Chapter Text
The sound of wooden swords clashing could be heard from the bailey as the knights of the Northern kingdom prepared for future battles. “Ugh..” Geto grunted as he landed flat on his ass on the grassy ground. “Seems like you’re getting rusty, Suguru.” Gojo laughed with a hand on his hip and the other gripping his wooden sword, which rested on his rather broad shoulder.
Despite Suguru being the grandmaster of the castle’s army, his strength was still no match for the talented and renowned prince, Gojo Satoru. He was born a prodigy with skills that did not need to be developed but instead honed to the fullest. Much to Gojo’s dismay, his constant training is only so that they can use him as a weapon. Always sending him into battles and forcing him to put his life at risk every time.
Gojo has no complaints about such conduct, as he’s confident that he will always succeed, but this does not ease the feeling in his heart. His yearning to be treated like a human, just as everyone else. But wants have no place in this world, even more so in his position as heir to the throne. His father already has such high expectations for him, and who is he to disappoint him?
He lent Geto a hand, to which he begrudingly accepted. He dusted off the invisible dust from his uniform and, with a sly smirk, said, “Or maybe I’m just going easy on you, Satoru.” Despite their difference in social classes, the two men share the same age of 22. This knowledge was the reason for their closeness as they’ve known each other since they were youngins and have practically spent their whole lives together.
Gojo sent a glare his way, “Ha?!” But Geto only brushed him off with a smile that held Gojo’s suspicions. Their small talk was interrupted by a sudden announcement, “Prince Gojo Satoru is being called to meet with his majesty in his chambers.” A scowl immediately etched into Gojo’s lips. “Tch. What does he want from me now?” Geto, who felt the fueling anger of his companion, placed a hand on his shoulder to ease his mind. “Now, now, Satoru, just go. It might be important.” Gojo, who doubts what Geto says is true, reluctantly picks up his coat to cover his poet blouse and walks past the knight, who began to break a sweat due to the intense frustration he felt radiating from the prince.
—
Despite Gojo’s incessant irritation earlier, he still knocked on his father’s door with utmost politeness. He has not forgotten his manners as the prince of a noble kingdom (or rather, he fears his father will scold him once again for his vulgarity). “Come in.” He hears him call out from the other side. The guard opened the door for him to enter. He recognized that boy; his name was Nanami. He greets him with a nod of his head, although he’s aware that the blonde was not a big fan of his guts.
The moment the door shut, Gojo’s demeanor changed almost immediately. “What have you called me here for again, father?” The king has been insistent lately that Gojo must quickly get married and bear children to continue the lineage as the only child of the king. He’s been avoiding his father’s chitchats about princesses from faraway lands. He hasn’t taken a liking to any of them except this young maiden named Ieri Shoko, but he only thought of her as a friend, and it seemed she had also caught the eye of his best friend. He wasn’t going to ruin that for them.
“I’d like for you to travel around the world and make peace with our neighbouring kingdoms. It is important for us to have allies, especially in this era where war is prominent. The East and the West have been in dispute lately, and it will affect us greatly if we get caught up in their mess. You are well aware that rain has been scarce and our crops have become dry. Without agriculture, we can not thrive, Satoru. If our economy dies, how much more when we get ourselves involved in unnecessary war?” Satoru breathes a sigh of relief that marriage is not today’s topic, but it does not make it any less relevant.
For much of it is true, the agricultural aspect of their kingdom is their source of trade. Without it, other kingdoms will deem them unnecessary as they can no longer provide their needs. They are in desperate need of help. Gojo is well aware of the power and responsibility he holds. He accepts the king’s request gracefully. “I understand, Father. I shall go.” Despite being kin, he still bows before him. The Royal Highness nods in approval, “You and the fellow knights shall leave tomorrow at dawn. Geto will not accompany you this time.” He pauses at this.
“But father-”
“You are well-aware that Suguru is the grandmaster; he is not your escort. You’re strong enough to take care of yourself, Satoru.” His father spares him a glance, “Unless you're telling me that your training has been all for naught.” He stays silent at this. He grits his teeth and forces a “I understand” out of his tongue. He leaves his father's quarters and heads to his own chambers to prepare for the following day.
