secrets in the backbeat

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/57395869.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M
Fandoms: 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Manga), 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime)
Relationship: Gojo Satoru/Iori Utahime
Characters: Iori Utahime, Gojo Satoru, Ieiri Shoko, Other JJK characters in very
minor roles, Getou Suguru, Original Characters
Additional Tags: Musicians, Alternate Universe - Idols, Alternate Universe - Pop Stars,
Alternate Universe - Bodyguard, bodyguard!gojo, Pop Star!Utahime,
don't get it twisted Utahime is a triple threat, Alternate Universe - Canon
Divergence, Post-Star Plasma Vessel | Hidden Inventory Arc (Jujutsu
Kaisen), takes place during, Movie: Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2024-07-15 Updated: 2024-09-15 Words: 11,396 Chapters:
2/?
 secrets in the backbeat
by goodnightmoonz

Summary

Iori Utahime turned her back on Jujutsu society eight years ago and never looked back. Since
then she has become the biggest pop star in Japan with her fame only growing as she
prepares to start her first world tour. But when her name appears on her former kohai-turned-
cult leader’s hit list all that is threatened. Luckily (or not) another former kohai-turned-she-is-
not-sure-what offers her a solution:

The most powerful sorcerer in the world as her bodyguard. A no brainer right? The catch
being they have to pretend to like each other, even love each other.

Luckily, Utahime is a good actress.

Notes
See the end of the work for notes
 bad idea right?

"So do you regret it at all?"

Utahime takes a sip of her drink, a green smoothie that she wishes was a beer, and makes eye
contact in the mirror. T he girl doing her makeup eyes flick up for a second, clearly listening,
curious. She doesn't know what they are talking about but that doesn't stop the gossip. It's not
like the girl has any clue what they are talking about.

"Not for a second," Utahime answers.

"Hmm," Shoko hums, Utahime's oldest friend. She's sitting in her dressing room wearing
jeans and a blue sweater with smart nude pumps, her hands playing with a lighter.

"You're still not smoking, are you?" Utahime frowns.

Shoko shrugs, "Not as much as I did in high-school, if it makes you feel any better."

Utahime frowns, it doesn't.

"Iori-san please don't frown," the makeup artist, a young pretty woman around her age who
just joined their team a month ago, asks.

"Yes, sorry," she puts on that award winning smile that graces thousands of teenagers
bedroom walls.

Shoko snorts as she is watching Utahime, really looking at her, " You do like it, don't you?"

Utahime swallows the rest of her pre-show smoothie and smiles.

"You haven't even heard me sing yet."

Right after she graduated from Tokyo Tech, Utahime Iori tried her hand at the private sector.
In that year she learned that her curse technique is unique. It's not one that can kill curses
easily (no she'll burn through too much nonexistent curse energy or a tool for that).

That made working as a private sorcerer near impossible because her technique, as Yaga put
it years ago, is an aid. Her dance emboldens others and her voice is a balm. She's not a
natural warrior in a world that needs you to be. Not a killer in a world full of curses and
murders.

In that year she learned that Gojo Satoru was right--she is weak. After her accident that
nearly killed her and left her with a scar forever on her face she knew it was true. That she
didn't have what it takes to be a professional sorcerer in the real world.

Then Principal Gakuganji offered her a teaching job at Kyoto in which every fiber of her
being wanted to say yes but the words couldn't come. Because how can she help mold
students into their best selves when she feels so far from her own self? How can she help
others understand their place when she can't find hers?

So she told Gakuganji that she needed a week to decide which quickly turned to a month,
then a year, and now nearly ten years.

During that initial week after the accident and the job offer she went home. To her small rural
village where she left when she was thirteen when Yaga visited her family to let the know she
has this ability. Those monsters she sees are real and the songs she sings have power. She
hadn't been back in six years but her mother still welcomed her with the same hug. Her father
didn't ask about her scar just if she was okay.

Her week at home leave turned into a year. A year where she returned to a life she never
really knew. She worked at the shrine, putting her miko uniform to work. During this time
she didn't dance and she barely sang. She didn't see any monsters either and slowly sleeping
became easier. But still she was restless.

So when on her birthday she received a call she was on the first train to Tokyo, right into a
karaoke bar. Her highschool friends, Mei-Mei and Shoko, are at the bar smiling as that old
soothing feeling of her voice washed over them. But they weren't the only ones enjoying her
voice.

A man with graying hair handed her a card. On that card was a number to a talent agency.

That was a record deal, five albums, six Grammys, three movies, two Oscar nominations
(maybe wins?), four high profile relationships (two baseball players, an American movie star
and one singer, all ill-advised), and countless magazine covers ago.

Utahime Iori is thirty and the biggest singer in the world. While she is no longer a Jujutsu
sorcerer and hasn't stepped foot in that world in a decade her life keeps her busy enough.

It is easy to see why she has no regrets.

Shoko is waiting in her green room after the show.

"Shoko-chan!" She hugs her old friend, still riding that after performance high that still
affects her even after all these years, "Did you enjoy the show?"

Shoko nods, "It was good, maybe a little loud."

Utahime eyes her friend a little at ease knowing even after all these years and a different
hairstyle, Shoko is still as odd and as blunt as she was as a teen.

"Yeah, stadium shows tend to be like that," she bends to take off her heels, "Maybe you heard
how the bass was off for the first track. I'm going to kill Lim when I see him, it t ook them a
little while to fix it but I don't think the audience cared." She sighs in relief when the shoes
slip off and turns to her old friend, "Sorry we didn't get to talk much before the show."

Shoko shrugs, "You're busy, I get it."

Utahime guesses she acutely understands being in demand. Even in highschool with a vital
and unique technique like Shoko's she was always busy. Still it seems.

"Yeah, I know you do." Utahime takes a seat looking at Shoko, "Still your my friend and I
want to know about your life. How are you?"

Shoko shifts awkwardly, never liking being the center of attention, preferring to be in the
shadows.

"Same old, same old. Yaga and the higher-ups keep me busy, there is always something to
do."

Utahime scoffs, "Can't say I miss the higher-ups, they refused to ever promote me. School
going okay?"

"I guess, I don't interact with the students that much but there are some interesting first years
this year."

Utahime suddenly remembers something, "What was that first year's name? The one below
you? With blond hair?"

"Nanami."

"Yeah. God I haven't thought of him in years.”

"I guess there isn't a reason for you being in the outside world and all." Shoko says with a
little bitterness.

Utahime remembers a night after her first album when it became clear that she might be
something special, that she won't take up that job in Kyoto. They were in Tokyo and a person
recognized her and asked for a photo. After words, Shoko who was drinking let her words
run for once. Unfiltered Shoko l et her know that Utahime was abandoning her just like her
parents, just like Geto, just like everyone else. That everyone leaves her eventually.

Ar the memory Utahime changes the subject, "Well, I am glad you could finally make it to a
show."

Utahime goes to her mini fridge and pulls out two beers, she hands one to Shoko. Shoko
looks at her with guilt as she takes it.
"What is it?" Utahime asks, "Have you stopped drinking? I'm so sorry!"

Utahime goes to grab the beer back but Shoko downs it.

"No, it's not that." Her eyes can't meet Utahime, and she sighs, "I'll just cut right to the chase,
things have been happening with curse users."

With Shoko, curse users can only mean one thing.

