Once encroaching the three-story super mall, Satoru fills with anticipation.
'I'll kill two birds with one stone here.'
Half of the sly shaman's excitement is due to the R-rated shopping adventure he's planned for Choso and Naoya but the other bit stems from his hope to possibly lure the enemy out from hiding.
He stated out loud that his group would remain near three stores away in distance from Elska and Toji but in reality, they will end up much farther apart. Satoru hopes to manipulate the Titers by communicating fictitious strategies out loud to make them think that he's simply careless. He knew he could at least count on Toji to read between the lines and figure it out when Satoru earlier announced his desire to provide their enemies with a false sense of security. The Titers could theoretically listen in at any time and utilize their own schemes against them so to further combat that ability, Gojo is also actively using six-eye detection for any indication that an active shaman of any kind would be nearby.
Satoru led a few paces ahead so he has to stop in front of the main of four separate floor entrances. There's a Northern one, an Eastern and Western but today they've parked near the Southern Gate. As he waits for the others to reach him, Gojo's eyes float upwards and admire the few bundles of stray clouds that abstract against the open blue sky. The breeze brings a chill but luckily, it's a warmer day even as the season cusps on the edge into winter.
'Back then the weather was similar too...but it was springtime.'
He remembers the first time he was ever here with Elska, coincidentally noting how it was also the first time he'd ever allowed her out in public after his otherworldly theft of the century. Satoru was trying to be nice after honestly growing weary of her state from being locked in his apartment for so many months.
'The day she released her pheromones and tried to escape.'
He sighs, grateful over Elska not mentioning anything about that specific memory being recovered for it is one he's certain would force him into an unforgivable light. Everyone is catching up though so Gojo smiles warmly as his eyes befall his once thought of prize a few feet away.
"Let me get the door for you, love."
Elska flirtatiously winks when she walks by him and through the glass doors with Toji close behind.
"Sweet Sati."
Satoru stands there in amazement, passively accepting Naoya's purposeful shoulder-check as he ends up holding the door for everyone. When you compare the past scenario to the present they're living he can only feel like he's the luckiest man alive for being awarded with this second chance to be a better man.
But is Gojo better?
"This place has gotten so much livelier!"
Elska scans the wide paths lined with department stores and bustling bodies on both sides. She hasn't been shopping in ages and has only been here a few times since this particular mall always makes her uneasy for some reason; just add being on edge over their purgatory with Getou. She looks around at all of the families, the groups of clamoring teens and solo shoppers.
'I really hope they don't attack us in public…'
Simply imagining how nasty the consequences for innocent people nearby could be momentarily causes Elska to depress. Everyone here would be sitting ducks.
"Earth to baby!"
Naoya slides a hand across her lower back until she finally snaps out of her thoughts and forfeits attention.
"Cho, Gojo and I are going to go on a…side quest."
Naoya, knowing Gojo, is now almost positive that they'll soon be swimming in stores full of lush attire. When she presents with playful curiosity though the Zenin grins as and leans into Elska's ear.
"Wouldn't a warrior princess want some proper battle gear?"
He then pecs her on the lips and decides to leave her in bewilderment thinking it'll be a better surprise that way.
"Alright, my strange prince."
Elska giggles when Naoya walks backwards with a lifted brow as if he relishes in being perceived in such a way.
"Toji and I are probably going to head this way but call us if anything happens, okay?"
She looks over all three of them as Satoru hooks his arms around Naoya and Choso's necks, conspicuously guiding them toward the more adult sector of establishments. She blushes when her suspicions begin to rise as to why they're going in that direction. Toji walks up beside Elska and latches an arm around her waist.
"Doll, I imagine we should focus on actual clothes. Those idiots are not going to be of much use in the terms of practicality."
Elska laughs to his joke which makes him feel a little more at ease with how many scents he's having to sift through; its overwhelming. He looks around hoping to God that she isn't one of those hardcore shoppers although he'd deal with it regardless.
"Where to doll?"
"Pajamas first and foremost! I can't be left with skimpy slips any longer!"
Elska layers her hand over his that rests above her hip as they walk a few shops down, avoiding eye contact with pushier salesmen from the kiosks in the middle of the floor. They are stopped by the last one however and the brave man with messy curls and thrown together three piece suit attempts to sell them anniversary mugs.
"What a lovely couple! It's easy to see how much you cherish each other. How many years has it been since you've tied the knot? Can't have been too many, you're so young!"
Elska can feel her face redden at the suggestion of her and Toji looking like they're married but wonders why the sales clerk would even assume that when she hasn't a ring.
Toji doesn't say anything at all but instead presents himself with an impressive glare that creeps into the man's awareness, prompting the cheaply dressed salesman to return to his station with haste.
"Toji! You didn't have to scare him!"
Elska condemns while allowing the relief in her voice to exist; giddy at the wonderment of how good they must look together.
'We've never even spoken about dating though…let alone anything else!'
"Sorry, I didn't like the way he was profiling you. He could sense your kindness and it's not like I said anything. I could've been way worse."
But Toji's face morphs into something more pleasing once he catches sight of Elska's blatantly shy expression.
"Doll, what's got you so flustered?"
Toji's eyes stay trained to her. He thinks he has an idea over her sudden smiles but wants to see if she'll say it. He wishes they were a true couple and in his mind, they ought to be with how they're a lone pair in this cluster fuck of a world. He won't push the issue but couldn't resist teasing her.
Elska says nothing at first out of fear of sounding stupid. After a few more moments of silence, he seems to be relinquishing her from spilling it but she's been feeling bold the past couple of days.
"Toji…he thought we were married and that made me realize how we've never actually laid a title to anything."
She laughs awkwardly.
"I mean, we don't need one, we're bonded…but still…how bizarre it is to think about how much you mean to me and then realize that I've never socially acknowledged it!"
She hears him chuckle while she's studying the marble floors and feels relieved that her transparency has been helpful lately.
Toji tugs her a little closer so that they gently bump into each other while walking but then smiles and sighs.
"I'd take you as my wife without hesitation."
