Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Oh! Look it’s the Zenin heir! It's rare for you to see the light of day~" A teen with spiky silver hair, with tacky round frames was waving and smiling at him like a weirdo. Naoya stared back with a confused grimace, every part of his existence telling him to ignore and turn face, which he did until a hand on his shoulder held him back. 

"Hey wait! That's not very respectful." The same silverette chirped condescendingly.

"And why should I be respectful to you?" Naoya spat.

The silverette blinked. "Mh? You don't recognize me? I mean I guess we only meet once during childhood but I thought my reputation would be proceed me."

"You're wasting my time."

"Whoa whoa slow down—where's the rush? It's me, Satoru Gojo, the one and only."

'Gojo? The Gojo heir? …Him??' Naoya's frown only deepened.

"Hey, what’s with that face? You really don’t hide your feelings huh?" He was such an open book, Gojo thought, just casting all his raw emotions out like that. It was naïve and funny, but cute.

"Whatever. You don’t seem like much in my eyes." Naoya about turned, walking away at last.

"Ouch, cold." He heard Gojo mouth once. 

That was the last of their meetings. Or so Naoya thought, until one day he came back home from school, and saw the young silverette getting along with one of the elders, sitting crossed legged in their room.

"Welcome back~" Gojo grinned. It was already becoming annoying, and he had only seen the teen a total of two times. Naoya was the last person interested in making friends.

"Why are you here?" Naoya posed after the elder left.

"I was in the area?"

"But who invited you?"

"Well… I haven't had the chance to formally introduce myself as the clan heir to the other clans, so thought it was about time." Gojo shrugged.

Naoya raised a brow. "You care about the clans?" he could be wrong, but the other teen seemed too carefree to consider traditional stuff like that.

"Sure. There are only three major clans, right? I think we should all get along for the sake of the Jujitsu world." Satoru beamed over his glasses, exposing the brightest dazzling sky blue eyes. They took Naoya by a brief surprise.

'The six eyes.' "That’s bullshit." Naoya called his bluff, which rendered the silverette speechless as he stared back at the dyed blond, before bursting into laughter.

"You're interesting. For someone who doesn't care about others you seemed to be good at reading the room."

"Alright. You done spying now?"

"Heyyy come on, that’s just mean--that didn’t even cross my mind!" Gojo whined.

"Whatever. Go home."

"Ugh fineee." Gojo got up and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I have some work to do anyways."

"Yeah right."

"You really have nothing to do, do you?" Naoya deadpanned. He hated the fact that he was getting accustomed to this—the Goho heir stopping by so often.

"Not right now~" The blond raised a brow to that answer. "Well of course I finished all my tasks, but other than that it's so mundane. There's nothing going on--besides school and work."

Naoya rolled his eyes. "How unlucky of me. Well, I do have things to do if you don’t mind. And I’m trying to be the strongest one alive so if you'll excuse me--"

"Eh? Hahahahaha!" Gojo began laughing out loud.

"What? What's so funny? Finally, the Gojo's heir lost his mind."

"You want to be the strongest? And how are you gonna manage that? When there's already the strongest one alive." Gojo tested.

Naoya whipped his head towards the teen. "Who?"

"Hmph," The silverette's grin grew larger. "You're staring at him.”

"… so, it was true." After running into Gojo a few times, Naoya asked his family about him and found out more about the Six Eyes and his strength. He didn’t want to believe it, considering the way Gojo acted—it was less than professional or serious for someone who was supposed to be the strongest. Though…he could just be partially bluffing too… "Just because you're a Gojo?"

Gojo nonchalantly chuckled.

"Or because of the Six Eyes?" The blond teen continued.

"All of the above? You can test it out if you don’t believe me." The silverette pursed his lips with a tempting smile.

'As if I'd… but it was very tempting…exactly how strong is he though…?' Naoya's never seen him in action. It would be useful to get some insight and a taste of his power and abilities. However, Naoya pretended not to care as much. "I'll have to check my schedule."

Gojo's lips stretched into a mocking smile which only irritated Naoya further. The Six eyes user already knew everything from Naoya's change in heartbeat and demeaner. "Please do, wouldn't want to hold the young master up." But he played along.

Naoya pulled out his phone and swiped a few times before admitting. "Fine, looks like I can spare a couple minutes. A couple minutes is all it'll take anyways."

"Yeah, you're right. Even less, I assure you." The silverette was singing a different tune.

And he was right. Ten seconds. Ten seconds was all it took. Naoya blinked one moment and the next, his back was square on the ground. 'Ah the shame…'

"Well, that was faster than I thought. You doin’ okay, young master?" Gojo looked a tad disappointed and pouty at first but then that smug smirk was back on his face as he extended a hand.

