A/N: Hi everyone! First off, I'd like to give a shoutout to zowielewis for leaving a kind review. I'm glad you like the story and hopefully, you'll stick around to the end of it! Speaking of the end, for those of you expecting this to be a short story... Sorry, not gonna happen. It's an incredibly slow burn, mostly because I intend to cover all the arcs in the manga so far (at the time of this writing, the manga is at chapter 230) but also because I'll include dream sequences and memories of past events that correlate to and influence the present-day story (star vessel incident, Geto's crossing to the evil side, Liv's past, etc.). Other typical JJK goodies coming soon. I want to tell you more but I can't because I have so many ideas so if I start listing it all I'll just spoil the story!
Cursed Love
~ A Freak Of Nature ~
October 2nd, 2016. / 07:02 / Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High School, Tokyo, Japan
Liv wakes up sometime after 07:00. Her dorm room is already lit up with morning sunshine and she can hear birds cheerfully chirping outside her window. She rolls to her back and rubs her tired eyes, realizing she's still wearing mascara as her hands get smudged with black residue. She groans. How much did I drink?, she wonders then pulls away her covers, revealing the outfit she wore last night. Damn it, I didn't even change into pajamas. Sitting up, she is grateful to not experience the usual symptoms of the morning after drinking like most people do. She never did - she is one of the blessed few percent of the population who never suffer from a hangover.
Needless to say, the woman had her fair share of drinking contests in the past.
Standing up, Liv does a short stretching routine to start the day. She picked up the habit in her teen years as a countermeasure for her period cramps. She found the habit helpful and stuck to it over the years. Once done with warming up her muscles and joints, Liv checks her messages. Curiously, she has no new messages from Mathias. For now. There is a new message from Shoko that she received three minutes ago.
From: Shoko Ieiri
u good?
idiot wouldn't let us in
Liv chuckles at the way Shoko refers to Satoru and then types a response, letting her know that she's fine and that they'll have to repeat last night. After putting her phone down, she makes her way to the bathroom. She strips out of her clothes and folds them neatly on the cabinet next to the washing machine before pulling aside the curtains and stepping inside the shower. She turns the faucet to a warm position and scooches to the end of the shower, remembering that the dorm showers tend to flush out piping hot water first then cold water afterward. Checking the stream tentatively with her palm, she steps under the showerhead and allows the water to dampen her hair and body.
The cold water trickles down her forehead and cheeks before hitting her breasts and backside. She runs her hand over her hair, getting it drenched in the process. Bracing herself against the wall, she feels the stream hit her back and she welcomes the sensation. For a moment, her thoughts drift back to last night as she tries to recall the events. While not suffering from a hangover, Liv tends to forget things when under the influence of alcohol - the more she drinks, the bigger the hole in her memory.
She starts her recollection from the rooftop of the building where the bar is located. I was talking to Gojo, she recalls, and then I got down to the bar. She then remembers seeing her friends and sitting down at the bar. There was beer - a lot of beer - and there was a baseball match that Liv didn't watch. They were drinking and then gossiping. Liv is fairly sure she fell at some point because her butt is feeling sore. She winces as she touches her tush.
When she tries to recall events after their third round of drinks, she draws a blank. Liv remembers talking about the engagement and her friends' expected disapproval of Gojo as a husband material - which she concurs, no point lying on that front. What else, what else? Liv is certain something else happened as well but the harder she tries to remember, the less she seems to be making progress.
"How did we get home?" she wonders out loud. "How did I get to my room?"
A mystery for the ages, she concludes in the end.
October 2nd, 2016. / 07:13 / Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High School, Tokyo, Japan
The walls at the Jujutsu High's dorms are fairly thick but if one's next door to someone else's room, they could hear pretty much everything that's going on on the other side of the wall. As such, Satoru hears the familiar screech of the bed and the subsequent rush of water in the shower. He shakes his hand to position his watch upright. It reads 07:13.
"How do you do that?" he asks in awe.
