Archive of Our Own ^beta

If Yuuji was asked, he’d say the season he’d play Survivor was one of the best. Yeah, he’s biased. But why wouldn’t he when so many good things came out of it?

Survivor: Sorcerers vs. Curses was one of the most anticipated seasons of Survivor. From the start, both teams had been head to head with Reward and Immunity Challenges, there was no winning streak or losing streak. If the Sorcerers won the Reward Challenge, the Curses were sure to take the Immunity Challenge and if the Curses won the next Reward challenge, the Sorcerers would surely take back the Immunity Challenge. It was a very even game.

As a Survivor fan since he was a child, Yuuji would definitely love this, especially the third immunity challenge where it was basically a game of wrestling and the person who pushes the other person in the water would win a point for the team. They were tied 2-2 for a best-of-3 game and Yuuji was defending his tribe against Mahito from the Curses tribe. It was a pretty even game, and the two were locked together, not letting go or allow the other a chance to push them off the platform. Until Yuuji felt Mahito feel him up. It wasn't the first time it happened and Yuuji just brushed it off before. Now though, it was obvious, especially with the way he was smirking at Yuuji.

Unfortunately for Yuuji, Jeff Probst wouldn’t be able to see it from where he was standing. Mahito made a move to feel Yuuji’s dick up. In his panic, Yuuji tried to push Mahito off, only to push himself off the platform and into the water, consequently sent his tribe to Tribal Council.

Dick.

Yuuji didn’t want to send anyone home. His tribemates Megumi, Nobara, and Junpei had told him he was too soft for his own good. But he had to write someone’s name down.

Come what was supposed to be the third immunity challenge when Jeff told them they were going to switch tribes. Very early in the game and things were already getting spicy. After getting new buffs, Yuuji was, not surprisingly, in a third tribe with Kamo, Gakuganji, Sukuna, and drum roll please, Mahito. They not only had to build a new shelter, he was stuck with the creep.

In their new home, they immediately set to work for whatever meager shelter they could do. Gakuganji immediately took the reins, ordering them around, what to use, which one to cut, how to cut it, and where it should go. Pretty bossy for an old man (and he was old, probably the oldest to play Survivor which was a convenient excuse not to help out and just bark orders). Kamo wasn’t complaining (or maybe he couldn’t) so Yuuji, not wanting to be the reason for an early rift within the tribe, shut his mouth as well. Sukuna, surprisingly, did the same. During the games, he would always hear Sukuna barking orders and cussing (a lot). Mahito, on the other hand, said he would go get them some fish.

“Useless prick,” Sukuna said under his breath as he continued building the shelter. As the sun started setting, Sukuna was right, because Mahito came back without any fish with him.

At least they were able to build their shelter. It was small but it would fit all five of them if they lay shoulder to shoulder. He just had to stay away from Mahito, preferably both of them sleeping at each side. Which did not happen because Gakuganji and Kamo took over one corner while Mahito had already propped himself over the remaining space.

Yuuji’s saving grace now would be to hope that Sukuna sleeps in between them. Only for it to be promptly crushed when Sukuna declared he’s taking the other end. Yuuji was in for a sleepless night.

As he got to the shelter, Yuuji got in the middle of the space. As he did so, Mahito, who was lounging on the remaining space, moved away from Yuuji to the end of the shelter then gave Yuuji a suggestive grin as if saying ‘You’re not getting away from me. Soon the space between us will be no more and we will be skin to skin.’ Yuuji was barely able to conceal his shudder as he laid on his side, facing Kamo’s back and his back towards Mahito.

Yuuji didn’t even have to wait five minutes before he felt someone’s body heat behind him. Yuuji kept his eyes closed and tried to even out his breathing. If someone tries to touch him, he will just have to break their hand. He had to make sure to keep his guard up.

He let his guard down and could already feel himself drifting to dreamland when he felt the subtle caress of fingertips starting from his waist going down his midthigh. Yuuji’s eyes went wide, his whole body tensed as he tried to keep his legs firmly closed. Mahito may be stronger than him but Yuuji wasn’t going to let him win without a fight. When he felt the hand slowly inching to the inside of his thigh, Yuuji was ready to grab the hand before someone else did.

“What the fuck, Mahito!” Sukuna growled, very close to Yuuji’s ear. “Don’t fucking put your arms around me! Leech off warmth from the fire if you’re cold.”

Yuuji’s eyes widened even more. Sukuna was beside him. He may not have known Mahito was aiming at Yuuji but the fact that he helped had Yuuji breathing a sigh of relief.

“Geez, Sukuna, no need to be so bossy,” Mahito grumbled.

“Keep your limbs to yourself if you don’t want me to fucking break them!” Sukuna threatened.

Mahito grumbled something under his breath but Yuuji couldn’t make it out. That was fine. As long as he was okay for tonight. Tomorrow night, he would make sure he sleeps far away from Mahito.

Only that did not happen because somehow, Sukuna would always be beside Yuuji. Yuuji would sometimes place himself at one end of their shelter and Yuuji would almost always wake up caged against Sukuna. The awkward part was when he would wake up in the middle of the night or just before dawn and feel Sukuna’s boner against him. The first time it happened, Yuuji was thankful it was too dark coz he was sure he was red. But Sukuna’s breathing was even so he was sure the other was still asleep. And he gets boners, too, so this was normal. He wasn’t a prude but his experience in that area was very few and his very few experiences did not measure up to Sukuna’s...thing. One time he tried to wiggle to give more space between them and to move away from the thing against the back of his thigh, he unconsciously rubbed against Sukuna, making the other groan right on his neck. Yuuji felt so hot when it should’ve been a cold damp night.

Yuuji carefully remained frozen when that happened. Aside from this…er…awkward predicament, Yuuji was fine. He’d sometimes find Sukuna’s arm around him but he dismissed it as movement while asleep. They had very limited space after all. And he wasn’t complaining when Sukuna was providing him additional warmth.

They kept winning the Immunity, too. With three teams competing, they had two chances to win Immunity. Mahito, for all that is bad about him, was very good at challenges. Sukuna was a powerhouse himself. Kamo was good, too, and he was better at Yuuji when it comes to puzzles. Gakuganji, even in his old age, was still kicking and fighting. Between the five of them, they had a good winning streak.

They lost two Reward Challenges, which was good because they didn’t go to Tribal but it was made clear to Yuuji where his standing was in the tribe. He had thought he had the numbers with three of them from the former Sorcerers tribe with Kamo and Gakuganji. But on their first defeat on the Reward challenge, as he took care of things around camp, heating water, getting wood to keep the fire burning, and getting coconuts, he saw Kamo and Gakuganji talking with Mahito. The former two always kept to themselves, kept their alliance with each other tight. If both of them were talking with Mahito, it could be the latter forming an alliance with the other two, or the other two getting Mahito in their group to gain the numbers. It didn’t help that Mahito started running around in hopes to find an Idol.

Yuuji tried not to think about it but this was Survivor and this was how the game is played. If he was at home and watching, he would call himself stupid for being too complacent. He knows, though, that he should make a move or the rug will be pulled under him. He won’t go to Mahito, he doesn’t think he would ever be able to be in an alliance with him, so his only option was Sukuna so Yuuji immediately went to talk to him when he got back from fishing.

“No,” was Sukuna’s prompt response.

“You need the numbers,” Yuuji reasoned.

Both of them were around the fireplace while the other three were somewhere else, probably still looking for an Idol.

“I work alone,” Sukuna said as he put two small fishes on sticks and stabbed them on the sand to cook beside the fire. It was hard to get proper fish on their beach. Yuuji had better chances in the Sorcerers tribe beach.

“That’s not how the game works,” Yuuji continued.

“There are no rules to this game,” Sukuna said, the fire from the pit making his red eyes glow. “I play it however I want to play it.”

No matter what Yuuji said, Sukuna didn’t want to work with anyone. The sun was starting to set and the fish were already cooked but he didn’t make any progress with Sukuna.

That’s a bust.

Then Sukuna threw him a stick of fish (which almost burned his palms) and told him to, “Finish that before the rest come back.” then left to get more water, his own fish-on-a-stick in hand.

