The title is a reference to the Pretty Reckless song: My medicine. I imagine the uncomfortable mix of being high and feeling weird with Reader’s current state and the ‘tired’ look of her eyes to be like Taylor’s eyes in the music video when she is high. (Fair warning there is slight nuditity in the video if you get curious to check it out.) Anyways Enjoy! 🖤
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“Say it back to me.”
“Four, three, two, then one.” Your alphas repeated as Shoko nodded her head.
“Good. I labeled them for you and wrote you directions just in case you forget.” She handed Sukuna the bag with your medicine.
“This medication- it won't keep her like this right?” Gojo questioned, looking toward you. You were picking flowers with Choso, putting them in his hair. You get locked into one thing without really paying attention to others. “I mean like- She will be back to herself in four days?”
“Well...” Shoko began, “She didn't actually drop…but for those who do, it just takes some time for them to come back to normal. Just depends.”
“On what?” Getou questioned swiftly.
“On the omega, and the situation.”
“How do we make sure she has a full recovery?” Nanami inquired.
“Just keep her as comfortable as possible...” Shoko answered each question with tenderness, understanding that your alphas were worried about you.
After they got out all of their questions, she waited for any more to pop into their heads.
That's when Toji finally spoke, “Why are you guys acting so weird? She's fine.” He looked at the others in annoyance. They had been avoiding you for the most part, and their questions about you were getting to him. But you hadn't cared or noticed. “Have any of you actually just talked to her?”
“I-I’m just afraid of saying something stupid and making her situation worse!” Gojo tried to defend himself.
"So you aren't going to talk to her at all?"
Nanami looked confused, “I have been talking with her.” he had said good morning to you, and made you breakfast while you talked about any and everything. However, he didn't say much back; he just let you do the talking. Perhaps that was what Toji was referring to.
“Not really. She talked to you, and you barely said anything."
That was exactly what he was referencing. Nanami was ready for such a statement, “I am being cautious with her; none of us has dealt with this... So that means none of us are experts."
"Sure, okay, I can understand that… so what’s y'all's excuse?” Toji gestured to the others. "You guys haven't even gone near her."
“I was busy getting packed up. Why do you think I don't want to be around my omega?” Getou looked hurt by such a declaration. He was definitely not avoiding you.
“You aren't packing now?”
“Are you-?” Getou shook his head, “Are we not discussing treatment for our omega right now? Or is Shoko invisible?” He pulled the woman by her arm.
Shoko sighed, having been literally dragged into this argument, “Getting snippy with one another isn't going to help her.”
“I wasn’t getting snippy, I was just asking a valid question. I don't want my girl to feel like her alphas are keeping their distance. She might think something is wrong.” Toji looked toward the four-armed alpha. Awaiting his defense.
Sukuna was the main culprit in avoiding. He had been evading you, straying away from your path. That was very clear to them all. But he shrugged as if the answer was obvious, “She’s sensitive right now, you really think she wants to be anywhere near me?” His words, however, held a double meaning. One he didn't even realize he was confessing. He meant it in a way that- he doesn't think you can handle him right now- but somewhere deep down, he didn't think you wanted to talk to the person who got you in this situation in the first place. Maybe his face will remind you of how you chose him over your pups.
The doctor had been observing your alphas; they seemed so astray and frazzled. There were literally five of them- five of the prime alphas- the strongest and smartest of the lands... yet it’s like they were without their leader. Perhaps it was you who led them. Which would be quite funny considering you were the omega of the pack. But with how they were behaving, it didn't seem like a far-fetched idea.
Shoko waved her hand, trying to calm them down, “She’s fine to talk to guys, she is still your omega…just keep her calm and happy. That shouldn't be difficult with the medicine. The brew is just an aid. It doesn't change who she is. If she were an asshole before, she’d still be an asshole… just a happy asshole.”
"See?" Toji snorted while walking away from the conversation. Was he seriously the only one who saw it like that? They sounded so depressing. He just wanted to be happy with you. Be happy that you are happy. You were still you. This you was a million times better than you being in a near drop state. The sooner they realize that, the better!
