"-In short, the cursed spirit got away."
Sitting together at a very nice table, Ciel finished recounting last night's event to Gojo, with Nanami filling in the rest of the details she had not been conscious of. Beside them, Yuuji was using the hotel's hot pot on top of a cart. The staff members being generous enough to let him use it due to Ciel's influential presence as a "valued customer". The smell of curry instantly stirred a hungry rumble within Ciel's stomach as she did her best to conceal her excitement.
They were gathered at the dining hall of the luxurious hotel, taking advantage of the free expenses under Ciel's name. Gojo leaned back against his chair as he took in the information. "Guess we got to keep an eye out for that curse then."
He then teasingly grinned at Ciel. "Although, that still doesn't explain how you and Yuuji-kun ended up in a place like this. I didn't take you for someone who had expensive tastes."
"Yes, well…" Ciel cleared her throat before resuming, "I felt it was nice to treat myself, at least this once. After I returned home with Yuuji-kun last night, I decided to resume my patrol in the city."
"And I followed her," Yuuji followed up, finishing up his stirring of the curry pot and proceeded to serve its portions in separate bowls.
"That he did, despite my insistence for him not to," Ciel felt right to add, crossing her arms. "We eventually agreed to stick together, and after investigating Yumizuka-chan's hideout, I thought it was too much of a hassle to return home on foot, so…"
"So you kids decided to sneak in here and score yourself the best room possible," Gojo looked like he was about to laugh. "Hope you didn't keep the neighbors up all night-"
A black key was shot for Gojo's face, and the man swiftly caught it between both hands. "...Hey now. That wouldn't have hurt, but my feelings sure took a hit."
Yuuji nearly dropped the serving ladle in surprise. Nanami remained impassive, unsurprised by Ciel's reaction, especially when Gojo is involved.
"Oh please," Ciel said as she sat back down. "As if you didn't expect that. It wouldn't have mattered anyway whether I intended to kill you or not, so why should I bother to pretend?"
"Geez. You can be so scary sometimes..."
Yuuji overcame his surprise and placed the first bowl of curry in front of Ciel. Her mannerisms instantly changed, absolutely delighted at the sight and smell of the meal. "Thank you, Yuuji-kun."
"You're welcome!" Yuuji happily said and served the next bowl to Nanami, which was plain rice as per requested by the adult. His stomach at his age could only take so much spice.
"I don't personally agree with you continuing to go out at night, Ciel," Nanami spoke up. "From what I understand, you seemed to have a habit of underestimating curses. If you intended to seek out Mahito, you should have informed us first."
"I've been living in Japan for a month now. I've already adjusted to how curses function here," Ciel informed, raising her arms a bit in a slight shrug. "I even had Mahito cornered until Yumizuka-chan interrupted our battle. I'm sure that the next time we fight, I'll have no problems in exorcising him."
"That's only if he hadn't known what you were capable of," Gojo pointed out, picking up his spoon for the curry bowl in front of him. He gave his brief thanks to Yuuji before turning his attention back to Ciel. "Now he does, and that's not even getting into his Domain Expansion. Which, by the way, I heard something really interesting happened after he had you in his domain."
Ciel's face was unreadable as Gojo started eating his curry. "So what happened in there while Yuuji-kun and Nanami-san were trying to get you out?"
"...If you're asking about his abilities, I'll tell you all that I know," Ciel said, lifting the spoonful of curry to her lips. Already halfway finishing it before either Gojo or Yuuji would. The pink-hair sorcerer taking his seat next to her. "When I first came in contact with his domain, it was like being in the literal palm of his hand - several of them, in fact. He would have most certainly transfigured my body had he acted immediately, as he had done to countless others."
She noticed Yuuji's expression darkened. His evident hatred at the curse in discussion, and the thought that it would have harmed Ciel the same way it did to Junpei. She wanted to reach out and take his hand to calm him down, but she had to keep herself composed out of personal habits and training - and also to avoid Gojo's embarrassing teases. She did nudge Yuuji's foot with her own, though, under the table. She saw his face relaxed a bit, and Ciel was satisfied.
"Would it have been permanent?" Gojo asked.
Ciel considered the question for a moment, gripping her chin thoughtfully. "...It would have lasted for a while, perhaps. I don't know for sure how long, but I'm certain I would have reverted back regardless."
As long as Roa's own soul remained unchanged, then Ciel's soul would be too. If the soul-destroying properties such as the Seventh Holy Scripture, or even the black flames of Monte Cristo weren't enough to permanently kill her, then neither would Mahito's ability. Changing the shape of her soul would have been a new twist, and it would have also hurt a lot, but as long as she can still move and have access to her remaining sacraments, she would have been in the perfect position to exorcise the cursed spirit right inside his own domain. Now it's all a matter of enduring the worst pain unimaginable until she can get to her target.
"Huh. What if you use Reverse Cursed Technique on yourself?" Gojo asked bluntly. "You can do that, right?"
Ciel looked at Gojo for a moment, then shifted her gaze back to her bowl in thought. "Hmm... It is a technique built from cursed energy... In theory, and if I had plenty of magical powers to spare..."
Huh. It probably would have saved her a lot of trouble if she used that instead, though she hates to use her magic to begin with, unless the situation proves to be especially dire. Like facing off against Roa, or even Arcueid.
"...You really never thought about using it on yourself," Gojo said. He was honestly dumbfounded behind his straight-lip expression as he adjusted his bandana. "You're definitely going to stand out in our school - aside from being an executor, that is."
