Archive of Our Own

“We recognize that you only just got back. If there was another way, a way to avoid sending you, we would go with that option. However, this curse-”

“However!” Satoru interrupts, “You need me to clean up all your messes. Like always.”

A pause. Then, “the higher ups, who are asking this of you, did not cause this mess, Gojo. However-”

“However, blah blah blah. I’m the only one who can manage to do anything around here. Right, you think I don’t know that?” Satoru rolls his eyes, pausing long enough to take a breath and refocus as he continues up the long pathway to Jujutsu Tech. “Gimme a break Yaga-sensei, I know I’m the strongest. I don’t even know why we’re bothering to pretend I’m just a regular 3rd year. As if I even need to attend any classes at all.”

It is true that Satoru is literally just back after his last mission, and that he is meant to have at least a couple of hours to himself before going to class. And yet...no rest for the wicked, he thinks to himself, or something like that.

Yaga-sensei is saying something...but it’s probably unimportant, so he doesn’t feel bad for interrupting. “So anyway! This curse. Must be something big and scary if you need me so badly! What, has it committed a massacre or something?” Satoru’s only just returned from Yokohama, not somewhere off the grid or anything, but he hasn’t heard any news about the locals being terrorized en-mass.

First Yaga lets out a long-suffering sigh, the type Satoru is used to hearing when interacting with others, especially elders. Then, “the details have already been sent to you. If you ever checked your email, you’d know.” Satoru doesn’t even deign that with a reply and sure enough Yaga sighs once more before continuing. “In short, the curse has taken over a fertility clinic in Osaka. So far 7 female clients are missing and presumed dead not to mention the workers-”

“Grade?” Satoru interrupts, far more interested in what he’s facing than those it’s too late to help. “I’m assuming you’re not wasting me on anything less than 1.” He allows himself a yawn that may be tiredness but is easy to feign as boredom as he reaches the top of the stairs and walks inside Tengen’s barrier.

“It’s difficult to get a lock on its abilities. It seems to have something to do with a power to control its victims. Footage from inside the clinic showed they exhibited deranged and worrisome behavior before the feed cut out.” Which isn’t really an answer to the whole 'what grade is it' question, so Satoru takes it to mean they don’t know how strong it is. So it could be weak? And they still want me to go? Seriously?

Choosing to effortlessly keep Infinity up even inside Tengen's barrier (as is his new norm), Satoru lets out a short laugh. “So we don’t even know if this thing is strong? You need me to figure that out as well as kill it?” Knowing this mission will be quick and easy, he doesn’t bother to walk towards the dorm. Instead he decides to use the energy to teleport directly inside his room instead, figuring he doesn’t need to conserve it to face this curse.

After a slight pause Yaga replies, “it would be of great help to us to discover the curse’s origin as well as the full range of abilities. Sorcerer safety is always paramount, but in this case-”

“Yeah yeah yeah, like I said before – I have to clean up your messes!” Satoru laughs loudly as he flips on the light of his dorm room.

“Fucking hell!” A third voice exclaims in shock.

Scratch that – make it his shared dorm room.

Oh yeah...

Satoru is reminded of his new roommate only upon entry to find his best friend Geto Suguru sat straight up in bed with a really funny look on his face, his hand held back as though about to summon one of his many curses.

“Satoru...” He groans after several seconds, dropping his hand once more and his look of shock briefly becomes relief before that is replaced with annoyance.

Holding his phone away from his ear, Satoru grins at Suguru. Cutting off whatever Yaga was saying, “-don’t make light of this, it’s already killed-”

Abruptly Satoru snaps his phone shut, his eyes already lit up with excitement over something to hassle Suguru about. “Ohh I’m so sorry Suuguuruu, did I scare you?” Satoru teases his best friend. Mostly because it’s funny and he can, but also as the reason they are now forced to room together is a topic of some debate.

Suguru figures it’s because renovations are still being done to the school after...that business with Fushiguro many months ago. So they were placed together.

Satoru doesn’t find that compelling because, well, there are barely any students here in the first place. There’s plenty of room for them to each have their own space. Suguru placing the blame on that – as though it’s Satoru’s fault for destroying half the school – is clearly a deeply flawed argument. Besides, it shouldn’t take them so long to fix things up anyway, if they really cared about that.

Shoko’s argument is much more compelling. She seems to think it must be to provide an extra layer of guard in case of (another) attacker that can get through Tangen’s barrier. Something about guarding each other’s backs.

Satoru, of course, pointed out that it would be a waste of resources to have Suguru and Satoru together if that was the case. They’d be better off guarding the younger students. Plus, even then, it would be far more accurate to say Satoru is the one guarding Suguru’s back as he could simply include Suguru in Infinity if it came down to it. Suguru doesn’t have to do anything.

Clearly, Satoru doesn’t need any help anymore.

He’s made very sure he doesn’t need anyone.

Ever.

So when his words fail to cause a reaction other than a sigh, Satoru comes further into the room, opening the door before slamming it shut behind him. Just to be annoying, he smirks, “there, now it’s almost like I entered like a regular person. It’s okay Suguru, I know I scared you out of your peaceful nap.” Ignoring his twinge of jealousy that Suguru is getting to sleep instead of work, Satoru channels it into his tease. “It’s okay to be scared, because you know you’re all defenseless when you sleep without me nearby!”

Waving his hands to emphasize his point, Satoru keeps smirking. Suguru’s only response is a mumbled, “...asshole.”

“What, that’s it?” Satoru questions, deflating a bit that Suguru doesn’t rise to the admittedly obvious baiting. “That's no fun. You used to always have a lot more to say than that.” Suguru used to always be much more fun than that.

Huffing quietly, Suguru scoots back to lean against his headboard as he gives Satoru a sour look. “Excuse me if I’m not in the mood at this hour.” Glancing at the clock on his bedside table to confirm the hour, Suguru seems to wake a bit further as he questions, “you just getting back now?”

“Yes and no!” Satoru answers with only somewhat feigned enthusiasm. He drops his bag on his own bed near Suguru’s and leans over to look in the drawer on his bedside table. I know I have some Kanro Puré Gummies in here somewhere!

“Schrodinger’s arrival? You are both here and not here?”

Now Suguru sounds at least somewhat amused, which is way better than annoyed. Or scared.

As much as Satoru likes to tease him, he...he doesn’t like the changes in Suguru lately. How quiet, sullen, and moody he’s been. Sometimes Satoru can snap him out of it and get him to argue with him but a lot of time he just goes quiet, especially lately. So the fact that Suguru is actually choosing to continue talking to him is enough to drag Satoru’s attention away from his quest for candy.

“Exactly!” Satoru winks at him, “I am all things and no things at the same time.” Still, he can’t stop himself from nagging a bit as he attempts to poke the metaphorical bear. “Which is way better than you, by the way - who just does nothing all day.”

To Satoru’s disappointment, whatever amusement had been on Suguru’s face quickly dissipates. “You’re not funny, you know that? And you’re not even here to see what I do all day anyway. Idiot.”

“I know you don’t go on as many missions as I do!” Satoru brags to cover the fact that maybe Suguru might have a point. Whenever Suguru may have a point, Satoru knows it’s time to go even more on the offensive. “You take like half as many as me and just lay around the rest of the time.”

