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As much as Suguru would like to pin everything on his menace of a friend, there are times when even he has to admit his carelessness. After all, he didn’t expect to be devoured by the very curse that he was about to consume.
By the time he and Satoru had noticed, Suguru had already found himself deep inside its mouth, eyes widening after seeing Satoru’s frantic face.
But, as much as he wanted to observe his friend’s unusual reaction, in the blink of an eye, he was gone. Or more specifically, Suguru was gone, well, devoured.
How careless… Suguru thought to himself and sighed, noticing how his body was falling ever so slowly. It’s certainly a new experience for him, being consumed by what he usually… swallows. He eventually stopped his train of thought after questioning himself if the curse’s consumption was the same as his.
I don’t want to be vomited . He scrunches his nose before finally relaxing his whole body, eyes gazing at nothing but pure darkness and space.
He wasn’t entirely anxious about his current predicament because, at the end of the day, he trusted Satoru to bring him back.
He always had.
Unless something even more troublesome occurs.
Like being hazardously thrown on uneven ground, leaving Suguru to rely on his reflexes to avoid any bruises forming on his body, he’s had enough of it, especially since they just finished a mission before the unknown curse’s ambush.
And, in addition to his sudden release, he eventually found himself on an abandoned street with three young sorcerers a few meters away from him. To make matters worse, they’re all armed and are glaring right at his figure.
Figures.
So, as idiotic as possible, Suguru raised his arms and smiled. “I come in peace.”
***
It took Suguru a couple of blows on his arms before his words even managed to start a conversation between him and the three young sorcerers whom he’s guessing are from Kyoto.
Or so he would like to think.
“Liar!” A girl with short brown hair then took something out of her small bag and aimed it directly in Suguru’s direction. “You came out of a curse’s mouth! How do we know if you’re telling the truth or not?!”
“...” Speechless, Suguru once again evaded a punch that came from the pink-haired sorcerer. Based on his stance and the impact of his strike, Suguru immediately understood the risk he'd suffer if he couldn’t avoid his attack.
He whistles under his breath, giving the kid an impressed gaze. “Quite a punch you got there kid.”
“Oh!” Baffled at Suguru’s response, he awkwardly bowed his head before confusion once again took place. “Thanks, I guess?”
“Itadori! Don’t listen to him!” The black-haired sorcerer shouts, giving Suguru the chance to notice the shift in the kids’ cursed energy. Without even a hint of hesitation, Suguru then brought out a curse to serve as a shield from the onslaught of the kid’s attacks.
Or more specifically, from an animal that came from the sorcerer’s shadow.
Ten Shadows Technique… Suguru raised an eyebrow before eventually deciding to restrain the shikigami by using a grade 1 curse. It’s a shame to destroy it just because of some misunderstanding. That’s rare. So he’s a Zenin, huh?
Before they could start attacking him once more, Suguru sighed before eventually bringing out three curses that would help restrain his assailants.
“Hey!” The girl screamed, pointing at the fat-like curse that was sitting on top of her body, successfully pinning her down. “If you’re not a curse, then what the hell does this mean?!”
Shaking his head, Suguru pinches the bridge of his nose before responding. “I’m a curse manipulator. And as much as I hate bullying children like you, unlike some other guy I know, you won’t even let me explain my side of the story.”
And as much as she wants to retort his statement, Suguru does have a point.
“Maybe we should hear him out?” The pink-haired kid suggests, slowly lifting the curse that pinned him on the ground. Seeing him do so only made Suguru raise his eyebrows before eventually calling his curses back into his repertoire. “I’m Itadori Yuuji, by the way. First year at Jujutsu Tech. Sorry for suddenly attacking you.”
Not knowing if he should laugh or frown, Suguru could only nod his head all the while lifting his sleeves to see if he attained any more cuts or bruises. “It’s okay. I would have done the same. I’m Geto Suguru. Second year.”
“Second?” Confused by his reply, the girl ungraciously stood up and immediately walked towards Suguru. “We already met all of the second years. Stop lying! Maybe you really are a curse!”
But I’m not… Tired of their back and forth, Suguru was about to open his mouth and reply but was immediately cut off by a bewildered remark from the black-haired sorcerer.
“Geto… Suguru?” He whispers, instantly attaining the attention of everyone present in the alley.
“Eh? Do you know him, Fushiguro?” Itadori asks head tilted in relief. “You should have told us sooner!”
Fushiguro? Suguru thought to himself while the said boy replied. “I don’t. But Gojo-sensei might.”
“Satoru?” Hearing the name of his best friend was enough to break Suguru’s defensive wall, eyes questionably gazing at the boy who spoke. “And a sensei? When did he become a teacher?”
“...”
“...”
“Oh no…” Now it was the girl’s turn to groan as she visibly smacked her forehead. “Don’t tell me this is happening. I’m too tired for all this shit.”
“Unfortunately, I think we have to do something, Kugisaki.” Ever the most valiant one, Suguru’s first impression of Itadori wasn’t something he usually experiences, leaving him at a loss for words. “Say, Geto-san, do you know what year it is?”
“Uh…” Eyes blinking rapidly, Suguru replied. “2006?”
“Shit!” Kugisaki then proceeds to curse the sky, asking when will it give her the chance to rest. “I just wanted to ask Maki-san on a date and this happens! Motherfucker!”
“...”
Mouth agape upon seeing the kid’s response, Suguru glanced at Itadori and asked if she was always like this.
“Oh yeah.” He sighed and awkwardly placed a hand on his nape. “It’s worse, nowadays, since she hasn’t been seeing her crush. Sorry about that, Geto-san.”
“Ah no,” Chuckling, Suguru produced a small smile. “I understand.”
“Last I heard, Gojo-sensei is currently out of the country.” Fushiguro then joined their conversation, eyes gazing furiously at the device he was holding. “When I told him to come back, he just promised us souvenirs before hanging up. He didn’t even give me the chance to explain our situation.”
“He hung up on you?” Itadori frowns before once again looking at an enraged Kugisaki. “That’s rare. He must be really busy right now.”