Ciel cleared her throat. "It's not that I hadn't thought about it, there was just no need. In any case, I wasn't able to do anything. Upon entering the cursed spirit's domain, he was able to touch my soul, and I passed out. Whatever happened after that, I really can't say."
'Won't explain' would be a better way to put it, though Ciel will keep this to herself.
"Mhm," Gojo only responded, looking nowhere close to believing that. "Well, that's a shame, I would have loved to know why there was a giant castle in the middle of that neighborhood."
"Who knows? Perhaps the cursed spirit is a fan of Tolkien?" Ciel only answered, finishing her bowl of curry.
Gojo knew that wasn't it, but like always, this executor was tight-lipped. Even Nanami could see through her lies. The only one who was either too gullible or too faithful to notice was Yuuji, happily eating his curry alongside the still hungry executor, who he offered to share his bowl with. Ciel jumped at the offer, and together, they ate their servings cheerfully.
That's adorable, but anyway, I got to find some way to get her to fess up. Maybe Gojo could get Yuuji to sweet-talk it out of her with some more curry. He'll have to file that idea for later.
"I've had a chat with Yaga," Gojo said. "He'll let us know when you can see him for your interview, Ciel. Right now, he's busy keeping sure that everything is good and settled after last night's incident. I'll give you a call or stop by to take you to him when he's ready. Now then! Time to address the elephant in the room."
He then pointed at not only Ciel, but Yuuji as well. "...Are you two official now? Also, when's the wedding?"
"Spft-Sensei...!" Yuuji nearly choked on the rice he was eating, outwardly embarrassed just as Ciel was. Ciel managed to calm down and restrained herself from throwing another black key at the untouchable man. He was clearly baiting her, and she refused to humor him.
"If you must know..." Ciel said with a hint of blush in her cheeks. "Then fine, I'll tell you. As bizarre as I'm sure this seems, it's as you see it. Yuuji and I are... lovers. As of last night."
It was like someone slipped on a banana peel. Gojo spat the curry back into his bowl and laughed out loud, tossing his head back against the chair frame. Yuuji was stunned as he stared at Ciel's increasingly embarrassed look, while the strongest sorcerer shouted for all of the early risers in the restaurant to hear.
"That's absolutely adorable!"
"...Usually, people who are in a relationship would prefer to call each other boyfriend or girlfriend," Nanami informed. "Using the term "lovers" makes it seem... suggestive."
"Ciel..." Yuuji said, raising his hands over to his mouth. His eyes danced with mirth and flattery. "I had no idea you saw me that way."
"Th-There's nothing wrong with what I said!" Ciel said before facing Yuuji. "And don't you start too, Yuuji-kun! I won't have even you tease me!"
She started gently jabbing at Yuuji's arm with her clenched fist. It was like hitting a soft, brick wall for Ciel, and for Yuuji, it was like being pelted by a small tennis ball. The sight of it only made Gojo laugh even harder.
"I'll go easy on you because of the curry you made, but do not push your luck!" Ciel warned.
Yuuji tried so hard to hold back his laugh unlike his teacher. He reached out and gave Ciel a hug, ceasing her light jabbing. "In that case, I'll just have to keep making you curry every day."
"D-Don't think you can seduce me with such promises, Yuuji-kun..." Ciel can practically hear Gojo dying of laughter at the other side of the table. She's pretty sure the man had fallen out of his chair. "...I wouldn't be against that though, if you decide to."
"Mm. Just say the word, and I'll make you any dish you want." Yuuji hugged Ciel tightly as he made his proclamation, and Ciel blushed even more, hugging him back as she held his arms.
"...Would you control yourself?" Nanami was visibly irked by Gojo's reaction, staring down at the laughing man on the floor. "We're in public."
Gojo was finally able to calm down and climbed back onto his seat. He took a deep breath. "Anyway, that about covers a few things."
He then waved off at the teens. "Why don't you two keep enjoying the free room? I'll help cover any extra costs."
"Hold on," Nanami immediately interjected. Not over the expense but letting two, clearly infatuated teens alone together in a room.
"We'll send Ijichi-san to check up on you guys later," Gojo added, immediately putting halt to Nanami's concerns. "I won't try to stop you from hunting vampires, Ciel, but until you're officially a sorcerer, try not to focus on Mahito for now. We'll take care of looking for that cursed spirit. If you happen to hear or see anything that might clue us in on that curse, let us know about it."
Ciel considered Gojo's words for a moment and pulled back from Yuuji's hug. "Hm. Alright. Fair enough."
After finishing their meals, with Ciel and Yuuji eating most of it until the pot was empty, the two adults left the sorcerer and executor to enjoy the rest of their morning. Before his leave, Gojo informed that he'll be seeing to Yuuji's martial arts training another time, and then gave the boy a thumbs up as he walked out of the restaurant. Yuuji gladly returned the gesture, earning a cute, embarrassed scowl from Ciel.
Once the men left the building, Ciel looked thoughtful. "Hmm. You know, I've been considering watching you spar. Would it be alright if I tag along, Yuuji-kun?"
"Sure! That'd be great! You might see me getting my ass kicked a lot, though," Yuuji said with a small laugh.
"Well, it is Gojo-san you'll be up against. I can only imagine the pain you have to go through," Ciel said as a particularly unenjoyable memory came to mind. "My personal instructor was particularly ruthless when I first started training at the Burial Agency."
It didn't help at all that Ciel's instructor was the Director of the Burial Agency herself, and considering Ciel's immortality, that woman never needed to hold back once, nor hide her disdain against Ciel as she did so.
"Huh. Now that you mention it, you never did say what it was like working there," Yuuji said as he looked at Ciel curiously. "How was it?"
