Chapter Text
The women whisper to each other, excluding him from the conversation. Worry tugs at their brows with every look they throw his way and one of the only words that reaches Yuji's ears is 'damaged.' They're talking about his body, no doubt.
It's visible at first glance -the scars on his sun-kissed skin. On his face, no less. Those women work for the emperor and if Yuji's intuition is right, they're here to collect him and make him the man's concubine. His heart is beating fast as he waits for their decision and though he's supposed to stay still, he glances at his mother kneeling next to him.
Her usually unreadable expression reveals concern. While Yuji hopes for rejection, Kaori prays for the servants to overlook the damage and take him to the palace. Jin appears to be saddened by the visit. He'd be dying with anxiety whether they took his son or not. Life in the palace would've meant becoming a walking womb, to the emperor's beck and call, but staying in the village entails all sorts of danger.
Yuji lowers his gaze in something akin to shame. He can't tell what he truly feels right now. All of this revolves around his body and how useful it might prove itself to be, which would've been natural if he were a woman. Fate pulled a cruel joke on his parents by gifting them a child of superior gender, yet making him an Omega, prone to getting hurt. He's forced to share the pain of women despite being a man. Itadori refrains from useless self-pity, however.
"Time for examination," one of the servants states, peering down at him.
Itadori rises silently, obediently. His throat tightens unexpectedly, but the boy swallows the saliva gathered in his mouth and proceeds to follow the servant to the other room. Is it the image of the emperor that prompted the sudden surge of misery?
Yuji pictures the man -old and wrinkly, but still elegant in a way with his long, white beard and intelligence engraved in his features. The emperor is a secretive person who prefers to spend his days in the castle, therefore Yuji has no clue about his appearance. He prepares himself for the worst.
He should be grateful for this chance to avoid sexual violence that he would've eventually experienced in the village. It's dangerous for him to stay here and keep fighting for the sake of his purity, but it doesn't mean that becoming the emperor's concubine would be any safer. An old person, whether a Prime Alpha or not, might not be able to impregnate him.
Yuji puts all his trust in his fertility as a young, Prime Omega. He'll be the one to take the blame if he fails to birth an heir and he might get executed for humiliating the emperor. Yuji finds himself between the devil and the deep blue sea, when either option might lead to his death. Nevertheless, he dreads the visit to the palace.
"Open your legs," the servant says calmly.
Itadori lies down, unties his kimono and allows the woman access to his genitalia. It's an objectifying ordeal, but what is he if not an object to the emperor and the men of the village? His purity has not been tainted, his scars being the best proof of it. He's been beaten times and times again, but his strength saved him from getting violated even when surrounded by a group of men. He was able to protect himself and escape, though not without any harm.
Yuji stares at the wooden ceiling of the small, old building he shares with his parents, waiting for the servant to be done. The woman takes her time. She's careful, her touch is delicate when she spreads his folds to the sides to take a look at his entrance. Her approach comes from the fear of the emperor and the punishment she would've gotten for the rough treatment of the concubine.
"Untouched," she determines. "You haven't been torn. Turn around and show me your nape."
Yuji finds it strange how long it takes for her to decide if he's useful or not. His skin should've been enough for her to give up on him. A village man wouldn't mind the scars as long as he'd be able to sink into the tight heat between his legs, but the emperor must have higher standards. He wouldn't accept an unattractive concubine, would he?
Well, what does he know? He's just an uneducated peasant, right?
"Unmarked as well," the woman mutters. "Put the rags back on."
Yuji dresses up quickly. He wouldn't use the word 'rags' to describe his clothes. He worked hard to buy the material and it may not be beautiful, but it certainly is warm, not so flimsy as most of the things they sell in the village. It has no holes or stains and it'll last him years.
The servant looks him in the eyes and Yuji feels like one of the animals locked in a cage, waiting for someone to buy it and cook it in a stew. The boy sincerely hopes not to be chosen. He's sure he's sticking out like a sore thumb among the other concubines.
"I'm familiar with those tricks," the stranger says. "Scars, short hair, burn marks and so on.. You can forget about safety for as long as you have a working body. Even if you saw your entrance close with a needle and a thread, there will always be someone who'd try to use you, seeing it as a challenge."
