Yuji woke up the next day feeling anxious.

Today was the day. Yuta was going to attempt to lift Tsumiki's curse. Megumi would get to see his sister, and, hopefully, have her back, completely.

Yuji didn't know how Megumi would react. He kept trying to imagine his reaction, but it was hard. Would he cry? Would he laugh? What would his face look like?

Would he give Yuji one of those soft smiles, that made his heart race?

"You're fidgeting," Megumi commented, glancing at him. "And, you keep looking at my face. What's with you today?"

"Nothing," Yuji replied, looking away.

The two were laying in bed, and Megumi was reading a book, while Yuji tried to distract himself. He didn't want Megumi to get suspicious, so he had been trying not to stare, but, apparently, he was failing.

"Really? Cause you're being weirder than usual," the other boy pointed out, raising an eyebrow.

Yuji's mouth dropped open, and he glared at the other boy.

"Am not," he protested, petulantly.

"Yeah, you are," the other boy insisted. "You're all jittery. You look like you're going to explode. And, you've been looking at me weirdly, too. Seriously, what's going on?"

"Nothing," Yuji replied, avoiding his eyes.

"Fine. Just tell me, is it a good or a bad thing?" the black-haired boy asked.

"It's good," Yuji assured him.

Megumi looked at him for a moment, and nodded.

"Okay. I'll trust you."

Yuji gave him a small smile, and, after a few minutes, Megumi returned to reading.

Yuji's eyes drifted to the other boy's face. His lips were moving as he read, and Yuji watched as they moved, entranced. He thought back to what Yuta said, and a blush spread across his cheeks.

"What are you reading, anyway?" he questioned, in an effort to distract himself.

"A biography," the other boy responded, flipping the page.

"Oh. Cool," Yuji mumbled, staring down at his hands.

They were silent for a few more minutes, and Yuji was about to ask another question, when his phone beeped. He grabbed his phone, and saw that he had received a text message.

It was from Yuta.

'We're about to begin. Come to the infirmary, if you want.'

"Who is it?" Megumi asked.

"Uh, nobody. It's nothing. It's- I'm gonna take a shower," Yuji said, stumbling over his words.

"Okay," the other boy responded, shooting him a confused look.

Yuji got out of bed, and practically ran out of the room.

-

Megumi wasn't stupid.

He had noticed how nervous Yuji had been acting the whole morning, and, now, he had practically fled from the room, without offering a proper explanation.

There was something going on, and Megumi was curious.

Of course, Yuji was keeping some things from his previous timeline a secret, but those were all things that would hurt Megumi, or involve Megumi (that much he figured out). This was something else, and Megumi didn't know what it could be.

Yuji said it was a good thing, but, if that were the case, wouldn't he have told Megumi? Unless it was a surprise. Megumi frowned. Would Yuji be planning him a surprise? It wouldn't make sense. It wasn't his birthday, or Christmas, or anything.

Megumi shook his head. Maybe he was just overthinking this. There was a chance that he was jumping to conclusions, and that this was all a big misunderstanding.

He went back to reading, but as time passed, he was growing more and more concerned about his friend's whereabouts.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his phone buzzing.

It was a text message.

'Come to the infirmary.'

It was from Yuji.

'Why?' he typed.

'Just come. Please?'

Megumi frowned. This was definitely suspicious.

'Okay.'

He left the room, and headed towards the infirmary, a million thoughts running through his head. What was waiting for him? Why would Yuji send him a cryptic text message? Did he get himself injured, or something?

Megumi shook his head, and tried not to think too much.

As he approached the infirmary, however, he could feel his heartbeat quickening. His stomach felt like it was twisting, and his throat was dry. He couldn't explain it, but he was nervous.

He opened the door to the infirmary, and took a step inside.

The first thing he noticed was the group of people standing around one of the beds. Yuji, Yuta, Gojo, Shoko and a blonde woman Megumi had never seen before were all gathered, and talking. He couldn't see who was laying on the bed, due to everyone blocking the way, and Megumi cleared his throat, announcing his presence.

Everyone turned to him, and Megumi was about to speak, when a small gasp sounded, and a feminine voice rang out.

"Megumi! You're here!"

Megumi's heart stopped.

That voice. He recognized that voice.

The group of people stepped away, and, suddenly, Megumi could see who was laying on the bed, and he felt his legs wobble.

He would recognize her anywhere.

"Tsumiki?" he whispered, his eyes wide.

She was here. She was awake. Her eyes were open, and they were looking at him, and her face was pale, and she looked tired, but, god, she was alive, and, oh god, he could barely breathe, and, his heart, and-

"Oh my gosh, you've gotten so tall!" Tsumiki exclaimed, her eyes watering.

That did it. Megumi started crying, and he didn't care who was watching.

"Tsumiki," he sobbed, as he stumbled forward.

His body crashed into her, and his arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a tight hug.

"You're here. You're awake," he mumbled, tears falling down his cheeks.

"Wow, I never thought I'd see you cry," Tsumiki teased, sniffling.

"Shut up," he muttered, and she laughed.

He hugged her tighter, and closed his eyes. He didn't want to let her go. He couldn't.

"Megumi, it's okay. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere," she soothed, rubbing his back.

Megumi took a deep breath, and, reluctantly, loosened his grip, so that she could lean back.

"B-but, how?" he stammered, staring at her. "You, I- I didn't- how?"

Tsumiki smiled at him, and wiped his tears.