Yuuji has no alliance in this tribe but at least he was one night fuller than the last.

In the second Reward Challenge they lost, they were unable to complete the challenge because old man Gakuganji slowed them down. He said it was because he was hungry but all of them were.

“We’re all hungry, old man,” Sukuna said, clearly pissed.

The reward was steak and Yuuji had seen how the excitement in Sukuna’s eyes lit up at seeing the thick slab of meat. The challenge had them going through a series of obstacles in the water before diving at least 3 meters down to retrieve five keys that would help them open a chest where the puzzle pieces were stored. Each member would have to go through the obstacle and retrieve a key. The next one cannot go unless the first one completes it.

Mahito and Kamo went first, easily putting them in the lead. Anticipating that they would be slowed down, Gakuganji went third, Yuuji at fourth and Sukuna last to make time. But Gakuganji was not able to dive down to retrieve the key for a long time. When he was able to, it slipped his hold and fell at least 4.5 meters down on the bottom of the sea.

Sukuna and Yuuji weren’t even able to touch the water or start the obstacle. The other tribes won in what Jeff called, “A massive wipeout!”

Sukuna was pissed and he was surely making it known.

“Be thankful this is not tribal, old man, or it would be your name in that parchment,” Sukuna threatened. “And it will still be your name on the next Tribal.”

Gakuganji looked down but remained silent. Yuuji couldn't really read him since he kept his face blank. Yuuji would, too, if his tribemates blamed him for their loss. Yuuji also pitied him. To help in their next challenges, Yuuji offered half of his cup of rice to Gakuganji. If he was his grandpa (who was the reason he got hooked to the game in the first place) he would gladly give all his share. There were coconuts he could eat and he could fish.

“You’re stupid,” Sukuna told him when both of them went to get more water. “We only get a cup of rice a day, even less once we run low, and you give half of it away? You’re stupid.”

“I can’t let an old man starve,” Yuuji said. Somehow, Yuuji knows his grandpa would say the same thing as Sukuna and would call him an idiot if he were to watch this.

“This is a game, not charity. Those three are already gunning for you the moment we go to Tribal.”

“Maybe they’d change their mind because of what I did.”

“Naïve,” Sukuna said, shaking his head mockingly. Yuuji liked Sukuna better when he was asleep, boner notwithstanding.

“Then we’ll just have to keep winning.”

“Nobody keeps on winning. We already lost two Reward Challenges. You only think we won because we didn’t go to Tribal. If we won the reward challenge a while ago, we’d have something to eat and you wouldn’t need to offer your portion of rice to someone who would be very willing to push you under the bus to save their own ass.”

Yuuji was getting annoyed now. He has his own sets of beliefs and principles and he will use them even if this was a game. That was who he was, that was his core. If he was inherently a good person, he would play the game like the good person he was. And maybe, that goodness will be rewarded.

“Well, I’m sorry if I’m too nice,” Yuuji told Sukuna, not even masking his growing irritation, “but I’ve always believed people have the ability to reciprocate gratitude shown towards them.”

“If that is your belief, fine,” Sukuna shrugged. “But you need to separate the game from real life. Remember that there are people out there who think that the game is different from life outside the game. Whatever principles you have outside may not apply here. This is a game for a million dollars, they can and will do whatever they want. People kill for less. Lying and cheating so they get the million in the end? Easy.”

Yuuji hates that Sukuna could say it so easily. He hates it even more that Sukuna had a point.

As if the game was siding with Sukuna, they lost the next Immunity Challenge. Yuuji’s head was on the chopping block. He tried to talk to Kamo and Gakuganji, just to get a feel of who they were voting for. Both said Mahito but he had a feeling they were lying to him, especially since Mahito had been smirking at him all afternoon.

Going to Sukuna was a no-brainer after his initial rebuff of forming an alliance but he still tried. And wasted two hours of his time because Sukuna kept saying the same thing, “I work alone.”

Surprisingly, Mahito came to him and told him to write Kamo’s name down. But that smirk told Yuuji there was something happening and this was part of Mahito’s grand plan. He just couldn’t trust the guy.

‘I’m going home tonight,’ he thought as he sat at the shore, legs drawn up, arms resting on his knees and chin on his arm. ‘I didn’t even make it to the merge. Sorry grandpa, it seems this is as far as I can go.’

He was looking at the view one final time and when someone sat beside him, he just glanced at the person and went back to looking forward, intent on committing his final day at camp to his brain.

“You believe in gratitude right?”

Absently, Yuuji nodded. “I do.”

“And you believe in reciprocating that gratitude.”

Another nod. “Yeah.”

“If I tell you who to vote and you end up not going home, you would be in my gratitude.”

Yuuji threw Sukuna a confused look while the other was smirking at him. “How would I be in your gratitude?”

The smirk grew. “Because you won’t be going home.”

“How do I know the gratitude would be towards you? I mean, Kamo and Gakuganji can still vote with me. Why give it to you?”

“Because, brat, the three of them will vote for you. And I will have your gratitude because I know you won’t go home.”

Yuuji gave Sukuna a skeptical look. “How do I know to trust you? I thought you work alone.”

“You don’t and I still do,” Sukuna answered. “But I also know you won’t go home yet. So write the old man’s name down. And know that I will get my gratitude when I want it.” Then he stood and left.

Yuuji could only look at Sukuna’s retreating figure as he left. He was still skeptical, especially since this came out of nowhere. But at this point, he’s got nothing to lose.

Yuuji only had time to ponder Sukuna’s words on their way to Tribal Council. But even during the small talk before voting, it was clear that the decision had been made. As Sukuna came back from the voting booth, he gave Yuuji a smirk. He did say there was nothing for him to lose at this point so he went with Sukuna’s plan and wrote Gakuganji’s name down.

Yuuji’s heart was thudding so loud in his chest as Jeff stood in front of them with the voting urn.

“If anybody has a Hidden Immunity Idol and you wanna play it, now would be the time to do so,” Jeff said as he looked at them. Yuuji chanced to look around, saw Mahito smiling smugly. Gakuganji and Kamo’s face was as serious as ever but Kamo’s eyes flitted towards him for a second, his lips upturning slightly.

What was that supposed to mean?

“Jeff.”

Yuuji would have a whiplash with how quickly he turned towards Sukuna just to see him digging something from one of the pockets of his dark blue cargo shorts and handing it to Jeff.

“That’s for the brat.”

Yuuji’s eyes widened as Sukuna went back to his stool, smirking at Yuuji. When had he gotten the Idol in the first place? Yuuji had no idea he even had one!

“This is a Hidden Immunity Idol,” Jeff said, presenting an idol that looked grotesquely like a finger that had twine around it so it could be worn as a necklace. “Any votes cast against Yuuji will not count. Once the votes are read, the decision is final. The person voted out will be asked to leave the tribal council area immediately. I’ll read the votes.” He opened the urn and one by one, read the votes out. “First vote, Yuuji. Does not count. Second vote, Yuuji. Does not count. Third vote, Yuuji. Does not count. Fourth vote, Gakuganji. One vote Gakuganji.”

Sukuna chuckled from where he sat beside Yuuji. Yuuji glanced on his other side and he saw that Mahito’s smile had been wiped off and Kamo and Gakuganji were shocked.

“Eighth person voted out of Survivor: Sorcerers vs. Curses, Gakuganji.”

Yuuji’s jaw dropped, looking at the big bold ‘Fucking Old Man’ written on the final parchment Jeff showed them. It was obvious who wrote that.

“That’s two, that’s enough. You need to bring me your torch.”

Gakuganji stood, took his torch and placed it in front of Jeff.

“Gakuganji, the tribe has spoken.” And Jeff promptly snuffed his torch.

Before leaving, Gakuganji nodded towards Kamo and gave one last glare towards Yuuji. Sukuna moved close to Yuuji and whispered, “His underling is gonna come for you.”

Yeah, he was sure of that. Even now, he could already feel the anger radiating from Kamo. But it’s not like Yuuji had to explain to him. He went to them in the first place and they lied to his face so he doesn't owe them anything.

