Shoko is standing on the left side of Satoru as he lie unconscious on the medical table. The room is bright under the fluorescent lights; the walls a bright pearl river grey to match the tiled floor but even with the visual clarity, uncertainty swarms her rational mind. She never thought Gojo of all people would end up joining her patient roster.
Remaining outwardly collected, Shoko observes Nanami wrapping the final talisman around Satoru's ankle. The silver shaman appears to be more silverless than ever as his body has been coated with crisp coffee stained-like strips of paper. She ruminates over Gojo's possible response to their methods, wondering if the men aren't acting a little too hastily with their extreme judgement and measures. Orienting towards Kento and Toji, the question blurts from her.
"I can definitely fix him up but are the seals really necessary? Seems a little overkill if you ask me..."
Toji huffs as he looks past Shoko and down at Satoru to ensure his anger remains funneled in the right direction. The giant is still shirtless after using his wings to fly to the scene and then to transport the elongated bastard back to the academy. There is still Gojo blood ruining his off-white pants.
"That fucker lost his mind and went after Megs, Shoko. You tell me."
Nanami finds himself extremely torn on the idea of sealing Gojo's abilities since he really would rather get through to him if possible. Nonetheless, he laments when adding to Fushiguro's vote.
"This is indeed necessary because if he wakes up in that same state, Ierie, we won't be able to stop him. Based off what they reported, this is the least viable way to secure Satoru...and its better than the protocol that demands we turn him over to the Elders."
Alarmed, Shoko switches her gaze to Satoru while continuing to heal him.
"So it was that bad, huh?"
Uncomfortable silence encroaches their space while the men's exacting eyes confirm. She's more than aware of Gojo's darkness and how if he doesn't control it, it leads him down paths he later regrets. As much as she would like to disregard the news of Satoru attacking a former student reality settles in her crevices of doubt which compels her to consider Toji's excessive force was perhaps justified.
Gojo merely being injured, something that of which is virtually impossible outside of the realm of Elska, has everybody lingering in a sort of Twilight Zone; the severity of his wounds only adds to a sense of impending doom. Shoko sighs but shares something that's been on her mind since hearing about Elska's new wings.
"This is just a hunch but I'm guessing there are certain levels to your newfound abilities Toji…"
Shoko turns and runs her hand across Gojo's forehead, brushing his bangs away before proceeding.
"His infinity doesn't recognize Elska at all. Her transmitted wavelengths of energy disrupt their continuous flow as if her abilities stem from something foreign to even the six-eyes. This fact alone is why she was curated like a weapon but her energy isn't contagious and I have proof of this in both hard copy and electronic form."
Pulling tender eyes from her battered friend, Shoko now looks back to Toji.
"Did you feel or notice anything different when the attacks landed on him? I would say our sleeping beauty here is evidence of Elska's energy altering your physical state when you were turned. I don't know how I would yet explain it but whatever she did differs from any cursed technique I've ever studied."
Toji crosses his arms as he leans against the wall a few feet away unable to deny anything the good doctor said.
"It did feel different…almost like there was an additional surge from within that fused with my attacks..."
Some of the giant's chest muscles twitch while he relives the powerful feeling.
Nanami's voice interjects knowing that he's being put in an impossible situation in regards to other's safety. He's taking off his tanned suit jacket in an attempt to become a little more comfortable.
"Megumi also reported that the exchange happened because Satoru was targeting the city. I don't see Fushiguro misunderstanding something with such conviction."
Shoko walks over to the table that has Elska's bloodied reminder and runs her hands along the metal feathers, there is still so much to learn about her winged friend. Without looking up, she continues to investigate.
"Toji, how are you feeling right now?"
"I'm fucking on edge what do you think?"
Toji didn't mean to be such a dickhead, he's just feeling out of sorts and it shows when he retracts into himself a bit.
Not at all offended, Shoko ponders heavily as she walks across the room for sample scraping tools.
"Hmm. Makes sense. When was the last time you fed?"
"Two days."
Toji clenches his fists once thinking about Elska being in the hands of the enemy.
Two days is too long.
"That's not good but I'm surprised you're not worse off than you are."
Shoko mentally sorts through all of this new information while simultaneously planning tests to perform on the giant to better help her understanding of Toji's contrast and assimilation to Oda.
"I've worked with Elska on this in the past and we've had some success on the food front. I may be able to create something to hold you over, something more sustainable than what she started with. This wing right here might be the key. The fact that it hasn't disintegrated yet is odd too."
All three of them now study the wing but Toji winces once his eyes reluctantly meet it. It's cruel to him how the wing being ripped from her body may help his new appetite. Shoko speaks again but directs attention when pointing to Gojo.
"If I can't though, you'll need to feed from someone else and we at least know his blood suffices for Elska so maybe that will work for you too."
The very thought of having to find nourishment through Satoru makes Toji's skin crawl.
