Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When he first moved in, Satoru didn't pay much mind to the new neighbour. He was quite attractive but that was about the only thing she noticed about the stranger who had moved into the apartment across from her.

Apparently, he had moved in from another city. He was tall, with a head full of light pinkish hair, sharp-featured, and had intricate tattoos on his face and some she saw that snaked around his arms and up his neck, peeking from underneath his shirt. And his name was Sukuna. That was about all she knew about him during his first week after moving in.

***

The first time she spoke to him was by pure chance and it was in a very cliche manner.

It happened when she was running late for work and saw him getting in the elevator, about to press the buttons. She haphazardly waved at him to make him stop it for her.

He did, by holding out his hand between the elevator doors and waiting for her while she ran in a frenzy, trying to gather her things and put them in her bag. She wasn't a late person normally and was embarrassed that this was probably his first impression of her.

“Ahh Sorry! Thank you for waiting!” She spoke as soon as she got inside the elevator and quickly stepped to the side.

He just nodded in response while looking straight ahead.

Immediately upon entering, she was hit by the smell of strong cologne and a whiff of something faintly metallic. It made her nose wrinkle.

And in such close proximity to him, she noticed just how tall and imposing her neighbour actually was. He had an air of mystery surrounding him that caught her attention, and up close she could see the unnatural paleness in his skin like he’d never seen a day of sunshine in his life. High cheekbones, a jawline that looked sharp enough to cut glass and perfectly sculpted features. The contrast of the intricate and symmetrical tattooed markings on his face and the fluffy head of light pink hair against that was quite a sight. She also noticed that the colour of his eyes was a deep, dull crimson. His whole appearance gave off an otherworldly aura. 

He didn’t look like he belonged in a place like this— a small, nondescript apartment building in the quieter part of the city.

Satoru, taking it upon herself to introduce herself and to get to know her new neighbour a bit, tried to make some small talk.

“You just moved in, right? I don't think we’ve properly introduced each other. I’m Gojo by the way. Gojo Satoru. I’m the one in the apartment across from you. And you’re Sukuna, right?” She asked sheepishly, with a small smile playing on her face.

“Yeah.” That was all he said.

Okay. Rude.

She was about to reply but the elevator doors opened, and he got out immediately, as if he couldn't stand being in her presence any longer.

***

After that initial encounter, the first few weeks after Sukuna had moved in, Satoru did her best to avoid him. Not out of fear exactly, she wasn’t the type to scare easily, but because every time he was near, she felt an odd pull toward him, a magnetic force that made her both uneasy and intrigued. It didn’t help that she could hear him coming and going at all hours of the night. He was probably a night owl or worked at night.

In any case, she just didn’t want to develop a crush on her neighbour and make the rest of her tenure in this apartment building miserable.

However, a while later, this didn't stop Satoru from trying to worm her way into his life to figure out why he was so quiet and shrouded in mystery. Perhaps they could become friends later too.

She may be counterintuitive.

***

For some days, she couldn't seem to shake him from her mind. There was something odd about him. She had started seeing him around more often now. Mostly after she had returned home from work. Always late at night, always quiet, keeping to himself, but there was a certain… stillness in the air whenever she passed by his door like the space around it was somehow colder. Darker. He never seemed to acknowledge anyone's presence either, almost as if he didn't belong here at all. 

The more she noticed him, and, the more encounters she had with him, the more suspicious she became that something was off about him.

Once, she thought she saw him standing outside the building late at night, staring up at the moon and then into the building, his red eyes glowing faintly in the dark. Almost as if he could see her. She had blinked and rubbed her eyes, and when she looked again, he was gone. She tried to shrug it off and reassured herself that it was just her mind playing tricks on her during the nighttime.

Satoru wasn't one to leave things alone, especially when something was bothering her. Nosy wasn't the right word, though her friends would argue otherwise. She preferred to call herself curious or inquisitive. And now Sukuna, her handsome and unnervingly mysterious neighbour, was at the centre of her curiosity.

Maybe he was just an antisocial loser, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to him, and she was eager to find out.

She started making excuses in her mind to bump into him. Waiting in the lobby or by her door when she knew he’d be around soon.  Though it never really worked, even when she did manage to strike up a conversation with him, it was mostly dull with him giving one-word replies and looking like he had better things to do than chat with her. Basically a one-sided conversation.

She even baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies for him as a welcoming gift. Gave them to him under the pretense of welcoming him into the apartment building, which wasn't too far from the truth. Except for the fact that she’d been living in this apartment building for about two years now, yet she had never done anything significant to this heartwarming neighbourly gesture for any new tenant moving in before.

When he opened his front door, he stared straight at her and asked, “Can I help you?” in a very uninterested tone.

“Oh... hey! I made some cookies and thought I’d bring some to you. You know, to welcome you to the building.” She lifted the container slightly, hoping the offering would make her seem less intrusive.

He raised an eyebrow, eyeing the container in her hands, and a small barely noticeable smirk playing on his face, “Thanks.” He grabbed the cookies from her, their hands touching briefly and she felt a spark of electricity shoot up her arm before he quickly closed the door in her face.

Her eye twitched in irritation.

She was hoping they’d exchange a few more words but oh well.

***

She came to the conclusion that Sukuna didn't seem to work a normal job because she never saw him during the day, only during the late hours of the night. Of course, he could be a student in college working multiple jobs to keep himself going and maybe she was just being dramatic for the sake of it.

Or maybe he was just a night owl. That could be a possibility too, to give a reason for his night activities.

It wasn't lost on her that she was trying to fit him into some kind of mould to give solid and believable reasons for his strange behaviour and activities.

Satoru also thought she was going crazy because of the faint metallic scent of blood that always seemed to linger in the air lately. First, she chalked it up to a dead animal or something dying somewhere in the vents or drains but when it didn't go away after a few weeks, she complained to the management and became aware that there might be something going on in her apartment building.

There was one night though, when her suspicions seriously began to take root.

It had been a long day and Satoru was feeling particularly tired, and a bit upset after coming home from work. Old memories of her past resurfaced and melancholy had settled deep in her heart today like there wasn’t already a home for it there.

So, she decided to put on a cozy hoodie, grab a beer and go to the rooftop to get some fresh air, wind down and maybe just stare at the moon for a while, finding solace in the peace and tranquility of the night.

However, she didn't expect to find her mysterious neighbour up there as well, leaning against the railing, and staring at the sky. He was wearing black clothing; sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt and had what seemed to be a juice bag in his hands. Like a capri-sun. At least that was what she could make out in the pale moonlight.

“What are you doing here, Gojo?” He questioned, without even looking her way.

She was a bit taken aback since this was the first time he’d willingly talked to her and used her name.

So he did remember her name.

“Excuse me?” She scoffed, clutching her can of beer and walking toward him, “The last time I checked, the rooftop was open for all tenants.”

He snickered, finally turning his head to lock eyes with her. His usual deep crimson eyes seemed to be glowing tonight.

Arrogant.

“Still, you shouldn't be out this late at night, who knows what's lurking outside at this hour.” He gave her an incredibly condescending smirk.

