Work Text:
“Do you have a blanket in here somewhere, I’m freezing,” Fushiguro says. Itadori jumps up from behind the TV and stops in front of him. “Blanket?” Fushiguro repeats. Itadori smiles and practically pounces onto Fushiguro, wrapping himself around him. Fushiguro huffs and wraps his arms around Itadori’s waist.
“I can be your blanket Fushi,” Itadori hums, “you always say I’m a human heater, don’t you?” Fushiguro chuckles and kisses Itadori’s temple. Itadori melts immediately and becomes dead weight in Fushiguro’s arms.
“Weren’t you supposed to be setting the Wii up?” Fushiguro says. Itadori hums and somehow melts into Fushiguro more.
“Don’ wanna,” Itadori says, muffled by Fushiguro’s neck.
“You’re ridiculous,” Fushiguro says.
“And you like me,” Itadori says, lifting his head enough to kiss Fushiguro’s cheek. Fushiguro sighs. They have quite a bad habit of getting distracted like this. They’ve been trying to set up the Wii for almost an hour now, but Itadori keeps throwing himself into Fushiguro’s arms. Fushiguro is too weak to stop him.
“The Wii, Itadori,” Fushiguro says. Itadori doesn’t move for a while, but eventually, with a dramatic sigh, he stands up. He shivers for even more drama as he walks over to the TV.
“You wound me,” Itadori says. Despite his complaints, Itadori finally sets the Wii up and gets it running with Mario. He basically skips back over to the couch and flops down next to Fushiguro. “You’re Luigi,” Itadori says. He doesn’t give Fushiguro time to argue, he just hands him the second player remote and picks a random level for them to play. Not that Fushiguro would bother arguing anyway, he knows Itadori enough to know he would not win that argument.
“Starting off in world three? I thought you wanted to play through the whole game with me,” Fushiguro says. Itadori kicks his ankle, urging him to pay better attention to the game.
“It’s a warm up, I need to assess your skill level,” Itadori says. Fushiguro rolls his eyes and actually starts paying attention to the game. Itadori is immediately impressed and turned on. Fushiguro is good. Itadori never considered that being good at video games could be hot, but damn. He can’t help but watch the way Fushiguro’s hands move over the remote. Itadori definitely isn’t playing his best, but he can’t help it, he’s a bit distracted.
“Did you just fall off the edge?” Fushiguro asks. Itadori sighs and leans back into the couch.
“You’re not allowed to laugh at what I’m about to say,” Itadori says. Fushiguro pauses the level and looks at him, one eyebrow raised playfully.
“You better not tell me you actually suck at this game,” Fushiguro says, “that would be embarrassing for all your talk from earlier.” Itadori shakes his head and feels his cheeks warm slightly.
“No, I’m normally pretty good,” Itadori says quietly, “you’re- well you’re a bit of a distraction.” Fushiguro smirks and it makes Itadori’s skin tingle.
“Is that so?” Fushiguro asks. Itadori huffs and crosses his arms.
“It’s not fair when you know how hot you are,” Itadori mumbles. Fushiguro shuffles and lays down so his head is on Itadori’s lap.
“I think you like it,” Fushiguro says. Itadori smiles slightly and leans down to kiss Fushiguro’s forehead.
“I like when you’re good at things,” Itadori says, “you make it look so effortless. It’s really hot.” Fushiguro chuckles and sits up, making sure to peck Itadori’s face a couple times before he grabs his Wii remote again.
“Don’t get too excited, I plan for us to at least beat the first world today,” Fushiguro says. Itadori pouts, but it only lasts for a couple of seconds before they start the game up again, this time from the first level. Itadori starts paying better attention as they go, but he still spends a good amount of time glancing at Fushiguro. Fushiguro definitely notices and he’s definitely enjoying the attention. When they finally finish the first world, Itadori crawls into Fushiguro’s lap and melts into him. “Tired?” Fushiguro asks.
“You’re just very comfy,” Itadori says, “squishy Fushi.” Fushiguro huffs and pinches Itadori’s side.
“I am not squishy,” Fushiguro says. Itadori chuckles and leans back to see Fushiguro’s face.
“Fine, you’re super muscular and strong and handsome,” Itadori says, “is that better?” Fushiguro smiles and gives Itadori a long, slow kiss. Itadori hums into it, wrapping his arms around Fushiguro’s shoulders. He can’t help but pout when Fushiguro pulls away.
“Oh don’t make that face,” Fushiguro says, “you’re going to fall asleep in like two seconds, we should go to bed.”
