Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Megumi was dying. The forest floor swayed beneath his tired steps, every step felt like a divine punishment. All the trees looked the same now, thin trunks, gray bark, dead leaves that crunched softly under his boots. The omega barely noticed where he placed his feet anymore. Hunger had turned the world into a dull blur, but he was too tired to attempt to hunt anything.

It wasn't directly Naoya's fault, but that's who Megumi was blaming right now, he saw his bloody face every time his eyes closed. That was more than two weeks ago now, and all he'd had was some berries. But now he couldn't find any, and he had the strength to do nothing but make tiny steps forward.

He took one more step and the ground snapped upward, suddenly, Megumi was yanked off his feet. A rope tightened around his ankle and jerked him into the air before he even understood what had happened. The world flipped violently as he was hauled upside down, the snare lifting his foot into the air, his lower back grazing the floor.

Megumi lie helplessly from the branch above, the rope biting into his leg, he just stared into the branches above. Blood rushed to his head, making the forest spin, if it was any other time, he'd easily be able to reach up and undo the knot, but his hands were weak and numb.

A snare. For animals. His breath came in shallow bursts. If the trapper didn’t come soon, the forest would finish the job for him, he'd be an easy meal for a bear or wolf, practically on a platter. Quite ironic, Megumi left because he didn't want to die feeling trapped, and now he was /literally/ going to die being trapped.

It was becoming cold, surely he would die from exposure, his feet were going numb, Megumi hoped it would just happen in his sleep. The omega closed his eyes, it was fine, he'd accepted it now. This was better than what the Zenins had planned for him, this was okay, he'd give his body back to the forest.

Then he heard movement, branches shifting, boots in the leaves. An alpha stepped out from between the trees, carrying a coil of rope and a hunting knife. He stopped dead when he saw what was hanging in his trap, Megumi is sure he must be a sight.

For a long moment they just stared in utter disbelief, not at a deer, not at a rabbit, but Megumi, caught in his trap. A Filthy, starving, omega, something far rarer and valuable than any other prey. They stared at each other for a moment, Megumi squinted at him from the floor, clearly annoyed.

“Well?” He said. The man didn’t move.

“…Well what?”

The omega gestures vaguely at the rope with one hand, still trapped.

“You gonna stand there all day or what? Your trap’s broken” He blinked once, talking like that to an alpha is risky, but either way he's going to die.

“Broken huh?”

“Yeah” He said flatly. “Unless you were trying to catch half-dead omega today”

The alpha stepped closer, boots crunching slowly through the leaves, up close he looked even bigger. Broad shoulders, face markings, thick coat patched together from old furs and skins. The kind of man who looked like the world had already tried to kill him a dozen times and failed. He glanced up at the rope, then back down at Megumi.

“You been hanging there long?” The alpha asked casually

“Long enough to know your trap placement sucks” Megumi shrugged as best he could almost upside down.

“My trap caught something, didn’t it? Better than what I was expecting” A sick smile crept onto his lips.

“Yeah” Megumi replied dryly, rolling his eyes “Congratulations. You caught the least edible thing in the entire forest” For a moment he just stared at him. Then he reached up, grabbed the rope, and cut it, leaving Megumi to drop with a thud into the leaves, letting out a sharp grunt.

“Oh im not going to eat you, there's nothing on your bones anyways" The man replies, and Megumi can't even squirm away as a hand wraps around his thigh. Oh god, Megumi didn't think there was any worse fate than a Zenin marriage, but maybe he found it.

“Ill fatten you up, don't you worry about that” He announces, and before he could scramble away, a heavy hand grabbed the front of his sheep skins and hauled him upright.

“Hey-!” He snaps.

The alpha doesn't let go. Up close he could smell smoke and leather on him, the alpha places him on shaky feet.

“You’re coming with me” He tells him unceremoniously, Megumi's eyes narrow immediately.

“No I’m not”

“Yes you are”

“I refuse”

“Id like to see you try”

Megumi at least attempted to yank free, but his grip barely shifted, even if he was at full health, he doesn't think he could escape the alpha regardless.

“I don’t even know you” He snaps “For all I know you’re some omega killing monster” He snorts.

“And for all I know you’re bait from another clan” The alpha comes back with, crossing his arms stubbornly.

“Then we’re both suspicious. Sounds like a good reason to go our separate ways” The man shook his head once.

“Nope. I'm gonna claim you, you think I'll catch a lone omega like this twice in my life?”

He stopped suddenly and grabbed Megumis wrists, before he could react, a length of rope was looped around them and pulled tight. His knots were quick and practiced, truly a skilled hunter. He ignored the small protest Megumi gave, tying the last knot and leaving a length of rope hanging from his bound hands.

“A leash?” The omega asks bitterly.

“So you don’t run” He replies.

“You honestly think I can run?” He gives the rope a short tug and starts walking again, Megumi having no choice but to follow.

Chapter Text

“Move” Megumi followed for a few steps, stumbling over tree roots and rocks, his legs feel like hollow sticks. The forest tilted slightly every time he blinked, god, he really is just gonna fucking die, everything hurts. The rope is pulled again.

“Come on” The alpha complains, he took two more steps. Then Megumi simply stopped, the rope tightened as he kept walking, dragging his forward half a step before he dropped to the ground with a defeated thud. Leaves flattened under his shoulder, being horizontal wasn't even helping him, but now he couldn't move.

“Well?” The alpha sighed, Megumi didn’t move.

“Get up”

Nothing.

“Nah…” Megumi muttered quietly after a moment, almost bored.

“You can’t just die there” His brow furrowed, clearly unimpressed, the omega just shrugged weakly.

“Watch me”

The rope went taut as he pulled, his body slid a few inches through the leaves, but he didn’t even try to stand.

“Get up!” The alpha repeats, more annoyed now, he closed his eyes.

“I’m tired” Megumi complains.

“You were just yelling at me five minutes ago”

“Yeah but…” He say faintly. “But that was before I started seeing the light”

He stared down at Megumi, his cheeks were hollow, hands shaking slightly even though he was lying still. Up close it was obvious, he wasn’t just being difficult, he was barely holding together, he's dying.

“Great…” The alpha sighs, leaning down and hauling Megumi over his shoulder like he's nothing but a deer corpse. Megumi lets it happen, because he can't do anything else, his eyes are heavy, the swaying almost lulling him to sleep, or death, he’ll figure it out later,

The wind started first. A low moan through the trees that slowly grew louder, bending the branches overhead. The alpha pauses, glancing up at the sky through the thinning canopy, dark clouds, too fast, they both know what this means.

“Shit” He mutters.

“Mm”

“You awake?” he asks.

“Unfortunately”

Thunder rolled somewhere far off, it smells of rain, and it's gotten dark since he fell asleep, the omega cracked one eye open.

“That sounds bad”

“Storm” The alpha says shortly.

“Yeah, I figured” Megumi rolls his eyes.

The first drops of rain hit a few seconds later, slow, heavy splats against the leaves and Megumi's back. Then the sky opened. Rain poured down in sheets, soaking them both within moments. The ground quickly turned slick beneath his boots as the wind howled through the trees.

“Hold on” he said.

“Not like I have a cho—”

Another crack of thunder cut him off, he pushed through the underbrush and climbed the short slope toward the opening. Water ran down the rocks in thin streams, but the inside of the cave looked dry enough. The alpha ducked inside.

The cave wasn’t deep, but it was wide enough to shelter them from the storm, Megumi wouldn't have made it here alone. The sound of rain hammering the forest echoed outside like distant static. He set Megumi down carefully near the back wall, he slumped against the rock, clearly too tired to sit properly.

For a moment neither of them spoke. Rain roared outside the cave entrance, he slowly looked around, eyes darting around his head and moved toward the cave entrance, watching the storm. Lightning flashed across the sky outside, briefly lighting the entire cave, what a terrible time to be packless.

“Hey”

The alpha didn’t turn.

“What”

“You got food?”

He glanced back over his shoulder. For the first time since he’d found Megumi, he didn’t sound sarcastic, just tired, desperate, probably a little bit pathetic. The alpha dug through the worn pack slung over his shoulder, for a moment all he could hear was the rustle of cloth and the steady roar of rain outside the cave.

Megumi's eyes followed his hands, food, please be food. He finally pulled out a small wrapped bundle and unrolled the cloth, inside were a few strips of dried meat and a chunk of hard travel bread. He glanced at the omega.

“You going to bite me if I give you this?”

He stared at the food like it might disappear.

“No promises.”

He tore off a small piece of bread and tossed it toward him, it landed in his lap, even with his hands still bound, Megumi quickly grabbed it, shoving it into his mouth. Even a squished piece of bread felt amazing to chew, to swallow, Megumi wouldn't wish starvation on anyone.

“When was the last time you ate?”

“Couple days” He shrugs, still chewing. The alpha doesn't look convinced.

“Maybe more”

“Eat that. Then stop for a minute” He sighs and hands him another small piece,

“You rationing my food now?” He glares at him.

“/My/ food, I was nice enough to give you /my/ food” The man corrects.

Megumi opens his mouth to argue. Then looks down at the piece in his hand, he needs the alpha to keep feeding him, deciding to let it go. The alpha crosses the cave to stand in front of him, Megumi should run, but he cant, he cant even get up, let alone run.

“Why don't you thank me?” He asks, and everything within him is telling Megumi to get up. Just die out in the cold, this won't end well. The man crouches down and grabs a chunk of Megumi's hair at the back of his neck, forcing him to look.

“I think I've been pretty nice huh?” They question, and Megumi nods his head, all his fight is gone.

“T-thank you” The omega croaks.

“Sir, say thank you sir”

“Thank you s-sir” Megumi repeats, the alpha smiles, seeming to like the sound of that.

The storm kept pounding the forest outside, rainwater streamed down the rocks near the cave entrance, and the air inside had grown cool and damp. The alpha, hand still in Megumi's hair, manhandled him to lie on his stomach, a cold hand flipping up Megumi furs to expose him.

