Archive of Our Own ^beta

There was something vile in his throat. Something so rancid and awful that his stomach rolled in protest. He ignored it however, pushed it to the very back of his thoughts. There are people with worse problems than he and he knew this. So, he smiled around it, tried not to think about it. Tried not to worry anyone about it. If he ignored it long enough, maybe it will go away on it’s own.

There’s a snicker in the back of his mind and he held back a flinch. The realization that his body and mind aren’t his own anymore was something he still struggled with. Knowing that there was someone always there, reading his thoughts and emotions so easily made him feel weird, violated in a way. Like he had no privacy, even in his own head, and it was a little hard to deal with. Sukuna certainly doesn’t allow Yuji to hide anything from him, and certainly doesn't allow him to have private thoughts.

Even his dreams aren’t safe. Yuji was sure he had seen Sukuna watching him while he’s dreaming, but whether that’s his own brain making it up or if Sukuna was literally infecting his dreams was pretty up in the air and Sukuna wouldn’t confirm or deny anything. He had hoped, even just slightly, that his dreams were safe from the beast in his head, but no luck. He couldn’t seem to escape his companion, no matter how hard he tried.

“You will never be free of me.” Sukuna promised in reply to his thoughts.

Yuji shuddered without a second thought, causing Gojo to turn his attention to the young man beside him.

“You cold or something?” he asked in that carefree tone he always has.

Yuji blinked, startled from his thoughts.

“Ah, yeah! S-Sorry! Just got a chill!” Yuji laughed nervously and Gojo just hummed.

“If you say so.” Gojo said, clearly not convinced.

“You need to become a better liar. That was pathetic.” Sukuna mentioned and Yuji mentally huffed.

“Lying is bad.” Yuji quietly grumbled.

“You say something?” Gojo asked.

“Nope! Nothing! Nothing at all!” Yuji said quickly.

Again, it’s clear Gojo doesn’t believe him, but lets it go. Yuji actually wondered where they were going. They’ve been walking through a small wooded area for almost twenty minutes and while Yuji can’t seem to sense anything dangerous, he can tell something is… there? He turned his head a bit to the left, wondering what he kept sensing just at the edge of his circle.

“So you figure it out yet?” Gojo asked boredly.

“Maybe? I mean, there’s definitely someone there.” Yuji replied.

“And how long have they been following us?” Gojo asked.

“Um since the bus stop?” Yuji stated.

“Good, good, you’re catching on.” Gojo grinned.

“So, what do we do?” Yuji asked, looking at him.

“We do… Nothing!” Gojo replied pleasantly pausing in the middle.

Yuji stumbled a bit, confused.

“We do… nothing?” Yuji asked.

“Eeyup! It would be totally stupid for us to attack first.” Gojo nodded, as if he could see some grand plan that Yuji didn’t.

Yuji raised an eyebrow and rubbed the back of his neck. He felt a little uncertain.

“I am definitely eating this man first.” Sukuna piped in and Yuji bit his cheek to keep from yelling at the other.

As far as Yuji was concerned, Sukuna wasn’t going to eat anyone! Not if he had anything to say about it! The cursed one snorted in amusement.

“Don’t worry, dear. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind when I eventually take control.” Sukuna mocked.

Yuji’s stomach twisted in knots and he had to breathe deeply through his nose to keep his anger down. Sukuna wasn’t getting under his skin today. Gojo suddenly stopped and Yuji stopped too. They stood at the center of what seemed like an intersection. There was a sign with arms pointing in three different directions and Yuji looked at Gojo to pick a path.

“Um which way do we go?” Yuji asked when Gojo didn’t move for several minutes.

“Ah, isn’t that a good question.” Gojo scratched his cheek with a smile.

A few more minutes passed and Yuji raised an eyebrow.

“Do you… not know which way we are supposed to go?” Yuji finally asked.

“Not one bit!”Gojo chirped delightedly.

Yuji blinked and then looked at the three paths. He couldn’t make out any of the signs, they were really old and faded by this point. All three paths were well worn, but nothing to indicate anyone had been down this way in a very long time. Yuji leaned closer to the sign, but that did nothing to help him figure out where they were or where they were going.

“So what do we do?” Yuji asked, a bit frustrated.

He was tired, sweaty and exhausted. Gojo had got him up at the ass crack of dawn to come out here, but now all they were doing was standing there. He wondered if Gojo had done this just to mess with him.

“Well, we simply see where our friend decides to take us.” Gojo said simply.

Yuji raised an eyebrow. Friend? Before he could ask, something in the air shifted. Yuji covered his mouth, feeling his very head spin as the feeling slammed into him.

“I-I-I think I’m going to be sick!” Yuji whispered.

“Ah ah, keep your head in the game!” Gojo said when the bushes nearby shifted.

