Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

During all of the twenty one years of his life, Yuuji never really cared about the fact that he was an Omega.

When most people meet him, they expected him to be an Alpha. His build, his height, the way he carried himself at first glance made it seem impossible for them to think anything else, especially with his scent hidden under carefully applied scent patches and copious scenting from packmates. Even after getting to know him, they thought he should have been an Alpha: his grandfather and parents were Alphas, as was his older brother and cousins, so his mannerisms tend to lean that way as a result. He honestly used to find it funny.

When the doctor declared him to be a Prime, he had blinked in surprise, but even that did not phase him too much. His cousins and Sukuna were Prime Alphas, with Sukuna being a Special Grade one at that, so even though it was extremely rare, being a Prime Omega wasn’t too out of the question genetics wise. It was just another fact to file away in his head and worry about on a later date.

But then his heats started, and that’s when he really began to consider his designation a burden.

”You can’t keep this up, Yuuji.”

Groaning irritably, Yuuji tried to twist further into the back couch cushions as he pulled a blanket higher over his head, wondering if he pretended to not hear his friend that maybe the subject would be dropped. He had only just pried himself away from his nest an hour ago and still was suffering the aftermath of another failed heat. Unfortunately, Megumi remained undeterred, yanking the blanket away before punching sharply into Yuuji’s side and having no mercy to the lingering ache tearing apart his guts. “Stop avoiding the issue, idiot!”

”What do you want me to say?” Yuuji snapped back, voice still muffled by the cushions as he weakly swatted the air behind him, trying to shoo Megumi away while also wishing he would be left alone to curl up and die. “My heats have never gone well—“

”Your heats also have never lasted this long,” Megumi countered. 

“They’ve always been inconsistent—“

”But a normal heat is two to three days max. Yours have never been that short. Yuuji, this one just passed the seventh day!”

He finally rolled over onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. “What do you want from me? It's not like I’m doing this on purpose!”

Megumi stood over him, arms crossed and glaring down. “You need a heat partner.”

Yuuji glared right back. “Dude, you know better than most how that goes.”

Forest green eyes skirted off to the side. “I could help—“

”I am not sharing a heat with you.”

”Yuuji—“

”Dude, your AroAce ass despises anything to do with sex.” He pointed an accusing finger at the Alpha. “You won’t even make eye contact with me talking about it right now!”

And because he was a petty brat, Megumi looked back at Yuuji, staring him dead in the eye. “Let me share your heat with you.”

Yuuji rolled his eyes. “Maybe if you can ask without looking like you're about to vomit.“

Throwing his hands in the air, Megumi shouted, “Well, at least I’m trying to figure something out!”

”Don’t act like I’m not doing anything—“

”You sure could have fooled me—“

”Don’t even! I have gone through so many heat partners, man!”

“You just need to find one that fits!“

“Do you even remember what happened last time? Poor Yuuta-senpai still won’t even look me in the eyes!”

”I just—“  Pulling on his hair before dragging his hands down his face, Megumi snapped, “Yuuji, we can’t keep doing this. You look like absolute shit—“

”Wow, thanks—“

”And do you even know how fucking stressful it is for the rest of us?” He continued, dropping to sit next to Yuuji on the couch, burying his face in his hands. “You know what the long term side effects are, how this level of stress affects your body—“

“I am well aware—“

”You’ll be dead of a heart attack long before twenty five at this rate,” Megumi harshly cut in, shutting Yuuji up with the desperation in his tone. “Might have died of dehydration this time around if Nobara and I weren’t coming on a schedule to shove food and water down your throat when your Omega was too tired to attack us. And this is all assuming you don’t just die in another drop.”

Yuuji closed his eyes.

Silence reigned heavy for a beat as the words sunk in. Yuuji was very aware of the risks. He had been informed of them by multiple specialists he had seen over the years. Prime Omegas were rare, with males being even rarer. There wasn’t a treatment or suppressant on the market or even in development to safely block or even dull his heat, not that medication like that would work for him in particular. Not much research had been done about how to regulate his designation’s cycle, and all the specialists had the same recommendation.

A consistent heat partner…and eventual mating.

Unfortunately—

“My Omega already snubbed you as an option a while ago,” Yuuji quietly admitted to the empty air of the apartment.

”…and you didn’t tell me—“

”Because I didn’t want you to know how bad it was.” Absently, he felt his Omega prowling about in his head, the dissatisfaction of another unsuccessful heat leaving him irritable and unsettled. “Not even my long-time best friend can meet the bastard’s standards. How is anyone else supposed to impress it?”

Megumi sighed. “We still need to try.”

“…or I can finally just—“

”Don’t even say it.” Despite not turning around to look at him, Megumi’s hand had snapped back to grab Yuuji’s arm, squeezing tightly as if keeping him from running off and making a stupid decision. “Don’t—that’s the very last option.”

”Fine, fine…” Yuuji grumbled. “But I still don’t know what else we can do. No one in our circle would come near my Omega with a fifty foot pole after the Yuuta incident, not that I blame them.”

Megumi’s face twisted into his thinking scowl. “Let me just text Nobara that you are alert again, and we can figure something out—“

A loud growl filled the air, causing both of their attentions to snap to Yuuji’s stomach.

”…and I’ll order us some take out.”

”You are literally a god amongst men.”

”Shut up.”

Me-Me: yuujis awake

No-No: omw does it still stink

Yuu-Yuu: Hey!

Me-Me: what do you think

No-No: god fucking damn it

The door to his apartment slammed open. “Itadori fucking Yuuji!”

Yuuji let out a tired groan. “What did I do now?”

Storming inside and tossing her bags onto the entryway floor as she made her way towards the living room, Nobara continued to rant without even stopping to acknowledge either of them. “I swear to God, if I have to see your naked ass one more damned time, I am going to kill you! This is getting ridiculous—and have you even tried to air this place out yet? It reeks in here—“

”Dude, my heat just trickled out a few hours ago—“

”Don’t call me dude!” She snapped back, already across the living room and angrily yanking open the window. “This place smells like a blood bath,” she muttered darkly. Yuuji winced, knowing that the Itadori family had always carried a coppery iron underscent that tended to flair when feeling intense emotion. His grandfather, father, and even his brother all carried the scent. They all had different overtones, but smelling like he just slaughtered a man simply came with the territory post heat.

Nobara would complain every single time, yet she was always over the moment his heat ended, setting up shop in his tiny apartment without waiting for him to air out the smell. “Megumi, make yourself useful and go open Yuuji’s bedroom windows! I refuse to step foot in there ever again!”

Rolling his eyes as he moved to do as he was told, he muttered quietly, “As if you aren’t the first one breaking down the door every time when Yuuji sends out his preheat text—“

”I heard that!” Turning her sights on Yuuji, she stood in a power stance, fists on her hips as she ordered, “You, shower! Now!”

Yuuji tried to further meld with the couch. “But—“

She was on him in a second flat, pinching his ear tightly. “Now!”

“Alright, alright, I’m going! I’m going! Stop before you twist it off!”

Eventually, the trio found themselves piled up on the couch, Nobara nestled into a freshly showered Yuuji’s lap while Yuuji sprawled on top of a squished Megumi. All the while, some random movie played on the tv while Yuuji consumed ungodly amounts of food that had arrived while he showered. They had even bullied him into clothes they brought, a fairly large sleep shirt of Nobara’s and comfortable gym shorts from Megumi. It was a familiar post heat scene, when his Omega was less horny but still lingering and needy due to unfulfilled desires. Nobara and Megumi clung during these times as well, their Alphas suffering a bit due to being unable to assist their clearly struggling packmate.

Yuuji both loved and hated it.

Loved because physical affection with his packmates was his favorite bonding activity, especially when they could just unwind without any eyes on them. Hated because he knew this was born of them being worried for his well being, and the idea of hurting them like that…

So that was why he put up with their mother henning, simply allowing himself to be bullied into what they wanted to appease their Alphas…such as smothering him in their scent and shoving food at him.

Nobara reached out towards the table, using her chopsticks to pick through the chicken stir fry, plucking up a giant piece to shove in Yuuji’s mouth before she spoke. “So Maki had a suggestion.”

Reaching around Yuuji with his own chopsticks to pick through the food, Megumi let out a disgruntled sound. “Does it involve someone getting stabbed?”

”It will when I tell her you said that.”

Megumi shot her a glare before plucking up a piece of broccoli, barely giving Yuuji the time to swallow the chicken before shoving it in his mouth. He still asked, “What did she say?”

Shifting to sit up, Yuuji swallowed the whine in his throat as Nobara scrambled away for her phone, quickly scrolling for something. “Her twin started working with this company that may be able to help with Yuuji’s heats.”

Now this had his attention. “What?”

”They specialize in matching up partners for heats and ruts,” Nobara continued, brows furrowed as she scrolled faster. “It's legit, with background checks and blood testing and interviews, the whole shebang!”

Megumi shifted up. “Why haven’t we heard of this before?”

”Because it's exclusive and works on referrals only, that way they can reduce the risk of sketchy clients. A friend got Mai the job, but Maki says Mai could get Yuuji a referral—“

”Doesn’t Mai hate Maki’s guts?” Yuuji chimed in.

She shrugged. ”It’s complicated. But Mai apparently is the one who offered.” Seeing the surprised looks on Yuuji and Megumi’s faces, she shrugged. “She heard about your heat issues. Maki says Mai has a soft spot for other Omegas.” Before either could comment, Nobara cheered in victory. “I knew I saved that link!”

And then the phone was shoved in his face, and Yuuji had to pull her hand back in order to read the screen properly as she continued to speak.

”It’s called—“

“Jujutsu?”

Before Yuuji could say anything else, he was slammed backwards onto the tatami floor, coughing as all the air was knocked out of his lungs. Sukuna’s hulking figure stood above him, shirtless and clad only in his traditional style pants he favored for sparring, staring down at him with his half scarred face, looking both bored and disappointed. Not that Yuuji really cared at the moment. “Dude, do you have to hit me so hard?” He wheezed, rolling onto his side to cough more as he tried to catch his breath.

”Keh, you’re even weaker than you usually are,” was the only response he got as Sukuna crossed his arms, not even bothering to check on Yuuji beyond sticking his foot out to roughly jab at his side. “And I’m going easy on you, brat. This is pathetic. You’re almost as pathetic as that idiot I fought against last week.”

”Did you seriously forget the guy’s name already?” Yuuji asked with a sigh, head still spinning.

”Of course,” Sukuna drawled, rolling his neck and causing the bones to pop. “What a waste of an Instinct fight.”

Such was the way of all the League sanctioned Instinct fights Sukuna was assigned. Instinct fights were designed for Primes to let loose and truly revel in the more violent tendencies of their designation, something that Sukuna lived for. However, none of his matches ever seemed to reach his impossible standards, all ending up defeated and near dead by the end of the match. The last one had been particularly brutal, Sukuna taking out his pent up irritation on the poor Alpha Prime, leaving the man with injuries that likely would never fully heal.

They were lucky that official Instinct Spars were limited to biannual, otherwise Sukuna would likely decimate the entire Alpha populace of Japan within the year if left unchecked. Yuuji still couldn’t believe the amount of fans the Alpha had despite how violent he was during the fights, only to become an unsociable recluse outside of these two fights a year. 

Hell, he made a fortune off of merch alone.

Yuuji scowled up at his brother. ”You hospitalized him.”

”I should have done worse,” was the heartless reply, Sukuna sharply jabbing Yuuji’s side. “He had the audacity to boast that he would easily defeat me then gave an utterly disappointing fight…Now, here you are, giving an even more disappointing show. I expect better from my own blood.”

Gritting his teeth, Yuuji let a snarl rumble from his throat. “My heat just ended yesterday! And besides, I’m not supposed to be fighting at all! Sensei said—“

”Your Sensei declared no sparring at your dojo,” Sukuna countered, ever the stickler for phrasing when it comes to deals. Sometimes Yuuji wondered if he missed his calling as a lawyer…then remembered his temper and decided that it was for the best. “And besides, this isn’t sparring.”

Yuuji wanted to argue, but he knew he would get nowhere. Sukuna had been like this their entire lives. Where to most, a fight was a fight, to Sukuna, a fight was defined based on whether you were ruled by training or instinct. Sensei handled Yuuji’s training, teaching him forms and proper moves that Sukuna did not have the patience for, honing in his skills to the point of being muscle memory.

Sukuna, however, provoked his instinct.

And there was a reason why he remained undefeated in that particular area of the League after all these years…something that Yuuji hoped to one day be the one to change that.

But for now— 

Yuuji shifted to stand, being careful to not show his back. “You are the only one that goes this rough with instinct play.”

Sukuna just let out a snort while a smirk slipped on his face. Clearly he noticed Yuuji’s attempt to not provoke him. “It's not my fault that no one can offer me a challenge.”

”More like no one is as sadistic as you—“

Yuuji was smacked across the back of the head before he could dodge. As he hunched over with a yelp and moved to cover his head, he found himself trapped in a headlock. Struggling to try and free himself, Sukuna held him in place with ease with his giant, meaty arm, grinning ferally at him. “It's best you remember that, brat.”

”Sukuna-sama.”

Yuuji felt himself being yanked along as Sukuna turned them both towards the entrance to Sukuna’s personal training room, seeing the familiar figure of Uraume standing in the doorway. They had an amused expression on their face, used to seeing the brothers like this over the years. “Lunch is ready.”

”As competent as ever, Uraume…” Sukuna rumbled in a pleased tone. Then with the hand not forcefully holding Yuuji in place, he roughly messed up Yuuji’s hair, ignoring his protests. “Come on, brat. We’ll talk about this Jujutsu over food.”

”I don’t see what there is to discuss.”

Sukuna let out a displeased sound as he chewed on his pork, staring at Yuuji across the table as if he were an idiot. The traditional atmosphere of Sukuna’s extravagant home always left Yuuji feeling like he was having to talk with a feudal warlord rather than his older brother, which wasn’t helped by the fact that Sukuna made Yuuji change into a kimono or sparring uniform anytime he came to visit, but he should have grown used to the vibe by now. For all of his rude personality quirks, Sukuna liked to favor this old fashioned lifestyle oddly enough. 

“You want to trust this unknown company that we’ve never heard of to properly match you with a heat partner.” Using his chopsticks to pick up a rather large slice of pork, he continued. “It's bad enough that you have grown so desperate as to ask lesser Alphas to lay with you—“

”I asked friends, people I consider pack,” Yuuji argued, uncomfortable with how this conversation was going. If he had a say, he would never be discussing his heat details with his brother in the first place. But given how things have declined over the years, the number of hospital visits and specialists he has been ferried around to, it has become far too commonplace of a conversation for them. “None of them are lesser.”

”Yet clearly they did not meet your Omega’s standards to be accepted,” Sukuna countered, shoving the pork in his mouth and continuing to speak as he chewed. 

“Considering my Omega even turns down Primes, it has kind of reached beyond the point of unreasonable.” Poking at his food with his chopsticks, Yuuji let out a heavy sigh. “Look, I know it's a long shot, but we are running out of options. I’m running out of time to join League fights, and they aren’t going to let me near a qualifying spar let alone the Instinct Ring without having my cycles under control. And the option is totally gone if I end up having the surgery—“

”I thought I already said to never mention that again.”

Sukuna’s tone was low and quiet, a dangerous rumble building behind his words. Most would have shrunk under the pressure exuded by the Prime Alpha. While Primes were essentially the top of the instinctual food chain, Sukuna had always been his own brand of beast. Yuuji had seen many Alphas, even Primes, freeze and cower purely from the oppressive pheromones Sukuna could produce as a Special Grade.

Yuuji had always been the exception.

Yuuji’s own pheromones flared in challenge, a reaction built into him over the years of dealing with his older brother. Still, while Sukuna’s lip curled in displeasure, Yuuji forced himself not to react further. He simply poked more at his food, looking down but refusing to tilt his head in submission.

Sukuna always seemed to admire his resilience, even though the Alpha’s pride would never let him admit it.

Finally seeing the futility in trying to intimidate the younger, Sukuna huffed, dropping his chopsticks to snatch up his sake cup. Uraume, ever the kind to enjoy attending to his brother, shifted quickly from their spot beside Sukuna and fluidly picked up the sake pot to fill the glass. Yuuji would never really understand their relationship beyond the fact that the two genuinely seemed to enjoy the other’s company.

He just silently hoped one day that Sukuna would stop being a coward and actually ask the Omega to be his mate, as much as they both deny the connection.

As he drank from the glass, Sukuna refused to look at him, seemingly deep in thought. Eventually, he asked, “So, the company is legitimate?”

Yuuji resisted the urge to sigh at the olive branch presented. “Yeah, everything I’ve seen so far doesn’t seem sketchy, paired with the fact that Maki’s sister works there.”

Recognition flashed in Sukuna’s eyes. “The Beta with instincts.”

Of course that’s how the Alpha remembered his friend. “Yeah. Megumi’s cousin…aunt…Actually, I don’t know exactly how they are related beyond that they are related through that weird Zenin clan.” Shaking his head, he continued. “Not important, but Maki says Mai is even less trusting than herself, so the place must be legit for her to willingly work there.”

Sukuna nodded, moving to sit the glass down. “I shall have Uraume look into the company as well before scheduling you an appointment.” 

“I shall be quick and thorough, Sukuna-sama.”

Well, Yuuji resigned himself to his brother once more weaseling his way into his issues. “The biggest issue is probably going to be that it's a bit…expensive—“

Sukuna huffed. “I can cover the costs.”

”Nii-san, I can handle—“

”With what money?”

”I can get a couple part time jobs.”

”Absolutely not.”

”Dude—“

”We agreed that you would focus on your training and health early on, brat,” Sukuna cut in, once more rumbling in a displeased way. “That should be your only concern. A job just becomes a distraction.”

Rolling his eyes, Yuuji snarked, “More like you just wouldn’t let me keep a job—“

“You don’t need one,” Sukuna countered. “I make more than enough.”

“I shouldn’t be living off of handouts from my brother—“

“They are not handouts, they are me taking care of what is mine—“

“More like you feeding your Alpha ego.”

”And what is wrong with an Alpha taking care of his pack?”

Yuuji couldn’t help but slam his hands on the edge of the table. ”I’m not a pup anymore!”

“That does not matter!” A growl fully ripped from Sukuna by this point as he jabbed an accusing finger at Yuuji. “You are part of my pack and my responsibility until I choose otherwise! And I will not have one of mine scrounging at menial jobs that are beneath them!”

They had been through this argument time and time again over the years. Yuuji really should know better by now. 

And yet he still found himself baring his teeth regardless.

Sukuna was on his feet in an instant, likely intending to try and scruff Yuuji like a pup for his disobedience despite knowing that never ends well, only for a low thunk to cause them both to freeze.

Slowly pulling back from the center of the table, leaving the large knife they had been concealing impaled dead and center in the wood between the two, Uraume quietly remarked, “You two should finish your meals before the food grows cold.” An icy gaze drifted up towards Sukuna, an unspoken threat lurking behind them. “It would be a waste to not finish.”

Sukuna and Yuuji looked at each other.

Sukuna sat back down, silently picking up his chopsticks to continue eating. Uraume eventually began to softly purr, subtly shifting closer to the Alpha.

Yuuji shoved his food in his face faster, not wanting to watch the two any longer than necessary.

He always forgot how well Uraume matched his brother’s crazy.

Pack Chat

Nobara: who wants to see a video of Sensei putting Yuuji in a headlock for showing up to the dojo while banned

Yuuji: No one!!!

Toge: ✋

Panda: ME. 

Yuuta: Sensei did what?!

Todo: I WOULD LIKE TO SEE. 

Yuuji: Seriously guys???

Megumi: nobara you say this like it’s a new thing

Nobara: did you really purposefully lowercase my name

Megumi: fuck off and just send the video

Yuuji: Not you too!!!

Nobara: [video link]

Yuuji: I need new friends. 

Nobara: good luck with finding other people to put up with your shit

Yuuji: Ow???

Maki: Well I guess I should have picked a different meeting spot. 

Yuuji: So apparently my medical leave has me entirely banned…

Maki: Ouch. Should I meet you in the lobby?

Yuuji: Uhhhhhhh, about that…

Nobara: [picture link]

Maki: ….is that….

Nobara: Sensei tied him to the front sign by the curb

Yuuta: Is this safe?…

Nobara: we left him with water

Yuuji: YOU DRANK IT???

Maki: -sigh- I’ll hurry up. 

Yuuji: Thank you. ;__;

“I still wish Nobara had gotten a picture of the old man’s face when you walked into the dojo earlier.”

Letting out a tired sigh, Yuuji slumped forward. “Sensei is being over the top. Just because I’m banned from practice doesn’t mean I should be banned from the dojo entirely!”

Snorting, Maki shoved his shoulder roughly as they continued to walk down the street. “He knows you. Your dumb ass would see someone messing up their form and try to offer advice, then a demonstration, and next thing we know you’re full on challenging someone twice your size to a fight.”

”I’m not that bad—“

”That literally happened last month, Yuuji.”

Yuuji scowled but had no proper retort, given the fact that Maki was right. In his defense, he thought at the time their Sensei was just banning him from legitimate practices, not training all together.

That excuse died a painful death when the man walked in on Yuuji full body tackling Todo through a wall.

She shook her head. “You’re lucky he has a soft spot for you.”

He remembered pre-health hiatus and the number of times the man would send Yuuji flying through the air. ”You guys keep saying that, and I still don’t see it.”

It was rare for Yuuji to spend time with Maki, and usually when he did, it was in the presence of other friends and pack. Not that he had anything against the Beta: in all honesty, he really admired her determination, considering she was one of the first Betas to break into the higher level fighting competitions usually reserved for Alphas. She may never get into the Instinct League like he was aiming for, but her determination and skill was more than enough to admire. It was just that they never really clicked on a personal level enough to warrant hanging out one on one. 

Sure there had been plenty of instances of her snagging him by the ear in the middle of a conversation to try out a new move on given how “durable” he was according to their group, but having their only type of bonding being regularly kicking the shit out each other made for stilted conversations.

But necessity led them to this situation today. Aka—

“Wow, this building looks even more pretentious in person,” Maki quipped as they came to a halt outside of their destination. The building was sleek and modern, covered in reflective glass from top to bottom with the familiar Jujutsu logo front and center above the entrance. No other identifying marks were visible, keeping the location fairly discreet if you did not know what the logo stood for.

Yuuji snorted at her side. “Given how much this costs, it better be fancy inside too.”

Maki glanced at him in surprise. “I thought the website said that Omegas were sponsored—“

”Omegas offering assistance for Ruts are sponsored,” Yuuji corrected. “I’m the rare case of the other way around.”

She grimaced. “…which means they won’t have a lot of options for you.”

He shrugged before moving forward, hoisting his backpack further on his shoulder. “They still took Nii-san’s money, so they must have some options I guess.”

She followed close. While he would have rather had Megumi or Nobara present today, this particular location for the group only allowed Omegas and Betas inside…so Megumi had asked their packmate to accompany Yuuji as a precaution.

Yuuji had tried to argue it was unnecessary, but Maki had quickly chimed in that she was planning on going regardless, considering she recommended the place and felt responsible. She didn’t give him any room to argue either. 

It was one of the instances that really reminded Yuuji about Maki’s particular brand of Beta being just as overbearing as the rest of the Alphas in his life. I really need to meet more Omegas…

With a quiet hum, Maki decided to joke, “I keep forgetting that your brother is loaded. I should ask him to sponsor me in the League.”

Yuuji gladly rolled with the topic as they stepped inside. “Honestly, it's not a bad idea. He seems to approve of you.”

”Oh?”

”Your very existence pisses off the Higher Officials of the League,” Yuuji commented bluntly as he surveyed the frankly gigantic lobby, all sleek and silver and cold. “He lives for that shit. And it doesn’t hurt that you can back yourself up with actual skill.” Then, with a grin, he added, “Also, he probably would just sponsor you for having the audacity to ask him. You know, if you catch him in a good mood. Aka after Ume feeds him.”

Something flashed in Maki’s eyes as she mulled over his words. “I’ll keep that in mind…”

Shooting her a grin, he then turned back to the building’s entrance that they had finally reached, grabbing the handle. “Well, time to find out if this place is worth the hype.”

”If not, I’m sure your brother would bail us out if we set something on fire.”

”Dude, please don’t. Sukuna would totally leave me to rot for being caught.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Itadori-San—“

“Ah, no need to be so formal, Iori-San!” Yuuji insisted, his cheeks feeling warm as he scratched his head. “Itadori is fine!”

The older Omega woman’s smile widened a bit, chuckling to herself as she gestured for him to enter her office. The marker on the outside of the door listed her name, Iori Utahime, as well as her role as the director of this center in particular. He assumed it was Sukuna’s doing that landed him with her as his handler rather than the normal handlers listed on the website. 

Considering the website had listed her as a leading pioneer in Dynamic Behavioral Studies, doctorate and all, he felt like she was way too overqualified for dealing with him on a one on one level.

But she still didn’t seem to mind his presence at the very least. “Very well then, Itadori-kun…but then I insist you not be so formal with me, considering I will be guiding you through this process. I’m not super fond of my last name anyway.”

Moving past her into the office, he could not help but look around, noticing how compared to the rest of the facility, her space felt warmer, more inviting. It certainly set him at ease, especially seeing the few traditional pieces of furniture and decor that reminded him of his brother’s home. He had felt off-balance since he separated from Maki, not that he blamed his packmate. Seeing Mai hovering at a distance was enough to let them know that she wanted to talk, a rarity for the Omega twin, so of course Yuuji had all but shoved her off while the assistant led him to the Utahime’s office.

He was an adult, he could make it through an appointment without needing to hold someone’s hand.

Head tilting and face scrunching up in thought as he tapped on his chin, he commented, “Well…if you are going to be guiding me…Utahime-sensei then?”

Utahime balked as she shut the door. “Sensei?”

He shrugged. “It was the first thing that came to mind.” Then, after a pause, he admitted, “Okay, the first thing that came to mind was Hime-Chan, but I felt like you might smack me for that.”

She gave him a flat look. “Good instinct.” Then, as if seeming to remember herself, she sputtered before saying, “I mean, I would never smack a client, but I would ask you to refrain from such a casual nickname.”

Yuuji could not help but laugh, the last of the tension finally easing. “No need to be so tense, Sensei!” Tucking his hands in his pockets, he remarked, “I…honestly will probably do better at this if you don’t treat me like a client.”

She huffed, making to move towards her desk while shaking her head. “You are reminding me too much of certain people I know.”

”Friends?”

”No. Idiots.”

”Hey!”

She shrugged, a smirk resting on her face as she sat down in her desk chair. “You asked me not to treat you like a client. But at least you aren’t as annoying as those two.” Gesturing to the chair across from her, she continued. “I’ll try to make this as stress free as possible, but we will have to go over some important details.”

His smile dimmed a bit as he let out a tired sigh, heading over to the chair. “Yeah, I have a lot to go over with you as well.”

“Oh?”

Dropping into the seat as he fluidly swung his backpack into his lap, Yuuji unzipped it and began to pull out multiple folders, dropping them on the desk in a pile. “I am going to apologize up front for how difficult I’m about to make things for you.”

Utahime, eyeing the large stack of folders with wariness but a settled determination countered, “I’m sure whatever you have to go over, we can more than meet your expectations.”

Yuuji chuckled. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Pulling out one last file, he slid it over to her. “This is the summary timeline of every heat I’ve had since I was seventeen, and the incidents attached to each.”

Reaching for the folder, she remarked, “You’re what, twenty one? That should be about eight to ten heats—“

”I’ve had seventeen heats since then.”

Utahime’s hand stilled on top of the folder, eyes snapping up to meet Yuuji’s own. “You’ve had what?”

And now Yuuji’s smile grew sad and bitter. “I recommend you read the file before you decide to keep me as a client, Utahime-sensei.”

Utahime began reading.

The next hour was awkward as hell for Yuuji.

Shifting uncomfortably in the chair, he tried to distract himself on his phone, resisting the urge to watch Utahime as she devoured the file in front of her with a single minded determination that was honestly impressive. Occasionally, he could see her shift uncomfortably, and given the timeline she was reading he could fairly well predict what she was reading at what point.

And it was far too easy to tell when she got to the point of when he tried to heat share with Yuuta.

”A doctor actually recommended you heat share with an unstable Prime Alpha?” she snapped out loud, face twisted up in a quiet fury, fists tightening on the edges of the file. “A Special Grade Prime Alpha?”

Grimacing, Yuuji weakly protested, “Senpai isn’t…unstable, he just—“

”Had severe trauma from an accidental childhood bond that was broken due to the mate’s untimely death.”

He shrunk a bit under her words. “We both were getting pretty desperate for a match…the doctor thought we might balance each other considering we had…similar issues.” Then, in a more morose tone, he added, “And I’m not the one that ended up hospitalized because of it…”

”This still never should have been recommended in the first place,” she muttered back, eyes still scanning what appeared to be the follow up police report from the incident. Yuuta had insisted on not filing charges, telling the police that it had been his Alpha who had initially lashed out and injured Yuuji. 

Even as his hand absently rubbed at the fading scar in the center of his chest, Yuuji still could not move past the guilt of how badly his Omega injured Yuuta in retaliation.

Seeing that it was likely a sore subject for Yuuji, Utahime continued to flip through the file, remarking, “So, the past three heats since then have been within a ten month period and alone?”

”For the most part,” he replied. “My packmates check up on me during them and make sure I’m eating and drinking but…well my heats have always been long, usually four ish days, but they’ve been getting progressively longer. This last one was a whole week.”

She let out a low hiss, face twisted up in concern. “That’s…bad,” she remarked lamely, not seeming to know how else to reply. 

He felt the same, laughing humorlessly in reply. “Yeah, it’s not so great.”

Flipping towards the final pages, she asked, “And the next course of treatment specialists have recommended is—“

Then she reached the final page and froze. “Oh.”

He tried to smile, knowing that it was falling flat. “Yeah…I’ve kind of run out of other options.”

The words hung heavy in the air, Utahime slowly closing the file and sitting it in front of her, staring at it with a mixture of emotions, from anger and frustration to concern and worry, before finally it settled.

”Itadori-kun…” She looked up from the file, eyes flaring with determination. “You’re not out of options just yet.”

And he could feel as his smile shifted to something more genuine, allowing a bit of hope building in his chest. “I’m ready to follow your lead, Sensei.”

Pack Chat

Megumi: does anyone know how the meeting is going

Panda: I figured if anyone knew anything it would be you—

Nobara: hey you think that lame emo would be told anything before me?!?!

Megumi: considering im less likely to insult him yes

Toge: …

Panda: …

Yuuta: …

Sensei: Megumi you call him an idiot every other sentence. 

Megumi: because he is one

Nobara: and people think im the mean friend

Panda: No you are both mean. 

Nobara: OI YOU WANNA FIGHT?!

Panda: I have made a mistake. 

The next steps were more tedious than anything. Yuuji was used to being poked and prodded for physicals and blood draws, Sukuna and Choso having ferried him to dozens upon dozens of specialists across Japan. Thankfully these were more for protocol reasons than further testing, just clarifying for their records that he did not have anything that could be passed to any potential Heat partners.

The only part that made him vaguely uncomfortable was the scenting sample.

“These will have to be refreshed every two weeks,” Utahime explained as she handed him the stack of cloth and airtight sampling bags. ”Now, I will openly admit that I forsee it being a long while before we find a potential match, but I would like to have these on hand already in case we do find someone.”

Yuuji eyed the cloth like a snake that might bite him. “And this is…required?”

”Itadori-kun, it’s a main step in the matchmaking process. You’ve even mentioned in your notes about your Omega reacting poorly to certain Alphas scents…” Tilting her head, she added, “You will be given access to scenting bags made by whichever Alpha you are matched with to make sure you are compatible with them.”

Slumping over with a sigh, he remarked, “Yeah, I get it, it's just…my base scent is fine. It's my family scent which flares when I’m emotional or in heat that isn’t really…pleasant.”

”It can’t be that bad—“

”It smells like I killed a man and bathed in his blood.”

”…all the more reason for us to get the scent samples then, Itadori-kun.”

Twenty minutes and one exam room that will need to be aired out for the next several hours later, Yuuji had new scent patches freshly applied and several sample bags for both his scents. Inwardly, he patted himself on the back for downloading Human Earthworm 2 on his phone—that death scene finale always got him emotional.

And now they were in the home stretch.

”So, that’s the basics of setting up your profile,” Utahime explained as they sat in her office, both hunched over Yuuji’s phone. “Besides basic info, you will only be displayed as the username to any potential matches—“

”Wait, oh no,” Yuuji whispered in a panic. “My username is so stupid—“

”Well, I did try to warn you,” she quipped back with a smirk, clearly having no pity for the younger man. “Once you meet in person, you can exchange names—either real or a fake one—based on contract permissions. Many clients and employees have various concerns over privacy due to their situations or being a well known figure in some circles. At most, I would only give out your first name.”

Poking around at the app, Yuuji commented, “Huh, do you have some really important clients then?”

After not hearing her reply for a beat, he turned to look at her only to see her incredulous stare. “Itadori-kun…you do know who your brother is, right?”

It then clicked for him. “Oh. I’m the important client.”

She thankfully took pity on him and didn’t comment further. “Alright, so this should just about do it…from now on, all contact with any matches should be done through this app. Any matches you receive, especially if we recommend a fellow client rather than an assistant, I highly recommend keeping strictly through the messaging portal and to not give out your personal number or any personal information. We do heavy background checks on all matches, but you can never be too careful.”

”Sounds fair,” Yuuji replied easily, though he was not too concerned. He knew that most Omegas weren’t like him who was capable of easily defending himself, though he guessed it would be safer to not have to deal with them knowing a lot about him. It made his gut turn a bit uneasily to remember that this would be his first time seeking out a heat partner that wasn’t a friend of a friend or pack.

”Oh, and as a disclaimer…” She looked away, cheeks flushing bright red. “While the app has the all the capabilities for texting and all communication will be private, we do ask that you try to minimize any…embarrassing photos or conversations, as they will be recorded in our database in case any undesired advances occur.”

He blinked. “Huh?”

”…ask your packmates, I’m not explaining this more.”

From there, some vague and idle small talk was made as he gathered up his things, leaving her with the stack of medical files that had already been locked in their own dedicated filing cabinet in her office. She then personally walked him towards the front, leaving him with, “I will admit that this is going to be a challenging road, Itadori-kun, and I cannot guarantee success…but I will do everything in my power to help you.”

And once more, he smiled at her. “I appreciate the honesty. I don’t get a lot of that about all of this.”

Sighing and shaking her head, she continued. “I’ll be in contact once your results are finalized, okay? Everything should be going through me for now, but I will warn you that I will be out of office for the next week.”

”It’s cool, I wasn’t expecting this to be overnight.” Having finally reached the main lobby, he could see Maki pacing irritably, likely bored out of her mind after waiting for hours for him. Turning to Utahime, he held out his hand. “Thank you for taking a chance on me, Utahime-Sensei.”

She smiled as she took his hand. “Thank you for trusting us with the opportunity. I hope to not let you down.”

Then he was walking out the doors, Maki at his side texting the pack group chat that they were leaving. Stretching his arms up high, he vaguely commented, “You know, I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I kind of have a good feeling about this.”

Maki glanced at him as her phone rapidly began to buzz from replies, and Yuuji could only imagine what his was like considering he had been ignoring the rapidly growing pile of texts during his session with Utahime. Huffing, Maki turned her attention back to her phone before replying, “I should hope so. Get your head on straight so that I can go back to kicking your ass in the dojo.”

”Yeah, yeah, I’m working on it.”

“Good. You're the only test dummy that can keep up with me besides Yuuta.”

He hummed in reply, letting the silence hang between them as they made their way towards the train depot. Then absently, he could not help but ask, “Hey, what do you think Utahime-Sensei meant by saying ‘minimize embarrassing photos or conversations’ in the app?”

Without even looking up from her phone, she bluntly replied, “She meant no sexting, idiot.”

Yuuji tripped and fell on his face. 

Pack Chat

Maki: [image.jpeg]

Maki: Proof of life, everyone chill the fuck out. 

Megumi: he is face first on the ground

Maki: He’s breathing, I’m not a miracle worker. 

It was less than a week later when he heard back from Jujutsu.

The caller was not Utahime.

”Dude, sorry, what’s your name again?”

A heavy sigh came over the line. “Please pay attention, Itadori. Once again, my name is Kamo Noritoshi. I am a handler from Jujutsu’s Alpha branch—“

”Why is that name familiar…” he mumbled under his breath before shaking his head to focus. “Okay, one, you called me at eight in the morning,” Yuuji began as he stumbled from his bedroom, sleep cycle thoroughly ruined. “I was asleep, so forgive me for not processing this well. Secondly, my handler is Utahime-Sensei—“

”Sensei?”

“—not you,” he continued, ignoring Kamo’s attempts to cut him off as he beelined for the kitchen. This was a junk food breakfast kind of morning, he could already tell. “And also, why would an Alpha center handler be calling me? In case you can’t read my file, I’m an Omega.”

He could hear the Kamo guy taking a deep breath. “I’m calling in regards to a match for you.“

Yuuji just about dropped his favorite cereal bowl. ”So soon?” Shifting the phone to his other ear, he muttered, “Utahime-Sensei made it sound like it would take far longer…”

“Again with the Sensei…” Seeming to catch himself, Kamo cleared his throat. “Um, well, the potential match is very eager to meet you. There was a high success rate when testing compatibility markers.”

Finally giving up trying to balance his phone and pour his cereal, he put the phone on speaker and dropped it on the counter. “Wait seriously? Even the scent samples?” he asked skeptically.

”Especially your scent samples.”

Yuuji paused while pouring his cereal. “Oh. That’s a first.”

”Yes, well this call was to get your permission to send you their account info so you can allow them access to message you—“

”Wait, shouldn’t I come in first to test if I pair with their scent?” Yuuji asked in confusion. Did he misunderstand Utahime? Opening a drawer and trying to rummage for a spoon, he added, “And Utahime-sensei insisted that all of this was to go through her.”

”Well, perhaps at a later date we could arrange something about the scent sample, but Utahime-San will not be returning for two more days, and they are very…impatient about getting in contact.”

”That’s not exactly a good thing, man.” 

”Do you want the match or not?”

”Okay, geez, fine, I guess send over their accounts or whatever,” Yuuji replied sullenly. “It’s the whole ‘they can’t message me till I message them’ thing with an Alpha and Omega, right?”

”That is correct, and I…apologize for my pushiness, Itadori. It’s just…” Another sigh, and Yuuji was starting to think this man needed a vacation. “You are the first match that they have actually legitimately been interested in, and this process has been a long fought battle. I’m hoping this pairing is the answer we needed.”

His stomach should not have been doing a flip over the idea that this Alpha only was interested in him. Swallowing the nerves as a notification pinged from the Jujutsu app, he began to scroll through his phone and open the link Kamo sent him. “Well, I hope this works out too. Also, sidenote, you keep referring to this Alpha as ‘they’. Is that a preferred pronoun?”

”A preferred—oh, oh dear. I, uh, in my haste forgot to mention—“

The app had finally fully loaded. ”Forgot to mention what—oh.“

Staring at the profile sent to him, Yuuji realized exactly what this Kamo guy forgot.

”The match is a mated pair of Alpha Primes.”

Chapter Text

“We should call this off.”

Yuuji just about choked on his drink. Coughing and sputtering as he sat his tea down on the coffee table, he managed to call out, “Dude, I haven’t even messaged them yet and you’re already wanting me to call it quits?” Then after a pause he added, “And what do you mean we?”

Still pacing the length of the living room, Megumi’s face twisted into a frustrated sneer, a look Yuuji was familiar with. The Alpha had a tendency to struggle with words at times, having a brusque demeanor that was off putting to most. Still, he tried to manage his words carefully to not insult his packmates.

Megumi stopped. “You’re being stupid.”

…he was successful at it only sometimes.

Clutching at his chest in mock pain, Yuuji drawled, “Ow, so harsh.”

”I’m serious, Yuuji.” Stalking over to drop on the sofa beside him, Megumi dropped his chin in hand, refusing to look directly at his friend. “This whole situation just feels off.”

”Want to elaborate for the class?”

Megumi’s scowl deepened. “It’s a feeling, okay?”

Which was usually enough for Yuuji. Megumi may not have been the only Prime Alpha in his life—hell, he wasn’t even the only special grade in the pack—but he was the one who usually had the best intuition. However, the one flaw was that, well…

”Is this a ‘these guys are serial killers’ feeling or a ‘I don’t like the idea of my friend hooking up with strangers’ feeling?”

Megumi gave him a disgusted look. “Don’t phrase it like that…”

Yuuji shrugged. “I mean, that’s the end goal, right?” Sighing at the blank look Megumi gave him, he remarked, “Look, I’m not really thrilled with the idea either, but shouldn’t I at least message them some before tossing them out as an option? I mean, come on, Megumi…when was the last time we met someone who actually liked my scent?”

Face scrunching up involuntarily at the mention of Yuuji’s scent, he muttered, “That should be a red flag in and of itself…”

”Hey!”

Slumping back on the couch, Megumi added, “And since when was scent a good way to find a partner?”

”Oi, that’s how I met your mother.”

Both jolted on the couch, spinning around to see none other than—

“Sensei!” Yuuji yelped, clutching his chest. “How in the hell do you sneak up on us like that, man?”

”Because you aren’t paying attention, kid,” Toji replied with a drawl, reaching out to flick the protesting Omega in the head with his good arm. His left was strapped into his brace today, usually signaling that his aches from an old injury were flaring up. He still had yet to go into detail about it with either of them beyond that it was both the fight that ended his career and also the best fight of his life.

“He can sneak up on us, because he’s scentless, idiot,” Megumi muttered before scowling in disapproval at his dad. “You seriously got together with mom because of her scent?”

”Ha, nah, it's just what I noticed first about her,” Toji amended easily. “Daisies and wild grass…she always called me crazy because she thought Betas couldn’t have a scent, let alone have another Beta recognize them.”

Sighing, Yuuji remarked, “Well, at least it makes sense to like that kind of scent. Who in the hell would like the mix of peaches and blood?”

Without missing a beat, both Fushiguros replied, “Serial killers.”

Yuuji dramatically rolled off the couch and onto the floor with a groan.

Taking pity on Yuuji, Toji remarked, “Look, kid, I’m sure at worst the guys might be creeps. If they are, I’m positive you can handle yourself…but on that note.” Leaning further over the couch and pointing at Yuuji who laid sprawled on the ground, he sternly ordered, “If you are even a hint uncomfortable, you call me. Got it?”

Yuuji let out a snort. “I’ll add you to the list.”

Barking out a laugh, Toji stood back up. “As long as you keep me at the top of that list. Ah, now I’m gonna go handle my classes for the day and then pick up some groceries for dinner. You two need anything?”

Yuuji perked up. “Oh! If you get my usual ingredients, I can make Gramp’s meatballs!”

Toji grinned. “You got a deal. How many people should I plan for?”

”I’ll text the pack chat and see who is interested—“

”So everyone, got it.” Turning to head towards the door, he waved over his shoulder. “I’ll be back around five, don’t burn the place down in the meantime.”

Lip curling into an annoyed sneer, Megumi remarked, “We aren’t you, old man—”

“If we do, we’ll blame it on the nosy neighbor lady across the street!”

Toji laughed, pointing at Yuuji as he snagged his keys off the entryway table. “This is why you’re the second favorite child!”

”Second?!”

”Tsumiki is the favorite.”

”Ah, that makes sense—“

”He’s not even your kid?” Megumi asked in an offended tone.

Now Toji was pointing at him as he headed out the door. “But at least this one likes me!”

Megumi just glared at the door as Toji left. “I need to move out of here asap.”

”I keep offering for you to move into my guest room—“

”I can only tolerate you in small doses.”

“Dude, harsh.”

Rolling his eyes, Megumi roughly nudged Yuuji where he was still sprawled on the ground. “Hurry up and send out the text in the pack chat.”

Grimacing as he sat up, Yuuji mumbled, “I just realized how much food I’m going to be making tonight…”

”This was your idiot decision. Accept the consequences.”

”Keep being a dick, and I’ll cut back the ginger in your portions.“

“I’ll tell Nobara that you were the one to break her straightener.”

“Dude, we swore a best friend oath of silence, do you want me to die?!“

Pack Chat

Yuuji: Hey! Would anyone want to come over tonight for a pack dinner? I’m making Gramp’s ginger meatballs!

Several people are typing…

Later on, the small Fushiguro house was stuffed full with too many people, pack spilling over from the dining room into the living room. Laughter and arguing filled the air, a familiar sound for the group over the years. In the end, not everyone could show up, but the regulars were here, none willing to turn down the promise of free food. 

Sitting perched on the counter, Nobara scowled, watching intently as Yuuji finished another portion of food. “There are too many people here…this is getting out of hand.”

”Ah, I don’t think it’s too bad,” Yuuji commented as he scooped another meatball on the tray to cool. 

“Yeah, well it’s your fault most of these people are here.”

”If you want, I can stop cooking for everyone—“

Nobara smacked him in the head, ignoring his complaints. “I meant that it’s your fault that they are all pack to begin with. Stop collecting people!”

Blinking in confusion, Yuuji replied, “Yeah, that is not my fault—“

”Yes it is, idiot,” Megumi chimed in as he stood next to Yuuji rolling more meatballs to cook. Technically Nobara was supposed to be helping, but she just painted her nails that morning and refused to stick them in raw meat. Still, that did not stop her from eyeing Megumi in a judging fashion, having seen how much ginger he snuck into this batch. “You’re too damn friendly.”

”…and that’s a bad thing?”

”Yes.” Both Alphas glared at each other, annoyed at having spoken together. Shaking his head, Megumi remarked, “Everyone here is either someone you befriended, or a friend once removed.” Then, after a pause, he turned to look into the dining room where Toji was complaining to his friend about his younger students and some meme they kept shouting at him. “Except for Kong.”

Nobara snorted. ”Don’t pretend like your dad wouldn’t have adopted Yuuji with or without your emo ass being involved. Kong is once removed.” Then, turning her attention back to Yuuji, she added, “But seriously, there are too many people! One more and meet ups are going to get the cops called on us!”

At that, Yuuji frowned as he sadly flipped a couple meatballs in the skillet. Which. Oh no. She knew that look.

”Itadori fucking Yuuji, you better not be thinking about adopting someone else!”

Sputtering, Yuuji began shaking his head. “I don’t adopt people, I just—!” Slumping forward with a pout, he quietly muttered, “I was just…thinking that maybe…we could invite Utahime-Sensei over at some point?”

Face scrunched in confusion, Megumi muttered, “Sensei?…”

And after a beat of her own confusion, Nobara placed the name. “You mean your handler?”

”She’s nice!” Yuuji replied defensively. “And helpful!”

As a Third Grade Alpha, it was rare to have her instincts flare up. But Yuuji made Nobara feel like snarling. ”She’s paid to be nice and helpful, idiot!”

And oh, he looked even more like a kicked puppy now. She hated it. She hated it so damn much.

”Yuuji,” Megumi began cautiously, but not without a tired sigh tacked on the end. “Why do you want to invite her to a pack meet up?”

Shrugging and refusing to meet their gaze, he absently scooped up the remaining meatballs in the pan as he replied, “I don’t know, I just…she was easy to talk to. And she took my issues seriously while being honest about challenges. And well…I think she genuinely cared. It was…nice.”

Oh damn it.

Then, tacked on quietly at the end, Yuuji admitted, “And I just thought it would be nice to have another Omega at one of these things, considering Ume doesn’t like them...”

Oh double damn it.

Taking a deep breath, Nobara pinched the bridge of her nose while carefully replying, “Have a few more meetings with her and make sure you click with her before even considering the offer, alright?” Dropping her hand to scowl off in the distance, she added, “Also, make sure you’re sure about asking her. She might hand you off to a different handler if you ask. Conflict of interest and shit.”

While not fully happy with the answer, Yuuji seemed accepting, mulling over her words. “I’ll…keep that in mind.”

”You better,” she muttered darkly before kicking him in the hip. “I give the best advice, so you owe me!”

”But I didn’t ask for it?!”

”Well you should still owe me for the honor of receiving it!”

”What?!”

”You are both idiots,” Megumi muttered before pushing a tray of uncooked meatballs at Yuuji.

Rolling her eyes, she then pointed out, “Besides, if things go to plan, we’ll probably be dealing with two new additions anyway.”

Now she was met with two blank stares.

Eye twitching, she snapped, “The mated Alpha pair? The two that are supposed to be fucking Yuuji through his heat? Because there is no way in hell we aren’t ending up with two more lovesick puppies trailing after him if that works out—“

”Nobara!”

”What?!” she shouted back, unbothered by the boys’ horrified and red faces. “You know I’m right! Speaking of, how is that going?”

Snatching up a couple raw meatballs to toss in the pan and refusing to look at her with his still red face, Yuuji asked, “How is what going?”

”The fuck you mean—Texting your new fuck buddies? What else?”

”Please don’t call them—“ Then, like a record scratch, Yuuji froze, staring off at the back of the stove before muttering a quiet, “Shit.”

”…you forgot to text them—“

”I totally forgot to text them.”

”Why am I friends with you morons?” she groaned as Yuuji shoved the spatula at Megumi and took off in search of his phone. 

Jujutsu

[A new chat has been created!]

Tiger of the West: Hey, sorry about the delay! I got caught up in some pack stuff.

Six Eyes: Oh sweet, I was beginning to think you bailed on us.

Not a Cult Leader: Aren’t you supposed to be working right now?

Six Eyes: Well, aren’t you supposed to be in a meeting right now?~ 

Not a Cult Leader: I am the owner. I’m allowed to not pay attention if I want to.

Six Eyes: And I am the teacher, so I am essentially God.

Not a Cult Leader: ……..

Six Eyes: Don’t you want to *worship* me, Su-gu-ru~

Tiger of the West: ……I feel like I walked in on something and should go—

Six Eyes: AH WAIT

Not a Cult Leader: God damn it, Satoru, can you not behave for ONE MINUTE.

Six Eyes: DONT LEAVE ILL BEHAVE

Tiger of the West: I didn’t mean I was actually leaving!

