#rain's

A muffled response come out of your end because his couch felt really cozy, nuzzling into his spare hoodie he left for you. It smelled so good, activating your brain neurons to start sleeping back again.

When Sukuna thinks about it, getting into a little psychological brainstorm; you must've felt comfortable in his precense or were you simply pavloved into napping when you see him? It was the same thing back when you were kids, you'd wave a sleepy hand before complaining about what happened today and got comfy on his chest.

In a way, he would feel flattered but it was irritating for him back then because he'd want to play games with you but his gaming partner is face deep into his comforter. He remembered how his tactics of waking you up ranged from hitting you with his thick pillow to giving you more coffee if that helped.

Even if you disliked coffee, he had successfully pavloved you into getting some whenever you saw him.

However if sleepy time persists, he had no choice but to put you on his lap while his fingers clack against the keyboard to rage bait in the lobby. You'd wake up at random, snickering to whatever was on screen and suggested some comebacks.

"Ask him if he still lives in his mom's basement."

Then with a smirk, he'd type that in and both of you laughed to the keyboard smashing on the screen.

You yawned and it led you to slip off his lap.

He looks back, wanting to ask where you were going but you told him quickly.

"I wanna pee then I'll join you."

Funny enough, you could game for hours. He wanted to make a joke about you throwing the game by randomly passing out but he was on your team and that possibility got on his nerves more than it ever could.

But with that being a high probability, he kept energy drinks on his desk so you two can chug it all down to get through many shitty rounds and a lot of yelling. At some point, sharing a drink happens and with Sukuna's big mouth, he'd steal the whole can.

The games stopped when Sukuna's bin piles up with cans and nutri-grain bars and the room filling itself with shadows. You took off your head phones, yawning softly.

"Let's stop here, I'm kinda tired from shooting losers in the head." After drinking up lukewarm soda, you stare at him. Blinking your puppy dog eyes subtly, wanting him to make dinner. He scoffs, getting out his chair and that was your signal to trot to the kitchen with him.

For dinner, it was same old instant noodles but with Sukuna's expertise in cooking, he pulls out some chili oil, his pick of vegetables that elevated the noodles and some extra protein. He cooks for the both of you, wanting to add some spark into dinner. Instant noodles was a hazard too good to pull away from so if both you and Sukuna's diet kills you, atleast the last meal had some flavour.

You two moved to the dining room, carefully trying not to spill soup and sat side by side. Sukuna's leg was propped up on his chair while he digs in to his noodles, his tongue could handle the heat; it was terrifying to see the steam rise and hot noodles entering his mouth with a big slurp.

Your fingers brush over your utensils, wanting it to cool down a bit, in any case not as scorching hot as Sukuna's and you stare down at the steam.

If you ever felt worried about sleeping too much, concerned if you had some type of disorder or there was something seriously wrong with your body; Sukuna's comfort was easy.

"I'll drive you to the clinic."

It should have comforted you but you fidget with yourself, still not convinced. What if it was all in your head and it would waste Sukuna's time and yours when you two go to the doctor? This sleeping thing you had always seemed like a big joke with how much of a sleepy head you are but Sukuna continues on.

"We'll find out tomorrow if anything happens and.. likely it won't be the end of the world if there is."

He sips on his soup, making a grunt of approval.

"Besides.. that means we both can skip class."

That made you huff out a laugh, one that was nervous.

"I don't think being a driver is that much of an excuse."

"Then I can come down with a 'fever' cause I'm sick of those assholes stealing my kills."

Both of you chortled, remembering how the matches went. Valorant matches were inbetween hellish and cooperative with whatever teammates you have.

You opened a can for him as you ate your noodles, it hit the spot that your stomach finally responds, crying out with hunger. It was comfortable silence and a video from Sukuna's tab with the devouring of dinner. Sukuna's words comforted you a little, finishing up the soup and feeling the warmth in your belly.

After a good shower, you two laid by each other, exhausted from today's activities. He noticed that anxiety you still had, moving the bolster between you to pull you in for a hug. His hand caressed your head, being little spoon in the solace of his arms.

"What.. did you actually came down with something? "

You muttered in his chest, it was odd when he gets so affectionate like something possessed him.

"Shut up, you look pathetic that I had to do this."

Before you could bite his bicep, he moved you to look into his arms. There was no discernible expression on his face, a hum coming out his mouth when he squished his cheeks together; randomly playing around with your expression .

"It's damn corny but sleep it off, we can always sue the doc' if they did a terrible job."

