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Satoru woke up to his alarm blaring on his beside table, disturbing the tranquil December morning. "I thought I turned it off." He slaps at his phone haphazardly, groaning when he pushed it off the table instead of turning off the alarm. He slides his upper body off the comfort of his bed and grab his phone off the floor. He turns off his alarm and sighs, lingering sideways of the bed for a few moments. He sits up, groaning as he does, and checks the texts on his phone.
Prime Minister Yaga: Gojo, you are needed today as we are doing a surprise press conference at 9. Please come to the capital building before 7 this morning. You can have the rest of the day off after. Thank you.
Satoru groaned and rubbed his eyes. He threw his blankets off and slid his feet into his slippers, shuffling to the bathroom. He took a quick shower and blow dried his hair, making it look fluffier and nicer than usual. He brushed his teeth and treated his teeth with a whitening treatment. While doing the whitening treatment, he picked out one of his press conference suits and placed it on the bed without wrinkling it.
He checks the clock: 6:05 am. He gets dressed, sliding on some long dog socks to add an air of unprofessionalism. He cooked a quick and easily reheatable breakfast for Megumi. After placing a plate into the microwave, he walks to Megumi's bedroom and quietly slips through the door. He walks up to the bed, squatting to see Megumi easier. He runs a hand through the eight year old's hair, gently coaxing him awake enough to say goodbye.
He would bring Megumi with him, but the public doesn't know about him. He wanted Megumi to have as normal of a childhood as he could. He didn't want him to be bombarded by random people on and to his way home from school (he insisted to Satoru to walk on his home. Satoru had a bodyguard watch him until he was a little older) or kids at school excluding him. There are only a couple people other than a few coworkers and his team that know about Megumi.
Megumi opens his eyes sleepily and grimaces. He buries his head back in his overly fluffy pillow, obscuring some of his face from Satoru's view. Satoru giggles, continuing to pet his hair. Megumi leans into the touch.
"I'll be out for a little bit, but I'll be back before lunch. Do you want me to call Kento to stay with you?" Megumi shakes his head, nudging Satoru's hand toward a specific part of his head. Satoru lightly scratches, knowing it helps Megumi fall back asleep. "Okay, I trust you. I left you some breakfast in the microwave. Love you, Gumi."
"Love you, Ruru. Happy birthday." Megumi dozes off as Satoru scratches his head. He leans down, leaving a light kiss on the crown of his head. He quietly thanks Megumi before leaving the room. He walks to the genkan to slide on his designer dress shoes and slips out the door, locking all the locks. A ding from his phone calls his attention during his walk to the car.
Kento ヽ(♡‿♡)ノ: Good morning and Happy birthday, love.
Satoru's heart swells and he sends a message back. A goofy smile sits on his face as he types.
Thank you!!!!! Please come over and celebrate with me and Gumi!!!!!! Love you!!!!
He gets into his car and drives to the capital building, thankfully beating most of the press there. He says a good morning to the secretary, she hands him a little packet of papers to review. He quickly walks to the prime minister's office. He strolls through the door, without knocking.
Yaga greets him without looking up from the paperwork he was reading, it no doubt being related to the press conference happening in about an hour. "Good morning, Gojo."
"Morning! Now what is my presence needed for this morning." He slouches dramatically in one of the plush chairs in front of Yaga's desk. "I was looking forward to spending my day having fun."
"It shouldn't take long. Miwa should have given you the basics of what you need to address during the conference. It shouldn't take longer than an hour, if that."
Satoru skims through the packet he was given, eyes narrowing at bits of the information, "Are you sure we are going to address the new LGBTQ+ bill? That will stir up a lot of controversy."
Yaga sighs, stress filling his shoulders. "We have been pushing it off. It needs to be announced, so we can show that we support that group of people. I think you saying it would be more effective than if I said it."
Satoru quickly mulled it over before nodding. They continued to discuss the topics to be announced, before a knock sounded on the door. "The press is here and ready for the conference to start."
Satoru smiles at her and stands opening up the packet again for a quick review. "Thank you, Miwa. We will be out in a second."
Her face flushes and nods as she closes the door behind her. Yaga sighs and gives Satoru a pointed look. "Please stop flustering, Miwa. It makes it difficult for her to do her job correctly."