"Ah. Well..." Ciel hesitated for a moment, and then answered with a crooked smile. "It's probably best that I don't explain it in detail. All I can say is that both the work and the training are very, very grueling. You'd be spitting out blood and teeth if you don't keep up, if not your entire femur."
"Holy shit..." Yuuji's eyes went wide. "That sounds way worse than going to bootcamp."
"R-Right. I'm only exaggerating anyway," Ciel alleviated, though she hadn't been lying about how intense the training was either. She meant for it to sound like a joke, but it simply came out dark. "We fight vampires on a daily basis, many of them Dead Apostles, and vampires stronger than that. We have to be conditioned to endure every harsh environment if we're to succeed in our assignments. Hmm. Now I'm curious to know how Jujutsu High trains their students. You were there for two weeks, Yuuji-kun. What was it like?"
"Oh. Well..." Yuuji thought back his time in Jujutsu High, when he was with Megumi and Nobara. "Sometimes, we'd just be sitting in class. Most of the time, though, we'd go out and exorcise low-graded cursed spirits."
"I see. It's not dissimilar to the process I went through, although, I'll have to experience it myself to judge it fairly," Ciel made note to herself before smiling brightly at Yuuji. "Hopefully, your principal will see me fit to become a student there, if he's willing to overlook my other occupation."
"You'll do great! I'm sure of it!" Yuuji encouraged with a wide smile. "You might want to look out for those cursed dolls he uses. They may not look like much, but they're pretty strong. And fast too."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you for the warning," Ciel said appreciatively, putting aside the dirty dishes onto the cart. "Now then, are you ready to head back upstairs?"
"Yeah! We still haven't seen all those movies yet! I also want to try out the shower and kitchen. But..."
He brought his hands together almost in a prayer. "Do you think we could drink a little bit of their wine? Pleeeeeeeease?"
"Yuuji-kun..."
Yuuji gave his best puppy-dog eyes that plead to the law-abiding executor. The girl seemed firmly against it, but the longer she stared into Yuuji's gaze, the more her heart slowly caves. Chipped away by those cute brown eyes of Yuuji, she felt the need to pinch his cheeks.
Ciel considered for a long moment, letting the boy wait in hope. Well... he is going to be executed in the future.
It's not really in her character to approve of such delinquency, but she had already overlooked Yuuji's pastime of playing Pachinko at adult casinos, one of which she even accompanied him to. Plus, she imagined that he hasn't entirely recovered from last night's incident, mentally and emotionally so to speak. He could use something to take the edge off.
With a sigh, Ciel placed both hands on her hips, "Oh, what the hell. I suppose we should make use of all the free services they're willing to allow. Alright. I'll let you have your fun."
"Yes!" Yuuji fist-pumped the air. He looked so happy that Ciel had to smile, and she reached out to gently touch his jawline, putting a stop to his celebration as he looked mesmerized by her sweet expression.
"Just be sure to drink responsibly, Yuuji-kun. Imagine if the vessel of the most venomous curse in Japan died from alcohol poisoning? The joke practically writes itself."
"Pff. You know, you got a really dark sense of humor, Ciel," Yuuji said with a slight smirk, and leaned in to kiss her cheek. Ciel straightened her back as she felt Yuuji's lips touch her skin, blushing slightly. The kiss was only brief, but it felt much longer than that, and Ciel felt sad that it had to end already as soon as Yuuji pulled back. "But I like that about you. I feel like you always look on the bright side of everything, even when things get really grim."
He then took hold of her hand and stood up from the table. "Come on. You pick which movie to watch. I think I saw some popcorn bags upstairs. Ooh! We should order room service later! I always wanted to try that!"
Ciel followed after the cheerful teen with a warm smile on her face, gripping her hold of Yuuji's hand as they walked out of the restaurant. I'm more of a realist than an optimist. If there's anyone who tries to see the bright side of anything, it's you, Yuuji-kun.
She caught up to him as they walked towards the lobby area hand in hand.
Mahito took a look out through the dirty window of an attic that hadn't been touched for years. A view of the front entrance of the mansion under the sunny light of summer morning.
He had seen only two people leave this mansion. The first to leave was a boy about Junpei and Satsuki's age. He appeared to be sickly as he staggered a bit in his walk before regaining balance the further he was away from the mansion. The second to leave was a girl on her way to school, dignified in her walk as she took a ride at the back of a black vehicle that had been called here beforehand. They were siblings apparently, the only members of their family to be living in this family-owned estate.
There were other residents living here. Two were housemaids. One an associate of the recently deceased head of the family. And lastly, the eccentric doctor herself.
As if thinking of the woman would be enough to summon her, the door into the attic was slammed open. "Hiiii! Good Mooorning!"
Dr. Arach announced herself with as much energy as before, as if caffeine runs through her veins instead of blood. "And how is my favorite patient doing today? Any aches? Bleeding? Or maybe there's some internal damage we haven't seen yet? Somewhere you need me to inspect closely?"
Mahito wasn't quite sure what to make of this woman. She certainly wasn't normal if she could see Mahito and casually walk up to the cursed spirit without a second thought to her own life, or maybe she has a reason not to worry. The doctor honestly reminded Mahito of Geto, though Geto at least had some composure as opposed to this excitable woman.
She was also kind of a pervert. In a sadistic flirt sort of way.
"I had some free time after skipping work," the woman nonsensically stated as she made her way over to the seated Mahito by the window. "I managed to bring in another teacup from maid-chan. Extra spoonfuls of sugar, my fellow sweet-tooth enjoyer!"
Dr. Arach handed Mahito the second cup of tea as she slumps down on another chair in front of the cursed spirit. Holding her teacup in one hand.