“You’ll stay for the night?” Itadori asks. Fushiguro nods and if Itadori wasn’t already half asleep, he’d be jumping for joy. Because of his job, Fushiguro can very rarely spend the night. It’s a treat when he actually can. “You’re the best ever right now.”
“I’m not the best ever all the time?” Fushiguro asks. Itadori kisses his nose gently.
“Not when you leave me here by my lonesome all the time,” Itadori says, “and I still haven’t been to your apartment. You’ll be the best ever once we spend a night at your place.” Fushiguro bites his bottom lip and his eyes dart away for a second. They’ve been together for four months now and Itadori still doesn’t know what Fushiguro does for work. It’s only just started to bother him. It feels like Fushiguro doesn’t trust him, even though he knows it’s cause it’s a government job.
“I want to keep you safe,” Fushiguro says.
“I know, I just want to know everything about you,” Itadori says.
“I promise I’ll tell you one day,” Fushiguro says, “but I can’t- I’m not going to put you in danger.” Itadori nods and collapses back into Fushiguro’s chest.
“I know,” Itadori says, “can we go to bed now, I’m so sleepy.” Fushiguro hums and kisses the top of Itadori’s head.
“Go brush your teeth, I’ll lock up, yeah?” Fushiguro says. Itadori hums and reluctantly peels himself away from Fushiguro and shuffles to the bathroom. He really likes that Fushiguro knows what plants to water and what lights to leave on. He’s been thinking about living with Fushiguro since their first date. He’s a bit of a hopeless romantic. He does his best to savor every moment of Fushiguro in his apartment. There’s nothing quite like waking up in his arms.
–
Itadori is just about done with his employee appraisals when there’s a knock on his office door. Kugisaki walks in with a playful smile on her face. “I think someone’s here for you,” Kugisaki says, “he’s waiting not so patiently.” Itadori smiles, hoping his flush isn’t too obvious. Even after months of dating, Itadori still gets flustered just at the mention of his boyfriend.
“I’ll be out in a minute, I just need to wrap this up,” Itadori says, “give him a cookie on the house-”
“Ginger molasses?” Kugisaki says. Itadori nods and waves her out of the room. He hated everyone teasing him about Fushiguro at first, but now that he’s used to it, he finds it quite endearing. He takes a little longer than he needs to, just to keep Fushiguro waiting, and when he finally emerges from his office, his breath catches. Fushiguro is dressed the way Itadori likes best; sweats, hoodie, messy hair and his glasses that he never wears.
“Took you long enough,” Fushiguro says, “I was about to ask for another cookie.” Idatori knows Fushiguro’s very involved diet, so he knows that’s not true, but he does appreciate the dramatics. It’s nice to see his dramatic nature rub off on Fushiguro.
“I thought you had work out of town tonight,” Itadori says, stepping past the counter. Kugisaki rolls her eyes and walks away to clean up.
“They cancelled it,” Fushiguro says, “you’ve got me all to yourself. And I’m taking you out.” Itadori raises an eyebrow.
“Now, not that I’m complaining, cause you know how hot you look like this, but this is not your ‘going out’ clothing,” Itadori says, “are you taking me on a date to my own apartment?” Fushiguro chuckles and stuffs his hands into his pockets.
“No, we’re going to see a movie,” Fushiguro says, “go get changed, I don’t wanna be late.” Itadori grins. Despite all the things they have in common, taste in movies is not one of them. It’s very rare they both want to see the same movie. He’s very curious which movie Fushiguro has picked out for them. He hurries off to the back, telling Kugisaki she’s on her own to close up today. She nods and goes back to sweeping. He’s glad he decided to make her head manager, she’s got a good head on her shoulders.
When Itadori comes back out, Fushiguro is talking idly with Kugisaki as she cleans the espresso machine. He watches for a couple seconds before they notice. Fushiguro’s smile warms his heart and it takes a lot for him not to run over to him and crush him in a hug. He swears there has to be a magnet in Fushiguro or something. Itadori can’t seem to stay away from him when they’re in the same room. “Have fun at your movie,” Kugisaki says, “don’t forget they have cameras in the theatre.”
Itadori glares at her as he walks out of the cafe. Fushiguro just laughs softly beside him. He reaches down and links their hands, and Itadori immediately relaxes. “I’m glad you have Kugisaki at the cafe,” Fushiguro says, “she keeps you humble.”
“She drives me crazy is what she does,” Itadori says, “but yes, I am grateful for her.” Fushiguro’s very nice car is just down the street from the cafe. Itadori lives a couple blocks away from the cafe, so he doesn’t have to worry about driving to work. It’s great for nights like this, so he doesn’t have to worry about leaving his car parked behind the cafe all night. “Do I get to know what movie we’re watching?”
