After another hour or two, the Fushiguro siblings were sleeping in their respective bedrooms. As (M/N) shelved Megumi's lion storybook, he heard a gentle knock at the door. He turned his head and saw Gojou standing there, dressed in his casual black long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and sunglasses. "You got them to sleep," he said quietly.

"I got Megumi to sleep," (M/N) corrected, walking over to his friend. "Tsumiki fell asleep as soon as she hit her bed. Nanami said something about that poor girl being exhausted, bless her heart."

Gojou nodded and shut the door to Megumi's room behind (M/N). He placed a hand on (M/N)'s waist and said, "Shall we head to Principal Yaga's office then, my dear?"

"We shall," (M/N) chuckled. The two walked in comfortable silence to the office, the gap between them slim. "How was your mission?" He decided to ask.

"It went well. Got it done in thirty minutes flat," Satoru boasted with a grin. (M/N) rolled his eyes and laughed as they turned a corner, reaching the office door. "... Y'know, we don't haveee to go inside. Let's go to a bar, get tipsy, have some fun!" He whined, hand grazing over (M/N)'s back in a chilling manner. (M/N) shivered as his cheeks turned red, and before he could argue, a voice appeared behind them.

"Don't even think about it, Gojou."

The two turned to see Yaga behind them, along with the other staff members. "Dude, where do you come from?!" Gojou exclaimed, moving to the side so everyone could go inside the office. Once everyone was inside, the door shut, and he and (M/N) turned to Yaga with pouts on their faces. "So, what's the big deal?"

Yaga sat down at his desk, looked at all of the former students, then laced his hands together in front of him in contemplation. "While I am glad the Fushiguro's have been found and made comfortable and safe, I'm afraid we face a larger problem," he spoke. (M/N) looked at Satoru with worried eyes, causing him to look back at his friend and give him a wink to try and ease his nerves. "The Zenin clan has reached out and expressed their.. displeasure with our intervention in the sale of Megumi."

Shoko scoffed. "Megumi is a child, not some item to be sold," she pointed out. "They can be as displeased as they want, they're not getting him."

"I don't believe it's that simple," Nanami piped up, crossing his arms. "The Zenin clan purchased Megumi for a good amount of money, knowing their interest in whatever his cursed technique is. They won't allow such a transaction to go uncomplete."

(M/N) furrowed his brows as his anger began to rise inside him. He snapped, "That's their fault then! They should've seized him as soon as the transaction was completed. It's unethical to take him now after he's already cultivated a childhood."

"(L/N), calm yourself. Do not forget your position after all these years," Yaga ordered, shooting the man a look. (M/N) shrank in on himself and nodded. "Regardless of the fairness of the situation, the Zenin clan has made it clear that they want the child. The clan head and some of the family members will be coming by Jujutsu Tech in the coming days to discuss the matter at hand."

(M/N) scoffed and crossed his arms. 'No wonder Toji hated those assholes,' he thought to himself. After a few more questions from the other staff members, Yaga dismissed them all, but told (M/N) to stay put. Gojou and Nanami both whispered their wishes of good luck to him, then left. "So, how bad is this lecture gonna be?" He asked flatly, cocking an eyebrow.

Yaga sighed and gestured to the seat in front of him. "No need to have such an attitude with me, (M/N)," he said. (M/N) sat down with an unimpressed expression. "Remember that I did nothing to you."

"You grounded me to six months of curse missions on my own," (M/N) seethed, arms crossing over his chest. "Even against first or special grades! And I was barely a second grade!"

"Because you abandoned your responsibilities at this school to become friends with a sorcerer killer!" Yaga quickly retorted, a hand firmly grasping his desk. (M/N) quieted down and stared at him with angry eyes. "Even if you were unaware, the larger issue at hand was that you left campus before your missions could've been assigned to you, and you barely participated in training."

