#softkuna

Leaving the bathroom, you hummed a quiet tune as you headed to your bedroom to find your boyfriend on the bed, scrolling through his phone. He perked up at the sound of your footsteps, his shoulders instantly relaxing at the sight of you clad in your soft pajamas. Immediately, he placed his phone by the bedside table and shifted a little to create a little more space for you.

“Took you long enough,” he grumbled, but the faint amused smile failed to conceal his affection.

Giggling, you dove for the bed, instantly going inside the soft blankets to curl beside him. you sighed, content, as you lazily wrapped your arms around his broad chest, nuzzling your cheek against his bicep. In return, he cuddled back, wrapping his arms around your smaller frame to gently cradle you.

“Night, kuna,” you murmured, as per ritual, closing your eyes.

There was a pause. Then complete silence. 

It made your brows furrow, since he usually gave you a groggy reply. Opening your eyes curiously, you saw his eyes stare back at you, slightly narrowed and lips faintly tugged down into a petulant pouting frown. faint, but definitely there.

“What? What’s wrong?” you asked gently, slightly concerned as you stared up at him with those sweet, pretty eyes. 

Sukuna’s brows furrowed a little more, a habit that he had when he was trying to comprehend how you could be so cute, but that was not the point at the moment—because his pout tugged a little deeper to form a deeper frown.

“…”

You raised a brow.

“…” Sukuna huffed, looking away for a moment, ears burning in a cute pink. “…nothing.”

“It’s not nothing though!” you whined, grinning at the sight of his adorable pink ears. “Tell me, tell me!”

Sukuna made a show of frowning a little more before you heard a snippet of what he was saying, incoherent.

“Huh?”

Sukuna narrowed his eyes at you before muttering it out again, “You didn’t …ive me a …night……”

You blinked. “What?”

“You didn’t give me a good night’s kiss!” he grumbled out finally, quickly, loudly giving you an irritated tsk as he looked away to hide his blush.

You stared at him, slightly dumbfounded before laughing warmly. “Aww! Kuna!”

Without wasting a time, you cradled his face to tilt him so that he was looking at you before giving him a soft kiss on his lips, smiling against his plush skin. Sukuna hummed in tender satisfaction as he held onto you a little more tighter, caressing the delicate curve of your hip.

After a moment, you pulled away to smile up at him, slightly teasing. “You know you could always initiate the kiss.”

Sukuna gave you a shrug as though trying to hide his previous humiliating admission. “You always kiss me good night first.”

You giggled, pecking his lips. “You’re so spoiled.”

“Brat,” he grumbled, before he abruptly pulled you closer to him, and laid the both of you down on the bed, burrowing his face into your neck. “Go to sleep already.”

“Good night, Kuna,” you replied back once more with a butterfly-fluttering, warm laugh, kissing his shoulder. “I love you…”

"I love you too.”

You’ve been ignoring him for exactly three hours and forty-two minutes.

Not that you’re counting.

Your phone is face-down on your bed, screen lighting up every couple minutes with his name before going dark again. You don’t touch it, you refuse to because he deserves it.

He really does.

You sit cross-legged on the floor, aggressively reorganizing something that absolutely did not need reorganizing, muttering under your breath.

“Stupid… arrogant… can’t even say sorry properly…”

A knock interrupts you.

You freeze.

Another knock, smaller this time, almost softer.

“…go away,” you mumble, not even looking up.

The door creaks open anyway.

“…hi.”

That voice is not Sukuna’s.

You blink, turning your head, and there he is. Little Yuji. Tiny, pink-cheeked, messy hair, clutching something behind his back like he’s on a secret mission.

Your anger falters instantly. “Yuji?” you soften, sitting up straighter. “What are you doing here?”

He shuffles in, shutting the door carefully behind him like it’s very important he does it quietly. “Um… I came to fix it,” he says, very seriously, like this is the most important task of his life.

Your brows knit. “Fix what?”

He walks over, small steps, then stops right in front of you. His little hands finally come forward, revealing a slightly crumpled drawing.

“psst…kuna..wake up!” you hissed at your snoring husband. it was currently 1:34am and you should’ve definitely been asleep but your pregnancy cravings refused to let you rest until they were satiated.

when sukuna goes to sleep, he’s out like a light and as good as dead. so you had to shake him for a good few minutes before he started showing signs of stirring awake.

“mmh– what..?” he grumbles still very much half-asleep.

“i’m hungryyy!”

“s’way too fucking early. n can’t be healthy eating at this time. js’ go back to sleep.” he murmurs while pulling you closer and splaying a protective hand over your round belly thinking that would be the end of it.

but now? it’s quiet — too quiet. and you’re not melting into his embrace like you normally do. the silence breaks when soft sniffles and hitched breathing could be heard as you pull away from his hold.

“woman..what bothers you now?” sukuna treads lightly so to not set you off further when you’re already clearly upset. he would never tell you this but your mood swings genuinely terrify him (also turn him on when you’re mad at him).

“so do you just want me and your baby to starve to death?!” you shriek at him with glossy eyes.

“WHAT?! when the hell did i say–”

“be honest, do you think i’m fat and ugly now? i-is that what it is? do you h–hate me now?” you cut him off and wipe away the helpless tears now streaming down your face.

“fuck no. to all of that. y’look so fucking sexy like this. want me to prove it? could stuff you full a different way~” sukuna’s large hands squeeze your tits to which you quickly slap away. not that it didn’t feel good, but you had a craving to attend to first.

