If I make you my God, the Devil might cry

by Athenayan

Summary:

In which Akutagawa dies and wakes up in another world.

Notes:

English is not my first language.

Why did I decide to create this couple? I dont know. Douma simply turned into an obsession and it went from there.
Ryuu's backstory is similar to "Who Will Own This Town Tonight?", but you don't need to have read it to understand. I always like to explain events in detail.

Chapter name inspired by: Teeth – 5 Seconds Of Summer
Story name inspired by: Devil May Cry, Mako.

Chapter 1: Night devil, put your hands on me

Notes:

I haven't even finished my other story and I'm posting these? Yes. The other is already in the final stretch and I'm doing it little by little. I just need a couple more arcs and that's it. And I felt like posting a different couple and this idea came up.

PS: There will be spoilers, but I try not to make it too obvious, but if there are, you have been warned.
Also, violence because Muzan is a son of a bitch and can't see anyone happy.

PS: honestly, if you're thinking about Akutagawa's morals, I think he doesn't really care about people, if they're not the people he loves. This is pretty obvious in Bungou itself.

 

O trabalho começa cedo, assim que o sol começa a nascer nos longos cantos entre as montanhas e as árvores. Ajudando na cozinha, depois na limpeza e no plantio, na lavanderia se sobrasse tempo.

O dia começa com a preparação do almoço de todos. Eles estão sempre se revezando para que haja o melhor gerenciamento de tempo entre seguidores e servos. Todos parecem mais do que dispostos a gastar cooperando de uma forma ou de outra, mesmo aqueles que acabaram de chegar.

Enquanto isso, ele,  Akutagawa Ryuunosuke,  tem uma missão: acordar o líder do culto para o primeiro sermão do dia antes que ele descanse o resto do dia em seus aposentos.

“Acordar” era uma palavra estúpida para se usar. O líder mal dormia e, se dormia, não deixava ninguém ver.

Insatisfeito com sua vida atual e indiferente ao olhar de desprezo que recebe da maioria das pessoas no templo, ele abre a porta da sala do altar sem se dar ao trabalho de se anunciar.

Deitado em seu altar de confortáveis ​​almofadas vermelhas está o líder do culto e atualmente uma criatura que o mantém refém,  Douma.  Também conhecido e mentalmente nomeado como  filho da puta  .

– Oooh, Ryuunosuke-kun, bem-vindo. Já é de manhã? – o homem com cabelo loiro platinado e bagunçado lhe dá um  sorriso sangrento,  seus olhos de arco-íris brilhando na pouca luz do quarto.

Akutagawa solta um suspiro e fecha a porta atrás de si.

Olhando ao redor da sala, ele encontra o yukata de uma mulher jogado no canto.  Claro.

– You tend to be more careful with who you come to, Mr. Founder. – Akutagawa grumbles and goes straight to the item of clothing, putting it in the basket to get rid of later.

– She was the one who came here hoping I could purify her – he says with a childish pout that doesn't send the desired feeling as long as his lips are still covered in blood. – There is nothing I can do about her rotten heart, but as I am a kind soul who saves people, I let her rest in the eternal paradise within me!

Calling Douma a “man” was a mistake, after all, he was not human.

A people-eating demon. Um, omni.

– Your mouth is still dirty. – Akutagawa points to himself, remembering that other people would soon come in to receive their blessings early in the morning.

– Oh, right – Douma agrees and within seconds, his skin absorbs any blood that still stains his pale skin.

When he was human, Douma was certainly blessed with unique appearance. And even when he was transformed into an oni, he appeared with the same appearance and in the same place, occasionally being chosen from this cult and playing with people.

Akutagawa sometimes wonders why.

Faith in Eternal Paradise.

A cult for people desperate for salvation. They came to the great founder and vented their problems, hoping that he would advise them and guide them to paradise. The great chosen man who could hear the voice of the gods.  

People came from all over to be in the presence of the chosen one or ask for help. The founder did not deny those who gave themselves wholeheartedly to faith. Many of the women who found themselves working and living in the temple were thanks to the kindness of the founder, who protected them from cruel situations.

"Bullshit."

Gods didn't exist and if they did, they weren't there for them. All the desperate people going there were just wasting time. All the rich people who spent money on futile desires. All these people waiting for the founder to choose the next one to go to paradise.

How did he end up there? In another place, in another time? Honestly he didn't know either.

The last thing he remembers is fighting Fukuchi with Atsushi, the blade against his neck and the feeling of choking and drowning in his own blood.

It was a terrible feeling, he still hates playing without a neck because of it. Which sucks considering the invasive people in the temple trying to get some of his scent, since he's the rare and flawed male omega.

Unfortunately for him, the time he woke up was during a period when male omegas were still looked down upon and treated with defects, objectified. Always forced to learn what a normal omega woman would do, but never joining them. Having to do manual labor, but always being diminished.

Akutagawa is tired of this, but since he came from Yokohama, things were no different and he still had to learn to do and deal with the same things.

He has been there for three months and wants to commit suicide every day, however, Douma's constant presence around him doesn't help.

For some reason, Douma enjoyed his presence. To the point where he's always paying attention to him when other people try to make him focus on them.

Perhaps it was due to the fact that Akutagawa discovered the founder's nocturnal activities within a month.

– And how is my lovely omega? – Douma's annoying voice cuts through Akutagawa's thoughts, finally noticing that he was standing there looking at Douma.

– Don't talk to me like that. We're not close and I'm disgusted by you. – Akutagawa says and turns his face, leaving.

– Come back often ~

Akutagawa slams the door.

Serious. He wants to punch Douma's pretty face every day when he refers to him in such an intimate way. Every time the demon refers to him as “his omega” it makes him want to vomit as a shiver runs up his spine.

It's not fair that Douma was born with such an elegant appearance.

Imagine wandering around, your throat painfully pulsing with a dangerous but dangerous bleed, passing out, and waking up to a pair of beautiful rainbow eyes. Not only that, his voice reminded him a lot of Dazai's.

It didn't help that his scent was soft and calm, like a refreshing breeze carrying the salty scent of a storm.

Douma is perfect by birth, they say. Hair, eyes, skin, according to gender. The perfect chosen one was born with predominant alpha genes, but never used it against anyone to take advantage. Even other alphas who dared to try to overpower him had the disappointment and humiliation of being easily brushed aside with a cold stare and his strong presence.

– Akutagawa-san, and the founder? – the woman, Emi asks curiously. She has a basin with clothes under her arm.

– He's already awake and getting ready. – Akutagawa responded politely, just because Emi is a pleasant and kind lady.

– Thank you for your hard work. I am sure His Holiness recognizes your efforts. – Emi says with a smile and leaves him.

Of course Douma recognizes his hard work, the bastard is always paying attention to his movements ever since Akutagawa discovered he wasn't human.

 

** * **

 

It was just any other night, Akutagawa had already improved incredibly quickly thanks to the founder's healing powers . He's surprised by this too.

I mean, the cut looked shallower than he remembered in the other life, dimension ; He doesn't know how to put this situation. But he still bled and left him dizzy. Waking up and the wound having closed was a shock because his first reaction was to know if this founder had any healing abilities .

– Thank His Holiness for saving you. Convert. This way, he will be able to take you to paradise. – The woman, Otoya, said seriously and rigidly.

It was after the sweet lady that Akutagawa learned about where she was. The time was late, but until that moment, it was the same world.

In two weeks, his wound was completely healed, leaving only a scar from his horrible failure in trying to defeat Fukuchi. Dazai wasn't there, but it was very easy to look in the mirror and see his disappointed expression.

He wonders if he will ever see anyone from Yokohama again. Your little sister, Gin. His world.

– Hm, I thank you for saving me. – Akutagawa thanks the cult leader because he is not an ungrateful person. – But I must leave.

Douma just smiles.

- Take your time. Do you have anywhere to go? I am always with open arms to help anyone who needs it.

Because Akutagawa has seen many of these smiles, he knows they are all fake.

Not that he really cares. Whether Douma thinks this is a waste of time or not is not his problem and he just ignores it.

Akutagawa does his best to avoid Douma and his gaze. It's intrusive, as if you're in the presence of a hunter waiting for the opportunity to eat your prey when it lets its guard down.

His way of speaking, always firm and gentle, the tone never too high. His presence that occupied the entire room even when not a single smell emanated. Your words are always careful.

Whenever Akutagawa heard something about Douma, it was like he gave someone some advice or took someone to paradise. Some people were chosen and taken by him ahead of time and others grew old before rising or something like that.

Subjectively speaking, Akutagawa wondered if people were really stupid or were they just pretending not to see anything? I mean, people disappeared overnight.

Douma had sensitivity in his eyes and gave up walking in the sun so he could have more longevity and be able to cure them. Nonsense.

Even so, when Douma walked through the halls with a smile on his face or when he was surrounded by people praising him, Akutagawa thought he simply looked lonely .

One night, after gathering enough food and information, deciding that he was fully recovered and could use Rashoumon at 100%, he decided to at least talk to Douma. Despite everything, he doesn't change the fact that the man welcomed him and saved him.

It was the stupidest decision he made that day.

– Excuse me – Akutagawa stops as soon as he opens the door, his expression dying in a matter of seconds. – Sorry, I'm sleepwalking. – He closes the door.

No, no, no . He just saw things.

Douma wasn't eating one of his followers' arms. That was sauce and the piece she saw was very beefy meat.

He curls up and closes his eyes.

"I have not seen. I have not seen. I have not seen." Akutagawa groans. "Damn it. I saw!"

He just can't believe his luck. A fucked up childhood with bad relatives, a horrible stay on the street, with a broken hope by joining the Port Mafia and just being used again and again, and then dying to save someone he didn't even like for a person he wanted who recognized him, but in the end, he continued without looking at his attempts.

There wasn't even a chance to say goodbye to Gin or Chuuya. His little sister who he did everything he could to raise with safety and strength. And Chuuya, that gentle alpha who could be his companion if Akutagawa had the courage to ask him to accept someone like him more insistently.

“Nonsense. Why would Chuuya-san accept someone like me? He would definitely prefer Dazai-san to me. Or someone like Jinko. He already rejected me once anyway.” Fine tears fall from his eyes. "That's not fair. Why did I only end up here?”

The possibility of Douma coming and killing him during the night was great. At least there would be no one to cry for him since his only family was Gin.

At least everything made sense.

Not being able to go out in the sun because his skin and eyes were sensitive and because it was necessary for his longevity and healing powers . Akutagawa has already heard the conversations of people who arrived there, commenting on the rumors of man-eating demons . That place was the Douma slaughterhouse.

Letting out a long sigh, Akutagawa flinches.

"I am going to sleep." If you're lucky, when you wake up tomorrow, it will all have been a dream.

Ten minutes pass.

He can't sleep.

Firstly, because he is used to the odd hours he stayed awake in the Porto Mafia.

Second, because he never slept much.

And third... It's hard to sleep with a threatening presence in your room.

If you keep ignoring him, he'll leave and in the morning you'll both pretend it never happened.

– I know you're awake, little lamb~

– No, I'm not. – Akutagawa grumbles quietly, hiding under the blanket.

– But are you talking? – Douma questions.

– I talk in my sleep.

Douma is silent for a few seconds.

– That's the most unexpected reaction I've ever seen.

Akutagawa finally decides to take a deep breath and accept that he will have to fight his way out of there. He finds Douma sitting with his legs crossed and his fan open, looking at him mysteriously to the point of sending shivers down his spine.

- I did not see anything. – Akutagawa says seriously.

Douma laughs.

– You're an interesting human, you know? Since you got here, you haven't thrown yourself at my feet. He just stayed quiet, observing, getting information. Even when others despised him for his second gender, he kept a cool head and continued to pretend he didn't care.

– I don't really care what they say or their idiotic cult. I just want to get out of here. – Akutagawa spits irritated. – I honestly don’t give a shit if you eat people or if you’re not human. I don't know and I don't care. Leave me alone and let's pretend this never happened.

Douma hums without giving a real answer on the matter.

Of course, Douma could simply try to kill him there and Akutagawa would have to fight back and show that he had a power, but he also didn't know what Douma was capable of.

– Now, now ~ you know I can't. If you tell anyone I'm lost, you know? I value my followers very much~

– Liar. – Akutagawa narrows his eyes when he speaks, without taking his eyes off the other. – Your voice, your eyes, expression. I can easily tell how you don't care. Killing me must be easy for you, why are you talking?

Douma's eyes widen slightly, the smile never falling from his lips. As if she had never thought that someone would simply look and tell so easily that he was lying in his actions and words.

– It’s not that he’s a smart little lamb. – The smile on his face is empty, although almost no one could tell. Douma bends one knee up, supporting his arm and then his head. – If you don’t believe it, what are you still doing here, little lamb?

The boy frowns, twitching his lips.

- Do not call me like that.

Without saying anything, he is stared at for at least two minutes, however Douma is a patient man , after all, he has decades to live.

– I was going to say that I would leave today and leave early tomorrow. – Akutagawa says reluctantly. Maybe if he's polite, he won't have to fight his way out.

– Hmhm ~ that’s not going to happen, you know ~ – Douma leans to the side. – Either you die or stay !

Narrowing his eyes, Akutagawa slowly looks around, weighing an escape route.

– Why would you want me to stay?

– I'm bored, you know? Talk to me! Everyone here is so ignorant that I feel bored all the time! But you don't care, do you? It's very curious for a human to be indifferent to a demon.

Akutagawa blinks in disbelief at the changing action of the creature in front of him. Of course he knows that the great man chosen by the gods didn't care about his followers as much as he said, but he didn't imagine such indifference.

- You are weird. Most people would worry about this kind of information not being leaked. – Akutagawa watches slowly and takes the blanket off his lap.

– No one will believe you. But it's better not to do that, some believers are a bit fanatical. – Douma says happily, swaying from side to side.

Douma doesn't really care that Akutagawa knows he doesn't care about his faithful. It's been decades since he could actually talk to someone who knew he didn't care. The master hasn't called in years and his best friend just runs away from him like he's the plague. He needed more friends.

– Okay... – Akutagawa says hesitantly.

– But I'm curious. Why aren't you in tears or something? Aren't humans supposed to be, like, heartbroken when they discover horrible lies?

Akutagawa looks at Douma strangely, as if he has a problem.

– Generally you first need to believe the lie told to cause any harm. And honestly – Akutagawa sighs tiredly. – None of this makes any difference to me. I had no expectations of you in the first place... Or anyone else... – he whispers the last part.

Douma continues smiling and looking. Akaza would simply say how disturbing her expression was and punch him to the point of destroying his head. It was no use in the end.

– Poor human. You are all pathetic and desperate – Douma's eyes shine when he speaks. Akutagawa shoots him an annoyed look, only to gasp as his face is grabbed and sharp claws threaten to pierce his skin. – I could just take your pain away right now. You would live forever inside me.

– L-Let go – Akutagawa grunts trying to push Douma off of him, without much result.

– Little omega lamb, your smell is wonderful ~ If you feel despair, I will save you, little mareshi ~

Douma opens his mouth, showing his sharp fangs. Grabbing the hand pressing her shoulder back, she pulls it closer to her teeth. He can feel the pulse of the blood, the way the heart is racing.

– N-No!

Douma's body falls backwards, his head rolling in another direction. Akutagawa presses himself against the wall. The proximity scared him, brought back bad memories. He used Rashoumon.

Oh no, he messed up again. Akutagawa grabs his face and pulls his hair. He killed the leader of a famous cult just because he got scared.

So out of control and useless. It's no wonder Dazai left him and Chuuya got upset with him sometimes.

It doesn't matter. Douma was a demon even if no one knew it. What he needed to do now was run, mourning a death wouldn't make sense now. During the night no one would see him and –

Akutagawa freezes when he sees Douma's body sit up, his fallen head disappears and another quickly appears on his neck.

– What the fuck?

It's the only thing he can say. Of course the demon was immortal.

All the adrenaline that was in your body is immediately directed towards getting away from there.

– Don’t run away, little lamb ~

Akutagawa really isn't going to wait around for a damn oni to eat him. What a lucky person he is – he laughs as he runs as far as he can to get out of the temple.

Akutagawa manages to get outside, the moon is shining brightly in the sky, without a single cloud to hide him in the darkest places.

"Damn it!" There were still many hours until dawn.

Leaning against a tree, he stops to breathe. His chest is burning so much, he just wants to give up right now. If he didn't have to go back to Gin, he would – oh. There is no Gin, because he is alone in this world.

– I told you not to run away. – Douma's voice makes him jump into battle position. Douma is right behind him, elegant and without a scratch. – Now I'm going to have to explain why you ran and all the blood. Seriously – he pouts. – Well, if anyone sees it, I just need to eat.

Akutagawa retreats.

– There’s no point running away, you know? I have your scent recorded and indeed, male omegas have an interesting taste. It really is wonderful to eat them and I can count on one hand how many I have tried given their rarity. You could be kind and not run again, I promise it wouldn't hurt.

– Fuck no. – Akutagawa spits and tries to activate his Skill, only for his head to spin and him to fall to his knees. - "What...? Why is it hard to breathe?”

Clutching his chest, he coughs. The weather suddenly became cold.

– Wow, I didn’t expect the ice to hurt you so much. Humans are really fragile. Trying to survive when there is no way –

– Shut the fuck up. It's annoying. – Akutagawa sits, hands in his lap. Douma blinks, surprised.

- Give up?

– Well, fuck it. I have no one to go back to and honestly, I don't mind dying. But I'd hate to give you the chance to kill me given how nasty you are. – Akutagawa says looking irritated and tired. – Then I stay. Whatever your reason.

– Aren't you scared of me?

– Of course not, idiot.

- Why? I devour humans, see?

– Me too, just in a different way. – Having said that, Rashoumon opens his mouth, growling in a threatening manner.

Douma opens the fan in front of his face, covering half of his lower face. He was thinking about something interesting. It's been a long time since he's been able to have fun with something like this.

– I know – he closes the fan with a loud snap, a happy smile. - Let's be friends!?

– Huh? – Akutagawa’s guard falls with the proposal. - Than you...?

– I'm really quite bored these days. You're the funniest little thing that's happened in years.

Akutagawa opens and closes his mouth.

– What the fuck...?!

 

** * **

 

And now, here he was, trapped in an isolated temple, serving as a servant to a demon. It doesn't help that Douma acted like a little shit to those who knew him.

Sighing, Akutagawa finishes laying out his clothes, listening to the whispers behind him. He doesn't understand why they're acting like they weren't the ones who set him up to do this in the first place.

– Akutagawa-kun – chama Emi. – Sua Santidade solicita sua presença.

Os sussurros aumentam e Akutagawa amaldiçoa Douma por isso. O líder do culto raramente pergunta por alguém e quando o faz, acaba criando um clima de inveja e ciúmes entre as pessoas.

A maioria deles acha que ele está apenas tentando seduzir o fundador com seu segundo gênero. A maioria simplesmente se pergunta quando ele vai embora e o outro sente pena dele ter nascido  assim,  lamentando que ele nunca conhecerá o paraíso.

Essas pessoas não gostariam de se encontrar com nenhum dos dois se soubessem a verdade.

Como sempre, Douma está sozinho em seu altar. A sala mal iluminada, sem nenhuma abertura para o mundo exterior, escondida nas profundezas do templo.

– Conte-me sobre seu mundo. – É o que Douma pergunta na maioria das vezes que é chamado.

Talvez ele não devesse parecer tão confortável perto de um  monstro,  mas ele nunca foi uma pessoa gentil e protetora, para começo de conversa.

Seu mundo provavelmente acabou, sem nenhuma maneira de voltar para o antigo e ele estava sozinho neste novo lugar. Então Akutagawa apenas senta-se aos pés do altar e fala sobre seu mundo.

Em momentos como esse, não é tão ruim estar em um mundo novo.

 

 

Chapter 2: I have some candy for you in here

Summary:

Day to day in cult.

Notes:

Gift for Ryuu's birthday.

 

Despite appearances, the days at the cult were not the easiest. Not for Akutagawa at least. He is an omega and Douma is interested in him, in the eyes of other people his actions are nothing more than attempts to manipulate the cult leader.

It is no surprise that Douma considers them inferior creatures. Unable to decide or think for themselves, waiting for someone else to come along and tell them how to proceed.