Yuji looked up, just in time for a man to appear before him. Yuji tried to pull back, startled as he reached for his cursed energy, but before he could, he was grabbed around the waist, thrown over someone’s shoulder, and suddenly, he was flying through the air, carried away like some damsel in distress.

“Ah! Sensei!” Yuji yelped as the man carried him away.

Gojo just held a hand up to his mouth. He seemed more amused than concerned.

“Don’t worry! I’m right behind you!” Gojo yelled before he disappeared from view due to the heavy trees.

“Senseiiiii!” Yuji yelled.

The man carrying him grunted and justled him violently. Yuji covered his mouth, trying to stop himself from being sick all over the man’s back. Fuck, this was doing nothing to help his stomach!

“This, admittedly, is not good.” Sukuna piped in and Yuji winced.

“H-Hey! Put me down!” Yuji yelled, struggling a bit.

He punched the man in the arm and heard a yelp before he was dropped. He rolled and got back to his feet, staring at the absolute mammoth before him. Easily six five with arms as big as Yuji’s head. Yuji stared at him as the man towered over him, staring him down with beady, dark eyes. Yuji swallowed and settled down, ready to fight if need be. The air was tense with energy and just like that, the man spoke.

“You him?” the voice that came out was… not what Yuji expected.

Extremely high pitched and almost childlike sounding? Yuji blinked and looked around, trying to see if anyone else had spoken.

“Hey, I’m talking to you!” the voice said, coming from the huge man, a tick appearing above his eyebrow.

Yuji pointed to himself.

“Me? I’m Itadori Yuji.” Yuji said quietly.

The man crossed his arms and nodded, as if that’s what he expected.

“So you are him. The cursed kid.” the man said.

Yuji’s body relaxed a bit when the man didn’t move for the longest time. Yuji still wasn’t sure what to think of being kidnapped by this huge guy, whose name he still didn’t know.

“Um, sorry, but what’s your name?” Yuji asked.

“Hm?” the man asked.

“Your name? I introduced myself… What’s your name?” Yuji asked.

The man blinked.

“Oh, I am Nico.” he replied.

Yuji bowed lightly.

“Nice to meet you.” Yuji said.

The two stood there and Yuji found himself sweating a bit. This was… awkward.

“Nico-san, why did you kidnap me?” Yuji asked.

“Huh? Kidnapped? I didn’t kidnap you!” Nico said, jerking back in shock.

Yuji raised an eyebrow.

“You grabbed me and took me out here against my will?” Yuji stated.

Nico stared at him and blinked.

“But you were waiting for someone to tell you where to go. I’m the only one who can show you the right path.” Nico explained.

“Well, why didn’t you just come out and tell us?” Yuji asked.

Nico stared at him before turning his head away and coughing.

“I get nervous around new people. My voice gets all high pitched and squeaky. It's really embarrassing. I thought it was better just to show you.” he admitted.

Yuji stared at him before smiling. He was just a big softie. Yuji liked guys like this.

“Ah, that’s ok though! We all get nervous!” Yuji said pleasantly.

Nico turned to look at him.

“Really?” Nico asked quietly.

“Of course! It’s completely normal! And you seem like a nice guy!” Yuji said as he moved closer.

“I try to be, but people are always scared of me.” Nico muttered, kicking a rock.

“They just don’t know you yet! I’m sure if they got a chance to talk to you, they’d find you’re really a nice guy!” Yuji replied, patting him on the arm goodnaturedly.

Nico sniffled and his eyes filled with tears.

“R-Really? You think so, kid?” Nico asked.

“Of course! I mean, look at us right now! I’m sure people would love you once they get to know you! You just need to give it a chance.” Yuji said, nodding.

Nico let out a wail and grabbed Yuji, hugging him close.

“You-You are so kind!” Nico cried loudly.

Yuji just nervously patted him on the shoulder as he cried.

“What in the world is all that racket?” someone yelled.

Nico and Yuji turned their attention to a man who stepped out of the woods, staring at them. He was tall as well, but more on the thin side. His long face and small eyes made him look almost like a stick bug. Yuji gave a little wave.

“Hello.” Yuji greeted.

The man sighed deeply.

“Nico, put the child down! You shouldn’t even be touching him! He’s tainted.” the man stated with a sneer.

Yuji flinched a bit, wounded. Ouch, that hurt.

“Ah, Uno! Don’t be mean to the kid! He’s really nice.” Nico said as he put Yuji down.

“He could also kill you without you even realizing it, you big oaf!” the newly dubbed Uno snapped.

Yuji winced.

“To be fair, I’m not trying to kill anyone.” Yuji said weakly.

Uno rolled his eyes as he came closer. He leaned into Yuji’s face and sneered.

“You ate the cursed finger. You are as vile and as tainted as they come. I don’t care that you think you are a nice guy. One day, you will lose control and we will be left to kill you and clean up your mess.” Uno said coldly.

