( It repulses him in a way he's not sure he could explain were he asked. Most days he wishes he didn't know about Kenjaku. It had been a bomb thrown down by a Satoru that does not remember igniting it. That something used him like that to hurt someone he loved. That he was the only reason why it could. It makes him sick. But it is not about him. )
It doesn't sound like that here. ( In the conversation Satoru had, anyway. Hikaru sounds like a boy. Lost, and a little unsure, and also fathomlessly strange. ) And I don't know if I believe it.
( There was another question there. It is easier to focus on. He tilts his head sideways to look at Satoru. )
Your students tell me things. Things you'd probably want to know, only they're teenagers so if I tell that will be it. I know it's not my place. I know I don't have the right to it, and I don't actively enjoy withholding information from you. ( The anti-suicide pact does not actually have a real name, and yet it is something he and Megumi have agreed on. ) But I think about how different it could have been had you or I an adult we could have spoken to, so I just let it happen. Even if I'm unfit for it.
( It is an active minefield most days. He lifts a hand, rubs at his eyebrow. )
I was going to find the boy anyway. Megumi told me at Christmas, and then we had our mission. But it was on the list. I wouldn't have left it.
It is your place. And you do have the right. You earned it. [ His voice is firm and certain on that, stating these things as facts. ] That was the first thing I learned in this place, Suguru, the first thing you told me. That my students would vouch for you, because you had earned that.
You keep talking like you're just a temporary babysitter. Like you haven't made yourself a central figure in their lives. Like you're not my partner.
[ His smile, amused and fond, says you're an idiot. ]
I trust you to keep their secrets. I trust your judgement on whatever you choose to do with whatever information they give you.
We should reach out to Hikaru and Megumi to let them know you're not going to eat or exorcise Hikaru. [ He smirks, amused. He'd been almost certain it wouldn't be an issue, but he'd still chosen to roll the dice. If Suguru had chosen that Hikaru had to die, Satoru wouldn't have done anything to prevent it other than expressing some concern about potential punishment from LILITH.
He hadn't stood in the way of Suguru's fight with Yuta, either. He could have left Panda and Inumaki fighting curses in Shinjuku and gone to face down Suguru himself. Maybe he should have.
But Satoru's nature was such that he'd believed it was Yuta's right to face the challenge himself. ] Do you want to do that or should I?
He lifts his gaze back to the ceiling but there's that tell-tale old blush blooming. If his shoulders start inching towards his ears at the sincerity then Satoru better mind his own business. )
It's different now. You're actively working with them. I was just trying to fill the void a little. ( Considering how he blames himself for the way Satoru was before, it was the least he could do. ) But fine, fine, I'm not going to stop. Even if they all make questionable romantic decisions.
( Like the ghost kisser. )
I want to talk to Hikaru myself. In person. But you can tell them I'm not going to harm him.
It's different now, yes, but that doesn't mean that you need to step back. You're still caring for them, feeding them, listening to them.
You're not secondary. You don't need my approval or permission.
Dumbass. [ The blush is cute, though. Satoru's enjoying it. ]
You take Hikaru, then. I won't text him. He can wait. [ He's accepted the outcome will be whatever it is, and said that he chose to trust Suguru. Satoru's proud of him for that, and Satoru's not the type to soften any blows. Hikaru can wait an extra hour or two to find out his fate. ] I'll update Megumi-chan.
( It's almost too much. It makes him realise how things could have been had he stayed. Would he have wanted to teach? Maybe. He would have tried to be there for the children regardless of that fact. It almost feels like a waste.
He's here now though. )
Shut up.
( Fine, he'll message Hikaru. After he levels Satoru with a look. Do not speak the b-word in his presence. )
Absolutely not. Because we don't need a guest list. ( He plans to pretend it isn't happening just like last year. Also he has one ( 1 ) whole friend and the rest are children. ) Don't even think about it, Satoru.
So, Silco, yes? We can put him in a little party hat. [ Completely ignoring that look, bright and cheery as he bulls forward. ] The four teenagers from our world ... and their boyfriends? Or our teens only?
