Cursed Love
~ Smartest Guy In The Room ~
October 2016.
Shoko finds the whole engagement thing fishy.
Or rather, she finds it not entirely genuine. Why? Because Satoru has been adamant about not settling down with anyone and Liv most certainly wouldn't settle down with Satoru Gojo of all people. This begs the next question in Shoko's mind, What could you possibly gain from this engagement? The question is for both of her friends.
Shoko figured that Liv was on campus when Satoru suddenly left the morgue without a word. That, and he had just finished telling her how he was going to marry his oldest friend (which made Shoko choke on her spit). She followed him as he made a beeline toward the courtyard and by the time Shoko caught up to him - Damn him and his long legs - she sees him holding Liv's hands with his blindfold taken down. Shoko doesn't approach the couple, instead observes the exchange from a distance.
Despite her doubts about their engagement, she is at least happy to see Liv again. The Shuuin rarely visited over the last eight years but she did call regularly. Shoko takes great pride in the fact that she was the only one communicating with Liv - a fact she didn't disclose to anyone, not even Satoru. The reason for that is because one, Liv asked her not to, and two, she didn't want to. Shoko sighs - seeing Liv in person, however, is much more endearing than hearing her voice over the phone.
"Shoko!"
Brought out of her thoughts, Shoko notices that Liv has detached from Satoru and has been waving at her. Smiling, the woman waves back, her hand high up in the air. Liv laughs and runs toward her friend, her hands clasped behind Shoko's back as she lifts her and spins her around.
"I missed you so much," Liv mutters after she puts Shoko back on the ground, nestling her chin on the woman's shoulder.
Shoko brings her hand to Liv's nape, her finger tangling with the strands of Liv's messy braids. "I missed you too, Liv."
Liv hums. "Sorry I didn't visit more often."
"You're not forgiven," Shoko chuckles, pulling away so she can cup the woman's face. "I want a dinner, a cast of wine, and a sleepover."
Liv notices the dark circles under her eyes. "Yeah, you need sleep alright."
Shoko's response is a flick on the forehead. "Shut it. Not all of us have the luxury of traveling the world full-time."
Their little banter is interrupted by Satoru walking over to them, his hands in his pockets and his eyes covered once more. Liv ignores his presence in favor of showering Shoko with questions and compliments. Shoko, on the other hand, notices that Satoru's posture isn't as relaxed as it usually is. In all the years she has known him, he had lost his composure only once and it was not a pretty sight. She doesn't express her concern, however.
"I'll have to break this heart-wrenching reunion," Satoru says smoothly, draping his arm around Liv's shoulders. "My bride and I should pay a visit to the higher-ups and it's getting late."
"They can wait another minute," Liv says with a tight smile. "I'm saying hi to a friend I haven't seen in almost a decade."
"Well, I'm worried it's gonna be past their bedtime, dearest," Satoru says overly sweetly. "Besides, you haven't seen me in almost a decade either."
"Your point?" Liv deadpans.
"You haven't missed me at all?" Satoru pouts. "I'm so jealous."
Liv groans as he continues to pester her and dramatize everything. Meanwhile, Shoko takes a good look at the two, certain that something is not fitting properly.
"Why are you two getting married?" she blurts out.
They look at her, their argument effectively over as they focus their attention on her. Liv remains composed while Satoru cocks his head to the side, a usual sign of his bewilderment.
"Don't get me wrong, I love weddings," she adds though it sounds insincere. "I'm just curious how did you go from childhood playmates to - whatever this is?"
Liv and Satoru exchange looks before turning back to Shoko. They give her this weird, 'are you serious right now' type of expression which she finds ridiculous at this point. Why are you trying so hard?
"Isn't that how it usually goes?" Satoru is the one to speak first. "Boy meets a girl, he pulls her pigtails, she falls in love and they get married!"
"Except the boy is a dick and the girl knows better," Shoko deadpans, her attention solely on Liv.
Liv, on the other hand, merely shrugs. "He's not that bad."
Shoko's eyes widen, enlarging almost twice in size. Liv Drakon finds Satoru Gojo 'not that bad'?
"Who are you and what have you done with my dear friend?" she says almost seriously. "I'm a doctor so I can just dissect you and find out the hard way."
Liv laughs. Typical Shoko. "Is it so wrong to fall in love?"
"With any other man? No," she says, then points at Satoru. "With him? Undoubtedly."
"Hey," he whines, offended. "I'll have you know, I've been approached by many, many -"
He then feels a pinch on his palm and glances at Liv who is giving him a very, very stern look. "But not that many women expressing their love for me. There's a valid reason for it."
"You're rich," Shoko says, lifting her index finger, then her middle finger, "and you're the strongest jujutsu sorcerer alive."
