Cursed Love
~ That Dancing Thing ~
November 12th, 2006. / 14:23 / Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu High School, Tokyo, Japan
The cold is slowly settling in and the air already smells of snow.
Yet Satoru finds himself in detention.
"How can you put the strongest jujutsu sorcerer in detention?" he grumbles, picking at the button on the sleeve of his uniform. "Stupid-ass sensei."
He wishes he'd at least have some company. He texted Suguru but he didn't reply which means he's probably asleep. Satoru notes he's been doing a lot of that lately. He texted Shoko as well but she told him to fuck off. All who's left is Nanami and he definitely wouldn't come. Satoru even pondered on the idea of calling Utahime and Mei Mei but gave up in the end, realizing they couldn't get to Tokyo in time anyway. He sighs as his head falls on the table, supported by his left arm while the other hangs freely on the side. Several moments pass with him pouting like that. The classroom is quiet already and the emptiness seems to make it quieter with each passing second. Satoru almost starts to count how much longer he has to sit in detention. He lifts his gaze and looks at the clock hanging above the blackboard. Half an hour? he whines and lets his head fall again.
Not long after, he hears approaching footsteps. They are uneven and light, like that of a drunk person. Liv? he wonders as he sees her on the other side of the wall through the window. I thought she was at the Manor. Something is wrong as he realizes that her energy output is erratic, almost as if she is in a state of frenzy. The door of the classroom opens and she enters slowly. When she doesn't move or speak, he quirks a brow.
"Hey," he says though it sounds more like a question.
She seems lost as her eyes go from the teacher's desk to the window and finally to Satoru himself. Her entire body was shaking until she met his sky-colored eyes. She stares at him, far longer than usual. Satoru isn't sure why she does this as of late but he figures it has something to do with the fact that she witnessed his lifeless body. That thought troubles him more than he'd like to admit.
Liv remains silent for a good couple of minutes, long enough for Satoru to get alarmed. He is about to rise from his seat when Liv stops him abruptly.
"I'm okay," she says hurriedly, her hands extended as if to calm him down.
He doesn't believe her, though. "You sure?"
She nods her head. "I'm fine."
Satoru sits back down and leans back on the chair. "What's up? You seem super on edge."
Her frown deepens and she remains quiet. He doesn't push her to talk but his patience is running low from being stuck in the classroom for an extra hour. After a painful few minutes of standing like a statue, Liv takes a few uncertain steps toward him. She pulls out a chair from the table next to him and places it opposite him before straddling the chair. She keeps her gaze down and Satoru quirks a brow again, finding her silence alarming.
"I lied," he hears her whisper. "I'm not okay."
He remains quiet.
"I want to burn it all to the ground," he hears her whisper again, still not looking at him. "I hate this - all of this."
"That's rather dark coming from you," Satoru cocks his head to the side. "What's wrong?"
She stares out the window. "My hands, my legs, my entire body - I'm tied with so many chains."
Her gaze shifts from the window and she stares into his cerulean orbs. "But you - us, together we could break those chains."
"Focus, Liv," he deadpans. "What are you talking about?"
She scoffs. "I thought I could do it. It was foolish, though."
"Liv, this isn't funny," he says, worry evident in his voice. "What happened? What did you do?"
"I will answer your questions," she says, her words finally resembling some sense. "I will tell you everything - if you do one thing for me."
He is caught off guard. Liv needs a favor, he wonders incredulously. Liv never needs a favor. He simply stares as she smiles but the smile never reaches her hazel eyes. The sunlight getting through the window envelopes her in a shroud of marigold hues. She reaches for his sunglasses as if they were somehow in the way. She then traces his cheek with the back of her hand, her touch soft and warm against his skin. His heartbeat seemed to stop as he took in her next words.
"Marry me, Satoru," she says, her words like honey dripping from her peach-tinted lips.
He remembers a lonesome tear falling down her cheek afterward.
October 10th, 2016. / 03:55 / Gojo Residence, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
Satoru wakes up first.
