultrasound and trying to wrap his brain around two little babies to hold. "Do they make strollers for two babies?" He asks, sounding a little breathless.

Nobara rolls her eyes. "Duh. Twins aren't a new development."

Megumi steps in, tugging on Nobara's coat. "We gotta stop by the market before we go to Itadori's. Ready?"

He had already called their taxi not long after finishing up the appointment and was expecting it to pull up any minute. She groans, sounding impossibly annoyed. "I wanna go baby shopping too! This is lame!"

"It's Yuji's birthday." Megumi says, feeling that weird combination of anxiety and excitement again. He wants Nobara to come with him so he isn't alone at the party, but maybe Yuji would stick by him more if he were alone? Then he scowls, what a childish and selfish thought. Very, very selfish, but it lingers.

She waves her hand flippantly. "I already gave him his gift."

Megumi watches as she genuinely considers skipping out on the party, stomach doing flips. "Plus," She continues, reasoning aloud. "It will be a dude-fest in there. Yuki has work, so I won't be able to see her." Her nose wrinkles, finally convinced. "You can go without me. Tell Yuji this was important girl stuff that he just wouldn't understand."

He nods, though he isn't sure if he feels relieved at going alone. Megumi wishes everyone luck baby shopping and waves them off, watching as they pile in the car, but this time with Geto shoving Gojo into the passenger seat. Which, is probably for the best. Not long after, Megumi's taxi arrives and he hops in. He makes quick work of going to the nearest market, grabbing blueberries and lemons per Yuji's request.

Arriving at Yuji's this time feels nerve-wracking, there are various cars already littering his driveway, and Megumi can't help but feel out of place already. How will Yuji introduce him? What are they to each other at this point? They've gone on one date-that-might-not-be-a-date. He adjusts his bag, anxiously gripping the strap as he waits for Yuji to answer the door.

Footsteps bolt closer before the door swings open, Yuji stands before him with flour dusting his cheeks and a big grin plastered on his face. "Fushiguro!" As if he couldn't help himself, Yuji grabs Megumi by his wrist and pulls him in. "Perfect timing! The batter is ready, I just need the blueberries, then I'll introduce you to everyone. Look!"

Megumi follows him, noticing the couch full of men he vaguely recognizes from the baseball team, as they pass through to the kitchen. In the kitchen, Yuji's nephew --Junpei, his brain helpfully remembers-- sits on the counter, equally covered in flour, and the man Megumi recalls seeing in the photograph Yuji showed him is sweeping scattered flour from the floor. Junpei's big brown eyes remind Megumi of Yuji, he watches them intently as they walk into the room.

"Choso, this is Megumi Fushiguro, Fushiguro this is my big brother Choso." Yuji gestures to each of them, beaming as his worlds collide.

Megumi offers a polite bow, which Choso scrutinizes briefly before returning the gesture. Yuji reaches over and dusts Junpei's cheeks. "And this muffin monster is Junpei. Say hi to Megumi buddy!"

Junpei stares Megumi down, looking equal parts shy and cautious. Megumi swings his bag around, pulling through before finding the talisman he bought for this purpose in Fukuoka when they visited a shrine on their first night. The amulet is a hanging one, the top of it is a felt sea bream, its scales a deep blue with the word Auspicious emboldened on it. A tassle of golds and teal hangs from it, with a series of ocean inspired beading dangling with it. Nobara had generously offered up the information about Junpei to him, swearing up and down the only thing the boy loved more than baseball and Yuji was the sea. The gift might be a bit serious for a four year old, but Megumi thought better than to show up empty handed. He understands well what the blessing of family means.

Megumi gently unfurls the beads, letting them hang and shimmer in the light. He watches as Junpei's eyes glimmer in return, caught enamored with the delicate craftsmanship. The four year old glances over at Choso, who nods and gestures with his hands. "What do we say?"

Junpei holds his hands out and Megumi deposits his gift. "Thank you, Megumi." The toddler says, slurring his words while his brain works overtime to admire the amulet.

Megumi offers a sweet smile and nods. He digs through his bag again and pulls out a box of local sweets, which he presents to Choso. "I wasn't sure of your tastes, but these are a specialty from Fukuoka. Please accept them from my family."

Choso’s eyebrows shoot up and his eyes dart over to Yuji, who is suddenly flushing up to his ears a beautiful pink. He reaches to accept the treats. "What a kind gesture, my wife and I will be sure to savor them. I had no idea my little brother found such a considerate man to be his boyfriend."

Yuji chokes. "Choso," He hisses out. "Megumi isn't-"

"I don't mind." Megumi interrupts, feeling bold, hoping his eyes portray the message he is trying to subtly convey without speaking too informally in front of Yuji's family. Though, he does note the fact that Yuji has used his first name twice now. It makes his heart flutter to think that Yuji refers to him by his first name in his head as often as Megumi does for him.

As opposed to calming him, Megumi's words only serve to fluster him further. Yuji's face is fully beet red now and he starts stammering.

"Why- uh, why don't we! You know! Blueberries!" He hastly gestures to the batter, laughing and choking on his own breath.

Megumi produces the pint of blueberries he bought and he watches as Yuji finishes the muffins with practiced ease. Though, Megumi quickly learns how goofy Yuji is when Junpei is around and how flour came to be all over their faces and the floor. A gob of batter falls to the counter, which Yuji scoops up and taps onto Junpei's nose. The toddler loses himself with laughter before Choso swoops in with a wet towel, cleaning him as the muffins go into the oven.

Yuji's warm honey eyes meet Megumi's, for the first time it feels like Megumi has the same abilities that everyone else in his life have always had. The power to see directly into Yuji's thoughts and know what he's thinking; which makes him feel nothing but warmth and sweet reverence that makes him flush. Yuji feels so in his element here, but given how much he adores cooking, Megumi is sure baking is another outlet for him. One that he has perfected, too.

Megumi watches Yuji make the lemon drizzle for the muffins, handing him the lemons, and Yuji offers him a taste.

"You know, if you ever want to change professions, Gojo would hire you in a heartbeat." Megumi says, licking his lips clean.

Yuji cocks his head to the side. "Hire me?"

Megumi nods. "Heart & Soul could always use another pastry chef, or even a personal chef given how much he already likes your sweets. That man could eat an entire display case in a day if left unrestricted."

Choso pipes in. "That's good to know. Right, Yuji?"

Yuji slightly bristles before relaxing. "Yeah, but maybe for way in the future! I still have a lot of baseball left in me!" He chuckles and Megumi meets Choso’s gaze, trying to decipher the comment. "Oh! Megumi, I gotta introduce you to everyone. Come on!"

On the couch, the only man Megumi recognizes by name is the teams catcher, Todo. The man is larger than life, even bigger up close, and his eyes scrutinize Megumi without an ounce of kindness as he walks in with Yuji. Yuji does a grand flourish, "Everyone, this is Megumi Fushiguro."

The men are currently playing some game on the TV, but it pauses as they all turn to wave at him. Yuji's voice morphs into a poor imitation of an old-timey baseball announcer. "On the left cushion, we have Toge Inumaki, shortstop." The smaller man has platinum blond hair and a quiet demeanor, he waves. Yuji continues. "Next to Toge, second basemen, the extraordinary Yuuta Okkottsu!"

Megumi raises his eyebrows, that's a name he recognizes, and he stares trying to piece together how he vaguely knows the man as he shares a kind wave. His dark eyebags and eerily calm smile reminds Megumi of sitting with Nobara, comforting her in college as she cried on his shoulder. She scrolled through endless social media pages of this man, scrutinizing him and lamenting...About Maki. This is the man she started dating! Everything clicks and Megumi feels a sense of sadness for Nobara, old emotions and protectiveness rushing through him, which causes him to squint at the other man.