Worse yet, he knows she'll be able to function properly even though she's technically exhausted. It is just one of those things that make Liv Drakon appear more divine than human. And you call me a freak of nature, he chuckles.
Gojo also doesn't need much sleep. Shoko gives him an earful for it, primarily because she observes him through the eyes of a doctor. Your brain is frying because of your technique, she'd argue. Would it kill you to take better care of your body? He'd then channel his inner brat, after which she'd just sigh in defeat because he wouldn't listen to her anyway.
However, last night, even a nap seemed to be a hard-to-achieve goal.
Do you regret our first time?
Satoru didn't give her an answer but he is glad that at least she doesn't. While Liv was the one to incite the whole losing virginity to each other business, he had an inkling that she perhaps regretted that night. Not because he was bad; he's certain he did well if her sounds of pleasure were any indication. The bed, he recalls with a wince the crappy bed that screeched with every thrust he made into her warmth. Apart from that, it was perfect - she was perfect.
Satoru still remembers how she whined his name, her lips soft against his. Her hair was a mess of platinum locks, interwoven with his fingers. She was grasping at his shoulders, drawing claw marks across his back while her own arched toward him. He remembers her begging him to go harder, to go faster. Sweat, tears, blood - he can still feel it, taste it.
Do you regret our first time?
He closes his eyes and ignores the way his heart twists miserably, painfully.
It wasn't that big of a deal.
After a while, he can no longer hear the shower running next door and figures Liv's done with her basic hygiene. He settles his phone inside his pocket and puts on his shoes before leaving his room, the question she asked last night no longer burning his soul.
He knocks on her door a few times before he hears her call out with a clear 'come in'. Pushing the door open, Satoru steps inside her room and tries not to scoff at the fact she has opened the window. As if that will fan out the smell of alcohol and cigarettes. He hears ruffling from the bathroom and as he cranes his neck backward, he sees her leaning over the sink, her face close to the mirror above it.
"What ya' doing there, darling?" he asks teasingly. "Putting on a face?"
"As a matter of fact," she says with a muffled voice, the result of her putting on cream around her mouth, "yes."
Satoru chuckles as he takes a look around her room, noticing she's yet to pack. "Is this all of your stuff? Rather minimalistic for a Shuuin mistress."
He hears her scoff, "Whatever. At least I'm not taking forever to get ready."
"Debatable," Satoru retorts before taking a peek inside her duffel bag that is laid on her bed. "Hm, burgundy and lace. Hot - "
She throws a roll of paper at his head which he effectively negates with his Limitless. Looking back over his shoulder, he sees Liv, red-faced from rage and/or embarrassment, as she gives him a stern, pointed look.
"You're a real dick, Satoru Gojo," she says with a mix of disgust and disappointment.
"At least you've got a good taste," he quirks a brow and she stomps over to him before snatching the duffel bag.
"Unbelievable," she mutters, tugging on the zipper. "Did you come here to snoop around my personal belongings?"
He chuckles, shaking his head. "No, I came here to remind you that we need to get going."
"I'm not ready yet," she says simply as she begins to collect her stuff in her hands. "Give me ten minutes."
"You've got five," Satoru counters with a smug grin.
Annoyed, she looks at him as if he's grown a second head on his shoulders. She notes he's being particularly obnoxious this morning for some reason.
Liv gives him an exasperated look. "I did something last night, didn't I? That's why you're being like this."
He hums, answering enigmatically, the grin ever-present on his lips, "Well, I wouldn't say that."
She sighs, shaking her head. "Whatever it is, I'm sorry, okay? I don't remember half the things that happened after I met up with Shoko and Utahime."
"You don't say," Satoru teases her again and she clicks her tongue. "Oh, this is so fun - "
"I said I'm sorry, drop it already," she groans as she tries to push him out of the room to no avail as he's stronger than her.
He seems to ponder on it for a moment. "I'll have to think about it."
"How bad could it be for you to be so annoying?" she almost cries out, throwing her hands in the air.