“Please, I can handle myself just fine.” She spoke with an air of indifference; however, she wasn't feeling as confident as she sounded. She was also slightly annoyed by the fact that this was their first ‘real’ conversation, with him being an active participant instead of a passive one, and he was being a bit of a jerk.

“Whatever you say, Gojo.” He leaned more against the railing and fully turned his body toward her to stare at her. Now that she was closer, she could see the juice bag in his hand wasn't a juice bag at all, at least not from any company that she knew of. And his lips were also lightly stained red.

Lipstick perhaps? Maybe he got around more than she knew of.

“What's that?” She asked, gesturing toward the bag of suspicious red liquid in his hand with a stained straw attached.

“Oh, this? It's just... a… detox juice. Pomegranate, carrot, beet... those things... y’know.” He trailed off like he was unsure, yet the smirk on his face remained.

She narrowed her eyes at him but said nothing. She couldn't help but think that he was lying because the viscosity and density of a detox juice did not look that similar... blood.

She was beginning to think she was better off not coming to the rooftop, had she known her strange and hot neighbour would be here too, and certainly didn't expect him to be so weirdly condescending and annoying, but she’d already opened her beer, so, might as well finish it here before going back down.

“So, you moved from another city, right? Where from?” she asked as she took a sip of her beer and leaned with her back against the railing, a few feet away from him.

She could feel him staring at her through her peripheral vision, as if thinking about how to answer her question, before saying, “Sendai.”

Huh.

“Cool. So, what do you do? Student or working?” She didn’t want to be too intrusive but she might as well take this opportunity to get to know him since she’d been so eager for weeks, but deep inside, she was nervous as hell, and she didn't know why but something was definitely not right here.

“It’s getting late, I think you should leave.” He said while slurping the weird red liquid from the bag, which she still wasn't entirely convinced was detox juice.

This again.

“ Why are you obsessed with me leaving? Even if it is late, I literally live here.” She rolled her eyes and rested her head on the railing, taking in the beautiful full moon above them.

He seemed irritated now, “You must be tired, I know I am. So, best to leave now.”

“And if I don’t?” She asked, eyes locking with his sharp, glowing ones.

Why are his eyes glowing, again?

“You’ll probably regret it.” That smirk was back on his face. It sent a shiver down her spine.

The faint metallic smell was much stronger and more pungent now, and she couldn't stop staring at the bag full of red liquid (blood) in his hands, trying to decipher if the smell was coming from him or the bag. Although, his cologne was pretty sharp too, so she wasn't sure.

Something was so off, but she was intrigued.

“Right…” She was beginning to feel unsettled and wondered if she should actually listen to him and go back.

Satoru decided that perhaps she should heed his warning or like just leave now because this guy seemed like he had some issues.

She gulped down the remaining of her beer and cleared her throat, “Well… I’m off for the night, it was nice getting to know you… neighbour.” She gave him a nod before making her way towards the door to exit the rooftop.

He didn’t acknowledge her statement, instead choosing to just stare at her with a peculiar look in his eyes, like he knew something she didn’t. It pissed her off.

When she had almost reached the door, she heard him say, “See you around, neighbour…” in that condescending tone of his. It was weirdly ominous.

God, what an asshole.

Chapter Text

Satoru’s nights lately were restless. She was always tossing and turning, unable to get a full night’s rest properly. She didn’t know why but she was sure it had something to do with her neighbour.

He was always awake at night, doing God knows what, with those strange sounds coming from his apartment. She couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. Sounded like he was dragging furniture around. But damn, every night?

She couldn’t get the night of their conversation on the rooftop out of her head either. It was the first real conversation she had with him but it left her feeling shaken. The way his eyes had glowed. The strange bag of liquid that looked awfully similar to blood. His arrogant demeanour and weirdly ominous words.

There was also another odd thing she noticed. Before, he was always alone, never talking to anyone much, never socialising. Like a solitary creature. However, lately, she had noticed people going in and out of his apartment at late hours of the night. It wasn’t an everyday occurrence, but it had happened enough times in the last two weeks that she was beginning to feel uneasy and suspicious about whatever was going on. Sometimes she caught sight of the people when she came back from work late or left her apartment to get something at night. Some of them she recognised as tenants in the building but some were completely new faces, often looking dazed or unnerved and pale.

It was most odd. What were they doing at his place and what business did they have with him?

Satoru kept going over all of the interactions they had so far and the knowledge she had gathered about him in her mind, trying to figure out what was going on with him, yet she stood at a standstill. She didn’t have any solid answers for his behaviour and the strange occurrences surrounding him, and happening more and more often since his arrival.

She couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something more to him. Something dark lurking beneath the surface of his indifferent exterior.

Whenever she saw him in passing, he barely acknowledged her or just gave her the lightest of nods. Never really looking her way or making eye contact unless necessary— and she knew it wasn’t because he was shy or anything. Still, she tried to interact with him whenever she saw the opportunity, despite the fact she was growing increasingly alarmed.

***

It was late, around two or three in the morning. Satoru tossed and turned in her bed, trying to get some semblance of sleep, yet failing miserably. Her body was exhausted yet her mind was all over the place. And there was the issue of the constant scraping and dragging noises coming from across the hall. Sukuna’s apartment most likely.

She was honestly getting fed up. This had become a repeated occurrence and it was making her lose sleep when she had work in the morning. He was seriously a selfish bastard.

She tried putting a pillow over her head to block out noises but to no avail. Finally, Satoru had enough. She had to go and give him a piece of her mind. This was getting ridiculous.

She could still hear the scraping sound, like something— or someone was getting dragged across the floor. She was too tired for this crap.

Sluggishly, she put on a sweatshirt on top of her night clothes and a pair of slippers before walking out the door.

She was outside his door, about to knock, when she heard the faintest of whispers followed by a sharp, wet and guttural sound. It was so faint that she almost thought she imagined it. Frowning, she pressed her ear to the door, she could hear it again— a deep, hungry growl, followed by a soft moan. It sounded entirely too inhuman and made her stomach turn.

Satoru's heart pounded in her chest. She had heard plenty of things through these paper-thin walls, but this... this was different. It didn't sound like an intimate moment. It sounded... wrong.

What the fuck was going on inside there? Maybe she should just mind her business and leave. She could buy a pair of noise-cancelling headphones this week to get rid of this problem anyway.

But against her better judgment, she knocked on his door. Once. Twice. Thrice. Four times.

Finally, after the fourth knock, she could hear heavy footsteps making their way toward the front door. She took a deep breath, ready to chastise him for his loudness at night. But she couldn’t get a word out when the door opened slightly and an overwhelming stench of blood filled her nose, almost making her barf.

She could see that the apartment was mostly dark apart from a faint light emanating from the corner of the room. She couldn’t make out anything else and Sukuna’s figure shrouded in darkness was blocking the rest of the view.

“Gojo. Any reason you’re outside my door at this hour?” Sukuna’s voice was deep, deeper than usual. He sounded annoyed.

She quickly gathered her wits about her. “You tell me! What the hell is your problem?! For the past week, I have been hearing loud noises coming from your place and disturbing my nights. I haven’t been able to get a wink of sleep for days and it’s your fault. Some of us have jobs and have to get up early, you know?” She crossed her arms, trying to appear causal, though her pulse had quickened.