Yuji felt the ice in his veins before his temper flared.

“I would kill myself and him before I let him hurt anyone.” Yuji replied angrily.

“You can try.” Sukuna sneered and Yuji huffed.

Uno scuffed and leaned back.

“Where is that miserable man, Gojo? I thought he was supposed to be in charge of you?” Uno demanded looking around.

“We umm kind of left him in the dust.” Yuji said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I’m right here, you long faced asshole.” Gojo said as he strolled out of the trees.

“Sensei!” Yuji said, turning around.

Gojo walked over and seemed to eye Yuji up and down before turning to Uno and purposely, throwing his arm around Yuji’s shoulders. Uno’s face looked like he had bit into a lemon.

“I hope you two haven’t been treating my poor, little student badly.” Gojo said sweetly.

“Just follow me, you worthless man! You’ve already wasted enough of our time!” Uno snapped.

He turned on his heel and started back the way he came. Nico, rubbing his hands together, turned to Yuji.

“Sorry about him. He can be really rude.” Nico said gently.

Yuji just smiled.

“It’s ok. I’m used to it by now.” Yuji lied.

Nico gave a small smile and Yuji didn’t feel so bad about lying to him. They continued for a while before they finally came to a small clearing with a house in the middle. Standing on the front porch was a third man, much younger than the other two. Unlike his companions, he looked somewhat normal. About Yuji’s height with long, braided hair and a soft face. He smiled when he saw them coming.

“About time.” he commented.

Uno and Nico bowed.

“My apologies, my lord. These two were wasting our time.” Uno said, eying Gojo and Yuji coldly.

“Oh lighten up, you old bastard.” Gojo said.

“Excuse me! How dare you speak so rudely before our lord…!” Uno’s rant was cut off when the so-called lord finally took note of the boy next to Yuji and gasped.

“Is this him?” the lord said, hopping off the porch and running over. 

He grabbed Yuji’s hands, eyes sparkling with delight. Uno yelped.

“My lord, don’t touch him! He’s tainted!” Uno yelled.

Gojo chuckled as Yuji stared at the other boy with wide eyes.

“Um yes? I’m Itadori Yuji. Nice to meet you?” Yuji said nervously.

“Oh! This is so exciting! I haven’t seen someone new in so long.” the lord said with delight.

“My lord!” Uno whined loudly.

“Oh stop, Uno! He hasn’t done anything to me yet!” the lord replied with a pout before turning back to Yuji with a smile.

“We’ve been waiting all morning for you to come. Please come inside. My name is Lord Fujin.” the man said.

“It’s nice to meet you!” Yuji replied.

Fujin let him go and waved to his two followers.

“Please go be sure the food is ready to be served.” Fujin stated.

Uno was making that lemon face again, but Nico nodded and quickly dragged him along. Uno glared back at them as they walked away. Gojo flipped him off for fun. Fujin shook his head at his followers and turned to Gojo.

“It’s nice to see you again.” Fujin said pleasantly.

“Yeah, yeah, where’s the food? I’m starving.” Gojo said, waving him off.

“Sensei.” Yuji huffed, annoyed by his rudeness.

Fujin just laughed and waved them along.

“It is quite alright, Yuji-san. Gojo and I have known each other a very long time.” Fujin said between chuckles.

“Really?” Yuji asked curiously.

“You can say that. I met him a few years ago and he likes to bug me when I stop by. Which is why I don’t stop by.” Gojo stated.

They entered the house and Yuji was struck by the feeling something felt… off. The taste in his mouth was back ten fold.

“Sensei? I don’t feel good.” Yuji said, grabbing his sleeve.

Fujin blinked and then slapped his forehead.

“Ah! I am so sorry. I never thought about it! Please forgive me.” Fujin said.

“What’s wrong?” Yuji asked.

Fujin walked over to the wall and peeled back some of the wallpaper, revealing what looked to be seals.

“The house is covered in them. To keep curse objects under control and keep the house from their view.” Fujin stated.

“Fujin’s family takes care of any cursed objects that can’t be exorcised. Their ability to keep the cursed objects from activating is legendary and therefore, this place is the safest place to put them. You can say they are the largest collectors of cursed objects in the world.” Gojo stated.

“Oh! Is that why you brought me here?” Yuji asked.

“Yes, we want to see if we can at least keep Sukuna from surfacing as often as he does.” Gojo agreed.

“Not likely.” Sukuna scuffed loudly.

Yuji winced at his volume and Fujin stared at him.

“Is everything ok?” Fujin asked.

“Yeah, sorry, he’s just talking really loud.” Yuji admitted.

“Ah, he talks to you?” Fujin asked, amazed.

“A little.” Yuji stated.

“I see. So you two are in communication. Fascinating.” Fujin muttered.

