Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Wiping of the beads of sweat on her forehead, Seira sighted at the view of her new appartement. Most of her things were where they belonged, the biggest furnitures already put in place earlier by her best friend's brother, and her own boss/friend.

A smile cracked her lips at the memory of Sukuna and Geto fighting to pass the couch through the door and into the living room, while she and Rosé tried their best to guid them without knocking anything or tripping on the mess around them.

This was good. Her internship at Geto's tattoo studio will officially start next week, thanks to the two Ryomen who hooked them up some months ago.

If anyone had told her, that he'll do so many things for her when they had met a year ago. She wouldn't have believed it. Seira smiled at the thought of her mentor.

Geto was nice, talented and eager to share his knowledge. And he saw something in her drawings. Geto was so eager,in facts, that he started to teach her during the summer, so she could start at the studio with a good base.

The apprenticeship arrangements was also very interesting, one week in Art School and the other at the studio were she could learn more on how to tattoo and pierce skin, but also were she could test on different stones and metals to create new pieces of jewelry.

It also gave her time to dance, in fact, after talking with Geto about her passion for pole and aerial dancing, he arranged her an audition with Satoru Gojo, his one and only best friend (lover), who owned the Limitless club in Kisei street.

He was impressed and gave her the dream job, performing two times a week and paid in cash. The internship was covering her bills, and the performance additionned to the tips was excellent pocket money. Her new life was really looking good.

Eyeing her bedroom window, to see the sunset appear through the rainy cloud, She poundered on what to do next.

On one hand, there were still things to put away. On the other, it was decorations and her fashion designer of a best friend promised to come help with it on the weekend.

Her eyelids grewing heavy, she held back a yawn.

*Yeah, I'll do that later... Let's just go grab a bubble tea and call it a day.*

............

Eyeing the stupid machine of her neighborhood Konbini with a mean look, Seira felt her last thread of patience snap.
She made her tongue click on her palate. This damn box just swallowed her last coin yet was adamant on not delivering her desired Bubble tea.

Turning her head from side to side to make sure no one saw her, she launched her leg in the machine, hoping to get it to start.

*God damn it, you stupid !* Her action only resulted in a sting in her leg fueling the fire of her exhausted anger. She could feel the frustration creeping up as she was gritting her teeth.

-"please, I just want my tea and go to sleep... Common !". She landed another kick in the machine.

-"You don't reaally need to do that, Y' know." A velvety voice spoke.

*What the fu-...!!!!*, the sound coming from behind her made her jolt, cutting the air flow out of her lungs. She turned around, eyes slightly bigger than what they should, her chest going up and down trying to catch some oxygen to calm her heart down.

Standing in front of her was a very tall man, so tall in fact she had to lift her head a bit to see his face. His long hair were braided at the base of his nape. Despite his shades, Seira could decifer some green in his pupils, he had a nice build and, *...is that monk clothes he's wearing?*
But what catched her off guard was his presence, even with a questioning gaze, his stature was imposing and she felt her body stilling under his gaze.

Taking in the situation, she realized that he just saw her unleash her anger on the poor Bubble Tea brewer, and she felt the need to find an excuse to her behavior.

-" I, huh,..." thankfully. he didn't let her finish her miserable attempt.

-"Here..." He uttered, inserting a coin in the machine. " 't was just stuck."

She bowed politely, "Thank you very much, I'll pay you back."

-"No need, 'ts just a coin" and with that he promptly turned around to the ramune shelf.

Now giving her his back, she catched the view of the backside of his yellow jacket, the artsy part in her appreciating the lines of the complicated lion head on it.

She waited in embarrassment as the machine was doing its thing in a sustained buzzing before snatching her drink, and hastly walked to her building complex, before soaring the stares to her appartement.

Sitting down on her beloved couch, her Bubble Tea on the coffee table, as she reviewed the scene in her head, she squeezed her knees to her chest hiding her face to hide from the memory

Tilting her head back in a sight, Seira decided it was very much time to go to sleep and made her way to her bed. *It's not like I'll ever see the guy again, anyways...*

Chapter Text

Strolling around with a lazy Step in the direction of the nearest Konbini, Togame Jo was eyeing around him mindlessly, his wooden sandals echoing on the wet pavements, the streets lamps and shop's neon light's making the atmosphere dim, a bit like in the movies.

He yawned shamelessly. The allure of his bed was tantalizing after a day like he just had.

His day which was everything that he hated, first it had been raining and the Steels assaults on their territory were becoming more and more aggressive, while his own subordinates were acting foolishly, bossing around and acting all mighty, the Shishitoren jacket making them feel way more confident than what they should.

If they kept acting like that and ended up being defeated, their leader will be upset. And Togame will have no choice but to take the necessary actions. It was his responsibility, his duty as second commander.

His Knuckles became white just thinking about it. Choji's attitude was getting out of hands, even for him, his hunger for power was rampaging, and the only thing Togame could do was try and save the scraps of their home. God, he felt like punching something. He exhaled the oxygen out of his lungs.

He patted the pocket of his pants and kissed his teeth when he didn't feel the familiar cardbox pack in it.
A ramune bottle would be great right now. He could already feel the sweet taste of the liquid numbing away his sore muscles for a few minutes so that his mind could relax a little.

Togame entered via the small door, bowing lightly at the employee who looked like he was ready to shit his pants. He held back his eyeroll and made his way to the drink racket. Upon entering the aisle, he heard a loud tug. He turned around his gaze, trying to find the origine of the sound, and he quickly found it.

A long Black haired girl was back to him, ready to give a kick in the Bubble Tea machine. Another loud tug was heard.

-"Please, I just want my tea and go to sleep... Common !" Her voice sounded whiny, clearly annoyed.

Togame couldn't help but empathize. She lifted her leg again and struck the poor metal box that was causing her so many troubles. Togame sighed and took two large steps in her direction.

-"You don't  reaally  need to do that, Y' know."

She screeched and turned around so fast, It was comical. He was surprised she didn't lose her balance in the process.

She looked up at him with big eyes of surprise. Togame took a second to appreciate their color, a sapphire deep blue behind clear prescription glasses that rested on her nose. The crystal window had a shiny reflection paired with the one of her nose piercing.

And now that he was close, he could also see some shade of midnight blue in her hair, highlighted by her many earrings. Right below the tanned skin of her right ear was a tattoo of a chess's queen, and as his eyes kept going down on her figure, he catched another, of a blue intricate wave with some kind of pattern on her left leg.

There was also another drawing on her left knee below her cyclist legging, but it didn't look like ink. More like some weird bronze line.

-"I, huh...", his lips curved a little bit, she was so feisty kicking the poor machine, it was hard to believe she'd be such a mess trying to find her words now.

Taking pity of her sheepish tone, it took it on himself to save her the embarassement, rummaging his pocket to find some change and putting it inside the dedicated crevice.

-"Here...'t was just stuck." The machine started right after he vocalized the situation.

-" Thank you very much, I'll pay you back." her long hair slipped around her shoulders gracefully as she leaned forward.

His eyebrows rose a bit in surprise. Maybe she thought she owed him something because of Shishitoren's reputation. However, she didn't seem scared when he approached, besides her original shock, of course.

Togame decided that she was just doing it for good measure and not out of fear. It was...refreshing.

-"No need, 'ts just a coin." 

Now that her issue was resolved, he settled to just leave her behind. He was tired, and there was a new Ramune flavor he wanted to taste.

When he passed back in front of the machine again to pay for his drink, she wasn't here anymore. He shrugged. *I've never seen her before, tho... she probably new 'round.* And with that he made is way to his appartement, hoping that his new neighbor wasn't some kind of freak who'll wake him up with music early in the morning, like the last one.

Chapter Text

Difficultly extirpating an arm out to stop the alarm on his phone, Togame moaned, appreciating the comfort of his bed just a little more before having to wake up and start his day. Eyebrow pinched as he sank into his pillow a bit more, Morpheus lulling him back to the dreamland before the second shrill beeping of his phone made him open his eyes.

Throwing an arm lazily over his head to block the light coming from behind the curtains. He peered to see the devilish device, the screen light's making him wince. The unpleasant feeling of broken glasses under his thumb as he scrolled to check his notifications, results of his last fight with the Steels pricks who attacked him from behind, thinking it will give them a chance of taking him down. *As if something like that ever worked before...*
He yawned, the new protective screen he ordered should arrive soon.

He sat up, flexing his muscle to feel the stretch and try to wash off the fatigue, before making his way to the compact kitchen of his social appartement, gift of the city so that kids like him wouldn't run the streets too much, not that it worked but still. The only conditions were that they either had to have top acedemics or have a job, even a part-time one.

He took the rice out of the fridge as well as the grilled fish and tsukemono and threw what needed heating in the microwave. He cracked eggs in the already sizzling pan on the stove, passively whipping his tamagoyaki.

Once they were almost fully cooked, he took hold of the small package in his fruit basket, tapping it two times on the counter and lighted the small tabac roll with the fire under the pan and turned the gas off.
Togame brang the small tube to his lip, the acrid taste of smoke going down his throat to his lung.

He sat in front of his TV, putting on a random show, and turned around to see the clock on his wall.
His shift at the restaurant was starting in an hour and a half, he had all the time to enjoy his food peacefully, relishing in the calm of his home before the city rush came for him.

..........

Seira blinked as she sat up against the headboard of her bed, trying to hunt the drowsiness off her system as she put on her glasses. Yanking the charger of her phone away as she took it in hand, and bringed the water bottle formerly on her nightstand to her lips while she answered Rosé text about her incident from last night in the Furin district and how she was saved by a white haired guy.

She stood up and trotted to her kitchen, starting the coffee machine and putting two sugars in the beverage before she started drinking it.

Another glance at her phone indicated her that she should hurry. She had a meeting at the Limitless at 2 p.m. to discuss the show with the other performers. Withholding the 30 minutes route, she had a little bit less than than 3 hours to get ready, make sure the henna cones she ordered arrived and eat if she was hungry.

She scrunched up her nose to make her glasses go up on her nose bridge and opened Spotify as she made her way to the bathroom, The Weeknd giving her the rhythm as she brushed her teeth. After a hot shower, she got dressed, the wide high waisted blue jeans and simple white airforces giving her some height, whereas her cute black corset enhanced the tattoos on each of her collarbone. Eyeing herself in the mirror, she appreciated the fine lines of ink that joined in the middle of her sternum, finishing the drawing. *Geto made one hell of a work...*

Seizing her brush, she began to style her hair, applying the product to make them shine in a nice way. They were long now ending a little below her waist. She took her time, braiding them into intricate patterns and adding some hairclips to make them look nice. She turned around to see the exposed skin of her back, *A tattoo would look nice here.*

She eyed her watch and made her way to the door, snatching the keys of the letterbox on the keys holder before exiting, not forgetting to close behind her. Even if she was just going to the ground floor, she didn't want any bad surprise upon her return, after all, the neighborhood was a bit dangerous and the other inhabitants of the complex weren't exactly good samaritans, hence why her rent was so low.

To her surprise, there were two packages waiting for her, alas one was. The other was to a certain "Togame Jo, apt n° 113", the mailman must have misplaced it since the number indicated was of the appartement right across from hers.

She climbed back the stairs and opened her door, placing her package on the counter, grabbing her bag after checking that her dancing shoes and all of her belongings were inside, and exited her home again. The little cardboard box in hand as she crossed the few steps of the corridor separating her from her neighbor flat.

[Toc, Toc, Toc.]

The sharp sound of someone banging on his door made Togame even angrier. He was already running late, and now the stupid landlord was here to ask him about the stupid Tag that appeared on the side of the building, even tho Togame already told him that he had nothing to do with it.

That stupid motherfucker was about to find out why he shouldn't be played with, he put his hair towel down and opened the door in one swift movement.

-" What the fuck d' you want ?" He rasped, eyebrow pinched downward as he bite down on his teeth.

To say that Seira was stunned upon his appearance was an understatement, however her shock quickly turned into anger at the tone of his voice.

-"Excuse me ?! Who the fuck are you talking to ?!" A sharp acute voice bited back at him. Definitively not the landlord.

-"Ah." He was now eyeing her, the look on his face clearly wondering if she was really here or not. "Y're the girl from the Boba machine." He arched one of his thick brows, "Y're followin' me or somethin' ?"

-"What ? No !"

Ah, here was the feistiness from last time, she was holding his gaze, eyes shinning fiercely, lips tighten in an angry pout. Cute.

-"This arrived in my mail. It has your apartment number on it." She handed him the small package.

-" Aaah, thanks. And s'rry. For earlier, I mean." Her gaze softened, and Togame couldn't help but smirk.

He trailed his eyes from her face to her fits. She had a dark lipgloss on, and he mentally added her collarbone tattoo. He pursed his lips. Wasn't she a bit young to have so much ink on her ? Or to be dressed like that ?

Not that he minded, he was just a guy after all, but her top was highlighting her hips and chest in a way that might attract bad intentions. Well, that wasn't his problem anyway. Still, she should be more aware...

-" It's okay. Don't do it again tho." She smiled, sass lacing her voice. "I'm Nagisa Seira, by the way, not <<the girl from the boba>>. (Thanks again for that, by the way)"

He nodded lightly, -"Togame Jo."

-" Yeah, I guessed that much..." She quickly peered at her wrist. "I have to go, see ya !" And with that she turned around and take the direction of the elevator, leaving him hanging there.

Togame stood dumbly at his door, *Did she just go like that...??* He shook is head and headed back inside his house. *Nagisa Seira, that's unusual...*
Still, he wondered how a girl like that ended up there.

The clock made him snap out of his little revery. He was really late and the old man at the restaurant will certainly berate him again for it. Cringing at the though he made his way to braid his hair, going slightly faster than usual.

............

*《 I have to go, see ya. 》, yeah  be more cringe, Rei.*  Hiding her face in her hands as she stifly made her way to the metro station, she was feeling low-key (high key) embarrassed.

Getting her earbuds case out, she opted to try and forget the interaction by getting in the mood of her rehearsal, <Revolution by Diplo> almost activating her muscle memory on the spot. Her shoulders straightening and footsteps Getting lighter as her weight was transferred to her tiptoes.

But forgetting wasn't a thing her brain liked, in facts the stupid organ was wallowing in the memory of the interaction.

While rewinding the scene for the nth time, she couldn't help but ponder on her neighbor hair, they weren't long like hers but having them loose softened the aura around him, making look a bit younger than the moment of their previous encounter.

Also, he didn't have his shades this time, and her mind associated his orbs with a dark forest green with some discreet sunlight passing between a tree branch.

Shaking her head to try and erase her train of thought, she ultimately arrived at the Limitless and passed the performers entry, smiling and nodding sheepishly at her new coworkers. After a moment, she eyed Gojo at the back of the room.

-"Hi."

-"Seiiira-chaan My little princess, you're early :3 ! And you look great, my dear."

She couldn't help but chuckles and unwind at Gojo demeanor, hard to believe that he was 25 years old by the way he acted.

"- Come along, little one <3, I'll introduce you to let you do your thing."

-"Sure, thanks..." As she followed him, she wondered how he and Geto even got along so well. They were almost polar opposite.

Chapter Text

Finally getting to his apartment door, Togame winced while crossing the few steps he had left. The ugly motherfucker really didn't miss him, his knee was hurting and so did his shoulder, his own arm weighing on it like a mass. He stopped an instant, catching his breath.

It really wasn't his fault, all he wanted was walk around during his patrol but for his demise some assholes decided that it was a good idea to rail him and Choji up, scoffing at them while their "boss" was tagging one of the store inside their turf. 

He didn't mind on the moment, the altercation proposing itself so that he could unleash the pent up anger his nightmares caused him. He savored painting the Shishitoren token over theirs. Shishitoren was his. His home, where he was surrounded by his people. No matter how bad they were doing. He will kill and die before letting anyone take it away from him.

He was close to finding a solution anyway, yeah he'll find a solution and everything will be alright again. Like nothing ever happened to Choji, and he'll have his happiness and calm back. The sun will shine once again, chasing the rain like it did all this years ago.

He closed his eyes as he passed an hand over his face, aaah he really wished he kicked the son of a bitch one more time.

The sound of a door opening and closing successively made him open his eyelids, his feisty neighbor was in the corridor standing right in front of him. Her eyes were still as expressive as the last time they talked, two days ago. Togame saw the astonishement in them as her gaze roamed his silhouette, he probably wasn't looking real good right now.

He expected the worry that he saw in her eyes and waited for her to clutch her purse and runaway with a disgusted look. Yet she did none of that, the worry was still there but instead of bolting to the elevator, she made her way toward him, lolita heels clacking and making his headach grow heavier, her hands slightly raised not knowing what to do with them.

-"Are you okayy ?"

Her high pitch laced with anxiety made him wince. Was she stupid ? Didn't she know who he was ? Probably not, or else she wouldn't be fussing over him like that.

-"'M okay. Stop being so loud." He huffed out, the fatigue coming back to hunt him.

-"Sorry..." she paused her eyes scanning him from head to toe until they stopped somewhere on his torso. "Is that blood ?! What happened ?"

Alright, she was stupid. Very stupid. What kind of woman would stay around and try to help a blood drenched man two heads taller than her ? She should be running away like every sane person would.

He wanted to shake her, make her realize the situation, but he had no strength left inside. And she was being nice, or at least trying to, so he opted to just shoo her off as nicely as possible. A sarcastic remark of his should suffice to tick her off, like it did most people.

-"Obviously, I'm a serial killer that just buried his last victim, dummy."

She blinked at him, then puffed out in small giggles. "Alright, that was a stupid question. Or you're a very bad serial killer."

Togame was stunned. She should have mouthed him off. Or at least looked at him with disgust painting her features as he mocked her. Instead, she was just there, standing in front of him, talking with ease.*This girl's really 's unusual...* and it was refreshing, just like Choji back then.

-"Naaah, I'm a good one , you  just happen to be my next victim. I'll come for you when ya expect 't less."

He joked, her laugh warmed the cold corridor, and he felt a bit of his tension drop.

She pushed back her glasses with the back of her thumb. They were new bronze marks inside her palm.

-"Alright, then at least do it when I'm asleep..., I promise I won't fight back."

He smirked when he perceived the small tilt of her upper body toward him, the yellow light reflecting in her glasses as she was looking up at him through her eyelashes, a conspirating shimmer in her pupils.

-"Aaaah, reallyyy ?" He smirked, imitating her movement. The brightness in them tugging him in.

Incoming call from : 🩷🌹Rosa 🌹🩷

The buzzing of her phone interrupted them, and he had to hold back a snort of discontent.

-"I have to go, will you really be okay, tho ?"

She inspected him like she was searching for a knife stabbing through him that would have somewhat escaped her previous inspection.

-"Yeah, I'll be good." He parted from the wall, focusing on not stumbling down.

-"Alright, don't hesitate to knock on my door if you need."

So stupid. And hypocrite, he could already see how terrified she would be if knocked at her door bloody at 3 in the morning.

As she put the device to her ear, he noticed how big it seemed in her hand even though it was average sized.

-"Hey Rosalia...No, I'm on my way... yeah, yeah, I'm close !" He grinned at her blatant lie. At the end of the day, she wasn't so nice.

-"I'm sure 'Kuna was wrong, there absooolutely no way you're idea could be lame." She gave him a small wave and departed in direction of the elavator.

Togame exhaled heavely, focusing the remaining of his strength in his legs so that he could get moving.

-"Oh yeah ? What kind of custom ?"

Turning around once she arrived inside the elevator, Seira couldn't help her gaze from going straight to her neighbor neck, teeth sinking in her lip as she saw the bruise that started appearing there. *He didn't want to talk about it, so mind your business...*

-"Oh yeah, I also sent you the Instagram post about it, in case you wanted to..."

The voice of her best friend fading away as her mind was contemplating the scenarios that would lead to Togame being so messed up. Her blue orbs trailing on his bloody jacket, the lion's eyes seemed to pierce right through her soul as the door closed behind him.

Togame spread himself on his couch and snorted, thinking back to what just happened. *This girl really 's unusual... Nagisa Seira right ?* Maybe he'll finally go along with a neighbor this time. She seemed nice. Unwise but nice.

He violently shook his head at the though, she acted nice in front of him because of the shock. Because she's living right across from him and she was scared he'll come back at her for leaving him here without helping. She was just playing nice to have peace. No one can be so nice for long, his progenitor and Choji proved that to him.

He painfully got up, taking the path to his bathroom. His jaw was hurting from being so tight, the pain going straight to the back of his skull, resonating with the previous kick he took there.

He shook his head some more, no need to worry about that. She will probably be moving out by the end of the week because of his reputation, like everyone else.
.......

The familiar ting of the doorbell of the Playfull Cloud welcomed Seira as she entered her mentor tattoo shop, the change between the outside temperature and the cold breeze of the air-conditioning on her naked tights made her shiver.

-"Talk about being close !" Rosé jumped at her, chastising her for a cute lie from earlier.

-"Yeah, yeah I'm sorry."

