Work Text:
POV Megumi
"So what's the name of this one?" I drag rough hands along a cheap plaid comforter enjoying the small relief Yuji's plastic fan gives me.
"Godzilla Killa!" Yuji's laugh shakes the bed as he sits up and stretches his arms above his head. "He's bucked off every rider so far within 6 seconds..."
"You going for 7 seconds then?" I sigh loudly letting my eyes trace the scratch marks I left on his back.
"You are too funny... and should know me way better!" He bends down with a groan. "Going to ride until he throws me into the dirt. No other way off."
"There literally is. Like waiting for me to pick you up. It's kind of my job..." I sit up and catch my pants he chucks at me.
The belt clangs loudly in the small trailer making me very aware of how easy it would be for us to get caught right now. I do know everyone else is out to lunch or napping before the rodeo tonight. Yuji should be resting and not spending his precious time fucking me on his bumpy twin mattress that sags in the middle. He needs to be alert, and hydrated, and not focused on anything else...
"You worry too much Megs." Yuji shakes his head, his sweaty pink strands sticking to his forehead. He hoist his boxers and jeans up smiling his smile down at me almost like he read my mind.
"And you don't worry enough." I duck my head down hiding tinting cheeks. "Yuji, are you really going to try to ride him?"
He sucks in a breath and it takes too long for him to answer. Too long in the fact that the slight care that seeped into my sentence now sloshes around us inside this tin box that sits on the edge of the gravel plot of land. I stare down at his dirty toes that wiggle on the fake wood flooring where tufts of hay and smudges of dirt lay across it like carpeting.
"Megs. You know I am. You know I can't pass this up. You also should know by now...." His calloused hands tighten his belt before he squats down in front of me. "I am so close to being one of the greatest. Well, besides Gojo of course who has his own grand ride tonight! Him on the bulls. Myself on the broncs. Fans are pumped for this!"
My fingers strum on my thighs as we stare into the others soul. Something about Yuji has made me make such bold choices. Bold choices that lead to selfish actions. Selfish actions that have now led to me sitting here naked on the edge of his twin bed with sweat beading my forehead and my body sticky from our embraces beneath his sheets just moments prior.
"I'll pick you up at 8 seconds."
"That's motivation!" He pats my spiky hair down forcing a glare from me before strutting over to the small sink and washing our sins off of him.
My eyes stay on the mirror where I can study his face. I've seen him ride a few times. I've sat idle on my horse on the sidelines and watched him hang on for dear life as the bronco twists and does everything in its power to get his muscular legs to slip. Yuji is what they call a natural. He's made a name for himself when he's just begun riding this year. That's how he ended up on the national team where we travel around to the largest arenas entertaining thousands and being able to make a living doing what we love.
Tonight I am designated to be a pickup man for the section of the show Yuji is riding in. I wouldn't say it's making me more nervous than I am at other rodeos but my stomach is heavy thinking about it. The fact is, when it comes down to it, a small mistake can cost someone a lot....
"I'd get dressed. You need to get your trusty steed ready to save the cowboys." Yuji's voice breaks me from my trance which was staring directly at him.
"Jealous?" I stand and yank my jeans up feeling his caramels melt on me as I kick myself internally for saying such a cheesy line.
"Of course. They all get to be saved by you...while I save myself." He shrugs and spins around resting his hip against the sink. "I'll come by and say hi before I'm up."
"You need to concentrate on your ride. Not on me on the sidelines." My hand steadies me against the wall as I slip my boots on and ignore every urge to look back at him.
This is just for fun.
Just for stress relief.
Just to pass the time between work and sleep.
Nothing more.
This means nothing more...
"Hey."
I grab the handle keeping my back to him. Him and his obnoxiously toned pecs and shoulders that are still red from my hands.
"I'll see you tonight. Maybe after we can get a drink?" He whispers across the small room letting any sense of this being a goodbye with no strings attached go right out the fucking door with me.
POV Geto
Fucking idiot.
I climb the fence and prop myself on my elbows watching Satoru attempt to pet my horse. "She doesn't like you."
"Yes she does." He waves his hand at me and reaches his other forward...
I laugh loudly as she shoots a quick hoof at him before prancing across the arena. He whips off his hat and runs thick fingers through sweaty white locks before turning to me with his stupid smile.
"It doesn't make sense!" He jogs over and hangs on directly in front of me forcing us to be inches apart. "She happily saves me almost every night and yet won't let me just pet her..."
"Ever think I taught her to not like bull riders? They are not the most trustworthy of men." I slap his hat down to hide his blues before jumping off and starting towards the horse barn.
"You know you trust me Suguru!" He hollers after me and I grin hearing to his boots hit the dirt. "You trust me soooo much!"
I attempt to hide my joy when he rushes towards me. Life was stagnant before this high wired guy showed up and totally flipped over my world. The nights, even under these rodeo lights, was getting boring and I would look forward to my small breaks and days off so I could sleep them away. Now I fell in love again with the dirt, the crowds, and the rush of adrenaline when the gates whip open.
Satoru made that happen.
"Your assigned post is that way!" I spin and walk backwards pointing to the opposite side of the arena while fending off my raven hair that whips across my face. "You are going to be late...again."
"Fuck it." He reaches me in record time and with a grip of his hand I find myself being swung into an empty stall where his mouth eagerly melts into mine.
I let him control the tempo which is hot and sloppy, just the way he likes it. His tongue laps against mine and his hands ruin what took forever to make perfect. I leave his shirt alone even knowing he's just going to swing a vest over the top, but I don't need him getting anymore riled up. He's balls to the walls and sometimes it feels like I am the only thing keeping him tied down so he doesn't just float away into the clouds. With how his careers going though I know the time we have together is fleeting because soon he will have to leave to fulfill his big dreams elsewhere.
And I know I will push him away so he'll go... no matter how much my soul will beg for me to make him stay.
No matter how much it hurts someone will have to walk away...
"Satoru." I pant out letting my arms wrap around his neck. "You need...to go..."
