i_may_be_cursed_but | ɨռɮօӼ

I saw these and they reminded me of the leaves around town back home. Do you have the same thing happen where you're from? I also tried your trick of a cool pillow. It's very nice.

Oh wow! Good morning Shoto-kun I'm glad you slept well.

I just woke up so my eyes are a little blurry but this is really pretty!

Ha! Seeing Sakura first thing in the morning like this? Sure does make me miss seeing it back home yup! Did you ever go to a Sakura festival? I always wanted to but never had the chance.

Oh! You did!? And!? Did it work!?!

Good morning.

[Did he say that already? Yes. Is he going to reiterate it, too late also yes.]

I'm glad you like it. I didn't get to go to a festival, but my Highschool had Sakura trees on the grounds. Seeing the way they would fly in the air and glide along so gracefully off of already beautiful trees? Maybe we should see if they have something like that here. We could go. Even if it isn't Sakura trees.

[It means a lot to him to hear that, too, or rather read it. He put a lot of effort into picking something meaningful.]

It did work well. I was able to sleep better, even if I couldn't control the temperature like I'm used to. I just slept closer to the window. I slept much better than I usually do. Thank you.

[ It's fine, Yuta sometimes repeats himself too. ]

I love it! It's a shame I can't print it out somehow and put it on my bedside table or wall for when I wake up each day. Don't think they have printers here for some reason. Then again, it would probably be a waste of a wish to ask for one huh?

Oh wow, your high school had Sakura trees? Jujutsu High was set up in the mountains with a temple and everything but I never really got to explore it that much...

[ Yuta appreciates the care and craft that it must have taken Shoto to do this. Also, the fact that he was in the other boy's thoughts enough that he would do this for him in the first place. He's very touched by it. ]

Oh great! I'm glad it worked, I doubted myself almost right away after telling you to try it. I dunno, I just felt like it was something stupid only I do, y'know?

[...Yuta is so easy to talk to. Shoto really enjoys talking to him and the idea that someone likes something that he gets ragged on all the time for-- Bakugo has snapped at him about it. Yuta wants to print it out and put it on his bedside? ...Would it be a waste of a wish? That'll be on his mind, too.]

I don't think I've seen anyone with a printer.

[But he's gonna definitely keep his eyes out now.]

Yes we had a lot of things that I liked at UA scenery wise. I think it would've been interesting to have a shrine, though. Do you think there are temples here too? There have to be, but I mean ones like your school had?

[Maybe not for the same reasons but. You know.]

I don't think it was stupid. You were trying to help me, even if it didn't work you still tried.

[ He is? Huh... Maybe it really is easier to talk to people without Rika around- But that's something he doesn't want to focus on. As much as he loves her, he knows how much she holds him back... After all, he even distanced himself from his own family for her... But yes! Shoto's art is something he wants to keep and look at to start his day! It was gifted to him without request, so Shoto must have put a lot of thought into it! ]

I don't know why I suggested a printer, I doubt anyone has ever wished for something like that. Maybe I could just wish to have a physical copy of it?

Oh, I am certain there are temples here! Maybe somewhere in the Labyrinth itself? I'd love to go exploring it but Maki would beat me up if I went off alone in there again. I went missing for weeks first time I took a solo walk in there... Won't make that mistake again.

[ He just remembers the temple and its binding rooms, the place he would have been taken to get executed if it wasn't for Gojo-sensei. ]

I think the trick is to try and sleep on one end of your pillow too, if that makes sense? Then when you flip it over, the other end hasn't been exposed to your body heat so it's way cooler.

[Aside Rika, which is a highly, highly paid compliment- it can't even be an 'if Shoto knew' because he's right here wishing for physical copies or printers and it brings a small upturn of Shoto's lips for someone to be that serious.]

For now you have this one, at least. If it gets lost, I can make another one. I wouldn't mind.

