A/N: Hi everybody! (I need to figure out a new greeting...)

Anyway, I thought I'd point out a few things. This story is still somewhat a draft so it's not the final version. Luckily, this platform allows editing chapters so to those who might be thinking that some chapters differ from what they read the first time around... yup, there are changes in almost every chapter. The latest chapters (chapters 10 and onward) are less likely to get changed as I'm getting a clearer idea of how this story is supposed to look. Some had major changes, others not so much. I didn't want to point this out because I think it's unnecessary but since I'm invested in this story (far too much), I'd like to be honest about my creative process.

Most of the changes had to do with the portrayal of the characters, mainly Liv and Gojo, as well as Shoko. I intended for Liv to be similar to Gojo but still different however she was turning out more romantic and sappy which I didn't intend for her to be. Also, I initially went with playboy Gojo but after some thinking, I changed my mind and opted for something else. As for Shoko, I realized I've been writing her way out of character so I fixed that up too.

I'm interested in how you feel about Gojo's character. I know the community is painting him as a hoe, serial flirt, and even a monster. I think that's a major disservice to his character. Still, everyone is entitled to their opinion so I'd like to hear yours!

Hope you'll like this chapter!

Cursed Love

~ Heartless Woman ~

October 2016.

The Shuuin Manor has never seemed so inviting and homey as it is this morning. The morning sun peaks through the curtains, casting a beautiful golden hue over the wooden floors and furniture. The backyard of the Manor glistened under the sunlight, the colors of the trees and grass vibrant as they swayed gently under the breeze. There is a certain scent of dew permeating the insides of the house, making the scenery even more tranquil.

It is strange, in a way. Liv avoided the place like a plague as a child. With so much blood and tragedy seeping into its very soil, it's hard to feel at ease in such a place. The discomfort with the Manor persisted into her adulthood as well. If someone had told me I'd have a sleepover at the Manor, she thinks to herself as she's looking at her husband drinking his coffee. I'd probably spit in their face and laugh. She almost chuckles at the irony of the whole situation - her freedom just within her grasp at the place that symbolizes the chains that bound her and still bind her.

Her eyes are fixed on the man that could offer her freedom. She shouldn't rely on a single man for her happiness. You've been down that road before. However, she is certain this time around, she'll be rid of her golden chains - once and for all.

"What's the plan after I return?" Satoru suddenly asks, finishing his mug of coffee.

Liv puts her mug down as she turns to him. "You will meet the Great Mother. If all goes according to plan, she will judge you worthy and will revoke the Vow."

"You make it sound so easy," he laughs as he glances at her sideways. "Come on, tell me the truth. We said no more secrets."

She bites her lower lip, somewhat hesitant with her response. The Great Mother of the Shuuin is a fickle creature. Aside from the fact that she's been kicking around for well over a millennium, she's a woman from a completely different time. At the peak of jujutsu sorcery, the Heian Era bore some of the most powerful sorcerers in history. It was a time of fear, bloodshed, and constant fighting between sorcerers and curses. That world is the birthplace of the Great Mother.

"You are the first outsider to meet her so she'll probably throw a fit," Liv says with uncertainty in her voice. "Anything from a screaming contest to an outpour of aggression is a possible reaction."

"I can handle it," he smirks. "I mean, no one likes a stark-raging woman but I'll manage. I'm the strongest."

"I have no doubts that you will," Liv agrees, quirking her head to the side. "Still, we'll have to do this my way."

He pouts. "This is like the higher-ups meeting all over again."

She sighs. "I know and I'm sorry but we have to be careful around her."

"I thought you needed my help with this," he tries not to pout. "Seems like you're just ordering me around."

He frowns and Liv notices how his stubbornness is acting up. Satoru dislikes being told what to do. Charms of being spoiled rotten, she notes with a hint of disdain. She knows she's testing his patience by being adamant about the whole situation. While she's not backing down on this matter, she understands his frustrations - she felt them once as well. Luckily, he doesn't need any further convincing as he sighs then nods in agreement but says little else.

