#...well he missed when he took out nobara and nanami

[linkspooky]

I WANT YOU TO UNDERSTAND ME

It's not surprising to me that Gojo's dying monologue he spent more time talking about his fight with Sukuna than any of his students. Gojo's priority from the beginning isn't to save Megumi but to fight all-out against a strong opponent, the line is: ""The Absolute Strong. The loneliness that follows. The one who will teach you about love is..."

This fight is basically the climax of Gojo's identity crisis which has been a long running issue for him throughout the manga. He's simultaneously a self-confident individualist with an overpowering sense of "ego" and a person with little idea of who he is outside of the role in society that was given to him. Gojo went into the fight looking for someone capable of understanding him, the fight is about Gojo seeking an answer to who he is, that's why he fights and that's why he loses.

Gojo is Not Normal

Nanami's statement is misinterpreted I think.

"You live for Jujutsu. You don't wield it to protect something. You use it solely for the sake of satisfying yourself."

A lot of people took this to mean that Goo didn't care about anyone but himself, even though Gojo directly contradicts this earlier.

"I love everyone and don't feel lonely snow, but somewhere along the way there was a line I drew, not as a human but as a living creature."

He states he does love other people, if only from afar, he just doesn't understand them. Gojo can't make other people his reason to fight, because he only understands himself. He only sees himself. He can only fight for what's inside himself.

"You can make a flower bloom, you can admire it, but you can't tell that flower 'I want you to understand me'

Gojo's students are the flowers. Itadori, Fushiguro and Nobara are all named after flowers. He's raising them up to be as strong as him, he's fond of them, but he doesn't think they relate to him because he exists in a different category of other people.

A lot of people want Gojo to be a more traditional caring mentor figure like Kakashi or Aizawa they're missing what's really interesting about his character. When Nanami says "Gojo only cares about being the strongest" it's true because his entire character is written around the statement "I am the strongest". He is conceptually about what it is like to be the strongest man in existence. That is the character concept, and Gojo's entire identity crisis revolves around that he's built up his personality around being the strongest at Jujutsu and nothing else.

Gojo can only fight for his own ego and self satisfaction as Nanami says, because he has nothing else, he has no identity outside of that.

However, before I get into why I want to point out that Gojo is not normal. It's not because someone on his power level is fundamentally incapable of relating to other people, but Gojo himself...is not right in the head. He's making an active decision to choose not to empathize with people whatsoever, it's not just that it's hard to understand him, it's that they can't understand him.

Gojo talks about his students like they're members of another species. They're flowers. They can't relate to him on a human level because he's something other than human. A friend had an interesting reading on why specifically it's flowers Gojo chose for his metaphor.

Plants are less sentient than insects, they don't contemplate anything they are just taken care of by their gardener and grow towards the sun. That's how differently he sees himself from others.

I wanted to include this take from @kaibutsushidousha as well.

Gojo's not from the planet mars he's a human who has human emotions and human psychology like everyone else, so that's simply not true, but Gojo believes it is and that belief influences how he interacts with everyone.

Gojo can't see himself reflected back in other people for some reasons that aren't his fault and some reasons that are. Gojo has been from birth, treated as different from everyone around him, not for anything he really did but because he was born with a really strong jujutsu ability. He's a literal chosen one. He always seen as the six eyes user, the strongest, before he was seen as a person. His entire life has been defined entirely by the abilities he was born with, he was born to be a Jujutsu Sorcerer so of course that's what he builds his entire identity around.

Not only is he told that he's categorically different from others, but he also believes it. We know little about his early childhood besides Gege's statements that he was spoiled, but we do see later on in childhood there are people who are willing to treat Gojo normally despite the position he has as the strongest. This is when it starts being Gojo's fault that he continues to see himself as different from other people.

Shoko, Gojo's closest confidante in his schooldays after Geto's days basically tells him that. She's been with him for years and yet he still has the audacity to act like he's all alone in the world. Even when people try to treat Gojo normally and relate to him on a personal level, Gojo actively ignores their presence in his life like he did Shoko because he's not only been told he's different from other people because he's stronger, but he believes it and he's built his entire world view around it.

This is why the only person that Gojo ever let in was Geto, because Gojo believed that Geto was someone who could stand on top with others. THe only person who could believe the strongest, or teach them about love was someone equally as strong. Gojo just happening to meet another sorcerer who was special class as a teenager not only allowed him to have a friend, but fit perfectly into his narrative that he was separate from others and only someone as strong as him could understand. There are people like Shoko and Nanami who treat Gojo normally despite the fact he's the strongest, but Geto was the only one Gojo met in because he met the qualifiaction of being someone equally as strong.

This isn't really the case for Geto. Geto comes to see weak people as inferior yes in the sense he sees Non-Jujutsu Sorcerers as inferior, but Geto is capable of making connections to other Jujutsu Sorcerer. Geto has his family, he has Nanako and Mimiko and the rest of his followers who he all cares about equally. Geto met all of them and chose to relate to them, he even tells Gojo after killing his biological parents that he's choosing who his real family is now.

"It wouldn't be fair if I made an exception for my parents, now would it? Besides my family now consists of more than just them."

Geto demonstrates someone as powerful as Geto can make a choice to relate to other people. It's shown in the way that Geto treats Nanako and Mimiko, he is their father and he raised them as his daughters. Compared to how Megumi is just a student to Gojo. Gojo's only invested in making Megumi into a strong Jujutsu Sorcerer, because Gojo doesn't fathom connecting to someone weaker than him. He's only their to raise up a strong sorcerer, whereas Geto who's capable of connecting with people in other ways is raising up Nanako and Mimiko and they're connected as parent and child.

Geto and Gojo are similiar in a lot of ways, same level of strength comapred to the rest of humanity, same god complex (and yes it is a god coplex, there's a reason the two people Gojo relates to are Geto who has constant religious imagery associated with him and Sukuna who's literally satan) and yet Geto shows someone roughly Gojo's power level can make connections to others Gojo just chooses not to.

This is where I'm stealing from a friend's post a bit. @theanimepsychologist points out that Geto notices the beginnings of Gojo's identity complex soon after it started with Toji.

I always thought of the panel above as Geto being jealous of Gojo surpassing him in strength but, in retrospect, I think Geto’s disappointment had more to do with Gojo’s sense of self over-identifying with the title “the strongest” and how that made him harder to relate to, which is one of the main themes in this chapter. I’ll come back to this in a sec. But first… Quick depth psych segway. I think I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating again that an overwhelming sense of self is all ego. There’s nothing wrong with ego per se. The problem is that an over-identification with ego means inherent separateness because, as an organ of the psyche, the ego sense of self is what gives us a separate identity from the collective.

Geto notices that Gojo is drawing a line between himself and other people, and pulling away because of that because people in the second category of weak can't possibly understand the strong and he's reacting to it. Geto is also the only person to underline to Gojo himself that he's unsure about his own identity.

Gojo knows he's the strongest, but he doesn't know anything about himself besides that, or even what being the strongest entails in his relation to other people. He's never constructed an identity outside of it in part because he's never had to, nobody has ever challenged him for his title as the strongest, and he also fits jujutsu society's mould perfectly. He's perfect at what he does, why would he need to change? Why would a person who reached enlightenment at seventeen need to reflect upon himself or figure out who he is? You can't really become more enlightened.

The other reason he's never constructed an identity is he's never interacted with anyone on equal terms. Metaphorically Gojo exists in a vacuum of human interaction. How appropriate is it in a way that he was sealed in a box where time didn't move completely alone for who knows how long, because that's kind of just how Gojo sees himself in relation to the rest of the world.

As Psycho points out an unregulated ego results in an inherent separateness from the collective. People don't exist in a vacuum however. We wouldn't know who we are if we were entirely alone. We are defined just as much as ourselves, as we are by our interaction with others.

Ich and Du, translated as I and Thou is a book by philosopher Martin Buber. His two main porositions is that we may address existence in two ways:

The attitude of the "I" towards "it" towards an object that is separate in itself, which we either use or experience.

The attitude of "I" towards "Thou" in a relationship in which the other is not separated by discrete bounds.

I -> It is the world of sensations. If I am looking at a chair, I say "This is a chair. This chair is an eyesore." I am seeing the chair. I don't relate to the chair.

I -> Thou can be used to refer to a relationship between human beings. You don't experience the human being., you can only relate to them and what that relationship means to you. He goes on further to say that love requires a subject -> subject relationship. To love someone means you have to relate to them as if they are another being, you can't love an object.

He's a philosopher to put forward that it's human's connections with each other and their ability to relate to each other that brings meaning to life. Gojo in Buber's terms is only experiencing the world around him, not relating to it. How appropriate of someone with the six-eyes, an ability that gives him sight far better than anyone else to see himself as only an observer to the outside world, like a floating pair of eyes.

The choice that Gojo makes not to relate to other human beings on an equal level, not only isolates him, it affects his sense of self. People cannot exist within a background. Gojo's like a vampire who can't see his own reflection. ? It's all because of this caveat that Gojo himself has set up that no one can possibly relate to him unless they were equally as powerful as him that he can't see himself in others. He can't see himself in others, he can't find anyone to help him understand himself, and therefore his identity crisis goes unresolved.

Twitter user @ det_critics pointed this out that the question: "Take away his strength and what is he?" isn't one Gojo has an answer for, and one he's actively been running from.

As I said Gojo literally doesn't have a reflection, we see that in story when the prison realm opens its eye and it's just a void where Gojo's face is supposed to be. Gojo choosing not to think of himself as the strongest is also a choice not to think about who he'd be if he wasn't. A question he evades over and over again by telling himself that he can't be understood by people who are weak b/c he categorically exists on a different plane of reality.

When he does look for an answer it's telling just how not normal Gojo is in who he chooses to empathize with: which is Sukuna.

This is who Gojo as chosen to be the only other person besides Gojo he felt he could relate to. The same person who monologues about weak people like this.

The same person who monologues that weak people shouldn't even be alive, they should be culled. Sukuna sees weak people as insects. Gojo sees them as plants.

The first person that Gojo relates to as a subject rather than an object Geto is cut short, the next person he relates to as a subject is Sukuna of all people. He chooses to see himself in Sukuna, because Sukuna validates that incorrect idea Gojo has that someone as powerful as him could never possibly be understood by other people. After all, Sukuna the strongest sorcerer of all time isn't even really human anymore, he's a curse a calamity. For Gojo who doesn't see himself as relatable to other human beings this is validation of that mistaken notion.

It's also telling of how much Gojo's own identity issues have warped him that he finds a curse personally relatable, and even pitiable because it's lonely. Sukuna, who's main problem is that he's bored because a life of killing people is unfulfilling and it's turned him into an adrenline junkie. This is who Gojo's personally chosen to relate to because they both only see the world in the category of "the strong" and "the weak."

Gojo's viewpoint of other people is mistaken for several reasons, but one interesting one was pointed out for me by Psycho. He refers to his students as flowers, but they're lotus flowers. Lotus flowers mean many things, but they're seen as symbols of purity because they rise up from the mud. Gojo is only looking at the flowers, not the mud they rise from .

"No mud, no lotus. The mud is what makes us who we are, and no one can 100% understand what wading through the mud feels like. I think people see oh shiny lotus, the outcome of wading through the mud but they overlook the self because we live in an outcome oriented society.

Gojo is someone who doesn't see the mud and therefore doesn't relate to the personal struggles of others. Which sabotages a lot of his personal relationships. Which like, to bring Megumi into this, Megumi is proof that Gojo IS NOT NORMAL.

Megumi is the kind of special genius that Gojo is, he's born with the strongest technique one capable of killing Gojo, but he doesn't become a special class at seventeen like Gojo, nor is he interested in doing that because Megumi is an entirely different person with differnt personal struggles than Gojo. He has all the raw potenital that Gojo does, but they have wildly different upbringings. Gojo was primed for success by being the spoiled child of his clan, while Megumi is an abandoned child. It proves again Gojo's maxim of people who have that much power are inhuman and don't follow human psychology is wrong because Megumi has all the potential to be as strong as Gojo, but he's just a normal kid. Megumi is still wading through the mud and Gojo doesn't see that.

GOJO IS NORMAL

Jujutsu Kaisen seems to be following Buber's logic on how identity is defined by the interactions we have with other people, because there was a period in Gojo's life where he did create an identity outside of being a sorcerer and that's when he was Geto's friend.

In the afterlife we even see him regressing to that previous state of being. There was a period for three years in his life that Gojo was something besides being the strongest, and that was when he was Geto's friend too. If Jujutsu Kaisen is about how identity and meaning are both constructed from the interactions we have with other people (subject -> subject) interactions then it's telling that Gojo reverts to his seventeen year old self because that was the first and only time in his life he was capable of relating to another person, and acted like a fully developed person outside of the role of sorcerer he was born to play.

If identities are constructed though that means they're not inherent. Gojo is not inherently the strongest, just as he's not inherently different from other people. This is different from what Gojo's been told his entire life. He was born the strongest. It's inherent to his identity, a fundamental part of who he is. Therefore people who are strong are inherently different from those who are weak, it's something internally different about them which makes it impossible for Gojo to comprehend the motivations of weak people.

Rather than just strong and weak being constructed categories. Gojo's the strongest at Jujutsu but if you took him outside of Jujutsu and asked him to work any other job he'd no longer be the strongest. He's only the strongest as long as he remains in his fish bowl that is Jujutsu Society. However, Gojo believes differently, he believes being the strongest is what he is, it's something inside of him, and something that makes him fundamentally different from others. This is the line that Gojo has been told due to being born with the six-eyes and this is what Gojo has bought.

This is also what his ability the limitless symbolizes, no one in this world can touch him or reach him, he exists somewhere else. However, the limitless can be breached and Gojo has been shown before there are others capable of touching him.

Toji is the first and only living human being to challenge him, until Sukuna comes along. However, Toji does arguably more in story than just give Gojo a good fight. Toji full on traumatized him, soemthing which Gojo refuses to acknowledge. Toji is the beginning of the end of Geto's friendship, the death of Amanai Riko sends Geto on a spiral for an entire years, and drives a wedge between Geto and Gojo's friendship when Geto self isolates and Gojo doesn't know what's wrong with his friend.

Gojo also experiences what it's like to be defeated for the first time in his life, and his response is to perfect the limitless so he runs it constantly all the time. Remember, before that he was exhausting it doing it for three days in a row, and when Geto told him to take a break Gojo reassured him he wasn't worried because he knew Geto had his back. Gojo was someone who could let down the limitless before that, but afterwards Gojo always insists on fighting alone with his shields up all the time. All to deny that feeling of vulnerability that Toji inflicted on him for the first time in his life, something he remembers years later, you know like trauma.

There are times when Gojo is reminded that it's possible he's the same as anyone else, he can experience human weakness. Geto's fall is another time, one post says it's particularly challenging for Gojo to comprehend why Geto would defect because he saw Gojo and himself as above others and therefore immune to human weakness.

gojou 100% has a god complex and thats why getous downfall hit him harder than anyone else. he saw himself and getou as above everyone else and exempt from ‘regular’ peoples flaws, he never thought either of them could be led astray and when getou finally snaps hes bewildered that something like that could ever happen to either of them. hes not just heartbroken over his best friend becoming an enemy, hes thrown for a loop because getou, the one person he thinks of as just as above everyone else and incapable of failing as he is, could ever do something wrong, could ever be wrong. hes finally put into a position where he has to face the fact that hes just as capable of screwing up as anyone else and he can’t make sense of it. gojous hesitance in killing getou isn’t just a byproduct of their friendship, it’s also him realizing that it could have easily been him on the other side of the conflict, which breaks the illusion of him being better than everyone for a second. and like that’s still not enough for him to reject this idea, personally i think that his comment about him and getou being 'the strongest’ in volume 0 is indicative of the fact that despite everything he still hasn’t grown out of this delusion.

Gojo has trauma, because he's a human being with human psychology. He makes mistakes, he has terrible past regrets like his friendship with Geto gone wrong, but he doesn't acknowledge those things because as stated above Gojo thinks he's immune to having regular people flaws. Gojo seeing himself in another category from regular human beings also allows himself to deny an vulnerability, because the strongest isn't supposed to have weaknesses. Seeing yourself as too distant to ever be touched by others also means they can never hurt you, emotionally or otherwise, an extreme form of the hedgehog's dilemna which is explored an Neon Gengesis Evangelion, an existentialist piece Gege takes obvious inspiration from.

The fact that he avoids other human beings, not because he's fundamentally incapable of understanding them but because he's distancing himself from human feelings like loss, pain, suffering these weaknesses that are part of the human experience just proves he's the same as everyone else. If he wasn't capable of feeling those things he wouldn't avoid it, he wouldn't spend ten years mourning Suguru but not killing him directly until he was forced to on December 24th, he wouldn't be trapped by the box because seeing Geto alive made him have a three minute long trauma flashback.

Gojo is a normal human, with normal human emotions and human psychology, albeit twisted from the power he was born with and his unique viewpoint of the world but he doesn't believe that he is. He uses that as an excuse not to interact with others and because of this his identity suffers. Gojo is someone defined by how limited he is in the story despite having limited power.

Gojo fails as much in the story as he succeeds. As my friend @justapanda put it.

"But, it loos like being strong isn't enough..." Another point could also be made here that, regardless of being the strongest at this point, Gojo was incapable of stopping his closest friend from straying down a dark path, which is perhaps Gojo’s greatest failing in the series. This failure also comes back to bite him much later on as Kenjaku’s ace in the hole to finally checkmate Gojo involved surprising him with the now possessed body of Geto, which distracted Gojo long enough for him to be successfully sealed by the prison realm. Once again, the vast amount of power that Gojo had attained turned out to be completely useless in preventing his own sealing, which has now placed him in an inactive role for over half of Jujutsu Kaisen’s duration. Earlier in the story, Gojo once said: “Ironic, isn’t it? Given everything, but unable to do anything.” when referring to the function of his own domain. This was another intentional use of foreshadowing to describe the dilemma that Gojo was inevitably going to face himself. Satoru Gojo is no limitless man, for no one man is without his limits." Another point could also be made here that, regardless of being the strongest at this point, Gojo was incapable of stopping his closest friend from straying down a dark path, which is perhaps Gojo’s greatest failing in the series. This failure also comes back to bite him much later on as Kenjaku’s ace in the hole to finally checkmate Gojo involved surprising him with the now possessed body of Geto, which distracted Gojo long enough for him to be successfully sealed by the prison realm. Once again, the vast amount of power that Gojo had attained turned out to be completely useless in preventing his own sealing, which has now placed him in an inactive role for over half of Jujutsu Kaisen’s duration. Earlier in the story, Gojo once said: “Ironic, isn’t it? Given everything, but unable to do anything.” when referring to the function of his own domain. This was another intentional use of foreshadowing to describe the dilemma that Gojo was inevitably going to face himself. Satoru Gojo is no limitless man, for no one man is without his limits.

Gojo has moments where he brushes up against the idea that he's not capable of doing everything, that he has faults and fails like every other human being. However, that feeling never really lasts for long. He always tends to double down on his belief that he's the strongest rather than facing his faults because that's where he's comfortable. Gojo can't see himself reflected in other people and therefore is not capable of reflecting and critically evaluating his faults. Not only that but avoiding looking too critically at those losses, he also stops himself from feeling the pain of those losses and denies that vulnerability.

Gojo exists on another plane from other human beings, and therefore why would he experience human sadness and pain? All he feels is a vague sense of loneliness and unfulfillment because he's been so alienated from his own emotions and in Gojo's mind that's better than struggling with weakness. Who would deliberately choose to be just like everyone else when you can be special? Why get close to others when the hedgehog's spines are just going to stab you? However, people form connections because of their weaknesses. Humans cooperate with each other because they are a social species. All of society exists because people divide labor and help each other out. Even Gojo can't say there's no point in his life where he was weak, because he was cared for as a child and raised in a family. He didn't come out of the womb a fully formed individual. The darwinian survival of the fittest, and the black and white strong vs. weak way that Gojo sees the world just doesn't exist, especially in modern society. There's nothing wrong with individualism, but the extreme end of individualism is wrong because no one exists in this world alone you share it with everyone else.

Gojo doesn't even see that though, because he's not living in the same world as everyone else. In his mind the limitless makes it so he basically exists on another plane of reality, but again the limitless can be breached.

Detective critics basically said that Gojo's delusion was always a false one, he always existed in the same world as everyone else, he simply deluded himself into believing otherwise. There are reasons for this, his upbringing, trauma and not wanting to face the pain of that trauma, but it's still a choice he made. Gojo didn't want to live for other people, he didn't want to relate for them, so he lived for himself pursuing his own strength. Ironically, it reflects Toji's own decision to take pride in neither himself or others and live only for the sake of showing that the Jujutsu World that rejected him was wrong.

