Chapter Text
The first time Suguru met Satoru Gojo, he wasn’t impressed.
It wasn’t the first time he had to transfer schools but this one, for whatever reason, felt the most important.
Tokyo Jujutsu High wasn’t just another school. It was a place for the strongest and he’d been apparently recruited for a reason.
When Yaga pushed open the door, two sets of eyes were already looking towards him.
One belonged to a girl with short brown hair who gave him a cursory glance. The other was a tall boy with white hair and dark glasses who stared at him longer– curiously almost, his mouth curving into a little smirk.
“This is Geto Suguru,” Yaga announced gruffly. “He’ll be joining you as a student from today. Treat him well.” The last bit seemed to be aimed directly at the white haired boy.
The girl gave a lazy wave. “Hi.”
The boy leaned back in his chair, legs spread wide and hands tucked behind his head. He grinned, tilting his glasses down just enough to look Suguru in the eye with his piercing blues.
“This is the other special grade, Yaga-sensei?” The boy asked. “They’re just letting anyone in these days, huh?”
Suguru grit his teeth but kept his expression neutral.
“Nice to meet you too,” he said, giving him a fake smile.
The boy squinted at him. “What’s with the bangs?”
Suguru blinked. How was he supposed to respond to that?
“That’s Satoru Gojo,” Yaga sighed. “And this is Shoko Ieiri. The three of you will be training together. So do your best to get along. Please.”
Suguru gave a small bow in their direction but Satoru’s cocky grin and Shoko’s disinterest made him feel more awkward than anything else.
“Take a seat,” Yaga said.
Suguru stared. There weren’t many options. There was only one open desk and it was set right between the other two students.
As he sat down, he could feel Gojo’s gaze on him.
The days that followed were really frustrating.
Gojo seemed to go out of his way to get under his skin, whether it was by making snarky remarks or by some silly, unnecessary nickname.
“Bangs,” seemed to be his favorite.
Suguru tried to ignore him for the most part. He had dealt with guys like him in his old school as well. They found a weird sort of pleasure from teasing or bullying everyone else around them, and he found the best way to combat them was to ignore them.
But things changed when they started training.
Yaga had paired them against each other.
The rules were simple. No cursed energy, no infinity— just normal hand-to-hand combat.
Suguru genuinely expected this to just be another opportunity for Gojo to win against him and gloat, but when the match actually started, he realized maybe he actually stood a chance.
From what he had come to learn about Gojo and sorcery clans, Gojo grew up thinking he was the best. And for good reason. Suguru wouldn’t go as far as to say it was unwarranted. Gojo was strong. But he was also used to being the only one on his level. He wasn’t accustomed to anyone actually getting physically close, not with his infinity.
But without it…
Every time Gojo threw out a punch, Suguru shot back with a jab just as strong. Everything moved fast. He was pretty sure even Shoko was sitting a bit straighter watching them go at it.
And for a second Suguru actually thought he might win.
He landed a punch right in Gojo’s pretty face, sending his glasses flying. But just as Suguru moved to land another hit, a shimmer— like a forcefield— suddenly flickered on around Gojo.
His infinity activated and it stopped Suguru’s fist just an inch from his face.
Suguru was breathing heavily but Gojo wasn’t faring much better.
“Not bad,” Gojo said, a hint of…admiration? In his voice. But that couldn’t be it, could it? “You’re better than I thought.”
Suguru stepped back, bringing his hand back to his side. “You cheated,” he said. But he couldn’t help but feel a little bit of pride at earning praise from Gojo.
Gojo seemed to respect him a bit more after that.
Suguru still thought Gojo was insufferable. But maybe…maybe he wasn’t entirely unbearable.
Suguru started looking forward to his spars with Gojo (more than he’d care to admit). Their fights had even turned into less of a competition— well, less of a tense competition— and more of a collaborative one.
Gojo still teased him, of course, but Suguru actually felt like they were learning from each other.
“Your footing’s off,” Gojo said, dodging his fist with infuriating ease. “Your instincts are good, Suguru, but if you keep standing like that I’ll have you on your back in no time.”
That was another thing.
Gojo started calling him Suguru now.
He scowled but fixed his stance anyway. “Maybe you should focus on yourself instead of talking all the time.”
Gojo just grinned. “Fine. Let me show you then.”
Gojo moved forward quickly, aiming for Suguru’s side but Suguru dodged, using his momentum to throw Gojo off balance and Suguru was able to drive Gojo backward.
Gojo didn’t fall though. Not yet. But his grin did fade, eyes narrowing as he concentrated.
Suguru smiled. He was taking him seriously.
