Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It stank.

The horrid stench of cleaning products infiltrated your suit, making your eyes water beneath your mask. Sniffling your nose, the foul smell enveloped you through the layers of fabric covering your body. 

You hated this job. Cleaning itself wasn’t the worst part though. In fact, it was rather calming. The silence of the empty halls allowed your mind to wander, relishing in the quiet.

It was everything but the cleaning that you hated. 

SCP was the foundation you worked for. According to some whispers and rumours, the company was specialised in capturing and containing what they called ‘anomalies.’

The whole process of you getting this job was a shady one. For high school students your age, the job market was rough. After a bunch of missed calls and unanswered applications, a mysterious advertisement in the local newspaper caught your eye. 

They paid extraordinarily well for a mere cleaning job. The facility was only a ten minute bus ride from your house too. The amount of money they offered was enough to make you raise a questioning eyebrow at their advertisement. 

You were sceptic. 

After another sea of silence from job recruiters, you gave up. This job was the only opportunity to cling onto. 

When you called, a woman answered. Her voice was gentle and alluring, as soothing as a lullaby. She introduced herself as Kocho Shinobu, and would be the one to handle both your application and your interview. 

Thankfully, Shinobu was a nice woman. The two of you were only a few years apart, much to your delight. 

She had a polite, gentle way of talking, like she knew instantly what to say to make you feel as comfortable as possible. 

Dressed in her white doctor’s attire, the purple strands of her hair complimented her fair appearance beautifully. Her deep purple eyes devoid of irises captured you, luring you in deeper. She was without a doubt a stunning woman. 

On the other hand, the facility itself wasn’t as soothing. 

The entire foundation seemed to be a maze of white, empty hallways, with no windows or anything that would reach the outside world whatsoever.  All of the doors were grey, metal, and at least 10 inches thick. Unlocking them was only possible with a special SCP staff ID card. 

You noticed the dozens of cameras that adorned the corners of each hallway, making you feel watched everywhere you went. 

Every hallway looked the exact same. It was truly a labyrinth of identical corridors, rooms, and wings. If it weren’t for the signs, you would’ve gotten lost a thousand times already. 

Shinobu had given you a tour of the facility, explaining properly what SCP stood for and what its purpose was. 

Secure. Contain. Protect. You remembered the words slipping from her tongue. 

According to Shinobu, the facility was dedicated to capturing ‘phenomenons,’ where scientists like her could get as much information as possible to shield society from unwanted problems. However, she didn’t specify what kind of ‘phenomenons’ she talked about. You were too nervous to ask. 

After the quick tour had finished, Shinobu had taken you to her office. Just like the endless amount of hallways, the enveloping walls were the same shade of sickening white. 

After making some small talk with you, the young lady was quick to pull out some documents from her cabinet’s drawer. She smiled at you, handing you the papers. 

“This is your contract.” The woman smiled. “Since we got along well, we would be pleased to work with you, (__).” 

You curiously eyed down the contents of the contract, eyes scanning the various words and letters. 

You had some job experience. Instantly being hired like this was a bad start. 

You stayed quiet, feeling Shinobu’s gaze linger onto you as you skimmed through the contract. 

You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but there was a certain edge to Shinobu’s voice. Although you found her presence to be comforting, you couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that she was hiding something from you. 

However, the sight of your soon to be paycheck was quick to dissolve the concerns from gnawing at your brain. 

You grabbed the pen on her desk, unscrewing the cap to seal the deal with your signature. 

“Oh, before I forget!” The woman perked up, hurriedly looking into her drawer. She quickly retrieved another document, laying it before you. 

“What’s this?”

“Nothing important really!” Shinobu laughed, swatting her hands in an uncaring manner. 

Her laugh did not quite reach her eyes.  

Casting her a suspicious look, your fingertips grazed the paper, scanning its content. You gasped at what you saw. 

WAIVER OF CONFIDENTIALITY. 

BY SIGNING THIS WAIVER, YOU HEREBY DECLARE NOT TO SHARE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE S.C.P FACILITY WITH ANY THIRD PARTIES. THE S.C.P FOUNDATION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LIABILITY CLAIMS, PHYSICAL INJURIES OR FINANCIAL LOSSES.

“What-?” You called out, mindful not to swear around such a polite young lady. “What is this? Why do I need to sign a waiver for a cleaning job?”

Shinobu merely chuckled, trying her hardest to dissolve your rising suspicion. “It’s just part of the administration, (__). I promise it’s nothing to worry about.”

“This….this doesn’t feel right….” You shook your head, getting up from your seat. “Thank you for your time Miss Shinobu, but I’m afraid I might not be the right candidate for this.” 

You watched her artificial smile melt from her features. The purple seas of her eyes contained a combination of both disappointment and irritation she had been longing to conceal. 

What was up with this woman? 

“(__).” After letting a silence linger, she spoke your name. “I humbly apologise for scaring you or making you feel uneasy. However, I must ask of you to reconsider.” 

The subtle dominance in her voice made you sit down again. 

“Miss (__), you are the perfect candidate for us. I’ll be your supervisor, and I shall make it my personal duty to ensure that you’ll be in good hands.” 

She was genuine. You heard it in her voice. 

“Besides, it’s not like you are chained to this job. If you decide that it is not for you, you are more than welcome to quit at any time. We want you to feel comfortable and at ease.”

You thought about the shadiness of the company, and the massive amount of money they offered. Which one would outweigh the other?

Shinobu stood up from her seat, offering you her hand. 

Sighing, your hand met hers, offering a firm handshake. You witnessed a subtle, sly smile lighting up her features. 

“Welcome, miss (__). We’re delighted to have you.” 

——

To be honest, the following days weren’t that bad. Shinobu had given you a uniform of your own, along with a special SCP staff ID card that granted access to the entire facility. 

The hazmat suit she had given you was a disgusting shade of mustard yellow. The suit had a complimentary mask, attachable to the rest of the uniform. The part that enveloped your head had a thick glass covering in front of your face, allowing you to look outside, but no one else to look inside. You could see others, but your face remained obscured from the rest. It made you feel weird.

At first, you were blatantly surprised by the hazmat suit Shinobu had picked for you. The cleaning products you used were nothing like the ones you knew. They were plastered with warning signs, each of their packages containing elements of chemistry you had never heard of. Her choice of uniform quickly made sense.  

To be honest, you weren’t even sure what you were cleaning sometimes. Liquids varying from blood red to a bright purple stained the white floors, making you sigh as you mopped them up. 

The routine itself was easy. You clocked in, looked at the tasks Shinobu had assigned, completed them, and went back home. It was as simple as that. 

Right now, you had officially been part of the SCP staff for a couple weeks now. The odd thing was however, was that you seemed to be the only cleaner out there.  

Aside from a couple of scientists, you hadn’t met anyone else yet. It wasn’t like you expected the hallways of the facility to be brimming with life, but the eerie silence got to you. 

The walls were white. The floors were white. The lightning was white. Everything in this goddamn place was the exact same shade of sickening white. 

The only sound you heard besides your frantic scrubbing was the mechanic movements of the security cameras, following your every move. You guessed they were equipped with motion detectors. 

Droplets of sweat beaded on your forehead, making you sigh in frustration within the confinements of your suit. It was so hot.  

“GOOD AFTERNOON!”

You yelped, instantly dropping your sponges when you heard a loud, masculine voice ringing throughout the corridor.  

You hurriedly turned around, gawking at the being that disturbed you from your work. 

A tall man stood before you, his hands on his hips. The man had long, bright yellow hair that faded into a deep red at the tips. He had thick, forked eyebrows, complimenting the stunning black lines around his eyes. His eyes held the same warm colour as his hair, his radiant smile complimenting his features. 

You merely blinked at him in surprise. 

“GOOD AFTERNOON!”

After your prolonged silence, the man repeated himself, slightly louder this time. He was deafening. 

With that, you snapped out of your daze, shrieking as you hurriedly bowed in front of him. 

“G-Good afternoon!” You blurted out, still startled. 

“OH MY, IS THAT A GIRL’S VOICE I HEAR?” The man’s complexion didn’t change as he spoke. You weren’t really sure what he was looking at either. “THAT’S NICE! WE DON’T SEE MANY OF THEM HERE!”

“Uh…” You babbled. “Yeah…”

“MY NAME IS RENGOKU KYOJURO!” The man shouted, pointing towards himself. “I AM PLEASED TO MEET YOU! WHEN SHINOBU TOLD ME OF OUR NEW COLLEAGUE, I WAS EAGER TO MET THEM MYSELF!”

Oh, right. He can't even see me. 

You thought to yourself, moving your hands upwards to slowly detach your mask from your face. 

You were sure you looked awful, but you felt it’d be impolite to shield Rengoku from your face. After all, you were eager to get along with your scarce colleagues. 

You wiped some sweat off your forehead with one of your thick gloves, shaking your head a little to hopefully fix your hair. 

Rengoku visibly perked up at seeing your appearance. You rushed towards him, bowing once more before offering him your hand. 

He instantly grabbed ahold of yours, squeezing it with his own death grip.

Tight!

“MY MY, WHAT A BEAUTY YOU ARE!” Rengoku hollered, a genuine, warm smile lighting up his face. 

You winced at the unexpected power of his grip, bashfully smiling at his compliment. “Oh, thank you..” 

Retrieving your hand, you stepped back. “My name is (__) (__), sir Rengoku. Thank you for the warm welcome.”

The man shook his head, making you stare in awe when his fiery locks danced around his face. 

“NO PROBLEM AT ALL! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO APPROACH ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING!” 

You bashfully chuckled, wondering what possessed him to speak so loudly. 

“(__), PLEASE PUT ON YOUR MASK AGAIN!  THE PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO BIOCHEMICAL PRODUCTS IS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH!”

“Oh, right!” You followed his advice, putting your mask back on again. 

“WELL THEN, I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOON! GOODBYE!” The man turned around, heading for the exit of the hallway. 

You nodded, casting him a wave. 

“Goodbye.”

——

Your intuition was right. Rengoku Kyojuro was an oddball, but he was a total sweetheart. 

Whenever he saw the familiar sight of a walking blob wrapped up in a yellow hazmat suit, he always grabbed the opportunity to say hi. He showed genuine interest in your life, often asking about your home life or grades at school. 

He had told you that you were indeed the only janitor in the facility, making him more eager than usual to spend time with you. During your breaks, he insisted on keeping you company, even going as far as to share his food and drinks with you. 

You found out that he was only a couple years older than you, making you view him as a friend. You were happy there was someone you got along with well. 

Unlike Shinobu, Rengoku had such a magnifying aura of positivity surrounding him. He was always cheerful, well-spoken, and seemingly honest and polite. 

After bonding with your new ‘friend’, the shadiness of the facility quickly faded into the background. Rengoku was a beacon of hope for you. 

With a new sense of joy blooming in your chest, you read Shinobu’s instructions she left behind. 

Miss (__), please visit chambers A.033 and A.034 in the west wing, 13th floor. I’m sure you’ll notice what needs to be cleaned. 

Thank you!

-Shinobu

The west wing…you hummed in deep thought. You hadn’t been there before. Up until now, you had only been inside the northern wings of the facility. 

Sighing, you pushed around a massive cart filled to the brim with various cleaning supplies, each of them more dangerous than the other. The wheels were old and creaky, making it a total workout to push around the trolley in the first place. 

From the looks of that thing, you could instantly tell. It hadn’t been touched in ages. Probably left to rot. 

The elevator ride was a quiet one. 

After some tedious pushing and pulling, you managed to get the cart to your destination. Having reached the entrance of the west wing, section A, you pulled out your ID card, holding it in front of the card reader. 

The thick, metal doors wept as they creaked open, granting you permission to enter. You pushed the cart inside, startled by the noise of the doors falling shut. 

You looked around in silence, taking in your surroundings. 

Although the hallway was dressed in its same shade of repulsive white, the corridor looked different. 

Instead of mundane walls, large glass panels adorned the walls to your left and right, separated by thick, metal beams. Various stickers and other documents decorated its exterior, brimming with information kept from mankind. 

It was quiet. Eerily quiet. 

Having your curiosity piqued, you abandoned your cart as you trailed down the hallway, exploring your path. This was surely the place where SCP kept their ‘anomalies.’

You looked around, peeking into the various confinements. These cages were absolutely massive. They were the size of a football field, if not larger. 

The hallway consisted out of six confinements, you figured. Three cages on each side. 

Four of them were completely empty, its whole interior shrouded by that nauseating white. The buzzing from the fluorescent white lamps pressed against the ceiling did little to cast a soothing atmosphere. 

It felt like you were trapped in a zoo devoid of any life. 

Only the two middle chambers seemed to have been decorated accordingly, probably forming a home to its inhabitants. 

The middle confinement on your left side caught your attention. Piles of snow graced its flooring, leaving you to gawk at the few pine trees decorating the scenery. Its branches were creaking, moaning beneath the weight of the flakes. 

Feeling constricted within the confinements of your mask, you allowed yourself a breath of fresh air. Your hands rose upwards, detaching your mask from the rest of your suit to toss it gently onto the floor. Without the layers of both glass and fabric obscuring your vision, you could have a proper look. 

You gasped in awe at the sight. It was like they had artificially created an entire season within one confinement. It blew you away. 

Turning around, you stared at the other side. 

The other space was nothing as tranquil or alluring as before. 

Piles of destroyed objects, trees, and pieces of furniture left the room in utter disarray. It was like its inhabitant had gone off to a rampage, clouded by aggression as they destroyed everything within their sight. The soft moss covering the chamber’s flooring was engulfed by the remnants of their rage. 

You walked up to the chamber, moving closer to the glass. You peeked inside, letting your fingertips brush against the cold surface. 

Something in the air had shifted. Something moved. 

You felt your heart palpitate in your chest as a sudden pressure submerged your body, crushing your skull into remnants of ash. Your limbs felt frozen in their place as your eyes widened in horror, feeling utter dread wash over your core. 

Perhaps you had awoken something that should have stayed asleep. 

You felt the piercing, lingering sensation of a pair of eyes fixating onto your back. The mere reminder of another deity existing in the same space as you painted your arms with goosebumps, draining the colour from your face. 

Feeling your breath hitch in your throat, the silence suffocated you as you slowly began to turn around.

At that moment, your first encounter with the paranormal had commenced. 

The first thing you noticed were its eyes. All shades of the morning horizon and most magnificent of rainbows brewed together and circled his irises, veiled by two sets of fluttering, long lashes. 

Its complexion was extraordinarily fair, its skin tone blending into the same shade of white as the snow engulfing their chamber. 

Despite evidently being a male specimen, the creature had a feminine face. Bangs of platinum blonde hair brushed against his forehead, his long, spiky locks bending into all kinds of odd directions as they flowed like a river along his back. His muscular frame was dressed in a ruby turtleneck, an odd pattern of inky, splotchy patterns decorating its rims. Both the very tip of his hair and end of his wrists had a similar design, mimicking the ornament of his garments.  

His lower body was dressed in beige hakama pants, flaring at his ankles. A shiny belt held it together. 

The creature sat down, eagerly pressing his long, slender hands against the glass panels. The tips of his blue stiletto nails made a slight tapping sound as he brushed them against the surface separating you both. 

His eyes were opened wide, determined to witness every frightened twitch and jolt of your body. The creature didn’t blink. 

An artificial smile tugged the corners of his lips upwards, though failing to convey any hint of joy at all. You had never seen a smile so feigned and insincere. 

The only thing the creature radiated was the sheer bewilderment of your utter existence. 

Although he was the one trapped in solitary confinement, the intensity of his gaze made the roles feel reversed.

As the severity of the situation began to dawn on you, you broke free from the chains of your fear. A sudden jolt of adrenaline rushed through your veins, making you pick up your discarded mask as you rushed towards the exit. 

Dark splotches of fear clouded your vision as you practically slammed your ID card against the card reader, not bothering to look back as you flung the doors shut. 

The lullaby of silence comforted the creature once more. 

Chapter Text

You were stressed. 

The rhythmic sound of your sponges brushing against the barren surface of the floor did little to soothe your ravished mind. Swallowed by the silence of the foundation, you were left to drown in the river of your thoughts. 

You couldn’t shake the feeling of that predatory gaze. The way that thing looked at you with such fascination, its bewilderment mingled with the slightest hints of violence.

It made you feel like prey. 

You hadn’t expected him to look so normal. If you were to have seen in any other situation, you’d doubt that you’d be able to distinguish him from a regular person. 

You took a shaky breath, feeling your jaws tremble. 

The only thing pointing towards him being inhumane, was the abnormal colour of his eyes and the immense strain his aura was laced with. The moment he creeped up on you, a sudden wave of pressure engulfed your limbs, making you feel like your brain was about to implode. It was hard to breathe around him. 

You knew what you were getting into when Shinobu told you about the SCP foundation. Knowing the essence of the company, an encounter like this was bound to happen. 

But still. A muffled voice from the depths of your skull told you that something was off. 

You had been working here for around three weeks now. Up until now, you had never encountered an ‘anomaly’ before. 

You raised an eyebrow at the thought. How was that possible?

Were SCP’s specimens just extremely shy, or were there other reasons on why they insisted on hiding away?

What the hell was SCP hiding?

Groaning in frustration, you threw the sponge into the distance, watching it stain the repellent white. 

——

For the first time in your life, your shift ended too quickly. The repetitive motions of cleaning had distracted you momentarily. 

After having complained to Shinobu about the reeking effects of your prolonged physical labour, she chuckled as she handed you the keycard for the women’s changing rooms, equipped with showers and lockers. 

You sighed in relief when the hot water hit your naked back, relishing in the scent of your favourite shower gel. For a moment, the sound of running water washed your worries away. 

Screwing the valve shut, you sucked air through your teeth as you exited the shower cabin, entering the changing room. Shuddering, goosebumps painted your arms as you made your way to your locker. 

Right when you were about to press your staff ID against its card reader, something caught your eye. 

Two other lockers seemed to be occupied. 

You figured one of them belonged to Shinobu. You wondered what other female worked here. 

The changing room was empty. Wrapped up in a towel, you stared off into the distance as your thighs rested on a wooden bench. 

The buzzing sound coming from your phone caught your attention. Perking up at the noise, you whipped out your phone from your bag. 

Tanjirou: Hey (__)!

Tanjirou: Me and the others are getting lunch tomorrow at a cafe. Would you like to join? 😊

You smiled at the text. Tanjirou was so considerate. 

It wasn’t uncommon for you, Tanjirou, Zenitsu and Inosuke to hang out together. You considered them your best friends. When her schedule allowed her to, Nezuko joined as well. 

The thought of this being your last year at the Kimetsu Academy made your heart ache in your chest. You couldn’t imagine a life without seeing them every day. They were your heart and soul. 

Droplets of water beaded down your spine as you texted him back. 

You: I’d love that, Tanjirou :)

——

You groaned as you slipped into your comfortable coat, zipping it shut. Grabbing your backpack, you slung it over your shoulders. 

You yawned as you clocked out, exiting the facility. The cold air howled against your skin, making you sink deeper into the comfort of your jacket. 

The sun had set in the west horizon, making way for starry skies and moonlit fields. The soft sound of humming crickets reverberated in the distance, the moist air engulfing your skin. 

What a lovely night it was. If only you had time to appreciate it. 

Tapping your phone to check the time, you moaned at the sight. 

9:30 PM. The mere thought of having class in a couple of hours made you want to cry. 

“(__)!”

You shrieked, startled by the noise. You had grown to recognise that voice. 

Rengoku, dressed in his casual attire, waved at you as he stood beside his car. His fiery locks seemed to glow as they flowed amongst the fabric of his black jacket. 

He walked up to you, his smile dazzling amidst the beauty of night. 

“(__)!” He called out again as he approached, the volume of his voice dropping. “How was your shift? You’re done late!” 

“Oh man.” You visibly deflated. “I’m so tired. I have class in a couple hours too. I gotta hurry up and go home…”

“Hmm…” Rengoku pondered. “You take the bus home right? Is the bus stop far from here?”

You shook your head. “No, it’s only a five minute walk if I hurry up. The ride home is ten minutes.”

“I see.”

A comfortable silence lingered. You wished time’s arrow could momentarily stop ticking for this moment to last longer. You wanted to talk to him more. 

“I should get going.” You sighed. “I don’t want my parents to worry.”

He nodded in acknowledgment. He slightly paused, scanning your features before parting his lips. 

“(__)…you’re taking the bus by yourself, correct?” 

“Yeah?”

The smile melted off his features as his brows furrowed ever so slightly. Concern filled his blazing irises. 

“I’m not sure whether it’s safe for young girls like you to travel by yourself, especially this late. Would you like me to give you a ride home?”

You had to stifle a giddy smile from making its way onto your features. Rengoku was just so sweet. 

However, that initial giddiness quickly faded into distrust. 

Sweet or not, Rengoku was still a man. A man who had authority over you. 

It wasn’t safe. 

You instinctively backed away, pressing your lips together. 

Your silence spoke volumes. 

You bowed politely before him, letting him know you appreciated the gesture. 

“Thank you sir Rengoku, but I’m fine with taking the bus. I appreciate the offer though…”

You didn’t dare look up, the guilt of denying his offer wrecking your core. 

You knew he had good intentions. But this world wasn’t safe for women. 

You sighed in relief when another warm smile graced his features. 

“Ahaha! Don’t worry, (__). It’s good for girls your age to be wary of your surroundings. If anything, I’m proud of you for keeping your guard up!”

A boulder lifted itself from your shoulders, feeling the weight of your guilt evaporate into thin air. He was truly compassionate. You smiled. 

“Then, please send me a text when you get home safely, okay?”

“I don’t have your number though…” You added. 

“Oh!” Rengoku deadpanned. 

Another silence lingered as the man seemed to stare off into God knows where. You really weren’t sure what he was looking at sometimes. 

“Would you like to have it?”

You snickered at the slightest hints of a blush creeping up on his cheeks. 

“Sure.”

——

The cafe close to Kimetsu academy was filled with the hustle and bustle of babbling students when you walked in. The scent of fresh coffee infiltrated your nostrils as you looked around, searching for the table your friends occupied. 

Searching through the various student uniforms, your eyes met Tanjirou’s. The boy visibly perked up when he saw you, his wine red irises beaming in excitement. He waved, beckoning you to come.

Inosuke didn’t look up, too occupied with playing a game on Zenitsu’s cellphone. The blonde narrowed his eyes in irritation as his friend absolutely crushed his high score in flappy bird. 

“(__)!” He smiled as you approached, petting the empty stool beside him. Bowing politely, you took the seat. 

“(____)!” As soon as Zenitsu registered your presence, he threw his torso across the table, his hands meeting your own. He wailed, earning some bothered glances from other customers. 

“‘SUP!” Inosuke greeted, pointing his thumb towards himself to further magnify his demeanour, dripping with pride. 

“Hi everyone.” You chuckled, absorbing their enthusiasm. “How are you guys doing?”

Before anyone got the chance to reply, a male waiter bowed politely before handing the four of you your drinks. 

They had ordered your favourite while you were gone. You smiled at the thought. 

After Tanjirou had politely thanked the waiter, he directed his attention to you. 

“Me and Nezuko are doing great!” He replied. “After Zenitsu gave her some tutoring lessons in history, she got a fantastic grade!”

The praise got to the blonde’s head as he flushed, his entire demeanour suddenly brightening. “Teehee! Everyone’s so useless without me~!” 

“HEY! DID YOU HEAR!?” Inosuke slammed his fist on the table, demanding your attention. 

“I BEAT MUTARA IN A FIGHT!”

“It’s Murata, Inosuke.” Tanjirou sighed. “And the poor guy didn’t even do anything to you.”

“HE CALLED ME A STUPID BOAR!” Inosuke huffed, pounding his fists on the table like a spoiled toddler. “HE HAD IT COMIN’!”

“CAREFULL, DUMBASS!” Zenitsu hissed. “YOU’RE MAKING A MESS!”

“Our bakery is doing really well lately too!” Tanjirou added, maintaining eye contact. “Ever since my mother came up with new recipes, our sales have been through the roof!” 

You smiled at his enthusiasm, finding his pride in his family’s company endearing. 

He was such a hard worker too. Getting up at three in the morning on a daily basis was something you held him in high regard for. 

“That’s great, all of you! I’m so happy for you all!”

“Ah! Before I forget!” Tanjirou inquired after sipping from his tea. “How is that new job of yours?”

Immediately, your stomach sank. 

Your initial smile faded, a fog obscuring your mind. Talking about the SCP foundation without breaching the confidentiality waiver was going to be a challenge. 

The sheer reminder of last night’s encounter shattered your delight. 

“Ehh…” You mumbled, awkwardly looking away. “It’s been fine.”

“What kind of job was it again?” Zenitsu asked, tilting his head. A paper straw rested between his lips. “I forgot.”

You shrugged. “I clean.”

“That’s so boring.” Inosuke huffed, his demeanor visibly deflating as he rested his head on the table. 

“Where do you clean?” Zenitsu questioned. “Like a restaurant or something? Is it nearby?”

“Yeah, sort of!” You bashfully chuckled, swatting your hands in an uncaring manner. “It is boring though, like Inosuke said. Let’s talk about something else.”

Unbeknownst to you, Tanjirou’s watchful eyes were fixated on your features as you spoke. The scent you radiated was laced with something that clouded its initial sweetness and elegance. 

Zenitsu, blessed with the gift of his ears, could hear something was off. The cadence of your voice was a mixture of sincerity and deceit. 

Inosuke merely narrowed his eyes at you, his sheer instincts almost piercing your soul. 

After having known you for years, they had become quite skilled at reading your body language. 

Your uncomfortable laughs, awkward fidgeting and swatting hands told them something was off. 

You were hiding something. The three boys shared a look.  

A comfortable silence lingered as you avoided eye contact, staring at the four drinks in front of you all. 

This is why I did it. You thought to yourself. 

I can use the money to do something fun with you all.

You lost count of the amount of times the Kamado family had stuffed your hands with free baked goods, how many hours Zenitsu spent helping you with your Japanese essays or Inosuke who spent hours keeping you in shape. 

You wanted to repay them. You wanted to take them out to dinners, buy them drinks, food, movie tickets, clothes, gifts, or whatever their hearts desired. Perhaps you could buy Nezuko the pony plushie she had been eyeing.

The shadiness of SCP was worth it. They were worth it. 

With that thought in mind, you’d be more than willing to scrub even the filthiest chamber the facility could offer. 

“That’s nice, (__).” Tanjirou replied. “How are your colleagues? Do you get along well?”

“Hmmm…” You tilted your head as you pondered. “Well to be honest, I don’t have many of them. I’m usually by myself.”

“What the hell!” Inosuke stuck his tongue out in disgust. “Can it get any worse?”

You shook your head. “My supervisor is a girl around my age, so I can talk to her comfortably.” 

“What about the others?” Zenitsu asked, resting his head in his hand. 

“Ah!” You perked up, the mental image of Rengoku making a heartfelt smile light up your features. “I do have this one colleague though, and he’s such a sweetheart! He’s been so kind to me since the beginning. He’s only two years older than me, and he seems really eager to spend time with me too. He’s so sweet!”

“…A…MAN..?” Both baffled and nauseated at your overflowing praise directed at another male, Zenitsu howled as he sprawled himself out on the table, gripping your arm as if you were to disintegrate into ash. 

“HELL NO! I’LL CHOP HIS NUTS OFF! YOU’RE OFF LIMITS, YA HEAR!” He banged his fists on the table, making the glassware rattle. 

You chuckled at his visceral reaction. It was endearing to you how protective and jealous the blonde could get. 

The relationship between you and Zenitsu was an odd one. 

Aware of his constant longing for a girl’s attention, you did little to pry him off. Even though you two weren’t romantically involved at all, you never pushed him away, giving him a chance instead. Your bond blurred the lines between friendship and romance. 

Perhaps, you were too nice to say no to him. Knowing that Zenitsu was a gentle boy at heart, you wanted to give him the fulfillment he desperately craved. 

Tanjirou knew. Your endless compassion and kindness was one of the many traits he loved about you. 

Inosuke narrowed his eyes. “If he ever gets annoying, just let me know. I’ll beat him up for you.”

You snickered, shaking your head. They were so protective. 

Thinking about Rengoku, the encounter between you two last night made your heart pang with guilt. Tanjirou noticed. 

“What’s wrong?”

“Well…me and him were just talking last night.” You uttered, clasping your hands around your teacup. You were sure the drink had gone cold. 

“And?” Zenitsu narrowed his eyes in suspicion. 

You sighed. “Well, since our mornings and afternoons are bombarded with classes, I’m forced to take evening shifts. I usually finish around 10 pm, which is pretty late considering how early class is.”

“And?” Inosuke asked, picking his head up from the table. 

“That’s why yesterday, he offered me a ride home.” You added. “But I refused.”

“Oh!” Tanjirou exclaimed. “You did?”

You nodded. 

“Why?”

“Erghh….” You grunted, awkwardly shifting in your seat. “I don’t know. He’s older than me, and he definitely has authority over me. And I’ve only known him for a couple of weeks.”

You fidgeted with your fingers, making Tanjirou stare. 

“I don’t know. It just felt wrong, I guess?” You sighed again, groaning. “And I feel bad. Like I said, I know he’s a nice person. I feel guilty about saying no. What if he thinks that I think of him as a criminal or something? I don’t want that!” 

Tanjirou’s face contorted into determination as his hand moved to grasp yours.

“(__), there is no need to feel bad. Honesty and precaution should never be a sin.” He shook his head, making his earrings dance. “In this dangerous world, the strong do not always protect the weak. It’s important to stay wary of your surroundings. If he’s a kind and compassionate person, he’ll understand the choices you make.” 

The both of you turned your head around at an odd, scribbling sound. 

“ZENITSU! ARE YOU WRITING DOWN WHAT I SAID?” Tanjirou’s jaw hit the floor. Zenitsu’s spine curled as he hurriedly wrote down every syllable in a small notebook.

“SHUT UP!” Zenitsu yelled. “IT’S NOT MY FAULT YOU’RE SO GOOD WITH WORDS, TANJIROU! I NEED SOMETHING TO SWOON THE LADIES WITH! HELP A GUY OUT, WOULD YA!”

Inosuke hollered, his beastly voice erupting from his windpipe. “HAHA! YOU’RE SO PATHETIC, MONITSU! YOU HAVE TO FOCUS ON GETTING STRONGER FIRST!”

“SHUT UP!! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT WOMEN???”

“MORE THAN YOU!”

Tanjirou did his best to shush them, feeling the side-eyes and stares from disturbed customers. 

A gentle tap on the shoulder from the waiter caught your attention. He bowed, reminding you politely that the cafe was closing soon. 

You smiled at him, requesting the check.

You glanced at the embarrassing sight of your bickering friends, feeling your heart swell in your chest. 

You fished some money from your wallet, handing it to the waiter. 

“It’s on me.” 

——

You sighed, the heat from within your hazmat suit grilling you alive. You once again found yourself lost in the labyrinth of endless corridors stained by white.

With every scrub, you reminded yourself who you were doing this for. 

You sighed, clinging to the remnants of oxygen residing within your mask. 

“Hello (__).”

You jumped, startled by the noise. The thickness of the suit seriously dulled your senses. 

Shinobu smiled gently at you, dressed in her white lab coat. She lowered herself a little to meet your line of gaze. 

Surprised by the sudden visit of your supervisor, you were quick to remove your mask. 

The woman chuckled at your worn-out expression, her voice as soft as silk. “Working hard again I see?”

You stammered, feeling embarrassed of your unkempt appearance. Shinobu’s hand wandered to your back, soothingly tracing the rims of your spine. 

“Would you care for a blueberry muffin?” She offered, pulling out a paper bag filled with  pastries. “I brought enough.”

You gasped in awe at the bag, feeling your mouth water at the sight. “I’d love that, miss Shinobu.”

The lady smiled, offering you her outstretched hand. You gratefully accepted the offer as she redirected you to your feet. 

“Let’s take a break then, shall we?”

——

The walk to her office was a nice one. Although you hadn’t opposed the idea of a comfortable silence, it seemed like your supervisor was eager to talk to you. 

“(__), how has your experience been with us up until now?” Shinobu asked, glancing at you. You did your best not to get lost in the purple seas of her eyes. “Have you been enjoying yourself?”

You paused for a second, quickly planning your answer. Your experience hadn’t been positive nor negative. 

However, you realised Shinobu did her best to make you feel comfortable. You wanted to make her feel like her efforts to befriend you weren’t just one sided. 

You nodded, lowering your head ever so slightly to convey your appreciation. “I have, Miss Shinobu.” You chuckled. “I have enough job experience to know that working in total silence is a million times better than working with customers.”

Shinobu smiled. Her eyes softened as she gazed at you. “I can imagine, (__). You’re a hard worker, and I’m grateful for all of your efforts so far.”

You felt your cheeks begin to flush at her words of praise, making you glad you two had reached her office. She beckoned you to sit on the small chair on the opposite side of her desk. 

The chair creaked a little when she sat down herself. Shinobu grabbed two paper plates from her drawers before unboxing the blueberry muffins. She smiled as she handed you a plate. 

“Enjoy.”

You visibly perked up when your teeth hit the dough, the delicious taste of the pastry kissing your tastebuds. 

“Hmm! So good!” You cheered, making Shinobu smile as she took a small bite herself. 

“How has your work been so far?“ 

Although relishing in the stunning flavour, you looked up at her. 

“Any irregularities?”

You paused, your ears picking up on a certain edge in her voice. Although her facial expression remained calm and composed, you could tell there was something brimming beneath the surface. 

She was definitely aiming at something. 

The shift of her tone made you feel alarmed, making you cast the muffin aside. 

At the prolonged silence, you felt your heart palpitate in anxiety as you considered your options. 

There was no reason to lie to her, was there? 

“Well..” You stammered, absentmindedly fiddling with your fingers. “I…I saw a thing lately, or whatever they’re called.”

Her eyes widened. “Our anomalies? Our SCP’s?”

You nodded. 

The way Shinobu was treating you made you feel tense. Although she was gentle with her words, something about the cadence of her voice made apprehension boil in your stomach. 

“Ah.” 

She didn’t blink. 

“In the west wing, correct?”

You nodded again. 

“Which one did you see, Miss (__)?” 

The frantic beating of your heart grew worse. Her gaze was so piercing. 

“Uhh…” You blinked, jogging your memory. “It was a male I think, although he looked pretty feminine. He had very colourful eyes, long blond hair and pale skin.” 

You paused. Shinobu’s expression was merely a vessel. The reminder that you had no idea what she was thinking of made your breath hitch in your throat. 

You watched how the corners of her lips curled upwards into a smile. Its warmth did not reach her eyes. 

“That is wonderful news, Miss (__).”

“…It is…?” You asked, your voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, I knew what I was getting into when I signed the contract, but it scared me a little…”

“(__).”

Your eyes widened at the way Shinobu clasped her hands together, her lips pursed in the most serious expression you’ve seen gracing her face. Her eyes were drilling into yours, making you feel like an invisible hand wrapped itself around your windpipe. 

“Allow me to tell you something.”

The lady straightened her spine.

“Just like I’ve already told you, the SCP foundation is based on the principle of shielding society from abnormality. All of our staff members are the noble duty bearers of that mission.” 

You didn’t dare look away from her. You were glued to her lips, absorbing every syllable she uttered. 

“Monsters, ghosts, demons, anything varying from paranormal activity to horrific monstrosities are kept here behind closed doors. However…”

Her eyebrows furrowed in both frustration and disappointment as she briefly glanced at her lap. 

“As of lately, our staff members have been encountering great difficulties with obtaining data. The SCP’s refuse to interact.”

“Oh…” You stammered. “Why is that?”

Shinobu’s doll-like expression shattered a little. You watched frustration paint her features as she sighed. 

“The SCP’s have amazing cognitive abilities. They recognise all of the staff members as their captors, which is why they refuse to come out of their shell. They are very picky with who they choose to interact with.”

She paused as she looked up from her lap, her gaze piercing your core. 

“That’s why I’d like to make you an offer, (__).”

Your eyes widened in shock. 

She inhaled, seemingly planning her wording well. “As of now, you are the only staff member who’s not a scientist. In other words, the SCP’s do not see you as a threat to their existence.”

You blinked in utter bewilderment, completely lost for words. 

“(__).”

Shinobu got up from her seat, planting her hands on the desk. 

You felt the colour drain from your face as she pleaded your name. 

“It’s you!” 

——

Silence drowned out the sound. 

The buzzing of the fluorescent lights in Shinobu’s office rang through your skull, making you feel lightheaded as you processed the weight of her words. 

“….W-What?”

“You have to do it, (__)!” Finally, Shinobu’s smile seemed to stem from her soul. “You have to!”

Your hands rose upwards to scratch at your neck, letting another silence linger as you pondered on what to say. “Miss Shinobu…what exactly are you asking of me?”

The woman, who seemed oddly flustered at her lack of composure, hurriedly sat down again. She neatly folded her hands together as she straightened her back. 

“Ah, yes. What we ask of you is quite simple. All you have to do is stand in front of their chambers as you attempt to interact. We’ll give you instructions from the sidelines to maximise the outcome.” She explained, a peculiar glistening lighting up her eyes. She was excited. 

“So…you just want me to stand before them and talk..?”

“Yes! Exactly!” She exclaimed, her demeanour laced with enthusiasm. “That’s all!”

“And how much are you willing to pay for that?”

“(__).”

Shinobu’s fists collided with the table as she leaned closer to you. 

“If you agree to this proposal, I will make sure you walk away with 500.000 yen in cash tonight.” 

The sheer amount of money she mentioned made you choke on air. “What?” 

“The only limitation we have is that we can’t deposit the money into your bank account. We don’t want the IRS breathing down our neck.” She explained, chuckling. 

“Where does SCP even get that money from?” You asked, narrowing your eyes in suspicion. “I never considered this company to be the profitable type.” 

Shinobu merely chuckled, swatting her hands in an uncaring manner. “That’s nothing you need to concern yourself with, (__).”

A silence fell as you considered the option. 

Yes, the whole ordeal was without a doubt unreasonably shady, but who in their right mind would turn down such a large amount of money? 

You scoffed, shaking your head. “I’m really not sure. It sounds a little too easy…” You sighed. 

Shinobu’s smile faded into a forged one again as she laced her fingers together. “There is no need to make hasty decisions. Please feel free to think about it.”

She quickly grabbed a pen and a small piece of paper from her drawer, writing something down.

“Please take all the time you need.” The lady reassured as she handed you her number. 

“You know who to call.” 

Chapter Text

Shinobu’s note was staring at you. 

It was like the small piece of paper gained eyes, attaching itself to you like a leech. 

Distracting yourself with chores and homework, you hoped to give the ordeal some time to properly marinate in your brain. Alas, you sighed in defeat as your forehead collided with your desk, your brain refusing to focus on the unfinished assignment.

500.000 yen

You pondered, narrowing your eyes. It was a ridiculous amount of money they offered for a task so plain and simple. 

Shinobu said that you were the only one the SCP’s did not see as a threat. You were the only person the anomalies were willing to accept, your identity the very key to unlocking their secrets. 

You were special. You were the only person there with the attributes they needed. 

You bit on your ballpoint pen, your teeth clenching the plastic. Somehow, that very realisation made you feel good. 

How nice to be desired. 

Clenching your fists, your brows furrowed as you added Shinobu’s number to your contacts, sending her a text. 

How bad could it possibly be? 

——

The next day, Shinobu found herself in high spirits. She knew you’d come around. 

And how happy she was. Her heart beat in her chest as she walked down the facility’s hallway, making her way towards the meeting room. As soon as she received your text, she quickly spread the word, informing the rest of her colleagues of their lucky chance. 

She bowed politely when she entered, glancing at her colleagues before shutting the door. Scattered around a large, circular table, the SCP staff chatted softly when the woman came in. 

Aside from Shinobu, everyone else was male.

A tall man with spiky, unkempt hair lazily rested his head in the palm of his hand, his elbow digging into the table. Patterns of scars adorned his face, his purple irises surrounded by bloodshot sclera.

Next to him, another male resided, seemingly close with the former. His choppy black bangs brushed against his forehead, two peculiar strands forming an X between his heterochromic eyes. 

On the other side of the table, a man stared off into the distance. Wearing a stoic expression, he seemed disconnected and isolated from the rest of his crew. His calculating blue eyes conveyed little to no emotion, his long ponytail caressing his back as he turned. 

Alongside him, a man as tall as a beast clasped his hands together in a silent prayer. Large beads decorated his limbs, a horizontal scar running across his forehead. 

Next to Rengoku, another tall man chatted eagerly with him. His long, silver hair was tied up in a ponytail, a sparkling headband pressed against his forehead. Golden rings decorated his fingers, his nails painted in various colours. His maroon eyes glimmered as he spoke. 

Shinobu clapped. 

“Thank you all for coming.” She announced, standing upright. Her seated colleagues fell quiet, acknowledging her presence. 

“I have something very exciting to discuss with you all.” She clasped her hands together, fighting to keep the giddy smile from tugging at her lips. 

“As many of you might have known, we recently acquired a brand new staff member.” She continued. “A young girl around my age. She’s a senior highschool student at Kimetsu academy.”

She noticed some curious expressions and raised eyebrows. 

“She has been our janitor for the past weeks now. However, since a couple of days, something peculiar happened.”

Shinobu deliberately paused, letting the suspense linger. 

“An SCP attempted to communicate with her.”

Rows of gasps murmured throughout the room, sets of widened eyes focused on her features. 

“Because of how long it’s been since an SCP took an initiative themselves, I was quick to make her an offer.” She continued. “In exchange for a sum of money, she is willing to interact with SCP’s for our benefit.”

“Really?!” Tengen cheered. “That’s fantastic news!” 

Rengoku eagerly nodded along. 

“Damn!” Sanemi snickered, crossing his arms as he lazily leaned into his chair. “You’re as sly as a fox, Shinobu. I’m impressed.”

“Which SCP was it?” Obanai asked, straightening his spine. 

Shinobu chuckled. “I’ll give you a hint. Bright eyes, blonde hair, creepy smile.”

“Ah…” Gyomei chanted. “So Douma it is…”

“That’s why I hosted this meeting with you all. I was planning to discuss which SCP would be most suitable for (__)’s session.” Shinobu nodded, feeling adrenaline rush through her veins. “I hope we can all come to an unanimous conclusion.”

“WELL, DOUMA IT IS THEN!” Rengoku stated. “SINCE HE WAS THE ONE WHO INITIATED CONTACT, IT SEEMS LOGICAL TO CHOOSE HIM!”

Rengoku was surprised. He was slightly saddened you hadn’t told him the news himself. 

Did you trust Shinobu more than him?

Obanai nodded. “I agree. Although he’s a fierce upper rank, he can be surprisingly gentle, especially around women. I think he’ll make a great partner for her.”

“I disagree.”

Giyuu’s stoic voice reverberated through the meeting room like a wave crashing into shore. His gaze lingered on Shinobu’s features, avoiding eye contact with the rest of his colleagues. 

“We should consider the costs the foundation is making here. SCP will lose a significant amount of money in order to fund this project, and we have no guarantee that this ‘session’ will extend further on.”

Giyuu shook his head. “There are demons far more vocal than Douma out there. We shouldn’t waste this opportunity on him.”

Tengen hummed in agreement, tapping his manicured index finger against his chin. “Tomioka’s right! That’s why I have a real flashy solution!”

He slammed his hand onto the table, making the piece of furniture tremble. “If he’s right about this being a one time thing, we should use the demon that’s bound to give us the most data for our research!”

He clenched his fists, savouring the eyes that were set on him. “Let her talk to Gyutaro! When separated from his sibling, he has proven to be very vocal!”

Sanemi let out a filthy, wicked snicker. “Heh. I like that idea. Talk about a real challenge.”

Trails of tears formed a river on Gyomei’s cheeks as he clasped his hands together. “Ah…the poor girl…it is unfortunate to frighten her…”

Rengoku cupped his chin with his hands, getting lost in his thoughts. The mere thought of you being face to face with Gyutaro’s mannerisms made him feel itchy all over. 

He shook his head in disapproval. He wanted to shield you from those creatures. 

For now. 

“WHAT ABOUT AKAZA? HIS RECORDS HAVE ALSO SHOWN A BIAS TOWARDS WOMEN!” The male noted. “I THINK HE’S A GOOD CHOICE!”

“I disagree with all of you.” Obanai butted in, his brows furrowed. “It’s just like Tomioka said. To make sure these sessions are worth repeating, I suggest we start with the weakest lower rank and then gradually build our way up. I believe that’s our best strategy so far.”

Tengen stuck his tongue out in disgust. “That’s gonna take ages! Boring!” 

“Hah?” Sanemi scoffed. “Do you want SCP to go bankrupt or somethin’?”

Shinobu sighed. “I think all of you have very well thought out ideas. It’s difficult indeed.”

She moved, opting to sit down onto the unoccupied chair. 

“MISS SHINOBU, IF I MAY-!” Rengoku blurted out. “I HAVE A SUGGESTION!”

She nodded, beckoning him to continue. Yes?”

“WELL…” Rengoku paused, recollecting his fond memories of time spent with you. It made him happy. 

“As someone who has spent the last few weeks bonding with Miss (__), I think I might know the solution based on her character.”

The octave of his voice dropped into a lower, soothing cadence. The room fell quiet when Rengoku’s usual, warm smile shifted into something slightly more serious.  

“I believe (__) is not the kind of person to cower in fear. She has shown curiosity in the principles of the organisation and in the anomalies so far.” He mentioned. “Considering the costs and lethality of all SCP’s, a fair balance has to be made. I agree with Douma being our best option.”

Tengen sighed in defeat, disappointed his chance at seeing some action had slipped through his fingers. “If that’s what you believe to be right, I trust your judgement.” 

Rengoku smiled as he witnessed his colleagues nodding in agreement. Out of everyone, he was one of the most respected and cherished members of the staff. They’d listen to him. 

“Well then.” Shinobu clasped her hands together, a sly smile adorning her features. 

“It’s decided.”

——

“INOSUKE!”

You screeched his name as soon as the bell rang, clinging to his muscular arm before the rush of students could disperse him from you.

He raised an eyebrow at your wailing expression, watching in confusion as you clung to him. 

The sun pierced the windows of Kimetsu academy’s hallways, casting its golden glow onto the interior. The soothing noises of chattering students and occasional laughter roamed the familiar halls. 

“Inosuke, you gotta partner with me for this one! Please!” You clasped your hands together, interlacing your fingers. “Please please please please! Pretty please!”

The new project your art teacher had given you filled you with enthusiasm. The man had assigned all students to create an unique art piece, its category revolving around culture and tradition. 

The medium was free of choice, meaning that all students were given complete creative freedom. As soon as your eyes locked with Inosuke’s, a brilliant idea popped up into your head, making you tremble in excitement. 

“Hah?” Zenitsu scoffed in disgust, bitter that all your attention was directed at Inosuke out of all people. “You wanna partner with him for an art project? What does that guy got to offer? He can’t even draw a straight line!”

Tanjirou merely chuckled. “I wonder what you’re planning, (__). What’s gotten you so worked up?”

“Inosuke! Please please please partner with me!” You begged, clasping your hands around his own. “Please!”

You were both alarmed and intrigued by his unusual silence. You had expected him to puff out his chest in pride, announcing something about how right you are to choose the god of the mountains as your partner. 

Surprisingly, no abrasive declarations of Inosuke’s reigning superiority over his underlings could be found as his lips remained sealed, a mushy look clouding his eyes. You watched as the rowdy boy became a puddle in your hands. 

The sincerity of your excitement and passion being directed towards him made an unfamiliar warmth bloom in his chest, making his hands feel clammy in yours. He didn’t blink as he gazed at your features, feeling a hazy fog obscuring his thoughts. 

Inosuke was flustered. 

As soon as he registered the sound of Tanjirou’s snickers, a sudden jolt of energy hit him as he yelled. 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?? WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?” He hurriedly stepped back, making you frown as he detached his hands from yours. 

Little did you know that that fluttering feeling you gave him was the very root of his aggression. 

“HEY! DON’T IGNORE ME!” You snapped back, chasing after him as he attempted to run away. 

Tanjirou smiled warmly at the scene unfolding before him as Zenitsu’s piercing gaze drilled into Inosuke’s disappearing silhouette. 

“That moron…” Zenitsu gnashed his teeth together. “He’s literally got a girl chasing after him, and he’s running away.”

He perked up at the sound of Tanjirou’s vibrating phone. Looking over his shoulder, he peeked at the incoming texts. 

(__): I GOT HIM. HE SAID YES!!!!

(__): LETS GO TO MY PLACE!!!

Tanjirou laughed at Zenitsu’s sour expression.

——

“Oh thank you thank you thank you!” You cheered, clinging onto Inosuke’s arm. “I promise you won’t regret it! I’ll make sure the both of us get the highest grade ever!”

The rhythmic sound of footsteps hitting the pavement casted a soothing tune as the four of you trailed towards your house. The summer sun lit up the sky, creating a vast canvas teeming with blue. 

Since art class ended, you’ve basically been vibrating in your seat from excitement. Time had never passed so slowly. 

“HAHAHA! THAT’S WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR!” Inosuke copied your enthusiasm as he cheered, feeling how your eagerness had transmitted to him. 

“Ugh…” Zenitsu groaned in disgust at the scene before him, sulking in his step. He kicked a pebble, sending it flying. “This is nauseating. I’m gonna throw up, Tanjirou.”

“Don’t be silly.” Tanjirou smiled, trailing behind you and Inosuke alongside the blonde. “If anything, I’m just really curious what (__) is planning.”

Having reached your destination, you quickly unlocked the front door, granting access to your friends. The cold air emitting from your house felt like heaven kissing their skin. Unbuckling their shoes from their feet, the trio sighed in relief when your sofa sank beneath their weight. 

As soon as you poured all of them a glass of ice-cold juice, you seated yourself amidst them. Quivering in excitement, your gaze pierced Inosuke’s.

“So…what I’m thinking about for this project…” You uttered, interfacing your fingers. 

You gasped sharply as you levitated from the couch, hurriedly getting up. “No, I won’t tell you! I’ll show you instead!”

You giggled in mischief as you sprinted up the stairs, making your way towards your bedroom. Three sets of confused eyes watched how the soft pitter patter of your footsteps faded into stillness. 

“Damn.” Zenitsu professed. “What the hell is she planning?”

“She sure seems excited.” Tanjirou smiled. 

Inosuke stayed quiet, eyes narrowing in suspicion as he awaited your arrival.

The trio watched in awe when you walked down the stairs, much gentler this time. They gazed at a large, dark red cardboard box you were fiercely clutching in your hold. It was decorated with golden patterns, a silk ribbon tied around its sides. 

Whatever was kept inside, it was sure to be important to you. 

“What’s that?” Inosuke asked, tilting his head to the side when you sat down onto the couch again. 

You deliberately ignored him, letting a suspenseful silence linger as your hands hovered above the box. 

You eventually untied the ribbon, slowly detaching the lid.

A traditionally crafted kimono was folded neatly, tucked away in its confinements. The silky, blue fabric of the ornament glowed like a shimmering sapphire, making the young boys watch in awe as you carefully picked it up. 

The kimono was adorned with floral patterns, a dark blue obi tied around the waist. The elongated sleeves draped mid-air as the kimono’s rims brushed against your floor. 

“Wow!” Tanjirou gasped. “That looks beautiful, (__)!”

“I HAD NO IDEA YOU HAD SUCH A THING?” Zenitsu wailed, almost fainting at the thought of you wearing it. “WHY HAVEN’T YOU SHOWN US?”

“It was a gift my father bought me back when me and my family moved to Japan.” You explained, smiling warmly. “It was an expensive one, so he saved up money for it.“

Inosuke, lacking the cultural refinement the rest of his friends shared, stared blankly at the clothing. 

“What does this have to do with me.”

The corners of your lips curled into a blinding beam at the sound of his gruff voice. 

“I want you to wear it, Inosuke.”

You watched the colour drain from his face. 

“Since you have such stunning features, I figured it would look lovely on you. If I could take some nice pictures of you wearing this, I’m sure we’ll get a fantastic grade!”

Despite how much he hated the idea, the softness of your voice did something funny to his heart. 

