It's been a while since the third chapter of Freak was published, but I wanted to let you know that the fanfic hasn't been canceled or anything like that; in fact, I have a summary of all the chapters, so I have a guide of what to follow for all the chapters, but lately it's been kind of difficult to write, it's the final stretch of my business administration course, and I've been focusing a lot on my thesis, but thankfully it's almost over, so in a few weeks I'll try to finish writing chapter 4 🫶🏼
Please, don't hide your imperfection's nature. Took two tries to make the man in white. No, I don't mind, you are a beauty. Not temptation, you're my creation
— Chapter Three: Juggling feelings
Not revised, may contain errors, English is not my native language. Maybe I'll try to improve this chapter later.
Another morning on the train tracks began, and before you could even fully wake up with a cup of coffee, Sanemi had already come to see you. "He's arguing with the other demons, can you do something about it? I've already tried everything, even whipping them..
"So early in the morning?"
Rubbing your tired eyes, you yawn as you walk through the carriages, and you could already hear the argument. Opening the door slightly, their voices grew louder, and you grabbed the pocket of your worn pajamas, the small cloth bag being your only defense. "It's a wisteria petal perfume set, it might make them back off."
As soon as the door opened completely, all the voices stopped, and you shuddered, noticing all eyes focused on you, your legs almost giving way on their own.
_U-uh... I... I... - Your sentence was lost in such a low tone that they all blinked in confusion.
_ "I" What, princess? Raise your voice! - Gyutaro broke the silence, amused by your embarrassment, making you bite your lower lip.
_I-I came to ask you to stop fighting!... I-it's just... Sanemi is angry... he's going to end up hurting you... so stop! - With a louder voice, they grumbled angrily, an occasional snort coming from Akaza.
_I need to go back but... please be quiet.. - Your timid request made Gyutaro frown and clench his jaw as he watched you return to the previous carriage and close the door. It seems you were really worried about him. Him. This was something new.
A brief silence settled in, until Akaza returned to giving Gyutaro a furious look, clenching his fists.
_Hey! What were you saying before she arrived, you skin and bones? - His irritated voice rang out, wanting to continue the previous argument.
But his eyes widened in surprise, seeing Gyutaro only let out a "tsk," and turn to the other side of the cage, completely ignoring him, until he gave up trying to continue the fight.In the next carriage, your eyes gleamed slightly, listening to the oni's interaction.
Did he really obey you?
Walking back to where you was, a slightly bright look and a soft blush crossed your face; it could be easier than you thought.
In the end, you didn't even need those wisteria petals.
The next day, interacting with him was still somewhat difficult, but you'd even say you could get used to the daily teasing, though it would still be a small challenge.
_Good morning, Gyutaro... – Announcing your entrance into the carriage, you only hear a grumble in response.
No teasing? Strange.
When you turn around, you see him huddled in the corner, with a blank expression, and as he puts his food away.
_...What's wrong? – Your question makes him clench his teeth and growl, finally opening his lips to speak.
_...My sister...she was supposed to arrive today...and that bastard told me they're having problems with the paperwork, and she'll be a little later...how am I going to protect her from here?! – His voice dripping with anger, you shudder, but you could feel his sadness.
_D-don't worry... I'm sure it won't take that long... you'll see each other soon - With anyone else, he would have freaked out and punched the wall, but the colorful pupils fixed on his face, seeing the genuine concern on his face.
_Whatever... - Gyutaro murmured, sighing heavily, scratching his neck intensely and avoiding looking at your presence.
That was the first normal interaction with him.
Your task with Gyutaro continued for two more days. You would come, he would tease you a little, you would feed him, and then leave. It had been almost a week since he arrived at the circus. Gradually, his presence began to feel strangely comforting, and he couldn't complain, as your task was just an excuse for him to see you a little more, which made him feel odd. Gyutaro was starting to long for those moments all day long in the back of his mind.Sitting on the worn bunk bed, you read and reread the paper with some examples of lines for future performances, but your attention shifted when Sanemi entered the room with a familiar expression
_Hey... Do you think you could talk to that oni for a bit? I wanted to try training him next week. Try to calm him down a bit. I'll train the others, and you can stay with him for a while - You didn't even have a chance to refuse, as he hurried off to continue his tasks. Getting up and starting to walk across the wooden floor, you notice how your shoulders aren't as tense as before, reaching the train car and opening the metal door.