—
“I wonder how you’ll hold up without me,” Geto chuckles as a frown begins to form upon Gojo’s lips. He was wearing his royal garments. A dashing navy blue colored uniform decorated with gold buttons, paired with white trousers, along with black boots suitable for long travels. The white cape that clung to his uniform and hung around his shoulders with the royal crest sealing it together.
“I can handle myself perfectly fine, Suguru.” He begins to finish preparing his horse for the voyage ahead. Although it is most recommended that he uses the carriage, he chooses not to as he prefers traveling with his horse on tow. The royal advisor can not seem to live without luxury, though, so the carriage is to be brought along.
“Oh, I don’t doubt that you can, your majesty, but you will be very bored, no?” This, Gojo can not deny. Geto is unmistakably his only friend, the only person who knows him inside and out. Without anyone he could chat to about the most mundane topics, especially during an expedition that may take weeks, or even months on end, he will be infact, very bored.
Gojo could only grunt in reply, which earned a snicker from the grandmaster. “Are you ready to go, your highness?” The two turned to look at the woman who was standing behind them. The king’s royal advisor, Meimei, was to accompany Gojo in his travels. She was to advise him when making deals with the other kingdoms. Although Gojo was well aware of the woman's greed for riches, her guidance has always led to their success. In fact, she was the one who sought the king about the lands' dying crops, which brings them to their situation today. He had no qualms whatsoever about her, but he knew he must always keep his guard up in her presence.
He replied to her question with another, “Has everything been set?”
“Yes, your majesty, it is only you that we have been waiting for.” Not intended to blame, but rather to inform.
“I see, then we shall set off.” He says with finality. “As you wish.” She bows a graceful one, then heads on to the carriage. The other knights surrounded her as if she were the one they were meant to protect, though this is true, the prince is their priority. Gojo hops on his horse, “Good luck out there.” Geto tells him before he leaves. “I don’t need luck,” he chuckles, to which Geto scoffs. They bid each other farewell as Gojo and his fellow companions ride on to a new day.
—
They head East first, compared to the West, the East kingdom was much more welcoming. Not only that, but it was where Princess Ieri Shoko resided. The road, too, was not as tedious. Gojo estimated that they would arrive in a month at best, considering their resting time too.
The moment they arrived at the East kingdom they were welcomed with much hospitality. The king let them in with open arms. Delicious food was served to them along with fresh clothes and comfortable mattresses. Gojo had expressed his concern to the king the day after. “Your highness,” the prince kneels to show his respect.
“Rise, young boy, there is no need for formalities as we share much familiarity. Tell me, what brings you to my nation?” Gojo rises, but his stance is firm and poised. He carried the aura and elegance of an heir, the perfect resemblance of a king. But basic manners will get you nowhere. “Your highness, my land suffers from drought. Our crops are dying, and we are in desperate need of help. If you give us your aid, then we will return the favor with much fairness.” His voice is stern, which relieves any sort of skepticism from the king.
“I see. I will grant you the privilege to use our nutritious rivers. My knights will send wagons filled with barrels of water to help you with your drought. Tis’ under one condition.”
“Whatever it may be, your majesty, we shall grant it.”
“I request your assistance if ever my country breaks into war. The current conflicts between the West and us have escalated greatly. They have been attacking merchants who come to visit, and spies have been caught roaming around my palace disguised as my courtiers. Assassination attempts do not fear me, but I fear for my daughter’s head. By this condition you grant, I will even hand over half my river, how about that?” Gojo didn’t need much convincing; if anything, the offer was already too great to deny. “Your request shall be granted. We appreciate this act of kindness that you have bestowed upon us. On behalf of my father, we thank you.” He finished with a bow.
“Must you go already? I’m sure my daughter was excited for your visit.” The king said before he could leave the room.
“I have already spoken to her, your grace.”
“I see, then please take your time and visit the city before you go. You’re always welcome here.” He finishes with a smile. Gojo bows once again and leaves the court once and for all. They take a stroll around the city, looking for souvenirs they could take with them. At night, they celebrate with dinner and beer at a bar, then flee the next day to head to the West.
An envelope sealed with wax was tucked safely inside Gojo’s coat. He couldn’t wait until he got home to hand over the letter to his best friend.