Grunting, Fushiguro could only place his device back in his pocket before eventually noticing Suguru’s gaze on it. “Is something wrong?”
“Hmm? Ah, yes.” With nothing left to lose, Suguru pointed at the sorcerer’s pocket and asked. “Is that a phone? I’ve never seen a design like that before.”
“...”
With another groan, Fushiguro could only look up before joining Kugisaki in cursing how shitty their day have become.
***
On the bright side, at least Itadori suggested they move locations since it doesn’t seem right to have a proper conversation in that empty street.
So, the four of them eventually found themselves at a local park. Suguru claimed a seat on the bench while the other three sat on the bench that was opposite to his.
And as soon as they found themselves relaxing in their seat, Suguru took his time to reflect on the events that happened earlier. First is the increase in the number of curses in their mission earlier, which wasn’t stated in the report, and the appearance of a curse who devoured him and spat him out in a different location.
In a place where young sorcerers don’t know who he is and are calling Satoru their teacher.
Which only led him to one conclusion.
“This is the future, isn’t it?” Suguru asks them, eyes shifting from them and the ground. They looked surprised, to say the least, since they hadn’t mentioned anything regarding his situation. They only asked if he knew what year it was before proceeding to emotionally free themselves from stress. “What year is it?”
This time, it was Kugisaki’s turn to answer. “2018. You’ve traveled a long way, Geto-san.”
Not sure how to reply to her statement, Suguru chose the safest way and simply nodded his head. However, deep inside, he knew that he fucked up.
2018, really?
Groaning at the absurdity of it all, Suguru wanted to think that everything he was seeing right now must be his hallucination. Or better yet, maybe he’s dreaming.
But the wounds he has yet to treat speak for itself.
Unbeknownst to him, however, are the gazes that continue to observe his every action, prompting Itadori to say his next words. “I’m… really sorry about that, by the way. You’re clearly wounded when we attacked you, so-”
Laughing at the kid’s current predicament, the three of them fractionally widened their eyes upon seeing his reaction. “And I told you, I would have done the same. Besides, it’s not an everyday occurrence to see someone getting spat out by the curse you’re trying to exorcize.”
“Agreed.” Kugisaki nodded her head, relishing the fact that she could finally get some rest - even for just a few minutes. “I’ve been meaning to ask, but how’d you know Gojo-sensei?”
Smiling, Suguru lowered his sleeves and gently gazed at the nearby sandbox. Memories of them in their first year immediately flooded his mind, with him dumping a handful of sand inside Satoru’s shirt, prompting his friend to shriek. He remembers laughing so hard, and even more upon seeing Satoru’s red face.
Suguru hadn’t even realized how soft his voice had become, quiet enough to openly express his genuine emotions. “He’s my best friend.”
“A friend?” Snorting, Kugisaki took it as a joke before resting her head on Fushiguro’s shoulder. “And your best, at that? Is your head working properly?”
Wrinkling his eyes at her amusing response, Suguru chuckles. “He has his moments.”
“This is probably the first time I’ve heard someone acknowledge Gojo-sensei as their friend.” Hearing that specific statement coming from Itadori almost cracked Suguru as he could only place the back of his hand on his lips to hide the laughter he was trying so hard to contain. “Is he your classmate, back at your time?”
“He is.” It took him a few more seconds to compose himself before finally placing his hand back on his lap. “Satoru, Shoko, and I are classmates.”
“Eh~” Itadori hummed before leaning sideways, his shoulder resting on Fushiguro’s. “I wonder how Gojo-sensei fared as a student?”
“Do you even have to ask that?” Disbelief covering her features, Kugisaki leaned forward just to connect her gaze with Itadori’s. “He’s surely much more annoying back then compared to how childish he acts now! That’s why it’s incomprehensible for someone to even see him as a friend!”
Harsh. But Suguru didn’t exactly have the heart to deny that statement either.
But before he could offer a reply, a loud gasp immediately took everyone’s attention, as they all whipped their heads around to see a man, probably in his late twenties, walking towards them with a dramatic hand over his chest. He was wearing some kind of blindfold, but even with it covering his features, Suguru would never mistake him for anybody else.
It was Gojo Satoru, the strongest sorcerer in their society, as well as his best friend - his most trusted partner.
“You wound me, Nobara!” He continues to walk towards his students, gaze never leaving them for each step that he took. It only gave Suguru the chance to observe the adult version of his friend, feeling conflicted from within.
But why though? Suguru then tilted his head, muting whatever conversation his friend was having with his students. He still looked as handsome as he always had been - not that he’ll ever admit that - and he got significantly taller. Excluding how his eyes currently looked, Suguru eventually saw what made him feel such a complicated emotion.
His smile.
Gojo Satoru’s smile is different from his Satoru's. It looks… forced. Or like he’s hiding what he truly wants to say by patching it up with his rambunctious acts.
“You said that you’re currently out of the country.” Breaking out of his stupor, Suguru eventually witnessed Fushiguro’s irritated expression that was directed at their teacher.
“Correction, I was.” Sighing, Satoru then proceeded to hug himself, further annoying the crap out of his students. Excluding Itadori though, he just looked confused. “I hung up ‘cause I was busy with something and wanted to get it over with. When I remembered that you left the details of why you called, I - the great Gojo Satoru - immediately departed for my student’s needs.”
“Ugh,” Feeling sick at her teacher’s antics, Kugisaki eventually focused her attention on Suguru, who was staring quite embarrassingly at the adult version of his friend. “This is who you call your best friend?”
Uh… Silently chuckling to himself, Suguru was at a loss for words.
And it didn’t even take him a whole second to properly compose and prepare himself when the adult version of his friend had finally turned around to see who Kugisaki was talking to, only to see someone from his past and someone he had always wished to become a part of his future. To say that Satoru was surprised is an understatement.
Suguru saw it, unfortunately. He immediately saw the face his friend had made and understood what it meant. Even if he covered a part of it, it was clear like the sky, bright as his presence.
But instead of focusing on that matter, Suguru could only produce a small yet steady smile.
