Jujutsu Kaisen Angst - Tumblr Posts

meeting you for the first time

genre fluff, gojo satoru x fem!reader

warnings none

wc; 873

please do not plagiarise or share my works on any other social media platforms. as always, reblogs are appreciated <3

“satoru? are you even listening?” his best friends, shoko and suguru wave a hand in front of his face, as they notice the white haired boy isn’t paying any attention.

“he’s spaced out again, what’s going on with him recently?” shoko mutters in annoyance, laying down against the grass as the three of them sit in an empty field, away from the noise.

satoru isn’t too sure why he’s spacing out again, in fact he’s not sure why he’s acting this way at all. everything just seems so plain, so boring. he should be happy really, for once in his life, everything is peaceful, his parents aren’t nagging at him to ask if he’s finally decided what university he wants to go off to, his aunts and uncles haven’t come to visit in a while, which means he doesn’t have to deal with more questions of what he’s going to do with his future. the teachers at his school, although they do try, don’t come up to him to ask about why he’s been skipping detention and not doing his homework. despite all this peace, he finds no meaning.

“satoru! you’re doing it again!” this time it’s suguru who snaps him out of his daze, “what are you even thinking about?”

“nothing,” he huffs, laying down on his stomach, “absolutely nothing, that’s the problem.” shoko and suguru share a confused expression, before staring back at their friend.

“alright, you…you do that man…” suguru pats his shoulder before standing up, “how about we go to the café near mine? they’re serving pancakes for half price today.” satoru’s ear twitches, and he jumps right up, his lethargy suddenly dissipating the moment suguru mentions ‘pancakes’.

the three of them, with satoru tucked between suguru and shoko, pace down the streets towards their signature café, talking idly about everything and nothing, except that satoru is gazing off again, looking straight ahead of him, without a thought in his eyes.

the street is bustling with life, children running around the park across the road, cars politely following the speed limit, the cyclists ringing their bells to let people know they’re coming by, well, some of the cyclists—

“hey- hey watch out!” a scream wakes satoru out of his stupor, and the cyclist crashes into satoru, the both of them falling stupidly on their asses.

“what the hell, why didn’t you ring your fu-“ he pauses in awe.

“i’m so so so sorry, my bell isn’t working, and my brakes are broken i’ve been meaning to get them fixed — i swear i was on my way to fix them, the bike repair shop is right down there, i’m so sorry for hurting you, oh my god are you okay—my cupcakes!” you ramble on before him, and it’s like satoru’s been introduced to paradise.

“it-it’s okay…” amazed, he stands up, and picks your bike up as you pick up the crushed cupcakes on the ground, salvaging what you can, and he watches in reverence as your hair falls down your face, only for you to push it back behind your ear, picking up the next cupcake.

“god, this is all my fault, is there anything i can do to fix this, i’m so sorry, i ripped your trousers, do you want money? a cupcake? oh my god-“ you try to offer him one of the cupcakes that weren’t destroyed, to fix the rip on satoru’s trousers.

“hey! it’s fine…you don’t need to do anything, except maybe get that bike fixed.” he sputters out, you were so beautiful.

all of a sudden, the world was colourful, he could hear the children’s laughs, smell the fresh scent of the pancakes being made right down the street where he was meant to be, and most of all—he noticed how bright your eyes were.

shoko and suguru watch, with jaws dropped as their lifeless best friend stares at the stranger before them in utter adoration, before they look at each other and hold it in themselves to not laugh out loud.

“um, i’m really sorry to do this, but i need to go fix this bike, but i’ll pay you back for your trousers, just find me somehow, my name is y/n!” you shout across the street, as you put the cupcakes back in the broken basket, and cycle off again chaotically.

he stares at you until you disappear again, his heart beating 100 miles a minute. “i just met the love of my life.” satoru almost melts into the ground as he remembers how mesmerising you were, as messy as you were, and he dreams of an entire life with you.

“oh we know…” suguru laughs.

“how is she going to be the love of your life if you probably won’t see her again?” shoko interrupts, breaking satoru out of his daydream, and he turns around to run down the direction where you cycled off.

“satoru??” his best friends scream in unison as he disappears.

“i’m going to find her, i’ll be right back!” and he skedaddles down the same corner you turned, to find that stupid bike repair shop, to find you.

and satoru gojo thinks that maybe life isn’t so boring, if someone as ethereal as you exists in it.

a/n: hope u enjoyed my attempt at fluff !!

©️tora-ken 2024

the other woman — ryomen sukuna.

“Do not mistake this for affection.” he warned, his voice low and rough. “I am still who I am. I am still the monster you should fear.” But you could only nod, your heart aching with a mixture of sorrow and hope. “I know,” you whispered. “I know, but I’m still here.” And for the first time, you thought you saw a hint of softness in his eyes, a flicker of something that could almost be… understanding. Maybe, just maybe, you were starting to reach him, one fragile step at a time.

GENRE: alternate universe - heian era;

WARNING/S: nsfw, angst, one sided romance, conflicted feelings, hurt/no comfort, unhappy marriage, hurt, physical touch, character death, mourning, loneliness, pain, grief, unhappy ending, depiction of one-sided relationship, depiction of grief, depiction of complicated relationship, depiction of illness, depiction of canon related violence, depiction of loneliness, mention of grief, mention of illness, mention of loneliness, heian! sukuna, long suffering concubine! reader;

WORD COUNT: 11k words

NOTE: this was always going to be long, because it's heartbreaking. and heartbreaking ones have to be something that has to be expressed well. i listened to this in a audio software like its a podcast and i actually liked it. the other woman by nina simone was the constant in the writing. also, this is the aftermath of ashes of love, which is a series i did about heian sukuna. anyway, i hope you enjoy this!!! i love you all <3

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YOU KNEW THAT YOU WERE THIS UNLUCKY. The moment you were born, there would be a bleak fate for you to live. You were an accidental child, and multiple times, your own mother had nearly miscarried. Perhaps even as a fetus, you had always known this. How cursed you were. Even if you had done nothing. 

When your mother brushed your hair as a child, she would tell you of how you were born. She said that when you breathed the air for the first time, you were melancholic in the silence to the world. Somehow knew that you were built for this miserable world. And every day since that day, you knew. You were meant to live life without true joyous jubilation.

It did not help that the day you were born, there was a lone dark star in the morning sky, one which had been considered a bad omen. And with that, the whispers of fate echoing long before you had even had consciousness to know. Your village nestled in the shadowed valleys of Hida province, a place of whispered dread and ancient pacts. And for the longest of times, the once prosperous Hida province was in turmoil. 

And so, in those days, if there was anyone who controlled the ruins of Hida, it was that god-like curse user Ryomen Sukuna. His name alone was a talisman against the unknown horrors that lurked beyond the mountains, a deity whose power and wrath commanded fear and reverence in equal measure. And all either quivered at the sight of him or drew fanatic fervor. 

The Ryomen clan, his kin at one point, were at war—embroiled in brutal conflicts with neighboring clans for so long. And this had been going on before you were even born. The blood had soaked the earth for so long that the soil seemed to thirst for it. And the people were exhausted. 

The clan struggled to maintain control over Hida for a long time now, their influence fraying like an old tapestry torn at the seams. And with that, a power vacuum had long been in existence. The chaos of the era was a tide that threatened to drown them all, and Ryomen Sukuna's protection became the last fragile hope for those who called this land their home.

Your parents spoke in hushed voices of the offerings, the sacrifices made by the villagers to appease their god, the man who can save them,  this man to fear and worship, Ryomen Sukuna. To ensure his protection, they said. For years, the sacrifices continued, the chosen ones becoming mere footnotes in a history written in blood and fear. 

It came upon you rather quickly when you were young and it struck you—that the villagers saw you not as one of their own, but as a piece on a board, a pawn destined for slaughter. A sacrifice to their god. You would be among the countless, one more life to be cast into the jaws of the demon god they all feared.

The day of your sacrifice came as the sky was painted with hues of blood and gold, a cruel irony that did not escape you. The air was heavy with incense and prayer, but there was no comfort in their muttered words, no solace in the chants that pleaded for Sukuna's mercy. They adorned you in ceremonial robes, marked with symbols and sigils, your skin painted with the sacred ink that was supposed to cleanse your soul before the offering.

You were led through the village, a procession of death that seemed to stretch on forever. The eyes that watched you pass were filled with a mixture of pity and relief—relief that it was not them, not their child, not their blood that would be spilled today. Mothers held their children close, men bowed their heads, and the elders chanted in a low, continuous hum that sent shivers down your spine.

At the shrine, they bound you to the altar, thick ropes biting into your skin as you stared at the sky, searching for a sign, a miracle that never came. The high priest began his incantation, his voice rising above the murmur of the crowd. You could feel the cold seep into your bones, the air around you thickening as if the very world held its breath.

And then, you felt it—the shift in the air, the heavy presence that pressed against your chest like a vice. You had never seen him before, but you knew it was Sukuna. The villagers gasped, a collective intake of breath as his form materialized from the shadows, a figure cloaked in malice and power.

His eyes, crimson and unforgiving, swept over you like a cold blade. You felt your heart hammer against your ribcage, fear clawing at your throat. You were nothing to him, just another offering, another desperate plea from a village clinging to survival.

Ryomen Sukuna smiled, a slow, cruel smile that sent a tremor through the crowd. He stepped forward, each movement a ripple in the air, as if reality itself bent to his will. You met his gaze, defiant in your fear, knowing that you were one of many. Countless lives had been given to him, countless souls lost to his hunger.

And now, it was your turn.

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YOU HAD NEVER EXPECTED TO MEET THE MAN IN THE FLESH. But before you stood this man, this god, with dark crimson eyes. Taller than any tree, intimidating than any curse. Frightening than hell itself. You could remember when you were younger. The whispers reached you before you even stepped foot in the shrine, everyone has. Tales of Ryomen Sukuna had traveled through the villages like the wind, carrying with them rumors that were both terrifying and tragic. 

You had always known that the man was delighted with the worship of the human people. But they said he had taken no other concubines, that he showed no interest in any woman who dared come near him.

And if he did, they were more likely to be servants than anything close to a concubine. And some were not so lucky. Some spoke in hushed tones, their voices trembling with fear, that he was a monster of unspeakable debauchery, one who had killed the women for even daring to breathe in his presence.

But the truth, as you had come to understand it, was far more tragic. At least from how you see it. The people of Hida knew—oh, they believed—the story was told long ago. There was someone who had been so loved long ago and most of all, by Sukuna.

Ryomen Hiromi, the one who had captured Sukuna's heart, the one he had loved beyond reason. There was another Sukuna a long time ago, many were aware. But there was nothing proven.

If anything, the children of Hiromi reject any notion of such a relationship. But the tale was woven into the very fabric of tales told, whispered among the elders late at night and shared in riddles among the children who barely understood the weight of what they spoke.

Hiromi, they said, had been his sun, his moon, his stars. A woman of beauty and strength, whose laughter could calm the wildest storms and whose voice was like the sweetest song. She had been the only one to ever touch his heart, to see the man beneath the demon god. But she was gone now, lost to time and tragedy, leaving Ryomen Sukuna to languish in his grief. 

No one dared speak her name aloud, not when Sukuna’s rage could split the earth itself. People have seen it. It was said he mourned her loss every day, that his fury was born from the emptiness she left behind. And that was why he would not tolerate any other woman. No one was going to be like her. None would match her wit, her beauty. Why should the king of curses settle for less when he had the world? 

As you lay on the cold altar, the ropes cutting into your skin, your thoughts were consumed by the stories. What kind of man—no, what kind of creature—was Sukuna? You wonder about this paradox of a man, this creature like god.

Did he truly mourn, or was that just another tale spun by terrified villagers to make him seem more human? What was he, actually? You had a million questions, and you know they will never truly be answered.

A gust of wind stirred the trees around you, the leaves rustling like whispered secrets. You heard the shuffle of feet, felt the eyes of the villagers upon you, their fear palpable. Then, you heard his voice. You could feel it all, that powerful cursed energy, coming from one direction. For a moment, you had no words. Only uncertainty.

"Why do they send another?" Sukuna's voice was like a low growl, rumbling through the air with the force of a storm. "Do you think I am so easily appeased, you fools?"

You dared to lift your head, the ropes pulling at your skin as you met his crimson gaze. He was tall, imposing, and every bit as terrifying as the stories had painted him. But there was something else there—something in his eyes that spoke of deep, simmering pain.

"Do you truly want to know why they sent me?" you found yourself saying, your voice steady despite the fear clawing at your throat.

His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, you thought he might strike you down then and there. But he didn’t. Instead, he tilted his head, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Speak, then, girl." he said. "Tell me why I should not turn you to dust where you lie."

You swallowed, gathering your courage. "They send me because they fear you, because they believe you will protect them if they give you what you want. But… no one knows what you truly want, do they? No one speaks of her. Of Hiromi."

His expression shifted, a shadow passing over his face, and you knew you had struck a nerve. The air grew colder, a chill that seemed to seep into your very bones.

"Hiromi is dead." he said, his voice quiet but filled with an edge that could cut through steel. "And no one speaks her name. It is what I command.”

"But you still mourn her…." you continued, unable to stop yourself. "Do you not, my lord?”

His dark gaze bore into you, the weight of it almost unbearable. For a long moment, he said nothing, and the silence stretched on like an eternity. Then, slowly, he laughed—a sound that was bitter and hollow.

"You dare ask?" he repeated, as if the word was foreign to him. "What do you know of it all, little one? What do you know about such a life lived?"

You felt a tremor run through you, but you did not look away. "I know enough, my lord." you replied softly. "I know enough to see that your anger is not born of hatred, but of grief."

Sukuna's cruel smile quickly faded, and for a brief moment, you thought you saw something in his eyes—a flicker of vulnerability, quickly swallowed by the darkness. He hated how you said it, you know it too well. But there was no other choice. You were here for a purpose and you must fulfill it. You must. 

"You are bold, little one." he murmured. "Bold….for someone so close to death."

"Perhaps, my lord." you whispered back to him. "But if I am to die, I would rather die knowing who you truly are, rather than the monster they say you are."

He stared at you for a long time, his expression unreadable. Then, he stepped closer, so close that you could feel the heat radiating from his body, the power that thrummed through him like a thunder strike.

"Then you are a fool, little one." he said quietly. "For believing that I am anything more than a monster."

But there was something in his voice, something that made you wonder if perhaps… he wished you were right.

For the meantime, you were lucky to have your life, despite speaking so boldly, despite saying her name aloud—the name that everyone else dared not utter. Sukuna’s silence stretched on, his crimson eyes still locked onto yours, unreadable, cold yet burning with something darker beneath the surface. He could have ended you with a flick of his wrist, reduced you to ashes for your insolence. And yet, he did not.

He leaned closer, the edges of his form blurring into the shadows that seemed to ripple around him like stabbing waves in the ocean. His breath was hot against your skin, his presence overwhelming, suffocating. You felt your heart pound in your chest, each beat a drum that signaled your fragile hold on life.

“Perhaps you are simply foolish. Many have died for far less than what you dared to speak.” Sukuna finally said, his voice low, almost contemplative. “Huh, you speak brashly.”

The villagers around you seemed to hold their breath, waiting for his judgment. They looked at you with a mixture of horror and awe, unable to believe you were still alive after uttering the forbidden name. You, a mere sacrifice, a lamb thrown to the wolf, had survived what so many others had not.

“Why do you think I will let you live?” Sukuna’s voice cut through the tense silence, his tone curious, but with a dangerous edge. “Do you think I find you interesting? Amusing? Or perhaps I see something of her in you, something worth sparing?”

You swallowed hard, the reality of your situation settling in. You had survived speaking out of turn, but you were still bound to this altar, still at the mercy of a being who could destroy you on a whim. Yet, something in his words gave you pause, a flicker of something unspoken that lingered just beneath his surface.

“I do not presume to know your reasons, my lord.” you replied carefully, choosing each word like a step on thin ice. “But if you see something of her in me… then perhaps I am not so different from you after all.”

Sukuna’s gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing. “Not so different?” He laughed, a sound that was both mirthful and bitter, filled with a deep, aching emptiness. “You compare yourself to me? To Ryomen Sukuna? You are a child, a mere mortal who knows nothing of gods or demons, of love that scorches the soul and burns the world to ash.”

“And yet…..” you dared to continue, feeling the tightness in your chest. “If my lord felt nothing, you wouldn’t care enough to be angry… or to remember.”

He stiffened, and for a moment, his expression faltered. The shadows seemed to deepen around him, his aura flickering like a candle flame caught in a strong wind. You sensed that you were dancing on a razor’s edge, but you could not stop now. There was something here, something raw and real beneath the monstrous exterior.

“Enough.” Sukuna hissed, his voice a sharp command. The air grew colder, and you felt a shiver run down your spine. “You dare much, human. Too much.”

You pressed your lips together, bracing yourself for the inevitable blow, the moment when his patience would finally snap. But instead, Sukuna’s lips curled into a faint smile, one that did not reach his eyes.

“Perhaps I will spare you.” he murmured, almost as if speaking to himself. “If only to see how long that fire burns before it is extinguished. Or perhaps to see if you will end up like the rest—broken, hollow, pleading for mercy where there is none.”

He turned away from you then, his back a wall of power and darkness, his form towering against the dim light of the shrine. The villagers started, stunned, as if waiting for the other shoe to drop.

“You will reside in my temple.” Sukuna commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You will remain there, under my watch. Let them see what comes of those who speak of things best left forgotten.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd, a mixture of fear and shock. They did not understand why he had spared you, why you, of all people, were allowed to live. Perhaps they thought you were cursed, or perhaps they thought Sukuna had some darker plan in mind. But you knew better. You knew that, in some small way, you had touched on a wound that had never healed, a scar buried deep beneath his monstrous exterior.

And as Sukuna vanished into the shadows, you realized that your fate was no longer in the hands of the villagers, or even in the hands of the gods they prayed to. No, your fate was now bound to his—a god who mourned like a man, a monster who remembered what it was to love.

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IN A WAY, IT IS NOT SO BAD, BEING HIS CONCUBINE. You spent your days in isolation, your life confined within the walls of Sukuna's palace. You were nothing more than a servant, though they called you a concubine. The title meant little, for you were given no special privileges, no adornments, no tokens of affection. 

But it was a life. Your life. And it lived in some comfort, more than what is experienced by the rest of Hida province. You had multiple meals a day, you had rooms to yourself and even servants that address every bit of your needs.

Still, your world was small, your days filled with the quiet tending of the gardens, watching the shifting sky as the hours bled into one another. The flowers you nurtured became your only friends, their petals a fragile comfort against the cold indifference that surrounded you.

Perhaps the peace came from the fact that you did not see Sukuna often, and when you did, his gaze never lingered on you for long. He had no interest, no affection, no fondness to spare. You were simply there, like a shadow in the corner of his realm.

A figure lost amidst the vast emptiness of his domain. And perhaps that was for the best. It was better than being forced into Sukuna’s bed. You think that all women in the harem think that it was better that way.

But slowly, ever so slowly, something changed. His dark scarlet eyes began to linger, just a fraction longer than before. You felt the weight of his gaze like a chill running down your spine.

The other servants noticed it too, their whispers growing louder, bolder. You finally caught his attention. But it wasn’t because he had come to care for you, to see you as anything more than the nothing you were.

No, the truth was much crueler than that.

You were a spitting image of Ryomen Hiromi, the woman who haunted his every step, the ghost who lived in the shadows of his mind. At least that’s what the people say. But you did not want to believe them. Yet, looking at the murals at the glass gardens, the resemblance was uncanny.

It was obvious somehow. It was similar, everything. Your eyes, your hair, the curve of your smile. Every feature, every gesture seemed to remind him of her. And though you knew you could never be her, you had become a cruel echo, a reflection of something he had long lost.

And soon enough, the people talked. Of course, they did. They always talked. You tried to shut them out, but the more they whispered, the more people listened. And the more they listened, the more people spoke.  

“She reminds him of Hiromi, I am certain!” they whispered. “She is nothing but a shadow, a poor replacement for the one he truly loved. She lives in her image, as if she could ever hope to fill her place.”

You became the other woman, even when you didn’t want to be. No, not even that. You were a pale imitation, a mockery of a woman who had captured the heart of the king of curses. Every glance Ryomen Sukuna spared you was not a look of admiration or desire—it was the gaze of a man staring into the past, into a memory that was forever out of reach.

And so, you lived your life as another woman. No, the other woman. To a dead woman. To a love that had died long ago, but never truly left. 

Sometimes, in the dead of night, when the silence was so thick it pressed against your skin like a heavy shroud, you would wonder about her. About Ryomen Hiromi. Who was she, really? What had she meant to him, this fearsome god, this creature of darkness who now watched you as if searching for something he had lost in her eyes, now reflected in yours.

He never spoke of her. He does not want to. He does not dare to. Not to you, not to anyone. Some servants have been here longer than you and they have seen people killed over even a mumble of a prayer for the lady. And so you don’t ask. 

Not even when there were times he would come closer, when his dark eyes lingered on your face, searching, always searching. Yet he will never truly find it. He knew this, as much as you did. But it was as if he was trying to see her again, trying to find her in your skin, in your voice, in the way you moved through the gardens like she once had, perhaps. It was hope, a foolish hope. And yet you cannot escape this foolish hope.

The weight of her memory suffocated you. You were not allowed to be yourself, to have your own name, your own identity. You were always, always compared to her, measured against a ghost that you could never be, never touch. And Sukuna, with his cold gaze and his empty eyes, reminded you of it every day.

"You’re not her, little one." he said once, his voice low, more to himself than to you, as if testing a truth he could not fully accept. “You’ll never be her.”

His words cut deeper than any blade, leaving you with the bitter taste of something unnameable, something that tasted like defeat, or perhaps longing, or perhaps both. You had never wished to be her, to be anyone but yourself. But here, in his domain, under his shadow, you were not allowed that freedom.

You were trapped, forever bound to a life that was not your own, in the shadow of a dead woman who would never release you, and a man who could never let her go.

Days bled into nights, a blur of routine and solitude, and you began to feel like a ghost yourself, haunting the corners of Sukuna's palace, where life seemed to move around you but never through you. The servants kept their distance, wary of your resemblance, as if fearing you might be some ill omen, cursed to echo the tragedy of the past.

And Sukuna… he watched you, always watching, his eyes a deep crimson that saw too much and yet revealed nothing. He was like a storm contained within the fragile walls of the palace, his presence a force of nature that you could neither escape nor fully comprehend. His mood was mercurial; one day, he would barely acknowledge you, and the next, his gaze would linger on you, heavy with something you couldn’t name.

“Do you enjoy the garden?” he asked one afternoon, his tone deceptively casual, as if he were simply inquiring about the weather.

You glanced up, surprised that he had addressed you at all. He rarely spoke directly to you, even when his eyes seemed to follow your every movement. “I do,” you replied, careful, measured. “It is quiet there. Peaceful.”

“Quiet…peaceful.” he repeated, almost as if tasting the word. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but it did not reach his eyes. “Yes, she liked the quiet too. Always wandering among the flowers. Trees too. She’d like that then.”

You stiffened at the mention of her, the ghost you lived with every day, who lingered in every corner of this place. “I am not her, my lord.” you said, a tremor in your voice. You had repeated these words to yourself countless times, but they sounded fragile, almost insignificant when spoken aloud.

Sukuna's expression did not change. If anything, his gaze grew sharper, like a blade pressed against your skin. “No, little one.” he agreed softly, almost mockingly, “You are not her. But you will do… for now.”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, refusing to let him see the fear that coiled within you, like a snake waiting to strike. “Why do you keep me here?” you dared to ask, your voice barely more than a whisper. “Why do you watch me as if you expect me to become someone else?”

He laughed then, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down your spine. “You misunderstand, little one. I do not expect you to become her. I know you never can. But you… remind me of her. And that is enough… for now.”

The way he said it, the way his eyes darkened with something unreadable, made your blood run cold. You were nothing more than a stand-in, a living, breathing reminder of something he had lost. A cruel joke played by fate, a shadow dancing in the place of the one who truly mattered. To be kept alive, your village kept alive — because you look like a ghost. 

“I am not a replacement, my lord.” you insisted, your voice firmer this time, surprising even yourself with the strength behind it. “I hope my lord knows that I will not live my life as a mere echo.”

His smile faded, his expression turning serious. “You think you have a choice?” he asked, leaning in closer, his face so near to yours that you could feel the warmth of his breath. “You are here because I allow it. You exist at my whim, not because of who you are, but because of who you resemble. Do not mistake this for anything more than it is.”

The reality of his words hit you like a blow, the finality of it sinking deep into your bones. You were nothing to him, nothing but a passing fancy, a painful reminder of a past he could not reclaim.

“I am not her, my lord.” you repeated, your voice shaking with defiance, with a spark of something that refused to be extinguished. “And I will not be her for you. You must understand.”

For a moment, something flickered in Sukuna's eyes, something almost like surprise, perhaps even respect. Then, just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by the cold, unfeeling mask he always wore.

“Brave words, little one.” he murmured, his voice low and dangerous. “But words mean little here, in my domain. You will learn that soon enough.”

He turned away from you then, leaving you standing alone in the empty hall, your heart pounding in your chest, your hands trembling at your sides. The silence closed in around you, heavy and oppressive, and you knew that nothing had changed. You were still trapped, still living in the shadow of a dead woman, still bound to the whims of a god who mourned like a man.

And yet, deep inside, something stirred—a flicker of defiance, of hope. You might be a ghost to him, a reflection of a lost love, but you were still alive. You were still you, and as long as you drew breath, you would not allow yourself to be consumed by his shadows. Not without a fight.