Yuji was starting to feel like a sideshow freak with how the man was staring at him. At first, he thought Lord Fujin was nice, but there was something about his eyes… a look that made Yuji feel a bit unnerved.

“He eyes you like he wishes to devour you himself. He should know his place.” Sukuna stated hotly.

Yuji flushed a bit. Devour? That was a weird way to say that Fujin was interested in him. Sukuna snickered something that sounded a lot like “ so innocent” that Yuji didn’t quite catch.

“S-So your family collects cursed objects?” Yuji coughed.

“Something like that, yes. We keep them contained here for research purposes and the like. The house is directly connected to my bloodline, so as long as I am here and alive, they will be contained.” Fujin said as they started walking again.

The way he said it seemed strained and Yuji frowned. He seemed a bit lonely.

“And just in case anything happened to Fujin, the seals then pick up the slack. But they aren’t that strong, so Fujin has to stay here all the time.” Gojo explained.

“Oh, that sounds lonely.” Yuji stated.

“Yes, it is.” Fujin replied simply.

Yuji nodded along, but kept close to his sensei. He was still feeling very nervous and nauseous. He hoped that would pass soon.

“Here we are. You both must be starving.” Fujin said, opening a door to a small buffet.

Yuji was absolutely drooling when he saw the mountain of food. Gojo whistled.

“Breaking out all the stops, huh?” Gojo asked as they walked over and sat down.

“Of course. Like I said, it has been a very long time and I wish to be a good host.” Fujin replied.

Nico and Uno were standing on the other side and Fujin sat between them. Uno still had that look on his face, but Nico waved at Yuji, who waved back pleasantly. Fujin clapped his hands.

“Please, dig it! Nico is quite the chef.” Fujin said as Nico blushed and rubbed the back of his neck.

Gojo didn’t move, but Yuji jumped right in. He filled his plate and took a bite, only to freeze. Tears welled up in his eyes.

“IT’S SO GOOD!” Yuji yelled as he ravenously dug in.

Gojo chuckled and pat Yuji on the head.

“Slow down. Didn’t you just say you weren’t feeling good?” Gojo teased.

“But-But! It’s so tasty!” Yuji replied, eyes wide.

Gojo reached out and wiped some rice from his face with his thumb. Fujin’s eyebrows as well as Uno’s shot up to their hairline when Gojo licked the rice from his thumb.

“Hm it is tasty.” Gojo stated as Yuji beamed.

“See! Once people know you can cook and that you are a nice guy, you’ll have all kinds of friends!” Yuji said excitedly looking at Nico, who started to cry uncontrollably.

“You are so kind!” Nico wailed as Uno sighed and reached over to pat him on the shoulder. 

Yuji continued to eat, but noticed Fujin didn’t move.

“Are you not eating with us?” Yuji asked, curiously.

“Ah, forgive me. I ate a large breakfast.” Fujin said, smiling.

Yuji frowned and stopped eating in confusion.

“Come on, just one bite. Nico worked so hard on this.” Yuji said, pointing his chopsticks with some meat hanging off it.

“I suppose you are right.” Fujin stated.

Fujin sat up and leaned over, biting the meat right off Yuji’s chopsticks before leaning back and licking his lips. Yuji stared at him, wide eyed as Gojo frowned.

“Ah, you are quite right. It is delicious.” Fujin stated.

“Use your own chopsticks next time.” Gojo cut in before Yuji could say anything.

“My apologies.” Fujin said lightly.

Yuji just continued to eat his food, but suddenly the word ‘devour’ seemed to be circling in his head.

After lunch, Uno and Nico were left to clean up as they moved deeper into the house, including the cursed objects room. Yuji looked around at the room before him in awe. It was full of objects of various sizes. Fujin stood by his side with Gojo behind them. He claimed he had already seen them all, so he would stay outside.

“Wow, there are so many.” Yuji muttered.

“Yes, the largest collection in the world. Come, I’ll show you a few.” Fujin placed a hand on Yuji’s back and Gojo’s eyes narrowed behind his blindfold with how low the hand was.

“Ok!” Yuji said excitedly.

Fujin showed him a few items, each one more dangerous than the last. There were some ordinary items that looked completely harmless like an iron and a water bucket, but Fujin explained each one with care and what had caused them to become cursed. He seemed to take extreme pleasure in talking about what would happen to the victims when the cursed object activated. Yuji was starting to feel a bit unease again.

“And this, well if I can say so myself, is my favorite.” Fujin stopped before what seemed like a chair.

It looked comfy enough, simple too if Yuji was looking at it closely. It just looked like one of those thrones you see in movies and stuff. With a huge back and lots of little details. Vaguely, he reminded him of a chair he saw in one of the horror movies Gojo showed him during training.

“It’s a chair.” Yuji said, confused.

Fujin chuckled and placed his hands on Yuji’s shoulders. Yuji wondered when he had moved behind him.