_Uh... You're already here? - His hoarse voice even makes a small smile appear on your lips as you walk calmly.
_Sanemi asked me to come stay with you for a bit, I was practicing some lines, but it's not like I had a choice - You reply, sitting down next to the cage on the floor and stretching your arms.
_Hmm... You can practice here... - His suggestion makes you look surprised, turning completely to him.
_You don't mind? - Confirming once more, he lets out a small growl and a nod.
_Do whatever you want... - His confirmation makes you happy, as you adjust your posture slightly to appear more presentable in your performance.
_Okay!... Great... - Clearing your throat and sighing to warm your voice, you flash a bright look.
_Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls! What you are about to see will change your lives forever!... Unexplainable wonders, and— In the middle of your sentence, Gyutaro lets out a little laugh, which makes you stop in your tracks and blush with embarrassment.
_H-hey! - With the slight reprimand, he gives a small smile with his sharp teeth.
_Sorry... it's kind of funny to see you talking like that... but it's adorable in a way - The unexpected compliment makes you blink, confused.
A pinkish-red blush crosses your cheeks, and you look away at his words, and it was clear that his effect on you made him even more excited.
_But you're doing well... I imagine that for humans this must be quite entertaining - He says, avoiding your cheerful gaze, knowing that you would be cheered up by the compliment.
_Alright! Thank you for watching me train - A few more minutes of training passed, while he watched you every second, strangely following each second of your training, occasionally saying something.
_How much do you say in this opening? - The green-haired boy asked, raising an eyebrow, and watched you giggle and scratch the back of your neck.
_I think that's enough for today... I try to vary my lines in each presentation - You said with a sigh, leaning against the wooden wall, a light silence settling in as he became thoughtful.
_...Just out of curiosity, what do you think I'll have to do when that pale guy forces me to present? - His question made you stop and think for a moment.
_Uhm... I'm not sure... some of the hybrids are just displayed like it's a zoo... if I'm not mistaken, one of them does a strength test presentation, and the other a fan presentation... - With your explanation, he nods calmly.
_I'm already used to people calling me a freak like I'm a zoo animal, I don't think it'll be that difficult.. - You look at him with a slightly sad expression with his words, and move a little closer to the cage, surprising Gyutaro, who is still trying to maintain his rigid posture.
_I don't like it when you talk about yourself like that... - Your soft, calm voice leaves him slightly speechless, a blush discreetly running down his face. And your hand... slightly reaching beyond the cage, giving him the option to...
Could he?... You were trying to comfort him, so... was that it?... He had never touched a woman gently, other than his sister.
Turning his head to the side, his hand absentmindedly brushes against yours, just your little fingers. You both meet, looking in opposite directions, hiding your blushes. This was different; your skin was warm and soft, and his was cold and somewhat rough. The difference was clear, but you didn't seem to care, moving your finger gently against his.
Your breathing was ragged, and your heart raced. But this time, it was the opposite of fear. Why were you so embarrassed? Your mouth was dry, and a strange feeling was rising.
Gyutaro was so confused; you were human, the species that had imprisoned him and placed him there, but now, all he wanted was to hold your hand.
The sound of the train car door opening startled you both suddenly, and as soon as Sanemi entered, you were both far apart, with embarrassed expressions.
_Uh? What's wrong? Did he do something to you? - Sanemi asked angrily, turning to the oni in anger.
_He didn't do anything! It's alright, I just tripped and fell, you know, and then I got a little embarrassed... - Your lame excuse seems to have worked, because he quickly calms down.