Time passed slowly in Sukuna’s palace, and with it, your heart began to change. You did not notice it at first; how could you? Day after day, the monotonous routine of your existence lulled you into a sort of numbness. The gardens became your refuge, the sky your solace.

Yet even as you tried to find comfort in these simple pleasures, you found your thoughts wandering back to him—Ryomen Sukuna, the fearsome god, the monster, the man who mourned like a human.

At first, you hated him, hated him for what he represented, for what he had made you into: a replacement, a mere shadow of someone who had meant everything to him. But as you watched him, as the days turned to weeks and weeks to months, you began to see more.

You began to notice the things others did not—the subtle tension in his jaw when he was angry, the way his eyes softened just a fraction when he spoke of her, the quiet moments when he thought no one was looking, and the mask slipped, just a little.

You were in the garden one afternoon, trimming the roses, when you heard footsteps approaching. Sukuna rarely came to the garden, but today he seemed restless, pacing along the paths with a dark expression on his face. He stopped by the old cherry blossom tree, his eyes distant, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

Without thinking, you moved closer. "Is something troubling you, my lord?" you asked quietly, keeping your tone as neutral as possible. You had learned not to provoke him, to keep your words soft and your gaze steady.

Sukuna looked at you sharply, as if surprised you had dared to speak. "Why do you care?" he snapped, his tone harsh, but you had seen the flicker of something else—a fleeting vulnerability, perhaps? “Such matters are none for you to care about, little one.”

You hesitated, choosing your words carefully. “I see you every day, my lord.” you replied softly. “I see how you… struggle over something. And I cannot help but… care.”

He scoffed, but it was a hollow sound. “Care?” he echoed, almost mockingly. “You think you understand me, mortal? You think you can comprehend the depths of what I am, of what I have lost?”

You bowed your head, feeling the sting of his words but refusing to back down. “I don’t pretend to understand, my lord.” you murmured. “But I see the pain in your eyes, the way you linger in places she once loved, the way you… look at me.”

He was silent for a moment, his gaze unreadable. Then he turned away, his shoulders tense, his hands unclenching. “You are a fool, little one.” he muttered, almost too softly for you to hear. “A fool to think you can feel anything for me.”

And maybe you were a fool. A fool to care for a man who did not care for you, who saw you only as a shadow of someone else. But you could not help it. You could not stop the way your heart ached when you saw him, the way your breath caught when he looked at you with those sad, tired eyes.

Day by day, you found yourself drawn to him, not by his power or his beauty, but by the quiet moments when he thought no one was watching. The moments when his face softened, and you saw the man beneath the monster, the man who had loved so deeply and lost so terribly.

You saw the cracks in his armor, the places where he had been wounded, and you wanted, desperately, to reach out and touch them, to soothe the pain you knew he carried.

You found yourself thinking of him when you were alone, wondering what had made him this way, what had broken him so completely. You imagined him before all of this, before the darkness, before the loss, and you felt a strange, deep sorrow for the man he might have been.

One evening, as you were leaving the garden, you saw him standing by the cherry blossom tree again, his face turned upward, staring at the pale blooms against the darkening sky. He looked so lonely, so unbearably alone, that you felt your heart tighten in your chest.

Without thinking, you approached him, moving slowly, cautiously, as if approaching a wounded animal. “My lord, look.” you said softly, and he did not turn away. “The blossoms… they’re beautiful this year.”

He glanced at you, his expression unreadable. “Hiromi loved them.” he said quietly, his voice thick with something you could not quite name. “Fond of them.”

You nodded, your heart aching for him. “I imagine she did, my lord.” you replied. “They’re… peaceful.”

He was silent for a long time, his gaze fixed on the flowers. Then he spoke, his voice barely more than a whisper. “She was… my peace.” he admitted, his tone so raw, so vulnerable, that it made your chest tighten painfully. “And now… there is only emptiness.”

You wanted to reach out to him, to touch his hand, to tell him that he was not as alone as he thought, but you knew he would not accept it. So you stood there, beside him, sharing the silence, hoping that maybe, in some small way, your presence could ease the ache in his heart.

And slowly, painfully, you realized that you were falling into the saddest position in the world. You were beginning to care for him, truly care for him, despite knowing that he did not, and could not, care for you. You were beginning to understand him, to see the depths of his sorrow, to feel the weight of his loss as if it were your own.

You were living as a shadow, and yet… you found yourself wishing, hoping, that someday he might see you as something more. Even if you were just a reflection of a memory, even if you could never be her, you wished, desperately, that you could become someone to him.

But as you looked at him, at the emptiness in his eyes, you knew that day might never come. And still, you could not help but care.

Days continued to slip by in a blur of silent moments and stolen glances, and though you tried to keep your heart guarded, you felt it slipping further and further away from you, like water through your fingers. You had resigned yourself to your fate—a concubine in name, a ghost in truth. You had accepted that Sukuna would never see you as anything more than a mere echo of what he had lost.

But as time passed, you noticed a subtle change in him. It was in the way his gaze lingered on you a moment longer, or how his tone softened when he spoke to you. It was in the quiet moments when you would catch him watching you, his expression inscrutable, as if he were trying to decipher some mystery he could not quite solve.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky in shades of crimson and gold, you found yourself in the garden again. Sukuna was there, seated on a low stone bench beneath the cherry blossom tree, his face turned upward as if searching for something in the dying light.

You approached cautiously, unsure if he wanted your presence or not. He did not turn to look at you, but he did not send you away, either. You took it as a small mercy, a silent invitation to sit beside him.

For a long time, neither of you spoke. The silence stretched between you like a fragile thread, delicate and unbroken. Finally, Sukuna spoke, his voice low and contemplative. “You are always here, little one.” he murmured. “Always watching. Why?”

You hesitated, searching for the right words. “Because I see you, my lord.” you replied quietly. “I see the way you carry your pain, the way you hide it behind your eyes. I… I understand it, in a way.”

He turned to you then, his gaze piercing, searching your face as if trying to find the truth hidden within your words. “And what do you think you understand?” he asked, a note of challenge in his tone.

You took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his stare. “I think you loved her more than life itself, my lord.” you said softly. “And I think losing her broke something inside of you that will never heal.”

He was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he laughed—a harsh, bitter sound that cut through the stillness like a knife. “You presume to know my heart, mortal.” he said, but there was no true malice in his voice, only a deep, hollow emptiness. “You think because you look like her, you can speak of love and loss?”

“I do not pretend to be her, my lord.” you answered, your voice steady, even as your heart pounded in your chest. “But I know what it is to lose, to live with emptiness. I know what it means to be alone, even in a crowded room.”

His eyes softened, just for a moment, and you could almost see the man beneath the monster, the one who had loved and lost, who had once been capable of kindness, of tenderness.

“You think you know loneliness?” he asked, his voice quiet, almost vulnerable. “You think you know what it is to love someone so deeply that their absence is like a knife in your soul, cutting you with every breath?”

“I think I’m starting to understand, my lord.” you whispered. “More than I ever wanted to.”

He looked away, his jaw clenched tight, and you could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands curled into fists at his sides. “You are a fool.” he muttered, but there was no heat in his words, only a weary resignation. “You should hate me. You should despise me for what I am, for what I have made you.”

You shook your head slowly. “I can’t, my lord.” you admitted, your voice breaking. “I don’t know why, but I can’t. Maybe it’s because I see the pain in your eyes, the way you look at me… the way you remember her. I can’t hate you for that. I just… I wish things were different.”

He turned to you sharply, and for a moment, there was something raw and desperate in his gaze, something that spoke of a longing he had buried deep within himself. “Different?” he repeated, almost scoffing. “There is no ‘different’ for us. This is the world we have been given, and we must live in it.”

You felt your heart clench painfully, knowing he was right, knowing that no matter how much you wished for it, you could never truly reach him, could never become more than what you were—a shadow, a reflection of a woman long gone.

But you could not stop yourself from caring, from hoping that somehow, someway, he might see you, truly see you, not as a ghost or a replacement, but as a person in your own right.

You sighed, turning your gaze to the blossoms above. “I know, my lord.” you murmured. “I know that better than anyone. But I still… I still want to understand you. I still care, even if you don’t care for me.”

He was silent, his expression unreadable, and for a moment, you feared you had said too much, crossed a line you could never return from. But then, slowly, he reached out and took your hand in his, his grip firm but surprisingly gentle.

“You are a strange one, little one.” he said quietly, almost as if to himself. “To care for a monster… to care for a man who has nothing left to give.”

You felt a tear slip down your cheek, and you did not bother to hide it. “Maybe I’m just a fool, my lord” you whispered. “But I can’t help it. I can’t help but care for you, even when I know you can’t care for me.”

He stared at you for a long moment, his eyes searching yours, as if looking for some answer he could not find. Then, without a word, he pulled you closer, his lips brushing against your forehead in a gesture so tender it took your breath away.

“Do not mistake this for affection.” he warned, his voice low and rough. “I am still who I am. I am still the monster you should fear.”

But you could only nod, your heart aching with a mixture of sorrow and hope. “I know,” you whispered. “I know, but I’m still here.”

And for the first time, you thought you saw a hint of softness in his eyes, a flicker of something that could almost be… understanding. Maybe, just maybe, you were starting to reach him, one fragile step at a time.

══════════════════

TIME FLEW BY AND WITH THAT, YOU AGED TOO. Slowly, like the steady drip of water carving its path through stone, Ryomen Sukuna began to accept your presence as something constant in his life. At first, it was subtle—the way he no longer sent you away when you appeared by his side, the way he allowed you to linger in his chambers or the garden without a word of complaint.

Over time, it grew into something more. He began to call for you, not often, but enough that you noticed. Sometimes, it was just to sit in silence while he read or stared into the fire, and other times, he would speak to you, his voice low and distant, as if he were speaking to himself rather than you.

He did not love you; you knew that much with painful certainty. His heart belonged to another, to a woman whose name he whispered in his dreams, whose memory seemed to haunt his every step. You were not her, and you never would be. You were a shadow of what he had lost, a pale reflection of a love that had burned too bright and consumed itself in the flames.

But he tolerated you, and in this dark, twisted place where fear ruled and love was a forgotten dream, that was enough. You had learned to find solace in the little things—the way his gaze would occasionally soften when he looked at you, the rare moments when his voice held a note of something other than indifference. 

You knew you would never escape Hiromi’s shadow. Her ghost lingered in every corner of this place, in every whispered word and hushed breath, in the way his eyes darkened whenever he spoke of her.

You were not foolish enough to think you could ever replace her in his heart, nor did you wish to. You had come to terms with your fate, with the cruel twist of destiny that had brought you here, to this palace where the walls seemed to whisper her name.

For the finite years of your mortal life, you would be what you were to him—an echo, a shadow, a living memory of something lost. You could have fought against it, could have railed against the injustice of it all, but you chose not to. You chose to make peace with what fate had given you, to find what small joys you could in the fleeting moments he allowed you to be near him.

There were times when the weight of your existence threatened to crush you, when you longed to scream, to demand that he see you for who you were, not for the woman you resembled. But those moments were few and far between, and you had learned to push them down, to bury them deep within your heart where they could not hurt you.

Instead, you found contentment in the little things—in the way his presence filled the room, in the rare, unguarded moments when he would speak to you of things he had buried deep within himself. You listened to his stories, the ones he told in quiet tones when he thought no one was listening, and you treasured them like precious gems, tiny fragments of the man he had once been.

You learned to be grateful for what you had, even if it was not what you had dreamed of. You accepted that you would always live in the shadow of Hiromi, that you would always be the "other woman"; the one who was not loved, but merely tolerated. And for as long as you had breath in your lungs and life in your veins, you chose to find peace in that.

You sat beside him by the fire, you felt a strange sense of calm settle over you. He was quiet, his eyes fixed on the flames, his expression thoughtful. He did not look at you, but you could feel his presence, warm and solid beside you, a reminder that you were not entirely alone in this world.

You turned your gaze to the fire, letting the heat warm your face, and you whispered, almost to yourself, “I do not ask for more than this. I am… content with what I have.”

He glanced at you, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if trying to understand your words. “Content?” he repeated, a hint of incredulity in his voice. “You are content being nothing but a shadow?”

You smiled softly, a hint of sadness in your eyes. “Contentment is a choice, my lord.” you replied. “I chose to be content with what fate has given me. It is not happiness, but it is enough.”

He looked at you for a long moment, his expression unreadable, and then he nodded slowly. “Perhaps you are wiser than I thought now, little one.” he murmured. “To find peace in a place like this… it is no easy feat.”

You nodded, knowing he spoke more to himself than to you. You had accepted that you would never be more than a shadow in his life, but even shadows had their place, their purpose. You would be content with that, for as long as your mortal years allowed.

The days passed with a creeping heaviness that settled into your bones, a fatigue that no amount of rest could cure. You began to feel the strain in every step, the way your breath came shorter, the way your limbs feel heavy and uncooperative. At first, you dismissed it as exhaustion, a lingering effect of sleepless nights and endless thoughts that twisted in your mind like shadows.

But then came the coughing fits, each one more violent than the last, leaving a bitter taste in your mouth and a sharp pain in your chest. You ignored it at first, waving away the concerned glances of the servants who attended you. You kept your back straight and your face serene, refusing to acknowledge the way your body seemed to betray you.

Yet it grew harder to hide. The pain became more frequent, stabbing through your lungs like a knife with every breath, every step. The first time you coughed up blood, it was a shock—a bright, vivid red staining your hand. Your heart raced as you stared at the crimson stain, panic rising like bile in your throat.

You quickly wiped it away, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed. Thankfully, you were alone in your chamber, and you pressed a trembling hand to your chest, willing yourself to calm down. There was no reason to be afraid, you told yourself. It was just a momentary lapse, nothing more.

But it wasn’t. It happened again, and again. You found yourself waking in the night, gasping for air, your throat raw and burning. The servants began to notice the dark circles under your eyes, the way you would clutch your side when you thought no one was looking, the way you moved a little slower, a little more carefully.

There was a day that you sat in the garden, trying to find solace in the soft petals of the cherry blossoms, a violent fit seized you. You doubled over, coughing hard, and felt something wet and warm splatter against your lips. You wiped your mouth with the back of your hand and saw the unmistakable smear of blood.

A sharp gasp came from behind you. One of the younger servants had seen, her eyes wide with fear and concern. She rushed to your side, her hands trembling as she reached out to steady you.

“My lady, oh my!” she whispered, her voice filled with worry. “You’re… you’re bleeding.”

You shook your head, forcing a smile that felt like a grimace. “It is nothing.” you said, your voice hoarse. “Do not worry yourself over me.”

The servant looked unconvinced, her brow furrowed with concern. “I must tell Lord Sukuna.” she said quickly, glancing toward the entrance of the garden as if she expected him to appear at any moment. “He must know—”

“No, no…..” you cut her off sharply, your voice firmer than you had intended. “There is no point in that.”

She hesitated, confusion clouding her eyes. “But, my lady… you are unwell. He should—”

“He would not care, little girl.” you said softly, looking down at your blood-stained hand. “There is no use in troubling him with this. It would make no difference. Sukuna does not love me, nor does he care for me in that way. Do you think he would be moved by something as trivial as this?”

The servant bit her lip, clearly torn between her duty to you and her fear of Sukuna’s wrath. “But… if he knew, he might—”

“Might what?” you interrupted, your voice edged with a quiet resignation. “Send a healer? Take pity on me? No, he would not. I am nothing more than a reminder to him, a shadow of a past he cannot let go. He tolerates me, yes, but that is all.”

The servant looked at you, her eyes filling with tears, but she nodded slowly, understanding the weight of your words. She knew as well as you did that Sukuna’s heart was a barren, desolate place, filled with ghosts and haunted memories. There was no room for you there.

“Promise me, little girl.” you whispered, reaching out to touch her arm gently. “Promise me you won’t tell him.”

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded, her expression tight with worry. “I promise, my lady.” she murmured, though you could hear the doubt in her voice.

You leaned back against the tree, closing your eyes and letting the cool breeze brush against your skin. You knew there was no point in hoping for more than what you had. Sukuna had given you a place by his side, but it was not out of affection. He had lost the woman he truly loved, and you were only a semblance of her—a shadow he tolerated, nothing more.

You were dying, that much was clear. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, a way to free yourself from this liminal existence, to escape the torment of being a living reminder of what he had lost. You could find peace in that, you thought. At least, you could try.

You would not burden him with your illness, with your slow, inevitable decline. You would carry it quietly, with dignity, for whatever time you had left. After all, what was one more life in the grand, cruel scheme of his world? You were just another fleeting moment in the endless march of time—another sacrifice, another offering to a man who had already lost everything he had ever cared for.

══════════════════

YOU DECIDED TO LET FATE RUN ITS COURSE. You let time pass by, letting the illness be hidden in the shadows of low whispers and painful tears in your long suffering days and nights. And sure enough, Ryomen Sukuna had returned from his long and exhausting trip within the next few days.

He had been famished from his trip and sent word that he would be having supper with you that night, which you had obliged without another word. You dressed in your finest, watching the servants prepare the table in your chambers and calmly thanked them one after another as they left.

The evening had settled into its usual quiet rhythm, with the two of you sharing dinner in the dimly lit chamber. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the walls, and the scent of roasted meat and simmered vegetables filled the air.

It was a routine you had come to accept with a resigned sort of familiarity, a ritual that offered a small measure of normalcy in your otherwise constrained existence.

You sat across from Sukuna, picking at your meal with an absent-mindedness that spoke more to your weariness than any lack of appetite. His presence was imposing, yet tonight, he was unusually subdued, his attention focused on the food in front of him rather than on you. And somehow, you were a bit more grateful for it.

As you took a sip from your cup, you looked up at him, your expression earnest. "My lord, do you not think you should be more understanding of your subjects?" you began, your voice gentle but firm. "I must implore you once more to be more lenient with the people. The fear you instill is one thing, but mercy could win you their loyalty and respect."

Sukuna's eyes, dark and inscrutable, met yours. He did not respond immediately, his gaze lingering on you as if weighing your words. This was not the first time you had made this plea, and it was not likely to be the last. You had grown accustomed to his silence, to the way he would listen but rarely act upon your suggestions.

"It is not for me to coddle them, little one." he said finally, his voice low and dismissive. "Fear is a more effective tool than mercy. It ensures obedience."

You sighed softly, knowing well that your words often fell on deaf ears. Still, you persisted, driven by a conviction that even the smallest act of kindness could make a difference. "I understand your perspective, my lord,  but sometimes even the harshest rulers find strength in showing compassion. It can—"

Before you could finish your thought, a sudden, sharp pain gripped your chest. You gasped, doubling over slightly, and a violent coughing fit overtook you. You struggled to steady yourself, but the force of it was too strong. Blood splattered onto the table, the vibrant red stark against the white of your kimono and the pale wood of the dining surface.

Your heart raced as you quickly wiped the blood away with your sleeve, hoping to hide the evidence of your distress. You tried to maintain your composure, but your hands were trembling as you looked up at Sukuna, who had gone still, his eyes fixed on the crimson stain.

For a moment, there was a silence so thick it felt like a physical presence. Ryomen Sukuna’s gaze was heavy and unyielding, his red eyes locked onto the blood that had marred the table and your attire. You could feel the weight of his scrutiny, his silence, a heavy burden that pressed down upon you.

"It's nothing, my lord." you said hurriedly, forcing a weak smile as you tried to brush off the incident. "Just a momentary lapse. Please, continue with your meal."

Sukuna’s expression was unreadable, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied you. He did not speak, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze—perhaps surprise, or concern, or something deeper that he quickly masked.

You could feel the tension between you, an invisible thread connecting your quiet plea to his unspoken thoughts. It was clear that your condition had not gone unnoticed, even if he chose not to acknowledge it openly. You had always been a presence in his life, but tonight, the reality of your fragility seemed to cut through the usual indifference.

He took a deep breath, his gaze finally shifting away from you as he turned his attention back to his meal. The silence that followed was filled with the soft clinking of utensils and the low murmur of conversation from the servants who hovered at the edges of the room, their eyes darting to you with barely concealed concern.

You ate in silence, each bite of food tasting like ash in your mouth. The pain in your chest had subsided, but a deep weariness remained, a lingering reminder of your deteriorating health. You glanced at Sukuna from time to time, but he was absorbed in his meal, his expression unreadable.

The conversation you had tried to initiate was now buried beneath the weight of your illness, and you knew better than to press further. The battle for his leniency would have to wait for another day, another time when you were not so overshadowed by your own suffering.

As the meal drew to a close, you felt the oppressive silence settle around you once more. Sukuna’s gaze was distant, his thoughts seemingly occupied with matters beyond the confines of the dining room. You could only hope that, in some small way, your presence had made a difference, even if it was not the kind you had hoped for.

When the servants cleared away the dishes and the room began to empty, you excused yourself, retreating to your chamber with a heavy heart. You knew that your time here was growing shorter, that the end was approaching with each passing day. But for now, you would carry on, finding what small measure of peace you could in the fleeting moments you had left.

And as you lay down in your bed, staring up at the ceiling, you could not help but think of the blood you had tried to hide, of the way Sukuna’s eyes had lingered on it. You could only hope that someday, he might see you not as a mere shadow or a reminder of what he had lost, but as a person who had tried, in her own way, to make a difference in his world.

The next morning, you awoke to a disorienting cacophony of shouts and harsh reprimands. The once-familiar silence of your quarters was shattered by the sounds of chaos from the courtyard. Your heart sank as you stumbled out of bed, a sharp pain reminding you of the night before.

As you made your way through the hallways, the noise grew louder, mingling with the harsh, angry tones of Ryomen Sukuna’s voice. Your mind raced, dreading what you might find. You knew it already. You have seen it in the other households of the other concubines. And you can only know what had caused such a commotion. When you reached the courtyard, the scene before you was both startling and terrifying.

Your servants were gathered in the center of the courtyard, their faces pale with fear and their postures crumpled under the weight of Sukuna’s wrath. He stood at the center of the commotion, his expression thunderous as he raged at them. His anger was palpable, his words a relentless storm of fury directed at those who had failed to inform him of your condition.

Your breath caught in your throat, and without thinking, you stepped forward, your heart pounding in your chest. The courtyard fell into a stunned silence as Sukuna’s gaze shifted to you, his eyes dark with a mixture of surprise and irritation.

"My lord, please." you began, your voice trembling as you bowed deeply, your forehead nearly touching the ground. "This is my fault, not theirs. I beg for your forgiveness and mercy for my servants."

Sukuna’s eyes narrowed as he took in your contrite posture, his anger momentarily faltering. He regarded you with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity, his dark, unforgiving, gaze sharp as he assessed your sincerity.

"It was my decision to hide my illness, my lord." you continued, your voice barely more than a whisper. "I did not want to trouble you or cause unnecessary concern. Please, spare them your anger. They were only following my wishes."

Ryomen Sukuna remained silent for a moment, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. The servants, though still shaken, dared to lift their eyes to you, their expressions a blend of relief and apprehension.

Finally, Sukuna's gaze softened, a hint of resignation creeping into his expression. He took a deep breath, his anger dissipating as he looked at you with a new intensity. "You would take the blame for them?" he asked, his voice low and edged with incredulity.

You nodded, maintaining your bowed position. "Yes, my lord. It was my choice, my responsibility. I could not bear the thought of them being punished for my actions."

Sukuna’s expression hardened slightly, but the fury in his eyes had dimmed. After a moment of consideration, he gave a curt nod. "Very well. You will accept any punishment I shall put upon you.”

You swallowed the bile down your throat. “Yes, my lord.”

“Then I will call for healers. You will see them immediately." He says, as though it was the final verdict. “You will see them, all of them. Do you understand?”

“Yes…yes, my lord.” You whispered back to him.

He turned away from the servants, his gaze now fixed on you with an inscrutable intensity. "Go." he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. "See to your health, you foolish girl. Your servants too can go. They will tend to you, no matter what you ask.”

You straightened slowly, a mixture of relief and trepidation washing over you. You dared to look up at Sukuna, meeting his eyes briefly before turning to address the servants.

"Thank you, my lord." you said quietly, your voice filled with gratitude. "You have done nothing wrong. Please, return to your duties."

With a final, respectful bow, you turned and headed back toward your quarters with the help of your servants. As you entered your quarters, you felt like you had lived a thousand lifetimes in that one moment. Your servants were bowing at your feet, asking for your forgiveness. But you had all but shooed them away, telling them it was your duty as their master.

You wanted to be alone right now. At least when you still had the chance. When the healers arrive, you would have a life to yourself any longer. You would be stuck in their mercy, with their potions and their whims.

You must prepare yourself for the arrival of the healers. You groaned lowly as you clutch your chest, a wave of pain hitting one after the other. It will be over soon, that’s what you hoped. That’s what you want. You want to be free from this pain. You wanted nothing more than to be free.

══════════════════

THE PAIN WAS RELENTLESS. The days dragged on in a relentless cycle of pain and futile hope. Despite the best efforts of countless healers, none seemed able to bring you any real relief.

If anything, your condition worsened, each new treatment only seeming to accelerate your quick decline. Ryomen Sukuna’s frustration was palpable; his anger had become a regular presence, casting a long shadow over the already bleak atmosphere of the estate.

You had heard the whispers of the fate that befell each healer who failed to improve your condition. It was a grim reminder of Sukuna’s volatility, a dangerous mix of desperation and rage. The once-bustling quarters were now filled with an air of fearful tension as new healers arrived, only to face Sukuna’s wrath when their efforts proved ineffectual.

