"-In short, the cursed spirit got away."
Sitting together at a very nice table, Ciel finished recounting last night's event to Gojo, with Nanami filling in the rest of the details she had not been conscious of. Beside them, Yuji was using the hotel's hot pot on top of a cart. The staff members being generous enough to let him use it due to Ciel's influential presence as a "valued customer". The smell of curry instantly stirred a hungry rumble within Ciel's stomach as she did her best to conceal her excitement.
They were gathered at the dining hall of the luxurious hotel, taking advantage of the free expenses under Ciel's name. Gojo leaned back against his chair as he took in the information. "Guess we got to keep an eye out for that curse then."
He then teasingly grinned at Ciel. "Although, that still doesn't explain how you and Yuji-kun ended up in a place like this. I didn't take you for someone who had expensive tastes."
"Yes, well…" Ciel cleared her throat before resuming, "I felt it was nice to treat myself, at least this once. After I returned home with Yuji-kun last night, I decided to resume my patrol in the city."
"And I followed her," Yuji followed up, finishing up his stirring of the curry pot and proceeded to serve its portions in separate bowls.
"That he did, despite my insistence for him not to," Ciel felt right to add, crossing her arms. "We eventually agreed to stick together, and after investigating Yumizuka's hideout, I thought it was too much of a hassle to return home on foot, so…"
"So you kids decided to sneak in here and score yourself the best room to sleep in," Gojo looked like he was about to laugh. "Hope you didn't keep the neighbors up all night-"
A black key was shot for Gojo's face which he caught with both hands. "...Hey now. That wouldn't have hurt, but my feelings sure took a hit."
Nanami remained impassive, relatively unsurprised. Yuji nearly dropped the curry on the floor as Ciel sat back down casually. "Oh please. As if you didn't expect that. It wouldn't have mattered whether I intended to kill you or not, so why should I even bother to pretend?"
"Geez. You can be so scary sometimes..."
Yuji overcame his surprise and placed the first bowl of curry in front of Ciel. Her mannerisms instantly changed, absolutely delighted at the sight and smell of the meal. "Thank you, Yuji-kun."
"You're welcome!" Yuji happily said and served the next bowl to Nanami, which was plain rice as per requested by the adult. His stomach at his age could only take so much spice.
"I don't personally agree to you continuing to go out at night," Nanami spoke up. "From what I understand, you seemed to have a habit of underestimating curses. If you intended to seek out Mahito, you should have informed us first."
"I've been living in Japan for a month now. I've already adjusted to how curses function here," Ciel informed, raising her arms a bit in a slight shrug. "I even had Mahito cornered until Yumizuka-chan interrupted our battle. I'm sure that the next time we fight, I'll have no problems in exorcising him."
"That's only if he hadn't known what you were capable of," Gojo pointed out, picking up his spoon for the curry bowl in front of him. He gave his brief thanks to Yuji before turning his attention back on Ciel. "Now he does, and that's not even getting into his Domain Expansion. Which, by the way, I heard something really interesting happened after he had you in his domain."
Ciel's face was unreadable as Gojo started eating his curry. "So what happened in there while Yuji-kun and Nanami-san were trying to get you out?"
"...If you're asking about his abilities, I'll tell you all that I know," Ciel said, lifting the spoonful of curry to her lips. Already halfway finishing it before either Gojo or Yuji would. The pink-hair sorcerer taking his seat next to her. "When I first came in contact with his domain, it was like being in the literal palm of his hand. He would have most certainly transfigured my body had he acted immediately, as he had done to countless others."
She noticed Yuji frowning deeply. His evident hatred at the curse in discussion, and the thought that it would have harmed Ciel the same way it did to Junpei. She wanted to reach out and take his hand to calm him down, but she had to keep herself composed out of personal habits and training. She did nudge Yuji's foot with her own under the table, though. His face relaxed a bit, and Ciel was satisfied.
"Would it have been permanent?" Gojo asked.
Ciel considered that question for a moment, gripping her chin thoughtfully. "...It would have lasted for a while, perhaps. I don't know for sure how long, but I'm certain I would have reverted back regardless."
As long as Roa's own soul remained unchanged, then Ciel's soul would be too. If the soul-destroying properties such as the Seventh Holy Scripture, or even the black flames of Monte Cristo weren't enough to permanently kill her, then neither would Mahito's ability. Changing the shape of her soul would have been a new twist, and it would have also hurt a lot, but as long as she can still move and have access to her sacraments, she would have been in the perfect position to exorcise the cursed spirit right inside his own domain. Now it's all a matter of enduring the worst pain unimaginable until she can get to her target.
"Huh. What if you use Reverse Curse Technique on yourself?" Gojo asked bluntly. "You can do that, right?"
Ciel looked at Gojo for a moment, then shifted her gaze to her bowl in thought. "Hmm... It is a technique built from curse energy... In theory, and if I had plenty of magical powers to spare..."
Huh. It probably would have saved her a lot of trouble if she used that instead, though she hates to use her magic to begin with, unless the situation proves to be especially dire.
"...You really never thought about using it on yourself," Gojo said. He was honestly dumbfounded behind his straight-lip expression as he adjusted his bandana. "You're definitely going to stand out in our school - aside from being an executor."
Ciel cleared her throat. "It's not that I didn't think about it, there was just no need. In any case, I wasn't able to do anything. Upon entering the cursed spirit's domain, he was able to touch my soul, and I passed out. Whatever happened after that, I really can't say."
Won't explain would be a better way to put it, though Ciel will keep this to herself.