We're thinking just something low-key, like my birthday. Anyone else you want present?
( He lifts something - a pen he'd been using the other day - hurls it at Satoru's chest. )
If you think Silco will let you do that you better make sure you have infinity up. ( He does not want his friend to stab his boyfriend, that would be a shitty birthday. ) I really don't think he'd come. He doesn't understand sentimental holidays. I think he wanted to kill me for sending him a Christmas present last year. Actually, don't invite him, I'll just make him give me free booze another day. You can come pick me up after.
( He really does not want a birthday party. He'll feel itchy the whole time. Satoru had been different because Satoru deserved to see how much he was loved.
Still, he makes a noise. There's no stopping it. The least he can do is make it busy enough that they'll all be distracted. )
If you must then yes, the boyfriends. You might want to offer Okkotsu that too. Don't tell him I said anything. ( He doesn't want to be responsible for hurt feelings, and so he blinks very innocently ) But if we're gathering all your sons then I want Shoto. Todoroki Shoto. It's time he meets everyone else. He made me that - ( He points to the metal spider lily that had appeared in his room after Christmas, sharp edges very funny to Geto's sensibilities. ) - and he's been kind. I'd like for them to all get along.
[ Satoru catches the pen by activating Red and Blue both on his palm, letting it hover in front of him, captured in mid-air. ]
I'd better not tell him you said anything. [ Satoru's brows lift at this new information. ] I had no idea Yuta had a romantic interest. You're gonna be in so much trouble if he ever finds out you spilled the beans.
All right, I'll obtain Todoroki-kun but allow Uncle to roam free and unhindered. The image of him in a party hat will live only in my mind.
Having a crowd will be nice. Especially since this is for them, not for us.
[ It is for Suguru to know that he's loved, that's important, but even so, Satoru's pretty sure that they'd both rather spend every holiday like they spent Christmas: together, somewhere they won't be bothered, pretending like the day has no particular significance and the only reason they happen to have cake is because of Satoru's perpetual sweet tooth.
This is for the boys to know that they are safe, things are stable, their guardians are happy and they know they're loved. ]
It would just be nice. In case he did have someone.
( This bullshitter. )
You wouldn't throw me under the bus now, would you Satoru? His spectral girlfriend is always quick to go for me. ( She is not, and the one time she did he was deserving. It's skirting around the things they don't like to discuss though. ) Ai, all right. This time. Yuji was upset I didn't tell them last year. But after I want to go back to our room and not think about it. Maybe you can pour the sake directly into my mouth while looking pretty.
( He hums, thoughtful. )
Are you really going to teach Indo-san to punch you? He said he was going to get strong enough to.
[ Satoru keeps his brows up at him, holding the staring contest for a few seconds before he cracks and grins. ] I'm sure I can find an innocent way to phrase the suggestion.
What should I be wearing while I pour sake into your mouth? Any requests? French maid outfit? Princess Leia-style loincloth? I can feed you grapes too.
We call the dead one Indo-san. Or I'm going to, anyway, for my own damn sanity. This one is Hikaru-kun.
I have no idea what Hikaru-kun can do. I don't know what he is. My concerns are mostly around the thing he said about when it 'gets bad' he stays in his room so he won't kill anyone. I doubt I promised to let him punch me, more like I challenged him to get strong enough to try or something. This would be back when I first met him, when I thought he was just a kid with crazy cursed energy levels and I was only half-interested in giving him some jujutsu lessons. Priorities have changed.
Edited (remembered he made a whole thing about what he was gonna call hikaru) 2026-01-31 21:06 (UTC)
If you're desperate to wear a skirt, Satoru, then don't let me stop you.
( It's playful, tongue-in-cheek. He listens to the rest of it more seriously, nods once. )
That makes sense. I'll remember to use Hikaru. ( The dead one. His lips purse, then he lets it go. ) All right, another student. I'll find out if it's another mouth to feed or not. We'll see. Are there any other worries? Are you frightened I might start gnawing on the other Outsiders too?