That said, Akutagawa is perhaps like them, just a parasite. There was never anything he really wanted to do.

– Do you hear the wind? – the voice caught him off guard.

– Did you eat something bad? – Akutagawa asks back to Douma's amusement. The oni is coming through the outer hallway, past the garden where Akutagawa was relaxing after work.

– I fucked a woman a little past her age. – He responds with an innocent smile.

- You are disgusting. – Akutagawa says without expression. – Go away – he uses his hand to wave and push him away.

As always, Douma does what he wants and sits next to him. Probably the more someone tells him to go away, the more forcefully he comes back to make that person's poor life hell.

– But Ryuunosuke-kun didn't come to see me this week. I felt lonely. I'm like a rabbit. I'll die if I'm alone. – Douma opens his arms, as if expecting a hug, even leans in, only to be stopped by a hand in his path.

– Then die, please.

Douma straightens his spine and looks at the same place as Akutagawa, only seeing the plants in the garden. Some he doesn't remember being there before.

– Did you plant them? Is that why you're here alone instead of coming to see me? – he asks curiously.

– Don't make it sound like I'm missing an important appointment. Also, I'm planting wisteria. – Akutagawa throws a vengeful smile at the demon next to him who gasps in horror.

– I tell you something and you’re already thinking about how to use it against me! – Douma covers his mouth, trying to sound as hurt as possible.

– You didn't tell me that. I heard from new followers. You just confirmed it.

Akutagawa remembers with amusement when the other day he went with the greatest of good intentions to deliver a flower to Douma. A wisteria by the way, only to have him look at it coldly for 0.5 seconds, smile and say he was allergic.

It doesn't really enter your head how no one noticed Douma's lack of humanity.

– Seriously, your followers are dumb. – Akutagawa drinks the tea that he left cold next to him, sighing with pleasure when the warm liquid warms his throat. – Does not walk in the sun, allergic to wisteria, healing powers, does not age – another sip. – Such denial.

Douma watches him, shaking his head from side to side, in disbelief at the ignorance of the others around them. Douma agrees, on the other hand, it's more interesting how Akutagawa acts on it. He noticed things that no one noticed in the first place and ignored the fact that he wasn't human.

Whether Akutagawa was just stupid or indifferent, Douma has not fully decided.

When Douma goes back to think about the past, he wonders if that woman would talk to him like that if she had decided to stay instead of running away.

He doesn't understand humans, nor their feelings. He was never considered one. Always above others and treated as untouchable. People were always expecting so much from him that they forgot that back then he was just a child who was born a little different.

Add all this to the lack of compression on people's feelings and Douma would be a match for society.

Despite this, he doesn't consider himself such a heartless person. I mean, he enjoyed that woman's company. He likes evening walks and lovely young girls. He still listens and gives helpful advice to the humans who crawl in seeking his protection and guidance.

The only problem is that he doesn't care about any of that. It's a shame that woman discovered the truth, but it's easy to get over her death. There is no sympathy for the sad stories of those who come to him in search of salvation.

Looking at Akutagawa, Douma wonders how much longer until he gets sick and finally kills him.

Humans are so special . Surely, the boy is worth hundreds of people. A mareshi, a male omega and that Ability User.

Never in his life had he heard of people with such powers. It wasn't Kekkijutsu, nor breathing that the Hunters used. It was curious and interesting. Douma wanted all the information possible on the subject and Akutagawa didn't seem bothered telling him about it and his world, as if he had already given up on hoping to live a very long life.

Douma wonders if that's why every thing Akutagawa tells him is unique, to try and keep him interested in more.

But it was his job to offer salvation to humans, so he tries to be kind to everyone. In exchange for Akutagawa's understanding and sincerity, he will be a firm presence by your side that will help you move forward.

Douma just doesn't understand why Akutagawa keeps running from him. Maybe it's because he's a demon. It doesn't make sense though, Akutagawa doesn't seem afraid of him in the first place.

– Don’t strain your brain too much, that way it will stop working altogether. – Akutagawa scoffs next to him, breaking him out of his thoughts.

– You are always so cruel to me.

– It’s not just you, so it’s not favoritism.

Akutagawa's scent is gentle, like old books that have been perfumed with the fragrance of earth and blood . It is weak most of the time, as if trying to go unnoticed, but it becomes easily bitter when a depressive feeling takes over.

The smell of blood is delicious, it makes him want to bite its flesh every time. It's amazing how he hasn't done it until now. The first time he laid eyes on Akutagawa, he thought of devouring him when hunger came again and let him recover until then.

He is sure that others would not try to resist so many nutrients. If Douma devoured Akutagawa, he could certainly be stronger than even Kokuboshibo himself and –

- What are you doing?!

Douma blinks when he realizes what he is doing, leaning close to Akutagawa, his nose almost buried in his neck, while he moves his torso away from his body, his hand protecting the area in terror.

Since his neck was healed, Akutagawa has been very protective of the place. Douma can relate to the feeling, after all, he himself would die if his neck were cut off, but he has the feeling that Akutagawa walked away for another reason.

– Oh, it’s just that your blood tastes so good that I couldn’t resist and –

Douma stops, mouth and eyes open in shock. He blinks a few times, trying to recover his thoughts from minutes ago.

This would have been unthinkable even months ago, no one, absolutely no one would have such courage and audacity to go and simply throw tea in his face.

Akutagawa is still protecting his neck as he stands up, stumbling as he leans on his right leg, but he quickly heads inside, dragging the shojis with fury. He leaves Douma behind without caring if she angered him or not.

– Omega brat – Sir?! What happened? – another old servant, Sougo, appears behind Akutagawa, stopping when he sees his master's wet face and clothes. - My Lord? Was it... Was it that boy? Everything is fine?

Douma laughs, immediately scaring Sougo who walks away.

– I'm fine Sougo. It was my fault after all. Don't worry about that. Ryuunosuke-kun was tired and went to rest. Let it. – Douma speaks softly, using the sleeve of his haori to wipe his face.

– But sir –

–Don't worry, don't worry~ It wasn't hot or anything. I'm going back to my room now!

– Y-Yes!

Douma leaves without letting Sougo say anything else, after all, it's a little cute that the omega is shy about something so silly.

He will play more another day.

 

 

Notes:

Comment if you like it.

Chapter 3: My nose is drawn to a wonderful smell

 

– Nee, mommy, why can't I go outside?

The four-year-old asks, listening for her mother's response, rainbow eyes focused and wide.

His mother did not give him an immediate response, continuing her work of arranging his clothes for the ceremony that was approaching at the end of the night.

- Mommy -

– You are the chosen one. We can't risk someone hurting you. You must stay inside, don't leave. Never, understand? And don’t call me “mom.”

These words were not spoken with concern and kindness, but in a distant tone of coldness. There was no warmth in his eyes or his tone.

– Tell me do you understand? – the black-haired woman insists, pressing her nails into her arms a little too hard.

Because the child doesn't want to be punished and resigned to going through a long purification fast again, he just puts a smile on his face and agrees.

– Of course, ma'am. I understand.

The child never left his room and when he did it was only to go straight back to the altar, where he could be worshiped, without even being old enough to understand people's stories or even give an answer for himself.

 

** * **

 

The flowers were dead.

They were close to blooming, but now they were withered and lifeless. After so much effort to work and convince the men who normally come down the mountain to bring the right equipment and nutrients.

Of course, it's easy to figure out what caused your flowers to die, like who did it. The man himself does not try to hide his actions.

Someone poisoned your plants and now they have died, without even having a chance to become a beautiful bouquet.

Akutagawa suspira.

The more time he spends in this stupid, isolated temple, the more his sanity is slipping away.

– Don't worry, you can try again. Sometimes it doesn't work the first time! – Emi tries to comfort him in a gentle way.

He's not particularly worried about the plants dying per se, but because it's getting annoying to deal with. Douma and some rare followers like Emi can be nice people, but others are annoying him.

Rubbing his sore arm, Akutagawa sets aside the dead flowers to go to the kitchen, leaving the problem to be dealt with later.

The kitchen is as expected, half the women look at him like he's a nuisance and the other half try to be kind. From what he knows, he's probably the best cook there, considering his knowledge of another time and his incredibly good memory that may not have been diagnosed for the first time yet.

- What are you doing? What are you putting in? – one of the women approaches, irritated by his unilateral attitude of changing the recipe. – Don’t do anything on your own! If His Holiness doesn’t like it –

Akutagawa ignores whatever the woman was saying and continues stirring the pot. Their food lacked seasoning, which often made everything tasteless and bland. And also, Douma didn't even eat the same food as them.

- You are listening?! – the woman growls irritated.

– Hmm, not really. – Akutagawa responds without even looking at her.

– How disrespectful! Listen kid, you're an omega. Need to obey the hierarchy –

– Fuck the hierarchy. – Akutagawa spits with disgust. – It's not like you gave me a reason to. Besides, you're just another omega, Otoya.

– Leader of the omegas –

– Well, I'm a male omega. I'm not part of your group.

– Not from anyone! You are a match! The only reason you are still here is because of the kindness of His Holiness! – the woman puts her hands on her hips, the other women whispering among themselves, some agreeing and others scared by Otoyako's action. – Don’t forget your place! This way, His Holiness will never take you to paradise –

– I hope he takes you to hell!

Smack.

Akutagawa looks hatefully at the woman standing in front of him, hand outstretched and teeth grinding in anger after the slap. Akutagawa is the one who should be feeling the most angry at this moment, he was the one who was hit.

– How dare you insult his Holiness?! What a horrible omega.

– It’s as dramatic as it is weak.

- You! Your -

 

** * **

 

Even after having his face wet with tea, Douma didn't seem embarrassed to act as if nothing had happened between them. Akutagawa also didn't seem willing to drag the matter out and acted normally, that is to say, in the usual indifferent and rude way.

– What happened to your face? – Douma motions for the black-haired omega to come closer, so he can get a better look at the reddish bruise on his left cheek, slightly dark in the center.

– I was training during the afternoon break. – Akutagawa speaks easily, letting the demon lightly press the area.

Douma looks into his eyes for a few seconds, curious. There are no lies in his eyes and his pulse is normal, he can tell by the pressure he makes lightly on your neck with the tip of his little finger.

Removing his hand, Douma hums in agreement. It didn't really matter what happened, someone will bring the gossip to him.

– Tell me about your world. – He says again, lying down on the soft, comfortable pillows.

Most simply viewed the altar as a luxurious nest , filled with high-quality pillows. It seemed strange that an alpha could like something that was normally made for omegas, but his parents had always insisted that he be as comfortable as possible and what's better than a well-made nest?

The cult leader himself seemed to care about subgenres so casually and flippantly that whispers were minimal, until even newcomers became accustomed to their leader's eccentric tendencies.

Anyone in their right mind, especially the other omegas, wished they could snuggle in the nest and dreamily accompanied by Douma. Although to the sadness of her followers, Douma never showed romantic interest in anyone.

Douma was always quick to offer compliments and try to lift someone's spirits, but he never seemed to get very far. The most daring were quickly pushed aside by other older followers who viewed Douma as god himself and believed that there was no one on equal footing with him.

– We had planes. They flew through the skies, crossing the seas to reach other countries – Akutagawa said nostalgically. He hugged his knees, remembering good old Yokohama, the nights he had dinner with his sister. – It was quite scary the first time to be honest – he smiles. – But the trip was actually fun –

Every time Akutagawa talked about his world, Douma thought about how he seemed to miss it so much. Douma thought he would also feel the difference in times if he were in his place.

– There was that time I went to Russia and there was a huge library there. I love books and calligraphy and –

Akutagawa talks a lot about the tourist spots he visited in his world, the exuberant amount of riches and different books that he tried to read a new book almost every day no matter how thick they seemed.

He's starting to look a little like his followers. Talking nonstop.

Douma looks. The way he is lying down, the angle does not allow him to see the face of the human sitting on the floor at the foot of his altar. He imagines that his eyes must be shining a lot. There isn't a human who doesn't like receiving attention, right?

Boredom is setting in again, but...

– Do you remember any?

– Hmm? – Akutagawa looks over his shoulder, confused. His eyes widen when he notices how close Douma is.

He can't say much, not when he feels like he can't stop looking at the blond demon. Douma is not smiling, in fact he looks like he is feeling immense boredom, and on the other hand, his eyes are shining.

- The book.

- The book...?

– Yes. The book. You said your memory was good. – Douma’s voice sounds low and soft.

Akutagawa blinks and opens his mouth, immediately feeling his face heat up. Swallowing the lump that has formed in his throat, his hands shake and it takes a lot for him not to give away how he's feeling through your scent.

– Y-Yes... I remember... I have a good memory. – He tries to say naturally, but his voice shakes.

- I see...

Using his fingernail, Douma lifts Akutagawa's chin a little more, bringing him closer.

Akutagawa feels like he is hypnotized, it feels like there are fluffy clouds in his head that don't let him think clearly.

The smell was so pleasant... Akutagawa would like to drown in it.

The brunette's mind focuses on a single word that echoes throughout his head. With great effort he clears the clouds from his head, jumping away in disbelief. Douma looks slightly confused, but offers a smile in his direction.

At this moment, Akutagawa cannot say whether this was on purpose or not, however, the result was the same: he let his guard down. Not only did he let his guard down around an alpha, he let his fucking guard down around a demon who was keeping him trapped in a temple away from civilization because he's bored.

Touching his face, he feels a slight warm, liquid flirtation run down his cheek. Akutagawa brings it back to the front of his face, seeing blood on his fingertips.

Taking another look at Douma, he sees him place his fingernail between his lips and close his eyes, letting out a satisfied hum before opening his eyes. The rainbow hue shone brightly in contrast to the frightening smile he widened on his lips.

– You really have incredible taste… – he hums. – Why don't you let me taste some more?

Akutagawa steps back and is surprised at himself for his hesitation. He is sure that if Douma really wanted to kill him and devour him then, he wouldn't need to use his alpha perfume . And that's what offended him the most .

If Douma were to try to kill him to feed himself and grow stronger, if Akutagawa lost, he wouldn't have any regrets. However, being overwhelmed by alpha intentions was simply the same thing everyone else was trying to do. Given Douma's aloof personality and actions, he thought the demon was different.

– You are no different from humans after all.

He doesn't know what expression he was making for Douma's smile to fall like that, giving way to a surprised expression, but Akutagawa doesn't really care, he just turns and leaves.

He needs to get out of there. Soon .

 

Chapter 4: Holding each other close, never touching

Summary:

Douma has a lot on his mind right now.

Notes:

I know it took me a while, but it's actually difficult to translate this into English, especially when it's not my native language. And by the way, you have the brilliant idea to start another story ☺️
I'll probably post it.

Without further ado, the chapter.

 

The days pass slowly and tediously as always. Almost every day new people arrived looking for the one chosen by the gods, in search of guiding words and salvation. Douma always welcomes them with open arms with a kind smile and calming words of reassurance.

The servants continue to come and go about their business, bringing food that he doesn't eat, but pretends to. They let them think that they are really useful in their day-to-day actions, and listen to their doubts and offer their opinion in a friendly way.

How can you not love someone like Douma?

How could anyone look at Douma and not wish they were by his side? Hear your comforting words?

Then why? Why didn't Akutagawa come back?

Douma cannot understand. Even when Akutagawa found out he was a demon, he didn't look at him like that, as if he had stabbed him in the back.

It's not like he can't live without seeing Akutagawa, on the other hand, he would still like to understand. Unfortunately there was no one to answer his questions, because Akutagawa never returned.

Whenever Douma was around, Akutagawa would simply run away. Even during the night, the brunette continued to insist on running away from him. He even went so far as to use his words against him, saying that he has been behaving and staying quiet, so it was only fair that Douma left him alone.

– Otoyako-san has been more rigid these days – said a woman who was cleaning the hallway.

– Poor omega boy. Otoyako-san and Sougo-san are always behind him – another says even more quietly, not wanting other people to hear them gossiping.

Douma briefly listens to the conversation when he passes by, but does not approach. Akutagawa said to leave him alone, which Douma normally wouldn't listen to, on the other hand he is curious to know how long Akutagawa can handle being isolated from others.

At the end of the day, thanks to the assigned tasks, Akutagawa would still go to Douma to warn him about something, but his exchanges were quick and he would move away whenever Douma asked about another subject in his world.

– You haven't been coming to visit me anymore. – Douma says sadly, making a hurt pout.

It doesn't seem to have much effect on Akutagawa who just looks at him as if he is immensely tired. The look on his face was distant and empty, he didn't have the same fire as the boy who reacted so unusually when he discovered he was a demon.

Akutagawa still seemed far from caring, on the other hand, it was as if something was missing and Douma couldn't say what. He's a little upset actually, the stories Akutagawa told about his world were fun, they took his thoughts away from the monotony, but now Akutagawa was like a ghost and the days went back to how they were before.

Douma didn't like being ignored, Akaza himself said so and cursed him every time he saw him. No, Akaza and this human are different. Pushing Akaza's buttons wasn't like pushing Akutagawa's buttons.

No matter how mature the omega tried to be, he still shrank when someone higher up caught his attention. Even though Akutagawa fought back, there was always hesitation in his actions, almost imperceptible, but Douma is able to notice it by the soft smell emanating from him.

The omega was easy to deal with even. He was easily angered and could equally be pleased. A few kind words here, some compliments there and Akutagawa could be doubled.

– That is all. – Akutagawa stops talking. He clearly noticed that Douma wasn't paying attention, however that was his problem and he didn't intend to drag out his time there any longer and turned his back to leave.

Douma takes his face away from his hand, confused.

– Oh, are you going already? Wait, Ryuunosuke-kun ~ be nice and stay –

- Excuse me. – Akutagawa lifted his chin a little, as if he hadn't heard anything Douma said and left.

Douma sighed.

– He's in a bad mood. What do I do? Ryuunosuke-kun doesn't talk to me, I'm bored – Douma stops immediately. A slight feeling of confusion lights up in her head.

This is strange, to say the least.

Standing, he quickly makes his way to a certain older woman. If there was anyone who could be discreet in that place, it was definitely her –

– Me. I!

The woman stops cleaning the floor in the hallway when she sees her leader approaching a little hurriedly. There was a younger girl, Tsukuyo. The two look curiously at their leader, waiting for him to tell them what he needs.

– Your Holiness, what’s the matter? – Emi asks.

Without saying anything, Douma takes one of Emi's hands and brings it closer to himself, making both women gasp in surprise. Douma places Emi's hand on his forehead.

– I think I'm sick Emi!

Emi's eyes widen, turning her attention to feeling the temperature of her leader's skin. She is terrified just thinking about an idea like that. Since she came to live in the temple, she had never seen her leader get sick. He was blessed by the gods with good health too, so they said.

– Your temperature is normal, Your Holiness! What are you feeling?!

– Should I call a doctor? – Tsukuyo asked worriedly, trying to be helpful.

- My chest. Here – Douma points his fingernail at his chest. If he were alone, he would probably scratch given the force he would put into trying to make the sensation go away. – There’s something strange!

– Does your chest hurt?! – Emi tries to find out more details. Douma is still holding her hand, even though she is no longer pressing it to his forehead. - Sir -

– It’s not really a pain, it’s a sensation.

– How does that feel?

He paused for a while, trying to think of a way to describe it. He couldn't just speak his mind, as it would definitely scare the two women.

– Hmmm... It smells like this... – Douma closes his eyes, remembering when he was lucky enough to feel the softness that accompanies the mocking but clearly amused smile. – It's so irresistible. I feel like I want to drown in it. – He can't say he wants to literally devour that smell.

Emi and Tsukuyo look at each other, trying to follow their leader's line of reasoning.

– R-Right... And His Holiness... Tried... to do that? – Emi asks slowly and carefully. The woman thinks she has a slight idea of ​​what happened there. Honestly, she hoped she was wrong.

On the one hand, Emi and the others always saw Douma as unreachable. He was brilliant and mysterious. There was no other like him. Everyone trusted and followed Douma loyally. It is unusual to think that even the enlightened have such impure thoughts .