Toji chose to live a life where he only lived to fight and prove he was stronger than the sorcerers who rejected him. He chose it over his own son Megumi, abandoning him in order to continue his lifestyle as a mercenary. He even chose it over continuing to live because he stayed and fought against Gojo to prove he was stronger than the pinnacle of Jujutsu. Toji lives for strength, and he is someone even Gojo respected the strength of, but what else does he have?

Toji's identity is unstable, he doesn't really live for any purpose, he kills people then blows the money gambling, he jumps from women to women to mooch off of them, he's also mentally unstable as well he shoots a little girl in the back of the head and feels nothing. The instability comes from his isolation, Toji is rejected by everyone the same way that Gojo is lauded by everyone. But Toji goes on step further in that he fails to construct any identity outside of being rejected and his entire life is spent rejecting the people who rejected him. Why does Toji want to be strong, he doesn't know. Purpose is something you have to construct for yourself, because there's no inherent meaning to life. Identity is something that's constructed by both yourself and your interactions with others because people aren't born inherently one thing or the other.

Gojo and Toji just refuse to do this, and only focus on themselves and the goal of being stronger. In Gojo's case I'd argue he doesn't fight for other people because he doesn't feel that connection with other people or rather he doesn't let himself. Hedgehog's dilemna to the extreme. Gojo only fighting for himself isn't Nanami calling him a selfish person who doesn't care about others, it's sad because Gojo never found any other reason to fight or meaning to his life but by getting stronger for its own sake.

Gojo only fights for the sake of satisfying himself, but here's the clincher, he's unsatisfied. Not only did he fail in his goal of giving Sukuna the fight of his life, because he knew Sukuna was holding back on him, but also admits to Geto that what would have really been satisfying is if Geto was there with him to pat him on the back.

He's failed on both fronts, he's failed at being the strongest and he's failed at making a connection to the people in his life. Gojo and Toji die in pretty much the same way, they die standing up in the middle of battle, but their last thoughts aren't of disappointment that they lost but their loved ones.

They spent their entire lives believing they were stronger and therefore different than others, and fighting to satisfy their ego and what does it amount to? Toji lived a life of hedonism and then died abandoning the one person he genuinely loved. Gojo has failed his stated goal of revolutionizing Jujutsu Society and dies before he can see whether or not his dream of a reset Jujutsu World will even come to fruition.

They belived they were someone stronger and therefore inherently better, and are put in their place when someone stronger comes along. They die just like all the other mortals. They believed they were alone so they died alone. It's sad and it goes to show how destructive being "the strongest" was to Gojo's identity in the end. Gojo thinks he's Sukuna but Gojo doesn't want to be Sukuna, because Sukuna's alone, and unlike Gojo you could make the point that Sukuna's not a human being who has human emotions because he's a curse. If Gojo was truly someone who could understand Sukuna he would have been truly alone the same way Sukuna is, and that's not what he wanted.

It's too bad Gojo never thought seriously about what he wanted, and therefore learned his lesson too late. He was always looking for someone he could relate to, except for in the people who were right in front of him.

[delzinrowe]

20 Zentimeter - Takuma Ino x Reader

WORD COUNT: ~2.5K WARNINGS: Crack? Mentions of alcohol. F!Reader! SUMMARY: Foreign Reader Y/N finds a song in her native language during karaoke. (My condolences, reader is from a german speaking country.) A/N: I don't claim any responsibility. -> If you enjoy my fics, please consider buying me a ko-fi, thank you! ╰┈➤ ⋆❝masterlist❞⋆

Under any other circumstances Y/N would have dreaded going out with a bunch of people, especially so during the week when she knew it most probably involved alcohol. But there weren’t many times in which Takuma Ino joined in these nights out, and she couldn’t miss the chance to spend time with him.

You see, Y/N had a crush on Ino ever since she took the brave step of moving to Japan. Obviously, she wasn’t from this country, making it harder for her to engage with people around her age. In her own culture and language she was much more open, albeit still being an introvert most times. But with the newfound language barrier she became much more isolated, at least that’s what it felt like.

She never questioned her mysterious powers or the fact that she could see monsters, or even why her mother seemed to know about it. And she certainly never questioned why her mother seemed to know other people with the same abilities. One of which, as she was told, was the principal of a school for people like her. Long story short, her mother had transferred her to the school with principal Yaga (as she was later informed) immediately admitting her due to her family heritage, which she didn’t fully understand when it was explained to her.

None of that mattered to her anymore, it had been a few years since her transfer and it would only be a few more months until she’d officially graduate. Due to the age difference between her and the first years she couldn’t fully connect with any of them. But Nanami had often paired her up with Ino, as he figured that the two would connect more.

“Earth to Y/N. Hello?” Nobara waved a hand in front of her eyes to drag Y/N out of her daze.

“Yes, sorry. I just zoned out.” A rosy hue dusted her cheeks as she pulled on her jacked sleeve in order to avoid her gaze. 

“Hm… happens a lot when that idiot is around.” Nobara’s comment instantly fueled Y/N blush more. The first year student rolled her eyes at the older one’s obvious crush, even though she had never confirmed it properly.

“He’s not an idiot.” Y/N responded as she glanced at Ino, who was currently engaged in a seemingly deep conversation with Yuji about god knows what.

“Just tell him you like him. It’s getting annoying.” The first year secretly cheered for her female upperclass(wo)man. However, she was annoyed with Y/N for not confessing. Nobara had watched her pine for Nanami’s protege for months.

“Shut up.” With that Y/N turned around and put her hands into her jacket pockets.

The entire group consisting of all first and second year students as well as Y/N and Ino was still standing on the school grounds, discussing where to go and what to do on their fun night out.

“Let’s go karaoke!” Y/N didn’t have to look to know who it was that threw the idea into the room. There was only one person who’d always be up for karaoke, and it was unfortunately Ino. Much to her dismay, everyone seemed to agree, except for the grumble of disapproval coming from Megumi. She had to give props to Yuji and Nobara for successfully dragging him along.

Absentmindedly Y/N tagged along when the entire group made their way to a random karaoke venue somewhere in Tokyo.

With her only having learned japanese within the past few years it wasn’t easy for her to open up, and she knew that if there was alcohol involved it’d only be worse for her. At least if she slipped into her native language no one would know what kind of nonsense she’d ramble on about.

————

The hours passed, and the alcohol flowed endlessly as Ino kept ordering rounds and rounds of different types of liquor to their private room.

One by one each of them graced the group with their intoxicated and loud singing voices. A big highlight was the duet of Panda and Yuji, but Y/N’s personal favorite was Nobara dragging Maki up mid-song to turn the ballad she chose into a love song.

Each time one of them suggested for Y/N to come up and sing she shook her head. However, while the others accepted this, Ino didn’t. He was dead set on getting her to sing at least one song.

“Come on. Just one song. For me?” If his pleading voice wasn’t enough already, Ino then pulled his best puppy eyes, effectively melting Y/N’s heart like ice cream on a hot summer’s day. No doubt he knew about her crush.

“Maybe after a few more drinks…” She couldn't outright deny him anything, not when he looked at her with his big brown eyes and a pout that made her chest tighten. But her answer seemed to satisfy him at least somewhat for now since he nodded with a bright smile and turned towards the others to pick out another duet with someone.

Y/N briefly closed her eyes, damning herself for even saying maybe, knowing that Ino wouldn’t let this go, but how could she ever refuse him anything when he unknowingly already had her heart?

There was no way around it, she’d have to sing at least one song, so maybe they had something easy or something fun in their list of available songs. After downing two shots, to make up for the lack of courage, she grabbed the catalog and skipped through all available options. 

She barely acknowledged Nobara and Ino belting out the lyrics to a Spice Girl’s song when she noticed a certain title in the list of songs. There, in the middle of Tokyo in a random karaoke venue, was an old German party song that probably no one here had ever heard before. But it was one song that Y/N was very familiar with. Courtesy of her older siblings. But should she really go for this one choice? At least no one would know what she’d sing about and no one could laugh about her per se, considering they’d all just laugh about how awkward the song sounded.

It was this song or nothing. As if the title had touched something deep inside her that, something that had been resting ever since she stepped foot onto japanese grounds.

At this point she had consumed a handful of shots and drinks but it wasn’t even nearly enough to get her through this song. Luckily, it didn’t take long for Ino’s latest order of drinks to arrive, and just like that, before either of the other’s could even grab one of the cocktail bottles Y/N had already reached for it, filled her glass and downed it in one gulp.

As if that wasn’t enough, the entire group watched with wide eyes as she downed a second glass right after.

“Hey, slow down. You okay?” It was Ino from beside her who spoke up and asked her. If the alcohol hadn’t taken a speed route through her system she would have melted from his caring tone.

“I’m fine!” She slurred her words without any hesitation. It was a sight Ino had never seen before, neither had anyone else in the little group, but she seemed happy and even excited so what could go wrong?

Ino watched her reach for one of the microphones and stand up, albeit a little clumsily. If he wasn’t worried about her he would have found it adorable.

In all her drunken glory Y/N navigated her way through the song library until she found what she was looking for.

The blasting pop beats that sounded from the speakers instantly caught all attention from the group and when Y/N stumbled around the table to take the tiny stage Ino’s eyes followed her. The last thing anyone expected of the usual introvert and rather quiet girl was how she started to jump, bounce and even dance to the rhythm before singing along with the background vocals.

Everyone watched her but no one observed her as attentively as Ino did. His eyes followed her every move, seemingly out of concern but mostly because it had become a habit for him. He had very quickly developed a crush on her, which made him feel as nervous but also as giddy as a teenager. He’d never openly admit it to anyone however. Except Nanami, but only after the Grade 1 sorcerer had successfully, and in a matter of minutes, deduced that Ino seemed infatuated with her.

His racing thoughts came to an abrupt halt when Y/N started to fully get into the song and suddenly he realized that he had no idea what the hell she was singing about.

No matter how hard he tried to listen in on the words she sang, it all sounded like gibberish to him.

“Das kannst du echt vergessen, da hast du dich vermessen!” Y/N’s loud voice sounded out as she sang along to the lyrics and continued to jump around like a happy child. It was truly endearing to Ino, if he hadn’t been so damn confused by the song choice.

“20 Zentimeter, sind es jetzt nicht und nicht später. Du solltest dazu stehen, er ist leicht zu übersehen!” For some reason he seemed to be the only one, everyone else jammed to it, dancing in their seats as well as trying to sing along with the gibberish.

The feeling of being spoken to indirectly came over him more and more, considering Y/N kept glancing at him whenever she sang her stupid outlandish song. But what the hell did she try to tell him with it? It drove him crazy. All he wanted was to build a bridge to her, make a connection and get closer to her to maybe finally confess his crush to her.

“20 Zentimeter.” Y/N almost bellowed out the lyrics in her intoxicated state, and even Ino noticed that she seemed to jumble some of the words together. He blamed the alcohol and tried his best to simply focus on her and how overjoyed she seemed.

Once her song ended however, she reverted back into the quieter person. She was ready to sit back down but Megumi stood up and dragged Yuji with him, announcing to the rest of the group that all of them should get their asses home. Understandably so, since Megumi was the only one who paid attention and realized that the karaoke place would close soon. On top of that the annoyance he felt was written all over his face. 

There were no objections. In all honesty, Y/N found it quite admirable of Megumi to be so responsible. He was the youngest in the group, yet he seemed to be the most mature one. She nodded towards his words, just like the rest of them did when they gathered their things and dashed out of the building.

Just before leaving the karaoke venue Megumi purchased some bottles of water for everyone, which he now handed out to each person. Courtesy of being the least intoxicated as well as being in possession of the only brain cell in the group. 

The cool water in combination with the chilly refreshing breeze made Y/N feel a lot more sober in contrast to how tipsy she felt before. Almost naturally she fell into a pace that was just a tad bit slower than the group. She strolled a few steps behind the group, alone with her thoughts, and didn’t even notice Ino walking next to her.

“What was that song about?” His sudden words startled her and caused her heart to beat faster. A natural fight or flight reaction.

“You almost gave me a cardiac arrest.” She said as she  breathed in and out deeply to steady her racing heart. It wasn’t her intention to ignore his question, she simply didn’t pay attention to what he said when he surprised her.

“Sorry…” He chuckled innocently and continued speaking, “but that song. It’s not a language I know. What was it about?”

“Oh. Well..” She started but quickly let the word face out into nothingness. The song wasn’t very appropriate. The message and actual lyrics weren’t really bad, just the meaning of it was vulgar.

“It’s just that you kept looking at me when you sang.” Shit. How the hell was she supposed to explain the lyrics of it to him now? Why couldn’t the ground open up and swallow her hole right at this moment?

Her face heated up to the point she knew that if she was a cartoon character her features would be scarlet red. Inside her head she screamed of embarrassment. For now she was thankful that the streetlights on their way were in such poor shape. It prevented Ino from seeing her intense blush.

Minutes felt like hours for Y/N when she tried to come up with the least embarrassing explanation. No way in hell could she tell him what the song was about.

“It’s about measurements!” She blurted out, almost too quick for him to understand, but he unfortunately caught it, even if he couldn’t make any sense of her words. His face mirrored his confusion as he stared at her with furrowed brows. It was a clear WTF written all over his handsome features.

Y/N tried her hardest to keep looking ahead, to focus on walking, or literally anything else, besides her pounding heart. Her cheeks surely could heat up an entire building in the deepest winter.

So close. Almost home. Her mind was racing but the sight of her apartment complex just about a hundred meters away caused her chest to feel lighter. Subconsciously she sped up her pace a little.

“I… It’s really just a silly german song. Nothing more to it.” She murmured after another moment. For a brief second she felt somewhat bad and guilty for attempting to dismiss the entire topic like this. He was right, she did glance at him too many times during her drunken performance, but it wasn’t her fault. It was all the alcohol’s fault!

When the two of them almost reached the front door of the building she turned her face towards him, ready to bid him goodnight. Ino seemed to have other plans as he spoke up before she even had the chance.

“I’m gonna find out what it means.” His voice was dripping with confidence. Once he found something he wanted he wouldn’t let go.

“But maybe you can give me some private german lessons, how about it?” Y/N didn’t expect his flirtatious tone or the wink he sent in her direction. Momentarily she froze on the spot. Ino just chuckled when he realized that he caused her to malfunction for a hot minute.

The way her cheeks now reminded him of freshly picked strawberries only made his smile brighter. 

“Goodnight, gorgeous.” He chuckled once more. Eventually he turned around as he took some steps backwards, making his way towards his own place and leaving behind an extremely flustered Y/N with a racing heart and a bright blush.

[lmskitty]

Teacher AU!!

Nobara Kugisaki: operation prove the Sensei's are dating!!!!!! (Part two)

The next day Nobara comes in guns blazing.

Her first idea is simple, see what Gojo has him listed as on his phone.

"Is that really a thing? Wow you know so much Kugisaki!!" Yuji says amazed. Nobara sighs. These boys are useless.

"Of course it's a thing! See" she showed him her contacts, every single one had an emoji beside it.

"It's common practice to have emojis or cute nicknames for your partner or at least friends! If they are dating I bet Gojo would have him in his phone as something cute."

Yuji nodded sagely. He smiled at the emoji's she had put beside his (🤩) and Fushiguro. ( 😐 ) They even looked like them.

"Why does the smiley face have hearts for eyes beside Maki Sempais?"

Nobara took her phone back.

Getting to Gojo's phone was easy. Yuji asked him what his favourite digimon series was and Nobara grabbed it off the desk. She'd remembered his code because it was the pin to his debit card. This was further information that deeply concerned Fushiguro but he tried not to think to much on it.

"Aha!!" She said scrolling through the lists and then frowning.

"Bangs." Fushiguro read.

"Bangs?!?!? What does that even mean?!?! There's no emojis or even a picture!!! All the names are just descriptive sentences. This one just says bread?!?"

"That's Nanami. He likes bread" Gojo said looming over her shoulder. Nobara shrieked nearly dropping the phone. He grabbed it smiling.

"Why do you have my phone Nobara?" He asked pocketing it swiftly.

"We..wanted to get Geto Sensei's number to ask him what he'd like as a present!" Yuji stumbled. Nobara and Megumi stared at her but then Nobara snapped her fingers.

"Because we missed his birthday! You two are super close, do you know what he likes Gojo Sensei?"

Gojo hummed rubbing his chin.

"See he's tricky, he doesn't have the delicate palate I have"

The trio frowned at that. They'd watched him devour a crepe covered in chocolate syrup that morning and deemed it a nutritional breakfast because it had a strawberry on it.

"He's also got a particular style of clothing so he's hard to shop for there. Ah! Books are always a safe bet. Find a weird book on curses or local history. No guarantee he hasn't read it already though!" He waved his hand.

"Was he always the quiet reading type?" Nobara needled further and Gojo smiled.

"Yes and no, he was always booksmart but he also got in trouble just as badly as I did. It's hilarious he's such a stickler for the rules now when he'd burst out a curse on school grounds even if I slightly annoyed him."

"So the school was overrun with curses then" Megumi said. Gojo ruffled his hair to his annoyance.

"Ah the folly of youth!" He sighed wistfully. "That's very sweet of you to get him a gift. I note I didn't receive a gift from you on my birthday"

"what are you talking about. We definitely got you a gift you just ate the Kikufuku like immediately."

Gojo laughed. "I was hoping you'd believe me and I'd get another gift ah well"

"Why do you even need a gift, you have enough money to buy the whole shop?" Megumi asked.

"Presents taste sweeter" he stated. His phone beeped and he smiled typing a message back quickly. "Speak of the devil! Don't worry your secrets safe with me! Duty calls!" He said and wandered off down the hallway.

Nobara sighed. "Even his ringtone was a standard one. Are you sure they're dating?"

Megumi nodded.

"Did you see them kissing or something?" Yuji said. Megumi went pink.

"Gojo would be a big kisser. He's constantly leaning on everyone I bet he'd be a really clingy boyfriend" Nobara said grimacing.

"No. Just it's the way they are with each other! It's not how friends are...it's deeper than that." He ran a hand through his hair deeply uncomfortable with the way Yuji was eyeing him.

"They always eat at restaurants together"

"So do you and Itadori."

"They're always in each others spaces"

Nobara waved a hand at Yuji leaving against the wall beside Megumi. Megumi took a step to the side.

"They're constantly messaging each other."

Nobara rolled her eyes. "At this rate I have more proof that you two are an item then them and that's an even more ridiculous idea."

"I don't think it's ridiculous! Anyone would be lucky to date Fushiguro!" Yuji exclaimed.

Nobara nodded. "Yeah if they like the silent brooding type but the idea of him dating you is the weird part. You never shut up!" She laughed elbowing him in the ribs as they walked down the hall.

"Well then I'll be a good boyfriend for him then like yin and Yang, I'll do all the talking!" Yuji smiled.

"You can call the waiter over when he's too shy to say his orders wrong!" Nobara and Yuji nodded in decision. Megumi was still pink in the face and apparently had no choice in the matter as he listened to the conversation in front of him, hands in his pockets.

"Anyway! Stage two!" Nobara said pushing the doors to the field outside open roughly.

"Let's observe them together and check out their ~body language~ while Geto Sensei trains the second years!" She waggled her eyebrows for extra effect and Yuji laughed and did it back to her.

[voxofthevoid]

Ch 248 is once again a mixed bag for me. On the bright side, it has a development I've been looking forward to the most since Sukuna left Yuuji's body—Sukuna acknowledging the effect Yuuji has on him. Until now, he's mocked and belittled Yuuji, deeming him weak and boring, except that the specific brand of vitriol Sukuna reserves for Yuuji has made it very clear that his beef with Yuuji is a lot more personal than his conflict with any other character. There's a pettiness there, a kind of irritation that's borderline childish, that wouldn't be present if Yuuji didn't well and truly get under his skin.

So to see Sukuna take a moment in the middle of battle, complete with arms on his hips and a goddamn pout, to reassess himself, his ideology, and his enemies and their goals, all to figure out why Yuuji irritates him and then to see him conclude that it's because Yuuji has indomitable will that he can't stomp down? It's sweet, sweet vindication. Sukuna's immediate resolution to tear that will down with, again, a kind of personal vendetta we rarely see from him marks the exact kind of fight I want out of Yuuji vs. Sukuna.

And Yuuji himself has been a sight to behold despite his relatively fewer scenes so far, from his final moments with Higuruma to the reveal that he can use RCT. His greatest strengths so far have been how quickly he grasps CE usage and now attuned he is to his body. The two combined is what's made him so lethal despite the lack of a CT or even advanced techniques like simple domain. RCT fits quite neatly with the kind of power progression he's shown so far, and combined with his natural durability and sheer resilience, it'll make him even more of a monster.