Chapter Text

“Y-youre gonna kill me” Megumi wheezes, feeling fingers swipe at his dry cunt, he wont survive a knotting, he truly wont. But the alpha doesn't seem to care, a glob of his spit hitting him, making the omega slicker.

"No I wont, you're better to me alive" He reached out, his hand cupping his chin, forcing Megumi's neck to arch back a little painfully. His breath hitches, Megumi was strong, but he was no match for the alphas raw power. He was a man who took what he wanted, and he wanted Megumi.

With a swift motion, his other hand left Megumi's cunt to run under his furs, squeezing the omega's little breasts. He gasped, his hands instinctively to attempt to cover himself, but the man was quick to grab his wrists, pinning them behind his back.

"No hiding from me" He growled, his lips brushing against her ear. "You are mine now"

The alpha removes a hand from Megumi's face to push his head into the cave floor, other hand going back to prod at his cunt. He couldn't help but whimper as a thick, long finger entered him, squirming against the cool rock. He chuckles, the alphas breath hot against his neck "You like that, don't you? You like it rough."

The omega doesn't answer, if Megumi was healthy he'd be wet right now, feeling another finger enter. His hips buck back against him, unknowingly seeking the hardness he knew was there. The alpha responded by grinding his erection against his ass, "Fuck, you're driving me wild," he muttered, his voice thick with desire.

The alpha shuffled behind him, arm coming to wrap around Megumi's neck, trapped against the floor by his bicep and huge body on top. Maybe this was how he'll die, accidental suffocation by an over eager alpha excited to get his knot wet. He probably wouldn't be the first omega to die by those means, there's probably a lot.

Finally, Megumi felt the alpha's cock enter him, fragile body rejecting it with all his will as hes impaled on his cock. The omega cries out, his nails digging into the alpha's arm, still around his neck as he fills him completely. He slams into Megumi, hips thrusting hard and fast, each stroke hitting that sweet spot deep inside him.

"Fuck, you feel so good" The alpha groans, his lips coming to suck bruises into the back og his neck. Megumi moans into the crook of his inner elbow, body moving in sync with his, the alpha's passion is a wild, untamed thing.

Megumi could feel when the alpha became close, the arm around his neck squeezing desperately, almost cutting off his airway. He dug his nails in deeper, his thrusts becoming more urgent. "Come on, squirt on my cock"

His words pushed Megumi over the edge, body convulsing as waves of pleasure washed over him. But his head spun, no dying body was supposed to go through his torment, his orgasm was painfully pulled from him. The alpha's cock pulsed inside of him as he spilled his seed deep within him, he pulled his knot out last minute before they could get stuck.

The alpha hissed in pain, half his cock still inside Megumi who let out another whimper, he felt dizzy. Then the cock was gone, the alpha still behind him, sighing in content as he spread Megumi's cunt, some of his seed seeping out.

He grinned, a wicked glint in his eye "Look at that, nobody else is gonna want you now" he said, his voice a low chuckle.

Megumi felt tears in his eyes, if he had any strength to him, he might try and kick the alpha. "Just kill me" He begs.

But then the alpha's hand is in front of his face, some tiny pieces of meat in his hand, he doesn't even try to grab them, just eating them off the alphas hand. He manhandles Megumi to sit on his lap, cringing as more seed drips between his thighs. But he's being fed more, so he doesn't bring it up.

“You’re too thin” He said.

“Wow. Thanks” Megumi rolled his eyes.

“You look like a stiff wind could knock you over”

“Good thing we’re in a cave then”

“How’re you supposed to carry babies like this?”

The words hung in the air, Megumi swallowed a lump in his throat, all alphas are the same, they only have one thing in mind.

“That’s your concern right now?”

“It matters” The alpha shrugs.

“To who?”

“To when ill knot you properly”

The omega says nothing, deciding to face away, he's bored with that conversation, but he's stuck here now. Even with the food, he still isn't strong enough to run, especially with the storm hammering down outside. The little bit of food had taken the edge off the sharp pain in his stomach, but exhaustion was pulling at him hard now.

“Something doesn’t add up”

“What now?” One eye cracked open.

“An omega out all alone, who lost you?” He tilts his head slightly.

“Felt like a nice walk” Megumi replies after a short silence, he doesn't think it's smart to bring up that he is totally alone, even if it is obvious.

“Try again” He gives him a flat look.

“No”

The alphas hand roam over him, leaning over to check Megumi's neck for claims. His eyes fall upon something else however, something way more interesting than a bite. A purposeful scar placed above his collarbone in the shape of a Z, the alpha hums.

“Youre a Zenin” He states, and Megumi pushes his hands away, he's cold.

“Not anymore” Megumi replies coldly.

“Arent all their omegas supposed to be obedient? Why are you so mouthy?” They ask.

“Youd like that wouldn't you?” The omega spits.

“Oh no, I like the struggle, the fight, what's the point in having an omega if they're as talkative and useful as my fist? I love putting people in their place” He tells Megumi who shuffles off his lap uncomfortably, he won't even touch that. Megumi closes his eyes, willing himself to sleep, and it doesn't take much, he's exhausted, his body relaxes knowing there's an alpha to protect him at least.

Chapter Text

Morning came slow and grey, the storm reduced to a steady drizzle. The cave was damp, smelling faintly of wet stone and smoke from the small fire he had managed to keep alive. Megumi stirred, blinking clearly at the light filtering in, wrists aching from the rope, and his legs felt like they were made of jelly.

The alpha stood a few feet away, holding the loose end of the rope.

“Up” He commands gruffly.

Megumi only groans, refusing to move.

“Come on. I’m not carrying you all day”

“Fine…” He mutters, pushing himself up. The rope tugged against his wrists as he gave it a short pull, encouraging him to walk ahead of him.

The rope stayed taut between them, a constant reminder that Megumi wasn’t going anywhere on his own. After a few minutes of trudging through the wet forest and mud, he finally asks, voice hoarse.

"Where exactly are we going?”

He glances back at the alpha, expression unreadable.

“My place. Clan”

Megumi is surprised he isn't a lone wolf, that people allow a brute like him into their clans, a monster. He looks to his hands, squirming slightly, the rope loosens, Megumi doubts he'll be able to outrun the alpha, but he sure can hide.

They walk normally for a few paces before Megumi darts off, or tries to, he must make it at least four steps before his legs give out. He just lies there defeated, like if he stays still enough, the alpha won't be able to see his shame.

“Very impressive, you feel better now?” He asks, and Megumi tuts, using all his might to push himself up, he begins to crawl away. His pace is slow, and the alpha doesn't seem to care, just walking alongside him.

“This is embarrassing, get up” The man commands, and Megumi doesn't, fists the dirt and crawls. That is until the top of his hair is grabbed, and instead of pulling him upwards, the alpha shoves his face into the dirt.

“You know, I bet the Zenin would pay for your return, I have enough food to keep you alive and make it down south. They'd give me a shit tonne of tools and food for you in exchange” Megumi can feel his chest hurting, he can't even try to get up, a silence falling between them.

“Youre bluffing” He tries.

“If you don't wanna come with me I'm happy to take you back, I'm sure they'll be very pleased to get their hands back on their runaway omega” Oh Megumi knows they will, but because of what he did, he'll never know peace. He can't go back.

“Dont…” Megumi whines, the Zenin have a reputation, are very proud of it, this alpha probably knows all about what goes down.

“I think you're forgetting a couple words omega”

“Please don't, sir” He pleads, and finally, his hair is let go, being hauled back over the alphas shoulder instead. Megumi feels sick to his stomach, maybe the hunger, maybe the anxiety, probably a mix of both.

They walk for a while, well, the alpha does, and Megumi stays put on his shoulder, his stomach growls, and he's put down. The man continues to walk, dragging Megumi alongside him as he fishes out some food for him to eat. He wordlessly takes it, eating like it might be his last, you never know.

The path to the village stretched ahead, slick with rain and mud, trees thinning as they came closer. Megumi tried to step forward, wobbling, and then his knees buckled, collapsing into the mud.

“Again?” The alpha tuts, bending down to grab his under the arms.

“I… can walk!” he wheezes, glaring up at him, mud streaked across his pale face.

“Not without falling on your face” He huffs, hoisting him back onto his shoulder like he weighed nothing. The rope tugged between them, taut as ever, his wrists are beginning to become a raw red. The alpha easily puts him back on his shoulder, one hand resting on the curve of Megumi's ass, typical.

The village walls appeared through the mist ahead, smoke curling from chimneys, pups running along the fences. It makes Megumi feel uneasy, he wonders what type of clan they are, how they treat hierarchy, how they treat omegas…

The gates of the village rose ahead, roughly built from stone and scrap metal, smoke curling from chimneys beyond the walls. Rain had slowed to a drizzle, leaving the muddy path slick under their feet. He continued to carry Megumi over his shoulder, rope still tied tightly around his bound wrists.

His head lolled against the man's back, hair plastered to his face, mud streaking his pale skin. Megumi made no sound, only letting his eyes flicker open once or twice to watch the village approach. Immediately, villagers began to notice, eyes widened, whispers ran through the crowd. Pups froze mid-step, adults paused their work, hands on tools, eyes scanning.

“Sukuna!” A man’s voice called, sharp and pragmatic, he's tall, striking white hair and blue eyes, without his shirt Megumi can see a scar on his torso and a face hardened by years of survival. The man- Sukuna didn’t respond, he simply stepped through the gates, ignoring their stares, keeping him firmly over his shoulder. The villagers’ whispers grew louder.

“I wondered why you were gone so long” The white haired alpha asks, and Sukuna turns around, facing Megumi away.

“Found it in my snare” Sukuna laughs, and the other man gives an unimpressed tut. Megumi huffs because he's the ‘it’ that the alpha is referring to.

“Looks dead”

“Practically is, can barely walk” Sukuna puts Megumi down on unsteady feet, holding him across his chest to keep him upright. Like this, their size difference is scary, not even just height, but how little the omega feels.

“Get off me” Megumi mumbles, trying his best to push his arm away, if anything, the alpha holds him tighter, both ignoring him. The other alpha gives him a look up and down before shrugging.