On the other hand, it occurs to Emi that Douma was also human. Everyone treated him like someone who couldn't be touched, too far away from them. There were only two people who treated Douma as an equal. A woman who passed away many years ago, who Douma loved to hear her sing. And now, that omega boy who arrived. With a grumpy face, but at the end of the day, he had done all his duties and was talking to Douma as if they were friends .

Douma stares at Emi, without giving a direct answer. Sweat runs down the woman's forehead. Emi summons the courage from within to ask.

– Your Holiness... Does this have to do with Akutagawa-kun? – Emi watches Douma walk away from her, covering half of her face with his golden fan. Something he always does when he's thinking about an answer. - Sir...?

– Pernas...

The problem with Douma is that everyone came to him for their answers. Douma himself had to discover his, even at a young age. Even if he went to his creator or one of his oni “companions” , none of them would help him find an answer that satisfied him.

– Your Holiness... Maybe I'm getting too involved... – Tsukuyo approached a little, shyly bringing the conversation to herself. – The smell of omega – I say, Akutagawa-kun, does it please you?

Douma tilts his head.

– Yes.

– Your Holiness by chance... – Tsukuyo feels the elbow that Emi gives her in the ribs, but that doesn't stop her. As an omega who has been married, she may be imagining things, on the other hand, perhaps it is not a mistake on her part. – Did you try to smell it ?

Emi makes a noise, a little indignant at Tsukuyo suggesting that Douma would be so rude. Douma, however, stares at the two in silence.

– Should not?

Emi's eyes widen and Tsukuyo covers her mouth.

Douma is certainly older than everyone there, but Douma didn't have anyone to teach him many things. His parents were nothing more than bosses and after their deaths, his caregiver still didn't help him understand things as they really should be. Even Master Muzan didn't like him and would leave him aside whenever he finished the work he had ordered.

He always left his alpha side aside, especially when he became an oni. He saw many couples interacting, but he didn't understand them. Sniffing and perfuming seemed normal.

– Sir – Emi tries to speak, only for Tsukuyo to step in front of her, a little irritated. She surprises even Douma.

– It cannot! Your Holiness, this is something intimate between couples or even pack or court mates! The scent gland is something intimate! You can’t –

–Tsukuyo-chan! Don't talk to His Holiness like that – Emi tries to stop her, but Douma seems really interested in what she's saying and signals Emi to shut up.

– Your Holiness, you need permission for this! It is very important that there is trust. – Tsukuyo says seriously. – If you even just get closer, it could cause a disagreement! Especially with Akutagawa-kun! Have you seen it? He always seems ready to run away! And he has these scars! I'm sure he went through a lot of difficulties!

– Ryuunosuke-kun seems to like my smell a lot – Douma comments thoughtfully, remembering the times the omega couldn't resist and breathed deeply in his presence.

– Yes, but, I mean – Tsukuyo stutters with a reddened face. – I don't think there are many people who don't like the smell of sir! I think only the most territorial alphas bother!

– All the omegas and betas here always calm down in your presence. – Emi adds, creating a little courage to complete Tsukuyo's words. – I don’t think Akutagawa-kun is a different case, but –

– Akutagawa-kun is not close to anyone else! – Tsukuyo cuts Emi. – He is not part of the omega group, but he does not fit into male work either. – Tsukuyo looks a little uncomfortable when she says that. – It must be difficult for him actually... – her expression saddens along with Emi’s.

– What does that mean? – Douma asks confused.

– As mature and strong as Akutagawa-kun may be, omegas still need company. A pack. – Tsukuyo responds. – Lonely Omegas are often depressed.

Douma blinks once, twice, thinking about what Tsukuyo was telling him. That didn't mean that Akutagawa was fine until now because of him, but when he tried to sniff him without permission, it made him pull away and become depressed?

No, no, no. That didn't make sense. Akutagawa was strong , even by human standards. He wouldn't be brought down by something as small as his secondary gender, would he? Or else, Douma was expecting too much from him. Humans will always be humans after all.

That explained why Akutagawa seemed so distant the last few days, as if he did things out of obligation. The way his eyes seemed empty and his words seemed without their usual bite, so flat and half-hearted.

– I'm sure that if Douma-sama is sincere, Akutagawa-kun will understand that it was not a malicious action! – Tsukuyo closed her fists close to her chest, a hopeful smile shining.

– Tsukuyo! – Emi scolds her. Surely, Douma just wanted to do it with Akutagawa if she felt more comfortable, there was no way there could be feelings beyond that, right?

What if it was...? Emi turns a little pale. It's a little strange to think about since Douma has never shown interest in anyone before. No, that kind.

But if there were...

Many followers wouldn't take it very well, although it wasn't impossible to happen and Emi wouldn't wish a life of loneliness on her savior. If it is the young omega, Emi feels that she can rest a little at ease, after all, Akutagawa treats Douma as an equal and Douma seems to like that, even if she doesn't quite notice it.

– His Holiness must start with small things! Compliments! Gifts! – Tsukuyo's eyes shine as she speaks and Douma thinks she is diverting her thoughts in a direction she shouldn't.

– Don’t go that way, sir! – Emi gently pushes the youngest to the side. – What Tsukuyo is saying is that if you just go back to being friends with him, Akutagawa-kun will be fine. He doesn't need to do... all of that . Akutagawa-kun might end up confusing these actions. Maybe it's not a good idea –

– I understand! Don't worry Emi, Tsukuyo-chan! As the leader here, it's my duty to help everyone feel at home and cared for! It's not fair to Ryuunosuke-kun to be isolated! I'll take care of it. – Douma nods with a polite smile. – Thank you both.

– It was nothing! – they both respond at the same time, lowering their heads.

Even though their minds were probably going in the opposite direction of what Douma was actually thinking, it was still quite enlightening.

Humming, Douma walks back to his altar, already having an idea of ​​how he's going to get Ryuunosuke to collaborate with him again.

 

 

Notes:

I like the idea that Douma doesn't understand feelings and gets confused when something new appears to him.
It turns out that Akutagawa is quite difficult to deal with and he will struggle a bit.

Chapter 5: Everyone is captivated by you

Summary:

A moment of reflection.

Notes:

Ryuu thinks about parameters between Dazai and Douma.

 

The sunset was beautiful from that angle. It wasn't possible to see everything since the trees and the temple itself blocked a full view, but Akutagawa could still see the way the sky was darkening from a light orange to a reddish orange and purple hue.

He takes a sip of tea, satisfied.

The last few weeks have been difficult and complicated, but in his other life, they were too, so he is still in the game. Although he doesn't know what game he was playing.

During these two weeks, Douma hasn't been insisting on looking for him either. That's good, on the other hand, Akutagawa thinks he's up to something.

If for some sick reason in his weird head, Douma thinks Akutagawa will come running back, he's very wrong. He has years of resilience to endure alone. It won't be an idiot like Dazai who will make him weaken now.

He sighs, resenting his omega for being so treacherous and enjoying Douma's company like this. It was just one scent among many.

Douma also treated them well.

– Fuck – he curses to himself, irritated.

It was like being surrounded by enemies everywhere he went. Even though it seemed like Douma was his friend, he wasn't, after all, he had already said that it was only as long as he behaved himself. The moment Akutagawa stepped out of line or tried to run away, it would be easy for the demon to kill him.

Akutagawa is sure he can run away and live like this for a long time. There are Hunters after all. On the other hand, he doesn't feel any desire to. After all, there was no point in it in the first place.

Gin wasn't there with him.

– Fool the media with your beautiful smile... ♪ [1] – he whispers, closing his eyes. – Everyone wants to know her big mysterious secrets... Even if she's not herself, she's still on paper... She's a perfect liar... ♪

This song was one of her little sister's favorites. Ever since she watched and heard it, Gin loved to sing it around the house. A distant dream of a little girl who looked up at the bright stars on a cold, dark night, huddled with only cardboard and her friends for warmth, she dreamed of being something more. Loved.

What wouldn't he give for her to have realized that dream instead of living in this dark world of killing? He was happy to know that he had Gin by his side, but also unhappy to know that she would never achieve her dreams of a normal life.

– “What is it like to love someone? I don’t even know what that means” I can’t even tell if that’s true or false ♪  –

A certain man once told him that if he wanted to get ahead in life, if he wanted to become really strong, he would have to be perfect. The kind who didn't let his guard down, who was able to have more than one face for different moments. From that day on, Akutagawa learned .

No, he changed.

He would never let Dazai or anyone hurt him again. No more trusting someone only to be betrayed and left behind. No more relationships he couldn't control. No more expecting so much from someone. No more being something so different from himself that he couldn't control someone else.

And he did, he rose through the ranks. He became strong and cunning. He became necessary. And yet, Dazai came and knocked him down again.

Touching his neck, he feels resentful. Dazai wanted him to protect Atsushi, but he expected their defeat? Did he even grieve over his death? Or did he just blame him for everything like always?

Dazai's fake smile appears in her mind and blends with rainbow eyes, fading into platinum blonde hair and a plastic smile. Even their tone of voice was similar.

Akutagawa remembers confusing the two thanks to the voice he heard that night.

Walking through the streets, his throat wet, the feeling running down his chest as Rashoumon tried to stop the bleeding. The confusion in his mind. The pain, the fear.

He faints and hears a voice that shows all his pity and malice. It was Dazai-san. His former mentor, his former lover, came for him. And he calls out to him, stretches out his hand and hopes he will save him.

By some whim, the man saves him. Weeks later, Akutagawa doesn't know why the demon didn't kill him in the first place. He was almost dying and was a special type of human, worth many, who would give energy and power to the demon and yet, Douma brought him to his home and gave him time to recover. And tried to act like friends with him?

Akutagawa doesn't understand him.

– Everyone is captivated by you...♪ – Douma's face expressing a hurt pout appears in his mind. – You are perfect par excellence... You can never go back. A reincarnation of the first star.

Douma treated him like a person, not like a weapon, not like someone who was hurt, not like an omega. Even though Douma pitied him, he still treated him normally for his stupid standard of hierarchy.

– With that smile and that “I love you”, you make everyone love you... ♪ – Akutagawa brings his knees close to his chest and hugs them. – With those eyes and those words... Even if it’s a lie, it’s perfect love ♪

Akutagawa digs his nails into his legs, irritated by the thoughts that go back to the time when Dazai looked at him with disdain for failing, when Chuuya walked past him and ignored him.

Everything around him irritates him, the people, the place, those stupid clothes . Until then, he had no peace. Otoyako simply ends up taking all his Western clothes when she can get them, saying that as an omega, he shouldn't wear pants.

– You're not perfect... I can't forgive you... I can't forgive myself... ♪ – biting his lip, he swallows a sad growl from his omega. – We won't accept another “you” if you're not perfect ♪

Sometimes, seeing Douma walking around the temple, Akutagawa wonders how many times he was truly smiling. How many times he can talk to someone just being himself.

He might be being arrogant, but he thinks Douma's childhood was pretty lonely. Even though he had "everything" he wanted, he also couldn't want anything.

The soft sound of a voice singing softly to himself is lost in the sound of the leaves swaying in the force of the wind. Akutagawa wouldn't be as comfortable if he were around other people. No matter how much he drank at a party or messed around elsewhere, in the end, he would always return to sit somewhere alone to enjoy the silence.

But Douma was different, wasn't it?

Despite being surrounded by people, he was always alone.

– Everyone believes in you and admires you... You are the strongest and most invincible of all... ♪  – somehow, he reminded him of someone . With red eyes and brown hair. – You can't have a single weakness... ♪

Dazai was always strong and imposing, never letting his guard down around anyone. And even when he did, Akutagawa fondly remembered the times he had been with him in those moments. When even in the darkness of the organization, everything seemed hopeful.

– Don't show the weakness of your heart. Don't let people see your unknown side. They won't accept something that isn't unique... ♪

He's a little irritated at this point.

Why does he have to keep playing at being good and polite in the first place? Douma said that if he behaved himself, nothing would happen to him. And yet, there are Otoya and Sougo on his tail every second of the day, with Douma ignoring him.

No. Akutagawa did his best to keep him from coming.

Somehow, the thought of bothering Douma with such trivial things felt wrong. He didn't want to be like the other followers of the temple. Because Douma found him fun to be around when no one else did.

“That’s unfair.” He thinks.

Why are your heart and omega so traitorous? So desperate to find someone? Even if it made you suffer.

Trial and error was no use if every attempt left him with painful, cruel scars.

– Since the first day I met you... You completely stole my heart... Wrapped in a mysterious atmosphere... You had a sad look... ♪ [2] – the noise that comes out of his lips sounds like an anguished sob. It's hard to say. He doesn't remember the last time he cried. – I hate it when you look at something that only you can see. As if you're captivated or in love... I hate that look on your face... ♪

Akutagawa hides his face between his eyes, muttering softly, feeling stupid for finding that fleeting peace pleasant.

– Are those sad songs you’re singing?

Akutagawa looks up in surprise at the person approaching. He feels his face heat up with embarrassment and irritation at Douma hearing him sing. If he said it in the plural, then he heard it from the beginning.

How embarrassing.

– I didn’t know you could sing. You have a beautiful voice. – Douma hums softly. Her footsteps make no noise against the wood.

It is very rare for Douma to leave that area before the sun has completely set.

– I'm actually a little jealous. – Bending down, the demon lifts Akutagawa's face with the tip of his fingernail. – Who makes my dear omega look so sad?

Akutagawa opens his mouth.

– Yours?! Huh? Since when? – he hits the hand holding his chin, moving away. Akutagawa is ready to get up and leave when Douma raises his hands in surrender.

– Truce – the oni says calmly, sitting next to the omega. – I'm bored. That's why I came here.

– Don’t you have any depressed followers to cheer up? – Akutagawa asks back.

– Do you always have to be so irritated? – Douma comments.

– It depends on how annoying you always need to be.

The two stare at each other for a few seconds in silence. When he sees that Douma is not going to back down, Akutagawa goes back to drinking the tea. It is cold, but it serves to hide from the oni's gaze for a few seconds.

– Why are you really here? – Akutagawa finally asks, curiosity winning the battle.

Douma makes a thoughtful noise as he rocks his body from side to side.

– Hmmm, I wanted to see you. So I came. – He answers with a smile. It would be a nice thing to hear if it didn't come from a liar.

Akutagawa looks at him suspiciously.

– That has no effect on me.

– You are very suspicious. Didn't you think for a second that I sincerely wanted your company? – Douma tilts his head towards the omega, curious.

– Not for a minute. – Akutagawa leans back, sneering.

Douma seems amused by your answer, but he doesn't pull away, just takes his time to reach the strand of hair on the side of your face and twirl it around his finger.

“But it’s true,” he says in a low, hoarse whisper. “I came here for your company. I’m surprised you can sing too. Isn’t that lucky for me? The little lamb I found is so skilled that it amazes me how inferior he feels.”

Akutagawa walks away, irritated by what he just heard. The beginning seems cute and sincere, but in the end, it again becomes just a cruel way to bother him.

– I’m also surprised by your ability to lie.

“I’m trying to be nice here. Let’s be honest.” Douma opens his golden fan, waving it slowly in front of his face as if he feels some heat. “ I’m bored and you need my company.”

- I dont need -

– Your scent says something else – Douma smiles and covers Akutagawa's lips with the closed fan, getting very   close. – I hear one or two things... Omegas can't live alone for long, hm? Why don't you stop being stubborn and just let me take care of you for a bit? It's not like I'm asking for anything big in return. At most –

Akutagawa pushes Douma. Not just a push that normally wouldn't affect the oni, but a move in conjunction with Rashoumon that would normally knock him back. He only unbalances Douma when he tries to put one of his arms on the ground, only for his hand to slip on the edge and he slowly falls out of the temple.

The sun was almost setting, it wouldn't be a big feat and in fact, from the angle they were at, the sun wouldn't even catch a single feeling in Douma. What would actually happen is to cause a bigger mess probably by knocking Douma down like that. It would probably be furious.

Honestly, Akutagawa didn't want to use Rashoumon, but sometimes his emotions get the best of him.

And just as Akutagawa pushed him, with the same speed he throws himself to grab Douma's shirt and pull him back to the safety of the temple, where the sun couldn't hurt him.

The two look at each other, Akutagawa's hands remain tightly gripping the red fabric. His mind is a mess and his omega is worried that Douma might have burned himself with his act.

– Well, that was funny – Douma doesn't finish speaking, trying to alleviate the emotion that appears in the omega's onyx eyes. He doesn't recognize it, but it seems like concern.

Douma didn't understand why Akutagawa would worry about him. If he got sunburned, then Akutagawa would win. At that time, the most he would get would be a small burn that wouldn't take long to heal. There was no point in worrying about his well-being, after all, he was an oni.

– Idiot – Akutagawa pushes him again, this time with less force and shrinks against the pillar, hiding his face between his arms. – Go away.

Douma tries to peek out from under Akutagawa's arms, only for the omega to hide further and this amuses Douma a little more since he can see the way the tip of his ear is blushing. He chuckles softly.

– But I really wanted to hear the rest of your song.

- I do not sing.

– But I was singing.

- No.

– If I ask nicely?

– It's still a no. Go tell some lie!

Douam laughs again.

– I don’t want to ~ I want to hear more of your voice –

– You're an idiot, aren't you? – Akutagawa wants to hide completely now. This idiot had no idea what he was talking about sometimes, did he?

– Akaza-dono tells me that a lot.

Douma has been silent for too long according to Akutagawa, even though the demon was normally silent. But Douma tends to be annoying around people he thinks are friends, which is why Akutagawa has no peace in that place.

Akutagawa finally looks up when he feels a soft weight on his shoulders. It's Douma's haori . A confused feeling settles inside him as he watches Douma stand up.

– What are you... – Akutagawa looks, waiting for an answer.

– Tsukuyo-chan was right.

Akutagawa narrows his eyes, suspicious of what people said to Douma just now.

Douma doesn't elaborate on his words and smiles.

– Your eyes have returned to normal, Ryuunosuke-kun.

– Hm? – Akutagawa puts his hands to his face, not understanding what Douma meant by that. – My eyes...? What...?

– Goodbye ~

The haori stays with him, the feeling weighing gently on his shoulder. A warm emotion shelters within him as his omega purrs in pleasure and satisfaction.

He feels defeated in the end, but he gives in, pulling his haori closer to his body, tucking his nose into his sleeve, his cheeks flushed and puffed out.

- Idiot.

 

 

Notes:

Are you really going to tell me that this song Idol by YOASOBI doesn't fit Douma a little? When I saw it, I just thought it fit the story.

Chapter 6: Why do you dress like that? Why do you act that way?

Notes:

I've been taming it but I'm back.

There were a few things. I ran out of ideas, I restructured the story, I took some things out and put them in, and changed others.

Besides, I hate posting a chapter when I've barely finished the next one. I feel pressured to write and I like it when the idea comes to me.

I hope to get to the part I'm writing soon, only sad things with happy endings.

 

 

It's not even two days after Douma gives his haori to Akutagawa. There's no gossip about the omega wearing his piece of clothing, so he thinks Akutagawa is being sly and discreet so as not to stir up side conversations, though Douma doesn't really care. 

In fact, he finds it incredibly amusing to mess with his followers. Everyone always gets nervous when he meets a beautiful woman who catches his eye. Kotoha, that beautiful young singer, suffered the same harassment, especially considering the small baby she was carrying in her arms when Douma brought her. 

It's a shame what happened to her. Douma enjoyed her company. If only Kotoha had reacted like Akutagawa, perhaps she would still be alive, enjoying life and growing old calmly.

“So foolish, Kotoha-chan...” Douma thinks to himself, remembering that night she discovered him. 

She - 

The door opens with a soft click and takes Douma's thoughts away, turning his attention to the person who enters with firm steps and a full hand. 

– Ryuunosuke-kun – Douma closes his mouth when he feels the piece of clothing block his vision. – Oh! 

It's your dark  haori .

He gives the omega a confused look. He left it with Akutagawa the previous evening, why was Akutagawa already returning it? Isn’t this kind of thing something the omega keeps for a few days?

– I don't need it! You can stay! – Douma says with a smile, stretching the piece back, only for Akutagawa to let out a tired snort. 

Entering, Akutagawa closes the door behind him to give them privacy considering the walls might have ears at that call.