“Hey, baby.” he smiled as you looked up with a beautiful flash of your teeth.
“Hi, Daddy!” you gestured to Choso, “Do you like his hair?”
Choso looked at him with the most plain expression- it was damn near comical with the colorful flowers and braids you put in his hair.
“Uh…you did a great job sweetheart.” Toji gave the compliment to you. He couldn't care less about the beta. “Come on, we are about to leave.”
“Kay!”
He noticed you still had this tired look to your eyes. “You look a little sleepy. Do you want me to carry you?”
“I'm not tired, but you can carry me.” You stood, and Toji bent to scoop you up in one arm. Not tired? Toji thought that to be strange considering your expression, but you distracted him- “My alpha is soooo strong.” You giggled, kissing him upon his temple.
“I gotta be strong so I can carry you everywhere…grab her horse, the path ahead isn't safe to ride.”
Choso stood with a respectful nod, going to retrieve your steed without making a move to relieve himself of your hairstyle.
Megumi and Yuji were the last to get up, but they didn’t have a lot to pack away.
Everyone said farewell to Shoko, and you gave her extra kisses goodbye. The woman didn't shy from your affection; she was just surprised you cared for her as much as you did. It was like you knew her forever. Even before you befriended her as Gran Gran. She hopes to meet you again when you are feeling better so she can grill you for leaving her and making her think you had gone off to die.
As the pack began to move, Gojo and Sukuna took the front, chopping a path through the forest.
Choso tapped Yuji’s shoulder, “Are you alright brother?”
That made Sukuna roll his eyes so hard it hurt- brother? Really?
“Yeah…” Itadori had a sad tone. Walking with his horse, head down.
Nanami, who was also worried, had looked toward Megumi, the beta shook his head ‘no’.
The boy was not ok.
“What happened?" The blonde urged. "You do not have to bottle up your emotions. Doing such things is not good…” his eyes moved to you. You were perched in Toji’s arm, talking to the alpha as they moved through the thicket of bushes.
You would have already gotten to the bottom of Yuji’s problem as soon as he stepped into camp.
Though Shoko said you were still you, you seemed not to see reality. It was like you lived in this perfect bubble. Perhaps keeping you comfortable in this space is important for your healing. You had been dealing with too many emotions. Giving yourself to others and making their problems yours, as well as your own. Though you are a bit different… Maybe it wasn't such a bad thing to give you this break. Maybe it was the mental vacation you needed.
“Well…” Yuji finally spoke up, deciding to tell them. “I…I had gone to Aika…" He spoke low so you wouldn't hear him. "I wanted to speak to Junpei’s ma…it started well, but then I told her…not about the witches but…I had told her I wasn't able to save him... and I don't know if he's alive…”
“Oh…” Nanami realized that the discussion was about Junpei. It must have ended in tears. The very same reason why they were traversing around the village through the twisted shrubs. “…I hope you don't take it to heart…”
“Yes.” Getou added. “That burden wasn't yours to carry. It was an unfortunate event…”
“I’m sorry...” Choso apologized for the pain the boy was dealing with.
"It's ok...it's no one's fault but my own...I couldn't save him...”
“What's wrong?” you questioned, turning your head to see what they were talking about.
“Nothing.” Getou answered, and you took it.
“Oh ok!”
The fact that you even commented on the subject was a sign your medicine was starting to wear off. You usually weren't aware of your surroundings. But since you blew it off in a heartbeat… that let them know it was still in effect.
"We will talk more on our next stop." Getou concluded the conversation, and everyone else fell into silence as you pointed out little critters or plants, excited to tell Toji about each one.
Sukuna looked toward you with a bit of a hard stare. He felt an overwhelming weight of guilt on his shoulders. If he had just talked to you- let you in- instead of locking himself in- none of this would have happened. He has dreams of that moment… Right before everything had gone to shit. You were there…wanting to come into his room... And instead of telling you to leave… he invited you in…and you cried, and he shouted and blew up- but you knew the right things to say… to make him feel stupid… You had your reasons for not telling him about Raven's fate in the story. You were scared… at least that's what you told him in his recurring dream...and maybe in his heart he knew that to be the truth...and right as the two of you were made up...right as he's about to kiss you- he'd wake up.