"Anyway, I'm sure you've already seen for yourself. Our beloved Matriarch-chan left for school today, so feel free to leave whenever you like."
"I see. Thanks for looking after me," Mahito said as he observed the teacup in his hand, shrugged, and then took a sip from it. "I'm still wondering why you decided to help me. You saw everything that happened last night. You're not the least bit worried?"
"Nope! Not one bit! Don't take it the wrong way, though. I'm not underestimating you. In fact, I find you pretty interesting," The doctor said as she took a single gulp of her sweetened tea. She loudly smacked the wooden arm of her chair and lets out a happy cry. "Ahhhh! That hits the spot perfectly! I just felt a strong kinship between us, and that made me want to step in. I can tell that you're still exploring yourself. Reaching new heights. And you're only going to get better from here. Oooooh. Just thinking about it makes me shiver with excitement. Gehee hee!"
"So... curiosity, basically," Mahito summarized, drinking his tea.
"Sure! Why not? Mostly fascination, really. To think that a curse like you, built on human animosity, could fight so well as you did..." Arach beamed brightly as her wild eyes focused on the cursed spirits. "It's astounding! Humans truly are amazing!"
It was something unique for Mahito to come across an 'inhuman?' who seemed to have an appreciation for humans. Not even humans liked other humans. Although, Mahito could tell that her way of appreciating is anything but pleasant. "Hmm. You're certainly a strange one. Although..."
He thought back to his time with Junpei and Satsuki, their elevation in power, with Satsuki especially taking the lead. "...You are right that there are some interesting humans out there."
Mahito is sure that if Jogo heard this, the volcanic curse would have probably started a fight.
"Not just some. One day, I'm sure you'll find all humans to be something truly special. Also, I take offense in being called strange! I prefer the term eccentric. Lovely. Ten out of Ten. I could go on." Dr. Arach sets down the tea at a nearby dusty table. "Now, why don't I have one last look of you before you leave? You should be healed by now, but it doesn't hurt to check."
"Sure. I should get going soon, before Geto starts wondering where I am," Mahito said as he finished drinking his tea and stood up. He removed his fixed shirt with ease, showing his bandaged, stitched body and muscles. The bruising and wounds have healed, though the burn marks from those black keys still persist. Aside from the scarring, the doctor managed to heal the curse without any kind of cursed technique, it intrigued Mahito admittedly.
I'm pretty sure she isn't human. Or at least, I think so.
The doctor stood up and approached Mahito. From underneath her coat, she pulled out a stethoscope and started examining Mahito's body. Touching his healed scars as her fingers traced along the lines of his abs. "Mmm. Mhmmm~! Very nice. Very nice! Whoever made you is an exceptional artist! Your cursed energy should also be back to full by now. You'll be able to shape plenty of more people in no time."
She then presented herself in front of Mahito, showing her bare chest as if to dare his hand to touch her. "Would you like to try it out on me?"
"No way. You're making it weird," Mahito shot down the doctor as he puts back on his shirt. He also can't help but feel it was some kind of trap, or maybe the doctor was just that much of a masochist. Kind of like the two serial killers Geto and Mahito came across and has since recruited to their group despite their humanity - albeit twisted by society's standards.
Dr. Arach pouted at Mahito's rejection before shrugging it off and putting away her stethoscope. "How sad that we must part so soon. C'est la vie. Go. Go. Go! And reach new heights that will burst you out from your cocoon and into a wonderful hornet. Just be sure to watch out for spiders~ Or maybe I should just call them sorcerers?"
Mahito opened the window, allowing the fresh warm air to enter, he proceeded to climb over the frame. "...By the way. This mansion..."
The doctor tilted her head curiously at the curse, her everlasting smile still on her face. "Hm? What?"
"...No. Never mind," Mahito decided to not bring it up, and waved at the doctor. "Thanks for the patch up, doc."
"No problem! And if you ever need any medical attention again, or even a place to crash for a while, feel free to stop by. It'll be our little secret. Matriarch-chan won't suspect a thing."
"I'll keep that in mind," Mahito then bid the oddball of a doctor with a wave of his hand and hopped down from the third story window. Landing easily onto the stone walkway of the front entrance.
He gives one final wave at the kookie doctor and started his walk down across the nice limestone that will eventually lead him to the gates. "...This place..."
He stopped for a moment and turned his head back to look at the estate one last time. "...It kind gives me the creeps."
"-You have to be desperate to be in love with your murderer."
Yuuji dried his wet pink hair with a quick rub of the towel as he looked into the bathroom mirror, ignoring the open-mouth grin of the curse in his cheek. "Which one of us will be in control when she goes for your heart again?"
Yuuji finished tending to his hair and face with the free products given by the hotel and puts on the nice, silk white bathrobe, concealing the claw-mark scars over his shoulders.
"Don't call her a murderer around her," Yuuji warned the curse with a stoic expression, especially since Ciel would probably not deny the accusation. After putting on the blue-cross gloves, he stepped out of the bathroom.
He hears the popcorn ready in the beeping microwave. Ciel was not in the living room, but he soon hears her in the bedding area. "Yuuji-kun! Could you bring the popcorn and come over here?"
"Yeah! Give me one sec!" Yuuji found a bowl in the cabinet and used it to pour in two bags of popcorn. Although they just had curry this morning, it wouldn't hurt to have a snack to go with their movie marathon. Plus, Yuuji and Ciel were big eaters as it is. He honestly kind of liked that in a girl. He brought the bowl of popcorn over to where Ciel was at, finding her sitting on the two separate beds pressed together.