—
The journey to the West was a grueling one. When they had stepped into the nation's land, they were greeted by bandits and the like. Thankfully, nothing was taken away, but it had made them more cautious than ever. Gojo had kept a vice grip on his sword at any suspicious sound that he could hear.
They were already two weeks into their voyage. The moon and their torches were their only source of light during the cold night. The woods were especially eerie and gloomy. “Everyone, stay on guard.” He whispered to avoid attracting any more attention. Their enemies could be bandits, wolves, or something much more sinister.
A ruffling sound was coming from the bushes on the right. Another on their left. Gojo could sense their presence; his senses have always been heightened since he was young. 1,2…. He kept count. This was a whole group: “We’re surrounded, draw out your swords.” But what he didn’t expect was when the attacker began to eliminate his group from behind. ‘An ambush?!’ His knights disappeared one by one.
The horse that carried the carriage went wild, and the outlaws showed themselves in front of Gojo. “So yer’ the prince of thee northern kingdom huh.” Gojo held his blade in front of him, the tip barely grazing the neck of what he assumed was their leader. “What do you want?” A piercing glare was sent towards the criminal's way.
“Hmm…yer’ head.” The outlaw pounced on him with a dagger at hand. Gojo barely managed to dodge him and sustained a deep wound on his right arm. The outlaw stumbled on the ground, and Gojo used this opportunity to slice his back, leading him to fall with a thud as blood trickled down his skin. The other knights were fighting the bandits, but Gojo could tell that they were going to lose this fight; their strength was not enough combat these gangsters. They were completely outnumbered.
The carriage got infiltrated and was about to be taken away. “Meimei!” He shouted for his father’s precious royal advisor. With much effort, Meimei managed to escape the vehicle, flint and steel in the palm of her hand. Gojo wondered where she had gotten those materials, but his curiosity leaned more toward what she was going to do with them.
She struck the flint and steel together, and a fire erupted. It slowly spread and began to engulf the forest with its flames. “Go, your majesty! Escape while you still can. I will be fine.” She shouted from where she stood, and Gojo felt so powerless. How could he, the prince of the Northern kingdom, possibly abandon his subordinates? How could he still return to his nation and call himself their future king? But he does not doubt his advisor's advice and flees the scene with only his mare and his sword.
—
Deep in the forest lived a little witch who goes by the name of Utahime. She lived in a cottage along with her familiar, a cat with fur that shared the same color as her hair, and its neck decorated with a white bow that matched hers. The kitten went by the name of Mildred. Utahime lived a rather peaceful life. She tended a garden with fruits and vegetables that not only helped with her daily living but also contributed as test subjects to the spells and potions she discovered.
Other than searching for new grimoires, Utahime also had a rather strange hobby. Not strange, but strange for witches. She loved to bake. She always liked to add potions to her pastries whenever she wanted to use her cat as a guinea pig. Mildred, who was already suspicious of this, began to refuse her offer of food, but she finds it difficult not to give in to her aching stomach, so she relents anyway.
Utahime, long ago, was sent away by the western kingdom as the passing of the Queen was blamed on her mother's witchcraft. They were a well-respected bunch, but the corrupt nobles of the palace who had plotted on the Queen’s death had created fake evidence to put the blame on her mother, who lived within palace walls due to the potions that she created, which helped heal and cure many diseases that threatened the kingdom.
The king could not believe it at first, but when the nobles shoved the evidence in his face and insisted on their betrayal, he had no choice but to execute her mother. Utahime, who was a young girl at that time, did not understand what was happening. All she understood was that her mother was being blamed for something she didn’t do. Before they tied her to the stake, her mother whispered into her ear, “You’ll become an amazing witch someday, my darling Utahime.” It was sacred. It was a promise.
She did not get to witness her mother’s death; she was spared from such brutality. Instead, they threw her out of the kingdom. Utahime had nothing to her name except her basket, her broom, her wand, and her familiar. She went deep into the forest and only fed off of fruits she could find on trees. In the middle of her hike, she found a cottage and sought refuge there.
There she learned to survive on her own, carrying the pain and memories of her mother with her. She had studied the grimoires her mother had owned, so she knew a few spells here and there. Everything she created was made from scratch. Her days were never boring, rising at dawn in search of ingredients that she could use for a new potion. By the time she arrived home, it was almost dinner time.