"Gojo tastes like SHIT! I am not interested. Please do what you can but I'm planning on rescuing her and the kid before I need anyone else."
Nanami steps forward with a heavy brow as some details aren't adding up.
"Her original purpose for being brought to this world was to eliminate Satoru but now we know anyone else like her might hold the same capabilities as well and I'm pretty sure there's an entire civilization of her kind. What I don't understand is if there was an entire world of people like her, why choose Elska when she wasn't willing?"
Ierie tilts her head with pensive eyebrows.
"That is strange, I wonder why as well. I suppose there is something unique about her composition. I have my work cut out for me..."
Shoko is now leaning over the wing on the waist high white countertop, scraping away tissue into a petri dish. In her own way, she too is nervous about Elska and Yuuji's disappearance but finding answers has always been a coping mechanism. Half-twisting towards the men, Shoko braves an unshakeable expression.
"Things are hard right now boys but keep your heads up. You three are amongst the most capable in the entire shaman society in case you've forgotten. Also, I'll get on this food substitute right away Toji, just don't go losing your cool too!"
She winks at the giant as she applies the lid to the dish and sets it by her row of microscopes.
Toji is trying his best to appreciate Shoko's lighthearted efforts but due to everything that has happened his heart breaks at the thought of the kid and his doll being in Getou's hands.
"We just...we have to save them. None of this is good."
Shoko is now back to healing Satoru, using her own application of reverse cursed technique to assist Gojo's and improve the rate at which it works.
"I've got everything covered here if you two have other business to handle."
"Absolutely not, Ieiri."
Nanami's tone becomes law in this accord; his position on it unmovable.
"We are not leaving him alone with you until we know he's mentally stable. It's too big of a risk for me to take."
Toji notices the shift in the manager's energy when referring to Shoko's safety and can almost crack a sympathetic smirk when the good doctor completely misses Nanami's subtle signs of affection but before he can, Satoru shows signs of stirring.
Toji jumps from the wall and is ready to strike if Gojo isn't well. Nanami takes a step forward to be beside Toji but in front of Shoko with the same intent in mind.
They all have to turn their eyes from the blinding blue light emitting from the talismans wrapped around Gojo's body, acting like restraints to assist the metal ones over his wrists and legs. Nanami nervously comprehends that Satoru's natural spirit is resisting the confinement itself.
"Wh-…what the…"
Gojo's eyes open slowly as he tries to move his body but his lethargic movements quickly ramp up seconds later.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?!"
Upon recognizing that he's restrained Gojo's thrown into a wild reaction, jolting his body around trying to break free.
"NOT AGAIN!!!!!! WHAT THE FUUUUKK!????!!!"
Satoru screams and flails as his wounds begin to reopen, them not having been fully addressed by this time.
Shoko hurriedly moves back to the side of Gojo but slaps him across the face, hard.
Toji and Nanami gasp while charging over to the table but before they can even speak their concerns, Shoko's voice raises.
"Gojo, what the FUCK do you think you're doing acting this way? What the hell has crawled up your ass?!!"
Her voice is stern, almost motherly as she expresses her disappointment to his recent actions.
Gojo didn't feel the pain from the slap but the action was enough to catch his attention. He glares up at her hatefully for a few seconds before his eyes falter and water, following his features softening. He fights a sob.
"Why…whyyyy do you guys have me sealed like this…WHY?"
Instinctively, Satoru struggles a little more but not as rapidly as before.
"WHAT THE FUCK YOU GUYS?!"
He snaps his head over to Toji and Nanami, fearing he's somehow been betrayed.
"GET ME OUT OF THIS SHIT!!"
"Satoru, do you not recall trying to level the city?"
Nanami is calmly walking towards his friend and even grabs his wrist gently.
"You also tried to hurt Megumi…"
Gojo's eyes are panicked while listening to Nanami's words. He doesn't recall anything at first and thinks this is some weird psychological punishment of some sort so he yells like a mad man while fighting the restraints, throwing his body against the metal table.
"I wouldn't attack Megumi!!! WHAT THE FUCK!!?"
Toji's face is completely burned over with discontent.
"But you did shit head. You put my boy in your domain…and then I had to break in to get him out."
Toji snarls to the unbridled fear that encased his heart while rushing to towards infinite void.
Gojo has a flash of realization, indeed remembering doing the things he's accused of. His eyes take to the ceiling, ignoring Shoko to his left and the men in the room. He tears up as he recalls viciously trying to end both Toji and Megumi.
"Fuck…"
Shoko wipes his tears away as they spill from the corners of his eyes.
"You are far too powerful to lose control like that Gojo, you know better than this. You are one of my closest and oldest friends, I know you. And what do you think Elska would say to this if she knew?"
Immediately Gojo begins to cry as the overwhelming facts of his Elska and Itadori reclaim his thoughts.