“eww, no! actually– maybe later. right now i’m having a food craving..”

dear god. you just recently started having more cravings and every single one of them have been clinically insane. for example, you recently used his card to buy a chamoy pickle set from tiktok shop because according to your own words, ‘the baby demanded so’.

in all of sukuna’s years on this earth, that may have been the first ever original sentence he’s heard. and he’s heard a lot.

“well, what is it?”

“okay, so i was scrolling on tiktok an hour ago because your snoring woke me up and i couldn’t fall back asleep–”

“i do not snore.” he quickly chimes in to defend himself.

“DO NOT INTERRUPT ME RYOMEN! anyways where was i…oh yeah! so there were loads of ramen mukbangs on my for you page and then i saw this other pregnant lady making her baby’s cravings into sandwiches and then i thought…i have to try that. along with the ramen. yeah, that’s it. end of my rant!”

to the average person, that may seem like enough. but sukuna is anything but average with his massive appetite that he’s also passed onto you. “right…so what else is inside the sandwich? can’t have you and baby ‘starving to death’ now, can we?”

“oops, silly me! that completely slipped my mind! umm, how about we use toasted focaccia bread, garlic butter and melted cheese on each slice. then the fillings can be…ramen, of course, extra creamy and cheesy! y’know how i like it~” you winked at him and could’ve sworn you noticed a tinge of pink in his ears before continuing,

“some guacamole, pickles, grilled halloumi, ooo some honey to go with that too! steak frites, pesto n some crispy fries. that should do it.” you smile beamingly at sukuna, so brightly that no one would even notice suspect that you were crying just a few minutes ago.

“our brat’s a fucking genius. we have everything at home so i’ll get started in the kitchen n order some wingstop since your meal’s light.”

“yay! i’ll keep you company!” you exclaim before swinging your legs over and slowly but surely waddling behind your husband into the kitchen.

thirty minutes later, you’re sat on the kitchen stool watching him cook with natural precision whilst snacking away on cheese for the ramen. honestly, it’s kinda hot how he can multitask different roles so easily — but he doesn’t need to know that and have his ego more inflated than it already is.

“hm, close your eyes f’me.” sukuna snaps you out of your daydreaming.

“huh- whyy?”

“just do it.”

“fine.” you huff but eventually do so and hear the sound of a plate settling in front of you.

“now open.” you open your eyes and gasp in awe, there was your sandwich exactly how you envisioned it. “ohmygod!! kuna this looks so good!!!” he smirks proudly at your excitement.

“go on, tell me what you think.” you take a massive bite and moan instantly, “i think i need some alone time with this. mmph– told you the ramen would work well.”

“never even doubted you, but whatever.” sukuna rolls his eyes but adds onto your state of pure bliss by massaging your shoulders making you let out a deep sigh in relief.

“i could die peacefully right now.”

“don’t say shit like that.” he scowls and your smile grows even further. aww, what a secret softie~

a few minutes later, the doorbell rings to which sukuna mumbles a brief “i’ll get it.” before returning with your wingstop — except it looks like he ordered one of everything from the menu.

“i know i said was hungry but this is way too much…”

“relax woman, ordered some for myself.” of course he did. your husband has always been a massive foodie and could easily devour the whole menu in minutes — reminding you of the food challenges you sometimes put him up to at restaurants to win extra money. and of course he wins every single time.

“oh? what happened to it being unhealthy to eat so late?” you giggle at using his own words against him.

“tch, might as well join you if yr’ so adamant on eating at this time.” he opens up the food from the box and gives your fair share, too lazy to get out plates and clean up more for no reason.

you spend the next hour or so talking about anything that comes to your mind. sukuna being his greedy self finished his meal in ten minutes and when the whole menu wasn’t enough, he began eyeing up your food instead of listening to you!

you still wanted to savour the rest of yours for later on the day, so you told sukuna to go back to bed whilst you hid your meal away in the fridge. he already knew what you were up to and could easily find your food but he knows better than to mess with you.

there’s been countless of times during your pregnancy where sukuna has made the grave mistake of eating your food that you were saving for later. all of which have resulted in you crying and giving him the silent treatment for hours (sometimes days) on end.

sukuna cleans up your plate before waiting for you in the bedroom. and god, you just want to jump at his bones for how good he looks despite waking up at 1am — but that can wait for later. instead you join him in bed as he spoons you and lifts your belly since learning about the relief it brings for you and the baby.

“thank you kuna, for doing all of this, always being there for me and your baby. i know you’re still learning, but i’m really proud of you.” you slowly turn over to face him when he doesn’t reply, knowing that he’s most likely overthinking again. “what’s up?”

“d’you think i’ll be a good dad? no matter what i js’ feel unprepared..” he mumbles into your shoulder, eyes shut and eyebrows furrowed.

“i know you will, you know why?” he looks up at you, ruby eyes softening as he awaits your response.

“because i’ve seen how you were with other kids like yuji at the start of our relationship and even now, how much growing respect he has for you each day that passes. and we have each other for support, i’m scared too but i feel better knowing that i’m learning every step with you.” you earnestly smile at him.

“damn, that was kinda poetic.” a small smirk shows up on his face.

“heh– what can i say?” you tease back, falling into a comforting silence after that with sukuna rubbing your belly.

“sleep well, brats.” he murmurs to both you and the baby.

“heard that.” you mutter on the brink of sleep.

“good. you were meant to.”