On one of the rare days when you felt well enough to leave your bed, you chose to sit by the garden. The fresh air and the sight of the vibrant blooms were a welcome distraction from the constant ache in your body. You had managed to position yourself on a stool under the gentle shade of a cherry tree, finding some small comfort in watching the birds flit about, their cheerful chirping a stark contrast to the turmoil that had become your life.

Sukuna appeared in the garden, his presence as imposing as ever. He walked with a deliberate pace, his gaze scanning the surroundings with an air of detached observation. As he neared, you looked up and greeted him with a smile, though the effort felt heavy, as if each movement was a strain against the burden of your illness.

“My lord.” you said softly, your voice barely more than a whisper. “The skies are beautiful today, aren’t they?”

Sukuna stopped, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in your serene expression. The silence stretched between you, an unspoken tension that lingered like the heat of a summer day. He said nothing in response, his gaze fixed on you with an inscrutable intensity.

After a moment, he broke the silence. “How is it that you can accept death with such… calm?” His voice was low, edged with curiosity and something else you couldn’t quite place.

You blinked, taken aback by his question. A laugh escaped you, soft and brittle, more out of surprise than genuine amusement. “Accept death, my lord?” you repeated. “I haven’t accepted death, in truth. But there is no way to avoid it.”

Sukuna’s eyes remained on you, his expression unreadable as he listened. You continued, your voice tinged with a philosophical resignation. “Death will come for all of us, eventually. It’s a natural end to this life. We all must face it in our own time. In that way, we are all freed from the burdens of this world.”

He studied you with a mixture of skepticism and something akin to contemplation. “You speak as if it is an inevitability you embrace, little one.”

“Not embrace, my lord.” you corrected gently, sighing. “But acknowledge. It’s a part of life, as much as the beginning is. We can fight it or we can accept it, but it will come regardless.”

Sukuna’s gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained stoic. He seemed to be weighing your words, his usual fierceness replaced by an unusual quiet. “And you are not afraid, then?”

“Fear?” You tilted your head, considering the question. “I suppose I am afraid of the pain that might come before the end. But fear of death itself? Not so much. It’s merely another step in the journey, my lord. That is what I believe, at least.”

For a moment, there was a stillness between you, punctuated only by the distant chirping of birds. Sukuna’s eyes flickered to the sky, perhaps contemplating the vastness of existence you had spoken of. The anger that had once seemed so consuming in his presence now appeared subdued, replaced by a contemplative silence.

“I see.” he said finally, his tone carrying a trace of grudging respect. “Your words are… unusual.”

You smiled faintly, a tired but genuine expression. “Perhaps. But sometimes, facing the truth can be a way to find peace, my lord.”

Sukuna stood there for a while longer, his presence a dark silhouette against the backdrop of the garden’s tranquility. Finally, he gave a curt nod and turned to leave, his demeanor less harsh than before. The sound of his footsteps gradually faded as he walked away, leaving you alone once more with your thoughts and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

As you sat there, watching the birds and the shifting clouds, you felt a small measure of contentment. Sukuna’s visit had brought a moment of introspection, a reminder of the fragile balance between life and death. Even in your suffering, you found a semblance of peace, understanding that acceptance was not about surrendering to fate but about finding a way to live with it, even as the end loomed ever closer.

And just like that, the day you had dreaded finally arrived. And truly, you were left feeling an unbearable weakness that signaled the end was near. The once-familiar confines of your quarters now seemed like a distant world, and the pain of your illness was a constant, gnawing presence. Each breath was a struggle, each moment of consciousness a battle against the encroaching darkness.

To your surprise, your lord Sukuna appeared by your side as you lay on your bed, his imposing figure contrasting sharply with the fragility of your own condition. He had not been a part of your daily existence in the past weeks, his visits sporadic and his presence usually marked by anger and frustration. But now, he was here, seated beside you in a rare display of stillness.

You looked at him through the haze of pain and weakness, your voice a mere whisper. “My lord, it seems this is my time to part from you.”

Sukuna’s eyes were steady, his gaze betraying an emotion you could not fully decipher. “I know, little one.” he replied simply, his voice holding a note of finality.

A pained laugh escaped your lips, the sound mingling with a shuddering breath. “I only wish… I could avoid being reborn into such misery again. To be the other woman, to be nothing to you.”

Sukuna’s silence stretched between you, a weighty pause that seemed to deepen the divide between you. After a moment, he spoke, his voice low but firm. “You were something.”

You shook your head, the effort to move even slightly causing a fresh wave of agony. “You lie easily, as you breathe, my lord.” you said with a faint, sorrowful smile.

The silence that followed was heavy and palpable, filled with the unspoken complexities of your relationship. As you lay there, the end drawing closer with each passing moment, you found a strange clarity in the finality of your situation.

“I love you, my lord.” you said softly, the words carrying a weight that transcended the physical pain. “As sad as it is, I do. But I have no intention of having it returned. I hope that, in the next life, I never meet you again.”

Sukuna’s expression remained impassive, but there was a softness in his gaze that belied his usual stoic demeanor. As you took your final, labored breaths, his sigh was a mix of resignation and something deeper, something that spoke to the complexity of your intertwined fates.

“I hope so too, little one.” he said quietly, his voice carrying a rare touch of vulnerability.

With those words hanging in the air, you felt a sense of release, the weight of your suffering beginning to lift. As your consciousness faded and the pain finally ebbed away, you left behind the world that had been both your prison and your refuge. Ryomen Sukuna looked at your lifeless body, pursing his lips into a flat line.

“Live on in a better life, little one.” He whispered, his fingers brushing against your hair. “May you be loved by someone who loves you. May we never meet again, my other woman."

*This post is from my C.ai character.

https://share.character.ai/Wv9R/hy7tzzyg

Back Home...

Husband!Satoru Gojo x Spouse!Reader

Cold. Cold. Cold.

That's all he could feel. Sat on a bench in the park close to Tokyo Jujutsu High, a school he once adored. Now it felt empty. No Nanami to bother, no Megumi or Nobara and Yuji had long taken a break from it all too. After all, he had to recover.

Gojo couldn't help but let out a sigh. Nothing was the same and he didn't like this change. He had lost so many people and he would lose another one if he didn't go home soon. So, with a still heavy heart he stands up from the wooden bench, legs weak as he walked away.

The small curses he would encounter during his way back then were almost invisible to him now. Cold alleyways, sleepless nights and a worn-out heart. That was his daily combo until now.

•••••••••°°°

One knock, two. The oak door of his house creaked open and a familiar face was seen through the crack. Finally. As soon as the door was open he falls into his arms, tired out. He was supposed to be strong, yes. But after losing almost everyone he knew, being put back together after being tore in two by Sukuna like a mere Kit-Kat, it mattered less then it ever would.

Soon his hands found your waist, holding you as close as humanly possible. You, his partner, could only cradle and reassure him while running your fingers through his surprisingly still-snow-white hair.

...

He did it.

Gojo Satoru was finally home.

°•°•°°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

iamnotdeadyet owns this

Dating Gojo Satoru

Moodboard ♥︎☆

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

iamnotdeadyet owns this

Writers be like: "I'm so bad at writing!"

And then write this shit:

He was a worshipping sinner, kneeled at the feet of a God whose name is unwritten in paper, but carved in his mind.

---------------------------

SHIU AS A DAD SO CUTEE ♡♡

jjk dilfs x pregnant!reader

(reader is far into the pregnancy, much to jjk mens excitement yet worry.)

no minors! (I didn't feel like aging up yuuji and megumi and so on..) && no sukunaaa sorryyy

tojis is super short, I apologise!! if this gets enough attention I might make it longer but i wanted this out asap lmfao

⭒​SATORU GOJO↫​

when dream becomes reality

“But!-”

“no buts, sweets. just rest your cute lil buttocks on the couch.” gojo fought back. everytime you'd protest to do something, he'd always be there to retort. Especially since your due date was nearing.

you bit your lip, staring up at him. You felt kind of bad. He does everything for you, cleaning, shopping for you everyday, even learning a new skill which was cooking, just for you.

lying on his chest as you both watch your favourite tv show, his large hand caressing your belly bump.

“what do you think the baby'll be?” you ask, staring up at his face. Gojo stared at your face for a moment, not thinking, just admiring his wife.

“a boy.” he says, no hesitation.

“ehhh? why do you think that? I think it's a girl.”

“my dreams, sweets.” he smiles and you chuckle. At the near the start of your relationship, satoru had a dream of where you are now. Him being the strongest sorcerer, you his wife, with a baby boy. He had his absolutely gorgeous eyes and long lashes and most of his features, the cute baby taking your haircolor and your pretty smile. Oh if only younger gojo saw him now, he would of cried in happiness.

with a flushed face, he admitted it, completely out of his mind. drunk gojo smirked as he told described how beautiful it was, not knowing how embarrassed he was, but he didn't mind the part where his dream came true.

as embarrassing as it is for gojo to recall the memory, he still laughs with you, because if you find it funny, then he's content. maybe revealing another embarrassing secret, just to make you laugh, isn't that bad.

⭒​CHOSO KAMO↫​

First time daddy!

as soon as choso found out you were pregnant, he typed up on google what pregnant means, he was happy for the most part but.. worry and nervousment still lingered. He was actually surprised he could reproduce since he was a half curse. Negative thoughts was set on his mind. He felt as if his child would be scared of him. And if they were, which in his mind, they were likely to, he would curl up and bawl on the floor.

You gave told choso over and over again everyday, saying there's nothing to be worried about and that he'll be an amazing father, but he still felt like it, no matter the words you repeated. Not to mention, the people outside your relationship gossiped, especially about choso. On how he is a 'monster', a curse, not fit to parent with a human, that you deserve better. He would hear them on the streets, anywhere and everywhere. He did try not letting them get to him, but hearing it constantly everytime he went in public was very exhausting.

any time you tripped, or just an honest accident, choso felt like he was responsible for not taking care of you properly. Even though, it wasn't his fault.

So when that baby pushed through, God, he wanted to cry. Although the nurses rushed to clean him, he clenched your sweaty palm. Wiping away the stray hairs that stuck onto your sweaty forehead. You panted, leaning into his touch.

the nurses carried your baby gently and carefully, placing him into your arms. The nurses cooed before leaving you with choso.

Choso wasn't an emotional person, but big fat tears swam down his pale face, his hands covering his face. You lightly chuckled.

“do you want to hold him?” funny how that small, little sentence almost made him faint.

“b-but.. what if I drop him?” choso muttered, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. Nervous was an understatement. “nonsense! we practiced for this, remember? Here, my arms are tired, cho.” you say, yawning. Gently pushing the newborn into his hands, choso cradled his head in his hand, while his arm held his body.

You didn't get time to oogle, as your bufy shut down like a light.

The baby opened his eyes, big doe circles looking back at him. They both held eye contact before the baby started laughing, having his small little hand on chosos pale face. Choso was shocked to say the least. He didn't think his baby would giggle when he saw him, but he certainly isn't mad.

Waking up a while later, you rubbed your eyes with a yawn. That was a good sleep. Turning your head over to see where choso went, you stared at the cute sight.

Choso, in the seat next to your bed, was sitting there, sleeping. The baby was cradled in his arms with a strong grip, but not a uncomfortable grip. They both snored away, making you giggle a bit, reaching out to hold chosos hand and whispering,

“I love you two boys.”

⭒​SHIU KONG↫​

personal taxi..

Staring at the cars passing out the window, looking bored. You then started having a competition between two raindrops on the window.

Seeing that the specific raindrop that you were rooting for to win had lost, already soured your mood.

“im hungry, shiu. Can we go to the bakery? Pretty pleasee? I really, really want to get that new donut flavor they released!” you begged. Shiu, your very lovely husband who may or may not drive to the shop, sighed.

“babe, you just ate. We literally had a mcdonalds 10 minutes ago.”

“okay, but im carrying your baby. You do realise that there's another mouth to feed, and that im going to tear my body trying to give birth to your baby right?” you whined, batting your pretty lashes at him. No matter what, he always gives in. I mean, who could argue with that? That's the truth.

Smiling cheekily at him, you began to slightly kick your feet, excited he's complying. Works everytime.

looking at all the buildings that passes the vehicle, you can tell your almost near your destination.

feeling the baby kick, you accidentally let out a grunt. “that damn baby..” you mutter through furrowed brows. Shiu laughs, “no way you're already cursing out our baby.. not even out yet, doll. Im sure theyre just excited as you are going to this damn bakery.” you roll your eyes, not wanting to retort back to his remark. I mean, you don't blame your baby for being excited, because you love it too. as soon as they were born, you can bet that your taking them here every time possible.

seeing the building you were dying to see, a smile formed on your face. Hunger took over your body, jumping out of the car as soon as shiu parked and turned it off.

“aye, woman! Would you wait on me, jeez.. impatient women these days..” shiu called out, muttering the last part so you wouldn't hear. He knows he would get a red ear if you did. hurrying out as he also knows that you would huff if he dared to take 5 seconds longer and would've went without him. Not only that, but he didn't want you to trip over anything to hurt yourself

shiu put his hands around your waist as you two walked. A cute little detail you adored.

The bell rang when you opened the door, the waitress greeting you when she walked passed. The aroma was hints of warm coffee and cinnamon. It felt really comforting, whixh is why your a usual customer.

Thankfully, there wasn't much of a line, but long enough for time to think about your order.

You were up next, so you two ordered.

Getting seated down the back right next to the window. You finished your pastry in about a minute while shiu was mid way into a bite, staring at you like you were crazy.

Both of you held eye contact before breaking it with a fit of laughs. You and Shiu couldn't wait for a third person giggling aswell, possibly a specific baby..

⭒​SUGURU GETO↫​

suguru's house rules

as soon as suguru found out that you, his wife, his one and only, got knocked up by him, he immediately made everything in the house baby proof. Even at the start at the pregnancy.

Raising two girls by himself wasn't easy, but now that he's experienced parenting, he knows all the tips and tricks.

“you will not be lifting a finger, unless you need to go to the restroom or something.. anyway, next if you need anything while I'm away, the girls will always be by your side if you need anything. If you need me at any time, I'm keeping my phone on me all day, just incase.” suguru says, with his cute little smile. You blink at him blankly, as if he doesn't tell you this everyday.

“sugu, you do realise I can do stuff by myself, right?” you say, tilting your head. You have this conversation everyday, yet you don't know why you bother because he never budges. You didn't want to treat your two angels, mimiko and nanako, like your servants while you sat there like royal.

“nonsense! I don't want my princess in there and my angel here moving around alot, don't want you to fall or anything, you know?” he mumbles. You glare up at him as he smiled sweetly at you. As if he didn't make a cheeky reference to the one to many times of when you got up when the two girls weren't looking, your poor knees gave out. And when suguru got that certain phone call, he seriously almost passed out in worry. After all of that, he still is wary of leaving the house most days, afraid something might happen again and he isn't there.

suguru sits back in satisfaction after just smothering you with kisses, something he usually does before he leaves for his cult. He hates dealing with them damn monkeys, but one of his many goals is to get as many curses as possible, so he'll take what he can get.

standing up, he calls put to the girls, who were currently making you lunch.

“mimi, nana! I'm leaving now, you coming to say bye?!” he yelled not to loud, not wanting to damage your hearing because of him. The two girls pounce on him, his arms full of his two angels.

“come home safe!” “hurry up coming home, there's a new cafe that opened and I wanna try it!” they squealed, suguru only chuckling in response, patting their head with his usual smile.

“take care of mommy over there, mkay?” suguru slightly bent down to their level, his voice low. They nodded enthusiastically, giving him one final hug before he went.

suguru closed the door, summoning his rainbow dragon. If he could marry you over and over, he would.

⭒​NANAMI KENTO↫​

worry 'bout yourself, baby!

wiping the slight dampness off your forehead, you finally made it to your destination. the nursery room. Putting your hands on your hip, you stared at the random peices of the unbuilt crib on the floor.

Peaking our the door and looking at your husbands closed office door, hearing him on the phone to his coworker. Perfect timing.

Recently, nanami has been working at home to watch over you a bit more, even though he has papers half the height of you to fill out. You didn't wanna bother him from his work again today, and plus, you wanted to be independent and brag about how you built this crib by yourself to your baby later. But, you knew nanami would get kind of mad that you lifted a finger, you didn't care.

If you sat down on the floor to even sort it out, you wouldnt get back up again and would need kentos help. And so, bending down to pick up the peices, you started to feel dizzy after a bit of back and forth of putting the pieces on the table.

'only a few peices left.' the thought trailed through your mind after each peice. Although, your baby thought otherwise, giving a nice brutal kick on the walls of your belly. A sudden yelp came, followed by a quick slap to the mouth as you have now blown your cover. Thr house was silent. Not hearing the mumble of kentos voice, now hearing the footsteps coming to the nursery. Mentally cursing our baby out, the door opened.

“honey? whats wrong? why are you- don't tell me you're trying to build the crib again?” kento said, scratching hid blonde undercut. Smiling sheepishly with a slight nod.

“dear, I told you I would build it as soon as I get through the paperwork, didn't I?” kento says, shaking his head.

“but! you were in your office, already filled to the brim with workload and that damn paperwork. I didn't want to make it your new problem, you know? You're always taking care of me. And who told you that even a quarter of that shit was alright? I can have a word with them if you want.”

“my love, you will never be a problem to me, ever. What kind of husband would I be if I thought that? You're crazy.” Kento says, a small smile forming on his lips at thought of you worrying about him and his wellbeing. A rare sight indeed.

“and instead of worrying about me, worry about yourself, yeah? I'm sure your back is broke, my love. Please rest yourself, it's not good for the baby if you don't get rest, i told you this. Lets get you to the living room, yeah?” kento says into your neck, not giving you a choice.

Kento put his hands on your lower back, slowly massaging the spot you usually get sore. guiding you down the living room humming your favourite tune. almost in time for your reality show to be on, your luck.

Wasn't long until your eyes was stuck on the tv, drama brewing on the first few seconds.

Kento stands there, content. Not because of the tv show, no, its you. He wouldn't know where he would he standing, whether it would be on earth or the skies, without you.

⭒​TOJI FUSHIGURO↫​

short tempered woman and tired husband.

“woman, I am not going to feed you toothpaste.”

“well, why the hell not?!” you responded, rasing a brow. Toji grumbled, absolutely set on not giving you toothpaste for food.

“would you just sleep? I'm not giving you toothpaste to eat. Why the hell are you so weird?!”

“hhaaah?! What did you just say?!”

nights went on like that. Different item, same outcome. Toji with a red ear and your back to him. Toji doesn't know if your stable or not as you requested for a bowl of dirt to eat a few nights ago. He only knew about women's weird food craving a while ago when he saw you eating a chocolate bar with ketchup as a dip.

(toji finds it kinda hot when you get angry... kinky)

Toji put his head in his hands, covering his eyes. He let out a sigh before questioning you.

“are you eating toast and ice cream again?”

“yeah, so what? Any odds to you, old man..”

“oh, your so gonna regret that. We've been here before, and your belly bump is the result.” toji smirks, chuckling at your flushed face. And yet, his outcome is the same.

Fix You

Sypnosis - You'd only known her for a flicker of a moment, but in that moment she had become everything to you. To have her ripped away without so much as a moment to process, it was only inevitable that everything would come crumbling down.

Pairing - Suguru Geto x ! Female ! Reader

Warning(s) - mature themes, foul language, canon JJK violence, main character death (not Reader), allusions to suicide, unresolved angst, loss, guilt, slight canon divergence

Word Count - 8.2k (I am so proud of every single word)

Author's Note - This piece might have taken YEARS off of my expected lifespan, but what can I say, I live for the angst.

! PIECE BEGINS UNDERNEATH THE CUT !

“Just be safe, yeah?” you say with a smile on your face, smoothing your hands over the shoulders of Geto’s uniform. His expression mirrors your own — a soft smile curling the corners of his lips upward as he gazes at you.  

“Yeah, promise,” he responds, nodding his head at you. Your smile momentarily widens, the smile lines on your face indenting deeper. You push yourself onto tiptoe, pressing a gentle kiss against Geto’s cheek. 

The moment is then immediately soiled by a loud, fake retching sound from a certain snowy-haired male. Both you and Geto turn — the latter already biting back the sarcastic quip that rises in his throat.  

“Do I get one too?” Gojo asks, crossing his arms dramatically over his chest as he swaggers to you and Geto, craning his neck and jabbing his cheek in your direction. You giggle, removing your hands from Geto’s shoulders — which he nearly protests — and instead you lay your palms against Gojo’s cheeks.  

“Dramatic ass,” you tease, then laying a kiss against Gojo’s cheek before you shove him away. He sticks his tongue out at Geto as he stumbles, who only rolls his eyes.  

“Come on Satoru, I don’t want to be out all day,” Geto complains, glancing up at you. You smile, nose scrunching in that way that always warms Geto’s chest — he fights the urge to kiss the small wrinkle in the bridge of your nose.  

“Yeah, yeah, m’coming,” Gojo waves off Geto’s rushing, turning his head to flash you one last smile before he jogs to catch up to Geto’s side.  

“(Y/N) is gonna have a field day chewing us out,” Gojo complains, tilting his head back and letting out the dramatic sigh that he had been holding in his chest. Geto nods in agreement, turning his head just enough to cast a glance over his shoulder.  

Riko is still rambling on about all of the things that she wants to do, which mainly includes the simplistic aspects of life. She had already voiced to both Geto and Gojo that she wanted to live life normally — and she had also voiced her want to not constantly be followed by both males.  

Geto can’t help the smile that curls the corner of his lips upward, silently watching as Riko speaks in a manner similar to that of an animated character, spreading her arms wide and smiling brightly at Kuroi, who watches the young girl with softened eyes.  

“Yeah, but she’ll be more than happy to help with Riko,” Geto points out, turning his attention back to his scowling best friend. Gojo sighs, the force of his breath blowing his bangs from his eyes. “Better that she deals with Riko than us,” he adds with a wiggle of his brow, an action that pulls a breathy yet dry chuckle from Gojo’s throat.  

“True,” Gojo hums in agreement, lifting his hands to place them palm flat against the back of his neck. He turns his head, glancing at Riko for a fleeting moment before he turns back to face forward. “D’you think Riko will like (Y/N)?” 

“Who doesn’t like (Y/N)?” Geto answers quickly. His jaw snaps shut, cheeks blazing a light shade of pink as he realizes what it was that he had just said. Gojo catches him, but he bites back the sarcastic quip though he so desperately wants to dish it out. “Shut up, let’s just head back.” 

< … > 

“Y’know, I’m glad that you and Satoru are taking the vessel — sorry, Riko — on a little getaway. It’s sweet of you both,” you say with a smile, leaning back against your pillows. On the other line, Geto lets out a small chuckle, the sound bringing a bout of butterflies to your stomach — God, you were smitten with your boyfriend.  

“Not really sweet. We’re doing it because she asked for it,” Geto responds, turning his head to glance at both Riko and Gojo — both of whom were bickering for what felt like the hundredth time that day. He rolls his eyes with a grin on his face, returning his attention to his phone call with you.  

“Still, the fact that you both agreed to it is sweet enough,” you tease lovingly. Geto grins at the smile in your voice, wishing that he could see it. “Maybe I can convince Yaga to come with you three.” 

“Please,” Geto breathes, closing his eyes. He chuckles breathily after speaking, glancing once more at Riko and Gojo before he faces forward again. “I don’t know how much more of their bickering I can take.” 

“I’ll talk to him in the morning. You three get some sleep, ‘kay?” you say softly, and immediately Geto wants to protest — he doesn’t want to hang up just yet. It had been days without seeing you, the most he was able to do was video call you, but even that wasn’t the same as being with you physically.  

“Okay,” he relents, his shoulders sagging slightly. “G’night baby.” 

“Night Sugu, I love you.” 

“I love you more.” He removes the phone from his ear, pressing his thumb against the red hang-up button and turning on his heel to face both Riko and Gojo. “C’mon, (Y/N) said for us to get some rest before tomorrow.” 

Gojo snaps his jaw shut at the mention of your name, turning to face Geto and completely forgetting about Riko — who stares at the snowy-haired male with her jaw slack. But her anger over being ignored dissolves quickly into curiosity. She had heard that name several times already — (Y/N).  

“Who’s (Y/N)?” Riko inquires, tilting her head and crossing her legs on top of the blankets of the motel’s bed. She rests her hands palm flat against her legs, her gaze flickering between Geto and Gojo — both of whom exchange a glance that almost says, “We don’t want to say anything.” 

“(Y/N) is-“ 

“(Y/N) is Suguru’s girlfriend,” Gojo answers with an indifferent shrug, playing off the stern glare that Geto immediately shoots in his direction. Riko’s eyebrows raise — she certainly hadn’t expected that to be the response. She had expected “sister” or “cousin”, but certainly not “girlfriend.”  

“Girlfriend? You?” Riko points a finger at Geto’s chest, her eyes narrowing momentarily at him. In response, Geto slowly nods at her, not knowing what to make of the expression on the teenage girl’s face. “I’m shocked.” 

Gojo snickers, slapping a palm over his mouth and turning away so that Geto wouldn’t notice him laughing. Geto turns, glaring first at Gojo before his eyes snap back to Riko, who tries — and fails — to hide a smile of her own.  

“You’re both hilarious, now go to bed.” 

< … > 

Have you spoken to Yaga yet? 

Sent : 11:40 

Yeah, I just left his office. He said as long as we lay low, there isn't an issue with me joining you. 