"I didn't mean to… I just…"
He takes a second to breathe and recompose himself.
"Getou is going to do horrible things, he already has! I'm...I'm sorry..."
Satoru exhales heavily through his teeth as he looks to Shoko but then turns his head the best he can to look at Toji and Nanami.
"Her wing…he ripped it out of her…"
Gojo has so much more to say but instead wails in frustration as he considers his predicament.
She is in trouble and he's once again unable to move and that alone breaks him slightly.
"I just want them back…"
Nanami squeezes his friend's wrist with concern.
"We're going to get them Satoru but we need your help."
He frowns as he looks over the talismans that are still slightly glowing blue where the kanji ink sits.
"You can't do that again, Satoru, you cannot hurt innocent people. I probably shouldn't even risk letting you out of this."
His brow furrows further and he removes his tinted glasses to look into Gojo's eyes.
Gojo is clearly agitated by Nanami's words but understands where he's coming from. He's just in an odd post-traumatic state from when he was sealed before but now understands a little better as to why he's in this shit situation. Grumbling, the pain that he was able to ignore from the sudden adrenaline begins to set in.
"God damnit, why am I hurting so bad?"
"I had to put a few holes in you before you stopped, you obnoxious cunt. It was like fighting a fucker on PCP."
Toji hasn't made any effort to come closer now that he sees Gojo speaking, he doesn't care to offer him any comfort either. but he does give some heartfelt advice.
"Next time you go after my boy though, that's it Gojo. I'll fucking kill you. We now know that I can too."
Gojo's eyes darken as they take to Toji's direction once reminded of the insidious threat the giant poses. To add to Satoru's craze, he doesn't appreciate being spoken to with such carelessness. He's still the strongest after all.
"Toji, that's not helping but Gojo..."
Shoko directs his chin to face her.
"You understand the position you've put us in, right? We need to know that you're good before we let you out of this."
Gojo grunts and closes his eyes to regain his composure. That collected state of mind almost feels foreign to him as the recent events have skewed time, making it seem like 2 days were actually 2 years.
"I get it."
Shoko smirks to the rarity of Satoru actually listening.
"Now let me heal you up, it'll be faster than your own technique that's not even used to healing you."
She smiles at him lovingly, knowing that he has to feel incredibly small like this.
She has a lot of love for Gojo, they went through the academy together and have been the right kinds of strange to mesh well in a friendship. She's also very taken by Elska and Itadori as people and as scientific anomalies.
Nanami looks down to Gojo and sarcastically cackles out.
"Maybe we need alcohol again."
A little chuckle leaves Kento's lips as he brushes his own hair back. He sees Gojo smile briefly as well and it brings him a little more at ease.
"I know you care about them a lot Satoru but we need to go about this as a team. You can't just go around hurting people, you're past all that now. You're supposed to be a better man, remember?"
Gojo's eyes gorge to this as he knows Nanami is probably the only person that is completely familiar with Gojo's evolution of from you're average psychopath to someone who can emulate and express love. Satoru knows he messed up severely and also recognizes that if he doesn't get his shit together soon then they'll have that much less of a chance to save the two of them.
"I know…I remember."
He takes in another deep breath, grasping more sanity while the room seems to relax and the talismans finally stop glowing.
Toji, having more insight than anyone decides that there are some things that need to be urgently addressed.
"I do know that they want to enlist Sukuna as one of their own so Itadori might not be as in much danger but Getou hates Elska which is why I think he did what he did…"
Toji looks to her wing instinctively and feels a pit in his chest.
Master echoes through his mind internally; a gradual yet maddening spell but he continues.
"Naoya contacted me recently…"
Toji notices Gojo's eyes darting in his direction so he defensively states his stance.
"It was before all of this obviously you dumb fuck. He was asking for my help with making her a Zenin though of all things but that means he doesn't trust Getou's intentions either."
Nanami sighs to this news since he gathers that this means their situations have been woven by politics.
"Why are the Zenin getting so involved with Oda now? And even at the cost of challenging the Gojo clan?"
Nanami is now leaning against the metal table with his back by Gojo's legs.
"This is a nightmare. What of your inside man Toji?"
"I've tried to contact Choso and Naoya both but they aren't answering..."
Toji unfolds his arms and walks to the foot of the metal table, being the last one to surround the silver shaman. He grabs Gojo's ankles firmly with mannerisms that are unkind but with a trace of friendliness as well.
"Are you going to make me save them by myself, you fucking fool?"
"No..."
Gojo looks to Toji, not acknowledging his hands on his ankles.
"I want them back."
Toji may not necessarily like Gojo but knows they have a common goal.
"I wish I could say that Naoya would be protecting her but I don't understand how Getou got ahold of her wing if he was. I actually fear the worst there."
"I hate to say it but I don't think Naoya would've allowed that either."
Gojo is trying his best to remain calm as they discuss the severities further.