She was fine with her life; it was just her kitten, her, and that little cottage she calls home.
“Just a little bit of this….a little bit of that…” Mildred watched her owner in curiosity as she threw a handful of herbs into the cauldron. “Now we mix them all together…” With a huge, long spoon, Utahime stirred up the cauldron until the color turned into a dark purple. “...and voila! Mildred, won’t you get me the bottle on the counter?” The cat did as asked and picked up the round bottle from its cork and handed it to her owner.
Utahime filled the bottle up to its brim and shook it around for good measure. “What do you think, Mildred? It’s an invisibility potion. Maybe this way we can sneak into the dragon’s castle and get those blueberries!” Mildred wonders why her owner has such an inane obsession with the dragon and his blueberry garden. Although she’s heard the stories about it (from Utahime, of course), she doesn’t understand why someone would risk their life for something like that. “Meow,” is all that comes out of the kitten's mouth. It seems that she couldn't care less about that invisibility potion. She licks her paws, unbothered.
Utahime frowns at her lack of reaction. “Ugh, you just don’t get it…” Their moment gets interrupted when all of a sudden, Mildred hears noise coming from outside the cottage. “What is it, Mildred?” The kitten hops until she reaches the window. She uses a paw to push the curtain slightly away and takes a peek from the window. Utahime follows suit, curious as to what could be outside. Mildred wasn’t just the witch’s familiar, but also her guardian, and so when it senses trouble, it is quick to protect and aid her owner.
On the pathway leading to her humble home was a young man, tall, muscular, broad, and handsome. Utahime immediately shakes that thought away. His silver hair glistened under the moonlight, his blue eyes shining as bright as ever. His clothes were tattered and grimy, and blood was gushing out of his right arm, staining his clothes. He had one hand on the reins of his mare and the other clutching tightly on the hilt of his sword.
Mildred shook her head, telling her that this man might be dangerous. It seemed that he was planning to stay the night in this cottage, already tying the reins of his horse to the fence. He took off his coat and wrapped it around the back of his horse. If he were to fight her, Utahime would struggle terribly, so she settles with the first thing that crossed her mind. Knock him out.
“I have an idea, Mildred.” She whispers to her cat, who eyes her curiously as she dashes to the kitchen and comes back with a frying pan. “He seems strong; he might be able to help us win the fight against the dragon!” The cat meows (audibly sighs) at her owner's antics, but the kitten was, too, curious about this man.
Utahime hides behind the door and covers her head with the hood of her cloak. Mildred followed suit and rested on her shoulder.
—
“Looks like we found ourselves a place to stay, right, boy?” He pats his muzzle, to which he responds with a neigh. “I wonder if anyone lives here,” he says, mostly to himself. The cottage looked very well-taken care of, despite the vines that looked like they were about to overtake it. There was a garden right next to the tiny house filled with plants that were growing quite nicely, and fresh produce that looked rather delicious. His stomach grumbled at the thought of food. He was exhausted from their rough encounter earlier. All he wants to do now is eat and sleep. He resisted the temptation to pluck one apple from the tree out of fear that the owner might get infuriated with him (if there even is one).
He walks on the pathway towards the staircase that leads him to the porch. Knock knock. “Hello, is anyone there? I mean no harm. I’m just looking for a place to stay.” No answer. Knock knock. “Is…anyone home?” No answer. Gojo takes the door handle only to find it unlocked. He gently pushes the door as he examines the inside. It truly did seem like someone was living inside the cottage.
He takes a tentative step forward.
Whack!
Gojo falls on the wooden floor with a thud.
—
The first yellow rays of the sun illuminated the room, its light brightening the pale complexion of the young man. He began to stir, half-lidded as his eyes adjusted to the light. He looked at his surroundings. Tables covered in different-shaped potion bottles, and stacks of books were scattered everywhere. It was like he stepped into a witch's office. Oh. He looked at the woman standing in front of him.
She was dressed in a velvet cloak that covered her black dress, tightened by her dark purple corset. Her hair was held up by a white bow, one that matched her cats, who were nestling onto her shoulder. A curious scar stretched from her cheek to the bridge of her nose. Beautiful, he thought. His eyes then narrowed as he realized the dire situation that he was in.