Toji notices that she seems surprised and even trips herself up when coming up with a response that she's unable to relay. He's felt so restricted with his feelings since he's been trying to be her rock and not another rock-hard man suffocating her. It's difficult to ignore his own wants and needs but it's simply something he's made his mind up on despite the small joys being stolen for her peace. As they're aimlessly walking, he notices a store they're passing that contains comfortable looking lounge wear so he pivots with her in mind.
"Let's check in here."
Elska knows Naoya and Satoru would freak out if they ever heard Toji say that. She never would have imagined Toji to be that type of man either; the kind that would officially settle down again. She doesn't know much about his previous wife but she's aware of how he loved her dearly. Although Elska doesn't actually see him proposing any time soon she's cloaked in honor with the fact that he'd even think so highly of her. She's worried that she's being too quiet though and doesn't want him to regret his words so she perks up outwardly and gleams while they head into the shop.
"Good eye!"
————————————
Choso sees the mannequins and the tiny bits of pretty fabric displayed over them and freezes while Gojo and Naoya are already heading towards the back of the store, clearly unbothered.
"What kind of clothes are these?"
Choso reaches out an unsteady hand, extending his fingers out as he lightly traces the lace design over the figurine's inner cleavage.
"It's so…thin and covers nothing at all!"
Confused by what his eyes are studying, Choso immediately falls to inelegance and turns a panicked eye to roam the store for his cohorts. His feet cannot move fast enough as he calls out and quickly ambulates toward the direction they went.
"Na…Naoya? NAOYA!!"
Hearing the commotion, Gojo jumps of in front of the speeding being from an isle along the path.
"Woah!! Hey there, it's okay! What's got you so spooked?!"
Satoru puts his hand on Choso's shoulder while gathering that the being is clearly upset by his environment.
"I shouldn't have left you back there, I'm sorry! Let's go find Zenin..."
Choso typically prefers to refrain from swearing if at all possible but he's so anxious in this moment that he hisses in a loud whisper.
"What the fuck are we doing in here!? What is this place?!"
Naoya appears from behind a tall display of panties with bundles of ideas already draping over his arms.
"Did you really just say fuck, Cho?"
The being drops his head as if he's in trouble.
"Ohhhh? What have you got there, loverboy?"
Gojo is so incredibly interested to discover Naoya's taste in lingerie and open this door to kinship.
"Hold them up! I want to see!"
Naoya callously glares and rotates his body, shielding his imaginative choices.
"They're not for your eyes you alabaster himbo!"
But then Zenin remembers that he said he'd try to be open minded for Elska's sake. He rolls his amber eyes but proceeds to hold up the first set with reluctance.
"I hate you, Gojo."
"Ahhh yes, of course, Zenin but I like this one!"
Satoru takes in the two-piece dark blue set that halters around the neck and splits on the sides for a garter connection.
"All lace!"
Gojo pictures Elska in it.
"Zenin, I like your style…BUT…"
Gojo spins around until he finds a bright pale blue bra.
"…I was thinking something a little more…Gojoish. My love could even mix and match!"
Satoru laughs at the annoyed expression Naoya wears as he figured the representation was on purpose.
Choso's jaw drops from the insanity.
"You mean for Elska to wear that!? You can…see through it!"
The being tugs at himself without thinking; now comprehending that there's something magical about these garments.
'Is there a some kind of shaman technique imbued into them? Could it enforce desire?!'
Choso is genuinely intrigued but also clueless.
Naoya snaps the set back down to his side once he realizes Choso's heavy interest.
"Umm...yes Cho but don't you dare imagine it! I'll know if you do, I swear it!"
Satoru spots a black three piece garter set behind Naoya and is duty-bound to secure his love's size.
"32, 40, 36, finally! 34!"
He checks the waist and smiles widely.
"Hell yeah! She'll look like a sexy temptress in this!"
Gojo turns around to see Choso staring up at the overhead example.
"I like that one…a lot…"
Choso gulps down some air but soon is shaking the images from his head. He takes a deep breath before glancing to Naoya to see him react to it as well.
"I hate to say it Gojo but you're right, she would look superb in that."
Naoya's grudgingly acknowledging that Satoru might actually possess some style. He feels Choso's eyes on him though so he returns the gaze but laughs as Choso still appears scared or perhaps just abhorrently uncomfortable.
"You're not doing anything wrong by being here Cho, it's alright! This is a retail store just like other ones we've been in."
Choso nods bashfully as if he can't bring himself to believe that and ultimately decides he just needs time to collect himself.
"I'm going to look over here but please, don't go too far…I don't want to be left alone in here!"
Naoya and Gojo wear a sort of vague disappointment but Choso can only care about separating himself from their lechery. He quickly lowers his head and begins heading towards the nearest corner of the shop.
"You've really not taught him anything have you Zenin?!"
Gojo acts as if he's disappointed in one of his senior students for leaving a freshman behind.
"He needs a sensei to rid that stench of virginity."
Naoya squints his eyes and frowns.
"He doesn't know any women other than Elska, Go-Jo. How the fuck am I supposed to teach him when there's only one female for him to focus on? HMM?"
Naoya can't believe he had to spell that one out.
"I thought you were intelligent."
"I...uhhh...see your point!"
Gojo smiles awkwardly but joking reiterates that the hybrid would still benefit from teachings and then chuckles when Naoya exacerbates and walks away with annoyance.
"Zenin, wait for me! I want to see what else you picked out!"
Choso sees things that he likes and wants to bring something back for Elska and Nobara but has a funny feeling that panties shouldn't be it. He circles a few stands but his eyes are struck by these cute hand-held pink mice-looking things hanging on the wall. He lifts one out of the metal hook, flips it over and then reads the description out loud.
"For the best vibes and quietest stress relief."
Through the plastic covering is a small cut out that exposes the silicone so Choso gently pokes it.
"Ooo, squishy!"
The being's face lights up once reviewing recent events in his mind. He doesn't know a whole lot about women yet but he concedes to the fact that the two he's acquainted with have a lot going on.
"This sounds really nice! Elska has been extra stressed and I bet Nobara could benefit from this as too!"
Grinning as if he'd just mined the clearest crystal, Choso confidently grabs another.
"I can get them matching ones!"
Choso feels like he's finally succeeded in some life altering trial having been drowning in lust and lace for the past 20 minutes.
"Batteries included. Oh! I wonder why it has those?"