"Thank you," she says quietly and claps her hands in a praying manner before bowing to him in gratitude.

Satoru simply waves her off as he leans forward to reach for her empty mug. Realizing what he's trying to do, she swats his hand away. He stares at her, completely taken by surprise. She stares back, her brows furrowed as she grabs her empty mug and takes his out of his hand as well.

"You get ready for work," she says calmly, standing up. "I'll handle the dishes."

His lips slowly stretch into a smirk. "You settled into this lifestyle of a dutiful wife quickly."

She keeps her cool as she says, "You're a guest in this house, Satoru. I'm being polite."

The shit-eating grin that appears on his face afterward makes her wish to throw both mugs at his head but she merely rolls her eyes as she leaves for the kitchen.

Around 09:00, Liv and Satoru leave the Manor with their bags in tow. With Satoru heading straight for his mission in Fukushima, he is dressed in his uniform while Liv is wearing a casual tan outfit and black ankle boots. The mission was assigned to him two days before the wedding. He threw a fit at first, saying how they're robbing him of a wedding night (Liv rolled her eyes at the comment). Expectedly, Satoru didn't want to do it and Liv also didn't want to see him leave right after the wedding. She was hoping to have him meet the Great Mother after the wedding day. However, there are reports of strange disturbances in Fukushima which could be caused by a curse user rather than a random curse. The predicament of the situation is eerie and Liv reasoned with her husband that perhaps it's better to settle the matter now.

"Curses don't leave the places they're born at," she said, "but curse users can disappear at a moment's notice. Time is of the essence."

As such, Satoru didn't fight with the higher-ups and begrudgingly went along with their orders.

"We could've gone for a picnic or something since the weather is so nice," Satoru says somewhat apologetically and though she can't see his eyes, she knows he means it sincerely.

She shakes her head in response, responding jokingly, "Nonsense, I understand. Besides, I'm not a needy wife. I can survive without you for a week or two."

"I was trying to be considerate and you ruined it again," he lifts his blindfold briefly so she can see him roll his eyes dramatically. "Heartless woman."

Liv chuckles. "Big baby."

Satoru teases her back, "I'll text and call you every day for that insult."

"Please don't," she pleads half-teasingly and he chuckles as well.

The main road comes into view where Liv has her car parked on the parking space next to the sidewalk. Behind her vehicle is Ijichi who seemingly arrived early. He's waiting patiently next to the sleek black Toyota, his spectacles high on his nose, and his face and posture are neutral. She shakes her head, smiling at the man in a suit.

"Is it just me," she asks teasingly, "or does Ijichi look much older than he is?"

Satoru hums in response. "He's excellent at what he does but sometimes he just can't take the pressure."

"He needs time off," she corrects her husband.

Satoru agrees. "We are understaffed though and there's a lot of work so no time off just yet."

Liv knows he's not referring just to Ijichi but doesn't comment on it. Instead, she secretly gives him a pitiful look. As they reach the bottom of the staircase, they are approached by Ijichi. The man, whom Liv knows as a kind and professional, but anxious person, offers a gentle smile and a bow as a greeting.

"Liv-san," Ijichi says. "I hope you're well."

"Hello there, Ijichi," she says before returning the gesture. "It's been a while - well, not counting the reception."

Ijichi chuckles sheepishly. "Forgive me. We haven't had the chance to talk at the time."

"Don't worry about it, it's fine," she waves it off but her tone is too serious to be understood as a joke.

The manager bows again, this time apologetically. "Apologies, I should've at least greeted you properly at the reception."

Oh for the love of - "It's fine, it's fine. Just stop - that, whatever."

She glances at Satoru and Ijichi stops his apologizing as Satoru gives him his luggage to have it dropped in the back of the car.

"It shouldn't take me longer than a week to finish this mission," Satoru says. "I'll bring back some souvenirs."

She scoffs, crossing her arms. "If it ends up being another keychain, then don't bother. You sent me at least twelve over the years."