And he’s left to realize that was not the choice he made. Realizing he made the wrong choice. Realizing that all of this started with him.
If only this were like your game. If he had known what would have happened...if he had known the choices, he would have picked the right one...But wishful thinking will get him nowhere.
His sassy little brat seemed to be gone.
And it was all his fault.
He never prayed to Tengen- because he worked hard for everything he wanted. And didn't take handouts. But this felt out of his hands; he didn't know how to bring you back. So he prayed to Tengen that you’d come back to him. And if you did, he would never let you go again.
Toji had noticed Sukuna staring. He pat you gently, “I think Sukuna wants to talk to you.” he said, putting you down.
“Sukuna?” you questioned, looking toward the alpha as the two of you walked side by side. The sudden moment had caught the four-armed beast off guard.
“Huh-” he looked at you, confused. Your attention suddenly focused on him made him damn near trip over a leaf.
“What do you want to talk about alpha?” You questioned as Sukuna cut the long branches out of your way.
“Nothing." He quickly shot down.
"Toji you lied! Sukuna doesn't want to talk to me." You laughed, looking at the other alpha as if he had pulled a fast one on you.
Toji shook his head, "He is just being a brat."
"H-hey..." Gojo had stepped back handing Toji the machete, "...I'd like to talk to you…if that's okay.”
You slowed down, “Oh, Toji got the wrong alpha.” you joked, making Gojo chuckle lightly.
"I guess so." Toji muttered taking the lead. His gaze was on Sukuna, who avoided his judging stare.
“How are ya feeling right now?” Gojo questioned. If you weren't doing so badly, maybe they wouldn't have to give you the second dose.
You hummed, looking at the sky, “I'm doing good, I feel good. And I just feel… like the sun is so shiny and beautiful. Isn’t it pretty?”
“Yeah, it is… but is it more pretty than me?” He smiled as you let out a giggle.
“No Gojo, you are my most beautiful middle alpha.”
That made Gojo feel a little better. Not because you called him beautiful, but because you used a common joke. One that you had come up with when he or Getou asked if they were your favorite. You would say Sukuna was your favorite oldest alpha, Toji was your favorite second oldest alpha, he was favorite middle alpha, Getou favorite second youngest, and Nanami was your favorite youngest alpha. It was your way of saying they were all your favorites.
"Good- or I would have had to blow up the sun." He continued making you laugh. As Gojo spoke to you, he realized you were in a weird state, but you were still in there. Maybe Toji was right. There was nothing to worry about.
Your pack finally broke through to a more open area.
Nanami waved you over so he could put you on your horse. "This should be good. If we continue riding west, we should get to the path."
"West?" You questioned getting comfortable on your saddle, "Where are we going?"
You were starting to ask more questions.
Nanami gently patted your leg, "Uh..." He hesitated for a moment. If your mental health doesn't get better soon, then it would probably be best to go home. "...We aren't sure yet."
"Just sit back and enjoy the ride darling." Getou spoke as his horse trotted next to yours.
The others trailing a bit back.
"Are we going to have a revote?" Toji whispered as Nanami jumped on his horse.
"If she's fine, then why would we not go? You said she was fine." Sukuna pointed out.
Toji frowned, "I know she's fine, but I also know she needs her rest. My baby is exhausted." He noticed Choso had slowly nodded in agreement. "Choso? You've seen her in this state before. Do you think she's really ready to let someone poke around in her mind?"
"Do you trust this person? I don't know much about the woman but my father always said the only language she knew was money."
Toji gestured in a told you so kind of way, “Nope. I don't trust her.”
Sukuna's nose wrinkled in irritation. There Toji goes bringing Choso into the conversation when he could only back him up. "You also said what she wanted was different from what you wanted."
"That is true, but you asked for my opinion. But if you want to then you should just ask her. She doesn't need us to make her decisions; she's more than capable of answering for herself.”