“Could be a good wife after a couple meals… Where'd you find this one?”

Sukuna doesn't answer, he pulls down Megumis sheep skins just a little to show the clan mark.

“Zenin… Yeah I think I'd rather starve to death then be anywhere near them” He comments before shrugging. “Well congratulations, don't neglect your duties now you can get your knot wet” He laughs, Sukuna hauls Megumi up and over his shoulder again.

“Like you've never done that… You finished fixing your window yet?” Sukuna doesn't wait for an answer, just walks off and Megumi feels so ill, it's like it's all just hitting his body. Finally they reach a cabin, it's nice, big, Sukuna must be important to the clan.

Chapter Text

Sukuna sets him down when he closes the front door, Megumi grabs ahold of the wall to steady himself. He sags slightly but doesn't protest, keeping his back straight, face neutral even as his body trembles.The man stood nearby, rope in hand, watching him, Megumi feels he'll jump him at any minute.

“Youre to be my omega, do you know what that entails? As a Zenin you've probably been trained well” He says and Megumi doesn't respond for now. He couldn’t, his strength had gone, leaving only quiet fury beneath the surface. His compliance was a survival tactic, not acceptance.

Sukuna pulls him to the middle of the room, and Megumi wobbles over to sit, his feet must have blisters upon blisters. The alpha holds a bowl of hot food, Megumi can smell it, going to grab it when he sets it on the table but Sukuna holds it just out of reach.

“To be my omega means you take care of my home, you cook, you clean, you warm my nest, my knot, you do as you're told” Megumi wants to reply with something snappy and bratty but hes so fucking hungry he may eat his own fingers.

“At this point I'm going to die before I can do any of that” Megumi pleads, hand reaching out for the bowl, and finally he pushes it over. He doesn't bother with manners, not when he's one more missed meal away from death. Sukuna doesn't seem bothered though, not when he's got himself a free omega across from him, all his to do as he pleases, it pisses Megumi off.

“You know, the last alpha who said he was going to marry me is dead” Megumi says around a mouth full of food, he can't do one at a time. Sukuna raises an eyebrow, he's nothing like Naoya, Megumi doesn't know if that's good or bad yet.

“I killed him” He threats. He expects Sukuna to gasp or call him a liar, but instead a smile crawls onto his face.

“With what?”

“A rock, I smashed his face in” Megumi explains, he has glimpses of Naoyas fucked up face pop up behind his eyelids. The sheer amount of blood, how brutal it was, but he gave a sigh of relief, his stupid smile quite literally wiped off his face.

“Im not like most alphas, I don't want an already tame horse, I like going to the fields and taming them myself, its satisfying when I whistle and they finally come to heel by themselves” He sits back calmly, like he's got everything figured out, Megumi is nearing the end of his bowl.

“You calling me a horse?”

“Youre more a bunny, kicking your hind legs like that'll help you but at the end of the day you're still in my soup” Sukuna brandishes a knife from his pocket and leaning over the table, making Megumi's heart race. But with a swift motion, he cuts through the knots of the rope, letting his hands fall free.

“Finally” he mutters, flexing his fingers slowly. “I forgot what moving my hands felt like” Sukuna doesn’t respond. He sets the rope aside, eyes scanning the small interior. The fire in the hearth crackled, giving off a small, welcoming warmth, Megumi takes a deep breath.

He finishes his food way too quickly for his liking, now he has the hiccups, and the pain in his feet gets worse, all the walking catching up on him. Sukuna pulls him up by the back of his neck, leading him to the other side of the room where Sukuna's bed is, his nest.

The alpha pushes him down, hand resting on his jaw firmly to keep him in place, other hand pushing his clothes out of the way. Sukuna inspects his body, his prize, and Megumi squirms, nails coming to dig into his forearm in protest.

“Too skinny” He comments.

“Its almost like I was starving to death” Megumi spits.

“That fucking mouth” The alpha huffs, fingers digging into the sides of Megumis throat, he lets out a pained whine, breathless.

“If you're a good omega, ill be a good alpha, keep me happy and I'll give you everything you want, understand?” He lets go and Megumi coughs after taking in a sudden breath, a hand runs over his protruding ribs.

“Answer me omega”

“Y-yes sir”

Sukuna hums in satisfaction before lifting up the back of Megumi's knees with one hand, taking a good look at his cunt. The omega whines, but too weak to do anything other than that. In all honesty, this is the second best scenario, it was either the Zenin caught him, this, or the best option, death.

Someone else could have caught him in the forest, taken him right there, shared him with other alphas. Sukuna doesn't seem like someone to share, he looks the type to be greedy. Which is better than being a communal omega who has to be ready for anyone and everyone at all times.

This isn't too bad, Megumi is trying to tell himself, this is worse than dying but better than the Zenins. Naoya is the next head of the clan, well, was supposed to be and Megumi is nobody, mother dead, father banished. He should have been happy that a high up alpha chose him despite that, but Megumi hates him.

He flinches as the alpha's fingers swipe at his cunt, he's not wet, not at all, his body doesn't have the ability for that right now. Still, he's an omega, if the alpha wanted to, he could take him regardless. There'd be nothing Megumi could do about it, other than starve or die from the elements.

Chapter Text

“You stink. Not only all the mud but your scent is so sour” The alpha then says, letting go of his legs and getting up to get a bucket, surprising Megumi. Any other alpha would have just taken him, he has before, so why not again? Maybe he just smells /that/ bad.

“Get undressed, I'll get you new clothes, sheep's skin won't get you through the winter here, you also need to bathe if you don't want to turn everyone's stomachs” Sukuna leaves, and Megumi finds the strength to roll, he supposes he is disgusting.

Peeling his animal skins off, it's hot in the south, so simple thin furs are normal, but he supposes up in the north that he'll freeze. Unlacing his boots, the soles of his feet are completely covered in blood. Omegas weren't supposed to make long trips, his shoes weren't built for it, clearly.

Finally he takes his bottoms off, god, Megumi looks gross, bones protruding, he's like a neglected cow, he'd produce sour milk. Sukuna comes back in, the bucket now filled with water that he sets down in front of him. The alpha crouches before dipping in a small fur, he has some soap that smells of goats milk perhaps.

He makes quick work of rubbing it across his shoulders, the bucket quickly turns brown, but now Megumi is a lot cleaner. Sukuna tips the bucket outside before rummaging through some furs, throwing some into his lap. Bear skins, like the alphas own, they probably are his.

“Theyre huge” Megumi states, putting his head through the hole, it comes down to his knees.

“Oh I'm sorry your highness, It's not like I was expecting you to be stupid enough to fall into a snare” Sukuna tuts, he comes over to adjust it on his shoulders, Megumi swears he's being heavy handed on purpose, batting his hands away.

“Did you act like this with the Zenins?” He questions, unimpressed.

“I /killed/ a Zenin remember” Megumi snides, and Sukuna rolls his eyes.

“You think you're some cold blooded killer now? Think you're a savage omega who I should be scared of?” The alpha asks, and, well yes, Megumi did think that, but when Sukuna says it outloud it doesn't sound as realistic.

“You’re all bark little bunny, you got lucky that the alpha was weak” He smiles, which pisses Megumi off, he thinks he knows everything. Sukuna walks off to the other side of the cabin, and Megumi sits back down in the nest, he misses being in a bed terribly.

“Thats what he thought too before he was on the floor in a pool of his own blood” He threats again, because Megumi truly did something unlike any other omega. He wont let Sukuna bring him down on that, he did it once, who's to say he won't do it again?

Sukuna rolls his eyes with a huff, deciding it's time to put Megumi in his place, coming back over to the other side of the den. He corners the omega in the nest, Megumi gives a brave smirk, even if his eyes look frightened, knowing full well the trouble he's in.

"Think that time you spent alone in the woods has made you feral" Sukuna growls, his voice low and "I think you need reminding that you're just an omega, /my/ omega"

Megumi's smirk falters, but he holds his ground, chin tilting up defiantly. "And who's going to do that, Sukuna? You?"

Sukuna steps closer, his presence is overwhelming, muscles taut beneath his skin, Megumi can tell he's annoyed by the use of his name "Yes, bunny. Me."

With a swift movement, he grabs him, spinning him around and pressing him into the nest, the smell of leather is overpowering. Megumi gasps, his breath hitching as Sukuna's strong hands pins his wrists above his head. The omega struggles, but it's no use, Sukuna is too strong, his grip too firm.

"Let me go!" Megumi pants, heart pounding in his chest. The alpha leans in, his breath hot against his ear.

"Not until you learn your lesson, bunny. Not until you understand who's in charge here" He releases Megumi's wrists, only to grab a handful of his jet black hair, tilting the omega's head back and exposing his neck. Megumi whimpers, body betraying him as a shiver of excitement runs down his spine. Sukunas's other hand trails down his body, his touch possessive and demanding, controlling.

He pushes Megumis furs up, if he pulls them anymore the fabric would give way under his strength. Megumi's breath came in ragged gasps as he lay almost naked before him, body on full display. Sukuna's eyes roamed over him, taking in every curve, every inch of his bare skin.

"On your knees, omega" Sukuna commands, voice leaving no room for argument.

Megumi hesitates, his defiance warring with his internal instincts telling him to obey the alpha. But the look in Sukuna's eyes leave him with no choice. He pushes himself up off his stomach and onto his knees, body trembling with anxiety.

Sukuna strips of his own furs, his cock already hard and ready, even if Megumi doesn't smell healthy, an omega is always tempting. Sukuna lets out a groan as fingers push through the lips of his cunt, Megumi's hips bucking forward. "Fuck, bunny. You drive me wild."

"Is that a complaint?" Megumi bites the inside of his cheek, confidence returning.

Sukuna chuckles, his hand tangling in her hair once more. "No, omega. It's a fact"

He pushes Megumis face down into the furs, making the omega present himself for him and Megumi whimpers at the sudden movement. Sukuna positions himself properly behind him, his cock pressing against his wet pussy. "Still not wet, soon you will be, with some more meat on your bones, pupped" He growls, his voice thick with desire.