Leaving the question behind, he smiles with pride after studying the little drawn on whiskers on the face and strolls to the register.
The young blonde woman behind the counter smiles at him and asks if it's a gift.
"We can wrap them up for you! It's a promotional thing since we're new!"
Her red uniform is low cut and reveals a large amount of cleavage. Choso stutters and means to make eye contact again but the girl flirtatiously bounces her breasts and due to their size alone, he cannot help but gawk.
"Sir? It's going to be $63.39. Want me to wrap it?"
Wide eyed and condemned, the being's eyes dart back to her.
"Y-y-yes that would be great! I appreciate that!"
The cashier's eye brow lifts with salacious curiosity.
"Must be one lucky woman to have such a handsome man thinking about her. Face tattoos are so in right now."
Choso chokes up on his words not knowing what to say back and not receptive to her flirting. She leans closer over the glass counter until her breasts rests against it. Scanning around for some kind of cue, the being cracks under the obscure social pressure until he's blurting whatever comes to mind.
"I uhhh…they both are! My brother's girlfriend is really funny and my best friend's...well wait...is Elska Naoya's girlfriend? I don't know...but I really like her a lot too. They deserve these!"
When the girl belts into laughter, Choso misinterprets the harmless giggles as being made fun of so he anxiously bows before scurrying away from the counter.
Right as he's spiraling with nerves, feeling lost and embarrassed for reasons he doesn't even fully comprehend, Gojo's high pitched chuckles sound off and offer Choso his party's location.
———————————
Elska and Toji ended up buying way more than they meant to.
"Whooops!"
They're both mounting multiple bags although Toji is clearly toting most of the weight.
"Doll maybe we should put some of these back in the car first."
He laughs as they both waddle with merchandise.
"Here, this way."
He turns the corner out of the shop towards the Southern Gate, leading her.
"Well at least my ass won't be hanging out anymore. I deem this a mission accomplished! I would love for at least some of our friends to not know my nudity."
She snickers as they make their way back outside and towards the car. Once they get to it Toji opens the driver door and pops the trunk.
"Load them in!"
He says this but walks around to the rear of the car to help her with the task. With all of the tools and auto-related equipment already stashed away back there however, the last few bags are stored in the floorboard of the back seat.
"Jeez. Do you think we bought too much?"
"Not really, doll, you're entire wardrobe was banned to oblivion."
They shut the latch back down together but Toji's caught up in a moment where the wind is blowing her yellow sundress and hair perfectly. His telling eyes wander to her thighs when the gusts reveals them until her scent crosses his nose and direct his gaze to her exposed neck.
"Mmmm…"
He groans as his mind automatically conjures the fantasy of lifting her into his arms and having her on the hood of his car. Or maybe he could slink his hand through her hair, bend down and steal a kiss. All he wants is to be close to Elska; to heed their bond that yearns for mutual acknowledgement without the guilt of feeling like he's taking advantage of the situation.
"Toji? What's wrong?"
Redirecting his thoughts, the giant clears his throat and shifts his view to behind her.
"Nothing, I'm good. Ready to go back?"
She squints from the sun while holding a flattened hand above her eyes to look up at him.
"Sure! Let's go!"
She wraps her hands around his right arm once they begin their walk back towards the mall. A sweet aroma floats by them in the breeze, drawing Elska's head towards the plethora of snack stands aligned in a row.
"Yum! Toji, can we get a snack first?"
"Of course."
He smirks when she excitedly changes their course to trek the outdoor courtyard where chain restaurants have semi-permanent installments along the length of the mall itself. Toji is finding their time together to be very peaceful and easy though the fantasy is hard to ignore since it actually feels like they're on a date.
"Oh look at that place and all the different types of bread!"
Toji orients to where she's pointing and notices the fancy spread of decorated deserts. Every single one seems delicious but to the giant's dismay, he's left with only his hunger of Elska. His new appetite allows him to consume regular food but it doesn't have the same ability to apply nutrition as before.
"I bet Nanami would buy this one if he were here!"
Hearing the manager's name prompts Toji to wonder about Megumi's mission earlier today.
"Doll, which one are you going to?"
He pulls out his phone as she points to the next one over.
"Okay, I'm going to go right over there to call Megs."
Elska smiles and gets in line while Toji walks over behind the bushes in a small alleyway for privacy; taking his eyes off of her to dial in.
———————————————
Kokoro has been patiently trailing this entire time and currently resides on the roof, gazing down.
"Fiiiiinalllllly..."
He takes out his own phone, presses a speed dialed number and places it to his ear. Nervously tapping fingers beat the concrete until the second ring concludes and the line is answered.
"Okhin, they've separated but it doesn't look like for long. Keep Oda occupied and I promise your brother, Baidal, will raise in rank."
The Titer on the other end confirms that she will and hangs up. Kokoro grins as he watches the young undercover clanswomen head in Elska's direction.
"Alright...no turning back now."
Mugoi rakes together his conviction and starts the long route to Toji.
——————————————
Gojo notices the two bags in Choso's hands and out of sheer curiosity, pries.
"What would you of all people have bought here?"
Naoya abruptly turns around and while looking at Choso's neatly wrapped gifts, his left eye twitches.
"Cho? What's in there?"
He doesn't mean to but his tone sounds almost like an owner who's inquiring about what in their dog's mouth.
The being becomes defensive immediately.
"It's nothing like any of this weird stuff! I just wanted to get the girls something to show that I was thinking about them."
He watches Naoya's eyes narrow suspiciously.
"It's has no similarities to what you two are buying! I should be giving YOU that look for your indecency!"
Naoya seems unconvinced and goes to question it all until Choso accidentally raises his voice.
"IT'S NOT FUCKING PANTIES!"
"Woah. Twice in one day, Cho? Maybe this isn't a good place for you; it shouldn't stress you out like this."
Naoya decides to drop it since he trusts that whatever Choso got Elska and Nobara, it would indeed be innocent and genuine. He hears Gojo call his name so he orients himself towards the silver shaman.
"How about this color scheme? Yeaaah?!"
Gojo excitedly holds up a bra and panty set that bears both of their colors; light blue trim that contrasts against its dark blue base. He witnesses Naoya's honesty through those gleaming amber eyes and discerns that this one is a winner.
