Chapter Text
"The world is vile and you'll make it your foe."
∞
Gluttony and greed. He knew his sin and had little interest in facing punishment. Remaining still in the time when the human had lived, the being did not budge. Summons had come for him, yet he stayed. Leaning across the depths of Infinity, peering into the smallest of galaxies where his beloved had grown old and ceased to be. Death was strange now. Before, it had been something he hadn't even thought of. Organisms lived to die. The cycle of life continued to pollinate the next. Yet, as his all-seeing gaze bore down on the speck the inhabitants claimed Earth, he only felt sadness. Mourning a mortal was one thing for their kind, but feeling love was how he found himself here now.
Unmoving, a statue before the other beings, he did not bother to tear his six eyes from the planet as the sentencing was placed. Whatever happened to him, wherever he ended up- it felt meaningless without the one thing he'd grown to have emotion for. Emotion wasn't something a God should have. Emotion was a human construct. Yet, he found himself just as corrupt. Just as greedy.
Knowing he could not change the past, he was left forever yearning for what he could not have. As the bellowing voice echoed in his head, reciting punishment, he slowly closed each eye down his face. For the first time in 300 years, his lips pulled into a small smile. A singular glistening tear rolled down his face. He knew there was no death for him, but perhaps in another fantasy, he could be reborn with his true love.
A sickened noise echoed in the trial around him. Vulgar insults and outrage rang out around the void for his show of emotion. He didn't acknowledge it. He didn't need to.
You are eternally banished to the Prison Realm. Let this serve as an example to all that this will not be tolerated.
He did not open his eyes, nor react. Simple acceptance. As the voices faded into nothingness, he finally found peace in his new solitude.
It was hot, the rays wobbling in the distance reflecting off the scorched pavement of the crowded streets. People bustled past, wearing cloth that wrapped around their heads to protect themselves. The floods of commoners demanding a deal on produce or chatting about the kingdom's latest gossip or raving over the whispers of war flooded just outside the thin curtain of a doorway, impossible to ignore. The blacksmith wiped his brow, raising his head as the familiar sound of the old stairs creaked under the weight of foot. The man smiled, his face lighting up the forge brighter than any flame.
"Gramps! Good morning." He called, offering a cheerful wave with a gloved hand. The other remained holding the hilt of a sword he'd been working on firmly. The man was well toned, his muscles built from years of apprenticeship under his grandfather as a blacksmith. The elder approached, his frown deepening with disappointment. He ignored the greeting, raising an eyebrow at the blade he held.
"Fool, finish it before it settles with imperfections!" He snapped. Yuji jumped, but instantly got back to work with his hammer. Beating out the kinks of the blade happily, his eyes glistened with pride. It was his first time making such a large weapon. His grandfather barely trusted him with daggers or smaller pieces to suits of armor. He'd gotten up before the sun that day to begin his work and prove himself. The hilt had been the hardest part, shaping the metal for an intricate design even for daggers was a hassle. His work was never lazy, however.
His grandfather watched, though he pretended not to as he moved around the shop, ensuring everything was set up for sale and ready for customers. Yuji of course had already done it and could feel the eyes on the back of his head. Content in his work, he carried on without complaint.
He didn't hear the entrance of a customer, only the muffled conversation behind him between thwacks on his blade. Glancing back as he cooled the weapon, his eyebrows raised. A familiar knight stood by the counter, mulling over his options.
"Fushiguro!" He called, removing the blade and setting it back on the anvil. Pulling his thick gloves off, he dusted his hands on the apron he wore. "Good to see you again, how have you been?"
His grandfather eyed them both suspiciously. Yuji was usually the one handling customers because of his gramp's poor social skills. The dark haired man straightened, his face neutral and uninterested as he was clasped firmly on the back. "Hello. I've come for a blade again." He murmured, just as antisocial as Yuji remembered. Glancing down at his hilt, he noticed the same sword he'd purchased last time was snuggly attached at the hip. Yuji smiled fondly.
"Two handed or one?" Yuji was fluttering about behind the counter, ready to fall back easily into the job he'd done since he was old enough to count coins from customers. His grandfather grunted and moved from behind the counter and out of the way to stalk towards the forge and judge the sword Yuji had been working on.
"A dagger preferably." Yuji hummed curiously, withdrawing a few from the shelf below. "Anything in particular?"
"One comfortable for the left hand."
Yuji raised an eyebrow. Fushiguro's sword was angled for a right hand withdrawal. As though noticing his glance, the man set the heel of his palm on the hilt. "It isn't for me." Yuji dug around for a bit, placing one's suited for either hand wielding on the counter and whisking away the rest.
Megumi plucked one from the counter, spinning it around between his hands and studying it carefully. "Who is it for?" Yuji asked bluntly, placing his elbows on the counter and beaming at the knight with interest. The black haired man raised an eyebrow, his eyes never leaving the blade. "I don't think that matters to take my coin."
"It doesn't." Yuji shrugged. "Just making small talk."
After a moment, he finally relented. "My sister." He said with an exasperated sigh. Yuji leaned back, his smile widening. "Oh, wonderful! I don't have anything particularly pretty I'm afraid."
"She doesn't need pretty. However, I think this will do."
Yuji nodded, clearing away the rest of the options that had barely been glanced at. The one he held, Yuji realized, he had crafted that year. He smiled to himself, feeling a rush of pride.
"I suppose not. Times getting rough in your city? Are they not making weapons there?"