Satoru chuckles lightly. "It's just so fun sometimes though! Brightens up my day. It's good to laugh before a stressful event, such as this stupid press conference."
"Find other things to do that." He stands with a slight groan. "Let's get this press conference over with."
"Agreed, I don't want to be here!"
They walk out towards where it is being held. Satoru goes over what he says in his head and then walks out to greet the press. Yaga follows behind him showing his presence in support to what they will be announcing. Satoru smiles at everyone, looking at people in the eye. He is known for having a personable and easy going personality, but incredibly reliable. His extremely good reputation has overshadowed his known gay relationship (he has kept Kento's name away from the public with the help of his publicist Mei Mei). That's why he has held his high ranking position for so long.
"Good morning! I am Satoru Gojo and this-" He points to Yaga behind him. "Our wonderful Prime Minister Masamichi Yaga! Today, we have an announce that will positively affect a often ostracized group of people. This community is just like every other citizen other than who they love-"
He doesn't finish his introduction before he is bombarded with yelling and questions from the press. He quietly groans and tries to calm the crowd before he speaks again.
---
The slightly controversial press conference goes as smoothly as one would think: not at all. There were several protesters that were against the LGBTQ+ bill that came mid conference and caused a stir. Many had to be escorted away from the crowd by police. Only a couple people were hurt, but the injuries were minimal due to them being pushed onto the ground. Satoru received some uncomfortable and personal questions, dealing with his own relationship and sexuality, to which he kept his answers vague and minimal. He regrets not asking this to be a live broadcast. He told Megumi that he would be home before lunch, but he will be cutting it close, since the conference ran for so long.
He huffed as he walked with Yaga to Satoru's office. "That fucking sucked. Thank god it's over."
Yaga nodded and patted Satoru's shoulder. "I think you handled it pretty well. We knew that this would be a controversially subject to address and announce. You can't please everyone, but with this new legislation we are helping people, even if the group is small."
"Yeah, I know, myself included. I just hate the press." He sighs and rubs his eyes, feeling a little headache starting. "I'm gonna file this and then leave. I'll see you soon, Yaga."
"Have a good birthday, Satoru. Don't get too rowdy."
"I have my little Megumi to keep me in check! Kento, too!" He waves to Yaga and returns to his office. He files away the contents of the conference and sighs leaning back in his desk chair. Despite it being early in the morning, he is craving some cake. He dials the number for a local sweets shop and orders a simple chocolate and vanilla cake. He gave them his address and his name for the order and thanked them before hanging up the call. He gathers his things and exits the building, with a pep in his step.
The car ride home is cheery and filled with up beat music, filling his ears. He pulls into his driveway very loudly, signaling to Megumi that he is home. He walks in to find Megumi sitting on the couch reading a educational book on sea horses. He questions why Megumi doesn't read comic books or fictional books like other kids do, but he is proud of his kid for being smart. He ruffles Megumi's hair before lifting him by the armpits.
"Put me down! I wasn't done reading that!" He interrupts his complaining by hugging Megumi close to his chest. Megumi continues to mumble complaints, but melts into the hug. Satoru runs fingers through his hair.
"Did you eat the breakfast I left for you?"
"Yes."
"Do you want cake for lunch when it gets here?"
Megumi doesn't act like normal child most of the time. He is very mature for his age, which Satoru guesses is because of his first four and a half years of life. He goes to bed early and usually without trouble, he's incredibly smart for his age, and incredibly independent (most of the time). But, when he has a nightmare or the offer of sugar any time in the day, he becomes more childlike. Satoru loves when Megumi can behave like a child and encourages it.
He watches Megumi's eyes light up. "Yes!"
Satoru smiles and sets Megumi back down onto the couch. He reaches for his phone in his back pocket. Megumi leans into his side. "I'm gonna call Kento over and the cake should be delivered soon. As for now, let's watch a movie. What are you wanting to watch?"
Megumi thinks for a moment. "There is a new documentary on wolves that I wanna watch."
"I was thinking maybe like a Disney movie, but okay!" He hands the remote to Megumi for him to look up the documentary. He hits Kento's contact and listens to the rings for a few moments before hearing a wonderful deep voice.
"Hello, Satoru."
"Hello, my dear Kento! Would you please come over?"