-"Yeah, I'll come back at you for that !" She turned around with an angry pout, huffing and as she go to sat back at one of the desk.

-"You're really a freak, you know that ?"

-"Excuse me 'Kuna what was that for ?" She hissed at the man who was leisurely yawning on the couch.

She clunched the strap of her bag, oh how she wanted to swung it at his head. Sukuna had that special power of making everyone want to kill him every time he opened his evil mouth. Thankfully for him, his body was sculpted by the gods so it helped keeping the balance.

-"Only an insane person would come to work early. And you're here days in advance so you must be utterly deranged."

The man smiled when he saw her eyebrow jump on her forehead. She was so quickly railed up when you knew were to sting.

*I'mma show you deranged you big pinkie pie asshole !*

He chuckled, catching her fist without even flinching. She sticked our her tongue for only response, giving him a face before degaging herself out of his hand.

-"Rosaa, your brother's an ass." She pouted at the said ass sister.

-"Nah, respect the ass. it's prettier that this ugly prick."

-"What did you call me, you brat ?"

-"An ugly prick, Sube el audífono, viejo." (turn up the earring aid, old man.)

-"Te mato pequeña mocosa" (I'll kill you, you little brat)

-"Prueba conmigo, viejo basura." (Try me, you old trash)

Seira chuckled as she watched the two Ryomens trying to wrestle each other while they bantered, trying to make each other fall while they were throwing names at one another. But her trained eyes saw the littles smiles on each of their faces and a mischievous snake came to bite her heart.

-"Would you two mind and not do this here ?" The voice of her mentor interrupted her ugly thoughts.

He was standing in the door leading to the back shop, just like his studio, geto was Good looking with a dark but reassuring aura. His long hair were half up half down as always and he wore a baggy Jean with a long, sleeveless, black tee, showing off his fully tattooed arms.

She smiled and mouthed him a "hi" as he approached them. He just winked in response, focusing on the two still fighting
Siblings.

-"Oï, I said stop." He growled Separating them by the collars of their tops. "You two. I swear..."

"But he/she started first !" The two pinky pointed their fingers.

-"I don't care, just stop already." To that he let go of his grip on their collars. "the food is ready, go wash your hands."

The two exchanged a look and bolted to the bathroom for sole answer.

-"Sorry for that, star girl." He ruffled her hair gently. "I didn't know you were passing by today."

-"it's okay, it's just... the performance is tomorrow and staying at home is getting me nervous and I was thinking" 

She averted her eyes away from him, even after all the time passed together qnd her regulars sleepover at his and Gojo's place, she was still shy asking him favors.

-" I was thinking, maybe I could work here for a little bit, ...if you don't mind of course."

He used the hand on her head to force her gaze back on him.

-"I never mind having you around, that's why I gave you a spare key." He looked at her pointedly and dropped his hand.

Seira couldn't help but pick at her rings at the honest statement.

-"Yeah,....So, Rosé said we received a custom order ?"

-"Ah yeah come, I'll show you the client notes while we eat." She nodded and they made their way to join the pink haired siblings.

......

Sitting at the small table in Geto's office, Rosé smiled while Seira and Geto were chit chatting reviewing the order charts and adding small ideas on their respective notebook, her brother eating the poor chicken like an animal starved.

He was really going to choke at this rate. She bowed over the table grabbing the fruit juice while pushing her share toward him.

Eyeing the wall she noticed the small silver lines on the painted clouds.
Yeah, silver threads would definitely look good with the fabrics she was planning to use for the Kimono. It'll make the seams appear more delicately and the contrast between it and her bestfriend brown skin will definitely look amazing under the traditional lamps.

-"So, did you decide if you wanna participate to the festival ?", Seira raised her head at her. The usual pinched pout adorning her face.

-"Well I haven't really thought about it since this morning. I mean, we start school 2 days later. And putting up a stand is gonna take a lot of time."

-"Oh common, Babybrain it's gonna be fun." she whined, Turning to her brother's friend for support. "And it's a good way to make clients. Right, Geto-san?"

-"I have to agree. it's a good way to make your own web."

-"See !"

She smiled satisfied with Geto answer. Showing ever more teeth when he kept going.

-"it'll give people a taste of your skills without being shadowed by my expertise."

-"But you know... I'm not good with the whole approacing people and selling myself thing."  She shooed her friend worries, taking her hand to stop her from playing with her rings.

-"Yeah, well that's why I'll be here with you ! I'll bring the clients and you just let your art do the talking."

-"Yeah and don't worry, a lots of my regulars are going to this festival. I'm sure they'll see the talent I've digged out."

Rosé giggled seeing the pinkie tone appear on her bestfriend cheeks. She was so cute.

-"Common Reiiiii, please please please." She squeezed the smaller girl's arm, making her lips tremble and forcing crocodile tears on the corners of her eyelids.

-"Ahhh, fine. I'll do it"

Her bestfriend capitulation made Rosé jump off her seat."Yeaaayyy !. Were going to have sooo much fun. I already imagined a design for You're Kimono, you're going to be so cute. And of course we'll need otherthigs like tables and..."

Seira smiled at Rosé cute rambling, the things she wouldn't do to make the pink haired girl happy.

Chapter Text

Seira sighed deeply, closing her door behind her. She almost didn't slept last night, redoing her routine until her muscles were sore.
She exhaled even deeper, maybe she should've take a drink to help her sleep.

She mentally slapped herself the moment the thought made it's way to her brain. Absolutely not.

She reverted to her original line of thinking. The only things that stopped her practice were hunger, quickly satisfied with two onigiri, and the sound of her neighborhood key turning inside the lock at 3 in the morning.

Eying his door as she passed by, she humected her lips. He was in a really bad shape last night, shoulders slothed on himself as he was using the wall for support. She bited her lips, remembering his form, the blood on his sweatshirt and the small bruise on his cheek.

Even this ruined, his presence was still cogent almost daunting, pulling her in like a flame toward him, so that she could try and help him regain some of his stature, the one he had the night they met for the first time.

She stopped the shiver going down her spine and hurried out the door of the building, making her way through the city to the "playfull cloud", her eyes acknowledging the lion's head tag on the storefront of one of the shop near the  studio, "Togame has the same on his jacket..."

....

Geto rested his pencil on his desk and raised an eyebrow at his pupil. She was jumpy since she arrived this morning, rackin the skin of her thumb or playing with one of her many ring, leg going up and down like a jackhammer. She was going to dig the ground if she kept going.

-"What's wrong star girl ?" She didn't pay him any mind, too absorbed on her draft.

He approached her and put a hand on her shoulder. He held the laugh coming from the back of his throat when she leaped in surprise, a big line now crossing her drawing.

-"What was that for ??!!"  Her voice was still croaking and he couldn't help but chuckle.

-"I'm sorry, I just asked you what was wrong but you didn't seem to hear me."

-"Oh sorry, It's nothing I'm just not sure about what gem to use for the ring." She blurted clearly not convinced by what she just said.-

-"Do I really look this dense to you ?" Her face twisted at his question. "You've been eyeing your watch every 5 seconds since arriving. Do you have a date or something ?"

-"What ?! No?" She hid her face in humiliation. "It's just... " she peeked through her fingers to search his reassuring gaze. "ahh, it's just that I'm performing tonight and I don't wanna embarass you or Gojo-san..."

-"Don't say that, you could never embarass us, even if you tried." She pursed her lips, eyes shinning at his statement.

-"Really ?"

-"Really." He saw the pink shades appear on the type of her nose and couldn't help but pat her head.

-"Come here, I know what know what will lighten your mood." He knew he made the right call when he saw the bright smile appear on her face when he grabbed the semi-permanent tattoo pen.

He was seeing so much of himself in her sometimes, it was scary.

....

-"Stop squirming or it's going to be messy." Geto voice reprimanded her as he trailed the pen down her spine.

-"I'm sorry but it tickle." She cried, the tip of the pen sent ants all around her skin.

Geto slightly moved around for sole answer, angling his head to have a better view of his piece. It wasn't a permanent one this time, but Seira always preferred to try designs directly on her skin before crossing the path. Besides her and Geto had time before heading to the Limitless, 
Geto having kindly proposed to accompany her, she supposed it was also to see Gojo, but the attention was nice.

She attempted her best to stay still, trying to focus on the other side of the tinted window in front of her. Her senseï was so nice trying to change her mind, she didn't want to disturb him more. She stared at the passers-by, silently judging some fashion choices, they couldn't hear nor see her so It wouldn't hurt, right ?

Her eyebrow furrowed when two guys appeared in her line of sight, giving her their back as they ordered at the waffle store opposite to the studio. They were wearing the same jacket as Togame and the view of the lion'head made her heart stop in her ribs cage. Do they know each other ?

-"Ne Geto-san, what's up with the guy with the yellow jackets ?"

-"Hm, what guys ?" Breaking his contration, He glanced from behind her.

-"The ones with the lion head on their back." She pointed at the pair on the opposite of the tainted glass.

-"Ah, that's the Shishitoren guys." Once he realized what she was talking about.

-"Shishitoren ?" She tilted her head on the side.

-"Yeah, they're the gang who rule the city..."

-"Really ?...are they...dangerous ?"

The wicked interest in her voice made the older man's eyes squint.

-"You could say that, they have a bad reputation. Specially their top guys Tomiyama Choji and Togame Jo." Her eyes widened at the mention of her neighbor name.

He was a gang member. Notoriously dangerous. The information had a hard time making its way to her brain, "so that's why he was beaten up..." not that she was surprised, she guessed that his injuries were the result of a fight, and that he had some kind of physical activity, his built proved it. But being the ace of a gang, that she wouldn't have guessed. She licked her lips, her interest was definitively piqued.

-"why ? Did one of them give you trouble ?" She smiled at the the slight worry in his voice.

-"No, not all. My neighbor, the one I talked you about. He has the same jacket." 

They're was no need to tell him who the neighbor was, it'll just add to his stress.

-"Ah, well I don't know any of them personally. But the rumors about them are..." He frowned, Geto didn't like judging based on rumors. But the safety of his student was his responsibility. "Difficult to deny."

-"Hmm." she nodded, following the two guys with her blue orbs.

Geto winced, it's not that he didn't trust her because he did, but his little novice had a bad habit of chasing a high only dangerous people could make you feel. And telling her to stay away from this guy will only fuel her interest. Way too much like him.

-"Weren't you and Sukuna-San part of a gang ? Like big yakuza style ?" She got him out out of his trance, sly smile adorning her lips.

He sneered at her statement. 

-"Yeah but I was difficult back then, Sukuna still is."

-"He's so gonna curse you for this." She laughed, and Geto couldn't help but snicker at the thought.

He looked at her, she was still shaking from her laugh. She was going to be alright, he'll make sure of it.

......

Sitting in the artists lodge of the club, Seira was fidgeting in her seat. She could hear the place grew fuller as time passed, which wasn't surprising, the Limitless was THE  club to go if you wanted to have a good night. That if you weren't the one who was performing suspended 50 feet above the ground, while trying not to ridiculise yourself. She eyed her phone, she was supposed to make her first appearance on the stage in fifteen minutes.

She marched close her to the exit, her high heels ticking at the same pace as the second and gazed at herself in the long mirror. She winced and she saw the size of her arms, the skimpy outfits making her curves awfully show "Girl, you need a diet." They're was no way the public was going to find her attractive, for all she knew they'll just start whispering and laugh at her. She winced some more.

Maybe she could go ask Toji, the hot barman, some liquors to chase the sand that was piling in her mouth. Yeah, a cherry coke would definitely be refreshing and pulverize the tiny grains, shutting up the voice inside her head and make her stomach climb back were it was supposed to be at the same time.

-"Don't think about that." She shook her head and reported her attention back on the mirror. Objectively, she was looking good, the makeup coupled with her complicated bun were real time art works, she looked almost ethereal. "Gods Miwa is so talented."

She smiled at the memory of the makeup artist, after a awkward silence in the backroom the two succeeded to talk, and during their chit chat Seira learned the blue haired was also a second year in the same high school she was transferring to.

She checked her phone again, 6 minutes before she had to enter the main room. She closed her eyes, "everything is going to be alright. Its just 20 minutes 3 times." In her perspective the first performance was the hardest but also the most reassuring, she would be to high to see if people were watching or not. Then after a pause she'll be on the hoop but thankfully not alone as they should be 4 other performers in the room. And finally she'll have to go up one of the pole dance bar and hope to reil in some clients.

Finally the moment came, she tried to push up her glasses to gain countenance, only to feel the void under he fingers. She was wearing lenses.
Her face twisted the few times people she didn't know invaded her personal space as she walked her way toward the round stage in the middle of the club, the loud basses blasting through her ears.

Her nails sunk in her palms at the sight of the long curtains leading up to the selling.  "Gods let me nail this without any injuries." Now standing in front tall fabrics she gave a sign to Ino, their DJ so that he could start the music. The first note of the wide awake remix giving her the go to start climbing.

Rhythmically making her ascension, she couldn't help but peer were Geto was supposed to be, she quickly found him but he wasn't alone, comfortably sitting on the cushion next to him was obviously Gojo. But also Sukuna, Rosé, Shoko, Uraume and Choso. They raised their glasses  at her while screaming things she couldn't hear but she didn't mind, their presence alone made her lighter as she kept going up gracefully. 

Grewing more confident in the last minute, she even made some sensual moves, catching the eyes of some of the partyers. Beautifully tangled in the tissue, she heard the last notes of the mix and let herself drop at the same time as the bass, relishing in the glimpse of freedom it gave her.

She fastly freed herself after the light game changed, grabbing her tips her eyes almost bulged at the sight of bills of colors she only seen in movies. "Damn , all of this ??" Then made her way back to the lodge, throwing her money bag in her locker, she wasn't worried Gojo had put a lot of money in the security system.

Her night was going amazingly well, the second performance had gone as good as the first and, infatuated in her success,  she was now doing a more than unholy dance between a very enthusiastic Gojo and an even stiffer Choso.

She smiled widely when she felt her bestfriend coming behind her, the pink haired girl grabbing her waist and squeezing herself on her back while they grinded on each other.

She partyed with Rosé enough time to know where this was going so she wasn't surprised when the taller girl turned her around and shoved her tongue down her throat.

What did surprise her tho was the strong aftertaste of alcohol that slipped from Rosé mouth to hers. The smack of Whiskey almost numbing all her sense on the spot.

She pulled away from her best friend, her legs felt like jelly and the room was shaking around her. She grimaced at the bass drop, "Shut the fuck up !" All she could here was the crackling of the implificators.

The grains made they way back to her throat, like they have been multiplying while they were waiting for her to slip, now they were suffocating her as her breath was accelerating trying to catch some oxygen.

-"No, no, no !" She rushed to the bathroom, elbowing people on her way.  Her vision was unfocused and the lights were giving her a headach. Bringing her shacky hand to her mouth and forcing her fingers in to touch her amygdala, her ribs retracted on themselves as the hot mix of half digested food and saliva made its way up to her mouth and down the toilet in a disgusting splash.

Her face twisted as she whipped her mouth, the taste was still there. She started shaking her head, no it wasn't. "It's in your head !"

She sniffled, trying to hold back her tears. All she wanted was a sip, why couldn't she have it ?! She sobbed on the restroom floor. "Please help me, I can't do this again...please just one sip of wine..." She had pull herself together and silence the voice. She had no choice her last performance was starting in a few minutes. But she couldn't even bring herself up of the bathroom floor.

-"Star girl you're here ?! Sukuna said he saw you run to the bathroom."

The door swung open to let appear Geto, eyes popping out of their socket at the display.

-"I'm sober..." she cried, clinging on him the moment he crouched down. "I'm clean, I didn't drink anything, I promise..."

-"I know stargirl, I believe you." He soothed her, caressing her back to make her come down.

They stayed like that a few hours, or maybe a few minutes she wasn't sure. All she know is that when it was over, Rosé jumped in her arms, apologizing abundantly while Gojo and Geto whispered to each other. When did they get here, she had no ideas.

-"It's okay, I know you didn't do it on purpose." Seira whispered in her ear as they hugged.

They were going to need a discussion, knowing Rosé she'll probably beat herself up for what happened.

-"Come on, Sukuna is going to take you home." Geto voice interrupted them and Seira furrowed her eyebrows.

-"But, I still have a performance !"

-"Seira..." she ignored him, turning to Gojo instead.

-"I can perform, please, I want to."

Gojo evalued her, with a stern gaze she didn't knew he could make. At his lack of answer, she made a confident step toward him. Night blue eyes against ocean's ones. 

He turned to his lover, searching his gaze.

-"I don't mind it, but it's your call."

-"Please. I need to. I wanna prove to myself that I can." He didn't react for a few seconds and Seira felt the tears cling to her fake eyelashes. Ultimately he sighed and gave her a small nod.

The rest of the night had gone quickly after that. They joined their friends and Seira performed like she was supposed to, the cold feeling of the pole bringing her a little more closer to reality.

Even after, they departed from the group, her broody demeanor didn't budge and she didn't feel like being alone in her appartement. She silently thanked Sukuna when he chose the longest way to take her home and she almost cried when, arriving to the her neighborhood, they passed the same redlight at least 3 times.

She got out of the car, giving sukuna shoulder a small squeeze as a thank you.

Arrived at home she texted the group chat and made her way to the bathroom, fighting the need to grab the bottle in her drawer.

Chapter Text

Togame hated working in the morning. The first shift of the day was always the most tiring, putting around the tables, preparing the ingredients and manage the deliveries to remake their stock. Minding his shoulder as he put on his jacket, Togame crossed his doorstep, eyes scrutinizing his neighbor door. "Don't hesitate to knock on my door if you need..." yeah and they will have a tea party after that.

Walking down the street, the passers-by clearing the path at his sight, his Teeth grittedon eachother, his mind was going back to Seira's proposition. He was cursing her internally, she should have been scared of him, disgusted even, like the other kids back when he was at school. Or ignoring him like his old neighbors. But no, she had to come and try to be kind. Who did she think he was ? Some kind of lost puppy she could fix ? Togame scowled At the idea of anyone seeing him like that.

-"Ah, look at that ! The little rascal is not late for once." The old Ogawa greeted him as he entered the restaurant.

-"Ahhh, stop acting like it's an habit. It happened Thrice." He just received a tired hand flip, the aged chef waiving his remark.

Togame leisurely made his way to the lockers changing in the black uniform of the traditional restaurant. He liked his uniform, it wasn't too catchy, the bottom was a bit slimmer that what he usually wore with an elastic band instead of his usual tissue belt. The top looked like his usual monk one at the exception of the wallet button ups paired with the red hems and lettering over his heart.
He exited, greeting Kinju, his co-worker once he arrived in the kitchen preparing the ingredients they'll need to execute the orders they'll be serving the most on the midday rush.

Togame enjoyed making tasty food, discovering recipes then remastering them, and cherished the sensation of homemade dishes melting in his mouth as they brang back the few happy memories of when things were good in his life .

However, his movement were stiffer than usual, beads of sweat forming on his forehead while he was cutting the vegetables, the pain in his shoulder making his muscle ach painfully. He was almost drenching when he got to the meat and hissed when at the moment the knife was supposed to cut easily through the pork belly, a screw sinked itself right on his nerve forcing him to drop the blade.

-"Cut the act, you lazy kid." His boss interrupted him. "I need you to go do the inventory for the festival."

Togame threw his head back, he wanted to tell the wrinkled man to fuck off but he couldn't. He needed a job and Ogawa was the only one who accepted to employ him, the other places being way to warry of his reputation to let him around knives.
He grabbed a note pad with his left hand, trying to force the opposite shoulder to relax as he rolled his neck.

Writing down all of the ingredients inside the reserve, he noted that their stock of spices was almost over. Also they should buy some more ice to make kakigori, even if the festival was happening at night, the summer was hot and the dessert was always one of their most commanded dishes on that particular event. At least it was the last three years.

Togame tongue clicked as memories of his first festival made their way back to his brain. He had to run around like a slave crawling under the orders and worst he had to chat around with customers, not that he hated talking but people always had biases toward his behavior.

His downward eyes and dragged voice coupled with his slow paced movements when he wasn't fighting often concluded in arguments with clients the few times he had to help with the service.
He even had a guy wait for him at the end of a busy shift, wanting to punch him for the "bad roasting" of his beef. Like he could ever overcook a cutlet. The idiot had quickly backed down at the sight of his jacket, apologizing like his life depended on it once he realized what he had done.

His tongue clicked again at the memory. Being part of a gang, he enjoyed the fear he brought to his ennemies, relishing in their terrors as they perceived their inevitable beating.
Nevertheless, he hated when people didn't act on their words, and was loathing even more when they altered their way of treating him once they understood what he was capable of. The only place it didn't happen was at Shishitoren and even that changed lately.

Togame sighed deeply, he should be used to it by now. The only thing that truly concerned others were themselves. Their own safety coming before anything or anyone else. Even a beaten up child they knew nothing about.