He thrust into him, his cock filling Megumi up completely, Megumi cries out, body arching back to meet him. Sukuna sets a punishing pace, his hips slamming against the omegas, his cock driving into him with a force that left him breathless.

Megumi's body trembles, his orgasm building with each thrust, he moans and whimpers beneath the alpha, his voice echoing through the den. Sukuna's hand reaches around, his fingers finding Megumi's clit, he rubs it in time with his thrusts, the touch sending waves of pleasure crashing through the smaller. Megumi's body tenses, his orgasm hitting him hard, he can feel his body stress, a headache forming.

Sukuna groans, his own release building. He pulls out at the last minute again, his knot throbbing in his hand. But he still came, his hot seed spilling onto Megumi's back, marking him as his. Megumi collapses onto the nest, body completely spent and sated. Sukuna follows, his body covering his, Megumi feels a tongue crawl up his neck.

"Remember your lesson, bunny” He states, his voice a low growl, and Megumi just closes his eyes, hoping this is some nightmare he’ll wake from.

Chapter Text

Morning came slowly in the woods. The light didn’t burst in like it did in the south, it slowly filtered through the trees first, soft and pale, creeping between the tall trunks before slipping through the small cabin window. Megumi woke to the warmth.

That was the first strange thing. The second was the weight around his waist, his eyes opened slowly. For a moment he couldn't remember where he was, the ceiling above him was wooden, rough beams and dark planks instead of the woven roof he was used to.

The room smelled like pine, smoke, and something deeper… something warm, something new. Then the memory rushed back all at once, the snare, the alpha. His stomach dropped. Immediately he tried to sit up but found he couldn't, an arm tightened around his waist the moment he moved.

Megumi froze, very slowly, he looked down at a large hand resting against his stomach, fingers loose but heavy, like they belonged exactly there. Behind him, something warm shifted, slow, deep breathing, Sukuna was still asleep.

The omega's heart started pounding. He stared at the arm around him like it was a wild animal that might suddenly bite. The man who had caught him in a trap was currently… sleeping with his face half buried in his hair. Megumi's brain struggled to process that and carefully, very carefully, he tried to lift his arm.

It did not move, he pushed harder, still nothing. Is he made of stone? Megumi twisted slightly instead, and the arm tightened instinctively, pulling her closer against the solid warmth of his chest. His breath caught. Now he could feel everything.

The steady rise and fall of his breathing against his back, the heat of him through the blankets. Megumi could physically feel his cheeks and ears turn red. He tries to wiggle free again, a careful scoot, another wiggle. Sukuna's grip tightened again, this time he made an annoyed grunt.

“Stop”

“You’re awake?!” His eyes widened, whispering even if it's just the two of them.

“Now I am” His voice was deep and rough with sleep, Megumi immediately tried to sit up again. He pulled him even closer, like he was a blanket he wasn’t ready to give up yet.

“It's too hot” Megumi complains, northern cabins are meant to keep heat in due to the extreme winters, and the omega feels it. Also Sukuna feels hot on his back, the alpha giving off heat like he's some sort of furnace or cooker.

“Youre the one who fell asleep with clothes on” Sukuna yawns, and Megumi blushes more, he decides he won't get into that right now. Once again he attempts to wriggle away, without… Exciting the alpha now he's aware of the lack of layers between them.

“It's too early, just go back to sleep!” The alpha commands.

“Im melting” Megumi whines in complaint.

“Youre fine, so dramatic” Sukuna tuts, and Megumi begins to push him away with all his might, struggling against his hold. The alpha lets out an exhausted sigh before sitting up, he briefly lets go only to then grab Megumi by the face, pushing his head into the furs and squeezing his cheeks.

“Youre in my home, in my nest, wearing my clothes, I can hold you if I so please, hell, I could fuck you right here just because I could. Don't tell me what I can do in my own house” His tone is low, not angry or upset, commanding, instructing, that's a clear order. Megumi chooses not to die on this hill.

“Im sorry sir” He apologises, and Sukuna lets go of his face, collapsing back into the nest with a huff. Megumi lies boneless, he isn't holding him anymore, perhaps going back to sleep, it is pretty early, but the omega is used to being up at this time.

“Can I get up please?” He asks carefully, Sukuna's mouth twitches slightly.

“That sounded much better didn't it? Go on” The alpha finally permits, and Megumi crawls over him, he's hungry, sitting up and moving to find something to eat. He looks behind him at Sukuna, whose eyes are shut, he's really going back to sleep?

“Youre bossy in the morning” Megumi huffs, not expecting an answer back.

“Youre still talking?” Sukuna questions, whoops, perhaps Megumi should shut the fuck up, he looks through the little cupboards to find something to make. Eggs, perfect, sure, lighting a fire under the stove and cracking a few in the pan. Megumi was taught how to cook early, as all omegas should, preparing for the day he'd be given to an alpha.

The cabin was quiet beside the hiss of the eggs and the coal, the cutlery scraping the pan, the seasoning jars being slid against the side. By the time he's tipping the eggs onto plates, Sukuna is up, stretching his arms above his head. Jesus Christ, his bicep is the size of Megumi's head, he swallows a lump in his throat,

Megumi looks away when he stands, it's clear that being naked is nothing shameful or worth covering to the alpha. He wraps a pelt around him before sitting on the floor by the table, resting his arms across it. The omega slides a plate towards him wordlessly, the alpha gives a satisfied hum.

“Maybe the Zenins /are/ good for something” He laughs to himself in between bites. It is true to be fair, if there's one thing the Zenins are good at, it's grooming their omegas to be puppy mills from birth. Naoya would always drone on about how other clans are so soft, but when Megumi would ask about other clans he'd say it's not his place to know.

“Im going to take you to the healer, see what she can do about your feet” Sukuna says as he finishes his breakfast quickly. He moves to pack a tiny bag, rope, knife, a linen cloth of little bites to eat. Megumi finishes his food, he really should see someone about the open wounds on his soles, nodding.

Chapter Text

Sunlight spilled from the door as Sukuna opened it, Megumi had just laced up his boots, biting back a hiss of pain. They felt heavy on his feet, feet protesting every step as Sukuna locked the door behind him.

“Go infront” The alpha commands, and Megumi rolls his eyes but does as told, trying not to limp.

“Im not going to run away, I physically can't" It's a bit overkill to be watching over him like this, he's scared he can outrun an injured omega?

“Im not worried about you running away, I can't protect you if I can't see you now can I?” Sukuna tuts, and Megumi raises his eyebrows. That's new, the Zenins believed omegas should be two paces behind the alphas, it's your place, they'd say. But Sukuna's thinking makes way more sense, alphas are supposed to be protectors right? And omegas weak and vulnerable?

He follows the path until it splits into multiple, a sudden overwhelming feeling washing over him, there's a lot of people. Way more than back home, Megumi's eyes dart around to take it all in, stopping in his tracks. Sukuna's chest bumps into his back at the sudden stop, hands coming to his shoulders to push him further.

“Youre nervous” Sukuna states in a quiet and calm tone, voice almost teasing.

“Im fine” Megumi bites back, but he's incredibly nervous, making tiny steps. Unfortunately, he's glad that Sukuna is touching him, he's big, has a nice cabin, he /must/ be important to the pack. Megumi knows he won't get picked on if they see he's with Sukuna, surely not, it makes him feel safe.

The clan bustled around them, eyes looming, mouths whispering, it made Megumi's stomach twist up into knots. He stayed close to Sukuna, closer than his pride would agree with, betraying his mind that tells him to get away from the alpha. But it's safer to stay beside him, Megumi isn't dumb.

“Dont be so tense, you're safe with me” Sukuna tells him, hand resting on the back of his neck soothingly.

“Im not a coward” Megumi spits, it's stressing him out.

“I know you're not, you're cautious, smart. It's good that your instincts know to stick to me” Megumi decides that no answer is the best answer for that, being steered towards a specific wooden building until finally they're out of the main eye. Inside sat an omega at a desk, quite short, brown hair, Megumi looked around for the healer.

“You must be who Satoru was talking about” She says, standing up and walking over, the room smells of mint. Megumi takes a step back, hitting the brick wall that is Sukuna's chest once again. It's warm but cramped in here, no room for running or squirming, the lady dipped her hands into water before cocking her head.

“Come on then, show me what's fallen off” She calls, and Megumi only then realises that /shes/ the healer, an omega? He immediately feels way more comfortable, hopping on the bench and unlacing his boots. The omega bites his tongue as he pulls them off his feet, it stings so fucking bad.

“Ouch…” The healer hisses, immediately turning to grab a handful of supplies Sukuna moves to sit on the bench next to him. The healer worked with gentle precision, her hands moving with practiced ease as she soaked her feet in the warm water, massaging the pressure out of the soles and scrubbing away the dirt and grime of the long journey.

Megumi winced every time the healer’s hands brushed over the sore spots, but he didn’t pull away. Body tense, stiff, but he refused to let himself show too much, he didn’t want to seem weak in front of the healer, and definitely not in front of him.

But the tension didn’t go unnoticed. The healer glanced up, brow furrowed in concern. “You’re still tensing” she said softly, eyes lingering on him.

“You’re sure your feet are the problem?” Megumi stiffened, a flush creeping up his neck.

“It’s... fine” He mutters “I’m just not used to being touched by strangers, that’s all” The healer’s expression softened immediately.

“Ah. I understand.” She gave a slight nod, adjusting her posture as she worked. “But it will only take a moment. Let me finish, and I promise you’ll feel better.”

Sukuna sat quietly on the bench beside him, his eyes never leaving the omega, he felt his eyes wander over him. Megumi said nothing, but Sukunas steady presence seemed to ease him just a little. He didn’t realise it, but his body slowly relaxed as he let him be there, as though he could somehow lean on him without saying a word.

