#megumi. also she privately thinks she had the most opportunity to realize how bad it was with the zenin back then and /didn't/.

[vixovavalentine]

Entombed (Part 4)

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REMINDER: I DO NOT OWN JJK OR ANY CHARACTERS OR ART OR ANYTHING. ALSO PLEASE DON'T STEAL ANY OF MY WORKS. THAT'S JUST RUDE. :)

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Nothing this chapter, maybe a tiny bit of fluff here.

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It was the day after your release from the infirmary and it seemed everyone was being extra cautious around you with the exceptions of Gojo and Nanami. Who had informed everyone that morning during class that you were completely harmless, though Megumi and Itadori still seemed a bit skittish to give you any pats or even the high fives they normally gave. Nobara was the complete opposite to your surprise, she simply asked. "If I pass you my phone to show you a picture of this cute guy are you gonna break it or fry it or something?" When you told her no, she shoved it into your hands and began scrolling for you making faces and squealing about shirtless men. Making the boys grimace and roll their eyes. After all the mess of the last few days, being in class and feeling the slight normalcy again helped heal the blow you took to your wounded resolve, but Nanami's words ran through your mind. This was serious, and you had to learn to be better. You had to get stronger, and this was how you were going to do it. You were going to go all in.

Before class let out for the day Gojo clapped his hands excitedly. "REMEMBER EVERYONE SUSHI TONIGHT!" Nanami just stood stoic as ever but continued for Gojo, as if to stop Gojo from being more eccentric. "We are celebrating Y/n making a full recovery. We're going to Sushi-Go here in Tokyo." Nobara squealed in delight and Itadori high fived Gojo. "YOU ROCK SENSEI!" Namami just stood against the wall nodding in your direction. " Everyone be ready to leave at 5:00 by the front of the school. Ijichi will be driving us. Dismissed."

Gathering your bags Nobara chatted excitedly about getting sushi and how the guy in the forth picture she showed you had rock hard abs that she'd like to, as she put; "Ride off into the sunset with." Then winked making you burst out laughing and turn red. "Good god woman you're absolutely feral!" You teased. Nobara stuck her tongue out. "In our line of work is it so bad? I could die any day and If I had the opportunity I'd take it in a heart beat, and I mean really take it." Winking at you again, all you could do is laugh.

"Have I ever told you, I love your sense of humor Nobara?"

"That's why we're friends and by the way." She turned and pointed her finger into your chest. " You still owe me a shopping trip. Don't think your little stint in the infirmary made me forget." Making your way to the door you groaned.

"I didn't go to the infirmary on purpose! I literally almost died." you whined. "Yeah, yeah, you burned something with your hand and got stabbed in the arms and blacked out. We almost die all the time. WE'RE GOING THIS WEEKEND Y/N! You're not gonna be on a mission for a while from what I hear so you won't have that excuse not to go next time." Stomping her foot and smiling victoriously. "It wasn't an excuse I literally--"

"Y/n" You heard next to you. Stopping your little jesting with Nobara you realized it was Nanami that was calling to you. "Yes, Sensei?" You straightened up, facing him. "I'd like a moment with you, if you could." His gaze shifting over to Nobara. "In private."

Nobara looked a little irritated but then she smiled and simply said. "I'll see you after you're done. We'll get ready together." and walked off with Itadori and Megumi. After they were out of sight Nanami walked you to a set of doors and gestured for you to go inside, walking in you noticed that this room guessed was the faculty lounge.

"Take a seat."

You did as instructed and took a seat on a long comfy looking green couch that took most of the room. Nanami sat across from you and began to speak. "I hope you've taken my words to heart Y/N. You seem calmer today. How are your hands? How is your mind after everything? You didn't really say yesterday in what way you were feeling. This whole situation was a mess but I wanted to hear from you, what you're feeling about your training. Are you going to continue or are you still feeling unsure?"

It was nice to know Nanami cared enough to check in with you; you were his responsibility as a student you knew that but, for some reason it really warmed you.