He smirks and he comes closer, leaning in. For a moment, she thinks he'll kiss her on the cheek. Ijichi seems to have the same idea so he turns his head around, giving them privacy. Instead of his lips touching her skin, she feels his hot breath next to her ear.

"Don't do anything stupid," he whispers. "They're still watching us."

She smirks. "Aww, you do have a heart."

"I'm serious, Liv," his voice is low as he mutters into her ear. "Please."

Liv is silent for a moment before she nods subtly. "Since you said 'please'."

He hums and takes her right hand, pressing a long kiss on the knuckle where her rings are. I forgot how soft his lips are. She tries not to laugh at the gesture; they're putting on a show after all and they both must look the part. With that said, she musters a soft smile for her husband though the slight tint on her cheeks is genuine.

"I'm off, darling," he says with his usual grin.

She nods. "See you later, dearest."

Satoru turns to Ijichi and the man immediately opens the back door for the sorcerer. Before he gets inside the car, Satoru lingers for a few seconds. It is a silent reminder to her to heed his warnings and when she nods in reassurance, he nods back and sits on the back seat. She watches as Ijichi closes the door and walks around the car toward the driver's seat. He offers a curt bow once more which she returns. A short moment later, the car's lights flash and she moves to the side as they drive by. She waves at them and for a brief moment, she catches Satoru lifting his blindfold just enough for his eye to peek through. Whether it is to alleviate his worries or to assuage hers, she's uncertain but she decides not to think much of it.

Instead, she throws her bag into the back of her car and the engine roars as she heads toward the penthouse.

Liv sits on the couch, the penthouse view over Roppongi somewhat bland.

She was impressed when she initially moved in two weeks ago. The glamour, the luxury, and the design of the place seem attractive but as time goes on, she has grown bored of it. There's barely any decoration or memorabilia, which strikes her as odd as Satoru enjoys shopping for nicknacks and idiocies. This ain't home, she concludes. Maybe a man cave if you shut one eye and imagine mess everywhere you look.

A sigh escapes her lips as she slides further down the seat, her neck and back now bending at an uncomfortable angle. I'm bored, she thinks to herself as she stares at the panorama ahead. With the wedding over, she has no obligations whatsoever - at least, until her husband returns. Liv figures she might as well enjoy the penthouse. After all, Satoru will be gone for a week, she sniggers to herself. Shopping spree without Satoru's whining? Bring it on. Painting all day atop the building's roof? Why not? Filling the bathroom with bubbles while music is turned up to max? Hell yes.

So, she does just that. On the day of Satoru's departure, she fills the bathroom with bubbles and turns up her favorite jazz playlist to the max. Feeling extra classy, she makes herself an arrangement of cheeses and grapes, accompanied by a bottle of white wine.

"This is a high life," she giggles as she takes a sip of her wine and bites a grape off its stem.

As the numbers play, Liv starts humming to the tune, letting her voice boom inside the bathroom. As she sings, she lifts her legs and flexes her feet. A smile adorns her lips as she runs her left hand across the shin, knee, and thigh, admiring the softness of her skin. Her hand then trails up her collarbone and the side of her neck.

"God is a woman," she mutters, lowering her shoulders into the foamy water.

Her eyes close as she enjoys the solitude of the penthouse to the fullest. If Satoru was here, she'd never enjoy her time in the bathroom as much. Chances are that he'd interrupt her for some stupid reason. She doubts he'd full-on burst into the bathroom. She wouldn't be shocked if he did but she likes to think of him as honorable if not polite. Nevertheless, if there is ever a time for her to pamper herself, it is definitely when she's alone.

The day after, Liv makes a quick trip to an art store to buy a small easel and some acrylic paints. Once she's back from shopping, she dresses in her painting attire: a torn shirt and equally torn jeans. Her initial idea was to go barefoot to the rooftop but she changed her mind when the wind picked up shortly after she set up her workstation. Instead, she carries her easel and painting material back inside the penthouse. Shame, she thinks as the view is rather different than what she usually looks at from the living room in the penthouse. It is more vast and more grand than she ever envisioned Roppongi to be.

