Desert Rose: Chapter 46: Game Over (Patreon)

Everyone migrated toward the cellar door, Sukuna leading the charge. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on that prick- none of them could.

When the door opened Haruka’s screams stopped.

One after another the misfit family filed down the stairs and gathered around the man cuffed to the floor.

The blonde's eyes widened as his gaze moved from one face to another each one glaring at him with so much hatred he’s surprised he didn’t combust into flames. Finally, his eyes rest on yours. “H-hey it wasn’t me! Remember? I was nice to you! I didn’t want to do that to you-“

“Shut the fuck up.” Toji hissed wrapping his arm around you. He hugged you to his side protectively as you stared at the blonde who was shivering on the stone-cold floor.

Megumi was the one who stepped closer, looking down at the man with his arms crossed. He may not have been gigantic like his father but his eyes shined with something sinister. “How did you know we were here? How did you know Rose was with us?”

Haruta let out a nervous laugh, “We’ve always known, ever since she left Jogo’s-“

A sharp noise echoed loudly. Haruta was the only one that jumped from the sound. He looked over to the side where Sukuna was running two knives together like he was about to cut up some meat. His red eyes told him, he was that meat. “W-wait! I answered your question-“

“Wrong.” Megumi spoke sternly. “You didn’t know she was with us. Not since the beginning. Now I’m a patient man but my boyfriend is not. You lie again your fingers are coming off. How did you know Rose was with us?”

“A-an informant!”

“Who?”

“I-I don’t know! Mahito was the one that told us!”

The room was silent. Then Toji spoke up. “He’s lying.”

Sukuna flashed a wicked grin as he took two long strides towards Haruto flipping the knives in his hands as the began to scream, “I'm NOT LYING I'm NOT LYING!”

Toji held you tight as Sukuna did what was promised. Megumi didn’t bat an eye as he watched Sukuna cut the man’s pinky and forefinger off. A bloody mess on the ground.

Shoko stepped forward with her medical kit, “I don’t want him to die too quickly.” She winked fixing up the wound.

“MONSTERS YOU’RE ALL MONSTERS!” The blonde wailed.

Nobara took a deep breath, “I think I’m going to be sick.” She wanted to watch, wanted to see the man get what he deserved but the scene was a bit too intense for her.

Nanami and Yuuji held her arm and laid a hand on her back, “Here, let’s go watch reality shows upstairs.”

“Maybe you can pick out some new clothes while we are at it.” Nanami smiled softly at her. Nobara nodded as she was escorted upstairs.

Gojo and Getou stood by watching. The white-haired male shot his hand up, “We should take a shot for each time he lies!”

Getou chuckled, “What a fun idea, oh Sukuna can I get the next cut?”

Haruta’s mouth dropped as everyone behaved like this was a game. Like he was a lamb to the slaughter. “YOU PEOPLE ARE SICK!”

“Take one to know one,” Megumi muttered as Gojo poured him a shot.

Sukuna lets out an animalistic sound, after taking his to the head. “Woooh! Come on! Ask the next question!”

“Who is your informant? Who told you?” Megumi pushed again.

Haruta looked panicked as he shivered in pain. He opened his mouth and then closed it, trying to figure out what to say.

“Silence?” Getou hummed flicking his fingers at Sukuna, “I think an ear will help since he can’t hear.”

Haruka screamed as he watched Getou grab the sharp knife, “WAIT! WAIT!”

“Hold still darling I’ve been drinking.” Getou hummed holding Haruta’s head to the side. The blonde's eyes widen in fear feeling the cold blade touch his face, Getou cocking his head to the side with his tongue out. Squinting his eyes.

Wicked- these people were wicked. Haruta thought they were the ones that should be feared but he was surely mistaken. Your family was full of sadistic freaks.

“Should it take the whole thing or just a nick?” Getou pursed his lips looking toward the doctor in the room.

“Whatever floats your boat, I’ll be sure he doesn’t die.”

“Fabulous.” As soon as Haruta felt the pressure he released a banshee shriek.

“IT WAS ONE OF YOU!”

That stilled everyone.

Megumi scoffed, “He’s fucking lying cut his ear off!”

“I’M NOT!”

“No.” Toji stopped Getou’s blade with the power of his voice. “He’s… not.”

The silence was dreadful, eyes scanning each other. Each person thinking the same thing. Who? Who would betray them?

