Chapter Text
Chapter 17: Six of Cups rx
The striped shirt that Nanami pulled out from the closet felt too formal for a planned day of running errands. He placed it next to the dark blue slacks and eyed the combination. Not bad for a random pull. The blues played well together. If he added some brown shoes with a brown belt, it could tone down the seriousness just a notch.
A sudden buzzing from his nightstand brought out a tired sigh from the sorcerer. The screen seemed brighter under the dim lights with the school's name and number. He continued to ignore it, choosing instead to grab the belt and shoes, leaving them next to the chair with the rest of tomorrow's clothes. The buzzing persisted for another minute, finally dying down by the time he slipped his pajama top over his head.
One last buzz. This one stern and final. A voicemail. Their last-ditch attempt to make a case. Nanami swiped his finger, taking the notification away from his screen.
He understood that curses didn't limit themselves to standard working hours, but maintaining a semblance of his old schedule comforted him. Dressing the part, planning holidays he never took, and drinking while making dinner worked along the same wavelength to keep him sane. He realized, to his dismay, that his spiritual growth hadn't led to much movement in the physical plane.
Nanami's job may have changed, but his everyday life remained the same. Fulfillment continued to elude him.
He opened a window and stuck his head out. The room felt overstuffed with heavy thoughts and solemn feelings. Maybe if he breathed in the crisp air, he could freeze those negative emotions and make it easier to move them to the basement of his soul, where they could stay dormant until the next random event triggered their awakening.
Years later, knowing such a strategy didn't fix the problem, and he still couldn't move away from the habit.
The sorcerer breathed out. His hair fluttered along to the whim of the wispy wind. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the cool touch along his skin. The little thread of…
Nanami's eyes opened forcefully.
Vanilla.
He breathed in again, filling his lungs with the familiar aroma. No, not a delicate thread hidden amongst the autumnal fragrances from the rust-colored leaves and flowers, but a noticeable veil tangible enough to satisfy those who knew what they were looking for.
His eyes scanned the garden below for the source of the perfume. The brittle, barely covered trees gave a generous view of the space. Empty benches. Nothing under the soft light of the lamp posts… But across the street, turning a corner, the sorcerer could have sworn he saw a passing of dark, plentiful curls.
Nanami didn't think beyond that. He ran out of his room. The door to his apartment remained open as he sprinted down the few floors to the lobby. People, furniture, and intricate decorations all melted together until he reached the double doors that led outside.
He followed the veil across the street, where it disappeared.
Of course.
The November cold guided him back into reality. His bare feet felt the roughness of the concrete. Chills poked through his skin under the thin pajamas.
Nanami chuckled.
While the sorcerer found it challenging to gather evidence that his life had changed for the better after choosing his own path, he was confident she would see that which he could not. She knew his soul better than he did, and he couldn't wait to show her.
Hope. He still had it. And for a moment, it helped him forget the dark clouds that still hung over his life.
[17]
The sun painted the skies when Rainy arrived in front of Nanami's new residence, yet the moon and clouds had done away with the bright hues by the time Gojo approached her. For hours, she walked around to calm her nerves, closed her eyes to gather strength, and even checked a tarot app on her phone that blatantly encouraged her to take a leap of faith. Still, as she followed the white-haired sorcerer away from the building and along the quiet path, the fae felt immense gratitude for the interruption.
She wasn't ready.
"You know, I was born with extraordinary luck."
Rainy felt a pang of nostalgia as they passed by her former workplace. It was no longer a cafe, and with the gates closed, the generic 'Amore' name didn't give her much room to interpret what it had become.
"You don't say…."
"This meeting is just proof of that," he continued. "You didn't have to return, but you did!"
The brunette didn't want to burst his bubble, but she was not there to see him. However, she had wanted to thank him for a long time for arranging her safe escape. This was as good a time as ever.
"I'm actually here to see Nanami."
"More proof of my extraordinary luck!"
His outburst didn't disturb the busy crowd. Names and monikers bounced around the lively street. Her mind didn't bother to remember any. It didn't matter anymore.
"So you're not here for a one-stop visit?"
Rainy thought about it for a moment… "I'm not sure yet. I just came and wanted to see how things went."
Gojo waved her off. He stretched his long leg as the crosswalk lit up for them to walk across. "He misses you too. Gets all emotional just thinking about talking about you."
"Really?"