Loincloth isn't a skirt, loincloths are very manly. Very caveman. But, like, silk. And glamorous. Do you not have any weird fetishes? Ooh, what about catboy? I'd be cute.
Anyway, no, you said you were on a diet and like you said, you haven't eaten Choso. I was more worried about you eradicating the ... entity, really, if you ... [ As he thinks about this he finds he doesn't actually have a particularly clear hypothetical situation that sounds at all likely. ] I don't even know what I was worried about, Suguru. It was more like, just ... it gave me a really bad shock.
And on occasion you have been known to ... react dramatically to things that upset you.
You've had several shocks these last few weeks. Do you want to talk about it yet? I don't mind talking about loincloth too, but I'd like to help if you need it.
Pah, no, I'm fine. Megumi should probably go to therapy, I think he would benefit from talking to someone but I'm planning to continue repressing my trauma and instead focus on important things like cake and interrogating my boyfriend for his weird fetishes. Come on, no weird fetishes? It's your birthday. You can make requests.
[ In search of immediate distraction, Satoru gets off the bed and goes in search of any candy stashed around the room. ]
I've never thought about it. Not loincloths, I don't think. ( He did once buy a knife from Muramasa with the intent to cattily threaten to stab Satoru with it, but he doesn't think that would work in this instance. He was being an asshole at the time. ) Do you want to wear one?
Hm. [ Satoru considers whether he brought this up out of his own desires, and is surprised that he has to think about it. ]
No. [ Tentatively. ] Hm.
[ He sits down again with a bag of peach rings and chews on one as he thinks. ]
No. [ More confident this time. ] What I want is the game. [ He gestures decisively with a peach ring. ] The playfulness. Wearing something like that would be funny. It would let me tease and flirt, particularly if it was something you were into. That's what I'm really after. Just one more way to tease and flirt and play together with you.
( It isn't much of a confession, he knows Satoru is probably aware of it. )
I think I'd like dressing up. I like when you look at me. ( Lazily he flicks his hair over his shoulder, affects coy, long eyelashes sweeping. ) So I understand the sentiment, but it doesn't have to be any particular outfit for me to want to watch you. If you wanted to wear a costume, I'd find it appealing. I like that part the most. Providing something you have a craving for.
( He's less sure of what he likes himself beyond that. Largely uninterested without Satoru to stoke the flames. )
Figured I'd dress up for your birthday. [ Satoru flashes him a grin, leaves him to wonder exactly what he has in mind for this. Decent enough to be around the children, certainly. ]
I'll think about the rest of it. We've already kind of discussed that we can just ... try things. See what we like. I haven't had a lot of sex, so I never got into anything all that creative.
Might try that collar, though. Since we both like it when you get a little possessive. And I think you do like the power of making me behave, especially since you're the only one who can. [ He smirks, all heat and challenge. ]
[ Satoru goes still with a peach ring halfway to his open mouth. His cheeks flood with color and he blinks twice in the face of that smile, interested chills prickling over his back.
Eyes tracking every one of Suguru's movements, the flex of his muscles under fabric as he stretches, Satoru hesitates briefly at the question and then nods. He manages to close his mouth, but the hand with the peach ring is still uplifted, forgotten. ]
Only for you. [ Blushing, indignant, and yet still utterly entranced.
He nods again, clears his throat, and manages to verbalize his request. ] Yeah. Collar. Loop at the front you can hook your finger through. Maybe a leash, I’m less certain about that.
I’ll pick something up for your birthday. Unless you want to go shopping for it together.
( There's clear intrigue about the idea. Satoru mentions a loop and his fingers twist. The leash he wouldn't mind either, but it does pose a question. )
Is this a - ah - I don't know the word for it.