Not a Cult Leader: Oh thank god.

Six Eyes: You’re welcome~

Tiger or the West: ….on second thought—

Six Eyes: W A I T

Not a Cult Leader: You are sleeping on the couch tonight. 

Six Eyes: Babe, please have mercy.

Not a Cult Leader: Mercy for a God?

Six Eyes: ……

Tiger of the West: You kind of walked right into that, dude.

Six Eyes: Yeah I realized thanks

”The one guy sounds like a dick.”

”He doesn’t sound that bad.”

It was later in the evening, dinner having died down and some of the pack having already gone home when everyone left was just milling about the Fushiguro home and putting off leaving. Somehow, the topic of Yuuji’s matches had become center stage, leading Yuuji to far more attention than he could ever want. 

Leaning over the couch and propping her elbow on Yuuji’s shoulder, Maki forcibly moved his hand so that she could read the screen better, snarking, “No, this guy really is a dick.”

Yuuji sighed, pulling his hand away and looking back at the chat as the couple continued to bicker. “He can’t be totally awful if he’s mated…”

Pulling the same move as Maki on his other shoulder, Nobara leveled him with a flat look. “Some people have terrible taste. And they have to be using this service for a reason.”

”Can you at least try to help make this situation a little bit palatable for me?”

”Wow, palatable,” Maki drawled with a smirk. “Such a fancy word for you.”

”Hey!”

”Oh, stop teasing the kid.” All attention turned towards the opposite end of the living room, Panda not even looking up from his cards. Picking up another from the pile and adding it to his hand, he continued, “It’s not like he picked these guys.”

Watching as Toge silently laid a card on the table, causing Panda to slump over in defeat, Yuuji once again found his mind wandering to whether or not Panda was a nickname or his actual name—

Plucking up yet another card, Panda added, “And for all we know, these guys just don’t translate well over text—“

”They are still arguing with each other,” Nobara deadpanned as she yanked the hand with the phone towards her once more. “The one is chewing out the other for his God complex and the other is still maintaining he is a ‘gift’ to humanity.” Looking at Yuuji with a flat look, she bluntly remarked, “If these two aren’t hot, you better dump them on sight.”

”Nobara!”

”Seconded,” Maki drawled, leaning in next to Nobara to scroll through the text. “God Complex just called himself the ‘Honored One.’ At least the husband isn’t putting up with his bullshit.”

Yuuji was about to weakly defend the pair again, when Megumi, who had been silently sitting on the edge of the couch nibbling on the remains of his horde of ginger spiked meatballs, chimed in, “Maybe I should go with you to meet them.”

”Oh that is sure to go well,” Maki declared in a clearly sarcastic tone, eyes locked on the chat. Squinting, she muttered, “I think these two are flirting.”

Nobara nodded, tilting her face till her cheek was practically pressed against Maki’s. “Oh yeah, this is def some weird foreplay.”

Yuuji felt his face twist into some horrified expression, yanking the phone back. “Guys, seriously? And you!” Pointing an accusing finger at Megumi, he declared, “I don’t need a babysitter!”

Megumi’s eyes narrowed. “It's not a babysitter. I just want to make sure these two don’t have bad intentions—“

”Dude, I’m twenty one! I can handle myself!”

”That doesn’t negate the fact that you are paired with two mated Alpha Primes—“

”And you think bringing another Alpha Prime to meet them is gonna help anything?” Yuuji countered, leaning over to jab the accusing finger into Megumi’s chest. “Bringing you would be almost as bad as bringing my brothers!”

An irritated rumble rolled out of the friend, but he said nothing to deny it, simply stuffing another meatball into his mouth. Then, after a beat he asked, “Do your brothers even know you’ve been matched?”

Yuuji scowled. “Of course not. The bastards would insist on meeting them first before I even had the chance.”

Megumi’s eyes flashed with something like vindication, which honestly made Yuuji’s gut twist bitterly, a palpable irritation that had been building starting to spill over.

At that point, Nobara tried to reach for the phone again, only for Yuuji to snatch it back. “Guys, seriously. I know you are trying to help, but you are only stressing me out more.”

Huffing irritably, Nobara insisted, “It's our job as packmates to keep you safe and judge the creeps trying to bang you. Now, let me see the phone—“

”No, Nobara!”

Everyone was suddenly sitting straight, eyes wide and staring in shock at Yuuji. Yuuji, who had the slightest growl tinged on the edge of his words. “I’m not some underage pup being taken advantage of! I don’t need everyone to hold my hand and judge every single angle of this situation. I just—“ Gritting his teeth, Yuuji looked at the conversation, seeing that the couple had realized he had been silent for a while and were flooding the chat with apologies for their banter. Softening a bit, he sighed, but he doubled down his resolve. “All I want is some damn support without being smothered and treated like I’m incapable of handling anything involving my Omega for once in my damn life.”

Everyone’s faces were twisting up into some form of guilt, half formed apologies obviously on the tips of their tongues, but Yuuji found himself not exactly ready to hear it.

”I’m heading home.”

And then before anyone could stop him, he was out the door in a flash.

Jujutsu

Six Eyes: Tiger? 

Six Eyes: Sweetheart?

Six Eyes: Honey?

Six Eyes: Kitten?

Six Eyes: Whatever pet name you prefer?

Not a Cult Leader: Tiger, we are so sorry for getting off topic. We…have a bad habit of bantering with each other, even in our pack groups. We have been told it can be overwhelming and hope that it did not leave you feeling left out.

Six Eyes: Seriously, feel free to hop in anytime and push our buttons~

Not a Cult Leader: Satoru.

Six Eyes: ……assuming we didn’t run you off—

Not a Cult Leader: But we humbly apologize if you do feel uncomfortable.

Six Eyes: Pleaseeeeeee come on out!

Six Eyes: We really want to meet you!!

Not a Cult Leader: Do not pressure him, Satoru.

Six Eyes: I’m not pressuring! 

Six Eyes: I’m just giving encouragement!

Not a Cult Leader: Satoru.

Six Eyes: *Suguru.*

Six Eyes: WAIT HE’S TYPING.

Not a Cult Leader:  Don’t scare him off.

Tiger of the West: Hey, sorry about the delay. Honestly, I got a little caught up in some more pack stuff.

Not a Cult Leader: Good things, I hope?

Tiger of the West: …eh. 

Not a Cult Leader: Ah.

Six Eyes: That’s a loaded reply.

Tiger of the West: They aren’t good at boundaries, and I had to remind them of that.

Tiger of the West: But yeah, sorry about that!

Six Eyes: Well, I know of a way to cheer you up!

Six Eyes: How about a coffee date tomorrow, the three of us?

Not a Cult Leader: Satoru. Do not push too fast.

Six Eyes: What?! It’s just coffee!

Not a Cult Leader: Tiger, if you want to spend more time getting to know us before meeting in person, we are completely okay with that. But we would like to meet you whenever you feel ready.

Six Eyes: Yeah, yeah. No pressure, but honestly we are super excited to meet you~

Tiger of the West: …you know what, I’m free tomorrow. Is it okay if I pick the cafe?

Six Eyes: YES! Prepare to be swept off your feet by our natural godly charms, Tiger-kun~

Six Eyes: Just name the cafe, and we will be there!

Not a Cult Leader: Calm down, Satoru.

Six Eyes: Suguru! It’s our first date! With Tiger! I will not be calm.

Not a Cult Leader: You will be calm if you don’t want to be sleeping on the couch.

Tiger of the West: Wasn’t he already banished to couch earlier?

Six Eyes: wait

Not a Cult Leader: Ah, yes, that, thank you for reminding me, dear.

Six Eyes: WAIT

Six Eyes: Suguru, love of my life, my sweet and merciful husband—

Not a Cult Leader: Suffer.

Six Eyes: I have been betrayed by my mate and our date—

Tiger of the West: Maybe if you had a little less of a God Complex, you’d have room for common sense.

Not a Cult Leader: I am laughing so hard in the middle of my meeting, I’m wheezing and the others are so concerned, I—

Six Eyes: *i am being BULLIED*

Shutting the door to his apartment, Yuuji stared at the chat logs with the couple, ignoring the growing amount of messages in the pack chat.

He should tell them about the date.

But still, he found himself muting the pack chat instead. 

He’s an adult. He can handle one date.

Staring at the growing amount of spam texts between the couple that devolved into what Yuuji could now tell was normal banter for the two. Banter that he…did not find himself minding. They were fun, didn’t take themselves too seriously, and they didn’t seem to mind him poking his nose in. Of course, he wouldn’t know for sure until they met in person and he got a proper read on them but…

Eventually he said goodnight to the Alphas, crawling into his nest as his mind spun about the meetup for tomorrow, a bit of hope blooming in his chest. 

He had a good feeling about these two.

Su-gu-ru~: You better not be late to our meeting today, Satoru.

Sa-to-ru~: Ah, you wound me! Making such assumptions so early in the day…

Su-gu-ru~: Considering you’ve been late to the last three meetings, I feel that this is warranted.

Sa-to-ru~: Cross my heart, I won’t get distracted!

Su-gu-ru~: Good. Or else you’ll be stuck on the couch again.

Sa-to-ru~: …please no, my back still hurts—

Su-gu-ru~: Then don’t abandon me to make awkward small talk with the stranger we’re expected to have sex with.

Sa-to-ru~: Geez, I’m not that much of an asshole

Su-gu-ru~: Sorry

Sa-to-ru~: I’ll be there, I promise. Don’t stress, okay? I have a good feeling about this one.

Su-gu-ru~: If you say so…

Sa-to-ru~: Love you! 

Su-gu-ru~: Love you too

Suguru was…nervous.

It was not a feeling he dealt with often. He and Satoru had a special brand of confidence that he could openly acknowledge leant heavily into arrogance at the best and worst of times, not that either of them really cared. But today ventured into a territory that he was still wholly unfamiliar with even after all these months.

He did not like the idea of adding a third into their relationship. Despite reassurances from Satoru, their relationship still felt fragile at times, like he might say or do something at any moment and ruin their delicate little bubble they had rebuilt around themselves after his horrid decision all those years ago. Hell, his decision was part of the reason why they needed a third in the first place.

He broke them both when he ran away.

And now, the consequences were clear, and Suguru must bear the burden of enduring—

“Hey, man, are you okay?”

Head snapping up from where he was lost in thought, he stared up at the young man hovering over him where he sat on the train station bench. He wasn’t really sure how much time had passed. All he knew was that he left his and Satoru’s apartment far too early for their date, intent to clear his mind before inevitably having to be the first to meet with their potential third. Satoru had to head onto campus this morning, and knowing him, he would undoubtedly be late for a likely stupid reason, which left the burden of making excuses for his husband to himself. 

But all that attempt to clear his head had gotten him was a small crisis on a train station bench that was so obvious that a stranger felt the need to check on him. Plastering on as charming of a smile as he could muster, Suguru easily replied, “Ah, I am fine! Thank you for the—“

“You know, you don’t have to lie to me. I’m just a stranger,” the other casually interrupted, tucking his hands into the pockets of his obnoxiously yellow hoodie and offering Suguru a more sincere smile than his own. Suguru had to take a moment to appreciate that the young man was genuinely handsome in a rugged kind of way, with a few small scars on his face despite his youth that just seemed out of place with his warm demeanor.

Suguru’s charming smile melted off, a slightly irritated frown left in its place. “Am I that obvious?”

”Nah,” he replied, then took the opportunity to drop on the bench next to Suguru without asking permission. “I just tend to have a good read on people.”

”Oh, do you?”

”My pack says I’m too friendly,” he added with a shake of the head, and Suguru finally realized that the young man’s hair was pink. It…suited him. “I got told off for ‘adopting’ too many people just last night.”

Suguru chuckled. “Well, you sound the opposite of me,” he remarked, his tone turning a tad bit bitter. “I tend to run people off.”

”Is that why you looked so upset?”

Suguru eyed him skeptically. “Are you in school to be a shrink or something?”

”Nah, I’m not smart enough for that,” the young man dismissed easily, and Suguru found himself suddenly wanting to correct him, to insist otherwise, but he didn’t exactly know anything about him. Who was he to push his opinion on someone else when he did not know their history? Who was he to stick his nose where it did not belong?

Then again, this young man was doing that very thing.

And then, as if he could read his mind, the young man commented, “You know, I may be a stranger, and it's not really any of my business, but you're clearly stressed out. You sure you don’t want to just vent about it?” Smile widening and still just as genuine as before, he added, “I’ve found that talking out issues with strangers actually can help a lot! Some even give good advice.”

”Oh really?” Suguru drawled, a small smile at the corner of his lips. “And are you one of those strangers that gives good advice?”

He snorted. “Nah, I’m told I’m terrible at giving advice,” he admitted with a laugh that Suguru could not help but be charmed by. “But I’m a really good listener, and I will totally be one hundred percent on your side if you are shit talking someone.”

”You don’t say?”

”Yep! Whoever you hate, I already want to throw their pants in a river.”

Suguru could not help the bark of laughter he let out, everyone on the platform staring, but he didn’t mind. “So, is this what your pack meant by adopting people?”

”I—shit,” the young man’s face turned red. “Uh, I guess they weren’t exaggerating.”

Shaking his head, Suguru replied, “Well, I don’t find myself minding, at least for right now.” Then, deciding fuck it, he added, “You know what? I think I will take you up on the offer for a vent session. I…think I might need it.”

The young man grinned victoriously, causing Suguru to settle into his own genuine smile. He was not one to talk to strangers more than necessary, but this young man made it far too easy. Even though he knew nothing about Suguru, he still tried to help him in a way that felt real.

What would be the harm in venting a bit of himself to a stranger?

It’s not like Suguru would ever see him again after today.

Notifications:

23 missed calls.

58 missed text messages.

147 missed notifications in Pack Chat.

Chapter Text

Megumi: yuuji stop ignoring my texts

Megumi: please

“So, let me get this straight—“

”I feel like I’m about to be judged.”

”No judgement, just…” Yuuji ran his hands through his hair, a little stressed out at the story he just heard. “You mated your husband in highschool, both of you got into a fight with this random guy that nearly killed you, should have killed your mate if he wasn’t like, built different—“

Pinching the bridge of his nose, the handsome—okay, honestly gorgeous to the point that Yuuji still doesn’t know how he managed to approach, let alone complete full sentences around him—man sighed, his long hair not pulled back into a bun slipping over his shoulder. ”Built different is one way to describe him…”

”And then you had a series of unfortunate events, including two friends nearly dying, that led to you basically crashing out—”

”Crashing out sounds a bit harsh—“

”And you just kind of snapped, committed undisclosed felonies, adopted abused orphan twins, and ghosted your mate for six years.”

“I—“

”And you started what sounds like an honest to god cult.”

”It’s not a cult!”

Yuuji gave him a flat look. “Uh huh, sure.”

Huffing, the man seated next to him on the train crossed his arms in a dramatic fashion before turning away to…sulk? He looked like he was sulking. “I am certainly being judged.”

“Dude, I’m not—okay, maybe I’m judging a little cause that is one hell of a trauma dump,” Yuuji admitted with a sigh as the train slowed at yet another stop. “But honestly, I don’t think you handled things as horribly as you could have.”

The man’s sulk softened a bit, eyeing Yuuji without fully looking at him. “…really?”

”You had a series of ridiculously traumatic events happen in a short time period and didn’t get an ounce of therapy to help cope with it,” Yuuji bluntly remarked. “You were a teenager—hell, I would probably have had a breakdown too if this happened to me right now.”

”I still hurt my mate.“

”But you’re trying to fix that, right?” Yuuji countered. “And your mate is open to fixing things with you?”

”…yes.”

”Then stop being so hard on yourself. Yeah, you fucked up big time, and yeah, you should probably be rethinking the cult thing—“

”It’s not a cult—!”

”But, you are trying to do better,” Yuuji continued, ignoring the man’s protests. “Give yourself some credit. And also, talk more to your mate about this and other worries. If he’s worth it, he’ll listen and help you through it.”

Once more refusing to look at Yuuji, the man muttered, “And how do you know I haven’t already discussed this with my mate?”

”I think the fact that you are trauma dumping to a stranger on a train is a good start.”

”This was your idea!”

Laughing, Yuuji countered, “Yeah, and that’s exactly why I know you aren’t being fully honest.”

Understanding flashed in the man’s eyes. “You are bottling things up too.”

Shrugging, he quipped, “Guilty as charged.” Leaning back into his seat, he admitted, “My pack is large and very…overprotective, to say the least.”

“Oh?”

“It’s like ninety percent Alpha with several Alpha Primes tossed in the mix.”

“Oh.”

”Yeah…” Then, with a grim smile, he added, “Toss in the fact that I’m the only Omega besides my brother’s partner who is antisocial as hell to the point most of the others have never met them in person and that I have health issues…”

The man visibly winced. “My condolences for your freedom and privacy.”

Yuuji snickered, but it was half hearted. “It can be a bit smothering.” Then, as an admittance that he probably shouldn’t be telling a stranger, “Actually, today is the first time I’m going somewhere without letting any of them know.”

That got the man sitting up a little straighter. “I beg your pardon?”

With a cheeky little grin, he added, “Yep. To meet people I’ve never met face to face even.” He could see the complicated expressions crossing the man’s face, but before he could comment, Yuuji teased, “Now, I know the stranger I’ve been chatting with for the past fifteen minutes is not going to be giving me a lecture on stranger danger.”

The man’s jaw snapped shut, but he didn’t look happy about it.

Deciding to take pity on the man, Yuuji gave him a…polished version of events. “It’s basically a business meeting. We’ve already had background checks run, and my pack knows about them. Just not that I already set up a meeting.” This made him relax slightly, but Yuuji could still read him like a book. Eyeing the scent patches on the man’s neck before looking up to meet the man’s eyes—which seriously, lavender eyes? Unfair. “Your Alpha is protective, isn’t it?”

Now this had the man flushing in embarrassment. “I…apologize for overstepping—“

Yuuji waved him off. “Relax, you didn’t overstep. You were just concerned, and I appreciate it.” Before anything else could be said, the train announced his stop, causing Yuuji to frown. “Ah, this is where I have to get off…”

”This is my stop as well.”

This caused Yuuji to perk up. “Hey, my meeting isn’t for another hour. Want to explore with me for a bit? It’s been a couple weeks since I’ve been to this side of the city.”

A flurry of emotions crossed the man’s face, before he settled into a small, private smile. “Actually, I think I would enjoy that. I’m not familiar with this area, and I have some time to kill myself.” 

Yuuji practically jumped to his feet as the train rolled to a stop. “Oh, that’s awesome! I have to show you all the best little spots to see!”

The man bowed his head, gesturing towards the opening door. ”Well, then, by all means, lead the way.“

And then without thinking, Yuuji grabbed the man’s hand and began to pull him along. “You’re going to love this area.”

The hand slowly tightened around Yuuji’s own. “Yes, I think I might.”

Nobara: OI. 

Nobara: YUUJI.

Nobara: STOP IGNORING US.

Nobara: I WILL BREAK DOWN YOUR DOOR.

Nobara: …I’m sorry.

Suguru was currently fighting a bit of a conundrum.

He had liked their recent match from Jujutsu, at least, liked them far more than any other match from the company. Between the text conversations that had devolved quite easily into banter between the three of them well into the night and heaven forbid he forget how well both his and Satoru’s Alphas reacted to Tiger’s scent, the Omega seemed to be a perfect potential match for them.

But nothing about that situation felt real.

Which yes, that was the whole point of the service—to help find matches without having to just wait around and hope for one to fall out of the sky. It guaranteed an easier path to tick off the necessary boxes for an Omega partner to court, all gift wrapped with a bow.

But then fate just had to shove this young man his way.

Now, there were a lot of potential issues. Scent being a large one considering how picky his andSatoru’s Alphas were and how rare it was for them to agree upon a scent they liked other than their own. Even Shoko, their beloved packmate, had a scent that he could only tolerate and love out of fondness for her, meanwhile Satoru disliked both the twins’ scents. Trying to find scents they were attracted to? Nearly impossible. He had no clue if they were compatible with the young man, given the high grade scent patches he noticed peeking out of the top of his hoodie and even along his wrists which suggested a stronger, potentially less favorable scent. 

Then there was the fact that beyond their mini trauma dump session, he knew next to nothing about the young man. He still hadn’t even gotten his name, and since the Omega had not asked for his either, he did not know if he had the right to ask for it.

And technically, there was the whole issue of Satoru’s opinion, though he felt as if this Omega would have Satoru wrapped around his finger even more easily than himself.

Satoru either grew attached quickly…or discarded those he did not find worth his time. 

But despite the potential issues, he felt like there was a connection, or at least a moment between them. This felt natural. This felt like it could mean something. But whether it was a romantic connection or just a friendly encounter, Suguru was not sure. All he knew for sure was that he did not mind holding the young man’s hand when usually his Alpha would be chomping at the bit for touching anyone but their mate and pack.

Was the young man having similar feelings? Likely not, given that he knew Suguru to be mated and it was rare to introduce another partner into an established and mated pairing. Plus, the young man had already admitted to just being overly friendly to the point his pack had jokes about it.

But maybe…

He shook his head. No, Suguru was just letting his mind run wild today. His nerves were making him see things that were not there in an attempt to avoid the meeting. He needed to remember that this young man was just a stranger, maybe a potential new friend…but nothing more.

Still, he held tight to the hand dragging him along the streets.

”So, apologies in advance that nothing over here is name brand,” the young man’s voice called out, cutting through Suguru’s train of thought. “A lot of this area consists of smaller shops and cafes compared to the rest of Tokyo, but honestly, I kind of like it better for that.”

“Oh?” Suguru remarked, glancing around the decently busy streets. “And what makes you think I care about name brands?”

Pausing, his companion glanced back at him with an amused smile. “Because you’re dressed head to toe in designer?”

He froze, feeling his face grow blank, a familiar wariness creeping in his gut. His eyes glanced down, noticing that yes, everything from his button up shirt paired with synched high waisted pants, his shoes and the watch Satoru got him back in high school, hell even his wallet, all likely cost more than the average Japanese citizen made in a month. And this kid so easily noticed that. “…ah.”

Laughing, the young man remarked, “Dude, chill! I’m not going to rob you or something.”

That’s when he realized in horror what he implied. ”I—I did not mean—“

“Trust me, I get it. I don’t dress the part, but I probably have just as expensive of shit shoved in the back of my closet,” he admitted, still pulling Suguru along. ”I grew up kind of dirt poor in Sendai till my brother’s career took off. He took care of me and Gramps financially after that, or at least as much as Gramps would allow. Gramps was a bit too proud to accept much, even on his deathbed. When Gramps passed right before I started highschool, Nii-San moved me out here and proceeded to make it his life’s mission to get me to accept that we were essentially loaded by that point.” Shrugging, he commented, “It’s an…adjustment I never quite got used to.”

Sighing quietly, Suguru admitted, “It was a transition for myself as well. My family was decently middle class, but my mate…” Smiling ruefully, he admitted, “Loaded is an understatement. The first couple years, I would nearly have a stroke when I found out what some of the gifts he gave me cost.”

He hummed in thought. ”I guess it would be harder to turn down gifts from a partner than from a brother.”

”Oh you have no idea.” Smiling fondly, Suguru remarked, “If I don’t wear what he buys me, he looks like a neglected puppy. But sometimes I wish I could just hide all of his credit cards.”

”Why can’t you?”

”He has the numbers memorized.”

”Ah, that would do it.” Then, before anything else could be said, he watched the young man perk up, and from the tilt in his face, Suguru could just barely see his amber eyes practically light up in excitement. “Oh! Nakamura-san’s sweet shop is open today! We have to go!” He declared, already dragging Suguru towards the shop that looked more like an unmarked building than a proper sweets shop.

”I take it the sweets are good?”

His—acquaintance? Friend? Temporary kidnapper?—was practically skipping. ”Dude, you haven’t lived till you’ve tried something from here!”

Smirking, he replied, “Then I will have to get plenty for my mate. He has a massive sweet tooth.”

The young man looked over his shoulder to grin at him. “Well, let me be your guide to picking out the best sweets in all of Tokyo!”

And oh, the little flutter in his chest that grin caused was dangerous.

…maybe he should seriously consider at least introducing the young man to Satoru.

Just in case this feeling was more than a passing fancy. Just in case the meeting did not go well.

Just in case.

His hand tightened around the young man’s own.

It never hurt to have a backup plan.

Maki: Hey.

Maki: You alive?

Inumaki: 🍙

Inumaki: 💃🕺

Inumaki: 🥺

Yuuta-senpai!!!: Hey, is everything okay??? Why is the entire pack spamming me asking if I’ve heard from you??? Did I miss something???

Yuuta-senpai!!!: …I’m here for you if you need someone to talk to, okay?

The old bell on the entrance door chimed through the air. “Nakamura-San!”

Behind the counter, the elderly man in question looked up, squinting his eyes accusingly. “Itadori! What have I said about shouting in my shop?”

Laughing, Yuuji continued inside, pulling his new—friend? Acquaintance? Hostage?—up to the counter right alongside him. “I know, I know, sorry! I just got excited! You’ve been closed the past few times I’ve been to this side of the city.”

“Ha, blame those stupid doctors,” the man grumbled, busying himself with restocking behind the counter, a harried assistant trying their best to, well, assist, with the old man ignoring their help. “Keep putting me on bed rest.”

”You should listen to them, Nakamura-San,” Yuuji remarked calmly as he scanned the counters, mouth already watering greedily at the expansive sight of various treats on display.

”I can’t keep this place open if I don’t have the money to pay the bills—“

”And I’ve already told you, Nii-San wants to invest—“

The man smacked the counter. “I don’t need a handout!”

”It’s not a handout, Nakamura-San,” ignoring the man’s ire with ease, slipping into the familiar argument. “It’s literally him being greedy. You’re the only one’s food he likes besides Ume.”

”I won’t be his personal pastry chef either!”

”That’s not what I’m implying—“

”And who is this?” Nakamura snapped, effectively ending the conversation and staring down the man at his side with a critical eye.

Yuuji perked up. “Oh! This is my new friend—“ then his mind stuttered to a halt. Head whipping to the side, he blurted out, “Oh shit, I completely forgot to ask your name.”

Chuckling in amusement and sounding far too attractive in the process, the man smoothly replied, “That’s quite alright. My name is Getou Suguru.” Leaning in far closer than Yuuji was mentally prepared for, Getou then practically purred in amusement, “A pleasure to meet you, Itadori-kun.”

Yuuji made some kind of choking noise in response.

Letting out a disgruntled huff, Nakamura muttered, “This damn kid…” Shaking his head, he barked out, “I assume you want the usual?”

Whipping back around to Nakamura, cheeks feeling warm, Yuuji rapidly nodded his head. “If you don’t mind—and then some things for the pack, those ginger cookies especially, and then some of the regular for Nii-San and Ume too!”

”What about the other brother?”

”Aniki is out of the country right now,” Yuuji replied glumly. “So he is going to be missing out on your dark chocolate macarons for a bit.”

”Noted.” Glancing up at Getou, he asked, “And for you?”

Getou plastered on a wide smile. “Well, Itadori-kun promised to help me pick something for myself and my mate…”

Nakamura’s eyes narrowed. “Your mate, huh?”

Getou’s smile eased, but remained. “Yes, my mate…” Slipping in close to Yuuji, Getou remarked, “I’m hoping Itadori-kun will let me introduce the two later…I’m sure they will get along wonderfully.”

Nakamura’s eyes narrowed further. “Oh really?…”

Yuuji looked between the two, wondering what in the hell kind of standoff was going on. Before he could comment, however, the door bell’s chime echoed through the air, causing him to turn to look, only to freeze. “Ozawa?”

The girl in question perked up, smiling brightly. “Itadori?”

He found himself dropping Getou’s hand and bolting across the store in an instant. “No way, it’s been ages!” He held his arms out for a hug, and thankfully, the girl accepted, albeit shyly. Not that shy was an unusual thing for her. Ozawa had always been a bit hesitant ever since they met in middle school, but she was a genuine person whose presence Yuuji always appreciated. “What are you doing back in Tokyo?”

”Ah, I’m here visiting some family for the long weekend, nothing huge really,” she quietly remarked as she pulled back from the hug, her hands dropping to linger on Yuuji’s wrists. “I was just stopping into this shop to get them some gifts…I remembered you mentioning it in some texts a while back.”

Yuuji could not help but grin. “Well, I’m definitely glad to have gotten a chance to see you—“

”So this is a friend of yours, Itadori-kun?”

Both Yuuji and Ozawa looked up to see Getou hovering at his side, smiling a wide, close eyed smile with his hands carefully tucked behind his back. Realizing he basically just abandoned Getou, Yuuji jumped. “Ah! Sorry, just—this is my school friend, Ozawa, and Ozawa…“ Turning back to face the Beta girl, who was peering over Yuuji’s shoulder at the man, he gestured while saying, “This is a new friend I made today, Getou!”

”O-oh,” Ozawa replied quietly, clutching her hands close and worrying at the bottom of her sweater. “It’s…it's nice to meet you.”

Ducking his head in a brief nod, still smiling as he stood close to Yuuji, Getou replied smoothly, “And it's wonderful to meet an old friend of Itadori-kun’s…”

The interaction felt a bit…odd. 

But Ozawa had always been a shy person, and Getou was a…strong presence. It was probably overwhelming for her. Deciding to try and salvage the situation as best he could, he brightly declared, “Ozawa! I was going to help Getou pick out some sweets for himself and his mate. I could help you pick too?”

Something seemed to unravel in Ozawa’s shoulders, a tenseness that practically melted from her form. “Him and his…mate?” She blinked, looking between the two. “Well, if I’m not intruding…”

”Of course you aren’t!” Yuuji cheered, reaching out to her shoulder and helping guide her to the counter. “The more the merrier!”

He could see her glance nervously up over him towards Getou, who was still hovering close behind. Yuuji turned to look, only to see Getou smiling serenely, his own hand moving to rest on Yuuji’s wrist. “I really do need your opinion,” Getou remarked in a mock sad tone. “My mate—who I think you would get along very well with—has such an abhorrent sweet tooth, but I…don’t have the palate for sweets.”

Yuuji perked up. “Well, I can definitely work with that! And Nakamura has plenty of savory desserts too if that’s what you prefer.” Getou beamed at the suggestion, which Yuuji took to be a good starting point. Then, turning to look back at Ozawa, Yuuji asked, “Do you still like matcha flavors?”

He could feel Getou’s fingers curl tighter around his wrist as Ozawa quietly asked, “Oh…you remember that?” Then, cheeks turning pink, she simply nodded, dropping her gaze to the display case. “Yes, I do…and the rest of my family likes mild chocolate flavors.”

”Perfect!” Finally settling his attention on Nakamura-San, Yuuji cheered, “Alright, let’s get two more orders going! My treat!”

Ozawa jumped. “Itadori, I couldn’t possibly—“

At the same time, Getou gently scolded, “Itadori, I can pay for—“

Laughing brightly and shaking his head, Yuuji cut them both off. “Hey, these are my suggestions, so I’m paying!” 

Nakamura shook his head as the three continued to argue, though more so Yuuji and Getou, with Ozawa just being severely overwhelmed. “Damn stupid kids…” he muttered as he set about building boxes to put the treats Yuuji ordered earlier.

Looking between Ozawa, who had her gaze once more locked on the display case, and Getou, who was once more serenely smiling as he held his wrist, Yuuji felt like he had missed something.

Sensei: Hey kid.

Sensei: You take as much time as you need to be mad at us.

Sensei: Just send me a text letting me know you’re alive or something when you have a sec, cause if I don’t hear from you by tonight, I can’t stop Megumi and Nobara from breaking into your apartment to hunt you down.

Sensei: …call me if you want to talk or whatever.

Suguru was well and truly fucked.

Watching as Yuuji adjusted his purchases and waved goodbye to that girl, he mentally kicked himself. Why was he behaving like this? He knew his Alpha had issues with being possessive over his pack. Shoko had smacked him in the back of the head plenty for posturing over not getting enough attention, and the twins had whined numerous times for running off boys trying to date them. 

But this was more. 

This was an ugly feeling curling in his gut, his Alpha whispering dark thoughts in his ear. Cruel, nasty thoughts that if voiced aloud would have torn that timid Beta girl’s confidence to shreds. And that was just with words. He could still feeling the indents of his own nails in his palms from when the two had hugged, the urge to rip the girl away from Itadori—

He took a deep breath.

”You okay, Getou?”

Startling from his thoughts, Getou plastered on a smile as he turned his attention back to his companion. “Ah, yes! Just lost in thought.”

Head tilting and brows furrowing, clearly dissecting Suguru for a sign of a lie, Itadori cautiously pressed. “You sure?”

Something in his chest flipped. Usually he doesn’t like being coddled, and his past certainly was littered with instances of suppressing his darker thoughts to the point of self sabotage, but the genuine concern from the other was…nice. He did not receive a lot of it, given who he and Satoru were. Most considered them untouchable, as if they did not need the concern of others.

He understood the sentiment to an extent.

But the concern was still appreciated.

Letting his face ease into a smaller smile, Suguru smoothly replied, “Just my mind wandering. Nothing for you to be concerned about, Itadori-kun.”

Itadori, Itadori, his name was Itadori, he only needed—

Itadori smiled. “Well, if you are sure, Getou-San!”

He clucked his tongue as the pair began to walk, comfortably leaning into the Omega’s space and practically preening over how he did not pull away. “Getou-San is far too formal for someone who I poured my heart’s woes onto just an hour ago.”

Blinking up at him, Itadori asked, “Then…Getou…kun?”

Halting his steps, Suguru threw an arm around Itadori’s shoulders, holding him in place while he leaned his face close. “What about Su-gu-ru?~” he purred quietly in the Omega’s ear.

And now Itadori’s face broke out into a faint dusting of pink. “Oh, uh, sure! Suguru is fine!” Before Suguru could even reply, Itadori brightened and innocently offered, “Then you should call me Yuuji!”

Yuuji, Yuuji, Yuuji, Itadori Yuuji…

Suguru could not help the rumble of approval slipping out of him. “Yuu-ji…”

Yuuji’s face somehow grew pinker. 

Giving the Omega some grace now that he had gotten what he wanted, Suguru lifted his head, though he kept his arm firmly around Yuuji’s shoulders, keeping him close. Adjusting the bag of sweets in his free arm, he pulled out his phone to shoot a quick text to Satoru before looking up the meeting address, all while casually asking, “Do you happen to know about this bakery nearby?…“

Suguru was beginning to accept that things needed to be…adjusted. The Jujutsu Rut Assistant can wait. Certainly they won’t mind: they were only meeting him and Satoru out of obligation. They can be the backup option now that he has something more important to do first.

The Omega’s eyes brightened as Suguru showed him the address. ”Oh! Yeah, I love that bakery!”

He needed to introduce Yuuji to Satoru.

Su-gu-ru~: Oh, Sa-to-ru~

Su-gu-ru~: I believe some adjustments will need to be made in regards to our potential Omega match.

Su-gu-ru~: I have someone I would like for you to meet…

Chapter Text

Jujutsu

Not a Cult Leader: Tiger, I know this is last minute, but is there anyway we could reschedule?

Not a Cult Leader: Something has come up…

So, Satoru had the distinct feeling that he might be in trouble. 

While yes, he was notoriously late to meetings to the point that it was practically a character trait of his, he genuinely had been trying to get to this meeting on time. Partially because he was immensely interested in meeting this Tiger person. He could not remember the last time he clicked with a scent so easily, feeling interest peak with his base scent but then the intensity of Tiger’s underscent…

Satoru could not contain himself as he practically dragged Suguru home after ordering their handler to set up a connection as soon as possible. And given how easily Suguru allowed himself to be dragged, giving as good as he got once they were in the confines of their den, well…it was safe to say that the feeling was mutual. 

Hell, even texting this Omega was easy. The conversation flowed well, and Tiger didn’t seem too put off by Satoru and Suguru’s…everything. He was self aware enough to know that they were overwhelming to most and not the sort of people that just anyone could handle in anything other than small doses. But Tiger remained unbothered, even joining in on their banter and teasing in a way that felt right.

But through it all was the one underlying tone of concern.

Suguru. 

Not to make Suguru out to be the problem. In all honesty, Suguru probably was having the most normal reactions out of the two of them ever since they joined Jujutsu’s program. Who in their right mind would be comfortable with the idea of bringing in a new person within an already mated pair? A mated pair of Prime Alphas?

Suguru’s discomfort was warranted, whereas Satoru, well…he bluntly was just indifferent to the whole situation. All he could think about was that he wanted to be able to fuck his mate through their ruts without trying to kill each other if one moved wrong. If having an Omega there alleviated the tension brought about by their long term separation, then so be it. 

As callous as he sounded, the Omega was just a tool. 

Suguru had smacked him in the head for saying it, but it's true and the Omega should know that. It’s not like they could match with any of the actual clients who wanted a relationship: both were too “unstable” for the company to risk that according to the doctors at the facility. Which no shit. They were mated Special Grades: unstable was part of the package.

But yeah, the Rut Assistant Omegas would have been briefed with exactly what they were getting into before ever getting in contact with the pair. It's why Satoru and Suguru were paying such a large fee for their services in the first place. They should know that the only thing the two need from them was the equivalent of a living pheromone sedative with the occasional side of sex should their Alphas be interested. 

And interest was the main problem for Suguru. 

Suguru’s Alpha was wired differently from Satoru’s. Satoru did not care if someone was interested in Suguru. Honestly, he didn’t even really care if Suguru ever even fucked someone else. At the end of the day, it would be Satoru he was thinking about, Satoru he would be coming home to, Satoru being his one and only—

But for Suguru? The usually calm and serene Suguru? The one that everyone would say was least impulsive of the pair? Suguru would rather have blood on his hands than even consider the thought of Satoru looking at someone other than himself. Five years of distance did nothing to settle the possessiveness of the Alpha: if anything, it just made him worse. Satoru did not mind personally, but well…Satoru’s Alpha always rose to a challenge, and Ruts were when his control was practically nonexistent.

One too many of their Ruts had resulted in hospital level injuries to both, and Shoko put her foot down.

But seriously: how the fuck were they supposed to find an Omega that clicked with them considering the circumstances? So far, any options that made it to the stage of meeting in person either annoyed the shit out of him, or Suguru nearly took their heads off for looking at Satoru for just a second too long. 

It was cute to Satoru, but apparently a contract violation according to Jujutsu.

So now the issue was finding someone that they both actually tolerated. Hence why Satoru wanted to be on time for this meetup, to not leave Suguru alone for too long. Unfortunately, fate seemed to want to fuck him over today, resulting in other teachers delaying him leaving campus and several traffic jams which Satoru couldn’t even blame on Ijichi. 

Suguru had been spam texting him at some point, and Satoru couldn’t even bring himself to read the likely angry texts.

The car had barely pulled onto the correct street when Satoru was already jumping out and speed walking in the direction of the bakery, ignoring Ijichi calling out to him. His main thoughts were just on Suguru, on finding his mate, on making sure he was okay and that no one was injured—

Or worse: Satoru being sent to the couch…again.

But once he finally reached the little bakery, he found himself skidding to a halt, eyes locked on the windows. He nearly had to do a double take. Towards the far back corner of the little cafe half of the bakery, Satoru could easily see Suguru sitting with someone else. And while he couldn’t hear the conversation, it was obvious.

Suguru was invested.

Chin propped in his hand, leaning intently forward, Suguru had an easy smile resting on his face as whoever sat across from him, their face hidden from Satoru at this angle, animatedly chattered on about something. Pulling his dark tinted glasses off his face, he watched the pair in fascination. Satoru knew Suguru better than he knew himself, and it was not hard to see that this smile was a genuine one, a soft one too, one that Satoru had rarely seen directed at anyone or anything other than himself.

He should feel jealous. 

Instead, all he felt was intrigued.

Shoving his glasses back into place, he was in the bakery in an instant, ignoring the boy behind the counter calling out a hesitant hello as he beelined towards the table. Suguru was so invested that he didn’t even notice Satoru approaching and hovering near the pair. And all Satoru could hear at first was the other’s voice.

”—tried to warn them, but they would not listen!“ The other threw his hands up in an exasperated fashion. “And just—I couldn’t fight them! I already had too many strikes, and the teacher was right down the hall doing nothing!”

”So, what did you end up doing?” Suguru asked with an amused lilt to his voice, nursing a coffee.

”Well, I—“ They sounded flustered. “I pantsed them and jumped out the window.”

Suguru choked on his coffee. “You what?”

”Look, I panicked!” the guy continued in an almost pleading tone. “It seemed like the easiest way to deescalate without it turning into a fight!” Suguru was trying to smother his laughter while the guy continued to try and defend himself. “And it worked! The bully apparently bolted after he processed what happened!”

Shoulders still shaking, Suguru wiped the corner of his eye while saying, ”Hopefully after pulling up his pants.”

”…uh…remember what I said earlier about if you didn’t like someone, I didn’t like them, and well…”

“…tell me you did not—“

”I’ve been told he never got them out of the river.”

Suguru was ugly wheezing now, dropping his head to the table, and even Satoru found himself snickering at the mental image. But his snickering was apparently just loud enough to snap the two out of their bubble. As attention fell on him, Satoru braced himself, ready for Suguru’s frown of disappointment or worse, his fake, tight smile he did when pissed—which he had every right to do given how Satoru was over half an hour late—but instead he was met with Suguru practically beaming at him.

”Satoru!” He cheerfully called out, beckoning him over with a hand. “I have to introduce you two…”

Perking up at the tone and assuming that maybe the meeting was going so well that Suguru either didn’t notice or didn’t care about him being late, Satoru dutifully trotted over as Suguru turned his smile back towards the other. Now in range, Satoru could better see the Omega and honestly was not disappointed. Though hard to tell while sitting, the young man appeared more like an Alpha in build, simply shorter, with his skin tan with a few minor scars that only added to his appeal with features baring a more ruggedly handsome nature rather than the traditionally soft look of an Omega. 

And despite carefully applied scent patches that he could see peeking out under his jacket’s hood and sleeves, Satoru’s heightened senses could pick out Tiger’s scent clear as day.

He tried not to get too hopeful with Suguru’s reaction. Still, the excitement cautiously churned in his gut at the possibility that they finally found their match. Suguru’s main hang up was meeting someone that he had a “connection” with, someone that his Alpha could to some degree feel attached to.

Given how Suguru looked at the Omega, it was clear that at least the initial meeting had been successful.

Arm snaking around his hip, Suguru pulled Satoru close while telling the Omega, “Yuuji, this is Gojo Satoru…my mate.” Looking up to Satoru, Suguru practically purred, “And this lovely Omega is Itadori Yuuji.” Once more looking at the Omega, Suguru all but ordered, “Call him Satoru.”

Oh, so Suguru must really like this one.

Yuuji’s cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink at Suguru’s introduction, but he still managed to just laugh, scratching his cheek bashfully though never shying under the attention. “Ah, it’s good to finally meet you, Satoru!” Satoru could feel a little curl of something in his gut, hearing the Omega use his name… “Suguru keeps telling me all about you!” And hearing Suguru’s felt just as right.

Satoru couldn’t help but grin as he finally settled down into the booth next to Suguru. “Good things, I hope?”

Yuuji’s grin held its own brand of mischief, one that was more boyish and innocent. “Nothing that sounded too bad.”

Shooting Suguru a mock pout, Satoru whined, “You’ve been poisoning him against me already, haven’t you?”

Huffing, Suguru shook his head. “It’s not my fault that you have a self made reputation.”

”Don’t say it like that! You make me sound like a deviant!”

”That’s because you are.”

Satoru tried to slap a hand over Suguru’s mouth, turning into a mock tussle as the other fought back. Despite falling over into the booth seat while attempting to affectionately smother his mate, Satoru turned to an amused looking Yuuji and pleaded, “Yuuji-kun, don’t listen to a word he says! It’s all lies!”

Laughing once more, a sound Satoru was quickly growing attached to, Yuuji countered, “Well, does that mean I should take the snacks back? Since that means you don’t like sweets?”

Satoru perked up. “Sweets?” Head snapping towards the inside of the booth, he could see the bags stacked next to Suguru, all filled with unmarked desert boxes. Satoru found himself trying to launch across Suguru to snatch them, only to have the man block him, one hand grabbing his reaching wrist and the other arm putting him in a headlock.

”Satoru! Behave! We are about to have lunch!”

”But Yuuji-kun said the sweets were for me!”

”Yes, for later!”

”But—“

”Behave, Satoru!”

And all through their bickering and antics, Yuuji continued to laugh, completely unbothered and unintimidated by the pair. If anything, he seemed to almost relax further, the slight nervousness that had worked its way into his frame upon Satoru’s arrival practically melting away. 

Finally giving in, Satoru let out an over exaggerated whine, slumping against Suguru. His mate simply rolled his eyes, reaching up to placatingly card through his hair.“Honestly, Satoru…how on earth did you manage to convince someone to let you teach when you are this childish?”

Satoru stuck his tongue out at Suguru. “Because I’m the best!”

”You teach?” Yuuji asked curiously. 

Satoru perked up. “I’m a professor! You are looking at one of the leading experts in Advanced Physics, both theoretical and practical applications of course.” 

Which was, in fact, true. But if Yuuji fell for the implication that he actually taught Physics and not something else, well…

That was on him for making assumptions. 

“Wow,” Yuuji remarked, eyes sparkling. “You must be really smart.”

Grinning sharply and deciding to test the waters, Satoru leaned forward, propping his chin in his hand and letting his glasses slip down his nose as he purred in a suggestive tone, “You could say that…and I’m always looking for new students to work with if you're ever interested in some…hands on learning.” 

Suguru’s fingers settled on his thigh. “Satoru…” he remarked quietly in a warning tone…though nothing that sounded angry or possessive at least. He wasn’t growling so Satoru would call this a win. 

But before he could think further on that, Yuuji just laughed and waved Satoru off. “Ah, I appreciate it, but I doubt I’m smart enough to learn any of that.”

Apparently, Satoru was losing his touch.

While Satoru pouted at the lack of acknowledgment of his charm, Suguru tutted at Yuuji. “Nonsense, anyone can learn most anything. You just need the right teacher.”

”Clearly you need to see my high school transcripts,” Yuuji quipped back. “Besides, I have to focus on my training or else Nii-San would have a fit.”

This caused Satoru to perk up. ”Training?”

At this, Yuuji brightened. “Yeah! I’ve been aiming for League fights for a while now,” Yuuji admitted. “Just have to get some things straightened out before I can join a qualifying fight. Sensei thinks I have a good chance, and even Nii-San thinks I’ll rank well, which is saying a lot considering how much of an overcritical ass he can be.”

Satoru was practically vibrating in his seat. “We have to spar—“

Suguru snatched his ear. “Satoru!”

”Suguru!“ he whined back, trying to pull away only for the grip on his ear to tighten.

”You know you aren’t allowed to spar with just anyone,” Suguru continued, uncaring of Satoru’s protests. “You’re too rough.”

Yuuji decided to chime in. “That’s fine!” he insisted, holding up an arm to flex. While most of the arm was covered in his baggie hoodie sleeve, what Satoru could see from the sleeve falling down the forearm was lean, dense muscle which had his hands twitching to reach out and touch. “I can handle rough. I’m really durable!”

Both mates stared at Yuuji, who in turn just naively smiled at them. He…genuinely did not realize the connotations. Satoru gave Suguru a look. Suguru seemed to have the same level of disbelief…and the same dilated pupils.

Yeah, Suguru was just as into this Omega’s obliviousness as he was.

Suguru finally released Satoru’s ear, clearing his throat. “Well…I would still discourage it without supervision—“

”So you could supervise, right?” Yuuji asked eagerly. “You know how to fight too!”

Suguru blinked. “And how do you know that?”

Yuuji was leaning across the table, grabbing Suguru’s hand and pulling it closer. Satoru watched in mild shock as Suguru just let him, the Omega beginning to chatter as he poked at Suguru’s fingers and palms, unaware of how monumentous such a small action was. “These types of calluses don’t build up overnight! While you definitely have signs of hand to hand combat, these are from extensive weapons’ training. My packmate has similar ones, but not quite as built up. She’s around my age though and stubborn as hell, so she’ll catch up soon. Sensei’s are close too but he doesn’t spar with weapons as much as he used to so they’ve aged.” Looking up from the palm to grin at Suguru in admiration, he praised, “You must be really dedicated to have earned these!”

To Satoru’s surprise, Suguru’s face grew flush, clearly flustered with the genuine praise, but even as he turned his head, his face settled into something warm and pleased. “You are far too kind, Yuuji.”

The young man shrugged. “I don’t say anything that’s untrue or not earned.” Dropping his gaze back to the palm, he continued to admire the marks. “Gramps always taught me that praise needed to be earned, but withholding it when deserved was just as bad as giving it out unnecessarily. You have to be balanced about it.”

“…he sounds like a good man.”

Yuuji smiled fondly. “He was the best.”

Satoru could tell the mood was starting to shift, so he pushed the conversation gently. “How did you know about Suguru’s calluses?”

“Oh, I could feel them earlier when I was leading him through the city,“ Yuuji replied easily, letting go of Suguru’s hand which his mate momentarily looked put out about.

Satoru found himself frowning. “So you two met up early without me?” With a dramatic pout, Satoru threw himself against his mate. “Suguru, how could you deprive me of more time with our sweet Tiger?”

Yuuji’s brow furrowed. “Tiger?”

Suguru looked like a cross between pissed and panicked. “Satoru,” he hissed quietly. “Please tell me you read my texts…”

He began to feel like he might have fucked up somewhere along the lines. “…so, I assumed that they were angry texts from you about being late for our meeting with Tiger…”

Now Suguru looked just straight up pissed but was trying his best to hide it. Yuuji blinked, looking to Suguru and commenting, “Oh yeah, you mentioned that you and your mate had a meeting today. Actually, I have one too in about…” Pulling out his phone, Yuuji presumably looked at the time, only to suddenly grow pale. “Shit.”

The pissed look was gone, Suguru staring at Yuuji in concern. “What’s wrong?“

Yuuji was up, head snapping around the bakery with worry etched on his face. “I had a meeting scheduled here that was supposed to start almost forty minutes ago!”