“I don’t have a problem. You’re probably just imagining things.” She sensed the indifference in his tone.

She scoffed, “Yeah right. There’s something weird going on with you and I’m certain you’re hiding something. There’s also been strange things happening around here since you moved in. I don’t know what your issue is but at least be respectful of your neighbours.”

“You stalking me or something?”

Ugh. He kept dodging her statements and questions with meaningless rebuttals. How annoying.

“Not yet, but you’re giving me plenty of reasons to start now.” Liar.

He chuckled arrogantly at that, “Yeah?”

She still couldn’t see his face, only the outline of his body under the dull light. She was getting pissed, she wanted to reprimand him while looking at him, not while staring and speaking into the darkness like a fool.

Having had enough of this charade, she walked closer to the door, pushing it, trying to force him to come outside into the light and talk to her like a man. He held his ground though, not budging at all. She glared at the dark outline of his figure. 

“Could you at least come out and talk to me like a real man? This is getting ridiculous. You’re hiding behind the door like I’m going to bite you or something.” She was putting on a bravado, trying to get him to come out, but in truth, inside she felt that it was more because he was hiding something sinister, not because he was afraid to talk to her.

As she kept pushing, suddenly he let go of his strong hold on the door and she almost fell on the floor of his apartment. The sudden push of him letting go of the door while she simultaneously put her strength into trying to open it caused her to stumble inside his apartment. Just a few feet away from the entrance. He probably did that on purpose.

She could see him clearly now, leaning against the door. He looked like something out of a thriller. She was immediately taken aback by the angry glint in his glowing eyes. What took her most off guard was the sight of his lips stained… red and the liquid dripping down his chin and neck, seeping into his white shirt and staining it. A few buttons of his shirt were left open, revealing the top of the long lines of the sharp and angular tattoos that decorated his chest. His shirt was full of red stains, some dried and some wet.

At first, Satoru thought it might've been that he'd spilt some wine on himself. Or that detox juice he claimed to be drinking that night on the rooftop. But the way he looked at her, his eyes narrowing with something dark and dangerous, made her think otherwise. And the colour and stench were too sharp and too pungent to not be blood. Especially now that she was inside of his apartment.

Immediately she took a step back after taking in his appearance and her surroundings, “What the fuck?” Her eyes widened and she felt her heart thumping loudly, almost like it would come out of her ribcage any second now.

Sukuna smirked, his voice deep and smooth, “Didn’t you just say that I was hiding because I thought you were going to bite me?” He leaned toward her, “Are you sure about that now, Gojo?”

His glowing eyes raked over her body, starting from her face to her chest and abdomen, until finally lingering on her legs clad in her night shorts for a little longer than necessary. She felt like he could see through her, his stare drilling holes in her body. 

Satoru felt a shiver go down her spine.

“W-what are you?” She asked, slightly stuttering, “Are you a serial killer? A cannibal?” Satoru tried to maintain her composure and to stop her stuttering.

At that moment, she experienced the sensation of feeling like prey, exposed in the presence of a predator. But she was determined to not reveal any sign of fear. She knew that succumbing to fear would be her demise in this situation.

“What do you think?” He asked, in that condescending manner of his.

She should’ve run to her own apartment by now but she took in his appearance again, his unnaturally pale skin, his crimson eyes that always seemed to glow in the dark, his weirdly sharp teeth that looked too similar to fangs, and all of his strange habits and activities, especially during the nighttime.

She tried to control her breathing and stuttering, before speaking, “You’re not…. human. Are you?” She whispered and looked up, maintaining eye contact with him.

“Took you long enough to figure out.” He smirked before licking his lips.

Satoru froze, her blood running cold. Oh my God. Her mysterious and annoyingly hot neighbour was a vampire?! What the hell?

“You really don’t know when to stop, do you?” He carried on, his voice low and predatory, “Always bothering me, always trying to get in my space, and, keeping tabs on me like I wouldn’t notice. You’re a real interesting character, I’ll give you that.”

She gulped, not knowing he had caught on to her little routine of trying to uncover the reason for his strangeness.

“Are you going to kill me now?” She figured there was no point in beating around the bush. Her neighbour was a bloodsucking monster. A creature of the night, and she had uncovered his secret. Which probably meant he was going to get rid of her now. What an interesting way to die prematurely.

“Kill you?” He laughed, though it was not sincere, “I could… but, why would I kill you? You’re the only one that’s caught my attention in this building full of dull people. No. I think I’m going to keep you around.” His lips turned into a twisted smile, showing his sharp and bloody fangs, gleaming in the dim light.

Okay. Weird. So, he wasn’t going to kill her? Because she was entertaining to him? That was… a surprise.

“Flattery from a vampire? Must be special huh.” She was still shaken but had regained some semblance of her senses and calmed down a bit now, and forced a small smirk on her face while her heart skipped a beat. This was a very peculiar situation.

“You have no idea,” Sukuna said, his voice low, almost intimate.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Satoru’s mind was racing. Trying to process all the new information about her neighbour. She should be terrified— she was. He was dangerous, she could feel it in her bones, but she couldn’t help but be drawn toward him, a strange thrill coursed through her, excitement mixing with fear and it was almost like there was an invisible magnetic force pulling her to him.

“So, then, what now? Are you going to suck my blood and drain me dry or what?” She asked, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. She was feeling slightly calm now, but still on edge.

“No. I don’t feed from just anyone.” He replied.

She narrowed her eyes at this statement.

“So, you haven’t been feeding from the people in this building then?” Her voice was steady despite her racing heart and clammy palms.

“Only a select few, I’m pretty picky with the people I choose to suck blood from.” He smirked, again, “You wanna be one of them?” He asked, walking closer to her.

“What? No, thank you.” However despite her refusal, her response was delayed as she pondered what it would feel like to have a vampire suck the blood out of you, and she was almost certain he could tell what was running through her head.

He chuckled, a raspy sound emanating from deep within his chest, “As you say, neighbour.” Though it sounded more like a warning than just a simple, innocuous statement.

After that, she quickly pulled herself out of his apartment, lest things get out of hand and bid him goodnight, as if he actually slept but it was just a polite gesture.

She didn’t want to know in detail what went on in his apartment but she hoped that he would at least keep the noises to a minimum now.

Chapter Text

The week following Satoru’s discovery of her neighbour’s secret, was… interesting to say the least.

After she had left his apartment, she went on with her daily routine but could not stop thinking about him and the fact that he was a literal vampire. 

Satoru didn't know what to make of it. She didn't tell anyone, of course, who would believe her? Instead, she went on with her life, though things were different now. She couldn't ignore the growing tension between them every time they crossed paths. There was something unspoken, almost dangerous, lingering beneath.

Once the initial fear went away, and quickly gave way to her intense curiosity, she realised that she had so many questions that she wanted to ask him. And she wasn’t going to let anything stop her from figuring him out more, the fact that he was a creature of the night didn’t matter now that she knew he probably wouldn’t kill her or anything. If anything, it enticed her even more.

