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beforeweallfell1711 · 2 months ago

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Moments in Between (Gojo x reader)

Prompt: Injured in battle leads to an emotional confession

Content - first love, kissing, angst, heavy injury, protective, friends to lovers, fluff, cute.

Word count - 3.8k

I· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · Perched on a desk, I had my legs crossed with a book on my lap. Tension flushed my shoulders together as I read through the chapter of a book Yaga had recommended for my technique. I was starting to believe the man intended to frustrate me rather than teach me.

It had been close to a month and my energy continued to fluctuate. Leaving me defenseless during the most vulnerable times. I shut the book tightly before leaning back against the desk, my hands covering my face, and a deep growl of annoyance echoed through the empty library.

Without consistent energy flowing through me, my technique was close to useless. Speaking of- my technique stitchmonger allowed me to utilize my energy as threads to manipulate at my will. I can stitch body parts back together injuries, and as of lately, I’ve been able to manipulate others' bodies against their will. “Like corpses,” as Gojo liked to remark when I first experimented.

Last month, when this all started, I was working on stitching (patching in this example) a ripple in the wall of my dorm room when my energy fluctuated so harshly that I was thrown across the room. I’d landed against my door and bruised my ribs on impact. Gojo and Geto had come to check on me once they heard the crash, but I’d sent them away primarily due to embarrassment.

I rubbed my eyes before sitting up, “This is driving me crazy.”

The door squeaked open alerting me to the arrival of the white-haired man that burrowed himself so deeply into my life. With a deep sigh I offered him a halfhearted smile before jumping to my feet and sticking the book where I found it.

“Nothing?” He walked up behind me, his sunglasses blocking his eyes, but the smirk was ever present.

“Nothing,” I grumbled while using my finger to trace the backs of the other books. Looking for anything, anything, that could enlighten this shit situation.

“Want some help?” He raised a perfect eyebrow.

“You’re offering to help? Willingly?” I raised mine in turn.

He chuckled, “Geto’s off on a solo mission and Shoko’s busy. You’re the only one left.”

I nodded while pursing my lips, “I’m your last option it appears.”

He smiled before shaking his head and inspecting the titles on the shelf across from me, “You’re not anyone's last option. You just happen to be in a library whereas I’d rather be walking around Tokyo and getting up to no good.”

“Ever so honest, Gojo.” I chuckled before pulling out another book. I skimmed through it quickly before shutting it and sliding it back.

Gojo furrowed his eyebrows again, “You can read that fast?”

I sighed as I leaned my back against the shelf, “It’s called skimming. If I can’t find what I’m looking for then I’m not going to waste my time on a dusty book.”

He shrugged, “I don’t read, so, I wouldn’t know.”

“Do you happen to know what type of book I’m even looking for? Or is this the first time you’ve seen a book since you were born?” I asked while reaching for another book.

“I imagine it has to do with what’s got you all depressed and whinny during training. Your energy fluctuates. Happens to everyone.” He came to stand near me, peeking at me over his glasses, “The more you try to solve it, the harder it’ll get to understand.”

I shut the book momentarily, “So, you’re saying using my brain will make this harder. You want me to be like you? Just wing everything and have unlimited confidence in myself?”

He poked my forehead, “You get it.”

I laughed as I swatted his hand away, “Our brains work differently. This isn’t something I can just turn off and wait until later to figure it out. It’s been a month and nothing’s changed.”

He rubbed his thumb along my forehead, “Yes, but worrying will make these frown lines deepen on such a pretty face. Then, you’ll have more things to stress about. Why don’t we just go on a stroll? You need the fresh air, and I’d like to get out of this school.”

I sighed as I thought about it some more. I’ve been searching through these books for what felt like hours now and I'd yet to find anything. Yaga had also promised he’d do some digging for me as well. Not to mention, getting some fresh air would do me well. I was beginning to feel like the walls were closing in on me.

I smiled, “Are you going to pay for my dinner?”

He smirked, “Don’t I always?”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

After an incredibly eventful afternoon and delicious sushi, we took a taxi back to the school. I had my arms crossed while watching the scenary out the window. I’d always found Tokyo to be so beautiful. City life had been something I dreamed of experiencing as a child. While I wasn’t from the outskirts of town, my mother had grown up in Tokyo before we moved to our smaller town. She’d rave about the nightlife and the things she’d get up to before she met my father.

I rubbed my hands along my biceps before sighing and stealing a glance at Gojo. He was leaning his head against the window, his eyes closed. He had the softest expression, long lashes and full pink lips. I’d always wondered how someone so beautiful could exist. We often, rarely actually, saw eye to eye. We were so different from each other, but that only motivated me to catch up to him.