“SO IT’S A MAKEOVER?” Zenitsu snorted, covering his mouth with his hand. If there was one thing the boar hated, it was looking dolled up and pretty. 

Tanjirou, aware of this fact, was quick to pat Inosuke on the back. “I think (__)’s right. The category did revolve around tradition after all. You two are bound to score some points with this.”

However, Inosuke’s face did not reveal joy nor disgust as he gazed at the kimono you held. Sure, it was a known fact he hated to associate with anything civilised, but when it came to you, he was more than willing to make an exception. 

As uncomfortable as it was. 

——

“THIS SUCKS.”

Inosuke was wearing the nastiest scowl you had ever seen grace his features. His eyebrows were furrowed in frustration as he bit the inside of his cheek. 

You didn’t reply, too busy sitting on your knees to properly tie his obi into a proper knot around his waist. You had looped the pieces of fabric into a neat bow, making you hum in approval at the result. 

“STOP WHINING, YOU UNGRATEFUL SON OF A BITCH!” Zenitsu screeched, wanting to strangle his friend. “(__) IS LENDING YOU SOMETHING DEAR TO HER AND THIS IS YOUR RESPONSE?”

“UAAAAGHHH!!” Inosuke roared, tugging at the pieces of fabric covering his chest. “IT’S SO TIGHT! THIS BLUNTS MY SENSES LIKE YOU WOULDN’T BELIEVE!”

“Stop that, Inosuke!” Tanjirou scolded, yanking Inosuke’s hands away. “Don’t damage it!” 

“I CAN’T BREATHE IN THIS THING!” The boar snarled. “IT’S TOO TIGHT!” 

You ignored him yet again as you softly pressed onto his shoulders, making him plop onto the couch with an ungraceful thud. Your lips stayed pursed as you covered his feet in tabi socks before enveloping them in sandals. 

“Sit on this corner here.” You demanded, pointing to the end of the couch where you wanted him to sit. 

Although huffing and puffing, Inosuke waddled over to the designated spot like an angry penguin. 

Various amounts of eyeshadow palettes, lipstick, and all kinds of liners and pencils laid sprawled out on the small table in your living room, granting you your artistic freedom. 

Inosuke groaned as you moistened a beauty blender with white foundation, covering his face in the substance. His two friends watched in awe at how you drew two red circles at the end of his eyelids, making the two shapes nearly identical. You smiled as you applied mascara to his eyelashes, making them flutter when he blinked. 

Your fingertips caressed the side of his face as you held him still, applying ruby lipstick to his plump limps. Every pencil brush or wet sponge had him cringing in his seat, giving him sensory issues he didn’t know he had. 

Grabbing a hairbrush in the middle of the sprawled out makeup, you gently ran it through his strands, detangling knots. Your feathery touch brushed against his raven locks, making you watch in awe at the blue tips it melted into. Inosuke was without a doubt a beautiful boy. 

“Almost done.” You uttered as you grabbed a hairpin from the cardboard box the kimono had been kept in. The silver ornament was decorated with the same type of floral patterns as the blue kimono, making various amounts of gemstones glimmer like diamonds in the sunlight. 

You helped Inosuke to his feet, inhaling briefly as you admired your creation.

The silky fabric enveloped his form, showering him with grace as he looked around. 

The kimono looked like it was made for him, the blue colour complementing the hue of his hair. The elongated sleeves engulfed the rough skin of his hands, making his fingers look dainty and refined. 

 His snow-white skin in contrast to the darkness of his hair was a captivating combination, like you had brought an artist’s muse to life. 

His sparkling bright eyes and fluttering lashes were dazzling beyond compare, making you swoon at the sight of your best friend. 

For a moment, you were speechless. 

He looked beautiful.

“Oh. My. God.” Zenitsu choked. 

“Oh my.” Tanjirou added. 

“WHAT? WHAT’S WRONG?” Inosuke looked around, panicked. 

You chuckled, handing him a pocket mirror. You watched how his jaw hit the floor. 

“WHAT IS THIS??!! I LOOK LIKE A GIRL!!??”

You cupped your cheeks, sighing dreamily. “I know right. Isn’t it great?”

“I hate to admit it, but you are a stunner, Inosuke.” Zenitsu grumbled in defeat. 

“With a face like that, you could easily become Yoshiwara’s greatest oiran, Inosuke!” Tanjirou cheered. 

“Hah! With that voice and those manners? Never in a million years!” The blonde snickered, earning an annoyed huff from Inosuke.

Piqued by your silence, his eyes eventually met yours. A dreamy look clouded your eyes as you longingly stared at him, drinking up every fiber of his being. 

Inosuke felt split. Although he adored the feeling of your eyes being on him, the intensity of your gaze made his knees buckle. His skin felt itchy. 

“Hurry up and take your pictures so I can take this off.”

“Oh, right!” You perked up at the reminder. “Let me grab an umbrella! It’ll be a nice accessory.”

Inosuke groaned when your figure disappeared. Zenitsu’s muffled snickers made him violent. 

You returned with a transparent umbrella tucked beneath your arm as you opened the sliding door to your backyard. A pastel green polaroid camera hung around your neck like a necklace, swaying in your step. Various rows of flowers and plants decorated a small path of tiles, spreading a pleasant aroma throughout the space. 

“Inosuke, c’mere!” You asserted as you pointed where you stood. The boy followed, making you grab him by the shoulders as you gently altered his position. 

The branches of the tree above him danced along with the gusts of wind, the summer sun caressing his polished face. With the various amounts of flowers surrounding him, he looked like an actual courtesan in the flesh. 

“Perfect!” You exclaimed, eagerly holding up the camera to your face. “Now, pose!”

You paused however, at the annoyed expression plastered on Inosuke’s face. His limbs looked beyond stiff, his face scrunched up in disgust. 

“Hey, Inoko-chan.” Zenitsu teased. “You’re supposed to look like you hadn’t just shit yourself.”

“SHUT UP!”

“Just stretch your spine, Inosuke.” Tanjirou tried to help. “Keep your back straightened. I’m sure the kimono will do most of the work.”

Inosuke mumbled as he followed Tanjirou’s advice, slipping into a more relaxed pose. His features softened. 

“Yeah, that’s it!” You complimented. “Try to hold your hands up, let your fingers brush against your cheek.”

Zenitsu and Tanjirou rushed to him, gently grabbing his limbs to put him in the most graceful position. 

“Perfect!”

At your sign of approval, they fled the scene. You held the camera up to your face, snapping several pics. 

“Here, unfold this umbrella. Press it against your shoulder. Yeah, just like that!” You cheered when he followed your advice, surprisingly obedient through it all. 

The camera snapped, collecting various amounts of pictures. When you were sure you had enough, you lowered the camera, wiping some sweat off your forehead. 

“Okay! That’s it!”

The four of you moved back inside, sighing in relief at the difference in temperature. 

“Please help me take this off.”

Inosuke sounded defeated. He looked like his soul left his body. 

“By the way, Zenitsu.” Tanjirou said, turning his head towards the blonde. “I assume the two of us are partners as well, right?”

“Sure can do!”

“Then…” He paused. “What are we going to do?”

You pierced the silence. “But that’s easy! Just submit a video of Zenitsu playing the shamisen! Easy enough, right?”

“That is a good idea.” Tanjirou nodded. “However, I feel bad for not contributing much…”

“Teehee~!” Zenitsu giggled at the unexpected praise. “If you bring me some of those delicious fresh croissants and cinnamon buns of yours, we’re all good~!”

You smiled when Tanjirou sighed in relief. 

“See? That wasn’t so bad, was it now, Inosuke?” You chuckled, jabbing your elbow playfully into his side.

The young boy huffed, feeling trapped beneath the layers of fabric. Luckily for him, the white foundation concealed the velvety blush adorning his cheeks. 

If it meant you’d look at him for just a little longer, he’d be fine with dressing up.  

Chapter Text

After successfully wiping off the layers of gunk on Inosuke's face, you smiled as you waved your friends goodbye. Leaning your temple against your doorframe, you stayed until their silhouettes disappeared amidst the horizon. 

You sighed, eventually shutting the door and plopping your frame onto the couch. You stared at the ceiling for a bit, savouring the solitude. 

A familiar buzzing from your phone caught your attention, making you reach out to grab the device from the small coffee table. 

Shinobu: Good evening! Please feel free to show up in casual clothes tomorrow. There is no need to wear your hazmat suit. 

You blankly stared at the text message before the screen faded to black. You groaned, throwing your phone away. It bounced across the couch. 

It was really starting to feel like you were living a double life. The time spent at the facility was so secretive and scary, whereas the time spent with your friends completely drowned out your worries. The actual legal consequences you’d be in if you told anyone about the facility’s existence was enough to send a chill down your spine. 

You eventually got up, grabbing your phone that laid scattered on a pillow. You clicked on the text, letting your fingers hit the screen. 

(__): okay, noted. Is there anything else I should know? 

She was quick to reply. 

Shinobu: No, not really. 😊 please rest well tonight! I’ll see you tomorrow. 

(__): Okay, thank you! You too 

You raised an eyebrow at how a typing bubble appeared on her end, signalling your supervisor was typing you a message. 

After a half minute or so, the typing bubble disappeared. The woman went offline. 

You wondered what else was there to say. 

——

The next morning, you weren’t quite present. 

The voices of your teachers blended together and intertwined within your brain, creating a hazy swirl of sound. Their scoldings and lectures faded into white noise as you dreaded every second that slipped through your fingers. 

You were nervous. 

Perhaps you had underestimated the danger of the creatures residing within SCP. You knew nothing about their existence, let alone what they were capable of. 

You thought about the thick metal doors, the layers of glass confining each specimen and the beeping sound of your staff ID hitting the card readers.  The security was top-notch for a reason. 

What if the glass isn’t strong enough?

The mere thought made the colour drain from your face as you dropped the pen you were fiddling with. Your heartbeat thumped within your skull, drowning out the sound of the plastic hitting the floor. 

Maybe you had been too quick to make such a hasty decision. You could still bail on the whole plan, right? No strings were attached, were they? 

You thought about the creature you saw. That meaningless smile and those lifeless, yet vibrant eyes. 

You were brave enough to admit your fears. That thing scared you to no end. 

You let out a shaky exhale, rubbing your temples. 

All you had to do was talk to them. It wasn’t like they were going to dangle your body above their cage. The stash of money Shinobu offered you managed to ease your nerves a little bit. 

You looked up at the clock as the final bell rang. It was time to face your fears. 

——

The bus ride had been an awful one. Clammy hands were clenched between your thighs, praying that the vehicle would miraculously turn the other way around. The music playing from your headphones ended up being a meaningless distraction. 

You had reached your destination way too quickly. Pins and needles tantalised the skin of your arms, making you doubt your resolve with every step you took. 

Just like Shinobu suggested, you were dressed in casual clothes. A pair of baggy pants and a plain top would suffice. 

The creaking metal doors revealed the familiar labyrinth of white. 

As soon as you entered the facility you whipped your phone out of your pocket, opting to send your supervisor a text. 

Before your fingers could hit the ‘send’ button, a booming voice startled you. 

“YA! IT’S (__)!”

You sighed in relief at the sight of Rengoku’s face, the sight of his dazzling smile easing some of your worries. 

You put your phone away, lowering your a little as you approached. “Sir Rengoku!”

“GOOD EVENING! ARE YOU READY FOR TODAY’S SESSION?”

You perked up a little when his hand moved to rest on your lower back, gently opting to lead the way. You stayed quiet, unsure of what to say. 

“Are you nervous?” Rengoku’s tone dropped a little as he spared you a glance. You tried your hardest to pay no mind to the blazing heat his mere hand radiated, resembling a charcoal onto your back. 

“…I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.” You nervously chuckled, making the man shake his head. 

“I could tell. Don’t worry about it, your reaction is to be expected.” Once again, Rengoku stared off into distant space.

“IN CASE IT EASES YOUR WORRIES, THIS ENTIRE PLACE IS DEMON-PROOF! HAHA!” Rengoku hollered, raising one of his hands to ball into a fist. 

You awkwardly smiled, feeling reassured by his enthusiasm. Eventually, the two of you reached the elevator. 

His hand detached itself from your back to swiftly fish his own staff ID from his labcoat, making you hear a familiar beep before the metal doors opened. 

Instead of an empty metal chamber, another person occupied the space. 

A tall, silver-haired man rested lazily against the back wall, blowing a gigantic airbubble out of pink strawberry bubblegum. A stunning headband was pressed against his forehead, making various amounts of gemstones glimmer under the fluorescent light. Two little beads at the sides rattled when he moved.

Contrarily to his fair skin, bright red lines pointing towards his left eye morphed into circles at the end, decorating his face. The man visibly perked up when he saw you, making the bubble snap. 

“OH MY!”

Way faster than your mind could progress, the man rushed to you the moment you and Rengoku had entered the elevator. He clasped your hands within his own, leaning way too close for comfort as his maroon eyes widened in anticipation. 

“SO THIS IS THE LUCKY LADY SHINOBU HAD THE FORTUNE OF MEETING!” 

Just like Rengoku, the man’s grip was lethal. Now that he was in such close proximity, you could smell the cologne radiating off of him. 

You hated to admit it, but this man was really good-looking. His intense way of greeting you left you speechless as you blinked at him. 

“AHA! Enthusiastic as always, Tengen!” Rengoku laughed, soothingly patting your shoulder. 

“Miss (__), meet Uzui Tengen! One of the most hard-working and flashiest members of our staff!” Rengoku explained, gesturing towards Tengen as the male hit a pose. 

You could tell the two got along. They had a matching kind of energy. 

“You know, most women immediately fall to their feet at the mere sight of me. I'm offended at your lack of reaction.” Tengen scoffed, although you could tell he meant no harm. 

“But for a pretty lady like you, I’m willing to make an exception.”

You blinked in bewilderment when he winked. Was this guy seriously flirting with you?

Scrambling your leftover thoughts together, you lowered your head in a polite bow. 

“Nice to meet you, sir Uzui.”

“So this is gonna be Douma’s new plaything huh?” Uzui slyly smiled, leaning his muscular frame against the wall when the elevator moved. “I’m intrigued.”

“Haha! We can’t establish that yet.” Rengoku corrected. “Let’s focus on today for now. I’m sure (__) is charming enough to woo the demon for us.”

You chuckled when Rengoku sent you a wink as well. It felt much less flirtatious coming from him. 

“Douma?” You repeated, glancing at Uzui. “Is that his name?”

“It was the blonde one you saw, right?” He asked. “The one dressed in red.”

You nodded. 

“Yep!” He raised one of his manicured fingers. “That’s him! The one and only!”

“Are you excited, (__)?” Rengoku asked, his hand finding its way to your lower back again. “You know, you’re quite special to lure such a reaction out of them. But I’m sure Shinobu told you about that.”

You nodded, letting a comfortable silence linger as the elevator ascended. 

Eventually, you three arrived. The metal doors opened with a silent hiss. 

Coincidentally, your gaze met Shinobu’s as she seemed eager to get on the elevator herself. Excusing herself, she stepped back. 

“Miss (__)!” Shinobu smiled, clasping her hands together. “I was looking for you already.”

You bowed, acknowledging her presence. You watched the three colleagues greeting each other. 

“Are you ready?”

Something about that soothing voice of hers painted your skin with goosebumps. You forced yourself to nod. 

“Well then, there are some things I’ll have to explain real quick before we let you do your thing.” The woman seemed to fish a small device from her pocket, handing it to you. 

Pressed within your palm was a small black gadget, curled within the shape of a C. You looked at it in confusion.

“What’s this?”

“Ehh…what do you call these things again?” Shinobu sheepishly giggled. 

“You know those walkie talkie things you see in action movies?” Tengen asked. “This is basically the same thing.”

“Oh. I see.” Your fingertips brushed against its edges. 

“Here. It’s supposed to cover your ear, like this.” Tengen inched closer to you, sending you a cocky smirk when he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, adjusting the gadget so it engulfed your ear perfectly. 

Blissfully unaware of Rengoku’s piercing gaze.

Shinobu’s smile shifted into a bitter expression when she watched the scene unfold. 

“Uzui, please don’t seduce her.”

“Tsk. You’re all boring.” Clicking his tongue, Tengen backed up, raising his arms in defeat. 

“Anyways.” This time, Shinobu’s hand rested on your shoulder. She fished another gadget from her pocket, handing it to you. 

The object was a light-gray, morphed in the shape of a square. There was a big button in the middle of the gadget, surrounded by a thin circle. 

“Through the ear-piece, the staff will be able to give you some directions while you interact with the SCP’s.” Shinobu explained. “In case you wish to say something back to us, press this button right here. When the circle lights up, it means we can hear you loud and clear.”

“However.” Rengoku stepped in. “If possible, please refrain from using that button. Just like Shinobu already mentioned, the SCP’s recognise us as their captors, making them unwilling to talk to us. We want to sever the connection between you and us as much as possible, do you understand?” 

You nodded. “You basically don’t want Douma to know that you guys are pulling the strings.”

Tengen’s expression turned into a serious one. “That’s right. This is a golden opportunity, and we mustn’t waste it one bit.”

Shinobu inhaled, petting your shoulder briefly before hopping back into the elevator, along with her colleagues. 

“With that being said, we wish you the best of luck.”

“Hey-!!” You perked up, feeling your stomach sink. “Where are you guys going?”

“Well, since we just explained our reasoning…us and the other staff members will be watching through the security cameras. The demons have a strong nose you know!” Shinobu chuckled. 

“So you’re leaving me? All by myself?” You stammered in disbelief, feeling your fingertips tremble. 

“You’ll be fine (__).” Tengen reassured, swatting his hands in an uncaring manner.  “Douma is an unflashy demon anyways.”

“W-Wait!” You shrieked, feeling a boulder of fear materialise in your throat. “What if something happens? What if the glass isn’t strong enough? What if-?”

Rengoku chortled, interrupting your thoughts. His fiery locks danced as he shook his head, flashing you an encouraging smile. 

“You’ll do great, (__).”

You watched in horror when the elevator doors closed, separating you from humanity.  The buzzing of the fluorescent lights hurt your ears. 

——

Your footsteps reverberated throughout the abandoned hallways of the west wing, making your fingertips tremble as you inched closer to Douma’s chamber. 

You hissed when you dropped your staff ID, wincing as it clattered to the ground. 

That pressure. You could feel it. 

That intense strain Douma’s being was radiated with permanently tainted your muscles, making your heart palpitate beneath your ribs. 

Your hands absentmindedly fiddled with the grey button tucked within your pocket, clasping the mere idea of a way out.

Trying to control your frantic breathing, your shoulders trembled as you opened the final set of doors. 

Digging your nails into your palms, you summoned your bravery as you walked up to his chamber, keeping a slow, steady pace. 

Your feet were glued to the floor as you scanned the familiar sight of piles of snow and scarce pine trees. You narrowed your eyes as you peered at the demon’s home. 

He wasn’t there. 

You let out a breath you didn’t realise you were holding. His chamber seemed vacant.

Reassured at the sight, you stepped closer to the cage, letting your fingertips press against the glass. He was nowhere to be seen. 

You turned around, sighing. The adrenaline slowly started to seep from your pores. 

You raised an eyebrow at the other chamber on the opposite side of Douma’s. There were definitely more broken pieces of furniture, trees, and unrecognisable objects stacked on top of those you saw last. You huffed at the sight, making you wonder what kind of maniac resided there. 

You sighed, sinking to your feet. Your back rested against the chilly glass of Douma’s confinement, making you shudder. 

Five minutes. You thought to yourself. If he won’t show up within five minutes, I’m leaving. 

You rubbed your arms as you shivered, trying to envelop your body with some scarce warmth. You had probably never noticed it due to your hazmat suit, but the temperature within the facility was seriously cold. 

Tap tap tap. 

The sound of knocking made your stomach sink. 

Your body physically froze as you felt dread wash over your body, forking your veins. Your wide opened eyes trembled as they fixated on the floor, feeling nausea begin to bubble in the pit of your stomach. 

That aura. That pressure. It was him. 

“(__). Can you hear me?”

You heard Shinobu’s voice emerge from the earpiece. Her voice crackled, reminding you of the way the needle of a record player caresses the vinyl. 

You didn’t move. Your limbs failed to react. 

“(__), Douma has shown himself. Please turn around and acknowledge his presence.”

With trembling hands, you lifted yourself up. Turning around, your gaze met his. 

There he was, the creature himself. He hadn’t changed at all since the last time you saw him. 

The same meaningless smile decorated his features, his eyes a combination of both integrity and deceit. Even his head was cocked in the exact same manner, making it feel like he hadn’t moved an inch since the last time he saw you. 

His gaze pierced your core, making it feel like he witnessed your very soul itself. 

You wondered if you were prey to him. 

“H-Hello.” 

With the utmost of your strength, you forced yourself to greet the demon. Your voice was barely above a whisper, probably too soft for him to hear. 

He didn’t react. His limbs stayed trapped in the exact same position, unmoving. 

“Try again, (__). You don’t have to feel scared. You can be more assertive.”

You swallowed, nodding at her words of advice. 

“Hello.”

You spoke up, much louder this time. Alas, the demon failed to react. 

You sighed in defeat. 

Inhaling, you gestured to yourself. “My name is (__). What is yours?”

The demon didn’t move an inch. It felt like you were talking to a doll instead of a living, sentient creature. 

“We’ve met before, haven’t we?” You asked the creature. “Can you tell me something about yourself?”

That seemed to do the trick.

Your eyes widened as he turned his head, glancing towards the piles of snow covering the flooring of his chamber. He stretched his arm out, using his stiletto nail to pierce the snowy layers. 

You carefully analysed his movements, inching closer as you witnessed him write something in the snow. 

“Priests.”

You raised an eyebrow at the odd combination of kanji he wrote down. You glanced at him. 

“What's that supposed to mean…?”

The permanent smile stayed glued on his features as he moved to write something else. 

“Angel.”

You stammered in confusion. “I don’t understand what you’re trying to say…”

“This is good. He’s trying to communicate with you. Keep this up!”

Shinobu’s voice sounded hopeful as she cheered in your ear. 

“Sin.”

Your lips blew life into the shapes he drew. Although the demon seemingly tried to convey something, you failed to understand what it was. 

You sighed in defeat. “I’m not getting any wiser here…”

A silence lingered, making Shinobu speak up. 

“(__), please try engaging with him more. Try giving him a compliment maybe.”  

You observed the features of the demon, whose body had returned to its previous, doll-like position. Your eyes trailed to the red fabric covering his chest all the way to the tips of his platinum blonde hair. 

“You have very pretty eyes. I’ve never seen such a colour before.”

Your eyes almost rolled out of their sockets when you watched the demon squeal. His face contorted into happiness as he squeezed his eyes shut, a giddy smile adorning his bleak features. 

You were baffled when his hands rose upwards, moving to cup his cheeks. He twitched and shifted in his position, seemingly euphoric at the compliment you had blessed him with. 

“That’s great, (__)! You’re doing amazing! This is the first time we’ve seen such a visceral reaction from a demon like him! 

You tried to stifle a chuckle, feeling Shinobu’s enthusiasm infect you as well. Although Douma’s pressure was still eminent, the more time spent with him made you come out of your shell more. 

“Did you like that?”

You couldn’t fight the smile from creeping up on your face. You laughed when the demon eagerly nodded, its eyes focused on you. 

“That’s so cute. You’re so cute.”

A soft, high-pitched squeal emerged from his lips, his face once again resembling a fangirl meeting their idol. His slender fingers brushed against his cheeks as he swooned over your compliments. 

“What the hell. You’re not scary, are you?” 

He hurriedly shook his head, making you laugh. 

He reminded you of a dog reincarnated as a person. If he had a tail, he’d be wagging it right now. 

“(__), this might sound silly, but please keep talking to him in a gentle, kind voice. He seems to like it.”

“You’re like a puppy.” You chuckled. “Poor thing. Stuck in a cage all day. I bet you’re lonely, aren’t you?”

The demon nodded, frowning as he clutched his heart in a dramatic manner. You had no idea what fuelled his sudden switch-up, but you liked him better this way.

“All by yourself, you unfortunate soul. I bet you want to explore the world huh?” 

A saddened howl pierced the glass barrier like a gust of wind. He truly was like a dog. 

You snickered, moving closer to the glass. “What do you even do all day?”

The demon seemed to be lost in thought for a moment before he eventually shrugged.

“You know, you look pretty normal to me.” You crossed your arms, tilting your head to the side. “You’re nothing like the demons or monsters I imagined. I wonder what part of you is so abnormal…” 

Douma seemed to perk up that. He beckoned you closer before cupping his two hands into a bowl. You obliged, bending a little to further inspect his movements. “What are you doing?”

You watched in awe how ice itself materialised within the confinements of his palms, growing and morphing as you watched it take shape. Your eyes were blown wide in shock as you witnessed how it grew into the shape of a swan, watching how the demon’s fingers gingerly brushed against its wings. 

Every detail down from the feathers to the beak was executed beyond perfection, shimmering like a star in a moonlit field. 

“Wow.” 

You watched in awe at the beauty he had graced you with. “That was beautiful. I can’t believe my eyes.”

The demon smiled as he stretched his arms out to you, seemingly offering you the swan. 

“Is that for me? You pointed at yourself, watching how the demon eagerly nodded. 

“How pretty! Thank you!” You smiled, pressing your fingertips against the glass. “If only I could take it. I’m sure it would melt in this warmth.”

You watched how the swan within his hands disappeared into a mere stream of water as he inched closer, pressing his own fingertips against the glass to mimic yours. 

The demon smiled. 

Douma had lured you to his apple tree. 

——

When the session ended, Shinobu was ecstatic. She nearly knocked you off your feet as she hugged you, rambling on and on about how amazing you were. 

Behind Shinobu, a few other men resided, all wearing the identical labcoat. Her excited rambling drowned out your opportunity to meet them all, making you settle with a mere glance at their features. 

You couldn’t help but notice that all of them were male. You and Shinobu were the only girls. 

Rengoku and Uzui, who you had already met, were quick to shower you with compliments as well. Both of them petted your shoulder as they applauded you for your efforts. 

“That was amazing!” Shinobu squealed, cupping her cheeks the way Douma had done. 

You noticed how the clipboard clutched within her hold was filled to the brim with her notes, her neat handwriting covering most of the paper. 

“Never in a million years have we acquired this much information in such a short amount of time! It’s miraculous!” Shinobu swooned. 

You chuckled, feeling bashful at the praise. 

“I really hadn’t expected Douma to be so expressive!” Rengoku nodded.

“Hmmm. Perhaps (__)’s womanly charms made her Douma’s favourite.” Uzui teased, making you swat his hands away as he jokingly pinched your cheek. 

“(__).”

Shinobu’s clipboard clattered to the ground when she approached you. 

“Miss (__)…would you like to…extend these sessions?” The woman paused, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she clasped your hands with her own. For a moment, the charming Shinobu looked like a small child in a candy store. 

“SCP will reward your efforts well, I promise!” 

You smiled, wanting to cherish Shinobu’s happiness. 

“Okay.”

Chapter Text

In the following days, you and Douma started to bond. 

Whenever your hands scrubbed the barren surfaces til your skin turned raw, the previous sensation of a lingering unease slowly started to eb away. Sometimes, the mundane symphony of a moist sponge scouring wall after wall would wake the creature from its slumber. 

The familiar rhythm of a stiletto nail tapping the glass barrier made you perk up in both curiosity and excitement. 

Your heart palpitated in your chest, the thrill of the unknown rushing through your veins. 

“Hey you.”

You greeted as you turned around, exhaling deeply throughout the confinement of your hazmat suit. The layers of fabric trapped your body in heat, making you sigh in relief as soon as you unscrewed the mask from your face. It fell to the floor. 

“Did I wake you up? Sorry.”

You chuckled, turning around to face the creature. 

His position seemed identical to the one you first saw him in. His legs were lazily crossed, his spine stretched as his wide-opened eyes stared at your being. The feigned smile remained glued on his face, showing the tips of his fangs. 

You sighed, sitting yourself down in front of his chamber. Taking a small break wouldn’t hurt, right? 

“How are you doing today?”

You tilted your head, watching as the creature remained still. His hands were raised, fingertips pressed against the glass surface. 

You stayed quiet, relishing the silence for a while. Communicating with Douma felt like gambling sometimes. It was hard to tell what kind of questions would evoke a reaction. 

“Ugh, I’m so busy today. There’s so much for me to clean. I think I’m gonna be home late…”

You watched in awe at how Douma’s hands retreated from the glass, moving to grab the flesh of his cheeks. He pulled his skin, seemingly trying to morph his face into a frown. 

You smiled, feeling your stomach start to grumble. You were hungry. 

“Ah!” You perked up, hands flying to the deep pockets of your hazmat suit. You cheered when your fingers curled around a muesli bar you brought, needing the sugar more than anything. 

You quickly unwrapped the snack from its packaging, taking a small bite from the sticky bar.

“This is so good!” You hummed in delight. “I wish I could share some with you. I wonder if you’ll like it…”

You swallowed, stretching your spine. “That reminds me, what do you eat? The people here take good care of you right?” 

The demon tore his eyes away from yours, staring dreamily at the ceiling. He tapped his index finger against his chin, seemingly trying to formulate an answer.

Eventually, his finger moved to point at you, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. You hummed in confusion.

“…Me…?”

“He’s trying to tell you that creatures like him have the same appetite as yours.” 

The feathery touch of Shinobu’s hand lingering onto your shoulder blade startled you, making you choke on your half-eaten muesli bar as you hurriedly got up. 

“Miss Shinobu!” You uttered, hurriedly bowing before her. You hadn’t even registered her presence. 

“I wasn’t slacking off, I promise!” You mumbled, clasping your hands together in embarrassment. “I was just about to continue cleaning!”

The lady merely chuckled, cupping her chin with her hand. “Don’t you worry, (__).” She smiled. “In fact, I’m happy to see you and Douma form a relationship.”

You stayed quiet, glancing at Douma. 

Your lips parted at the sight. 

His eyes were once again focused on your features, his gaze glued onto your form with an intensity unlike before. That signature smile of his had disappeared, his lips turning into a thin line as he continued staring you down. 

He wasn’t looking at Shinobu, nor was he acknowledging her presence. It was like she was air to him. 

Is he ignoring her? You thought to yourself, interlocking eyes with Shinobu’s. Does he dislike her?

“Nuts, plants, vegetables, meat. He eats it all.” Shinobu informed, clasping her hands behind her back. 

“W-Wait.” You fiddled with your fingers, unsure of correcting your supervisor. “Miss Shinobu…I thought you wanted me to be…separated from you all.”

The lady shrugged. “Douma is smart enough to know that you’re associated with us anyways. SCP isn’t the kind of facility to have visitors, right?”

You stayed quiet. It was odd for such a punctual and precise lady like herself to suddenly change conditions like that. 

“Anyways.” Shinobu clapped. “Are you done with your break? There are some tasks left for you.” 

“Right-!” You bowed once again, feeling embarrassed by her implied scolding. 

Completely oblivious to the soft thud of your muesli bar slipping from your hands. 

Apologising profusely, you trailed behind your supervisor. 

Douma watched when the hiss of the metal doors separated you from him. 

His eyes narrowed. 

——

Every inch of strength and vitality had evaporated from your body as soon as you exited the facility’s changing room. The hot water running down your back had added fuel to the fire. 

You yawned as you entered the wardrobe on the first floor, pressing your staff ID against the card reader to clock out.  Grabbing your jacket from one of the hooks and hangers, you draped it around your shoulders. 

You scanned the room, looking for any belongings you could have forgotten. What caught your eye however, was the sight of a singular document lying on a small wooden table. Just like the rest of the interior, the table was painted white. 

Raising your brows, you pondered on whether to grab the document or not. Whatever information was bestowed upon that page was perhaps unfit for your eyes. 

The massive logo of the SCP foundation in the upper left corner called out your name. You slowly inched towards the table, letting your fingertips brush against the paper. 

Everyone,

The arrival of D-class personnel is expected to be delayed. We have to figure something out to quench their appetite in the meantime. I am hereby suggesting to extend security measures. I think it would be great to move some of the upper ranks to the empty containment cells equipped with double airlocks. Please let me know what you think. 

-Iguro

“D-class personnel?” You whispered, inspecting the letter closely. You’ve never heard of such a term before. 

The sound of approaching footsteps made you shriek, hurriedly putting the paper back where it belonged as you rushed towards the clothing hook your coat had originally been. You took your time playing with your zipper, trying to look as natural as possible. 

You involuntarily jolted when the door opened, turning your head to gaze at the silhouette of a tall man. The hue of his blue eyes rivalled the rims of the ocean, his raven black hair brushing against his back in a low ponytail. 

The man wore a stoic expression, his eyes conveying little to no emotion. He glanced at your form, seemingly unfazed by your existence. The man spoke up. 

“Hello.”

Your lips parted, the tiniest bit surprised by his greeting. “Good evening, sir…”

-“Tomioka.”

His tone was monotone and low, seemingly only conveying the bare minimum to keep a conversation going. 

You watched as the man walked up to the table, picking up the discarded letter before tucking it into his pocket. His facial expression didn’t waver as he walked up to the door again, opting to leave the room. 

Frustrated at the little acknowledgement of your presence, you spoke up. 

“Excuse me, sir Tomioka.”

The man’s hand rested on the doorknob, not bothering to turn around. He didn’t reply. 

“Can I ask you something?”

-“What is it?”

His hand on the doorknob didn’t move. 

“What is D-class personnel? Who are they?”

His hand detached itself from the doorknob, falling limp beside his form. He turned around ever so slightly, offering you a scarce glance. 

“Who told you about them?”

“I heard Rengoku mentioning them.” You swiftly lied. Although you were a honest and sincere person, lying to get to the bottom of SCP’s secrets seemed somehow appropriate. 

Giyuu fully turned around now. Although his face conveyed utter disinterest, he seemingly cared enough about the subject matter to look at you properly. 

“They are not a who. They are a what.”

You tilted your head in confusion. “I’m sorry, I don’t under-“

“The D-class personal is a shipment of humans the SCP’s can feast upon.”

He interrupted, making you gawk at him in bewilderment. 

“They are the cattle of our livestock. They are the seeds the foundation harvests.”

The sheer stoicism in which he uttered that confession left you bewildered. The young man merely blinked in response. 

“They are the lowest ranked staff members of the SCP foundation. They are either unfortunate conscripts or convicted criminals.” He explained. “For our benefit, they interact with some of our most hazardous upper ranks before they eventually get eaten.”

“…Eaten…?”

You felt your stomach sink, the bitter taste of nausea tantalising your throat.  “SCP’s eat humans? People died here?”

Giyuu, who noticed your terrified expression, knitted his eyebrows in both confusion and frustration. 

“I supposed Kocho told you.”

You shook your head. 

A silence lingered, enveloping the room. Tension reverberated between the snow white walls. 

“Well, you know now.” Giyuu sighed, shaking his head. “There’s no need for pity. Their lives had little value anyway.”

The ease in which the syllables were rolling off his tongue made your face contort into utter, unfiltered disgust. 

“Keep entertaining SCP-0102. The last thing we want is a hungry demon.”

With that, the door fell shut, leaving you to reminisce the aftermath of his confession. 

SCP’s ate humans. Unwilling human beings were trafficked to this place to become food. Torn to shreds. Devoured. 

Within an instant, you were brought back to Shinobu’s soothing words. 

“He’s trying to tell you that creatures like him have the same appetite as yours.” 

You scoffed.

“Nuts, plants, vegetables, meat. He eats it all.”

Suddenly, it clicked. You understood now why Douma pointed at you. You scowled, furrowing your eyebrows in frustration. 

Shinobu lied. 

——

The soft rattling of your metal spoon hitting the rims of your cup drowned out the distant chattering of your friends. The scent of coffee beans and caramel enveloped the cafe, the warm lightning lulling itself around your limbs. 

“Are you gonna finish that?” Zenitsu inquired, peering at the cup of hot chocolate left untouched. 

“Oh. You can take a sip if you’d like.” You offered, gently placing the cup before him. 

Both Tanjirou and Zenitsu sat before you, their bodies slumped on a soft, velvety couch. The soft jazz music playing from the speakers and the faint chattering of other customers casted a soothing sound. 

Tanjirou’s sister had been invited as well, positioned on the chair beside yours. Nezuko hummed in content as she sunk her teeth into a chocolate muffin.

“You don’t want it?” Zenitsu pouted, unsure of taking your drink. 

You shook your head, sighing a little as you rested your chin in your hand. “You can have it.”

“Are you alright?”

Nezuko’s fingertips brushed against your arm, her soft features contorting into a frown. She tilted her head, her voice laced with kindness. 

“You seem a little distant…”

You sighed, staring at the cup of hot chocolate that had gone cold already. “I’m just thinking about something. It’s not important.” You swatted your hand. “Where is Inosuke?”

“He couldn’t make it.” Zenitsu chuckled. “That guy got detention. Again.”

You laughed. “Of course.”

“What are you thinking about?” Tanjirou asked. “Would you like to share?”

You paused, letting a silence linger as you considered the option. You gave in. 

“Guys…would you be upset if you were to find out that someone lied to you?”

The three visibly perked up, their eyes widening in both curiosity and surprise. Your friends shared a look, wondering what the context could be. 

“I think it depends.” Tanjirou replied. “Lying itself is a bad thing, but I think it can be justified under the right circumstances.”

Nezuko nodded in agreement. “Yeah! It’s just like that one time we all lied to Inosuke in order to plan that surprise party. If we hadn’t lied about certain things, the whole thing never would have happened.”

“Who lied to you, (__)?” Zenitsu inquired, his expression a bit more serious than the Kamado siblings. “What did they lie about?”

You groaned in response. “It’s…my supervisor at work. I don’t know what to make of her.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s just…how do I say it?” You sighed, cupping your cheeks with your hands. 

“She’s a girl around my age. I’m sure she’s only one or two years older than me.” You explained. “At first, I was happy to have a young supervisor. I was hoping we could relate to each other and get along well.”

Zenitsu raised an eyebrow. “But?”

“Ugh…” You moaned. “I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it. The way in which she talks and acts feels so…unnatural sometimes? Like she’s constantly trying to cover something up?”

“Like what?” Nezuko asked. 

“I don’t know!” You exclaimed. “She’s so graceful and polite, and her tone of voice matches that. However, I feel like there’s a certain edge in that tone of hers. It’s hard to explain…”

“Was she the one to lie to you?” Tanjirou suggested. 

You eventually nodded. “The lie itself isn’t really important. It’s just boring stuff about our work routine. It’s just the fact that she lied to me in the first place that upsets me, do you know what I mean?”

The trio nodded. They understood why it would bother you. 

“Anyways.” You sighed, finally taking a sip of your cooled off chocolate milk. “Just wanted to get that off my chest.”

Your friends indulged you with their understanding, offering you their words of encouragement and advice.

The conversation quickly shifted from one topic to another, making you feel relieved to finally take your mind off the SCP foundation. Time slipped through your fingers, making you frown as the sky was beginning to darken. 

After having paid for the check you insisted on paying for, you left the waiter a generous tip before the four of you walked towards the nearest bus stop. 

Eventually, the time had come for the four of you to part ways. 

“Wait, before I forget!” Nezuko noted, quickly digging into her school bag. She had decorated the thing with various colourful pins of hearts, stars, and images of colourful ponies. 

“Here!” The young girl smiled as she fished a paper bag filled with various French pastries from her bag, offering you the treats. You gasped in awe, already salivating at the mere sight. The bag crackled when your fingertips met hers. 

“I brought you some pastries from our bakery! You liked these, don’t you?” Nezuko cheered, making Zenitsu stare in jealousy. 

“Awww, you guys are so sweet! Thank you so much!” You wailed, enveloping her in a hug. “Make sure to thank your mommy for me okay?”

“We will.” Tanjirou chuckled, patting your back gently. “Make sure to enjoy!”

You smiled, waving your friends goodbye as you parted ways. The sun had dipped below the horizon, making your heels tap against the pavement as you headed home. Having arrived to your house, you were met with the sound of silence when you opened the front door. 

Kicking your shoes off your feet, you sighed in relief as you dumped your school bag onto the kitchen counter. 

You inhaled the scent of the love-filled pastries as you smiled amidst the darkness, only to get interrupted by the buzzing of your phone. 

You whipped the device from your pocket, clutching it in your hand. Tapping the phone screen, you checked the incoming message. 

Shinobu: Good afternoon (__). If possible, please meet me in my office tomorrow before your shift starts. 

You blinked in bewilderment, staring blankly at the text message. Another one popped up. 

Shinobu:  we need to talk 

As soon as you registered the weight of her words, you felt your stomach sink as panic rushed through your veins. 

‘We need to talk’ has got to be the scariest set of words anyone could ever come up with. You shut your phone off, staring into space. 

Did you upset her in any way? Was she about to scold you? Or even worse, fire you?

You clutched your heart, shrieking. You couldn’t afford to be fired from the goldmine that was your job. You needed that money more than anything. 

Wait. What if she saw me peeking at that document?

You gasped at the realisation. That had to be it. The entire place was ridden with security cameras anyways. 

You clutched your mouth, gasping for air. 

Fuck. Fuck! I’m so stupid. I know I shouldn’t have looked at that. 

Groaning in frustration, your hands rose to claw at your temples. Exhaling a shaky breath, you mentally prepared yourself for tomorrow’s obstacle. 

——

“You wished to see me.”

Your clammy hands played with the rims of your cargo pants as your thighs were glued onto the tiny stool in Shinobu’s office. Bouncing your feet against the floor, you winced as you tried your hardest to remain calm and collected before your supervisor. 

The lady resembled tranquility herself as she offered you a polite smile, her spine stretched as her folded hands rested on her thighs. She nodded. 

“Indeed. Thank you for showing up.”

“Of course.” You swallowed. 

Shinobu scraped her throat, brushing a strand of lavendel hair aside with her dainty fingertips. She inhaled briefly, her purple eyes piercing yours. 

“I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with your progress regarding SCP-0102.” 

You looked at her questioningly. 

“Also known as Douma.” She added. Your lips formed the shape of an O.

She crossed her legs, folding her tucked hands beneath her chin. 

“It’s the first time in decades where a SCP has voluntarily been so interactive and also rather affectionate towards a human being.” The woman continued.

“You truly are special, (__).” 

You didn’t miss the slightest glint in her eyes. 

“That’s why I’d like to make you an offer. Again.” 

Her silky sweet voice engulfed around your limbs, draping around your shoulders. Her sugary cadence nestled its way underneath your skin, making your heart palpitate. 

“We would like to offer you an extra set of interacting sessions with Douma.” The lady inhaled, fixing her posture once more. She paused. 

“In person.”

For a moment, the world stopped spinning. Time’s arrow stopped ticking as you looked at your supervisor like she’d slapped you in the face. 

“What?”

“You heard me.” Shinobu chuckled. “Since the development of your relationship has proven to be promising, we would like to provide all possible assistance in order for your bond to thrive.” She spoke slowly, as if calculating every syllable she uttered. 

Your eyes were opened wide in shock, your lips parted in bewilderment. You couldn’t believe the words that were rolling off her tongue. 

“Of course, you will be paid accordingly for all of your efforts.” Shinobu closed her eyes in a smile. “Just give me a number and it’s yours.”

Your eyes began trembling as you gawked at the woman before you. 

Your bewilderment shifted into anger. 

You felt your eyes narrow as your heart palpitated in your chest, feeling your muscles clench in indignation. Your nostrils flared with each shaky inhale, digging deep crescents into the flesh of your thighs. 

You knew what she was after.  The sweet, silky cadence of her voice finally made sense. 

She was using you as bait. 

Trying your best to calm yourself, you reminisced on the lingering warnings you discovered. 

“The D-class personal is a shipment of humans the SCP’s can feast upon.”

Your sharp nails pierced your skin. 

“They are the cattle of our livestock. They are the seeds the foundation harvests.”

You clenched your jaws together in a muffled groan. 

“Keep entertaining SCP-0102. The last thing we want is a hungry demon.”

Like a lightning bolt had zapped you, you got up from the stool you sat on, the piece of furniture falling to the floor with a loud thud. 

Shinobu, who had noticed your change of demeanour, looked at you in bewilderment.

“So when were you going to tell me that SCP’s eat humans?”

The acidic bitterness of your voice contaminated the room.

You watched how her face morphed from surprise, to a sudden acceptance. 

“Who told you, (__)?”

-“Does it matter?” You bit back. 

A silence lingered. Despite your flaming anger, Shinobu’s doll-like frame stayed glued onto her seat. Although she seemed genuinely surprised by your discovery, she was quick to adapt to the situation. 

“Do you think I’m stupid, Shinobu?” You scowled, hissing at her. “Not only do the SCP’s feast upon humans, making the company responsible for thousand of deaths…”

You squeezed your eyes shut in disgust. The mental image of mangled corpses and disfigured intestines made you nauseous. 

“The delay of their food is bound to make them much more aggressive and hostile. Of course, you take advantage of this opportunity to send me straight into hell itself while you watch from the sidelines.” Your scowl worsened. All of your words were the result of your boiling, unfiltered anger coursing through your veins. 

“Am I wrong, Miss Shinobu?”

A silence lingered. You hadn’t even registered the way your fists clutched onto your heart. 

You watched as the woman slowly rose from her chair, her fingertips tracing the rims of her desk. 

“(__)-“

“The answer is no.” You spat, turning around to reach for the exit. “Find another lamb to use.”

As soon as your hand curled around the doorknob, you were startled by another presence entering the room. You gasped, hurriedly stepping back. 

“Oh my!”

A tall, slim young girl smiled as she entered the room, dressed in the same labcoat as Shinobu’s. Her lips were painted a cherry red, contrasting to the flowy, long back hair emerging from her scalp. Two identical butterfly shaped ornaments decorated the sides of her head, making her violet eyes shine as she registered your presence. 

“Kanae! What are you doing here?” 

You whipped your head to face Shinobu, surprised by the unusual moody expression resting on her face. She was seemingly irritated by the woman’s intrusion. 

Right. The occupied locker…. Your lips parted as you remembered the sight. 

So she’s the other woman…

“Hush hush, Shinobu-chan! Aren’t you happy I showed up?” Her voice was kind and gentle as she walked up to your supervisor, giggling to herself as she patted her head, much to Shinobu’s dismay. 

“I mean, all I had to do was follow the crackling sound of tension and look where I ended up~ ♪!” The lady chuckled, savouring her sour expression. 

“And who do we have here?” The lady turned around, properly giving you attention. She walked up to you, smiling sweetly as she introduced herself.  

“My name is Kocho Kanae! I’m Shinobu’s older sister. Isn’t that nice?” She clasped her hands together as she smiled.

You looked at her in bewilderment, catching glances at both Kanae and Shinobu. 

So they’re related…

When comparing the two, you couldn’t help but notice how childlike Shinobu looked compared to her older sister. It felt funny to see such a different side of your supervisor. 

“I’m so happy to meet you!” Kanae cheered, engulfing your hands with her own. “Besides us, there weren’t any other women working here, up until now! I hope we can get along well!”

You nodded, bowing politely. “Nice to meet you, Miss Kanae. My name is (__).” You looked away from her, glancing at the door. 

“I’m sorry to be leaving so soon, but I really ought to go…”

“Aww! Already!” Kanae frowned, pouting. “What were you guys talking about? I wanna join in too!”

Shinobu sighed, plopping down onto her seat again as she crossed her arms. “I…offered (__) the in person sessions with Douma…”

You internally sighed. The last thing you needed right now was another person trying to convince you. 

“I see I see! I bet you’re a bit scared of the idea, aren’t you?” Kanae’s slender hand rested gently on your lower back, curling her spine a little to meet your line of vision. “Well, that’s to be expected!”

Compared to Shinobu, the warmth of her voice and the alluring gentleness of Kanae’s overall demeanour felt much more sincere compared to her younger sister. Within the realms of her presence, you felt your sense of betrayal and hurt eb away. 

“How about you allow big sister Kanae to ease your worries, hmm?” The lady gingerly beckoned you towards your seat again. As if her voice had put you in a trance, you followed. 

“There’s no need for that!” Shinobu protested, pouting childishly. “I was about to tell her all of that by myself, nee-san!”

Kanae merely winked at her sister, making her pout worsen. 

The lady fished a big piece of paper from one of the drawers, sprawling it out in front of you. You seemed to be staring at the detailed sketch of a SCP’s confinement. 

“(__), this is what the chambers of our specimens look like.” The lady explained, pointing at the drawing.

“Do you know what these are, (__)?” Her fingernail rose upwards, moving to point at some weird square shapes decorating the very rims of their confinements. 

You shook your head, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “No?”

“Those are machine guns.”

The swiftness of her answer made you choke on air. You looked at her like she lost her mind. 

“Yes, it’s true! Behind these square panels, various amounts of machine guns are attached to the walls. All of them are equipped with a motion detector, meaning that all of them are pointing towards the specimen 24/7.” The lady explained.

“But our security gets even better! Despite the metal doors and layers of glass that are meters thick, we really had to step up our game when we heard about the D-class personnel…” The lady happily continued, making you look at her in suspicion.

Had she been eavesdropping? You wondered. Is it really a coincidence that she stepped in when I was about to leave?

“Right now, our most hazardous specimens known as the ‘upper ranks’ are all equipped with a device around their neck, capable of giving them powerful electric shocks when necessary. Since the upper ranks are prone to misbehave when they’re hungry, all of our staff members possesses over such a remote.”

The lady whipped a small, gray remote from her pocket, pressing it within the palm of your hand. You glanced at the various amounts of buttons, indicating various amounts of voltage and the intensity of each shock. 

You swallowed. This felt really inhumane. 

“So in other words, the security of the SCP foundation is top notch!” Kanae cheered, petting your shoulders. “Your security and safety is our highest priority, (__)-chan! Not a bad thing will happen to you between these walls! I promise!”

The lady closed her eyes in a smile, her warm hand moving to gently pet your head. 

“How about you think about it after having a long steamy bath and a cup of tea? Does that sound nice?”

Kanae’s warmth engulfed you, making you stammer at the kindness and concern she bestowed you with. 

You stammered in response, feeling the remnants of your anger disappear into ash. 

“…Okay…”

Chapter Text

“Are you ready?”

Kanae’s sweet voice crackled in your earpiece like the static of a tv. You gulped as you stood in front of the thick metal doors, separating you from the deity inside. 

In the end, Kanae’s charm worked on you. Her sweet, alluring voice hypnotised you, making you feel unable to refuse. 

What caught your attention was that the staff had noticeably taken account of the note sir Iguro had left behind. You were surprised when the snow-filled chamber Douma lived was devoid of any life. 

Just like Obanai had suggested, Douma was moved to a completely new wing, equipped with cells with protective measures like no other. 

You mindlessly scratched your neck. It wasn’t like you knew him well, but Douma really didn’t strike you as an aggressive demon. 

If someone like him was to be moved to these cells, you wondered what other maniacs resided there. 

You shivered at the thought. Your hands rose upwards to toy with a button Kanae had given you, attached to a lanyard dangling around your neck. 

It was a ‘panic button’, Shinobu said, explaining the procedures before the session was about to commence. You fiddled with your clothing as you listened to her instructions, feeling the lump in your throat grow with each second. 

“If you’re put in a situation where you’re panicked or distressed, please press this emergency button.” She explained as she pressed the device into your palm. “Not only will it trigger the instrument around Douma’s neck to give him immobilising electric shocks, it will also automatically trigger the usage of the machine guns.”

Kanae smiled and nodded, adding onto her sister’s advice. “It’ll also send a signal to the radio-like gadgets the SCP staff carry while releasing a gas deadly to demons! In other words, we’ll come and rescue you immediately~!”

Their words of encouragement made your knees buckle in fear. With every syllable they uttered, you felt the stabbing sensation of regret piercing your heart. 

“There’s nothing to be afraid of!” Rengoku cheered, patting your shoulder. “Douma has already shown his affinity towards you, so there’s no reason to be scared! Think of it as petting an animal for a bit!”

Despite your trembling fingertips and shaky voice, you drank up Rengoku’s uplifting spirit like no other. 

“Given the current circumstances, the staff will retreat to watch from the sidelines instead. Don’t worry though, our cameras are watching your every move!” Uzui smiled, playfully ruffling your hair. 

No words of encouragement could be heard now as you were forsaken by the only source of humanity roaming the SCP facility.  