These are elements I'm very happy with. However, this chapter confirms Kenjaku's end and sets up Sukuna as the final villain, and that's... underwhelming at best. I'm not complaining that Sukuna isn't a particularly complicated villain; it's refreshing and suits how he's presented himself from the beginning. But part of what compensated for one villain being like that was the other being a mad scientist with a pretty cunning mind who kept plotting and planning with every tool in their arsenal. You could trust Kenjaku to keep things interesting while they sought the chaos they dearly wanted, and even the merger coming from them would've had certain meaningful implications because not only is it a dream they strived to fulfil for centuries, but it's also a way to see them finally "let go" of Tengen after exhibiting some fascinating attachment behaviors with her. That authority passing on to Sukuna is about as impactful as Yuuta killing Kenjaku—that is, not at all.

The Yuuta+Rika vs. Sukuna fight that's currently being teased makes me wary for similar reasons. It lacks the buildup Gojou vs. Sukuna had (battle of the strongest, i.e., clash of two immense fucking egos), and another contest of raw power sounds about as appealing as watching paint dry right now. Maybe it'll surprise me, but I'm not holding my breath.

To compare this to Shibuya, the emotional component that made its climax so compelling is almost entirely missing from this fight. It's there in Yuuji facing off against someone who took Megumi and Gojou from him, like how he fought the curse that took Nanami and Nobara from him, but overall, the deaths feel hollow and the stakes are so impossibly high that they start to feel like nothing at all.

I can't even fully capture what I'm feeling. It's not that I'm not looking forward to the upcoming chapters; I am. It's not even that I think the plot and climax are unsalvageable; they are, to an extent. But by this point, the plot fumblings and wasted potential have added up to a looming shadow I can't ignore even when there are parts I'm genuinely excited about.

[m1ckeyb3rry]

Pomegranate Ink: XXV

Series Synopsis: Unable to heal but willing to fight, with a fiancé in Kyoto and a last name that looms over everything you do, you accept an offer to study at Tokyo Jujutsu Tech. What you did not know was that your salvation and your ruination alike would soon join you at the school, neatly wrapped in the form of a boy followed by death.

Chapter Synopsis: A veil comes down in Shibuya, with tragic consequences.

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Yuta Okkotsu × Female Reader

Chapter Word Count: 9.8k

Content Warnings: angst, misogyny, naoya zenin, forbidden relationships, canon-typical violence, character death, original characters included

A/N: ok i’m ngl i doubt this is what you all are expecting when it comes to shibuya pomegranate ink version but oh well it does what it needs to for narrative purposes. sorry

“The situation is definitely strange,” you said, using one of the needles you hadn’t cursed yet to clean under your nails. “I mean, what reason would there be to put a curtain down on Shibuya?”

“I don’t know,” Tullia said. “A part of me is worried, because this is so out of the ordinary, but at the same time, can you believe it? This is my first mission since my promotion!”

Ever since your classmates had heard that you and Todo had recommended them for Grade 1 status, they had been over the moon about it. Maki, especially, had been close to tears when she heard the news, hugging you tightly and thanking you over and over again for it. You had assured all of them that you really believed they deserved it and weren’t just doing it because they were your friends, and from that moment onwards they had been showing off in front of you, like they wanted to prove that they were worthy of the designation.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t count towards one of your supervised missions. I’m the one who gave you your initial recommendation, so I can’t give you another one, you see,” you said. Tullia shrugged.

“It’s okay. I’ve missed working with you, so it’s not a big deal! It’ll be just like old times,” she said. You wiped off the needle and then cursed it before putting it away with the rest of them, making sure the pouch was securely closed and then setting it in your pocket where it usually stayed.

“Hopefully, Gojo’s able to take care of it and we don’t have to do anything. As much as I’d love to go on a mission with you again, I don’t know if I like the situation here. If I had my way, we’d be somewhere else, doing nothing,” you said.

“Can you detect something with your cursed signature detection?” she said. You shook your head.

“Not with that veil in the way. I’m sure if we go in, I’ll be hit with it all at once,” you said.

When a mysterious veil had fallen over Shibuya station, several sorcerers had been called to the scene. There were five teams that you could think of off the top of your head, though you knew there were a couple of other, unrelated sorcerers also around: one consisted of Naobito, Maki, and Nobara, another was Nanami, Megumi, and Ino, a third was Mei Mei, her brother Ui Ui, and Itadori, the fourth was Kusakabe and Panda, and the final team was you and Tullia. However, all of you were meant to be on standby — Gojo was the one who would go in and take care of things. He was strong enough to do whatever it took, so you weren’t worried.

“Oh, so you’re just generally having a bad feeling,” Tullia said.

“Aren’t you?” you said. “This whole thing isn’t right, especially since Mechamaru was revealed to be a traitor. There’s something going on, and I don’t doubt that those disaster curses have something to do with it.”

“It’s Gojo, though. Do you really think he’ll have any issues, even if he is fighting those things?” she said.

“That’s actually very fair,” you said. “You’re right, I’m worrying about nothing. Sorry to bring down the mood.”

“Not at all. I’d be surprised if you weren’t worried; after all, our team is just the two of us, so if we have to go in, then we only have each other to trust,” she said.

“There’s no one I’d rather have by my side,” you said. It made sense that you and she were assigned together once again; she was the reason you could use Composition, so there was no better place for her than with you. Besides, your techniques worked well together, as you specialized in ranged attacks and she was stronger in close combat, making you effective at fighting alongside one another.

“When will we know to go inside?” Tullia said. “I don’t want us to be late or anything.”

“I’m sure one of the assistant managers will let us know,” you promised. As if you had summoned them just by speaking, your phone rang. When you looked at the caller ID, it showed Ijichi’s contact, his picture the selfie you had taken of the two of you when he had dropped you off on your first official mission as a Grade 1 sorcerer proper.

“It’s time now,” he said briskly, hanging up before you could even say anything. You didn’t blame him; he had to pass on the same message to the others, and there was no time for politeness in such high-stakes situations. Instead, you put your phone away and turned back to Tullia.

“Ijichi says it’s time. Are you ready?” you said. She patted herself down.

“Tetrodotoxin, cyanide, good old bleach, arsenic, and — look what Gojo got for me to celebrate my promotion!” she said, pulling out a glimmering glass bottle. “Botulinum toxin! It’s the stuff they use for botox, but apparently in large doses it’s one of the most poisonous biological substances known. This is definitely going to be good.”

You grimaced. “Please keep that close to you at all times. It’ll kill anyone else that comes in contact with it.”

“I know, I know. I’m very responsible with my poisons, both because some of them are massively expensive and because they’re so dangerous to other people,” Tullia said. “Do you have everything?”

“I’ve cursed all of my needles,” you said. “That’s all I can do.”

“Let’s get going, then. We shouldn’t waste time,” she said.

“Wait. Tullia, you’re sure about this? I’m a Grade 1 sorcerer, so I have to go, but you’re just a student. You can stay back if you want,” you said. “I always ask so much of you, and you always put me first. You can decide not to this time. I won’t be mad.”

She waved you off. “I’m a Semi-Grade 1 now, so I need to start doing this kind of thing more regularly anyways. Come on, if Ijichi told you to come inside the veil then there’s probably a real reason he did so, so we shouldn’t dawdle.”

“Okay. See you on the other side,” you said.

“See you on the other side, Y/N,” she said.

Then, before you could hesitate further or second guess yourselves, you stepped into the veil, leaving the outside world behind, taking that leap into the unknown without looking back — because you were sorcerers, and that was what sorcerers did.

Almost before you had even finished entering the veil, you were bowled over by the immensely malevolent presences lurking in the area. The concentration of curses was greater than you had ever experienced, even greater than it had been during the Night Parade, or maybe it wasn’t that there were more curses but rather that those which were present were on a different level entirely.

And that familiar presence. It was only because Tullia was there and things were so similar to what they had been last Christmas Eve, but you realized where you knew that cursed signature from.

“Suguru Geto?” you muttered.

“Hm? Did you say something, Y/N?” Tullia said. You thought about telling her what you had just figured out, but there wasn’t a point, at least not until you had more information confirming it. Though you didn’t think you were mistaken, there had to be some other explanation for the familiarity of the residuals beyond a dead man walking once more.

“Never mind,” you said. “Now, what should we—”

“Nanami! Y/N! Gojo’s been sealed! Did you hear me? Nanami! Y/N! Gojo has been sealed!”

It was Itadori’s voice which interrupted your thoughts, his screams echoing from somewhere far away. You looked at Tullia for confirmation, but it was evident that she had heard him too, judging by her blown pupils and the panicked set to her mouth.

“Gojo’s been what?” she whispered.

“Sealed?” you said. “I don’t understand. What does that mean?”

Gojo was Gojo. He was your teacher. He was more than that, actually, he was like a part of your family. Your whole family, even. He was the man that had saved you from your previous life and taught you how to be strong. He was strong; he was strength itself, personified. So what did it mean for him to be sealed? How did that compute?

“It’s probably temporary,” Tullia said. “Right?”

You swallowed, shaking your head to clear it. This wasn’t the time for thoughts like this. You were in charge of both yours and Tullia’s wellbeing at the moment, and you were in an incredibly volatile area. You had to set aside your emotions and focus on the logic of what was happening.

“I don’t know how it’s happened, but yes, that’s correct. No method of permanent sealing exists, so if the curses have managed to seal Gojo, then we can definitely undo it. We just have to find him and get him out of their grasp,” you said.

“That should be our priority, then, yes?” she prompted. You were grateful to her for the steady guidance, knowing that you wouldn’t be able to go on if you didn’t have her cheery self with you. It was not just her cursed energy that was so vital to your operation; her optimism managed to counteract your occasionally more pessimistic outlook, ensuring that you could think clearly even when you just wanted to wallow in despair.

“Yes. We’ll have to be careful, because if these curses were capable of sealing even Gojo, then who knows what else they can do? There’s no doubt that Mount Fuji and the plant curse will be here, as well as the patchwork curse that Itadori and Nanami had to fight, plus whatever other allies they have. Whatever happens next, it’s going to be difficult,” you said.

“When is it not?” Tullia said rhetorically.

“This time is different, though. This time, it doesn’t matter if we risk death. We have to keep going. We cannot win if we don’t have Gojo, so we must be prepared to give up anything and everything if it means saving him,” you said.

“Okay,” she said. “Where should we go first?”

“The station,” you said. “That’s where I detect the most signatures gathered together, so it’s a sure bet that he’s there, too.”

“Lead the way,” she said, downing an entire bottle of arsenic and then tossing it to the side, following after you as you raced towards the station at top speed, taking the stairs two at a time until you reached a tiled room which seemed to be devoid of anyone. Skidding to a stop, you motioned for Tullia to do the same.

“It looks empty,” you said. “But someone’s here. Be on your guard; whoever it is, they’re powerful.”

When you thought about it, this signature, too, was one you recognized. There was a hot, angry edge to it, pulsing with rage and fire as it stalked around the room in search of something to explode at. It was none other than the volcano-head you had met at the restaurant the other day, but for some reason, he was staying concealed for the moment. It was only a matter of time before he picked up on yours and Tullia’s presence in the room, though, and then you were definitely in trouble, so you put your finger on your lips and jerked your head towards the stairwell, indicating for Tullia to follow your lead. If you could just sneak out before he noticed you…

“You’re not the person I wanted to see, but I suppose you’re good enough for the moment, Y/N L/N,” the aged voice of the curse rang out as flames burst in the stairway, trapping you in the room with the curse as he rounded a corner and revealed himself, looking as grotesque as he had the day you had met the first time.

“Mount Fuji,” you greeted tersely. “You never told me your real name, so I hope you’re alright with me calling you that.”

“It’s Jogo!” the curse screeched, steam pouring out of his ears. “My name is Jogo, and don’t you ever refer to me in such a demeaning way again!”

The heat from the fire Jogo had set in the stairwell was so high that it was making your skin burn from just the proximity to it, so reluctantly, you took a step forward, away from the fire but consequently closer to the curse.

“Fine, Jogo. What have you and your lot done to Gojo?” you said, brandishing a needle and holding it in front of you protectively. It was more a placebo than anything; you doubted a single needle would be enough to take out this curse, unless you were able to use Dissection and aim at one of the weak spots that would then be made apparent.

“Satoru Gojo? We sealed him in a prison realm. Who’s going to save you now, huh?” he said, leering at you with blackened teeth, smoke belching from the crater atop his head.

A prison realm. Well, that type of thing was probably the only reliable way to deal with someone like Gojo, but it made rescuing him a lot more painful for you. Even if you managed to obtain the realm in which Gojo was contained, you’d have to then figure out how to unseal him, and then you’d have to hope that the manner in which you went about doing that was something that you could actually manage to accomplish.

“We’ll get him back,” you said. “Don’t think that we won’t.”

“Not if I kill you here and now,” Jogo said, flames dancing at his fingertips when he spoke. You spun your needle between your fingers, a new nervous habit you had picked up on recently.

“It doesn’t matter if you do. Even if Tullia and I are gone, someone will get to him. If it’s not us, then it’ll be one of the others. I don’t have to be the hero who saves him. As long as he’s saved,” you said. “So go on. Do your worst, if that’s what you’re set on doing. But just remember that by killing me, you are forfeiting any chance of Sukuna coming to your aid.”

It was a bluff. You had come to this conclusion while you were talking: you did not want to die. Maybe it made you a coward, but you didn’t want to get hurt. You didn’t want anyone you cared about to be injured. You didn’t want to die. You didn’t want your friends to die. But your words were true in one way: it didn’t matter if you did die, in the end, even if you were scared to. You were not the one who would turn the tides of this battle.

Except there was something only you could do. Something that Sukuna needed you for. This was where your importance came from. That was why they wanted you. It wasn’t because you were strong. It wasn’t because you were a particularly talented sorcerer. It was because for some reason, the King of Curses had decided you were a person he could not kill.

Lava bubbled over the rim of the volcano on Jogo’s head, dripping down his forehead like sweat, his eye glazing over as the flames in the staircase grew to an all-time high. You grabbed Tullia’s hand and squeezed it, trying to communicate without words what you wanted to say. He’s angry. He doesn’t care. Get ready.

Discreetly, she took out another bottle of arsenic and drank it. You thought that it was just about time for the botulinum toxin, but it wasn’t your cursed technique, so you wouldn’t presume to dictate to her what she should and shouldn’t be ingesting at any given moment.

“You’re right,” Jogo said. “I can’t kill you, at least not until we awaken Sukuna and figure out what, exactly, he wants from you. But that doesn’t mean I can’t hurt you in the meantime, does it? Yes, that sounds like a good plan. I’m sure Sukuna will be pleased to see you burnt beyond the point of recognition, anyways; after all, I’ve heard that he harbors no love for you.”

You had no response to this. You had picked up on the intense hatred Sukuna had for you, too — it seeped out of his very being, so potent it took on a life of its own, like every cell in Sukuna’s body had its own equivalent dedicated solely to despising you, that vitriol braided into every fiber of his being. Jogo was likely correct; as long as you were still alive, Sukuna would probably delight at seeing you in pain.

“What do we do?” Tulla said under her breath as Jogo began to cackle.

“We fight, and we win,” you said.

“That’s it?” she said.

“Always is,” you said wryly. She scoffed.

“Do we just go improv?” she said.

“I have no idea what his abilities are, so we’re going to have to,” you said. “Do you trust me?”

“More than anything,” she said.

“And I trust you, so it’ll be fine. We can do this,” you said. “Just follow my lead, and I’ll follow yours. Deal?”

“Deal,” she said.

“I forgot!” Jogo said, clapping his hands together. “There’s nothing stopping me from killing her!”

He pointed at Tullia, and out of nowhere, large wasps manifested behind him, buzzing and dancing through the air towards her. You threw your needles at them, and though some made contact, there were so many in the swarm that it didn’t matter. Although Tullia tried to dodge and avoid them, it was futile — they followed her every step of the way, Jogo watching her keenly, watching how her feet slid against the freshly-washed tiles, and how she struggled to swat the insects away.

You took advantage of the moment to use Dissection on him, identifying his weak spots while you had the chance to. His eye, the volcano on his head, his jaw, and the nape of his neck glowed green, and you did not hesitate to fling a needle at him, aiming for the largest target: the volcano.

Right when the needle was about to strike, a chasm opened in the ground below him, spewing flames that melted the needle into a useless heap of metal at his feet. At the same time, in unison, the wasps emitted a piercing sound, surrounding Tullia, covering her entire body and then detonating, smoke and flame and ash billowing up in clouds around her.

“No!” you screamed, physically feeling the loss in your stomach. Tullia’s cursed energy, which you had grown accustomed to always being connected with yours, was suddenly gone, leaving you barren and empty. It made your movements unsure, your mind foggy as you tried to compensate for what had just been stolen from you.

Jogo took advantage of the moment to wrap one searing palm around your bicep, burning the flesh away with a smug grin on his face. You kicked and wailed, trying to pull free, but he held fast. You used your free hand to pull out a needle and stab it into his hand, but it was like you were suffering from a withdrawal or a hangover. You had grown so adapted to Tullia’s cursed energy that without it, you were nothing. You couldn’t do anything. You had been healing and fighting when you were only supposed to do one, and now that you didn’t have a buffer there to deal with the repercussions of it, you were facing them all at once.

“Let go of me!” you sobbed. Purple blood streamed from Jogo’s hand as you dragged the needle through his wrist, and he growled at you, upping his temperature so that this needle, too, evaporated into nothingness.

“I don’t think so,” he hissed. “You’ve been an impertinent little bitch, and even though I can’t kill you, I’m going to make you wish you were dead.”

“She said to let go!” a familiar voice said, and suddenly a fist was ramming into Jogo’s head, knocking him back and sending him flying across the room. He slammed into a wall, and cursed energy flared through your body once more. “Use Composition on your arm before you lose it, quickly! I’ll be fine, I’ve had enough poison that you could probably heal an entire army and I’d be alright.”

“Tullia?” you said. “How did you—?”

“As soon as I saw him using fire, I dosed up on arsenic,” she said as you took a tiny bit of her energy to heal your arm, which Jogo had burnt to the bone. The flesh and muscle regenerated around it, not even a scar left due to the perfection of Composition as a Reverse Cursed Technique. “It’s fire resistant, so I was able to survive the insects’ initial onslaught. It’s not a permanent solution, but it worked in a pinch. Now come on and get your head in the game; you’re a Grade 1 sorcerer, for crying out loud!”

Her clothes were tattered and singed, her hair uneven and choppy, entire chunks missing from where it had crumbled away entirely. Her face and body were covered in burns, but burns could be healed, hair could be regrown, and clothes could be changed. She was alive, and that was what was important.

“Right,” you said. “I’ve been doing a bad job at showing that, haven’t I? Okay, listen, his weak spots are the volcano, the eye, the nape of his neck, and his jaw. He’s been melting the needles I throw at him, though, so I’ve been out of luck in trying to fight him because of that.”

“I guess you could say he’s too hot to handle,” she said with a snicker before composing herself. “Sorry. Bad joke.”

“Uh-huh,” you said, still reeling at her death and then at the fact that she wasn’t dead at all. She took another drink of arsenic, giving you a firm nod.

“I can probably go hand to hand and aim for those weak spots, but I doubt I’m strong enough to do any significant damage, and I don’t have Sukuna’s protection the way you do,” she said.

“No, you don’t have to do that,” you said. “I’m going to do it myself. You just have to protect me. Distract him when he starts to hurt me again, and I’ll hit him before he can even think about killing you.”

This time, you did not even wait for Jogo to attack first. You went on the offensive, Tullia staying close enough to you that Jogo did not dare send a wide-ranging attack towards her for fear of catching you in the crossfire. You tossed out a handful of needles to serve as a distraction, but like all the others, they liquefied once they got within an arms’ length of Jogo.

Volcanic openings appeared in the ground in front of you as you ran, spitting out lava at random. There was no time to think as you leapt and swerved — you were acting purely on instinct, each footfall nothing more than guesswork. The wrong one meant death. The right one meant survival. But who could tell which was which? The ends of your sleeves caught on fire at one point, and you had to beat them against your side in order to put them out, but even then you could not pause, not when you were so close, not when there was no escape, not when this confrontation could only end in one of two ways: your death or his.