“Yo, Satoru.”
Suguru was still seated on the bench so he had to tilt his head upwards just to see what kind of expression Satoru was wearing. Not that he had to tilt his head up for much longer, since Satoru immediately went down on his knee, fully facing the Geto Suguru of 2006, a boy who was his classmate - the boy he considers his one and only.
“Suguru?” It was barely a whisper, one that chilled Suguru down to his bones. He had never heard Satoru speak like this before.
It scared him.
But most of all, it worried him.
And yet, for the sake of his friend, Suguru swallowed it all down, willing to push certain matters to the side just to focus on what was in front of him.
To focus himself on Satoru.
So, without any hidden intent on what he was about to do, Suguru slowly reached forward, all the while ignoring the stares that they were currently receiving. But what happened next instantly made the students’ mouths drop.
Since Suguru was able to get past infinity, he was able to pull the blindfold down, just to see their teacher’s vibrant blue eyes. He still looked the same, well, excluding maturity. In Suguru’s eyes, however, Gojo Satoru at the age of 28 is still as majestic as ever, much more so than his younger self.
But the stillness of it all eventually broke, as Suguru immediately noticed the moisture that was pooling around his friend’s eyes and pulled the blindfold back up, knowing full well that the tip of his ears must have turned red. It was too close, too intimate from what he was used to.
“Sorry.” Flinching at how random he was, Suguru couldn’t help but ramble. “Are you okay? Are your eyes hurting? You didn’t have to put your infinity down you idiot.”
“Ah…” It took Satoru a moment before he could form a response but decided to simply lean forward and erase whatever space they currently have. Suguru should have known that this man still doesn’t know the meaning of personal space. It’s his fault for thinking that Satoru had grown out of that habit.
Yet, once he was right in front of Suguru’s face, Satoru produced a small yet heartwarming smile. Seeing such an expression almost made Suguru choke. It was too benign.
“You’re from another timeline, aren’t you, Suguru?” The said man could only blink, giving Satoru his needed answer. “Thought so.”
“Just,” Without even a hint of leniency, Suguru couldn’t take the teasing anymore and simply pushed the older man away, noticing that he could still touch Satoru. “Get off me! Seriously? You still don’t understand the concept of personal space?”
“I don’t think he ever will.” Groaning in defeat, Kugisaki proceeded to push the two curious boys away. “Oi Gojo-sensei. We’ll go ahead and rest. We’re leaving Geto-san to you.”
Huh? Gaze immediately darting at the three young sorcerers, Suguru had half of his mind to follow them.
But the other half wills him to stay, to stay and witness how his best friend has grown over the years.
Realizing that he felt a bit embarrassed being in the presence of an adult version of Satoru, Suguru’s eyes widened as he turned his head around to hide the forming redness on his face.
“Suguru.” Or not, since the man who has now taken a seat beside him called his name, wishing for his attention. “How’d you get here?”
“Ah…” After taking a deep breath, Suguru once again faces his dear friend. “I got devoured by a curse and somehow, ended up in an empty street. It’s purely a coincidence that I’ve met your students.”
“You got… pfft.” Without any form of tact, Satoru laughed. It was annoying yet soothing to hear, crude yet beautiful to see. It was… a very weird feeling. Watching him laugh without an ounce of shame suddenly made Suguru’s chaotic heart pound steadily.
“You’re such a child, Satoru.” Suguru then proceeded to pout, which only made the older man laugh even louder.
“So?” After wiping his fake tears away, Satoru then proceeds to relax in his seat. “How long will you be staying here?”
Humming, Suguru shrugged his shoulders. “I’m not sure. Your students had already exorcised the curse that spat me out. Don’t know about the curse that ate me. Satoru was with me when it happened though, so I’m not that worried. He’ll get me back.”
‘Cause I trust him. Says a little voice at the back of his head, accepting that it certainly was the truth.
Noticing the lack of reply, Suguru then lifted his head just to see the older Satoru pointing to himself, as a grin quickly spread on his face.
“Not you, you dummy.” He sighs while basking in the presence of a carefree man. “I meant my Satoru.”
“Of course, you did,” Contrasting his earlier demeanor, Satoru then pursed his lips and placed his hands inside the pocket of his jeans. Like the child that he always had been, he started grumbling about how Suguru should address him as ‘Gojo’ since he was clearly older than him.
Which only made Suguru laugh, instantly claiming the attention of the strongest sorcerer.
It was as if he heard something he shouldn’t have, or hadn’t heard for a very long time. But Suguru didn’t want to further distress his friend. It was clear as day that he had experienced something hellish in the past.
Or in Suguru’s case, in the future.
But for now, he’d rather bask in his infinite glory, relishing their peaceful moment for a second longer than he needed.
“That… also doesn’t sound right.” Suguru continues to chuckle, eyes narrowing upon seeing Satoru’s confused expression. “Does it matter if you’re the future version of my friend? You’ll always be ‘Satoru’ to me. I don’t want to change it just ‘cause of some stupid curse placing me in some weird situation.”
Baffled at his response, Satoru smirked. And even if his eyes were covered, Suguru could imagine the gentleness it holds, something that he wasn’t accustomed to back at his timeline.
So, as embarrassment washed over his features, Suguru lifted an arm to hold the back of his nape, forgetting the fact that his arms were still wounded. He flinched from the pain of his movement, causing Satoru to reach out and wrap his hand around Suguru’s wrist.
“You’re hurt.”
Chuckling, Suguru smiled. ‘Yeah, no shit. It’s an occupational hazard.”
Sighing at his response, Suguru was about to ask him what was wrong when he suddenly felt the older man pull him up from his seat. A second was all it took for him to realize how his surroundings had changed, and how sick he felt afterward.
“Shit, Satoru you little-” He felt himself leaning forward, as bile threatens to spill from his mouth. “Could have warned me you’ll teleport, you menace.”
Gasping, Satoru dramatically replied while his other arm circled Suguru’s waist, successfully preventing him from falling onto the ground. “First, there is nothing little about me, Suguru! And second,” He leans forward, erasing whatever space the two of them had. “Don’t call me a menace. My students will hear you.”