"Geto," Utahime snarls.

Shoko nods, "He has been upping his support becoming more dangerous and the higher-ups
have learned of plans against powerful people."

"What? The clans? They shouldn't be worried, I'm pretty sure they can take care of
themselves."

"Well yes but there are others."

"Others like? What? Non-sorcerers? The Prime Minister?"

"Well, Geto has always been against non-sorcerers." Shoko welcomes herself to another beer
from Utahime's fridge, "No, these plans are for prominent sorcerers."

Utahime takes a drink, "Lucky for me I'm not a sorcerer anymore."

Shoko frowns, "Not quite."

It suddenly clicks for Utahime, "You can't be serious. Geto wants to kill me? What? I haven't
done anything with jujutsu in a decade! How am I a threat to him?"

A new voice, one she hasn't heard for next to ten years speaks, "Eh eh eh Utahime, hasn't
your mother taught you not to lie to your friends?"

Suddenly a tall man clad in black with shocking white hair appears. He is wearing white
bandages over his eyes. Even if he grew a couple feet (like he wasn’t tall enough even as a
teen) and is covering those damned eyes, he can’t hide his curse energy and that hair. His
energy consumes and envelopes everything giving him this air she is sure he loves. That even
as rusty as Utahime is she knows he is a threat. And that snow white hair, there is only one
person on Earth that could be.

"Gojo," Utahime scoffs, "didn't your mother teach you manners? Like not being where you're
not wanted?"

He smiles and it's frighteningly the same as when he was a sixteen years old.

"My mother didn't raise me, that was the nanny." Gojo says, taking a chair across from her,
"Utahime Iori," he says the name savoring it, "it has been a long time."

Utahime glares, "Not long enough."

]Gojo smiles even wider, "Still that same fiery tongue, Utahime."

Utahime corrects him, "Still that same fiery tongue, Utahime-senpai."

Gojo laughs, soft and quick and it's a nice sound she is sad to admit. A sound she would like
to record and hear again. But that would mean asking something from Gojo and that is
something she never wants. If she were that would mean she would be in his debt, owe him
something and that is a terrifying concept.

"Why are you here, Gojo?”

Gojo acts fake wounded, "Ouch, so icy. No 'How has the last decade been, Satoru?'"

Utahime glares at him, knowing that his life is always the same for him. Always the most
powerful, always the strongest. What more is there too him?

Utahime stands up, "I'm giving you ten seconds before I call security and the whole of the
Tokyo city police department is here."

"Is that supposed to scare me? Sounds like a challenge to me." Gojo smirks, "Don't threaten
me with a good time, Utahime."

He is 100% serious and it doesn't surprise her for a second. Even as a teenager he could level
a whole city block--she can't imagine what he could do as a man. She senses the edges of his
curse energy and feels a difference there. It’s still as bright, still as consuming as ever but it's
different than she remembered it’s…more, if that is even possible. It’s like somehow the
strongest has gotten even stronger. Now that is a scary thought.

"Gojo," Shoko warns, "You said you wouldn't do this."

"Fine," he leans back in his chair, "I was just triggered by our little Utahime's lies."

"Oh no," Shoko groans as Utahime stands up, clearly agitated.

"What the hell, Gojo? I haven't seen you in eight years! You can't act like you know me!"

Gojo, who is so much harder to read with his eyes covered and so much more uncanny with
bandages over half his face, tilts his head back looking up at her, "Don't I? You are still acting
so high and mighty."

"Excuse me?" Utahime puts her hands on her hips.

"Your shows! It's just an overblown version of your technique." He points at his covered
eyes, "The Six Eyes sees the curse energy you use when you dance and sing. It is just a
version of your dance from high school. "

Utahime frowns, "Well, I mean it's a part of me. I can't turn it off."

"Exactly," He says as an explanation then Gojo then looks at the other woman, "Shoko?"
Shoko, who at some point toed off her own heels, continues, "That's the reason we believe
Sugu...Geto is targeting you. You use your curse energy for non-sorcerers enjoyment. There
is nothing worse to Geto."

Utahime sits back down, "Oh."

She remembers the hatred her former kohai has toward non-sorcerers. She's not so out of
touch with the Jujutsu world not to know about his war. His aim is to kill every non-sorcerer-
- a genocide.

Utahime then looks back up at her other former kohai's, "So what is the plan?"

Shoko frowns, "The higher-ups plan was for you to go into hiding— "

Utahime interrupts, "Hiding! I just started a world tour! There is no way I am going into
hiding! I can't just go into the mountains for a year, not anymore. Not when my fans have
bought tickets! Not to mention the crew! I can’t cancel the tour."

"That is what we said," Shoko says,"Which is why Gojo has a...alternative plan to pitch."

Utahime then nervously looks at Gojo who is smiling like a mad man.

He stands and even bows, catching Utahime very off guard. She remembers distinctly that
Gojo Satoru never bowed for anyone, not Yaga, not even the higher-ups.

"Gojo Satoru, personal bodyguard for Iori Utahime,” he smirks, “protecting her every
moment of the day."

Utahime shoots up out of her seat, "No way!" she looks at Shoko, "There has to be something
else. I'll talk to Yaga! There has to be something."

Shoko looks down, "You can talk to him but he'll just say Gojo's plan is best. And he will be
correct. It’s the best option against Geto, trust me."

"But...but," Utahime reaches for straws, "Aren't you a teacher? What about your students?"

Gojo acts touched, "Aw you remembered! How sweet. That's not a problem, I can go to them
if they need me. Plus Shoko is going to pick up some classes."

Shoko cringes, "Think about it, Senpai. You'll need protection from Geto and Gojo is...Gojo."

"What she means to say is that I am the strongest." He smirks, "I'm sure an outsider like you,
Utahime, even knows that."

Utahime rolls her eyes not answering him, "My label will need to be notified and they won't
approve of Gojo. He has no experience and barely exists in the real world. He is a walking
security risk,” she says the next statement a lot like how Gojo says strongest, “I am their
biggest star, they wouldn’t let anyone in my inner circle just like that."

Shoko cringes, "Yeah, we also thought that might be a problem which is why--"
Gojo interrupts, "I’m your boyfriend! Your label can't deny your boyfriend hanging around,
least they haven't before.”

Utahime lets that last part go since her brain stopped functioning during the first part.

"Gojo...my boyfriend..."

Gojo smiles, "Lucky you! The gossip magazines are going to love you dating such a hunk!"
Suddenly he is serious again, this drastic switch something Utahime remembers from school.
One moment Gojo is joking around the next serious, " Utahime, you will need protection
24/7 for the next two months since we know that is when Geto is planning something. It will
make quite a statement to the Jujutsu world and the outside world to kill the Utahime Iori. Put
his name out there." Even with those bandages on she can tell that he is making direct eye
contact, “"That is why you need me, sweetheart."

Utahime looks up at him and knows he's right. She'll ask to speak to the higher-ups and Yaga
and look over all the information they have but she knows Gojo and Shoko are correct. That
Geto is a maniac and Gojo is her only option.

Utahime swallows and nods slowly, "I see." Her eyes meet Gojo's, "But those bandages will
have to go."
 Get Gone
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

Hardwood meets her knees creating what she knows will be a bruise later. She doesn’t make
a noise instead she stands back up immediately. A lifetime of bruises still doesn’t negate the
pain of a new one, unfortunately.