“Something like that. It’s a piece my Grandfather made actually. Any cursed being placed in the chair is unable to move, unable to speak and unable to… die. He had this idea, this crazy idea, that he could capture a cursed being and keep it preserved forever.” Fujin whispered in Yuji’s ear.

The hair on Yuji’s neck stood on end and Sukuna hissed inside his head.

“Get out of there.” Sukuna demanded angrily and Yuji quickly pulled back and moved towards the door.

“I-I think I’ve seen enough for now.” Yuji said nervously.

“Ah, are you sure? There are still a few objects left to look at.” Fujin said gently.

Yuji bit his lip and felt uncertain. He eyed the chair.

“Ok, but can we at least move away from the chair? It gives me the creeps.” Yuji admitted.

“Of course.” Fujin replied pleasantly.

They continued around the room, but as time went on, Yuji got the vague feeling Fujin was more interested in the gorey aspects of the objects than how they were made. When they had finally circled the whole room, Yuji stepped outside and found it was almost dark out.

“Whoa, how long were we in there?” Yuji asked.

“About two hours.” Gojo said from where he was laying on the floor.

“And that was only some of the collection. If I went into the full thing, we would be here all night.” Fujin stated.

Yuji stretched and heard his back give a really solid crack. He had no idea about the two pairs of eyes staring at his revealed abs. 

“Ugh, I’m so tired. I think I’m ready to hit the hay.” Yuji said rubbing his eyes.

“Really? You are usually much more energetic than this.” Gojo said, getting up.

“Yeah, I don’t know. I just feel really tired.” Yuji yawned.

“It’s probably the house still. Here, I will show you to your rooms.” Fujin stated.

Yuji followed him with Gojo right behind him. Suddenly, he had a thought.

“So, Fujin-san, do you live here by yourself?” Yuji asked.

“Hm, yes. Besides Nico and Uno, of course. My family has long since passed from this world.” Fujin said stiffly.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to open that wound.” Yuji rubbed the back of his neck.

“It’s ok. It happened many years ago. What about yourself, Yuji-san?” Fujin asked.

“Ah, my Grandpa died right before I ate the finger. He’s the only one I had.” Yuji replied.

“My, how sad. To be all alone in this world is truly a curse.” Fujin sighed.

“Oh! I’m not alone! I have Gojo-sensei and Megumi and even Nobara!” Yuji replied brightly, eyes sparkling.

He started talking about his various friends, but Fujin seemed rather closed off.

“My, how nice it is to have friends.” Fujin replied stiffly after some time.

Sensing he had upset their host, Yuji suddenly felt bad.

“Well, we’re friends now too, right? So you don’t have to be alone anymore! Maybe I can stop by while I’m on missions and stuff!” Yuji said, throwing his arm around Fujin’s shoulders.

Fujin stumbled a bit before smiling.

“Yes, I suppose so.” Fujin chuckled.

Gojo’s eyes narrowed.

Yuji threw himself down on the bed and groaned as Fujin left and Gojo slammed the door shut with a flick of his wrist.

“Tired already, huh?” Gojo asked.

Yuji flushed and rolled over.

“To be honest, I’ve felt exhausted since we got here, but I was trying not to be rude.” Yuji muttered.

“I see... Yuji, listen to me.” Gojo stated quietly and urgently as he sat before Yuji, who blinked at him.

“Yeah?” Yuji questioned.

“I don’t want you to be alone with Fujin.” Gojo said seriously.

Yuji blinked at him and sat up a bit.

“What? Why?” Yuji asked.

Gojo huffed and rubbed the back of his neck.

“Fujin’s been a little off since I met him. His family, well, his grandfather made a mistake and they were killed. According to other people I’ve spoken to, he never quite got over it.” Gojo explained.

Yuji frowned.

“Shouldn’t we be sympathetic then? I mean, he lost his whole family because of one mistake.” Yuji asked.

Gojo sighed and pulled his blindfold down a bit.

“Just don’t be alone with him, ok?” Gojo demanded.

Yuji didn’t exactly like how he was making such a demand of him, but he also didn’t think he would enjoy being around Fujin by himself.

“Yes, Sensei.” Yuji pouted.

It was the middle of the night when Yuji woke up. He wasn’t even sure what woke him up until his stomach gave a low groaning sound. He cursed as he scrambled to his feet.

“Bathroom, bathroom.” Yuji muttered as he stepped into the darkened hallway.

He found it easily enough and sighed as he washed his hands. He still felt so tired. He hoped he would be able to get back to sleep after this.

“Stupid house.” Sukuna grumbled and Yuji could only agree with him.

The door suddenly slid open and Yuji looked up to see Fujin standing there. That was odd. What was Fujin doing up at this hour? Maybe he had to pee too? Maybe this was the only bathroom in the house?

“Ah! Sorry. I’m just finishing up.” Yuji said quickly as he put some soap on his hands.