"I don't understand the details, but, I know that your friend here came up with quite the plan," she explained, gesturing at Yuji.

Megumi turned his head, and saw Yuji smiling at him. His cheeks were wet, and he had obviously been crying, too.

The ringing in his ears increased, and his heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest.

Yuji had done this.

He had found a way to wake her up.

He had found a way to bring Tsumiki back.

Thjs was the secret he had been keeping. This was the surprise.

He did all of this. For Megumi.

Megumi felt dizzy.

His mind was in a frenzy, and he could feel his hands trembling. His heart was beating so fast, that he thought it might explode.

"Y-Yuji," he stammered, his voice breaking.

Yuji's eyes widened, and his mouth fell open, slightly.

"You called me-"

Before he could finish the sentence, Megumi stumbled forward, and grabbed the front of his shirt.

"Thank you," he choked out, and pressed his lips to Yuji's.

For a moment, it felt like time had frozen. Everything around him faded away, and there was only Yuji. Yuji, whose lips were so soft, and felt so right, and were so perfect against his. Yuji, whose skin was warm, and comforting, and it felt so, so good.

Then, everything came crashing back, and Megumi remembered where he was.

He pulled away, his face flushed, and his lips tingling.

Yuji's face was red, and his eyes were wide, and his lips were still parted, and his cheeks were damp, and his hands were clenched into fists, and, oh god, what had Megumi done?

Megumi panicked.

He let go of Yuji's shirt, and took a step back.

"I- I'm sorry. I- I need- I have to go," he babbled, and then turned around, and ran.

-

Yuji felt like his mind had short-circuited.

He stood frozen, and could only stare at the door Megumi had run through, his eyes wide. His lips were still tingling, and his heart was beating wildly in his chest.

He had just kissed Megumi.

Well, Megumi had kissed him.

But, it had happened, and now, Megumi was gone, and Yuji couldn't move, and, and, and-

"Itadori."

He was snapped out of his thoughts, by Yuta's voice.

He blinked, and turned his head.

"Huh?" he mumbled, feeling dazed.

"Are you alright?" the older boy asked, his expression concerned.

"Yeah, I'm- I'm fine. I- I just, um," Yuji stammered, his brain not cooperating.

He heard Tsumiki laugh, and turned his head, his eyes widening.

He had forgotten she was there. Oh god, he had completely forgotten about her.

"Sorry," he squeaked, his cheeks turning red.

"Oh my god, you two are adorable," Tsumiki cooed, looking delighted.

"I'm sorry," Yuji mumbled, and bowed.

"For what?" she asked, her smile faltering.

"Um, kissing your brother. In front of you. Like that," Yuji clarified, blushing.

"Please stop bowing," Tsumiki giggled. "And, I'm not mad. I'm actually really happy."

"Huh? Why?" he asked, frowning.

"Because," Tsumiki sighed, giving him a fond smile. "I've never seen Megumi look that happy. Not even once. And, you made him happy. That's all I've ever wanted for him."

"Oh," Yuji mumbled, and gave her a small smile.

"You should go talk to him," she suggested.

"Okay," he agreed.

He gave her one last smile, before heading towards the door.

"Hey, Itadori," Tsumiki called out.

"Yeah?" he replied, looking back at her.

"Take care of him, okay?"

Yuji's face softened.

"I will."

-

Megumi's thoughts were going a mile a minute, and he felt like his brain was about to implode.

He was sitting on the grass, his knees pulled up to his chest, and his face buried in his hands. His whole body was shaking, and his mind was a mess.

Tsumiki was awake.

He still couldn't believe it. She was really awake, and she was alive, and, she was back. She was really back.

Megumi had dreamed about her, and wished for her to wake up, but, he had never imagined it would actually happen. He had slowly lost hope, and accepted the fact that she was gone. And, yet, Yuji had managed to save her.

He had saved her, and given Megumi back his sister.

And what did Megumi do?

He kissed him.

Yuji had done so much for him, and all Megumi could do was make him uncomfortable. He had just acted on instinct, and hadn't thought. He had messed up, and now, Yuji was probably avoiding him, and hating him, and Megumi was miserable.

He had ruined everything.

"Fushiguro?"

Megumi's eyes widened, and his blood ran cold.

He hadn't expected to hear that voice, and, yet, it was here.

He raised his head, and looked up, his eyes landing on Yuji's face.

"You- you're here," he mumbled, staring at the other boy.

"Yeah, I, well," Yuji mumbled, his face flushing. "I wanted to, uh, check on you."

Megumi's eyes widened, and he frowned.

"But, why? After- after I, um," he stuttered, unable to finish the sentence.

"Um, well, you ran away. So, I got, like, a little worried," Yuji replied, awkwardly.

"Oh. Um, yeah. Sorry about that. I, uh, freaked out," Megumi explained, avoiding his eyes.

"That's-, that's understandable," the other boy responded, nodding.

They were silent for a moment, neither knowing what to say.

"Why?" Megumi blurted, his eyes wide.

"Why did I come check on you?" Yuji asked, frowning.

"No, no. Well, yes, but, no. I mean, why did you do all this? Why did you save her?" Megumi rambled, gesturing vaguely.

"Oh," Yuji said, blinking.

"Why would you do all this, for me?" Megumi asked, looking him in the eyes.

Yuji blushed, and averted his gaze.

"I know how much Tsumiki means to you. In my old timeline, I made you a promise. To save you. By saving her. So, I figured, if I could save her here, then, maybe, that would count," he mumbled, shuffling his feet.