Sent : 11:41 

I'll send you our location then. 

Sent : 11:42 

Okay babe! See you soon &lt;3 

Sent : 11:42 

Geto smiles quietly to himself, trying to hide the curl of his lips from Gojo and Riko – not that he had to try very hard. Gojo and Riko were, like usual, busy with bickering with one another over God only knows what. Kuroi, bless her soul, is trying her hardest to settle the arguing – but to no avail.  

"Hey, Satoru," Geto calls out, effectively stopping the childish arguing between Gojo and Riko. The snowy-haired male turns at the call of his name, speeding up his steps to fall into line with Geto. He furrows his eyebrows together, silently urging Geto to continue speaking. "Yaga approved the request for (Y/N) to join us. She'll meet us here in Okinawa." 

"Thank God," Gojo says, casting a sharpened glare in Riko's direction – which Riko responds to by sticking her tongue out. She crosses her arms over her chest, but she would be lying if she said she wasn’t a little excited to meet you.  

“She’ll be here sometime in the afternoon, so you’ll have to occupy yourself until then,” Geto teases, chuckling as Gojo punches him in the shoulder. Riko watches on, feeling herself smile at the interaction — maybe being stuck with these two wasn’t as bad as she had made it out to be.  

And maybe you were even better. 

&lt; … > 

“(Y/N/N)!” Gojo calls out, his hands cupping over his mouth as he spots you in the distance. He lifts his hand in a wave once your body turns, eyes falling on him.  

You easily make your way over, beelining for both Geto and Gojo. Your arms lock around Geto first, smiling widely as his arms wrap firmly around your waist, lifting you from the ground. 

You crane your neck to look down at Geto, your hands moving to hold the sides of his face as you guide his lips to yours, kissing him sweetly and smiling against him.   

It’s the dramatic retching and spitting that makes you pull back from Geto — and of course, Gojo is doubled over pretending to vomit.  

Geto sets you down, still holding your hips as your head turns to glance at Gojo. Shaking your head, you roll your eyes, scoffing at the male’s behavior.  

You turn back to Geto, choosing to ignore Gojo’s theatrics in favor of sweetly reuniting with your boyfriend after however many days it had been since he’d first set off from Jujutsu Tech.  

“Hi,” you whisper, scrunching your nose at him as you smile. This time, Geto leans in to kiss the bridge of your nose, laughing breathily when he pulls back and catches sight of your flustered expression.  

“Hi baby,” he smiles at you, chuckling as you move to bury your face into his shoulder. His hand tangles in your hair, fingernails scraping lightly against your scalp — the action has you curling further into him like a cat. 

“Wow, so I don’t get a hello at all?” Gojo calls out dramatically, throwing his hands into the air and pouting childishly, crossing his arms over his chest.  

Your groan of protest is caught by the fabric of Geto's shirt, the rumble of your chest against his own bringing a soft smile to Geto's lips. You disconnect from Geto's arms, turning on your heel and opening your arms to Gojo – which he runs into without a single ounce of hesitation.  

"Satoru!" You can't help but bite back the laugh that bubbles up in your throat as Gojo all but tackles you to the ground, nearly knocking you off of your feet from the force at which he runs at you. You let out a hearty laugh the second that his body knocks into yours, your feet lifting from the ground as Gojo messily spins you around in a fashion similar yet not to Geto.  

"Thank God you're here!" Gojo loudly complains, his voice just as dramatic as it always had been. You smile widely, holding tightly onto Gojo's neck so that you wouldn't fall to the ground.  

"Alright Satoru, calm down," Geto says sternly, reaching a hand out and grasping his friend's shoulder. The touch prompts Gojo to set you down. You smile in thanks, nodding once to Geto before you finally notice the unfamiliar face that stares curiously at you – the Star Plasma Vessel.  

Your eyes soften as you gaze at her – she was much younger than you had expected, at least two or three years below you. Following your gaze, both Geto and Gojo step out of your way, allowing you and Riko to meet on your own terms rather than accidentally forcing you both into conversation.  

"Hi, I'm (Y/N)," you say with a kind smile, extending your hand in Riko's direction and waiting patiently for her to take it. Relaxed, the young girl smiles right back at you, folding her hand into yours and joyously shaking it.  

"Hi! I'm Riko," the girl bubbles, her smile seemingly widening as you release her hand. You have to admit, seeing her so happy, even given her situation, was heartwarming in a way that you couldn't put into words. You chuckle gently at her, then shifting your attention to the older woman that stands at Riko's side – she eyes you with a mixture of curiosity and hesitance.  

Riko follows your gaze, glancing at Kuroi and smiling as her gaze and attention returns to you. "Oh! That's Kuroi," Riko introduces the older woman, gesturing warmly to her in a way that has you assuming she may be Riko's mother or older sister – or something of the like.  

"It's nice to meet you Kuroi. I'm (Y/N)," you reintroduce yourself, extending your hand in Kuroi's direction. Her eyes flicker down to your outstretched fingers, eyeing them with a raised eyebrow. You understand her hesitation – you were nothing but a stranger to her after all.  

With a gentle nudge from Riko, Kuroi shakes your hand, offering you a shaky smile – one that you reciprocate kindly. "It's nice to meet you as well." 

The moment that Kuroi's hand leaves yours, Riko is quick to hook her arm into your own, gently tugging you in the direction of the shops that Geto and Gojo had previously promised that they could visit. You let out a small chuckle, allowing yourself to be dragged away by Riko, who immediately begins to talk your ear off about just how annoying she found Geto and Gojo. 

"Good to see that they get along nicely," Kuroi comments fondly, placing a hand palm flat against her chest as a soft smile curls her lips upward. Geto nods in agreement, watching yours and Riko's retreating figures with softened eyes. 

"Come on, you and I both know that (Y/N) is gonna make me pay for everything," Gojo complains, his voice carrying its usual dramatic whine as he drags his feet to follow you and Riko. Geto and Kuroi chuckle in response, following Gojo.  

< … >  

"You care about her," Geto says suddenly, his eyes flickering to you as you sit quietly on the beach beside him. With a grin, you curl your knees up to your chest, wrapping your arms around yourself and watching as Riko and Gojo chase each other through the ocean's shallow end.  

Your eyes soften as you watch Riko kick water up at Gojo, laughing loudly as he tries to shield himself (mostly his hair) from getting wet – always the dramatic one.  

"Yeah," you whisper, turning your head and leaning your cheek against your knee, your gaze meeting Geto's. He stares back at you with warm eyes, that which crinkle at the corners as his lips tug upward. His hand extends, a finger running lovingly along your cheek. For a moment, absolutely nothing else matters – not the mission, not the Star Plasma Vessel, not anything.  

All that matters is that you're with Geto.  

You nuzzle lovingly into his affectionate touch, actively seeking more of it – which Geto is more than happy to provide. His finger is replaced by the palm of his hand, thumb swiping at the area just underneath your eyes. "It's sweet, you know." 

"Oh shush, you're going soft for her too," you bite back teasingly, smirking as Geto removes his hand from your cheek. You whine at the loss of contact, but you continue to smirk at Geto nonetheless. He rolls his eyes playfully at you, his gaze momentarily flickering to catch a glimpse of Riko and Gojo – both of whom are still chasing each other around the ocean's shoreline.  

"Not true," Geto attempts to retaliate, but the light pink hue of his cheeks immediately gives him away. You lift a finger, poking one of Geto's burning cheeks and smirking again at him.  

"Sure about that?" 

"Oh shush," Geto chuckles, placing his palm flat against your face and playfully shoving you away. Your laugh is caught by his skin, breath fanning against his palm. He smiles as he removes his hand, feeling his heart warm at the sight of the smile plastered onto your face.  

"Hey! Lovebirds!" Riko calls out, cupping her hands over her mouth and smiling as she waves at both you and Geto. You turn your head to her, laughing as she places her hands on her hips. "Are you just gonna sit there the entire time?" 

You grin at Geto, kissing his cheek fleetingly before pushing yourself to stand, closing the distance between yourself and Riko and placing your hands into her awaiting ones. She drags you gently into the water, laughing as you gasp at the cold water that licks at your ankles.  

Suddenly, a spray of cold water hits your back. With a squeal, you turn to look at the culprit, positively fuming as Gojo stands proudly behind you, knelt in the water with his hands raised in the air. You glare at him, snapping your fingers and smirking to yourself as the water surrounding Gojo raises to his height, then completely dousing him in freezing saltwater.  

Riko laughs, crossing her hands over her stomach and doubling over to follow the force of her laughter. You turn your head to smile at her, heart swelling at the sound of the young girl's laughter.  

< … >  

"What's Jujutsu Tech like?" Riko inquires curiously, falling into step with you as you walk ahead of Geto, Gojo, and Kuroi, all of whom had opted to remain a few steps behind you claiming that they were remaining on the lookout for any potential threats.  

You hum in thought, folding your hands behind your back as you allow yourself to get lost in the scenery that surrounds you – thickened trees and hanging branches providing you with shade that is a welcome contrast to the blazing sun. You smile, tilting your head just enough to glance at Riko through your peripheral.  

"Well, to us, it's like any other school. But to you, I'd assume it'll look like a castle," you respond jokingly, not failing to notice the smile that curls the corner of Riko's lips upward. She lets out a small giggle as she walks beside you, mimicking you and looking around at the trees that line the pathway to Jujutsu Tech's front entrance.  

The silence that hangs over both you and Riko is comfortable, comfortable enough that she sidesteps towards you and affectionately knocks her shoulder against your own. You smile, turning your head to look at Riko, who only returns your smile just as brightly.  

"Maybe somewhere else I could have gone to Jujutsu Tech with you," Riko mutters, her voice almost too quiet for you to hear. Her words tug at your heartstrings – in a way, you felt guilty that there was no real solution that you could offer. Her sole purpose was to serve as a vessel for Tengen, and it was your job to deliver her to Tengen so that he could continue...whatever it was that he did.  

You swallow the lump in your throat, not knowing what to say. You had honestly wished for the same thing – maybe in some other universe you and Riko would have been able to attend school together. Maybe you would have trained her to become a strong Jujutsu Sorcerer. Maybe.  

Softly, you reach out to interlock your fingers with hers, squeezing at her hand and willing yourself to smile at her. She returns it, though both of your lips are trembling with a deepened sadness. "Maybe. Don't think like that though. I'm glad we were able to spend time together in this one." 

Riko's smile trembles slightly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. You chuckle breathily, reaching out with your thumb to swipe at her lash line, catching the tears just before they're able to fall. "Yeah," she agrees quietly, nodding her head at you.  

"We're almost there," Geto calls out from behind your back, smiling softly at you as you turn to acknowledge him. You nod curtly, then returning your attention to Riko, who had squeezed your hand as you walked beneath the entrance archway.  

"You ready Riko?" 

Riko inhales deeply, feeling her worry ebb away as you squeeze at her fingers again.  

"Yeah." 

< ... >  

"You okay?" Geto's voice is almost too quiet for you to hear, but your ears perk at his whisper nonetheless. You turn your head just enough to glance at him, blinking past the tears in your eyes as you silently watch Riko bid Kuroi farewell, squeezing at her caretaker and sobbing quietly into her shoulder.  

You swallow the lump in your throat, lifting your hands and swiping your fingers against your eyes, not wanting to cry. Geto softens at your actions, letting out a small sigh through his nose – but he says nothing about your concealed tears, if anything, he understands.  

"Yeah, m'fine," you murmur in response, forcing yourself to smile as Riko turns then to you, tears rolling down her cheeks as an aftermath to saying goodbye to Kuroi. The young girl quickly closes the distance between you, wrapping her arms around you and burying her face into the crook of your neck. 

You sigh shakily, holding her tightly against you and resting your cheek against the side of her head. Her body shakes against your own, her tears staining the shoulder of your uniform – but you cannot care any less.  

"Can you walk in with me?" Riko whispers into your shoulder, keeping her voice low enough so that only you can hear what she says. You feel yourself shakily smile, your arms momentarily squeezing around her.  

"Of course," you whisper back, smiling as she disconnects herself from your arms to return your teary smile. "I'd never make you go in there alone, especially not with Suguru," you tease, both you and Riko sharing a tear-filled laugh as Geto loudly protests over your shoulder – but he smiles all the same.  

The moment is soiled then by the remembrance of what you had come down to Tengen's for. You release your hold on Riko, opting instead to gently hold her hand as Geto begins to lead the pair of you down to Tengen.  

The three of you walk in relative silence, Riko holding tightly onto your hand as she walks at your side. Every now and then, she sniffles softly – a sound that tugs at your heart the more that you listen to it. You squeeze at her hand as reassuringly as you can, offering her what you hope is a gentle smile – but even you know that the tremble in your lips is on full display.  

Geto walks a few steps ahead of you and Riko, his hands stowed away in his pockets as he listens both to your trembled breathing and to Riko's soft sniffs. He would never admit it aloud, but he too felt as if Riko had taken on a younger sister role in his life – even though she had entered his life as nothing more than a package to be delivered. And he would never admit it aloud, but he somewhat wanted Riko to refuse the assimilation.  

If not for his sake, then he hoped she would refuse for yours.  

"Well, here we are," Geto says suddenly, stopping and looking down at Tengen's barrier. You and Riko stop at his side, hands still intwined as you both peer curiously around the room. Riko lifts her free hand to her eyes, swiping away the stray tears that lingered on her cheeks before she turns to you.  

"I-I think I'm ready," she stutters out, swallowing the scared sob that claws at the base of her throat. You soften, turning momentarily to make fleeting eye contact with Geto, who only stares at both you and Riko with a softness that felt similar to that of a loving husband and older brother.  

You nod at Geto, turning to Riko and removing your hand from her own and opting instead to place your palms flat atop her shoulders. You stare at her, and she returns your gaze with a curious pinch to her eyebrows.  

"Riko, I want you to listen carefully to me. You don't have to do any of this. We could easily forget this assimilation entirely and go back to Kuroi and Satoru. Hell, I'll even take you back to Okinawa so that we could finish shopping together," you laugh through your tears, which roll freely down your cheeks. Riko stares back at you, slightly stunned.  

"All you have to do is say the word," you whisper.  

Riko swallows, feeling tears build in the backs of her eyes. Her rosy cheeks darken, her eyes crinkle, her lips tremble – she's on the verge of tears all over again.  

Her eyes fall shut, her mind mulling over your words. Did she really want this assimilation? Or was she doing it simply because that's what everyone wanted her to do? 

"I want to be with everyone longer," she pauses to hiccup, "I want to see all kinds of things and just do more!" 

You smile softly at her, removing your hands from her shoulders and holding your hand out to her – just like you had done that day you met her.  

She reaches for you, her lips turned upward in that soft smile that you had grown oh-so-fond of.  

BANG! 

Riko's body crumples to the side, falling to the floor with a dull and lifeless thud. You freeze, hand still extended, fingers twitching in waiting – still waiting for Riko's. Your eyes widen, mind unable to process anything but the incessant ringing in your ears.  

At your side, Geto stands stiff as a board, his expression almost a perfect mirror of your own. His eyes wander down to Riko's body, gaze fixating itself on the steady stream of blood that pours from the bullet wound to the side of her head. Her eyes are open in everlasting shock, one final tear rolling down her face before it grossly mixes with the blood that surrounds her.  

Your eyes shift only when you hear footsteps approaching, gaze flickering upward to watch as an unknown man strolls into the room, knocking the handle of his gun against his head. A smirk plays at the corner of his mouth, an amused glint to his tired eyes.  

He doesn't say anything immediately, instead waiting to close the distance between himself, you, and Geto. The arm that holds his gun lowers to his side, and in a fit of mock curiosity, he tilts his head to the side.  

"That was easier than I thought," he comments offhandedly, glancing between Riko's body and you. Your shoulders rise and fall in heaving breaths – breaths that you're unsure are heavy because of anger or sadness. You want so badly to rush the man and give him hell, but something holds you back from doing so.  

Geto reaches out instinctively, moving your body behind his own protectively as the man draws closer. You let him – the ringing in your ears is strong enough to hold all of your attention. Your eyes return to Riko, praying that maybe – just maybe – she would stir and sit up. You could take her right back to Okinawa, and everything would be right again.  

"(Y/N), get out of here," Geto says quietly, his voice nothing but a muffled buzz in your ears. You nod numbly at him, sidestepping around his body and making a break for the exit. You know that it's wrong – how blindly you listened to him and left him with someone that could potentially end his life.  

You screw your eyes shut as you sprint down the hallway, feeling tears finally sting your eyes as the realization of what had happened seeps into the cracks of your mind. You'd failed. You had failed everything. You promised her that you'd protect her, that you would take her back to Okinawa, that you would show her the world that she had been so scared to lose.  

A harsh sob rips from your chest as you skid to a stop, doubling over and placing your hands on your knees. Underneath the weight of your guilt, you crumble. Your knees strike the ground as your hands grip at your chest now, clawing at the fabric of your uniform as if it suffocates you.  

You bow your head down, gritting your teeth as your body shakes with the weight of your sobs. Your hair shades down over your face, creating a veil around it and preventing anyone from looking directly at you. Your lips part, and from the deepest depths of your throat, you scream.  

< … > 

Hey baby, Shoko was asking for you. 

Sent : 12:06 

Saw a cat outside a coffee shop today, thought maybe you'd want a picture of it. 

Sent : 15:00 

Left you some dinner outside of your door, please eat something. 

Sent : 04:17 

Movie night tonight?  

Sent : 06:15 

Pressing two fingers against the side of your phone, you silence it, then tossing the device as far away from yourself as you can. The clatter of the phone against the floor does little to stir you – the comfort of your sheets was stronger than any Cursed Energy, and you'd be damned if you were leaving it.  

How long had it been since that day anyway? 

Days? Weeks?  

Hell -- it could have been months. In truth, you didn't know. The days had started melding together a very long time ago, everything felt the same – nothing was new. Everything felt bleak, like an old movie that you had accidentally left on perpetual repeat.  

You turn over in bed, facing the wall. Your eyes feel heavy, but the moment that you close them you know exactly what it is that you'll see. You'll see whatever wisps you have left of her.  

Do you even remember what she looks like anymore? 

Your chest tightens at the realization, and instinctively your body curls inward. Your knees touch your chest as you adjust yourself into a fetal position, screwing your eyes shut and biting back the sobs as they rise in your throat.  

There wasn't a day that went by where you didn't blame yourself. You were a Sorcerer, you were quite literally trained to protect the people around you. But no, you were so focused on convincing her on a situation that she was already decided on – you failed to protect her because of your own selfishness.  

God forbid you had lifted your head, even if it was just to sneak a peek at the rest of Tengen's barrier. Would you have spotted him? Wait, of course you would've – Geto had once complimented your ability to keep your head on a constant swivel.  

You could've activated your Cursed Technique, you were always the swiftest of your classmates. You could've saved her – Riko would have been fine.  

But you didn't do any of that. Instead, you held her shoulders and tried to play mother dearest. It was your tear-filled monologue that got her killed.  

"Fuck," you mutter, the dull ache in your chest deepening as you spiral into a pit of your own regret. Your hand comes to bunch up the fabric of your shirt, clawing at it as if it were choking you. "'M sorry..." 

You can feel yourself beginning to cry, but your body is unable to produce a fresh round of tears. You whimper quietly, lips parting to release the soft sobs that you had been forcefully holding in your chest. The sheets that cover your shoulders shake in sync with you – but they continue to serve their purpose in keeping you concealed from the world. 

Across your room, you can hear your phone buzzing against the ground. Suguru. 

How long had it been since you last saw Suguru? 

It felt like you were punishing yourself, keeping yourself holed up in your room and limiting your interactions with anyone – Gojo, Geto, and Shoko felt more like figments of your imagination. They felt like strangers to you. And in a way, maybe they were.  

Your thoughts are interrupted by a knock at your door. The ringing in your ears dies down, leaving you alone in the silence of your room – you almost wish for the ringing to come back. Any noise was better than none at all, and with the way your mind had been whispering lately, you'd rather an incessant ring.  

You turn your head halfway, yet you don't move from the familiar comfort of your bed.  

"(Y/N)? Baby, it's me." It's Geto. Fuck, it's Geto. 

You don't answer, shifting back to your original position and sighing shakily. Even though every part of you wants to open that door and promptly collapse into his arms, you force yourself to remain rooted to your place. You force your eyes shut, praying that your silence would turn him away.  

"It's been – God – I don't even know how long it's been. We're – I'm worried about you," Geto pauses, likely to swallow the growing lump in his throat, "I just want to know if you're okay." 

Your lips wobble, and for the first time in days you feel the familiar sensation of tears sliding down your cheeks. Your hands curl around your sheets, tugging them impossibly further around you.  

On the floor, your phone buzzes again. For a moment, you wonder just how many unread messages you have. How many were from Gojo? Or Geto? Or Shoko? Or maybe you were just imagining the sounds, maybe they really didn't care at all.  

"Please open the door." He sounds so desperate, so broken. The fact that it was your fault that he felt so helpless only added to your already debilitating guilt and regret. Your punishment was making everyone else suffer – you were the reason why everyone was worried. Selfish, selfish, selfish. 

And you want to. You want to stand from your bed and open the door, you want to fall into Geto's arms and sit with him in nothing but that comfortable silence that always followed you when you were with him. You craved it – or rather you craved the normalcy of it all.  

Selfishly, you don't. You close your eyes and telepathically will Geto to just leave. A little part of you hopes that he won't, but the rest of you wants him to.  

You know that he won’t leave though — knowing Geto he was definitely sitting with his back against your door, waiting patiently for you to either respond or let him in.  

A shame that you would do neither. 

Your hands curl into white-knuckled fists with the strength of your grip, keeping your eyes glued shut and praying — no — hoping that Geto would just leave you to rot.  

“Y’know, we can talk about whatever you’re thinking about.” 

You sigh shakily, opening your eyes and staring blankly at your wall. He’d never leave you to rot, even if you shoved and begged him.  

Talk? What would talking do? Would it bring back the piece of you that was ripped from your hands and shattered like nothing? 

Your body turns halfway, ears pricked and patiently waiting for Geto to continue. Shockingly, you want him to keep talking. It’s a nice distraction. 

“I don’t know what exactly you’re thinking right now, and I know that you definitely don’t want to delve into it,” Geto pauses to exhale shakily — it makes you wonder if he’s out there crying. "I want to help you, you've helped me through so many rough patches and the fact that you're not letting me help you now...it's killing me." 

Go. 

Your hands push at your sheets, the cool air from your dorm hugging at your exposed legs. Your body cracks as you stand from your bed, but you ignore the dull ache in your bones. The distance between your bed and the door once seemed like a never ending hallway, one with twists and turns that would throw you off course and make you return to the starting point.  

Oddly enough, now that distance seems much shorter.  

You walk across your room, stepping past your phone on the floor and pausing just as you reach the door. You stare silently at the wood, eyes drifting down to the doorhandle. You were so close, if you just lifted your hand- 

"I love you so much (Y/N). So please, let me help you." 

Your eyes fall shut, body curling back from the door. With invisible hands, your sheets call out to you, beckoning you sweetly to return to what was familiar – back to square one.  

You shake your head, turning on your heel and lowering yourself to the floor, your back sliding down the door until you're sitting on the floor. Your knees curl up to your chest, arms winding around them in a self-hug as you lean your head back, listening quietly to Geto's shaky breathing on the other side.  

< … > 

Bzzt. Bzzt. 

One year. 

You stare blankly down at the reminder, thumb quickly jerking to delete its existence. It had been a miracle enough that you'd made it six months – a year didn't really feel real to you. Not yet at least.  

You knew deep down that it would sink in later, when you weren't surrounded by people and when you were sitting in the twisted comfort of your own sadness. But now, you had to act like a person, not a puppet who just happened to wear human skin.  

In front of you stands Gojo, Geto, and Shoko. For the better part of an hour, Shoko had been trying to teach both boys about her Reverse Cursed Technique, wanting them to be able to heal themselves so that she wouldn't have to exert herself every time that they returned from missions.  

But just like everything else that they did together, Geto and Gojo were about as intelligent as two monkeys attempting to complete a Rubix cube. In any other circumstance, you would have laughed at them and teased them endlessly. 

Now? 

Now you stared blankly at them, eyes devoid of anything that might have rendered you human. All of those sleepless nights had finally caught up to you, claiming your body like a demon would its unfortunate host. You wanted to crack a smile, prove to them that you had healed somewhat since everything had happened – but they knew just as well as you that it would be another one of the many lies spoken by your tongue.  

"C'mon Shoko, you know we can't do this," Gojo complains loudly, his voice an incessant whine as he leans forward, glancing over the rims of his glasses to send a playful glare in Shoko's direction. She rolls her eyes at him, hands holding her hips as she waves a finger in his face.  

"Would you stop complaining?" Geto retaliates, reaching a hand over and whacking the back of the snowy-haired male's head. He yelps at the contact, both of his hands cupping the back of his head.  

"Ow! (Y/N), come and control him!" Gojo turns to you for salvation, but pauses at the expression on your face. Your lips are downturned in a half-frown, eyes staring at nothing in particular. He glances at Geto, who had also turned to look at you.  

"(Y/N)?" he calls out to you. His voice has your head shaking, bringing yourself back to reality and breaking you from whatever trance you had fallen victim to. "Everything okay love?" 

You're quick to nod, sending Geto what you think is a smile – but it resembles more of a poor attempt at a smirk. "Fine," you answer quickly. His heart sinks, he wants so desperately to take every bit of pain that you constantly shouldered, but you were so adamant on dealing with everything on your own that he had simply...stepped to the side.  