“…Well, I don't want to put too much weight on her at the moment. This is still the first day." Nanami clasped the reins of his horse, ready to set off, "Let us not discuss it now. The medicine is wearing off, and I'd like to see how well she will be when it gets closer to her next dose. We will head west, and if things take a turn, then we will go home with no detour." And with that, they all finally nodded in agreement and snapped the leather.
The horses taking off together.
It took a while to get to the main road, but once you got on the path, you looked back in confusion as if you had noticed what village was behind you. Luckily, you didn't seem to fully grasp that it was Aika. It only seemed familiar, but you couldn't conclude why.
Crisis successfully averted.
That is... that's what they had thought.
As they rode the dirt path, a traveler was heading in the same direction. A large backpack on their back conceals most of their figure.
You had released a gasp when you rode by- stopping your horse before either of them could stop.
"Whoa-" They flew by you, yabking the leather to halt their steed from going much further.
"Why did she stop?" Gojo questioned.
"Yuju Megumi-Hold on!" Nanami shouted as he turned around.
Toji and Sukuna were able to stop sooner since they were following from behind.
"Nagi..." You said the name before they could see the woman.
Fuck- the very reason they didn't go down the beaten path was standing right here!
Toji and Sukuna looked at each other with worry-acting quick.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Toji asked, trying to put his horse between you and the woman.
The woman looked with a gleam in her eyes, "R-raven- Prime alphas, I am so happy I ran into you. I was coming to see you!" She released a broken kind of laugh. "Haha...Wh-what a pleasant surprise..."
"Nagi...we..." Getou began as the woman walked toward you, both her hands clasping your own. You looked shellshocked, frozen in place.
No- this was exactly what they were trying to avoid.
"Tell me- tell me it's not true- what that boy told me-" She blinked swiftly, looking at Yuji and then back at you. "Tell me- it's not true- My Junpei- he's alright, right? He's fine right? My baby is fine you- you are taking care of him- like you said in your note to me? You said- you wrote that you might have found someone to help him- and and he made such g-good friends-" Her voice cracked.
They could see the way your body was trembling, your eyes wide as if you couldn't blink.
Your blonde moved, grabbing the woman's hand away from you. He said, "He did make good friends..." As Nanami spoke to the woman, Sukuna had grabbed the strap of your horse and dragged you away- "...He is with our betas, Momo, and Inumaki, they are taking care of him while we look for an ancient book that could change him back."
That made Nagi gasp in relief, "Ah-" She placed a hand on her chest, "That's-that's so good to hear. Thank Tengen... Why did you say that you didn't know what happened to him sweetheart?" The woman questioned Yuji.
"I...Uh... that's because-I..." Yuji wasn't someone who was able to lie. Even if it would be for the greater good, he simply couldn't.
"Because we had a little bit of a setback." Getou interjected this time, "Our...darling is not feeling so well...-" Just as he said that you had jumped off your horse-
"I'm going to be sick..." You moved into the woods as Toji and Sukuna went after you.
"...So..." Getou watched you go; he wanted to come aid you, but he had to do damage control. "W-we must get her some help before we can continue our search... I'm sure Yuji was afraid to tell you the truth since we don't want people to know about Junpei. We told him to keep it a secret. We don't want people to be afraid of him." He finished speaking, closing his eyes swiftly to connect to the seeing eye- you were at a tree, throwing up the food you had just eaten this morning.
The woman looked sorrowful now, "Ah, poor thing. Of course, you all know what's best. And I am so sorry to hear your omega isn't doing so well... I hope she has a speedy recovery."
"Nagi, the next time you try to come see us, please do not travel by yourself and on foot, that is really dangerous." Nanami lightly chided the woman.
"Pfft- do you think crystals grow on trees? I don't have the-oooh~" The woman lit up as Nanami gave her a bag of crystals enough for a trip to Tokyoto and back... and then some. "Yes, Prime alpha! I will be sure to come see you all when we can celebrate! I will bring my finest wine!" She bowed.
"I will take you home." Yuji volunteered.
"Yes...Choso, if you could go with them please..." Nanami asked the beta, who looked ready to chase after you.
"She-"
"We will take care of her." Nanami let him know, it almost sounded like a promise, not really to Choso, but just a means of his life. He will always take care of you no matter what.