”Uh, yeah…” Satoru drawled cautiously. “A meeting with us?…”

This had both eyes on him. Through gritted teeth, Suguru bit out, “Satoru, if you had read my texts, you would know that I met Yuuji on the train today.” Gesturing to Yuuji who was scrolling through his phone with a slight panicked look, he added, “I texted about wanting to reschedule our meeting so that you could meet Yuuji instead.”

Things were starting to click for Satoru, only for Yuuji to glumly chime in, “Oh, uh, it looks like my meeting cancelled anyway—wanted to reschedule.”

Satoru snapped his head towards Suguru. “You cancelled our meeting with Tiger?”

Yuuji’s attention snapped to Satoru while Suguru bit out, “Yes…so that you could meet Yuuji, like I’ve been saying—“

”Yuuji is Tiger.”

Suguru slowly blinked at him, his face going blank.

Satoru turned to Yuuji. Pointing at himself, he said, “Six Eyes.” Then pointing at Suguru, he added, “Not a Cult Leader.”

Yuuji looked between them both. His eyes settled on Suguru. “Your username is Not a Cult Leader.”

Suguru finally seemed to be processing what happened. “…Satoru picked it.“

”Your username is Not a Cult Leader when you are, in fact, sort of a cult leader—“

”It’s not a cult!” 

Yuuji was trying his best not to grin at this point, turning his attention onto Satoru. “How were you so sure I was Tiger?”

Grinning, Satoru tapped his nose. “Those may be high quality scent patches, but my senses are far superior than the usual Alpha.”

“I know Primes who can’t smell past these.”

“And I’m far superior to even Primes.”

Yuuji was shaking his head with a smile at this point, Suguru looking beyond mortified over the mix up. And Satoru?

He turned to his mate. “You can never call me an idiot again.”

”How was I supposed to know!” Suguru shouted back, face red with embarrassment. “I don’t have the police dog nose!”

”I—Hey!”

“And you didn’t read your texts!”

“I thought you were scolding me!”

”All the more reason to read them!”

”I—“ Looking to Yuuji whose shoulders were visibly shaking at this point from suppressed laughter, Satoru begged, “Yuuji-kun! Defend me!”

Grinning sharply, Yuuji replied, “Weren’t you the one comparing yourself with a God in texts before? How can a simple mortal like me help someone so superior?”

Satoru could not help but grin, ready to banter back, only for Suguru to sharply flick him in the head. “Don’t feed into his delusions, Yuuji,” Suguru chided with a sigh. “His ego is already far too big.”

”Well, you seem to do a good job of wrangling it.”

”Years of practice.”

Yuuji hummed softly, picking up his long ignored drink. “You’ll have to teach me your secrets then, Sensei.”

Suguru’s eyes locked onto Yuuji, flashing darkly. “Perhaps I shall.”

Yuuji’s smile was excited and far too innocent to match Suguru’s own. 

Satoru could see why Suguru wanted him to meet Yuuji so badly. 

Shaking his head, Yuuji chirped, “Let me go pick us out food! Any dislikes?”

”We eat anything,” Suguru remarked easily, eyes trailing along Yuuji as the Omega stood from the booth, quickly schooling his expression as Yuuji looked back at him. “But like in the shop, I prefer savory tastes while Satoru likes anything with enough sugar to put him in a diabetic coma.”

“Mean,” Satoru complained, flopping against Suguru. “You’re so mean to me.”

“If it weren’t for me, you would be dead from a sugar overdose by now.” 

“And what a way to go—Ow, stop flicking me!”

Yuuji was laughing again and shaking his head. “Try not to kill each other while I’m gone.”

Satoru purred, “Would Yuuji-kun miss us?”

Head tilting as he began to back off towards the ordering stand, Yuuji remarked, “You know, I think I might.”

Then Yuuji turned his back, purposefully walking towards the employee that was blatantly watching the trio for the past ten minutes, and all Satoru could think was—

“I want to snatch him and make him never want to turn his back on us again.”

Suguru clucked his tongue at him. “Be mindful of those instincts, Satoru…we’re in public.”

Satoru quietly countered, “So, I can hunt him in private?”

Lavender eyes pinned him. “…if he agrees to it.”

The rumbling that erupted from Satoru’s chest was enough to shake the table.

Suguru shook his head at him, leaning over the table and propping his head in his hands. “I knew you would like him…”

”Of course I like him. You like him.”

”You know what I meant,” Suguru snipped back, shaking his head. “You like him for more than my approval alone…and now that I know that we match with his scent…”

Satoru grinned. “I still can’t believe you didn’t know.”

He was smacked on the shoulder. “Ugh, please don’t bring that up, I’m so embarrassed…” Slumping over, hair curtaining over his face, Suguru muttered darkly, “What must Yuuji be thinking about me for canceling our meetup?”

”He seemed more amused than anything,” Satoru countered, reaching over to run his fingers through his mate’s hair. “Our new pet seems to be a little oblivious to the wolves circling him…”

Suguru’s head snapped up, eyes narrowed. “Don’t call him a pet.”

Satoru tilted his head. “But what if he’s into it?”

Suguru swatted him. “What if he isn’t? He could easily take it the wrong way, considering he’s being brought into an established relationship—“

”You make it sound like you want something a little more permanent.”

Suguru went quiet for a moment, head turning away towards where Yuuji was finishing their order. “…I think it's an option to explore.”

Snatching Suguru by the neck, Satoru quickly pulled him in for a short, rough kiss. “I also think we should keep him.”

Huffing, Suguru muttered, “Stop talking about him like that. He’s not a pet, he’s a potential partner, a potential third.” Eyes drifting back to Yuuji who was happily chattering to the boy behind the counter, he darkly muttered, “Besides, we aren’t even sure if he’s interested—“

”Who wouldn’t be interested?”

”Anyone who has ever had to listen to you for longer than sixty seconds.”

”You’ve listened to me for a lot longer than that—“

”And I question my sanity every single day.”

”I—hey!”

Any other protest Satoru might have had was cut off by Suguru suddenly shoving him out of the booth. “Wait, damn it, Yuuji is going to to try and pay again—“

This had Satoru’s attention, watching as Yuuji was fishing his card out of his wallet. In an instant, Satoru was across the bakery, looming behind Yuuji and startling the poor boy with the weird curtain bangs at the counter. Wrapping one arm around Yuuji’s waist and pulling him back away from the card reader, Satoru dropped his chin to Yuuji’s hair, reveling in how well Yuuji slotted into his hold as he tutted, “Now, Yuuji-kun…what’s this about you trying to pay for our food?”

Yuuji huffed, unbothered by the hold on him as if this were something he experienced on the regular. That thought made something ugly curl in Satoru’s gut as Yuuji still pulled out the card. “I can easily pay—“

Suguru had reached them at this point, his heavy black card in hand and smiling widely. “Not this time, Yuuji,” he gently scolded as he tapped the card on the card reader. Satoru could feel Yuuji slump in defeat, and Satoru let out a pleased rumble at their third relenting. 

The employee behind the counter was completely red faced, not sure which of them to look at. “I, uh, your food should be ready in a f-few minutes!”

”Thank you for your assistance,” Suguru politely replied as Satoru grinned at the employee, keeping his arm wrapped around Yuuji’s waist as he picked the Omega up off the ground to carry back to their table. Yuuji let out a yelp of surprise, legs kicking the air uselessly as Satoru easily toted him back, Suguru following and shaking his head…

As if he would not be doing the same if he could smell the interest the Omega boy had for Yuuji.

Best to not bring it up. Suguru had been behaving so well, and it would be awful to ruin their first date with Yuuji before they properly endeared him to themselves. Satoru was used to Suguru’s possessive tendencies, Yuuji was not. 

And that wasn’t even beginning to touch on Satoru’s…habits.

”You are so lucky I’m used to Alphas being stupid,” Yuuji muttered, a sigh tinging his tone.

”Oh?” Satoru replied calmly despite the idea of Yuuji being around other Alphas enough to be used to this kind of manhandling making the urge to carry him off to their den rear its ugly head. 

Suguru must have been able to read his tone and face as they reached their table. “Apparently, our Yuuji-kun has a rather large, Alpha dense pack.” Reaching out to run a few fingers through Yuuji’s hair before settling in his seat, Suguru gestured for Satoru to sit with the omega on Yuuji’s original side. “And he’s apparently the only Omega.”

Yuuji let out a long suffering sigh as Satoru sat him on his feet and herded him onto the seat. “The only one besides Ume, who would rather stab someone than be affectionate…but yeah, it’s a lot. They are all like family, but I swear sometimes they can be way too much.”

Grinning his impish smile as Satoru sat down, Suguru added in a mock whisper, “Yuuji-kun is also being very naughty right now…not telling his pack about meeting with strange Alphas.”

Yuuji made a flustered sound. “It’s not like that—I met you guys through Jujutsu!”

”But you didn’t know that when you took me on a tour of the city,” Suguru countered with a teasing tone. 

“And I’m certainly not helpless,” Yuuji fired back. “I can hold my own easily.”

This had Satoru reaching over, poking at Yuuji’s side. Yuuji didn’t seem to mind the prodding, and Satoru found himself pleased over the idea that Yuuji was just as tactile as they were. “I bet you can. I could feel those abs carrying you—you’re all dense muscle.” Looking up at Yuuji, he insisted, “You should share your secrets.”

Yuuji shook his head. “No secrets. Nii-San and I build muscle easily, Aniki as well to a degree.” Chuckling as if it were an inside joke, he quipped, “It pisses some of my pack mates off so much that I can bulk without even trying.” Now, Yuuji took his own turn poking at Satoru’s side. “Besides, I don’t think you need my help.”

Satoru was beginning to wonder how pissed Suguru would be if he pinned their third right here on the table. He always scolded Satoru for letting his instincts act up in public, but surely he would understand—

He felt Suguru sharply kick him in the leg, startling him from his thoughts. He met his mate’s eyes and he could already tell what he was saying without needing to speak.

Behave.

Satoru took a calming breath as Suguru took control of the conversation, focusing on the fact that he had his mate and their third here, in his grasp. They were close and weren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

He could be patient.

His arm slipping around Yuuji’s shoulders, leaning on the Omega who accepted the closeness without pausing in his words, simply flashing a warm smile up at Satoru.

He could behave.

…for now.

“A fried sandwich!”

”Mhmm.”

”Fried! With powdered sugar on top!”

”Yes, Satoru, I saw it too.”

”It was absolutely fantastic,” Satoru raved, leaning over to pull the straggling third member closer. “Yuuji! You know me so well!”

Laughing while shaking his head, Yuuji quipped, “Dude, I just picked a sandwich with sugar on it—“

”It still was perfect! A Monte Cristo is a new favorite of mine,” he crowed dramatically. Then, using the arm not holding Yuuji in place, he tried to subtly reach for the bags Suguru was carrying and added, “And now it’s time for dessert—!”

His hand was smacked away, and Yuuji watched as Suguru moved to stand on his other side, using him like a barrier. “No, Satoru…you can try them later.”

Satoru frowned. “But they’re gifts for me.”

”And some are for me as well,” Suguru countered. “Plus, I don’t want to risk you grabbing some of the sweets Yuuji purchased for his pack—“

”You know,” Yuuji interjected. “I could always carry my own bag, that way he wouldn’t get them mixed up—“

”Yuuji, I can assure you, that will change nothing for this opportunistic thief.” Suguru eyed Satoru critically over Yuuji’s head. “He will still try to take one if given the chance, and you aren’t familiar with his tricks yet.”

”Hey! I am not a thief!“

”Tell that to the cupcake you stole from Shoko the other day.”

”That was—“

”Or the entire bag of mochi you devoured that was supposed to be a housewarming gift for Riko.”

”W-well—“

”And don’t get me started on those chocolates that were gifted to me from the twins last month.”

Satoru hunched over, clutching to Yuuji’s arm. “Yuuji! Suguru-kun is bullying me.”

Completely unrepentant, Yuuji just replied, “Well, it kind of sounds like you deserve it.”

”Betrayal!” Satoru shouted, garnering a few looks from passersby. “Betrayal from my mate and our date!”

Suguru snaked an arm around Yuuji’s shoulders and pulled him out of Satoru’s hold. “Stop making a scene,” he ordered blandly before leading Yuuji away while shaking his head. “Honestly, that man has no shame.” 

Looking back over his shoulder at Satoru who seemed to only just be processing that the two were leaving him behind, Yuuji remarked, ”Actually, I think it’s kind of nice.”

”Oh?”

”Just enjoying yourself with people you care about,” Yuuji continued, his head drifting to all the times he would goof off with Nobara and Megumi in public, not caring about what anyone but his pack thought. “It's nice to not worry about anything, even if it's only for a little while.”

“…I suppose that is nice.” Satoru was finally moving to catch up with them, dodging through the crowds with ease despite his tall stature. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to ease up on him anytime soon.”

Yuuji laughed. “That’s fine. I get the feeling he would want nothing less than a challenge.”

Once reaching them, Satoru’s arm immediately was thrown over Suguru’s, effectively caging Yuuji between the pair. They didn’t really have a set destination of where they wanted to go after they finished eating, mostly just that Satoru was complaining that he didn’t get to explore with Yuuji like Suguru did, and well…

Yuuji didn’t really want to split up from them yet.

So they continued to wander. Mostly it was him and Satoru chattering, each throwing out different stories of weird things that had happened to them. Suguru was more content to listen, occasionally chiming in to correct Satoru or to comment on something that Yuuji had mentioned. It was…nice. Really nice.

Eventually, it was even starting to get dark out, the trio having stopped and the mates were bickering at the mouth of an alley, with Yuuji watching in confusion. 

“We should head back to our apartment and order takeout!”

”Satoru. I’ve already told you, we can’t bring him home—“

Satoru had Yuuji wrapped in his arms, angling his confused face up towards Suguru. “Look at him! Look at him and tell me you don’t want him to come back with us!”

Suguru, surprisingly, refused to look at Yuuji as he spoke, looking increasingly flustered. “It’s not about what I want—You know how your Alpha is. I refuse to put Yuuji through that when he only just met us in person.”

”But—“

”Satoru—“

”Oi!”

The new voice caused them all to freeze, all turning to look further into the alley. There, clear as day, Yuuji could see several young men, mostly Alphas based on builds, approaching the trio. The one in the front held out a knife, the blade long and curved, and each of the others had their own type of weapon.

It was obvious what the intent was.

The one in the front with the knife barked out, “Hand over your wallet and valuables, and we might just let you three go in one piece.”

It was also obvious that this group was full of morons.

Suguru was frowning at this point, having turned fully towards the group while Satoru shifted Yuuji out of his arms and pushed behind him. “Well, isn’t this cute?” Satoru cooed, striding forward to Suguru’s side. 

“Cute?” Suguru drawled back in a bored tone. “More like tedious.”

Satoru’s head lulled a bit towards Suguru, and Yuuji could just barely make out the grin on his face. “But Suguru…now we have a chance to show off!”

”Keh,” the leader barked out in an amused tone. “You want to show off for that?” Gesturing towards Yuuji with the knife, he remarked, “Must be a good little bitch for you two to share it.”

Yuuji grimaced, having heard insults far worse, but still never quite got over. Most people could care less about him being an Omega, and only a few cared about him being a male Omega.

But some still liked to run their mouths.

He could see the posture change in Satoru and Suguru, the tension in their shoulders, the shift in their feet. He could hear the low, near subsonic growl from Satoru as Suguru quietly asked, “Exactly what did you say about him?”

The ring leader didn’t seem to know when to keep his mouth shut. “Maybe we should all take a turn with him, you know, after we gut you two like pigs—“

A crack echoed through the air, everyone staring in stunned silence. The knife clattered to the ground, the hand once holding it now twisted at an angle that suggested the Alpha would not be holding another knife for a long while…

But even still, Yuuji twisted the hand farther.

As the Alpha cried out, dropping to his knees in pain, Yuuji let out a sigh. “You know, I thought I made it clear the last time I did a sweep of this area. Usually the guys I deal with make sure to spread the word well enough.”

The others in the group stumbled back, staring at Yuuji in disbelief, as if they were finally realizing how screwed they were.

Yuuji felt the little shift in his head, the steady thrumming of his heartbeat as he fell into a familiar headspace.

”I don’t tolerate thugs like you.”

And then the headspace settled.

When Yuuji had mentioned being trained to fight, Suguru had simply accepted it as a casual admission. 

Given the popularity of the League, it wasn’t uncommon, and many Omegas in recent years had been trying to break onto the scene at varying levels. He expected Yuuji to be skilled after recognizing Suguru’s own calluses, but given how he had never heard the Omega’s name before, he assumed him to be testing waters in the lower levels of the Leagues. Usually anyone with promise and talent was whispered about like a ghost story, everyone counting the days till they have their first qualifying fight. 

Yet here Yuuji was, an unknown, fighting as if he were born to do so.

It wasn’t some graceful ballet of strikes like Suguru or an overconfident display of power like Satoru. While Suguru could recognize the mixture of moves, various forms and practices all thrown together into a frankly impressive display of mixed martial arts, Yuuji still moved like…well…

”Tiger is an apt nickname for him.”

Yuuji moved like it was instinct.

Suguru could only absently hum in agreement, watching as Yuuji punched one thug in the jaw, effortlessly twisting around and snatching another’s attempt to hit him with a metal pipe. “His fighting style, it's…” Yuuji squeezed the man’s wrist, causing him to let go of the pipe, before sharply yanking him forward while bringing his knee up to crash into the man’s gut. All of this happened before the other one who was punched even hit the ground. “Raw.”

Chuckling darkly, Satoru remarked, “Raw is one word for it…”

”Don’t be crude.”

”Come on, Suguru…” Gesturing towards the fight as Yuuji snatched a thug by the collar of his shirt before full body flipping him onto another of the downed men, he asked, “Can you honestly say this isn’t a turn on?”

Suguru grimaced. “That’s…another issue entirely.”

”Issue? More like a perk.” Some of the thugs had finally gained their senses and were scrambling to their feet, taking off back down the alley where they came from. “He’s perfect for us.”

Yuuji was dusting off his hands at this point, looking rather bored over the confrontation as a whole. “Let’s make sure he wants the same thing first before you go and get your hopes up.”

Satoru looked ready to counter him again, only for Yuuji to come jogging back to them. “Hey, you guys are okay, right?” he asked, looking them both over as if any of the criminals had even gotten near them.

”We’re fine, Yuuji,” Suguru insisted, stepping forward to carefully pick up the Omega’s hands and inspect them. “We should be asking you if you’re alright.”

Yuuji shrugged. “I’m fine, these guys weren’t even worth breaking a sweat.” Then, looking sheepish, he added, “And I’m really sorry about that…this area used to be bad about hold ups and robberies, but it’s been better in recent years.”

”Is that because of your warnings?” Satoru asked in a cheeky tone.

Yuuji froze, suddenly looking panicked. “…eh?”

Satoru waved off Yuuji’s concern. “Relax, we aren’t cops. You just made it sound like you regularly beat up criminals in alleys when you were talking earlier.”

”Ah…that.” Sighing as Suguru shifted his attention to the other hand, gently prodding at the faint bruising starting to form on the knuckles, Yuuji weakly explained, “It’s not like I go looking for fights, I just…like to help people.”

Satoru practically cooed in a teasing way as he settled in next to them. Suguru was appeased that Yuuji’s hands were fine, and he couldn’t see any other visible injuries. But out of impulse, Suguru lifted Yuuji’s hands to his face, eyes locking with Yuuji’s, before carefully kissing each hand.

Yuuji let out a flustered sound. Satoru began rumbling like a truck.

Suguru couldn’t find it within himself to regret the action, hands gently squeezing Yuuji’s own before finally bringing them back down. Yuuji stared at him, jaw going a little slack and cheeks faintly pink, and it took everything in Suguru not to smugly preen.

Then Satoru just had to whistle, startling them both. “Wow, Suguru. How come you never act so romantic with me?”

He could feel his brow twitch. “Maybe because Yuuji isn’t an ass like you.”

Satoru simply grinned wider. “Aww, so mean.” Draping himself onto Yuuji, Satoru aimed to where his face perfectly settled next to the crook of Yuuji’s neck, his cheek resting on his shoulder. “Yuuji, you should give me a kiss to make it better—“

Suguru was immediately reaching forward and snatching Satoru by the hair, pulling his head away from Yuuji’s neck. “This is what I meant about you being an ass.”

“I was being charming!” Satoru protested, still holding tight to Yuuji as he twisted his head to pull free from Suguru’s grip. Refusing to give up entirely, Satoru asked, “Well, can I at least ask for a scenting from our knight in shining armor?”

Suguru scowled, but before he could reply, Yuuji remarked, “I’m going to have to decline…I haven’t tested either of your scents yet, and considering…everything, an alley might be a poor first choice.”

The wording had Suguru pausing, turning to stare at Yuuji in confusion while Satoru barreled on. “What, you mean they didn’t even give you those stupid scent samples they insisted on?” Huffing irritably, Satoru moved to take off his patch, only for Yuuji to snatch his hands and stop him.

”What are you doing?” Yuuji snapped. 

“I’m letting you test my scent straight from the source—“

”Satoru,” Suguru began warningly, sensing something was…off.

Looking clearly pissed, Yuuji pressed, “Did you not read my file at all?”

Satoru rolled his eyes, ignoring Suguru’s attempts to catch his eye. “Yuuji-kun, those things could barely be called a file. You know that all the Omega’s info is locked up tight—“

”But mine isn’t.”

Suguru snapped attention to Yuuji. “What do you mean?”

Panic was growing on Yuuji’s face. “My medical file. I have attached medical files and other documents about…about my heats. I gave them to Utahime-sensei when I signed on as a client, I insisted that any matches read them—“

”Wait, wait, wait,” Satoru interrupted. “Did you say client? You're not an employee?”

”What?” Yuuji asked in disbelief, dropping Satoru’s hands, edging back. “No, I’m not…I signed up last week because of Heat issues, just…you…” The Omega’s face fell. “Neither of you know anything about my history, do you?”

Suguru saw Yuuji step farther back from them and felt his heart leap into his throat. Grabbing Satoru’s arm in a tight squeeze and just willing him to shut his mouth for a few minutes, Suguru gently coaxed, “Whatever was in the file, I’m sure we can just call Jujutsu and have them send it over…” He held out his hand, trying to coax Yuuji to take it. “It's not going to change the fact that we both felt a connection with you tonight.”

Yuuji’s face twisted into something so…defeated.

”Yuuji—“

”I’ll call Jujutsu and insist they give you full access.” Suguru watched as Yuuji took another step back, and he could feel Satoru tense in his grip. “You can…you can both look it over.” Then, Yuuji gave them this small, sad smile. “I won’t begrudge you, whatever your decision is.”

Suguru took a step forward. “Yuu—“

”But I can’t continue to speak with you until you’ve read it and made your choice. I’m sorry.”

And then Yuuji took off.

Satoru ripped himself out of Suguru’s grasp, taking off after Yuuji out of the alley. Suguru took a moment to process what had happened before taking off after them as well, his heart beating in his chest, his Alpha stirring anxiously within his mind. And Satoru…

Satoru was barely keeping up the facade as they searched.

But the busy streets had seemed to swallow Yuuji whole, with neither knowing which way the Omega had taken off. In desperation, Suguru turned to the app, trying to send Yuuji a message to come back and talk this out with them…only to find that their accounts had been blocked.

It finally clicked within their minds. Itadori Yuuji was running.

And he could see it in Satoru’s eyes, could feel the shift within his own mind as this thought circled around and around and around.

It was time for a hunt.

Chapter Text

When Utahime arrived back from her vacation, she had every intention of not resuming normal work until the following day. Her plan was to swing by the office for a couple hours, assure that nothing major happened in her absence, then be on her way home to unpack from her vacation with her girlfriend.

Unfortunately, things could not be easy for her.

She had only been in the office for less than twenty minutes when her personal cell began to ring. Noticing the caller was simply that asshole, she left it be, turning back to her email and scrolling through to sort out clients, employees, and junk.

But then Gojo called again.

And again.

After the third call with no voicemail, she was thoroughly annoyed, ready to tell him off considering this was still technically her vacation day and she did not like interacting with him even on a good day.

But then he sent a text.

Asshole #1: Utahime, pick up the damn phone.

Asshole #1: It’s urgent.

…that sounded bad.

Which for Gojo could mean a number of things. 

Snatching up her phone, she redialed him only for him to pick up before the first ring even finished. “Your company fucked up royally.”

Ah, so this was about work. Sighing heavily and knowing she was about to have a headache on her hands, she asked, “What exactly do you mean, Gojo? If you have concerns, you should take it up with your handler—“

”Our handler is apparently the one who fucked up!” Gojo all but shouted angrily into the phone, and Utahime straightened in her chair as he continued with a growl tinging his voice. “And now our third won’t speak to us because of it!”

Because Gojo was livid.

And she was finally realizing that this was far more serious than she expected. 

But she kept her head on straight, honing in on the important details. “I’m sorry, did you say third?” she asked incredulously. Last she had heard was that the pair were driving poor Kamo up a wall, being uninterested or straight up rude about any of the matches presented to them, and the few they found tolerable being run off by the first interaction or snubbed by the mated pair. Were they not such high priority clients, they would have long since been dropped for being so difficult.

And as of last week, they were still unmatched.

A low growl rumbled on the other side of the line, and it sounded like he was pacing. “We were presented with a new match this week. The scent clicked, we clicked with them, and we just met in person. We—“ Gojo let out a frustrated growl. “Even Suguru was smitten, the match was sound, I want him, we both want him.”

Oh dear, his Alpha was definitely flaring. Gojo, for all of his flaws, was usually far more rational than this, keeping a tight leash on his Alpha for safety reasons, only indulging in instincts such as caring for his pack and mate.

At least when he wasn’t in Rut, that is.

For him to be this attached…to be this upset...This was…bad. Really bad. “Okay, then what happened?”

The growling grew louder. “Apparently, he had records on his file. Records that your people were supposed to pass along to any matches, records that we did not receive. And because of that, he fucking left. He won’t talk to us, he has us blocked on the app, we can’t find him.”

Fuck, he was in deep. She’s hoping to whatever higher power was out there that when Gojo said he could not find him that he was not implying that his Alpha was hunting this Omega. “Okay, let me just take a look, alright? There aren’t many available assistants with notes on their file like that, especially that would leave so dramatically—“

Just then, the door to her office burst open, revealing an out of breath Miwa. “Utahime-San!”

Putting a hand over the phone, she pleaded to her assistant, “Miwa, this is a bad time—“

”Your high priority client is on the line!”

She felt a sinking in her stomach.

”The Omega Prime one. He’s really upset,” she continued, shifting nervously in place. “Something about being paired with Alphas who weren’t given full access to his file? Which I know most files are locked from that, but this was—“

She held her hand to Miwa, turning back to the phone. “Gojo, this is very important. Who exactly were you paired with?”

A low rumble echoed through the line. “His account name was Tiger of the West. He said his name was Itadori—“

”Yuuji,” Utahime breathed out in despair. “Someone paired you with Itadori Yuuji.”

”…why do you say that as if this was a death sentence?”

She turned her attention back to Miwa. “What did Itadori-kun ask for us to do?”

Miwa shifted uncomfortably. “He—He wants us to release everything to them. He said to let them make an informed decision.” Then, more quietly, she added, “He…he sounded so sad about it.”

Which yeah, that was fair. If the three truly clicked so well, it was going to be heartbreaking for them all once the cards were out on the table. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she ordered, “Tell Itadori that I will be calling him back as soon as I can, once I finish gathering his file. That…that I’m on the phone with his matches, and I’m figuring out what happened while I was gone. And tell him…I am so sorry.” 

Miwa simply nodded, hovering in the door for a beat, before bolting back to her desk to relay the message.

Turning her attention back to the eerily silent Alpha on the line, Utahime finally answered his question. “Gojo…I am so sorry, but this match should never have been made.”

He snarled on the other end of the line. “But—“

”Gojo, Itadori Yuuji is a Prime Omega. Not only that, but he is flagged as dangerous. One who cannot be ordered, one that cannot submit, one with violent heats.”

Silence hung over the line.

She closed her eyes. “I am so sorry…I know how badly you two have been trying to find a match—“

”We still want him.”

She froze. “…do you know what you are asking?“

”He wants us to read his file, right?” Gojo asked, ignoring her completely. “He said so, said he won’t continue communications until we see everything.”

”Gojo—“

”Suguru met him on accident before our scheduled meet up,” Gojo continued, his tone almost pleading. She had never heard him sound like this before. “They…they clicked. They talked for hours. He was actually planning on skipping our date with our match just to introduce him to me, only to realize he was the match. He’s attached, Utahime. And…I think I am as well. He’s our best shot at a third.” He paused, the words hanging heavy in the air, before ordering, “Send us the file, Utahime.”

She took a steadying breath. “…if you want to see Itadori-kun’s full file, you will have to come into the office to go over with me. It’s…a lot.”

”We will be there in ten.”

With that, Gojo hung up the phone.

She took a moment, her mind swirling with thoughts, trying to figure out next steps. Rising to stand, she moved to unlock her filing cabinet and fish out Yuuji’s file. 

First, she would have Miwa call ahead and warn the Alpha Branch of the situation and to expect her coming on site to take point. They’ll need to clear out anyone nonessential given how hair trigger the two can be. 

Then, she would focus on intercepting Gojo and Getou at that location and hopefully prevent them from lashing out at anyone remaining. 

Somewhere in between, she was going to figure out who in the hell put them all in this situation.

And lastly, she was going to have to apologize to Yuuji for already failing him.

Having gathered her files, she slammed the drawer shut and swiftly made her way to leave. 

It was going to be a long, long day.

Yuuji found himself wandering on autopilot after calling Jujutsu. His mind felt like it was spinning, stuttering on a train of thought, and overall he just felt like utter shit. Truly, he felt as if all he wanted was to curl up in his nest and melt until Utahime called him back with the inevitable let down.

But then he found himself walking into the Fushiguro home, not even noticing that he had made his way here instead of his apartment until he was met with several concerned faces. Hopping up off the couch, Megumi approached him cautiously, holding a hand out as if he might bolt. “Yuuji?…”

He tried to smile. He tried to speak. But all he could manage was a low, pitiful whine that had been building in the back of his throat.

He immediately found himself being dragged into Megumi’s hold, Nobara and the others bolting over, all hovering around as he allowed his knees to buckle under him. Megumi, despite his complaints about how heavy Yuuji was in the past, took this all in stride, managing to scoop him up and head over towards the couch. Nobara fluttered around them, asking questions that Yuuji couldn’t hear from the ringing in his ears, the others in the room sticking close, unsure of what to do.

As Megumi sat, murmuring reassurances to Yuuji, he felt a weight being draped over him, belatedly realizing that Toji had appeared and dumped a pile of blankets on the pair. Nobara immediately set into motion, practically cocooning him in Megumi’s hold as she dropped to sit next to them, scooting in close and fussing while muttering under her breath about stupid little things. 

His head drooped, flopping on Megumi’s shoulder with a smaller, less urgent whine. Megumi’s hold on him tightened, and through the fog that had settled over his mind, Yuuji realized that he just might be in a bit of a drop. He was not completely gone, thankfully, but enough that any movement felt like too much effort, his Omega curled up in the corner of his mind, refusing to react to anything.

As Megumi tore off his scent patch on his neck, Nobara moving to do the same, he quietly asked the others, “Should we call his brothers?”

Despite the fog, Yuuji found himself muttering, “No…” while leaning into Megumi, burying his nose in the crook of his neck.

He could practically feel the disapproval from his friend. “Yuuji. This is serious—“

”Just…just give me a minute.” Distantly, he realized at some point his body had started shaking. “Choso’s out of town still, and ‘Kuna won’t give me any space if he finds out…”

”Well, if you want us to keep quiet,” Toji chimed in, standing over the pair with his arms crossed. “Then you’ll have to explain what happened.”

Yuuji grimaced. “I…” He sighed. “I went to meet them.”

He could feel Megumi tensing up under him at the admittance, likely knowing exactly who he was talking about and probably a thousand scenarios running through his mind. Before Yuuji could elaborate, Maki spoke up, clapping her hands together. “Okay, who knows a good place to bury a body? Hypothetically.”

”That’s if there is a body left,” came the quiet, venomous reply across the room, and Yuuji finally noticed that Yuuta was actually here. He had been avoiding pack meet ups as of late, but they must have dragged him in after last night’s disaster.

Toji cracked his neck. “Kid, I need names.”

Letting out a tired sigh, Yuuji bluntly replied, “They didn’t do anything.”

”Bullshit,” Nobara spat out. 

Wiggling his hand out of the cocoon, he pointed at her. “No, not bullshit! The date went fine. Better than fine. We all…clicked. I—I really liked them.”

”If you liked them, then why were you in a borderline drop?” Megumi asked quietly, face scrunched up.

”Because the company fucked up and didn’t show them my history.” Dropping his cheek back to Megumi’s shoulder, he quietly added, “They…they didn’t know anything.”

Everyone’s faces shifted, to various levels of concern and pity. Yuuji refused to look at any of them. “I told them we couldn’t continue anything until they read my full file. Utahime is going over it with them now. I’m just waiting for—for the rejection.”

Silence reigned heavy in the room, no one really knowing what to say. Eventually, Yuuta quietly asked, “If you clicked…how are you so sure they will reject you?”

Yuuji shrugged. “They shouldn’t have a reason to put themselves at risk for a guy they just met.”

Megumi let out a frustrated sound, as if he wanted to argue with Yuuji but didn’t know what to say. Instead, he chose to shift, dropping his cheek to tilt onto Yuuji’s head. Likely an uncomfortable position, but Yuuji felt a little too selfish for comfort at the moment to point it out. He could feel Nobara tucking in close, and who she assumed to be Maki leaning over the couch to pet his hair, surprisingly enough. 

Toji sighed. “I’m gonna go cook something. You kids just get comfortable.”

Yuuji mumbled a quiet, “Kay,” Burrowing deeper into Megumi’s hold as Maki hopped over the couch on his other side, gesturing for Yuuta to come over. Nobara snatched up the remote, flipping through the channels for something for them all to watch.

And then the waiting began.

….only for Yuuji to blurt out, “Wait, oh no.”

Megumi tensed, everyone’s attention snapping back towards him. “What?”

Yuuji groaned in complaint. “I forgot the sweets!”

Nobara started shaking him. “Oh my fucking God, Yuuji! You gave us a damn heart attack over candy—“

“Not candy! I got the Pack sweets from Nakamura’s shop!”

“…and you fucking forgot them?!”

Megumi closed his eyes and sighed while Yuuji and Nobara continued to argue, Yuuta trying to scoot a safer distance away only for Maki to snatch him by the collar. 

It was going to be a long night. 

Usually, Gojo prided himself on his level of control. For an Alpha of his caliber, it was paramount to keep a tight leash on his instincts, to not let himself slip for even a second.

But even he had weak moments.

Shattering glass echoed through the air, and vaguely he could hear the receptionist yelling in shock. He couldn’t find enough sympathy in him to care. He simply stalked  slowly through the now shattered doors, shoes crunching on broken glass as he surveyed the near empty lobby that usually had at least a few others milling about. Utahime likely called ahead to warn them.

”Now, now, Satoru…you need to behave.”

A rumbling growl built in the back of his throat, barely glancing over his shoulder. “Yeah, fuck that.”

A sigh, then more glass crunching as Suguru trailed in after him. “What’s the phrase? You catch more flies with honey than vinegar?”

Rolling his eyes, he snarked back, “Yeah, well maybe we’ll catch more with a dead body or two.”

An audible whimper came from the receptionist hiding behind the desk. Pathetic.

Suguru tsked at him. “You are going to get the cops called on us.”

Satoru spun around, arms held out wide. ”And what will they do? Stop us?”

Suguru watched him, an easy smile on his face, but Satoru knew better than to believe it. Suguru looked cold. Calculating.

”No, but they will interrupt our hunt.”

Furious.

Fuck, it was hot.

Too bad Satoru was equally as pissed off, unable to enjoy his mate’s quiet fury properly. Maybe once they find their third, catch him, bring him back to their den and properly show him that he shouldn’t run from them, that they are the Alphas he needs—

“I better not have heard that right, Getou.”

Tilting his head back, Suguru calmly called out, “Why, I have no idea what you could be referring to, Utahime.”

A huff, and Satoru watched the Second Grade Omega carefully picking her way through the glass, cursing them under her breath the entire way. Satoru exchanged a glance with Suguru, both silently discussing how to approach this. Satoru wanted to continue to terrorize the staff. Suguru wanted him to behave. He wanted to tell Suguru to fuck off, and Suguru—

“Oi, asshole one and two, stop doing that weird silent eye talking thing and pay attention!”

Both snapped their heads towards her as she shouted. Satoru could not help but snort while Suguru simply smiled wider, tilting his head in a dismissive fashion. ”Now is that anyway to be speaking to a paying client—“

“A paying client that just threatened to hunt my personal client,” Utahime countered, not caving to their intimidation for a moment. Inwardly, Satoru begrudged his past self for poking her to irritation so much that she was virtually immune to their ire. 

Rolling his eyes, Satoru instead griped, “If he didn’t want to be hunted, he shouldn’t have fled—“

“Finish that sentence, and there is not a chance in hell of me letting you near Itadori’s file.”

Satoru’s jaw snapped shut with an audible click, eyes narrowing dangerously at the smaller woman who did not seem to care in the slightest. Suguru had ventured over to his side at this point, resting a hand on Satoru’s arm in an attempt to calm him, though he never took his eyes off of Utahime, eyeing her as if she were a threat. 

At the moment, she was. 

In an attempt to be placating, Suguru replied in his faux charming voice, “Now, no need for threats…we were not implying a true hunt—“

“Uh huh, sure,” Utahime drawled. “Because you possessive bastards know the meaning of restraint.”

“We are just concerned about our third’s well being—“

“But he isn’t your third,” she countered coldly, uncaring for Suguru’s flinch or Satoru baring his teeth. “You just met him, and this level of attachment is unhealthy. I have every right to deny this match considering it should have never been offered in the first place. You of all people should know the risks of pairing Primes with Primes, especially Primes like you.“

Now Satoru felt himself stilling, Suguru’s eyes narrowing.

Taking a deep breath, Utahime continued. “Don’t look at me like that. You also know exactly what your files are flagged with. I will call Shoko if you keep this up.”

Shifting in place, glass crunching beneath his shoes, Satoru scoffed. But before he could say any biting remarks, someone came sprinting into the lobby. “I was just notified about a situation with my clients—what in the world?“

Oh yeah, this guy. 

A sharp grin spread across Satoru’s face. “Oh good, I nearly forgot about you!” He could hear Utahime shouting at him, but he didn’t care as he darted into their handler’s space, looming over him as he startled. What was his name again? “Oi, were you the one to blame?”

“Gojo-San, what are you talking about—“

”Shut it,” he snapped, hand shooting forward to snatch the younger man by the throat. He could hear Utahime’s distressed shout followed by Suguru sighing behind him, but he still focused on the task at hand. “Our match, our third: were you the one who fucked up his file? We were supposed to get more information, and because we didn’t, he left.”

Futilely trying to pry the hand off his throat, their handler stammered out, “I-I only sent what was standard—what was available! Anything else is private—“

”Err! Wrong!” The hand tightened ever so slightly. “Our dear Yuuji was so distraught about his file, something about us needing access to more information about him.” Tighter. “Something important.” And tighter. “And do you know how distraught he was about it?” And tighter. “So distraught that he did the stupid, silly little thing of running away—“

A hand clamped down on his wrist. “Let him go, Satoru.”

His eyes darted to Suguru’s own as he stood tucked in close at his side. “He cost us our third—“

”No, he possibly caused a setback with our third…and we have not even ascertained whether or not it was his fault,” Suguru countered. “But you will cost us a reunion with our third if you don’t stop squeezing.”

The air hung heavy.

Satoru’s hand let go.

The young man was dropped, falling to his knees and gasping for breath. Utahime was at his side in an instant, hovering and checking his throat, murmuring empty platitudes and telling him, “Easy, Kamo. Breathe, that’s it…”

Ah, so his name was Kamo.

Utahime’s head snapped up. “What the hell, Gojo?” She spat, a little bit of a hiss slipping in towards the end.

“What?” Gojo drawled, tucking his hands in his pockets in almost a bored fashion. “I wasn’t gonna kill him.”

“You think you’re above others because of your grade—“

“Correction, I know I’m above others,” he fired back in a mocking tone, staring down at the two. “I know it’s hard, but please keep up, Utahime. Honestly, it’s like you don’t know me at all!”

Her face twisted in rage. “What I know is that you are going to end up with a Mandate if you keep this up.”

Suguru flinched at his side, and he subtly leaned towards him in comfort as he waved her off dismissively. “And? It’s not like it will be the end of the world—“

“You won’t be allowed in this program if you have a Mandate.”

“Big deal!” Gojo snapped back with a laugh. “We have our third: we don’t need your stupid little program to find a match anymore. If we have to find him the hard way, we will.” Finally dropping into a crouch next to the pair, uncaring of Kamo’s fear and Utahime’s rage, he remarked, “You know that we have been rather behaved for Primes of our grade in recent years, but even if we weren’t, it’s not like the government could do much else to stop us…and you know the Council is basically a joke we allow to continue. If we wanted them gone, they would be gone.”

As was the way of the world. While Primes were becoming increasingly uncommon, Special Grade Primes were even more of a rarity. And given that they tended to end up in positions of power, laws have twisted in a way to simply give them all of the power. If Satoru and Suguru wanted Itadori Yuuji, then the government would not get involved so long as they did not cause too much of a public scene. There would likely be some pushback given that Yuuji was also a Prime, but that just made him more perfect for them in Satoru’s eyes, no matter what others say about the hazards of Primes pairing with Primes. 

If the Council tried to intervene, then they were more than willing to get their hands dirty.

Rising to stand once more, tucking his hands in his pockets and looming over them, Satoru continued. “Regardless, we would rather approach this in a way that makes our third comfortable…so, I would appreciate your cooperation.”

Utahime’s face twisted up into an ugly sneer as she shifted Kamo behind her. “Arrogant bastard.” Then, because she never knew when to back down, she rose to stand, glaring up at him. “Yuuji deserves better.”

She’s lucky he didn’t particularly care about her opinion. “Just show us the damn file, Utahime.”

“So…are you going to tell us about them?”

”Nobara.”

She threw her hands up in the air as Megumi glared at her. “What? You can’t tell me you aren’t curious!”

The three were still piled on the couch, the tv playing quietly in the background. Toji still was attempting to cook something in the kitchen, which if it was meat based would probably be good. Anything else would be an assasination attempt. She still wondered how he managed to raise two children to adulthood. 

Maki and Yuuta were talking softly off to the side, in a way that could be casual were it not for the sharper glint to their eyes. Murder was probably on the brain. Which Nobara wished she could be joining them, but she was currently stuck on Bestie Comfort Duties for the forseeable future.

Megumi scowled, quietly hissing, “Maybe, but I doubt he wants to talk about you know who right now—“

”For fucks sake, Megumi, they aren’t Voldemort!“

”Nobara—“

A quiet chuckle broke through their bickering, and Nobara looked down to her lap, watching Yuuji snicker. He had his head cushioned on her thighs, having shifted over during the movie that no one was really paying attention to, her fingers absently running through his hair. He smiled up at them, eyes crinkling in the corners in that stupid way he does when he’s being sappy, though she knew.

She knew he was still a little dimmer than her usual Yuuji.

”It’s fine, Megumi,” he insisted, shifting to sit up. She begrudgingly removed her hand from his hair, allowing him to stretch a bit. “Yeah, I’m bummed, but it’s not like I’m losing my one true love or something.”

Nobara had to muffle a snort at the disgruntled look on Megumi’s face. “I would hope not,” he muttered, looking equally put out about Yuuji moving out of his hold. At the very least, Yuuji settled between them, and Nobara quickly took advantage and draped herself in the crook of his arm, Megumi pressing his own shoulder against Yuuji’s in his usual Tsundere fashion.

It was days like this that made her selfish and wish that Megumi wasn’t asexual. Or aromantic. Or just…himself. Things would have been easier on Yuuji had his crush from high school been reciprocated. Instead, those feelings were kept to himself as Megumi revealed his suspicions about his sexuality not long into their friendship, dying a quiet, dignified death in the late night whispers and confessions meant for her ears only.

It was a selfish wish, because she put it on Megumi’s shoulders when it could have also been on her own, Yuuji having a briefer, more fleeting fancy lingering in her direction. It was not her vanity that made her think so. Rather, she found herself watching Yuuji during those months as his feelings for Megumi took their dying breath. Watching revealed this interest, Yuuji’s actions betraying him. His eyes lingering, sparking with fleeting hints of joy and lingering traces of more for a few brief months after his feelings for Megumi faded into deep friendship. 

She didn’t know if these feelings ever had the grace of being voiced aloud to anyone. She allowed him the dignity of keeping silent.

Yuuji was just like that, loving quietly, dying silently. 

Only Yuuji could make love such a lonely thing.

That’s how she knew that despite him believing his own words, another small part of his heart was going to die today.

Her arms wrapped around his waist, head pillowing on his shoulder. She did love Yuuji. But she loved him in a way that was deeper than family and gentler than romance. Not in the way he deserved to be loved, not in the way he needed from someone. That someone was never meant to be her, anyway.

She wanted to give him hope, that maybe, just maybe, these two would be the answer. She wanted to be selfish, to hear about them, to pick them apart and piece them together to know who might hold her Yuuji’s heart in their hands. Yuuji deserved the world and then some, and it was her job to step in when someone ruined that.

Yuuji let out a sigh, a deep and content rumble that sounded so foreign for an Omega. Some days she still wondered if he truly was an Omega, given his…everything, but then his Heat would rear its head once more as if trying to challenge her for having doubts. That and his general, pleasant Yuuji-ness, while not being stereotypical Omega, still had this magnetic draw that seemed to be a beacon for Alphas, especially those of stranger mindsets…

“They were easy.”

Nobara startled. “They were what?”

Yuuji frowned. “Okay, bad description. Uh…” Face twisting, he slowly explained, “They were just…easy to exist around? Just—just talking. I talked with them for hours and never got bored. They never seemed bored with me either? I think? Like, one of us always could fill the air, and jumping into the story, bantering, it was just…”

She shook her head. “Easy?”

”…yeah…” His eyes seemed so far away, even as his head tilted forward to stare at his lap. “It was so easy till it wasn’t.”

She could see Megumi lean further into Yuuji, as if trying to fuse themselves together. Then, in a very sullen way, Megumi quietly asked, “What were they like?”

”…the one was like, so mature at first glance. Like the type of serene and put together that makes you feel like your life is a trash fire in comparison,” Yuuji admitted with a laugh. “But I swear to god, if there was a living embodiment of a Kitsune, it would be him. Just pure chaotic mischief under a sly demeanor, ready to cut you down in an instant with words alone.”

Megumi frowned, brows knitting together as if what Yuuji was saying seemed familiar. Nobara eyed him for a moment before poking Yuuji in the side, drawing his attention towards her. “And the other one?”

”The other, oh my god.” Yuuji was honestly snickering at this point, shaking his head. “God complex was an understatement. I have never met someone so honestly arrogant but still…charming?”

She frowned, while she could see Megumi over Yuuji’s shoulder seemingly having a crisis and trying to subtly draw Yuuta’s attention from across the room. ”Why do you say that like it's a question?” Eventually, Maki grabbed Yuuta’s head and twisted it in Megumi’s direction, the Alpha just allowing it with no questions.

Thank god Yuuji was stupid, because this group was about as subtle as Panda doing the hula.

”Because I’m still trying to process him,” Yuuji admitted, unaware of Megumi nodding his head towards the kitchen, slinking off with a quiet muttering of ‘bathroom’…as if it made sense to use the excuse of the bathroom and then go to the enclosed, one entrance fucking kitchen with a group of people. She repeated the mantra of Yuuji being dumb and oblivious in her head while trying to focus on Yuuji’s words. “Because despite the complex, he could very well back most of it. I got the feeling that he’s used to people hating him for being good at everything, so he just decided to embrace it.”

Nobara frowned. “They sound like assholes.”

Yuuji shrugged. “Oh, they definitely were—“

Reaching up to tug on Yuuji’s hair unrepentantly despite his protests, she snapped, ”Why in the hell are you sad about assholes then?!”

Another shrug, but this was…smaller. More hesitant, his eyes once more not looking at her, not revealing his secrets to her as he usually did. “Because they weren’t assholes to each other…or to me. They…” 

Even hiding his eyes, she could read him clear as day.

”They had this way of only caring about what’s important to them, who is important to them,” Yuuji admitted. “And I shouldn’t like that. It’s not who I am. I shouldn’t like selfish people but…the way they cared…it felt as if they were trying to protect themselves, building walls that no one really wanted to climb, walls that no one could get by unless they let them…unless they were important enough to let in.”

She sighed. “They made you want to be important to them.”

”No, Nobara…” He finally looked up at her. “They acted as if I already was important to them.”

Oh. 

Oh.

She yanked his hair again. “Stop flaying yourself alive just because someone else is sad,” she ordered harshly. “It’s not your fault if they end up hurt over this.”

He frowned, rubbing his head where she yanked his hair. “But I—“

”No buts!” She jabbed a finger into his chest. “You didn’t set them up and bail for shits and giggles. You went on a date with people you thought knew all the details, and you removed yourself when you realized they did not know enough to make an informed decision to emotionally invest in you. None of this is on you, and while it sucks for them, the only one to blame is this stupid ass company.” Then, after a pause, she added, “You should sue.”

Yuuji made a choking sound. “That seems like overkill—“

”No, this seems like a major screw up involving medical history and possible injury liability if you had actually tried to heat share with them being unaware,” Nobara countered. “Which people usually sue for. And then receive huge payouts.”

Looking thoroughly exhausted, Yuuji countered, “We still don’t have all the details—“

”You should get those details in writing. You know, for when we sue.”

”Nobara!”

It took some coaxing, but eventually Utahime managed to corral the two assholes into a conference room, Kamo trailing close to her the entire time. He obviously did not want to be in the same room as the unhinged couple, but he also kept casting concerned glances towards her every time she mouthed off to them, his hand absently rubbing at his rapidly bruising neck.

