"What is it that you want?"
Because that was what this was about wasn't it? He wanted something. The main family never disdained to speak to the lower members without a need and Gojo Satoru was not about to be the exception.
"I'm going to recommend...
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✧༺♥༻∞
Stuffed positively full of cake, you wondered if it was all part of Gojo's plan to keep you docile and compliant, half in a sugar coma as he drug you from jewelry store to jewelry store. Your tastes did not match. Fake engagement or not, Gojo was insistent in his attempts to go "all out", the price tag of most of his choices enough to make you nearly faint on the spot.
Forget a car. You could put a down payment on a house with some of these rings.
Meanwhile, every small, modest band-only option you preferred was immediately veto'd. The argument being that no one from his family would believe he was serious about a fiancée he bought anything less for and your counter argument being no one in yours would believe you'd let him go to such excess.
It was, in short a stalemate, and one that was quickly becoming irritating.
"Too big." You dismissed as Gojo pointed out yet another large carat diamond, "And diamonds are so boring."
"Ah yes. How could I forget?" Gojo said with a scoff, his own demeanor suggesting he was no longer taking cruel enjoyment from dragging you around. There was a permanent frown in the corner of his mouth, replacing the easy grin he often wore. It was good to know even he didn't have limitless everything.
"I'd think you'd want to pick something that matches your eyes." You said, given his choice of dress for you the previous evening.
Gojo, having long reached the end of his patience, seemed to relent just a fraction.
"Blue diamond?"
"Aquamarine?" You countered and Gojo mulled over the word for a moment before nodding to the patiently waiting employee to bring out a set of engagement rings with that stone. For the first time in several hours, you were leaning eagerly over the counter, eyes alight as you looked through the rings.
"Wow... they are so beautiful."
"Thanks." Gojo said with a lopsided grin, "They are aren't they?"
"The rings, not your eyes, doof."
"But you think my eyes are pretty too."
You ignored him, picking from the selection a ring that instead of gold, rose or silver band, was set in black gold. The ring had the appearance of a wreath, set with larger aquamarine stones and even accented with the diamonds Gojo seemed set upon. It was weird how perfect it felt, a representation of him in every way.
"I like that one." You said quietly, not even wanting to vocalize the desire. The ring was so expensive. Was it even okay for you to ask for something like this? It wasn't like you'd get to keep it in the end, but still it felt almost too much to request.
As if sensing this, Gojo simply plucked the ring off the mat and gestured for you to give him your hand. You did so, reluctantly, feeling your chest squeeze in an unpleasant way as he slid the ring unto your finger.
He held your hand, giving the ring an appraising once over before nodding.
"That works. Looks like something I'd buy." His tone was distant, clinical and business like, "We'll take this one. Just bag the box, she'll wear it out."
You were about to protest, feeling the weight of the ring on your finger like a sudden, overwhelming chain... but the employee was already off, taking the card Gojo had handed to him and disappearing.
"Welp. Easy part is over." Gojo said with a sigh, leaning back against the glass counter and tapping his foot back and forth.
"Hard part will be this weekend. Dinner at the main house."
"Will your parents be there?" You asked, dreading the reply. Gojo gave a dismissive shrug, a weird response, but one you didn't feel in a position to question. Ever since you'd picked out the ring something had soured his mood, as if you pressed too hard the serrated, sharp edge of him would peak out and cut you.
"Do you hate it?" You risked asking, his face snapping up to you.
"What?" He asked sharply, voice tensing.
"The ring?"
His shoulders sagged a bit, a look of relief passing over his features.
"Nah. It's fine. Does the job it needs to do, so not worth thinking that hard on anyway. If things go well, maybe I'll even let you keep it once we're done. Or I can just give you the cash."
It was your turn to tense up, insulted by the very idea of him paying you. Sure, in a way he was, but that was an exchange of things you both needed. A rank you even would go as far as saying you deserved— but money? No. You felt the back of your throat sour with bile at the thought.
"You can have it back when this is over." You replied tersely.
"Alright." Gojo said with a shrug. The employee returned with a small bag, a complimentary ring cleaning set and the box tucked inside. You took the bag, arm going lax with a thump at your side.
When you left the store you were both silent.
"I have some stuff to take care of at the school." Gojo said suddenly, pressing his hands into his pocket, "You good to get home on your own?"
Home.
You resisted flinching at the word. His apartment was not your home.
"Yeah. I think I'll go meet Utahime."
"Cool. I'll probably be staying at campus for the next couple of nights, so don't wait up."
You nodded cooly and without further ceremony, Gojo headed down the opposite street, whistling vaguely as he went. The weight that had seemingly settled on him looked to evaporate the further he got down the road, disappearing from view.
Your throat hurt. Fingers curling tightly into the handle of the bag until your nails bit into your palm. You pulled your phone from your pocket and dialed Utahime's number, unsurprised when she picked up within sheer seconds.
"I have been trying to get ahold of you for two days!" Came the sudden and rushed words, "Where are you?! Are you still in Tokyo? They told me you transferred and that— that.... You're engaged! To HIM?! Please tell me it is a joke! It has to be a joke!!"
You pulled the phone from your ear, repressing a sigh.