"Mhm," Gojo only responded, looking nowhere close to believing that. "Well, that's a shame, I would have loved to know why there was a giant castle in the middle of that neighborhood."
"Who knows? Perhaps the cursed spirit is a fan of Tolkien?" Ciel only answered, finishing her bowl of curry.
Gojo knew that wasn't it, but like always, this executor was tight-lipped. Even Nanami could see through her lies. The only one who was either too gullible or too faithful to notice was Yuji, happily eating his curry alongside the still hungry executor, who he offered to share his bowl to. Ciel jumped at the offer, and together, they ate their servings cheerfully.
That's adorable, but anyway, I got to find some way to get her to talk. Maybe Gojo could get Yuji to seduce it out of her? He'll have to file that idea for later.
"I've had a brief chat with Yaga," Gojo said. "He'll let us know when you can see him for your interview, Ciel. He's a bit busy at the moment, keeping sure that everything is good and settled after last night's incident. I'll give you a call or stop by to let you know when he's ready. Now then! Time to address the elephant in the room."
He then pointed at not only Ciel, but Yuji as well. "...Are you two official now? Also, when's the wedding?"
"S-Sensei...!" Yuji was outwardly embarrassed just as Ciel was. Ciel managed to remain calm and restrained herself from throwing another black key at the untouchable man. He was clearly baiting her, and she refused to humor the man.
"If you must know..." Ciel said with a hint of blush in her cheeks. "Then fine, I'll tell you. As bizarre as I'm sure this seems, it's as you see it. Yuji and I are... lovers. As of last night."
It was like someone slipped on a banana peel. Gojo spat the curry back into his bowl and laughed out loud, tossing his head back against the chair frame. Yuji was stunned as he stared at Ciel's increasingly embarrassed look, while the strongest sorcerer shouted for all of the early risers in the restaurant to hear.
"That's absolutely adorable!"
"...Usually, people who are in a relationship would prefer to call each other boyfriend or girlfriend," Nanami informed. "Using the term "lovers" makes it seem... suggestive."
"Ciel..." Yuji said, raising his hands over to his mouth. His eyes danced with mirth and flattery. "I had no idea you saw me that way."
"Th-There's nothing wrong with what I said!" Ciel said before facing Yuji. "And don't you start too, Yuji-kun! I won't have even you tease me!"
She started gently jabbing at Yuji's arm with her clenched fist. It was like hitting a soft, brick wall for Ciel, and for Yuji, it was like being pelted by a small tennis ball. The sight of it only made Gojo laugh even harder.
"I'll go easy on you because of the curry you made, but do not push your luck!" Ciel warned.
Yuji tried so hard to hold back his laugh unlike his teacher. He reached out and gave Ciel a hug, ceasing her light jabs. "In that case, I'll just have to keep making you curry every day."
"D-Don't think you can seduce me with such promises, Yuji-kun..." Ciel can practically hear Gojo dying of laughter at the other side of the table. She's pretty sure the man had fallen out of his chair. "...I wouldn't be against that though, if you decide to."
"Mm. Just say the word, and I'll make you any dish you want." Yuji hugged Ciel tightly as he made his proclamation, and Ciel blushed even more, hugging him back.
"...Would you control yourself?" Nanami was visibly irked by Gojo's reaction, staring down at the laughing man on the floor. "We're in public."
Gojo was finally able to calm down and climbed back onto his seat. He took a deep breath. "Anyway, that about covers a few things for today."
He then waved off at the teens. "Why don't you two keep enjoying the free room? I'll help cover any extra costs."
"Hold on," Nanami immediately interjected. Not over the expense but letting two teens alone together in a room.
"We'll send Ijichi-san to check up on you guys later," Gojo added, immediately putting halt to Nanami's concerns. "I won't try to stop you from hunting vampires, Ciel, but until you're officially a sorcerer, try not to focus on Mahito. We'll take care of looking for that cursed spirit. If you happen to hear or see anything that might clue us in on that curse, let us know about it."
Ciel considered Gojo's words for a moment and pulled back from Yuji's hug. "Hm. Alright. Fair enough."
After finishing their curry, with Ciel and Yuji eating most of it, the two adults left the teens to enjoy the rest of their morning. Gojo informed Yuji that he'll personally see to his martial arts training later, and then left after giving Yuji the thumbs up, which Yuji gladly returned, earning a cute, embarrassed scowl from Ciel.
"Hmm. You know, I've been considering watching you spar," Ciel said thoughtfully, looking at Yuji. "Would it be alright if I tag along?"
"Sure! That'd be great! You might see me getting my ass kicked a lot, though," Yuji said with a small laugh.
"Well, it is Gojo-san you'll be up against. I can only imagine the pain you have to go through," Ciel said as a particularly unenjoyable memory came to mind. "My personal instructor was particularly ruthless when I first started training at the Burial Agency."
It didn't help at all that Ciel's instructor was the Director of the Burial Agency herself, and considering Ciel's immortality, that woman never needed to hold back once, nor hide her disdain against Ciel as she did so.
"Huh. Now that you mention it, you never did say what it was like working there," Yuji said as he looked at Ciel curiously. "How was it?"
"Ah. Well..." Ciel hesitated for a moment, and then answered with a crooked smile. "It's probably best that I don't explain it in detail. All I can say is that the training is very, very harsh. You'd be spitting blood and teeth, if not your entire femur if you don't keep up."
"Holy shit..." Yuji's eyes went wide. "That's sounds way worse than going to bootcamp."