"I was going through-"

"I don't care if your relationship with Gojou was in a rough patch at that time," Yaga stopped him. "Your position as a jujutsu sorcerer in training was important above all."
(M/N) stayed quiet, grinding his jaw. Yaga sighed and relaxed, taking a deep breath. "For being someone that left to finish his teenage years all on his own, you're still the impatient twelve year old I remember watching in the field," he spoke. (M/N)'s posture relaxed and his expression softened. "I understand there have been.. difficulties over these last few years. All I need to say to you, (M/N), is that I.. I am sorry. And all I can ask of you is to have patience this time around. Don't up and leave when things get difficult."

(M/N) looked down at his lap. "I'm sorry too," he murmured. He looked back up and sadly smiled at Yaga, who's tinted glasses did a poor job at covering the worried expression in his eyes. "Let's just take it easy, old man. Can't have you croaking just yet," he mused.

Yaga smirked and sighed. "The only way I'd die, (M/N), is by witnessing your shenanigans," he replied. "Get out of here. Go enjoy the night, and rest soon. Fushiguro's training has to begin soon, and I'd rather you be alert and awake to ensure Gojou doesn't traumatize him."

(M/N) stood up with a smile and nodded. "Yes, sir. Have a good night," he said quickly. He walked out the office, where Gojou awaited him. The man raised a curious eyebrow and (M/N) let out a sigh of relief. "Well, he didn't bite my head off, so I think I'm good. Where did the others go?"

"They're waiting down at the gate. Apparently, Shoko's treating us to drinks tonight," Satoru answered, slinging his arm over (M/N)'s shoulders. The two began to walk, the quiet chirps of crickets the only noise in the air. Gojou glanced at (M/N) through his peripheral vision and noticed the far-off look in his (E/C) eyes. "Is there ever a moment where you're not doubtful, Sunshine?"

(M/N) gulped and shook his head. "What? I have no clue what you're talking about, Satoru," he replied, eyes glancing off to the side. 'I hate when he reads me like an open book. He's done it since we were kids, and it's the most agitating thing. Caring, but agitating,' he thought. Satoru stopped walking and stepped in front of (M/N), effectively stopping him as well. "Satoru, I swear, I'm fine. We just need to go to the bar."

"Funny, coming from the dude that thought alcohol tasted like shit when we were younger," Satoru mused, stepping closer. He pushed a bit of (M/N)'s stray locks of (H/C) hair out of his face, seeing the way the other man's turned a bit red in the dark of night. "C'mon. What's bugging you so much?"

"Other than your proximity?" (M/N) tried to joke, but this was no laughing matter. The closer Satoru got, the hotter (M/N)'s body felt, the more his breathing pace quickened, and the more unsure of himself he felt. Satoru said nothing, and (M/N) knew just like that that he had to spill. "I'm just worried about Megumi and Tsumiki now, that's all."

Satoru shrugged and his hand fell to (M/N)'s cheek, gently rubbing his thumb against the man's skin. "Ah, don't sweat it. I'll kill all of the Zenin clan to keep those two safe," he said without a worry or hesitation. "Or to keep your pretty little head worry-free."

"Stop with the flirting, Satoru," (M/N) huffed, grabbing on to his hand to push it away. However, he couldn't find the will. Something about that moment, in the pale moonlight, held him frozen in place. Gojou was only mere centimeters away from (M/N) now, and the silence of the night only made him seem closer. "S.. Seriously.. this is like, super unprofessional. Besides, where is this even coming from..?"

Satoru stopped himself. "I'm not really sure," he said. "I just- I missed you insanely, (M/N). Life without you is.." he trailed off, glancing at (M/N)'s lips. "Life is.."

"You two ready to go?"

(M/N) peered up and saw Shoko walking back up the steps of Jujutsu Tech, standing by the gate. He hadn't even realized they were near it. "Y-Yeah," he choked out, shooting Satoru a quick and dirty glance before jogging to catch up with Shoko.