Fushiguro was silent as he withdrew a coin purse from his breast pocket. With a disapproving frown, he glanced away. "Nowhere is particularly considered safe nowadays. The craftsmanship I received here was above average and I was in the area. That is all." Yuji smiled knowingly. It was sweet that a caring sibling went out of his way to get quality protection. It was a trait he now admired in the knight. Exchanging money, Yuji handed over a belt for the sheath and smiled warmly. "Well thank you for considering us. It was nice to see you again."
Megumi offered what could have been a faint smile before bowing his head and withdrawing from the shop. Yuji waved until he was gone and sighed heavily. "Gramps, do you ever feel stuck here?" He asked, trying to sound indifferent. The old man was cleaning his tools, his back to Yuji. "I've been here all my life."
"That wasn't what I asked." He mumbled.
"Don't sound ungrateful, you brat. I've raised you from crawling and slobbering all over this shop." He snapped back. Yuji chuckled, endeared, but offered a small sigh shortly after. He'd been raised in the city, forever a peasant of the King. There was enough gold flow that they were fed and still crafting, but hardly a savings that Yuji knew of. Moving from the city or seeing other towns felt like a fantasy dream.
"Yuji, we need more firewood tonight. Make sure you get it before dark."
Excited to get out, he opted the earlier the better and tossed his apron on a hook, leaving himself in a dirty, coal stained tank top and baggy trousers. "No time like the present!" He called, marching barefoot to the door. He faintly heard a grumble of disapproval for something, but paid it no mind. Getting out of the smoky, hot shop was always refreshing. Even if the sun was beating down and the streets were full. He opted to put on his boots at the door so he wouldn't singe the bottoms of his feet and swung an axe over one shoulder. Making his way through the crowd, he made through opposite of the flow of most people were walking. It was still early, so people were coming into town from the large open gates, flooding into shops and haggling at outdoor vendors. The gates were guarded by two men that didn't bat him an eye as he slipped past, making his way down the dirt path worn from years of travel by foot and horse. Eventually, he made his way off the beaten path, thanking the trees for their cooling shade.
It was surreal to go from a loud and busy street to the serene quiet of chirping birds and other wildlife sharing the space. He smiled, inhaling deeply at the fresh air and made his way into the forest deeper. The trees were oddly thick, making him travel further in attempts to find an already fallen tree he could simply partake from rather than ending the life of an already standing one. He never enjoyed disturbing nature, as they had built there, already forcing wildlife from their homes. At the end of the day, they needed warmth for the biting cold nights, so he did what he must. Leaving early did grant him some time to explore as well.
Coming to a clearing, he was surprised that the ambient noise of animals died down. The forest felt hushed as he stepped into the grassy field. It was a beautiful spot, which he had never seen before. A single tree wound up from the ground, standing tall at the very center. It's roots firm and thick, representing years of growth. He decided it was the perfect place for respite and approached timidly. Resting his age against the trunk, he slid down the bark with a heavy sigh. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he pulled his waterskin from his hip. Drinking deeply, he struggled to save some for the trek back and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. When he leaned against the tree, he felt his eyes start to drift close. A short rest would be fine. He had gotten up early today after all.
He stared at his reflection, frozen in place. His limbs would not cooperate. Something was behind him. He could feel it. His eyes confirmed, struggling to convince him nothing was there. But he knew. He could feel it. Sweat ran down his temple slowly, but he could not wipe it. His hazel eyes scanned desperately in the reflection to no avail. He didn't have an explanation for the sensation. He couldn't describe what he felt. He just knew deep in his soul. Somehow. Something.
Watched him longingly.
Blinking slowly, he yawned, stretching his arms above his head. When they fell to his sides, pressing to the soft ground to push himself to stand, he felt something uncomfortable underhand. Lifting his fingers, he inspected where he'd been trying to push to a stand and frowned. Something sharp and angular was nestled into the ground. Strange, he thought, and pushed aside the dirt to get a better look. It was certainly a foreign object to the forest- Something man-made. He dug it out with effort and was surprised by the weight as he finally dislodged it.
Resting in his palm, sat a box. It wasn't a metal he recognized, but the engravings were enchanting. Many eyes stared up at him, unmoving as he twirled the object in his hand. Raising an eyebrow, nothing else seemed particularly unique or useful about it. Shaped like a perfect square, it had no hinges or indication of how it opened. Only the strange engravings. Rubbing a thumb across one of the sides, he contemplated it curiously. It may be worth something, he concluded, so slipped it into his pouch on his belt. It barely fit.
Deciding it was getting too late, he rushed to grab his axe and find firewood for the night, like he had set out to do.
When he arrived home, his back full of chopped wood secured firmly and a bundle of sticks for kindling atop, he set it on the floor with a grunt. Candles were lit and the sun was nearly setting for the day. His grandfather looked annoyed, but had grown used to his prolonged adventures any chance he got.
"Get dinner started you lout." He snapped when Yuji walked in. "It's good to be home, gramps."
Heading for the kitchen, he was surprised to see groceries on the counter. Glancing back at the forge, his grandfather didn't turn. "The butcher came by earlier. He was repaying you for the rabbits and finches." That explained the meat. "And your farmer friend. I forget her name." "Rose." Yuji called, sifting through the potatoes and meat curiously.
"Yeah, yeah. They all asked for you." Yuji smiled warmly, still unsure why they insisted on doing things like this. Then again, he went out of his way to help them. He expected nothing in return. "I'll have to thank them next time I'm in town." He said hopefully. There came a grunt from the other room. He got to work right away, heating the pot of water and preparing the vegetables.