"R-Right. I'm only exaggerating anyway," Ciel alleviated, though she hadn't been lying either. She didn't think twice at how vivid her description would be. She meant for it to sound like a joke, but it simply came out dark. "We fight vampires on a daily basis, many of them Dead Apostles, and vampires stronger than that. We have to be conditioned to endure every harsh environment if we're to succeed in our assignments. Hmm. Now I'm curious to know how Jujutsu High trains their students. You were there for two weeks, Yuji-kun. What was it like?"
"Oh. Well..." Yuji thought back his time in Jujutsu High, when he was with Megumi and Nobara. "Sometimes, we'd just be sitting in class, learning about cursed spirits and cursed techniques. Most of our time, though, we'd just go out and exorcise low-graded cursed spirits."
"I see. It's not dissimilar to the process I went through, although, I'll have to experience it myself to judge it fairly," Ciel made note to herself before smiling brightly at Yuji. "Hopefully, your principal will see me fit to become a student there, if he's willing to overlook my other occupation."
"You'll do great! I'm sure of it!" Yuji encouraged with a wide smile. "You might want to look out for those cursed dolls he uses. They may not look like much, but they can hit hard. And they're fast too."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you for the warning," Ciel said appreciatively, putting aside the dirty dishes onto the cart. "Now then, are you ready to head back upstairs?"
"Yeah! We still haven't seen all those movies yet! I also want to try out their showers and bathrobe too. But..."
He brought his hands together almost in a prayer. "Do you think we could drink a little bit of their wine? Pleeeeeeeease?"
"Yuji-kun..."
Yuji gave his best puppy-dog eyes that plead to the law-abiding executor. The girl seemed firm, but staring at Yuji's gaze for a little longer was slowly chipping at her heart. She felt the need to pinch his cheeks.
Ciel considered for a long moment, letting the boy wait in hope. Well... he is going to be executed in the future.
It's not really in her character to approve of such delinquency, but she had already overlooked Yuji's pastime of playing Pachinko at casinos, one of which she even accompanied him to. Plus, she imagined that he hasn't entirely recovered from last night's incident, mentally and emotionally so to speak. He could use something to take the edge off.
With a sigh, Ciel placed both hands on her hips, "Oh, what the hell. I suppose we should make use of all the free services they're willing to allow. Fine. I'll let you have your fun."
"Yes!" Yuji fist-pumped the air. He looked so happy that Ciel had to smile, and she reached out to gently touch his jawline, putting a stop to his celebration as he looked at her sweet expression.
"Just be sure to drink responsibly, Yuji-kun. Imagine if the vessel of the most poisonous curse died from alcohol poisoning? The joke practically writes itself."
"Pff. You know, you got a really dark sense of humor, Ciel," Yuji said with a slight smirk, and leaned in for a kiss. Ciel straightened her back as she felt Yuji's lips touch hers, and she closed her eyes. Her cheeks turning pink.
The kiss was only brief, but it felt much longer than that, and Ciel felt sad that it had to end already as soon as Yuji pulled back. "But I like that about you. I feel like you always look on the bright side of everything, even when things get really grim."
He then took hold of her hand and stood up from the table. "Come on. You can pick what movie to watch. I think I saw some popcorn bags upstairs too. Ooh! We should order room service later! I always wanted to try that!"
Ciel followed after the cheerful teen with a warm smile on her face, gripping her hold of Yuji's hand as they walked out of the restaurant. I'm more of a realist than an optimist. If there's anyone who tries to see the bright side of anything, it's you, Yuji-kun.
She caught up to him as they walked towards the lobby area hand in hand.
Mahito took a look out through the dirty window of an attic that hadn't been touched for years. A view of the front entrance of the mansion under the sunny light of summer morning.
He had seen only two people leave this mansion. The first to leave was a boy about Junpei and Satsuki's age. He appeared to be sickly as he staggered a bit in his walk before regaining balance the further he was away from the mansion. The second to leave was a girl on her way to school, dignified in her walk as she took a ride at the back of a black vehicle that had been called here beforehand. They were siblings apparently, the only members of their family to be living in this family-owned estate.
There were other residents living here. Two were housemaids. One an associate of the recently deceased head of the family. And lastly, the eccentric doctor herself.
As if thinking of the woman would be enough to summon her, the door into the attic was slammed open. "Hiiii! Good Mooorning!"
Dr. Arach announced herself with as much energy as before, as if caffeine runs through her veins instead of blood. "And how is my favorite patient doing today? Any aches? Bleeding? Or maybe there's some damage we haven't seen yet? Somewhere you need me to inspect closely?"
Mahito was about fifty percent sure the woman wasn't human. She certainly wasn't normal if she could see Mahito and casually walk up to the cursed spirit without a second thought to her own life, or has a reason to not show any worry. The doctor honestly reminded Mahito of Geto, though Geto at least had some composure as opposed to this woman.
She was also kind of a pervert. In a sadistic flirt sort of way.
"I had some free time after skipping work," the woman nonsensically stated as she made her way over to the seated Mahito by the window. "I managed to bring in an extra cup of tea from maid-chan. Extra spoonfuls of sugar, my fellow sweet-tooth enjoyer!"
Dr. Arach handed Mahito the second cup of tea as she slumps down on another chair in front of the cursed spirit. Holding her teacup in one hand.
"Anyway, I'm sure you've already seen for yourself. Our beloved Matriarch-chan left for school today, so feel free to leave if you feel well-rested enough."
"I see. Thanks for looking after me," Mahito said as he observed the teacup in his hand, shrugged, and then took a sip from it. "Although, I'm still wondering why you decided to help me. The fact that you saw everything that happened last night, you're not even the least bit worried? Or are you confident in your own strength?"