The colour of white surrounding you began to feel suffocating. 

Let’s get this over with. 

You inhaled as you straightened your shoulders, letting oxygen fill your lungs. You pressed the button in your pocket, communicating with the staff. 

“I’m ready, miss Kocho. You can open the doors.”

After hearing an affirming nod tickle your ear, the hiss from the moving metal doors made your muscles tense. 

You immediately stepped inside, shrieking when the doors immediately flung shut. After your heart had calmed, you inhaled when you turned your head, opting to gaze at the chamber. 

The floors, walls, and ceiling of the cell were all covered in the same shade of nauseating white. Snowwhite, velvety cushions submerged the entire enclosure, hugging your feet. 

The white fluorescent lightning emerging from the lamps embedded into the ceiling casted its dreary gleam onto the confinement, hurting your eyes. No windows or portholes adorned the barren, bleak walls, amplifying the feeling of being forsaken by humanity. 

As soon as your eyes adjusted, your gaze gravitated towards the only source of colour. 

Perched upon on the padded floor, sat Douma in the flesh. His legs were lazily crossed, his spine stretched as his head turned to look at the sudden intruder. 

His eyes were blown wide in shock, making you lose yourself amidst its bright, powerful hue. His lips were parted, showing the very tip of his fangs. The ruby colour of his turtleneck contrasted with his platinum blonde hair, engulfing his muscular back. 

The demon didn’t blink. His eyes were glued onto your form, drinking up your essence. 

A silence lingered as you locked eyes with his. The intensity of his stare made you feel backed into a corner. 

“H-Hello…”

The pressure radiating off of him made you feel like an invisible weight pressed down onto your shoulders. The back of your throat stung. 

His chamber was small. It was absolutely minuscule compared to his previous confinement, filled with colour. The close proximity between the two of you made your fingertips tremble. 

As soon as the demon before you registered the cadence of your voice, he instantly got up. 

You yelped at the sight. Douma was tall.

Since his previous cell was lifted from the floor by a small platform, the demon had always sat down to meet your line of gaze. Now that he stood before you in his true glory, you felt intimidated. 

His shoulders were broad, his arms toned and muscular. For a second, he just stood there, taking you in. 

You parted your lips to speak, only for words to fail you. What emerged from your lips was a silent cry, a mere gust of wind. 

Your limbs ached. You couldn’t move. You couldn’t talk. 

You were terrified. 

Slowly, as if every movement was certain to startle you, the demon moved to sit down again. He folded his legs until they were crossed, copying his previous pose. As his form sank to the ground, his eyes did not leave yours. 

“My dear, there is no need to be so scared.” You heard Kanae’s voice coo in your ear. “You see, Douma sat down just now to avoid intimidating you with his height. He wants you to feel at ease.”

Although you wanted to reply to her somehow, you felt frozen. Your limbs felt paralysed as you felt the walls closing in on you. 

You shrieked when Douma raised his arms. 

Outstretched and offering, Douma reached himself out to you. His slender fingertips pointed at your shaken form, his sharp blue nails adorning his fingers. 

Instead of beckoning you, the demon offered you free will as he reached out. 

“Since Douma is a non-verbal demon, you’ll have to figure out his intentions by closely watching his body language.” Kanae explained.  “See? He’s asking you if you want to touch him. Do you?”

Your teeth clattered. Your eyes trembled as you slowly, hesitantly moved your hands, hovering towards his. 

Despite how scared you were, something about the gesture provided you comfort. 

Your skin touched, making you gasp at the contact. Your shaky fingertips collided with the palm of his hands. 

The corners of his lips tugged into a smile as the demon slowly, gently moved his hands to caress yours.

He was cold. A shiver ran up your spine, startled at the unexpected cold temperature his body radiated. 

As a result of your paralysing fear, your buckling knees failed to lift your body up. Your sore, exhausted muscles gave out beneath you, making you fall to the floor. 

Thankfully, the padding of the floor engulfed the skin of your knees. It was a soft landing. 

Douma’s head tilted a little, seemingly bewildered by your utter existence. 

You felt so small before him. 

You yelped when his hands moved, the frost of his hands cupping yours. His movements were slow, gentle, treating your hands like a divinity. 

You gasped at the surprising comfort the demon provided. His fingertips traced soft, circular patterns onto the back of your hand, smiling dreamily at your amazed expression. 

You were so cute to him. He could just eat you up. 

You almost whined when his hands separated from yours. Instead, you watched how his right hand slowly trailed forwards, inching closer to your face. He let his hand hover in front of your cheek, scanning your features, searching permission. 

“He wants to touch you, (__).” Kanae noted. “Perhaps SCP’s are just as interested in human life as vice versa.”

Slowly breaking free from the chains of your fear, you swallowed as you nodded at him. Smiling at your granted permission, your lips parted as his fingers moved to trace your cheek. 

His skin was soft and silky, his touch comforting and tender. His frosty fingertips traced various patterns onto your flushed cheeks, seemingly memorising every single detail. 

You began to smile when his hand moved to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“You’re cold.”

The demon visibly perked up at the sound of your voice. 

Now with the absence of the thick, glass panels separating you from him, he was able to pick up on your voice much better now. 

And how he loved the sound. 

Your cadence was soft, sweet, laced with tenderness and care. Despite your initial fear, your fright was starting to ebb away the more time you spent with him. 

He wanted more. More of you.

Inhaling briefly, you gazed at the demon ahead. 

“Can I…touch you too?”

His eyes almost fell from his sockets at your sudden request. Forcing his movements to be slow and steady, he nodded calmly. 

This time, it was your turn to grace his features. Your soft fingertips caressed the skin of his face, the warmth of your touch blending into the cold of his skin. 

You were so warm compared to him. 

The sound of your thrumming heartbeat was a symphony to his ears. The rhythm of the blood rushing through your veins in both fear and curiosity casted him a lullaby. 

He liked you the moment your eyes locked with his. Perhaps, Douma was far more attached than he thought. 

He watched how your face morphed into surprise, curiosity, and eventually, a peaceful contentment. 

The demon purred when you brushed your fingers through his platinum hair, melting every time you apologised for accidentally tugging too hard. 

He closed his eyes in relief, feeling euphoria bloom in his chest. An all-consuming warmth immersed his body, an utter bliss soaking his skin. 

Finally, the demon got to touch upon the sacred magic of emotions. 

Now that his teeth had sunk into the delicacy, he was hooked. He wasn’t planning on letting go ever again.

Hypnotised by your presence, the demon couldn’t help himself. Lost amidst the pleasure your touch evoked, the demon hummed in delight as he curled his spine, nuzzling his frame against yours. 

Little did he know, the flourishing affection was likewise. You found yourself lost in his tender touches, longing gazes, and sweet embrace. Witnessing him melt into your touch made your heart beat faster, wanting the forsaken creature to relish in your being. 

Your soft chuckles were music to his ears when he nestled the side of his face against your neck, savouring your scent. 

He really was like a cat. A touch-starved animal.

You were appalled by how quickly you managed to cross the bridge between humanity and monstrosity. Douma’s genuine, sincere smile made a warmth bloom into your chest, making you smile at the amount of comfort your presence provided. 

You were happy he liked you so much. 

“Douma…”

He backed up, sending you a confused glance. 

“That is your name, right? They told me.”

Douma smiled, eagerly nodding as he pointed his index fingers towards himself. 

“It’s…nice to meet you in person.” You chuckled. Douma smiled in relief when your posture visibly relaxed, your former stress evaporating into thin air. 

“I really hadn’t expected you to…like me that much.” You couldn’t help the rush of blood that flowed beneath your cheeks. 

You snickered when the demon nodded eagerly again. 

You exhaled, turning your head to properly gaze at the confinements of his cell. 

“So this is where you live now huh?” You muttered, staring at the padded walls.

You had heard of it. This technique called while torture. It was an infamous torture method where prisoners were kept in a small cell, completely surrounded by the colour white. 

Apparently, the sensory deprivation along with the extreme isolation induced effects of hallucinations and psychosis into its victims, leaving them mentally scarred for the rest of their lives.

Your heart sank at the realisation. 

This was the way in which they treated Douma. Like an animal. 

He has been so kind to you so far. He was clingy, affectionate, and seemingly extremely mindful of your boundaries and fears. 

You knitted your eyebrows in frustration. He didn’t deserve this. 

“I’m…so sorry…” You stammered, your voice a mere whisper. “I can’t believe they trapped you in a place as awful as this. I’m so sorry.”

You watched how Douma’s head tilted as he shot you a puzzled look. Why were you apologising? It wasn’t your fault that they moved him here, was it? He didn’t understand. 

“You’re hungry, aren’t you?” You asked, a frown painting your face. Douma nodded, much slower this time. 

He watched your face contort into contemplation, seemingly at war with your own thoughts. He stared, wondering what you were thinking about. 

“Douma..”

His eyes widened when you stretched your spine, rolling one of your sleeves up to reveal your bare skin.

“There isn’t a creature alive who deserves to live like this. Cold, alone, isolated, tortured…” You winced. 

“I can’t stand it, knowing you are stuck in here while I get to go home and sleep in my warm bed. It’s so unfair.” A shiny moisture painted your red eyes, unshed tears beading at your waterline. 

“That’s why…I want to ease your suffering, even if it’s just a little bit….”

You stretched your bare arm out to him. Your teeth started clattering again. 

-“Hey, what the hell is she doing?” Sanemi scoffed, snarling as he looked at the security footage. 

Huddled within one of the back offices, each SCP staff member was staring deeply into the various amounts of security footage, taking in every possible perspective and angle from the camera’s Douma’s chamber was equipped with. 

Various clipboards of hasty notes and keywords decorated their desks, mirroring their own nerves and curiosity. 

“Oh my god.” Obanai blinked in bewilderment as he watched the scene unfold. “Don’t tell me…”

“Hold on, is it okay for us to continue-?” Tengen asked, a slight panic evident in his eyes as he glanced at his colleagues. “Is it okay if (__) gets hurt?”

“Miss Shinobu, what do you think?” Rengoku asked the lady, whose face was contorted into an intense focus. Her hands were tucked beneath her chin as her unblinking eyes gawked at the screens. 

She merely raised her hand, swatting the complaints away. 

“She signed a waiver. Continue.” 

Surprised and intrigued by Shinobu’s cold response, her colleagues muttered something beneath their breath as their eyes locked once more with the security footage, feeling their hands grow clammy. 

No one was as passionate as Kocho Shinobu when it came to SCP’s. Even if it meant exploiting her scarce friend. 

“You’re hungry, right?” Your voice trembled. “You’re isolated and alone, aren’t you?” 

Douma didn’t reply. His widened eyes tracked your every move. 

“If you’d like…”  You held out your arm. “You can…relieve yourself for a bit. SCP’s eat humans, right?”

Douma’s eyes were blown wide in shock.

“All I ask is that you don’t make it hurt. Please.”

-“WHAT THE FUCK!” Sanemi jolted from his chair, making it fall to the ground. “SHE’S OFFERING HERSELF TO HIM?”

“This is insane.” Obanai stammered, covering his mouth. “Is she out of her mind?”

“What a compassionate child.” Gyomei chanted, feeling his eyes growing wet. “Namu Amida Butsu…”

Rengoku stayed silent, his eyebrows knitting in concern. Although he knew how safe that cell was, he still found himself praying for your safety. 

Even Giyuu’s stoicism had shifted into that of great severity, his expression conveying his fear. 

Unlike her colleagues, Shinobu showed no sign of concern as her lips tugged upwards into a wicked smile. “Ah. This is great.”

Douma’s eyes were latched onto your bare arm, his colourful irises trembling in desire.  

The forbidden fruit. 

Suddenly, his senses amplified. The sound of your beating heart, flowing blood, and spasm of your muscles was overwhelmingly loud. 

You had been so kind to him. He wanted to cut your stomach open and nestle himself amidst the warmth of your organs. He wished to sink his teeth into your flesh, feeling how the tips of his fangs fitted perfectly into your skin. 

He inched closer to you, his outstretched hands opting towards your bare arm. His fingers, crooked and bent, twitched slightly midair. 

He parted his lips, showcasing his fangs. You winced at the sight, turning your head the other way. You couldn’t see this. 

You felt his cold fingertips brush against the skin of your arm, gently latching onto your sacred limb. You squeezed your eyes shut, preparing yourself for pain. 

Instead, the furthest thing caressed your skin. 

You gasped as you turned your head around, feeling your eyes widen in bewilderment. 

The demon’s dainty fingertips traced your skin as the soft, velvety flesh of his plush lips pressed a tender kiss to your vein. He smiled as he looked up at you, narrowing his eyes in affection. 

He wouldn’t hurt you, despite the rumbling ache tormenting his stomach. 

Not you. Never. He had promised himself that just now. 

His heart was overflowing when he witnessed your eminent surprise shift into that of a genuine, relieved smile. He beamed in ecstasy when you wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him close.

Peering through his eyelashes, he drank up your scent. His arms rose upwards, clawing softly at your back to never let go.

Inhaling the essence of your being, he vowed to himself. You belonged to him now.

Chapter Text

Getting out of Douma’s chamber felt like entering a hornet’s nest. As soon as you exited the nearest hallway, the tidal wave of approaching staff members washed up against your shore. You hadn’t expected the numerous amount of questions each individual staff member was brimming to ask you. Simultaneously. 

“Since the average human temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius, how cold would you say Douma’s skin is-?”

“What did he smell like?”

“What did he feel like?”

“How are you feeling?”

Widened eyes in anticipation and excitement drilled into your core, making you shriek. 

“Everyone…” You blabbered, feeling overwhelmed by the attention. It felt like you were a politician surrounded by cameras and press. The SCP staff surrounded you, bombarding you with questions while they grasped onto their clipboards. Their voices combined and overlapped, making your head spin. 

“Please, one at the time…” You visibly deflated, your plea a mere whisper amongst their chatter. Thankfully for you, the first one to ask about your well-being was quick to step in. 

“Everyone,” Rengoku stated, using his eye-catching demeanour to his advantage. “Let’s all be mindful as to not overwhelm (__). We have more than enough time to write detailed reports.”

You sighed in relief when his muscular hand gently rested on your lower back, separating you from the crowd. 

“Besides, it’s late. She’s a student, so she needs to be well-rested for her classes.”

Your heart swelled as you gave Rengoku a grateful smile. He truly was sweet. 

“You…You are a compassionate child.” Gyomei stated as he clasped his hands together. His eyes shone with moisture as he glanced at the ceiling above. “Caring for a creature like that is admirable…I understand why the demon gravitates towards you…Namu Amida Butsu…”

With your experience in the SCP department, you eventually figured out the staff’s names. 

“I can’t tell whether you’re really brave or just really stupid.” Sanemi scoffed, folding his arms as he shook his head. “You got some balls though. I respect that.”

His black-haired colleague looked away when his eyes met yours. His shoulders were tense, his muscles stiff. 

You looked at Obanai in bewilderment, his twitchy body language revealing his nerves. The man remained quiet, being the only staff member who hadn’t uttered a word to you yet.

“Man…” Tengen sighed, stretching his arms to fold them around his back. “This is the first time in ages where a SCP showed this much attachment to a human being. Am I right, Shinobu?”

You glanced at your supervisor, whose face was contorted into a hyperfocus as she peered at the notes she had taken. Being able to look over her shoulder, you glanced at her annotations. 

Instead of her usual graceful handwriting, barely recognisable scribbles and unintelligible letters adorned the piece of paper as her fingers latched onto its rims. Her face was contorted into concentration as her lips parted, muttering incomprehensible whispers.

Although she seemed to snap out of her trance when Tengen tapped her shoulder, her semblance hadn’t shifted. The lady was brimming with anticipation, vibrating with thirst.

She inhaled briefly as she closed her eyes in a smile, approaching you before gently cupping your shoulders with her hands. 

“Forget about your cleaning duties. You and I are going to have a long talk tomorrow, okay?”

Startled by the sheer pressure the woman radiated, you nervously nodded. 

“Good. Very good.”

The lady clapped her hands as she turned around, trailing down the barren hallway. She looked over her shoulder, glancing at your form. 

“Follow me. Come collect your reward.”

——

You groaned, feeling your shoulders beginning to ache. 

Wrapped around your shoulder was a light-grey duffle bag, filled to the brim with 300.000 worth of yen in cash money. The weight from the bills tormented your muscles, making you whine with each step. 

Curse Shinobu for only having 10 yen bills.

After what felt like an eternity, you reached the wardrobe on the first floor. You momentarily plopped the bag down onto the white, marble floor, sighing in relief as you stretched your spine. 

After engulfing your frame within the warmth of your jacket, you turned around, scanning the room for forgotten belongings. 

You perked up at the sight of some snow-white documents resting on the wooden table. You gasped, eyes widening in curiosity. Someone was either really sloppy with their administration, or they simply wanted you to notice at this point. 

You stood still for a moment, relishing in the silence. No approaching footsteps, chattering colleagues, or source of life could be heard. The buzzing from the fluorescent lights was the only noise to keep you company. 

Your feet tapped against the marble tiles as you approached the table, letting your fingertips trace the rims of the documents. Seeing the massive, intimidating logo of the SCP foundation in the upper left corner made a shiver run up your spine. 

WARNING: STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL 

The bold, hissing letters made your stomach churn. You narrowed your eyes in determination as you flipped the page, dreading its content.

Item: SCP-0102

Alias: Douma

Object class: Euclid / Keter

Description: SCP-0102 has an unnatural eye colour, a combination of multi-coloured hues with long, platinum blonde hair that bends into an unnatural crooked shape. Although paired with a feminine face, SCP-0102’s limbs are toned, broad, and extraordinarily muscular. His skin is pale and fair, his hands paired with long, violet stiletto nails. Although equipped with vocal cords, SCP-0102 is non-verbal and hasn’t shown any initiative towards verbal communication yet. 

Special containment procedures: SCP-0102 seems to show a preference towards cold climates. He needs to be locked in a 110 X 50 X 20 meter chamber with a maximum temperature of 0 degrees Celsius.

Character: Although earning the title of upper rank two, SCP-0102 has shown to have a surprising, gentle character. SCP-0102’s facial expressions are often contorted into an unmoving smile. Although he hasn’t shown any hostility towards the staff, he also hasn’t initiated contact yet. 

Notes: SCP-0102 only eats women, refusing to touch male specimens of the D-class personnel. 

Supernatural abilities/Blood demon art: SCP-0102 has shown to be an excellent wielder of ice, capable of twisting, bending, and morphing the substance at will in any shape it desires. The air his blood demon art generates is extremely lethal to those who inhale it, causing the cells of their lungs to gradually break down. SCP-0102 digests the D-class personnel by absorbing them with its body instead of masticating the flesh with its jaws. 

Although you felt your teeth start to clatter, you couldn’t tear your eyes away from these documents. Although it felt immoral to perceive them, your curiosity outweighed your consciousness. You glanced at the empty hallway before flipping the page. 

Item: SCP-073

Alias: Akaza

Object class: Keter

Description: SCP-073 is a male specimen of average height, his skin-tone a light shade of grey. Several dark lines encircle his body, resembling criminal tattoos. SCP-073’s eyes are a lapis colour, similar to the intricate design of stained glass. His irises are a golden hue, paired with long, ruby eyelashes. 

Special containment procedures: SCP-073 has shown to have an unusual amount of energy and stamina. Therefore, SCP-073 needs to be kept in a 110 X 50 X 20 meter chamber equipped with various items for him to take out his aggression on. SCP-073 is known for destroying many objects as a result of honing his strength, making his chamber look permanently untidy. 

Character: SCP-073 seems to have a special fixation on honing his physical form to its ultimate level. It has an unique obsession with getting stronger, destroying the objects in his chamber as a result. Because of this passion, SCP-073 has only initiated contact with Himejima Gyomei, Rengoku Kyojuro, Shinazugawa Sanemi, Tomioka Giyuu and Tengen Uzui. According to SCP-073’s verbal responses, he is only willing to initiate contact with those he deems 'strong' and worthy of his respect. SCP-073 has shown great disgust towards creatures he deems weak, and states that “the sight of the weak makes his skin crawl.” SCP-073 has a strict philosophy in which the strong prosper and trample the weak.  

Notes: Unlike SCP-0102, SCP-073 refuses to eat female D-class personnel. 

Supernatural abilities/blood demon art: SCP-073 is a martial artist who excels at hand-to-hand combat and is therefore the only upper rank that does not wield a weapon. SCP-073 is able to summon a ‘battle compass’, (a series of shockwaves) rendering him able to pick up on anyone’s ‘fighting spirit.’ Because of this, he can actively target his opponent’s weaknesses. 

You drank up the information, processing the weight of each word. Your heart palpitated in your chest as you continued scanning the pages. 

Item: SCP-066

Alias: Gyutaro

Object class:  X

Description: SCP-066 is an exceptionally tall demon whose anatomy seems to be particularly misshapen. SCP-066’s torso, arms, and shoulders are toned and muscular, whereas his waist and abdominal area are so extraordinarily thin that they resemble a skeleton. His back is permanently hunched over, shifting his form into an unnatural curve. SCP-066 has dull, sunken eyes in a bright-orange hue, surrounded by eye-bags. Various amounts of birthmarks resembling ink-like splotches cover his body, morphing into a water-like flow around his nose. SCP-066 has tangled, black hair tied up in a bun, whose tips morph into a lime-green.

Special containment procedures: Since SCP-066 is the most lethal, hazardous, and aggressive specimen contained, his level of hostility surpasses the limit of ‘keter.’ Since SCP-066 has shown great affinity towards SCP-065 (his biological sister), they are not to be separated. In the case of an emergency, SCP-066 is to be moved to the west wing on the 11th floor, where he will be kept in one of the padded cells equipped with double airlocks. Considering SCP-066’s violent behaviour, it may be necessary to immobilise him fully. 

Character: SCP-066 seems to bear an extreme amount of self-loathing, resulting in a deep-rooted inferiority complex. Whereas SCP-066 has proven to be quite vocal, he often refers to himself with derogatory names such as “disgusting”, “vile”, or “God’s greatest blunder.” As a result of his dissatisfaction, SCP-066 takes his anger out onto itself via various forms of self-harm. SCP-066 inflicts serious damage onto itself by carving deep wounds into his own flesh, refusing to heal them for prolonged periods of time. SCP-066 has shown extreme amounts of hatred and jealousy towards anyone he deems to be better off than him, and entails a philosophy where he ‘takes back what he’s owed.’ 

Supernatural abilities/ blood demon art: SCP-066’s blood demon art allows him to create flesh-like kama’s or scythes from his own blood. He’s able to bend, twist, and manipulate these scythes at will, while also infusing them with a poison deadly to humans. 

Notes: Unlike his biological sister, SCP-066 is not picky when it comes to his diet. Aside from the delivery of D-class personnel, SCP-066 is sometimes seen eating insects, bugs, or mice.

Warning: Given the violent nature of SCP-066, this specimen may only be interacted with in case of level 5 security or higher. Given his character, he is only to be interacted with when strictly necessary. 

You jumped when the sound of approaching footsteps forced you to slam the documents down onto the table, stepping back to nonchalantly toy with the zipper of your coat. 

As soon as the metal door flung open, the familiar sight of your favourite colleague made you sigh in relief. 

“Ah, (__)! Good evening!” Rengoku’s voice greeted you. 

Your muscles involuntarily relaxed, your shoulders sinking. You bowed politely, smiling at him. “Sir Rengoku!”

His eyebrows raised as soon as his gaze locked with the large dufflebag wrapped around your neck, outstretched rims of money bills sticking out of each side. 

“OH MY. THAT SURE IS A REWARD!” Rengoku chuckled, moving to slip the labcoat from his shoulders, hanging it onto an empty hook. 

“Uegh…” You groaned, your muscles aching. “I’m a bit nervous to be travelling home with this thing…it looks suspicious, doesn’t it?” 

Rengoku blinked, scanning the odd shape the bag was bending into. “IT DOES!”

You whined, feeling nerves pool in the pit of your stomach. Sometimes, when night fell, random officers would enter buses, checking each citizen for a valid ticket. You could only imagine their reaction to seeing a bag like this. 

You sighed in defeat. “I might as well paint ‘criminal’ on my forehead…”

Rengoku’s hands moved to rest on his hips, giving you a stern look. 

“No can’t do. We can’t have you going home like this. What if you get robbed?”

He shook his head, his eyes trailing down your form. 

“Miss (__), how about I give you a ride home?” The man asked, his car keys dangling in his pocket. Remembering the outcome of the last time he made such an offer, he felt his cheeks flush in embarrassment. 

“Of course, you don’t have to-!”

You smiled at his consideration, clasping your hands together.

“Rengoku! Thank you so much!”

——

Your back rested against the leathery fabric of the passenger’s seat, your head lulled to the side as you gazed at the bypassing scenery. The gentle sound of raindrops hitting the glass made you stifle a yawn, feeling beads of moisture cloud your vision. 

A comfortable silence enveloped the both of you as you stared at the moonlit fields, the soft jazz music humming from the radio draping around your shoulders.

Rengoku had a nice car. It wasn’t luxurious nor small, yet spacious enough to be cozy. You yawned again, covering your mouth. 

“Tired?”

You nodded, feeling tears prickle your eyes. “Yeah.”

“I get it.” Rengoku smiled. “Stress exhausts you like no other.”

A silence lingered, the sound of raindrops casting a soothing background noise. 

“How have you been?” The man asked, glancing at you. “Do you still enjoy working here?”

You nodded, fiddling with the fabric of your pants. “I do! Sometimes it’s just…a lot to take in.”

Rengoku chuckled. “I can imagine. It’s great to see you grow more and more familiar with the other staff members though.”

“I like you and Uzui. You two have a matching energy.” You laughed. “I really like being around you two.”

You watched Rengoku’s smile soften, reflecting his joy. “I’m glad to hear that, (__).”

You turned your head to glance at the sight of his face. You frowned at how the warm smile you basked in slowly started to ebb away.  

Although you couldn’t quite put your finger on it, something about his demeanour struck you as odd. His body language revealed a hidden tension, mimicking a silenced plea. His unusual silence alarmed your inner radar, painting your arms with goosebumps. 

Rengoku was acting weird. 

A silent tension lingered as you gazed at Rengoku’s expression, watching how the smile melted off his face to reveal a serious, stern look. 

“Is everything alright?”

Rengoku’s eyes narrowed, his brows furrowing into a troubled expression. 

“(__).”

The hushed cadence of his voice made you perk up in your seat. The edges of your spine caressed the fabric as you sat up. 

“There is something I want to tell you.”

His tone was stern and serious, his sound unsettling. It felt wrong to see Rengoku without a smile.  

You watched how the man sighed, adjusting his grip on the steering wheel as he peered at the road ahead. 

“I want to talk about your encounter with SCP-0102 just now.”

You raised an eyebrow, surprised by the formality. “You mean Douma?”

“Yes.”

Another silence followed before Rengoku briefly inhaled. 

“(__)…there is something I must warn you about.”

The rain grew heavy. 

“While I respect your courage and admire your compassion, I must advise you to never do such a thing again.”

The odd, unnerving set of words emerging from his lips made your heart palpitate in your chest, the considerable weight each syllable was laced with making your palms grow clammy. 

“Listen carefully, (__). You must understand that all of the reports we have established of the SCP’s so far are still a work in progress. An SCP’s psychology and neural activity is a mystery we aren’t even close to solving. Not even the Kocho sisters, who dedicated their entire lives to researching the paranormal, have gotten a clue about what goes on in their heads.”

You felt your breathing start to quicken as Rengoku’s monologue continued. He was starting to scare you. 

“Douma likes you, that much we know. Now that he knows that you are willing to harm yourself for his comfort, we have no way of telling how he will use this knowledge to his advantage. He will use this against you.”

“What are you talking about…?” You whispered. 

“Demons are territorial and possessive. Manipulative and cunning. Sly and unpredictable.” Rengoku blinked, his grip tightening as the wiper blades moved back and forth in a shrill tone. “As soon as their interest is piqued, they won’t stop pursuing their goal until they get what they want.”

Rengoku seemed troubled. Each word was tactically chosen, doing his absolute best to make you aware of the danger you were embedding yourself with. 

“The more you’ll interact with him, the more he’ll understand you. Your fear, sorrow, joy and frustration, it will all be his to toy with. There is no saying how far he would go to get your attention. To make your eyes focused on him.”

As if sensing your rising fear, the man glanced at you, moving his right hand to rest on your thigh. The sheer warmth his hand radiated seeped into your skin, hugging your heart. 

“I want you to tread carefully with this knowledge in mind. Please, be careful (__). Don’t lose sight of the demon that is in front of you.”

You nodded, moved deeply by his eminent care for your well-being.

“I will, sir Rengoku.”

——

That night, you couldn’t sleep. Ghosts of cold fingertips and scarce embraces roamed your skin, painting your arms with goosebumps. 

You missed him. That demon, that monster, that creature whose existence was a mystery on its own.

You missed the glint of his eyes, the sincerity of his smile, and the tenderness of his hands. You missed that yearning desire in his loving gazes, his evident longing to drink you up, breathe you in. 

You involuntarily whined, clutching your heart beneath the sheets. Your heart felt so warm and swollen, like it was about to crack open and burst, leaving its syrupy goo to cascade down your ribs. Rengoku’s fleeting warning flickered in the back of mind, outweighed by desire.

And how gentle he was. No one has ever touched your cheek with such tenderness before, like you were a porcelain doll a second away from breaking. No one. 

Oh, you missed him. You couldn’t believe how attached you had become after such a short amount of time. 

You squeezed your eyes shut, curling your spine.  

That tender touch. That sweet embrace. 

You felt the gentle, prickling aftermath of his stiletto nails grazing your back. It was soft, soothing, yet firm enough to ground you. 

As you relished in the warmth of your blankets, you thought about his chamber. 

Cold. Dark. Alone. 

Your heart ached at the thought, making you want to be the light to evaporate that darkness. 

Sitting up straight, you knitted your eyebrows. 

You needed to see him again. 

Chapter Text

It was almost embarrassing how excited you were to see him. 

Your quickened breathing, ramming heartbeat, and hasty glances at the mundane elevator buttons did little to serve your nerves. The bounce in your step and the rolling balls of your feet carried your buckling knees. 

The warmth of your hazmat suit felt suffocating as the elevator music played, casting a soft tune in the space you alone inhabited. The distant humming and buzzing of the moving lift failed to get registered by your ears. 

You had almost yelled in delight as soon as you saw Shinobu’s note, instructing you to clean various chambers scattered throughout the entire site. Your heart leaped in your chest when you read the number thirteen. 

The hiss of the elevator door revealed the sight of the barren hallways, tainted by white. You inhaled through your nose as you pushed your cleaning cart forward, the rusty old wheels screeching when they collided with the marble tiles. 

After covering a short distance, the cart came to a halt as the wheels stopped rolling, making you stop the thing in its tracks. You detached the heavy mask from your face, tossing it to the side. You felt a giddy smile contorting your lips as you briefly inhaled, turning your head to the side to witness your beloved creature inhabiting its chamber. 

What you saw however, pulverised your excitement. 

A long, flowing cloth attached to the upper rims of SCP-0102’s cell was stretched out across the entirety of his chamber, covering each squared inch of glass. The ends of the lengthy curtain draped against the marble floor, leaving not a single inch uncovered. The piece of cloth forbade a single speck of light from entering, isolating the chamber from any other source of life. 

“What the-“

You stammered as you walked up to the curtain, letting your fingertips caress the grey, silky fabric. Your feet tapped against the flooring as you stepped back, searching an opening between the two hanging pieces of cloth to hopefully pull them apart. 

You couldn’t find any. 

 “What the hell is this?” You asked out loud, bending over to try and lift the lower parts of the curtain to reveal the glass barrier. You whined when the weight of the dense fabric tormented your muscles, making your limbs sizzle. You sighed in defeat as you stepped back, giving up. 

“Douma!”

You cupped your mouth with your hands, hoping the creature on the other side would hear you plea. Alas, no source of life could be heard as your ears were grazed with a heavy silence. 

You whined, shoulders sinking in defeat. You wanted to see him so badly. 

Maybe he’s still in that padded cell…the poor thing…

Your train of thought got interrupted by the familiar hissing of separating metal doors, perking up at the sight of golden locks and ruby tips. 

“(__)!” Rengoku greeted as he walked down the hallway, waving with one hand as he held a clipboard in the other. 

“Rengoku!” You pointed at SCP-0102’s chamber when he approached, frowning at the sight. “What is this for?”

“Ah, that-!” Rengoku closed his eyes in an awkward chuckle, uncomfortably swatting his hand. 

His free hand moved to rest on your lower back again, gently turning the two of you around so your back was facing Douma’s chamber. The man curled his spine, leaning down to meet your line of gaze. He cupped his mouth with his hand as he leaned in, his breath hot against the shell of your ear. 

“About that…” Rengoku whispered. “Shinobu has been wanting to…experiment a little.” 

You raised an eyebrow. “…What kind of experiment..?”

“Well…”

Before your colleague could respond, the crashing sound of a critical mass getting slammed against the glass surface made your heart sink to your stomach. A shrill scream emitted from your windpipe, whining as you instantly latched onto Rengoku’s sleeve for comfort. 

“What was that?” You asked, fingertips trembling in uncertainty. The sound just now was so loud it had hurt your ears, leaving its reverberating aftermath to torment your skull. 

You shifted your position, glancing in horror at Douma’s chamber as you felt the colour drain from your face. “Was that Douma..?”

Rengoku, who seemed absolutely unbothered by the sound that was sure to have shattered soundwaves, merely laughed as he soothingly patted your back. 

“(__), please look.”

There was only one other creature in this very place that could have caused such a sound. 

The anomaly on the other side. 

SCP-073.

Trembling from the resonance, you yelped as you turned around, tearing your gaze away from Douma’s cell. Latching onto Rengoku’s shoulder, you braced yourself. 

A set of unmoving, piercing eyes stared at you from beyond the glass. Golden hues veiled with both curiosity and disdain scanned your features, taking you in. 

The demon’s muscular frame was adorned with circular, thick lines, the inky colour having merged with its skin. An ocean of a deep lapis coloured his irises, various shapes and lines mimicking the appearance of stained glass. Long, ruby eyelashes veiled his intricate eyes, giving them a feminine look. 

The anomaly barely wore any clothes. A shabby, ruby cloth that matched the hue of his hair and eyelashes draped itself around his shoulders, barely covering skin. A baggy white pants enrobed his legs, his feet decorated with two sets of red, circular beads. 

He looked exactly like the document described. 

Unlike Douma, who had always initiated a sitting position, SCP-073 stood up straight as he eyed you down. His back was straightened, his stance conveying his intimidating aura. 

And the pressure. 

Similarly to Douma, you felt an invisible force press down onto your shoulderblades, beating you down. The back of your throat stung in fear as you felt nausea churn in your stomach, making you tighten your hold on your colleague. 

“(__),” Rengoku interrupted, making you momentarily tear your eyes away from the SCP.

“Please meet upper rank three, Akaza!”

As if wanting to enhance Rengoku’s introduction, you watched how the demon’s fist collided with the glass barrier once again, making the glassware violently rattle as another set of excruciating soundwaves tantalised your ears. 

You screeched, cowering in fear behind Rengoku. “Why does he keep doing that? Is he mad?” 

Rengoku laughed once more, opting to ease your nerves. “No need to worry. Akazai is just passionate about honing his strength.”

The demon’s eyes glanced back and forth between you and Rengoku. 

-“Kyojuro. Who is this woman?”

You felt your jaw clatter to the ground in utter shock as you witnessed the demon’s lips part, an actual cadence leaving his lips. You gawked at the demon before staring at your colleague in awe. 

“HE CAN TALK?”

“Of course he can!” Rengoku affirmed, his hands resting on his hips as he stared at Akaza like a picture in a museum. “All demons have vocal chords, so they’re able to talk normally just like us humans!”

Rengoku’s gaze reunited with Akaza, answering his question before the SCP could feel ignored. 

“Akaza, this girl right here is (__). She has been working here as a janitor for a while now.”

You watched as the demon turned his head, narrowing his eyes as he gazed at you in immense focus. You yelped, feeling small beneath the weight of his stare. 

“Don’t care.” Akaza rolled his eyes in boredom, swatting his hand away in an uncaring manner.

“I can already tell at first glance. This girl is hopelessly weak.”

You watched his face contort into utter, unfiltered disgust. “I hate weak people. Their existence defies the laws of nature. They all need to die.”

You gawked at the sudden disapproval. This demon wasn’t nice at all! 

“AKAZAI!”

You jolted when Rengoku addressed the demon. You wondered about the first name basis they seemingly were on. 

“WHILE I ADMIRE YOUR PASSION, MISS (__) IS NOT WEAK! DO NOT INSULT HER!”

Your eyes widened in admiration as you witnessed Rengoku defending your name, his tone of voice returning to its usual, loud self. 

Rengoku’s hand moved from your lower back to the rim of your waist, protectively pulling you closer. 

“WHILE (__) MAY NOT BE PHYSICALLY STRONG, IT IS THE HEART AND SPIRIT THAT MATTERS MOST! WHEN TASKED WITH AN IN-PERSON SESSION WITH AN SCP, SHE OFFERED HER ARM AS A NOBLE SACRIFICE!”

Rengoku’s head moved to glance at you. His gaze seemingly softened as he looked into your eyes, narrowing his eyes in affection. 

“MISS (__) IS COURAGEOUS AND BRAVE, WITH MENTAL STRENGTH LIKE NO OTHER! HER EMINENT, UNYIELDING CARE FOR AN INHUMANE CREATURE AND HER LOVING HEART MAKE ME PRIDEFUL TO BE ALONGSIDE HER!”

You felt a rush of blood flow beneath the apples of your cheeks, making your heart swell at Rengoku’s compliments. 

The demon seemed surprised. 

“Hmm?” He hummed. “Is that so..?”

He crossed his arms as he bade you another look, narrowing his eyes in contemplation. You wondered if Rengoku’s words had managed to change his mind. 

“Then, what demon did she offer herself to?” Akaza asked. 

“SCP-0102! THE UPPER RANK TWO HIMSELF, DOUMA!” 

As soon as that cursed name rolled off Rengoku’s tongue, the demon’s face contorted into an evident, unmistakable repulsion. 

The damned name was like a chemical reaction, the mere reminder of his presence feeling like the sun scorched his skin. His nose scrunched in disgust, his eyebrows knitted in distaste and contempt. 

The air shifted. The pressure surrounding Akaza’s being had increased in toxins, making you feel like his acidic resentment has nestled itself amidst your pores. The stench of poison contaminated the air, the scent of malice and hatred making you shriek. 

“…Douma..?” Akaza mouthed his name like each syllable caused him an indescribable agony. His eyes moved to drill into yours. 

“You idiot. Do you have any idea what kind of scumbag he is?” You watched as he snarled. “You dumb, ignorant lamb.”

You blinked in confusion, making you glance at Rengoku for support. 

“IT IS CERTAINLY TRUE THAT DOUMA IS QUITE THE GLUTTON, THAT WE CAN’T DENY.” He shook his head. “THE FACT THAT HE EXCLUSIVELY EATS WOMEN DOESN’T HELP EITHER…”

Suddenly, you heard the faint sound of shuffling emitting from the chamber behind you. 

Douma had awoken. 

Akaza nearly gagged at how your demeanour visibly lit up, your eyes graced with excitement. You instantly turned around, moving your feet to opt towards his isolated chamber. 

“Doum-!”

You winced when Rengoku’s hands veiled itself around your lips, forbidding you from speaking. You whined in both confusion and annoyance when you turned around to face your colleague, brows knitted in frustration. 

“Rengoku! What are you-?”

You were once again interrupted when Rengoku pressed his index finger to your lips, shushing you gently. He leaned in again, opting to whisper in your ear. 

“(__), now that Douma has woken up, he’s gonna try and get your attention.”

Rengoku’s unblinking eyes pierced your side, rendering you silent. 

“No matter how desperate he gets, I want you to keep ignoring him. Whatever it takes.”

Rengoku’s sudden sternness unnerved you, leaving you frazzled as you shyly nodded your head. The slight, subtle warning his voice was embedded with made you feel uneasy. 

Unfortunately, it was already too late. Douma had noticed you. 

The moment your pretty lips had parted to grace his ears with the syllables of his name, his interest was piqued. His heartbeat quickened, breath faltering, the spasming muscle slamming against his ribs. 

He could hear it in your voice. That longing excitement, that evident desire. 

To think it was directed at him made his undead heart swell with joy. 

Besides the lovely cadence of your voice, the delicious, mouth-watering scent of your body was like heaven to a mortal man. Through the thick barrier of the glass panels, the demon closed his eyes to inhale the essence of your being. 

He peered at the thick cloth in front of him, making him tilt his head in bewilderment. Why were they shielding him from you?

Akaza, who had overheard Rengoku’s uttered instructions, smiled in delight. A wicked, cruel grin tainted his features, making him narrow his eyes in glee. 

Douma hates being ignored.  

Your brows furrowed in confusion as Rengoku gently spun you around, making you view Akaza’s chamber so your back was facing Douma’s cell. Like nothing had happened, he was quick to continue the abandoned conversation.

“As you might have noticed already, the upper three sure is passionate about his physical strength!” Rengoku patted your shoulder as he praised Akaza, making you feel like a toddler in a zoo. 

“Because of that, our staff is constantly busy with transporting objects into his chamber for him to destroy, HAHA!” Rengoku hollered, his expression unwavering at the sight of Akaza’s untidy cell. 

“That is true..” Akaza sneered. You witnessed his shoulders shifting, straightening his spine to subtly flex his muscular build.

Was he trying to impress you?

“I see…” You replied, gazing at the piles of splintered wood, fragmented trees and torn pieces of furniture. 

You heard something howling behind you. 

A set of long, stiletto nails clawed at the glass barrier, scratching the hindrance separating you two. A pleading, wailing cry tantalised your ears from the isolated chamber, his nails continuously scraping the glass in a shrill rhythm. 

Glancing at the cloth behind you, your brows knitted in frustration. His cries were so guttural, his chest rumbling with desire. Muffled pleas of desperation and despair laced his vocals, piercing your heart. 

He needed to see you. He couldn’t stand the realisation that they were taking you away from him. 

His distressed wails and pleas for your attention tugged at your heartstrings, making you frown as you tightened your grip on Rengoku’s sleeves. 

He sounded so sad. It tore you apart. 

It took you everything not to turn around. You were forced to go against the grains of your instincts as you balled your fists, pursing your lips as you stared at the floor below. 

Rengoku, who noticed your inner turmoil, squeezed the rims of your waist ever so slightly, providing you comfort you so desperately needed. 

Unbeknownst to you, Akaza’s eyes were narrowed in contempt, a filthy sense of relief bathing his features. Hearing Douma’s pathetic whines for your attention made his undead heart palpitate in exhilaration, the utter thrill making blood rush through his veins.  

He had front row tickets to watching his arch nemesis squirm. What more could he ask for? 

“Hey, you.”

You perked up as Akaza sank, lowering his stance til he met your line of gaze. He crouched down in front of you, his legs bent and spread. 

He shot you a wink as he raised his hand, tapping against the glass barrier with his knuckles.  

“C’mere, pretty girl.”

You didn’t miss that vile, obnoxious grin that was plastered on Akaza’s face. 

Language failed to convey how utterly delighted Akaza was with the current situation. Although he couldn’t give two shits about who the SCP foundation hired, flirting with Douma’s plaything right in front of his face made his blood boil in exhilaration. 

And there was nothing he could do about it. 

The current power imbalance and the utter trump card that had been placed in Akaza’s hand had him chuckling in a wicked satisfaction, savouring the sight. 

If only he could see the face he made. 

You winced as the howling behind you audibly grew louder, picking up volume. The tips of his nails had to leave an indent at this point. 

“What’s wrong? Why do you keep looking back?” Akaza inquired as he witnessed you turning your head again, much to his dismay. 

“Concentrate on me.”

Your fingertips trembled as you hesitantly gazed into the golden hues of his eyes, feeling trapped between the presence of the two upper ranks. It felt like an invisible string tugged you back and forth like a lifeless ragdoll, making your muscles ache with each jerk. 

You hated this. You frowned as you tore your gaze away from Akaza, staring at the marble tiles decorating the floor. Your iron grip on Rengoku’s labcoat didn’t waver as you tried your hardest to tune out the sound of the longing wails. 

“Tsk.” Akaza clicked his tongue in annoyance at your lack of reaction. “She’s a boring one, Kyojuro.”

Rengoku, who had found himself both surprised and concerned by your eminent distress, shot you a worried look. 

Although he hated to admit it, it was quite fascinating to see how much mental torment Douma was able to project onto you. Although a layer of fabric was the only thing separating you both, you looked like the effects of his isolation affected you far more than the demon itself. 

Suddenly, something in the air had shifted. 

Silence drowned out the sound as your vision faded to black, casting a powerful darkness onto your entire field of sight. 

An ink-like, murky void consumed your visual perception, like someone had veiled your eyes with a mantle of gloom. The soft chattering between the two sentient creatures got replaced by a blaring, aching ringing that tantalised your ears, resonating within the depths of your skull. 

You watched how various sets of hissing, snowwhite letters adorned the vast darkness, delivering its essence to the only carrier. 

why wont You loo k at me

After barely registering its meaning, the letters vanished, leaving another message to plague your understanding. 

tu r n around

Just as fast as the deception appeared, the darkness faded. The barren walls of the SCP foundation and the soft chattering of the two males graced your ears. You audibly gasped as you slipped back into reality, feeling the colour drain from your face as your heartbeat sped up. 

What was that? You panted, clutching your heart. Those weren’t my thoughts. I didn’t think that. 

You shrieked as your hands traveled upwards to twitch midair, feeling your head spin as your breathing grew frantic.

Could it be…Douma’s manipulating my thoughts?

“Hey! Are you alright?” Rengoku inquired, concern eminent in his eyes as he scanned your frazzled demeanour. “Why are you suddenly so pale? What’s gotten into you?”

Your clattering teeth and trembling eyes did little to provide your colleague the reassurance he needed. You watched as Rengoku’s face contorted into an alarming sobriety, quickly latching onto your panicked state. 

He needed to get you out of here. 

You had half a mind as you felt your colleague’s hand softly grasp onto your back, separating you from the source of your fear. 

The white noise continued ringing. 

——

“Mind control?”

Shinobu gasped as she leaned back into her office chair, the rims of her spine caressing the fabric. Her eyes were blown wide in shock. 

You nodded, hands clasped around a lukewarm cup of coffee as you sat yourself down on a tiny stool in her office. 

Perhaps it was best if you had kept it to yourself. You had no way of telling what she was going to do with the information. 

Knowing how tactical the lady was however, you figured she was bound to find out anyways. 

Shinobu narrowed her eyes in concentration, cupping her chin with her hand. “That is severe. Mind control is a dangerous skill. If what you’re saying is true, we might need to upgrade Douma’s current security level…”

She paused, moving to fish a notebook and ballpoint pen from one of her drawers. 

“Could you run me through it again? What was it like?”

You nodded, bouncing your legs in anxiety. After what happened just now, your fingertips still hadn’t stopped trembling. 

“Everything just faded to black. Rengoku’s and Akaza’s voices just…disappeared. I heard this loud, aching, crackling noise. It was so uncomfortable and painful, like someone was pouring cement into my ears.”

Shinobu nodded as she hurriedly scribbled something down onto her notebook, silently beckoning you to continue. 

“I just saw these…white letters in front of me that spelled out a message. Twice. Before I knew it, the whole ordeal had disappeared already.”

Shinobu nodded again. “Can you tell me more?”

You let out a shaky exhale, teeth clattering. “It was so scary. It was like I wasn’t in control of my own mind for just a split second. I’ve never experienced anything like that….”

After Shinobu finished writing her final note, she sighed as she put the notebook down. “Alright, that’s enough for now. We can talk more later. You need to rest.”

You nodded at her subtle implication, your buckling knees barely holding your body up.

“Be careful, okay? If you’re still feeling uneasy, I’m sure Rengoku won’t mind giving you a lift.”

Carefully, you bent your limbs in a stiff, uncomfortable bow. “Thank you, miss Shinobu..”

The familiar unease crept beneath your skin again as you walked down the barren hallway of the thirteenth floor. You halted in your tracks as you stared at the elongated curtain shielding the view to SCP-0102’s containment cell. 

You let out a tormented wail as your velvety fingertips traced the rims of the fabric. 

Tomorrow, you would see him again. 

Chapter Text

“Woah, what a nice apartment!”

Nezuko complimented as she plopped herself down onto your velvety pastel couch, gazing at your freshly painted walls. “It’s so pretty!”

After finally pinpointing a date in which all five of you were free, you were ecstatic to show them your new residence. Your friends had all been scattered throughout the small space, sightseeing on their own. 

“Thanks.” You chuckled in relief. “It’s not much, but it’s my new home.”

“I can’t believe you live alone now.” Tanjirou uttered, glancing at his surroundings as he stood beside Nezuko. “It’s such a big change, isn’t it?”

You nodded, smiling at him. 

As a result of your accumulating salary and rising paychecks, you were finally financially stable enough to afford your most cherished dream. Moving out. 

Unlike the Kamado siblings, your home life wasn’t anything like theirs. 

After years of your heartstrings being intertwined, they eventually understood the complexity and severity of your family relationships. Their heightened senses were quick to register the throbbing tension reverberating through each wall, along with the absence of love and care that adorned whiffs of air at their own residence. 

After years of slamming doors, condescending voices and surrounded by people who lack human decency, you inhaled deeply as you stared at your new home.

You had a place to call your own now. 

You had been released from the shackles of infinite expectations, snarky comments and pointless arguments. The liberating silence draped itself around your shoulders. 

You had painted the walls with your favourite colour, various shelves decorated with pictures and trinkets, each imbedded with a cherished memory. The spices from the kitchen cabinet and the faint smell of flickering candles casted a soothing scent. 

“It really is nice.” Zenitsu nodded. “It’s a bit on the smaller size, but it’s perfect for one person. It feels cozy.”

Inosuke’s stomach grumbled as he plopped himself down beside Nezuko, patting his belly in impatience. “I’m hungry.”

Nezuko, stirred up by the movement, gasped as she approached you, eyes widening in excitement as she tugged your sleeve. 

“Can I see your bedroom? Pretty pretty please?”

You laughed at her enthusiasm, gently taking her hands into your own. 

“Of course sweetheart. Come with me.”

After a victorious ‘yay’ emitted from Nezuko’s lips, you glanced at her older brother. 

“Tanjirou, please feel free to fetch something for all of us. I did some groceries yesterday.” You smiled, pointing at both the fridge and your tiny cupboard. The boy nodded, taking his role as the mom of the group. 

Nezuko bounced in her step as you gently held her hand, leading the way to your new bedroom. 

The young girl had always shown great affinity and fascination towards your bedroom, even going as far as to deem the place her favourite. She always felt so safe there.  

“Are you ready?” You chuckled as she eagerly nodded, the excitement evident in her eyes. 

“There it is!”

Nezuko gasped. 

Once again, your walls were painted with your favourite colour, its gentle hue enveloping the room. Various plush pillows and stuffed animals resided on your bed, guarding your dreams. Posters of your favourite artists and TV shows roamed the walls, each shelf decorated with dolls and trinkets. Polaroids of you and your friends were glued onto the rims of your vanity, each item scattered around your room engulfed with love and memories. 

“Waaa! It’s so pretty!” The young girl gushed as she clapped her hands together. “It’s so expressive! And so cute too! It’s so you!”

You laughed, patting her head gently. “You’re too kind.”

The day Nezuko stated how much she truly adored simply residing in your bedroom had casted an indescribable warmth to bloom in the depths of your heart. Your room has always been so expressive, a mirror of your authentic self. According to her, being surrounded by all the items that reminded her of the people she loved most made her happy. 

You watched as she looked around, taking everything in. 

The plushie Inosuke insisted on winning you at the arcade was tucked within your blankets. The roses a wailing Zenitsu had given you were placed in a glass vase on top of your desk, a small base of water pooling at the roots. 

A plushie of Nezuko’s favourite pony rested on  the edge of your bed, like a dog guarding its owner. A doll Tanjirou had gifted you adorned one of the many shelves, resting its weary head against the wall. 