"I haven't had any issues with my hands at all and believe me I went around touching things for almost all of yesterday. I think I'm good there, and I think Gojo was right. It's got to be something mental. As for continuing my training, I don't think I have a choice. I thought about it and I realized that even if I do leave, I'll never forget. The curses won't go away and I don't want to be afraid forever. I'd never forget what I know and I want to get stronger. This whole experience just showed me how weak I am, I want to go on."

Nanami's seemed to relax a tad more.

"I'm happy to hear that Y/n. I know everything is up in the air right now with your technique but there really is no better place to learn. Regardless of Gojo's lack of tacked. He was right." You thought for a moment you saw Nanami shutter. "Never let Gojo know I said that."

A small chuckle escaped your lips. "You're secret is safe with me."

"Good, we'll work slowly and figure out what we can about your technique. You'll be taken from your usual lessons and paired with myself or Gojo for your own personal training. Rest assured, Gojo won't be pulling anymore antics, at least not for a while." Taking a long sigh you realized this wouldn't be the last of Gojo's antics which to be honest amused you.

"This whole new life is expect the unexpected. I learned that the hard way but it's a way to learn. Plus who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to see through Gojo's antics myself." Nanami smiled slightly.

"That's a good way to look at it y/n." Reaching into his jacket Nanami pulled out a small box and set it on the table in front of you.

"But regardless of Gojo's antics I still felt it right to give you a proper apology on my end. So please take this as a token of my sincerity and know going forward, I'll make sure not to but you in a compromising position again." You took a look at the small box in front of you caught off guard by such a kind gesture. Nanami was always so stoic so this was really surprising to you.

"Sensei you really didn't need to, I don't even blame you. There's nothing to forgive."

Everything he said, you understood. If you were Nanami and some strange new sorcerer came in with some power that was unknown, you'd be curious too. At least that's what you thought to yourself.

"But I'll say thank you Sensei and I forgive you. Just next time, let's hope things aren't so lethal." you teased and took the box and went to open it. Opening the box you saw inside was a small charm. It was strange looking wrapped in black fabric. Being completely honest with yourself, you had no idea what it was and felt immediately embarrassed for not knowing. "Thank you....what is it?"

Nanami just nodded and took it from you to examine it with you. "See here" Nanami pointed to the text. "It reads Yakuyoke. It means to ward against evil. I don't believe in silly things like this personally, and it won't do anything for you on the battlefield, but I thought it might help having something like this with you."

It was extremely thoughtful and to be honest, even if it was just a piece of fabric with some text it made you feel better, maybe not safer. but better. You'd be lying if you said it didn't give you a lump in your throat. "Th-Thank you Sensei. I'll cherish it." You took the charm and slid it into your pocket.

"That's all for now Y/n, But remember. Once we start training again. Give it your all. Take this experience and use it to make yourself better. If anything, use the charm as a reminder." Nodding, stood and you bowed to your Sensei and departed.

Nanami stayed seated smiling to himself. Things felt like they were on a good note for now, and that's all he could ask for going forward. Giving you that charm would do absolutely nothing for you on the battlefield, but maybe it would help the uneasiness in your mind. Your spirits were good and he was happy for that, but Nanami was no fool. There would be a next time, there would be more death. More anguish....

Sighing at his own depressing thoughts he sat himself up almost ready to leave his seat when the doors opened and in trotted Gojo, hands in his pockets making his way to the couch. Sitting across from Nanami, "That was cute."

"You heard our conversation?" Nanami questioned.

"That charm won't save her in battle."

"No, it won't. If you were listening I told her as such but maybe it'll help the battles in her mind. Knowing that we are here."

"So, What made you get her a gift?" Gojo prodded.

"She's my student and she was hurt due to my negligence."

"You've never felt compelled to get anyone anything unless it was forced Nanami. You felt sorry for her."

"I did. Maybe even a bit guilty too."

Gojo stretched on the couch and mumbled. "Yeah me too. I mean Itadori's first mission was a disaster but he knew at least somewhat to expect. His first curse was with Megumi and he even has Suku-" stopping in his tracts. Gojo shot up from his relaxed position. "Does Y/N know about Sukuna?"