Naoya could only blink again, dumbfounded and speechless. So, he had to ask. "Did you…cast a spell?"

 "Pffftt!" Looks like Gojo wasn't expecting that either. "Hey weren't your eyes open, you saw how it went down."

"No. I blinked." The blond's brain was still lagging as he sat up on his own and expressionlessly replied. Gojo only continued to laugh at his responses. He was beginning to love the blond's reactions.

"Looks like next time you cant even blink." The silverette flicked his head. "Anyways, see ya."

"What the?" Naoya disapproved.

"I remembered something. Don’t take the loss too personally but hope that proves something." And with that, he was gone.

"Annoying bastard." Naoya said out loud to no one in particular.

Later that night, as the blond lay in his futon, it was beginning to hit him. Gojo really was all powerful. He himself was nowhere near as strong as Toji, but now, not near Gojo either. While he couldn’t keep track of Toji, he should take advantage of Gojo constantly sticking to him. Speaking of which, what was his deal? Why was he so persistent? Was he truly just bored and had more time on his hands? Or was he trying to spy after all? Even the maids were starting to treat him like family. It probably all had to do with his annoyingly overly social personality. It was different than anything he had encountered before but that just made it all the more difficult for him to trust him.

But with him of all people? When he's displayed his disinterest so many times? He was truly a weird one.

Gojo didn’t know when he found himself walking or warping back to the Zenin clan every time he got off from school. "I'm back~!" the silverette announced. However, he found it fun to get reactions out of the teen, and closeness they were developing.

"When did you even leave?" Naoya spat, looking up from his book briefly. He was still in his school uniform, just like Gojo. Naoya went to a different private school.

"Hey, I have an idea, let’s go out?"

"Huh? Did you use that brain of yours? Go out where? And why?"

"There's a festival tonight, nothing big but just a bunch of stalls and cool stuff, nice food~" Gojo pitched.

"No thanks, I'll pass."

"Ehhhh! Why not? It'll be fun, come on!"

"No. With you? Hell no. I don’t have time to be playing around with you. I need to train." The blond turned his nose back into the book.

"Hm…okay how about this? If you come with you, I'll train with you once."

Naoya's hands paused on his book. 'How did he always do this? Tempt him like this.'

"I'll also treat you. They got delicious food." Gojo further coerced.

"Ugh, I have money I don’t need yours."

"It's just a treat, don’t think too much about it~" When Naoya didn’t respond right away, Gojo pestered again. "Come on~, Nao~ Let's go~"

"Ew—okay stop, fine. Just don’t call me that." The blond finally shut the book and put it aside.

"Yay~"

"How old are you seriously?" Naoya rolled his eyes but the silverette could care less, as he got on his feet, a grin shown on his face. It was annoying but sometimes he could be a little innocent and cute, Naoya thought. He led them all the way to the town streets, with lanterns ornamenting the dark skies, curbs holding up stalls of traditional food, jewelry, games and people moving about. 

Naoya was staring at one of the brooch pins when Gojo noticed. "Something you like?"

"It's nothing."

"No really which one is it?" the silverette probed. It was his chance to act cool and impress the other teen. Something in him wanted Naoya to look at him proud for once and be fawning over him. That would make his day. He would feel on top of the world.

"It just, looks like your eyes." The blond touched the glistening light blue crystal brooch. Gojo stared at it, his heart skipping a beat as he watched Naoya stare at the pin on top of the comment he made thinking of him. The silverette's heart swelled, and he felt a blush creeping on his cheeks as his lips stretched into a grin.

"I'll buy it." Gojo proclaimed.

"What the--"

"No I want it now. Excuse me sir, how much? I'd like this one." Gojo slammed his hand on the stall, startling the merchant.

"What are you doing?" Naoya frowned.

"Naoya said it reminds him of me, so I want it."

"Ugh, don't make it weird." However, Gojo still went through with the purchase and pinned it to his uniform gleefully. Naoya just stared at him with a certain baffled look.

"Yo let's get some food~"

"Mh…" As they walked, the blond let his eyes roam away to the other side of the streets and froze. Gojo had his arm hooked over the other's shoulder and he also picked up on how the air left the teen's lungs.  Past the hanging lanterns and street stalls, on the flip side Naoya saw a tall muscular figure. 'Is that who he thought it was? No way.'

"What?" The silverette instantly mouthed before he followed the other's gaze, but he didn't see anything. Next thing he knew, Naoya ran away from him in that very direction like a maniac. Gojo fixed his specs and followed suit, traversing the narrow spaces of the stalls to the other street to find the blond whipping his back and forth in search of something, or someone. "Where's the fire? Geez!"

"No. Where did he go?" Naoya murmured, audible enough for Gojo.

"Who are you looking for?"