“Just because the elders can get away with running you ragged doesn’t make it okay, or mean that everyone should have to work at that level.” Suguru is bypassing banter and straight out sounding angry now. “And it doesn’t mean I’m lazy for-”

“I didn’t say you were lazy, I said you don’t do anything all day.” Satoru argues, returning his attention to looking for his sweets, trying to brush the conversation off since it’s not going the way he wanted it to. “Different!”

There’s a slight pause in which Suguru sighs before, rather aggressively, throwing something at Satoru.

“Rude!” Satoru exclaims, because it is, even as the bag bounces harmlessly off Infinity.

“No, you’re the rude one.” Suguru replies, laying back down again and staring at the ceiling. Satoru opens his mouth to respond but Suguru continues before he can. “So rude that I don’t even know why I wasted my useless time making you shit. I don’t even know why I care.”

Immediately, Satoru grins, “making me – oh!” Quickly, Satoru grabs the bag up off the ground, beaming as he sees it’s Suguru’s famous homemade matcha cookies. “Shiroi Koibito-style! Yes! I knew you love me!” Satoru throws himself on his futon to devour the treat. Mmm white chocolate...

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Suguru replies grumpily. “It’s only because no one else wanted those, they’re too sweet for us mere mortals.”

You’re no mere mortal either Suguru... Satoru thinks but he doesn’t care to continue the conversation.

And it’s definitely not because he’d kinda thought Suguru had made the cookies just for him. That doesn’t matter, after all he gets them either way so he won’t let Suguru’s mood dampen his own rejuvenated spirits.

Laying back, Satoru lets out a low sigh as with one hand he stuffs another cookie in his mouth and with the other he pushes his sunglasses up and rubs over his eyes with the back of his hand.

The mood in the room is peaceful for several moments.

It’s broken by Suguru. “Hey, take this Schrodinger-boy. You’re making a mess.”

This time what’s thrown at him is a harmless cloth napkin that Satoru catches on a finger without opening his eyes. “Yeah yeah...” He mumbles in reply to the nag but does brush the crumbs off himself and onto the floor as he scarfs down another one.

“Still not gonna explain that one?”

Suguru’s back to sounding amused so Satoru gives him the side eye and swallows before replying, “Here and not here...aka, not here for long, soon will be not here again.”

“Not long being...?”

Satoru shrugs, unconcerned. “Couple more minutes.”

There’s a pause long enough for Satoru to figure they’re done talking and to stuff another two cookies in his mouth. Before then Suguru decides to ask. “They’re really doing it to you? Again.”

A slight pause before Satoru replies, “I can handle it.” Because he can.

“You shouldn’t have to.” Suguru sounds suddenly angry again and Satoru sits up and looks over at him. “Don’t you understand that? Nanami is right, what they’re doing to all of us, it’s wrong. And you’re enabling it by pretending like it’s fine with you, like it doesn’t bother you. When you’re obviously exhausted.”

Right so it’s my fault now. Satoru heaves himself to his feet and pushes his sunglasses down over his eyes as he rolls them. “I didn’t come back here to be lectured.” Dropping the bag with the last two cookies on his bed for later he shoots Suguru a look. “Just because it’s hard for you doesn’t automatically mean it’s hard for me.”

Suguru’s eyebrow is twitching. “Don’t give me that. You’re just a teenager, just like the rest of us. You need-”

“The only thing I need is for you to get off my case. Would you rather I just let everyone die? To, what, show the higher ups? Like those asshole would care anyway. Aren’t you the one who always used to nag me about doing my part for society?”

“Satoru. You’re not immortal. You-”

“I’m the strongest.” Satoru cuts him off again, firmly. Suguru just stares at him and Satoru suddenly grins wildly at him. “Quit being a bitch and chill, I’ll see you later!” He sticks his tongue out at him just for effect and then teleports back to the entrance of the school, and far away from that conversation.

Just a teenager? Yeah right, like any of us are.

Still, Satoru is now in a foul mood himself, thanks to Suguru’s nagging.

And quite looking forward to kicking some cursed ass.

*****

The thing about fighting is...Satoru enjoys it.

Probably more than he should.

It’s something that he’s good at – the best at – and he knows it. Who doesn’t enjoy doing what they’re good at?

Some part of him recognizes violence shouldn’t be celebrated and it’s not usually the ‘good guys’ who enjoy ripping creatures limb from limb. He’s pretty sure Suguru would say it’s bad for him to look forward to fighting as much as he does.

Which is probably why he especially loves it after having a fight with Suguru. Probably part of his rebellious spirit – or at least so Satoru likes to think. It’s not like he’s immature or anything. He just feels like when people tell him not to enjoy it, he should enjoy it extra hard.

Unfortunately, this curse doesn’t immediately present itself for said ass-kicking.

Satoru has to spend time looking for it. By which point most of his angst and aggression has already worn off anyway, leaving him feeling more annoyed than anything. He was kinda hoping to decimate this curse and be back again before the end of the day so he could shove it in Suguru’s face and eliminate any remaining doubt that he apparently has about Satoru’s skill level.

Whatever, who even cares about what Suguru thinks anyway...

Finally, after finding dead zones at two different clinics, Satoru finds where the curse has been hiding.

I knew it! This is not even difficult! Satoru thinks, suppressing a yawn as he easily sidesteps an attack from the definitely-not-special-grade curse. Pulling out his phone, Satoru pointedly turns his back on the curse and waits for it to reach out several different arms, trying to grab him in an attack again to take a picture at the exact moment it fails to penetrate his Infinity.

“Ha!” Satoru celebrates to himself as he sends the text to Suguru.

A gurgling hissing sound comes from the curse in reply and Satoru turns around to see the blob he’s been fighting has formulated a deformed face. From what passes for a mouth, it speaks, “so nervous are you little one? Mmmhmm...so shhhy around me you cannot bear to even let me close?”

Rather than feeling insulted, as is likely the curses intent, Satoru is intrigued. “Oh you’re intelligent enough to speak?” Putting his phone away he teleports directly in front of the curse to get a closer look at the highest concentration of cursed energy between the thing’s newly formed legs just before the curse tries to hide it by changing its form again. “Now whose being shy?” Satoru encourages with a smirk, “I know you want to show off, but you’re holding back because...” Satoru inhales a breath before he realizes, “oh! You need to soak me first before the impale! Two part attack, I see.”

“So interested in me, are you?” the curse titters in response, “so timid, not letting me close little one. Just one taste, one touch, even you...you’ll ache for more. I will make you but you’re so scared to-”

“I get this whole thing is your schtick but you really have no concept of fear, do you?” Satoru interrupts annoyed enough that he doesn’t even care why the curse is doing what it’s doing or why it’s so egotistical for how weak it is. He’s sick of constantly being questioned when hasn’t he proven, time and time again, that he’s better than that?

So, just to prove a point, Satoru raises his hand and feels the surging power of blue form. “I’m bored now, bye bye!” He grins viciously as he intentionally drops Infinity and pauses for one second, two, just long enough for the curse to launch another attack that he easily dodges before slamming it with his technique.

Instantly the creature explodes it’s guts completely pulverized by Satoru’s power.

“Not so smug now are- UGH!” Satoru flickers Infinity back on immediately but it’s too late to stop from being completely drenched in the gore of the thing’s body. Ewww, gross so gross! Satoru scrunches his face as he wipes the liquid off himself.

