Thump! Thump! Thump!
Fushiguro's heart is pounding along with his fist as he knocks on the door of Satoru Gojo's office. It's late but he should still be in, always making his habit of finishing paperwork at the last possible minute before retiring for the night.
It takes several seconds, each one crawling by with agony, before his teacher opens the door.
"What is it?" Gojo asks, skipping the pleasantries. Clearly assuming this must be urgent.
"He's Itadori! He's gone!" Fushiguro hisses as quietly as he can.
"What? Gone where?" He ushers him inside, shutting the door behind so no one will overhear.
Fushiguro is frantic, hands trembling as he speaks. "I don't know! He said he was going to bed early, but his room is empty."
"Any idea where he might have headed?"
"Actually….yeah. I do. He probably went to check out the incident site."
Satoru doesn't question his student. Still being banned from any cases involving Sukuna meant that the site investigation was off limits to Itadori. The boy's quietness throughout the evening should have been a tipoff that he was planning something like this.
"Okay. I can send you there. Need me to go along with you?" he asks.
Fushiguro shakes his head. "No. I'll bring him back right away. Just give me an hour, and I'll call you if anything goes wrong."
"Sounds good. If I don't receive any word by then, I'm coming after you."
Gojo holds his hand up, activating his technique to teleport. With a crackle of electricity, a portal opens.
ZWOOSSHHH
Wasting no time, his student leaps into the swirling warp of his sensei's energy and vanishes within the void. It closes with a bright flash.
"Good luck," Gojo murmurs aloud into the now empty air of his office.
He checks the time on his phone, marking ahead for one hour in case Fushiguro fails to reach out to him. As long as both boys return without incident, there should be no need to report this to anyone else.
There is an open file sitting on his desk. Black ink blots out a large portion of a page bearing your photo in the top right-hand corner. Next to this is a new page that was recently added. Gojo had been struggling to write Kento Nanami's report, making sure everything would be in accord with his co-worker's official statements before turning it in. Of course the truth would be kept only between them. Satoru isn't questioning how the usually by-the-books Nanami found it possible to let you slip away so easily.
Statements were also collected from Momo Nishimiya, Aoi Todo, and Mai Zenin after she was stabilized. The two latter accounts were undeniably the most damning for you and Satoru couldn't do anything to change it. Your wings were confirmed by both of them. It won't be long before all capable sorcerers are going to be instructed to extend their search to the skies.
He shuts your file with exasperation and adds it to the stack. The rest are files of suspected Curse activity and missing person's reports turned in by authorities. Mentally he prepares himself to drop them by Masamichi's office on his way out, effectively completing his perjury. When he opens his door to leave however, he finds he has yet another unexpected visitor.
Yuta Okkotsu is in the hallway waiting for him. Hearing Fushiguro's panicked footfalls rushing past his room had woken him from the beginning stages of sleep and led him here.
The two regard one another for a split second of tense silence.
"Where's Fushiguro?" Yuta asks.
"He… had to go out for a while. Don't worry, he'll be back very soon." He attempts to side-step past but Yuta isn't giving up so easily.
"Sensei…When you told me that I would be needed here, I assumed I would be briefed in detail of who exactly we're looking for, but so far all I know is that this rogue vessel of Sukuna used to be a student here and nothing else. Everyone I ask is reluctant to tell me anything."
Of course no one has told him. Dredging up your name only brings up painful memories for everyone here.
Satoru heaves a sigh and shrugs sympathetically. "It's… probably just hard for them to talk about."
"Well can you tell me what happened, Sensei? I'm tired of how the school is handling all of us and keeping us in the dark. I don't want to read any more blacked out files or blindly follow orders without knowing more."
It can't hurt… the older sorcerer mulls to himself.
No one in the higher ups ever showed interest in his theories about your possession. The prospect that a Curse could be capable of love was as laughable now as it had been when he first brought it up a year ago. Ryomen Sukuna's violent legacy vehemently prevented any seriousness to Satoru's theories as anything more than a laughable fantasy.
If anyone could empathize with your predicament, it would definitely be Yuta.
Holding his door open once again, Satoru jerks his head for the boy to enter.
"Come on in. I'll tell you what I know..."
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BOOM BOOM BOOM
The bass mimics your steps, pounding heavily through your chest and feeding the grin plastered across your face. This is the most excited you've felt in a very long time. The glowing red light ahead switches to purple then a brilliant blue and finally an electric yellow-green before cycling over again. The wafting smell of vapor reaches your nose just as you see the artificial fog of a novelty smoke machine pouring out through a propped open door.
It doesn't look like much of an official entrance, but you duck through anyway. The first thing you see is people. Lots of them. Crammed together while dancing and swaying to the electronic music. You quickly piece together that what you've stumbled into is a rave. Each person is dressed in bright electric colors and neon light, showing obscene amounts of skin. You can't believe your eyes. Why are they all here? You've heard stories about parties that were so exclusive that the locations were only posted online, and were usually in rundown parts of town too to discourage any crashers.