The blond continued to ignore him as he stepped around, which irritated Gojo more than he expected. 'Gee, what's gotten him so entranced? Like he lost his dog or something.' The silverette sulked. Something had just completely stolen the teen's attention.

Naoya sighed dejected. He swore he saw Toji just now but the man disappeared as soon as he turned the street. Perhaps he imagined it?

"Hey! What were you looking for?" Gojo tried again, louder.

"Nothing…back off." Naoya sounded down.

"No. Tell me." Gojo didn’t like any of this, so he demanded answers now.

"Dammit why do you have to be so--"

"What's the problem? Why won't you tell me?"

"I just said it's nothing, mind your own business."

"If it's nothing then you can tell me. What is there to lose?" Gojo tried but the blond ignored him. "Come onnnn Naoyaaaa I won't stop bugging youuuu!" Next move: persistence. The silverette shamelessly hugged him tightly from behind.

 "Ugh! Toji!" Naoya shoved him away.

"Who?"

"Another Zenin, my older cousin. Happy? Now fxck off. Ugh I'm annoyed, I don’t wanna stay anymore, everything's ruined. I'm leaving!" The blond's mood was royally fouled, and he stormed away.

"Great." Gojo exhaled, eyes darkening. "But Toji…" He frowned. This Toji guy must have been someone really significant considering even in his absence he set Naoya's whole mood off. That's troublesome.

The next day Gojo asked around about Toji and got all the information he needed. Toji was the zenin who had no curse energy, and there were rumors he was shunned and usually ignored. He never took part in anything and later on left the clan all together. That’s it? What was so special about him? Gojo couldn’t comprehend why Naoya was so struck by him. ‘Maybe they were close?’ He could only speculate.

Later that afternoon, Gojo made his casual routine stop at the Zenin’s like nothing had happened the night before. “Yo~” He sang when he saw the blond. “You left in such a hurry last night, didn’t even get to check the other parts of the festival out—they had neat stuff. And the food… mmh!” He bragged. “Here.” With that he tossed a small bag towards Naoya who wasn’t buying his bluff.

“What’s this?”

“Open it.” The blond opened it to reveal a diamond shaped golden pendant with a small red ruby in the center. “I thought it was cool. What do you think?”

“Sure. It’s cool I guess, why does it matter?”

“Heh,” The silverette smiled wide.  “It’s for you.”

“What? Why?”

“Just because. And maybe it reminded me of you.”

“I don’t want it.” Naoya put it back in the bag.

“Hey! Come on! That’s rude, I got it especially for you!”

‘My God he was so whiny,’ The blond closed his eyes with a frown. When did he even get used to the other’s presence so much? Albeit the silverette’s dedicated attention was indeed flattering, should he dare admit. ‘Even a little cute…’ when Naoya teased him like this.

“Fine, stop whining I’ll keep it. I’ll just throw it in the closet.”

“Yay~ Anyways what are we playing today?” Gojo lit up.

“Playing? You’re going to train with me.” The blond sternly reminded.

“Boo, always work work work, come on, one game then we can always train in the evening. There’s plenty of time.” Gojo persuaded.

“For you.”

“Please, you don’t have that much to do these days either. You’re always here when I come.” Gojo scoffed with a smirk. Naoya, as if guilty, threw the bag straight at him but missed due to infinity. They ended up playing a game or two before Gojo led them to the backyard to train.

“Okay, for starters, try to land one hit on me.” Gojo pointed out.

Naoya rolled his eyes. “Who do you think I am?” The blond was extremely fast on his feet but no matter how much he tried he never landed anything, far from that. It was child’s play to Gojo, who simply swayed his head back and forth.

“You’re pretty quick on your feet, I’ll give you that. You little rabbit.” He grinned. Naoya growled.

In the end, he never won.

Gojo was assigned to protect the star plasma vessel but was ambushed by Toji, himself. Toji mercilessly killed off the vessel and even gave Geto a run for his money. Gojo had to be the one to fight him off, but he was grateful for that battle since that was the first time he mastered the reversal cursed technique. The process rendered him euphoric momentarily.

“…What is the point of acting like this?” Gojo mouthed. “How would your cousin feel about this?”

“Who?” Toji indifferently asked. 

“Naoya.”

“…ah. The little brat? What about him?” Toji’s tone legitimately sounded like he was talking about a stranger.

Gojo’s vein twitched and ultimately he finished the persistent older man off by hollow purple. Naoya lost his breath at the mere mention of him and here Toji didn’t even give a fxck. By the time he realized what he had done, it was too late. Not as if Toji gave him any other option. He was a killer and he attempted to kill him as well.

“Any last words?” Gojo still asked.

“Nah…or, in a few years’ time, my son will be sold to the Zenin’s. Do what you will with that information.” Were Toji’s last words. 