He was extraordinarily powerful and menacing when he wanted to be. Yet whenever I needed someone to listen to my stupid mediocre problems, he always lent an ear. He goes out of his way to make me feel seen and heard. Gifting me small moments like today, where I was clearly minutes away from exploding. He’d seen through the mask I was wearing and managed to get me out of the box I created for myself.

“You stare any harder and you’re going to burn me,” He whispered as he faced me. His glasses sliding down his nose exposing those brilliant blue eyes.

I didn’t look away, even when my heart thundered in my chest, “What makes you think I was looking at you?”

I reached to push his glasses back up, but he caught my hand, “I always know when you’re staring. My superpower. Being extremely aware of what you do.”

I let him drop out hands to his lap. His fingers caressing my knuckles while I looked for what to say, “Stalker.”

“Aware.” He shrugged, “We watching a movie when we get back?”

My face felt hot, “Actually, I’ve been watching a new American drama. If you’d like to watch an episode with me?”

He looked away with a smile, “Your call, sweetness. I’m yours for the rest of the night.”

I swallowed drily before chuckling, “I think you’re going to regret saying that.”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

The next day we met with Yaga out in the training yard. The four of us sat on the steps as he paced back and forth, whispering under his breath. He was clearly upset about something, but we all chose to stay quiet until he managed to get his words out.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out to see a text from Shoko, who was sitting right beside me. I looked at her with a raised eyebrow and she nodded at my phone with a smirk.

Shoko: Am I crazy or is four eyes staring at you hardddddd?

I cleared my throat and pretended to stretch my neck to glance around until I locked eyes with Gojo. Who was indeed staring at me hard. I offered him an awkward smile before looking back down at my phone.

Me: You’re not crazy.

Shoko: What is that about?

Me: Dissociating? Bored? Idk

I pocketed my phone and played with my fingers. Gojo and I had watched my American drama last night. Three episodes total before I fell asleep with my head on his chest. While we’ve spent nights together before, last night just felt like there was so much tension. Unspoken words, actions, desires, etc. Whatever it may be, it left me feeling shy around him.

Yaga finally cleared his throat and faced us, “You three,” He pointed at Gojo, Geto, and me, “are traveling East for a mission. We don’t have enough information, but from what we’ve gathered it might be serious. I need you three to go, take care of business, and return in one piece. Not too hard of an ask. Right, Gojo?”

“Right,” He answered with a cheeky smirk.

Yaga sighed, “Geto, you’re in charge. If you need an extended day or so, the safe house will be ready.”

“Why were you pacing so hard?” I asked, “We don’t even have a file. We’re going in blind. What’re we expecting once we get there?”

Yaga sighed, “We don’t know. That’s the problem. The windows reported an increase in cursed energy, but nothing has happened yet. We’re sending you as a precaution.”

Twenty minutes later, we were meeting with the assistant who’d be driving us around for the next few days. I had my duffle bag thrown over my shoulder while I searched my bag to ensure I had everything I needed. Shoko was staying here, meaning if we had any injuries, I wanted to be prepared with an emergency kit. While I searched, a shadow loomed over me. I looked up to see Gojo with a small smile as he took the bag from my shoulders and nodded in the direction of the door.

“Thank you. I’m just making sure I have everything we’ll need.” I followed behind him before realizing he was matching pace with me.

“I’m sure you have everything. Geto’s waiting for us, c’mon.”

“I just can’t find my kit. Ugh, did I leave it in my bathroom?” I groaned while I rubbed my head.

“No, you left it in my bathroom a few weeks ago when you helped me bandage that cut on my chin. I have it in my duffle.” He offered me a gentle smile. “We’ll be alright.”

I’d completely forgotten that I left it there. We’d been training in the yard when he eased his infinity at the same moment I was pretending to punch him. The second my knuckles contacted his chin I was apologizing for hours on hours. I forced him into the bathroom where I helped clean his scratch. He’d placed his hands on my hips the entire time while gazing at me. No wonder I forgot, I wasn’t thinking straight!

I smiled in return and bumped my shoulder against his bicep, “Thank you.”

“No problem, sweets.”

We climbed into the back seat with Geto sitting in the middle of us. The drive was long with them making conversation the entire time. I spoke occasionally, but for the most part I was creating scenarios in my head. I swallowed my nerves down. My energy fluctuations had only affected me during training and not a real fight. Yet banking on that would mean leaving me to trust that fate and luck would be on my side, and that made me feel sick to my stomach.

One mistake is all it would for me to be dead.