"I'm also irresistible," he emphasizes as if that's his greatest asset. "This face, my winning smile, my charm - "
"Do you ever stop talking?" Shoko groans.
"Point is," he continues, pressing his cheek against Liv's, "it was only a matter of time before she opens her heart to me. I am a lucky man to have her."
Shoko frowns at him and then at Liv. She's not convinced, not at all - but she decides to play along for the time being.
"If you say so," she mutters, her eyes on Liv the entire time. "See you later then?"
"The usual?" Liv asks and Shoko nods. "We'll figure out the details later."
Shoko offers a tight smile and turns on her heel, walking back to her workplace, silently hoping that no one gets hurt by whatever those two are planning.
"What is your opinion, Principal Yaga?"
Masamichi thinks for a moment. "I believe it's genuine affection. They've known each other as children and have spent a lot of time together as adolescents."
"Wasn't Liv Drakon devoted to Suguru Geto?" one of the council members asks. "Also, didn't she almost defect as well when he went rogue nine years ago?"
Masamichi resists the urge to wince, They can really hold a grudge. "Yes, but she was young and gullible, and it's been nine years since then. Her feelings for Geto clouded her judgment at the time."
"The time frame makes it seem as if she's been involved with both Gojo and Geto at the same time," another one of the council members says. "Are you certain her affections for Gojo are truly genuine?"
"She's never been involved with Suguru Geto," Masamichi says quickly. "Her feelings were unreciprocated."
None of the council members believe him but they drop the issue, finding it irrelevant in the grand scheme of things.
"First, she becomes the head of the Shuuin instead of her brother," the preceding council member notes. "Then, she appoints that same brother to be the representative in the council after they have effectively remained outside of jujutsu politics for centuries. And now, she reveals a decade-long engagement to the strongest sorcerer of the modern age. These cannot be mere coincidences."
Oh for fuck's sake, Masamichi curses inwardly. "With all due respect, I doubt Liv Drakon is marrying Satoru Gojo under pretenses. She volunteered to be sealed away after Geto's betrayal when you questioned her allegiance at the time."
"She refused to fight, as well."
Masamichi glances at the specific council member, Yoshinobu Gakuganji. It is no secret that the Kyoto Jujutsu High's Principal is a distrustful individual, traditional to his core, and indiscriminately ruthless at times. Masamichi recalls Liv's trial following the Geto incident and the way higher-ups ganged up on her, calling her a traitor for simply being in love. Gakuganji was the one to call for her execution, both as a punishment and a lesson to anyone who'd followed in her footsteps. And yet, she didn't raise a single finger against them, Masamichi recalls. Not even in defense.
"The Shuuin do not fight," Masamichi says though he knows his lies are not convincing. "As you well know."
"Yes, their vow of pacifism," Principal Gakuganji says. "Are we still going to ignore the fact that the Shuuin have kept their innate cursed technique a secret?"
Masamichi frowns. "There is no secret cursed technique. Shuuin are artists, they make cursed weapons and then use them for ritualistic purposes. Their sealing techniques are a bit more unconventional than what we usually use but that's about it."
"They utilize spies who do kill at times," one of the council members remarks. "How do you justify that?"
"That, esteemed council members, is your fault," Masamichi says evenly. "The Shuuin may be pacifists but they want to live as well. Their spies are a way to protect themselves without having to break their vows. You've antagonized Shuuin for centuries and nearly exterminated them not that long ago."
"They have been elusive about their exploits and operations," Principal Gakuganji says cooly. "Eliminating the weed before it spoils the garden is the most effective way of saving the crops."
"They've never participated in any kind of confrontation," Masamichi points out. "They're not the weed, they're the epitome of civility and kindness, much like Liv Drakon."
Principal Gakuganji scoffs. "Please, Liv Drakon is the epitome of arrogance, much like her future husband."
"That is your opinion, Principal Gakuganji," Masamichi notes evenly. "While she may be cross and sarcastic at times, Liv Drakon is not a threat you want her to be."
The council remains quiet at his last words, seemingly caught off guard. Principal Gakuganji also seemingly second-guesses his judgment. They continue to whisper among themselves, exchanging thoughts and opinions on the matter. Meanwhile, Masamichi awaits patiently their decision.
"This council has reached a decision," the preceding council member announces after the short discussion. "Liv Drakon and Satoru Gojo are due to report to the council at their earliest convenience. Liv Drakon will not be questioned about her intentions and the wedding between the two sorcerers will proceed without interference. Mathias Drakon will assume his duties as a council member in a week. Should Liv Drakon, Mathias Drakon, or Satoru Gojo rouse suspicion after the wedding is concluded, they will be interrogated and judged based on treason."
Masamichi nods his head, accepting the order.
"You are dismissed."