They had also developed a weird sort of…friendship? No, friendship wasn’t the right word for it, perhaps acquaintanceship. But, their dynamic had shifted into something of that sort, like weirdly normal. Satoru had made a habit out of making him help her with ordinary stuff around the apartment, like helping her with groceries or fixing things, and despite his irritation, he did help her. 

Although Satoru was perfectly capable of doing these things on her own, she just needed an excuse to get to know him more and ask the questions that were always on the tip of her tongue.

***

The first time she pestered him into helping her was when the lightbulb in her small kitchenette fused. It was late at night, around 11:30 p.m. and Satoru was fixing up a quick late-night meal for herself when it happened. 

It was annoying but not something that couldn’t wait until morning, and, alternatively, she could fix it herself at that moment, but she was feeling too lazy to do that. So, obviously, this was a perfect opportunity to ask her undead neighbour to help her with such a mundane task. Plus, he was the only one awake at this time. Probably.

When she went to Sukuna’s door and asked him to help change the light bulb, his answer was a resolute no. However before he could shut the door in her face, she stuck her hand out, saying, “Come on, it’s such a small favour and it’s late so I have no one else to ask except you. Plus, it’s just common neighbour courtesy, don’t you think?”

After some more pestering by Satoru and being overcome by annoyance due to the situation, Sukuna finally relented. He was only doing this so she would stop irritating him.

When they were about to enter her apartment, he spoke, “You do know that if you invite me into your home, you’re basically giving me free will to go in and out as I please, right? And essentially permitting me to do anything in your space.” He said as a small smirk played on his face.

Satoru pursed her lips, “Yes. I know. I’m not stupid. But you won’t do anything. I mean you’re not going to kill me or feed from me anyway so what is there left for you to do? Steal my stuff?” She rolled her eyes at the absurdity of her statement.

“Why would I even do that? I don’t have a need for useless junk. And just because I said I won’t doesn’t mean that I can’t.”

“That was a rhetorical question, asshole,” She rolled her eyes before continuing, “But, I know you won’t.” She grinned at him.

“But I could.” He insisted while glaring at her.

“Just shut up and help me with this.” She finally opened her door and led him inside toward the kitchen.

Sukuna examined his surroundings, taking in the cozy decor of her apartment with a small scowl on his face. Her place was so… homey.

He stood there, arms crossed and bored out of his mind as he watched her looking for the new lightbulb, “Why am I here?”

“Because you’re tall. And because you owe me for all those times you brushed me off when I was being so nice.” She said as she handed it to him.

“I don’t owe you anything,” He muttered but still reached up to replace the lightbulb, his long, pale fingers making quick work of it.

“There! See?” She grinned, looking up, “Pretty simple, wasn’t it?” 

He shot her a look that bordered on vexed, crimson eyes sharp, “Whatever, just don’t bother me with this stuff again.”

But despite his annoyance and attempts at making her stay away from him, Sukuna didn’t kill her, didn’t even threaten her that much. Sure, he’d roll his eyes, mutter in barely contained irritation, shut the door in her face more times than she could count, but, for some reason he had decided to tolerate her and Satoru wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip by.

Sometimes Satoru knew she was pushing her luck, but there was something thrilling about poking at him, seeing how far she could go before he snapped. He was dangerous, sure, but the fact that he hadn't killed her yet— despite how much she annoyed him, only made her bolder.

***

Throughout the next few weeks, she kept bothering him with useless tasks that she could do fine by herself, yet he still indulged her and ended up helping, making his own life more miserable when she took that as an opportunity to start asking him ridiculous questions.

One day, she decided it was time she went over to his apartment under the guise of getting her container back. The one in which she gave him the cookies. The one which she very conveniently forgot about until now. She was surprised he didn’t just return it himself.

When he opened the door, his expression turned into one of irritation, “Gojo.” He greeted her, waiting for her to state her reason for disturbing him.

“Sukuna!” She smiled brightly, “Hey, I just came by to get my container back, you know the one I gave you those cookies in?” She asked as she tried to peek inside his apartment but his whole body was covering the entrance and he held on to the door tightly.

A look of recognition crossed his face as he slightly furrowed his eyebrows before his face going back to its usual impassive expression, “Oh. Yeah, I’ll get that. Wait here.” His tone left no room for argument. 

But, Satoru wasn’t one to listen anyway. As soon as he was out of sight, she quickly made her way into his place, leaving the front door slightly ajar as she walked inside.

His apartment was almost an exact replica of hers, apart from the fact that it was completely flipped, as in everything was opposite because his apartment was in front of hers and in a different direction. 

That was the only similarity. 

Inside, it gave her the feeling of a cold and sterile hospital room but instead of bright white lights, it was dimly lit with the curtains drawn. Makes sense. The whole space had no semblance of any personal touch, no decor, no nothing. Just empty and bare, save for some pieces of furniture. 

It was chilly and the smell of disinfectant was heavy in the air, as opposed to the metallic smell of blood, which she half expected. 

Maybe he had just cleaned.

As she crossed the small hallway from the entrance, the kitchenette came into view, where she saw Sukuna rummaging through the cupboards, trying to find her container.

He glanced up toward her as soon as she saw him, maybe even a second before. Considering how sharp his senses were, he probably knew she was inside beforehand.

Still, he looked irritated that she didn’t listen to him, “Why are you here? I told you to wait outside.”

“I dunno,” She shrugged her shoulders, “Just felt like seeing what your place looks like.”

“You should learn to mind your own business.” He said while shooting invisible daggers at her.

“Later, maybe.” She twirled a strand of her long white hair as she glanced around some more, taking in the space he lived in.

“Then maybe I should retract my decision of leaving you as you are.” He looked her dead in the eye.

She frowned, “You wouldn’t,”

“Try me,” He spoke while pulling out her container from a cupboard, “Here.”

Oh. She was hoping it would take him longer to find it, just so she could stall around for a bit.

An expression of slight surprise played on her face as she grabbed it from his hands. It was clean, sparkling even. It’s not like she expected it to be dirty or anything, it was just cookies after all. But still.

She realised now that she never asked him if he liked the cookies.

“So, did you like them?” She asked, leaning against the countertop.

“Liked what?” Sukuna’s expression was one of pure boredom.

“The cookies, I mean. The ones I gave you in this?” She slightly waved the container around in his face, as if to elicit a reaction from him.

“Oh. They were fine.”

He sure seems a bit absentminded today.

“Just fine?” She frowned while pouting slightly.

“Yeah, they were fine,” He added, “Please leave now.”

Satoru tilted her head to the side, “Only fine? Were they not good? Did you not enjoy them? I put so much effort into making them,” She paused, “Wait, can you even eat them? Like, can you have real human food at all?”

He sighed in annoyance, his patience wearing thin, “Fine, they were good. And yes, I did and I can have ‘real human food’.” He scowled while putting his fingers into quotation marks in the air.

“I thought you guys lived off of like, blood and stuff.” 

“Yes and no. Blood is necessary for survival. Other things are fine but not necessary.” He says in a matter-of-fact tone.

“So what foods do you eat usually?” She promptly takes a seat at the counter, irritating him further as he watches her slip into the chair.

“None of your concern.”

She pouted again, “Oh come on, at least indulge me a little bit.”