Shoko claps her hands together, effectively redirecting all attention to herself – an action that you were thankful for. It was one thing to be constantly doted on by your boyfriend, but to then drag in both of your best friends? Saying that you felt like a complete burden would be the understatement of the century.  

Gojo turns his attention back to Shoko without a second thought; he had never been good with emotions, and watching your downward spiral was something that he just...couldn't help with. He wanted to, God, of course he wanted to. But he lacked the understanding of how to do it.  

Geto is hesitant to turn around, not wanting you to think that he was turning his back on you. The last thing that he wanted was for you to suffer in silence, even though that seemed to be the one thing that you wanted. No, he loved you far too much to let you crumble to your own demons. So he gripped his sword in his hand and fought them at your side – no matter how much you kicked and screamed at him to go away. 

You sigh shakily, teeth catching your bottom lip as the reminder from your phone flickers across your memory again. One whole year.  

Even with a whole year having gone by, that regret and guilt still followed you like a stray dog. The moment that you muttered to yourself, "I'm okay," that dog would nip at you with a force that sent you crumbling to the ground.  

You look upward, blinking away the tears that burn the backs of your eyes and focusing all of your attention on the trio in front of you.  

< … > 

“What do you mean (Y/N)’s gone?” Geto asks with an incredulous raise of his eyebrows, looking at Gojo as if he had sprouted another head.  

Gojo inhales deeply, bracing his hands on his knees as a result of sprinting so wildly at Geto once he had heard news of your sudden disappearance.  

“(Y/N) left. Shoko said that she tried to get her to stay, but it was no use,” Gojo says breathlessly. Geto shakes his head, not wanting to believe anything that Gojo was saying — but the expression on his face douses Geto with the cold reality that this was really happening. You were gone. 

“Where did she go?” 

“No idea, she didn’t say a word,” Gojo answers, taking a mental note of the unbridled worry swirling in Geto’s eyes. “We’re going to look for her, right?” 

“What do you think?” Geto says in a matter-of-fact tone, already striding past Gojo. The snowy-haired male is quick to follow, falling into step with his best friend. 

The silence that hangs over the both of them is tense, neither of them wanting to say anything to the other in fear of further souring the mood.  

Geto’s teeth catch his bottom lip, digging down into the supple flesh. His mind wanders, thinking of where you could have gone and just what you could be doing. He should’ve done more to help — he should’ve been there for you just as much as you had been there for him.  

How had he let you spiral down that far? He felt like a bystander in a situation where he should have been standing right at your side, he should have been holding your hand just as tightly as you had always held his.  

“Hey, there you are,” Geto says softly, smiling so gently at you as you open your door — finally revealing yourself to him after hiding in the shadows for however long.  

You remain silent, rubbing a hand over your tear-stained cheeks. Your eyes, so dead and tired, flicker up to meet Geto’s — which soften upon studying your clear cut exhaustion.  

“Oh sweet girl,” he whispers, opening his arms to you and embracing you tightly as you step into them. Your face buries into his shoulder, absorbing the familiarity of his hug. “I’m here.” 

Your body shakes as another round of sobs wracks through your body, nails biting into Geto’s back. He ignores the stinging sensation your nails leave behind — focusing everything on making you feel comforted.  

“I’ll go look this way, you’ll be okay on your own?” Gojo confirms, casting one last glance over his shoulder at Geto.  

The dark-haired male nods, his focus solely on finding you and bringing you home. He would be damned if he would leave you alone again — you deserved to have someone to comfort you in the same way that you constantly comforted others. 

“Text if you need me ‘kay?” Gojo says, reaching out and lightly pressing his knuckles against Geto’s shoulder. The latter nods, and just like that the tuft of snowy hair disappears into the surrounding crowd.  

As Geto walks, he once again allows his mind to wander — thinking about little warning signs that he overlooked. Maybe there was something that you said or did that had a double meaning, yeah, that had to be it.  

His eyes glaze over with unshed tears as he desperately searches for you among the unfamiliar faces, all of them a blur as he tries to find you. All he wanted was to bring you home, give you the proper help that you so desperately needed.  

If he could just- 

“(Y/N)!” There. There’s that head of hair that he had once spent hours playing with. It turns upon hearing the call of his voice — it really is you. 

But at the same time…it isn’t you. The (Y/N) staring at him feels different to the (Y/N) that he asked out in the serenity of his school dorm.  

This (Y/N) is cold and dead — a walking corpse at best.  

You stare blankly at Geto for a moment, eyes silently asking him what it is that he wants from you.  

“Hey, what’s going on?” he practically begs, bravely reaching out to hold your wrist, preventing you from curling away from him.  

Your eyes momentarily flicker down to his hand, staring at the strain of his fingers before your gaze returns to his — you don’t fail to notice the tears he holds back. You felt awful that you were the reason why he was crying. 

“Nothing’s going on,” you answer indifferently. He shakes his head at you, you were lying.  

“You can’t really be saying that. You’ve been…you changed.” 

“Have you ever stopped to think about why?” you raise an eyebrow at him, voice suddenly laced with a venom that he had never heard from you before. Slowly, his grip on your wrist loosens until he doesn’t hold it anymore, eyes never once leaving yours even as you focus on other things.  

“What?” His voice is breathy, a whisper. He doesn’t understand, why were you suddenly being so brash with him? He had only been trying to help you all this time — right? 

You remain silent, not knowing how to elaborate without getting emotional all over again. You were a Sorcerer, you were meant to protect. The one person you were meant to protect was gone. And now you could barely live with the consequences.  

But Geto just thinks that you’re in mourning. No, no, it’s so much more than just simple mourning. 

“Have you ever stopped to think about why I changed?” you reiterate, tilting your head at Geto. He steps forward, keeping the distance between you both as short as he can — he can’t lose you, not again.  

 Geto mulls your question over in his head, which he then shakes in response. You let out a small sigh through your nose, already feeling that familiar mixture of regret and sadness building in your stomach.  

“Do you know what it’s like — to regret everything that you’ve ever done in your life?” you mutter, glancing up at Geto. For the first time, he notices just how dead you truly look. Those bright eyes now dull, your cheeks sunken in, your lips permanently turned downward in a frown.  

“Sorcerers are meant to protect people, right? We’re meant to step in and help the ones that can’t help themselves,” you begin, finding your footing and finally vomiting out all of the words that had been building up somewhere in your stomach.  

Geto watches silently, not knowing what to say or do. All he can do is listen.  

“What the fuck are we meant to do when we can’t save everyone? The ones who can’t protect themselves die, and what are we left to do?”  

Geto pauses, realization sinking into his bones. Riko. You blamed yourself for what happened to Riko — how the fuck had he not noticed that before? 

He had somewhat of an idea that it was Riko who had caused you to spiral downward, but he didn’t know that it was her death that had turned your entire opinion of being a Sorcerer.  

Just how much had Riko meant to you? 

“You and Satoru might be okay shouldering that guilt. But I’m just — I’m not,” you say honestly, running your hand through your hair and chuckling dryly. Geto steps forward, reaching for you.  

You step back, effectively creating a distance between the two of you. He falters, silently watching.  

“(Y/N)-“ 

“Be a Sorcerer, yeah?” you glance tearfully at him. For the first time in months, you smile, lips turning upward as you nod at him. “Be the protector that people need you to be.” 

Geto shakes his head, stepping forward again and silently begging you to come to him. 

You don’t. 

“Baby. Stop. Just-“ He pauses as he watches you, noticing your body tilting back to follow your backwards steps. 

“Be the shield that people need Suguru,” you whisper, voice barely audible over the footsteps that surround you. He shakes his head again, fingers extending to you. 

Like a wisp in the night, you vanish into the crowd. Geto’s fingers close around nothing, and his eyes desperately search for you amongst the blurred faces. 

But you’re gone, just like that. 

And he would never see you again. 

Starry Night

Sypnosis - Sitting together on a starry night...what could possibly be wrong with that picture perfect scenario?

Pairing - Satosugu x ! Female ! Reader

Warning(s) - mature themes

Word Count - 0.7k

! PIECE BEGINS UNDERNEATH THE CUT !

"'Toru? What are you still doing up?"  

The sitting man jolts, his eyes flickering to you, their bright hue dimming as you cautiously enter the living room, draped in one of his shirts. His legs spread, palms patting once, twice against his thigh in a silent invitation for you – one that you accept without hesitation.  

Your head tucks into the crook of Satoru's neck, nose inhaling his scent and committing it to memory – a pleasant mixture of sandalwood and the Earth. To you, it was comfort, it was a reminder of the home that you had built with him and Suguru.  

"The stars are nice tonight, aren't they?" Satoru comments, his arms looping around your waist, holding you against him and tilting his head to rest his cheek against your hair. You hum against him, eyes flickering to the window.  

Painted against the inky black sky are the stars that you and Satoru often watched together, laid out on a blanket on the front lawn and pointing up at them as if you had never seen them before. It was always cold during those nights, which usually resulted in Satoru tugging you against his chest, your body molding against his like a perfect little puzzle piece.  

You two would lay there for hours, simply basking in the other's presence and staring up at the flickering yellow lights that adorned the sky. Both of your trances were only broken by Suguru's softened voice, scolding you both for being out so late and commenting how you would both likely be sick by morning.  

Only then would Satoru roll up the blanket, helping you stand with gentle hands and allowing you to make your way back to the front door first. Softened aquamarine eyes watch as you beeline for Suguru's opened arms, hugging the raven-haired man and smiling brightly as gentle kisses are laid out over your face.  

"Yeah, they're nice," you mutter offhandedly, biting back the yawn that claws up your throat. Your nose scrunches up, an action that Satoru once teased you for – though he stopped once he received a loving smack from Suguru, one paired with a gentle scolding.  

Satoru hums, his eyes fluttering shut at the warmth that radiates from your body. Your breathing had deepened significantly, a telltale sign that you had fallen asleep against him – likely lulled by the gentle thump of his heart and the even rise and fall of his chest.  

He tilts his head, pressing a gentle kiss against the crown of your head and looping his arms underneath you, lifting you against his chest and standing from the armchair. He couldn't have his darling wife sleep in such an uncomfortable position – you deserved much better than that.  

Satoru walks silently to your bedroom, closing the door with his foot and gently laying you down in the sheets, tugging them around you and smiling gently as you adjust yourself. A content sight falls from your nose, cheek smushed against your pillow as you doze.  

He climbs in beside you, tucking you against his chest and tangling his legs with your own. He blinks once, twice...then allows his tired eyes to finally close, welcoming sleep as it beckons to him with softened hands – hands that felt oddly similar to your own. 

And somewhere across the way, resting on numbed legs and rubbing together cold hands, another pair of eyes watches the stars as they glitter in the night sky. He thinks back to a time where he would have enjoyed the stars – maybe even admired their bright yellow hue.  

But that time is not now, and it is a time that he knows he can never go back to – not after what was said and what was done. Besides, he knew it was for the better. His departure from a domestic life was challenging...he had lost count of the tears that he had shed.  

Tonight was one of those nights where he longed for the warmth of a bed, he longed for those two familiar bodies pressed against his own. He longed for the mornings where he would only half-listen to Frank Sinatra and watch as breakfast was prepared for him. He longed for the two people who had shown him endless care and support...but those two people were nothing but a pained memory.  

Tilting his head up at the stars and at the crescent moon, shaky lips turn upward in a smile – one accompanied by salty tears that drip down his cheeks. His mind flashes images of those he longed for; one with snowy-white hair and the other with the kindest smile.  

"The stars are nice tonight, aren't they?" Suguru mutters to himself, hoping that somehow – someway – maybe you and Satoru would hear him. 

Everything was perfect. 

"You may kiss the bride." 

Your rosy lips turn upward in a lovesick smile, arms lifting to wrap around Gojo's neck and bring his face closer to yours, the tips of your noses brushing against one another as his arms loop around your waist. With one hand, he holds your waist, and with the other, he slowly begins to lift your leg, hooking it over his hip and dipping you down.  

You let out a tearful giggle, the sound mixing with Gojo's chuckle as he slots his lips against yours, pouring years of love and adoration into a singular kiss. You squeeze your arms around him to steady yourself, smiling against his lips as they move against your own.  

You pull back from him just as his tongue swipes against your bottom lip, no doubt wanting to shamelessly make out with you in front of an audience. But with your family sitting somewhere in the crowd, one of you had to demonstrate self-control.  

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Gojo," Gojo whispers, his breath fanning over your lips as he continues to hold you close. You dive forward, pecking his lips again. He smiles at you, tearful aquamarine eyes crinkling at the corners as he stares down at you; his little wife. 

Everything was perfect. 

"I'm home!" Gojo announces as he kicks his shoes off, turning his body halfway to close the front door and peering around the dim-lighted living room. His eyebrows furrow, arms slapping against his sides as he realizes that you're not running to him to embrace him.  

Slowly, he walks further into the house, curiously peering into the kitchen only to be met with the sight of nothing. Worry sinks into his chest, but he doesn't allow himself to get worked up just yet.  

"Honey?" Gojo's voice is a quiet whisper as he enters the living room, eyes met with a heartwarming sight; you're sat in the center of the couch, arms wound around a sleeping Megumi. The boy leans impossibly further into your side, his head tucked comfortably into the crook of your neck with his body splayed over your own like a weighted blanket.  

His lips turn upward in a soft smile, hand reaching for his phone to photograph the moment and commit it to memory. But just as his fingers brush his phone, something tells him to instead live in the moment as opposed to capturing it.  

Gojo moves to kneel silently beside the couch, reaching out his index finger and lovingly stroking it against your cheek, smiling to himself as your nose scrunches up and you stir slightly. Those eyes that he could spend hours gazing into flutter open, a sleepy smile curling the corners of your lips upward.  

"Hi 'Toru," you whisper, yawning.  

"Hi pretty girl." 

Everything was perfect. 

"Satoru Gojo!" 

Gojo pauses, every bone in his body stilling as he slowly turns to look over his shoulder, swallowing his pride (and dignity) as you stomp over, Megumi not far behind. Gojo glances quickly at Yuuji and Nobara, silently asking them for help – but immediately the two first-years look around, not wanting to stand in the way of your wrath.  

"Hey honey," Gojo says with a smile, already feeling sweat build up against his forehead as you grow closer, eyes flaring with an anger that he had only ever seen once before – and honestly, he had no idea how he had even survived. "What's – uh – what's going on?" 

"What's going on?! You mean to tell me that you're going to stand there and act like nothing is wrong?" Your voice raises an octave or two in volume, making Gojo cringe and shrink in on himself. It was almost entertaining, really. Watching the 6'3 Special Grade Sorcerer be reduced to a shaking mess at the sight of his angered wife.  

Gojo remains silent, not wanting to respond in the fear that you would bite his head off.  

The staring contest between yourself and Gojo is tense, only made worse by the other pairs of eyes that watch quietly from the sidelines.  

Yuuji shifts closer to Megumi, craning his neck just low enough to whisper into his ear, "What's going on?" 

Megumi only smirks, lifting his arms to cross them over his chest. "He ate her leftovers last night." 

Everything was perfect... 

"I understand that your work is important, but you're barely home anymore," you say desperately, closing Megumi's bedroom door and turning on your heel to glance at Gojo. He rubs his hands against his face, skin catching the groan that falls from his lips. 

"I can't just say no to what the higher-ups want me to do, honey. You know that," Gojo responds, not failing to notice how your teeth catch your bottom lip, roughly biting down into the supple skin.  

"You have a family here 'Toru. Your missions are getting more and more dangerous and I – I don't want to be sitting on the couch one day and you just," you pause to swallow the growing lump in your throat, "don't come home." 

Gojo softens, his heart hammering in his chest as he stares silently down at you. Your eyes shine with tears, tears that he desperately wants to reach out and brush away – but something inside of him tells him not to.  

"Megumi needs you here. Hell, I need you here," you say desperately, laying a palm flat against your chest as you step forward to close the distance between yourself and Gojo.  

Something inside you damn near breaks as your husband takes a step back from you.  

"I know. Trust me I know. But there's only so much I can do. They need me (Y/N)," Gojo says. Immediately – the moment that those words fall from his lips – he wishes that he could fucking swallow them.  

You freeze, body standing rigid as your eyes blankly stare at him. Any ounce of emotion, anything that might have made you human is suddenly gone, replaced instead by a robotic stare that chills Gojo down to his very core. 

Silently, you brush past him, shoulder knocking against his chest as you walk down the hallway and vanish into the living room. Gojo stares after you, turning his head towards Megumi's door and screwing his eyes shut – fuck.  

Everything was perfect...? 

"Megumi! Have you seen your mother?" Gojo asks, waving his hand wildly in the air as the raven-haired teenager turns to glance at him, raising an eyebrow in both annoyance and curiosity.  

"She just went out on a field mission, why?" 

Gojo's heart sinks, body deflating as he pockets the necklace that he had planned to give you; a heart locket with a picture from your wedding day inside of it. Megumi watches his adoptive father's shaking hands, and a pang of curiosity flows through his body, but he makes no mention of it.  

"Oh, no reason. I just wanted to give her something," Gojo answers dismissively, waving his hand at Megumi before he lets out a disappointed sigh.  

Everything was perfect? 

"I understand, I'll tell Shoko to prepare a bed now," Ichiji says with a swift nod, though it doesn't go unnoticed how he swallows the lump in his throat. He removes the phone from his ear, pressing down on its red "hang-up" button and stowing the device away in his pocket.  

Curiously, Gojo peers at the assistant manager through his blindfold, tilting his head curiously as the younger man stands from his seat, beelining for the door and disappearing into the hallway.  

The snowy-haired male stands, following closely behind Ichiji and watching as the man's back tenses, his hands curling into white-knuckled fists. What the fuck was going on? 

His breath catches in his throat as he enters the infirmary. One of the tables is occupied, the body covered by a thin white tarp that's stained with the blood of whoever lies underneath.  

Ichiji glances at Shoko, who only stares down at the stained tarp with a numb glint to her eyes. Her hand extends, fingers wrapping over the top of the tarp and lowering it to reveal who lies beneath.  

Gojo's stomach turns.  

Was everything perfect? 

Read part two here!

His head was so quiet. 

Your head was so loud. 

That voice didn’t belong to you, nor did it belong to the pink-haired boy who stares at you with widened, scared eyes. His hands shake as they reach out for you, but there’s something that stops him from closing the distance.  

You blink, eyes heavy as something inside of your chest twists — almost painfully so. You lift a hand to the front of your shirt, bunching up the fabric and glancing up at Yuuji. He still looks downright horrified, but you can’t seem to figure out why. 

And suddenly … everything in your head was silent.  

In front of you stretched an endless void, the light diminishing completely before you could even process that it was there. You open your mouth to speak, or to yell for help, but nothing but a pathetic garble falls from your parted lips. 

“Hmm, didn’t think I would enjoy a brat’s body quite as much as I do this one.”  

It’s your voice, but at the same time, it isn’t. 

Yuuji’s heart drops to his stomach, widened eyes burning with tears. Now he knew why you sounded so different.  

Those dark black marks. 

Those rings around your wrists. 

That sadistic glint to your usually softened eyes.  

No. 

Yuuji stares silently, his heart now in his throat as he stares at you … or rather … your body.  

Your eyes flicker up to meet his own, and he can see the last traces of you being promptly snuffed out like a candle left out for too long.  

“Let her go.” 

A deep chuckle that feels so unlike you tumbles from your parted lips. Your head tilts back, eyes glaring down your nose at Yuuji.  

Yuuji swallows the growing lump in his throat, clenching his hands into white-knuckled fists.  

Shit. 

Do you guys wanna see this continued? I half-assed this in class LMAO.  

Tagged - @quinnyundertow, @pweewee

A/N - This is a part 2 to this piece!

Word Count - 0.9k

! PIECE BEGINS UNDERNEATH THE CUT !

Yuuji swallows the growing lump in his throat, clenching his hands into white-knuckled fists.  

Shit. 

< … > 

"Let her go," he says, willing his voice to be firm, but it falls short. He knows that he must sound absolutely pathetic in comparison to what he wants, but words were his only weapon.  

He couldn't clench his fists and fight – not when it was you. 

"So desperate. This little body must mean worlds to you, am I right brat?"  

Yuuji swallows the growing lump in his throat, staring into your eyes and wondering if somehow, you're staring back at him. He hopes that you're there somewhere, and wherever you were, he could reach you. 

He just needed to stall for long enough to make that happen.  

"Just let her go," Yuuji begs, taking a brave step forward. You … or rather Sukuna … takes a step away from him, creating distance that only shoves Yuuji's heart further down into his stomach. "You can do whatever you want, but just don't--" 

"You dare order me around? I spared you," Sukuna growls, tipping your head upward so that you could glare down your nose at Yuuji. He gulps, the coldness of your eyes such a foreign sight.  

"You said that … that you wouldn't do anything to hurt her," Yuuji recalls, desperation seeping into his tone as he takes another step towards Sukuna. Sukuna retaliates by forcing your body backward again. 

"When was I ever known to keep such meaningless promises?" Sukuna curls your lips upward into a smirk, tilting your head to the side and watching as Yuuji's face pales.  

Suddenly, your body contorts, your right hand curling into a white-knuckled fist that you promptly ram into your chest. Sukuna coughs, tilting your head down to glance at where your fist had connected with your chest.  

Yuuji watches in shock – watches as your right fist reels back again, this time connecting with your cheek. Again, Sukuna splutters, legs buckling slightly under the force with which you had punched up into your own face.  

"(Y/N)?" he mutters to himself, tilting his head. Sukuna, or rather you, jerk your head towards Yuuji. For a split second, just a singular split second, he can see that flicker of warmth that was just purely you.  

"That brat is … damn it," Sukuna snarls, nose crinkling in both frustration and disgust. He reaches your left hand towards your right, curling your fingers around your wrist and roughly tugging it downward.  

Somewhere in the darkness, you clench your hands into fists, operating blindly. This was your body. 

“Fucking brat!” Sukuna suddenly yells, your fingers losing grip over your own wrist. Your left hand releases your right, and once again, your fist connects with your cheek.  

Yuuji watches, eyes widening as the realization of what you were doing slowly seeps in. He has been right — you were still somewhere in there. 

“(Y/N)!” Yuuji yells out, bravely sprinting from his place and locking his arms around your waist, ignoring Sukuna’s vicious yells of protest. He tugs your back flush against his chest, closing his eyes and ignoring the pain that erupts in his chest as Sukuna forces you to squirm in Yuuji's hold. 

"Unhand me!" Sukuna shouts, kicking out one of your legs in the hopes that it would loosen Yuuji's grip. It doesn't. 

Your right hand trembles before shooting upward, palm covering your eyes and gripping tightly onto your temples. Sukuna lets out a frustrated shout, lips pulling back in an angered snarl. 

"C'mon (Y/N), c'mon," Yuuji whispers pleadingly, digging his heels into the ground and tightening his grip. Your body trembles for a moment, shaking against him before falling completely limp. "(Y/N)!" 

"And just what makes you think that you can take this body back?" Sukuna tilts his head at you, circling you like a lion would its prey. Calculating red eyes narrow at you, pupils narrowed into snake-like slits as you stare helplessly back at the King of Curses.  

"I won't let you--" 

"You won't let me what? You do understand how absolutely powerless you are in comparison to me, don't you?" Sukuna barks out a laugh, roughly taking hold of your face and forcing your gaze upon him.  

Your eyes water at the sudden pressure applied to your skin, body shaking as Sukuna lowers his face to be inches from yours – nose to nose.  

"I'll kill him with your hands," Sukuna smirks at you, relishing in the expression of horror that falls over your face. He bites back the rising laugh in his throat, instead releasing his hold on your face.  

You stare helplessly, lowering your head and staring down at your hands. Sukuna bends, kneeling in front of you and tilting his head.  

"What'll it be?" 

"(Y/N) …?" Yuuji murmurs, hands cradling either side of your face. He blinks back the tears in his eyes, staring down at your face and smiling as your eyes flicker to meet his own. His lips part to greet you again, eyes already crinkling at the corners.  

The marks on your face and wrists haven't … haven't faded.  

"(Y/N) …?" Yuuji whispers again, watching as you remove yourself from his lap and rise to your feet. Your back turns to him, then your head tilts to catch a glance of him from over your shoulder.  

Your lips curl upward into a smirk, eyes narrowing and eyebrows furrowing together. "(Y/N) is gone …" 

Yuuji's eyes widen, heart sinking as he too rises to his feet. His hands go slack as he stares at you.  

" … brat." 

HEHE if y'all want an alternate ending please let me know, but I had so much fucking fun writing this! 

A/N - I don't really know what this is, but I randomly thought of this because of those fucking TikTok slideshows.

"And Yuuji?" 

The pink-haired teenager turns, eyes meeting your awaiting gaze. His lips curl upward in a smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.  

"Yeah?" 

"Be careful out there." 

Yuuji's smile widens – if that was even possible – and he sends a thumbs-up in your direction. "You got it!" 

No, no, no, no. 

"Kugisaki! Run!" Yuuji shouts, hand desperately extending in the direction of his friend. His eyes widen as the sound of a slap echoes throughout the otherwise empty train terminal. He can feel his heart promptly stopping in his chest as Mahito continues running, only turning once he's skidded to a stop a few inches behind Nobara's back.  

His head turns, eyes casting a glance over his shoulder. A grin spreads over his face at the destruction he's caused, a childlike glint to his eyes as he watches Nobara's palm cover the eye that he had touched.  

You stare silently from your place, eyes wide at the scene that begins to unfold in front of you. You had seen this somewhere before, a muddled memory that featured different figures – but it was a dangerous similarity nonetheless. 