Geto poked my cheek, “You okay?”

I poked his shoulder, “Thinking.”

“I can tell,” He chuckled, “I’m hoping it’s nothing serious and we can get back in no time. I don’t want to share a small space with Satoru more than I need to.”

I laughed, “I’m sure it’s not bad.”

“He kicked in his sleep. Well, when he sleeps, I should say.”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

We arrived at the abandoned warehouse a few hours later. Lightning and thunder crackled above us, the rain coating us in heavy and thick pelts, and soon we were drenched. A veil formed around us while we entered through the broken doors. I tested one of the light switches to my right. The light flickered before it sparked and exploded.

“Lovely,” I murmured under my breath.

“You afraid of the dark?” A voice whispered to my left.

I turned slightly to find Gojo leaning down slightly and smirking, “Not at all.” I whispered in return. I noticed how close we stood but chose to stay put. I could feel his breath tickling the back of my neck, tickling it slightly.

“Let’s split up and cover ground. I don’t think we’ll find anything, but the cursed energy is definitely emanating from this place. Be careful.” Geto nodded at us before departing in one direction.

“Up or down?” Gojo asked while backing up by a centimeter, our shoes were still touching.

“I’ll go upstairs.” I pushed my wet hair behind my ears.

He nodded as I turned to walk away from him. A second later he cupped my elbow to stop me, “Be safe.”

I swallowed, “You too.” It came out a lot breathier than I anticipated.

I walked up the creaky, molded steps while searching for any residuals. I looked through most of the upstairs section without any success. There were multiple empty rooms full of destroyed furniture, or what appeared to be small campsites for people looking for shelter. One of the rooms contained tents, cooking materials, and items to start a fire. Yet I hadn’t heard a single person move.

I pulled out my phone to use my flashlight when movement in the corner of the room caught my eye, “Stop!” I called out.

A small boy flinched, “Are you real?” he trembled. He only wore a t-shirt and shorts, no socks or shoes.

I kneeled near him, “Of course, I’m real. Are you here alone?”

He nodded, “I can’t find my family. Will you help me?”

“Where did they go?” I asked while reaching out my hand.

He clasped it tightly, “They went to find some food, but that was days ago.”

“We need to get you to a shelter. What’s your name?” We walked past the door before the little boy stopped frozen in place.

“Do-do you see-see that, too?” He pointed with his free hand.

I immediately shoved his body behind me as I took in the creature. Long, slim body. It’s massive head handing over its right shoulder, bulging eyes, and sharp teeth. Its claws dug into the ground to support its uneven body. A growl, quiet but deadly, escaped its throat once it caught sight of us.

“Hide,” I whispered to the boy, “I’ll handle this.”

The boy ran back into the room. Not a moment too soon considering the second he stepped foot through the door, the creature attacked. Its large claws swinging viciously and ruthlessly. It aimed at my ribs and stomach multiple times. I barely managed to avoid them in such a tight space. With the lightning being my only light source, I depended heavily on my ability to sense its cursed energy.

With the unfamiliar environment, I made the mistake of favoring one side of the hallway too much rather than staying neutral. It attacked my left knee, scratching a long, vertical cut that reached my mid-thigh. I hissed before jumping back.

“Don’t hurt her!” The little boy cried.

“It’s okay,” I gasped as the blood continued to gush. I intertwined my fingers together as I activated one of my techniques, “Stitchmonger: Emergency Reconstruction.” Light, soft and warm, eased from my hands as the threads attacked and stitched my leg back together. I flexed my leg before returning to my fighting stance. My cursed energy was cycling just fine. I just needed to create an opening for myself.

I pulled my double edge knife from my boot and fought for space. Once I created that distance, I activated my technique, creating threads to hold the creature in place. I tightened the threads before using my knife to exercise it. I breathed heavily as its body faded away.

I ran back into the room, “Are you okay?” I called out to the boy.

“WATCH OUT!” He screamed.

I turned, with my arms up in a defensive stance, when a similar curse appeared. It screeched before swinging its claws and digging them into my forearms. It ripped one out and dug it into my calves, sweeping me off my feet and dragging me to another room before I could blink.

I was screaming, trashing, but my body was not reacting the way I needed it to. The curse retracted its claws before leaving me in the center of a freezing room. I was trembling in pain, a pool of my own blood was forming around me, and I couldn’t move my arms to activate my technique.

I attempted to control my breathing. Where was my phone? How can I call for backup? Where were Gojo and Geto? Had they heard me scream?