Haruta let out a laugh, “Oh? You guys didn’t see that coming Huh? Yeaaah one of your own told us.”

Sukuna growled, “Shut the fuck up.”

Megumi furrowed his brows, he couldn’t imagine any of them- any of his family stabbing them in the back, for what purpose? His tone slightly wavered, “Tell us who?”

Haruta snorted, “Not if you guys are just going to kill me, let me go and I’ll tell you exactly who-AH!”

Getou swiped the blade over his ear, the blonde falling face first into the ground as he screamed.

The Raven haired clicked his tongue, “It seems you don’t understand your situation.”

“You aren’t the one making demands here.” Gojo growled stepping beside Megumi so he could put his foot on the man’s head. It pissed him off knowing that one of them had sold them out. Now he was getting irritated.

“FUCKING ASSHOLE-FUCK!” Haruta spat in anger.

Yuuji came jogging downstairs, “Hey! I wanted to give him a good one-two before you guys kill him. One from me and Nobara.” He smiled kissing his fists.

Haruta choked out, “HIM IT WAS FUCKING HIM!”

“Wah…” Eyes looked toward Yuuji as he looked at everyone confused.

“What? What’s going -“ the boy didn't stand a chance, Sukuna was upon him grabbing him by the collar of his shirt so he could slam him against the wall. “Ack-”

“YOU!”

“SUKUNA-“ Yuuji could barely speak, Sukuna choking him.

“SUKUNA WAIT-“

“YOU FUCKING BASTARD YOU RATTED US OUT HUH!?”

WHACK

Sukuna punched him in the face, instant blood flying from Yuuji’s lips.

“STOP SUKUNA!” Megumi, Getou, and Gojo ran to him, trying to pull him off.

“YOU SON OF A BITCH WHY DID YOU DO IT!” Sukuna was seeing red, a rampage that couldn’t be stopped. Not even by the three people trying to pull him off of his brother. He almost lost you. Almost lost Shoko. Almost lost Nobara. His family, all because of Yuuji!

“SUKUNA STOP!” You screamed running over to try to protect Yuuji.

“IT WAS HIS FAULT!”

WHACK

It was Toji who had stopped Sukuna, he grabbed him from behind pulling him back in a bear hug.

You were crying as you touched Yuuji’s beaten face. “Yuuji?”

Yuuji wiped his lips with the back of his hand, looking toward his brother who was still growling at him. “WHAT THE FUCK SUKUNA?!”

“YOU TOLD THEM WHERE ROSE WAS!”

“NO, I DIDN’T! I WOULD NEVER DO THAT!”

Toji took a deep breath, “He’s telling the truth Sukuna…”

Megumi shook his head confused, “So then he’s lying?” He pointed at the blonde.

“I'M NOT!”

“No…” Toji clicked his tongue, “He’s not…”

“So what the fuck?” Gojo threw up his hands. “If Yuuji told on us but he said he didn’t then how could they both be telling the truth?”

“Because…” Megumi slowly began.

Yuuji’s eyes widen realizing what occurred, “I…”

“You didn’t mean to…” Megumi whispered.

“Oh… oh fuck…” Yuuji leaned against the wall, tears bubbling in his eyes. “I… I didn’t mean-I didn’t mean- I didn't know- I’m so fucking sorry I-“ he was choking on his words, unable to get out what he was trying to say.

“Yuuji, it’s okay.” You whispered rubbing his arm gently.

“Who the fuck did you tell?” Sukuna lunged at him but Toji kept him from getting to him.

“I…Dad… I told dad… but-but he already knew. When he came to the house he saw Rose and I -no…” Yuuji covered his mouth as he sniffled into his hand.

“Kenjaku…He a part of this?” Shoko questioned Haruta.

“The only fucking reason we are here!” Haruta rolled his eyes. “Blabbermouth over there told us everything we needed to know.”

“It’s- it’s my fault…” Yuuji spoke softly. “Rose I’m-“ he looked toward you but it was too much to see your soft gaze. He flew past you running up the stairs. “I’m sorry!”

“Yuuji!” You called running to the end of the stairs. You watched him go, your lips turned down to a sad frown.

Silence befell the room as Haruta busted up laughing maniacally. You released a light growl stomping toward Haruta. The blonde shrieked as he recoiled from you, “WAIT YOU CAN’T KILL ME! I WORK FOR KENJAKU!”