You reached him first, punching him in the jaw. Without the specific refinement and cursed energy of your needles, it didn’t exorcise him instantly, and anyways he was a special grade, so one hit wouldn’t have been enough to do the job regardless, but it did cause him pain. You could tell because he groaned at the contact, and his mouth hinged open for a moment, hanging there as he breathed fire at you, more steam pouring out from his ears when he did. You ducked out of the way of the blast, and before he could redirect his attack, Tullia kicked him in the back of the head. You rolled to your feet in the meanwhile, digging your fingers into his neck, gouging into it, his flesh and blood stuck under your nails when you pulled away to backhand him and then flip over the volcano that opened beneath your feet.

You continued like that, the three of you settling into a rhythm of sorts. You would strike, and then Tullia would attack before Jogo could turn his ire upon you. Then, right when he was about to retaliate against Tullia, you would lash out once more. He was at a definite disadvantage, not because of skill but because he could not kill you. You knew for a fact that if it were not for Sukuna’s threat weighing on his mind, he would’ve annihilated you already. But he could not, not if he ever wanted to be successful in his eventual goals, and you and Tullia abused that fact, pummeling him without care, dodging whatever he sent your way — or sometimes not even that. You could not count the amount of times that one of you burst into flames, barely managing to put it out in time to keep fighting.

There was a kind of clarity that you felt in that moment. You were no longer Y/N L/N. You were no longer anyone. And neither was Tullia; she wasn’t a person but an extension of yourself, as you were an extension of her, as you were both two halves of a greater whole and Jogo was the unspoken third which you could not exist without. Dissection and Composition and the burning body in between you. The healer and the empty glass and the fire-like-wine which filled you. There would be no one to fight without him. There would be no one to heal without him. That was the truth of sorcerers and curses: you both could not exist without one another, like a cyclical, self-contained plague. Who would you kill if not your counterpart? It was in your nature. You were born to fight Jogo, as Jogo was born to fight you. And if not him, if not you, then another, and another, and another, until one side could possibly win — if a victory which led to erasure could be considered as such.

If there were no curses, there would be no sorcerers. If there were no sorcerers, there would be no curses. There was no curse theory or scientific backing to support this thought. It was just something you knew in that instant, as you fought Jogo. It was one of those things you felt, a truth that resounded in your bones as surely as the fire which danced along your skin every time Jogo counterattacked.

You were beating him. He was weak now, but still frenzied, still overtaken by the rush of the fight, adrenaline and arrogance overtaking his reason, his higher-order thinking. It shouldn’t have been this simple, but for that one precious second, you allowed yourself to believe it. You allowed yourself to believe that maybe you and Tullia had really done it, that you had managed to exorcise a special grade of this magnitude. You allowed yourself to believe that you could move on and return to seeking out Gojo now.

“Domain Expansion,” Jogo gasped out, raising his hands, not to attack but for another purpose entirely. He must’ve given up on not wanting to kill you. He must’ve realized that there was this other way that he could wipe you out without having to worry about you anymore.

“Tullia!” you shouted desperately, shoving at her, trying to push her away with all your strength, no longer worrying about Jogo. “Tullia, run! You have to run!”

It was too late. She gazed at you, and you could see in her eyes that she knew what was happening, that she understood it was too late for her to escape, just like it was too late for you. As a mountain began to form around you, she embraced you, pressing her cheek to yours, her lips to your ear.

“Until the end, we keep fighting,” she said. “Even if we’re in his Domain, we keep fighting. Right? We’ll weaken him enough that maybe — maybe one of the others can do it, can get rid of him for good.”

Your voice cracked when you spoke. “Yes.”

“Thank you for being my friend,” she said.

“Thank you for being mine,” you said.

“Coffin of the Iron Mountain!” Jogo declared, rejuvenated by the power of the Doman Expansion, even though by all rights it should’ve drained him further. As the Domain completed, you and Tullia found yourselves standing inside of an enormous volcano, rocks crashing down and lava bubbling in the corners.

“Hold on a second. You said that that curse could perform a Domain Expansion. What if it pulls that out? Does she have any counter to that?” Nanami said. “If she doesn’t, then it’s totally irresponsible of you to send her. Even more irresponsible than I ever thought you’d be.”

“Um,” Gojo said. “Y/N? Do you have a counter for that?”

“Wow, Gojo,” you said. “I can’t believe you didn’t think of that. Thank you for the concern, Nanami, sir, but as the case may be, I actually do have something I can use if things come to it, so I’ll be alright.”

You had learnt it from Noritoshi. He himself had never had the strength to accomplish it, but he had talked to you about it one day, back before you had even come to the school. He was the academic type, and he had studied the theory so carefully that he managed to explain that secret of the Big Three clans to you in the simplest way. He had been so skilled at explaining it to you, in fact, that you had managed to replicate it before even he could, much to his chagrin.

He had still been proud of you, vowing to work just as hard so that he could do it, too. The way that the Big Three clans countered Domain Expansions, even when they weren’t strong enough to lay out one of their own: you were the only outsider that had the knowledge, and even then it was only because you would one day be a Kamo. Though you generally detested the clans, you supposed you had them to thank for this one thing, for the reason why Jogo’s Domain did not immediately kill you.

“Falling Blossom Emotion,” you said, a layer of cursed energy creeping over you and shielding you from the flames and rocks of the volcanic Domain. Thus protected, you shifted to take stock of Tullia, knowing that unlike you, she didn’t have a defense against the sure-hit effect of the Domain.

Fire was licking up her legs and arms, but she was alive, determination sparkling in her eyes. The arsenic was probably the only reason she hadn’t completely burnt away yet, but you both knew that that would not last forever.

“You have a way to protect yourself?” she said.

“I do!” you said.

“Good!” she said.

“The arsenic seems to be protecting you for now. We just need to weaken him enough that he can’t maintain his Domain before it wears off, and then I can use Composition to heal you before we keep going,” you said.

“Let’s get a move on, then,” she said. “I can’t die quite yet, you know. I still have to tell someone that I love them.”

Together, stride for stride, heartbeat for heartbeat, the two of you did the exact opposite thing you were supposed to do when in a Domain: you sprinted towards the caster. The Lord of the Iron Mountain, the volcanic curse Jogo, that damned creature which you should’ve been fleeing from, but instead of doing that, you ran right towards him, you needles guiding the way, the air shimmering from the heat, the fire slowly overtaking Tullia’s body, her lower lip trembling from the effort of holding her screams in.

“You dare to challenge me in my own Domain?” Jogo shouted. “I will crush you like the insects you are! Let it always be remembered who the true humans are!”

He truly had forgotten about Sukuna, or maybe he no longer cared. The latter seemed unlikely, though; more accurately, he was probably so caught up with the rush of the battle that everything came second to the tantalizing prospect of winning.

Rocks came crashing down in huge landslides. They slid off the cursed energy of Falling Blossom Emotion without touching you, which meant that Tullia bore the brunt of it, raising her charred forearms to protect herself from the volley — but they just kept coming, in larger and larger quantities and sizes. But still, you kept going, kept running, because what else was there to do but that? What else was there to do but run?

“Y/N,” Tullia called out from behind you. “You have to be the one to do it! Keep going. Ignore whatever happens to me, okay? You can’t shut down again, because you are the one that has to do it!”

“Wait,” you said as a boulder twice even Todo’s size pinned her legs to the ground. “Wait, no, that’s not right!”

“Go,” she said. “If you don’t forget about me, he wins! Keep going!”

Elakshi was sitting by herself on a bench, slicing an apple and eating it as she went. You sat across from her, waiting for her to speak. She had been the one to suggest the meeting time and spot, so you thought it was only fair for her to say something first, but she waited until after her entire apple was finished to talk.

“Good afternoon, Y/N,” she said. “Sorry, I got carried away.”

“It’s okay,” you said, bemused at how intently she had been eating the apple, to the point that she had not noticed nor cared that you were there, too. “I think we both want to talk about the same thing.”

“Your weakness?” she guessed, using a napkin to wipe the juice off of her knife. “That’s what I’m here to tell you about, even though my classmates would be furious if they knew.”

“Do you think so?” you said.

“We have one more year of exchange events against each other, don’t we? I’m just making it harder for myself if I tell you this. That’s part of the fun to me, though, and besides you’re the one that saved me, so at minimum I owe you for that time,” she said.

“You don’t owe me. I was just doing my job,” you said. “I’d appreciate it if you told me what you and Noritoshi figured out, though.”

“Love,” she said, getting straight to the point. You almost jumped at the directness with which she now spoke. “That’s your weakness.”

“My weakness…is love? I don’t see how that works,” you said.

“Call it love, or empathy, or what have you. It’s all the same concept: we can hurt you the best by hurting your friends, the people you care about. That’s when you get distracted. That’s when you give up. You have a heart that bleeds for others, the kind of heart that’s always wanting to help someone else, but not everyone in the world deserves to be helped, and sometimes, you have to abandon your friends for the greater good,” she said.

“Huh? Why would I do that? What good is there in abandoning the people I care about?” you said. She wrinkled her nose.

“There it is again. That’s the reason why you threw yourself in front of that branch for Maki Zenin. That’s the reason I knew you’d fall for my bluff and try to heal me, even though no normal sorcerer would ever care that much about their opponent. There is no version of you that doesn’t jump before that branch, just as there is no version of you that doesn’t stop to use Composition on me,” she said.

“Of course not,” you said. “You’re my friend, and I care about you. And Maki is Maki. All I knew at that moment was that I could not let her die.”

Elakshi considered this. “Your emotions, your love for others, makes it impossible for you to see the big picture. You saved Maki in the moment, but you took yourself — a Grade 1 sorcerer — out of the fight, therefore putting everyone else at risk. You healed me in the moment, but you left yourself and Tullia vulnerable to my retaliation. I admire you, and this definitely isn’t me saying that you aren’t strong or something, but if you ever want to work past this, then you have to come to terms with the fact that there will be times when you can’t protect someone.”

“Maybe it’s because I’m meant to be a healer after all,” you said. “I’m so used to trying to save everyone that I end up saving no one.”

“I’ve been in a lot of hospitals in my time,” Elakshi said. “Can I tell you something I’ve learned? Even the best doctors can’t save everyone. In truth, I doubt anyone can.”

You had to leave Tullia behind. You had to exorcise this curse here and now, and to do that, you had to leave her to what very well could be her death. You had to keep going, had to keep running, and when you reached Jogo, you would have to kill him. There was no way around it. That was simply what you had to do.

You reached him and stabbed a needle into his throat before he could even think to melt it. He uppercutted you in return, and then it became the most lethal sparring match you had ever been in, every movement a brush with death, every second weakening you and strengthening him. Now that you were in his Domain, the roles had reversed. You could not keep up, and furthermore, Tullia’s energy was waning. She was dying, actively dying, and it did not just have a mental effect on you but a physical one, too: without those extra reserves to boost you, you grew exhausted at an exponentially faster rate.

Finally, Jogo reached for you, and you were not quite quick enough to avoid it. He grabbed your neck and squeezed, lifting you in the air and laughing as you kicked your legs and slapped at his hand in an attempt to free yourself.

“It’s time, Y/N L/N,” he said. “I’m going to set you on fire. I’m going to burn your memory into this world, so that you are remembered for years to come. Sukuna will be pleased with that, don’t you think?”

What did you even do now? How could you escape this? What could you even do? Your needles were useless against Jogo’s heat. Your only ally was almost dead. Your cursed technique wouldn’t do much good, either, as you already knew his weak spots — it was hitting them that was the issue.

There had to be a way. What was something only you could do? What was something that only Grade 1 sorcerer, Y/N L/N could do?

Peace settled over you as you understood, in that moment, the way that you could defeat Jogo. As Jogo readied himself to set you on fire, you strengthened Falling Blossom Emotion to defend yourself and then smiled, knowing that you could not care for the consequences of your actions, knowing that you could not hesitate or this really would be the end for you.

“Tullia!” you shouted with what little air you had left, praying that she’d hear you. “One last time. Nothing after this matters, so one last time, please let me take your strength from you!”

In response, your cursed energy lit up from the force of hers, as brilliant as the sun at midnight. The botulinum toxin, she must’ve had just enough power left in her body to drink it all at once, not knowing what you needed it for but having enough faith in you to go along with what you said anyways.

“Give it up, girl,” Jogo spat, the volcano on his head pouring out even more lava as you glared at him, Falling Blossom Emotion the only reason you hadn’t combusted yet. “That defensive technique of yours is about to fail, and then you will be nothing more than ashes. Why prolong your misery? You can’t do anything to me that matters.”

“I am Y/N L/N,” you said. “I am the girl who brought someone back to life. I can do anything. Composition!”

You clamped your hands down around his wrist, ignoring how your palms were burning from his body heat and holding them steady, using your Reverse Cursed Technique on him. It was an old factoid you remembered Ieri mentioning to you once, that Reverse Cursed Techniques were actually destructive to curses instead of beneficial, and you bet everything you had, everything Tullia had, on that being true.

Amongst all other Reverse Cursed Techniques, Composition reigned supreme, mostly because of its eponymous ability: the one which allowed its users to compose instead of just join. Maybe that was the reason it was so effective against Jogo, or maybe it was because of Tullia’s botulinum toxin fuelling you, or maybe you were really just that strong. Likely it was a combination of all these factors, but the reasoning behind it didn’t matter as much as the result did.

Almost as soon as you activated Composition, Jogo’s entire arm disintegrated. You thudded to the ground, the burns on your neck and palms throbbing with pain as you scrambled to your feet once again, resting your hands on his shoulders, pressing them into his skin. Your insides curled at the scent of your own flesh igniting, but this time, you did not falter, staring into his eye with the insane delight that came from the newfound mastery. His earlier vicious conceit had been replaced by naked fear, and this time, it was your turn to laugh at him.

“Composition,” you whispered, so quietly that he had to lean in to hear you. “Composition. Composition.”

Every single bit of energy Tullia had lent you, you poured into using your Reverse Cursed Technique on Jogo, watching as it ate away at his body, eyes glowing with the reflection of the fiery mountain of his Domain until he regained his composure enough to break free from you, canceling his Domain Expansion and stumbling towards the staircase.

You weren’t sure if he’d make it or not. You weren’t sure if you had used Composition long enough that he had reached the point of no return, or if he’d be able to regenerate again. You weren’t sure about any of that, but either way, there was nothing you could do about it anymore. You had used every last drop of cursed energy that both you and Tullia shared on him already. You couldn’t do anything now; you just had to leave it up to the rest of your friends, hoping that one of them found him before he regained enough strength to become a threat once more.

Crawling over to where Tullia’s body lay, you gathered her in your arms, listening for her heartbeat. It was there when you pressed your ear to her chest, faint but existent, even though her legs were a mangled mess of blood and tissue, her face and arms burnt beyond belief, dried bloodstains like tear tracks running down her cheeks and nose, a puddle formed from where it had dripped from her ears and mouth.

You hadn’t been careful enough. While fighting Jogo, you hadn’t considered how it would impact Tullia. You hadn’t considered anything bar the thought that you could not let him get away. Tullia, who had already endured so much, had been put through even more because of your carelessness, but she was alive. You had beaten Jogo back quickly enough that she had not vanished entirely in the desolation of his Domain.

There was no cursed energy boosting you when you picked her up. Your muscles and legs threatened to give out with every step, but this was your penance, your way of making up for what you had done to her, for how you had destroyed her as thoroughly as Jogo had.

“Y/N.” Her voice was weak and thin, barely more than a whisper.

“Shh, don’t talk. It’ll only make you worse. I’m taking you to where Ieri and my family members are stationed. They’ll heal you, and you’ll be okay,” you said.

“I don’t think Ieri can heal this,” she said.

“Of course she can’t. But my father, or one of my cousins, any of my family members, really, they’ll all be there and they can use Composition, so they can do it. It’ll be okay, so just be quiet and wait until we get there, alright? I know how much you like to talk, so please promise me you’ll be silent until we reach them,” you said. Your legs were howling as you dragged the two of you through what remained of Shibuya, the eerie silence of what should’ve been a bustling place.

“It’s Halloween,” Tullia observed. “I wish we had just gone trick or treating.”

“Didn’t I tell you to shut up?” you said, exasperated. “But you’re right, we would’ve been much better off if we had done that.”

“I had so many cute costume ideas,” she said. “Made a whole Pinterest board and everything.”

“We can do it tomorrow,” you said. “Once we’ve unsealed Gojo and he’s gotten rid of everything and everyone, we can all go trick or treating together.”

“That sounds nice,” she said. “I’d really like that.”

“Yeah,” you said. “I would, too.”

You almost collapsed by the time you reached where the healers were located, thankfully without running into any other curses or curse users. Even though your cursed energy was gone, your senses were still attuned to others’ signatures, and you were able to hide away whenever anyone ran past. That was probably the only reason you made it safely, and even then you barely did. Surviving for so long with zero reserves of cursed energy and no one to heal you, and then physically exerting yourself by carrying Tullia so far, all but wiped you out. It was only by sheer will that you made it to where your family stood, your father barking out orders to your cousins so that they were deployed effectively.

“Father,” you said. The entire ward went silent as they took in your appearance. Your family members, the people that had watched you grow up, the ones who still in the back of their minds thought of you as a delicate flower, a beautiful failure, looked at you, and you wondered what they saw.

You were covered in ash like fine dust, Tullia’s blood smeared all over you just because of your proximity to her. Your neck and palms were burnt, your collar and one of your sleeves nothing more than blackened threads. You were littered with bruises and scratches from where Jogo had made contact with you, and to top it all off, you carried a body in your arms. You didn’t look very much like a girl raised to be a silent lady. To them, you probably didn’t look very much like a L/N at all.

“Y/N,” your father said coolly. You set Tullia down on a free bed and then crossed the room, falling into his embrace. He was stiff, but he held you, and though he was not your mother, though he was not Gojo, he was close enough. He was still your father.

“I know — Naobito told me you chose not to come to the exchange event,” you said, clinging to his shirt, the smell of his cologne so familiar, reminding you of your childhood. “Why? Why didn’t you come for me?”

“You should sit down,” your father said, guiding you to a chair and pushing you down. You did not resist, looking up at him beseechingly.

“You’re here now, though, right? You’re going to heal Tullia, right?” you said. Your father glanced over his shoulder at her, and he did not even go over to inspect her before he shook his head.

“She’s beyond saving. We can’t do much for her anymore,” he said.

“What?” you said, scrambling to your feet, ignoring his protests. “What do you mean? She’s not beyond saving! I could do it if I had the energy!”

“Yes, you probably could,” he said. “You’re a prodigy with Composition, remember? The rest of us aren’t like that. The rest of us can’t do it. So why don’t you heal her yourself?”

“I can’t, either,” you said. “Not right now. I used up the last of my energy fighting one of the special grade disaster curses. She gave me all of hers so that I could win, but that leaves us in this situation.”

“I see,” your father said. You wrinkled the fabric of his pressed shirt in your hands, leaving dirty smudges on the pristine, starched white. He raised his eyebrows at you.

“You don’t have to heal her all of the way. Just a little bit. Just give her enough energy that I can do it. That’s possible, isn’t it?” you said.

“That’s correct. Even the youngest of your cousins could accomplish that much,” he said. Still, nobody moved.

“Well? Get on with it, then! She’ll die if we don’t hurry up,” you said.

“No,” your father said. You froze, cocking your head. Had you heard him incorrectly?

“...no?” you repeated.

“It’s the same reason the L/Ns didn’t come to the exchange event,” he said. “You claimed that you are not one of us. You chose fighting instead of healing. I warned you that there would be a consequence to that decision, and this is what it is. You fought, and now you cannot save a person that you love.”

“Yet you can!” you said. “I understand what you’re doing. You’re deserting me in the hopes that I come back, that I choose to be a healer instead of fighting on the front lines. But, father, I can’t — I can’t heal without her! If that’s what you want, I’ll do it. I’ll never fight again, I’ll spend the rest of my life in Noritoshi’s shadow or three paces behind Naoya or whatever else you want from me, but please. You have to save her. Just do this one thing for me, and I will go back to being the daughter you want.”

“None of the L/Ns will lay a finger on her,” he decreed. “Do you understand? This is what happens when people don’t accept their roles in the natural order of things. You tried to rebel against the place you were given, and now Tullia will pay the price.”

“No,” you said, tears brimming in your eyes. “Punish me. I’m the one who did something wrong, so punish me for it if you must, but leave her out of it. Please leave her out of it. She didn’t do anything. She saved me, father, she’s saved me so many times that I can’t count it. She is my Composition. I cannot use it without her. You have to save her.”

“If you cannot use Composition without her, then perhaps you are not meant to use it at all. No one can have both. Dissection or Composition; didn’t I tell you that you’d have to pick? You made your choice. I made mine,” he said.

“None of you?” you said, looking at all of your family members. The younger ones turned away in shame, while the older ones held your accusing look levelly. “Not one of you will go against him and save her?”