– Listen – he scratches his head. – An alpha giving a piece of clothing to an omega, especially at this time of year, is – 

– I know. – Douma doesn’t wait for Akutagawa to finish explaining the meaning behind his actions. Despite his indifference on the subject, he’s not that ignorant about it. 

When an omega gives an alpha a gift, it is like asking him to be his mate, although it is not well received if the alpha has not initiated contact first. 

For an alpha, offering a piece of clothing could mean two things. Either they were packmates. Or the alpha was courting the omega. And not only that, weeks before, Douma had tried to sniff out Akutagawa. 

People could simply assume that Douma was romantically interested in Akutagawa and was trying to court him. Regardless, it wouldn't look good on Akutagawa, since he was a male omega, which was considered a defect that would lead to ostracism. And because Akutagawa kept "disrespecting" Douma in his attempts to get closer.

– You don’t seem to understand. – Akutagawa puts a hand on his hip, tired of this game. – It’s true that over time, omegas feel the need to be close to someone. But, unfortunately for you, I’m not the type who will die of depression from being alone. 

He was exactly that type, not that he would admit it to Douma. The difference between him and the other omegas was that he was very resilient. Everything he had endured up until that point was for Gin. And the fact that Gin wasn't around was what might cause his depression.

Mori always thought that his desperation and dedication to keep Gin alive was what made him present himself as an omega so early, before his body was even adequately prepared for the presentation of the second gender; although, a man will never have a body truly suitable for giving birth. Cases of intersex omegas were rare, on the other hand, the majority had completely male organs. And intersex omegas were also not seen as normal by society at the Taisho time.

“I don’t want your superficial kindness,” Akutagawa finally says. Honestly, he didn’t need it. 

Douma looks at him for a moment and stands up. Akutagawa doesn't back down when Douma reaches for him. 

– Ryuunosuke-kun – the demon calls softly and bows. – I'm trying to reach a 'truce' here. It would do you good to watch your tongue sometimes.

“I’ve been told that a lot.” Akutagawa doesn’t back down, in fact, he steps a little closer, his face sullen and his chin raised. “But if you’re going to kill me, at least do it already. Because if you think you’re being kind, you’re not. It’s okay because it’s me. But someone else can really mistake it, and there’s a base level that even you should maintain.” 

Douma hummed, understanding that this type of action or conversation was something sensitive for Akutagawa. 

– Okay. I will never do something like that to someone to manipulate them. I will always make clear my sincere intentions to help . – Douma offers his pinky and watches the surprise take over the omega's expression. – Okay?

Akutagawa looks suspicious.

– Ok.

– Good, good – Douma nods. – But just to make it clear – he approaches the omega’s ear, whispering. – When I gave you my haori, it was with the intention of helping you. Just because I wanted you here, by my side. 

Akutagawa looks at him with disgust and embarrassment and walks away, crossing his arms as if that would protect him from the demon. An act that Douma finds endearing. 

– Actually – he turns around, heading straight for his altar – I’m curious about the end of that song. 

– What music? 

– The one from the other day. – Douma pauses to think about the lyrics. – With that smile and that “I love you”, you make everyone love you... With those eyes and those words... Even if it’s a lie, it’s perfect love ♪ 

Akutagawa feels his face heat up with embarrassment at the thought that Douma had been listening to his daydream since the beginning. And at the same time, his mind locks with Douma's beautiful singing. 

Why could Douma do anything? It was unfair that he even had such a perfect voice.

– By the way, what is an “idol”? 

Opening and closing his mouth, Akutagawa is surprised. Sometimes he forgets that Douma is not from the same era as him. That his Yokohama was far more advanced than the era he lives in now. 

– I will not submit to this situation – 

 

 

***

 

 

Everyday life seems to have returned to normal. At least when it comes to Douma and Akutagawa. They talked and talked again for hours. This time, it was a little different. Douma, who normally just listened, was more willing to share the things he saw and knew. 

And as spoiled and disgusting as Douma seemed to be, in truth, the demon was very capable. He just didn't want to do it because he was a lazy person who thought that his followers and servants were there for that. 

Akutagawa also discovered that Douma's parents were idiots. They didn't beat Douma, but they also punished him for silly reasons, like disobeying his parents and trying to leave his room or altar. They forced him to fast for hours, even days if necessary so that Douma would apologize to whatever god they thought the little boy would listen to. 

– They wouldn’t let me go out to play either. But I never understood the point of running around trying to catch someone else – Douma says simply, thoughtfully. 

“You didn’t have a childhood,” Akutagawa says with a grimace. It seems like there are all kinds of bad parents out there. I mean, who puts the weight of other people’s sins and mistakes on a child’s shoulders? “Even I, who lived on the streets for a few years, ended up playing…” he grimaces thoughtfully. “Although I didn’t understand the point of the game either. But it was fun when I ran with Kan and the others. Sometimes it was frustrating when I couldn’t catch them.” 

– Even though you have Rashoumon? 

– I was banned from using it because I won too quickly like that. It was boring to play like that, they said. – He shrugs, not really worried about it. 

– All sore losers.

“I told them that.” Akutagawa turns to Douma, leaning on the pillows where the oni was lying. A little close, but neither of them seemed to care much. Akutagawa wasn’t invading and Douma wasn’t bothered. “I lost half the time because of my shitty health and the game was over.” He lays his head on his arms, nostalgic. “Kan was always worried and I did everything I could to make him let the subject go. I didn’t like being the spoilsport.” 

“Hmhm,” Douma hummed in acknowledgment. “I tried to run away to play with the other children once. The lady found out almost immediately and locked me up in a dark room, fasting for a whole day. She told me to apologize for running away from my duties.” 

– Your mother was a bitch. – Akutagawa points out, not caring whether or not he was offending Douma.

– You know some ugly words.

– “Ugly” words? – Akutagawa looks at the oni in disbelief and quickly remembers the time difference again. – I don’t believe it. You’d be shocked if you were living in Yokohama in my time. – He looks to the side, then back to Douma with a shrug. – Well, if you live on the streets and then join a criminal organization while still a teenager, swearing is the least of your bad habits. 

– Even so, here you are. Polite and skilled. – Douma observes attentively, wasting no time in wrapping his finger in the omega's lock of hair. He takes advantage of the proximity to touch him whenever he gets the chance. It's not intrusive, usually just on the hair or face, so Akutagawa has already gotten used to it.

– That's because the person who offered me a place in the organization was someone important in the Mafia. The boss's right-hand man, I would say. I wanted to impress him and earn my place. I needed it, actually. – When his mind goes back to that time, from a past life, Akutagawa feels a lot of resentment, but he doesn't regret it, because nothing would change the things that happened. – With my incredible memory, it was also quite easy to remember things. But... When Dazai-san left... It was a bit difficult... No, horrible should be the word. But I won and became strong and irreplaceable as much as possible. – He says proudly. 

– Ohhh ~ incredible, Ryuunosuke-kun – Douma praises. It was always easy for him to throw compliments into the air.

Akutagawa doesn't care if he's not sincere, Dazai wouldn't even consider lying to please him a little. 

– Silly, I don’t believe anything you say.

– That hurts me. I'm being honest here. 

– Yes, yes. And you're lying again. 

- I'm not.

– I totally believe it.

– Now you're lying.

– So that means you're lying in the first place.

– Don’t bring that back to me, smartass.

– Your Holiness? 

The pair look away from each other, turning their attention to the entrance of the hall, where there is a young woman, a little downcast and shy.

– Minami-chan, what happened? Come in, come in! – Douma waves excitedly, leaning on his arm to sit down and face the visitor in a more formal way.

Minami gives Akutagawa an intense look, and he understands right away that this is a personal matter. He doesn't want to get in the way of people who mistakenly think that Douma is his great savior.

No, Douma could have been a psychologist back in his time if he were normal. Akutagawa thinks about that possibility. 

– I'm going. – Akutagawa waves as he leaves for Douma.

– Remember that you still haven't shown me the end of that song, right?! – Douma repeats audibly so that Akutagawa, even outside the room, can hear.

– You'll never listen! – Akutagawa shouts back.

Douma turns his attention to Minami. 

– Minami, make yourself at home.

 

 

***

 

 

Considering that Otoya and Sougo hated him and despised his existence with all their might, Akutagawa has been trying hard not to meet them. Much less give them a reason to lecture him about anything. 

He was tired of confrontations and this was the kind of confrontation he lost half the time. He would never admit that the omega woman reminded him of his uncle's housekeeper, grumpy and strict. And Sougo, of his father, distant and cold, but quick with cutting words. 

Keeping Douma and her friendship alive wouldn't be easy. Most people had already noticed that they were close again. Tsukuyo, who had supposedly given Douma advice along with Emi, kept giggling under her breath every time she saw him. Akutagawa thought the woman was imagining things too much, but at least she wasn't completely against him.

It seems he was once again “happy” to interact with Douma again. Emi kept commenting on these details. 

– You're imagining things, Emi-san. – Akutagawa says, busy hanging the clothes on the clothesline. Emi felt a lot of pain in her legs, so Akutagawa always offered his help to the woman who always treated him well. 

– Akutagawa-kun, there’s no point in trying to hide it. Minami-chan saw you and His Holiness very close the other day. His Holiness doesn’t let anyone get that close to his altar – Emi points out intelligently, as if she were trying to win an argument that would guarantee a Nobel Prize. 

– That’s not an altar, it’s practically a nest – Akutagawa rolls his eyes at the comment. Of course Minami would speak up. – Besides, the girl is just seeing too much into things. I’m done, so I’m leaving.

– Wait, Akutagawa-kun – a man approaches the two. It is Ikeda, an older man, who takes care of the garden. He was the one who brought him the materials for planting last time. 

– Ikeda. What is it?

– You won’t believe it – he begins seriously. – But it worked! That method worked! The insects are no longer eating the vegetables in the garden! – he opens a happy and proud smile.

– Really? That’s great. – Having come from another era, Akutagawa also knew other methods that could be useful at this time. 

– We're going to have an abundance this season! – Ikeda pats him on the shoulder, leaving his hand there for a few seconds. – You're a blessing! 

“It was nothing.” Akutagawa moves away a little. “But it’s good that it worked. That way, they didn’t have to spend so much money on purchases in the city. In fact, with the planting, we can be self-sufficient and even sell for extra income.”

Ikeda's eyes seemed to shine brightly at Akutagawa's words. He seemed to be proud of the omega like no one else. Emi would even say that there were hearts in his eyes.

– You are very smart. 

They are distributing the food.

– You should come with me to the city next time. You can help me do the shopping next time. – Ikeda suggests. He follows Akutagawa in his steps, one hand resting on the center of his back during the walk. 

Akutagawa couldn't say that he couldn't leave the temple grounds. Going to the houses around the temple was a victory on his part in convincing Douma that he wouldn't run away at the first opportunity. 

- Who knows.

– Think about it. 

– Of course. 

When Akutagawa manages to get rid of Ikeda upon returning to the temple, he lets out a long sigh of relief. Ikeda seems to have good intentions in trying to be his friend, but it is quite annoying that he wants to keep touching him every time.

Having finished his morning duties, he intends to take a bath while everyone else is busy so that he won't have any unwanted company. 

Back in his room, he immediately looks for his new clothes that he got after fooling the men who go to town. Western clothes, pants. Yukatas are comfortable and all, but he doesn't like wearing them all the time, especially for the reasons Otoya thinks.

– Hm? – widening his eyes, he starts looking in the bottom drawer of the dresser. – It’s not there! Where –

– Looking for this? 

Grunting, he turns to face the most annoying old woman of them all. 

Otoya Hinako . Also known as the devil. Hanging in the air by her right hand is the haori that Douma gave her again the other day. 

– You messed with my stuff again!? – Akutagawa stands up, irritated by the woman's lack of boundaries. He steps forward and tries to take the piece of clothing from her hand, only for her to bring it closer to herself. – You need boundaries, old woman!

– Have more respect, you filthy omega! – Otoya raises his nose, as if he were looking at someone inferior. – How dare you take a piece of clothing from His Holiness? How shameful and immoral! Exactly disgusting! 

Arguing with the woman Douma gave him out of pure will and irritating insistence wouldn’t work. There was no chance she would believe him. And he tried so hard to hide it from her to avoid trouble. 

– I'm tired of you. Get out. – Akutagawa growls, turning his back to the woman. – Tell Douma if you feel like it. I don't mind since he was the one who gave it to me. 

“How dare you tell such lies? His Holiness would never give a piece of clothing to someone like you!” Otoya growls, his hands clenched. “You’re just deluding yourself if you think His Holiness has feelings for you.”

– Yes, yes. I understand. I’ve heard that story before and it’s old. Go find some clothes to wash, please. – Akutagawa sits on the floor in front of the dresser, busying himself folding the clothes he threw out.

It doesn't end the way Akutagawa expected. Maybe Otoya no longer cares about keeping up appearances. Or maybe Akutagawa has already irritated her beyond measure just by existing and breathing the same air as her.

His steps were hurried and firm, the wood creaking with each rough movement. His face was red and contorted with anger. 

He expected her to get angry at him like always, maybe yell and forbid him from setting foot in the kitchen or common dining area like usual. Instead, she steps forward, leather whip in hand. Akutagawa looks at her in a second and Otoya already has his arm moving. 

Otoya usually avoids her face. The marks are harder to lie about if they are so visible. She doesn't like other people thinking so poorly of her. That the women and children who fled their abusive homes are bothered and afraid of her presence.

It hits him square in the face. He doesn't even react at first, startled by the bold move. She's slapped him before, but it was light compared to the weapon used. It leaves him shocked and confused. 

Slowly, Akutagawa brings his hand to his right cheek. It hurts and it's wet. It's hot. Why is it hot? 

With his mind racing, he stands up to reach the small mirror on top of his dresser. 

His eyes widen when he sees the strip mark on her face, leaving the corner of her eye to near her ear a dark shade. Not only that, where the tip had caught was slowly bleeding down her cheek. 

He had scars on his body before, even bruises on his face. Never a scar. 

He was an omega in a backward and horrible time to be born an omega, especially a male one. And with that, being able to get a scar on his face was like committing social suicide.

Omegas were supposed to be beautiful and elegant, yet quiet and submissive, they also needed to know when to be bold and strong. This was the kind of omega his uncle wanted him to be. He was half the omega Kouyou suggested he be to protect himself from people.

Certainly, with all his training and fighting experience, he is stronger than Otoya. Certainly more intelligent too. However, his treacherous mind, which remembers every detail of the abuse he suffered, threatens to distort this woman into a monster worse than the demons of the time in which she lives. 

– Well done. We'll see if you have the courage to look His Holiness in the eye with an ugly scar! – Otoya doesn't even look sorry, in fact, more proud than anything when she sees the expression on his face. – This time learn your place, omega!

When Otoya leaves, he inspects the bruise once more, thinking about how he will hide it from the others. 

“If Douma sees this, will he be upset...? Or will he ignore it...?” He shakes his head sideways, and immediately looks for a cloth to wipe the bleeding. Emi should have some ointment and bandages stored away. Maybe makeup too. If he asks, she won’t tell anyone even if he tells her the truth.

It's better this way.

“I came here, and despite everything, Douma has done what he promised. I don’t want his followers to turn against him. Even if it’s a lie, he still saved most of these people. If I were in their shoes, I would also like to be fooled by a kind lie like that. No… I was.” He remembers Dazai. He remembers Yokohama and presses the clean cloth to his cheek, feeling the spot throb in response. He doesn’t get a sound out of him, but his eyes give it all away.

He is tired.

 

 

***

 

 

Emi is horrified when she sees the bruise on Akutagawa's face. 

First he approaches her with the greatest care, trying to hide from other people, talking to her when she is alone and no one can hear. Then he lowers the scarf that covers part of his face to reveal what he was hiding. 

It's only been a few hours since they last saw each other, it's not even lunch time. 

– Tell His Holiness! – Emi begs with concern. She can no longer remain silent in the face of the persecution the youngest omega is suffering. 

Akutagawa wasn't the most polite, but behind his back he was a good boy who respected those who respected him. He helped with any work he could without complaining. To Emi, his cold and ironic attitude was just a way of protecting himself. 

– I can’t involve Douma in this. He’s worked hard to keep this place running. What you believe in, I won’t get in the way, even if I don’t believe it myself. 

His answer surprises Emi, who never thought that this kind of thought would cross the youngest's mind. 

Emi carefully presses the cloth against the bruise one last time, her lips pursed as she sees the other purple spots on her arms as the sleeve of her yukata is pulled up in a sweep of Akutagawa's arm. 

What peace did the young man have since he arrived there? His throat was cut, he had scars, and people wouldn't leave him alone.

– Emi? – Akutagawa is speechless. – Did I do something? Okay – he feels helpless when he sees the lady start to cry. – Emi-san?!

– No... It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself! – Emi covers her face with her hands. She feels frustration taking over her. – You're still young, you shouldn't be going through this. It doesn't matter your second gender.

– I'm fine Emi-san. I've been through a lot. I can handle it. – He tries to comfort her, only because Emi was kind to him.

“You shouldn’t have to go through this. It’s cruel. Tell His Holiness. Please,” she sobs. “For all of us.”

Akutagawa thinks, but Otoya didn't go after anyone but him. She cares for the other omegas, even if it's because they were obedient and the stereotype she believed. 

Everything if it was just him. It was better if it was him than someone like Emi and Tsukuyo. 

– No need. I'll be fine. – He offers a calm smile. 

- But -

“Alright, Emi-san,” he says confidently, offering a clean pocket cloth to wipe her tears. “But I’d appreciate it if you could lend me some makeup later. I need to tone this down. I don’t want the old devil to think she’s that strong.” 

Emi shouldn't laugh, but she still smiled at the joke, still a little sad that Akutagawa had to step over himself to make her feel more at ease. 

She was so sure that the shrine leader would side with Akutagawa if he knew what had happened. He would believe Akutagawa if he told the truth honestly. His Holiness was a kind and protective man. Perhaps even capable of forgiving her foolish older sister if she begged for forgiveness.

– She – Emi swallows her tears. – Hina-neesama wasn’t like that –

Akutagawa looks at Emi again when she speaks again. He blinks as he realizes that “nee-sama” meant exactly that, it wasn’t a form of respect. 

However, Emi still started with the phrase “she wasn’t like that” and he wonders what kind of excuses Emi will give for her sister. 

– Dad was very strict... He always punished us when we didn't follow the rules. He always taught us that what was different from tradition was wrong and ugly. – Emi gently rubs the sponge on the wound, gradually lightening the area with the powder. – He married her to a man who had the same thoughts. And I intended to do the same with myself, but I was always more... rebellious – she laughs weakly. – I ran away because I was in love with someone else. In the end, despite it being like that, Hina-neesama still came after me to convince me to return home. We ended up being chased by bad men who wanted to hurt us and we never made it back home. We fled until we found His Holiness, who gave us a place to stay. I think in her mind, Hina-neesama thinks that if she steps out of line again, we'll lose even this safe place. 

Well, that was... complicated . He could understand the sense of obligation and fear the sisters must have felt. He would do the same if he were in Hinako's shoes. He would follow the rules and run to Gin whenever necessary. But even he was slowly learning the differences and changing. Hinako just hadn't had the chance to find someone to teach her.

But he couldn't forgive her.

Emi's eyes widen, Akutagawa barely realizes he said that out loud.

– We’re in a safe place. She’s met so many people and she’s clinging to the past. I can’t. Because if I do, it’ll be like she’s right. And if she is… What will be left for me? 

He doesn't know what expression he was making that made Emi cry so hysterically again, but he can't undo what he did or what he said. Just like Hinako can't take back her actions. 

If he tells the truth, Douma might be able to take action and maybe even get rid of Hinako. A traitorous party who dreams of his little sister, cannot accept that he would separate the two sisters like this.

He was such an idiot.

 

 

***

 

 

Really stupid, Douma thinks to himself. 

Maybe he should just get rid of Otoya. The problems with Akutagawa would be over. He sees more value in Akutagawa than in the woman. 

Tilting his head to the side, he silently leaves the room, not wanting to be seen eavesdropping on conversations. He makes his way back to his room.

Douma doesn't understand Akutagawa's mind. 

The omega is always so rebellious, but so prone to bowing his head and agreeing. The more he considers you, the more he is willing to go over his head. That's why even if Akutagawa denies it, this conversation tells him that even if it's just a little, Akutagawa cares about Douma enough to want to keep everything in its proper place. 