"Oh don't be such a meathead! You'd be far more attractive if you don't focus on 'strengths'." The doctor merely said as she took a single gulp of her sweetened tea. A loud smack of the wooden arm of her chair, she let out a happy cry. "Ahhhh! That hits the spot perfectly! I just felt like stepping in and giving you a hand. There's a kinship between us. I can tell just by looking at you. You're still exploring yourself. Reaching new heights. And you're only going to get better from here. Oooooh. Just thinking about it makes me shiver with excitement. Gehee hee!"
"So... curiosity, basically," Mahito summarized, drinking his tea.
"Sure! Why not? Mostly fascination. To think that a curse like you, built on human animosity, could fight so well as you did..." Arach beamed brightly as her wild eyes focused on the cursed spirits. "It's astounding! Humans truly are amazing!"
It was something unique for Mahito to come across an 'inhuman?' who seemed to have an appreciation for humans. Although, Mahito could tell that her way of appreciating is anything but good. "Hmm. You're certainly a strange one. Although..."
He thought back to his time with Junpei and Satsuki, their elevation in power, with Satsuki especially taking the lead. "...You are right that there are some interesting humans out there."
Mahito is sure that if Jogo heard this, the volcanic curse would have probably started a fight.
"Not just some. Believe me, one day, you'll find all humans to be something special. Also, I take offense in being called strange! I prefer the term eccentric. Lovely. Ten out of Ten. I could go on," Dr. Arach sets down the tea at a nearby dusty table. "Now, why don't I have one last look of you before you leave?"
"Sure. I should get going soon, before Geto starts wondering where I am," Mahito said as he finished drinking his tea and stands up. He removed his fixed shirt with ease, showing his stitched body and muscles.
The doctor stood up as well and approached Mahito. From underneath her coat, she pulled out a stethoscope and started examining, touching, Mahito's body. Her fingers tracing along the lines of his abs. "Mmm. Mhmmm~! Very nice. Very nice! Whoever made you is an exceptional artist! Your curse energy should also be back to full by now."
She then presented herself in front of Mahito, showing her bare chest to the cursed spirit, daring him to put his hand on her. "Would you like to try it out on me?"
"No way. You're making it weird," Mahito shot down the doctor as he puts back on his shirt. He also can't help but feel it was some kind of trap, or maybe the doctor was just that much of a masochist. Kind of like the two serial killers Geto and Mahito came across and has since recruited despite their humanity - albeit twisted by society's standards.
Dr. Arach pouted at Mahito's tone before shrugging it off and putting away her stethoscope. "How sad that we must part so soon. C'est la vie. Go. Go. Go! And reach new heights that will burst you out from your cocoon and into a wonderful hornet. Just be sure to watch out for spiders~."
Mahito waved at the doctor and opened the window. "...By the way. This mansion..."
Mahito looked back at the doctor. She tilted her head curiously at the curse, her everlasting smile still on her face. "Hm? What?"
"...No. Never mind," Mahito decided to not bring it up, and climbed through the open window.
"Well alright then! If you ever need any medical attention, or even a place to crash and hide from the 'police', feel free to stop by. I'll be sure to keep you a secret from Matriarch-chan."
"I'll keep that in mind," Mahito then bid the oddball of a doctor with a wave of his hand and hopped down from the third story window. Landing easily onto the stone walkway of the front entrance. "Thanks for the patch up doc!"
He gives one final wave at the kookie doctor as he started walking away from the mansion. "...This place..."
He turned his head back to look at the estate one last time. "...It kind gives me the creeps."
"-You have to be a desperate idiot to be in love with your murderer."
Yuji dried his wet hair with a quick rub of the towel as he looked into the bathroom mirror, ignoring the open-mouth grin of the curse in his cheek.
"It's all hugs and kisses until she goes for your heart again. Which of us will be in control when that happens?"
Yuji finished tending to his hair with the free products given by the hotel and puts on the nice, silk white bathrobe, concealing the claw-mark scars on his shoulders.
"Don't call her a murderer around her," Yuji warned with a stoic expression, and he stepped out of the bathroom.
He hears the popcorn ready in the beeping microwave. Ciel was not in the living room, and he hears her voice in the bedding area. "Yuji-kun! Could you bring the popcorn and come over here?"
"Yeah! Give me one sec!" Yuji found a bowl in the cabinet and used it to pour in two bags of popcorn. Although they had curry this morning, it wouldn't hurt to have a snack for their movie marathon. Plus, Yuji and Ciel were big eaters as it is. He brought the bowl of popcorn over to where Ciel was at, finding her sitting on the two separate beds that were pressed together.
"Oh my. You look like you're worth a million bucks," Ciel puts on the charms with that winning smile of hers. Yuji felt himself blush and he chuckled. He joined her on the bed, sitting next to her as he sets down the bowl of popcorn on a silver tray between them.
"So what's up? Are we still watching a movie?"
"We are. In fact, take a look at this," Ciel shows a black remote in her hand and then pointed it at the ceiling, pressing a button.
A flat screen TV started to lower itself from the ceiling of the bedroom, and Yuji was completely wowed. "COOOOL! This really is a luxury hotel!"
Ciel was chipper to see Yuji's beaming reaction, intertwining her fingers together. "I had a feeling you'd react that way. I always love seeing you look so amazed at every little thing. It's just so adorable."
"Yeah?" Yuji asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're way cuter than me though. So what movie are we seeing?"
