(closed - for now)

[ahost]

Who ⬤ itadori yuuji, fushiguro megumi, mitsuri kanroji.
What ⬤ may mini event
When ⬤ mid-may
Where ⬤ all over the place idk
Content Warnings ⬤ will update if needed!



[ use any force necessary — well, that was the direct order from the Enma, and yuuji had no issue to comply. let's say he has a growing resentment towards any group of punks deciding to form a gang and make his job harder. the best philosophy is to break them before they grow in numbers; simple and efficient.

beating up a bunch of hooligans is the norm by now, but— this time yuuji is hearing a lot of personal resentment towards the Enma himself. the fucking audacity; something about rumors and accusations, the dumb turf war between the other factions, and while the sorcerer didn't entertain having a conversation with one, often eager to punch them on the throat instead. however, there is a steady recurring theme here.

... something is going on.

by now, he had a fair pile of those cursed figures stashed inside his backpack— the mission is going well, but he wanted to drop megumi a quick visit at his part-time job. smiling, yuuji glanced down at the poorly wrapped gift box he was holding onto, totally proud of himself for finding the perfect fitting to keep the element of surprise alive; the pink bow in the center is just a lovely touch yuuji deemed necessary! lost in his own little world, the sorcerer easily neglected the brawls in the background as fights broke out in every corner of the city.

eh, it's not his problem.

reaching the library, he barged in and ruined the quiet vibe with a loud, hearty- ]

Yo, Fushiguro!! Where are you?!



[ ooc; if anyone wants to hit yuuji with an event prompt, or something more specific, feel free to send me a PM ♥ ]

Comments

[mahoraga]

[ It probably is normal between friends to talk about dating? Megumi doesn't have much to go off beyond the friends he's made at Jujutsu High, so he doesn't know. He didn't exactly have a normal childhood after all. This isn't a topic he would initiate on a regular day, and especially not one he finds appropriate talking about when his friend is on the verge of losing his mind.

But fine, he'll humour him. ]

Obviously not -- don't be stupid. [ He doesn't think he gives off the impression at all that he's interested??? He would assume that Yuuji would know that, but the other boy is probably distracted and focusing on random things right now in his altered mental state. ]

I don't care about that sort of thing. [ 🠔 Dying alone. ]

[ahost]

Yeah, I don't believe you.

[ he teased with a smirk. another heavy exhale follows, as if the mere act of talking is exhausting him at this point, and oddly not the heavy weight of his loaded bag. now that felt fine; they can stay where they are against his back. ]

No one likes to be ... alone ...

[ whatever comes after that final word dimmed into an eerie silence, and he's back in that god-awful domain. again, no sign of sukuna and that is until he decided to glance down, the sight of his own hands clears slowly, only to realize they didn't belong to him. the sharp inhuman claws, painted in dark purple. his heart drops at that familiar vision, at those black markings circling each wrist— but yuuji didn't panic. not until, of course, those illusions had to slither deep into his own anxieties.

so, finally, he gets a taste of this 'hell'. it's been too good to be true.

yuuji started stuttering in his footing, slowing down, hand squeezing megumi's until he just ... stopped. his features grew pale as he was staring into something the other sorcerer couldn't see. there's fear in his eyes, but heavily repressed, and there is grief ... also, repressed.

he stayed quiet, waited for it to pass, and once he was back to where they stood— he didn't say anything. it might be uncomfortable silence for the other, but it's fine. yuuji will be fine. they just need to ... keep moving. ]

[mahoraga]

[ He isn't lying when he says that, though? At least, he doesn't think that he is. Megumi considers it for a second before he responds to that. When he associates 'dating' with kissing and having sex, it makes him slightly nervous and doesn't feel like something he really needs in his life. However, when he thinks about being with someone, settling into a comfortable routine, spending the rest of his existence - however long in Hell or when he returns home - with them in that union and sense of 'Home', it's not bad. He doesn't mind it. Actually, to be completely honest with himself, it sounds really nice.

But it also feels unobtainable, so he isn't going to bother considering it.