“Okay, let’s take it from the top,” Utahime nods to a stagehand who plays the music.

Thumbing beats are a very familiar boom through the dance studio’s speakers then her own
voice and lyrics she knows acutely. Utahime follows the steps that her choreographer and her
collaborated on leading the way for the backup dancers.

Lead by example— something her mother taught her— work until you can’t. To her mother
that was maintaining their family shrine, to Utahime it’s leading a world tour and being the
biggest pop star on the planet.

She’s not sure which is harder.

“That’s great, Utahime-san!” The choreographer says when the song comes to a close, “Love
what you are doing with your wrists. I think we just worked out the problem on the ball
change move.”

Utahime nods, “I was putting too much weight on my left foot, I think I solved it.”

The choreographer, an older man from America named Raul who has worked with stars like
Beyonce, Britney, and Janet, smiles.

“That is why you are the best,” Raul says before turning to a backup dancer, “You girls are
another story. Aki, how many times do we have to go over your mark? And Sofia? Don’t act
like I didn’t see that awful plié.”

Utahime rolls her eyes but not in anger, Raul is a perfectionist. That's why she works with
him. The girls were doing great but he will always find a fault in at least some aspect and
now that Utahime has gotten her choreo down it’s now their turn.

Utahime looks at the mirror, her hair a mess from the hours of rehearsal but she doesn’t care,
they need to get this choreo down. Last night’s show in Tokyo was a test run, an experiment
before they take it overseas for the tour. Last night’s show revealed a lot of problems that will
need to be ironed out before they leave for America even if the audience didn't notice.

Last night didn’t just focus on the problems with the show, no last night revealed a lot of
things. Things she does not want to think about right now.

Instead she hums to herself and practices her ball change adding a little kick making sure to
evenly distribute her weight. She then goes through the whole dance sequence like a well
oiled machine which she supposes she is. Afterall even before dancing became a vital part of
her career, it was an extension of her curse technique. Then before that she remembers being
taught ritual dances from her grandmother.

Dancing is a part of her. It’s in her blood, it’s in her soul.

She finishes and all she wants is some water but she can’t remember where she put her water
bottle.

“Here, you look like you need this.”

“Thanks,” she says and smiles but then it fades when she sees who exactly is giving it to her.

“Gojo,” She snatches the bottle, “What are you doing here?”
Gojo who is dressed casually in khakis and a loose black sweater with dark sunglasses, no
white bandages (she won that battle at least). She tries not to make it obvious that she is
staring— looking at him and how exactly he has bulked up from his skinny teenage frame.
That even in a loose black sweater she can tell he is very much in shape.

She drinks from her water bottle finding herself very thirsty all of a sudden.

“What? Can’t a guy check up on his girlfriend?”

Utahime punches him in the shoulder, “Hey! Keep it down!”

Gojo smirks, “Come on, the whole world is going to know soon, Hime.”

There is that nickname— she was wondering how long it would take him to say it, surprised
he didn’t last night. He loved to call her that in highschool finding it so rewarding to call his
country hick senpai a name that means Princess.

Sure people call her Uta, her parents, friends, and even her fans but never Hime. That was
something for Gojo Satoru.

“Please don’t remind me,” Utahime groans, “But really, I am in the middle of something and
you shouldn’t show up unannounced.”

Gojo hums but obviously he is just patronizing her, “As much as I like to watch you move, I
am here on business.”

Utahime raises an eyebrow, “Business? Since when do you care about business?”

He shrugs, “In the last decade or so, I would say.”

Oh right, a decade that is about how long it has been. It’s surprising when put so plainly like
that, the reminder of the time she has missed. She feels it whenever she sees Shoko or Mei,
references to events she doesn’t know, changes that happened that she wasn’t a part of. That
is the sacrifice she made. A sacrifice she doesn’t regret in the slightest.

Still it is weird to think about those she hasn’t seen. People like Nanami or Yaga or Gojo.
People whose lives have continued in the background of hers. It’s easy to forget that when
she fell right back in the old motions with Gojo. He seemed much the same— still teasing,
still joking, still annoying. But there are little changes and big changes she notices in him.

Odd to think how the world keeps moving even without you.

“Sure, you’re all business and no play.”

Gojo winks, “You’ll find I still find time for plenty of play, sweetheart.”

That’s different, she noticed it last night, the flirting. She is sure he never flirted like this with
her back then. So plainly. It must be her stardom, what man wouldn’t want the biggest star in
the world? Especially a man like Gojo who is drawn to power like a moth to a flame.

Utahime just rolls her eyes, “Well have fun with that, I have work to do and— “

Gojo grabs her wrist forcing her to look at him. His glasses have shifted and she can see
those blue eyes. And they, of course like every time, leave her momentarily breathless. She
blames it on the power of the Six Eyes, not because she likes Gojo’s eyes. No, not at all.

“This business has to do with you. We need to go to Kyoto Tech,” Gojo says seriously, “Yaga
and the higher-ups need to speak with you in Kyoto.”

Utahime eyes widen, “Well, I need to change and then— “

“We’ll swing by your place first then, but be fast about it,” he looks at his watch, an
expensive looking thing, “We were supposed to be there five minutes ago.”

“Five minutes! Why didn’t you tell me!”

His eyes pass with a deep emotion, “I got distracted.”

Utahime frowns, “Distracted, distracted by wha— “

Suddenly a man, big and intimidating, is by her side. It's one of her security personnel.

“Miss Iori, is this man a problem?”

Her security is the best in the business, all ex-something or another. Utahime looks up and
sees a couple of them surrounding her slowly, obviously just now noticing the danger that is
Gojo Satoru. No doubt Gojo avoided their security checks, they are probably just now seeing
him for the first time.

“No, I’m fine. Trust me when I say this man is no threat,” she smirks knowing Gojo would
hate that. And he does if the look he gives her is any indication.

“Ma’am?” The officer asks clearly on edge.

Utahime wonders if somehow they are responding to the massive curse energy Gojo releases.
If even these non-sorcerers can somehow sense the threat that he is. But in reality they can
probably just see an asshole when they see one.

“It’s okay, Mike,” she says, “He’s my…”

She looks at Gojo clearly, not sure how to define him. Friend? No, she doubts even at their
closest they were ever truly friends. Colleague? Maybe, once upon a time if she stayed.
Enemy? No, his enemies never live long. Classmate seems the closest to the truth but for
some reason it seems weird to call a 28 year old man that.

“He’s my…Gojo.” She answers which feels stupid to say but somehow right. Gojo just…is to
her. Even after all these years he is still just Gojo in her mind. It is hard to define Gojo other
than with Gojo. She doubts it makes any sense.

“Ma’am?” Mike answers with confusion because of course he does, “Gojo’? What does that
mean?”

For his credit Gojo doesn’t try to gloat, instead he just sticks out his hand, “Gojo Satoru, nice
to meet you.”

Mick just looks at his hand then back to Utahime, “I am sorry, Miss Iori, but this…‘Gojo’
isn’t in our system. We aren’t even sure how he got in. I mean-”

“Seems like a problem with your system to me,” Gojo shrugs to which Mack glares.

Utahime, not wanting a fight, knowing how it will go, decides to deesclate.