( Listen, he did a deep dive on sadism once when the previous version of Gojo told him he liked sex when it was a fight, but then he'd gotten embarrassed and pretended he hadn't. )
Hm. [ Satoru has to think about it again, propping his chin in a hand. ] I ... don't think so? Or maybe as a 'not yet' thing. I'm open to trying it--I did make that catboy joke--but I genuinely don't have a sense of whether I'm into it as more than a joke, more than just ... seeing sexy catgirls is pretty common so I'm culturally primed to think of it as sexy. [ Satoru smirks at himself for using the words 'culturally primed' in a conversation about their kinks. ]
It's just more like a claim thing. Like I belong to you. Maybe that makes me your human pet. I do like it when you pet my hair. [ Satoru grins at him for a minute and then digs in the bag for another candy. ] Oh, what flavor of cake do you want?
( With the tone of someone who is also from the same culture and never once found catgirls appealing. Though maybe that said something about him that he didn't know then. )
Whatever you think the children will appreciate the most. ( Easy, maybe a little distracted. He's still thinking about pet play. Also he doesn't really have a preference these days. His sense of taste has been doing a little better without the continual assault of curses, but it's still not one hundred percent. ) If it's a case of claim then I should come with you to pick. But you're still your own man.
( Semi-stubborn. Old habit. Satoru has always belonged to others in ways he didn't like. A weapon, an object. He's protective of his choices now. )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
( It repulses him in a way he's not sure he could explain were he asked. Most days he wishes he didn't know about Kenjaku. It had been a bomb thrown down by a Satoru that does not remember igniting it. That something used him like that to hurt someone he loved. That he was the only reason why it could. It makes him sick. But it is not about him. )
It doesn't sound like that here. ( In the conversation Satoru had, anyway. Hikaru sounds like a boy. Lost, and a little unsure, and also fathomlessly strange. ) And I don't know if I believe it.
( There was another question there. It is easier to focus on. He tilts his head sideways to look at Satoru. )
Your students tell me things. Things you'd probably want to know, only they're teenagers so if I tell that will be it. I know it's not my place. I know I don't have the right to it, and I don't actively enjoy withholding information from you. ( The anti-suicide pact does not actually have a real name, and yet it is something he and Megumi have agreed on. ) But I think about how different it could have been had you or I an adult we could have spoken to, so I just let it happen. Even if I'm unfit for it.
( It is an active minefield most days. He lifts a hand, rubs at his eyebrow. )
I was going to find the boy anyway. Megumi told me at Christmas, and then we had our mission. But it was on the list. I wouldn't have left it.
no subject
You keep talking like you're just a temporary babysitter. Like you haven't made yourself a central figure in their lives. Like you're not my partner.
[ His smile, amused and fond, says you're an idiot. ]
I trust you to keep their secrets. I trust your judgement on whatever you choose to do with whatever information they give you.
We should reach out to Hikaru and Megumi to let them know you're not going to eat or exorcise Hikaru. [ He smirks, amused. He'd been almost certain it wouldn't be an issue, but he'd still chosen to roll the dice. If Suguru had chosen that Hikaru had to die, Satoru wouldn't have done anything to prevent it other than expressing some concern about potential punishment from LILITH.
He hadn't stood in the way of Suguru's fight with Yuta, either. He could have left Panda and Inumaki fighting curses in Shinjuku and gone to face down Suguru himself. Maybe he should have.
But Satoru's nature was such that he'd believed it was Yuta's right to face the challenge himself. ] Do you want to do that or should I?
no subject
He lifts his gaze back to the ceiling but there's that tell-tale old blush blooming. If his shoulders start inching towards his ears at the sincerity then Satoru better mind his own business. )
It's different now. You're actively working with them. I was just trying to fill the void a little. ( Considering how he blames himself for the way Satoru was before, it was the least he could do. ) But fine, fine, I'm not going to stop. Even if they all make questionable romantic decisions.
( Like the ghost kisser. )
I want to talk to Hikaru myself. In person. But you can tell them I'm not going to harm him.
no subject
You're not secondary. You don't need my approval or permission.
Dumbass. [ The blush is cute, though. Satoru's enjoying it. ]
You take Hikaru, then. I won't text him. He can wait. [ He's accepted the outcome will be whatever it is, and said that he chose to trust Suguru. Satoru's proud of him for that, and Satoru's not the type to soften any blows. Hikaru can wait an extra hour or two to find out his fate. ] I'll update Megumi-chan.