There is barely any daylight outside and when he checks his watch, he sees it's almost four in the morning. He rubs his eyes, noticing they're especially sore today. His gaze then falls on the figure next to him. Liv is still asleep, softly snoring as she clutches the pillow beneath her head. Satoru recalls the revelation he experienced the night before. He almost laughs. How did we end up like this? he wonders as his eyes trace the relaxed contours of her face. He runs his hand through the tousled white hair of his before gripping at the roots tightly. Frustration bubbles up deep within his core. Liv's cold and angry glare flashes in front of his eyes, causing chills to run down his spine.
Marriage is about compromise and sharing. Get used to it.
The words echo in his head. When he said it, it was a jest, a light joke to unnerve her. When she said it, it was spiteful, born from pain - a pain he caused. She never looked at me like that, he notes and lets go of his hair, letting his arm drop to his lap. He feels beaten and lost, the sensation reminiscent of what he felt once before.
Are you the strongest because you're Satoru Gojo or are you Satoru Gojo because you're the strongest?
"Damn," he curses under his breath.
Sighing, he gets off the couch and takes a much-needed shower.
October 10th, 2016. / 03:58 / Shuuin Manor, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Mathias groans as his phone rings. Begrudgingly, he searches blindly for his phone on the nightstand. Once he feels the cool device under his fingertips, he unlocks it, shutting one eye as the display lights up. The phone stops ringing and it takes his eyes a moment to adjust before he can read the notifications. Updates from the spies, updates from Yaga, he reads, half-bent on just going back to sleep. He then stops when he finds the missed phone call notification. He frowns and clicks the notification, worried Liv might've called him again. However, it isn't Liv's name that pops up when a list of calls appears on his display. He dials the same number and gets an answer after four rings.
"Mathias Drakon," the man on the other side laughs in fluent English. "Man, it's been too long!"
"You do realize it's four in the morning here, Amadi?" Mathias drawls, rubbing his eyes.
"I prefer Miguel and you know that. Imagine if I called you Tsubasa Shuuin," the man answers with a shudder. "It just doesn't sound right. And what do you mean by 'here'?"
"Japan," Mathias replies in Japanese. "The Shuuin Manor, more specifically."
"I thought your ass was in Stavanger," Miguel says, noticeably confused. "The fuck you doing in Japan? There's no rite or something around this time of year."
Mathias groans. "Come on, Miguel. You're not a stupid man."
A silence echoes on the other side of the line, followed by a deep sigh. "So it's true. She's getting married to that bastard."
Mathias chuckles. "Is that the reason you called? To badmouth my future in-law?"
"Pft, no. She's throwing a fancy-ass party," Miguel pouts, "and I'm not even invited. Some friend she is."
"You know why you're not invited," Mathias says, rolling onto his back.
Miguel sighs again. "I know, I know. Though, I was hopeful you might do me a tiny favor."
"You want to see her," Mathias says, already expecting that to be the reason for Miguel's sudden phone call after being silent for almost three years. "Either that or he wants to see her, in which case, hell no."
"Don't worry," Miguel says and Mathias is certain that the man is rolling his eyes. "It's just me. Geto doesn't even know."
"You don't say," Mathias drawls sarcastically. "Here I thought he'd use the occasion to take Gojo's spot at the ceremony."
A short moment of silence follows. "You're being cruel, Mathias."
"I don't care," Mathias says evenly before groaning again. "I don't even want to talk about him this early. What did you have in mind?"
"Nothing big," Miguel explains, his tone slightly lower and raspier after their previous argument. "Short, sweet, casual, somewhere secluded, away from prying eyes. I don't want rumors to spread around."
Mathias thinks it over. "No funny business, Miguel. I won't have anyone ruin her day, not even you."
"I just want to see her while I still can," he hears the man say, almost begging. "That's it."
Mathias hums then sighs in defeat. "Fine. I'll see what I can do. Bring some flowers, just in case."
"Lupines, I know," the African man chuckles and then adds honestly, "Thanks, man, I appreciate it."
He then hangs up and Mathias throws the phone on the bed. He brings his arm over his eyes. No rest for the wicked, he thinks to himself.