“That's alright, Gojo..er..Satoru,” she corrects herself thinking if they are to fool the world
into thinking they are together she ought to use his first name, “he is with me.”

Mike raises an eyebrow and Utahime, who has trained her ears for years, just now notices the
quiet in the room. The music has stopped and the girls, security, and Raul all look at them.
Wondering who this handsome stranger is and why does their boss know him.

Gojo wraps a hand around her waist, “With you in more ways than one, right sweetheart?”
Utahime has to physically stop her eyes from rolling, “Right.”

She then turns to the whole room, “I guess this is as good a time as any. Everyone, this is
Gojo Satoru, my boyfriend.”

Gojo smirks and does a little wave, “Yo.”

Utahime wishes the ground would just swallow her up but then again…

“Well then! Sorry but I have to cut today's rehearsal short, sorry Raul. Go..er.. Satoru here has
a little problem with his family and needs me.”

Raul glares at them hoping that this Gojo wouldn't be a problem. He knows Utahime Iori and
knows that she is a very smart, hard-working woman that has that elusive star quality. She is
already the biggest thing in Japan and has the potential to be the biggest thing in the entire
world. He just hopes this handsome boy won't be a problem.

He nods at Utahime, “Of course, just make sure you practice. Don't get distracted.”

Utahime nods, feeling very much like a student caught ditching class (not that she ever did
that. No, that was more the man holding her waists forte).

Utahime is pulling at Gojo desperate to leave, “Okay, see you all early tomorrow!”

She doesn't wait to listen for the goodbye, pulling Gojo after her as he winks at the girls. No
doubt a few of them wink back.

They are walking down the hall, her workout bag over her shoulder.
Gojo whistles lows, “Wow, that went pretty smooth. They love me already.”

Utahime glares at him over her shoulder, “Don't.”

Gojo raises an eyebrow, his long legs meeting her stride and eclipsing it in a way that is way
too easy looking.

“Don't what, Utahime?”

She rolls her eyes, “Don't be yourself.”

He acts wounded, “Ouch! But that is what you fell in love with me.”

He smirks as Utahime rolls her eyes again.

“You think too highly of yourself.”

“Just now figuring that out?”

Utahime turns a corner finally reaching the exit, she pulls out her phone.

“So Kyoto. I can call a car that can take us to my apartment. Then it can take us to the airport.
We can probably use the labels plane, if not I'm sure Ami can find us a ticket to Kyoto. If not
there is always the train but security would insist on coming. Then they will ask where we are
going. No doubt Mike is already telling Yuri all about you and me leaving practice. I'm sure
he is about to-”

Sure enough her phone lights up with Yuri, her manager's name. She doesn't answer.
“Shit, well I guess it was unavoidable. Now Yuri is going to be pissed that I left practice and
fuming about you. God!” She dips her head in her hands for a second trying not to think this
could all be avoided if Geto was a sane person.

Suddenly there is a hand on her chin lifting her face up, “It will be fine, Utahime.”

Utahime finds his eyes and glares, grateful for the outlet of her emotion. She tries not to
focus on how good his touch feels.

“You don't know that! I'm sorry Gojo but you have no idea what you're talking about. This is
a different world than you are used to.”

Gojo shrugs, “Eh, Jujustu society and the outside world aren't as different as people like to
act.”

She snorts, “Maybe for you. Wherever you go you are still Gojo Satoru, still powerful and
rich.”

Something passes over Gojo's face but it's quickly gone and he lets her go. He smirks and it
feels like a mask.

She supposes that is exactly it, the distance Gojo Satoru puts between the world isn't just due
to Infinity.

“Exactly. And since I'm so powerful I know exactly how to solve your transportation
problem.”

She looks at him deadpan, “What you going to magically teleport us?”
Gojo smirks wider, “Exactly.”

Suddenly he grabs her waist pulling her in, he raises one hand bending it to a symbol. Next
thing she knows it feels like she is both being torn apart and crushed, smelling ozone. Then
she sees her bed and nightstand all in a matter of moments.

“Please hold the applause for the great Gojo Satoru. The one and only! I know that-,”
suddenly he stops, “Uta? Are you okay?”

Utahime is leaning against her bedpost trying her best not to puke. The room is spinning and
she is not sure if she is even touching the ground.

Gojo places a hand on her shoulder, “Utahime,” he says, “remember to breathe.”

She manages to roll her eyes at that, of course she is breathing. After a couple more moments
of deep breaths she feels like she won't throw up.

“Good girl,” Gojo says with a smirk.

Utahime blushes at his tone, “That is no way to refer to your senior.”

“Aw, she speaks. For a second I thought you lost your voice, what a shame that would be. A
loss to the world.”

Utahime pushes Gojo off of her, taking his words as some sort of sarcastic teasing. Because
that is what he does, teases her. It's frightening how quickly and easily they feel right back
into it after a decade.

Like she did as a teenager, instead of being hurt at Gojo's words she turns to anger.
“Why didn't you warn me?”

Gojo shrugs, turning to inspect her bedroom, “Wouldn't have made a difference, you still
would have gotten sick. Everyone does the first time.” He looks at her, eyes glittering behind
dark glasses, “Although most actually end up puking, but not you.”

Utahime rolls her eyes, “Lucky me.”

Gojo is looking at a photo on her wall, one taken of her and her family years ago. Utahime
has both arms around her parents, her sisters were shorter than her then and smile wide for
the camera.

“Are those your sisters?” Utahime nods, “I didn't know you had siblings.”

Utahime snorts, “Why would you? Not like you made an effort to get to know me in
highschool.”

Gojo brushes that aside, “Still, you are a celebrity and all. Never knew you had siblings.”

Utahime tries not to cringe at that at her life now being a matter of public record.

“They hate the spotlight, all my family does.” She walks over to the picture and points to the
taller girl of the two, “Jun lives in America,” she points at the other girl, who smiles more
brightly, “and Noa stayed in my village. So it's easier for them to avoid it all.”

“You wish you could too, huh?” Gojo is looking directly at her, somehow seeing directly in
her. Damn Six Eyes.

“Yeah, I think I was at most content playing little bar shows in Tokyo and my Spotify
audience was like 10,000 college students.” She smiles thinking back to her early twenties of
the sweat and tears of it all.
She looks up and Gojo is giving her this look which she thinks spells a laughing fit. Of
course he is just mining for new material, he hasn't changed.

She steps back from him, “Why am I telling you this? You don't care. My problems are
probably nothing compared to Six Eyes.”

“Well, yes empirically thinking. Still-” he starts but Utahime cuts him off.

“Save it. I don't want to know what your clan is pressuring you to do or what the higher-ups
are wanting you to do or what special grade curse you killed. It's always the same with you.”

Gojo frowns, “I don't think that's fair, Utahime. You haven't spoken to me in eight years. You
don't know my life.”

“Don't I? You still seem like the same brat from highschool.”

Gojo takes a step forward and folds his glasses in his pocket, “Really? Nothing about me is
different?”

Utahime involuntarily glups as he starts to back her up against a wall. His blue eyes glowing.
Blue light.

She swallows deeply, “No, still an immature brat.”

“Immature?” He smirks, white teeth, “You'll find that I've matured quite a bit, senpai.”