"Yeah! Great, so you have the motivation to stay long-term."
"I can't guarantee-"
"Nanami's the real deal. He'll love you as long as his soul keeps reincarnating, so prepare to stay here for a few lifetimes."
They walked directly outside the park where she first met him. Another wave of sentimentality chipped away at the frosty wind.
"My very important point is we need to work together."
"Wh-Why?"
"I'm gonna take a wild guess that you ingested the Lotus without casting a net." Gojo shivered visibly. He liked the overwhelming power she emitted. Felt dangerous and new.
"Yeah…"
"Because you know the school would try to get you, but they can't as long as you can hide behind Nanami."
She tucked her face into the gap of her scarf. "Right…" In theory, she was strong, but the fae didn't feel confident in her skills. If she didn't have Nanami to empty her power into, she might as well walk into another fairy jar.
"Well, I'm stronger than Nanami. If we work together, they'll leave you and him alone out of fear that just a little Ethereal buffer would make me scarier than I already am."'
"Oh." Rainy felt grateful for his peculiar eyewear as her gaze tried to settle on his. "You don't look like the generous type, though."
And he wasn't.
"I know the Age of Aquarius is upon us." Time for change and upheaval. "I also know that the current emanation of Aquarius isn't fond of humans, so this upcoming change may not benefit humanity all that much. As a current human, that doesn't sound like good news to me. Or you…"
"Yeah…"
He chose to turn at the corner and follow the rest of the fence along the park. Their steps slowed. No one was around to catch any pieces of their strange conversation. Not that it would startle anyone, but having the privacy of an empty street felt like a luxury they should enjoy.
"I also know that Aquarius has supporters amongst the ranks here. And they've been moving very precisely for the past few years. Their timing is no coincidence. Their sudden desire to get you is no coincidence."
Rainy swallowed.
"The recruitment and promotion of members of the Haibara clan, the only one that deals with astrology-based cursed energy, is absolutely no coincidence. You see where I'm going with this?"
"You think those people are trying to help Aquarius?"
"I know," he replied confidently. "But I am limited in my ability to communicate with the Ether, so that's where you come in."
The fae chuckled. A reaction even she found strange. "I'm the worst candidate for this. I have little to no memory of the Ether, and Mother hasn't spoken to me in years. Even before that, communication was spotty and one-way at best. You know more about this mess than I do at this point."
"We just need to unlock those memories," he shrugged.
"Yeah, what I've been trying to do for the past century."
"Ok, but you didn't have me for the past century. Now you do."
Rainy laughed incredulously. "I have to give it to you. Your confidence is-"
"Amazing, I know. So, how about it, allies?"
"The fae in me wants to take this deal simply because it is too good to pass up. I benefit completely from your protection while you gamble, possibly unlocking my memory, and hoping I'll continue to help you. But maybe I've been in this human body too long because I also feel guilt about it…."
"Don't. It may or may not be anything," he admitted. "I'll either save the world or be thoroughly entertained following around whatever plan these assholes are coming up with now. But at least I won't be bored, and that's what really matters at the end of the day."
She didn't know how to respond. "Right…"
"So we got a deal?"
She hesitated. His argument was stupid, with hints of concern held together by a cocky superiority complex that alluded to a possible genius strategy should a specific version of his theory manifest into reality.
"Yeah…"
As a fae, she knew the drawbacks of deals that were too good to be true. Something in her life would even out the contract, and she needed to figure out what that was. In the meantime, she rode that stupid human hope that she was getting lucky. This was a miracle; the Universe hadn't blessed her with many of those in her lengthy human life.
[17]
There were no fireworks or loud professions of love. The moment the fae made her presence known at his door, Nanami simply welcomed her into his arms and allowed his world to melt into a quiet bliss.
He held her gently so as not to disturb the moment if it were a dream. After all, the sorcerer was still wearing his pajamas, and the thought of seeing her had been a distant fantasy until seconds ago. But the softness of her hair against his cheeks felt real, and the signature aroma of her vanilla perfume anchored him to the validity of this moment.
Rainy was back.
Her arms squeezed around his midriff with all her strength, but even at his most relaxed, the pressure barely registered as a tickle.
Nanami breathed out and stepped back, allowing his guest to finally close the door behind her.
"How long do you have before you return to the Ether?"
He flickered the switch for the hallway light giving her access to the amenities in the simple entrance area.