“shut up. and don’t think i forgot about what you said earlier, about proving a certain something? we’re coming back to that in the morning~”

well fuck.

heian!sukuna x wife!reader | heian era ; trueform!sukuna ; husband!sukuna fluff | drabble | 1k words

♡ looking for more sukuna? here you go!

♡ continuation of this here

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“You know, one day I’m not going to be around.” 

Sukuna’s breath hitches so quietly you almost don’t hear it, but you do anyway. A slight pause, and then his first set of crimson eyes flickers up to meet yours. The scroll in his hand is set down onto the tatami with a soft thud. 

Outside, the branches of the willow tap lightly on the shoji; the sun sets just a little earlier today. The sound is so quiet but still enough to fill the silence before the King of Curses speaks.

“What do you mean?”

Of course, he knows exactly what you mean. 

You hum, “I’m not a sorcerer, or a curse, or have any cursed energy. I’m just me.”

“You’re my wife.” Sukuna says simply, though his tone is firm, his words lack bite. “That’s enough, no?”

“I’m unlike you–” you say, a little quieter this time, “my time on this plane is limited.”

Your salmon-haired husband casts his red eyes to the open fusuma; in the garden, the last of the sunlight spills low across the pond. Orange fractures into ribbons of gold and amber by the slow circling of the koi beneath the surface. Beyond the garden walls, the world is not so gentle: The mountains in the distance rise unevenly, with their silhouettes jagged and like ridged teeth threatening to tear the fabric of the sky. Sukuna thinks about the abundance of unfettered curses swarming in the dark and damp at the foot of the mountain – the ones he hasn’t subjugated yet. 

He thinks about the fact that they will probably live a hundred years longer than something as pure and good as you will. 

He thinks about how many more sunsets and winters he will see compared to you; he thinks about the fact that one day Uraume will stop making mugwort tea simply because you are the one who drinks things like that and he does not.

One of his four gigantic hands crawls over the tatami and rests atop of yours. His warm yet calloused skin completely covers yours. Nothing is said but a light ‘hmm’, though his fingers curl a little; his grip is not tight enough to hurt, but firm enough that you feel like he understands what you have just said.

You peer at his face through your lashes, lips pressed into a tight line. “Husband?”

All four eyes are focused on the orange sun setting outside. Sukuna does not cry. That stupid word isn’t even in his lexicon; there has never been a single tear shed over anything – but his chest remains tight and heavy as he thinks that one day, a lone tear may spill in your permanent absence. 

The sharp planes of his face are set as they always are: Unyielding and severe. Yet, in the orange glow, the faint downturn of his lips can almost give it away; only in the quiet stillness of early evenings like this does the cruel exterior strip completely. You feel his thumb shift a little over your hand and he rubs a gentle circle over your soft skin. 

"Have I upset you?"

You think about how you must look to his court and subjects – completely insignificant as a mundane mortal, yet you are the very woman who has managed to turn a heartless monster into someone who is capable of small, gentle notions like resting a hand over yours and rubbing absentminded circles on it. You, indeed, are so insignificant in his presence, even now, where his shoulders are broad enough to block out the fading light when he shifts. 

“I will not accept that,” Sukuna says quietly. 

Your soft laugh slips out before you can stop it. “I don’t think even you can change something as unmoveable as fate, my heart.” 

His mouth twitches a little at the sound of the nickname but he does not relent. 

“Fate,” he repeats slowly, the word laced with quiet disdain. “I will not relinquish what is mine to something I cannot see or touch.” 

When he finally turns away from the garden, all four eyes settle on you. You smile teasingly, though the usual gleam in your eyes has been dulled a little by mere acceptance. 

“You think my turmoil is funny, wife?” He asks, though his words lack bite. An eyebrow quirks when you exhale another soft giggle. 

You shake your head, taking your hand from under his and shifting closer to him. He stills, unsure of your intentions until you stop in front of him and rest your palm on the side of his neck. Sukuna almost melts into your touch but he merely sucks his teeth a little and narrows his eyes.

A sigh slips past your lips. “I’m merely speaking the truth– one day you will have to find yourself another annoying woman–”

“I’d sooner be celibate.”

“Impossible for you.”

This earns a light scoff from him. 

Sukuna dips his head, just barely, so he leans a little more into your touch. You can feel the powerful pulse beneath his skin, and for someone like him, this is the most vulnerable he will ever be with anyone else. His red eyes lower to you, the gaze of a man completely smitten with someone he would have once smited on the spot many years ago. Deep in his heart, he knows that he would rather tear the world apart with his bare hands until a wasteland remains if you dared to leave his side.

“You speak too lightly of your absence,” Sukuna murmurs, his eyes coming to a close as your palm shifts to cup his face. “I have no use for a world that does not have you in it.”

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a week. you were in a coma for a week.

"wretched woman," he says to himself, voice too soft for it to carry any bite. unable to stop his brows from furrowing, worry evident in the way he looks at your sleeping figure.

no amount of denial and scowling will make the others believe he resents you. not when after every mission, he would always check up on you. sit in silence for hours, waiting for you to open your eyes.

here's the kicker: your hold on him has weakened in your current state. he could've easily went on a rampage, killing everything in his way.

but he doesn't.

"open your eyes, woman," he grumbled, lips forming in a thin line when only silence met his order. he leaned in closer, lips ghosting your ear.

