Desert Rose Chapter 43: Game of Chess (Patreon)

It was a wonderful Christmas dinner. Yuuji always had a fun time with his dad and his siblings. Of course, Sukuna always called Kenjaku a whore due to his three other brothers being from different women but Yuuji loved his blended family, even if they weren’t from the same blood. Brothers from different mothers…and father.

As Yuuji laughed and joked at the big table his brother Eso piped up, placing a hand on his husband’s “Oh! Everyone we forgot to mention. We are throwing a party at our house for New Year’s and we were wondering if you all would like to join us?”

“I’ll have to check my schedule but I should be able to make it.” Choso nodded as did his other brother.

Yuuji shoved food in his mouth talking between chews, “Ah~ I wish I could but… I’m going to be out of town.”

“Out of town?” Kechizu questioned.

Yuuji nodded, “Yeah~ w-we haven’t decided where we are going to go but it’s my best friend’s dad’s birthday.”

“Oh foo~! It’s going to be so boring without you there Yuuji!”

Yuuji began to chuckle as his brothers pouted and complained. “I know~! Don’t get into anything crazy without me!”

~

As the party died down Yuuji helped Choso clean up, and Eso watched while drinking his wine. The two talking about his recent match.

“I can’t believe you fight like that! Your beautiful face Yuuji~.”

“I’ll heal in no time!”

“At least he got him!” Choso bragged proudly, “I wish I could have seen.”

“Hehe~ yeah maybe I could convince Sukuna to let you come~.”

“I would love to.”

“Ugh, why would you want to go and watch our brother get beat up~! What a barbaric practice. Sukuna is such a bad influence on you.”

Yuuji pouted. There had always been a clash between his brothers and Sukuna. They hated him and he hated them. Any chance they got, they’d talk about how he shouldn’t be around him. Sukuna could be mean but he’s alright once you get to know him… and if he likes you. To be fair you and Megumi have helped his attitude a lot. He’s been a lot more enjoyable to be around. If only they all could enjoy each others company. He got closer to his brother due to fighting, it’s what they bonded over before you came along.

“I mean… I like fighting too… it feels good. Like a rush! But even when I lose it’s still fun because I work harder to win next time.”

“Hmm~.” Eso hummed with a slight sigh. That’s his way of saying agree to disagree.

While Choso said, “We just want the best for you Yuuji.” Though he didn’t agree with anything Sukuna did due to his duties as a cop, he loved Yuuji and truly just wanted him to be happy. Even if that meant turning a blind eye to what his friends do.

“YUUJI!” His father called his name.

“Yeah, dad?!”

“Come here!”

“Kay!” Yuuji dried off his hands handing the dish he was washing to Eso. “Be back.”

Running up the stairs two steps at a time Yuuji found his father in his office, sitting down at his desk. His office was old-timey with a history dad vibe. Spinning globe, artwork of important events, and other decorations that date back to the Heian era.

“What’s up?” Yuuji questioned as his father typed away on his laptop.

“Close the door and sit down.”

Yuuji gulped nervously while following the command. Uh oh~ usually these talks were about Sukuna or some other sensitive topic.

Kenjaku looked up as he clasped his hands in front of his face, elbows resting upon his desk. He eyed his nervousness as Yuuji sat in front of him. “Son… I know you like to protect your brother…”

And there it is.

“…What did he do?” Yuuji questioned.

Kenjaku raised a brow running a thumb upon his black beard, “That… girl…that was with him…what’s her name.”

“Rose?”

“…Hm. Are they…”

“Like together? I mean Rose is kind of just part of the family.”

“Where did he find her?”

Yuuji rubbed his sweaty palms upon his pants, licking his dry lips he adjusted himself in his chair. This was a very uncomfortable conversation. “She… well she kind of just appeared…”

“Can you describe this girl to me? How is her demeanor?”

“She’s quiet… she’s been through a lot but she’s really coming out of her shell lately.”

“Been through a lot?”

Yuuji nodded.

“What has she been through?”

“I’d… rather not say. It’s not my baggage to claim.”