The healer finished cleaning his feet, massaging a soothing salve into the tender spots, and wrapping them in soft cloth. “There” she said, standing up and brushing her hands off “You’ll need to stay off your feet for the next few days. The walking you’ve been doing hasn’t done them any favors.”

Megumi straightened up, his chest tightening at the mention of rest.

“I… can’t just stay in bed. I need to keep moving.”

The healer met his gaze kindly, but firmly “You need to rest. If you don’t, you’ll make them worse. Trust me.” She nodded toward the bench where Megumi was sitting .

He swallowed, feeling yet another knot in his stomach. Megumi didn’t want to admit how tired he felt, how every step had taken more out of him than she’d let on. But she didn’t want to be babied, either, if they thought he was weak, they'd treat him as such.

“I’m not some helpless child” He mutters, crossing his arms tightly, the healer smiled gently, not offended by his words.

“Of course not. But even adults get injured and need rest. Your body will thank you for it” He shifts uncomfortably, glancing over at the alpha. He was quiet as ever, just watching him with that calm, all knowing expression. He hadn’t said a word since they’d entered the healer’s hut, but it felt like he was always there, always close enough to reach out, even if he didn’t.

Megumi bit his lip, realising he couldn’t ignore the exhaustion that weighed down on him, nor the fact that the healer was right. He needed to rest. But the thought of being stuck in one place, being treated like an invalid, left her feeling… small. Vulnerable. Like a Zenin.

Chapter Text

Sukuna insisted on carrying him the whole way back to his house, Megumi just thinks the alpha likes touching him. He sets him down when they're in the house, and Megumi bites his lip as he's set down on his feet. The alpha shrugs off his fur robe to the floor along with his bag before poking Megumi's ribs.

“Go sit” He says lowly, jerking his chin towards the nest.

“Im fine” Megumi resists, because he's desperate for any sort of control. Sukuna quickly turns to him, stalking over, and Megumi raises his arms to cover his face, preparing to be struck. But Sukuna just grabs his arm, pulling him over to the nest and shoving him down himself.

The omega's stomach churns, backing away as far as he can, still in the nest and hitting the wall. But Sukuna doesn't get in bed himself, instead moving to fill up a cup of water, placing it on the little table next to the nest. “Drink up bunny” He sighs.

Megumi shuffles forward, taking short sips, there's other cups on the table, all empty, mess alpha. “Dont call me bunny” He pouts between sips.

“You sure did look like one in my snare” Sukuna laughs to himself, he picks his bag back up along with a long coil of rope.

“My name is Megumi” The omega tells him, because if they're to be together then its best to get all the basic stuff over with. Sukuna hasn't even told him his own name yet, he just happened to overhear from someone else.

“I'll be back later, going to get dinner, be a good bunny” He smiles, and Megumi calls him an asshole before the door shuts and he's gone. Megumi is still shaking from being dragged to the bed, he really thought… He needs to stop being so stubborn, it's what kept him alive but it also might get him killed.

The omega puts down the empty cup, drumming his fingers along the table, how can Sukuna live in such a messy den? Megumi stacks them all together, shuffling to set them aside, picking up the alphas stray furs and separating clean from dirty ones.

It just comes natural to him, shuffling around on the floor, cleaning and organising, he stops occasionally to eat from a bowl of fruit on the side and to have more water. Cleaning gave him the tiniest sense of control, dusting away crumbs and ripping his old furs up into pieces to toss them in the fire.

In the corner of the den is just a pile of bloody furs, Megumi rolls his eyes, maybe Sukuna does need an omega so he doesn't run out of clothes. Still, he can't clean them, there's no fresh water in here besides the drinking water that he doesn't want to waste.

Eventually, Megumi will have to find out where everyone else is washing their furs, there has to be some river nearby. But that might be a week or two depending on when the alpha deems his feet to be healed. Maybe he'll just never let him on his feet again, that thought sends a shiver through Megumi's spine, willing it off his brain.

He also rewraps his bandages before reorganising the nest, which he only notices might be a bad idea when he's done. Sukuna might not like him touching all his things, especially the nest he sleeps in, Megumi bites his lip. Well it's too late now, deciding to have a small rest that actually turns into a full blown nap.

The next time he wakes it's too the door closing, stretching out his legs as he yawns and turns over. Sukuna is back, hands bloody as he dumps several rabbit carcases onto the side before looking around. Megumi blinks the sleep from his eyes, trying his best to gauge the alphas reaction.

“I didn't think you'd come around to your omega instincts so fast bunny” The alpha admits, and Megumi huffs, lying back down and facing away from him, he should have just kept napping.

“You think /that's/ why I tidied?” Megumi scoffs, because the alphas getting a bit ahead of himself.

“Well that's generally how these things work, the alpha hunts and builds, the omega cooks and cleans” He gives a big smile, showing off a dangerous set of teeth before realising Megumi isn't even looking at him. He gives no reaction, curing up into the nest instead, it's nice and cozy now.

“Did you stay off your feet?” Sukuna asks, Megumi can hear meat hitting the pan, it already smells nice, though there's still the heavy scent of blood hanging in the air.

“Yes sir” He mumbles and the alpha gives back a satisfied hum, Megumi's stomach grumbles, turning back over to watch dinner be cooked. The reality of the situation was setting in, even after trying everything to escape his omegan fate, Megumi was still going to be mated anyways.

This time to a different kind of brute, Naoya never got his hands bloody, yet Sukuna easily skinned the rabbit hide away. Just to think he used all his strength to incapacitate Naoya and then run away, to then be in almost the same position.

They eat in a surprisingly comfortable silence, and Megumi finishes quickly, crawling back into the nest. Sukuna strips off his furs completely after putting out the fire, Megumi averts his eyes. Secretly he hopes the alpha is too tired to do anything, practically holding his breath from the anticipation.

Sukuna lies in between Megumi and the door, a true alpha, ready to protect if there's any intruders, Megumi internally rolls his eyes. The air feels thick, hot and heavy, these cabins are made to keep heat in. But Megumi doesn't want to even seem like he's tempting the alpha, rolling on his side and closing his eyes.

Chapter Text

The heavy sound of rain battering against the cabin wakes Megumi, hammering on the roof like a drum. It made the hut feel tighter and smaller than usual, but somehow cozier, luckily it's warm under the furs. Maybe even too warm, it doesn't help that Sukuna is pressed right up against him.

Megumi stirred, feet aching, stiff and sore under the bandages, he slowly sits up, Sukuna's hand still draped over his hips. It's so hot inside the den, feeling how flush his face is, a sweat is almost breaking out. A loud crack of thunder makes Megumi jump, lying back in bed hurriedly.

There's not a whole lot of rain down south, certainly not thunder or lightning, even if the thought scares him, it's intriguing. Megumi sits up once again, managing to wiggle free from Sukuna's grip and crawl over him. Getting onto his feet is hard, taking steps towards the door is harder.

But relief fills him when he opens the door, leaning against the frame and feeling the wind hit him. It feels so nice against his hot skin, flinching as another clap echoes through the entire forest. The sky is alight, it's an odd sight, clouds twisting into one another, rain being pushed in all directions.

Then he's being yanked back by his throat, door slamming by a very unimpressed alpha. “Where are you going?” He grumbles.

“I just wanted some fresh air!” Megumi defends, Sukuna sighs.

“Go sit the fuck down, didnt I tell you to stay off your feet?” His voice is clear, demanding. Megumi would actually love to get off his sore feet but now he feels like he has a point to prove, he's sick of being pushed around.

“Its just a bit of rain, it's not gonna hurt me” He spits.

“I'm not protecting you from the rain, I'm protecting you from all the stupid decisions you make” Sukuna rolls his eyes, tilting his neck side to side in a stretch as he sighs once again like he's bothered by it all.

“You think I can't make my own decisions?” The omega huffs, his feet are throbbing in pain.

“Oh you /definitely/ make your own decisions, like killing the Zenins next head alpha and trapping yourself in a snare, amazing decisions” Sukuna rolls his eyes, turning around and beginning to cook something for breakfast.

There's not a whole lot Megumi can say in defence to that because Sukuna is actually right. He won't say that outloud though because the alpha doesn't need to know that, Megumi huffs in annoyance.

“Keep pouting and well take a trip down south, I'm sure you'd like to see some familiar faces right?” Sukuna doesn't even turn around as he says it, and Megumi feels the need to grab something heavy and smash it over the alphas head… Again. But Sukuna isn't like most alphas, he's much tougher than the Zenin alpha, one knock probably wouldn't knock him out.

“Do it then! Sell me back to the Zenins, I'd rather be with them then you” A bold faced lie, Megumi would rather lie in a hungry wolves den and be ripped apart slowly than go back to the Zenins. Megumi thinks he's bluffing anyways, Sukuna wants an omega, obviously, must be if he's willing to nurse an almost dead one back to health.

“You really are something” Sukuna hums before turning to face him, Megumi seems to forget how big their size difference is. He couldn't help but tense up as the alpha came closer to him, averting his gaze. Sukuna seemed… Amused by it all, like he's enjoying himself.

“Dont mistake my tolerance for your disgusting mouth as weakness bunny. I enjoy the entertainment but don't think you can go without consequences" He has a smirk on his face, Megumi sees a glimpse of Naoya, just a flash.

“I wish I had just died in the forest…” An awkward silence settles between them before Sukuna shrugs.

“Go on then” He grabs Megumi's elbow, dragging him to the door and pushing Megumi outside before closing it. The wind howled like rabid dogs, biting against his skin painfully, his feet were starting to bleed again. The rain immediately pelted down, coming at him from all directions.

Megumi could barely see anything, the rain was that hard, dripping down his face and into his eyes. Panic overwhelmed the omega as the wind almost took him off his bare feet, only moments since he was forced outside he was completely drenched and ice cold.

He put his hands on the handle, attempting to yank it open before pounding on it, he underestimated how bad the storm was. “Let me in!” He screamed, drowned out by another crack of thunder that made his legs give in.

“Let me in please!" He cried, tears joining his already wet face.