“...” Not knowing if he should laugh or roll his eyes, Suguru eventually chose the latter. “I don’t think hearing it from me would change anything.”
Satoru opened his mouth to reply but simply decided to let the matter down as he slowly pulled away and once again held Suguru’s wrist. “Come on, let’s go see Shoko.”
Suguru could only raise his eyebrows, silently wondering what could have happened that made his friend act like this.
But it’s not like it’s hard to assume what had transpired. Suguru contemplated, eyes hovering between Satoru and the ground. After all, the students didn’t even know who he was.
And amid his thoughts which were slowly becoming dark by the time they had taken a step near the courtyard where they often train, Suguru had failed to notice the gazes he was receiving, one of which became malevolent with vengeance, prompting him to take a step back a second too late from what he was trained to do.
A cut instantly appeared on his face, as blood gushes out from it.
Shit! Suguru continues to evade her attacks, prompting him to lift his wounded arms to defend his face. By doing so, however, his wounded state only worsened. Not that he minded it. It’s still child’s play compared to his daily intake of curses.
Suguru then gazed at his attacker, noticing her attire, and the glasses she wore. But more importantly, what caught his attention the most was the weapon she was holding. It was the very weapon that he used daily to fight and train with.
Playful Cloud.
“Maki!” And just when she was about to cut Suguru’s face again, a long and strong arm came in between them, as infinity defended them both from the weapon’s desire for blood. “I see you’ve been training well. But isn’t this a bit outside of your training grounds?”
“Shut it, Satoru!” Suguru heard her rage. She saw her gaze filled with nothing but pure and raw hatred. What he didn’t expect, however, was for her to direct it to him. “Why is that… monster, here?!”
After taking a sharp intake of air, Suguru paled.
A monster? He wanted to laugh, to scream, and to ask her what she had meant by that word, but he couldn’t. Not while Satoru was busy calming his student down, and not while his sanity continued to crumble. He couldn’t do that to anyone and he didn’t want to worsen their current predicament.
So, as emotions continued to overwhelm his thoughts, he left. Or more specifically, he just… ran.
Coward. A small yet truthful voice whispered while he was blindly running, furious at how vulnerable he currently felt.
He could still remember it. The intensity of her gaze punched a hole through his chest, prompting Suguru to hunch forward just as he felt himself leaning on the nearby wall.
She called him a monster.
And that in itself answers every question that he might have asked Satoru later on once they were settled.
To say that Suguru was shocked is an overstatement though. Sure he got caught off guard which made her land a hit on him, prompting him to run away to avoid any unneeded and unwanted attention, but that was it. At a very young age, and even when he was still a child, he unconsciously knew how fucked up and cursed he was.
And nothing in the world could ever change that. Life is a bust, and all he could ever do was to become a vessel - a receptacle - a bin for curses! That’s why… that’s why…
He needed to find meaning in the life that was given to him.
He wanted something, someone, or anything in this cursed world to tell him that he was needed. That it was alright for him to live and to walk amongst the other humans that are residing on this planet.
And yet she called him a monster. What was he supposed to do? Stand there and gawk at them while Satoru tries to mend whatever shitty relationship they might or might not have? No, he couldn’t do that, not to him, especially not now when he realized how different the adult Satoru had become.
And it’s all because of him, the Geto Suguru of this timeline.
“What the fuck…” Suguru whispers, just as he finds himself trudging along a familiar path, ultimately deciding to reduce the pace that he is going at. “This is so messed up.”
What was he supposed to do now? Should he tell Satoru once he goes back to his timeline? Should he forget this whole endeavor and allow his fate to be played out? Just like that?
“I’m screwed.” He says, eyes gazing upward to look at the empty yet crowded sky. “I’m definitely screwed.”
Randomly, he contemplated whether this was the same emotion that Fushiguro and Kugisaki had earlier felt. It felt right, cursing at the unchanging sky that continues to watch over their miserable lives.
***
It took Satoru half an hour, Suguru estimates before the older sorcerer eventually finds him near a vending machine.
“Really?” Satoru asks in disbelief, as Suguru continues to drink his coffee. “You ran away just to buy from a vending machine?”
“I was thirsty,” Suguru replies, eyes never leaving the setting sun. “Is she okay?”
Sighing from exhaustion, Satoru simply shook his head before connecting his gaze to Suguru’s hunched form. “She will be. Don’t worry about it.”
“I’m not.” Suguru lies just as he throws the empty can of coffee in the nearby bin. “I don’t even know her.”
“Then why did you leave?”
That tone… Suguru tried hard for it not to be noticeable, but he froze. On the surface, Satoru may seem like he was simply asking why Suguru ran away earlier. But to someone who truly knows this man? It sounded like he imagined someone else to answer his question.
Now who was the mature one between the two of them?
Chuckling at how unfair and shitty his situation have become, Suguru ignored Satoru’s offended look and proceeded to lean against the side of the vending machine. “I left ‘cause I didn’t want to worsen the situation. You were trying so hard to calm her down. And I don’t think my presence helps your cause at all.”
“Yeah but-”
“There’s no buts, Satoru,” Suguru interjects just as his gaze finally connects with the older version of his friend. “Besides, I’ve nowhere to run. Might as well wait it out here until I find my way back to my timeline, or my Satoru comes to get me.”
He didn’t mean to, especially not after witnessing Satoru’s moist gaze earlier, but Suguru wanted to make it clear that the persona that this Gojo Satoru was looking for was not him. They were two different entities who may still share the same future.
But Suguru honestly doubts it. He doesn’t particularly care about the way of the world or the flow of destiny that has been threaded in them upon birth. But he does care about his choices - choices that would define how he wants to live his life.
Satoru must have noticed it, after a few seconds of silence, since he visibly flinched. “I’m sorry.”
“...”
“Eh?” Baffled, Suguru blinked a few times before opening his mouth to continue. “Have I heard that right?”