You dipped your head into his neck, breathing gently.

"True true but what if-"

He pinch your lips together, groaning to how cold it was and adjusting the temperature by reaching out his hand to the remote.

"Like I said, we'll see the next day. I don't want my gaming partner to be all depressed."

You punched his chest, mirth visible on your face.

"Jackass so that's how you see me? Get off me."

You start swinging, biting at his bicep and he tries to pull your teeth off him with a howl. He brings his pillow to shove it in your mouth but you evaded that move and go for his abdomen next.

"Ow!"

He puts you in a head lock, curling you in and having your back pressed against his chest. You pounded against the bed.

"Heavy fuck!"

Kicking your feet at him, he also grips that with his other arm. It was a hehe haha session before it dies down with him dragging you back to your original spot and drapes the blanket over you.

"Go to sleep, idiot."

It was a small action but you get near him, tracing symbols into his chest. Something to focus on as you try to sleep.

It was ironic when you're with him like this, vulnerable and wrapped in his arms. You find yourself struggling to fall asleep, nights that had you close to his embrace meant wanting more from your emotionally constipated friend. His care had you wanting to pull more out of him.

Seeing you around campus was akin to a flower blooming in a sea of performers and shit, he can't be poetic to keep himself alive but fuck, he means you were nice to look at and admire. Unlike on campus where his classes didn't align with yours, social media was where he sees another part of you.

Coincidentally, you post a lot when he starts viewing your profile. Matter of fact, it was when he liked a story of you being silly and posing under a street lamp, that's when you posted continuously. If this was a meal, he was licking off the plate to all of the things you reveal in your stories. Your daily life, things you find funny and what not that he carefully likes or views.

He thinks of posting too but that would mean his friends would see and act all sorts of stupid in his comments and DMs. He didn't really do any actual posting when he honestly just uses Instagram for stalking. However, It didn't matter when he thinks that he should make the first move. It was stupid, secretly being flustered over this but he was thinking real hard on what to post. He didn't want to make a fool of himself after all.

If he told his homeboys, they'd dog on him so he rather doesn't. He thinks, maybe a simple picture would suffice.

After he got back to his dorm, he sees that you posted about going on a run. It was a vague pic but it was the local park and he likes it with no thought in that big, brawny brain of his.

He shifts about, dumping down his bag and looked at his running shoes.

Toji needed to clear his head anyways so he plans to go on a run too. (Defitenely not cause he wanted to see you hahahahahha)

He posts a picture of him checking his wrist watch with the caption "Another run" and he posts as if he touched something hot and ran for miles. His face looked utterly emotionless even when he sweats bullets from how long he had ran but he felt some sort of emotion similar to giddiness and he wanted to die.

Runs was where it was hard to contain his thoughts. He was thinking of his frat brothers, the quizzes he flunked, the assignments he finished that was due at midnight. He then thought about you.

What was your type? What did you think about when you see him? Did he smell good? Were muscles your thing?

The frat didn't have a fascinating reputation with how much parties were hosted and how much alcohol was spilled leading to people losing their inhibitions and do all kinds of bullshit he had defitenely been involved with. He talked with you a few times although it was simple, friendly conversations about each other's major, how was the party so far and a wave to go off in respective directions.

He evaded wet spots from the rain, feel the wind blow in his face and let the adrenaline rush through his veins. Sweat start dripping down his head with how fast he ran, he might've outrun his recent run goal.

Checking his watch, he slows down. It felt nice to see dusk turn into night, hearing the soft chirp of birds and the lamps slowly turn on for night runners. He sits down at a bench, opening up his phone after downing some of his water with a big sigh.

Typically, there were thirsty comments from the hookups that followed him or Satoru saying some shit like "Toji posting for once? Shocker!" He scrolled down his views and there you were, the second one to view his story.

You didn't like it or anything and he felt a tad dissappointed by it but he shuts off his phone, only to open it again to view your profile.

He hasn't seen you at all during the run, he guesses you went on another route because the one he's on looked like a nightmare to be on with how jagged and dark it was when the sun had went down. You'd have to be extra cautious because you don't know what's out there. He lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding and popped open his water bottle a second time.

Light footsteps were headed towards his direction and he looks up, his heart skipping a beat and a light gurgle in his throat from trying not to choke.

There was you, sweet eyes looking at him as you sat down. You smile at him, rummaging through your small bag with the little trinkets and charms, tinkling endlessly.

"How was your run?"