Megumi was frozen.

His brain had stopped functioning, and all he could do was stare.

Yuji had saved Tsumiki for him. He had saved her, so that he could save him. He had done all this, for Megumi.

Suddenly, everything came crashing down.

Megumi could feel his face burning, and his heart was beating a million times a minute. His head was spinning, and he could barely breathe, and, god, his emotions were everywhere.

"Fushiguro? Are you okay?" Yuji questioned, looking concerned.

"I love you."

"What?"

Megumi took a deep breath, and got on his feet.

"I love you," he repeated, staring into the other boy's eyes.

Yuji stared back at him, his mouth open, and his eyes wide.

"What?" he whispered, his eyes still fixed on Megumi.

"I'm in love with you," Megumi clarified, taking a step closer.

Yuji's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth, and took a step back, and Megumi panicked.

"Itadori?"

Yuji's eyes filled with tears, and his lower lip started trembling.

"Oh no, please don't cry," Megumi mumbled, his eyes wide.

Yuji sniffled, and blinked, sending a few tears down his cheeks.

"Sorry, it's- I'm- um," he stammered, looking away.

"You don't have to say anything," Megumi mumbled, taking a step closer.

"No, it's, um, it's not- not that," the other boy said, shaking his head. "I'm just, I guess, a bit overwhelmed. You, uh, caught me off guard."

"Oh. Okay. Sorry," Megumi apologized, and stepped back.

"It's fine," Yuji assured him, his eyes following him.

They stared at each other, neither one speaking.

Megumi's mind was still in chaos, and his emotions were a mess. He could barely think, and he felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest.

He had never confessed his feelings to anyone, and, now that he had, he wasn't sure what to do. He hadn't thought about how Yuji would react, and, now that he had reacted, Megumi didn't know what the next step was. Was Yuji going to say something? Did he want to say something? Was he okay with Megumi's feelings?

He looked at the boy, studying his face.

Yuji's eyes were watering, and his face was flushed. His lower lip was trembling, and his hands were shaking, slightly. His hair was sticking out at odd angles, and there was a leaf stuck in it, which Megumi would've picked out, had the circumstances been different.

Yuji was looking at him, and his face was unreadable, and Megumi couldn't figure out what he was thinking, or what he wanted.

"Um, so, should I-" he began, not really knowing what he was saying.

Before he could continue, however, Yuji had rushed forward, and pulled him into a hug.

Megumi blinked, and felt his face heat up.

He could feel the warmth of the other boy's body, and, suddenly, all the tension in his own body faded away, and he relaxed.

He closed his eyes, and hugged the other boy back, wrapping his arms around him. He could feel Yuji's heartbeat, and the rise and fall of his chest. He could smell the scent of his shampoo, and feel his soft hair tickling his neck.

Megumi's head was still a mess, but, being in Yuji's arms was soothing. His heart had slowed down, and his body was no longer shaking.

"I want to take some time to process all this," Yuji whispered, his voice barely audible. "I- I don't want you to misunderstand. It's just, my mind is so overwhelmed right now, and I need some time to get my thoughts straight. Does that- does that make sense?"

Megumi's arms tightened around him.

"Of course," he mumbled, and closed his eyes.

"You should go and see Tsumiki," Yuji whispered. "I'm sure she wants to talk to you."

"Okay," Megumi agreed, and pulled away.

They stared at each other for a moment, and Yuji opened his mouth, like he was going to say something, but, then, closed it. He gave him a small smile, and turned around.

"See you later," he mumbled, and walked away.

Megumi watched him walk, until he was out of sight.

Then, he took a deep breath, and headed inside the building.

-

This would take some getting used to.

Megumi couldn't resist the urge to keep looking over at her, his eyes scanning her face, as if trying to find proof that it was really her.

"Megumi, will you please stop staring at me?" Tsumiki asked, laughing.

"Sorry," Megumi mumbled, and turned his gaze away.

"I'm fine, I promise. Stop worrying," she insisted, smiling at him.

"I'm not worrying," he protested, glaring at her.

"Uh-huh," she said, nodding.

Megumi was sitting in a chair next to the bed, while Tsumiki was propped up against the pillows, a blanket over her legs. She had changed out of her hospital gown, and into the clothes Gojo had brought.

They had spent the past hour talking, and catching up. Megumi had told her all about his life, and how it had changed since she had fallen asleep. He told her about Nobara, and Yuji (Tsumiki had smiled, and given him a look, when he mentioned him). He told her about school, and curses, and fighting. Of course, he decided not to get into details about the time-travel, and narrowly escaping an apocalyptic future.

She had listened, and smiled, and laughed, and, now, they were taking a break from talking.

Tsumiki looked like she wanted to ask him something, but was hesitant.

"What is it?" Megumi asked, frowning.

"What?"

"You've got something you want to ask. So, you might as well just say it," he explained.

"You haven't changed a bit, huh?" she asked, chuckling.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Right. Of course you don't," she giggled, and shook her head.

Megumi stared at her, waiting.

"So, you and Itadori," she began, and smirked.

"What about us?" Megumi asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You tell me," she challenged, giving him a look.

Megumi felt his face heat up, and he looked away.

"It's- it's not what you think," he mumbled, blushing.

"It's not, huh?" she asked, tilting her head. "So, he didn't spend months coming up with a plan to save me, just because he knew it would make you happy?"

"It's- that's- it's complicated," Megumi grumbled, glaring at her.

"It didn't sound that complicated, from what he told me," she replied, smirking.