Particularly speaking, if this cult were to end, Douma would only need to create another one in its place. As if nothing had happened. With other followers. With other people to devour. 

He's done this before. That's why he doesn't understand what's going on in the omega's head. Akutagawa doesn't look at him like he's a monster. 

“I can’t understand people. It doesn’t make sense to me.” Douma sits in his nest, as Akutagawa calls it, and waits for night to come. 

What does Akutagawa see when he looks at him? This itch is growing and becoming irritating to him. It's a new feeling, making him curious to understand. 

No one bothers him that night after midnight, so he is free to walk around in search of completing his objective. It doesn't even take five minutes to reach the desired room since it wasn't too far from his own. 

The purpose of keeping Akutagawa's room nearby was to keep an eye on him.

As expected, the omega is asleep. His chest rises and falls slowly. He looks peaceful wrapped in the blanket like that. His brow is not furrowed and his eyes are not blank with emotions. 

Douma liked that fire burning in his eyes when he was cheeky. When he fought back. 

As Douma sits down next to the futon, Akutagawa sits ready to fight, his Skill glowing around him, ready to protect him. 

The way his power worked was so captivating. It seemed like something simple that derived from fabric, but given the way Akutagawa acts, Rashoumon goes far beyond that. Douma wants to unravel more and more of it.

– Douma? – the omega yawns, drowsy from the fog of sleep. – Why are you here? Do you need something?

For some reason, whenever Akutagawa asked if Douma needed anything, Douma didn’t understand his question in the usual way. It was as if Akutagawa was asking him if he needed help killing someone and hiding the body. And that amused him incredibly. 

Without answering, Douma carefully grabbed Akutagawa's chin, turning it to the side so that the injury was better revealed. Even in the dark, he could see it perfectly well, the bruise was as clear as day to him.

– Does it hurt? – he asks quietly, his usual smile missing. He feels when the omega swallows, trying to pull his face away from his hand without much success. 

– A little. It’s nothing I can’t handle. I’ve had broken bones before. A lot. This is nothing. I can handle it. – Akutagawa assures me that he’s fine. 

Douma doesn't understand. Most people want to be noticed when they need help. Not Akutagawa, however. He desperately tries to escape the attention and prove that he is strong and steady. 

Cooling his hand, Douma creates a thin layer of ice on the spot so that it wouldn't be as swollen as it already was in just a few hours. 

– I should just get rid of her. – He says without a hint of guilt or hesitation. 

– No! I don't need you to run to save my honor or anything like that. – Akutagawa snorts and crosses his legs inwards. 

– If I want...? – Douma tilts his head towards him.

Lowering his eyes, the omega takes a deep breath, as if he were dealing with a child.

– Douma, maybe it's because you're not human, but if you do this, you'll break the balance that was created. If you want to punish or complain to her for scaring others, that's fine by me. But if Otoya disappears and no one takes her place or a worse person takes her place, your kingdom will fall. – Akutagawa explains. One way or another, Otoya still created this strange hierarchy between them. And honestly between her and Sougo, he preferred the annoying woman.

Douma doesn't look pleased with this, but nods in agreement. 

– I can heal you. That's how I saved you before. 

– Heal me? How would you do that? – Akutagawa feels that the ice on his cheek is not melting, nor spreading. It is probably because of Douma's Blood Art, which maintains its consistency, but does not hurt, just relaxes. 

– With my healing abilities. It's good for simple things, but it works well. Maybe I'll give you some blood, maybe it'll go away. It won't turn you into a demon. Probably. It didn't the first time.

“There are a lot of ‘ifs’ in your proposal.” Akutagawa isn’t at all interested in becoming an oni. Not that it would make much of a difference from his old job. “Besides, if you disappear like that, it’ll be very suspicious.”

– They were all powers that my beloved god gave me. – Douma answers in a perceptive and innocent way. 

– Your god, the oni master? – Akutagawa snorts when Douma nods. – That same master whose name you can't say and who looks at you with disgust?

– That's right! But that's just his way! He's actually an incredible and strong demon! – Douma says in an admiring manner. It's a little unlike him to act this way, but it seems like he really is loyal to this master. – I'd give them my eyes if you asked me to! – he holds his face with a smile.

– What would he do with his eyes? 

Douma stops and thinks. 

– I don’t know. But that’s definitely something he would say. What are you? His son or something?

– Yuck. Don’t ever make an assumption like that again.

– If you hate my beloved god, you hate me too –

– Don’t make any drama out of me, Douma.

– Just watch your tongue. – This time, the warning was not said in a humorous way as usual, but in a malicious and cold tone. 

Akutagawa rolls his eyes in response. 

– Go away so I can go back to sleep. 

– Nooo... Sing that song for me!

– This again? Get out of here. I'm going to scream –

Douma doesn't leave and Akutagawa has to spend almost the entire night entertaining the demon with silly conversations, changing the subject every time Douma insists that he sing the song from before. 

The good part was that his face didn't hurt as much the next morning, nor was it as swollen as he had expected. As a bonus, his usual scarf had been replaced with a familiar gray scarf with gold embroidery from a certain demon he never wore, but Otoya knew his leader had. 

A bruise for Douma's kindness. It wasn't such a bad exchange after all – Akutagawa thinks as he hides his face in the piece around his neck covering part of his face. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Hinako is her name and she's still annoying. Still. Things are still going to happen.

And besides, Douma needs to keep an eye out, other people are interested in Ryuu.

Chapter 7: There's something in the way you're looking into my eyes

 

People were rushing all over the temple, all rushing to finish preparations for the evening hour where they would feast with music, food, and drink. 

Since there were few people who actually cooked there, Akutagawa was brought in to help, even though Otoyako had told him from the beginning not to do anything strange and just help with whatever was asked. 

That's exactly what he did.

“Would this seasoning make it better?” one of the women asked, showing the little pot to Akutagawa. Otoyako just left to see the preparations for other things. 

– It’s very spicy. Try that one, Aida-san. – Akutagawa points to the smaller, brown pot on the counter. 

- Yes.

– Akutagawa-kun, can you taste this for me? – Yumi almost shoves a spoon into his unsuspecting mouth.

Akutagawa is already sick of all these smells, but he still tries it. 

– A little more salt and let it boil. The broth will thicken and it will be better. – Akutagawa says the youngest. 

Yumi was two years younger, but was raised by the maids. Having a love for cooking, she loved asking Akutagawa everything she could about the kitchen. So much so that Otoyako was getting annoyed with her for following his advice.

- Try~ 

– Akutagawa-kun, Akutagawa-kun! If you’re done, can you help Ikeda-kun with the decorations!? – Emi asks, appearing at the door with a basket full of clothes. – Those men have no taste at all! Sougo-san isn’t helping at all.

– I am a man.

– But he’s better than them! I’d say second only to His Holiness! Please! – Emi asks hurriedly.

– I'll go as soon as I'm done! 

The plates and glasses needed to be moved to the outside table as soon as possible to free up space in the kitchen, but Otoyako would come and yell at him if he did anything without her permission. And Emi ended up saying that they hadn't finished organizing the outside. That way, the kitchen would be full and they wouldn't be able to move the pots and pans from there. 

So disorganized, he thinks wearily. 

When did he sign up for this? He should have just run away as soon as he had the chance. Or let Douma kill him.

It was like living in the Port Mafia again, where his boss or executives used their good memory to organize everything without the need for paper. At the end of the day, he always ended up with a horrible headache. 

– It smells amazing, girls~ 

Everyone immediately stops what they are doing to look at the newcomer. Douma. With an innocent smile at the kitchen door.

– Your Holiness! – they shouted in surprise, Douma didn’t normally visit the kitchen. 

– Am I in the way?

– It doesn’t bother you at all, sir! Are you hungry? – one asks.

– Do you need anything? – asks another, also approaching.

– No, no. I just smelled it and came to see how you were doing! 

Douma is thriving easily around them, as if he can actually smell the pleasant aroma coming from the pots. As if he doesn't feel sickened by human seasonings.

– Your Holiness, what are you wearing...? – Yumi looks at the leader's neck, confused. It was summer. She had also never seen her leader wear any warm clothing because he was cold before. – It looks a bit like –

– I also came to leave something! Ryuunosuke-kun~

Douma waltzes through the kitchen, heading straight for the omega near one of the cabinets. 

– What is it? – Akutagawa turns to him, grimacing. 

– Here, here. I came to leave this for you. – Douma smiles innocently, taking off the scarf he kept around his neck all morning. Using his free hand, he removes the wrap Akutagawa keeps around his neck to cover the scar and wraps the scarf in place. – There, there. Enjoy~

– What? – Akutagawa gasps with wide eyes. Douma went and did this in front of everyone. – Why...?!

– So that you can be well, of course! Maybe that way, you'll be more careful if you get hurt. – His smile is plastic and his eyes don't look away from Akutagawa's, but his tone alerts everyone and the Otoyako who had just returned to the room a few seconds ago. – I'd hate to see another bruise like that – he touches the injured area. The bruise has diminished over the week. And the cut wasn't deep enough to show since it was taken care of immediately. – Be more careful, okay? Oh, Hinako! How are the preparations going?

– A-Almost ready, sir! – she lowers her head, embarrassed. Her hands grip the yukata tightly. Akutagawa thinks she's afraid of Douma. Well, she should be. 

– Great. Good job everyone~

Douma waves, leaving them behind.

Otoyako looks at Akutagawa the moment Douma leaves the place, her lips are pressed into a thin line, however, she says nothing and turns her attention to the other women, to know the progress. 

– Boy – Otoyako calls without looking at him, tasting one of the foods. – Everything is on track here. Emi asked you to go to Ikeda.

Akutagawa blinks silently, not believing that she actually spoke “normally” to him. 

– Of course... – the hesitation in his speech is more because he didn't expect such an action from Otoyako. On the other hand, Douma was there before and politely warned him to stay on the line. – I'm going.

 

 

***

 

 

Finding Ikeda wasn't hard. He was busy hanging lanterns between trees and supports. The tables were poorly positioned, and Sougo wasn't doing a good job of being proactive. They were just piling everything into the corner.

– Emi told me to help you, Ikeda. – Akutagawa says at the foot of the stairs. 

– Akutagawa! How nice to see you – Ikeda smiles brightly, at the same time he loses his balance and falls on his butt on the floor.

– Are you okay? – the man holding onto the ladder asks, worried. 

– Yes, yes. It didn’t hurt much. – He laughs. 

– O-Okay – the man looks between Akutagawa and Ikeda, awkwardly. Akutagawa can see that he wants to get out of there, but Akutagawa doesn't intend to let him get away that easily.

– If you guys are done with that, let's put the tables back in place. If we have a couple more people, that's enough. There could be some women too. – Akutagawa looks around, seeing who is most willing to join their mission. 

It didn't progress as quickly as Akutagawa thought it could if everything had been organized from the beginning, but they finished on time without further incident. They were able to bring the pots of food out of the kitchen and finish decorating with the lights in their proper places. 

– Good job. – He says to everyone who responds back, satisfied.

He's walking away to go back to his room and procrastinate until everyone is done showering, however, Ikeda is on his tail faster than he can think. 

“Aren’t you going to wash up?” the alpha asks helpfully. “I can stand by the door.” 

Akutagawa stops in his tracks and looks at Ikeda, analyzing his words and expression. It didn't seem like he had any ulterior motives in offering.

Ikeda probably knows how hard it is for him to live there as a male omega. The bathrooms were “public” so to speak. That’s why the group was divided between men and women. Sougo’s group and Otoyako’s group. 

Without belonging to either of them, Akutagawa was held hostage by unwanted situations. He certainly wouldn't be disrespectful to any of the women in this place in that sense, he had a younger sister after all, but they wouldn't feel comfortable with him around and he understood that. 

As for the alphas... Well, they were all curious about him. And while half of them were either indifferent or respectful, there was still the part that wanted to know what a male omega was like. The only one who had a personal bathroom was Douma, and Akutagawa wasn't going to go up to him and ask him to let him use it. It would be quite humiliating. 

Akutagawa intended to wait for everyone to forget about him and leave to take a bath in a natural lake near the temple. It was isolated and most people didn't walk there as there were no fruits or mushrooms to pick. 

– No need. I can take care of myself. – Akutagawa leaves Ikeda behind, who insistently runs after him again.

“We can talk to Emiko-san! I’m sure she won’t object to keeping watch.”

– It’s not the “doorman” that’s the problem. – Akutagawa says, making air quotes with his fingers. – Don’t worry about me, okay? I’ll show up clean and presentable on time.

– Of course. – Ikeda’s shoulders slump and his face becomes sad. 

In truth, Akutagawa could have accepted Ikeda’s offer even if it was Emi who helped him in the end. However, that wouldn’t exactly make him safe. Sougo was still quite inconvenient, considering that the alphas had the final say, if he wanted to join in, he would definitely oppress Emi. And if that happened, Otoyako would get angry. And it would all come back to Akutagawa in the end. 

 

 

***

 

 

He makes sure everyone sees him go to his room. That way, with his stealth skill, he could easily sneak out without anyone noticing.

After a good five-minute walk to clear his mind, he reaches the lake. It is surrounded by trees and a quarry that extends a few meters into the lake. When night falls, the moon and stars reflect their brightness in a beautiful way, leaving him in awe of their complexity. 

There he can relax as much as he wants. Well, as long as no one finds out.

When he bathes, he never takes off his nagajuban completely , keeping it from the waist down, leaving room to move his legs and wash himself. This way he can always use Rashoumon in an emergency situation.

“Maybe I should look for a way to get back to Yokohama... But...” 

Is it okay for him to come back after failing like that? 

Would they be happy with your return? 

He had no idea how he ended up in that place in the first place. He didn't even have any idea where to start looking that would give him any idea of ​​how to get back to Yokohama. 

After everything... He doesn't even know if he still wants to go back and face everyone's disappointed looks when they realize he was back after failing in his mission to protect Atsushi and defeat Fukuchi. 

Either way, he loses. 

Whether in this world or the next. 

He sighs and sneezes. The water is cold since it is night now. In this world, there are no medicines as advanced as those in his world, so he needs to be more careful if he doesn't want to get seriously ill.

– I almost thought you had run away. 

Eyes widening, Akutagawa flinches and activates Rashoumon, tentacles sweeping around him protectively. He glances over his shoulder, spotting Douma near a tree, eyes shining as the fan in his hand gently sways his platinum hair. 

– Why... WHY ARE YOU HERE?! – he screams, sinking up to his shoulders in the side.

– Like I said, you disappeared. – Douma doesn’t care about the situation he found Akutagawa in. He also doesn’t seem affected by the omega’s partial nudity. – You have a tattoo on your back. – He comments curiously. Akutagawa hadn’t told him before. 

Air bubbles burst on the surface of the water. Well, it's Douma. Despite his annoying habit of invading your personal space, he's never been disrespectful to him or anyone else. 

He gets back on his feet and crawls out of the water. Grabbing the towel, she wipes her face and wet hair first. There's no point in wearing the nagajuban again and there's no way to change in front of Douma. 

– Yes, I do. So what?

Akutagawa blinks and Douma has disappeared from where he was standing near the tree. Douma sneaks up behind him quickly and silently, looking at his back with his fan against his face. 

– What's your problem?! – Akutagawa uses the towel to protect himself from the demon's gaze, placing it in front of his body.

– It's a beautiful dragon. – Douma says with a shrug. Akutagawa looks at him suspiciously, which Douma ignores in favor of getting more information about the tattoo. – I understand now why you prefer to sneak around like that. 

“I’m not.” Akutagawa stops. He was actually doing just that. “That’s not why.” But he won’t explain his thoughts to Douma now. 

– If you need privacy, you can use my quarters. 

It's a surprise that Douma would offer this, but Akutagawa wasn't born yesterday, and no matter how sincere Douma may be in his intentions, there's no way he wouldn't want something strange in return. Even if it was to sing or chat all night. 

– How awful. – Akutagawa grimaces. – I don't even want to think about all the confusion that will occur if someone sees me leaving your room after taking a shower.

– You seem like you don’t care about others, but in reality you’re always worried about rumors, hm?

– That’s different! I don’t care if they think, but I can’t leave here. And your backward, old-fashioned thinking is a pain in the ass to deal with. – He puts his hands on his hips, irritated. – Back in my day, there were still people who looked down on me. Like that stupid Jinko – he grunts at the memory. – Always wanting me to behave. Yuck. You’re not the one who’s going to deal with the indirect attacks because no one’s going to say anything to your face. Unless you don’t mind if I knock your house down on those idiots’ heads?

Douma lets out a small chuckle when he finishes. 

– I would prefer you not kill my food source.

- Then - 

– I'm sure you can be careful. It's better than catching a cold. – Douma puts his haori on the omega's shoulders, who gives the demon an angry but harmless look. 

– Are you carrying this around to give it to me by any chance? – Akutagawa scoffs. He doesn't refuse the piece of clothing in the end. 

– Yes. Of course. It would be unpleasant if someone else saw you like that.

Eyes widening, the omega blushes at the idea, turning his back so that Douma wouldn't see his expression.

– It's like you care, idiot. – The omega mutters softly. 

– Let's go back, you might get sick. We don't want that. – Douma walks ahead, without turning around to see if Akutagawa is following him, he is sure that he is. 

 

 

***

 

 

The image never leaves your head, a black Chinese dragon with red and purple details, which covers almost its entire back. The head is close to the back of the neck and the body appears to move from side to side until the point where the tail ends at the end of the back. There was a moon in the center of a part of the curled body, it is blood red. 

It's so in contrast to Akutagawa's pale skin. 

Even with the tattoo, there are still some lighter scars that go over the dragon, as if they were done later. Which they probably were, since Akutagawa was an active criminal. 

The scars weren't just on his back, they were on his ribs and stomach, and the purple marks on his arms and forearms were still visible. Even in a quick movement when Akutagawa came out of the water, Douma could see the scratches on the inside of his thighs. 

“He seems to have had a hard life...” Douma thinks to himself, distantly.

He has no scars. His parents always took care that there was never an imperfection in him. And even when they died and a priest took care of him, any permanent damage was forbidden. Even when men and women came to him for purification. 

“No wonder he doesn’t care that I’m a demon. Humans are no different to him.” He concluded at the end.

Despite the scars, the omega's body was curvy as expected of an omega, but had more hard muscles than it looked despite its thin appearance. 

Nothing was what it seemed about Akutagawa. With his occasional coughs, everyone thought he was in poor health and treated him like glass, something the omega hated. Akutagawa, on the other hand, was not simply frail. Even when he got tired quickly, he endured all the work until the end. Even with coughs and shortness of breath, his movements were precise.

He took all his weakness, swallowed it, and stopped complaining. He moved on.

Akutagawa was different from the others he had met. He was moody, but so caring for the people he cared about. He was capable of giving himself up so that those people would be happy.

Douma looks up at the sky as he walks, pretending not to see the way Akutagawa hides inside his haori, pleased and grumpy at the same time.

“Why... am I thinking about this?”

 

 

***

 

 

The party went off without a hitch. All the food recipes were finished on time, the drinks were placed in their proper places, and the decorations were amazing if Akutagawa had any say in the matter. Kouyou would be proud of her attempt at theming the place. 

Otoya certainly noticed that he had a lot of input in getting everything done, in the cooking, food storage, decoration, and organization. Akutagawa ran away from her all night so that she wouldn't come and talk about something that discredited her head.

The music was lively and loud, a little out of tune for the people playing, lacking technique, Akutagawa would say, however, it didn't seem to take away from the fun of the moment.

Akutagawa sat beneath a distant tree, drink in hand, taking slow, small sips so he wouldn't have to get up to the storage place.

Douma sat comfortably on a red picnic blanket with cushions and an armrest. Drinks were brought to him whenever his glass was empty. Women danced on the grass in front of him, showing off their routines that they had rehearsed for weeks. 

– Everyone is having fun. 

“I can see that,” Akutagawa comments back. Ikeda lets out a weak laugh, sitting down next to him with a glass and a bottle. 

– Don't tell anyone. – Ikeda shows a playful smile and shrugs his shoulders shyly. 