You wore a tracksuit with tiny accessories in your hair (sorry if you're bald) and passed him a protein bar which he hates but he takes it anyways, feeling your fingers brush against him. He stares, figuring out what to say and it made you perked up.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I saw your story a while back, that's why I knew."

You took out a napkin, dabbing at the sweat on your forehead. He hadn't realise you viewed his profile, too busy viewing yours and he scratched the back of his neck.

"My run's fine, ran than my usual goal."

He turns quiet, watching you shift in your seat and he panics a little inside. Was that such an ass answer? Couldn't he been any dryer than Choso's weed he'd accidentally sat on that one time? He opens his mouth to talk again, trying to fill in the silence but you talked before him.

You had stopped mid sentence, realising he had talked and nodded to him.

"Sorry, you first!"

"Nah, you can say what you wanna say."

Then he swears he was doing backflips in his head. It was his first time trying to be careful of his tone and he was failing so bad. He had never felt this way since eating at the faces of the girls he fucked, never sounded this stiff when he had his fingers inside of a girl. No, this was different.

But you smiled, that adorable smile that made your shoulders lift. You carried the conversation, talked about how you could've go on this path but there seemed to be more wild animals lately and if he needed any more snacks since he ran more than usual.

Opening a snack pouch, you bring it close to him to choose. He wanted to be polite and brought up his hand.

"It's aight.."

"No, I insist! You defitenely need it after a longer run."

Toji bit his tongue, his favourite brand of chocolates were in there. He didn't really indulge in chocolates but seeing you also take one out for yourself, he slips his hand in the pouch. He was eating chocolates with you in the silence of a park with the wind gently blowing, he felt goosebumps form on his arms.

"Did you round back to this route?"

You nod, eyes flicking up to the buzz of the street lamps before nibbling again on your chocolate. You looked a little pale, your eyes straining to focus on him. He holds you up, warm hand on your back while he slips the pouch off your lap to steady you.

"Are you okay?"

He says it so gently and it made your lips twitch.

"I figured running on a few hours of sleep wouldn't be ideal."

You chuckle softly out of exhaustion and he takes the napkin from your hand, wiping the sweat from your forehead. It was a kind gesture which made you slowly flush. It was his major after all to worry about the human body yet it made your feet rock back and forth due to your nerves.

It was his turn to continue the conversation, making sure he understands the cues and if you were too tired to continue on talking. The more he talks, he was just a tender man that loved his chaotic life. He was massive and muscly like a bear but he speaks at your level all considerate and quiet; grasping at your weariness.

"Isn't it too dangerous to run at night at the moment with how busted the lamps are?"

On cue, the lamp above him flicker as if to prove a point.

He bit his lip, you were defitenely capable of handling yourself though, watchful with what he says next. Even so, he couldn't help it when his tongue was loose. It might've been the chocolate he was currently eating.

"Why don't we run together next time?"

You perk a bit in suprise and he cringes. Did he sound like a creep? He wanted to correct himself, save his ass that was tossed into hot burning coals of embarassment and re-ask his question. He was focusing so much on trying to be smooth, he just noticed that big, bright smile you wore.

"I would love to! A lot of my friends don't run at this hour like me,"

You hold his hands, nodding eagerly. Toji looks at you, mouth slightly agape before fixing his face to look more neutral with a small smile. You chirped without a beat.

"Why don't we exchange numbers?"

He was winning right now, he would let Gojo punch him in the face and he wouldn't give a shit. Toji grins, a little teasing.

"You sure? That was quick, you're not giving it a second thought?"

What he didn't expect was that lovable beam on your face turn into an equally teasing grin, your thumbs rubbing against his knuckles.

"Uhuh, you stalker."

Toji nearly chokes on his choclate and he lets out a chuckle, you got him there.

"Fair enough."

Numbers were exchanged and you both stood up. He made sure you got into your friend's car, the one who was picking you up had her window open, assesing him before she drives off. You waved, shouting from the window.

"Bye, Toji!"

He held a hand up, waving around the chocolate wrapper as a silent thank you and watch you go off. He felt relief that he didn't completely fumble and unexpectedly with the move he made, he got your number.

It was unreal, the girl he always wanted to get to know had just sat with him, laugh and exchanged numbers all because of him finally putting his big boy pants on.

He walks away, anticipating his next interaction with you.

However, what he didn't know was that you were squeling with your friend, holding your phone and looking at the number you obtained.

Toji might've set his hook into the water but you've been putting out bait for him, hook line and sinker.