Once finished, the whole house began to smell of seasoned stew. He used dried herbs he collected from the forest and relished in the warming scent. "Dinner!" He called, making his way to the front of the shop to close for the night and put on a fire from what he had collected.
The two ate in silence, until Yuji remembered the box he had found earlier in the woods. Mouth full, he slammed it on the wooden table, beaming brightly. "Wook wuh I foun'!" He exclaimed, potatoes and carrots still in his cheeks. He got a disapproving glare before eyes settled on the box. He slid it over so his grandfather could see and swallowed his bite enthusiastically. "Where did you get this?"
"The woods! It was by this really big, pretty tree." He decided it best not to mention the nap. "It was just on the ground, right by the trunk. A little buried, but I don't know what it is."
His grandfather picked it up, turning it this way and that before shrugging and handing it back. "I wouldn't know. Probably won't sell for much if no one knows what it is. I don't know what metal that is, but it seems strong." He rubbed his beard for a moment. "Might be good to smelt down and reuse." Yuji studied it for a moment, worried about there being something inside. "Maybe." He concluded, with no real plan until he was able to ask around a bit.
He washed the dishes, and got ready for bed. His gramps was never one for small talk or loving affection. Yuji was fine with this growing up. He didn't know any other way of life and his grandfather showed he cared in many other ways than direct acknowledgment. Going their separate ways to their bedrooms, Yuji studied the box in his hands. Removing his shirt and shoes, he kept only his baggy pants for the night. Sitting at his bed, he leaned close to the candle on the small wooden end table. Withdrawing a small dagger from the drawer- the first he had ever crafted, he lightly traced the edges with the tip. Giving a curious amount of pressure, he couldn't dig the blade past any seam. With a frown, he angled it for a bit more push with a raised elbow. The blade still wouldn't budge.
He traced the lines with his dagger, trying to find a spot with give. Nothing. Only the eyes staring back at him, engraved on each side. He pressed his thumb across each, just in case, then gripped the box tighter and tried to wedge the dagger once more. He pushed firmly, the gasped as it slipped from the small crack, catching his thumb. Cursing, he dropped the knife immediately and jerked his hand back. Sticking the cut into his mouth, he scowled at the stubborn mystery square as though it had intentionally caused his own stupidity. He went to rub his blood from one of the protruding eyes, but the crimson slowly drained into the cracks of each eye. It wasn't moving with gravity, but instead following the intricate pattern and defying the laws of physics. He dropped the box in alarm when it began to vibrate in his palm. Flinching in anticipation of it hitting the floor, it stopped just before and his heart sank. Growing nervous, he fumbled with his dagger and slid back on his bed as he held up the little blade defensively. He wasn't sure what was going on- magic was something only the rich and powerful were allowed to study. Had he picked up some relic a wizard had discarded? He couldn't make sense of the strange magic, but grew increasingly worried as the box floated in the air, twisting around sporadically. The sides began to twist, coming apart and piecing back together almost too fast to follow. A white glow pierced the cracks and he shielded his eyes as it grew brighter. The twisting growing faster and the sides of the cube coming apart further. Yuji squeezed his eyes shut, unable to handle how bright the thing was, until suddenly it went dark. Nothing had truly scared him before, yet his hands trembled and his knuckles were white from the grip on his hilt. He slowly pried open one eye, too anxious to see the results of whatever had happened. Was it over? Was it just a fluke?
He felt a weight atop him, just as he lowered his arm. The figure of a person pressed against him, startling him into the wall behind him. He bumped his head, but that was the least of his concerns. His eyes widened, his arms frozen in the air as he stared at the most beautiful man he had ever seen before. He was tall and towering over him, moving slowly and cautiously like a feline at first. Wide, brilliant blue eyes- more blue than any sky or sea, stared at him unblinking. A bundled piece of white cloth hung around his neck, one finger pulling it down from his face. Yuji tried to take in ever detail, but it was rather difficult. The man had skin that looked as smooth as marble and as soft as a cloud. His hair was as pure as a winter's light snow, and his eyelashes to match were long and unmoving as the man watched him, unblinking. It was mildly unnerving if the rest of the situation wasn't just that. He swallowed, finally breaking eye contact as his face began to heat. No one had gotten so close to him in such a way, nor stared so intensely at him before.
His lips trembled as he parted them, unsure where his voice had gone. There was a pressure on his lungs that felt foreign and strange. The air thicker than the smoke from the forge.
"Who-..." He was cut off, a pair of the softest lips pressing to his own. He had never kissed another before, but was sure nothing could compare. His eyes flew wide, too shocked to pull away at first. When the man pressed closer, his eyes piercing into him as though he never wanted to tear them from Yuji, he fired to life very quickly. He dropped the knife, his hands pushing back on the stranger's shoulders for a desperate gasp.
"Wha… who are you?" He demanded, ignoring the shake in his voice. "How did you get in here?" They didn't have the most secure of doors, but he knew he had locked it and his bedroom was on the second floor. The man didn't seem intent on answering any questions, his eyes simply searching Yuji's face for something. Icy cold hands grazed his cheeks, slowly cupping under his jaw and holding him in place. Yuji swallowed, struggling to ignore how beautiful the man was in favor of getting answers.
The man made a sound that wrenched at Yuji's heart. It was as though he had choked on a sob, a tear streaming down his porcelain face. Yuji's stomach twisted uncomfortably, suddenly alarmed and unsure how he could help.
"Um-" He was cut off yet again, the man tilting his head and pressing their mouths together firmly. Yuji bristled in an instant, his emotions growing wild. He was confused, embarrassed, awed, even more confused, mildly aroused, concerned as to why this stranger was crying, and frustrated from the lack of answers. The man cowed him backwards and he gave a firm push on the shoulders again, forcing him back before he could fall onto the bed.