I'm not sure who Maki is, but if you want to explore and not do it on your own, I'll go with you. We can plan a bit ahead and then will be prepared. Then maybe they will be more calm. However, if you are being beaten by someone, my door is open to you. I live with other people but I could offer you my room at least. I'd come help you move so they couldn't hurt you.

[However, there goes Yuta giving good advice again!]

I will try that portion of it tonight. That seems like really sound logic.

[ It's a shame this is via text then, or Yuta might have been gifted a glimpse at said smile. ]

Ha! Don't day that! That makes it really tempting to say I've lost it so you make me another one.

Oh! You haven't met Maki? She's a friend from back home, you might have seen her training in the mornings sometimes. Tall, short hair, covered in scars? Always looks like she's going to yell at someone?

I would love to explore the labyrinth with you Shoto-kun! Maybe the next time it opens up some rooms we could try and go in together? -Oh! Oh, no no, Maki isn't beating me she's just, a lot stronger, and well, I do stupid things that worry here now and then is all! I promise it's all good! But thanks, I'll remember I can call you if I'm ever in trouble.

[ Shoto just offered him his room to go sleep in should he need it. That... That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for him. ]

Please do! It's bound to work!

[OH HE LIKES THEM? More than just that one? Shoto stews over it for a moment, remembering some of the less than stellar receptions for his creations. But...]

No I haven't, I'll keep my eyes open for her, though. I know someone who also looks like they're going to yell at someone. The likelihood is that they will yell at someone, but it's out of good intention.

I'd like that. I think it sounds like we're both experienced in combat at least, so it would be nice to go with you. The next time they open, we'll go. It's decided.

Oh. I see. I'm sorry, I misinterpret things often but you can rely on me. Please reach out if you need help. The time of day doesn't matter. Or... Even if it isn't because of needing a safe place, would you like to come over some time and we can find some games to play. Or we could practice hand to hand in the yard, that's fine too.

[ He does like them! very much so! Yuta never had anyone to share something, even as simple as this with, Rika wouldn't have allowed it and besides, he didn't have any friends growing up soo.... ]

Ah! The moon!? And is that the sea? I've not seen the sea in some time, thats so clever Shoto-kun, you're really good at this. Ah, I wish there was something I could do in return...Hmm, all I know to do is this; <3 but even then it's pretty lame huh, sorry.

It seems we both know someone with a lot more pep them us huh? Maybe it says a lot about us as people haha!

You'll really come with me? It's decided! Haha I'm excited now! I don't think I've ever been excited to go into the labyrinth before until now. And yes, I have some training in combat too. Would be better if I had some cursed energy to use but I'm sure between us we should have be alright, right?

[ Wait... Hold on... Yuta re-reads that last part over and over, covering his mouth and practically blushing from joy as he does. Dod Shoto-kun just invited him over to play games?! ]

Yes! Absolutely yes! I will come over!

[He is clever?? Maybe he just sent the wrong kind of thing to other people. Yuta is so supportive and it's kind. Oh or is that a rating on it? Less than th...wait. Oh that's...]

I don't think it's lame. That's a heart right? On its side? I've only seen it on the internet back home.

I like energetic people. They're usually more honest than people who are quiet and never speak up. Body language isn't hard to read but it isn't always accurate.

[That Yuta is excited to go with him makes Shoto happy, too. He hasn't been very happy here at all, not in the least, everything is on its head and the people closest to him he doesn't know how to connect with. Everyone aside Toya has been hard for him to figure out what to say, not always on their end either. But Yuta? Different story.]

Of course I will. You're my friend, Yuta-kun. I think we'll be fine. It's good to not rely on our abilities alone and with both of us we'll be able to assess what we need to do.

[The last part has him metaphorically sweating. He's never really invited someone over on his own, the last people over to his house were at his sister's behest.]

Good then. After we're done in the Labyrinth, we can come back to my room and we'll find games on the way home. Even some food we may like?