“I’ve indulged you far more than necessary. Leave me alone now.”

“Just a few questions, please. I’m dying of curiosity! I mean, it’s not every day that you find out your neighbour is an immortal vampire.” She shot him a grin despite his frosty attitude.

Sukuna paused while closing a cupboard door and turned to glare at her, “Why are you still here and talking?” 

“Because you’re fascinating and I want to know more,” She said, as if that explained everything, and to her— it did. He was a vampire. Otherworldly. Unnaturally handsome, terrifying and oddly intriguing. Of course, she’d be fascinated.

Sukuna’s crimson eyes narrowed and she thought he might bare his fangs or strangle her, shutting her up once and for all. Instead, he sighed, his tone flat and unamused, “Curiosity killed the cat,” A glimmer of a smirk played on his lips before he continued, “But fine, make it quick.”

“Good thing I’m not a cat then,” She sniggered.

She thought for a moment before asking her questions. She decided she wasn’t going to be too intrusive because she did not want him to shut her out completely, so she settled on more… simple questions.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, “Do you turn into a bat? Can you see yourself in mirrors? Is the garlic thing real? Oh, how do the fangs work? Do you, like, retract them?” Her mind was filled with an endless stream of questions and thoughts, “What kind of blood do you prefer? Human or animal? Is it all the same? 

He stared at her with an expression that was part disbelief and part exasperation, “I’m not wasting my time answering those ridiculous questions. Some of them don’t even sound real.”

“Come on, just a few. Don’t be such a downer.” She replied cheerfully, drumming her fingers on the countertop. 

“I’m not a downer.” He glared at her, “No, the fangs are not retractable, and human blood is preferable since it has the most necessary nutrients.” 

“Woah, so, how do you get your fill of blood? Since I doubt you go around sucking from people every day…” She trailed off.

“Yeah, that’s not an everyday thing. That pouch of blood you saw me drinking is how.” He referred to the night on the rooftop.

She snickered at this, “For the record, you’re terrible at lying and I already knew it wasn’t ’detox juice’ like you claimed.”

“Shut up,” He scowled, “Anyway, that’s the gist of it. Those pouches are a real help.”

“Where do you even get them from? And do you, like, buy in bulk?”

“Different places, mostly hospitals… and yes.”

“Cool, cool.” She stared at him with an expression of morbid interest, “So, like, how old are you? You must be, like, at least a century old, right?”

“More like a millennium,” He smirked when he watched her face contort into a mixture of pure shock and fascination, and a hint of fear, he sensed.

“Must’ve been pretty young when you died or something huh? How do you even keep up with the times after so many centuries anyway?”

A dark and cryptic look crossed his face when she mentioned him dying young, but he stayed silent. The expression went away as quick as it came though and then he spoke, “That’s enough for today, leave me alone now.” He pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

She was practically bouncing on her toes, vibrating with the need to get more of her questions answered, she was even more curious now, but it seemed that’s all Sukuna would entertain for the day.

She knew she shouldn’t push her luck any more than this, so she grabbed her container and stood up, “Well, that was a nice chat. I’ll see you around?” She asked, tilting her head.

“Sure.” His reply was more sarcastic, rather than affirming her question.

Quite the interesting conversation she just had. She’d have to come back for more soon. 

Chapter Text

Over the course of the next few weeks, something started to develop between them. Satoru would call it a budding friendship, though Sukuna would probably argue against that, grumbling every time she used that word. But it was no lie that their dynamic had changed into a weird sort of companionship, one where she constantly bothered him with whatever menial task she needed help with, and her endless questions.

Sometimes they'd talk, mostly bickering, but there was a growing ease in the way they interacted. Sometimes she’d stop by, and harass him with more questions while he threatened her with vague statements. And other times, he'd vanish for days, leaving her wondering where he was, what he was doing. 

Satoru couldn't quite pinpoint when their relationship shifted from tense conversations to something resembling a twisted form of friendship or companionship. Maybe it was the way he would stand in her kitchen, sharp eyes following her every move with an amused smirk as she complained about her day.

Or when she forced him to tolerate her presence even when he found her exhausting. Pestering him question after question, and often asking him pointless things at random times like, “Hey, does garlic repel vampires? You know, like in the movies?”

He’d roll his eyes and say, “Gojo, I’m this close to snapping your neck.”

”That’s not a no.” She’d remark back at him, and then they’d go back to whatever it was they were doing previously.

Or perhaps it was the way she began to recognise his moods— when he was annoyed, when he was distracted, or when something darker flickered beneath his indifferent exterior. 

Satoru found herself intrigued by him, far more than she should be. Sukuna never told her much about himself, but she'd catch glimpses of something deeper when his guard was down, when the playful smirk slipped, or when his eyes softened for just a second too long. He was captivating in a way that scared her, in a way that kept her up at night, thinking about what he was. About what he could do.

And then there was his appearance, his unnatural beauty. His pale skin, crimson eyes and pink hair were striking, his tattoos only adding to the allure that clung to him like a second skin. It was unsettling how good he looked, how he could walk into any room and command attention without even trying. She wasn’t immune to it, even though she told herself over and over that she should be.

Sometimes, it unnerved her— him being a vampire. Then, oddly enough, she grew used to it. He never crossed the line, though he did seem to enjoy the power he held over her, the way her heart still stammered a little bit when he got too close. But something about his restraint, about the way he kept their strange dynamic at an arm's length, without tipping into it, fascinated her more than she’d care to admit.

But then she also made a point of actually becoming friends with him. Like, one day when she made him play a two-player video game with her while he groaned about it, but she knew he secretly enjoyed it, by the look of how competitive he was being. So, this became a regular thing for them. Her being bored and dragging him over in the evenings to play games with her. Video games and sometimes board games too. She knew that he didn’t really have anything better to do either and knew that he didn’t mind it as much as he pretended to. His favourite video game so far was Mario Kart and at times while playing it, he could become really competitive. It made her giggle just thinking about it.

They weren't friends exactly, but they weren't strangers anymore either.

And as their dynamic shifted into something more natural, Sukuna would sometimes drop by on his own. Often not saying much but walking past her and into her living room, and she’d let him. Sometimes she pretended to be annoyed, but truthfully, she liked the company, even if that company came in the form of an ancient, powerful vampire who could kill her with a flick of his wrist. And she figured he’d gotten used to having her around and just needed to be near someone sometimes. Then they’d just sit and watch TV or play games. Or just sit in silence while doing their own thing. Sometimes they'd talk, but not nearly enough to satiate her. 

Then there was also the fact that every time she tried a new recipe, she made him try it or just gave some to him anyway. He didn’t really compliment her cooking, and she wasn’t an exceptional cook by any means, her cooking and baking skills were average at best, but he didn’t turn her away or complain either so she continued with this little routine. 

And Sukuna, for all his grumbling and grouching, still stuck around. Maybe he was bored, maybe he was only tolerating her because she knew about his secret or maybe there was something about her that piqued his interest. Either way, their odd little relationship continued, and sometimes she couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes lingered on her a little too long like he was also trying to figure her out. Or maybe the reason was something else entirely, but in any case, it sent a thrill of excitement through her.