Satoru is silent for a moment as he finds himself torn between telling her what she did or keeping it for later. Seeing her so frustrated and flustered convinces him to do the former. Sniggering, he fishes out his phone and searches for the text message she had sent him last night. He shows her the chat box afterward and watches as her face gets paler. Mortified, Liv closes her eyes as she hands him the phone back. He tries to stifle his giggles.
"I'll be ready in five," she mumbles as she hides her face from him.
He merely hums as he lets her pack the rest of her stuff in peace.
October 2nd, 2016. / 07:29 / Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High School, Tokyo, Japan
Shortly afterward, the two check out of the dorm with their bags in tow. Satoru offers to take their cars and stuff back to the penthouse. The two discussed living accommodations before announcing their engagement. Much to both of their discomfort, they are aware that they'd be sniffed out more quickly unless they sell the story of them being tight-knit. That includes sharing the same living space. Seeing as Liv technically has no place of her own in Tokyo and the Manor is out of the question due to a large number of people already there, handling the wedding prep, Satoru offered his flat in Tokyo to serve as a residence until they're married. Liv finds it curious that he didn't mention the Gojo Estate as a possibility. She hasn't inquired much on the subject, figuring there's a valid reason for it.
Putting on a smile (according to Satoru, Liv looks less dreadful when she's smiling; she repaid the compliment by flipping him off), she announces herself before entering Masamichi's office. Upon entering, she is surprised to see the place tastefully decorated. Masamichi put up some banners and talismans, as well as some weaponry. A certain pair of black tessen fans catch her eye and she stops to look at them. Taking a closer look, she searches for a spider lily emblem, and true enough, she finds one engraved on each of the fans.
"They were your mother's."
Liv hums, figuring as much. "She gave them to you?"
Masamichi walks up to her side and looks at the fans as well. "Memorabilia. I wanted to give them back to the Shuuin but - "
"It's okay," Liv cuts in, already knowing what he wanted to say. "Keep them."
He frowns. "Are you sure? They're one of a kind."
"They were made for my mom," Liv chuckles humorlessly. "I don't need them so let them rest here. They're pretty and they fit in with the rest of the place."
He grunts but says nothing else.
Liv blinks. "I'm here for the interview."
Masamichi is quiet for a moment but his thoughts are not. "You don't have to do this, Drakon."
She smiles. "Yes, I do or they'll think we're both up to something."
"You're still as sharp," he notes. "It's no wonder they're wary of you."
"They're slaves to their traditions," Liv murmurs. "Past grievances made them distrustful of anything they don't know and can't control. This way, they'll at least see that we mean no harm."
He takes in a deep breath. "They will be merciless if you lie."
"So I won't lie," she says simply. "Besides, there's not much to disclose anyway - most of it you know already."
"Drakon - "
"There are eyes and ears in this place, sensei," she says, her voice dripping with venom. "Be careful or we might get ourselves in a worse pickle."
"The Shuuin's secrets," he whispers, loud enough for her to hear him. "Your lifestyle, your peace - "
"If you keep on yapping, sure," she says before stretching her lips into a tight smile. "Let's get this over with, shall we?"
He clears his throat and invites her to sit next to his work desk. Sitting opposite her, Masamichi reaches for a stack of papers and a single pen. He offers Liv tea which she politely declines. He gives her one final look before beginning the interview. The questions range from historical facts to previous heads to the number of relatives.
"Based on historical annals that are stored in our archives, the Shuuin have existed for at least a thousand years," she says, her tone reflecting a well-practiced speech. "We had fifty-two clan heads so far, excluding myself."
"If you'd have to take a guess," Masamichi asks, "how many clan members do the Shuuin number?"
Liv thinks for a moment. "Around one hundred, by free estimate."
Masamichi writes her answer down before asking the next question. "Innate cursed technique and other noteworthy abilities passed down through the bloodline."
Liv smirks. So predictable, so boring. "You know the answer to that question, sensei."
Masamichi sighs. "Just tell me what to write down."
She chuckles. "There is no innate cursed technique passed down in the clan. We use basic talismans, sealing and summoning techniques aided by talismans, and barrier casting. The rituals that the Shuuin traditionally practice are rooted in the Shinto religion and are used to aid in protecting the Shuuin Manor from curse infestation."