[ Oh, Shoto thinks that quiet people are the least trustworthy? Yuta has been described as quiet! But that's mostly because Rika didn't like anyone chatting to him not because he was trying to deceive anyone! ]

It is a heart yes. Sorry, that's kinda lame sending a heart.

Ah, I guess I like energetic people too, or well, I think I do, I don't really know many people to compare if I'm being honest.

[ Yuta gets it. It was like that for him back home. He didn't know how to connect with the people in his class, everything was so overwhelming but being here he realized he was capable of making friends or well, trying to point and case with Shoto! ]

Yeah, you're right. We should be fine! Sticking together I can have your back and you can have mine, like friends are supposed to.

[ If only Shoto could see how happy it made him to be called his friend. It even brought a tear to his eye. ]

That sounds awesome! I've never been over to anyone's room before! You should come over to mine next time!

Dear Yuta-kun,

I know that you will never get this. I've been looking each day and the system retains your number. Maybe that's a blessing in disguise because I have things to say to you that people who aren't alive can't really hear anymore. Things are complicated, more so for you than me I'm sure. I guess that's technically speaking. When you're dead I don't think things apply the same, but still it was you who went through the worst of what we both did.

I told Bakugo that I killed you. It's what happened, if I weren't stubborn about my quirk then maybe, just maybe, you'd still be alive. His answer was to tell other people in my life. I don't want to and won't be doing that. Not for shame, but because when I tried to turn myself in shortly after, I was turned away. Everyone keeps telling me it's not my fault that accidents happen, but there's no way for me to atone for my part in it, accident or not. Not being able to save you will stay with me the rest of my life, as will the short time that we were friends.

I gave your ring to Maki. She's a very pretty and confident woman and I'm sorry that I couldn't save you for her sake, either. Without you I'm confident I wouldn't be alive either and I promise that I won't waste what you sacrificed for.

I hope the next time I message you, even if it's only your ghost on here, that I have more pleasant things to say.

Sincerely,
Shoto Todoroki

[ Yuta had been dead for some time before coming around in the Garden once more. He'd awoken there before, the first time he got lost in the Labyrinth for a week or so but this was different, he felt different.

There were slight fuzzy memories, trying to communicate to people through his Oracle and struggling to get the right words out. He could feel the cursed energy, the negative notes over what had transpired when he died but now? Now he felt whole again, if not a little dazed and confused.

Reading Shoto's message over and over again before he realized he hadn't replied, Yuta scrambled to his feet and started typing out a reply before giving up and calling him directly. ]

Shoto-Kun,

I'm sorry that I left you when I did. I didn't think I was in any danger and let my guard down. It was stupid I know but I don't want you to blame yourself for it. I --Wait! I'm not dead! I-

[ The text cuts off just as Shoto would hear his device ringing or vibrating, Yuta waiting anxiously on the other end. ]

[Shoto gets the text, but doesn't read it as the call comes in at the same time. It overshadows the text. Shoto is assuming that it's maybe Maki? But he's also not sure why she'd call him. It has to be important if she is, he's sure.]

Is something wrong? Why are you calling me from Okkotsu's phone?

[ Yuta blinked at the way Shoto answered the phone. Sure, he was used to the other teen being so matter of fact but he didn't expect it right then, after the text he just received from him.

So, stuttering an awkward sound for a few moments before gathering the words he wanted to say, Yuta finally spoke. A hitch to his nervous-sounding voice. ]

Hmm? Oh, um n-no? I guess there are no pressing matters, everything seems back to normal um... Gomen nasai Shoto-kun I er... I guess I'll leave you to it, you must be busy. Sorry.

[The last voice he thought he would've heard is Yuta's voice. His heart sinks, because it can't be possible. If it was possible, Bakugo would've known about it already. He would've said something to Todoroki that death isn't forever, right?

Shoto is too shocked and the phone hangs up. And his heart sinks, and hsi stomach sinks with it, and then they feel both in his throat somehow and he is calling the fastest he's ever called someone back. He waits for him to pick up.]