The only response you got was a lingering, resounding silence. The people that had raised you were turning their backs on you. You understood their message: you were no longer one of them. You were not a healer; you were a fighter. You had chosen your path. They had chosen theirs.

“Get rid of the girl’s body,” your father said. “She’s taking up space. We don’t know when the next injured sorcerer will arrive, especially since I just received word that Sukuna’s manifested.”

“I’ll take her,” you said. “But you will all regret this. I swear to you, I will make sure that you do.”

“Where are you going with her?” your father said. You held Tullia, taking comfort in only the fact that her pulse was shallow but steady, that she was still breathing, though she had long ago gone unconscious.

“If you won’t save her,” you said coldly. “Then I will find someone else who will.”

“There is no one else that can save her,” your father said.

“Actually, there is,” you said. “One person. There is one other person who can do it.”

Your father’s eyes widened. “You don’t mean—”

“I do,” you said.

“Y/N, think this over,” your father said. “He won’t help you.”

“Well,” you said. “It seems that neither will you.”

You were probably the only person in Shibuya that hoped he hadn’t vanished yet. You were probably the only person in the entire world that was actually happy to see him, happy to see those black marks still curled over the face which resembled Itadori’s so greatly. Because it wasn’t Itadori’s, this was as plain as day — even if the markings vanished, you’d still be able to tell the difference between your cheerful underclassman and the King of Curses.

“Sukuna!” you called out. He turned from where he was crouching by Megumi’s side, the expression on his face transforming from rage at your impertinence to rage at simply your being. No, he could not kill you, but it was hard to remember that in his presence, hard to remember that he still needed you for something.

“Y/N L/N,” he said, the name like poison on his tongue, ostensibly because it was a reminder of his first defeat, the time that he had lost to another woman of the same name. “How can you be so bold as to show your face here?”

“I know what you want from me,” you said, putting Tullia down and kneeling before him. Shock flashed across his irises, and his hands twitched, but he did not otherwise react.

“Is that so?” he said. “And what is it that I want from you?”

“A body,” you said. “Right?”

It was while you were using Composition on Jogo that you understood it. You were the only person in the world that could utilize the Reverse Cursed Technique to the extent that you did, so that had to have something to do with what Sukuna wanted from you. But what could a being capable of using his own Reverse Cursed Technique, even on other people, want from that? It was specific to Composition, that was clear.

“A body,” Sukuna said.

“You’ve manifested in a vessel that fights you every step of the way, but by using Composition, I can take someone else and alter them into being exactly the carrier you want,” you said. “Isn’t that correct? That’s why I can’t die yet. There isn’t anyone else in the world who has such potential with Composition, who will eventually have the power to heal someone’s body into another, more evolved form entirely.”

Sukuna was silent. You bowed your head, knowing that what you were offering was foolish and selfish, that you were all but spelling the world’s destruction with this, that in essence you were aiding the King of Curses, the most evil creature in the world. You were telling a monster you’d give him what he wanted, for the sole sake of saving one person.

“Please heal her,” you said. “I’ll give you what you want. I will compose the perfect body for you. If you don’t believe me, then I’ll even make a Binding Vow. Just — just please save her. I can’t do it without her.”

A deal with the devil. The world for your friend. Elakshi was right; maybe love was your greatest weakness. Maybe you shouldn’t ever try to save anyone. But you had to at least save Tullia, who had always saved you, and this was the only way you could do it. Your family had forsaken you. Your reserves of cursed energy were gone and would probably take days to recover back to even their base level. Only Sukuna was left.

“Just as I expected, you don’t know the slightest thing, Y/N L/N,” Sukuna said. Involuntarily, you raised your head and met his eyes, which were as red as the sky before a storm. He grinned at you, his teeth unnaturally sharp like demon-fangs. “I already have the body which I require, so I don’t need to make that kind of contract, with you or anyone else. Besides, how can you expect me to heal that girl?”

“What? What do you mean?” you said. As you watched, invisible slashes cut through Tullia’s body, thousands upon thousands of them so that her remains did not even resemble a person anymore, so that she was nothing more than a fallen heap of blood and cloth and poison sitting before you.

“As you can see, she’s already dead,” he said, and then he burst into a fit of deep, full laughter. You screamed in horror at the sight, something shattering in the back of your mind, in the corners of your soul — the link to Tullia’s energy, which you had come to depend on, was gone forever, and this time, it wasn’t coming back. Nobody could heal her now. There wasn’t even a her anymore, just scattered pieces of what had once been one of your best friends.

You couldn’t help yourself. You threw up, convulsing from the strain, your very body rejecting what had just happened. She shouldn’t have died. You should’ve saved her. There should’ve been some way, some manner in which she could’ve lived. When there was nothing left in your stomach, you dry heaved until you couldn’t breathe, and then blackness crept into the corners of your vision.

The last thing you felt before you passed out entirely was a taloned hand grabbing onto the back of your neck and the familiar sensation of teleportation. You were dimly aware of being thrown beside someone else, and then there were shouts — Ieri? Your father? You didn’t know — and then there was nothing. Blissful, calm, blank nothing.

[animesllut666]

JJK MANGA SPOILERS CHAPTER 236 BELOW CUT 😭

This is all my own opinion by the way, screenshots are my own, and please feel more then welcomed to give your view as well :).

Well for starters, I truly believe that Gojou is dead, everyone is there in his “dream” at the airport. But some take seats, I wonder what gojou told whomp to tell megumi about his dad? That if he were to die and what to tell him? Gojo admitting that SUKUNA IS strong and that he was holding back on him, which I do believe, and even admitting without the ten shadows he still wouldn’t have won. But Getou, saying “does it matter?” After satoru asked if it was a dream, maybe this is something similar that happened with him when Toji killed him but we never saw anything. Maybe, he is having one last moment before he comes back? Idk… it’s something though. He clearly is having regrets though. Regrets of losing his best friend, regrets with megumi, regrets with Nanami, Yaga is there, even others. All his regrets are in this airport.

———-

I believe, that we can all agree with gojo. That, no matter what or who you speak to about things, you still can’t make others understand what you are going through in life or in general. It’s just like with Toji, satoru and sukuna, those three would really be the only ones to somewhat understand the isolation they went through.

3. NOW NANAMI SAID IT, we all know what happened with Getou, I would also include noya or whatever you spell it but that was due to him not dying from cursed energy. A curse can possess a body, though you gotta have something I bet, idk I just found it interesting they included that…why even say it 👀👀👀… I’m reaching I know but idc. Plus ya know … SUKUNA brought Yujii back 👀

4. Though, they said it twice already, everyone in that airport lounge has regrets, Yaga with his students and maybe with how his technique works with using people souls and making them into cute toys. Saturo for obvious reasons, same with Getou. Nanami, with his bestie Yu, and probs with shibuya, riko and the maid (I can’t remember her name 😭, I’ll edit it once I find it again). But … a room full of people with regrets, but I want to know if there are others that have regrets that are dead aka Nobara. And they are all their younger selfs, is that when Satoru had the most regrets when he was young? I wonder if it plays a factor in it all, when it all started and how it started, it most certainly does it when everything went down hill.

5. MY MANS AHHHHHHHH, I … really don’t think gojou will come back.. he clearly is now at rest .. sort of, he is in a room full people he loves and missed. He doesn’t want it to be a dream but.. at the same time, I think something will happen in the following chapters where he comes back. Or something tries to take over his body, his essence someone tries to use it (look what happened to Toji with the beginning of the arc) I just don’t see this .. beginning the end. But I also DO see it beginning the end for Satoru Gojou.

6. Now, if I’m understanding this right, basically Mahgora adapated to his technique, but was trying to adapt to his infinity to get through it? If, they were able to break through that, then … game over for our man. But he was going PAST that, he had to get past everything else to get through to it, … so really the whole time they weren’t trying to adapt to his techniques but the infinity instead?? so when he had an opening when he was letting his guard down.. he took? Idk, I’m still trying to figure it out AND I’m just… in denial but want to be DULULU. Idk, if anyone can dumb it down that would be GREAT. Also, I wonder if this is how the battle between the zenin clan and gojou clan ended 👀

7. My last thing…..

I wanna beat Gege ass like .. he can’t STOP ALL OF IS. WHY TAKE OUR MAN AWY. I KNEW THERE WAS A REASOM JE CAME OUT TO BEAUTIFUL. LOWKEY though it looks like

He smiling.. home boy at rest.

[jjkfanfic]

Everyone decided to spend Christmas in the mountains: Shoko, Nobara, Yuji, Gojo, Toge, Maki, and even Nanami and Megumi agreed to join. A huge cabin was found and purchased by Gojo-I tried to convince him that renting would suffice, but he was adamant about having it for next year as well.

Shoko, Nobara, and Maki planned to drive together, and I was going to join them, but Yuji gave me puppy-dog eyes and begged to ride with the guys. That's how I ended up at the cabin with all the men, being the only girl there.

Then the snowstorm hit, closing the roads. The girls couldn't make it, and the forecast warned it would be days before they were cleared. So, there I was, trapped in a cabin in the middle of the woods with some of the most attractive men I know.

It was five days until Christmas, and the snow raged outside. I found myself ensconced in the lavish cabin. The cozy expanse was filled with warmth-and the attention of several charming men. I tried to avoid them when I could, but being the only woman there felt a bit intimidating.

Yuji plopped down on the couch beside me, a huge grin lighting up his face. "Wanna make hot cocoa?" he asked, his eyes dancing with mischief. I nodded, my heart racing as I followed him into the kitchen. I became acutely aware of his presence-broad shoulders and that charming smile, the way his canines flashed when he beamed at me.

Our hands brushed as we poured the hot cocoa, and it sent a spark up my arm, making me blush and catch my breath. I flushed even more when I looked up and found him staring at me with an intensity that was hard to handle.

"You're really good at this," he said, leaning a little closer, our bodies almost touching. "Maybe we should run away and start our own hot cocoa business!" His grin was infectiously charming, and though my laughter was nervous, the look he gave me was anything but casual.

I quickly left the kitchen, making up an excuse about the stove being too hot-though I knew it wasn't the stove that was hot. I walked into the living room, where I saw Megumi setting up a chessboard on the coffee table. He looked up at me and flashed a heart-stopping smile. "Do you like playing games?" he asked, cocking his head and smiling wider at me, his voice low and smooth. The combination of his serious demeanor and that smile made my heart stutter again.

"When there's good company, yes," I replied, feeling a blush creeping onto my cheeks. He raised an eyebrow, a soft hum escaping his lips. "Well, just remember I play to win." The wink and smirk he gave me compelled me to dodge out of the room and onto the back deck. It was dark, but the lights from the house made the snow shimmer as it fell. I leaned on the railing, taking a deep breath and blowing it out, watching the mist form in the air until it vanished.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" I squeaked, turning to see Satoru Gojo now leaning on the rail beside me, a playful smirk plastered across his face. His presence was both teasing and magnetic. "But not nearly as stunning as the company I'm with tonight." The way his gaze zeroed in on me, full of mischief and charm, sent delightful shivers down my spine.

"Are you always this flirty, or is it just the holiday spirit?" I shot back, my words barely concealing the laughter bubbling beneath.

"Why, I've been told I'm a year-round gift," he replied with a wink, stepping closer. His cologne enveloped me in a warm embrace that felt almost intoxicating. My heart raced as our shoulders brushed, leaving me breathless and blushing.

Just then, Nanami Kento approached us, exuding calm confidence. "You're missing out on this book," he mentioned, offering me a title with a subtle smile that made my heart skip. Our fingers brushed again as I took the book, and an undeniable warmth passed between us. "It's a captivating read for a cold night," he said. "Come join me in the den." He led me to the den and pulled me down onto the couch with him. My heart raced the whole time, but as he stretched out and opened the book to the beginning, we started to read together. I calmed down, my heartbeat slowing. He leaned in slightly, his shoulder brushing against mine as we shared passages. "It's a comfort to share stories," he said. I glanced sideways at him, only to catch him watching me with an intensity that left me blushing.

"I love how we both appreciate the little things," he told me, reaching out to brush a lock of hair away from my eyes. I felt a delightful warmth spread through me at his touch, and I could feel my cheeks heating again.

Suguru chose this moment to slide into the conversation. He settled on the other side of me, his energy calm yet magnetic. "The snow is peaceful," he said, his eyes fixed on me with gentle intensity. "Just like when I'm around you." My heart raced at his compliment, and I felt the blush creeping back, flooding my cheeks. His closeness enveloped me in warmth, grounding yet thrilling. I took a deep breath, attempting to steady myself in the wake of the tension swirling in the air. "It's nice to escape the chaos for a bit," I replied softly, enjoying how easy it was to talk with him. He turned to me fully, a thoughtful look in his eyes that sent another shiver down my spine.

Just then, Toge Inumaki bounded in with his typical enthusiasm. "Kelp!" he exclaimed, pointing at the assortment of cookies he had placed on a tray. He grabbed my hand, pulling me up from the couch and dragging me into the kitchen, where he set the plate on the counter and got uncomfortably close. Holding a snickerdoodle up to my lips, he smiled at me with an innocent kind of charm. "Tuna Tuna," he said, and I opened my mouth, letting him place the cookie on my tongue. His fingers lingered there longer than necessary, sending an exhilarating thrill through me. I chewed the amazing cookie and moaned, "Toge, this is incredible! So yummy!" His eyes grew slightly hooded, and I realized the noise I made was far from casual, causing me to flush deeply.

At that moment, Yuta entered the kitchen, his presence understated yet captivating. "Hey, are you guys hiding all the good snacks in here?" he joked, his eyes twinkling as he surveyed the scene. My heart skipped a beat as he flashed me a grin.

"Maybe," I replied teasingly, trying to steady my breath as Toge stepped back. Yuta's casual confidence was refreshing, and I felt instantly at ease in his company, yet there was an underlying tension that made my cheeks warm.

He reached for a cookie, took a bite, and nodded in approval. "These are really good," he told Toge, who smiled and nodded before leaving the kitchen. Yuta then turned to me, his gaze softening with a thoughtful expression. "I was hoping I'd get a chance to talk to you. I feel like I hardly know anything about you; I just got back a few weeks ago and barely had a chance to chat."

He stepped closer, and I felt a rush of heat at the proximity. "I can tell," he smirked, "we'll get along well." I laughed softly, undeniably flustered, my cheeks feeling hot under his gaze.

"Well, uh, what do you want to know?" I asked, my voice barely concealing my nervous excitement.

"Anything you want to share," he replied with a warm smile, his voice wrapping around me in a gentle embrace. "I figured if we're stuck here, we should get to know each other better." He flashed me a grin, swiped another cookie, and walked towards the door. "We'll talk more later? There's always time," he winked before stepping out of the kitchen, leaving me with swirling thoughts and flushed cheeks.

Read the rest on wattpad here snowed in with the sorcerers updates every day until Christmas morning!

[queenpiranhadon]

"Hey Mrs. Gojo!" Yuji calls out, entering your come along with Nobara and Megumi, taking off their shoes and plopping down on the couch to sit with you as if they lived there themselves.

Though at this point, they kinda did, already having extra clothes and lodging in your home that they might as well have moved in anyways.

But you didn't mind. And neither did Satoru. In fact, you both were more than happy to have the three over whenever they wanted.

You weren't as close to the three at first, considering you met them through Satoru, but when they met you, they were obviously surprised to see that Gojo had actually managed to get married (except for Megumi, of course, he was the ring bearer at your wedding after all), especially to someone so amazing as you. Growing up, neither of the three really had a true bond with any of their parents, and you and Satoru took the initiative to fill that position.

"Oooh whatcha lookin' at?" Nobara asks curiously, and she and Yuji scoot closer to you. Megumi can't help but feel intrigued too, but he waits patiently, sitting next to Yuji as the other two lean over to look at the book in your hands.

You chuckle at their antics and show them what's in your hands. "It's me and Satoru's high school yearbook. Now that I think about it...we'd have probably been your age in these."

Nobara squeals excitedly as she points you out in some of the photos, your teenage self grinning happily with such energy and excitement, that could only match the one of the boy next to you, tall and confident, and if the vibrant blue eyes and white hair were anything to go off of, it was obviously Satoru.

Yuji deadpans. "Gojo-Sensei hasn't changed one bit."

You snort. "He's changed a lot more than you think he has." You point to another picture, a selfie of the four of you - you, Satoru, Suguru and Shoko. "Jujutsu High never really did the whole yearbook thing like all the other normal schools did, so we decided to make some of our own. It was pretty easy, for the most part...except for getting Nanami to pose for a picture."

Yuji's light up at the mention of his other mentor, and you give him the book, laughing a little, and let him rifle through the pages, just to see all three of their eyes widen and mouths hang open as they witness the first pictures of Nanami's "emo phase". You laugh, walking to the kitchen to leave them to their own devices, feeling a little guilty knowing that Kento would have to deal with the three (or two, Megumi might show some mercy), but you couldn't deny it was extremely heartwarming to see them bond together in your home.

It just felt...right.

"Hey sweetheart." a voice says from behind you, and you feel two strong arms wrap around your waist, tugging you against him.

"Hi Toru." you murmur, smiling as you feel a kiss pressed to your forehead and you turn around to kiss him on his check in return. "Missed you."

Satoru smiles softly, a rare smile, not the wide goofy grin he liked to show all the time, but a smile filled with love. "I missed you too, love." He raised his head at the sound of Nobara and Yuji cackling, and you turn around to see the commotion as well.

"...Is Megumi smiling...?"

"I showed them Kento's yearbook photo."

He snorts. "That makes more sense. You know you're basically screwed when he finds out though, right?"

You sigh. "Yeah...but it's worth it." you pause after a minute. "They look so happy like this."

You both watch them for a few minutes in silence. Then, Satoru breaks it, spinning you around to face him. He cups your face with his hand tenderly, stroking it and drinking you in.

"What's on your mind, love?"

You look away for a minute, swallowing before hesitantly meeting your eyes with his.

"Is this really worth it, Toru? Becoming sorcerers at such a young age...they're never going to be happy like this again. Especially Yuji, with Sukuna and all..." you look at your husband, conflicted. "I don't know, it just feels wrong." you whisper.

Toru looks at you, speechless, watching your overwhelming concern for these students, his students, his...kids.

He can't just but just stare at you for a minute, before pressing his lips against yours, lovingly.

You squeak in surprise but don't complain, kissing him back before pulling away.

"You'd make an amazing mother." He whispers.

You feel the butterflies erupt in your stomach at that. 12 years of being together, and he still makes you feel like a giddy schoolgirl.

"You...you really think so?"

He chuckles, kissing your forehead roughly."I know so.""

He hugs you tighter and makes you look at him. "And love? They're strong." he flicks his eyes towards his students, still flipping through that yearbook. "They're some of the strongest sorcerers I've seen, and they are more than capable of handling themselves. But," he cuts you off, already sensing your hesitancy. "I promise I won't let anything happen to them."

You look at him urgently, and his bright blue eyes look just as intently back at you, telling you that everything was going to be okay.

You bury your face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent deeply before looking up in surprise.

"Is this Vanilla Creme?"

Nobara's hearing suddenly turns impeccable, because she bolts into the kitchen with a triumphant smirk.

"I told you!"

A/N: iykyk 🤭

[h3rmess]

WHERE OUR BLUE IS

Written by @h3rmess ✰

Masterlist

S3 : Chapter 7 - D-day☆☆

༄ ༄ ༄

Just like that, the day had come. I was ridden with anxiety as I fixed my hair, preparing to show them what I was made of. Megumi came through the door with a bowl of strawberries.

"I got these for you. Eat up and get ready to go." I jumped as he spoke, being on edge from the nerves I faced.

Megumi sat next to me and took a strand of my hair in his hand, caressing it gently as he looked at me.

"You're gonna do great, love. Just do what you've been doing up until now. Show them exactly what Okumoto Seiko is about." He encouraged, boosting my confidence slightly.

"You're right. I just need to show them who I am." I huffed out in an attempt to ease my nerves.

"That's it! Now, let's go get ready." Megumi dragged me up from my seat as I felt my nerves dissipate.

I strutted towards the door full of confidence. What was the worst that could happen? Worst case scenario, things get a little out of control. Either way, I would be able to handle it.

"Alright!" Principal Yaga announced, clapping his hands together to get our attention. "Each of you will be assigned to one of the sorcerers here to undergo your assessment for promotion. Don't be fearful. Fight every moment as if it's your last. Don't hold back on anyone. This is our way to gauge your true strength."

We all nodded in agreement as Principal Yaga read out the list of students.

"With Nanami Kento, we have... Fushiguro Megumi and Ino Takuma." Megumi looked at me as he held my hand, giving at a single squeeze, which I reciprocated.