Megumi's eyes widened.

"W-wait. What exactly did he say?" he asked, blushing.

"He was kind of cute. Blushing, and stuttering, and telling me about how he can't wait to see your face, when you find out I'm awake," she teased, giggling.

Megumi felt his heart skip a beat.

"He was really polite, too. Like, he apologized, and bowed, and everything. I told him to stop, of course. I don't know what you did to him, but he's, like, insanely whipped."

"Stop saying that," Megumi hissed, glaring at her. "He's not whipped. Or- or, whatever. Just, stop talking."

Megumi's face was on fire, and his stomach was full of butterflies.

He didn't want Tsumiki teasing him, but, at the same time, he didn't want her to stop, not really. Actually, it was kind of nice, having someone to talk to. Someone to share his feelings with.

And, hearing about Yuji's actions, and the way he had talked about him, made Megumi's heart feel light.

Wow, talking about being whipped.

"So, did you two manage to talk about your feelings?" Tsumiki asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Kind of," Megumi mumbled, blushing.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I may or may not have blurted out that I'm in love with him," Megumi mumbled, not meeting her eyes.

"Oh. My. God," Tsumiki exclaimed, her eyes widening. "What did he say? Was he happy?"

"Um, I think he was shocked. Maybe, a bit overwhelmed," Megumi responded, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Oh, dear," Tsumiki sighed, shaking her head. "Well, I'm sure he'll come around."

"Yeah. He, um, said he needed some time to think. Process. Something like that," Megumi explained.

He could feel his mood deflate, and his heart ache. Tsumiki was looking at him, her expression soft.

"Come here," she said, patting the bed.

"I don't think-" Megumi began, looking uncertain.

"Come on, just get over here," she insisted, rolling her eyes.

"Okay," he agreed, and climbed onto the bed.

"Now, give me a hug," she ordered, opening her arms.

Megumi frowned, but wrapped his arms around her, anyway.

She pulled him closer, and ran her hand through his hair.

"I take back what I said earlier. You've changed a lot," she mumbled, her chin resting on top of his head.

"What are you talking about?" Megumi grumbled, pulling back, slightly.

"You were always such a tough guy. Never letting yourself be vulnerable. But, now, you're letting your guard down. Letting people in," she explained, smiling.

"I'm not. Not really," he protested, shaking his head.

"But, you are. Hell, you confessed your feelings to someone. That's big," she said, nudging him.

"I guess," he mumbled, shrugging.

"And, even now, you're letting me hug you," she pointed out, smirking.

"Well, you're not exactly giving me a choice," he grumbled, glaring at her.

"Don't lie. You enjoy the hug. Don't you, Megumi-chan?" she teased, ruffling his hair.

"You're annoying," he muttered, glaring at her.

She laughed, and wrapped her arms around him, again.

"Whatever you say," she hummed, and held him, tightly.

-

Choso was watching one of those movies Yuji had told him about, when he heard the door open.

He looked up, and saw his little brother walking in.

"Yuji! This is a surprise!" he greeted, and paused the movie.

"Hey, Choso," the boy greeted, smiling.

His little brother came to visit him. Today was a good day.

"What brings you here?" he asked, tilting his head.

"I, uh, just wanted to say hi. Check in, and stuff," Yuji answered, and sat down.

His brother seemed nervous, and kept fidgeting with his hands.

"What's wrong, Yuji?" Choso asked, frowning.

"What? Nothing! Why would something be wrong?" his little brother asked, blinking.

"You seem anxious," Choso observed, tilting his head.

"Oh. It's- I, um, it's nothing. I guess, I'm just thinking about things," Yuji responded, and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Oh."

Choso's eyes widened. Yuji must have had a bad day, and, he wanted his big brother's help. He suddenly felt very happy. His little brother wanted to talk to him.

"What things?" Choso asked, curious.

"Things. Stuff. Uh, people. Feelings. You know. The usual," his brother responded, blushing.

Choso nodded, pretending to understand. He didn't, of course, but he wanted his brother to believe he did.

"Oh. Okay," he said, nodding.

"Fushiguro kissed me," his brother blurted out, and blushed.

Oh. So it wasn't a bad day, then. It was a good day. Yuji wanted to share his happiness with him.

"That's great, Yuji!" Choso exclaimed, beaming.

"No, it's- wait, what?"

"I'm glad you and Fushiguro are moving forward with your relationship," Choso clarified, smiling. "He's a good guy. He'll treat you well."

"I- what? Choso, what are you talking about?" Yuji asked, frowning.

"Fushiguro. You like him. He likes you. That's why he kissed you. Right?" Choso explained, looking confused.

"No, he- we- I, uh, I'm still processing, actually," Yuji mumbled, and scratched the back of his head.

"Oh. Processing what, exactly?"

"The fact that he likes me. As in, romantically," his little brother answered, his cheeks flushing.

"Oh. But, it was very obvious, wasn't it?" Choso questioned, tilting his head. "Even your other friend said that you are married, remember?"

"I- yeah. I guess, I'm just a bit slow, or something," his brother mumbled, laughing, nervously.

Choso still didn't understand why his little brother was so nervous. In the movies he watched, couples were always excited, and happy, when they found out they liked each other.

Unless, he had it wrong.

"So, if he likes you and you like him, why are you still processing?" Choso asked, confused.

"I, um, I never said that I like him," Yuji mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

His little brother made no sense.

"Of course you like him," Choso stated, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I- I do?" his brother asked, blinking.