“Suguru-” He couldn’t take it any longer. Suguru tactlessly expressed his amusement, hunching over after seeing Satoru’s embarrassed face. “Hey!”
“To think that there will be a day,” Suguru snorts just as he places the back of his hand on his mouth. “That I’ll witness THE Gojo Satoru apologizing. Holy shit what the actual-”
“Suguru you heartless bastard!”
Suguru’s laugh only became louder, eventually melting the tension that had formed earlier between the two of them. “How original of you, Satoru.”
The older man then pouts, whipping his head around while grumbling how meanie Suguru had been.
But when Suguru was about to pat Satoru’s back in an attempt to soothe the embarrassed man, he flinched, realizing just then how he had forgotten the state he was currently in. Satoru instantly noticed it too as he immediately reached out to grab Suguru’s wrist.
In addition, Satoru’s other hand touched the wound on Suguru’s face, his lips forming a thin line.
“I’m fine.” Suguru tried and inevitably failed.
“No, you’re not.” Satoru then proceeds to pull the younger sorcerer forward, just as Suguru notices that the infirmary is in the opposite direction. And as if he was reading Suguru’s thoughts, Satoru spoke. “One of my students told me that Shoko is currently out. She’ll probably be back by tomorrow morning.”
“Ah…” Following his friend’s footsteps, Suguru unquestionably trudges along. “Then where are we-”
“The kitchen.” He interjects, his grip never leaving Suguru’s wrist. “We can eat and rest while waiting for Shoko to come back.”
Eyes blinking rapidly, Suguru felt his throat tighten before deciding not to reply. It’s not like he couldn’t, but he just doesn’t understand why he’s feeling so… embarrassed.
Get a grip! He tells himself.
And yet before silence completely envelops them both, Satoru says, “Aren’t you going to ask what just happened?”
“Am I allowed to?”
“You can do whatever you want, Suguru.” Satoru then shrugs his shoulders in an attempt to cover the true intention behind his words. “I can’t answer everything truthfully though.”
Suguru snorts before catching up with Satoru to walk by his side. “It’s okay. Besides, it’s not like it’s hard to decipher what your Suguru had done in this timeline.”
Whether it might or might not have been his intention to openly express his surprise, Satoru tightened his grip while Suguru simply allowed him to do so.
It took them a few minutes to arrive at their destination. Neither of them spoke, nor did they separate from each other’s touch. Suguru felt that he’d hurt Satoru if he pointed it out, so he shut his mouth and continued to walk beside the older sorcerer until Satoru eventually pulled away.
And for some reason, Suguru wanted to reach out and grasp Satoru’s wrist. It just… felt right to do so, especially after noticing the frown that his friend had expressed just because he had to prepare their food.
Suguru knows from experience how clingy and desperate Satoru is to attain any physical contact. But he wasn’t used to this; Suguru desperately wanted to ask his friend why he looked… sad, just because he had to let Suguru go.
So to compromise, Suguru plucked up his courage and instantly made his way beside Satoru, bumping his shoulder with Satoru’s broad ones.
“Need any help?” Suguru asks.
Satoru’s face instantly brightened, prompting Suguru to roll his eyes at his friend’s obvious desire. “It’s okay. I’m just reheating a few leftovers.”
“I’ll get the bowls then.”
The domesticity of their actions wasn’t left unnoticed, but neither of them pointed it out. After all, like yin and yang, both of them tried to cover each other’s backs. It’s indescribable, but even though they were years apart, it was as if nothing had changed, and that Satoru still remembers their routine.
That’s why Suguru eventually found himself seated on the countertop, as Satoru handed him a bowl of soup. Just as he took a sip of it, Satoru leaned against the countertop and simply decided to stand beside Suguru instead of sitting on the chair that was a few meters away from his spot.
“Don’t want to sit?” Suguru asks even though he already knows the answer.
“Nah. I’ll just stay here.”
Suguru hums, eyes darting to his side as he openly stares at Satoru’s blindfold. If he had noticed, Satoru simply chose to ignore it as he got himself a bowl of soup.
But just when the older sorcerer was about to take a sip, Suguru whispered, “I’m already dead in this timeline, aren't I?”
Satoru froze.
Suguru also became painfully aware of how pale his friend had gotten. If he hadn’t known better, Suguru might have just blamed it on the poor ventilation.
But he knows Satoru. His pause and silence already painted the tragedy of his past. And even though this wasn’t exactly his Satoru, Suguru could still see it, the fear and anxiety that openly crept up on his friend, which eventually gave him the answer that he wanted to know.
“Can’t say I’m surprised though.” Suguru offhandedly comments, prompting Satoru to place his bowl back on the table while scowling at Suguru. “What?”
“What do you mean you’re not surprised?”
“Well…” It didn’t seem like the right moment to take a sip from his bowl, so Suguru placed it down beside Satoru and answered. “With the kind of life we live, it’s not a surprise that I’ll die early.”
“Or if I’ll turn bad and become your enemy.”
Hearing those words coming straight out of Suguru’s mouth, Satoru openly expressed his distress, scowling at the calmness that Suguru continued to exhibit. Using that as his reason to open his heart to this disappointed and mildly irritated man, Suguru lowers his voice and proceeds to give Satoru his needed explanation.
It’s not easy though, to bare your heart and voluntarily choose to become vulnerable. As a sorcerer, honestly, it’s incomprehensible. They have always been taught to keep their guard up, to barricade themselves, and to use solely their ‘gifts’ to eradicate the evil that continues to lurk in this world.
But now, upon seeing how the future Satoru is faring, and how he continues to wear that idiotic smile even though he was with him, Suguru wanted to rip it apart and witness the strongest sorcerer’s true emotions.
Because he, of all people, needs someone to protect him as well. Just because he’s the strongest doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need protection.
So, if opening up is the only way to do that, then Suguru will gladly tear himself open.
How grotesque. Suguru inwardly chuckled, before finally opening his mouth to speak. “It’s the curse that has been placed upon me, Satoru. Curse manipulation, as much as it sounds cool and strong to have, is a double-edged sword. You… probably know about how eating a curse affects my taste and emotions, right?”