And eventually Suguru saw an opening. He stuck out his leg, sweeping it under Gojo’s feet to knock him down and pin him on his back. He leaned over him, sweat dripping from his brow as he smiled.
“I win,” he said.
Then it hit him.
Gojo’s scent.
It was electric— like the air moments before a storm, sharp and crackling with energy. But there was also something sweet and warm underneath it all. It made his mind fuzzy and his heart race.
Suguru froze.
Gojo was an alpha.
But, of course he was. Suguru almost felt stupid for not realizing it earlier.
Of course he was an alpha. His confidence (or arrogance), his stature—
His moment of distraction was all Gojo needed. With a shift of his hips, Gojo twisted his body, reversing their positions and, before Suguru could react, he found the air leaving his lungs as he was slammed onto his back, Gojo pinning both his wrists with one hand.
“No, I win,” Gojo breathed, grinning, fangs flashing.
He didn’t understand what happened. Gojo was always so good at keeping his pheromones in check but something made that restraint slip. And that led to his distraction— and subsequent loss.
“What’s wrong, Suguru?” Gojo teased, his name sounding just right from his lips. “You’re usually better than this.”
Suguru swallowed. “You got lucky.”
“If you say so,” Gojo chuckled, leaning back and offering a hand to help him up. “Anyway I’m off to hit the showers. See you for dinner later?”
“Sure,” Suguru said, swallowing thickly, watching as he left.
Shoko walked up to him shortly after. He kind of forgot she was there.
“So…”
He looked at her. “So?”
Shoko smiled knowingly. “Gojo, huh?”
Suguru felt his cheeks heat up. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Shoko shrugged. “Sure. Say. Can I call you Suguru too?”
Suguru sighed.
The sun was already setting by the time Suguru and Gojo arrived at the outskirts of an abandoned factory. He could already feel the malevolent energy of the curse before they even stepped inside. Maybe it was stronger than it was originally graded. He had come to find that, unfortunately, they couldn’t always trust the intel they were given for their missions.
Gojo stretched his arms, adjusting his glasses. “You know…you didn’t really have to come. I don’t need your help.”
Suguru resisted rolling his eyes. “It’s not about you needing help. They think this curse might be good to add to my arsenal.”
“Right,” Gojo started. “That cursed technique that had everyone talking before you arrived. I heard it was interesting. How do you actually get the curses to be a part of you or whatever?”
Suguru couldn’t stop his nose from wrinkling. “It’s…gross. Don’t worry about it.”
“Oh, now I’m really curious.”
“Just drop it, Gojo,” Suguru said with a sigh.
“Not a chance,” Gojo said cheerfully as they went inside.
It wasn’t hard to find the curse. It was hardly trying to hide.
It stood in the center of the room, surrounded by broken machinery and rusted beams. It looked like a gross amalgamation of limbs and shifting faces, its body twisting in a way bodies shouldn’t, to loom over the both of them.
“Not the prettiest thing I’ve seen,” Gojo remarked.
The curse attacked without warning, one of its many limbs lashing out with surprising speed. Suguru sidestepped its attack before summoning one of his serpentine curses to coil around the enemy in an attempt to constrict it.
The curse seemed to howl, all of its distorted faces screaming before it spat out a wave of energy that seemed to corrode the area where it landed.
“Gojo, look out!” Suguru shouted as the curse sent another wave towards Gojo.
Gojo grimaced, the splatter of goo stopping inches away from his face before harmlessly sliding off his infinity.
“You’re still calling me Gojo, Suguru?” Gojo asked, seemingly unbothered by the monster trying to attack him.
“This is definitely not the time,” Suguru shouted, calling back his curse in lieu of summoning another: a large, multi armed figure that charged at the other curse with pure brute strength.
Gojo whistled, the grin on his face ever present as he watched the two curses battle it out.
The enemy curse continued to spew its nasty spit, corroding away the steel beams holding up the building all the while regenerating its severed limbs. It shot a well aimed hit at Suguru’s curse, causing it to disperse.
Gojo tutted. “Alright, my turn.”
One second he was standing beside him, the next he closed the distance between himself and the curse, holding up his hand, a shiny blue dot concentrating all his energy into a singular point, before he delivered a devastating blow.
The curse still seemed to be trying to regenerate when Suguru walked up to it, stepping forward with his hand outstretched to gather its energy into a dark orb in his palm.
“Cool,” Gojo said, leaning in to get a better look.
“Not really,” Suguru muttered.
Gojo waited, watching him. When Suguru didn’t move, he tilted his head. “Well? Aren't you going to—”
Suguru exhaled, suddenly feeling very tired. “I hate this part.”
“Come on,” Gojo groaned. “I want to see what all the fuss is about.”