_Um... Okay... I just came to let you know that everyone will be meeting for lunch soon - Sanemi says as he turns back the way he came, with the two of you finally able to breathe calmly again.
_W-well, I... should go... the others must be waiting... - You say as you shyly stand up, brushing the dust off your clothes.
_G-Gyutaro... Try to do what Sanemi tells you... I don't want him to hurt you... - Your low voice makes his eyes widen, and he thinks for a few seconds before reluctantly nodding.
At this point, he thinks he can't refuse anything coming from you.
_______________________________________
Thank you all for your support!
@pookiei-bookie @gyuuarchive 🫶🏼💚
(edit: I FORGOT TO MENTION BEFORE, but I loved the art that Gyuuarchive made of the fanfic THX <33
My patience running thinner on this melting clock.
Cerebrum jailed with thoughts most would consider rot.
To think you're any different from an animal.
A creature sick as you should be put down.
But I can't help myself.
— Chapter 2: A Harlequin's Bet
❗Warnings: Slight sugestive I think
Not revised, may contain errors, English is not my native language.
As soon as dawn broke, preparations began for your departure on your trip. With another performance scheduled in the Japanese capital, you had to hurry if you didn't want to be late. You decided to focus on cleaning the train cars while everyone else had their own tasks.Humming a melody as you swept, irritated footsteps and sighs distracted you. You turned to the entrance of the train car, your eyes widening when Sanemi appeared with an impatient expression.
_[Name], what did you do with that demon yesterday? - His strange question made you blink in confusion, dropping the broom and placing it on a table.
_I-I just delivered the meat as you said... did I do something wrong without realizing it? - With your timid words, he sighed and ran a hand over his face, rubbing his temples.
_I don't know what magic you did to him, but now he's much more violent with everyone who passes by. He almost managed to scratch my arm through the bars and keeps growling and scratching the floor and walls. He said he wants you to take care of him. Do you think you can do that? Just to prevent more damage... the master already forbade me from killing him... - Sanemi's request makes your blood run cold, and your fingers tremble slightly.
_M-me? B-but I don't even know how to do that - Your voice comes out more shaky than you intended, as you stare at him in disbelief._You just need to throw him a piece of meat morning and night, and try to calm his temper - Hearing Sanemi's explanation, a dry knot falls down your throat as you process the situation.
_...O-okay, I guess - You were incredulous at the words of agreement that came out of your mouth.
_Great, you can go there when you're ready - He says with a relieved tone, running a hand through his hair.He quickly says goodbye, leaving you alone with your thoughts, and again you question why you accepted the platinum-haired man's request.
With tense shoulders, you head back to the demon carriage. Loud noises are heard from there—growls and metallic sounds—your fingers hesitating as you open the door, and the sound fades instantly. You notice the empty cages beside you; Sanemi probably took them to train them for the next performance. The realization that you two would be alone again was somewhat frightening. His figure in the cage turns towards the door, a sadistic smile plastered on his face as he stands, those terrifying, colorful eyes making your knees weak.
_Finally, I thought that useless white guy would never call you... I hate making a scene, but it seems like it was the only way to get them to bring you to me - With a sigh in a false tone of sadness, he looks you up and down with a laugh.
_How did you sleep last night, pretty little thing? - The question, dropped so casually by him, makes you blink in confusion, his voice slightly provocative as he leans on the bars with his forearm and a teasing smile.
_Uh... Well, I guess... - At your hesitant answer, he nods and licks his lips, fixing his attention on you even more.
_Well, well... You know, darling, I haven't stopped thinking about what you said yesterday, about me not being a freak... so how about we see if you really think that, since now you're going to have to take care of me for all this time, I want to see if your opinions will be the same - With an ironic voice and a defiant eyebrow raise, he laughs again maliciously.
So that's why he wanted you to take care of him now? Your eyes widen and your breath catches slightly, processing his proposal.
_I-I... - Stopping the sentence before it even begins, thoughts race through your mind. In a way, he seemed somewhat desperate for this approval you mentioned to be true; it wouldn't hurt to try.
