**Y/n POV**

"So, Toge?" Okkotsu side-eyed me with a grin.

I decided to ignore him, not interested in being teased.

"Why are you even here?" I grumbled. "You weren't supposed to be home for another few months."

He shrugged, "Got a little anxious I guess."

"Anxious about what?"

"My little sister of course!" he ruffled my hair, being annoying as always.

"Don't call me that," I pushed him off. "We're not family."

"Eh? Sure we are! If you get to call Gojo and Nanami dad, then that would make me your brother. It's only logical."

"No."

He laughed a bit, "Oh come on! I was the one who found you. Or did you forget?"

"Was it really you? Or was it Rika?"

"One in the same, kid."

"Ew, we're like the same age," I glanced at him.

"Yep, same age as Toge too."

I couldn't help myself, I completely lost it. I'd been on edge from everything, and this, well, the last straw I guess.

"What the hell is your problem?" I froze in place.

"Mm? What do you mean?" he paused and turned around to face me.

"You! Teasing me. Teasing Inumaki. Telling the other first years he likes me. You've been back like 12 hours, are you really that fucking bored!?"

His stern gaze slowly lifted into a smile before he laughed again.

"Quit laughing at me, Okkotsu! I'm being serious!"

"Yea, well, I can see that," he chuckled.

"God you're frustrating."

I rolled my eyes as I heard Gojo's voice, "You can be as frustrating as you want when you're the strongest."

"And Okkotsu here," Gojo threw his arm over his shoulders. "He's the second strongest. Right after me, yours truly."

"And you wonder why Nanami is my favorite," I muttered as I crossed my arms.

"Your words hurt, you know," Gojo cooed playfully, obviously unbothered but instead enjoying my frustration.

"Leave her alone."

I peaked over and couldn't help but smile as Nanami approached. Immediately, he walked up and gave me a hug, letting me bury my head into him a bit.

"Thanks Nanami," I muffled. "You're always my hero."

"You still look unwell," he commented as he pulled away and took a look at my face. "How long has it been since you've actually slept?"

"I slept yesterday."

"Mm, no, not a 30 minute nap, Y/n," Gojo chimed in. "Actually slept."

I had to pause for a moment and think about it, letting out a sigh, "I...I don't know."

"This is why you shouldn't be here," Okkotsu added. "I should take you back to Africa with me. Miguel can help."

Nanami always has perfect posture, but he somehow managed to stand up even taller, "She's not going anywhere else. She stays in Tokyo."

"Nanami, we need to consider all the options and really decide what's best for her," Gojo sighed.

"I have guardianship. Not the school. Not you."

"And what a mistake that's turned out to be..." Gojo grumbled.

"Excuse me?" Nanami took a step towards him, ready to fight as always.

Him and Gojo were best friends who simultaneously hated each other on occasion... I would never understand it.

"I'm just saying, you don't live here. You aren't with her as much as I am. Who's the one who really knows what she needs?"

"That's not my fault!" Nanami actually raised his voice. "You all refuse to let her live with me! I would gladly watch over her."

I really couldn't take it anymore, "Um hello..Doesn't anyone care what I want?"

"No," Okkotsu teased before sending me a wink.

Nanami let out a sigh, taking a step back and giving Gojo some space as he focused on me, "Of course we do."

"You are our child after all," Gojo smirked.

"I'm almost 18," I spoke carefully, knowing I was treading open waters here. These three really did have my back, even if they disagreed on what was best.

However, for most others, that wasn't the case. Higher ups weren't always thrilled that I was around, or even just existing, and I had to keep that in mind.

"So although I still need guidance and mentorship, and plenty of it, I think I should also be seen as an adult."

"And as such, I want more freedom. Not less."

"And what does more freedom look like dear sister?" Okkotsu smiled.

"Well... First, I want to stay here. I also want missions. And to compete in the Exchange Event."

I took a deep breath before finishing my thought, "I want to be a sorcerer."