He clearly had not realized yet that out of all of them, she was the safest one in the building.

She knew that it was not because they cared for her: the sentiment was mutual. Despite knowing each other since highschool, she held no true fondness for the pair. She was a packmate by association, having the luck—or unluck depending on the day—of dating one of the only people they actually cared about, and were it not for her ties with Shoko, she might have fared much worse today.

Not to say that they were always like this. To give credit where credit was due, the two had incredible control over their Alphas. Special Grade was not a term to be given lightly, and she knew it came from having such strong instincts that more often than not…She shook her head, willing herself not to think about it too much. But the fact was that these two always managed to reign themselves in, rarely letting the mask slip only when intimidation felt necessary. 

Which only made their intense attachment to Itadori all the more concerning.

Once seated at the conference table, she glanced at the pair seated across from her, Gojo lounging sprawled in his chair, his stupidly long legs crossed, Getou similarly so at his side, man spreading like he owned the place. Despite the lack of care they exuded from the way they sat, both leaned towards the other, intensely watching her, like tigers on the hunt, waiting for a moment of weakness to strike.

Tigers hunting another tiger.

She shook her head, turning her attention to Kamo at her side. “Alright, let’s start with you. What happened?”

Now, both of the predators’ attention was on the poor kid who looked increasingly uncomfortable with the situation as he spoke. “I…honestly am not really sure. All I did was present them with available Omega files that were given to me. They liked this Yuuji person—“

”Do not,” Suguru quietly interrupted with a cold tone that even unnerved her. “Address him so casually.”

Kamo swallowed. “They liked Itadori-San…”

Suguru plastered on another fake smile, pleased with the adjustment. Gojo leaned in closer to his mate, smirking, clearly amused with the situation.

”…so I did as I was supposed to and contacted him about getting approval to link their accounts.” Grimacing, Kamo admitted, “But…this does explain the…oddities of the phone call with Itadori-san.”

”Oddities?” Gojo asked, smirk slipping.

Sighing, Kamo recounted, “I was under the assumption that all of the files given were Rut assistants, people employed by the company, considering you two are…”

He didn’t need to elaborate. Both of the men knew how their files were flagged, knew that the company could not justify pairing them with another client. There were too many risks.

Kamo shook his head. “I should have seen the red flags, especially when he asked about coming in to match with your scent samples.“

”He mentioned not having experienced our scents yet…” Getou muttered distastefully.

Gojo hummed. “He might understand us better if he did—“

”Or he would run away again and not give us a chance,” Getou snapped back with a hiss. “Reuniting with him means nothing if he’s terrified of our scent.” Gojo grimaced at that, mulling over the words. It was a genuine concern for the pair. Prime scents were often overpowering, with one of the few restrictions enforced against Primes being wearing scent patches in public to prevent bad reactions. Primes tended to handle each other’s scents better, but these two Special Grades before her were a whole other beast.

She has first hand seen another Alpha Prime simply drop and cower from Gojo’s scent alone.

Utahime spoke up at that point. “In Kamo’s defense, this is standard protocol for assistants…we usually do not worry about scent samples because attachment isn’t the goal, just compatibility for assisting during the Rut itself…” But then giving Kamo a disappointed look, she added, “Unless the assistant asks for it.”

Kamo looked properly shamed. “I have no defense. The two wanted to meet him urgently, and I may have…rushed Itadori-San during the call.”

She could see the conflicting emotions from the pair. It had to be difficult, knowing that things were mishandled, but also knowing that if these mishandling did not occur, they likely would not have matched with Itadori.

Then, Kamo seemed to have a lightbulb moment. “Muta.”

This snapped her to attention. “Muta? What about him?”

”Who is Muta?” Getou asked, both he and Gojo sitting more alert now.

Utahime wasn’t going to answer, but Kamo did, clearly not thinking through the risks of giving these two more information about the other. “Muta Kokichi. He works on the tech end of the app, including working on matches. I—I was struggling to find a proper match that you both liked or at least tolerated and asked him to prioritize matches for you two.” Looking a bit distraught, he added, “I thought the stack of matches was larger than normal, but I just assumed he was being more thorough, not that…not that he might have been giving me client files instead of Rut Assistants…and ignoring account warnings.”

And oh, did that explain a lot, Utahime thought as she closed her eyes. “Itadori-kun’s file was a locked client file. Muta would have had to undo my protocols in order to access it…but must have only done so to get the base file, not his extended one with all of the warnings.”

Kamo looked properly horrified. Getou and Gojo looked murderous. They all understood the implications of the privacy walls that Muta had been bypassing, that they had likely all seen files of Omegas that would not have wanted to be seen. This was a huge security breach, one that would have to be reported, one that could end up with lawsuits at best.

Worse if Itadori’s brother found out.

What a shit show to walk into right at the tail end of her vacation.

Taking a deep breath, Utahime turned to Kamo. “Please go notify upper management of the intel breach and assist them with the next steps. Also secure any files Muta gave you for me to inspect. Tell management that I will join once I finish assisting these two in seeing the rest of Itadori’s file.”

Kamo glanced between the pair and her. “Are you sure that’s…wise?”

”Aw, don’t worry,” Gojo teased, flashing a smile that was all teeth. “We don’t bite.”

Grinning just as menacingly, Getou added, “Utahime is a dear friend to us.”

Kamo looked even more unsettled.

Utahime nudged him. “Go. I can’t go over Itadori’s file with you in the room anyway.”

”…please alert security if you need anything.”

Gojo snorted. Getou nudged him sharply, a warning to behave…despite smirking himself.

Finally, Kamo left, leaving the three of them alone in the room. Gojo immediately barked out, “This place just seems to be run by idiots.”

Utahime bristled. “Do you want to see this file or not?”

Gojo was already leaning forward, arms braced on the table. “Hurry up and bring it out.”

After steeling herself for a moment, Utahime picked up her briefcase off the floor and began to rummage through it. “We have a lot to go over, and I would appreciate you two behaving for the duration of this discussion.” Fingers wrapped around the first file, she looked at them with a stern expression. “If not for my sake, then for Itadori’s.”

And for once, she watched their expressions switch to something almost genuine. Concern from Getou, and true seriousness from Gojo.

God, she hoped this was the right thing to do.

She finally laid the first file on the table, Gojo reaching across and snatching it before she could even finish speaking. “We’ll start with his background information and work from there through the entirety of his heat cycles. And then if you somehow are still interested, per Itadori’s request…” They both paused in opening the file, looking at her as she took a deep breath.

”I will attempt to dissuade you from choosing to pair with him.”

Chapter Text

“We have a problem.”

”I’ll say,” Toji muttered, poking at the pile of vegetables strewn across the kitchen counter. “Whoever stocked the fridge filled it full of rabbit food…”

Megumi felt his face twitch. “You asked me to go to the store this morning and buy what we were out of. Considering you have two whole freezers full of meat, I bought literally anything else.”

Frowning, Toji remarked, “That was just to get you out of the house. You were moping too loudly about Yuuji not answering texts. I didn’t expect you to turn my fridge into a vegetable garden.” He then picked up a radish, pinching the leaves between two fingers and holding it at eye level while he squinted at it. “…the fuck is this thing?”

Maki huffed. “How in the hell did you manage to raise two children to adulthood without accidentally killing them both?”

”Oi!”

”Tsumiki and a shit ton of luck.”

”Oi!” Toji pointed an accusing finger at Megumi while still holding the radish like it was poisonous. “I did great raising you! Did you see how many kids you beat up in school?”

Yuuta shrunk. “That’s…not exactly a good thing, Fushiguro-San.”

”For the thousandth time, kid: call me Toji.” He tossed the radish back on the counter. “Fushiguro-San makes me sound old.”

Megumi took a deep breath. “Can we please focus? This is serious.”

Crossing her arms and leaning back against the counter, Maki snipped, ”And what exactly is so serious that peeled you away from Yuuji’s side?”

”You heard that description,” Megumi elaborated. “Sly like a kitsune and a massive god complex.”

”If this is another round of you judging these guys before we meet them, you know exactly how that ended up last night.” She pointed out towards the living room. “Yuuji bolted, ignored us for twenty four hours while going on a spite date with two strangers, and nearly landed himself in a drop.”

”In defense of the two that he went out with…” Yuuta cautiously interjected. “They were not the exact cause of the drop. Uh, pseudo drop.”

She rolled her eyes, but before she could fire back, Megumi bluntly asked, “Exactly how many mated pairs of Alpha Primes do we know?”

Immediately, all three called out, “One.” 

And then they all snapped to attention. Maki hissed out, “Do not fucking tell me—“

”Why on Earth would Jujutsu pair Yuuji with Gojo and Getou?” Yuuta quietly and urgently asked, clearly panicked. “I thought they were only cleared for employees?!”

Maki snatched him by the shoulders. “You knew they were enrolled at Jujutsu and didn’t warn us?”

Yuuta held up his hands. “It was a private thing! Gojo-sensei mentioned it in passing, suggesting I try it out for my…my Rut issues, and Getou-San told me not to talk about it! I shouldn’t even be talking about it now! And I didn’t know Yuuji was signing up for it until you called me this morning!”

”Why on Earth are they even involved in a random matchmaking service anyway?” Toji asked, his face still looking like it was trying to process the idea of those two going on a date with Yuuji.

Hell, Megumi was still trying to process it as well.

But then Yuuta remarked, “W-well, it is a Hunter backed service…”

All three froze. Maki quietly asked, “Run that by me again…”

Yuuta took a healthy step back away from her. “It’s not advertised, and they take non-hunter clients, but…all…all the employees have, uh…Hunter ties?”

Maki took a deep breath. “I recommended Itadori Yuuji…the little brother of known Hunter hater Ryoumen fucking Sukuna and claimed baby brother of the leader of the Death Paintings…to a fucking Hunt—Mpth!”

Both Yuuta and Megumi had quickly rushed to slap their hands over Maki’s mouth, Toji grabbing her arms to keep her from swinging on them in retaliation. They all snapped their heads towards the living room, looking for signs of Yuuji having heard something. All that could be heard was random bickering from him and Nobara, something about a…lawsuit?

They all breathed a sigh of relief. Maki spat out a few muffled curse words. Toji then ordered, “Alright, we are gonna talk about this calmly and rationally…got it?”

He thought he might have heard Maki snarl, but eventually she nodded her head. Toji let go of her arms, and he and Yuuta darted out of reach in an instant. Maki simply began to act like she was dusting herself off, muttering “cowards” under her breath. Then, she quietly snapped, “I’m gonna kill Mai for this.”

Yuuta frowned. “Don’t joke about that…”

”That isn’t a joke, idiot,” she fired back. “Mai knows who Yuuji is. She knows we have to keep him under the radar, that Sukuna had declared him off fucking limits to knowing about Hunters…” Pacing the kitchen, she quietly snapped, “I should have known her goodwill bullshit was off, but I thought…”

”Look,” Megumi began hesitantly. “Let’s just focus on the fact that this isn’t going anywhere, okay? They’ll read the file and know that they can’t pair with someone like Yuuji. Then…then we use the company’s fuck up as an excuse to convince Yuuji to quit using Jujutsu.”

None of them looked happy about the idea, and Megumi felt like shit for even hoping for his friend to be rejected. But they all knew. The risk was too high.

Yuuji could never know about Hunters.

Yuuta then hesitantly asked, “…what if they don’t reject Yuuji?”

”Those two may be idiots, but even they aren’t that stupid,” Maki countered. “Three ticking time bomb Special Grades trying to share a cycle? It would be World War Three. Not to mention what Sukuna would do in the aftermath.”

Megumi grimaced. “Yuuji isn’t a Special Grade—“

”Yuuji isn’t a diagnosed Special Grade,” she fired back. “It doesn’t matter what hoops Sukuna jumps through to avoid it. We all know.”

”Yuuji doesn’t.”

”…well, Yuuji doesn’t know a lot of things,” she replied quietly, looking at each of them. “And just like us all knowing that Yuuji is a Special Grade…we all know that the bigger the secret, the more likely it’s going to come out. And for Yuuji, it’s not a matter of if, but when.”

Megumi closed his eyes, wanting to argue…but knowing that she was right in the end.

Eventually, after a long silence, Toji broke it. “I should be surprised that Yuuji got along with those two, but I guess they all sort of match each other.”

Megumi scowled at his dad. “How in the hell is Yuuji anything like them?”

Toji shrugged. “They all have the ability to derail a conversation and come out of it with you going along with whatever they suggest. I mean…” Gesturing to Megumi, he added, “I went into a fight with the intention of assassinating the Gojo brat, and I came out of it half dead with a Hunter teaching job and him being your godfather.”

Yuuta choked on air while Maki muttered, “Assassinating?”

Megumi took a moment to process. “Wait, are you telling me that my godfathers were the ones to put you in the hospital?”

“Yeah,” Toji replied casually. “I think I agreed to the godfather thing at first cause of the blood loss, but then later I thought, who better to take you in if I croak then the two bastards who were nearly strong enough to kill me?”

“I don’t know, maybe someone that didn’t nearly kill you?!”

”In their defense, I tried killing them first—“

”Which yeah, let’s circle back to that particular tidbit. What the fuck?”

”…have I ever told you that you look like your mom when you're mad?”

This was not how Suguru wished to learn about Yuuji’s life.

”Is it really necessary to be going over his medical records?” he asked with a grimace, shifting through the papers. “This feels far too invasive.”

”I’ve already gone over this with Itadori-kun,” Utahime explained with a sigh. “Notifying any potential partners of some of this would have been required regardless, but he was insistent about matches having the full picture…which is more understandable once you get into the details.”

He felt Satoru leaning further against his shoulder, hand wrapping around the pages he was leafing through and plucking them away. “Think about it this way, Suguru,” he remarked, skimming the pages with an intense focus that was reserved only for the few subjects he deemed interesting. “We can better care for our third with this knowledge, knowing his health history.” Then, he flippantly added, “Not that he seemed to have anything serious when we met him. I’m excited for when we finally get to test those sparring skills he showed off…”

“Stop being so flippant about this.” Then muttering under her breath, Utahime remarked, “And he isn’t your third…”

Satoru glanced up from the papers. “Semantics.”

”That isn’t semantics, it’s facts, you possessive ass!” 

Taking a breath and elbowing Satoru before he goaded Utahime again, Suguru hesitantly noted, “When we met on the train, he mentioned his pack tended to be a bit overbearing due to his health issues…”

Satoru sat up straighter. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

”At the time, he phrased it as if the issues were minor and that his pack was more so hovering due to him being the only Omega amongst a large group of high order Alphas…” His eyes dropped to the files. “But I’m assuming I was very wrong.”

“Having met the kid, I’m not surprised he downplayed it,” Utahime admitted. “He doesn’t seem to like anyone fussing over him, and he seems far too accepting of his lot in life.”

”Which maybe you should start explaining this lot to us,” Satoru said, tossing the papers on the table. “Because these so far are vague and boring as fuck. It only goes up till he’s about sixteen.”

”That’s because those were his early visits to the doctors,” she explained. “None exist from infancy and early childhood until his grandfather took custody of him at the age of four, and then everything was all generic visits with clean bills of health…all until he finally started having his heats.”

At this point, she pulled out another folder laying it on the table but refusing to take her hand off of it. “This file is a condensed version of all medical and behavioral issues since, and they are extremely personal details for Itadori-kun. I demand that you are respectful of this, and that you do not press him for further details that are not offered to you.”

Suguru had a damning feeling about this.

Satoru leaned across the table, grabbing the file. “Let us see it.”

The next hour was grueling.

Seventeen heats. Detailed notes and accounts from each and every one, including testimonies from Yuuji’s brother and other packmates, who had assisted in his care during various heats. 

The first heat presented itself like an intensive fever, Yuuji acting delirious and severely aggressive when anyone approached. The only ones tolerated to bring him food and water was his brother, the one Yuuji and his inner Omega had accepted as pack Alpha, and his brother’s partner, another Omega who has been around Yuuji’s entire life. Even then, there were instances where Yuuji would lash out, mostly towards the brother, causing several cuts and bruises that the brother had begrudgingly admitted to at a later date when it became clear that something was wrong with Yuuji’s Omega.

It wasn’t until the second heat that they truly noticed a problem. Yuuji noted that his Omega never seemed to calm after his heats started, hyper aware in the back of his mind, detailing it like an exposed live wire. At around the same time as his second heat, he had tried to pursue a relationship with a classmate named Ozawa—

Suguru leaned forward. “The girl from the sweets shop.”

Satoru’s head snapped up. “Eh?”

He flushed. “When he took me to that shop, while we were picking things out, we ran into this girl. He was…familiar with her.” He could feel his face growing warmer. “I was a bit…uneasy with how familiar they were.”

”Please tell me you didn’t lash out at that poor girl,” Utahime asked in a tired tone.

”I don’t lash out,” he replied, offended over the accusation. “I just…stayed close to Yuuji, is all—“

”You totally were doing that creepy ass smile, weren’t you?” Satoru practically cooed. “The one you do when girls try to flirt with me, the ‘how cute that you think you have a chance when I’m standing right here’ face.”

”The what face—“

”Can you two not be weirdos for five minutes,” Utahime deadpanned. “But seriously, Yuuji was legitimately upset when he told me about this. He said she was a good friend before…“

”Before what—oh.” Satoru blinked at the page he had flipped to, then snorted a laugh. “Aw, poor girl.”

”Don’t be rude, Satoru,” Suguru scolded as he skimmed the page, only to see it. “He snarled at her?”

”For trying to kiss him,” Utahime elaborated. “He apologized profusely, but his Omega kept flaring up anytime she got too close after that. She was very understanding despite being a Beta. The two decided it was best to just be friends and his Omega settled around her eventually…but this was the beginning of a pattern.”

Anytime he attempted intimacy with someone, his Omega would react poorly. It didn’t help that his heats were growing in intensity, his fevers spiking into dangerous ranges at times and not being coherent enough to seek out food or water if not brought to him by his brother and brother’s partner, or later by packmates, though they would have to coax him out of his nest.

Which was another issue entirely, noting a section about general nest aggression that no one really could pinpoint the origination. Yuuji had no friends visiting his home in early adolescence and his grandfather never had guests over, but he could remember a possessive feeling over his nest for a long while. It wasn’t until after highschool in his first apartment that the true issue reared its head—a friend mistakenly walking into his room while looking for a bathroom.

Yuuji dragged him out by the collar of his shirt before tossing him to the ground, later on admitting he didn’t even remember getting off the couch.

So you could imagine how the attempts to heat share went.

”Did he really kick a guy out of his own apartment?” Satoru asked Utahime incredulously, looking amused at the thought. 

”A specialist thought that maybe building his nest in someone else’s place would help curb the aggression…”

”That specialist was fucking stupid.”

“…agreed.”

Suguru flipped through the next few pages. “These specialists seem…subpar in their suggestions.”

Utahime grimaced. “Yes…I’m honestly a little shocked that for all the attempts the brother made to get Yuuji help, they somehow managed to cycle through virtually every specialist that was outside of our sphere.”

Suguru’s head snapped up. ”Are you implying that they were avoiding doctors with Hunter ties?”

She sighed. “You know how trigger happy some Hunters can be…and Yuuji is ticking the boxes for latent Feral behaviors.”

Satoru snorted. “That kid is not a Feral.”

“You have to admit that his symptoms are presenting that way—“

Rumbling, Satoru snapped, “He’s not a Feral.”

She gave him a bland stare. “And I’m not saying he is. I’m just saying that his brother might be trying to avoid the risk of a misdiagnosis. You know Jujutsu’s ties are minimal and not broadcasted. The brother likely thought that we were not connected.”

Which was true. Most who knew about the employees being certified Hunters were people recommended to the program by Hunters themselves. Hunters tended to have a higher need for these services than others in the population, both because of the job demands making finding a partner difficult as well as Hunters tending to be a touch…unhinged. The Hunter ties are the very reason Satoru and he ended up caving to Shoko’s nagging to sign up for the service. 

“And you are sure Yuuji is not aware of Hunters?” Suguru asked cautiously, looking at the mark on Yuuji’s file. 

“Definitely,” she replied. “If I were able to tell you who his brother was, you’d understand more.” Both perked up at this bit of information only for her to quickly snap, “And don’t even think about hounding me about it! You’re already getting too much info, so I’m drawing the line!”

Suguru sighed and relented. He knew when to pick his battles. Though his Alpha still paced in his head about the fact that this would make courting more difficult…but that was an issue for once they have Yuuji more settled with them and less likely to flee.

It would be bad if the brother still had enough sway to convince Yuuji to run should he not approve of them…it would prolong the courting process even more if they had to fight Yuuji’s family before restarting their fight for Yuuji’s affections. Not to mention how Yuuji might not take kindly to harming his pack. Satoru would not hesitate to catch Yuuji despite this, but Suguru could at least acknowledge that this would be wrong—

He shook his head. He needed to focus.

No use dwelling on a future that may not happen…if they play this hunt right.

”They did what?!”

Suguru startled, having been lost in thought enough to miss what Satoru had been reading. “Wait, what—“

Papers were shoved in his face. “They tried fucking sedating him for a heat.”

Oh. Oh, he could understand Satoru’s reaction.

Utahime sighed. “They were getting desperate—“

”I’ll fucking say,” Satoru snarled back. “Just—“ His hands curled around the edge of the table, and they watched as the metal easily warped under his fingers. Utahime froze in place, meanwhile Suguru sighed quietly as Satoru muttered, “This is all just…just wrong.”

Suguru rested a hand on his mate’s arm. “I know, Satoru…”

”Do you?” Accusing eyes stared back at him. “Because you are fairly fucking calm about this.”

Suguru side eyed him. “You know better than anyone that my outward behaviors mean nothing.”

A silent beat hung in the air between them before Satoru deflated, muttering a quiet, “‘m sorry…”

Suguru reassuringly squeezed his arm. “We’ll help him. None of this will ever happen again.”

Meeting each others’ gaze, and Satoru knew what Suguru meant.

Yuuji will never be sedated like you were.

Utahime glanced between the two. “…if it makes a difference, apparently Yuuji is basically immune to sedatives.”

That surprised Suguru. “Really?”

She shrugged. “His blood and nervous system processes and metabolizes anything poison related at an accelerated rate. At most, he would have mild symptoms for highly concentrated doses.” 

“Isn’t that a Kamo Clan trait?”

She nodded. “I didn’t pry, but I suspect he might be distantly related. His mother’s side of the patient history is virtually blank.” Flipping through the notes, she added, “And on another note, he’s so far completely immune to the effects of both Alpha and Omega venoms.”

”He’s what?”

”Stop shouting, I’m sitting right across from you!”

Eventually, they made it to the last major notation for Yuuji’s heat files.

”He tried to heat share with—wait. Wait.” Satoru was smacking Suguru’s arm. “Holy shit, wait!”

”Damn it, Satoru!” Suguru snapped, fending off the smacking. “Either stop or explain!”

”A failed heat share with a Special Grade Prime Alpha!” He shouted gleefully. “One who, quote, ‘is labeled unstable due to a broken childhood bond caused by his accidental mate’s death!’”

He scowled at his mate. ”Why do you sound so happy about—oh.”

Utahime straightened in her seat. “Oh? What oh? Explain!”

Satoru grinned at her. “Utahime, to think you wouldn’t even recognize the description of one of my personal students!”

Wheels turned in her head before a lightbulb clicked on. “Oh my god, this is about Okkotsu.”

Satoru clapped his hands together. “Yes! My precious little student!”

Utahime looked at the file in horror. “Itadori nearly killed fucking Okkotsu.”

Oh that. 

Yes, he supposed it was interesting that Yuuji was strong enough for such a feat. Okkotsu was certainly a Special Grade who lived up to the name…but Suguru’s brain had been more focused on the fact that the twerp had tried to fuck their Omega and still had the audacity to breathe air afterwards. 

…maybe he needed to take a break.

”Eh, details,” Satoru remarked flippantly. “The only important detail is that this notes that the Special Grade Prime Alpha—my precious Yuuta-kun!—is a close packmate of Yuuji’s!”

”Joy,” Suguru muttered sarcastically, staring at the page as if willing it to set on fire.

A finger jabbed his cheek. ”Oi, Earth to Suguru.” Satoru was leaning in close. “Don’t be getting your panties in a twist. I’d appreciate you not trying to kill my student.”

As Suguru shoved Satoru away, Utahime shouted, “What the hell, Gojo?”

”Whaaaaat?” He drawled petulantly as he flopped into his chair. “Don’t you be getting your panties in a twist either, Utahime.”

Clearly flustered and reaching her limit, she screeched, “Stop talking about panties!”

At the same time the door had been opening.

Kamo stood there awkwardly, faint bruising starting to form around his throat. “Uh. I came to check on you, Utahime-sensei—“

Suguru snapped, “What part of you not being allowed to hear any of this did you not fucking understand?!”

Kamo gaped. “I—uh—I heard Utahime-sensei shouting, and—“

A snarl ripped from his throat. “Out!”

Kamo was quickly gone, the door slamming shut behind him.

Silence reigned over the room for a beat. 

Then Satoru whispered, “Fuck, that was hot.”

Utahime glared. “I hate you.”

”Excuse you, I am a delight! Tell her, Suguru!”

Suguru leaned forward to gently rest his head on the table, feeling a pounding headache building. “Please, just hurry up and finish this.”

Sighing, Utahime relented. “Well, fortunately we are pretty much done…after nearly killing the Special Grade packmate, or well, Okkotsu, Itadori has not had a single heat partner for the past three heats. And the time span between them is shrinking, while the duration is growing longer.”

Satoru hummed, flipping through the papers. “Seven days on the last heat?” He let out a snort. “At least there’s two of us…even I don’t think I could keep up alone.”

”Take this seriously, Gojo!”

”Oh, I am,” he replied smoothly. “This is a long standing and established issue. It’s not going to clear up immediately, and it might take a few heats before his cycle balances out, unless the problem is more psychological with his Omega essentially trying to up the duration and decrease the cycle period to create more of a chance of finding a proper mate…”

Looking up, Suguru could see Utahime staring in surprise. “…oh.”

”I’m serious about those I consider mine, Utahime.” Then, because he couldn’t resist being a little shit, he cooed, “Sorry that I never found you worth enough to give a damn about you.”

Suguru sighed as Utahime resumed shouting again. ”Like I care about that, you knothead!”

He watched Satoru flip to the last page. ”Yeah, so if this is it then—“ 

Satoru went quiet.

Even Utahime seemed to still, eyes flipping to the stack in Satoru’s hands as if remembering what part they were at. “…it’s Itadori’s last option.”

”He has plenty of options,” Satoru replied quietly, staring at the page with a blank face. “Infinite options, just not—how the fuck is this even being considered?”

”Because he’s basically dying,” she replied sadly. “The strain on him—with each heat, it’s getting worse. He says he can actually feel his heart struggling to beat sometimes, especially right after this last Heat…and during a heat, his packmates are basically having to fight his Omega to get him to care for himself. He…doesn’t want to burden them. His words.”

The pages crumpled under Satoru’s hands. “But this? It’s fucking barbaric.”

”It’s either this or he dies, Gojo—“

”Then he’s better off dead.”

Suguru was sitting up and snarling. “Why would you ever say that?”

Satoru ripped the page in half. “Because this is a consult for gland removal!”

Suguru froze.

Gland removal was taboo for a reason. While for a brief period of time, it was broadcasted in certain Beta leaning countries as the perfect solution for controlling one’s inner designation once and for all, the side effects quickly became well known. It was a glorified way to kill your inner Alpha or Omega in the most brutal way possible.

Many of those pressured into the procedure described it as feeling as if they were bleeding out as the hormones associated with your designation worked out of your system…but even once it was gone, they could still feel their dynamic. Dead. Decaying. 

Rotting.

 It made the patient—the victim—a shell of their former self. And any Alpha or Omega could not be near them, the smell of rot lingering for the rest of the victim’s life, urging some primal need to stay away, to run.

For someone like Yuuji? Someone so bright and happy, full of obvious love towards his pack? To be forced into such a lonely, suffering existence?

Satoru was right.

Death would be far kinder.

Satoru tossed the page on the table. “It doesn’t matter. It won’t come to this.”

Utahime stared at them both. “…you still want him.”

She did not ask. She didn’t have to.

Suguru looked towards Satoru. Satoru met his gaze easily.

Suguru turned to Utahime. “He’s already ours.”

The hunt continued.

He was in the middle of wrestling Nobara for the tv remote when his phone began to ring.

Honestly, he didn’t notice at first because he was sort of fighting for his life. Was he physically stronger? Yes. Could he easily outmaneuver her? Also yes. But given the fact that Nobara was infinitely meaner and more likely to retaliate, he found himself hesitant to do more than hold it out of reach.

He still had a small scar from that time she chucked her hammer at him for damaging her favorite tracksuit during a spar.

But eventually, Megumi had wandered out of the kitchen at the sound of the ruckus, calling out, “Yuuji. Your phone.”

He froze. 

Dropping the remote, he lunged for the phone on the coffee table while Nobara simultaneously lunged over him, snatching the remote…while also shoving him off the couch while he answered the call, “Ack!”

”Itadori-kun?”came the faint, familiar voice over the line. “Are you alright?”

He immediately scrambled to put the phone on speaker while Megumi snatched the remote from Nobara, ignoring her complaints as he muted the tv. The others had also wandered out of the kitchen by this point, all blatantly listening in.

”Utahime-sensei!” Yuuji called out as he propped himself up off the ground. “Sorry, just—I fell off the couch.”

He could hear her relieved sigh. ”You need to be more careful, Itadori-kun.”

”Sorry, I got a little carried away…” Scratching his head, he then decided to be blunt. “So…are you calling about the rejection?”

She was quiet for a moment, before quietly asking, “…do you want a rejection?”

”No.” His words were sudden and quick, but he was sure about them. “I…liked them. But I’m being realistic about my file, and I know that—“

”They want to continue seeing you, Itadori-kun.”

His mind stuttered to a halt. 

“I went over everything with them, as you asked,” she continued at his silence. “Every detail, every issue, and then all the possible outcomes of pairing with you. Their choice never changed. They made their decision before ever arriving at the office.”

He swallowed. “…really?”

”You left quite the impression, apparently…” Letting out a sigh, she then admitted, “However, they do have flags on their own profiles that should have been discussed with you. I would appreciate you coming into the office first thing in the morning to go over these issues, and we can let you sample their scent swatches before making a final decision.“

”Oh, uh, yeah, sure,” Yuuji blurted out. “I’m free then. Um…are you sure they understand?”

”…I promise you, Itadori-kun. They know exactly what to expect…now we just need to prepare you for what you might expect should you choose to accept.”

”I’m sure I—“

”Do not make a decision until we talk tomorrow,” Utahime sternly cut in. “Please. We…really need to talk.”

He bit his lip, resisting the urge to fire back that he’d probably take whatever risks came his way if the two continued to see him. He could feel his Omega practically prancing in his head, eager with curiosity, wanting to know their scent, to know it now.

He needed to calm down. 

“In the meantime,” Utahime continued, unaware of Yuuji’s internal struggle. “While I would usually not condone this, given that you are not fully informed yet…I think it would be best to unblock them and at least let them know you are okay. They are aware that I am having you come in to discuss their file tomorrow, but are still…unsettled over how you parted ways.”

Yuuji shrunk. “Yeah…yeah, I guess running like that wasn’t the best decision.”

Nobara was leaning over his shoulder suddenly. “Okay so, unblock Mr. Sly Guy and God Complex and let them know that you are alive.”

Utahime sputtered on the line. “Mr. What and who?!”

Maki had wandered over as well, dropping to squat next to him as he pulled up the app. “But maybe don’t tell them about the pseudo drop you experienced.”

”I am sorry, the what?”

Yuuji let out a hum. “Oh yeah, that.” Then, after a pause, Yuuji asked, “Would it be a bad idea to open with asking if they liked the sweets?”

Multiple hands smacked him in the head, which yeah, fair.

“What do you think about this?”

Sitting next to Satoru in the back of their private car and staring at the phone, Suguru looked like he was resisting the urge to sigh. “Satoru, we can’t start buying him nesting material already.”

”And why not?” Satoru asked flippantly, adding the oversized blanket to the cart as his other hand shoved another treat into his mouth. Yuuji had impeccable tastes, and he had yet to try one he did not like, even the sesame cookies Getou had been nibbling at. His mate had not really been interested in eating, a bad habit for when he was stressed, but all Satoru had to do was mention how Yuuji specially picked these for them and Suguru was snatching the cookie away. “Isn’t it the basics for an Alpha to offer their Omega a safe place to nest?”

Now Suguru did openly sigh. “For starters, we still do not know if he wants to be ours—“

Popping the rest of the cookie into his mouth, Satoru replied, ”Who wouldn’t want to be with us?”

”Satoru, be serious!” Suguru snapped, causing Satoru to look up from his phone in surprise. “You aren’t oblivious. You know your behaviors aren’t normal. If you had chosen anyone else besides me, they wouldn’t have gone along with how aggressively you pursue your interests—“

Satoru tossed his phone aside, leaning over to grab Suguru’s face between both his hands and yanking him close. “There wouldn’t have been anyone else,” Satoru stated, his face hovering just in front of Suguru’s own. 

Suguru’s eyes drifted to Satoru’s mouth before lifting, lavender meeting azure. “You nearly killed a man today over Yuuji.”

The car jerked a bit, and the mated couple glanced towards the driver’s seat, knowing that Ijichi must be listening in. Satoru grinned, uncaring. It wasn’t like he hadn’t heard worse. “As if you didn’t nearly do the same…” Squeezing Suguru’s jaw to get his attention back on himself, Satoru purred, “Are you jealous?”

Suguru blinked. “Surprisingly…no.”

A pleased rumbling erupted from his chest. “Good.” He leant forward to kiss the corner of Suguru’s mouth. “Because you know then.”

”Know what?”

Satoru kissed the other corner. “Yuuji is an addition, not a replacement.” Finally, he kissed Suguru on the lips, feather light, just a tease. “You’re still my one and only, my equal—“

”I already told you, Satoru,” Suguru interrupted warningly. “Yuuji isn’t a pet—“

”Of course he isn’t,” Satoru continued, still leaning in, half nuzzling his face to Suguru’s, feeling his breath hitch as one of Satoru’s hands slipped down Suguru’s neck just to feel the steady thrum of his pulse. “But loving him would be different than loving you. You’re my balance, my other half of a whole. Yuuji…”

He leant forward, pulling Suguru closer, resting his lips at the shell of his ears. “Yuuji would be ours. And we would be his.” He let Suguru pull away, seeing the gears turning behind his mate’s guarded expression. “Do you understand?”

”…I still say we need to go slow with him.”

He finally let out a groan of frustration, shoving Suguru back onto the seat as he practically straddled him. “You make things so much more complicated than they need to be—“

A hand shot forward, snatching Satoru around the throat. “They will be just as complicated as necessary, Satoru…” Fingers lightly squeezed Satoru’s throat in warning. “Do not push him…until he says he’s ready.”

Satoru shifted, one leg braced on the floorboards and the other settling between Suguru’s legs. “What if I just…nudged him a little?”

Suguru squinted. “…do you even know the meaning of ‘just a little’?”

Satoru’s grin sharpened. “I—“

Suddenly the car jerked forward, catching them both off guard and causing them to fly forward off the seat. Satoru was wheezing, Suguru’s hand having reflexively squeezed his throat, meanwhile Suguru groaned in pain, Satoru’s knee having crashed into his groin as they were launched onto the floorboards…that were currently covered in all the remaining sweets that had scattered from the overturned boxes.

”S-sorry! Sorry!” Ijichi called out from the front seat. “There’s a cat in the middle of the road!”

Satoru rolled onto his back, feeling various treats crushed under him as he stared at the roof of the car with a scowl. “Did I seriously get cockblocked by pu—“

Suguru, still curled up next to him in pain, hit him in the face. Hard.

Satoru snatched his face, yelling out a muffled shout of pain. “That was completely uncalled for!”

”I beg to differ,” Suguru snapped back, shifting to sit up.

He was about to shout back, but then a familiar ping rang through the air, causing him to freeze. Then another. And another.

They both locked eyes. 

Then Satoru was scrambling, trying to find his phone while Suguru was trying to dig his own out of his pockets. Pushing aside some of the ruined sweets on the ground, he found his phone on the floor, covered in crumbs and frosting. But he still could see the text alerts clear as day.

Tiger of the West: Uh, hey…

Tiger of the West: Utahime-Sensei said she showed you my file.

Tiger of the West: Sorry I just don’t really know how to apologize for running earlier…

Satoru was struggling to unlock his phone, the frosting smeared on the screen hindering him. He was ready to tell Yuuji so many things, that he could apologize by telling them where he was, by never turning his back on them again, by letting them make him theirs—

Another text came through.

Tiger of the West: You both…actually still want to meet me? I wouldn’t blame you for backing out after reading my file.

He could hear Suguru’s breath hitch. Satoru rumbled in frustration. “He really thinks…”

Suguru shifted over, leaning against Satoru. “We need to be patient with him…he’s not going to understand us at first.” A chin hooked over his shoulder. “Most people do not grow attached so quickly.”

He huffed. “Well, he’s going to need to learn.”

Suguru grabbed his chin. “Have patience.” He tilted his face towards the phone. “Respond to our third. Do not pressure him.”

Satoru huffed as he unlocked his phone. “You’re no fun.”

”Not all hunts have instant gratification,” Suguru countered as he picked up his own phone. Then, with a purr to his voice, he asked, “Besides, don’t you want to savor this time with him?”

Satoru felt a shiver run down his spin, a grin creeping along his face. “Fine, fine…I’ll play nice…for now.”

Six Eyes: YUUJI. 

Six Eyes: <3 <3 <3

Six Eyes: Of course we want to still meet you!

Not a Cult Leader: We both felt a connection today. We hope you did as well.

Tiger of the West: …yeah, I feel the same.

Six Eyes: Then let’s meet again, soon!!!

Tiger of the West: Well, I can meet up after seeing Utahime-sensei in the morning?…she said she had some notes about you guys she wanted me to see.

Six Eyes: Ah, that.

Not a Cult Leader: Yes…you would need to see those to make an informed decision as well.

Six Eyes: But we can meet up after!!!

Tiger of the West: Yeah, that’s fine. Same place? I can text you once I’m done at Jujutsu.

Not a Cult Leader: That would be perfect, Yuuji.

Six Eyes: Having to wait a whole day for our Yuuji, how cruel!

Not a Cult Leader: Satoru.

Six Eyes: Don’t say *Satoru* as if you aren’t pouting as well.

Not a Cult Leader: ….

Tiger of the West: Ha, I’ll see you both tomorrow as soon as I’m done, okay?

Six Eyes: Promise?

Tiger of the West: Yeah, I promise.

Humming under his breath, Suguru remarked, “He should really be careful about the kinds of promises he makes…considering he hasn’t seen our files yet.”

“All the better for us,” Satoru rumbled happily, shifting to nuzzle his face into Suguru’s neck. “Because we’ll hold him to that promise, won’t we?”

”Of course, Satoru.”

Satoru chuffed, pleased as he pressed himself closer to Suguru. Only a day away.

Then they’ll have their third at their side, right where he belonged.

Chapter Text

Stabby Twin: Mai answer your damn phone

Stabby Twin: YOU HAD ME SUGGEST A HUNTER PROGRAM TO RYOUMEN SUKUNAS KID BROTHER

Shooty Twin: That sounds like a you problem. 

Stabby Twin: I swear to god the next time I see you, it’s on sight—

Shooty Twin: [middle finger emoji]

The pack was acting…weird.

Well, weirder than usual at least. 

They had all ended up crashing at the Fushiguros, something that was familiar to Yuuji over the years. Sensei was well stocked in spare futons and bedding, used to having random teenagers—now adults—sprawled across the floor and furniture. It wasn’t unusual for Yuuji to be in the middle of nodding off on the couch only for someone to nearly smother him with pillows and blankets in response.

Alpha instincts were annoying.

Nobara was fairly normal, sitting grumpily at the counter as she zombie munched her way through some cereal, clad in Megumi’s clothes and all rumpled from sleep. He knew better than to approach that particular ticking time bomb, well aware of the female Alpha’s morning moods. 

But yeah, that was the extent of everything normal. 

He watched Megumi continue to pace on the far side of the kitchen, clutching his phone tightly as if trying to decide whether or not to call someone. Toji was leaning on a wall next to him, watching his son pace back and forth, looking torn between saying something or letting Megumi continue his attempts to pace a hole in the floor.

And even Maki and Yuuta were being weird. Maki was aggressively stabbing at her cereal, muttering under her breath, while Yuuta warily watched her. Occasionally he looked like he wanted to say something, only to hesitate. He then caught Yuuji blatantly staring at them and proceeded to treat his cereal as if it were the most interesting thing in the world.

So yeah. They were being weird as fuck.

As much as he wanted to know what was bothering them, he sort of had his own spoons to juggle…wait was that the right phrase? But seriously, he was stressing the fuck out and honestly did not have the mental fortitude to think about what was going on in their heads. 

…god that made him feel like a shit friend.

Before he could say anything, Toji turned his attention to Yuuji, looking as if he had made his mind up about something. “Oi, Yuuji. Take Megumi with you to that Jujutsu meeting.”

He blinked. Then he turned to his stressed out friend who looked like he was trying to melt Toji’s head with eye laser beams. “Uh…I don’t need an escort,” Yuuji replied hesitantly. “I’m just going to meet Utahime—“

”Yeah, well, I don’t need to listen to him huffing the entire time you're gone because he’s overthinking shit.”

Megumi growled quietly, his glare somehow growing more intense. Yuuji looked between the father and son. “…seriously?”

“Seriously. Let him meet this Utahime lady.” Toji looked to Megumi. “Maybe you will calm down if you get your own answers.”

Something flashed in Megumi’s expression, his glare softening to a petulant scowl. “Fine.”

Yuuji frowned. “Do I get any say in this?”

”Not if you want me to keep this a secret from Sukuna.”

Yuuji let out his own small growl, turning his attention to his food. Maybe Maki had the right idea about trying to stab her cereal.

In the background, he heard ceramic crack, followed by Yuuta’s horrified whispering, “How do you stab through a bowl with a spoon?…”

…maybe his pack was just weird in general.

“You know, when I told you two idiots to sign up for this service, I wasn’t expecting this kind of end goal.”

Satoru popped up into view from the otherside of the couch, grinning widely at her. His hair was slightly askew, shirt half unbuttoned, and even in the early morning light, she could clearly see the hickies on his neck and chest. “Shoko! Shoko, Yuuji-kun is just perfect!”

Hands tucked into her jacket pockets as she casually strolled further into their apartment, she quipped, “Uh huh. And what does your better half think?”

Now Suguru was sitting up in her sight, looking rather disheveled and very obviously being straddled by Satoru. However, this wasn’t exactly an uncommon sight for her to walk in on, so he wasn’t too ashamed about it. At least they were both dressed this time…for the most part, as Suguru pulled the collar of his shirt back into place to hide the very obvious bite marks.

”I…would have to agree with Satoru,” Suguru replied, ignoring Satoru’s whine asking why Suguru was the ‘better’ half. “Yuuji is…” His voice trailed off as he stared into space, a little smile growing on his face.

Well then.

She shook her head. “You two are hopeless.”

Now Suguru was scowling at her, Satoru letting out an affronted squawk as he pointed an accusing finger in her direction. “Hey! We take offense to that—!”

”Good. I meant it to be offensive.”

”Oi!”

She ignored him, veering off further into their apartment towards the kitchen table. It honestly could hardly be called an apartment, considering how massive and extravagant the space was—Satoru had certainly decided to show off his wealth when he designed the place, converting the entire top three floors of the skyrise into their own private residence. He went all out designing their den, pushing Suguru to include his own touches so that the place suited them both. Even Shoko had her own room as well as the twins for when they chose to stay here rather than Suguru’s temple. 

He spared no expense, the flashy peacock that he was. 

Gaze drifting off towards one of the many expansive floor to ceiling windows, she thought about how at least the view was nice.

She could hear the familiar sound of Satoru trotting after her, Suguru likely following silently behind. A chin hooked over her shoulder as she dropped her bags on the table with a loud thump and began to fish out items. “Did you bring us gifts?” Satoru asked curiously, arm stretching around her to try and reach into the bag.

She smacked his hand. “No gifts,” she drawled, ignoring his disgruntled huff. “I brought you both homework.”

Satoru groaned. “But that’s boring—“

“So, you don’t want to borrow Utahime’s books and research notes on Omegan behaviors and instincts?”

She could feel him stiffen behind her, Suguru appearing at her side. 

Yeah, these two were easy to bait. 

Shaking her head, she continued to pull out the various books and files. “So, I went ahead and marked all the sections in the books that should help you with researching proper behaviors and anything of concern regarding your Omega. Keep in mind, most research centers around female Omegas second grade and lower, but Utahime did find plenty of notes from colleagues who have worked with male Omegas and a handful of older passages about Omega Primes.” Fanning out several books on the table, she declared, “You better keep these in pristine condition.”

Satoru was wrapping his arms around her in a bone crushing hug, rumbling happily. “You are the best.”

”Remember that,” she quipped when he finally released her, Suguru already picking up one of the books with the most sticky notes and flipping through the pages intently. “And I better be the best woman again at the wedding.”

Suguru’s head snapped up, face flush red. “I—It’s a little soon for—“

”Save it, Suguru,” Shoko cut in, shaking her head. “We both know how Satoru is when he sets his sights on something he wants…and you are just as bad, even if you are better at hiding it.”

Suguru looked away, but said nothing to deny it.

”See, Suguru?” Satoru chirped happily as he flipped through the files. “Even Shoko understands it’s inevitable!”

Suguru sighed. “Yes, but the important part is that Yuuji does not understand that. We cannot rush him.”

Satoru looked once more ready to argue, but Shoko remarked, “You two can have this argument later. All I care about right now is getting my hands on Yuuji’s file.”

Suguru and Satoru shared a look before Suguru asked, “How much do you know?”

”Enough to know that it's bad enough to cause the kid to bolt when he found out you two weren’t informed,” Shoko replied. “And that it triggered a hunt from you both.”

Satoru slumped. “Ugh, Utahime is going to report us, isn’t she?”

”No, actually, she isn’t.”

This had the pair blinking in surprise. Sighing, Shoko elaborated, “She didn’t tell me much, just that she didn’t want to risk the Council’s eyes on Yuuji. Said he needs to stay off Hunter radar as much as possible for his own benefit.”

Suguru frowned. ”Well that’s…ominous.”

She shrugged. “She can’t elaborate without his consent. Doctor-Patient Confidentiality and all that bullshit.” Twisting around to look at Satoru, she poked him sharply in the chest. “Hence why you need to get said consent for me to look over his records. I’m useless if I can’t consult on his medical history…plus I would like to run my own tests if he’s okay with that.”

“We’ll talk to him,” Suguru promised, closing the text with a flourish. “Once we assure he’s comfortable with us. It will help if Utahime vouches for you—he seems to trust her judgement.”

Satoru scoffed. “He should trust us over her—“

”He barely knows us.“

”And he knows Utahime more?”

”Keep in mind,” Shoko cut in before the bickering grew worse. “Utahime is an Omega—that’s going to naturally make any other Omega a bit more at ease…rather than two Alphas who are very clearly trying to get in his pants.”

Suddenly, a low, spine tingling growl erupted from behind her.

Freezing in place, her spine instinctually locked up as Satoru’s growl made her usually unphased Alpha cower, barely resisting the urge to bare her neck in submission…only for Suguru to smack Satoru in the head to cut off the sound, allowing her to breathe once more. 

Despite her obvious distress, Suguru did give her a disgruntled frown. “Yuuji is more than just a conquest.”

Tension held her still as she willed her heartbeat to slow, trying to force herself to look calm. “I know that. Your Yuuji does not.” She could see them both starting to say something, so she held up a hand. Even with the reaction Satoru had, she knew they would not hurt her, and she knew no one else would tell them the honest truth... “You don’t have to prove yourselves to me. Just be aware going into this: none of you were actually looking for long term partners.”

If not for them, then for Yuuji’s sake.

Understanding flashed on Suguru’s face. “Yuuji might only consider us potential Heat partners.”

Satoru looked like she had snatched his ice cream and tossed it on the ground. She rolled her eyes. “Just make sure you both set healthy boundaries with him…a difficult task for you two psychos, but keep in mind you are dragging him into an established relationship. He’s new to all this and unsure of where he stands with you two, and the word of strangers means little.”

“So we just have to win him over,” Satoru replied as if it were the easiest thing in the world. However, considering his only other time pursuing someone was Suguru who clicked with him far too quickly, he didn’t exactly have any proof to counter this thought.

She sighed and mentally wished this poor Omega luck dealing with these idiots. “Don’t be cavemen about it.”

Satoru scoffed. “I am nothing but a gentlemen!”

Suguru flicked his mate in the forehead. “Did you not threaten on multiple occasions to carry Yuuji back to our den?”

”…but I didn’t actually do it!”

She took a deep breath and sent her prayers to Yuuji for having to deal with these two. “God, I need a cigarette.”

Megumi could hardly imagine his life without Yuuji.

He wasn’t the type for cheesy confessions or pouring his heart out, but if he was, he might have said that Yuuji was his soulmate. Not in the traditional sense. Romantic feelings and passion eluded him, emotions that were alien and far beyond his grasp. He loved Yuuji, that much he had accepted, but it was a different kind of love. 

“It’s called platonic love, dumbass,” Nobara had told him late one night back in high school when Yuuji was running late to their sleepover, annoyance lacing her tone as she focused on painting her toenails with laser precision. “Don’t make it complicated.”

He scrunched up his face, seventeen and still reeling with the idea of loving anyone in any form. “What, like with family—“

”Family is familial love! That’s different!” Huffing in irritation, she paused her painting to look up at him and snap, “God, Megumi, it’s not that hard!”

Scowling, he flopped back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. “So it’s not like…romantic at all?”

”No, it’s not. Not based on how you described it.” Seeming pleased with her toenails, she began to put away the polish, stretching out her legs and propping them up on pillows near the fan to dry them. “And don’t confuse Yuuji with this.”