“Alpha please!” He begged, and then suddenly the door opened, Sukuna pulled him back inside and to the floor when he slumped down. Harshly crying, Megumi sobbed and shook on the floor, dripping from the rain, Sukuna plated up food before chucking some dry furs his way.

“Take off your wet clothes and come eat” The alpha commands, and this time around, Megumi complies without question. He leaves his wet furs with the blood soaked ones that need washing and changes into some dry ones. Only then crawling over to the table and beginning to eat, Megumi and his stupid mouth.

Chapter Text

The days blurred together slowly. At first Megumi counted them, each morning he woke up disorientated in the brutes house instead of dead on the forest floor. But he lost count somewhere when waking up in the den just felt… Almost normal.

His feet healed slowly, the torn skin knit itself together, though the scars stayed pink and tight. He still limped some days, especially in the cold mornings, but he could now stand without feeling like the bones were splitting apart.

And strangely… The cabin had begun to feel less like a cage. Megumi cleaned, organised, made Sukuna fetch him a bucket of water so he could finally tackle the mound of bloody furs. They still argued, maybe not as loudly as before, but often enough. Sometimes over stupid things, sometimes because Megumi simply couldn’t help himself.

Sukuna never seemed angry about it the way the alphas of his old clan would have been. Sometimes he just rolled his eyes, or sometimes he laughed, once he told Megumi he was more trouble than a starving wolf. But he kept feeding him, kept bringing herbs for his bandages. Kept leaving the fire burning low at night so the cold wouldn’t wake him.

Sukuna comes back into the den, two dead chickens tied together on one hand, a neatly wrapped… Something that he tosses onto the table. “Got you something”

“What is it?” Megumi stares at the bundle.

“Open it and find out” Sukuna instructs, he begins to empty his bag, tying his ropes back into neat loops. Megumi unfolds the rough cloth. Inside is a pair of sturdy leather boots, newer than anything he’d owned in years. The leather was thick and the soles were reinforced with strips of hide, stained a dark black.

His fingers brushed the careful stitching.

“They’re too good” He says quietly. Sukuna shrugs, pulling off his cloak.

“Traded for them.”

“You traded for me?” Megumi asks, maybe a little suspiciously.

“No” He snorts. “For the boots”

His mouth twitched despite himself.

“You should be grateful” Sukuna adds, Megumi tries to sound unimpressed.

“They’re ugly”

“They’ll keep your feet attached to your legs”

Megumi slid them on anyway, they fit almost perfectly. For a moment he just stood there, feeling the solid weight of them around his ankles. Warm. Safe. His throat tightened a little, though he didn't let it show.

“So…” He begins, trying to sound casual. “Does this mean I can go outside again?” The omega asks, a smile creeping up on his face, and Sukuna finally drops to sit next to him, there's some blood splattered on his collarbones.

“Maybe if the weather is nice tomorrow” He permits, sliding over the pre-plucked chicken for Megumi to cut. Dinner, he assumes. He rolls his shoulders, brushing his hair back as he moves toward the hearth. Cooking wasn’t difficult, and after weeks of sitting uselessly while his feet healed, doing something with his hands felt good.

The omega picks up the first chicken, and frowns. He turns it over, then picks up the other one. The legs were gone, every single one of them had been cut clean off, Megumi stared at the bodies in confusion before raising his voice.

“Did you butcher these in the dark?”

“What?”

“Where are the legs?” He holds one up in question.

“I traded them” He looked at it, completely unconcerned.

“You traded the legs?” He blinks.

“The chief’s omega is pregnant and that's his favourite part. They've had trouble keeping pups before. The chief lets him eat whatever he wants” Megumi looks down at the chickens again, then at the boots still on his feet. A quiet thought crept into his mind.

“What did you trade them for?…” Sukuna doesn't answer right away. Instead he reached over, took one of the chickens from his hands, and began cutting it into pieces with practiced ease. The knife moved quickly through bone and joint.

“Food is food” He begins.

“And he makes good boots” He finishes.

“You could’ve used that trade for something else” Megumi begins cutting the second one, a guilty feeling creeping up the back of his neck.

“You needed them” The alpha shrugs unbothered.

He didn’t know what to say to that. So instead he turned back to the hearth and started the pot, pretending the warmth creeping into his chest was just the heat of the fire. After a moment he slid the chopped pieces toward him.

“You’re cooking it wrong”

“I am not”

“You are”

“If you know so much, you cook it” He shoots him a glare.

“I'm tired” Sukuna complains and Megumi rolls his eyes, leaning against the table as he works.

“You’re impossible” He mutters, dropping the chicken into the pot.

“Still eating my food” He replies. Despite himself, a small smile tugged at the corner of Megumi's mouth, and for once, the house doesn't feel quite so much like a prison.

Chapter Text

The forest was quieter than he remembered, not empty, never empty, but quieter. The wind moved through the pine branches above them, making the needles whisper together. Somewhere farther off a woodpecker tapped steadily against a tree.

Megumi followed a few steps next to him, trying not to limp, the new boots helped a lot, his feet still ached if she stepped wrong, but at least the ground no longer felt like knives. Sukuna moved ahead of her easily, pushing through the undergrowth like he belonged there.

Which, the omega supposed, he did.After a while he stopped suddenly, Megumi nearly walked straight into his back.

“Do you always sneak up on people like that?” Megumi mutters. He doesn’t turn around.

“You’re loud”

“I am not”

“You step like a frightened deer”

“That’s because you walk like a bear” He finally glanced back at him.

“At least im a quiet bear”

Megumi rolls his eyes. They walked for another stretch before he slowed near a narrow animal trail winding between the trees. Sukuna crouches, brushing aside leaves.

“Come here” She hesitated before stepping closer. He points at the ground.

“Tracks”

Megumi leans down. At first he sees nothing but dirt and leaves. Then slowly the shape appeared, two narrow hoof prints pressed into the soil. “A deer?”

“Passed through this morning” He nodded once.

“How can you tell?”

“The edges are still sharp. Rain hasn’t softened them yet.” He pointed again.

The omega looks at the ground with new interest. In the Zenin clan omegas aren't allowed to hunt, they can't even assist, it's a form of control, all food comes from alphas, forcing omegas to rely on them. Omegas are kept closer to camp. Then here Sukuna is simply… showing Megumi, no ceremony, no warning, just expecting him to learn.

“Stay behind me” He instructs.

“Why?”

“So you don’t scare it off”

“I wouldn’t-” He looked at him. Megumi sighs.

“Fine.”

They moved slowly now, painfully slowly, every step careful, every branch avoided, even he started to feel the quiet settle around them. Then the alphas raises one hand suddenly. Stop. Megumi freezes.

Ahead, through the trees, something moved, brown fur, a deer grazing quietly between the ferns. Sukuna pulls the bow from his back without making a sound, the arrow sliding into place with practiced ease. For a moment everything went still, wind, trees.

The deer lifted its head slightly, and the arrow flew. A sharp crack of movement, and the animal bolted, crashing through the brush before collapsing out of sight. The forest comes back to life again, Sukuna pushes Megumi to go in front of him as they find the body.

It's already dead, or it looks like it, Sukuna plunges a knife into its neck anyways, Megumi's glad the alpha doesn't enjoy its suffering. He ties its legs together before hauling it over his shoulder, Megumi lets out an annoyed grunt as blood drips down Sukuna's furs, he'll have to clean that later.

They returned to the clan just before sunset. The smell of smoke and cooking meat hung in the air as people moved around finishing their evening chores. A few heads turned when they arrived, mostly to look at Megumi who tried to ignore them.

“Well, well” They both turn to the voice. A young man, alpha, leaned against one of the fence posts nearby, arms crossed and a crooked grin on his face. He looked similar to the brute, same pink hair, same broad shoulders, but lighter somehow. Less serious, trouble practically radiated off him.

“I leave for two days and you bring home the prettiest omega in the whole forest!” The young man exclaims, looking him up and down dramatically, Megumi blinks, then looks at the alpha, he doesn't even need to ask.

“My brother” He explains with a groan, he shrugs the deer off his shoulder, massaging the muscle gently. The younger man pushed off the post and walked closer, still grinning.

“Little brother, Yuji” he corrects, introducing himself. He gives the omega a dramatic bow.

“I’m the handsome one” Sukuna tells and
Megumi snorted before he can stop himself.

“Debatable”

“Oh, I like him already!” Yuji laughs.

The brute grabbed the deer and dragged it onto the cabin with a heavy thump, it must be Yuji's den, small but cozy, not as warm as Sukunas den.

“You can help me cut this deer” He demands and Yuji finds a knife, immediately hacking at one of the legs, Megumi stands a little awkwardly.

“What parts your favourite?” Yuji asks, and Sukuna tuts before Megumi can even answer, he's glad they didn't do this in Sukuna's den, there's blood everywhere.

“Stop bothering him, he’s not yours to bother” The alpha grunts.

“Oh?” The younger man leaned slightly closer to Megumi, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret “He’s been like this since we were kids. Very territorial.”

“I can hear you,” the brute said flatly.

“Good” The younger brother turned back to her with exaggerated interest.

“So tell me” He asks “Did he kidnap you, or did you follow him home voluntarily?”

“Neither” Megumi crossed his arms.

“Oh, this gets better” The brute slaps his brother's hand.

“Cut the meat or I’ll use that on you.” His brother examined the knife like it was a fascinating object.

“You know” He says quietly “If you ever get tired of living with him, my house is much quieter.”

“I doubt that” The omega raises an eyebrow.

“I’m delightful company.”

“You’re both insufferable.”

And then there's the terrible sound of a bone breaking, the deer's leg caught between Sukuna's hand who's angrily cutting it off. Megumi sees the pissed off look on his face, and Yuji gives him a smirk, it seems they both enjoy getting under his skin.

Then Megumi laughs, an easy, warm sound, a real laugh that carries across the cabin, dancing around. “Are you always this funny Yuji?” Megumi asks, fingers coming to touch his furs, just a brief lingering touch.

“We're done here” The alpha states, he grabs Megumi's arm, pulling him out of the cabin, staining his upper arm with the blood that's on his hands. There's not even a moment to say goodbye to Yuji, Sukuna doesn't bother either, not letting him get in another word.