If they lose the next Immunity Challenge, if Sukuna votes with him, they could go on a tie. Going on a tie could mean fire-making. He was fine with that.

Fortunately, there was no need for that because they were finally merged. Yuuji celebrated by giving his previous allies, Megumi, Nobara, and Junpei, the biggest bear hug. That must’ve been the noisiest Yuuji had been during the merge feast. He was just so happy being with his alliance again.

Like Yuuji, it seemed Junpei was on the outs, too. If they had another group Immunity and their tribe lost, Junpei was sure he was going home. He was the last Sorcerer standing in his tribe against Kenjaku, Dagon, and Hanami. The three had previously voted Gojo out after Kenjaku blindsided Gojo and Junpei. Junpei speculated that the three decided to throw the Immunity on purpose so they could vote Gojo out.

Megumi and Nobara were at the top of their tribe, voting out two from the Curse tribe and one who had to be pulled out last night just after their tribal council because her lover had met with an accident and he needed to get home. It was such a shame, Yuuji thought he and Rika would get along. Hopefully her lover was alright.

The playing field had changed now that there were just ten of them left. It would be an even count of Sorcerers with Yuuji, Nobara, Megumi, Junpei, and Kamo vs. Curses with Sukuna, Mahito, Kenjaku, Dagon, and Hanami.

Merged Survivors: Dagon, Hanami, Junpei, Kamo, Kenjaku, Mahito, Megumi, Nobara, Sukuna, Yuuji

Unfortunately, Kamo hated Yuuji for what he did to Gakuganji and Mahito took advantage of this and pulled him in the Curses alliance. Yuuji knows he can’t rely on Sukuna so when Sukuna won the first Individual Immunity Challenge, Yuuji had to scramble with him.

“Aren’t you pulling too many favors from me?” Sukuna said, smirking as he rested his chin over his arms. “I’m a selfish person. You might just find yourself biting more than you can chew.”

Yuuji found him sunbathing naked away from camp. At least he was lying on his stomach. He was sure Sukuna lost a few muscles with how little they were eating but that did not make him less mouth-watering. Wait, what? Focus, Yuuji!

“We just need to even the numbers,” Yuuji said, making sure his gaze does not veer away from Sukuna’s face (or ogle Sukuna’s body) and willing himself not to blush or do anything to embarrass himself. “If it’s a tie, we will either draw rocks or go to a fire-making challenge.”

“Fine,” Sukuna drawled. “But I will be greedy when I come to get what you owe me.”

They did go to a fire-making challenge that night, with Megumi and Hanami going to fire-making. He wasn’t sure why they went after Megumi and thought they would go after him. But Megumi was part of Yuuji’s alliance and Yuuji feels protective of them. And he celebrated when Megumi won and sent Hanami to the jury.

First Jury Member: Hanami

Remaining Survivors: Dagon, Junpei, Kamo, Kenjaku, Mahito, Megumi, Nobara, Sukuna, Yuuji

Current Jury Member: Hanami

Just like their tribe challenges at the start of the game, sending off people to the jury was evenly matched between Curses and Sorcerers. Junpei went next after Hanami, followed by Nobara.

Second Jury Member: Junpei

Third Jury Member: Nobara

Remaining Survivors: Dagon, Kamo, Kenjaku, Mahito, Megumi, Sukuna, Yuuji

Current Jury Members: Hanami, Junpei, Nobara

There were seven people left and Megumi and Yuuji were on the outs. Even if Sukuna votes with them, the other alliance still has the numbers. Yuuji or Megumi will have to win the immunity.

So it was a relief that Megumi won the immunity but they had to find a way to ensure Yuuji’s name was not written. Megumi used whatever trust Kamo had with him and told him that the Curses would be writing his name next. Even made a show of talking to Dagon when he knew Kamo was looking to throw him off.

Mahito reassured Kamo that wasn’t the case and he would not go home. Still, Kamo had to make sure Sukuna wouldn’t save the day like he did before. So he and Mahito sneakily looked into Sukuna’s things to check if he had another idol.

Only, they weren’t sneaky enough coz Sukuna caught them, angering him. He pointed an accusing finger at Kamo and said to “Wait for your name. Your alliance and I will be writing it down.”

Megumi added to Kamo’s doubts by saying he could save himself if he voted with him and Yuuji while Yuuji made sure Sukuna would vote with them.

“Another favor?” Sukuna asked. Yuuji went to him as soon as he came back from his swim. At least he wasn’t naked anymore but Yuuji had to consciously stop himself from ogling the other. “With how much you owe me now, you’re gonne be my property soon enough.”

Yuuji rolled his eyes at whatever Sukuna was trying to mean. “I’m gonna pay you back when you need it. I promise.”

“And it’s in your principle not to go back on your words, correct?” Sukuna smirked. Yuuji felt something dangerous behind that.

But he still said, “Yes.”

The smirk widened. “Deal.”

Yuuji told Megumi about it as soon as he left Sukuna. His ally looked at him skeptically. “Can you really trust him?”

“He hasn’t let me down, so far,” was Yuuji’s reasoning.

“Be careful,” Megumi advised. “He’s not in any alliance and he should be the easy vote out but he’s still here. I can’t help but think he has something up his sleeve.”

Yuuji thought that, too. He just didn’t know what.

But with Sukuna’s vote cemented to play with theirs, Kamo felt the pressure. That ultimately led to him blindsiding his alliance and sending Kenjaku to the jury.

Fourth Jury Member: Kenjaku

Remaining Survivors: Dagon, Kamo, Mahito, Megumi, Sukuna, Yuuji

Current Jury Members: Hanami, Junpei, Kenjaku, Nobara

The next Immunity challenge went to Mahito. With the blindside still fresh in his mind, he and Dagon voted for Kamo. Sukuna, staying true to his promise to write Kamo’s name down, sent Kamo to the jury.

Fifth Jury Member: Kamo

Remaining Survivors: Dagon, Mahito, Megumi, Sukuna, Yuuji

Current Jury Members: Hanami, Junpei, Kamo, Kenjaku, Nobara

The next day, Yuuji and Megumi were coming back from fishing and saw Sukuna and Mahito talking. Yuuji’s eyes must’ve lingered longer than necessary because Megumi spoke.

“You worried?”

Yuuji turned to Megumi. “Hm?”

“Are you worried,” Megumi repeated. “They’re talking. They could be forming an alliance now.”

“I don’t know, to be honest,” Yuuji admitted.

“He could be breaking your alliance as we speak.”

Yuuji looked at Megumi like he grew two heads. “We don’t have an alliance.”

Megumi raised a brow. “You don’t?”

Yuuji shook his head. “I have favors from him though but we’re not in any alliance.”

“But you two seem awfully close.”

Yuuji laughed. “What made you say that?”

“Aside from the fact that you go to him to seek his help and he gives it? He gives you food.”

“He gives food to everyone.”

Megumi looked at him in disbelief. “When he catches small fishes, he only shares them with you.”

Yuuji’s eyes widened. That did happen. Including the fish before the merge, that happened four times already. He didn’t think much of it since Sukuna caught food for everyone. But did he really share the fishes with Yuuji alone?

“I’m sure he shared his other catch with someone else,” Yuuji excused. He still does not believe Sukuna singled him out.

Megumi’s look of disbelief turned deadpan. “Yeah. He shared the octopus and stingray he caught.”

“See?” Yuuji said, grinning coz it turns out Sukuna did not single him out.

“With everyone.”

Yuuji’s grin fell.

“And you two always sleep together.”

Yuuji felt his face grow hot. “No, we don’t!”

“The two of you just magically sleep side by side every single night?”

Had he and Sukuna really been sleeping beside each other every night? He had always been wary of Mahito ever since the start of the game so sleeping beside anyone except Mahito was fine. Before, in the old Sorcerer’s tribe, the sleeping arrangement was always Junpei-Yuuji-Nobara-Megumi. That only changed during the tribe swap and they had separated. Okay, he and Sukuna slept beside each other every night at the new tribe but during the merge, the old sleeping arrangement was back. He couldn’t remember the night Junpei left. He was too sad to see his friend go that he just lay beside Nobara and they held each other as they slept. When Nobara left a few nights after, it was still the same but this time, he held on to Megumi. He had kept his back to whoever was sleeping on his other side. A few days after that, he had noticed that he had been sleeping beside Sukuna but he didn’t pay it much heed.