Satoru guides Liv to the dorms where he prepared a room for her to stay overnight. Well, he didn't personally prepare it but he had asked Masamichi to have one of the rooms especially clean. When asked for the reasoning, Satoru gave an ambiguous answer that was somewhere along the lines of 'I'm having a woman over'. Had he not known that Liv was coming to Tokyo, Masamichi would've disciplined his former student for being too liberal with his behavior, not to mention his utter disrespect for the institution. On the other hand, when Masamichi proposed to have Liv stay at a hotel, Satoru was strangely dismissive of the idea though he did not elaborate. In conclusion, Masamichi agreed to Satoru's request and had a room prepared at the girl's dormitory. The dorms are a bit further from the courtyard and the classrooms, appropriate to allow students some privacy on campus. Liv lifts a brow as she realizes that the dorm is too quiet as they walk down the corridor.
"I've asked Yaga to send all students on missions so we can be alone," Satoru says as if reading her mind. "They'd just ask questions and I don't think you'd like that."
Liv smiles softly. "That's nice of him."
"You're supposed to thank me," he pouts.
She chuckles but doesn't thank him. A short while later, Satoru stops in front of a room numbered F-7.
"My old room?" Liv wonders.
"Yup," Satoru answers simply.
He takes out a key from his pocket and places it inside the lock. Turning it once, then twice, the lock clicks and he pushes the door open, revealing a spacious room. The room accounts for everything a single person might need: a bed, a separate bathroom, a kitchenette with a small table, and a couple of chairs. Unlike her last stay at Jujutsu High, she appreciates the fresh coating of paint and the new floors. Also, she can't smell the stale air anymore. Instead, she smells sea salt and -
"Fir," she says while sniffing.
Satoru reaches for a vial containing scented oil on the kitchen counter. "Home sweet Norway."
She silently appreciates the gesture as Satoru settles the glass vial back on the counter. At least he tries to make me feel comfortable, she notes.
"Well, this place hasn't changed at all," she says as she looks around the dorm room.
"Why would it?" Satoru muses, straddling a nearby chair. "The council handles all of the administrative work, including the improvements. They're traditional and they lack style."
"Except for you," Liv notes, putting down her backpack on a chair opposite Satoru. "Still a fashion freak, I see."
Satoru feigns offense. "I want to look good, unlike someone I know but shall not name."
"I'm Norwegian, we're more about comfort and less about caring what other people think," Liv teases, leaning over the table. "Unlike someone I know but shall not name."
Unaffected, Satoru rests his chin atop his crossed arms. "I see your wit is still sharp."
"We women have to survive somehow," Liv surmises. "Hope you're not disappointed, little Satoru."
He sighs, though it sounds more like a moan. "Oh, I love when you call me by my name."
The blatant flirting has always been part of Satoru's personality so she finds it more amusing than flattering, which cannot be said for the majority of other females. Liv knows women swoon over the white-haired freak. She can see why - she's not blind or stupid. However, she also remembers him licking a frozen light post to see if his tongue would stick.
He was eighteen at the time.
"Sorry loverboy," she says coyly. "Your charms don't work on me."
Satoru scoffs, leaning backward while holding onto the back of the chair. "Well, that's a shame. Here I thought we could have some practice before our wedding night."
"Worried you'll underperform?" Liv challenges, her hazel eyes focused on him.
Satoru offers her his usual toothy grin. "Attack on my bedroom prowess? How vain do you think I am?"
She doesn't answer, knowing that silence will be a sufficient response.
"That hurts, Liv," he deadpans. "That's hurtful."
He gets a chuckle in response. "You'll live."
"With a serious case of blue balls," he whines but his smirk is still on his lips, "but I'm not a pushy type. You'll be begging me for a spin soon enough."
"You should stop being so full of yourself, Gojo," Liv says, half-serious. "Honestly, I worry for those students of yours. Such a bad example, tsk."
He gasps, again dramatically. "My students adore me. Besides, I'm told that I'm an acquired taste so I believe I've grown on them."
"Like fungus, I'd wager," Liv mutters loud enough for him to hear.
The Gojo head hums. "I could grow on you too if you'd let me."
Liv laughs. "You just want me to put my guard down so you can fish out gossip material."
"Pretty much," he says honestly though his tone is more reminiscent of the Satoru she knows - calculated, ruthless, precise. "You promised me some juicy answers, after all."
Liv remains silent. That didn't take long, she remarks sarcastically. Satoru laughs at her passive-aggressive disposition.
"You know what I'm referring to, don't you?" he probes further. "Come on, don't be shy. I don't bite."
If only that were true. "If I remember correctly, and I do, I promised to answer all of your questions after the wedding ceremony."
"Before, after - what's the difference?" he sighs.