“I’m so happy that you have your own space.” The young girl beamed as she slipped her hand into yours, walking down the hallway until the two of you reunited with the others. 

Tanjirou, who happened to overhear the approaching voices, was quick to pat the empty spots beside him on the couch. You smiled as you and Nezuko sat down, the small coffee table adorned with plated croissants and cups of apple juice. 

“I can’t imagine how quiet it must be now that you’re all alone.” Zenitsu noted, sipping from his glass. “In a way, I think it’ll be peaceful.”

“We’ll make sure to come over a lot so you don’t feel lonely, okay?” Tanjirou reassured, his eyes softening. “If you ever need something, please give us a call.”

You felt a warmth bloom in your chest, nestling itself through the gaps of your ribs. 

“Thanks. I love you all.”

You smiled as you sat up straight, reaching out to grab your designated cup. Due to the high temperature and malfunctioning AC, you sighed as you rolled up your sleeves.

“Oh my! What a terrible bruise!”

Nezuko gasped, her brows knitting in concern. She scooted closer to you until your legs touched, her dainty fingertips brushing against your forearm. 

“What happened?”

For a second, the world stopped spinning as the cup slipped from your hands. 

A bright, astronomical blue colour that rivalled the hue of celestial beings had nestled itself amidst your veins, mimicking the branches of a poison tree. The lapis colour spread from its core to the very rims of your arm, tainting your skin with its tinge. It didn’t belong there. 

You felt your lips part, a silent gasp emitting from your windpipe. Your fingertips trembled at the sight of the sudden anomaly that had infiltrated your skin. 

An ocean of glass particles pooled at your feet, blending into the carpet’s fabric. You wailed as your fingers graced the surface of blue. 

The cogs in your brain rapidly spun as you blinked repeatedly, racking your brains to find a possible explanation. 

This spot. This exact position. The memories came rushing in, flooding your mind. 

Douma did this. 

The fleeting sensation of his cold, velvety lips pressing a kiss to your delicate limb was a sensation you’d never forget. All possible clues led to him being the culprit, making you distraught at the sight. 

“Fuck.” You swore as you hurriedly got up from the couch, yanking your sleeves so they veiled your tainted skin. You mumbled something inaudible as you hasted towards the hallway, too frazzled to excuse yourself as you slammed the door shut. 

Your heart was racing, the spasming muscle slamming against your ribs. You felt light-headed as your jaws trembled, feeling your knees buckle beneath your form. 

As you paced around in endless circles, you failed to register the muffled sound of your best friends cleaning up the mess. After having found solace in the silence, the door hinges wept as someone entered. 

Inosuke stood before you, slamming the door shut. His green eyes scanned your frazzled demeanour, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as a suffocating silence lingered. 

“I-Inosuke?”

You yelped as the young boy approached your trembling form, feeling trapped beneath his gaze. He inched closer to you until your noses touched, cornering you with his presence. 

“You’d tell us if something funny happened, wouldn’t ya?”

Inosuke had senses like no other. You knew it was futile to hide something from him. 

You felt his hot breath tickle your skin, making you wince at the close proximity. Your nails involuntarily dug into the front door, making you nod excessively as you squeezed your eyes shut. 

You mentally apologised to all four of them, opting to shield them from the unknown. 

“Good.”

——

“Interesting. Very interesting.”

You shivered in your chair as Shinobu hovered above your forearm, pointing various lamps at your tainted skin. She even went as far as to use a magnifying glass to inspect your ‘wound’, narrowing her eyes in concentration. 

The lady exhaled as she backed up, her expression puzzled as she straightened her spine. 

“Right now, it looks like cyanosis to me.”

“The what?”

“Cyanosis.” She chuckled, enunciating the word. She got up from her chair, pacing around her office. 

“Cyanosis is a medical term that describes a lack of oxygen roaming throughout the human body.” She explained. “The circulation of oxygen is what causes the pink-ish hue on your skin, regardless of your skin tone. If cyanosis is present and your skin turns into an unnatural blue, it means that something is disrupting this process.”

You blinked at her in bewilderment, stunned by her medical knowledge. “Is it dangerous?”

“It’s usually nothing to worry about.” She shook her head. “You’ll be okay.”

“What caused this to happen?”

She hummed in deep thought, cupping her chin with her hands. “Well, if you’re right about your suspicions regarding Douma, then the most likely cause of your cyanosis is that your blood vessels got exposed to cold temperatures. You did say how cold he was, right?”

You nodded. 

Shinobu exhaled briefly, seemingly going over the information. “This is very interesting indeed. I’ve never seen anything like this before. It almost seems like he’s been trying to mark you…”

You watched her face visibly light up as she gasped. “You know what? Why not ask him about it yourself?” 

“…Huh?”

“He likes you. I think it’s not too naive to assume that he might tell you the truth!” You watched how rays of excitement and enthusiasm lit up her eyes as she approached you. “There’s no harm in trying, am I right?”

You paused, considering the option. 

You remembered looking at the contents of the confidential SCP documents, remembering how Douma’s file seemed significantly shorter than the rest. 

“Okay then.”

——

Shinobu was ecstatic. Within less than a second, she had summoned the rest of her colleagues to join her in the security room. 

According to her judgement, confronting Douma about the mark would be too straightforward to ask at once. Instead, Shinobu had given you a clipboard, a paper sheet filled with unchecked boxes. 

“It’s gonna be super simple.” The lady had reassured. “All you have to do is check his temperature, eyes and ears and write down a very brief description or summary. When you feel comfortable enough, you know what to do.” 

You inhaled as the mundane elevator music played, resting your back against the grey metal wall as the lift ascended. A small, plain tote bag draped itself around your shoulder, carrying the clipboard and various gadgets your supervisor equipped you with. After a hissing sound, the doors separated to reveal the familiar sight of the thirteenth floor. 

Your feet tapped against the marble tiles as you made your way towards SCP-0102’s containment cell, feeling your heart palpitate in your chest. 

Having reached the familiar sight of snowflakes, pine trees and a fervent shade of white, you hesitantly tucked your wrists behind your back as you spoke up. 

“Douma?”

This time, the SCP wasted no time as he appeared out of thin air, startling you as his frame seemed suddenly pressed against the glass. 

That usual smile was plastered on his face, although his eyes seemed to have widened. 

You gasped as you involuntarily jolted, letting your shoulders sink as the shock wore off. 

“Hi there.” You chuckled as you waved. “I was asked to run some tests with you. They’re simple things, like measuring your temperature and stuff. Is that okay?”

Just like that time you had uttered your first compliment to him, the demon squealed as he squeezed his eyes shut, cupping his cheeks with his hands. A lovesick smile adorned his features as he eagerly nodded. 

You smiled at the sight. 

“Alright. I’m gonna get in now, okay?”

——

It was cold. 

The frost emitting from the confinements of his cell seeped into your bones as you shivered, burying yourself in the warmth of your clothes. The snow crunched beneath your feet as you stepped into his chamber, your warm breath casting clouds of condensation. 

Further into the distance, you watched how Douma’s familiar frame had folded itself amidst the snow. You watched how his eyes evidently scanned your features before his demeanour visibly lit up, fragments of hope adorning his anomalous eyes. 

You shrieked at the sudden sensation of two muscular arms wrapping itself around your waist, engulfing you in a bone-crushing hug. You felt a cold patch of skin nuzzle itself against your scalp, pressing you close. 

After realising that he had probably used teleportation, you chuckled as you soothingly patted his back. 

“Hey Mashiro.”

Your voice was so soft, so velvety and gentle. He could drown in it. 

The demon purred at the nickname as he sank his posture, lowering himself so he could bury his face into the warmth of your chest. 

“Did you miss me?”

You cooed as you loosely wrapped your arms around his muscular build, gently caressing his skin with tender rubs and circular motions. You chuckled at his eager nodding, feeling the vibrations of his eminent purring tickle your skin. 

“I hope you’re not upset about last time…” You wailed, moving your hands as the tips of your nails gingerly massaged his back. 

Although the demon didn’t reply, the dreamy smile plastered on his face was enough to convey all you needed to know. 

“Alright then. Let’s get started, shall we?”

You gently pried yourself off him, creating space. You stepped back, mimicking his sitting position as your knees dug into the snow. 

You fished the clipboard from the small totebag, along with an odd designed gadget in the shape of a steamer. You smiled at him gently. 

“I was asked to take your temperature. You won’t mind, would you?”

The demon shook his head, his sheer overflowing joy at your presence surrounding him contaminating the air. You could almost smell the pheromones he released. 

“Alright. I’m gonna move a bit closer…”

You inched closer towards the affectionate anomaly, pressing the rims of the device against Douma’s forehead. You pressed a circular button, waiting until the device stopped beeping. 

“Ten degrees Celsius…” You hummed as you detached the object from his skin, writing the information down into your clipboard. “That’s low.”

“Next up, your eyes and ears.” You hummed as you pulled out a flashlight, adjusting the brightness to avoid the flash from hurting him. 

Douma was obedient as you continued examining his body, writing down your findings in messy notes onto your clipboard. 

After having ticked the last box, you stared at the paper sheet as a silence lingered.

Now was the time.

“Douma…I wanted to ask you something.”

The demon hummed, tilting his head in curiosity. You were so soft-spoken and sweet. He could eat you up.

“The last time we met like this in person…you didn’t do anything funny, did you?”

You watched his eyes widen in bewilderment. He seemingly didn’t understand what you were getting at. 

You sighed, addressing the elephant in the room by rolling up your sleeves. The same unmoving smile remained glued onto his face as you revealed your lapis skin to him, scanning his reaction. 

Instead of acting shocked or bewildered, the demon instead cheered as he pointed at your cyanosis before pointing back at himself. 

“You…You did this…?”

You stammered, trying to read his body language. He eagerly nodded in response, seemingly proud of his own creation. 

“W-Why?” You stammered, unsure what part to address first. “You didn’t hurt me or anything, right?” 

You watched how the demon ferociously shook its head, forming an X with his hands to amplify his statement. Hurting you was the last thing he’d do. 

“Then…what’s this?” You asked, knitting your eyebrows as you pointed at the blue pattern on your skin. 

The demon seemed lost in thought for a moment before he visibly perked up, having an idea on how to communicate his thoughts. 

His long, violet fingernail briefly pointed at you, before pointing at his own chest again. He paused before pointing at his nose. 

“Us…nose?” You uttered, unsure of his intentions. “What?”

The demon nodded once more, signalling how close you were. 

Your face contorted into confusion. “Us…scent?”

His enthusiasm amplified. You were close.

You gasped at the sudden realisation. You finally understood. 

“This thing…it emits a scent, doesn’t it?” You suggested. “A scent that serves as a sign. Like animals marking their territory..?”

The demon closed his eyes in a smile, clapping his hands together in a victorious plea. 

“Ah. I see now…” You muttered, glancing at your tainted forearm. “As long as it’s not dangerous, I’m relieved. Its not permanent though, right?”

The anomaly shook his head, smiling gingerly as he formed a heart with his fingers. One that was seemingly made for you.  

It didn’t dawn on you yet how truly possessive the gesture was. The scent emitting from your blue skin was like poison to the SCP’s, making their throats sizzle and veins throb. It served as a silent warning to stay away.

You smiled, feeling your eyes start to prickle. “I think it’s time for me to go home. It’s getting late.” You said, stifling a yawn. 

Douma visibly pouted, the corners of his lips descending into a childish frown.

You blinked your fatigue away, lowering yourself to gently run a hand through his platinum blonde hair, caressing his scalp. The demon melted in your embrace when you leaned in to cup his face, brushing his bangs away to press a delicate kiss to his forehead. 

“I’ll see you again later. Take care, okay?”

Just as you were about to reach for the metal doors, you yelped when the suffocating pressure of Douma’s embrace engulfed your frame once more. You chuckled as he dug his face into the warmth of your being, seemingly unwilling to part ways. 

“Awww, poor thing. Look at you.” You chuckled, returning the sweet embrace. “So needy. So cute.”

You patted his back, gently trying to separate yourself from him. “There there now. I’ll be back soon.”

You were so kind to him. You even kissed his forehead.

It wasn’t enough.

He didn’t budge. The side of your face remained pressed against his chest, your dainty fingers loosely tapping against the rims of his arms. 

“Douma…”

The initial warmth that had flourished in the pit of your stomach was now starting to replace itself by a subtle, sizzling fear. 

He wasn’t letting go. 

How could he, when he had you right where he wanted you most? Tucked away in his caring arms, shielding you from the dangers of his world?

“Douma?”

The soft, sweet cadence of your silky voice began to gradually shift tone, morphing into concern. Despite your gentle attempts to detach yourself from his hold, his iron grip kept you firmly in place. 

How silly of you to become so wary. How foolish of your palpitating heart to beat so violently against his chest. Staying with him would be for your own good!

“Douma?” 

The more you tried to part yourself from him, the tighter his hold became. The pressure his arms engulfed your frame with began to feel suffocating, its sudden restriction tampering with your ability to breathe. 

“Please let me go.”

The pressure tormenting your frame was crushing. A silent wail materialised from your windpipe as you realised the severity of the situation, the idea dawning on you just how powerless you were compared to Douma. 

He was still a monster after all.

The hands that had so gently caressed your back had now moved to grace your waist, his fingernails digging violently into your plush skin. 

The more you whined, the harder he pressed. 

“You’re hurting me.”

You cried out, desperately clawing at his back. 

“Let go!”

Unbeknownst to you, the sheer power imbalance excited him. The demon felt both ecstasy and adrenaline coursing through his veins, the utter thrill reverberating through his mind. Each cell of the demon before you vibrated with longing, brimming with desire. 

Each second without you felt like an eternity. Each second spent with you removed the constant reminder of his chronic apathy, replacing the sensation by an addicting devotion. 

Black spots danced across your vision as you looked down, sucking air through the gaps of your teeth as your eyes fixated on the pocket of your pants. 

Douma’s collar. The remote control. 

The last thing you wanted was to willingly hurt the demon, but he left you no choice. You whimpered as you manoeuvred your hand to slip  into your pocket, feeling your fingers caress the rims of cold plastic and rubber buttons. 

You shrieked when your index finger tantalised the circular knob, your consciousness clashing with your empathy. 

Before your finger could collide with the button, a loud, zapping sound filled the air as the crushing weight of the demon’s limbs disappeared. Your chest heaved, breathing freely as your knees gave out beneath you.

Panting, you stared at how Douma had collapsed before you, his knees and elbows dug into the snow. You gasped as you registered the buzzing sound emitting from Douma’s collar, vibrating violently against his neck. 

The electric shock.

His lips were agape in a silent cry, his multicoloured eyes tainted by throbbing veins and trembling pupils. The demon wailed as his muscles violently clenched, paralysing his body.

“AY! WHO IS FUCKING WITH THE REMOTE CONTROLS?” Sanemi hollered, slamming his fists down onto the table as he glanced accusatorially at his colleagues. Thick veins of rage adorned his face, his pupils trembling. “IT’S TOO MUCH, DAMNIT! YOU’RE FUCKING FRYING HIM!”

“None of us activated the electric shock.” Tengen noted, his expression stern as he stared at the security footage. “If someone did, I would’ve heard it.”

“It’s not (__) either.” Obanai replied, scowling. “It takes some force to trigger it in the first place. Not only did her finger not make contact with the remote, the electric shocks can only be given as long as the button is pressed. She can’t give him electric shocks when she’s on the ground like that.”

“Namu Amida Butsu…” Gyomei chanted, his eyes glistening with tears. “It seems an outside force is sabotaging their development…”

The demon panted as the device stopped buzzing, his indescribable torture having reached its end. 

A heavy silence lingered as the two of you stared each other down, the stench of fear polluting the air. 

A veiled smile lit up the darkness. 

Chapter Text

Due to the swiftness in which Douma’s investigation ended, you had some time to kill before clocking out. You sighed as you aimlessly wandered the barren halls of the foundation, drifting through the site. Your feet had carried you through the endless limbo, your limbs having a mind of its own.

You felt uneasy. The aftermaths of Douma’s violent grip casted a tingling ache onto your body, tormenting the rims of your waist. You groaned as you stretched your spine, wondering whether his claws had left scars. 

You wandered through the facility, a continuous loop of exiting and entering the identical hallways. After having descended via the stairs, your journey continued. 

Your brows knitted in distress as you reflected on Douma’s possessiveness, pondering the subject. 

Perhaps you had overestimated him too much. Maybe his handsome face and gentle smile had lured you in, casting its spell onto you.

It was just so unfathomable to see such vastly different sides of him. You couldn’t wrap your mind around the fact that the demon that had kissed your arm so tenderly had also been the one capable of hurting you for his own enjoyment. 

You winced at the thought, trying to justify his actions. 

He acted like that because he didn’t want me to leave, right? You thought to yourself, fiddling with the fabric of your shirt as you halted your pace. That means he misses me. He cares about me…

A churning sensation tormented your stomach as your arms hung limply beside your form. You were afloat in your unconsciousness as you blankly stared ahead, disconnected from your current surroundings. 

“Coo Coo!”

The sound of an unknown voice had snapped you out of your thoughts. Due to your dream-like state, you had failed to register your current location, unaware of the unfamiliar wing you stumbled upon. 

What floor am I on? 

You blinked, the fog lifting. You glanced at your surroundings, noticing the familiar glass barriers of the containment cells. You gulped as you kept your gaze glued onto the floor tiles, mindful as to not make eye contact with the anomaly. 

You felt it. Their presence. 

Once again, you found your body to be succumbed to the demonic pressure. Having grown accustomed to the invisible weight and buckling knees, you noticed something odd.

That demonic aura felt…diminished. 

Despite feeling the effects of their anomalous presence affecting your physique, its intensity was incomparable to the upper ranks you’ve met so far. Compared to the pressure Akaza or Douma radiated, the demon’s aura was a mere gust of wind. 

Knitting your eyebrows, you braced yourself as you turned around, facing the noise. 

A young, slender looking demon smiled down at you, his hands pressed against the glass surface. His weight rested upon his knees, his thighs spread. 

A pair of bright blue eyes rivalling the hue of the  summer sky stared down at your presence, his cheeks adorned by rectangular shapes. His short, black hair was parted to the right, morphing into three longer strands of hair with ruby and blue tips. 

The demon’s attire was formal, a black coat draped around his body. A white collar pressed against his neck, its velvety texture tickling his skin. 

His lips were parted, tugged upwards into a meaningless smile. His gaze was dreamy, his consciousness afloat in another dimension. His blue eyes fixated on your features, showcasing the tips of his fangs. 

He reminded you of Douma.

“Ah! It’s you!”

The demon cheered, closing his eyes in a gentle smile as he slowly clasped his hands together. His movements were poised, refined like no other. His voice was gentle, his cadence sweet.

“I heard so much about you!” The demon said. “I’m so happy we finally got to meet!”

You felt your brows rise in bewilderment, unsure how to respond to his unusually relaxed mannerisms. “Who are you?”

“Allow me to introduce myself.” The demon uttered, gracefully moving a hand to brush against his chest as he bowed. 

“My name is Enmu. I am the honourable lower rank one. Pleased to meet you.”

“Enmu…” You hummed, chanting his name. “I haven’t heard of you before…”

“It’s sad, isn’t it?” The demon pouted.  “The staff turns a blind eye to us lower ranks. How pitiful indeed…”

A brief silence lingered before the demon spoke up, chuckling. 

“You know…I couldn’t help but admire that face you’re making right now…”

You tilted your head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Hehe…” The demon chuckled lowly to himself. You watched the way his eyes narrowed, the slightest tinge of a rosy blush adorning his cheeks. 

“That frustration in your eyes. That regret in your heart. That guilt and misery you’re wallowing in….” He shakily exhaled, as if absorbing every syllable he uttered. 

“How beautiful it is. It’s been so pitifully long since I’ve last seen such a face…” Enmu wallowed, clutching his heart. 

He stretched his arms out, continuing his monologue. “You see my dear, there is no greater joy to me than to see the suffering of humans. Seeing their faces contort into the most soul-crushing emotion is a dream come true…”

You watched his cheeks darken, a hazy look clouding his vision as he stared at the ceiling above. You felt a scowl start to form onto your face, digging your nails into your palms. 

This guy got off to watching you suffer. 

“You’re sick in the head.” You scoffed. “I already don’t like you.”

“Me? Sick in the head?” The demon repeated, eyes blown wide in shock. “My my, what a false accusation. Let me tell you something, my dear.”

For the sake of your own curiosity, you allowed him to ramble on. 

“I am a nice demon, you see? Little old me helps pitiful humans like you!”

Your scowl worsened. “How?” 

“I make deals with them. Deals.” He tapped the glass to amplify his statement. “In return for one measly favour, I grant them their greatest wish. I show them a dream worth dying for.”

You blinked, processing the information. “What kind of favour?”

“Oh. Nothing important really.” The demon chuckled, swatting his hand in an uncaring manner. “I grant them their deepest wishes by showing them a dream so blissful, they’ll never want to wake up-!”

You shuddered. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“And how shameful it is when that perfect utopia shifts and morphs…showing a nightmare instead…” The demon giggled, his chest rumbling with desire.

“To be able to die while sleeping…just how lucky are you? Falling deeper and deeper into the darkness as all life slips away…until they can no longer awaken…”

A high-pitched, irritating hum emitted from the SCP before you, a filthy grin tainting his features. “If you’d like, I can-“

“You disgust me.” You snarled at him, interrupting him mid-sentence. His sadistic nature made your blood boil. 

“Say, what happened with Douma that made you so upset?” The demon taunted as he pressing a finger to his lips, seemingly mocking your emotions. “Come tell little old me.”

“I’m not telling you shit.” You spat. “It’s none of your business.”

“Oh come on now. I promise I’m a good listener, my dear.”

“Don’t call me that.” 

Enmu’s eyes widened in anticipation, his blush intensifying as he tilted his head. “You’re courageous. A good head on your shoulders. A great sense of justice. I think I can see why he likes you…”

You almost gagged when he shot you a wink. 

“We’d get along well…you and I…yes…” He nodded, slowly, tactically. “I’m certain…” 

You groaned, giving him the cold shoulder as you continued walking down the hallway. The last thing you wanted was for someone to rub it in. 

“Bye bye, my Cherie! Please visit me again soon!” 

You grimaced at his cheery voice, his utter being nauseating your core. 

You didn’t bother saying goodbye as you slammed the doors shut. 

——

The next day was uncomfortable.

The silence had never been more suffocating as you walked down the site’s halls. Your breath felt stuck within the confinements of your hazmat suit, the sound of your feet hitting the floor casting a dull tune. 

You felt a boulder materialise in your throat when the elevator ascended, feeling your stomach churn and shift. Your breathing grew irregular and frantic, dreading the sight of the thirteenth floor. 

You fought against your hammering consciousness as you pushed your cart forward, ignoring the silent wisp begging you to turn around. 

As you approached Douma’s cell, you stood still. 

The fully fleshed out image of a hurting Douma tortmented your brain, sending jolts of guilt throughout your body. The lingering image of his painfully clenched muscles and wide opened eyes did little to soothe your nerves. 

You felt your heart slam against your ribs as you gazed at his cell, scanning the snowy landscape.

He wasn’t there. 

You shifted in your position, inhaling briefly. 

You hadn’t dared breaking the silence. An invisible force laced itself around your throat, rendering you quiet. Your feet remained glued to the floor as you frowned, wallowing in the stillness.

“He’s not gonna come out.”

You jolted at the sudden voice emitting from the opposite chamber. You hastily turned around, shrieking as you gazed at the other SCP inhabiting the space. 

Akaza stood before you, inches away from the glass barrier. The demon wore a stern, serious expression, as if silently scolding you for your presence. 

“You’re wasting your time here. Go home.”

Registering his words, you slowly removed your suffocating mask to toss it gently onto the floor. 

You parted your lips, involuntarily grasping your chest. 

“You…you’ve seen what happened, right?”

Akaza blinked, his expression unwavering. 

“He had it coming.”

You couldn’t fight the surprised yet offended look that adorned your face. “What’s with the grudge?”

He sighed in annoyance, rolling his eyes. “If you want to know so badly.”

He cupped his hip with one hand. 

“SCP-0102 is a disgrace to our kind.” Akaza spat, refusing to utter Douma’s real name. “He’s lazy, irresponsible, careless, and also fucking stupid. Happy?”

You let a silence linger, your instincts telling you to defend. 

“Even if what you’re saying is true…would it really justify the pain he endured?”

You watched at how an annoyed, frustrated scowl painted Akaza’s features as he sank his posture, lowering himself so he met your direct line of gaze. Growing bold yourself, you inched closer towards the glass. 

“You’re so pathetic, it actually makes me sad.” The demon chuckled, narrowing his eyes. “Look at you, defending a scumbag like him. Are you sick in the head?”

You scoffed, annoyed at his belittling tone. “What the hell is your problem?”

You watched as the demon copied your scowl. 

“Watching you drown him in your affection and care while he continues his carnage without a care in the world. It’s sickening.”

His gaze was sharp, calculating. 

“You’re wasting all that attention on the last creature to deserve it. It frustrates me to no end.”

You knitted your eyebrows, giving him a puzzled look. “Are you warning me?”

“Don’t get any funny ideas.”

“I hear what you’re saying, but I decide for my own what’s right or not.” You stated. “I can make my own decisions.”

You grasped your chest, latching onto something for comfort. “Besides, Douma has been good to me so far.”

“Really?” Akaza sent you a mocking smile. “Really?”

You gulped, remembering the ache emitting from the scratches on your back. Wounds inflicted by the demon you had sworn to defend. 

You stayed silent, not having any defence to lean on. 

“I can’t believe you even went as far as to offer your arm out to him. It’s like dangling blood in front of a shark.” The demon shook his head in disapproval. 

“He didn’t even do anything!”

His eyebrows rose. “And what do you think would have happened if it weren’t for the security measures, hmm?”

The demon savoured your trembling eyes, your weak fists clenched beside your legs. 

“What would have happened if there wasn’t a collar around his neck or dozens of hidden guns aiming at his form? What do you think would have happened, huh?”

You scowled at the valid points he was making, feeling your annoyance rise. 

“Why the hell do you even care?” You shouted, grasping your chest. “If I’m so hopelessly weak and ridiculously pathetic, what’s the point in looking out for me?”

A silence lingered as the demon’s expression grew eerily neutral. 

He wasn’t defending himself. Perhaps he was looking out for you. 

“That supervisor of yours.” He paused. “Shinobu. That woman is mad.”

You raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” 

“If you thought that electric shock was cruel, you have no idea what she’s truly capable of.”

“What?”

“Poison. Torture. Electric shocks. I’ve seen some shit.” He scoffed. “If you don’t believe me, I suggest talking to Gyutaro. He’s got some funny stories to tell, I bet.”

Your heart sank at the mention of his name. After having read his documents, the combination of syllables made your blood run cold. 

“You’re not like her. You don’t have it in you.”

The demon paused as you hung onto his lips. 

“That’s why you need to get out of this place. Before you end up like the others.”

Before that flourishing hope disintegrated into ash.

“Akaza…”

You whispered, witnessing the demon visibly perk up when you uttered his name. It was the first time he heard the combination of syllables emerge from your lips, making his eyes widen. 

What a nice sound. 

“I can’t leave yet.” You shook your head, looking over your shoulder to glance at the abandoned cell. “I can’t part with someone knowing they’re upset with me. It tears me apart.”

Akaza sighed once more, although his breath lacked annoyance. You watched as his shoulders sank, his posture visibly relaxing. 

“He’s not upset with you.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you didn’t do it.” He blinked, staring you down. “You didn’t press the button.”

The demon paused, stepping forward as he raised his hand to clutch his muscular chest. 

“It was me.”

A silence lingered. Your breath hitched as you looked at the entity before you, watching him analyse your expression. 

Your eyes didn’t widen in shock, nor did your brows lift in awe. 

You didn’t look surprised. 

“I had a gut feeling it was you…” You stammered, letting out an awkward chuckle. “Rengoku told me how sharp Uzui’s ears were. The moment he stated that he didn’t hear a thing, the possibilities of the staff had already been ruled out.”

Akaza’s expression didn’t waver. 

“I read your documents. Your abilities allow you to send shockwaves capable of moving mountains, let alone press a measly button.  Since you were the only sentient creature besides me and Douma, all signs pointed to you. ..”

Akaza scoffed, smiling as he pressed his wrists together, as if bound by invisible shackles. “Damn. I guess I’m busted.”   

“I just want to know…” You paused, tilting your head a little. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why did you hurt Douma for the sake of my well-being?” 

Akaza seemingly perked up at your sudden bluntness, his blue eyes widening in shock. You seemed to have caught him off guard as he stayed quiet, his expression puzzled as he struggled to formulate an answer. 

“It’s okay.” You shrugged at the prolonged silence. “It’s not like you owe me an answer. I was just curious.”

You chuckled, sending him a sincere smile. “You talk like you hate me, but you act like you care. I can’t figure you out.”

The demon watched in morbid curiosity as you stepped back, the blue sclera of his eyes widening in shock at the sight of you bowing before him. He felt his breath hitch in his throat.

“Thank you for looking out for me.” You stated, expressing your gratitude. “Of course, I don’t approve of you hurting Douma, but I realise that the situation left you no choice…”

The demon felt an odd, desperate sensation tugging his heartstrings as he watched you turn around, picking up your mask you had previously tossed aside. The thought of you leaving filled him with unease, casting an unbearable itch beneath his skin. 

What was this feeling?

“I have to go now. I’ve been slacking off for far too long…” You sighed, fiddling with the mask.“I’m glad we got that out of the way. Thank you for your honesty.”

The demon felt his undead heart slam against his ribs as you reached towards your abandoned trolley, the sound of the rusty wheels scraping against the floor tormenting his ears. 

His brain and heart were at war, his consciousness clashing. The thought of you exiting these doors and leaving him by himself made his fingertips tremble, his pride fighting with desire. 

Akaza’s expression grew eerily stern as he watched you walk away, witnessing your silhouette get smaller with each step. Right as you were about to press your keycard against the card reader, a courageous flame ignited in his chest. 

“(__).”

You turned around, bewilderment painting your features. 

The demon stammered, eyes glued to his feet.

“….Nothing…”

The demon turned his head with a sudden, violent ferocity, as if silently scolding himself for this scarce moment of weakness. His eyes were narrowed, his pursed lips containing silent confessions. 

You merely nodded, acknowledging his presence before redirecting your attention to the old, rusty cart. 

The moment your hand slipped into your pocket to grab your staff ID, you sighed at the sound of a gentle pair of knuckles tapping against the glass. 

You smiled as you rolled your eyes, chuckling softly as you turned around. 

“Seriously Akaza, if there’s something you wanna say to me, hurry up and spit it ou-“

Your breath hitched however, at the sight of the demon you did not wish to see. 

Douma’s feigned smile remained etched onto his face as he pressed the palms of his hands against the glass, showcasing the tips of his fangs. His body remained eerily still, mimicking a doll as he stared you down. 

“…Oh…”

The demon merely blinked at your lacklustre response, his smile indifferent. 

“Don’t tell me you’ve been eavesdropping…”

Your brows furrowed, a troubled look painting your expression. For a second, you considered turning around and leaving, but you did have a bone to pick. 

Sighing, you let go of your cart as you turned around, returning to your previous position right in the middle of the two chambers. Douma’s eyes followed your every move. 

“I want to tell you something. I’ve been here for far too long now, so I’ll keep this short.” You straightened your posture, hoping to radiate some assertiveness. 

“I am not happy, Douma.”

Although his smile stayed, you noticed his demeanour shift. The corners of his lips dropped ever so slightly, the hue of his eyes flickering. 

Hyper-analysing your expression, the demon could tell. 

“You tainted my arm. You scarred my back. You scraped my waist.” You frowned. “You hurt me. And I don’t forgive you.”

Meanwhile, Akaza hadn’t moved an inch, shamelessly eavesdropping on the conversation between you and Douma. He felt ecstasy rush through his veins as he witnessed you standing up for yourself, unafraid to hold him accountable. He silently cheered you on. 

“If meeting you in person continues to endanger me like this…” You swallowed, your eyes reflecting your hurt.

“You and I are not friends anymore.”

You felt your blood run cold as you witnessed Douma’s smile melt off his face. You tried your best to stop your fingertips from trembling when his slender fingers weakly trailed down the glass, dropping limply beside his form. 

He was scary, dressed without a smile. 

“Hear that, scumbag?” You heard Akaza scoff behind you. You didn’t need to turn around to witness the wicked, sadistic smile plastered on his face. “You’re a piece of shit and (__) hates you for it. She’s finally come to her senses huh?”

You turned your head around, giving Akaza a stern look. He daringly raised his eyebrows in response, paying no mind to your silent warning not to interfere. 

He was enjoying this too much. 

You inhaled briefly, expanding your chest. “If you don’t change, Douma…” You paused. 

“This will be farewell.”

“A victim of its own decisions.” Akaza snickered. “How stupid.”

For a second, Douma remained still. He channelled silence itself as his eyes remained focused on your features. 

Slowly, he moved. 

Shifting his position, his lower legs dug into the snow as he leaned forward, letting his forehead kiss the frost. His dainty fingertips left an imprint in the snowy bedding, deepening his bow. 

Your lips parted in shock. 

A hazardous, sentient anomaly capable of moving mountains and breaking the laws of physics bowed down before you, pleading for forgiveness. His movements were slow, graceful, laced with regret. 

You gasped in bewilderment, involuntarily stepping back. 

The creature before you was more than capable of hurting you, the mere flick of his finger enough to mangle your body beyond recognition. He, whose sheer existence shattered the limits of the unknown, begged for your mercy. 

Realising the control you wielded, you couldn’t help but realise how good it felt. To have a literal SCP dance in the palm of your hand.

How strange. 

For a moment, silence roamed the hallway as you stared at Douma in utter bewilderment. Not even Akaza had made a sly, snarky comment regarding him. 

Gently, the demon moved to sit up again. He straightened his spine, the palms of his hands resting politely on his thighs. 

His smile had returned again. 

You watched in bewilderment at how he raised one hand, letting his index finger dangle in front of his eye. 

squelch

A wet, squelching sound of masticating flesh filled your ears as you witnessed the demon impale his own eye. The knife-like nail penetrated the flesh, searing through the tissue. Pools of blood oozed from the open wound, forming trails as they cascaded down his face and tainted the snow. 

Your eyes widened in horror as you witnessed the gory scene, feeling the colour drain from your face. All vitality evaporated from your body as your legs refused to move, the shock leaving you frozen. 

Akaza’s eyes were blown wide in both shock and contentment as he watched the bodily harm the demon inflicted onto himself, leaving him quite impressed with the lengths he was willing to go for the sake of your approval. 

“Stop.”

You shrieked in horror at the sight, feeling nausea churn in the pit of your stomach. Your hands trembled violently as they dug into your arms, feeling your breath hitch. 

“Stop!”

You begged, the sheer panic making your head spin. The revolting, squelchy noises made you sick, battling your tidal waves of nausea. 

You yelled when you witnessed him detach his stiletto nail from his eye, leaving a bloody mess of mangled tissue and burst blood vessels. 

That stupid, sickening smile had been plastered on his face the whole time, showing his indifference towards the torture he himself inflicted. Detaching yourself from the chains of your fear, you clutched your mouth as you stumbled backwards, running off before slamming the door shut. 

His eye squinted as he witnessed your crooked footsteps, chuckling silently at your mismatched trail. 

Douma was a cunning demon. He quickly latched onto the fact how much mental distress he could inflict onto you with methods like these. The dread he casted onto your body was the proof of your bond, the livelihood of your intertwined strings of fate. 

How delightful, to see the spectrum of human emotion display itself onto the canvas that was your face.  A sacred piece of art crafted for his eyes alone.

It was just so painfully easy for him to wield control. He almost felt bad for toying with you. 

Whatever, the demon thought to himself as he chuckled. 

You two were even now, right?

Chapter Text

The fresh scent of coffee beans and the fleeting tinge of cinnamon filled the air you deeply inhaled, absorbing the smell. Sunlight kissed the glass windows, casting your apartment in its warm, gentle hue. 

Chattering voices emitted from the TV, its volume soft. You hummed to yourself as your knife repeatedly slammed against the cutting board, dicing up some freshly picked fruits. 

You loved Saturdays. After having survived the hellish weeks you endured, it felt like a reward to have the whole weekend to yourself. It was a scarce moment of no expectations, deadlines, or stress. 

Collecting your fruit bowl, you walked up to the living room, letting the couch sink beneath your weight. As soon as you fiddled with the TV-remote, the doorbell rang. 

“Coming!” You said as you jumped up from the couch, approaching the sound. As soon as you opened the door, you gasped at the sight. 

A smaller, younger, and nearly identical version of Rengoku Kyojuro stood at your doorstep, casting you an awkward smile. His unruly, orange tinted hair enveloped his dainty face, its tips fading into a deep red. The young boy’s form was draped in a plain looking yukata, a pair of comfortable slippers enveloping his feet. 

Your eyes trailed downwards to the large serving tray he was holding, filled with various pieces of freshly cut watermelon. 

You blinked in astonishment at the sight, feeling your lips part in awe. 

“Good morning, miss.” The young boy greeted, bowing politely. “My name is Rengoku Senjuro. I am the younger brother of Rengoku Kyojuro, who I’m sure you’re already familiar with.”

Snapping out of your trance, you perked up as you clasped your hands together. 

“Awww! He never told me he had such a cute little brother!” You squealed, making his cheeks flush in embarrassment. 

You smiled, stepping aside to gesture to your living room. “Would you like to come in?”

“Oh no-!” He shook his head, bowing once more. “It’s not my intention to interrupt. It’s just that…” He glanced at the tray. 

“I was cutting up a watermelon, but it turns out I bought way too much.” He smiled. “I felt bad about throwing such a big portion away. My big brother told me you lived nearby, so I just wanted to offer you these…”

“Awwww!” You squealed once more. This boy truly was the cutest thing in the world. “Please, come in! I insist!”

“…Okay then…” 

You gently took the tray from him, placing it onto the coffee table in your living room as soon as the young boy followed. Senjuro took off his slippers before awkwardly looking around your apartment, fiddling with his hands. 

“Want something to drink?” You asked. “A snack as well?”

The young boy nodded. “Oh, I’d like that.” 

You chuckled at his awkward demeanor, his body stiffly planted onto your kitchen floor. 

“Please, make yourself at home.”

“Oh-! Right.”

Although the two brothers looked identical, there were some differences to be noticed. Where Rengoku was loud, abrasive, and slightly overwhelming, his little brother remained calm, collected, soft-spoken and polite. 

You smiled when you grabbed two spare bottles of OJ from your fridge, glancing at Senjuro who had stiffly nestled himself onto your couch. 

“What a nice place…” he mumbled, glancing at his surroundings. “It’s really cozy here.”

“Thanks!” You smiled, placing two glasses of juice and plated muffins onto the table. 

A brief silence fell as you scanned his expression, the young boy’s gaze glued to the glass he so tenderly picked up. 

“You and your big brother look so alike, it’s almost scary.” You chuckled. “Are you sure you aren’t twins?”

Senjuro smiled, shaking his head. “I’m sure I would have known if that was the case.”

“Does Rengoku-san know you’re here?” You asked. “If not, I’ll send him a text real quick.”

Senjuro’s lips parted at your question, a slight tinge of confusion evident in his eyes. 

“You’re not on first name basis…?” He exclaimed, wrapping his hands around the cup. “That’s weird, considering you’re dating and all….”

Dating?

You nearly choked. Your body burst into a coughing fit as your cheeks flushed, making the young boy shriek in bewilderment as he gently patted your back. 

He thinks I’m his brother’s girlfriend. You thought to yourself, inhaling through the gaps of your teeth. Is that why he came to visit? 

“Oh…oh dear…” You wheezed, coughing. “I’m afraid there seems to be a misunderstanding…”

Senjuro followed your movements as you moved to place your glass onto the small table again. His eyebrows were knitted, worry clouding his vision. 

“Me and your older brother are not dating, Senjuro.”

A silence fell.

His shoulders sank as his spine curled ever so slightly, his eyebrows knitted. Sadness and gloom filled the warm hue of his eyes as he directed his gaze to his feet.  

“Oh…..”

You watched his heart break in front of you. He looked so disappointed, it made you want to cry. 

“Hey…” Frowning, you scooted closer to the devastated boy, letting your hand gently roam his back. “What’s wrong, Senjuro? Why do you look so upset?”

He blinked, his expression troubled. “I…It’s not something I’d want to burden you with.”

“Please.” You softly pleaded, casting him a warm, sincere smile as you tilted your head. “I’d be more than happy to listen to you.”

Senjuro sighed, awkwardly fiddling with the cup in his hands. 

“My big brother…he’s a hard worker.”

You nodded, silently ushering him to continue.

“Many years ago, our beloved mother succumbed to an illness and passed away. Ever since then, our father has turned into a jobless alcoholic.”

Senjuro’s words were laced with sadness, tainted by guilt. You felt your heart grow heavy. 

“Ever since then, Kyojuro became our only breadwinner. He’s the only one who provides for us.” He paused. 

“He works so hard. Sometimes he works 16 hours straight for multiple days in a row. He only comes home to eat, sleep, or shower. When I wake up in the morning, he’s already gone.”

You soothingly rubbed circles on his back. 

“I feel like my bother works himself to the bone. Our father won’t ever leave his room, unless he’s off to buying more sake again….”

You noticed how his fingertips trembled. 

“Whenever my big brother does have free time, he spends it all on me. He helps me with my homework, my assignments, or takes me to do something fun. All the money he earns is spent on clothes, food, and necessities. The rest of it he saves, in case I end up going to a nice college someday. Unlike him…”

His eyebrows furrowed. 

“It tears me apart, knowing my big brother lives like this. I offered to find a job myself, but he refused. He said I’m too young, and that he doesn’t want to rob me of my youth.” He shook his head.

“Up until now, I feel like his entire life revolves around me. And I don’t want that.” 

The young boy pursed his lips, blinking away the tears that were threatening to spill. 

“He said that there aren’t many people he works with, especially women. That’s why I was so happy that he talked about you so much…”

You smiled, feeling your heart swell in your chest. A fluttering warmth emerged in the pit of your stomach. 

“He talks about me…?”

Senjuro turned his head to look at you, nodding eagerly. “All the time! He likes you so much. I’m sure you are his favourite.”

His sad expression made way for a soft, gentle smile. 

“Perhaps that’s why I was so quick to assume that he has a girlfriend. It’s what I wanted to believe.”

The initial joy that had adorned his face melted away. 

“I just…I want him to be happy. I want him to think about himself more…”

“Senjuro…”

Your voice was soft, warm and inviting. Your hands slowly moved to grasp his own, letting your warmth merge with his. 

“Your big brother loves you very much.”

You watched how a glimmering moisture clouded his eyes, his lips trembling. 

“…Hm….”

He pursed his lips together, forbidding any wails or shrieks from emerging from his windpipe. 

The young boy sniffled, blinking away the unshed tears beading at his waterline. 

“I’m sorry for talking so much, Miss…” He apologised. “It wasn’t my intention to dump this all on you, considering we just met.” 

“Please don’t apologise.” You smiled. “For what it’s worth, Senjuro, you’re always welcome here.”

His lips parted momentarily. Right now, the warmth of the sun couldn’t compare to the dazzling light of your smile. 

“My door is always open for you, okay?”

The young boy nodded, giving your hands a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you so much…”

A brief silence lingered as the boy stared at the floor, lost in a trance of his own. 

“I hope he ends up with a nice person like you someday.”

You smiled. 

“I hope so too, Senjuro.”

You gasped, instantly sitting up straight.  “Right! I forgot to text your brother!”

You got up from the couch, walking up to the kitchen counter. You glanced at Senjuro watching some TV as you opened your messages. 

You: Rengoku! You never told me you had such a cute little brother! He came to visit me today ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

He replied immediately. 

Rengoku: HAHA! SENJURO SURE IS A FINE BOY. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING OUT FOR HIM!

You: of course! I’ll make sure to walk him back home, don’t worry!

Rengoku: YOU’RE AN ANGEL, (__)!

You chuckled at the odd gif he sent before heading to the living room again. 

“Senjuro, do you have a cellphone?” You asked. “If you do, I’ll add my number to your contacts.”

He nodded, his hand moving to his pocket. “I do, but it’s one of those flip phones. My big brother says it’s better for me to not have all those apps and stuff…”

You chuckled. “Good! Don’t get brain rot.”

“I won’t…”

You smiled at how Senjuro’s posture had visibly relaxed, his spine now pressed against the velvety cushions of your couch. 

“What is it like, to live all by yourself?” He asked, glancing at his surroundings. “Are you lonely?”

“Not at all! I love it actually.” You smiled, staring distantly at the TV screen. 

“My family life also isn’t picture perfect, you know?” You sighed, making Senjuro perk up in his seat. “Lots of things happened to me too…”

“Oh.” Senjuro blinked. 

“Yeah. I’m really glad I get to have this apartment all to myself. It’s such a great sense of freedom.” You sighed, stretching your arms out. “What a dream come true!” 

He nodded, fiddling with his clothes. “I understand. If anything, I’m glad we have something in common, even though it’s not something to be happy about..”

You smiled, letting your spine rest against the couch. 

“Like I said, my door is always open for you.”

Senjuro played with the TV remote, mindlessly zapping through various channels. 

“I gotta go to the bathroom. Feel free to put something on in the meantime!”

Senjuro nodded at you, watching your frame disappear down the hall.  

He grabbed his abandoned flip phone that laid scattered on the couch, staring at the new contact you added. 

He smiled, fiddling with the device. 

He added a heart to your name.  

——

Howling shrieks of wind crashed against the apples of your cheeks as you sank into the warmth of your coat, groaning as you made your way to the facility. Your legs were aching, your eyes begging to be shut. After having survived school for eight whole hours, you hadn’t even got time to breathe before heading to work. 

You sighed in relief as the metal doors of the entrance flew shut, enveloping you with the scarce warmth of the site. Sighing, your coat slipped off your shoulders, hanging it onto an empty hook. 

You glanced at the note that laid forsaken on the table, staring at the familiar handwriting. 

Shinobu had given you some mundane tasks again, making you sigh in relief. Although cleaning was hard work, you were happy to bask in silence for a while. 

You dragged yourself towards the elevator, making you cough as your back rested against the wall. Your spine curled, making you gasp for air. 

A few minutes ago, you had received an amber alert on your phone. Close to the SCP facility, a ship transporting chemicals and hazardous materials had caught fire, enveloping the area in smoke. All citizens were warned to close all doors and windows and to keep them properly shut. 

Although the fight-or-flight reaction the sound of the alarm induced, the sight of the warning itself made you shrug. Most of them were false alarm anyways. 

How wrong you were this time. 

The moment you had hopped off the bus earlier, you shrieked. 

The acidic, bitter scent of chemicals infiltrated your nostrils, scorching your throat. Every breath felt like inhaling acetone, the chemical substance tarnishing your lungs. 

You groaned as the elevator ascended, clearing your throat. It hurt. 

Thankfully for you, the cleaning cart you had abandoned on the thirteenth floor had patiently awaited your arrival, left behind in the barren desert. 

Your hands curled around its rims, pushing it further. 

“You look tired.”

In an instant, your head snapped to the source of the sound. Akaza lazily rested against the rims of his confinement, his arms crossed. His expression was neutral, soft. Almost hilariously different compared to the state his cell was in.   

“Oh, yeah.” You nodded, blinking slowly. “Had a long day.”

“You’re not even wearing your hazmat suit.” The demon chuckled. “Feeling bold today?”

“Oh…” You stammered, staring at your school uniform. “I completely forgot.” 

The demon scoffed. “Idiot. Be more careful.”

As soon as you were about to mutter a reply, the sound of knocking made you jump. The source of life from the other side had awoken. 

Just like always, Douma graced you with his smile. 

His eyes trailed downwards to scan the unusual sight of your school uniform, seemingly absorbing each detail. He smiled at the skirt flowing over your knees, the tie draped around your neck and your long socks enveloping your calves. 

So cute. 

As soon as you were about to greet him, your spine curled as you yet again erupted into another coughing fit, your throat aching as your eyes stung. 

Slipping back into the tranquil rhythm of your breathing, you wheezed as the blur in your vision began to fade. 

Douma’s smile had shifted, making way for a surprised look. His lips were agape, his multicoloured eyes widened more than usual. 

With a swift, gentle motion of his hand, he beckoned you to come. 

Trailing behind a wisp, you followed. 

——

It was cold. 

The freezing air casted its frost onto your lungs as you sucked air through the gaps of your teeth, instantly rubbing your forearms with your hands.  

Due to the warm confinements of your hazmat suit, you had never noticed how freezing cold Douma’s cell was. The thin layers of your uniform did little to shield you from it.

Just like always, Douma sat cross-legged amidst the snow, his gentle smile amplifying the moment his eyes met yours. His hands, outstretched and inviting, aimed to seek yours. 

Shuddering, you approached the demon, the snow crunching beneath your feet. As soon as your hands grazed his, the demon’s smile softened. 

Right when your knees bent, preparing yourself for your skin to dive into the layers of delicate snow, the demon patted his thighs with his free hand. 

The seat of lap was offered to you. 

Understanding the silent invitation, your eyes glanced back and forth between his toned thighs and the glistening snow. Quickly, the choice was made. 

Your teeth clattered as you nodded, allowing Douma to gently sweep his hand around your waist. Carefully, you lowered your weight onto his thigh, making him adjust his position to ensure your utmost comfort. You shakily exhaled as you shifted onto his leg, noticing your violet skin. 

“It’s so cold here….”

You shuddered, jaws clattering. The demon smiled as he raised his hand to rest on your cheek. 

You gasped when the cold temperature of his limb shifted, feeling his body rise in heat. Suddenly, an enveloping warmth radiated off his limbs as he draped his arms around your body. 

You sighed in relief when you involuntarily melted into the heat, succumbing to his embrace as you gently leaned against his chest. 

The demon smiled in contentment, knowing you were safe and sound. 

“I had no idea you could do that…” You mumbled, looking up at the affectionate creature. “I didn’t know you could regulate your temperature this easily.”

“It’s child’s play for us demons.”

You turned your head, surprised to hear the familiar sound of Akaza’s voice. His stance hadn’t shifted, his expression eerily neutral. 

You wondered why he showed himself in the first place, making you feel embarrassed for being so clingy right in front of his eyes. Feeling your cheeks grow hot, you shifted your position to create more distance from Douma, making him whine in response. 

Perhaps he was looking out for you. Keeping Douma in check, if necessary. 

You didn’t miss the sour, bitter glare that replaced Akaza’s stoicism. 

How come you willingly spent so much time with that scum, when you hadn’t even visited him once? 

He scowled at the thought, gnashing his teeth in a tune too soft to hear. 

“Look, I just wanted to say hi.”

You whispered, feeling your eyes grow heavy beneath the warmth Douma radiated. “There’s still so much work for me to do. I’ll have to leave soon…”

Contrarily to the essence of your words, your breathing slowed as you rested your head against his shoulder, feeling his warmth seep into your bones. 

“You know…I had a funny thought lately.”

His hand moved to soothingly curl around your waist, moving you closer to his form. His other hand moved to gently pat your head, tracing soothing patterns onto your scalp. 

“It’s so weird, you know? You and I have known each other for a while now, but in a way, we still feel like strangers.”

The demon halted in his tracks. 

“There’s so much we don’t know about each other. You don’t know where I live, where I go to school, who my friends are. And in return, I have no idea how strong you are, how long you’ve been here, or what goes on inside that head of yours…”

You sighed, feeling your eyes grow heavy. 

“I just…thought that was funny.”

A silence fell as the both of you basked in the utter stillness of his containment cell. 

“Tsk.”

You perked up to glance at Akaza, surprised by his sudden scoff. 

“You know the bitch can talk right?” He commented, his scowl worsening. 

You raised an eyebrow, unsure what he was trying to imply. 

“If he wanted you to grow closer to him, he would’ve done something about it. Guess you’re not the effort huh?”

Akaza felt a pang of guilt torment his consciousness as he watched your smile fade, hurt by the harshness of his voice. 

How cruel.

He just wanted you to look away from Douma, to realise how bad he was for you. The mere sight of that scum’s limbs wrapped around your body made his blood boil.