"Yes. You're always with him. You talk about him, a lot. When he's around, you stare at him. Your eyes light up, when you hear his voice," Choso explained, ticking off the reasons on his fingers. "Plus, your heartbeat increases, and your temperature rises. You're blushing, and stuttering, and- oh."

Choso stopped, and stared at his little brother, who was bright red, and gaping at him.

"What?" he asked, frowning.

"How do you know all that?" Yuji asked, staring at him, wide-eyed.

"Know what?"

"The, um, heartbeat, temperature, and stuff," Yuji mumbled, staring at him, intently.

"Oh. I just do. It's a curse thing," Choso responded, shrugging.

"Right. Curse thing. Yeah. That makes sense," his brother mumbled, nodding.

"I don't understand why you're surprised. Your heartbeat has been racing, ever since we started talking about him. It was even faster, when you said he kissed you," Choso pointed out, tilting his head.

"Wait, it is? I mean, of course it is. Um, but, that's, uh- never mind," his little brother said, shaking his head.

Choso didn't know what to say, anymore.

Yuji's eyes were wide, and his face was flushed, and Choso could feel his brother's pulse, racing. He was also fidgeting with his hands, again.

"Yuji, are you okay?" Choso asked, frowning.

"IthinkIminlovewithFushiguro," Yuji blurted out, and stared at him.

"Huh?"

Choso blinked, trying to understand. His little brother's words had come out fast, and, maybe, his voice was shaking. Or, it could've been Choso's imagination.

"I- I'm in love with Fushiguro," his little brother repeated, his voice quieter.

"Oh. Yes. I know," Choso said, nodding.

"But I didn't. Not until- not until a couple minutes ago," Yuji stammered, eyes still wide.

"Oh."

So, it wasn't the movies, then. The process of falling in love was different for everyone.

"It's, um, a good thing, right?" Choso asked, tilting his head.

"Yeah. I think so. I mean, yeah. Yeah. Definitely," his little brother said, and gave a shaky laugh.

"Then, what's the problem?"

"Nothing. No problem. Everything's perfect," Yuji answered, and smiled.

It didn't look very real.

"Okay," Choso replied, nodding.

"I have to go, now. Thank you for, uh, for listening, Choso. And, stuff," his little brother said, and stood up.

"You're leaving already? But, you just got here," Choso protested, pouting.

"But, I'll see you soon! Actually, there's someone I'd like you to meet, soon," Yuji promised, grinning.

"Who is it?" Choso asked, excited.

"It's a surprise. See ya later, Choso!" his little brother said, and ran off.

"Bye," Choso called out, waving.

-

Yuji was running.

He was running, and, he didn't know where he was going, or what he was doing. He was just running.

Maybe, he was trying to run from his feelings.

Except, the more he tried, the clearer they became.

And, he realized, the problem wasn't that he was scared of his feelings. It was the opposite. He wanted them.

He was scared of hurting Megumi. Because, the sobering reality was that until Sukuna has been dealt with, he was always going to be a ticking time bomb. He was putting Megumi in danger with every minute he spent with him.

He was putting Megumi's life at risk, and, he could never live with himself, if anything happened to him.

"You know, you can't run away from me. I'm inside your head, brat," Sukuna said, suddenly.

"Shut up, I'm trying to think," Yuji grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"You've been running around, and, frankly, it's getting on my nerves," Sukuna grumbled.

"Like you have any nerve," Yuji shot back, and rolled his eyes.

"Hilarious, brat. Really. I'm crying," the curse muttered, sarcastically.

"Shut the fuck up," he snarled, losing his patience.

"Why should I?" Sukuna shot back. "I'm having the time of my life. You and your silly little crisis is the best thing that happened to me all week."

"I hate you," Yuji growled, his jaw tight.

"Hate me all you want, brat. I don't even have to do anything, and I'm already winning. That's how pathetic you are," Sukuna chuckled.

"Shut the fuck up already," Yuji snapped, his eyes narrowed.

"You've got no power here, kid. Don't forget that. You're all bark, and no bite," Sukuna sneered. "You might have prevented Kenjaku's plans, but, I'm still here. And, I'll still get what I want. It's just hilarious that we both want the same thing."

"Go fuck yourself," Yuji hissed, clenching his fists.

"How can you still act like you're in control, when you've got no control over anything?" Sukuna snickered. "You can't even save the person you love."

"Fuck off," Yuji growled, his whole body shaking.

"Maybe when I take his body over, I'll let you have a taste before I kill you. You'd like that, wouldn't you, brat? It would be your last meal," Sukuna laughed.

"SHUT UP!" Yuji screamed, and slammed his fists into the wall.

His head was throbbing, and he felt sick.

"Itadori?" a voice called out.

Yuji froze.

He slowly turned around, and his heart sank.

Megumi was standing there, his eyes wide, and his expression shocked.

"Oh, hey, Fushiguro," he mumbled, trying to smile.

He didn't realize that he was just outside the dorms. And, he hadn't seen Megumi, or anyone, because he was too busy arguing with Sukuna.

"Are you okay?" Megumi asked, his brows furrowing.

"Yeah. Just, um, lost in thought," Yuji muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Really? Is that why your fist is bleeding?" the boy asked, tilting his head.

"Um. Maybe?" Yuji mumbled, chuckling, nervously.

"Come on. Let's get you cleaned up," Megumi sighed, and led him into the building.

