Chapter Text
Gojo suggested it.
It was a good plan, easy enough to fake, and most importantly, it served a purpose—an important one.
“He’s not even here,” your sensei said confidently. “He is abroad for the rest of the year,” Gojo pressed, making you consider the crazy scheme once more.
"You can easily claim that you and he have a long-term relationship," he advised cunningly, and Maki nodded, endorsing the idea with a sly grin—one of those mischievous smiles that indicated you'd be quite foolish not to heed their advice.
"Or perhaps you really want to be the wife of that arrogant, self-centered misogynist?"
That actually hit home, you didn’t!... arranged marriages were unfair to women, degrading, and terribly permanent.
Out of the corner of your eye, you could see Megumi frown at the mention of:
Naoya Zenin.
The man was infamous within the Zenin clan, known for his arrogance and cruelty towards others, both within and outside his clan, claiming that their weakness was a disease and that he was the ultimate cure.
You truly disliked this man, and even when your clan leader announced the advantageous agreement, you hastily dodged the bullet by claiming you were already in a serious relationship.
Your older brother, who was now head of the family due to your father's devastating and unusual death, raised an eyebrow at your declaration, and his expectant gaze, waiting for you to reveal your beloved's name, nearly sent you into a panic attack, causing involuntary spasms.
All eyes set on you, as they waited for the name, to judge him worthy or unworthy.
If you didn't choose a suitable candidate, you'd be forced to end the nonexistent relationship and be bound to Naoya for life, who only by the way he was looking at you screamed how incapable of loving anyone but himself he was… yet still seemed more than willing to keep you as a trophy wife and rightfully treat you like a piece of meat to satisfy his most intense urges, all while putting you in good use by giving him strong heirs.
That smug, self-satisfied grin was in his lips in your honor, and making sure your eyes met, he lazily licked his lips to let you know where you belonged once he had you in his grasp… forever.
That's what women were for, isn't it? To be fucked to a pulp, serve men in every way possible, and to push strong heirs out of their gifted cunts.
Naoya Zenin was the king of misogynists in every sense of the word, just as Sukuna is the king of curses.
“(Y/N), tell us his name.” Your brother pushed, suspecting the lie you were sly enough to conjure, but he needed to be sure before he could close or break such an advantageous deal.
Nervousness turned you into a beating, blushing mess, like a maiden being cornered against a wall, and you could almost swear you see Naoya shudder out of the corner of your eye. He has a fetish for obedient, innocent, and timid girls who grow pink and pretty in a man's presence. Eager little things unwilling to raise their voices to their spouses, and if they did, the punishment arrived in the most erotic or violent of ways.
You are NOT one of those girls he liked to lure into his bed, but in the current situation, with few seconds to spare, you were unable to control the blood rushing to your face or mouth as you stammer out a plausible suitor.
Quickly making a list of the likely friends and allies who might entertain this ruse and willingly enter the farce.
Yuuji would be the perfect candidate, since he openly overprotects you, no matter how many times you try to dissuade him… but Sukuna's presence within him rules him out, as he had a death sentence hanging over his neck.
Megumi, your childhood friend, you spent most of your youth together, learning about jujutsu sorcerer’s world, hand in hand to this day, a loyal and fierce friend… but you knew that involving him would be cruel and unfair when he was already entangled in clan politics.
Toge, strong and reliable, his lack of normal language would amusedly drive your brother crazy. However, he could be a plausible candidate. After all, it was just play pretend until Naoya found another woman to torture and force to marry him.
Aoi, no… too weird, Noritoshi, too strict to enter into these games, kokichi… you didn’t even know how that would work.
The candidates were running out, and all stares are still on you.
Just say a name… any name, Megumi… he’ll understand… say Megumi!
But your mouth won’t open to such despicable act of selfishness. Involving any of them in this disastrous scheme was beyond your moral compass, and glimpsing the ticking clock of your doom, you sigh and prepare to reveal the shameful truth of your single status.
“Oh! don’t be shy, (y/n), you can tell them.” You hear a cheerful, familiar voice call out.
Your gaze shifted to Gojo, sitting comfortably, one leg crossed over the other, showing how relaxed and carefree he was even in the tense atmosphere, and a strange feeling churned your stomach as you suspect your own sensei was about to proclaim himself your secret lover.
Perhaps... perhaps that would have been better than what he ultimately ended up saying.
“Yuta Okkotsu.”
Yuta-a Okkotsu-u…? Special grade sorcerer? Yuta?... Rika's faithful and loyal companion, better known as the Queen of Curses? That Yuta Okkotsu?
He went on many missions abroad, already a fully-fledged and graduated sorcerer, while you were just leaving the Jujutsu Academy and entering the world. The fact that you were both adults would make things easier if this charade dragged on longer than it should... but it still made you incredibly nervous.
Simulating the movement of a ping-pong table, all eyes shifted from you to Gojo and then back to you, when you didn't immediately support his revelation due to shock.