'Gotcha.'
Satoru grins when the princely man undoubtedly approves.
"Check it out Zenin, they even have the matching garter and...ooo...thigh highs!"
Naoya's lips part ever so slightly.
Gojo is entirely impressed with himself for finding such a treasure and ruminates in the vision of it clinging to her body. He manipulates the hangers until the ensemble is slowly twirling for the blonde to view in greater detail. Once Satoru feels enough time has graced them, he lowers it down while keeping eye contact with Naoya.
"So…what do you think?"
Naoya furrows his brow as he's certain he was unable to hide the undeniable fact that it would suit her well. He pauses before he answers, swirling the context around in his thought pallet.
'Gojo is never as simple as he seems so what is he really asking me?'
His view switches back to the colors and then abruptly up to the silver shaman himself who smiles with deviancy.
"Hold the fuck on. I see what you're doing here..."
Gojo grins; busted.
"What?! Zenin, look...I just think that we're lucky that both of our clans' colors go so well together, don't you?"
Satoru bites his lip with a smirk, optimistic of his chances of success.
"It's a show that we can, you know…come together."
Naoya feels his face twist up in disgust.
"Did you just...are yo-"
But instead of blowing up, the blonde sighs.
"You're WAY too excited about that, Gojo. I don't understand how you can be, that shit is so weird."
If he were Gojo he would have already removed everyone else from the picture.
Satoru eyes Choso who's fidgeting fingers with his head down before looking back at Naoya.
"Honestly? You like her, she likes you. You make her feel good. I like it when she feels good."
Utilizing Naoya's shock, Gojo dances his tone around.
"I make her feel good as well. I go out of my way to see her melt whenever I'm given the opportunity but surely, you can understand that. Imagine our powers combined though Zenin...do you even comprehend how good it would feel for everyone?"
Satoru momentarily loses himself in the dream of Elska being doubly brought to her knees.
"I swear to God, Gojo...if you jizz your pants... I'm going to scream."
The Silver Shaman snickers under his breath but deflects before continuing.
"Could you blame me if I did?! And don't misunderstand, Zenin. I'm not into handing off my love, okay? I don't want someone else around all the time…but sometimes? Definitely."
Naoya scoffs in disbelief.
"She's a princess and is to be handled with care Gojo…"
He shifts his direction towards the counter and double checks the sizes. While making sure all of them would fit her, Naoya reserves his tone to communicate his deepest concerns.
"I'll be straight up, you silver snake. I have a really hard time talking about this stuff with you because I fear I'll regret it when you do something horrifically monstrous."
Satoru puts all his playful behavior to the side once understanding that Naoya is actually being real with him.
"Zenin, I want this to work out…why do you think I'd risk hurting her again?"
"Toji was right. Your reasoning is all wrong."
Naoya doesn't know how to take Gojo's response as he comprehends the truth in Satoru's every mannerism.
'Does he love her?'
Still very uncertain of that red flag, Naoya proceeds to walk toward the counter to pay.
"This is all up to my princess in case you forgot. Don't be so fucking pushy and if it happens, don't do anything weird."
Gojo laughs and looks to Choso who has since jammed fingers into his ears.
"Right, like this all isn't weird to begin with?! Anyways, we should go find them after this, they're outside."
Naoya raises an eyebrow and turns in his direction as the cashier ogles Choso and bags everything.
"How do you know that?"
Gojo points to his eyes.
"Detection my friend. I've kept focus on them this entire time."
Naoya seems impressed and relieved by that information.
"But there's a suspicious person interacting with my love and I don't like it."
————————————
Kokoro is finally nearing Toji. He's been moving along the wall, squeezing in between large enough crevices or bushes with white painted brick foundations.
'Just touch him with it and RETREAT.'
He repeats it like a mantra to himself while reaching his shaking hand into a pocket just to feel the tiny box with his fingertips.
'Remain calm…'
It appears as though Toji is still distracted and on the phone so before burning his last few footsteps, he turns his head to check on Elska's position.
'I'll feel better once I know that side has been handl-'
But time stops for Kokoro when his searching eyes fail to locate Elska or Okhin.
'WHERE THE FUCK IS ODA?!'
A pacifying chill courses down Mugoi's spine as he unfreezes his crouching position and backs away from the bush.
'God damn it Okhin...you better be handling your part...'
As much as he wants to, Kokoro doesn't have time to sit here and get cold feet. He's waited hours for them to finally be apart and as luck would have it, Toji tucked himself away back here which lessens complications from civilians. Despite the alarm bells filling his soul with unease, Mugoi plants heavy feet.
'I have to follow through; just touch him.'
Kokoro exhales a nervous breath and replays Genghis's words in his head.
"It's likely that he'll experience an extended shock period from the sudden energy fusion. He won't be able to attack you during this time so once the deed is done, you will have plenty of opportunity to make your escape."
Kokoro takes a second silent, deep breath in hopes of regaining his self-righteous courage.
'You've handled countless harder tasks, this is SHIT in comparison! Get it together Mugoi!'
He now raises his own worth up with the assumptions of how Getou and Genghis will eat their words and gestures about his uselessness.
'I just have to touch him.'
Toji senses the awkwardness between him and Megumi. It's not the long pauses of silence or the lack of conversation to relate on; there's a slight spite in his son's voice.
"Alright well I'm glad it went well. You know, pretty soon you'll have solo missions; I'm sure you're excited about that. It's an important period for a shaman."
"Yea."
Toji clenches his fist and lightly places it to his forehead, wishing he knew what to say to lessen the estranged feeling.
"How about we have a drink later and talk? I'm sure Nanami has something lying around. Elska's almost done here so we should be heading back pretty soon. She has something for you too so I'm sure she'll want to give it to you right away."
After a few seconds of torture, Toji cracks a smile when Megumi says more than just a singular phrase.
"Okay...fine. I'll ask him. We're on our way back now so don't take forever."
Toji grins even wider; having expected Megumi to be more stubborn but is overjoyed with the compliance. It does indeed rub him the wrong way that it took mentioning Elska to get him to agree but the giant is so new to this active fatherhood thing that he'll also take what he can get.
"Alright, love ya kid, see you soon."