– I'll think about it. – Akutagawa holds out the empty glass for Ikeda to fill. He does so without delay, filling his own glass afterwards.

The two of them stood in comfortable silence watching Yumi dance with a wide smile on her face. She waved at Akutagawa from afar and took off in the other direction, condemning with the other girl.

“Yumi-chan is a good dancer, isn’t she? She practiced for weeks to perform for His Holiness.” 

“I heard that.” Akutagawa nodded. Yumi had told him to watch her carefully when she introduced herself. “She’ll definitely brag about her perfection later.” 

– I can just imagine your ego soaring when His Holiness praises you. – Ikeda’s shoulders tremble as he laughs. His cheeks are flushed, probably already altered by the alcohol. – Hey – 

– Hm? – Akutagawa looks away from the dance, to Ikeda who is leaning on his right arm, leaning towards him. 

Now, he had two options at that moment. He could either walk away and carry on as if nothing had happened as usual, or he could get a little closer and enjoy his stay there more. 

In Yokohama he was already a bit promiscuous considering his affairs here and there. Since he arrived there, he has behaved so that no one would say anything bad about him, but he is getting tired of behaving like that. He wants back his freedom to be in control of himself, to choose who he wants to be with. 

Ikeda was handsome, a nice alpha even. Akutagawa didn't intend to make any commitments to him, maybe a one or two night fling.

He has been behaving just because – 

When he leans closer to Ikeda, to hear what he had to say, the alpha's scent becomes a little stronger, as if he is excited by his approach. 

– Have you thought about going to the city? 

– Hmhm – Akutagawa drags out his answer. Not really. He definitely wants to go to the city to change the air around him, however, there is just one problem there. – Not yet. I need to – his eyes fall on Douma who is looking back. 

Akutagawa couldn't even tell what the demon was thinking at that moment, given the way he hid half of his face with his fan. A unique habit that Akutagawa found endearing. 

He doesn't know if he's smiling, gritting his teeth, or just staring blankly. Swallowing hard, he looks at Ikeda, who looked in the same direction as him when he took his time to respond.

– I still need to talk to Douma. – Akutagawa finally answers, slowly moving away from Ikeda, so that he doesn't suspect anything strange. 

It's not like Akutagawa cared about what Douma thought, not at all. He just didn't want him to get some weird idea and end up interfering in his fun. Who knows what Douma's petty side could come up with in the midst of his evil and mysterious plans. 

– Why would you need to talk to the boss? – Ikeda frowns, a little uncomfortable. 

Ikeda can't be so stupid as to not at least think about the connection the two seem to have. From the rumors, from the smell that the omega always exudes. Even the pieces of clothing he had allegedly been stealing, according to Otoya. 

But Ikeda knows that Akutagawa wouldn't do something like steal someone's clothes, even if he had to. He's met Akutagawa and talked to him. Ikeda knows that deep down he's a good omega. His Holiness was just being kind by taking care of him when everyone else was hostile. 

Maybe that was why Akutagawa needed to talk to Douma before agreeing. His leader was being his protector here when no one else would speak for him in a real fight. 

– Well... I help him with everything sometimes... I need to let him know whether or not I'll be present. – Akutagawa lies easily.

– Don’t worry! Before you arrived, other people did this! I’m sure it won’t be a problem! – Ikeda insists and approaches again.

– Y...Yes.. – Akutagawa looks away. – I'll look into this properly. Give me some time. – He murmurs.

Ikeda gives a smile that looks like it will serve as illumination for the rest of the night.

– I will wait with anticipation! – he says.

 

 

***

 

 

Akutagawa managed to be alone after Ikeda left, called by one of his friends to talk somewhere else. It was a good thing, since the atmosphere had become a bit awkward after Ikeda insisted he go to town again.

He at least left the rest of the bottle. 

It's a good thing he has a high resistance to poisons and drugs. But he'd like to get drunk there, maybe it would kill him and send him to another world less messed up than this one.

– Ryuunosuke-san! Ryuunosuke-san!! 

Yume runs in front of Emi, throwing herself next to the omega and hugging him from the side. It makes Akutagawa a little uncomfortable, but he prevails. 

– Hello Yume, Emi. Douma. – Akutagawa looks and speaks to everyone one by one. His gaze locks with the rainbows of the demon who smiled as if everything was normal. 

Well, to everyone else it looked like a normal smile, but there was something in Douma's eyes. With so many years around manipulative and calculating people, Akutagawa had learned a thing or two about differentiating moods and expressions, no matter how small.

– Did you see me dance? Did you like it? – Yume grabs his arm, pressing it against her chest. 

– You danced well, Yume. Just like you said you would. – Akutagawa answers as evasively as possible, so that Yume would be happy, but not insist too much on “yes” and “no”.

– Yume-chan prepared a lot. – Emi smiles proudly. 

– Who wouldn't be impressed? Yume-chan and the others did very well. – Douma speaks softly and sits next to Akutagawa, in the same place where Ikeda was before, just not respecting the omega's personal space as much. Their thighs were touching and he didn't seem willing to lose contact and space. 

– Yes, His Holiness is right – Emi agreed with a giggle at Yume's childish actions. The youngest of them kept getting more and more attached to Akutagawa. Whether she had a crush or saw him as an older brother, Emi still didn't know.

– Ryuunosuke-san helped me memorize the steps! And increasing some! The others loved it! – Yume says remembering. 

– So you dance too? – Douma jokes next to the omega, finding it amusing that the omega who hated traditional things ended up learning so many things like that.

– Shut up! Anee-san told me that having knowledge has nothing to do with “following the rules”! It’s personal growth! – Akutagawa says back, blushing with embarrassment. A little irritated too. – Besides, Gin liked to dance and sing...

– And you are that brother with the complex.

– Fuck you, Douma.

– Sure, where? – the demon bats his eyelashes, giving a gallant smile that takes all of Akutagawa's self-control not to punch him there. 

On the other hand, Emi gasps audibly and Yume is totally embarrassed, trying to look anywhere. 

Akutagawa doesn't even know when the demon began to understand the words of his time. Maybe they have lived together a lot now and that's why Douma can answer him like that.

He hated the devil. 

– Ryuunosuke-kun would get along well with Gyutaro-kun. You two are the same kind of brother. Is your sister cuter than you?

– If I ever find her, you're the last person I'll let near her! 

The conversation between the two was progressing in a direction that the other two could not follow. Not only that, the way they spoke, the subject, was not something that other people were familiar with. And the two were simply so caught up in their own little world that it took them a while to notice that other people were not following the conversation.

– S-So, does Akutagawa-kun have sisters? – Emi asks awkwardly, trying to break the mood of shock and embarrassment between her and Yume.

Akutagawa's eyes widen a little as he stares at Douma, finally realizing that he actually... doesn't know if he still has it. He looks down at his hands in his lap, playing with the fabric of his gray yukata.

– I don't know... If she... If my sister is alive or not... – he mutters sadly, frustrated because it was probably his weakness that killed her and everyone else. – Anee-san was... She wasn't my real sister... She just took care of everyone.

Emi felt guilty for asking. Of course the younger one would have some sad story behind his cold exterior. She was very rude to ask without thinking properly.

- I'm sorry - 

– It's okay. I'm fine with that. I just miss her. That's it. – Akutagawa smiles weakly, cutting Emi off before she can continue her apology that would last much longer than he's willing to listen to at that moment. He knows Emi didn't mean to be rude, she was just curious since he wasn't talking about himself. 

Douma looked at the omega, he was taken a little by surprise. Little by little, Akutagawa talked more about himself, although he was evasive whenever he could. He didn't expect the omega to answer the question about his sister, especially to Emi, but the woman had always treated the omega well since she arrived there. 

Looking at that expression, Douma thinks he doesn't like her. It was an ugly habit that Akutagawa had. 

“He always smiles when someone touches on a personal subject that hurts him.” 

It’s not a real smile. It’s different from the ones Akutagawa showed him when he was mocking him or being ironic. Douma has yet to see a happy smile. 

– Ryuunosuke-san! – Yume holds Akutagawa’s right hand between hers. Her eyes are filled with tears. She sniffles. – Don’t worry! You can talk to me whenever you need! I’ll help you! I’m sure your sister would want you to be happy! Wherever she is! Stay strong. 

Douma sees the way Akutagawa's lips tighten slightly, he even thinks that the omega will give a harsh response in retaliation for Yume's audacity in thinking she knows his sister.

– Of course, Yume. Thank you. – The smile still doesn’t reach her eyes.

– Yume-chan is right. I will always be here for you, Ryuunosuke-kun. – Douma sniffs and wipes away a tear. 

It works as expected, Akutagawa's gaze returns to normal and reflects a certain contempt for him. Douma thinks it's better this way. 

-Ryuunosuke-san- 

Yume doesn't finish what she starts, a lively song starts playing and she is called by the other women to join the dance again. She seems hesitant for a few seconds, however, encouraged by Akutagawa, she stands up to join the others.

– Look at me well Ryuunosuke-san! It will cheer you up! – Yume runs.

– Such high confidence – Douna whispers to himself. 

– Yume-chan is a good girl. It's a shame that her parents died so young. It was lucky that His Holiness found her. – Emi smiles at the memory. When Douma brought a twelve-year-old girl to the temple with him and asked them to take care of her because she had nowhere else to go. 

“How did her parents die?” Akutagawa dares to ask. Yume is always excited, whether or not she remembers what happened is still unclear. Maybe she just didn’t want to worry anyone. 

– They were killed. It looks like a wild animal got into the house. – Emi says sadly. 

– Animal... – Akutagawa glances at Douma, who looks back at him with a smile that gives nothing away. Narrowing his eyes, Akutagawa moves away from the demon a few inches. – Bastard. – He mutters a curse.

He has no doubt whatsoever that the “animal” was Douma himself and by some strange whim on his part, he ended up bringing Yume with him. 

Akutagawa doesn't care who Douma kills for food. However, he doesn't like situations like these. It's despicable that someone would be willing to do something like that for some internal amusement. 

Thinking for a few more seconds, he comes to the conclusion that he is not sober enough to ignore the situation. So he brings the bottle closer to him, checking if there are any traces of alcohol left inside. He smiles when he discovers that there is still half a bottle left. 

Viva. 

– If I didn't know Juuinchiro was a good boy, I'd think he was trying to get you drunk. – Douma takes the claw from the omega's hands, pouring it from his free side, straight onto the grass. 

– Hey! – Akutagawa even tried to take the bottle back, but Douma easily kept it in place with his free hand. – What's your problem?

– Ryuunosuke-kun shouldn't drink so much. – Douma says calmly. – You should eat too. Emi. Get some food for Ryuunosuke-kun will you? Poor thing has been hiding here since early.

– I haven't been hiding here!

– Of course, Your Holiness! I'll go right now! – Emi nods, laughing nervously.

Akutagawa grumbles as Emi walks away. 

– You didn't need to kick her out. 

– But then I couldn't spend time alone with you. – Is the answer given so naturally that it seems true. 

– As if. – Akutagawa sighs. 

– It's true. You were sooo close to Juuinchiro... – Douma leans in to whisper. – I thought I had to get rid of him.

– Don't you dare.

– Worried? I can think you care about him. – Douma jokes. 

Akutagawa doesn't answer. Grimacing, he looks at the party. He has no obligation to Douma for the demon to tell him who to get involved with or not.

– I want to go to the city. – Akutagawa finally says. It's not a request, he's stating a fact. If he stays there, he'll definitely go crazy and it won't be good for anyone if his insanity reaches him. 

– Hhmm no! – Douma continues to smile as he speaks, his voice even brighter.

– I'm going crazy from continuing to see the same things. – Akutagawa insists, his tone of voice forced to be low and patient. 

– You already help with the fields here. 

– It's not the same thing. And you know it. 

– It’s still a no. There’s no reason for you to leave the temple. 

– Douma – 

“Is this about Juuinchiro?” Douma looks at him, the fan gently swinging back and forth, ruffling the platinum strands of his blonde hair. “Do you want to go out with him?”

– I want to get out of here. 

– There's nothing for you out there.

– Not here! – Akutagawa gets irritated, Rashoumon bristles on his clothes, moving in small, light movements. Like a bothered cat's tail. – So what if I want to go out with Ikeda? It has nothing to do with you – 

“It all makes sense, little lamb.” Douma closes his fan tighter, making a louder noise to drown out the omega’s voice. Leaning down, he presses the closed fan to the omega’s lips and smiles. “You’re not going anywhere out of my reach.” 

Feeling his anger getting the better of him, Akutagawa takes a deep breath, pushing the fan away from his face. He can't fight Douma. The demon will be more annoying if he sees that he's taking something he wants. 

Despite being a demon, Douma is rational and prone to talking things out before making any decisions. If Akutagawa is careful, Douma may still give in.

– I won't run away, but you can come too. And keep an eye on me. – Akutagawa speaks expectantly. – I'm going crazy repeating this routine day after day. I'm going to freak out. I need to get out. I'll be back. It's not like there's anything for me out there, you said it yourself! Douma – he stretches out his hand and shows his little finger. – I promise.

The action catches the demon off guard, bringing back some old memories of a woman with a beautiful voice, who held a newborn baby as if she wanted to protect him from everything. Who sang silly and affectionate songs about love and protection for her son. 

Slowly, Douma raises his pinky in the same way, holding it with the omega's who seems relieved by the action. Akutagawa smiles victoriously.

– If you run away, I'll kill you. – He says, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

– I know. – Akutagawa nods nonchalantly. – Emi – 

Douma looks at the omega who is receiving the other omega with a softer expression. His shoulders are no longer hunched as if he was defensive like before. Their knees are touching again and the omega is eating slowly while watching Yume dance. 

Looking at Akutagawa's hand, he looks at his own. His pinky is stretched out. He made a pinky promise with Akutagawa. 

That was so stupid . 

But why did it seem so important that it be maintained?

 

 

Chapter 8: The more time passes

 

 

Freedom never felt so amazing before.

Ever since he woke up in this world, all Akutagawa had seen were the old houses of the small village surrounding the Eternal Heaven Faith temple. He hadn't had the chance to see anything else with Douma keeping a close eye on him at all times.

Seeing more people than he was used to, different noises and different foods. He never thought a crowd would make him so happy.

– Weren’t there people in your city? – Douma asks, observing the omega’s excitement.

– I did, but I wasn't tied to one place. – Akutagawa replies with disgust. In fact, Mori did his best to keep him busy, because him being quiet was an ongoing problem since he was always looking for something to mess with, he said.

– I think I can understand – Douma thinks about the time when he couldn’t leave the temple, how everything was so boring and monotonous. Sometimes he felt like he was going to die. – Well, have fun. As long as you’re with me, of course.

– You are unbearable sometimes. – Akutagawa grumbles. Because of the demon, the group split into two, one that went ahead while the other went during the evening with Douma, where they would meet in the city. It was two days of walking that Douma dragged to get to the city.

Honestly, even if the supposed “enlightened boy” had stopped walking in the sun out of the kindness of his heart to heal everyone and stay in their lives longer. Some things were just too much! Did they really not notice the oddities in the situation? Was it fanaticism? How unwilling to not see reality.

– You can smell me, can't you? Leave me a little. – Akutagawa gets irritated. He's been walking nonstop for several minutes, waiting for Douma to get tired and go hunting for some woman. – Find something to eat.

– I'm fine. Do you want something? – Douma turns the conversation around in seconds. The two ladies who were following him around comment on how generous their leader was.

– No. No need. – He quickly moves away, a little uncomfortable. It doesn't seem like Douma knows about it. It's better to keep it that way.

How he will keep this hidden from Douma is the main question these days.

“It’s okay. I can easily go three days without eating. And I can always steal a wallet. I hope this idiot doesn’t see it.” He thinks to himself, irritated and uncomfortable with the situation.

The truth is that he has no money. None. Even though he does all that work at the temple, he has not received any. And he knows that Douma distributes some income to his followers who help maintain order in the cult.

Only, Otoya and Sougo didn't mind including him in this. He's sure Emi knows about this and he's grateful the woman didn't tell Douma.

Thanks to his stalker/persecutor/jailer he can't even talk to Ikeda for five minutes. Ikeda must be finding Douma an insufferable person at this point. His loyalty must be going out the window.

He always needs Douma to be distracted for five seconds. It's hard to do. Douma can perceive things around him very well. Akutagawa doesn't intend to run away, but he doesn't intend to stay by his side all the time. He only has nighttime to wander around thanks to Douma's persistence in keeping an eye on him.

“Do you like this?” Douma looks over Akutagawa’s shoulder, straight into the glass window of a bookstore. There are several books on display at varying prices. “Ryuunosuke-kun has read most of the books we have.”

– Your books are boring. Most of them talk about religion. – Akutagawa mumbles boredly. Unfortunately, he can't even forget what he read.

“We can always buy some new ones,” Douma says simply. “ Saaa, let’s go inside and find some scary stories.”

– Horror books don’t excite me. They’re boring. And I don’t want books – Douma pulls him into the store anyway.

 

***

 

Yume spins around to show off the new kimono dress she found. It was a floral shade with a darker pink obi that highlighted the woman's waist. Emi even claps her hands in praise for the younger woman.

– The price is a little high, but I'll use it carefully! – Yume says excitedly. – What do you think, Ryuunosuke-san, Your Holiness?

– It suits you, Yume-chan. – Douma compliments softly.

– Yes. It seems like it was made for you. – Akutagawa agrees.

Yume gives a huge smile before running back to the dressing room so she can change her clothes and pay for her outfit.

Emi walked away with her sister Hinako to do her own shopping at the store, leaving Akutagawa alone with Douma.

No matter how boring it was, Akutagawa refused to give in. He chose to accompany Yume and Emi precisely because he thought it would be boring, that it would make Douma give up and leave him alone. He underestimated the demon's patience.

Not only did Douma seem fulfilled throughout this time, he was also thriving on his fame with every compliment he released.

The bag of books was light and didn't get in his way, but it didn't make him any less restless. There was no reason for Douma to give him anything. It made him feel uncomfortable and he couldn't even say exactly why.

– Aren’t you going to choose anything? – Douma asks, breaking the silence.

– Why don’t you go? I’m sure the ladies here will love showering you with attention. – Akutagawa notices the looks and whispers of the saleswomen around them, too shy to approach, just waiting for an opportunity to throw themselves at Douma. – Tsk. Sluts.

– Did you say something?

– No. I didn't say anything.

The two remained silent for a while longer. Yume, who was supposed to buy just one dress, got distracted by another outfit and was now trying to choose between two outfits or a single kimono that she had always wanted.

Akutagawa is about to join her to save himself from this awkward silence. He's sure that the moment he takes the first step away from Douma, the attendants will immediately come to his aid. And that's not the kind of thing that should make him hesitate. He's not a bodyguard.

– You really aren’t going to choose anything?

– Hm? – Akutagawa gives the blond a confused look.

– Clothes. You wanted clothes other than yukatas, right? I’m sure you wouldn’t come to town just because you want to go out with someone. – Douma says simply.

Akutagawa opens and closes his mouth.

– No, you don’t need to. – He looks away. The last thing he needs right now is a conversation about this.

Douma sighs. For some reason, this makes Akutagawa feel incredulous. He just made the most sly and fake creature he had ever met let out a sigh of tiredness. Not even Dazai sighed at him, although he looked at him with contempt at times.

– Kotoha-chan would have accepted. Why do you have to be so difficult? – he says calmly despite the irritating words.

Because Akutagawa hates people comparing him to someone else, he makes an expressive grimace.

– Well, I am me.

– Yes, you are. Kotoha-chan was more cheerful than you for sure. – Douma comments thoughtfully.

Akutagawa definitely won't like this conversation continuing.

– However, you are more understanding. – Douma looks at him. – That's why you should accept my gift, yes? – he pokes the omega with the golden fan, straight in the ribs.

– Stop it – Akutagawa tries to dodge. – I don't want to. I'm not obligated to accept anything from you. – He crosses his arms and walks away.

Douma laughs and for that reason, the omega knows he hasn't given up yet.

– Well, your stubbornness is also endearing.

- Shut up.

– I think this blouse would look good on you. – Douma places the long-sleeved blouse in front of the omega, trying to see if it matches.

– I already said I don't want to. – Akutagawa pushes the clothes away from him. He doesn't discourage Douma from his goal.