Your sensei's amused smirk widened as you nod, and immediately a barrage of questions from your mother surrounds you like a swarm of bees.
Why didn't you tell me about this? How can you be dating a cursed sorcerer? How long has this been going on? This guy is older than you, but Naoya, who's almost ten years older, is fine-... you thought deadpanning.
Your mother was outraged, close to a bitch fit thanks to your awful choice in mate. Somehow, your brother’s narrowed eyes tell a different story. Sharp-witted and composed as he is, knew you were lying yet gives you the option to play along, if you prove that you know how to play the game, cunningly.
“So, this is a long-distance relationship?” your brother asked in a serene tone.
“Y-Yes! Yuta is abroad and right now we only talk on the phone, t-text each other, and have some video calls to stay in t-touch.”
Was your voice always this soft and feeble? If you don’t pull yourself together, you are going to make Naoya blow a load in his pants.
“Mm-mmm... well, if that’s the case, we can offer someone else from our clan to marry—”
“No.”
You squeezed your eyes shut at the sound of your, presumably, future husband's voice.
“We had an agreement: your sister will marry me, and your clan will gain the privilege of being one of the three greatest clans.”
Naoya stated, and you could feel his piercing gaze fixed on you as he spoke.
“We won’t accept anyone else.”
I won’t accept anyone else…
Damn you, Naoya.
“I’m sure we can still find a solution… I don’t think this Yuta is going to last…” the clan leader honored you with his speech, for the first time. “It’s a summer fling, a game, nothing serious…”
Dismissing your feigned relationship with more than a touch of disrespect, the old man seemed determined to continue with his plans without your consent.
“Awww~! But I’ve seen this relationship wholeheartedly blossom and if you ask me—”
“No one’s asking you.”
“—I truly believe they’re seriously and irrevocably in love and going for the long ride.” Gojo beamed, radiant with excitement, as if he were enamored with your legendary, nonexistent love story, his grin stretching from ear to ear, as if Naoya weren’t throwing daggers through his eyes. “Am I right, (y/n)?”
Weighing your options and realizing you’ve gone too far in this charade to back down, you nod once, and a unison sigh echoed in the silent room.
“What a predicament! Looks like you’ll have to choose another bride, Naoya.” Gojo snickered, but his face showed a more perplex grimace.
“I don’t see a predicament…” The blonde was quick to affirm, smug smile unwavering. “I’m the future heir of the Zenin clan, and as such–”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt…” but he already did. “But that’s a rather brazen statement, don’t you think, Naoya?”
Gojo was quick to speak his mind and voice out what internally everyone may be thinking yet are too polite and politic to even dare to make a tweet.
“But Megumi is also a strong candidate for that position, so I wouldn’t count it as a point in your favor, just yet...” Your sensei seemed unconceivably satisfied with how outraged Naoya grew, to the point of clenching his fists and gritting his teeth to maintain composure.
Clearing his throat, the old man beside the offended blonde Zenin muttered some unintelligible words, and Naoya scoffed before crossing his arms over his broad chest, looking away apathetically.
"We've decided to postpone this for the time being," the old man announced in a weary, raspy voice that sounded like fingernails on a chalkboard.
“The Zenin clan isn't unreasonable, and if this lovely sorceress is as madly-in-love of Okkotsu Yuta as her sensei proclaims…” his sharp gaze stabbed you and his clouded intentions seeped through tightly closed eyelashes. "Time will tell which path to take."
“So, the arrangement is over…” your brother stated bluntly, and before you could sigh with relief, the elder sealed your fate once more.
"Not at all, young man, it's only on hold until we find a more suitable bride."
You glimpse your mother gasping with relief at the still-plausible marriage arrangement, and you puff air from your mouth, shoulders abandoning the tense square they were set in but keeping a slight air of concern.
“It’s quite acceptable.” Your brother bowed politely, and the elder requested a private conversation with him, your mother and your eccentric sensei. Leaving you in the awkward limbo created by the silent and arrogant Zenin heir, seated opposite you.
Taking a modest sip from his teacup, his narrowed eyes peer at you from the rim, and the intense blush that stained your cheeks with embarrassment, due to how everything had unfolded amidst an intricate web of lies, made you feel uneasy and vulnerable in his intimidating presence.
"You're dangerously charming, (y/n)."
The compliment made you flinch, and, regaining your composure, you thank him stoically.
“I hope that Okkotsu guy knows how lucky he is.” Something smelled fishy and awfully mocking about his gentle statements and you unconsciously frown at his witty jabs since you were unable to retaliate for fear of being caught red-handed.
"I must admit, it bothered me a little to think I might not get my way, but seeing you tremble like this at my mere presence… soothes me," he shared with a sadistic smile.
Your body hadn't stop trembling since the beginning of the meeting, you're so nervous, but the fact that this jerk pointed it out as a virtue he appreciated infuriated you.
Rage unruffled your cursed energy at his wicked bluntness and his devilish smirk only widened.