"We've got time!" He mumbles nipping at my neck, his fingers fiddling with my silver buckle.
"No. We really don't!" I find his hands and intertwine our fingers ruining his advances but nuzzle my nose against his as an apology. "You've got a rough ride tonight. Please focus."
"If I get my 8 seconds on Memphis Maneater..." his blues sparkle bright like they always do when he's up to no good.
"Then I'll see you tonight, but if you don't..." I peck his cheek and shove him roughly down into the straw. "Well, I only fuck with the strongest."
His eyes widen with the challenge. "I am the strongest."
"I hope so Satoru."
"Wait!"
I pause with my hand on the chipped paint knowing what he wants. "You'll go get ready and focus?"
"Absolutely." He sits up with both hands reaching for me.
I huff dramatically and go back over to him only to turn around so his large hands can squeeze my ass. I bite my lip as he jiggles my flesh and groans to himself which ignites that fire inside my own groin. A fire we have been putting out every night...several times a night...for a month...
"I like you Suguru." He gasps out and I can only imagine his glossy eyes full of lust and how his jeans are getting uncomfortably tighter.
"You better be at my trailer tonight Satoru Gojo." I slap his hands away and move again to the door keeping my eyes from looking back at the man I have come to adore. "Bring that gold buckle. I'll need something to hold onto."
POV Gojo
I can't even form words before watching his raven hair float out of the stall. I lay back in the prickly hay listening to his boots steadily walk away but there's something to his steps.
Sassy Suguru Steps.
I can't get the guy out of my head. Since the first moment I saw him strip a flank from a nasty bronco I have basically been lassoed and hog tied. My first ride with this team was on one of the toughest bulls in the state of Texas. It was to prove I belonged here among the best. When the 8 second clock rang I found my pickup man and... it was him. Him in his dark cowboy hat and purple eyes. Him with his strong grip that whipped me on the back of his horse like it was nothing and trotted us away from the wrecking ball I was riding.
I have never been scared, but at that moment I realized that I have never felt safe either.
Not until I was sitting with my arms wrapped around the beauty with the long raven hair and eyes that cut me like a knife when he asked me to let go of him.
I wanted to catch his name, his horses name, his favorite color perhaps but the moment my feet hit the dirt he was off to get ready to save the next bull rider. He didn't even throw a glance back at me. I couldn't have been the only one to feel whatever the fuck happened in that moment...
At least I hoped not.
It was nearing midnight when I finally found him sitting alone near the horse barn. I could tell by the way his back clenched that he heard my boots and by the way he sighed loudly when he said to go away meant he didn't really like company, but I am not one to stutter during moments of uncertainty. I climbed the fence and sat alongside of him where I offered him a beer. I smiled wide when he took it...and frowned when he dumped it out into the dirt while staring daggers at me.
"Not a beer guy? Noted." I took back my smile and chugged down my own noticing how he watched me the whole time.
"Not really."
"Well what do you like to drink? I'll bring it for the next time." I let the can drop into the lush grass and spin my legs so I am riding the fence and able to see the man next to me.
He stares off into the distance where there is absolutely nothing to look at. It's pitch black. The sound of the other riders whooping it up and the bands music manages to find us making our silence even more bothersome. I notice he's still in his riding attire while I shimmied that shit off the moment I was done and received my gold buckle. I shiver slightly in the cool breeze with only a small white tank top to warm my chest.
"I don't drink." He finally breaks the silence. "I'll take a water next time."
"Can I get a name for the water?" I inch just a tad closer but pause when his hands grip the metal post tighter.
"Didn't you not hear my name over the speakers?" He rolls his head my way letting bangs caress down his cheek.
"Ah...it's loud back by the pens. And in them. And also I wouldn't know if they said your name if I didn't know what name I was looking for..." I force a small grin feeling the end of this spontaneous event I conjured up closing in.
That's when it happens.
A small twitch of his lip.
Finally...
"Geto." He mumbles while reaching into his back pocket. "Sorry. It's just been a long night."
I watch him place a cigarette between his lips and gently light it up while guarding the flame against the small wisp of wind that makes me tremble on the log. His hands are dirty and his nails are painted black and I mentally kick myself for not noticing that about him before.
I want to know everything about Geto.
"You smoke?"
I lift my eyes to his that are completely questioning what kind of person I am.
"No. Never have." I wave my hands at him as he exhales a cloud.
"I've heard you are one of the strongest riders out there. Someone who is going to break records at every event." He leans forward letting his elbows rest on his knees. "This a bad habit. One I would steer away from. Especially for you."
I kind of think we are not talking about smoking...
"I like trying new things. We only have one life so if something seems right why not try it? Right?" I half giggle half kick myself watching him ignore me.
He sucks in another puff before sitting up and tossing the stick into the water trough. He swings his legs over the side and hops down in one fluid motion before starting to make his way to the trailers.
"Geto! Hey..." I manage to jump down without totally embarrassing myself and jog to catch up to the man who obviously wants nothing to do with me...which I suppose is embarrassing in itself. "So like..."
He spins to me just as we enter a spot swallowed in shadows. Hands grip my shoulders and a soft thud of a shed echoes in the night as he presses me against the metal siding.
POV Geto (still in the past)
"Shut up." I hiss into the black between us. "Do you think I'm that easy?"
"What?" He manages to gasp out as my fingers grip tighter holding him to freezing wall.
"Don't think I haven't noticed you watching me all day. Like all day! My night didn't go well because of you..." I let him go and listen to him catch his breath. "Everyone knows who you are. Everyone knows how good of a sweet talker you are. All the cowgirls kneeling before you at every show. What the fuck are you doing with me?"
"I... that's not true." His voice sounds truly hurt which for some reason makes me regret being so harsh with him, a complete stranger. "Well alright, yeah girls throw themselves my way but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. Or enjoy any of them..."
I stay quiet. He's talked a lot tonight maybe he can say something to kind of tilt the night in another direction... because I knew he was watching me... because I was watching him. How couldn't I? From his pristine white strands to the bluest eyes God may have sent down to this Earth how could I possibly look away?