“Okay…” Kenjaku pushed his computer around to reveal the article of your death. Yuuji’s eyes widen at the sight. “Care to explain why a girl presumably dead is with your brother?”

“Oh- dad-“

“Is your brother holding her hostage?”

“Dad no it’s not like that-“

“Yuuji you cannot defend him all the time. I’m well aware of what kind of person he is.”

“She’s a part of the family!”

“Does he sleep with her?”

“He-…”Yuuji faltered just enough for his father to continue as if he were in an interrogation.

“Is he using her for sex?”

“Dad no!”

“Then why does he post Megumi all over his social media but not her? Do they both sleep with her?”

“-ah It’s - okay well…it’s hard to explain! But I know this sounds fucked up.”

“Yuuji help me understand because it is not looking good right now. Your brother has a foreigner in his home who was found dead a month ago. Now all of a sudden this girl is going by Rose locked away in a home where he and his boyfriend use her for sex. Now either they planned this death or he did and she has developed stolchhome syndrome. Either way, this is a very serious matter.”

“It’s not like that!”

“Then what is it like Yuuji? I wouldn’t put it past him to do something so sick. I’ve heard plenty of whispers about his sick fetishes with his partners.”

“Stop that! HE LOVES HER!”

“As a toy!”

“WE LOVE HER!”

Kenjaku paused, lowering his hands to his desk, “We?”

Yuuji felt his face grow hot as he stood in anger, “Yes! I know it’s hard to explain but we all love her and she loves us too! It was your sick team that kidnapped her!”

Kenjaku gasped, the look of horror made Yuuji recoil.

“Dad-“

“What did you say?”

“I- fuck-“ Yuuji was now pulling at his hair. “I didn’t mean that- well fuck. It’s complicated!”

“Young man that is a serious accusation. Explain.”

“I can’t-“

“Yuuji! This is my team you speak ill of. I’ve known some of them since they were children and I pride myself on an honest system. If someone did this I need to know so I can handle it.”

“No no no don’t!”

“Don’t?”

“Yeah- don’t worry about it.”

Kenjaku lowered his gaze. He’s been a cop for years. He’s also known Yuuji for years. He’s been with him since he was young. He might as well raised the boy himself. That coupled with the fact that he was an open book, led him to his next move. He released a long sigh, “You are right Yuuji. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pushed so hard. I was just concerned.”

Yuuji’s shoulders sagged a bit, no longer tense. “It’s fine…”

“I’m assuming she wants to keep all of this… in the dark? She didn’t want anyone to know?”

Yuuji looked up as if thinking and then nodded his head. Ah~ his poor son. No one taught him how to lie well. And with a brother like Sukuna one would have thought otherwise.

“Well… sorry for pressing… I hope when you are ready to talk… or bring the girl around… whichever…I would love to have an open chat about all of this.”

Yuuji gave him a bit of a sideways smile, “Yeah maybe someday…um…” He then fidgeted awkwardly. “Dad… you didn’t know, right? You didn’t know about… what they did…?”

“No…I am very wounded…I wish you’d tell me who they are so justice can be served… but you have your own reasons for not telling me… I hope they are good.”

Yuuji paused for a second, a slight moment of hesitation. “Yeah…maybe someday we can talk about it again…”

“YUUJI~! I AM NOT CLEANING ALL OF THESE DISHES BY MYSELF!”

Yuuji squeaked hearing his brother yell at him from downstairs. He then laughed while rubbing the back of his head, “I gotta go before he starts breaking them.”

Kenjaku nodded with a little snort, “Of course…” Yuuji walked out but before he could shut the door Kenjaku called to him again, “Son.”

“Yeah, Dad?”

“I love you.”

Yuuji gave him a warm smile, “Love you too Dad.”

After Yuuji left the room Kenjaku’s smile fell. He then picked up his phone dialing a number. Pressing the device to his ear he listened to the dial tone.