...Who is this? Please tell me who you are.

[ Yuta blinks, pulls his phone from his ear, taps it with his hand, and holds it back up to his ear as the dial tone rings out. ]

Hm? Were we disconnected?

[ Shoto isn't the only one whose heart sinks then. Yuta, for a moment, thought that maybe he was still crused? That he was in fact dead like Shoto's text had stated and that's why he couldn't talk, couldn't be heard... Until his phone goes off in his hand.

This time, as he listened to Shoto's voice, he was more nervous than before. ]

Who is it? It's me, Yuta... S-Shoto-kun, don't you remember me? I ... I got your text... I wanted to let you know I'm alright. I'm in the Garden. I'm sorry, I'm so so so very sorry, Shoto-kun.

[Shoto's breath is audible and the sound of it is jagged for each breath in and out that he's actually taking with Yuta saying it's him in the garden. This is a trick right? He's being fucked with by this place? That's what this is?]

...Yuta-kun.

[The last of his word is from a broken sound on his voice.]

You're alright?

[It's not classical disbelief, it's just...]

Where in the garden? I'm on my way.

[He has to see for himself, he has to know if this is just some bullshit being pulled over on everyone.]

[ It's like each and every sound from Shoto's side of the phone is amplified. Each wavering breath, the fall of his voice into a whisper, the broken sound that he wasn't used to hearing from his friend. It was enough to make Yuta tremble with sorrow. ]

Y-yea, it's me Shoto-kun, it's Yuta. I'm alright, I swear.

[ There was a happiness hidden in his tone, something that bubbled up to the surface despite the glaringly obviousness melancholy of the situation. ]

Oh, um let me see... Hold on a moment okay? I don't... I don't want you running into a dangerous situation or anything... I don't trust this place enough after what happened.

[ Classic Yuta, putting his friend first. But it was true, it was too good to be true in fact, he wasn't going to risk something happening to either of them. ]

[Shoto hadn't known him long but someone that he talked to as much as Yuta certainly had him convinced that this must be him. If this is someone else playing a sick prank, he can't believe how well they're doing. They would've slipped up, right? Called him Shoto or Todoroki? Because of how he answered? But no, he hadn't. It's 'Shoto-kun'.

Denying him to come out to the garden fits the bill, too and as soon as he's told to hold on, he stops where he was moving. Nothing needs to happen right that second as long as the phonecall is going on. Shoto's voice is still shaky, his voice joining in on the wavering sound.]

I thought... Yuta-kun I thought you were dead.

Edited 2024-08-31 00:39 (UTC)

[ It might have felt like a sick prank to Shoto. He could have thought this place was having fun at the expense if his sorrow but Yuta had been trying for weeks to be heard properly. So when he spoke and when his dear friend responded, Yuta almost cried.

In fact, he did. Upon being told Shoto thought he had died, he broke. Unable to stop the small gasping and sniffling sounds he made, choking on his words before they came out. ]

I'm sorry, I'm so sorry Shoto-kun, I was. I can't explain it but I was and now im not.

[After their brief conversation on the network, Kabru had agreed to meet Yuta by the western shore of the lake. It's easier to get a better feel for someone's strengths and personality from meeting them in person, after all, and then he can decide how best Yuta's abilities would fit in with his eagerness to help.

He waves when he approaches, dressed casually save for the sheathed blade at his hip.]

Hey-- it's me, Kabru. Thank you for agreeing to meet me at such short notice.

[ Yuta waves upon seeing Kabru's greeting, a weak, nervous smile on his face. He's not used to meeting people like this, usually, he'd have Rika breathing down his neck, ready to pounce and attack in the blink of an eye.

He's dressed in his Jujutsu High uniform; a cream sweatshirt with an oversized baggy neck and black trousers. He only carries a wooden bokken and a hope that he can be helpful with him. ]

Kabru-san, hey! Oh, it's fine really, I didn't have much to do anyway so thank you for getting me out of the house.