His brows scrunched. “What?”

”…nothing. You know the dumbass. Don’t tell him you might love him romantically when you don’t.”

”You know, I never actually said love—“

”You don’t have to say it, Megumi. It’s a fact, not a statement.”

He didn’t know what she meant by that at the time, Yuuji having crashed through the door soon after and interrupted their talk with his overall Yuuji-ness. Chaos had ensued, all of his worries melting away, leaving nothing behind except contentment. As the night progressed, he eventually found himself burrowing into Yuuji’s side, Nobara on the other, drifting to sleep and feeling as if all was right in the world.

He never wanted to lose Yuuji. 

He would do whatever it took to ensure that.

Walking up to the Jujutsu Alpha Center, however, he wondered if he was truly prepared for what that might entail.

”This place looks even less welcoming than the Omega Center.”

Letting out a hum under his breath, Megumi found himself tucking in closer to Yuuji’s side, hearing his friend let out a tired sigh. He grimaced at the sound, knowing that Yuuji was getting overwhelmed by all the posturing the pack had been doing as of late, but he could not help himself.

He felt as if he was offering up his friend as a sacrifice. 

Would keeping Yuuji mean losing him?

Reaching the doors to the building, they both froze in place, seeing the shattered remnants, caution tape blocking off the entrance as workers were setting about measuring and clearing away glass, likely to replace the doors.

”Woah,” Yuuji mumbled quietly, leaning into Megumi. “Wonder what happened here?”

Megumi scowled at the broken glass on the ground, knowing exactly what had happened. ”No clue,” he muttered back, not intent to voice his concerns aloud.

Not until he received confirmation from—

“Ah, I was hoping to get here before you!”

Yuuji spun around, smiling broadly. “Utahime-Sensei!”

She looked tired, several bags stuffed full of files hanging from her shoulder, but she smiled warmly back at him. “It’s good to see you again, Itadori-kun…though I wish it was under better circumstances.”

”Ah,” Yuuji replied sheepishly, bowing his head slightly to her. “Sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused—“

”None of that!” she insisted, hurrying over to them and giving Yuuji a cursory glance as if looking for…something. Apparently whatever she was looking for, she did not find, her body seeming to relax some. “It’s me who should be apologizing to you—“

Her words paused as she laid her eyes on him, as if finally noticing him standing there. She blinked, recognition flashing, and before she could say anything or Yuuji could notice, he shook his head, willing her to not bring it up. It would only cause more problems then help.

Yuuji did notice her staring, however, but thankfully misunderstood. “Oh!” Linking their arms and yanking him closer, Yuuji declared with a bright smile, “This is Fushiguro Megumi! My packmate and best friend!”

A million thoughts seem to flash in Utahime’s mind. “O-oh, so this is the friend you mentioned…”

”Yeah, the one that fusses too much.”

With a light and irritated growl, Megumi reached up to flick Yuuji in the head, ignoring the Omega’s whine of complaint. “I wouldn’t have to worry so much if you weren’t so bad at getting yourself in shit situations.”

”Hey! It’s not my fault!”

Megumi gave him a flat look. 

“…it’s not always my fault!”

Utahime’s smile had returned, shifting into something soft. “Well, it’s not a bad thing to have packmates who care so dearly about your wellbeing, Itadori-kun.” Megumi could feel his cheeks grow warm, turning his face away and hiding in the high collar of his jacket. Utahime made an amused sound, shaking her head before gesturing for them to follow her. “Sorry about the mess—we had an, uh, incident last night, so we will be using the side doors.”

Following dutifully after her and dragging Megumi along, Yuuji asked, “Incident? Is everything alright?”

Utahime hesitated for a moment, as if trying to decide what to say, before replying, “It’s…fine. Now, at least.” Sighing as she slumped a little, she admitted, “I’ll have to deal with them later.”

Now, Megumi could feel Yuuji tensing. “Is someone causing you problems—“

Megumi gently swatted Yuuji in the head. “Don’t get yourself involved.”

Yuuji scowled at him as they reached the side door of the building. “Dude, I’m not just going to stand by if someone is—“

”You aren’t the police. Let them handle it.”

”You know the police are useless if it’s Primes—“ Yuuji’s words cut off, understanding flashing. His head snapped to Utahime as she opened the door for them. “Was it my Primes who did that?”

Oh, Megumi did not like that tone.

He wasn’t sure if it was the stiffness in his voice, the clear anger over the idea that the two idiots were acting up because of Yuuji…or if it was the way Yuuji said ‘my Primes’. 

For all Toji’s faults, he still did a decent job at raising him, given all his…difficulties. One of Megumi’s biggest issues in early childhood was his inability to relate to his peers, something attributed early on to his Prime status. And one of the big side effects?

All of his early education teachers would delicately point out his inability to share.

Which Megumi would scoff about. He could share just fine. He shared everything with Tsumiki growing up, whether it be toys, snacks, etc. Just because he did not like to share with people that weren’t pack wasn’t a big deal, though the teachers liked to make it into one. The only issue that Megumi could admit that was a problem did involve Tsumiki, to a degree…

Megumi had never quite liked sharing attention.

It was the same once he met Yuuji.

Apparently most of their highschool thought the two were a couple given how attached at the hip they were, some even going as far as to call him, Nobara, and Yuuji a triad. It was a rumor he never really bothered to fight. It was a selfish thing, considering he could never give that part of himself to Yuuji, but he never said he was a good person, and he could not help if Yuuji thought he was despite his blatant greed. He never hid who he was, and in return for Yuuji’s acceptance, he gave his packmate everything he had. All he wanted in return was Yuuj’s time, Yuuji’s attention, Yuuji, Yuuji, Yuuji—

So of course he didn’t want those bastards to have Yuuji even glance in their direction.

Utahime had heard the tone of Yuuji’s voice, eyes widening for a moment, then she let out a heavy sigh. “Not that I am one to defend their actions, but the two were…distressed about how you parted. Which was reasonable for you to leave once you found out, but they are…difficult.” She shook her head gesturing for them both to enter the building. “Honestly, I’m just happy that things did not turn out worse.”

Yuuji’s face twisted at that, obviously feeling guilty that the two lashed out over him. Megumi was about to tell him off about it, but then Yuuji asked, “Have they at least apologized?”

Utahime gave him a strained smile as they filed inside, halting just inside the doors. “They are paying for all damages…”

Yuuji’s frown deepened, brows narrowing. “I’ll talk to them.”

”That isn’t necessary—“

”If they want anything to do with me, it absolutely is necessary,” Yuuji ground out. “I’m not getting involved with a couple of self absorbed knot heads who can’t even apologize to Pack. And they better learn this…now.”

Megumi could not help the slight smirk that slipped out, watching the determined glint in Yuuji’s eyes.

At least he knew that no matter the outcome, whether Yuuji continued to see the pair or not, his packmate would never simply sit back when he didn’t agree with something.

Yuuji was sure to give those two hell.

After the words hung in the air for a minute, Utahime suddenly asked, “I’m sorry, did you say Pack?”

Yuuji blinked. “…uh—“

Oh god damn it. Megumi smacked Yuuji in the head. “What did we say about adopting people?”

”Dude, it’s not like I’m like this on purpose—!“

”Nobara is going to kill you.”

”It was a slip of the tongue! Utahime-sensei hasn’t even said yes yet!”

”I haven’t said yes to—wait what?”

”…uh…would you like to come to one of our Pack dinners?”

Megumi smacked him in the head. Again. 

Elsewhere, both Satoru and Suguru suddenly sneezed out of nowhere, sharing confused glances.

”…why do I feel like we fucked up?”

”…don’t be paranoid, Satoru.”

But even as he said it, it was clear to both that Suguru felt the same.

Utahime was really beginning to wish she had taken Shoko’s offer of making her coffee this morning before heading out.

Would it have had a large shot of something alcoholic in it? Probably. But it would have helped her get through this morning far easier.

Because nothing could have prepared her for Fushiguro Megumi being the best friend of Itadori Yuuji.

It was taking everything in her to not just grab the kid and drag him off to talk in private. How did this even happen? Does Sukuna know? It’s just short of an official decree from the Hunter Council that none of them were to get involved with Sukuna’s kid brother beyond basic interactions—but apparently, someone along the lines decided to ignore that.

And Megumi clearly knew she knew, given that subtle head shake when she recognized him. Fushiguro Megumi, prodigy Hunter and son of the infamous Fushiguro Toji, the current lead fighting instructor in Hunter Society. And this wasn’t even taking into account who his Godfather was. Fushiguro was so far entrenched into this world that surely someone should have noticed a long time ago and intervened. How long had this been going on? Didn’t Yuuji mention meeting Megumi in highschool during their first session? Was it an accident, them becoming friends?

Was it on purpose?

That thought in particular made her uneasy.

She shouldn’t be as attached to Yuuji as she was given, well…everything. His brother, being a client, drawing the attention of Gojo and Getou of all people, and now this…but she could not help but think about the fact that Yuuji was stuck in the middle of a silent war and being none the wiser.

She needed to do something.

But she could not tell him the truth. She could not tell him about Hunters, about Ferals, about the Council and who Sukuna really was…because then that silent war would become a real one, sides would be chosen, and people would die.

And given Gojo and Getou’s attachment to Yuuji, Getou already having very loose ties to Hunters and Gojo having never hidden his dislike for the Council, she honestly could not tell what side they would choose.

All she knew was that both sides would lose in a way, no matter who came out victorious.

But he deserved to know.

All of this was spinning in her head as they reached the conference room, her about to lead them both inside, when suddenly Yuuji blurted out, “Hey, where is the bathroom?”

She froze, blinking. “Oh, uh, last door on the right,” she answered, pointing further down the hall.

Yuuji nodded, turning to Fushiguro with a clearly annoyed face. “You have five minutes.”

Fushiguro blinked. “Wha—

“Ask her your questions. Stop being so damn weird.” Then, without another word, he turned and headed off down the hallway, shoulders stiff and tense.

Fushiguro slumped a bit. “…didn’t think I was being that obvious.”

Utahime offered him a weak smile. “Well, I think Itadori-kun is just good at reading people.”

Still staring off after Yuuji, Fushiguro let out an absent hum. “…he could be better.”

”Like knowing that most of the people in his life are hiding things from him?”

Now he was looking at her, eyes narrowed and threatening. She simply scoffed, gesturing for him to enter the conference room. “I’ve seen worse than you, kid.”

After a brief stare down, Fushiguro stalked into the conference room, hackles up. She shook her head and followed after, purposefully walking around to the far side of the table as he spoke. “The mated pair: It’s Gojo and Getou, isn’t it?”

She paused, glancing over towards the young Prime. “…I am not at liberty to say.”

Fushiguro nodded. “It was obvious once Yuuji described them. Not like there are a lot of Alpha Prime mated pairs running around.” Frown deepening, he muttered, “Wish I figured it out before they met.”

Quietly, she wished he had figured it out too.

After a moment, he asked, “Is Yuuji at risk with them?”

”…I want to say no.”

”But?”

”They are attached.”

Megumi grimaced. “How bad?”

”They were hunting him last night.” She could hear the audible growl Fushiguro let out, eyes flashing a deep green. “They likely will still attempt to hunt him if Yuuji turns them down.” 

“We can hide him—“

”They figured out it was Okkotsu who Itadori-kun had the failed Heat share with,” she continued. “Even I didn’t notice…but it won’t take them long to figure out any others he’s close with. Sukuna included.”

Fushiguro closed his eyes. He knew what that meant, what it would entail.

She decided it was her turn to get some answers. “What is Itadori-kun to you?”

His eyes snapped open. “What are you implying?”

”Is he truly pack? Or is he a target?”

Now, Fushiguro was snarling, and she could tell he was struggling to reign in his pheromones. “How dare you—”

”Can you blame me?” she snapped back with a hiss, unafraid of his posturing. “The claimed heir of Ryoumen Sukuna, the one that is off limits to Hunters, the boy with an execution sentence on his head that he doesn’t even know about, somehow having at least two Hunter pack mates? Maybe even more?” She was on her feet now, face twisted into a sneer. “What am I supposed to think beyond this being a manipulation tactic by the Council?”

Fushiguro flinched.

Oh.

Oh no.

”…please tell me I’m not right.”

He wouldn’t look at her. “…it’s not like that anymore.” 

“But that’s how it started, isn’t it?”

Fushiguro didn’t say anything.

She dropped into her seat, feeling sick to her stomach. “How?”

Fushiguro stared off at the wall. “Yuuji was sent to my dad to be taught sparring by the insistence of the Council. Sukuna only agreed because he knew my dad could train Yuuji well. I was…encouraged to befriend him.” He finally looked at her. “I grew attached…and others grew attached as well.”

She knew what he meant. Yuuji was a hard person to just meet and not grow to care for. “Sukuna?”

“He knows. And he has made it very clear he will tell Yuuji if we ever did something he didn’t approve of.” 

“Surely Sukuna wouldn’t hurt his own brother.”

Megumi grimaced. “If he felt like Yuuji was slipping away from him, the bastard would do whatever it took to keep him close…he does a lot of shit he shouldn’t do to Yuuji…but this secret has gotten too out of hand to risk Yuuji being told.”

Utahime hated the sinking feeling in her gut. “He said your pack is large…how many are aware of everything?”

Silence.

He didn’t have to answer.

She felt like she was going to be sick. “If he found out—“

”He can never know.”

”This isn’t something that can be kept secret forever!” she fired back. “Especially now that Gojo and Getou are interested! They are going to figure it out, and it’s only going to get worse if they are keeping this from him as well. Not to mention Sukuna will never approve of them.”

”I know that, but what else are we supposed to do?” Fushiguro snapped back. “His entire pack is built on a lie. It will break him. And if he found out what Sukuna is—“

Heavy knocking hit the door, and soon after, Yuuji’s head poked in. “Okay, are you done posturing?”

Fushiguro let out a disgruntled huff.

Yuuji shook his head. “You’re such a grump, Megumi.” Then, he strolled right into the room, dropping into a chair right next to Fushiguro and scooting closer. “Behave or I’m kicking you out.”

”The hell?”

Yuuji ignored him, turning his sunshiney smile onto Utahime. “So, Sensei, you had some notes for me?”

Oh, she hoped her face didn’t betray herself. “Oh, yes, let me get them out…but I am going to have to insist Fushiguro leave for this part.”

Fushiguro immediately protested, which swiftly turned to bickering between him and Yuuji. Bickering that seemed so easy, so normal for them, in a way that friends who knew each other better than they knew themselves did.

If only that were true for these two.

Her heart was bleeding for Itadori Yuuji.

Yuuji wanted to say he was surprised by the notes, but he really wasn’t.

Megumi relented to step out of the room when Utahime brought out the files, something that his packmate had only done begrudgingly with pointed looks towards Utahime. He’s not sure what the two discussed, but he hoped that whatever it was, Megumi had been at least polite about it. Utahime had yet to really answer about the pack dinner thing, and he doesn’t want her to run off. He was genuine when he told Nobara and Megumi that it would be nice to have another Omega in the group, and he really liked Utahime.

But the file went both more and less in depth about the split between Satoru and Suguru compared to what Suguru had told him. It detailed more about what led Suguru to leave, about his two friends and packmates nearly dying, about the pressure their school put them under, about the strain and distance their bond was already under due to the school. He read about Suguru going through what was essentially a psychotic snap, one that did result in him lashing out injuring several people before cutting ties.

He read about how Satoru essentially shut down in the aftermath.

Both spent several years just going through the motions. Suguru noted that he was expecting Satoru to sever their bond at any moment and was simply waiting for it to happen. How he knew that uneven splits always caused more pain on the side not initiating the split, but he still couldn’t bring himself to do it.

Satoru noted that not once did he ever consider cutting the bond.

Apparently at one point, the two happened to be near each other. Satoru had scented Suguru, and on impulse, tracked him down. The reunification triggered both their Ruts which had been dormant up to that point, and the triggering was…violent.

Both had severe injuries by the end of it, but they ended up talking once the haze faded and decided to try reuniting.

On the surface, things were going well.

Instinctually, however…

Suguru’s possessive nature over Satoru had grown worse. He detailed how for the first few weeks, he could barely even stand Satoru looking at someone else, let alone speaking to them. There were a few incident reports attached to the file of Suguru injuring people who got too close, and one particularly nasty incident when Suguru caught a female alpha trying to slip something into Satoru’s drink at a bar.

Apparently, the scarring was permanent, and the woman barely survived.

And then there was Satoru. Satoru had always been led by his instincts, and due to the clan he grew up in, he never really had to face any consequences for them so long as he followed the utter basics of behavior in society. Meeting Suguru had been the first time he ever had someone call him out on his behavior and actually be able to keep him in check, and this likely was a large reason behind why he became so attached so quickly.

The two fought and nearly killed each other within the first week of meeting.

And then—

“They mated each other within a month?”

Utahime sighed. “I told you those two were idiots.”

Yuuji reread the notes over and over, trying to process. “They were fifteen! They had to of known how stupid that was—“

”Gojo didn’t really care,” Utahime cut in, propping her chin in her hand with a sigh. “He found his equal and was dead set on having him. Suguru didn’t really fight the idea too much. They, well…”

Yuuji thought about Sukuna and Uraume, how Uraume had told him they had met and within the hour, they knew they would follow Sukuna for the rest of their life. “They matched each other’s crazy.”

She let out a snort. “Honestly, that about sums it up.”

He flipped the page, skimming the rest of the notes about Satoru. Possessive in certain ways but more so described like a child who wants to show off that he gets the most attention, whereas Suguru would not want to share the attention at all. Satoru had obsessive tendencies when he found an interest, but also had the problem of that obsession fading quickly when he grew bored. 

Suguru was an exception.

This made him…wilt. But he shook it off. It didn’t matter if Satoru looked at him the way he looked at Suguru. Those two were mates. Yuuji was a potential heat and rut partner. 

Nothing more.

He shouldn’t get attached.

He flipped the page again, only to pause on a particular note in Satoru’s file. “…oh, this explains a lot.”

”Hmm?” Utahime straightened, and Yuuji flipped the folder around to show her. She winced. “Oh yeah…that.”

’Patient reacts negatively when the focus of his interest turns their back on him, often triggering negative and sometimes violent results.’

Yuuji grimaced. “Well, at least he wasn’t too interested in me…”

”What makes you think that?”

The way she asked, the carefully blank look on her face, made him pause. “Well…just…he didn’t stop me when I ran last night.”

Utahime stared. “Itadori-kun…Gojo said he didn’t stop you because you evaded him. He…did lash out.”

His heart hammered in his chest. “…what?”

She seemed to hesitate, then she turned, digging in her bag before pulling out a file, siting it carefully on the table. “This is the incident report from last night. They brought it to me after Gojo and Getou had already left.”

Yuuji didn’t have a good feeling about this…but he flipped the report open regardless.

”…he sent twelve people to the hospital chasing me.” His head snapped up. “They were hurt because I ran—“

”Itadori-kun, no,” Utahime responded firmly, rising out of the chair and quickly hurrying around the table to his side. “They were hurt because Gojo’s Alpha is…strained and difficult to control as a result.”

”But I’m the one who triggered it—“

”And how could you have known?” she asked as she dropped into the chair next to him. “If anyone is at fault, it’s Jujutsu for failing you, Itadori-kun. We sent you into that situation without either side knowing the risks.”

”It’s not your fault…” he mumbled, staring at the page.

She flicked him in the head. “It’s more my fault than yours.”

Yuuji sighed, wanting to argue but knowing she would not accept his self blame. Instead, he tried to focus back on the papers. “So they’ve been having these issues ever since reuniting?”

She eyed him, knowing he was changing the subject but went along with it for now. “Yes…they thought time and a few Ruts together would solve things. And while some issues are better, the Ruts…”

Yuuji flipped the page, seeing the long list of injuries. “Yikes.”

”That’s one way to put it…” she muttered quietly. “They have not gone a single Rut without injuring each other.”

”So someone decided to toss an Omega at them and hope it helps?”

She groaned. “Other treatments were attempted, but this is all instinctual based. The hopes are that Omega pheromones would help ease the tension…though I feel as if having a third in their den would only be a bigger risk.”

Yuuji shrugged. “Well, I can hold my own in a fight against Nii-San, so I should be able to handle them.”

Utahime’s lips thinned. “You really should not underestimate them.”

”I know, I know,” Yuuji replied, still skimming documents. “But honestly, can you think of someone worse than Ryoumen Sukuna?”

It was the first time he had acknowledged his brother’s name in front of her, the first time he had said it to someone who wasn’t officially pack. He knew that she was already aware, that Sukuna had a confidentiality agreement with the company that Uraume had written up themselves, but still…Sukuna had drilled into his head from an early age to not tell anyone they were related. Which was understandable.

It was a risk to be known as the top League fighter’s little brother, as one of only two people he gave a damn about.

But maybe it was the part of his brain where his Omega was stomping around, already calling her pack, that made him so relaxed about it.

No, it was one hundred percent that.

He really hoped she accepted the pack dinner invite.

Utahime, however, did not hesitate to reply. “Gojo Satoru might be.”

And that had him freeze. “…what?”

She shook her head. “Nothing, it’s nothing. Just…Gojo is not someone to underestimate.” 

He wished he knew what to make of that warning.

Her gaze settled on the papers, face twisting with…something. “Itadori-kun…I want you to know that I can never begin to apologize for letting you be dragged into this mess.” He tried to speak but she shook her head. “Look, just…you have a choice in this. Whether you stay involved or not. But you need to decide that now. Now, while it’s still early, when attachment is still fresh.”

”You say that like I won’t be able to change my mind later on.”

Her hands moved to the police report. “Itadori-kun…they are already this attached after one meeting.” She looked up to him. “What do you think they will be like after the next? Or the one after that? A week, a month, a year from now?”

Yuuji swallowed. “…you read the report. Satoru gets bored easy, and Suguru doesn’t like to share.” He tried not to think about how Satoru clung to him, how Suguru had all but ordered him to use Satoru’s first name, how Utahime who sounds like she has known them for years doesn’t even have that privilege. “We’re just helping each other out, okay? Nothing serious.”

She stared at him, her eyes twisting into something like frustration as she sighed. “…it would be easier if that was the case.”

He bit his lip to not snap back at her in response.

Shaking her head, she asked, “Well, if you are so certain about this…are you ready to try their scent samples?”

His stomach flipped, his Omega pacing anxiously in his head. “As ready as I’ll ever be. If I don’t try now, Satoru probably will try peeling off a scent patch in an alley again.”

Her face twisted into a scowl. “Of course the idiot tried that…” Sighing and rising to stand, she asked, “Well then, if you’ll follow me…it’s best we do this in a more secure room.”

His head tilted. “Are their scents bad?”

She grimaced. “In my opinion, yes, but…I am more concerned about your reaction.” Her face flushed pink. “If it’s anything like those two, then we’ll want somewhere…private for you.”

”…eh?”

”…just follow me, Itadori-kun.”

Tiger of the West: Oh, uh, I finished my meeting with Utahime. Are you two still ready to meet up?

Six Eyes: YUUJI. <3

Six Eyes: We’re already here!!!

Tiger of the West: AH. I’M STILL TWENTY MINUTES AWAY.

Not a Cult Leader: No rush, dear. Satoru was just a bit stir crazy waiting, so we ended up heading out early.

Six Eyes: Oi, you were just as bad as me.

Not a Cult Leader: Shush.

Tiger of the West: Okay, I’m running to the train station now, be there soon!

Six Eyes: We’ll be waiting~

Not a Cult Leader: Be careful, Yuuji. No need to run.

Tiger of the West: Don’t worry, I’ll be fi

Not a Cult Leader: ….Yuuji?

Not a Cult Leader: Yuuji, are you okay?

Six Eyes: Uh, hey, Yuuji? You good?

Tiger of the West: Sorry got hit by a car in the crosswalk

Six Eyes: what

Not a Cult Leader: Where are you? Have you called an ambulance?

Tiger of the West: It’s fine, I’m fine! 

Not a Cult Leader: You said you were hit by a car.

Tiger of the West: I bounced.

Not a Cult Leader: ….

Six Eyes: Is this what you have to deal with me?

Not a Cult Leader: yes.

Six Eyes: coolcoolcool, heart attacks are a fun daily activity

Tiger of the West: Guys, I’m fine! I’ve dealt with worse! Hopping on the train now!

Not a Cult Leader: Yuuji, that is not reassuring.

Six Eyes: Be careful! Don’t get hit by the train!

Not a Cult Leader: Why in the fuck would you say that

Six Eyes: I realized my mistake after I hit send.

Six Eyes: But Yuuji’s fine!!! Right?

Six Eyes: ……….right?!

Not a Cult Leader: …Yuuji?

Not a Cult Leader: YUUJI.

Tiger of the West: Sorry, bad signal! See you soon!

”…I am installing a tracker on his phone first chance we get, and you aren’t fighting me on this.”

”I was already planning the same.”

Chapter Text

Dumbass Protection Squad

Megumi: yuuji and I just left jujutsu

Nobara: …and???

Megumi: meeting at my place tonight

Sensei: Oi, since when is it your place?

Maki: I’m busy. 

Megumi: become unbusy

Maki: Don’t tell me what to do. 

Sensei: Hey don’t ignore me. 

Megumi: maki this is serious

Maki: …fine but Yuuta and I will be busy till later. 

Megumi: fine

Yuuta: Wait busy with what?

Maki: Mai is ignoring my fucking calls. 

Yuuta: …is this going to get us arrested?

Yuuta: …….Maki?!

Panda: I would like to note that Maki just walked in, snatched Yuuta by the collar of his shirt, and dragged him out while muttering about her weapon collection. 

Nobara: well at least Yuuta can call that idiot for bail money, he’s too soft for jail

Nobara: also emo bitch, you better have food tonight

Megumi: feed yourself

Nobara: BE A GRACIOUS HOST FOR ONCE

Megumi: its not my house

Sensei: Oh so now it's not your place. 

Megumi: fuck off old man

Sensei: …I should have just sold you when you were a brat, Tsumiki doesn’t sass me like you. 

“Itadori-kun?”

Yuuji nearly jumped out of his skin, straightening up and spinning around like a kid caught stealing a cookie. “Nanamin! What are you doing here?”

Nanami gave him his usual deadpan stare, only it felt a tad bit more judgmental. “Itadori-kun…I always come to this bakery. We met at this bakery.”

”…oh yeah.”

Sighing, the man reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Could you please explain why you are acting so strange?”

”I’m not—“

”Itadori-kun.” Nanami sternly looked him up and down. “You are hiding behind a large potted plant and peeking into the windows like a hooligan.”

Yuuji had all but sprinted to his meet up after leaving Jujutsu and parting ways with Megumi. His packmate had wanted to come with, but Yuuji had waved him off, insisting he was fine. Really, Yuuji mostly wanted some time to clear his head and process everything that had been laid out for him. Part of him felt…off for seeing such personal details of Satoru and Suguru’s history together, seeing everything they went through, knowing what they were still struggling with today.

How those struggles made them dangerous.

And then another part of him just needed a minute to process their scents, his heart still pounding in his chest as his mind drifted, cheeks flushing with warmth— 

He shook his head. He should not be thinking about that with Nanami of all people right in front of him. “…I’m not sure what a hooligan is, but it sounds like an insult—“

“Itadori-kun.” Nanami crossed his arms, staring sternly at him. “What is wrong?”

He slumped over in defeat. “I’m supposed to be meeting a date inside.”

Understanding flickered in the man’s eyes. “And you are nervous to meet them.”

”We’ve met,” Yuuji explained, kicking at the ground and refusing to look directly at the man. “But it's…complicated.”

”Because of your heat issues?”

”So blunt…” Yuuji muttered glumly. “That and other things…”

”Well, standing outside is going to solve nothing,” Nanami continued, gesturing to the door. “Either go inside and meet with them, or I shall go in your stead and tell them you are not interested.“

Yuuji startled. ”Why would you do that?!” 

“If this date makes you uncomfortable, then you should not be forced to interact with them,” came the sincere reply. “And I am more than willing to assist you in turning them away if that is the case.”

”They don’t make me uncomfortable,” Yuuji insisted, waving off the man even though his heart warmed at the offer. “I just—I just needed a minute…”

Nanami seemed satisfied with this answer. ”Very well then…would you like me to stay in the bakery or nearby till the date is concluded?”

Yuuji couldn’t help but laugh. “No, no, I’m fine! I promise.”

“If you insist…” He could hear the chime of the bakery door opening behind him. Before he could turn to look, Nanami reached out to ruffle Yuuji’s hair, the Alpha allowing himself a rare pleased chuff. “Make sure to be careful, Itadori-kun.”

Yuuji smiled brightly up at the man. ”Yes, I promise, Nanamin!” 

Nanami looked ready to say something else, only for his eyes to dart to something over Yuuji’s shoulder and widen in surprise. Yuuji didn’t get to ask what was wrong before arms wrapped around his waist and yanked him backwards. Before whoever grabbed him could say anything, Yuuji sharply jabbed his elbow into the person’s gut, earning a pained grunt but no freedom from the hold. 

He grabbed the arms holding him and was about to pry them off when the person finally spoke. ”Ah, Yuuji-kun!” a familiar voice whined in his ear, curling over him and perching their chin on his shoulder. “Why are you being so mean?”

”Satoru?!” he yelped in shock, trying to look at the man holding him tightly. “What the hell?”

”Gojo,” Nanami growled out, a rare sound for the usually straight laced man, staring daggers at new arrival. “Let Itadori-kun go.”

Though he could only see Satoru’s profile, Yuuji could clearly see the way the man grinned with all teeth, his sharper canines flashing. “Now why would I do that?” he practically purred dangerously before leaning his head towards Yuuji’s own. His cheek briefly rubbed against Yuuji’s, an intimate and very possessive gesture for someone he had only met yesterday that had Yuuji’s face growing warm, stuttering out protests. Ignoring Yuuji’s grumbling, Satoru declared in a childish tone, “I saw him first, he’s mine!”

”Seriously…” Yuuji weakly complained, slumped over in Satoru’s hold, having given up trying to shove him away. “I met Nanamin like, four years ago.”

Satoru actually straightened up, still holding tightly to Yuuji. “Four years?!” Then, looking to Nanami, he cried, “And you never introduced me to Yuuji-kun?”

Nanami gave Satoru a look that would have made weaker men cry. ”Why would I ever curse him with your presence?”

”Excuse you! My presence is blessed, and Yuuji-kun deserves the honor of basking in it!“

”There has never been anything blessed about you. And stop referring to Itadori-kun so familiarly.”

”You are being so cruel, Nanamin—“

“Don’t call me that.”

”Well, can I call you Nanamin?”

Nanami frowned, looking past Satoru and Yuuji. “Oh god, you’re both here…”

Yuuji’s head snapped to the side. “Suguru!” 

Suguru smiled pleasantly at Yuuji, reaching out to pat a hand through his hair. “Hello, Yuuji.” The hand then slipped to grab Yuuji’s chin, twisting his face this way and that, before looking him up and down as if searching for an injury—

Oh, the car.

Whoops.

Well, apparently Suguru seemed satisfied with Yuuji’s condition, releasing his chin but returning his hand to his hair. Then turning his attention to Nanami without removing the hand, Yuuji noticed how sharp Suguru’s smile grew. “But I have to agree with my husband…how could you hide such a precious being as Yuuji from us?” His face twisted into a mock pained expression, leaning in closer to Yuuji. “Such a travesty!”

Nanami looked fit to burst. “Must you two cause a scene wherever you go?”

Suguru was already back to his earlier expression, impishly smirking. “Only when necessary.”

”Yeah,” Satoru chimed in, leaning back over and nuzzling Yuuji’s shoulder. “Don’t touch what isn’t yours, Nanamin!”

Several expressions crossed Nanami’s face before understanding bloomed. Eyes locking with Yuuji’s, he quietly asked, “Itadori-kun…please tell me these idiots aren’t your date?”

”…uh…”

”He’s our third!” Satoru cheerfully chirped. “Isn’t he perfect?”

”He’s your what?”

”I’m your what?”

Suguru patted Yuuji’s head. “Ignore Satoru, he’s getting ahead of himself and forgetting that he shouldn’t be rushing you.”

Satoru pouted. “But he’s perfect, we’re perfect: It’s inevitable!”

”Yes, but we should actually discuss this with Yuuji before springing this on him.”

”Ugh, fine.”

Yuuji was so confused. “What is happening?”

Nanami’s face twitched. “…Itadori-kun…do you need me to call someone? Perhaps your brother or cousin?” Then, he grimaced more. “Or pest control?”

”Oi!”

”So mean, Nanamin…”

”Stop calling me that.”

”I—they’re fine, Nanamin,” Yuuji weakly insisted. “Most of the pack knows I’m here with them, and we are just here to discuss some…stuff.”

”Most?”

”Do you really think I would tell either of my brothers any details about a date?”

”…fair enough.” Then, eyeing the two Alphas critically, he added, “Though I have to question your choice in dating material.”

Yuuji smirked, absently reaching up to scratch Satoru’s head on a whim. “Eh, they aren’t that bad.”

He could literally hear the pleased chuff from Satoru who leaned into his hand like a cat. 

Nanami did not seem convinced but relented. “If you need anything, please contact me. I will be in the area.”

Yuuji’s head tilted. “You will?”

“I will be now,” he replied, giving a stern and unyielding gaze towards the mated pair. “But first, I would like a word with these two.”

Satoru let out an excited gasp, leaning over and mock whispering to his mate. “Suguru! Suguru, I think we are about to get a shovel talk!”

Yuuji’s head began to rapidly snap between the pair and the increasingly irked Nanami as Suguru leaned over as well, imitating Satoru’s whisper. “He does give off overprotective dad vibes.”

“I know, right?” Snickering, Satoru quipped, “Who would have thought we would be getting the dad talk from our Kohai!”

Cue the record scratch in Yuuji’s brain. “Your what?” Before any of them could respond, Yuuji was spinning in Satoru’s hold and asking, “Dude, how old are you?”

Satoru grinned. “Wait, guess!”

“Thirty six!”

“…what?!”

Suguru was promptly losing his shit, slapping a hand over his mouth to try and smother laughter that was shaking his entire frame. Yuuji felt like he made a mistake. “You said guess!”

“That was so far off!” Satoru retorted. “Usually when someone guesses they go a little bit younger! Was that the little bit younger?”

“Yeah, are you like thirty nine?”

“What?!”

Suguru gave up his attempts at smothering his laughter, finally taking his hand off Yuuji’s head in order to clutch his stomach as he doubled over cackling. If people weren’t staring before, they were certainly staring now. 

Glaring at his husband, Satoru snipped, “You know this means he thinks you're thirty nine as well, right?”

Suguru’s laugh cut short with a choke, looking at Yuuji for confirmation. 

“Well…”

“We’re twenty eight!” he cried.

”…seriously?”

He looked utterly betrayed.

Nanami pinched the bridge of his nose as Satoru began to mockingly laugh at Suguru, muttering to himself before asking, “Itadori-kun…if you thought they were that old, why on Earth would you date them?”

Yuuji shrunk. “I don’t really have a defense for that.” 

Satoru leaned over his shoulder, ready to say something, but Suguru swiftly darted forward and smacked him on the back of the head. “Behave.”

Nanami looked like he would rather jump off a cliff than be here. Still, he persevered. “Itadori-kun, please wait inside the bakery while I talk with these two.”

Yuuji didn’t get a chance to answer, Satoru tightening his hold on him. “But what if I don’t want to leave him alone, hmm?” Shifting, Satoru plopped his chin on top of Yuuji’s head. “He’s a flight risk!”

“If he wants to leave, then he should damn well get to leave!”

“We’ve already let him leave once! He’s used up his freebie!”

“Let?…” Yuuji mumbled under his breath, earning an apologetic look from Suguru. 

“There isn’t a limit on someone getting to leave a situation they are uncomfortable in,” Nanami continued, clearly growing more agitated by the second. 

Satoru tried to speak again. Yuuji slapped a hand over his mouth. “Stop instigating!” Turning to Nanami, Yuuji insisted, “I promise I’m okay.”

Nanami looked him over as if searching for a lie but found none. Sighing heavily, Nanami simply replied, “If you are sure…” 

Yuuji smiled. “I—“

Then his face switched to confusion before twisting into disgust. Yanking his hand away from Satoru’s mouth he shouted, “Dude, did you just lick me?!”

Satoru chuckled, holding Yuuji tighter. “Sorry, Yuuji! I just couldn’t resist—OW.”

Suguru scowled at his mate, hand still in the air from smacking him in the head once again. “Can you please behave?” 

“But—“

“Satoru.”

Satoru’s jaw snapped shut, a pout forming as he dropped his chin back on Yuuji’s shoulder. “Yuuji! Everyone’s being mean to me today!”

Yuuji had no sympathy, wiping his hand on Satoru’s sleeve. “Well, maybe if you didn’t act like a brat…”

”A what?!”

Suguru was currently smothering a laugh, shaking his head while Nanami was making that face of his for when he was trying not to smile. Yuuji just leaned his head away from Satoru, complaining, “Dude, you’re shouting right in my ear…”

Satoru just held Yuuji tighter, pointing an accusing finger at Suguru. “I knew you were teaching him how to gang up on me!”

Nanami sighed. “Itadori-kun is more than capable of telling you off without any outside help. Now…” Turning to Suguru, he asked, “If Gojo refuses to part from Itadori, and Itadori-kun is fine with this, I would like to at least speak with you.”

Suguru glanced towards the pair, seeming to have a silent conversation with Satoru. With an eventual sigh, Suguru replied, “If we could be quick about it. Satoru can only behave for so long.”

Satoru huffed, but he released his death grip, choosing to slip his arm over Yuuji’s shoulders instead. “Please, I am completely capable of behaving.”

Suguru gave him a flat look before looking at Yuuji. “Do not hesitate to break his hand if he gets out of line.”

Satoru let out a disgruntled huff as Yuuji tilted his head in confusion. “Uh, not sure what would warrant that, but okay?…”

Suguru stared at him for a moment, then turned his attention to Nanami. “You better make this quick.”

Nanami looked like he was regretting his request. “I intend to.”

Yuuji had no chance to ask what they meant before he was being steered away by Satoru and into the bakery. “This way! Suguru and I managed to snag the large booth in the back corner~”

Letting Satoru guide him, Yuuji willed himself to relax. He had no reason to be nervous.

His mind drifted to the files.

He shook his head. Everything would be fine.

It had to be.

The moment Yuuji was out of earshot, Suguru dropped his smile. “Ask your questions.”

Nanami huffed, turning a stern gaze onto Suguru. “If you are toying with Itadori-kun, I will put a stop to it.”

”That wasn’t a question.”

”It wasn’t meant to be.”

Suguru hummed. With a fake smile creeping over his face, he asked, “If we were toying with him…what exactly could you do about it?”

A rare, legitimate growl reverberated out of Nanami’s throat, causing everyone in the vicinity to snap their gaze in their direction. Honestly, it was enough to startle even Suguru himself, not used to such a sound from the usually prim and proper rule following man.

He was impressed.

”If you are toying with Itadori-kun, I will put a stop to it, one way or another.”

And despite knowing that Nanami held no true threat to them in a fight, somehow Suguru found himself believing those words. The conviction from the Grade One Prime Alpha at the very least held true.

Suguru tilted his head. “You must hold Yuuji in high regard.”

Nanami stared at him. “He’s too good for any of us to have in our lives.”

The fake smile was wiped off his face. “I know.” His gaze drifted towards the bakery windows, seeing Satoru guiding Yuuji into the booth seat before sliding in after him. “Trust me, I know very well.”

”Yet you still pursue him.”

Suguru shrugged. “We’ve never pretended to be good men.”

Nanami was quiet for a moment, then he replied, ”You will have to be, if you want him in your life.”

“Because you say so?”

”Because Yuuji deserves nothing less.”

Suguru hummed under his breath. At least they could both agree on that.

Whether he and Satoru could live up to those standards, only time would tell.

”…so, only Yuuji can call you Nanamin—“

”I will not hesitate to stab you, Getou.”

”Oh, you are no fun today.”

Stabby Twin: WHY DID SOME RANDOM GUY ANSWER AT YOUR APARTMENT DID YOU MOVE?

Error: This message could not be sent. 

Stabby Twin: YOU BITCH DID YOU BLOCK ME?

Error: This message could not be sent. 

“I have to order that sandwich again!”

Yuuji let out a snort, shaking his head as he sat down in the booth. Thankfully, the bakery was fairly empty so they shouldn’t get too many odd looks. “You are going to become diabetic at this rate.”

Satoru let out a groan, sliding into the seat beside Yuuji before dramatically flopping against him. “Why does everyone say that?” he whined.

Huffing as he tried to push Satoru off, only for the man to grow even more limp, Yuuji retorted, “Because it’s true?!”

”I refuse to accept that reality.”

”Dude, that’s not how the human body works!”

”Who says that?” Satoru replied, shifting so that his cheek rested against Yuuji’s shoulder, arm wrapping around his back, and oh wow, Yuuji was becoming increasingly aware of how warm it was in here. “Who is to say that this isn’t a version of reality, one of the infinite universes to exist, where I am immune, hmm?”

Yuuji was quickly realizing that it was not warm in the building, just that he was growing flustered. “Uh, well, we won’t know for sure unless you actually become diabetic, I guess…” His eyes noticed the scent patch on Satoru’s neck, and he quickly turned his face away, trying not to remember the scents from earlier at Jujutsu. “You know, like that weird experiment with the cat in the box.”

Satoru popped up, and Yuuji felt like he could finally breathe as the Alpha excitedly declared, “Schrodinger’s cat!”

Yuuji shook his head. “Yes, that—whoa!”

The arm around his back had finally hooked around his waist, dragging Yuuji over until he was sitting on Satoru’s thigh. His face was probably bright red by this point, trying to process everything that was happening—

Then he felt Satoru press his face into the back of his neck, attempting to deeply inhale Yuuji’s scent, before teeth gently but firmly bit down.

Spine stiffening, nails twisting into the flesh of his leg, Yuuji could feel his entire body coil, the snarl building in his throat. Even as Satoru let go and pulled his face away, his Omega pushed to the surface, ready to lash out—

“Satoru.” 

Suguru’s voice was quiet in the near empty bakery, but the tone was enough to have Satoru all but dumping Yuuji back into the booth seat. His hands quickly tucked into his lap like a child caught doing something they weren’t supposed to and trying their hardest to look innocent.

Suguru was not buying it for a second. Nodding his head towards the counter, Suguru asked, “Why don’t you go and order for us?”

Satoru obviously didn’t want to, trying to lean into Yuuji as he began to voice his protests…

His hand touched the back of Yuuji’s neck.

Yuuji ripped the hand away and let out a violent hiss.

Yuuji will be the first to admit that the sounds he makes are not…normal for an Omega. He couldn’t even argue that they were normal for an Omega Prime, considering he’s heard Uraume and even another Omega Prime in the past. No, Yuuji sounds less like an Omega and more like a pissed off Tiger when he caves to his more primal subsets, the guttural hiss usually scaring the shit out of anyone who didn’t know him.

He earned the nickname Tiger of the West at his school for a reason.

Satoru drew back as if burned, the pure shock evident on his face. Yuuji likely looked equally as shocked, the hiss having been more instinctual than anything. But the damage had been done, Satoru looking so confused and hurt that Yuuji wanted to apologize…even though he knew Satoru was the one who crossed a line, was the one who made his Omega lash out, was the one who should be apologizing.

His gaze dropped to the table, his jaw clamping shut.

Silence reigned for a beat, and he assumed that Satoru and Suguru were having one of those wordless conversations. Yuuji kept telling himself to say something, to say anything, to apologize, to say nothing’s wrong, that something was wrong with him, that his Omega and his head were broken—

He felt slight taps on the table, enough to stir his attention. In a daze, he noticed a hand laying across from him, palm open and inviting, as calm and steady words washed over him. They pushed through the static in his head, helping him to focus, staring intently at the offered hand, the hand that looked so familiar…

Carefully, slowly, cautiously, he reached out, fingers hesitating just above the hand, wondering if he was doing something wrong, if this was a mistake. Then his fingers lowered, brushing against familiar rough skin, tapping against—

“Calluses…” he muttered quietly, fingers tracing along the raised calluses along the palm of the hand. He finally looked up, seeing Suguru sitting across from him, softly smiling in relief. “…hi.”

Suguru let out a sound that crossed between a sigh and a slightly hysterical laugh. “Hi to you too, Yuuji.” Concern and worry was etched into his face. “Are you alright? Can you tell me what happened?”

He hummed, eyes fluttering shut. “I…I’m fine.”

“Considering you went unresponsive for nearly ten minutes, I would beg to differ.”

Yuuji remained silent.

Suguru’s fingers shifted, curling slightly around Yuuji’s own. “We just want to help…”

Yuuji flinched, causing Suguru to try and pull his hand back in response. This led to Yuuji grabbing it in a vice grip, heart beating wildly. “Don’t…” 

“It’s alright,” Suguru assured, leaning forward across the table, his own fingers wrapping around Yuuji’s. “I’m not going anywhere if you don’t want me to.”

Yuuji swallowed. “…stay. Both of—“

His other hand drifted to the side.

He realized Satoru was no longer sitting beside him.

A pathetic whine broke out, Suguru’s fingers tightening further. “Yuuji, what do you need?”

”I—I’m sorry,” he managed to reply, another whine settling in his throat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset him, I—“

”Yuuji, breathe for me,” Suguru ordered gently. “Come on, in and out, that’s it…“

Yuuji shook his head. “I—I didn’t want to ruin things.” 

“You didn’t ruin anything—“

”But Satoru’s gone.”

Suguru’s eyes widened. “Yuuji…Yuuji, Satoru isn’t gone. He just stepped away. We thought you were uncomfortable—“

”It’s not him,” Yuuji blurted out, thinking about what had happened, about why he was in such a state. “It’s—god, it’s so fucking stupid.”

”If something Satoru did upset you, then it’s not stupid—“

”I’m the one that can’t control myself,” Yuuji fired back, fighting the urge to draw away. “I’m the one that reacts like a fucking abused dog anytime someone—“ The words died on his throat, jaw clamping shut as his gaze dropped to the table.

”Yuuji?” Suguru pleaded, his words edged with panic, but his voice was already fading into the static. “Yuu—“

The static took hold, and time seemed to blur for a bit. He was slightly aware of things around him, aware enough to recognize Suguru slipping in next to him, pulling him close, talking to him with a calm and steady voice. He recognized when he slumped against the man, a low whine building in his throat, how the panic slipped back into Suguru’s voice as he called for—

“—toru! Satoru!“

And then he suddenly found himself enveloped in another’s hold, buried in the overwhelming scent of ozone, like a brewing storm, feeling as if lightning was caressing his skin, his body involuntarily shivering before melting into this new embrace. 

His Alphas had him, he could relax now.

And then his mind finally sunk into darkness.

As Suguru watched the scene in front of him unfold, the first thought he had was how hopefully they did not get Yuuji banned from his favorite bakery.

Which was a stupid concern to have when their third—potential third, he had to remind himself—was currently deep in a drop in his mate’s arms. His mate, who upon Suguru shouting for him and seeing Yuuji in such a state, immediately ripped off his scent patches in the middle of a public space before snatching Yuuji into his arms.

Yaga was going to have a fit.

But that was later Suguru’s problem. Now, all he needed to focus on was guiding Satoru away from the public eye and figure out how to help Yuuji. Which he knew would lead to an argument. Because as he grabbed Satoru, pulling him towards the door, Satoru immediately demanded, “We need to take him to our den.”

Suguru resisted the urge to growl in frustration. “You know very well that’s a bad idea.”

Satoru had no qualms about growling at him, arms tightening around Yuuji’s limp form. The sound caused the already terrified boy behind the bakery counter to drop further out of sight with a whimper while Satoru snapped, “We need to protect him—!”

”And we don’t know if that will help or make things worse,” Suguru countered as they left the bakery. People on the street snapped their heads in their direction immediately, Satoru’s imposing scent flooding the area and sending them all into a panic, even Betas. “We need somewhere neutral while we figure out how to help him.”

Baring his teeth but clearly torn, Satoru tried to argue, “He relaxed when he could scent me.” Eyes darting to Suguru’s neck, he added, “He’ll relax more scenting both of us.”

”That’s good, but we should still be cautious.” He reached out, fingers carding through Yuuji’s hair. “A drop is a delicate thing…we don’t want to make it worse.”

Satoru remained silent, staring at Yuuji intently. Suguru knew Satoru blamed himself for this, and were it not for Yuuji asking for Satoru before fully zoning…Suguru might still be blaming him as well. He had warned him to be cautious of boundaries, but he never listened.

Suguru shook his head, seeing Ijichi pulling up to the curb. “We will figure this out.”

As Suguru herded Satoru to the car, Satoru quietly remarked, “We do know someone we could ask.”

”Utahime did not mention any known triggers for Yuuji—“

”I meant Yuuta.”

Suguru froze, lips curling distastefully as they both climbed in. “You want us to ask an Alpha who tried to forcefully fuck him through his heat.”

As Satoru adjusted Yuuji in his lap, he replied, “No. I want to ask Yuuji’s trusted packmate, one he trusted enough to ask him to assist him through his heat, about how to best help Yuuji.”

Suguru could feel his face twisting up as if he had tasted something sour. “…he will know we are courting Yuuji.”

”I don’t give a damn who knows,” Satoru countered bluntly. “He’s ours, and I will make it clear to anyone who challenges that. But all I care about right now is finding out what triggered Yuuji and how to help him.”

Suguru closed his eyes. “…fine, fine, but you better be the one to make the call.”

Satoru let out a snort, already reaching for his phone and dialing. “As if I would let you traumatize my personal student.”

”I wouldn’t traumatize him—“

”Suguru, my love, you look like you want to castrate him ever since you found out he and Yuuji attempted a Heat share.”

”…I don’t see how that is a bad thing—“

”Um…Suguru wants to do what?”

Both of their attention snapped to the phone, Suguru seeing that Yuuta had already answered in the middle of their bickering. Satoru merely grinned at Suguru’s scowl, asking in a chipper voice, “Yuuta-kun! My favorite student! I have some important questions regarding our dear Yuuji-kun.”