"Hey!" He glanced towards his door anxiously, unsure how he'd explain this to his grandfather. Lowering his voice, he urged the man for a response. "Please- answer me?"
After a moment, the man still staring at him unblinking, a small sigh left his lips. He ducked his head into Yuji's shoulder and yanked him into an embrace with more strength than he was expecting. Cautiously, he lifted his hands to gently rub his back, still very uncertain.
"You're…" His voice rang like soft bells. It was strange to hear, but not inherently unpleasant. "You're alive." It was a statement layered with a question. Yuji raised an eyebrow and glanced away. Maybe he had the wrong house. "Yeah… still kickin'. I don't um… I don't think you found the right guy though. I don't know you." He probed. The stranger pulled back from the hug, but kept his hands on Yuji's shoulders. He never stopped touching him for a moment.
"I'm not mistaken. Don't you remember me? You're…" His voice died down, confusion and hurt crossing his features. Yuji was still just as lost. "I'd remember a face like yours." He admitted. White hair wasn't very common. Most didn't live past their 30s or 40s. But the man didn't really look old. He blinks rapidly at the man as he draws closer, his expression quite serious.
"I would never mistake you. This is not a dream? Truly?" He looked uncertain and fearful, as though Yuji might vanish into a puff of smoke any second. Yuji glanced down at himself, then back to the stranger who was way too close. "I've never seen magic before, so I'm not sure if this is a dream myself."
A hand slid up his thigh and he yelped before slapping a hand over his own mouth, worried to disturb his grandfather. "What are you doing? I'm not your… your partner or whoever you think I am." He hissed, swatting the hand away. Another cupped his breast, a thumb swirling around his pectoral. His face darkened a few shades, draining down his neck. "Stop that." He pushed the other arm. Surprised the man didn't budge when he shoved, after a moment the hand was removed. Had the pushing he'd been doing even been him? The man was a brick wall if he so chose.
"I'm so…" He seemed to search for the words on Yuji's face, something akin to pure elation and joy etched into his features. His eyes glossy and his light eyebrows pinched together. "You're well? And safe?" Yuji nodded slowly. Only then did the man finally look around them, inspecting the room as though he'd only just noticed. "Where is this?"
"My bedroom…"
"Where you sleep? This…" His eyes darted back and forth rapidly, searching his memory for something. "None of that matters… you are alive and well." He concluded, hands on his arms, touching him and rubbing slowly. Yuji felt the hair on the back of his neck standing up. "We haven't met before… you have the wrong person, I'm sorry. My name is Itadori Yuji." He prompted, growing more nervous by the moment. The man smiled wistfully, standing and reluctantly pulling his fingertips away to look around his tiny room.
When he didn't get a response, Yuji began to bite his lip. "Look, please tell me what you want and-" Within a blink, the man was in his face again, his eyes wide.
"You." He answered immediately. "Always you." His gaze softened, but it did little to calm Yuji's nerves. "Hey, that doesn't answer-" He put a hand between their mouths, stopping the kiss abruptly before it could happen. "Stop that." He hissed. "I was reserving myself for the one I fell in love with." The man looked pained for a moment. "Have you found someone?" He mumbled behind the palm on his lips. Yuji shifted uncomfortably. "Not yet, but still… Hey, hey! I don't even know you, stop it." He squirmed away, having to dodge to the side to avoid an onslaught of affection.
"Please… don't do that." The man stopped, sitting perfectly still on the bed. One hand remained barely grazing the side of his thigh. "Where did you come from?"
The man tilted his head, his blue eyes seeming distant for a moment. "The Prison Realm I believe they said…" He mumbled, mostly to himself. "But you… you awoke me from that cursed nightmare. I had only imagined this could happen in a fantasy. I'm here… with you." His voice was taunt with emotion. Yuji was sure he was telling the truth- however, he still wasn't sold on them having met before. He would have recognized someone like this.
"What is your name?" He asked instead. He knew arguing the fact wouldn't be productive. He seemed convinced Yuji meant something to him.
"Satoru." Yuji raised an eyebrow at that. It felt almost ironic considering how clueless he seemed to be. "Okay, Satoru. I'm Yuji. Now we've met." He realized something and peeked around the man to look at his floor. "Prison Realm… was that the box I tried to open?" It was gone.
Satoru blinked dumbly at him. "I believe so." Yuji rubbed his face with a hand, feeling the exhaustion of the day catching up with him rapidly. "So you were inside that box with the eyes?" The man nodded. It was difficult to process, but he would take this in stride. "Satoru…" He realized the man gave him his undivided attention at almost all times, which was mildly unnerving. "You can stay the night here, but I have to find where you came from… I don't think my grandfather will want a freeloader hanging around he's never met before." The man blinked, almost looking disinterested. Yuji kept his voice firm. "I'll help you find your home tomorrow. Do you know where you lived before that box?"
He smiled something deeper and knowing. Chills ran down his spine, unnerved by the look. "I cannot return there. I'm here now." He said simply. Yuji groaned, laying against the bed in a huff. "Get some rest… we'll figure it out tomorrow." He realized something, then sat up and slid from his bed and onto the floor. The man followed him and he furrowed a brow. "No, you take the bed. I'll sleep here."
Satoru tilted his head. "I don't need rest." Yuji paused at that, then sighed and climbed back into his bed where Satoru followed yet again. "Just… don't touch me weird. Or kiss me. Promise?"
"I… will do my best for you."