He mentally slapped himself, erasing his whole train of thoughts when two worried tanzanite eyes appeared in his mind. *Fuck it. I need a cigarette.* Their was no need to think about any of this now.

.....

Drying himself after his shower, Togame took the time to examine his bruises. Some of them were getting darker but the worst was still on his right shoulder blade, the ugly purple slicing on his skin from the top of his back to his trapeze. He'll need more pomade. He passed an hand on his face, feeling some facial hair, He needed a shave too.

Applying lotion as he finished with his face, he sighted thinking of his day. Ogawa send him back home after a few hours with the excuse of a slowing pace in customers arrival. *Bullshit.*

Still, Togame took the opportunity to go home and sleep the pain away. He pushed his bangle out of his face to analyze the cut of his brow. His mom had told him once that hair holded memories. It was one of the last things he remembered about her. That and the smell of hospital.

He scrunched his nose as the thought, the bleach sent tickling his nose and a metallic taste attacking his tongue from the back.
He made his way to his kitchen, hands slightly shaky as he lighted his cigarette and frowned when he saw how many were left. He was going down his pack faster than normally. Sitting down to let the smoke chase away the awful smell and taste the memory had left, he wondered if he really needed to go out tonight.

Saruwatari had proposed most of the gang to go out instead of staying at their hall. Even going to the point of Coming to him personally to try and gain his favors with the promise of a good moment.

Togame didn't really like the guy, he was full of himself and his big mouth only opened when he was against weakers adversaries, but he was devoted to power. Which were the only condition to join them and he hadn't done anything to deserve to be kicked out. Yet.

He sighted, getting up from his balcony. He had to go, not because he wanted to, but because someone had to stop all the cocky idiots that were surrounding him to do something stupid and end up at the police station. Again.

He grabbed his black monk set and finished getting ready before exiting his appartement, dragging his feet on his way to the elevator. At least, he had the right for a ramune bottle before going to this shitshow.

....

 
Standing in front of her mirror, Seira eyed her silhouette while braiding her hair into a crown letting the rest loose. She had gone simple today just a black tank top and a checkered blue skirt whith cute heeled boots, her favorite black bomber finishing the fit. She grabbed her cosmetics, sitting closer to her glasse for a better view. Difficultly trying to understand her bestfriend trough the sizzling of her phone.

-"We're going to have a great time !"

-"Depends, will your hot nephew be here ?" Seira asked, dumping her liner pen in the makeup pot.

-"My hot...? You mean Choso ?! You want to be part of my family so bad, Babybrain ?!" Her best friend laughed.

-"Nahh he's just a good eye candy,... and if I really wanted to be part of your family, I would have gone at your brother." She grinned mischievously when her best friend voice got stuck in her throat.

Only for her lips to quickly drop when Rosé laughed, -"Babe...you're on speaker."

-"Oh my Gods, you guys better not tell him anything."

-"Too late." Uraume calm voice answered. Seira could almost picture the oldest smirk while Sukuna laughted like a mad man.

She recurled the two strands framing her face, smiling a little as Sukuna smug grin appeared in her mind, the asshole know he was good looking and this will only boost his already gigantic ego. She examined her makeup, light and simple perfect for the small gathering at Gojo's estate. The white haired had kindly invited them to celebrate the partial success of last night show premiere.

-"Don't worry, I don't need you to tell me I'm good looking. But you brats, should start taking interest in guys your own ages."

She grimaced at the man statement, Rosé voice answering before her.

-"Yeah, but guys our age are..." 

Seira took it upon herself to finish her bestfriend statement.

-"Stupid, uncharming, boring as hell ?"

-"Your daddy issues are showing, Nagisa-san." She pouted at Uraume statement.

-"Not like he ever will." She slyly answered putting her bag on her shoulder. "Alright, I have to call Shoko and Yuki-San, I'll see you there. Kisses <3"

.......

"...and don't put the music to loud okay ? I don't wants the neighbors to make a scene."

Facing the elavator Togame turned at the sound of his neighbor voice. She was exiting her home, long hair flowing down her back, holding her phone between her head and shoulder.

-"Yeah, I'm getting in the elevator." She turned around and gave him a small happy wave while making her way toward him.

Togame eyebrow ticked, surprised at the gesture but still gave her a small head tilt. She was way to enthusiastic after the display he gave her 2 days ago.

-"Do you want me to buy some drinks while i wait ?...I'll try but i can't promise they'll give it to me tho... alright see you." She hung up and gave him a tight smile. "Hi."

-"Hey."

An awkward silence settled between the two as they passed the automated door.

-"You look better. Than last night, I mean."

Her affirmation took him aback, and his eyebrow cocked. So, she didn't want to do like it never happened ? What a weird girl.

"Ah yeah..." He studied her up and down appreciating the way her heels highlighted her legs. "going out ?"

-"Oh yeah, just an after work gathering... you ?"

-"Just joining some friends."

-"Hmm, do you know if the konbini is strict on the age policy ?" She inquired shyly. "My friend asked for cigarettes but I'm not sure they'll lend it to me..."

-"The cashier know me, I'll just go with you."

Her eyes shined at his statement.

-"Really ? Thank you so much...I'll pay you back for last time bubble tea too."

-"I told you it's not necessary."

She retorted ,-"Yeah and I told you I'll do it."

-"No need"

-"I insist."

Alright, she was weird and stubborn. Togame felt the vein on his forehead throb.

-"Stop acting immature, I don't want you to pay me back for a coin."

-"Immature ?" She gave him a pointed look. "your the one who should act your age, Togame-San."

San ? Dis she just call him old ? Togame clearly felt insulted.

-"Hee, act my age ? how old do you think I am ?"

She tilted her head, -"23 ?"

-"I'm 17, you little rascal." He replied, gritting his teeth.

-"Oh, and you're telling me to act my age ?" She said crossing her arms. "You're only a year older than me !"

He snorted.  -"Yeah, that mean I ate 495 more rice bowl than you. Respect your elders."

Carried by their little banter, Togame didn't even realize how much they walked before entering the convenience store.

-"Go get your things, I'll grab the cigarettes."

-"Okayy..." she sing songed as she skipped toward the drinks aisle.

Arriving in front of the adult rack, Togame berated the small girl, she didn't tell him what kind of cigarettes he was supposed to get. Assessing all his options he opted to just grab two pack of his usual brand, and made his way back to her, throwing both of them in the small basket hanging on her arm.

-"Smoking is bad for your health you know ?" She pouted, eyeing the two gold Marlboro packs.

-"Aahh, my health is very good, thank you."

-"Unlike your tastes, lucky strikes are better."

-"And how do ya know that ?"

She raised her eyebrows up and down,  -"Hm, hm you wanna know huh ?"

He just rolled his eyes, -" Want me to go change them ?"

-"Nah, Shoko will smoke anything." She turned around to the drink aisle.

Togame grinned when she tip toed to grab the blueberry ramune bottle on the highest shelves, her cute skirt going up to show more of her tights. Her hand making a sway motion and she whined when it just brushed the bottle making it back away from her. *Just like a cat.*

-"Oh fuck me..." His eyes rose with his lips.

-" You shouldn't say things like that." 

He said closing the gap between them and he bite his lip when she jolted upward, as he was brushing her back with his pecs to grab the bottle. A true scaredy cat. 

-"Here."

-"Ah thanks...heyy !"

Togame smiled when she jumped, trying to grab the bottle he was holding over her head and secretly appreciated the way her tits cutely bounced in her tank top and not so secretly when she pressed against him, scratching his arm to make it go down and snatch her precious.

-"Common, give it back !" He would have gone longer if she didn't stepped away from him, cute pout and bright shiny eyes behind her glasses, whining him a small "pleaaase..." she was cute when she was begging him. He shook his head to stop the thought.

He brought back his arm . -"Alright kitten, no need to be a cry baby 'bout it."

-"Huh ? What did you call me ?"

-"A kitten. Y're just like one." Her big interrogating sapphires made him explain himself a bit more. "Yeah, y're feisty and hisse 'round, but y're harmless."

Ah, maybe she was a fish because the way her mouth was opening and closing in astonishement surly make her look like one.
After a good ten second of realizing what he just said, her eyebrows furrowed as an angry red made her way to her cheecks.

-"I'll show you harmless, you damn asperagus !"

He just laughed when she tried to lightly push him holding her hands together while forcing her toward the cashier, mentally noting how small they looked inside of his.

-"See, y' just hiss but that's all."

To that, her cute pout just got bigger and she got away from him. Ignoring his presence as she adressed the employee.

-"I'll pay for us both." She smiled at the cashier

-"Ah, I told you, i'll pay for myself ."

She didn't afford him a single glance and took her bag on her way out. He did the same thing and make long steps to follow her, stopping next to her on the sidewalk.

-" you sulkin' ?"

His grin got wider when she just turned away from him. He lightly pinched her arm to force her attention, enjoying the small cry she let out after.

-"Oh common kitty, I was just teasin'."

-"Don't talk to me, you're just a bully..." The cute scrunche of her nose just made him want to pinch her cheeks.

-"Aww y're hurting me y' know." He dramatically put an hand on his heart and she rolled her eyes.

-"Ahh cause you can be hurt ? I thought you were a big strong man, Togame-San..."

He was about to answer when the loud sound of basses came from a distance, a brown haired woman parking a red convertible on the opposite side of the street.

Seira sighed putting an hand to her forehead. "-I'm surrounded by idiots..."

Togame guessed they were her friends, his eyebrow shot up, clearly they didn't do as she asked in the elavator. Also, they seemed way older than her.

-"Nagisa-chaaan !!! Common !" The blond in the front passenger seat waived at them. "Stop flirting, we're going to be late !!!"

She just chuckled, screaming over the music with a happy voice. -"Oh my gods ! How high are you guys ?!"

She didn't demented their assumption and Togame widely smiled in the inside. So she wasn't scared of him nor wasn't she afraid to be seen in his presence. Good to knows.

-"Mega Fucking high !" The driver screamed back.

-"Alright then..." she started moving towards them, not slowing her pace while making an 90 degrees turn to him just to stick her tongue out.

-"See you later, old asperagus !"

And she just jumped backwards in the back passenger seat, showing more of her cute meaty tights.
Togame just chuckled, sweeping his hand through his hair as the car disappeared in the street corner. *This girl is crazy.*

New notification from : Tomiyama Choji.

▪︎ kame - Chaan, hurry~! It's so fun over there \(^ヮ^)/

Well, Choji seemed in a good mood. Togame smiled, maybe the rest of the night might end being nice.

Chapter Text

Sitted with her best friend and Choso, not far away from the basket ball court of Gojo's estate, Seira gulped on her Ramune, savoring the sweet taste as much as the view. A view who consisted of her senseï and Gojo against Sukuna and Toji, all of them drenching in sweats thanks to their friendly match. 

She already knew Sukuna was hot, she spend enough time squatting at the Ryomens house for that. She also knew for Geto, thanks to this 2 days at the studio when the air-conditioning was K.O and this one time she surprised him and Gojo in the backroom, which also gave her a good idea of what was under the white haired jersey's right now. 

Toji however, she took the time to discover, and God the man was hot.  

He was dominating the court with his presence and that was a fucking hard thing to do when you knew who else was there. 

Looking at him like that, It was hard to believe their hot barman was a dad to one of her best friend. His big arms flexed in the black tank top he was wearing, pecs almost popping out of it. His face was also something, a really good something she might had, the scars above his lips made him look dangerous, and his sliced face was ridiculously good looking, all that finished with black shiny hair and green eyes. 

With the exception of the scare, he looked kinda like Togame. Her lips twitched at the memory of him, especially of his presence behind at her in that damn aisle. He was such a meanie. *A very good looking meanie tho...*, She scrunche up her nose. 

He was attractive and easy going, when he wasn't making fun of her, at least. And he smelled nice, which wasn't every man case's.

She tossed her head back, remembering the strong scent of his cologne, it was spicy with a smoky undertone the whole mixed with the afterscent of tabacco, and it suited him so well. And this good looking idiot called her a kitten ! She snarled for herself at the thought. 

He was so damn confident in everything it was infuriating, from his pace to his posture to the bass in his voice. While she, well, she was just herself. Herself which she embarrassed tremendously back there. *I must have looked so stupid, he'll think I'm cringe and all...and You know what, Rei ?! fuck it, he'll think you're weird and what ? You're also cute and nice and everything !*

She reassured herself smugly still she thanked everything Yuki hadn't snitched to Rosé or else she'll never hear the end of it. 

.....

Togame was pissed, to say the less. He should have known this whole thing would have gone south. Clenching his jaw, the nights events replaying themselves in his mind. He had arrived at the place, a karaoke bar in Kisei street, it wasn't special or anything but the vibe was good. The members were drinking and laughing, Choji's good mood affecting their whole pack. Togame even cracked a laugh when their leader dragged Sako on the stage for a song. 

However, the tone shifted when one of their member, Tsuneo, decided to kiss or at least tryied to kiss a blond bimbo. The blond bimbo who was the girlfriend of another gang leader. Choji had jumped on the occasion to have some "fun" and all hell broke loose, Fists were thrown as well as kicks and even a table at some point.

He himself had to handle a fat pig who tought his gigantic size and greasy mouth were enough to put a guy like Togame off his game. An easy tackle send the boar right above the bar and a liquor bottle to his head finished the job, not even getting a scratch. (It wasn't too much, just revenge for his shades.)

His gaze darkened, The smell of alcohol that impregnated his hand and clothes after this whole mess still making him sick to the stomach. Yeah, nothing could improve his mood right now. 

Not even the reason of the disaster bouncing on him while he was laying leisurely on the headboard of an hotel bed. 

The girl whatever her name was, had blatantly threw herself at him after the fight, fawning on his strength and what not. She wasn't particularly his type but the tought of letting off some steam made him accept when she proposed him to finish the night somewhere else. 

"Aaaahh Jo-kun." Her wailing made him cringe internally as she came on him a second time. 

Togame grabbed her by her hair when she slides toward him on the force of her orgasm. "Who told you to stop, huh ? Keep going." He snarled.

She sniffled brown eyes full of tears but he didn't give a damn. The feeling of her cunt squeezing his dick making him forget the repulsive memory of the jackets he had to take back.

Unlike Tsuneo, the others were innocent, and if he wasn't for their leader presence, he would have played blind at their losses. 

After all, even if some of them got beaten, Shishitoren dominated the fight, like always.

But Choji was here and the sight of losers being unable to even stand up after their failure made his behavior change radically.

Togame snarled, tossing the girl under him and bottomed out fully. "Turn around. Face down."

No way he was wasting a condom because she had no stamina.

He ignored her sob of pleasure and whatever she was babbling. Her voice was way too high like a pig being fucking slaughtered.

"Shut. The. Fuck. Up." Ponctuating each words with a deep, harsh thrust his nails leaving crescents in the skin of her ass.

His pace going even more violently when he recalled the expression on their general face. Choji lifeless eyes not even batting when their last draftee begged him for a second chance as he kicked him on the ground. "We are the devotees of power, There's no place here for weaklings."

Choji's image morphed into one more similar to his own, older dark eyes looking down on him. Why couldn't he fix anything ?!

He pushed the blond's face down in the mattress to really shut her up.

Pounding in her, to evacuate "fucking take it !"

...........

Opening the gate of her complex after Tossing her mentor a kiss, Seira tightened her jacket while crossing the courtyard. 

"Hey !" A grueling voice came frome her side and she did her best to ignore it. 

She speeded up when she heard the footsteps Getting closer, but her legs were shaky. Why did she decide to wear heels ?

"Oï foreigner girl ! Hey, how much is it ?!" 

Oh God they were two of them.

"What, you don't speak Japanese ? Don't worry you won't need it to scream my name !" 

"I'm not for sell you ugly bastard !" 

One of the hideous man grabbed her arm, bruising her skin while the other approached, showing his yellow teeth, vile lust in his pupils. 

That was it, after escaping the bottle she was going to be raped here, at best someone will find her body in a dumpster. 

Fate really was a bitch, but there were no way she was letting it happen so easily, the least she could was put on a good fight.  

"You assholes game so low, you have to coerce women ?!" She tried to pull her arm away, giving an ugly snarl, "well, seeing your monkey's faces that's not surprising !"

"I'll teach you how to speak you little-!!" 

Seira turned her head ready to receive the hideous hand that was aiming at her.

"Oï Oï, you old pieces of shits should really learn to talk to a lady..." the familiar voice of her neighborhood made the bastard release her on the spot.

The monkeys were now looking at Togame with wild eyes, like they were ready to run for their life.

"To-Togame, m-man, I didn't... "

"Shut up, you damn cockroach. Attacking a girl trying to go home ? Why don't you two come at someone you're own size ?"

His eyes were dead set and Seira couldn't help but stay focused on his profile. His presence was even more powerful than before, almost suffocating. 

"Togame, w-we're sorry -" 

His tongue clicked "You're Sorry ? At least you could have the balls to live up to your behavior, fucking cowards." He spat the last two words and charged with lightning speed.

*So fast * Seira was looking at him like it was the first time she even saw him. 

He Twisted the wrist of one of the guy, and pushed it so that his elbow ended up smacking his acolyte nose, the loud crack it made broke Seira out of her trance.

Togame was wild like a beast toying with his preys between his claws, he tackled one and made his face meet the ground then just grabbed the other by the throat, lifting him from the ground.

"You can only blame yourself you know ?" His voice rasped menacingly. "I told You motherfuckers to stop harassing women in this building." He lifted his fist, ready to pounce again.

"Togame-San." He pivoted his head, just enough to see the black haired girl.

Lost in his frenzy, he had almost forgotten she was there. She approached with velvety steps, Fists clenched and eyes on the ground. Grabbing the wrist that was connecting him to the guys throat. If Togame really wanted he would have just pushed her off and finished his business, however, the look on her face, hatefull and full of a fury he didn't know her, dissuaded him. 

Togame let the guy loose and she turned at the cockroach. Voice steady and articulating every words. 

"Listen to me you damn monkey. I don't care if you plan to take your revenge or any other stupid ideas that's going in your half-ass brain right now. But if you plan to come back at me, you better make sure I don't walk out of it." 

Even from behind Togame could feel her watching from above. The disgust radiating from her was something else, he had never seen it before, in anyone. 

"Because if I do, I'll make your damn pathetic life a nightmare. Trust me...if I have to go back in hell," she hummected her upper lip. "I'mma drag you down with me." 

"I-I-!!!"

"Shut up." Togame interrupted the pathetic attempt of an answer. 

The scumbag was looking at them like he just saw a ghost. Wide eyed like a grotesque painting and lips quivering, and Togame couldn't help the smirk that got on his face. Ho, how he liked the terror in cowards eyes once they've realized their mistakes.

He raised his chin, looking at the asshole with all his height. "You heard the lady, you better take your girl, you kids and your dog out of this damn country. Because if I ever see you again, nothing will stop me. And you better say the same to your buddy when he wake up."

He turned toward Seira, her sapphires still dangerously set on the bastard.

"Let's go." Seira examined him , their was something so dangerous dancing inside of her right now, like she imagined all the way this could end in a blood bath. 

Yeah like a slaughter house, all she needed was a knife, she'd gouge the motherfucker eyes out then gut his organs before hanging him in a tree with his own bowel. She humected her lips again, forcing her shoulder to untense as she exhaled deeply. Sleep will make everything better.

"Yeah. Let's go." 

She promptly moved towards the entrance, mind going at an hundred per hour, recalling all the events that happened in the span of a few hours. The day started good, so why everytime she had a moment of happiness, the whole universe decide to came for her ? Her knuckles got whites, she was so damn weak. 

If Togame hadn't arrived... her teeth were hurting, the pain reverberating in her temples. She needed a drink. Right now. The reproving gaze of Rosé and Geto appeared in her mind. Well fuck them too, she never asked to be saved. She would end up disappointing them anyway, so why couldn't them let her be in peace ? Fuck. 

Togame followed silently, he didn't know what being sexually harassed felt like, but he guessed it wasn't a pleasing experience and he knew where the melange of fear and anger could lead... Glancing at her from time to time, he decided to just leave her in her own bubble for now. That's until, arriving near the stairs, her legs gave out. 

He quickly made a step toward her, grabbing her shoulders to stop her fall.

"Oï ! y're okay ?" She nodded, waiving his concern off and shakily sitted on one stair.

"Yeah, I'm alright." Togame wasn't sure if she tried to persuade him or herself.

Seira almost fall had the merit to stop the racing thoughts in her head, just for her to be more taken aback.

The smell of alcohol she perceived on Togame when he helped her stay up made her dizzy.

Fingers massaging her temple, Seira tried to regain some kind of composure. *Deep breath girl. There's thousands of people who have it worst, no need to pity yourself.*

"Y're sure ?" His voice was softer. "Doesn't look like it to me." She scrunched up her nose at the statement and eyed him.

He didn't look drunk, or else he was a very handsome soft drunk, leaning a shoulder on the crackled wall of the staircase, kissing his teeth with a pointed gaze. (No shades, she noted.)