As if Yuji came to the same realization, his head snaps over to Megumi. "Where is Nobara, by the way? Is she coming later?"

Something flutters in his chest, was Yuji so caught up in him that he only just now noticed Nobara's absence? "She's decided to go baby shopping with my sister, she said that she gave you your present already so it was fine."

Yuji snorts. "Sounds like her." He sounds impossibly fond, something Megumi understands entirely. "Anyways, last but not least we have Aoi Todo, our catcher. You might remember him from the crazy fan entrance he got at the game you were at!"

Todo visibly analyzes him from head to toe, squinting his eyes. Megumi steels himself.

"What sport do you play?" Todo's deep voice booms.

Yuji sighs. Megumi glances down at himself, trying to decipher what about him gave the impression he was on a sports team. He looks back up, staring Todo in the eyes. "I'm a photographer."

Todo nods. "A sports photographer! A noble profession indee-"

"No," Megumi interrupts. "A wedding photographer."

Yuji steps in. "Takada is a photographer too, isn't that neat?"

Megumi's eyes dart between the two men, who are clearly having some unspoken conversation with their eyes. Before Megumi could intervene again, Junpei comes bumbling into the living room. "JiJi! Muffins!"

Yuji's head turns to the toddler and the kitchen timer starts blaring. "Thanks buddy! Wanna help me take them out?"

The toddler nods, hair going everywhere, before he grabs Yuji's finger and pulls him away. Leaving Megumi standing awkwardly in the middle of Yuji's teammates. He makes himself comfortable on the vacant end of the couch, picking at the hem of his shirt. Yuuta clears his throat. "So, wedding photography, how did you get into the profession?"

Megumi glances up, grateful for something to break the tension. Todo's arms are crossed over his chest, Inumaki went back to playing the game on the screen, and Yuuta smiles at him. He clears his throat. "My family owns a wedding company. That got me into photography, but I was a wildlife photographer for almost ten years before coming back to weddings."

Yuuta hums, nodding. "Sounds like fun! You travel a lot, then?"

Todo leans forward, listening intensely as if this was suddenly some kind of interview. Megumi ignores the itchiness that comes with being scrutinized so hard, these are Yuji's friends and they have the right to be suspicious of him. "Yeah, but it isn't too bad. I don't mind flying, so it isn't too much trouble."

"My brother travels quite a bit too, you know that don't you? Our team is one of the best around and we travel constantly." Todo declares, boisterous and smug.

Megumi can't help but tilt his head a little. Brother? "I'm aware."

Yuji walks back in, carrying Junpei, and Choso follows not far behind. "Okay. So, how about we start some Mario Kart? You ever played it, Fushiguro?"

After losing every round of Mario Kart, Megumi let's himself take a break and watch. Luckily, Yuji's birthday party felt more like a chill hangout, which Megumi fully appreciates. Choso ordered take out for everyone and they easily ate, gamed, and talked for hours. Megumi found himself genuinely enjoying --nearly-- everyone's company, though he attributes that highly to Yuji's ability to seamlessly fit everyone together and smooth out any awkwardness.

Junpei sits between him and Yuji, the toddler is passed out and cuddled up. His chubby face is speckled with remnants of his dinner and his head lays fully on Megumi’s lap with his legs out on Yuji's thighs. During their numerous rounds of Mario Kart, Junpei had crawled up between them. Initially he clung to Yuji, but the toddler slowly eased his way into Megumi's side as the night carried on. Before falling asleep soundly.

Choso comes around, cleaning up any stray plates, before announcing he has to leave. His deep chocolate eyes pierce through Megumi's skull, but they turn warm and he offers Megumi a tight smile. Megumi feels like he had a good first impression, but Choso seems very protective, which, is good. Megumi knows that Yuji's kind heart probably has attracted plenty of people who wouldn't lose sleep over taking advantage of that kindness. Choso comes around and scoops a sleeping Junpei into his arms, shushing him gently when he stirs, before he quietly bids everyone goodnight.

Megumi checks the time and feels his heart sink. Even though he had spent the better part of his day with Yuji, he finds himself not wanting to leave. Watching him have fun with his friends and family, being allowed into this part of Yuji's life, makes Megumi optimistic. Optimistic for a future where maybe, just maybe, this is something he experiences on the regular.

Yuji notices, ever attentive, and tilts his chin up. "Time to go?"

He has to suppress his frown, forcibly keeping his face neutral as he nods. "Yeah, it's getting late. Plus, Tsumiki has been texting me every hour on the hour reminding me about the muffins." Yuji's eyes soften and he chuckles. "You should feel special, she hardly ever enjoys sweets."

Yuji stands and sets his controller down. He holds out a hand to pull Megumi up. "I promise not to abuse my newfound powers for evil."

It's almost shameful how easily Yuji can pull a smile out of him. He follows Yuji to the kitchen while he boxes up the treats. "I hope you know I really appreciate you going through this effort. Tsumiki had hardly been able to keep anything down, I was seriously starting to get worried, but now we know we have muffins to fall back on."

Yuji glances up, honey eyes melting a into a beautiful bronze, Megumi can only describe it as gratitude. "Honestly, it's been fun to bake more. Cooking is always acceptable because it's necessary, but baking is so much fun. Something about handcrafting a recipe and the excitement of waiting to see if it turns out well..." Megumi stares at him, holding back laughter. "It sounds lame, but it's fun to me!"

"No, no, it does sound fun. I'm not jealous at all." Megumi says, only half kidding.

Yuji jumps at the opportunity. "I can teach you! Come on, it'll be a win-win! You get to learn a useful skill and your sister gets fresh from the oven sweets!"

Megumi watches as Yuji's eyes go big and round, pleading similarly to an overtly excited puppy. He sighs, defeated. "No judgement when they all turn out burnt or sludge."

Yuji laughs, picking up the box full of muffins in one hand while grabbing Megumi's hand with the other. "You can't be that bad at baking!"

He rolls his eyes and lets Yuji pull him outside after saying quick goodbyes. They sit comfortably on the porch steps, watching as stars peak out of the deep night sky, waiting for Megumi's taxi. Then, Megumi remembers the gift he has. He slings his bag around, digging through and pulling it out. An amulet from the same shrine in Fukuoka, though not the most ideal gift, he figured it was better than having nothing to offer for Yuji's birthday. The amulet is small, easily fitting in his palm, made of a soft fabric and stuffed lightly. The base is a cream color with intricate hand-embroidered waves in various shades of blues, alternating between deep navy and light sky blue.

Megumi nudges Yuji, reaching up and grabbing his hand, turning it palm up. He deposits the amulet into Yuji's hand and watches the confusion in his face melt into something akin to fondness. Yuji uses his other hand to trace the waves lightly and Megumi can track the moment he read the gold lettering stitched into the amulet, representing the intentions and wishes behind it.

"Wish fulfillment?" Yuji reads aloud, voice soft and wobbly.

Megumi hums. "Well, it is your birthday." Green eyes meet honey gold. "I want all of your wishes to come true, whatever they may be."

Yuji's eyes water, breaking away from Megumi's and staring back down at the amulet. It's soft, small, and fabric; Megumi hopes that maybe Yuji will carry it with him as a good luck charm. He watches as Yuji's hands trace the words again, breaths coming out shaky. Yuji sniffs, "You don't know how much I needed something like this. Thank you, seriously."