So just like that, their strange friendship formed. She made his cold, detached existence just a little bit more chaotic with the way she had integrated herself into his life. Her constant presence around him was both a source of irritation, as well a brightening up of his otherwise dull life.

***

It was a cold, rainy day. The light sounds of the patterning rain could be heard from outside as Satoru watched from the window in her living room. She had bought a brand-new television earlier in the day. Because her old one was really old. Like practically ancient.

Now it was evening, the sun being almost set. Twilight hour. 

She sat in her small living room, finally beginning the task of getting her new TV ready to attach to the wall and get on with watching the new season of her favourite show on it. She was practically buzzing with energy but all of the wires were making it a cumbersome process.

When she had finally sorted through the wires, she realised that she couldn’t possibly lift the twenty-five-pound TV by herself and attach it to the wall. 

So, this was the perfect opportunity to bother Sukuna.

She practically ran to his door, knocking a little bit too loudly. When he opened the door, he was frowning and looked unusually pale. Paler than his usual self and considering the fact he was a vampire, this was a bit jarring. The circles under his eyes were more pronounced too. His confident, often smug demeanour seemed duller, replaced by a faint but noticeable weariness.

“What do you want now, Gojo?” He asked hoarsely. His voice was deep, gravelly as if he hadn’t spoken in days. 

“Woah, what’s wrong with you? You’re looking awfully pale… Forget to do your creepy vampire chores or something?” 

Sukuna glared at her and muttered, “I’m not in the mood for your stupid jokes. And stop calling me creepy.” As he spoke, his grip on the doorframe shook, causing him to stumble slightly. Not enough to lose his footing but enough to have a cause for concern.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she reached out to steady him, his skin cold to the touch. 

He quickly retracted his arm from her gasp. Like her touch burned him.

“I’m serious, what’s wrong with you? You look like you’re about to pass out.” She crossed her arms, eyeing him suspiciously, and then she added, “Wait, are you sick?” Her eyes widened at the thought, “Can you even get sick?”

“I’m not sick,” He snapped, pushing off from the wall he was leaning against. Though his movements were sluggish, then he sighed, “Just forgot to feed. I’ve been… busy.”

Forgot to feed? A wave of realization hit her. Of course, he needed blood. It was easy to forget, with how composed he usually seemed. But now he looked... vulnerable. Weak.

“Forgot to feed? How?!” She asked, concern lacing her voice.

He rolled his eyes, “That’s none of your business. Now, hurry up and tell me why you’re bothering me.” 

“Fine, if you think you can do it then I need some help setting up this new TV that I got.” She spoke, waiting for his reaction.

“Like hell I can’t do it. Let’s go.” 

Although he was insistent and determined to prove her wrong about her assumptions, he wasn’t doing a very good job of it. His gaze was dull and his normally sharp movements were slow and lethargic. So much so that Satoru feared he would drop her brand-new TV, which cost her a pretty penny. And when he stumbled slightly while helping her attach it to the wall, that’s when she had enough and told him to just leave it and go sit down. 

He grumbled but did as she said, collapsing on the couch. It’s not like he was in any shape to complain or to argue with her.

Satoru handed him a glass of water and took a seat next to him on the couch, turning toward him. His usual cockiness was replaced with a tight grimace and when she looked closer, she could see beads of sweat forming on his pale forehead. 

“You really look like hell.” She remarked.

“Thanks a lot.” He shot her a glare but his words didn’t have as much bite to them as usual. He looked like he was in discomfort.

“How can you forget to feed? You’re an immortal vampire. What could possibly be so important that—“

“Shut up,” He snapped, cutting her off. His words were laced with irritation and his eyebrows were furrowed, a frown playing on his face. He leaned his head back against the couch and closed his eyes, his breathing shallow. 

Satoru blinked at him, her usual sarcastic retorts dying on her tongue as she took in his appearance. She had never seen him like this before— so exposed. It was startling.

“You’re really that low on blood?” She asked, her voice softer now.

Sukuna didn’t answer, his jaw clenched, trying to control his laboured breathing. It was clear that whatever was happening, neither himself nor his body was handling it well.

She continued, “Don’t you have like a whole reserve of those blood pouches though?”

“All out,” He groaned, “Will get more in bulk in a day or two.”

“What about just going out and feeding from an unsuspecting person?” She suggested, though she felt a little guilty about it. 

“It would require too much effort right now.” He replied.

She hesitated for a moment, watching him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. She had never seen him feed, never really wanted to. But now, seeing him like this— something inside her shifted and a part of her wanted to help ease his pain by offering herself up. She knew she shouldn’t. It was wrong. She should just let him deal with his own damn problems. But… she wanted to. 

“I… I could… help you,” She said slowly, the words feeling foreign on her tongue. 

She waited for his reaction with bated breath.

He cracked his eyes open, his expression somewhere between suspicion and surprise, “Help me?”

“Yeah. Help you.” She said, crossing her arms as if to shield herself from the weight of her own suggestion. “You can-“ She cleared her throat, “You can feed from me. I mean… you’ve already admitted you could kill me a dozen times, so, why not?” 

For a moment, he didn’t respond, just stared at her like she said the most absurd thing he’d ever heard. His eyes narrowed, suspicion and hunger warring in his eyes. Then, his gaze darkened, a slow smile tugging at his lips, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’re offering me your blood?”

After all , if he wanted, she would let him have a taste.

Satoru swallowed the lump in her throat, suddenly feeling the gravity of her offer. “Yeah, well. You need it and you’re out of options here. I’m not gonna have you die on me like this.” She huffed.

“I’m not going to die from lack of blood.” He chuckled, a deep and low sound that went straight to her belly, despite the absurdity of their situation.

She mentally scolded herself.

She shifted in her seat, “Anyway, the offer still stands. For now at least.”

He turned his body in her direction to stare at her. As if taking in her words, then, finally he spoke, “Are you sure?” His voice was low, almost a growl, like he couldn’t believe this. 

For a moment, the world seemed to stand still. For her at least. Satoru’s heart pounded in her chest, her mind reeling with the implications of her decision. She should change her mind, she still had time. But she couldn’t. Couldn’t stop herself before the word slipped out from her parted lips, “Yes,” She nodded.

He smirked, the glow in his sharp eyes returning, and the weariness in his movements slightly dissipating as the hunger took over. He looked at her like she was a puzzle he couldn’t figure out— and one that he couldn’t wait to solve. 

His gaze was dark and calculating, “You sure you want me to? Once I start… I may not be able to stop.” His voice was quiet yet heavy with an unspoken warning.

Her heart was racing, but she refused to let him see her in an anxious state, “I’m not offering twice.” 

He remained quiet. She saw a glint of hesitation in his eyes for a split second, his eyes flickering from her face down her neck and then to her arms. He shifted closer to her now, their thighs practically touching and she could feel the chill emanating from his body. His hands were gentle yet firm as he grasped her wrist in his large hand.

“What are you doing?” She asked in confusion, as he made no move to come closer to her now, instead just slowly bringing her wrist closer to his mouth and looking at her with a hunger in his crimson eyes.