_O-okay then! - With the most confident voice you could muster, and clenching your fists in front of your body, he's slightly surprised by your way of speaking, but soon smiles.
_That's how I like it! A girl with attitude... - He says with a loud laugh, clutching his thin stomach and leaning back with amusement and a strong laugh.
_You never cease to amaze me... the things I would do if this incense didn't weaken me and these bars didn't hold me back... - An alert in your brain at his slightly sadistic phrase makes your eyes widen.
_W-what do you mean - Still somewhat incredulous, you let the question slip out before you could think properly.
_Aw... don't worry, it's not bad... depending on the point of view, actually... I've never felt the warmth of another person on me, people were afraid of being contaminated just by getting close to my skin, it would be nice to hold you close to me, don't you think? - This time a deep blush invaded your face at his suggestion, making him excited to see the tone on your skin.
_I like the way you get when I say things like that... All red and disbelieving, it's like I can hear the sound of your knee bones trembling and your heart beating - He grunts with a hoarse groan, unconsciously licking his lips, and you could see the hunger in his eyes, but it wasn't the kind of hunger you expected from a demon like him.
This was confusing even for Gyutaro; in fact, he couldn't believe what he himself was saying. Since when had he started flirting like this? He had never even considered attempting this kind of human mating before.
_I... I'll do my job then...- You murmured as you went to the same box as before, repeating your task from the previous night.
As you approached the iron bars, you saw him bending towards you. Even with something separating you, his presence remained intimidating. Before you could quickly place the raw meat back in its place, you felt him grab your wrist and bring it close to your face, making your eyes widen and you impulsively drop the meat. The surprise and fear quickly gave way to an embarrassed and shocked expression. It wasn't a bite, much less a scratch. His long, hot tongue slowly ran along your wrist, just above the vein, his teeth grazing the skin.
_Hmm... You taste good... - He murmurs with a hoarse groan, releasing you from his grip, causing you to recoil and pause to breathe, controlling your breathless, flushed expression.
Swallowing a lump in your throat, you turn to walk away, your eyes lingering on his wrist, still wet with his saliva, heading for the exit while biting your lip.
_Come back more often, darling! - His voice in the background was the last thing you heard before closing the metal door separating the carriages.
Finally inside an empty carriage, your eyes take in the cluttered environment filled with materials like hula hoops and colorful balls.
Your back hits the wall, finally letting all the tension from your legs escape, your trembling knees causing you to slide to the floor. At this point, it was impossible to tell if this was the result of fear or a certain unhealthy attraction of yours.
_______________________
The rest of the day went by normally, as far as possible. You helped Mitsuri stretch, served as a test for Zenitsu's new jokes, watched Giyuu's new archery techniques, and finally helped take care of the animals with Shinobu and Obanai. After all, you were new, and you still wanted to gain everyone's trust.
At the end of the day, you just wanted to collapse onto the somewhat hard mattress and close your eyes. But Sanemi's words came back to mind:
"You just need to throw him a piece of meat morning and night, and try to calm that temper."
Your leg starts twitching on its own as you think about your next nightly task. It shouldn't be that difficult, but the other demons must be there too, and that made you even more anxious.
_Did something happen, [Name]? You seem nervous - Mitsuri's sweet voice cuts through your thoughts, and you turn your gaze to the pink-haired girl.
_Ah... it's nothing... it's just that Sanemi left me with the task of feeding one of the oni, but this oni gives me the creeps, it's like he's summoned me and just teases me too...- Your voice overflowing with nervousness, she listens attentively and with an understanding nod, sitting down beside you.
_Look, I was also very afraid of them, but you have to remember that they can't do anything to you, it's difficult, but try to focus on other things when you do this... And about him teasing you, my experience with men tells me that he's interested in you, even though he's an oni he's still a man too - Mitsuri's advice makes you blush shyly as you try to understand everything, responding with a gentle nod.