Ciel blushed slightly at Yuji's compliment before picking out a movie on the TV screen. "Well, it seemed like we were interested in seeing this one last night, so I'd figured we could watch Twilight."
"Alright. That sounds good," Yuji tossed one piece of popcorn into his mouth and started chewing. "Oh! I forgot about the drinks."
"No worries. I have them all right here," Ciel reached from the side of the bed and picked up the wine bottle and a fancy drinking glass from the floor. "Tada! I'm not much of a wine person, so I'll just be having soda."
The only time she ever drank wine was when Roa possessed her, and she resolved to never taste it again. But since Yuji really wanted to try it, Ciel bottled up her personal discomfort and decided to just "live in the moment." That's right. She can be cool too. She'll just have to keep in mind how much Yuji drinks, that's all.
"Sweet!" Yuji helped uncorked the wine bottle and started pouring the red liquid into the first glass. "Oh man. I hope I don't spill on anything. Heh heh. This is so cool. I never thought I'd be having this much fun in a rich hotel in all my life."
"If it makes you this happy, I should break into places like this more often," Ciel japed with a little laugh, though was also serious.
Yuji smiled at her, though how Ciel phrased her statement caught his attention. "Are you having fun too?"
"Oh yes! Absolutely! This may not be something I'm used to, but anywhere with you is always bound to be more fun than I would have expected," Ciel smiled cheerfully. "I just felt like spoiling you today. It's the least I can do to make up for my awful behavior yesterday."
"No. That's..." Yuji was surprised to hear that. He started thinking deeper as to what all this really meant. Staying at a hotel like this for free. The wine bottle. Ciel was still trying to lift Yuji's spirits after everything that happened.
His smile softened, and he sets aside the wine glass on the nightstand beside him. He scooted closer to Ciel and wrapped his arms around her figure. Ciel was surprised, and she noticed Yuji's change in behavior, from excitement and joy to something a little more relaxed as he laid down in bed with her. "Yuji-kun?"
"You don't have to feel bad about that," Yuji said with a gentle expression. He placed his gloved hand against Ciel's cheek, pushing the short strands of her blue hair behind her ear. "Really. I know you didn't mean it. You also don't have to go this far just to make me feel happy. Being with you is the happiest I've ever been."
He smiled widely, his eyes shimmering with adoration that made Ciel's heart flutter. "Next time, let's go somewhere you want to go. That curry restaurant was really good. You should take me to see more of your favorite places here in Tokyo. I know it'll be fun, and... that way, I can get to know you a little more too."
Ciel's face was flushed at Yuji's proposition. She looked down to avoid his eyes, unable to hide her happiness and embarrassment at how happy she felt hearing that. She miscalculated, though, as she instantly saw Yuji's pecks through his silky bathrobe, and she blushed even harder.
Yuji softly laughed at her reaction. He removed his hand from her warm cheek and touched underneath her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his again.
"H-Hold on!" Ciel covered her blushing face with her hands. "I-I don't want you to see me like this..."
"Awww. But I like seeing you," Yuji playfully said, moving closer to her. "Come on. Just a peak?"
He kissed the back of her hand, and Ciel quietly squealed.
"I'll keep doing this until I do~" He planted more kisses on her hands. Every kiss of his sending sparks throughout Ciel's body as she tried her best to withstand his affection. "I mean, that's what a 'lover' does, right?"
"You...!" Ciel lowered her hands and balled them into fists, wanting to gently pound at the sorcerer again. Letting her guard down, Yuji quickly dove in and kissed her lips. "Mmph!"
Ciel shuts her eyes closed, feeling the immediate ecstasy of Yuji's sweet kiss. Her heart pounded in her chest as she felt Yuji's silky bathrobe, where nothing but his trunks remained underneath. His hug around her tightened, and she could feel him scooting nearer-
*clink!*
The wine bottle on the tray toppled over and spilled red liquid onto the bed. Yuji and Ciel immediately parted from their kiss to look at the mess.
"Oh crap!" Yuji lets go of Ciel and picked up the bottle. There was a small puddle of wine that stained the white bed, along with his bathrobe. "Uh oh. I really hope I don't have to pay for this..."
"It's alright," Ciel puts Yuji at ease as she placed her hand over the puddle. "Look. See?"
With a little use of magic in her hand, the stain began to fade away. Yuji watched in absolute amazement as the puddle disappeared completely, as if the wine never spilled. "It's gone!"
"Yes," Ciel said. "I happen to be very good at covering my tracks. So don't worry, any mess we make, I can clean up afterwards."
"Ohh," Yuji said impressed. Now that he thought about it, Ciel did clean up Yumizuka's hideout last night, including all the blood that was there. Man. She really can do everything. I better step up if I want to get on her league.
"Now, for that robe of yours," Ciel's hand hovered over Yuji's hip, but then paused. A devious idea came to her, and she smiled with hidden intent. "Although..."
Yuji looked back at Ciel, curious to know what her expression meant as she suddenly leaned close to him. "I could just remove that robe myself."
"Eh?"
Ciel pushed the tray away and began to climb over to Yuji.
"Eh?! EH?!"
Yuji was compelled to follow Ciel's lead as she pressed her hand against his chest. He was pushed back onto the bed, her hand pinning him down as Ciel looked over at Yuji.
"W-Whoa whoa whoa!" Yuji blushed at the seductive look and proximity of Ciel. Her knee pressed between his thighs. S-So close!
He was suddenly conscious of the fact that he was only wearing his robe and his trunks, feeling very, very warm as Ciel's lips drew closer to his. Yuji's heart raced as he felt her other hand slip underneath his robe, and her fingers danced around his abs.