He's about to further deny Yuuji's assumption, but when he looks up he notes that the boy has slipped away, eyes wide and ridden with fear, his palm clammy. Megumi steps closer, worry in his eyes. Yuuji has his full attention now, and he gives their fingers a squeeze, running a thumb over the boy's calloused knuckles. ]

Itadori --

[ It feels like his words aren't reaching him, like Yuuji is caught in a curse Megumi cannot see or understand, and it's terrifying him. It's not often that he sees Yuuji so affected by something, and Megumi's developed a sensitivity to the other boy's emotions. Yuuji is a boy who can look at objectively horrifying scenes, fight horrific and evil beings, with no apparent sense of fear and only the belief that he can what he needs to. That's why when Megumi sees him so panicked, he's driven to intervene. He has to bring him back somehow.

It's not usual for him, but Megumi tries something new - he initiates a more intimate sort of touch. It's hard to explain where this had come from, but perhaps the concern he feels had mixed in with his own personal affection. He reaches out, patting the other boy on the pink hairs of his head and sliding his long fingers down to the side of his face, angling his chin so they make eye contact. The touch is gentle and the affection behind it cannot be mistaken. ]

You're fine. Keep focusing on me.

[ahost]

[ it was hard not to think about anything other than what might come next, and that thought terrified yuuji more than what he had already seen. this illusion had a steady pattern, a moving plot into a conclusion that will hit him where it really hurts, and they knew how to do it. whoever the fuck rooted those figures knew they can manipulate and trigger each individual's traumas to life. the crimson water in sukuna's domain, the seeping blood— the glimpse of corpses from afar, coming closer with each vision.

... and he could almost recognize them.

he didn't want to see it anymore. he didn't want to go through it. the fear is so crippling despite the uneasy composure yuuji managed to imitate; always guarded from sharing too much. until he felt megumi's hand against his cheek, beckoning him to tilt his head to meet his eyes— what he could see is concern and a foreign hint of affection behind those greenish hues. the thought of lying to his friend with an 'I'm fine' didn't even cross his mind, not this time. instead, he exhaled a soft breath, shaking his head a bit- ]

I know it's- ...

[ -fake. not real. it's those stupid figures fucking up with his head. yuuji knows; he's aware and lucid to understand he's still here with megumi and not in that abyss. and yet— his voice breaks a bit, in a way megumi probably never heard before. another exhale followed, cheeks a bit feverish up to the tip of each ear. ]

... but it still hurts.

[ there is always that moment when a line is crossed and one reaches a limit, physically, emotionally, and mentally. yuuji had seen plenty of gruesome imagery in his life but being taunted by his deceased loved ones is something he knew, at this stage, could not handle. the hallucination is building up to it, he knew he was being pulled closer, he knew the endgame is to see their mutilated faces— he couldn't do it.

he begins to shrug off the binds on his shoulders, loosening their grip until he hears the loud thud of his bag striking the ground. free of that burden, yuuji takes a step toward the other, he then slowly leans in to— rest his head on megumi's shoulder; his arms remain on each side for now. he closed his eyes, not yet relaxing into it, muscles so stiff against the other. ]

[mahoraga]

[ This is ... new. He was fully expecting Yuuji to brush him off, assert that he was fine when it's clear as day to someone as attentive as Megumi that he isn't. He fully expected to be left with that uncertain feeling that he could be doing more to reassure his friend, but his hands are tied because the comfort is not being accepted. There's more honestly here, that admittance to weakness he rarely ever sees from his usual headstrong friend. It compels his attention, like nothing around them - not the children playing at the side, not the chatter of passersby - matters at all. His full attention is on one boy.

It still hurts.

Of course it does. Yuuji's gone through trauma after trauma and he's been bodying it all with a smile on his face. At times it's left Megumi wondering how genuine his bright smiles truly were, if the light within him was starting to dim.

The thud of the bag on the ground is startling, but he doesn't feel compelled to remind his friend to treat those objects with delicacy, far more important matters commanding his attention right now. The distance that is closed between them comes as a surprise as something that happens so rarely, and the weight on his right shoulder is heavy, but not from any actual physical load.

Megumi allows proximity, feeling none of his usual aversion towards touch. He takes a moment to consider what to say in response. ]

It's okay to feel hurt ... [ For the friend who hides the more vulnerable and suffering sides of himself, that feels like the right thing to say. Megumi initiates the contact this time, hands encircling Yuuji, one settling by his back and one resting on the back of his neck, allowing him closer. ]

You've had a very difficult time so far.