October 10th, 2016. / 05:31 / Gojo Residence, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
Liv smells pancakes as her eyes flutter open. She grunts as she stretches her limbs before sitting up straight. Yawning, she rubs her eyes before recognizing the sizzle of an oiled pan. Turning her head toward the source of the sound, she sees - or rather, peeks with one eye still clouded - someone in the kitchen area. That someone has white hair.
Or a really furry hat.
She frowns as she nudges closer, sniffing the smell of fresh pancakes. A satisfied hum escapes her throat and she regrets it. The hum is loud enough to draw Satoru's attention. He doesn't look at her but he smirks all the same.
"Good morning," he says, flipping the pancake.
Liv squints her eyes, suspicious of his leisurely behavior before taking a look outside the window wall, realizing it's barely sunrise. "Morning?"
He chuckles. "Well, early morning. It's five thirty."
She blinks, her vision clear as she notices he's in a simple white t-shirt and grey slacks, without his blindfold, and probably barefoot. "You're making pancakes at five in the morning?"
"Five thirty," he corrects her and places a plate with cooked pancakes on the island counter. "I had nothing better to do and I was craving something sweet. Thought I'd make some for you too."
Liv closes her eyes and takes a few deep, calming breaths. "Why are you doing this?"
Satoru frowns. "What do you mean?"
"This," she says, pointing grossly at the pancakes and himself. "All of this. What do you hope to gain?"
He shakes his head. "Nothing."
She tries hard not to scoff. He's being coy, she notes. He's trying to ease the tension from last night. She crosses her arms and remains quiet.
He then points to the plate with pancakes. "Aren't you gonna try them at least?"
She rolls her eyes and takes a small step forward, the smell of the pancakes tempting her. "Didn't know you can cook. Sure it's edible?"
"I made the dinner we ate at school, Liv," he says, offended.
She quirks a brow. "Really? I thought you ordered it or something. It'd explain why you don't cook - like ever."
"That's because you're here now," Satoru throws his head back, exposing his pale neck as he laughs.
She doesn't say anything, various thoughts going through her head. Is he ignoring last night? What the hell is going on? Did I miss something while asleep?
"There is fruit in the fridge," he says while pointing at the aforementioned appliance. "I know you like honey but I don't know if I have any. There's some maple syrup left somewhere."
A lump forms in her throat but she swallows it successfully. She then takes a good look around. Is there a hidden camera?
"The Gojo clan will be present at the ceremony," he says simply, still focused on the pancake. "The elders made a fuss about us getting married according to the Shuuin customs but they will behave so at least we don't have to worry about them."
There has to be a hidden camera, she concludes, looking under the counters and bar stools.
"Ijichi mentioned something about a dance," he continues as he turns around. "Is it like ballroom stuff or - Liv?"
She springs up from under the island, her eyes narrowed.
He mirrors her expression. "What are you doing?"
"Looking for a camera," she says without a second thought.
He blinks. "A camera?"
"Never mind," she waves it off, sitting on the barstool and leaning toward him. "Are you kidding me?"
Satoru's lips stretch into a confused smile. "I'm just making pancakes."
"Either you're kidding me," she says, lacing her fingers together, "or you're playing stupid. Which is it?"
Satoru sighs and turns off the stove, placing the last pancake on the plate before putting the pan into the sink. She doesn't say anything as she follows his every move. His feet shuffle against the marble floor as he walks around the island. She remains cool as he stands next to her, her hazel eyes meeting his Six Eyes.
"I'm sorry."
Liv blinks a few times. I must be hearing it wrong.
"I made a big deal out of a stupid thing such as a binding vow," he scoffs, running a hand through his hair.
He's being even weirder than usual, she muses. There's a punchline in there, just wait for it, Liv.
"Liv?" he asks, waving a hand in front of her face. "You there?"
Nope, she almost says. I'm way off into the stratosphere. Meanwhile, Satoru takes a seat next to her and digs into the pancakes.
"Take your time," he says and takes a mouthful of the plump treat, draining it in maple syrup. "We still need to talk about that dancing thing, though."
She's not ready to talk about that dancing thing for another solid ten minutes.
October 12th, 2016. / 12:22 / Shuuin Manor, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Days continue to pass and Liv struggles to accept Satoru's apology. She is fed up with his quasi-paranoia, no matter how justified and that night on the couch was the last drop. She makes it very clear to him that she doesn't forgive him.