She wills her shoulders not to tremble as his eyes rack down her frame. He leans in closer
and she can feel his breath on her skin. This close she can see the years on his face she didn't
think was possible. Of the wrinkles, faint but there, and that even the great Gojo Satoru can't
stop the effects of aging. That he is still 28 years old after all. Lower to were his loose
sweater dips she can see what looks like scars.

But that’s impossible, the great Gojo Satoru’s skin can not cry the same weep as hers. Can
not be as weak as her.

Her gaze moves back up to where Gojo is just watching her, analyzing her. In that gaze she
doesn't see the same boy she knew all those years ago who teased her for crying and pulled
on her pigtails. He is still there but there is something deeper. Something…more. Something
that draws her in and makes the possibility of tasting him all that more irresistible.

Suddenly there is a beeping that makes her jump away from him. It's coming from her
pocket. She pulls at it to see a call from her manager. Deciding for her self preservation that
she can't ignore two of his calls in a day she answers it.

She can tell Gojo is not pleased as he backs away from her but she has spent enough of her
life caring about what Gojo Satoru thinks. And that is far in the past.

“Yuri-san?”

“Utahime! Darling!” He starts and the fact he said ‘darling’ means he is royally pissed,
“What is this I hear of you leaving practice early with some guy? That does not sound like
our Utahime.”

“Well you see, Yuri-”

“I'm going to stop you there, darling, because I can tell you were about to lie,” Yuri says no
doubt with his feet on his desk feeling mighty proud of himself for smelling her bullshit, “so
why don't you start over with the truth, huh? We've worked together this long, we deserve to
be truthful with one another.”
Utahime rolls her eyes, oh yes the truth. How should she start? How about the secret society
of mega-powerful super-powered wizards? Or better yet the evil ones actively trying to kill
Yuri and every other human? Or about the one actively trying to kill her? Or about how that
‘guy’ Yuri already hates is the only one that could prevent her and everyone else's death?

For some reason she thinks the truth won't work here.

“Of course, Yuri-san,” her manners are still impossible to shake, “I would never lie to you, I
respect you too much.”

“Ditto, darling. You are my favorite client.”

She thinks Yuri’s favorite equals the most profitable.

“I left practice early because there is an emergency, nothing for you to worry about. It will be
dealt with today. Just a small family thing.”

“Oh? So you are going up North to your village?”

“No,” she thinks saying she's traveling out of town would just worry him further, “Here in
Tokyo.”

“Hrm. I feel like you are leaving something key out, darling. Mike tells me you have a new
boyfriend who whisked you away during practice of all times!” She hears him shuffle around
papers, “A ‘Gojo Satoru’? Who the hell is Gojo Satoru?”

Utahime is unable to hold in a chuckle at that and Gojo, who is no doubt listening, frowns
deeply.

Utahime smirks as she says, “He’s a nobody, really.”

“Yeah well, Uta-chan, anyone involved with you is immediately a somebody. Plus so soon
after you ended things with Shohei? He was so much better for you than some nobody. Plus
you love baseball players! This Gojo isn't some type of baseball player is he?”

She eyes Gojo and he does look the part, all lean muscle and a perfect smile. In another life
maybe.

“No, he's actually a highschool teacher.”

“A teacher! How the hell did you meet a teacher let alone start dating one?”

Utahime swallows deeply, just now realizing that she hasn't established any sort of backstory
with Gojo. So she'll have to rely on the truth.

“We went to highschool together, actually. Remember when I went to Shibuya a couple
months ago with some old friends? Well, one of those old friends brought Satoru along and
we hit it off.”

Yuri seems to be thinking, “An old flame highschool teacher, huh.” She knows he is smiling a
maniacal grin as he says, “Y’know, I think this could work.”

“I'm glad, Yuri, that my love life works for you.”

“Come on, Utahime darling, you have been in this business for a hot minute, don't act native.
Not unless I tell you too!”

She tries to roll her eyes because she knows, lord does she know. It's not like it was her idea
to do joint interviews with morning shows with her last boyfriend. Or record a duet with the
one before that. Or wearing the fake ring with the one before that. No, that was all Yuri and
his infinite wisdom.
But she has it easy, all her boyfriend's were with people she chose to be with and liked.
Utahime has heard stories from her contemporaries about agents and labels forcing their stars
into relationships in order to boost their profile.

Imagine being forced in a fake relationship like that.

She glances at Gojo and cringes, like what they are doing is any better. Then again their fake
relationship is to save her life not her career (no matter how intertwined those two things are).

“Sorry I left practice like that, make sure Raul knows how sorry I am.” And she really is, she
tries to never be late or miss any practices knowing the time and work others put in for her.
She would never want to waste a person’s time like that.

“He knows, Raul is a professional above all else. He was just worried about your new beau.
Is he right to worry, Utahime?”

Utahime glances at Gojo, who is back to looking at the pictures and records on her wall.

“Eh, I'm not too sure.” He looks at her and those eyes only spell trouble, “But a teacher is a
lot less complicated than a baseball player or a singer? Right?”

Yuri laughs, clearly not getting her double meaning, “I would say so!”

Look who is being native now.

“Everything will be settled by tomorrow, you don't have to worry.”

“I'll worry anyway, darling! That's what you pay me for— to worry for you.” He sighs, “You
better be ready tomorrow because that plane does not take off without you. Can't really start
the foreign leg of a world tour without the star of the show after all.”

“I'll be there, Yuri-san.”

A deep breath, “I know, Utahime. You have always been reliable and you don't get to where
you are without being reliable. Still today spooked me a little, it's so out of character.”

Utahime watches Gojo thinking of how he has a unique position in her life to always send it
pinning. Nobody has that power in her life.

“Mike isn't going to like you going MIA today without security, either. And we don't want an
unhappy security director.”

“I'll make it up to him and I'll be fine today, I'm not going far. Plus Go..er..Satoru is with me.”

“Hrm,” Yuri is clearly displeased, “Can this Gojo fight? Does he have years of experience?
Would he kill a man for you?”

If only he knew.

“Yes.” Flashes of her late teenhood and early twenties play across her mind, “Trust me.”

Yuri takes her word, “Well then. I'm sure Mike is going to have some questions and even
more complaints but I'll fend him off because I trust you Utahime. Don't make me regret it.”

“Yes, sir,” she says, “See you tomorrow.”

“Sleep well, Utahime. Don't wear this new boy out in one go.”
With that he disconnects and Utahime rolls her eyes, Yuri probably thought he ate that last
line. But he doesn't understand the nature of her and Gojo's relationship or lack thereof.

“Gojo,” she says addressing him, he looks away from one of her golden records as if just
realizing she is there, “What time do we have to see the higher-ups?”

Gojo glances at his watch, a gaudy thing probably worth the same amount as her first record
deal, “In about half an hour.”

Utahime sighs in relief, “Good.”

“But we were supposed to meet with Yaga first about 15 minutes ago.”

Utahime raises her eyebrows, “15 minutes!” She scrambles over to her wardrobe for a change
of clothes, finding nothing that is suitable for meeting with higher-ups.

“Damn it! Most of my stuff is already packed.” She pulls a black dress she wore to the
Grammys a couple years ago which could work but the neckline is far too low.

“I like that one,” Gojo comments, unhelpfully she might add.

She rolls her eyes, “Yeah no.” Suddenly she spots something in the back of her closet, “I can't
believe I still have this! I guess this will have to work.”