I am not that strong...
"I can go..." he whispers and I really hate how dark it actually is tonight.
"Gojo." It slips from my lips before I can bite my tongue off and throw it out for the coyotes to chew.
"Geto...yes?" His tone is laced with self assurance.
Like he knows he will get his way.
Like he knows that even in the dark every cell in me aches to see his blues.
Like he felt my heart racing when he was snug behind me on my horse as I brought him to safety just hours prior.
My hand grabs his wrist and drags him to my trailer that sits right on the end of the lot. I unlock my door with shaky hands and shove him inside glancing quickly around making sure no one saw.
"Wow. So clean." His eyes dance across the small space that literally just holds a small table and chairs, a tiny kitchenette, a door leading to the tiny bathroom, and my queen bed.
"It's literally the same as yours." I move to the sink and wash my hands. "Gojo. Have you been with a guy?"
"Right to the point Geto!" He giggles.
"This is the only point of you being here." I dry my hands fending off the thought that this is a terrible idea. "Answer."
"I've done things with a guy but not been with a guy."
I spin back to him and really take in the man who is setting his muddy boots near the door and working on his gold buckle. He's not drunk. He doesn't have a concussion. He's obviously ready for what I'll give him by the looks of how quickly he works his jeans open. I could be offended by how he just thought this would happen, but I'm horny and it's been a little while.
Also, he's fucking hot as hell.
"Wash up a bit." I nod to the sink and start working the buttons of my shirt loose while heading to the fridge.
I smile hearing him be quiet. It means he's nervous. Thee Satoru Gojo is nervous. The one who rides the bulls that have killed men. The one whose face has been plastered on posters especially for tonight's event since it was his debut on this team. The same guy who managed to find me tonight whose eyes glowed like he found treasure when it was just me...
I make Satoru Gojo nervous.
I grab out two beers and set them on the table with a bang.
"Hey..." his tank top plops on the floor. "I thought you said you didn't drink."
"I usually don't." I shrug and pop off the top to mine and then his.
"Alright..." he walks over and grabs his own bottle and takes a swig.
We stand and drink in peace while looking over the other person. His eyes rest a lot on my hair and my arms while I can't help but take in his chest and the lines that run deep into his jeans where his happy trail begs for me to follow...
Ugh. Such a fucking sucker for pretty cowboys.
I set my drink down and take a step towards him. "Is there anything you don't want to do?"
He smiles wide and reaches his hands out to help with my shirt. "I'm not afraid of anything."
"Do you have protection?" I undo my belt smiling to myself when he pauses his own fingers.
"No..."
"Hm. That's too damn bad." I frown at him before moving to the small dresser and dragging my pants down. "I don't know you enough to not use anything."
"What about...scouts honor?" He holds up his right hand with a shit grin.
"Are you fucking kidding me right now?" I pull my shirt off and lay it across the cabinet trying to not swell fully just from his greedy eyes raking over every piece of skin I am graciously showing him.
"It's not like I thought this would be happening. I'm sure I can go to a gas station..."
"Gojo..." I fling open my dresser and toss a few condoms on the bed. "Take your pick."
"Oooo options." He picks them up and shuffles through them like they are damn playing cards.
I lean against my dresser in my boxers waiting patiently for him. It's pretty early out meaning we can take our time with this...
He picks the gold wrapper and politely holds the rest out for me to take back. My fingers tingle knowing what he picked from the group as I shove the smaller condoms away.
"Well. Undress and lay down." I nod to my bed and make my way to turn the lights off.
"Do we have to have it completely dark?" He whines while stripping his boxers off revealing a very toned ass and the muscles that roll beneath the skin of his back...
Fuck me.
"I can leave the sink light on..."
"Thanks!" He plops against my pillows letting his arms stretch out. "I want to see you."
Oh.
"Why is that now?" I grab my brush and quickly work it through my hair.
"Don't tell me you don't think you're gorgeous." His laugh warms up cold parts of me. Mostly around my heart and soul. And my cock.
"I know I am." I set the brush down and move to my bed trying to not totally tremble at the sight of his enormous hard on. "You look ready to go..."
"It's been a hot minute and you are now naked and I am naked so..." he pats the bed beside him enthusiastically.
I don't crawl in next to him. I watch in glee as his face turns from the cocky bull rider to just a man who is awestruck as I kiss and lick my way up his legs. Legs that tremble and thighs that tense as my fingers run smoothly along muscles that sport the bruises of the night. He may think that he won but in reality I am being the selfish one. The one that wants to be pleasured and then goes to sleep completely satisfied while kicking him out of my trailer into the cold night.
"Geto?"
"Yeah?" I pause my fingers that are just about to wrap around his cock and look up to find him propped on his elbows staring down at me with those angel eyes...
"I was hoping to like...kiss and touch a bit..." he smiles weakly, his cheeks turning bright red.
"No." I shake my head and squeeze his cock. "We aren't teenagers."
"Ah... I just..."
"Gojo." I breathe out warming his tip. "We are hooking up right now. As in we will fuck and then you will leave. We won't share passing looks all day tomorrow and perhaps, if you are good this time, we can fuck again in the near future."
"I know. I know that!" He huffs and lays back. "I'll do my best for you."
Wow.
"I know you will." I gently lick up his shaft that is leaking quite heavily already. "I don't expect anything less."
————
"Fuck... Gojo...." I whimper into my comforter as he pounds me relentlessly from behind. My mouth is open with moans and drool hangs from my bottom lip from how good he fills me over and over. His fingers bruise my hips where he grips on tight as he completely ruins me.
Ruins everything.
Ruins the way I've never felt this much pleasure before.
Ruins the way I've already came twice and should throw him out of my trailer like I've done with the other cowboys.
Ruins how when he suddenly flips me onto my back I reach up without thinking and pull his lips down to mine...
Shit...
POV Gojo
Geto.