Yuuji freezes in place, watching as Nobara's eyes cast themselves to the ground, her palm still covering her right eye. Her expression conveys just how conflicted she is, but for a moment, there's a moment of acceptance.  

That's where you'd seen it before.  

A bright eyed girl with her entire life ahead of her and a boy who only wanted to help her. Then, just like the snapping of someone's fingers, gone is the girl.  

And left behind is the boy to grapple with the aftermath of her death.  

With a smile on her face, Nobara uncovers her eye, allowing Yuuji to see the veins beneath her skin. Already they are enflamed – both she and Yuuji know what is going to happen, and shockingly, she accepts it.  

Yuuji shakes his head, slowly approaching Nobara. He doesn't want it to be true … she knows that there's no other outcome.  

"Y'know … it wasn't so bad," Nobara admits with a closed-eye smile. She chuckles breathily, a tear slipping down from her uninjured eye. Her head tilts, her bangs flopping momentarily over her eyes before the veins in her right eye expand and explode.  

Yuuji stares, eyes widened in horrified shock as the body of one of his closest friends falls to the floor with a lifeless, heavy thud.  

You remember seeing that exact expression worn by another face, one that had blurred with time, but one that you had once regarded with a love so pure that surely anyone would be jealous of it.  

From your place behind Yuuji, all you can do is watch – just as you had done all of those years ago. All you can do is watch as he stares down at her corpse, just like another had done. 

But this time … 

… you approach Yuuji carefully. Extending your hand, you lay your palm flat against his back, turning him to face you while your eyes never leave Nobara.  

Her eyes stare blankly up at the ceiling, devoid of any and all of the warmth that once encapsulated her irises. You'd seen that before too.  

"I--" Yuuji begins, but the thought is cut off as a sob rises in his throat. His eyes crinkle, tears falling from where they had been clinging to his bottom lash line. His body turns, arms wrapping tightly around your midsection.  

You say nothing as you return his embrace, allowing him to bury his face away into your shoulder – likely not wanting to stare into the lifeless eyes of one of his best friends. "Shh." 

"Geto-san," Yuuji whimpers into your shoulder, then dissolving into tears. You screw your eyes shut, trying your best to mask the shaky sigh that falls from your lips. You turn your head, laying your cheek against the top of his head and squeezing him tighter into your embrace.  

"I know," you say shakily, swallowing your own tears, "I know." 

This is self-indulgent comfort because hey, guess who just read chapter 236?

Also, consider this my official apology for this post.

This wasn't real.  

"C'mon Satoru, get up," you all but beg, fingers folding uncomfortably into one another as you stare forward. You already know that everyone else is staring at you, watching you, gauging their own reactions based off of what you display.  

He wasn't losing, was he? 

You tug your bottom lip between your teeth, continuing to watch as he pushed himself further and further towards a limit that you didn't know if he could bounce back from. The pit in your stomach only grew with each blow that he sustained, it grew with each drop of blood he lost and it grew with each Domain Expansion that he managed to pull off. 

No. He was the strongest, he'd be fine. 

At your side is Yuuji, his hand holding onto yours so tightly that you can feel your bones begin to crack. Even with the slightly uncomfortable sensation, you say nothing – Yuuji needed to feel the comfort of something familiar, and that just so happened to be you.  

And then … silence. 

Satoru Gojo … on the floor … eyes staring blankly up at the sky … blood everywhere.  

"…'toru?" 

You begin to tremble, the shake beginning in your fingers before slowly traveling up your body like a snake, coiling and twisting over your bones and biting into you – its fangs leaving behind a poisonous panic. 

"Satoru--!" 

"Hmm? Wha – what happened?"  

Your eyes shoot open, beads of sweat dripping down your forehead and making your hair cling uncomfortably to your skin. Your body propels itself upward, feet kicking off the blankets that cover you – it was warm, too warm.  

"Hey, hey, what's goin' on?"  

Your head swivels to the side, nearly giving yourself whiplash. There, at your side, is that familiar tuft of snowy-white hair and bright aquamarine eyes that soften at the panicked expression you wear. Satoru. 

You open your mouth to say something, but instead of a coherent sentence, all your body is able to produce is a broken sob. And right on cue, Satoru's arms are locked around you, tugging you to his chest and allowing you to bury your face into his shoulder. 

Your nails bite into his back as you sob into him, body trembling with the weight of your cries. Though the feeling of you scratching him was a touch painful, there was nothing that would stop him from comforting you – not when you were this distressed.  

"Hey … hey. Shh, 'm right here," Satoru murmurs into your hair, laying gentle kisses against your hairline as his fingers rub comforting circles into the small of your back. "Shh." 

You feel yourself begin to calm as the familiar tingle of Infinity washes over you, draped over your shoulders like a blanket fresh from the dryer. Its warmth reminds you of the safety that Satoru's arms provide, how he would never let anything happen to you. That you were safe. That he was safe.  

That whatever you saw when your eyes were closed was nothing but a story told by your imagination.  

"Don't leave me 'toru … ever," you mumble into Satoru's shirt, voice breaking to release a small sob. His arms tighten around you, cheek pressing into your hair. He can feel his heart tightening in his chest – mind wrapping around just how small you sounded. How desperate. Frail.  

He sighs, craning his neck and laying his palm against your cheek, lifting your head and guiding your tear-filled gaze to meet his softened one. His lips turn upward in a smile, the pad of his thumb swiping against the tears that roll silently down your cheeks.  

"Hey, there she is," he murmurs warmly, tone dripping with affection and a softness that he could only ever reserve for you. Satoru leans down, pressing a lingering kiss to your forehead. At the contact, your eyes momentarily shut, as if committing the very feeling of him against you to memory.  

"I'm here. Not goin' anywhere just yet." 

His thumb swipes against your bottom lashes, wiping away those last few tears that cling so desperately to your waterline, wanting to fall but not being brave enough to make the final choice. Satoru smiles again – silently wanting you to do the same.  

Even though your heart still aches and your mind still reminds you of what you had seen … you smile too.  

Because deep down, in that little safe kept in your chest, you know that Satoru wouldn't go down so easily. At the end of the day, just like he had promised you … 

... he would always be on the other side of the front door.  

"Cleaning up?" Geto asks with a curious tilt of his head, watching as you lift another framed photograph from your bedside table. You smile, turning on your heel.  

"Yeah, that and I wanted to replace a couple of the pictures," you answer, gesturing to the photo frames lying face up on your bed. Geto follows your gaze, humming thoughtfully. "Want to help me pick them out?" 

Geto smiles, closing the distance between you both and placing a sweet kiss against your forehead. Your arms wrap around his waist, holding him close to you. His eyes wander down to the photograph in your hands – it was one of you, himself, Nanako, and Mimiko.  

Nanako and Mimiko are hanging off of Geto's outstretched arms, their lips turned upward in bright smiles. You're standing just in front of Geto, hands hovering beneath the twin girls just in case either one of them were to fall.  

"Don't replace that one," Geto says suddenly, reaching a larger hand out and taking the frame from you. He smiles at it, then returning it to your hand. You chuckle breathily, stepping out of his embrace and turning to glance at the other photographs you had laid out on your bed.  

"I like that one too. But what about these?" 

You receive no answer. 

"Sugu?" You turn back to where he had been standing, tilting your head curiously. The space he occupied was empty.  

"Mama? Who are you talkin' to?" Nanako peeks her head into your bedroom, her eyebrows pinching together in confusion as she pushes your door open. You still, eyes flickering down to the frame in your hands. Your fingers tighten over it, eyes pricking with tears. "Mama?" 

"Nothin' honey," you reply tearfully, smiling shakily at her as you swipe the backs of your knuckles against your eyes.  

"It was nobody." 

The Anomaly || JJK || Masterlist

summary : In which you're isekai'd from your (own) parallel Jujutsu Kaisen universe to the canon universe.

Pairing: Jujutsu Kaisen X Reader, eventually Character x Reader (idk who yet tho)

A/N: Bonus chapters can be read by as a standalone.

Prologue

Chapter 1: Alone

Chapter 2: The Origin of Blind Obedience

Chapter 3: Accomplices

Chapter 4: Homesick

Chapter 5: It's Like That

Chapter 6: Evening Festival

Chapter 7: The Shibuya Incident

Chapter 8: Seance

Chapter 9: Flunctations

Chapter 10: Flunctations pt.2

Chapter 11: Thunderclap

Chapter 12: Right and Wrong

| Bonus Chapter: Nanami Kento

Chapter 13: Right and Wrong pt.2

| Bonus Chapter: Nobara Kugisaki

Chapter 14: Right and Wrong pt.3

Chapter 15: Metamorphosis

Chapter 16: Shibuya Incident: Gate Closed

Chapter 17: Death Sentence

The Anomaly || JJK

Chapter 9: Flunctations

summary : In which you're isekai'd from your (own) parallel Jujutsu Kaisen universe to the canon universe.

wordcount : 2.5k

Pairing: Jujutsu Kaisen X Reader, eventually Character x Reader (idk who yet tho)

Masterlist | Next

The object which contains the veil is destroyed by Yuuji, and you can't help but notice how pretty the veil looks beautiful as it dissipates into nothing.

" wait- the anti sorcerer veil is the only one that got lifted, right? But didn't we break three of these? Including the one Ino broke?"

Yuuji realizes. Megumi's eyes are on you. You look distracted. After the veil went down, your eyes returned to the direction where the odd pull of cursed energy is coming from.

" You okay?" 

You snap back to reality, glancing back at Megumi, who looks as unbothered as always.

" Yeah, just- nevermind." 

You sigh, shaking your head. Things were brewing in Shibuya. This could be a trap, no matter how familiar the feeling is. Megumi searches your expression, but he doesn't push it. You'll find out what that call is later. You're needed here now.

" Either they used all three to lower one veil, or the other two were dummies. Either way, sorcerers are free to move now. That leaves the veil trapping Gojo sensei and the veil trapping the civilians. I wanted to interrogate the old man, but it looks like he's out cold."

You glance at the man, who's laid unconscious against a fence. 

" I could heal him partially?"

" That's a waste of effort. There's no guarantee he'll work with us. We should rejoin Ino and-."

" Ino!" 

Like he was summoned, the guy appears to be plummeting from the sky, not to far away from you. Megumi is quick to summon Nue, while Yuuji jumps down, a short cut of some sort. You uncap the water skin with clean water, coming to his aid as Yuuji catches him.

He looks bad. He's all roughed up, bleeding particularly nasty from the top of his head. You don't waste any time. Manipulating the water to surround your hands, you press them to the wound on his forehead. To your worry, he doesn't react to it. Nonetheless, the wound heals, the water on your hands melting into his skin.

" Y/N, your water-" 

" Yeah, I know. It's alright, it does that with heavier injuries." 

You explain, continuing to heal the wounds on him which you can see. The ones that look particular nasty. More and more of your water melts into his skin, but you'll be fine. 

Besides, you can always use your own sweat to work with, no matter how uncomfortable and weird that is.

" Don't heal everyone you see. We need you in battle." 

You shake your head.

" I can't not do that, Megumi. I'm a healer first." 

Megumi sighs at your words. You smile at Him.

" Don't worry. I never run out of water sources.- Anyway, Ino won't be able to fight anymore, he'll have to tap out." 

" I'm gonna go beat them up."

" Itadori, I understand how you feel, but what's our priority right now?" 

Yuuji sighs.

" Gojo sensei." 

" The veil's lifted. Those guys might've escaped already. Let's get Ino out of here."

" Take care of Ino for me." 

Your mouth opens slightly in surprise, your eyes shifting from Ino to Yuuji.

" Where are you going?"

" I'll head to the station." 

In a way, it's the best option. But the idea of operating in Shibuya alone right now?

" All right, but-" 

" If I die, you'll kill me, right?" 

Yuuji's grinning, pointing fingers guns at Megumi. 

Megumi seems surprised, but doesn't verbally react to it for a moment.

" Besides, I have Mechamaru with me. Even though he has been quiet for a while." 

Megumi sighs, getting up. Nue flexes it's wings as Megumi does so, ready to take off with Ino on hs back.

" All right, as long as you understand." 

" I can come with you?" 

" No." 

Both guys are quick to turn down your offer, causing you to raise a questionable brow.

" What's that supposed to mean? " 

" You have to stay alive. You can't die in our universe. " 

" Exactly. And I'm going where it's more dangerous, so you'll be safer with Fushiguro." 

You give both of them an offended look.

" Are you calling me weak?" 

Yuuji blinks, an obvious sign that he absolutely did not mean that. Megumi sighs too.

" Don't be fussy about it, Y/N. You must have people back at home who are worried about you. You can't die here. It's cruel." 

Megumi fixes you with a look, and you pout, before sighing. He's right. Your parents, your friends, they must all be incredibly worried about you. Hell, with how long you've been here, you wouldn't be surprised if they were mourning your death. You want to see them at least once, before you die.

" Fine. But just... be careful." 

Yuuji grins at you, nodding. 

" Don't worry. I'll be there the day we find you a way back home. " 

He's playfully winking at you, and then he's running off.

You and Megumi turn around, making your way towards the edge of the veil trapping civilians. 

Every few seconds, he glances at you. You know him well enough to know that he wants to ask a question.

" Hm?  What is it?" 

For a moment he doesn't say anything, walking on, but eventually, he finally speaks.

" What had you so distracted earlier?" 

You turn to him in surprise.

" Oh. Something is pulling at my cursed energy. I've felt it before, but I just can't remember where." 

He sends you a worried glance.

" Pulling at your cursed energy? " 

" Yeah. Like someone else is using it. Which is weird, because I don't exist in this universe." 

A real pity. He thinks to himself.

" Like a call?" 

" Exactly like that." 

" Do you still feel it?" 

You nod.

" I do." 

" Where is it coming from?" 

You stop walking, glancing in a specific direction.

" It's sort of distant, but my guess it's that it's coming from somewhere on the other side of Shibuya." 

-

Inumaki Toge was annoying, and useless. 

Now of course, Sukuna was well aware that he was simply greater than his senpai, especially in hand to hand combat, considering the Heavenly Pact he's been blessed with at birth. However, he also knows that Toge's cursed technique can simply step on him like a bug. 

By now, Sukuna has realized that there's something wrong. He's definitely not home, and this Inumaki seems to be completely unfamiliar with him. Every move he taught his senpai was not being used currently. Nonetheless, Inumaki is throwing punch after punch, trying to aim on his face. A stupid move. He knew all his schoolmate's fighting styles', and there were only a few who stood a fair chance against him in hand to hand combat. Zen'In Maki, and Itadori Yuuji. Not Inumaki Toge. 

What Sukuna doesn't understand is that Inumaki was not using his cursed technique. If he wished, he could have easily defeated him with a few words. Currently, Sukuna simply dances around him, using the space around him to their advantage. He's sparred with you often enough to know how you move. He knows it well enough to copy in a situation like this. In fact, the only reason he's ever been able to beat you is because he can predict your movements. An opponent who'd stand against you with no knowledge of how you move, would lose in a heartbeat.

Either way, he was starting to grow bored. Smoothly avoiding punches and kicks can only be so much fun. Finally, he throws a punch back. And of course, it hits Inumaki square in the stumic, sending him flying back into the building.

Sukuna blinks in a bored manner at him. Yeah, this guy definitely wasn't familiar with him.

" You've got no idea where the little shit is, do you?" 

Inumaki coughs, holding his stumic as he gets up. he's visibly sweating the situation. Sukuna shakes his head again, glancing at the mess of curses running around behind them.

" We've wasted enough time fighting. Just answer some questions of mine... please." 

Sukuna hates the word please. Inumaki blinks at him, surprised, though his suspicious is confirmed. This must be the Sukuna from your universe indeed.

" Is Y/N here?" 

Inumaki nods. 

A new kind of feeling spreads through Sukuna's body. Hope, longing. He can't wait to see you again.

" Is she alright? Is she here?" 

Inumaki shrugs his shoulders. Sukuna nods, turning to face the curses, who have slowly begun to bother citizens.

" Kay'.-" 

He likes to pretend he doesn't care.

" You do you. I'll handle it here."

And just like that, he goes back to ripping through curses left and right. The display is disgusting, blood splattering everywhere. People around him seem to be uncertain whether to be terrified of him or not. However, he can't find it in himself to care.

As much as he hates it, you'll have to wait. He has to take care of these annoying, ugly creatures first.

-

Both your and Megumi's eyes simultaneously widen.

" Is that...?"

"A domain." 

Both of you have arrived somewhere, you're not even sure where or why, but you're there, and that's that. 

Allies of you are in there. without a doubt.  But how does one even go in there?  You've haven't reached the level or circumstance to create your own domain just yet, nor do you have the same raw strength Yuuji seems to have.

Both of you are sweating. Hard.

" Y/N. Hold onto my arm." 

Megumi isn't looking at you as he speaks, his gaze focused on the ball in front of you as he approaches.

You send him a furrowed brow. However, noticing he's clapping his hands together, your eyes widen.

" You can do a domain expansion?"

He nods.

You follow his command, your hand holding his arm gently.

" yeah- since the mission under the bridge.- It's not perfect yet."

In any other situation, he might've reveled in the feeling of your hands on him. But you've got business to take care of.

Within seconds, Megumi's domain is up and running, and soon enough, he breaks through the barrier of the other domain.

" Maki!" 

This domain is built up of the ocean. And even though it's made up of cursed energy that's not your own, you can still feel it.

It's is build on the power of the ocean. Of a place where you're at your most powerful.

Meanwhile Maki's eyes widen. 

" Megumi!" 

A little too enthusiast, the two of you had launched yourselves into the domain, sending you jumping quite a height that left you feeling a little bottomless. As someone who's natural element is water, you don't mind bottomless, usually. However, you find that you do mind the bottomless feeling when you're skyhigh, where you can see the floor coming towards you. From the corner of your eye, you can see something red and black manifest. A weapon. You understand the gist, and throw it in Maki's direction.

" Y/N. That octopus thing is the source of this domain." 

You nod at Megumi.

" Don't worry, I've got your back. " 

Meanwhile, the octopus thing turns towards the two of you.

" You dare voluntarily invade my domain? How foolish." 

At once, he sends some kind of huge eels at you. You reach out, your own cursed energy managing to take his own in a chokehold. If it was only you right now, you'd test your limits, and see if you could take control of his domain. However, you're not alone. You have people to watch out for. So instead, you deploy your cursed technique in ways you're well aware of.

Creating the rings of water you're so fond of, you manipulate his cursed energy to your will. the cursed energy in the form of water cuts through both eels, and the two of you safely make it to the ground while Maki whacks her special grade cursed tool across the curse's back.

" What is that?" 

" Cloud jumper." 

You nod at Megumi's words. You've never seen that weapon before, but Maki makes good use of it, whacking him with it once again.

Meanwhile, he also sends two more creatures at you. You furrow your brows, stepping in front of Megumi protectively. Megumi opens his mouth to warn you, call you back. But he's left to watch in amazement as you manipulate the water below to cut into the first creature with ease. You turn your attention to the other one, but Nanami beats you to it, his 7:3 technique hitting yet again.

" What about the other two?" 

Nanami asks, holding a protective stance in front of the two of you.

" Ino's tapped out. Itadori is acting on his own." 

" I'll cover you, please focus on your domain." 

You glance at him.

" Let me handle this. I can use the curse's cursed energy. " 

Nanami's eyes are wide as he looks at you.

Nonetheless, you nod at him with confidence.

Nanami nods. You glance quickly at Megumi, noticing his bleeding nose. Your eyes widen in worry.

" Megumi-" 

" I'm fine. Cover for me.- Nanami, the octopus thinks our domains are pushing for control. But that's not what I'm after. I'm going to create a hole. The one we entered through is already sealed. It's harder from the inside, but I can make it large enough for someone to pass through for a few seconds. The edge of this barrier is right below me. I know because I can feel it. I'm ready anytime. All three of you need to jump in at once."

Nanami throws a serious glance back at the teenager.

" The two of you are not planning on staying behind, are you?" 

" I think I have a chance in taking control of this domain. I'll get Megumi and me out of here." 

Megumi grins.

" We're risking our lives. But we're not planning on throwing it away." 

Soon enough, Nanami is yelling  for the other two to join. 

" Quick, right below Fushiguro's feet." 

You focus on the curse in front of you, creating a huge circle of spinning water around you. If it were to get to close, it would cut right through it.

However, your focus falters as someone enters the domain.

Especially as you see who it is.

Fushiguro Toji.

[ A/N:  Thank you for your quick reactions, besties <3, drabbles will join after Shibuya arc.] 

The Anomaly Taglist:

@luxylucylou @kalulakunundrum @strxbxrrylover @aethersslave @jenniferrvsesi @hanatsuki-hime @betizda

The Anomaly || JJK

Chapter 12: Right and Wrong

summary : In which you're isekai'd from your (own) parallel Jujutsu Kaisen universe to the canon universe.

wordcount : 2.3k

Pairing: Jujutsu Kaisen X Reader, mostly platonic, you're really just part of the story

Masterlist | Next

Sukuna finds himself walking aimlessly along the streets of Shibuya. You're in his arms, your eyes closed, fast asleep. For now, you're breathing, and that's enough. He hopes you hold on. He hopes you're using your technique subconsciously to keep yourself alive.

He's in search of a water source, a big one. A simple tap won't do anymore. He needs something bigger. Preferably a pond or a river. 

The city is dead silent. A result of their Sukuna.

His carbon copy.

Who's sharing a body with Yuuji.

It makes his mind spin. Loads of questions rising to his brain. Why were Yuuji and him one? Why was his carbon copy so set on killing you? What even was going on in Shibuya? Where was that dork Gojo when you need him? Where were his classmates? Will Megumi be alright? He looked pretty roughed up against that wall after all.

Sukuna closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. 

Aimless questions weren't going to solve this.

Thanks to the silence, he can finally hear a stream. Opening his eyes, he walks to the other side of the street, noting that it caves into a passage way for water. It's less clean than he'd like, but it's the only way you'll heal. 

You've healed yourself on a mission in Kyoto before. He'd laid you in a bed of water back then as well, and found out your body will heal in it's subconscious too. You'll simply have to do it again.

He climbs over the fence, carefully sliding down the area, on his knees as he holds your body securely, half of it dipped in the cold water.

He can't help but blame himself that this had happened. Ever since that mission in Kyoto, where you nearly died as well, he swore to himself that he would get stronger.

Your entire life, people had been looking down on you when they were supposed to look up at you. Your clan elders cast you aside, claiming you were a blemish in their clan due to your half foreign roots and your appearance when you were only a child. The rest of the clan had been mean to you, rude to you for a long time. And when you finally developed your cursed technique, they still wouldn't accept you.

Sukuna had seen it all happen. And he hated it. First cast aside for your blood, then cast aside for your cursed technique, whilst also remaining cast aside because the friendships you held outside of the clan.

It didn't make any sense. You're a great, kind person. But all they seemed to want was weapons in the form of people.

He doesn't remember when, but he vividly remembers promising to himself that he'd be there for you. Whatever you need. He'll make sure you'll never have to be alone as long as he's alive. (He once admitted this to Yuuji, a few days back. His twin had laughed at him, and had called him a simp- Sukuna punched him.)

He doesn't realize he's lost in thought until you stir, your reverse curse technique having apparently worked it's magic.

You cough as you slowly get up in his arm, your hand pressing itself against his chest in order to stabilize yourself.

" Kuna'?-"

Sukuna releases a sign of relief, grateful that you're alive. He holds your body the slightest bit tighter, pulling you closer to him.

" You little shit. Finally, I find you, and you just go around nearly dying. Honestly, what were you thinking?"

You smile at his words, his worry concealed poorly in his words.

" I missed you too."

His hold on you is still gentle, and you melt in his warm embrace like you've done countless times before, hugging him to yourself. He relaxes, returning the gesture. Suddenly, you tense again, pulling away from him.

" Where's Yuuji?"

Sukuna raises a brow.

" I didn't know what to do or how to act, I left him to gather his thoughts."

Your eyes widen.

" Kuna! He must feel like a monster when he's innocent, we have to go join him!-"

You're quick to get out of his arms, up the ledge, looking behind you, obviously expecting him to follow.

He raises a brow, though he does follow you.

" Hold up- I have questions. What the fuck just happened? I nearly killed who I thought to be myself and he turned out to be Yuuji. What is that all about?"

You bite your lip. 

Right, you should've expected that question.

" Things are a little odd, different here-"

" What? Tell me everything."

" I was getting there, You impatient nut.- Anyway, among the oddest things here there's Yuuji's situation. In this world, you were a sorcerer a thousand years ago. The most powerful one of all, you were given the name Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses. Your technique is rumored to be slicing. I didn't want to take chances in the fight we just had.."

Sukuna's eyes are wide as he looks blankly at the street in front the two of you, taking in everything you're saying.

He's never been particularly fond of Jujutsu sorcerers. Knowing that he was one in this universe a thousand years ago gives him mixed feelings. Because ew, he was a sorcerer. But also, he was the strongest one around.

You walk closer to him, linking your arm with his while you walk. You've missed walking like this, with him. It was comforting to finally have someone of your own universe again.

" Which is why you resorted to manipulating Yuuji's blood."

You nod in confirmation. You hate doing that.

" Yeah.. Ryomen Sukuna was put in 20 separate cursed objects because they couldn't kill him all those years ago. 20 fingers. Yuuji eats them and inherits his cursed energy that way. I'm not sure how many he's had so far- Either way, Ryomen Sukuna is a lunatic. He wants to kill everyone as far as I'm concerned.."