Suguru took a deep breath before hunching forward, quite adamant in wanting to know Satoru’s response. And when the older sorcerer nodded his head, Suguru could only produce a wistful smile before leaning back to direct his gaze at the plain and dull wall.
He didn’t want anyone to know that weakness of him. But upon learning that Satoru already knows of it, Suguru felt that the weight on his shoulders had been lifted.
And of all people to help him with it, it just had to be him.
It always has been.
And maybe, that’s just how it is.
So, with a decision set in place, Suguru finally took his needed step forward to achieve what he or the Suguru Geto of this timeline continues to fail at.
Trust in him. Lay it all out. Have more faith in the person who continues to believe and care for you.
And so, he did. “I haven’t told anyone from my timeline about this, but sooner or later, I’ll probably consume a curse that will ultimately change my perspective in life. Soon, I might experience something traumatic, which would catalyze in tearing the character I’ve molded and shaped, just for the sake of wanting to find meaning in this accursed world.”
“With how much I’ve consumed, with how long I’ve suffered daily just to consume those rancid and horrible curses, it’s not a surprise that I’ll someday break. You… were always on about us being the strongest sorcerers. And I’m glad that someone needed me. But, if something were to happen that would make me question the character I’ve built my whole life… then really, now that I think about it, it’s not a surprise that I’ll-”
“Enough.”
It was only one word, and yet it stopped Suguru from saying his next words as he eventually found himself caged within Satoru’s arms, face inches away from his own. What surprised Suguru the most were the eyes that connected with his own. With his blindfold hanging on his neck, Satoru openly displayed the rage he continues to emit.
Something that Suguru had never witnessed, something that he curiously wanted to see more of.
“Why would you…” Gulping, Suguru could only produce a small whimper upon noticing Satoru’s deathly grip on his arm. “Why would you think like that? You’re 16!”
“And yet we bore the responsibility of saving most of the non-shamans.” Suguru retorts, eyes narrowing upon seeing the calm and blue sky slowly break. He hated it, but with how Satoru is currently responding, he has to do this.
Someone has to break that horrendous mask apart. If playing the bad guy will do the trick, then Suguru will wholeheartedly play his role to the fullest.
“We’re the strongest, aren’t we?” Satoru’s eyes marginally widened, and Suguru couldn’t decipher if that was guilt or longing that his friend was feeling. “You… always told me that. And yet, from what I’ve seen, becoming the strongest sorcerer did you no good.”
Taking a sharp intake of air, Satoru’s gaze instantly went sideways, refusing to look at Suguru’s eyes after hearing those words. “Did me no good? Ha! To think that I’ll hear the goody-two-shoes say those words straight to my face. You must have hit your head while being transported to this place.”
“My head doesn’t need to be whacked just to see how you’re currently suffering, Satoru.”
And that… probably did it.
Suguru knew, just from Satoru’s reaction, that he definitely hit the target - right at its center.
And as much as he wanted to revel in the fact that someone like him was able to read one of the most mysterious beings in this world, he also felt something within him crack.
“I’m not suffering.”
Suguru scoffed. “Liar.”
“I’m…” The grip he had on Suguru’s wrist eventually found itself on top of the younger sorcerer’s hand. Noticing the shift of his action, Suguru could only shut his mouth as he awaited for Satoru to continue. “I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be? I’m the strongest sorcerer! I have students who have the potential to surpass me, and teaching them, guiding them, and living with them is nothing but pure joy! And now you’re saying that I’m the one who’s suffering? I, who have been granted the privilege of becoming the honored one?”
He looked like he wanted to add more reasons just to tell Suguru that he was wrong, that he was okay with how things were. But when Suguru flipped his hand and held Satoru’s trembling ones, he gasped.
Even more so when Suguru’s other hand went to touch his face.
“Then don’t wear this,” Suguru whispers.
With trembling lips, Satoru asks, “Wear what?”
“This face full of regrets.”
Slowly, but surely, the sky he had cherished deeply within his heart cracked, as Satoru tried so hard not to let any more of his tears run past his eyes. But upon feeling the younger sorcerer’s gentle caress on his face, wiping those treacherous tears away, Satoru eventually found himself succumbing to the devil’s touch, wanting nothing more than to chase after what he desired for so long.
And just like that, just after hearing that specific line, Suguru finally found himself being enveloped tightly within Satoru’s arms. He didn’t know who moved first, nor did he care. What matters is that right now, his focus should be on the sorcerer who continues to tighten his hold on Suguru’s form, showing him how much he had endured and had to bottle it all up.
Suguru wanted to know what had transpired between Satoru and the Suguru Geto of this timeline. But he also knows that he’s not in the position and place to do so. It’s not right for him, and it’s unfair for everyone.
But to be honest, none of them should have to endure the atrociousness of this world. So, he can’t exactly blame the Suguru Geto of this timeline for what he might have done. He has no right to do so.
And he also can’t ask Satoru for forgiveness. It’s not like he was the one that directly caused Satoru’s current state to become like this.
So, after thinking long and hard about what to say next, Suguru pulled himself away from Satoru’s hold and connected his gaze with the color he had secretly admired for a long time.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done, Satoru.” Ever so slowly, he lifted the corner of his lips just as he noticed the moisture in his dear friend’s eyes become vividly apparent. “You did well, coming this far in life. I saw your students and they were all so strong. Because of you, they might live for a long time. I…”
Suguru paused and willed his embarrassment down to the deepest portion of his mind, and placed a fist on Satoru’s chest. “I’m proud of you. And so should you.”
It’s not every day that he says these words to his dear friend, but when needed, Suguru doesn't hesitate to speak and let his friend know that someone appreciates everything that he has done.
The life of a sorcerer is hard. Non-shamans won’t understand the hardships that they had to endure every day just for the sake of protecting them.
But they know.
And Suguru wanted to laugh out loud after realizing that he had to witness the future before understanding what he truly needed to survive - what all of them needed.
The world doesn’t need to show its gratefulness towards their actions.
All they needed was each other.