Suguru frowned before holding the orb to his mouth, hesitating. Then he pressed it against his lips and swallowed, the tasting hitting him immediately. It didn’t look like it, but the texture was almost slimy, and the taste was bitter and metallic, like swallowing a ball that was soaked in something rancid— like a rag steeped in vomit and filth.
His stomach churned almost immediately and he gagged, blinking back tears as the large sphere made its way down his throat.
Every time he thought it would come back up.
It never did.
“Ugh.” His voice was hoarse. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Then he felt a touch on his shoulder.
When he looked, Gojo was watching him. “Sorry,” Gojo said. “I didn’t…I shouldn’t have pushed you. That seemed…gross.” His voice was softer than Suguru had ever heard from him.
“It’s fine.”
Gojo stared at him for a moment longer and Suguru couldn’t quite make out what he was thinking with the way his eyes were hidden behind his glasses.
“Let’s grab something to eat,” Gojo said, flashing him a smile. “My treat! You can get whatever you want. Wash away that taste.”
Suguru felt a warmth bloom in his chest. “Thanks, Satoru.”
Satoru’s grin widened and for some reason Suguru thought if Satoru had a tail, it would be wagging right about now. “You said my name!”
Suguru rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”
“Aw, Suguru.” Satoru threw an arm over his shoulder. “You do like me.”
“If that’s what you want to think,” Suguru said, pushing him off.
Satoru just laughed.
Suguru made his way to the omega designated restroom. Jujutsu High’s dorms were divided…strangely. Like they didn’t quite expect to actually have an omega student amidst their ranks. It didn’t matter much to him ultimately.
The bath was empty, as it usually was this early in the morning.
He took a quick shower, making sure to use scent neutralizing soaps before drying off and continuing with his usual routine. Brushed his teeth, combed his hair, tying it neatly into a bun, and finally applied a scent patch to his neck. It helped mute his natural omega pheromones.
It wasn’t that he was necessarily trying to hide his secondary gender— he had just come to learn it was easier this way after he presented.
He was originally from a small village. Raised by beta parents who expected to have a beta son. Parents who also didn’t understand the curses he saw.
He wasn’t disappointed to leave the village where people looked at him weird (they either thought he was crazy because of the things he saw, or they stared at him with an odd, uncomfortable glint that only knowing of his omega status would cause).
As he left the restroom, he passed by Shoko who was just shuffling by, her hair messy and dark circles under her eyes.
“Morning,” she greeted with a yawn.
“Morning,” Suguru replied, letting her pass before heading to the common area.
The dorm’s shared kitchen and living space were empty, as expected. He fixed himself something small, just a piece of toast and a cup of tea. Afterwards he made his way to the classroom, which was also empty.
Shoko was the next to arrive, taking a seat beside him.
Satoru arrived right as their lesson was supposed to start, the door slamming open, his hair still slightly damp, before he plopped into the other open seat beside him.
“Beat Yaga by ten seconds,” he declared. “Saw him walking down the hall.”
Suguru snorted just as Yaga walked in, silencing them.
It happened after class ended.
Satoru turned to him. “Suguru,” he started, oddly serious. “Do you shower?”
Suguru blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Not saying you smell or anything,” Satoru continued. “I’ve just never seen you use the bathroom. Like, ever.”
Silence settled over the three of them before Shoko started laughing, clutching her stomach as tears formed at the corners of her eyes.
Suguru ignored her, staring at Satoru. He didn’t know if he should be amused or offended. “I shower every day, Satoru.”
“But I’ve never seen it,” Satoru insisted, frowning. “How is that possible?”
Shoko seemed to laugh harder. “Oh my god, he doesn’t know,” she gasped.
Satoru turned to her. “Know what? What are you guys talking about?”
It finally clicked for Suguru. Satoru didn’t know he was an omega.
Sure, he wasn’t actively advertising it but he really thought Satoru, for all his talent, would be able to tell. Maybe those scent patches did a better job than he thought.
“Don’t tell him,” Shoko snickered. “I’m begging you, Geto. Let him figure it out.”
Suguru shrugged. Didn’t matter to him either way. “Alright.”
“Wait, wait, wait!” Satoru exclaimed. “Come on, don’t leave me out like this!”
“You'll figure it out someday,” Shoko said, patting his shoulder. “Also, Gojo, it’s really weird to imply you wanted to see Geto shower.”
Satoru’s face went red. “Totally not what I meant! Shoko!”
Satoru stopped walking as Suguru and Shoko continued on, already talking about what to have for lunch.