_Mitsuri! Can you help me find Kabarumaru? - Obanai said, appearing in the room with a slightly worried expression. The white snake was a great partner of the acrobat, so you could understand his sudden interruption of the conversation.
_Ah! I'm coming! Try to get along with him, you've already managed to calm Rui down, try to do the same with him - She said hurriedly, getting up and running to her partner's side during the presentations.
You even thought about adding that Rui really seemed harmless, I mean, he was literally a child, a child who just wanted a family and played with the spiders in the corner of his cage. Now, that other oni was many things, but not harmless.
Left alone again, your thoughts pile up, worry radiating from your skin, but with a long breath, while trying to leave it behind, the slightest courage that arises in your body makes you stand up for the inevitable encounter.
"You can do it... He can't hurt you..."
Repeating a reassuring phrase to yourself, trying in vain to calm down, as the scenes from hours earlier played out in a loop as you walked. The noise of their voices grows louder as you approach, even with the large space between the carriages.
And when one of your hands grips the handle of the sliding door, the sounds cease, and the silence is deadly when the door is fully opened. The dimly lit environment makes you recoil, their eyes all gleaming in the darkness, staring at you in surprise.
_Ah... so you had the courage to come back... how surprising... I don't know if you're brave... or stupid - The familiar raspy voice makes you nervously grip the hem of your shirt.
_I'm not stupid, okay... It's part of my job - You says, slightly revolted by hid insults, raising an eyebrow, a chuckle from Rui echoing in surprise.
_So, you're really going to keep taking care of this bag of bones? - Akaza suddenly speaks as you cautiously approach the cages. The insult makes the green-haired oni roll his eyes, growling angrily.
_D-don't call him that...- You gently reprimand him, swallowing hard and biting your lower lip, frowning. Gyutaro's eyes widen at your words, a fleeting blush hidden beneath the dark markings. Were you really defending him?
_Looks like [Name]-chan is defending her little oni puppy, isn't she? - Douma exclaims with a playful laugh, smiling at the green-haired oni's irritation.
_If you call me a puppy again, I'll jump at your throat at the first opportunity... - Gyutaro growls, his eyes blazing with pure rage, his claws digging into the wooden floor.
_Stop fighting! I only came to feed Gyutaro, and he's not my puppy, just calm down! - With your slightly loud request, they look at each other, then huff angrily, briefly falling silent.
Continuing with the task at hand, you grab the raw meat with a slight frown of disgust appearing. And timidly place it in the same spot where you had put it in the morning, stepping back with a suspicious look, mainly because he hadn't tried to do anything.
_I-I'm going... goodnight to you all - You say hurriedly, leaving the place with quick steps, sighing with relief at last, and able to breathe calmly as soon as you reach the next carriage.
And Gyutaro smiled, seeing yout haste. This would be fun.
"You're wasting, you're wasting all. Of your time finding a cure when there's no disease. You're wasting, you're wasting all. Of your talent on an audience who sees a freak"
🎭 - Circus Freak! Gyutaro x Performer Show! Reader
In this AU, the Oni are not as strong as in the original anime, and they don't have powerful abilities; they are considered inferior beings to humans.
— The newly arrived monster at the circus gave you the creeps, but your task now was to take care of him, so what better way than to try to get along with him.
❗Not revised, may contain errors (This is a test fanfic; I don't know if I'll continue it.)
[1913]
Your fingers drum on the worn wood of the makeshift dressing room, your gaze focused on your own reflection in front of you, a smile plastered on your face as you adjust your tie.
Ten minutes until the show begins.
It was your circus debut, so you had to make a good impression, practicing your lines in the mirror while fixing your hair.
Theater studies weren't worth it in those dark years, but your desire spurred you on, and well, your pay isn't very good, but you get to live in one of the wagons with the other performers for free, and travel the country while enchanting people with magic tricks and performances.
_Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the fantastic Ubuyashiki Circus! Uhm... no, I think I got a little too excited - With the cheerful phrase disintegrating into a thoughtful murmur, you sigh and rub your face, until you notice you've smudged your mascara, muttering curses under your breath.