Gojo failed to protect the vessel. Yet he was more afraid of Naoya’s reaction.

SLAP! Gojo found his face turned the other way the moment he told him what happened to Toji. Gojo allowed the slap.

“Get out.” Naoya snarled. The silverette kept his gaze somewhere lower on the ground, uncharacteristically quiet. His eyes only panned upwards when he felt tear drops trickle to the ground. Naoya was furious, eyes wide, angry and tear strained face.

“You don’t know the full story—”

“I said get out!!”

“Che, Nao! He killed people!”

“Shut up! Don’t ever fxcking show your face again!” Naoya screamed evoking Gojo to grab his arm.

“Listen to me! I’m tired as well—so stop being so selfish for once and just hear me out! He was going to assassinate the vessel—he already did—I had no choice—”

“You’re Satoru Gojo! You always have a choice!”

 Gojo grit his teeth because he didn’t have an immediate comeback to that, as if the other had a point. Naoya used that chance to pull himself free and push him away. “Fxck off!” With that he slammed the door, leaving the silverette just standing there.

Gojo stood there for a long silent while after until he kicked something on the floor and retreated.

Four Years Later

Gojo found himself back at the Zenin’s doorstep, unwillingly but inevitably. There was something he needed to personally deal with, Megumi-related. Instead of the round shades, he began wearing bandages over his eyes and throwing his hair up.

Megumi was seven years old, and Gojo had “bought” the kid about year ago. However, it seemed the Zenin’s were trying to interfere again. He was here to remind them not to act outside the contract.

On the way out, he murmured a chain of curses under his breath until he recognized an all too familiar blond slowly walking in the oncoming direction with an elder. Gojo internally paused. How long had it been since he saw Naoya. The man was wearing a traditional yukata with a cardigan on top, faded colors that well suited him. It was certainly a sight. Naoya recognized him as well, it was brief but there was slight question in the blond’s eyes over the other’s new appearance and the fact that he was looking into his eyes but not at the same time.

“Ah. It’s you.” The elder beside Naoya broke the men from their trance.

“How do you do?” Gojo faked a business smile. However, something told Naoya that his ‘eyes’ were still on him.

“Living. Do you know the way out?” The elder posed.

“Don’t worry your old wise self, I’ll see myself out just fine.”

“Alright then.” The elder walked past them. Naoya was left alone and he hated that, he didn’t have anything to say. Hence, he began to coldly turn away without a word. Weirdly enough, he wasn’t as angry as he thought he would be. He had mixed emotions. Bitterness, resentment from Toji’s death yet an old friendship and fun times that he never shared with anyone else. Something yanked the blond back a big step. He looked over his shoulder to find Gojo’s hand holding him back by the arm. Naoya stared at him with surprise while Gojo only looked back at him, mouth in a straight serious line.

Before the blond can say anything else, Gojo warped them away, landing them on a high cliff at the edge of some forest. The sudden warping and imbalance caused Naoya to lose his footing. The silverette picked up on that and held him with both arms. The blond unknowingly leaned on him as he composed himself.

“The mild dizziness is a common side effect. It’ll wear off rather quick.” Gojo’s voice snapped him back to reality.

“Where the hell? What are you up to?!” Naoya shoved him away angrily.

“I wanted some privacy to talk?” Gojo shrugged, sitting on the large boulder nearby and facing the sky. “It’s been so long. Not even a hello?”

“Hnph. I don’t care. Why should I?”

“Well I guess I’ll bite then. How have you been? You look pretty okay.” ‘Just more beautiful, taller, slimmer, maybe even paler than before. Probably a pain to deal with the clan.’ Gojo pondered in his head.  

“That answers that then.” Naoya begrudgingly looked away.

“…Are you going to continue to hold a grudge against me?”

“You killed Toji.”

“And you never heard me out. I wasn’t planning this visit today, but I guess I’m glad I ran into you at least. This has been long overdue.” Gojo told.

“Doesn’t change anything.”

“Oh yeah? Then hear me out.”

“No. Take me back, I don’t even now, where the hell we are, but take me back this instant.”

“No. Now it’s my turn to be selfish.” Gojo deadpanned, standing up and walking towards the other who frowned in response. It was a coincidence that they ran into each other today and he was going to use this fateful opportunity.

Naoya actually made a run for it, to the silverette’s surprise. Naoya was confident he could somewhat escape with his speed. However, Gojo appeared right in front of him.

“Haha, oh dear Nao, you already know you can’t run from me. But I certainly wasn’t expecting that.” The taller man grinned amused. Except, Gojo wasn’t going to amuse any more attempts so he grabbed the other’s shoulders. Of course, Naoya wasn’t going to go down without a fight, literally. They struggled until they tussled down to the grassy ground. Gojo was forced to pin Naoya by the wrists.