Suguru watched Yaga scribble something on the chalkboard. He was actually trying to pay attention, unlike Satoru, who wasn’t even pretending to. He was too busy spinning a pen between his fingers.
“Gojo,” Yaga started without even turning around.
“What?” Satoru replied, still spinning the pen, the faintest occasional glow of red and blue surrounding it.
“Feet off the desk.”
Satoru groaned, dragging the leg propped up on his desk to the floor.
“How did he know?” Satoru whispered under his breath. “I’m the one with the six eyes.”
“Alright,” Yaga turned to face them. “Let’s see how much you all actually learned. Geto, tell me what’s the best approach when dealing with a curse that can regenerate.”
Suguru considered it for a moment.
“Incapacitate it first. Try to trap it or restrict it and then focus on where it gets its power. Its weakness.”
Yaga nodded. “If you can’t find a weakness?”
“Just decimate it completely,” Satoru chimed in. “No need to figure out its weakness when you can just destroy it all.”
Yaga stared him down but Satoru didn’t lose his grin.
“Call for backup if necessary,” Shoko added.
“Exactly,” Yaga sighed. “Gojo, what’s the first thing you should do when facing a curse with unknown abilities?”
“Win,” Satoru said cheekily, leaning back in his chair.
Suguru rolled his eyes. Yaga’s eyebrow twitched.
“Assess the situation,” Yaga stated.
“Sure, sure,” Satoru said airily. “Assess the situation and then win.”
“Gojo—”
“Relax, Yaga-sensei, I can handle whatever comes my way. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“I’m not worried about you,” Yaga said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “But I am worried about anyone who might get caught in your path.”
Satoru scoffed. “Like who? The only one who gets paired up with me is Suguru and Suguru’s strong.”
Suguru could feel the tips of his ears turn hot. Satoru was strong— Suguru would never deny that. It was nice to hear he thought he was capable as well.
“What would you do if a curse took one of your friends— Geto, perhaps— as a hostage? What would you do when your usual method of destroying everything isn’t an option? What’s your plan then?”
The pen stilled between Satoru’s fingers, his blue eyes flashing towards Suguru before returning back to Yaga.
Suguru was surprised to see Satoru look so…serious.
“Well…” Satoru paused. “I’d make sure the curse didn’t see me coming, to start.”
“The element of surprise is always good,” Yaga agreed, folding his arms. “But what about Geto? How would you ensure his safety?”
Satoru’s jaw clenched. “Suguru’s not stupid. He can keep himself safe—”
“Yes, but in this case, let’s say he’s incapacitated. Then what?” Yaga pressed.
“I’d neutralize the curse without giving it a chance to even use Suguru as leverage,” Satoru answered immediately. “Keep its attention on me. Distract it and get Suguru out safely. No matter what.”
Yaga stared at him for a long while as if seeing or understanding something Suguru didn’t. Then he nodded. “Good. But, Gojo, remember keeping calm in a situation like that is of utmost importance. You can’t let emotions cloud your judgment.”
Satoru just groaned, leaning back in his chair. “I get it, Yaga-sensei.”
“Don't be rude, Satoru,” Suguru chastised and to his surprise Satoru slouched a bit in his seat, a pout on his lips.
Class barely ended when Satoru turned to face him, glasses pushed up into his hair.
“Suguru! Let’s go to that dessert shop near the station. I’m craving cake.”
“You’re always craving cake,” Suguru snorted. “But sure. What about Shoko?”
Satoru shrugged, glancing over at their beta classmate who was lazily stuffing a notebook into her bag. “She can come too, I guess.”
Shoko raised an eyebrow. “As eager as you sound to include me, I think I’ll pass. You two enjoy your date.”
“It’s not a date,” Suguru said quickly.
Satoru though seemed entirely unbothered by the accusation. He just grinned at her. “Don’t worry, Shoko. We’ll bring you something back.”
“Sure you will,” Shoko said, shouldering her bag. “Have fun.” She strolled out of the classroom with a wave.
“Alright, let’s go!” Satoru said, grabbing his arm and tugging him towards the door. “It’ll close if we don’t hurry.”
Suguru tried not to stumble as he let him drag him along. “This isn’t life or death, Satoru.”
“But it is!” Satoru said dramatically. “Do you know how much energy it takes for me to maintain my technique? One day I’ll be able to keep it up around the clock!”
“Yes, yes, the great Satoru Gojo and his terribly, massively, important, all powerful technique—”
“That I turn off for you, Suguru,” Satoru said calmly.
Suguru looked at where his fingers were wrapped around his wrist, infinity off.
It was strange. Suguru realized how used to all of this he had become. It hadn’t even been that long since he joined the school but it felt like he really, truly belonged here. With Satoru— with them.