Yuji blinks twice, surprised. "I didn't do it on purpose."
"I am not young and naive. I do not blame you either." The woman accentuates every word by speaking slowly and ends her response with a burdened sigh. Yuji decides not to argue.
"Am I visiting the palace?"
"Yes, although you might get disposed of quickly. You're not the first person I'm taking there. Wipe that look off your face. It disgusts me."
Yuji puts on a neutral expression instead. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it to be offensive. If I may suggest..-"
"No. You may not." The woman remains stone-cold. "I assume you'd rather keep working, but rest assured, your family will be paid for the loss of their only son. I lost a daughter too and was given no financial compensation. Not even a look of sympathy."
"Is she a concubine too?" Yuji asks shyly.
"She's been attacked and didn't make it. She's always been so delicate.. I wished for her to work at the palace, but would she survive childbirth? You have a strong body." The woman gazes at his toned legs. "You'll be able to handle everything that the emperor gives you."
"I'm sorry for your loss."
The servant walks past him and gestures for him to get going. It's time to leave.
His parents raise their eyes when he comes back, but they can't see him for long. The other, younger servant joins in and Yuji exits the tiny building in their company, no explanation given to Kaori and Jin. They know what this means.
Yuji doesn't oppose when they tell him to get inside the carriage. He leaves the way he's standing -with no belongings except for his clothes and sandals.
The younger servant stares at him with no shame, viewing him like a project she has to work on. They've got the perfect candidate for a concubine, but his face is a big problem. The emperor is known to be picky, has rejected all the marriage proposals and refuses to sleep with concubines. He enjoys his own company more than anything. Individualism is quite a bad trait to have in his position.
The two begin to whisper again and Yuji closes his eyes, ignoring their gaze. Abandoning his parents creates a void inside him. He feels hollow when he thinks about how he's leaving his only family to serve a man old enough to be his grandpa. The servants confirm his assumption with the following advice:
"Keep your distance if you can. Gojo-sama can't see well and he might not notice the state of your skin from afar. That's all we can say to help you."
"He has a bad eyesight?"
"Very bad," the girl nods. "He's nearly visionless."
Yuji's mouth falls open. "How old is he?"
"I don't know. "
"What does he look like?"
"I'm not sure about that either. We're being asked every time, but I don't know what to say. I heard he has white hair and wears a bandage around his eyes."
Yuji looks at the other woman to confirm it. She decides not to involve herself in the gossip.
"Is it that bad? What's wrong with his eyes?" Yuji asks, thinking about all the genetic implications. What if he passes the disability to their children?
One of the women is older than his mom, the other is around his age. She's open and happy to talk despite the monotone topic. The emperor's appearance is the only thing she talks about with the women they bring to the palace.
"I heard his eyes are beautiful."
"Don't give him false hope," the older one says.
"..But they're very sensitive to light," she continues anyway. "He has to cover them. He can see up close, I think."
"What about his temper?"
"I doubt he'll beat you. No one ever said anything about him being violent."
Yuji exhales with relief. "..Okay"
The girl smiles. "Do your best. You'll be safe in the emperor's chambers, your family will be paid and our task will be completed. I'm rooting for you."
This is the end of their conversation. Yuji has no more questions. How come no one knows anything? It's suspicious.
Yuji observes the fields through the carriage window, regret coiling his heart. He wished to be useful to his family, but not like this. His strength is the source of his pride, but he has to forget about it now and focus on seducing the emperor. No.. not seducing. It's too early. He needs to present himself well and then, if Gojo-sama deems him worthy, he may proceed with his act.
He'll endure anything. He'll be a great partner in bed, paying no mind to the saggy skin or toothless mouth of his lover. He'll serve his purpose. He knew he had one ever since he presented as a Prime Omega.
He didn't get to say goodbye to Kugisaki or Fushiguro.. But when it comes to the positives, he's glad that Wasuke didn't live to see the day when his grandson becomes the emperor's private prostitute. It'd break his heart.