"I know he cares about her, it was written all over his face when we last met."
Gojo proceeds to think of that weird dynamic and situation from when Elska and everyone saved him before. A part of him begins to imagine Naoya protectively wrapping his arms around his love and for some reason he's not enraged by it but is brought depression.
'God Damnit…'
Something tells him that Naoya Zenin, the man the looks upon his own love with deeply seeded passion, might be filling the temporary role of being her knight.
"I do know that Naoya and Choso are likely to break away from Getou but he's strong. If we do succeed in defeating him, then we'll have to worry about the Zenin clan immediately afterwards. Regardless of Naoya, they will still pursue Elska...the elders too."
Toji has since removed his hands from Gojo and is folding his arms again.
"But perhaps we can cross those bridges when we come to them. I wouldn't mind beating the brakes off of those guys."
Gojo eerily adds.
"I'll kill them all if I have to."
Satoru's voice wasn't erratic or even emotional but it disturbed everyone in the room.
Nanami is losing his patience, knowing that Gojo is capable of controlling himself but is wondering if Gojo's just declining to do so.
"If you want to make her situation better then you absolutely cannot just fucking kill everyone Satoru, what the fuck is the matter with you?"
"I JUST WANT THEM BACK DAMNIT! WHY IS THAT SO HARD TO FUCKING GRASP?!"
Gojo tries to lift up from the table but his neck will only bend so far while laid out flat causing him to give up and hit the back of his head.
"You need to take a few to cool off Satoru. We're not letting you out until you do."
Nanami is always so forward but knows it's for the best. Sugar coating this for Gojo won't do anything but bite them in the ass later.
Gojo is back to angrily staring at the ceiling.
"Fuck you."
Nanami cackles to Gojo's response.
"I love you too buddy."
Kento feels the truth in Satoru's harsh words but also understands his friend pretty well, knowing that he's just reeling in the fact that they lost Itadori and Elska. Everyone is upset about it so he knows Gojo being her protector is especially fueled.
"Shoko, can't I at least kill them?"
Gojo's eyes are no longer dark as he shoots them playfully to her.
You crack me up Gojo!"
She's laughing at his deflective behavior as she rests a hand on his shoulder.
"No you may not. I need all of you boys for this next one! There's one more thing though…"
Gojo curiously glances to Shoko when she informs him that she'll need to draw some of his blood but doesn't elucidate as to why.
Satoru keeps trying to sit himself up and grows more frustrated with being pinned down.
"Well I'm not really in the position to refuse now am I?"
Shoko smiles to him widely as she decides to hold off on explaining that it's for Toji since their relationship still seems pretty tumultuous at the moment.
"It's for the greater good, I promise!"
"Go ahead then…I'll shut down my defenses."
Gojo is fighting his anger as he comes to terms with the fact that they're only trying to help him. He hates accepting it any form though for his life has sculpted him with the idea that reinforcements are for the weak; that of which he is not. Its taken him years to be able to perform as a team member.
"Do we have any plans in the making? How the fuck do we even find my love without Choso?"
Toji is determined to contact one of them.
"I'll work on that angle."
"And I'll start putting a group together."
Nanami is grabbing his folded suit coat as he seems to be leaving the room, already having some shaman in mind but he stops.
"Can I trust you, Satoru?"
He's not keen on leaving Shoko alone yet.
"I'm fine I promise…and I won't attack anyone."
Gojo tries to look over to Nanami but the manager is just out of his line of sight.
"Just get me out of this PLEASE."
"I'm going to finish healing you first so why don't you just sit back and relax for a little longer, k?"
Shoko smiles to Nanami with confidence, relieved to see that Gojo will comply.
"Alright boys, do what you have to do, we're okay here!"
Gojo's eyes meet Toji's again as the massive man stares him down. He can tell that Toji is still unsure about him and figures there was no getting around that. Instead of inciting more aggression from the giant though Gojo just scoffs and looks away, not liking the feeling at being to their mercy at all.
Toji now goes to leave the room.
"I'll be back in a little bit to check on everything."
When left alone Shoko grabs Gojo's hand and holds it with both of her own.
"Sweetie, you really have to be mindful, ok? Especially now that we know that Toji can hurt you… I don't want any of that so please…please just do your best to get along alright?"
Gojo's eyes are expressing annoyance but she continues.
"I know you miss them and are worried about Elska but we will get them back."
She now squeezes softly to administer more emotion to him.
"She would be devastated if anything happened to you, is that what you want?"
"I just want to know they're okay…I need her Shoko. I always have…"
"I know, I know…and we'll fix all of this but you're imperative for the rescue so knock off the villain shit alright?"
She now brushes up and down his arm as she feels him relax into the table.
"That's not you anymore…you have to control it."
Gojo tears up again to hearing this, knowing he's still actually quite evil on the inside but Shoko knows this too.