"But a Shuuin can have a technique of their own?" Masamichi asks though he already knows the answer to this question.
"Naturally," Liv hums in response. "Usually, they are sent to the Shuuin elders and senior members who help them train and control their abilities."
"What if the technique is particularly destructive?" Masamichi asks with a frown on his face.
"A knife can kill a captor but it can free the captive," she recalls her father saying at one point, word for word. "The same could be said for cursed techniques."
Masamichi grunts. "What about your cursed technique?"
Liv is quiet for a moment. "I don't have a cursed technique."
"But you have your father's abilities," Masamichi points out. "I even trained you in cursed energy manipulation to strengthen your control of the ability."
The Shuuin mistress frowns before she answers, "My abilities are in simple terms a talisman technique. The operative aspect of the practice is similar to your cursed technique so my parents believed you'd be a better teacher."
"Operative aspect?" he inquires.
"I can't explain it," she continues, "it's too - complex to explain. It's a feeling type of thing and it's rarely taught to someone unrelated by blood."
"Taught?" Masamichi asks. "It's not inherited?"
"The teachings are inherited," Liv clarifies. "The ability is taught. Theoretically, I could teach someone to do the same thing but the chances of them grasping it are low."
Masamichi hums. "Why?"
Liv scratches her temple. "Because it's esoteric knowledge, a relic of ancient times."
Masamich hums. "Alright. What about the effects of this ability?"
"Galdr can be used to create talismans that enhance physical aspects of the world," Liv says. "Seidr is used to heal the mind, unblock mental barriers, and negate abilities that affect the brain."
"Is it a dangerous practice?" he asks though he already knows the answer.
"Unlike cursed talismans, galdr relies on runic scriptures and enchantments that don't require a price to be paid," Liv answers calmly. "Seidr could be interpreted as a reverse cursed technique though it's not the same thing. The most straining part of the practice is picking the right herbs to drink."
"How unusual," Masamichi muses. "Can you utilize it in combat?"
"I haven't heard anyone do it so far," Liv says honestly. "It takes a lot of time to prepare a single galdr talisman and seidr requires either a potion or a ritual before you can achieve the effects. It's impractical for battle hence it is not used as a weapon."
He nods and proceeds with the next question, "What about your ancestral home? Is it occupied? Are there any special compartments that need to be kept under close watch?"
"You're asking if we're hiding some top-secret weapon in our closet?" Liv asks sarcastically and before Masamichi can explain himself, she continues her answer, "Apart from the forge and ritualistic weapons that we make, there's nothing else there. It's practically a summer home. You're free to investigate the entire plot if you wish."
Masamichi's eyes widen. "Drakon, you can't - "
"Why not? I am the mistress of the Shuuin, I can do as I please," she smirks. "I have nothing to hide so make sure to relay the message to the elders. They can do it before the wedding if they want."
"They will do it, Drakon," Masamichi says slowly. "Whatever is hidden there, they will find it and you will face execution."
She leans over the table, close enough that he can feel her breath as she says, "Wouldn't be the first time."
"It's not a laughing matter," he says, his voice slightly raised and his brows frowning.
"I'm not laughing, sensei," Liv counters. "In case you haven't noticed."
Silence erupts as they enter a staring competition. He can't read her thoughts but she can read his. Won't let them touch her, I promised, I made a promise, to keep her safe, to keep her alive. It sounds like a broken record on repeat. You poor man, she pities him. Making a promise that you can't keep. After a while of stubborn quiet, Masamichi continues with the questionnaire. The remaining questions mostly revolve around the clan members, their hierarchy system, and inter-clan law.
"How do you deal with traitors?" Masamichi asks hesitantly.
Liv doesn't answer immediately. "Technically speaking, the Shuuin don't rule with an iron fist. Every clan member is free to follow and disobey orders according to their own conscious."
Masamichi stares in disbelief. "You allow disobedience? How do you avoid riots and overrule?"