Heat blooms under Megumi's skin, feeling gratified that Yuji enjoyed the simple gift. Though he doesn't quite understand the struggles that Yuji is going through, Megumi is aware that he is fighting an internal battle. If there are God's out there, Megumi genuinely hopes that their blessings could ease Yuji's troubles or, better yet, make his troubles disappear.

"Could I ask you for something? Birthday boy request?"

Megumi snorts, remembering how Yuji used similar words back when they first met and how easily he folded. "Sure."

Yuji sniffs, wiping his eyes. "Kiss me?"

It barely takes him a moment to respond, Megumi's body moves on instinct. His mind goes blissfully blank, no hesitance, no worry, no stress. He brings a hand up to cup Yuji's cheek, thumb brushing against his cheekbone. Their eyes meet, both assertive and sure. Then, Megumi brings their lips together.

Megumi feels energy thrum through his entire body, arms and legs tingling with the fierceness of the feelings rushing forward. Yuji's mouth against his feels like it's meant to be there, like they were made divinely to be a separated pair that fights their way back to be together. Megumi pulls away from Yuji's mouth, startled by the intensity of the kiss. He jerks his head to the side, trying to hide his flaming face. Yuji's hand lands on his knee, gingerly rubbing small circles with his thumb.

When Megumi finally drags his face back to face Yuji, he sees how equally bright his cheeks are. Yuji hits him with his blinding, boyish smile before leaning back in, hand tightening on his knee and pulling Megumi closer. Yuji's other hand slides up from his neck to cup his jaw sweetly, tilting their faces to meet perfectly in another sweet, breathtaking kiss.

The sound of the door opening startles them apart, Yuuta's head peaks out before he curses softly. Rushing out a quick 'sorry!' before closing the door shut again.

Yuji immediately breaks into beautiful laughter and suddenly Megumi can't feel embarrassed or mad about being interrupted. Megumi misses his warmth when Yuji's hand pulls back to ruffle the back of his head. "Megumi, I like you. A lot. Like, actually, an embarrassing amount. I know I practically proposed marriage already, but I, uh, wanted to make it known. I want to take you out on a proper date. Dates, plural, if you'd let me."

Megumi stares, feeling the breath knocked from his lungs. He kissed Yuji and he is so, so, so painfully cute. Stars swim in Megumi's vision, he feels like he's dreaming or living in one of the cheesy over-the-top romcoms that Tsumiki likes. He realizes he's been sitting in silence when Yuji chuckles awkwardly. "Maybe I misread? Nobara does say my social cues are lacking bu-"

"Yes." Megumi blurts, cutting Yuji's ridiculous ramblings off, they literally just kissed! "I'd like that, Yuji."

Yuji pumps his fist, celebrating with a little shimmy. Then, Megumi remembers a pressing detail. "Todo...He isn’t your brother, is he?"

That makes Yuji laugh so hard his head flings back. "No, he just says that." He looks away, rubbing his neck. "Would that be a deal breaker if he was?"

Yuji's tone is playful, but Megumi nods earnestly. "It might've been."

He gasps. "Todo isn't that bad!" Megumi glares at him. "Okay, it's a little much at first, but once you get to know him he's a teddy bear. A very big, very intense teddy bear. Swear!" Yuji goofily crosses an X on his chest.

Megumi rolls his eyes, feeling impossible fondness welling up. "I'll take your word for it."

They sit, holding hands and lazily discussing Megumi's trip. Talking as if they have all the time in the world. Megumi isn't surprised to find how at ease he feels now that it's just him and Yuji, but when his taxi pulls up and his grip on Yuji's hand tightens, he feels surprised by how much he doesn't want to let go. Yuji offers him a lopsided, perfect smile and helps him up.

And when he pulls him up, Megumi sees it. The briefest wince scraping Yuji's features. The grimace that came with an injury covered up with words. All Megumi could do was blink, stare, and blink. Yuji's face tilts, confused as he rolls his shoulder round and round. Megumi decides to seize this moment and finally ask him. "Is your shoulder bothering you?"

Megumi holds a hand up to the taxi, though if the driver doesn't want to wait he will have more time to talk. Yuji's mask comes up, fake smile gracing his cheeks. "No, it's been fine!"

When Yuji's eyes open, he meets Megumi's gaze, then he instantly breaks. Shoulders slumping, Yuji exhales lowly. "It has been bothering me, but my trainer knows about it...There's this stiffness that won't go away, but I'm doing all the right exercises. It just needs time."

Megumi's eyes dart back and forth, gauging the truthfulness in his eyes. Satisfied, Megumi nods. He brings a hand up, gently squeezes Yuji's other, non-injured, shoulder. "Don't overdo it. Promise?"

Yuji nods solemnly. "Promise!"

Chapter Text

Megumi's first real date with Yuji is today and he stands, surrounded by clothes, utterly overwhelmed. Tsumiki sits on his bed, ginger lollipop popping out of her lips. "Just go with the green one, it makes your eyes look good!"

He buries his face in his hands. It cannot be this complicated to look presentable. The problem, though, is the fact that Megumi has no idea where Yuji is taking him. The other man swore up and down that it had to be a surprise. Perfect honey brown eyes blinked at him and Megumi found himself easily agreeing, which now makes him want to punch past-him in the face. Yuji said not to go too formal, so Megumi picked out some loose-fitting black jeans, but the top was giving him trouble.

Spring is in full swing so the sun is always out, with the temperature heating up to be stifling when the sun is at its peak. But, spring also brings lots of rain and potentially chilly wind, even though Megumi has checked the weather over and over again, he cannot decide anything due to anxiety of possibly being outside or not. Today is an off day for the Tigers, they had just played a three game streak, but practice and physical therapy occupy the majority of Yuji's day. It'll be well into the afternoon for their date, but what does Yuji have planned?

He wears a plain white tee and has been going back and forth between more stylish short sleeve button-ups, each one Tsumiki has given an approving thumbs-up. Megumi groans, holding a shirt in each hand, when Tsumiki sighs.

"Go with the one you like most. I promise if you needed to dress a certain way, I would know." She smiles devilishly as the lollipop clicks against her teeth.

Megumi blinks, slowly absorbing her words. "What does that mean? Why do you have that look on your face?"

She shrugs, feigning ignorance. Megumi's mind swirls with the possibilities before he settles on idea that makes his stomach churn. "Don't tell me you somehow know where Yuji is taking me."

She shrugs again, poorly disguised nonchalance, and Megumi groans, why can't his family be normal about this?

First, Gojo genuinely joins Yuji's fanclub and now Tsumiki, most-likely, is texting Yuji.

It did nothing but absolutely annoy Megumi when he and Tsumiki were swamped, hosting a wedding on Tsumiki's property, when Gojo suddenly sends him a selfie. At a baseball game. Wearing Yuji's jersey. Sitting in the cheer section. It mortified him to no end, but Yuji, bless his soul, has seemingly taken everything in stride. He signed Gojo's jersey with a smile on his face and easily accepted Gojo's signature brand of physical torture via intruding ones personal bubble constantly. Megumi has decided Yuji is an anomaly, an anomaly sent specifically for him and his strange family.

Megumi pointedly ignores Tsumiki and the implications of her texting Yuji. If he called her out on it, she'd say something about being a protective big sister, but Megumi knows the real intentions are just to be nosy. And probably get baked goods on demand. He groans, eventually deciding on the green shirt.

Even though this is their "first" date, Megumi has already decided that being with Yuji in any capacity feels special. With both of their schedules being hectic, sometimes just seeing each other after a game or video calling late after a wedding is enough to make Megumi's heart skip. He's never felt this way about someone, especially not so quickly, and he's found that he hasn't had to fight himself much on this. His brain, heart, and anxiety are on the same page, somehow. Which has to be a sign, right?