Let's talk guest list for your birthday.
no subject
He's here now though. )
Shut up.
( Fine, he'll message Hikaru. After he levels Satoru with a look. Do not speak the b-word in his presence. )
Absolutely not. Because we don't need a guest list. ( He plans to pretend it isn't happening just like last year. Also he has one ( 1 ) whole friend and the rest are children. ) Don't even think about it, Satoru.
no subject
We're thinking just something low-key, like my birthday. Anyone else you want present?
no subject
If you think Silco will let you do that you better make sure you have infinity up. ( He does not want his friend to stab his boyfriend, that would be a shitty birthday. ) I really don't think he'd come. He doesn't understand sentimental holidays. I think he wanted to kill me for sending him a Christmas present last year. Actually, don't invite him, I'll just make him give me free booze another day. You can come pick me up after.
( He really does not want a birthday party. He'll feel itchy the whole time. Satoru had been different because Satoru deserved to see how much he was loved.
Still, he makes a noise. There's no stopping it. The least he can do is make it busy enough that they'll all be distracted. )
If you must then yes, the boyfriends. You might want to offer Okkotsu that too. Don't tell him I said anything. ( He doesn't want to be responsible for hurt feelings, and so he blinks very innocently ) But if we're gathering all your sons then I want Shoto. Todoroki Shoto. It's time he meets everyone else. He made me that - ( He points to the metal spider lily that had appeared in his room after Christmas, sharp edges very funny to Geto's sensibilities. ) - and he's been kind. I'd like for them to all get along.
no subject
I'd better not tell him you said anything. [ Satoru's brows lift at this new information. ] I had no idea Yuta had a romantic interest. You're gonna be in so much trouble if he ever finds out you spilled the beans.
All right, I'll obtain Todoroki-kun but allow Uncle to roam free and unhindered. The image of him in a party hat will live only in my mind.
Having a crowd will be nice. Especially since this is for them, not for us.
[ It is for Suguru to know that he's loved, that's important, but even so, Satoru's pretty sure that they'd both rather spend every holiday like they spent Christmas: together, somewhere they won't be bothered, pretending like the day has no particular significance and the only reason they happen to have cake is because of Satoru's perpetual sweet tooth.
This is for the boys to know that they are safe, things are stable, their guardians are happy and they know they're loved. ]
no subject
It would just be nice. In case he did have someone.
( This bullshitter. )
You wouldn't throw me under the bus now, would you Satoru? His spectral girlfriend is always quick to go for me. ( She is not, and the one time she did he was deserving. It's skirting around the things they don't like to discuss though. ) Ai, all right. This time. Yuji was upset I didn't tell them last year. But after I want to go back to our room and not think about it. Maybe you can pour the sake directly into my mouth while looking pretty.
( He hums, thoughtful. )
Are you really going to teach Indo-san to punch you? He said he was going to get strong enough to.
no subject
What should I be wearing while I pour sake into your mouth? Any requests? French maid outfit? Princess Leia-style loincloth? I can feed you grapes too.
We call the dead one Indo-san. Or I'm going to, anyway, for my own damn sanity. This one is Hikaru-kun.
I have no idea what Hikaru-kun can do. I don't know what he is. My concerns are mostly around the thing he said about when it 'gets bad' he stays in his room so he won't kill anyone. I doubt I promised to let him punch me, more like I challenged him to get strong enough to try or something. This would be back when I first met him, when I thought he was just a kid with crazy cursed energy levels and I was only half-interested in giving him some jujutsu lessons. Priorities have changed.
no subject
( It's playful, tongue-in-cheek. He listens to the rest of it more seriously, nods once. )
That makes sense. I'll remember to use Hikaru. ( The dead one. His lips purse, then he lets it go. ) All right, another student. I'll find out if it's another mouth to feed or not. We'll see. Are there any other worries? Are you frightened I might start gnawing on the other Outsiders too?
no subject
Anyway, no, you said you were on a diet and like you said, you haven't eaten Choso. I was more worried about you eradicating the ... entity, really, if you ... [ As he thinks about this he finds he doesn't actually have a particularly clear hypothetical situation that sounds at all likely. ] I don't even know what I was worried about, Suguru. It was more like, just ... it gave me a really bad shock.