"With Zenin Naobito, we have... Zenin Maki and Kugisaki Nobara." Yaga spoke once more.

"Are you serious?" Maki muttered under her breath.

"With Kusakabe Atsuya, we have Panda. And finally, with Mei Mei, we have Itadori Yuuji and Okumoto Seiko." Yaga finished.

Yuuji put his hand up for a high-five, which I accepted, causing Megumi to growl.

"Okay, we will be departing for Shibuya in a few minutes. We must make it there for 6:30 pm so that the evaluation can start at 7 pm. Be on your best behaviour. You're representing the Jujutsu community." Yaga warned as we all answered. 'Yes, Sir.'

"Go to your assigned groups, and we'll make our way."

I looked at Megumi, who looked slightly upset but didn't say anything.

"Are you sad that we're not in the same group?" I asked him.

"Well- It's nothing. Forget it." He looked away, pouting.

I moved a strand of hair away from his face as he scowled.

"Megumi, we'll be in the same place anyway. We can see each other when the evaluation is done, promise." I held his face in my hands.

"Are you sure? Do you actually promise?" He probed.

"Yes, Megumi. Give it your all." I interlocked pinkies with him to consolidate our promise.

"Don't hold back, okay, Seiko? If you won't do it for yourself, then do it for me. I'll be waiting for you. I want to see you become a special-grade sorcerer." He stroked my hand, which made my heart warm.

"I promise I'll do my best." I leaned in to place a short but intimate kiss on his face before waving him goodbye.

With Megumi's expectations weighing down on me, I found a new sense of determination. I wanted to flip the Jujutsu world on its head and show them that the girl they had been shaming and overlooking all these years was, in fact, the strongest.

༄ ༄ ༄

-> HEY FRIENDS I MISSED YOU!! can we pretend I didn't take a month off writing pls... I have exams rn but I'll be done next month so pls wait for me! I have a super long summer so I'll be posting a lot more.

-> I'm super excited for the next part of the story... I have something waiting 😈😈

-> there's some new art which will be coming out alongside the next chapter (or chapter 9, I haven't decided yet 😓)

-> GUYS I PROMISE I WILL ACTUALLY MAKE SEIKO AND MEGUMI ART SOON. I've been starving you for way too long

-> anyways see you next time!!

༄ ༄ ༄

TAGS~

@nyxlai @inlovewithlondonn @sad-darksoul @fushigurioo @httpstoyosi @vivi-loves-penguins @samutoru @lysaray @maya-maya-56

[vintaeya]

“Even google maps can’t help you”

-jujutsu kaisen x gn! reader

|| How Jujutsu sorcerers react to their lover suddenly getting lost under their watch

pairing : itadori yuuji, megumi fushiguro, nobara kugisaki, gojo satoru, maki zenin, nanami kento x gn! reader

genre : fluff; crack

tw/note : cursing, jjk0/manga spoilers

words : 1.1k

Itadori Yuuji

This man looked away for two seconds to see a Jennifer Lawrence look-alike and suddenly his one and only lover (possibly forever) is gone. This man panicked because?? Is he gonna be a virgin with no play forever?? Sukuna was laughing inside. Anyways you two were somewhere inside Ikea to replace a lamp that got knocked over. You swore to not leave his side but that bedroom set looked too good to pass up. Yuuji wanted to kick himself for leaving you unattended and rushed around the store, knocking over every living being and a random Todo to find you.

Yuuji is athletic and had no problem finding you. He just kept getting distracted by the smallest shit you were told not to buy. You were found in a random bed, sleeping. Yuuji couldn’t even be mad and joined you until you two were kicked out by the manager <3 oh and in the end you didn’t get the lamp.

Megumi Fushiguro

It was supposed to be a simple trip to the dog park! He summoned his dog shikigamis for some exercise and told you to walk them as he bought some water. When Megumi returned..where were his dogs?? Oh yeah you were gone too- BUT HIS DOGS?? This man looked at every nook and cranny to the point he ended up under Gojo’s blindfold at one point. How could a grown person- nonetheless his lover, end up missing in a clearly open dog park that had little to none places to hide from anybody. He can’t die with no bitches. Raised by two hoes and dying single 🤣🤣

“Where are— there you are..” Megumi was exasperated but found you napping under the sun with his shikigamis on you, sleeping together. Megumi might as well leave you all to it before he scolds your soul out of you later ://

Nobara Kugisaki

Y'all would lose each other. When Nobara and you go shopping, there is a 101% chance that you both end up on the other side of the world when you got separated. Once you called one another from Dubai and Italy to say goodnights after what was supposed to be an errand trip to do laundry. Your eyes caught sight of a beautiful outfit that would be great if worn on your body. Without thinking, there you went. When Nobara looked up from her phone, she felt single. Like seriously- where were you? This woman was not having any of this.

She necessarily would expect to see you at home but who was going to carry her shopping bags? She has a manicure, people! She can’t ruin it. Why do you think she dates you? Personality? Lol. Funny. Thankfully you answered your phone and she immediately chased after you to lift her 50kg worth of bags. It’s okay because you love her :>

Gojo Satoru

This menace to society would purposely leave you. Six eyes and can’t even find a person?? What a joke. Go get some bitches like Geto- oh wait 🤭 Anyways, you and Gojo were on a mission abroad. After flaunting the way he defeated the curse before you did, he continued to gloat verbally. With a roll of your eyes, when Gojo was still shaking his flat ass you walked off because of a sweet smell in the air. The man stopped when he didn’t feel your presence anymore and was surprised that you weren’t there to witness his one man ass show. Rude bitch :/

Gojo took his long ass legs and stepped on the heads of passersby to find you buying some crepes..WITHOUT HIM !! This man had never run so fast. Man if he had this speed Geto wouldn’t have been dead /j. As you got your crepe, half of it was gone in a split second, now inside the tummy of the world’s most powerful jujutsu sorcerer. You kicked him in the toes because you can’t reach his kneecaps from his titan ass build. He gave u a sweet kith tho 🙄

Maki Zenin

Maki does not give a shit about where you were because you wouldn’t be a jujutsu sorcerer if you couldn’t master simple directions. She had too much faith in your capabilities. When you two were finding some cursed weapons to practice with, Maki was too entranced by the selection that she didn’t even notice you running out to chase after a raccoon that took your pen. So when she saw an empty room, Maki felt her blood pressure rise higher than Geto’s soul- okay I’ll stop ya’ll

Maki hired Panda to carry her as she searched the school grounds for you. There you were, having a wrestling match with a raccoon over a broken pen because this wasn’t about your belonging anymore, it was personal. Maki rolled her eyes and pulled you up, slapping the back of your neck before dragging you to lecture you for hours. Try flirting all you want, she is done with your bullshit as she is with her family. Ouch Maki, ouch. She loves you tho, no promises.

Nanami Kento

Done with your shit 2.0. This man is so tired he had the whole fandom think he was 40. Don’t lie, we were all surprised when he was confirmed to be younger than Gojo. To have a lover that gets lost over a million times a day is his last straw. You and Nanami were walking home from your respective jobs together and he stopped for a few SECONDS to stare at some bread displays inside a bakery. When he turned to face you, there was a simple whiff of your scent left. He tugged on his tie to show his frustration as he knew that you were probably somewhere idk stuck in a tree or some other weird place.

Nanami ended up finding you buying street cotton candy. He immediately took your hand but before he could speak, you stuffed his mouth with the candy with a wide smile. He couldn’t be mad. No seriously you kinda stuffed so much inside his mouth that his windpipe was cotton candy. Don’t die yet!! Yet 😶 I’msorrydon’tcancelmehehe. Nanami successfully swallowed the candy and led you back home. This man is so perfect idc what ya’ll say ☝️☝️☝️

note : this is pure crack with my jjk brainrot and dry humor. this is all satire ok !! Btw if anyone wants to be on my taglist you can message me !!

♡ @iwillbiteabitch

[ange1princess]

✧ Itadori, megumi and sukuna, I'll write nanami, gojo and toji in the next one of you guys like this

Summary❕Saying I wish I didn't love you to them during a fight

CW❕None, just all angst no comfort

❕ITADORI

- It had been a long night, it was rare for the two of you to fight, especially this intensely, but all your building emotions come crashing down when he comes back home late from another mission. You'd been worried sick that he was hurt, or had met a worse fate.

- It seemed to be the last straw that broke the camels back as you couldn't help but cry, and instead of comforting you, yuuji couldn't hold back either, harsh words being thrown at you as the ache in his body grew louder, as the adrenaline slipped away.

- "I'm trying! Can't you see I'm fucking trying and doing everything I can," his voice wavered as he let out an unconvincing cough to hide the crack in his voice. His eyes were red from the lack of sleep, he'd been so busy these days, it seemed like he cared neither for you not for himself.

- "You know I mean the best for you, I want the best for you, I'm trying too, but it seems like it's never enough, some days I wish I didn't love you at all," it came out in a hushed whisper, you didn't mean for him to hear it, but in the silence of your four walls, the sound of almost everything seemed to be amplified.

- Yuuji was speechless, all the anger from his body seemed to drain, leaving behind only traces of fatigue. "I... Didn't know that's how you felt," was all he could muster up before turning towards the door.

- "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it, you know I didn't," you tried pleading with him to which he gave a tired smile, "It's okay even if you did, it just means you're still trying, maybe even more than I am... I just need to be alone for a while," he said, he looked you in the eye for the first time since the start of your fight.

- You understand, and the guilt that claws at the pit of your stomach makes you choke on a sob as you see him leave. You know he'll come back, he knows you didn't mean it, he has to.

- So you did what you've been doing for nights now, you go back to an empty bed, missing your beloveds warmth as it feels colder than ever tonight.

❕MEGUMI

- The fight had been going on for hours at this point. Your voice came out hoarse as you tried again to put forth what you're trying to say, he doesn't have to do anything he doesn't want to, he doesn't have to risk his life every day, he doesn't have to feel indebted, he doesn't have to leave you alone constantly, protecting everyone but himself.

- "Do you hear yourself? You're being selfish and you know it, you know why I do this, you know I have to." He seems worn out from the long fight too, but the cutting edge of his words push you over the edge.

- "No do YOU hear YOURSELF, you think it's selfish? You think I'm being selfish by thinking about your well-being? How do you think it feels everyday you leave not knowing if you'll come back?" You've been trying to reason with him for so long but his stubborn nature is making him stand his ground the more you try to push him.

- "You and your fucking nagging, some days I wish I didn't love you at all," his head was in his hands as he was hunched over on the couch, contempt laced his words, or so you felt when they reached you. It took you a second to process them, but as soon as you did, you feel something break in you.

- The both of your eyes widen simultaneously, he looks up, he'd about to walk towards you, but you stop him, a hand raised as you back away. "Fuck I'm so sorry, that's not what I meant, I just- I, fuck please look at me," his voice has an urgency it hasn't had since the time he asked you to go out with him. That was years ago.

- "I... I think I'll go over to Nobaras for tonight," is all you can say as you go to your room to get yourself a small bag for the night. You can hear his footsteps follow you in, but they're hesitant, stopping, pacing, speeding up, slowing down, just trying to gauge your reaction, but you don't give him any, feeling nothing at all.

- Deep down you know they're empty words, spit at you through the layers of anger and exhaustion that take away any meaning that could've been behind them, but that didn't make it hurt less. Hearing the man who oftentimes expressed his love and appreciation for you, showing his gratitude towards your relationship, towards your patience with him, no matter what, you never thought he'd ever think of loving you any less, even if it wasn't romantic.

❕SUKUNA

- Fights were frequent between the two of you, but usually it was over something pretty, or one of you trying to rile the other up till it leads to angry sex, but not today, today you were sick and tired of his constant need to control you and everything you do.

- "Somedays I wish I never loved you!" The words were loud and harsh, and as they left your mouth, Sukuna wasn't shaken, instead retorting, "At this point, I wish I never loved you EVERYDAY!" The two of you are seething with anger, as you see his jaw clench as your fingers leave light crescents on the pads of your palm.

- "Then why are you still here? Leave whenever you want," you didn't mean that, you liked having him around, maybe it wasn't the perfect or healthiest relationship, but then is any relationship the same? The two of you can grow together, and you want that, but you're so tired... and he can be so greedy, for you, your time, your energy... your devotion.

- "Is that what you want? What you really want?" He didn't even sound hurt when the words were uttered, it wasn't agony, it was fatigue. It was the weight of all the things he'd done and said, and all of the ones he hadn't that were wearing him out. He didn't want you to mean it, but he left regardless, to give you space.

- That night you were the one spamming him with texts and calls, asking him to come back as you fell asleep with no energy to even cry, the light of the phone shining even as your eyes shut close.

[missingn000]

what are your thoughts on mahito?

...oh boy.

i'm sorry, but i love him. it took me about a year and a half to reach this conclusion -- i once hated his guts too, and i don't at all blame anyone who loathes him. y'all are totally valid. he's so, so hateable.

defending myself below cut. i have good reasons, i promise.

so why did i change my mind? okay. he's just so interesting. he's one of the most well-written villains i've ever encountered in media. it's hard to write an "evil just for fun" villain and make them compelling, but with mahito, gege absolutely succeeded. there are layers to it, in a way i've never seen written before.

he truly united almost the entire fandom against him. he fucked up so much in the story: junpei, mechamaru, nanami, nobara. his impact was insane. even beyond named characters, no body count even scratches his. towards the end, he was so brokenly powerful. i don't think kenjaku could've hoped to take him in if he weren't basically on the brink of death. even his final words are lashing out at his own ally, saying he always knew the end. yet he still did everything anyway.

honestly, as always, i'll keep most of my negative opinions to myself, but i really think every other jjk villain since shibuya looks like a joke next to him. he's my favorite jjk villain by so much it's almost funny. even sukuna and kenjaku don't reach his level for me. 

sure, their impact on the story has obviously been pivotal. i've definitely had some strong emotional reactions to things they've done, but i want to see more emotions from them. what have we seen from sukuna? pretty much just rage, annoyance, and cruelty? uh, okay. and kenjaku has never shown anything more than vaguely amused indifference. he just can't incite an emotional reaction from me with that. what are their motives? what are their ideals?

yeah, i'm sure i'm missing a lot of themes or whatever with them, but i really don't flip over sukuna (hopefully that'll change...) and i never want to think about kenjaku more than i absolutely have to.

in contrast, mahito's emotions are so human, so complex. he has the widest range of emotion of any jjk villain. mahito's ideals are concise and an incredible foil for yuuji's. take this speech of his in shibuya:

"I bet you thought you were gonna do some pest control! Or ghost exterminations like in some make-believe story! You came to Shibuya with half-assed determination didn‘t ya?! How naive, you stupid brat! This is war! Not a battle to fix what‘s wrong! But a clash of truths! You and your fragile justice! You are me, Yuuji Itadori! I kill without a second thought, just like you save people without a second thought! The instincts of a curse against the so-called dignity obtained by human reason! It‘s a battle to determine who will be left standing in a hundred years! How the hell did you think you were gonna beat me when you don‘t even realize that? Tell me, Yuuji Itadori, have you ever stopped to count how many curses you‘ve killed? No, right? Me neither, me neither!"

this is insane. are you kidding me? are you kidding me. this is so fucking metal. he studies humans because they fascinate him: he reads books, watches movies, familiarizes himself with folklore and religions. yet despite that, he still sees humans as having no worth. their lives mean nothing to him. but his fixation on yuuji, his cognizance of their nature as character foils, proves how much grasp he has on human emotional depth.

i wish there was a better word for it, but he cared about yuuji: obviously not in the traditional positive, warm, affectionate sense, but in that he viewed yuuji as important to himself, his own ideals, and his own growth. if given more time, i think his emotional range towards humans could have become even wider.

conversely, as it stands at the end, curses do have worth to him. he helps a wounded hanami back to the base. this incredible post talks about how jogo is almost a father figure to him (and it's great mahito meta, too). i wish what that meta writer talked about came true. he left the story far, far too soon. i miss him so goddamn much. there's a gaping hole in the cast now that no other character can hope to fill.

i honestly can't wait to write more of him. tpg mahito's arc is literally insane, and honestly one of my favorites in the entire story. i seriously can't wait. i'd never try to make anyone like or root for him -- he's a villain, and always will be. but i want people to feel compelled in the same way i do. i'm missing so much in this analysis; i feel like i've barely scratched the surface.

mahito. his name means true human, by the way. if you think i'm not going to explore every aspect of that, you're in for a wild ride.

[idontblushsrry]

Love Language|| Jujutsu Kaisen

“I wanna be fluent in your love language. Learning your love language.” 

A/N: If you didn’t guess from the tagline this is inspired by the song love language by Kehlani. I’ll probably do more of these with different shows and what not because why not. If I missed anyone lmk and I can make a part 2. Also please tag spoilers appropriately esp for manga readers, that being said spoilers for the prequel? manga on Yuuta’s part.

Characters: Itadori, Fushiguro, Kugisaki, Maki, Inumaki, Okkotsu, Gojo, Nanami, Sukuna

Warnings: said it b4 but spoiler warnings in general but esp on Yuuji, Yuuta, and Maki’s parts

Plot synopsis: The 5 love languages; physical affection, quality time, words of affirmation, gift giving and acts of service, and how each jujutsu kaisen character shows their love and affection for you. Ft. a gender neutral reader!

Word count: 2352

Itadori Yuuji

Love Language: Quality time and physical affection

Ok listen-

So for physical affection, Yuuji’s just that kind of person

He is all about giving to you

He’s holding hands with you if you’re ever walking anywhere, and if you’re not a hand holder pls pls pls let him hold your pinky he likes the reassurance

No but seriously he loves to hold you like yall could be walking in completely opposite directions and he’ll try to find some way to hold onto you until the very last second

And even then he’s all ‘:( babe imy’

‘Yuuji we just talked 2 minutes ago’

Another way he shows his love is through quality time

I think for him this is the biggest thing overall, esp as a jujutsu sorcerer bcus you never know yk but also because you’re important to him

Like remember how he literally went to occult club so that he could get out of school in time to go visit his grandpa...ye :(

He also loves finding dumb touristy things to do with you while in Tokyo or anywhere yall go together on a mission 

If you get together before he died and came back then that time he had to spend away from you literally killed him

Like my mans was goin THROUGH it

He almost considered spoiling Gojo’s secret

When he sees you again, he’s not gonna let go for like a solid day

Fushiguro Megumi

Love Language: acts of service and words of affirmation

This boy loves you so much

He loves to tell you all the things he loves about you when you’re alone

But he’s a little awkward with his words sometimes, hence where acts of service come in

He’ll immediately offer to hold your things, run to help you train or study, and if you’re cold? He’s fully prepared to never see his jacket again

Also he can’t cook but he’s fully prepared to suffer hearing Sukuna and suffering through Yuuji’s antics if it means he can learn how to make your favorite food

He also will surprise you by making you a playlist of all the songs that you’ve had stuck in your head and sends it to you randomly out of the blue one day like ‘thought you might like this’

However the best of both worlds is when he leaves you little notes throughout the day or sends you texts asking if you need anything or just encouraging you to keep going 

Negl he’s lowkey the president of the Y/N support club bcus-

You need anything? It’s yours

Cravings? Sad? Angry? What do you need bby, I’ve got it for you

Also he’s totally the type to be like you need help fuckin this person up? 

Also before yall started dating, Fushiguro was a mess

He was constantly asking to spar with you and go on missions, basically anything he could do to be near you  

End of the day, Fushiguro loves you and makes sure you know it whether it’s through his actions or his words

Kugisaki Nobara

Love Language: physical affection

So, she’s not the best with words, she tries but like someone help her bcus she is LOST

Like when she had a crush on you she was like “c’mere dumbass i wanna give you a hug”

In fact, she still is like “c’mere” but now you are dating :)

She loves you though and at first she doesn’t really know how to show it 

But one day you both come home from training and you just look at each other like ‘yeah today sucks’ and yall both just held each other for the rest of the day 

After that, she decided that she wants to do that with you but like always

She’s holding your hand, kissing your cheek when you go shopping, etc. etc.

She really loves to cling to you because she always has this fear that maybe one day you’ll get killed or just disappear so she figures might as well hold onto you for as long as we’ve got

After missions, she’s running up to you and if you aren’t prepared for the tackle, you’re probably gonna fall

On dates too, like if you guys have to meet up for a date, she’s tackling you

On the subject of dates...