"... please," he whispers. it was both a desperate plea, and an admission—a hint of his acceptance that he needs you. his eyes scan your face, searching for a sign, a twitch of your eyes or your brows. his eyes close in defeat, moving away from your face and propping himself back down on the chair, heaving a deep sigh as he crosses his arms against his chest.

stupid, he thinks to himself. this is pointless—

"s'kuna?"

as if he's been given this one blessing by the gods. he snaps his eyes open, seeing you wide awake and sitting up. without a moment's hesitation, he got on his knees and wrapped his arms around your waist, head resting on one arm.

"oh!" you say, surprised. you let out a breathy chuckle as you run your fingers through his pink hair.

"hi—"

he cuts you off, he doesn't care for pleasantries. he lifts his head and gets on one knee to lift himself up slightly, slamming his lips on yours, messy and aching. he doesn't pull back, he doesn't want to; he wants to feel you—but you push him away, breathless and flustered.

and god, the way he looks at you. the look in his eyes made him so easy to read, filled with so much longing that he does not know where to put. he may pride himself with how easy it can be to terrify his opponents with just a few words, but when it came to you? he's speechless.

fighting was his forte, but this? these human emotions he thought he had ripped out of himself eons ago? he hasn't a single clue on how to handle it.

he has so much to say, but nothing comes out of his throat. he thought he'd yell at you, call you stupid for putting his life first over your own. but he can't, fuck, he can't. so all he can do is kiss you, praying the feeling of his lips against your own—against your skin—was loud and clear.

"i missed you too," you whisper softly, caressing his cheek with your thumb.

and all he can do is melt in your warm embrace.

a/n : softkuna4life.

tags: @mysunfishpeedinmyroom @ghostbladee @necrozica @loverlixie @sarabencze @d4wnyjlk @kalulakunundrum @puppyminnnie @ultraviolentfawnangel77x

3: out in the open

overview: Seeing you two and a half years after a sudden disappearance post-graduation with a pink-haired toddler isn’t what he expected- but it definitely makes him see things differently. Sukuna misses you and that just solidifies the fact that he wants you back.

Suki and Yuji are my babiessss.. readers poor head can't take much more thinking wc : 2.7k s.masterlist | ao3 | part four

The double ding! of your phone roused you from the light sleep you were drifting into nearly an hour ago.

It had to be at least 1 am by now, and you've been avoiding your phone for what seems like hours.

You tossed and turned restlessly, trying to get back into the blissful state you were almost in, ignoring the dreaded notification bright on your phone, still unopened.

What does he even have to say to you? Would it be about Suki?

It had to be. There's no other reason for you two to talk— except for the lingering feelings you might possibly have for him. Mentioning those aren't too big on your priority list.

You can't believe you've been lying in bed, procrastinating grabbing the phone— that's stranded on your floor— only to sit there and overthink the contents of his message.

Checking it would be smarter. A grumble leaves you when you sit up, rubbing at your eyes to focus them off the side off the bed.

The moon's beams cast a soft light through your window, directly on your phone like some kind of sign from the universe. A sign that the universe is taunting you, 'you cant ignore this forever'.

Waiting didn't to see what he sent hasn't made you any less anxious like you assumed it would.

Waiting any longer probably wouldn't, either.

A small frown graces your face when you finally pick up your phone with a tentative exhale, opening your messages.

Unknown Number:

'Hey, hope this wasn't too late. Yuji enjoyed playing with Suki a lot, maybe they can have play dates when I have him- if you don't mind. Could we meet somewhere and talk tomorrow?'

'It's Ryomen, by the way.'

You blink once, staring at your phone. All of the tensity in your expression gradually washing away into a mix of calm and amused shock.

That… wasn't as bad. You feel silly for being anxious over this all day. And he wants the kids to have play dates? That's unlike the Sukuna you knew… but you welcome the unfamiliarity all the same.

A light snort leaves you when your shock subsides, and you quickly type up a response, saving his contact after you send your message.

You:

Suki would enjoy that, she doesn't get along with other kids that easily. We can talk at the same park from yesterday.

You set your phone down again, all anxieties completely erased from your mind as you snuggle back up in bed.

You can prepare yourself for that conversation later — which you aren't very worried about after noticing the easygoing, airy tone his texts had.

Maybe he wasn't too upset about everything like you assumed, and there was a chance you could be on friendly terms again.

Maybe even more. The image of you and Sukuna back together brings a dumb little grin to your face and a warm blossom in your chest.

It feels wrong to still want him—

Are you wrong to still ache for him?

To crave the ghost of his presence and the echo of his rough laughter… to feel the soft caress of his large hands on your skin, and your lips pressed against his once more?

Is it so wrong to want something he may not want to give you anymore?

That one makes your smile fade. Yeah.. it's time to go to bed, you tell yourself, deciding to shut your eyes in attempt to stop thinking and finally go to sleep.

What's more important is getting a little bit of sleep before morning comes, anyway.

The calm, quiet ambience of your apartment paired with your now settled and saddened nerves is practically a mixture of melatonin to your overworked brain, and you're deeply asleep in minutes.

The rays of the sun blaze through your window; the loud chirrup of birds outside waking you before your alarm can.

Your eyes are still shut, but you can feel the hairs tickling your nose, and soft puffs of air from Suki's breathing on your collarbones.

Suki's weight on your chest in the morning is a semi-regular occurrence, and yet seeing her comfortably asleep on your chest never fails to make you smile. You brush your fingers through her soft curls, taking solace in the warmth of the sun and the comfort of your daughter.

Mornings like this were your favorite. Just you, Suki, and the plush luxury of your bed.

You stay like that for a few more minutes. Quiet, relaxed, comfortable with the outside world fading away… and right as you're dozing off, your phone sounds with a familiar double ding! on your left.