The servants take him straight to the west wing of the palace, where the emperor's private bathhouse is situated. It makes Yuji painfully aware of the dirt on his skin. He bathes as frequently as he can, but his work involves getting dirty every day and soap is expensive. The boy gazes at the soil under his nails as the others heat up the water and add some substance that creates bubbles on the surface.
Yuji watches them in amazement. He's used to rubbing his skin with the soap and then washing off quickly before the water gets cold.
"Get in. You're the dirtiest one so far. Women certainly take care of themselves better.."
The servant is far from kind, but Yuji takes no offense to it. She's higher than him in rank.
"Thank you for heating up the water."
Warmth engulfs him. It's the first time he can bathe in water this hot -nearly burning his skin. The fragrance lingering in the air makes it even more pleasant.
"Nice, right? Gojo-sama might send you back, but you're still getting something out of it. You'll get home squicky clean."
Yuji begins to scrub himself, but the older woman slaps his hand lightly. "I'll do it."
"I can clean myself!" Yuji opposes. How stupid does she think he is? Must one be a nobility to know about personal hygiene?
"It's my job," she says and pours some substance onto her palm to then bury her fingers in the boy's short, pink hair. "It has to be done right. Don't be troublesome."
Yuji presses his thighs to his chest. "I can read," he says quietly, defensively.
"Oh, can you? You're not as poor as I thought."
"Please don't look down on me."
The woman rubs his scalp. It feels good.
"It's okay to be uneducated. It's not like it's your choice. Remember to add literacy in your introduction. Hmm.. or maybe don't? Gojo-sama doesn't appreciate confidence. Speak when you're being spoken to. I haven't been told the kind of questions he asks his candidates, so I can only give you vague advice. Where did you learn to read?"
"My friend Fushiguro taught me."
"Is he an Alpha?"
"Yes."
"Do not mention him," she orders.
"What should I say if I can't talk about my friends?"
"It's about you, not your friends or family. You must have the wrong idea here. You're not trying to become friends with Gojo-sama. This is strictly professional."
"I see.."
The servant rubs his feet last and he's finally free. She washes the soap off him and dries him, to then dress him up in new clothes.
'So this is what it's like to be a living, breathing doll?'
The preparations aren't over yet, it looks like. The woman cuts off the skin around his nails for a clean look and puts some oil on top. His new kimono is simple, not too extravagant or flashy. The light, pink color doesn't match the look of a prostitute Yuji made up in his head. Perhaps, it doesn't matter what he's wearing for it will be removed soon. He wouldn't be surprised if he was told to reveal his naked body to the emperor after a short talk.
The servant puts some kind of powder on his face as a finishing touch, takes a moment to examine her work and concludes that her effort is absolutely futile.
"It looks worse than before. So artificial. Mm.." she pinches her brows, thinking hard. "I have no way to conceal skin texture."
She washes the power off swiftly and looks at Yuji one last time before sending him to the emperor.
"You have big eyes and I like your hair color. I'm sure Gojo-sama will too. What more can I do?"
The next thing Yuji knows, he's standing before the sliding door to the omote-gazasyo, avoiding eye contact with the guards. Someone comes out of the room a moment later and lets him in silently. The serious atmosphere adds to Yuji's nervousness.
The boy steps into the far too big room at the end of which he sees a man with white hair. He has a bandage on too, which can only mean one thing, but those two characteristics aren't enough to convince Yuji that this is the person he was supposed to meet. He's young.
Something stops Yuji from moving or speaking up. He makes no noise, as if he's hoping it'd make him invisible. The emperor's age doesn't make him feel any better.
The man begins to unwrap his bandages, still in the sitting position. He takes his time, but when he's done..
Yuji sees the most beautiful man he'd ever got to encounter. He's not beautiful the way women are, but lacks the rough look of someone working in the scorching sun. He's big. His broad shoulders, muscular arms and masculine hands leave no doubt as to his secondary gender. This is precisely the way a Prime Alpha should look. He's tall, judging from the length of his legs.
He can't see that well, if what the servant said is true. What does he look like right now? How does the emperor view him? Is he a mix of colors in his eyes or can Gojo-sama tell when someone's looking at him? Yuji shifts his gaze just in case.
"Itadori Yuji," the man says in deep thought. He doesn't sound interested at all. "Come closer."