Are we...? Are we doing this? Right here?! In her nun outfit?!
His face went completely red as Yuji felt Ciel's fingers slide across his stomach, and he shut his eyes. "Eep!"
He sounded like a squeaky toy when he uttered that. Yuji could feel Ciel's breath over his lips, the slightest whimper emanated from his throat as he waited in anticipation for the kiss, and what might come after that.
"...You really want me to kiss you, huh?"
Yuji opened his eyes. He saw Ciel's teasing smile and eyes full of mischief. His face began to cool down as he registered Ciel's words, feeling her fingers removed from his abs.
"Ah."
He soon understood. She was just playing with him.
"M-Mean! You're so mean, Ciel!" Yuji's voice heighted as he said this.
Ciel couldn't help but giggle at his blushing face. "It's not so fun when you're being teased, now is it- kyah!"
Yuji's arms latched around Ciel's waist, and he pulled back onto the bed. His expression miffed and full of embarrassment as he looked at the captured girl in his arms. "That was too far."
He pressed his forehead against Ciel's shoulder. "Apologize."
"Oh? Are you mad at me?" Ciel asked as she started rubbing Yuji's head with her slightly glowing hands.
"Hmph!" Yuji only responded, which is to say yes. He fastened his arms around her as he hid his embarrassment into her neck.
Ciel blushed but still held her smile. "I suppose I might have teased you too much. I'm sorry. Please don't be angry."
Her fingers stroked through Yuji's pink hair as she gently pressed her mouth against his head, "What can I do to make it up to you?"
Yuji adjusted his head, kissing against Ciel's shoulder. "Hmm..."
He thought about it, and then eventually came to one request in his heart as he snuggled up to Ciel. The girl blushed some more at the warmth of his body against hers.
"…Stay with me," Yuji said. It sounded a little unreasonable when he said it out loud, and he wanted to take it back. But he also wondered how Ciel would respond, to see if she would like that as much as he would.
"Oh…?" Ciel thought over Yuji's request. She was honestly flattered and debated it for a moment. Hugging Yuji with the press of her hand behind his head, she ultimately came to a decision.
"…Alright. I'll stay here with you."
Yuji was surprised. He pulled back to see Ciel's face. "Really? What about school?"
"I won't go," Ciel only answered, smiling so warmly as she caressed Yuji's cheek. "I was only going to pick up a few things anyway, but I'm sure I can get them later. I'll be moving to Jujutsu High anyhow. Might as well not go to my old school anymore."
Ciel softly grasped Yuji's jawline under his ears as she looked at him tenderly. "And besides, I want to spend every moment with you. I never, ever, want to be apart from you."
Yuji's eyes light up at her words. A slow grin appearing on his face. He looked down at Ciel's lips and moved closer, pressing his lips against hers. Ciel closed her eyes and accepted the kiss. Her thumb stroking the side of Yuji's face.
"…mmmm…" Yuji breathed out. He pushed a little more and Ciel sighed, pulling his head towards her.
They held for about a minute before breaking the kiss and stared into each other's eyes. Yuji's soft brown gaze shimmered with delight. The admiration and adoration in his expression made Ciel's heart skip a beat. He leaned his forehead against hers, closing his eyes briefly. "Can I call you my girlfriend?"
Ciel's heart danced hearing that. Feeling shy by his request, she nodded. "Y-Yes. You… You may."
It certainly sounded better than referring to each other as "lovers." This way… they were official.
Yuji smiled, and he pushed his lips into Ciel's again. "Mm."
He pulled back slightly and did it again. "Mm."
Ciel's chest bubbled with happiness. Sighing under every dip of his kiss again and again. Her hands trailed down to his neck, holding him there as her body etched closer to his.
"Mmm…!" Ciel gasped when Yuji pushed his mouth deeper. His arms tightened around her. Her chest pressed against his, until they could feel each other's heartbeats. She kissed back, her thumb rubbing the side of Yuji's neck, almost tickling him.
Yuji giggled slightly and loosened his hold of her. Afraid that he'll retreat, Ciel's arm wrapped around the back of Yuji's neck, but he hadn't planned on going anywhere. He held her arms and gently moved her until she was lying on her back. Ciel's heartbeat quickened. Her cheeks turned red as she saw Yuji's adoring gaze. It took her back to that moment when she found Yuji staring on top of her after she woke up from Mahito's attack. And she was embarrassed how her body reacted then, when Yuji was so close to her. Now, it was happening again. It was like an ache that she couldn't hold back, her heart craving for him as her glowing hand touched the side of Yuji's face.
Yuji appreciated her for a moment, wondering what he did in this life to get such a wonderful, beautiful girl. And just his type too (like seriously, she's got the body of a model!). She was everything he could dream of, and he was going to make sure that she knows just how much he appreciated her being here. He realized then that, when he saw her slowly open her eyes that night at Ieiri's clinic, Yuji wanted to kiss Ciel right then and there. Happy beyond words to see her stirring, like he was afraid she wasn't ever going to wake up.
He really hoped that creep of a curse inside him wasn't watching all of this. Yuji refused to let that guy have this view, and he hoped that Ciel's magic wards in her hands did more than just keep the King of Curses quiet. But whether Sukuna was watching or not, Yuji didn't care, he wasn't going to let anybody ruin this moment.
Yuji positioned himself and hugged Ciel on top of her. His arms holding himself up against the bed and making sure Ciel had enough room to breathe. The back of her head rested against the pillow. He wanted her to be absolutely comfortable.
He saw Ciel gulp a bit, nervous but also excited. Yuji chuckled softly, feeling the exact same way as she did.
