Chapter Text
Suguru checked his phone for the umpteenth time as he stood on the train. He confirmed yet again that he was on the right train, and still, his anxiety persisted. He had one more stop before he reached Satoru’s.
He’d never been to the place Satoru had rented off campus. Prior to finding the kids, they’d both lived at Jujutsu High full time. Suguru hadn’t been back to his dorm since, but he knew Satoru liked to chill at the school while the a Fushiguro’s were in school.
He and Satoru had agreed that he should meet the Fushiguro’s without the Hasabas present. Satoru thought it would overwhelm Megumi in particular. Satoru had shared that while the boy acted tough, he was weary of others. He’d apparently hardly even warmed up to Satoru yet.
Suguru did not know how to react to Megumi being Toji’s son. While he did not believe children should be held responsible for the sins of their parents, it was hard not to see Toji’s features when Satoru showed him photos of the boy. He now knew his initial impression of Megumi’s appearance within the domain had been correct. He’d just hadn’t been able to place the resemblance.
He was even more nervous to meet Tsumiki.
Already, he loved her. She’d been so kind to him when he met her in the mirror. She’d radiated warmth and contentment, as had all of their kids. They, alongside Satoru, had all helped him seek out the light on his darkest day, and he could never repay them enough for what they had given him already.
But Satoru’s words echoed in his mind.
While he knew Satoru loved him, he also knew Satoru would keep the Fushiguro’s from him if Suguru strayed even slightly out of line. He didn’t doubt that Satoru would remain in his life, but he knew that it would be restricted. He had one shot, and he could not fail her.
As he stepped off the train, he pulled up Satoru’s last text with instructions for finding his place.
Suguru wondered when they’d get another chance to talk or to spend time alone again. He was still reeling from their almost kiss, and he would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit that he was disappointed that they’d been interrupted, even though he genuinely cherished every moment with his girls and was so incredibly happy that they felt safe with him and with Satoru.
They hadn’t talked about their almost kiss, and hadn’t seen each other much in the last week, with Satoru continuing to take missions and both of them ensuring their respective sets of kids made it to school each morning.
Suguru sighed as he stood in front of Satoru’s apartment. It didn’t do him well to dwell on what hadn’t happened, but he worried that it might have been a fluke. That Satoru had only tried to kiss him because he’d been swept up in the moment.
He took a deep breath and knocked. The door swung open and he saw no one. He looked down, and was proud of himself for remaining perfectly still as he saw the spitting image of Toji Fushiguro scrutinizing him. Yet, he wasn’t quite Toji. He was softer, and something in his face was distinctly his own.
“Who’re you?” For such a young child, Megumi’s voice was exceptionally gruff.
Suguru coughed in an attempt to stifle laughter. Satoru had said the boy exuded attitude; he hadn’t been exaggerating. Suguru bent down and smiled at Megumi, “My name is Suguru. I’m Satoru’s friend.” The word friend tasted wrong on his tongue. There truly wasn’t a word in the Japanese language that could encompass all Satoru was to him. He doubted there was a word or phrase in any language that would feel adequate.
Megumi’s face remained unchanged, “He talks about you.”
“He also talks about you and your sister all the time,” And to his surprise, Megumi suddenly looked bashful, if not slightly pleased, though the boy hid it well. Suguru understood why Satoru was so protective. This kid had robust walls erected around his heart.
“He probably says stupid stuff. Cause he’s stupid,” Megumi crossed his hands over his chest.
“Oh yeah? What makes him stupid?”
Megumi was pouting now. Adorable. “He makes me and my sister go to bed early like we’re babies.”
Suguru’s heartached. They were babies. He wondered how long Megumi and Tsumiki had been alone. Satoru had implied that they’d been on their own long before Toji died. He couldn’t comprehend a child as young as Megumi having to learn how to survive every day. He hated that all four of their kids had suffered. His only solace was that they’d seemed happy and well adjusted in the future, if the mirror domain was to be believed.
Before he could respond, a melodic yet firm voice interrupted his thoughts, “Megumi, Satoru told us we’re not supposed to answer the door for anyone! It’s not safe!” Tsumiki grabbed Megumi and pulled him against her. He looked irritated, but didn’t object or move from her grasp. Despite his evident annoyance, he appeared more at ease, as if his older sister’s presence grounded him.
Suguru smiled at the young girl, who looked so different yet so similar to her older self. “Hi, you must be Tsumiki, I’m Suguru.” He bowed his head slightly, and she bowed in return. To his immense relief, he felt no ill will or repulsion toward her. He felt tension melting from his shoulders as his anxiety subsided.
“You’re Ruru’s boyfriend.”
A burst of nervous energy flowed through him as Suguru sputtered, “Um what?”
Tsumiki appeared mortified, “That was impolite. I’m very sorry,” She bowed again, this time more hastily.