Rainy shrugged, stepping out of her sneakers. "I haven't found the god."
He felt the memories of their last days together wrap tightly around his heart.
The school was still looking for her…
Curses craved her energy…
His skills had sharpened, but would they be enough?
She smiled. "I'm fully powered up. As long as you don't mind, I was hoping to stay in Japan."
Nanami's hand clutched his chest, where his heart now beat erratically. "And it's ok to lend me your energy at will?"
It was the only way he could feasibly offer any protection.
"Mother hasn't spoken to me since then, yet I still have access to the Blue Lotus." She tugged at the black sleeves that poked through her wool jacket. "I'm not sure what's happening, but I'm too tired to care. I need a break from the unknown. I just want to rest."
If Mother wanted to give her a message, she knew how to reach her. If destiny wanted her to proceed with her life's mission, it knew how to move the wheel of life to get her attention.
"And you saw Japan as the most fitting place for rest?" Nanami's chuckle surprised both of them—a sweet and rare treat.
"Well, I still own your name, and you made a pretty good shield before, so I figured, you know?"
Gentle laughter outweighed the nerves brought in by the unknown. The apartment felt warm and welcoming.
"I've missed your company." His eyes settled on his bare feet against the wooden floor. Sentimentalities were still tricky for the sorcerer to process. Nevertheless, being that her stay had no guarantee, he wanted to ensure he took advantage of whatever time they had together. "And I'm more than happy to keep you safe."
Watching her own sock-covered feet on the floor also brought her comfort. "Thank you. I missed you too." They were merely expressing gratitude and happy sentiments, yet she felt the same heavy awkwardness. The way humans processed such emotions felt deeply flawed.
Why would they do this on purpose?
Nanami cleared his throat. "Do you have accommodations for your stay?"
Rainy breathed out. The change in topic was most welcomed. "No, actually. I was hoping you had a room you could spare until I sort my living situation out. It shouldn't take too long, but I didn't make any preparations since my staying was contingent on your agreement to protect me while I stayed here."
"Of course."
They chatted while she settled in with the one bag that accompanied her. The bare wooden furniture came to life as he helped her organize the small jars filled with colorful stones, dried flowers, and herbs. He stacked the books under one of the night tables as they discussed running out tomorrow to get supplies for charms and sigils.
"You can't leave portals to the Broken Lair open like that," she chastised him, draping a black sheet over the mirror.
Nanami smiled and nodded. "You're right."
He fixed her sacred cloth over the night table and placed her tarot deck at the center. His fingers slid through the top card, flipping it.
Six of Cups reversed.
Moving forward. And for the first time, he was sure it was in the right direction.
They settled in front of the television while she adjusted to the time difference in her new home. It didn't take long for sleep to claim the fae, and the sorcerer quietly enjoyed the warmth of her body as it rested against his arm while his shoulder seemed to make an appropriate pillow.
The night felt delightful. It felt like the beginning.
[17]
In the darkness of her mind, a voice caressed her soul.
Do you trust me?
The soothing touch felt cold yet loving.
No .
So cold.
Good. Don't trust Gemini, either .
She had no eyes to see or a body to feel. Her soul felt cold. So cold. The cold love of a Mother.
Rainy hated it.
[17]
Rainy eyes fluttered open. Her body felt heavy, but she had no desire to move.
Mother finally spoke to her.
Don't trust Gemini, either.
And it was a warning…
Gojo's words trickled back to the forefront of her memories.
"...Aquarius has supporters amongst the ranks here…"
They slid in slowly, awakening a chill that made the fae's spine uncomfortable.
"Their timing is no coincidence…."
If the humans were gearing up to help Aquarius, and Aquarius was working with Gemini, the ruler of the Broken Lair where curses were born…
Maybe that pompous silver-haired idiot was on to something after all…
She looked up at Nanami. The light from the television reflected softly on his sleeping features.
Or maybe she'd get lucky, and the problems of the Ether wouldn't spill over to the human realm…
Rainy found the strength to move. She held tightly to his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. Warmth. Comfort.
She had just gotten here. This was supposed to be the beginning of her new life, and now…
Now it felt like…
"The end…"
Author's Note: Writing this has been such a needed distraction. I do have a brainstorming sheet for a possible sequel, but I left the ending sort of open-ended in case my motivation runs dry.
For the last time, thank you for reading!