"Well, that's really nice." She tried to joke to lighten the atmosphere.

She was now offering him a stare of ? Togame didn't know of what exactly, but it made the purple reflects of her tanzanites shine gently and he felt himself sink under it. 

"Thank you for helping me again." She brought him back to reality. "...And sorry for your shoulder the tackle must have made it worst." 

She wasn't scared of what he did to this guys, she was grateful. Togame ignored the tug in his stomach at her concern. 

"Don't worry 'bout it...I'm a big strong man, remember ?" He said jokingly, reusing her own words from earlier in the evening.

"Yeah... a big, old, strong man" She laughed standing up. 

He just shook his head at her answer and climbed the stairs behind her. Forcing his eyes to not go down her back, not that he didn't like the view but she didn't need that right now.

"Be more careful next time." She stop to question him with her gaze. "The city is dangerous, specially at night."

She rose an eyebrow, pinching her lips in the process. "Well I know, but I'm not gonna hide in my house in fear." 

"That's not what I said," he combed his hair with his hand and Seira admired the way his veins were still poping up after the fight.

"But something like that could happen again, and you could bump into someone way more dangerous."

"Yeah well, it's not like I'm leaving next across a dangerous gang member..." She paused, appreciating the spurt of his eyebrows when the sentence left her mouth.

She continued, snapping her finger with a smug pout. "Oh wait, I do." 

"Ah really ?" He crossed his arms and She just nodded, self-satisfied grin still on her face.

"And how dangerous is this guy ?" 

"Very dangerous. The rumor is, he beated ten guys by himself and that he is one of the strongest of his band."

So she knew, maybe she did from the start, and still she was not nervous in his presence. 

"Ahh, and y're not scared of him ?" 

He smirked when she tilted her head to keep her eyes in his, as he stepped on the staircase below her and draw in her personal space to pierce her with his eyes.

And God, it's the smell of liquor that made her bite her lip. Not the way his emeralds shined with gold leaves or how she could perceive how sliced his jaw truly was, followed by his defined adam apple and by a peek of his collarbones. Yeah must be that and definitely not his smoky voice that made a disgustingly delicious shiver run up the top of her thights.

"Hmmm," she looked up at the ceiling humecting her lips. "Nope, I dont believe rumors and if he ever hurt me, my friends will kick his ass."

Her gaze was back on him and Togame relished in the way their tints altered with every change of her mood. 

"Ahah... so y're jokster kitten ?" He leaned in closer to her, black bangs brushing her forehead and hot breaths clashing against each other.

"Trust me, the day I will be defeated is far, far away." He deflected to whisper in her ear. "Actually, it might never come." Her hair smelled like a melange of blackberry and whipped cream. 

"Oh yeahh ?" She answered on the same tone, angling her head so that she almost brushed his jaw with her lips.

"Hmm..."

Incoming call from : Suguru-Senseï 🖤🐉

The buzzing made them separate abruptly and Togame couldn't help the "tsk" that escaped him.

"Hmm, Geto-San ?..." she answered, tucking back a hair strand and turning away from him to climb the rest of the stairs.

"Oh yeah, sorry, I forgot... No, I just hoped in the shower right when I got home." 

Togame mouth twisted, he understood of course, but she should tell her friends what happened. 

"Yeah I will, thanks again for earlier...Good night, be careful on the road..." 

They were in front of their respective doors now, and Togame was half amused, half annoyed. She really should talk about what happened that was unquestionable. And at the same time she couldn't look him in the eyes, pouting with a cute pink under her glasses. 

She spoke before he could, "well... thanks again, good night I guess ?" 

So awkward, someone who didn't know wouldn't believe she was flirting shamelessly with him minutes before that. It was endearing. 

"Yeah, no problem. Still, be more careful, 'lright ?" She nodded and quickly opened her door before disappearing behind it. 

He smirked, she was weird. Really. But But the good kinda weird.

Chapter Text

Togame sat up in front of his TV, the festival was today, his eye twitched at the idea. This was about to be freaking tiring, but at least he could participate at the some of the food contest, festival food was always the best after all.

Engaging in this motivation, he forced himself up, stretching his shoulders and nodded satisfyingly, even after last week-end altercation, the pain was gone, and the two ugly motherfuckers were no where to be seen. The reflection made his thought go to his little neighbor, he hadn't seen her during the week, at the expection of Wednesday morning when she was running late to go God know where. All she did was give him a wave in the corridor before jumping all the stairs down and hurry out.

Maybe she was avoiding him for their staircase moment... nahh, she seemed as much into it than him back in there. And it was just some cute flirting. Reciprocal cute flirting. Or maybe he read it wrong and she was thinking he was another type of creep. But her smile and littles gestures were making it look really reciprocal. Or maybe not... shit. He didn't know and he hated not knowing.

He hated it even more to not know what would have happened if she didn't receive this damn phone call. And loathed all the scenarios that were going in his mind about what would've happened if he didn't decided to cut his playtime with the other girl short. Fuck. Now he was pissed.

Combing his hair to erase his train of thoughts, he decided it was time to go get ready. Their festival stand had to be put in place and he had ingredients to chop. Opening his closet to reveal the uniform Ogawa forced gifted them on the special occasion.

A black hakama and a deep grey nagagi with a black haori to finish it off. Way too much in his opinion, he won't even wore the haori on the stand, it was too bulky to cook or even serve with. He touched the hem of the fabric, soft and expensive, his mom would have loved it.

.....

Getting out of the studio, Seira sighed at her own stupidity. She had to do a detour from the Ryomens house where she slept to come and take the instructions cards she forgot at her work place. She pouted, she'll have to change on the site.

Walking in the street towards the main city Square, blasting <ain't my fault by Zara Larson> to force her to walk steadily despite the heat, her gaze perceived a familiar silhouette, she squinted her eyes to see better. *This hair tail..*, no doubt, it was her neighbor, he was advancing in the same direction as her, holding some kind of rolled bag on his left arm.

Maybe she should go greet him... But wouldn't that be weird, especially after what had happened in the stairs. Her face heated at the memory and she tried to raise her glass up her nose...*Fuck this damn contacts.* She forgot she switched them to show off her makeup.

Glancing back toward Togame, she exhaled deeply.

He was waiting at the cross walk. she wanted to do another curve but Rosé was waiting and this was the fastest road to go to the festival. *Well girl, Time to gather some courage.*
She took some seconds to analyse his profile, traditional clothes really suited him well. She plodded until Arriving at earring distance from him.

"Ohayo, Togame-San."

He angled his head in her direction, giving her a small hand gesture. *Ah, he has different shades today...* she noted, as his green eyes trailed on her behind the silver and gold gradient of the glasses.

"Oooh, long time no see, kitty."

Ironically, she hissed at the surname, "Kk, Stop calling me that !"

"Hmmm, nope don't wanna."

"You're mean." She crossed her arm on her chest, turning away from him.

"Heee ? I wasn't so mean when I saved you last time right ?"

"Hmm...thanks again for that." She eyed from the side, angry pout still on, "But that doesn't give you the right !!"

He grinned slyly, "It give me every right, kitten."

"No it doesn't !!"

They kept on bickering, walking under the hot sun, even if Togame was really slow paced his steps were much bigger than hers, thank God she liked walking fast. Although, with this temperature it was still a hassle, Seira considered how hot he must be under his haori, the piece of clothe was really highlighting how broad his shoulders were but he had to be dying under it.

"You're going to join your friends at the festival ?" She questioned, more to cut the silence that had unravelled that anything.

"nahh for work, 'm cook at a restaurant, we have a stall there."

She looked at him, surprised at his answer.

"What ?" He angled his head toward her.

"Nothing, I didn't tought you would know how to cook that's all..."

"Ahhhh, and what's that's supposed to mean ?"

"Nothing, nothing...", She murmured, eyeing her manicure.

It was a bit mean but well, he deserved it after making fun of her almost everytime.

"What about you huh ? Goin' to join your boyfriend ?"

"I don't have a boyfriend, I'm joining my bestfriend, we have a stall together."

"Ahh well that's not surprisin', y're a grumpy cat..."

Togame grin got wider at the hiccup in her voice, *so easy to rile up.*

He was sooo annoying, always mocking her and calling her cat. She looked nothing like one ! And what does he mean not surprising ? She maybe wasn't a super model but she was cute...in her own way, but still ! And any boy with more than two braincells would see it ! He was just a blind mean idiot ! Yeah, a stupid idiot with a stupid opinion, they were people that liked her personality, her friends and even some crushes in the past...*yeah, that's why all of them wanted to get in your pants after 2 days.*

"And you're a bully that's why you don't have a girlfriend !" She speeded away but Togame quickly catched on her.

"Ahh kitty, y're sulking again ?" He teased just to see the annoyed sparkle in her eyes.

But what he saw when he forcefully catched her gaze clearly wasn't annoyance, maybe he had gone too far with the sneaky wordings. His bited his lips at the tought.

"I'm not ! Also, if I'm that's grumpy why do you keep following me ?."

"'M not following ya." He said forcing his voice to go softer, she was refusing to look at him. "My stand is right there."
He pointed at his stall.

"You must be kidding me." She looked horrified at the stand. It was on the opposite right from theirs.

Togame watched as she departed from him without a glance, making her way towards a bubble gum haired girl who was putting up clothes on a stall. Yeah, maybe he did take it a little too far.

He kept glancing at her while helping putting up the stand and winced and he saw her get out from behind her stand with her festival clothes. Why did she like to wear heels so much ? And the stockings that stopped above her knees really weren't helping hide things. Their was enough place there to put his hand without even touching the hem of her kimono skirt.

.........

Approaching towards their stall, Seira wanted if not ached to ignore Rose's gaze but the heavens only knew how impossible that was. Her bestfriend had the same bad habit has her brother, to make you feel like she knew everything that was going on in your mind without even trying. Although from her it was more to tease than harm.

"Ouuuuhh, Who was that ?"

"None."

"Didn’t seem like no one to meee." She finished hanging clothes on a rack. "How didn't I hear about him before ?"

"Because."

'Becaaauuse...??" Rosé made her a gesture to keep going.

This was such a pain, even with the promise of a billions yens her best friend wouldn't relinquish. The heavens curse her and her strong will.

"Because I knew you would annoy the hell ou of me, that's why." Seira said placing the henna aftercare cards on the table.

"Haa! I have no idea of what you are talking about Babybrain." The pink haired dismissed. "However, you two seemed to really get along over there."

"We really weren't trust me, we just..." Seira inhaled deeply, thinking of a way to get out of the situation without alarming her friend and turning on her mother hen behavior, but didn't find any. *The truth it is then.* "ahh I got harassed while going home last weekend."

Rosé stopped right in her track at her word and Seira winced, she really wanted to avoid this. *Well, here we go...*

"What ?!" Rosé face from surprised to angry. "Why didn't you tell us anything ?"

"Because I knew you would make a fuss out of it. All of you... He,..." she tried to discreetly gesture in Togame's direction. "he saved me and beated the guys up. That's all. So please drop it."

"I am. But just for now, and you have to explain me this whole harassment thing while changing. Or I'll tell 'Kuna so we can go find the creeps and kill them ourselves."

Seira sighed while being pushed behind a curtain, this discussion was about to be very, very long. 

.....

"You look so beautiful. I'm jealous." Seira announced, admiring her best friend.

She just finished putting Rosé cherry pink strands into a bun, finishing the look with golden hairpins.
Her best friend was dazzling, like a flower covered in dew.

"Do I really ?"

Seira wondered how she could even doubt it, not only was she beautiful, she was also extremely talented. Their outfits were a proof of that.

Two reinvented incredibles kimonos, a below the knee sage green, with a muted purple and red obi paired with gold detailing for Rosé and a transcending water blue over a wite tank top paired with a charcoal obi with a simple white trait on it for herself. Not forgetting the amazing silver details (and the expensive stockings) her best friend took the time to had.

Seira pouted at the realization of all the toughts her bestfriend put in her outfit, Rosé knew how much she hated being hampered of her movements, so she had made her skirt slightly shorter than hers.
She was so good hearted and loving, *I really don't deserve her...*

"Hmm." She looped her arm around Rosé waist. "Please marry me ?"

The taller girl giggled, "My little amnesiac, we're already married, don't you remember when I kneeled and asked ?"

Seira snorted, looking at her from below. "If anyone asked, it's me."

Rosé caressed her forehead. "Sure, sure... Let's go finish this installation, I'ts going to begin soon."

Nodding, Seira separated from her, she fanned the inside of her large sleeves, the temperature was horrible and she didn't even want to imagine how much she was sweating. *Togame must be dying behind the stove right now...* she shook her head, this idiot didn't deserve a single thought, he was just a bully. Arranging the rest of the jewelries on the stalls, she couldn't help but peer over to his stand.

He was focused on his cutting board, sleeves pushed up his elbows, *His hands look so big...* she bited her cheeks, the smell of food was making her mouth salivate, maybe she'll indulge in something later, probably takoyakis. She wetted her lips at the tought, yeah Takoyakis sounded good.

.....

Rosé.was.the.worst.

She left her alone to manage the stand and for what ? to flirt with some softer, younger version of Gojo. Seira nose scrunched up, even their voice were similar, she heard it when he came to say hello. Alas, he was truly at her friend dicussable tastes, clear blue eyes with light hair and soft features.

She silently judged, smirking when her bestfriend made her way back with pink on her cheeks.

"What ?!"

"Hehehe, that's really nice, thank yoouu." She imitated her bestfriend, pitching her voice and over batting her eyelashes.

"I did not talk like that !"

"Yeees you did."

"Really ?" Her bestfriend was looking mortified and Seira took pity on her. "Hmm, but he seemed to like it and he blushed when you took your hair out of your face."

"For real ??!!"

Maybe she shouldn't have took pity, the cherry haired had just destroyed her eardrum with her squeel.

"You're way too happy about this..."

She shooked her head while her best friend kept on going about the white haired boy.

Chapter Text

"Well, He's kinda cute" Seira winced at her friends statement.

"He's tall, I'll give him that." 

"Oh common ! you don't think he's hot ? Reallyyy ?"

The pinkish was looking at her like she had four legs and tentacles instead of arms. It wasn't her fault that Mini-Gojo wasn't meeting her standards.

"White hair aren't really my type, sorry" 

"Gojo-san he's going to be heart broken." Rosé teased, for only response Seira just rolled her eyes smirking at the image of Gojo sniffling if he heard the news. "Besides, I know you're more into the tall black haired chef." 

She pointed her chin in the direction of the food stand and as Seira eyes followed the direction, she catched Togame's gaze then his smug grin. She promptly averted her eyes and swatted the pink haired girl on the arm.

"Stop it ! Oh my gods, he saw us..." Her face was heating up and she didn't need a mirror to know how red she was. 

"Calm down, It's not like you two haven't been eye eating each other the entire day." 

"We didn't- " 

"Oh please, I didn't forgot how you two came together this morning and I have known you long enough to say when you have a crush." She folded her arms on her chest, eyebrows going up and down knowingly. 

"I don't have a crush on him !" Her voice was slightly higher than what she intended but the situation was way to absurd to control herself. 

"On who you don't have a crush on ?" 

She and Rosé jumped around in perfect synchronization to see Togame standing behind them, head tilted slightly to the side and brow arched. 

"Hhu , no-nothing ! I mean, humm, no one." 

"Y're stuttering." 

"I'm not !" 

"Hiiii." Rosé singy voice interrupted their little banter, "I'm Rosé, nice to meet you." 

She smiled brightly at him before turning to her best friend. "Common Babybrain, you're not introducing us ?"

She bited down her cheek and scrunched her nose. She was so going to murder Rosé after this. 

"Rosa, this is Togame Jo, my neighbor. Togame-san this is my insufferable-soon-not-to-be-anymore bestfriend, Ryomen Rosé." The growl in the last part of her phrase made the words shake. 

"Aaww, don't say that, we both know you love me too much to get rid of me." At that, Seira just side eyed her. "Anyways, I'll leave you guys at it, they are clients waiting for me, it was nice meeting you Togame-kun." 

And she strolled back to enthusiasticly greet the people around the stand. 

They stared at each other in silence for a bit. Togame took the time to watch her a bit more, now that the pink haired girl was gone he could appreciate her undisturbed attention as her eyes were on him. 

The makeup and gems coupled with the festival lights were making them shine even more than usual. She also changed her nose rings to match her kimono and her strawberry colored lip gloss made her cute pout even more plush. It was the same color than his ramune drinks.

"So, what do you want ?" She asked not supporting the silence anymore. 

At her demeanor Togame just rolled his shoulder. "Nothin', It's my pause and I came to see what y're about." 

"That’s too kind, you shouldn't have." She hissed sarcasticly.

Togame ignored her and trailed his eyes on the drawings and jewelries on the stand.

"So that what y' were doin' back there ? Tattooing people ?" 

She shook her head. "We don't make real tattoos or piercing today. Just taking appointments and showing the designs with semi-permanents or henna." She raised her hand, the back of her palm was streaked with delicated bronze lines. "Showing off our jewelry making skills too." 

He nodded mindlessly at her explanation, eyes still on the shiny rings of the stand.

"So how much is it ?"

"The rings ?" 

"Nah, to have one like that." His head pointing in the general direction of her hand.

He saw her lick her lips again, taking off some of the pink color and he wondered if the taste was really the same than his drink.

"Depends on the size, and if you want henna or semi-permanent. Also, if you want a design from the album or a custom made."  

"Hmm." He stayed silent for a bit evaluating her from head to toe. "I want the custom one, on my shoulder blade." 

At that she nodded and grabbed her stencils. "Sure, you have any idea of what you want ?" 

He wagged from left to right, the loose trends out of his tail caressing his forehead. 

"Well, I'm gonna need some time to come with something.. And then you can green light it before I start on your shoulder."  Dhe answered, Already tracing some line on her sketchbook.

"No need, just do you're thing directly." He smirked when the sketchbook almost fell from her hands.

She looked up at him with bright eyes of amazement. He wouldn't be surprised to see a fairy come and snatch some of the sparkles in her sapphires for itself.

She cough to regain some stance, "Are you sure ? I mean, even with the least lasting choice, it might stay there for weeks." 

"What ? you're that bad at y're job ?" 

"That's not what I meant, you bully." She crossed her arm while her infamous pout appeared. 

"And I want the one who's goin' to stay the longest." He grinned when she turned around, attempting and failing to hide the pinkie spot on her cheeks. 

"Henna it is then." 

She directed him behind the wooden panel and he sat down on the stool, taking his arm off of the large sleeve of his kimono.

Seira's brain was airfrying whiles her hands prepared her materials out of habits. This idiot of a tall man tree was really trying to kill her. 

She glimpsed at him, his now bare arm was resting on his tight to give her access to his back. Her eyes longed a bit more than what they should have on his muscles that were flexing as his head was resting on his hand, the other mindlessly scrolling on his phone.

She turned to search Rosé gaze in a desperate attempt of finding mental support. All she found was her bestfriend evil smile as she silently mouthed her "have fun". She just mouthed back a kind "I will murder you." 

She closed her eyelids, took a deep breath so that her hands would stop shaking and made her way to Togame. 

Standing behind him, she examined the skin who would be her canva. His trapeze and deltoid were nicely defined as well. The design she had in mind will surely look nice, even if it might be hard doing it without a guideline.

She breathed out through her mouth and put her left hand on the side of his arm as she leaned closer to start trancing the lines. His skin was a bit rough but still felt nice under her fingers, she wondered if he was like this all over. 

Togame did his best to stay still in order to not fuck up his own back, but his little kitten was making it really difficult right now. 

Her thumb was doing swift motion up and down his arm and the hot breeze coming from her mouth to his spine was making shiver run down all around his body. He had to restrain himself from jolting when her hand came to tickle his nape and move his hair tail.

"Ticklish ?" Her smooth voice came in his ear and he tightened his eyes at the feeling of her breath against the shell of his ear.

"Shut up."

To that she just giggled and focused back on his skin delicately tracing lines during what seemed like hours to him. 

The feeling was just like her, unusual. 

He know what skin on skin felt like but it wasn't like what he was used to. 

Not tough and rought like when he was fighting. Not urgent like when he was stopping Choji from doing something stupid. Not repulsive like when he had to kick one of their previous members out. Not nasty like when he had a random girl spread in his bed to evacuate his frustration after a night of nightmares. Not even irritating like when the old man was patting his shoulder after a long day.

It was like a velvety cloth lightly brushing over him, warming his skin and letting small fire trails in it.

He pondered if yes or no he liked it for a moment, before her hand got from under his armpit to his tight for support, caressing his ribs as she squatted down behind him so that she could keep drawing from another angle. He really liked it, at least a certain part of his body did.

Couldn't she be a little more thoughtful ? He was just a man after all and right now he was feeling intoxicated, his breath stuck in his lungs as she was feeding him the sweet poison of her touch, torturing him at a painfully slow pace. He greeted his teeth, feeling his mind slip and his blood rush south.

He inhaled deeply, no way he was getting hard over three small, minor, unimportant touch.