You dropped down on your knees grabbing the knife from Shoko you slashed his pants off and pointed the knife at his manhood.

“N-AHHH!” Haruta released a scream as you cut it off but then his scream was silenced when you shoved his own member into his mouth jumping on top of him as you held him down, the man bucking wildly underneath you.

“Tape.” you raised your other hand as everyone watched in horrific fascination.

“Ah- y-yeah right here.” Shoko handed you the tape as you used your teeth to rip a piece off and then slapped it on Haruta’s mouth. Getting up you dusted yourself off and made your way upstairs leaving everyone flabbergasted.

“Is…um… is anyone else turned on?” Gojo whispered.

“…A little.” Megumi whispered back.

“That was hot as fuck.” Sukuna muttered in shock.

“Hm.” The others silently nodded.

“Should we talk about this or…?”

“Naw…let’s keep it movin.”

~

Yuuji was sitting on the porch step outside. His nose and eyes were red from the cold and all the crying. He couldn't believe it. He almost… lost his family. Lost important people. Due to his stupid big mouth. All of this… was his fault.

The pain from his face was nothing compared to the ache in his heart. He deserved what Sukuna did to him and more. How? How could he be so stupid and naive? He was in a pit of anger. His father… Kenjaku… lied to him. Used him. Played him. His own… father… the man he considered his father for so long… Yuuji sniffled, watching the snow fall heavily. Some of it blew into his face. It was freezing outside. He hoped he'd freeze to death.

“Yuuji?”

Your voice drifted to him. He looked behind him to see you come out with a hefty blanket. Sitting next to him you threw it over him and hugged him tight.

“Brr~ cold!” you smiled at him.

“Rose? What are you doing?” Yuuji questioned.

“Yuuji, don't cry. It's okay (you didn't know. I know you didn't do it on purpose). Accident.”

Yuuji sniffed as you wiped his tears away with a gentle kiss.

“It was my fault, Rose, if something would have happened to you it would have been all my fault. I can never forgive myself. I- me and my stupid mouth!”

“Kind.” you put a hand on his chest, over his heart. “Yuuji very kind. Too good. It’s okay. No sorry.” You shook your head while wagging your other finger.

Yuuji grabbed your hand, giving it a light squeeze. “I…” he blinked a few times. “I don't deserve your forgiveness.”

The door ripped open as Sukuna stepped out, Megumi close behind him.

Yuuji and you both stood up.

“Sukuna…” Megumi spoke warningly as the tatted man moved to stand in front of his brother.

Itadori put his hands out as he opened himself up, “Punch me. Do it I deserve it for being an idiot.”

“No.” You stood in front of him. “Accident. Sukuna no.”

“I’m not here to punch him.” Sukuna huffed. “This shit is your fault.”

“I know!” Yuuji shouted. “I don't need you to tell me that just fucking hit me!”

“Quit it!” Sukuna growled grabbing the front of Yuuji’s shirt. “You fucked up! I don't care how you feel, you don't have the luxury of wallowing in self-pity. We need to fix this. Do you understand? Rose’s life is still in danger. As long as that man is alive.”

Yuuji looked shocked, but then his gaze softened.

“It's either him…or her.”

Yuuji looked toward you, sprinkles of snow clinging to your hair. You stared back at him with a loving expression. He’s only known you for maybe a month, and he could say he doesn't want to go back to a life without you. Yet he had known Kenjaku since he was a child. He never thought he'd ever had to choose between his father and you, his misfit family.