Liv smiles softly. "Acceptance is the core of our system of belief and values. To be a Shuuin is to have free will and understand the consequences of our choices."
"Is that why you're the clan leader and not your brother?" Masamichi asks. "Because he chose to abdicate?"
"Yes and no," Liv answers, her tone grave and sorrowful. "He opted to abdicate but that didn't make me the clan leader - the Shuuin put me in that position."
She hears his fearful thoughts - the Shuuin chooses a Shuuin to lead. A popular turn of phrase one of her ancestors coined to explain to the jujutsu society's elders why the heirs of their clan died only to be replaced by a random foreigner who married into the clan. Gojo as a Shuuin master? she almost laughs at the thought. Oh, I'd love to see that.
"A collective decision?" Masamichi inquires, quirking his brow. "Like a vote?"
"No," Liv shakes her head. If only it were that easy.
"Then what is it?" he probes further but the blank expression on her face tells him that she's reached the limit of how much she will allow to be interrogated.
"Let's put it this way," she explains evenly. "The Shuuin head can, theoretically, be anyone from the clan but not everyone from the clan earns the respect and trust of the rest."
Masamichi frowns. "So, the title of clan head is not passed down the main line?"
Liv frowns. "The title is expected to fall to the member of the main line."
"I see," he says and writes down her answer. "One more question and we're done."
"Great," she murmurs.
"The higher-ups want to know about the Vow of Pacifism and how the Shuuin spies can work around the Vow," Masamichi says.
Liv scratches her chin, deep in thought. "Well, let's start with the fact that our spies aren't Shuuin members."
"They're not?" Masamichi asks in surprise.
"They make a pact with the current head and upon the head's death, they are released from service," she answers. "While they serve the Shuuin as a whole, in reality, they are bound to the Shuuin clan head exclusively."
"Doesn't that weaken your clan considerably?" Masamichi points out. "If an army of spies is loyal only to the clan head, that leaves other members defenseless."
"One would think so," Liv retorts. "The spies have a choice on whether they protect the rest of the clan. So far, they've been very generous."
"And you trust them?" Masamichi asks, bewildered more and more with each revelation. "Just like that?"
Liv chuckles. "You shouldn't judge something simply because you've never seen it before."
"And the Vow?" Masamichi asks.
Liv sighs. "I don't understand what the big deal is with our Vow. It's a Vow of Pacifism, simple as that."
Masamichi massages his temples. "The higher-ups want to know the terms."
"We can't fight in open combat," Liv says though she finds the clarification redundant. "Apart from shoves and accidents, we cannot wage wars, use any kind of weapons to kill or defend, or inflict deliberate harm to others."
"What happens if you break the Vow?" Masamichi asks.
"Effects vary as the Vow doesn't specify the punishment," Liv explains simply. "It is the uncertainty that strikes fear in our clan members. Quite effective too."
"And whom do you swear the Vow?" Masamichi asks.
Clever, Liv notes, but not clever enough. "Children vow to their parents and spouses vow to each other. It's practical and poetic at the same time."
"Every Shuuin does it?" Masamichi asks.
"Have you seen a Shuuin fight?" Liv asks in response.
Feeling chastised and slightly ridiculed, Masamichi ceases all of his questions and concludes the questionnaire. He then seals the documents inside a large envelope before putting them aside.
"I will send these to the Council to be documented," Masamichi says. "As far as they're concerned, with this interview, you've fulfilled your duty officially."
Liv offers a curt bow in response. "I will be on my way then."
"Don't be a stranger now and visit the campus sometime," Masamichi says hopefully.
Liv presses her lips. "I'll think about it."
Masamichi hums before waving her off. "Go on, Satoru is probably throwing a fit for waiting so long."
Liv smiles and silently agrees.
October 2nd, 2016. / 07:48 / Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High School, Tokyo, Japan
Satoru yawns, not bothering to cover his mouth. He then looks at his watch again and his upper lip curls in annoyance. Fifteen minutes, he whines internally.
"Come on, Liv," he groans.