– Not that color. – Douma says to himself, ignoring the other’s protest. – You’re always wearing gray and black. And that’s fine. It suits you. But you need more colors sometimes. Your red scarf is the most colorful thing you have. How about – he pulls out a white button-down shirt. – This one?

– I already said I don't need it –

– Shhh – Douma puts his finger on his lips, silencing him.

– Why are you so obsessed with this? – Akutagawa grumbles tiredly, following the blond's walk around him with his eyes, looking for some piece of clothing.

– Hmhmhmm – Douma hums, dragging it out as much as possible. It even makes Akutagawa think that he won’t get any answer to his question. – Because I want to. – He simply shrugs. – Does there have to be an ulterior motive for wanting to give a gift to someone else?

– Coming from people with twisted personalities like yours, yes.

 

***

 

On any given day for most of the followers, everyone was busy when Otoya and Sougo were telling everyone that their leader was summoning everyone to his room when they had finished their duties.

Everyone was confused, but this wasn’t the first time Douma had shown some kind of eccentric behavior. Just like on the day of the party, Douma had simply called everyone together and said, “Tomorrow, we’ll have a party at dusk!” and everyone was up early and busy with the preparations.

It wasn't unusual, but for some reason, Akutagawa felt like it would come back to bite him.

With an innocent smile, which seemed too happy, Douma locks eyes with the ex-mobster and opens his arms.

– This weekend, I'm going to town. Those who want to go, don't be shy. Come to me and tell me.

Akutagawa's mouth is open. He said Douma could go, not that he could create a party based on what he said before. And yet, the demon went and made everything by his rules.

It was hard to look at Ikeda after that since the older alpha was confused and trying to understand how this could happen. And since he said he needed to talk to Douma first, Ikeda must have come to the conclusion that it was his fault.

Since the temple's duties were always done in shifts so that everyone had some time off, only those who were free that weekend would join Douma.

No one seemed to question how Douma only moved at dusk, when there was no sun, they just agreed and helped. Even if he used the excuse that his skin was extremely sensitive, it didn't enter Akutagawa's head as it wasn't suspicious.

On the other hand, Douma was amused by the puppy dog ​​face that Ikeda gave every time he looked at Akutagawa, and he looked away, trying to get away from him because he knew that Douma was going because of him in the first place.

“Akutagawa-kun,” Tsukuyo called, quickly approaching to pull him aside. “Is it okay for you to go? I mean, I know Otoya-san… She doesn’t give you money for helping with chores like His Holiness said.” She seemed quite bothered by this fact. Tsukuyo didn’t like the woman, no matter how much Otoya kept everything balanced.

- All good.

– It’s not fair. I’m sure you want to replace the clothes she took. Not to mention food and lodging, how…?

“Don’t worry about it,” he says with a shrug. “No need to worry. Just don’t tell Douma. He can be very annoying sometimes.”

– His Holiness is just concerned and wants to help.

Akutagawa scoffs at Tsukuyo's words.

First of all, Douma doesn't care about anyone around them, probably very little about what happens to himself, given the few times he told something about himself and they were distant, as if it was about someone else, however they were cold and cruel in some way.

And secondly, he was just a way for Douma to have fun out of boredom.

– Iori-san, this is all in your head –

“ Tsk, tsk ,” Tsukuyo denies. She wiggles her index finger to dramatize her point. “His Holiness has never treated another person the way he treats you. It’s true that he cares for all of us, but to worry if some omega is lonely enough to give him one of your clothes? Tsk, tsk , no, no, Akutagawa-kun. That’s never happened.”

– There's also never been another male omega here before, as far as I know. – Akutagawa counters, he will never accept that Douma is doing this out of kindness.

Yuck , it almost seems wrong. He cringes at the thought.

“I heard rumors that there was a woman who came before. Kotoha .” Tsukuyo leaned closer to whisper the gossip I had heard long ago. “He treated her especially well above the others here. They said she sang very well and that His Holiness liked that about her. So much so that he would spend hours with her. I was told that His Holiness, who normally never touched anyone outside of his duties, held her newborn son.”

Well, that was new. Akutagawa couldn't even imagine Douma holding a child without thinking that he would devour him next and that sounded horrible.

– What happened to her?

– It seems her husband’s abuse drove her mad. His Holiness tried to stop her, but she threw her baby off a cliff and killed herself.

Akutagawa frowns.

– Just like that? I mean, she was fine and the next day, she ran to what...? Kill her son?

– She was always smiling. No one really knew what was going on in her head. Maybe she was paranoid and trying to convince herself that she was safe. Eventually it got to her.

– That sounds stupid. If she was paranoid, it would be easily noticed. – Akutagawa is getting annoyed with the direction this conversation is going.

– What do you mean by all this? – Tsukuyo looks at him strangely, suspiciously.

– Nothing really. I just... I never thought Douma would be kind to someone like that. – Akutagawa changes the subject. It's not good to raise that kind of suspicion with the other followers. Who knows what inventions they would create in their heads and spread around.

– With someone other than you? – Tsukuyo easily brushes the subject aside, giving him a mischievous smile.

– Go away.

Tsukuyo laughs behind him.

Douma tilts his head to the opposite side and disappears.

 

***

 

Saying “no” is like throwing words into the wind, it goes in one ear and out the other. They’re still on the same page as before, it seems. And as much as Akutagawa wants to be annoyed, he ends up giving in a little to the demon’s whims in finding clothes for him.

However, two can play this game, and Akutagawa has spent years with manipulative people. He can do it too.

The goal was just to divert Douma's attention from him. It works too well.

– Find something you think would look good on me, okay? – he says excitedly.

Well, it looks like an animated expression. Despite his smiles or kind gestures, Akutagawa could never tell if the emotions were genuine or simply so perfectly acted that they were realistic.

He has no expectations of Douma. But deep down, in the small, protected corner he keeps hidden within himself, the one that hesitates to let anyone get too close, he fears that he is actually just another follower.

Douma doesn't do anything he doesn't want to do, however, Akutagawa finds this contradicted when Douma sits down every day to listen to his followers and mocks them afterwards.

He sighs.

His plan almost worked, Douma is surrounded by saleswomen and followers offering support and opinions that he certainly didn't sincerely ask for. Douma cast a few glances in his direction as if asking for help, but Akutagawa thinks he reaped what he sowed.

You can't leave the store, but at least the devil isn't breathing down your neck like a leech anymore.

The piece of clothing in his hands was made of soft fabric. Douma always wore traditional Japanese clothing, it just looked good on him. In fact, it made him look bigger than he was. However, Akutagawa could easily see him in designer and designer clothes back in his day.

A renowned businessman or a psychologist with extensive achievements.

No. A famous model.

Top 1 idol. Douma was charismatic despite being a lie. His eyes were captivating, he was elegant and handsome. And his voice was also graceful.

It wasn't fair, how is a person born with all attributes at 100%?

Less in personality, in that Douma achieved – 100.

– Did you find something you like?

The proximity of the voice takes Akutagawa out of his thoughts, his amusement gone in a matter of seconds. He didn't even notice when Douma left the group behind and came to him.

– No. Not really. – Akutagawa answers and puts the blouse back on the hanger. He tries to dodge and run in another direction only for Douma to already be in his way, offering two coat options as a peace offering. – I don’t want it.

Douma doesn't speak back and pushes the clothes towards her.

– You onis have good hearing, don't you? – he snorts. Why couldn't people accept "no" as his answer.

– Sometimes you seem to drift away. I don't know where your mind goes. – Douma turns his back, grabbing a pair of black pants from the other hanger. – I need to hurry or you'll go somewhere I can't reach... – he looks between two options as he speaks.

This time, when Douma shows him the clothes, Akutagawa takes them.

“You don’t have to reach out to me,” Akutagawa says quietly. He doesn’t know what expression he’s making at that moment, but Douma’s face changes slightly. “I’m fine.”

– Of course you're the one who believes it the most, but – he reaches out, to do the same thing he always does, tangling his fingers in the lock of hair next to his face, only to be forced to stop when he receives a slap on the hand – It's hard to believe when you have eyes like that .

Sad and lonely, he wanted to add, but Douma is sure that if he says it, it will only push Akutagawa further away.

Letting out a derisive snort, Akutagawa turns to walk away towards the changing rooms with the clothes in hand. If Douma was so willing to spend on him, then he's going to make his wallet cry.

In the dressing room, he stays longer than necessary and doesn't come out to show how none of the clothes are left waiting for Douma to take the hint.

Douma welcomes him back with a smile on his face that seems so sincere that it shines as he once again leaves behind the group of women to come to him.

Akutagawa wants him to stop. Why is he being singled out over other people? It bothers him, because he can't understand or accept how it makes him feel.

– You can have more if you want. – Douma offers.

“I want the whole store then,” Akutagawa retorts childishly. Douma looks surprised, given the way his eyes widen slightly at the corners, but then he laughs. As if he finds the idea amusing.

– Let's talk to the owner then.

Douma grabs his hand and pulls him. A gasp can be heard on the other side that seems to come from Emi, he can't tell since his eyes are focused on the oni's back, in shock.

– Wait. Do you have the money to do something like that? – Akutagawa dares to ask.

To her horror, Douma stops and looks over his shoulder, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“You have no idea,” he leans closer and whispers, “how stupid people are to give me their entire fortune just for a chance at paradise.”

Despicable. That's what the ex-mobster thinks.

He is still being dragged towards the cashier.

– Wait! I was joking! – hurrying, he grabs the back of Douma's haori, pulling it back. – Don't do this, idiot! What the hell would I do with all this?

– It's not my problem! Haha – Douma doesn't seem to feel the resistance trying to make him go back.

– Douma !

 

***

 

They didn't leave with all the products in the store, but Akutagawa still managed to get a considerable amount of new things. Clothes, soaps, and medicines. He even received a new pillow when Douma found him cuddling one on the futons of another store they stopped at so Douma could get more fluffy pillows for his room and altar.

Chuuya's whims regarding skin and hair care make him want to kill himself when in this world he realizes that he won't get the same pampering he's become accustomed to in his own world. Douma tries, however.

Not even Otoya will be able to deny that their own leader, His Holiness chosen by the gods, is the one who bought all that and more in front of many people.

Otoya will definitely say that he is taking advantage of Douma's goodwill. Yuck. How can she be so insufferable?

“Come on, come on,” Douma pulls him toward the next street. A follower shouts after them, hurrying to join them. “I already asked Komori to leave the groceries at the hotel. We should have dinner!”

– Not as people. – Akutagawa says neutrally.

– Hmhm, that sounds interesting. If I take a woman's leg and you take a plate, we could –

– No. Don't finish that. – Akutagawa cuts him off before he can finish his strange thought that will make him more of an accomplice than he already is if some hunter ever finds Douma's cult.

Speaking of the hunters, Douma said little about them. But he said they were humans with breathing techniques. Carrying swords forced by a sun-drenched metal. He said they were a group of desperate and weak people. That only their Hashiras had some potential and it wasn't really a big deal.

Considering Douma's personality, most of it was true and the other part was just Douma underestimating the capabilities of humans in general. He rolls his eyes at the thought.

But he's interested in these breathing techniques they use. It's always good to be able to learn new things, especially in this world. He has Rashoumon, but showing off his power without further ado could make him just a target for all the other oni.

– The food looks great. – Douma says to the waitress, politely placing their orders for them.

The two of them were in a private room away from the others. It's not even a surprise considering Douma can't eat human food without vomiting it all back up.

– I'm going to need you to eat my dish. – He says innocently.

– Fuck it. Nobody told you to ask. – Akutagawa crosses his arms and turns his face away.

– Be good. I asked for little. Besides, you are thin and need to eat. I would hate for my dear omega to starve to death. – Douma rests his arm on the table and his face in his hand, smiling like someone who knew a secret he shouldn't.

Akutagawa’s stomach twists at the thought of him knowing about the things Otoya has been doing since he arrived. Douma has been slowly finding out in his usual patient and nosy way, but it still embarrasses him. Even though Douma “protects” him without being asked, it feels wrong that he needs help with something so trivial.

- You know .

“Don’t get defensive, Ryuunosuke-kun. You know I take care of mine.” Douma leans across the table to reach out and touch his hair. “I’ll make sure you don’t have to worry about that again.”

– I don't need your protection. – He tries to pull his hand away from her hair, which falls to her cheek, only to lose the fight in terms of strength. – I'm capable of defending myself.

– But you could use some allies, couldn’t you? – Straightening, Douma opens his fan, gently swaying his platinum locks with slow movements. – I don’t doubt that you can manage on your own. But what’s wrong with me being your help?

– Nobody is cool for anything. Especially people like you .

– Hey, hey, don’t compare me to whoever is in your thoughts. I’m here to help people.

Akutagawa sighs. Of course.

– I don’t want anything from you, little lamb. Just that you stay by my side.

Clasping his hands in his lap, Akutagawa doesn't answer, but wonders "until how long?" he should stay. Until Douma gets sick of him too and decides to get rid of his presence?

His greatest enemy has always been custom. The expectation that the foundation he has painstakingly created will be of no use. And that all the effort he has put into creating a solid place will be blown away by a breeze of an innocent goodbye.

The woman comes to leave the food for them shortly after. If she notices the strange air between them, she doesn't show it and leaves quickly.

Indeed, the dish Douma ordered is small and Akutagawa could probably eat both his and hers easily, but because of the conversation, it seems his stomach has closed up and the food looks simply disgusting in his eyes.

– Say “ahh” – the spoon is stretched almost to his lips. Akutagawa jumps and looks directly at Douma, in shock.

– What the fuck –

– Say “ahhh” – Douma insists.

Akutagawa's expression fell, he gave Douma a look of contempt.

– I'd rather go hungry.

– Oh my heart. You hurt me like this. – He makes a hurt pout. – I promise my hands are clean.

– I wonder sometimes if you really know what's wrong with the air or not. Maybe your brain is dead. – Akutagawa grumbles, pushing his arm back.

– Since you have hurt my fragile heart, I must insist that you open your mouth and eat. – Douma smiles, in a way that seems more vengeful than anything else.

– Where does that seem like compensation? – Akutagawa walks away. – First of all, you have no heart.

– Should I take it off my chest for you to see then?

– Yuck, no.

– Humans eat animal hearts. Why do you act like mine would be disgusting?

– Do I really need to explain the cultural and moral differences here?

If the Otoya sisters, Tsukuyo and Yume find them fighting, they are too shocked to say anything against the two's messy appearance. Hinako was shocked for at least half an hour to see her leader playing like that and even trying to feed someone else. He never did that even with the cult's babies.

The group walks through a few more streets, a strange but comfortable atmosphere settles between them. Akutagawa thinks that Tsukuyo is the person who is orchestrating the increasing distance between the two of them.

They stop on one of the sidewalks, waiting for the tram to pass so they can cross and continue.

“Just so you know,” he whispers, but he’s sure the demon is listening. “I know what you’re doing.”

– Hm? What am I doing?

– Being annoying on purpose to divert my attention.

For obvious reasons, being trapped in his own mind is a danger to him and the people around him. Gin or Chuuya were always ready to drag him out of his dark world when he strayed too far.

That's why he was always busy, so that intrusive memories or thoughts wouldn't pop up and cause more discomfort and distress than necessary.

Even though it was a lie, it was still very kind. No one had ever told him such a kind lie before and taken such great care to keep it.

It'll end eventually, like it always does. And that's okay. He's used to it. But he's never been ungrateful.

- Thanks.

Douma doesn't understand .

He doesn't understand why Akutagawa is thanking him first and smiling while his eyes shine like stars. The wind seems to enhance the softness of his black hair.

The people passing by, the cars' engines, it all seems like a distant cacophony.

– Why are you thanking me? – Douma asks, genuinely confused.

This only makes the smile calmly widen at the corners of his lips, making the smile seem more mischievous than grateful like before. 

– That's a secret. – Akutagawa puts a finger over his lips and steps away.

 

 

Chapter 9: They say I'm a control freak

Summary:

An attack and a miracle.

 

Putting the painting back into the container, the demon turned to the woman who had been following him. He looked incredibly pleased with what they had done in the last hour.

There was a man painting people as they passed by. Like the persistent and annoying person he was, Douma convinced Akutagawa to sit with him for ten minutes without moving. It wouldn't have been a big deal if people hadn't stopped to admire the oni's beauty. Akutagawa felt like the ugly duckling next to Douma.

And to make matters worse, when he tried to pull away, Douma dragged him closer than before, leaving his hand on his hip, with an innocent and amused smile. And the man even put it in the painting, as if they were a couple.

Otoya was foaming at the mouth with every passing minute and Akutagawa thought she would have a fit at any moment.

“What a shame. I want to die.” Akutagawa covered his face with his hands, whimpering to himself. If he hadn’t smelled like the devil before, he was sure he did now.

This is absolutely unfair. The one who was about to be stopped and pampered by the women around him was Douma, not him.

Douma lets out an amused laugh beside him.

– I hate you – he says quietly.

– My heart – Douma puts his hand over his chest, dramatically feigning pain. – What will you do if I am hurt by these words?

– You don't have the heart for this.

– Would you like me to show you otherwise?

– I already said no ! – he answers in a hurry, without doubting that Douma would really do something stupid like opening his chest and ripping out his heart to show him.

Come to think of it, that seems funny... – Akutagawa looks away.

– Your Holiness –

Douma turns and Akutagawa takes two steps to the opposite side. A hand grabs his clothes and pulls him back as if it were nothing, not even a strange action.

Emi didn't know if she could believe her eyes. Their leader had never acted so childish and possessive around them before. She was almost joining in with her older sister and having a seizure in the corner.

– Tsc – not this time either.

They stop at another restaurant, picking up some skewers for the younger ones. Akutagawa is grateful for the tea he receives and notices that Douma drinks it and doesn't seem sick about it.

Curious, the omega watches over the cup of tea held against his lips.

At this point, he has already forgotten all the melancholy he had during the day. Between conversations with Emi and Tsukuyo, some discussions with Douma between his furtive attempts to get away to have some peace and get out of the oni's spotlight, Akutagawa has been having fun with everything.

Of course, he could always try to actually run away, use Rashoumon to jump across buildings and get away from there, starting his hunt. However, actually running away wasn't his goal, just getting out of the collar's reach.

He stops in front of a small bookstore. Douma is a few meters away from him, surrounded by some women from the city who are trying to pull him into trivial matters.

Douma looked absolutely irritated by all of them. Their eyes met and Akutagawa smirked as he pushed open the bookstore door to enter. Douma looked offended for a few seconds before he was forced to smile in response to the words of a woman clinging to his arm.

“Serves you right.” Akutagawa thinks, amused at the idea of ​​Douma being the only one uncomfortable right now. He pauses for a moment.

“Hm? When did I become able to tell whether he’s enjoying something or not?” Akutagawa blinks to himself and looks at Douma once more. This time, the oni seems to have convinced himself that this was his fate for now.

The woman who was previously touching his arm is now further away from him, none of them come any closer and Akutagawa wonders what was said to make them keep a greater distance from them. Seeing Otoya nearby, he has a hunch as to who did it.

Douma told him that people used to come to him for purification. Long before he became an oni. Months ago, when one of the women in the cult had come to him for that reason, he had seemed so distant.

Did he really understand the things that had gone wrong with him? Douma's indifference towards other people was real, but there wasn't a single person in the world who didn't feel anything. Even if it was something small like tea, a book, or someone else's company .

Douma talks a lot when he's around him and always says that his "friend" Akaza was ready to punch him every time he opened his mouth. Akutagawa has never seen Douma talking to other people other than it being about his problems or some superficial topic.

Turning, he lets his hand fall to the door handle.

A hand grabs his as he takes another step.

It's not Douma. He's still surrounded by people trying to court him. Ready to pull someone's arm and twist their hand, Akutagawa notices before he breaks any bones.

– Ikeda! – he is surprised by the other's sudden appearance. He had lost sight of him some time ago and really, he didn't miss him in the crowd considering that Douma was always keeping him busy.

“Finally!” Ikeda looks over his shoulder and smiles. He tightens his fingers around her wrist, pulling her closer to get lost in the crowd of people and turn onto the next street. “We can be alone for a bit!”

– Hey, wait a minute!

