Starter for @vicis
The sun shone through the cracks of a framed window. Its rays warming a figure that laid still within a bed of scattered clothes and sheets. The figure turned as he felt that warmth reach his eyes, the light becoming too much in the end, forcing him to stir awake.
He blinked a few times before slowly sitting up with a yawn.
It was morning already? Must’ve been a good sleep then. The man gave one good stretch before forcing himself out of his warm bed. His kimono from the night before, slipping from his slim shoulders and hanging from his waist by only a loose sash. It was a long night last night, one where he was too tired to change out of his ‘formal’ clothes. A whole day, booked with clients who came far for his company. Craving for his attention just as much as his soft touch.
He sat himself in front of a mirror, looking through the drawers of his vanity to find his comb.
A smile graced him once he found the small wooden tool, eager to comb out the tangles. He slowly ran the comb through his long and soft violet locks. Every now and then small clacks ringing through his luxurious room from the wooden comb accidentally hitting the two different sized horns that protruded from the top of his head.
It was quiet mornings like these that he grew so accustomed to, and how his day would often start. Wake up, get out of bed, brush his hair out, then get himself washed, dressed, and ready for the day. Though this was his usual routine, he did have some mornings where he wouldn’t wake alone. A stranger from the night before would wake with him sometimes. And though they were strangers to each other, he always welcomed that lingering company. It made him feel...wanted in a way. A different way that he wasn’t used to. Though sadly, those mornings were a rarity for him, and much like today he’d woken alone.
He sighed softly to himself, replacing the comb with his own delicate fingers; letting the strands of hair fall and slip through his claws.
A knock on his door disturbed his thoughts as a voice came ringing through,
“Tonight is showcase night, remember to look your best!” followed by the sound of footsteps walking away to the next door, repeating the message.
He hummed, turning to look at himself in the mirror, looking over his sharp yet feminine features.
Aah, I almost forgot about tonight’s event. He thought as he began pulling out all of his hair accessories and makeup from the drawers. Better get things ready soon. He told himself. Though the event took place later in the evening, it would take hours for him to get ready. Being a courtesan was no easy task, after all.
The town was always bustling with activity. Yells could be heard overhead from merchants trying to sell their wares. Either valuable trinkets, or different types of freshly caught game.
The streets were littered with people of all ages and types coming to or from these merchants, while others were simply roaming, wondering where to spend their hard earned pay. Would they want a fancy feast from an expensive shop, or a simple grilled kabob at one of the many stands that stood high on the sides of the streets? Did they feel like they needed a change in their fashion, be it for work or for an important occasion? Perhaps they seeked refuge in an Inn from the hot sun?
All needs were met here in this busy little town of Hiho, and all were welcomed to either partake or share their business. May they be human or demon, or anything in between, there was no judgement here. In fact, Hiho was known to be one of few successful towns that harbored both humans and demons. Most became ghost towns due to lack of business while others fell victim to civil wars. Hiho stood above and away from those problems and instead thrived off of its taboo.
Speaking of taboo. One building in particular at the most outer edge of the town, away from most of the friendly stores, stood out. From it’s colorful and intricate design, to the influx of people that were drawn to it. A building surrounded by others that catered to drunks and gamblers. A building that people would deem the focal point of the red-light district. A brothel with a kanji symbol dripped in gold. It read, Tsumi.
The sun was at its highest point now, and through a familiar window the demon from earlier was adding the final touches to his hair. Tied up neatly, it was held in place with a pair of cyan chopsticks. On one side, his hair fell neatly over his shoulder, while the other had a thinner lock of hair slipping through his floral headpiece that held another pair of jeweled chopsticks betwixt the arrangement of flowers and ribbons.
His bangs hung the same as always, though the longer ones at the sides looped down and around his long pierced ears to meet with the rest of his hair that was tied up.
Not too much changed with his face. His skin was always clear enough that pounds of makeup was not necessary. And his face structure, though it was sharp, was delicate enough that any would mistake him for a woman at first glance.
The furthest he would go with makeup would be for his eyes. Having them lined perfectly with different layers and shades of blues, purples, and pinks. And for added measure, a light pink stain for his lips.
Next, his clothes. A traditional kimono that he wore loose enough for a slit to appear at his knee, helping him move easier, and where the top half would hang comfortably around his naked shoulders.
Its design and colors match that of his headpiece. The base was a lily white, and the edges of the kimono were an ombre of plum and a dark violet, much like his hair. Splashes of blues were mixed within pink floral patterns, and all was tied together with gold that outlined fine little details.
This kimono was by far his favorite compared to the others.
Putting on the last bit of his accessories, the final ones were a pair of gold ankle bracelets that hung over the top of his bare feet, connecting to a ring around his mid toe.
There, now he was all done. With a final look in the mirror, he adjusted his headpiece, making sure it hung snuggly around his horn, then opened his door and left behind his room that he will perhaps be inside again soon enough.
The demon made his way down the stairs and past a few rooms. Ones that were either occupied already by some of his companions with clients, others with parties inside filled with laughter, and some still vacant or being cleaned up.
He wondered, where was he going to fall into today.
Rounding a corner, he finally reached the large entrance where people were lining up to meet the girls, and some boys of the brothel. Like usual, he paid no mind to it, just passing through to reach the main room where most of the workers would meet and chat with customers before their time was bought. Unbeknownst to him, catching a few eyes with his passing. Whether of envy or want, he wouldn’t know until his time was paid for.
The main room was huge. It took up most of the first floor of the brothel since it was where everyone gathered. The wooden floors were covered with pillows of all colors and sizes to make it a comfortable visit. And a stage was at the end where either courtesans would show their musical talents or drunkards would begin serenading the love of their life that would’ve met five minutes ago. Though those were entertaining, he preferred the first. Zoning out the rest just to hear the tranquil music. Ah, to just have that and some tea. It would be so lovely.
Finally spotting a free corner, he made his way over to it, settling himself down on a very large and fluffy green pillow.
It wasn’t long before he already had a couple of men at his feet, sitting beside him.
“Did you want a drink with me?” one asked while the other played with the hem of his sleeve,
“Gods, you’re the prettiest demon girl here.”
He chuckled lightly to himself, his nose twitching at the smell on them. It was clear they had come from the bar next to them, and also very drunk.
“Maybe one drink,” he smiled before turning to the other. A claw coming up to move the hair away from his face while gliding the claw down the side of his cheek “Considering you both have already begun without me.”
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