Like you.
But that thought only tempts you further.
"Should we be here?" Junpei asks, yanking on your sleeve.
He must have been trying to get your attention for some time now without success. There's plenty of distractions here. You drag your eyes away from the dancers and find your friend has a similarly rapt expression on his face as his gaze slips past you. He's fascinated too.
You have to practically shout into his ear to be sure he can hear you.
"Do you want to check this out?"
He throws one last glance back to the open door leading outside, weighing the options in his mind. "Okay, let's stay a little longer."
He slips his hand into yours automatically, catching you by surprise.
"So we don't lose each other," he explains with delayed embarrassment.
"Y-yeah. Good idea."
The current song cuts into another, this one much faster and heavier than the first. A loud series of elated shouts ring out from the crowd. This must be a popular mix, though you've been out of the loop too long to know. Someone breezes past you, knocking into your shoulder.
"Oops! Sorry!" a girl wearing an angel costume apologizes, giving your arm a soft pat.
She freezes when she sees your face. Oh shit. Your markings always get negative reactions.
"Wow! I love your makeup! It's perfect!" she squeaks.
"Umm…Thank you," you reply automatically. Perfect? What does she mean by that? Oh, well. At least she thinks it's fake.
She grabs your arm tighter, leaning in as if to share a secret.
"I have a friend who met them once. In person!"
She must be talking about the music mix currently playing or something. It occurs to you that if this girl has been here for a while, she may be drunk already. It's probably best just to humor her. So you nod your head politely as if you have a clue what she's going on about.
"Really? That's cool."
"It was insane! She says she was cornered by a gang at night while walking home, and then they dropped out of the sky and rescued her!" she continues.
"Wait…What? Who did?"
"Dark Angel!"
She gives you another expectant look, waiting on your response. Which unfortunately is gaping blankly at her as your mouth goes suddenly dry. You aren't used to speaking to strangers for this long. and she still isn't making much sense. Eventually her friends call her over, demanding that she rejoin them on the dance floor. After a hasty goodbye she leaves, little pink wings wobbling comically as she hurries away.
That was weird. What on earth could she mean by an angel? Maybe there's substances stronger than alcohol at this event, but at least everyone is having a good time.
A table catches your eye across the room. It looks like whoever is hosting has supplied refreshments as well. More than likely there won't be anything you can eat, but you make your way over anyway. There are several dishes of typical party food, a nauseating amount of various candy for some reason, and an enormous glass punch bowl. As expected, you were right not to get your hopes up, though you say nothing when you notice Junpei taking something from the table and stuffing it into his pocket for later. He'll have to find out the hard way that food isn't enjoyable anymore. Not wanting to leave empty handed, you bravely grab a paper cup and scoop up some of the mysterious beverage being served in the punch bowl and swirl it around curiously. It has a distinct shimmer to its surface.
"Human poisons are irrelevant to us," Sukuna reminds you.
"Yeah, that's what you said about the magic mushrooms. Besides, these humans don't act like they're poisoned. It could just be alcohol…"
You take a sip and bitterness floods over your tongue, making you wince. Ugh. Maybe it is pure alcohol? Human indulgences simply don't suit your palate anymore. You force the rest down anyway to avoid having to carry the cup with you, crumpling it and dropping it on the floor as many others have clearly done before you. It's going to suck for whoever has to clean this place up later.
Taking advantage of this endless array of unscrupulous human behavior, Sukuna's attention is split endlessly from one body to the next. You've never seen so many people crammed into such a rundown place before, and all of them having the time of their lives while trespassing on what has to be private property. Your Curse's eyes are hungrily devouring everything in sight, lingering on every scantily clad body he can make out through the mist and laser lights.
The music switches gears, fading from one song right into the next without stopping. This one is a bit slower however, lulling the crowd to pull one another closer. Junpei turns to you, leaning in to be heard over the volume.
"Do you want to dance?"
What?
You know you read his lips correctly judging by the way he's looking at you expectantly, waiting for you to reply. At first you try to object that you've never been one for dancing in public, but your mouth is too dry to speak. Your hand however slips into his without your command.
Sukuna! What is he up to? Before you can react, your friend beams with delight and pulls you away from the security of the back wall towards the heaving throng of people at the room's center.
"Sukuna! What are we doing?!"
"Human activities," he replies simply. Clearly he's too caught up in this strange experience to care about your rising self-consciousness.
"But we shouldn't. Someone might see."
"And? You mean to tell me you're afraid of humans judging you?" he scoffs.
You're too nervous to recognize if it's you or your Curse who tightens your grip around Junpei's hand as the two of you work your way through to a less crowded space. He turns back around to face you and smiles shyly.
"I've never danced with anyone before. Sorry if I'm not good," he shrugs sheepishly.