It's nice to meet you in person. Although I don't think you gave me your name...? [Kabru notes the nervous smile. A shy type, maybe, but at least not shy enough to say no when Kabru had asked to talk.]

Shall we walk for a while? I'd like to hear about your fighting skills and what you're capable of.

I- Wait, I forgot to introduce myself. Oh, man.. I'm sorry!!

[ Nodding in several apologetic bows as he rubbed the back of his head nervously. How could he forget to give him a name?! He's so bad a socializing. ]

Yuta! Okkotsu Yuta! I can't believe I was so rude, please forgive me. Yes, yes let's walk, the scenery is actually pretty nice around this part huh? Okay well... Maki is a better fighter but she was helping to train me back home and we fight here a lot...

Ahaha, it's fine, really!

[Kabru laughs, but it's not malicious. If anything, he finds the overly polite response and the bowing endearing. He guesses someone must have raised him well, even if he is a bit socially awkward.]

I know Maki -- she helped me out of a tight situation when I first arrived. [He almost Fucking Died and it was Terrifying, but his smile as they begin to walk doesn't betray that for a second. Good times.] You spar with her often, then? What weapons do you use?

[ It's not so much that he was raised well, and more than he's used to being polite if not a little nervous, to try and keep Rika from killing anyone that seems to bring him upset. Kabru seems nice though! He smiles and his laugh sounds good-hearted so, Yuta smiles in return, keeping pace beside him. ]

Oh! You know Maki-san? Did... She didn't hurt you, did she? I apologize if she did... Sometimes she doesn't know her own strength.

[ That sounds about right for a first encounter with Maki, honestly. ]

Um... If this was back home, I'd tell you I fight with cursed energy, but the truth is I'm still learning how to control it. Oh! I can use a katana though! And Maki says my hand-to-hand combat is coming along, I just have to not hold back so much.

[He's about to protest that she didn't hurt him, but Yuta's already moving the conversation along, so he just smiles and shakes his head. No harm done! Permanently, anyway.]

A katana is an eastern sword, isn't it? I know a swordsman from my world who's skilled with one. As for hand-to-hand combat, why do you hold back...?

[He can guess it might be due to his naturally timid personality, but it would be interesting to get Yuta's own view on the matter.]

[ He doesn't like talking about Maki when she's not here... Last time she found out and slapped him upside the head hard enough to have ringing in his ears for days after! ]

Yes, that's right! Some people call it the land of Reeds too. But uhuh it's got a distinctive curved edge to it, compared to traditional swords you might be used to.

[ Huh, that's an interesting question, isn't it? Why does he hold back? ]

Um... well... I don't know? I guess I'm scared to let go? I wouldn't ever want to hurt anyone and well, Gojo-Sensei says I have massive cursed energy potential if I just learn how to control it...

So... 'Cursed' energy potential is a good thing? Can you please explain, so a novice like me can understand?

[He has magical knowledge, but it's nothing complex like curses. It could be useful to know if Yuta has some secret hidden talent under that unassuming appearance, though.]

On the night of the 24th the quiet flapping of wings could be heard outside as Arrakis delivered his gifts. He didn’t have his wind magic anymore so he couldn’t silence his approach completely as he quietly placed a box next to the door. He stifled a small shiver. By the goddess it got cold at night. He had more gifts to deliver though so he turned to leave. If you are fast you might catch him before he takes to the skies again.

Inside the box is a card written in fancy calligraphy:

Happy Holidays Yuta and Rika,
Arrakis Faylare

Inside are two bags of homemade chocolates in the shape of stars. The chocolates are mildly spicy with a hint of cinnamon. There's a bag for Rika as well but if she doesn't like chocolates then Yuta has extra to enjoy.

ɨռɮօӼ

Text; Before The Happening™️

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Text; After The Happening™️ (CW Death/Loss)

Text > audio (cw: continued)

Voice; All the things behind it for cw and stuff lmao

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action - post-event

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Christmas Gifts!