"I am out running errands right now, but after I will. What do you plan on doing to celebrate today?"
"I was hoping to spend the day with my beautiful boyfriend and my son. I already ordered a cake! It should be here any minute now." He hears a soft laugh through the receiver.
"I will be over soon. Love you, Satoru."
"Love you too! See you soon!"
"Goodbye."
Satoru puts his phone down and tries to enjoy the documentary Megumi is invested in. After a few minutes of failing to gain interest in the documentary, the door bell rings. Satoru gets up eagerly and answers it. A friendly looking teenager was standing at the door, the cake he ordered in her hand. He gives her a large smile.
"Thank you so very much! We are excited to eat this! How much is it?"
"It is going to be thirty-three, twenty-seven." She hands him the cake and he sets it down on the umbrella rack. He gives her the money and gives her a fifty dollar tip. Her eyes widened and before she can give it back, he reassures her to take it.
"It's a payment of my appreciation." She gives him a smile and nods. He thanks her and wishes her a good day. He picks up the cake and carries it to the kitchen. "Megumi, pause the documentary! The cake is here!" He hears the noise of the TV shut off and quick little footsteps run toward him. He grabs two plates out of the cabinet and sets them on the island counter. Megumi is eagerly waiting for his slice on one of the stools. Satoru cuts the cake and places a slice on a plate and hands it to Megumi. He gives him a fork and cuts himself a piece. He watches Megumi take a bite.
"Is it good?" Megumi nods and Satoru laughs as Megumi takes another bite. He turns around to throw the now cake covered knife in the sink. He hears a clunk and turns around to check on Megumi. Megumi's face is pressed into the counter top. "Megumi, are you okay? Is the cake that good, kiddo?"
Megumi doesn't respond. Satoru gets worried, walking around the island. Before he can reach him, Megumi falls off of the stool, a milky foam coming out of his mouth, eyes rolling into his head. His head connects with the floor hard. Satoru drops to his side immediately turning him onto his left side. Megumi coughs weakly, foam, vile, and blood spattering onto the floor. He is shaking and tears run down his cheeks. He looks terrified, hyperventilating.
"Megumi, it's gonna be okay! I-I promise!" He grabs his phone and dials emergency services. He quickly explains the situation, giving them his address and telling them to hurry. Megumi's condition is worsening, his breathing slowing down tremendously. Satoru is holding his hand, trying to stay calm and comforting to Megumi.
"Ru...ru, it hurts." Megumi's breathing has turned to wheezes. Satoru rubs his arm to try and comfort him, impatiently waiting for the paramedics to get there.
"I know, Megumi. It's gonna be okay. Help is coming, baby." Megumi's eyes close and his trembling stills. Satoru quickly turns Megumi onto his back, noticing how his left wrist is twisted abnormally. He starts to press on his chest, praying his heart starts beating again. "Please get up, Megumi."
Satoru is crying and trying to get Megumi's heart to start back up when the paramedics and police run into the kitchen. They immediately get to work as the police start collecting evidence for a possible crime. Satoru follows the paramedics out the door and into the ambulance.
The ambulance ride is the most terrifying experience Satoru has had. He never wants to hear his son's heart rate flatline ever again. He watches the paramedics stick multiple tubes and wires onto his kid. Once they arrived, the doctors forced Satoru to sit in a hospital room by himself. He begs the doctors to let his friend Shoko help him. He doesn't know how long he is sitting there before there is a knock at the door and two police officers walk in; one woman and one man. The woman speaks first.
"Hello, Mr. Gojo. We apologize for bothering you during such an upsetting time, but we have some questions."
Satoru nods and they sit down in some chairs the man has pulled up. The man begins the questioning. "Would you please tell us what happened?"
"Um... my son and I were eating this cake that I had ordered from a local bakery. I had cut him a piece and myself one, but he started eating it before I did. I turned around-" he inhales a shaky breath, tears welling up in his eyes. "to throw the knife I used in the sink an-and... I turned back around and he was faced down on the counter. He fell off the stool and was foaming out the mouth. I immediately called an ambulance."
"What bakery did you order the cake from?"
"Sweet Cakes and this teen girl delivered the cake."
"What did she look like?"
"She had black hair pulled up into a pony tail and she was probably no taller than 160 centimeters."