That was hardly reassuring. The warmth behind him kept a distance away, which had him grateful. The man didn't feel as though he was even breathing. Yuji felt too anxious to sleep, his heart hammering in his chest. He had never shared a bed with anyone. Not even his grandfather. His first kiss had also been stolen by this strange man. His eyes slowly drifted closed, his thoughts swirling. Maybe he'd wake up… and this would all be a bizarre dream…
He stood in a vast expanse that stretched on forever. He was frozen in place, unable to move his feet. Slowly, his head tilted down, dread gripping his stomach. He didn't know where he was or why terror seemed to lick at the pits of his stomach, but he knew the sensation well. His ankles vanished under a thin white mist that danced around him like water. It felt like mud. He felt like he was sinking into it, unable to pull free of its grasp. He wanted to scream, but his lungs were gripped tight with fear.
Something caressed his arm. His blood ran cold and bumps rose in the trail the hand left. He could not see it, his eyes darting blindly where the sensation traveled. Something whispered against his ear, echoing into his body.
You do not belong here.
He could not summon the will to run. He wanted to collapse from exhaustion. Nothing felt right in his own skin. The hand gliding down his arm began to burn. His lungs seized from being unable to scream. His muscles tensed. Claws of flame raked up his forearm and across his chest. Something gripped his throat, his flesh boiling under the touch. Was this it?
Never return.
He was thrust into darkness, his eyes wide and darting across the space. He saw nothing. He felt nothing. His limbs, if he hand any, refused to cooperate.
Finally, he accepted his fate.
The air was hot and dry, just like every morning. He refused to open his eyes, which was strange considering Yuji was very much a morning person. Usually leaping out of bed and getting ready for the day cheerfully. Yet, he found himself crusty-eyed and refusing to budge. He groaned and shifted to roll over, but something heavy kept him from doing so. He squirmed uncomfortably, feeling far too hot by the moment to remain in one spot. Grumpy, he forced one eye to pry open, blinking it rapidly to see better since he couldn't raise an arm to rub it. He felt pinned in place. When he turned his head, he nearly bumped noses with a strange, somewhat familiar handsome man. His blood ran cold for a moment, fear and uncertainty gripping him. Wide blue eyes stared back intently, a smile rising on his features.
"Good morning, my beloved." His voice was unnaturally pretty, ringing in his skull like an echo. Being so close to another in his own bed was bad enough, but he could feel every inch their bodies touched. From his chest pressed against Yuji's back, to his toes where their legs intertwined. He was hot before, but the heat spread down his neck rapidly. "Ah-! Good… um- let me out please." He squirmed more intensely, his heart pounding. As soon as he asked, the weight was off him and their legs separated. He was surprised how quick the man was to listen now. Though, he felt a hand still lingering on his hip. He never let Yuji go for long.
Memories of the prior night flooded back to him. Unfortunately, it had not been a dream and he hadn't grown any the wiser for what he should do in the situation. Fumbling out of bed, he stood and rubbed his neck that was stiff from remaining in the same position too long. The sun was barely up, he noticed with a relieved sigh. He eyed the stranger nervously, Satoru laying happily across his bed like a fat, pleased cat. He hadn't paid much attention to his clothing before, but he noticed the pure white robes across his bed, draping over the sides. Light blue patterns were woven in, complimenting his snowy features and dazzling eyes nicely. Yuji's face reddened when he realized the large robes hung off one shoulder tantalizingly. He looked so lithe and small inside all of that clothing. More importantly, he didn't seem to be sweating. How unfair.
"I don't know how to explain you to my grandfather… could you stay upstairs today until I can get out into town?" Satoru was on his bed one moment, then hovering face-to-face, bent over at the hips so they were eye level. Yuji's face warmed instantly. "I will not ever leave your side again." The words were very serious, his tone ringing flat. The hairs on his arms rose immediately as the intense, unnaturally blue stare bore into him. He hadn't realized at first, but hands cupped his face on either side. He jolted when the distance was closed with a firm plant of their lips together. Electricity shot down his spine. Something ached inside him, urging him to submit and fall into the whims of the strange man. His honeyed eyes fluttered, nearly enchanted. Raising his hands slowly, he yearned to touch the man to reciprocate. He felt… loved for the first time. A different love than his grumpy grandfather.
There was a loud, sharp bang on his door. His eyes shot wide and he quickly pulled away from Satoru, who seemed uninterested in stopping there. "Be- I'll be right there!" He called out loudly, his heart hammering in his chest. He paled, noticing the arms wrapped around his waist like a vice. A blush crept up, tinting his ears brightly. He swatted at the arms nervously, praying his relative wouldn't barge in.
"Get your ass downstairs, I'm opening shop." He called through the door. Heavy footsteps slowly- far too slowly- padded away and down the steps. Yuji bit down on his inner cheek sharply when he felt cool lips grazing down his sweaty collarbone. "Stop." He hissed anxiously, pushing away the arms from around him and trying to squirm away. He was dangerously close to simple acceptance with a body full of neglected and unexplored sensations. Satoru blinked up at him from beneath those long, impossibly white eyelashes. Yuji's face warmed and he quickly slipped under the arms to duck away. "I need to bathe and help gramps open shop. I promise I'll be back for you shortly and we can go into town. Please, just stay here…" He pleaded desperately, holding his hands out to the man. Satoru eyed him silently for a moment, a cloud of emotions crossing his face. He seemed annoyed, hurt, and something else he couldn't really describe. The childish man folded his arms, falling easily onto Yuji's bed without having to look. "I meant what I said. I will not be leaving your side again." Yuji tapped a foot on the ground, growing impatient himself. "Just a few minutes. I don't need my grandfather thinking I'm cursed from accidentally summoning some strange magical being from a box I found in the woods." Satoru had concluded something, seemingly ignoring Yuji's words. Before he could press his point further, his grandfather shouted something from downstairs.