He was tied to a chair with a tattered rope, though it felt like it could break any minute. He found it rather difficult to break himself free. “Who are you?” The question sounded more like a demand. “How rude! Show some respect.” Utahime crossed her arms and scoffed away from his face. “Well, I don’t expect any less from an intruder. Tell me your name!” Gojo raised a brow at her remark, but she was not wrong, he did enter the cottage without permission afterall.
“I asked you first.” She was taken aback, the audacity!
“Well, I wasn’t the one snooping around other people’s houses, was I?” Damn, she got him there.
He sighs in defeat. “Gojo Satoru, pleased to meet you.” The words felt like poison on his tongue, forcing the pleased to meet you as if they hadn’t started on the wrong foot. “Good to know there's still some manners within you.” She seemed to have no reaction to his name. Does she not know who he is? He chooses not to pursue the matter further.
“I’ve always been well-mannered.” He retorts just as quickly. “Sure…” she murmurs, but he managed to catch it. “You haven’t told me who you are yet.” She looks at him with indifference, hands on her hips. “Iori Utahime, I would say ‘pleased to meet you’ if you weren’t so unpleasant.” Her bossy attitude only got him more turned on. ‘Keep it together, Satoru!’
“A witch, correct?”
“Correct.”
“Don’t see much of you around these parts.”
“I may as well be the only one alive,”
Oh.
“I see,” He looked down and found himself dressed up in a new pair of clothes. He was wearing a blouse with a V-neck that dipped to the expanse of his chest, covered by a blue vest decorated with golden flowers and a pair of beige trousers.
“Were you the one who changed my clothes?” A blush immediately crept up her neck. “I used a spell, okay? I didn’t undress you whatsoever!” She says frantically, but her cheeks betray her. “I never said anything about you undressing me, unless…” He smirks, which only leads to riling up the witch even more. Why you! “Hmph!” Is all that comes out of her lips. She ignores him and turns to what he assumes is some sort of witchcraft.
Gojo no longer felt any pain coming from his right arm. Utahime seemed to sense his confusion despite her back turned to him. “I healed your wound.” He jerked at the sound of her voice. “Nothing a simple spell couldn’t do,” mirth was evident in her voice. “Thank you…” He says with genuineness. His voice held a sort of softness that surprised even Gojo himself.
“You’re welcome,” no hint of remorse laced either. “Um, so…can you free me already?”
“No can do!”
“Ha? Why not?” Confusion settles him; haven’t they already resolved the matter?
“Isn’t it unfair that I let an intruder such as yourself go without receiving any punishment? Plus, I would be helping the world if I put a criminal such as you behind bars, no?” Annoyance was starting to engulf him. This damn witch.
He sighs, fine. If that’s how it is, then. “I’ll do anything you want, in exchange for my freedom.” Utahime’s lips quirk at this, “Anything, you say?” Gojo could already feel himself regretting this. “Then, help me bake a blueberry pie!” Is she fucking serious? He could not hide the bafflement on his face.
“Excuse me?” Gojo says, absolutely bamboozled.
“You heard me,” Utahime says with utter pride and confidence, as if she didn’t just ask him to do the most mundane task known to man. He is a prince! He can’t be helping a witch of all people bake a blueberry pie.
“A blueberry pie?”
“Why?”
“It isn’t just any ordinary blueberry pie.”
“How so?”
“You have to fight a dragon!”
“A dragon?”
“Mhm.”
“For blueberry pie?”
“Well, technically, you have to fight the dragon to get its blueberries to make the blueberry pie.”
“So I have to fight this dragon to get you your blueberries so that you can make your blueberry pie?”
“Need I to repeat myself?”
“I was simply just clarifying.”
He sighs and heeds her request. “Alright, I’ll do as you ask.”
“Great!”
“So now won’t you free me?” He asked for probably the third time today. With a wave of her wand, the rope loosens itself. “You better not get any ideas.” She warns him. “Wasn’t planning to, what’d you put in that rope anyway?” He brushes off any invisible dust. “It’s just a spell, so that even a rope as torn as that could still be useful.”
“Ahh,” he says in understanding. “I also put a mark on you, so that if you ever tried to escape, you’ll always end up coming back to me.”
“A mark, you say? How possessive of you, Hime.” This only made Utahime even more irritated.