He is patient and almost considerate, however. There are no more games, no more manipulations. He is invested in the wedding plans, making sure everything is how she wants it to be. He asks if she prefers to have the Gojo house staff wait on the guests. If the number of guests is too much for her comfort, he shortens the list. Too much decoration? He has the excess thrown into the garbage.
It changes nothing, she notes stubbornly at some point.
Yet, a small part of her wishes to let go of the grudge as he did apologize.
She felt especially soft when she noticed Megumi and Tsumiki weren't on the guest list. She knows that their presence would invoke rumors and protests from the higher-ups. Realistically speaking, they have no business attending such a gathering; Megumi is a Zen'in but also not Zen'in, and Tsumiki is barely associated with the jujutsu society. Yet, when Liv asks Satoru to include the Fushiguro siblings regardless, he concurs immediately.
"Tsumiki can pick out a good dress on her own but I'll have to get Megumi to the tailor's," Satoru says before he phones the Fushiguro household. "Traditional or black and tie?"
Liv tells him to go with whichever he thinks would suit Megumi better (he chooses black and tie).
The last-minute changes unnerve Matthias but as always, he obliges (and voices his frustrations with the wedding). Everything else proceeds per schedule and three days before the event, the bride and groom make an appearance at the Shuuin Manor to get their wedding outfits fitted.
"I don't get why no one lives at the Manor," Satoru comments as they climb up the steps. "It's not like it's run down or anything."
Liv hums as her eyes gaze around, admiring the forest surrounding the premises of the Manor. "That's true but it's not the appearance that's the problem."
He frowns and then rolls his eyes. "Because of the thing?"
Liv finds his codename for the Vow of Silence very Gojo-like. "No, it's not the thing. It's just - "
She then halts her steps as she takes a deep breath. "This is not a home, Gojo. Nothing is nurturing about this place. That's why no one stays here unless necessary."
Satoru pouts as they come closer to the Manor itself. "Still a waste of a perfectly good house."
Liv agrees silently. "It has its purpose, it's just not the best place to raise children."
"Speaking of," Satoru begins and as she glances at him, she sees a touch of blush on the apples of his cheeks. "The Gojo elders think that's the reason behind the recent events."
She is silent for a moment, at first wondering what he is referring to. When the realization dawns on her, she presses her lips together. She stifles her laughter and Satoru's blush deepens.
"Oh that's golden," her voice vibrates as giggles escape her throat. "Wow Gojo, even your clan thinks low of you."
"Shut up," Satoru feels the heat spreading from his face to his neck and reaches for his nape, rubbing the discomfort away. "I thought you should know, in case you hear rumors or something."
She just laughs, an amused smile on her lips as she gazes at him. "Do you even want them?"
He turns his head toward her. "What? Children?"
"Yes," she says, adding, "I think you're just an overgrown child yourself and it'd be too much of a hassle."
He pouts. "I'm not a child."
She sighs.
"I also took care of Megumi and Tsumiki for years, thank you very much," he says in poor defense.
"They're your wards," Liv counters. "Megumi in particular is more of an investment. You said so yourself."
"Be that as it may," he says honestly, "I've grown to like them."
"You're not a parental figure to them, though," she reasons. "Maybe a wacky uncle at best."
A fitting term I suppose, he notes. "Are you saying I'm materialistic, then?"
"Tsk, more like an opportunist," Liv counters again. "I believe you're capable of bonding with people, it's just that when it comes to unconditional affection and camaraderie, that began and ended with Geto."
Satoru stiffens at the mention of their estranged friend. She rarely speaks of Suguru, especially in his presence. Liv also feels slightly taken aback by her slip of the tongue. Shit. It takes Satoru a short while to collect his thoughts and once he's sober again, he realizes her particular choice of words. He's confused - Why is she mentioning Suguru and not herself? The more he thinks about it, the less sense it makes. Then, a curious thought crosses his mind. No way, don't tell me -
"Are you jealous?" he asks, himself surprised.
She frowns but doesn't look at him as she answers. "Don't be ridiculous."
"No, no, wait up," he says and in a few long strides stands in front of her, blocking her path. "You really think so?"