I really hope I don't regret that... Honestly, I just can't imagine leaving the only family I'll ever have.

The only ones who'll ever know the truth and still love me anyways.

"You do?" Nanami asked skeptically.

"This is so great!!!" Gojo squealed.

Okkotsu raised a brow at me, "It's a lot of work."

"I know," I nodded. "Which is why you should train me. And until I'm ready to be on my own, I can shadow you."

"Hmm," Gojo rubbed his chin. "But you're technically a first year, and only a Grade 4."

Nanami grunted, "To which her skill far exceeds."

"Agreed," Okkotsu kept his eyes locked to mine. "It's only because you won't let her compete or progress."

"Well, I may not be your legal guardian," Gojo smirked. "But if it's a request from a precious student, how could I ever say no?"

"Really?" my eyes widened. "So I can then!? What about the higher ups!? And Okkotsu going back with Miguel!?"

Gojo laughed, "Oh my sweet child, you just leave that all to me."

"Still," Nanami interjected. "Y/n. If you're serious, we have to find a way for you to start taking care of yourself."

"Are you eating?" Okkotsu asked.

"Y-yea, of course," I mumbled out unconvincingly.

I could fake confidence, but I really couldn't tell a lie to save my life.

Gojo slumped over, an annoyed expression on his face, "Damn, Yuta, can you teach her how to lie too? It's honestly pathetic."

"She'll stay at my house for a bit before starting training," Nanami looked at me. "To recuperate your strength and make sure you're ready."

"Huh? No fair!" Gojo complained. "You're offering to cook for her when I've been begging for your food for over a month now!"

Nanami ignored him, "You should go pack your things."

"It'll probably be best to have you out of sight when we bring it to Gakuganji anyway," Okkotsu agreed. "Let's go get you ready."

"And please don't take too long, I want to be out of here on time," Nanami checked his watch.

Okkotsu and I began to walk away, listening to Gojo and Nanami bickering with each other already.

"Can I come over for dinner?!"

"No."

"Please!! Just once!!?"

I smiled softly to myself as we walked across the grass, my eyes taking in the soft green hue... the best fucking dads.

"So," Okkotsu broke me out of my trance. "What changed your mind?"

"Hm? About what?"

"Actually being a sorcerer."

I sighed, "Just tired of everyone always worrying about me. I want to be able to take care of myself."

He nodded, "An admirable goal. I don't think it'll be enough, but it's a start."

"What do you mean not enough?" I looked up at him.

"It takes a strong resolution to control a cursed spirit, Y/n."

"You don't think I can do it?"

"No, I didn't say that. I know you can," he stopped walking to look at me. "I'm just saying it'll take more than an external motivation like the one you came up with."

"And what was your motivation?"

"Rika caused a lot of hurt. Curses can do a lot of damage. But I decided I wanted to be the person to keep others out of danger."

"You weren't afraid?" I asked him in a low voice. "Of losing control?"

"You and I, our situations are different. I didn't have to worry about that in the same way you do."

I sighed and nodded, hanging my head low with shame. The real reason I hated training and sleeping and functioning... because then it might come out again.

And I don't want to lose control. I don't want to give it the power or energy to overtake me.

"Still Y/n," he placed his hand on my shoulder. "I know you can do this. You're smart enough, and you have the strength. Now you just need the skills and the discipline."

I nodded, unable to speak much more about it all. I had enough for today.

"Alright, I'll wait here. Go get your stuff."

I wiped my eyes as I walked away, trying my best to ignore the world around me. It was all too much.

Just one foot in front of the other. If I could keep my feet moving, one at a time. Focusing on forcing every step, I would make it.

"Kelp," Inumaki was approaching.

"Hey," I said weakly. "I gotta go, but I'll see you soon."

I left him behind, but I felt him staring as I walked away.

I couldn't afford to spend my energy focused on him, but honestly, even just his presence for a few seconds brought a much needed relief.

I wish he knew how much he meant to me.