Wait, what the hell? Satoru shakes his hands off hard but the liquid seems stuck to his skin. Curious now, Satoru lifts his hand to his face and watches as it pools and slides around the barrier of Infinity. Um, I’m pretty sure that’s not normal... Sniffing it, Satoru is surprised that it actually smells sweet and pretty good. He has to resist the sudden and strong urge to lick his hand.

Must be part of its technique... Satoru thinks as he wipes his hand on a nearby mostly destroyed wall. Manipulating attraction and hormones...makes sense for it to be in a clinic like that. Yeah, that’s gotta be it. Good enough for me to put in the report and be done!

That finished, Satoru now just has to find and help any possible survivors which, because of his Six Eyes, won’t take him long at all. First survivors, then...ugh, definitely a shower. Satoru refuses to regret taking down Infinity because he’s fine, he doesn’t need it. But it's still pretty gross, even if it smells good.

So maybe next time he should not let what a stupid weak ass curse says bother him.

It’s not like what the curse thinks matters. Next time I’ll save the showing off for when I have an audience.

Really, it’s too bad Suguru didn’t come with me after all, Satoru thinks as he turns his attention back to the inside of the clinic.

Maybe he could’ve had a good tasting curse for once!

*****

Note to self: work harder on long distance teleportation.

Satoru groans as he materializes at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the school. He’d really been aiming for the top of the stairs so he wouldn’t have to walk. The thought of teleporting again so quickly makes him feel nauseous. Son of a fuc-

“Oh hey Gojo-kun, fancy running into you here.”

Not really in the mood for social interaction, Satoru sighs as he glances over at his fellow white haired sorcerer. Lifting a brow, he sees Mei Mei is accompanied by Iori, who is also accompanied by Shoko – neither of which is a shock. Skipping the greeting he asks, “what’re you guys doing here?”

“We were just leaving,” Iori answers and she surprisingly doesn’t seem to be in hysterics, for once. “Shoko was walking us out.” Surprisingly, the group comes to a stop next to Satoru and Iori smiles at him.

“Actually we’re going to grab a quick bite to eat.” Mei Mei interjects, drawing Satoru’s attention away from the strange sight of Iori Utahime looking pleased to see him. “We’d be delighted if you’d join us Gojo-kun. If you pay for it...I’ll even allow you to call it a date.” Mei Mei flirts quite shamelessly and Satoru has to laugh.

He’s about to joke that she’d do just about anything for money when Shoko interjects, “that’s true. You’re welcome to join if you want. I’d like that.”

Satoru hesitates as he’s honestly a little surprised that he’s actually being invited to intrude on their girl time. Shoko doesn't usually invite him to things. Shoko usually hands out sarcasm like it's something people actually want. But now she is being nice?

“Nah, I gotta shower before anything else. I still feel gross.” Raising his hand, Satoru notices the slime is no longer clinging to Infinity like it was but he still feels...unclean. Like whatever that curse was managed to sink in before he turned Infinity back on. The slime may be gone — but something still prickles under his skin. Not cursed energy residuals. Just...something off.

He hates not knowing what it is.

Shoko moves closer, hands in pockets, that usual dry look softened just a bit. “You look like you didn’t just fight a horde of curses with jujutsu but like you wrestled them into submission. Get cleaned up, Gojo.” She pauses, and her voice drops to something almost...kind? “If you let yourself fall apart, who is going to take care of the rest of us?”

Reflexively, Satoru smirks. “Flattery is it now, Shoko? I’m still not letting you have my Gameboy color.”

Iori steps forward, her posture far more open than normal. Her voice is low, measured. “You push yourself too far, Gojo. It’s not strength to ignore it when you need rest. A man who can admit he’s tired… that’s rare.” Satoru’s eyes bug out as he can feel her eyes raking his body but not in a lustful way. That would be shocking enough but instead this is more like...with care. “You deserve to have someone worry about you. Even if just to make sure you’re okay.”

“You think you’re one to lecture me about strength?” Is all Satoru can think to reply with. Something is clearly very wrong here. Something is making them act this way...

"Oh Gojo," Mei Mei titters, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm, "how does it feel to be the strongest and so...unattainable? But I bet even the strongest needs a little...distraction now and then.”

“Okay, so...you guys talking like this is so impossible, like actually insane.” Satoru finally says, laughing lightly. “You being nice to me is messing with my internal balance.”

Shoko arches an eyebrow, lips twitching towards a smirk before smoothing back into a genuine smile. “You saying you might sue for emotional damage because everyone’s this nice?” She glances at Iori, then back at Satoru. “Don’t think you’ve suddenly become...lovable.”

Now those words sound a bit more like Shoko but she’s still looking at him way way too kindly.

But the final straw is when Iori speaks up again. “I don’t say it often because you act like I have no right. But...I mean it, Gojo.” She steps just a bit closer. “You matter. To us all, whether we want to admit it or not. I don't know what we'd do without you.”

Satoru’s chest pulses, being acknowledged like this makes him feel...it makes him feel really fucking weird. “You guys, you’re being really fucking weird.” He says, bluntly, not really enjoying...whatever this is. “I’m gonna pass on dinner — that shower’s calling louder than any of your compliments.”

Before anyone can respond he gathers his strength and teleports the fuck away from that awkward nightmare. He reappears just outside the school library, which isn’t what he was aiming for but he’ll take it.

Satoru removes his sunglasses and rubs a hand over his eyes, already feeling a headache coming on. It’s got to be the curse; some effect I didn’t block with Infinity in time. It’s gotta be why everyone is acting like-

“Oh hi Gojo-kun, I’m so happy to see you!” Haibara Yu’s voice interrupts his thoughts, his voice filled with sincerity, “I was just thinking about you. I’ve been wanting to tell you how I really look up to you. Your strength and confidence are so inspiring to me.”

“Really Haibara, you too?”

Haibara, clearly not understanding, smiles rather vapidly. His eyes sparkle with genuine respect, ducking his head shyly. “I'm serious. You're not just strong; you and Geto-senpai too, you're both someone I’d love to be like.”

“Yeah. Sure.” Satoru replies, mind elsewhere.

So this curse what...makes everyone...fall in love with me? It fits...dealing with hormones and fertility. I see so it normally infects people and draw them to itself so it makes them easy to kill. That’s why it seemed so weak, by the time I dropped Infinity it stopped putting out the hormones, thinking it was useless. And then when it died, however it biologically was fucking with people...attached to me?

Satoru smells his hands – sure enough, even though the slime is gone they still smell sickly sweet.

“I was wondering if you’d like-”

“Sorry, I don’t have time.” Satoru interrupts Haibara probably also asking him out on a date, a huge grin suddenly lighting up his face. “Other plans – later!”

Satoru gives a slight wave before teleporting once again, this time he arrives where he was aiming – right outside his and Suguru’s shared room. Running a quick blip of Reverse Curse, he successfully heals his own headache as feels excitement rush through him.

I have got to see Suguru!

*****

The thing is, Satoru knows pretty much everything he needs to know about love.

Love is what he knows his parents feel towards him when they bow and scrape and serve him, always making excuses to the Gojo clan elders for him and allowing him to do whatever he wants. They love him for the status and power he has and brings. They love him for being the pinnacle of jujutsu power.

It's pretty great to be loved.

There’s another side to love, of course. Love is also that feeling he has towards his favorite Digimon Tamers character Terriermon, whenever he sees him on screen he smiles and laughs and enjoys it. Satoru loves all forms of sorcery and combat and techniques – he loves to analyze them and discover how they work and, more importantly, how to defeat them. Satoru loves to win.