"Oh my. You look like you're worth a million bucks," Ciel puts on the charms with that winning smile of hers. Yuuji felt himself blush and he chuckled. He joined her on the beds, sitting next to her as he sets down the bowl of popcorn on the silver tray between them.
"So what's up? Are we still watching a movie?"
"We are. In fact, take a look at this," Ciel shows a black remote in her hand and then pointed it at the ceiling, pressing a button.
A flat screen TV started to lower itself from the ceiling of the bedroom, and Yuuji was completely wowed. "COOOOL! This really is a luxury hotel!"
Ciel was chipper to see Yuuji's beaming reaction, intertwining her fingers together. "I had a feeling you'd react that way. I always love seeing you look so amazed at every little thing. It's really adorable."
"Yeah?" Yuuji asked, a little embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "You're way cuter than me though. So what movie are we seeing?"
Ciel blushed slightly at Yuuji's compliment before picking out a movie on the TV screen. "Well, it seemed like we were interested in watching this one last night, so I'd figured we could see Twilight."
"Alright. That sounds good," Yuuji tossed one piece of popcorn into his mouth and started chewing. "Oh! I forgot about the drinks."
"No worries. I have them all right here," Ciel reached from the side of the bed and picked up the wine bottle and a fancy drinking glass from the floor. "Tada! I'm not much of a wine person, so I'll just be having soda."
The only time she ever drank wine was when Roa possessed her, and she resolved to never taste it again. But since Yuuji really wanted to try it, Ciel bottled up her personal discomfort and decided to just "live in the moment." That's right. She can be cool too. She'll just have to keep in mind how much Yuuji drinks, that's all.
"Sweet!" Yuuji helped uncorked the wine bottle and started pouring the red liquid into the first glass. "Oh man. I hope I don't spill on anything. Heh heh. This is so cool. I never thought I'd be having this much fun in a rich hotel in all my life."
"If it makes you this happy, I should break into places like this more often," Ciel joked with a little laugh, though was also a little serious.
Yuuji smiled at her. "Are you having fun too?"
"Oh yes! Absolutely! This may not be something I'm used to, but anywhere with you is always bound to be more fun than I would have expected," Ciel smiled cheerfully. "It just feels so good to spoil you today. It's the least I can do to make up for my awful behavior yesterday."
"Oh. No. That's..." Yuuji was surprised to hear that. He started thinking deeper as to what all this really meant, looking down on the silver tray and the wine glass in his hand. Staying at a hotel like this for free. Her saying yes to the wine (although it's just him drinking it). Ciel was still trying to lift Yuuji's spirits after everything that happened last night.
His smile softened, and he sets aside the wine glass on the nightstand beside him. He scooted closer to Ciel and wrapped his arms around her figure. Ciel was surprised, and she noticed Yuuji's change in behavior, from excitement and joy to something a little more relaxed as he laid down in bed together with her. "Yuuji-kun?"
"You don't have to feel bad about that," Yuuji said with a gentle expression. He reached with his gloved hand and pushed the short strands of her blue hair behind her ear, seeing her blush immediately. "Really. I know you didn't mean it. You also don't have to go this far just to make me feel happy. Being with you is the happiest I've ever been."
He smiled widely, his eyes shimmering with adoration that made Ciel's heart flutter. "Next time, let's go somewhere you want to go. That curry restaurant was really good. You should take me to see more of your favorite places here in Tokyo. I know it'll be fun, and... that way, I get to know you a little more too."
Ciel's face flushed at Yuuji's proposition. She looked down to avoid his eyes, unable to hide her happiness, and the embarrassment at how happy she felt hearing that. Yuuji softly laughed at her reaction. He removed his hand from her warm cheek and pushed underneath her chin slightly, wanting to meet her eyes again.
"H-Hold on!" Ciel covered her reddish face with her hands. "I-I don't want you to see me like this..."
"Awww. But I like seeing you," Yuuji playfully said, moving closer to her. "Come on. Just a peak?"
He kissed the back of her hand, and Ciel quietly squealed.
"I'll keep doing this until I do~" He planted more kisses to her hands. Every kiss of his felt electrifying as Ciel tried her best to withstand his affection.
"I mean, that's what a 'lover' does, right?" Yuuji said.
"You...!" Ciel lowered her hands and balled them into fists, wanting to gently pound at the sorcerer again. Letting down her guard, Yuuji quickly dove in and kissed her lips. "Mmph!"
Ciel shuts her eyes closed, feeling the immediate ecstasy of Yuuji's sweet kiss. Her heart pounded in her chest as her hands rested on top of the silk over Yuuji's shoulders, and felt him beginning to scoot closer-
*clink!*
The wine bottle toppled over the tray and spilled red liquid onto the bed. Yuuji and Ciel immediately parted from their kiss.
"Oh crap!" Seeing the mess, Yuuji lets go of Ciel and picked up the bottle. There was a small puddle of wine that stained the white bed, along with his bathrobe. "Uh oh. I really hope I don't have to pay for this..."
"It's alright," Ciel puts Yuuji at ease as she placed her hand over the puddle. "Look. See?"
With a little use of magic in her hand, the stain on the bed began to fade away. Yuuji watched in absolute amazement as the puddle disappeared completely, as if the wine never spilled. "It's gone!"
Ciel smiled. "I happen to be very good at covering my tracks. So don't worry. Any mess we make, I can clean up afterwards."
"Ohh," Yuuji said impressed. Now that he thought about it, Ciel did clean up Yumizuka's hideout nicely last night, including all the blood that was there. Man. She really can do everything. I better step up my game if I want to get on her league.