And he waits, sitting outside of the train station that Yuji told him he would meet him at. Obviously, Megumi doesn't know the schedule of their train so he sits aimlessly waiting and wondering what Yuji has in store for them. They had agreed to meet by five, but Megumi’s knee bounces anxiously as the clock reads 5:05. It's just five minutes, Yuji is running late and it's probably fine, but he would feel more at ease knowing they wouldn't miss their train.

As he stands, pressing his phone to his ear and listening as the line rings, he hears a ringtone playing and getting closer to him. He turns, Yuji is running full speed towards him, face flushed. Before Megumi can say anything, Yuji's hand clamps down on his wrist. "Come on, we are gonna be late!"

Megumi's legs burn, running hand in hand with Yuji as he leads them through the station. He would typically roll his eyes, but something about Yuji's giddy laughter has him smiling and pushing through the burn. They rush onto the train, Megumi instantly bends over with his hands on his knees, huffing and puffing. It'd been an embarrassing amount of time since he had run anywhere and the short distance has him nearly choking on saliva.

Yuji laughs, gently patting his back, sweaty and not out of breath at all. "I'm sorry I was late." His free hand scratches the back of his neck. "Todo challenged me to a batting drill contest, I didn't get the chance to say anything before he started the drills and I kinda got caught up in it."

Megumi coughs, subtly trying to regain his dignity. When he feels confident speaking again, he knows just what he wants to ask. "Make it up to me by telling me where we are going."

The hand on his back continues its soothing circles. Yuji laughs. "Do you really want me to ruin the surprise?"

Megumi shifts, feeling stable enough to move again, and they sit side by side. He hits Yuji with a glare. "Did anyone ever tell you I hate surprises?"

Yuji interlocks their hands, laughing to himself. He gives in easily, like he doesn’t like keeping secrets as much as Megumi doesn’t like experiencing secrets. "Okay, okay. So, this is kinda cheesy, but I heard that the aquarium by the Skytree just opened a fancy jellyfish exhibit. And, uh, well, you like animals! I thought it'd be fun!" Yuji stammers, confidence waving under Megumi’s awe-struck gaze. "Uh, unless you'd rather do something else?"

Megumi blinks. His heart swells with unnamed emotions, Yuji is just so, so cute and thoughtful. It isn't fair. He was never worried about the date itself, he knew he would enjoy his time with Yuji, but he wasn't expecting so personal and perfect right off the bat. "That sounds perfect."

Their train ride is a short one, only thirty minutes of Megumi's hand being enveloped by Yuji's large, calloused, perfectly made-for-him hand. Yuji tells him about practice, talks about how his physical therapy has been progressing. He swears up and down he will be pitching a full nine innings any game now and it makes Megumi smile to hope with him. Evidently, his trainer wanted to restrict his pitching, but the manager of the team and his coach decided not to. Which Megumi raises his eyebrows to, but Yuji assures him that he's still playing within his limits.

Megumi has noticed that Yuji hasn't been rolling his shoulder as much these days, so that glimmer of hope sparks deep in his gut. He can see how eager Yuji is to claim his role as ace again and frankly anything that makes Yuji happy will make Megumi equally happy.

Yuji excitedly tugs Megumi, urging him towards the aquarium's entrance. Outside the building is lit up in various lights, the evening sun allows the brilliant light shows to dance across the smooth surface of the building. Blue lights flicker and mimick waves, while smaller pre-programmed lights make up shapes of penguins and fish and jellyfish. They dance together and wave, creating a cute atmosphere to welcome guests to their newest exhibit: 'Under The Sea, Jellyfish & Me.'

At the front desk, Yuji presents their tickets and the clerk kindly straps their wristbands on for them. The aquarium itself is huge, sprawling with seemingly endless corridors of educational exhibits. Given the hour, the space is mostly quiet and empty. Most school children have gone home by now, leaving only the occasional couple or lone elderly fish enthusiasts.

He let's Yuji pull him through, passing the foyer, gift shop, and small café located at the front of the aquarium. Yuji gasps. "Oh, we definitely have to go there before we leave!"

He points at the menu board, proudly displaying bubbly blue ice cream concoctions and taiyaki. Megumi barely gets to glance at the items before Yuji continues to pull him through the building.

As they get closer to the exhibits, walls start turning into open tanks and floor to ceiling panels of plexiglass. The gentle bubbling of water and various filters fills the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere for walking hand in hand with Yuji. They stop at each half-tank, open at the top to peer inside to observe turtles, stingrays, mollusks, and fish of any variety. Yuji goofily tries reading each species name outloud from the plaques, failing miserably to pronounce them, which successfully has Megumi hiding his laughter behind his hand.

Yuji pulls him along, ushering him into the back of the open tanks. A closed door decorated with jellyfish prints and fringed crepe paper is the only thing standing in the way of the featured jellyfish exhibit. When Yuji opens the door, Megumi is instantly awe struck. The entire exhibit is glass and intricate tubing, the ceiling warps around them to allow jellyfish of all kinds to swim and float freely. Megumi stares up, his eyes following tiny jellyfish as they swim right above their heads. The space is remarkable, something he's never had the pleasure of experiencing before.

Yuji's eyes light up, he points out any jellyfish that catches his eye. The most prominent species on display is the moon jellyfish, bell-shaped and glowing like the moon in the sky. Each varies slightly in color, some blue or purple and others pink or orange.

Yuji presses a finger to the glass. "That one there is me." Gesturing to a moon jelly wish a pink halo on its top. "And that one is you! Look they're kissing!"

Megumi stares, watching the jellyfish dance around each other and bump tops as they pass by one another. The pink hued one sticks closely to a blue-green hued one and the thought of it makes his stomach flutter. His ears heat up and he feels indignation rising in his throat. Why is this so cute to him? Yuji assigns arbitrary meaning to jellyfish based off their colors, says they're kissing, and it makes him blush? How embarrassing.

Yuji laughs, but says nothing. He skips ahead, oohing and ahhing and constantly pointing out jellyfish to Megumi. And Megumi finds himself enjoying the exhibit, but his eyes, well, his eyes always find their way back to Yuji.

They walk and Megumi stares. The jellyfish exhibit surrounds them on all sides, various species greet him but his eyes are glued to the man in front of him. Yuji walks backwards, facing him, with his hands clasped on the back of his head while he stares up at the jellyfish swimming and floating. The blue light of the aquarium lights Yuji's face, beautifully dusting constellations of light onto his cheeks. This is the nicest, most thoughtful date he's ever been on.

The exhibits halls lead to a large foyer with a massive tube in the middle that shoots from the ceiling straight down to the floor. A different species of jellyfish with long tentacles blooms in stunning orange and red, its bell is lined in maroon stripes. This area of the exhibit feels colder and has Megumi rubbing his hands on his arms.

Yuji cranes his head, looking up at the top of the tube and following it back down to the floor. Mentally estimating its length and making an offhand comment, wondering if he could climb up that high before continuing on. Megumi watches him, watches the jellyfish float by blissfully unaware and free. He listens to Yuji's endless commentary, finding himself stuck to every word and question and theory. Megumi feels utterly enamored, obsessed with the warmth that accompanies Yuji's presence. They talk for what feels like hours, laughing and bickering over whether jellyfish technically count as aliens or not.

Too quickly for Megumi's taste, the exhibit loops them back to the hall where they started. Yuji rubs his stomach, staring Megumi down with a devious glint in his eyes. "Let me buy you a treat from the café!"