"Huge," she says simply. "Don't fight me on this, okay?"
"Why not?" he counters. "We're exchanging vows in a fortnight, Liv. We'll be bonded for life. The least you can do is tell me what I'm getting myself into precisely."
Liv frowns and looks at him. His eyes are still covered but she can almost feel the distrust. I knew it, she thinks bitterly.
"You still don't trust me," she half-whispers as if she doesn't believe her own words.
Satoru notices her tone. He also sees the way her eyes had become more green.
"It has been eight years and you've limited our communication to postcards and pictures," he points out evenly. "Also, you're not the most trustworthy person."
He can see her push her jaw forward, a tick of hers when she gets mad - she developed the habit when they were seven. "You didn't have to accept my proposal, Satoru Gojo."
"We want the same thing, Liv Drakon," he says. "That's why I ultimately accepted your proposal because I knew you won't screw me over. I'd just like to know what I'm getting from this arrangement."
"I told you what you get. My brother will be my eyes and ears inside the council as a representative of the Shuuin," Liv says, trying to keep her tone steady and polite. "I'm the mistress of the Shuuin. Together, we can influence the council and its decisions, and eventually change the jujutsu society."
"Mathias becoming council member if he even becomes one, is useless at this point," Satoru notes callously. "You being clan head merely justified our union to a small extent."
"The Shuuin never had a council representative until now," Liv argues. "It is a sign of our goodwill and transparency."
"They won't buy that bullshit," he scoffs. "I don't buy that bullshit."
"We're talking long-term effects, Gojo," Liv retorts. "What's useless now may become instrumental tomorrow."
"You're either too stupid to see the flaws in your argument," Satoru says, his voice smooth, "or you're hiding something big, which is more likely."
Liv smirked. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. Wouldn't it be fun to find out?"
That particular question throws him off. It's not often he finds himself at a loss for words but whenever he did, it is mostly because of Liv Drakon.
"There's another thing," she says. "Shoko called our bluff."
He nods. "Yeah, I expected as much."
"Which means we must do better," Liv says, taking a seat.
He rolls his eyes. "I'm practically embarrassing myself, woman. What else - "
"You're trying too hard, Gojo," she cuts in. "Relax."
"I still don't see your point," he says, his tone flat.
Liv sighs. "This is going to be a disaster."
Satoru smirks. "Need a hug? I won't touch below the waist, promise."
She'd have laughed if he wasn't trying to hide his hesitancy with lewd humor.
"You haven't taken down Infinity since I've arrived at campus," she notes. "It won't be as comforting."
It is Satoru's turn to remain silent.
"I thought I was just over-analyzing," she continues, "but you deliberately chose when to show me your eyes, didn't you?"
He wants to tell her that she's wrong but finds himself unable to.
"You're not the smartest guy in the room, Gojo," she says softly as if she just realized the gravity of her words. "Your words are dishonest but your eyes - not so much."
For a moment, he ponders whether to bite back. In a split second, he wonders if he should call out her bluff. It is simple enough for him - he is the strongest, after all. The right pressure, at the right time, at the right place. She claims to know him but he knows her as well. He could break her with ten words or less and while the temptation irks him, he decides against it simply because he knows he'll have his answers soon anyway. I won't risk her trust because of my impatience, he notes.
"Okay," he finally says.
"Okay?"
He smiles as he stands up. "Okay."
"No comment?" she asks, as if in doubt. "No remark, an insult? Nothing?"
"Nada," he says through a toothy grin. "By the way, I'll be in the room next door. Thought you'd prefer it that way."
Liv stares at his back before humming. "Thanks?"
"The old farts want to see us together in the council room so dress up nicely," he says while exiting the room. "Text me when you're done."
She says nothing as he closes the door, leaving her alone in the room. As if she'd been holding her breath the entire time, Liv sighs deeply. Calm down, she tells herself, tapping the spot above her heart. All is good.
"For now, at least," she breathes.
On the other side of the door, Satoru throws his head back. He cracks his neck a few times in an attempt to get rid of the built-up tension in his muscles. All things considered, their first meeting after eight years went as well as it could've. At least all those photos of Megumi mellowed her enough to not be awkward with me, he muses cynically. He knew that getting answers will be difficult - Liv has always been the assertive type, not one to waste words. Satoru himself is very conscious of his actions, calculating and if he comes across as overly direct, it is intentional. Liv is not like that, though - she teases, she misdirects, she obscures. She makes you believe in whatever story she spins, while the truth is playing out elsewhere.
That is why he knows better than to trust her blindly. He suspects her reluctance to talk has something to do with their impending wedding ceremony. Not wanting to be caught unprepared, he sends a quick message to Ijichi, requesting him to find all that he can about the Shuuin wedding rituals.