I slow down my hips to a much softer tempo praying he doesn't scold me like he did the last time I tried to. Geto acts like he wants it hard and fast and rough but right now our tongues roll lazily in the others mouth and my fingers comb gently through raven silk so that I can try to see his face. The soft hums that vibrate off of his lips lets me know he's a fucking liar.
I've learned a few things about him in this precious hour.
Like how he says he doesn't want to kiss, he was very adamant about that, but now clings to my back keeping our mouths locked in a rhythm of gasp and moans. How he has a small mole by his left pec. How his ass bounces as I take his tight hole and how his cock twitches against me now when I suck on his gauges...
"What's your favorite color?" I whisper into his ear.
"What?" He shoves my shoulders back forcing me to look down at his purples.
I pull slowly out and back into him smiling at how his abs twitch with pleasure. "I just asked your favorite color..."
"Gojo..." he sighs and inches away from me letting my cock fall away. "This isn't going to be like that."
"What do you mean?" I kneel and hold my aching dick loving the way his eyes keep darting to it.
I'm blessed. Honored actually to have him trembling, naked, with his hair a fucking mess right in front of me.
I'm also blessed with this huge cock that may be the key to keeping Geto's attention. Long enough to maybe let me get to know him.
Maybe long enough he'll want to know me...
"Out."
My heart drops and I pray I don't look as frantic as I feel. "Geto..."
"This is so simple. So simple that even a bull rider can understand." He gathers his hair and swings it over his shoulder. "Thanks for...well... messing up my bed sheets."
Fucking really?
"But I didn't even cum yet." I crawl forward a bit keeping my eyes on him. Especially on his fist.
"Yeah. You on something?" He flops on his stomach revealing his thick ass that is tinted with my handprints.
"No! I just...did everything I could not to so this would last."
"That was dumb." He smiles and reaches over to his nightstand where he whips the drawer open. "This is all for pleasure. You should have made sure you made out with some..."
"Ride me." I blurt out.
My face burns when he pauses his rummaging and stays still, raven locks hiding his emotions from me.
"Sorry. That was..."
"Don't fucking think you can tell me what to do." His hand slaps the drawer closed before sitting up. "You wanted me. You got me. Now leave."
"That wasn't..."
"No? If you even think of spewing that you weren't looking for a fuck tonight..." Geto spins himself out of bed and to his dresser. "Thanks for...this."
I manage to close my mouth and ease myself off the creaky mattress. He keeps his back to me as I pull on my jeans and find my tank top.
"I'm sorry Geto." I whisper before finishing my now warm beer and setting it down with a tap on his table.
"There's nothing to be sorry about. I had my fun. Sorry you didn't."
"What do you mean?!" I take a step toward him but pause when I see him tense up.
"You didn't cum. So I apologize for that." He shrugs. "Never had a problem with that before..."
"I... I am not a rough and fast guy. Well, unless I am in the arena of course." I let out a small chuckle and smile seeing his shoulder relax somewhat. "I told you I like kissing and touching and maybe a moment of eye contact... if that's not too much."
POV Geto
It is. It is too much.
But...
I turn to him and let myself memorize what he looks like disheveled in the middle of my trailer.
He fucked me good.
I shouldn't let him go without repaying that.
I don't like to owe anyone anything and as I walk up to him and yank his pants back down I am certain this won't take very long.
"Sit." I nod to my bed and hold up another magnum.
He does with wide glossy eyes and a smile I will never forget, but I'll still try to. I eye his throbbing cock as I rip the packet open with my teeth. He is something else...
My legs spread as I settle on his lap feeling a surge of pleasure when his hands cup my ass to hold me in place. I stroke him while keeping myself floating in his ocean eyes.
"You like this?" I whisper warming the already sticky air between us.
"Yeah." He moans squeezing tight. "You're so beautiful. I just want to see your face."
"You say that a lot?" I linger my lips on his cheek feeling him twitch in my hand. "You call them all beautiful?"
"No. Just you." He pecks my cheek forcing a sigh from my lungs.
Fucking liar...
I ease the condom over his tip and all the way down his shaft. "This won't be happening again. Take it all in Satoru Gojo."
I can tell he wants to say something but a high pitched cry sneaks out of his plump lips as I press him into me and sink quickly to his groin. I roll my hips and watch his lashes flutter.
I keep my eyes in his because that's what he asked for.
I slowly move because that's what he likes.
I kiss him back because he wants me to.
I try to press him down into the sheets but he won't budge and I definitely can't move him. He's strong. All muscle...
My fingers spread and trace his collarbones and between his pecs. My own cock fills back out and the slow burning of him rubbing the same spot inside of me...
"So good..." his mouth mumbles against mine.
His hands hold onto my waist and help me keep a gentle pace that we both start panting from. Our mouths find the others like magnets and his deep kisses...
I can't cum from just this...
Right?
"Geto..." he leaves my hips and cradles my face. "I'm..."
I kiss him so softly and let my fingers rub his cheeks, wiping some of the dirt from his victory tonight away.
I feel his body tense in my arms as I continue to roll my hips slowly...his moans... the way his hands caress my spine... the way he nudges my head to the side so he can lick my throat...
I try to hold in the intensity of my orgasm but I end up wrapping my arms around his neck and anchoring myself to him while I spill between us. My own whimpers and whispers of ahhh's and oh god's fill my trailer making my face redden but in this exact moment I don't really care.
I've never felt this before.
Never felt the softness of calloused hands and the calmness of arms that have held on to a saddle for dear life.
I've never felt anything like Satoru Gojo.
POV Gojo
I kiss his shoulder loving how this man feels clinging to me. His breaths are heavy and both of our lungs gasp for air and our hearts pound wildly in our chest like the hooves of wild horses.
I've never felt this before...
"Yellow." His whisper sinks into my heart. "My favorite color is yellow."
.
.
.
"What the fuck are you doing?"
I smile wide and up at Sukuna who leans against the stalls door with the most annoyed face. "Just...taking a nap..."