She takes the outfit and heads to the bathroom, “Do not touch anything, Gojo!”

“Like you could stop me.”

Once an asshole, always an asshole she thinks.

When she emerges a minute later (record time she might add), Gojo is sitting on her bed like
he owes the place. He has a magazine in his hands, some new one with an interview she gave.

“I didn't know you collected old beer bottles but I guess that makes sense, you loved beer
even in high school.” It strikes her for a second he remembered that, “So, you want to do an
action movie. I thought that one picture you did was-” He stops (which is a bummer because
she really wanted to hear what he was going to say even though she'll never admit that) when
he looks up at her.

He pulls his glasses off dramatically to stare at her, “Wow, Uta, feeling nostalgic? Does
seeing me make you yearn for better days?”

Utahime rolls her eyes, pulling at the stiff collar of her white kosode . She forgot how stifling
miko attire is.

“You wish,” she smooths down her hakama hoping the wrinkles aren't too visible, “This is
the only thing suitable for the higher-ups I have here.”

She hopes he won't ask why she still keeps her old miko uniform because she doesn't think
she has an answer for him. Part nostalgia, yes, and part superstition about tossing something
so spiritually connected, and also part preparation. Even though she left Jujustu society
behind she knows it didn't leave her. Evidence one is sitting on her bed.

“Okay, I'm ready,” she says, pocketing her phone. That's one thing she missed about her miko
clothes, the pockets.

Gojo jumps out of her bed, “Aren't you forgetting something?”

Gojo smirks and she glares, “If you think I'm going to beg or something for you to teleport
us-”
“No,” he looms over her and picks at a piece of her hair, “Your hair.”

“What about it?”

He runs a thumb over her dark hair which is smooth and perfect. The best treatments in the
world ensure her hair is a key part of her brand. She doesn't like that part of her popularity
relies on how she looks but that's the business.

“You need your bow.”

Of course, her bow. The Utahime is never seen without her signature bow. It seems she even
needs it with an audience with the higher-ups, not just for Paris Fashion week.

“Either that or pigtails,” he smirks.

Utahime rolls her eyes, “I don't think the high-ups care about my hair.”

“Probably,” Utahime has to stop her gasp at Gojo, actually saying she's right for once, “But
they know about you, Utahime.”

She crosses her arms, “Sure they do, they are the same ones who refused to upgrade me past
semi-grade one.”

“That was Iori Utahime, the low level Jujutsu sorcerer,” she tries not to let that sting, “I’m
talking about Utahime .”

Suddenly she gets it, that she needs to use her image for their advantage. Maybe the higher-
ups won't like the idea of losing their strongest during a cold war. They’ll need some
convincing that she is worth protecting.
“Odds are at least one of them knows that Utahime, she is hard to avoid,” Gojo says, eyes
wandering to her framed golden and platinum records.

Utahime slowly nods thinking it's worth a shot, it's only a ribbon after all. She goes to her
vanity and pulls out the first ribbon she sees. It's a white satin one, she ties it in her hair.

“Okay, now I am ready.”

Gojo looks at her for a long moment with an odd look in his eyes. Utahime glances at the
mirror trying to see what he does.

What she sees is a 30 year old woman, soft spoken and dedicated. She's either a full-time
Miko or a teacher. Probably has a secret wild side and would do anything for her students.
Underestimated, responsible, and frustrated.

In other words herself, in another life maybe.

“What?” She asks Gojo when his silence becomes too much.

He shakes his head slowly, “It's nothing, just-” then he smiles and she knows he is about to
tease her, that brief genuine Gojo gone, “You really do look older. It just hit me in that
outfit.”

Utahime glares, “Can we just go now?”

Gojo shrugs and mumbles, “Don't know why you are so eager to go to Kyoto. Nothing good
is in Kyoto.” He then puts a hand around her waist.
He moves his hand in a symbol and Utahime watches from underneath him his eyes glow an
unnatural light as he bends time and space. Then she smells ozone and feels grass beneath her
feet.

She looks up and sees a bright blue sky, with red arches of the traditional buildings, and green
trees all around. She's only been to Kyoto Tech three times, twice in a school exchange and
once for a job interview but it looks the exact same. She doubts it's changed since the Heien
era.

“How long do we have?” Utahime looks up to Gojo to ask.

But a different voice answers, “About 20 minutes and you shouldn't be late for them.”

“Yaga-sensei!” Utahime exclaims, genuinely happy to see her former teacher.

She peels off from Gojo (just now realizing they were still pressed against each other) who
seems not so willing to let her go. She tries not to think how improper that is.

Utahime walks over to her former teacher and bows.

“Iori-san,” Yaga says, returning her bow, “It has been a long time.”

“It has, Sensei.”

A part of her wants to say that it has been ‘too long’ but that would be a lie. The time she
spent away from Jujustu society wasn't nearly enough. Additionally, she doesn't have fond
memories of the last time she saw him. (Flashes of a hospital bed, a meeting with the council,
and yelling replay behind her eyes). But she still respects him too much to lie to him.

Yaga clears his throat awkwardly, “I owe you an apology, Iori-san, for how we…ended
things.”
Gojo looks confusedly between the two of them, his eyes narrowing trying to read curse
energy for hints.

“It’s alright, Yaga-san. I understand leaving this world is never an easy one, especially
considering my technique. I hold no ill will for you.”

It took her time to come to that, to not blame Yaga for what happened. She remembers how
empty she felt after her accident, how it seemed the world looked at her differently, that her
friends— no her family in Jujustu society treated her differently. She eventually found it
wasn't worth it— the hurt, the tears, the scars— all for this society that is classiest,
misogynistic, and cold. They wouldn't miss a semi-grade one like her, she’s a dime a dozen.
They are fighting an unwinnable battle and those in charge don't care. Politics and petty clan
loyalties come before the safety of the world. The higher-ups viewed those that don't have a
clan name or god-level curse energy as dispensable. Utahime doesn't think anyone is
dispensable and can’t agree with a society that does.

“Jujustu society is a misogynistic antiquated fossil that wouldn't know value if it black-
flashed them in the face.” Gojo says to her surprise, “The higher-ups are the guiltiest party.”

Utahime looks up at him, surprised not at his insolence to the high-ups (she recalls from her
youth numerous such occasions) but at his disillusion with Jujustu society at large. The Gojo
Satoru she knew hated the higher-ups with every fiber of his being but not the world they
operated in. He enjoyed it as the primary benefactor as the Gojo heir, special grade, and a
man. He was idealistic that just from his seer power he could bend anything to his liking.
Even a centuries old society set in its ways.

Cut to a decade later that seems to have changed— Gojo seems to have changed.

“Gojo,” Yaga starts in that reprimanding voice that takes her back a decade.

Gojo waves him off, “Save it, Sensei, the cons and lack of pros of the higher-ups is not why
I'm here or why Utahime is here.”
Yaga nods, “Of course, follow me. We don't have much time.”

Yaga leads them deep into the Kyoto compound to places she has never been before. Where
they met stood a large clocktower with a bell that she had never seen. Much of the campus
outside of the training grounds and the student dorms are foreign to her. She glances down
the traditional style hallways with the large door and high ceilings. The acoustics must be
amazing here.