Satoru smirked and shook his head. 'It's so funny teasing him,' he thought as he ran after the other two. 'Let's see how this plays out.'

~ ♡︎ ~

An hour and a half later, Shoko, Ijichi, Nanami, Gojou, and (M/N) all sat at a bar in a club in the city, talking trash about the Zenin clan and Jujutsu sorcery in general. The club was blaring loud music, people were messily dancing all over the place, and there were other activities happening in some back rooms. At the bar, Shoko and Nanami were drinking wine, Gojou was drinking vodka, and Ijichi and (M/N) were drinking water.
"I'm surprised you don't drink (M/N)," Shoko commented. She took another sip of her wine. "Working with children makes anyone want to drink."

(M/N) shrugged. "I didn't get to try it much," he replied. "Once I moved, I was so driven to starting a job and getting settled that my twentieth birthday just kinda flew by. I drank whiskey once and honestly? Solid pass from me," he rambled, a face of physical disgust crossing his features.

"That's a shame," Nanami remarked, having freshly turned twenty just a month or two before. "I haven't drank much, of course, but I've noticed that wine soothes my nerves. A little bit, of course."

"Seriously, Sunshine! It's a shame you're such a chicken. I'm sure you could do with a bit of loosening up," Gojou piped up as he finished off his vodka. He and Shoko shared a mischievous glance. If there was one thing they both remembered about (M/N), it was that-

"It's not being chicken, Satoru, it's being responsible," (M/N) huffed, finishing his cup of water. Gojou hummed, and nobody said anything for a second. Then, (M/N) randomly muttered, "I bet you get really stupid when you get drunk anyways. You're probably a lightweight."

"Oh, you know what a lightweight is? That's surprising," Gojou chuckled, waving the bartender for another vodka shot. "Chicken."

A visible tic-mark appeared on (M/N)'s forehead. "I'm not stupid, Satoru."

"Didn't say you were, just said you were a chicken. I bet you're a lightweight anyways."

(M/N) pouted and furrowed his brows. Shoko and Gojou smirked while Ijichi and Nanami watched in joint confusion. "Bingo," Shoko whispered. She added to the conversation. "It's okay if you are, (M/N). A lot of people are lightweights."

"Y-Yeah-"

"Ijichi, shh, adults are talking," (M/N) quickly stopped the young man. He looked at Gojou, then the bartender. "6 shots of (whatever alcohol you want) each, please," he ordered quickly, looking at his friends with an annoyed look. His (E/C) eyes, even in the dark pink and blue lights of the club, had a certain shine to them that sent shivers down all of their backs. "Lightweight my ass."

Satoru grinned and cracked his neck. "You're on, Sunshine!" He exclaimed. The bartender brought over the shots and the two quickly began to down them with small breaths in between. On the fourth shot, Satoru noticed the soft pink tint overtaking (M/N)'s cheeks. "Aww, is someone already.. getting buzzed?" He teased.

(M/N) grumbled and took another shot, despising the bitter taste burning his throat. "I remember why I don't drink now," he muttered, cracking his knuckles. He finished his sixth shot, Satoru quickly behind him. "Another round, please!"

Nanami cleared his throat. "(L/N), I don't believe this is a good idea," he remarked, glaring at Gojou. "Just because that idiot teased you doesn't mean-"

"Shhh, Nanami, babe," (M/N) hummed, drumming his fingers on the man's thigh. "I'm completely fine! Noooo need to worry!" He beamed before giving the man's thigh a squeeze and letting go. Nanami was a bit shocked; if (M/N) has never really drank before, then what kind of drunk would he even be? "Another round!"
The next round of six was quickly guzzled down too, and both Satoru and (M/N) were red in the cheeks. While Satoru grumbled curses beneath his breath, (M/N) leaned in close to his pale face and giggled. "So, what was that, Satoru? Whoooo's the lightweight here?"