"We got shit to do. The gals need help with their equipment and they need us strong men to assist them!" He struts over and yanks me up by my shirt. "You haven't been here long enough to be this lazy."
"You've been here too long. You old..." I duck from his fist and sprint from the barn laughing at Sukuna as he curses me.
POV Yuji
What the hell...
I sit next to Nobara and Maki and watch Ry chase Gojo back to our area. His high pitched squeal echos against the metal overhead.
"He's supposed to be the best?" Maki huffs before easing down from the fence. "Give me a break."
"He has the gold buckles to prove it! Yuji's getting his shiniest one tonight." Nobara bumps her elbow into my ribs. "You nervous?"
"Nah." I wave her off. "I've ridden larger horses. This one just happened to kill someone..."
"Comforting." She glares at me. "Come help with my saddle? The new straps are a pain in the ass."
"Of course." I smile and jump down to follow her.
"I'll see if my cousin can help set up anything tonight. He shouldn't be able to just sit around looking pretty." Maki rolls her eyes and hustles to the horse barn almost getting herself knocked over by Gojo.
"Jeez! How old are you!" She screams at him and shoves him away.
"25!"
I follow Nobara but my eyes stay on Maki who waves at someone on horseback who trots over to the fence and removes his hat.
Megumi.
I pinch the collar of my shirt tighter knowing he left a hickey in a careless spot. One that will be seen by at least one person tonight. What do I say to that? I don't like to lie. I don't like tip toeing around. But for Megumi I will... not that he left us on a good note.
I watch Maki point to the supply shed and Megumi of course nods because I know he respects her. Not only because she is a year his senior but because she is family.
"You're drooling." Nobara taps my chin with a wicked grin.
"Bara...it's not like that." I stride past her to her pretty Paint horse.
"Yuji...talk to me. Now." She tosses a brush to me and starts to braid the mane. "You really need to concentrate on tonight. You know I won't tell a soul..."
"We've been...seeing each other." I mumble smoothing out the horses coat. "It's nothing serious."
"Do you want it to be?"
I look over at my best friend who twists a small hair tie around the perfect braid. "I do."
"So. Tell the weirdo you do. The worst thing is he'll say no. That's not the end of the world...right?" She starts on the next section of red hair.
"Do you talk to him?" I pat the mare's back and smile when she whinnies loudly.
"I don't wanna be the middle man to this odd situationship." She leans her head against her horse and eyes me. "It never works out for the one caught in the middle."
"But you know what he thinks. Just tell me, is there something there?" I continue to brush along the hindquarters.
"Oh Yuji." She smacks my hat off my head. "You two are very alike."
—— 7p.m. ——
POV Megumi
"They should kick ass tonight." Yuta stands next to me watching Maki, Nobara, and Shoko get ready for the team sorting event. "They've been working at it all week."
"Well with a senior like Shoko to lead them there really is no reason to lose." I let my eyes wander around the arena.
15,000 fans cheer and applaud the barrel racers that are currently working the dirt. The music plays keeping the adrenaline of all who can hear it up and the drinks flowing.
"You're a pickup man tonight. That's exciting!" Yuta's voice brings me back to him.
"Yeah! Only have done it a handful of times. I'll have Geto in there with me though." I sigh and push myself off of the fence. "No worries."
POV Geto
I pet Beauty's neck keeping her calm as the gates open and the girls rush out. Her feet prod the dirt beneath us in the holding pen. She used to race but with age has become a bit too slow to keep up with the young fillies Maki and Shoko ride. She is still agile and smart enough to help me pickup cowboys though. Still has the intuition not to get hit by horns or hooves...
"They're looking good!"
I don't even avert my gaze down to the ocean blues and the man who is annoying my horse.
"Already got one in the pen." I smile watching Shoko easily cut off the second cow from the heard of 12 and Nobara push it up the side to Maki who rushes it into the pen. "Now two."
"They could slow down. I still have to get ready..."
"Satoru..." I let my hand fall down so he can grab it. "Go."
"No. I have plenty of time." He sucks in a breath before swinging himself up onto the back of Beauty who is not enthused by this at all. "40 seconds..."
Shoko's horse stutters letting the chosen cow get away but Nobara is right there to force it to break from the herd and gallop to Maki who ushers it into the pen...
"50 seconds. Not bad at all!" I clap my hands as the girls take a victory ride around the arena. Shoko spots us and trots over letting our horses nuzzle.
"If you guys are trying to make rumors sitting like that will for sure start something." She rolls her eyes and Satoru replies by resting his chin on my shoulder.
"Great job Shoko! You learn so quickly!" He hold his hand out to her horse who shakes her head at him.
"I have learned nothing from you! Besides how to be on time. You know you are up in less than 10 minutes..." she turns her horse to leave. "Let him fall this time Geto."
"I'll do my best!"
Satoru sighs loudly in my ear before easing himself back to the ground. "She is a brat."
"She likes you. That's why she treats you like shit." I snatch his hat and wipe some of the dirt off. "Now go get ready."
"Fine..." he looks up at me. "I wish you were down here."
"Yeah well I have to go save people now. The first one being your mentor." I plop his hat on his head, tap my heels on Beauty's side, and start moving to the arena.
"Sukuna? Try not to enjoy it too much!"
He's such a dork.
POV Gojo
"Yuji!" I throw my arm over the kids shoulder and walk us swiftly to the gate holding Memphis Maneater who is stirring up dirt like no other bull in the area. "You ready!?"
"Always ready!" He laughs loudly before it cuts off when the gate lunges with a hard twist of the bulls head. "He's not nice."
"Nope." I squat down to the bulls level so we are eye to eye. "He's going to give everyone a show and I'm going to hang on fucking tight."
"You're wearing a helmet right?" Yuji taps my hat.
I smile wide at the bull before standing. "That is my helmet..."
"You've told me to be smart. Know my boundaries. My limits..." Yuji takes his own hat off and messes up pink hair while his eyes search mine.
"I don't have limits." I shrug and grab my vest. "You don't become the greatest if you settle for the safety nets and what others say is the standards."