"Think what, Gojo?" she asks, annoyed with the suggestion he's making and the smirk on his lips makes her feel even worse.
He leans toward her, craning his neck so he's on the same eye level as he pulls his blindfold down, revealing the cerulean orbs. He remains silent, using his imposing presence to his advantage.
She feels a lump in her throat growing as she answers evenly, "I think your relationship with me is different than what you shared with Geto."
"And that would be?" he probes, noticing that she used 'relationship' instead of 'friendship'.
Liv thrusts her chin forward and Satoru knows he hit the nerve. He doesn't answer her question. He could but he doesn't want to. I should film this, he thinks to himself mirthfully as he observes her face.
She finally sighs. "Nothing, it doesn't matter."
He watches as she walks around him. For a second, he wants to stop her. Their ongoing conversation is a topic they never discussed before and he is very interested in what she has to say. But he chooses otherwise and watches her walk up the stairs, his eyes lingering a bit too long at her behind. He chuckles as he pulls down his blindfold before he follows her.
Meanwhile, Liv stomps up the stairs, furious (at herself mostly and her big mouth) as she reaches the Manor in just a few steps. She takes a deep breath before looking around the Manor. It is mostly empty but she feels residuals of several spies, including Tove. Mathias' residuals are there as well.
"I expected a bigger crowd," Satoru says as he joins her at her side. "I thought you told them we were coming?"
"I did," Liv says, refusing to look at him. "They're probably inside."
Satoru nods and follows her as she opens the door and welcomes him inside. He nods in gratitude and she rolls her eyes. She then closes the door and goes around the house, searching for anyone present.
While called Manor, the house itself is not that big. It was built as a gathering place rather than a living space. The house is an elegant display of power and prestige without being overly on the nose. There are five rooms in total, three bathrooms and a common room, all organized in a U shape. Surrounding the entire Manor is a half-closed veranda. Separately from the house itself, positioned inside the U shape, are a kitchen area and the main hall where meetings take place. Their forge is located further into the woods while the storage is beneath the house itself where they keep all of their crafts.
"Cozy," Satoru comments. "You know, this is my first time inside the Manor."
"Congrats, Gojo," Liv says evenly.
"Liv?"
The two halt their steps as Mathias emerges from one of the rooms, followed by Tove right after. Liv smiles at the two and they offer her a curt bow. Satoru remains poised as he observes the exchange.
"Are we in a better mood today, brother?" Liv asks and Satoru figures there has to be reason for her to ask such a question.
Mathias rolls his eyes. "I will be the moment this wedding is over."
"Don't be like that, herre," Tove chides him before bowing to Satoru as well. "Welcome, herre Gojo."
"Thank you for having me," he replies, a satisfied smirk on his lips.
Mathias points to the rooms on his left. "We have your outfits ready. Liv, your dress is in the left room, Gojo's outfit is in the one on the right."
Satoru winks at Liv as he makes his way to the room on the right. "I'll see you soon then, future wifey."
Liv rolls her eyes once more today.
"Real piece of work," Mathias sighs and follows the Gojo head while Tove beckons Liv to the room on the right.
"After you," the woman says in Norwegian and Liv follows without question.
Once inside, Liv is mesmerized by the dress that's displayed on a rack nearby. As she has requested, the dress bears a resemblance to her traditional robes albeit altered to accommodate the occasion. It is an all-white outfit, consisting of a white long-sleeved gown, a hand-embroidered long-sleeved robe, and a white belt. A wedding crown is also part of the ensemble. Liv inspects the robe first. The silver spider lilies are life-like and the blue dragon claws on the shoulders are intricate and detailed. Tiny golden chains have been sown into the robe's hems and the back is covered in a silver dragonfly motif.
"The runes clashed with the design of the robe," Tove comments and then points to the wedding gown, "so we've sown them onto the dress."
"That's perfect," Liv nods, genuinely happy with how it all turned out considering she gave them a complicated design to pull off. "And the mask?"
Tove motions for one of the artisans to bring the box with the wedding mask. As Tove opens the box, Liv takes the mask and turns it in her hands. The Shuuin use wire masks instead of vails and they're always custom-made.