••••

**Toge POV**

I waited with Okkotsu after Y/n quickly walked away from me. I didn't understand what was going on... Is she mad at me? Did I do something?

"She's gonna be gone for a few days," Okkotsu broke the silence. "You should tell her before she leaves."

"Seaweed?"

"To Nanami's. I don't think anyone's supposed to know, but he's her guardian."

"Seaweed?" my eyes widened, shocked to find that out. I would never tell anyone of course, but I was definitely curious.

"Mm. I'll be training her soon, but she's too weak right now."

"Mustard leaf?"

"She can't train unsupervised. She doesn't eat because she's afraid of gaining strength. She doesn't sleep because she's afraid of her nightmares...

"I love her, but she's kinda a mess. So Nanami's going to try to bring her back to full health before we start."

It hurt to know how little I actually knew about her. And it absolutely broke my heart to hear how much she was hurting.

You could definitely tell something was wrong. Her eyes had looked sunken and hollowed lately, dark circles permeating underneath them.

She was even more unfocused and dazed than normal. I never saw her at meal time.

I was pissed at myself... I should've noticed and put it altogether sooner.

I wanted more than anything to be there for her and to help her. Support her. Love her. Be someone she could trust.

I would do anything for her. I would be anyone she needed me to be.

"Seaweed?"

"Her training is for her, well, technique I guess..."
he said awkwardly, making it obvious he was hiding something.

"Caviar."

"I know you like her, but it's not your job to protect her from this. She has to be the one to do it."

"Bonito flakes."

"I'll be there to help her."

I know they're just friends, but that annoyed me a little bit. Especially since they did spend so much time together.

"Seaweed?"

He shrugged, "Next week hopefully."

A whole week without seeing her? Hearing her laugh. Making her smile. Watching her improve and progress. Sounds awful...

"Ah don't worry, she'll be back!"

"Salmon."

"No, I'm staying here. Nanami is way too protective. He'd never let us stay under the same roof like that. He's too old fashioned, it'd be too inappropriate. Even if I do see her as a sister."

I nodded and watched as Y/n came out with her backpack and duffel bag, all packed up and ready to go.

I really would miss her so much.

"Ready?" Okkotsu asked.

Y/n gave a weak smile.

"Cool," he nodded. "Well, I'll be back soon Toge!"

He began to walk off, but Y/n hesitated for just a moment, chewing on her lip as she stood in front of me.

"Hey, uh, Inumaki," she finally looked at me. "Thank you, for always being so kind to me. I really appreciate it."

"Salmon," I couldn't believe she always made me feel this way. She was so graceful with her words. I loved it.

She smiled, "You really do make everything better. I'll see you next week, yea?"

"S-salmon," I nodded, completely breathless by her smile and sweetness.

I'd never met a soul as gentle as hers, as eager as hers to make everyone feel valued. Even when she was hurting so deeply herself.

She began to walk away, but I quickly called out to her, "Mustard leaf!"

"Hmm?" she looked back as she paused. "What's up?"

I may not be able to say much to her, especially not right now with Okkotsu around, but I could still help. So I did the only thing I knew would be of use for her.

I quickly zipped down my jacket, exposing my mouth and my technique, "Sleep."

Her bags dropped as her eyes rolled back into a slumber. I grabbed her body before she fell, holding her up in my arms.

Okkotsu smirked as he walked over, "Good thinking. How long will she be out?"

"Salmon."

"Really? That long?"

I nodded, "Salmon."

"And she won't be able to have any dreams because your technique causes such a deep sleep? Perfect."

I couldn't help but stare at her sleeping face. She was angelic.

"Salmon."

He laughed, "No, she's not perfect. Your technique was the perfect solution."

She most definitely is perfect, but I decided not to argue with him... Or at least perfect for me.

I hope she's not too mad when she wakes up. I just wanted to help. At least now she'll finally get the rest she deserves.

It'll be a good start to her rejuvenation week with Nanami.

"Carry her while I carry her bags, yea?"

I nodded as I followed him, "Salmon."