Yuji stops a few meters away.
"A Prime Omega, is that correct?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Closer, child," Gojo repeats gently. "My vision isn't the greatest. You might've heard from the servants."
He can't avoid this. Staying away was good advice, but if Gojo-sama wishes to see his face, he can't say no.
Yuji approaches the man and kneels down next to him. The emperor is breathtaking, even more so close up. His thick, white lashes flutter as he tries to improve his visual acuity and Yuji forgets his manners, unable to take his eyes off of the blue pools that are Gojo-sama's irises.
His breath catches when the man inches closer. So close that their noses touch and he's pretty sure that the emperor's lips brush against his. It all happens so fast that he can't register if what he felt was true, or not. His eyes widen, a subtle blush sneaks onto his face and he tips his head back on instinct, prohibiting the man from connecting their lips in a kiss that never comes.
The emperor moves away then, satisfied with what he saw. He takes the bandage, brushes his hair back and wraps it around his eyes one time, then another.
'It's over,' Yuji thinks. 'He saw my scars.'
He's ready to leave, but he can't do it before Gojo-sama orders him to. He says nothing, for the longest time, and Yuji starts to think he forgot about him. What if there was some unspoken rule he wasn't aware of? He'd never been to the palace before, so it's easy for him to make mistakes.
"I apologize for interfering with your personal space. Where are you from originally, Yuji-kun?"
The question catches Itadori off-guard. The emperor.. apologized to him? Hasn't he lost interest yet? Was there any to begin with?
"Sendai, Your Majesty."
"Your age?"
"Fourteen."
"Fourteen.." the man hums. "I'm twenty-seven. What do you think about this?"
"I..-" Yuji's mind goes blank. What is he supposed to say?
The man raises a porcelain teacup to his lips and takes a sip. "You don't have to answer. Do you have any questions?"
"I do not, Your Majesty."
"You can call me Gojo-sama. All the 'majesties' are giving me a headache."
"Understood, Gojo-sama."
"Use my title, name and honorifics less often if you may."
"Yes."
Yuji stares at the man openly now -at his hair falling over the bandage. It's pure white, reminds him of snow and the beautiful, winter days remaining in his memories. The emperor smells as incredible as he looks. It's a very fitting crisp smell, which includes a bit of sweetness as well. It's similar to what he feels each morning when he goes out to gather wood in the nearby forest.
Gojo-sama made no request to smell his neck. Could it be that he dislikes his scent? Is it too sweet to him?
"Say, Yuji.. do you like candy?"
"Yes," Itadori answers according to the truth.
"Me too."
Yuji's heart skips a beat when Gojo-sama smiles. He looks content and that's how he knows he said the right thing. It doesn't feel 'strictly professional' like the servant warned him. The atmosphere is friendly and casual.
"Red bean mochi?" the man prompts.
"I like it. My grandpa used to make it."
"Do you want one?"
The emperor's long finger points to the plate of rice cakes.
"Thank you, Gojo-sama. I have to decline."
"Why is that? Would you rather have a piece of candy?"
It makes Yuji a bit nervous to decline again. The man senses his uneasiness and reaches for the blue candy at the top. It looks almost like a glass eye and tastes like blueberry, Yuji realizes when it slips into his mouth. It's impressive how little the man struggles without his vision.
The contact left a bit of saliva on Gojo's finger. He licks it off as if it's nothing a reaches for another candy, this time for himself.
"What color is it?"
"Orange," Yuji says.
"Good. I like those." His adam's apple bobs when he sips on the tea. "Do you have a family, Yuji?"
"Yes. Mom and dad."
"Do you love them?"
Itadori finds the question a bit strange.
"Yes. Very much."
"That's sweet," Gojo smiles again, though lighter. "Do they punish you often with beatings?"
It's more common than it should be, but not in his family. Yuji answers with confidence. "No. They are good people, Gojo-sama." The boy bows lightly on habit.
"Who's responsible for those scars, in that case?"
Yuji curls his palms into fists, keeping them firmly on his knees. "A year ago.. I presented as an Omega. Someone attacked me and I fought back."
"The corner of your mouth has been torn. It must've hurt."