"Now, for that robe of yours," Ciel's hand hovered over Yuuji's waist, but then paused. A devious idea came to mind, and she smiled her well-performed, innocent smile. "Although..."
Yuuji looked back at Ciel, curious to know what her expression meant as she suddenly leaned closer to him. "I think you might have gotten some on your face as well."
"Huh? I do-?"
Ciel gently pushed the tray away and began to move closer to Yuuji.
"Eh? Eh?!"
Yuuji was compelled to follow Ciel's lead as he saw that alluring gaze of hers. He found himself lying back onto the mattress, the back of his head rested against the pillow. Ciel's face hovered right over his, and Yuuji felt warmth rising to his cheeks and ears.
S-So close!
He felt Ciel's hands gently grasp both sides of his face, the warding magic emanating from her hands, and Yuuji's mind suddenly goes back to that seriously intense kiss Ciel gave him last night.
Are we...? Are we doing this? Right here?! In her nun outfit too?!
He felt the tip of Ciel's golden cross neckless touch his chest, and Yuuji's eyes shut closed. "Eep!"
His face went completely red. Yuuji could feel Ciel's breath over his nose, and he waited in anticipation.
"...You really want me to kiss you, huh?"
Hearing that, Yuuji opened his eyes, and he saw Ciel's teasing smile. Her light blue eyes full of mischief. His face began to cool down as he registered Ciel's words as she removed her hands from her face.
"Ah."
He soon understood. She was just playing with him.
"M-Mean! You are so mean, Ciel!" Yuuji's voice heightened, his ears were still burning.
Ciel couldn't help but giggle at his blushing face. "It's not so fun when you're being teased, now is it- kyah!"
Yuuji's arms latched around Ciel's waist, and he pulled her back onto the bed. He was completely miffed as he looked at the surprised girl in his arms. "That was too far."
He pressed his forehead against Ciel's chin. "Apologize."
"Oh? Are you mad at me?" Ciel asked. Her hands still glowing with a little bit of magic as she rubbed his head.
"Hmph!" Yuuji only responded, which is to say yes. He fastened his arms around her as he hid his embarrassment into her neck.
Ciel blushed as she smiled down at the sorcerer. "Aww. Please don't be angry. I suppose I might have teased you too much."
Her fingers stroked through Yuuji's soft pink hair. A gentle massage against his scalps. She pressed her mouth on top of his head, "What can I do to make it up to you?"
Yuuji took a moment to consider, enjoying Ciel's head massage as he pressed his lips to her shoulder. "Hmm..."
He thought about it, and then eventually came to only one request in his heart as he snuggled up to Ciel. The girl blushed some more at the closing warmth of his body, and she hugged his head.
"…Stay with me," Yuuji said. It sounded a little unreasonable when he said it out loud, and he almost wanted to take it back. But he also wanted to know how Ciel would respond, to see if she would like that as much as he would.
"Oh…?" Ciel thought over Yuuji's request. She was honestly flattered and debated it for a moment. Hugging Yuuji with the press of her glowing hand behind his head and neck, she ultimately came to a decision.
"…Alright. I'll stay here with you."
Yuuji was surprised. He pulled back to see Ciel's face again. "Really? What about school?"
"I won't go," Ciel only answered, smiling warmly as she caressed Yuuji's cheek. "I was only going to pick up a few things anyway, but I'm sure I can get them later. I'll be moving to Jujutsu High anyhow. Might as well not go to my old school anymore."
Ciel gently grasped Yuuji's jawline as she looked at him tenderly. "And besides, I want to spend every moment with you. I never, ever, want to be apart from you again, Yuuji-kun."
Yuuji's eyes light up at her words. A slow grin appearing on his face as he moved closer, and kisses her. Ciel closed her eyes, her thumb caressing the side of Yuuji's face.
They held for about a minute before breaking the kiss and stared into each other's eyes. Yuuji's soft brown gaze shimmered with delight. The admiration and adoration in his expression made Ciel's heart skip a beat. He leaned his forehead against hers, closing his eyes briefly. "Is it okay if I call you my girlfriend?"
Ciel's heart danced hearing that. Feeling shy by his request, she nodded. "Y-Yes. You… You may."
It certainly sounded better than referring to each other as "lovers." This way… they were official.
Yuuji smiled, excited over her answer, and he pushed in for another kiss, doing so twice. "Mm."
Ciel's chest bubbled with happiness. Sighing under every dip of the kiss again and again. It was like an ache that she couldn't keep down, a wonderful dream she didn't felt she deserved, was now here in front of her. Her heart was craving for him as her glowing hand touched the side of Yuuji's face. Her thumb rubbing against his jawline, and Yuuji giggled at the tickling sensation.
Yuuji just savored the moment, wondering what he did in this life to get such a wonderful girl (And just his type too), and he planned to show just how much he appreciated Ciel being here. He really hoped Sukuna wasn't watching any of this. Yuuji refused to let that monster have this, and he hoped that Ciel's magic wards in her hands did more than just keep the curse quiet. But whether that creep was watching or not, Yuuji didn't care, he wasn't going to let anybody ruin this for him.
Yuuji gently pulled Ciel in and hugged her, hearing her shy little squeak between their kiss, and he chuckled. She's so cute...
After a long time, they finally parted for some air. Yuuji's breath grazed Ciel's lips as he said to her. "Let me know if it's too much, okay?"
Ciel's eyes glittered, and she smiled lovingly. He really is so sweet. And very gentle too, despite being someone who could punch through concrete with ease. How in the world did she managed to get such an amazing person as him?