Despite the honesty of his words, he lightly places his hands at your lower back softly. You stand closer, arms wrapping around his shoulders as your feet find the rhythm together in your own time. Too self aware to look at your friend this closely, you instead gaze around the room again. Everyone else is lost in the delight of the experience themself with no one paying you even the least bit of attention. You're definitely underdressed for this party. Dressed in all black, the two of you fade between the seams of the colorful costumes and accessories of the people around you. Like two dark flecks in a sea of swimming rainbow light, you nearly disappear altogether. You find comfort in this realization and breathe a sigh of relief. There's nothing special about what you and Junpei are doing, no need to be this anxious, so why does the room feel like it's spinning?
Your eyes squeeze shut, chills rushing down your arms. Without knowing why, you begin breathing harder. The sensation of cold air rushing in over your tongue is the most noticeable thing in the world at this moment. What the hell is going on?
Sensing your tension, Junpei leans in, resting his chin on your shoulder and speaking directly into your ear to be heard above the deafening music.
"I've got you…"
It's just three words, but they encourage you to relax in his arms while listening to the throbbing bass and the distorted lyrics pouring from the speakers.
La la la,
La-la la-la-la
La la la,
La-la la-la-la
I just can't get you out of my head…
It's a remix from a popular tune you recognize. When your eyes lock with strangers, they barely give you a second glance, smiling and turning away each time to resume their dance or conversations. Aside from the oddity of wearing such a dark, heavy coat indoors, there's nothing outstanding about you to keep their attention for long. Eventually you relax a bit more and begin to ease your hands more securely around Junpei's waist. He reacts by mirroring your actions, slipping his hands within your coat to hold you the same way and resting his head briefly on your shoulder. It rises and falls as you heave a deep sigh. It's so nice to hold somebody this close.
"You're a good dancer…" you tell him.
"Thanks. You too," he replies, squeezing you tighter.
You let yourself be pulled in, marveling at the comforting sensation of Junpei's body pressed so closely to yours. The tender motion of his palms sliding up your back makes you shudder unexpectedly, especially when his fingertips graze your bare skin. Then he brings his cheek to rest against yours, softly nuzzling you. Your fingers curl in response, clutching him with deliberate pressure. He meets your gaze again, just long enough for you to notice the way his eyes focus on your lips, but he doesn't lean in any further.
So you have to do it.
Capturing his mouth with yours, you kiss him deeply. He hugs you tighter and you feel the soft vibration of his sigh tickling across your skin. It isn't the desperate "come to your senses" kiss like before at the amusement park when you were fleeing for your lives. It feels so normal. To anyone else around, you and Junpei are just like any other couple here simply stealing a moment for themselves during the dance. No different than any one of them…
You end the kiss first and tuck Junpei's hair back, taking care to leave your thumb on his cheek. He smiles demurely and his eyelids flutter closed. In a flash you lean in again faster than you can register. Your mouth seeks out his with an intensely ravenous hunger, locking your arms behind his neck and embracing him. He's all too happy to return your enthusiasm, holding you as closely as you'll allow him to. The two of you are no longer dancing, paused in the middle of the room for what feels like an eternity in the best possible way.
You aren't the only ones either. Plenty of couples are lost in the same euphoria with one another, kissing, groping, laughing, moaning… It's a veritable sea of joyous life you've stumbled into tonight, and the current of this strangely meaningful experience is sweeping you under, overwhelming your senses. You feel grateful to be here, to have made it this far even as rough as it's all been. Your hands cradle the small of Junpei's back as you squeeze him tighter, and you feel his body relax against yours. He sighs your name across your lips before kissing them again, in near disbelief that this moment could possibly be real. Resting his forehead against yours, he takes your face in both hands gently, lightly tracing over the inky black lines of your Curse markings as he looks into your eyes with pure adoration.
There are very foolish words clinging to the tip of his tongue by the last shreds of his control, but it doesn't stop him from thinking them, again and again.
.
.
.
With the burning smell of ozone still clinging to his clothes, Fushiguro emerges from the shadows of the Asakusa district of Taito. His sensei had gotten him close enough to read the banners of crime tape closing off the parking lot to the popular amusement park.
He smiles triumphantly.
Everything is going according to plan.
He wasn't lying when he reported Itadori missing. Of course he'd purposefully omitted the part where the two planned to meet up here. Now they finally have an opportunity to look for you together, avan if it's just for one single hour.
The hardest part was managing to "borrow" a car so Itadori could get a head start. Fortunately Nanami proved to be the most absent-minded that evening, so Itadori took the direct approach, barging into the distressed sorcerer's office to demand information about the night you were seen. Of course Kento's hands were tied on the matter. Each of the staff was explicitly warned against informing any non-approved sorcerers on your case. He was so entangled in his own stress from that night that he didn't even miss the keys being swiped from his desk. If they're caught, your old companions will surely have hell to pay for their treasonous actions, but they've been compliant for long enough.
Folding his hands into proper formation, Fushiguro summons both of his Divine dogs. They appear at his side, attention waiting for their instructions.