You bit the inside of your cheek as you sat still, pondering the weight of his words. 

Maybe Akaza’s words had a tinge of truth in them. 

Blinking, you adjusted your position, getting up from Douma’s thigh. You mindlessly stared at the snow for a few seconds before excusing yourself. 

“I have to go now.” You stated, deliberately avoiding his gaze. “Goodbye.”

You turned around, the snow crunching beneath your feet as you approached the metal doors. Your exhales formed clouds of condensation as your fingertips trembled. 

“(__).”

For a moment, your heart stopped.

Your lips parted at the sound. A soft, silky voice as gentle as the rims of a woven blanket emitted from behind you, its source emerging from the abandoned silhouette. 

Your eyes widened when your jaws locked, feeling your stomach sink at the realisation. 

Douma had spoken just now. 

Slowly, your limbs cursed by the chilling silence, you turned around. Your feet shifted, adjusting your position to fully grasp the vision yourself. 

His cross-legged position hadn’t faltered, nor had the smile on his face. He closed his eyes in  contentment at your newfound attention, basking in your gaze. 

“What was that?” You stammered, blinking in confusion. “I thought I heard something.”

You shrieked when the demon rose from his spot, stretching his spine. Now that he stood in his full glory, you lifted your chin to glance at his being.

“(__).” 

His lips had parted, confirming that the fleeting cadence of his voice indeed belonged to him. You couldn’t tell whether your aching limbs were caused by the freezing temperature or the utter shock roaming through your veins. 

“Y-You-!” You choked out, blinking in bewilderment at the demon before you. “You! You spoke just now! You!” 

The demon chuckled, closing his eyes in a smile. Gently, he beckoned you to come. As if your legs had a mind of their own, they followed. 

As soon as his hands grasped yours, his frame sank once more. Returning to his cross-legged position, he watched you copy his movements.

Enthralled by the sound of his voice, you failed to register the cold when your knees dug into the snow. 

“That’s right.” Douma stated, chuckling at your baffled expression. “Akaza-dono is correct. I can talk.” 

Akaza rolled his eyes. 

Douma’s voice was soft, its cadence gentle and kind. The demon radiated patience, symbolising serenity. His words were soothing, its hypnotic lullaby casting its spell.

Too stunned to speak, the amazement dripped from your face as you stared at the demon in utter bewilderment. 

“My dearest (__)...” Douma hushed, reaching out to gently cup your cheek. 

His fingers were warm as they grazed against your skin.

“I can’t believe it….” You shuddered. “What took you so long?”

Douma sighed, his hand retrieving as his shoulders sank.

“The lullaby of silence is the comfort I keep. I have grown fond of it throughout the years.”

The demon stared at the confinements of his cell, a dreamy look obscuring his vision.

“You see my dear, when one chooses to stay silent, it is up to the other to watch closely, and to interpret their thoughts and dreams as they see fit.”

The demon blinked, his gaze returning to you. “I wanted that. For you to watch me closely. To figure me out.” 

“Douma…” You whispered, feeling touched by his tender words. “I don’t know what to say…”

“It’s been many years since I last uttered a word, my dearest.” He professed. “But you’re my favourite, (__). You’re special to me.”

You felt a wobbly smile decorate your features. His praise was overflowing. 

The demon reached out once more, enveloping your hands with his own. He intertwined your fingers like your connected strings of fate.

“With that settled, you and I can talk until the stars fall from the sky!” Douma cheered, his hands warm. 

Nodding at the invitation, you dug into the depths of your brain. This was your chance to get to the bottom of his very existence.

“Douma…just who are you really?” You asked, tilting your head. “How long have you been here? What was your life like before SCP?”

The demon nodded, seemingly pleased with the questions you chose. 

“My name is Douma.” The demon stated, moving one hand to brush against his chest.

“I am what they call a God, an angel if you will. I don’t age, nor do I perish with the marching of time. All I do is carry my wisdom and spread it to those in need.”

“What do you mean?”

Douma smiled. “My dear, I am the faithful leader of the Eternal Paradise Faith.”

“The what…?”

He chuckled. 

“I am a nice person, you see. I provide home for the homeless, give shelter to the lost. The Eternal Paradise Faith is a place created for those who long for acceptance, hungry for the validation they seek.” 

The demon paused. 

“The chronically sick, the victims of abuse, the forsaken and forgotten, all of them are welcome there.” He nodded. “As a result of their undying gratitude, their devotion towards me knows no bounds. I am worshipped beyond compare, treasured like no other.”

He chuckled once more, showcasing the tips of his fangs. “For years now, I have listened to their woeful sorrows and carried their despair. I lifted their misfortune and guided them to paradise.”

“…Paradise…?”

“Hmm!” Douma nodded. “All of the people I’ve guided to heaven, they’re all a part of me.”

He closed his eyes in a smile.

“Because I ate them.”

You shouldn’t have been surprised. You knew demons ate humans, so there was no reason for the sudden nausea to churn in your stomach.

How awful. 

“Hey, don’t look so upset!” Douma swatted his hand, lightly tugging your sleeve to regain your attention. “I absorbed their worries, fears, anxieties and dreams. We’ll live together for all eternity. Isn’t that wonderful?”

A silence fell. 

“How long have you been here, Douma?”

The demon shrugged. “Oh dear. I think I lost count.”

You narrowed your eyes. “If you’re truly what you say you are, then what about the people in that group you speak of?” You tilted your head.

“Surely, the people who worship your being are devastated that their beloved prophet is missing. Aren’t you worried?”

Douma shrugged. “My dear, human emotions are easily swayed. I’m sure they’ll manage.”

There was more you wanted to ask, more information you wanted to know. Alas for you, the freezing cold of his cell nestled its way underneath your skin as it tampered with your ability to think, your brain feeling like a puddle of thoughts. 

You shivered. 

“I can see how cold you are, you poor thing.” Douma smiled, amplifying the heat his body radiated. “However, there is one thing I must ask of you before you leave, my beloved.”

You nodded, teeth clattering. “Hmm, what is it?”

The demon paused, lingering in the stillness as he focused on your features. 

“If you could….would you release me?”

You blinked in response, registering the weight of his words. “What?”

“I could come live with you. Keep you company.” The demon inched closer, letting his fingertips brush against your chest. 

As Douma’s touch seeped into your pores, you gradually felt the itch tormenting your throat disappear. You inhaled, breathing freely now that the effects of the chemicals had melted away. 

“I could heal your wounds. Take care of your needs.” Douma hushed, inching closer to you. He gently lifted you to place you in his lap once more. His hand moved to trace circular patterns onto your back, whispering against the shell of your ear. 

“Wouldn’t you like that?”

The sound of your clattering teeth was all he was met with. Your lips had turned blue, matching the shade of your violet knuckles. 

You wanted to protest, ask him about the essence of his devoted followers. However, the utter infatuation and longing desire evident in his eyes filled the gaps in your mind. 

You outweighed the importance of many.

“Douma…” You shook your head. “Demons and humans…they can’t be together.” 

You watched the smile melt off his face.

“What makes you say that?”

“You’re a predator…” You blurted out, lips quivering. “And I’m the prey. It’s bound to fail.”

“Are you worried that I’ll eat you?” Douma asked, clutching his chest. “I wouldn’t.”

There was more you wanted to say to refute his statements, to extinguish that flickering sense of hope. You whined when the cold forked your veins, casting its cruel frost throughout your limbs. 

“Alright, that’s enough.” Akaza banged his fists against the glass barrier of his cell, making the glass rattle. “Get her out of here. She’s freezing.”

Following Akaza’s orders, you basked in silence as you rose from your spot, offering a polite farewell. 

Douma smiled when you reached for the exit, devotion dripping from his features. 

You’d come around. One way or another.

Chapter Text

You sighed. 

Even the taste of the strongest brewed coffee mankind could create could not stop you from yawning, getting lost in the rhythmic sweeping of your broom. The long hairs brushed against the tiles repeatedly, gathering dirt and dust in one designated place. 

You groaned, sinking to your knees to scoop up the small pile of trash. You stifled another yawn as you collected it with your dustpan, emptying it in a bin. 

Glancing at the note Shinobu left you, you stretched your spine as you approached the elevator in the distance, pressing its circular button. Your feet tapped against the floor as you waited for the elevator to rise, the soft humming filling your ears. 

You stepped into the floating shaft, feeling it ascend as soon as you pressed the button leading you to the ninth floor. You had a handful of tasks left. After that, you could finally rest. 

Armed with your cleaning cart, the wheels scraped the floor as you pushed it forward, walking down the hall. After covering enough distance, the cart came to a halt as you reached the containment cells waiting to be cleaned. 

Just like the hallway where Akaza and Douma resided, the familiar layout of the three side-by-side confinements adorned the corridor. 

You perked up at the sight of the middle cell on your right. Two of the fluorescent lights embedded in the ceiling malfunctioned, casting a dark, ominous shadow in the inner corner of the room. 

You couldn’t see whether the cell was inhabited or not. It was unsettling. 

You raised an eyebrow at the sight. This was the first technological error you’ve seen in a place like this. Pretty odd, considering how tight the SCP’s security was.

Unlike the cells of the two male upper ranks, all six confinements were devoid of any decoration. All six chambers were engulfed with white, the tasteless hue tarnishing the floors, walls, and ceiling. 

You turned your attention back to your cleaning products, fiddling with some cloths and sprays. As soon as you walked away to tend to your chores, a peculiar sound caught your attention. 

Emitting from the darkness, a symphony of choked whispers and muffled sobs could be heard. The ominous sound reverberated through your skull, making your blood run cold. 

Its voice was shrill and muffled, its cadence hauntingly feminine. 

A girl was weeping.  

You dropped the products you were holding, eyes widening in shock.

Merged with the darkness of night, the shape of a silhouette caught your attention. Squinting your eyes, you recognised the appearance of a young looking female cowered away into the shadows. 

Her shoulders were dainty, her waist small. You could only catch the slightest glimpse of her pale skin as she remained shrouded in the unlit. Her kneels were pressed against the barren surface, her lower legs carrying her weight. 

You felt your heart palpitate in your chest, feeling a sudden panic rush through your veins. Your first instinct was to reach out, to initiate contact with the isolated creature. That caring heart inside of you wanted to approach her gently, asking if you could be of any help. 

Your initial kindness fought with your subconscious, your rising doubt floating to the surface. 

After months of working here, you had never encountered a female SCP, nor had you seen a document confirming their existence. You had no idea how she’d react to another woman inhabiting the facility, let alone tarnish her territory. While her hostility remained unknown, it was best to tread carefully.

With that thought in mind, you inhaled as you parted your lips, staring helplessly at the silhouette of the sobbing woman. 

“H-Hello…?”

The woman didn’t respond, her weeping unfaltering. Your brows knitted as you slowly approached the glass barrier, setting one foot in front of the other. 

Now that you grew closer to the source of the sound, you gasped at the words she babbled. 

“My face! My beautiful face!” The demon cried, cupping her cheeks with her hands. “They ruined it! Ruined my beauty!” 

You felt a lump materialise in your throat, feeling the strength drain itself from your limbs. 

The woman in front of you sounded devastated, her wails a desperate plea. 

Inhaling once more, you clutched your chest as you called out. 

“Hello…?”

Your heart stopped when the demon gasped. In an instant, her wails halted, casting the hallway in an eerie silence. 

Grabbing the opportunity, you spoke up. 

“I…” You swallowed. “I was cleaning this area when I heard someone cry. Are you alright?”

Your voice was soft, its volume hushed. You were mindful to keep your voice down, unsure how she’d react to your presence. 

Although she didn’t reply, you heard something shift. Although it was hard to make out anything in the darkness, you figured the demon moved just now. 

“You.” 

You shrieked at the sound, flinching in your place. Her voice was laced with authority, breezing with assertiveness. 

What scared you the most however, was the unfiltered amount of raw, boiling anger that seeped through her cadence. 

She spat her syllables like an unknown illness, disease her primary language. Her hostility towards you scorched her tongue, burning her oesophagus. 

“Come here.”

The lady shifted her position, moving to stand up. Now that she had moved closer to the light, her silhouette had become the slightest bit clearer. 

She was tall. Inhumanely so. 

You wanted to protest, to sputter something in response to her sudden command. Alas, you succumbed to her dominating wrath, your feet inching closer towards the glass. 

“I need you to tell me how pretty I am.” 

The demoness ordered.   

Although she did her best to conceal her emotion, you picked up on the sound of her trembling voice, signalling the distress she was in. You nodded at the shadow, bowing politely. 

The demon moved as she exited the darkness, letting the fluorescent lights kiss her skin. 

Now that you were able to witness her full glory, your lips parted in shock. 

The demon before you was a tall, curvaceous young woman whose form was lifted by a pair of black geta sandals. Her snow-white hair was tied up in a high ponytail, the lime tips of her hair reaching her calves. Her fair, pale skin that rivalled the beauty of freshly fallen snowflakes symbolised a porcelain doll, her left cheek adorned by a pink floral pattern. 

Her alluring, green eyes were veiled by her long lashes, the ends of her eyelids decorated with a ruby hue. Three kanzashi hairpins stuck out of her from each side, its position perfectly symmetrical. 

Two pieces of black silk ran down her shoulders, minimally veiling her chest. A pink looking obi was wrapped tightly around her waist, enhanced by orange patterns. The lower part of her body was covered by a thin pair of panties, matching her stockings.  

She was beautiful, her grace radiant like no other.

If only her appearance didn’t look so wrong. 

The right side of her face seemed to have been burnt by smothering charcoals as a third-degree burn ravished her skin, trailing down to her waist. The ignited skin formed a deep-red layer, tarnishing her snow-white complexion. 

The stench of burnt flesh and ignited cells polluted the air, sizzling against your throat. 

Her right eyeball was devoid of any eyelids, rendering it wide-open as it stared you down. Both of her lips seemed to be completely mangled, her pearly-white fangs clenched and exposed. 

She looked terrifying. 

“Go on.” 

The woman hissed, her eye twitching. She looked like she was a second away from going absolutely berserk. 

“Tell me. Tell me how pretty I am.” 

Your breath caught in your throat, your rising fear forbidding you from speaking. The tension she radiated was suffocating. 

“O-Oh god…” You stammered. “What happened to you…?” 

Akaza had mentioned it once, although very briefly. How violent Shinobu could get when testing the specimens. 

“She did this to me. That goddamn woman. That ugly filth.” Her fists clenched, her teeth gritting. “I’ll slaughter her. Whatever it takes.” 

Your fingertips trembled beside your form, shrieking at the acid her voice channeled. 

“Oh…you poor thing…” You whined, your eyes filled with pity. “I’m so sorry…”

“You’re not a staff member?” The demon asked, although it sounded more like a statement rather than a question. “You’re that cleaner chick. I’ve heard of you.” 

You nodded. “My name is (__). I’m…happy to meet you.” 

You flinched at the sound of opening doors, staring at the metal gateway in the distance. Your tall, silver haired colleague walked down the hallway, his nose dug into a clipboard. 

“Uzui-san!”

Tengen visibly perked up at the sound of your voice, his eyes glancing back and forth between the sight of a frazzled you and a mutilated demoness. 

“Ah! (__)!” Tengen smiled, lowering the clipboard as he moved to give your hair a playful ruffle. He moved his hand to firmly rest on your shoulder, giving it a few reassuring touches as he beckoned towards the demon. 

“I see you’ve met our fallen princess, Daki.”

“Daki…?” You whispered, repeating her name. 

You didn’t miss the vile, accusatory glare she sent Uzui’s way. 

“A true stunner really. Such a gem of a demon.” The man complimented, smirking. “Although she does look pretty fucked up with all those scars and all. Pretty unflashy huh?”

-“F-FUCKED UP? FUCKED UP? M E ?” 

The demon repeated, downfounded. You could see the rage take hold of her body as she processed his insult. “WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME, YOU INSOLENT PIG? I’LL RIP YOUR THROAT OUT!”

You witnessed unshed tears shine across her eyes, ignited with the flame of her boiling rage. 

“Such a shame she’s so weak too. All bark and no bite. Laaaaame!” Tengen exaggeratedly yawned, rolling his eyes. 

“SHUT UP!” Daki yelled, banging her fists against the glass. “I REALLY AM THE UPPER SIX! I’VE GOT THE NUMBER TO PROVE IT TOO!”

“Definitely not buying that!” Tengen stuck his tongue out. 

“I AM AMAZING! I AM BEAUTIFUL!” Daki whined as hot trails of tears descended down her cheeks, forming a puddle at her feet. The obi from her waist grew in length, splitting in four separate ends that each writhed and squirmed. 

“ALL OF YOU CAN JUST DIE! DIE!” 

“What a crybaby.” Tengen scoffed. “Tsk.”

As you witnessed the impact Tengen’s words had on her well-being, you felt your blood start to boil. You gritted your teeth as you harshly swept his hand off your shoulder, distancing yourself from him. 

“You’re bullying her!” You accused, brows knitted in anger. “How dare you rile her up like this while she’s obviously vulnerable and hurt! How evil are you?” 

“Hmmm?” Tengen’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “No way. Are you defending her?”

“You’re being awful to her!” You shook your head. “Stop it!”

He whistled. “Damn.”

Unafraid of his authority, you sent him a look as you stared him down. 

“Sir Uzui, please leave her be.”

Both surprised and impressed by your sense of justice, he raised his hands in defeat. “Fine, you win.” 

The man sighed as he walked off, disappearing into the labyrinth of hallways. 

For a moment, a silence fell as you stared at your feet. After having gone out of your way to defend Daki the way you did, you couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. You turned around, opting to grab your abandoned broom. 

“Wait.”

This time, you didn’t flinch at the sound of her voice. She sounded calmer now, devoid of the previous malice that tainted her cadence.  

“You.” Her fingernails tapped against the glass. “Come.”

Glancing at her form, you bowed before her. Your hands curled around your broom. 

Not only was the woman intimidatingly tall due to her sandals, the platform her cell was lifted with amplified her presence. Her shoulders were straightened as an eerily neutral expression rested on her features, staring you down. 

“Don’t expect any gratitude. You can go to hell for all I care.”

The vixen’s voice had grabbed hold of its poison again. 

“All you did was state the obvious. That’s all there is to it.”

You watched how her mangled eye trembled in anger, her fingertips quivering beside her form. 

“The horrible things they did to me…all the times they made us suffer….”

She gritted her teeth. 

“I’ll take back what I’m owed.”

As the demoness continued vomiting violence through her theremin throat, you frowned as your fingers curled around your broom. 

“For what it’s worth…” You stammered, your muttered syllables a mere gust amidst the silence.

“I do think you’re beautiful.”

Her eyes widened as she watched you disappear. 

——

“(__)~!” Zenitsu sang as he wrapped his arms around yours, squishing his cheek against your dainty shoulder. “It’s been so long since we last hung out~!”

You chuckled, glancing at the sprawled out chemistry textbooks on the low, wooden table in your bedroom. Two cans of soda alongside various amounts of opened bags of snacks adorned your carpet, casting its chemical smell throughout the space. 

“I know.” You smiled, giving his head an affectionate ruffle. “I’ve been so busy recently. I haven’t been spending much time on you have I?”

Zenitsu wailed like a baby when his hold on you tightened, clinging onto you like you were about to disappear.  

Zenitsu loved that about you. He could be as pathetic, clingy, and loser-like as he wanted without you judging him or making him feel dumb. In fact, you found that behaviour of his to be oddly endearing, and more often than not indulged in it yourself. 

“I truly have no idea how to handle this assignment…” You sighed, staring helplessly at the textbooks. “It doesn’t really help that you and I both suck at this.”

“Who cares! Let’s relax for a bit before we get started~” Zenitsu chuckled, rubbing his cheek against your arm. “Let’s catch up for a bit. How has your job been?”

Although you tried your hardest not to give it away, you felt your heart speed up at the sudden mention. 

“It’s been fine…”

“Yeah?” He hummed, tilting his head. His superb hearing quickly latched onto your nerves. “Are you still enjoying it?” 

You shrugged. “It’s pretty boring. It’s just me cleaning in silence for hours straight.” 

Although your words were honest, the young boy could tell that there was a certain edge to your voice. 

“Hmmm.” He hummed again, shaking his head in disapproval. “Pretty princesses like you shouldn’t have to work.”

You audibly laughed. 

“No, seriously!” Zenitsu pulled away, puffing his chest out in pride. “I’ll be the man of our relationship! I’ll provide for you!”

He stretched his arms out, gesturing to your room. “I’ll give you all the ponies, albums, and dolls you’d ever wish for! I’d work 80 hours a week to make you happy!”

You smiled, feeling your heart swell. 

“Aren’t you just the kindest?” You cooed, cupping his cheeks with your hands before giving them a gentle squeeze. 

“Sadly, it doesn’t work like that. I’d also feel bad about making you pay for everything while I sit there and do nothing.”

Zenitsu huffed, his shoulders sinking. “The offer still stands though…”

“Alright, let’s get started.” You sighed, picking up one of the abandoned textbooks. Zenitsu sighed dramatically as he looked over your shoulder. 

As you started reading the contents of the page out loud, the cadence of your voice shifted into white noise as Zenitsu trailed off. He absentmindedly stared at an empty corner of your room as his hazy mind struggled to concentrate. 

Getting lost in the river of his mind, various thoughts and voices filled his head. 

He wondered if you liked him as much as he liked you. 

His eyes trailed from the textbook to your face, analysing your features. 

Your lips were so plump, your skin so soft. Your hair always smelled so good as a familiar whiff of perfume clung to your being. 

As he blinked, his mind wandered. 

He wondered what possessed you to put up with him as long as you have, let alone return his affections. You were the only girl in the entire cosmos who’d give him the attention he craved, quenching the thirst that ravaged his mind. 

When he whined, begged, and pleaded for your attention, you never turned him down. You’d smile at him with those kind eyes of yours and engulf him in your embrace. You had never taken advantage of his kindness or generosity and instead, prioritised his feelings first. 

As you continued your monologue, his eyes trailed downwards, scanning your body. 

The colour pallet of Kimetsu Academy’s uniform looked so good on you. The formal tie around your neck and your skirt brushing against your knees was such a stunning combination.

You were so cute to him. It was never his intention to act possessive, but he couldn’t help himself sometimes. Wanting to be your protector, he had assigned himself the mission of glaring violently at any man who looked your way. The only men he trusted alongside you were Tanjirou and Inosuke. 

He felt his heart swell in his chest as he looked at you. You were everything he wanted, needed, longed for in a significant other. 

You merely chuckled when his hand moved on its own, interlacing his fingers with yours. He felt himself grow drunk in ecstasy as you rubbed soothing circles on his knuckles. 

He whined when he pressed the book down, tearing your gaze away from the inanimate object. Knowing what he needed, you smiled when you wrapped your arms around his frame, pulling him close. 

His heart burst in his chest when you brushed his bangs out of his face, planting a tender kiss onto his forehead. 

He closed his eyes in contentment, inhaling your essence. 

Maybe one day, he’d tell you how he felt.  

——

The soft buzzing of the fluorescent lights casted a humming tune as you sipped from your portable glass cup, letting a silver spoon rattle against its rims.  

It was kind of boring, being on break all by yourself. The tiny staff room on the thirteenth floor was entirely vacant, each chair holding the empty shell of its owner. 

You sighed to yourself as you put your phone down, fed up with the mindless scrolling. You took a sip from your coffee as you blankly stared into space. 

You perked up at the sound of opening doors. Your eyes widened at the sight of violet eyes appearing in the doorframe. 

Shinobu’s brows were furrowed as she seemed lost in the documents she was staring at, peering at the letters. She almost jolted at the sound of your voice. 

“Shinobu!” You greeted, smiling at your supervisor. “Hello.”

“Ah, it’s you. Hi dear.” Shinobu smiled at you, her face relaxing as she registered your presence. Sighing, she threw the documents onto the small table you were seated at before she fixed herself a drink.  

The elegant fragrance emitting from her body hit your nostrils, making you inhale deeply. You cupped your chin with your hands as you watched her move. The white from her lab coat did a wonderful job of complimenting her eyes, matching beautifully with her indigo locks.  

Every motion of hers was so delicate and graceful. She truly was a stunning girl. 

“Long day?” You smiled. 

The lady nodded, a sheepish smile on her face. 

You hummed to yourself, peeking at the paperwork that laid scattered on the table. “Can I look?”

“You don’t have to ask permission.” Shinobu smiled. “You work here, so you’re authorised to read those.”

Nodding at her, you grabbed a random set of documents, scanning its contents. 

You were surprised to see the familiar layout of Douma’s description, noticing upon further investigation that it had been extended. Two additional blocks of texts adorned the document, making your tilt your head in curiosity. 

Scp-0102 seems to have harboured an intense emotional attachment to one of the sanitary personnel, (__) (__). The demon spends approximately 12 hours a day in a cross-legged position right in front of the glass barrier, staring aimlessly into space. During this duration, the SCP does not emit signs of boredom nor fatigue as it stays in an identical, unmoving position. 

Whenever (__)’s absence surpasses a time limit of 72 hours or more, SCP-0102 is seen emitting signs of emotional distress. A high-pitched whining sound can be heard from its windpipe as it utilises its nails to claw at the glass. According to verbal responses of various staff members, the sound is described to be ‘extraordinary irritating’, and sometimes becomes painful to listen to. Despite their attempts to reason with it, SCP-0102 has not initiated any kind of contact with the facility’s staff members yet. 

You jolted when Shinobu put her cup down right in front of you, opting to join you at your table. Not wanting to be rude, you hurriedly put the paper down to give your supervisor attention. 

There was more to be read. You wondered what else it said. 

“How have you been my dear?” Shinobu smiled at you, wrapping her hands around her steaming teacup. “Is everything alright at school? How’s your new apartment?”

“Ah, it’s great!” You beamed. “Although living by myself is something I had to get used to, I truly love it. It gets lonely sometimes, but the freedom is worth it.”

Shinobu nodded as she sipped. “That’s nice to hear.”

Although Shinobu was a mysterious woman, you were happy she showed genuine interest in your well-being. She seemed intimidating, but meant well. 

“How have you been, miss Shinobu?” You asked. “What is your life like?”

The lady closed her eyes in a smile. “What can I say…working full-time in a facility like this…”

You awkwardly smiled. “Yeah. I can imagine. Sorry.”

A silence fell as you played with the spoon in your empty cup. 

“By the way Shinobu, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Well, I’m not sure whether it is any of my business or not but…” You paused. “How did you end up here? How did you meet SCP?”

The lady stayed silent for a brief moment, contemplating an answer. 

“Many years ago, back when I was fourteen, my parents were killed by an anomalous creature.”

Shinobu’s confession made your eyes widen. The weight of her statement along with her serious, cold expression made a chill go down your spine.

“Both of our parents fell ill simultaneously. Me and Kanae took a long walk to gather some herbs. When we came back…”

You watched her face contort into despair. Her grip around her cup tightened. 

“It was a complete massacre. Flesh and blood was scattered everywhere.” She trembled. 

“Not only were our parents mangled beyond recognition, the SCP had not spared our house as well. Everything we loved and cared for was taken from us on that very night.”

“…What happened then?” You weakly inquired. 

“Me and Kanae had become homeless. We had no one to turn to.” She shook her head. 

“Luckily for us, that’s when Himejima took us in.”

“Himejima…” You stammered, repeating the name. Your eyes widened at the realisation. 

Himejima Gyomei. You had met him before. The largest, strongest, and most frightening creature that roamed these halls. His intimidating presence rivalled the SCP’s. 

“Wait, you’re talking about him?”

Shinobu nodded. “We coincidentally ran into him after we tried to get help. Seeing our distressed appearances, he offered the both of us to stay with him. Since me and Kanae had nowhere to go, we agreed.”

She paused again.

“He asked us to describe the details of everything we’ve seen. When we told Himejima about the inhumane levels of bloodlust and destruction, that’s when we were first introduced to the existence of SCP’s.”

“I see.” You blinked. “Is that how you ended up here?”

She nodded. “Himejima was the one who introduced us to this foundation and taught us the ins and outs of SCP’s. Me and Kanae both agreed to work here and moved out when we were financially stable enough to fend for ourselves.”

A determined yet powerful expression showed up on her cold face. 

“The SCP facility as of now has imprisoned and secured thousands of anomalous creatures. However, I’m sure millions of them are still roaming free. I truly believe it is our mission to protect our people that live their lives in ignorant bliss. To make sure that no one else suffers the same fate we did.” 

“Oh wow…” You whispered in awe. “I truly had no idea. I’m so sorry to hear, Miss Shinobu.”

She shook her head. “It’s alright. We must keep our heads up and move forward.” She sighed. “Besides, I’m not the only one with a story like this. The grief and despair we went through is what ties us staff members together. At least, that’s what I’d like to believe.”

You nodded at her. 

“If anything, I’m happy I have Kanae by my side. I love her more than anything. She’s everything I have.”

You watched at how a heartwarming smile decorated her pale face.  

Although dozens of unanswered questions plagued your brain, you were content with the closure you had gotten. Not only did you understand her personality better, it also explained her bitter, vengeful attitude towards the SCP’s themselves. 

You smiled at your supervisor, glancing at Douma’s documents. The scent of chamomile tea engulfed the room in a tender silence. 

Chapter Text

“Wow, it’s so pretty!”

Nezuko cheered, gawking at the crowd.  

Now that the beloved summer festival had arrived, an intertwined spark of high spirits and rising enthusiasm submerged the hearts of many. The sound of wooden sandals clattering against the stone pavement and the scent of freshly prepared streetfood enveloped the streets in vitality. 

The townsfolk had gathered to celebrate the blessings of the rising sun, their bodies draped in traditional garments. The string of lanterns from above casted its gentle warmth onto the earth. 

“Oh man! Each year just keeps getting busier!” Zenitsu pointed out, nodding. 

“It’s nice though, isn’t it?” Tanjirou smiled. 

The blonde sighed, his shoulders visibly deflating. Nezuko’s eyes were starlit as she scanned her surroundings, the beauty of it all dawning upon her. An obnoxious chewing sound emerged from Inosuke’s masticating jaws, his hands carrying more food than he could chew. 

“Everyone looks so pretty tonight.” You smiled, glancing at two bypassing sisters with each a matching kimono. The both of them had an identical floral hairpin nestled upon their scalp. 

Nezuko nodded eagerly at the sight, shooting you an excited look as she hurriedly tugged your sleeve. “We should have those too, big sis! I’d love to have matching clothing with you!”

You chuckled at her enthusiasm, patting the top of her head gently. “Of course! Now we have something to be excited about next time.”

Clutched between your arms was a large stuffed animal, taking shape into your favourite. Zenitsu himself had insisted on winning you one, pretty much begging you to look at him as he tried his hardest to excel at the rigged games. 

Feeling the weight of your gaze, the blonde narrowed his eyes in concentration as he threw some balls at a tower of empty cans. He’d break his bones if it meant you’d look his way. 

Of course, this sparked a fire in his most competitive friend. A ridiculously large teddy bear remained clutched onto Inosuke’s shoulders as its arms were wrapped firmly around his neck. With one hand, the boy supported its weight as he shoved food into his mouth with the other. 

“Look (__)~!” Zenitsu had cooed, a rosy blush adorning his cheeks as he gently gifted you the plush, begging to be praised. His soul left his body however, when he witnessed the toy Inosuke paraded around. 

Somehow, Inosuke managed to knock over all cans in one try. 

Ten times in a row. 

Zenitsu had grown pale at the sight. All vitality drained from his eyes as you witnessed the soul leaving his body. 

“MUAHAHAHAH! NO ONE CAN BEAT LORD INOSUKE!” The boar roared, his spirits seemingly fuelled by the sight of his defeated friend. 

“HOW’D YA LIKE THAT HUH, (__)!” He hollered, pointing at you. “TELL ME HOW GREAT I AM! TELL ME!”

“Wow!” Tanjirou gasped in awe. “That’s amazing! Good job, Inosuke!”

You nodded along, clasping your hands together. “Hmm! As expected of you!”

You all chuckled when Inosuke fell silent, the praise getting to his head. A symphony of muffled murmurs emerged from the young boy as he bashfully looked away. 

After the plushies had been tucked away nicely, you, Nezuko and Tanjirou went to see another stall as the two boys guarded the stuffed animals. 

Nezuko had clasped her hands together, begging you and her older brother to go Kingyo Sukui with her. According to Nezuko, the traditional game of scooping goldfish was one of her favourites. 

“Good luck, Nezuko! Catch one!”

You and Tanjirou cheered her on as the young girl sat on her knees, her eyes narrowed into concentration as she fiddled with the plastic scoop. The two of you clapped when she eventually caught one, the warmth of her smile rivalling a thousand suns. The shop owner had given her the tiny fish in a plastic bag, one Nezuko had sworn to ‘release quickly so mister fish can join his friends.’

Tanjirou smiled at that. Of course, Nezuko was far too kind to keep the fish trapped inside a plastic bag for long. 

When reunited with Zenitsu and Inosuke, Nezuko chuckled as she showed them her prize, earning her a river of compliments and praise. 

“Good job, Nezuko-chan!” Zenitsu beamed, clasping his hands together. 

“AS EXPECTED OF MY MINION! HAHA!” Inosuke added, giving her some gentle pats on the back. 

Tanjirou chuckled at the sight. 

“Guys! Let’s go over there!” Nezuko suggested, pointing at a bridge in the distance. “I see a small pond I think. Mister fish can join his friends there.”

Her big brother nodded. “Yeah, let’s go! I think it’d be nice to slip away from the crowd for a bit, right Inosuke?”

Mindful of how anxious the boar could be in social situations, Tanjirou shot him a warm smile. Inosuke merely grumbled beneath his breath, too ashamed to admit defeat. Although his pride got in the way of things, he was happy to be considered.

The five of you slipped into a steady rhythm of continuous footsteps brushing against the pavement, basking in the hushed chattering of the crowd as you neared the bridge. 

The sun had dipped beneath the horizon, adorning the landscape with moonlit fields and starry skies. The soft summer breeze infiltrated your clothing, kissing your skin. 

Just as Nezuko had predicted, the tiny bridge was indeed placed beside a small pond. The koi fish writhed beneath the inky waters.

The grass swayed amidst the silence, the chilly night air enveloping your form. You inhaled deeply as you sank to your knees, admiring the scenery as your legs brushed against the grass. 

“Goodbye mister Fish…” Nezuko whispered, gently ripping open the plastic bag. The tiny goldfish splashed into the water, quickly reuniting with its kind. 

“This is nice…” You uttered, unable to stop a smile from adorning your lips. “All of us should really go outside more often, right?”

“Yeah.” Tanjirou muttered, glancing at your tranquillity. “This really is nice.”

-“Excuse me”

You flinched at a sudden presence, startled by an unknown voice emerging from the dark. 

A young, short girl stood in the middle of the stone path, blinking repeatedly at the sight of your flustered expression. The young maiden’s eyes were violet, her raven hair tied up into two lower braids. Her brows were knitted as her hands were clasped around a wooden tray, strapped around her shoulders. 

“Good evening.” The vendor greeted, bowing politely. “I’m sorry for frightening all of you. It wasn’t my intention…”

Her voice was soft-spoken and sweet, mirroring her bashful personality. 

Tanjirou smiled at her apology, shaking his head. “Oh, no worries! Can we help you with something?”

The young girl nodded, gesturing towards her tray. “Oh, yes! My name is Fuku, and I wanted to ask if the five of you would be willing to buy a snack…”

The girl awkwardly chuckled, beckoning towards various small treats that adorned her tray. “As of now, I’m selling these limited edition homemade fortune cookies! They’re made from a traditional Chinese recipe! All fortune cookies contain a special message fit for the holder only!”

“Ah, so that’s what that lovely smell is!” Tanjirou complimented, glancing at her tray. 

You nodded, having picked up on the scent as well. “It does smell delicious! We’ll take five, Fuku! I’ll pay.”

“Really? Thank you so much!” The young girl smiled in glee as she clasped her hands together, bowing in gratitude once more. 

You watched how the vendor swiftly wrapped five pairs of fortune cookies in a dainty napkin, bowing repeatedly as she gently handed you her craft. You smiled at her as you insisted on paying her yourself, adding an extra tip to reward her hard work. 

“Good luck with the business, Fuku!” Tanjirou announced as the five of you waved her goodbye. Making her way towards the busy crowd, you watched as the young girl’s frame disappeared. 

“You didn’t have to do that y’know.” Zenitsu pouted, glancing at the cookies you handed out. “All of us can pay for ourselves. Except for Inosuke maybe.”

“Hey!”

“No please, I insist.” You rebutted. “It’s my pleasure. Really.”

“It’s kind of exciting, isn’t it?” Nezuko chuckled, delicately grabbing ahold of her cookie. “I wonder what mine will say!”

The rest of you nodded along, carefully detaching the cookie from the napkin before five sets of jaws pierced the delicacy.  

Your eyes widened in delight. Fuku’s cookies were delicious. 

“I want more!” Inosuke whined after having eaten his portion in one bite. If Zenitsu hadn’t warned him about the piece of paper within, he’d have swallowed it too. 

“Let’s open our fortunes all at once!” Nezuko suggested. “It’ll be fun that way!”

On the count of three, all five of you swiftly unwrapped the paper note, scanning eyes peering at its content. 

As you unfolded the paper, you viewed its message. 

Straight trees have crooked roots. Be cautious. 

Blinking repeatedly, you raised an eyebrow in confusion. 

What..?

You tilted your head a little, peering at the note. You expected most fortune cookies to entail a cheesy message about passion and energy, not some kind of eerie warning. 

As you looked up, all five of you shared the same dumbfounded expression. 

“So I’m not the only one with a weird message?” Tanjirou inquired, glancing at his friends. 

Zenitsu shook his head. “I don’t understand what this is getting at…”

Inosuke stared blankly at the note within his hands. “Mine just says ‘fish’…”

“Guys!” Nezuko visibly perked up, pressing her index finger to her lips. “We must not tell each other what our notes say. To keep the evil spirits trapped! It’ll be a bad omen!”

“That’s weird.” You pointed out. “Didn’t Fuku say that all of these messages were strictly personal…?”

Tanjirou shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s just pretend like they don’t exist.”

After sending one final glance to your hushed warning, you crumpled the note in the palm of your hand. 

It was better this way.

——

“You wanted to see me.”

You quietly announced, gently asserting your presence after knocking. Peeking inside Shinobu’s office, the lady’s face was knitted in concentration as she sat behind her desk. 

“Ah! You’re far quicker than I thought.” Shinobu smiled. “Right. I just wanted to tell you something.” 

She paused, letting a brief silence linger before she tore her gaze away from the mountains of paperwork surrounding her presence. 

“Since I’m unfortunately swarmed with paperwork, sir Shinazugawa will be your supervisor today.” Shinobu said. “I already told him you were coming. He’s waiting for you in the cafeteria on the third floor.”

“Shinazugawa…?” You muttered, blinking in surprise. 

After finally putting a face to the name, you tried your best not to recoil in disgust. 

It wasn’t like you hated him. He hadn’t even given you a reason to dislike him in the first place. Still, the atmosphere the blunt, scar-faced male radiated was one of tension and discomfort. 

“Are you…sure that’s correct, Miss Shinobu?” You stammered. “Not someone else?”

She shook her head. “No. He’s the one on duty today.” 

Upon noticing your discomfort, the lady chuckled. 

“Don’t worry. He’s a good instructor. I’m sure he’ll take good care of you.” Shinobu nodded, her tone sincere. 

“Alright then.” You sighed. “Good luck with your paperwork.”

“Thank you (__). Good luck to you too.”

She shot you a wink as you opted to disappear. 

“You’ll need it~”

——

“There you are. Took you long enough.” 

Shinazugawa scoffed as soon as the elevator doors separated to reveal your presence. 

“I’m sorry for the wait…” You excused yourself, bowing. 

“Whatever.” The male rolled his eyes as he stomped out of the facility’s cafeteria, entering a random elevator. He practically slammed onto the button to hold the doors open for you. 

The elevator ride was an awkward one. A suffocating silence fell as you stared into the distance. 

Why is he always so aggressive? You thought to yourself, glancing at the male. 

It felt like standing next to a ticking time bomb. Your sheer existence seemed to be enough to tick him off, provoking his unexpected anger. 

Glancing at the elevator buttons, you noticed the circular icon of ‘-3’ being lit. As the male noticed your stare, he spoke up. 

“Yeah. We're going down the basement.” He explained. “There’s a SCP we need you to deal with.”

“Ah.” You replied. “Is it a dangerous one?”

Sanemi didn’t reply, merely sending you a sharp side-eye as the elevator continued to descend. 

“Nah.”

What is wrong with this guy? You thought to yourself, awkwardly fidgeting in your place. 

As soon as the elevator doors came to an open, its hissing sound revealed the facility’s basement. 

A long, outstretched corridor laid bare before you, its walls and ceiling curved into the shape of a cilinder. Its hue was a rusty, outdated shade of red as the scent of metal contaminated the air. 

Tiny lamps were embedded into the tunnel’s ceiling, casting its scarce warmth onto the silver flooring. The entire tunnel was shrouded in shadows, reeking of decay.

“Done sightseeing?” Sanemi barked, stomping out of the elevator. Blinking in bewilderment, you followed. 

Trailing behind your supervisor, you kept a safe distance as you followed him. Having reached another set of metal doors, you stood behind Sanemi as he fiddled with the rims of his pocket. 

A warning sign was embedded into the wall. 

WARNING: HEAVY CONTAINMENT ZONE

ONLY LEVEL 5 PERSONNEL OR HIGHER ALLOWED

NO FEWER THAN THREE MAY ENTER

You felt your eyebrows knit as you stared at the sign. The slightest sense of dread started to nestle itself beneath your skin as you stared at your supervisor. 

Your lips parted. Although you wanted to point out the obvious security breach, the thought of confronting Shinazugawa seemed too scary. 

“Alright. Get your ass in here.” The male scoffed as soon as the doors opened, not bothering to look behind him. You followed, flinching involuntarily when he slammed the doors shut. 

The both of you inhabited a small room, its empty space filled with a desk with no seats. Upon seeing the exact same door onto the other side, you figured this room served to connect the long hallway indirectly to the following containment chamber. 

“Alright, here’s what you need to do.” Sanemi glanced at you this time, beckoning towards various items scattered across the desk. 

“The SCP you’re gonna interact with is a lil’ fucked up. That’s why you gotta give him this.” He explained, handing you a small pill jar. The glass pot was filled with one circular red pill, its hue vibrant like no other. 

“This right here is SCP-500. It’s known for curing a bunch of shit.” Sanemi added. “You just gotta pop this shit in his mouth real quick. That’s all.”

You blankly stared at the red pill, giving your supervisor an unsure look. “Sir Shinazugawa…I’m not sure if I’m… qualified enough for this.”

“Hah? What are you talking about?” The man scoffed. “This shit’s easy. Even a baby can do it.”

“But I mean…” You muttered, gathering the courage to stand up for yourself. “Isn’t there anyone else available with more experience?”

“No. Since you have proven to wield a magical power that renders our most demonic SCP’s as your personal lapdog, you’re our first choice.” He spat. “Besides, we’re out of D-classes.” 

He paused. 

“Because he ate them.”

You felt your breath hitch in your throat. It felt like he was doing this on purpose. 

You watched how Sanemi whipped his keycard out, pressing it against the card reader. “Hurry. Get your ass in there.” 

He beckoned towards the empty space with his head. “Get it over with, quick.”

“W-Wait..” you stammered, glancing at the darkness ahead. “You’re not coming with me?”

“No.” The man shook his head. “I have a restraining order against SCP-066. Apparently I’m too provoking.” He rolled his eyes.

SCP-066? You thought to yourself, your eyes darting around the room. 

You had heard of that number before, or perhaps read about it in some files. It was familiar sounding. 

You felt your heart sink as you connected a name to the number. 

SCP-066 was none other than Gyutaro himself.

The most powerful, hazardous and deadly SCP was now one call away. 

“No.” You immediately blurted out, feeling your panic rise. You instinctively backed up, distancing yourself from Sanemi. “I can’t.”

“Hah?” He mocked. “Whatcha freaking out over?”

“I’m not going in there.” You sputtered, your heart slamming against your ribs. Your breathing quickened, its speediness casting black spots across your vision. “Not by myself.”

The man clicked his tongue in annoyance. He set one foot in front of the other, inching closer towards you until you were backed up against the wall. 

“Does it look like I’m giving you a choice?”

You felt your fingertips tremble as your arms rested limply beside your form. “Sir-“

“Get your ass in there. I’m not asking you.”

He grabbed your wrist, harshly pressing the glass jar into the palm of your hand. 

“Go.”

——

You were alone now. 

Forsaken and abandoned, you stood in the very middle of the SCP’s containment chamber. The rusty walls surrounding your presence and the scent of iron tortured your nostrils. 

With every breath, your panic amplified. Feeling your heart palpitate in your core, your hand rose to gently clutch your chest. 

Fiddling with the glass jar in the palm of your hand, you inhaled deeply as you tore your gaze away from your feet. 

In the very middle of the room stood the SCP’s containment cell, positioned in a way where the fluorescent lights barely got the chance to grace the inhabitant with its hue. The majority of the isolated chamber was shrouded in shadows, covered in darkness. You could only make out the upper rims, the back and middle part of the cell completely invisible. 

You had never felt so claustrophobic before. Although both the cell and the room containing it were huge, you felt the walls closing in on you. The fabric of the hazmat suit trapped your body in heat, worsening your rising anxiety. 

Various warning signs and distressing messages adorned his cell, making your blood run cold at the sight. 

Inhaling once more, you set one foot in front of the other. 

“H-Hello.”

You stuttered, calling out amidst the darkness. 

Nothing happened. 

“Hello.”

You spoke up again, your voice somewhat more firm. 

You felt like throwing up when you heard something shift. The sound of dull, heavy footsteps made the floor vibrate as the deity had awoken. 

You heard the faint sound of metal chains being draped against the floor. 

A suffocating silence fell as you awaited his arrival, bracing yourself for the outcome. 

Before the creature could enter the light, he stopped. The demon stayed silent. 

“My name is (__) (___).” You introduced yourself, trying your best to initiate contact with the anomaly. “I was tasked to give you your medicine.”

You nearly choked when you heard it laugh.

A wicked, cruel snicker emitted from the darkness, resonating within the glass confinements of his cell. The sound was laced with contempt, fuelled by a malicious hunger. 

As his cackle grew gradually louder, you felt your blood run cold at the sound of his footsteps nearing your presence. The demon deliberately stomped with every step he took, making the floor rattle beneath him. 

It was a silent reminder how strong SCP’s most lethal anomaly truly was. 

You felt dread cast onto your body as the demon entered the light. 

An inhumanly tall, humanoid looking creature stood before you. The build of the SCP seemed particularly misshapen, as its body bent into anatomically impossible directions. 

His spine seemed permanently curled in a twisted position, morphing into two sets of toned, muscular shoulders. His broad arms shared the same amount of muscle as they hung limply beside his form. 

In contrast to his upper body, his lower waist and abdomen were no more than a few inches wide. You could see the rims of his bones poking through his skin.

His grey skin was adorned by an ocean of black splotches, as if someone had delicately pressed the very tip of a quill onto his skin. 

The SCP’s tangled, matted hair was tied into a sleazy bun atop his head, his hair a combination of lime green and pitch black. 

His sunken, lifeless eyes were lit by a blazing inferno, a grin too happy for comfort plastered on his face. 

As the demon tilted his head, you felt your heart stop. 

A pressure too immense to describe pressed itself down onto your body, casting an enormous burden onto your core. You felt your knees buckle beneath your form, your legs trembling as you stared. 

Four sets of enormous metal chains were bound to his limbs, shackled around his wrists and ankles. Although the demon seemed to be able to move around freely, you could tell some of its movements were limited. 

A metal muzzle was strapped onto its mouth, imprisoning his jaws. 

You couldn’t help but imagine how uncomfortable he must feel. 

“No way! No way! They’re bringing me fresh meat!” 

The demon cackled as he dramatically sniffed the air. 

With every movement, the excruciating sound of the metal chains getting scraped across the floor tormented your ears. 

“You’re a girl, ain’t ya? Their tender flesh is the nicest to eat. Although I’m not particularly picky.”

The demon’s voice was raspy, its gruff cadence sounding like it had not spoken in years. 

“No no. I’m not picky at all! If it’s gross, disgusting and dirty, I want it. It’s perfect for the likes of me!”

Despite the huge smile plastered onto its face, his condescending tone did little to provide you comfort. You noticed how the pupils of his glowing eyes constantly seemed to twitch, endlessly writhing. 

At your lack of reaction, the demon threw his head back as he laughed. 

“They’re sending a newbie like you to take care of me? How disgraceful! How disgraceful! How low can they go?”

Gyutaro’s eyes narrowed in a twisted amusement. 

“Poor little girl stuck down here with the most dangerous SCP. Did ya make some enemies or what?” 

His wicked cackles resonated between the walls. 

“I..I….” You stammered, firmly gripping the glass bottle. “I have come to give you these.”

“Hmm? Hmmmm?” 

Gyutaro hummed in delight, his grin widening as he stretched his arms out. 

“Looks like you gotta c’mere and help me out. Since I’m gagged and bound at all.”

The demon’s violent snicker made you want to throw up. 

Nodding politely, you stood your ground. 

“I will.”

——

A thousand muttering voices begging you to turn back churned in the back of your skull. Paying no mind to the silent warnings, you pressed your jaws together as you opened up the multiple locked doors leading to his cell. 

You flinched when the door flung shut. The mechanic sound of the airlocks getting activated did little to soothe your nerves. 

You were stuck with him now. 

Gyutaro had positioned himself amidst the darkness, his form barely visible as the shadows kissed his skin. 

With each step, the boiling nausea in your stomach along with the violent tremble of your fingers worsened. The carbon dioxide trapped beneath the mask of your hazmat suit had never felt so suffocating.  

“What’s the matter, pipsqueak? Won’t you come?” 

You heard the demon snicker. The layers of your hazmat suit impeded your vision, the shadows of his containment cell only revealing a blurry silhouette. 

You involuntarily flinched at the volume of his voice, shrieking in place. You found your feet to be glued to the silver floors as your body refused to move. 

“Fine. If you won’t come to me, I’ll come to you.”

The rising fear gushed through your veins, making you wince. Now with the absence of the thick glass panels, the pressure radiating from Gyutaro’s being was immeasurable. 

The metal chains scraping against the floor were like nails against a chalkboard. You felt adrenaline rush through your core as his footsteps approached. 

The sight of the demon in his full glory took your breath away. 

He was tall, inhumanly so. His permanently curved spine amplified his intimidating presence, making the demon hover above you. 

His spine curled further as he slightly lowered his stance, inching his face closer to yours.

You could smell him through your mask. 

He reeked of blood, a nauseating mixture of death and decay. The irony stench clung to his presence, making your throat feel itchy. 

His glowing eyes seemed to scan your form, focussing on the hazmat mask covering your face. He bent his head as he inspected it. 

“Hmmm? You still wearing that ridiculous thing?”

You nearly choked when the demon reached his arm out, the fingers that could snap bones like twigs now awkwardly fiddling with the hems of your mask. 

Even if you were willing to aid him, you found yourself frozen in fear. Your body remained glued to the ground as the demon played with his new toy, your limbs too paralysed to move. 

With one swift motion, Gyutaro detached the mask from your face. It hit the floor with a soft thud. 

You watched how his eyes widened when he took you in. 

Your skin was pale, your utter terror having drained all colour from your face. Your eyes were widened, trembling in fear as they fixated on the demon before you. 

He smiled.

Gyutaro’s grin was laced with a bitter contempt as he narrowed his eyes, inching even close to further inspect your features. 

His musky breath tickled your skin. 

“Lucky you man, lucky you. That face of yours…nice….”

A muffled sob left your lips as the demon cupped your cheek. 

“I like your skin too, I like your skin too. Not a blemish, birthmark, or scar to be seen huh?“

You wailed when the demon’s claws squeezed the flesh of your cheek. 

“Your hair is all nice and soft too.” The demon mockingly cooed, his fingers trailing upwards to toy with various strands. “You smell good too.”

The demon’s hand retreated, moving to his chest. You watched the wicked smile melt off his features as contempt and envy tainted his presence. 