“Don’t be a fxcking psycho! You haven’t changed one bit—”

“Why don’t you just stay quiet for once and hear me out? I can’t have you getting the wrong opinion of me, I should’ve done this years ago.”

“I don’t want you to—”

“Naoya.” Gojo warned, pulling down the bandages from his eyes, his smile disappearing while hypnotizing surreal blue eyes pierced into his soul. They froze Naoya in place. He couldn’t recall the last time he saw them raw like this. He could tell Gojo meant business. “Toji isn’t the same person you once knew. He volunteered to kill the vessel of Tengen, the one thing that maintains balance in this world. I just so happened to be the one to take care of it this time. But this Toji of yours knew no bounds. He wasn’t stopping at any limit. And guess wat, he didn’t even remember you initially.”

Naoya’s eyes widened briefly. “Isn’t that crazy?” Gojo continued. That was the last cherry on the cake. “You lose your cool every time you talk about him, you’ve been holding a grudge against me for years but this guy didn’t even care about you.” The sileverette stabbed verbally.

“Ughh,” Naoya didn’t want to hear it and attempted to struggle again. However, Gojo slammed him back down again. The silverette was also getting frustrated that the dense young master wouldn’t listen to him, ever.

“Dammit! Do you ever listen?! Look, I’m sorry I killed your damn cousin, but you don’t understand at all! He was trying to kill all three of us!” Gojo’s calm aloof demeaner was slowly chipping away. “What did you expect?! My one and only best friend forever changed and died inside because of him. I had to carry the corpse of the vessel in my arms, an innocent teenage girl that got killed and not to mention he already killed me first. Or at least tried to.”

Naoya was forced to hear it all.

“Your cousin wasn’t normal at all, not anymore. He even forgot about his own son who I’ve been taking care of since then!”  Gojo exclaimed. The blond fisted his hands. He knew that. That sounded like Toji… A part of him knew it wasn’t entirely Gojo’s fault. Toji wasn’t one to back down either so one of them would have ended up dead. But still…he needed someone to blame…some one to direct his anger at.

The blond studied Gojo for signs of sincerity, and it was all there. Gojo wasn’t acting calculating or deceptive. It was just hard for him to accept.  

“You believe me,” It was more of a statement than a question from Gojo. His senses were telling him Naoya had calmed down and was taking this information seriously.

“Get off me.”

“Answer me.”

“Why are you going this far? What does it matter if I believe you or not?”

“Why can’t you just be honest for once man? Drop your ego and just admit the truth!” Gojo glowered.

“Ugh!” Naoya let out in all frustration and semi-defeat. “That’s your version of the truth!”

“It’s the truth!”

The blond stopped struggling for a second and averted his gaze, tears welling in eyes as he clenched his jaw. He was right, he couldn’t continue denying it. He just wanted to deny it and cause an issue.

“Nao…” Gojo called out more softly and it only made Naoya want to cry out, but he refrained. “You have to believe me. I’m not your enemy. Maybe the Zenin clan’s but not yours.”

Naoya slowly nodded, shutting his eyes. The silverette loosened his grip and lowered himself to hug him. It was a gentle but firm embrace, a moment of solace they both needed and surprisingly Naoya didn’t kill him for it. After what felt like ages passed by, Gojo broke the silence. “…Come on, Nao…be mine already…”

“What??” Naoya jerked his head towards the other from his hugging place on the ground. It didn’t feel so terrible—definitely was a first.

“Look at me, please.” Gojo pleaded. “How am I the strongest person alive and I still can’t get you to look at me—what logic is this?”

“What are you on about…?”

“You can’t pretend you don’t know. About how I feel.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” The blond insisted.  Gojo moved back swiftly and angled Naoya’s face for a kiss, catching him off guard. The blond struggled initially but the taller man pushed in further.

“S-stop—m! Are you crazy?!” Naoya finally managed to shove him off.

“Do you understand now?”

“You can’t be serious—”

“I am. And I want you to be as well.”

“You’re dreaming.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not. If I was, you’d be mine already.” That bold statement evoked a blush from Naoya.

“I’m leaving.”

“You can’t.”

“Excuse me?”

“Only I know the way back.” Gojo pointed a finger. Naoya wanted to facepalm, it was true that he warped them here so he had to take them back.

Gojo finally complied and dropped him off back home.

“Well I should be off then, think about what I …” The silverette was in Naoya’s room and about to leave when he noticed something glisten behind one of the frames. He took the audacity to grab the item. It was the pendent that Gojo got him years ago.

The blond felt embarrassed, he must’ve left it there and forgotten all about it. “Don’t be looking into other people’s stuff.”