So yes, Satoru is very familiar with the concept of love. And he’s pretty sure that the remains of the curse’s effects are making people love him. And even though he knows he should’ve confessed to Shoko what was going on and have her or some school doctors run some tests or something...Satoru can’t help but want to do a test himself.

After all he’s not sure how long this will last!

It may make him kind of a bad person, but he has to, absolutely has to see what it’s like for Suguru to be in love with him.

Given the opportunity, Satoru doesn’t hesitate for one second.

Instead, he bursts back inside their room and beams excitedly at his best friend who is still in bed. Though now, he’s at least dressed and reading a book. He spares Satoru a brief look of annoyance before turning a page.

He’s not already thrilled to see me? Oh, wait. It probably takes a second for the curse's effect to sink in to him. Satoru waits impatiently for a few seconds before, “Hiiiiya Suguru!” Satoru bounds over to his side, excitedly bouncing on the balls of his feet.

There it is! Got him! Satoru thinks as he watches Suguru look up at him, his annoyance shifting into amusement. “Yes? Can I help you?”

“Yes! You can! Guess what?” Satoru continues to grin as Suguru just shrugs at him. So Satoru automatically just tells him. He doesn’t even consider trying to play coy because this is Suguru. “I know you love me!”

The smile immediately slides off of Suguru’s face as he pales.

Satoru waits.

Suguru doesn’t say anything.

Satoru waits for another moment, but he’s never been very patient. So he shoves Suguru over a little so he can sit down close next to him on the bed, facing him and leaning very close into his personal space. Which he knows is fine because Suguru always lets him do that, even before he loved him.

Finally Satoru breaks the silence, “sooo uh? Suguru? Did you hear me?”

“I heard.” Suguru replies at once though he refuses to make eye contact. “I...I don’t know why you-”

“I think it’s great!” Satoru interrupts him as he realizes it might be difficult for Suguru. Oh yeah...to Suguru, this is probably real, it feels real. That’s so embarrassing! Oops. “That you love me. It’s fantastic!”

Suguru’s face is weirdly blank when he finally looks at Satoru. “It...is?”

“Absolutely.” Satoru confirms, grinning widely again as reaches over and affectionately tugs on Suguru’s silly bangs, just because he can. “I think it’s, like, the best news I’ve ever gotten in my entire life!”

“Okay? Um. Good...”

That’s all Suguru says, and he’s still acting all weird about it! Which is not what Satoru was expecting, because the others were all complimenting him already by this point. But then Satoru supposes that Suguru never was one to act like the others. Suguru has always been wholly unique to himself so Satoru shouldn’t have assumed the same rules would apply.

Either way, Satoru can see Suguru is struggling with this so he decides to be magnanimous and not push him to verbally confirm it. It’s already obvious anyway so why not let Suguru keep some level of pride. It’s not even as though his feelings are actually real, even if they feel like it to Suguru in the moment. It's not like they're permanent. So Satoru isn’t going to let it take up any more of the time that should be spent with him being loved on!

“Great, we’re agreed!” Satoru leans in closer and grabs the book out of Suguru’s hand and tosses it to the side carelessly.

“Satoru!” Suguru starts to complain but Satoru cuts him off.

“No no, none of that! I’m tired of you cutting yourself off and entrenching yourself in your own little world, reading your boring books and going to bed early.” Satoru grabs Suguru’s hand that was reaching for the book and holds it in his own. “You can do that stuff on your own time, right now I’m here so this is now Satoru time!”

For the first time in over a month, Satoru sees that private little smile of Suguru’s on his face again and he loves that it’s once again directed at him, where it belongs. “Satoru time, huh?” Suguru asks and lets out a short laugh as he plays with Satoru’s fingers.

“That’s right!” Satoru confirms and tries not to get distracted by Suguru’s cute flushed faced and talented fingers.

“And what does ‘Satoru time’ entail exactly?”

“Just what it sounds like.” Satoru smirks as he squeezes Suguru’s fingers in his palm and declares, “Satoru time means we’re going to do what I want to do for a change!”

And it’s a good thing Suguru is currently under the curse’s spell because this declaration doesn’t piss him off and he doesn’t rip his hand away either. Instead, he smiles indulgently at Satoru even as he lifts a brow and asks, “Oh yeah? And what is it that the great and mighty Gojo Satoru wants to do this evening?”

Abruptly, Satoru’s mind goes blank.

Because in actuality...he hasn’t really thought that far ahead. Satoru was so excited at the prospect of Suguru loving him and the idea of him having all the power in their relationship that he didn’t think too much about how he wants to use it. Or even what he really does want to do with his free time at all, now that he finally has some.

I’ll have to choose stuff he wouldn’t normally want to do…

“No more missions for the rest of the night, you’re not running away from me this time.” Satoru decides first. Suguru gives him an extremely unimpressed look and Satoru quickly continues before Suguru has a chance to nag him about how their first priority should always be going on missions and helping others - that’s boring! And not the point during Satoru Time.

Leaning in close, Satoru keeps squeezing Suguru’s hand in his right hand and moves his left hand to cover Suguru’s lips with his finger. “And! We’re definitely going to watch the rest of Digimon Data Squad together and this time you’re going to watch with me for real and actually pay attention and talk to me about it! Oh! And we’re going to get delivery from Sushi Inase!”

And Satoru knows the curse is working its magic because Suguru doesn’t argue about any of it. Even though Suguru thinks Digimon is childish and boring and even though he always bitches about how they’re not allowed to get delivery because non-sorcerers aren’t admitted onto the property and shouldn’t have to climb all the stairs anyway - this time Suguru doesn’t say a single word against any of it.

Instead, Suguru just nods. So Satoru pulls his finger away and allows him to say five words that are music to Satoru’s ears. “If that’s what you want.”

*****

So the night continues and it’s, well. It’s good. Satoru supposes.

Both boys make themselves comfortable on the floor, leaning against Suguru’s futon shoulder to shoulder as they watch Satoru’s DVD. The food is spread out around them and Satoru feels free to eat all of anything he wants, even what Suguru ordered! And sure, Suguru also eats some of Satoru’s food, but that’s only because Satoru filled up on Suguru’s dishes. And then Suguru brings out a few more cookies for them to share and they laugh and talk and it’s...it’s really better than just good.

It’s the best night Satoru’s had in months.

The only problem is, Satoru can’t shake the feeling that he’s wasting this opportunity of a lifetime on things they could’ve been doing anyway!

So, because Satoru is curious and just for that reason only and definitely nothing to do with how he suddenly feels his heart rate increasing...Satoru casually shifts his position slightly. Just enough so his side is pressed against Suguru’s.

And Suguru...

Doesn’t react.

Pleased, Satoru focuses his attention back on the show again. At least for a few minutes. Before he can’t help but wondering what else the normally distant and reclusive Suguru will allow. So he stretches and lets out an overly dramatic sigh as he shifts a bit closer, so his side is pressed tightly against Suguru’s, a little in front of him, and leans his head back and to the side to rest on Suguru’s shoulder.

He can feel Suguru freezing under him, his shoulder tensing, so to smooth it over Satoru says, “man I’m so beat after that fight earlier and all the teleporting, it wore me out.” Which...may or may not be true – but it’s definitely something he wouldn’t normally admit to, even if it were true. Which actually, upon second thought it’s definitely not true.