She doesn’t mind PDA, and while she might hold your hand or arm so that you don’t get separated

She also doesn’t mind wiping food off your face and eating it, only to then kiss the spot on your face the food was previously at

She will split her shopping load between the two of you, however she will be slightly pouty if she’s carrying more than you (she then cheers up when she realizes she can do more shopping to “balance” the two of you)

In private she’s very cuddly and kissy which honestly isn’t that bad until it gets hot

At which point she’ll just say turn on the ac or convince you to walk around in a tank top (or something like it) so that she can continue holding you

Tbh she prefers the big spoon, but if she’s ever upset you let her be the little spoon >:(

All in all a very loving girlfriend who tries her best to show how much she loves you by glomping you at any given moment. 

Zenin Maki

Love language: acts of service and quality time

So you’re telling me that Maki wouldn’t immediately go out of her way to make sure her and her s/o can spend as much time together as possible?????

Like she’s super observant (which can cause her to be a bit harsh, see Yuuta) but she can always tell what’s bothering you

So if you’re upset that you haven’t been spending enough time together due to her being out on missions or otherwise busy she’s immediately running to finish her stuff and spend time with you.

((She’s very sorry, but on the bright side she brought your favorites!))

Maki is also an acts of service type

This mostly ties in with her kind of direct action way of thinking

She thinks she’s slick but you can always see her sneaking around to do small things like grabbing your laundry for you and folding it

She’s very much like if you love someone, you gotta prove it

Overall, dates with her are very intimate and personal to the two of you

Like she’ll take you to a frog pond you landed in during a fight once

Or you’ll take her to a street fair that serves this exclusive food that Maki mentioned wanting to try 

However, Maki shows her love through quality time and acts of service and while she does receive love from these to a degree, she is very much a words of affirmation gal

She’s not insecure in her day to day life but she has her moments, everyone does

Sometimes, she’ll feel like shit and a failure and all she wants is for you to say that she’s doing amazing and that she’s a great girlfriend.

Inumaki Toge

Love language: Physical affection

Because of his curse, he can’t exactly express how he feels about you through words

He does text you frequently throughout the day (I’ll have to do a hc abt that someday)

But he’d prefer not to be on his phone to communicate if you’re right in front of him

So he does the next best thing and just smothers you in physical affection

He loves kissing you the most

Like he could spend hours just kissing you if you let him (please let him)

But in public, he gets if you’re not a big fan of pda he’s willing to tone it down as long as he gets kisses later in private

He’d still prefer it if you held his hand or linked pinkies maintaining touch in some way

Also, unrelated, but it means so much to him if you try to understand his sushi language

He knows realistically the foundation of any relationship is communication so already he’s at a disadvantage because of his curse 

But if he sees you like take notes after he says something or start to need him to text you to translate, his heart is swelling

Like ‘omg this person loves me enough to learn a whole new language <333′

Another tangent but before you were together he was struggling so muchhhh

Like how does one express their feelings for someone without words?

If you’re Inumaki, you buy some flowers and text said person to meet you at a cafe

It took an embarrassingly long time for you to realize it was a date, but once you did, you ever so gently linked pinkies with Toge

Okkotsu Yuuta

Love language: words. of. affirmation. 

He’s literally so sensitive please tell him you love him regularly

In return he’ll be sure to tell you how much he loves you too

He knows that he can’t really be there for you as much as he’d like but he likes to let you know that he’s thinking of you

Doesn’t matter the time, if you call, he’s answering

If he doesn’t he’ll cry he’ll immediately call you back and is apologizing for missing your call

You assure him it’s no big deal but the man has his volume turned all the way up and changed your ringtone to one specific for you by the time you’ve even said hey

Aside from that, he really is sensitive

He’s been through a lot especially with Rika as well as growing up alone and bullied 

So for him, it’s everything to hear that you like having him around and don’t think he’s too much or anything like that

Of course, he gets better with time, trusting you and having the confidence in himself to not need constant assurance

That being said, if you ever just whisper in his ear, “I love you, Yuuta.”

That’s not your boyfriend, that’s a puddle of love on the floor

(Maki, Panda, and Inumaki had a field day when they saw him, Fushiguro now questions if Yuuta really is a respectable 2nd year.)

Gojo Satoru

Love language: gift giving and quality time

So Gojo doesn’t exactly get to spend a ton of time

Between missions, him beefing with higher ups, and you and him playing parent the baby sorcerers yall don’t exactly get time to go out much

In which case Gojo tends to default to two options:

He’ll either go the extra mile to try and spend time with you 

Whether that be an at home date where he tries and fails to surprise you with a home cooked meal

Or a date out at a restaurant or cafe (which you tend to visit after his home cooking efforts)

OR he’ll bring you various souvenirs from his missions

He loves to spoil you, and if he could he’d probably bring you back a whole store’s worth of stuff

But alas, airport security regulations

Anyways, he loves to spoil you especially if he can spoil you with sweets because it benefits him in two ways 

He treasures all the time you spend together, and he does try to overcompensate for his absence with gifts

Despite your assurances, it’s kind of a guilty pleasure at this point (just let him, trying to argue just goads him on further)

He doesn’t only buy you small things, he enjoys buying you outfits

And he especially likes seeing you in them 

Kento Nanami

Love Language: acts of service

Y’all remember the episode where he killed that curse that was bothering that baker lady?? Yea that

He’s literally such an acts of service boyfriend it’s not even funny

Before you got together, he would memorize your coffee order and bring you a cup pretty much everyday like clockwork

Now that you’re togehter, he wakes up before you so h=that when you wake up there’s the smell of coffee throughout the house

When you come out of you’re shared bedroom and he’s just scrooling through his phone like “mornin’”

Of course you already made the bed and ironed his clothes because relationships are give and take

And then when you leave for your jobs in the morning, he kisses you and holds the door open for you

He’ll draw a bath for you if he gets home before you, if you let him join or not is up to you

Also, if you ever get sick, he’s actually the best

Like he isn’t the best cook but he can heat up soup and tea

He’ll run to the store while you’re asleep and when you wake up, there’s like a whole tray of food in front of you and he’s like ‘it’s important to eat and drink so your body can heal’

And when you inevitably fall asleep after eating and taking medicine at his insistence, he tucks you in and clears away the dishes, exiting with little more than a kiss to your head

Ryoumen Sukuna

Love Language: gift giving and acts of service

So like Sukuna never says he loves you...ever

But he does notice if someone or something’s making you uncomfortable, and if so, said entity’s head will be presented to you later that day

You also just so happen to be the only person he can tolerate being around him for longer than 20 seconds

He also loves to give you jewelry, he likes seeing you adorned in something from him

He also isn’t gonna just handle all your problems for you, he will push you to become stronger by training with you 

He’ll also expect this energy to be reciprocated, as long as you’re pushing yourself to be better, he’s content with that

(He wants to see you grow because he’s scared that if he ever gets caught lackin one day you’ll end up dead)

He’ll never tell you or admit it, but Sukuna truly does care for you and hold you in a regard that he doesn’t have for others

So be grateful jkjk

[bestiesenpai]

Recess - Nanami Kento

Don’t mind if i do~ femme reader no content warnings, it’s just a little fluff :) 2.1k words

"Papa, do you like Miss (Y/N)?" The young voice of Kento's son sounded next to him as he walked the young boy to his second grade class.

"What do you mean?" A blush tinged Kento's ears; it was embarrassing his son could figure it out so easily.

"Well I always catch you lookin' at her when you drop me off...and you talk to her a lot sometimes..." The child didn't really have a lot to go off of and he squeezed his fathers hand as they came to an intersection.

"I like her a normal amount, Yuji." Just a few more blocks and Kento would be free from this.

"What's that mean?"

"We're just acquaintances." Kento picked up his pace just a little, eager to drop him off and staunchly avoid eye contact with you.

"What's that mean?" Yuji echoed again, looking up at Kento curiously.

"I don't like Miss (Y/N) like how you say I do.” Finally they were at the school and Kento could ease up the hold he had on his son's hand. There was a swarm of other kids all in their little uniforms, matching tops and shorts for the upcoming summer weather.

“Miss (Y/N)!” Letting go of his hand, Yuji ran to you, latching onto the fabric of your sundress as you stood outside the school and made sure the kids were going to the right places.

“Hello!” Rubbing the back of Yuji’s head, you smiled down at him. “Are you ready for school today?”

“Yeah!” Today was a special day, after lunch they got to watch a movie about dinosaurs. Opening his mouth to speak again, Yuji saw something else that caught his eye. “Megumi! Nobara!” And off he ran to say hello to his friends.

Kento stood awkwardly where Yuji had left him, clenching and unclenching his fists. Should he talk to you? It wasn’t like Yuji dictated what he could and couldn’t do, but he didn’t want the kid to get any more impressions. Or would not talking to you make it even more obvious?

“Have a good day at work, Nanami.” You called out to him, waving and smiling at him with such ease it made his heart swell.

“Y-you too.” Clearing his throat, Kento waved back and scanned the crowd to see where Yuji was one last time. Spotting his son walking into the building with his friends, Kento nodded toward you and started to walk away. “See you after school.”

“Bye!” Waving again, you turned your attention to another student, and Kento went about his way.

Except he didn’t see you after school, he saw you much earlier than that. Yuji had forgotten his lunch despite swearing up and down that he’d packed it all by himself, so Kento was tasked with delivering it.

Going into the school and walking past brightly decorated classrooms, he quickly found the class Yuji was in. Peeking in through the window to see them all still sitting down, Kento leaned against the wall until the bell rang and they were let out.

“Yuji.” The rich timbre of Kento’s voice cut through the shrill sounds of children, easily reaching the intended recipient.

“Papa, you came!” Setting his sights on the lunch box in Kento’s hands, the little seven year old leapt to grab it. “Sorry I forgot my lunch!”

“It’s okay, I’m just glad I caught it in time.”

“Thanks papa!” Once he got his hands on it, Yuji gave Kento a quick hug and scampered down the hall.

“Hello again, Nanami.” Turning his head, Kento saw you leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed as children filtered out of the classroom.

“Yuji forgot his lunch.” Kento felt a little silly already trying to justify why he was there. You’d probably seen the whole interaction take place and knew exactly what transpired.

“Mhmm, he mentioned that at the start of class today.” Nodding to yourself, you flicked your head behind you. “He told me not to call you, said he ‘for sure’ had a feeling you would come and bring it.” You grinned and pushed yourself away from the door, slyly giving Kento a once over in his business attire. Despite working from home most days, he still chose to get dressed up like this.

Kento could only nod in agreement as he watched you walk back into the room and to your desk in the corner of the room. Letting his eyes roam over the room, Kento could see clearly where his son was sitting, in the middle of the room with a bunch of stickers on his desk.

“Ah, Nanami?” Your shy voice cut through the internal dilemma Kento was having about how to smoothly exit the room.

“Yes?” Taking a slow step into the room, Kento could see you were looking at your computer screen in apprehension.

“Are you good with technology?” A sheepish laugh accompanied your question and Kento thought it was cute you were embarrassed. “I can’t seem to get any video playing on the projector and we’re supposed to watch a movie today.” Gesturing to the device on the ceiling, you worried your lip and looked at him.

“I know a thing or two, I can try.” Committing to coming into the room, Kento walked briskly over to your desk. There weren’t a lot of things that Kento couldn’t do and fixing a computer was surely not one of them.

“Thank you so much! I tried some stuff but it was no use!” Pushing your chair away from the desk and to the side, you let Kento take up the space you were previously in.

Grabbing the mice and beginning to click through applications, Kento wasn’t sure he could fix your problem. Not because he didn’t know what was wrong, he knew exactly what was wrong, but this was the first time he was alone with you and this close. He could smell the light perfume you put on and feel the heat radiating from your body. It was harder to focus than he thought it was.

“I clicked that one before and it didn’t work.” Your arm shot out to point at a few icons, making sure Kento didn’t waste his time on them.

“Really?” He mumbled, clicking on it anyway and chuckling when you grunted in mock annoyance.

“Yes really.” Sticking your tongue out at him, you watched him work intently, eager to know how to fix the problem should it ever come up again.

“Miss (Y/N), I think your computer is opening the wrong application to play the video.” You’d told him before to just call you (Y/N) when no kids were around, but Kento couldn’t bear to drop the formality; he didn’t want to get too comfortable with saying your name like that, it would only spur on the daydreams he had of you.

Mumbling something about how simple the fix was, you stood up and grabbed a remote off the desk, turning the projector on and watching as the opening credits to the movie played on the classroom wall.

“Thank you so much, Nanami!” Clapping your hands together excitedly, you turned to him. Your back was to the large windows, warming you up and casting the sun all around you.

“Happy to help.” Kento nodded, fighting to remain his stoic self and not take notice of how easy it would be to push you against said windows and kiss you. Your class was on the first floor of the building, anyone could walk by and see it if he did it, and that kind of risk had Kento’s heart beating a little faster.

“Yuji is so lucky to have a dad like you, I bet you’re great around the house!” Setting the remote down, you pat Kento on the arm. He really had no choice in the matter, his wife running off shortly after Yuji was born and leaving him with sole custody. Feeling the touch of your hand reminded him how long it had been since he’d had any physical contact with a member of the opposite sex.

“Mi- (Y/N).” Turning sharply to you, Kento took a deep breath through his nose, nostrils flaring as he drank in your form. Summer really suited you, breezy clothes and longer days, the warmth in the air meshing well with the warmth in your personality.

“Yes?” Blinking owlishly at him, you shuffled just the tiniest bit back out of surprise.

“I want to show you how good I am around the house.” The line, coming out stilted and spoken with uncertainty, had your brows coming together a little.

“W-what do you mean?” Your breathing was coming out shorter now, nerves beginning to prickle your skin the longer you and Kento stood looking at each other.

“I want…” Licking his lips nervously, Kento knew this could be a reach. He could be ruining the good relationship the two of you had, the professional relationship you had. He could make you uncomfortable, and while that was the last thing he wanted to do, he couldn’t stop himself from taking a step forward and making you back up into the windows.

“I want to take you out. On a date.” Saying the words all in one big rush, Kento watched your face closely. Your lower lip trembled and your fingers curled into your dress as you thought of a response.

“I’d like that.” Your cheeks were burning intensely and turning your head to look at the wall beside you was the only saving grace you had. The silly little crush you had on Kento, the one you tried to stamp out and ignore, was finally allowed to take shape.

“Really?” Smiling loosely like an idiot, Kento put his hand on the window panes, leaning forward and almost touching you as he exhaled in relief. “I’m glad.” Peeking at you through his lashes, Kento tried to ignore the fact he could see right down your dress and to your breasts.

The longer he looked at you though, the more he realised how close he actually was to you. Your breath reached his face, if he wanted to Kento could drop his arm and easily envelop you in a hug, or perhaps-

“May I…?” He started to ask as he leaned in to kiss you. Hovering over your lips, he brushed the tip of your nose with his as he waited for you to squeak out a yes and nod before proceeding.

Touching your lips gently, Kento forced himself to go slow. There wasn’t any need to rush, he told himself, but the excitement of finally getting to kiss you was threatening to steamroll the control he had over himself.

Reaching a hand out, you rest it on his shoulder, your fingers slowly curling into his collar and holding it tightly. Tilting your head and deepening the kiss slightly, you breathed a little harder through your nose as Kento shuffled closer.

“I knew it!” The overjoyed shriek of Yuji surprised both of you, enough so that you pushed Kento as hard as you could away from you in shock. He was standing at the door to the classroom, his fellow classmates behind him staring in awe and confusion.

“Damn, lunchtime is over already?” Running past Kento’s dazed form, you wiped your lips off furiously as you collected the kids and ushered them into the room.

“I was right, papa! I was right! I was right! You do like Miss (Y/N)! You don’t like her a normal amount, you like her a lot! You were kiss-” Yuji was shouting at the top of his lungs, silenced only by Kento sliding a hand over his mouth.

“Be quiet, don’t yell like that inside the classroom.” Kento groaned, already feeling a headache form at having to explain himself to Yuji later. When he asked you out, he already had a vague plan in the back of his head on how he was going to hide it from the young boy, but that was completely out the window now. “Go sit down, we’ll talk later.” Nudging him toward his desk, Kento tried to ignore the whispers from the other students about what they’d seen.

“Yuji, is Miss (Y/N) your new mom?” Nobara whispered loudly, looking obviously between you and Kento.

“Not yet, they have to get married first.” Megumi whispered back, pointing at his ring finger.

“Married?! I wanna come!”

“I think it’s best I leave.” Straightening his tie, Kento nodded curtly at you before giving Yuji a lingering look. “Don’t make any trouble.”

“Yeah, okay.” Yuji was definitely going to save all the questions he had, saving them for the most opportune time. “Bye papa.”

“See you after school.” He was talking to you just as much as he was talking to Yuji, taking a sneaky glance at you before turning on his heel and walking out of the classroom.

“Miss (Y/N), are you going to live with us now?”

Dinner time was going to be pretty awkward tonight.

[birbleafs]

[fic] The Little Shoppe of Favours

Series: Jujutsu Kaisen Rating: T Characters/Pairings: Fushiguro Megumi/Itadori Yuuji (FushiIta), Gojou Satoru, Nanami Kento, Ijichi Kiyotaka, Tsukumo Yuki, Yoshino Junpei, Iori Utahime, Kugisaki Nobara, Saori, Fushiguro Tsumiki, Ryoumen Sukuna, Gyokuken. Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Fantasy, Friendship, Humor, Witches. Summary: It's hard work being a dimension witch, weaving spells and granting favours. Still, Yuuji manages somehow, navigating the idiosyncrasies of the heart with some help along the way. Witch AU. A/N: I can finally share the SFW fic I wrote for Citrus: AllYuuji Zine ! I've had so much fun writing this piece for the zine :’) Many thanks also to Digi, my best bro and beta, for always enabling/helping with my writing ❤

Fic can be read on AO3. __________

1.

“A-ha, speak of the devil! You must be my missing apprentice.” Yuuji straightens up from where he’d braced himself against the circular doorway, flustered from his earlier sprint. Standing tall and wiry before him is one Gojou Satoru, all smiles and impossibly blue eyes—blue, like an entire world grasped within his palm—glinting behind the shades perched stylishly over the bridge of his nose. Gojou Satoru, exactly 190 centimetres of leg, vivaciousness, and insufferable swagger in the flesh. Few can match the nauseating charm exuded by a single being. Or at least, that was how Yuuji’s mother Kaori had described Gojou while she’d recited the pages of last week’s Celebrity Witches And Fashion Undisasters magazine. Among the witching community, however, Gojou is known as the All-Seer Six Eyes, Public Menace of the Many-Realms. Gramps had grumbled about how the title sounded ridiculously pompous, obnoxious even. But Yuuji can only gaze up at the man with a mix of curiosity and awe now, marvelling still at his own novice’s luck of the draw to land two years of apprenticeship not only at one of the oldest Liminal Dimension Checkpoints, but also under the direct tutelage of the Realms’ most powerful witch.

The thought pulls Yuuji back to the present. He bows hastily at Gojou, apologetic. “I’m Itadori Yuuji, newly-apprenticed to Gojou-sensei and unfortunately late for my first day of apprenticeship!” Yuuji greets with fervour. “But I got caught up helping an old lady out of a tree and then took a wrong turn when a grizzled cat pointed me in the opposite direction. Please excuse my tardiness!”

There’s a twinkle of mirth behind those pitch-black shades as Gojou draws himself to his full height. He beckons at the youth sitting at a workbench behind him. “Come say hello, Megumi.” Yuuji is excited to be working alongside a fellow apprentice, but he falters slightly at Megumi’s sombre gaze, at the aloof nod he returns as acknowledgement when Gojou ushers Yuuji to sit beside him. “He gets tetchy at times, but he usually means well,” Gojou tuts teasingly, ruffling Megumi’s already-tousled hair, much to his irritation. “This is Fushiguro Megumi, my ward and first apprentice.” “Hi.” Yuuji works up a smile despite his nervousness. “I hope we’ll work well together, Fushiguro!” “Megumi’s just fine,” Megumi replies steadily. “And likewise.” Yuuji’s curiosity grows when he notices the ginger striped tabby curled on Megumi’s lap, and the snow-white dog sitting attentively by his feet. “Are these your pets? They’re cute!” Megumi’s stoic demeanour cracks a little, then; he blinks owlishly, brows furrowed. “They’re not pets, they’re daemons bound to me with a pact.” “Daemons?” Yuuji crouches to pet the dog’s ruff. “You mean familiars, right? Gramps said I should’ve gotten one to help me channel my cursed energy to weave better spells.” “Daemons are different,” Megumi says, shaking his head. “Haku’s an elfin hound from the Tinúvel realms, and Sukuna supposedly is a centuries-old sorcerer cursed to live out the remainder of his nine lives as a daemon cat. Or so he claims.” He glances down when the tabby nuzzles against his touch, and continues: “Unlike familiars, you can’t just buy them from the witches’ menagerie or adopt one like any stray with cursed energy. Daemons are far more powerful—wild, mystical beasts that need to be tamed first. And just like a contract with witches, they cannot be forced into a pact.” “Huh. I don’t suppose a tasty treat would help?” Yuuji asks, chuckling when Haku licks at him. Megumi scowls, as though affronted by the suggestion. “No, I tame them by duelling. If the daemon acknowledges a witch’s strength, they may agree to the pact and bound themselves for life… H-Hey, listen, I said they aren’t pets!” But Yuuji is already pulling out a sandwich from his bag and breaking off a piece midway through Megumi’s explanation. He offers it first to Sukuna, who only curls his lips in distaste and gags, before Haku leans in to lap up the morsel enthusiastically from Yuuji’s hand, tail wagging in assent. “You want more treats, old girl? Aw yes, you do!” Yuuji coos when Haku gulps down the rest of his lunch. “Daemons don’t need treats!” Megumi bristles. “My, my,” Gojou’s snicker cuts through the commotion. “Looks like my cute apprentices are getting along fairly well.” “We are not,” Megumi pouts sulkily at the same time Yuuji’s grin grows brighter as he chirps, “We sure are!” Still, even Megumi can’t quell the tiny smile on his lips when Sukuna smacks Yuuji over the nose with an annoyed paw.