"Get to it," he commands.
The pair shoot off in opposite directions, noses in the air on high alert for traces of the scents they've been trained to hunt down.
Now to find Itadori…
Forming the sign for Nue, Fushiguro summons his last shikigami for tonight's off-the-books mission and sends the winged beast ahead as a scout. After searching the expanse of the park, it circles over a particular area to signal the target is located.
There's no time to waste. The shadow user breaks into a sprint and hurdles over the park entrance turnstile, running directly toward where his loyal beast is still circling.
There's plenty to catch his eye along the way….
The first thing Fushiguro comes across is the ferris wheel's twisted frame smashed to smithereens as well as an enormous hole in the pirate ship ride. According to medical reports that's where Aoi Todo was found a horrific mangled mess after being run down. A gruesome fate even for a brute such as him, and yet Momo Nishimiya was found to be relatively unharmed inside the same car that ran him down. It made little sense. What kind of person steals a car to mow someone down and yet still takes the care to buckle in a passenger they knocked unconscious? Was it the first crime they ever committed or something?
BAM! BAM!
A stab of bright red wobbles to and fro beside the unlit carousel. The hood to Yuji's uniform easily gives away his position as he repeatedly drives his foot into the side panel of a small blue kiosk in frustration.
"Itadori!"
"What!?" he snaps without turning around. His focus is too pinpointed to greet his friend's arrival.
Fighting back his own rising impatience, Fushiguro frowns at his friend's deviant behavior. "What are you doing?"
"I scoured every inch of this place, and besides that wrecked funhouse and the ferris wheel, this is the only other thing with traces of Sukuna's Cursed energy on it. I don't think anyone else noticed yet. It hasn't been taped off like the rest of the park."
The shadow user cocks his head again, seeing now that Itadori has been attempting to pry open the control panel. His attention is drawn to a hideous stain on the asphalt nearby. It looks like old blood. There was definitely a struggle here…
"I can't get my fingers deep enough into the gap…" Yuji mutters as he kneels down.
"Why do you want to open it?" Fushiguro asks.
Sitting back on his haunches, his friend pouts in exasperation. "I dunno. Maybe these things hold a digital memory of every photo they take. The energy traces were on the power switch… I just thought maybe…"
His voice falters, but Fushiguro doesn't need to hear any more to piece together his friend's fragile hopes. Perhaps you'd taken a photo of yourself for some reason while you were here and the evidence was still inside.
"Here, let me take a look at that," he offers while leaning closer.
It looks as if Itadori lost patience with the delicate procedure of pulling the individual panel open and tried crushing it in to widen the gap at the edge. Fushiguro, having a more slender build, is able to slip in just two fingers. It's enough for him to pull it just a bit wider.
"Yes! There we go!" Itadori cheers as he grabs the door panel by its edge. The metal creaks loudly, complaining as the lock is wrenched apart successfully from the inside.
Neither ventures to reach in first, staring in silence as they scrutinize over the old mechanics. The popularity of this park hadn't warranted for an update in their amenities just yet. This thing is ancient.
"Okay. What are we looking for?" Fushiguro frowns at the unfamiliar inner workings.
"Shit. I don't know! I thought maybe there would be a memory card we could take and then plug in somewhere to investigate whatever's on it, but this thing still uses actual film," Itadori groans.
"So take the negatives. There should be a roll of film with a copy for every photo. Maybe here?" Reaching for a silver capped cylinder, Fushiguro cautiously pries the top off.
FTFTFTFTFTFTFTTTT
A coiling mass of shining black film spurts out, surprising them too much for either to catch it before hitting the dirt.
"Yes! Haha!" Yuji joyously scoops up the film to begin rolling it into a more manageable bundle. As each square slides beneath his thumbs, his smile begins to slowly wilt.
There's so many, he realizes with despair.
Maybe the park only changes out the film once per week? This had to be a few days' worth, and hundreds of people came to this place each day... Whatever, it's still a lead. A clue that only the two of them had found. They can split the film roll in half and scrutinize through each of the photos during their limited free time.
"Are you sure there was nothing else?" Fushiguro presses.
"Yep. Positive. I ran circles around this place and this was the only thing that stuck out."
"Alright then. Let's head home before Gojo starts to get too–"
OW! OWwrROOO!
Both boys freeze in place as the cutting howl of Kuro, the darker of Fushiguro's Devine Dogs, rings out with an alert. Not just any alert either. Both dogs were trained to give this response after tracking familiar scents they'd recently learned from samples their master carried. Something promising is in the wind.
"Is that- Does that mean they found something?" Itadori's eyes light up when he sees his partner's distinct reaction.
"I- I don't know. Let's go see!"
.
.
.
The music doesn't stop for a single second, bleeding from one song to the next. The crowd has seemingly doubled since you've arrived. The press of other dancers near you is growing a bit too close for comfort after a while. You oddly don't mind, happily distracted with both arms around Junpei. You're standing close enough that his chest is pressed against yours with the rhythmic pulse of music flowing between the two of you.