His attention turned back to finishing up, only to be startled when two strong arms wrapped around his waist.

“Wha-?” Yuji’s question was cut off when his whole body froze.

He couldn’t move, couldn’t even speak, all he could do was breath and blink as Fujin placed his head on Yuji’s shoulder and smiled at him in the mirror.

“My cursed energy allows me to paralyze anyone I touch. As long as I am in contact with them, they can’t do anything.” Fujin said sweetly as he pulled Yuji closer.

Vaguely, Yuji felt himself start to panic. He was trapped and even Sukuna was hissing at him to escape as soon as he could. One hand came up and grabbed under his chin, holding his head forward. Forcing him to stare into the mirror and at their entwined bodies.

“You know, my grandfather was a fool. He had these dreams of glory that he just wouldn’t let go of. He thought if he could control cursed beings that he could become more powerful and help the family become more powerful in turn. He was so desperate to become one of the big families that he put all of our lives on the line. So he captured a very powerful cursed being and brought them to our home.” Fujin explained as he started to sway from side to side, forcing Yuji to do the same.

“I was so lonely. So desperate for a friend. I was the only heir to the family, the only child in the entire family and I was so very lonely. The cursed being promised to be my friend and I believed them.” Fujin stated simply.

Yuji froze, eyes wide. He swallowed hard.

“If I had been stronger, I could have stopped it, that’s what I believed. I could have stopped the murder of my family, but I couldn’t and when I woke up, I was alone, but I thought, maybe this would give me freedom. There was no one to stop me from leaving, from living my life elsewhere. I was ready to leave this hellhole. But it wasn’t meant to be.” Fujin frowned and his nails dug into Yuji’s skin.

“Nico and Uno were sent by the side branch to keep an eye on me. To keep me in line. To keep me here. I can’t leave of my own free will. No matter how hard I try, I am trapped here by my bloodline. Even when they are dead.” Fujin hissed.

Yuji wanted to speak, maybe calm him down, but he could do nothing. In the mirror, he saw Sukuna appear for a moment before he faded away.

“Do you know why they actually sent you here? It was to see how affected you would be by the seals here. I guess this explains it, hm?” Fujin turned his head and buried his nose in Yuji’s throat.

Yuji squeezed his eyes shut as Fujin pulled him even closer. He pushed down his rising panic and tried to keep his thoughts focused, even when he felt the other’s lips against his skin.

“I bet if I told them you were dangerous and needed to be contained, they would believe me. They would agree to leave you here with me. I wouldn’t be alone anymore and I can make it so you can never leave me.” Fujin muttered.

“Move, move, move, just one finger, a toe, something, anything. JUST MOVE!” Yuji thought in his head.

He felt a finger twitch and his eyes opened with determination.

“Tell me, Yuji-san… can I keep you?” Fujin whispered in his ear.

“N-No.” Yuji hissed.

Fujin’s eyes widened when Yuji’s arm jerked and he stumbled back when it hit him. The second Yuji was released, he turned and smashed his fist into the other’s face, sending him to the floor before darting for the door.

“Sensei! SENSEI!” Yuji yelled.

He had no idea what would happen now. He had hit another sorcerer! Someone who worked for the school! Would he be executed for defending himself? Would anyone believe him if he said it was self-defense? Fuck, this was insane! He threw open the door, but Gojo was completely unconscious. Yuji knelt beside him and shook him hard.

“Sensei! Sensei, wake up!” Yuji urged.

“He won’t wake up.” a voice said.

Yuji’s head snapped up and he turned to see Uno and Nico standing in the doorway. Uno was staring at him with dark eyes while Nico refused to look his way.

“What did you do to him!” Yuji demanded.

“My cursed energy allows me to put anyone I want to sleep as long as I put my sweat to their skin.” Uno stated coldly.

Yuji’s eyes widened and he cursed.

“It was in the food!” Yuji demanded.

“Correct. We put the plates closest to him with my sweat in it, everything else was closest to you. Now, do not act irrationally.” Uno demanded.

“That’s enough, Uno.” Fujin’s voice said.

Nico gasped and Uno’s eyes widened when Fujin came in with a bruised cheek and split lip.

“My Lord!” Nico squeaked.

“Did he hurt you!” Uno demanded.

Fujin just chuckled as he walked into the room and Yuji felt tense.

“He’s just a little nervous right now, that’s all.” Fujin said smirking and Yuji growled.

“What do you want with me!” Yuji demanded angrily.

“What do I want? I already told you, Yuji-san. I want to keep you.” Fujin stated calmly.

Fujin knelt down and smiled sweetly.

“Uno and Nico are completely under my control. They will follow my orders to a ‘T’, so if I say… order them to snap Gojo-san’s neck…?” Fujin trailed off as Yuji’s eyes widened in horror.