There was something about Satoru, Suguru wasn’t sure exactly what— maybe the way he carried himself? The way he acted? Even if it was sometimes loud and infuriating it was also…comforting. He was confident and sharp and just genuinely himself. And he really liked that.
So him not keeping infinity up around him…? For someone who was so powerful— to let someone like Suguru into his space? It said a lot. Even if Satoru hadn’t quite mastered keeping it on all the time it was still so sweet.
It always seemed like Satoru was unbothered by it all though. That he didn’t feel all these weird, confusing, mixed feelings that Suguru did.
And there was something else. Something he thought was a little bit more troublesome— his omega instincts seemed to be on high alert when Satoru was around. Like there was some weird pull between the two of them—
“Hello, Suguru.” Satoru waved his hand in front of his eyes. “Are you ignoring me?”
Suguru shook his head. “No, sorry. You’re treating us, right?”
Satoru leaned his entire weight against him. “Suguru’s just using me for my clan money, isn’t he?”
Suguru snorted. “You’re the one who invited me. And anyway, make sure you remember to actually get Shoko something.”
“Fine, fine,” Satoru said, waving his hand. “It’s worth it.”
The dessert shop smelled like sugar and coffee. Suguru moved to the counter as Satoru went to take a look at the glass display case showing off different cakes and pastries.
A young girl stood at the register. An omega from her scent. She smiled, tips of her ears going red when he approached her.
“Ah— We-welcome!” She stuttered. “What can I get for you?”
Suguru pointed to a savory looking pastry tucked between rows upon rows of sweets. “Just this, please.”
She rang him up, her cheeks still pink when she looked at him through her eyelashes. “You have a good eye, that’s one of my favorites.”
“Thanks,” Suguru said, not thinking much about it all.
Not until he felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise—
Satoru stood behind him, his alpha pheromones leaking out of him, unlike his usual self.
Suguru turned to look at him, eyebrows raised. Satoru, however, wasn’t paying him any attention. His eyes were fixated on the poor girl at the register who now looked even more flustered than before, fumbling with the buttons and dropping the pen she had been using.
Suguru elbowed Satoru in the stomach. “Order already.”
Satoru barely flinched before stepping in front of him, leaning oh so casually against the counter. “I’ll take one of these, two of these, and I think three of those little things there,” he said, pointing to a chocolate tart, what looked like a strawberry shortcake, and an assortment of little cream puffs. “Actually make it four.”
The girl frantically pressed the keys, her whole face red now.
Once their food was ready they took a seat by the window, Suguru slowly picking at his food while Satoru immediately dug into his.
“Can you not bully teenage girls just trying to do their job?” Suguru said after a moment.
Satoru paused, eyes widening faux-innocently. “Bully? Me? Never.”
Suguru narrowed his eyes.
“Well, she wasn’t doing a very good job,was she?” Satoru said, shrugging. “Too busy flirting with you.”
Suguru choked on his food. “Excuse me? She was not.”
Satoru scoffed. “Oh, she so was. Didn’t you smell her? Releasing her omega pheromones everywhere.”
Suguru bit the inside of his cheek. “My god, Satoru. You’re so dense.”
“Am I?” Satoru asked, leaning forward. “She was blushing, Suguru.”
Suguru didn’t know what to say in response to that, choosing instead to take another bite of his food. Satoru seemed okay with letting the conversation slide because the rest of their little outing went without a hitch. Satoru went to order a few extra treats to bring back for Shoko (fortunately there was another worker at the register) before they left the shop.
Suguru didn’t think the girl was flirting. She was just being polite, he was sure of it.
But either way, why did Satoru care?
Yaga had called him to his office.
Suguru had no idea what he did to have warranted a one-on-one meeting with the man and when he entered even Yaga seemed tense.
“Take a seat, Geto,” Yaga said.
“Did I do something wrong, Yaga-sensei?” Suguru asked as he sat down in the chair.
Yaga shook his head, rubbing his hand against his face. “No. You didn’t. This…” he sighed, looking incredibly uncomfortable. He leaned forward, his chair creaking. “Geto,” he started slowly. “You’re an omega. A special grade at that.”
“Yes…?”
“The higher ups are aware of this,” Yaga continued, shifting awkwardly in his seat. “They see you as…valuable.”
Suguru frowned. “Valuable how?”
“Sometimes…” Yaga hesitated, interlacing his fingers as he put his elbows on the desk. “Sometimes jujutsu clans— especially the older, more traditional ones— can be a bit… particular when it comes to omegas. Strong ones especially. They like to stake a claim for…many reasons.”
Suguru felt his blood run cold.