But it has the intended effect as Satoru can feel Suguru soften a little under him as the other boy reaches his right hand across his own body to pat Satoru on the head. “Well, maybe you shouldn’t be an idiot and over exhaust yourself like that.”

It’s a conversation they’ve had a million times before and the words are the same but this time it feels different. It IS different, because this time Suguru’s words sound soft and almost sad. This time, instead of being driven by annoyance and competition, it almost sounds like concern.

Which is certainly new.

And it’s having an unintended consequence for Satoru where he feels himself leaning a little more into Suguru’s touch, pressing into the hand on his head. This is just weakness, I shouldn’t be so soft, it’s fine, I’m not actually tired. And Satoru knows that. He’s not sure why his body seems to melt against Suguru’s gentle touch, sighing with contentment at the hand brushing through his hair. But...

Satoru knows he shouldn’t be enjoying this as much as he is, considering he knows it’s not actually real.

Before he can come up with something to say – and maybe gather the will to pull away from Suguru – Suguru speaks again. “It’s okay you know, you are actually allowed to pause and take a breath sometimes...”

“Psh, breathing is for losers...” Satoru says which is a good response. What is less good is the way he shifts a little more into Suguru so he’s leaning against him. And what is probably actively bad is how he finds himself moving his right hand to tap his fingers over Suguru’s left hand, drumming his fingers over his best friend’s open palm. “I bet you I don’t even really need to breathe, I could probably get Reverse Cursed Technique to heal my brain damage from lack of oxygen before I pass out from it.”

This draws a snort from Suguru which makes Satoru smile (and he’s definitely smiling at that, not at the way Suguru’s palm closes around his fingers, pressing until Satoru opens his hand and their palms touch, fingers automatically threading together). “Only you would think that’s a goal you should aim to achieve. Psycho.”

For some reason Satoru’s body feels very warm. It’s probably because he’s not used to this much skin on skin contact. But in this situation, with Suguru, he...doesn’t mind it.

Turning his head up slightly, Satoru smiles at him, “you’re just jeaaaaalous...”

It’s a clear tease, and Satoru expects Suguru to tease him back – calling him an idiot again and laughing. At least in this context – he also wouldn’t be surprised if Suguru shoved him away and called him an asshole. Either response would be normal. But what he doesn’t expect is for Suguru to get quiet for a moment, his right hand dropping from Satoru’s hair as he looks up at the ceiling. And he whispers, “yeah, sometimes.”

Worried he’s ruined this, Satoru lifts his head, trying to catch Suguru’s eye as he eloquently asks. “Huh?”

But Suguru is still not looking at him. “I said ‘yeah, sometimes’.” And Satoru doesn’t like the tone of his voice, the way he sounds almost...sad.

Which Satoru kind of suspected, but it’s still weird to hear Suguru actually say it. “You want to learn Reverse Curse too?” Satoru asks, his mind already racing to try and think up a scenario in which he and maybe Shoko could try and teach him.

Obviously verbally won’t work, I couldn’t even understands it that way, but Shoko was right that it’s the only way to try and explain it. I don't know how I would try. But maybe we could set up a situation where Suguru would somehow be forced to use it? A mission gone wrong and he couldn’t know that we’re both nearby waiting to save him if he doesn’t get it. But then that’d mean he’d have to get hurt and that’s not acceptable. There’s gotta be-

“That’s not exactly it.” Suguru interrupts him and Satoru blinks back to reality, surprised to find Suguru looking at him. And Satoru has never seen him look the way he does now. “I more mean it like...like how you’ve left me behind.”

“No I haven’t, I’m right here.” Satoru replies immediately, slightly confused. But he can already tell that wasn’t what Suguru meant.

Sure enough it draws a sigh from Suguru as the black haired boy shakes his head. “No, I mean...you know what I mean you say it all damn the time.”

And Suguru tries to pull his hand away but Satoru doesn’t let him, clenching his fingers to stop him. “What are you talking about?” Satoru asks but he...he suddenly has a bad feeling. Similar to the feeling he had right before the curse exploded and slimed him – like he really fucked something up.

Only this is worse that messing up in the field, because this is Suguru.

Suguru – who is giving him an unimpressed look. “You know. How you’re the strongest. Singular, you alone. When it used to be us - we are the strongest. I’m...not a factor anymore, not important anymore, now it’s just all you and...you’re right. You are, alone, the strongest now.”

Sure enough the fact Suguru feels that way, and that he’s right to is...Satoru’s fault, completely.

And Satoru knows that some of what Suguru is expressing isn’t...actually as real as it feels to him right now. He knows that the love curse is probably effecting him and amplifying his feelings – amplifying how much he cares about Satoru and the words Satoru’s said. But what if some part of it is actually truly how Suguru feels? What if Satoru’s drive to overcome and be the best he can has had unintended consequences and has made his best friend feel unneeded, worse, unwanted? It’s likely these feelings are fake ones, like they were earlier from Iori but...what if they’re not?

The guilt settles uncomfortably in Satoru’s chest. He breaks eye contact, looking down as he says. “Maybe I am alone, but...but that doesn’t make you unimportant.”

“Great, thanks.” Suguru responds and this time he does manage to pull his hand away. And Satoru feels him shift as though to pull fully away and...

And it doesn’t matter if this is actually Suguru’s real feelings, they feel real right here and right now, and Satoru has to make Suguru understand.

So he leans over to grab for Suguru’s hand, turning his body, and he decides to trap him. “No, wait, wait! I’m not done.”

Satoru ignores the way Suguru is frowning at him and saying, “I don’t need your pity.” And Satoru turns and throws his leg over Suguru’s body, twisting to confidently sit on Suguru’s legs, trapping him beneath him. “What are you doing?! Let me up.” Suguru says this but he doesn’t actually try to pull free or fight, and Satoru grins at his victory as he grabs for both of Suguru’s hands and holds them in his own.

It's gotta be the curse that’s making Suguru not fight back... Satoru thinks as he looks at the handsome face of his best friend. He looks a little red... and annoyed, sure, with his loose hair rumpled, still frowning at Satoru. Cute. And Satoru doesn’t think much of that thought, focusing on what he’s going to say.

“It’s not a bad thing that I’m the Strongest and I’m not going to apologize for always improving and figuring out new and awesome things I can do and ways to use my powers. I’m not ever gonna apologize for that, to anyone.” Satoru says first as Suguru keeps frowning at him.

“I’m not asking-” Suguru starts to say but Satoru talks over him.

“Not finished!” And Suguru is still frowning at him but he’s still not fighting free and he has stopped talking, so Satoru considers it a win. “But I’m NOT leaving you behind. You’ve gotten stronger too and you always have the potential to be as strong as me, to get to be as strong as me, you just have to keep up with me, that’s all.”

It makes sense to Satoru, but Suguru is actually scowling at him now so he’s guessing his pep talk still isn’t appreciated. “So you don’t care anymore that you work in a broken system? That it will never be enough? That the higher ups will just take and take and take and no matter how strong you get they’ll keep running you ragged until one day you-” Suguru cuts himself off and looks away sharply. Before he lets out a heavy breath and says, “and I won’t even be there to help. Like I wasn’t there before.”

Even though he’s still a little frustrated with Suguru, Satoru feels something in him crack, just a little, at his words. And he wants to deny them, deny that he needs anyone or anything because he doesn’t, really. Not anymore.

But he can’t act like he might normally, not when he knows how much his (sometimes thoughtless) words have the potential to hurt Suguru.