_Ugh... come on, it has to be perfect, Kagaya himself offered you this job, don't mess it up - Touching up your makeup and letting out an angry groan at your mistake, you don't even notice your superior's calm footsteps approaching behind you.
_Are you ready, Miss [Name]? The opening will begin in a few minutes! - Rengoku's cheerful voice startled you, causing you to drop your mascara on the floor as you gasped slightly in surprise. Rengoku was the organizer of the presentations, and his cheerful face often mingled with the performers to check if everything was going well.
_A-ah! Mr. Rengoku, I... uh... I was just rehearsing some lines, but I'm ready now - He nodded with a smile and helped you up, noticing you crouching down to look for the lost bottle, he kneeling down and retrieving it from the wooden gap in the train.
_Here it is! I'll see how Mitsuri is doing with the acrobatics, I wish you luck! - With a nod and a gentle word, he bid you farewell, leaving you alone to drown in your anxiety.
Two minutes to go. The time has come.
The soles of your Oxford shoes thumped and echoed through the carriages as you made your way towards the exit and the tent. Moving into the last carriage, an obstacle on your path, your gaze lingered on the dark, damp place; large cages and dust everywhere sent a shiver down your spine as you passed through there.None of them here, great.
Quickly passing the small descending stairs, your thoughts pile up as you approach the flashy red tent, the noise of the crowd making you swallow hard.
_I'll manage... I'm just the opening act, the others do much more complicated things, it's just a matter of saying a welcome with a few tricks and that's it - you murmur to yourself, trying to calm down, taking a deep breath and entering the back between the colorful canvas.
The tumult of the participants makes you get caught in the waves of people; in the background you notice Mitsuri stretching with Obanai's help, Tengen tuning his instruments for the soundtrack, and Sanemi choosing which whip to use, and right in the corner, a sharp, cat-like gaze emerging from the cage sunk in shadows, in front of Sanemi.Sometimes you tried to forget this fact about the circus.
_Look at me, you monster! - He screams as he strikes the metal in front of him, the crack of the whip echoing loudly.
This circus was different. Of course, there were jugglers, acrobats, magicians, and clowns... But there was something more. Most circuses had animals like elephants for their performances, but here, there were other creatures.
Dangerous monsters that could have dominated humans, if it weren't for the tranquilizer made from wisteria extract that hunters created. Now, they were exhibits, aberrations tamed and controlled before the curious eyes of the audience who watched the performances with excitement.
Kagaya, the circus owner, along with his family, allied himself with a government entity that controlled these creatures, "onis" as they were popularly called. The circus kept them captive and controlled, and in exchange, they could be exhibited as they saw fit.Deep in your mind, the thought and memory of how these beings were treated filled you with guilt.
Most of them gave you the creeps, but some were even normal, if we could put it that way. Rui really looked like a child, and seeing him in the cage made your heart clench. You questioned yourself, but it was better to just keep everything to yourself.
_You're about to go on, aren't you? Good luck, you're going to be amazing! -Mitsuri's sweet voice cut through your thoughts, and you smiled in thanks as you picked up the decorated baton you would use as a prop for your performance.
Your fingers gripped your pants anxiously, and the sound of the lights dimming on stage made you take a deep breath; it was your cue.Your feet hit the sandy ground, and the white light focused on your figure as you smiled brightly, ignoring the way the stares made you swallow hard.
_Ladies and gentlemen! Girls and boys! Welcome to another great show at the Ubuyashiki Circus! - With a loud and cheerful voice, the applause from the audience calms your nerves a little.
_Today you will witness the most amazing wonders your eyes could ever see! - Your fingers gripped the baton and flexed to spin it rapidly between them as you walked forward, observing the excited crowd.
_Now, follow our incredible artists, who are ready to give you goosebumps! - Abruptly stopping the spinning and pointing to the audience, they are surprised when the tip shoots colorful confetti in front of their eyes.