The male police officer gets up and makes a call on his phone. The female police officer gives him a sympathetic smile. "Thank you, Mr. Gojo. We won't let this crime go away and we will find who did this. We wish your son recovers from this event. If we have anymore questions, we will contact you."
"If you don't mind, may I borrow your phone? I need to call someone."
She nods and hands him her cell phone. She leaves the room for him to make a call. He shakily dials Kento's number. He brings the phone up to his ear, tears springing back up in his eyes. He breathes in when he picks up.
"Hello? Kento Nanami speaking."
"Ken-Kento-" He cuts himself off with a sob.
"Satoru? What's wrong? Why are you calling me on another phone?"
Satoru continues crying into the receiver. "Megumi is hurt. Please come to the hospital."
He hears Kento's breath hitch."I will be right there, Satoru. I'm on my way."
"Thank you. Please hurry and just ask to be escorted to me."
"I will. I love you."
"I love you too." He walks out and gives the police officer back her phone and them to inform hospital staff about Kento. He thanks them and sees Shoko walking toward him. He runs toward her, but she ushers him into the room he was in. She shuts the door and leads Satoru back to his seat. She pulls up a chair right beside him, holding his hand.
"We pumped his stomach, getting all of what he ate out. We sent a sample of what we pulled out to a lab, so hopefully they identify what was used. He has a concussion, broken ribs from CPR, his left wrist is broken and his esophagus and stomach are damaged. He is currently unconscious and it might be a day or two before he wakes up due to the lingering affects of the poison and his injuries. He won't be able to eat solid foods without pain for at least three days or a little longer. After that he can eat softer foods. We can set him up on fluids so he continues to get his nutrition."
"So, he will be okay?"
Shoko gives him a small smile. "With time, yes. Right now he needs a bunch of support and will need support. I recommend getting him to a psychiatrist as soon as possible to avoid a fear of eating. We will be keeping him for about two days to make sure he doesn't become worse, but there isn't a high chance that he will." She squeezes his hand. "Satoru, he will be okay."
Satoru exhales, letting tears flow down his face freely. He hears the door open and feels arms encircle him, causing him to break down harder. The stress and worry finally releasing into the air. "I'm here, Satoru."
He hugs Kento back and thanks Shoko repeatedly through tears. Shoko smiles at him and tells him the room Megumi is currently in. Kento rubs Satoru's back, attempting to comfort him during one of the worst moments in his life. Satoru buries his face into Kento's shoulder, continuing to cry.
Shoko silently says her goodbyes and leaves the room. "Satoru, let's go see Megumi."
They walk down to the pediatric unit, Satoru bordering on running. They walk in on a nurse checking Megumi's vitals. She gives them a smile when they enter, wrapping up her inspection.
"Mr. Gojo, he is currently stable. I will be back in a couple hours to check on him again." Kento thanks the nurse sincerely as Satoru pulls up a chair next to Megumi's hospital bed. His skin is paler than usual, making the cannula stand out, despite being clear. The hospital bed makes him look tiny even if it is made for children. Megumi's face is calm, as if he were only asleep, a contrast to a few hours earlier. Satoru rubs his eyes trying to get the imagine of his child's terrified, distraught face out of his memory. He grabs ahold of Megumi's tiny hand, cringing at how cold it is.
Megumi usually runs cold, but this the temperature of his hand is disturbing. He wishes he was wrapped up in one of Megumi's many soft blankets with Megumi tucked in his side as they watched the television. Satoru cups Megumi's hand in between his own to warm it up. Kento slides a chair next to Satoru and rubs a hand on his back for what seems like hours.
"Do you want me to go grab some extra clothes you have stored at my home?"
"Yes, I want the ones I'm wearing now to be burned."
"Okay, I will be back." He kisses Satoru's temple and quietly walks to the door.
"Kento?"
Light from the hallway bleeds into the dim room. Kento turns around expectedly. "Yes?"
"Would you please contact Mei Mei about keeping this out of the media until I make a statement, also make sure the hospital staff is known to not spread this. I don't want people's lives to be affected because the press couldn't stay out of the way. Please also go by my house to get my phone. I need to contact Yaga."
"Yes, I will let them know. Is there anything else you can think of?”
“Get Megumi’s favorite blanket. It’s in his bed. It will help warm him up. He’s cold.”