“Nope,” Fushiguro says, “but you’re gonna like it, I promise.” Itadori slides into the car through the door Fushiguro is holding open for him. He hopes Fushiguro is right. He really has no desire to see another movie like A Clockwork Orange again. Way too weird for him. Itadori talks about his day at work on the way there, making sure Fushiguro knows every little detail. He was worried about talking Fushiguro’s ear off when they first started dating, but he’s more than happy to listen. Itadori still remembers the one time Fushiguro asked him to talk to help him fall asleep.
When they get to the theatre, Fushiguro already has the tickets, so Itadori still doesn’t know what movie it is. He likes surprises, but now he’s worried it’s a movie he’d normally say no to. When they settle in with their snacks, which Fushiguro refused to let Itadori pay for, Fushiguro still keeps quiet. As the previews go on, the anticipation starts to get to him. Fushiguro notices and puts a gentle hand on his thigh, “I promise you’ll like it, stop freaking out.” Fushiguro whispers. Itadori puts his hand on top of Fushiguro’s and lets out a long breath.
Fushiguro has taught him a lot about not overthinking things. It’s a work in progress, but he’s getting much better. When the movie finally starts, Itadori gasps. It’s a re-run of Wall-E, not only his favourite animated movie, but also one Fushiguro has mentioned not liking before. “Fushiguro,” Itadori whispers softly. Fushiguro smiles and squeezes the hand on Itadori’s thigh.
“It’s your favourite,” Fushiguro says, “I was gonna take you tomorrow, but it’s running all week. It worked out well tonight” Itadori smiles.
“Thank you,” Itadori says, “I know it’s not your ideal movie.” Fushiguro shrugs.
“If you like it, I do too,” Fushiguro says simply, “now shush before people get mad at us.” Itadori nods and settles back into his chair, using his free hand to stuff his face with popcorn. Ten minutes in, Fushiguro lifts the arm rest and pulls Itadori against his chest. They stay like that for another thirty minutes, but then Fushiguro’s phone buzzes in his pocket. He sighs, pulls it out, and frowns. “Work, be right back,” Fushiguro whispers.
He kisses Itadori on the forehead before he sneaks out of the theatre, doing his best not to block anyone’s view. It’s nearly midnight, Itadori can’t imagine what his work needs from him. He really hates Fushiguro’s job right now. Did they really have to interrupt his Wall-E movie night? He doesn’t bother paying attention to the movie. He wants Fushiguro here with him. It’s not the movie itself that’s special on this date, it’s watching the movie with Fushiguro. After five minutes, Itadori gives up on the waiting game and shuffles out of the theatre.
It takes him a second to find Fushiguro. He’s at the end of the hall talking to someone Itadori doesn’t recognize. The guy is stupidly tall and his hair is stark white. He’s basically hiding Fushiguro from sight as he speaks quietly, but animatedly. Itadori raises an eyebrow. This must be one of Fushiguro’s coworkers. He feels like shit just standing watching them talk, he knows Fushiguro keeps his job a secret for a reason, but he can’t look away. This is a side of Fushiguro he’s never seen before.
Right when he’s about to duck back into the theatre, the guy with white hair turns and meets his eyes. He’s grinning and it makes Itadori’s stomach churn. The guy's eyes are blue. So blue it feels like they’re piercing through him. Fushiguro looks up and his eyes go wide. “You! Come over here.” Itadori startles slightly, somehow still not expecting to be acknowledged. Fushiguro smacks the guy's shoulder and mutters something under his breath. “Don’t be shy, I don’t bite.” Itadori takes a deep breath and walks over.
Fushiguro is stiff as a board and he won’t look at Itadori. Instead he’s glaring at the guy with white hair. “You must be the boyfriend. I’ve heard about you,” the guy says. Itadori isn’t sure what he expected Fushiguro’s coworkers to be like, but this definitely isn’t it. This guy is upbeat and seemingly unserious. Not what he’d associate with a government employee. Then again, Fushiguro isn’t exactly what he’d imagine either. He should adjust his expectations.
“Oh uh- well yeah,” Itadori says, “it’s- it’s nice to meet you? Sorry I don’t know what to say right now.” The guy tuts and flicks the side of Fushiguro’s head.
“He’s playing the mysterious act, I see,” the guy says, “I’m Megumi’s favourite coworker, Gojo.” He sticks out a hand and all Itadori can do is stare at it. Gojo moves it closer to Itadori and he finally gathers himself enough to shake his hand. His grip is firm.
