âIâm glad.â A faint smile crossed his features upon hearing that the other was happy. Saying his name, touching him, speaking to him; all of those things were making him happy. It was strange. Such simple actions that most considered normal and wouldnât even think about twice seemed to mean the world to Souta. How long had it been since he received kindness?
He wasnât worried about the dangers of their close proximity, of allowing the opportunity for the teen to bite him. The thought never crossed his mind, and before it could a hand shot up to grab his wrist. He blinked at the touch, his head tipping to the side slightly when hearing the warning. Dirty? Strangely enough, the comment amused him and a light giggle bubbled up. He gave a shake of his head and watched him with delicate eyes. He offered a small, warm smile. âIt does not matter to me. I do not mind dirtying myself if I can touch you.â
His smile turned into a more melancholy one as the older male continued. Just as he thought, it had been too long since Souta received any amount of compassion. To forget what it felt like⊠that was a feeling he could actually relate to, as sad as it was. Perhaps not in the same circumstances as the ghoulâs, but kindness and love were somewhat foreign to him. Maybe that was something they had in common.
âThank you.â He said softly, his gaze lowered. He wasnât sure what else to respond with to being called kind, but he appreciated it. He couldnât recall the last time that anyone had said that to him. It was a pleasant feeling to hear the words. However, any happiness he felt was squashed at the new information. His eyes widened faintly as he looked back at the teen. Only two more shows? That was all?
âOh⊠I see.â He couldnât hide the sadness lacing his tone, his gaze slowly lowering again. A part of him wondered why he was feeling so upset over this person that he hadnât even known for a day. But, he did. The idea of having so little time left to speak to him, to get to know him, and then never see him again made an unfamiliar feeling of sadness settle over him. âI⊠I wish that you could stay.â He heard himself say, the thought slipping past his tongue.
âYou are a strange one..â It was hard to believe that someone didnât mind getting dirty, just for the sake of touching him. Nobody wanted to touch him even after being bathed and groomed for a show. At least not like this. Whatever physical contact he received was either hesitant or rough. This was on a new level; gentle, warm, genuine. What a shame it has to end.
âThereâs n-not much for me outside this circus.â Death one of the few things out there. Soutaâs situation was far from pleasant but it at least gave him some form of protection. Heâd rather go a round with the circus crew than fight off CCG. âIâll either die from the hands of a human or another of my kind. Hiding would be my life, and s-sslip ups happen..thatâs what got me here.âÂ
âS-staying..that would be nice.â He didnât even know the name of the area, rarely did he ever. But for once the ghoul was finding himself wanting to know. Not just about the town, but about the boy in front of him. If he could stay then maybe both of them could be relieved of their loneliness, even if just a little. No, he couldnât think like that. It would only lead to hope and that was something easily crushed.Â
âI-itâs impossible though. Iâll serve as entertainment until my la-last breath. But tonight I think I m-might try to enjoy it, Iâve never performed in front of someone I know.â He wanted to show-off in front of his new friend, to show what he could do outside the cage.Â