“That was rude, why are we leaving?”

“Because I said so, walk”

Chapter Text

Megumi stumbled a step as Sukuna pulled him along the dirt path away from the clearing, he just kept walking. The omega had to hurry to keep up.

“Would you slow down?” He snapped “My feet aren’t made of stone”

But then they're at the den, and Sukuna almost throws the omega inside, perhaps he went a little too far.

“You shouldn’t encourage him”

“Encourage him how?” He rubbed his sore arm slightly.

“You know how”

“I laughed”

Sukukna pushed Megumi against the wall, his hands rough as they gripped his wrists. "You were flirting with him" He growls, his voice low and dangerous.

Megumi's breath hitched, his heart pounding. Some part of him liked this side of Sukuna, the raw, possessive passion he held. "I was just talking to him…" He mutters, his voice barely audible. Sukuna's grip tightened, his eyes burning into Megumi's.

"Say you're sorry" He demands, his voice a low growl.

Megumi's pulse quickened, body responding to his dominance. "I'm sorry sir…" He whispers.

The alphas hands moved to the omegas furs, almost tearing it open, letting it fall to the floor. He cupped his little breasts, his thumbs rough against Megumi's nipples, he whimpers, body arching into his touch.

Sukuna's hand moved to his cunt, his fingers finding his core, for the first time actually wet and ready. His body was healing, bones no longer visible through his skin, and now Megumi could even get wet.

“There we go” The alpha groans, opening Megumi up with his fingers, his other hand pushing Megumi into the wall, holding him in place. He growls as he pulls his fingers out, Sukuna's hand moving to his own furs, unbuckling his pelt. The alpha pushes them down, his hard cock springing free. He easily turns Megumi around to face the wall, one hand holding the back of his neck as he thrust into him, making Megumi gasp.

Sukuna fucks him hard against the wall, his thrusts rough and possessive, it felt so much better now he could get wet. Megumi moans, his nails digging into the wall, legs feeling like jelly. He could feel his orgasm building, his body tensing, something erupting in his over stretched cunt.

Sukuna's thrusts become erratic, his breath ragged, the alpha is close, he could feel it, the hand around Megumi's neck becoming tighter. He reaches between them, his fingers finding Megumi's clit, rubbing it in rough circles, his fingers harsh against his sensitive flesh.

Megumi whines, his body convulsing as his orgasm hits him overwhelmingly, squirting all over the alphas cock and his thighs. Sukuna groans, his cock pulsing as he cums, his hot cum filling him, but once again there's no knot in him.

They stayed like that for a moment, their bodies entwined, both of their breaths ragged. Sukuna finally pulls out, still holding Megumi against the wall as he pants. He leans forward for a moment, resting his forehead on Megumi's upper back, hands rubbing up and down hips.

Then he stands up straight, taking Megumi's upper arms and guiding him to the nest, the omega doesn't even bother fighting back, easily slipping down on his stomach. Sukuna goes to join him, scooting Megumi over before he stops, huffing in annoyance.

“What?”

“I forgot the fucking deer” The alpha sighs, getting back up and finding his furs again too get redressed. Megumi just watches him from the bed, without clothes, the nest actually doesn't feel as hot and stuffy as it usually does.

Before he leaves Sukuna comes back over dipping his hand between Megumi's legs who flinches away. But all he does is gather some of his wetness on his hand before smearing it over his own neck and collarbones.

The omega lets out a scandalised half gasp, before Sukuna pushes Megumis face down in the nest, willing him to lie back down. Then he leaves, Megumi blinks back his utter shock, closing his legs again and curling them up to his chest.

Sukuna must reek of Megumi, everyone he comes across will know- And that's when it clicks. He did it on purpose so Yuji will smell what Sukuna did to him, how he made Megumi squirt for him. His cheeks redden, but there's some part of him that… That likes it, likes that for once its the omegas scent claiming the alpha.

No words are spoken between them as Sukuna comes back not too long after, he wraps most of the meat, burying it in an ice bucket. Some will be traded for herbs, medicines, perhaps fish since that's the one type of hunting the alpha isn't patient enough for.

Most will just be saved for later, it lasts them a couple of days, but Sukuna hates eating the same thing over and over. Megumis never had the luxury of choosing his meals, he gets what he's given and he should be grateful for that.

When Sukuna is dishing up, Megumi finally gets up from the nest, he doesn't bother redressing. He does take one of the blanket furs with him, wrapping it around his waist to at least maintain some form of modesty.

The alpha hums in approval, he chews on the deer's thigh, reaching across to run his fingers down Megumi's bare ribs. He nods in satisfaction, as though talking to himself in his head. Megumi's an investment, give him food and shelter, and the omega will give him back pups.

“Finish this bit too” Sukuna commands, still chewing food and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. The alpha crawls into the nest, tossing his pelt away absentmindedly, and Megumi rolls his eyes. He washes up the cutlery, cleans and tidies the mud Sukuna tracked through and sets his furs away.

Chapter Text

Sukuna moved through the small wooden house like a shadow made of muscle and fur and calloused hands. He chopped wood, skinned animals, repaired traps, ate, slept. And he took Megumi to bed, whenever he wanted.

Always the same way, always from behind. The omega didn't care, was used to it. In the Zenin clan, things had never been tender, alphas took what they wanted and omegas endured it that's the way it was, sometimes they even laughed about it later over cooking fires.

That night the rain drummed against the roof in a steady rhythm, the room smelled like smoke, damp wool, and the faint iron scent that always clung to him after a day of trapping. Megumi lay on his side, staring at the wall while Sukunas arm draped over his waist.

He shifted behind him, the familiar movement, that same one almost every night. Megumi's jaw tightened, waiting, the alpha pressed closer, his breath warm against the back of his neck. Something inside him snapped, he shoves his arm away.

“Stop”

Sukuna freezes, maybe not because of the actual command but pure audacity, but he stops regardless. That alone is strange, he had expected him to ignore her the way most men did, but he stilled immediately.

“What?” He said after a moment, his voice was rough with sleep, Megumi didn't turn around, silence stretched. Rain hammered the roof, his chest felt tight, irritated, angry for reasons he couldn't even name.

“Just-” He sat up suddenly. “Never mind.”
He pushed himself up onto one elbow behind her.

“What’s wrong with you tonight?”

He spun around to face him. The firelight painted his broad chest in flickering gold and shadow. His hair was wild from the wind outside, pink strands falling into his eyes. He looked more confused than angry, which somehow made it worse.

“Why do you always do it like that?” He demanded to know.

“Like what?” His brow furrowed.

“Like that…” The omega gestures vaguely behind himself, blushing.

“You mean… from behind?” Understanding dawned slowly across his face.

“Yes!” His voice cracks louder than he meant it to, he stares at Megumi for a long moment, then, unbelievably, he snorts. A fucking laugh.

“You think that’s funny?” He snaps, face burning.

“I think you’ve never complained before” Sukuna replies slowly.

“Well I am now!”

“Why?”

“I don't know!”

That was the worst part, he really doesn't, his chest feels too full, like his ribs were too small to contain everything rattling inside them. Sukuna studies him carefully.

“You’re crying”

Megumi blinks, touching his cheek, horrified when his fingers come away wet.

“This is stupid!” He snaps, wiping at his face. “I don't even care about this!”

Sukuna leaned back onto his elbow, watching him like he was some strange animal he'd found in one of his traps.

“Then why are you crying about it?”

“I told you, I don't know!” The omega buries his face in his hands, shoulders shaking, which is mortifying. Megumi hadn't cried when he ran from his clan, hadn't cried when he nearly starved to death in the forest, hadn't cried when he realised he had two choices, marry Sukuna or die.

But now he was sobbing because… Because he didn't face him in bed? It made no sense. A large hand gently pulled his wrists away from his face. He resists for half a second before giving up, his thumb brushed beneath her eye, wiping away a tear.

“Why are you crying?” A low tone, a genuine question, and Megumi just groaned in frustration.

“Maybe I just hate your stupid face!”

“You want me to look at you… but you hate my face?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Yes!… I mean no, I don't care” Another pause.
Then he laughed again, a deep, low, genuine laugh that the omega has never heard from him before. His glare could have started a forest fire.

“You’re impossible” He shakes his head.

“And you're an asshole”

“Ive been told”

He reaches for Megumi again, slower this time, he expects him to push him onto his stomach to fuck him. Instead, he guided him down onto the nest so they're facing each other, chest to chest. They've never done this before, up close like this he can see every detail of him, the big scar along his eye, the tiny lines at the corners of his mouth, the way his gaze stayed steady and unbothered no matter how vicious Megumi's temper became.

“You happy now?” he asks, Megumi's face burns again.

“Are you gonna fuck me?” Megumi is naked, they both are, maybe this is his fault for tempting the devil. The alpha brushes another tear off his cheek and Megumi slaps his hand away. He grins.

“You ruined my mood, brat” He moves onto his back, lifting his arms to rest his hands under his head, so they wont have sex? Megumi waits, like this is nothing but a test, eventually just humming and curling back into a ball.

“Strange but sexy brat” he murmurs.

“Shut up” Megumi kicks his hip.

“But you can keep yelling at me if you want”
He sniffles.

“Why?” His chest rumbled with another quiet laugh.

“Because you look good when you do it” Megumi turns back over to face the wall, biting his lip as the rain continues to hammer down outside. And though she would never admit it, Sukuna makes something inside his chest feel warm.

His arm comes to sling back around his waist, a possessive hand splaying over the omega's bare stomach. And he actually leaves it like that, he doesnt fuck him, takes nothing, hes unlike the alphas Megumi is used too, they would have hit him for saying no.

Chapter Text

By midday, Megumi is certain something is wrong with him. It starts as a warmth low in his stomach, not pain, exactly, just… Heat. At first he tries his best to ignore it. They have work to do, chickens to feed, water to haul, herbs to sort. Normal, ordinary things that usually kept him too busy to think about anything else, but the warmth didn’t go away.