“You still have it.” Gojo wasn’t listening, his smile widening from ear to ear. The silverette swung around and flipped it over the other’s neck. “See? It really suits you~” He grinned with upturn eyes. Naoya couldn’t look away from the other’s expression, a sense of nostalgia engulfing him. He looked so genuine and innocent—it seems some things never really did change.

“Aren’t you leaving?” The blond snapped himself out of it and looked away.   

“Yeah yeah, I know, I’ll get out of your sight.” The silverette turned around waving his hand. “See ya. Don’t forget what I said. Come find me sometime.” With that he disappeared, leaving Naoya with a lot to think about.

‘So Toji has a kid…? And Gojo has feelings for him...?’

Naoya had extra time on his hands one day and found himself on a particular street. He himself didn’t understand why he was here. He was still wearing the pendant from that day, though hidden under his clothes. He wanted to yank it off and burn it but at the same time a part of him didn’t want to. It seems a forgotten, more hidden part of him missed the times they had and the unwavering attention he used to receive. Being in the Zenin clan with their bouldering expectations wasn’t the easiest thing.

While he was passing by, he spotted a young child, about seven years old with black spiky hair and two white and black dogs.

‘Wait a second. Those aren’t real.’ Naoya was quick to see them as curses. “What the—?”

The child, Megumi looked at him without an expression. There was no doubt about it, that was Toji’s child. The blond pointed towards the dogs. Megumi followed his gaze before saying “You can see them too, mister?”

Naoya was still staring at his poker face. “Mister? How old are you?”

“Why should I answer that?”

“Well, you certainly have the manners, but I guess that’s what I’d expect from a kid being raised by that guy.” Naoya’s remarked. Megumi frowned but started walking away.

“Hey, I’m not finished talking to you.” ‘Geez this is a waste of my time mostly… maybe I should turn back I hv nothing to do with this, he’s nothing like Toji…’

He was about to leave but a cyclist in the oncoming direction lost footing over an improper rock and nearly hit the kid. Naoya used his speed and moved fast to scoop the kid away. “On second thought, let’s wait for your guardian.”

“He doesn’t stop by everyday.” Megumi calmly answered as the blond put him back down.

“Huh? What kinda parenting is that?” Naoya was oddly getting pissed and rung Gojo’s phone from Megumi’s burner phone. Megumi looked at him suspiciously now. “Don’t worry brat, I’m your uncle. I know Toji and your guardian, Gojo.” Naoya managed to convince Megumi to take him home where they met his sister.  

After five minutes, Gojo appeared at the door with his wavy hair down and replaced with shades. “What’s up kiddo—it’s unusual for you to call me—” He stopped abruptly in his steps when he was face to face with Naoya.

“It’s about time.” The blond deadpanned with his arms crossed. Gojo’s jaw dropped.

“Naoya? What are you doing here…" Gojo’s initial pleasant surprise was quickly masked with a frown and tension. ‘Wait was he here to steal Megumi? Naoya didn’t care about the kid, but the clan did and Naoya cared about the clan.’  “Wow, you guys are persistent.” He smirked.  The blond raised a brow. “Did the old bags send you? I already bought him.”

“What? I don’t care about that. I just can’t stand how indifferently you’re looking after Toji’s kid. And now I find out there’s two of them? Yet you don’t even drop by every day?”

Gojo didn’t see that coming and began laughing before dumping himself on the couch beside him. “Aw so you do care, look at you being so cute?”

“Watch it before you get yourself killed here.”

“Then I’ll have witnesses.” The silverette smiled.

“You still think this is funny?” Noaya’s veins were beginning to pop.

“No, I’m just so glad to see you~” The silverette wrapped his arms tightly over the other from the side.  

“You…” Naoya found himself giving in just like the old times. He could never really push the other off, plus he stopped trying since Gojo would only bounce back harder.

“I’ve just been busy. It’s not easy being the strongest in the world, taking care of high-level curses while mastering my own powers, and on top of that looking after two kids. But after today I was hoping to make myself a little more available.” Gojo explained before looking at him with a smile. “Unless you help me.”

Naoya stared into the mesmerizing crystal blue eyes. The offer was tempting. “I have better things to do.”

“It is Toji’s son.” Gojo bribed. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me, as long as I can spend some time with you, hm?”

“…Why are you playing with me?”

“What? I’m not.”

“Then why are you acting like this?” Naoya was getting tired of the joke.

“Are you that dense, Nao? Maybe your old man’s been sheltering you a little too much. Why do you think I kissed you? I like you. I want you.” He automatically leaned closer, tone more sober.

“But why…”

“What kinda question is that? There’s a certain young master who I’ve had a hard time looking away from since a while back.” The silverette smirked.  