His nails moved to claw against his face, leaving deep scratches imbedded into his skin. Pools of blood oozed from the open wounds, dripping from his elbows as they pooled at his feet. 

“With a face like that, I bet you get tons of attention, don’t ya? You’ve never had to worry about a warm meal on a plate or a bed to sleep on, huh?”

The purest amount of hatred and jealousy throbbed beneath his skin, dulling the numb sensation of his torn up flesh. The sound of his skin getting ripped to pieces made you ill. 

At the sight of your terrified expression, the demon cackled once more. 

After centuries of being feared, repulsed, spat out and forgotten, Gyutaro had grown used to the sight of petrified faces and terror-stricken voices. Although his ugliness has been nothing but a curse, the demon had learned to embrace it somehow. 

He chuckled when your body lacked the strength to hold you, your horrified eyes fixated on his form. The sheer magnitude of his presence was enough to immobilise his enemies, his mere looks dominating his foes. 

It served as a reminder that he was the one in control.  

If only you knew how much the demon bathed in your essence, drinking up your fears. He felt utter ecstasy throb in his veins at the sight. 

How lovely you were. 

“Oh how I envy you! Oh how I envy you!”  

The demon howled, his nails tearing new wounds into his flesh. You felt your blood run cold at his display of self harm, feeling goosebumps rise at every splatter that hit the floor. 

Succumbing to your rising fear, your knees gave out beneath you as you fell to the floor. Your body trembled violently as you continued to watch. 

Although the slamming of your heart against your ribs drowned out most of the traumatic sounds, you couldn’t fight the insatiable urge to care. 

“Please, stop that.” 

You pleaded, your voice a mere whisper. You felt moisture cloud your eyeballs as you tore your sight away from him. 

“Gyutaro, please.” 

Your heart nearly stopped when the demon immediately ceased moving. As if your voice had the power to command, the SCP stood perfectly still as soon as the syllables left your lips. 

“What was that?” 

The SCP inquired, curling his spine to inch closer to you. His presence loomed over you, like a predator trapping its prey. 

You yelped when you felt a large hand grasp your hair, tightly gripping your strands. Your scalp burnt with the immense pressure, your brows knitted in pain. 

You watched an eerily calm expression taint the demon’s features, his eyes narrowed. He violently threw your head back, forcing your neck to bend.

Squirming in place, your breathing sped up as you winced in pain. 

As you glanced at the demon’s form, you gasped at the sight. 

A razor sharp kama scythe pressed against your jugular, its very tip digging into your plush skin.  Gyutaro’s knuckles turned white as he held it. 

The object seemed to have appeared out of thin air as you registered the scent of poison scorching your nose. 

You realised your body was now his to possess. If he pressed the slightest bit harder, you’d be dead. 

“What was that?” Gyutaro asked. “What did you say?” 

“…You mean ‘stop’…?” You bashfully suggested, your voice pathetically soft.

He shook his head. “No. Not that. The other part.”

You parted your lips, squirming in place. 

“G-Gyutaro?”

You felt his grip tighten. 

“Hmm. Hmm hmm. Hehe.”

You heard the demon chuckle again as he harshly let go of your hair. Your scalp hurt. 

“Yeah. Say it again.”

“G-Gyutaro-?” You babbled, repeating the same syllables. 

The demon felt pure bliss circulating through his body, sending electric shocks to his undead heart. He felt the sensation of maggots squirming beneath his skin, his blood pumping in ecstasy at the sound of his name spilling from your pretty lips. 

“Yeah. That’s right.” The demon affirmed, giving your head an aggressive ruffle. “That’s me. Better remember it.”

You felt embarrassed beneath his piecing gaze, scoffing softly. 

You saw it. That perverse, twisted sickness in his glowing eyes. 

This guy got off to watching you suffer. 

Before silence got the chance to settle, you screamed at the sudden sound of tearing fabric. Your eyes widened at the sight of Gyutaro’s sickle having slashed through your hazmat suit, leaving the neon fabric to drape around your thighs. 

Although you were properly covered underneath, his act felt violating nonetheless. You sighed in relief at your unharmed torso, both surprised and relieved the demon hadn’t harmed you in the process. 

“Damn. You got some meat on your bones too huh? How nice man. How nice!” 

He gnashed his teeth together in an excruciating sound. 

“How lucky can one get?”

Shaking your head, you returned your attention to your assigned mission. 

“I-I have uhhh…I have come to give you this…..” You muttered, moving your trembling hand to grasp SCP-500. The glass jar containing the singular red pill laid in the embrace of your quivering hands. 

“Yeah? You’re gonna give that to me?” Gyutaro daringly chuckled, raising one eyebrow. “How nice man. To have such a pretty girl come and feed me.”

Ignoring his condescending tone, you tore your gaze away from him as you fiddled with the lid. Much to your horror, the glass jar slipped beneath the gaps of your trembling fingers. You felt your heart sink as the jar hit the ground, leaving an ocean of glass particles to coat the silver flooring. 

“Damn! I didn’t think you could get more pathetic!” The demon laughed.  “Hard huh? Using your hands?”

Scoffing at his belittling tone, you carefully hovered your hands above the glass pieces, opting to carefully fish out the pill from the rubble. You winced in pain when a glass shard stabbed the palm of your hand, leaving an open wound to tantalise your skin. You watched in sheer terror how a red liquid oozed from the wound, spilling to the floor. 

You wanted to throw up at the visible way Gyutaro perked up. His demonic eyes widened, his interest piqued. 

“Oh dear. Looks like you hurt yourself huh?”

Gyutaro clicked his tongue. He inched closer to you, harshly grabbing your wrist. Your breath hitched in your throat. 

“Oh don’t worry. Don’t worry your pretty lil’ head. Gyutaro’ll take care of you huh?” 

You shrieked when you felt the sensation of a warm, wet piece of flesh drape against your hand. Your eyes widened in horror at the sight of Gyutaro’s filthy tongue lapping at your wound, peeking through the gaps of his muzzle. 

Although you winced in terror, you didn’t dare pull away. You were fully aware how powerful this anomaly was, his sheer wrist being able to break your arm in two. 

“Sweet. But sour. Very interesting.” The demon concluded, obnoxiously licking his lips dry. “I guess everything about you is nice huh?”

The cocky smile however, quickly melted off Gyutaro’s face as soon as he caught onto an unfamiliar whiff. He violently sniffed the air as his face contorted into utter disgust. 

His face inched closer towards your right arm, leading to the shameful conclusion that you were its source. 

Gyutaro harshly gripped your limb, catching another whiff of your skin. 

As his eyes narrowed, you understood what he was looking at now. The faint reminder of the cyanosis Douma had inflicted. 

Although the majority had faded with time, faint traces of its unnatural blue hue formed remnants onto your skin. Recalling what Shinobu explained about the territorial scent it created, you now understood Gyutaro’s disdain. 

“Hmmm?” He hummed, his voice laced with annoyance. “I guess I’m not the only one you’ve gotten friendly with huh?” 

The demon scoffed, clicking his tongue. “Douma…that stupid bitch.”

He sighed in disdain. “I guess that sucks about living in a ditch huh? Always the last one to the party.”

“Wait…” You mumbled. “You know other SCP’s?” You swallowed. “You know about the creatures above?”

-“Of course I do!” Gyutaro replied, his voice never faltering from its mocking tone. “All of us demons are like peas in a pod.”

He sent you a wink. 

You had no way of telling how true that statement was. 

“Oh-! That reminds me!” Gyutaro perked up. Your breath hitched as soon as his rough, vile hands moved to cup your cheeks, forcing you to look at him. 

“My beloved sister said some nice things about you too. You’re awfully popular ain’t ya?”

“…Sister…?” You blinked in bewilderment, careful not to move in his embrace. 

“Yeah yeah!” He nodded. “That pretty girl, Daki! She’s my beloved sister!”

He chuckled at the sight of your widening eyes. “Crazy right? We don’t look like each other at all. She’s a stunner, isn’t she?”

You noticed his behaviour shift. The moment he brought his sister up, Gyutaro seemed to be the slightest bit calmer. His erratic movements slowed, and the condescending, pitying tone had lessened. 

He cared for her. You could tell. 

Before you got the chance to reply, you witnessed Gyutaro bend his neck in a bizarre manner, raising a questioning eyebrow when he picked up the red pill that laid abandoned on the floor. His fingers had either managed to slip through all the minuscule shards of glass, or the slashes inflicted by them weren’t enough to hurt. 

“Ah, right.” The demon uttered. “Almost forgot what you’re here for.”

You felt your lips quiver as you witnessed Gyutaro fiddle with the SCP, toying with it like a child. 

SCP-500 was a small object compared to its tremendous effects. The gaps embedded into Gyutaro’s muzzle were large enough to slip the pill into his mouth.

As if able to read your mind, the demon’s piercing gaze met yours. Cackling at your silent conclusion, he shook his head. 

“Oh no. No can’t do.” Gyutaro snickered, clicking his tongue. “Don’t you remember your instructions? You sure aren’t the sharpest tool in the shed, are ya?”

You pressed your lips together, letting his tidal wave of condescending pride wash over you. 

“You do it.”

You flinched when Gyutaro flicked the pill with his fingers, launching it into the air. Shrieking, your body reacted on its own as you dashed forward, breaking its fall with your hands. 

As the weight of his words dawned upon you, you sent him a baffled expression. 

“Hey? What’s with the look?” The demon smirked. “I’m just helping you do your job. It was your task to come and feed me after all.”

Gyutaro’s mocking smile made your blood boil. Squirming, you sighed in defeat. 

Fine. So it is written, so it shall be. 

Furrowing your brows, you took a deep breath as you steadied the pill in your dominant hand, clutching it between your thumb and index finger. You carefully inched closer to the demon, trying to maintain as much distance as humanly possible. 

You stretched your arm out, your limb quivering as you hovered the pill in front of his muzzle. 

Gyutaro’s expression seemed to be an odd combination of both boredom and exhilaration as he watched you face your fears. 

“Tsk. Come closer, pipsqueak. Slip it in.”

The demon scoffed, narrowing his eyes at you. 

“I won’t bite.”

Feeling another set of terror rush itself through your veins, you tried to steady your frantic breathing once more. Setting one foot in front of the other, you approached the SCP until a few inches separated your bodies. 

You involuntarily shrieked when the demon opened his mouth. The rims of his fangs stared at your terror-stricken face, having masticated centuries worth of corpses. 

Inhaling briefly through your nose, you weakly clutched his muzzle with both your hands, trying to steady your position. Angling the pill right above his opened mouth, you watched as SCP-500 collided with his tongue. 

The fetid stench of bad intentions hung in his breath, his tongue tainted by vile promises and spewed out insults. 

You sighed in relief when his teeth clashed together. At the sight of his bobbing Adam’s apple, you figured he swallowed it whole. 

Before silence got the chance to settle, you flinched at the sound of a loud, aggressive fist banging onto the metal doors. 

“(__)! GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE! NOW!”

Startled by Shinazugawa’s commanding voice, you hurriedly stood up. Allowing your body to move on autopilot, you flinched at the sensation of a rough hand gripping onto your wrist. 

“Leaving so soon?”

Gyutaro’s bony fingers curled around your tender flesh, yanking you close. You froze as he inched closer once more, feeling his hot breath tickle your ear.  

“Come visit me again soon. I have something to tell you.”

Breaking away from the shackles of your fear, your chest lightened as you gradually distanced yourself from the SCP. 

As your hands clutched the exit, you offered him a final glance. 

He blew you a kiss as you flung the doors shut.

Chapter Text

The elevator ride was a silent one. 

Your breath hitched in your throat as you stood beside Shinazugawa, staring mindlessly at your feet. You felt the aftermath of your quickened heartbeat pounding against your ribs, the lessening adrenaline still rushing through your veins. 

The unease crept up on you. The eerie stillness from the elevator shaft felt suffocating, the dull colour of white making you sick. 

The soft humming of the elevator filled the room as it continued to descend. The subtle pressure radiating from Sanemi’s presence did little to soothe your nerves. 

From the corner of your eye, you witnessed the male tilt his head. He glared at you, his bloodshot eyes digging into your head. 

“Hey. You.”

You uncomfortably shifted in your position, lacking the courage to face him. 

“Girls like you shouldn’t be working here.”

You felt your lips part. 

Your brows furrowed as you clutched your hands, digging your fingernails into your thighs. The sheer accusation and disdain dripping from his tone made you shiver, making you twitch in your spot as you continued staring at your feet. 

“Cafes. Restaurants. Hell, even boringass libraries. That’s where girls like you should work.” The male continued, his berating, intimidating voice tormenting your skull. 

“You’re not made for this shit. This place will eat you up.”

You felt an ache bloom in your chest. 

He didn’t want you there. 

Frowning, you pressed your lips together in a silent wail. Recalling the past series of events, you wondered on just how many occasions you had unintentionally pissed him off. 

“If you know what’s best for you, get the hell out of here. While you still can.”

You released a breath you didn’t realise you were holding as soon as the elevator doors opened. You sighed in relief as soon as Shinazugawa exited the cabin, not offering you a glance as he disappeared into the distance. 

For a while, you stood there. You listened as the soft pitter patter of his footsteps eventually disappeared, leaving you to soak in the eerie silence. 

Maybe Shinazugawa was right. Maybe you weren’t fit for the job after all. 

You sighed deeply, returning your gaze to the elevator buttons. As soon as you lifted your finger, a peculiar sound captured your attention. 

A shrill, weak voice reverberated in the distance. 

You perked up, casting a suspicious look at the forsaken hallway in front of you. 

You heard it again. It was louder this time. 

You gasped at the recognition of syllables. 

Someone was calling your name. 

Once again, the voice pleaded. This time, the sound had been crystal clear, as if its very source was right beside you. Feeling a chill creep up your spine, you blinked in awe. 

That shrill, womanly voice, laced with authority and desperation. 

Daki was calling you. 

Gasping at the realisation, you didn’t hesitate for a second when your index finger slammed against the elevator button. As soon as the circular icon lit up, the elevator buzzed as it began to ascend. 

You were coming. 

——

You heard a faint whistle lure you from the depths of the white hallways, morphing into a flickering wisp. Trailing behind the siren’s call, your feet clattered against the tiles. 

She sounded distressed. 

Having reached the end of the corridor, you hastily fiddled with your staff ID before slamming it against the card reader. As soon as a high-pitched beep granted your permission, your eyes scanned your surroundings. 

You tore your gaze to your right, gawking at the only inhabited chamber that adorned the barren hall. At the sight of its bearer, your lips parted. 

The demoness remained kneeled onto the floor, her fair skin pressed against the cold tiles. Her stiletto fingernails brushed against the glass barrier, her long hair flowing as she turned. Her spine was straightened, her shoulders stretched. The shape of her silhouette revealed her unspoken distress, the scent of urgency polluting the air. 

Her eyes darted towards the intruder of her habitat, visibly perking up at the sight of your presence. 

She had been waiting for you. 

“So you came. Good.”

You watched as she stretched her spine, slipping back into her appearance of endless pride. The demoness instantly rose to her feet, using her height to her advantage to loom over your presence. She crossed her arms, lifting her head to cast you a look. 

Her burn had healed. She looked radiant like never before. 

It was odd, how quickly she covered up the pitiful sound of her voice.  The transition between her pleading call and dominating presence had been frighteningly swift, as if aiming to conceal the scarce amounts of vulnerability she had shown. 

“Are you alright?” You inquired, casting her a worried look. “I came as soon as I heard you. I had no idea your voice could even reach me throughout the facility…”

The demon scoffed. “I have my ways.”

A brief silence settled as you waited for her response. 

Daki unfolded her arms from their crossed position, letting them limply sway beside her form. Her face contorted into one of both concern and anxiety, letting her nostrils flare as she inhaled. 

“You.” She inquired, tapping her sharp nail against the glass. “I have something to ask of you.”

“Yes? What is it?”

You heard the subtle hitch of her breath. 

“You met my brother just now, didn’t you?” Daki asked, staring you down. 

“How was it?”

You felt the tension evaporate from your body as you registered her question, casting her a dumbfounded look as you stared her down. 

Judging from the urgency she called you with, you were both surprised and relieved to see a lack of eminent danger. 

You sighed, feeling your shoulders sink in exhaustion. You raised your wrist, checking your watch. 

“Listen, Daki…” You muttered. “I’m honoured you wanted to talk to me, but I don’t understand why you called me here to ask such a silly question.” 

You awkwardly chuckled. “Look, I had a long and rather disappointing day, and I have about fifteen minutes left to catch the last bus for tonight. We can talk about this tomorrow, okay?”

As soon as you opted to turn around, to spin upon the balls of your feet, you flinched at the sound of a heavy fist colliding with a vast object. 

The glass rattled, the aftershock of the collision reverberating through your core. Startled at the sudden noise, you felt yourself freeze in your spot as you stared in bewilderment at the demon before you. 

“It’s not a silly question….” Daki uttered, her face contorted into anguish. Her voice was a mere whisper, forming a surprising disparity between her previous outburst and sudden bashfulness.

Her head was dipped down low, her shoulders sunken by the burdens she carried. Her eyebrows furrowed, vision clouded by her concealed hurt. 

You blinked in surprise, gawking at her in disbelief. You felt a tidal wave of shame wash over you, feeling beyond disheartened that you had unintentionally insulted the girl you tried to befriend. 

“Daki, I-“

-“Listen.” She interrupted, shaking her head. “There’s something you need to know.”

It was up until now you noticed that the previous malfunctioning light in Daki’s chamber had been fixed. Now that you were able to perceive her full glory, you stared at the sight. 

How beautiful she was. Now that her burn had fully healed, you felt breathless at the mere sight of her. Her fair skin, radiant eyes and long, flowing hair took your breath away. 

Picking up on her troubled expression, you figured whatever Daki was about to tell you was sure to be important. 

And she trusted you with the forbidden fruit. 

“As you can see…my brother and I have been separated.” She grieved. “We were close. Indescribably close. And that’s exactly why they took us apart.”

You deliberately stayed quiet, standing still. You let the silence coddle her, reminding her that you were listening. 

“My big brother…he’s always there for me. He’s strong and reliable and always defends me when I get bullied…”

Her voice was soft, her tone tender. 

“But we argue sometimes. And I parted ways with him saying awful things.” 

You watched her lips tremble, her fangs digging into the ruby flesh.

“We had a massive fight. I said so many things I deeply regret. I fell asleep afterwards, and when I woke up, he was gone.”

Her voice trembled. 

“…it's been so long….since I last saw him…”

A soft, choked up wail left her lips, one she immediately tried to hide. 

Ever since Daki’s argument with her older brother, the radiant demoness had been stuck in an endless state of despair. The guilt of the pain her words had inflicted upon the one she loved most was a burden she couldn’t bear. 

She remembered it like it was yesterday. The last conversation that formed the thorn in her spine. 

——

“WHO THE HELL GETS BEHEADED BY SOME LOWLY SCIENTISTS?” 

Gyutaro huffed, his gruff, husky voice laced with resentment as he glared at his sister. Daki, whose head was still in the process of merging with her neck, scoffed in contempt. 

“-SO YOU WERE WATCHING AFTER ALL! WHY DIDN’T YOU SAVE ME THEN?”

-“I WAS BUSY HANDLING MYSELF!”

“SO WHAT? YOU SHOULD HAVE HANDLED IT! AREN’T YOU THE STRONG ONE HERE?” 

Gyutaro gritted his teeth together, gnashing them against each other in an excruciating sound. The shrill sound of his sister’s whines hurt his ears. 

“SINCE YOU DON’T JACKSHIT YOURSELF, YOU COULD’VE HELPED ME INSTEAD!”

“THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE CONTROLLED ME SO I COULD DO THAT!” Daki wailed, throwing her arms around in a childish tantrum. 

“SHUT UP! IF YOU’RE GONNA CALL YOURSELF AN UPPER RANK, YOU SHOULD AT LEAST BE ABLE TO LIVE UP TO THE FUCKING NAME!” Gyutaro barked, his eyes widened in rage. 

The two siblings panted as a brief silence settled, the stench of their hatred polluting the air. 

Daki’s eyebrows furrowed, her eyes trembling in ferocity as she took one good look at her brother, taking in his features. 

“Someone as ugly as you…couldn’t possibly be my brother….” 

She wailed, thick beads of tears pooling at her waterlines.  

“I bet you and I aren’t even related by blood! Since we look nothing alike!”

Gyutaro watched as she sobbed, her piercing voice spewing out insults. 

“YOU’RE SO USELESS! YOUR ONLY SAVING GRACE IS YOUR STRENGTH! NOTHING ELSE! YOU HAVE NO VALUE IF YOU LOSE, YOU WORTHLESS, UGLY FREAK!”

She watched his eyes widen, letting the weight of her insults fall upon him. 

For centuries, Gyutaro had grown used to the language of insults. The derogatory, humiliating terms had nestled its way beneath his skin, throbbing beneath his veins like a maggot feasting on a corpse. 

But alas, his thick skin failed to lessen the blow. 

Spat out and insulted by the only person who’d ever looked his way.

He felt his heart crack, his pitiful torment quickly overridden by his bright, burning rage. 

“SHUT THE HELL UP! IF YOU WERE ON YOUR OWN, YOU’D BE LONG DEAD! HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I SAVED YOUR ASS? HOW MANY TIMES DID I HAVE TO CLEAN UP YOUR MESSES? DID THAT THOUGHT EVER CROSS YOUR MIND?”

He narrowed his twitching eyes, his wrist flying upwards. Daki watched as his nails clawed against his flesh, letting seeping scars roam his body. The soft, squelchy splattering of blood hitting the floor filled the room. 

“It didn’t. Because that’s the kind of girl you are. Spoiled, dumb, and unbelievably selfish. Rotten to the core.”

Gyutaro panted. 

“You’re the worthless one and you know it. The fact that we ended up here in the first place is your fault. I wish I hadn’t protected someone as worthless as you all this time.” 

His muscles clenched, the stench of bad intentions evident in his breath. 

“IF IT WEREN’T FOR YOU, MY LIFE WOULD’VE BEEN DIFFERENT! I ACTUALLY COULD HAVE BEEN SOMETHING! YOU NEVER SHOULD’VE BEEN BORN!”

Streams of thick, hot tears descended down the demoness’ cheeks, her cheeks flushed with emotion. 

“FINE! IF THAT’S WHAT YOU WANT!” She wailed, detaching a hairpin from her head and launching it towards her brother. Gyutaro effortlessly dodged the blow, glaring at the hairpin that was now stuck in the wall. 

“I WOULDN’T MIND IF I NEVER SAW YOU AGAIN!”

“LIKEWISE!”

Huffing, the two demons tore their gazes away from each other as they each went their separate ways, creating as much distance as possible in the cell they both shared. 

Oblivious to the fact that their wish would be granted. 

——

“I found out that they moved him to the lower levels.” Daki continued. “They locked him up down in a ditch. All by himself.”

A tormented wail emerged from her rosy lips. She sank to her knees, the weight of her despair crashing down onto her limbs. 

“I miss him so much. It’s tearing me apart.”

You gasped as you witnessed drops of tears adorning her eyes, her fingers trembling beside her form. 

“I-I figured…. ” Daki stammered, seemingly trying to keep her composure intact. Her entire body shook with emotion, her voice shrill with distress. 

“I figured if someone were to put in a good word for him, the staff might reconsider his location…” She babbled. 

“And if that were to happen, maybe, just maybe, I can see my brother again.”

Your brows had been furrowed, mimicking the evident sadness that plagued her mesmerising face. You felt a crushing weight flutter in your chest, tasting Daki’s grief like it was your own. 

“Oh Daki…”

-“(__).”

You gasped in awe when the she moved to crouch in front of you, her body moving into the shape of a bow. Your eyes widened in utter disbelief when the proud, untouchable demoness’ forehead hit the floorboards. 

“Please…” She muttered, losing the battle with her rising emotions. Her body shook with sobs, her shoulders twitching. 

“You’re the only one I can ask….”

She lifted her head, allowing you to see her eminent look of desperation as her eyes shone with moisture. Beads of tears adorned her snow-white cheeks, dripping down onto the floor. 

“Please help us out, (__)! I wanna see my nii-chan again!”

You hadn’t even realised you were crying as well. 

The lament of the younger sister had shattered your heart, leaving your lips to tremble as you sniffled. A brief silence settled as you wiped your tears away with your sleeve. 

“But Daki…” You stammered. “How come you’re asking me? Aren’t there hundreds of scientists that walk past you everyday? How come you didn’t ask any of them?”

“Are you kidding me?”

The sudden, piecing tone of her voice startled you. She sounded pissed. 

“First of all, I refuse to talk to men. I’d rather die.” She shook her head, clicking her tongue in disgust.  

“Where I’m from, women are merchandise. They’re sold, traded, used and broken. The owner is free to do with them as they please.”

You held your breath, full of curiosity where a demon like Daki came from. What her life was like before the SCP facility. 

“Men are beasts. I’ve witnessed their vile, despicable acts with my own eyes more times than I can count.” She scoffed.  “The scientists here are all scumbags too. It doesn’t help that most of them are men. They wouldn’t do shit for me!” She groaned. “All of them are just bullies! They keep ganging up on me!”

Daki whined, scowling at the reminder of SCP’s staff. 

“The first time we met…” She gave you a look. “You defended me in front of Uzui. No one else has ever done that before.”

Her piercing gaze was fixated upon you. 

“I figured that there might be a person capable of empathy after all. That’s why you’re my only option.”

She chuckled sarcastically as she sniffled. “This is the first time in my entire life I went on my knees for someone else. Consider it an honour.”

You snickered. Of course, Daki’s pride couldn’t go unnoticed. 

You exhaled as you moved closer to her cell, letting your fingers roam the cold glass. 

“Daki….please don’t cry anymore.” You hushed, your voice a lullaby to her ears. 

For a split second, instead of a cold, powerful demoness, you saw a young girl begging for the warmth of your hand. 

“Please rest well tonight.” You smiled at her, eyes shining with tears. “I’ll see what I can do for you, okay?”

“You promise?” Daki asked, her voice trembling. 

“I promise.”

——

“YOU DID WHAT?”

The lingering taste of caffeine combined with the fleeting scent of cinnamon would’ve been a soothing combination if not for the deafening sound of Rengoku’s voice. 

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting your surroundings in the embrace of moonlight. His car hummed softly as it travelled the abandoned roads, occasionally met with the flickering of lanterns. 

After having missed the last bus, your kind colleague was quick to offer you a ride home. Your spine rested against the velvety fabric of the passengers seat, recoiling at the blaring sound. 

“YOU WENT DOWN TO MEET GYUTARO?” Rengoku inquired, turning his head around to glance at you. His eyes were widened in shock, utter disbelief painted on his face. 

You nodded, shrieking. “Yes. I went down there with sir Shinazugawa. However, I was the only one who actually got the chance to talk to him.” You recalled. “He said something about having a restraining order of some sorts, which is why I went in on my own.”

You witnessed Rengoku’s eyebrows furrow in disdain.  “That is utterly unacceptable and completely irresponsible on Sanemi’s behalf.”

His grip around the steering wheel tightened. “You aren’t even allowed to go back there. Shinobu has deliberately altered your keycard to forbid you from entering certain places.”

The man continued, continuously shaking his head in disapproval. “It’s too dangerous for you, (__). Those warning signs hang there for a reason. Gyutaro destroyed half of the entertainment district when our staff managed to capture him.”

Entertainment district? You visibly perked up, your interest piqued. Is that where they lived? 

“I understand, sir Rengoku.” You sighed in defeat. “Although I was pretty scared during my encounter with Gyutaro, to be honest, that wasn’t even what bothered me most…”

He shot you another look. “Oh?” 

You nodded. “When it was over, me and Shinazugawa were in the elevator together. He said something…hurtful…”

“Hurtful how?”

You sighed again, recalling the unpleasant memory. “He said that ‘girls like me’ aren’t supposed to work here. Whatever that means.”

Rengoku raised an eyebrow. “He said that?”

You nodded again. “Yeah. He said that girls like me are better off working somewhere else. Apparantly I’m not fit to be here.”

Rengoku fell silent. You watched his face contort, his gaze sharpening into a stern, serious look. He blinked as his eyes fixated on the road ahead, slowly analysing your words. 

“I get it now.”

“Huh?”

“What Sanemi’s plan is.” Rengoku stated. “I get it now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look, (__).” His hands moved to clutch the steering wheel. “Sanemi is…an odd type of person. I’ve known him long enough to know that his intentions are well. He’s just rough around the edges, and shows it in some twisted ways.”

You raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Sanemi is trying to scare you. That’s it.” Rengoku pinpointed. “I’m sure he must’ve taken the necessary precautions to ensure your safety during your encounter with Gyutaro. I fully believe it.”

He continued. “Forcing you to meet SCP’s most frightening demon alongside that comment of his, I think it’s pretty clear.” He nodded. “Sanemi is trying to make you quit. As rude and hurtful as he can be, he wants you to work a job that makes you happy. Not whatever this is.”

You tilted your head. “Do you really think that?”

“Absolutely.”

Rengoku seemed certain. 

You sighed in relief, letting your back sink into the seat. “If what you’re saying is true, then I guess I can forgive him. Although I do find him particularly intimidating.”

He chuckled. “Trust me, you wouldn’t be the only one.”

A comfortable silence settled as you gazed outside the window, staring at the bypassing trees. 

“By the way, (__),”

“Yes?”

“You don’t have to be so formal with me.” Rengoku smiled, his features softening. “I think we’ve known each other far too long for you to still address me with ‘sir Rengoku’. Kyojuro is fine.”

“Really?” You asked. “Is that okay for me?”

“Of course!” He replied. “That formality was never necessary in the first place. We're only two years apart.”

“Alright then.” You smiled, glancing at your colleague. 

“Thank you for the ride, Kyojuro.” 

——

“(__)!” Tanjirou called out, waving towards your form. His school bag was swinging beside his hips, the warm summer sun hitting his features. “I’m so glad you could make it!”

“Of course!” You chuckled, joining him on the sidewalk. “You said something about a new recipe?”

He nodded, smiling. “Yeah. My mom has been experiencing with some new pastries. I’m glad you were willing to try them.”

“And refuse free food? Never.” You chuckled. “Where’s Nezuko?”

“She’s with Makomo today.” He replied. “They’re hanging out together.”

The both of you slipped into a comfortable rhythm of small talk, walking down the village’s streets towards Tanjirou’s house. 

Before he got the chance to open the door, he was beaten to it by an incoming whirlwind of energy. Four carbon copies of the Kamado family smiled at your presence, their eyes widened in excitement. 

“It’s (__)! It’s (__)!” They cheered, laughing as they pulled you into their house. You didn’t even get the chance to kick your shoes off before they dragged you into their living room. 

“(__)! (__)! Do you like my new hair? It’s shorter now!” Hanako inquired, excitedly tugging your sleeve as she pointed towards her head. 

“Who cares about that?” Takeo huffed, moving to grasp your other sleeve. “(__)! Did you know I totally aced my math quiz? I’m the smartest, aren’t I?”

“How good, Takeo!” You smiled, gently patting him on his head. “I’m so proud.”

“Onee-san!” Rokuta babbled, standing on his tippy toes to tug lightly onto your skirt. “Pick me up pick me up!”

You loved Tanjirou’s siblings. That all shared their vast amount of overflowing kindness and hospitality, enveloping you in their house as their own. 

“Everyone! Don’t be so overwhelming!” Tanjirou scolded, gently prying their hands from your clothes. “Have some manners!”

“(__)! Try some of these! Our mommy made them!”

 Shigeru called out from the kitchen, eagerly making his way over to you. His hands were wrapped around a silver tray, stacked with steaming pastries and delicacies. You felt your mouth water at the sight, gently crouching down to take the tray from the small boy. 

“Wow, that looks delicious!” You praised, grabbing a pastry before putting it in your mouth. Your eyes widened when you registered its sweetness, complimented beautifully by the warm, crispy texture of its enveloping crust. “And it tastes good too!”

You watched the Kamado siblings visibly light up at your compliment, fuelling their passion for their family’s bakery. 

“Hey, what are you doing?” Hanako scolded, slapping Takeo’s wriggling hand away from the tray. 

“What does it look like I’m doing?” The boy scoffed, sending his sister a look. “I’m hungry!”

“No can’t do!” Hanako protested. “Mom made these for our guest!”

“I bet you’re saying that because you wanna have them yourself!” Takeo stuck his tongue out, blowing raspberries. 

“No I don’t! Pastries make you fat!”

“You’re fat!”

“What did you say?”

You chuckled as you watched the two siblings argue, faces contorted into annoyance as they tugged on each other’s hair. 

Tanjirou sighed in defeat as he shot you a bashful look, casting you a silent apology for his sibling’s behaviour. 

You shook your head, chuckling at the sight. 

They reminded you of another pair of siblings. 

For a second, for a brief, fleeting moment, you saw them, the outline of their silhouettes morphing into the shape of Tanjirou’s siblings. Bickering with each other like Hanako and Takeo had done. 

You smiled to yourself, the pastry still warm in your hand. 

They’d reunite one day. You swore to yourself. 

They will. 

Chapter Text

“Hey you!”

You chirped, eagerly peeking into Douma’s snowy chamber. 

It had been a while since you last saw the demon you’ve grown so fond of. Everytime Shinobu assigned you some chores onto the thirteenth floor, you caught yourself feeling an odd amount of relief. 

As your eyes scanned the containment cell, you deflated at the sight. Its inhabitant was nowhere to be seen. 

His chamber looked as mesmerising as always. The snow covering the floorboards glistened like gemstones in the fluorescent lightning, the branches of pine trees carrying its weight. 

Sighing in defeat, you frowned. Right when you were about to turn, you felt the lingering sensation of a piercing set of eyes fixated on your back. Perhaps you had disturbed Douma’s neighbour from his slumber. 

“Huh? You’re still here?”

You turned around, gazing upon the other SCP inhabiting the room. 

Akaza stood before you, a few feet separated from the glass barrier of his cell. His head was cocked to the side, his hand resting lazily on his hip. 

You stayed silent, casting him a look. You weren’t sure what kind of response he wanted to hear. 

“Damn. I’m impressed.” Akaza scoffed.  “You last a lot longer than I expected.”

There was something cocky about his tone, elongated by the slight squint of his eyes. He stared you down, golden pupils taking you in. 

“I’m still here yes.” You flatly replied. “Much to your relief.”

You watched his demeanour shift a little as you matched his sarcasm. His eyes squinted further, a knowing, sly smile moving to grace his features. “Hmm.”

After a brief silence settled, you moved to grasp your forsaken cart. You tried to stifle a sigh as you heard Akaza’s voice pierce the silence again. 

“No seriously, how come you haven’t quit yet?” He raised an eyebrow, looking at you like you held all the answers he needed. “Is it the money? The thrill of the unknown? Both?”

There was something about his tone that irked you. His sly, overconfident demeanour rubbed you the wrong way, making annoyance bubble in your stomach. 

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business, Akaza.”

You watched his eyes widen a little when you said his name. Clearly, it was a sound that stirred something within him.

“C’mon, don’t be like that.” The demon huffed, shaking his head. “You know I’m just making small talk right?”

“Well.” You sucked air through the gaps of your teeth as you pushed the cleaning cart further. “I don’t feel like talking today.”

“Hmm?” Akaza raised an eyebrow in suspicion. “That’s odd. With the way you were looking into his chamber, I assumed you were feeling pretty chatty.” 

It was funny, you noticed. He refused to say Douma’s name. 

You halted the cart in its movements, lifting your head to stare at the wall ahead. God, if only he knew how much he was pushing your buttons right now. 

“I was.” You stated, casting Akaza a cold glance. “Because I missed him. I wanted to see him.”

A silence fell. 

You watched his demeanour shift. That previous, irritating attitude melted from his features, making way for something cold. You watched his face contort into a solemn, stern expression as he stepped closer towards the glass.

“Him.” He uttered, his voice grim. “Do you like him?”

“Who? Douma?”

“Yes.”

It was almost scary how quickly he switched up. All hints of playful banter evaporated into thin air, allowing tension to settle. 

You removed your hands from the cart, letting them sway beside your form as you met Akaza’s gaze. “I do.”

“Why.”

You perked up at the pure, unfiltered venom that tarnished his voice. His utter disdain laced itself into his tone, letting his question sound more like a statement instead. 

“Because he’s nice to me, Akaza.” You replied. 

It happened again. The slight flutter of his eyelashes everytime you said his name. 

“Douma’s kind and gentle.” You smiled, reminiscing your past encounters with the upper rank.  “When he noticed how scared I was, I could tell he went out of his way to make me feel safe and comfortable. I think it’s touching to see how fond he’s grown of me, and I think it’s likewise.”

You raised an eyebrow in disbelief when you watched Akaza stick his tongue out in disgust, his entire face contorted into repugnance. 

“Yuck.” He spat. “Do you hear how pathetic you sound?”

“You literally asked for it!” You rebutted.

“See. That’s why that colleague of yours was right about you.” Akaza stated, glaring. 

“Girls like you aren’t supposed to work here. Weaklings like you can’t take care of themselves.”

“Shut up! What the hell do you know?” Your voice cracked as you defended your pride. 

“Hey hey, don’t get mad at me now. It’s why I have the perfect solution!” 

You watched the demon smile, a forged amount of kindness and generosity radiating off of him as he stretched his arms out. 

“You should become a demon too!” He chuckled in delight, his eyes widening in ecstasy. The mere idea made his veins throb. 

“If you become a demon, you can say goodbye to that useless body of yours.” He added. “Demons don’t grow old. Demons don’t get sick. Us powerful demons are the very top of the foodchain! The world bows at our feet!”

“You say that as if it’s anything worth bragging about.” You bit back. “You speak of endless power, but who is the one trapped in a cage?”

You nearly jumped when you watched the demon cackle, throwing his head back as he laughed. “Hey, that’s a pretty nice comeback! Gotta give you some credit for that huh!”

Akaza sank down to his knees, lowering his stance until he directly met your line of vision. “I might seem behind bars my dear, but this cage is inside out.”

“What do you mean?”

“Try and use your head a little, pretty.”

You felt irritation boil yet again in the pit of your stomach, moving to reach its limit. 

“What the hell is your problem?” You scoffed. “If you hate me that much, why bother talking to me in the first place?”

“Girls like you are stupid.” Akaza asserted, his voice picking up intensity. “Girls like you are hopelessly weak. Girls like you are bound to get crushed.”

“Shut up!” You yelled, feeling your anger reach its peak. “Shut the hell up!” 

Akaza moved to his previous standing position, cocking his head once more to give you a look. 

“If you want to challenge what I said, then go ahead and tell me that in person.” He offered, squinting his eyes in a way that made you want to rip the hair from his head. “Let’s see how brave and strong you truly are.”

“You know what.” You scoffed. 

“Fine.”

——

A nauseating combination of both shame and regret swirled together within the depths of your brain, making your heart sink to your stomach as you stood face to face with the final barrier. You tried your hardest to suppress a shudder as your trembling hand pressed your staff ID against the card reader. 

With a loud hiss, the doors separated. 

You blinked, scanning your surroundings. 

You had almost forgotten just how disastrous Akaza’s cell looked. The utter disarray it was in was blatantly outrageous. The entire floor was covered with piles of broken glass, furniture, and other unidentifiable objects, leaving not an inch untouched. You stared helplessly at the mess pooling at your feet, wondering how to get across without breaking your leg. 

“Ah. Lemme clear that up for ya.”

You didn’t even have time to register the impact. 

From the corner of your eye, you watched Akaza slam his bare foot down onto the floor, sending a shockwave to reverberate throughout his cell. A sudden force of wind rumbled through the space, making the broken objects collide against the walls. 

Akaza was surprised to see you wince. Instead of a impressed, baffled, or even slightly dazzled expression, he watched as your eyes squeezed together. Your face contorted into discomfort as you curled your spine, your hands glued to your ears to shield yourself from the deafening sound. 

Why weren’t you praising him instead?

After granting you a few seconds to collect yourself, he was quick to resume the conversation. 

“Well? Already figured out how you’re gonna salvage your pride?”

Just like that, his nauseating smirk had returned. 

“All I wanted to say…” You uttered, your soft voice rivalling the force of Akaza’s previous attack. 

“All I wanted to say is that strength is a matter of perspective.”

Although you wanted to uncurl yourself from your hunched position, your body failed to do so. Despite the amount of times you had entered an upper rank’s confinement cell, the pressure radiating from their presence had yet to grow familiar. The sheer magnitude of his existence drained the strength from your limbs. 

“Sure, our kind can’t move mountains like you do. Us humans can’t make natural disasters happen or disobey the laws of physics.” You continued. “But that doesn’t mean you should look down on us humans.”

“Hmmm?” Akaza hummed, his curiosity piqued. “You fascinate me. Go on.”

You shook your head, feeling your pride falter. You felt your arms start to tremble. 

“Maybe both you and Shinazugawa were right. Maybe this job isn’t meant for me after all.” You spoke. “I’m nowhere as responsible or knowledgeable as my colleagues. I’m nowhere as qualified or capable as the rest of these people roaming these halls.”

You paused. “But at least I tried. And that is something I can be content with.”

“So you’re giving up?” He sneered. “That’s pathetic.”

“You’re pathetic.”

You replied quicker than your brain could register. 

He hummed. “You say that, but you haven’t even moved an inch since I cleared the way. How about closing the distance huh?”

“No.”

You hugged your arms, pushing them closer to your body at a feeble attempt at comforting yourself. Your voice was weak, trembling. 

“Why not?” The demon asked, hand returning to his hip. He hadn’t moved either, letting the distance between you two linger.

“Because I’m scared.” You professed. “Of you. Of every SCP here. And I’m not afraid to admit it.”

“Why are you afraid then?” Akaza asked. You could see the slightest hint of his wounded pride  flickering in his eye. 

How come you were so wary with him, when you had been so gentle with Douma?

“Why shouldn’t I be?” You uttered in disbelief. “Standing face to face with a creature that can snap my neck like a twig. Sure, nothing scary about that.”

Akaza merely sighed, shaking his head in disapproval. A brief stillness settled as you stayed firmly in place, refusing to step closer. 

A familiar humming pierced the silence. 

Both you and Akaza immediately turned your head to its source. Your eyes lit up when you saw the familiar sight of crooked platinum bangs, a red-stained cranium and sparkling, dazzling eyes. 

“Douma!”

Akaza nearly gagged at the excitement in your voice. Especially with how little progress the male himself had made regarding your relationship. 

You watched Douma smile from the opposite chamber, waving. He tilted his head to the side, sending a confused glance at the awkward amount of distance between you and Akaza. 

“Hmmm?” The demon hummed, putting two and two together. “No way. Are my beloved friends bonding with one another?”

Your eyes widened in surprise at the soft, airy sound of Douma’s voice. His was a rarity, a tender reminder of his trust.

You stayed silent at Douma’s question, looking at Akaza for a reply. You watched the demon’s face contort into utter disgust, his brows furrowed in disdain. The stench of his aversion radiated off of him. 

“But what’s with the distance I wonder?” Douma noted, glancing at your hunched form. “(__) looks afraid. Are you taking good care of my beloved, Akaza-dono?”

Despite the sugarcoated layer of Douma’s words, you could see the veins of rage throbbing atop his forehead, his hands clenching into fists. He was pressing his buttons without even trying. 

Douma chuckled, turning his attention to you instead. You witnessed his features visibly softening when his eyes took you in. “Hey doll. Sorry I wasn’t there just now. I was sleeping.” He smiled. “Of course, all of my happiest dreams are about you!”

He blew you a kiss. 

“I know my friend Akaza seems intimidating and all, but I promise he’s kind! He even paved the way for you, see?” Douma added, pointing at the white floorboards of Akaza’s cell that were now untarnished by broken objects. 

He shook his head. “You see, the only reason his chamber looked like that to begin with was because of his unyielding desire to get stronger. He trains ‘til his bones crack. Isn’t that just so…admirable?”

Despite the praise, you could tell Akaza’s patience was wearing thin. Each syllable muttered from Douma’s lips seemed to further aggravate his anger, leaving him to scoff. 

“It really is a shame. Knowing that despite his best efforts, there’s really no way that Akaza-dono could beat me in a fi-“

The impact that followed made your heart stop. Akaza’s anger had reached its boiling point. 

Faster than the human eye could register, his fist collided with the glass barrier with a force like never before, leaving the glass to violently rattle in its place. The blaring sound made your head spin, making you wince as you cupped your ears. 

It hurt.

“Hey now.” Douma shushed after the echo stopped reverberating. “Look at what you’ve done. You made (__) upset.”

Following the direction of his outstretched fingernail, Akaza glanced over at your form. His heart sank with guilt as he witnessed your curled spine, face contorted in discomfort as your hands were glued to your ears. 

He hurt you. 

“(N/N) has very sensitive ears you see.” Douma professed, gazing lovingly at your form. “I knew, since I’ve been watching her for a while. Whenever she drops something, the first thing she does is cover her ears. That’s why you have to be cautious around her, Akaza-dono.” He chuckled. “If you don’t, I’ll get mad y’know!”

Ignoring his taunting words, Akaza’s lips parted in concern as he registered the hurt your features conveyed. The demon found himself torn, wanting to reach out yet stay away, wishing to distance you from the source of your pain. He stretched his arm out, letting his limb hover uncomfortably in the air as he wondered what to do. 

As the ringing in your ears gradually died down, you stretched your spine as you exhaled. That hurt. 

Your eyes widened however, at the unreadable expression on Akaza’s face. 

No trace of his previous anger or frustration could be found, his golden pupils laced with an odd elixir of both concern and empathy. 

You blinked, swallowing as you took him in. 

You didn’t know what to make of Akaza. He was the type to constantly provoke you, to deliberately utter the words that were sure to get under your skin. Despite the teasing, mocking and irritating nature however, there was another side of the demon you barely got to see. 

After all, Akaza was the one who had activated Douma’s collar in the past. He was the one who showed concern towards your well-being as your relationship with the ice-wielder continued to flourish, although wrapped with bitter remarks and petty insults. 

Whether he hated or cared for you, you couldn’t tell. 

“I….” Akaza uttered, his voice low. “I didn’t mean to scare you…”

Was that an apology? You thought to yourself, blinking in bewilderment at the demon. You merely shook your head, hoping to ease his concern.

“Are you alright my flower?” Douma uttered. “If you’re scared, you can come to me.” He pouted, giving you the grabby-hands.

You felt uncomfortable. The pressure of their beings began to feel suffocating, the sensation of their piercing eyes making your blood run cold. Their odd cat and mouse game to capture your attention made you feel uneasy, making you wince as you writhed in your position. 

“(__).” Akaza’s hushed. “Are you okay?”

You shuddered, nodding. 

“I gotta give it to him though.” Douma smiled. “That punch was a bit stronger than before, wasn’t it lord Akaza?”

You watched as the upper three’s hands balled themselves into fists again, his eyes widened in an unspoken rage. The tension radiating from his body made the back of your throat sting. 

“I can’t believe you like this guy.” Akaza spat, his piercing stare drilling holes into the demon’s head. “Everything he says just makes me wanna vomit.”

“Hmmm….well you’ve heard it yourself, haven’t you?” Douma snickered. “She said I’m kind, sweet, gentle. Isn’t it funny? I kind of embody everything you don’t!” 

Although Douma’s voice lacked any hostility whatsoever, you heard Akaza gnash his teeth in an excruciating sound. 

“Shut it, you sad excuse of an upper rank. What’s gotten you so chatty?”

“Oh you know…” Douma shrugged. “Just felt like talking today.” He chuckled. “You know, I actually can’t help but think that (__) likes me more when I’m mute.”

“Everyone likes you more when you’re mute.”

“Do you hear that, my doll?” Douma whined, pouting his lips like a child. “This is blasphemy! He’s slandering me!”

You felt your heart flutter at the endearing nickname, much to Akaza’s dismay. 

“Shut your mouth. The likes of you don’t get to claim anyone as their own.”

“Oh! But I already have!” Douma chirped. “My scent on her still remains. You know what that means, right?”

He inhaled, clasping his pale hands together as a tender, lovesick expression adorned his face. 

“We’re bound together throughout heavens and earth! Isn’t that romantic?” Douma swooned.

“Funny words coming from a labrat.”

“How hypocritical!”

You shakily exhaled, tired of being their spectator. As sneaky as you could, you tiptoed backwards, hoping to reach the doors of his cell without drawing attention to yourself. 

“Awww, (__)’s leaving already?” Douma pouted, frowning at your sad attempt to escape. “See Akaza, this is what happens when you act all rude to women. That explains why you still have no luck with the ladies.”

You shrieked when you suddenly felt a cold hand lace itself around your wrist. Akaza’s grip was firm, yet airy. You blinked in bewilderment at the distance the demon had crossed within the blink of an eye, his face irritated as he gently tugged you towards the glass. 

“(__).” Akaza uttered, staring at Douma. “Do you have any idea how many women he has eaten throughout his lifetime?” He asked, narrowing his eyes at the other male. “I’ve seen him do it time and time again. Young girls, the daughters of men, have all fallen victim to his masticating jaws.”

You watched as Akaza continued his monologue. 

“And I watch you pamper him, toying with your life each time you visit his chamber. I see you looking at him with those hopeful eyes of yours, like he’s anything worth loving. It’s madness.” He scoffed. “Don’t you see how stupid this is? Are you too blind to see the danger that’s right in front of you?”

“Hey now.” Douma intervened. “What a rude accusation. That doll of mine is not for eating.”

A silence followed as your eyes traced Akaza’s hand that remained curled around your wrist. 

He was cold. Nowhere as cold as Douma, but still. 

You had never been so close to him before. The demon stood right beside you, a few inches separating your skin. You scanned his muscular build, taking in every circular tattoo that adorned his limbs. His shoulders were straightened, his head held high. 

“Why do you care?”

At the sound of your quiet, hushed voice, Akaza turned his head. 

You hadn’t bothered to detach your hand from his grip. Your voice was soft, unusually quiet, casting an odd sensation to roam through his veins. 

“I remembered when we first met, Akaza-san.”

His heart fluttered at the sound. Despite the formality of the nickname, it was adorable nonetheless.

“You spat me out from the second I saw you. You told Kyojuro that I was ‘too weak to look at.’” You continued. “You called me names. Did not care to learn my name. You said weak people deserved to die.”

Both Akaza and Douma fell quiet. 

“I already know that you hate me. I lost count of how many times you insulted me today. So that’s why I wonder…” 

You lifted your head, gazing up into Akaza’s eyes. 

“Why do you care? Why would a strong, powerful demon like you concern himself with the fate of one weak girl? Wasn’t death my demise?” You bitterly laughed. “So what if I were to die? So what if I were to get eaten? How does that affect you? How does it prevent you from getting stronger, Akaza?”

Something inside of him snapped at that. 

You watched his eyes widen, the lapis sclera of his eyes swirling. His golden pupils trembled, his eyelashes fluttering. 

Something about your words reminded him of something. A circumstance buried deep within his subconscious, hidden from the light of day. 

Loss. Regret. Grief. 

His yearning for strength. Where did it come from?

As the silence continued, something in the air had shifted. 

His suffocating presence had picked up intensity, the radiating pressure now strong like never before. You shakily exhaled, wondering if your words had provoked him somehow. 

The sensation of your trembling wrist curled around his fingers brought him back to reality. 

He blinked, his lips parted as he stared you down.

“I don’t—” He stumbled. “I don’t hate you.”

He gently let go off your wrist. His voice was calm, devoid of its usual playful tone. 

You stood before him, weak and afraid. 

Your silhouette blurred, blending together with a memory he longed to forget. 

The ghost of a presence still haunted him til this very day.

“I should go…” You uttered, your feet hitting the floor tiles as you backed away. 

—“(__).”

The sound of Akaza’s voice startled you. He sounded calmer now. 

“Girls like you….” He professed, casting you a glance. 

“Need to take care.”

——

You yawned, eyes watering as you sank deeper into your velvety couch. 

The lights of your living room were dimly lit, various candles casting clouds of your favourite scent. The freshly made lasagna stood before you on the coffee table, still steaming from the oven’s heat.

The golden hues emitting from your lamps enveloped your living room in a comforting warmth, amplified by the fuzzy plaid draped around your body. Your cat fell asleep on a pillow, its hushed purrs filling the space. 