"Fox," she notes before her eyes meet Tove's. "Whose idea?"
Tove offers a curt bow. "Herre Mathias chose the design. He found it fitting."
Liv squints her eyes but says nothing as she returns the mask. Herre Mathias, she mocks internally. If it weren't for the attendees present, you'd be mouthing him off from the top of your lungs.
"Please," Tove says, inviting her to a podium.
Liv nods as she steps onto the platform and allows the attendees to take off her clothes. Meanwhile, Satoru stands on the podium with Mathias overseeing the fitting. He is aware of the older Drakon's scrutinizing stare and he is more than willing to call him out for it.
"I know you hate me," Satoru says with a smirk on his lips. "If looks could kill, not even my Infinity could work against those icicles."
Mathias is quiet for a while before he sighs. "I don't hate you, Gojo."
"You sure?" the white-haired man asks as he hands over his blindfold to one of the artisans. "Seems like it to me."
The blond-haired Shuuin gives him a stern glare.
Satoru grins. "So, do I become the leader of the Shuuin now?"
Mathias shakes his head. "No. You are the leader of the Gojo clan. Our loyalties lie with our mistress."
"But I can give orders," he notes, knowing he's incorrect but still wants to know where he will stand among the Shuuin, "which you must follow."
"The Shuuin are not like the Great Three," Mathias explains evenly though Satoru can sense the impatience in his tone. "We follow whom we choose, not the one who thinks they should be followed."
Interesting. "Huh. So, what's this dance thing I'm supposed to do?"
Mathias tries not to roll his eyes at the other man's lack of decorum. "It is a ritual dance meant to solidify the relationship between the spouses. The steps are not complicated."
"Is there a secret step or something I should be aware of?" Satoru asks and though he feigns obliviousness, Mathias is aware of the sarcasm in his words and ignores it.
"The dance itself is meant to illustrate the union of two souls," Mathias explains. "It holds no value in terms of power or exchange thereof. It's just a dance."
"Why are we doing it then?" Satoru asks as he puts on the white silk shirt. "Seems unnecessary."
Mathias' features turn somewhat gloomy as he says, "It was a part of our parents' wedding ceremony. Liv wanted it this way."
Satoru's smirk falls and he ceases his round of questions for now as he continues to put on the wedding outfit. While he doesn't say it outright, he is pleased with the design. It is a five-piece outfit that consists of a white silk shirt and wide-legged pants, a dark blue robe, and a light blue shawl that drapes over his right shoulder while fastened with braided golden chains. The robe is tied with a thick and richly decorated purple sash. There are a lot of dragonflies embroidered on the robe and it reminds him of a yukata he wore as a child which he figures was the inspiration for the design.
"My compliments to the seamstress," he says honestly as he feels the fabric of his sleeves. "A bit unconventional but not bad."
"It was Liv's design," Mathias says with a tinge of pride. "She wanted to pay homage to your clan while sticking to the Shuuin traditions."
Someone's surprisingly thoughtful of yours truly, he smirks. "Well, my bride is an artist as well. Didn't expect anything less."
Mathias doesn't indulge him with a follow-up and they remain in silence for the remainder of the fitting. Half an hour later, as the artisans make small adjustments to both outfits, Liv and Satoru proceed to the main hall where they will do the walkthrough of the ceremony. Satoru carefully observes the main hall where the wedding itself will take place. It is already decorated with fortune charms and various flowers, mainly white lilies and irises, along with pastel-colored ribbons hanging from the beams. Satoru notices that the floor is covered in tatami mats. I guess we are barefoot for the wedding, Satoru wonders. That explains why there were no shoes in the fitting.
The bride and groom are instructed on the key points of the ceremony and as Mathias goes on, Satoru finds himself more and more bored by the whole ordeal. Dress, undress, walk, talk, bow - the list seems endless. At one point, Satoru even yawns. Liv nudges his side and he gets startled. He looks at her and she nods her head toward Mathias, silently reminding Satoru to pay attention. Reluctant, he breathes out through his nose as he pays attention once again. His interest perks up once Mathias talks about the dance thing.