“You can’t.” Yuji whispered, moving to cover Gojo’s body as if to protect him.

“But I can and I will. Unless you agree to stay here.” Fujin explained.

Yuji swallowed hard and looked at Gojo. His sensei, the only person who seemed to care about him, who tried to help him. Yuji swallowed hard and looked at Fujin.

Gojo yawned the next morning and stretched. Man, he had slept really, really well, which was odd, but not unwelcome. Gojo turned to see where Yuji was, but his bed was empty. Smacking his lips, he got up and moved towards the door. He was a little confused when he couldn’t seem to find Yuji anywhere, but finally found him sitting with Fujin in the dining room. Gojo was slightly annoyed by this. Hadn’t he told the kid to stay away from Fujin? Either way, he slapped a fake smile on his face.

“Mornin’!” Gojo said cheerfully.

Yuji didn’t look at him, instead his stare was on his clenched hands. Fujin looked up at him and smiled.

“Good morning. I hope you slept well.” Fujin stated sweetly.

“You look like shit.” Gojo commented on the bruise.

“Ah, yes. Unfortunately, I hit myself in the cheek this morning. Rather embarrassing.” Fujin replied.

Gojo sat next to Yuji and noticed he was very tense. Gojo tried to lean against him, but his student moved away from him. That was… odd. Gojo was starting to feel uneasy. Fujin eyed the two of them.

“Yuji-san and I were just discussing a few things. Yuji-san, would you like to tell him?” Fujin pushed and he saw Yuji bristle, but didn’t look at him.

“I think I’m going to stay with Fujin-san for a little while.” Yuji said slowly.

Gojo didn’t like that idea at all.

“Oh? And why’s that?” Gojo demanded.

“To help us study Sukuna. To get a better idea of what could take him down if he does manage to escape or take Yuji-san over.” Fujin replied instead.

Gojo didn’t like it. Didn’t like that Yuji seemed nervous and edgy, but wouldn’t look at him and that Fujin looked almost like the cat who got the canary. Gojo’s eyes narrowed.

“And you think the school will agree to this?” Gojo asked as Nico placed a plate of breakfast before him.

He didn’t have the stomach for food, so he pushed it away.

“They already have actually. I spoke to them this morning. I am sure they will tell you the same. Actually, they did mention that they wanted you to return immediately. Something about a meeting you were expected at?” Fujin stated.

Gojo tilted his head back and turned to Yuji.

“And you are fine with being here?” Gojo asked.

Yuji seemed to let out a small sigh and he turned to smile at Gojo.

“Of course, Sensei! Fujin-san had a really good idea to test my limits and isn’t that what everyone wants?” Yuji said softly.

The smile was faker than Fujin’s pleasant personality. Gojo knew Fujin and knew he was a manipulative asshole. He turned to Fujin and rested his elbow on the table.

“I’m calling bullshit. Yuji has friends he wants to see and people he wants to save. Being here helps neither of those things. So why don’t you tell me the real reason Yuji is staying?” Gojo demanded.

Fujin paused and eyed him coldly.

“Are you calling your darling student a liar? That’s rather rude.” Fujin said.

“No, I’m calling you a liar. I know Yuji and he wouldn’t agree to this. Not without being forced. So what did you do?” Gojo demanded.

The air was tense and Gojo was ready to brawl if it came down to it. He was not leaving his student here.

“Sensei, stop!” Yuji snapped.

Gojo blinked, startled.

“I agreed to stay here with Fujin-san and that’s my choice! Leave it alone!” Yuji got up and stomped off, slamming the door shut behind him.

Gojo stared at the door, feeling rather confused before he turned to Fujin, who just smiled.

“Nico will show you the way back to the bus stop when you are done.” Fujin stated.

Gojo eyed him, but said nothing. Sure enough, when he was done breakfast, he left. He saw Yuji watching him from one of the windows, only to watch as Fujin placed a hand on his shoulder and pulled him away. Gojo’s eyes narrowed.

Yuji swallowed as he watched as Gojo and Nico disappeared, leaving him alone with Fujin.

“You did wonderful, Yuji-san.” Fujin cooed when he placed a hand on his shoulder and pulled him away from the window.

“What happens now?” Yuji asked.

Fujin chuckled and pulled Yuji down the hall.

“I would love to test something with you, Yuji-san.” Fujin said.

Yuji swallowed and nodded, allowing him to lead. They came to the cursed object room and Yuji knew immediately what was going to happen. He was led by the shoulder to the chair and tried to hold back a flinch.

“Sit.” Fujin said pleasantly.

Yuji stood there, even when Fujin’s grip on his shoulder tightened.

“Yuji-san. I won’t ask again.” Fujin stated.

Yuji swallowed and turned around. Fujin smiled and shoved him back. The second Yuji landed in the chair, it was like his body was encased in ice. His eyes, the only thing he could move, darted up to look at Fujin, who’s smile was almost manic.