2.

The Little Shoppe of Favours looks nothing like a fancy establishment from the outside. At first glance, it almost seems out of place in the busy market square, nestled between two newer, larger stores—a bakery that doubles as a bustling cafe and a florist with pristine, white-washed walls. In contrast, the Shoppe is old, decrepit with garishly bright orange awnings, drab curtains, and a crooked wooden sign hanging over the front that looks ready to fall off at any moment. Still, Yuuji finds it quaint and cosy inside, its shelves lined with scrolls, inkwells, and jars of gleaming dust, the wispy but soothing scents of bergamot, cinnamon, and liquorice lingering in the air. And despite its shabby exterior, customers still find themselves drawn to the Shoppe by some strange, inviting force they can’t quite explain, not until they cross the threshold of the circular door and realise a favour they need. There’s a chime of bells, the creak of wood, and— “Welcome, welcome!” Gojou merrily greets his first customer of the day. “We offer readings, Faustian bargains, and grant favours…! Oh, it’s just you.” He glowers at the tall woman waltzing up to the counter. “Yuki. My nemesis.” Yuki matches his flippant tone with a coy smirk of her own, carding gloved fingers through her blonde hair. “Hm, I prefer to think of us as friendly rivals—nemesis is so archaic. Besides, it’s unlike you to be hung up on age-old family feuds.” “Focus, Itadori.” Nanami’s stern voice jolts through Yuuji, then. He turns back to his workbench, dipping his head in apology, first at the older witch beside him, and then at the customer before them. It’s a familiar routine: Gojou and Yuki trading snarky comebacks the moment they set eyes upon the other. Yuuji would’ve continued being enthralled by their bickering, and at Gojou’s petty insistence of My new apprentice Yuuji is definitely a hundred times cuter than your gorilla Toudou! if not for Nanami’s admonition.   Yuuji tries to ignore the distraction and sounds of squabbling, focusing his attention back to the customer’s wish. Ijichi Kiyotaka is a simple man, an accountant working at a prominent tax company. He excels at his tasks, frequently earning the praise of his supervisors and having earned the spot of Employee Of The Month no less than five times within the past six months. However, while he gets along with his colleagues, he lacks the subtleties in effective courtship. Thus, his high-school crush has only ever viewed their relationship as cordial and platonic—something he wishes dearly to change. “If it isn’t too much, could I request a charm…?” Yuuji sees Nanami furrowing his brows. “Love charms are indeed the easiest way, but it’s against my principles to offer them. Matters of the heart should be managed with utmost care and sincerity, not deception.” Ijichi stares blankly at them, only to grow mortified, his cheeks a dusty pink now. “A-ah, no, you misunderstand! It’s tempting, of course, but I didn’t mean a love potion. I wanted to request a charm for myself… F-for confidence! A-and the courage to ask her out on a date! That is all.” Nanami considers Ijichi’s request for a silent moment, before he turns to Yuuji. “Itadori,” he says, and Yuuji snaps to attention, eyes wide. “If you would, please weave a spell for Ijichi-san.” Yuuji sets to work, apprehensive and excited all at once. It’s the third time he’s assisted Nanami with a customer but the first time he’s attempting a spell on his own. He glances over at Ijichi, studying the shifting patterns in the glow of the man’s residuals as he begins to conjure the charm, weaving threads of cursed energy together with his rowan wand. He’s flustered when he mixes up the weaving a few times, but Nanami firmly encourages him with a pointer or two, until he manages the spell just right. “That will do, Itadori,” Nanami says with a satisfied nod, and Yuuji beams at the acknowledgement. He watches as Nanami tips the glowing blue spell into a jar, sealing it with a cork and paper talisman. “Two drops mixed with wild honey in your morning tea for a week. You should find your confidence then, if you still wish for it.” Ijichi’s already bowing gratefully when Nanami places the jar before him. “A witch’s spell works best in exchange for an offering of equal or similar value to the customer’s wish. What would you offer for this favour to be granted?” Ijichi mulls it over and brightens considerably. “There’s a nice bakery near my workplace. It isn’t much, but as a show of my gratitude, I’ll send over a selection of their best pastries.” Two weeks later, a box filled with freshly baked chocolate orange tartlets, peach marzipan puffs, and bergamot ginger cookies arrive at the Shoppe from one very satisfied Ijichi Kiyotaka. The scent is enticing enough for Megumi to peek up curiously from his scrolls, and for Gojou and Yuki to halt their routine bickering to marvel over the delicacies. Yuuji’s savouring a bite of his orange tartlet when a thought strikes him. He turns to Nanami, who is sipping away contentedly at his coffee. “Sorry, Nanamin, I’d forgotten it then…” Yuuji begins, sheepish. “My spell had confidence woven in but what about courage? Ijichi had wished for it too.” He deflates, already prepared for a lengthy chastisement. Nanami’s expression softens, however, lips curved with a rare smile as he says, “Ijichi-san always had courage; it’s what led him here in the first place.” Yuuji can only beam in agreement.

3.

Unlike many witches, weaving spells and complex enchantments doesn’t come naturally for Yuuji. He isn’t as attuned to the subtle intricacies of cursed energy. Even so, when he’d bemoaned his lack of talent once, Gojou had only smirked, wide and sly in the way that only Gojou can. “You may lack innate techniques and can only manage basic spells for now, but the raw strength behind your cursed energy is still potent, Yuuji. With discipline and practice, it’d be enough for you to weave effective enchantments. In many situations, practised skill often trumps talent alone.” Yuuji sighs again, stuffing the parchment back into his bag. “I know he was being encouraging, but what does ‘Not Half-Bad, Needs More Delicacy☆~!’ mean? How’s that even an assessment grade?!” Beside him, Junpei chuckles. “Gojou’s a pretty unconventional mentor, huh? You seem like you’re having fun though, Yuuji. I’m glad… Anyway, I found that title you wanted, and from the library, no less.” Junpei holds up a book, its cover worn with creases and faded prints. Yuuji’s eyes grow wide when he recognises it as the out-of-print mystery graphic novel he had been searching all over the Many-Realms for. “You found Grengor’s most elusive title?! It sold so poorly compared to the others, I almost thought I’d dreamt it up. You’re amazing, Junpei!” They fuss over the book for several moments, both going into a spiel about how it’d been a shame, that even fans of Grengor couldn’t fathom or appreciate the themes she’d written into the controversial piece, how it was still classic Grengor story-telling despite the convoluted visuals. “Oh, that reminds me,” Yuuji says. “Did you apply for the library apprenticeship?” Junpei blanches and looks away, flustered. “I-I’m not cut out for it, really…” “C’mon, Junpei, you’re a great fit! You’re resourceful, and you’ve probably read more books and watched more films than anyone else in the Many-Realms! …Okay, that’s an exaggeration but you get what I mean, right?” It takes a bit of gentle wheedling, but Junpei finally agrees in the end. Yuuji spends the next two days practising spells, weaving wisps of soothing lavender and chamomile together into a charm for luck, with just a pinch of dragon’s breath for daring. He presses the sachet into Junpei’s hand the morning of the interview, nodding encouragingly. Junpei manages for all of three minutes, only to get tongue-tied and frazzled by nerves. He nearly gives up at that point, but Yuuji suddenly barges right into the middle of it, firing away at Junpei with a pop quiz on random book and film trivia. All of which Junpei answers with speedy accuracy, much to the amusement and delight of the Head Librarian. She decides she quite likes Junpei then, and his knack for quoting passages from all 47 titles of Grengor’s epics, as well as his uncanny ability to hum cheesy melodies from her favourite films. “Passionate and reliable!” she declares at the end. “Just what this drab old library needs!” And thus, Junpei finds himself apprenticed to one Iori Utahime, Head Librarian and Keeper of the Oldest Witching Repository. Maybe Gojou’s right about practice after all.

4.

Yuuji knows Nobara isn’t bad with spells and protective charms. She’s exceptionally good with deflecting hexes placed upon a person, easily unravelling the cursed threads entwined around their souls with her rosewood wand and spearing the hexes unto folded paper dolls instead with a long silver hairpin. Sometimes, though, even a witch’s spell alone can’t grant favours. Sometimes, actual practical, hands-on culinary expertise is required, and sitting here dejected amidst their losses, Yuuji realises again how woefully un-skilled they are in the baking department. “I shouldn’t have asked you,” Nobara groans miserably. “We could’ve won otherwise!” “We barely made it at twenty-seventh place—that’s far from winning,” Yuuji counters, indignant. “Besides, I’m good with roasts and stews, not baking. You never said anything about a bake-off!” “Megumi vouched for you! Said you were good in the kitchen, the perfect male wife! That besotted liar.” “A male what—” “I’m sorry, Saori, for letting Yuuji ruin everything!” Nobara wails into her girlfriend’s cloak, ignoring Yuuji's perplexed glare. “I know how much you wanted the prize!” But Saori only laughs brightly, smothering Nobara with a hug instead. “It’s fine! Like sure, we didn’t win, but we had fun, didn’t we? We should do this again.” “You mean lose another competition we’re laughably unqualified for?” Yuuji attempts playfully, earning himself a sharp jab in the ribs from Nobara. “No, silly,” Saori chuckles again. She lifts a burnt lemon puff with her fingers, pressing it to Nobara’s lips. “Just baking for each other, soggy biscuits and all.” Nobara’s eyes are glimmering constellations for the rest of the day. Yuuji sighs; at least one of them got a wish granted.

5.

The girl enters the Shoppe with tentative steps, as though uncertain how her feet had led her in through the creaking door. Her hesitation lasts but a heartbeat, a ripple of time slipping through vast dimensionless space; soon, she’s introducing herself—“I’m Tsumiki, thank you for attending to me!”—as she takes a seat before Yuuji, expressing a simple but earnest wish. A gift to mend a relationship with family, an apology for harsh, hurtful words exchanged in a heated argument. Yuuji considers the request, studying the girl’s sombre expression. She’s pretty, with long dark hair pulled into a ponytail, a blue lily barrette clasped in her fringe. Yuuji isn’t sure, but she looks about his age, maybe a year or two older. “It’s not that we’ve never argued before,” Tsumiki continues, shaking her head. “But he makes me so mad sometimes, I get impulsive! Even if I don’t mean to, honest…” “I’m sure it’s not as bad as it seems,” Yuuji begins, only for Tsumiki to sigh dispiritedly. “I… might’ve accidentally upended a tropical monsoon over him when I knocked his cauldron over during the argument. Luckily, he hadn’t mixed the powdered adder’s fork and calculated pandemonium into the brew yet, otherwise we would’ve lost the house too.” She falls silent for a long moment, eyes downcast, before she smiles gently. “He’s stubborn and petulant, but he’s still my little brother… The only family I’ve got left,” Tsumiki says, rueful now. “I just want him to know that I’m sorry. For yelling and for being silly.” Yuuji nods in sympathy, doing his best to emulate the serene aura of whimsical dreams Gojou had once said they needed to project to all customers—whatever that even means. With Tsumiki’s barrette now placed before them, Yuuji lifts his rowan wand, tracing patterns in the faintest flicker of her cursed energy to weave a spell, a mandala drawn from the residual emotions, of cautious hope and fierce affection. At first, he thinks he’s made a mistake, but three more careful readings only conjure the same images, all pointing to this exact moment in the slipstream of Time. He turns to Tsumiki with a puzzled look. The sudden chime of bells breaks the lull; Megumi steps through the door, a weighty tome and his ash wand clutched in one arm, brows arched in surprise when he sees them both. “A-ah, Megumi!” “Tsumiki, why…? Yuuji, what’s going on?” Yuuji blinks wordlessly when Tsumiki jumps to her feet and bows. “I’m sorry for the confusion! I wasn’t sure if this was the right place since it’s not even listed in any of the town maps. But I’d only wanted to look for Megumi after he’d stormed off, and…” “And still, your wish led you here nonetheless.” Yuuji’s hazel eyes brighten with understanding. “Because you’re his sister.” Tsumiki fidgets with the hem of her coat, but nods. She meets Megumi’s placid gaze when he approaches Yuuji’s workbench, her lips pursed in resolve as she swallows the anxiety bubbling in her chest. “Megumi, it’s my fault, I shouldn’t have—” “I’m sorry, Tsumiki,” Megumi interjects, his expression pinched with regret. “I said awful things that hurt you. I was being childish, but that’s still not an excuse for it. I apologise.” There’s a short, tense silence, and suddenly, Tsumiki lets out a soft, awkward chuckle. “I didn’t mean to laugh, honest!” she says sheepishly at the boys’ confused expressions. “It’s just—well, it’s the first time you’ve apologised so formally, Megumi. It’s almost unlike you.” “I was being sincere, stupid sister,” Megumi grouses in mild exasperation as Tsumiki hugs him, contrite. Still, he doesn’t pull away, lips curved into the gentlest of smiles, and Yuuji realises how affectionate and protective the siblings are of one another. Tsumiki thanks Yuuji for his help, but not before she makes him promise to stop by for dinner later that evening. As she takes her leave, Yuuji feels Megumi ease into the seat beside him, their shoulders bumping lightly in the movement. “The rescue centre downtown…” Megumi begins tentatively, balancing his ash wand between his fingers. “We should visit it someday. Together.” When Yuuji only stares at him blankly, uncomprehending, Megumi frowns slightly in hesitance. “You’d always wanted a dog, right? Not all strays are suitable as a witch’s familiar, but they can still make good companions. You can find out more about the responsibilities involved and see if you’re still keen about adopting one. I can help you through the process if you’d like…” Yuuji’s already grinning, bright as the sun, eyes sparkling at the prospect. “Of course I’d love that! You’re the best, Megumi!” “Stop hollering into my ear like that, idiot,” Megumi sighs, before they share another laugh. And Yuuji thinks, then, that perhaps the best favours are the ones granted unasked.  

—End—  

_________ - I know some might be wondering, but this AU isn't inspired by or based on Witch Hat Atelier at all LOL. I haven't actually read WHA yet while I was writing this fic last year. So I was really going for the imagery of witchy, fantasy magick that I grew up with reading old DWJ books (Chrestomanci series, anyone?). - This AU is, however, very loosely inspired by xxxHolic, hence the term 'dimension witch'. Gojou doesn't need to be drunk to be chaotic, though, I guess? - How many times am I going to write Sukuna as a literal cat (daemon or otherwise) in my AUs? As many times as I can get away with it. Lol. - Comments are always lovely—if you've enjoyed this, I'd love to hear what you think. Thank you for reading :')

[animeniac-writings]

Dating Satoru Gojo Would Include + Your beloved First Years children.

I couldn’t leave out the kids okay, I couldn’t. I try to be in general instead of specific occurrences in these but uh, you’d kill the elders for Yuji and raise hell for your other son Junpei. Goodnight.

Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen

- He’s a pain in the ass in a way that you never get tired of him. Tired, very tired at times with his antics, but he’s endearing about it and you’ve been around him so long that you just shake your head a little too lovingly watching him.

- Basically adopting Yuji. He was such a nice and polite kid that you took to him instantly, and he loves the coddling and comes to you with a lot of his questions.

- You’ve already taken up parental roles with Megumi (who is fine with your affection and “Breaks Gojo’s heart” every time he turns him away. You have to comfort his sulking ass afterwards.)

- Definitely have called Fushiguro your son by accident before, he was flustered and a little happy until Gojo heard and was THRILLED to play along, only gives him #1 Son birthday cards ever since.

- You once said something about wishing you had a family photo so he bribed Nobara, and blackmailed Megumi into taking one, Yuji was happy to be in it from the start, and had it framed for you. And keeps a mini one in his wallet.

- He flirts with you all the time. He’s worse than before you were dating, and everyone else found him insufferable with it came to you then. 

- Whether he just be complimenting you, suggestive little flirts, or full on pretending he’s a stranger who just so happened to bump into you in this hallway where he’s lost and would just be so thankful if the attractive stranger here would give him a tour so nothing bad happens to him. 

- Nanami has no patience for his bullshit and will drag him or you, whoever he need away when Gojo starts on this crap ^^ but if it gets a laugh or even a tiny grin out of you he counts it as a great success. 

- He flirts with other’s too, whether it to be because he knows his charms will brighten their day (even if you smack the back of his head sometimes) or spend an extra 10 minutes at checkout so you get a discount every time. 

- But it’s always in jest and you know it, he is yours entirely and has been since the moment he fell for you. Though watching him flirt really makes you hope you never looked that giggly and lovestruck in the beginning. 

- He always lets you touch him, whether you’re combing your fingers through his hair, have a hand against his cheek, or punching his arm a little too hard when he’s being a pest. No matter the case, he’s always vulnerable just to you.

- Sometimes he’ll bail before you wake up, leaving a note ‘thanking you so much for taking teacher duty today’, already far used to his antics you know he’s going to be in some 4 hour line at a bakery.

- He always brings back extra treats for you though, he knows your preferences by heart no matter what’s on display, and knows you well enough to pick out something new that’s perfect to your tastes as well.

- “Begrudgingly” brings something back for the kids on most trips because he knows you’ll share yours, or force him to share his with them. Slyly learns all the kid’s favorites without them knowing. 

- Nobara did not expect it and will try and get you to talk him into buying her more at times, he gets dramatic and says his kids are just using him, but always puts a couple extra macaroons in hers. 

- If you go with him and decide to pick up some treats for the second years he always gets Inumaki a taiyaki. Every single time. Later you hand him a bag with what he’d really like though, so double the treats for him and you ruffle his hair.

- He’s always brought something for Fushiguro though even if you’re away at the time since he saw you would always split your treats with him since he was small and first really in your care. It makes him a little soft to see the boy’s eyes light up just like when he was tiny, but only you ever notice.

- He’s very affectionate and a sucker for your attention whenever you have time together. 

- Loves cuddling, especially laying with his head on your chest and talking to you or listening to you, even if you fall asleep in the middle of it. He’ll watch you sleep, exhausted and at peace for a few moments before making sure you’re comfortable and going to sleep with you. 

- Gojo’s not the jealous type, he knows he has no reason to be, but if some upstart come-on thinks they have a shot with you he’s more than happy to show up, a big kiss to your cheek, arm wrapped around your shoulder and lock eyes with that piercing stare of his and chuckle when they wither and leave.

- Not a terrible cook but prefers to take you out to eat every night you’ll let him, it’s less time of having to do something and more time being spent with you, and he likes getting milk shakes and using two straws “to be a walrus” and do impressions of your colleagues until you laugh.

- Nanami was passing by once and was not amused at the rendition of himself.

- If you do stay home to cook dinner though he’ll help out with all of it without being asked, but you’ll still end up scolding him because he keeps getting your attention for “one more kiss” or wrapping his arms around you while you work so he can just savor being with you.

- He will bring home anything as a pet. Stray cats, dogs, injured birds, low class tiny curses that look almost cute.

- You once said “That one almost looks like Toji” and he lifted it up for an eye-to-eye stare down before agreeing and dispelling it. 

- He SUCKS at answering his phone but will send you so many texts, pictures, voicemails throughout the day. Especially if he’s away on a mission he’ll give you 20 “I miss yous” during it and “we should really go here together next time” with a photo of some little cafe and his over filled plate of goodies. 

- You got him a little custom stuffy of yourself as a joke “Since you can’t be without me” but he loves it and takes it on every trip, “dates without you” pictures and all. 

- Sometimes just being exasperated while watching him and when he asks what he did you complain “Quit being so damn pretty all the time” and somehow his eyes light up evening more grinning at you.