Toji doesn't hang up the phone immediately though. Instead, he maliciously sneers with heightened awareness as he pretends to still be engaged in conversation. Someone has been moving nearly under the radar but because of Toji's heightened senses, he was always aware.
'Now, who is this trying to sneak up on me?'
Kokoro grits his teeth with anxiety. The large Shaman Slayer is right in front of him and facing the opposite way when he swiftly extends his arm to have the box make contact with Toji's shoulder. He closes his eyes though, overly terrified by even being in this position
'JUST FUCKING TOUCH HIM!'
While waiting for the anticipated agony of Toji suffering energy manipulation, Kokoro finds himself overcome with horror as he feels something wrenching around his wrist. The shock of pain unfastens his eyes while he simultaneously cries out in fear.
"aaaAAAHHH!!!"
Toji has the mystery man in a death grip and is threatening to crush his arm.
"Who the fuck are YOU?"
Toji violently yanks the man up by the arm and purposefully dislocates his shoulder leaving the man to breathlessly cry in agony.
"You fucking cunt…you better talk...NOW!"
Toji squeezes harder until he hears the delicate human structure compressing under his fingers break; the carpal bones and all giving completely. The man flails wildly in retaliation, screaming louder and surely drawing attention. The giant covers the his assailant's mouth and hurriedly drags him deeper into the alley but this is when he feels the man straining that arm to clutch a tiny black box. Toji's green eyes narrow as he tries to figure it out.
"And what the hell is this?"
Kokoro is completely panicked over feeling the wrath of Fushiguro first hand.
'How is he THIS strong?'
It's taking everything in Mugoi's living being to keep the weak hold he has on the box itself alive. His right wrist and hand are completely useless now, having full understanding that his bones have been shattered by the slayer's sheer force. He's effortlessly yanked upwards again by Toji like a sack of potatoes and can feel the muscles in his shoulder and arm painfully tearing.
"WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?! I WILL NOT BE ASKING AGAIN."
Mugoi wants to find words to respond and perhaps grant himself some mercy but he's so fucking terrified that he'd simply lost his voice up to this point. Kokoro eyes widen further as he watches Toji reaching for the box.
"NOOO!"
He screams during his bout with Fushiguro, each backed by a desperate attempt to simply touch Toji with it before it can be touched by him.
"I WILL…SUC…CEED!"
Toji goes to smack the box out of the man's fingertips but before he can, he bears witness to the box being released and falling into the man's unrestrained hand between them.
As soon as Kokoro catches it, he shoves the box into Toji's bicep with enough force to crumble a corner.
"GOTCHA!"
He doesn't see the look on Toji's face nor does he care to; he's fleeing for his life.
"HAHAHA!! I DID IT! I FUCKING TOUCHED HIIIIIIM!!"
High off of adrenaline, Kokoro charges off in the opposite direction of his target. He dares not look back but even without sight Mugoi gratefully comprehends that he's not being chased.
"Genghis was RIGHT!"
The little black cube falls to the sidewalk below and Toji huffs after having felt a pinch in his arm but nothing else more. He doesn't understand what that all was but is on edge despite the anticlimactic charge.
"Is that guy serious?"
The giant locks his now glowing eyes onto the piece of shit scurrying away from him.
"Who's got who?"
Another sting emanates from that same small area but Toji begins to sense the particular energy spilling from the man screaming like an animal that's been shot.
"You...fucking…TITERRRRR!"
Toji launches after the man, burning with the urge to kill and the speed to do it.
"GET THE FUCK BACK HERE! YOU CAN'T RUN FROM MEE!"
Toji builds up some of his energy as he closes the distance between him and his prey but ends up sliding to an abrupt stop with wide eyes.
"Doll?!"
Just by a quick glance it's easy to see that someone's blood has already marked Nobara's pretty yellow dress.
Elska cut off his escape route and is not interested in trivial introductions. With a wildly mad look in her eyes and without warning she grabs Kokoro by the face, hard. She releases a shaking wave of energy as her fingers pierce through the flesh of his jaw and cheeks. He cries into a cracked babble as she squeezes his face further with absolute ferocity displayed.
"YOU DARE GO AFTER MY BELOVED?!"
She's in full control but isn't ignoring the profound hatred and intensified energy circulating her veins. Her eyes momentarily take to Toji who appears stunned by her protective stance but their eyes respond to each other with illumination regardless.
"HE IS MIIIIIIINE!"
Elska calls for her wings and glares at Kokoro as she pushes off the ground and launches them both up onto the roof all while he's hanging by the grip she has on the remaining intact bones of his face. Once they land, she throws the Titer into a concrete wall and watches blood splatter from his impact; relishing in his fear.
"I don't know who you are but you fucked up."
She apathetically narrows her eyes onto the man whose face is no longer recognizable with skin dangling from chunky meat strands barely attached to his jawline.
"You should've just aimed for me instead."
"N-n-n-n-n-!"
Elska cracks her knuckles and keeps hollowed eyes that stalk with a predator's aura.
"I wonder if you'll hold together any better?"
"N-n-nn-aaaAAAAAAhhH!!"
Elska calmly takes two closing steps; terrorizing the hysterical fuck attempting to hold his mangled face in place. The revisited urge to dismember claws its way to the surface but once she's about three feet away from him, her beloved swoops in.
Toji lands beside her but notices that her energy has darkened since leaving the ground. He studies her cautiously for signs of alteration but sighs relief when the dashes remain invisible. Upset by Elska having to get her hands dirty he chivalrously reaches for her, stifling her murderous intent.
"Doll, please…allow me."
Toji walks past her and towards Kokoro who is trying his best to crawl away on his side by using the good arm in a prudent attempt to push more concrete between them.
"NnnaaaahhHH!!!!"
'Genghis was WRONG! Fushiguro is supposed to be in shock!! WHY IS ODA ACTING LIKE THIS?!'
Kokoro is not even mentally here; he's checked out. The part of him left behind is the truest form he's ever exposed; the weeping, weak and destitute man. He never expected Oda to be so ruthless in this state devoid of the Master.
Kokoro cries rivers of tears as he sees her unapologetically fold her arms and stare daggers while Toji gets closer.
'I'm going to actually die unles-...no...I'm going to die...'