She's merely asking him to keep himself in check.
"I will…but when I get my hands on Getou, I'm ripping his fucking body in two."
"Now that I won't argue against. That guy deserves every bit of agony you'll deal to him. It'll be like a treat for being so good right now."
They both smile at the verbally murderous exchange. Gojo quietly thanks her, feeling reassured that all will right soon and takes a deep breath to let her continue healing.
———————————————
Naoya is heading back to Elska's room with haste, not liking the idea of her being unguarded for even a second. He holds in his bundled hands traditional styled yukatas threaded by the Zenin blue. He meant to already have clothes ready for Elska but completely forgot to incorporate that into the design of the room. He remembers how a couple of hours ago she braved the question that brimmed him with ignominy.
"So, Naoya? Am I to just remain naked here or what?"
Elska was half kidding but her shaman uniform that she arrived in was completely trashed by that point. He felt so embarrassed at missing such a huge detail, hoping that she knew that he wouldn't do that on purpose.
As he power walks down the hall towards her room he catches Choso heading the opposite direction.
"Cho!"
He calls out to see the being halt and turn around. By the time he makes it to Choso, they're both standing a few doors away from Elska's room.
"Hey so how did it go with Ita-…"
"Naoya, cease your words!"
Choso is on edge so Naoya starts to worry that perhaps their reunion didn't go as planned.
Choso whispers cautiously.
"There's a Titer here, I can feel their technique. I don't know what they're watching or doing… but someone definitely is. We can't talk right now."
Naoya's eyes instantly widen to this, thinking Getou enlisted one to force Elska's cooperation so he darts to and through her door quickly.
"ELSKA! Are you alright?!"
The blonde stampedes into the room in a frenzied state but finds her sitting on the couch with a book, unharmed and alone.
"Holy shit... my fackin' heart!"
"I'm…fine?"
Elska wants to laugh at his dramatics but her look is of confusion until she sees Naoya's demeanor relax and looks at all the fabric he's carrying.
"What is all of that?"
"Clothes!"
He grins and sets them down on the arm of the couch before going back out into the hallway to look for Choso but discovers he's already gone. He fears he'll be unable to openly speak to Choso about things now but figures he'll find a way to communicate with him. Naoya now shuts the door behind him as she's already standing up and trying to figure out the cloth.
"You brought me bath robes?"
Elska giggles as she holds up the top one, it looking way too large to fit her.
Naoya smiles while he catching his breath and walks towards her, his anxieties dissipating.
"Bath robes. They're traditional in my family and are called Yukata's."
Elska discards the silver bed sheet she was wrapped in for modesty and trades it for the robe and then tries to don it. Naoya dutifully fights his eyes over her bareness and then notices that she has not the first clue as to how to wear them.
"That's...not at all how it goes..."
He chuckles as he lifts the bundle of cloth to remove the under robe from the bottom of the pile the traditionally is worn beneath it.
"You can't just be nude underneath this!"
Elska jokingly offers a bow as she's interested in learning exactly how to put all of it on.
"Show me the way then, Master Naoya."
He was in the process of wrapping the underwear robe before freezing to her words.
'She said it…she said it! Godddd that was hot!'
Hearing it felt better than Naoya ever would have imagined, even if was in a different context than his fantasies. Watching the goosebumps take over her skin, the blonde eagerly helps her with the dressing, all while smiling widely behind her as he adores this moment.
"No bra huh? I like this already!!"
She places her arms through the sleeves and sees there's two separate areas on both sides to tie it. She manages to figure this part out but as she's tying the second knot, Naoya's arms suddenly wrap around her from behind.
"I'm so glad you're alright…"
He quietly spoke it into her ear as he held her there.
She places a hand on his forearm that's draped above her chest.
"I've not had any unexpected visitors if that's what you were worried about."
He turns her around to face him and hooks a hand under her chin to lift her head towards him.
"That's good and it shall remain that way."
Naoya leans in for a kiss before grabbing the dark blue yukata behind her. He opens it outstretching his arms and allowing her to slide her right in first and then the left. She takes the robes and wraps them around her but he stops and corrects it.
"The left side should always be on top, you wrap the right side against your body first."
He smiles as he shakes his head and positions the yukata properly.
"Here hold it like this."
He waits for her to pinch the dark blue cloth on her right hip before he reaches for the first of two separate ties.
"You first secure the yukata with this!"
Naoya maneuvers the thick fabric wrap around her hips and waist before snugly knotting it on that same side.
"You then have to either tie or tuck the rest of it. Now here, lift up your arms."
She does and he brings a second fastening cloth tie around her but this time beneath her bosom.
"Naoya, this is some masterful ploy. You just wanted to touch me!"
She giggles as he shrugs as if to agree but she now comprehends that is always much deeper with him than that.
"I always do."
Elska is momentarily blown away by his gentility and purely innocent meanings even while she was trying to make it dirtier.