She puts down a large cut of cloth in the living room before she sets down the easel. Pouring herself a cup of bourbon that Satoru previously bought for her, she goes through her phone before she finds an ambiance playlist that she likes. Sitting down on the floor, she starts randomly mixing the colors. After fifteen minutes, she finds an array of pale blues, lilacs, and brown greys. She chuckles to herself. The palette reminds her of the Gojo Estate, particularly in winter. With the palette ready and an idea clear in her mind, she makes a quick sketch on the canvas before she starts painting.

As a Shuuin, Liv has a natural proclivity for the arts. While she was taught to forge weapons at a young age, she enjoyed painting and music far more. Color theory, different mediums, art styles, and history - it is her passion and her outlet. Music, on the other hand, is something she picked up over the years. She has a good voice or so she's told. She doesn't care whether it's true or not - she just enjoys singing and playing instruments. Her mother allowed her to take classes in piano and guitar. The lessons are some of the fondest memories she has from childhood.

Hours pass quickly as she paints in peace, her mind empty save for a few random, stupid thoughts here and there. Should I wash my hair? Did I clean the bathroom? I'm hungry. My leg is cramping. Even as the sun sets, Liv keeps on painting well after midnight. She falls asleep on the floor while silently promising herself to finish the painting at a later date.

On the third day of Satoru's absence, she is deciding between going out with Shoko or catching up with Nanami. I was out with Shoko already, she thinks to herself. I haven't seen Nanami in ages though. When she left Japan eight years ago, she felt regretful for not saying goodbye to the man. Fortunately, Shoko kept her updated on the goings on at the school while she was abroad. She's aware that Nanami is working as a sorcerer even though he quit after graduating. Out of all the sorcerers she has known from her time at Jujutsu High, Liv feels especially fond of Nanami. However, she wonders if he's still as fond of her as he had been all those years ago, despite her leaving as she did.

"Hopefully, he won't be too mad," she says her thoughts out loud.

Sitting in the kitchen, she scrolls through her contacts, looking for Shoko's number. Once she reads her name on the list, she opens a chat page before quickly typing a text message, asking her to send her Nanami's phone number. While she waits for the medic to reply, she sees Satoru's name suddenly pop up on the screen, followed by several messages.

From: Satoru Gojo

liv

liv

answer

liv

livlivlivlivlivliv

She doesn't manage to reply as he then calls her. She purposely takes a while to answer, bobbing her head to the ringtone. When she finally answers the call, she hears him whine from the other side.

"You're ignoring me," he says, the dramatic tone in his voice apparent. "Other wives pick up on the first ring."

"You have other wives?" she deadpans, inspecting her nails.

"Jealous, dearest?" he teases and she scoffs. "That's not nice."

"How's Fukushima?" she asks, changing the subject.

She hears a groan from the other side. "It's boring. Seriously, I should've flipped them off for this mission."

Liv chuckles. "That bad?"

"I don't know why I'm here, honestly," he continues to whine. "The dude is not even trying."

"Are you fighting him?" she asks and hears a loud crash from the other side. "I'll take that as a 'yes'."

"I was standing in front of his hideout for at least twenty minutes," he continues rambling. "The dude just stared at me."

Liv hums. "People stare at you all the time. Thought you're used to it by now."

"He's borderline ancient, Liv, it's creepy," he deadpans and she hears him say something along the lines of 'how old are you' to the curse user afterward.

"Maybe he's into younger men?" Liv asks innocently, stifling a giggle. "Take it as a compliment."

Satoru doesn't find it funny. "Your jokes are lame."

"You called me," she laughs. "What did you expect?"

"Better jokes," he also laughs.

Liv rolls her eyes, thinking the same about him. She then hears him say something else to the curse user, mentioning words such as 'honeymoon' and 'suntan'. She figures he's whining again about having to spend his time working right after getting married.