“Okay. I will be back soon. Love you."
"Love you too."
When Kento shuts the door, Satoru breaks down again, head carefully leaning on his cupped hands. Quiet prayers to whoever will listen are mumbled out of Satoru’s lips, begging for his son to be okay. Tears drop onto the hospital bed, adding another shade of gray to the room.
•••
A couple days later, Megumi started showing signs of waking up. Satoru noticed his eyes moving under his eyelids and a slight furrow in his brow. He nudges Kento who is doing work in his computer next to him.
"I think he is about to wake up!"
They watch as Megumi slowly opens his eyes before closing them again. Kento gets up and dims the lights. Megumi tries to open his eyes once again, successful this time. He looks around the room, confusion painted across his face, until he lays on Satoru. Tears spring in his eyes and fall down his cheeks. Fear enclosing his watery bluish green irises. Good hand gripping his favorite blanket as if it is a lifeline preventing him from disappearing.
"Ruru-"
His voice is rough from disuse and maybe the damage done to his throat. Satoru runs his fingers through Megumi's greasy hair, an attempt to placate him. "I'm right here, Gumi."
Megumi continues to cry, his sobs seemingly won’t stop. No amount of the limited comfort Satoru can give him will stop the tears. He reaches out as best he can to get to Satoru, abdomen not lifting from the hospital bed. Kento runs over to the bed and holds Megumi's hand. "Hello Megumi, how are you feeling?"
Megumi squeezes Kento's hand. "It hurts." He coughs causing a whine of pain to leave his lips, more sobs wracking his frail body.
Satoru grabs the call button off the bed. "Okay, let me call the nurse. We can ask if I can sit with you." Megumi tearfully nods and Satoru presses the button, while Kento tries helplessly to stop Megumi’s crying.
A few moments later, the same nurse that has been checking on Megumi the past several days walks in.
"I'm glad to see that you are up. Can I take a quick look at you?"
Megumi tries to shrink away, but winces when he tries to move, tears continuously flowing down his face. Satoru rubs his good arm to calm him down. "He says that something hurts."
"Where does it hurt, Megumi?" Megumi points to his stomach. "Your stomach area?" He nods tearfully, reaching to Satoru again. Satoru sits on the bed, itching to get closer to hold Megumi. As a compromise he holds Megumi's hands, as Kento rubs Megumi's back. The nurse quickly checks all of his vitals, writing them down efficiently. She examines all of his wounds and his throat, with some difficultly since Megumi is so upset.
"I will go get him something to deal with the pain. Despite his injuries, he looks like he is doing okay. Expect to stay here another night just for observation."
Satoru stops her before she walks away. "Would it be okay if I sat in the bed with him?"
"If he is sitting in a way that won't jostle his ribs too much. I recommend having him lay against your chest."
"Thank you so much." She gives him a smile and leaves the room.
"Kento, could you help me move him?" He nods and helps maneuver Megumi forward so Satoru and slide into the bed. He is slightly longer than the bed, his feet hanging off the end, but he isn't entirely uncomfortable. They sit Megumi down against his chest, the contact relaxing him instantly, tears slowing down considerably. Megumi leans his head back on Satoru's sternum, small breaths interrupted by only a couple hiccups are exhaled. Satoru pulls his blanket up to cover his shoulders.
The nurse comes back and puts pain medicine into his IV, explaining that it will make him a little loopy and sleepy. Kento pulls a chair as close to the side of the bed as he can, one hand in Satoru’s and the other in Megumi’s. He places his computer on Satoru's leg and lets Megumi pick out a movie. Satoru runs his fingers through Megumi's hair, periodically scratching.
“Ruru, I wanna go home.”
“I know. We can go home soon. Let’s watch the movie and rest for now, hm?”
“Okay.”
About halfway through the movie, Megumi is quietly snoring against Satoru's chest. His blanket is tucked under his chin, keeping him warm along aside Satoru’s body heat. Satoru soon follows after him, tired from not sleeping well the past two days.
•••
When they are discharged, Satoru is sent with instructions to pick up some medicine from the hospital pharmacy and for Megumi to take off from school for two weeks to heal his ribs. Satoru will also be taking off work to help him. He sets up some appointments with a child psychiatrist to help Megumi process this event carefully and not develop any nasty habits. Thankfully due to Mei Mei, there is nobody waiting for him outside the hospital to bombard him with questions.