"You can put your arms down for now."
He's shifting the fabric underneath the ties he's made so that it overlaps in the front, hiding the fasteners around her. Naoya then holds one hand on the front of her yukata while loosening the collar and explains.
"It's also traditional to show off the nape of your neck but with class of course. Too much gives off the...wrong impression."
He creates the slack in the back of her collar and hums to how seductive she is, even with being fully clothed.
"But I could cut the collar away entirely and you'd still be the vision of my admiration..."
His lips meet her nape gently before he circles her again to grab the silver and black two-toned obi; doing his damnedest to remain vigilant.
"Typically this part would much more vibrant but these are what I was able to grab on short notice."
Elska takes in the entire process and is amazed by the process and how intricate donning traditional wear is.
"This is a lot of work! I'm not so sure I would've figured this out on my own."
She's laughing as he holds the thick lengthy obi out in front of her that almost looks like it could equate to her height.
"Crazy! That's so long!"
"That's what she said."
Naoya chuckles at his own joke nervously until she picks up on the meaning and is beyond relieved she also found humor in it.
'Wifey.'
He hangs and end of the obi over her right shoulder as he ties it from the front.
"This goes behind you but if you're really willing to learn I'll demonstrate."
He gets down on his knees as he wraps it around her twice. The piece lying over her shoulder now becomes orderly folded three times, to which he then grabs the other end of the obi to wrap it around the fold, creating an extravagant bow.
"Now we just twist this behind you…"
Naoya's rising to his feet as he shimmies it to the back. He then steps away from her to take in the full view and finds himself overwhelmed with adulation.
"You look stunning, Elska…"
She strikes a few little poses for him, finding that this get up was way harder to maneuver in than her normal clothes. After walking over to the mirror she stands back to see as much of it as she can.
Naoya approaches behind her and engulfs her body into his arms, them crossing at the wrists underneath her obi. He gently adorns her cheek with a kiss while he whispers with pride.
"Just like a princess…"
He's completely fine with all of this being the rest of his life.
Elska turns around to face him but also lean into the sink. Her hands cup his face as he slowly leans down into her, their lips meeting passionately. The moment their tongues touch she feels her body temperature rising rapidly and her eyes glow through their lids. Naoya abruptly creates distance so she opens her eyes. Instead of being met with a lustful expression, she see's that he looks concerned instead.
He pulls away after noticing the heat and the faintest trail of that scent.
"Elska…"
He fills his lungs with it while trying to remain focused.
"We have to get that under control. It's not safe for you here if we don't."
Naoya's words are almost at whisper volume again which leads Elska to pick up on that there's something more going on than she's being told. He's communicating like he's afraid of being overheard but she chooses to not pry and instead responds to the cruel insinuation of him dialing back.
"I don't know if I can control them, Naoya, you set them off randomly for me…"
She brings her gaze to his chest before she rests her head against it. She just needs to be near him and is discovering that she also loves it when he expresses the same urge.
Naoya grabs her shoulders and pushes her back a few inches so he can see her eyes.
"Well, we start training today then."
Ignoring her squinting eyes, he proceeds but whispering completely.
"Getou doesn't know about your...pheromones, that's what you call them right? We also kept how your bite feels. It's an agreement Toji and I made months ago after that apartment fiasco…"
His hands start rubbing her shoulders, fearful of manifesting this fate if he speaks on it.
"If Getou finds that stuff out about you, I'll be forced to kill him now. He'll not let you go."
Naoya wants Elska of course but also knows that if they don't figure the scent out soon then he won't be the only one.
'Getou knowing would spare her life automatically but at what cost? What would he do to her?'
Naoya's not willing to find out.
"How exactly do we train for this then?"
She's not even sure how to go about that.
"Even when I feed from you, it releases sometimes…I can't help how you affect me, Naoya."
The hopelessness on her face is evident as she considers feeding even less.
He immediately withdraws his caressing of Elska's shoulder only to feel cold as he leaves her there standing without his touch.
"If you react so rashly to me then maybe I shouldn't be so handsy..."
He hates himself for saying that.
"But I want you to be! You feel so good to me Naoya…"
Elska begins to become upset because even if its not what she wants to hear, she understands that he's right.
He's realizing he doesn't know how to train for this either.
"Let's try feeding for today then…maybe drink slower or something and I'll just sit here."
He'd probably feel a little more defeated about this whole thing if she wasn't so pretty before him in his clan's colors. Naoya wishes he could just make love to her again or simply expose them to a prolonged kiss.
"You really do look stunning in the Zenin blue. I'm beside myself with excitement every time I look at you."
Caressing her cheek, Naoya confesses his conflict.
"I want to give you everything that I am baby but we have to survive this first…"
Elska nods in response gifting him with the ability to feel a little less weighted about the situation. It's important to him that she doesn't misunderstand his hesitancy.