"Satoru," she sighs but there's a hint of laughter in her tone. "Stop bothering the old man. He's already getting beaten up."

She hears him scoff. "I don't concern myself with lesser men's worries."

He can hear her facepalming before groaning his name.

"Whatever," he says. "Anyway, I called to check up if everything is okay."

Liv clears her throat. "I'm still alive if that counts."

Satoru hums. "It's good enough for me."

Liv smiles. "Good. Now, focus on the mission."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it," he rambles dismissively. "See ya' soon?"

"Later, Satoru," she says.

He returns in kind and she hangs up, putting the phone down on the kitchen counter. For a while, she stares at her phone, feeling as if she wants to pick it up again and call him. It is strange to her because even as they've been separated for almost a decade, she never felt the urge to call him. Why now? she wonders as she leans on the kitchen counter, her eyes still on the device.

She reaches for it in the end but she doesn't call him. Instead, she sees Shoko's name on the screen and a phone number underneath her name.

Satoru stuffs his phone back into his pocket before sighing in relief.

"Thank goodness," he mutters as his gaze travels to the heavens.

He looks back at his adversary (he's being generous by calling the man his adversary). The old man is a capable sorcerer, average if Satoru's brief evaluation is of any importance. He's been throwing some curses around, though Satoru quickly deduced that the motive is the old man's insanity. Driven by the depravity of his life circumstances as a homeless person, he eventually began cursing people to vent his frustrations. His particular technique allowed him to create clones of himself as shikigami and then attack people in the area indiscriminately. He drew attention, though, and now he's dead, his miserable life over in some dark alley where he used to 'live'.

Truthfully, the Six Eyes wielder cares little about the curse user and more about the reasoning behind this mission. The higher-ups could've sent someone else, even a Grade Two sorcerer would have sufficed. Either they wanted Liv alone in Tokyo, he thinks to himself, or we're really understaffed. Nevertheless, he's glad the work's over with and he can go home earlier.

However, before he can leave, he sees something peculiar in the curse user's hand. He's clutching it firmly in his fist, holding onto it like a lifeline. Ironic, considering your current state, Satoru notes bitterly. He kneels and forces the man's fist open before taking the item. At first glance, it's just a piece of bloodied paper. As Satoru unfolds the parchment, he sees a strange red and intricate symbol on it. It seems like a runic scripture of some kind but it's unlike anything Satoru has seen before. It's not a talisman, he notes. Could be a seal of some kind but it looks foreign. The longer he looks at it, the stranger it appears to him.

"Must be important, though," he mutters to the dead man.

Satoru takes another close look at the runes, holding his chin between his fingers. He frowns as he tries to think of anything that might be familiar but he fails. I'll have to check this with an expert, he thinks to himself as he stands up and turns on his heel, leaving the corpse in a forgotten alley that was its home.

It is early afternoon and Kento Nanami has just come back from a case in Okinawa. The mission took longer than expected and now, he desperately needs sleep. His bed is tempting him to simply throw himself into the soft mattress like a ragdoll and sleep through the rest of the day but he suddenly hears his phone beep. Sighing, he reaches for the device in the pocket of his blazer and unlocks it before glancing at the notification. A message from an unknown number? He opens the message and his eyes widen as he reads it.

From: Unknown

You in Tokyo, Kenny?

He stares at the messages, quirking a brow. No one calls him Kenny these days. Is it Gojo? he wonders before shaking his head. Gojo called me yesterday, he knows where I am. He types a simple question in response - who is this? A few seconds later, his phone rings. Hesitantly, he swipes upward and presses the phone against his ear.

"Hello?"

"It's me, Kenny."

Her voice is the same as he remembers - melodic and smooth. "Liv?"

"It's been a while," she says softly.

No shit, he almost says. "Liv Drakon?"

"You'll wear out the name, Kenny," she laughs from the other side. "Sorry for calling like this, I just - "

"Where are you?"

A short moment of silence follows. "I'm at Satoru's now. Why?"

Nanami takes a deep breath. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"To talk over the phone?" she asks with a hint of jest.