As he waited patiently he began to dig through Sukuna’s social media once again. Almost every pic was of the Fushiguro boy. Some pictures probably shouldn’t be on the internet but his son was a possessive man. With that being said, if you were his toy he would have posted you on here too. Yet there isn’t a lick of you on his page or any of the other attention-seeking whores within that home. *Cough* Gojo. It would appear they are well aware of your situation and who did it, being extra careful about putting your picture out there.

During his conversation with Yuuji, he was able to gather all the information he needed. If they all loved you like Yuuji claims… there is not a chance Sukuna would allow your attackers to walk this green earth.

Click

“Heya boss~ called to wish me a merry Christmas~?”

“We have a problem.”

“Damn, no Merry Christmas?”

“Mahito.”

The man sighed, “Can’t have one day can I?”

“Maybe if you would have gotten rid of the girl like I told you we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

“What- I told Jogo to! He wanted to keep her for himself I didn’t know…Fuck! You found her? Where is she?!”

“With my sons.”

“How the hell did she get over there!”

“Don’t know. But I need you to fix your shitty mistake.”

“Yeah-“

“Quietly.”

“Yeah yeah yeah…I will handle it.”

“No. I will handle it like I handle everything. You and the rest of this circus will do as I say.”

“Circus?! Ugh~ am I at least the ringleader?”

“I believe I would be.”

“Aw, maaaan~…”

~

“Make sure you pack light!” Toji called to the others as he put on your shoes, the two of you were in front of the door, you sitting on the small bench while he knelt in front of you.

“WHAT IS CONSIDERED LIGHT?!” Nobara called.

“Like a backpack!” Toji finished tying, patting your knee gently. You were fidgeting with your fingers. “You okay baby girl?”

You nodded slowly, but your gaze rested on your lap. He grabbed your chin so he could lift your face to him. “Hey… you don’t have to come if you don’t want to…”

“No… I go…”

Toji gave you a soft smile, then he reached into his pocket to pull out a small gift wrapped up. “Hey… I got you another gift…Megumi was a little against it but…” He shrugged as you pulled the gift into your lap. Slowly you opened it to reveal a pink switchblade.

You released a light giggle when you saw it.

“You like it?” Toji grinned watching you flick the pink blade open.

“Yes, sooo cute.”

He then grabbed your hand and moved the knife to his neck, “If…” He trailed off not even wanting to say the words. He will protect you no matter what but he just wanted to make you feel extra safe. “If anything happens…Aim here.”

You nodded your head, “Kay…and…” you pulled the knife back not liking it pointed at him, instead, you placed a hand on his chest, over his heart. “Here?”

“No, you may not reach the heart, go for the neck.” Grabbing your hand he placed a kiss on it.

“Thank you…” you put your blade away and then moved your hands to cradle his face, bringing him close so you could kiss him. He leaned in, circling his arm around you. He couldn’t wait to find the men that did this to you. It will be the best Christmas gift/birthday gift ever.

Just as the two of you separated a big thud came from the stairs as if soemone was dragging something heavy. Looking over Gojo came to the door with a giant suitcase that looked like it was about to burst.

“Ready to go!” The man beamed excitedly.

“Satoru…” Toji began as you chuckled.

Nobara walked down with a backpack, looking at the suitcase and then at Toji, “HEY! I thought you said just a backpack!”

“I did. That is way too big Satoru.”

“I couldn’t fit everything in a backpack!”

Toji sighed, “That’s kind of the point bud.”

Gojo pouted as he put his gigantic suitcase filled with toys and clothes away and packed a backpack. Once it was time to go Yuuji had returned, Nanami having already packed his things. He handed his backpack to him as he thanked him.

“How was your dad’s?” Megumi questioned while petting his dogs goodbye. They decided to leave them for this trip. Maki would be by to take care of them.

“Uh…It was fine.”

Megumi raised his brow at his friend, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.”

After locking up the house and hiding the key under the mat. Everyone climbed into separate cars. Nanami’s car had Yuuji and Nobara while Getou drove with Gojo and Shoko. Megumi and Sukuna rode in their own car and even though Sukuna wanted you to ride with them you chose to go with Toji so he wouldn’t be alone.

“Alright, you guys have the right address?” Toji questioned Gojo.