He grabs her hand and brings her back to the couch as he sits down and guides her above. Trying to act all suave backfired though as he grunts and pulls out a hardcover novel from underneath him. It was the book she was reading called Lilith: The Best Mutual written by Nakiich. Naoya smiles to her love for books and shifts their weight so can carefully place it on the cushion beside them.
"Is it a good read?"
As Elska's legs find their way to either side of him under her, she smiles and vaguely explains the fan-fiction smut.
"Yes it is! It's a alternate universe that one of my favorite amateur writers did about what we call DILFS from a popular show right now, JJK. You actually look a lot like this guy here but he's a total asshole in the series. He hates women but knows how to give the D and his character design makes people love him."
Naoya gasps with horror when the uncanny resemblance stares him down like a mirror.
"I-I am not like him whatsoever! I LOVE women! Erm...that's not..."
Elska giggles to the Zenin's flustered rant but also wants to reassure him.
"Don't worry, I can not only see that you are different from him but that you are unlike many other men as well. You're pretty mature for your age."
Naoya wraps his arms around her and playfully pulls Elska towards him as she squeals to his soft attack.
"I'm pretty sure we're about the same age my little minx But you'll just have to read it for me one day. I'm intrigued by this story if it holds your interest."
He's still smiling but begins to unbutton his collar entirely so she doesn't have to worry about working around it. Elska helps him by finishing the buttons while soaking in the silence that's only weakened by their breathing. When she's finished, he looks up to her glowing eyes and runs his hand up her left arm as she grabs his bicep for stability.
"Remember princess, try going slower this time. We need to see if that's a variable at all."
She nods to him before aiming for neck but stops as her face passes his cheek to plant a kiss, then using her fangs to pierce him. His taste instantaneously forces a moan out her like it always does; the perfection that is his flavor has always swoons. The sweetness of Naoya, the care, the loyalty, his thoughts concerning her… everything was just so fucking attractive.
He tries to hold his moan back but was unsuccessful as her draw from him feels nothing short of incredible. His hands find themselves gripping her thighs as she takes from him.
"Go slow baby, we have to figure…figure this out."
He's trying to remain level headed but is struggling to do so as their bodies mesh together.
Elska whimpers and it causes him to grow beneath her.
He's left high on rushing blood while fighting so many urges at once. Elska's body temperature starts to rise once he feels his bulge nudging her.
"Shit!"
Naoya pulls her away as she pants above him, his red essence spilling from his neck from abrupt removal. He watches as Elska reaches down to close and heal the wounds and then opens her eyes.
She feels her heat regulating itself and can now stare down into Naoya without development. She was close to releasing her pheromones but hasn't fed enough nor has her physical thirst for him been quenched.
"Naoya…"
Her eyes are half lidded, her voice purposefully trying to entice him.
He looks up to her and hums as he battles himself. Of course he wants to take her to the bed but he's worried about another incident like before occurring. He barely was able to lie his way out of that situation with Getou and isn't even convinced that Getou believed him.
"Elska… I don't know if we should yet."
She disagrees initially and bounces on him a few times, resting herself into his pitched tent. She whines his name again but can tell he's trying to hold back.
After her pressing the issue he shifts them both until he's able to stand, her legs wrapping around him. She grins widely and leans in to kiss him. Naoya kisses her back but presses her back against the wall near the door, rearranging the atmosphere.
"Once we leave here, I swear by all that is good in this world, Elska, that I will fill you as many times as you need. Whenever, wherever."
He kisses her cheek as he witnesses her hurt over understanding that he's not going to have sex with her.
"If I am to keep you safe my princess, then we have to be smart…now more than ever."
Her legs slowly release from around him and he sets her down gently onto her feet. He would literally rather be doing everything he's making them abstain from.
Naturally after never being denied, Elska's initially frustrated with him but can't be too angry. It's as if he truly does cherish her. That aside though, certain indicators cannot keep being ignored.
"Naoya, what else aren't you telling me?"
His face is twisted in anger as his eyes search the room.
"There's a Titer somewhere on the premises. We don't know what is being watched but I can almost guarantee it's Getou using them to figure you out…"
Naoya sighs as he engraves this moment into his brain, wanting to use this hatred for Suguru in its fullest form when the time comes to take him out.
Elska knows she's heard that before and is pretty sure its a clan but asks him anyways for clarification
"A Titer? And that beast is watching us?!"
"They're a clan with mind altering capabilities and more. Gojo used them to manipulate your memories…"
His eyes take to the wall beside her as he agonizes even speaking of that. Naoya will never agree to that being fair but relinquishes his misplaced guilt when her hand cups his face, bringing it back down to her own.
"That makes sense…"
Is all she says while looking at him but her demeanor is still one that's attentive to him.
"Ok…I'll stop pushing the issue…"
"It's really difficult to refuse you Elska, I hope you understand how much I detest not making you happy."