It’s preposterous, really, but deep inside, Suguru had a feeling that this specific notion became the root of Satoru’s grief. He doesn’t understand why though, nor does he want to dive deeper into the issue.
For now, all he cares about is holding his friend in his arms, whispering words of comfort as the older sorcerer continues to lay it all out.
People cry not because they’re weak, Suguru thought of that specific line just as he felt Satoru’s head landing on his shoulder. And on instinct, he immediately placed a hand over his hair, caressing it to let Satoru know that he was there. It’s because they’ve been strong for too long.
And for Satoru’s case, he has been since birth.
“I missed you,” Satoru whispers, ultimately breaking Suguru’s heart. “I missed you so much…”
And if Satoru had noticed the lack of reply, Suguru was thankful for his ignorance. Sooner or later, he’ll once again break the heart of the strongest sorcerer. He doesn’t belong here, after all. He’s not his Suguru.
But for now, at this fragile hour, he holds him and he tearfully prays for someone out there to let this beautiful man attain the happiness he deserves.
***
The sound of a person crying isn’t unusual to hear at Jujutsu Tech. But hearing the strongest sorcerer break down in the arms of his old friend? Even Nobara had to admit, she was staggered.
“Just what is their relationship?” She whispers, eyes gazing at her fellow sorcerers who continue to eavesdrop as well. “He never showed this side of him. He just… annoyed the hell out of us for the most part.”
Then shit happens and everyone realized that there is someone who can tame the great and uncontrollable Gojo Satoru. According to Maki-san, he just had to be the worst curse user this world had ever seen, Geto Suguru.
“He seemed so nice…” Itadori whispers, debating whether to slump on the ground as the realization kicks in. “What the hell even happened to turn Geto-san into… the man you just described to us, Maki-senpai?”
And on instinct, everyone whipped their heads to the side, glancing at the annoyed and pissed sorcerer who was still holding her weapon just in case something terrible happens.
“I don’t fucking care about the reason, okay?” She hisses, eyes blazing furiously at the wall that separates her from her target. “I want him gone. Who knows, maybe his world would thank me for ending the worst curse user before he rises and snatches the fucking title.”
“But it’s,” Itadori sighs, just as he places a hand over his nape. “I don’t… get it. He’s basically around our age, isn’t he?”
Nobara then nods her head before eventually taking a step back. Eavesdropping at their tender moment felt so… wrong, even by her standards. It’s too weird to even think about it, what more if it’s currently happening a few meters away from where they stood?
“Shit happens.” This is the only reply she could offer.
***
“I’m never doing this again,” Satoru mumbles to himself just as Suguru passes him a tissue. Seeing his godlike eyes swelling due to his sudden outburst, Suguru couldn’t stop himself from staring at the older sorcerer’s face, quite curious if his Satoru would fare the same way.
But at the same time, he doesn’t want to see it again, ever. He doesn’t understand why he feels like so, but something within him has decided to burn, slice, or rip apart whatever creature would make Satoru react like this.
And by that logic, I might as well rip my whole throat apart. Suguru chuckles at himself, prompting Satoru to whip his head around and give Suguru his offended look.
“You don’t get to laugh at me!” Satoru pouts, making Suguru snicker from his friend’s misunderstanding. “You cried too you know!”
“Ah…” Lifting an arm to touch his cheek, Suguru unbelievably chuckled. “Yeah, who knew that I could still cry at my age?”
“Are you mocking me?”
Eyes glimmering from satisfaction, Suguru laughs. “But I guess I do need that. And obviously, so did you.”
Satoru looked like he wanted to say something in return, but upon opening his mouth, he immediately closed it and just settled to sit on the countertop alongside Suguru. He noticed it when he first met the older version of his friend, but now that they just finished unraveling some of their emotional distress, Suguru finally noticed their difference in size.
Satoru has always been taller than him, but now? He gained a few more muscles that weren’t exactly noticeable, not unless one had to feel it up close.
Which prompted Suguru to do one more act that was fully uncharacteristic of him. Nonetheless, as someone that Satoru had removed his infinity for, Suguru might as well lean his head sideways, offering the older sorcerer his needed contact for who knows how long.
And so, he did.
“Suguru?” His surprise expectedly came in the form of a flinch. But Suguru already made up his mind to lean his head on Satoru’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”
Snorting, Suguru shrugged. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”
“You’ve never been the clingy type.” But even amidst his deep contemplation and dumbfoundedness, Suguru felt Satoru’s arm tugging at his waist, just as he placed his head on top of his own. “It’s… weird.”
“Want me to punch you?”
Giggling, Satoru gently caressed Suguru’s sides.
None of them spoke after that. They just sat there, enjoying each other’s presence, with a few touches here and there, reminding each other that they were real, remembering every second that passed before time ran out.
Because at the end of the day, Suguru still has to go back, and Satoru will once again be left to his own devices as he faces the unknown and treacherous future that none of them knew would turn out.
Unless there is.
After all, Suguru has been warped to this place, hasn’t he?
As logic continued to turn every gear inside Suguru’s head, connecting every puzzle piece he might think of, he softly took Satoru’s hand on his own, feeling its hardness, its pain, and most of all, how gentle it held him.
He was forming a plan inside his head when he felt Satoru’s hold tighten, making him pull a few centimeters away just to witness the strongest sorcerer’s gaze directly on him.
“Will we…” He gulps, unsure if he even understands the next words he wants to convey. And Suguru just sat there, right at his side, waiting for him to continue. “Suguru, will we-”
Then like a freight train, a familiar cursed energy immediately invaded their senses, prompting both of them to widen their eyes and whip their heads around at the direction it came from.
He came. A soft sigh came out of Suguru’s mouth, just as he felt the older sorcerer jumping off the countertop. And when it was his turn, Suguru found himself widening his eyes upon witnessing Satoru’s hand laid out in front of him, just like how a gentleman would offer their assistance to aid another.
Astounded, Suguru didn’t even realize that his hand already reached forward, gently grasping the remnants of Satoru’s longing.