Kokoro regrets ever trusting Genghis and wonders if this is finally payback.
'But I had to get rid of him! WHY DOESN'T ANYONE ELSE SEE GENGHIS'S DARK SIDE?!'
Mugoi taps into his original, long forgotten purpose of betrayal having forgotten the core reasons that prompted him to set Temujin up but before long, Kokoro became something similar.
'The clan...THE TITERS! THEY CAN'T FOLLOW HIM! THEY CAN'T!'
Toji kneels down and grabs Kokoro by the throat but he's so far gone that he's barely able to focus on the red eyes honing into him.
"Let this be a warning to the rest of you worthless fucking cunts. Don't you ever try to pull this shit again. We will slaughter you every single time..."
Toji turns back towards Elska to make sure she's okay before refocusing on the pathetic, pissing man lying before him. He's no newbie to violence but something within the giant is breaching his sanity. He leans back in to Mugoi, sharing a final thought.
"You shouldn't have fucked with us."
The giant lifts Kokoro up a few feet off the ground and with a single frustrated shout, slams the man down into the cemented floor so hard that his head splits open like a cantaloupe. Still clenching Mugoi's broken neck, the weird twinge stings his arm and triggers Toji to fall into madness over whatever the box meant.
"FUCKING COWARDS!"
The giant bears his fangs to the sky but for some reason isn't totally satisfied with the Titer's death alone so he's soon curling downward, using teeth as knives to chomp through the flesh of Kokoro's throat.
"T-TOJI!!??"
Elska bolts over to him mortified by what he's doing now that the man is dead. It's incredibly visceral, the way Toji utilizes his fangs to puncture and then tug on the flesh until it's stretched and torn apart. Kokoro's blood spurts out when pressure is applied to what's left of him and its unfortunately the only fact Elska notices as her beloved proceeds to gnaw to the spine. She remains in that exact spot, glued by the sounds of gormandizing and unable to coordinate any kind of intervention but luckily after a deep grinding crack, the giant slowly lifts his stained face to meet eyes. Remnants of tissue hang from Toji's mouth which should be terrifying but there's also something within her that erupts with arousal from the sight alone.
Toji is staring down at the body and is unnerved by his own actions. He'd already killed the man but took it a step further to mutilate him and wears the evidence. He glares at the body, displaced by his own actions.
"Doll…I'm so sorry, I don't kn-…"
But before he can finish stating his absolute loss Elska skids into him with proprioceptive intent.
"TOJI?! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!"
Elska is only concerned with knowing that he's unharmed. She wipes away some of the blood from Toji's chin and neck the best she can as he stares off in a daze. She's then checks over his body for wounds and moves her hair aside in preparation.
"Talk to me!"
"I'm...not hurt…"
He grabs one of her frantic hands and sighs, tuning back in with his surroundings.
"Are you okay, Elska?"
Toji feels relief when she nods with teary eyes; a large weight lifting off of shoulders.
"Doll…that was a Ti…"
He's unable to finish his sentence when Elska throws herself onto him, passionately locking their lips. Toji falls back onto his wings with her on top of him but they stop for a moment and simply gaze into each other's glowing red eyes as another breeze cuts through.The giant transfers the Titer blood onto her when tucking loose hair behind her ear and gently pulling her back down to taste some more.
Elska whimpers to her beloved's strength when he lifts his hips to graze her with his affection. Toji grunts and flips her onto her back; sparks igniting from her own metal feathers as she makes contact to the cement. Smiling and kissing into his forearm, Elska releases her wings and hikes up the dress. While shimmying off her panties however she accidentally kicks Toji in the side of the head while trying to maneuver them off of her ankles. They chuckle as she leans up and palms the spot, feverishly apologizing until he kisses her and uses his weight to slowly rest her back to the ground so he can push the front of his pants down.
They moan loudly when he guides himself to graze over her labia. He rubs his throbbing tip into her a few times and contemplates on if it would be better to warm her up first but when her nails dig into his arms, he throws caution to the wind and slowly nudges in. Pleasured groans escape him as he warm soft walls enclose around him.
"Doll..."
"My be-loved…"
Elska can only say this and gasp as he gradually divides her and pins her wrists above her head with his right hand. Their eyes are glowing, both have their fangs out but she's losing herself in the heat between them as he begins to rock his hips into her.
"Oh-my-G…"
He fills her so well that the initial pain from being stretched is completely worth it as he dominates. His left hand finds its way to her hip for stabilization and she can't help but melt as he's now deeply stroking into her core. Elska raises her legs to his shoulders and he smiles salaciously before turning his head to kiss and nip her calf.
Toji releases her hands so he can grip the under parts up her knees. While still thrusting, he pulls her legs apart a little farther and moans to seeing her flushed expression and fangs hanging from her parted lips. Everything displayed before him is all he ever wants to see; all he'll ever need. He lowers his kneeing stance and lays her right leg down on its side. Wrapping his right arm around her straightened left leg that's pressed against his body, he uses that as leverage to continuously pump his hips with precision. She's whimpering and tightening around him but on top of that he can sense the scent billowing in her.
"Yes, doll…let 'em go…"
She cries out as he seemingly coaxed her into releasing her pheromones, moaning her name while the wave barrels through him.
Elska closes her eyes as her body arches to the sensations; the scent erupts from her but she feels like she's going to climax too. Toji casts seductive moans from her as he rubs her clitoris with his free hand and groans with domineering features. She looks up to him through her lashes, loving how his body gleams from their little exercise. She wants to kiss him but can't get the words out so instead, she attempts to pull him down closer to her.
Toji slows his rhythm for a moment as he adjusts her left leg outwards so he can lay her down and still continue without breaking their lips apart. She grips his hair and gently tugs but her adoration for his capabilities persuades him to finally touch back on a previous conversation.
"I love you too, doll."
Her endearing eyes compel him to increase his speed again, holding her close with his arm now underneath her while their skin slaps together. She's tightening around him again so before she can finish he sinks his fangs into her neck and almost unravels from her reaction. The way she calls his name makes him dedicate every submersion into her with dedication as if his dick alone could stir away the problems at hand. She cries out breathlessly and with internal muscles convulsing around him that can only bring him a smile. Toji sinks his fangs back in and holds them into position. Gone is the worry of her not meeting her release so with discipline shot, the giant anchors his teeth until he feels himself exploding and doesn't stop thrusting until he's been milked dry.