"Alright...let us go." Choso helped the woman onto his horse. "Be back as soon as we can."
~
You were dry heaving, throwing up everything that you had eaten. A few sniffles racked your body as Toji rubbed your back gently.
"It's okay..." Toji tried to comfort you.
You didn't say anything until you covered your ears, "They- they are screaming at me- make it stop-make it stop please-" You curled onto the ground and began rocking back and forth- that smell from before was starting to become potent. It was like you were dropping again. "They won't shut up- shut up shut up!"
It made his heart hurt- a sharp stab in his chest. "I will, we will make it all better ok..." He looked toward Sukuna, who was already getting out your medicine with haste.
"Here." Handing the bag to Toji, Sukuna watched him take out not one bottle but two.
"What are you doing?" Sukuna questioned- Toji combined both the medication for today and the last day's dose.
"She needs something stronger, after that I don't think a lower dose would work- here baby, drink this."
"Toji-"
"Sukuna, she's freaking out too much- shut up." He already had the bottle to your lips, and you drank it with his help. "There... there...everything is going to be alright..." You sniffled a bit and then leaned into his chest. Your tremors had slowly subsided, as well as your constant muttering.
That's when the others got there.
"How is she doing?" Nanami asked with a worried expression. He rubbed your back gently.
"I gave her the medicine-"
"He gave her five doses." Sukuna inserted.
"Why?" Getou questioned.
Toji tossed Sukuna a glare before addressing the others, but Gojo beat him to it-
"She was really freaking out, I probably would have given her the full amount too."
Toji nodded, "I didn't want the chance of her slipping too fast..."
There was no other argument, but Getou and Sukuna held some bitterness in such a major decision.
"We will set up here...and I suppose I will message Shoko to send us more medicine...I will just get extra just in case..." Nanami stated.
Toji held you close, "I'm going to curl up with her in my nest, make sure she's ok when she wakes up."
"It's better for her to be in her own nest." Sukuna countered.
"Look at the way she's holding on to me?" He looked down, directing the alpha's gaze to the tight fist upon his shirt.
Sukuna shook his head in annoyance, "Do whatever you want. Apparently, you know more about this than the rest of us."
"No, I do what's best for my omega, that's why I'm not even going to sit here and argue with you, because it's not good for her." Toji stood and then nodded to Gojo, "Can you help me get my tent set?"
"Yeah, I got you." Gojo nodded.
The three went off as Sukuna and Getou made knowing eye contact.
"He's going to keep her in this hole."
"He's just trying to do what's best for her you two." Nanami tried to defend the other alpha. "I'm sure he wouldn't have given her an extra if we didn't run into Nagi."
"Are you?" Sukuna questioned.
Getou added, "I believe his own fear blinds him. In trying to help her, he could be doing more harm than good."
Nanami was starting to get irritated; there was too much going on, and this was just the last straw on the dokko's back. "Enough of this. I don't know if Toji would have or would not have. But I know he wouldn't do anything to harm our omega. None of us would. That's why we trust each other. That's how our pack operates. We all want what's best for her. Wouldn't you agree on that?"
The two gave little nods.
"...Maybe... And it is a fear of mine too... maybe...there is a chance she will be stuck like this...and I think we have to be okay with that... with whatever the outcome is..."
~
It was about to be night when Megumi, Yuji, and Choso came back.
The camp was already set up for them to crawl into their nests to sleep. But Choso had stopped by Sukuna, who was on watch.
Sharpening his blade that had already been sharpened a thousand times today- he didn't look up as he said, "What." With a flat tone.
"How is she?" Choso questioned, not at all deterred by Sukuna's attitude.
"Been in Toji's nest fucking, must be fine enough." Yes- he had heard you and smelt your lust. You weren't shy about your voice at all. You were screaming and shouting like a bitch in heat. Was he jealous? No. He was pissed off because this wasn't your typical behaviour, and it seemed Toji was exploiting it. If you tried to have sex within your state, he would feel as though he were taking advantage of you. It wouldn't feel right to him.
"You're mad about this?" Choso questioned- reminding Sukuna of his irritating presence.