“It couldn’t have been every single night,” Yuuji denied. “Right?”

“Wrong,” Megumi promptly negated. “He’s been sleeping beside you since Junpei left. Did you really not notice?”

Yuuji’s hands flew to his face as it heated up at the confirmation. That can’t be true. He would notice.

“Do you like him?”

“No!” Yuuji answered. A little too quickly.

“You know what, that’s your issue,” Megumi said, backing off, much to Yuuji’s relief. “Just don’t let him play you. And don’t let anyone suspect, although I’m pretty sure the others already do. We’re so close to the end. At this point in the game, anyone will do anything for a million bucks.”

Which was true because at the next Reward Challenge, Mahito won an advantage that was going to be read during the next Tribal Council. Megumi or Yuuji had to win the immunity. Only for their hope to dwindle when the Immunity went to Mahito.

Mahito had made sure to show it to their faces that he won and kept taunting Yuuji and Megumi that one of them was going home.

“He thinks he has the numbers,” Yuuji said, grimacing as he heard Mahito cackle from the beach.

“Doesn’t he?” Megumi asked. “Do you think Sukuna will vote with us? I’ve seen him talk with Mahito more times than he did with you. Have you and him talked strategy at all?”

Yuuji bit his lip. That answer was obvious enough. Whenever he goes to Sukuna, it was to ask a favor or just to hangout. It was never about strategy and Sukuna doesn’t want to talk strategy with him. It’s always the same thing. “I work alone.”

Who is he— Mr. Incredible? Even Mr. Incredible worked with someone and had a family!

“I’ll try to talk to him,” Yuuji said.

But, as expected, he only got the expected response when he went to Sukuna.

“You can’t ‘work alone’. This is a numbers game,” Yuuji reasoned.

“And yet, I’m still here,” Sukuna said, smirking and closing his eyes. He was once again lounging under the sun. At least he was not naked. Yuuji didn’t need the distraction.

“How can you be so complacent? You could be voted out tonight.”

Sukuna opened his eyes and gave him a considering look. “Are you gonna write down my name?”

“No,” Yuuji said. He had never lied in the game. He deflects but he had never outright lied. That just wasn’t who he is.

Sukuna let out an amused huff and closed his eyes again. “Then I’m safe tonight.”

“Just please don’t put Megumi’s name down.”

“Aren’t you asking for too many favors already? You will really become my property when this game ends.”

“I’m just trying to play my cards.”

Sukuna didn’t open his eyes again, nor did he say anything else.

But as it turns out during Tribal, Yuuji’s efforts would be futile. Mahito’s advantage that he won during the Reward Challenge gave him the power to cancel any of the other four’s votes. The jury’s reactions differed. Nobara and Junpei were shocked knowing this would be against Yuuji or Megumi, Hanami and Kenjaku looked on in delight. Kamo remained neutral.

Megumi and Yuuji looked at each other knowing either of them would be the receiving end. Only for Mahito to announce that the person whose vote he was cancelling was Sukuna.

“You sure you wanna do this?” Sukuna challenged, smirking.

“You gotta stop protecting your boyfriend,” Mahito said, eyes flickering towards Yuuji on the last word.

What was Yuuji supposed to say to that?

“That means Sukuna,” Jeff started, getting everyone’s attention, “you can’t vote. Everybody else, it is…time to vote.”

Mahito was grinning from ear to ear as he went to the voting booth. Yuuji looked at Megumi, worried.

“Stick to the plan,” Megumi whispered. “Votes can still be tied and we can still go to fire-making.”

Yuuji nodded.

As soon as Jeff came back with the urn containing the votes. “If anybody has a Hidden Immunity Idol and you wanna play it, now would be the time to do so.”

“Oh I think we do, Jeff!” Mahito declared with glee.

Yuuji's heart dropped when Dagon stood and handed Jeff what looked like an idol. It was similar to the one Sukuna used for him on their last Tribal before the merge.

“I’m playing that for myself,” Dagon said as he went back to his seat.

“This is a Hidden Immunity Idol,” Jeff said, presenting the Idol to the tribe. “Any votes cast against Dagon will not count. I’ll read the votes. First vote, Dagon. Does not count. Second vote, Megumi. One vote Megumi. Third vote, Dagon. Does not count. One vote left.”

Yuuji’s heart thundered in his chest. Jeff reading the votes was like a slow waltz towards the inevitable. There won’t be any tie breaker now. Mahito had the Individual Immunity Idol and Dagon had the Hidden Immunity Idol so they were safe. There were only four votes in the urn. Yuuji and Megumi stuck to their plan and voted for Dagon which was nullified by the Idol. If the last vote was his name, he and Megumi could go to fire-making. Yuuji doesn’t feel like fighting against Megumi in fire-making so he will probably let Megumi win. Yeah. That’s fine. If they go to fire-making, he knows Megumi will win. He’s fine with that.

‘What about Gramps?’ a small voice in his mind said. ‘Aren’t you doing this for him?’

Gramps will understand. He always speaks his mind and scolds Yuuji for being stupid but he ultimately understands Yuuji’s decisions. So it was fine.

Yuuji found Megumi’s hand and held on tight as he watched Jeff take the last vote from the urn and open it.

“Fourteenth person voted out and the sixth member of our jury,” Jeff turned the parchment that had ‘MEGUMI’ written on it, “Megumi. You need to bring me your torch.”

Yuuji’s whole demeanor slumped but Megumi gave his hand one final squeeze and whispered, “Don’t give up.”

And Megumi slipped his hand off of Yuuji’s, stood to take his torch, and placed it in front of Jeff.

“Megumi, the tribe has spoken.” Megumi nodded as Jeff snuffed his torch. Megumi turned back to Yuuji one last time and said, “You got this.”

Sixth Jury Member: Megumi

Remaining Survivors: Dagon, Mahito, Sukuna, Yuuji

Current Jury Members: Hanami, Junpei, Kamo, Kenjaku, Megumi, Nobara

It felt odd for Yuuji to not be facing anyone as he laid in their shelter. Survivor was a game to see who would survive the horrid conditions they were in, almost no food, only the clothes on their back, and very meager shelter. But it was also a game of social interactions. Yuuji always had someone he was comfortable with in the last 35 days. He had never really felt truly alone until then. There was always Nobara then Megumi in the old Sorcerers tribe. There were the two of them again after the merge. When the tribes swapped and he was alone, Sukuna was there. At least this was the game and not the real world…

But this was, wasn’t it? Gramps didn’t have long. No matter how much Yuuji tries to deny it, Gramps was not getting any younger. And when he’s gone, Yuuji will truly be alone. Yeah he was young, still has his friends, but it would never be the same once Gramps is gone.

Was this Life telling him that his final days in Survivor would be a trial period for when Gramps dies? It’s kinda morbid, isn’t it?

Suddenly, he felt an arm go around his middle and Yuuji’s breath hitched. He would recognize that arm anywhere, had felt it around him more times than he could count. It was just resting there, a comfortable weight against his waist, as if telling him he wasn’t alone.

Just for tonight then. He’ll forget the game and the world just for tonight.

Yuuji shifted so he would be facing Sukuna, buried his head under the other’s chin and he let the tears fall.

He was grateful when Sukuna said nothing the next day. It was Day 36, and they still have their final challenge. He didn’t want to be distracted.

As soon as they entered the field, Yuuji saw a long staircase with four different colors for each of the players. At the foot of the stairs were puzzle planks tied together in three sets per color. Just looking at the monstrosity in front of him and Yuuji knew this was going to be a difficult challenge. The challenge looked fairly simple, and Yuuji could already see how it would go.

As soon as all four of them were on the mat, Jeff greeted them with his signature grin, “Alright. You guys ready to get to your last Immunity Challenge?”

“Yes,” all of them chorused.

“First things first. Mahito.”