“You can’t be real…”

“Oh, believe me. I’m being very real. I’m already holding back so much just sitting here.” Gojo pursed his lips into a knowing grin. Naoya was at a loss for words as he pensively looked away. Gojo quickly made sure the kids had retired to their bedroom before catching the other off guard again and connecting their lips.

The blond backed away and instantly slapped but was blocked by infinity. “Do that again, and it’ll be the last you’re seeing of me.”

Gojo sighed. “Okay okay, we don’t want that—not after I’m seeing you all over again.” He settled with just leaning down on the blond as he threw his arms around. Internally, he was smiling, he could see Naoya was still wearing the necklace. It was all about the small steps. “Don’t fall out again. We cleared everything and I know you’re not mad at me.”

The blond rolled his eyes at Gojo’s know-it-all ability. And he further hated that Gojo wasn’t wrong.  

“Whatever, I have to leave, just stop being ignorant.” Naoya averted and stood up from the couch. To his surprise, Gojo didn’t try to grab him or stop him. The blond looked back and Gojo just sat there on the sofa, still facing where he was once sitting.

“I’m sorry."

Naoya blinked and looked back, staring at the other’s side profile. His face was much more serious and his eyes were frowning somewhere in space.

“I’m sorry about your cousin, but it was truly either kill or be killed. I never meant to hurt you with that…I could care less about him. I only wanted to be with you.” Gojo confessed in a sincere cold tone.

Naoya’s mouth opened but no words came out and he clenched it back close when a million emotions were running through his head. He opted to just leave in the end and shut the door behind him. The silverette exhaled, frown loosening and gaze dropping a touch lower.

Outside, Naoya needed a minute. He didn’t know why but he just did. He leaned against the wall and processed everything. Always leave it to Gojo to throw him off his game and attack him with the unexpected. He apologized? He did. Even though yes, Gojo was the one who killed Toji, but Toji was equally to blame. He just refused to believe it all this time—but how many more years will he delude himself?

A small droplet fell from his face on to the ground beneath him and that was the first time his tears. There was this immense sadness and pain in his chest that seemed to have just erupted on its own. The last thing he wanted to do was cry, but the tears naturally flowed. Was he missing Toji? Or Gojo? Or was the truth that harsh that he indeed wanted to reconnect with an old friend, dare he even call him that?

Did the past really matter so much? It seemed everyone had moved on yet he was the only one stuck under this bitter cloud.

“Come inside.” A voice startled him. He turned himself around to find Gojo at the door, face still serious and silver bangs down on to his face, glistening in the moon light. The blond looked at him helplessly, unaware of what expression he was making but Gojo’s intense expression was drawing him in uncontrollably. “Naoya.” That was the final call before, Naoya allowed himself to be led back inside. He secretly wiped his eyes and hoped the six-eyes user couldn’t see it in the dark outside. But then again, this is Gojo we were talking about.

Gojo sat them back on to the living room couch before leaving again and bringing some whiskey. “What’s this?” Naoya questioned.

“Just to warm ourselves.” Gojo casually replied, pouring it into their glasses. “You can use it.”

“Hmph, I don’t need you to tell me that.” The blond quietly refuted, a bit out of character. Gojo finally cracked a partial smile while lifting his glass for the first drink. Gojo was the first to break the ice and start talking. There was no real start, he simply began with the whole event that transpired up to Toji’s death. Then he continued to talk about Suguru’s slow madness and so on. When he was done, he asked Naoya about his time after he left and Naoya complied. Keeping it short, but complying none the less.

They ended up falling asleep on the sofa together it seems, because in the morning Naoya woke up to a note.

I’ll be back! Gonna drop the kids off and get some breakfast—don’t hop away~ Satoru.

‘Such a Gojo thing to say.’ Naoya shook his head. ‘Should he even bother staying? Like yesterday wasn’t embarrassing enough.’ However, despite that, it almost felt like they fell back into place naturally like none of it mattered. Gojo, being Gojo wasn’t one to judge him anyway and was probably just glad to have him back. The thought alone made Naoya’s cold heart warm.

No, he should just leave. Naoya ruffled his hair and stood up. “Going somewhere?” A tall figure sprung into existence right before him. It was Gojo, back with his carefree smile and hair back up, bandages covering his eyes.

“I don’t know when or if I’ll ever get used to that.” Naoya commented with a dead expression.

“Haha, well I don’t know if I can help you with that. You’ll just have to.” Gojo laughed.

“Right…is it that bad?” Naoya asked curiously, really feeling like nothing had changed between them.

“What is?”

“The six eyes?”

“Well, I’ve mastered and attained them to a point where the constant heightened senses can be too much on a daily, so this helps underwhelm it.”

‘Wow.’ Even though much time had passed but it felt like Gojo was on a completely different level.

“You’re impressed.” The silverette beamed, reading his mind.