Of course he responds now. You huff, peeling your eyes open as you feel around for your phone on the bed. You tug it from under your side, careful not to jostle Suki awake when you open the text.

Sukuna:

'Morning. That's cool. We'll be there at 11.'

'Thanks.'

Did he just… thank you? For agreeing to meet up and talk? The phone falls back beside you on the bed, brain lagging at the image of Sukuna thanking you for something as simple as meeting and talking. He doesn't do that— he wouldn't do that.

At least the Sukuna you knew wouldn't. Your brows are furrowed now, in deep thought once again. How much has he changed since you've been with each other?

Another question you're left with for now. A question you don't really have the time to dwell on as Suki is stirring on top of you.

"Mama..?" Her small voice murmurs, drowsy confusion woven into it. Suki's hands rub at her eyes, face scrunched, and brows furrowed.

You sit up, moving Suki with you, "Good morning sweetheart. You snuck into my bed again, sneaky girl." A playful raise of your brow and your mock stern expression has her giggling, leaning further against you. "I like sleepin' wif you, mama."

That makes you smile gently, letting out a breath and hugging her tighter, "I like sleeping with you too, Suki. Let's start getting ready for the day, cuddle-bug."

Getting the two of you ready for the day is an easy routine you've come to master, and soon enough you're already loading Suki and yourself into the car, starting the brief drive to the park.

"So, mommy will be having a very veryyy important question with Yuji's uncle, and you'll get to play with Yuji again. That sound like fun?" You speak softly to Suki in the backseat, who nods in return. Suki was more focused on looking out the window, lightly babbling at the passing trees and buildings— she didn't really care about what you were saying until you mentioned 'Yuji' and 'play'.

"Yuji at the park?" Her eyes light up, feet kicking with excitement.

You hum, nodding at her through the rear view mirror, "You like playing with Yuji a lot, don't you?"

Suki smiles, almost sounding sheepish, "Yuji fun."

"I think he likes playing with you too, baby."

The rest of the drive to the park was short and quiet, like most drives with Suki are. As you pull to a stop in the parking lot, you can already see a fair amount of families with their kids playing around, even some having picnics— damn, should've brought stuff for a picnic. You shake the thought off, getting out of the car and go to the back to get Suki out; She's already vibrating with anticipation and almost leaps into your arms out of her car-seat.

"The park!" Suki squeals, her hand finding yours. You hold her little hand, following down the path towards the toddler playset— where you assumed Sukuna and Yuji would be. "Hm. I think they'll be here soon-"

"Sukiiiiiiii!!!" An earsplitting, high pitched shriek interrupts you from past the tiny slide to your left, where Yuji and Sukuna are walking over— well, where Sukuna is walking over. Yuji has already abandoned his uncle and started rushing over to you with a beaming smile.

"Yujiiiiii!!" Suki lets out a shriek of her own, bouncing up and down beside you when Yuji skids to a stop in front of the two of you, chubby face flushed.

"I thought Uncle Kuna was lyin' again-"

"I don't lie to you, brat!" He barks, now standing in front of you, glaring down at his cheery nephew who completely ignores him, clinging to your leg. You stifle a laugh at their exchange, pretending to clear your throat behind your fist when you notice Sukuna's intense scowl is now aimed at you.

Yuji tugs at your pants, both his and Suki's eyes pleading up at you, "Can we go play, Suki's mommy?!?" "Pleeeeaaase mama?" Suki bats her lashes, tugging at the other side of your pants. They were both too cute for you to say no— its not like you would have said no, anyway.

"Of course you can go play, have fun!" You smile at the toddlers, encouraging them with a wave and they waste no time running off, leaving you and Sukuna alone.

Sukuna hasn't said anything yet, still continuing to stare at you. You feel like he's picking you apart piece by piece the longer he stays quiet, you wish you could just read his mind. The silence between you two is somewhat strained, but not too uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Just.. two people who don't know how to talk to each other anymore.

You're hesitant to meet his eyes, and he notices immediately, gruffly motioning to a nearby bench. "How- how was your morning?" Sukuna asks huskily, sitting down on one edge of the bench.

You eye the space beside him, taking an uncertain seat next to him— with just enough space between you so you aren't too close. The wind blows through your hair, drawing Sukuna's attention to your features; eyes trailing over you, taking in the flutter of your lashes and your plump lips…

"It was good… how about yours?" You respond politely, fingers twitching in your lap. The heat of his gaze feels like it's burning on your skin, the seconds dragging on before he eventually grunts out a "fine."

And now the two of you are back in silence. Despite how awkwardly quiet you two are, the park does a good job of filling in that tension. The rustling of leaves blowing in the wind and screaming laughter of kids is grounding, somehow.

"Do you still talk to anyone from college?" Sukuna leans back on the bench, searching you with a sideways glance.

You shake your head, sheepishly. "No.. I kinda ghosted everyone. I was too busy taking care of Suki."

He chuckles, nodding. "Sounds like you.. she's a cute kid."

You smile faintly, agreeing with a nod of your own. "She is."

Before it falls back into complete silence again, you take the liberty to put aside your unease and address the fact that Sukuna is Suki's dad. A fact that's obvious, yes, but it still strains you to have to tell him.

"I think we both know what I'm going to say next, and there's no other way to admit it than to just say it." You take a deep breath, fists clenched in your lap and your heart hammering harder than you think it has in a long time.