Mahito went to Jeff who unhooked the necklace.

“I’m gonna get that again,” Mahito said, grinning.

“You want it, win it,” Jeff told Mahito as he placed the Immunity necklace on the holder. “For the last time, Immunity is back up for grabs. For today’s challenge you will race to untie puzzle planks and place them to complete your staircase in order from bottom to top. You can only bring one plank with you. If you get it wrong, you will have to go back. This challenge gets harder and more daunting the farther and higher you go. The first person to finish wins Immunity. You are also playing for reward. Wanna know what you’re playing for?”

“Yes.”

“The winner will go to a resort where they enjoy a Survivor-style spa.” Yuuji, and the others can’t help but moan. “You will start with a hot bath. I know none of you have ever had a freshwater bath yet. Then a massage.” More moans. “Of course, a spa wouldn’t be the same without food. Cheeseburgers. Spaghetti. Sandwiches. Crepes.”

“Crepes?” Yuuji’s mouth was already watering.

“All the crepes you want,” Jeff enticed. “Pair it up with cocktails. And.”

All of them paused, anticipating, waiting for what Jeff would say.

“A night’s stay at the resort on an actual bed.” That got them more excited. They not only get to be pampered and gorge themselves out, they get to stay. “You will be back refreshed for your final Tribal Council on Day 37. I know it’s worth playing for.”

It was. And it was daunting and heavy and Yuuji’s legs refused to budge no matter how much he tried to push.

The staircase had three levels and each level consisted of ten planks. Yuuji had three more planks to complete the second level. Dagon was still finishing the first level. Mahito just started on the third level while Sukuna already had two planks on the third level.

Yuuji could feel his legs spasming with every single step he took, which was weird because he couldn’t feel his feet anymore, every step almost felt like he was flying. They were that numb. He was already using the planks to support himself with every step. Every time he went down, the urge to throw himself to get down quicker, and to just collapse, was getting stronger. Especially after he missed a plank for three consecutive times, breaking his lead against Mahito.

Sukuna had been in the lead since the start. Yuuji was next and then Mahito. It was already clear that Dagon would not win this. But the crucial miss at the seventh plank on the second level put him in third place. He can’t be third place. He can’t even be second place. Second place is the first loser. He saw that somewhere. Or read it somewhere. His mind was hazy on that information.

No, Yuuji, focus! You have to finish this. For Gramps. Do this for Gramps!

“Sukuna had placed his third plank! Mahito got the first plank wrong and he had to go back!” Jeff narrated. “That will cost him! Dagon has finally gained some ground on that second level! Get moving, Dagon! And suddenly, out of nowhere, Yuuji’s sprinting over this course with a sudden massive burst of energy! That is Survivor right there!”

The first plank for the third level fit perfectly.

Yuuji focused whatever brain cell he had left in memorizing the next pattern then ran back down to retrieve the plank.

Don’t think of anything else! Just the pattern on the plank, getting the right puzzle and hustle to get back up!

Jeff continued, “Yuuji’s got the second plank on his way up the course! He and Mahito are toe to toe right now! Sukuna placed his fourth plank and runs back down. It seems Yuuji’s burst of energy fueled Sukuna as well!”

I can’t lose!

Keep moving!

One leg in front of the other!

Third plank was good and Yuuji ran back down for the fourth. By the side of his eyes, he saw Sukuna sprinting up the steps.

Hustle!

Focus!

Don’t stop!

Grab the fourth plank. Run back up.

Fourth plank secured. Get the fifth.

Push yourself!

This for Gramps!

Do this for Gramps!

After securing the sixth plank, Yuuji hurriedly ran down, jumping the last five steps to get to the ground. His legs and knees gave when he landed, and he caught himself with his arm before he could faceplant. He’ll survey the damage later. He needs to keep moving now. He could hear Jeff talking to him, asking if he was okay but he paid it no mind. If he loses concentration here, he will lose the immunity and reward! He can’t have that. There was so much at stake.

This is yours and Gramps dream!

Keep digging!

He already had the eighth plank on hand, already sprinting half-way up only for Jeff to shatter everything.

“Sukuna wins the final Immunity and Reward challenge!”

Whatever haze of concentration Yuuji was in cleared as he looked up and saw Sukuna at the top of the stairs, one fist raised in triumph.

He lost.

He looks to his side. Dagon was still at the start of the third level and Mahito was still on the sixth plank. He was second. He was so close. He was the first place loser.

Yuuji let himself fall on his knees and fall back over the stairs, panting. He threw his arms over his eyes as hot tears ran down the side of his face.

Gramps. I’m sorry. I couldn’t do it. I’m so sorry.

For a while, all four of them lay wherever they were in the stairs just heaving and panting. Yuuji’s legs were spasming uncontrollably. Some of the crew had to give them their water bottles while medical checked them one by one.

When they were able to rest for a good fifteen minutes and when medical cleared them, all of them were back on the mat.

“Sukuna, think you can make your way here?”

Sukuna walked to where Jeff stood. With the way he walked it seemed like he wasn’t tired at all. He was a beast.

“Congratulations,” Jeff said as he placed the necklace on him. “You are safe for Tribal and guaranteed a spot in the final three.”

Yuuji found himself clapping in congratulations. He was the only one though. Dagon and Mahito looked pissed. He may have lost but at least he knew when to be a good sport about it. It wasn’t like Sukuna cheated. He earned that necklace.

“Not only that, you’ve got more or less 24 hours to enjoy your reward,” Jeff said. “Let’s make one person happy and share the—”

“Yuuji.”

Yuuji perked up at that, at being chosen and at how quickly he was chosen.

“No hesitations,” Jeff commented.

“No hesitations,” Sukuna confirmed. “He would be in my place if I didn’t win.”

Jeff turned to him. “Yuuji, come join Sukuna.”

Yuuji did what Jeff said, happy but at the same time wary of Sukuna’s smirking face. In Sukuna’s mind, Yuuji was pretty sure he thinks Yuuji owes him more now.

“Sukuna, Yuuji, enjoy the next twenty four hours and put the reward to good use. I will see you two back tomorrow for your last Tribal.”

“Thank you, Jeff,” Yuuji said while Sukuna nodded towards the host.

Jeff then turned back to the remaining two. “Dagon, Mahito, got nothing for you. Grab your stuff, head back to camp.”

As Yuuji and Sukuna left, Yuuji turned back just in time to see Mahito and Dagon glaring at him. He was going home tomorrow. He needs to convince Sukuna to vote with him. He may still have a shot at the final three.

Yuuji was in heaven.

They were the only ones in the resort which meant they had the whole place to themselves. The facilities were amazing. Granted Yuuji does not have much experience in hotels. He didn’t have much growing up and most of the money they had went to their basic necessities and Gramp’s meds.

Sukuna looked at the resort and shrugged, not particularly impressed by it. Maybe he had more experience in hotels and experienced better accommodations or maybe he was just truly not amused with what he was seeing. It was difficult to tell with Sukuna.

No matter. Yuuji was going to enjoy this.

The bath was amazing (it was his first in 36 days. And they had a toothbrush! Another first in 36 days), the massage had him moaning nonstop (he thought he had lost whatever muscle mass he had with how little he ate but some were still there, all tangled and knotted, and after the previous challenge, this was what he needed), and finally filled their bellies (he didn’t know how hungry he was until he started scarfing down his food, ate extra crepes because who doesn’t like crepes?)  It was glorious.

After eating, Sukuna went around to explore while Yuuji stayed and lounged in their room. He feels like a pampered cat right now, he was lounging on one of the beds, exhausted but very, very satisfied. There was also a low buzz at the back of his head that made everything…fuzzy. He could sleep until the Tribal Council. Yeah, he can do that. Wait, no, he shouldn’t. He should talk to Sukuna first.

Ah, great timing. Sukuna just entered the room, his eyebrows quirking up in amusement. That means Yuuji wouldn’t even need to move where he was.

“You look high,” Sukuna remarked.

“I might just be,” Yuuji said, smiling dopily.

“You’re welcome.”

Yuuji’s grin widened. “You’re the best. And you’re hot.”