He didn’t need Yaga to specify what he meant. The implications were clear to him— clans would view him as a tool— as a womb— not just for his technique… but to further their lineage.
His stomach felt like it was in knots. Like he had just swallowed a dozen cursed orbs.
“I’m not even eighteen,” Suguru said quietly.
“I know,” Yaga said with a wince. “That’s part of why I’m bringing this up now. Have you…” He cleared his throat. “Have you had your heat?”
Suguru felt his face go hot and he stared at Yaga’s desk— anything to avoid looking him in the eyes. “Yes.”
“That’s all they care about,” Yaga said bluntly.
“Why are you telling me this?” he asked after a beat of silence.
Yaga leaned back in his chair, looking tired. “I just want you to know what you might be up against. The bigger clans…they’ll take an interest in you. Maybe not right away but eventually. And once they realize just how strong you are— how much potential you have— they’ll start to think of ways to use you.”
Suguru hated this.
“What can I do about it?” he asked.
“For now? Just be aware. Don’t do anything stupid,” Yaga said.
“Can’t I just say no?”
Yaga sighed. “I wish it was that simple, Geto. I’ll do what I can to protect you from their interference while I can.”
Suguru nodded but really, he didn’t even know how to feel. Angry? Unsettled? Resigned?
All he knew was he didn’t want to be anyone’s tool.
“Thank you for informing me, Yaga-sensei,” Suguru said, standing up and bowing.
“You’re a strong sorcerer, Geto. Don’t let anyone make you forget that.”
Suguru just nodded before leaving the room.
The forest was too quiet. He could sense the source of the cursed energy haunting these woods. The mission brief was vague, as it usually was. They were just told that the curse was born from a violent tragedy and targeted people, particularly men, who wandered too close.
“It feels strong,” Suguru said as he walked by Satoru’s side.
Satoru was frowning. “You’re right. But when did those old coots ever get anything right?”
They followed the energy until they found their way into a clearing where the cursed spirit sat: a large, twisted shadowy figure that had an oddly feminine shape to it. It let out a wail when it saw them, its mouth full of sharp teeth, skin dripping off its face like wet paint.
“You hurt me!” the curse screamed.
“Oh. It talks,” Satoru said, tilting his head as he observed it, hands in his pocket. “We didn’t even touch it.”
Suguru thought back to the mission file. He was pretty sure the curse targeted men for a reason. There were rumors of a woman murdered by a man who abused her.
“Do you feel that?” Suguru murmured. “It's…grief and rage. This thing has been festering for a while.”
“Well, let’s put it out of its misery, yeah?” Satoru said, stretching his arms above his head.
The spirit lunged, claws slashing through the air, bouncing harmlessly off of Satoru’s infinity. Suguru jumped to the side, summoning one of his weaker curses to see if it could distract the curse.
It didn’t work.
The curse tore his own apart before screeching in his direction. What he didn’t expect was the cloud of gas it released across the clearing.
He could hear Satoru scoff, knowing it wouldn’t get through his barrier.
Suguru, on the other hand, didn’t have the same luck. He waved a hand in front of his face, coughing a little, but the gas seemed harmless.
Maybe it was meant to act more as a smokescreen than anything else…?
They continued to attack, the spirit growing more and more frantic, Satoru cackling as they cornered the curse.
But then— Suguru started to feel… off.
It started as a warmth in his gut that spread fast through the rest of his body. He tried to ignore it at first— he was in the middle of a fight after all— but the heat changed to something more like an inferno, pooling in his abdomen.
He almost lost his footing as his focus broke.
“Suguru, are you okay?” Satoru asked, glancing over his shoulder as his infinity kept back another attack.
Suguru was surprised that Satoru even noticed his brief distraction.
“I’m fine,” he said, but even he didn’t believe his own voice.
He wasn’t fine.
He knew what was happening but— he wasn’t supposed to have his heat right now– it was too soon.
No, no. Not now. Not here—
The curse tried to take advantage, lunging towards him, but before he could send one of his own curses out to block its path, Satoru intercepted instead.
“Suguru?!”
“I’m trying,” he ground out.
But then a sharp cramp hit him and he stumbled, knees hitting the ground.
He heard Satoru curse and then he was at his side, forcing his infinity around them both to keep the gas and curse back. At least for now.
“Suguru, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?”
“I…” He couldn’t finish. His entire body trembled, sweat dripping from his hairline. “Fuck.” He clutched his stomach, his breathing shallow.
He could feel Satoru’s hand on his back. “This— Suguru, you’re in heat.”
Suguru wiped his forehead. “You…you know?”
Satoru looked incredulous. “What? That you’re an omega? Suguru, I’ve known for a while.”