_Have a good show! - With a final announcement, the lights go out, and when they come back on, you've already left, leaving the audience with cheerful applause and whistles.
You grab the canvas behind your back and pant heavily from the short run, and before you can think, upon reaching the back of the place, your colleagues come to meet you with applause and praise.
_You were great! - Mitsuri says excitedly, grabbing your shoulders and hugging you abruptly, making you gasp.
_It was very extravagant! Quite a debut! - Uzui congratulates you with a smile and a wink, tossing his pale hair back in the process. Rengoku calls out the names of a few to continue the presentation, and they bid you farewell with a hurried wave. Mitsuri stretches one last time, Obanai holds his pet snake around his neck and strokes it, and as everyone begins to leave with quick steps, one of them stops and turns to look at you.
_Ah, [Name]! Another shipment arrived today. Since you're finished, could you go throw one of those raw meat pieces to him? Careful, he's one of the violent ones. It seems his sister will be late, and he's... stressed about the separation - Sanemi asks you, just before heading out onto the illuminated stage. You freeze at the question, looking at him hesitantly; you hated doing this.
_Uh... I... O-of course, I can do that - He nods in agreement, leaving you alone with growing fear and doubt about why you said yes.
Even before you get back into the train cars, loud noises of something hitting metal send shivers down your spine. Your feet tremble as you slowly step onto the stairs, your hands sweat and grip the base of your polo shirt and red vest.
A hesitant pause at the entrance, you take a deep breath and enter the carriage. The moment your body emerges between the dark, metallic walls, the sound stops, and the deadly silence makes you shrink back. The scent of burning wisteria incense is your only companion. Until intense eyes appear, gleaming in the dark, with yellowish-orange sclera, green irises tending towards red, with small, thin, diamond-shaped pupils that stare at you, and you feel your heart skip a beat.
_Huh?... Another idiot human? - The voice was hoarse and raspy, deep as the pitch, making your shoulders instinctively hunch back; the weight of his gaze was suffocating.
_That's provocation... You humans are the worst, weak and fragile, rubbing your arrogance in our faces - Despite the hypocrisy of his insults, since he was the one being held captive, you were still afraid to think what he would do to you if it weren't for the bars separating your presences and the incense weakening him. Suddenly, he leaps from the shadows into the dim light coming from outside, his calloused hands gripping the metal tightly, making you stumble backward and hold your breath.
_Look at you... So pretty... with silky hair, soft skin, and that delicious little body... I'm so envious of you, you know? - The compliments, even if laden with sarcasm, make your eyes widen with a slight, involuntary blush appearing on your cheeks. His appearance was one of the most strange: a strong chest with broad shoulders and arms, but a waist so thin that his pelvis protruded at an unnatural angle; his ashen skin was covered in sinuous, ink-like black marks that fell in uncertain patterns; his shark-sharp teeth made your lip tremble with fear; and his wavy black hair faded to lime green in intricate curls, topped in a messy little bun.
This sensation in your body was pure alert as your back hit the wall of the train car, and a hand gripped your racing heart through your clothes.
Get out of there.
Quick.
That's what your subconscious screamed at the top of its lungs; it was dangerous, he wanted to kill you, and your body couldn't process the sight that he was trapped and couldn't really hurt you. Gasping and sweating, your hands trembled as you banged on the side, searching for the lock to the entrance of the other car.You needed to breathe.
Calm down.
Taking a deep breath, a dry lump rises in your throat as you try to stop the trembling in your legs. Stabilizing your mind, you move slowly forward with deliberate steps; you just needed to grab the meat from the styrofoam box with ice, throw it to him from a reasonable distance, then go to your shared room as if nothing had happened, trying not to have nightmares about that man.You had to succeed, do everything right, impress your colleagues, and gain their trust in you.
_Uh? Hehe... so you finally got the courage, little one? Look at me... am I that ugly? Beautiful things like you don't even dare to look at freaks like me... - He sighed melancholically, even though he laughed sadistically afterward. His eyes shone with a slight sadness, noticing the insecurity he used as his own weapon.