He leans against his car and taps his foot against the pavement. Seconds seem to pass slower and slower, blending into minutes, into hours. Time stretches into infinity and beyond and - his phone rings.
"Hello, my sugar plum," he says cheerfully after accepting the call.
On the other side of the line, Liv rolls her eyes. "Sugar plum? Can't think of something else?"
He sniggers. "Not good enough for a pampered princess?"
"That should be my line," she says sarcastically. "Can we go? I'm done with Yaga."
"I'm waiting by the car," he says.
She is quiet for a moment. "I thought you could teleport now."
"It's exhausting on my part," he reasons though there is a hint of displeasure in his voice. "Besides, if I teleport you around all the time, you'll grow lazy and fat."
He could hear her scream his name from the top of her lungs, followed by colorful profanities.
The ride back to the penthouse is quiet for the most part. The only time the two future spouses communicate is when Satoru asks Liv what's wrong to which she replies with deafening silence. They don't speak again until after they get to the Roppongi district. Immersed in the view, Liv smiles at the sight of tall skyscrapers and blinding screens displaying the latest fashion in Japan. While she loved her home country and its laid-back culture, she couldn't deny the allure of class and prestige that reigned in Tokyo's upper echelons.
Satoru's penthouse mirrors the same idea of luxury she has in her mind. It is located atop a residential building and the main entrance to the flat is through an elevator. Liv tries to suppress her awe as she enters the place. It is a vast, open space. To her right, she sees a kitchen and dining area, separated by a screen. On her left is the living room that overlooks the Roppongi district. Down the hallway on her far right, she sees an open door of what she assumes is the bathroom. While no foreigner to glitz and glamour, the Shuuin never invest in anything they find needless, which includes properties. Their vast wealth originates from investing in metals and gems, which they also use to craft their ceremonial weapons.
"Welcome to your new home," Satoru says somewhat uneasily.
She understands the tension; after all, this is the first time they live together. Satoru enjoys the freedom and comfort of solitude. Liv is no different. Highly individualistic and independent personalities are bound to feel trapped when cohabiting with others (especially if the other person is not someone they want to share their living space with).
She tries to keep a cool face as she says casually, "This is a nice place you've got, Gojo. I'm tempted to get one myself."
"My advice," he suggests, mirroring her casual tone, "don't bother. Up until now, I barely spent any time here. I'm mostly at school or on missions."
As she looks around, she notices how there's little to no detail. He wasn't joking when he said he barely spends any time here.
"Master bedroom is over there," he says, pointing to the right hallway. "A spare bedroom is next to it."
She nods slowly. "We'll be next door, then."
"Walls are thick so privacy is guaranteed," he quips.
"Good to know," she says before sighing. "Heavens help us."
He chuckles before nudging her. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure? Think of this as a new project."
"This new project is about to change our lives," she notes somewhat sarcastically.
He pouts. "I wouldn't go as far as that. More like 'slight inconvenience for a bigger reward'."
"Sure," she rolls her eyes as she takes her duffel bag to the spare bedroom.
October 9th, 2016. / 09:00 / Gojo Residence, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
Days pass quickly as Liv and Satoru learn to cohabit. It is not easy as the two sorcerers have vastly different routines. Satoru leads a relatively unhealthy lifestyle; his sustenance is processed sugar, and he sleeps barely four hours on average per night just to name a few. He wakes up early and goes to bed late, both of which are mostly due to him working a lot during the day. Being the strongest sorcerer alive has its perks but the workload is tasking, to say the least. Liv, on the other hand, leads a relatively healthy lifestyle; she has a balanced diet, spends most of her time painting or reading, and has a regular workout schedule. The differences in their everyday habits render the time they spend together to a bare minimum - early mornings and late nights.
They quickly fall into a sort of routine that is easy to follow. When not at the penthouse, Satoru is either at Jujutsu High or elsewhere on missions. He'll send her a text here and there, letting her know that he's having fun. Other times, he'll call just to unnerve her with his antics. Meanwhile, Liv would visit the Shuuin Manor to check in on the preparations. Most of her visits end in either an argument with Mathias and Tove or being bombarded with questions by younger clansmen about Satoru.