“Aren’t you… supposed to take it from… the neck?” She asked, confused and feeling shivers up her spine as his warm breath hit the skin on her arm.

“No. Anywhere but the neck.”

“Why? I thought—“

He cut her off by stating, “It’s dangerous”

She was about to ask him to elaborate on what he meant by that but the words stopped in her mouth as the fingers of his free hand ghosted over her skin as he brought her wrist to his mouth. His lips were soft and surprisingly warm as they brushed against her skin.

The anticipation made her dizzy and her breath hitched but she refused to show any hesitation or anxiety. Her cheeks were probably flushed. She didn’t expect this to be such an intimate moment but he was so close to her so how could she not feel flushed?

“This might hurt.” He whispered against her skin, and before she could respond, his fangs sank into her arm, breaking the delicate skin. 

Satoru gasped softly, her hands gripping the edge of the couch as pain shot through her arm. It was similar to getting bitten by a cat or dog, but the pain was sharper in the first few moments. However, it wasn’t just the pain. There was something else too, something darker and more intense. A pull, a connection between them that felt dangerously intimate. She felt the strange warmth everywhere as his mouth latched onto her skin, drawing more blood. Her breath hitched and her knees almost buckled under the overwhelming sensation.

Her heart pounded in her chest and she could feel it in her ears, her body trembling lightly as Sukuna drank from her. Taking what he needed from her. Then he groaned softly, his grip on her arm tightening as he drank more, his hunger evident in every movement. His eyes fluttered closed, and for a moment, he looked... content. Almost peaceful.

And then, just as quickly, the pain began to blur into something else. Something more... intimate. She watched the head of his fluffy pink hair move slowly as he continued to drink from her. Heat pooled in her stomach, her legs feeling weak beneath her as his fangs continued to pierce her flesh and suck her dry. The sound of him feeding was raw, primal, and it sent a strange buzz through her veins.

He drank deeply, and she could feel her strength waning, her vision blurring and her head spinning as blood left her body. She felt her strength slowly ebb away. But she didn't stop him. Didn’t pull away. It was unsettling, yet strangely exhilarating. Like she was giving him something he desperately needed, something only she could offer. Though she knew that wasn’t true, he could get blood from anyone. But, something inside her wanted this, wanted to give herself to him in a way that was both terrifying and thrilling.

After what felt like an eternity, Sukuna pulled away. Her blood stained his lips, dripping down his chin and onto his shirt, while his breathing was heavy. His eyes glowed with a renewed hunger as he stared at her, his grip on her wrist loosening before drawing his hands away. The metallic scent of fresh blood was thick in the air.

“You’re insane,” He muttered finally, his voice low, rough and containing a hint of something she couldn’t quite put her finger on— admiration, perhaps? She didn’t know. She was too dizzy to think clearly anyway. 

Satoru remained quiet as she slumped against the couch, lightheaded and weakened from the blood loss. Her vision swam, and her arm felt like it had no force in it. She could feel the fatigue creeping up on her.

“You know, you should be more careful with your generosity.” He said while locking his gaze with hers, something strange swimming in those crimson eyes of his. 

“Don’t tell me what to do.” She managed to shoot him a lazy smirk despite her lightheaded state. 

He scoffed, before shuffling away to the other side of the couch and Satoru could feel herself slipping into a deep, blood-loss-induced slumber.

Chapter Text

It didn’t take long for Sukuna to get addicted to her blood. 
 
It started the day Satoru offered to let him drink from her because she saw how weak he’d gotten due to forgetting to feed.

And after that day, she let it happen again because he still looked weak and pale. At least that’s what she told herself. But even after he became fine, she still let it happen. She didn’t really know why. Maybe it was out of morbid curiosity or maybe it was the way she felt when he drank from her. Something she didn’t want to name. 

It started slow. Maybe once a week. Satoru would watch him with those bright blue eyes of hers, more curious than afraid, like she was waiting for what kind of reaction she could pull from him. She would offer her arm and he’d take it in an instant, sinking his razor-sharp fangs into her soft skin and drinking her blood greedily. 

Sometimes after work, she’d show up at his place to bother him with some flimsy excuse about being bored and try to drag him back to hers. Sometimes he’d tell her to fuck off but most of the time, in his usual irritable fashion, he would roll his eyes and let her. They’d bicker as they always did, their banter sharp and biting at times. 

Sometimes he’d show up on his own.

But it had become somewhat of an unspoken agreement that when he’d look at her with a sharp gaze and that certain expression of hunger, she’d know what he wanted and would extend her arm to let him drink from her.

But the more Sukuna drank, the more he craved her blood. Satoru’s blood was intoxicating, potent in a way that made his head spin. No matter how much he tried to restrain himself, to stay away from her, he still found himself wanting her. Needing more. Each time he told himself it would be the last, and each time it was a lie. 

He couldn’t even figure out what it was about her blood that made him crave it so much and so often.

Satoru seemed indifferent to it at first. Or more on the curious side. She’d tease him about it, making some snide remark about how it was just like him being a stray cat she adopted and kept fed. He would roll her eyes and tell her to shut up. But after a while, even she noticed the way things were changing. She trusted him not to take things too far but every time he drank from her, there was an edge to his hunger that seemed to grow sharper. She could feel it in the way his fingers dug into her skin a little harder, his breath coming quicker as he fed from her, his fangs sinking deeper each time. How there seemed to be an edge to his hunger, growing sharper every time. The way his eyes would linger on her a little longer. The way he’d seem strangely possessive every time he bit her. And how his gaze would be more like that of a predator watching its prey, even when he wasn’t in the mood to feed.

They didn’t talk about it, not really. Neither of them wanted to address the strange dynamic slowly warping between them. 

One evening, Sukuna came to her door like any other day, after all, they had fallen into a routine. However, when she opened the door, Sukuna seemed distracted and his hunger seemed sharper and stronger.

He was wearing his usual dark clothing. A hoodie and sweats. His expression was one of irritation and something else. Something darker.

She greeted him as he stepped inside her apartment. 

“You look like shit.” She remarked, scanning him.

“Don’t start.” He grumbled as plopped on her couch. Though his voice contained a rougher note to it and he seemed on edge. Something was bothering him. 

She hummed and slid beside him on the couch. 

For a while, they played Mario Kart in silence as Satoru sipped on her cherry-flavoured cola. It was disgustingly sweet but she also had a considerable sweet tooth. While she drank her coke, Sukuna had his hibiscus tea which he sipped on slowly, and which she poked fun at him for, saying something along the lines of him only consuming red-coloured things.

They played for a good thirty minutes in mostly silence apart from the sounds of the game and the low hum of the radiator in the room, until Satoru noticed the way the corner of his eyes kept darting back and forth between the game and her. His jaw clenching and unclenching like he was holding back from doing something. More specifically, how his gaze lingered on her neck. She was wearing an oversized sweater with a long and somewhat deep neckline that stretched to the edges of her shoulders and showcased her collarbones and a bit of the flesh beneath them. 

Maybe the show of skin made him stare but it wasn’t really anything different from her usual attire so she wasn’t quite sure about that. Maybe she was just imagining things.

He was also quiet— not that he was a very talkative or social person in nature but still, he was quieter than usual. 