"Mm. I will," she answered, breathing softly as she looked down at his chest. The sight of it dimmed the joy in her eyes, as she was reminded of Yuuji's death yet again.
Yuuji quickly noticed this, and his smile dropped. He etched his face closer to her, "What's up?"
"No. It's…" Ciel hesitated. Her thumb stroking Yuuji's cheek. "…Are you really okay with this? With me, I mean."
An executor, someone who had already killed Yuuji once. And who plans to do so again, even though it was getting harder and harder for her to commit to her role now.
"Mm! It's definitely okay with me," Yuuji immediately answered, wanting to assure her right away. "You don't need to worry about me. I really, really do like you, Ciel."
Yuuji stared at Ciel's face, leaving her to wonder what could be going through his head. He puts up his gloved hand and gently grasped her cheek. Feeling the warmth there even through the gloves as Ciel gingerly grasped his wrist.
"I think, whether we met at any other point in our lives… I would have liked you. No matter what. I'd want to get to know you." Yuuji said. His eyes softened. "I'm really glad I met you. It doesn't matter to me how, or what you do."
He started to blush a little and brought his head closer. Their foreheads touched, and he suddenly looked just as shy as Ciel was feeling right now. "I would have fallen for you. You're just so amazing. You're brave. You're smart. And you're really kind. You're also really beautiful too - I hope you know that."
"N-No. That's..." Ciel's face burned with hidden delight at Yuuji's compliments, wanting to object to that but could as she watched Yuuji closed his eyes. He goes in for another kiss, surprising Ciel before she eventually closes her eyes as well. After several seconds, Yuuji pulled back to speak to her again.
"I'm so happy we met that day on the train." His smile was full of warmth. "Thank you so much for stopping by just to talk to me."
Ciel was speechless, unable to find the words, and Yuuji kissed her again. Her heart flourished with tender love and happiness. The walls around her heart crumbled as she wrapped her arms around Yuuji's neck, pulling him in to have more.
I don't deserve you. She thought. I don't deserve those sweet words. But…
No matter what it takes, Ciel promised in her heart that she will protect that side of him.
Their thoughts gradually stopped, and they simply kissed for however long they can hold their breaths, without any more worries towards the rest of the world.
"Hey! Shiki! The hell you spacing out for?" The red-haired teen Arihiko waved in front of the spectacled student's face.
In a classroom of Metropolitan Souya High, Shiki Tohno blinked at Arihiko's intrusion of his deep pondering as Shiki was staring out the window. He sighed, looking back at the annoying classmate and self-asserted friend. "Can't a guy mull in peace? Why don't you go bother your favorite senpai instead?"
Shiki ushered with a wave of his hand to shoo away the bothersome teen.
"Huh? Who's that?" Arihiko asked, completely clueless. "You'd think I'd be talking to you if someone like that was around?"
Shiki frowned at Arihiko. "What are you…?"
Shiki stopped as he considered Arihiko's words. Or, more so, he reconsidered his own words.
Huh… Who was I talking about?
Shiki tried to think back. He could have sworn there had been another person who would stop by his class sometimes. Someone who smiled a lot and always checked up on him and Arihiko, and up until recently, Satsuki as well. But no matter how much Shiki thought about it, he can't seem to recall their face, let alone the name of this 'Senpai'.
"Huh… I might have misspoke," Shiki said. "I probably meant Noel-sensei. Although, I haven't seen her around school lately..."
Their time in the hallway after school hours will forever leave an impression on Shiki of that strange, cherry-haired woman.
"Oh. Yeah. I heard she got transferred all of a sudden. She'll be going to some girl school in Tokyo from now on. Don't know which one though," Arihiko said. He then slapped Shiki's shoulder. "So! You up for eating lunch with me at the cafeteria today?"
Shiki looked at the 'pest' he called a friend, and then shrugged. "Mm. Sure. I've nothing better to do."
He decided to push away this odd feeling in his chest and stood up from his desk. He joined Arihiko as they started walking out into the hallway. As the boys chatted, Shiki still can't help but feel he was forgetting something, but seeing as how he can't pull it out of his memories, he decided that it probably wasn't anything important.
Yuuji took a sip of the wine glass, holding it in a way he's seen rich people do as he and Ciel watched the horrible acting presented on the flat screen TV. His arm was happily around Ciel's shoulder as she took a sip of the orange soda can. The girl looked up and regarded Yuuji for a moment, her eyes softening at his cheerful face, and she rested her head against his chest.
By now, everyone at Souya High should have forgotten about me.
Anyone who endured her suggestion spell for a lengthy period of time would have a lasting effect, leaving them convinced that she had been part of their lives without her needing to keep up the spell. So Ciel had to cast another suggestion spell, causing everyone at school to forget her entirely. Both Ciel and Mario were able to confirm that Shiki was not Roa's host after a month of Roa's activities had already passed. This leads them to consider their one and only other suspect: Akiha Tohno.
Noel would have to take care of monitoring Akiha herself. Ciel has a strong feeling that someone like Akiha - a reserve, sharp-tongue, and perceptive young woman would be able to see through Ciel's disguise regardless of how deceptive it was. Her suspicion was not unfounded as there was a point during the last month that Ciel decided to observe Akiha Tohno from afar. But even from a distant, the daughter of the Tohno family was very observant. Even though Akiha couldn't pinpoint who had been watching her, it nonetheless proven that she would not be as easy to approach as Shiki Tohno. However, someone as normal as Noel would not pose too much attention or questions.