And on occasion you have been known to ... react dramatically to things that upset you.
[ Itty bitty wee lil massacre. ]
no subject
Fair.
( And, more carefully. )
You've had several shocks these last few weeks. Do you want to talk about it yet? I don't mind talking about loincloth too, but I'd like to help if you need it.
no subject
[ In search of immediate distraction, Satoru gets off the bed and goes in search of any candy stashed around the room. ]
no subject
( Like he's about to fall headlong into a trap. )
I've never thought about it. Not loincloths, I don't think. ( He did once buy a knife from Muramasa with the intent to cattily threaten to stab Satoru with it, but he doesn't think that would work in this instance. He was being an asshole at the time. ) Do you want to wear one?
no subject
No. [ Tentatively. ] Hm.
[ He sits down again with a bag of peach rings and chews on one as he thinks. ]
No. [ More confident this time. ] What I want is the game. [ He gestures decisively with a peach ring. ] The playfulness. Wearing something like that would be funny. It would let me tease and flirt, particularly if it was something you were into. That's what I'm really after. Just one more way to tease and flirt and play together with you.
no subject
( It isn't much of a confession, he knows Satoru is probably aware of it. )
I think I'd like dressing up. I like when you look at me. ( Lazily he flicks his hair over his shoulder, affects coy, long eyelashes sweeping. ) So I understand the sentiment, but it doesn't have to be any particular outfit for me to want to watch you. If you wanted to wear a costume, I'd find it appealing. I like that part the most. Providing something you have a craving for.
( He's less sure of what he likes himself beyond that. Largely uninterested without Satoru to stoke the flames. )
no subject
I'll think about the rest of it. We've already kind of discussed that we can just ... try things. See what we like. I haven't had a lot of sex, so I never got into anything all that creative.
Might try that collar, though. Since we both like it when you get a little possessive. And I think you do like the power of making me behave, especially since you're the only one who can. [ He smirks, all heat and challenge. ]
no subject
( His smile is bright, a little toothy. )
We can do whatever you like. We have time. ( He stretches, feline and almost lazy. ) So, a collar?
no subject
Eyes tracking every one of Suguru's movements, the flex of his muscles under fabric as he stretches, Satoru hesitates briefly at the question and then nods. He manages to close his mouth, but the hand with the peach ring is still uplifted, forgotten. ]
no subject
You're so easy.
( He likes it a lot. )
Aren't you going to answer?
no subject
He nods again, clears his throat, and manages to verbalize his request. ] Yeah. Collar. Loop at the front you can hook your finger through. Maybe a leash, I’m less certain about that.
I’ll pick something up for your birthday. Unless you want to go shopping for it together.
no subject
Is this a - ah - I don't know the word for it.
( Listen, he did a deep dive on sadism once when the previous version of Gojo told him he liked sex when it was a fight, but then he'd gotten embarrassed and pretended he hadn't. )
A pet thing?
no subject
It's just more like a claim thing. Like I belong to you. Maybe that makes me your human pet. I do like it when you pet my hair. [ Satoru grins at him for a minute and then digs in the bag for another candy. ] Oh, what flavor of cake do you want?
no subject
( With the tone of someone who is also from the same culture and never once found catgirls appealing. Though maybe that said something about him that he didn't know then. )
Whatever you think the children will appreciate the most. ( Easy, maybe a little distracted. He's still thinking about pet play. Also he doesn't really have a preference these days. His sense of taste has been doing a little better without the continual assault of curses, but it's still not one hundred percent. ) If it's a case of claim then I should come with you to pick. But you're still your own man.
( Semi-stubborn. Old habit. Satoru has always belonged to others in ways he didn't like. A weapon, an object. He's protective of his choices now. )
(no subject)