Zenitsu, who had begged you if he could come over, hummed in contentment as he hugged your arm, nuzzling his face closer to your body. 

“It was delicious, (__)! Thank you for the meal!”

You chuckled, feeling his grip on your arm tighten. 

“You’re welcome Zenitsu. I’m glad you liked it.”

He had become clingier lately. 

Agatsuma had been the clingy type since the very start of your friendship, but it’s been starting to get worse. Ever since you lived alone, he had been using it as a formidable excuse to come over as much as he could. Although he loved hanging out with you alongside the others, having you to his very self was his sacred delicacy. 

It wasn’t like you minded. Everytime the ‘hey, can I come over? :333’ text lit up your phone, chances were big you’d accept. 

He was nice company to have. In a way, you two complimented one another. The both of you shared the intricate love language of physical touch, deepening your bond. 

Your bond with him was a weird one. Sometimes, when you stared at the ceiling in the depths of night, you wondered what to make of it. Your relationship with him felt too platonic to be romantic, yet too romantic to be platonic. 

Thinking about it just made your head hurt. 

You lazily blinked, glancing at the bouquet of flowers he had given you. You had unwrapped them gently, placing them in a nice vase atop your coffee table. Although you had told him countless of times that gifts weren’t necessary, he wasn’t so easily swayed. 

“Hey. Is something wrong?”

The blonde let go of your arm, casting you a worried look as he created some distance. 

“Hmm?” You perked up. “Why would something be wrong?”

“You’re unusually quiet.” He noticed. “Is something bothering you?”

He blinked, his hands moving to grasp yours. “Anything I can help you with…maybe?”

Zenitsu was an odd person. Although he had his perverted, hormonal tendencies, you were able to look beyond that. To you, Agatsuma Zenitsu was just a boy who wanted to feel loved.

And so, he attached himself like a mosquito to a wound to the first girl on earth who had looked upon him with such kind eyes. 

The essence of his wish danced in the palm of his hand. He wasn’t letting go now. 

You sighed, merely shaking your head. You tried your hardest to give him a lacklustre smile, squeezing his hands.  “It’s fine. It’s whatever.”

“It’s not whatever!” He rebutted. “If it’s anything that saddens you, it’s gotta be important! Right?”

You sighed again, deeper this time. You figured some honesty wouldn’t hurt. 

“It’s just…” You uttered. “I feel like some people at work don’t like me very much.” You awkwardly smiled. “And they’re not afraid to tell me either.”

Zenitsu then proceeded to gasp so inhumanly hard, you were sure he lost all moisture in his body. 

“WHAAAAAAAT?” He screeched, his jaw hitting the floor. “WHAT?? WHOO??? NAMES, ADDRESSES, GIVE ME EVERYTHING!!! I’LL BEAT THEM UP!!!”

You chuckled at his outburst. “It’s okay, really. I get along with most of them just fine.” You reassured. “I suppose some words just…stuck more with me than I thought.”

“…What did they tell you?” Zenitsu carefully asked. “If you’re fine with sharing, of course.” 

Your shoulders sank, recalling the thorns in your spine. 

“Girls like you are hopelessly weak. Girls like you are bound to get crushed.”

“They told you that?” Zenitsu gasped, his eyes blown wide. “Really?”

You nodded. 

“I can’t believe it.” He shook his head. “What a horrible thing to say.”

His face contorted into determination, frowning as he squeezed your delicate hands once more. 

“Please (__), don’t listen to them!” He professed. “You are not weak! You’re kind and strong and amazing and I-”

He fell silent. 

The stillness continued as the blonde shifted his delicate fingers, moving them to interlock them with your own. You watched his eyes tremble, lips quivering. 

“(__), I really like…”

The unspoken confession scorched the very tip of his tongue. He could taste it, feel it even. 

At the sight of your astonishment, he faltered. 

Perhaps some things were better left unsaid.

“Girls like you.”

Chapter Text

You yawned. 

You were exhausted. Your legs ached with each step, your eyes burning with fatigue. You stifled a yawn as you felt tears well up in your eyes. 

A long day of school combined with a four hour shift with barely any breaks in between was killing. You had barely any time to stuff your face with some musty leftovers before catching the bus to work.

Thankfully for you, you had finished Shibobu’s tasks surprisingly early. After a quick shower in one of the many abandoned sanitary facilities, you groaned to yourself at the reminder of an empty locker. Of course, you had forgotten to bring some fresh clothes. For now, your school uniform had to suffice. 

The dark green fabric of Kimetsu academy’s uniform draped around your knees, your skirt swaying with each step. Your long, white stockings enveloped your calves, hugging your legs. A simple white blouse along with a muddy green tie decorated your chest, the airy fabric engulfing your skin. 

It felt a bit out of place to wear this uniform in the SCP facility. You shuddered, comforting yourself with the reminder that you would swiftly clock out. 

Having reached Shinobu’s office, you knocked gently upon her door. You silently prayed that she’d let you off the hook when you heard her gentle voice grant you permission to enter. 

“Hi Miss…” You stammered, glancing at her office before stepping in. 

Shinobu sat behind her desk, eyes focused on some neatly placed documents. A steaming cup of tea rested beside her form, casting her office in its soothing scent. 

She smiled as you entered. “Hey (__). Finished already?”

You nodded, bowing politely before your supervisor. “Yes Miss. I did everything you asked me to do.”

“That’s nice.” She added. “(__), could you maybe-“

The sound of knocking startled you, interrupting your supervisor mid-sentence. A pair of knuckles gently pressed themselves against the wooden door of Shinobu’s office. 

“Oh. Come in.” The lady replied. 

You turned around, witnessing the doorknob twist. 

A young girl emerged from the door opening. 

The maiden had large, lilac eyes, veiled by long, fluttering eyelashes. Her long, dark hair was tied up in a ponytail on the right side of her head, decorated by a butterfly ornament. Her skin was ghostly pale, showing semblance to the hue of the barren walls. 

Although she was not dressed in a labcoat, she looked formal nonetheless. Her uniform was a dark purple, neatly covering her upper body. A long, flowing skirt kissed her ankles, draping around her skin. 

She looked up however, at the intruding existence that was you. 

You gasped at the recognition.

“Kanao-?”

The girl didn’t reply, merely blinking in disbelief as she registered your presence. 

Shinobu chuckled at the two dumbfounded faces staring each other down. “Oh dear. I suppose you two know each other?”

You nodded profusely. “We’re classmates!” You added, staring at her in disbelief once more. “Kanao, I had no idea you worked here!”

Shinobu smiled. “I see. Are you two friends?”

You awkwardly shifted in your position. 

Your relationship with Kanao was…weird. You didn’t actually know if you had any type of relationship with her in the first place. 

It wasn’t like you hated her. Hell, she hadn’t even given you a reason to dislike her whatsoever. 

Kanao was just so cold. She seemed to possess no will of her own as she constantly did what was asked of her, never once showing enjoyment or enthusiasm. Her face was molded in a constant state of stoicism, the unmoving smile plastered on her features. 

It wasn’t like she was mean to you. She barely spoke to you in the first place. 

At first, you thought of Kanao as a shy, introverted girl. It wasn’t until later that you found out Kanao seemed more of a vessel than a person, as mean as it sounds.  

“She might be a bit cold on the surface, but you just have to get to know her better.” Tanjirou had told you once. “She’s a kind girl on the inside, I promise!”

You did trust Tanjirou’s judgement, but your suspicion of her hadn’t wavered. You tried talking to her in the past, but each time felt more like an interview than a conversation. Her replies were no more than three words long, making you regret ever trying in the first place. 

In a way, you weren’t sure how surprised you were that someone like Kanao was employed in a place like this. In a way, you figured her odd calmness and serenity would work well in a place surrounded by the paranormal. 

“Yeah.” You chuckled awkwardly, not wanting to disappoint Shinobu. “We’re friends….”

Now that both Kanao and Shinobu stood in the very same room, you were surprised at their similarities. They looked like siblings.  

“Kanao, are you done with your reports?” Your supervisor asked, glancing at the young girl. 

She nodded, bowing politely as she handed her a folder. She didn’t say a word. 

“Oh! Before I forget.” Shinobu perked up, clasping her hands together. “(__), can you be a dear and clean up something teeny tiny before you leave? I promise it won’t take longer than ten minutes. You can keep your current clothes on too.”

You tried your hardest not to groan. “Of course.”

“Great!” She cheered. “Kanao, can you please take (__) to the maintenance tunnels? I think she’ll need to use your keycard. You won’t mind, right?”

Kanao shook her head, her ruby lips pursed into an unmoving smile. 

“Alright. Thank you so very much (__).” Shinobu smiled. “I really appreciate your efforts. Please feel free to head home after you’re done.”

With that being said, both you and Kanao bade Shinobu a goodbye as you gently closed the door to her office. 

The walk to the elevators was a silent one. Neither you nor Kanao said something as the both of you entered the lift. 

The doors closed with a hiss. You watched as Kanao’s slender finger moved to press the circular ‘-3’ after scanning her card. 

“So….” You hummed, trying to fill the gaps of silence as the elevator descended. “I had no idea you worked here, Kanao.”

The girl hummed, her gaze unmoving as she mindlessly stared ahead.  

“Have you been here a long time?”

“Hmm.”

“Do you like it here?”

“Hmm.”

“Nice weather today huh?”

“Hmm.”

You sighed in defeat. This girl was hopeless. 

In a way, Kanao kind of belonged here. Her eerie composure would be excellent in a stressful environment like this.

The doors separated, revealing the sight of the maintenance tunnels. 

It stank here. A bitter, acidic stench crept up your nose, scorching the back of your throat. You squeezed your eyes shut as you coughed, trailing behind Kanao who seemed absolutely unbothered by the chemical stench. 

Although you had already visited the maintenance tunnels once, the sight of the dimly lit circular hallways had yet to grow familiar. Both the walls and ceiling were covered in a rusty, outdated shade of red as the scent of copper filled the air. 

Some of the dimly lit lights pressed into the ceiling seemed to malfunction, some of them having completely ceased working. The deceased lamps shrouded parts of the eerie hallway in darkness, making you wince. 

You shuddered, glancing at your surroundings. You hated this place. 

You silently trailed behind Kanao before you picked up your pace, walking beside her. 

You remembered what it was like when Shinazugawa brought you here. The reminder of the anomaly residing at this level along with the lament of his disheartened sister made you perk up. 

“Kanao…” You muttered, keeping your voice down. “Have you heard? About the SCP that’s kept here?”

“Hmm.”

“I heard some scary tales about him. Apparently he’s so dangerous that he’s all gagged and bound.”

“Hmm.”

You sighed. Still no luck.

“I heard he has a sister up above.” You added, watching as Kanao barely moved. “Isn’t it a bit sad that they’re separated like that? Shouldn’t they be together?”

You felt your lips part as Kanao suddenly halted in her tracks, her pace faltering. She stood still before you as her violet eyes drilled into your face. 

“(__).” Kanao professed. Her voice was soft, reminding you of the chirping of a mockingbird. 

“I don’t care. It doesn’t concern me.” Kanao stated. The expression on her face hadn’t changed. 

“Demon. No demon. Sister. No sister. Chained up. Not chained up. It doesn’t concern me.” She added. “I just do what I’m told. That is fine by me.”

You were stunned. For a moment, the both of you stood there in silence as you struggled to take her words in. 

What surprised you the most was the eerie stoicism in her voice. No hints of empathy, compassion, rage or judgement could be found. 

You stayed quiet, trailing behind her as she continued to lead the way. Your footsteps clattered against the metal, silver floor. 

You almost bumped into her when she suddenly stood still. She raised her arm, pointing at some weird puddles you could barely make out in the darkness.

“That is your final task.” Kanao said, detaching her own staff ID from the lanyard that was dangling around her neck. You perked up when she gently pressed it into your palm. 

“You’ll need this to go back up.” She explained. “I have a spare one in my pocket. Goodbye”.

Your lips were glued together as you watched her turn around, making her way back to the elevator as she left you by yourself. 

You were alone now. For a moment, you just stood there. You heard the water rushing through the pipes. 

You stepped closer to the odd-looking puddles, crouching slightly to inspect them further. They were made from an inky, thick substance, resembling tar. You raised your eyebrows in suspicion, wondering what the hell you were staring at. 

You sighed, getting up. You turned around, walking up to the maintenance rooms you had coincidentally noticed on your way here. 

After using Kanao’s keycard to unlock the door, you sighed in relief at the scarce amount of cleaning supplies resting on a small wooden table. That’ll do the trick. 

You returned to the puddles, armed with some cleaning wipes and kitchen towels clutched beneath your arms. With one swift movement, the puddles were gone. Walking back to the maintenance room, you threw the evidence in a bin. 

You were done now. You could go home. 

However, your body refused to move. Your limbs felt frozen as you stood aimlessly in the darkened hallways, staring at the distance ahead. The buzzing from the fluorescent lights and the soft dripping of water casted a haunting lullaby. 

You lifted your head as you glanced towards the end of the hallway, peering at the metal doors keeping the facility’s most dangerous creature at bay. 

You thought about him.

You reminisced on his eerie, raspy voice, complimented by the constant scraping of metal against the floor. You thought about his disproportionate features and misshapen anatomy, accompanied by those dull, lifeless eyes.

You blinked, staring mindlessly at the metal doors. 

You wondered if he was lonely. You felt your eyebrows knit, your heart sinking with an eerie form of pity. 

You stepped closer to the door. 

One more visit wouldn’t hurt, right?

——

You felt your stomach churn as you shakily pressed Kanao’s ID against the card reader, feeling your heartbeat speed up as soon as the doors opened. 

You tiptoed into the room, standing frozen in place after the metal doors automatically flung shut. 

In the very middle of the room stood the glass chamber that was Gyutaro’s home, shrouded by shadows and the rusty shade of red. 

Perhaps you were seeing things, but the room looked darker than before. 

You felt your pulse quicken as you inched closer to the glass, hearing your footsteps grace the floor. 

You knew you weren’t supposed to be here. Someone like you was the last person alive with the authority and experience to get access to this place. 

You had never been the type of person to willingly break the rules. Still, the thrill of the unknown had captivated you. 

Gyutaro’s chamber was dimly lit, the very backside shrouded in shadows. 

It was dead silent. You mindlessly fiddled with the tie of your uniform as you considered speaking up. 

Turns out you didn’t need to. 

The familiar, ear-piercing sound of heavy, metal chains scraping against the floorboards filled your ears as you heard the deity move. You narrowed your eyes as you witnessed a crooked, misshapen silhouette blend amidst the shadows. 

“Huh? Huh?” 

Your lips parted at the gruff, raspy voice emitting from behind the glass. 

The demon entered the light, his head cocked to the side as his shoulders swayed with each step. 

“This can’t be happening. Are my eyes deceiving me?” He let out a filthy chuckle, the odd curve of his neck worsening. “Pretty girl came back to me? All by herself?”

You swallowed as he slightly straightened his posture, narrowing his eyes in a shit eating grin. 

“No way! No way!” He cackled, throwing his head back. “Do you have a death wish or somethin’? Got a couple of screws loose?”

You felt the slightest tinge of regret tickle the back of your tongue. It was too late to turn back now. 

“Tell me tell me! What’s the occasion? I’m excited!” His voice cracked. 

“…I uhh…” You stumbled, fiddling with your blouse. “I was just…nearby when I remembered you were here….”

“No way!” The demon smiled in disbelief. “So you came here just because?”

“Hmm….”

You watched as Gyutaro approached, inching closer toward the glass barrier. 

You watched as his orange, glowing eyes trailed down your form, lingering atop your chest for far too long before ascending to your face. He squinted slightly when he took you in, shamelessly checking you out.  

“Damn. Guess you got all dressed up too huh?” He smirked. “How cute.”

Before a silence could settle, the demon snickered. 

“How sweet of you to drop by.” He grinned. “Wanna come over and chat with me for a while?”

Swallowing, you nodded. 

——

You really wondered how the hell you ended up here again. The disproportionate demon’s head was bent to the side as he stared at your form, making you regret all decisions that led you to this point.

Somehow, merely existing in the sheer facility itself did things to you. Sometimes it felt like your legs had a mind of your own as they carried you to places you wouldn’t even visit with a gun. 

“So you came here just because huh?” The demon repeated, narrowing his eyes in a slight suspicion. “Are you sure?”

His spine was stretched, his shoulders tense as his figure loomed in the darkness.

You nodded, trying to stand your ground. “Hmm. Your sister talks about you sometimes, so I just felt like checking up on you….”

Gyutaro cackled. “How lucky am I huh? To have such a nice, pretty girl come check up on me.” He snickered. “I bet someone as nice as you hands out their sympathy and kindness like candy on Halloween.”

His tone was laced with venom, fuelled by his bitter contempt. You swallowed at his sarcastic compliments, feeling his gaze pierce you. 

“How nice man. How nice.” 

You mentally braced yourself as the demon walked up to you, ears tormented by the horrific scraping as he approached. 

“I bet your kindness knows no bounds. I bet the other demons here can’t help but see you as their beacon of hope.” You flinched when his hand descended, harshly ruffling your hair. “How nice man!”

You winced when his hold on you tightened before he eventually let go with a mean tug. 

“Don’t lie to me, you. I know why you’re here.”

Another cheek-splitting grin met your line of vision as the demon snuck his arm around your waist, pulling you closer in a suffocating side-hug. You felt the metal chain surrounding his wrist dig softly into your back. 

You shook your head, blinking in confusion. 

“You know what I’m talking about, ain’t that right?” Gyutaro chuckled, mindlessly grasping a strand of your hair as he twirled it around his finger. 

“That dirty secret of yours.” 

His eyes narrowed. You felt your blood run cold.

There was something about Gyutaro that ignited something in you. Something vile and wicked, an epiphany just as disgusting and shameful as the demon before you. 

There was something about him. The broad stance of his shoulders, his crooked features, the curve of his spine. His twitching eyes, raspy voice and asymmetrical, brittle nails. 

It lured you in. 

You knew Gyutaro was insecure. That much was clear the very moment you met. Each and every syllable that rolled off his tongue was drenched in bad intentions, laced and coated in ill will and deceit.

Still, there was something about him you had grown to respect. 

Instead of wallowing in his own self-consciousness and bathing in his sorrow, Gyutaro had turned his ugliness into a weapon. He had honed his looks into a source of pride, using his demeanour to his utmost advantage to corner his foes.

There was something so horrifyingly addictive about his snarky comments. Something so profound about his oozing smugness and constant know-it-alls. The layers of feigned confidence he drenched himself with had captivated you, igniting a force within you that had yet to see the light of day. 

As much as you tried to conceal your utmost vulnerability, the demon was always one step ahead. 

The scent of your attraction to him drove Gyutaro crazy. He refused to believe it at first, struggling with comprehending the idea that someone would see value in a creature that was him. 

He heard it. Your quickened heartbeat, nervous blinks and blood rushing through your veins. 

You were attracted to him. And that was a revelation the demon was bound to indulge in. 

“Seriously, there’s gotta be something wrong with you to see something in me.” Gyutaro snickered as his hand crept up your spine, tracing shapes into your skin. “Are your parents siblings or somethin’?” 

He was awfully touchy. 

You pursed your lips together, as attentive as possible not to show the effect it had on you. 

He curled his spine, crouching slightly so his line of vision met yours. His bony fingers cupped your cheeks, cradling your face with a feigned consolation. 

His hands retrieved. The grin stayed plastered on his face as he stepped forward, inching closer until your back hit the wall. 

You were cornered now. 

“That’s okay though. That’s alright. Pretty girl can’t help herself.” He snickered. A gasp emitted from your lips as soon as you felt a cold, chilly hand creep up your thigh. 

You cursed yourself for the flutter of your heart. 

“(__)-“

Gyutaro inched closer, cornering you against the wall as his frame loomed over your presence.

“If you want me to make you feel good, there’s only one condition.” 

You felt his breath tickle your ear. 

“You gotta say the word.”

You were stunned momentarily, registering the weight of his words. 

“I’m serious.” He whispered, cold breath against your skin. “I’m not forcing ya y’know? If you don’t want this, I’ll stop.”

You almost whined when you felt his hand detach itself from the flesh of your thigh. 

Before he was able to fully retrieve his limb, your body acted on its own. Squeezing your eyes shut in shame, you winced as you grabbed his wrist, gently redirecting it to the place it once was. 

Although you didn’t dare face him, you could sense the nauseating grin embedded into his face. 

Gyutaro sneered. 

His face found solace in the crook of your neck as he caged you with his form. His fingertips lightly traced the skin of your inner thigh, gently massaging its flesh. 

You wondered if he’d kiss you if his muzzle wasn’t in the way. 

“So soft.” He complimented. “So nice.”

You whined when his hand trailed upwards, feeling it tug at the rims of your panties. He locked eyes with you for a few seconds, scanning your features for permission. 

You nodded at him. 

A whimper left your lips as you felt his cold, skeletal fingers rise to flick between your slit. You shuddered, shoulders stiffening. 

“So wet. It’s actually disgraceful.” He snickered, his condescending tone dripping with pride. “I haven’t even touched ya yet.”

He grew bolder, his fingers circling around the tender flesh. You winced when he eventually found your clit, making you gasp as he teased your core. 

You felt electric shocks zap through you as your spine curved, your thighs spasming.

You knew you weren’t supposed to do this. You weren’t supposed to be here. This entire ordeal was supposed to stay a fantasy. 

And still, you failed to resist.

After some teasing, flustered flicks and touches, the demon had learned the pattern of your body. His fingers had slipped into a steady rhythm of tracing circles, dipping a digit into your weeping entrance before returning where it was.

“Fuck-“

You felt so hot. Your skin felt like charcoal scorching his, your brains melting in your skull. 

With how little experience Gyutaro had in this department, it was almost scary how good he was. He seemed to be able to read you like a book, instantly picking up on your preferred pace and motions. 

The sheer pleasure you felt made your head spin. At another toe-curling swat at your clit, you stifled a moan as you cupped your mouth with your hands. 

“Fuck no. We don’t do that here.” Gyutaro tsk-ed in annoyance, peeling your hands away.

“By the way…”

The sensation of your heart slamming against your ribs made it hard to focus. 

You whined when he retrieved his hand, feeling his his wet, soaked fingers brushing lovingly against your cheek. 

“I can’t help but wonder how that valentine of yours would feel about this huh. Douma.” 

His voice trembled at the mention, feeling a sick, twisted amount of pride surge through his veins. 

After months of the ice-wielders' endless pining, Gyutaro was the one who took you first. That thought alone was enough to make him hard.

“C’mon, why don’t you turn up the volume a lil bit?” He chuckled, his soaked hand moving to your aching core. “Maybe he’ll hear us. I want him to know how much you’re enjoying yourself here.”

“Fuck-“ You choked, spine curling as your velvety walls squeezed around his fingers. “Feels good.”

You winced when you felt the wet, hot flesh of his tongue drape against the skin of your neck. 

“I’m gonna—-“ You blurted out, eyes watering. You felt your pelvic muscles tightening, signalling your release. “Gyutaro, I’m gonna—“

“Do it.” He affirmed, fingers picking up pace. “Let it out.”

You threw your head back, an outstretched moan emitting from your lips as your muscles contracted, thighs spasming as your release washed over you. 

You panted, droplets of sweat sticking to your forehead as you felt your legs throb from the aftermath. 

You glanced when Gyutaro’s hand retrieved, seeing the wet, shining moisture that adorned his fingers. You watched his eyes widen in a sick, twisted pleasure when his tongue collided with your fluids, lapping up the juices you’ve spilled. 

A silence settled as you collected yourself, panting as you felt your heartbeat throb in your chest. Your cheeks felt hot, your body sweaty as you sighed. 

“I wanna fucking kiss you.” You perked up at the sudden hostility in the demon’s voice. He backed up slightly, his hands toying with the muzzle around his mouth. 

“This fucking piece of shit—” Gyutaro swore, tugging harshly at the piece of metal.

You sensed his aggression rise. His temper amplified as he groaned, hands practically trying to rip the thing off. You watched him toy with the unmovable object, seeing him struggle to no avail. 

“God fucking damn it.” The demon huffed, his hands rising upwards to claw at his skin. He gnashed his teeth together in malice, his sharp nails leaving fresh, gaping wounds to tantalise his skin. You watched the ruby, maroon liquid seep from the scratches, forming small streams on his skin. “This fucking—“

“Gyutaro.” You called out, gentle hand cupping the side of his face. “It’s okay. It’s okay.”

And then you smiled.

For a moment, the demon ceased moving. As if your hushed words had the power to wield full control over the anomaly’s mind, Gyutaro seemed dumbfounded as his hands hung limply beside his form. 

That warmth in your eyes. That kindness you radiated. 

The way you said his name captivated him, your sweet honey-like cadence a gift to his ears. 

Your voice ought to mend, not to destroy. Your tone was meant to treasure, not to despise. 

For the first time in centuries, Gyutaro felt his undead heart flutter. 

Caught up in the trance he’d been in, merely focusing on the priority that was your pleasure, the demon gasped as he felt a pair of small, warm hands wrap themselves around his clothed cock. 

He hadn’t even registered how hard he’d gotten just by watching you. 

“You’ve been so good to me.” You whispered. “Please, let me return the favour.”

You watched the demon writhe, gasping at the sensation. His fingertips trembled. 

Gyutaro stayed silent, letting the stillness take over as he buried his head once more into the crook of your neck, shielding himself from your loving gaze. 

You watched in awe when in the blink of an eye, a sudden sound of tearing fabric flew past you. You chuckled at the sudden rip visible in the sorry excuse of his pants. 

Your slender hand moved to grasp his hardened cock, giving it a few bashful strokes. You collected the beading moisture at the very tip, carefully spreading it across the rest of its surface. 

You winced when Gyutaro’s fingernails dug themselves into your hips, squeezing the flesh.

“Ah…fuck….” He groaned when you formed your hand into a half-circle, moving up and down his shaft. “Feels a lot better than my fist….”

Your hand was so tender and soft, wrapped so beautifully around him. He never would’ve imagined he’d get to corrupt the innocence of such a kind, loving girl. 

“Keep going.” He uttered, whimpering. His voice cracked with pleasure, his walls crumbling down. 

“Who’s being shy now huh?” You teased, smiling at his bashful demeanour. 

Gyutaro didn’t reply, letting the symphony of wet, sloppy thrusts speak for itself. You felt his breath fan against your ear, his pathetic whimpers begging for more a lullaby to your ears. 

He threw his head back when you squeezed around the tip. You felt his cold, undead body heat up against yours, the stench of sex polluting the air. 

He whimpered as you felt him throb in your hand, groaning within the confinements of your neck. 

“When I get out of here—” He wailed. “I’m gonna come find you, (__). I swear.”

He whined when his peak ripped through his body, feeling him come undone. 

You smiled.

Your hand felt sticky. 

Chapter Text

You felt gross. 

After realising how much time slipped through your fingers during your encounter with SCP-066, you basically sprinted out of the facility to catch the last bus home. 

You panted, heart beating in your chest as your spine collided with the seat. You sat down on an empty chair in the very back of the vehicle, bathing in solitude. The adrenaline still rushed through your veins as the dimly lit lights illuminated your face. 

You pressed the back of your hand against your forehead, wiping away the subtle beads of sweat. You felt sticky. 

You hadn’t had time to shower before your hasty exit, let alone do any type of washing up whatsoever. You felt a thin layer of sweat coat your body, making you huff in delight at the deodorant stored in your bag. 

Your head was still spinning, a strange amount of warmth engulfing you. Your mind felt hazy, barely registering the events that went on beforehand. 

Luckily for you, the bus was almost relatively empty at this hour. You felt your eyes grow heavy, battling fatigue as you gazed at the handful of silhouettes before you. 

Feeling your heartbeat slip into a calm, steady rhythm, you yawned as you rested your temple against the chilly window, gazing into the moonlit fields and flickering lanterns.  

“Dude. I totally flunked that math test. Hisa’s gonna kill me.”

Your heart stopped however, at the recognition of a voice. 

--“Seriously? How is your grade that low?”

All the fatigue that previously roamed through your body melted away as soon as you registered those all familiar cadences.

You peered into the distance. 

Your blood ran cold at the sight of blonde bangs, raven black hair and short blue strands. 

In front of you, in the middle of the vehicle, sat Zenitsu and Inosuke, the back of their heads facing you. Tanjirou sat behind them, looking over their shoulder to tune in. Thankfully for you, the trio seemed to be occupied with Inosuke’s cellphone, making you eavesdrop on their hushed conversation. 

Your eyes widened in disbelief, feeling utter panic rush through your veins as you registered your dire situation. 

You sank deeper into the comfort of your seat, blissfully hoping it’d swallow you whole. Cursing your luck, you winced in agony as you clutched your bag like a shield. 

Why now of all times? You whined, nails digging into your thighs. 

They can’t see me. You concluded. If they do, I’m totally fucked. 

Taking a deep breath, you tried to calm yourself as you considered your options. 

The bus had three exits, evenly distributed across the front, middle, and back. You were sitting in the very back of the vehicle, closest to the exit in the rear end. Your three friends were a handful of rows apart, inches separated from the exit in the middle. 

It was no use. The four of you had to get off at the same spot. Given how little people there were, they were bound to see you. 

Wait. What if I get off at a different stop? You thought to yourself, desperately trying to come up with an escape plan.  No, I can’t do that either. If I get off any sooner or later, I’ll have to walk in the dark by myself. It’s dangerous. 

You gnashed your teeth together as your thighs began to tremble. You curled your spine, eyes widened in terror as you gently massaged your temples. 

I can’t get out of this. You concluded, feeling your sorrow consume you. They’re going to see me. 

Your leg bounced, delegating your fright to your lower limbs. 

It’s okay. It’s alright. You pleaded, trying to comfort yourself. All I need is a solid, believable excuse as to how I got here. 

The next few minutes felt like torture. The utter distress churning in your stomach made your mind grow hazy, making it near impossible to try to come up with an airtight solution. You felt your teeth start to clatter as you glanced outside, feeling your heart stop at the realisation that the bus was nearing its end. 

You witnessed Zenitsu, Inosuke and Tanjirou getting up from their seats, bidding the bus driver a goodbye before exiting the vehicle. With shaky legs, you followed.

The three of them stood by the bus stop, resuming their quiet chatter under the technicolor lightning. 

Praying that the darkness would swallow you whole, you tiptoed into the void. 

A twig snapped. 

Zenitsu was the first to react. He snapped his head around to the source of the sound, his eyes narrowing as he struggled to perceive the blurry silhouette. 

“What the-.” His eyes widened in recognition. “(__)?? Is that you??”

You sighed in defeat, surrendering to your fate. 

You stepped into the light, sending your three friends a crooked, sheepish smile. 

“Hi guys…”

You looked unkempt, to say the least. Strands of hair were sticking out of your lacklustre ponytail, your creased uniform disheveled. Your eyes were trembling, your stiff, flustered demeanour radiating anxiety and discomfort. 

You watched the trio blink in awe as they registered your appearance, blatantly surprised. 

“HUH-??????!” Zenitsu screeched, immediately closing the distance as he protectively gripped your shoulders. “(__)??? WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU??? WHY ARE YOU ALL BY YOURSELF AT THIS HOUR??? ARE YOU INSANE???”

You witnessed Inosuke’s eyes taking you in, his piercing gaze scanning the tips of your toes til the end of your cranium. 

That was the funny thing about Inosuke. Some might say that he might be the academy’s most academically challenged student, but you knew better. 

Inosuke had a good head on his shoulders. He wasn’t stupid, and fooling him was no easy task. The young boy had senses like no other, even able to predict your mood before even seeing you.  

He didn’t say anything, merely letting his intimidating stare speak for itself. 

“(__)!” Tanjirou exclaimed, his kind eyes filled with worry. He gently took your hand, prying you away from the blonde. “He’s right! What are you doing here all alone?”

“I uhh…” You stammered. “I just came back from work.”

-“At 1 in the morning?” 

Inosuke’s unusual cold voice made you shiver. 

You nodded, trying to stand your ground. “I left my watch at home, so I completely lost track of time.” You awkwardly chuckled. “Guess that happens huh?”

Tanjirou sniffed, gently inhaling the air close to you. “Are you sure you’re okay? You smell kind of weird….”

-“And you look weird too.” Inosuke added, raising his brow in suspicion. 

“Oh, I was just-“ You stammered, realising you had no idea how to finish that sentence. “I’m alright, I promise.”

“A-Are you really sure?” Zenitsu inquired, his eyes welling up with crocodile tears as he buried his face into your chest. “You can talk to us, okay?!”

“You do look flustered….” Tanjirou affirmed. “We’ll walk you home, (__). You need someone to watch over you.” 

You blinked in surprise, letting the weight of his words dawn upon you. 

“Watch over…”

As soon as those muffled syllables left your lips, the memories of your sins came flooding into your brain. 

Along with a terrible realisation. 

“Watch over?”  You repeated, feeling the light drain from your eyes. 

Your head spun on your shoulders as you processed the words that left his lips, along with the silent implication. 

You had been watched. 

A tormented shriek emerged from you as your hands rose to tug at your hair, eyes widening in desperation. You felt the world crumble beneath your feet as you whined. 

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Tanjirou inquired, placing a hand on your shoulder. “You look really pale just now!”

“Oh. No.” You babbled, averting his gaze. Your voice was barely above a whisper, your tone high-pitched and shaky. “Nothing”.

A brief silence settled before Inosuke sighed, his brows knitted in annoyance as he looped his arm around yours, detaching you from Zenitsu’s hold. 

He pulled you away from the rest, firmly keeping you in place as he continued the walk to your house. Zenitsu and Tanjirou followed, trailing behind the two of you. 

The silence was suffocating. It took you everything not to burst into tears. 

The overwhelming embarrassment and crippling shame made your lips quiver as you stared at your feet, biting the inside of your cheek to prevent any wails from slipping out. 

Inosuke, who had picked up on your rising emotions, unhooked his arm around yours, gently grabbing your hand instead. 

He caressed your quivering fingers, silently reminding you that he was there. 

Each step felt like eternal torture. Your spine was curled as you dipped your neck down low, trying your best not to crumble beneath the two piercing gazes of Tanjirou and Zenitsu. 

The streets were empty. The quiet humming of cicada casted a haunting tune. 

The four of you perked up however, at the sound of a moving car coming into view. You felt your heart stop as the vehicle slowed down, lowering its pace until it was inches separated from you. 

Inosuke halted in his tracks, his grip on you tightening as he scanned the car in front of you. You sensed his muscles tensing up, preparing himself for battle. 

The window rolled down. 

“GOOD EVENING! IF THAT ISN’T (__) AND HER FRIENDS!”

You had recognised it too late. The chocolate brown colour of Rengoku’s car along with the familiarity of its shape and size. 

You watched in horror how the fiery locks of your jovial colleague danced in the moonlight, his eyes widened in its usual enthusiasm. 

You wished for the ground to swallow you whole. 

“Who is that?” Tanjirou asked, glancing at you in confusion. “(__), do you know him?”

You nodded. “Hmm. He’s my colleague.”

“IT’S DANGEROUS FOR YOU CHILDREN TO BE OUT AT THIS HOUR!” Rengoku asserted, his tone blaring as always. “PLEASE, STEP IN! I’LL DRIVE YOU HOME!”

“W-WE ARE NOT GETTING INTO A STRANGER’S CAR, YOU HEAR!!??” Zenitsu sputtered, pointing at Rengoku in distrust. 

Tanjirou inhaled, scanning his scent. 

This man gives off the scent of a responsible person. Tanjirou thought to himself. I think we can trust him. 

“Maybe he’s right.” He said. “It is pretty late for us to be out here right now.”

“No.”

Inosuke’s tone startled you. Although his keen senses led to a similar conclusion, his gut was still telling him otherwise. 

“We’re not doing jackshit until you tell us who you are and where you came from.” Inosuke asserted. His voice was laced with authority, his self-confidence radiating off of him.

“Since someone isn’t telling us.”

You shrieked when his piercing gaze drilled into your temples. 

Rengoku, unfazed by his intimidation, merely laughed in response. 

“Haha! I suppose you are right. Please forgive my manners.” He smiled. “My name’s Kyojuro Rengoku. Me and (__) are colleagues.”

He beckoned towards his car, giving you a soothing smile. “(__), there’s no need to be so flustered. If you’d like, I’d be more than happy to give your friends some context.”

You nodded, moving your body into a stiff, polite bow. The trio gave each other a look as they eventually obliged, stepping into the vehicle. 

As soon as Inosuke witnessed your attempts to step into the passenger’s seat, he grabbed your wrist, shaking his head at you. You nodded at him as he nudged you towards the backseat, making you sit beside Tanjirou and Zenitsu. 

Inosuke himself climbed into the passenger’s seat, the position allowing him to watch closely. He didn’t trust him yet. 

“Start talking, old man.” He asserted. “Who are you and who do you work for?”

“HAHA! THE EMINENT DISTRUST SURE IS AMUSING!” Rengoku laughed. 

He shook his head. “But I do understand. The three of you seem to be very projective of (__)’s safety. Such wonderful friends!”

Inosuke narrowed his eyes at him. 

“Me and (__) work in a psychiatric hospital.” 

Rengoku’s tone turned serious. 

“Although (__) is the janitor of the place, all of the employees, including herself, regularly come into contact with its patients.” He explained. “As you might have guessed, the people housed there are victims of complicated mental disorders, emotional instability, psychosis, mania, and so on. Some of their disorders have yet to be discovered.” 

Your eyes widened in awe as you watched the words roll of his tongue. It was almost beautiful how Rengoku was able to twist the dire situation into a sentence that somehow combined truth and deceit. 

“Given the lack of staff, the work times are irregular and inconsistent, which explains why I myself am out here at this hour.” Rengoku continued. 

“Interactions with the patients can be very distressing. They are extremely unpredictable and erratic. Given how different each case is, it is not a guarantee that a patient won’t turn violent or aggressive.” He sighed. “Of course, we try our utmost best to shield (__) from danger, but this line of work comes with risks.” 

Although Inosuke was sitting in front of you, you could still sense his accusatory gaze. 

“So why is it that (__) could not tell us this herself?” He asked, glancing at Rengoku with distrust. 

“Because our staff needs to abide strict privacy laws regarding our patients. That means it’s forbidden to discuss any kind of sensitive or revealing content with any third parties.”

He glanced at you. “In simpler words, that means (__) could get into serious legal trouble if she were to say the wrong thing to the wrong person. The facility takes this extremely serious, so it’s better for most of us to keep our mouths shut completely. I’ve been working there for years now, so I know how far I can go.”

You were mindblown as you watched Rengoku effortlessly dodge the blows. It seemed the man had a handful of trump cards up his sleeve to justify the situation you were in. 

“I see.” Tanjirou nodded. “I feel like I understand your position a little better now, (__).”

Zenitsu nodded. Inosuke stayed quiet. 

A brief silence settled before Tanjirou gave Rengoku the final directions to his house. The car eventually came to a stop, halting in its tracks beside the pavement. 

You watched as your three friends stepped out of the vehicle, making you roll down your window. 

“Hmm?” Zenitsu hummed. “You’re not coming?”

You shook your head. “Me and Rengoku live close by, so I’ll stay here.”

“Alright then.” Tanjirou smiled at you, sending you a comforting glance. “Please rest well tonight okay? Please send us a text when you’re home.”

Inosuke didn’t say anything. His gaze on you lingered, his eyes a swirl of emotions you couldn’t possibly decipher. 

“Goodnight everyone.” You smiled. “I’ll see you soon.”

You waved them goodbye as Rengoku drove, watching how their frames disappeared into the distance. 

When your spine collided with the seat, you let out a sigh you didn’t even realise you were holding. 

“Oh my god.” You whined, letting the back of your head sink into the cushion. “Kyojuro, I don’t know how to thank you enough. You saved me.”

The male laughed, his hand reassuringly squeezing your thigh. “It’s no problem. I’m glad I could help.”

You shook your head. “No seriously, you were amazing! You answered their questions so effortlessly!” You praised. “And you remained so composed as well! How did you do it?”

You watched the man sigh, his smile melting off his face. “It’s simple. I made up a story that was solid enough for outsiders to believe.”

He frowned. “It’s unfortunate to lie to our loved ones, but there is no other way. You and I have both chosen to walk down this path together, so we must be responsible of our actions.”

“Well…” You noted. “Now that I think of it, your story actually doesn’t stray far from the truth. You just left out some…details.”

He nodded. “Exactly. It’s just enough closure for people to stop asking questions.”

A brief silence settled as the car took a turn. 

“(__)?”

“Hmm?”

“Those friends of yours.” He paused. “They’re good people. I like them.”

You smiled, genuinely this time. “I know. I feel lucky all of them are looking out for me this much. I truly love them more than anything.”

Slowly, you felt your worries eb away as Rengoku’s car reached your apartment. He stopped the engine, getting out of the car to walk you to your front door. 

“I truly can’t thank you enough.” You professed, clasping your hands together as you bowed. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

“It’s alright (__).” Rengoku smiled, patting your head. “Please get some rest.”

You watched his heels turn , opting towards his car. 

“Kyojuro!”

The air left his lungs as your body collided with his, burying your face into his muscular chest as you wrapped your arms around him in a bear-like hug. 

“Thank you so much Kyojuro.” You muttered, cheek pressed against his chest. “You’re always there for me when I need it. Thank you for being the best.”

You felt the vibrations of his laugh tickle your skin. You backed up slightly, lips parted when Rengoku’s hands gently cupped your face. 

His eyes softened, the warmth of his smile rivalling a thousand suns. His fingers moved to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, his thumb gently caressing the skin of your cheek. 

“You’re welcome sweetheart.”

——

“I don’t believe him.”

Inosuke scoffed, scowling as his hands dug into his pockets. “That old Googly Eyes is suspicious!”

“I know what you’re thinking.” Tanjirou sighed. “I picked up many different signals during Rengoku-san’s explanation. I could smell truth emitting from him, but I think he’s not telling us the whole story…”

“It’s so frustrating!” Zenitsu wailed. “I can’t believe (__) is hiding something from us!”

“FUCK!” Inosuke roared as he kicked a pebble, sending it flying. “Those bruises on her arm! That obvious paranoia about her workplace!”

He seethed in frustration, scratching his skin. “Does she think we’re stupid or something?”

“(__) is our friend.” Tanjirou’s brows knitted in frustration. “I think that for now, we’ll just have to trust that (__) will come forward with the truth herself.”

Inosuke halted in his tracks, his gaze drilling into a pebble he was close to kicking. “If she won’t….”

He glanced at his friends. 

“We’ll force her to.”

——

The next morning, you felt heavy. 

Your limbs ached when you slouched through the empty facility, grateful for the solitude like never before.

Getting to work had never been so difficult. Deeply ashamed of your past encounter, your legs felt like lead as you dragged yourself to the forsaken place. 

The fabric of the hazmat suit clung to your skin, shielding any potential outsiders from witnessing your solemn expression. The suffocating bodysuit felt like a blessing from above, concealing yourself amidst the shadows. 

You were so, so embarrassed. Not only did you feel shame about your unauthorised visit to SCP-066, the realisation that you had been watched added fuel to the fire. 

How could you be so stupid? 

Your eyebrows knitted as you clutched a wooden broom in your hands, dragging it across the floor. Your feet had a will of their own as they mindlessly crept forwards, worsening your hazy mind. 

“Hey.”

Too caught up in the river of your overflowing thoughts, you failed to register a familiar voice. 

“Hey!”

Startled by its volume, you jumped. 

The voice had snapped you out of your trance, making you blink in bewilderment as you scanned your surroundings. Somehow, your feet always carried you back to the familiar chambers of the thirteenth floor. 

You watched Akaza sit on the floorboards of his chamber, his back resting against the wall. He seemed to have a bored expression on his face as he watched your reaction unfold. 

“Oh, I’m sorry..” You professed, awkwardly fiddling with the broom in your hands. “I didn’t hear you.”

“What the hell is up with you?” Akaza inquired, raising an eyebrow. “Your sulking is distracting me.”

“I’m not sulking!” You defended, clutching the broomstick like a shield. 

“You are one bad liar you know that?” Akaza sighed, shifting his position to meet your line of vision. “Come on. Spit it out.”

You immediately shook your head, swatting your free hand in an uncaring manner. “It’s nothing.”

Akaza didn’t say anything, merely cocking his head to the side with a knowing glance. You writhed in place. 

Shame washed over you as you recalled the memories you were trying to suppress. 

You felt your chest grow heavy with guilt, twitching in embarrassment at the rising humiliation. 

“I….” You stammered, your voice hushed. 

Your nails dug into the wooden stick. 

“I…did something bad….”

“I can’t hear you when you mutter like that.” Akaza complained, pointing accusatorially at the mask of your hazmat suit. “Come here and talk to me.”

Your heart felt heavy. Your limbs ached with guilt. 

The spasming muscle slammed against your ribs as you considered your options, fiddling with the hems of your mask.  

Although there was no way in hell you’d tell Akaza the full extent of your mistake, you felt your fingertips quiver. 

Your heart felt like spilling out from your core. Your body begged for consolation. 

Glancing at the demon, you nodded. 

——

His cell was quiet. 

Swirling amidst his pool of destruction, you remained kneeled before him. Your hands were politely glued to your thighs, your head dipped down low in shame. 

“Well?” Akaza crossed his arms, giving you a look. “Are you gonna talk or what?”

You pursed your lips together, shaking your head as you squeezed your eyes shut. “I can’t.” 

He clicked his tongue, rolling his eyes. “Fine. If you’re not gonna tell me, I’m just gonna start guessing.”

He watched your face contort into embarrassment, your shoulders sinking. 

“Did you commit a crime?”

“No!”

“Did you hurt someone?”

“No.”

“Did you get into a fight?”

“No.”

“Did you lie to someone?”

You paused at that one. 

“Not really….”

“Then how bad can it be?” Akaza sighed in desperation, gently gripping your shoulders. You lifted your head, witnessing his fierce expression. “Tell me already, you damn woman!”

You fell quiet. 

You found yourself lost in the lapis ocean of his eyes, your suppressed memories glimmering amidst the gold. 

The filthy, disgusting shame that clung to you. The crushing pain of your disloyalty. 

The pressure made your dam burst. 

You shrieked. 

Akaza watched in awe at how droplets of moisture shone in your eyes, beading at your waterline. A pitiful, solemn wail emerged from your lips as you clutched your face, feeling rivers of tears slip through your fingers. Your shoulders shook with sobs, your fingertips quivering. 

“I’m so disgusting!” You wept, tears rolling down your face. “I’m so disgusting!”

You sniffled, wiping the moisture with your sleeve. “I did something so shameful, I couldn’t ever tell anyone else. If I did, I’d have to kill myself out of embarrassment.”

You howled. “On top of that, my friends are totally onto me! They keep growing more and more suspicious about the bruises on my body and the SCP foundation! And all I do is lie!”

Your pitiful shrieks reverberated through the chamber. 

“I keep pushing away my friends! It’s because I love them so much that I have to lie to them!”

You clutched your heart. “It’s because I love them more than anything in this world! I want them to live the rest of their lives unaware of demons existing! I want them to be happy and live with a smile!”

Your words were slurred, your cheeks flushed. 

“I don’t know what to do! I don’t know what to do! I’m so stupid! So dumb!” You wept, hands flying upwards to tug at your hair. The ache in your scalp was nothing compared to the heaviness in your heart. 

“I don’t know what to do anymore! I’m stuck!”

Your spine curled in agony as you continued to cry. Thick droplets of tears flowed from your face, dripping onto the floorboards of the cell.  

Akaza’s eyes were widened in disbelief. 

Never, not once in the centuries of his existence, did the demon feel so clueless as he did now. 

His body felt frozen as he watched you crumble before his eyes, his limbs stiff. 

How was a ruthless creature like him supposed to comfort a young, kind girl like you?

He watched you closely. There was something about your sadness that hurt him. 

Each sob of yours caused a tear in his heart, each wail a jab into his soul. 

It hurt to see you sad. 

His lips parted, his fingers quivering with an unknown desire. Furrowing his eyebrows, the demon gently raised his hands. 

In an instant, the air shifted. 

An immense, overbearing pressure nestled itself onto Akaza’s body, paralysing his limbs. A toxic, deadly whiff of hostility graced his nostrils, feeling his throat sting in response. 

The sound of your torment had woken something up. 

The weight of the air had increased, his muscles tensing. 

From the corner of his eye, he watched the deity shift. The creature from the opposite chamber had risen from his slumber, now clear as day as he watched you unfold. 

Douma had awoken. For the first time in centuries, Akaza felt his blood run cold.  

Douma was watching you. 

His body was inches away from the glass as his piercing gaze drilled into your side, his eyes inhumanly widened. His nostrils flared as his nails dug into the flesh of his thighs, drawing blood from the wounds he inflicted. 

He wasn’t smiling. 

His entire being radiated aggression, the acidic stench worsening with every sob that rocked your core. As still as a lifeless doll, Douma watched. 

Akaza swallowed. 

For years, Douma was careless. Lazy. Nonchalant. 

Even when put into the most inhumane, torturous confinement, Douma never peeped. After having been victim of endless pain, Douma never even shed a tear. 

It was as if all the emotion Douma had been suppressing suddenly came flooding to the surface at once. 

Analysing his surroundings, the cogs in Akaza’s brain whirred at full speed. Every cell of his body told him to shield you from that thing, no matter what. His instincts told him something catastrophic would happen if Douma were to fully see your crying face just now. 

You shrieked at the sudden sensation of light, dainty fingertips caressing your cheeks. 

Staring deep into your eyes, Akaza cradled your face. Gently, with utmost care, he shifted your body, carefully adjusting your position to create more space between your crying face and Douma’s predatory eyes. 

All the while, he didn’t dare break eye contact with you. 

You sniffled, blinking at Akaza. “Oh. Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to…do all that…”

Akaza didn’t say anything. From the corner of his eye, he watched Douma raise his claw, leaving deep, violent imprints into the glass barrier. 

He thanked a higher being you didn’t hear it. 

“It’s alright.” Akaza professed. “Don’t worry about it. Let it out.”

Suddenly, you smiled. 

“Oh man. I really can’t get any worse than this huh?” You chuckled. “You already hated me, so I bet I just made it a whole lot worse with my pathetic display just now.”

That caught his attention. He perked up, his shoulders stiffening. 

“Hey.” He stated. “Stop doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Saying things that aren’t true.”

You raised an eyebrow in confusion. 

Akaza shifted. He inched closer to you, closing the distance ever so slightly. “I never said I hated you.”

“We’re still playing that game?” You laughed again. It was pitiful this time. “It’s okay if you dislike me, Akaza. There’s no need to beat around the bushes.”

For a moment, you watched something throb behind those eyes of his. 

You shrieked when suddenly, he moved. 

The side of your cheek collided against a cold, hard chest. The outline of his muscles grazed against your skin, feeling the weight of two arms wrap themselves around your waist. 

You blinked in astonishment. Akaza was hugging you. 

“How could I dislike such a sweet thing like you?”

It was pitiful really, how easy those words could tip you over the edge again. 

Before you knew it, your lips quivered once more and tears spilled from your eyes. You sobbed as you buried your face into his chest, dampening his skin with your tears. 

His hold on you tightened, pulling you close. 

Tucked away safely from Douma’s lethal gaze. 

He could taste it. How badly Douma wished to be in his place. 

Akaza closed his eyes, pretending just for a fleeting moment, you and him were in a place far from here. 

“It’s gonna be alright. I’m sure of it.” Akaza hushed as he gently rocked your sobbing body, cradling it like a doll. 

“Because the (__) I know is kind, compassionate and loving. So until the very end…”

The honest sincerity of his words made your soul tremble. You felt his cold, big hand run softly through your locks. 

“Please keep smiling, okay?” 

Chapter Text

“So what are you guys doing later?”

Inosuke asked, munching on a store-bought sandwich. The four of you had found a spare table in the cafetaria of Kimetsu Academy, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of chattering students and clattering footsteps. 

Zenitsu huffed, resting his chin in the palm of his head. “Ugh! The disciplinary committee is screwing me over!” The blonde whined, sprawling himself out over the cafeteria table. “I never even wanted to be there!”

“So why don’t you just quit?” Tanjirou asked, glancing at his friend. 