Megumi doesn't have to be told twice, he follows Yuji while occasionally correcting his misremembering of species or mispronounced scientific names as Yuji recalls his favorites.

In the café, Yuji orders enough treats to easily feed his entire baseball team. A blue yogurt parfait with gummy sharks, blue jello with popping candy 'rocks', four flavors of taiyaki, and a huge sea-themed ice cream sundae. They sit and Yuji offers him the first bite of each criminally sweet novelty treat he bought.

"Okay, remember that long tube of jellyfish? It got me thinking, like, wow. The ocean is so deep and mysterious, right? So, would you ever dive to see a rare and never before seen species?" Megumi quirks his brow, trying to understand Yuji's mental gymnastics. "Let's say you can bring your camera to prove it. Yes or no?"

"Nah, I'm getting too old for that." Megumi says, chewing his bite of taro taiyaki. His answer is one that instantly flies off his tongue, something so ingrained he fails to remember how he has dived deep depths for his photography before. He has done it before, yet the mental countdown to his birthday blares across his every thought.

Yuji snorts. "Thirty isn't old." Megumi side-eyes him and watches his hands come up placatingly. "It isn't! This is the prime of your life! Think about it like this, your childhood was for growing physically. Your twenties are for growing emotionally. What does that leave for the rest of your life?"

Megumi doesn't answer, not wanting to say the wrong thing. Yuji smiles, beaming and beautiful. "Living, duh!"

"What if I'm already living wrong, though? Other people have many things I don't have at the same age. Doesn't that put me behind?" Megumi asks, feeling vulnerable and avoiding Yuji's warm gaze.

"What is it that Choso always says?" Yuji's hand comes up to his chin thoughtfully, spoon flicking soft serve on the table. "Oh, that's right! Comparison is the thief of joy. Watching someone else finish their race doesn't mean you have to stop running too, right? You still have plenty more to run until the finish line. And, then, there's always another race to run."

Megumi stares, completely and utterly at a loss for words. He didn't quite expect such introspection from Yuji, but it's refreshing and the words settle under his skin. They don't weigh him down, no, they feel comforting. There's time. There's always been more time. He hums, feeling lighter than he knew was possible. "What about you then?"

Yuji stutters. "Wh-what about me?"

"Don't you compare your actions to others expectations? It might not be the same, but it's similar. Wouldn't you say so?" Megumi takes his spoon, swirling the melting sweet concoction before bringing a bite to his lips.

Yuji's lips are stained blue from the snacks and Megumi can't help the swell of fondness that hits him as he watches Yuji think out his rebuttal. "Uh, well, uh! I guess, I never thought of it like that."

Megumi hums. "If the world had no sports, like they were completely erased from existence. What would you do for a living?"

His hand flies up to his chin, rubbing pensively like he has to think long about his answer. Though, Megumi knows better.

"Well, I'd probably be a chef of some kind." Yuji's voice is soft, like saying it outloud is too much, too real. "I always thought running a bed and breakfast would be fun. Or an inn. Making all kinds of treats and home-cooked meals." He looks lost in his thoughts before immediately clearing his throat. "Could you imagine me in an apron and one of those big goofy hats?"

Megumi snorts. "A toque blanche."

Yuji smiles, brief sourness washed away, waving his hand. "Potato, potato. Right?"

"For what it's worth," Megumi says, eyes flicking up to stare into Yuji's eyes. "I think you'd be good at it. You already are, a little professional training? You could do anything."

It makes Yuji smile, which Megumi considers a huge win, before he starts scarfing food down again. The contemplative look on Yuji's face disappears and he redirects his attention to their food, gesturing. "Okay, okay, we still gotta go to the gift shop! Hurry, hurry! Eat, eat!"

Megumi finishes a few more spoonfuls, mostly horrified as he watches Yuji consume Gojo-levels of sugar. He claps his hands, quickly pulling Megumi up.

The gift shop is small and quaint. Offering a variety of stuffed sea creatures, themed shirts, postcards, mugs, and keychains. Yuji touches each plushie, assessing their softness before finding the perfect jellyfish plush for Junpei.

"I think his current plushie could use a friend, wouldn't you say?" Yuji asks.

Megumi simply nods, he fears for the day Junpei learns Yuji went to the aquarium without him. Surely the toddler will have big feelings about it and the mental image of Yuji being scolded by a toddler has him biting back a smile. It's almost a shame he won't get to see it himself.

Megumi brushes over the keychains, he finds that the jellyfish exhibit has its own special blindbox keychains and he picks up the box to examine all of the potential options. He weighs the likelihood of getting one of the ones he likes, out of the ten options he truly only finds two or three acceptable, but then he looks over to Yuji. He could double his odds by getting two boxes, he nods, quickly agreeing with his own logic and taking his two boxes to the register.

Yuji materializes beside him, arms full of plushies and shirts. "Here, let me pay." He scrambles to get his wallet.

Megumi scoffs, immediately shoving his card into the terminal. "No, you bought food." He gestures to the cashier. "All of his stuff too, please."

Yuji huffs, but allows Megumi to pay for their souvenirs. Megumi has to actively suppress his victory smile before fishing out the blind boxes from their bag. He hands one to Yuji who stares at it confused. Megumi rolls his eyes.

"Look at the back, which ones would you want?"

He watches Yuji flip the box and stare at his options. Yuji points to the egg yolk jellyfish, box jellyfish, and black sea nettle. "I like these!"

Megumi nods. He wants the crystal or moon jellyfish the most. "Okay, open up."

They hurriedly tear into the packaging. Megumi pulls out his, a pink moon jellyfish. A small smile works its way onto his lips. He looks over at Yuji, who is holding up what looks like a crystal jellyfish with a criminally adorable pout on his face.

"We can trade if you want, look." He dangles his moon jellyfish in front of Yuji's eyes.

Yuji's eyes follow the swaying figure, intently watching it swing side to side. "No, no, it's okay!"

They leave the aquarium with four extra keychains, Megumi grabbed four more blind boxes in hopes of one of them having the one Yuji wanted. He did get one, but now the extras jingle in Megumi's pocket. One could go to Tsumiki and one for Junpei, but he honestly can't believe how easily he wants to do whatever he can to make Yuji smile. It's honestly dangerous. The combination of a pouty lip with big golden brown eyes? How could Megumi resist?

He sighs, sitting with Yuji's head on his shoulder for the train ride home. Yuji offered to drive him home once they get to the station, which he couldn't find any reason to say no to. They're officially dating and Megumi can't hide his feelings, he wants to be around Yuji as much as he can.

Which is why, when Yuji's car finally pulls its way slowly up Tsumiki's driveway, Megumi throws any internal resistance to the wind.

"Stay?" Megumi asks, which has Yuji's expression morphing into shock. "Not for long." He promises.

Yuji smiles, big and bright and beautiful. He gets out and they find themselves sitting on driveway, heads tilted up to the sky as Megumi points out constellations to the other man. They sit, shoulders pressed together as Yuji's eyes follow Megumi's finger.

"See that one?" He points low to the horizon and trails his finger up, following the zigzag of the constellation. "That's Hydra," Megumi eyes Yuji, watching the man nod along excitedly. "It's a serpent. Greek mythology describes it as a multi-headed snake, which Hercules eventually defeats."

Yuji's eyes practically sparkle, he turns and their faces are so, so close. "You're so smart, Megumi." He breathes out.

Megumi flushes, both at the compliment and their newfound proximity. He watches as Yuji's eyes flicker down to his lips. The air around them feels suffocating, the gravitational pull Megumi feels towards Yuji has him making the first move. He leans in, ever so slightly, and Yuji meets him. Their lips touch, softly melding together in a sweet kiss that has Megumi's heart racing in his chest.