Suguru took a deep breath as Yuuta began to stammer over the line. This was for Yuuji. He needed to behave for Yuuji.

And if Yuuta happens to be in an unfortunate accident later on once his usefulness ran out, well then—

Satoru kicked him in the leg, silently mouthing out, “Behave.”

Suguru grimaced before slouching in his seat to sulk. It just had to be Satoru’s personal student.

Chapter Text

Hammer Queen: hey you 

Hammer Queen: I want to go shopping tomorrow you need to be my packmule

Hammer Queen: Oi answer me

Yuuji came to awareness slowly, then all at once.

The slowly let him grow aware to the warmth surrounding him as he lay on his stomach, the familiar pressure of someone laying below him and another curled on top. It was grounding in a way, something he had done a million times over with Megumi and Nobara on a couch, something his Omega took great comfort in, all while the low sound of the tv played in the background to help drown out the static in his brain. His fingers curled into the fabric of the shirt under him, shifting slightly to his face nestled into the person’s neck, inhaling deeply and calming at the smell, like an ocean breeze, sharp and crisp and invigorating.

The all at once came when he realized that the scent was not that of his two familiar packmates, neither Megumi’s sharp pine wood nor Nobara’s overpowering roses. No, this one was new, familiar but very new, and his eyes popped open as he remembered who the scent belonged to.

Shifting his face up towards the body under him, he could see Suguru watching him carefully, though a soft smile rested on his face. In a quiet voice, the Alpha asked, “How are you feeling?”

Yuuji could not help but blurt out, “Confused.” At that moment, he became aware of a shifting against his back, arms tightening around his waist. Turning his head more, he could just barely see Satoru dozing on Yuuji’s back, burying his face into Yuuji’s spine, holding tightly while a soft, quiet rumble of a purr rolled out of the Alpha. “…very confused.”

”I can get him to move,” Suguru offered gently.

Yuuji hesitated, then upon realizing how relaxed his Omega actually was, shook his head. “No, he’s…fine.” Then, looking back to Suguru, he added, “So long as you don’t mind being a pillow for a little while longer.”

Suguru chuffed, settling himself further on the couch. “You can use me for a pillow for as long as you like.”

Laughing softly and just giving into the heaviness in his limbs, Yuuji settled back down, his face no longer buried into Suguru’s throat but close enough to smell the lingering comforting scent of the ocean. “Be careful with an offer like that. My pack says I’m clingy.”

”Satoru is much the same,” Suguru replied teasingly, reaching up to run a hand through Yuuji’s hair, eliciting a purr. “He tends to…act before thinking.” 

“That’s not always a bad thing.”

”It is when he does not respect the fact that some people have boundaries.”

Yuuji could tell the implications. “He didn’t cross any today.” Then, he asked, “Wait, it is still today, right?”

Huffing, Suguru drawled, “Yes, it is still the same day. You were only…dazed for a few hours or so.” Hand drifting from Yuuji’s head to Satoru’s, absently petting his sleeping mate, he stated, “He triggered you.”

Yuuji grimaced. ”He couldn’t have known—“

”Which the fact that something this important wasn’t listed in your file is something to discuss at another time,” Suguru replied in a tone that suggested Yuuji might not like that particular conversation. “But regardless, the back of the neck is already an area that is sensitive to most. He should have known better.”

“…you figured out it was there?”

”…no,” came the quiet response. “We know Okkotsu, and the description in your file was fairly easy to figure out.”

Yuuji nodded, cheek pressed against Suguru’s chest. “Ah, yeah…I guess he explained?”

”He told us to not touch the back of your neck, and how to best draw you out of the drop state you were in,” Suguru elaborated, gesturing towards the way they were currently laying before tapping the side of his neck, showing the lack of scent patches. 

Yuuji flushed. “Yeah…contact usually helps.”

“Is it your entire neck?”

He shook his head. “No, just the back. Surprisingly I don’t mind people poking at my glands or pack scenting themselves with my neck. And to be honest, my reactions usually aren’t this bad even with the back of the neck. I think I just reacted so poorly cause it was Satoru’s teeth and breath, then afterwards he touched it, and well…”

Suguru muttered something under his breath, aiming an annoyed look towards Satoru, before shaking his head. “I don’t know how to properly apologize for that—“

“Then don’t,” Yuuji cut in. “I’m fine, I promise. I’m just sorry you had to deal with me—“

”I won’t apologize if you don’t refer to helping you out of a drop as ‘dealing with’ you.”

”…fair enough.”

After some hesitation, Suguru added, “…Okkotsu did not tell us why it triggers you, so that is still private—“

”It’s not really a secret,” Yuuji admitted with a shrug. “Me and my friends were attacked by some crazy Prime in high school. One was hurt, so I made the other take her away while I held the guy off—I had already called Nii-San for help so I thought it would be easy to hold out…” Voice drifting, Yuuji quietly added, “He…caught me off guard.”

He felt the arms around his waist tighten, Satoru shifting up higher on his back until his face rested in the curve of his neck and shoulder, careful to not actually touch the back of the neck. The position was horribly intimate, and Yuuji tried not to think about it. In a sleep-addled voice, Satoru asked, “Did he try to scruff you?”

Yuuji grimaced. “In a way…” Sighing heavily and deciding to rip the metaphorical bandage off, he elaborated, “He bit the back of my neck.”

Both of the men went still, processing the words Yuuji just spoke. Then, quick as lightning, Yuuji felt Suguru simultaneously ripping Satoru off of him and twisting Yuuji between him and the back of the couch, propped up and growling in warning at Satoru who now laid on the floor. “Go cool off!” Suguru snapped as Satoru sat up, eyes darting between Suguru and Yuuji, an edge to his frame that made him look ready to launch at any second. Suguru’s growls simply grew more intense. “Now, Satoru!”

A heavy pause hung in the air for a moment before Satoru was on his feet, storming across the room and out onto a balcony, slamming the door shut behind him with such force that Yuuji was surprised the glass didn’t shatter. 

It was Yuuji’s first proper look around, and he was able to see that this was what appeared to be a very lavish looking hotel suite, something far nicer than any he had ever stayed in before. While he had been taken on trips with Sukuna and Uraume, even one particularly chaotic trip with Choso, Eso, and Kechizu, those had all been to traditional style hotels and onsens, whereas this space seemed to have the one minded goal of showing off modern opulence. 

All Yuuji could think about was how this place was probably way overpriced for someone like him to be in.

”I…am so sorry about that.” Yuuji’s attention snapped back to Suguru who looked bone dead tired in that moment. 

“What exactly happened?”

Suguru grimaced. “You’ve seen our files, so you know, but…Satoru is very driven by his instincts.”

”Oh yeah…” Yuuji murmured, thinking over everything. “Getting mated within a month of meeting someone kind of suggests that.” 

Suguru flushed, covering his face with his hand. “Yes…Satoru is very…determined.” Shaking his head, he continued, “So having the object of our affections mention that someone had bitten their neck…all while Satoru’s own teeth were inches away from your gland…”

Oh.

”…oops?”

Suguru couldn’t help but laugh in a tired way, shifting to properly lay back down on the couch on his back. “It’s…fine. It’s a learning curve on how to behave around Satoru. He’ll be fine after some fresh air.”

Yuuji took this as an invitation to move back on top of Suguru, wiggling around until he was comfortable and flopping forward on the man. Suguru’s face was flush by this point, which Yuuji assumed was stress, but he didn’t complain about Yuuji crawling back on top of him at the least. Stretching as he settled down, chin propped on the center of Suguru’s chest as he looked up at the Alpha, Yuuji remarked, “Well, I’m lucky to have you around to help guide me.”

Hands settled on his waist, Yuuji involuntarily shivering as one of the thumbs slipped under the hem of his hoodie. “The main thing to know is that through it all, Satoru is very eager to please…so if he ever is pushing you too far, firmly tell him so and he should back down.” 

Yuuji shrugged. “Besides the neck thing, I don’t have a lot of boundaries—“

”Do not tell Satoru that,” Suguru ordered sternly, the grip on his waist tightening. “Satoru is greedy, and he will take everything you have to offer him and then want more.” Then, in a tone that Yuuji could not identify, Suguru stated, “He needs to learn how to savor something special…”

Yuuji’s stomach flipped as the meaning finally began to catch up with him. “…o-oh.”

The thumb under the edge of his hoodie started to move in circles as Suguru continued to speak. “So do please tell him no every once in a while…and don’t be afraid to make requests.” A sly smirk slipped on the man’s face. “It’s almost cute how quick he is to jump when we ask for something.”

”I’m kind of notoriously bad at asking for things,” Yuuji admitted sheepishly.

”That’s fine,” Suguru remarked easily. “We’ll make you spoiled soon enough.”

Yuuji did not know what to say in response to that, so he used it to shift the conversation. “That spoiled thing wouldn’t have anything to do with why we are in this expensive looking hotel room, would it?”

”Hmm? Oh, yes…” Now Suguru looked embarrassed. “Sorry, this was the compromise to get Satoru not to bring you back to our apartment.”

Glancing around the room once more, Yuuji replied, “I would have been fine chilling at your place—“

”If we had taken you to our apartment in any capacity, Satoru would have carried you off into our den,” Suguru insisted. “And while I would not mind, we had no idea your opinion on the matter…”

Yuuji felt his cheeks grow warm, knowing what bringing an Omega to an Alpha den usually implied. “Oh, uh, yeah…not yet.” Shaking his head, he weakly added, “But you didn’t have to rent such an expensive room…”

”As I said before,” Suguru continued gently, one hand starting to absently run along Yuuji’s back while the other he noticed seemed to have somehow crept even further under his hoodie. “Satoru is loaded, and I have made myself quite the fortune myself—“

”With your cult?”

The fingers under the hoodie suddenly pinched his skin, eliciting a sharp yelp while Suguru held him in place, an unrepentant smirk on his face. “What I mean to say is that this is nothing for us.”

Yuuji felt his face twist into a pout, knowing when to accept defeat. “If you say so…” Eyes drifting towards the balcony, Yuuji asked, “…is Satoru going to rejoin us?”

The smirk shifted into something softer, a gentle smile. “Why don’t you ask him?”

”I don’t want to bother him—“

”Remember what I said, about Satoru being eager to please? He has too many emotions and not enough attachments to spend them on.” Hand moving from his back to his cheek, gently stroking as Yuuji absently leaned into the touch, Suguru remarked, “And having our mate ask us to nest together is far from a hardship…”

Yuuji could not help but perk at the mention of a nest, his Omega hindbrain starting to scratch at the walls. “Nesting…”

Before Suguru could question him, Yuuji was scrambling off him and trotting towards the balcony, a one track mission in mind.

He didn’t even think to question the fact that Suguru referred to him as their mate…

Contrary to popular belief, Satoru was aware of how overwhelming he could be. Quite frankly, he usually just did not care what others thought. Those he cared for were already accustomed to him, and everyone else should just count themselves blessed to be in his presence.

The issue with this mentality was that it did not meld well when trying to endear someone new to him.

While he still maintained that Yuuji should know what he was getting into, that he should see Satoru’s true self now rather than later, he could understand Suguru’s argument that Yuuji should be eased into Satoru’s quirks. He wanted Yuuji to be comfortable in his presence, after all.

The problem lay in the fact that Satoru wanted Yuuji.

His Alpha could not understand why they had not already made a claim on the Omega. Surely the Omega would understand, would preen and bask at the thought of having two powerful Alphas lay claim to him. But the rational part of his brain reasoned that forty eight hours and two dates with terrible endings did not exactly set up a great basis for a relationship.

He leant over the railing, taking a deep breath. He needed to be patient. He needed to take a nice, calming breath and focus on courting Yuuji properly, like how Yuuji deserved—

The sliding door to the balcony was yanked open, and Satoru glanced over his shoulder just in time to see Yuuji latching onto his arm and attempting to tug him inside.

”…eh?”

Yuuji gave one particularly strong tug, causing Satoru to stumble forward as the Omega led him back into the hotel room. “Come on, Satoru!” Yuuji chirped, dragging him further into the room and completely disregarding the still open balcony door. 

Satoru looked between the Omega and his mate who was still sprawled on the couch. “What is happening?”

Suguru looked a bit sheepish. “I may have misspoken—“

Yuuji dropped Satoru’s arm for a moment, only to grab Suguru and yank. Satoru watched in barely contained glee as their third fully pulled Suguru off the couch onto the ground. Suguru let out a startled yelp, but couldn’t even ask what was happening before Yuuji had scooped up Suguru into a fireman’s carry over his shoulder, eliciting another yelp from his mate.

And Satoru took a moment to process that Yuuji, despite being half a foot shorter than Suguru, was carrying the Alpha with ease. His own Alpha could not help but rumble like a truck appreciatively, Suguru looking towards him with reddened cheeks. Having finished adjusting his hold on Suguru, Yuuji spun back towards Satoru and snatched his hand before tugging once more.

Chuckling at the Omega’s determination, Satoru asked, “So, what exactly are you kidnapping us for?”

Yuuji’s face was still twisted with glee as he dragged them towards the suite’s bedroom. “Nest!”

Satoru blinked. “…nest?”

Suguru sighed, having given into his fate of being carried. “I made the mistake of mentioning nesting.”

Satoru blinked again. Then he straightened, a thousand thoughts spiraling through his head. “Yuuji is going to nest for us?”

Before Suguru could reply, Yuuji was dropping Satoru’s hand and dumping Suguru on the bed, shoving and manhandling him towards the center. Satoru could only watch in fascination as Yuuji then stepped back, stared in concentration…and promptly began to yank the comforter and sheets out from under Suguru.

He could barely contain his laughter as Suguru scrambled to keep up with the Omega’s incessant demands. 

Pausing once the comforter was in his hands, Yuuji turned towards Satoru, intensely hesitant and unsure in a way that made Satoru concerned. But before he could ask, Yuuji quietly asked, “Can you guard?”

And suddenly, a lot of things made a terrifying amount of sense in regards to Itadori Yuuji.

He kept the realizations off his face, simply smiling softly to the Omega after sparing a brief glance towards his concerned looking mate on the bed. “Of course, Yuuji,” he replied, earning a soft purring chirp from the Omega who then set about building the nest with single minded focus. Satoru shifted back a few steps, just to give him a better vantage point in the room, keeping a steady eye on Yuuji’s progress while Suguru remained rooted in his spot, offering Yuuji encouraging chuffs when the Omega seemed unsure about something.

Omegas should never need to be guarded when nesting. Having packmates or mates present is one thing, but guarded? Nesting as a whole should be a process designed to make Omegas feel safe. Even someone like Satoru who has had minimal interactions with Omegas knows that a nest was sacred. The only reason one would request such a thing would be because of something in their past that left them on an instinctual level feeling as if the process of building a nest were unsafe.

No wonder Yuuji was territorial of his nests.

Yuuji had darted to the closet, digging through for spare blankets left by the hotel. Suguru was staring after the Omega with an almost heartbroken expression, clearly distraught at the idea of Yuuji having ever felt unsafe.

And while Satoru was much the same, he also had the overwhelming urge to track down whoever was the cause and show them exactly why they shouldn’t harm what was his.

But later. For now, he had a mission, a request from their third.

He was asked to guard, so he will guard, despite knowing there were no threats even remotely nearby.

And thankfully, once the makeshift nest had been built, Yuuji crawling inside and clinging to Suguru, butting his head under Suguru’s chin like an affectionate cat, Yuuji looked back and beckoned him over in excitement. 

And who was he to deny a request like that?

Something was genuinely off balance with Yuuji today.

While yes, he was accustomed to his Omega being difficult to predict beyond general aggression triggers, this was all new territory for him. After Satoru had accidentally triggered him, he expected his Omega to become more reactionary with the pair, to lash out like it did with Ozawa and any other potential partner he had in the past.

He did not expect it to push him to nest with them.

Not only that, but as his Omega began to sit back and give him more control once more, Yuuji found himself in the middle of pressing his face up against Satoru’s throat as they laid sprawled on their sides in the bed, purring in his loud, rumbling way while holding tightly to Suguru’s arms as the man curled around him from behind. It was infinitely, mortifyingly intimate.

But the two seemed to take it in stride, Suguru clinging from behind, one leg absently curling around Yuuji’s own. All the while, Satoru’s head tilted to the side, baring his throat for Yuuji to have better access, a sign of trust and submission that so horribly defied everything Yuuji had known about Alphas. It was this motion, paired with Satoru’s rumble of approval, that finally had Yuuji pausing and realizing how things had escalated.

He made a choked sound, trying to process everything, before resorting to dropping his face to bury it into Satoru’s chest as his face grew warmer by the second. A low, syrupy chuckle came from the man, one of his arms moving to drape over Yuuji’s waist, fingers dancing along the hem of his hoodie. “Aw, come on…” Satoru purred, head tilting down to hover over Yuuji’s ear, the warmth of his breath causing Yuuji’s voice to hitch. “Don’t get shy on us now…”

”Satoru…” Suguru admonished, though a teasing lilt clung to the words as Suguru’s hands lazily trailed up and down Yuuji’s stomach. “Don’t push him…”

”I was letting him lead,” Satoru griped back, the fingers sneaking under the hem now pressing firmly into Yuuji’s skin. “He stopped when things were getting good…”

“He’s clearly overwhelmed and confused.” One of Suguru’s hands trailed up till they reached Yuuji’s throat, gripping firmly beneath the chin and tilting his head back to where Yuuji could see both of their faces properly. “You’ve never given into your Omega like that before, have you?”

Yuuji swallowed, the hand on his throat tightening ever so slightly before relaxing, and then he shook his head. “No…not that I’m aware of…my Omega’s usually…aggressive so it’s too dangerous to do so…” Then, awkwardly while trying to look away, he mumbled, “And never has it been so…”

The grip tightened once again. “Look at us when you are speaking, dear…”

Yuuji snapped his attention back to Suguru who let out a pleased chuff. Satoru clucked his tongue, quietly parroting in a mocking tone, “‘Don’t push him’ my ass…”

Suguru’s attention snapped to Satoru. “I’ll have your ass if you don’t behave.”

Satoru grinned with all teeth. “Promise?”

The hand not around Yuuji’s throat shot out to punch Satoru in the stomach, earning a pained grunt from the Alpha. Suguru ignored him and turned a serene smile back towards Yuuji. “You were saying? Your Omega hasn’t been so…what?”

Yuuji felt the warmth flooding to his cheeks once more, not wanting to say it but also…feeling strangely compelled to answer the Alpha, to not disappoint him. So despite the nerves, the flush he could feel on his face, the jittery feeling in his stomach, he looked Suguru directly in the eyes as he quietly answered, “…needy.”

Suguru’s eyes grew wide, the grip on his throat slackening altogether. “Oh?”

Satoru was pressing forward, caging Yuuji in between the two, making Yuuji suddenly forget how to breathe, hands shifting to cling to Satoru’s shirt. Yuuji found himself looking at him, pinned under crystalline blue eyes that looked far too inhuman to be real, entrancing him to the point that he barely heard Satoru ask, “Needy for what?”

Yuuji felt a tremor run through his body, the warmth from his face pooling in his gut. “I…I don’t know.”

He worried that might disappoint them, only he could see the spark of mischief in Satoru’s eyes before the man ducked his head down to Yuuji’s throat, nosing along where Yuuji’s scent patch remained. Suguru let out a pleased hum, his hand drifting out to absently curl through Satoru’s hair. “That’s fine, dear,” Suguru quietly replied, his long fingers trailing along Satoru’s neck in a way that captivated Yuuji as he tried not to focus on whatever Satoru was doing. “We have time to figure that out.”

Yuuji felt teeth graze the edge of his patch.

He let out a loud, overwhelmed keen.

Suguru’s fingers twisted into Satoru’s hair, yanking his head away from Yuuji’s neck. “What did I just say?”

And Satoru, breathing as if he had just did a one hundred meter sprint and eyes dilated as if he were as high as a god damn kite, grinned unrepentantly.

Suguru moved.

Yuuji scrambled to the side, watching in fascination and mild annoyance as the two began to literally fight in his nest, causing the edges to start to fall over. Less than a minute later, Yuuji found himself beyond annoyance and into pissed off territory, resorting to full body shoving the grappling couple off the bed and out of his nest with a loud snarl. They both hit the ground with a thud and startled shouts, taking out a large chunk of the blanket wall with them, each staring up at Yuuji in wide eyed shock. 

Satoru immediately tried to reach up towards his nest. 

Yuuji grabbed the blankets that had been pulled over the edge with the two, yanking them back up as he hissed at Satoru. Satoru dropped his hand, looking thoroughly scolded as Yuuji turned his attention back towards fixing the walls of his nest. He could hear the two start to quietly bicker, both staying on the floor while Yuuji ignored them.

Suguru tried to sit up to look over the edge of the bed.

Yuuji hissed at him as well, causing him to drop back down to the ground. Satoru looked ready to say something only for Suguru to slap a hand over his mouth…

And thirty seconds later, the two were grappling on the ground once more, Yuuji watching in aggravation.

Stupid god damn Alphas…

Hammer Queen: hey idiot

Hammer Queen: I haven’t heard from you all day where tf are you

Hammer Queen: STOP IGNORING ME

“…perhaps we should discuss boundaries.”

Still sitting in the center of his nest, clutching a pillow as he scowled at a wall and refused to look at them, Yuuji bluntly replied, “Cool. Boundary number one: don’t fight in my damn nest.”

Suguru winced at the tone, hunched over where he and Satoru knelt next to the bed. They had both fucked up and ruined the moment that had been building between the trio. In hindsight, Suguru realized exactly how momentous it must have been for Yuuji’s Omega to not only let them into the nest, but to build one for the three of them. His file had said he would loosely nest with pack, but a real nest, one like this…

And then they destroyed it trying to put the other in a headlock, all while ignoring the pliant and needy Omega willingly spread out between them. 

Satoru pointed a finger at him. “He started it.“

Suguru blinked. Then he smacked away the accusing finger. ”Excuse me?”

Satoru shoved his arm. ”Well, I think an apology would be better than an excuse—“

Suguru shoved back. ”Oh, you little—!”

An annoyed huff came from the nest, and they both froze and looked back up to see Yuuji watching them with an flat expression, chin propped in his hand. “Seriously?”

Both dropped their hands to their laps and bowed their heads. “We are sorry for damaging your nest, Yuuji,” Suguru apologized, head still hung low.

“It was disrespectful and wrong,” Satoru continued, earning a glance of surprise from Suguru. He knew from experience that Satoru struggled with apologies, usually trying to make up for mistakes with awkward gestures and gifts rather than actual words. “And we will do our best to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Yuuji sighed, his face wavering. “Don’t…” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t like receiving apologies, okay? I appreciate it, but just…be more careful? Words don’t mean much without the actions following through.”

He saw Satoru’s head snap up, and oh, Suguru knew this sentiment clicked just right within Satoru’s mindset. It also made him a little hopeful that in the future when things went wrong—which he knew there was bound to be a learning curve for the three—they would be able to work on things.

Shifting on the bed and refusing to look directly at them, Yuuji mumbled, “It would probably be…easier if we continue talking up here.”

He straightened up. “You’re allowing us back in your nest?”

”Of course,” Yuuji replied as if it were obvious. “Just be careful.”

The way Satoru was staring up at Yuuji suggested that their Omega had just offered him the key to divinity, but it only took a second before the Alpha was on his feet, gingerly climbing into the nest. Suguru was quick to follow after, carefully climbing the walls while Satoru was already cradling Yuuji’s jaw where they knelt together, nuzzling his face into the Omega’s neck. Yuuji allowed it with no hesitation, just an embarrassed flush to his cheeks. Upon noticing Suguru hovering to the side, he held an arm out, beckoning him closer.

He truly was perfect.

Suguru pressed in close, burying his face into Yuuji’s hair. Yuuji’s rumbling purr broke out, sending a thrill up his spine, and he had to remind himself to go slow with their third all while his Alpha chanted a steady mantra of mine, mine, mine—

Satoru pulled his face out of Yuuji’s neck and asked, “Can we take off your scent patches?”

Yuuji stilled. “You…actually want them off?”

Suguru’s hand ran down Yuuji’s arm till it reached his wrist, fingers tracing along the patch on his skin. While Alphas had glands just on their necks, Omegas had them both on their necks and wrists. From what he had skimmed in Utahime’s books, they noted it was likely an evolutionary trait to make it easier for Omegas to soothe and calm packmates and pups.

For Suguru, it just gave them more to work with…

“It’s a crime for you to have to hide your scent,” Suguru replied simply, lifting the wrist to his mouth and pressing a gentle kiss on top of the patch.

Yuuji made a strangled noise.

Satoru grinned with all teeth, burying his face once more in Yuuji’s neck while muttering, “Cute.”

Huffing, Yuuji tried to protest, but Satoru’s teeth nipped at the top of the patch, earning a keening sound from Yuuji which he immediately tried to smother with his free hand. Suguru found himself pulling the hand away from Yuuji’s mouth, gently nipping the other wrist he still held in admonishment. “Now, none of that…let us hear you properly.”

Yuuji took a shuddering breath as Satoru scraped his fang along the edge of the patch, blurting out, “Patches can come off if—“ Another gasp as Satoru’s hold wrapped tighter around Yuuji, pressing his face more firmly into the Omega’s neck while Suguru nipped around the patch on Yuuji’s wrist. “If—if we properly—ha—properly discuss b-boundaries.”

Suguru pulled the wrist away from his mouth, humming quietly. “That sounds reasonable…”

Satoru merely rumbled in a pleased manner, immediately reaching up to remove Yuuji’s neck patches to toss out of the nest. Instantly, Suguru found the area flooded with the scent of peaches, the sweetness cut through with an iron tang. He could understand why some might not like the scent, but it called to his Alpha, making him practically melt as the pheromones surrounded him. His usually calm and passive Alpha began to rumble like a truck, pulling off the patches on Yuuji’s wrists and pressing the glands to his face to inhale deeply.

He felt his awareness wane as they all started to drop back onto the bed, curling together, Yuuji letting out breathy little pants while he and Satoru became just short of drunk off his scent. It was overwhelming, intoxicating, addicting, this rush as his and Satoru’s scents spiked in tandem, flooding the air around them. He didn’t know it was possible to so easily lose yourself outside of a cycle, to allow your Alpha to claw to the forefront, but apparently, all you needed was to find your match…

And Itadori Yuuji was assuredly proving himself again and again as perfect to be theirs.

They were sure to get an extra charge to the room for pheromone bombing the place, but he couldn’t seem to care.

As he began to claw back control from his Alpha, his face was already buried into Yuuji’s neck, teeth gently wrapping around the gland. His hazy brain supplied something about trying to figure out all the little sounds Yuuji could make, how each was just as perfect as the last. He drunkenly managed to pull himself away, looking to see Satoru in a worse state than he was, having already managed several hickies around the gland, though thankfully nothing breaking the skin.

And Yuuji was simply gone, overwhelmed and writhing between them, eyes rolling back as he whined from a particularly sharp bite from Satoru.

Suguru reached across Yuuji, grabbing Satoru’s chin and tilting his face up. “Boundaries, Satoru…” Suguru managed around heavy breaths. “We need to talk about boundaries.”

He could see the stubborn glint in Satoru’s eyes, the confusion and clear question of why when their Omega was so ready and pliant for them now…

But Suguru refused to risk Yuuji regretting his time with them because his Omega pushed him into submission he wasn’t ready for.

Keeping a firm grip on Satoru’s chin, he stated, “We need to not go so fast…and we need to find out what Yuuji wants, not just what pleases his Omega.”

A war brewed behind Satoru’s eyes, but he relented, slipping around Suguru’s hand to place one purposeful kiss and nip to the crook of Yuuji’s neck, causing him to jolt under their hold.

Suguru shook his head, reaching up to run a hand through Yuuji’s hair. “Sorry about that, dear…”

Yuuji slowly closed his eyes, clearly trying to reign his panting in, head tilting into hand in his hair. “‘S fine…” he mumbled quietly. “Felt…nice…”

He could not help but smirk at that, while Satoru outright chuckled and replied, “Well, I should hope so…” Poking at Yuuji’s cheek as he propped himself up on an elbow, he teased, “Given the sounds you were making…”

Yuuji buried his face in his hands. “Oh god, that’s embarrassing…”

”Yuuji, I can assure you,” Suguru insisted, gently pulling the hands away from Yuuji’s face. “The sounds you made were not embarrassing…”

Satoru grinned impishly, leaning in close to Yuuji. “Suguru has a thing for sound. He likes working us up and hearing us beg more than anything else.”

Yuuji’s head snapped to Suguru who found himself staring intently at Yuuji’s palm. “Oh…” Yuuji breathed out.

Suguru hummed softly, tracing his fingers along the lines of Yuuji’s palms. “It’s…something I take interest in, yes.”

Satoru huffed, reaching across Yuuji to poke Suguru’s hip. “And I can bet money that you are hard as a rock right now—”

”Satoru.”

”Don’t ‘Satoru’ me, Suguru…” Satoru’s voice never wavered, unrepentant in its teasing. “You were just as gone as I was over Yuuji.”

Suguru closed his eyes, taking a breath. “This is why we should discuss boundaries.” Eyes cracking open to look to the side, he murmured, “It’s clear our dynamics are not going to have any issues when it comes to…intimacy, but we need to assure that we do not push beyond what we are comfortable with.”

The unspoken part about it being more for Yuuji’s benefit than their own was shared between the two as Suguru gave Satoru a pointed look. Satoru relented, settling down against Yuuji. “Well, my boundaries are fairly nonexistent.”

Suguru rolled his eyes. “Yes, I am well aware of this, you opportunistic pervert.” Shaking his head, he added, “And I guess we should also discuss expectations.”

Yuuji tilted his head towards him. “Expectations?”

He grimaced. “Poor wording…I guess I mean more along the lines of…wants? What we all want from each other.”

Satoru suddenly rolled over, flopping on top of Yuuji and reaching out to snag Suguru by the waist and drag him flush against Yuuji’s side. “I want both of your everything,” Satoru said as if it were simple.

Suguru reached over to flick Satoru in the head. “Be reasonable now…”

”But I am!”

Suguru responded by shoving the Alpha off of Yuuji and turning his attention to the flustered Omega. “And what do you want?”

Yuuji was trying to look anywhere but at Suguru, then upon noticing Satoru watching him intently at his side, he sat up suddenly and tried to turn his attention towards his ceiling. “Uh, well, I’m the one getting involved in the established relationship. My wants shouldn’t really take priority.”

This had them both frowning as he insisted, “That does not make your wants any less important.”

Yuuji looked up at him in confusion. “But I’m the intruder…”

Suguru felt himself still, staring at Yuuji in shock. Shoko’s words bounced around in his head, about how Yuuji might just be expecting to get Heat partners out of this.

It had not really clicked for him that perhaps Yuuji thought the same of them.

Before he could even begin to unpack this revelation, Satoru grabbed Yuuji’s chin and turned him towards him. “I have expectations.”

He jolted. “Satoru—“

”I expect us to court you,” Satoru continued, his gaze never wavering from Yuuji’s. “I expect us to win you over, both your Omega and yourself. I expect us to lavish you in anything and everything you could need, to worship every inch of you during your heat, to claim every inch of you during our rut…” 

By this point, Satoru’s face hovered ever so close to Yuuji’s, eyes hooded and glancing down towards Yuuji’s mouth. “I expect to claim you as ours, because we are yours, Itadori Yuuji…”

He pulled Yuuji’s face forward, tilting his head to hover near Yuuji’s ear at the last second as he quietly purred, “And I expect you to look so pretty with our mating bites on your neck…”

Yuuji looked like he had stopped breathing as Satoru pulled away, smirking unrepentantly and smugly asking, “Are those agreeable expectations?”

Yuuji swallowed. “…sounds like a good start.”

Satoru perked up, flashing Suguru a triumphant grin.

Suguru could only close his eyes and thank whatever gods were out there that Satoru didn’t run Yuuji off.

And then, quietly, Yuuji mumbled, “…maybe I match their crazy too.”

He blinked, unsure of what Yuuji was referring to…but he still leaned in, nuzzling close to the side of Yuuji’s head while Satoru blatantly buried his face back into Yuuji’s neck.

Yeah, maybe they all did match each other’s crazy.

He found himself not minding. 

Then, because Satoru can’t be romantic without ruining the mood, he pulled back and half shouted, “Now, let’s talk about the fun stuff: sex!”

Yuuji let out a sound like a dying cat.

Suguru simply deadpanned and smacked his mate in the head.

Seven missed calls from Hammer Queen.

Hammer Queen: I swear to god if you’ve gotten arrested again you better call Megs to bail you out because you are so dead to me

Chapter Text

Hammer Queen: HEY

Hammer Queen: ITADORI YUUJI

Hammer Queen: ANSWER YOUR DAMN PHONE OR ELSE

Hammer Queen: the or else being me BREAKING DOWN YOUR DAMN DOOR

“So, what should the first boundary be?”

”I thought the first boundary was no fighting in the nest.”

Mouth dropping into a frown, Yuuji snarked, “You know what? No fighting in the nest is a rule, not a boundary.”

Satoru frowned as well, though his look definitely drifted more into a pout than anything. “There are rules now?”

Suguru absently flicked Satoru in the forehead, never looking up from the paper he was writing on. With the initial haze of pheromones passing, the trio were trying to take advantage of their time together to start a list of boundaries. This was more so on Suguru’s insistence given how out of hand things had gotten, hence why he was currently jotting down their ideas on the random hotel stationary he snatched when he crawled out of the nest to find everyone’s phones. “Yuuji’s nest, Yuuji’s rules.”

Huffing at being flicked, Satoru wrapped his arms around Yuuji’s waist, drawing the Omega into his lap before curling over to rest his chin on his shoulder. “It’ll be a shared nest once he builds it in our den—“

”Whoa, now,” Yuuji drawled, pulling forward from the Alpha as he craned his neck around to stare at him. “That’s really forward to declare—“

”I literally just declared that we intend to mate you,” Satoru countered, holding tight to the Omega. “That’s more forward than merging a nest and den.”

”Yeah, and about that,” Yuuji continued, leaning away in his hold. “Boundary: We are not considering mating right now.”

Satoru stilled, fingers twisting slightly into the fabric of Yuuji’s hoodie before quietly asking, “What?”

”Mating isn't an option for me to even talk about if I can’t go through a heat without trying to maul my partner.” Shaking his head, Yuuji added, “To be honest, I kind of accepted that I would never get mated.”

Satoru was silent as Suguru eyed the pair carefully. Yuuji clearly could not see Satoru’s blank expression nor the war behind his gaze. Attention flickering to Yuuji who had begun to trace along Satoru’s fingers where the Alpha held tightly to his hoodie, Suguru asked, “Do you not want to be mated?”

”No, I want it.” Satoru’s hands eased, and Yuuji’s fingers wiggled their way into his hold. “But I’ve never really had the luxury of considering it since my heats started. I’m not going to risk putting a mate through a broken bond if my heats kill me.”

”Your heats won’t kill you,” Satoru replied quietly, tilting his face towards Yuuji’s neck. “You won’t die. We won’t allow it.”

Yuuji hummed quietly, not replying, but he didn’t have to.

Suguru could read his face well enough.

Deciding to keep the conversation going, Suguru threw out another bombshell to draw attention. “Speaking of nests, I do not believe we should make a habit out of this.”

“What?” 

He eyed his mate, willing him to be calm about this. “This. Nesting with Yuuji. I do not think we should be habitually encouraging this behavior this early in the relationship.”

Satoru sat up straight. “Seriously, what?”

Suguru rolled his eyes. “Do not be dramatic—“

”I have every right to be dramatic!”

”Satoru—“

“Why would you deprive us of this?” Satoru argued, gesturing to the three of them. ”Everything went so well! Yuuji’s Omega not only allowed us into a nest, but built one for us! Clearly, our dynamics are thriving right now—“

”And clearly, Yuuji is overwhelmed!” Suguru snapped back, gesturing towards Yuuji himself. “Yuuji is new to all of this, and his Omega took over far too much tonight. I’m not risking his Omega pushing him to do something he isn’t consenting and ready for yet!”

Satoru looked so confused. “It’s his Omega, it’s him. How could he not consent—“

Suguru held up a hand to his husband and turned his attention towards Yuuji, asking him directly, “Do you have any moments from tonight that you cannot recall?”

Yuuji startled. “What?”

”Any blips in memory, moments where your dynamic took over and you were unable to make your own decisions?”

”Oh,” Yuuji replied quietly, scratching at the side of his head. “Uh, yeah, a few. Why?”

Satoru’s hold on Yuuji dropped entirely. Before Yuuji could even ask about it, Satoru was moving him onto the bed and shifting to the otherside of the nest, eyes wide.

Yuuji stared after him in wide eyed shock. “What…are you okay?” When Satoru didn’t reply, his head whipped to Suguru. “What’s wrong—“

Suguru reached over and sat a gentle hand on Yuuji’s arm. “Give him a second to think, Yuuji. He needs time to…process.”

”Process what?”

Suguru grimaced. “Yuuji…I suspected as much, but you do realize you were having dynamic blanks, right?”

”Is that what it’s called?” he asked, attention still waning towards Satoru. “It’s fine, it happens during all my heats and at random. Why did Satoru—“

”Yuuji, dynamic blanks are not fine,” Suguru insisted. “You lose full control of yourself to your dynamic during those times.”

”Yeah, I know. I’m used to it. Seriously, is Satoru alright—“

”Yuuji, you cannot consent during a dynamic blank.”

Yuuji stilled. “…what?”

“I did not fully realize until after we were all more settled, and I can never apologize enough for this, but—“

Yuuji was immediately moving to Satoru, gently picking up his hands. “Satoru, you don’t need to worry about this.” 

Suguru was up and following him. “Yuuji—“

”This isn’t a new thing!” Yuuji insisted, looking between the two and holding Satoru’s hands tight. “I’ve long since accepted what my Omega does while in control. The only time it bothers me is when I hurt someone.”

Satoru stared at him. “But if I took too much—“

”To be blunt, Satoru, you can’t really take too much from me,” Yuuji continued. “While I’ll say that I want to be able to remember my…remember my firsts…I kind of accepted the idea long ago that if I ever found someone that clicked with my Omega I might not get that. Hell, each time I tried to heat share, I accepted that if it worked I might not remember any of it.” Yuuji looked increasingly embarrassed as he spoke. “I want to try to experience my firsts, but I’m not going to be upset if anything happens when my Omega is at the forefront.”

Suguru shifted towards them. “Is there a way to tell when you aren’t aware?”

”Well, I definitely won’t be able to verbally answer you,” Yuuji explained. “Though sometimes I’m aware like that. I think when I’m at my worse, pack have said my eyes look almost…golden? If that makes sense?”

Suguru nodded, sharing a look with Satoru. “I know some Primes can have eye color shifts…”

The fact that it’s a trait usually reserved for Prime Hunters on active hunt, however remained unspoken. 

”Yeah…” Turning his attention back to Satoru, Yuuji added, “And I tend to come in and out of it, so I don’t think I blanked for very long earlier. But I promise, so long as it’s nothing involving someone I don’t trust, I consent to whatever my Omega does.” Seeing that Satoru still looked hesitant about it, Yuuji decided to admit, eyes locked on their hands and cheeks heated, “Besides, it was…kind of hot to suddenly become aware with both of you on me like that.”

Satoru’s head snapped up. “Oh?”

Yuuji still wouldn’t look directly at him, looking immensely embarrassed. “I…may like the idea of waking up to partners being intimate with me.” His face was still tilted down, but his eyes glanced up towards Satoru. “The right partners, that is.”

Satoru pressed forward in an instant, pinning Yuuji to the bed, one hand reaching up to trace along the darkening hickies on Yuuji’s neck. “And are we the right partners?”

Yuuji could not help the quiet whine as Satoru pressed against a fairly large hickey just below his gland. “M-maybe.”

Now the Alpha’s face was close to Yuuji’s own. “Well now, we’ll just have to work on that answer—ack!”

By this point, Suguru had grabbed the back of Satoru’s shirt and yanked him away from Yuuji. “Give him breathing room, Satoru…” he scolded while shaking his head. “This is why the nest is a bad idea for these types of discussions.” Before Satoru could protest, Suguru turned to Yuuji and asked, “So you want your firsts to be when aware, right?”

Yuuji made a flustered sound, looking away once more. “Y-yeah…aware and outside of heat.” Then, grimacing, he muttered, “Which doesn’t exactly give us any time to work with if my Omega keeps with the current time table…”

Suguru nodded, already mulling over the timeline they were under. Thankfully their jobs did give them a modicum of freedom in recent years, however they could not keep up pushing off meetings and missions as they had for the past two days. It helped that apparently Yuuji’s schedule was fairly free considering his brother would not allow him a job…something Yuuji did not agree with and a concern to address at a later date. 

But yes, they would need to see about scheduling as many dates as they could in the next few weeks. If Satoru had his way—

Satoru was over Yuuji once more. “We could try a few firsts right now…”

Yuuji made a sound like a dying cat. 

Suguru smacked his mate in the head. “Pervert! Keep your head out of the gutter!”

”Oi! You weren’t complaining about my head this morning—“

He smacked him again. “Can you please behave?”

Yuuji looked between the two, the head comment having flown right past him. “You know, I’m starting to think that Satoru is into you scolding him.”

They both went quiet.

Yuuji gave Satoru a judgemental look. “Dude.”

Satoru huffed. “New boundary! We listen, and we don’t judge!“

”You two make it really hard to not judge.”

Suguru looked offended. “Why am I catching strays for his poor behavior?”

Yuuji did not hesitate. “Cult.”

”It’s not a cult!”

It wasn’t till an hour later when Yuuji realized a problem.

”Oh no,” he whispered quietly as he scrolled through his phone. “She’s going to kill me.”

Suguru and Satoru’s heads snapped up in concern, turning their attention away from the room service menus they had been arguing over. “Someone is going to what?” Satoru asked defensively, clearly ready to fight whoever might be threatening Yuuji.

Yuuji, however, just waved him off. “Packmate, she’s been spam texting me for hours, and I have ten missed calls, oh damn it—“ Crawling up out of the nest, he called out, “Uh, order me whatever, I’m going to go call her back!” 

He then proceeded to half bolt from the room before they could reply, heading towards the still open balcony—which, oops—making sure to close the door behind him before dialing.

The phone didn’t even ring for a second before it was answered. “Itadori Yuuji, you have ten seconds to explain why you’ve been ignoring my texts for the past eight hours!”

”Okay, Noba, firstly—wait shit, has it really been eight hours?”

”Eight, seven, six—!”

“Wait, wait, wait!” he pleaded into the phone. “I didn’t know my sound was off! And a lot has happened!”

”A lot being what exactly?”

”…so starting with me being triggered in the bakery on my date and ending with realizing my Omega doesn’t mind nesting with these two?”

”…what the actual fuck?!”

It took twenty minutes and a lot of interruptions to explain everything to her. He was called an idiot and a moron no less than ten times during that conversation, but had double as many offers for her to come and hammer a nail through Satoru and Suguru’s knots. The offer was so uniquely Nobara that he could not help but laugh as he turned her down, insisting he was fine.

”And this hotel,” she continued, having accepted his insistence he was fine with far more ease than he expected. “It’s nice, yeah?”

”Really nice,” he insisted, shaking his head. “God Complex went on a five minute rant about how the presidential suite wasn’t available for them, and Sly Guy and I had to remind him this was a last minute thing.” Shaking his head, he insisted, “Honestly, it’s too nice. They could have just gotten us a regular room if they were going to insist on something like this…”

Nobara scoffed on the other end of the line. “It’s the least they could do after fucking up.”

”They didn’t know about the trigger—“

”So? They still were far too forward. And if they are going to be courting you, they need to go all out. It’s the least you deserve.”

He let out an absent hum, moving to lean on the balcony railing and stare out at the Tokyo cityscape. “…I still think the courting thing is a bit much.”

”…Yuuji, they said they want to mate you. How is courting too much?”

He shook his head. “God Complex said he wanted them to mate me. His file was clear. He gets bored easily, and Sly Guy is possessive. It won’t last.”

He could hear the frustrated growl in her tone. “Why are you so insistent that all you deserve is to be lonely?!”

Freezing, he quietly asked, “What?”

”Nothing, just…” She sighed. “Please just give this a chance? While yes, I need to kick these guys asses for being so forward so fast—“

”I think that’s unnecessary—“

”—However, if anyone deserves to have a couple of guys fall over themselves trying to woo them, it’s you.”

Yuuji didn’t know how to reply. Instead, he asked, “So you don’t deserve to have someone trying to woo you more?”

”Please, I said a couple of guys. I deserve no less than Maki’s full undivided devotion.”

”Cool, I’ll make sure to tell her that—“

”Don’t you fucking dare! Don’t think I won’t nail your mouth shut!”

”Fine, fine! What’s with you and threatening bodily harm with hammers and nails?!”

”It’s part of my charm!”

”…more like part of your flaws—“

”I HEARD THAT!”

Yuuji pulled the phone away from his ear. ”I wasn’t hiding it?!”

Knocking came from the balcony door, and he looked up to see Suguru poking his head out. “Yuuji, the food is here…”

He perked up, his stomach growling. “Okay, just a sec!” Turning his attention to his phone as Suguru started to go back inside, he quickly replied, “Hey, Noba, I gotta go!”

”Why did that voice sound familiar?…” she muttered before replying, “Well, text me when you leave. And if you keep up at this pace, don’t forget a condom.”

“What the hell?!”

”One of you is far too much. We don’t need minis running around,” she insisted.

“Noba,” Yuuji hissed out quietly in embarrassment. “You know male omegas can’t get pregnant!”

”With your luck, you never know.”

Before he could snap back, Satoru shouted, “Yuuji! Come on, let me feed you!”

”Just a minute!” He shouted back as Nobara suddenly muttered, “No fucking way…” Not having heard her, he said, “Talk to you later, Noba!”

”Yuuji, wait—“

But he had already hung up by this point, dutifully trotting back into the hotel room and seeing the vast amount of food the two Alphas had ordered, clearly going overboard. He should scold them for the waste, but his stomach was loudly growling as they both ushered him to the couch, grabbing bite sized foods to try and hand feed him. He already knew he would be fit to burst by the end of this and in no shape to walk home.

It was late, and they had booked the place for the full night…it wouldn’t hurt to crash here, would it?

Elsewhere, Nobara was staring at her phone in horror.

She knew those voices, as much as she wished she didn’t. And she knew that this was going to be an absolute trainwreck.

Storming back inside of the Fushiguro household and letting the back door slam shut behind her, she shouted out to the rest of the pack present, “Yuuji is dating Gojo and Getou!”

Panda and Toge let out twin shouts of shock. Yuuta proceeded to choke on his drink. Maki and Megumi shared a look. 

“Uh, hello?!” she shouted, waving her hands in the air. “Why is no one freaking out more? Our Yuuji?! With those two idiots?!”

Toji, who had wandered in during her shouting, proceeded to casually remark to Megumi, “Oh yeah, I knew I forgot about something when you and Yuuji left this morning.”

Megumi shot his father a scowl. 

Something clicked for her. “You all knew.”

Panda raised his hand. “I didn’t!” Toge’s hand shot up as well as he violently nodded in agreement.

She glared at Megumi. Megumi looked like he swallowed a lemon. “…in our defense, I only figured it out last night.”

“I am going to kill you.”

”You threaten this on a daily basis.”

She growled, watching as Panda, Toge, and even Yuuta began to move farther away from her. Maki remained unphased, simply watching as if it were a tennis match. Toji was also rather unbothered, probably just relieved he wasn’t being blamed. 

Which his time would come.

After she dealt with his spawn.

And then Megumi went and commented, “It’s not like it will last between the three of them.”

She stared. “Oh really?”

The confident look on Megumi’s face wavered at her tone. “…right?”

Idiots. She was surrounded by idiots.

”I still say this is too much money…”

Satoru waved him off as he hung up the phone, having just ordered them all desert. Honestly, Yuuji didn’t know if he would have room to fit anymore food, but Satoru wouldn’t hear no for an answer. “As if money is a problem for either of us!”

Now properly relaxed and lounging for the first time in hours, Suguru wrapped an arm around Yuuji’s waist and pulled him closer as Satoru began to scroll through the pay per view movies on the bedroom tv. “Just allow yourself to relax, dear…”

Satoru nodded with a grin. “Let us properly spoil you~”

Yuuji let out a huff. “I’m not usually an easy person to spoil. Everyone says I’m too frugal.”

Satoru finally flopped back with them, careful about the edges of the nest. “Don’t worry, we’ll break that habit.”

”I still don’t see why—“ A sharp nip to his ear had him startling with a yelp, though Suguru held him firmly in place.

”Just be a good Omega and accept it,” Suguru remarked coyly, nuzzling his face against the side of Yuuji’s jaw. He could smell the wine from dinner on Suguru’s breath and assumed that it played a part in why the man was so relaxed. Which was fine: it was nice to see him unwind a bit after having to be the responsible one all day.

It did horrible things to his off balance heart, however, especially now that the Alpha’s hair was loose, draping across them both. He felt like Suguru was aware of this too, given the near predatory smirk on the man’s face. 

Hitting play on the movie, Satoru remarked, “Besides, how can we properly court you if we don’t spoil you?”

“Oh, you were serious about wanting to court me?”

Another nip on his ear, like a reprimand, Suguru rumbling, “Of course we were serious…”

Satoru huffed, moving in closer to the two and once more caging Yuuji between them. “Honestly, how poor were those past Alphas at courting you?”

Yuuji blinked. “…uh…”

Suguru made some disgruntled rumbles, nails digging into Yuuji’s sides as his hold tightened. “Let’s not bring up inconsequential people,” he snipped, leaning his face down into Yuuji’s neck. “They never deserved the opportunity…”

”…about that…”

Satoru dramatically rolled his eyes at Suguru, not quite hearing Yuuji’s quiet response. “Well, at the very least we use them as examples. But tell us, Yuuji…what types of courting from those failures did you dislike the most?”

Yuuji had a feeling this might not go well. “I…wouldn’t be able to say.”

He could feel Suguru pause, Satoru sitting up and asking, “Wait, don’t tell me you liked them all? There has to be some bad attempts—“

”There weren’t any attempts.”