"Please." He was growing desperate, hoping the impulsive, selfish man would grant him at least this. When he moved towards his door, Satoru did not budge. He snagged his shirt and boots and opened the door. Still, he remained. Yuji was mildly relieved he seemed to be obeying his pleas. "I'll be back shortly." He promised before rushing down the hall and to the wash basin. He called to his gramps he would go into town and was bathing, which got him a grunt in response. He cupped his hands, leaning over the bucket and splashing his face to rub vigorously. Once satisfied, he looked up at himself in the shard of an old mirror and rubbed his chin. He had a slight stubble, but nothing he'd need to focus on today. If he took too long, he wasn't sure what the stranger upstairs would do. Scrubbing his naked body down swiftly, he dried himself with the single cloth hanging from a hook behind the door. It wasn't a luxury they could use often, but he was always grateful to clean off even somewhat. Usually he'd take a dip in a river in the forest, but his nap had ruined that time for him yesterday. Satisfied with the results of his brisk clean, he dressed and tied his boots firmly. Giving one last glance into his reflection, he felt something warm above his right shoulder. Frowning, he reached up to rub the spot, feeling nothing. Odd. Grabbing his coin purse from behind the counter, he offered a cheerful wave.
"I'll be back before dark!" He called, unsure how he'd get Satoru outside without his grandfather noticing. When he glanced at the front door, he noticed white robes fluttering past. His heart skipped and he rushed outside, ducking past the small cloth. Blinded at first by the sudden sunlight, he squinted and shut one eye. As he straightened, there was a chest nearly pressed to his own. Except, standing at full height, Satoru was much taller. Yuji felt dwarfed, taking note that he came up to around the man's stomach. Yuji had never seen anyone so tall- even in heavy armor that elevated them from the ground slightly. His face warmed and he side-stepped the man so they weren't so intimately close in public. "Satoru…" He mumbled anxiously, glancing around. No one had seemed to notice the two. The streets were just barely starting to fill, the last days of the week bringing the foot traffic to a steady, comfortable lull. It was the most convenient time to try and figure out where Satoru needed to return to. He walked beside the man, doing his best to ignore the hand on his elbow or behind his upper arm. Satoru rarely let him go, which was going to be awkward to explain considering everyone knew him and his grandfather in the shopping district.
"You never told me where you came from. Are you a mage's summon?" He asked curiously, eyeing the man sidelong as they walked in stride. He caught a faint tug of his lips before the man spoke. "Something like that I suppose." Yuji rubbed his nape, growing more uncertain. Should he bring the man to the castle? Normally a blacksmith was summoned for the king. Barging in might cost him his head. "Do you know which mage had you in that box?" Maybe it had been revenge. Had Satoru done something to anger a wizard and was trapped in there as punishment? It seemed discarded for some time. Surely the owner would have gone searching for it by now.
"I know what put me there, but they are very far."
Yuji frowned. "Another country?"
The man simply smiled.
"How do you seem to know me if you're from somewhere far away? I've lived here all my life." He'd nearly forgotten his mission to obtain supplies and ask around town. At least Satoru was answering his questions now. A hand slid through his hair, ruffling it gently. He ducked, glancing around anxiously. A few women had looked their way and his face brightened like a tomato. "Stop that." He swatted at the hand. He wasn't some child the man was looking after.
"We met long ago… I'm simply…" He seemed to search for the words, confusion crossing his brow. "Happy." He concluded. Yuji turned away to hide his growing embarrassment. A man he had never met claimed to have met him at some point despite coming from far away. He felt some sort of happiness for their reunion. It was something of fairy tales and Yuji found himself caught up in the man's story. It wasn't believable in the slightest, yet he found himself almost enamored. Yuji paused at a stall to purchase some things they needed in the house. Leather and metal namely, he packed into a sack and swung over his shoulder.
"Do you have any relatives?" He asked as they walked away. Satoru seemed disinterested in the question. "I had a family." He concluded almost darkly. Yuji decided to avoid the topic quickly. "Oh, how pretty." He paused at a stall, picking up a small charm that shone brightly in the sun. It glittered as he twisted it between his fingers. A small flower made from a light blue gem. It reminded him of Satoru and his impossibly blue eyes. He held the charm up to the man, comparing it beside his face. The color was off, but the sentiment was there. He wasn't sure anything could perfectly match the man's eyes, however.
"How much?" He asked the shop keep. The elderly woman smiled at him and waved her hand dismissively. "For the Itadori's, only happiness. You've helped me more than words can convey." When Yuji frowned, withdrawing his coin purse, she pushed it away. "Go on now." She ushered. Yuji thanked her, bowing his head. He'd have to bring her some stew later.