“Don’t call me that! It’s just a spell, don’t get the wrong idea.” She wonders if she’ll be able to tolerate this flirtatious personality of his.
Gojo believes he just has that natural charm. Plus, it was fun teasing this cute witch.
—
Due to the small cottage that Utahime lived in, with only one bedroom and no other mattresses to spare, Gojo had no choice but to sleep on the couch. It seems that the journey to the dragon’s lair was going to be a hectic one, and they would have to prepare the necessities, such as food and the like.
He tosses and turns, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep on the otherwise small couch. Meow. He turns to his left. The black cat stared at Gojo with those amber eyes, another feature it shared with its owner. “Well, hello there, little one.” He has always been fond of animals. He owned a cat too, the opposite of this black cat. It adorned white fur with blue eyes similar to its own, but not as bright and intimidating.
He tried to pat the familiar, but instead she hissed at him. “Ah, hey!” She scoffed at him and returned to her own bed, which resided in Utahime’s bedroom. ‘A feisty one, just like its owner.’ He thought to himself. He chuckled at the similarities they shared, and soon dozed off.
—
The smell of sweet apples and radish wafted into the room. Gojo rose from the couch, earning a creaking sound from it. His nose followed the delicious scent, and it led him straight to the kitchen. There stood Utahime with mittens on while she was carrying a dish of apple pie. The dining table was already set with plates, utensils, and two bowls of soup. A separate bowl filled with cat food just for Mildred.
“What’d ya make?” He says, excitedly taking a seat across from her. “Apple pie and radish soup.” She placed the dish in the center of the round table. Gojo was about to take a slice of the apple pie when Utahime slapped his hand. “That’s for later! Drink the soup first, it’s good for your health.” He pouts, “Ehhh?” She returns to the kitchen to grab them two cups of water. He takes this as an opportunity to eat some apple pie.
Utahime returns with her wand at hand, the cups of water trailing behind her, floating around like candlelights. Her jaw drops at the sight before her. Half of the pie has already been consumed. The culprit swallowed the last bit, as if to hide the evidence. Unfortunately for him, there were still leftover crumbs under his chin. “Did you just finish the pie?!” He tries to argue, “Well, technically it's not finished as half of it is still left, and it was definitely not me!” He looks around for someone to blame. “It was the cat.” He points at Mildred with his fork, to which she hisses at him. Clearly unimpressed with his attempt to save himself.
“Cats aren’t allowed to eat sweets, Gojo.” Mildred smirks in victory. Gojo sent a glare her way, to which she graciously ignored.
He chugged the radish soup all in one go and licked his lips to relish the taste. His eyes twinkled at how delicious the soup was. “So, Utahime, when shall we go fight this dragon?” Utahime uses her wand to take their dirty dishes away and places them in the sink. The faucet turns on by itself. The sponge and the soap work together to make sure the dishes are cleansed thoroughly.
“Maybe by the end of this week. We still need to prepare our things, it’s going to be a long journey. So you have to help me, got it?” Her tone was rather stern. He rose from his seat and nodded in understanding. “Well, Imma go take a shower first, and I’m all yours right after! Unless you wanna join me.” He sends a wink her way, and her cheeks immediately flared up.
“You idiot! Just hurry up and take a shower.” He laughs as he walks towards the only bathroom available in this whole cottage. It was the first time Utahime had seen a man since she was a child. Truth be told, it’s the first time a man has ever gone inside her house. Most importantly, it’s just the two of them, alone.
She squishes her cheeks between the palms of her hands, steam puffing out of her ears.
Mildred tilts her head at the odd behavior of the witch before her. Utahime catches her stare, “We must prepare for our travels. Cmon Mildred!” She picks up her wand frantically and turns to leave the dining room. Mildred followed suit.
—
Utahime was flicking around her wand. Her clothes were floating and folding by themselves before finally settling in their position inside the briefcase. Mildred, who was ever curious, tried to pull down her floating garments but got pulled away with a tug.
“Utahime!” Her ears quirk at the sound of her name. “Hello? Utahime!” With a stomp, all her clothes fall to the ground, covering even her cat, who immediately shakes the piece of clothing away from her. “What does that brat want this time!” She slams the door behind her, causing Mildred to jump from her spot.