Sukuna eyebrows rose. “Had too much cocktail, didn’t we? Didn’t peg you for a lightweight.”

Yuuji shrugged one shoulder. He reminds himself that he should strategize with Sukuna but his eyes were already starting to droop. He really should talk to Sukuna about Tribal. “I have to talk to you about…about Tribal.”

Sukuna’s close now, sitting at the edge of the bed, a hand carding through Yuuji’s head. “I think you gotta pay me back first. You owe me. And I’m pretty sure you’re my property now.”

Yuuji blinked owlishly as he curled up, snuggling on the hand on his head. “Yeah. Sure.” Maybe it’s fine to talk to Sukuna later. Yeah. He’ll do that. “Lemme just…” And he drifted off.

When Yuuji’s eyes stayed closed and his breathing started to even, Sukuna allowed himself to smile and chuckle.

When Yuuji woke up, it was already dark. Sukuna had informed him the production crew had left them to rest and will be back for them tomorrow morning to bring them back to camp. He also said the feast they had a while ago was their food until tomorrow.

Well then, it was a good thing they didn’t trash the food or they would’ve spoiled.

“Have you eaten already?” Yuuji asked as he sat himself on the table.

“All yours,” was Sukuna’s answer from inside the bedroom.

All his. Yuuji dug in and filled himself again. Unlike a while ago, he didn’t stuff himself as much. The last he wants was to get indigestion so Yuuji took his time to eat.

The table was overlooking the Fijian beach and he couldn’t help but think that Gramps would like this. Hopefully when their season airs, Gramps would be proud. He would see it with Gramps like every other season they watched.

When Yuuji finished, he went to the bath and brushed his teeth. He will never take for granted brushing his teeth anymore. He got ready for a quick shower before heading to bed. Today was a good day to regenerate. His mind wasn’t as fuzzy as it was a while ago and he was more clear-headed now. After this, he will talk to Sukuna about Tribal tomorrow.

He was fully naked and was just about to get under the spray of the water when the door suddenly opened and Sukuna barged in. Yuuji covered whatever he could cover with his hands.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Yuuji shrieked. He made the wrong move of looking down and quickly looked back up at seeing the other naked. Sukuna smirked at him and Yuuji felt his face flush. Sukuna stepped forward and Yuuji answered with a step back.

“I’m here to take your gratitude,” Sukuna said, smirk growing wide when Yuuji’s back hit the tiled wall.

“You…wanna take a shower?” Yuuji asked, hand still covering his front and looking anywhere but Sukuna. It was a wrong move to step back. He had only trapped himself.

Sukuna placed both arms on the tiles on each side of Yuuji. “We can do that after.” And he bent down and captured Yuuji’s lips.

Yuuji would be a liar if he said he was not attracted to Sukuna. Appearance-wise, he looked like a Greek god. Even after he had lost weight and muscles over the course of the game, he was still hot. Did he like it when he felt Sukuna’s arms around him when they slept at camp? Hell yes. But did he think too much about it? No! You never know, maybe he just wanted to share body heat or something.

But the sex was mind-blowing. He was dominant and aggressive, biting and marking Yuuji like he was Sukuna’s personal canvas. Yuuji was sure he moaned more tonight than he ever did his entire life. He worked Yuuji orgasm after orgasm, making him come untouched and overstimulating him. It was too much but Sukuna kept making him want more. And when Yuuji asked, begged, and moaned for it, he delivered.

“Oh god,” Yuuji moaned against the pillow his face was pressed against, feeling that familiar heat coiling in his gut. He doesn’t know how long they’ve been at this but his arms could no longer support his upper body up and he was pretty sure the only thing holding him up was Sukuna’s possessive hold on his waist as he continued to pound on Yuuji.

Without breaking his pace, Sukuna draped himself over Yuuji’s back, voice hot in Yuuji’s ear as he whispered, “You feel so fucking good.”

And just like that, Sukuna’s words brought Yuuji over the edge, hands fisting the pillow as he climaxed once again. Sukuna groaned in his ear, the fingers on Yuuji’s waist gripping tighter as his pace became erratic, soon after following Yuuji’s climax with his own.

They didn’t know how deep into the night it was but the Fijian beach was calm outside. With the mess they made on one of the beds, after a quick shower together, both of them were on the other bed, still naked and tangled in the sheets and each other’s limbs.

Yuuji wasn’t really one for something like this but the cameras are no longer rolling and he was sure he will never be able to do this again back home. And he was certain he and Sukuna would no longer cross paths after this game. So he’ll take advantage of this.

Yuuji was on his back and resting on two stacked pillows. Sukuna was between his legs, his bare chest resting on Yuuji’s. Although his ear was a little bit higher, he could clearly hear Yuuji’s heartbeat. Yuuji’s arms were around him, one hand carding through the hair at his nape.

“That was the best sex I’ve ever had,” Yuuji commented. “And probably the best I’ll ever have.”

Sukuna snorted but the comment still stroked his ego. “What? Too picky?”

“Too busy.”

Sukuna made a face. “Who’s too busy for sex?”

“Someone who has demanding work.”

“It can’t be that demanding,” Sukuna dismissed.

“It is when you have one full-time blue collar job, two part-time and another two on the side.”

Sukuna pushed himself up and loosened Yuuji’s hold on him as he gave the other an incredulous look. “You have five jobs?”

“At most,” Yuuji chuckled. “Usually there’s only three.”

“Only?” Sukuna repeated. “People can’t even survive two and here you have five. Either you’re buried in debt or you’re feeding twenty useless people.”

Yuuji laughed and Sukuna liked how his eyes crinkled when he did. “Neither. Well, it kinda feels like the first. Healthcare is shit and insurance doesn’t really cover all the hospital bills.”

Understanding dawned on Sukuna’s features. “Who’s sick?”

“My grandpa,” Yuuji replied, gently pushing Sukuna to lay down again by rewrapping his arms around him. Sukuna followed without protest. “He’s not getting younger, has been in and out of the hospital for almost a decade. ‘bout two years ago, he became a permanent resident in a care facility because he needed round-the-clock care. I was unable to pay the bills for two months and they made it clear that if I can’t pay, I’ll have to seek other alternatives. So I dropped out after my second year of university and began working ever since.”

“No one else to help you out?”

Yuuji shook his head as he resumed carding his hand on the hair on Sukuna’s nape. “Nope. It’s just been me and Gramps ever since. So the three jobs make ends meet and the other two are extras. Save up a little bit.”

“Is that why you joined?”

“In a way, yeah. He doesn’t like that I’m working my ass off for him, always said I gotta go out with friends, get a hobby or something. One time when I visited, he told the nurse taking care of him that he won’t see me until I quit at least two of my jobs and show pictures of me going out and having fun. So I told him I’m gonna play Survivor and that’s gonna be my proof that I’m having fun.”

Sukuna shifted a little bit so he could look up at Yuuji and he could see that the other was lost in his storytelling. There was a small smile on Yuuji’s lips, a contrast to the usual face-splitting grins he usually sports. This smile was gentle, yet there was an underlying loneliness to it too.

“And here I am.” Yuuji’s small smile grew a little wider with pride. “Gramps was the one who watched the show first and I watched with him one time and got hooked. We always watched it together. I actually applied both of us for Blood vs. Water but his health only deteriorated. But I’m here so I’m playing for him, too.”

“That guy during the loved ones visit, wasn’t he your brother?”

Yuuji chuckled. “Nah. Chousou’s my neighbor. He had little brothers and the youngest is my age so he used to babysit when Gramps was working or they stayed with us when Chousou needed a babysitter. Their family always considered us part of their own. It was Chousou or Gramps for the loved ones visit. Gramps would’ve loved it. But it was obvious he won’t be able to come, especially since he wasn’t getting better. At least, that’s what Chousou told me and he would never lie to me about something like that so it wasn’t…it wasn’t good.”

Sukuna understood now why Yuuji didn’t win that challenge. He had classed Yuuji as the type to get emotionally invested and would be driven by it. He was a challenge beast, coming as the victor or at the very least, close to winning. Out of eight of them left that time, from Sukuna’s approximation, Yuuji had placed 5^th in that challenge. He just looked out of it.