Another wave of heat came over his body and Suguru groaned, doubling over himself. “How? Since when?”
“This is not the time to discuss how smart I am,” Satoru teased. Suguru gasped in pain as another cramp hit, barely registering that Satoru moved to stand. “Wait here,” Satoru said firmly. As if he could go anywhere else.
Then Suguru felt him disappear. He could hear the cursed spirit screaming along with loud bangs and explosions, the occasional shockwave making his hair whip back as the ground trembled.
It took his hazy mind a bit longer than it should have for him to realize Satoru was finishing the curse off on his own.
Suguru looked up but could only see a blur of white and blue as Satoru took down the curse.
He felt awful. Useless. They were supposed to be a team but here he was on his knees, going through his stupid heat.
He knew it wasn’t his fault. It’s not like Satoru blamed him either. He was probably enjoying the challenge of fighting alone.
But he still hated it.
Suguru was trembling, flashing between hot and cold when he heard Satoru’s voice.
“Suguru. Suguru, hey.” He looked up to see Suguru walking up to him, no worse for wear, the defeated curse being dragged along behind him. “You want to turn this thing into one of your orbs or should I just destroy it?”
Suguru exhaled slowly. “Um, yeah. Give…give me a second.”
With a shaking hand he reached for the curse, doing his best to use his technique to compress it into a ball. Just as he held it up to his lips, ready to swallow it, Satoru snatched it from him.
“Save it for later,” Satoru said, slipping the orb into his pocket. “Let’s get you back first.”
Suguru didn’t even have the strength to protest. Satoru crouched down, allowing Suguru to wrap an arm around his shoulders as he pulled him to his feet. Suguru leaned heavily against him as they made the long trek to the car.
From the position he was in, Suguru’s nose grazed against Satoru’s throat, but Satoru’s scent was well-controlled as it usually was. He couldn’t say the same about his own. He was uncomfortably aware of how his own pheromones were leaking, his scent patch completely useless now.
When his nose brushed against Satoru’s neck, a low sound came from the alpha— instinctive, almost like a purr or a growl.
Satoru cleared his throat, swallowing. “The car might be too slow, Suguru, based on how you uh…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I can teleport us back if you’re okay with that.”
Suguru could only nod.
“Alright,” Satoru murmured, arm wrapped tight around his waist. “Hold on.”
The air warped around them, and when they reappeared, they were standing on the outskirts of campus. Suguru felt his stomach churn.
“That didn’t feel good,” he groaned.
“Sorry,” Satoru chuckled, adjusting his hold as he helped walk him towards the dorms. “I should have teleported us closer but I’m still getting the hang of it all…” He trailed off.
Then, Suguru got a whiff of Satoru’s pheromones around them. Nothing overpowering but very much there.
He briefly wondered if Satoru realized he was releasing his scent or if it was unintentional. He tilted his head towards Satoru’s scent gland, catching more of it before he could stop himself.
“Almost there, Suguru,” Satoru said, his voice unusually soft. He was looking down at him, his glasses hiding his eyes.
By the time they reached his room, Suguru’s legs were barely holding him up. Satoru pushed open the door, helping him into the bed, tugging off his shoes and pulling the blankets back to let him crawl in.
Suguru groaned, feeling hot with embarrassment but also…something else.
His body ached and begged for something he couldn’t have, though Satoru…
As Satoru moved to step away he weakly grabbed at his sleeve.
“Your scent,” he mumbled, feeling his face go even more red. He felt ashamed. “It helps.”
Satoru was quiet for a moment but the smile on his face was soft. Pleased even.
“Yeah? Okay. Wait Suguru, I’ll be right back.”
Suguru let go of him reluctantly, rolling onto his side as he listened to Satoru leave the room, the door closing behind him.
He couldn’t even tell how much time had passed— it could have been seconds or minutes or hours— when the door creaked open.
He didn’t even bother to open his eyes until he felt something soft and warm being dropped on top of him; a pile of fabrics covering him haphazardly, half covering his face. But then he smelled the scent of an alpha— clean, electric and unmistakably Satoru. A low purr rumbled in his chest as he curled into the bundle of clothing, tucking it all around himself, pushing some off towards the edge of his bed.
He forgot Satoru was in the room until he heard him speak, his voice quiet.
“I’ll be around if you need anything, Suguru,” he faintly heard him say as he nuzzled into the soft fabric of a shirt. “I know heats can last a few days…” Suguru didn’t look up when he heard Satoru step closer, his hand hovering above him almost as if he wanted to caress him but didn’t. “Just…try not to eat my shirt or anything, okay?”