"'It's over." 

His body relaxed once her hands got off of him but his mouth went as dry as sand paper at the same time. 

"Wait just a bit." He heard the familiar snap of a smartphone camera before the screen appeared before him. "Here." 

The photo showed his very own back starting at the side of his neck, was laying a complicated tortoise, it's shell was in a form of a oni-lion mask paralleling the one of the Shishitoren, and it took him a moment to realize all the details she put in the drawing. Some of the lines where so thin he had to squint his eyes and take off his shades. 

"Eh, not bad..." 

"I know right." The excitement in her voice made him raise his eyebrow.

He was waiting for her to curse him off in front of her undeniable talent, instead she was gushing at her phone screen, almost bouncing on the spot. He nodded for himself as he dressed, glad that he let her experiment the way she wanted. 

"Can I post it ? It'll be very good for the studio's instagram." 

He nodded Even if wanted to say no just to mess with her he couldn't bring himself to do so, her big eyes of expectations slicing away his mischief.

"So how much do I owe you ?"

"4655 yens pleaaase."

"That's much huh ?"

"Told you it might get expensive."

"Well, we can find an arrangement," he crossed his arm, looking up like he was thinking about a good deal. "I can pay in nature." 

She hid the bottom of her face behind her fan. "Ah. No thank you. I don't think it'll be satisfying for my work."

"Don't worry kitty cat, I can be very satisfying." 

He liked this sparkle better, sneaky and mischievous, making him twitch in anticipation of her next come back.

She folded the fan next to her chin, evaluating him up and down. "Oh really ? I doubt that... and stop calling me a cat."

"Rei !!" Rosé arrival stopped his retort. "Sorry am I interrupting ?" 

"No you're not." Her gaze lingered on him refusing to let his go.

Eventually, she had to turn around and adress the intruder, the movement made his tongue kiss his cheek. 

"what's up ?"

"Gojo passed by while you were... busy ? He asked if you minded passing by the club tomorrow, to try the new choreo with the lighting game ? He also said that dinner was on him after." 

So she was was a dancer to ? Togame raised an eyebrow observing her while she kept talking to her friend. *So that's explain the tights...*

"Oh yeah, sure. Did he tell you the time ?" 

"Huuuh... late afternoon, i think ?" He squinted, for all he knew she was going to be harassed again on her way back.

He grabbed a piece of paper from his wallet and a pencil that was on the stand, scribbling something.

"You know what ? Forget it, I'll just text him." She shooed the other girl away.

"Overtime huh ? Do tattooing not pay well ?"

He couldn't help his curiosity, he wanted to know why a girl who couldn't even handle some sneaky remark was performing under big lights.

"It does, I just like performing. And the tips are welcome." 

Togame snorted, thinking of the kind of attention she must receive to be given tips, she was truly unusual.

"Ah so you like putting on a show ?" He tilted his head again. "I should come see you then." 

Seira smiled at his proposal, shrinking the gap between them.

"Sure, but get ready to be impressed." She looked down to his lips then back to his eyes. "I'm amazing at everything I do." 

"I'm sure of that." He hold her the cash, while grinning.

"Really ? That's not really smooth." she snorted holding the small paper with his number on it. 

Togame felt his eyebrow twitch in agacement, he was just trying to be nice and prevent her another bad encounter that's all. (why was she being so difficult ?)

"pump y're breaks, it's just in case the assholes from last time bother you again. Jus' gimme a call."

"Oh Thanks," he watched as the pink color made its way to her face. "I really appreciate it." 

She averted her eyes from him, holding him a aftercare card.

A devilish grin appeared on his face as an idea made its way to his brain.

"Don' harass me tho, I won't answer." 

He chuckled as she passed from thankfull to huffy, puffing her chest as she tried to find something cunning to bite him back. Just like a stray cat. 

"See y' around kitten." He departed quickly leaving her fuming behind him.

....

Elbows sinking in her bestfriend bed, Seira marked all the jewelries and designs that were the most popular on their stall but also on their social medias. Noting their shapes and sizes as well as the ages of the clients who asked for them or something similar, customer study was also a big part of her job after all.

"Soo you and the cute gangster ? Are you going to text him ?" 

She wished to say Rosé question surprised her, but she knew it would come the moment she told him about the small piece of paper. 

She rolled her eyes at her bestfriend excepting gaze.

"No I won't..." 

"Why not ? he gave you his number."

"Yeah and he have my instagram, it was on the card."

"You're professional instagram, Rei."

"Still, he didn't follow...he didn't even like the post of his henna on the studio Instagram !" 

Glancing at her phone, she gritted her teeth, she had passed minutes scrolling over all the likes Below the post to see not a single account that could look like it was him. 

Grabbing the small rectangle, she quickly unlocked it before updating her feed. *Maybe he felt asleep right after going home...*

"Alright, it's too painfull to keep watching you, give me that !" Her bestfriend snatched the phone from her hand.

"Hey !!"

She tried to peer above Rosé shoulder, she was typing things into the search bar, going from acount to acount.

The cherry haired was pacing in the room when she screamed "Found it !"

"Already ??"

"Yeah ? I'm just talented like that." She clicked again. "oh, its private. I'll send a request."

"What ?! No!" Seira jumped at her words. "Rosa, thats my phone you have ! And it's my personnal profile !"

"I know that dummy... I'm just doing you a favor."

"A favor ?!" She tried catching the phone her bestriend was holding over her head. "He's gonna thought I'm kind of delulu or a groupie or, or-"

"He followed you back." She put the phone in front of her face.

"Huh ?"

New notifications :

@Jo0.T0game accepted your request.

@Jo0.T0game send you a request.

"Oh my God, I'm gonna die."

Chapter Text

Pacing in and out of her living room, Seira was pondering, she didn't know what to do. In one hand she was dying from the heat, she was just wearing her underwear and tank top but the fabric was glued to her skin In a disgusting manner.

She needed a shower, and worst of it all, Tuesday was her haircare day and she hated being thrown off of her routine.

She exhaled deeply, Cursing the damn landlord who decided that today was the best to patch the one water pipe supplying her appartement.

She could go to the studio take a shower, in fact it is what she had planned after school, but she had to come back take some clothes and the heat outside decouraged her from going at all. After all, even if she did go take a shower there, she would end up drenching in sweat before even arriving home.

Maybe she could ask Togame. But that would be weird, wouldn't it ? But they were neighbors and neighbors can ask each other favors, right ? And he did tell her to call. *If I was harassed not to get naked in his shower.* The tought made her go bright red. No way she was asking him. But it was so hot. And her haircare routine... she groaned, throwing her head back and massaging her temple.

This was impossible. She lay down on the cold tiles of the floor. Actually impossible. All her windows were open and the ventilator was almost roaring with how fast it was going, but she was still, disgustingly sweaty.

She eyed the numbers on her phone, 4:30 pm. She had supported this damned heat for less than two hours but it was already too much.

She exhaled for the nth time that day, nothing could take her mind off the sweat that was sticking on her, the moist felt so repulsive she felt like throwing up. *And I have things to do...* She shaked her Fists, whimpering and ready to cry on the spot. Maybe it was childish but she had homework for the week and a projects to begin. Maybe she should indulge in a cocktail. She hold her head in her hands, That was it. She was going to go mad.

Ohh how an ice cream would be good right now. Cassis and passion fruit, with a lot of wiped cream.. She felt her mouth foaming just imagining the cold dessert going down her throat. She got up to grab one in her freezer, just to close it just as fast. Of course, it would have been to good if there were any ice cream in there.

However, the desire for the cold dessert decided her to go put on some more clothes and go down to the Konbini. The air-conditioning of the place playing a big part in the decision too. She grabbed a towel doing her best to wipe of the sweat and got dressed.

Togame was sweating. To the point of taking off his beloved jacket, deciding that he would rather hold it than having another layer of fabric on him with this temperature. He was going home, pace even slower than usual. Staying all day behind the stoves without air-conditioning had been hell and his patrol with Sako and Kanuma had ended all of his remaining energy. He didn't even have it in him to smoke.

Deciding that a very cold ramune was exactly what he needed after a day like this he deviated to the konbini. The cold air that hitted him at the entrance was more than welcome. However, seeing his little neighbor bend over in a sundress over the ice cream container wasn't. Why did she like to show her tights so fucking much ?

Togame let his eyes trail over her profile, the dress wasn't that short just flowy and ending above her knees, but the fact that she was leaning made it go up. Thank for her their was only them in the aisle right now. Also, she seemed to be struggling to grab her ice cream, pouting as she tucked one of the loose strand of her messy bun behind her ear. Togame sighed, look like he had to save her. Again.

"Need help ?" She screeched, making the whole interaction look awfully like they first meeting.

"Oh my God ! Stop doing that !" Ah, she tought the same thing too.

"'M not doing anything, y're just not aware of what's surrounding ya."

"I am !"

"Sure, sure. Want me to grab ya something ?"

Ah, she wasn't so fussy anymore, her eyes were really a open book.

She pouted crossing her arm on her chest. "Are you going to hold it over my head like last time ?"

"Hmmm, maybe ?"

"Then no I don't." She gave him her back, her dress gracefully following the movement.

Togame rolled his green orbs behinds his sunglasses, small smirk appearing at her behavior.

"'lright, stop sulking you big baby. I won't hold it over your head. So what d'ya want ?"

She turned around, sparkles of eagerness making her tanzanites shine the purple reflects again.

"The Passion fruit sorbet please ?" She pointed to the last iced bar on the bottom of the freezer. No wonder she couldn't reach it.

"Thank youuuu."

He patted her head, "y're welcome kitty."

Seira snorted at him, "since you saved me from the heat, I'm giving you a pass. Just this time tho."

"For all the time I saved you," he started advancing toward the drinks "I deserve a pass for the rest of eternity."

"No way."

"Oh yeah and why's that ?"

"Because I said so and I'm in charge here." She flipped her hair, smug grin plastered on her face.

"Sure, if you can even see what y're in charge of from down there."

"Grrrr, you little - !!" He grinned at her, she was really way to easy to rile up.

"C'mon kitty, I'm not the little one here."

"I don't want to talk to you anymore."

They exited the store and Seira hummed when she felt the acid taste of the sorbet hit her taste buds. The infernal heat was still going strong. She groaned at the realization.

Maybe she should ask Geto and Gojo if she could sleep at their place. She winced at the tought, Gojo will probably insist to drive her to school in one of his expensive car or worst, call one of his personal chauffeur. As much as she liked the privilege, she really didn't want this kind of attention at the debut of the school year.

"What's up with you ?" Togame got her out of contemplation.

"Huh ?"

"Y're looking at that sorbet like it killed y're entire family, too acid ?"

She shook her head, "No it's just...The landlord is patching my appartement water pipe, and today is my haircare day."

"Ah that's suck."

"Yeah...."

Togame watched her shoulders slumber in deception. It was weird, she was always standing straight normally. Also, she had winced every time she swipped the sweat from her forehead since they started heading back home. Apparently she really hated the heat.

"You can come shower at my place, if you want."

Ah at least now she was standing correctly. And the sparkles were back as she was really eyeing him for the first time since they exited the konbini store.

"Reallyy ?"

"Yeah."

"Geee you're the best !"

He gulped on his ramune to hide the small smile that was forming on his lips. *The best huh ?*

Togame didn't really know why he proposed but he was satisfied, it was like the simple proposition had just made her whole entire world better.

They kept walking in a comfortable silence after that, only being cut after they arrived at their doors.

"just a minute, I'm gonna grab my things."

He watched her disappear and come back 4 minutes later with a basket full of products and scrunchies, clothes under her arm and holding 3 different brushes in her hand.

"Ya really need all that ?" He said while turning his key in the lock.

"Of course," she enters behind him, "good products are important."

Seira took in her environment, the appartement was at Togame image. Comfortable with traditional aesthetic and some personal touches. She let the air fill her lungs. It smelled like him too.

"If you say so..." she turned around to see him, arm cross and leaning on the counter.

"You don't use products for your hair ?"

Togame rolled his shoulders, "Only the ones at the public bathes."

"What ? no way !" She was watching him with both horror and incomprehension, "You're gonna destroy your strands."

"Never understood how to make a routine, too many terms on the shampoo bottles."

She shook her head in disbelief. "I'll make you one. No way I'm gonna watch you destroy those shiny locks."

Togame was too taken aback to retort, his cheeks were burning like he just took two right hooks, he was glad she was facing the other way again.

Trying to shake off his embarassement, he got up from surface.

"The bathroom is this way." He passed in front of her, tilting his chin slightly towards the ceiling and blessing his height.

"They're towels on the shelf if you need."

"Okaay, thanks."

"'Lright, I'll be in the kitchen, just scream if ya fall in the shower." He grinned at her small pout.

"Ah.ah. you're so not funny." She locked the door behind her.

Seira analyzed the small room, he was tidy, more than Sukuna's at least. The dirty clothes were in the basket and they were just a couples of them, sign that he did his laundry not so long ago.
She smiled when she saw the bottle of after shave on the sink. It was endearing being surrounded by his things.

She started to unpack her own products, until she realized that in her hurry she had forgotten her body wash. She stopped a moment, wondering what to do, it wasn't really that bad, she could use shampoo to shower after all.

She was set on this idea until her eyes catched Togame's shower gel. The bottle of Axe Apollo almost calling her, she grabbed it and bringed it to her nose. The smell made her bite her lips, it was so him.

Standing in his kitchen, Togame didn't know what to do with himself. Still, he tried his best to not think about the pretty girl in his shower right now. She was probably naked. In his shower. *Yeah dumbass, people have to be to take a shower.* He took him all he had in himself to not think about the water running down her curves, kissing her skin and whipping of the sweat.

Shaking his head he opened up one of his cupboard, cooking will help him concentrate on something else. Unhopefully for him, the something else was also about his kitten. *What does she like to eat ?* He didn't see her eat anything last Saturday at the expection of a takoyaki the bubble-gum haired girl almost forced in her mouth.

His eyebrows pinched at the memory, now that he thinked about it, he never saw her come home with a lot of groceries. *This idiot.* She was a dancer. A dancer performing in a club. What if she passed out on the stage ? Scrunching his nose, he grabbed his knife. At least now he knew what too cook.

"Togame-San !" He almost sliced his hand along with the katsudon.

"What ?! Did ya really fall in the shower ?!"

"No I didn't !" He could almost see her eye roll. "Can I use your shower gel ? I forgot mine."

Now he was rolling his eyes, she didn't have to ask for that. He wouldn't even have noticeded if she didn't told him.

"Yeah, yeah, You can !" He still answered for good measure. At least she was polite.

"Okaay, thanks youuu !" He stayed still until the water started pouring again.

............

Closing the bathroom door, Seira took the time to watch Togame, he didn't hear her come out and well the vision was charming.

He was back to her, focused on his vegetables, and back muscles flexing under the fabric of his shirt. Also he had changed his usual wood sandals to stay barefoot. She bited her lips at the sight in front her, *How can cooking be so hot ?*

She shook her head. Nope. None of that.
She was here because he was kind enough do her a favor. It was wrong to look at him like that.

She pivoted toward the open living room, trying and failing to erase her train of thoughts, she should tell him she was living, yeah that exactly what she should do. She had bothered him enough already.

She knocked lightly on the counter and uttered "I'm done."

He angled his head toward her "Aaahh, sorry I didn't hear you. The food is almost ready tho."

"Huh ? Oh, that's really nice but I don't wanna bother you more." She coily looked at her feet, picking at her fingers.

"Stop saying stupid shit, Y're not bothering and I proposed you."

"You're sure ?" She gazed up at him to see that he had fully turned toward her.

"'F course I'm sure, don't doubt me again woman." Seira blushed at his word, he wanted her around.

"Okaay then."

Togame grinned as he watched her evolve in his living room, fingers softly brushing some furnitures while she made her way to his couch. He had totally forgot his fatigue of the day, and even if he didn't like staying at the Shishitoren headquarter this days, he thanked the heat for making him leave even earlier than usual.

He made his way to join his kitten after putting the rice in the cooker, expecting her to be playing on her phone. However, when he saw her from behind the couch, she seemed absorbed on the go board he had left on the coffee table, fingers under her chin. He couldn't see her face but could almost watch the smoke going out of her head.

"You want to play a game ?"

She threw her head back to look at him from below, the loose strands of her two french braids framing her face. He cursed himself inside his head, and her too. From this angle he could see the edge of her cleavage.
He forced himself to move around the couch to avert his eyes and thoughts.

"Well, I don't know how to..." Ah that's why she looked so focused.

"Reallyy ?"

"Hmm well," she looked at the window "I know chess and poker but nobody ever thought me Go."

"Relax, 'm not judging, I can teach ya, if ya want."

"For real ?!"

She was eyeing him like he just offered her the key of the universe. So easy to please.

"Yeah."

"But we'll have to cut this" She gestured at the formation on the board.

" 'ts okay. I was playing by myself, I'll just redo it." He started to clear the board. "So, the rules are simple..."

The first party ended quickly, the second one however took a bit more time, his kitten having gotten more comfortable with the rules and was starting to test her strategies. It was still unsure but she was learning fast, more than most people at least.

Togame smirked at her next move, she had effectively secured a corner, but it made it easier for him to apply pressure on her side of the board.

"I understand why people are so scared of you now."

"Aaah ?"

"Hmm, your brain is scary." She deposed a piece to escape his pincer move. "You're holding back tho."

He stopped in his movement, hand hovering over the board. He should have done an enclosure right now, but instead he had just put down a piece to start a new attack. How could she even perceive that ?

"And what make you say that ? I'm easily winning."

"I can see it in your eyes. You always do actually, the only time you didn't..." she used the opportunity to invade his territory. "it was against this creeps, 2 weeks ago."

Togame eyebrows pinched, between the two of them, she was the open book. Not him. He couldn't be. Not after all that was expected of him, if a woman he had met two weeks ago was able to say something like that, what about everyone else ? What about his subordinates ? What about Choji?

No. He couldn't be this predictable. Like a tsunami, all of the actual, real situation came to wash over him. He wasn't some kind of nice neighbor, he was Togame Jo of Shishitoren, the ruthless 2nd commander. He inspired fear and terror, he was the monster he had to be to survive, to keep what was his.

And yet, when her sapphires met his emeralds, he felt like he never was in the first place. Like none of it had ever happened. Thee downfall of Shishitoren, Choji's change, his father, his mother...

"Y're imagining things."

Her lips lifted softly, capturing one of his piece after an atari, "Maybe."

They kept silent after that, rocked by the sound of the fan, and the cicadas, going back and forth in each other territory, discovering each other logic.

After a while, Togame blow his final move even though the back and forth was stimulating, he did dominate the game. Still, it wasn't the impression he had left, his mind was fuzzy and they're was a concrete block on his chest.

"Explain it to me, please. How I lost."

Seira voice made him snap from his contemplation of the board.

Arm crossed on her chest, he could see her remake the scenarios of the party in her head.

"After we eat."

He got up, offering her his hand to help her stand and maybe his fingers lingered a bit more than what they should have on her skin.

Maybe the contact of her cold skin on his warm one made him shiver. Maybe her gentle smile made him simper.

He scrutinized her as they took their plates, light and graceful no wonder he didn't hear get out of the bathroom, her steps were velvety.

Quietly sitted on the ground next to Togame, Seira mind was going back and forth, all to end up at the same conclusion every time. Why was she so stupid ? She had no right to tell him that. And she knew it, how her stupid mouth always acted out when she wasn't holding it.

Still, *Y're imagining things.*, His emeralds were so lost when he told her that. Seira knew how forcing people to talk could result in disasters, but on the moment she wanted to understand why they was no gleams of sun in his beautiful forest orbs.

She would have preferred if he had said something embarrassing just to see them shine with that sly sparkle instead of the brooding look he had.

She risked a peak at him, they were sitted on the floor in front of the couch, the goban had been replaced by their plates.
Togame was... well, so close and so far at the same time, it was hard to describe. He was focused on the TV one knee folded with his arm resting on it, the light of the show making his jaw and Adam apple even more angular.

She turned back to the TV, chin sinking in her folded arm that were resting on her knees. His eyes... Seira pressed her lips, he was part of a gang, people followed him, trusted him and yet he looked so *Alone...*

"You didn't eat anything." His voice made her emerge from her trance.

Togame was scrutinizing her and she winced boath from it and his statement.

"Oh, I'm sorry....it's just food make me heavy. I don't like the sensation."

"That's because you don't eat properly."

"I do."

"No you don't, you eat too fast."

"I-"

"Kitten. Eat." She faced him, ready to object but the weight of his gaze stopped her.

She averted her eyes, biting her lips when he didn't look away. She winced again, she could do that for him, he took his time to cook her a delicious meal after all. And it's not like she had any other choice, his pupils were full of expectations, but not the awful kind like her mother or her grandparents. It was...different and she wanted to satisfy his demand.

She seized the donburi bawl, carefully chewing on the rice and the katsudon until it was over.