He's entirely entranced by this moment. Choosing to keep his eyes closed to block out everyone else and focussing only on the way your body feels and reacts to him. He's greedily indulging in the freedom of caressing you this way. When your hand slides up the center of his back, his hand does the same to mirror you. Your firm grip around his waist permits his hand to touch you here as well, and when the momentum of pure happiness drives you to lean in and kiss him again and again, he meets you every single time. He prays for a way the night can remain this way eternally.
Maybe it's the music that overwhelms you first, or the passionate way Junpei is kissing you, but with an almost electric jolt a spontaneous chill runs up your spine, causing you to shudder violently. You drag the back of your hand across your forehead to find that you're perspiring for some reason with your skin being noticeably clammy to the touch. You swallow, but your throat is bone dry and nearly burning. Your entire body is tingling with waves energy out of nowhere.
Junpei can tell something is wrong right away. You prefer to be where you can see the sky. These close quarters must be making you incredibly anxious.
"Do you want to sit down? Or get closer to a wall?" he corrects himself after seeing there's absolutely no place to sit.
"Sure. Let's do that," you agree as you shake your head to clear it.
He leads you by the hand to a corner of the room away from the crowd. The fog machine must be close judging by the thickness of the vapor here, providing much needed cover. You reason that being too close to people for so long was probably what started freaking you out.
"Hold on. Stay here."
Junpei motions for you to stay put and heads to the other side of the room toward the refreshment table again and leaving you temporarily on your own. You try focusing on evening out your breathing instead of the distracting way the bass is practically vibrating every molecule of your being.
"Excuse me?" someone says beside you. You turn and see a girl with long dark hair peering up at you. You step out of her way, assuming she was trying to walk past you, but she doesn't. Her attention is transfixed on your face.
"I thought it was you!" Without warning she flings her arms around your neck, embracing you as if you were old friends.
There's only one problem. You have no idea who she is.
"Um, yeah… Hello?" You stumble awkwardly over your words, still trying to piece together how someone here could possibly know you.
She giggles madly, grabbing her face in both of hands in realization.
"Oh, duh! You don't recognize me because I look different now! But I swear you do know me. I'll give you a hint. Just picture me falling through the air, like this!"
She throws both of her hands up, pantomiming the clue with a sly grin. Her expression cracks in a fraction of a second, giving way to more giggles. This girl is definitely enjoying herself tonight. Maybe you don't know her and she's just a little too tipsy.
But Sukuna recognizes this soul he's saved before.
"Haru…" Your lips form the name on their own and the realization of who this is hits you.
"Haru!" You shout again, this time lighting up at the sight of a familiar face. Well, semi-familiar.
The girl in front of you spins in a joyous circle, still tittering with glee before hugging you again. "It's Haruka now! Alot about me has changed since you saw me last, that's for sure. But I've never forgotten you even for one second!"
"It's nice to see you again. You look so…happy."
You can't help remarking on it because of the way you'd last seen her. You would have never thought she could be the same person you found a year ago clinging for dear life to a windowsill ledge.
Her eyes well with tears. "Thanks to you, I get to be me now. Thank you."
She kisses your cheek, coincidentally on the same side where Sukuna has manifested himself. Does she see him there? You can't tell. Someone approaches from your left. Junpei! Returning with some water he'd found and looking very puzzled at the girl with her arms around you. You take the bottle he's holding and slam it all at once, trying to stop the room from spinning.
"Hi there! I'm Haruka! What's your name?" She extends her hand to Junpei who smiles and accepts it.
"Junpei. It's nice to meet you. Um, A-are you two friends?" he asks.
"Well… Not exactly." You briefly wonder how to best explain this but Haruka is far less subtle.
"They saved my life!" she announces, hugging you once more with an enormous grin.
Junpei laughs aloud. "Really? Mine too!"
"That's amazing!" Haruka squeals, giving you a firm yet friendly little shake.
Your face is buzzing and warm, but you can't help shrinking down between your shoulders a little bit. It's terribly awkward being gushed over like this.
"It's so great to see you again! Please wait here, okay? I have to go find my friends. They won't believe you actually came!" Haruka grips your hand tightly in both of hers before vanishing through the crowd as quickly as she'd appeared.
"She seems pretty excited to see you." Junpei smirks.
You must be looking incredibly flustered right now judging by the way he's smirking. You're not the type of person people typically run up to and hug and kiss. And what did she mean about telling her friends that you're here? Did she want them to meet you too or something? You're not sure about being the center of attention like that. Maybe it's time to make your exit.
You're getting ready to ask Junpei if he's ready to leave, but instead your mouth hangs open in shock as you notice someone standing behind him.