"God, I fucking love you, Elska…"
There is not a proper expression in this his language that could elude to the depths of his feelings and he wishes he could explain that while panting into the crook of her neck. His lips pucker and press all by themselves until they're traveling across her cheek to reach her own.
"Oh Toji…that was…"
Elska's trying to catch her breath in between the moments their mouths aren't touching.
"…Toji…"
He grins proudly above before planting a kiss to her forehead giving her time to collect and finally manage out the point of her struggle
"…so GOOD!"
She wipes the blood-mixed sweat from his eyebrows as he adores her from above.
"Reeeeeally good!"
Coming to terms that they're out in public, Toji reluctantly pulls out of her loving how she whines to from over stimulation.
"Nothing like a little violence and making love, huh?"
He smiles in response to Elska nodding before reaching back for her underwear. He turns around to admire their position once more though. He appreciates so much more about his doll than just the sex but he also loves resting between her legs and feeling their intimacy. He leans down to kiss her, not being bothered by the blood smeared on them both but their wonderful exclusion shatters when they're interrupted.
"DAMN. This looks like something I would do!"
"Sati!"
Toji still has his member out but doesn't even feel rushed to hide it since he knows Satoru is likely aware that they just went at it.
"He was a Titer. Gojo, tell your little friends to fuck off or come get fucked."
Toji says it as he tucks his satisfied sword away and helps Elska to her feet, noticing that her legs are still a little wobbly.
Gojo smirks as he strolls over to them a few feet away. He was originally alarmed when he felt Toji and Elska's energy along with the sudden Titer presence but now he's just glad that she seems fine. She draws him into an embrace which is when he has to ask.
"Are you alright, love?"
She says yes so he looks over to Toji with a wink.
"You good too? Thank you for taking care of her."
"Sati, he didn't attack me though…he went after Toji!"
Elska glances up to Satoru to see if he's as confused by that as she is. He furrows his brow but rubs her back with his hand while he contemplates. She sees Gojo's eyes take to an area behind her so she turns and senses a portal forming. When Choso and Naoya step out of it she sighs in relief as it didn't look like they experienced any issues like her and Toji.
Naoya instantly runs to Elska and grabs her bloodied cheeks.
"Baby, what happened!?"
He searches her for any visible indication that she's hurt and smiles widely when she states that she's totally fine. When he spots the body next to them though, the Zenin finds himself mortified by the state its in.
"Holy shit…did you do this, Toji?"
"He's a fucking Titer, Naoya. I was ambushed…"
Toji's view gravitates toward Elska as he recalls her brutality, still being utterly turned on by it all over again.
"We did what we had to…"
Toji feels the twinge in his arm and brushes his fingers over the skin to check for any marks. He can't feel or see anything though so he shrugs.
"He had this little box that he was trying to put on me"
Toji looks around for it and curses when he remembers that he left it on the ground when he started chasing after the sorry fuck. He hears Gojo hum before warping out of view.
Choso is taking in scene of the body too. He doesn't think he's familiar with the man but also can't really tell because the Titer's face, head and throat have been gruesomely destroyed.
"Toji, Elska…I'm glad nothing happened to you two."
The being's shaken by the grotesque corpse but fully comprehends that Toji is feared for good reason and also doesn't think Elska to be capable of something so barbaric. Choso hugs them with genuine joy as Gojo reappears before them.
Walking over to Toji, Satoru holds up the black cube
"Is this it?"
"Yeah, that's the one…"
Toji goes to grab it but Satoru snatches his hand back.
"I don't think you should have contact with this until we understand what was in it. It's too risky."
Gojo returns to holding it back in front of him while worriedly checking it out.
'It seems like a regular trinket holder…'
But Satoru also senses a strange but familiar energy; one that makes the hair on the back of his neck immediately rise to a stand.
'These remnants aren't from the Titers alone...'
Choso's expression seems to one of pondering so he eagerly hands it over to the being.
"Would you happen to know what this is?"
Choso takes the box in his hands and rotates it with his fingers. He can sense the lingering Titer energy but also discerns the additional source that he can only somewhat compare to Elska's. It's dark, ominous but also contains a similar but different kind of light at the same time. The possibility and lack of comprehension behind it riles the being with which causes him to eye Toji.
"How are you feeling right now? Do you feel sick like I did or maybe more tired than usual? Is there any pain?"
Choso's concern inadvertently spreads through the group like wildfire.
"What is it Choso?! What did they do to my beloved?!"
Elska's eyes tear up as she reaches out for Toji, her wildest fears taking hold since she doesn't understand any of this and was too quick to assume they were in the clear. She laces their fingers together and clings to his large arm while he looks down to her and tries to soothe her with a soft, reassuring smile.
Choso takes a deep breath, wishing he had more answers but garners the giant's attention again.
"I don't know what this is with certainty…but it reeks of Titer. I think they used this to harness a technique but what I don't know which one or why…"
Choso puts the box in his pocket as Naoya swears under his breath, regretfully orienting to Elska hoping he's wrong.
"Until we know more, we have to accept the possibility that you may be in danger around him now. The Titers are extremely calculated and would only have engaged so long as they were certain for a viable outcome."
Choso hated saying that but doesn't want to take any chances as he tries to plan for anything and everything.
"I would never hurt her."
It wasn't meant in a defensive way, more of statement but Toji looks down to Elska as she looks up to him and reiterates.
"I promise you doll."
"I believe you Toji, I know you wouldn't do anything like that!"
Elska's demeanor stands unchanged in relation to her beloved. She knows their bond well enough and feels like she would more than likely be able to sense his corruption more efficiently than anyone else.
"Understand that we have to monitor you now old fart…just until we know what's going on."
Naoya feels confident in Toji's judgement, always has; precautions are being implemented merely because it involves Elska's well-being too.
"I want to make sure you're okay…I care about you, Toji. Who else could protect her like you did?!"
Naoya's kindness forces Toji to nervously shift his eyes about since he feels bad knowing his cousin would probably be more pissed than anything if he knew what they'd been doing right after the fight.