"Then why did you make me think about settling?"
"You are only 18 and are on the way to becoming everything you want, everything you dream of!" I pat his cheeks forcing him to grin. "You have time. Be smart. Not the strongest. I can do all that stupid shit until you're ready."
"Fine. Be careful Gojo..." Yuji takes another look at Maneater before leaving me alone.
I secure my vest and squat down again peering into the shiny ebony eyes of my greatest opponent. He stomps and the fence clangs with his violent movements but I don't flinch.
I smile.
"Give them a show." I tap my hat to cover more of my face. "Don't let me down now..."
POV Geto
I listen to the announcers ramble off the stats of the bulls and their riders. I smooth out my purple shirt and fiddle with the reins as I wait for Sukuna's team to give the signal that he's ready. Hands go up.
I raise my hand along with Megumi who is on the other side of the arena. He is to watch this time around with the bulls. The broncos are all his though...
I tap my heels when the gate breaks open and bring Beauty closer to the action.
Sukuna's left hand is high in the air as he manages to cling on through the first spin of hooves and neck.
ONE
I steady Beauty and shuffle her away from the horns.
TWO
Sukuna whips a little bit too far to the right.
THREE
The bull plants his hooves and reverses actually helping Sukuna readjust his hips.
FOUR
A high kick pitches Sukuna forward forcing his head to hit against the bulls neck...
FIVE
I can tell that fucking hurt and that his grip loosens on the bull rope.
SIX
Sukuna releases the bull rope and the heavy bell falls from around the steers stomach, releasing the hold on his hand.
I watch Sukuna bounce in the air and land hard in the dirt where bullfighters immediately surround and distract so he can get to safety. I rush in and force the bull to run down the sidelines where I lean over and easily pull away the flank strap signaling to the bull that the ride is done. He runs easily into the holding pen for his water and food while I make a loop back to where Sukuna stands on the sidelines.
"You good?" I stop a few feet away and look him over.
"Always! Just overestimated one of his turns..." he wipes blood from his nose and waves for the Jumbotron before Nanami, one of the bullfighters, helps him out of the arena to see the medical staff.
I know who is up next.
I try to keep my eyes from his pen but they wander there regardless.
A light tan hat peaks up from the metal railing as Yaga, Yuta, and Yuji settle him on the bull of the night. Dirt is kicking up everywhere and dust hangs over them like a storm cloud...all bad signs. Even the music blaring overhead can't tune out the beasts snorts and the clanging of metal as it kicks and turns already.
I can't...
I trot Beauty over to the fence and bang my hand on it to get his attention.
"Suguru!" He beams over the fence at me.
"Please don't ride him." The words spill out before I realize those are the ones on my mind.
"What?!" His face contorts in confusion.
He can't hear me... I go to scream it louder but the announcer starts speaking and the crowd is cheering and Satoru's face...
This is what he wants.
What he lives for...
Who am I to ask him not to ride...
Fuck.
I mouth "good luck" instead.
He relaxes and mouths something back. I don't know what it was but I'll ask about it later...
"Gotta go Geto!" Yaga points to the spot I should be at.
I tip my hat, flash Gojo a smile, and trot Beauty to our station and wait...
"He'll be fine." Megumi reassures me while petting his steed.
"Yes. I know that." I take a deep breath. "With a bull like this what is the approach?"
"Be ready for anything..."
I glance to the young man next to me with spiky black hair that peeks out of his hat and emerald green eyes. "Exactly."
POV Gojo
Holy shit...
Every move this animal makes sends shivers up my spine. The feeling of pure muscles moving beneath the surface I am perched on doesn't help calm me. I smile up at my friends who double, perhaps triple check that everything is in place correctly.
"How's it look?" I yell to Yaga who hands me the bull rope which I secure in my fist.
"You're all set." He smacks my back, his eyes darting to Memphis Maneater who bangs its horns against the steel pen. "You good?"
"Couldn't be better!" I shuffle my hips finding a more comfortable spot for my thighs to clench on to. "I'm ready!"
Yaga jumps down leaving Yuji to stare at me.
"See you in 8 seconds!" I pat his chest with my free hand and suck in a deep breath.
He nods and shakily holds his hand up signaling that I am ready. Yuta does the same.
I keep my eyes down on the top of the bulls head and let my body release every ounce of strength it can. I think about the twists and turns. About the bucks and the horns jutting out from the sides of its massive head.
Suguru clinging onto a new shiny buckle tonight...
The music and announcers voice reaches me but I can't tell what they are saying.
Just noise.
And then nothing.
Only the sound of the bull breathing beneath me.
The pawing of its hooves and the way it's grinding my right leg into the side of the pen...
How my hand keeps a death grip on the rope securing me to the back of the beast.
I can do this.
"I'll win." I breathe out.
The gate whips open.
My thighs squeeze and I love the solid grip I have.
The whole world is a blur except for the bull twisting roughly to the left beneath me.
You can feel what they are going to do.
The huge muscles help but it also means it's going to whip harder. Twist faster.
I balance out keeping my left hand high in the air and my core relaxed enough to move with the force beneath me but tense enough not to snap my spine in half.
...can that happen?
A hard buck forces my face to whip down but I keep myself from slamming off the back of this monster unlike dumbass Sukuna.
I breathe through another jerk and twist...but this is stronger than any I've ever experienced.
I grip tighter knowing I would rather lose my arm then fall off this fucker.
I'd rather lose everything then take a loss...
The next twist jostles my hips forcing me to slip to the right...
POV Geto
He's going to fall...
Beauty jostles beneath me as I continuously move her away from the horns and thrashing legs while trying to stay close enough to assist Satoru.
FIVE
I yank reins back and move her to the right side where Satoru's slipping further down with every turn. His arm waves wildly above him, his face emotionless...
SIX
His tan hat floats to the ground and is trampled into the dirt. A blur of white hair and his dark blue shirt twists with the bull as the cheers grow louder.
As the clock ticks away achingly slow.
As Satoru's grip on the rope loosens.