-

Megumi walked into the dorm, his arm wrapped around Yuji's shoulders, and guided him to his bedroom.

"Sit down," he ordered, pointing to the bed.

"Okay," Yuji murmured, and sat down, obediently.

Megumi grabbed the first-aid kit from his bathroom, and brought it to his room.

He set it down on the bed, and sat down beside Yuji. Then, he opened the box, and got out the things he needed.

"Um, Fushiguro, you don't have to-"

"Hands," Megumi ordered, interrupting him.

"Wha- Oh. Okay," Yuji mumbled, and held out his hands.

Megumi carefully cleaned the wounds, and disinfected them, before bandaging his knuckles.

"There. Done," he announced, and closed the box.

"Thank you," Yuji mumbled, smiling, shyly.

"You're welcome," Megumi said, and moved the box aside.

They fell into a comfortable silence, and Megumi glanced over at the other boy, studying him. Yuji was still staring at his hands, and Megumi could tell he was lost in thought.

He seemed worried, and a little bit sad.

"Itadori, what's wrong?" Megumi asked, frowning.

"Huh? Oh. Nothing. Nothing's wrong," Yuji answered, forcing a smile.

"Bullshit," Megumi shot back, his frown deepening.

"No, really. I'm fine. Everything's perfect. Never better. Actually, I was going to go see Choso, soon," the boy rambled, laughing, nervously.

"Don't lie to me," Megumi hissed, his jaw tightening.

"I- I'm not. Honest," Yuji stammered, blinking.

"You've barely looked at me, all night," Megumi observed, his brows furrowing. "Is that because of what I did earlier? Because, I'm sorry if I-"

"No. No, no, no. I swear, it's not that. I mean, it is, but not for the reason you think," Yuji babbled, waving his hands.

Megumi was starting to worry. Yuji's cheeks were bright red, and he kept stuttering.

"Itadori, for the love of god, just talk to me," Megumi snapped, glaring at him.

"I liked it, okay?!" the boy blurted out, covering his face.

Megumi froze, his eyes widening.

"Wh- what?" he stammered, staring at him.

"I- I liked it," Yuji repeated, his voice muffled.

"You... you liked it," Megumi mumbled, trying to wrap his head around this new information.

So, Yuji liked him? He liked him. As in, more than a friend. As in, romantically. Megumi's heart was racing, and his stomach was twisting, and his head was spinning.

"Yes," Yuji admitted, lowering his hands. "I liked it. A lot."

Megumi's mouth was suddenly dry, and his palms were sweaty, and he could feel his own pulse, pounding in his ears.

"I like you," Yuji mumbled, his cheeks burning. "Hell, I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you. But, I can't- we can't- I can't- not until-"

"Itadori," Megumi interrupted, grabbing his shoulders.

Yuji stopped talking, and looked up at him. His eyes were full of pain, and fear, and his face was pale.

"What's going on, Itadori? Talk to me," Megumi pleaded, his hands tightening.

"I can't have this conversation, right now," Yuji whispered, his eyes filling with tears.

"Please, Itadori. Let me help you. I- I can't stand to see you like this," Megumi begged, his throat tight.

Yuji looked so defeated, and tired, and small, and Megumi hated it. He was used to the boy's infectious energy, and enthusiasm, and positivity. But, right now, he was just broken. The same kind of broken he'd been, when he first came back to life, months ago.

Megumi didn't know how much longer he could watch Yuji suffer.

"I can't put you in danger, anymore, Fushiguro," Yuji confessed, his voice shaking. "Not after everything that's happened. You mean too much to me."

Oh. Megumi started to realize what was going on.

Well, he had been suspecting it for a while, now. He wasn't stupid, after all, and there were only so many times he could ignore the signs.

"I died on your old timeline, didn't I?" he asked, quietly.

Yuji blinked, and his eyes widened.

"Wh- what?" the boy stammered, staring at him.

"It explains a lot. Why you're so protective, and worried about me. The way you look at me, sometimes, like you've lost something, and are trying to find it, again," Megumi explained, his eyes softening. "You're scared, and you think that I'm going to die, if you keep being close to me. But, Itadori, I'm not dead."

Tears were running down Yuji's cheeks, and his lips were trembling.

"It's not that. Y-you didn't die. Not like that," the boy said, shaking his head.

It was Megumi's turn to blink, and his brows furrowed.

"I didn't?" he asked, confused.

Yuji took a deep breath and looked into Megumi's eyes. Megumi's heart stopped when he saw the sheer pain and regret, written on his face.

"What happened to you is worse. Worse than dying," Yuji choked out.

"Worse?" Megumi asked, and felt the blood drain from his face.

He could imagine the worst, and his imagination was running wild, coming up with all the possible ways he could've been hurt, or tortured, or worse. But, the way Yuji was looking at him, it seemed like something even worse had happened.

Still, he had to know.

"Tell me," Megumi urged, his throat tight. "I can handle it."

He hoped that was true.

He could see the hesitation, the pain, and the fear, in Yuji's eyes, as the boy studied him, closely.

"Itadori," Megumi pleaded, hesitating for a moment. "Yuji."

Something in the boy's expression shifted, and Megumi saw determination, and resolve, in his eyes. The tears were still flowing, and he looked terrified, but his gaze was firm.

"Sukuna took over your body."

The words hung between them, and the silence was deafening. Megumi felt a chill run down his spine, and he shivered.