"It did," Yuji nods. He shouldn't have said that, not to make Gojo think that he lost his purity, but he can't bring himself to care.
"..."
"What would you say to a warm meal?"
"Before my departure?" Yuji asks in a quiet voice. It's rude to suggest decisions, but he couldn't hold himself back.
"Before Nanami shows you around the palace."
"Am I staying?"
"Yes. You may leave to your quarters now. The guard will show you the way."
A mix of emotions swirls inside Yuji. Has Gojo-sama accepted him as his concubine without seeing his body or sniffing his neck? What was it that influenced his decision?
Yuji walks alongside the guard through the long, never-ending corridors. The paintings and ornaments on the walls catch his attention, but the man grunts in annoyance and Yuji takes it as a hint to hurry up.
The impoliteness of the servants and the guard is somehow comforting to him. That's what he knows. Gojo-sama's gentle treatment awakens a sort of anxiety in Yuji. He has this thought at the back of his mind.. that maybe the emperor's behavior is just an act. He must stay wary.
The room Gojo assigned him is far too big and luxurious for a mere concubine, but the guard seems confident about it. He locks the door, making sure Yuji wouldn't run away.
It feels surreal. Itadori struggles to get used to the fact that the emperor wants him here. He has no wife or other concubines, so why him? He could have someone so much better. Is it pity?
The food comes quickly and it's steaming hot -nothing cold or even re-heated. It looks fresh and the first bite confirms it. Gojo-sama's kind approach, a big room and a hearty portion of food just for a few selling his body? Is it that valuable? A distant, blurry memory plays in Yuji's mind. One in which another man offered him free food for a small favor. It didn't end well, but he managed to de-escalate the situation. Nothing in life is free. There are no altruistic people.
Yuji leaves some food in the bowl so as not to be greedy. Soon later, he has a guest -a tall, blond man with a stern look on his face.
"My name is Nanami Kento. I'll be your guardian at the extent of the palace grounds. Have you finished your meal yet?"
"Nice to meet you, Nanami-san. Yes, I'm ready."
"Follow me closely," the man presses. "My life depends on your safety from now on."
"What do you mean?"
Nanami narrows his slanted eyes at him without turning his head to the side or stopping at any point. They're walking slowly, meeting only guards and servants on their way.
"I'll lose my head if something happens to you. I'd like to ask you to refrain from any attempts at escaping. You wouldn't succeed, yet I'll be getting punished."
"Why would I wish to run away?" Yuji asks, having a bad feeling about his stay in the palace. Gojo-sama looks like someone who's kind on the surface, but cruel and sadistic deep down.
"Is there anyone in this world who doesn't love freedom? You might enjoy the comfort of the palace now, but you won't have to wait long till you start pacing around your room like a tiger locked in a tiny cage."
"I tend to adapt fast. Am I not allowed to go out at all?"
"Not without Gojo-sama's permission."
"How do I grant it?"
"Behave well," Nanami advises. "You are now standing before the Seiden-Matsu-no-Ma used for the main ceremonies."
Yuji peeks into the room and continues: "I couldn't see my friends or pack my things."
"That's unfortunate. Perhaps Gojo-sama agrees to a visit once it becomes certain you are carrying his child."
Itadori frowns lightly. "Do I need a guardian? Am I in danger?"
"I wouldn't say so, but this is what Gojo-sama decided."
"Why did he accept me?"
"I'm afraid I can't answer this question, although I am very happy about the approval. It's a step forward, regardless of your fertility. Gojo-sama's marriage remains my humble hope."
It seems as if the palace people have become desperate in recent years. First were the discussions about marriage and several concubines, then began the pleads for Gojo-sama to accept any of the women as his lover and finally, after years of countless rejection, the emperor had chosen. Many grew frustrated over the man's careless nature and feared for the future of the nation at the possibility of no heir. Itadori Yuji could be their savior.
"Homeiden," Nanami states. "I can't remember the last time we held a banquet."
"Could you share a secret or two with me?"
"Such as?" Nanami raises his brow.
"Something that'd help me as a concubine."
The man continues his tour as if he couldn't hear him. "Rensui. Mostly unused."
"Please," Yuji asks, looking up at him.