“I kept thinking about him during the last Immunity Challenge,” Yuuji continued, his fingers unconsciously drawing patterns on Sukuna’s back. “Kept telling myself, ‘Do this for Gramps, do this for Gramps.’ But you got the Immunity instead.”

Sukuna knew the brat cried after the game. His face was splotchy and red. That must’ve been one of the biggest frustrations he felt during the game.

Yuuji looked at him sheepishly. “I’m not saying you don’t deserve it because you do. You won that challenge. Rightly so. But I gotta ask. Who was that who visited you during the loved ones visit?”

Sukuna propped up with both elbows on either side of Yuuji so he could look at him. “Didn’t you hear what Jeff said?”

Sukuna wasn’t that invested in the loved ones Reward Challenge. It was his assistant who came for crying out loud. All others shared huge warm hugs and affectionate kisses. His assistant came, bowed to him and kept an arm’s length away from each other. Like what any assistant would do. He knows it was awkward for the others to watch but Sukuna didn’t care.

“Jeff said caretaker.” Yuuji’s brows furrowed. “What does that mean?”

“As it means. He takes care of stuff for me. Like a butler but a very, very, very underpaid one.”

That only confused Yuuji even more. “What do you do for a living?”

“Didn’t I tell you about that already?”

“You said you’re unemployed but I don’t believe that. You’re too relaxed here. And I know a person will always bring their personality anywhere you put them. So it’s really surprising to me how…unconcerned you are for the most part. You’re a monster during challenges but you don’t make any strategies with anybody and you don’t have an alliance. That would usually make someone vulnerable.”

Sukuna shrugged and smirked. “There are two alliances going head to head in this game. One was very determined to rip the other’s head off but the other won’t back down without a fight. I am conveniently in the middle. I get to play the game and I get to enjoy whatever drama is unfolding.”

“How very convenient for you,” Yuuji deadpanned.

“It is.” Sukuna’s smirk turned smug.

“So why help me?”

“Gratitude,” was his answer.

“Gratitude?” Yuuji was not convinced. “Anyone who owes anyone a favor would pay it back. I mean, I know not everyone does that and would take advantage of it but it’s human nature to reciprocate.”

“But you forget that this is a game,” Sukuna countered. “There is some semblance of separation between the game and reality. There is an excuse to do things in the game and reason out that it was strategy. Blindside someone? Cheat and hurt someone? It’s easy to excuse it and say, ‘It’s just a game.’ I’m not saying people don’t have conscience. But within the limits of the game, they are much more willing to do things they normally wouldn't outside of the game. Same goes with favors. Someone can say, ‘That’s a deal, you have my word. I’ve got your back.’ But really, it’s a fluke.”

“But that’s how the game works,” Yuuji countered again. “And that’s how reality works, too.”

Sukuna propped himself up on his hands, leaning down on Yuuji so their faces were only inches apart. “But you’re different. Out of all the people this season of Survivor, you don’t lie and you keep your word. So when you said you owe me, I know you will return it. Hence, this.”

And Sukuna rolled his hips, their members rubbing against each other making Yuuji groan. Yuuji could see Sukuna looking at him with lust. Perhaps he can use that to his advantage.

“If you vote with me on Tribal tomorrow, you can keep doing this until Day 39,” he proposed.

Sukuna’s bellowed a laugh. “Sex to keep yourself in the game? I thought you had principles, brat?”

“I said I was going to return a favor,” Yuuji said, putting his hands on Sukuna’s neck and linking his fingers at the other’s nape. “And I delivered.” Yuuji rolled his hips, the same Sukuna did not a minute ago and relished as Sukuna groaned, the lust in his face only increasing. “Who’s to say I can’t ask another favor?”

Sukuna smirked. “I’ll take you to the final three but when this game ends, you will definitely become my property. Do we have a deal?”

In response, Yuuji returned the smirk with his own, pulling Sukuna down for a kiss. And they went on another round, just as intense and mind-blowing as the last.

A year later…

Clad only in the first shirt he could find, Yuuji walked from the open bedroom towards the balcony overlooking the Fijian seas. The night was peaceful and the seas were calm.

If someone told Yuuji a year ago that he would keep coming back to Fiji after playing Survivor, he would have laughed at them. He just didn’t have the means and even if he did, it would be too luxurious to waste money on something like that. But that was what happened.

Sukuna, true to his words, took him to the final three. Yuuji expected that Sukuna would vote with him and the most probable thing to happen would be to go to fire-making against either Mahito or Dagon for the final three. When they got back to camp, Yuuji immediately went to practice his fire-making.

During this time, he saw Mahito talking with Sukuna again and that worried him. But he trusted Sukuna to keep his word. Come Tribal Council, Mahito challenged Sukuna to a fire-making match but Sukuna had said that he would vote with them ‘like we agreed’.

Yuuji couldn’t help but look at him in shock and betrayal. Sukuna only smirked at him, which did nothing but rub salt to the wound.

“You looked shock, Yuuji,” Jeff voiced out.

Yuuji slowly looked back at Jeff and nodded. “I honestly thought we agreed on something last night.”

“Nothing’s gonna change because you slept with him,” Mahito derisively said.

“Thanks for the advice, Mahito. I’ll keep that in mind.” Yuuji tried to play it cool but his embarrassment was making way for anger. Sukuna did tell him that people would be willing to do whatever within the limits of the game to win, especially since there was a line between the game and reality. But Yuuji could also see Sukuna doing this in real life. He looked like the type of person.

But as soon as Jeff had the voting urn, as soon as he finished saying, “If anyone has a Hidden Immunity Idol and you'd like to play it, now would be the last time to do so.”

“Jeff.”

All heads turned to Sukuna. Briefly, Yuuji’s eyes met Sukuna’s crimson ones and his own widened at the mischief clearly written on Sukuna’s.

Sukuna turned to Jeff. “I don’t have an Immunity Idol but I am giving the Immunity Necklace to the brat.”

As he said so, Sukuna took off the necklace and placed it on Yuuji’s, who was dumbstruck at the turn of events, he could barely hear the claps and cheers of surprise from the jury.

“What are you doing?” Mahito demanded somewhere from Yuuji’s right.

“I agreed to write the brat’s name tonight and I did,” Sukuna told Mahito, “but I don’t remember talking about what to do with the necklace I won that final Immunity. So I can do whatever the fuck I want with it.”

“You’re giving away the million to your slut!” Mahito angrily declared.

Sukuna shrugged. “I came here to play. Winning the million is just a bonus.”

Sukuna did vote with Mahito and Dagon and Yuuji saw three votes against him nullified. Yuuji’s one vote for Mahito sent him to the jury.

Seventh Jury Member: Mahito

Final Three: Dagon, Sukuna, Yuuji

Final Jury Members: Hanami, Junpei, Kamo, Kenjaku, Mahito, Megumi, Nobara

Nine months later during the live Reunion show, Sukuna won the million with four votes against Yuuji’s three. Dagon didn’t get any vote since he had been criticized for only going where people led him and didn’t do any strategies himself. Yuuji was sure he’s three votes came from Megumi, Nobara, and Junpei. The rest of the jury voted for Sukuna, even Mahito. It seems his hatred for Yuuji made him vote for Sukuna just so Yuuji wouldn’t win the million.

Which proved futile because afterwards, Sukuna got the money, had his lawyers and accountants transfer the money to another cheque under Yuuji’s name and gave it to him.

“What are you doing?” Yuuji asked, looking at the cheque in his hand, once again astounded by Sukuna.

“I don’t need it,” Sukuna shrugged.

“But you won this.”

“You would have won if it wasn’t for Mahito. We both know he only voted against you because he does not like you.”

Knowing arguing with him was futile, Yuuji pushed the cheque back to Sukuna. “Then consider this payment for everything you did.”

“Alright,” Sukuna said, taking the cheque. Yuuji’s brows furrowed even more. Sukuna was confusing him. He watched as Sukuna gave it to his assistant. “Uraume, deduct Yuuji’s debts from this. How much would he have?”