“I understand…Let me make a few phone calls.”

~~~~~~~~~*~

Kenjaku woke up to a weird sound. He sat up in bed reaching for the lamp on his bedside. Turning it on he blinked in shock, Yuuji was sitting on the edge of his bed. He couldn’t believe his eyes, was he still dreaming?

“Yuuji? What on earth are you doing here?” Kenjaku questioned looking at the time. However, he couldn't find his phone. Instead, he looked at the clock. It was about five am. Before he could freak out about his phone Yuuji spoke up.

“Hey Dad…”

“What is it, son?” He questioned feeling as though something was off. Quietly he stepped his foot out, sliding his hand to the gun he keeps hidden on his bedside. When his hand reached the spot he grabbed his gun with a light grip. His gaze stern. “Son?”

Yuuji took a deep breath, “Would you… lie to me?”

“Son? What is this about?” Kenjaku questioned sitting upright, he felt a bit more safe now that he had his gun in hand. He wouldn't ever want to shoot his own son but if push came to shove…

“Rose… the girl I was telling you about...you know… I really loved her…” Yuuji looked down with a soft sniff. “…and now she's gone… you were the only one I told…”

Kenjaku sighed, “Itadori, is this what this is all about? What happened to her?”

“I think you know. They killed her.”

Kenjaku felt sorry that his son had to be in pain but it was for his own good. “Son I had nothing to do with that.”

“They were your people. My question is if you ever joined them.”

Kenjaku made a sound of disgust, “Kami no Yuuji, I would never.”

“Then… what about mom?” Yuuji turned his head to stare at his father’s face. His eyes red from crying.

“I love your mother Yuuji, just as much as I love you.”

Yuuji clicked his tongue, “Sukuna always felt like you forced mom to be with you. I've always been so blind to everything. Kind-hearted Yuuji. I always see the good in people. So when mom told me she loved you I never thought anything of it. Never heard the lack of love in her voice. When I say it… or hear it, it sounds different then how mom would say it. Like she was forced… I was never able to see the signs of fear she had when she was around you. Now that I look back… she behaved a lot like Rose. Afraid. I thought she was afraid of something else… but it was always… you…”

“Yuuji-”

“I'm not finished dad.” Yuuji growled.

It took Kenjaku by surprise, he almost looked like Sukuna.

“You… you did the same thing you did to Rose… to mom.”

“What did Sukuna say to you?”

“This has nothing to do with Sukuna. Mom was scared of you. Wasn't she… and I was too stupid to see. She hid it so well because she knew how much I loved you!” The boy stood up with a yank of his arm, pointing at him. “I believed you! Trusted you! Loved you! Did you kill my father too? Huh? Did you put my mom in a coma? Did you have Rose killed!?”

Kenjaku put a hand up, trying to ease Itadori’s fury, “You smell like alcohol Yuuji… have you been drinking?”

Yuuji chuckled rolling his eyes as he started pacing in front of his bed. Kenjaku has never seen him in such a state. His finger inched upon the metal handle of his gun.

“Yes! Yes Dad I've been drinking.” Yuuji smiled. “I was celebrating!”

Kenjaku furrowed his brows, “Celebrating what?”

Yuuji laughed a bit, “I may have lied to you dad. I'm sorry. Your friends didn't kill Rose.” the boy began to giggle like he was about to tell a funny secret. “We killed them.”

“Yuuji?!”

Itadori laughed like he just said the most hilarious joke.

“Boy! Do you understand how serious this is?! You've killed five officers?!”

“Well…” Yuuji clapped his hands. “One of them is missing but we are pretty sure he's dead… the other is choking on his own cock. So we killed three. Rose killed two Shoko killed one. You should have seen her! She sliced Mahito’s neck and stabbed Reggie star like over and over again-”

“Enough!” Kenjaku pulled his gun pointing it at his son. He was behaving more and more like Sukuna. It was frightening. “That’s enough.”

Yuuji froze putting his hands up, “Dad…you… you would shoot me?”

“I don't want to Yuuji. You are my son. My family. I always put family first.”

Yuuji nodded slowly.

Kenjaku sighed deeply, “I never wanted them to do that. I never wanted anything to do with it. They had their sick games as does your brother and your friends.“

“My misfit family would never do something so disgusting…”

“You sure about that?” Kenjaku snorted, “Unless you joined into those sick activities. Passing that broken girl around.”

“We love her.”

“Potato tomato.”

Yuuji went silent.

“Whatever the case… I don't care. You are my son and family is more important. Let's just forget all of this even happened. I can cover everything up and you can live with your family and your new toy. How does that sound son?” he set the gun down now longer pointing it.