They get home safely, the house professionally cleaned and crime scene cleaned up. They couldn't identify the type of poison that was placed in the cake, but did find out that one of the employees at the bakery poisoned it with the intent to kill Satoru. Something to do with the bill he announced the day of the incident. Satoru was definitely right about it being controversial.
This isn't the first time he was faced with someone trying to kill him (being a high ranking government official has disadvantages like these), but it is the first time it has affected someone directly close to him.
He sets up a press conference with the help of Miwa and Mei Mei. Kento is sitting at home with Megumi and Megumi's friend Yuuji, spending some time with them while Satoru does this. He dresses in a suit and looks his best, despite what he will be announcing to the public and the negative emotions he will be releasing.
He walks up to the podium, everyone noticing his uncharacteristically serious and angered expression. Yaga stands behind him in support and will also give a statement after Satoru. They quiet down and allow him to begin his statement.
"This conference was set up by me to address a terrible event that happened several days ago. I will not be taking any questions and will appreciate not being interrupted. On December seventh, my birthday and day I announced the LGBTQ+ bill, my child was almost fatally poisoned by a cake I had ordered from a bakery. The culprit has been caught and I will not be announcing their name, since they don't deserve the recognition or satisfaction of me saying it." Satoru exhales shakily, the microphone still picking it up.
"My child was excited to have some of the cake we thought was made with happiness. My eight year old child ate only a couple bites of cake before falling on the ground convulsing, coughing up vile and blood. Crying and gasping for air, terrified out of their mind." Gasps and shocked looks covered the crowd. "His heart stopped for a few minutes before the paramedics arrived and thankfully he survived due to their hard work and the wonderful staff at the hospital."
"When the LGBTQ+ bill was proposed, we knew that it would be controversial and hated among some people. But, we didn't expect an attack fueled from hate on one of us. An innocent child was almost killed due to the hate people have for love. It is disgusting that hatred can overpower love in this day and time, despite it being completely natural. This bill was created to advocate for love and acceptance for all, but was tainted by hatred. This bill was created to bring people together. Hate thrives on division and ignorance, but love fuels togetherness and the ability to see the humanity in others. Love allows us to connect with the community around us, giving us happiness despite the differences or difficulties life throws at us."
"Love is important and beautiful in any form it takes, hate will always be ugly and disgusting. The love I have for my partner and child will outgrow the pain hatred has caused for our family, because it is strong. Thank you."
Satoru walks off the podium and immediately leaves the building wanted to go back home to his Megumi as soon as he could. When he arrives home, he sees Yuuji looking at a comic book with Megumi, Kento sitting on Megumi’s other side. He smiles at the sight and joins them. He leans his head onto Kento’s shoulder, relaxing in this domestic atmosphere.
The two kids look up from the comic book and smile at Satoru.
“Hi Ruru.”
“Hello, Satoru!” Yuuji’s usual energy is subdued (only a tiny bit), most likely due to Megumi injury and the risk of hurting him. Satoru smiles at them both giving Yuuji a hair ruffle and leaning over to kiss Megumi’s head.
“Hello you two! Are you staying the night here, Yuuji?”
“Yes! Choso bought me a sleeping bag, so I can sleep on the floor and not accidentally hurt Megumi! It’s red and has tigers on it!”
“That’s so cool! How would you all like me to make some soup tonight?” Megumi nods and so does Yuuji, albeit more enthusiastically. Satoru has been fixing meals that will be easy on Megumi’s stomach and throat, while also not being repetitive. “Alright, I’ll go and get it started!”
He goes to the kitchen and whips up some chicken noodle soup, making sure to make a seperate pot where the noodles extra soft and the chicken thin for Megumi. He invites everyone into the dining room, serving up the food. He takes a bite of Megumi’s food to show him that it is safe to eat.
They all eat together and have a good time. Satoru’s heart grows when he sees Megumi smiling and quietly laughing with Yuuji, despite his injuries. Kento looks across the table at Satoru and gives him a knowing smile. He returns it with ease.
He knows that there will be struggles until Megumi is recovered and even after that, but he also recognizes that it will all turn out okay in the end because his love for his family is strong.