"Hey kid...look…before you get all sappy, I should tell ya tha-"
Gojo chimes in, meaning well.
"I already explained to him you that you two were going to fuck, Zenin's a big boy!"
Naoya's eye twitches before he calmly grins and asks in a fake, pleasant voice, unleashes passive aggression.
"What was that?"
The Zenin puts a firm hand on Toji's shoulder, slowly increasing his grip.
"You did what now?"
Naoya's pretty frustrated by that thought, knowing that Toji probably bit her with the fangs he wishes he had.
"And here I was saying I loved you!"
Elska awkwardly interjects between them.
"Naoya, he's been through a lot just now, let him be, please?"
She's hoping he's not seriously pissed off but would understand if he was.
"I kind of initiated it anyways, it's not Toji's fault!"
Naoya removes his hand from Toji and pouts with an expression that would be worn by someone who just found out their house burned down. He soaks in the news yet stands there isolated around them all.
"I don't know how to deal with that, princess..."
He sighs in frustration and turns away from her while to organize his thoughts.
"I'm...so sorry, Naoya…"
Elska feels horrible for being the woman she is; for not being able to choose. Her head hangs low as she gradually lowers her sights from the back of Naoya's head to the legs of the shaman pants he's wearing.
"I don't want to do this to you…ever! I hate hurting you!"
Choso watches the expression on Naoya's face go from deep thought to wide eyed as Zenin realizes she took his mannerisms the wrong way.
"Princess, I just needed to think!"
Naoya grabs her hands.
"I won't pretend like that didn't bother me but you don't have to be so worried…"
He looks at Gojo and Toji, then back to her.
"I know you love him, you told me. I just...this is not your typical romantic situation so sometimes I need to process so I can understand my own feelings on them before blurting a regret."
He now smiles awkwardly when Elska winces to his truth.
"But you know…you should probably make this up to me and I know JUST the thing, baby!"
"That's my favorite Zenin!"
Gojo cheers on Naoya as he thinks of how the blonde is about to twist this into her having to model the lingerie.
"Go for it!"
Elska tilts her head.
"What exactly do you have in mind, my prince?"
She feels like something inappropriate is about to be projected as she suspiciously considers Satoru's support with playfully narrowing eyes.
'Sati is way too excited…it has to be something sexual!'
Naoya kisses both of her hands before slowly lowering them back down to gaze without obstruction. He takes a deep breath and wears his resolve before he solidifies himself.
"Turn me."
"Holdddd-the-fuck-up! TIME OUT! Na-uh, NOPE! That's not where I thought this was going."
Satoru now angrily stalks over towards them, betrayed by the rightfully dubbed Loverboy.
"What the FUCK was that, Naoya?!"
Toji seethes through his teeth and growl.
"Back the fuck off boy…"
His arm stings and twitches, soon giving him the intrusive urge to slug Naoya off of his feet.
Elska wasn't expecting that either. She feels the others change their tone immediately but is still honed into Naoya with bewilderment.
"Turn you?"
Naoya ignores the warnings from the others for the sake of this conversation.
"Yes baby…I want to be like you."
He raises her left wrist to his lips and gently nips her skin. She whimpers with a furrowed brow but the best sign to him is when her eyes begin to glow bright red. Naoya feels his smirk forming as she seems to want that result as well.
"Why fight it, princess?"
Toji roars and flails his wings in a fit.
"STOP IT!"
Gojo walks up next to him to show support with a disappointed look strung along in his eyes, waiting to hear what she has to say.
Elska lies to herself about her truest desires involving the Zenin.
"Naoya…I only did that Toji because he was going to die…"
She squeezes his hands lightly to communicate something to him though she doesn't know what it is. Her right arm raises to brush some stray hair from his eyes, desperately hoping he can understand.
"I…would love to know what your fangs feel like."
His eyes light up for a second but then he registers there's more to be said.
"But I will not turn you just because of my curiosity."
She cups his cheek as she secretly yearns to facilitate the ancient ritual right then and there. She really would love to turn him but it wouldn't be a choice that someone who cares would make.
Toji sighs his relief.
Satoru walks up to them and taunts Naoya.
"And to think you could've just asked her to pose in the sexy stuff! Well I guess I'm proposing it now…"
Gojo is trying to lift the mood now that she's outwardly stated her stance on that issue; him being grateful for her decision.
"Sati! What sexy stuff?!"
She's playing along in hopes Naoya's spirits will raise but he seems to be forcing his smile. She saw them go into at least that one questionable store though so part of her feel like this may not actually be a joke.
Naoya wasn't anticipating her rejection to depress him this much. He's not completely down in the dumps but is unable to hide how much he was hoping for a different answer.
"Yes my dear, we found some wonderful…battle gear."
He snickers now, feeling a little better as he mentally grazes over their selection.
Choso excitedly suggests his personal favorite.
"Especially the black one!"
Elska turns to him with shock across her face but Choso, not always understanding the social atmosphere, confidently explain.
"You'll look like a sexy temptress!"
He smiles widely to her squinting eyes, unsure of why her expression doesn't uplift into something more agreeable.
"Cho…"
Naoya can't help but laugh into his hand as it slides down his face.
"You should be extremely weary of repeating anything that leaves Gojo mouth."
Cackling deeply with watery, stressed-out eyes, the Zenin glances to his princess.
"It really was a good choice though."
He laughs when Elska tries to poke him in revenge.
The Titer's blood pools around the body, slowing seeping over to where they all stand enjoying their exchanges. Gojo is the first to notice though of course which prompts him to wrap this trip up.
"Yeah… we should probably take care of this mess you guys."
He points to the corpse.
"Did everyone get what they needed today?"
Everyone either says yes or nods so he looks around for a stairwell door and snaps his fingers in its direction when he finds it.
"Alright then, let's go home."
He pulls out his phone, not really looking forward to making this call. When the other end picks up, Gojo does his best to make things not seem like a big deal.
"HEY Nanamin!! So…I hope your day has been good. Easy mission? Well...I hate to tell you buuut we kind of have a dead Titer on the roof at the mall…"
Elska sheepishly taps Satoru's shoulder and corrects him to everyone's surprise.
"Actually, Sati…there are two…"