The alpha looked up and then released a short laugh, realizing Choso's hair was still in the hairstyle you had given him. "You didn't take all that out of your hair before you went into town?"
The beta shrugged, "She likes it, and it's not hurting anyone. Are you going to answer my question or try to dodge your emotions by using me as a training dummy?"
Sukuna licked his canine with a sinister sneer, "I'm happy you know your place and take well to it."
"I see you chose the latter."
Seeing Choso unaffected by his attempt to belittle him pissed him off- because maybe he was the one being the idiot, but he snapped back quickly, "Why would I be happy that stupid oaf is flolicking along like this shit is okay? She's not our omega, she's sick."
Choso looked confused, "Why do you separate her like that? I dislike it."
"Thank Tengen, I didn't ask what you liked."
"It's actually disgusting. With or without my opinion. If you are going to behave like this, then just give her to me. You only want her when she is to your liking. When she's behaving like your omega. I took care of her as Raven, I stayed by her side as Y/n, and I will continue to look after her even if she is like this for the rest of her life. I will love every version of her, the good, the bad, and the sick. If you can't do that, then you don't deserve her."
Choso's words rained down upon him like a million arrows. Each one hitting him. He gripped the knife in his hand, body hot, ready to burst. He wanted to slit the beta's throat right where he stood, but most importantly, he wanted to stab himself because once again, this shitty half-baked alpha was right. He hated him. Hated feeling as though Choso could ever love you more than him. You were his Lu Marcie. All of you were his. Even when he was within that underground cave with the fake version of you. The only reason he didn't try to attack her is that he thought you had become the other Raven. And he was ready to be by your side then- so what changed now? Nothing. He was being an idiot. Sukuna stabbed the trunk hard with his knife and then stood up. "Let's go."
"Go where? Are you going to execute me?" Choso questioned as he trailed after the alpha without fear for his life.
"I just might." If the stupid beta wanted to be a part of the pack, then he was going to train him the way he trained. And beat the shit out of him while he's at it. Killing two birds with one spell.
~
Sukuna had to carry Choso back to camp. He had listened. Stayed in the circle the entire time until he said he could get out, and then he fought Sukuna while he threw him at every single tree he could find.
And after he finally fell and couldn't get back up, he threw him over his shoulder and took him back. He was surprised to find Toji sitting by the fire, shirt off, with his pants loose. He looked to be deep in thought.
He tossed Choso into his tent and then made his way to the other alpha. He had been thinking about what Choso and Nanami said. There could be a chance that you would be stuck like this, and he had to be okay with that. He will still fight to get you better, but he will love you either way. You were his; that would never change.
So he took a deep breath, ready to say the words he dreaded-
"You were right-"
"You were right-"
Both alphas looked at each other in shock.
"Huh?"
"I'm right?"
"What-?"
"Wait why am I right?"
"No-I'm right- I'm always right-fuck you."
That made Toji chuckle lightly, but there was a deep sorrow within it. "Yeah...I guess you are."
Now, Sukuna was thrown off his course. "What happened?"
Something must have transpired to make Toji change his mind.
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Chef Note: I listen to text to speech when I'm working and trying to proof read at the same time and when it came to the Choso's part of him talking about loving reader i had to stop what I was doing and stare at nothing, impressed and proud like I did not make the food myself. It's like when the chef tries their own meal and is like oh this is good but I feel so disconnected from the story because I just write it like I was a woman possessed and now I gotta reread what the ghost wrote and clean it up lmao XD.
Next chapter, we get a bit of Toji smut, but most importantly, we learn what made him change his mind and side with Sukuna.
I know the onions are stinking up the place, but good news is we are getting closer and closer to that rut arc and it will be a happy smutty fun time lmao XD!
Also plus side Choso is getting those alpha points from Sukuna who is the hardest to get them from ( he's playing house of alphas on hardcore mode haha).
and...
and....
...come closer if you want a little spoiler...
You want a spoiler?
....
Ok...
....
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SPOILER ALERT: I would not kill my emo baby a second time. He will not get the GeGe special. (v=v)b
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