Utahime stomps towards the bathroom door and knocks. Despite her anger, she still had manners. “What is it?” The olive door suddenly opens, and the rosemary that was hanging on it almost hits Gojo on the face. She blinks at the suddenness.
“Oh! There you are, I forgot to ask you where my clothes were, would you mind?” She couldn’t pay attention to what he was saying to her. Utahime was rendered speechless at the sight before her. Gojo had his forearm on the doorframe with only a towel to cover his lower body. The water from the shower was trickling down his skin, and his hair was still wet from the fresh shower.
His body was perfect. Muscular but not excessively buff. He was toned just right, just the way she liked. Her eyes trailed down from his chest to his abs, then to his obvious V-line that led down...She shook her head at the incessant thoughts that were starting to form in her mind. ‘Get yourself together, Utahime!’
Gojo smirked at the sight before him, fascinated by the stupor she was in. He tilts her chin upward and smirks, “Like what you see?” Utahime's face turned completely red. “Shut up, you idiot!” She places both of her palms on his naked chest as an attempt to push him away. Gojo grabbed her by the waist to keep her from escaping.
The only thing that was separating them now was Utahime’s dress and that towel that was covering God-knows-what. She could feel his muscles from the way his grip was tight on her waist. His biceps bulged while her heartbeat was beating abnormally fast. She could feel the warmth radiating from his body. His face was only mere inches away from hers. She gulps at the intensity of his gaze.
Gojo didn’t seem to understand his effect on people. Lost in the moment, his eyes drop down to the scar that was embedded in Utahime’s skin. He raises a hand and slowly reaches out to touch it. He caresses the soft skin beneath his thumb. His gaze burned into the ruined skin. Curiosity filled his eyes. He raises them to look at Utahime, who seemed to finally realize the position they were in.
She stepped back, causing Gojo to slightly jump at her sudden actions. She touched the scar he just held. His lingering touch etched into her skin. He was caressing it so gently, like it was sacred, like it was beautiful.
Gojo sheepishly rubbed his neck, “Sorry-”
“I-” she cut him off before he could continue.
“I will return with your clothes.” She turns to leave, the sound of her boots filling the silence until her presence finally disappears. He drops his hand as it curls into a fist, “Dammnit.”
—
Gojo stepped outside the cottage and stood by the porch as he watched Utahime pluck tomatoes, peaches, and the like from her garden. He adjusted the collar of his blouse and approached her. “Yo!” She jolted in surprise, causing her to drop an apple. “You scared me!” He picked the apple from the ground and took a bite.
“What do you need help with?” He asked after a swallow. “Need any meat?” She tilted her head as if what he had just asked her was the oddest thing that could ever come out of his mouth. “What? What’s wrong with meat?” His conversation seemingly a one-sided one. “Well…I haven’t had meat since I was ten.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
She held her fingers to her chin, “I fear I was not a match for a boar.” To this, Gojo laughed, earning a glare from Utahime. “What’s so funny?” He held an arm to his stomach, his laughter hurting his lungs. “Even a child could kill a boar! A simple bow and arrow would already do. Are you really that weak, Utahime?” Her face flushed in embarrassment. Weak, a word she was once called back in the palace. A weak witch, a lost cause. A word she no longer wishes to associate with. “Well, it’s not my fault, I was never taught how to hunt before! And don’t call me weak, you idiot.”
His laughter finally dies down. “Would you like me to teach you?” She raises a brow. “I could show you the basics on how to hunt. It’s pretty easy when you get the hang of it.” She crosses her arms, “I would like to try.” She looks away as an attempt to hide her curiosity, but the excitement in her voice does not go unnoticed by Gojo.
“Shall we go then?”
—
Gojo managed to create a bow out of worn-out sticks, turned sturdy due to Utahime’s spells. He stitched together a quiver along with a bow sleeve so that the items can be kept safe and in reachable places. He hopped on his horse and offered Utahime his hand. “Get on,” It was her first time riding a horse. Afraid she might fall, she hesitated.
Gojo seemed to notice it. “Don’t worry, you won’t fall with me around.” His confidence made her waver. He sounded so sure. She takes his hand, and he takes her trust with him.