It spread slowly, like embers under his skin, he crouches by the small herb rack outside the house, trying to separate dried leaves with fingers that felt strangely clumsy. His skin was too warm and clammy, the air felt thicker than usual.

“What is wrong with me?” He mutters to himself, standing up a bit shakily and grabbing the water bucket to walk to the well. The cool air should help, but it doesn't. If anything, the walk made it worse. His breathing felt strange, slightly faster, his chest rising and falling in shallow bursts like he had just finished running.

Megumi pulls the bucket up and splashes some water on his wrists, wiping the rest on his forehead. Brief relief lasts for about three seconds before the warmth returns stronger. He stares down at the water like it had personally betrayed him.

Behind the house came the steady sound of an axe splitting wood. Every strike echoed through the clearing, normally she barely noticed it, it's easy to zone out of the noise now. Today it makes the omega's stomach tighten, fingers curled around the bucket handle.

He tries to ignore it. Thud. The muscles in his legs fell oddly weak. Crack. Megumi's throat felt dry, he swallows.

“Ridiculous” He whispers. Megumi carries the bucket back toward the house. The closer he got to the woodpile, the louder the axe became. Thud. And then he saw him. Sukuna stood shirtless in the pale sunlight, splitting logs beside the shed. Sweat glistened across his shoulders and down his back, catching in the light.

His arms lifted and the axe came down making the omega flinch. Crack. His stomach drops. Something twisted low in his body, his grip on the bucket slips and water sloshes over the side. Megumi gasps as it becomes too heavy on one side, completely losing grip and dropping the bucket.

“You alright?” Sukuna asks, the axe is buried deep into the tree stump that he uses to cut the logs. His voice sounds deeper today, or maybe it's just Megumi imagining it. He looks to the sodden mud around him, picking the bucket back up with a scowl.

“I’m fine”

“You look strange”

“Shut up”

“You’re red”

“It’s warm outside”

“It’s not”

Megumi snorts at that, picking the bucket back up to go back to the well, and Sukuna follows him, doing nothing but watch as he ties the bucket to the rope.

“Stop staring at me” He wills, letting the bucket fall deep to the fresh, clean water.

“I’m trying to figure out what’s wrong”

“Nothing is wrong” His voice comes out sharper than he means, hauling the bucket back up, desperately tugging at the rope. Sukuna walked closer, easily pulling at the rope and lifting the bucket back up. His muscles flex ever so slightly and his scent hits Megumi like a brick to the face.

His entire body goes rigid, something deep and instinctive inside him whines instantly, pulse jumping. Blood rushes to his face, and somewhere low in his stomach something tightens in a way that makes his heart race.

Oh.
Oh no.

“What?” Sukuna questions, he unties the knot, placing the bucket down for a second. Megumu takes a step back, he turns away abruptly, "I'm really cold!” He excuses.

He then practically sprints toward the cabin as fast as he can without technically running. The alpha follows halfway across the clearing, he doesn't run, simply carries the bucket of water.

Megumi disappears inside and slams the door, the quiet inside the house feels heavy, hands pressed against the table as he tries to steady his breathing. Heat pulsed through him again, stronger and more insistent now, his eyes slowly drifting downward.

“Youre kidding…” Megumi slowly pieces it together, he's seen it before, rarely. Heard the older omegas in his clan whisper about it, tease each other about it. Watched omegas disappear for a few days every season with flushed faces and sharp tempers.

Heat. When the body feels its found a suitable mate, letting itself go pliant for the taking, for a knotting. Megumis never had a heat, obviously his body never liked the options back home, but now…

“Fuck” His forehead hit the table.

The door then opens, making him flinch and Megumi crawls into the nest, putting a pelt over him to attempt to hide, rather childishly.

“Why did you slam the door?” Megumi's face burns, he wants to crawl under the floorboards and hide. The omega knows Sukuna will make this a big deal and Megumi can't deal with that right now.

“You're definitely sick”

“Im not…”

“Then what are you?” There's a horrible pause.

“Am busy…” Megumi whines, still under the blanket pelts of the nest. There's a long silence on the other side.

“Oh why of course, you look extremely busy right now, terribly sorry” He replies sarcastically. Megumi's face turns even redder.

“Leave me alone” He simply whines, squeezing his eyes shut tight, begging and hoping the Sukuna doesn't come over to him right now. There's a pause.

Then his footsteps retreat, the door opens and closes and when Megumi dares to poke his head out from under the nest, he's alone… Sukuna listened?

But somehow that didn’t help, not really, because now he knows something worse, if this really is a heat… Then this is only the beginning.

Chapter Text

By late afternoon, Megumi was certain he might actually die from embarrassment. Or heat. Or possibly both. He had spent the entire day inside the cabin pretending to sort dried herbs while very carefully avoiding windows, doors, and any possible line of sight toward the woodpile.

It's not working. The warmth inside him had only grown worse, his skin felt too tight, breathing too shallow. Even sitting still makes him feel restless, like his body can't decide if it wants to run, sleep, or scream. Mostly scream. The omega fans himself with a bundle of herbs.

Outside, the steady rhythm of the axe had stopped. Silence meant the alpha is probably moving around the clearing, which meant he might come inside. Megumi's heart sped up at the thought, which only made him angrier.

Right on cue, the door opens, Megumi jumps so violently he knocks the herb bundle onto the floor. Sukuna steps inside carrying an armful of split wood, he made it look easy, like it was nothing but heaps of leather. His eyes immediately fly to him, still sitting at the table, still flushed, still breathing slightly too fast.

The alpha pauses, then slowly sets the wood beside the hearth. “You're still in here”

“Did you forget you took me?”

“You haven't moved all day”

“I have moved”

“Where?”

“…Places” Megumi gestures vaguely around the room.

“You look worse” Sukunas brow creased.

The omega stands abruptly, which is a mistake. The moment Megumi is on his feet, the heat surges through him again, sharp and dizzying, knees almost buckling. The alpha notices immediately, eyes narrowing.

“Sit down” He practically scoffs.

“I need some fresh air” Megumi takes a step toward the door, then a second step. Sukuna moves without thinking, blocking his path, now he's too close again. The smell of him hits the omega like a wall, brain short circuiting, his pulse spikes so suddenly he makes a small strangled noise.

Sukuna's head tilts slowly, suspiciously. Megumi's entire body goes rigid. “Why did you make that sound?” He asks.

“I didn’t make a sound”

“You absolutely did”

“I choked”

“On what?”

There's a painful beat of silence, “…Air?”

Sukuna stares at him. Then something shifts in his expression, not confusion, not concern. Recognition. His eyes move over Megumi's face. The flushed skin, the restless shifting of his feet. The way he keeps glancing anywhere except directly at him. Then his gaze drops briefly to the way his fingers are gripping the edge of his furs, tight and trembling.

“Oh” His eyebrow lifted. The single word makes Megumi's stomach drop, his eyes snap up. “What oh?”

“You're in heat” Megumi feels his soul leave his body, for three full seconds he says nothing. Then-

“No I’m not”

“Yes you are”

“I am not”

“You slammed the door, hid all day, and nearly collapsed when I stood near you”

“Thats because I don't want to be anywhere near your annoying ass!”

“Is that so?” He has on that stupid charming smirk.

“Yes, so leave me alone!” His voice raises an octave.

“You're flushed” He looked deeply unconvinced.

“It’s warm”

“You're pacing”

“I feel well rested”

“You made a noise when you smelled me”

“I. Choked.” Megumi doesn't know if he's trying to convince himself or Sukuna at this point. There's no point in truly lying, in a couple days it'll be undeniable, maybe he just doesn't want Sukuna to be right. He stares at him a moment longer. Then, unbelievably, the alpha grins, not a small smile, a slow, deeply amused grin that makes heat crawl up his neck.

“Oh this is excellent”

“Excellent?” His jaw drops.

“Yes”

“This is not excellent!”

“For me it is”

“This is humiliating!” Megumi shoves his shoulder.

“For you maybe”

“You're enjoying this” The omegas eyes narrow dangerously.

“Whats not to enjoy? You, begging for my knot, making my nest smell oh so wonderful and the pup that will result from it, yes I will enjoy this very much” Sukuna hums in satisfaction, leaning forward to rub a hand against Megumi's stomach.

“Youre crude”

“And you chose to marry me”

“You were the lesser of two evils, please don't flatter yourself!”

He leans closer again, just a little, and the reaction is immediate, Megumi's breath hitches. His shoulders tense, entire body lighting up like someone throwing sparks into dry grass. Sukuna notices, his grin widening.

“Oh this is definitely heat”

“I’m going to move into the forest and live with wolves” Megumi declares, covering his face with both hands. Sukuna chooses not to reply to that, instead moving to the ice bucket to dig something out to prepare dinner.

“We must eat well in preparation. When do you usually get your heat after symptoms first arrive?” Sukuna gets the fire burning stronger, sitting down to cut at the meat, Megumi likes having smaller cuts he can pick at. He flushes at the question, swallowing a lump in his throat.

“I uh… I've never…” And Sukuna's reaction is immediately, closing his eyes, taking in a deep breath like he's holding back a physical celebration. It's uncanny to see him this happy, Megumi still standing awkwardly, face hot and red.

“I need to personally thank the moon for rewarding me for whatever I did to deserve this” He stops cutting momentarily just to say some words in his head, letting out an ultra relieved sigh. And Megumi… Something changes in his brain, the fact Sukuna is so happy, saying Megumi is a reward, it makes him feel, wanted.

“Come” Sukuna declares, grabbing Megumi's wrist and pulling him onto his lap, the alpha leans down just to rest his chin on Megumi's shoulder. He still chops the meat, asking Megumi if they're the size he likes before putting them in the pot.

Megumi lets it all happen, feeling warm inside, and maybe he can't blame the heat on this feeling. It's just the fact that he's never really felt wanted or needed anywhere, but Sukuna seems so grateful to have him. The omega isn't sure if the heat is just making him softer or if he really does feel… Loved?