Satoru sensed that he was agitated because he most probably hadn’t fed yet. She was waiting any second now for him to confirm that. 

And he did. He turned to her with that same hungry look in his eyes that she’d seen more than enough now. Today, however, the hunger in his eyes had a dangerous edge to it, he almost seemed ready to pounce on her like a predator before she’d asked. 

But she had gotten used to this, more or less, so she asked, “Hungry?”

He just looked at her with glowing hunger which could probably not be conveyed by words.

She raised an eyebrow at him before extending her arm. She wondered why he fed so often from her now. Not that she minded it, but still— it’s not like he was lacking in any resources for his hunger. Maybe he just did it out of boredom. Or maybe because it was easy as she was always around. Satoru couldn’t really figure it out because apart from his frequent visits and him sucking her dry every other day, not much had changed between them. They’d fallen into a somewhat comfortable friendship, with the biting remarks here and there. Teetering on the edge of something more, something darker.

As his sharp fangs sank into the soft skin of her arm, she felt the familiar sensation of pressure on her skin and the piercing pain, which had now— after many days of this, had changed into a dull sting instead. Her body had become slightly accustomed to it. Though there were marks on her arms now which had become difficult to hide.

Suddenly he withdrew his blood-stained mouth from her arm and looked at her with raw hunger before shuffling closer to her and pushing her back against the couch. He latched his mouth on her neck and sunk his fangs deeply into her skin before she even had the chance to say anything.

Satoru gasped at the suddenness and the proximity of him to her and her body jolted from the shooting pain in her neck.

“W-what are you doing?” She felt herself utter as she felt his sharp fangs sink deeper into her flesh.

He let out a low grunt but didn’t reply. Too focused on sucking the blood from her neck. His hands, usually cold and detached, found their way around her waist and shoulder, gripping tightly. His hold was almost possessive. 

It wasn’t like the other times. This was not controlled or careful. Sukuna was ravenous, and Satoru could feel it in the way his body was tense and how his movements were frenzied. The line between his hunger and his restraint blurring. And for the first time, she felt herself wonder if he would stop.

For some inexplicable reason, the more he took, the more she wanted him to have.

She felt breathless as drank from her. The heat from his body made her feel warm due to their close proximity. The difference between his mouth on her wrist versus her neck was astounding. The pain was different— more intense and sharp, and now a bit dulled. But also something else. It felt more intimate. Sensual. And she couldn’t help the warmth settling in her stomach, almost a slow and hypnotic sensation, couldn’t help the small whimper leaving her mouth as he continued to suck her blood. His fangs sinking deeper and piercing the soft and delicate flesh of her neck while he groaned every now and then. She felt still and frozen. Unable to move and not wanting to either, fearing if she did then it would end and he’d realise and never do it again. She didn’t want that to happen, so she sat there and let him take from her. 

After a while, Satorus felt her vision swim back and forth between consciousness as the loss of blood began to kick in. Her limbs felt heavy and the dizziness that she’d usually shake off lingered longer than before. And as much as she tried to keep herself awake and conscious, she could begin to feel herself slipping into a sweet blood loss-induced slumber, with Sukuna’s warm mouth still on her neck and his hand gripping her waist.

“Sukuna…” Satoru murmured as her consciousness slipped. 

Finally, Sukuna pulled away, his lips stained with her blood, running down his chin. Having had his fill of her, he looked at her, only to find that her face had gone pale and her body slumped against the cushions, her breathing slightly uneven. 

As soon as Sukuna saw the sight in front of him, something in his expression shifted. The smug look he had on his face after getting his full fill of her immediately faltered. 

His hand reached out, gripping her chin and tilting her face toward him. “Satoru?” he asked, his voice sharp and laced with an undercurrent of something else— something he wasn’t used to feeling. 

No reply. 

Sukuna stared at her limp form on the couch. He hadn’t meant to take that much, hadn’t meant to push her this far. But once he started, he found himself unable to stop. Her blood— it was unlike anything else. Unlike any other blood he’d had before. Sweet, intoxicating, and addictive in a way that made him lose control every time. He had been careless, drunk on the sweet taste of her on his lips. 

And at first, he had tried to space things out. A bite here and there. He didn’t want to get reliant on her blood, didn’t want to risk losing control. He told himself that he had started drinking blood from her because she was always around. Always within reach. The more he drank, the more he craved it, and before he knew it, he had developed an appetite for her blood only. He found himself instinctively refusing to seek blood from other sources, just so he could have a reason to take it from her.

He didn’t know why her blood was so potent and why it filled him with such an overwhelming satisfaction. It was richer than any blood he’d ever tasted. Maybe it was something about her specifically, or maybe it was because she offered it so willingly. Either way, he couldn’t stop. 

Foolish girl. Unknowingly attracting danger toward herself. 

And it wasn’t just her blood. Her presence, her scent, her very existence was getting under his skin all the time. Every time he fed from her, he felt it. He wanted more, not just her blood, but all of her— mind, body and soul. The very essence of her.

Sukuna’s steady hands held tight on her shoulders, lifting her slightly. Her head lolled against his chest, her breathing shallow and her skin cold. 

The rational part of him knew that he could fix this. He could leave her here to recover and she’d wake up eventually— tired and weak from the blood loss and perhaps a little shaken, but fine, and he’d tell her that he won’t lose control of himself and do it again, and go back to his other sources. However, there was a dark thought gnawing at him, a sick and twisted addiction that whispered in his ear to keep her close. He needed her blood. Every time he tasted it, he wanted more. Craved more. And now, seeing her so pale and fragile, the thought crossed his mind— how far could he go? 

He leaned in close, his thumb brushing over her throat where his bite marks were still fresh, blood smeared across her skin. His fangs ached to sink into her again, to make her his in a way that went beyond simple hunger. The thought was tantalising, almost impossible to resist. He’d never had anyone like her, never tasted blood so rich and dangerously addictive. 

But something stopped him. His fingers hovered over her pulse, faint but still there, and a flicker of hesitation crossed him. This wasn’t like him. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t care. He took what he needed. But something about the way she felt in his arms, so fragile and delicate, made something horrible twist inside of him. Something that he didn’t want to acknowledge. 

Sukuna grunted under his breath, frustration gnawing at him. This shouldn’t have happened. He shouldn’t have lost control. Yet here she was, unconscious in his arms, and the thought of losing her, his source of addiction, unnerved him in a way he couldn’t explain. 

“Stupid girl,” he muttered, his voice low and laced with irritation. 

He leaned back, his tongue grazing over his fangs, still tasting her blood on his lips. His hands curled around her tighter, bordering on possessiveness. 

Satoru had let him feed from her willingly. He could tell in her eyes that she wanted it. And yet, there was a line he hadn’t meant to cross, if only to spare himself the trouble. 

He carried her carefully to her bed, laying her down as her face remained pale and unmoving. Her breathing was soft. His eyes lingered on her. He wiped off the remnants of the blood from her neck with the back of his hand, his fingers tracing over the bite marks he had left. He didn’t know what this was between them, didn’t care to put a name on it. But he also knew he couldn’t make himself stay away from her now, despite her current state. 

He wanted more of her.