Shoko put her window down while waving her phone, “Just to double-check that my idiots are going to the right cabin, can you send me the address?”

“Hey~” Gojo pouted in the passenger seat, “I got it, have some faith in me!”

“I’ll have Rose send the address to everyone.”

“Thanks~.”

You began to type away on your new phone, sending the address the to Misfit family group text.

Rose: Dropped Pin Address

Hentai Kakashi: Thanks boo 😘

Hentai Gym Trainer: I already left, you guys didn’t leave yet?

Koko: What do you mean you already left?!

Gumi: We are like five miles down the road already. I think I’m going to throw up.

Chukabara: SUKUNA SLOW YOUR ASS DOWN.

Hentai Gym Trainer: I’m only going fifteen over

Gumi: The devil is a lie.

You giggled at your phone, Toji eyeing you with a warm smile. The road trip to Kyoto was like a weird deja vu. Just about a month ago he was driving you in the other direction. He remembered it like it was yesterday. You were quiet, curled up in his seat, and barely talked. Trembling at every small sound, looking at the world with a different pair of eyes.

Now? You were playing on your new phone, showing him funny memes, you were talking and laughing while listening to music. He did his best to keep his eyes on the road but he found himself looking at you a lot. Seeing the difference between you now and you then as if he could see you both side by side.

You gained some weight, your hair grew and you looked all around healthier, nothing like the frightened girl he saved. You have truly changed, and he relished in how beautiful you were. It made him feel good. To see you so happy.

“Ooo…” you spoke up, pointing at a sign.

Toji looked up and noticed it was the same fast food place he took you to the first night he met you. “You hungry?”

“Yeah, can we eat?”

He noticed how you stared at him, you must have felt the same. This weird sense of Deja vu. The same road but different emotions. Different people.

“Of course.” He pulled off the road to go to the 24/7 fast-food joint. This time you ordered way more than the first time, a lot more comfortable with asking for what you want. When he gave you the food you didn’t wait for him or ask him to eat. You had got the excited wiggles when he handed you the bag, digging out each thing as you ate your food and fed him his.

The rest of the ride you fell asleep.

He turned the music down so you could sleep more peacefully. It was late at night when he arrived at the secluded cabin, Sukuna’s car was already there. Climbing out he grabbed both backpacks, hanging them on one shoulder. He then pulled you out of the car, your arms hugging around his neck as he carried you inside. Sukuna and Megumi were talking in the living room, Megumi going over the plan that he came up with.

“Toji, I want to ask you about something.” Sukuna called to him.

“Let me lay her down real quick.” The older Fushiguro took you upstairs to the master bedroom. The windows were tinted but you could see the luscious green and white of nature coated in snow. Lying you on the bed he bent over and kissed your forehead. He then closed the door behind him, jogging downstairs to meet Sukuna who was waiting for him by the basement door.

“What’s up?”

Sukuna nodded his head toward the door as he opened it and took him into the stone-cold room. Flicking on the light he patted the wall, “You think these are soundproof enough?”

Toji hummed running his hand on the wall, “Naw… you will be able to hear someone scream in here. You might need to gag them.”

“I mean I road around the area, the next cabin is almost ten or so miles away.”

“Don’t want to risk it.”

Sukuna was about to say something, but then he heard Gojo’s loud voice from outside.

“HOT DAMN THIS CABIN IS NICE!”

“SHUT THE FUCK UP ROSE IS SLEEPING!” Sukuna shouted at him.

“HOW IS YELLING BACK HELPING?!” Megumi yelled from the living room.

“See?” Toji chuckled. “Not very soundproof.”

Sukuna pouted as the older man put an arm around his shoulders, “Don’t worry son in law we will hurt them plenty.”

“I brought some different knives I want you to check out.”

“I brought some too, we can find out which one hurt the most.”

The two shared a mischievous laugh while turning off the lights.

“What took you guys so long?” Megumi questioned.

Shoko groaned coming over to the couch as she flopped on it, “Gojo wanted to try every sweet shop he found.”

“Oi~ where is Nanami and Yuuji?” Gojo called from the kitchen looking for more sweets.