"Liv will walk you through it," Mathias says. "The beat of the drum will accompany you during the ceremony itself."
Drum? Satoru stares quizzically at the older Drakon sibling as he retreats from the hall, sparing a single glance at his sister on his way out. Liv remains poised as she offers Satoru her hand. The Gojo clan head looks at the hand and then at his betrothed before smirking.
"First jealousy, now chivalry," he says, taking her hand. "I'm learning a lot of new things about you today."
Liv rolls her eyes for the umpteenth time today. "Focus, please. The sooner we get this down, the sooner we can leave."
"I don't know," he says as he laces his fingers with her own, playing with the engagement ring he gave her. "I like this little dancing lesson."
"Gojo - " she frowns and he silences her by flicking her forehead (it hurts).
"Relax, I'm just kidding," he laughs. "You're so stiff today."
She again rolls her eyes as she positions his hand for the dance. Satoru follows her instructions without complaint, throwing in a comment or two here and there. She appreciates the silence for the most part but the closeness starts to unnerve her quickly. You wanted this Drakon, so suck it up, she reminds herself while internally fighting with the discomfort of being so close to him. Luckily, the dance itself doesn't include much proximity though Satoru makes sure to poke fun at her each time their fingers touch.
"I think I'm falling in love," he teases.
Liv groans. "Gojo, please, I'm exhausted. I can't deal with your antics right now."
"Liv," he whines, nestling his face into the crook of her neck. "Can't you take a joke?"
She forces him away by nudging her shoulder closer to her earlobe. "I can when you're not getting on my nerves."
"It's part of my charm," he whines before pouting. "You used to like it. I want the old Liv back."
"That's enough for today, Gojo, please," she says finally.
The look in her eye is pleading, almost begging. Satoru wants to tease her further, yet he can tell she wants to leave as soon as possible. He remains silent for the rest of the lesson.
October 12th, 2016. / 16:41 / Gojo Residence, Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan
It is late afternoon by the time they return to the penthouse.
Satoru asks if Liv wants to shower first but she waves him off, letting him go first instead. Once she hears the door of the bathroom shut, she sighs as she sits at the dining table with her head resting on her forearms. The day was too long and arduous, and Satoru's antics peaked today to the point she couldn't brush it off anymore. The teasing, the flirting - it's too much and the anxiety before the wedding is just making her feel worse.
She groans. Why is this so hard? she wonders, finding the whole situation ridiculous. Why do I feel so repulsed by his presence?
"He's trying," she almost whimpers. "Why can't you just let it go?"
Her mother's words about sorcerers and trust resonate in her mind. For a sorcerer, trust is a gamble they often lose. She scrunches her nose in frustration. Let it go, let it go, let it go, she repeats the words to herself, over and over. You are not your mother, you are Liv Drakon. Yet, the more she pressures herself, the less effect it seems to have.
"Damn it," she sighs as she grips the roots of her hair. It shouldn't be this hard.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Liv gasps as she lifts her gaze and finds him standing next to her. How long has he been there? she wonders as her eyes meet his Six Eyes. He is still in his uniform. He didn't take a shower yet?
"You're really lost in thought if you haven't heard me calling your name," he says softly. "Like, four times."
She stares at him dumbfounded before mumbling just as dumbly, "What?"
He sits on the chair closest to her, his hands clasped in front of him as he leans toward her. "Stress is getting to you."
She is silent for a while longer before she swallows. "That obvious, huh."
He is silent for a moment. "Wanna talk about it?"
"What's there to talk about?" Liv scoffs. "Mat is right, the sooner we get this over with, the better."
Satoru grins at her. "See? That's called optimism. Keep at it, you're doing great!"
She glares at him. He sniggers in return.
"And we have two more days to go," she breathes out and rubs her face with her right hand. "All this planning and organizing and arguing, it's so - ugh."
"Right?" Satoru agrees, a childish grin on his face. "Look at us, we're practically falling apart - well you mostly."
"Gojo," she groans, nursing her forehead. "Your support is deeply appreciated."
"You're welcome," he says proudly.
She chuckles, despite herself and he chuckles as well. Their eyes meet and they laugh, the echo of their brief moment of joy echoing in the empty penthouse.