He lowered his head and met her lips again, kissing her softly at first before going deeper. Ciel held her breath for a moment, and then let out a soft moan. It made Yuji so happy. She's so cute. I love her…
They shared breaths and quiet gasps between their kisses. Ciel removed her arm from behind Yuji neck, her hands slid down from his shoulders until stopping just above Yuji's pecks. Yuji sighed under the feel of her, unconsciously kissing her a little harder. Ciel gasped a little more and kissed him back with the same vigor.
He quickly pulled away, his breath grazing her mouth as he said to her. "Let me know if it's too much, okay?"
Ciel's eyes glittered as Yuji gave her a little kiss, as if to console her. He was so sweet. And so gentle. Ciel wondered why in the world did she managed to get such an amazing and kind person as this.
"Mm. I will," she answered, breathing softly as she looked down at his chest. Her expression of pleasure diminishing a bit.
Yuji caught onto this quick, his smile dropped, and he etched closer to her, "What's up?"
"No. It's…" Ciel hesitated. Her hand picked up and she grasped Yuji's cheek again, her thumb stroking against his skin. "…Are you really okay with this? With me, I mean."
An executor, someone who had already killed Yuji once. And who plans to do so again, even though it was getting harder and harder for her to commit to her role now.
"Mm! It's definitely okay with me," Yuji immediately answered, wanting to assure her right away. "You don't need to worry about me. I really, really do like you, Ciel. I think… no matter what, whether we met at any other point in our life…"
Yuji stared at Ciel's face. He puts up his gloved hand and grasped her cheek. Feeling the warmth there. Ciel closed her eyes as she felt his touch, and blushed deeply when Yuji gently moved her head to look at him.
"I would have liked you. No matter what. I'd want to get to know you." Yuji said. His eyes softening. "I'm really glad I got to meet you. It doesn't matter to me how, or what you do, I…"
He started to blush, and he drew his head closer to her. Their foreheads touched, and he suddenly looked just as sheepish as Ciel was right now.
"…I would have fallen for you, hard. Because you're just so amazing. You're brave. You're smart. And you're really kind."
He closed his eyes and went in for another kiss. Ciel's eyes widened before shutting them close to feel his lips, gripping the front of his robe tightly. Kissing her for several seconds, he pulled back, his lips still hovering close to hers as he looked into her light blue eyes.
"It's probably gonna sound dumb for me to say it, but…" He smiled warmly, "You're pretty much my type. I'm so happy we met that day on the train. Thank you so much for stopping by just to talk to me."
Ciel was speechless, unable to find the words that could describe her feelings and the richness of Yuji's words, and he kissed her again. Her heart flourished as she wrapped her arms around Yuji's neck, pulling him in.
I don't deserve you. She thought. I don't deserve those sweet words. But…
She felt Yuji's hands caress her shoulders, one hand sliding underneath her head, his fingers between her blue hair, a wonderful rub that made Ciel want to fall asleep under his touch.
No matter what it takes, Ciel promised in her heart. I'll protect that side of you. And make sure you won't ever end up like me.
Their thoughts gradually stopped, and they simply felt each other's existence without any more worries towards the rest of the world.
"Hey! Shiki! The hell you spacing out for?" The red-haired teen Arihiko waved in front of the spectacled student's face.
In a classroom of Souya Metropolitan High, Shiki Tohno blinked at Arihiko's intrusion of his deep pondering. He sighed, looking back at the annoying classmate and self-asserted friend. "Can't a guy mull in peace? Why don't you go bother your favorite senpai instead?"
Shiki ushered with a wave of his hand to shoo away the bothersome teen.
"Huh? Who's that?" Arihiko asked, completely clueless. "You'd think I'd be talking to you if someone like that was around?"
Shiki frowned at Arihiko. "What are you…?"
Shiki stopped as he considered Arihiko's words. Or, more so, he reconsidered his own words.
Huh… Who was I talking about?
Shiki tried to think back. He could have sworn there had been another person who would stop by his class sometimes. Someone who smiled a lot and always checked up on him and Arihiko, and up until recently, Satsuki as well. But no matter how much Shiki thought about it, he can't seem to recall their face, let alone the name of this 'Senpai'.
"Huh… I might have misspoke," Shiki said. "I probably meant Noel-sensei. Although, I haven't seen her around school lately..."
Their time in the hallway after school hours will forever leave an impression on Shiki of that strange, cherry-haired woman.
"Oh. Yeah. I heard she got transferred all of a sudden. She'll be going to some girl school in Tokyo from now on. Don't know which one though," Arihiko said. He then slapped Shiki's shoulder. "So! You up for eating lunch with me at the cafeteria today?"
Shiki looked at the 'pest' he called a friend, and then shrugged his shoulders. "Mm. Sure. I've nothing better to do."
He decided to push away this odd feeling in his chest and stood up from his desk. He joined Arihiko as they started walking out into the hallway. As the boys chatted, Shiki still can't help but feel he was forgetting something, but seeing as how he can't pull it out of his memories, he decided that it probably wasn't anything important.
Yuji took a sip of the wine glass, holding it in a way he's seen rich people do as he and Ciel watched the horrible acting presented on the flat screen TV. His arm around her shoulder as Ciel took a sip of the orange soda can. Ciel looked up and regarded Yuji for a moment, her eyes softening as she rested her head against his chest.
By now, everyone at Souya High should have forgotten about me.