“They aren’t here yet?” Getou snorted. “I’m surprised we beat them.”

“I’ll give them a call.” Megumi called Itadori waiting for him to pick up.

“Aw, baby girl, did we wake you up?” Toji’s words caught Megumi’s eyes as he looked up to see you coming downstairs while rubbing your eyes.

“Too loud.” You spoke grabbing Gojo’s cheeks.

“Swwy~.” He pouted between your pinching.

Itadori had just picked up and Nobara screamed, “HELP ME!”

Megumi hasped, “What? What’s going on?!”

“NANAMI IS DRIVING AS SLOW AS A SNAIL!”

“Nobara! There is ice on the road, it would be unwise to drive so fast! It is optimal to drive five miles under the speed limit! I am taking everyone’s safety into consideration!”

“Heeey~ Megumi what’s up!” Yuuji spoke with Nanami and Nobara bickering in the background.

Megumi let out a chuckle, realizing his friends were not in danger. “Where are you?”

“Uuum~” There was a pause as he checked the gps, “An hour away!”

“Ch- holy shit.”

“What? Is that bad? Where are you?”

“Uh… we are all here.”

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! DRIVE FASTER OLD MAN- FUCK IT LET ME DRIVE!”

“NOBARA PUT YOUR SEATBELT BACK ON!”

“Yeeea~ we will see you when we get there!” Yuuji chuckled.

It took not just an hour- but an hour and a half for the three to get there. Nobara stomped her way into the house complaining as she vowed to ride with someone else.

Nanami pouted while Yuuji patted his back, “Thanks for getting us here safely Nanami~.”

“You are much too kind to me Itadori.”

“Alright!” Sukuna clapped his hands getting everyone’s attention. “Let’s go over this damn plan. I’m ready to go hunting.”

“Right.” Megumi cleared his throat as he wrote on a notepad. “These are our targets…” Megumi paused for a second, looking toward you so he gave you time to avert your gaze. Once he saw your eyes shift he flipped the pictures over.

Mahito

Naoya

Reggie star

Dagon

Haruta Shigemo

“On New Year's Eve, they usually come to this bar.” He flipped another picture over to show the same bar you had been at. It had karaoke- their favorite. “Nobara and Shoko, you guys are going to dress up as foreigners. They only target foreigners. Nanami will tell you what to say, through an earpiece so practice your words and your accent. You will go to this bar and try to lure them into coming here. I… hope that by doing this they will take the bait since they think it’s just the two of you in the woods by yourself. It is the perfect setup for them to not take it.“

“What if they don’t go there or they ask them to go somewhere?” Toji questioned. He wasn’t trying to throw a wrench in his son's plans but he wanted to get him thinking.

“That’s where we come in. We have to get them all in one go. We will figure out what bar they will go to- which as I said is usually this one. If they don’t want to come back here then we can follow them, whoever separates from the pack we get ‘em before they go far. They will be drunk and stupid. They won’t see us coming… and if that fails then we can come back and regroup.”

“Alright, I like it let’s toast to the misfits!” Gojo held up a bottle of champagne that he found in the kitchen.

“Nah- we don’t toast until we finish the job.” Megumi grabbed the bottle before Shoko could get it, the poor girl sticking her lip out. “We celebrate when we get these assholes. We need to be focused and stay vigilant. We are in enemy territory.”

Picking up the pictures of the targets and passing them out along with social media accounts, “Stay on them and report any and everything.”

“Yes captain my captain!”

“Alright! Project Happy Birthday Toji New Year's Killing is a go!”

“Satoru that is way too long.”

“We’ll just abbreviate it, Project H.B.T.N.Y.K”

“No one is going to remember that.”

“Aw come on~ do you like it Rose?”

You squinted your eyes as Sukuna nudged you, “Don’t lie.”

“Ummm… What bout… (Happy Birthday New Year Massacre)…?

“She said, Happy Birthday New Year Massacre.”

“I like that one.”

“Yeah let’s go with that.”

“How did you come up with that?”

“Such a genius.”

“WHAT?!”