"W- what?" he gasped, and his stomach twisted, painfully. "How? He can't- I'm not-"

"I-I made a binding vow," Yuji cut him off, and the pink-haired boy was full-on crying, now. "When I died, at the detention center, Sukuna made me take one, to fix my heart and bring me back to life. It allows him to take over for one minute, a-and he used that time to possess you, and-"

"And, what?" Megumi prompted, his voice shaking.

He didn't know if he wanted to know the answer.

Yuji looked like he was about to vomit.

"He killed Tsumiki."

Megumi's blood ran cold, and he froze, his eyes wide.

"T-Tsumiki?" he choked out, his voice breaking.

"Well, she wasn't really Tsumiki anymore, at the time," Yuji said, and Megumi could hear the pain in his voice.

"What do you mean?" Megumi asked, his mind whirling.

"Her curse. She was one of the awakened during the Culling Games. We thought that it meant that she was one of those regular people who gained cursed techniques thanks to Kenjaku's plans," Yuji explained, shaking his head.

"But, she wasn't," Megumi realized, and his stomach dropped.

"No. She wasn't," the boy agreed, his face grim. "She was a vessel. For an ancient sorcerer named Yorozu. She tricked us all. But, then, Sukuna took over your body, and he killed her. He did it to hurt you, and it worked. She was all you had, and he killed her with your own hands. In front of your eyes."

"Oh," Megumi mumbled, and his vision blurred.

Suddenly, he couldn't breathe, and his head was spinning. He could feel a crushing weight, on his chest, and his throat was burning, and-

"Fushiguro, can I touch you?" a voice asked, softly.

Megumi couldn't respond.

"Can I touch you, Fushiguro?"

The voice sounded distant, and Megumi struggled to breathe.

"Megumi."

His head snapped up, and his gaze met a pair of warm, brown eyes. Yuji smiled apologetically, and his hand stretched out, palm up.

"Hey. Can I touch you, Megumi?"

His first name, his given name, rolling off of Yuji's tongue, was what did it. Megumi could finally breathe, again, and he was aware of how close the other boy was.

"Please," he choked out, nodding.

He needed the physical contact.

Yuji's hand was on his shoulder, and the warmth radiated from his fingertips. The boy rubbed his thumb, soothingly, over his collarbone, and Megumi took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

"I'm sorry," Yuji said, and his voice was quiet, and gentle.

"Don't apologize," Megumi mumbled, his chest rising and falling, heavily. "I asked you to tell me."

"I know. But, I still hurt you, again," Yuji said, sighing. "You always get hurt, because of me."

"Don't say that. None of it was your fault," Megumi protested, and his head started to clear.

Yuji stayed quiet, and the two of them sat there, in silence, for a moment.

"What else did he do?" Megumi asked, quietly.

"You don't have to hear the rest," Yuji answered, his voice strained.

"No, I want to know. I need to know," Megumi insisted, and took another deep breath.

"He killed Gojo-sensei," Yuji mumbled, his fingers digging into his shoulder.

Another punch, straight to his gut. Megumi struggled to keep his composure, and tried to remember to breathe.

"H-how?" he asked, and his throat was dry.

"He used Mahoraga to kill him. He knew he couldn't defeat him, otherwise. He needed Mahoraga to bypass his infinity," Yuji said, and his jaw was tight.

Megumi closed his eyes, and clenched his fists. He didn't want to believe it. He didn't want it to be true.

"What else?" he asked, trying to sound calm.

"I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. So, we- we found a way to get through to you. My punches, it turns out they can shake the soul. I aimed for the border between you and Sukuna, and tried to bring you back," Yuji explained, his brows furrowing. "We- we failed."

"Did you really fail?" Megumi asked, slowly opening his eyes.

Yuji was staring at him, his expression pained.

"No," he admitted. "I managed to reach you, but you..."

He trailed off, and lowered his head, his gaze downcast.

"I chose to give up," Megumi finished.

A single tear rolled down Yuji's cheek, and fell to the floor, silently.

"Why?" Megumi whispered, his throat tight.

"You had just watched Sukuna murder Tsumiki, and Gojo-sensei. You blamed yourself, and you couldn't forgive yourself, for any of it. You were in so much pain, and I couldn't take it away, or make it better. It broke your spirit, and you didn't want to live, anymore," Yuji choked out, his shoulders shaking.

"Oh, Yuji," Megumi sighed, and lifted his hand.

He wrapped his arm around the boy's waist, and pulled him close, hugging him, tightly. Yuji buried his face in the crook of Megumi's neck, and let out a soft sob, his arms sliding around his back.

"I'm so sorry," Yuji whispered, and Megumi felt his tears, hot against his skin.

"I'm sorry, too," Megumi murmured, holding him, tightly.

They sat there, for a while, and Megumi could feel Yuji's pulse, pounding against his chest. It was racing, and erratic, and his breathing was unsteady, and shaky. He wasn't feeling much better, and his thoughts were spinning, and swirling.

It was a lot to process.

"Do you get it, now? Why I can't- why we can't-" Yuji started, his voice muffled.

"I understand," Megumi said, cutting him off.

"Okay. Good. That's- that's good," Yuji mumbled, pulling away, and Megumi could see his bottom lip, trembling.

"Wait," Megumi blurted out, and grabbed the boy's wrists, keeping him in place.

Yuji blinked, and his eyes were wide.

"I said I understand, and I do. But, I never said that I'm okay with it," Megumi told him, his jaw tight. "I'm not going to let you shut me out, Yuji."

"Fushiguro, it's not about what you're okay with, or not okay with. I'm doing this, to keep you safe," Yuji protested, his eyes narrowing.