Yuuji smiled softly, “Okay… there's just one more thing...” The boy put his hand in his pocket pulling out a liquid bottle. “This… is the medicine you give to mom…” he then brought out another small bottle, “…This is the medicine we found in those sick freak’s car. But… this isn't medicine… is it?”

Kenjaku gulped harshly. “Yuuji… your mother is very unstable… she almost killed herself. I do it…to protect her.”

“All this time…”

“I did it to protect her…”

“Every day.”

“Yuuji-”

“You lied to me!”

“You wouldn't understand!”

“You lied to us! I… I can't believe it. My family may have their issues… but they are nothing… compared to you. You're a sick monster.”

“This has gone on long enough Yuuji. I do what I must to protect this family. You and your family would be nothing without me-” Kenjaku stopped speaking as the door opened.

Sukuna standing in the doorway, he smiled at the surprised expression on his face. “Heya pops.”

“What the hell is this?”

“What? I thought you’d be happy I was here? You’ve been trying to get me over here for years!”

“Tch-What do the two of you think you are going to do? Beat me up?” Kenjaku questioned as he stood with his gun. “I’m no backway alley thug. I am the chief of police!”

“Noooot anymore.” Sukuna shrugged.

“Wh-what are you talking about?!”

“Oh? You didn't tell him Yuj?” Sukuna blinked toward his brother.

“Oh- smack I forgot!” Yuuji chuckled rubbing the back of his head cheekily.

“Forgot to tell me what?!”

“See, the police are going to find your remains on the trail.” Sukuna began casually.

“Those dame hiking trails.” Yuuji sighed, “Someone needs to do something about them!”

“You will never be able to pull that off!”

“Not by ourselves! Oh no~ with the new chief of police!” Yuuji pointed toward the door as Yuko stepped next to Sukuna.

“Hey there chief!” the blonde winked at him. “I’m so sorry you got hurt on your hunting trip, but I’ll be sure to take care of everything once I take your position. We are going to need to stand strong after we lost six people.”

“All six police!”

“That’s insane!”

“My word!”

The three of them gasped exaggerating. That was Kenjaku’s tipping point.

“I had enough! You will not disrespect me this way, CHOSO WOULD NEVER ALLOW THIS!”

Choso peaked his head in, “Sorry I got here late.” he yawned.

“No worries brother.” Sukuna grinned giving the man a fist bump.

“B-brother?” Choso began to blush profusely.

Kenjaku was astonished, “CHOSO! YOU- you would allow this?!”

“Oh~ sorry dad, you fucked up. I would never go against my brothers. Brothers before… um.”

“Sperm doners.”

“That's a good one Yuuji.”

“Thanks, Sukuna.”

“That was awful.” Yuko snorted.

“This is brother bonding time!”

Kenjaku sputtered, “And-and what of your other brothers! If I go missing-”

Yuuji waved his hand, “They will be sad but I'm going to the New Year party so you know they will forget about you pretty fast. I'm the life of the party after all.”

“You know what I might go too if Kenjaku’s not going to be there.” Sukuna nodded.

“OOO~ can we bring Rose I would love for everyone to meet her!” Yuuji jumped excitedly.

“I dunno let’s ask her- hey Rose!” Sukuna called down the hall.

You walked over as the blonde and Choso moved for you.

“You want to come to our brother’s New Year party?”

“Um~ sure!” You smiled.

“Alright! Oh~ Dad this is Rose Rose this is my dad, I'm glad you were able to meet him before we kill him.” Yuuji smiled.

Kenjaku couldn't take it, he held his gun up, “let me out of here right now!”

“Put that shit down old man.” Sukuna scoffed.

“I’m warning you!” Kenjaku moved toward them, taking the safety off.

“Or what?” Sukuna stepped up to him not at all afraid. He raised a brow having the barrel of the gun touch his chest.

“I've always despised you.” Kenjaku growled, pulling the trigger.

CLICK CLICK

Sukuna’s lips pulled up into a wicked grin as horror crossed Kenjaku’s face. The gun clicked, over and over again but nothing came out.

“Oops, sorry dad.” Yuuji lifted his real gun, waving it at him. “Well, this is super awkward.”

“Yeah, Dad you couldn't have gone out with your dignity?” Choso shook his head in disappointment.

“I really do appreciate all the other stuff you did for me though!” Yuuji smiled softly. “Thanks for teaching me how to ride a bike and stuff, this really hurts me.”

“Yeah, I’ll never forget you dad, when you were a good dad. We will try to remember the good stuff when we get together.”

“Hey, what song do you want us to play at your funeral? Mind if I karaoke it?”

The man whimpered backing away from Sukuna who was cracking his knuckles.

“I shoot?” You questioned excitedly.

“Oh yeah of course~!” Yuuji smiled at you.

“No-you need me! I am your father! No- noooooo!”

“Nice knowing you pops.”