”…what?”

Yuuji shrugged. “I was just trying to find a heat partner…it didn’t really seem relevant at the time…”

Suguru was now sitting up as well. “So no attempts were made to win over your Omega?”

”Well, it’s not like I was choosing strangers,” Yuuji defended. “I knew them all and got along with them—“

“Which is a good start to picking out a partner,” Suguru continued. “But with an Omega with as strong of instincts as yours…”

Satoru let out a snort. “Those other Alphas lost before they even started.”

Brow furrowing, Yuuji mumbled, “I don’t see how giving me gifts could make that big of a difference.”

The mates shared a look, Suguru trying to explain. “It’s less about the gifts, and more about proving yourself.”

”The whole stick about Alphas being providers,” Satoru tacked on.

Suguru nodded. “Studies have shown there is far more validity behind it, along with other factors.”

Yuuji frowned. “So what? You give me things and my Omega drops its pants?” 

Satoru barked out a laugh. “Yeah, no, it's more complicated than that. But it’s a start.”

”For Omegas with weaker instincts, gifts and tokens would probably be enough to soothe,” Suguru elaborated. “Yours, however…we will have to test some things. This nest is a promising start, but seeing as how it’s not your true nest…“

He could feel his Omega growing alert at the mention, and not in a good way. ”Oh yeah, I can already tell that you wouldn’t be allowed near it.”

Satoru looked put out at this, and while Suguru did as well, he did not look surprised about this fact. “I assumed as much…we will have to work diligently to try and woo your Omega before your next heat.”

Yuuji shrugged. “Worst case, we might have to wait a heat or two.”

Neither looked pleased at this. Not sure exactly why, Yuuji hesitantly offered, “If you are concerned about your Rut or something, I won’t mind you looking into other Omegas—“

”No,” Suguru all but growled out, snatching a tight hold on Yuuji. 

Satoru eyed the pair, looking at the surprised Yuuji and explaining, “If we have to wait, then we will wait.”

Yuuji frowned as Suguru tucked his face into the collar of his hoodie. Clearly, the wine made his actions far more lax, something to note for the future. “I don’t want you two struggling just because I’m taking longer to open up—“

”We will be fine, Yuuji.”

”But what if you two injure yourselves again?“ Yuuji persisted. “Don’t be stubborn on my behalf. Just find an assistant who’s scent you like—ow!”

A sharp bite at the curve of his neck jolted Yuuji from his protests, Suguru keeping a firm grip as he ran his tongue over the spot like an apology. Yuuji willed himself to relax in the man’s hold, but still scolded, “Hey, what was that for? That—shit did you break skin?”

Satoru was at their side in an instant, pushing Suguru’s head away from Yuuji’s neck. “Damn it, Suguru…” He ran his hand along Yuuji’s neck till reaching the bite spot, drawing out a hiss of pain from Yuuji as he pulled back with darkening blood staining pale fingers. “You are supposed to be the level headed one of us.”

Suguru grumbled, letting out a dramatic huff that reminded Yuuji of the huskies Megumi had back in highschool. “He was suggesting we replace him, Satoru. Him! As if he were even remotely replaceable!”

Satoru was pulling back the collar of his sweatshirt now, staring intently at the bite. “I know, I know, love. A ridiculous suggestion.” Before Yuuji could protest, Satoru leaned forward, running his tongue along the bite before continuing to drag it up Yuuji’s neck, drawing out a sharp hiss which melted into a keen. Settling his face into Yuuji’s hair after the taste, he murmured to Suguru, “But remember your words: be patient.”

Suguru huffed again.

Satoru pulled back from his hair, insisting, “The bite wasn’t very deep: more his fangs nicking skin than anything.”

Yuuji was still trying to reorient his brain and dumbly replied, “…uh huh…”

Satoru grinned at him, all fangs. “Yes, but for future reference: we won’t be taking another Omega. We can be patient and won’t settle for less.”

Shaking his head, Yuuji weakly replied, “If you are sure…”

Then, Suguru chimed in, “We won’t take anyone but you, and you won’t take anyone else, either.” Tightly hugging Yuuji once more, he dropped his chin to the Omega’s shoulder. “That’s a boundary, someone write that down.”

Satoru chuckled. “I thought you were the one writing down the boundaries.”

Suguru pouted at his mate. “But my hands are full…” As if to emphasize this fact, he squeezed Yuuji’s sides, eliciting a yelp from the Omega. 

Shaking his head, Satoru quipped, “And you say I can’t behave…”

Suguru didn’t reply, simply hiding a smirk in Yuuji’s hair. 

Yuuji sighed, settling himself into Suguru’s hold. “Well, when is your Rut?”

”About five months from now,” Suguru answered easily, shifting his head to rub his scent glands on the Omega, intent on coating Yuuji in his scent.

Satoru scooted closer to them both. “Ours comes like clockwork.”

Yuuji hummed, allowing his head to be tilted as Suguru continued whatever he was doing. “Well, that’s good at least…mine tends to just happen.” Then after a moment, amended, “Though my pre-heat is always consistently a week.”

”At least we’ll have time to get you settled,” Satoru cheered quietly wrapping his arm around Yuuji as he finally turned his attention to the long forgotten movie.

“Or get you two to safety if my Omega decides to act up,” Yuuji countered, also tuning into the movie. “Cause wherever I am in the last twelve hours of my pre-heat, you won’t be moving me.”

”Is that a boundary?”

”It’s a warning.”

Suguru seemed to finally be settling, the scent of salt and ocean air completely overpowering Yuuji and causing him to feel more sedate as the Alpha settled his chin on his shoulder. With a purr, Suguru remarked, “Well, Satoru and I do love a challenge…”

Yuuji let out a small laugh, head tilting against Suguru’s as he mumbled out, “And I like not hospitalizing people.”

Suguru’s hands drifted along Yuuji’s sides. “Then we will simply have to prove ourselves—“

He was cut off by a soft snore, and he looked down to see Yuuji dead asleep in his arms. Part of him was put out by this, but also…

A soft click sound drew his attention, seeing Satoru just finishing taking a photo. “New Home Screen…” the Alpha quietly cheered, a wide grin on his face. 

Suguru huffed. “You need to ask him before just taking pictures, Satoru…”

”Yeah, yeah, I’ll check once he’s awake. But look.”

And before Suguru could scold him more, Satoru’s phone was being shoved in his face. The screen showed Suguru with flushed cheeks wrapped around their Omega, softly staring down at him with an exasperated but clearly lovestruck face. Yuuji was the picture of contentment in his hold, face lax as he slept in Suguru’s arms.

Clearly where he was meant to be.

After staring for a beat, Suguru quietly asked, “…could you send me that?”

Satoru grinned in victory, immediately setting about sending the picture. Then, he had to comment, “And just wait until we get to take more…fun photos of Yuuji~”

”Satoru. If Yuuji wasn’t asleep, I would be smacking you right now.”

”Aw, I thought you would like the idea. I have so many fun pictures of you—“

”Satoru.”

And that is how the trio fell asleep that night, all curled tightly together, Yuuji pressed between them.

So imagine Satoru and Suguru’s surprise to wake up the next morning with Yuuji nowhere in sight, a single note left on the bedside table.

”Sorry to leave! I didn’t want to wake you two up, but I needed to go see my brother. Let me know when you want to meet up again!”

Satoru sat at the center of the bed, glowering at the pillow he was holding. “Bet you don’t think that locking him in our den was a bad idea now.“

Suguru refused to admit that yes, maybe the idea had some warrant. He was angry and sulking and nursing the slightest of hangover headaches from drinking too much wine last night after having very little to eat beforehand, considering they fed most of the food they ordered to Yuuji. He wanted their Omega back, but knew that reasonably they needed to go at Yuuji’s pace, which meant allowing him to return to his pack.

They could be patient. He would be theirs soon enough.

But in the meantime…

He found himself straddling Satoru in a flash. Pinning the Alpha down by the throat, he purposefully ground his hips against his mate’s, not needing to say a word to get the message across.

Yuuji wasn’t around to scold them for messing up the nest, after all…

Chapter Text

Dumbass Protection Squad

Megumi added Iori Utahime to the chat!

Megumi changed Iori Utahime’s name to Utahime!

Utahime: …what is this?

Nobara changed Utahime’s name to Sensei 2.0!

Nobara: the chat for protecting dumbasses

Sensei 2.0: …

Megumi changed Sensei 2.0’s name to Utahime!

Megumi: the chat for our pack minus yuuji to talk about hunter issues

Utahime: Ohhhhhhhh. 

Nobara changed Utahime’s name to Sensei 2.0!

Nobara: that’s what I said!

Megumi changed Sensei 2.0’s name to Utahime!

Megumi has blocked nicknaming privileges!

Nobara: bitch

Toge: Salmon Roe. 

Maki: Toge, you are texting, your Alpha voice won’t work in here. You can type regular words. 

Maki: But yeah, the chat is mostly to keep info and cover stories with Yuuji straight. 

Utahime: …..oh. 

Panda: Well that doesn’t sound like a good oh. 

Megumi: she doesnt like us

Utahime: More I don’t like that all of Itadori’s trusted friends and family are conspiring to lie to him. 

Nobara: it’s not like we wanted this

Nobara: Yuuji just appeared and grew on us like an annoyingly dumb and nice fungus

Nobara: and now we have to lie to the dumb fungus because he has an psycho older fungus brother

Utahime: what

Megumi: ignore her

Sensei: Oi why the hell is my phone blowing up?

Megumi: you can read old man

Sensei: I can also still ground you. 

Megumi: im twenty one

Sensei: Yeah, and I can still put you in a headlock, noodle arms. 

Utahime: …I’m assuming you are Fushiguro’s father?

Sensei: As much as he doesn’t want to admit it, yeah. Call me Toji, sweetheart. 

Utahime: Never call me sweetheart again and I’ll consider it. 

Sensei: Fair enough. 

Utahime: So why am I here? I’m not getting involved with helping you lie to Yuuji.

Megumi: what are your thoughts on gojo and getou 

Utahime: I would set them on fire if I didn’t think they would turn into toxic fumes. 

Nobara: mood

Maki: Welcome to the club. 

Nanami: Understandable. 

Utahime: Nanami? You’re here too???

Nanami: …unfortunately. 

Nobara: like I said

Nobara: dumb fungus

Megumi: focus 

Megumi: we all can agree then

Utahime: …agree on what, exactly?

Megumi: that we need get yuuji as far away from those two as possible

The door slid open with a loud clack. “I’m here!”

Yuuji did not wait for an answer before stepping in, slipping off his shoes in the entrance and sitting his helmet to the side. As expected, a stack of training garb had been left for him to change into, and he did not hesitate to drop his bag and scoop it up.

Just as he stepped into the side room and slid the door shut, another voice called out from the hall.

“You are late.”

Yuuji let out a groan as he set about stripping out of his hoodie and cargo pants. “Sorry, Ume!” he called back as he rushed to get dressed. Hearing the other Omega’s disappointed tone always set him on edge. “Sukuna didn’t give me any notice—“

”You did not tell us you had other plans that would interfere.”

He grimaced, absently pulling the high collar of his fitted undershirt further up his neck. “Things came up the past couple days.”

”Things?” 

He tripped stepping into his pants, cursing quietly as he stumbled to the ground before calling out, “Yes, things!”

He could hear their discontent tutting, clearly not finding the answer suitable. As much as Yuuji loved the other Omega, they had probably been the one to struggle the most with Yuuji growing older and more independent. Which was surprising, given that they were often the one to step in when Yuuji and Sukuna butted heads about Yuuji’s life, but they had a way of giving Yuuji more of a leash while still clinging tightly to the rope.

He knew they cared, but sometimes he had to pull slightly to have enough room to breathe.

Once he finished changing, he stepped out of the room to see Uraume standing and waiting. “Is he out on the training grounds?”

Uraume was about to answer, only for their jaw to snap shut. Before Yuuji could ask, they were darting forward, grabbing the high collar of his undershirt and yanking it down.

Yuuji could feel his face burning, knowing how his neck looked. “…so I found a match on Jujutsu.”

Uraume looked fit to burst. “I…see…” Trying their best to reign in their anger and conflicting emotions, they asked, “When did…this happen?”

”…last night.”

”And was this the reason you declined my first call this morning?”

”…we did not go any further than this—“

Uraume yanked the collar down further. “Is that a bite—“

Yuuji quickly stepped back, attempting to fix his collar. “It was an accident!” But his voice was doing the high pitched thing he did when he lied. Seeing Uraume’s eyes narrow, he amended with, “It was sort of an accident.”

Uraume took a deep breath. “I cannot smell the Alpha.”

”I went home and showered—”

Uraume scoffed. “Whoever this is must not be much if you refuse to carry their scent…yet you let them mark you like you belong to them.”

“Hey now,” Yuuji defended. “I like them a lot! But seriously, do you really think I would wear their scent around Sukuna?”

“You should want your pack Alpha to approve of them—“

”I would like my pack Alpha to not flay them alive, thanks.”

Uraume seemed to think on that for a second, then nodded. “Sukuna-sama will likely try to kill them at least once.”

”…can he not?”

The older Omega was clearly amused with the situation. ”How else will they prove their worth?”

”Ume, please.”

Yuuji found himself pinned under critical eyes. “…you really do like them.”

He tried to look away, but gestured to his neck. “Do you really think I would let this happen if I didn’t?”

”…I suppose not.” Stepping forward to Yuuji, Uraume stared at him for a beat, before reaching up to cup his face, a rare show of affection from the usually cold Omega. He could not quite read their expression, but then they quietly asked, “Did you see in this Alpha what I saw in Sukuna-sama?”

Yuuji ducked his head. “I…maybe. I think so.” Then, he sadly added, “But I know I won’t consider following them if my Omega might hurt them.”

Uraume stared quietly for another beat, then murmured softly, “Such a kind pup, Sukuna-sama has…” Then before Yuuji could reply, they swiftly remarked, “I will help keep Sukuna-sama from killing them on sight.”

Yuuji slumped, knowing this was the best he would get. “Thank you, Ume…”

Patting Yuuji on the cheek, Uraume dropped the hand and set about leaving the entry. “Now, I make no promises about their continued wellbeing should I not approve of them.”

And then they were quickly leaving the room, Yuuji trying to hurry after, calling out, “Wait, Ume, what does that mean? Ume? Ume!”

Gojo-sensei: Oh Yuuta-kun! It’s time we have a little conversation~

Yuuta-kun: …we as in you and me?

Gojo-Sensei has added Getou Suguru to the chat. 

Yuuta-kun: oh

Dumbass Protection Squad

Megumi: noba you are being irrational

Nobara: no im not, my fungus analogy was flawless and you know it

Maki: I think we have more important things to worry about. 

Nobara: what could possibly be more important than Megumi admitting that I’m right???

Yuuta: I am going to die. 

Nobara: okay maybe that

Several people are typing…

If anyone had asked Toji back when he was a teen if he ever thought he would have a pack, he would have laughed in their face. That was assuming he didn’t knock them out first.

Growing up as a non-hunter Beta amongst the Zenin Clan was a bitter thing that left him scarred, both physically and emotionally. It did not matter that his instincts were more fine tuned than any of the other Hunter Alphas in the clan: his birth was a mistake in their eyes, and nothing could change that. Leaving that toxic hellhole had been one of the best decisions he ever made, right after allowing Megumi’s mother to wiggle her way past the walls he had built up.

Losing her nearly broke him.

Nearly dying and leaving Megumi all alone had been a much needed wake up call. As much as he did not want to admit it, he owed the Gojo brat. The two accidentally bonded over the shit their clans did to them growing up, prompting Gojo to fight to have Toji involved in the Hunter world. He’s still not exactly sure what was said to convince those old bastards to allow him to teach and train Hunters, but it must have been something threatening considering how large of a berth they gave him.

Life was simple after that, excluding the drama that was Getou killing a Beta village and fucking off to take over a cult. Now that was a weird few years of transitioning from he and Gojo simply acknowledging the others’ presence on occasion to the Alpha basically hunkering down at his house on a near daily basis to either pester the shit out of him or whine. 

Thank fuck those two got their shit together and Gojo got out of his hair.

But at the same time that those two got back together was when he received those orders from the Higher Ups. This was followed by a certain pink haired sunshine boy busting through the doors of his studio and somehow having Megumi wrapped around his pinkie finger by the end of the day. 

It snowballed from there, and now…

Sitting on the couch between Maki and Toge, clutching his head in his hands, Yuuta quietly muttered, “Getou is going to kill me.”

Maki let out a snort. “Probably.”

Immediately arguing broke out, everyone trying to talk over each other while Toji simply leaned his head back against the wall, willing the painful pulsing in the back of his skull to go away. The emergency pack meeting was not a new type of gathering for them: he lost count of the number of times these brats basically knocked down his doors to have an argument with each other in his living room. He stopped questioning things years ago.

As usual, the root of the topic was the same. Always circling back to that very same sunshine boy.

“We need to tell them about Yuuji.”

Toji closed his eyes, mentally counting, three, two, one…

”Are you insane?” Nobara nearly shrieked at his son, the high pitched sound causing several of the Alphas as well as Toji and Maki with their sensitive hearing, to wince. “They are the last people we should tell!”

Megumi grimaced, retorting, “You think I like this? We can’t risk those three getting any more serious. They need to know what’s at risk—“

”Do you really think they will care?” Maki asked, arms crossed as she slumped further in her chair. “You know how those two are.”

A sigh came over Megumi’s speaker phone. Apparently at some point during that last Jujutsu visit, Megumi had managed to snag that Utahime person’s phone number to keep her in the loop…that or he took the number out of Yuuji’s phone which was honestly more likely. But still, she must have left a hell of a good impression for Megumi to be trusting her with any information about Yuuji, let alone adding into the chat. “From my last talk with them, I do not think there would be much that could make those two give up…if anything, they might just be driven to dig their claws in deeper.”

Which Toji hated to admit, but that sounded just about right for the Alpha mates.

His son, ever the stubborn one, dug his heels in. “Well, we need to try.”

Before anyone else could say anything, Yuuta’s phone pinged. Then it pinged again. And again. Andagain.

Yuuta looked nauseous.

Deciding it was time to step in, Toji shoved off the wall, striding over towards Yuuta. “Give me your phone, kid.”

Yuuta did not hesitate to do as he was told, and as Toji was taking the device, Megumi asked, “What are you doing, old man?”

”What I always do,” Toji replied with ease as he slowly turned away from the group. Opening the Home Screen and tapping on the most recent contact, a large picture of Gojo’s face was now plastered across the screen. “I’m causing problems.”

Before anyone could protest, he tapped the number and brought the phone to his ear. Gojo, the impatient bastard, had answered before he had even fully lifted the phone. “Yuuta-kun! Why have you been ignoring me?!”

Toji cut to the chase. “Gojo.”

”…Toji. Why do you have my protégé’s phone?”

He didn’t bother answering. “It’s time we had a little…chat. Bring your ass and your unstable half to my place, pronto. There’s some shit we need to talk about.”

Getou finally spoke up, his voice dripping in casual disdain that he usually held for him. ”And why should we listen to you?”

Toji chuckled, and feeling a little mean, he goaded, “Aww, and here I thought you wanted to know more about your—or should I say my precious little Yuuji.”

He could hear Panda muttering a quiet, “Oh no.”

A low growl rumbled over the line as Getou hissed, ”Do not refer to him so familiarly! He is not yours—“

”I have more of a claim over him than you do,” Toji countered, while Nobara aggressively whispered, “More like oh shit.”

“What in the hell does that mean?“

”You want answers? You know where to find me.” Then he promptly hung up on the two, tossing the phone back to a shell shocked Yuuta who barely caught it. He lazily spun around to look at everyone once more, seeing the varying expressions of shock and horror. “What’s with the faces?”

”Has anyone ever told you, Fushiguro…” Nanami finally chimed in, having been sitting quietly in a corner with Haibara observing most of the proceedings. “That you are a fucking menace.”

He simply grinned widely in reply.

Nobara took a deep breath. Standing up from her chair, she clapped her hands together. “Alright. Nonessentials: scatter!”

Kong, who had been sitting in the dining room staying uninvolved, quickly rose to leave, calling out, “Let me know if you’re still alive later!” before moving towards the door. Nanami and Haibara were having a whispered argument, clearly with Nanami trying to get his mate to leave. Tsumiki looked torn, but she met Toji’s gaze, him giving her a nod towards the door. She looked upset, but the Beta girl did not put up too much of a fight, knowing how Gojo and Getou can be when…irrational. She simply darted over to Megumi to hug the boy quickly before heading out.

Toge and Panda also tried to bolt only to have Maki snag them, announcing, “Oh no you don’t!”

Panda pleaded, “Since when are we essential?!”

”Since I say so!”

“Cod!”

“Don’t use that tone with me!”

Megumi finished his quiet and curt goodbye to Utahime before hanging up, turning his attention towards Toji while the others continued to bicker in the background. “You better have a plan, old man.”

Toji shrugged. “Eh, I’m making it up as I go.”

His son’s whole face twitched.

Babe <3: Shoko, what are the chances of Getou and Gojo murdering Fushiguro Toji?

Honey <3: I don’t see why they would want to. Gojo kind of claimed him, and Getou’s grown apathetic over the years. Why?

Babe <3: Okay but what if Toji possibly implied that Yuuji is his?

Honey <3: ….well Megumi is going to be annoyed about this. 

Babe <3: about…?

Honey <3: About becoming an orphan. 

Babe <3: oh

His body twisted to the side, the strike coming just a hair's breadth away from making contact with his head.

Yuuji was moving faster than his mind could process what was happening, as was the way these kinds of spars usually went. A dodge, a block, a well aimed kick to give him some breathing room, another dodge as he ducked down to dart under his opponent before twisting and striking out, extended nails raking down skin leaving thin trails of bloodied cuts in their wake.

As he shoved himself back out of reach, he watched as Sukuna just stood there, arm twisted to give himself a better view of the blood dripping from his new wounds. On a normal person, even a Prime, those four deep cuts would have needed stitches. Yuuji knew better with Sukuna, however. The wound should be closed into red welts by tomorrow, if not fully gone.

Sukuna never minded injuries. If anything, he encouraged Yuuji to land hits like this, to give into the more violent cravings of his dynamic. And while Yuuji always hated hurting pack…

A wide grin spread across his brother’s face. “Now this is more like it, pup.”

He could not help the satisfaction curling in his gut over the pride in Sukuna’s voice and eyes.

Gramps had been right: the two of them were born for violence. 

Turning his attention from the wound back to Yuuji, Sukuna asked, “Alright, brat: what happened?”

And now Yuuji’s satisfaction swiftly shifted to panic and dread. “Uh, what do you mean?” he asked nervously, feeling his claws retract as he reached up to scratch his head. He knew lying was useless, but he still clung to the hope that Sukuna just won’t care enough to press.

”Last week you could barely keep up with me even when I was holding back,” Sukuna pressed, clearly not willing to stand down. “Now you are landing hits. Something’s changed. Your Omega is alive again.”

Yuuji needed to come clean. He knew it was futile to keep his mouth shut. But still…

”It’s just been a normal, boring week,” he insisted, lying through his stupid teeth.

Sukuna’s eyes narrowed, body shifting ever so slightly.

Internally, Yuuji groaned, shifting his claws back out as he braced himself for the inevitable strike. It was gonna be a long session…

Satoru snatched Suguru’s arm as they approached the house. “I need you to breathe.”

Suguru tried to yank his arm back, practically hissing at him. “Do not try to tell me to breathe! Not when…” A frustrated growl ripped from the Alpha’s throat as he tried to spin back towards the door.

Satoru grabbed him again. “You know Toji was trying to get under our skin.”

”Well, it fucking worked!” It was very clear from the look on his mate’s face that he was very close to lashing out at Satoru. “The idea of that…of that mutt getting his hands on Yuuji—“

”Watch what you call him, Suguru—“

Suguru snarled in his face.

”Think rationally, Suguru…” Satoru pleaded, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. “Yuuta is a trusted packmate of Yuuji’s—“ His words were interrupted by a displeased growl, causing Satoru to tighten his grip on Suguru’s arm ever so slightly. “And you know from experience Yuuta would fight to the death to protect his pack…yet Toji had his phone.”

He could see the first signs of wavering in Suguru’s face. “Toji could have stolen it…”

Satoru gave him a flat look. “Please try to imagine Toji successfully pickpocketing the kid who reflexively drop kicks strangers that accidentally bump into him.”

Suguru huffed, shaking off Satoru’s hold but making no move to storm the front door like before. “The bastard is difficult to track…” Which was true. Satoru doesn’t think he will ever get over the fact that there were not one, but two Betas in his life that had absolutely no scent. It set him on edge anytime either of them walked up behind him, to the point that both made an effort to make more noise when approaching him to avoid nearly getting their heads knocked off—

But he was getting off subject. The important thing was that Suguru’s initial murder haze had faded. Which was good. 

Megumi would make that irritated frown at him if he allowed Suguru to murder his father…

”And I know you don’t like the man,” Satoru continued, pulling Suguru closer. “You have every right to distrust him after what he tried to do to Riko…”

”And what he did to you,” Suguru muttered, his eyes growing dark once more.

Satoru rolled his eyes, adjusting his sunglasses on his face. “Please, that was barely a—“

”Satoru.”

”Okay, okay! Dropping the touchy subject!” He quickly declared. “But, what I was trying to get at…the man isn’t the same from back then. It would take a hell of a lot to get him to hurt someone innocent.”

Suguru huffed, clearly not fully convinced, but willing to drop the argument at the least. “I reserve the right to gut him if he so much as looks at Yuuji wrong…or if I don’t approve of whatever connection the two have.”

He clapped his hands together. “Approved! And I’ll help! Now then…” Satoru beamed, gliding past his still sulking mate towards the house. “Let’s just go in with calm and rational thoughts!”

And that was when Satoru turned to the door…and promptly kicked it down off of its hinges, splintering the frame and letting it crash on the ground. “Honey, I’m home!” he cheered as he stepped through the doorway, pulling his darkened shades off his face with a near feral grin. 

Suguru stepped up to Satoru’s side. “Calm and rational?”

Satoru turned his grin towards Suguru as he hooked his shades on his shirt. “I’m beginning to think I’m a touch possessive like you, dear.”

Suguru hummed in response, a pleased smile curling on his lips.

Throughout the entire exchange, Toji remained leaning against the wall at the far end of the hall, arms crossed. “The door wasn’t locked, asshole.” 

Turning his attention towards the Beta, Satoru quipped in an unbothered way, “Send me the bill.”

”It’s still a nuisance to try and get fixed,” the man griped.

Toji shoved off the wall as Satoru began to saunter down the hall, Suguru sticking close while commenting, “Think of it as tax for trying to piss us off.”

Now Toji was the one grinning. “Trying? I think I did more than just try.”

Suguru bared his teeth.

Satoru kept himself carefully positioned between the two. “So, Toji…you said you had some information about our dear Yuuji-kun?”

Toji raised a brow at the overemphasized our, but then nodded his head towards the living room. “Come on. It’s time for you to meet the rest of the Pack.”

Suguru huffed. “Why would you want us to meet your pack—“

”It’s not mine, not really,” Toji cut in smoothly as he began to move further into the house. “Yeah, I kind of run it and let the brats and company congregate here, but I definitely don’t have sway over these hellions.”

”Oh?” Satoru asked, trailing close. “Then who’s pack is this—what the hell?”

Satoru had finally crossed the doorway into the living room, blinking in surprise at the cluster of people waiting. The cluster of people, all with very familiar faces. 

Toji barked out a laugh. “What, the all powerful Six Eyes couldn’t recognize the scents?”

Satoru scowled. It was moments like this that he hated that title. The Six Eyes, an inherited trait in which his senses were so heightened that he could practically see them. “I wasn’t paying attention—“

”Aren’t you the one always telling us to keep our guard up, old man?” Maki called out breezily from where she relaxed on the couch, purposefully sharpening a knife. Yuuta was tucked in close to her side, looking very pale, with Toge on his opposite side, high collar jacket unzipped as he watched the couple warily.

Making an offended noise, Satoru whined, “Who are you calling an old man?!”

Nudging Satoru, Suguru quietly remarked, “Not the time…”

Shaking his head, Toji replied in amusement, “Your unstable half is right. Not the time, if you want enough time to go over everything today.”

Satoru lazily slid his eyes towards Toji. “Time to go over what exactly?”

Toji’s grin was about. “Like I said on the phone. We’re here to discuss your dear Yuuji…our packmate.”

It felt like ice was settling in his veins. “You all know him.”

”Yeah, asshole,” Nobara chimed in, trying her best to look bored as she scrolled through her phone, but he could clearly see her other hand firmly wrapped around her favorite hammer. “We’ve known him for years.”

”Yet neither of us ever met him before.” While Suguru he could understand, given how the man was out of the picture for so long, but Satoru? The one who personally taught and trained or, in the case of Nanami sitting quietly in the corner, fought alongside nearly everyone in this room…

Satoru’s definition of pack was loose, and he would openly admit that he sucked at maintaining most of his bonds. But each and everyone of them he still considered to be pack, even if it wasn’t official.

Yet they all had a pack member, one that they held clearly in high regard, that they never deigned to introduce to him.

And then Megumi struck the final nail.

”That’s because if any of us had a say,” Megumi, his godson, possibly the closest Satoru would ever come to having his own kid, calmly replied, lifting his head to meet Satoru’s gaze dead on. “You never would have met him at all.”

Satoru stood still.

Suguru began hissing. 

Everyone in the room tensed, all clearly ready for the pair to lash out. After a pause, Satoru carefully tamped down on his Alpha, closing his eyes and tucking his clenched hands in his pockets as he calmly asked, “And why is that?”

Megumi’s gaze never wavered.

”Because his Nii-San is Ryoumen Sukuna.”

And a lot of things began to make sense.

Satoru blinked. “Oh. Is that all?”

A pause. 

Then nearly a dozen voices were shouting at him, and Satoru was beginning to get the distinct impression that he had a bad habit of underreacting to important information.

Let it never be said that Sukuna went easy on Yuuji for being related to him.

If anything, the bastard’s standards were even higher for the Omega than others outside of their little pack.

Case in point…

Yuuji’s back hit the ground like a skipping stone, knocking the wind out of his lungs until he finally rolled to a stop. His whole body ached from overexertion, feeling bruises on top of bruises forming, though his right arm was the worst pain. The deep gashes on his upper arm bled sluggishly out on the ground, stinging from the dirt and debris embedded in the wound, while his chest stung from the more razor thin slices Sukuna landed that nearly shredded the front of his shirt.

Eyes closed as he focused on trying to catch his breath, the heavy pounding of his heartbeat nearly drowning out everything around him, he barely noticed as Sukuna approached him. Eyes fluttering open, Yuuji saw as the Alpha bent over, his hulking form blocking out the sun as a pair of fingers pressed against his neck, checking his unsteady pulse. 

Yuuji blamed it on the exhaustion, but he could have sworn he saw a look of regret on his brother’s face. 

Sukuna clucked his tongue. “We’re stopping for the day.”

Yuuji grimaced, shifting to stand. “I can keep going—“

”No,” Sukuna ordered firmly, a slight rumble to his voice. Kneeling down, he roughly scooped Yuuji up, ignoring his protests as he half threw Yuuji over his shoulder and moved to carry him inside. “Let’s bandage that arm before you get blood everywhere,” as if the Alpha’s own arm wasn’t still bleeding sluggishly.

Yuuji wanted to protest how he was being carried in like a sack of potatoes, but he was too tired to do so. That and it wasn't like Sukuna had never done this before: some of Yuuji’s earliest memories was of the Alpha carrying Yuuji around by his collar, moving him wherever he wanted the pup to be. It was normal for the two, to the point that even his grandfather would simply shake his head and not bother to stop the Alpha.

When Yuuji didn’t complain about being manhandled like usual, Sukuna’s grip tightened slightly. “Are you going to tell me what happened this week?”

Yuuji sighed. “Yeah. In a little bit.”

Sukuna hummed, accepting this answer as he shoved open the shoji doors to the main pack room, moving inside and dropping Yuuji into the pack nesting pit built into the center of the room, uncaring of how the Omega bled on the expensive fabrics and pillows. As he watched his Alpha go and rummage through a nearby shelf for medical supplies, Yuuji could only hope that he would continue to be accepting once he found out the whole story.

Ointments and bandages in hand, Sukuna made his way back towards the nest, barking out, “Alright, take off that ruined shirt and let me see what I’m working with.”

Yuuji did as told, struggling but managing to strip off the ruined haori followed by the equally bloodied undershirt. It wasn’t until he had pulled it off over his head that he froze, remembering exactly why he had chosen the high collar undershirt.

Sukuna was dropping down on the edge of the nest. “Now, let’s see—“

The words abruptly halted. 

“…brat. What happened to your neck?”

”…so about this past week…”

“Alright, we’re sitting like you asked,” Satoru declared, crossing his arms with an annoyed look around the room. “Now, will someone explain what the big deal is?”

After the initial outburst from the room with Satoru’s rather nonchalant response to Yuuji’s heritage, they eventually coerced the two into sitting down, the entirety of the room shifting chairs and furniture, and in Toji’s case, dramatic wall leanings to where they were facing the couple. It felt like an intervention. 

After a record scratch moment in his head, Suguru blurted, “This is an intervention.”

Scoffing, Maki asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be the one with common sense?”

Both he and Satoru made offended noises. 

Purposefully clearing his throat, Nanami decided to be the one to speak. “We assumed that revealing Itadori’s familial relation to Sukuna would help you two see the reason as to why this pairing would be detrimental to all sides.”

Suguru resisted the urge to curl his lip and growl at his former Kohai. “Detrimental? And why would that be?”

Nanami looked at him and asked, “Bluntly: Ryoumen Sukuna would never approve of the match, and Itadori-kun would rather break his own heart than disappoint his brother.”

That…was not exactly what he expected. “You don’t believe that Yuuji would ever choose us over Sukuna.”

”That’s less of a belief, and more of a known,” Toji chimed in almost lazily. “You’ve never seen the pack dynamics between the two, but it’s a bit fucked up to put it bluntly.”

Satoru’s eyes narrowed. “Explain.”

All the others exchanged various glances before settling back on Toji, who sighed heavily before declaring, “Sukuna Instinct spars with Yuuji on a near weekly basis, if not daily when Yuuji is over more frequently.”

Suguru was on his feet in an instant. “He does what?”

Instinct Spars were restricted and heavily monitored by the League for a reason. While they did offer high grade Alphas a chance to release pent up aggression, having them too frequently often resulted in worse side effects to temperament than disallowing them all together. They already restricted qualifying fighters to only two per year. The idea that Yuuji had been participating this frequently…

Suguru’s gut churned as he thought back to the discussion at Jujutsu about Yuuji displaying feral behaviors…

”The two frame it as ‘Play’, but it’s obviously beyond that,” Nobara snarked bitterly. “We’ve all tried talking to Yuuji about it, but he won’t listen.”

Swallowing heavily, Suguru dropped back to sit, his hands tightening on the chair. “He’s at his brother’s right now…”

“Don’t waste your time thinking about going over and intervening,” Toji ordered sternly. “You’ll just end up on the bad end of both of them. Yuuji may be a good kid, but he’s reactive about Pack.”

”The sparring is probably why his Omega is the way it is,” Maki offered. “Because apparently, this has been going on since Yuuji was a pup. The pack Alpha dynamic is heavily wired into Yuuji because of it. We think it's why his Omega is so resistant and aggressive towards other Alphas.”

”This wasn’t in his medical records,” Satoru stated quietly.

”Simply because Sukuna did not want it in the records,” Nanami explained. “He would have to admit that he was raising Itadori-kun improperly, where in his mind, he was simply making his little brother stronger.”

Toji let out an unamused hum. “It took a couple months before I could safely pair Yuuji in spars with anyone that wasn’t able to take hits. He really didn’t know how to hold back. Eventually, we went the route of learning ‘technical spars vs. instinct play’ reasoning for the training because neither the kid nor Sukuna would listen when I tried to say their fighting was over the line.” 

Suguru’s hands twitched at his sides. “Has Yuuji ever been hurt?”

Megumi glanced towards him. “Nothing life threatening…but most of his scars were from Sukuna. And Yuuji does not scar easily.”

And now his hands curled into fists.

Scoffing to himself, Toji muttered, “The bastard tried just saying that we don’t understand true Special Grade sparring, and that he and Yuuji were just roughhousing, essentially a ‘stay out of how I raise my pup’ kind of talk.”

Suguru was struggling with all of this, all the implications. League Instinct spars were limited to biannually for each candidate for a reason. Sukuna obviously found a way around that rule, which would explain why the Alpha was as difficult as he was. The side effects were clear as day with how violent his sanctioned spars were.

To think that Yuuji had been exposed to this for years, since he was a—

Suguru’s head snapped to Toji. “He called Yuuji his pup?”

Everyone in the room grimaced. Panda nervously remarked, “They have never said it out loud, but both Sukuna and his partner basically kind of act like Yuuji’s parents since they practically raised him…”

Suguru dropped back into his seat. 

Satoru finally spoke up, chuckling dryly. “So, essentially we are going to be mating Ryoumen Sukuna’s claimed pup.”

Now Megumi was on his feet. “You need to take this seriously!”

Tilting his head with an amused smirk, Satoru asked, “And what makes you think I’m not taking this seriously?”

”The fact that you are still even considering staying with Yuuji after all of this, for starters!”

Suguru frowned at that. “As Yuuji’s packmate, one would think you would want Yuuji to find a stable partnership, given his health issues…”

Panda quietly murmured, “Stable?” to an equally disbelieving looking Toge.

Brats, the whole lot of them.

”Did you not listen?” Megumi all but snarled, drawing Suguru’s attention back to him. “Sukuna will never allow the match—“

”Even if Yuuji might die?” Suguru countered.

“Versus letting him mate his executioner?”

They could hear a pin drop in the ensuing silence.

Suguru felt the words turning over and over in his head, slowly turning his gaze towards his mate. “…I believe that this comment is aimed at you. Would you care to explain?”

Satoru, despite Suguru’s icy tone, remained rather unbothered, simply inspecting his nails for dirt. “Those old geezers appointed me the one to handle Sukuna should he ever cause problems outside of the parameters of his deal with them. This extended to eliminating his pack to prevent them from retaliating.” Dropping his hand, he added, “I knew he had a little brother but no other details. I never met him nor even got his name, considering how adamant Sukuna was about keeping him away from Hunters as a whole.” Satoru gave a pointed stare, scanning the room.

It spoke volumes for how they all looked away.

Suguru gritted his teeth. “And now?”

Satoru looked back at his mate. “Obviously, that plan has changed. Just like when they tried to order me to kill you. I refuse to kill my mates.”

This made Suguru settle.

”Just like that?” Nanami asked, braving their ire with his bluntness. “You would defy the Council’s orders for a young man you met a few days ago?”

”Like I need a reason to bother them. Hell, I would defy the Council’s orders just because I was bored,” Satoru answered easily, no hesitation in his voice. “But for Yuuji?” He leaned forward, grabbing bits of Suguru’s hair and twirling the strands between his fingers. 

”I would let them burn.”

Suguru could not help the pleased rumble slipping out of his throat.

Several disgusted scoffs resonated from the room, and Suguru glanced over to see variations of uncomfortable to grossed out expressions ranging across those in attendance. Nobara even demanded, “Can you two not be weirdos for five minutes?”

”Oh come on, now,” Satoru whined. “You’ve seen us being much worse.”

”That is not a good thing, Gojo-Sensei…” Yuuta quietly remarked.

Which, oh yeah. 

Him.

Suguru’s face twisted up into a tight, fake smile, his hand twitching. Yuuta’s gaze snapped towards him, all wide eyed and fearful.

Satoru flicked him in the head, asking in a scolding tone, “What did I say?”

”Tch,” Suguru grumbled, looking away from the young man. “You’re no fun…”

”Something tells me that fun was not what you had in mind.”

Suguru did not even bother to hide his smirk.

”You two are still going to pursue Yuuji no matter what we say, aren’t you?”

It was Toji who spoke this time, his expression blank and unreadable as he eyes the pair, his gaze lazily sliding between the two. Satoru met the man’s gaze with ease as he replied, “Of course. He’s ours now. We just need to get him comfortable with that.”

”And deal with the elders,” Suguru chimed in with a tone reminiscent of reminding Satoru of a minor errand. 

Satoru waved him off. “Yeah, yeah, that too. We might want to poke around and see if we can do that discreetly first.”

Suguru pouted. ”Can’t we just kill them?”

”Babe, we’ve had this conversation. If we collapse Hunter Society, Yaga is gonna make us deal with the paperwork.”

Face twisting up, he replied, “Fine, discreet it is.”

Clapping his hands together, Satoru cheered, “Then that settles it! Woo and mate Yuuji-kun, overturn the old farts, and deal with Sukuna!”

”Satoru, we need to handle those last two before we mate him—“

”Ugh, do we have to—“

“You two are scum,” Maki spat out, eyes narrowed in distaste at them.

Satoru did not even flinch. “What would you prefer? Yuuji mated to two Alphas who will adore him and care for him, or him remaining stuck under Sukuna’s thumb until his Omega kills him from stress? Or worse, the Council deciding to be stupid and attempt to kill him themselves?” Then, head tilting, Satoru threw down the gauntlet, the unspoken truth of this pack. “That is, assuming that Yuuji does not find out about all the dirty little secrets his pack has been hiding from him…at least, not in a way that we can control. I don’t believe that would be in anyone’s best interest.”

Everyone looked displeased with the options, with most looking like they wanted to deck his mate in the face…but their silence spoke volumes. 

Satoru leaned forward, bracing his hands on his knees with a smug and victorious grin. “Now, are you going to cooperate and help us woo our Omega?”

Suguru shook his head but did nothing to hide his fond smile. Satoru had them backed into a corner, and they all knew it.

Now, it was just time for them to be quiet and play their parts.

It was for Yuuji’s own good, after all. 

“So, you found a proper match,” Sukuna replied slowly, poking harshly at the healing bruises on his neck. 

Yuuji swatted the hand away with a scowl. “Possibly…”

Sukuna had somehow managed to hold off on the conversation until Yuuji’s arm was bandaged and the cuts on his chest cleaned. His arm probably should have gotten stitches, but he has had worse injuries. While not as good as Sukuna’s, his healing time was definitely higher than most Primes…which was why Yuuji was annoyed that the bruises on his neck were so prominent. On anyone else, Satoru and Suguru would have likely broken skin considering how dark they were on Yuuji’s tougher skin.

Sukuna ignored the swat and pressed rudely on a large bruise again. “These marks say otherwise.”

Yuuji rumbled in annoyance, shifting away from his brother in the pack nest. “I’ve met them, we clicked, but you know how it is. My heat may be an entirely different story.”

”Considering whoever made the marks didn’t lose a limb, they might have promise.” With a condescending grin, Sukuna teased, “I never would have thought that my baby brother would put out on the first date—“

”Shut up!” Yuuji shouted, snatching up a pillow and hurling it at Sukuna’s face as the Alpha continued to cackle at his embarrassment. “It was a weird set of circumstances, okay? And we didn’t go beyond this…”

”Why not?”

”Nii-san!”

”Must you tease him, Sukuna-sama?” 

Sukuna looked over his shoulder to see Uraume approaching with a large tray of food, and he remarked, “He’s lucky I’m being this lenient, considering he has yet to introduce them to me.”

Yuuji huffed. “And let you traumatize or maim them? Fat chance in hell.”

Sukuna tilted his head, his grin less feral but still threatening. “So you have no intention of telling me who this Alpha is?”

Uraume continued to the edge of the nest, carefully stepping in with the tray of food while the two continued to bicker. ”No fucking way—“

”Now, I’m only trying to look out for you—“

”More like have some territorial pissing match over me—“

”And ensure that whoever this Alpha is, that they are worthy of you—“

”They are both fine—“

”Did you just say both?”

Yuuji froze. The grin on Sukuna’s face was gone, replaced with an eerie blankness. Refusing to cower but choosing his words carefully, Yuuji replied, “I matched with a mated pair of Alpha Primes.”

Sukuna’s face twisted with anger. “A mated pair?” The rage on his face grew. “They dare try and use mine as if he were some toy—“

”That isn’t what’s happening, Nii-San.”

”Don’t be fucking naive, brat!” Sukuna spat back, the only thing keeping him in place was likely Uraume’s presence and strict ‘no fighting in the pack nest’ rule. “An unmated Alpha is one thing, there is potential for a bond, but for these two to think they have the right—“

”They signed up with Jujutsu because they were having Rut issues,” Yuuji explained, trying to keep it vague for Satoru and Suguru’s privacy but also knowing this was only going to get worse if he didn’t nip this now. “They were separated for a long time and now their Alphas are struggling to mesh—“

”And why in the hell is that your problem—“

”Because I’m the first one their Alphas have clicked with!” Yuuji insisted. 

Sukuna scoffed. “Again with the naivety!“

”And naive or not, they are the first ones my Omega has clicked with as well!” Yuuji fired back. “And I clicked with both of them!”

”It’s just scent—“

”I fucking nested for them!”

Uraume dropped the teapot they had been attempting to pour.

Sukuna’s eyes grew wide. “You what?”

But Yuuji wasn’t listening. “I’m not a naive pup anymore, Nii-San. I get it. I get that I’m probably just a tool for them, but don’t forget that they are also a tool for me.” The thought made him sick to his stomach, made his Omega lurch unhappily in his head to consider the pair as such. “I’m not stupid enough to get attached to them. I won’t let that happen.”

Sukuna’s anger wavered. “Pup—“

“I’m gonna go lie down.” Then Yuuji climbed out of the nest, fleeing towards his old room before anyone could point out what a liar he was.

Jujutsu

Six Eyes: Yuuuuuujiiiiiiiii~

Six Eyes: We miss you!!!

Six Eyes: You should move in with us.

Not a Cult Leader: Satoru. Do not be a brat.

Six Eyes: But I need Yuuji cuddles…

Not a Cult Leader: Satoru.

Six Eyes: F i n e—

Six Eyes: Can I at least ask him to have lunch with us tomorrow?

Not a Cult Leader: …dinner. I need to catch up with paperwork at work.

Tiger of the West: You mean cult’s actually have paperwork?

Six Eyes: YUUJI! <3

Not a Cult Leader: It’s not a cult, but yes: we do have taxes to file.

Tiger of the West: Cult’s actually pay taxes?!

Not a Cult Leader: ………….

Tiger of the West: Okay, okay, I’m dropping it lol

Six Eyes: Back to important things! Like moving in!

Not a Cult Leader: Dinner, Satoru.

Six Eyes: Ugh, fine. Dinner, tomorrow?

Tiger of the West: …is it okay if I get back to you about that?

Not a Cult Leader: Of course. Is everything alright?

Not a Cult Leader: Yuuji?

Six Eyes: Let us know if you need anything, okay?

Chapter Text

Utahime slumped back into her chair with a heavy sigh.

It had only been two days since her vacation, and she already felt the overwhelming urge to go hide away on another one. Not that she would actually do it: one of the main reasons her and Shoko worked was because they were both equal levels of workaholics in love with their specialties.

But this newest case had her questioning everything.

Staring at Yuuji’s open file, she resisted the urge to growl in frustration. This poor kid was buried so deep in dynamic politics that he wasn’t even aware of, with everyone in his life involved in this convoluted lie to keep him in the dark…including her now, as much as she did not want to do so. It made things ten times worse knowing how good the kid was. He didn’t deserve this.

Letting out another sigh, she looked at her phone, just waiting for Fushiguro to call back with an update about how the meeting with Satoru and Suguru went. Not that she expected it to work: those two were far too stubborn and arrogant to back down once they set their sights on something…or in this case, someone.

At the very least, she knew that they would do everything in their power to keep Yuuji safe…and they were probably the only ones strong enough to do so. 

Still. She needed to discuss this with Shoko later, to get her input on how to best approach the situation—

A knock on her door drew her attention. Miwa poked her head in, looking rather frazzled. “Utahime-San?…”

Straightening in her seat, she asked, “What’s wrong, Miwa?”

”It’s…Gakuganji-san just called. He’s insisting on your presence at the Alpha center.”

Shit. Just what she needed on top of everything else. “Did he say when?”

”…he said now.”

Double shit. “Then I guess I’m heading out now.”

She had a bad feeling about this…

“Yuuji still hasn’t replied.”

Suguru curled closer to Satoru, running a hand through his hair. “He’ll reply. Just give him time.”

Satoru’s head tilted up towards his hand, scooting closer towards his mate on their bed. It was about an hour or so since they finally left Toji’s, and he still felt like shit. He had a million things he wanted to say, but all the words felt heavy on his tongue.

After a few moments of silence, he felt Suguru take his cheeks in his hands, tilting his face up to look at him. Thumbs caressing his skin, Suguru vowed, “Just a few months, Satoru…let us give him space and patience till we can prove ourselves during his heat, then we will work on making sure he doesn’t leave us ever again.”

The words finally came tumbling out. ”What if the pack was right?” he asked quietly. “What if he finds out about what I was ordered to do and hates me—“

”We tell him the truth,” Suguru insisted firmly. “We tell him the truth about the organization, about how you were raised, how they treat you like a weapon…about how hard you work to make things better for Hunters, to limit the Council’s power, to make our society better…and about how you would never hurt him.”

”What if it’s not enough?”

”Have a little faith in our Omega,” Suguru cooed softly. “If only for the fact that he trusts those he cares about wholeheartedly…we will have to embellish some of the edges, but at the core, everything is true. He will understand.”

Satoru eased slightly, relaxing in Suguru’s grip as his mate leaned in to softly kiss his forehead. Then, Satoru added morosely, “It would be easier to convince Yuuji if the pack approved of us…”

”Give them time too, Satoru…” Suguru purred. “They’ll see things our way soon enough. Given how they spoke of Sukuna, I think even they can agree that handing Yuuji over to us would be in our Omega’s best interest.”

Satoru frowned. “I’m probably going to have to fight Sukuna.”

Suguru hummed. “And? Doubting your skills?”

He scoffed. “Of course not…but I doubt Yuuji is going to appreciate me killing his brother.”