His voice is barely calm as he says, "The marriage, the involvement with the higher-ups - it makes no sense."

Liv chuckles. "Well, I've been known to do crazier things than this. Remember Osaka?"

He groans, pinching the bridge of his nose, remembering Osaka very well. "You've painted a target on your back."

"I've always had a target on my back, old friend," she says softly, adding, "but we should continue this conversation in person, don't you think?"

Nanami presses his lips into a thin line. Don't meddle, he reminds himself sternly. Don't interfere.

Alas, he could never say 'no' to her.

He sighs in defeat, saying, "I know a place where we can talk. We'll meet there."

"Sounds good to me," she hums.

The cafe Nanami chose as their meeting spot is a quaint little place in Shinjuku. Liv figures he frequents it often as it suits him and his preferences. It is classy but artistic, decorated with oil paintings and playing smooth blues and jazz on vinyl records. There is a small podium with a pianino which she thinks is reserved for live performances. It seems very secluded, hidden from the main roads dense with people.

As she enters the cafe, Liv realizes she's early. She scans the place for a nice table and picks the one next to the window. It is a bit secluded, tucked behind a half wall that leads toward the bar and further toward the lavatories. With steady steps, she walks over to the plush chairs and makes herself comfortable on one of them. She's approached by a server shortly and orders a cup of black coffee.

Nanami joins her shortly after. She doesn't notice him until he's standing next to her and clears his throat to garner her attention. Looking up over her shoulder, she sees a man who resembles the boy she used to know. His features are sharper, given his Scandinavian heritage. His hair is combed back and his eyes are visibly tired. She figures he was on a mission before this.

"Right on time," he says, looking briefly at his watch.

She smiles at him before beckoning him to take a seat. "Relax Kenny, I have all the time in the world now."

"Is that so?" he asks as he sits down. "I thought Gojo would take up all of your time considering it's your honeymoon."

Liv chuckles, looking at him with a soft gaze. "He's a considerate husband."

"He better be," Nanami mutters under his breath as he crosses his legs. "So, how did you go from a bohemian to the Satoru Gojo's wife?"

She shakes her head, a knowing smile gracing her lips. She mimics his posture and crosses her legs, while her fingers lace over her knee. In the meanwhile, her coffee arrives and Nanami orders an Irish coffee.

"Why do people get married in the first place?" she asks coyly.

Nanami is quiet as he refuses to meet her gaze. He stares out the window, not entertaining her game of words.

She looks at her hands as she finally responds, "Because I wanted to."

"That's it?" his tone is accusative.

"What other reason do I need?" she asks in return.

He finally looks at her, his green eyes piercing into her soul. "The Liv I know would never compromise her freedom and integrity for shallow respect of the jujutsu society."

"Is that what you think of me?" she chuckles. "That I'm a social climber?"

"Those are the rumors I heard. They also say you're kissing ass to the higher-ups," he adds evenly. "Another one is that you're pregnant and that Gojo's impotent."

She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Wow."

"Wow indeed," he says.

"Truth is a lot simpler, though," she says as she takes a sip of her coffee. "I wanted to marry him and he wanted to marry me."

"But why?" Nanami presses further. "And don't tell me it's love, I'm not an idiot."

"Most marriages aren't based on love," she cuts in.

"You're hiding something," Nanami continues. "It will get you into trouble."

"It could get me out of trouble, too," she points out.

Nanami stares pointedly into her hazel eyes, worry creeping into his bones. So there is a reason behind this charade. He then looks at her right hand, seeing the rings on her ring finger. One is a golden engagement ring with a large sapphire as the center stone while the other is a thick golden wedding band. Normally, Japanese wear wedding rings on their left hand but Scandinavian folks wear them on the right hand.

"You didn't invite any of us," he murmurs. "To the wedding, I mean."

She nods. "We wanted to celebrate with our friends in peace, far away from the judgy stares of the higher-ups."

"Sure," he scoffs. "What's the real reason?"