Weird…That guy is definitely wearing a long dark coat that's similarly cut like yours. It doesn't look like anyone you know, but when he turns around you see that he's painted his face with black makeup in patterns that almost resemble Sukuna's. They're crudely drawn, but the stripe over his nose and the crest on his forehead is undeniably recognizable.
What the fuck?
You see another girl wearing fake angel wings. This pair is strangely made of black feathers. A curious color choice for an angel. Another pair catches your eye on someone else. Again, black. Then you see another pair. Eventually you come to realize that many of the people around you chose this same specific accessory. A few had chosen different colors, but the main theme was definitely black.
"What in the hell is going on here?" you demand.
"There's usually no logic for what humans do, but this…I can't make any sense of it." Your Curse murmurs.
There's an urgent tap on your shoulder and Junpei's eyes widen as he says something the music doesn't allow you to hear, but your stomach sinks when you read his lips.
"Your wings!"
Huh?! No…NO!
Flexing your shoulders tensely, you can already feel them growing out behind you. What the hell? Why are they sprouting on their own?! No, not on their own. Your brain saw the wings on the people around you, and for some reason began supplying your own.
"Stop it! Stop it, goddamn you!" you swear silently, already feeling the
reactions from people around you.
Mouths gape and hands reach to cup shocked painted and glittered faces. Shoulders and arms are grabbed to spread awareness of the spectacle unfolding before them. It's glaringly obvious that your wings aren't the same cheap little props as everyone else's.
Junpei takes your hands, which had begun clutching the sides of your head in frantic horror. He's about to lead you back toward the exit when between the breaks of throbbing music beats, you begin to hear two words echoed again and again by those around you.
"... Dark Angel… Dark Angel… Dark Angel…"
They slowly form a distinct circle around you. Not far enough to show fear or repulsion, but no one is moving in close enough to give you any trouble either. If anything they all appear to be in a strange hypnotic daze.
The exit! Get to the exit! Which way was it? You're all turned around, each angle of the room looks identical to the next.
All too aware of your mounting panic, Junpei yanks you toward the exit he'd been mindful enough to keep sight of. Your wings barely graze the people gingerly side stepping out of your way to allow you to pass, still transfixed in wonder. Nobody pursues you.
Although the club music still hasn't stopped, no one is dancing anymore as they watch you vanish through the back door.
.
.
.
The sound of Fushiguro's Devine dog's alert rings out again through the chill night air, honing his master toward the target he'd located. He sprints with his heart practically leaping from his chest.
Not too far away now. Just a bit further…
Itadori, being the faster of the pair, had rushed ahead, passing his partner mindlessly in hopes that whatever Kuro had found would lead him to you. It's been so long since he last saw your face. Would you still look the same? He has no doubts that he would recognize you regardless.
They're getting closer, reaching the downtown area famously filled with rundown business long past their prime. Shoes pound over cracking pavement as they bolt straight down the empty unused roads, cutting corners to make the quickest route–
When suddenly– Yuji stops running. His senses are on full alert as he stares down one particularly long alley stretching into bleak darkness, unable to move forward. A single familiar energy trace switches his gears into an uncontrollable rage so swiftly, his senses are left reeling.
"Itadori? What is it?"
Turning to meet his partner's concerned expression, he can only muster a single word between his clenched teeth.
"Mahito!"
Fushiguro stares down the dark path with growing panic. "What?! Are you certain?"
"No doubt. It's gotta be him." The energy patterns were burned into Itadori's memory. He'd never mistake them.
They hesitate, each precious second slipping away through their fingers. Finally Yuji gives his partner a somber smile, knowing what he has to do. "Go on ahead. I'll catch up with you," he promises confidently.
"Wait! You can't– !"
Before Fushiguro can finish, Itadori vanishes into the alley. Soon the sound of his footfalls disappear entirely. All the shadow user can do is swear uselessly before resuming his pace toward Kuro's howl. He can't risk losing this chance tonight. There isn't much time left before Gojo calls for a status update. He can lie to their sensei if he needs to, but the consequences if they're caught patrolling tonight could inhibit their future excursions significantly.
Against his better judgment, he says a silent prayer to any presence in the universe that might be on their side.
.
.
In your current state, finding your way back home is difficult. Your wings keep dipping causing you to lose altitude clumsily. Junpei makes a few distressed sounds along the way and you apologize each time. With your vision still refusing to focus properly, he has to redirect you on several occasions. When the church comes into sight at last, you both heave matching sighs of relief.
You'd been fortunate that nothing came from being seen tonight, counting your blessings that Junpei remembered how to get out. Who knows what could have happened if he hadn't been there for you. The way everyone was staring at you creeped you out. The entire ordeal still left you with an enormous pit in your stomach, but at least now you're in the clear.
You hug Junpei again tightly as you set him down. "That was a close one! Thank you so much for getting us to the exit!"
He sputters a bit but grins from ear to ear. "Oh, n-no problem, really. That was… pretty weird back there. How everyone was dressed, I mean."
"So weird! Maybe that stuff we drank was laced afterall. Oh! But you didn't have any, did you?" you ask.