Yaga comes to a stop and walks into an empty classroom, gesturing them in. The classroom is
smaller than she would have guessed and intimate. Utahime finds herself staring at the
teacher's desk, at the small flower in water and the framed photo on the desk.

It's a woman, about her age, with glasses and light hair smiling widely with her arms around
some students. She looks effortlessly happy and the students in the picture seem the same.
There is a journal on the desk covered in lesson plans. A new pack of chalk lays unopened.

For a second Utahime wonders what her desk would have looked like if she said yes to
Gakuganji all those years ago. Would she have a flower on her desk? Would her lesson plans
be as detailed? Would her students smile so easily just because she is her?

Gojo’s hand on her shoulder knocks her out of her stupor. He is smirking as he says, “Hey,
Uta, where did you go?”

Utahime blinks at him, at some point he put those white bandages back on covering his eyes.
She didn't realize she'd miss his eyes until they were gone. Does she even have the right to
miss something she never had?

She turns away from the desk, “My mind was wondering sorry. Please continue.”

Gojo lips straighten in a line, “Alright,” he removes his hand and she feels a shift in the air
next to her. His Infinity going back up even in a place supposedly full of allies.
Gojo nods to Yaga, “If you will, Sensei, explain why the hell the higher-ups called a meeting
and demanded our presence that would be much appreciated.”

Yaga sighs, taking a seat at one of the desks and suddenly Utahime is reminded that Yaga is
getting older. He must be over 40 by now and dealing with the high-ups, running the Tokyo
school, and above all dealing with Gojo seems to be wearing on him.

“They know you are planning something without them, Gojo, and they don't like it.”

Gojo snorted, leaning against the teacher's desk, how disrespectful. “Yeah, well that is hardly
new. I’ve been doing that since I could walk.”

Yaga sighs, “I don't doubt. It's just with the high tensions lately-”

Gojo leans even more on the desk, his hand spread wide on the surface behind him. And
since his hands are so big his Infinity threatens to knock the flower vase over. Of course Gojo
doesn't care.

“That's an understatement,” Gojo laughs, his deep laugh shaking the desk a little. The vase
wobbles.

Utahime decides that's enough and walks up to him, steadying the vase with one hand the
other pointing accusingly at his chest. Her finger doesn't touch flesh and an invisible shield
stops her finger.

“Watch what you are doing, Gojo. And have some respect.” She gestures at the desk, he has
been leaning on.

Gojo barely moved his head, those bandages keeping half his face from her, instead looking
at her. Even with his eyes covered she can see the joke waiting.
Gojo speaks but not to her, “Sensei, do you see the way my old senpai speaks to me? When I
want nothing more than to help her?”

Utahime glares at him, “I will speak to you anyway I like! And who said I want your help?”

Gojo smirks, “Trust me, sweetheart, you need my help. This isn't something you can run from
or sing away.”

Yaga presses fingers to his nose, “I thought a decade might have matured you two. But I see
you are exactly the same as you were as students.”

Both of his former students ignored him or more likely didn't even hear him, too caught up in
emotion. That old dynamic flares back to life. That pull to bicker, to argue, to fight that they
only feel with each other.

“‘Sing away’, what the hell do you mean by that?” Utahime says, hand on her hips trying to
stand to her full height but Gojo towers over her.

“Nothing,” Gojo's smile grows, “Song Princess.”

Utahime glares, ‘Song Princess' is the literal meaning of her name but also a failed single and
movie she released years ago. Something that threatened to end her career from how poorly
received it was. It's an infamous failure that has become a stain on her life.

“Really, Gojo?” She says stepping away from him, feeling some of her fury turn to sadness.

Screw Gojo Satoru, he is still the same entitled bastard he always was. She'll take her
chances, hire the best security, maybe even find some freelance sorcerers. Anything but this.
She is not the same clan-less country girl she was when she met him. She is a multi-platinum
selling artist and she would not tolerate him pulling her pigtails or worse.
She goes to walk away from him, probably from this whole thing, she even pulls her phone
out of her sleeve. Ready to call Yuri and have the first train out of Kyoto and never look
back, curse users damned she'll take her chances, when Gojo grabs her upper arm.

No Infinity she notices, feeling the heat of his hand on her.

“Like it or not, Utahime, but you need me. This threat…” he paused for a second, his voice
even darker, “ Geto , he is a monster and he'll stop at nothing if you are in the way. And you
are in the way, Hime.”

Utahime looks at Yaga who nods, “He’s right Iori-san. Our intelligence is correct and you are
his next target.”

“But,” she starts trying and failing to pull her arm away, “there has to be another option.” She
steels her eyes and gives Gojo a devastating look, “I do not want Gojo Satoru anywhere near
me.”

Gojo drops her arm and takes a step back, his face hidden from her.

Yaga takes a long look at both of them and she feels like she has been brought before her
teacher and like usual it's all Gojo's fault. Yaga’s eyes linger on Gojo before turning to her.

“That is something we can consider, Iori-san, but for now Gojo’s plan is the best one we
have. The higher-ups have their own plan which is why I wanted to meet you first,” he
glances at his watch, “but we are out of time. You'll just have to hear it from them.”

He stands up and crosses the room, “I'll lead you there.”

Utahime nods and glances at Gojo, at his alarming silence. His face is a mask and Utahime
quickly looks away.
She hides her hands in her sleeves and crosses her arms, humming under her breath. An old
calming technique she often used after missions. If there is one thing she missed from her old
Miko outfit it's these sleeves.

They walk in silence through the maze that is Kyoto’s campus. She has no idea where she is
and the silence is uncomfortable.

Eventually they stop in front of wide elaborate doors she has seen once before and it is not
associated with good memories. She doubts this time will be any different.

Utahime takes a deep breath, steading herself and pushing echoes of the past away.

Yaga places a steading hand on her shoulder, “It will be alright, Iori-san, you will do great.”

Utahime gives him a small smile, “Thank you, Sensei.”

He returns her smile, “Nothing compared to stadiums you perform at, I'm sure.”

She laughs at that, “If only this was that easy.”

Yaga nods and removes his hand, “Good luck, Iori-san.” He says in a lower voice, “And try
to work with Satoru, he is only trying to help— in his own way. The years have matured him
but have not been very kind.”

Utahime feels anger at first, feeling that refusal of fault she always does when it regards
Gojo, but it fades away as she watches him.

She remembers how she used to laugh whenever anyone would say how it must be so hard
and lonely it is being the strongest, being the closest thing on Earth to a god. Remembered
saying how she wishes she had his problems. But Utahime figures she sort of does now.
Being a big pop star isn't the same as being the strongest but it echos the same.
When she left Jujutsu society she lost everything: her friends, her career, her motivation.
When Geto turned she bet it hurt in many of the same ways for him.

She takes a deep breath, “I'll try, Sensei. I promise.”

“I know you will. You were always one of my better students. Smart and responsible.”

Smart and responsible, she has heard that her entire life. But it seems whenever she gets a
glimpse of snow white hair, sky blue eyes, and a teasing smile Iori Utahime is far from smart
and responsible.

Yaga gives her one last squeeze on the shoulder before knocking at the door. It takes a second
but there is a girl there with bright blue hair and odd bangs answering the door.

“Oh! There you are!” Her blue eyes scan over them all, “They are expecting you, please
follow me.”

Yaga waved them off, no doubt glad to be rid of them. Utahime smiles at her teacher and not
feeling that same anger she did last time she left him.