“There’s no need to apol-”
“Suguru!!!!!” Satoru rushed forward, flying past both kids, and tackled Suguru onto the ground, “You’re here!”
“Satoru, what are you doing!” He tried and failed to sound indignant, unable to stop himself from laughing.
“Saying hi,” Satoru grinned down at him. Sunlight perfectly haloed his hair, making Satoru look angelic. He wanted to run his fingers through Satoru’s hair. Suguru’s hands started to feel clammy at the thought. He covertly tried to wipe them against his pants, before placing them on Satoru’s back.
“Hi,” He smiled back up at Satoru, “So, are we gonna keep hanging out on the ground outside of your apartment or do you have other plans for us?”
Satoru rolled his eyes and flipped him off. As he got up, he extended his hand to Suguru. He pulled Suguru up quickly and effortlessly. Suguru was always impressed with the ease in which Satoru could lift him. He really was the strongest.
Tsumiki peered around Satoru’s leg and looked up at him, with wide hopeful eyes, “We’re having a party.”
Suguru bent down, “A party?”
Megumi ran to his sister, and stood slightly in front of her, his arms crossed. He was staring at Suguru with an indecipherable expression, watching and assessing Suguru’s every move. He needed to tread lightly.
Tsumiki pulled at one of Megumi’s hands. He begrudgingly uncrossed his hands, allowing her to hold his hand. It was exceptionally cute, and Suguru had to fight the urge to coo at the action. He knew it would be unwelcomed.
“Yeah, we’re having tea! And snacks! Satoru got them for us,” Tsumiki said enthusiastically, her pigtails bouncing as she vibrated with excitement.
Suguru turned his gaze to Satoru, who immediately blushed under Suguru’s knowing gaze.
He turned his eyes to the side, and mumbled, “Tsumiki’s prepared green tea for us. We also have biscuits… or maybe they’re shortbread? Some sort of cookie thing. She’s really into tea ceremonies right now- we’re doing a Japanese British fusion today, because she read some book about British high tea or something like that. I don’t really know. Tsumiki is the mastermind here. I just bought whatever she asked for. Plus, I’d never say no to sweets,” Satoru shrugged, looking slightly self-effacing.
“That’s very kind of you, Satoru,” Suguru infused his voice with as much warmth as possible, delighted to see that Satoru’s blush had deepened. He then turned back toward the kids, “And thank you, Tsumiki, for planning and preparing the tea party. I can’t wait.”
She beamed at him. And yeah, there was no way he could ever see her as a monkey. She was a child. A young girl with hopes and dreams and interests of her own, just like Nanako and Mimiko. Maybe Satoru was a lot more mature than he’d ever given him credit for.
----------------------------------------------------
The four of them sat together around the kotatsu. Suguru was grateful for the source of warmth. As November’s end drew nearer, the cold had started to settle deeper into his bones.
Tsumiki tried several times to pour their tea, her small hands shaking. She was evidently quite nervous. Without a word, Satoru had moved beside her, and gently held her onto her hands, guiding her with each pour. Suguru was certain that he’d never been more in love with Satoru than he was at that moment.
Megumi appeared pleased with Satoru's actions, if the small smile that had formed on his face was indicative of anything. As soon as Megumi noticed Suguru watching him, he instantly scowled. Suguru had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from laughing. Satoru hadn’t lied when he said Megumi was a moody broody child.
“Thank you, Tsumiki,” He smiled at her as she handed him his cup. He sipped on the tea, “This is lovely.”
She giggled, and put a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide. He smiled reassuringly at her. She seemed very worried about being improper. If she continued living with Satoru, this would most definitely change. For once, Suguru was glad for Satoru’s lack of tact and distaste for propriety.
“Now try some cookies!” Tsumiki shoved a plate full of various assorted biscuits at him. She looked at him eagerly. He couldn’t wait for her to meet Nanako and Mimiko. He had a feeling they’d be obsessed with Tsumiki.
He felt a pang in his chest. He was thinking way ahead of himself; he and Satoru hadn’t talked about their futures or even what their mutual confessions meant for them. Tsumiki had called him Satoru’s boyfriend, but they’d never discussed any such thing. He knew he had to prove to Satoru he could continue to be a safe person for Tsumiki.
Suguru put one of each type of sweet on his plate, and laughed as Satoru placed multiple of each on his own. Satoru shrugged, “I’ve already tried each flavor. I had to do a taste test.”
“You really didn’t,” Megumi said, looking unimpressed. Suguru was surprised he’d spoken up at all.
Satoru placed his hand on his chest, faux offended, “Excuse me, Megumi, yes, I did! I can’t have you, Tsumiki, or Suguru eating subpar sweets.”