In the meantime, Ciel has another task she must adhere to. Since the undead and curses have been gathering together quite frequently, it stands to reason that Roa may show himself somewhere within Jujutsu Sorcerer territory, and to uncover that, Ciel will have to integrate herself into Jujutsu High. This way, she'll not only have a better chance at finding Roa, but Ciel would also be able to continue monitoring Yuuji.
Ciel closed her eyes as she simply felt and enjoyed Yuuji's presence behind her. Her fingers caressing his arm that was secured around her chest, making her feel at ease in a way she had never felt before. She felt Yuuji kiss on top of her head, and she smiled widely, completely content.
Through life, and in death, I'll follow you everywhere, Yuuji-kun.
Ciel resolved herself with this decision as she plucked another piece of popcorn from the bowl, and tossed it into her mouth.
Author's Note: Chapters might come stagnant, depends on how much I want to post the next one. My final week of my last class is also here, so wish me luck as I hopefully get to finally graduate and get my first Bachelor's Degree! Yay!
Thank you all SO much for the 15,000 views and 90 Followers. I love you all! And as we're in the midst of an epic battle in the manga, and Jujutsu Kaisen anime approaching its impending Shibuya Incident Arc that's going to shatter so many people's hearts, let's all enjoy this moment of bliss between our two characters: Ciel and Yuuji.
I know a lot of people are wondering when Arcueid is going to show up. The thing is, Tengen's barrier is hiding Roa's presence without meaning to, so as of this moment, the Princess of the True Ancestors is still asleep. Not only that, but Tengen's barrier is also having an effect on a lot of the vampires in Japan, creating a stagnation of their movements so to speak...
So! This might be the last time we'll have a Shiki Tohno cameo for a while, until Ciel's attention ultimately turns back to him should things with Akiha don't go as expected.
Next chapter will be about Ciel's interview! Do you think she has what it takes? Will Yaga accept an executor into his school? Will Gojo turn Ciel into a student of Jujutsu Sorcery? Will Ciel remain adamant in refusing to use her magical powers? Find out next time on: Jujutsu Executor!
Please leave me your reviews. I live for them. See ya!
P.S. I've been getting a few new ideas regarding more Jujutsu Kaisen x Tsukihime fics. One following a route that involves Arcueid a lot sooner. Having Yuuji take a role in Ciel's Route of the Near Side storyline. His interactions with Shiki Tohno. More suggestive commentary between Sukuna and Ciel (I'm not very good at this though so don't hold your breaths. I like pure romance between pure characters I'm sorry). Possibly deviating from the JJK and Tsukihime canon storyline, and so on and so on.
Another story idea involves Junpei and Satsuki being alive. Ciel being founded by Gojo (or maybe Geto?) after she endured endless executions by the Holy Church. Maybe Ciel gets transported to JJK after some smartass (or mischievous vampire?) decided to use the Jeweled Sword of Zelretch on her XD in one of her execution/experiments.
Honestly, the more I read and write Ciel/Elesia, the more I realized she's been done dirty in Tsukihime. I find her very interesting when she stands alone but not so much when she's a romantic interest to Shiki (Ciel's my favorite character and I'm a ShikixArc stan), especially while he's driven for Arcueid in Ciel's own route in both the Original and Remake, which I've read a lot of people complain about too.
I get why Shiki would be in love with Arc - we all love Arcueid! But come on. And that's not even bringing up the "Good" Ending of Ciel's Route in the Original Tsukihime. So that's why I'm wondering what it'd be like if I put Yuuji into the equation. Imagine if Shiki's the one who ended up being jealous when Roa starts possessing him, heh heh.
There's a lot of potential with this crossover, but I might not get around to them unless they're like one-shots or don't require as much focus. So let me know what you guys think. That's about it, take care!
Update:
SonofCain- huh! I'm thoroughly surprised! I guess that makes sense since we rarely seen Sukuna's use of poison aside from the immunity - which is really Yuuji's immunity. I'll go ahead and fix that, otherwise, Ciel might just call Sukuna that herself out of irony. 'Man is the king of poison because of how toxic he is.' Also yeah it does feel a bit rushed. It's my first time writing a romantic scene but even though Ciel and Yuuji did get a little 'frisky' last night, they did survive a pretty intense ordeal so their feelings kind of took over a bit. I should dial it back at least the last part of their romance section for this chapter.
Although I imagine Yuuji wanting to have a little bit of fun before his impending execution, and Ciel wanting to make his last days on earth as special as possible, Yuuji did say he'll take things slow and Ciel is self-conscious of herself. I have an idea about Yukko Ozawa, she deserves just as much happiness even if it is gonna be heartbreaking when she finds out about Yuuji getting a girlfriend in this fic. Anyway, I'll go ahead and make these changes. Thanks!
Kabuto S. Inferno- Yuuji's way of 'seducing' would be to cook lots of curry for Ciel and give her loads of cuddling. This is also what Gojo has in mind but I should probably rephrase this to "sweet-talk". Even though this is an M rated fic and I'm trying to work with it by exploring things T rated fics can't, I'm still very new to this and made some adjustments even after I already posted the chapter. I know OG Tsukihime has "spice" (badly written spice and that's just to give the series more attention) buuuut maybe I shouldn't try so hard. I'll dial it back in future chapters. Just let me know what you guys think about it. (Edit: Decided to revise it! It made me cringe each time I look back at it. Any and all advise would help.)
I never thought that this would be a filler chapter, but it does make sense. I wanted to add more but I've learned my lesson about writing too much and decided to post marginally shorter chapters (10,000 words should be my absolute limit!). If there's any BIG events to come though, those chapters will for sure be long ones, but we'll see if I may decide to split it or not. It's also great to hear from you! Thanks for the review!