Suguru mumbled something that he didn’t even remember, burying his face deeper into the pile of Satoru’s clothes as his heat clouded his mind more and more.
He could sense Satoru vaguely in his periphery, just silently standing at his bedside until he eventually turned and left the room again.
His mind grew foggier and foggier, the heat igniting all his nerves like live wire. His body burned and he felt all too sensitive. The clothing Satoru left provided some comfort but it also was so frustrating.
He found himself wanting more.
His omega instincts told him to seek comfort in an alpha’s presence— Satoru’s presence.
It was embarrassing.
It was something he would never admit. Not even to himself.
He was purring he could tell. He bit his lip, feeling a little humiliated at the sound.
But he shouldn’t…Satoru was his friend. An alpha. It was normal to find comfort like this.
There was no fighting his instincts, not right now. Not while his scent continued to cloud the room like a thick syrup.
His muscles spasmed, his abdomen cramping and he whimpered curling into himself. With a lot of effort he pulled off his clothes in a weak attempt to calm the fire burning inside of him. He stripped down to nothing before collapsing back into the pile of Satoru’s clothes.
He knew what he had to do. This wasn’t his first heat.
His hands drifted down between his legs, a gasp escaping his lips.
The rest of his heat passed in a haze.
A few days passed.
When Suguru woke up after his heat he felt groggy and sticky. The room was filled with his scent…and a little bit of Satoru’s.
His stomach growled.
But before he could even think about eating he knew he had to shower. As he opened the door he was surprised to hear another door creak immediately after.
“Suguru!” Satoru’s head popped out of his room, a wide grin on his face. “It’s over finally, huh?”
Suguru felt his cheeks go red. Was Satoru just…waiting? He suddenly felt acutely aware of what a mess he must look like right now.
“Yeah,” he muttered, shifting uncomfortably.
Satoru didn’t seem fazed at all, but his nose twitched slightly and after a second his cheeks turned a bit darker.
Suguru felt mortified at him smelling…everything.
“Thanks for the clothes,” he blurted out. “I’ll wash and return them later.”
“No rush,” Satoru said offhandedly, but there was a look in his eyes that Suguru couldn’t quite name. It was intense. Suguru couldn’t maintain his gaze, mumbling that he needed to go shower. “Alright,” Satoru said. “I’ll go to sleep now.”
Suguru tilted his head. “Now? It’s the afternoon isn’t it?”
“Yeah, well, I’m tired,” Satoru replied, yawning as if to prove his point.
Suguru bid him goodnight before making his way to take a long shower, washing away the sweat and slick and whatever else. It didn’t make sense for Satoru to sleep now. Was he sent on another mission or something while Suguru was…incapacitated? He didn’t know. But he knew who would.
Suguru made his way to grab something to eat after days of neglect. Usually an omega during their heat would have someone to help them… but Suguru’s situation didn’t exactly make that easy.
He found Shoko in the kitchenette, stirring a pot of instant noodles.
“Hey,” she said, glancing over her shoulder. “How was your heat?”
“It was fine,” he said, not really questioning how she knew.
“Good. You and Gojo missed class so Yaga-sensei and I went to go check on the both of you,” Shoko said.
“Satoru didn’t tell Yaga-sensei what happened during the mission?”
Shoko shrugged. “Something tells me his mind was a bit preoccupied.” Suguru just hummed, moving to grab a pot from the cabinet as Shoko set her soup aside to cool a little. “When we stopped by we found Gojo hanging around in the hallway outside of your room like a guard dog.”
Suguru laughed but Shoko didn’t. “You’re joking,” he said. “Or you’re exaggerating.”
Shoko shrugged. “When Yaga approached, he growled at him.”
“What?”
“Seriously,” Shoko chuckled. “He was in like…full on defensive mode or something. Didn’t hiss at me though.”
“Why would he growl at Yaga-sensei?” Suguru asked, brows furrowed.
Shoko gave him a look like it was obvious. “Because Yaga-sensei’s an alpha.” When Suguru didn’t say anything, Shoko sighed. “Alphas don’t like other alphas in their territory— especially not when there’s an omega they’re close to in heat nearby.”
Suguru’s cheeks burned. “I’m not his omega.”
Shoko smirked. “That’s not what I said.”
Suguru opened his mouth to retort but couldn’t find the right words. Shoko continued to look at him knowingly, which was annoying because there was nothing to know.
He poured himself a glass of water, thinking about the way Satoru lingered in the room…the way he made sure he was comfortable…the way he provided enough clothes to create a makeshift nest.
“You’re reading too much into this,” he said.
Shoko laughed as if she didn’t believe him.
Suguru wasn’t sure he believed it himself either.