As my heart pounds harder...
SEVEN
He's going to do it!
I cheer his name and let a smile cross my lips.
Blues jolt up to meet my purples and that's when I see for the first time in the eyes of Satoru Gojo...
Fear
EIGHT
The alarm rings loudly throughout the arena.
It's almost drowned out by the hollers and screams from the crowd celebrating another victory for the strongest bull rider who now conquered the strongest bull in the state of Tennessee. Another twist of horns and dirt lets everyone know something is wrong...
POV Gojo
I already tried to let go...
NINE
I bring my other arm down and yank on the rope that should be releasing me but it won't budge...a split second of imbalance slams my face against the back of the bull.
TEN
Focus.
Not on the blood dripping and splashing from my face.
Not on the cries of the crowd who are now fully aware of the situation.
Not on how my thighs burn from exhaustion and the way I slip completely down its side where my feet meet the dirt...
ELEVEN
Pain.
I've felt it before, but not in the way that my wrist twists while dangling from the rope.
TWELVE
Helpless.
That's a new one.
My feet don't find the ground again...
POV Geto
THIRTEEN
A horn grazes Beauty's chest forcing her back with a loud cry. I watch Nanami grab the tail end of the bull rope and yank with all his might but a kick near his face forces him to fall back. I jump down from Beauty and watch Satoru be whipped around like he weighs nothing.
FOURTEEN
Like he is nothing.
FIFTEEN
More people file onto the floor, but no one can get close with how forceful the bull twists with Satoru's body whipping around.
Its large horns are speckled red and I pray that it's from Beauty.
Satoru's legs flail lifelessly and I feel my heart crack when they hit the metal rails...
The sound echoes loudly throughout the stadium.
SIXTEEN
"Geto! Don't!" Shoko screams from the side as she holds Nobara back while Maki jumps the fence.
I steady myself, pocket knife in hand, and wait for the bull to come back around...
SEVENTEEN
I lunge in ignoring the others protest and grip onto the band holding him hostage. His broken wrist bends awkwardly as my own feet beg for the security of the dirt. I cling onto the rope and to Satoru as a sharp buck slams me down on its back pushing all the life from my lungs.
EIGHTEEN
I yank as hard as I can and drag the knife across rope...
We fall into the dirt.
NINETEEN
I lift my head just enough to see black eyes and a lowered head. I grip onto Satoru's vest, yank him into my chest, and prepare to take the hit...
TWENTY
It doesn't come... the sounds of the bullfighters corralling the monster lets me suck in a shaky breath.
It's over.
I press Satoru onto his back and am met with blue shiny eyes and a crooked grin. "Ow."
"Ow?" I bring my face down to his black leather vest. "That's all I get for saving you!"
"I got a new shiny belt buckle."
"Shut up..."
"Geto. We have to get him looked at." Yuta taps my arm forcing me to look around at the dozen of people staring down at us.
"Shit. Yeah!" I ease off of him and stand on trembling legs while others tend to Satoru's injuries.
A hand on my shoulder makes my shoulders finally sag. "I'm alright."
"I know. Do you need me to take Beauty to the vet tent?" Megumi pats my back comforting me the only way he knows how to.
"No. I'll take her. You have work to do." I watch them roll Satoru onto a stretcher. His face pinches in pain and his left hand squeezes his jeans as he tries to save face...
I grip Beauty's reins and lead her out of the arena finally letting my fears flow down my face.
POV Yuji
Can't say if I had a choice to hang up my hat right now that I wouldn't do it...
I sit on the fence and watch the strongest be taken back to the medic area. He gifts me a smile as he is carried past...
"He would say the show must go on...or something stupid like that." Nobara holds Gojo's ruined hat in her hands. "Let's get you ready."
I nod and with a deep breath jump down... "Hold on! I have something I have to do!"
"Hurry up!" She calls to me as I sprint away.
I get down to the holding pens where Megumi sits on his horse eyeing the crew that is cleaning up the floor. I knock on the wooden gate and smile wide when he looks over...he doesn't smile. Not at all.
Alright...
"I told you I would come and say hi before..."
"I know." He cuts me off and grips the reins.
"Megs..."
"Please. Not now." His greens stay forward.
"Not now?" I hustle forward making his horse look my way. "Did you just see what happened?"
"Yeah I was right there..."
"Then... why are you being such a fucking prick?" I suck in a breath when his eyes find mine.
"What?" He tilts his head and I actually feel angry. Angry at him.
"Are you serious right now? We've been hooking up for a week now. I know it's only about just the fun of it or whatever but... I would still think you'd be a friend..."
"Yeah. We're friends." He shrugs keeping his face solemn. "And yes it's fun."
I pull my hat down from my head and hold it in my hands. "You left in such a hurry this morning. I just don't want anything to be wrong."
"Nothings wrong Yuji. You... you talk like we're dating or something." Megumi's voice finally gives me an emotion... too bad it sounds like disgusts.
"Fine." I place my hat on and tip my hat to him. "Bye."
I suck on my lip and don't even wait for the silence to follow me.
He won't say even bye back.
I let my heart get wrapped up on someone whose walls are higher than any fence at this rodeo.
That's my own damn fault.
————
"Godzilla Killa is kinda cute." Maki goes to pet the mane when the bronco kicks the back of the pen so hard it shakes banners down the whole line. "Well fuck..."
"Don't pet the monsters." Nobara brushes off my vest and gives me a quick hug. "Let Megumi pick you up at 8 seconds..."
"Fuck that." I whisper glaring over at the fence he waits on his horse by. "I'll save myself. It's always been that way..."
"Stop."
Her tone forces my face to snap to her.
"I'm going to go..." Maki eases herself down and makes her way to Yuta.
"This is why it's not good to have lovers at work." She whispers and pats the rope I have secured in my hand. "He is there to get you to safety."
"This helmet cares more about me." I huff and move my hips to find good grip.
"Talk about it after. This is a huge moment for you!" She taps the plastic guarding my brain and makes room for Yuta and Yaga.