Yuji smiles through the kiss and Megumi can't bring himself to care about their teeth clacking together, too caught up in how giddy Yuji makes him feel. The door flings open, which has them pulling apart quickly, when Tsumiki squeals and rushes out.

"Yuji-kun! I'm so glad I finally get to meet you in person!"

Yuji stands, offering a hand to Megumi, and stammers slightly. He bows deeply, offering his respect to Tsumiki. It has Megumi holding back a snort while Tsumiki swoons. "It's, uh, very nice to meet you, Fushiguro-san."

She tsks. "Tsumiki is fine, come here!" Tsumiki jumps and reaches for him, grabbing his hand and pulling. "You came at the perfect time, I have this custard tart coming out of the oven any minute now. What do you say, stay while it cools and we can hangout?"

Yuji glances over at Megumi nervously, concerned about overstepping. When Megumi nods slightly, Yuji smiles and lets himself be dragged. "Okay, sure. Sounds fun!"

Megumi can't express his feelings in this moment; two important pieces of his world finally collide and it feels strange. He watches as Tsumiki shows off some of their work, work that makes Megumi feel so, so fulfilled. Yuji smiles along, equally interested and adding his own stories.

Yuji's words from earlier strike a cord, as simple as it sounds, life is to be lived. The tightness in his chest, the one he's felt every day of his life, the one that makes him feel like every day is a race to the finish, ebbs. He takes a deep, fulfilling breath before exhaling slowly, watching as Yuji gracefully maneuvers through the kitchen. Tsumiki pulls down a massive recipe book, one Megumi never dared touch due to its "master" level difficulty warning on the front.

They spend the rest of their evening watching in awe as Yuji works in the kitchen. He helps Tsumiki with a new recipe and perfects it on his first try, which has Tsumiki's brows raised. They laugh and joke like old friends, easily placing Yuji's piece in their families unfinished puzzle.

Sitting at the island, Megumi watches Tsumiki stuff her face with sweets. He had plenty of sweets on their date, but still finds a fork being passed his way occasionally by Yuji. Brown eyes beg for him to taste, so he contemplates, pretending to think about it, before accepting. It makes Yuji dance a goofy jig, which makes Tsumiki laugh. So, Megumi's stomach ache is well worth it, he thinks.

Tsumiki rubs her belly, leaning heavily against the island while rocking side to side. Her lower stomach is only slightly beginning to round, still small enough to hide beneath clothes, but the way Tsumiki rubs her stomach with such reverence always has Megumi's throat feeling tight. He is grateful that Tsumiki's earlier vomiting spells have mostly disappeared, she still gets sick in the mornings, but her appetite is back in full force. And, thanks to Yuji, her main craving of sweet muffins is always fulfilled.

Tsumiki sighs, stretching with her hands on her lower back. "It's getting late, Yuji-kun. You're welcome to stay the night if you'd like! I'm sure Megumi wouldn't mind." She says, snickering into her hand when Megumi's face erupts bright and blistering red.

Yuji stammers, eyes darting between the siblings. He considers it, thinking with his hand on his chin, and Megumi's heart races. Yuji smiles beautifully. "Cinnamon rolls for breakfast?"

Chapter Text

The next few months fly by Megumi in a whirlwind. When he isnt working or tending to Tsumiki, he's with Yuji, who also comes over to help Tsumiki, much to her delight. They've been out on more dates than Megumi can count, Yuji is the perfect gentleman and seems to know the exact thing to make Megumi swoon. When Yuji has free time, he will stop by just because. It makes him feel like a lovesick teenager again, staying out late, dancing in the kitchen, laughing freely and fully. Spring has quickly turned into an oppressively hot summer before Megumi even registered, which, for someone so obsessed over the passage of time, is a feat in itself.

The transition to officially dating Yuji is surprisingly uncomplicated. Nobara grinned ear to ear, but insisted "for the sake of journalism" that this update was strictly off the record. Anytime him and Yuji were around Nobara, more often than not she'd wrap an arm around Saki's shoulders, pulling her away while pretend-gagging.

Megumi has found himself genuinely invested in the Tigers performance this season, easily attending games when he has the time. Yuji insisted on getting him the season pass, which he rolled his eyes at despite the gesture filling his heart with so much love. Sometimes he can even catch an away game, which allows for Yuji to steal him away afterwards and show him all the little places Yuji and his teammates have found over the years. It makes every place feel brand new; what's the need for traveling far, far away when there's this? Small shops hidden away, new foods, new traditions around every corner. It's fulfilling and exciting, Megumi allows himself to be dragged around and shown new things. Yuji makes life feel like nothing was ever missing, Megumi just wasn't looking hard enough.

This game is different though, it's Tsumiki's first game. Here they are, sitting in the stands and already sweating buckets. Megumi tried to convince her to sit in the Press Box, where there's air conditioning, but Tsumiki resisted. "What if I want five corn dogs? What then? These people get paid to walk the bleachers and sell food. I want food!"

Megumi sighs and rolls his eyes. Tsumiki fans herself with a handheld fan. Her bump protrudes enough to be noticeable now, she's right around twenty-one weeks pregnant, and she wears a sundress with an unbuttoned jersey over top. "I'll get up and go to concessions. Let's go where there's air conditioning."

She clicks her tongue, raising a hand and waving down the nearest concessionist. The guy is young, wearing a tray strapped to his chest that has everything on it. Popcorn, cotton candy, corn dogs, pretzels. Tsumiki smiles and passes along her money, getting a corndog for each hand. She turns back to Megumi, smirking while taking a large bite. "I'm content here. Thank you very much."

Megumi grumbles, crossing his arms over his chest, but doesn't press the issue further. Tsumiki can always change her mind and they can move, but it's still annoying how hardheaded and stubborn she can be. Megumi can't imagine why any pregnant person would want to be stuck outside in the heat, but Tsumiki has always had her quirks.

The first half of the inning goes by relatively uneventfully. While the Tigers have some strong hitters, defense is where the team truly comes to life. So, when the teams switch sides and the Tigers roll out onto the field, Megumi gets the pleasure of watching his sister experience the team entrance in all its glory for the first time. Tsumiki watches in awe as the jumbotron lights up with various characters, all dancing and marching to the teams chants. Her mouth hangs open while Todo does his usual stunts, amping up the crowd by doing several front flips as he walks to the catcher's box. Todo's cheer squad is doing their usual routine, pompoms up and voices loud.

Megumi diligently explains each cheer, pointing out the players as they step onto the field and what their cheers mean in relation to their positions. Kaito comes up to pitch to start, given Yuji's pitching restriction he usually acts as Kaito's relief pitcher, but recently has been pitching five or six innings. Despite Megumi's concern, Yuji reassuredly has been adding innings respectfully slowly to accommodate his lingering shoulder pain. Yuji has been tiredlessly training with Maki and spending ample time ensuring his safety. Yuji promised him, with stars sparkling in his eyes, that he would be up to nine innings before the end of the season.

Megumi nudges Tsumiki, gesturing to the cheer squads leader. "See that girl in front there? She's Takada," Her tall form is easily distinguishable, black locks pulled into pig tails and face decorated in tiger stripes. "I'm not certain, Yuji won't confirm anything, but her and Todo have something going on."

Tsumiki gasps, eyes comically wide. "Oh, I didn't realize baseball could be juicy like this!"

He laughs. "Me either."