So instead he drops Suguru’s hands and he admits something he kinda doesn’t want to, but it is honest. “You know I...I miss you, Suguru, too. I miss...us.” And Satoru knows he has pulled Suguru’s attention back but he doesn’t, can’t, look up, a bit embarrassed as he frowns. “Just because I’m the Strongest, because I have to be the Strongest,” and Satoru wishes he could say it better than that. “Doesn’t mean I don’t...miss having you by my side. Doesn’t mean I don’t still...” need you...

But it seems Suguru understands the words left unsaid. He can tell by the way Suguru’s hand lifts to gently brush his fingers over Satoru’s cheek, lifting his face to look into his eyes. There’s something vulnerable about the way Suguru asks, “you...really mean that?”

“Of course I do. You’re my best friend Suguru.” Satoru answers and Suguru sighs and it feels like it’s not enough.

And Satoru wants to explain it to him; he wants to talk without thinking too much about it. As he often does. But...he knows that right now in this moment, with the curse effecting Suguru, that Suguru cares more about his words than ever...And Satoru realizes it gives him an almost uncomfortable level of power. Power over Suguru’s feelings. And if anything that makes it more difficult to know how to get it across to him, how much he means to Satoru.

So instead of trying to describe it – Satoru follows his instincts.

He leans in and he presses his lips against Suguru’s, kissing him.

For several seconds everything freezes – Satoru’s heart even feels like it stops beating and all he can thinking is that Suguru’s lips feel weirdly nice.

Then, abruptly, what he’s actually doing - kissing Geto Suguru hits him and he pulls back. “Oh shit...” he mumbles, shocked at his own actions. And his face feels hot as he tries to move back, away from Suguru, definitely off his lap. But the action is stopped by the feel of Suguru’s hand suddenly gripping his hip, holding him still.

“No, wait.” Suguru speaks and Satoru doesn’t want to look at him, embarrassed that he’s ruined everything. Because, yeah, Suguru may have been forced into loving him but that still doesn’t necessarily mean that he’d want Satoru.

Only, it apparently does.

At least it seems that way as Suguru moves his other hand to gently grasp Satoru’s chin, pulling his face back to meet Suguru’s. And then Suguru is kissing him.

Satoru’s body is starting to feel warm as their lips press and then he feels Suguru’s tongue gently lick at the seem of his own lips. And he opens for Suguru – how could he not - and he lets out a low sound into Suguru’s mouth at the feel of Suguru’s tongue tentatively dipping into his own mouth. Satoru’s eyes slide shut as he enjoys the sensations, his body tingling.

The stray thought that this can’t be Suguru’s first kiss, he’s way too good – it passes Satoru’s mind but he doesn’t, can’t think more about it.

Not with Suguru’s mouth pressed against his own, his body feeling like it’s reacting on auto-piolet as he opens up to him. Satoru’s own hands moving to Suguru’s shoulders to pull them closer together, tentatively moving his own tongue to rub against Suguru’s, tasting him, and feeling a bolt of heat rush through him at the way Suguru moans in response. Satoru’s legs spread a little wider where he’s straddling Suguru’s lap so they can press more tightly together, his head tilting to the side as Suguru’s hand brushes through his hair.

He feels Suguru’s hand shift from his hip to his upper thigh and as arousal starts to flutter through him he suddenly jolts with the realization.

This isn’t right.

Everything that felt so hilarious before suddenly feels extremely serious as Satoru realizes – Suguru isn’t doing this willingly, not really. He may be pulling Satoru close and kissing him, but that’s only because he’s under the influence of the curse. The curse that’s forcing feelings on Suguru that Suguru doesn’t actually have, and it’s only because of those feelings he’s doing this and Satoru...Satoru is taking advantage of the situation and taking something that...he didn’t even realize he wanted until just now. But also...

This isn’t something that is his to take.

Suguru must feel the way Satoru’s frozen and how Satoru is no longer kissing him back and he breaks the kiss, pulling away slightly. “What’s wrong, you okay?” He asks and his tone is so gentle, his soft lips slightly bruised from their kissing but still brushing lightly over Satoru’s, his eyes so warm and loving and...

And Satoru can’t stand it.

“Sorry, I...I think I felt my phone vibrate.” Satoru lies as he forces himself to pull away. Not just from the kiss, but from Suguru entirely. He scrambles out of his lap as though he’s been burned, almost falling in his haste to pull away and stand. He knocks over the remains of his leftover food but that doesn’t matter...nothing matters other than getting as far away from Suguru as possible. As far away as what he almost did to Suguru as possible.

Hand shaking slightly, Satoru digs in his pocket and pulls out his phone, scrolling through it as though opening and reading a text.

And...this isn’t fair to Suguru. Satoru can feel Suguru’s eyes on him, and he knows Suguru can tell he’s lying. And it’s a really fucking cruel thing to do to him, but Satoru knows it’s at least less cruel than continuing to kiss him when Suguru really wouldn’t want to, if he knew better.

“Your phone. Right.” Suguru’s tone is completely even as he stares at Satoru who quickly turns his back on him, gritting his teeth in anger at himself. At his cowardice. He could stay and explain but...he doesn’t think Suguru will understand, not while the curse is in effect.

This is officially not cool anymore. Satoru thinks as he forces himself to grumble. “Ah, yeah. I gotta go, save the day, millions of people are dying, the usual.” He hesitates for a moment and stands tall before he can’t stop himself from looking back at Suguru, his heart throbbing at how the other boy is still just sat on the floor looking up at him. He’s...clearly hurt. And Satoru can’t help his soft tone as he says, “hey Sugu, I...I promise I’ll be back later, okay? And then...everything will make sense and we can...we can pick up where we left off.”

And Suguru’s expression clears a tiny bit but he crosses his arms. “And...you’re going to actually explain what’s going on with you?”

And to that Satoru can at least honestly nod. “Yeah, I will. I promise.”

It’s difficult and Satoru has more that he wants to say – he wants to reach out for Suguru. But he knows he can’t. So instead he heaves a sigh and he teleports outside to the bottom of the school’s massive, long staircase.

Immediately, he collapses to sit down, his face in his hands as he’s so frustrated he feels like he could tug his own hair out. Fuck fuck fuck did I just ruin everything? Shit, I’m going to have to come up with something to say to explain this. Satoru thinks and he knows he’s never going to be able to the memory of Suguru’s soft lips and tongue out of his mind. His body is still flushed with arousal as he leans back and looks up at the sky.

There’s no way I can face Suguru again until the effects of this curse are over.

I can’t just wait for this to wear off; I...should probably try to break this curse.

*****

Satoru isn’t proud of it, but he actively hides from Suguru for the rest of the evening and into the next day.

At first he tries to wander the streets of Tokyo, idly following traces of cursed energy but his own cursed aura makes that nearly impossible with how often women stop him. And a couple of men too – one more subtle than the other just asking him if he’d be interested in being a model, the second more forward with his flirting. And it’s really not funny anymore, it’s tiresome and Satoru is starting to hate it. So he ducks down an alley and when he tells no one is looking he teleports away as quickly as he can.

The curse shouldn’t even be having this effect at all... Satoru thinks to himself, grumpy, as he sits alone, at night, high in a tree overlooking the school. Since Infinity keeps everything out, you’d think it’d work in the reverse and keep everything in and close to me that I want. But apparently it doesn’t. He feels like there might be some sort of life lesson there – about how it’s easier to push the things you don’t want away than it is to keep the things you want close to you there.