“Satoru, don’t act like you didn’t do it just so you could eat more sweets,” Suguru challenged, laughing as he bit into a biscuit. It was nicely spiced, but with what, Suguru wasn’t certain. He liked that it wasn’t too sweet. He wondered if Satoru had included these especially for him; if he had considered how Suguru didn’t love overly sweet treats, he wanted to ask, but couldn’t bring himself to. He wasn’t sure how he’d handle the answer regardless of what it was.
To Suguru’s surprise and delight, Megumi laughed at his words. Satoru’s eyes widened and his glasses fell off his face. He looked between Megumi and Suguru; dumbfounded. Then, he pointed at both of them, “No, you two are not uniting against me.”
Suguru looked at Megumi and grinned. Megumi smiled tentatively back, “Hm, I don’t know, Satoru. I think Megumi and I would make a pretty good team.”
“You’ll never defeat me and Tsumiki,” Satoru was impassioned, as he stood up, “Alright, we settle this like adults. Tsumiki and me on one team and you and Megumi in the other. Mario Kart, best 2 out of 3. Losers do the dishes! Everyone head to the living room right now!”
Suguru rolled his eyes, but couldn’t stop himself from smiling, as he felt his own competitiveness rising in his chest, “You’re on!”
Megumi and Tsumiki both cheered. “I want the black and white controller,” Megumi yelled as he ran ahead.
Tsumiki followed quickly after him, “I get the blue one!”
Suguru reconsidered his prior thought. Satoru hadn’t matured that much. But he couldn’t say that he really minded. Satoru’s playful nature had its perks, plus, he’d fallen in love with this silly and immature version of Satoru first. He suspected he’d easily fall in love with any version of Satoru. He already found himself falling harder and harder for the other boy with each new thing he learned about. Watching Satoru become more mature while keeping his joy for life was a gift to witness, and one he knew he was lucky to be privy to.
As Satoru dashed ahead of him, screaming something about wanting the purple wheel, Suguru paused. His own thoughts were not dissimilar to what the second mirror’s version of Satoru said to him. He laughed incredulously to himself. Maybe all versions of them really did want and love each other, regardless of whether they were together or not. He found comfort in the thought of them having consistency across realities as he left the room.
----------------------------------------------------
After hours of playing various games, eating dinner, and watching a movie, Suguru stood alone in the genkan, pulling his scarf off of one of the many hooks Satoru had clearly haphazardly attached to the wall. He sighed. He was ready to go home, yet sad to leave. He missed his daughters, who would be coming home for the evening after their day with Shoko in around an hour. Meeting the Fushiguro’s had gone much better than he’d expected. He felt more confident about all of their kids meeting. He was desperate to be a family.
Suguru wound his scarf around his neck, and started to put his coat on, startling as a firm hand landed on his shoulder,“Suguru, wait.” Suguru turned to face Satoru, who didn’t immediately elaborate. They awkwardly stood, staring at one another, for what felt like an eternity to Suguru, but was in reality, less than 30 seconds.
Satoru was looking at him with an indecipherable expression. When Satoru spoke again, his voice was lower, quieter, “Can I?”
The question sat between them. Satoru nervously scratched at the back of his neck as he waited, while Suguru titled his head to the side; he felt like he was missing something crucial here, “Can you what?”
Satoru’s face slowly turned a lovely shade of pink. He kept his eyes downturned, as he shyly asked, “Can I kiss you?”
Suguru felt matching heat blooming across his own face as butterflies ricocheted throughout his chest. His answer was simple, “Yes.”
Satoru smiled. He took a step closer and reached his hand up, cupping the side of Suguru’s face. He ran his thumb gently against Suguru’s cheek as he pressed their lips together.
Suguru’d always thought love poems were bullshit, and never once believed romance movies when the main character said that sparks flew when they finally kissed their crush.
But here, right now, with Satoru pressed close against him. He recanted every snarky comment he’d ever made about the romance genre. And sparks?. Scratch sparks. There was a full blown fire burning all throughout his chest and stomach, spreading rapidly across his body and igniting him from the inside out.
Kissing Satoru was the very antithesis of swallowing curses. Satoru’s lips were glossy, soft, and he could taste the slight cherry flavor of Satoru’s lip balm. With consuming curses, he suffered through it, pleading for it to be over quickly and without residual effects. But as Satoru kissed him, he wanted to consume him whole and to be consumed.
When their lips parted, Satoru didn’t move away. Suguru could feel Satoru’s smile against his lips. He opened his eyes, and was met with vibrant blue shimmering with uncontained joy.
Satoru whispered, his lips moving gently against Suguru's own, “Ok?”
In lieu of responding, Suguru grinned then pressed their lips together for a second, third, then fourth kiss.
Now that he’d had a taste, he was never going to be able to stop kissing Satoru.