Togame made a motion toward her, but instead of grabbing the plate like she was expecting he ruffled her hair and swiftly tucked one of her curls behind her ear.

"Good job."

Seira sensed all the surrounding heat enter a body to concentrate in her cheeks but also pool below her stomach, the shiver running down her spine making her tights press together.

It was embarrassing but also expectionnally pleasing to make him proud of her.

She coughed to regain some confidence, he was already cleaning the table.

"I'll do the dishes..."

He shifted toward her, "No you won't."

"But, please..." His stern gaze almost made her end her sentence. "It's the least I can do."

"Y're nails are done, so no you won't."

"Ow..." The fire in her stomach set ablaze, she had forgotten about those.

Togame smirked, she was so easily embarrassed and her pouting was really an habit. He rolled is eyes.

"You can put them away after I wash them."

His grin got wider at her small jump, she was really way too easy to please.

It wasn't because she'll have to stay longer. Or because the scent of blackberry mixed with his body wash had made him deezy when he leaned toward her a few minutes ago. Not at all.

Placing the last glass in the cupboard, Seira bited her cheek. It was time to leave, even if she didn't want to. She set the rag she was holding on the counter.

"It's late, I'll should head home..."

"Yeah, sure..."

She avoided his gaze when he answered and kept doing it while grabbing her things. She exhaled deeply when he led her in the corridor, quietly biting on her cheek.

The silence was heavy, at the total opposite of the one when they were doing the dishes.
Crossing the door frame she turned around to see him.

"Togame...thanks for everything and sorry, for what I said earlier. I shouldn't have."

"T's okay kitty, don't worry about it." She gave him a pouty smile.

"Alright, see you tomorrow then..."

He smiled at the statement, "Yeah, see ya tomorrow kitten."

.....

Spread in his bed, Togame was staring at the ceiling without really seeing it. Exhaustion weighing him down on the mattress and yet he wasn't keen on closing his eyes. Today was good. But tomorrow he'll have to go back to the headquarter.

His tongue clicked at the idea, and again when he realized it was pissing him off when it shouldn't. What he was doing there, how he was acting, it was in everyone best interests. It was the right thing.

His eyes were getting heavier. He yawned, capitulating under the warmth of his blanket until his phone beeped.

New notification from : unknown number.

=> Haircare routine.

Togame smiled at the text, of course she was serious about it. He took the time to save the number before answering.

"Thanks kitten."

"You're welcome J ✨️"

"J ? "

"Well... you gave me a surname..."

"I see, let's see if you're brave
enough to call me that face to face
next time."

"Of course I am ! You're not that
scary you know 🙄"

"Oh yeah ?"

"Yeah, I could totally kick your ass."

"Sleep deprivation is making
you delirious.

"Meanie."

"Yeah, you said it already."

"It's because it's the truth."

"Hmm, i'm about to fall asleep.
Good night kitten"

"Sweat dreams J."

Chapter Text

Togame woke up reinvigorated two times in a row, and that was miracle. The first time was, of course, after his pretty neighbor had spent the evening. The second was today after they little banter the day before when they crossed in front of the complex's gate, where he enjoyed teasing her for the cookies she had left has a thank you in the morning. 

He grinned at the memory, they were both coming home late, him because he had to reorganize the patrols programs and her because of her performance. He definitely should go see her one of those day. 

Togame sighed, it was still hot but the breeze was fresh. He threw his cigarette in his ashtray, he should get ready for work.

Stepping out of his cold shower, he middly dried himself before putting on his gray monk set. 

He was on patrol this afternoon, so something confortable for a fight was needed and he'll change at the restaurant anyways. 

He finished braiding his hair, and grabbed his knifes bag, not forgetting to grab a cookie on his way out. The kitten may not enjoy eating, but she was a really good baker. 

Thinking of her, she was nowhere to be seen. Not in the corridor, not in the elevator and not in the complex's yard. That was weird. She should be on her way to school. 

Now that he was pondering on it, he didn't cross her the morning before either. Maybe she had to leaves before him, or after. What kind of school do you have to attend to be a tattooist anyway ? 

He'll ask her next time. For now, he should focus on his work.

 ....

Sitting on one of the restaurant stool Togame savored his food as much as his rest. Relaxing in the silence of the place after the wild buzzing and cutlery thinking of the day.

Altought the customers were less mumerous than usual, he was still horribly tired thanks to the delivery they had received, moving the boxes and organizing everything had tired his poor muscles. 

He exhaled, he'll eat quickly, close the restaurant and go join everyone at the Ori to start his patrol and will probably enjoy a ramune bottle before going home and enjoy the last cookies patiently waiting in his kitchen.

He smiled at the idea before his train of thought got interrupted by his ringtone.

Incoming call from : unknown. 

Togame frowned at the sight, an undesirable cold settling in his bone. *It must be an error.* Yeah an error, his day was going good. So this must be an error, all he had to do was to ignore it. 

Yet, even if he tried to hammer the resolve in his head, he answered the phone. 

"Hello ?" 

"Hello, this is Makochi hospital front desk, could I have Togame Jo on the line ?"

"It's him." 

"Well, I'm sorry to be the one telling you this, but your father is actually in our care because of acute alcohol intoxication, since you are his emergency contact we had to call you."

Of fucking course. Everything was going fucking too well, it couldn't last. Togame closed his fingers on his palms so hard, he felt the wood of his chopsticks live red trails in his skin. *Fuck ! This fucking old prick really know how to pick his fucking moment !* He should let him rot in his fucking hospital bed. That wouldn't be a loss, after all.

"Sir ?"

"Hmm, I'm on my way." 

He hung up, passing a leisure hand on his face. 

"Fuck this shit."

That what Togame kept repeating himself all the way from the restaurant to the hospital, Feet slower at each steps. Why was he even going there ? He didn't care about what happened to his progenitor. All he ever brought was pain. *Their no place for weaklings here, if you don't like it, leave.* Yeah, well that's what he had fucking done. So why the fuck was he going to help this damn asshole ? 

He passed the hospital gates, Going directly to the front desk. The bleach and metalic smell made a knot appear in his stomach. His legs were jello and that damn fucking cold. What was the fucking goal of it ?! His jaw was hurting too and he forced his eyes to focus on a point. *Don't think about anything, don't think about anything.* Like a mentra to keep his soul from shattering while hid body was on auto control.

"I'm Togame Jo, I'm here to discharge my father." 

The secretary guided him toward a room, and he forced his gaze to avert from the lifeless wall. The bright colors making his pupils almost burn in his eyes sockets. Why the fuck was he here ? 

"Ah my boy, I knew you would came to take you old man away from this place." 

Togame raised his chin to see the man that participated in his birth. The son of a bitch was smiling like he didn't make him lose all his damn time coming here. 

Togame didn't even care about answering, signing the paper before turning around and promptly exiting the room.

His teeth clenched after passing the gates a second time. This damn motherfucker really made him lose his time.

"Thank you, for coming for me." 

"I won't do it again." He sternly announced.

"Jo...I know that what I have done..."

Togame didn't even turn around to watch his progenitor face. Him and his fucking fake honeyed voice, you could almost believe him.

How dare he do something like that, act the victim like he wasn't the cause of all of this. The fire in Togame chest almost burned his own throat when it got out.

"What you have done ?! You made me lose my damn time that's what you did." 

"I'm sorry, but...I'm trying you know, I really am." 

He let the air get out of his lungs. A cigarette won't do. He needed something more powerful. *Don't waste your time.* This sad excuse of a man didn't deserve anything. 

"Yeah, trying so hard you ended up in the fucking sobering room." Togame winced at his own words, he should go home.

"I know that I wasn't good," the calloused hand on his arm iced his bones. "but was I really the worst ?! Do I really deserve this ?!"

Togame jaw was hurting the more people were eyeing them, the loud voice of his progenitor attracting undesirable gazes.

"Get off my face." He shook the older man off, "You're causing a scene."

"I'm causing a scene ?! You're the one who abandoned your father ?! After all I did for you ?!"

And here come the fucking crocodile tears, tsk what did this man ever do ? Except make his life an absolute hell. His eyes focused on the crevices of the pavement. *Don't think about anything, don't think about anything.*

"What do you think your mother would say about this ?!"

How dare he bring her into this ? Dirty his mother memory with his filthy mouth. She was above that, above even crossing his mind. 

"Don't talk about my mother."

"She was my wife !" 

"You know what ?" He finally crossed the black eyes that inspired so much hatred. "I'm done here." 

He returned to his initial path, his legs turning from jello to concrete with each steps. The old cinema, that were he should be, getting ready for his patrol and enjoying a ramune. Yeah. That was it. His feet wedged in the pavement. He was going home. To Shishitoren. Everything will be fine.

He did his best to erase the wheezy voice of his father. The feeling of the calloused hand still made his skin freeze and scorch at the same time. He needed a shower. He tried shaking off the swarming of his knuckles, the flaring pain in his throat were making the tags in the street crimpy. Shit. This wasn't good at all.

He catched the cigarettes pack in his jacket, quickly lighting one. The taste of smock appeasing the thorns tightening around his throat. He couldn't be seen like that. He pressed a hand under his shades, inhaling the grey cloud once more. He really needed something more powerful. *You're the brutal 2nd commander of the most dangerous clan of this city. The 2nd commander of Shishitoren. Pull yourself together.* 

Gritting his teeth, he flicked his cigarette and entered the old theater. Breathing the familiar scent of old damp cushion and welcoming the squeaking of bedrock under the weight of the building.

"Kame-chaaan~!"

"Yo Choj-" He ducked to avoid the bouncy ball that launched into him.

"You're late ! What were you doing ? And were you ? You said you'll be here early but-" 

"Sorry, sorry. I was busy." He grabbed their leader by the shoulder, but the shorter guy almost immediately escaped him. "The others are 'lready out ?"

"Yeaah they are and I'm bored here, so laame~" Choji sitted on the back of a seat, leg shifting up and down. 

Togame half listened about the babbling, focusing more on his breathing than anything else. He needed to see Arima, if they were following the timetable, he was with Kanuma and Saruwatari near the shopping district. 

"Ne, Kame-Chan..." the brusque change of tone made him raise his head. 

Togame forced his legs to activate and depassed their leader to grab a drink, forcing his hand between the icecubes, at least, it wasn't itchy anymore. 

"Why is everything so boring ? None of our members are really seeking freedom." 

"Ahh... I'm sure something will come so you can have fun with them." 

Choji stayed silent, it was impossible to know what was going on behind his lifeless pupils. How could something like this even happened ? How did Togame let it happen ? He should have seen something sooner, should have done something to prevent their sun from extinguishing on itself. 

Now all of them were doomed by darkness and all he could do was try and gain some time, but the clock was running, the sand of the hourglass slipping between his fingers while more and more bad seeds poked in the cracks. And no matter how much skinning he was doing, they always seemed to grow back, stronger and more abundant each time.

Togame hand clenched on his bottle. *Don't think about that, I'll find a solution soon.* Yeah, the solution will come soon and the sun will shine again, not a solar flare, a gentle light like in the summer.

"I'll go join them." 

"Ahh you're leaving already~? I thought you'll train with me, maybe I can come with you or-" 

"Ahh look a cat." Togame pointed in the staircase behind their leader. 

"Ah~!" Choji bounced in the direction. "Where ?! Where ?!"

"I think it just left to the upper floor." 

"Noo, come back kitty~! And with that Choji jumped all the stairs up. 

Togame muscle unwinded in relief, he hated lying to his bestfriend but right now it was better if he stayed at the Ori. He couldn't risk letting Choji do a personality split against one of their members. 

He sighed again, he really needed to catch Arima, and hoped the blond's dealer had something good for him. He could really use it right now.  

....

Togame gritted his teeth all the way back to his neighborhood, all he wanted was some good weed to forget about his fucking day, instead he had to stumble on some of Umemiya's new little pets on their turf. *This fucking othello !* This little wannabe had the audacity to call him lame. Yeah, in his dream. 

The Shishitoren may be doing bad but it still had its pride, and so did Togame. They are the devotees of power, no other clans could compare and if the Bofurins thought they could just act like they wanted on their territory, they were fucking wrong. 

Alas, Choji seemed satisfied and that brought Togame some comfort. Tomorrow, they'll have the tournament at the Ori and after their victory Choji will be surrounded by powerful people. *The strongest are the one who have the most freedom.* The reputation of Bofurin was equal as their's so if they proved to be mightier than them, Choji and the Shishitoren will be set free. All he had to do was win against the little reversi. 

But what if he was wrong ? What if them winning didn't change anything ? No, this was impossible. And even if it was then be it, he'll find something else. "You can't fix this ! Who do you think you are ?! a hero ?! You.can.not.fix.that !" Yes he could. He will. This time nothing will stop him, He won't lose his home again. 

He put an hand on his doorknob, knuckles going white on the metal to stop it from moving. He wasn't weak. On the contrary, he was powerful, enough to handle all of this.

"Hey, are you- ?" The hand on his shoulder made Togame muscles contract violently.

"Hmm !" Seira took a step away from him. 

His eyes were dark and unfocused like he wasn't really here. She kept a good distance, he still had a hand on the doorknob and wasn't physically hurt however Seira knew something wasn't right. Deciding that it was better not to invide his space per his previous reaction, she stayed were she was, trying to catch his gaze in hers.

"Togame-San ? Are you alright ?" His pupils finally focused on her, however his jaw went so slack Seira saw the vein appear on it. 

"Yes."

"Are you sure ?" She made a small step toward him. "Do you need-"

"I said I'm fine, Nagisa." The use of her last name made her blink in astonishement. Something was definitively wrong.

Togame clicked his tongue in agacement, he didn't need her pity, so she could just go home and leave him in peace. Instead, she was standing in front of him like he was some kind of wounded dog whimpering for her help.

"Alright, well if you need something later-"

"I don't need anything from you." He gave her his back, slamming the door behind him. 

Chapter Text

~*~

"You little bastard !" 

The sound of glass shattering on the ground made Togame jolt, standing in the middle of the dusty living room, he did his best to keep his eyes on the blackberry bush in the garden, or was it a lemon tree ? 

He blinked trying to stop the water from falling on the cranky wooden floor, but the more he did the more the planks seemed to batten with liquid. His nose started to sting, this wasn't water. 

Togame eyes widen, pupils retracting in a small point. The strong smell of alcohol took life in front of him, its long black fingers almost breaking the back of a chair before throwing it at him. 

He tried to dodge but he was like his legs were glued to the ground and he felt a swift of air when the furniture landed a few centimeters next to his head.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you ! You owe me respect after all I did for you ! I gave you food, put a roof over your head, little ungrateful asshole." The roaring made his eardrums bleed in agony.

Togame throat burned, air incapable of flowing to his lungs as the beast grip tightened around him. He tried to land a kick in the monster mouth but his limbs felt weak, atrophied after days of staying sitted in his small room. 

His back violently met the now concrete wall, an ugly beige paint replacing the traditional decor. He tried to stand up but the beast jumped on him, all Togame could do was try to stop it's claws from beheading him with his arm.

~*~ 

Togame violently sitted up, pushing away the covers. The sweat was sticking to his skin and he forced deep breath inside his chest to make his heart find back it's pace, *A dream, it was just a fucking dream.*

He exhaled, eyes trailing around and finding his jacket first, the yellow of the material made the muscles of his back relax first, then the notebook on his desk made his fists loosen on his palms. He turned around, the Shishitoren banner above his bedhead finally made him exhale. 

He lit a cigarette, the smoke finishing to stop the trembling of his body. 

He flopped back on the mattress, pressing a hand on his face. Today was the fight with the Bofurins, they had to win, no matter what. The survival of the gang depended on it.

....

Seira exhaled in front of her mirror, smoothing the creases of her uniform sleeveless blazer. She had a hard time falling asleep last night, chastising herself for her lack of reaction last evening. She had stood up in that corridor for a good 5 minutes after Togame left, *like a stupid fool...* 

She breathed out again, she just wanted to help, if he didn't want to talk about what had happened, fine, she wouldn't have pushed it. 

She knew better, after all but his reaction made a tight knot set in her stomach, weren't they friends? She tought so after Wednesday, *Of course you're not friends, he was just doing you a favor, don't get cocky thinking otherwise.* She clenched and released her fingers, shaking her head to extricate her own tought. 

She grabbed her graphic tablet, placing it in her bag before putting on her 2 inches leathers loafers and thanking all the gods her first class has been canceled, she wouldn't have to rush and overuse a sore muscles. Results of yesterday practice. 

She really should ask one of the boys to come hang the hoop and silk for her, it'll save her from going to the club after school when she wasn't working. For now they're was only the pole dance bar in the old office of her appartement and she had an hard time enough installing it. 

At least her pole performance of tonight will be on point. 

She put on her earphones, blasting the Strut remix of her performance and repeating the movements in her head while taking off for school. 

Once arrived, she eyed the campus, searching for a familiar pink head in the middle of all the students.

"Hey Star girl~!" two arm encircled her from behind.

"Don't call me that, Rosalia. It's Geto-senseï surname." She withdraw herself from the loving grip. 

"Hmmm, and why is he the one with the exclusivity ?" 

She ignored Rosé pout, "Because I decided so."

"Is that it ? Do you love him more than me now ? Have I really lost your heart just like that ?" Seira puffed at her bestfriend fake tears.

"Stop it, you idiot." She catched the pink haired girl hand, "we're going to be late."

"But I don't wanna goooo." 

"Common, Rosa it can't be that bad..."

"Of course it can...I start with art law." 

Seira winced, patting her bestfriend back to ease her wails. Art Law and ethics was one of the few class almost every curriculum had in common and well... let's just say that every student despised it dearly.

"I came to an Fashion School to learn art not the laws." Rosé kept complaining as they passed the second gate. 

"Common Rosa, it just an hour."

"You can talk you start with design principles !"

"Actually I don't, the senseï is sick." 

"Huh ? What are you doing here so early then ?" 

Seira rolled her eyes at her bubble-gum. "I came to hear about the texts between you and Gojo 2.0 but all I do is hear you complaining." 

"Ahhhhh !" She closed an eye at Rosé squeal, "Girl, I have so many things to tell youuu~! 

"Well spill then !" She grabbed her arm to get closer from the pinkish's mouth, "I want to know everything~" 

....

Taking the direction of the ori, Togame tried to focus all his energy on erasing the last bribes of nightmare still in his mind. He was strong, and wouldn't kneel to anyone. Not some stupid visions of the past nor the Bofurins. 

Tonight, him, Choji and all the others will be celebrating their freedom and he would relax while Choji's appetite will finally be satisfied. Hopefully, Arima's dealer will have brought him something too. He smiled at the perspective, everything was going to be fine.

......

Waiving Rosé goodbye, Seira took the direction of the Limitless to rehearse for tonight. She could have gone home to rest a little before but the perspective of crossing Togame path made her tongue feel heavy and her lips numb from embarassement. Also, Gojo had bought new bodysuits and oufits for all the performers and secretly promised to keep the cutest for her. 

...

Togame sighed, at the end he was wrong but it never felt so right. Everything was going back to normal, it won't be easy, him and Choji will have a lot to do to be forgiven, *I'll never advert my eyes ! Nor betray who am I !* Sakura words resonated in his head like a bell, chiming the liberation of the lion's heads. They were truly free now, no more tied down by they're hunger. 

He exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, they're was still things that needed to be done for it to be real, a true apology to their members first and then, *Kame-chan, we need to talk, what I did to you...*, him and Choji must have a real talk. Not now tho, now they must rebuild their home, stone after stone. 

He climbed the few stairs of the stage that was their arena a few hours ago, "time to place some new foundations." 

"Kame-chan," the hand of his bestfriend stopped him. "Thank you, but you already cleaned enough of my shit. This... this I must be held accountable for." 

Togame smiled, the sunlight in his bestfriend pupils warming him. 

"Yeahh... go on, General." He took a step back. 

"Attention everyone !" Togame inhaled, all the eyes of their members were on Choji now.

This was the moment of truth, if they decided after everything that him and Choji weren't fit to lead them anymore, they will step back. 

Even if Umemiya gracefully refused to cast them away, they couldn't be egoists after all they did to their comrades. If it was their choice, then they will leave the Shishitoren. Togame throat tightened at the perspective. 

"What I did, I know that it's inexcusable. I've made you all suffer because of my own greed. I-," the croak in Choji's voice forced him to articulate "I twisted our principle."

The sobs shaking his shoulders were clearly visible now, but Choji did nothing to try and hide them. 

"For what I did to all of you... and what Kame-chan had to do... I am really sorry ! Please forgive me !" 

Togame joined his bestfriend, resting an hand on his shoulder before imitating him, bowing in front of the assembly. 

"I am really sorry too !" Arima emerged from the crowd. "I had no idea of what's was going on, I should have done something !"

Kanuma quickly followed him, "Yeah. We-we should have seen, should have done something to help. Instead, we acted like idiots, please forgive us." 

"They're right ! You two, our leaders needed us and we didn't do anything !" A voice from the back yelled and in a blink of an eye, dozens were joining it.