“Gojo, can we not do this?” Fushiguro says.
“No, please, can we?” Itadori says, starting to get his confidence back, “Fushiguro has been keeping secrets from me for so long.” Gojo grins and Fushiguro groans.
“I don’t want to get him involved, I like my boyfriend being alive,” Fushiguro says, “are we done?” Gojo frowns and looks between the two of them a couple of times.
“I suppose I get it, but Geto is just fine,” Gojo says, “and really, don’t you want him to know how to protect himself? Isn’t it better if he knows what you do every day?” Itadori doesn’t like that he’s basically forcing this out of Fushiguro, but he really wants to know. His boyfriend could be putting his life at risk on a daily basis and Itadori wouldn’t know.
“I mean, I planned to tell him eventually,” Fushiguro says.
“You got a kink for mysterious people, Itadori?” Gojo asks.
“What?” Itadori exclaims. Fushiguro smacks Gojo’s shoulder again.
“Ignore him,” Fushiguro says.
“So do I get to know what your job is or not?” Itadori asks. Fushiguro looks at Gojo then back at Itadori.
“I’ll tell you tomorrow, yeah? I really need to go with Gojo for this job tonight,” Fushiguro says. Itadori frowns, but he understands that Fushiguro’s job is important. “We’ll come watch Wall-E tomorrow, okay? I’m really sorry about this.”
“It’s okay,” Itadori says, “but you’re paying for the tickets and the snacks again, okay?” Fushiguro smiles softly and nods.
“Why don’t you bring Itadori with us?” Gojo says, “it’ll make explaining your job easier.” Itadori almost forgot Gojo was there.
“Are you kidding?” Fushiguro asks, “absolutely not.”
“But he has natural strength, I can sense it,” Gojo says.
“You’re insane,” Fushiguro says, “I’m not putting Itadori in direct danger.”
“But it’s not even a super dangerous job, just tedious,” Gojo whines, “come on! I want to talk to him. It’s only fair I get to interrogate your boyfriend. You interrogate mine all the time.”
“I don’t interrogate him, we’re friends,” Fushiguro says. They both cross their arms and glare at each other.
“Uh guys?” Itadori says, “do I get a say in this?” They both snap their heads to look at him like they somehow forgot he was there.
“Why yes you do,” Gojo says, “would you like to come, Itadori?” Fushiguro is about to complain, but Itadori cuts him off.
“I would,” Itadori says, “I’m sorry, Fushi, but I gotta know what you do. It’s killing me. I just assume you’re in danger all the time and it’s really scary-”
“Fine,” Fushiguro says, “but if Itadori gets so much as a scratch, I’m never forgiving you, Gojo.” Fushiguro sounds very serious and Itadori finds that he quite likes the protective side of him.
“You didn’t tell me he calls you Fushi, that is adorable,” Gojo coos, “we’ll keep him safe, you have my word. Now can we hurry so Nanami doesn’t get mad at me?” Fushiguro nods and grabs Itadori’s hand. He holds it firmly, making circles with his thumb. When they get outside, Gojo goes to his own car, leaving Itadori and Fushiguro on their own. The second they’re in the car, Fushiguro turns to look at him.
“I’m sorry,” Fushiguro says, “I didn’t realize it was bothering you that much. I- you know I want you to be safe. I guess… I didn’t consider how that made you feel about my job.” Itadori nods and grabs Fushiguro’s hand.
“It’s okay,” Itadori says, “you can’t read my mind and I didn’t tell you. I just like knowing everything about you. And this thing is pretty big. It was scary not knowing, not just because I assumed you were constantly in danger.”
“I’ll explain everything,” Fushiguro says, “I promise.” He starts the car and they follow Gojo out of the parking lot.
“Am I gonna have to sign an NDA,” Itadori says playfully. Fushiguro doesn’t laugh though.
“Yes, actually,” Fushiguro says. Itadori looks out the window to hide his grin.
“You know, the mysterious side of you has always been hot, but somehow knowing about it and keeping it secret is hotter,” Itadori says.
“So you do have a mystery kink, huh,” Fushiguro says, “even when you’re involved in the mystery?”
“I guess it’s nice that you trust me enough to let me in,” Itadori says, “I like that you trust me.” Fushiguro takes a deep breath, but his eyes never leave the road.
“I love you,” Fushiguro says. It’s not the first time he’s said it. Itadori said it for the first time three months in, and Fushiguro wasn’t long after that. But still, this time feels different. There’s somehow more depth to it. Itadori’s heart thunders against his ribs.