All those stories you posted and reposted were in anticipation of having his little icon pop up green and heart your stories. You had your fun in the pictures and just waiting for him to see them fill you with anticipation.

He had always been somebody you always wanted to talk to. He was friends with Satoru and Suguru which meant he was around and he has been nothing but nice to you. He gets boisterous and he makes sure to tone it down around you in case you get uncomfortable.

Sure, the frat had a lot of monkey business and incidents yet it didn't push you away. One time, you saw him barking out a lecture to a few pledges outside campus with them bowing at him like peasants to a king or walking side by side Nanami to discuss fraternity business.

You can't help but admire him as a person. His physique, how he commands respect with his arms crossed. It seemed there were a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders though his friends beg to differ.

It was an innocent crush, looking through his few posts where you could see how smoking hot he was and it made you kick your feet that such a man has his eyes on you or your delusional self would say.

So when you've conversed with him, a down to earth man who wanted you to feel safe at night, it made you bite a finger with your friend at how he's hoping to meet you again. It made the car rock with both of your obscene chortling.

Sipping on the drink your friend had bought you, the drive to your dorm was real fun with how you could imagine the amount of scenarios you could make with Toji.

All of the cats were on defense. The one who was closer to you was a puma who had a shiny black coat. He was massive and had a gnarly scar against his lip while the other strays behind; a caracal with unique patterns adorning his fur but still so vicious when his face turns into a sneer.

They both smelled the blood, their teeth showing. It wasn't yours. It was an enemy's pack and you were soaked in it.

You spat out something onto the floor, finally roaring to your full volume to make them back off.

What rolled out to the ground was an eye. It's nerve still attached and bitten into by your teeth. It wasn't just any eye either, it was the leader of the pack that they've been fighting for weeks and all it took was a tiny bobcat to do the work.

All the roaring took out your energy and you try to stay awake, paws gripping the dirt when they get close. However, you couldn't handle the exhaustion of fighting half a pack. With a violent cough punching out the oxygen in you, your body hits the ground with a thump.

-------------

Soon, you were in a dark place, somewhere warm.. no, it was fire. The fire reflects back on your eyes, making you lurch back inevitably in guarded fear but you regret it when your shoulders pop.

"Calm down, kitty. No need to run."

You slowly turn to whoever said that and it was the one with the patterns on his fur, biting into a chunk of meat from a unlucky rabbit. Bloody teeth grinning at the taste.

A rough paw holds your back and you turned to him, he was extra close, making you mew in shock. He pressed something into your throat to make it stay before tossing a piece of meat to you too, yawning lazily. His tail curls around him as he urges you to eat with his stare.

You touched the bandage on your throat, letting out a sad purr. They had patched up your larynx, reminding you of what you lost. It was when two of the cats in the opposing pack had ganged up on you, chomping on your throat till you bled.

You could hear it in your growl when you tried to intimidate these two alphas, croaky and distorted. It made you slump back down, facing the fire.

The dust sweeps up when Toji gets close to you again, looking down at you.

"Getting depressed won't help at all, sweetheart."

He had such haunting eyes, making your tail sway uneasily.

"Is this really the cat that took down Naoya and his men?"

A beat passed before you turned around with a hmph, sulking. Instead, you watch their shadows wag on the walls of the dark cave. First, you lose your voice then second, get ganged up again by cats, it was a sad situation.

Sukuna lets out a barking laugh, cat ears flicking in amusement.

"I wouldn't be happy to know I only got his eye.."

He tore into the rabbit, bone crackling under his fangs and the urge to talk to these cats overshadows the apprehension that you had for these two.

You brushed your head to the ground, sitting up before drawing something into the ground. They both took a look. It was a cute doodle but defitenely not a cute context when it was a familiar piss coloured Bengal with it's head chopped off, Toji breathes in.

"You killed him?"

That same savage look in your eyes appear again, tail wagging against the ground in irritation before you clawed at the ground in a displeased motion.

"ALMOST" was written onto the ground and the two looked at each other before bursting out in laugh, oh yes, they'd love to have you close.

Without realising, Sukuna's quiet appearance behind you snapped you out of your anger, making your ears flatten against your head. He whispers close to you, a deep raspy tone that made your body heat up.

"You want to team up with us? We'd love to take down Naoya with you. Share the spoils and more..."

Toji's warm body presses behind you as he wraps his big arm around your shoulder, making the heat spread through out and letting a small sigh slip out.

"Name's Toji, this guy's Sukuna."