"Ready Yuji?" Yaga checks the straps as the bronco paws at the ground.
"Yes sir. Is Gojo alright?"
"He's fine. Don't worry about him." He waves away my question and then holds up a hand.
I watch Yuta do the same and then I focus.
Focus on this beast dark red mane and the way its sides swell with a heavy breath.
I take one too...
The gate swings open...
POV Megumi
ONE
I trot over and keep my eyes on Yuji. Like I always do. No matter where we are...
TWO
His grip is strong and he arches and rolls perfectly like he can read the bronco's mind. Dirt kicks up.
Yuji's good at reading my mind too.
Like when I'm thirsty, or hungry, or just want to cuddle...
THREE
A random high jump catches Yuji by surprise. His legs look like they are clawing for traction... his face pinched and focused...
He's never looked so little...
FOUR
I move in next to him keeping my horse spinning with his ride of a lifetime. He knows I am here...
He ignores me and I retreat back a step...
FIVE
I wait for another rough turn of the broncos neck before moving in again.
He needs to jump off...
A fall to the ground would result in something broken...or even worse with how strong this horse is...
I can't...
I can't lose him.
POV Yuji
I... can't...
My hands are bleeding beneath the gloves as I grip on like never before. Every twist of this broncos body sends a shock up my spine from the hard bounce I took right out of the gate.
I would fall off but the tingling sensation actually scares me...
SIX
My eyes find Megumi and his horse.
I reach out for his hand...
I sharp jolt forces me to grab ahold of the rope with both hands as Godzilla Killa bolts down the arena stretch.
I know I'm disqualified now...
I hold my breath as hooves leave the dirt and buck wildly.
POV Megumi
SEVEN
Hang on.
I gallop after him knowing if they reach the end the bronco will turn sharp and Yuji will be sent into the gates...
I can't let that happen.
He has so much promise for this sport.
So much promise to himself...
He promised me he wouldn't get hurt...
I promised him I would save him.
I lean over and yank out the flank strap praying it gets the horse to calm down... the sharp hoof to my thigh lets me know it didn't help.
EIGHT
My horse keeps up with the wild one and I ignore all the warnings to not reach but I do it anyways and find Yuji's hand. With a quick pull I yank him on the back of my horse and spin away from the kicks and muscle Yuji was not ready to ride.
He took my hand.
He let me save him...
POV Yuji
Megumi doesn't bring us back to the gates like protocol is. Instead he keeps his hand gripping the back of my vest and takes us through the herding doors and out into the pasture. I could protest but my body radiates pain where the muscles have pulled and my very sore groin...
It's beautiful out here.
"You alright?" He turns in his saddle to look back at me, flopped across the ass of his mare.
"I'm...perfect. Lost a buckle. Lost feeling in my left nutsack. Lost you..."
"You didn't lose me." Megumi groans swinging his leg off his saddle. "I'm... I'm sorry."
I lift my head so I can relax into emeralds. "Really?"
"Yes. Really." He unbuckles my helmet and peels it off carefully. "This is all my fault..."
"Definitely not. Well, you didn't help, but I was going to ride the shit out of that horse in spite of you." I grin while relaxing my chin on soft fur. "I blew it all on my own."
"There will be a next time. A little bump in the saddle doesn't mean you throw it all away...right?" Megumi's hands come up and swipe sweaty strands from my face.
"No. I don't want to throw it all away." I find his hand and bring it to my lips. "I'm sorry I let things mean a bit too much to me. I understand if you want to stop our with benefits part of our friendship."
"I don't." He whispers and cracks a small smile. "I really don't want to get rid of that. Things mean a lot to me too. You mean a lot to me Yuji."
"You do too Megs." I pucker my lips and he places the sweetest kiss on them.
"You're in pain..." Megumi mumbles while I try to keep our mouths moving together.
"Shit I wish I could keep this romantic..." I force a smile and kiss his wrist. "But my back hurts...a lot."
"Well. Let's get you back inside. I can take care of you tonight. If you'd like." He keeps his hand in mine as he walks his horse slowly back into the arena.
"You know what." I sigh and close my eyes. "That sounds way better than any gold buckle."
POV Gojo
The hospital door opens.
Long wavy raven hair strolls in with a bag of burgers and a large coke. "I thought you'd be hungry."
"You know me so well Suguru." I grin at him as he sets the meal down on my tray.
"You alright?" He takes my hand and even though he won't look at me I can tell he's been crying.
"I'm fine. Just a broken wrist. A very swollen ankle that is probably also broken and lots of bruises." I tug his hand lightly so I can see his purples. "Just another night."
"Such a fucking dork." He rolls his eyes and sits next to me on the bed. "Yuji didn't make his ride."
"I heard." I lay my head on his shoulder. "That horse may never be tamed."
"Don't even think about it." Suguru sighs dramatically and rolls so he can look up at me. His fingers trace my chest over my hospital gown and stop on my heart where a sticky patch was placed to monitor me. "Satoru..."
"Hm?" I lean slightly forward grabbing a burger.
"What did you mouth to me before your ride?"
I pause mid bite and look down at the man on my chest. "I don't remember."
But I do.
"Oh." He kisses my pec and settles into my armpit.
"Sorry..."
"No!" He giggles to mask his disappointment over the words hanging over us.
Words I whisper to myself when he's moaning too loudly for himself to hear me.
I say them when he walks away with his jeans molding his ass and when he saves a fellow rider from a nasty fall...
Life's short...
"I love you."
POV Geto
My head jolts up at those three words and I watch him take a huge bite of his burger.
"You love me?" I whisper feeling my body buzzing praying I heard him right.
"Yesh." He mutters as he chews with his mouth open. "I wuv you. A lot."
This could have been more romantic...but life is short.
"I... I love you too." I straddle his lap and bring my lips down on his not caring that he's full of ketchup.
Not caring that someone walks into the room and then immediately back out.
Not caring about anything else in this whole world except for Satoru who is safe in my arms.
And I am safe in his.