It's hard for you to even look at him as you open your mouth to continue— only to be interrupted by the low timbre of his voice.

"She's mine."

The languid knowing tone Sukuna has nearly washes away the chagrin you've been feeling, words faltering on your lips as you finally spare a glance at him. And you really wish you hadn't — those sharp red eyes are impossibly softened while he watches Yuji and Suki play together — it's clear he has a soft spot for kids, and you hate that it makes him more attractive.

Your mouth goes dry, trying to reel your thoughts back to the topic at hand. Focus and be honest with him, the tiny voice in your head reminds you. A terse nod confirms what's already known between you two; Suki is his daughter.

"Yeah, she is." You swallow, looking at your shoes now. "It was obvious, I know."

A humorless chuckle leaves you, voice lowering. Quiet and heavy with shame; "I just- I didn't want to tell anyone I was pregnant back then, I was too embarrassed… too prideful."

"We… weren't good to each other, and I wasn't even sure if you would've wanted to do that— be a dad."

Sukuna drags his eyes away from the toddlers, attention returning to you and his stare trained on your lips whilst you explain yourself. If this was less important he'd only be half listening to what you were saying, he tells himself; rather thinking about how your plump lips would feel on his after so long.

"I get it." Though he wishes you would've told him in the past, he does agrees with you.

As much as his heart covets to had been there with you; watching your belly grow, taking care of you and your baby, he knows the both of you would've only stressed each other—and Suki— out. That wouldn't have been good for any of you.

Sukuna sighs, "I don't blame ya, I wasn't the most reliable then, 'M sorry. About everything. I've changed 'nd grown up." He pauses for a moment, jaw clenching anxiously when he mutters his next words. "If I said I want to be there for her— for both of you— would you let me?"

Your head whips over to him, lips parted. "What?"

"I want to be in her life— and yours. Will you let me try?" Sukuna restates firmly, but there's a slight pleading edge to his words. His face does nothing to betray how his heart skips a beat when your eyes meet.

You're stuck in appall, staring up at him. He wants to be in Suki's life and yours?? You wouldn't have to do everything alone anymore, and you'd have someone to talk to again. Wait- this has to mean he still feels something for you, or else he wouldn't have mentioned your life…

"What're you thinkin' about?" His voice breaks you from your thoughts, your cheeks heating under his curious gaze, and brows relaxing. "Nothing. I just.. uh.. was thinking of dinner later. Rice and stuff." You bite the inside of your lip, disregarding the doubt painted all over him. Your lie wasn't that obvious, and despite his skepticism he doesn't press further— which you're thankful for.

"I think we can come up with something- for Suki. I'd like for you to have a relationship with her." You murmur, eyes following Suki just a few feet away. She didn't deserve to be isolated like you had been for the beginning of her life. She deserved to have another parent, and to know the rest of her family. You nod, your expression relaxing. "We'll figure it out."

"I didn't only ask for her sake," Sukuna's head tilts, and you can feel his stare growing heavier by the second— all concentrated on you and your micro expressions. It's intense. It's distantly familiar to your mind, and makes your heart race.

"Oh." You blink. It takes everything in you to not react to his proximity and those smoldering crimson eyes. Guessing he isn't too upset with you at all.

Sukuna doesn't take his eyes off of you, making sure you're looking into his eyes when he speaks again, "I want to be in your life again. Not just 'cause of Suki, but 'cause I never stopped wanting you. Hadn't wanted anybody since you."

Oh… what a bomb.

You feel frozen at his admission, and you can tell from the wistfulness of his expression that he's serious. Your heart feels overwhelmed with trepidation, worry, and —unsurprisingly— hope. Hope that you won't act on, though. He'll have to work to win you back, regardless of what your heart wants.

"Sukuna-"

"That's fine. I can prove myself to you, show you how much I've changed. Show you that you can trust me." You're it for me is what he doesn't say out loud. Sukuna was already prepared for your denial, and he knows he has work to do before you even consider being with him permanently. In his mind, anything was worth it for you.

a/n: what are our thoughts on this one 👀👀? where will you guys' relationship go..👀👀👀 i didn't even know this was gonna be THIS long😭 i appreciate every comment, like, and reblog❤️ if you want to be added to the taglist don't be afraid to comment! i hope you all enjoyed this one, part 4 will be out in at least 3-6 days (or whenever i feel like updating lmao)

taglist : @st0ners4cho @angierb05 @fairyeosy @yeletta @vvkitty @beereadzzz @natsolox @riimyn @louddinosaursblog @tyygr @pepsicolacoochie @i-smell-sharpies @spookyeomgoose @tsukkiobsession @howmanytimesamigoingtotrythis @thebl00dwyrm @winkii @wgucigu @dadonprimma @kjovn @luvs-angel @historia200

Your dorm room was quiet.

Too quiet, honestly.

The soft hum of your desk lamp filled the space as you sat curled up on your bed, knees tucked to your chest, phone resting in your hands. You weren’t even really doing anything on it—just scrolling mindlessly, rereading old messages you shouldn’t be rereading.

His messages.

Your stomach twisted.

You hadn’t answered him all day.

Not because you didn’t want to.

But because you did.

Too much, maybe.

Every time his name lit up your screen, your chest tightened. You’d type something out, erase it, overthink it, panic, then lock your phone like that would somehow solve everything.y

It didn’t.

It just made things worse.

Your phone buzzed again.

You froze.

You already knew who it was.

Slowly, nervously, you looked down.

Sukuna: You alive?

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard.