But he doesn’t think too much about it.

Time passes slowly as he waits, staying up all night and into the morning.

When the sun rises he pulls his sunglasses back down over his eyes and keeps a closer eye on the school.

And sure enough, it’s only an hour or so later when he sees Suguru make his way out of the building and over to the empty training grounds. Even though it’s been months since he’s seen Suguru dedicatedly training like he used to...he’s not surprised that he returned to his schedule this day. If only to try and escape his thoughts about last night, probably...

Satoru thinks and he feels his heart ache with guilt. He wants to go to his best friend, but...he can’t. He knows the best thing he can do is to just fix the situation. Then he’ll explain later...maybe. If Suguru remembers and he has to.

Safe in the knowledge Suguru is no longer in their shared room, Satoru once again teleports directly inside. A stab of pain comes to him but he quickly heals it with his reverse cursed technique, hesitating only for a moment before he beelines to his dresser to grab a change of clothes.

He needs to take that shower, that should help, it better help... Satoru thinks as the alternative is...well. Asking for help. Which he doesn’t want to do because he shouldn’t have to do it. He hasn’t needed help from anyone for anything since he’s levelled up his powers and he’d rather not go begging to Shoko to help him figure it out unless he absolutely has to.

Satoru turns to go when something on his futon catches his eye.

It’s a plate of chocolate chip pancakes – Satoru quickly drops Infinity so he can take in the delicious smell – along with a note. Walking over, Satoru picks up the plate to look at the note.

‘Hey. I’m sorry if I was pushy yesterday or did something wrong. Or just, let me know if I can help you with anything. Or if you’d rather I didn’t. Well, I’d appreciate it if you let me know that too.
-Suguru
PS – eat something.’

Clenching the note in his hand to stop himself from swooning, Satoru closes his eyes and thinks, fuck it, if the shower doesn’t work I’m going to Shoko, now.

*****

Of course the shower did not work – because fuck Satoru’s life apparently – and so Satoru has to meet with Shoko.

And it goes just about as Satoru figured it would.

Shoko starts by teasing him for needing help – mocking him, like he knew she would. But he gets in vengeance by flirting with her, knowing she’ll like it, telling her he just misses seeing her beautiful face. He half expects to be smacked for it still, but when she just blushes he points it out to her. And sure, okay, maybe he did sound a big smug about it and maybe he did deserve her then actually slapping him – especially as it harmlessly bounces off his always-active Infinity.

That’s when he finally gets around to telling her that he thinks the curse he fought left something behind on him that are effecting everyone else.

“I don’t know Gojo, that seems very unlikely.” Is Shoko’s answer, “I’ve never heard of anything like that before. Especially not lasting so long, you said it’s already been over 24 hours?”

“Well, yeah but...” Satoru sighs and frowns figuring maybe another demonstration is needed for her to believe. He sighs again, dramatically, as he pushes his sunglasses up into his hair, looking over at her with his big blue pretty eyes. “I guess you’re right. You’d know...you’re sooo smart, Shoko.”

Sure enough, she’s starting to blush again as she moves a little closer to him as though she can’t help it, lifting a hand and patting him awkwardly on the shoulder. “I’m sure you’ve had a...rough time lately. Especially with Geto so-”

“You’re sooo pretty too!” Satoru quickly cuts her off before she can imply that Suguru’s depression has some huge effect on him. He doesn’t want to think about that. So instead he leans in close to her, “have I ever told you that?” he leans in closer, his lips parted.

And when she leans into him as if magnetically drawn there, her eyes closed he suddenly scrambles back (he’s not making that mistake again!) and points at her. “AH-HA! SEE!”

She freezes, her eyes flying open and some part of her seems to realize this is wrong on every level. She gasps, “oh fuck...I wanna...I wanna kiss you...” She trails off for a moment before she realizes, “that’s…disgusting.”

“Hey!” Satoru definitely feels he should be very insulted by that! After all, Suguru didn’t seem to mind it so much...Which is something he doesn’t want to tell Shoko so he settles for glaring at her.

She ignores his glare but at least she FINALLY seems to recognize the seriousness of the situation.

“This is bad. Like, really bad.” She says and Satoru rolls his eyes – he already knows that. That’s what he was trying to tell her! She paces a few times, rubbing at her lips as if to wipe away their almost-kiss. “We need to fix this...also, Gojo, you CAN’T go out in public like this. You need to stay away from everyone.”

“You think I don’t know that?” He sighs, “that’s why I came here. Come on Shoko, you’re gonna fix this and you’re not gonna say anything to anyone about it, right?” He looks down at her, sharpening his glare a bit to look threatening.

It fails, apparently, based on the way she looks at him. “You’re...so cute when you’re mad.” She then seems to realize what she’s said. “Ahh, fuck.”

“Yes. Fuck.” Satoru says dryly.

He agrees.

*****

In the end, they find out that not even Shoko can science her way through all problems all by herself.

It’s something Satoru would normally have enjoyed rubbing in her face, but the fact that she had to call on someone else for help did have the inconvenience of getting someone else mixed up in Satoru’s situation. Which isn’t great.

Thankfully, Shoko is able to describe the situation mostly over the phone so Satoru doesn’t need to actually be around anyone. He stays locked alone in a room by himself with Shoko only coming in for blood and tissue samples for whatever tests she's running. In the meantime, they tell Yaga-Sensei that Satoru has something really contagious that neither of them could cure with Reverse Curse Technique.

Which is really insulting because Satoru’s own Reverse Curse is flawless on diseases but it does at least keep Yaga from bothering him.

Suguru is...less than pleased at the news.

Satoru can’t hear it, when Shoko explains the situation but he watches through the glass windowpane until Suguru catches him watching and he quickly flops back down on the cot and pretends to be asleep. He’s still avoiding his phone and Suguru must know that and be pissed about it, but there’s nothing he can do about it now. Satoru can’t talk to him about it. Not until they find a cure and he can talk to Suguru when Suguru is in his right mind.

It's not like Satoru is pleased about the situation either but it is what it is.

Finally, after two whole days of absolute boredom, Satoru is awoken by the appearance of both Shoko and the doctor in his room.

“What the fuck?” Satoru slurs, his Infinity already active, sitting bolt upright in shock.

“Surprise! We’ve done it!” Shoko announces proudly, nodding over to the other doctor who seems to be holding a jar of some kind of lotion.

“Uh-okay.” Satoru blinks. Even if they’ve solved the problem, that doesn’t explain why they’re both in here with him? If the lotion is the cure, shouldn’t he put it on before they come in?

The doctor, an older man, smiles warmly at Satoru. “So this is the affected subject, hm? Well sweetie, this is the most interesting case I've ever worked out. But we have it sorted and I think we have some explaining to do.”

Satoru crinkles his nose at being called ‘sweetie’, sighing, “better give me that stuff now if you want to be safe!” He reaches his hand out for it and is surprised when Shoko laughs.

“Actually, that’s not necessary.” She smirks at him and it’s only then that he notices she’s got her nostrils blocked. “I’m safe, but no one else is yet. You just need to wear that lotion every day until it wears off. Go ahead and say it, I’m a genius.”

Seeing Satoru clear confusion and how horrible Shoko still is at trying to explain anything the elderly man smiles. “You see, the curse molded to your apocrine sweat glands. It added an additional compound to the usual oily fluid of proteins, lipids, and steroids the human body produces.”