“Around four hundred grand,” the faithful assistant (who was not, in any way, underpaid) answered.

Sukuna nodded then smirked at Yuuji. “Put that in an account under Yuuji’s name.”

Yuuji’s jaw dropped. “Did you plan this from the start?”

The smirk grew wider and Yuuji knew Sukuna had played him again, just like that night at Tribal that sent Gakuganji and Mahito home.

“You have more use to it than I do,” Sukuna said. “If you won’t accept it, I’ll turn it into cash and burn it in front of you.”

And Sukuna probably would.

Yuuji had thought he and Sukuna would part ways after the game ended and would only see each other again during the Reunion, only for Yuuji to receive a knock on his door a month after he got back and see Sukuna standing on his door.

Yuuji’s jaw dropped upon seeing him. “Sukuna.”

Sukuna did not look happy, looking at Yuuji up and down. “It’s been a month. Why are you still the same skinny brat? Did you continue starving yourself?”

Turned out Sukuna was a rich son of a bitch. He was ‘unemployed’ because he employed people. They work for him, not the other way around. The assistant who came during the loved ones visit was truly his assistant and who looked after Sukuna’s affairs. Sukuna joined the game because he was bored.

Yuuji tried to turn down Sukuna’s advances after that. He reasoned he wouldn’t be able to give Sukuna the time he deserved since he was still working five jobs (Gramps was doing better after he came back and was excited to see his game when it airs. That was something they both looked forward to) but Yuuji knew he couldn’t stop working.

Sukuna still pursued him. Normally, when someone tells another that, ‘I own you now. You’re my property.’ the logical thing to do was ignore them or run away. Unfortunately, Sukuna was powerful. If he found where Yuuji lived, it would be easy for him to find where Yuuji worked. So during his full-time job of Outside Plant Technician, part-time jobs as Cook and Bartender, and on-the-side jobs as On Call Cleaning Staff and Plumber, he would sometimes see Sukuna where he was working or waiting for him after a late shift.

Others would probably call the cops on Sukuna already, especially with how aggressive he could get. It didn’t help that what muscle he lost during the game was coming back too. (It was one of Yuuji’s fantasies to dive into those pecs). But Sukuna was diligent in his efforts and Yuuji knew Sukuna was just that type of person. He had never tried to do anything Yuuji didn’t consent to, never tried to hurt him (in fact, he had protected him from drunk customers at the bar he worked as a bartender), he brought him food when he could only eat after a late shift and even brought him home.

Chousou saw Sukuna bringing him home once and that was probably how Gramps learned about Sukuna. Surprisingly, Gramps had told him to give Sukuna a chance. ‘If both of you would go far then good. At least I know you won’t be alone when I’m gone.’ Gramps had said. ‘If you don’t, then leave him. But I don’t want you missing out on life because of me.’

So Yuuji gave him a chance and went on a few dates when his very busy schedule allowed. About a month later, they were exclusively dating.

Sukuna was surprisingly patient with him. Yuuji really appreciated that.

Four months after he got back home and five months before the live Reunion show, Yuuji received a call from the care facility early one morning that Gramps had died in his sleep.

It was like Yuuji’s whole world stopped. He wasn’t even there during Gramps’ final moments. Gramps wouldn’t be able to see the season he played. Kept telling him how proud he was that Yuuji played but he still wouldn’t be able to see it.

Yuuji broke down.

Sukuna was there to pick him up.

Megumi, Nobara, Junpei, and Gojo were there during the burial. Living far away and in different places with the four of them, Yuuji had not been able to keep in touch. So when he saw them there, Yuuji knew it was Sukuna behind it.

Yuuji savored the short time they were able to stay with him, and this time, he promised to stay in touch.

He had always dreaded what would happen when Gramps died but he had anticipated the loneliness.

And he was right. Because nothing can ever cover the place Gramps occupied.

But he also wasn’t. Because he was not alone.

When Yuuji came back from playing, he wasn’t immediately able to pay for the care facility expenses and the medical bills when Gramps was hospitalized while he was away. Sukuna shouldered that without Yuuji’s knowledge and when he knew about it, Yuuji had promised that he would pay it back.

After Gramps died, Yuuji quit his job as a cook and his side jobs. Sukuna talked to him about fully quitting all his jobs and going back to uni. Yuuji argued that he still had the bills and expenses to pay especially after Sukuna shouldered everything he owed. But Sukuna made him slow down. ‘I’m not in a hurry for you to pay me, brat. You’d work your way to your grave faster than you could pay me if you continue this.’ So he let go of a few of them.

And then came the million Sukuna won but put in Yuuji’s name which he forced Yuuji to take or he would burn all the cash away. Sukuna deducted Yuuji’s “balance” from the million even if Yuuji knew it wouldn’t cover everything. Yuuji wanted to protest but all he got from Sukuna was, ‘I own you. It’s my responsibility to look after what I own. So quit yapping about it.’

So Yuuji definitely did not expect how his life had turned since participating in that game.

Now he had more money to his name and he was going back to uni to continue his studies. When he found out that Megumi was going to uni with the same course as he was (Megumi took a gap year and then another year during their season of Survivor), in a spur-of-the-moment decision, he enrolled in the same university Megumi would go to. Better yet, they were in the same year. So he packed the important stuff and moved. When he feels homesick, he could always come back to visit.

Sukuna wasn’t happy about Yuuji and Megumi going to the same school. Yuuji knows it was his possessiveness talking.

Class would start in the coming fall. Most of his stuff had been moved already. He was supposed to dorm with Megumi in the university but Sukuna didn’t like it and found an apartment for Yuuji instead. Since Sukuna could virtually work (did he even work or does his assistant do everything?) anywhere, it was safe to assume that he and Yuuji were living together now.

Now they were enjoying their moment together before Yuuji would be busy with class. Sukuna had brought him back to the same island they spent the last reward at. (Read: he bought the island and refurbished the accommodation to fit his liking. Now there was a modern two-storey house on the island.)

With all the sudden free time Yuuji had, he had spent it visiting Nobara, Junpei, and Gojo and then checking out the university with Megumi. The rest of that (and most of his free time) had been spent with Sukuna.

Yuuji sighed. He had come a long way.

He felt arms wrap around him, lingering kisses being peppered on his neck and jaw. Yuuji smiled. He was sure Sukuna was asleep. His absence must’ve woken the older.

“Missed me already?” Yuuji teased.

“You didn’t?”

Sukuna angled Yuuji’s head so he could kiss him fully on the lips. Yuuji turned, wrapped his arms around Sukuna’s neck without breaking the kiss.

“Think you can go another round?” Sukuna asked when they broke apart.

Just as Sukuna was a monster during challenges, he was also a monster in bed. The night after the final Tribal Council when they were supposed to be sleeping, Sukuna had pulled him somewhere in the jungle where they spent tangled around each other. Yuuji was afraid that the crew might come find them, but Sukuna had a way of making him only think of Sukuna and what they were doing.

He was sure the crew knew. It was obvious with the secret smiles and avoidant eyes. Dagon looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there.

After they plead their case to the jury, Sukuna pulled him away again, this time at the beach on the other side of camp where they got tangled up against each other. Their entanglements had been a topic during the Reunion show.

‘It was obvious!’ Junpei cried.

‘Did you see all the marks you had on you at the Final Tribal?’ Nobara teased.

‘Can we not talk about this on live TV?’ Yuuji wailed, utterly embarrassed.

‘No, please, let’s continue talking about it,’ Sukuna said, smug.

Yuuji hid his face in his hands, sure that Gramps was rolling in his grave.

When they started dating, sex was sparse, what with Yuuji being busy with work and visiting Gramps.  Now, he had a few weeks before class started and he was intent on spending that with Sukuna. (Be it with or without sex. But knowing Sukuna, the most he would go without sex was a day.)

Yuuji gave him an exasperated smile. “You are insatiable.”

Sukuna smirked as he lifted Yuuji who quickly wrapped his legs around the other’s middle.

“That’s your fault, brat.”

Yuuji grinned and they shared another kiss as Sukuna brought them back to the bedroom.

Yuuji may have been the first place loser in the game but he got the best prize.