“I love you too,” Itadori says, “a whole lot. Thank you for bringing me. I know you didn’t want to.”
“I was being a coward,” Fushiguro says, “all I was doing was sheltering you, which actually put you in more danger. I was being an idiot.”
“An idiot with a heart,” Itadori says, “thank you for being thoughtful.” Fushiguro looks at him for only a second, but his face is soft and his gaze is tender. They don’t need to talk for the rest of the drive, they just enjoy each other’s company and the stars in the night sky.
–
When they come to a stop, they’re at an unassuming, run down department store. Itadori can’t read the name on the sign since all the lights around them are off. Now he really has no clue what this job is. Fushiguro takes his glasses off and grabs a small black device from his center console. When they get out of the car, Fushiguro is glued to his side. Itadori feels safe next to him. “Alright, we just have to clear the place,” Gojo says, “only reason it’s urgent is cause the cursed energy is spoiling the food in the store.”
Cursed energy? Yeah, Fushiguro is going to have a lot of explaining to do. Itadori follows them into the store and immediately shivers. He’s not sure if it’s the cold, the darkness or the way Fushiguro tenses up next to him that does it, but he feels extremely unsettled. Fushiguro puts a hand on his lower back and guides him down an aisle as Gojo goes the opposite way. “What the hell is going on?” Itadori asks. Fushiguro takes a deep breath and shows the small black device to Itadori.
“This is going to let us see things the human eye can’t normally see,” Fushiguro says, “don’t let go of my hand and don’t freak out, okay?” Itadori nods and grabs Fushiguro’s hand, squeezing it tightly. Fushiguro presses a couple buttons and Itadori feels his skin tingle. Suddenly, there’s a small, creepy looking creature in front of them. It looks like a highly deformed, mutated slug. It’s more disgusting than it is scary. “See it?” Fushiguro asks. Itadori nods, but he can’t look away.
“Is that a ghost?” Itadori asks. Fushiguro shakes his head.
“Not exactly. It’s a cursed spirit, it comes from negative human emotions,” Fushiguro says, “I’ll explain more on the way home, yeah?” Itadori nods and watches as Fushiguro makes the spirit disappear with a beam of light from the ring on his finger. Itadori knew the government had more advanced technology than they let on, but this is on another level. Fushiguro pulls them forward and Itadori never once lets go of his hand.
They go down aisle after aisle. All the cursed spirits they see are small, but Itadori is still shocked every time he sees one. He imagined aliens or private investigation or assassins, but this is on another level. The things he read in books as a kid are real. Monsters and ghosts are real. His boyfriend is even cooler than he could have imagined. When they meet back up with Gojo, Itadori lets out a breath of relief.
“Got everything?” Gojo asks. Fushiguro nods and turns off the little device.
“Did it really have to be me on this job? You definitely could have done this alone,” Fushiguro says. Gojo rolls his eyes and starts walking towards the exit.
“You know what Nanami says, nobody goes on jobs alone,” Gojo says, “you were the only one on call.”
“You did interrupt our date,” Itadori says, “and it was a good one. Fushiguro nailed it.” Gojo smiles and pinches Fushiguro’s cheek.
“I knew you were a romantic,” Gojo says, “oh Itadori, I’m glad you’ve found his soft side.”
“He really is a teddy bear, isn’t he?” Itadori says. Fushiguro squeezes his hand extra hard and Itadori yelps.
“Enough, I don’t need you two being all buddy, buddy,” Fushiguro says, “can I take my boyfriend home now?” Gojo wiggles his eyebrows.
“Wear protection!” Gojo says, already shuffling towards his car. Fushiguro glares at his back until Gojo disappears into his car.
“Sorry about him, he’s a lot,” Fushiguro says.
“I like him,” Itadori says, letting Fushiguro lead him to the car.
“Of course you do,” Fushiguro says, rolling his eyes, “wanna head to my place?” Itadori has been waiting for this. It feels like he’s finally getting to know the real Fushiguro. He was worried that getting rid of the mystery would lessen his attraction, but he was damn wrong. Everything he learns about Fushiguro only makes him hotter.
“Fuck yeah I do,” Itadori says, “this is the best date ever.” Fushiguro laughs fondly as they get into the car.
“Only you would consider killing spirits a good date,” Fushiguro says, “hope you don’t mind sharing a bed with my dogs.”
“Oh! I almost forgot about your dogs,” Itadori says, “dog loves me, this is going to be great.”