He's noticing that her yukata is already messed up and chuckles under his breath as he goes to reposition it.
Elska laughs.
"I don't know how we'll get through this part...because I am dripping over here."
Naoya groans to this, knowing that he would like to check for himself but there's no way that'll end with anything other than melting into each other.
"God damnit…why?!"
He throws his head back slightly as he tries to refrain from making any moves that may cause him regret.
"I feel like a horny teenager all over again."
Jokes aside, this brings Naoya to an idea of how to possibly lessen the sexual tension but isn't sure how to word it. She's still looking at him caringly, her hands traveling around his arms. How should he say it?
"Maybe…and just hear me out Elska…"
He feels himself blushing at the words he's articulating while she curiously waits for what he has to say.
"Maybe you should try…ummm…taking care of yourself before I come to see you."
Naoya cannot even meet her gaze out of the sheer humiliation that he just suggested masturbation.
Elska quickly finds herself bellowing out laughter at how awkward he's being. She doesn't mean to tease him but she doesn't want him to feel uncomfortable either, it was actually a legitimate possibility that could help.
"Okay. Maybe if I do it to the thought of you, I'll be all juiced out."
Naoya quietly wheezes at this and feels that didn't hinder his erection at all. Unsure of how to react to her response he just looks at her and slowly smiles, unable to keep a straight face.
"I will carry my weight and do the same…maybe to you as well."
Although its painfully obvious that he likely already has, Naoya is subsequently feeling awe at how easily they can communicate to each other. Elska walks away but he's so overwhelmed with new fantasies of her possible fantasies that he doesn't come back down to Earth until she utters something amazing.
"Maybe a bath will help. Do you think we could manage?"
Elska titters once noticing his eye left twitching after she asked.
"Princess. You…you are killing me right now…"
Naoya states this but his vision is already taken by tub. He raises an eyebrow as he wonders if she'll even be able to get out of the yukata by herself, justifying his continued attendance.
"I mean for you to join me Naoya…"
She hugs him, resting her head into his chest as she doesn't want to let him go, doesn't want him to leave.
"I swear I'll stop trying to seduce you! I'm not even sure what's come over me there."
She's back to giggling as this predicament is so strange altogether. She's technically his prisoner but you wouldn't guess that by their mutual affections, they seem almost domestic.
"Don't you want me to wash you again? You seemed to like it before."
Naoya bites his lip before accepting quick defeat.
"Arghhh, yes…yes I dooo…and I did! Quite a lot."
He takes a deep breath to strengthen his resolve then grabs her hand and leads her towards the tub to turn on the water.
'I can do this…no problem…It's just Elska Oda...wet...nak- FUCK MIND STOP. I can do this.'
He reaches around her to undo the obi, fighting with the damn thing for a minute in all his sexual fervor, even with his expertise. One article of clothing at a time she's reaching her bare state again but she's soon glaring with an attitude as he's yet to undress himself in the slightest. He cackles as he doffs his own clothes.
"Yes ma'am."
Naoya feels her eyes scanning his body and although he loves that she's so drawn to him, he wishes that fate would be less cruel. It's more than just the physicality of their dynamic that he wishes to currently fulfil, he also wants to be able to give her comfort, affection and a safe place to simply exist. He can't have his cake and eat it too it would seem.
He steps into the tub as it fills, and holds her hand so she can do the same with ease. It's such a large one but they seem to have found a single spot that they utilize, it's the same one from their first bath together. As he sits back completely and follows her with his eyes, she leans over him to reach the small towels stacked behind him, tickled by his clear frustration as her breasts range in his face. She starts with the blood on his neck from where he pulled her away earlier.
He closes his eyes as he enjoys the feeling of his intended slowly wiping his problems away; utterly relaxed as she kneels before him while the water fills their surrounding area. After she's grazed almost the entirety his surfaced body with the towel, she goes to sit in his lap but in a curled-up manner that brings her head to his left shoulder and her knees near his right. His arms secure themselves around her and she begins to settle into him, also completely relaxed.
She allows herself the happiness from Naoya's embrace but wonders to herself how long this wonderful time with him will last. None of this is actually sustainable; Naoya worked with the enemy to abduct her and Itadori. She's also tried not to think about the marriage part and that's partially because she's barely able to enjoy Naoya's company without the guilt of knowing Toji and Satoru are probably worried sick. The reality of it all makes her feel so fucking gross.
What would they think if they knew of how she spent her time there?
What would they say if they heard how she practically begged him to sleep with her?
What would they do if they saw her and Naoya together, like this?
She nuzzles into his chest deeper as she tries to forget the anxiety riddling her mind. Almost as if he subconsciously knew, the blonde ducks his head down to tell her that everything is going to work out.
Elska smiles into is his chest as they soak in the filling tub; accepting this delusion for its beauty as it resides.
"My prince."