"No, but maybe there was something in that fog we were breathing in? It was man-made after all. That could have made us see things, right?" He shrugs, trying to suggest anything helpful.
You don't buy it, but you pretend to anyway, ready to drop the subject before you start to hyperfixate.
"Yeah, that could be it. But holy shit, that was a close one! Everyone was just staring at my wings! It felt like a bad dream."
"It sure was a fun night though. I wish we could have…um, danced some more."
Junpei swallows hard, feeling that strange numb sensation in his cheeks that tells him he's probably blushing again. Of course he didn't mean just dancing with you. The entire evening felt like a dream to him. Or even like a date, he realizes. That only makes the tingling in his face intensify. He would do anything to hold you close again.
You notice his wistful expression as he fumbles with his hands nervously and looks down. On its own your arm slips around him, cradling his lower back and pulling him near. He gasps your name softly.
But it wasn't you who chose to hold him this way.
"I….er…W-wait here a minute. I'll be right back," you excuse yourself awkwardly as you let him go.
You turn around and head toward the garden out the back door of the church, leaving a confused but exuberant Junpei behind you.
Outside the church your footsteps are muted by the lush grass underfoot. The air is heavy with the perfume of flowers in bloom. Aside from the breeze it's quiet and otherwise still.
"Sukuna, what was that?" you ask aloud.
Silence is the only response.
"Sukuna?"
"I heard you. I just thought … you needed a little push that's all," he grumbles, sounding nearly embarrassed that you would notice him manipulating your body in such a minor way.
"You did it earlier too. You're the one who kissed him when we were dancing…."
"Yes. Because you wanted to, but were too afraid to do it yourself."
His accusation annoys you, but there's no point in arguing with him when he's right. Junpei is much more than a friend to you. His presence makes this hellhole bearable, and you even find yourself looking forward to your work since he's joined you. Until now it's been safest for you to avoid all contact with others, but you can't help that you've developed feelings for him in spite of your apprehension.
"Will you wait out here?"
He doesn't reply to you right away and each second passes tensely. Then Sukuna kneels your body down and scoops dirt into your palm. You feel your technique activating surprisingly on its own. Apparently he wasn't kidding before when he said he could do it without you being awake.
Once finished, he stands before you in his earthen vessel, his expression is stoic and nearly unreadable. You find yourself sheepishly dumbfounded for words so he fills the silence instead.
"I hope he brings you pleasure."
The way he says it catches you off guard. He isn't being sarcastic or bitter.
You linger only long enough to give him a second glance before muttering an awkward "Thank you" for his understanding. It's embarrassing to know how obvious it is why you're asking for some privacy, but he's being cooperative nonetheless. You start to head back inside, hesitating for only a moment longer while deep in thought. Why does this feel so strange? Is he really okay with you going through with this without him?
"Go on. Don't keep him waiting," Sukuna reminds you gently.
You don't see the way his eyes follow you as you leave, or hear the solemn way he mutters, "Take as long as you need."
.
.
Junpei isn't in the chapel when you return, but the ladder to the attic has been left down. You must have taken longer than you thought in the garden and he went up without you. Beneath the opening, the warm glow of candlelight greets you as you climb. A strange mix of excitement and anxiety grips you with each step.
When you peer into the dimly lit attic space, the first thing you notice are lit candles on the small altar by the window. Seeing them somehow solidifies your anxiousness that beforehand had been a mere flicker. Your friend is sitting perched on the corner of your futon with both feet tucked beneath him. He looks as if he's waiting for you.
"Um... H-hey there," you wave shakily as you pull yourself and then the ladder all the way up.
"Where did you go?" he asks.
You clear your throat and take a moment to readjust the tapestry covering the window facing the garden.
"I thought it might be nice if… if it were just you and me up here tonight. I left Sukuna downstairs."
Junpei's breathing hitches slightly. Alone? Just the two of you? So… this is really happening? He reminds himself to contain his excitement, remembering what he's been taught by his master. Eagerness is fine, but he should remain compliant.
"Is he… alright?" he asks. The question catches you off guard. Why is he concerned with Sukuna?
"Yep. He'll be fine," you reassure him.
Your knees wobble slightly. Why are you so nervous? Your face feels strangely hot now. You inhale deeply and shrug off your coat.
"How are you doing? Would you like to sit?" He gently beckons for you to join him on the futon.
The motion gives you butterflies. It feels like you're on autopilot as you approach, sitting down right next to him. He rests his hand on your shoulder lightly. Then courageously trails over to the side of your neck, brushing his fingers up. The coolness of his touch on your skin is more than welcome and you sigh deeply. Junpei says your name in a quiet voice.
"I… had an incredible night with you," he whispers while meeting your gaze.
"S-so did I." You shiver but a smile creeps across your lips.