You typed: yeah

Then erased it.

Then typed: sorry I’ve just been busy

Erased that too.

Another buzz.

Sukuna: Don’t ignore me.

Your heart started beating faster.

You swallowed hard, your thumb trembling slightly as you locked your phone again, pressing it against your chest like you could quiet everything inside you.

“I’ll answer later…” you whispered to yourself.

You didn’t.

Minutes passed.

Then another buzz.

You squeezed your eyes shut before even checking it this time—but you did anyway.

Sukuna: Come outside. Now.

Your breath caught.

Outside?

Now?

Your gaze flickered toward the window, the dark campus stretching out beyond it, lit by scattered streetlights.

Your heart started racing for a completely different reason.

You sat there for a full minute, frozen.

Then:

You: why?

The reply came almost instantly.

Sukuna: Don’t make me come get you.

Your stomach dropped.

He would.

You knew he would.

And somehow, that made everything worse—and better—at the same time.

You stood up too quickly, nearly knocking your chair over. Your hands moved on their own, grabbing your hoodie, pulling it over your head, sleeves covering your fingers like armor.

“Okay… okay…” you muttered under your breath, trying to steady your breathing. “Just go outside. It’s fine.”

It didn’t feel fine.

Nothing about this felt fine.

By the time you made it down the hallway and out of the dorm building, your heart was pounding so loud you were sure it was audible.

The night air hit your face, cool and sharp.

And there he was.

Leaning against a car like he owned the entire campus, phone in hand, expression already edged with irritation.

The moment he saw you, he straightened.

“There you are,” he said.

Your steps slowed.

“…hi.”

Too quiet.

Too small.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he took you in—your hunched posture, your covered hands, the way you wouldn’t look at him.

That familiar tension snapped into place.

“What’s your problem?” he asked bluntly, pushing off the car.

Your chest tightened instantly.

“I don’t have a problem…”

“You do,” he said, walking toward you. “Because you’ve been ignoring me all day.”

“I wasn’t ignoring you, I just—”

“Don’t lie.” His voice sharpened. “I can see when you read my messages.”

You froze.

“…I didn’t know what to say,” you admitted quietly.

“That’s not an excuse,” he shot back. “Since when do you not know how to talk to me?”

“I always know how to talk to you,” you said, voice trembling. “I just… didn’t want to say the wrong thing.”

“And instead you said nothing?” he snapped.

You flinched.

“I-I thought you were mad at me,” you rushed out, words starting to trip over each other. “And I didn’t want to make it worse and I didn’t know how to fix it and—”

“Mad at you?” he cut in, brows pulling together. “Why would I be mad at you?”

“I don’t know!” Your voice cracked, panic rising. “That’s why I didn’t text you, I thought if I said something wrong you’d actually get mad and then—”

“Then what?” he pressed, stepping closer.

you backed up slightly without meaning to.

“I don’t know…” you whispered, your breathing uneven now.

“Look at me,” he said.

You couldn’t.

Your eyes stayed locked on the ground.

“I said look at me.”

Your chest tightened painfully.

“I can’t…” you murmured.

“Why not?”

“Because I’ll mess it up,” you said, voice breaking. “I always mess things up when I’m nervous and then you’ll get annoyed and I just—”

Your words dissolved completely as your breathing hitched.

You felt it coming.

You tried to stop it.

But the tears came anyway.

“I’m sorry,” you said quickly, voice shaking. “I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to ignore you, I just didn’t know what to do and I didn’t want you to hate me and—”

Your voice broke completely.

Silence dropped hard between you.

Sukuna froze.

“…shit.”

All the irritation drained from his face instantly, replaced by something else—something caught off guard.

“Hey—” His voice lowered immediately. “Hey, no, don’t—”

You turned your face away, trying to hide it, your hands coming up to cover your face as your shoulders shook slightly.

“I didn’t mean to—” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “Damn it…”

He stepped closer again, slower this time, more careful.

“Hey,” he tried again, softer now. “C’mere baby.”

You didn’t move.

So he did.

His hand gently wrapped around your wrist, tugging just enough to bring you closer—not forceful, just steady.

When you didn’t pull away, he pulled you into him, one arm coming around your shoulders.

It wasn’t perfect.

A little awkward.

But careful.

“I didn’t mean to make you cry,” he said quietly, his voice right above your head now. “I was just… annoyed. That’s it.”

You clutched lightly at his shirt, your voice barely there. “I’m sorry…”

“Stop apologizing princess,” he said immediately. “You didn’t do anything that bad.”

“I ignored you…”

“Yeah, and I came at you too hard,” he admitted. “So we’re even.”

You let out a small, shaky breath.

He shifted slightly, one hand coming up to awkwardly wipe at your cheek.

“You’re really sensitive,” he muttered—not harsh, just… noticing.

You nodded faintly against him.

“…I know.”

He exhaled through his nose.

“Yeah. I can tell.”

There was a pause.

Then he gently tilted your chin up, giving you time—waiting.

This time, you managed to look at him.

Your eyes were still wet, lashes clumped slightly, expression soft and fragile.

“…I thought you didn’t want to talk to me anymore,” you admitted.

He blinked.

“…what?”

“I thought you were getting tired of me,” you whispered.

He stared at you for a second—then let out a quiet, disbelieving scoff.

“You avoided me… because you thought I was avoiding you?”

You nodded a little, embarrassed.

“…yeah.”

He shook his head slightly.

“That’s…” He huffed. “That’s actually insane.”

Your face fell slightly.