[ It's my fault, the voice from within cuts in to remind him. It's my fault that Itadori was stripped from his mundane life. It's my fault he has to go through all this suffering and do things outside his nature. If he's here in Hell because of those things he's had to do, that's my fault too.

He doesn't say any of that, however, because he won't make this about himself. Holding the boy closer, Megumi gives him a few reassuring pats on his head. He doesn't know what Yuuji is actually seeing, but he can hasten a guess. Megumi thinks about what to say next, before deciding that the only thing he can really offer right now is his honesty. Anything else would feel cheap and disingenuous. ]

Even so, you keep trying to do the right thing, and ... I think that makes you kinder than anyone.

[ There's a pause. He doesn't want to talk too much, but he does feel like he needs to reaffirm this: ]

That's why I saved you.

[ahost]

[ a part of him expected megumi not to entertain this, not going as far as shoving him away in a harsh manner, but at least remind his friend that they had work to do, and it isn't the time to give in to pressure. that boy had his ways of pulling yuuji out of a toxic mindset, often distracting him— but it didn't happen this time.

if his muscles were tensed before, that strain doubled when he felt those hands pull him closer, one settled on his head; fingers brushing through his hair gently. the tone of megumi's voice is oddly soothing, hefty with empathy he knew he isn't deserving of, yet came out genuine. he believed every single word he said, took it to heart, and then with a much heavier exhale, yuuji relaxed, shoulders dropped, and with it— tears rolled down his flustered cheeks.

he could not explain why that was more painful to hear than consoling as it was intended to be? why is he crippled by self-loathing to the point his mind and heart couldn't welcome megumi's words? keen on rejecting them. because it was easier to deflect than take it in, isn't it? he's too afraid of what might happen to him if he finally allowed himself to— grief.

'Thank you ...' he really wished he could say it without falling apart.

yuuji didn't even notice he was biting down on his lower lip, hard enough for it to bleed; another shaky breath pursued, and when his arms returned the gesture, they weren't as gentle. it was a tight embrace, fingers gripping hard into the back of megumi's shirt, slightly pulling the fabric up and exposing some of the skin around his waistline. yuuji didn't speak until he made sure he's calm enough for it. ]

I ... need you to help me.

[ pathetically, he needs to be saved again. once this is over, he will fucking hate himself until no end, but right now? he's desperate, scared, and he's so, so tired of doing this alone. gently, he rests his head against megumi's, voice muffled as he pressed his lips against the other's shoulder. ]

Would you please carry them for me?

[ truth is: it probably won't affect his friend at all. yuuji had been around them for almost a few hours now until they started influencing his mind; the short trip to the enma office would only last a few minutes. he trusts megumi won't suffer like he is. and yet- ]

... I'm sorry for asking.

[mahoraga]

[ The return of the embrace, strong arms holding him desperately, does startle him. While this level of physical proximity would usually be something he would reject, he doesn't feel any such inclination today, his body relaxing into the boy's arms, allowing himself to be held. Megumi cannot see the boy's face, but he can feel a slight dampness at his shoulder, like there's a hint of ... tears? That makes his eyes widen, and he glances briefly at the head resting on his shoulder. He doesn't know what exactly Yuuji had seen in that hallucination, but perhaps it was enough for the dam to break open, all those pent up emotions pouring out like floodwater. He wants to be here for him in this moment. ]

... I was planning on doing that. [ He didn't even need to be asked. That was his intention right from when Yuuji dropped his bag onto the floor. It's in Megumi's nature to want to take over, assume responsibility, and that goes tenfold when his friends are too compromised to keep going.