You fall silent for a moment, judging his reactions.

" What else is different here?"

" Oh. Uhm, I'm not in this universe. Megumi is nice to me and uhh... I'm not sure. That's all I think."

He hums, nodding. For a moment, it's silent between the two of you as you walk. Obviously, he's deep in thought, taking in everything you just shared with him.

" ... What would you do if this happened again?"

You glance at him, raising a brow in question.

" What?"

" When Yuuji turns into me again.... I know what Jujutsu regulations ask."

" I'm not killing him, if that's what you're asking. I don't care what regulations state. And if he ends up killing me... Well, so be it."

Sukuna hums, having expected that answer.

" What about you?"

" ...I don't think I could kill him even if I wanted you. He's my brother. "

You hum, understanding his words.

-

Nanami Kento is alive.

Sort of. 

For now.

He's stepping into the metro station, his thoughts completely elsewhere.

He's always wanted to go to Malaysia. Build a cabin, spend the rest of his life away on a beach, in a cottage he might even build himself, reading away the many books he had gotten, but never had a chance to read, leaving them lying around.

Kuantan would be perfect.

Perhaps he'd invite you over.

Kamo Y/N.

Curious person. Curious cursed technique.

He couldn't help but wonder, was your cursed technique meant for killing? It was much too beautiful for that, in his opinion. He's seen you use your reverse cursed technique. 

The world of Jujutsu isn't meant for you, or is it? Perhaps, you too belong on a beach, surrounded like the ocean. For some silly reason he can't explain, he feels like he knows you. Perhaps your time in his universe was meddling memories from his other life into his own, the one in your universe. He can swear he's been to places with you. That you've hung out together, like friends. 

He has questions he wants to ask you. Questions about your cursed technique. Questions about your world. Questions about the him you might know. Questions about what things are like in your universe. He hasn't even gotten the chance to ask you anything yet.

However, he's tired. Exhausted even. 

At this point, he's just aimlessly ripping through curses left and right.

Meanwhile, you and Sukuna find yourselves entering the metro station from another side.

" You hear that?" 

You raise a brow at your best friend. 

" Hear what?" 

" Oh right.-" 

Sukuna tends to forget that his heavenly pact increases his senses.

" There's a fight going on, a few meters in front of us.- How much cursed energy do you have left?" 

" Uhm, barely anything. " 

" How much reverse cursed energy?" 

" More than enough to survive." 

He nods, glancing around, he spots bathrooms, his eyes widen at the opportunity.

" Y/N, come." 

He's tugging you along towards the bathrooms before you can resist, heading straight towards the men's restrooms.

" Woah, hold up. Ain't no way I'm going in there. I'm a woman!" 

" Y/N, no one's in here. let's just fill up your water skins and go. That way you can still make use of your last bits of cursed energy." 

Ignoring your complaints, he successfully tugs you in the men's restrooms. The two of you are quick to fill up your water reserves. Soon enough, to ones on your hip are full, and the one Sukuna carries with him is full as well.

Soon enough, the two of you continue on your way, only just in time to witness a horrid scene.

" You're here?" 

About twenty meters in front of you, Nanami Kento is stood. Half of his body is completely charred, angry red due to the burns he suffered. Behind him, the patchface curse is stood, it's hand ghosting over his back.

You spot Yuuji's red hood on the other side of the hallway.

" Yup, this whole time. " 

Both you and Sukuna move immediately.

" Kuna'! Don't let it touch you!"

Sukuna doesn't ask you to elaborate. Instead, he takes out his Chain out, the end hidden behind his back as he throws it at the curse. You don't remain still either. Focusing on the last remaining bits of your cursed energy, you focus on Nanami's blood, intending to pull his body away from the curse's touch.

Your heart stops as Nanami sighs, seemingly haven given up on himself already.

Sukuna's heart breaks as he notices the guy he recognizes as his twin brother call out softly for the other man, also rushing to the scene.

Finally, you're in range, Nanami's body swaying as you take control, at the same time, Sukuna's chain wraps around the curse's neck, about to pull him back.

" Itadori, you take it from here."

You're too late. Too slow. Perhaps both.

The curse gets flung to the side, straight into the wall by Sukuna's Chain. Nanami sways your way, but you stare in horror as his body convulses, his blood stream shattering as his skin turns blue, exploding.

For a moment, everyone is silent. Nanami's lower half falls to the floor in front of you, his blood splattering over your body. You stare at it in shock. Sukuna's eyes are wide too. One of the people he looks up to in his own universe, gone. Just like that.

The both of you get shaken out of your thoughts as Yuuji starts screaming.

" What the hell are you, Mahito?!" 

" I can hear you just fine without you yelling at me! Itadori Yuuji!" 

Both Yuuji and Sukuna charge at him.

Sukuna grasps at his belt loops, noticing he's missing something.

Fuck, where did his Inverted Spear of Heaven go? He doesn't linger too long on it. He'll search the streets of Shibuya later. Obviously, Yuuji has beef with this cursed spirit-man-being-thing, which means he has been with it too. Pulling his chain back, he makes way for Yuuji to break through. 

However, the curse throws something Yuuji's way, a small object. It creates a wall, avoiding him from being able to reach the curse.

" Now, who are you two?" 

The curse has turned to both you and Sukuna.

Sukuna's glare sharpens. 

From the corner of his eye, he notices you still completely in shock over what just happened, silent tears streaming over your face as you stare blankly in front of you.

" Y/N, focus. We have to mourn later. We have to kill this thing first." 

You blink, tears had already been streaming down your face, but he's right. You'll have to mourn later. Your expression hardens, and Mahito grins.

" Ah whatever. I want a real fight. You're not important because you don't even have cursed energy. And I don't know you." 

Shrugging, it turns around, focusing it's full attention on Yuuji.

You glance around you, noting the situation, a new kind of stillness overtaking you.

So much blood. So many innocent people who have died at the hands of this cursed spirit.

" Sukuna. Help Yuuji. There's something I have to try." 

Sukuna barely nods, and soon enough, he's closing in on the curse, Mahito, as well.

You turn around, running to opposite direction, deeper into the metro station. Perhaps, there are still people left to save,

You refuse to let Nanami Kento's death be in vain.

| Bonus Chapter: Nanami Kento

The Anomaly Taglist:

@luxylucylou @kalulakunundrum @strxbxrrylover @aethersslave @jenniferrvsesi @hanatsuki-hime @betizda

The Anomaly || JJK

Chapter 13: Right and Wrong, pt. 2

summary : In which you're isekai'd from your (own) parallel Jujutsu Kaisen universe to the canon universe.

wordcount : 2.6k

Pairing: Jujutsu Kaisen X Reader, mostly platonic, you're really just part of the story

Masterlist | Next

The metro stations are empty.

It doesn't take you long to find out, and instead you find your way above ground again, intending to join forces with Nobara, who must be lingering around somewhere without doubt.

" Inumaki!" 

Not too far from where you're stood just outside of the metro exit, is Inumaki stood, hunched over, holding his shoulder. Your eyes widen in horror as you realize that he's missing his arm.

Did that happen while you were fighting that curse user in the metro station earlier? 

Inumaki glances up at you, his eyes wide alert. His collar is left unzipped, showing his mouth, the marks of his cursed technique pinched together as he grits his teeth in pain.

You snap out of it, taking off the cap of one of your refilled water skins to come to his aid. You don't speak as you lower his zipper further. The part of his shirt on his left side is soaked through in blood. You can't imagine the pain. However, you don't linger on it, manipulating water like you've done often. The water engulfs his shoulder, and once your ability starts running through his body, he visibly collapses, resting his head against your shoulder while you do your best to heal him. 

Understandably, his wounds sucks up a lot of water. You've never healed a wound quite that bad before, never healed someone who lost a limb. Eventually, all that's left to heal is outer layers of his wound, his bloodpaths reattached.

Your peaceful moments get interrupted by a sudden curse flying your way. You grimace, focusing your cursed energy in your leg as you kick it away. 

For now, you pause your healing as you get ready to face this curse. Inumaki is quick to respond too. Obviously, he's completely out of shape currently, needing to rest and heal. However, it doesn't look like he's planning to do so. He readies his stance behind you, ready to fight by your side.

You narrow your eyes as you realize that the curse who attacked you is the same curse which was down in the metro station.

Did it follow you?

" Toge, step out of the barrier. If your shoulder gets hit my cursed technique will come undone. " 

Toge looks uncertain, his eyes switching between the curse spirit and you.

" Pickled mustard leaf."

'I'm not leaving you to fend for yourself. I can help.'

" You should help me by leaving, Toge. I can't witness any more people who I care for dying." 

Your voice is strong, certain, leaving no room for argument.

Meanwhile the curse spirit grins creepily.

" I've killed the other two. " 

It's lying. You know it is.

You scoff, Your cursed energy reaching for the remainder of your water kept inside of your water skins.

" You wish you could." 

With that said, you produce a harsh wave, sending him flying.

" Toge, Sukuna and I left Megumi in the shopping district of the city. We kinda... forgot him, to be honest. Please find him and take him outside of the barrier with you."

You don't leave any room for argument, chasing after the cursed spirit, reaching him in a heartbeat.

" I hope you're ready because we're going to end you today!" 

-

Yuuji and Sukuna are hot on Mahito's heel, following him with every step. That doesn't mean that things go flawlessly though.

Currently, both are running up the stairs, reaching another level of the metro station, only for Yuuji to get hit with a line of humans, their bodies stabbed through by Mahito's arm.

Sukuna's eyes widen.

What the fuck is this thing?

He jumps, avoiding Yuuji from collapsing into his body. In one smooth maneuver, he cuts the spirit's arm- or at least, attempts to.

Shit. He forgot to ask for his most prized weapon, stored safely in the space of your domain.

" This is funny. You look like Sukuna, but you have no cursed energy. " 

Mahito's grinning creepily.

Sukuna scoffs at him, sheating his sword back in it's sheat. Instead, he unties the cloth he has wrapped around his thigh, wrapping it around his hand. It's imbued with his universe' Yuuji's cursed energy, allowing his punches to have effect. He doesn't need a weapon to take the thing on. He'll wring him with his bare hands.

" Are you okay?" 

Yuuji is concerned, his hands gentle as he breaks the man's fall.

The man turns to face him.

" Yeah." 

He's not. The man's head turns blue before exploding, his blood splattering all over Yuuji. 

Mahito, who knew this would happen, is quick to close in on him, changing his hand into a weapon. Sukuna follows, Mahito's hit never coming in contact with Yuuji as as Sukuna interferes, punching it swiftly in it's side, sending him flying.

-

Nobara glances up, noting that something has flown into the roof behind her. She doesn't hesitate, sending nails it's way as it aims to punch her.

It's gone before she can see what it is, but soon enough, the cursed spirit comes running back, aiming an attack that elongates it's limbs in some sick way. The different ends of it's limbs punch into the ground harshly. Nobara, who had seen it aiming her way, runs, avoiding them from hitting her. She ends up on the roof, aiming yet another nail at it. 

It hits.

Finally, you return to the scene after that, jumping through the air in time to notice the curse expanding it's limbs once again. Thankfully, you had already been speeding water in that familiar lethal circle, and you slam it down.

The curse's eyes widen, pulling back just in time as your attack hits the ground. The ground cracks beneath the force, a huge slash left in it's awake.

It's eyes widen, amusement dancing in it's eyes.

It didn't expect you to have that kind of power. 

" Not bad!" 

It's amused, intrigued in your power. But did you have the ability to fight him? 

Either way, it chases after Nobara as you hit the floor, your newfound cursed energy recharged and ready to use as it leaves an indent where you hit the floor as you finally land.

Meanwhile Nobara is cautious to keep it's hands on a distance.

Good. She's aware of it's power.

" You're no fun." 

The cursed spirit is quick to charge at her again once it realizes she knows, throwing several objects her way.

Nobara doesn't back down, throwing nails in return and continuing and blocking it's attempts to harm her.

You don't back down either, charging at it as well. 

It's surprisingly smooth, evading your attacks while also managing to continue attacking her.

" Neither of you can beat me." 

He's probably right. Nanami mentioned in a report that only Yuuji's attacks seem to have effect on him. 

However-

" We know, but sometimes you just gotta try anyway!" 

Nobara's words are nothing short from the truth, and soon enough, you notice what's happening. You jump onto the roof, out of her way, as she jumps down, activating her cursed technique.

" Hairpin!" 

At once, the nails beneath the curse explode. Nobara grins, satisfied as it's hands are severed. She jumps on it next, slapping her strawdoll on its body and raising her hammer.

" I've been wanting to try this on you for a while now. Resonance!" 

Both of you grin at one another, before sharpening in on the situation again. Her technique is effective against it, which was understandably great. However-

" That was odd. I just felt my cursed energy explode somewhere else nearby. Let's see. Your cursed energy is weak, and you passed on the chance to grab me earlier too. You're some kind of double that can't use its technique, aren't you?" 

Your eyes widen at her words. She's right. It makes sense. 

The curse, or well, the curse's double, grins, licking it's own blood off it's face.

" Correct." 

Meanwhile, Sukuna and Yuuji are watching with wide eyes as several spikes puncture through Patchface, recognizing that cursed technique all too well.

" Nobara." 

" Sukuna! Now!" 

With that, the two of them rain down punch after punch on Mahito.

" Sukuna, once Nobara's cursed technique has worked out, let me do the punching. You don't have the cursed energy to protect yourself!" 

Yuuji's words have no ill intent, yet Sukuna scoffs, huffing with a nod, giving Mahito a particularly harsh punch and sending him flying.

" Tch. Fine. Don't concern yourself over me. You'll get distracted, and I'm not weak." 

Yuuji nods in acknowledgment, but doesn't react otherwise.

He doesn't know how to feel about Sukuna, especially because of what Ryomen Sukuna just did. Cursed energy or not, Itadori Sukuna was dangerous, strong. He saw it while Ryomen Sukuna was in control. Your Sukuna stood a serious chance if he was given the right weapon.

Yuuji wouldn't dare underestimate him.

" This is where the real battle begins!" 

Nobara's grinning, as are you. You have a chance.

" Nah.. I'm outta here!" 

The duplicate takes the both of you by surprise, shooting off in the opposite direction instead.

" What?! Hold it!"

The both of you charge at it, and soon enough you realize it's heading back to the metro station.

You understand Nobara's train of thought as the both of you are running, realizing the plan that's formulating in her head. You don't always need to communicate with people to catch on, and right now is one of those moments.

If you continue down this pad, you'll make your way to B5, where Gojo sensei is sealed. You had originally pushed that aside. Alone, you would be no match for Geto Suguru's cursed technique. Not in this environment.

If only you were near a river now.

The both of you follow after Mahito, jumping after it as it jumps down into the metro station.

Meanwhile the original Mahito jumps into multiple smaller versions of himself beneath Yuuji's punch, avoiding it at the last second.

Damnit. It split up.

It's not stupid either, choosing to run away in multiple directions. 

" Shit." 

Sukuna scoffs, taking out his Chain once again, getting to work with destroying one after another. Yuuji punches one of the other ones, the one with the most cursed energy.

However, once Mahito has gained enough momentum between Yuuji and Sukuna, he comes back together again.

" Haha, fooled ya'." 

And then he's running off.

" Come back here you fucking wuss!" 

Sukuna's visibly irritated. He hates it when opponents chicken out.

Truth to be told, Sukuna loves fighting. It's one of the rare things he's good at and useful for. He doesn't really care if he has to exorcise something or kill it. He doesn't care who he has to kill. As long as the people who he cares for are at his side.

Exasperated, Sukuna throws his Chain Mahito's way, who gets lucky, avoiding it at the last minute, jumping down the escalator.

Why was it heading towards that part of the metro station?

Yuuji is the first to see both Mahito's, confused by the double's appearance.

Sukuna follows shortly after.

Both boys their eyes widen as they notice Nobara and you at the other side.

Confusion rushes through the both of you, and it takes you a moment before the dots connect in your mind.

The spirit never followed you. It had been fighting Yuuji and Sukuna this whole time. You thought it had followed you and then split up as some kind of survival tactic.

" Itadori?" 

" Kugisaki! Y/N! Run!" 

It's too late. The spirit is too quick.

By the time Sukuna catches up in realizing what is happening, the spirit is too close to Nobara, and close to you too. It was too late to throw out the Chain and pull the spirit back towards them to save the both of you. He tries either way.

Your eyes widen in horror as the curse's hand slaps against Nobara's face, swiftly hitting her for a moment before heading your way. 

You're lucky. You're incredibly lucky. Your fighting style was engraved into your subconscious, allowing you to move without thinking about it. A harsh training your parents ordered you to follow in case the Kamo clan would ever decide to attempt to take your life. The Clan never had. They had rightfully been too scared of your parents to ever seriously harm you. 

However, your parents aren't here to protect you. Except for Sukuna, you're on your own. 

Today, your fighting style saves your life. The sleek movements of your body allowing you to move along the curse spirit's body, allowing you to escape its lethal touch in reflex. 

And just to Sukuna's luck, you step in the right direction, his Chain wrapping around your arm.

By the time you're glancing down at your arm in realization of what just happened, he's already pulling you his way harshly, causing you to loose your footing as you stumble in his direction.

Meanwhile Yuuji snaps as the double grins, laughing about Nobara's injury.

" Haha! Hit you dead on!" 

" Out of my way!" 

Yuuji hits the double harshly only once. It's enough to kill it.

Sukuna meets you halfway, catching you before your body hits the ground, his arms secure around your waist as he catches you. Neither of you speak. You numbly get back on your feet as you gently call out to her, scared eyes searching her expression.

" ......Nobara..?" 

Everyone watches with bated breath, unwilling to loose her. You make quick work of uncapping your water skin, running out of Sukuna's loose hold as you manipulate a stream of water towards her, using the same technique you've used on Tsumiki of your universe. It glows as it surrounds her. Perhaps, your technique was strong enough to save her. You're already crying, though you don't realize it, desperate to save the girl you know as your best friend.

" You!" 

Mahito does not like you. Your reverse cursed energy is blinding. And if you keep this up, you'll save her.

He extends a hand towards you, and Sukuna is quick to react, pulling you back, out of harm's way. Though it does the trick: it breaks your concentrations, your healing circle breaks, and Mahito's technique runs it's course as it would.

" Yuuji, Y/N, Sukuna, please tell everyone: It wasn't so bad." 

She's smiling as her face contorts, before the side of her head explodes.

Yuuji's voice is small as he calls out to her.

" Nobara?" 

You start crying, and this time, you do realize it.

| Bonus Chapter: Nobara Kugisaki

[ A/N: Yo Jujutsu Kaisen manga' ends on 30 september- fucc. ( I have finally caught up with what's out now)

Also, (inappropriate question considering the chapter but:) who would you like to see together with mc?

Personally (It might've been obvious, but) I ship her with mc's Sukuna.]

The Anomaly Taglist:

@luxylucylou @kalulakunundrum @strxbxrrylover @aethersslave @jenniferrvsesi @hanatsuki-hime @betizda @sh0uk1

Jujutsu kaisen || Masterlist

Various characters x Reader

The Anomaly Masterlist || 🦞🌸🌻🌵

summary : In which you're isekai'd from your (own) parallel Jujutsu Kaisen universe to the canon universe.

Nanami Kento

Home || 🦑🌻🌵🌷

Drabble, Nanami just being whipper for his wife and thinking back about the day he caught feelings for you

Suguru Geto

Blood Bound || 🦐🌻🌵

In which you find Suguru, and Suguru saves you

Inumaki Toge

Arranged Marriage Au || 🦑🌻

In which... The first years find out you're engaged, and to whom.

You meet for the first time.

You become a couple.

🦐 • One Shot 🌻 • Fluff

🦞 • Series 🌵 • Angst

🦀 • Completed Series 🌸 • Platonic

🦑 • Drabble 🌷• Comfort

BTS Masterlist

Disclaimer: I love mushrooms. Also credit to for the dividers go to @saradika

Blood Bound

Summary : In which you find Suguru, and Suguru saves you

Wordcount : 6.6k

Genre: Angst, fluff (kinda), slowburn

Pairing: Suguru X Reader

Masterlist

❗️ This story contains gore. I will be describing wounds and blood in detail.

Gojo Satoru's eyes narrow as his teacher, Yaga  finishes speaking.

A new student?

" Why so suddenly? We're already halfway through the year. Just send them to Kyoto. Or with the first years."

Yaga sighs, pinching his brow.

" Satoru. It's already been decided that she will enroll in this school. Don't be fussy about it."

Besides him, Suguru sends him a soft smile.

" Don't worry, Satoru. She might be fun to hang out with. Besides, another girl would be nice for Shoko too. Right Shoko?"

The gorgeous black haired male turns to her, and she nods.

" I guess so."

She didn't really care either way.

Sighing, Yaga finally calls for you, the mysterious new student who enters the second year class halfway through the year.

You look... bored. Unimpressed, your eyes barely scanning the room.

" L/N Y/N."

You don't introduce yourself further than that.

So much for 'fun'.

-

" So, what's so special about you? "

Currently, Yaga has left the classroom, finally allowing your three new classmates to turn to you and poke you with their questions.

You raise a brow at the strange white haired kid.

" Nothing... I think..? Why? Was there supposed to be something special about me?"

It's like you're in a bubble, unwilling to get to know him, unwilling to let him in. Satoru decides that he'll poke that bubble until it pops.

" Not by default. It's more that we're curious. You did enter halfway through the year after all."

Suguru's gentle eyes connect to your questioning ones.

You blink.

" Oh. Well, I'm not special. Sorry to disappoint."

Your words hold no depth, and Suguru notices the small grin (or is that a smirk?) That edges itself onto your face. You rub your finger under your nose, wiling away the ghost of whatever it may have been from your lips.

Everyone's eyes draw to the bandages wrapped around your wrist, disappearing under your sleeve.

" How'd you get that?"

You glance down at it.

" Oh, that. It's a.. consequence. Of my cursed technique. " 

Both boys blink at one another, not understanding what that is supposed to mean.

Meanwhile Shoko gently takes your arm. You allow her to bunch up your sleeve, revealing your lower arm wrapped in bandages.

She pouts at the sight, noting the trail of blood that has lightly stained through the bandages.

" They're in need of replacement though. I'm not really good with cursed energy, but I am very good at reverse cursed energy. I can heal it if you want?"

She smiles softly at you, and you return her expression. She's sweet. You note. You'll get along with her just fine. The black haired guy too.

The white haired dude on the other hand?

" So what grade are you? I bet you're a grade 4." 

You raise a brow in question.

" 'grade'?"

All three students blink at you.

" Do you know how the grading system works, L/N?"

Suguru's voice is gentle.

" How are you accepted this far into the year as second year student when you don't even know how that works?"

Satoru's voice is not.

You shrug.

" I know the basics of curses and cursed energy and techniques. I never really cared about the rest." 

" Ah, well, grades are a way to rank both curses and sorcerers. Satoru and I are special grade-"

" We're the strongest!-"

" -4 grade is the lowest, and between that there's also grade 3,2 and 1."

You nod, following his words.

" Can I see your student ID? "

You nod, handing the plastic card over to Shoko.

Her eyes widen as she notices the grade you're labeled at.

" Woah..."

" Huh?"

Now both Suguru and Satoru get curious too. They lean over her shoulder, glancing at the words on the card.

Right below your school year, it says:

Special Grade.

" No way!"

Both Suguru and Shoko glance up at Satoru's outburst.

" Three special grades in one year. That's something."

Shoko's mumbling to herself, while Suguru smiles kindly at you, visibly also surprised.

Although you do understand the general meaning  you don't necessarily understand the commotion.

These two were special grade too after all.

" Special grade sorcerers are rare, L/N. Along with you, there's currently a total of four special grade sorcerers."

You hum, nodding slowly.

To put it quite blunt, you don't really care.

Meanwhile Satoru is still visibly displeased, wiping your student ID and continuously rubbing over the letters that spell out special grade, hoping the words will for some reason magically change.

" What's your cursed technique?"

" Blood Shikigami."

Satoru stops what he's doing, his eyes wide below his sunglasses as he looks at you. Suguru visibly stills too, shocked as well. Shoko blinks lazily.

" What's 'Blood Shikigami'?"

" What the name implies. I can create Shikigami with my blood."

" Oh. I thought it would be more complicated. So it's like the Ten Shadows then?"

You shrug, thinking for a moment. You've heard of the Ten Shadows. You suppose it's somewhat slightly the same.

" Yes and no. The Ten Shadows has more limitations. Blood Shikigami does not."

Suguru is still surprised by your reveal of it. To think that there's such a powerful sorcerer in this age...

" Why doesn't it have a fancy name? Considering the technique is so fancy?"

Shoko still has no idea exactly how powerful your technique is.

She looks at you for an answer, but you shrug.

" I don't know much about it. I only knows how it works because I can use it."

" It's a rare ability. It hasn't been seen in over 1200 years, if I'm correct. It never got an official name because sorcerers refer to it as a forbidden cursed technique."

Well, Suguru did his homework.

You roll your eyes.

" You've been fed nonsense. Don't be so dramatic over it. It's just another cursed technique."

Shoko smiles at your words, before turning to Satoru, who's suspiciously still quiet.

" Does that mean she has a fair chance to beat you? Considering your cursed technique is all rare too and stuff?"

Satoru scoffs, grinning.

" Maybe if she properly knows how to wield it."

You give him a lazy lopsided grin in return.

-

The mission of today was simple.

Exorcise the special grade cursed spirit.