They rode off into the woods with Utahime sitting in front of him. Her back to his chest. It was when Gojo finally caught sight of a boar that he pulled on the reins to force his horse to halt. “Hime, look over there.” She glanced to her left and spotted the boar eating a bundle of fruits that fell from the tree.
“It’s a rather big one,” He commented. He hopped off the saddle and patted his horse. “That’s a good boy, Heath.” She perked at the sound of a new word. “Is that his name?” She asks as he helps her down. “Yup, he’s a Camarillo.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s a kind of horse breed,” she nods in understanding. There’s so much about this world she still doesn’t know of, despite having a flying broom that could take her anywhere in a jiffy. She could travel across countries, but she fears what people might say about a witch.
He ties Heath to a nearby oak tree. Grass was prepared beneath him, and a nearby pond that could be used in times of thirst. Gojo clapped his hands to get rid of any dirt that could have accumulated in his palms. “Well, now that that's out of the way, shall we start with lesson one of Gojo Satoru’s archery class?” Obvious pride was in his voice, but Utahime’s eagerness overpowers, and so she nods eagerly to his statement. Ignorant of the fact that it may as well have boosted his ego.
“Well, since I’m such an amazing mentor, I shall teach you, madame.” He takes her hand and brings it to his lips, only to suddenly look at the girl who was once in front of him, now below him with her wand held in her free hand. “What the?!” He was floating above the trees; he could see the cottage from where he was.
“What was that for?” He shouts, jolting all the birds within his radius. “Enough dilly-dallying and just teach me already!” He may enjoy teasing the short-tempered witch, but not when he’s fifteen feet above ground and not when she has full control over his body.
“Put me down first! I’ll teach you for real this time.” She angles the tip of her wand downwards, and Gojo screams as he falls incredibly fast. He closes his eyes to brace for impact, but it never comes. He opens one eye to take a peek and sees that his ass is barely scraping the ground.
Thud. His butt finally touches the soil. Utahime snickers at the sight before her. Gojo pouts at her reaction but picks himself up from the ground. “Well, moving on….” He moves to stand in front of her. “First, I’ll show you how to hold a bow.”
He takes a stance in front of her, “Use your non-dominant hand to hold the bow like this,” He holds out his arm, his palm wrapped around the grip. “Take an arrow and place its end on the string. Pull the string backwards like so.” He does as he says and keeps an eye on the boar. “Then, let go.” The string makes a sound as he releases his hold on it. The boar lies dead, surrounded by the half-eaten apples.
He grins at his success and turns to her. “Now it’s your turn,” he gives her the bow and helps her put on the quiver. “You remember what I taught you, right?” She nods, but it was a half lie. She holds the bow exactly how he presented it just a few moments ago and looks to him for approval. “That’s right!” He stands behind her, their bodies barely touching. He takes an arrow and gives it to Utahime.
She feels a spark at the brush of their hands. The feeling caused her heart to skip a beat. She placed the arrow in between the string and pushed her elbow backward. She suddenly felt soft skin covering her hand. “Pull it further,” he whispers as if they were in the quarters of their own room. Having a private moment, a sort of intimacy that can not be shared. She turns her head at the sound of his voice.
She never noticed how beautiful he looked up close. Those piercing eyes were starting to scare her. She followed his gaze to her lips. “Distracted, Utahime?” She turns away. “Won’t you hurry? My arm’s aching.” An excuse for escape. Even he knows that much.
“Keep your eye on that boar over there,” She does as told. The bow is starting to creak in her hold. “Then, let go.” She releases her hold on the string. Bullseye. The boar lies dead on the ground. “I did it!” Utahime smiles in victory. “That was great for a beginner. Let’s bring them back home and cook them for dinner.”
His back was turned to her. He didn’t seem to notice the way her eyes widened at the way he said home. Home, he says. He’s only stayed for a mere few days, yet he was comfortable enough to call the tiny cottage his home. She smiles to herself. She still knows so little about this man, but she’s glad that he has found solace in her home. Despite him technically being kidnapped by him. But he did enter her house voluntarily!
She wonders what his real home is like.
They ate all sorts of meat dishes in the dining room that night. Their only source of light was the furnace in the living room and the lamps and candlelights that were decorated all over. It may not have been luxurious, but it was comfortable.