They sit together, laughing and watching the game progress. The Tigers, as always, are in top form today. They're leading the board 3-1 when it's finally time for Yuji to pitch. The end of the fourth, teams switch and a new song plays loud over the intercom as Yuji runs up to the mound. The cheer squad squeals, fangirling and doing their best routine for the pitcher. It's very entertaining to see how many fans Yuji has wrapped around his finger, all by simply playing his best. His sportsmanship, that's definitely it, not because of how incredibly attractive he is. Nope. He and Todo are the obvious favorites, but when the cheer squad picks up on particularly impressive moves, Megumi learned they have specialized cheers for each player ready on the fly.

Tsumiki taps his arm excitedly before she jumps up, whooping and cheering while her eyes lock onto Yuji's form as he settles into his place. Megumi suppresses his laughter. Tsumiki and Yuji quickly became close, which was no surprise to Megumi. Tsumiki pulled him aside after meeting Yuji for the first time and told him she already views Yuji as part of the family. Which with anyone else, would probably have Megumi scoffing about it being too soon, but Yuji? Yuji is different. It nearly brought Megumi to tears, not only to have her approval, but for her to feel so fondly of Yuji the way he knew she would.

And now she stands, watching Yuji pitch for the first time ever. If there is one thing about Yuji, he knows how to command the entire stadiums attention. Everyone's eyes are on him as he takes a deep breath and turns to the side, lining up with his pitch. He shuffles his foot, knocking around the dirt on the mound, before pulling his leg up to his chest. His form is perfect, hand in his glove before extending his right arm back and launching the pitch. His whole body whips with the force of his throw and the crowd is silent, so silent that the sound of the ball hitting Todo's glove echoes throughout the stadium.

The strike is called and Tsumiki squeals, she jumps in place and throws her arms up as she cheers Yuji on. With how close they are to the field, Megumi wouldn't be surprised if Tsumiki's cheering is loud enough for Yuji to actually hear her. Megumi watches, rising to stand next to her in case she loses her balance in her excitement. Her eyes remained glued to the field the entire time Yuji pitches and strikes out all three hitters. They switch and Tsumiki whips her head over to him, face beet red from the combination of temperature and screaming her lungs out. "He's so good!"

Megumi snorts, he knows his fondness is evident on his face. "I know."

Yuji pitches for the last five innings and Tsumiki quickly becomes an engrossed baseball fan. She yells, throws her arms up, and calls strikes like she is the umpire. Her popcorn is thrown while she booes, pointedly becoming Yuji's loudest defender when his base steal is nearly called an out. The Tigers win 9-2 and Tsumiki is so thrilled when the team walks off to listen to the victory cries as the cheer team celebrates. Their feet stomp hard enough to shake the bleachers and their voices reverberate loud enough to deafen.

Megumi helps Tsumiki up, all of her screaming and jumping has her breathless and tired. She heaves, exhaling roughly as she's pulled to her feet. Her hand goes to her lower back with a wince. "Maybe I'm getting too pregnant to jump?"

"You're probably getting there." Megumi agrees, fishing through his bag for electrolyte jelly.

He hands one to Tsumiki and she slurps it loudly, humming the Tigers theme as they walk back inside to meet up with Yuji. They see Nobara in passing, she's with Saki and her photographer Kurusu, who he finally met a few weeks ago, rushing to the interview rooms. While they wait, Megumi accompanies Tsumiki to the gift shop. He'd never actually stopped inside despite being at multiple games, it's usually far too crowded for his own enjoyment. But for Tsumiki, he will begrudgingly stand shoulder to shoulder with overzealous fans, all pushing to get their merch.

Before he knows it, a strong pair of arms envelope him from behind, wrapping around his shoulders as fluffy hair brushes the side of his face. Fresh and woodsy citrus fills his nostrils. He hears Nobara tsking, smacking Yuji off of him. The gift shop has several other customers, so Megumi understands, but he doesn't hide his eye roll from Nobara. She sticks her tongue out at him childishly.

Tsumiki gasps when she sees Yuji, wrapping him in a hug of her own. "Yuji-kun, you did so well today! I think you've made a baseball fan out of me!"

Yuji's eyes crinkle with his beautiful smile, rubbing Tsumiki's back gently as they separate. "I knew I could get you into the sport! Oh, here!" Yuji reaches in his duffle bag, pulling out a dirty baseball. "To commemorate your first game!"

Tsumiki lets him drop the baseball in her palm, she smiles and rolls it in her hand. "What about Megumi?"

Yuji waves his finger side to side. "Nope, he gets the ball of the first game I pitch a full nine in again!" He smiles big, rolling his shoulder. "Which'll be soon, I can feel it!"

Megumi pretends to look at a bobblehead on the shelf, he knew about Yuji's plans to give him the first ball of his full game, but hearing him using it like this. Like giving him the ball is the goal? It makes him feel flush all over. It's embarrassing and stupid how easily Yuji can get under his skin and make him feel so, so light. Tsumiki smirks, nudging him with her elbow.

"How romantic!" She gushes, bringing her hands up to her cheeks.

Nobara's nose crinkles in disgust, but poorly disguised fondness is evident in her eyes. She claps her hands. "Alright people, enough swooning. A new popsicle shop opened up two blocks away. I need a shaved ice like lungs need oxygen. Chop, chop!"

Megumi finds himself at a picnic table outside with their entire entourage, Saki and Kurusu both decided to join too. The sun's beams are blocked by the oversized umbrella latched to their table. He sits between Yuji and Nobara, who have been bickering over...Something. He had no issues agreeing to the popsicle shop, especially since Tsumiki's eyes sparkled with delight at the mention of shaved ice. Megumi watches her sweet monstrosity drip on the table, sweet syrup staining the wood. However, a new problem presented itself when everyone sat down with their orders.

Everyone got a shaved ice, except for Yuji, who got a regular popsicle. This isn't a problem, well, as long as Megumi isn't watching him. After months of steadily dating Yuji, it's incredibly distracting to watch Yuji enjoy his icy treat. His mind vaguely registers their conversation that's quickly becoming an argument.

"Come on! Megumi, please back me up here. My idea is perfect!"

Megumi snaps from his thoughts, hoping the apologetic look comes through his eyes when he stares Nobara head on. He actually heard none of their conversation, but he does feel a little bad about it. A little. Nobara sighs, leaning into Saki's side briefly, like she needs the physical support to put up with them.

"Remember the fundraiser the baseball team is hosting soon?" Megumi does not, but he nods anyways. "Yuji wanted my opinion and I said they should have a car wash. It's easy and it raises money quickly." She explains, exasperated. Saki happily nods along next to Nobara, elbowing Kurusu excitedly.

Yuji sighs, running a hand down his face. "But car washes are so basic! I want something with some pizzazz! Whatcha think, Megumi?"

"What other ideas do you have? The ones with 'pizzazz'?"

Yuji's face flushes and his lip sticks out in a pout. It's not adorable, it's not adorable, Megumi chants over and over in his head. "Well, uh, I don't have any other idea."

Tsumiki laughs along, lips stained blue. Megumi sighs. "When is the fundraiser?"

"Next week." Yuji and Nobara say in unison. Yuji sounds optimistic, like that's plenty of time. Nobara sounds smug, she knows she won.

"Sounds like you're doing the car wash then, there's no time to plan anything else." Yuji pouts further and Megumi traces the bright red melting popsicle liquid as it travels down his beefy forearm. "It isn't the end of the world." Megumi tries to reason. "People will show up no matter what, it's for a good cause."

Nobara sticks out her green-stained tongue before pumping her fist in victory. "Yeah, Yuji," She sneers. "It's for a good cause! I'll even graciously advertise the event in tonight's article. You're welcome."