The curse reappeared, dragging its claws on the ground, before standing before me. Its bulging eyes moved rapidly as it observed my trembling body. A growl of glee escaped its deformed mouth. I tried again to lift my hands, but I could no longer feel anything below my elbow. I cried out as it dug a singular claw into my shoulder blade, “Stop!” I screamed.

Was it...was it playing with me? As if I were its prey and it the hunter?

Heavy footsteps sounded down the hallway. I blinked and the curse was gone. Splattered against the walls before turning to smoke and disappearing. The veil outside disappeared as Gojo’s worried expression came to view.

“No,no,no,” he muttered rapidly with a shake of his head, “SUGURU! HERE!”

“I can’t,” I whimpered, “feel my arms.”

He seemed like he couldn’t decide where to put his hands to stop the bleeding, “You’re going to be okay, baby. You keep breathing.”

I wheezed, “Satoru. I can’t feel anything right now.”

His gaze turned stern, “I need you to keep breathing. You’ll feel something soon.”

Geto ran into the room, his face pale, “Shit.”

“We need to get her to a hospital.”

“I’ll call Yaga. You take her to the car, go!”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

I woke up to monitors, bright lights, and the smell of bleach. I felt my eyes water once I managed to move my hands. Relief washed over me so harshly I began to sob. Without my hands, I would never manage my technique again. I lifted them gently to inspect the scars I knew would be there. Long stitches ranged from the inside of my elbow down to my wrists.

I wiped the tears away when I noticed the oxygen tubes. I looked around the hospital room slowly, Gojo was staring out the window with his arms crossed and his back to me. I knew that he knew I was awake.

“Hey,” I whispered.

He swallowed before making his way to me. His glasses were gone, and I could see the dark bags under his eyes. My right hand lifted to tenderly touch them, “I’m breathing and feeling something. Like you said.”

He leaned into my hand with a deep exhale, “I was so worried,” he murmured, “we barely managed to escape the rain and find a hospital that could treat your injuries.”

Gojo lifted a hand to push away the hairs on my face, “I told you to be safe. You never listen.”

I closed my eyes, “I didn’t do it on purpose, if that makes you feel any better.”

“It doesn’t,” he admitted.

We sat quietly for a long moment before he whispered, “You have no know how much you mean to me, don’t you?”

I gasped quietly, “Gojo-”

“You have to know that I have not been able to sleep or eat since we got to this hospital. The moment I heard you scream...I’ve never moved faster, looked harder, than when I heard you. To think I was almost too late to save you...it drives a knife into my chest.”

He swallowed deeply, “I can’t fathom the idea of never seeing you smile or laugh again. To experience a day where you are not beside me is not a life I want to live.”

“Gojo,” I whispered as more tears clouded my vision, “What are you telling me?”

I needed the extra confirmation. I needed him to say exactly what he wanted. My heart was skyrocketing against my aching ribs. This had to be a hallucination. A side effect from the medication the doctors prescribed.

“I’m saying that for the last two years I’ve sat comfortably with being your friend. Watching and admiring you from afar but always hoping for more. Hoping that one day I could build the courage to tell you that I’m in love with you. I can’t hide it anymore nor do I want to.”

I couldn’t believe it. A soft gasp escaped me at his confession, “Gojo,” I scanned his gaze. Too many emotions to decipher, but the truth sat there. The love he’s been expressing in many ways stood there loudly. It called me silly for never noticing before, but it was grateful that I was finally realizing it.

I scanned his face for a moment longer, “I love you too,” my voice trembled, “I have for a long time, now.”

He cupped my face with trembling hands, he sighed as he leaned his forehead against my own, “You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to confess,” his eyes seemed to sparkle.

“Are you going to kiss me?” I whispered, caressing his face with my thumbs.

“Yes,” He swallowed, “I have been dying to kiss you, baby.”

He titled my head back gently, teasing my lips with his before his mouth finally met mine. He exhaled deeply against me before tilting his head and deepening the kiss. My hand dropped to his chest where his heart thundered as harshly as mine.

We kissed and kissed until we pulled away for a second and met again. This time, he sucked my bottom lip into his mouth. He kissed me like he was afraid he’d never do it again. Like he couldn’t get enough of my taste, just like I couldn’t get enough of him. I needed him closer, I wanted to feel his body on mine.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer, he kneeled over my body while rubbing my tongue along my bottom lip. I moaned when one of his hands dropped to my hip and squeezed.

He pulled back momentarily, “I can keep going, baby, but you also just woke up.”

“I don’t mind,” I whispered reaching for another kiss.

“I don’t want to overwhelm you either,” He kissed my forehead, “Take a nap. You need all the rest you can get.”

------

Part 2?

Thank you for reading :)