"Our leaders are so cool !" 

"Holding their burden to protect us !" 

"The lion's heads are truly the strongest !"

Togame cocked his head to the side, this wasn't making any sense anymore. All of them were getting carried away in their own enthusiasm, he should stop them, what they had done was serious, it couldn't just be brushed off. 

"Wait, ya guys don't understand. I-"

"They understand." Sako calmly interrupted him. "In their own way. We all do, but now... now, it's time to move on. To make the Shishitoren what it must be." 

Togame looked at the assembly, Choji was in the middle of them bouncing and holding their banner. And all of them had true smile on their faces.

"Yeah, You're right." Togame lips softly lifted up. 

Things were alright, he still had a lot of matters to settle, other apologies to give but for now, he could indulge in some festivities. 

.....

Hanging upside down, knees wedged in her hoop Seira smiled, at the view of her stage. 

Her eyesight wasn't as good with the lenses than with her specs but she was two hundred percents sure that there was at least 300 000¥ there. 

It was either her that was doing amazing or her new outfits was doing more wonder than she thought. She opted for both, because she was doing even better than usual, confident in her skin thanks to the girl group that was hyping her up from the bar. She sent them a flying kiss on her final move, silently thanking them for their support.

Now both feet on the ground, she slipped back in her shoes that her security guard for the night handed her and collected her tips, forcefully placing some of them in the guard hand. Even tho it was a silent agreement between all the performers and their security, some of them were still shy taking the money. It was cute. 

They made their way to the backroom, unhopefully, despite all the security effort, Seira personal space still got invaded by the party animals that were dancing around, none of them had bad intentions, but the smell of sweat and alcohol made her pull on her vape pen a little more harder than usual. 

She eyed the clock of the lodge, it was 00:30 am already, two more hours and she could go home. 

She yawned at the thought, no way she was rising early tomorrow, after all she had nothing to do beside some homeworks and that could definitely wait, she was back to her apprenticeship on monday. 

She grinned for herself, she missed the studio and Geto promised to help her work on her techniques. She hummected her upper lip ,maybe she could indulge in a new piercing too.

......

Togame grin stayed plastered on his face the whole way back to his home, notably because Arima and Kanuma insisted on accompanying him, Choji and Sako back home since they weren't as injured as them and also because, well the weed he smoked to celebrate and lull away his pain was still going strong in his system. 

He chuckled, remembering how him and Arima almost fell over the pavement a few hours prior, it has been a long time since he had this much fun. 

Togame waived them goodbye at his intersection, crossing the last feets to the gate of the complex's.

He inhaled, taking in the fresh breeze of the night, usually he didn't like how cold it get after sunset but he was too giddy to feel it right now, intoxicated on both his own happiness and the substances. 

Arrived in front of his building, his eyes catched the lights of one of the appartement and he exhaled deeply. 

There was another apology that he owed and Choji couldn't do it for him this time.

Togame winced in the elavator, what could he even say, *Sorry that I have been an asshole, I had a incredible shitty day but now I'm better.* Yeah, no. At best the kitten will laugh to his face and at worst well... he didn't want to think about it, although he probably deserved the worst she could offer. She had been genuinely kind since their meeting and he had acted like a dickhead. 

He cringed when the automated doors opened, his head was less fuzzy now and he still had no idea of what to say, but he didn't want to just go home without talking to her. 

Gathering the last bribes of recklessness enabling his brain, Togame knocked on the door and waited.

After a moment he decided to try again, *she just didn't hear me.* He licked his lower lip, trying to comfort himself in this idea. 

"Kitty, it's J !" His voice came more powerfully than what he intended and he hoped all the others neighbors were already fast asleep. 

She wasn't responding, he folded an arm on the side of the doorframe, resting his forehead on it. "Well, fuck..." 

He was about to turn around and go home when the door opened, his head rose up from his arm and Togame whole body froze as he eyed the very cute kitten standing in front of him.

She was wearing simple cotton booty short and tank top, the fabric was tight and he could clearly decifer the curves of her waist and her tits, also, for his good bad luck it was showing her legs and a good part of her tights. 

*Shit...* Togame felt his mouth salivate and quickly removed his eyes from her silhouette, all to be hit by her face.

Maybe it was the purple neons behind her, maybe it wad the rest of weed making him lose touch with reality but he felt his brain turn to mud once he met her eyes.

They weren't as sparkly than usual and he couldn't help but inner slap himself for that. Although, even without shining, Togame felt himself drown inside the two sapphires and he had no intentions of fighting to get back to the surface. The two orbs aspirated him, and he felt his chest tighten and go limp at the same time.

The only reason he averted his eyes from hers was so he could appreciate the soft tint of her lips, she was biting the inside of her cheek making them look even more plush. Maybe if he took a bite he'll knew if they had the same taste as ramune. His gaze got back to her eyes and he catched the quick lift of her eyebrows. 

Shaking his head to stop himself, since how much time was he standing here like an idiot ? Togame cursed Arima's dealer, that shit was way too strong, making him loose his track like that. He coughed to regain some stance.

"Hey." 

"Hi." He twitched at the ice in her voice.

Togame inhaled, and he thanked himself for keeping a hand on the doorframe because right now he felt his knees quiver under the blue gaze.

"I umm, I came to apologize... for yesterday, I was an ass and ya were just tryin' to help-"

"Togame-San, are you high right now ?" 

The question took him by surprise, he was expecting a lot of things but being called out wasn't one of them. He saw her jaw tighten on her cheek and he used all his strange to keep his hand on the frame. She'll hurt herself if she didn't stop.

"I'm not, well, I smoked but I'm not high anymore." She crossed her arm on her chest, eyebrow lifting again.

He probably wasn't very convincing right now, eyes bloodshot and no shades to hide them. His tongue kissed the inside of his cheek.

"Does it bother you ?" 

"I'm bothered that you didn't share, now I'm really thinking about staying mad at you." 

Togame felt the concrete lift from his chest.

She was pouting, sapphires shining again and the ice had melted and been replaced by the usual rapid melody. 

"Sorry, I was with the others and ya know the occasion and all..." 

She giggled, looking up at him "Yeah, you totally not high, right ? Does the occasion have something to do with your looks or...?"

Togame blinked, his brain scraping to understand and he winced when it made the connection. Even if he got patched up and showered at the Ori, his clothes were probably dusty and his hair were all tangled, and that without forgetting the patch on his cheek and the dryed blood on his shirt.

"Ya could say that...it's complicated but in a good way." 

Her smile was so soft. "Alright then."

He felt his breath get stuck again when she leaned on the doorframe, head resting just below his hand. 

Her long hair were in those two braids again and his fingers itched, all he had to do was rip the damn hair ties to see them flow on her back.

She was eyeing him from below, expecting an answer, but again he had no idea of one.

That was it. He apologized like he had planned and now he should be going home. Wish her goodnight and turn around to his own door, but he was still lost in the ocean of her pupils, his hand on the wooden frame keeping him still like an anchor hooked by the sound of her voice. 

The growl of his stomach startled him in his contemplation. 

"S'rry," he bashfully looked away, " I'm kinda hungry." 

Seira bited down on her lips to stop the giggle, "Well, I don't know if you liked them but," she peered behind her, "I still have some cookies in the kitchen..." 

"I liked them." 

"Come in then." She side stepped to let him enter and Togame cursed the weed again for almost making him loose his balance. 

Togame eyes tried to focus on the decor, anthracite grey and wood mostly, but his gaze quickly catched the Yen bills on the counter. 

"Ahh, sorry for that. I was counting my tips when you knocked." 

"It's 'lright. Look like you had a good night." 

"I did, customers are always more generous on friday nights." 

She pushed the money aside, and he took place on one of the stool.

Togame gaze didn’t leave her as she get the cookies jar to him, tank top lifting just a little so he could catch a peek of the smooth skin of her hip, but also of some ink encercling her belly button.

"What's that ?" 

"Hm ?" 

"On your belly." 

"Ow," she lifted her top a little and Togame swore she was trying to kill him. "You mean my tattoo or my piercing ?"

"Both, actually." 

He trailed the lines of ink with his eyes, they were on both side of the small jewel. He licked his lips, her caramel skin looked so soft, and the tattoos would look even better coupled with the marks of his hands next to them. 

He inner slapped himself to change the direction his brain was going, his eyes following the movement and falling back in hers. 

"Did it hurt ?" 

She tilted her head, finger going up and down on the skin between the ink and the jewel and Togame wished he could bang his forehead on the counter. 

"The tattoo Did a bit, the piercing not really, I'm thinking of getting another, actually." 

"Piercing ?" She nodded, "where ?"

Seira rolled her shoulders, "I've got some ideas but I'm not decided yet." 

She finished organizing the notes, putting them in small plastic wallets. 

"I'll be back." She took 4 of them and disappeared behind a door.

Togame eyes followed her when she came back, eyebrow cocking when he saw her scatter the 2 other wallets in "stashes" in the living room and throw the last one in the freezer. 

"Ya remember that I'm part of a gang, right ?" She snorted at him.

"Like you'll remember any of this tomorrow." 

Togame rolled his eyes, "I told ya, I'm not high." 

She stood next to him, leaning over the counter to grab a cookie, tank top lifting in the same motion as her short. Togame clenched his hand on his knee, he had a glimpse of the beginning of her ass and her tights were so damn sinful. 

"You're not clear-minded either." Yeah, that was an understatement.

She was now almost between his legs and Togame slightly manspread more. The scent of blackberry and whipped cream was mesmerizing, flowing inside his lungs and making his head dizzy.

He could just grab her hand, make her take a step in and lick the cookies crumbs off her lips, he was ready to bet it would taste better that way. 

He tousled his hair, he really needed to get a hold of his habitual restrain or else his turmoil was going to be very obvious, even in the large material of his pants. 

Hand still on his nape, he clicked his tongue, he really should go cut those.

The perspective of waking up tomorrow and having to tie them again made him frown, they're was no need for that anymore. 

Hair holded memories, and he had kept them, treasuring them to keep him from losing his mind when things were going bad, but now, neither him nor the Shishitoren needed them. 

"J !" The sharp mutter made him snap out of his trance. 

"Hm ?! S'rry kitten, what was that again ?"

His eyes met two worried sapphires, Seira had made a small step toward him, her hand lingering a few inches from his face. 

"Sorry, I asked if you were okay but you weren't answering..." 

"Ah yeah, was lost in my toughts" He smirked a bit at her pout, "I almost didn't catch ya call me J." 

Togame couldn't really discern the color a cheeks took in the dim lavender light but he knew she was blushing. 

She looked sideway, averting her gaze from him "Yeah well... it was the only way I could have your attention." 

Togame felt his lips curl, his brave little kitten had gathered the courage to call him by a surname but she was so shy about it. She was so cute, bouncing on her tiptoes, hands behind her back. 

Togame didn't know what was more endearing to him her reaction or the fact that he was the cause of it. 

"Don't worry kitten, ya never have to ask for my attention." The word escaped him and he almost regretted it until she hid her face in her hands. 

If Togame didn't guess she was blushing before, he sure had guessed now. 

"Don't say that, you idiot !" 

He grabbed the hand she laxly threw at him, using it to close the space between them. He felt her whole body tense as she didn't dare to move, they're weren't touching except for his fingers on her wrist, carefully tracing circle into her silky skin. 

Togame didn't dare to glance at her face, preferring to concentrate on the lines adorning her left collarbone. 

He exhaled and smiled at the view of her goosebumps. He straightened up a bit, peering over her shoulder to see her long shiny hair fall behind her back.*They'd look better loose.* 

"Say" He felt her move slightly, but she didn't take back her wrist, "you know about hair stuff, right ?" 

"Hmm yeah, why ?" She whispered back to him. 

"Would you cut mine ?" 

"Now ?" He nodded, "you don't want to wait for tomorrow or at least, you know...to be not intoxicated."

He rolled his eyes, raising his head just enough to finally meet her gaze.

"I'm fine, kitty. And I was thinkin' about it way before smoking, it's just...I waited enough for this." 

She was examinating him and he sinked in her ocean while she searched something in his eyes. He felt the air get stuck in his lungs for nth time when she twirled a strands of his hair with her fingers. 

"Alright then, I'll do it." 

"Thanks." 

"You'll need a shampoo first tho." He hummed. 

Seira rolled her eyes, smiling at his behavior, he really wasn't helping.

"So, we have to move to the bathroom." 

"Don't wanna." 

"J..." she gave him a pointed look.

"Okay..." 

She stepped back turning away from him and Togame exhaled of agacement, the cold attacking him now that she wasn't near. 

He stood up, leisurely trailing behind her and plopped back on the small stool his kitten had installed, tilting his head backward in the sink like she had instructed.

Togame stayed silent, basking in the gentle touch as the hot water and the massage on his scalp coupled with the sweet scent of fruits unwinded his poor muscles. 

He risked a peek at her this time, she was so focused, and in all her concentration she didn't seem to remark how her tight was brushing against his knuckles. All he had to do was raise his hand just a little to grab it, feel the delicacy of her skin not just on his fingers but under his whole palm.

Like she felt his gaze, her eyes catched his. Togame kissed his teeth, caught in the act, but instead of teasing him, she curled her lips softly, moving a strand of wet hair away from his temple.

He didn't avert his eyes tho, how could he ? she looked like a goddess right now, and Togame felt blessed to witness such vision. 

The lights from the bathroom forming a halo around her, her velvety touch lulling him, and he was sure her scent was intoxicating him more than any drugs ever could. 

"Does it hurt ?" 

"Hm ?" 

"If I touch there, does it hurt ?" Her hand ghosted the emplacement where he had received Sakura kick. 

"Nah, I'm good don't worry." 

"What do you mean don't worry ? You have bruises and patch on every visible part of your body." Her knitted brow made him grimace in guilt. 

"Sorry kitten." 

"It's okay, I know that you can handle it, it's just...well I can't help it." 

The statement tug a small string on his heart.

"Thanks kitty, for worryin' for me." 

"Yeah well I have to" She giggled, pink patches appearing on her cheeks, "who's gonna protect me from bad guys if you're all broken." 

"Don't worry, that won't stop me." She rolled her eyes, giggling some more. 

A confortable silence settled while Seira finished to wash his hair, lightly dampening them with a towel before placing it on his shoulder, taking her time to comb his hair before grabbing her scissors. 

Togame kept looking at her through the glass, each strands being cut liberating him from a weight, chains snapping at the same time as the scissors. 

"Alright," she grabbed the trimmer, "this is gonna be the hard part, please don't move." 

"Yes Ma'am." 

She ignored his little joke, making the small machine buzz next to his ear.

Togame felt her hand tilt his head to have better access, even when she was moving him around, she was still so gentle, like that time, at the festival. 

He felt his eyelids grow heavy, his muscles relaxing under her touch so much he didn't feel the fatigue catch him. 

She moved to the other side, putting an hand on his opposite cheek, the cold of her skin felt nice compared to the hot air of the bathroom. Togame couldn't help but nuzzle himself deeper in her palm, it was so smooth. 

He groaned in discontent when she moved to the back of his head, all to almost purr when she slowly scrapped his scalp, holding the hair strands she didn't want to cut.

He absentmindedly noted the buzz of the machine stopping, but his eyes stayed shut as the fabric of the towel made the last ray of light disappear from behind his eyelids before being taken away. The smell of hair conditioner embalming his nose as two hands lulled him furthermore in the dreamland. 

He slopped behind even more and felt a pleasant shiver run down his back when his shoulders met her belly, containing a moan when the back of his head comfortably landed between her breast. He could stay like this forever. 

"J... I'm done, you can look." 

he forced his eyelids to open, adjusting to the lights before admiring his new style.

The taper was well done as well as the undercut, he smirked a bit tousling the whole. 

"Thanks kitten. It look good." 

"You're welcome." She scrunched her nose in a happy grin. 

Still standing behind him, Seira rested a hand between his nape and the beginning of his shoulder, fingers of the other hand mindlessly scratching the fresh undercut. 

He was so handsome like that, It was irritating how he would look good with any style.

She glanced in the mirror, his eyes were shutting again and Seira almost pouted. She didn't know what had happened today or what kind of realization he had on his drug induced trip but they looked so soft now. All the loneliness in them had disappeared, like someone had put the sunlight back, making his beautiful emeralds gleam again. 

His weight fell back on her chest again and Seira fought the need to hug his shoulders.

"J..." she muttered, "Don't fall asleep like that."

He hummed back, not paying her any mind and sinking more in her breasts. Seira lifted her eyes at the ceiling at his behavior.

"Common big boy, up." she tugged on his arm, guiding him back to the living room.

She was about to open the sofa, but Togame slumped himself in the cushion before she could. 

Seira sitted next to the man stretched on her couch, brushing the bang on his forehead as he shamelessly yawned. Cute. 

"Wasn't that hard, right ?" 

He didn't open his eyes, humming while throwing an hand between the arm rest and the back of his head.

"Hmm, I'm tireed..." 

"I'll get you a blanket." 

She stood up, yearning at the vision below her, the dim purple light reflecting on his skin making it glowy, the shadow making his nose even more angular and his lips... for once they weren't in his typical smirk, resting in a thin trait complimenting his sliced jaw. 

He looked so appeased, chest slowly raising and falling with his breathing. 

She shook her head quickly going to her room and grabbing two pillow on her bed and a blanket in the wardrobe. When she came back Togame was already fast asleep, snorting lightly a hand on his stomach. 

She placed one of the pillow below his head as gently as possible, prolonging the contact to steal some of the heat of his neck. He groaned at the sensation and she speedily took back her hand, aspirating her lips in fear of waking him up.

He didn't and she unfolded the cover on him, tossing the second pillow on the other support pad. Seira settled in, squeezing her Kuromi plush and tangling her legs between his, *so warm...*, he was so comfy she internally squealed. 

She will probably be utterly embarrassed when they'll wake up, but for now she decided to revel in the giddy atmosphere. What will happen when she'll get up was a problem for tomorrow's Seira. 

Chapter Text

Arm crossed on his chest, Togame was studying the ceiling as much as his situation. He needed to get up to the bathroom, but he was... stuck to say the least. 

His kitten was still sleeping, comfortably nested on the other side of the couch, legs interwoven into his. 

Not that he hated it, on the contrary, the problem was that he was a man. A man who just woke up. And her foot was grazing the beginning of his tight, way too closely of his morning problem, if she decided to stretch she'll definitely touch it. Worse if she woke up she'll definitely see it.

Togame gritted his teeth, he had tried to go take care of this in the bathroom but his movements had almost wake her making her whimper in her sleep and making him abandon the idea quickly. 

Incoming call : Minoru Kanuma. 

His phone ringtone made Seira squirm, causing her legs to loosen around his. With a speed that he usually only used to fight, he grabbed the opportunity to extricate himself, fleeing to the bathroom and hoping that her eyesight without her glasses will save him.

"Togame-San ! We've been messaging you all morning." 

"Haa, S'rry, didn't look at my phone." 

"Yeah we know, -ahh !!!, Tomiyama wait !" 

Togame smirked, clearly picturing what was happening on the other side of the line. The image warmed his heart. 

"Hiii Kame-chaaan~!" He didn't even have the time to answer the salutation, "hurry up ! We're almost all here already !" 

Togame winced, he had forgot they were supposed to meet up today. He peered through the gap of the door, he should go join his friends especially after all that had happened the last 2 days.

"S'rry Choji, I don't think I'll make it today." 

"Heee, but whyyy ?!" 

"Got a headache, and my wounds are makin' me suffer." 

Technically it wasn't a lie, now that the weed wasn't in his system anymore he could feel almost every fiber of his body suffer the aftermath of his duel.

"Awww, that's too bad. Take care of yourself, okay ?!" 

"Will do." 

He hung up, he wasn't lying to his friends, just arranging the truth so he wouldn't have to get lost in big explanations. That's all.

He exhaled, at least his problem had go down a little. 

He waited a few more minutes, trying to focus his mind on anything that may speed the process, cursing his own durability for once. 

.......

The awful sound of a ringtone forced Seira to emerge from the cotton cloud she was on. Cursing the creator of such a abominable noise, she squeezed her eyes like it will make it dissappear but the sensation of ice suddenly biting her legs and the sound of a door snapping forced her to come back to reality. 

She blinked the small rays of light behind the curtains burning her pupils. *Where did I put those damn glasses ?* Her scrabbling hand finally catched the specs on the coffee table, eyesight clearing the moment they were on. Confusion attacked her brain at the same time her stomach constricted, Togame wasn't on the couch anymore. 

She forced air in her lungs, trying to oxygen her still fuzzy brain and eyed her surroundings, his wooden sandals were in the entrance. She breathed again, now that she was listening closely she could hear the familiar stream of her restroom sink. 

She bited her lips remembering her train of thoughts from the night before. What was she thinking ? Togame was probably thinking she was some kind of crazy psycho now, falling asleep on the couch with him like that. *You're fucking stupid.* She winced, he'll probably try to leave as fast as possible and never talk to her again after that. 