Yuji groans, throwing his head back. Kurusu pulls out a notepad, snickering while scribbling the idea down. Megumi gets the distinct feeling he missed out on something important, but shrugs. It's probably some miniscule bet they had previously that Megumi wasn't privy to.

Nobara elbows him, nearly knocking his spoon from his hand. "You will show up, right? Bring some of Gojo's fat stacks with you, maybe they will give you an engraved seat at the stadium!"

He rolls his eyes, but Yuji nudges him happily with his elbow, much more carefully than Nobara did. "That's a great idea!"

Honey eyes melt into his soul and Megumi knows 'no' does not exist in the golden galaxy of Yuji. He sighs and nods his head.

That's how he finds himself driving, for the first time in years he might add, to a massive school parking lot. It's outside of a measly, rundown looking baseball field. Obviously that's what the team is raising money for, his mind helpfully supplies. He took extra care to bring the extra check, signed lovingly by Gojo, to offer as a "personal donation". Megumi supposes there are worse things in life than having his family adore Yuji, so he accepted the gesture and the neatly sealed envelope sits on the dash.

When Megumi pulls up towards the lot, the first thing he notices is how full the parking lot is. There is a line nearly out into the street and when he gets closer to the front he realizes why. The entire baseball team, in their white baseball uniforms, are all soaking wet. Each member is holding a sponge or a bucket, suds are everywhere, and everyone is drenched. Their white tops are clinging to every muscle and leaves nothing to the imagination. Megumi's jaw drops. He had no idea this is what they meant when they said they were doing a car wash fundraiser. Isn't this for youth baseball?

Megumi inches forward and he watches in a mixture of awe and horror as the baseball players teasingly wash each car, extravagantly swaying their hips and splashing one another. The closer he gets to the pandemonium, the louder the screaming and whistling gets. He feels mortified now, realizing he will be a victim of this embarrassing display soon. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees none other than Nobara and Kurusu, who has her camera in hand, up close and personal on the action. He feels heat creeping up his neck.

Just as his car rolls up, Yuji instantly appears at the window, smiling cheekily. His hair is drenched and clinging to his forehead, making him seem more boyish than his usual styled look portrays. Megumi tries not to stare so blatantly in front of others, but Yuji is just so ripped. Judging by the smirk playing on his lips, he knows it too. Megumi’s ears feel hot and he worries his whole face is beet red. Yuji leans in close. "Are you here for our fundraiser, sir? It's to support the local youth baseball team."

Megumi's mouth goes dry and he's suddenly at a loss for words. Of course, this is when Nobara makes her presence known. She hip checks Yuji, which has him dramatically stumbling away and holding his hands out for mercy. Nobara's smirk tells Megumi how much she enjoys seeing him suffer.

He sighs. "How much is one car wash?"

After suffering, sitting mortifyingly beet red, through his car wash he finally sees the exit. Watching the members of the Tigers soaking wet, shirts see-through and clinging to every muscle as they sensually soap up Gojo's car was nearly enough to send Megumi to an early grave. By some miracle, he survives. Mostly because Todo's loud voice grates on his nerves as he's subjected to the burly man's own attempts at garnering customers towards the entrance. Like they need more customers, Megumi can see the line still sticking out into the street.

He sighs, pulling out of the lot while Inumaki and Yuuta wave him off. He decides to park down the block rather than loop around and leave Gojo's car in the middle of all the madness. The short walk should give him ample time to recollect himself and resume his normal disposition, at least, he hopes. He promised Yuji that he would help the players in any way needed, big brown eyes easily coerced him, which Megumi hoped just meant passing out water bottles to fight the heat.

Fortunately, knowing Nobara and Kurusu are here makes Megumi's restlessness ease. He can easily blend in, following them while they do their journalistic duties by capturing the baseball team at their finest. Literally. Takada and the cheer squad eventually roll up, bringing with them ice cold drinks, sunscreen, and snacks. Megumi makes himself useful and helps distribute goodies. Slowly, far too slowly, the line eventually dies down as the sun finds itself creeping beneath the horizon.

"Megumi! Hey, Megumi!" Yuji's voice carries across the parking lot, finally catching up now that the event has concluded.

Megumi turns, watching as Yujj maneuvers through his teammates to get to him. He hears Yuuta and Todo whistling, tauntingly making loud kissing noises at them. Megumi flushes, looking away from Yuji's dripping form.

Yuji's head cocks to the side. "What's wrong?"

"He didn't know this was the kind of car wash you were talking about." Nobara says, appearing just behind Yuji and sounding smug.

Yuji blinks rapidly, processing and trying to decipher what that could even mean. "I don't-..." He stops, then snorts. He bursts into uncontrollable fits of laughter, giggling loud and doubling over.

"Shut up." Megumi hisses, feeling mortification once again creeping up his throat. Yuji's laughter only gets louder, causing Nobara to join in.

Megumi huffs. "Okay, okay, I'll see you guys later."

He turns but Yuji grabs the back of his shirt. "No, no, I promised Tsumiki I'd come over for dinner tonight! I'm sorry. It's just..." He puffs air out of his mouth, obviously trying to suppress his laughter. "It's a little funny."

"What's for dinner?" Nobara asks, inspecting her manicure while easily changing the topic.

Yuji shrugs, briefly reaching up to rub his shoulder. "Tsumiki saw something on a program, said it was a surprise."

"Well, let's go then. She's probably getting cranky." Megumi says, glancing at the time. "You coming, Nobara?"

She scoffs. "Duh."

They all pile into Gojo's car, Megumi makes Yuji drive. Partly to make up for him laughing at him, but mostly because Megumi does not want to drive. Yuji fiddles with the radio, blaring hits and singing loudly with Nobara as he drives them back to Tsumiki's.

When he opens the door, the aroma of a delicious meal greets them. Nobara walks in and loudly expresses her hunger before hugging Tsumiki. She assumes her normal seat at the kitchen island, pulling up photos from the car wash that Kurusu sent her to show Tsumiki. Yuji walks into the kitchen, washing his hands and getting into place. Perfectly falling in line in the kitchen, easily picking up where Tsumiki left off while her and Nobara laugh over photos.

Megumi basks in this feeling, the comfort of this routine, these people, being part of something that feels so much like home. He smiles along as Yuji does a goofy dance, mimicking in person for Tsumiki a dumb dance Todo was "practicing" at the car wash.

Suddenly, Tsumiki gasps. "Oh, I can't believe I almost forgot! Yuji, I have something for you!"

Yuji's head quirks to the side, eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Tsumiki stands, grunting and holding a hand under her steadily growing belly. Nobara claps her hands excitedly, eyeing the plates as Yuji assembles their food.

When Tsumiki comes back into the kitchen, she's holding an unmarked envelope behind her back. She clears her throat. "Yuji, I have a very, very important role I'd like to bestow upon you. You've been very good to my brother and by extension, me. You helped clean up my puke and fed me, you saved Megumi from prematurely going bald in the name of learning how to bake." Megumi glares at her. She presents the envelope with a flourish. "Yuji, this envelope contains the sex of the twins. I'd like for you to be the one to help reveal them."

Nobara gasps, dropping her phone onto the island. Yuji's eyes go wide and Megumi's heart lurches as he watches Yuji fight back tears. His voice comes out so, so small, looking at Tsumiki like she offered him her world. "You want me to be the one who knows the sexes?"

Tsumiki nods, own eyes looking wet. "I know you'd find a wonderful way to do it. I trust you with this, if you're willing?"

Yuji sniffs, looking at Megumi. Megumi nods, offering a small smile for encouragement. "I'd love to!"