Her and Gojo follow the blue-haired girl in as she leads them down another hallway. Unlike
the previous hallways these are intricately decorated with paintings and tapestries centuries
old. Most depict men fighting monsters, no doubt Jujutsu sorcerers of years past against
cursed spirits.

(She doesn't see any women in these arts.)

The girl breaks the silence when she nervously glances at Gojo with a smile on her face. Gojo
whose energy is bizarrely calm and oddly quiet, keeping a tight lid on his energy which is so
unlike him. You automatically know you're in a room with Gojo Satoru— his energy has the
power to steep into everything. When it's gone, it leaves you cold.

“Gojo-sama,” the girl exclaims, “My name is Miwa Kasumi. I'm a big fan! I hope to be half
the socrerer you are one day!”

Utahime can't help but smile at the girl's blunt enthusiasm and nativity. She reaches out and
feels the girl's curse energy but finds it low. Where Gojo is the sun directly on your skin and
Utahime is the sun through the leaves, this girl is a lamp. It will be hard for her to be even a
tenth of a sorcerer Gojo is, her heart pangs.

Gojo snorts, “Good luck with that.”

Utahime glares knowing he’s thinking along the same line as her. Knows that this girl who
smiles at strangers won't make it, if she doesn't have an innate technique the best she could be
is probably a Window one day.

The girl frowns and Utahime watches her close in on herself.

“Miwa? Was it?” Utahime says, “Don't listen to Gojo, he’s just a bitter old man. You'll be an
amazing sorcerer one day.”

Miwa turns and looks at her and suddenly sees her for the first time (before her eyes were all
for Gojo). Her eyes widen slowly in recognition of who she is looking at.

Suddenly she stops and literally squeals, her hands going to her face, “Utahime? Utahime
Iori?!?!”

“The one and only,” Gojo answers for her with a little bitterness in his voice.
Miwa doesn't even turn to him, “Oh my God! I am such a big fan! I have all your albums on
digital and physical! I've seen all your movies like a billion times! I even went to one of your
shows in Tokyo last year! I won the tickets from some radio show because there is no way
my mom could afford it but it was so worth not sleeping for a couple of days!”

“A couple of days?” Utahime says under her breath. She's heard wilder things from fans but
it is still jarring.

She squeals again, “I can't believe this is happening! Todo is going to be soooo jealous.” Her
eyes are so bright when she asks, “You think we can get a picture?”

“Of course.”

Miwa claps her hands and pulls out her phone in one efficient movement that makes Utahime
feel old.

“Say “Uta!” Miwa exclaims.

Utahime chances a glance at Gojo and sees a familiar expression, smiling at her misery. But
jokes on him, Utahime doesn't think it's ‘misery’ to interact with her fans because after all she
would probably be teaching here in Kyoto or working at the family's shrine if she didn't have
her fans. But it can be a little much sometimes. Like stalkers or fans who take it upon
themselves to send death threats to other artists or when she is about to meet with the higher-
ups.

“Please tell me the new album is out soon! I loved Soro Soro Kinku! I mean Shinjuku is such
a good song! Oh and Purple ! And— “

“Kasumi,” Utahime says with a smile, “I love that you're a fan but the higher-ups are waiting
for us.”
Miwa under her breath and fast says, “Utahime said my name..” then she shakes her head,
“The higher-ups! I totally forgot!”

Gojo laughs, “Our youth care more about Utahime than the higher-ups and me! Times are
changing.”

“I hope that hurts your ego, Gojo,” Utahime says.

“Nah, I'm still the strongest and you are still weak.” Gojo says with a smirk.

Utahime rolls her eyes, not dignifying that with a response.

Miwa looks rapidly between them, “Wait, you guys are here to see the high-ups,” Utahime
watches as she connects the dots in real time, “Wait, you guys know each other? Wait, why is
Utahime Iori the singer here to see the higher-ups?”

Gojo takes the first two, “Higher-ups want to yell at us no doubt, threaten, and act superior.
Fucking useless.” he crosses his arms, “It's all about my dear Uta-senpai actually.”

“Senpai…”

“I actually went to Tokyo High back in the day.” Utahime says with a smile recalling her
school days.

“Tokyo High?” Miwa's eyes widen and she must be prodding at Utahime’s curse energy
which usually Utahime keeps under strict lock and key except for when she sings. Gojo
caught that, her little secret.

Miwa frowns not feeling anything because Utahime has gotten so good at hiding it living in
the regular world. It's easier to hide her curse energy in the outside world, not liking the stares
from the people at the grocery store or the miscellaneous curse following you home.
But she lets her lid loosen and soon she feels that golden energy follow through her. Miwa's
eyes widened even more if possible.

Gojo grabs her arm, “Utahime.”

He sounds a little breathless, she tries to meet his eyes but those damn white bandages cover
them. But she knows his pupils are blown much like Miwa’s is. That's a latent effect of her
boosting ability, making others feel good. It's part of the reason her concerts always sell out
(and she likes to think of her songs, she writes them herself after all). She knows if she
wanted to add more energy they would be putty in her hands.

She puts the lid back on, tight. Miwa’s eyes return to normal but Gojo holds on tight still.

Miwa sounds awed as she says, “Utahime Iori is a Jujutsu sorcerer…”

Utahime nods slowly, “A former Jujutsu sorcerer that is late for her meeting.”

“Oh my gosh! Come one, we better hurry.”

Miwa leads the way but something stops Utahime.

She glances up slowly at Gojo, tracking the long length of his arm from where it rests on her
arm up to his eyes. To her surprise one of his blue eyes peaks out of the bandages looking
directly at her.

“Hime.” His eye traces her, “I forgot what that feels like.”

Of course he is teasing her, she tries to yank her arm away, “You felt it last night. You know
my secret, you know I use curse energy at shows.”
 Gojo shakes his head, “No, that was different. This,” he rubs at her skin, “this is all you.”

Utahime frowns without getting his meaning, “Satoru.”

Miwa shouts, “Gojo-san, Iori-san, the higher-ups are ready for you!”

Gojo lets her go, “Be a good girl, Uta, don't keep your seniors waiting.”

He strides forward his longer legs making her speed walk to keep up. She eyes him as she
tries to bridge this Gojo with the one who pulled her pigtails in highschool. His bandages are
back up and his curse energy carefully controlled but if she looks she’ll find echoes of her
golden shine on him.

As they enter the high-ups chambers together she wonders what else she has left on him.

Chapter End Notes

if you guys did not see I made a little moodboard on my tumblr!

hope you like a little bit of the road not traveled in the visit in Kyoto and btw Todo is the
number one Utahime stan!
End Notes

There is the long awaited first chapter! And yes this is basically the same as a twitter thread I
wrote wayyy back when. And of course the title comes from Bodyguard by Beyonce, because
duh. I've been sprotically writing this for the last six months but I saw that gojohime week is
going on over on twitter and today's prompt is musician so I had to post this, finally. I have
no idea how long this is going to be so we will see!

I also went a little crazy on canva and designed some graphics (albums, magazine covers, etc)
last winter so I'll be sharing those over on my tumblr and twitter

a gojohime asoiaf oneshot 👀👀👀

Side note: I've lately been in a asoiaf/got obsession lately and I may or may not have drafted
.

Thanks for reading!

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