When she isn't at the Manor or isn't indulging in Tokyo's curiosities, she enjoys the solitude of Satoru's house. Besides her artistic hobbies, Liv loves to cook and the penthouse has a vast kitchen with an open space, perfect for hangouts and late-night drinking. She finds it curious that Satoru never seems to cook anything as most of his meals are takeout. When he tried one of Liv's dishes, he took a liking to it, stealing bites whenever possible. Such a lazy ass mooch, she scoffs inwardly before she hears the elevator ring. As the sliding door opens, Satoru emerges with several paper bags in tow, filled to the brim with produce. Liv chuckles at the scene.
"You're back early," she says in surprise. "Did you buy groceries?"
"No Liv, I stole this from a lovely granny down the street," he says sarcastically, putting the groceries on the free kitchen counter.
She merely rolls her eyes. "It's just two of us for dinner, this is too much."
"Actually," he says standing opposite her and leaning against the counter, looking suspiciously at what she's making, "it's four of us. What's that?"
"Lunch," she answers before circling back to the more immediate topic. "What do you mean four?"
"You, me," he points to her then to himself, then proceeds to count on his fingers, "Megumi and Tsumiki. One, two, three, four in total."
Her eyebrows rise in surprise. "Seriously?"
Satoru nods his head and grins. "Tsumiki insisted on finally meeting you. She's quite excited."
"And Megumi?" Liv asks, somewhat shy all of a sudden.
Satoru hesitates to answer. "He's coming to dinner too?"
"Meaning no," Liv nods in defeat though not surprised at this point.
"I told you," Satoru says, twisting his face into a dark, emotionless expression, "he's at that age."
Liv chuckles. "You were at that age once, too."
"Was not," he retorts and his voice slightly breaks, making him cough to cover it up.
"Yours was even worse," she rolls her eyes at him. "I thought you'd never crack a smile."
He merely humphs in response. Liv then turns her attention to the groceries Satoru brought and goes through the bags one by one. A wide assortment of fruits and vegetables are inside one of the bags, along with simple condiments such as soy sauce, sweet chilly oil, sesame oil, wasabi, and her favorite, balsamic vinegar. She looks at Satoru who seems to be doing the same, his blue eyes peeking over his shoulder at her back. A small grin, ever so slight, graces her lips. She finds more of her favorites in the other bags: strawberries, dates, figs, black olives, mozzarella cheese, popcorn, and -
"Bourbon?" she asks, lifting the bottle and turning around to face him.
"For when you paint," Satoru shrugs, not looking at her. "I wasn't sure if it's scotch or bourbon you like so I picked one that sounds fancier."
Right, she smirks. "That's unusually thoughtful of you. Thank you."
"Don't mention it," Satoru says nonchalantly.
Liv then continues to rummage through the groceries.
"Did you buy anything that the kids like?" she asks as she wiggles an empty paper bag, the sound making him turn around.
He scoffs. "Megumi likes anything that goes with ginger so I got that. Tsumiki's not picky, though."
Liv shuffles through the rest of the groceries, trying to find the rhizome. "Anything else?"
Satoru hums in thought. "He doesn't like sweet side dishes. Oh, and bell peppers, red in particular are not his thing."
"Not a sweet tooth?" Liv teases. "It's like he didn't spend a day in his life with you."
"I know," he whines. "Tsk, he needs to do better."
She rolls her eyes as she thinks of what to make for their guests tonight. "They say a way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Hopefully, that'll be enough to get in Megumi's good graces."
"Is that why you're cooking for me every day?" Satoru asks before a suggestive smirk appears on his handsome features. "Are you seducing me, Liv Drakon?"
"Nah, I'm good," she gives him a blank look. "Also, I don't cook for you, you're mooching off my cooking."
"Marriage is about compromise and sharing," he sniggers. "Get used to it."
She sighs but doesn't indulge his narcissism any longer, focusing on the cooking instead.