“I didn’t mean—”

“I’m not saying it like that,” he cut in quickly, softer now. “I just—” He paused, then sighed. “You’re overthinking everything.”

“…I know.”

Another quiet moment passed.

Then he nodded toward his car.

“Come on.”

“…where?”

“Out.”

You hesitated. “…like… now?”

“Yes, now.”

“…okay.”

—

You ended up sitting on the hood of his car in a quiet, empty parking lot, far from the dorms, far from everything loud and overwhelming.

The sky stretched endlessly above you, scattered with stars.

A paper bag sat between you.

Sukuna handed you a burger.

“Eat.”

You blinked. “…you brought food?”

“Obviously.”

“…for me?”

He gave you a look. “No, I brought extra for decoration.”

You gave a tiny, shy smile.

“…thank you.”

You ate slowly, still a little sniffly, your emotions settling bit by bit.

After a while, you leaned back slightly, looking up.

“It’s really pretty…”

“Yeah,” he said—but he was looking at you, not the sky.

You didn’t notice.

Your fingers fidgeted with the wrapper again.

“I really wasn’t trying to ignore you,” you said softly. “I just get scared I’ll say something wrong.”

He was quiet for a moment.

“…you don’t have to do that with me,” he said.

“I know… I just can’t help it sometimes.”

“…then tell me that,” he replied. “Don’t disappear.”

You nodded. “…okay.”

A small silence settled—comfortable this time.

Gentle.

He reached out, brushing his thumb lightly under your eye.

“You okay now?” he asked quietly.

“…yeah.”

“You sure?”

You nodded again.

He studied your face for a moment—then leaned in slowly, giving you time.

You didn’t pull away.

Your breath caught softly as his lips met yours—gentle, steady, nothing like the intensity from earlier.

It felt safe.

Warm.

When he pulled back, he stayed close, his voice low.

“…next time, just answer me.”

You gave a small, shy nod.

“…I will.”

His hand found yours again, fingers lacing together.

And this time

“why is it you are knotting your hair in odd tangles, woman? you will be combing them out later before bed regardless.” 

his gruff voice came from the doorway of your shared chambers, watching as you sat in front of the vanity, fingers skilfully threading through soft strands.

a smile grazed your lips at his question, meeting his eyes in the reflection of the mirror. 

“to make it look pretty. and it keeps out of my face this way – less of a hassle.”

but your explanation didn’t seem to satisfy him, eyebrows still pulled into a furrow.

“why go through all that trouble when you could simply cut it shorter?” grumbling, he took a couple of steps towards where you sat, crimson eyes never leaving you.

“but i like my long hair, you do too, don’t you, ryomen?”

and although you knew very well how true that was, with the way his hands always occupied themselves in your silky tresses when you would be in his embrace before sleep, he merely huffed. 

but apparently, the silly idea of human hairstyles hadn’t been what bothered him at the time. 

no no, it was that you’d spend so much time on something he thought of as rather tedious, therefore deciding to take matters into his own, four, hands.

that’s how, you now found yourself sat on his lap, back to his chest and smiling from ear to ear at the gentle strokes and brushes of his fingers through your hair.

meanwhile, heavy sighs left sukuna’s lips every few seconds when yet another strand slipped from his fingers.

it was much harder than you had made it seem to be. seeing you do it every morning with such ease, even if it took you so long, made him think it was really just that uncomplicated. 

but oh, how he was wrong. 

not only had he taken far too long to understand where each of the three strands was supposed to go, but no matter how firmly he held them, they’d still constantly be slipping, almost mocking him for struggling with such an absurdly simple task.  

and to think he’d at least have it a little easier, given he had four hands to do all of this.

“this is- how is it you do this so effortlessly? it makes no sense. the strands flee from my grip within seconds. even your hair knows it’s not supposed to go this way…”

he grumbled, ever so huffy and puffy. 

to see a man like him, king of curses, sharpened by battle and triumphant with everything he set his mind to, struggle this much with something so easy, oh, it was hilarious.

it only made him feel irritated and all the more determined to get this right.

“you don’t have to keep going if it’s too much of a bother, ryomen. i can just do it myself.” you suggested with a gentle smile, hand reaching behind you to rest on one of his strong arms.

“no.”

was all he said, neither of you uttering another word as he redid the braid again and again and again until he was finally satisfied with how it looked, tying the ends of your hair together at last.

“it is done, your hair is… tangled.”

that made you turn your head back towards him, eyes meeting his before taking the braid into your hands and examining it.

it looked… beautiful. maybe even better than when you did it yourself. no, actually it was better, much better.

“it looks so pretty…” you said quietly, admiring the care he had put into it.

before he could huff and act all nonchalant about it though, you leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek. 

“thank you, ryo.”

it took him off guard, a pink hue tinging his face quicker than he’d like but equally as quick to bring a hand up to cover his face with.

“idiot woman…”

but oh, how glad he was you actually liked it and so relieved to not have messed anything up. 

“i shall practice these foolish hair tangles in your place every morning so my wife’s weak body is not tired out by nonsensical tasks.”

“you’re going to do my hair for me every morning?”

“yes, as i have just said. you have ears to listen and a brain to think, do you not?” he huffed, secretly flustered from the joyful expression on your face. it was so stupidly adorable in his eyes.

“yeah yeah, i do.” and with a roll of your eyes you pressed another kiss to his other cheek. 

“can’t wait for morning to come again.” you chuckled with excitement flashing in your eyes.

“mm, likewise.”