How many times had they called him a freak? You vaguely remember hearing Sanemi talking to Gyomei about how these creatures were originally human, and something transformed them; he was like you, a weak human. With eyes fixed on the floor to avoid looking at him, your hands trembled as your weak knees bent in front of the box, opening it and wrinkling his nose at the smell.
Your index finger and thumb gripped the base of the largest, red, bloody piece of meat, and with his other hand he covered his nose.
Walking slowly, your hand quickly passed through the grate, leaving the meat on the floor, moving away immediately, taking refuge away from the grate. Before crossing to the next carriage as quickly as you could, he looked at you one last time.
"I don't think you're a freak..."
His trembling, soft voice made him raise an eyebrow, narrowing his eyes before seeing his figure quickly disappear.
Processing everything that had happened as you walked to your quarters, and finally collapsing onto the makeshift bunk bed, your attention focused on the wall, the previous events replaying like a film rewinding in your thoughts.
You needed to sleep, but those eyes made you afraid of being haunted in your dreams, but your heavy eyelids won out; sleep was necessary to cope with the chaos of tomorrow's journey on the tracks.
As soon as the moon was in the center of the sky, a deep silence settled over the entire train, in the musty and damp carriage of the monsters, each of them trying to entertain themselves minimally so as not to succumb to the anger and sadness of their prisons. Gyutaro, lying on the floor, stared at the ceiling with a groan escaping him occasionally, his two-toned hair spread in confused waves, his uncertain eyes wandering from side to side, and he groaned angrily.
"I don't think you're a freak..."
Why did she say that? Was it some kind of manipulation tactic? Humans were full of that. Probably.
_Hey! Can you stop grumbling? There are people trying to pretend to sleep here - A punch to the cage next to him makes him frown, lifting his neck to look at the other oni beside him.He had pink hair, and his body was covered in blue tattoos, strong muscles, and an angry face, sitting lazily in the dark corner.
_As if I were going to obey you... - Gyutaro says, clicking his tongue and rolling his eyes, running his black nails along the wooden wall, making a slightly screeching sound.
_You just got here, so don't get cocky, you skinny... - With an irritated look, he leans towards the part of the railing that separated them, raising an eyebrow.
_And you thought I'd be bothered by you calling me skinny? I've been called much more degrading things - An ironic smile spreads across his stained face, and a malicious laugh echoes.
_Good that you know - The irritated pink-haired boy said before he could continue. Another voice was heard nearby.
_Can you two stop fighting? It's getting annoying - The low words made the two turn around, seeing the glint in the red eyes of the shorter oni.
_True, Rui, be mature for once in your life, Akaza - Douma chimed in this time, deciding to interrupt with a melodic and provocative sound.
_Go fuck yourself, Douma - Akaza growled, his teeth grinding and his eyes narrowing angrily at the blond.
_Hey... why did you get a bigger piece of meat? That white-haired guy only gives me a small slice - Rui said quietly, noticing the half-eaten red meat in the corner of Gyutaro's cage.
_Uh? I don't know... A woman gave it to me, she was wearing a red vest, I think - With an irritated reply, he rolls his eyes and his attention returns slightly to the meat, a reminder of the girl from before.
_It was [Name]? She always gives me one of the biggest ones to eat - Douma comments, shrugging and biting the inside of his cheek with his fangs, his sharp claw resting on his chin.
So that was her name?
_I think she's the only one who's even remotely decent in this bunch of humans. So far, she hasn't insulted or whipped me - Akaza growls, leaning his bare back against the wall, crossing his arms in the process.
_Ah, I even like Shinobu too... - Says the one with colored pupils with a cheerful smile, slightly displaying his fangs.
_And she hates you - Adds the pink-haired one with a laugh, tilting his head and causing Douma to give him a cold look.
Gyutaro falls silent as the other three demons continue to argue, his thoughts returning to his mind, and he sees the projection of his face and his words looping in his brain.