Naturally, he has his guard switched on for any potential threats given the turf war, but he otherwise gives Yuuji his full attention, gentle fingers still brushing through his hair. Take all the time you need, is what that implies. Though he doesn't make mention of it, he really doesn't think there's any need to apologise for depending on a friend. ]

[ahost]

[ — and yet, yuuji wouldn't burden his friend with the whole meltdown, opting to resist the temptation of giving in and instead composing himself when he got that reassurance. he closed his eyes, calming himself just enough so he could guide his hand up, wiping away those tears. despite all the anxieties, and how bad this situation is— yuuji isn't oblivious of this rare, shared moment between them and the way megumi's body felt against his own; the undeniable soothing warmth that hushed down all his demons.

sure, it wasn't their first time sharing a hug, but it was the first time megumi reciprocates it. the way his hand caressed through his hair, their closeness, and how it made yuuji feel — safe. god, when was the last time he felt like he could drop his guard and depend on someone else to take care of him? he can't even remember.

he slowly pulls his head back, his hands loosening their hold as they settled on megumi's hips in a lazy, half-embrace. his lashes are still drenched, hanging low over his weary eyes, and yet he managed to offer his friend a small smile. ]

Thank you.

[ he regards the other for another few seconds before breaking it off completely, stepping back. he'd allow megumi to reach for the bag himself, unsure if he should be touching it again. ]

We can walk faster this time. Get rid of this thing and never look back.

[mahoraga]

[ It feels selfish that there's a part of him that found that embrace pleasant, that warmth shared between them and the knowledge that he was trusted enough to be depended on. Megumi offers only his patience, waiting for Yuuji to settle and giving him all the time he needs to regain his composure. When they do break apart, the other boy's hands hanging off his hips, Megumi takes this opportunity to steal a glance at the type of face he's making out of curiousity. There's a bit of a soul-wrenching feeling when he sees the tears welled up in Yuuji's eyes, the normally headstrong and positive boy looking so emotionally exhausted yet still trying to keep up his smile. Megumi's never considered himself a very empathetic person (lies), but it hurts ... to see his dear friend hurt. He looks down now, breaking the eye contact to offer his friend more privacy. ]

Sounds good. [ His hands slide off the other boy as he pulls away, and they move on now, staying focused on the goal at hand. As Megumi picks up the backpack and puts his arms through the slings, he can't keep that image out of his mind - the pain he could see in Yuuji's eyes. It wouldn't surprise him at all if the other boy is always feeling this way, given the stacking traumas he's been hit with in his short life, the burden he was saddled with for the unforgivable sin of being a kind person. It makes Megumi think about whether he treats him well enough. Maybe he should cherish him more. Yuuji ate those fingers to save him, after all.

Eyes still fixed on the ground, Megumi turns in the direction of the Enma tower, signaling that he intends to lead the way. There's a pause of consideration, before he extends his hand again, fingers bumping into Yuuji's, curling around his ring and pinky. The start of joined hands, but a bit bashful. ]

Follow me ...

[ahost]

[ in which his hand, subconsciously, followed megumi's lead, reaching out to return the gesture. that's when yuuji unhooks their fingers so he could curl them in a proper grip. the way their hands settled together so easily gave an impression they've done it many times, and they knew each other's touch by now. a rare sense of harmony that kept yuuji grounded when everything around him is falling apart and bursting into flames.

the influences of those cursed figures are restrained, but not gone. it left yuuji feeling uneasy, definitely anxious about what might come. the visions never returned, but that somehow made him more on the edge, his mind obsessing on when will it happen? and at times, that's even more distressing than going through it. there are no further complaints from his side, and he allowed megumi to take the lead until they reached the main gate to the enma's offices.

as expected— the security wouldn't allow an outsider inside their facilities, and before megumi would start any act of retaliation, yuuji let go of his hand and turned to face him. ]

It's okay! I got it from here.

[ he really didn't want to carry those things again, but they made it this far— yuuji can handle it a few minutes until he delivers it in. ]

I'll be quick. Just wait for me here.

[mahoraga]

[ Yuuji was right to cut in before Megumi could retaliate, because if left to his own devices, he would find some way in no matter what anyone felt about it (and it would surely spell trouble for him). There's still anxiety that he has about leaving his friend alone, an anxiety he knows will spike once he's not able to see him, but Yuuji isn't exactly giving him any choice in the matter but sit tight. ]

Itadori ... [ He reaches out like he wants to stop him, but Yuuji's gone in a flash. Logically, it's better this way and they'll be able to get rid of the offensive objects quicker. With a sigh, Megumi lets him go, trying his best to quell his inner nerves.

He's relieved to see the boy emerge a few aggravating minutes after. ]

How are you feeling?