Being touched feels so good right now that you find yourself leaning into his hand. You turn toward him, finding that he's fixated on you completely with the same look he had on his face while you held one another on the dance floor. You recall Sukuna's earlier words from the evening and ponder them again. Junpei clearly does have feelings for you, and it's undeniable that you've grown fond of your time together too. His companionship mercifully came just when you needed it most. You hadn't realized how isolated you've been until finally having a friend to talk to.
And now your dear friend is inching closer, letting his forehead rest against yours. A breeze blows in and staggers the candlelight, sending shadows scattering. You don't notice. The doves on the roof above you flap in their roost. Again you don't notice. But when Junpei's lips part softly without a word, you're locked in rapt captivity. His dark hair tickles your cheek and you feel his breath sigh across your skin. Maybe it's you who pulls him down first, or him who finally gains the courage to guide you to lie back, but when another cutting breeze blows in through the open window, neither of you feels it.
Hiking up your shirt, you take his hand and bring it to your chest in invitation. The cool caress of his palm elicits another shiver from you.
"Sorry…" he apologizes.
"You're fine. I'm used to the cold," you reassure him and rub the back of his hand to warm it up.
Junpei kisses your hand. Then he dips his head further down to kiss the sensitive skin of your chest. The warmth that greets his lips proves addictive, enticing him to press his cheek to you here as well. He hums in satisfaction at the contact before dragging his tongue across your nipple. This time the noise you make is too loud for you to hold back. Hearing this only goods him on further and he seals his lips over you, flicking his tongue in small circles to make you squirm.
"Mm! Ah, Junpei! Fuck…. " you gasp as your feet kick frantically.
He pulls his mouth away, glancing up with apprehension. "Does that feel good?"
You can only wordlessly nod, slipping your fingers through his hair and unwittingly pulling him back to the same place. He eagerly obliges, fairly moaning as he succumbs to the smooth suppleness of your skin. You're so warm beneath his mouth, writhing as his fingertips dig in with passion he wasn't aware he could achieve. He slips his hand beneath your pants, reaching between your legs. When he feels your body's reaction to what he's been doing to you, it causes you both to gasp. In a deep voice he nearly growls your name as his fingers move pleasantly over you, coaxing you to respond again. You try to muffle yourself, not wanting your Curse to overhear your sounds from the garden. The best you can manage is to bite your lower lip resolutely to keep your whimpers to a bare minimum. You dimly become aware that Junpei is murmuring something against your skin as he begins kissing his way upwards.
"Your wings…Can I see them, please?" he repeats quietly as he kisses the column of your neck.
You hesitate. Should you? To Junpei your wings are an ethereal part of you, a point of wonder and fascination. In his eyes they're pure magic. He doesn't know any better…
His expectant silence persists, but so does his wonderful touch between your legs. You relent at last, letting the patterns of your feathers appear over your shoulder blades. Your shirt is backless, allowing Junpei to trace his hand across your bare skin to experience their softness as they arise and spout between his fingers. Once formed, they stretch to their full expanse immodestly filling the small attic space and leaving Junpei breathless. You're incredible to behold in the moonlight and he finds he's entirely at a loss for words.
"Do you like them?" you ask.
"So much…"
He strokes between your shoulders again lightly, eliciting a sound from you that he unwittingly echoes but only for the briefest of moments before he bravely captures your mouth with his again in a searing kiss, experimenting with the sensitivity of your smallest feathers. He curiously traces the thin scar across your tongue with his own, tickling the ridge of the black curse marking there as well. Naturally he was curious about your scar but too afraid to ask how you got it, but also because he often fantasized about how it might feel.
There's a clattering sound as your wings knock something to the floor. Oh, shit. It was from the altar.
"Don't worry. I'll get that in the morning," he whispers.
You stumble up anyway, embarrassed that you'd upset the memorial which you still assume to be for his mother. "No, no. It's okay, I remember how it was… I think."
You stoop to pick up what had fallen and see a cup on the floor that seems to contain a few of your feathers for some strange reason. As you set it back on the table and rearrange your feathers, wondering what on earth he could have been wanting them for, something happens to catch your eye outside the window.
"What the- ?"
You shake your head in disbelief, telling yourself you're hallucinating, but when you look again, you can just make out the distinct figure of a winged human silhouetted by starlight. Is that…?
Hawks?!
What the hell is Keigo doing out here? Did Junpei notice him yet? No, he's too far away, but the last thing you need is someone prying around the only safe haven you've managed. You need to get rid of him, fast.
Hurriedly you button your pants and straighten your shirt. "I…I have to go."
"What? Right now?" Junpei squeaks. He sits upright, looking both confused and wounded. Did he do something wrong?
You turn around and cup his face in your hands, opening your wings wide enough that he can't see out of the window. "I'm so sorry. It's nothing you did, but I-... I'll be right back, I swear!"
Before he can argue or ask where you're going in the middle of the night, you step out on the ledge.
"Hey- !" He calls after you but it's far too late.
You're already gone.
.
.
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To Be Continued…