Now this had Suguru stilling, his face growing contemplative. Then, after a sigh, he mused, “We will have to figure that out eventually. Hopefully if we get the execution lifted from the Council, Sukuna will begrudgingly accept us…or maybe you two can just fight till one of you is mildly maimed instead of dead.”

”Oi! Why did you say that like I could be the mildly maimed one?!”

”You get too cocky when fighting and are distracted so easily…”

”Hey!”

The heavy knocking that rattled the door frame gave away who it was before they even had to speak. 

“Go away, Nii-San!” Yuuji called out, sinking further into his old nest. The blankets smelled dusty and it had been ages since he refreshed any of the scents, but he would take what he could get. Still, he found little comfort here, with all of his favorite blankets either back in his apartment or dragged out into the pack nest, considering he always ended up crashing there when staying over.

Even when he was first moved out here after Gramp’s death, this room had never really been his. He was listless in those first few weeks, often taking to wandering the halls silently like a ghost, till Uraume or Sukuna would inevitably guide him back to his room. For all the brave face he put on during that time, both Sukuna and Uraume knew that losing a pack member had been a quiet, silent death of a piece of Yuuji’s heart.

It’s probably why he clung so hard and so fast to Megumi, followed shortly after by Nobara. He needed that connection, that bond of pack, more than he needed air to breathe. Quietly, he knew he had a problem, clinging so desperately…

But he had no intention of stepping back anytime soon.

Sukuna knew this as well, to a degree. He had noticed, his eyes sharp as Yuuji excitedly told him about his new friend, had noticed how the excitement grew into something more…how that died when Yuuji realized there was no hope of ever being reciprocated, whether it be because of the person or his Omega. He watched as it passed to Nobara, to Ozawa, to many others, even a brief crush on Okkotsu-Senpai. All brief, all deep, all dying slower and quieter than the last.

Through it all, Sukuna watched.

Maybe that was why Yuuji was so bothered now. Because finally, finally there was one that could be real…

A frustrated growl resonated from the other side of the door. “Stop being a brat!”

And Sukuna chose now to speak.

Feeling petulant, Yuuji shouted back, “All I’ve ever been to you is a brat since the day I was born! What makes this any different?”

Yuuji was met with silence, and for a brief moment, he half expected Sukuna to storm off, to yell explicatives or even tear the door open despite this half abandoned nest still being his private nest…

But he never expected to hear Sukuna let out a heavy, tired sigh.

He could hear as the Alpha dropped to sit outside the door, the ensuing silence hanging heavy in the air. Eventually, Sukuna spoke, his words quiet but still carrying easily through the paper doors. “That is not what you are to me.” 

The words had Yuuji sitting up straight, head snapping towards the door as his brother continued to speak. “You ought to know by now that my Alpha is…wired differently. I do not packbond easily, but when my Alpha claims someone, there is no hesitation, no reasoning. I see them, and they are mine.” 

Yuuji was far too familiar with this feeling. 

“Since the day you were born, you have been my pup.” He said it so easily, as if it were fact. The Earth is round, the sky is blue, and Itadori Yuuji was Ryoumen Sukuna’s pup. “Not just my brother, not just a brat…you are and will always be my pup. I will worry, I will hover, I will push you in ways that will likely make you hate me.”

Yuuji was shoving up out of the nest.

”But know that it is because—“

Yuuji threw open the door. For a beat, the two just stared at each other. Sukuna looked like he had more he wanted to say, but his mouth clamped shut with Yuuji standing before him. And for Yuuji?

He let out a small huff before asking, “Can we go back to the pack nest?”

Sukuna let out a rumble. “Demanding pup…” He still rose to his feet swiftly, moving to herd Yuuji out of the doorway and back towards the pack room, as if hesitation might lead to Yuuji changing his mind.

As they walked, Yuuji quietly asked, “So…did Ume notice the blood—“

”Of course they noticed the blood, the fuck you think took me so long to come get you? I was getting hissed at about you and then they saw it, and I nearly lost my damn ear. They made me clean—Oi. Oi, stop laughing, brat. I said stop.”

When Utahime approached Gakuganji’s office, she expected a lot of things. 

She did not, however, expect to see Muta walking out of the office. 

The young man paused upon seeing her, before nodding his head, muttering out a quiet, “Utahime-San,” before skirting around her. Staring after him in shock, she felt a growing pit in her stomach over the implications. As far as she knew, the young man was home pending an investigation—he shouldn’t even have the credentials to be in this area of the building, let alone unescorted. 

Which could only mean…

Turning back to the office, she rapidly knocked before opening without waiting for a response. “Gakuganji-San, why is Muta back on site? He breached private client data—“

”That is what we are here to discuss, Utahime,” the older man interrupted, gesturing towards the chair. “Please, sit.”

It sounded less like a request and more of demand. 

Whatever this was about…

”We need to discuss your client…Itadori Yuuji.”

She had a feeling she was not going to like it.

Dropping face down into the pack nest, Yuuji did not even bother to hide his purr. 

He could hear Sukuna chuckling at his antics, but he did not care. This nest felt right. From the old worn in blankets to the perfect melding of Sukuna, Uraume, and his own scents: Smokey incense, sharp frost with plum, and the odd sweetness of peaches. He did not even mind the overwhelming scent of blood from him and Sukuna, it having become a comfort to him long before he could even remember. 

Most would hate any of these scents, let alone combined…yet Yuuji slept best when buried in them.

He could hear Sukuna and Uraume talking quietly off to the side, Uraume eventually shuffling off, likely to get more food, before Sukuna moved to enter the nest. He nudged Yuuji’s feet slightly, and Yuuji made no effort to move. Sukuna could literally sit on him and he would not care. His whole body felt heavy, the fight from today quickly catching up and weighing down his limbs.

Sukuna apparently was in a very lenient mood, simply sighing and moving to carefully sit in another spot. “Aren’t you lazy today…”

Yuuji huffed. “I think I’ve earned it.” Then, cracking open an eye, he added, “And you’re one to talk about being lazy…”

He did not even make the effort to move when Sukuna reached out to sharply flick him in the head, just making a disgruntled sound before closing his eye again. A comfortable silence settled between them at that point, pleased scents wafting from them both, though eventually, Sukuna chose to break the silence.

”…do they treat you well?”

His eyes opened in surprise. “Wait, what?”

Sukuna scowled at him. “You know what. The Alphas. Do they treat you well? You said they were Primes.”

Yuuji shifted at that point, rolling onto his side to face Sukuna better. “Oh, uh, yeah. They treat me really well.”

His brother nodded before looking away. Then, almost awkwardly, something he had never heard from Sukuna before, his brother asked, “And how did you end up…nesting for them?”

Yuuji felt his cheeks grow warm. “Uh.”

”Please tell me you did not meet them at their place—“

”No of course not!”

”—or have them over at your apartment—“

”Dude, they aren’t dead or maimed so no.”

Sukuna huffed. “Then what? A hotel?”

Silence.

”…a hotel?!”

”It was a nice hotel!“

”Why the fuck was your first date at a hotel—“

”It wasn’t at the hotel! They just took me there after—“

”They what—“

”Dude, they accidentally triggered me, okay?!” Sukuna finally shut up at that, blinking in surprise as Yuuji scrambled to explain. “The first date was amazing but ended bad cause of a bunch of bullshit mix ups with the company, so I kind of bolted, so when we reunited on the second date they were both really excited and neither knew about the back of the neck thing and one of them got too close and I snapped at him and then kind of dropped and they panicked—“

”Yuuji—”

“—so next thing I knew I woke up in a really fancy hotel with them trying to calm me down and explaining that they were trying to get me somewhere more private but didn’t know if i would be comfortable going to there place—“

”Yuuji—“

”—and they were being super sweet and purring and shit and my Omega wasn’t mad?! And one accidentally mentioned a nest and I just zoned and next thing I knew we were cuddling in a nest I built and—“

”Yuuji!” Yuuji’s jaw snapped shut as Sukuna slapped a hand over his mouth. “I do not want any more details, considering…” His gaze dropped to the marks on Yuuji’s neck.

Yuuji’s face felt even warmer.

Sukuna took a deep breath, reaching up with his free hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Yes or no: were you comfortable with them?”

Yuuji nodded.

”Did they ever push you into something you did not want?”

He shook his head no.

Sukuna dropped the hand. “Then they get to live. For now.”

Yuuji rolled his eyes. “Wow, thanks for being ever so gracious—“

”Once they decide to mate you, however, then that’s a different story—“

”Nii-San!” Yuuji shouted indignantly, scowling as his brother proceeded to laugh at him. Then, the scowl fading, Yuuji hesitantly asked, “And…what made you think they would ever want to mate me?”

Sukuna’s laughter swiftly died, staring at Yuuji. “…pup. A mated pair of Alphas, of Primes, did all of that for you, shared a nest with you, and never made a move beyond territorial marking—“

”Territorial?” Yuuji mumbled, absently reaching up to rub at his neck. 

“Any Alpha that’s mated could barely even stand to be close to another that isn’t their mate or at least pack,” Sukuna continued. “Hell, Uraume and I are not even mated yet but I sure as hell can’t stand to be around others, let alone have anyone around them.”

”That’s because you are an antisocial asshole, Nii-San,” Yuuji replied blandly. Then, after a pause, Yuuji half shouted, “Wait, did you say yet?!”

Sukuna scowled. “Brat—“

”Holy shit, you did!”

”Shut the fuck up—“

”It’s about time—Mpth!”

Sukuna had slapped his hand over Yuuji’s mouth. “Be. Quiet!”

”Be quiet about what, Sukuna-sama?”

Sukuna swiftly removed the hand from Yuuji’s mouth. “Nothing, Uraume.”

Emboldened by knowledge and the fact that Uraume was behind him so they could not see, Yuuji mouthed out to Sukuna, “Simp.”

The full facial twitch Sukuna made would be well worth whatever retribution he received in the future.

But for now…

Sukuna turned his attention towards Uraume as they entered the nest. “The brat nested for the mated Alphas after they helped guide him out of a drop, and he believes they have no interest in him beyond fucking.”

Uraume paused. Then, with no hesitation, they replied, “I told you that dropping Yuuji on his head one too many times as a toddler would have repercussions.”

Yuuji made a betrayed and wounded sound while Sukuna merely cackled in vindication. 

Suguru was trying to distract himself from the earlier text conversation with Yuuji. So what does he do?

He resorted to researching about Yuuji.

Or more specifically—

“Shoko was right,” Suguru muttered bitterly as he flipped through another book. “Research for Male Omegas is utterly abysmal…” Scanning the newest page, his face twisted up in irritation before slamming the book shut. “And what little exists is mostly disgusting opinion based nonsense.”

Satoru groaned from where he lay sprawled on the bed, calling out, “What did that book say?”

Suguru grimaced. “You don’t want to know.”

He could hear Satoru sitting up. “It can’t be worse than the usual ‘they are genetic defects’ drivel from the last book.” When Suguru said nothing, he heard Satoru slipping off the bed. “What did it say, Suguru?”

Suguru sighed. “You’ll want to burn it.”

Hands landed on his shoulder, Satoru leaning over his head to peer at the books on the desk. “Does it deserve to be burned?”

”Yes. But these are not our books, Satoru.”

”We can pay Utahime back.“

”She borrowed these from colleagues, Satoru. She is not going to be okay with just getting a payment and moving on—“

Satoru leaned down further, his head hovering by Suguru’s ear. “What did it say?”

He sighed. “That with male omegas being sterile, they should be used to satiate Alpha ruts and needs until the Alpha finds a proper mate.” Suguru pushed the book away. “Essentially suggesting that the only use for male Omegas was being passed around as Alpha toys after puberty.”

Satoru’s hands tightened on Suguru’s shoulders. “This is from one of Utahime’s peers?”

”According to the sticky note Shoko attached to this, it’s a collection of research papers borrowed from a clan library,” he elaborated. “The author was disowned a long time ago.”

”Is he alive?”

Suguru eyed the name on the book cover. “She. And no clue. I’ve never heard of Kamo Kaori before. But the book as a whole is filled with findings and conclusions just as vile as that comment, so I hope she is dead in a gutter somewhere.”

Satoru sighed, slumping forward onto Suguru. “An issue for later then.”

Suguru picked up a different book, this one focused more on the anatomical differences of male and female omegas. But the name—Kamo Kenjaku—made him believe it likely won’t be very different from the last. “You are going to have a lot of people to kill if you kill anyone who speaks ill of Yuuji’s biology.”

”So?” Pressing his cheek to Suguru’s, he whined, “I don’t get why everyone gets so up in arms about things like that. A waste of time to worry about what’s in someone’s pants…but speaking of what’s in someone’s pants…”

Rolling his eyes, Suguru flipped to a particular page. “Yuuji’s anatomy won’t be much different from ours from what I’ve read: he just won’t have a knot like us, and he’ll produce slick when aroused…also, he’s more equipped at taking a knot without being potentially hurt.”

Satoru’s hands began to wander down Suguru’s front. “Hmm…I wonder what it’s going to be like…” Satoru mused, his voice pitching lower as he began to undo the buttons of Suguru’s shirt. “Being fucked by a dick that doesn’t have a knot…”

He huffed, keeping his eyes locked on the book. “Probably less annoying, considering we won’t be stuck together afterwards.”

He felt Satoru’s breath on his ear. “I bet his dick is big.”

”You shouldn’t assume things.”

”Oh come on,” Satoru replied, nails running along Suguru’s chest. “No one wears baggie cargos that much unless they are shy about their dick size.”

”Says the man who wears exclusively tight pants.”

”Please, as if I’ve ever been shy about anything.”

Suguru hummed, tilting his neck back as Satoru began to nip at his jaw. “True…but we still should not place expectations until we see him fully.”

Satoru sighed while muttering, “Taking the fun out of this…” Then, in a particularly cheeky tone, Satoru asked, “Just imagine, him on his hands and knees between us, us fucking him from both ends and locking him on our knots—“

Suguru snagged Satoru by the throat, yanking him forward around the chair and holding him at face level. “You really are pushing it today.”

Satoru did not look the least bit remorseful, a cheeky grin splitting his face as he purred, “Think he’ll cry?”

Shoving his chair back from the desk, book abandoned, he pushed Satoru down to his knees, not that the Alpha put up much of a fight. “Why don’t we put that mouth of yours to good use?”

Despite already being on his knees in front of Suguru, hands tightly gripping his mate’s knees, Satoru still flashed a defiant grin up at him. “Make me.”

Suguru wouldn’t have it any other way.

Three Missed Calls from SENSEI~.

SENSEI~: GOJO SATORU, ANSWER YOUR DAMN PHONE.

“This is all bullshit!” Nobara shouted as she dramatically flopped over the back of the couch. She landed half on Megumi, half on Maki, with neither really reacting much to her dramatics.

Grimacing from where he sat across from them, Yuuta hesitantly asked, “Is it really that bad?…”

Maki scowled. “Yeah sure, arguably the three most dangerous Alpha Special Grades on the planet all being possessive over the same Omega: that’s sure to end well!”

”Those three are going to be at each other’s throats eventually,” Megumi chimed in darkly, arms crossed and refusing to look at any of them. 

Grimacing, Yuuta let out a sigh. “Look, I know that there is likely going to be tension at first—“

”Tension?” Nobara asked incredulously.

”—however, I think you are all forgetting something kind of important.”

”And what,” Maki drawled as Nanami and Toji wandered back into the room. “Pray tell, are we forgetting, you endless glass half full optimist?”

Yuuta gave her a bland look before stating, “You are forgetting about Yuuji.”

Everyone stared blankly.

Yuuta’s face twisted into frustration. “Do you really think they would legitimately fight if Yuuji stepped in? Because he isn’t going to be okay with them fighting over him, and unless I’m blind, Yuuji has the unnatural ability of getting every Special Grade he meets wrapped around his finger.”

Panda, in his glorious wisdom, decided to point out, “Aren’t you included in the Special Grades he’s met?”

Even though his face turned a concerning level of red, Yuuta still managed to croak out, “Your point?”

Now Maki was sitting up and alert. “No fucking way.”

Megumi’s brows scrunched in confusion. “What?”

Maki pointed an accusing finger at Yuuta. “You told me you were over your crush!”

Yuuta looked anywhere but her. “I don’t think this is relevant right now—“

”No, you are not dodging this, you little shit—!“

”I am completely dodging this and continuing to live in denial!” Yuuta retorted, his voice a little high pitched by the end. “Besides, it’s not like I ever had a chance!”

Nobara, fully sliding over the back of the couch and allowing her legs to drop unceremoniously into Megumi’s lap, decided to blurt out, “Oh, you definitely had a chance if his Omega hadn’t tried to kill you.” 

Everyone’s attention snapped to her. 

Nobara stared at them all in disgust. “What?! Don’t tell me you all are blind! Yuuji was obsessed with the guy for months before the heat disaster!” Clasping her hands together and imitating a horribly peppy rendition of Yuuji’s voice, she crowed, “‘Oh, Yuuta-senpai’s so cool and so smart! Yuuta-senpai taught me a new fighting form! Nobara, do these taste good? I made these treats just for Yuuta-senpai!’” Her face twisted into a sneer. “God, I was one more instance away of walking into the dojo and seeing Yuuji blatantly staring at Yuuta’s ass before deciding to commit a homicide, and I still don’t know which one of them I would have killed!”

Yuuta made a sound like a dying animal.

Toji had wandered over towards Yuuta, patting him on the head. “Tough luck, kid. Look at it this way: if you had actually started dating Yuuji, and Satoru and Suguru met him after, then they would have had a legitimate reason to kill you.”

Megumi gave his dad a disgusted look. “I don’t think you are helping anything.”

Toji shrugged. “Well, I tried.”

Under her breath, Maki muttered, “No wonder Megumi turned out the way he did…” Megumi in turn gave her an unamused look that she ignored.

Before anyone else could say anything, Megumi’s phone started ringing. All eyes turned to him as he checked it, his face twisting into confusion. Deciding to answer and put it on speaker, he said, “Utahime-San, now isn’t a good time—“

”Are Gojo and Getou still there?!”

Now he was sitting up a little straighter at the panic in her tone. “No, they already left. What’s wrong?”

In the background, they could hear what sounded like her walking quickly, then a car door being opened and shut as she spoke. “Look, I don’t have much time to explain because I need to discuss with Shoko about how to bring this up to those two, but this is bad.”

Toji was heading over towards his son, speaking up. “What happened?”

”Yuuji wasn’t matched with those two on accident.”

”What the hell?” Nobara asked incredulously. “What kind of idiot would want that pairing—“

”Look, just—“ She sounded overwhelmed, trying to catch her breath. “I just left a meeting with my boss, Gakuganji.”

Nanami was now also joining the cluster. “He is one of the Elders.”

”Right…and he is also apparently part of the group of idiots who decided that the best way to control Sukuna was to go through his, quote, ‘weak point’.”

In cold yet calm voice, Yuuta spoke up. “They are targeting Yuuji…how?”

”How else would old Alphas set in their ways think to control an Omega?” she spat out bitterly. “By getting him mated.”

”And I thought I couldn’t hate those bastards more,” Toji growled out, bitterness seeping into his tone as several of the other Alphas in the room rumbled in agreement.

“It sounds like Yuuji signing up for Jujutsu was on purpose. They heard about his heat issues and wanted to exploit it, but Sukuna was good at dodging Hunter tied doctors…so they coerced Mai into reaching out through your pack,” she elaborated, Maki swearing under her breath. “The plan was to throw Alpha sorcerers at Yuuji until one could manage a mating bite. By the way he was speaking, I genuinely believe he was going to have whoever it was just mate Yuuji during the first heat they shared, with or without his consent.”

“And he expected that to work?” Panda asked in shock.

“None of them seem to think Yuuji is as much of a threat as his file states, which the fact that they hacked Yuuji’s files is a whole other mess that I’m fuming over, but they just believe that he needed an Alpha ‘with a firmer hand.’” The bitterness slipped into her tone, sounding overall done with the situation. “Only things didn’t go as planned.”

”Yeah, why in the hell would they think that Gojo and Getou were good options?” Nobara chimed in. “Even if those two hadn't gotten attached, there is no way they would have gone along with this.”

”They made an error in planning apparently,” Utahime replied with a sigh. “Muta, the employee who originally matched Yuuji to those idiots, was only given the order to pair Yuuji with any and all available Hunter Alpha Primes in our system…and the Council were unaware that those two were options.”

”So, it’s just by chance that this whole shit show happened,” Maki remarked with a grimace.

And sounding even more bitter, Megumi snarked, “And Yuuji could have somehow been matched with someone worse.”

”Unfortunately, it's still a risk.” After several of the packmates began to shout, Utahime continued to try and talk over them. “Look, just—Gakuganji just tried to order me to end the match. I told him about the two being attached and it being out of my hands, but he wants me to still send Yuuji pairings. He even gave me a list of Alphas to basically shove down Yuuji’s throat.”

”Surely they know how stupid that is, right?” Panda asked.

”I think they are more concerned about what might happen if Yuuji actually mated those two.” Papers were rustling in the background, her muttering, “And let me tell you, they are desperate. I have a feeling that half these people don’t even know they’ve been volunteered.”

Toji spoke up. “And what makes you say that?” 

”Because Nanami is on this list.”

The snarl that left Nanami’s throat had everyone visibly skirting away from him. “I am mated and not even signed up at Jujutsu, not to mention that Itadori-kun is practically family.”

”Well, according to the notes, they considered your age similarity to the two and thought that Yuuji might prefer mated pairs,” she said in disgust. “But somehow, you aren’t even the worst option.”

”What,” Maki snarked. “Like Naoya?”

Silence.

”Are you fucking kidding me?!” she snarled. “Like hell is that gutter trash getting near Yuuji!“

”None of these options need to be near Yuuji,” Utahime continued firmly. “But as long as Yuuji is struggling and unmated, the Council is going to try their damndest to stick their noses in. They’ve even discussed dropping random Alphas in Yuuji’s path to ‘meet’ him like what happened with Getou, which yes, apparently they know the details of that too, which leads me to believe that the center is bugged. So as much as I hate to admit it, we need to accept the truth of the situation.”

Megumi had a sinking feeling in his stomach that he knew what she was about to say. Still, he asked, “And that would be?”

”That the only match for Yuuji that could survive the pressure of the council is Gojo and Getou…” She took a deep breath. “I will be the first to say that I despise what position Yuuji has been put in, and I honestly cannot say that I view any of you favorably for the roles you have played in keeping Yuuji in the dark.”

And while they all gritted their teeth in anger at her words, none of them said anything against them. They knew the truth. They knew that they had all been complicit in lying to Yuuji’s face for years now. The one they called family, their packmate, being blatantly manipulated to the point that his entire life balanced so precariously on decisions he had no part in…

”All I can say is that at this point, if Yuuji is to have a chance at a good life, a chance to actually be free…we need those three to work out.”

Megumi closed his eyes, steepling his hands in front of his face.

“We need Getou and Gojo to mate him…for Yuuji’s own good.”

Tiger of the West: Hey guys, sorry about earlier. If you are still up for it, I would love to meet up for dinner tomorrow!!!

Six Eyes: YUUJI!!! 

Six Eyes: Please tell me you are free earlier in the day—

Tiger of the West: Uh yeah, why?

Six Eyes: My boss is a cruel and evil man.

Not a Cult Leader: Be nice, Yaga is basically the messenger.

Not a Cult Leader: Satoru has been called in for a last minute work meeting tomorrow afternoon.

Six Eyes: And this type of meeting can take HOURS.

Six Eyes: He is cruel and evil just for being involved.

Tiger of the West: Ohhhhhh—

Tiger of the West: Yeah, I’m free all day tomorrow! We can meet in the morning!

Not a Cult Leader: …

Tiger of the West: You aren’t free, are you?

Not a Cult Leader: Not until later in the day…

Six Eyes: Well one of us needs to play hookie. 

Not a Cult Leader: Satoru. We’ve both missed too much work…

Tiger of the West: Well…we do have another option, if you two are comfortable—

Chapter Text

Su-gu-ru~: Please behave today. 

Sa-to-ru~: Rude! I’m always on my best behavior!

Su-gu-ru~: Considering your ‘best’ is usually abysmal, that is not as comforting as you think it is.

Su-gu-ru~: Just please…don’t overwhelm him. 

Sa-to-ru~: Relaaaaaax! I will be my usual charming self~

Su-gu-ru~: That’s what I’m concerned about…

“Yuuuuuuuuuuji!”

He barely had time to glance up from his phone before he felt another body colliding with his, arms wrapping around his neck and shoulders in a tight hug. Blinking in surprise as he felt the other affectionately rub their head against his own, Yuuji calmly replied with a laugh, “It’s good to see you too, Satoru.”

Satoru, unbothered by the stares of people around them, murmured into Yuuji’s hair, “It’s been too long.”

Yuuji smiled as he reached up to absently pat at Satoru’s head. “It’s only been a day.”

”Still too long. You should move in.”

Feeling his cheeks grow warm, Yuuji managed to stutter out, “Let’s try dating for at least a month before discussing that.”

He could hear Satoru mumbling disgruntled responses into his hair but could not quite make out the words. He was content to give the Alpha time to collect himself, knowing that his instincts were probably acting up. It was obvious that this was the obsessive tendencies mentioned in his file rearing their ugly head, and Yuuji had dealt with his fair share of Alphas with overblown instincts. It was best to let them work it out, simply being firm with a No when need be.

Eventually, Satoru’s head popped up, shifting his arm around Yuuji’s shoulder. “Fine, if you want to be stubborn for now…I’ll convince you eventually.”

Yuuji let out a hum, allowing the Alpha to cage him to his side. “Did you check and see if Suguru was even okay with you asking that?”

Satoru glanced down at Yuuji, sunglasses slipping to the edge of his nose. “Of course he’s okay with it. Suguru was helping me research Omega nesting materials yesterday.”

Yuuji’s face turned red. How in the hell was he talking about that so casually? “Research what?”

Satoru grinned proudly. “We wanted to have everything needed on hand for when you build your nest in our den, or at least temporary materials until we could take you out to properly shop for your nest.” A group of girls who had been walking past, all eyeing Satoru, literally stopped in their tracks and blatantly stared, all while gasping and whispering amongst themselves about Satoru’s bold declaration.

Burying his face in his hands, Yuuji mumbled out a quiet, ”Combining a nest and a den is a courtship step for mating, Satoru.”

”I told you, Yuuji,” Satoru replied calmly, arm tightening ever so slightly around Yuuji’s shoulder. “We intend to mate you, just whenever you are ready.”

The girls all started to squeal.

Yuuji’s mouth felt dry. “This…is a lot to talk about on a brunch date.”

Satoru grinned, pulling Yuuji forward and away from all the eavesdroppers. “We never do things half assed. Speaking of…” He pointed to a restaurant across the street, one that looked like it was cut from a scenic Parisian movie rather than on a street in Tokyo. “Let’s go there! This place has the best cinnamon rolls!”

Yuuji’s eyes widened as he recognized the restaurant as one of those trending ones with the designer pastries lined up in the window. “Dude, that place has like a month waiting list—“

”Waiting list, meh,” Satoru replied flippantly, steering Yuuji towards the restaurant. “They’ll get us a table.”

”And what makes you so sure?”

The wolfish grin on the Alpha’s face made Yuuji’s stomach do a little flip. ”Because I’m Gojo fucking Satoru, of course.” Then, using his free hand, Satoru dug into his pocket and one handed flipped open his wallet, pulling out a thick and heavy looking black card. “And this certainly helps.”

Yuuji blinked, staring at the card, then up at Satoru. “You know, I’m starting to think you’re overcompensating for something.”

The outraged and betrayed, “Excuse me?!” was well worth all the stares as he had to comfort and console Satoru for the next ten minutes.

Stabby Twin: Oi.

Stabby Twin: Mai.

Stabby Twin: Stop ignoring me. We need to talk.

Stabby Twin: Did you seriously sell me and my packmate out to those old bastards?

Stabby Twin is calling Shooty Twin…

Stabby Twin: Answer your phone or I’m coming over.

”I feel so out of place here,” Yuuji quietly murmured as he slipped into the booth, staring around in quiet awe of the restaurant. “I’m surprised they even let me in dressed like this.”

And yeah, Satoru had to admit that Yuuji did stick out like a sore thumb. His trademark worn in baggie pants and hoodie with a logo so faded he couldn’t tell what it was combo did not make the best fancy restaurant attire, and had he had more time, Satoru would have taken advantage of this as an excuse to buy clothes for him. 

But unfortunately, his boss was an ass…which wasn’t really fair to Yaga, but Satoru needed someone to blame. Perhaps he should just blame the elders. But Yaga was funnier to stress out, and pissing off the elders usually just led to him being pissed off, ergo…

He shook his head, his mind getting off subject. How could he think of work when Yuuji was right in front of him? “You look perfect,” he declared, reveling in the faint blush on Yuuji’s face. 

As Satoru had predicted, the moment the hostess saw him enter, they immediately started setting up a table for the two, ushering them past the several guests waiting in the entrance for their reservations. Usually, Satoru at least had the courtesy to give the place a bit of a heads up about him wanting to stop by, but considering how much money he had dropped here over the years, they could deal with one unannounced visit.

Leaning forward with his chin in his palm, elbow braced on the table, he added, “We can come back with Suguru another night. He loves this place.”

Face twisting into a smirk, Yuuji drawled, “So, we need to be on our best behavior here and not get banned.”

Satoru grinned. “Or else we face Suguru’s wrath—aka being scolded.” 

“Something you're probably very familiar with.”

“I—hey!”

His Omega proceeded to laugh at him, completely unbothered by his pout or the stares of other patrons.

God, did he love Yuuji. 

Sa-to-ru~: [selfie with Yuuji.img]

Su-gu-ru~: …did you take Yuuji to my favorite patisserie without me?

Sa-to-ru~: …I was craving their cinnamon rolls.

Su-gu-ru~: Uh huh.

Sa-to-ru~: [Yuuji.img]

Sa-to-ru~: [Yuuji stuffing his face with a cinnamon roll.img]

Sa-to-ru~: I have pictures of Yuuji as offerings for forgiveness.

Su-gu-ru~: …carry on.

Today was a good day so far. 

Breakfast with Sukuna and Uraume was a surprisingly peaceful affair, the Alpha being too laden with sleep from a good pack nest pile to really pester Yuuji much about his plans for the day. Uraume had a knowing glint in their eyes for most of the morning but did not comment. They simply loaded his plate with more food than usual, then pulled Yuuji aside before he left for a…talk.

Yuuji does not think he will be able to look Uraume in the eye for a while, and it wasn’t helped by Sukuna wandering in at the end and asking why Yuuji looked like a tomato. He practically bolted from the house after that before Uraume could respond, but the booming laughter of his brother following him outside told him that Uraume had no qualms in telling the Alpha.

So much for an ‘Omega to Omega’ talk.

A quick drive to his apartment and shower before changing into clean clothes later, and then he was on the date with Satoru. Which went…well. Terrifyingly well. The Alpha was infinitely charming, and he wielded that power like a weapon. It did not help that they bantered far too easily, leaving him feeling both relaxed and off center. His heart stuttered in his chest when they parted, Satoru being a little shit and kissing his hand with a wink before heading off.

They weren’t exaggerating when they said they were serious about pursuing him…he could only wonder how long that seriousness would last.

But he shook his head. He now had an awkward amount of time before he was due to meet up with Suguru that evening. He could head back to his apartment or the pack house to kill time, but the commute was annoyingly long and he would have to turn right back around and come back if he wanted to avoid the after work traffic. So that left loitering in town and killing time.

But that was fine. He had something he needed to do anyway.

Standing outside the bakery, he steeled himself for what may come next. There was a strong chance that he was going to get yelled at to leave and not come back, which had him wilting a bit. He really liked this place, and Nanami was going to frown at him if he found out Yuuji went and got himself banned because of Satoru and Suguru…well not because of them. They were only reacting to Yuuji. This whole mess was his fault, and he was the one that needed to grovel and make it right.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the door, hunching a bit at the loud chime of bells. The bakery was empty, thankfully, besides the Omega guy working the counter, the same one who had been there the day of the incident. He was glancing up from arranging the display case, a greeting on his lips, but his face shifted the moment the two locked eyes.

Yuuji tried to blurt out an apology the same moment the guy half shouted, “Oh thank god, you’re okay!”

Yuuji blinked, managing a quiet, “Eh?”

But the boy was already scrambling out from behind the counter and towards Yuuji, scanning him over as if looking for injuries. “Those two Primes carried you out in a drop the other day, and then the police came, and no one would answer me if you were okay or not and—“ His jaw snapped shut, cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “I was…concerned.”

”…oh,” Yuuji replied quietly, before letting out a nervous laugh. “I was worried you would be mad.”

”Mad?” he asked incredulously. “Why would I be mad?“

”We caused a huge scene—“

”You had a drop!” the guy shouted, waving his arms in the air. “Of course there was a scene! But that’s not your fault. I—“ The guy’s energy wilted a bit. “I should have intervened more instead of just letting them take you. I didn’t even know if you were safe with those Alphas—“

”I was!” Yuuji blurted out, startling the guy. He winced, trying to manage his ton better. “Those two—trust me, I was safe with them. But uh, it’s probably for the best that you didn’t try to stop them…they are a bit…protective?”

Face twisting into something complicated for a second, the guy muttered, “Protective, huh?”

Yuuji shrugged. “What can I say? Alphas can be dumb meatheads when it comes to instincts.” This had the guy snorting a laugh, before Yuuji asked, “You said before that your name was Junpei, right?”

Junpei’s cheeks turned red. “Oh, you remembered—er, yes, that’s my name. Itadori, right?”

Yuuji flashed him a bright smile. “Yeah, that’s me! I—”

The door chimed at that point, with more customers filing into the bakery. Junpei and Yuuji shared a look, with Yuuji asking, “When does your shift end?”

Junpei blinked in surprise. “Oh, uh…twenty minutes?”

A broad grin spread across Yuuji’s face. “Sweet! We could talk more then? If that’s okay?”

Junpei blinked again. “I—Yes! Yes of course!”

Then, as Junpei scrambled back behind the counter, asking the new customers how he could help them, Yuuji moved to find a booth to settle at and wait. He wasn’t meeting Suguru for a few more hours, so he had plenty of time.

And he was just telling the pack that he wanted to get to know more Omegas…

Stabby Twin is calling Shooty Twin…

Stabby Twin is calling Shooty Twin…

Stabby Twin is calling Shooty Twin…

Stabby Twin: ANSWER.

Stabby Twin is calling Shooty Twin…

Stabby Twin: DID YOU MOVE AND NOT TELL ME?

Stabby Twin: HEY. 

Stabby Twin is calling Shooty Twin…

Stabby Twin: ANSWER THE DAMN PHONE.

Shooty Twin is no longer in service.

Stabby Twin: DID YOU JUST BLOCK ME?

Shooty Twin is no longer in service.

Stabby Twin: YOURE DEAD.

Slamming open the door, Satoru loudly declared, “This meeting better be important!”

Eye twitching, Yaga took a calming breath as Satoru strolled into the elder man’s office. “Considering you’ve been near unreachable the past few days, this meeting certainly should be the top of your priorities—“

”It’s really not,” he drawled as he grabbed one of the chairs in front of the desk, dropping unceremoniously into the seat. “But I’m feeling generous with my time today, and considering I had a lovely morning, this meeting better not kill my buzz—“

”You mean your morning spent with Ryoumen Sukuna’s heir?”

A stillness fell over Satoru, shifting in a way that could be deemed almost predatory. “My, my, Yaga…I never took you to be the stalker type.”

Yaga grimaced. “I’m not. But you and Getou have been making moves that have garnered the Council’s attention—“

”And pray tell, what business does the Council have in mine and Suguru’s dating life?”

Before anything else could be said, the door opened once more, though far less aggressively than before. “Oh good, you actually aren’t late for once,” Shoko quipped as she stepped inside.

Satoru flashed her a toothy grin. “Shoko! Do you have anything to do with why Yaga here has decided to stick his nose into my personal life?”

”Technically no,” Shoko replied as she clicked the door shut before moving towards the chair next to him. “But after Yaga’s not subtle questions this morning, I realized that he has similar things to discuss with you as I do. So, here I am.”

”Oh?” Satoru asked curiously, tilting his head. “And what do you have to discuss?”

Crossing her legs in an unbothered fashion, she bluntly replied, “The fact that the Council is trying to force Utahime to pair Itadori Yuuji with a different Hunter Alpha other than you or Suguru.”

Satoru’s grip tightened on the arm of his chair. “What?”

“You heard me,” she replied breezily. “They are even looking at tossing a few mated pairs at him in case he has a, quote, type.”

“Why in the hell would they get involved?” he asked quietly, the veins in his hands growing noticeable as he tensed.

”Don’t be daft, Satoru.” She met his gaze steadily with her own. “The Council wants to make a move against Sukuna through the easiest means they have available…aka, through a controlled mating with Yuuji.”

The chair arm snapped.

Yaga stared blankly at the splintered wood in Satoru’s grip before looking to Shoko, who was in the process of fishing out a cigarette. “Could you not have let me ease him into this?”

Lighting the cigarette without a care, she countered, “He’s a big boy. He can handle it.”

Yaga’s gaze went back to the splintered wood. ”Are you sure about that?”

She said nothing, simply inhaling a long drag from her cigarette before blowing it out into the air.

Satoru’s face contorted into a sneer. “Start explaining. Now.”

“So that was only the second time you had ever met them?!”

Yuuji tried shushing Junpei, ducking down in the booth as several of the other patrons of the establishment turned to look at them. The other omega had the decency to look apologetic for his outburst, but he still stared expectantly at Yuuji, waiting for an explanation. He had only just gotten off his shift and immediately flung himself into booth seat across from a patiently awaiting Yuuji, spewing out a dozen questions at once.

Embarrassed, Yuuji quietly replied, “Look, I—it’s complicated…It was kind of a dating service thing?…”

”How is it kind of a dating service?” Junpei asked incredulously.

”Because it wasn’t a service for dating necessarily.”

Junpei’s face scrunched into confusion which then gradually shifted into mortification. ”…oh my god, is this a sex thing?”

Yuuji could feel his face flame red.

Slamming his hands on the table, Junpei whisper shouted, “Wait, it is—“

”No!” Yuuji shouted, once more earning the attention of the cafe. His head slumped down as he leaned across the table, rapidly trying to explain in desperate whispers, “It’s not—I swear it’s not like that.”

”Then what is it like?” Junpei asked suspiciously.

”I—“ Yuuji’s mouth clamped shut, then he quietly muttered. “It’s…kind of a sex thing.”

Junpei began to shout again. “I knew it—!”

Yuuji lunged across the table and slapped both hands over his mouth. “Please, let me explain!”

And thus began the word vomit about everything. The heat issues, the failing health, the failed doctors’ visits, and finally, the whole nightmare situation that has been his stint at Jujutsu leading to his current dilemma.

”It’s all kind of a mess right now,” Yuuji bemoaned, head thunking on the table. “They both have zero chill about this situation and act really into me, and I really like them, but it feels…”

”Too good to be true?”

Yuuji’s head snapped up. “So you agree?”

Junpei gave him a bland look. “Itadori, anyone with any level of sanity would agree. Like—didn’t you talk to your packmates about this?”

Yuuji grimaced. “They…are all a bit too overprotective of me to be rational about any of this.”

”…Alphas?”

He nodded. “Alphas. So many Alphas. And two Alpha leaning Betas plus my brother’s Omega who isn’t exactly the best source for sane advice.” 

Junpei looked concerned. “Surely your brother would think this is insane.“

“He…actually has been really supportive, surprisingly. He’s convinced those two plan to mate me, which yeah they said that, but I don’t know…” Then, after a pause Yuuji added, “But he insists on fighting them once they all meet to ‘prove their worth’ which means definite hospital visits.”

Junpei’s concern shifted to horror. “What the hell?”

Yuuji shrugged. “He’s a special grade, and it’s an instinct thing. Ume agrees that Nii-San will probably try to kill them at least once but said they would help prevent that if they like the two…why does your face look like that?”

Reaching across the table, Junpei took his hand. “Itadori. You know this isn’t normal, right? None of this is normal behavior—“

“Yeah, I know, Primes are weird—“

“This doesn’t even sound normal for Primes!” Junpei insisted, causing Yuuji to still. “This isn’t healthy. None of this is healthy.”

Shaking his head, Yuuji insisted, “I swear it’s fine. Nii-San has always been like this—“

”That’s not a good thing!”

”He’s just protective of his pack.”

”Protective is wanting to keep you in a safe environment and not dating over controlling Alphas who declare they want to mate you after two meetings,” Junpei firmly countered. “Not thinking that’s okay and using ‘can they survive fighting me’ as a qualification scale for good dating partners.”

Yuuji slumped over. “You…may have a point.” The bland face Junpei gave Yuuji made him sigh and amend, “Okay, you do have a point.”

Swiftly, Junpei’s own face crumbled. “I—okay, I don’t really have a place speaking about your personal life,” he said meekly, absently twisting his hands together. “This just all sounds like…a lot. And you’ve been nice to me in the past, so I don’t want to see you hurt.”

This had Yuuji fondly smiling. Junpei had been working at the bakery for a while now, and he was kind of kicking himself for never actually chatting with him before. He seemed nice and genuine so far, and Yuuji did actually appreciate the honesty. “Hey, it’s fine, really. I kind of needed the perspective.” 

Junpei looked ready to say something else, but then his eyes drifted over Yuuji’s shoulders and widened in shock. “Oh god,” he said, suddenly standing up. “It’s so much later than I thought it was!” 

Yuuji glanced back at the clock, and wow, yeah, he was right. They had been chatting for nearly an hour at this point. “Oh shit. Did you have somewhere to be?”

Junpei’s face wavered. “Oh, uh…a movie. I was going to see a limited re-release of a film.”

Yuuji found himself perking up. “Wait, really? What movie?”

”…Human Earthworm 3.”

Yuuji slammed his hands on the table. “No way, I love that one! The director’s cut was fantastic!”

Face shifting into something like awe, Junpei quietly replied, “It’s one of my favorites…”

Grinning broadly, Yuuji asked, “Can I tag along? I have a few hours to kill, and it’s been ages since I’ve been able to go to the movies with someone.”

Junpei’s awe shifted into genuine excitement. “Oh, uh, of course! If we leave now, we should be able to make it in time—“

Yuuji immediately grabbed Junpei’s wrist and began to half drag the boy along. “Well then what are we waiting for? Let’s go! My treat!”

”Ah, Itadori! I can pay—“

”Nope,” Yuuji brightly denied as he led them out the door and down the sidewalk. “I’m crashing your movie time, so I’m paying!”

”You are being so stubborn—and Itadori! We’re going the wrong way!”

Trauma Victims of SatoSugu

Maki: Oi—who is available rn?

Toge: [plane emoji]

Maki: Damn it, out of country mission again?

Nanako: Mimi and I are stuck at school for the next few weeks, end of term work is like, killer.

Maki: Didn’t really expect you two to be free, and your dad would kill me for involving you.

Yuuta: What exactly do you need help with that Getou would be upset about?…

Maki: Does this mean your free?

Yuuta: Do I have a choice?

Maki: Meet at the dojo in ten, we’re hunting down my sister.

Yuuta: what

Panda: Good luck with that, Yuuta!

Maki: YOU AREN’T GETTING OFF THAT EASY.

Panda: ….

Maki: @Megumi

Megumi: no

Maki: Bitch.

Megumi: [middle finger emoji]

Panda: Can I say no too?

Maki: I will turn you into a rug.

Panda: Be at the dojo in ten…

Yuuta: We’re going to get arrested, aren’t we?

Nanako: Probably, lol

Yuuta: …thanks.

Nanako: <3 <3 <3

“Those idiots actually think that plan would work?” Satoru snarked, face twisted up in irritation as he glared at the wall. It was times like these where Shoko appreciated knowing Satoru so well. From a basic glance, one would think that he was just annoyed, from the way he leaned in his chair, the cross of his arms, the tapping of his foot. All carefully tailored movements creating the illusion of control.

Shoko knew better.

”Calm yourself, Satoru,” she drawled, digging out her box of cigarettes and lighter. She could see Yaga grimacing from the corner of her eye, but he didn’t stop her as she tapped out a fresh cigarette. He knew they all had their vices to deal with their anger in this line of work.

Yaga made his scenting dolls...and tried to hide the fact that he drank on a near daily basis. Utahime also drank, but in quantities that were enough to put a large man in a coma. Shoko, of course, smoked enough cigarettes that someone without her healing capabilities likely would have already died of lung cancer…and they all knew how Suguru handled his last mental breakdown. Satoru was probably the healthiest of them all. Satoru just fucked it out of his system with Suguru, maybe eventually with Yuuji if he ever let the kid see that side of him. 

She paused for a moment as she lit the cigarette between her lips and realized that no, Nanami was probably the healthiest. He just baked bread.

Weirdo.

“Don’t tell me to be calm, Shoko,” Satoru replied in a dangerously low tone. “I doubt you would be calm if Council was trying this shit on Utahime.”

Shoko tilted her head. “Actually, I would be fairly calm…because I trust Utahime to not be swayed from me.”

Satoru’s head snapped in her direction. “Don’t twist my words,” he snapped. “I trust Yuuji, but I damn well do not trust any Alpha the Council would throw at him.”

”If you trust him, then you need to focus on the bigger picture,” she continued. “Yuuji’s already proven that his Omega doesn’t tolerate other Alphas except you two so far. He’s a big boy that can handle himself if need be. The issue we need to be focusing on right now is Utahime.”

Now Satoru looked genuinely puzzled. “What? Why?”

Shoko’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t tell me you're this stupid.”

”Oi!”

Yaga cleared his throat, leaning forward at his desk to speak. “Gojo…Utahime has taken a huge risk bringing this information to you. The Council is clearly making a power play against Sukuna by targeting Yuuji, and her telling Yuuji’s pack as well as you and Suguru is making a blatant choice in sides.”

He scoffed. “Sides?”

”She chose Yuuji, idiot,” Shoko snapped back. “She chose to protect Sukuna’s heir, your third. Once the Council finds out, she’s going to be a target.”

Satoru straightened in his chair. “What does she want?”

”She didn’t ask for anything,” she continued. “But I am.”

He blinked. “What?”

”Satoru. I want you to pack claim Utahime.”

“That was amazing!” Yuuji exclaimed, practically bouncing as they walked out of the theater. “Like, I’ve watched that movie so many times at home, but seeing it in theaters—“

”I know, isn’t it incredible?!” Junpei agreed wholeheartedly, beaming up at Itadori. “There is nothing quite like experiencing it like that, you know?”

Throwing his head back dramatically, Itadori declared, “Man, I wish I could forget the movie just to watch it for the first time again like that.”

He could not help but laugh. “If only.”

Looking back towards Junpei, Itadori had a wide, boyish grin on his face that made his heart stutter. “We’ve got to do this again sometime, Junpei. Just—here, what’s your number?”

Itadori already had his phone out, swiping through the apps to pull up his contacts while Junpei was still processing. “Oh, uh, you…you want my number?”

”Of course!” Itadori chirped easily. “Your fun and chill, and I need more movie friends—unless you aren’t comfortable with giving me your number?”

He jumped and began stammering, “No! I mean yes, I mean—here let me type it in!”

The two had been walking slowly down the street at this point, just sort of basking in each other’s presence for a bit. He knew Itadori would need to leave soon, a preplanned date with one of those two Alphas from before, and his heart settled bitterly in his chest at the thought. Not that he had the right to judge. Itadori insisted they were good guys, and as much as he didn’t trust them, he wasn’t exactly the most unbiased judge when it came to Alphas.

But he still didn’t like it.

”There,” Junpei finally declared, handing the phone back. 

Grinning even more widely, Itadori typed something really quick, and Junpei’s phone buzzed. Pulling up the Home Screen, he could see the new text from Itadori, and his heart skipped a beat, realizing that Itadori had actually shared his number back. Part of him had expected the boy to take his number and then never respond, which he would have accepted. He would have been sad about it, but he would have understood. 

But now Junpei actually had another contact to add to his phone.

”Make sure to save that!” Itadori declared. “I know I’m usually bad about it, but I’ve been trying to get better.”

”I’m saving it right now,” Junpei replied softly, typing in Itadori’s name into his phone. “I—“

”Oh, would you look at that? I thought I recognized that stupid hair.”

Junpei felt his heart leap into his throat. “Oh no…”

Itadori’s head swiveled around, frowning as he tucked his phone into his pants. “Oi, that didn’t sound very nice.”

Laughter echoed behind him from more than one person, and Junpei’s body began to tremble, realizing that they were all here. “Good thing I wasn’t trying to be nice,” the original voice mocked.

God, did that voice make him seethe.

Junpei tried to turn around, tried to face them, but his body felt frozen in place. Why here, why now? Today had been such a good day. He didn’t want to involve Itadori in this—

“Apologize.”

Finally Junpei’s head moved, snapping to look at his new friend in a panic. “Itadori—“

Itadori reached out to lay a hand on Junpei’s shoulder as he shifted to fully face the others. He didn’t say anything to Junpei, but he did give him a glance, a silent plea to let Itadori handle it. 

“The fuck did you say to me?” His bully sneered, now approaching them. Itadori pushed Junpei behind him as the Alpha got into his space. “You need to learn to shut your mouth, Omega.”

”You know,” Itadori drawled in an almost bored tone, stepping forward and moving his hands to tuck them into his pockets. “It never ceases to amaze me how stupid some Alphas can be.”

The bully let out a growl, arm moving to strike, and Junpei felt himself moving to jump between them—

But Itadori was faster than any of them.

His bully flew to the side and down an alley, Itadori casually landing back on his feet, hands still in his hoodie pockets as the other Alphas hovered in stunned silence behind him. It took Junpei a full thirty seconds to process that Itadori had just drop kicked the Alpha down an alley.

He drop kicked a Level Two Alpha down an alley like he was tossing a skipping stone and had the audacity to look bored.

Like an overpowered shounen protagonist, his head tilted back, finally pulling one hand out of his pockets to gesture towards the other. “Next.”

And then Junpei realized…

“Holy shit,” he muttered as the other Alphas braced themselves to fight back. “I just befriended a badass.”

Itadori’s grin was positively feral.