They continued on and Yuji shyly fidgeted with the charm. It was delicate and beautifully woven, reminding him of the elegant man that walked beside him. He shook his head clear before he got any strange ideas. "Maybe if I bring you to the clearing where I found you…? Would that help?" Satoru glanced down at him, his gaze softening. "Wherever you go, I shall follow." It felt almost like a proposal. Yuji's face warmed and he quickly tried to walk ahead. His pace was matched easily. "Why do you say stuff like that?" He almost whined. Satoru didn't respond, simply walking beside him, content. When they reached the gates, the guards eyed the man beside him, but did not stop them. Yuji brought him along the path, wishing he had dropped off the supplies from earlier. When they made it to the woods, Yuji wondered what the man was thinking. Did he realize they would need to part ways? Did he even care? He seemed to do as he pleased, only listening to Yuji when it came to asking him to respect his boundaries. Which were soon forgotten. He sighed, glancing away and into the forest. The whole situation was strange and the lack of real answers was getting to him. He had nothing to help figure out where the man came from or where he needed to go. Yuji could find him a traveling ship and spot him some coin he'd been saving. He just didn't seem interested in leaving. Which was going to be awkward if he ever had to tell his grandfather of the stranger in their home.
When the trees thinned, breaking into the beautiful clearing he had found, he smiled in relief. He spotted the tree he had taken rest at and approached it casually. Gesturing at the spot where the dirt had been moved, he smiled triumphantly. "Right here." He proclaimed as though that would do something. Satoru blinked at him, tilting his head. When nothing seemed to happen, he sagged in defeat. "Satoru, I'm not sure where you came from, but I don't think my grandfather will allow you to stay with us." He felt far more fatigued than he should. "I can help you on a trade ship, but I won't be able to leave the shop to join you. You won't tell me where we've met or where you came from." He gripped the sides of his head, growing frustrated. The energy was seeping out of him. He wanted to curl up.
"I don't know what to do. Please… what do I do?" He felt suffocated. The world spun beneath his feet. The pure white robe swayed into his view. Warmth from above engulfed him. He slowly relaxed into it, his racing heart calming. He answered nothing. He didn't make the situation better. Yet, Yuji found himself sinking into his chest. He wanted to cry in frustration. Hands cradled his back calmly, giving a soothing rub. He gripped the fancy cloth in his fists, his shoulders shaking. Why was he so upset? Trying to say goodbye felt like a poison on his tongue. Telling him he needed to leave felt vile. They had never met before. Yuji barely knew the man less than a day, and yet…
He wanted him to stay.
It was selfish thought encircling him and keeping him rooted in place wordlessly. His body went limp, succumbing to the man engulfing him. He was tired. Strangely so. His muscles were drained of their strength to fight. His chin was tilted up, his eyes straining to remain open. Something massaged his lips gently, encouraging them open. He silently obeyed, slipping into the pit Satoru had made for his aching heart. He didn't understand why, his body moving of its own volition.
A tongue swiped his teeth and his eyes fluttered. The deeper the kiss, the more aware he became. As though breathing life into him, he drew back to his senses quickly, as though resuscitated. There was a hand tangled in his hair, carding through his dusty peach locks. Another snaked around his waist, drawing him close. He realized the man was bending over him, keeping him nearly horizontal for an embarrassingly deep kiss. Yuji squirmed, but the grip on his hips tightened slightly, a soft pressure as though begging him to stay. He sagged in defeat, lifting his hands to cup the delicate, soft face. He blinked slowly, realizing the man's eyes were closed. He squinted, unsure if he was going cross-eyed being so close. It almost seemed like there were slits beneath his eyes, a second and third pair of eyes that were closed as well. He concluded he didn't care enough to investigate further. He needed air, his face growing bright pink the longer Satoru held him there. He realized the man had no intention of releasing him any time soon and he had to huff aggressively for oxygen, pulling away. Too late he realized he can breathe through his nose. Huffing, he blinked rapidly at the man. The eyes he had thought he'd seen must have been simply a proximity illusion, because they were gone now. "Satoru… I really don't think I'm the man you're looking for." He said weakly. As much as his body may want it to be him, he knew something was off. It wasn't him. It couldn't be him. He'd been a blacksmith's grandson, raised at the forge. He had no parents nor any past related to the strange man. His family had died when he was very young and gramps raised him. He never traveled far, only having been to the next city over once for work. His previous doubts flooded back to him in a rush now that he wasn't being devoured by the man. He still felt dizzy, his legs uncooperative when he tried to stand and distance the two. Of course, Satoru didn't allow this. He followed him, keeping his arms around Yuji the entire time. His head had tilted, nosing Yuji's cheek to turn. If he couldn't capture his lips, the man trailed kisses down the side of his neck. Yuji's skin burned. "Satoru-" He whined.
"Please…" The man whispered against his ear. Every hair on his body stood on end. "Let me have you once more." His heart was hammering in his throat, feeling the groping hands on his body lowering slowly. Cupping his ass through his baggy pants, making him squeak when fingers pressed between his cheeks. His head spun once more, unlike before. He wasn't on the brink of passing out, but highly alert. Just as his willpower was on the brink of snapping, the hands slid up to Yuji's shoulders, holding him gently. Satoru drew back, licking his lips with a faint smirk. His eyes seemed to glint a little brighter. Yuji flushed darkly, feeling the tingling sensation down his spine finally rippling into a shiver. The sultry expression vanished and the man's eyes squinted shut with a bright smile. Yuji flinched when his hair was ruffled.
"When you're ready." Satoru concluded. Yuji blinked, his face still flush as the man turned away to head for the treeline. It was the closest he'd gotten to finally succumbing to the very clear desire the man had and he was giving that chance up so easily? Yuji's face didn't cool, and he could feel his ears growing hot. His heart hammered in his chest for a whole new reason and he was uncertain what to think. He stumbled after the man, curious to where he was heading.