“After all, you are just a woman…” His eyes narrowed in two slits giving you the sensation of being speaking to a sly fox and the shock reflected in your big, beautiful orbs ended up being too difficult to hide, “and no matter how lovely and mouth-watering fuckable you are…” that smirk only stretched to the point of almost splitting his face in two, “...you’re not smart enough to keep up this charade until the end.”
You hated how open your face was when it came to showing emotion, and you knew he was seeing right through your shock as if you were made of glass.
Fragile little thing you were to his mighty eyes… weak and feeble… only worthy for the warm, tight haven lying between your legs. The fertile, cursed energy enhancing womb that hid behind your belly. Promise of healthy, divinely strong children. His powerful seed must prevail in this world, and you were the key to making that happen.
“Yuta and I—”
“There’s no Yuta and I, foolish girl–” he interrupted brazenly. “Do you really think we’re going to swallow all that lovey-dovey nonsense Gojo spouted so quickly, so rehearsed and conveniently designed to help you avoid your responsibilities as a woman…?” he spatted coldly, staring at you intently, and continued shamelessly, “MY woman.”
Disgusted by his self-centered, alpha-like pronouncements, you pursed your lips, and he shrugged before spitting indifferently, “Whatever.”
“Play your childish game all you want; I’m a patient man.” Finishing his cup of tea in one gulp, he panted contentedly, slowly rising. “Satoru will lose interest as usual, and in the end, you’ll neglect your own lies.”
Your gaze followed closely his every move.
“And before you know it... PUM!–” his fist slammed into his open palm, making you flinch violently at the intrusive noise. It took you a full thirty seconds to realize how amused he grins down at you from his privileged position, big shadow devouring all your hopes and shattering your most recent dreams before continuing. “–You are mine… only this time, forever.”
Breathing heavily through your flared nostrils. Naoya starts to leave, and just before he stepped out the sliding door, he glanced over his shoulder at you, a sinister and repulsive smile playing on his thin lips.
“One more thing, sweetheart… if you ever let anyone — and I do mean anyone…” His voice softened, dangerously calm, slow and offensively patronizing. As if explaining something of utmost importance to a spoiled little girl, “…Fuck you…”
Your breath hitched, your face draining of color before heat rushed back, painting your skin red. Yet, blatantly ignoring your obvious discomfort, the Zenin heir and first-degree sorcerer finished his promise.
"… I'll kill him."
The last thing your eyes caught were the cruel beauty of his face, drinking in the sight of you breaking — your elegance dissolving into quiet despair, your pride barely holding back furious tears. He threw you a wicked little wink before vanishing into the daylight. Disappearing into the golden light outside, but it never reached you. For the rest of the day, only shadows keep you company.
Gojo, as always, was the only one who tried to brush away the metaphorical cloud hanging over your head.
Sometimes it was hard to keep up with Gojo, his long strides a challenge for someone as small as you, but he always made sure it was his problem to handle — never yours. So, he slowed his pace almost imperceptibly. You really adored your sensei. Even now that you were both adults, he still takes care of you like when you were a pup under his wing.
A firm hand settled on your head with a teasing gentleness, long fingers gliding through your hair until a quiet, relaxed giggle slipped from your lips. Your wide, pleading eyes caught him off guard, and Gojo let out a small, almost sympathetic sigh, still trying to show you the brighter side of the chaos.
“This is a nightmare, Gojo sensei.” You were prone to voice out.
"Well, to be precise, you're in Schrödinger's cat dilemma..." Gojo swiftly added, permanent playful note to make it more digestible for you. "That is, you're engaged and not engaged to Naoya at the same time."
Your shoulders slumped, and Gojo gave you a light, encouraging tap on the head before keep going.
“There’s a fine line you’re walking, (y/n). A tightrope, really… luckily for you, Yuta is far away and can’t complicate things any further,” he said thoughtfully. “That gives us some time to figure something out.”
"...And for the Zenin clan to find a more suitable bride."
The hope in your tone was painful. A condescending look captured Gojo's gaze, and even through his blindfold, you could see the truth.
“They are not looking for anyone else, are they?”
It was even more devastating to admit it out loud.
“No, pipsqueak, their minds are set on you.”
“… How awful.”
You resigned yourself to accepting, but Gojo wasn't ready to give up yet, not with you. Even if you did, he would still go on.
“Hey! But look on the bright side, sooner or later their patience will run out...” I'm a patient man, you could hear Naoya's words echoing in your head. "With Yuta gone for almost two years, that's enough time for a lot of things to change."
"Trust me, this will all be behind us in a few weeks and everything will go back to normal."
Gojo’s enthusiasm was contagious — if he saw a way out, then there had to be one.
"You promise, Gojo-sensei?"
"I swear, shorty!"
But if Gojo ever made a mistake, it was underestimating his enemies — and just how sticky and relentless the Zenin clan’s hands could be when they truly wanted something… or someone.