“There now. I hope you are comfortable.” Fujin said sweetly.

Yuji wanted to tell him to fuck off, but he couldn’t even do that. Fujin moved closer and cupped his cheek with his hand.

“You are quite pretty, Yuji-san.” Fujin muttered and Yuji felt a pit in his stomach.

Gojo slid the door open and looked around. Nico hadn’t been hard to take down and the poor, gentle giant had told him everything due to his guilt about what he had been ordered to do. The fact that he had been taken down by such a cheap trick ticked him off.

“When I get my hands on him.” Gojo muttered angrily.

Uno met him in the hallway and while the man might have been strong, he was nothing compared to Gojo and ended up a crumpled pile on the floor soon enough. Gojo didn’t bother holding back, his anger about being tricked overwhelming. He stomped down the hall and he threw open the door to the cursed room and saw red.

“Oh, I was hoping you had left already. How… annoying.” Fujin said calmly.

As if he didn’t have his cock stuffed down Yuji’s throat, choking his poor student. Gojo snapped the door shut behind him and stared Fujin down.

“I am going to give you about hmmm one second to get your fucking hands off my student before I rip you off and you might just lose your dick in the process.” Gojo stated.

Fujin looked at him before pulling back. Yuji coughed violently, eyes wet and face flushed.

“S-S-Sensei.” Yuji choked out.

Fujin frowned immediately and Gojo grinned.

“Looks like your little chair isn’t enough to contain him either. Which means by the time I’m done wiping the floor with you, I’m sure he’ll have broken out himself.” Gojo stated.

“Impossible.” Fujin snapped.

They heard a creak and saw Yuji’s hand twitch. Gojo started to chuckle.

“Impossible means nothing where Yuji is concerned. Now, Nico told me everything about what you did. Including what you did to me. So, needless to say, but it’s time for me to beat your ass.” Gojo said.

Fujin’s eyes grew wide and he darted out of the way as Gojo appeared beside him.

“You know, I know for a fact you aren’t a fighter. So, this will be like taking candy from a very dumb baby. I’ll give you a head start.” Gojo said.

Fujin took off for the door and raced into the hall. Gojo watched him go before he turned to Yuji. He knelt down and cupped Yuji’s cheek.

“Hey there. Are you ok?” he whispered.

Yuji let out a little sniffle.

“Hurts.” Yuji croaked out.

Gojo just ran his hands through Yuji’s hair and smiled.

“You just focus on breaking out of this chair, ok? I got Fujin.” Gojo said gently.

“Make him suffer.” Sukuna’s mouth appeared on Yuji’s hand before it disappeared.

“Never thought I would agree with Sukuna, but don’t worry. I will.” Gojo said as he got up.

He rubbed his thumb against Yuji’s cheek one more time before he turned and walked after the fleeing man. Finding him wasn’t hard, not for someone like Gojo and to see the man struggling to escape him was almost amusing. And then his mind reminded him of Yuji’s terrified, tear stained face and his humor died immediately.

Yuji watched Gojo leave and shuddered. The taste of Fujin was in the back of his throat and he had to resist the urge to wail. Instead, he focused on his body and tried to get out of the chair. Moving any part of his body was painful. It felt like his skin was being ripped off over and over again with every slight movement, but he focused on just standing up. Gripping the arm rests, he grit his teeth and surged forward. He fell to the floor and curled up in a ball, breathing deeply, trembling with pain before he got to his feet and started towards the door.

He leaned against the wall all the way to the other side of the house, where he found Gojo with his hand in Fujin’s hair, holding him up. Fujin was bloodied and panting heavily, but Gojo was barely dirty.

“Sensei?” he called and Gojo turned to him with a smile.

“T-That’s not possible!” Fujin cried before Gojo shook him.

“Like I said, nothing is impossible with my student. Now, what do I do with you? You really upset him, so I think he has a right to say how you get punished.” Gojo said coldly.

Yuji walked over and stared at Fujin before he placed a hand on Gojo’s arm.

“Let him go. Please?” Yuji asked.

Gojo dropped him and Fujin fell to the ground. Yuji knelt down and stared at him.

“Being lonely is painful, I get that, but we could have been friends. I would have come to see you. I wanted to be your friend.” Yuji said.

Fujin looked at him through his hair, but said nothing. Yuji bit his lip before standing up.

“Can we go?” he asked Gojo, who nodded.

Yuji grabbed his sleeve and they were gone.

Yuji laid in his own bed and curled up tight. He stared blankly at the wall, even when he heard the door slid open. A weight joined him on his bed and he stiffened in fright before he let out a sigh as an arm wrapped around his waist.

“You ok?” Gojo whispered into his hair.

Yuji rolled over and curled against his chest.

“I will be. Eventually.” Yuji muttered in reply.

Gojo just held him closer.