Chapter Text
Nanami isn't usually around for the birth of curses. He's in the business of exorcisms so all that really matters is that he gets the job done with the typically sparse information given in his case briefings. He's on his way back from a successful mission now actually, winding down the well-worn path of Mt. Odake toward the car park where Ijichi awaits. There had been an odd conglomeration of curses at the peak, attacking anyone who managed to reach the summit and letting them bleed their way back. It wasn't too much effort to get rid of the curses though Nanami would have preferred less of a trek beforehand.
Still, there's been a buzz in the root of his teeth for a while now and Nanami has the sense that something isn't quite right. He tightens his blazer tighter around himself, tries to comfort himself with the aftermath of a successful mission.
I can get back early for once.
He's distracted from his musings by something just beyond the treeline. A crackle in the wavering fog. Curse energy blooming into a large cloud. Nanami takes a step back, steadying himself into a widened stance as he takes in the new sight. He's never been around for the birth of a curse but this isn't what he would have expected.
Out of the cloud comes a–
Man? he thinks, his confusion only sharpening his defense. And yes, it does seem to be a man. He's already fully dressed, dark clothes and a mask obscuring everything other than an inky black eye that's currently roaming over the landscape. Nanami has met humanoid curses before, the Patchwork curse proving to be immensely strong. This is different from that though in one very distinct way. Nanami exhales a shallow breath while doing his best to remain calm, running over the best course of action. He senses no curse energy at all from the stranger but that only causes his heart to race faster. A memory from years ago flashes through his mind. Toji Fushiguro and his infamous abilities as a non-sorcerer.
I need to attack, Nanami decides, reaching his hand back to pull his sword from his harness.
"Yo," the stranger says, his eyes finally focusing and landing squarely on Nanami. He lifts a hand in a static wave. While his mouth is hidden from view, he appears to be smiling if his singular eye is any indication. "Any chance of helping a guy out?"
Nanami pauses with his hand on the hilt of his sword, conflicted since the guy seems to definitely be human. He must have noticed the weapon too now because he tilts his head, too nonchalant given the levity of the situation. "I think I'm lost."
"Lost?" Nanami repeats, dropping both his hands by his side and moving closer to the man with caution. "Where should you be?"
"Definitely not here." He shrugs, the spike of his silvery hair drooping a little. "I'm from very, very far away. If you catch my drift."
Nanami does not catch his drift. If anything, the absurd answer only makes him grimace, sounding like something Gojo might say to distract from the situation. He doesn't get the chance to complain however, as the stranger chooses now to stumble forward, his legs as shaky as that of a newborn foal. There's a little pressure at Nanami's side from where he's gripped him and the man slumps entirely, forcing Nanami to support all his weight. Nanami sighs, the action doing nothing for the tension running down his back.
He needs to stop getting into these situations.
***
The car ride back is quiet with only the occasional snore while Ijichi practically vibrates with anxiety in the front seat at having the man in the general vicinity. Hs's been out cold for a while and though Nanami had initially intended on propping him against the window, the bumps and potholes of the roads had him reluctantly allowing the stranger to lean against him. It's been a mundane forty minutes with his head lolling on Nanami's shoulder, the long strands of his hair tickling him on occasion. If Nanami has any luck then they'll make it down this final stretch without the man awakening.
Ijichi coughs, the action too obvious in its forced nature. He'd not questioned Nanami – couldn't question him really, considering he'd been lugging deadweight and was in no mood to field an interrogation. But it seems even his curiosity has its limits since he glances behind, smiling in a tremulous way. "Who is that, Nanami-san?"
Who, indeed.
Nanami hums, thinking of the best way to answer truthfully without sending Ijichi into a panic. "I'm not quite sure yet but I couldn't leave him passed out back there. Don't worry too much though." It's a useless reassurance. Ijichi has a penchant for worrying that happens to make him a very adept manager. Still , he only nods, turning his attention back to the road where the walls surrounding Jujutsu Tech have finally come into view. The little knot of anxiety in Nanami's chest starts to come undone and he sighs, relieved. The sooner he's no longer responsible for this stranger the better.
"Where are we?" The stranger asks, his voice coming out in a grunt. Nanami looks down, a tinge embarrassed at the proximity now that he's woken up. The stranger doesn't seem to notice though, just shuffling to sit up and staring around the car with what has to be confusion. Nanami can't fault him for that. He'd probably have a similar reaction if he woke up in a random car after fainting.
"We're at a school. There's a doctor on campus who can help you with whatever caused you to faint."
The stranger tilts his head. It's strange, he only has one visible eye but the weight of his stare feels physical. Nanami has never experienced that with anyone other than Gojo and his Six Eyes.
"Okay." He does that infernal eye-smile again. It's actually pretty impressive how expressive he manages to be. "Thanks for lending me your shoulder."
Nanami huffs, his ears heating up as he turns to watch them drive past the barrier. "Don't mention it."
He has the damning sense that he'll be working overtime after all.