And that’s...an explanation, sure. But it doesn’t mean much to Satoru.

So Shoko picks up and says, “that’s why I suppressed my sense of smell. And see? The “love” – uh, wore off.”

Which is enough for Satoru and he takes the jar from the man and opens it, scooping out a handful and spreading it on his arms already. “Right so I just have to put this stuff on, like, everywhere?”

The doctor smiles, “focusing on the areas where your apocrine glands are. That is, mainly your armpits, around your upper eyes, ears and, ahh...your nipples and groin area.”

“Oh.” Satoru stops rubbing it on his arms. Well, he’s not going to do all that with them in here.

But the scientist is still talking. “You know it’s interesting how, according to our thorough tests, anyone with a Y chromosome seems to be immune from the effects. I wonder if this has anything to do with the curse planning reproduction. It would also explain why it targeted the centers it did.”

But Satoru’s mind is still stuck on – “Wait wait wait, you’re saying having a Y chromosome...means you’re immune?! So...you wouldn’t have been under the effects of the curse? So that means-!”

“Yes, biological men would not be effected. This curse only targets biological women.”

Satoru freezes.

Biological men are immune. Have been immune. This whole time. They weren’t affected...Haibara, just being nice? Those guys in public maybe just friendly or gay and...this man, just being nice? Suguru-

Satoru’s mind halts and his mouth drops open.

Suguru. Suguru!

Suguru..was...immune? This whole time?!

So everything we did, the kisses everything he said? He...he wasn’t under the spell of the curse?!

Which means...he meant it. I didn’t take advantage of him.

But now Satoru...Satoru kissed his best friend and then promptly ignored him for almost 3 days.

“OH FUCK!” He shouts suddenly, startling the older man but not Shoko. Shoko is used to his bullshit. “Oh, um, sorry guys. Hey! Uh – thanks? For all this, it’s great.” He grabs the jar and nods to them. “It’s been great but, I gotta go!”

And Satoru promptly teleports back directly into his shared dorm room.

“Suguru, I have to talk to-”

But Satoru looks around and realizes he’s talking to an empty room. Oh great so you choose now to actually get a life do you? Satoru thinks moodily as he sets the jar down on his dresser. He sends Suguru a quick text saying he needs to talk to him. But he isn’t surprised when Suguru doesn’t reply.

Well, he’ll just have to wait for Suguru.

Satoru starts to sit on his futon before he realizes he still has the lotion on only his arms.

Okay, well, he’ll have to have a shower – and then he’s going to wait for Suguru. The other boy has to come back to their dorm room at some point.

And when he does...well. Satoru has no idea what he’s going to say but he figures he’ll know by then. Hopefully.

*****

By the time Suguru returns to their dorm room it's well into the evening and the Zaru soba noodles he'd gotten Suguru in apology are luke-warm, no longer cold, and the mango and passionfruit smoothie is more liquid than smoothie, the flavors separated. But Suguru doesn't look at the food when he opens the doors he looks right at Satoru.

The fact Satoru screwed up trying to get his best friend his favorite meal flies from his mind the moment Suguru's eyes meet his.

“Looks like they finally cured you. So, Satoru, are you back to normal then?”

“Suguru! I'm so so sorry. And! I...I got you...dinner.” Satoru says lamely, suddenly nervous.

“I...see that.” Suguru says, giving him an even look. “Is this supposed to be your way to make up for ignoring me the past few days?”

“Pretty much.” Satoru confirms.

When that's all he says - all he can really think to say, his planned words escaping him, Suguru sighs and comes fully into the room, shutting the door behind him. “Are you planning on explaining...anything?”

Satoru thinks about it. “Maybe later.” And even though Suguru doesn't look very happy with him, Satoru sucks in his breath and takes the chance. “So. You...you like me? Huh?”

Now Suguru is looking at him with mild concern. “Did that infection get into your brain and damage it more than it already was? Because...obviously?”

“No, asshole.” Satoru answers at once before what Suguru said really catches up to him. “But I mean...Oh.” After another awkward pause in which Suguru stares at him, Satoru looks down and manages to say. “What I mean is. I uh, I like you too.”

It feels too awkward to look at Suguru directly but he can hear the smile in Suguru's tone as he asks. “Satoru...are you blushing?”

“No.” Satoru says immediately. Then he chances a peak at Suguru and sees he looks pleased. Which...is a relief, for sure, but it doesn't help how his face feels a little warm. “I don't blush.” He says, just to make sure that's absolutely clear.

“Right.” Suguru says and he closes the distance between them, reaching out a hand Suguru gently raises Satoru's chin so they're looking eye to eye. And the look in Suguru's eyes is unbearably kind for how out of the loop Satoru has kept him. And he probably doesn't deserve it but he leans a little into Suguru's touch. “Are you okay Satoru? You've been acting so fucking weird lately.”

“Yeah, I'm...I'm fine. I just.” Satoru cuts himself off and his chest feels so tight he suddenly feels like he can't breathe. And Suguru looks more concerned so Satoru opens his mouth says, “I just think...I'm.” 

The words catch briefly as he thinks back on their past interactions, how much he's missed Suguru, how much he's only now realized he really has been leaving him out, leaving him behind in his quest for strength. He hasn't been paying him attention like he could, like he wants to. He didn't think to do it, but...now he realizes that Suguru may've had feelings for a while. And suddenly when he thinks back on all those times it seemed like Suguru was trying to pick fights with him and call him weak...they're suddenly reclassified in his mind as just...Suguru being concerned. Suguru was just worried about him.

And Satoru, he realizes, is worried for Suguru as well.

He want to help him feel better, he just never thought Suguru would accept his help and...

And the realization of his feelings, his physical attraction he tried so hard to suppress, suddenly coalesce in his mind into one solid and undeniable truth. 

“I'm in love with you.”

Suguru lets out a low breath and Satoru's nerves calm at the depth of warmth he feels from Suguru's smile, the gentleness of his touch on Satoru's chin. “I was hoping you were.”

And Satoru opens his mouth to reply but suddenly Suguru is even closer and then they're kissing.

And it's even better than before. Suguru tastes like coming home to where Satoru didn't even realize he belonged, with someone he didn't realize how badly he needs, but now he can't imagine living without.

The kiss is slow, soft, gentle. And when Suguru pulls away to breathe Satoru whispers, “I take that to mean...you still love me too?”

A huff of a laugh brushes over Satoru's lips, making him smile. “Yes, I still love you too, idiot. You still need to tell me what happened the last two days though.”

Which is fair, Satoru does. He owes Suguru a lot of explanations, actually. “I will.” He promises, but he wants to try and make things completely equal first. “But not until you eat your food. And then we'll watch whatever shitty Korean drama movie you're into now. Because...because I wanna do what you wanna do, Suguru.”

And before Suguru can answer, Satoru leans in and he kisses Suguru.

I'm gonna help you, he thinks and then, and you're gonna help me too. Not because either of us are weak...but because we're the strongest together.

When Suguru breaks the kiss again, Satoru tries to chase him after it but the other boy pulls away to ask, “Satoru...how...how did you even know I am in love with you? I thought I hid it well.”

Satoru blinks at him and then sighs realizing Suguru isn't going to let him delay this. And so Satoru says, “Okay, but...you're gonna have to sit down for this one...”