"Bullshit," Megumi retorted, scowling.

"Huh?" Yuji gasped, his brows furrowing.

"Bull. Shit," Megumi repeated, glaring at him. "You're not keeping me safe. You're running away. And, you're scared. That's what this is about."

"Of course, I'm scared! What if something happens to you, again?! I couldn't bear it!" Yuji exclaimed, his eyes widening.

Megumi could feel the fear, the desperation, radiating off of him.

"You don't think I'm scared, too? I'm fucking terrified," Megumi snapped, his grip on the boy's wrists tightening. "But, we're not going to get anywhere, by shutting each other out, and hiding. And, you know that."

Yuji flinched, and he averted his gaze, staring at the floor.

"Look at me," Megumi growled, and his voice was low, and demanding.

"No," Yuji mumbled, his eyes narrowing.

"Damnit, Yuji. Look. At. Me," Megumi hissed, his lips curling back.

The boy's head snapped up, and their eyes met, once more. Megumi's heart skipped a beat, and his anger started to dissipate, as he stared at him.

Yuji's cheeks were stained with tears, and his eyes were red and puffy, and his bottom lip was swollen, and bitten. He looked exhausted, and his brows were furrowed, and his eyes were hard. But, they were also soft, and full of concern, and Megumi could see the fear, and the uncertainty, written all over his face.

"If- if you died, I would-" Yuji stammered, his voice shaking.

"Don't finish that sentence," Megumi warned, and he could feel the boy's pulse, quickening, beneath his fingers.

"What, are you going to make me look at you, again?" Yuji muttered, and his cheeks flushed, slightly.

Megumi let go of his wrists, moving his hands up to the boy's shoulders.

"No," he whispered, his eyes flickering, briefly, to Yuji's lips.

He could hear Yuji's breath catch, in his throat, and his own heart was pounding, and his palms were sweating. He could feel the heat, radiating off of the other boy's body, and he could smell his scent, and his head was swimming, and he could hear the blood, rushing in his ears, and-

"Fuck it," Megumi groaned, and crashed his lips into Yuji's.

The kiss was messy, and their teeth clashed, and Yuji let out a muffled gasp, against his mouth. But then, the boy melted into the kiss, his hands gripping Megumi's waist, and their lips moved together, frantically, and desperately.

And so, he closed his eyes and lost himself in the moment.

-

Yuji's brain stopped working the second Megumi's lips touched his.

All rational thoughts flew out of his head, and all he could focus on was the feeling of Megumi's lips on his own.

He couldn't think. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't do anything except kiss him back.

So, he did.

He wrapped his arms around the black-haired boy's neck, and kissed him with everything he had. He knew it was wrong. He knew that he should stop. But, he couldn't.

Megumi was warm, and his lips were soft, and his body was pressed up against his. He could feel his heart beating fast, and it was like a drug.

He had no idea what kissing was supposed to be like, but, if it was anything like this, he never wanted to stop.

Then, Megumi grinned against his lips, and, suddenly, his tongue was in his mouth, and, oh god, he could not handle that. He had to grab onto Megumi's shirt, just to stop his knees from buckling.

Yuji didn't know what to do with his own tongue, so he let the other boy's tongue move against his, and the feeling was unlike anything he had ever experienced. He was lightheaded, and his thoughts were foggy, and it felt amazing.

Megumi was everywhere, and all around him, and he never wanted to let him go.

Yuji felt and dizzy, and the room was spinning, and it was almost too much. He was overwhelmed by the feeling of the Megumi's body against his own. But, he didn't want it to stop.

Then, Megumi pulled away, and the loss of contact was almost unbearable.

"I don't care," Megumi said, breathlessly. "If you think that this is a bad idea. I don't care."

He could only stare at him, speechless.

"I know you're scared, and that you're trying to push me away, because you don't want to hurt me," he continued.

"Megumi, I-,"

"No, let me finish," the other boy said, cutting him off.

Yuji gulped.

"I know you're scared, and so am I. And, I know it's selfish, but, I want to be with you. Together we can figure this out. We can get through this. But, I need you to trust me. Please."

Yuji looked at him with wide eyes.

He knew he shouldn't. He knew it would be better for Megumi, and easier for him, if he just walked away. If he left now, Megumi would never know the horrors that were to come.

But, when he looked into his eyes, Yuji couldn't say no.

"Okay," he breathed.

"You'll be with me?" Megumi asked, his eyes shining with hope.

"I- I think I will die if I try to walk away from you right now," the pink-haired boy admitted.

"Good."

Then, Megumi smiled, and Yuji felt his heart flutter, and he couldn't help but smile back.

"Come here."

Yuji pulled him in, and pressed their lips together.

A/N: So... It happened!

This fic is now longer than the first Harry Potter book, and we finally got to the kiss!

I can't tell you how many times I've had to rewrite this chapter. I have been planning on this scene since the beginning, but, the more I wrote, the more I kept thinking that it just wasn't good enough. So, I rewrote it, again and again. But, I'm not gonna be able to write more this week, and I didn't want to hold this back for too long, so, here it is.

Also, I did sideline the rest of the cast for this chapter, but that doesn't mean that I forgot about them! I plan on talking more about how Tsumiki was awakened, as well as having Yuki, Yuta, Yuji, and Gojo all interact. So, don't worry, I'll include those scenes, too!

Please let me know what you think! Your comments mean the world to me, and they motivate me to keep writing!