Liv is hesitant to respond, mainly because she wants to keep things simple until they deal with the Great Mother. Lying doesn't come easily to the Shuuin mistress as her comrades believe. She's a terrible liar. Telling Nanami too much would be too easy which is why she struggles with her answer.

"Seriously, it was so boring," she sighs, not-lies rolling off her tongue awkwardly. "There was some dancing, some food, which was good but zero alcohol."

Despite himself, Nanami chuckles. "Yes, the absence of alcohol is a large detriment to any celebration."

"See?" she laughs. "You get it."

His gaze trails back to her hazel eyes. For now, he thinks to himself as the waiter brings his order.

The two friends spend a few hours more at the cafe before they decide to go home. Ever the gentleman, Nanami offers to accompany her back to the penthouse but she declines his offer, proposing to drive him back to his apartment instead.

"You drive?" he asks incredulously. "I thought you'd have a driver at least. Tokyo is a big place."

"I'm still able to drive on my own so I won't spend money on something I don't need," she says in response. "Besides, I enjoy driving."

He hums. "Makes sense, I guess."

They walk over to the nearby underground garage where she has parked her vehicle. Nanami isn't sure what he expected but a red oldtimer Mercedes is not what he imagined she'd drive. While no expert in cars, he saw her in an SUV or even a pickup.

"Nice car," he says rather dumbly.

She smiles a toothy grin. "Thanks."

Sitting down, they leave the garage and get on the highway. She asks him for directions which he kindly obliges. The ride to his apartment is a short one, barely twenty minutes long as he lives close to the cafe they were at. She slows down as they near his apartment before halting to a stop in front of the entrance to the building.

"This one?" she asks, her eyes gazing at the top of the building.

He nods in response. "That's the one. Thanks for dropping me home."

"Anytime," she says before gently tapping his left shoulder with the back of her palm. "Thanks for seeing me. I appreciate it."

"You're my friend, Liv," he says softly. "Against my better judgment but still."

"Aww," she coos but she's touched by the man's rare display of affection. "I knew you're a real softie under all that doom and gloom."

He rolls his eyes. "Now I see why Gojo and you get along so well."

She gasps dramatically. "Rude."

He merely chuckles in response. "Bye Liv."

"Bye," she sings as she wiggles her fingers while he gets out of the car.

She waits for him to enter the building before driving off. However, he calls her name before he reaches the door.

"Take care," he says, adding, "Please."

A soft smile graces her features as she nods in response.

Satoru returns to the penthouse in the early evening. The ride back was extended for a few hours out of necessity (he was shopping for souvenirs and Ijichi had no choice but to tag along). As he enters the living room, he calls out Liv's name a couple of times and hears no response.

"I guess she's not here," he deduces as he lies down on the couch.

Where is she, though? he wonders as he checks his phone for any messages. There are none and he pouts, somewhat disappointed. Heartless woman, he thinks bitterly before throwing the phone to the cushion next to him. He sighs as he takes off his blindfold. Should I call her? he wonders before clicking his tongue. Nah, she's a grown-ass woman, she can do as she pleases.

Yet, he is a bit worried. He checks the time on his phone - 20:03. It's not that late, he figures. Maybe she's out with Shoko again. That thought makes him feel even worse. He reaches for his phone again and scrolls lazily through his social media instead. She's fine, he reminds himself again as he opens the Instagram app. He's not active much but he enjoys watching funny videos. There's one with a cat smelling a cucumber and gagging - it makes him giggle every time. Soon enough, his worrisome thoughts move to the back of his mind and he's fully immersed in watching dumb clips. He's so immersed that he doesn't notice Liv watching them with him.

"You find that entertaining?"

He almost jumps as he hears her talking over his shoulder. Why didn't I sense her presence? he wonders. Liv merely smirks in response and he's certain she knows what's going through his head right now. Wait, he realizes, her cursed technique is mind reading.

"Not quite."

He almost yelps. "Stop that."

She scrunches her nose. "Your thoughts are loud. It'd be difficult."

The fuck?