Typically, this was a mission for Satoru and Suguru. However, considering Yaga wanted to know just how good you were at Jujutsu, you've been forced to tag along, currently walking a few steps behind the both of them with your hands in your pocket.

You're kind of pouting.

If only Shoko was here. She was much more fun.

Suguru was nice. But you swear that you might accidentally land your fist on Satoru's annoying face one day.

" Yah! Keep up. I don't wanna have to drag your dead body back to Yaga sensei." 

You roll your eyes, though you do jog a few steps to walk besides Suguru.

" You won't have to. The two of you are the strongest, right? That means that there's no reason for me to be concerned."

Suguru turns to you.

" Well, you're a special grade too, L/N. For all we know, you might join our rank as the strongest soon as well." 

You shrug.

" Doubt it. I've never worked with other Jujutsu sorcerers before, so I don't think I'm that good at what I do."

Suguru raises a brow.

" You've been exorcising curses solo?"

You're not from a small city. You've mentioned before that you're from the sketchy outskirts of Fukuoka. The curses there must've been quite a deal too.

" Well, we never know."

" I bet L/N is weak. Either way, we're about to find out. "

Satoru's smirking, eyes on the curse that's starting to take shape.

A dragon. It looks like a dragon. It's huge, white, with huge yellow eyes.

And as you expected, it's eyes are right on you.

It screams as it lunges, not leaving any room for argument.

You huff in annoyance, while both Suguru and Satoru their eyes widen.

" Y/N!-"

You've avoided it's lunge. You're incredibly fast. Faster then Satoru even. It's exactly like Suguru thought: Your physical skill might surpass theirs.

" I bet you just got lucky!"

Satoru's being mean, like always.

Suguru huffs in annoyance in response to his best friend.

" Shut up, Satoru." 

If you somehow died, they would be blamed after all.

Next in it's line of vision was Suguru, who's ready to summon one of his many curses. He'd like to weaken it so he can take it in. It's a powerful curse after all.

However, he gets ignored, in favor of it's attention returning to you.

Suguru's eyes widen. This was new. What was this all about?

Satoru's brows furrow as well.

Meanwhile you keep running, heading straight towards Satoru, who gets ready.

" Blue."

He launches the ball right as you run past him.

Of course, the curse cannot come through limitless, and thanks to Satoru's attack, it gets send flying.

You watch it happen with wide eyes. They weren't kidding when they said they were strong. You'd ask about their cursed technique, but that'd be useless considering you have 0 knowledge about other techniques just yet.

All three of you watch as the curse screeches, and gets up, seemingly unharmed.

" Satoru! Y/N! Don't excursive it. I want to absorb it."

You send him an incredulous look as he walks over to you and Satoru.

" absorb it? Like make it into a balm and massage it into your skin?"

Satoru snorts.

" He uses Curse Manipulation, darling."

" Right. I still don't know what that is."

" I really don't understand how you're accepted as a second year student when you don't know anything."

" Me neither."

" Can the two of you argue later? It's getting back up!"

Just like Suguru says, the dragon like curse is getting up, and charging at you once again.

" Why does it want you so bad?"

" I don't know!"

With a huff, you rip off one of your bandages, uncurling it from your arm.

Both Suguru and Satoru their eyes widen. Your arm is littered in scars. Your bandages were double serving too. At once, a heavy amount of cursed energy is released. This is when only one arm is uncovered and revealed, making the two of them wonder just how much cursed energy you have. 

Noticing that both dudes are still unmoving, you scoff, taking out a small pocket knife and slicing your arm right open without any hesitance. 

At once, blood gushes out of the wound, leaking onto the floor.

" Karkinos!" 

Both guys watch in amazement as your blood starts to smoke, and soon enough, a huge, spidercrab like creature emerges from it, violent blood red in colour.

" Squash it!"

The Shikigami obeys your command, one of it's strong, huge claws taking hold of the dragon like curse. The curse screeches in response, turning and focusing it's attention on the huge crab like Shikigami.

Your Shikigami releases a low rumble, before plummeting the curse into the floor. With it's multiple limbs, it stomps down on the curse harshly. 

You huff out, pressing down on your injured arm and closing your eyes for a moment before turning to face Suguru and Satoru.

" How weak do you need it?"

Both men are speechless, watching the powerful Shikigami fight the beast. Suguru looks impressed, his eyes wide open and his mouth slightly ajar. Satoru however?-

" And what's with your face?"

He looks stupid. His mouth is open all the way, showing off his teeth. You wonder what his issue is.

" I- This'll be just fine."

Finally, Suguru walks over, ready take control over the curse.

You wave your Shikigami away, and it steps back, one of it's claws still tight around the dragon curse's throat.

You watch as Suguru merely raises his hand, the curse reforming into some kind of ball. You take it as your que to release your Shikigami, allowing it to fall in a puddle of blood to the ground.

Meanwhile Satoru joins you, his eyes hidden behind his sunglasses as he looks at you.

You don't notice the way he shifts his vision to your injured arm, blood still dribbling down from the open wound at a concerning pace.

" We should head back. You'll bleed out if you keep that wound open like that."

You shake your head, watching as Suguru makes a face at the orb in his hand.

" I'm fine- Is he going to swallow that?"

You're visibly disgusted, and Satoru snorts.

" Yeah he is. He hates it when we watch though. Come, stay close to me. I'll call Yaga sensei to come pick us up."

With that, he turns and starts walking towards the nearby parking lot. You send Suguru one curious/disgusted look before following after Satoru, your hand pressing down on your bleeding arm.

" Why would I need to stick close to you? I can handle myself."

" Y/N, sweetheart, I'm delighted to break it to you, but you have a gaping wound on your arm. You might have the cursed energy to summon another Shikigami, but you lack the blood currently. In other words, you're harmless, and useless, weak even."

He's smirking at you, leaning his glasses down so he can send you a cheeky smirk.

" Jokes on you. I can still summon any Shikigami I want. Besides, my blood is toxic. If I throw it on you, your skin will burn."

Satoru raises a brow.

" You'll have to be able to touch me for that though." 

-

" You're capable of reverse cursed technique."

You blink at Shoko. She's mentioned reverse cursed technique multiple times, but in all honesty, you still have no idea what it's all about.

" Hueh?"

Shoko shakes her head. 

" Reverse cursed technique is the ability to heal yourself, and in some rare cases, others, like me, can heal other people using reverse cursed technique. It's not very common. Most sorcerers can't do that."

Satoru's glaring at you. He's not sure why he's suddenly agitated by the reveal of information. He couldn't possibly been jealous that you seem to be able to do something subconsciously he has been training his whole life for, right?

" It's starting to sound like she's joining the two of us, Satoru."

Suguru's words makes Satoru's eye twitch. 

No. Just no. There's no way that he and Suguru had to at least work years before even being taken serious, before being called the strongest. He doesn't want you to join that rank within a few days.

" Tch. She just got lucky."

Suguru sighs softly, shaking his head. He should've expected the reaction.

You raise a brow, grinning at him.

" Scared that I'll be knocking you off your throne, 'strongest'?"

He scoffs, grinning back as he leaves the room.

" You wish."

-

​​​​2 months later

" I'm here to save you, Utahime."

You glance at the poor girl under the rubble, watching in mild interest as she struggles to free herself while arguing with Gojo. You shift the lollipop in your mouth, turning to Shoko.

" So, does he have a crush on her or...?"

" No. He just likes to bully her cause' she's weaker than him."

You hum.

She faces you sideways with a grin.

" Why, you jealous?"

You snort.

" If it was Suguru, maybe. But Gojo? Nah.- Who's that?"

Shoko blinks at you, amused, as she puts a cigarette stick in her mouth. 

" Geto? I didn't know you had a crush on him. And that's Mei Mei."

You shake your head as you continue to walk.

" I'm not good with feelings. I don't do crushes.... He's interesting though."

Shoko hums, smiling as the man in question enters the scene, casually approaching the four students as his curse attacks the curse that would nearly have killed the girl named Utahime.

" Satoru, it's not nice to pick on the weak."

" What kind of idiot picks on the strong?"

" You're the one who's fanning the flame like it comes naturally, Geto."

You watch them bicker, amused as you suck on your lolly pop.

" We should check up on Utahime. It's sad they're bullying her like this." 

Shoko muses, before walking a tad bit ahead of you as she approaches the group, stopping a few paces beside Gojo.

" Utahime!, are you okay?-"

" Shoko!-"

You've never seen anyone approach anyone else quite as quick as Utahime approaching Shoko, seemingly glad she's here.

" -I was worried about you. We hadn't heard from you for two whole days."

" Shokoo!"

Utahime throws herself on Shoko by the time you've approached the group.

" Shoko! Don't let yourself turn out like those two!- Oh, are you the exchange student I heard about?" 

Utahime has pulled away a bit from Shoko to glance over at you, her behavior shifting to something more friendly.

You smile, your demeanor as laid back as ever as you take the lollipop out of your mouth,  oblivious to the way Suguru's eyes follow the movement of your lips as you do so.

" Yes. I'm L/N Y/N, nice to meet you."

You bow your head, greeting her somewhat formally. She grins, unwrapping one arm from Shoko to wrap it around you instead. Your eyes widen, surprise evident on your features as you grow slightly uncomfortable. 

" Oh thank goodness! You're not like those two! Please don't ever turn out like that either."

Shoko smiles from beside her.

" Don't worry Utahime, we won't turn into trash like them." 

You smile at Utahime as you peel her arm off you, creating space as you take a step away from her, popping your lollipop back into your mouth.

Meanwhile, the Trash (Satoru) is calling out to his one and only (Suguru).

" The path Utahime is walking on is falling apart!"

Suguru is vibing, seemingly enjoying life as he waddles along the path he's walking on.

" Shut up!"

You blink at the conversation that follows. Apparently, Utahime and Mei Mei had been on this mission for two days, and Mei Mei was looking forward to getting paid extra. ( You didn't know the world of Jujutsu worked that way?) Meanwhile Suguru is casually waddling up beside you into the conversation. 

" -That aside, what about the veil, you four?"

Mei Mei is smiling, Utahime looks concerned, while your classmates look sheepish.

" I don't know how to do a veil yet."

Mei Mei blinks at you.

-

" One of you four said they would cast the veil themselves and left your assistant supervisor behind, didn't you? And then forgot about the veil. Who did it?"

Everyone looks sheepish. You're just blinking, not sure if you should rat Satoru out. Suguru and Shoko don't hesitate, both their fingers pointed towards him, which causes you to blink again.

You're not very familiar with having friends yet, admittedly.

Satoru raises his hand.

" Sensei! Why don't we stop this hunt for the culprit?!"

" So it was you, Satoru."

He receives a good punch. 

You snort.

-

" Is a veil even necessary? Does it even matter if the normies see us? It's not like they can see curses or cursed techniques anyway." 

You and your classmates are in the basketball court of the school. You and Shoko are seated on the floor, while the other two are messing around with a basketball.

You're leaning your head on your hand, which is propped up on your folded legs. Perks of wearing pants instead of a skirt, by your own request. You're switching glances between Shoko, who looks stupid as she looks around in his glasses, and Satoru, who's speaking.

" How do I look?" 

Shoko looks absolutely ridiculous, her mouth formed in an 'o' shape while her eyes are hidden by Satoru's glasses as she looks around her.

" Pretty stupid. But not ugly. Cute, in a way, I guess." 

You shrug, shifting so your arms lean behind you.

" Of course it matters. The primary factor preventing an outbreak of curses is the citizens'peace of mind.-" 

Shoko pouts at you.

" They're about to fight." 

She informs you as she gets up, returning the glasses to Satoru and placing them on his head.

" -That's why we have to conceal the threats they can't see as far as possible. And that's not all-" 

" -Yeah, I get it, I get it." 

Satoru takes the ball from Suguru, cutting him off and dribbling to the basket, scoring a point.

" Looking out for the weak is a pain in the ass, honestly. Don't you think so, Y/N?  For you especially, considering your cursed technique." 

You shrug, unfolding your legs as you stretch them in front of you.

" It's whatever in my opinion. I don't really care." 

" Survival of the weakest. That's the ideal form society should take. Help the weak and keep the strong in check. Listen to me, Satoru, Y/N. Jujutsu sorcerers exist to protect nonsorcerers." 

You blink lazily. Was this really where this conversation was headed to?

" look at you, acting all righteous. I hate that stuff." 

" What?"

Suguru glances sharply at Satoru, whilst the ball, which had just missed the goal, rolls towards Satoru.

" Assigning responsibilities to the strong in the name of some cause is what weak people do." 

He throws the ball. You're not surprised he scores a point yet again.

" Get off your high horse and quit spouting that feel good bullshit. Bleuugh."

Just to add to his dramatics, he makes a throwing up motion.

You raise a brow, gaining interest. Were they really about to fight? You want to see that happen.

" I'm outta here." 

You glance at Shoko as she sprints away.

" Why don't we take this outside, Satoru?" 

Behind Suguru, his realm of curses opens up.

" You feeling lonely?  Go by yourself." 

Satoru's glancing at him, lowering his glasses and staring at him sensually.

Suguru glances to the side, noting your amused face.

" Fancy taking a side, Y/N? " 

You grin, getting up and walking over, beginning to peel away your bandages,

" Not necessarily. I'm game for a good fight though." 

Just as the three of you are staring each other down, the sliding door slides open.

Simultaneously, Satoru and Suguru both start stretching, while you turn to glance at who just came in, one of your hands still on the edge of the bandage.

Yaga doesn't seem all too surprised as he catches the three of you staring each other down for a second.

" How long are you going to keep fooling around? And where's Shoko?" 

" Who knows" 

" Maybe the bathroom?" 

Both are blinking innocently, while you blink blankly at your teacher. He huffs at all three of you.

" Whatever. I'm going to have the two of you on a mission." 

You glance at your classmates.

Both huff, leaning away from one another.

" What's with the faces?"

They answer in unision. 

" Nothing."

Yaga chooses not to react further than that, now glancing at you.

" L/N, report to Watanabe sensei, he has a mission for you." 

Both Satoru and Suguru glance at one another.

" Are you sending her alone?" 

" It's not my choice. The higher ups have decided she can handle missions alone, seeing as she's handled First grade curses by herself already in Fukuoka." 

Satoru glances at you.

" Was that huge crab the only Shikigami you can summon?" 

You shake your head,

" No." 

You disappear for an entire year, completely off the radar.

Both Suguru and Satoru are worried, but there's not much either of them can do.

Suguru spirals, while Satoru grows stronger.

He becomes 'The Strongest'. 

You're gone. 

Suguru is left alone.

The higher ups have already jotted you down as dead.

Both are surprised to find out that there's no one to inform. No worried parent or sibling.

You've always kept mostly to yourself. Always kept the most neutral position. 

Both refuse to believe you're dead.

It's simply not possible.

Given, they only spent a few months with you, but still. you had been a rightful danger on your own.

Suguru has already been unable to sleep for a long time now, but tonight especially so. He can feel that something is coming, even from all the way in his dorm room.

Eventually, he stops tossing and turning, getting up, putting on some extra layers and heading outside.

Maybe smoking will help clear his head.

Once outside, he notes an odd presence. Putting his cigarettes away, he heads towards the entrance of the school grounds.

Once there, he finds Satoru there too, his eyes wide as he looks into the distance.

'Ah, so he even goes to check things out by himself now.' 

Suguru can't help but think bitterly.

There was a time Satoru used to wake him up in the middle of the night for something as simple as eating cake.

" You feel it too?" 

Satoru's speechless, for once in his life.

" Suguru, it's- it's-" 

Suguru's eyes widen as a shadow comes into view, followed by another creature. 

It's you. There's no mistake in that. If your form wasn't enough to prove so, then the blood red Shikigami following you is. It resembles a horse, somewhat. It's partially made up of skeleton too. It's a terrifying sight to behold.

You don't even make it inside the entrance, falling to the floor as you throw the objects in your hands to the ground.

Neither of them bother to pick it up as they rush over to you, however, before they can reach you, your Shikigami steps in front of you protectively, holding an offending stance. 

You're still conscious.

Seeing you up close now, you're covered in blood. you're in an absolute horrible shape. Pale, thin, weak.

Suguru realizes he hates this look on you.

You sputter, coughing up more blood as you get up.

You've always had an ominous aura to you, but the potential of your cursed energy was at the moment absolutely terrifying.

Suguru is quick to turn to Satoru.

" Wake Shoko." 

Speechless, the white haired teen does just that, picking up the objects you've dropped along the way so you don't need to worry about that. Suguru tries approaching you once again.

" Y/N, dismiss the Shikigami. I can't come closer than this while it's active- It's not allowing me to." 

You're dazed, going in and out of consciousness every few seconds. Left with absolutely no resolve, you nod. Barely a second later, your Shikigami dissolves, your blood pooling on the ground. Suguru rushes over to you, scooping you up in his arms and running off, following Satoru.

Your blood seeps through his clothes at a worrisome pace.

He glances down at you worriedly.

" Hold on, Y/n."

-

You've been out for a few weeks now. Shoko tends to you for a few hours a day, making sure your health is adjusting well.

It turned out out that your blood was poisonous. Shoko had her hands full as she treated both you, and Suguru who had gotten injured by your blood which had been seeping through your clothes. Thankfully, it didn't take long for him to heal, thanks to Shoko's help. Within a few days, he was all healed again.

Currently, he was switching the flowers of your vase. He did so every week. He'd venture into the forest to clear his mind, notice the red flowers that reminded him of you, pluck a few and then bring them to you.

He's still stuck in mind. Still spiraling. And he's slowly getting somewhere. Where? He doesn't know.

He's starting to refer to non sorcerers as monkeys now.

" Damn, you look like shit." 

Suguru's eyes widen as he turns around.

Sure enough, you're awake. You look no better than him. Perhaps even worse.

" You don't look much better than I do though." 

You shrug. The movement must hurt, but you don't show him.

You raise your arms, noting the bandages, now clean for once, in place.

He takes the seat beside your bed.

" Where have you been? You had us worried sick." 

You huff, closing your eyes as you lean on your side.

" Collecting those godforsaken fingers." 

Suguru's eyes widen.

" Sukuna's fingers?"  

You nod.

" Four popped up. So I got all four of them. Then I got stuck on a curse user cult who wanted to use the fingers. I ended up murdering all of them. Then I panicked, so I decided to disappear.. But everywhere those fingers go, curses pop up. So I decided 'well, fuck that' and decided to drop them here, finally. I'll figure out how to deal with the higher ups later." 

Suguru's mouth thins into a line.

You had been used as a pawn. They were trying to kill you without doubt. He's somewhat proud to say they failed.

Nonetheless, he can't help but realize something.

Was this the path they were meant to follow? Were all his comrades and friends going to end up dead? All because those damn monkeys can't control their cursed energy?

He leans over, brushing a loose strand of your hair which had fallen in your face. He brushes the thought away. For now. Your eyes, which had been closed, open again. You hadn't expected that.

" Perhaps Satoru can help in dealing with the higher ups. He's become the strongest. They can't move against him" 

You raise a brow in question.

He explains what happened on his own mission last year. It's nice to confide in you. It feels safe. He's noticed that you always seemed to be a steady neutral.

" I see. I'm sorry you went through that.. And that poor girl." 

You're looking blankly at the ceiling, genuinely feeling sorry for the girl.

He glances at you.

" Y/N, You're always so neutral in things. Why is that? Why do you feel sorry for me after all you have been through?" 

Suguru has no idea of your story before Jujutsu Tech apart from what he's been told. But judging by the sight of your many scars, there was no doubt that you had quite a story to you.

You sigh, your eyes studying him.

" That's a story for another time..." 

With that, you flop on your belly, enjoying the press of the mattress against your body.

-

He ends up visiting you a lot, and spending a lot of time with you altogether. 

You grow more comfortable around him as well, often reaching out for him, though you've still been keeping your opinions to yourself.

Currently, Suguru was stood at the entrance of the garage of Jujutsu Tech, watching Tsukumo Yuki ride off. 

He notices the shadow that seems to approach, and the flash of bandaged wrists as you switch your plastic bag from one hand to the other.

" Y/N?  Are you even supposed to be out of bed?" 

You shrug as you approach him. Once close enough, he gently pulls the hood that's covering your face off your head, now able to stare into your eyes again.

Even in the turmoil of his own feelings, he's somehow made space for you. He finds himself looking forward to see you, reaching out to gently touch you, and often basking in your companionship.

He doesn't know, but you feel the same. Your past has forced you to toughen up, and you had been alone for a very, very long time. You were grateful to spent a lot of time with Suguru.

" Dunno. Wanted snacks. I got some for you and Satoru too." 

Satoru has been spending time with you too, but much less. He's always busy. Always sent off somewhere to deal with something.

You pity him. But no one knows that.

Suguru smiles weakly at you. He hadn't smiled like you remembered for a very long time, but you rarely comment on it. Not today either.

" That was Tsukumo Yuki."

" The other special grade sorcerer?" 

He hums, gently taking the bag from you. You're healing. You shouldn't even be out walking right now, so why let you carry stuff you so stubbornly got yourself?

" What'd she say?" 

" She wishes she could've spoken to you and Satoru too. She might come by soon.. Among other things." 

you raise a brow, noting the chance in his tone.

" What other things? 

" Did you know curses come from non curse users?" 

" No. I didn't... Why?" 

" She spoke of ending the fight by the cause. " 

"... By the non sorcerers?" 

You're catching onto what he's suggesting, evidently. 

" .... What if we... say.... kill every non sorcerer. It would end the curses. There would be no need to do this anymore."

Your expression is neutral as you slowly nod.

Suguru sighs. He stops walking, turning to face you fully.

" Why do you never speak your opinion?" 

You blink at him, once.

" I think Blood Shikigami might be a technique that's hiding away in more people." 

Suguru's brows raise in confusion. Where did this suddenly come from?

" The signs don't show. A Blood Shikigami user isn't born with pretty blue eyes, and can't create hand motions to summon their Shikigami. Our Shikigami are different too, depending per person. As a child, I was invested in folklore. Hence why my Shikigami look like folklore...." 

You glance nervously, but he's patient, waiting for you to continue your story.

" I was born in a happy family. We weren't rich, but we were well off. One day, thieves broke in. The scene was quick to turn bloody. I don't remember how old I was. I think 8. I was scared. And I got injured. I hoped a cool creature would protect me. I thought snakes were cool. I had read about Basilisks.... The more my blood spilled, the bigger my Basilisk became. It killed the thieves, and by accident, the destruction it caused killed my parents." 

You take a deep breath at the memory. Suguru still doesn't speak up. He knows there's more to come.

" After that I was passed around foster families. I learned that the more opinions I had, the more emotions, the more dangerous I became. I injured several families. Most were abusive. Usually verbally, but some physically. I didn't kill them but they got what they deserved. I don't regret it. Eventually I ran away. I was done being passed around. And then I started fighting curses. I wasn't worth anything as a person anymore, but I realized I am useful as a weapon." 

Suguru's mouth is slightly ajar. You did in fact face a lot.

" I've suppressed my opinions. And at this point, I truly don't care anymore. At the end of the day we're all people, and we all die anyway, so who cares. I don't care who eventually dies first. Even if it will most likely be me." 

Suguru is speechless.

" I- I'm sorry you had to go through that." 

You smile lightly at him, shaking your head.

" It's alright. I ended up meeting you, Satoru and Shoko after all." 

He smiles slightly in response.

" Y/N." 

He steps closer, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead, crossing a line.

" Just know that you're so much more than a weapon."

Your eyes are wide as you look up at him, your heart skipping a beat. His own eyes visibly soften as he looks at you too.

-

Suguru has killed an entire village. You know why. Something must've set him off. Haibara's death was already heavy for him, you don't doubt that something in the village has set him off as well. Satoru is refusing to believe so. You know better. You're well aware of his ever growing disdain for non sorcerers after all. The other day, he's asked to see Satoru in the city. He had explicitly asked you not to come. It made you feel a little insecure, scared.

Was he abandoning you?

You don't know. You hope not. You've come to the realization that you love him. You like to think he loves you too, even if he's never outright said so. 

Currently, You're taking a walk along the outskirts of Tokyo, enjoying the peace the surrounding forest offers.

" Y/N." 

Suguru.

You don't turn around to face him just yet, your mind guiding you to the depths unnecessarily. Had he come to break up with you? Tell you he would abandon you? 

Your insecurities are silly, but then again, you simply don't know better.

" It's quite risky for you to be this close to the school." 

He hums, approaching you, gently turning you around to face him, intertwining your fingers with his. Once you're face to face again, he smiles at you. His own, heartfelt smile. Finally, after all this time.

" Yeah, well, had to come get my girl, right? " 

You smile at the implications of his words. Up until now, your affection had never really been spoken about. You kissed, held hands, cared for one another. Basically did everything a couple did, without speaking about the official label.. 

" I've come to ask you to join my cause, Y/N. Leave Jujutsu Tech behind. Come with me." 

Your smile falters. Ah right, he was probably here to recruit another special grade for his cause.

Noting your expression, he presses a gentle hand to your face, running his thumb over your cheek affectionately as he shakes his head at you.

" Your days as weapon are over with me, Y/N. I want you to be free at my side. You will no longer have to injure yourself as a command. If you ever wish to fight alongside me, you can, of course, but it's not what I'm asking of you. You're safe with me." 

Your eyes widen.

Safe.

A feeling that has perfectly described your time with Suguru. You go on missions together, and you come back together.

He takes a step back, smiling as he holds out his hand.

You take it.

[ A/N: Maybe I'll make a lil scenarios epilogue, maybe not.]