Anyone who endured her suggestion spell for a lengthy period of time would have a permanent effect, leading them to feel convinced that she had been part of their memories without her having to keep up the spell. So Ciel had to cast another suggestion spell, leading everyone at school to forget her existence entirely. Both Ciel and Mario were able to confirm that Shiki was not Roa's host after a month of Roa's activities had already passed. This leads them to consider their one and only other suspect: Akiha Tohno.
Noel would have to take care of monitoring Akiha herself. Ciel has a strong feeling that someone like Akiha - a reserve, sharp-tongue, and perceptive young woman would be able to see through Ciel's disguise regardless of how deceptive it was. Her suspicion was not unfounded as there was a point in the last month that Ciel decided to observe Akiha Tohno from afar. But even from a distant, the daughter of the Tohno family was an observant girl. Even though Akiha couldn't pinpoint who had been watching her, it nonetheless proved that she would not be as easy to approach as Shiki Tohno had been. However, someone as normal as Noel would not pose too much attention or questions.
In the meantime, Ciel has another task she must adhere to. Since the undead and curses have been gathering together quite frequently, it stands to reason that Roa may show himself somewhere within Jujutsu Sorcerer territory, and to uncover that, Ciel will have to integrate herself into Jujutsu High. This way, she'll not only have a better chance at finding Roa, but Ciel would also be able to continue monitoring Yuji.
Ciel closed her eyes as she simply felt and enjoyed Yuji's presence behind her. Her fingers caressing his arm that was secured around her chest, making her feel at ease in a way she had never felt before. She felt Yuji kiss on top of her head, and she smiled widely, completely content.
Through life, and in death, I'll follow you everywhere, Yuji-kun.
Ciel resolved herself with this decision as she plucked another piece of popcorn from the bowl.
A/N: Chapters might come stagnant, depends on how much I want to post the next one. My final week of my last class is also here, so wish me luck as I hopefully get to finally graduate and get my first Bachelor's Degree! Yay!
Thank you all SO much for the 15,000 views and 90 Followers. I love you all! And as we're in the midst of an epic battle in the manga, and Jujutsu Kaisen anime approaching its impending Shibuya Incident Arc that's going to shatter so many people's hearts, let's all enjoy this moment of bliss between our two characters: Ciel and Yuji.
I know a lot of people are wondering when Arcueid is going to show up. The thing is, Tengen's barrier is hiding Roa's presence without meaning to, so as of this moment, the Princess of the True Ancestors is still asleep. Not only that, but Tengen's barrier is also having an effect on a lot of the vampires in Japan, creating a stagnation of their movements so to speak...
So! This might be the last time we'll have a Shiki Tohno cameo for a while, until Ciel's attention ultimately turns back to him should things with Akiha don't go as expected.
Next chapter will be about Ciel's interview! Do you think she has what it takes? Will Yaga accept an executor into his school? Will Gojo turn Ciel into a student of Jujutsu Sorcery? Will Ciel remain adamant in refusing to use her magical powers? Find out next time on: Jujutsu Executor!
Please leave me your reviews. I live for them. See ya!
P.S. I've been getting a few new ideas regarding more Jujutsu Kaisen x Tsukihime fics. One following a route that involves Arcuied a lot sooner. Having Yuji take a role in Ciel's Route of the Near Side. His interactions with Shiki Tohno. More suggestive commentary between Sukuna and Ciel (I'm not very good at this though so don't hold your breaths. I like pure romance between pure characters I'm sorry). Possibly deviating from the JJK and Tsukihime canon storyline, and so on and so on.
Another story idea involves Junpei and Satsuki being alive. Ciel being founded by Gojo (or maybe even Geto?) after she endured endless executions by the Holy Church. Maybe Ciel gets transported to JJK after some smartass (or mischievous vampire?) decided to use the Jeweled Sword of Zelretch on her XD in one of her execution/experiments.
Honestly, the more I read and write Ciel/Elesia, the more I realized she's been done dirty in Tsukihime. I find her very interesting when she stands alone but not so much when she's a romantic interest to Shiki (Ciel's my favorite character and I'm a ShikixArc stan), especially while he's driven for Arcueid in Ciel's own route in both the Original and Remake, which I've read a lot of people complain about too.
I get why Shiki would be in love with Arc - we all love Arcueid! But come on. And that's not even bringing up the "Good" Ending of Ciel's Route in Original Tsukihime. So that's why I'm wondering what it'd be like if I put in Yuji into the equation. Imagine if Shiki's the one who ended up being jealous when Roa starts possessing him, heh heh.
There's a lot of potential with this crossover, but I might not get around to them unless they're like one-shots or don't require as much focus. So let me know what you guys think. That's about it, take care!
Update:
SonofCain - huh! I'm thoroughly surprised! I guess that makes sense since we rarely seen Sukuna's use of poison aside from the immunity - which is really Yuji's immunity. I'll go ahead and fix that, otherwise, Ciel might just call Sukuna that herself out of irony. 'Man is the king of poison because of how toxic he is.' Also yeah it does feel a bit rushed. It's my first time writing a romantic scene but even though Ciel and Yuji did get a little 'frisky' last night, they did survive a pretty intense ordeal so their feelings kind of took over a bit. I should dial it back at least the last part of their romance section for this chapter. Although I imagine Yuji wanting to have a little bit of fun before his impending execution, and Ciel wanting to make his last days on earth as special as possible, Yuji did say he'll take things slow and Ciel is self conscious of herself. I have an idea about Yuko Ozawa, she deserves just as much happiness even if it is gonna be heartbreaking when she finds out about Yuji getting a girlfriend in this fic. Anyway, I'll go ahead and make these changes. Thanks!