“Oh please.” Naoya hid it.

“You are! Aw, Naoya is entranced by me~”

“Oh shut up! Now you’re pushing it!” The blond was ready to throw fists.

“Hahaha!” Gojo laughed. “Nice to have you back.”

Naoya paused, before averting his eyes. “Whatever.” They successfully reconnected. “So? Where’s breakfast? Or else I’m leaving.”

“Oh! Right here!” Gojo raised the bag of food in his hand. “Let’s dig in! I brought all your favorites!”

“Yea yea—how do you know all my favorites?” Naoya followed him to the kitchen area.

A couple weeks later, Naoya was out fulfilling a mission and taking care of a curse. It was, for the most part, boring.

‘Call me if you ever need anything.’ Gojo’s words rung in his head.

“Yeah right, as if I need—” The blond began but froze. No, literally froze in his steps. Something from the ground was keeping him trapped in place. Looking down it looked like slimy black tar. “Great.” Probably some curse trap he fell for while his mind was unnecessarily occupied. The blond tried to escape but he was stuck for good.

What on earth was this curse? How was it so powerful? While he was struggling, a curse emerged from the other side of the ground and charged at him. Naoya noticed this and braced for impact, still unable to move. Before the monster could touch him, a familiar bright light of blue and purple flash in the air between them and slice the curse into two. Gojo leaped in front of him.

“Of course.” Naoya rolled his eyes.

“I told you to call me, why are you so shy?” Gojo teased.

“Don’t say another word.” The blond threatened. Gojo stepped over and slashed the stuff on the ground that was keeping him in place.

“You okay?” The silverette posed.

“I’m fine.” Naoya answered. “Look out!” A half piece of the curse moved and flung at them. The blond flash stepped forward, blocking the silverette and attacking the curse but it also slashed through his upper arm and sleeve, spilling blood.

Gojo’s eyes widened at that and his blood ran cold. His eyes glowed and he annihilated every molecule of the curse right that moment. “What are you thinking?” Gojo growled.

“You can’t have all the fun.” Now Naoya was the one being unserious. He also couldn’t stop the gleefull feeling of Gojo losing his cool over him—felt like an odd win.  

“Seriously, you… come on we gotta take care of that.” Gojo sighed. He warped them to his private apartment and brought out the first aid kit.

“I’ll live.” The blond dismissed.

“Doesn’t matter, we cant have the young master getting hurt now. Not on my watch. Next time just leave it to me.” Gojo sat down and rolled his traditional sleeves all the way up. “On second thought, take off your shirt.” The silverette didn’t wait and began undressing him.

“Hey! Manners!”

However, Gojo could care less and went through with it to Naoya’s pout. Just as Gojo expected, Naoya had clear fair skin and a nice lean build, smaller than his, but it was perfect. Naoya picked up on Gojo’s gaze but chose to stay quiet about him. The silverette finished wrapping his arm with gauze and slid his pale fingers down his arm. The sileverette gripped at his wrist and palm, holding his fingers, waiting any moment for Naoya to yank his hand away. Except he didn’t.

Gojo would take what he could get, he lifted the hand and began pressing it against his cool lips. Pressing turned into kissing and eventually licking between the other’s fingers. The silverette daringly locked eyes with Naoya’s while doing so. The blond felt frozen in place once again, temperature rising to his face fast, yet unable to look or pull away. Some disgraceful part of him wanted the other to continue. He’s never experienced anything like this before and neither was he interested, but if it was Gojo, maybe he could trust him.

“This is your last chance. I won’t stop after I start.” Gojo reminded, leaning forward forcing Naoya to descend into a laying position.

“Stop talking…” Naoya managed to frown. The silverette took that as a yes and bent down to kiss him. A false gentle kiss that turned into a wet passionate kiss in no time. The euphoria was already rising to Naoya’s head as a mix of new emotions ambushed him.

“You’re mine now.” Gojo marked, announcing it and sealing it with a bite.

“You’re crazy…”

Naoya slept over, because clearly there was no way he could walk or run back home after the night prior. The blond turned around to find bright blue eyes staring at him without blinking. He nearly jumped.

“Are you a psychopath?!” The blond shrieked. “Or that answer is obvious.”

“I couldn’t stop thinking about last night, the back of your head is so cute, so is your back, and your voice and your—m”

“Okay, okay! We get it!” Naoya slammed a hand over his mouth. Gojo only closed his eyes in an upturn smile.

“You’re mine now. There’s no going back.” Gojo would never let him hear the end of it.

“Whatever.” Naoya dismissed and switched sides, frowning but smiling internally. The silverette hugged him from behind without fail, engulfing him. He couldn’t ask for more. They still had a long way to go, but it was more than enough for now.

_.[THE END]._