If he suddenly disappears, Douma might mistakenly think he ran away.

– Sorry to pull you like that. – Ikeda says shyly, letting go of her hand when they are on an empty street. On the other side, there were trees in a park that looked scarier than anything at that time. – Hm, I couldn't catch you alone for a bit.

– Ah – that’s his fault. And Douma’s. The oni didn’t want to give up the closeness between the two. – True...

Initially, for a brief moment, he thought about going to the city because of Ikeda, a thought that was quickly erased when Douma intruded as usual. Ever since they arrived in the city, Akutagawa has not even remembered Ikeda's presence. Every time he tried to escape it was for peace, not to see the other alpha.

– Actually, I wanted to tell you something – Ikeda blushes . Akutagawa feels apprehensive. This can't be one of those awkward moments, right?

Ikeda fiddles with his clothes and produces a book. He hesitates for a moment and then slowly stretches it out.

– Well, I wanted to give you this. I was actually scared... Danna-sama [1] has already given you so much since she arrived here...

Akutagawa takes the book and reads the title. Indeed, Douma gave him this very book hours before.

– I just... Hm... I've never seen him act like that... – Ikeda smiles forcedly. – But, well, I can't go back like that, can I?

– “Go back”? – Akutagawa wants to back away. This is a terrible idea. His hands are grabbed so quickly that the book falls to the floor at his feet. – Ikeda?

“I like you.” His eyes are sincere and firm, as are his fingers gripping her hands. “I don’t care if you’re a male omega! In fact, I think that’s the most captivating thing about you. Never giving up, being firm and strong. Having a family with someone who’s so capable… Would you give me a chance? I’d even face Douma for you!”

Eyes widening, Akutagawa thinks he has a lot to say, but little actually comes out of his lips. It was a sigh more than anything else. He stammers, not knowing where to begin.

Firstly, he has no intention of mating with Ikeda. Secondly, Ikeda should honestly be afraid of Douma. And lastly, just the idea of ​​having a relationship with someone makes him nauseous and scared, with painful memories echoing in his mind.

People who claim to love him never stay forever or else they only hurt him. He already has enough to deal with arriving in this new world and being watched over by a strangely needy and gentle psychopath oni. And to top it all off, there's still his treacherous omega who insists on getting attached to people he shouldn't.

Rejection can hurt, but it's better to be honest –

– Ikeda –

– What are you two doing? – a third person joins them.

– Otoya! – Ikeda grunts in annoyance.

Akutagawa doesn't know whether to be happy or more annoyed than Ikeda with the presence of the shrew at that moment. She kind of saved him from an immediate response, but he is sure of the wrong idea that all this seems to give.

– I can't believe it! His Holiness is so worried about your disappearance! And here you are, meeting another alpha – Otoya looks at the two as if they had been caught in bed, cheating on her husband. – I expected nothing less from an omega like you. At least have some decency –

– Calm down! We’re not doing anything wrong! – Ikeda quickly steps in to protect Akutagawa’s morale.

– It's a waste of time. She only sees the worst in me. – Akutagawa shrugs and releases his hands from the alpha's, taking a few steps away.

Even though Otoya paints him in an indecent manner afterwards, Akutagawa is sure he can explain the truth to Douma.

But why should he...?

– I'm just listing the facts! – Otoya approaches and grabs his arm painfully, her nails digging into his flesh. – You've just been taking advantage of our lord's goodwill. How horrible! How can you be like this?!

– What are you talking about? You can't be blind and not see how your leader – the words seem more venomous than they should when Ikeda speaks and leaves both Otoya and Akutagawa surprised. – Is the one who has taken advantage of every opportunity to get his hands on him! It's scary! He hasn't even let Akutagawa walk alone!

– His Holiness is only thinking about his well-being! The omega doesn’t even know how to walk around this area!

– His name isn’t “omega,” it’s Akutagawa! You don’t even treat him like a person!

The argument between the two escalates. Unfortunately, Akutagawa is caught between the two and doesn't quite know what to do. He has never wished so much for Douma to appear and put an end to all this.

“You’re being disrespectful, Ikeda! His Holiness took you in when you had nowhere else to go! How dare you insult him?!”

– He's been acting suspiciously towards Akutagawa! Of course I care about the one I love !

Akutagawa shudders as those words come out. Otoya also seems surprised by this revelation.

– Of course – the grip of his hand on the omega's arm tightens. – I'm sure this isn't the first time you've met in secret! You indecent –

– Hey! Calm down! – Akutagawa finally interrupts.

– Be quiet! Don’t you know how much trouble this will bring everyone? By the gods, have you ever thought about what His Holiness and Sougo will think?! You never think about the consequences –

– It doesn’t matter what they think! – Ikeda cuts off Otoya’s words with his own.

– You two – Akutagawa stops talking, this time not because one of them screamed louder, but because the non-human presence was stronger than that and gave him chills.

An oni. He suddenly appeared behind Ikeda. There was no noise or excessive movement, but the killing intent was so great that it overflowed and made even the other two freeze as they felt terror cut through the air.

Even if he wasn't as strong as Douma, it didn't change the fact that he, they, were unprotected.

Ikeda tries to turn around only for blood to spray from his back like an open faucet. He screams and chokes on his own coughed up blood.

Otoya is horrified as she lets go of him and steps back. She doesn't scream, but freezes with her hands covering her open mouth in a silent plea for help.

The demon looks straight at him, ravenous hunger making his eyes shine.

– I'll leave the mareshi for last! – the oni shouts to the sky and jumps towards Otoya.

Everything is happening in slow motion. Ikeda lying in a pool of his own blood. Otoya recoiling in fear and terror. Douma's voice echoes in his head maliciously.

( – A mareshi and an omega... And he even has a special ability... )

That didn't mean...

He doesn't know how effective his Skill is against an oni, he's never faced one before. Not even Douma. He subtly places Rashoumon to protect him on his back as he heroically runs towards Otoya and covers her with his body.

He pushes her to the ground and falls on top of her, avoiding the claws that would rip Otoya's face off. She still can't believe what's happening.

There's a momentary discomfort on his left side, but all he can think about is that he'll need to use his Skill to deal with it.

The oni smiles cruelly and raises his hands again, his nails a strange green color. And at that moment Akutagawa discovers that Rashoumon is indeed useful. The damage would be greater and he would probably have lost his arm if he hadn't wrapped the place with the fabric of his Ability.

Otoya lets out a horribly shrill scream behind him, which he completely ignores in favor of focusing on the enemy in front of him.

– Rashou – his heart skips a beat and his stomach twists as his vision goes dark. – “What...? Don't tell me...” – he feels his resistance falling and the oni's proximity increasing. – “Poison?!”

He flinched badly. He should have thought about the possibility that the oni had some Kekkijutsu like Douma given the strange color of his nails.

He will die.

There's no way he can dodge it. Even if his poison resistance helps him, there's no guarantee when the effect will wear off considering he's never ingested this poison before.

“Not good... Douma...” he sighs as he thinks about the idea of ​​Douma finding his body. If someone were to devour him, he would prefer it to be Douma, to make him stronger. At least he would feel like he was useful to the demon.

His vision goes completely black and he feels Otoya's thin, slightly wrinkled arms tighten around him from behind. It's silly that she's trying to protect him now, but he doesn't entirely hate it.

The blow never comes.

Instead, half-opening his eyes after Otoya's relieved sob, he watches the oni's head fall to the ground and roll away.

Is it Douma? Did he come to save them?

No. It's a woman .

Long brown hair with a butterfly clip on her head matching her haori perfectly . She was beautiful, it looked like she was flying as she landed next to them as if nothing had happened.

She swings the katana, drawing the demon's blood before placing the blade in its sheath.

“Are you guys okay?” His voice is so soft that it soothes your senses. “Stay calm. I’m Kocho Kanae . You don’t need to worry about the monsters anymore.”

A hunter .

Otoya is still apprehensive, but still holds on tightly as the woman runs to check on Ikeda.

– Ome – Akutagawa-kun – Otoya quickly corrects himself, sobbing. – You... How do you feel?

“It’s okay,” he manages. There’s a horrible feeling of fatigue and nausea. The cuts seem to burn and spread. “I’ll be okay.”

Otoya seems genuinely relieved to hear this. Her eyes fall on the hunter taking care of Ikeda's first aid. She becomes suspicious when she sees the woman inject Ikeda with a needle only for Kanae to offer a calm smile and Ikeda to take a deep breath, relieved as if his respiratory veins had been unblocked.

– What... What did you give him? – Otoya asks.

“It’s just an antidote,” Kanae explains calmly and turns to Akutagawa. “You’ll be fine.”

Otoya nods and props Akutagawa up so he can sit on the ground and stretch out his injured arm. She doesn't fully trust the hunter, but the woman still saved them and Ikeda seems better than before. Otoya had thought minutes before that Ikeda had died from that initial blow.

– That thing – Otoya breathes shakily, scared just remembering. – What was it?

– An oni. A man-eating demon. I am a Hunter. I work to protect people. – Kanae answers with a soft calm, her touch is gentle and the needle prick is so weak that Akutagawa almost doesn't feel it. – It's okay now.

Akutagawa looks at Kanae.

If he told Kanae now about Douma, she would definitely help him.

If he told Kanae about Upper Moon Two so close, he might be able to go free.

If he did... maybe Kanae would defeat Douma and there would be nothing left for him in this world either.

If he lied... Kanae would be gone and Douma would be safe.

– With rest, you two will be fine. You don't need to be afraid anymore. – Kanae seems like a good person, who genuinely cares about the well-being of the people around her.

– Thank you... – Akutagawa mutters tiredly.

Kanae smiles. She lightly fumbles through her clothes looking for something and takes out a purple cloth amulet sewn with a white string and places it in Akutagawa's hand.

– I was chasing that oni a few hours ago. He went crazy when he smelled a mareshi. They are humans with a stronger scent than others. That's probably why he attacked them so suddenly. – Kanae closes her hand around Akutagawa's, making him clench his fist. – Oni's hate wisteria. It will keep you safe. Always keep it with you.

Akutagawa brings his hand closer to himself, looking at the small amulet. Would a little thing like that stop another oni from trying to devour him? I mean, Douma seemed genuinely bothered by his flower gift last time—he smiles a little.

– Come on, I'll help you get to a safe place where I can treat your injuries. – Kanae was ready to go to Ikeda and take him.

“We’re fine.” Akutagawa says before he realizes it, forcing himself to stand up. It’s okay, he’s had worse pains. “We’re with our leader. Let’s go back to him. Danna-sama will definitely help us.”

Otoya doesn't believe what he's saying and neither does he, but perhaps it was his tired and vulnerable face from the pain that made Kanae believe it slightly with a small hint of doubt and pity.

– It's true. – Otoya finally agrees in the face of the hunter's doubt. – Our lord must be praying for our safety. Let's take Ikeda-kun back to the hotel and His Holiness will know what to do!

– Oh, I see – Kanae smiles again. – I hope everything will be okay then. I will help you –

“Are there other oni?” Akutagawa asks quickly and looks around. “I... What if there are others and you’re busy taking care of us? I don’t even want to think about it.”

– Please don't worry. You are safe. It is my duty to help. No. I want to do this. There is no inconvenience.

“Please. Go ahead and kill those bastards.” Akutagawa staggers toward Kanae and grabs her hands. “We’ll get out of here to a safe place immediately. Thanks to you, I don’t feel bad anymore. I can’t thank you enough.”

Kanae looks surprised, but when the young alpha smells the distressed scent of an omega, she softens and offers her own scent as a way to reassure him.

“You are a kind person. Please stay safe.” Kanae says softly. “And please keep the amulet.”

– I will. Thank you for saving us, Kocho-san.

 

***

 

Explaining to everyone what had happened when they showed up covered in blood and shaking wasn't easy. He left that job to Otoya who kindly let him escape the attention to take care of himself. She must have noticed that he wasn't just injured in the arm.

His vision is still not the best and it was through sheer resilience on his part that he has remained standing until he reaches the room. Thankfully, Tsukuyo informed him that it had already been reserved earlier.

He sits on the edge of the bed, and pulls the top of the yukata down until he is left with only the nagajuban. The fabric is covered in blood on the left side, running down his thigh. Slowly, he pulls the left side up to get a better look at the wound.

It's red and looks like it wouldn't stop bleeding without proper care. It looks like it's getting inflamed quickly even with the antidote he was given earlier. It probably wasn't a sufficient dosage.

It hurts. The spot burns and feels like it's spreading. His head throbs like he's had a concussion. He still feels dizzy and nauseous.

He places his hand over the scratches, only one is deeper than the other three. At the time of the attack, he barely felt the blow hit him.

Taking a deep breath, he pulls up the yukata he was wearing earlier to put pressure on the spot and stop the bleeding. He should probably call for help, but he swears he doesn't have the energy for it. His head is spinning and the only thing he can think about is rainbow eyes . Watching him coldly from afar as he dismisses the hunter.

Was Douma upset? Was that why he hadn't seen him until now? Was that why he didn't go save them? From the beginning, Douma said that he should stay close to him and then, Ikeda came and Akutagawa broke his promise.

But hey, he didn't tell about the huntress. Wasn't that a good thing?

I mean, because of him, an Upper Moon still lives and kills a lot of people out there.

– I'm so stupid... – Akutagawa grumbles, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. – I should... – his eyes widen when he finally notices the shadow in the dark corner of the room. Only the eyes could be seen, shining like a beacon in the darkness. For many people it would be terrifying, but for him... He just smiles weakly. – Douma –

There is no answer. The demon stands still, staring intently, and for the first time, Akutagawa feels in real danger. Douma is an oni, and he is a rare mareshi .

Douma always acted impeccably, he never seemed bad at any time. His smile and his eyes, the way he walked and talked, left everyone enchanted. No one suspected his actions and trusted him blindly. He never saw Douma lose control or even get angry about anything. Even when a child dropped food on his leg; even when he purposely spilled tea on him.

For the first time, he remembers that oni eat humans. And they are attracted to the mareshi by their smell.

It is fleeting.

The amulet is in the palm of his hand. He doesn't know if something so small would really protect him, but it doesn't matter. He still throws it in the corner of the room, away from him.

Douma steps forward, stepping out of the shadows. He's not smiling, but he's still staring. His fists are clenched tightly, blood dripping little by little onto the wooden floor, probably from the claws injuring his palms.

It is fleeting.

He doesn't feel fear.

Another step.

The way he's bleeding, he doesn't think he'll make it through the night. He doesn't even have the energy to fight or scream. Maybe Gin is waiting for him in another world this time. Maybe he'll have better luck.

One step, but back.

Douma retreats. Akutagawa is caught off guard when the oni lowers its head and digs its claws into his face.

– Douma –

– I am stronger – Douma is smiling as he lifts his face. There is no wound on his pale face. Not even blood lost at the site. – I resisted the hunger! I resisted and became stronger.

Douma seems happy about this. Akutagawa also wants to be happy for him really. He would clap his hands if he had the energy to do so.

Your vision goes dark.

– Ryuunosuke-kun... –

Opening his eyes again, he sees Douma crouched in front of him, looking at him with a slightly furrowed brow. Akutagawa puts his right hand on the blond's shoulder to steady himself better.

– You're here... – he whispers.

“Yes. I am.” Douma nods, his tone caring. “Let me see. I don’t think the Huntress gave you enough medicine. You should have told her you were hurt somewhere else.”

Gently, Douma removes his left hand from the wound and carefully places his own on the spot. The gel stings against his warm skin, and turns red with the blood it absorbs.

- I didn't perceive...

– Hmhm – Douma hummed and looked up, meeting the omega's eyes, so soft and beautiful. Akutagawa's eyes were a dull onyx color. They didn't shine the same way his own did, but sometimes, it seemed like they held an entire galaxy. – If he had told the huntress the truth –

– Then she would have come after you... – Akutagawa feels his face warm and opens his legs a little more so he can get closer to the blond. – I couldn't allow that... What would be left for me?

– You're right...

– Douma.

A break.

– Hm?

– You can eat.

In all the years he had lived, even as a demon, he had never been truly surprised by the people around him. His actions were always premeditated and predictable.

For the first time in so many decades, someone came and left him speechless. It seemed like a stupid thing to say, while at the same time making his stomach twist in a strange way. Akutagawa said it with such a serene expression.

– Aren't you scared...? – he asks and uses his free hand to hold the omega's flushed face.

Akutagawa would normally joke that he would "laugh in the face of danger", however he tilts his face towards the oni's hand and smiles.

– No... I'm not afraid.

– Oh –

It's so silly. It's true that he manages to control himself enough not to rip off any pieces of Akutagawa at that moment, however with the omega offering it so politely like that ...

His eyes fall to where he was holding and he slowly removes his hand from its place, resting it on his thigh. The ice melts and doesn't bleed like before, having stopped the bleeding as it should. Now the omega could survive if he just rested.

He looks at the omega one last time, hoping he would change his mind, but Akutagawa just wraps his hands around his shoulders, hiding his face in his hair.

Douma pretends not to notice the way Akutagawa winces as he sinks his fangs around the wound. Akutagawa squeezes his shoulders, but doesn't complain.

By Muzan 's cells . He has never tasted something so delicious before. It feels like his taste buds are exploding with pleasure. He lets out a satisfied groan and bites down harder. Akutagawa grunts, but doesn't pull away.

Why hadn’t he done this before? He should have dared to do it earlier so he could enjoy this wonder. If just the blood seemed to be filling him with energy, who would have thought if he could have ripped off some thicker pieces of muscle?

Idiot human . Did he really offer himself as food to a demon? If Douma devours him completely, he'll definitely become as strong as before. Maybe he'll face Kokobushibo.

The smell of blood grows stronger in the air and all he can hear is the sound of himself swallowing a larger chunk of flesh.

The hands that had been using his shoulder to steady himself had fallen away, even the soft sound of a wrong breath no longer lingered in his ears. Douma pulled away, noticing the way the omega's pale belly was covered in bites, some superficial chunks missing, bleeding and soaking the mattress he lay on.

A sob of pain stops him completely. Akutagawa covered his eyes with his hands while biting his lip to keep from making too much noise.

He looks back at the omega below him.

"What...?"

With his fingertips, Douma gently pulls Akutagawa's arms by the wrists, and he can see the expression he makes. His cheeks are flushed and his lips are bruised from biting them so much to keep quiet. The corners of his eyes are wet with tears that run down and accumulate at the tips of his ears.

He doesn't know how to make him stop crying. Any desire to eat was gone when he saw the pain in the omega's eyes. Was his omega putting up with this just to please him?

“What’s up with this human?”

Releasing the omega's wrists, he approaches to hold his face and wipe his tears with his thumbs. Akutagawa looks at him, swallowing a sob.

Douma will make the pain go away.

He leans in and joins his lips with the shocked omega. Akutagawa certainly seems surprised by the action and resists for a few seconds, but relaxes and wraps his hands around his back, closing his eyes.

The omega grimaces, probably when he tastes iron on his lips, but Douma doesn't let him go. Kissing has never felt so good before.

Using one hand, he feels from his ribs to his belly, looking for any sign of an open wound. He is satisfied to know that it is only the residual moisture of the blood that remains.

Akutagawa groans uncomfortably and lets out a threatening growl. He opens his eyes and Douma pulls away in time to see the way he shudders and rolls his eyes, trying to hide his face in the mattress.

He turns the omega's face toward him again, searching for any non-human features on him. All he finds are glowing eyes and a pair of fangs that threaten to pierce the tip of his finger as he parts his lower lip.

– What... did you do...? – Akutagawa asks quietly and tiredly.

Douma smiles.

– A miracle.

He kisses him again.

 

Notes:

I haven't even finished my other story and I'm posting these? Yes. The other is already in the final stretch and I'm doing it little by little. I just need a couple more arcs and that's it. And I felt like posting a different couple and this idea came up.

PS: There will be spoilers, but I try not to make it too obvious, but if there are, you have been warned.

Also, violence because Muzan is a son of a bitch and can't see anyone happy.

PS: honestly, if you're thinking about Akutagawa's morals, I think he doesn't really care about people, if they're not the people he loves. This is pretty obvious in Bungou itself.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of Rota Akutagawa
• Part 1 of O que o traz aí jardim dos lírios, querido?