"It means you're distraught," she explains, jumping over the back of the couch and joining him on the seat. "Thoughts tend to be loud when you're focused on something."

That's interesting, he thinks to himself. Wait, can she hear this?

"Yes," she smirks. "She can."

Damn.

"You can't control it?" he asks.

"It's a passive trait, like your Six Eyes," she says simply, folding her arms across her chest. "I can tune it out but like I said, the louder the thoughts, the harder it is for me to ignore it."

"I thought you said it's an innate technique," he asks, intrigued at this point.

She shakes her head. "No, I said I have an ability called the Inner Eye. I can hear anyone's mind in my vicinity."

Satoru hums. "It doesn't sound that impressive though."

"As a default trait, sure," she agrees, adding, "The ability can be developed through hard training. Only a few have mastered it thus far."

"Have you mastered it?" he asks.

"Of course I have," she says haughtily. "I'm the Shuuin mistress."

He smirks but says nothing else, pleasantly surprised by her confidence.

"Thought you'd be gone for a week," she continues.

He sighs for the umpteenth time today. "I wrapped up early. I'm rather tired, though."

Liv frowns. "I thought the guy was weak."

"He was," Satoru agrees, "but it turns out the higher-ups were right about him being more troublesome than we thought."

"How come?"

Satoru reaches for his jacket's pocket and reveals a folded piece of parchment. He unfolds it carefully before showing it to his wife. Curious, she takes the piece of seemingly bloodied paper and takes a look at it.

"He had that on him," Satoru continues, rubbing his eyes. "I don't know what it is so I have to figure that out before I write the report."

He notices her being extremely quiet and as he glances at her, he sees her brows furrow and her lips pout.

"Something wrong?" he asks after a while of silence.

She is hesitant at first but then she points at the runic symbol on the paper. "This looks like geldr."

Satoru frowns as he scratches his temple. "That witchy thing you do with your tessen fans?"

"It's not a 'witchy thing', Satoru," Liv glares at him before she points at the symbol again. "I guess whoever made this was trying to replicate some kind of enhancement charm but it's ridiculously crude. I'm struggling to even read the runes."

Satoru is quiet for a moment. "So, they failed basically?"

"At making a proper geldr charm, absolutely," Liv says, asking, "He was holding this, you say?"

"Yup," Satoru says, showing his fist. "He had a mean grip on it."

Liv taps her chin in thought. It's made on paper, not on a jewelry piece, she wonders. Whoever did this has a vague understanding of the practice but lacks both sufficient knowledge and experience.

"Did the curse user seem off to you?" Liv asks. "Maybe delirious."

"He lived in a carton box and ate rats and snails," Satoru deadpans. "I guess he had a few screws loose. Does that mean something?"

She nods, showing him two fingers. "There are two options: you either killed the curse user who dabbled in something he didn't understand and went mad, or there's a sorcerer out there who's learning geldr and used a random curse user as a test subject."

His eyes widen. "It's a person, not a thing. A shitty person, sure but still."

A strange emotion flashes across her eyes. It is something between understanding and sympathy, and guilt.

"Regardless of their motivations," she continues, handing him the bloody parchment, "it might be a good idea to run a background check on the dead curse user before making any conclusions."

Satoru groans as he stuffs the piece of paper back into his pocket before throwing his head back. "Great, more work for me."

She pats his thigh in mocking comfort. "There, there."

He rolls his head to glare at her and she giggles in response. Her giggles soon turn into chuckles and then genuine laughter. Satoru's drowsiness and previous irritancy subdue and his chuckles erupt as she infects him with joy.

"By the way," he asks suddenly, "where were you?"

"I had coffee with Kenny," she answers simply. "Thought I should properly apologize and catch up now that I'm back."

Satoru gasps, pointing his finger at her. "You go out with other men while your husband is away?! Shameful! I need to have a serious conversation with that homewrecker. I knew he couldn't be trusted, with those sharp cheeks and fancy suit and - "

She inwardly groans. I married an idiot.