Satoru glared at (M/N) and pouted. "Shut up, stupid," he grumbled. But beneath the club strobe lights, there was something incredibly attractive about (M/N) in that moment. The sleezy grin on his lips, his messy (H/C) hair, his hazy eyes; Satoru was thrilled by it all. He wanted to see his friend like that all the time. "Another-!"

"Yeah, no," Nanami cut in, taking the shot glasses away. Shoko snickered behind him, while Ijichi sighed and shook his head. "You guys are going to get alcohol poisoning at this rate."

(M/N) turned to Nanami and groaned, reaching forward and cupping the man's chiseled cheeks. "Nanamiiii! C'monnn! I can't let Satoru win this!" He whined. Nanami shook his head and stood up, ready to pay the tab and get them all out of here, when (M/N) suddenly perked up and looked at the roof of the club. "Guys, guys! It's (favorite song)! We should go dance!"

(i personally imagine me and your mama by childish gambino for this upcoming part but do what you will hehe)

He quickly stood up and walked away, leaving the other four in surprise. Satoru tried to stand up but groaned and held his head, tilting it back a bit to relief the tension he felt growing. "Go grab him, Nanami," Shoko sighed, pulling out her wallet. "It's supposed to be on me tonight anyways."

The blonde nodded and quickly followed (M/N)'s path, watching the man sway carelessly. 'I didn't think he'd be like this,' he thought as he occasionally shielded his eyes from certain obscenities in the club. 'He always seems so responsible and level-headed. But leave it to Gojou to break him down.'
He finally caught up with (M/N) and grabbed his shoulder. "(L/N), we should get going," he called out above the loud club music.

(M/N) turned to Nanami and smiled widely. "Nananami! Do you like this song too?" He asked, ignoring the other's comment. He got closer to him and tossed his arms over Nanami's shoulders, humming along to the song.

Nanami's hands awkwardly rested at his side. 'What a mess,' he thought. "(L/N), this isn't appropriate. You have business to attend to in the morning, so we need to get you.." he trailed off as he watched (M/N) sway his hips and tilt his head back, lazily mumbling the words to the song.

"C'mon Nananamiii! This feels so niceee, with no stressss!" (M/N) sighed out in relief, running a hand through his hair. Just as Nanami was about to argue, (M/N) spoke again. "Shh, shh! Here comes the best part!" He airily gasped, tapping Nanami's shoulders. A few seconds later, the song's beat dropped and the rhythm of the song grew steadily more hot and sultry. "Fuck yessss!"

At that moment, the smell of alcohol, the heat of the club room, Nanami's own indulgence in his wine before, and (M/N)'s amazingly searing touch against his skin was intoxicating to the young man. "Oh, good god," he muttered, hands seemingly moving on their own and finding refuge on (M/N)'s waist. After this song, we need to leave," he said as he leaned down and spoke into (M/N)'s ear.

(M/N) pulled back from him and smiled. "Has anyone mentioned how simply gorgeous you are, Nananmiiii?" He asked, tilting his head and squinting at the man.

Nanami sighed and shook his head, fingers lightly gripping (M/N)'s waist. "Just dance to the song so we can leave after, (L/N)," he replied, reaching up with one hand to quickly loosen his collar.

(M/N) watched with glazed eyes, his grin only growing cheekier by the minute. He got closer to Nanami's face and said, "Call me (M/N), dummy."

Nanami swallowed thickly, a shaky breath leaving his chest. He glanced behind his dance partner and saw a fight breaking out nearby, so he took one of (M/N)'s hands and pulled him against his chest. (M/N) let out a soft gasp, and their eyes finally locked for the first time in this heated moment.

"Call me Kento, then. Now, let's get you back to your room, (M/N)."

~ ♡︎ ~

in vino veritas: in wine, there is truth

i don't really know what this chapter is, i think just filler to add some spice before we get into the disaster that is gojou and (m/n) (attempting) to train megumi 💀💀

hopefully you guys enjoyed bc oh boy tipsy heated moments ARE HOT 😩