"No." Nanami realized. "Sukuna hasn't manifested himself on Itadori in front of her yet."

"I wonder why, he's not usually silent around anyone." Gojo pondered. Then remembered your black markings..

"Nanami do you still have that picture on your phone?" Nanami nodded and passed his phone to him. Scrolling Gojo found the picture of your unconscious body again and examined it.

"Nanami.. These markings remind you of someone?" Nanami took another look and grimaced. "How come this situation feels like it just got a whole lot more complicated." Sighing Nanami began to massage the bridge of his nose, dropping his phone on the table.

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Gojo had heard your conversation with Nanami. He was a little irritated to be honest. He and Nanami had thought of the same thing. Getting you gift, Gojo was just going to get you a card with some money in it. He didn't know you that well and money always worked with women and god knows he had enough of it. But seeing your reaction to Nanami's gift. He wanted to get you a better one. Nanami got you a gift that touched you, maybe Gojo could think of something just as good. He went ahead into the city to try to find something but as he searched he was still plagued with the sudden revelation he and Nanami deduced. Well, mostly him. He'd give Nanami assist points. This situation had taken a very unexpected turn, but as you said in your conversation with Nanami. "Expect the unexpected"

"What a curious one you are.." He thought of you. During the time you were in the infirmary he could tell you had been depressed, even shaken. He wondered even to himself while you were there if you were just going to bow out and quit your training. It wouldn't have been smart knowing how curses were. If you did leave you'd probably die. So Gojo had secretly been hoping you'd just pull through it and when you did it was a relief to him. You'd spent all that time training with him, failing miserably. But you were trying. He hated to admit it, but if you decided to leave he would feel a little bummed out.

Regardless, He had to find you a gift and all this thinking was making his headhurt.

"Urgh." He groaned and decided to treat himself to some ice cream before dinner for all the trouble this was causing him. On his way to his favorite ice cream shop something shiny caught his eye.

"No way!" He laughed. A small stand with numerous small pieces of homemade jewelry caught his eye, one piece in particular. Examining it he smiled big. "This'll be perfect."

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Everyone arrived to the restaurant on time thanks to Nanami's direction and everyone was enjoying their dinner.

"SAKE!" Gojo cheered grabbing a large piece of sushi and stuffing his face.

"No. This is a student dinner." Nanami sighed and placed his napkin on his lap before taking a bite of his food.

"You're no fun! This is to celebrate Y/n! We should party?! Have fun!" Gojo whined.

"I'm having fun and the sushi is great." You smiled brightly towards Gojo and took a bite of your sushi. Nobara was eating to fast y/n couldn't tell how many pieces she'd eaten.

"I love this restaurant!" She said in between bites. Itadori was laughing at Nobara's feral eating and Megumi just sat eating his sushi quietly.

For Gojo, this party was too tame but decided it was the perfect time to liven it up a bit.

"EHEM." Gojo clapped his hands together. "Attention my precious students and Nanami."

Everyone stopped eating and turned their attention to Gojo who quickly made his way to your seat. Coughing to clear his throat he began,

"In honor of Y/n living through her first fight with a curse and living through the complete utter ass beating you got from it. I got you a present!" Smiling widely Gojo shoved a small box into your hands.

Nanami raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you the reason she got into such terrible shape in the first place?"

Gojo just waved Nanami away. "Nonsense, that's all in the past now. Like Y/n said she doesn't blame anybody and she'll be able to tell my antics sooner or later right?"

You flushed red. "You heard my conversation with Nana-"

"Just open the gift." Gojo poked you and you swatted his poking finger.

"Okay okay! Thank you Sensei." Nobara, Itadori, Nanami, and Megumi all watched you unwrap the paper around the box. Gojo stood over you proudly waiting for your reaction. Discarding the wrapping paper you opened the box.

With one glance you burst into laughter and turned the box around to show the others. With the sight Itadori, Nobara, even Megumi began to laugh uncontrollably. Even Nanami couldn't help but chuckle. Inside the box was a necklace with a small charm, and that charm was a frying pan.