"If you wish, I can remain hidden from your grandfather." Satoru said as they walked. Yuji perked up, looking at the man curiously. The scarf-like cloth around his neck that had been there since they'd met, he was pulling up over his face. Yuji realized it was some sort of veil, intricate patterns woven on the lace that had him staring dumbly for a moment too long. With the veil there, he couldn't see the man's eyes, which was an odd sensation. He'd grown used to seeing his face unobstructed. It was almost a shame to cover up…
"You can?" His thoughts drifted to the box. Maybe Satoru was some kind of magical being or could return to the cube Yuji had found him in or something. He was interested to see what he had in mind. "Indeed. However, I'll require something from you in order for it to work." The man had paused in his tracks, taking Yuji's chin gingerly between his pale fingers. The smith blushed easily, his thoughts drifting uncomfortably easily. Satoru had thoroughly and officially tainted him. He wasn't sure how to feel about that. Yuji swallowed and blinked up at the veil, searching for eyes he couldn't see. "What would that be?"
Satoru offered a small smirk before releasing Yuji and carrying on. When he realized he wasn't getting an answer, it began to worry him. He kept pace with the taller man easily, trying to think of how he could stay unknowingly and what he expected from Yuji to make it happen. They made their way back to the gates of town as the sun began to lower over the tops of buildings. Shops were closing for the night and a warm glow stretched across the dirt roads. Yuji noticed the guards had changed shifts for the night and two new ones gave a disinterested nod when they passed inside. Yuji paused at the door and glanced at Satoru who was still beside him. He raised an eyebrow, but the man waved at him with a smile. Yuji entered the house, uncertain whatever his plan was. He was greeted by a dissatisfied grunt.
"That's all you brought home?" He was chided instantly. "You've been gone all day." Yuji rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Sorry, gramps… I went to the woods for a bit, but the patch of herbs I frequent isn't in season still." It was a partial fib. He had checked days ago and they were just barely budding from the winter. They had leftover stew together and Yuji lit a candle with a yawn to head upstairs. There was a loud knock on the door, nearly causing him to drop the lantern. Making his way to the front door, he unlatched the lock and peered out. "We're closed…" His voice trailed off. The heavy suit of armor was all-too familiar. His grandfather had slaved away at those a few years ago. The king's knights had barged into their shop one day, demanding armor and weapons in an unreasonable time limit. Despite the odds, my grandfather had followed through, but the stress it had put on him Yuji would never forget. How cruel the men had been, making demands and threatening to charge him with treason if he could not follow through. Yuji's fists balled at his sides, clutching the handle of the lantern tighter.
The captain, a face he would never forget, leaned over, a hand on the door to push it open. Yuji remained standing firmly, keeping one foot behind the door to stop it from opening wide enough to enter. "Sorry, we're closed." He said more firmly, his honeyed eyes leveling firmly on the man.
Geto Suguru- captain of the King's elite guard. A man that showed little mercy when it came to punishment and bullied his way through the poor shopping district often. The war had kept him busy and mostly from harassing anyone in the area recently. He should still be busy, based on the rumors of attacks surging up. He narrowed his eyes when the knight chuckled. "My, my. Quite snippy so late at night. I'd watch your attitude, Itadori… unless you want poor old gramps to have to run the place himself." He remained stiff, waiting for some sort of explanation for the visit. "Then again, that's what I've come to tell you anyway." His grip tightened on the door, his heart pounding. Had they figured out he'd released Satoru? Was he actually some mage's sealed away… whatever he was?
"What do you mean?" He didn't like the long pause giving him time to assume the worst. The man's smug expression haunted him. "You're being drafted, of course." His heart sank to his feet in an instant. A rolled piece of paper was held out between them and Yuji could only stare blankly. If he didn't take it, maybe it would go away. "Your talents have been recognized and you've been selected to help fight in our great war to protect your kingdom. Aren't you proud to serve your country, Itadori?" He was close. Far too close. The wide that stretched across his face was unnerving to say the least. His canines sharp and threatening and his gaze narrow and piercing. Yuji finally felt his body move, leaning back somewhat. He reached out, his hand surprisingly steady as he took the scroll. It felt like a dead weight. He stared at it in his hand numbly.
"Is that all?" He asked hoarsely, knowing if he shut the door without another word, it would only be more trouble than it was worth. The captain knight beamed, leaning against the frame of the door from outside. "Are you housing a visitor by chance?"
Yuji's shoulders grew stiff. "No." He answered automatically. "Just customers during the day." The wild look in his dark eyes glistened for a moment. Yuji felt his blood running cold. How would he know? "I see. My mistake then. Have a good night. Send my regards to the family." Yuji slowly shut the door, his gaze drifting to the floor quickly. He latched the lock swiftly, feeling the chill slowly thawing from his stiff muscles. Backing away from the door, he gripped the paper tighter in his hand before making his way upstairs quietly. He entered his room and jumped at the sight of Satoru laying casually across his bed. His shoulders sagged and he set the lantern on the small nightstand beside his bed. Satoru's head tilted up at him, the veil still remaining. Yuji wondered why he suddenly wanted to wear it. He sat beside the man and fidgeted in place.
After a long silence, he finally decided it could wait to be read tomorrow and tossed the rolled page aside. He wanted to forget about Geto and the looming dread of reading whatever was written, sealing his fate. He wanted to forget all of it and sink into his bed. Yuji crawled beside Satoru, slowly curling in on himself so his head bumped the man's chest and their knees touched. An arm wrapped around him gently and he sighed heavily, his eyes squeezing shut. Maybe he would wake up and today would have been a dream. He knew it wouldn't be so easy. It never was. The warm body pressing against him, taking him in lulled him to sleep. He was barely conscious when a soft breeze blew out the candle, leaving them in darkness as he drifted off.