And when he continued to hold Suguru’s hand even as they started to walk towards the familiar cursed energy, Suguru only tightened his hold, cursing at how sadistic the world was to the strongest sorcerer.
As if it was adamant in wanting to keep him alone, to feel lonely, for all eternity.
And Suguru hates it. He abhors it. Why must his friend have a future that would forever deem him to stand on top, with no one to stand by his side?
We’re the strongest. Satoru would always remind him, as a deep and heavy burden eventually lightened whenever both of them stood by each other's side.
And when the Suguru of this timeline left, Satoru was left all alone to bear that burden.
Why?
It’s frustrating, but the answer to that question isn’t hard to find.
Satoru, after all, is a kind person.
So, Suguru bottled it all up, as they continued to hold each other’s hand, and walked right by each other’s side. Yet neither of them spoke, afraid of breaking the fragility of the emotions they tried so hard to reel in.
Until blue meets another blue… until the other sees his other half.
“Suguru!” Satoru yelled, relief evident in his voice. “You bastard! I’m making you treat me for a month for the carelessness you’ve shown! Hurry up before the portal closes!”
Ah… Chuckling, Suguru narrowed his eyes from amusement. “Fine by me. You’re late, by the way.”
Pouting, Gojo Satoru of 2006 took his other foot away from what looked like a portal, before directing his gaze at the older sorcerer who still hasn’t let Suguru’s hand go.
It took him a moment, his eyes comically widening behind his sunglasses before they eventually shifted at the two adjoined hands.
“Let him go.” It was a voice that Suguru had never heard before. It made him flinch, as an unusual emotion creeps in. “Whoever you are, let Suguru go, before I make you.”
“...”
Groaning from embarrassment, it took Suguru’s whole mental strength not to look up and witness the amusement that crawls within the older sorcerer’s gaze. And even if he hadn’t seen it, he just… knew.
“Please don’t mind him.” Suguru reluctantly removed his hand away from the strongest sorcerer’s grip, gaze still immovable from the ground. “He’s an idiot.”
“Hey!”
“I take offense to that too you know,” Satoru whispers beside him, eventually making Suguru laugh out loud as he finally took a few steps forward.
It was hard, Suguru noticed, to part ways with the man he just held a few minutes ago.
So what’s stopping him from creating one last memory to serve as his motivation for his future endeavors?
“Suguru?” But before the strongest sorcerer realized what he was about to do, Suguru turned around, grabbed him by the nape, and pulled.
Until their bodies once more collide, until Suguru finally wraps his arms around the loneliest sorcerer.
Even his own Satoru was speechless. But that didn’t stop Suguru from whispering his next words, the words he had just decided to serve as a foundation for the abrupt change of his path.
Screw destiny. Let it burn for all he cares.
“I heard you, by the way.” He caressed Satoru’s soft locks before slightly pulling away to gaze at the confused look that Satoru had given him. “We’ll meet again. I’ll make sure of it.”
Taking a sharp intake of air, all the while tightening his hold on Suguru’s waist, Satoru painfully asks. “How?”
“I’m a curse manipulator.” Suguru shrugged his shoulders as if it was the most realistic thing that happened for the past hour, giving Satoru his proud and lively smile. “And we just discovered a curse that can warp people from one dimension to another. It’ll take me weeks, months, or even years to master it, but by then, I’ll make sure to come back.”
“Don’t worry,” He continues, patting Satoru’s cheeks in an attempt to lighten the mood. “Trust me. I’ll talk to Satoru if something hideous changes my perspective in life. I can’t leave you all alone now that I’ve seen this place. Besides,” He leans forward and whispers right beside the sorcerer’s ear. “I’m sure Satoru would bug me to come back. Once that happens, we’ll visit you.”
“I can hear you, you know!” Suguru eventually rolled his eyes as he slowly pulled away, his wistfulness evident in his act.
“With that said,” With one last look, one last gaze, and a desire to change everything for the better, Suguru faces the adult version of his friend and smiles. “See you later, Satoru.”
Bedazzled, Gojo Satoru took a step forward, then back, before eventually deciding to chuckle under his breath, arm waving at the two younger sorcerers. “Yeah. Safe travels.”
I’ll miss you. His eyes proclaim, just as Suguru finally enters the portal back to his world.
***
“You cheater.” Was the first thing that Satoru had said to him just as they landed on cemented ground outside Jujutsu Tech. Suguru, on the other hand, could only chuckle as he gave Satoru a pat on his head.
An act that stupified Satoru, eyes asking who he was and what has he done to his friend.
But before they talk of what Suguru has seen in the future, before Suguru decides to tell Satoru every emotion he had felt, and before he eventually decides to crack the barrier that separates him and his friend, he lifts his arm and wills the curse to gather on his palm, successfully trapping the unusual yet life-changing curse for everyone.
And then he swallowed it, making Satoru’s mouth drop.
“You idiot!” He scrambles forward, grabbing Suguru by his shoulders. “We don’t know how it’ll affect you, so why did you-”
“I’m fine, Satoru.” He coughs, leaning against Satoru’s shoulder. And when he felt two arms circling his body, Suguru produced a small smile. “I… don’t want anything to happen to us. More specifically, to you.”
Biting his lip, Satoru dares to ask, “What happened? What did you learn in that place?”
A lot.
But for now, in this moment of tenderness, Suguru wanted nothing more than to bask in the warmth that his friend continues to provide.
“Satoru?” Humming in reply, Satoru brought his hand to Suguru’s nape, ushering him to continue. “Do you trust me?”
“You know I do.” Snorting, Suguru pulled away and gazed at the blue sky he had always wished to be free. “Why do you ask?”
“Well…” With a devilish thought in mind, something that his friend had noticed as well, Suguru smiles. “What are your thoughts about dimension hopping?”
Eyes widening at the prospect, Satoru similarly smiled. “Sounds chaotic.”
It will be. But upon recalling the older version of his friend, upon recalling Gojo Satoru of 2018, Suguru might as well have chosen to walk the hardest path available in this accursed world.
“Let’s do it.”
*****