"No need to be scared. I assure you there will be no issues."
"Do you know Gojo-sama well?"
"All you have to know is that he values peace. Don't be noisy or whiny, never show your displeasure. Don't cry, push him away or do anything that goes against the rules. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Yuji says, though he's not entirely sure what are the rules Nanami is talking about. He's there to be obedient, visit the emperor's chambers when ordered to and get pregnant soon. Is there anything more to it?
"Gojo-sama prefers to enjoy his meals in privacy. You may eat in the dining room, as long as I'm available to accompany you."
"Can I leave the palace for good once I give birth?"
Nanami throws him a look of contempt mixed with pity. "Didn't I warn you not to run away? That includes mental escape. Stay in the palace with your body and mind and you shall be rewarded."
"..I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. Not to me."
Nanami walks past one room without any explanation and then opens the door to the garden.
"I don't have to tell you not to visit Gojo-sama unprompted, do I?"
"I'll be good," Yuji says to stop Nanami from nagging him. He realizes everyone else knew beforehand - Nanami, the guards, the servants of course.
They were told about a village boy being the next candidate for the position of the emperor's lover and couldn't control their prejudice. Nobody expected him to stay. Nanami treats him like a stray brought home by his family member. He doesn't want him there but is forced to take care of the mannerless child.
As cold as Nanami is, he's Yuji's sole ally in this place. It's clear how loyal he is to the emperor, so the idea of them getting closer is very unlikely. It's just another job to Nanami. Yuji tells himself not to get attached.
"What am I allowed to do in between my nights with the emperor? How frequent will they be?"
"If I were you.. I would've learned the art of silence first. We have to be very, very careful. I'm afraid to think when will be the next time Gojo-sama displays interest in a concubine. If it was another palace, you would be now getting to know Gojo-sama's women as well as their children. You would've been one of his countless lovers. I will be content the day I witness the birth of the heir, whether the mother will be you or another person."
His indifference couldn't be any more apparent. He makes sure that Yuji understands how emotionally disconnected he is and that any attempts at friendship will be fruitless. It allows Yuji to prepare himself for a lonely journey.
"Will it be blamed on you if Gojo-sama decides to send me back?"
"No. It's in your best interest to stay here."
"Is something bad going to happen to me, then? For failing to satisfy the emperor, I mean."
"You're one anxious child. I wouldn't say it's unreasonable, however," Nanami says, gazing at the garden.
"Isn't Gojo-sama a good person? You said so yourself."
"I can't promise you anything."
"Could you ask him about his plans?"
Nanami sighs, but keeps answering. "It's a vast unknown to me as well. You have to accept that."
"You have to know a bit more than me."
"I'm sorry to disappoint."
Yuji drops his gaze. "I'd like to know what's ahead of me."
"Who doesn't? One night should be enough for Gojo-sama to impregnate you. If not.." Nanami pauses. "Well, we may forget about the possibility. You will certainly get pregnant. Make sure to spend one night with Gojo-sama and your role will be completed. Simple enough, isn't it?"
"How does Gojo-sama deal with his ruts?" Yuji asks out of pure curiosity.
"I would advise you to unlearn those peasant habits of yours and replace them with courtesy."
Was that rude to ask? The emperor could have an extremely low sex drive in his day-to-day life, but what about his ruts? Doesn't that mean that he's deliberately avoiding his duty of creating an heir?
"I'll keep that in mind. What does Gojo-sama like to do?"
Nanami pinches the bridge of his nose. "You're wasting your time, trust me."
"Just so happens that I have an excess of free time. Please, tell me."
"As you can imagine, Gojo-sama enjoys anything that doesn't require vision. Perhaps your beautiful voice would be able to enchant him, that is.. if you had one. You can't sing, is that correct?"
"I'm good at massage," Yuji points out. "I'm not completely skillless."
"Don't ever touch Gojo-sama without permission."
"Does that mean he doesn't like massages?"
"The garden, good music, homemade food, long baths and hand-feeding the birds. Those are all the things he enjoys, as far as I'm aware."
Yuji smiles lightly. "Surely we could find something to bond over," he says, with so little confidence that not even he himself believes it.