Seira massaged her temple, her racing thoughts were giving her a headache. 

"Heyyy." 

The low bass made her jolt, eyes snapping to see Togame lazy grin. She was so lost in her own mind she didn't hear him approach. 

"Hey." 

She avoided the eye contact until he sat down next to her, this asshole looked good after just waking up, so unfair. Seira didn't even want to imagine what she looked like right now, but she was ready to bet it wasn't pretty, no makeup and eyes still groggy with sleep, dark circles under them.

"S'rry for waking ya." 

His voice was too deep for her crumbling mind right now, she was too tired and knowing herself she might do something embarrassingly stupid based solely on her intrusive toughts. 

She wagged her head slowly, trying to both catch a hold of herself and dissipate the goosebumps on her back. 

"It's alright." 

Seira veiled the yawn that escaped her, stretching to shake both the rest of fatigue and the burning sensation of Togame's gaze on her. 

She risked a peek in his emeralds, he didn't seem annoyed or appalled by her. They're was a nice shine in his eyes and his smirk was lazy but not wicked. It seem like he wasn't grossed out by her actions. Good.

Her eyes landed on the patch on his cheek, it was barely holding on his skin, continuing her inspection she also noted the purple bruise at the corner of his neck. He must be hurting, her fingers softly brushed the compress on his face.

"This will need to be changed, I'll do it after we shower."

He raised an eyebrow, "Didn't know you were so hasty, kitten." 

She blushed, realizing how her phrasing could be interpreted. 

"Not like that you-, I didn't mean we-" 

Seira was about to keep explaining herself but she heard it. The sound of a light breeze rummaging the leafs. Saw it even, Togame shoulders shaking slightly as a full smile appeared on his face, breathy laugh coming from the back of his throat, and she could swear, time had just stopped in that moment. 

The burning sensation creeped up from her cheeks to the tips of her ears and she couldn't hold her own laughter. It was so relaxing, to just be with him.

"Alright," she exhaled between to wheezes, "keep being mean and you won't have any of my pancakes."

"Now you're the one being mean, kitten." 

"I learned from the best." She sticked her tongue out to him, lightly stepping toward the kitchen.

"'Lright, guess I'll just go take a shower at my place while I wait for those pancakes. wouldn't have minded ya washing my back tho." 

Togame grabbed his jacket that was resting on one of the stool, relishing in the bright color of his kitten's cheeks. 

Seira averted her eyes focusing on the inside of the refrigerator and biting her lips to hide her grin, the phrase making her stomach tickle.

"M'kay I'll leave the door unlocked." 

......

When Togame came back a few moments later, the show that welcomed him surprised him as much as it pleased his eyes. 

His kitten was making small disks jump into a pan while mindlessly dancing to /3005 by Childish Gambino/, long hair slightly damp but also free of any hair ties. 

He silently leaned on the wall, appreciating her carelessness until her little choreo made her do a full turn.

"Oh My-!" She stilled in her movement, "Since when are you here ?!" 

Seira fought the need to jump from the window as Togame smirk got wider.

"Long enough to see that hip's work, kitty."

Seira tried to belittle him but the words where stuck in her throat, shoulders shaking with a nervous laugh.This little asshole just watched her ridiculise herself. 

"J, you mean mean man !" 

She finally formuled, however she must has been has convincing as a chihuahua because he approached her with that sly smile of his. 

"Aww don't be like that kitten. I was just enjoyin' the show." 

Ohh he was not going to win this one, no way in hell. She scrunched up her nose, stepping toward him. 

"Well, my performances aren't free, J... so you gotta bring that cash out." 

"I don't mind." 

Seira lifted her chin, holding his gaze as best as she could. He was was so infuriatingly handsome, and he smelled so good, the smoky scent was making her knees shake on themselves.

She speedily looked sideway, the adrenaline was making her heart drum in her chest.

"My pancake is gonna burn because of you." She side stepped toward the stove. 

Togame smiled more, she was pouting again.

"Hmm, 't's smell good." 

"Of course it does, I made it" He chuckled at her, "Go light the TV instead of laughing." 

"At your services kitten." 

.......

Sitted comfortably under a cover, feet tucked between Togame legs and the couch to still some heat, Seira stretched her upper body languidly. 

Her stomach felt like it was about to explode after 3 pancakes. She eyed Togame, the man was already on his what ? Seventh ? Or maybe nineth ? She didn't know. 

At least he seemed to appreciate it. She bited her lip to conceal the beginning of a smile, he was so endearing, cheeks full while he was cutely munching on the small disk, eyes focused on the film the tv was playing. 

However, his demeanor quickly changed to absolutely squeezable to downward sinful when some syrup escaped the pancake and ended up coating his lips and instead of wiping it like anyone else, he decided to use his thumb to gather the damn liquid. Dragging it from the corner of his mouth to the middle and licking his digit to not waste the liquid sugar. 

Seira felt her brain implode on itself at the same time than her cheeks. Not only did his tongue swirl around the finger in an absolute lustious way, but it made his biceps flex and the veins of his hands pop off in the most effortless, sexiest way. And now she just wanted someone to throw a cold bucket of water above her head because she felt like someone had set her ablaze. 

She pursed her lips, desperately trying to focus on the TV and not on what was going on in her mind, especially not on how his lips would have tasted under the sweat taste of syrup. 

"Kitty." 

The call almost made her jolt off the couch, Togame was now handing her the last pancake. 

"Huh ? Ah, im full, thanks you."

"Ya need to eat more." 

"I'm good, even if I take it, I won't even finish." 

"Eat what you can, I'll eat the rest." 

Her face heated more at the phrase, she loathed how his stern concerned gaze could made her do whatever without even questioning it. She had no idea how he did it, but there was something in those two emeralds of his when he had that specific shine inside them, the kind that would made her stubbornness fall silent on itself and listen to him. 

She exhaled, frowning at the half pancake in front of her. 

"t's 'lright, ya did a good job."

Togame leaned to grab the rest of the dish, his other hand stroking her calf in a silent praise. 

Seira heart jumped, lips curling and goosebumps running through her at both the phrase and the affection. 

Unhopefully, she couldn't appreciate it plainly, because when Togame stood up to put the tableware back in the kitchen, the pain in his body stirred up at the same time and made him almost curl on himself.

Seira watched the scene in horror, her body reacting before her brain. 

"J !" 

She quickly grabbed the plates he was holding, passing an arm under his to steady him. 

"'M okay kitten." 

His voice was laborious, strained like he was forcing it to come out. 

Seira put down the plate and rested her hand on his cheek. He seemed in so much pain it made her throat and stomach constrict. 

She helped him sat back on the couch, kneeling next to him, her hands were like glued to his skin, she felt like if she let go he would disappear under his suffering. 

"J..." He raised his eyes at her, jaw clenched to conceal his whimp.

"t's okay kitty. Just... my injuries comin' back at me." He said the last part in one breath, hurrying it out before it turned into a cry of pain. 

"I'll go get you painkillers !" 

Seira got up, turning in one swift motion toward the bathroom.

"No !" 

Togame catched her hand mid step. Seira looked at him, the pain must make him delirious but he was looking at her with such a solemn gaze. 

"No pills."

They stayed like this a few seconds, Seira trying to decifer him while his panting got more laborious. 

"What about a cataplasm ?" He nodded after a few seconds, "I'll change your bandages too." 

Togame let go of her hand and she almost ran to the bathroom, Seizing all she needed before coming back to him. 

He was still suffering, judging by the hand that was now holding the right side of his ribcage and his heavy breathing. God she hated seeing him like this. 

"J..." Her hand find it's way back on his cheek. "Let me see." 

She carefully helped him off his sweatshirt and her face twisted once she saw the bruise running the long of his side and stopping next to his bellybutton. They were also one going to his clavicle to the side of his neck, and he had a few scars scattered all around his torso, probably from old fights. 

"My God J...why didn't you say anything ?" 

"Wasn't feelin' them." He huffed between two grunt.

She traced her fingers along his left arm, the skin looked red and tender there too. 

For the next 40 minutes, Seira applied herself to tend on his injuries. Doing her best to spread the pomade first on his arm, then his cheek before putting a new gauze. She carefully made him lean forward after, sitting close to him to care for his clavicle and slowly massaging his shoulders blades to unwind them. 

Seira started to apply some cream on the side of his back, peering at his face to see if he was doing okay. 

Her eyebrows pinched, it was the five times he eyed his phone. 

"Waiting for a call ?" 

"Yeah, I" a low grunt escaped him, "ordered some weed." 

Her scowl became even more visible. 

"You shouldn't smoke the pain away J, it could be dangerous." 

She gently pushed him so he could lay down on his back, kneeling next to him once more. 

"It wasn't for that" his face twisted, "initially."

"What do you mean ?" 

"Yesterday, ya told me... I should've shared." 

Her movement on his abs stopped and her eyes catched his.

"And you ordered...for us to share ?"

He did an attempt of shoulders roll, "kinda." 

Seira felt the small giggle that left her, "well thank you, that's really nice." 

She peered at his emeralds, the heat of his body warming her heart at the same time. Her lips were tingling, and so were the tips of her fingers and there was a nice pressure in the bottom of her belly. Time had stilled, again. 

"Ahh, gotta take care of my nurse, that's all." 

She only puffed in laugher, trying to focus back on his torso, tenderly rubbing the cataplasm on his muscles, hands trailing slightly above where they should, skimming the beginning of his pecs. 

Once finished she sitted back on the couch, and her heart jumped when she saw Togame push himself on his elbows to rest his head on her tight. 

He glanced at her and the slight doubt in his eyes made Seira melt on the spot. She couldn't help her smile nor the hand that moved to play with his hair. The leaf green of his pupils were so incredibly warm, she felt her own shoulders unwind while basking in them.

"Thanks, for takin' care of me kitten."

She shook her head, "I told you, to knock on my door whenever you needed." 

"Yeah, ya did."

"And I'm glad you listened." 

They stayed like this for a moment, or maybe a few hours. None of them really cared. Seira hand dancing in his hair while the other was tracing patterns between his pecs, Togame whole body relaxing to her touch, his own hand coming to rest on her arm and face turned to her belly. 

The both of them were almost falling asleep when Togame phone ringed across the room.

"God damn it !" He propped on his elbow, catching the phone on the coffee table. 

"Yeah...'lright...Nah, 'm coming wait for me outside." 

Seira helped him sit up with furrowed brows, "Where are you going ?"

"The plug's outside." 

"I'll come with you." She made a movement to go grab her vest but Togame stopped her. 

"No way kitty." 

"But-" 

Togame made a step toward her, cupping the side of her jaw with his hand. 

"Ya stay here." He exhaled as she was about to protest, "ya can watch me from there, 'lright ?" He pointed his chin toward the balcony.

"M'kay. But be careful." He rolled his eyes, lazy grin forming at her answer.

Togame stepped back, the palm of his hand burning the second it got away from her skin.

"'M always careful kitten." 

Chapter Text

Seira eyes lingered on Togame's hand. He was turning the grinder on itself, calloused fingers skillfully handling the little metal box and making the veins on his hands appear delicious, knuckles adorned with small cuts. 

The sight was delightful to say the least, his eyebrows were faintly furrowed, his tongue was kissing the inside of his cheek. It made her teeth sink in her bottom lips and the memory of the his warm palm on her face made her squeeze her tights under the table. This man was going to be the death of her. 

She exhaled, throwing her head back and thanking God the nights were cold, the tiles of her living room calming the heat running throughout her body. 

She tried to focus on anything else than him, letting her mind bounce as she watched the window. The sun had set a few minutes before replacing the agitating noises of the day with a calming rhythm and a gentle breeze. 

She risked a glance at Togame, and wished she didn't. He was leaking the cigarette paper to close the joint and the view made the wires of her brain snap, toes almost curling when a string of saliva kept his lips connected to the little tube. *Somebody kill me now.*

Seira scrunched her nose, hand coming to put back her glasses correctly and hide her face. 

"Ya want the first blunt ?" 

"Sure." 

She grabbed the lighter and the joint from his hand putting in her mouth. 

"What ? Ya don't wanna smoke 'nymore ?" 

Togame interrogated her. 

Seira raised her gaze at him.

It has been a good 30 second since he had passed her the weed and she had only frowned at the lighter since then. 

"Huh ? No I mean yes." His eyebrows cocked at her answer. "It's just... can you promise me something ?" 

Togame brows furrowed further, now she was acting real weird. Turning her head in order to not see him, she was acting so guilty it almost pained him.

"Sure, kitty." 

"If I ask you for a drink, I mean an alcoholic drink... please don't let me, okay ?"

They were a billion questions that swarmed Togame mind in that exact moment, but refrained for asking them. His kitten had a aching shine in her pupils and he made him want to squeeze her to his chest to make it disappear. 

He passed his hand under the table, brushing her ankle to try and sooth her pain.

"I promise." Her gentle smile made his own lips curl.

"Thank you." 

.........

Now sitted on the bathroom floor Seira wondered how in heaven their discussion on Togame's gang had made them end up here. Her leaning on the bathtub, legs over his left knee as he was propped by the wall,

snacks and soda bottle scattered between them. 

"Gimme the lighter." His voice made her come back to reality.

She handed it to him, the flex of his shoulders and biceps making her bite her lips for the nth time that night. The damn cigarette looked like a toothpick in his hand. 

He exhaled the smoke out, silently proposing her the little tube, it wasn't the first time today but it still made her giddy.

Seira bent foward, cursing her own stupidity yet still giggling when the movement made the room turn on itself. 

She really didn't like the taste of Golden Marlboro but this one also had the taste of Togame lips on it, so it wasn't as bad. 

She silently thanked the racing voice in her head who scolded her, if it wasn't for it she would have tried to see what his mouth tasted without the acrid smoke attacking her throat after.

"Say kitten," she handed him back the cigarette "Tell me something that I don't know about ya."

If Seira was in her right mind, she would have said something trivial like her favorite dessert or how she used to think the moon followed her in long car rides, but they're was something in Togame's emeralds at this moment. 

His eyes weren't prying just curious. The warm feeling he was emitting coupled with the dim atmosphere and the flying sensation she was feeling made her mouth articulate before her brain could register.

"Most of the the things you don't know will make me cry if I start telling them."

"Tell me the ones who won't then."

She exhaled again, it was like she was bare in front of him. Although, it wasn't as frightening than with everyone else, it felt...simple, natural even. 

She took a deep breath, this felt true, but a deep side inside of her wanted to make it real. No more hiding.

"Hmm...Nagisa Seira...it's not my real name... or more like it's not the one I used to go by. I switched it when I came here but the real government one, It's not that."

Togame's eyebrows jumped in surprise, he was expecting something by the look she gave him, but not that.

"What is it ?"

"You'll laugh at me."

"I won't."

"Alright, wait here." 

Seira took a moment to stand up and made her way to her coat hanger, rummaging through her bag to snatch her wallet. Her thumb lighty traced the laminated photo, she didn't even recognize herself on this.

Togame posture straightened when she appeared again, licking his canine when she took back her place in front of him, crossing her legs instead of resting them on his. 

He grabbed the small card she quietly handed him, sapphires full of qualm disturbing the deep blue.

Togame analyzed the small photo on it first, his kitten looked much younger on it, a round baby face and shorter hair, he could have smiled at it. However her eyes in this picture seemed dead. The Navy blue so different from her usual shiny night sky seemed to pierce right through him.

The shiver of discomfort forced him to avert his eyes on the small lettering next to the picture, tongue coming back to graze his canine at the ink.

Nom / Surname :Rhéa

Prénoms / given names : Aëlin 

Sexe / sex: F

Date de naissance / date of birth : December 7th

Nationalité / nationality : FRA/JPA

Lieu de naissance / Place of birth : Nice

"It's yer real name ?"

"It's how people used to call me by before I moved here."

"how do you pronounce it ?"

"A-é-lee-ne, mean moonlight or something."

"Hmm, Aëlin." 

He made the syllables roll on his tongue, the discovery had a special taste in his mouth. 

Togame raised his head for the first time since grabbing the little plastic paper, and his heart almost jumped out of his chest. 

His kitten was looking at him, tears clinging to her lashes line. One of them escaped and he fell his whole body freeze yet he still forced it to move toward her. 

"Wh-what ? Why are you crying ?"

She shook her head, brushing the situation away with her hand. 

"It's just...no one had ever said it like that."

He frowned, incomprehension attacking his mind again, how else could anyone call her ?

"Forget it, I'm just stupid." 

She looked up at him, thumbs going behind her glasses to erase the salty trails.

Togame seethed inside himself, jaw clenching as one of his hand rested on her shoulder, the other cupping her cheek to force her gaze in his. 

"Y're not stupid. Aëlin."

"Stop or I'm gonna keep crying." 

Seira lost herself in his forest, basking in his touch as she nuzzled herself in his palm and Togame welcomed her while she silently dried the tears that kept coming, fingers rubbing the skin of her arm to try and appease her. 

"Who else know ?" He asked once she was more calm.

"Rosa obviously," she counted on her finger, "her brother, my senseï and his boyfriend. And you now."

Togame nodded, his hand falling from her face to her knee. She had entrusted him with her past, his body got warmer at the realization, stomach lifting in his chest. 

It wasn't new just the same as when she was tending on his injuries, or that evening at his house when they played Go. It was like he knew her and she knew him, no play pretend, just them. And it felt so right.

He licked his lips, he wanted to give her something too.

"Alright it's my turn then... My dad 's an alcoholic." 

Seira muscles petrified along with her brain. She glanced in his pupils, his face was strained and the fist on her knee was clenching so hard she saw his knuckles turn white. That's why he had looked at her so intensely when she made him promise earlier. 

She gulped, chest rising and falling heavily.

"I'm so sorry."

"t's okay, not yer fault." 

She wagged lightly, heart cramping inside her chest. He was letting her come so close, he had to know. Seira inspired, she won't be able to held his gaze ever again if she hided this from him, not with what he had lived. 

"Not for that, it's just the next thing that I wanted to tell you... I was an alcoholic."

"What ?"

The croak in his voice made her heart shatter under it's own pressure. Another person that she let approach, all that just to betray him. Her throat tightened, she owed him some explanations at least. 

"It's been a year." She fought the tears flooding her vision, "Since the last time I touched a bottle."

"Why ?"

Not even able to look his way, Seira focused on the details of the tiles. She wanted to punch herself so hard right now.

"A lot of reasons I guess... I don't have any excuses you know. I'm not ashamed of a lot of things, embarrassed sure but ashamed... but the bottle, it was just me succumbing to my own patheticness."

"Why did you stop ?" 

"For the same reason I changed name, cause time is a liar, and the world go fast, everything come to an end and people leave you behind."

She breathed, she wasn't making any sense. She took the risk to look at him again, he was focused on her, hand holding her knee in place.

"Rosé, she made me understand, that I was still capable to fight, that I was capable of starting a new life. And This life... I didn't want to waste it, I wanted to take it back, to try and hold a bit of it. Not that I am succeeding tho..."

He nodded mindlessly and Seira gripped his hand, like it could stop him from leaving her here on the cold floor.

Togame sensed his brain attempts to process the information. This was bitter sweat at best. In the end it was possible, to fight the monster, to win against it. His progenitor was just too much of a coward to do so. 

His hand tightened slightly around his kitten fingers, forest green clashing again night blue. She fought this. And she won. 

"Aëlin...Y're so cool." 

He felt her jump in his arm more than he saw her. His arms encircling her the second their skin met each other. 

Togame heart pumping in his chest so hard all he wanted was squeeze her to him until it stopped. She fought this and she won. His little fighter. His nose grazed her neck, inhaling the tender smell of whipped cream and blackberry to ease his mind.

"I'm glad that you got out of this."

He perceived the shake of her shoulders as she hugged him harder, small hands fisting his sweatshirt hard enough to wrinkles it.

"I'm glad too."

Togame stroked her long silky hair, twirling them around his fingers as they stayed like this. They were good, the boath of them.

Seira rested her forehead on Togame's temple, whipping her tears before backing out slightly. 

"Alright that's it," Togame looked at her like she was mad, "it's the weekend, not even 1 am yet and I'm high ! I can't be sad right now." 

She stood up dragging him in her momentum just to laugh at his confused face.

"Woman, you're crazy." 

"Yeah ! That's why I am so wonderful !" 

She pulled him to the living room, although if Togame really wanted he wouldn't have budged, but he enjoyed seeing her like this much more that crying on a bathroom floor and her giggles were contagious.

"You wanna know something cool ?" 

"Tell me." 

"The next time I hear this songs," she pointed at the playlist on her phone, "I'll think about this exact moment."

He smiled at her words.

Togame glanced at the window bay, he always hated how cold and lonely it will get at night. Nothing compared to the bright shine of his beloved sun, but right now, well right now he kind of liked it. 

He raised his chin at the sky, the moon and starlight's were truly beautiful tonight.

"Let's make it a good memory then." 

He grabbed his kitten hand, making her spin on herself, small giggles answering his actions. Yeah, the nights were good now.