“I TRIED OKAY!” The blonde gritted his teeth, angrily stomping his fist onto the table. “BUT I CAN’T SEEM TO ESCAPE! I’M TOTALLY STUCK!”

Tanjirou shrugged. “Hey, look at the bright side. Maybe you’ll pick up some new friends?”

“By doing those lame-ass uniform checks everyday?” Zenitsu groaned. “Yeah, I thought so too.”

You were quiet as you bit into your lunch, savouring the flavours on your tongue. 

The reminder of your last encounter with them made your heart speed up. Although the entire day had been fairly peaceful, —except for the few fleeting glances you felt on your back— you felt the creeping sensation of a lingering terror creep up on you. 

Rengoku’s fabrication of the truth. Inosuke’s suspicion. The questioning looks.  

You hadn’t forgotten about it, and you were sure they hadn’t either. 

The continuous internal chants of ‘just act normal’ had failed to provide you any comfort. Instead, you felt like a fish out of water as you tried to mask your fears. The lingering nerves made your small talk sound all the more fake, your crooked smiles reeking of uncertainty. 

Inosuke sat beside you, your other two friends on the opposing side. You peeked over his shoulder, peering at whatever he was looking at on his phone. 

“Oh! You’ve seen the trailer for that new movie too?” You asked in excitement, peering at the advertisement that popped up on his screen. “I’ve been dying to watch it!”

“If you guys are free today, we can do something fun at my place after class!” Tanjirou smiled, chiming in. “My mom made some new pastries, so I need someone to try those out anyways!” 

You clasped your hands together, smiling in exhilaration. “Yay! I’m so excited!”

“Who said you were invited?”

Inosuke shut his phone off, slamming the device down onto the table. 

You watched his eyebrows furrow, his eyes sharpening into the same look of suspicion of distrust you had seen before. 

You felt your heart sink. 

Your blood ran cold as you processed his words, letting a silence linger as your lips parted. 

“W-What?”

“I said.” Inosuke repeated, voice laced with certainty. “You’re not invited.”

You felt like you’d been slapped in the face. It would’ve probably been less painful than this anyways. 

You felt your stomach twist, fear tying your intestines into knots. You felt your heart crack as you blankly stared at him. 

“I don’t—“ You sputtered, blinking in bewilderment. “I don’t understand.”

“Then I’ll make you understand.” 

Inosuke suddenly rose from his seat, standing before you. His form loomed over your presence as he slammed his fist down onto the table. 

“For as long as you decide to lie to us…” He paused, amplifying the weight of his words. “You and I stop being friends.”

“Inosuke!” Tanjirou rose from his spot as well, swatting his hands in a panicked manner. “I know you’re upset! We all are!” 

He shook his head. “But we can’t shut (__) out like this! She’s our friend!”

“SHUT UP, GONPACHIRO!” Inosuke huffed, his irritation rising. “STOP BEING WEAK! GROW A SPINE!”

“EEEE!” Zenitsu squeaked, burying his hands into his hair. “MY FRIENDS ARE FIGHTING! WHAT DO I DO???”

“This isn’t the way, Inosuke!” Tanjirou professed, trying his hardest to defend you. “This is just going to have the opposite effect!”

“HUH?? ARE YOU DEFENDING HER OR WHAT?”

“You know I’m not doing that!” Tanjirou shook his head, eyebrows furrowing. “I’m just saying that this isn’t the way to solve problems!”

Deep down, he knew Tanjirou had a point. However, the rowdy teen was wired to be confrontational and upfront. Hashibira Inosuke solved problems as he saw fit. 

You felt your heart pound into your chest as you watched the scene unfold, inhaling deeply as you began to stand up. With buckling knees, you confronted Inosuke head on. 

“You want some honesty? Fine.”

You balled your fists, gritting your teeth. The frustration and stress of being trapped in this web of lies rose to the surface, making your stomach acid boil with anger. 

You were so tired of being stuck. 

“Everyone has secrets, Inosuke.” You affirmed, your voice picking up intensity. “Everyone has stories they don’t want to share. Everyone has memories they’d rather keep to themselves. Everyone has some weird wacky shit up their sleeve they don’t feel like sharing with others.” 

You argued, voice laced with poison. 

“And so what? So what if people don’t feel like sharing? What’s that gotta do with you?” You pointed at him, eyes narrowing. “You make me out to be a liar because you can’t fathom this kind of truth. Ironic huh?”

You watched Inosuke growl in anger, clutching his chest. “DON’T YOU DARE PUT THE BLAME ON ME!” He roared. “YOU’RE THE ONE WHO DOESN’T TRUST HER FRIENDS!”

“Stop making this about your insecurities. You know perfectly well what I’m talking about.”

“DON’T LUMP ME IN WITH YOU!” Inosuke defended, glancing at you like the filth tarnishing his shoe. 

“Guys…” Zenitsu helplessly whined, staring in discomfort at the students distraught by the noise. “Maybe we should do this somewhere else…”

“Really? So you have no secrets at all huh? A perfect goody-two-shoes?” You cocked your head to the side.  “How’s that mom of yours you never see huh?”

That hit the bullseye. 

You watched raw, unfiltered anger blaze in his eyes, the embers of his rage fuelling him. 

“HOW DARE YOU BRING HER UP! THAT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!”

“And somehow my secrets are?” You scoffed, dramatically rolling your eyes. “Do you realise how stupid you sound?

“THAT’S IT!” The boar concluded, slamming his fist down onto the table. “AS LONG AS YOU CONTINUE TO LIE, YOU AND I ARE DONE FOR.”

He mumbled something incomprehensible as he grabbed ahold of his bag, scurrying out of the cafetaria. 

“Inosuke, wait!” Tanjirou asserted, rushing to go after him. 

You watched your two friends grab their bags, following Inosuke’s trail. 

When their hands met the doorknob of the cafeteria’s exit, they shot you one last glance before flinging the door shut. 

In a room full of people, you’ve never felt so alone. 

——

The soft buzzing of the fluorescent lights kept you company in the empty facility. 

The toe-curling ugliness of the hyper white lightning made your head hurt as you sat at an empty table in the facility’s cafeteria, your hands clutched around a plastic cup holding an iced coffee. 

It tasted bitter. You didn’t even know why you got one. 

This had never happened before. Sure, the four of you had disagreements, but a full-on argument had never happened. This was the first time in history either of you had yelled at one other. 

You frowned, feeling regret start to seep from your pores as you took another sip. 

The facility’s coffee was fucking disgusting. 

“Hey kid! Why so glum?”

You wheezed, almost choking on the coffee you hadn’t swallowed yet. You coughed, feeling your cheeks flush as you looked behind you. 

Uzui stood before you, crouching slightly to meet your line of vision. His slanted, maroon eyes almost seemed to glow amongst the sickening white, its beauty amplified further by the dazzling headpiece —adorned with diamonds you could only hope to afford— pressed to his forehead. 

“Uzui-san! You startled me!” You professed, gently clutching your chest. 

“Woops. Sorry. I’m just quiet like that.”  The man shrugged, moving to sit beside you. He flung one leg across the metal bench, shamelessly manspreading in front of you. 

“What are ya sulking over huh?” Uzui babbled, ruffling your hair. “You can tell lil’ old me.”

You sighed, recalling the memories you’d rather forget. “I had an argument with my friends.”

“Ah.” Tengen shook his head in understanding. “Yeah, been there. It sucks huh?”

“It does.” You huffed, glancing at your abandoned coffee. “I’m just…trying to look out for them.”

The man shrugged. “Don’t worry about it pretty girl. Just give it a few days and things will go back to normal.”

You raised an eyebrow at the odd nickname, nodding instead. “Yeah, I guess. Thanks for comforting me.”

The man gave you a singular nod, letting a quick silence linger as he stared you down. 

“You know, you’re pretty interesting.” He said, crossing his arms. 

“Huh?”

“Oh wait! I haven’t told you before huh?” The man laughed, chuckling at your sheepish expression. 

He ushered you to move closer, to which you obliged. You carefully inched closer to your colleague as he moved his lips to your ear. 

“I’ve seen you with Gyutaro.”

Despite his warm breath tickling your skin, you felt your blood run cold. You didn’t need more context to know what he was talking about. 

Your shoulders sank, feeling shame wash over you. The nauseating mortification that the man before you had watched you during your most shameful moment alongside the guilt of the recent argument made you pray for the ground to swallow you whole. 

You yelped when Tengen wheezed, clutching your shoulder like your despair was the funniest thing in the world. 

“Hey kid! Calm down!” He snickered, patting your back. “There’s no need to be embarrassed.”

You wanted to die when he hooked an arm around your waist, pulling you closer. 

“Do you know how terribly boring it is to watch security footage all night?” He made a dramatic gagging sound. “Thanks to you, I got to see something interesting!”

That teasing tone of his made you want to vomit. 

“I—“ You stammered, words stuck in the back of your throat. 

“Don’t worry though (__), your secret’s safe with us.”

You felt your heart sink once more as you stared at him in disbelief. “Us?”

“Oh yeah. Tomioka was there too.” Tengen fake-yawned. “That guy is as quiet as a doll though. Super unflashy. I doubt he’ll ever mention it.” 

The colour drained from your face. 

“Hey, cheer up!” Tengen pleaded, patting your back. 

At the sight of your mortified expression, he sighed. 

“Look, kid.”

The shift in his tone made you perk up. 

“It’s really not a big deal. Stop fussing about it.” His expression turned serious. 

You sent him a questioning look. 

The man scanned the cafeteria briefly before returning his attention to you. “Look, you didn’t hear this from me, but compared to the amount of shameful things that happened with SCP’s in this facility, this is absolutely nothing. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

You blinked in awe. “…Shameful things…?”

“Yeah. Being in this place for too long can seriously alter your judgement, so worse things have happened here. So stop worrying your pretty lil head over it!” Tengen beamed. “Besides, Gyutaro’s stance and the angle of our cameras made it impossible to see well. So really, it’s okay.”

“….Really…?” You muttered, voice hushed. “You’ll let me off the hook that easily?”

“Yep-!” He smiled, patting your shoulder. “Please, stop beating yourself up over it. Really.”

“Sir Uzui, I know this is probably a stupid thing to ask, but…” You stammered in unease. “Have you…uh…deleted the footage?”

You hated yourself for how pathetic you sounded. 

Tengen laughed. “I’m sorry sunshine, but I’ll have to disappoint. If anyone deletes security footage without a proper warrant, it’ll be suspicious y’know? People will start asking questions, and that’s the last thing you want.” 

He shook his head. “It’s fine like this. People in here are way too busy to occupy themselves with watching security footage for no reason. Like I said, your secret’s safe.”

You clutched your cheeks in embarrassment, bowing before him. “I’m so sorry for all the trouble I caused…”

“It’s no biggie kiddo.” Tengen chuckled, getting up from his seat. “Come, let’s go get your supervisor. I’m sure working will take your mind off things.”

You grabbed your coffee, trailing behind the muscular man. 

The drink had gone warm. 

——

After dropping you off into a familiar hallway, you bade a farewell to Uzui as you each went separate ways. 

Hopping into the nearest elevator, you were surprised to see both your supervisor and another colleague occupying the space. 

Just to your luck, the said colleague on your right was the one you hoped not to see. 

Tomioka’s deep blue eyes were stuck in a mindless stare, fixated on the space ahead. His choppy, raven hair was tied up into a messy ponytail, brushing his back with each movement. 

You greeted them politely, standing in the very middle of the elevator as the silver cabin ascended. 

You glanced at the two people beside you, raising an eyebrow at the fact that none of them had greeted you yet. You turned your head, looking at Shinobu. 

She looked as radiant as always. Her hair was tied up beautifully, two strands of violet locks enveloping her dainty, pale face. 

Long, fluttering lashes enveloped the purple seas of her eyes, amplified by the furrow of her eyebrows. 

Her lips were pursed, her eyes narrowed in concentration as she stared at the clipboard clutched in her hands. She muttered something incomprehensible, fiercely flipping the pages. 

“….Miss Shinobu….?” You uttered, mindful to keep your voice low. “Are you alright?”

The woman suddenly blinked, as if startled by your voice. She visibly perked up, sending you a confused stare. After your presence had dawned on her, her tense expression melted into a smile. 

“Ah, (__).” The woman greeted. Her smile looked weaker than before, as if it caused her worn-out self much effort to muster. “I didn’t hear you. Please forgive me.”

You shook your head. “Are you alright, Miss?” You repeated, scanning her form. “You look a bit…frazzled…”

The woman sighed as she lowered the clipboard, considering her options. Using the silence to your advantage, you couldn’t resist the temptation to glance at Giyuu. 

You were surprised to catch him staring at you. He seemed startled at being caught, instantly turning his head away instead. 

For an instant, you saw something rosy paint his cheeks. 

You visibly deflated at the sight, feeling the familiar shame wash over you. You wondered how lowly he’d think of you. 

The tension in the cabin was suffocating. The radiating unease lingering between you and Tomioka along with Shinobu’s visible distress made your skin itch. 

Shinobu sighed again, deeper this time. She blinked when the elevator doors opened. 

No one moved. 

“It’s…” She paused. “It’s Douma.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Douma?”

—“He’s been acting up.” Giyuu added, joining the conversation. You glanced at him, noticing how his eyes seemed drilled into the wall ahead. 

He wasn’t looking at you. 

“Over the past few days, his behaviour has grown to be extremely hostile and unpredictable.” He added, his smooth, silky voice gracing your ears. “We must proceed with caution.”

Shinobu nodded. “It’s just so…weird?” She mumbled, her face contorted into confusion. “For years now, SCP-0102 has been known for his leniency and calm nature. It almost seems like a switch has been flipped and his entirely personality changed.”

“Oh no.” You frowned, your voice laced with concern. Although you hated to admit it, you were too attached to Douma for your own good. “What’s going on with him?”

“Douma has displayed a concerning amount of emotional disturbance.” Tomioka affirmed. 

“Not only that, but he also takes out his frustration on his surroundings.” He continued. “Most pine trees in his cell are either completely destroyed or frozen beyond recognition. The ones that are left are covered in scratches and bite marks.”

Shinobu raised her clipboard, purple eyes skimming through her notes and files. “The only sensible thing I can come up with right now is that Douma’s undergoing a manic episode…”

You frowned. “Miss Shinobu, what is mania exactly?”

“Mania describes a state where an individual experiences behavioural or emotional changes. It’s often characterised by abnormally high energy levels and shifts in moods.” The lady explained. 

“The exact cause of it depends on a ton of factors. It’s usually caused by already existing conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder, but it can also be the result of a combination of shocking events or heritage. When mania occurs, it means there has been an error with the transfer of stimuli to the brain.”

You attentively listened to her talk, her explanations sounding like she had memorised an encyclopedia. 

“When a demon undergoes a manic episode, usually two things happen.” Giyuu said. “Mania can either induce an endorphin rush and feelings of hope and positivity, while the other side is not as happy.”

Shinobu nodded. “Mania is known to trigger aggression and violence, and causes both human and demon to inflict harm upon themselves. Depending on each individual, an episode can last from days to months with different kinds of intensity.”

 “Oh dear…” You muttered, overwhelmed by their knowledge. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

A silence settled. 

“I don’t know.”

You felt your eyes widen. 

Hearing the woman that was Kocho Shinobu mutter those words had to be one of the most terrifying events you ever witnessed. Without exaggerating much, it was safe to say that Shinobu knew everything.  With her nose stuck and buried into files, clipboards and millions of handwritten notes, the young woman was on top of everything. The responsibility she carried upon her shoulders had been an unwavering one. 

If Kocho Shibobu didn’t know the answer, you doubted anyone else did. 

“I don’t know.” She repeated. “I considered moving him to the upper levels with the padded cells, but I’m not sure how he’ll react….”

She groaned, running a hand through her hair. “It’s unbelievable. It’s like someone who has never dreamt before is suddenly experiencing a nightmare.”

“Uh…” You babbled, feeling the weight of her hopelessness dawn on you. “Do you think maybe…” you paused for a moment. “I could do something to help?”

The lady pursed her lips together, scanning your bashful demeanor. Her purple eyes took you in, the violet sea swilling with an emotion you couldn’t possibly decipher. 

“I don’t—“ She huffed. “I don’t know.”

“It can go two ways (__).” Giyuu added. 

You were surprised he knew your name. 

“Your visit can either alleviate his symptoms, or worsen them drastically. He has already shown an intense emotional attachment to you, so his reaction is quite unpredictable.”

Tomioka shook his head. “It is our responsibility to keep you as safe as possible, Miss (__).” Both his determination and authority settled in his voice. “To avoid putting you in distressing situations, I recommend as of now to keep you away from the thirteenth floor entirely.”

“…” You sighed, frowning as you stared at your feet. “I understand, and I’m grateful for your concern, sir Tiomioka.”

You mumbled something beneath your breath as you awkwardly shifted on your feet. “It’s just…I’m sad to hear all of this. I’m kind of attached to him….”

Shinobu’s shoulders straightened. She gave you a stern, serious look as her eyes drilled into your core. 

“Do you want to visit him?”

The tension of the room manifested upon your shoulders, feeling an itch nestle itself beneath your skin. You felt your heart pound in your chest as you considered your options, feeling your fingertips tremble. 

“I’m giving you a choice here.” She added. “With everything we told you, we can’t guarantee that you won’t feel scared. If you were to decline, I’d understand.”

Little did you know that Shinobu’s heart was pounding just as much, her blood boiling with the desire for you to accept her offer. 

“I…I think I can do it.” You nodded, sending your supervisor a determined look. 

“Please let me see him, Miss Shinobu.”

——

Perhaps you acted tougher than you were. 

The air was heavy, thick with tension. With every step, you felt the hairs on your skin stand up, feeling your eyes involuntarily widen. The spasming muscle of your heart slammed itself against your ribs, feeling your nostrils flare as you continued your walk. 

The hissing of the opening doors granted you permission to enter. 

When faced with the sight of Douma’s chamber, your jaw hit the floor. 

She was right. 

The snowy layers of his flooring were adorned with chunks of broken trees, pieces of bark tossed into all directions. Thick layers of ice covered the upper corners of his chamber, spreading its frost like the branches of a tree. 

The glass barrier was ravaged with thick, long, claw marks, at least a couple centimeters thick. The remaining trees were covered in bite marks, highlighting the imprint of his fangs. 

You bit back a muffled wail, devastated at the sight. You could only imagine the distress Douma went through right now. 

“What the hell are you doing here.”

A sudden sound from behind made you scream. You hurriedly turned around, sighing in relief at the sight that was Akaza. 

“Oh my god!” You huffed, feeling your kneels buckle. “You scared me!”

“I’m serious.”

There was a certain edge in Akaza’s tone. His body language was stiff as he stood before you, the unspoken tension from the heavy air embedded into his being. 

“Get the fuck out. Now.”

“W-What?” You sputtered, hugging your arms for comfort. 

The demon had a certain stress in his eyes, a certain panic rushing through his veins. He lowered himself, kneeling before you until his eyes met yours. 

“Remember last time? That hug?”

You hurriedly nodded. 

“I could already sense it at that time. That…incredible bloodthirst radiating off of him…” 

You watched his face contort into disgust. 

He pressed his hand against the glass, the intensity of his stare drilling into you. You felt your heart speed up, the distress of your surroundings making your head spin. 

“(__), this place is dangerous. He is dangerous.”  Akaza continued, the blue sclera of his eyes trembling.  

“Listen, something bad is going to happen soon. I feel it. Before that, you need to—-“

Something shifted. Something in the air changed. 

Something moved behind you. 

You blinked, feeling your stomach drop. You felt the blood drain itself from the apples of your cheek as the air grew heavier, a thick fog of lurking danger obscuring your lungs. 

For a second, your body refused to move. Your limbs felt frozen as your feet remained glued to the floor. 

A pair of knuckles hit the glass. Slowly. Gently. 

With each sound, your fear worsened. 

What’s with this pressure….? You thought to yourself, mind racing. I can’t breathe.  

 The knocking turned into a soft, pitiful scratching. 

Slowly, as if needles were grazing your skin, you forced your legs to move. With utmost caution, you faced him.   

Douma smiled. 

The demon sat on his knees, his muscular thighs enveloped by his airy hakama pants. His spine was stretched as his fingers pressed against the glass, his head cocked slightly to the side. 

His blonde hair almost seemed to glow beneath the fluorescent lightning. You glanced at the tips of his fangs. 

“I—“

You babbled, feeling like an invisible force had squeezed your throat shut. 

“I heard you were sick.”

You watched as the demon closed his eyes, his smile deepening. You took in his demeanor as he gently shook his head. 

There was a certain stress he radiated, a certain  tension he longed to conceal. Although his feigned smile masked its appearance, you felt it. 

Douma pointed at you, then to himself. He then wrapped his arms around his torso, enveloping his frame in a hug. 

You chuckled, although the humor did not reach your eyes. 

“I’m sorry. I wish I could visit you in person, but I’m not sure if it’s…safe.”

The smile melted off his features. The edges of his velvety lips sank until they were pursed into a thin line, his eyes conveying a desire you couldn’t possibly decipher. 

Perhaps he wasn’t giving you a choice. 

come 

You yelped when a sudden, all-consuming pressure tormented your skull. A force of violence pressed itself down onto your head, the pain making you clutch your temples. 

A loud, ringing static agonised your ears, feeling your limbs vibrate from the aftermath. You huffed, realising what was happening to you. 

Douma’s mind control. 

come no w 

You gritted your teeth, yanking your hair in frustration. You curled your spine in agony, hands clutching the roots of your hair. 

“STOP!” You yelled, glancing at the demon before you who looked completely unaffected by the hurt he inflicted. “Please stop!” 

You huffed when he narrowed his eyes, seemingly pleased with the answer. 

“Fine. I’ll come.”

——

Up close, Douma’s chamber was worse than you thought. 

You tiptoed through the piles of destruction, careful not to sprain or break your feet. You hopped through the mountains of junk, making your way towards who knows where. 

The labyrinth you found yourself lost in came to a halt when you abruptly bumped into a cold, solid surface. You detached your stare from your feet, looking up at the source ahead. 

Douma stood before you. 

Your lips parted. 

You involuntarily backed up, creating a minimal amount of distance between his velvety chest and your flustered face. 

He smiled. 

It had been a while since you last saw him up close like this. 

Douma was truly a devine creature. His flawless, ivory skin resembled the fair complexion of a hina doll, soft and supple to the touch. The ocean of colour that merged in his glowing eyes shone before you, highlighted by tiny black dots right below his waterline. 

His frame was muscular, his statue lean as he loomed over you. Your eyes casted downwards, taking in every detail of his complexion. 

The crooked texture of his platinum blonde hair seemed sculpted to his back as he stood still, broad shoulders enveloping your vision. 

He really was beautiful. 

It was up until now you noticed just how rare it was to see the demon display his height. During most of your encounters, Douma always sat down. You figured it was a silent gesture to make you feel more comfortable within his presence, but for now, he had chosen a different path. 

You didn’t know what to say to him. 

As stupid as it sounded, you treated him like a puppy sometimes. You adored petting his head, squishing his cheeks while muttering loving praises into his ear. You always chuckled when he purred against your chest, face warped into a lovesick expression as he melted into your touch. 

Those profound memories flickered in the back of your mind as you crumbled beneath the tension. 

“I—“ You softly spoke up, glancing awkwardly at your surroundings. Douma wasn’t himself right now, so it was best to tread carefully. 

“Can I help you with something maybe?” You suggested. “Since you’re…unwell.”

A silence settled. 

The demon’s expression remained unwavering when he gently took your hand, guiding you through the mess that was his cell. 

His cold fingers caressed your skin when he lead you to one of the corners in his chamber, one of the few places that weren’t ravaged by his wrath. 

Interlocking his hands with yours, he smiled as he sat down, returning to his usual cross-legged position. Having grown used to Douma’s clinginess, you followed his tracks without letting go. 

“So….?” You muttered. “Do you have an answer to that question or….?”

Douma hummed, staring momentarily at the ceiling in deep thought. 

You watched in confusion when he clasped one hand of yours, bringing it towards his mouth.  You shrieked when his lips parted, feeling his teeth caress your skin as he startled nibbling on your fingers. 

Your eyes widened in confusion. 

He was gentle, you noticed. His teeth felt almost ticklish, like feathers kissing your skin. 

“Uhh….” You babbled in bewilderment. “Are you hungry?”

The demon didn’t reply, seemingly memorising the girth of your fingers with his teeth. 

He sighed deeply when he detached your hand from his teeth, moving it to cup his cheek instead. He hummed at your warm skin caressing his, his eyes half-lidded when he pressed a kiss to your palm. 

You sat there in silence, ogling him in disbelief like a mindless doll. 

You hated yourself for the flutter of your heart. 

You huffed as you gently retreated your hands —much to his disappointment— to return them to your lap. The demon whined. 

“Were you lonely?” You asked, voice laced with care as you gently caressed the top of his head. “Do you just needed attention?”

He made a howling sound when he nodded, his lips curled into a frown. He inched closer to your body as he gently wrapped his arms around your waist, leaving not a single speck of skin untouched in a smothering hug. 

You chuckled, gently rocking his body. 

“Awww.” You cooed. “If you’d like, you can use your words with me you know? You don’t have to be all quiet like this.”

He whimpered softly in response. 

“Last time you spoke, I remember you telling Akaza that I preferred it if you stayed quiet. But that isn’t true.” You shook your head. “I prefer what you prefer, Douma. I like whatever you’re most comfortable with.”

You shuddered when you felt the tips of his nails caress your back, gracing the scratch wounds he once inflicted. You watched as his face inched closer to yours, his lips hovering over the shell of your ear. 

“I know what you did.”

 You felt your blood run cold. 

Your body grew limp as you processed the weight of his words, feeling the strength drain itself from your limbs. 

Although Douma’s tone was a hushed whisper, lacking its accusatory tone, you felt like a deer in headlights. You felt your heart stop as your eyes widened, heartbeat quickening. 

“But it’s okay. I’m not upset.” Douma hushed as he backed up, sending you a smile. He bathed in your terrified expression, drinking up the sight of your fear. 

His tone was pitifully condescending, his cadence sugarcoated and sweet. 

“No, I’m not upset.” He repeated, shaking his head. 

You mentally scolded yourself for adoring how beautiful his voice was. It was so airy, so playful and enchanting. 

“Poor little girl couldn’t help herself…” The demon frowned in pity, petting the flesh of your cheeks as he cradled your face. “Since humans are so pitifully weak….”

He exhaled deeply, sighing. “I couldn’t believe it. Such betrayal from my favourite doll….”

You wanted to say something. You wanted to bite back, to sputter something to defend your fragmented pride. 

You felt hopeless as an invisible chain shackled itself around your throat, forbidding any sounds from emerging. 

You felt the familiar sense of shame and embarrassment wash over you again as you felt your eyes water. He noticed.

“Oh dear!” He pouted, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “Please don’t cry. I can’t stand to see you sad.”

You yelped when he grabbed onto your waist, effortlessly lifting you up to straddle you into his lap. You shrieked as you held onto him, feeling his muscular thighs support your weight. 

“I was so…surprised.”

His tone was uncertain, as if unsure about what he felt. His expression faltered as he stared at the ceiling, reminiscing on the past.  

“You know (__), I never really understood emotions.” He explained, locking eyes with yours. “It’s been like that for as long as I remember. But whenever you were with me, I…felt something.”

Your eyes widened when you saw the slightest hint of pink decorate his cheeks. 

“My heart started feeling funny, and my head grew light. It was so…nice.” He sighed in delight. “I wanted more of it. I couldn’t get enough.”

You felt your fingertips quiver. 

“But then you went ahead and did that.”

His happiness evaporated. Your heart sank. 

You watched the joy melt off his face. “And suddenly, all nice things I felt transformed into…”

His face contorted, his brows furrowed as he didn’t finish his sentence. 

He didn’t know how. 

“Anyways”. He clasped his hands together, smiling at you with satisfaction. “It’s okay now, my dearest (N/N). I just wanted to give you a few things…”

—“I made a mistake.” You sputtered, eyes trembling in shame. “I didn’t mean to. I’m so sorry…”

Your voice cracked, tying your hardest to bite back a sob. 

“Oh no no!” He kissed your cheek, gently shaking his head. “There’s no need for that. I think you already wallowed in sadness for far too long now.”

He perked up. “Oh right! As I was saying…”

You watched in curiosity as his arms writhed. You expected his hands to grasp something behind his back, perhaps giving you a present he had been keeping for a while. 

Instead, your brow rose in bewilderment as his hand moved towards his face. 

A wet, squelching sound hit your ears. 

You watched in horror when the demon’s long, violet fingernails impaled the skin right above his nose, piercing his face. Your stomach churned at the sound of masticating flesh, droplets of blood pouring from the open wound. 

He didn’t show any signs of pain or discomfort as his gentle smile remained etched onto his features, his other eye flickering with a fleeting sense of desolation. 

His fingers curled as he enveloped his mangled eye, his fingers digging into his cells. 

With one swift movement, the demon ripped his eye out. 

You felt like throwing up when he separated it from his face, tearing the blood vessels and nerve endings that had connected it to his body. 

You didn’t move when you felt his dainty fingertips fold your hands into a bowl, staining your hands with the crimson blood. 

Something wet, warm and fleshy kissed your skin. 

He had gifted you his eye. 

You watched when his torn, bloodied skin began to move and writhe, his broken cells beginning to mend. His mangled skin and damaged nerves began to intertwine swiftly, repairing his face like the gory scene had been nothing but an illusion. 

You wanted to scream. 

“Do you like it?” The demon squealed in excitement, grasping his hands together. “If you take this thing home, I can watch you for as long as I like!”

The once motionless, cold blood that roamed the demon’s veins began to boil and seethe, the hot liquid simmering beneath his skin. 

The joy in his voice made you want to vomit. 

“You know..” He cooed in a low tone, feeling his fingertips grasp the side of your waist. “If you think about it, it’d be actually more fair for you to gouge those eyes out, so you won’t look at other demons again…”

All signs of happiness and joy had evaporated, his hushed voice making your blood run cold. His eyes narrowed in suspicion, analysing your every move. 

You were frozen in fear as you felt his fingernail dig softly into your wrist. 

“If I could, I’d remove those pesky hands of yours too. So you won’t touch anyone else ever again.”

His joy had returned again, morphing itself into a carefree smile. “But of course, frail humans like you would probably die from blood loss! So I’ll give you mine instead!”

It all happened way too fast. 

Douma stuck his tongue out in concentration as he effortlessly separated his left hand from his wrist, the lullaby of splattering blood filling your ears. 

You couldn’t move. 

You shrieked when the cold, bloodied limb joined the basket of your hands, staining your hands once more. 

“When you get lonely, you can just touch me instead, okay?” The demon cheered. “Isn’t that just the best?”

Your body felt frozen as you felt the blood leak through your fingers, dripping down onto the floor. 

You wanted this to end. 

“Hey, what’s with the sad expression?” Douma pouted, cupping your cheeks with crimson stained hands that had instantly regenerated. “Don’t you like my gifts?”

Terrified eyes met his own.  

“I—-“ You babbled, trying your hardest to push out any syllable at all. “I don’t want it.”

“Huh? What’s that?” He frowned. “You don’t?”

You shook your head, feeling your eyes well up with tears as you sank into the depths of your despair. 

“That’s so sad.” Douma huffed. “You hurt me.”

You felt his fingers curl around the side of your waist, staining your uniform as he pushed you into his chest. 

“Don’t be afraid now.” He hummed, pressing a kiss to your temple. 

“For as long as we live, until the stars fall from the sky, you and I are bound together.” He cooed, interlacing your fingers. 

The taste of copper graced your lips. 

Chapter Text

The low hanging sun casted the landscape in an orange glow, painting your surroundings with its warmth. The soft buzzing of cicada along with the fluttering wings of butterflies and pepper moths casted a soothing tune. 

The campfire fertilised in front of you, spreading its heat. The soft rustling of moving twigs and flowing rivers made your eyes grow heavy. 

“It’s so pretty here.” You sighed in relief, resting your chin within your hands. Your uniform skirt was planted into the moss, either oblivious or uncaring about the grass stains it would leave. 

“I know.” Inosuke huffed beside you, arms curled around his knees. 

A short silence fell. 

“You know.” He spoke up. “Did you know cicadas spend most of their lives living underground before they eventually emerge?”

“Really?”

“Yeah. They’ll come to the surface to multiply, lay eggs, make noise and die.”

You chuckled. “Sounds nice.”

It was nice seeing a calmer side of him. You seemed to have that effect on him.

“I brought you here for a reason.” He said, wiping some imaginary dust off his knees as he stood. You hummed in curiosity as he inched towards a tree, moving to inspect its bark. 

“What are you doing?”

He didn’t reply, sticking his tongue out in concentration as his hand ventured into the hollow cavity at the bottom of a tree. You watched as his hands seemed to clasp around some small objects, one he intended to hide. 

“Close your eyes.” He professed, his demeanour radiating a childish excitement. You smiled at the sight, following his commands. 

Darkness enveloped your vision as you felt his free hands move to fiddle with yours, folding them into a bowl-like shape. You heard some rustling noises as he moved. 

Something warm and light-weight dropped into the palm of your hands. 

“Okay. You can open them now.”

You blinked, letting your eyes adjust to the sunlight before scanning your hands. 

Three pieces of smooth, chocolate brown acorns graced your skin, along with a tattered gemstone and torn twig. 

They were still radiating warmth from Inosuke’s grasp. 

“…Uh…” You muttered in confusion, staring in bewilderment at the objects in your hand. “What’s this?”

“They’re gifts!”

The young boy beamed, his emerald green eyes shimmering with excitement.  

At the sight of your evident shock, he visibly deflated. 

“You don’t like them…?”

“I do!” You perked up, feeling your heart shatter with the disappointment laced in his voice. “I’m just surprised…”

His smile returned. 

His hands cupped your knees as he scanned the gifts he had acquired, sitting down before you. 

“They were the nicest I could find.” He ushered, pointing towards the acorns. “See? There’s three of them. One from all of us.”

You felt a warmth bloom in your chest. “Inosuke…”

—“and this..” he explained, pointing towards the gemstone and torn twig. “I saw two crows on a wire exchange gifts. It made me want to get you one too!”

Your eyes softened. You felt your heart swell. 

“Thank you so very much. That is so sweet of you.” You professed, clasping his monuments of love within the warmth of your hands. 

He felt himself melt within the endearment of your gaze as he watched you caress the gifts he acquired. 

“I’ll make sure to treasure them, okay?”  

——

Warm. Sticky. Wet. 

The bloody remains of the demon’s worship tainted your hands a crimson hue. The torn limbs, a symbol of his devotion, writhed and squirmed within your shaky fingers as you exited his tomb. 

You felt your cheeks hollow as your shaky legs barely carried your weight, your mind hazy as you stumbled on your feet. 

Within a second, the metal doors to your left opened. 

Your gaze met Shinobu’s, her face contorted in both frustration and anxiety. She had joined forces, the young supervisor now accompanied by several other colleagues. 

You blinked in astonishment, your mind blank as you stared at the woman ahead. From the corner of your eye, you caught a glimpse of several familiar faces. 

“Don’t move.”

Shinobu commanded, protectively stretching her arm out to shield her colleagues from the unknown harm. Her eyebrows were knitted, her voice cold. 

You stood still, body frozen from the shock. 

“(__), listen to me very carefully.” She asserted, slightly raising her voice. “Stay right where you are. Don’t move an inch. Okay?”

There was a certain stress in her eyes, a certain tension her movements conveyed. You noticed. 

“Before we can allow you to move, we first need to determine whether those things are sentient or not.” She explained, glancing at the treasures you held. 

“There’s no need to be scared. Just do as I say.”

Although you heard her voice, you barely registered the content of its meaning. Your mind felt completely and utterly blank. Not a single thought materialised in your head as Shinobu’s warning formed a mere gust of wind. 

“(__), please move the detached hand towards your face. Slowly.”

You blinked, trying your hardest to ground yourself. As if possessed by an unknown spirit, your body moved. 

Glancing at the gore, you carefully wrapped your fingers around the torn wrist of Douma’s hand. With utmost care, you let it reach your face. 

It moved. 

Your breath hitched as his fingers curled, feeling his feathery touch caress the skin of your cheek. His cold, dainty fingertips kissed your skin, each stroke a fleeting reminder of his care. 

A whine left your lips. 

Its eye kept looking at you. 

“Just as I thought.” You heard Shinobu hiss, muttering something beneath her breath. 

“Please lower it, (__). Don’t dangle it in front of your face.”

She sounded annoyed. You followed her commands.  

You watched as she reached into her pockets, fishing out an object of peculiar shape. An odd, small object reminding you of the shape of a glue gun was clutched in her hands. It seemed to be loaded with a small needle, its contents filled with a violet, flowing liquid. 

She pulled the trigger.  

You yelped when the needle launched towards you, penetrating the demon’s hand effortlessly. 

Her aim was impeccable. 

You watched the ominous liquid disappear from the needle’s confinements, instead transporting itself into the demon’s hand. 

You blinked in astonishment. It all happened too fast.  

“The eye doesn’t matter.” 

A low, ominous voice spoke. You perked up as you glanced at the open elevator in the distance, now scanning the faces of the other staff members Shinobu had aquired. 

Their faces you knew. 

Obanai’s heterochromic eyes stared you down, answering the question you were sure your face conveyed. “Its just the limbs you gotta worry about. That’s why she’s neutralised it.”

“Speaking about those limbs…”

A soft, airy voice cooed. You glanced at the deity beside Shinobu, perking up at the sight that was her sister. 

“What to do with them, I wonder?” Kanae chirped, her voice dreamy. The tall woman had a calm, peaceful smile plastered on her face, her long flowing hair caressing her back as she spoke. 

It was funny to see the Kocho sisters beside each other. Whereas Shinobu radiated a concealed distress and frustration, Kanae was the very embodiment of serenity itself. 

“The answer to that is simple.” Obanai intervened, glancing at Kanae. “We’ll confiscate them. They are now the facility’s property.”

“Really?” Kanae frowned, seemingly disappointed at Obanai’s harsh decision. “Would that really be alright? Taking away (__)’s gift like that…”

“Of course.” Obanai replied, his brows furrowed at the empathy he did not understand. “There is no way she can take something like that home.”

He shook his head. “What if someone sees it? What if a police officer just happens to see a pedestrian in the middle of the night carrying what seems to be human remains?“

Shinobu sighed, parting from the crowd. She pulled out a glass jar she had seemingly brought  along, making her way over to you. 

The young woman gave you a stern expression as she held the jar in front of you, giving you silent instructions. Following the brief nudge of her head, you glanced at the opened jar. 

You felt the sticky remains of Douma’s cold limbs detach itself from your hands as you dropped them into the jar. Shinobu’s expression remained unwavering as she silently screwed the lid back on. 

“But I’m sure (__)’s bag is big enough to hide something like this. And the odds that someone like that is out there at this hour is a bit far-fetched, isn’t it?” Kanae hummed. 

“It’s too much of a risk to be taking home.” Ohanai asserted once more, disagreeing with Kanae’s lenience. “We’re merely talking about the aesthetics right now, but what about the danger it brings?”

His eyes narrowed. “This is the first time in history we even considered discussing this. We have no way of predicting how an SCP’s remains might react to a different environment.” He continued. “It’s likely that the poison Shinobu used just now was a temporary fix. If SCP-0102 regains full control over its shedded limbs, it’s quite possible that that thing can put her life in danger.”

“Those are all valid points…” Kanae huffed. “But again, Shinobu and I did a bunch of experiments with upper ranks and their torn limbs. As long as they’re separated from their main power source and the distance between them is larger than 3 kilometres, they’re deemed harmless.”

Obanai sighed. “I don’t understand why this discussion is happening to begin with.” He narrowed his eyes in suspicion, glaring at the glass jar in distrust. “That thing’s staying here, end of story. Right, Shinobu?”

You lifted your gaze to glance at your supervisor. You were surprised to see her brows furrowed, her lips pursed in a straight line. She lifted her head, letting her eyes meet yours. 

“Maybe we should ask the rightful owner, hmm?” Kanae chuckled. “They were given to (__) after all. Technically, it’s her property.”

—-“What do you think, (__)?”

The sound of Shinobu’s voice surprised you. 

The room grew silent. 

“My head is spinning right now, trying to calculate all possible outcomes….”Your supervisor huffed. “But then again, I want to know what your heart says.”

She blinked, the intensity of her stare grounding you. 

—-“I—“

Your voice was hoarse, still raspy from your previous silence. Your mind was reeling, the cogs in your mind spinning to formulate the most logical answer. 

Your lips parted, although words had failed you. Your thoughts were still stuck in its initial fog, your mind blank from the aftermath of the shock. 

“I don’t——“ You huffed. “I don’t know…”

“What do you think?”

Shinobu asked once more. Her tone was softer, gentler this time. 

“I…” You stammered. “To be honest, throwing it away feels just as bad as keeping it.”

You glanced at the jar in your hands. 

The hand twitched. The eye kept staring at its muse. 

The weeping of your heart drowned out the voice of logic. 

You involuntarily stepped backwards, protectively wrapping your arms around the jar. 

Something about Shinobu’s aura changed. Her eyes narrowed. 

“Ah…” She concluded, her voice airy and light. “So that is your decision…”

The woman sighed, her shoulders sinking. “Oh well, it’s me who is to blame. I allowed you to grow fond of him in the first place. I never would have imagined you were willing to cross such lengths for him though. Endangering yourself for a demon’s sake…”

You heard it. That subtle disgust in her voice. 

“I guess it can’t be helped.” She shook her head. The feigned smile she had plastered upon herself melted away. 

“I’m sorry (__). While I admire your devotion, we can’t allow you to endanger both yourself and the lives of innocent citizens.” She asserted. “If it were a lower moon or an unranked demon, we maybe could’ve made an exception. But since Douma is an upper rank, we can’t take any risks.”

A silence settled. 

“I hope you’ll understand our decision.”

You frowned when Shinobu crept towards you, feeling an unfamiliar ache bloom in your chest when her hands wrapped themselves around the glass jar. 

It’s mine. 

You felt your heart crack when she took what was yours. 

Give it back to me. 

You didn’t even register the empathetic smile Kanae sent your way when Shinobu walked down the hallway, returning her position in the forsaken elevator. 

You felt your lip tremble when the metal doors closed, leaving you to bathe in the eerie silence. 

Your hands were empty. Your heart felt hollow.

——

You were bored. 

The flicking of the notes of the rhythm game you were playing had become a dull, fleeting sound. Even the flickering ‘stage clear’ pop-up failed to provide you any type of excitement as you mindlessly pressed the buttons of your console. 

You sighed, pausing the game you were playing as your spine collided against your velvety couch. You stared at the colours radiating from the tv before you, bathing in the silence of the living room for a while. 

Zenitsu loved rhythm games. Given the blessing that was phenomenal hearing, he always had a nack for playing musical instruments or games that had anything to do with sound. 

Although your skills were incomparable to Zenitsu’s, it was a passion you two shared. After hundreds of hushed whispers and failed attempts, Zenitsu had forcibly gifted you your favourite. 

The absence of sound playing from the rhythm game casted an eerie silence. 

You felt uncomfortable. 

You glanced at the clock hanging above your tv, realising you were spending your beloved Friday night by yourself. Even the warm lighting emitting from your lamps failed to provide you any comfort, feeling an odd sense of unease creep up on you. 

You groaned as you sat up, shutting off the console. The static of your tv called your name. 

It had been five days now since you last spoke to your beloved friends. You’ve never gone such a long time without seeing them, let alone refrain from any type of contact. 

You tapped your phone’s homescreen, unfazed by the lack of notifications. You huffed in boredom as you mindlessly scrolled through some mind-numbing apps, distracting your mind from the silence. 

Your doorbell rang. 

You perked up, your body moving before your mind even registered the sound. Your feet carried you to your front door, wrapping your fingers around the doorknob as you welcomed the unknown visitor.

“Good evening, onee-san…”

The miniature clone of Kyojuro Rengoku stood at your doorstep. 

Unruly locks of amber, golden hair enveloped a young, dainty face. Gentle eyes emitting warmth focused on your features, the young boy’s hands clasped around a glass bowl of sliced fruits.   

“Senjuro!”

You smiled at him, feeling a warmth bloom in your chest at the familiar face. “It’s been a while! Please, come in!”

You beamed, standing aside to beckon to your living room. The young boy nodded as he bowed, swiftly taking off his slippers as he followed your trail. 

“How are you?” You inquired, smiling at him as you went to fetch some lemonade you had stored in the fridge. You smiled at him once more as he gently sat himself down onto your couch, hands still clasped around the bowl. 

“Oh, thank you.” Senjuro professed, bowing his head slightly after placing the cup in front of him. “I was just stopping by really. I wanted to give you this…”

You couldn’t resist gasping in excitement when Senjuro shifted his hands, slightly elevating the glass bowl he held. You felt your mouth water at the sight of the fresh, juicy fruits he had carefully picked. 

“That’s too sweet!” You squealed in gratitude. “You’re so adorable, Senjuro-kun! I’ll go grab some forks!”

He smiled when he watched you disappear into the kitchen before returning with two sets of plates and cutlery. 

“How have you been?” You repeated, taking a seat beside the young boy. “How are things at home?”

He bashfully nodded, lacing his fingers around his cup. “They have been…okay, I think.”

He sounded unsure. “Just okay…?”

He nodded again, slightly firmer. “Y-Yeah. Aniki still works a lot. Dad is…you know, dad.”

You huffed, smiling in defeat. “Yeah, I can imagine….”

A silence fell. You took a sip from the drink you had poured, feeling the beverage replenish your spirits a little. 

Your phone buzzed. 

For a moment, you felt your heart stop. 

Could it be…?

You felt your eyes widen in anticipation, a flickering sense of hope that the ones you held dear had finally reached out. 

You visibly deflated at the icon of your camera roll. 

You groaned in annoyance, glaring at the notification. 

Today: two months ago. 

“…Were you expecting something…?” Senjuro suggested, chuckling at your reaction. 

You sighed, mindlessly staring at your screen. “Sort of…”

Your thumb had a mind of its own as it pressed the notification. 

Your gallery opened, the software automatically directing your attention to a memory you had recently captured. 

Ah. It’s that picture….

You remembered it like it was yesterday. The art project you and Inosuke had teamed up on. 

You had pestered him day and night, practically throwing yourself at his feet to choose you as his partner. Inosuke, with your whining and begging getting to his head, had agreed. 

Such beautiful pictures you had taken. He looked like an actual, proper courtesan in that blue kimono of yours. His emerald green eyes shone like diamonds in the radiant sun, his pose dignified and graceful after your many suggestions. 

You smiled at the memory. 

It was so fun. If you could, you’d relive it all over again. 

“Wow!” You heard Senjuro gasp. “What a gorgeous young lady! Is she your friend?”

You audibly chuckled. “That’s a he, Senjuro-kun. Inosuke is a boy.”

“Oh!” He exclaimed, visibly flustered. “Sorry….”

You laughed. “It’s hard to tell sometimes. Don’t worry…”

He was right. Inosuke, or should you say Inoko-chan had such feminine features. You couldn’t believe a face that doll-like and captivating belonged to a body like his. 

The slightest amount of makeup you had applied truly made his eyes pop, highlighting his dazzling features. He truly was a stunner. 

You mindlessly scrolled through your gallery, uncaring about Senjuro’s prying eyes. 

Huh…?

You hummed in confusion at the picture on your phone. I didn’t take this one…

You pursed your lips together, staring at the photo ahead. 

You saw yourself sitting on your velvety couch, legs folded as you tended to Inosuke’s face. His demeanour radiated boredom and irritation as you cupped his cheek, dipping a sponge soaked in makeup onto his face. 

How gentle you were. 

Your hands were clasped around his cheeks with utmost care, treating his being like a porcelain doll. Although the image was still, you could sense the radiating tenderness from the stance of your fingers alone, the affection you held for him swirling in your eyes. 

You figured either Zenitsu or Tanjirou had adored the scene and felt like capturing the moment. 

How thoughtful. 

“You look so happy.” Senjuro noted, a gentle smile resting on your face. 

You chuckled, swiping to see a silly selfie Tanjirou and Zenitsu had taken with your phone.

The memories you tried to suppress came flooding back into your mind as your smile disappeared. 

How is that mom of yours you never see?

Your shoulders sank, the happiness of your heart having melted away. 

Senjuro frowned, noticing the shift in your expression. 

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He ushered, gently clasping his hand around your arm. “Why do you look so sad…?”

You sighed, shutting your phone off as you stared at the black screen. 

“I…I had an argument with them.” You confessed. “It was entirely my fault too. I said many things I regret, and as of now, we have not spoken in five days…”

Senjuro’s frown deepened. “I’m so sorry to hear. But haven’t they tried reaching out?”

You shook your head. “No, and I don’t blame them. It’s me who should reach out first.”

“But then, why haven’t you…?”

Your brows knitted in frustration. “I—“ you stammered, mindlessly toying with the hems of your skirt. 

“I’m not…ready yet….” 

Senjuro nodded, gently letting go of your arm. “I understand. I trust your judgement, onee-san.”

You wanted to cry when he smiled at you. “The (__) I know is honest and kind, so I’m sure this argument will be solved before you know it. I’m certain.”

Honest and kind….

It took you everything not to start bawling in front of him. 

Luckily for you, Senjuro’s phone buzzed. 

“Oh, excuse me.” He apologised, his mechanic ringtone reverberating through your living room. “I have to take this one.”

You watched him press a green-looking button, holding his old-fashioned flipphone next to his ear. 

“Hello, Rengoku residence.” 

He sounded formal. At the sound of a seemingly familiar voice, the young boy visibly perked up. 

“Ah, it’s Aniki!” He cheered. 

You smiled at his relief, hearing a muffled sound babble something in his ear. 

“Oh, that’s a coincidence. I’m with her right now.” Senjuro replied, casting you a glance. 

You watched one of his eyebrows rise in confusion when the muffled voice continued its ramble. 

“Uh…is that really necessary?” He asked, tilting his head a little. “I can just pass her the—“

Startled at being interrupted, Senjuro kept quiet as the voice’s monologue continued. 

“Okay. Will do. I’ll see you later.”

The beep of a button told you he hung up. 

“It’s Kyojuro.” Senjuro stated, already answering the question you hadn’t even asked yet. “He said he wanted to talk to you.”

You hummed. “Huh? I also have a phone you know…” You chuckled.  “Why doesn’t he just call me instead?”

The young boy shrugged. “He told me your cellphone is out of reach. Whatever that means…”

Your position shifted, the suspicion regarding Kyojuro’s behaviour rising. “Huh?”

“He said that you should go to the phone booth closest to your house. He’s waiting for you to pick up.”

“What?” You huffed, staring at him in disbelief. “What the—“

You stood up from your couch, walking up to your kitchen window. You peered through the blinds, scanning the environment for the sight of the nearest telephone booth. 

“You know what.” You sighed, grabbing the keys of your house. “I’ll go check what this is all about.”

“Do I stay here in the meantime…?” Senjuro muttered, his form still politely glued onto your couch. 

“Yeah, of course. If you’d like. I doubt this will take long.”

“Okay…”

“Don’t open the door to anyone while I’m done, okay?” You warned, slipping a jacket over your shoulders. “Keep the lights on. I’ll be back in a couple of mins.”

After bidding Senjuro a goodbye, you flung the door shut as you marched towards your destination. 

You shuddered. The thin fabric draped around your shoulders did little to shield you from the cold. You glanced at the night sky, focussing on the song of the cicada to keep you grounded. 

Rengoku had indeed been calling you. The ringing of the cellphone ahead grew louder as you approached. 

You hissed as you ventured yourself into the tight space that was the phone booth, the thin glass walls enclosing your form. 

Stuffing your house keys into your pocket, you took a breath as you picked up the phone. 

“Hello?”

“Ah, it’s you (__). I’ve been trying to reach you.”

Something about Kyojuro’s voice sounded unusual. His regular blaring voice that was  always laced with enthusiasm and ease was now replaced by an eerie sense of manners and formality. 

“What’s wrong?” You inquired, toying with the phone’s cord. “Couldn’t you just call me?”

“(__), are you alone right now?”

You audibly laughed. “What the hell? Are you gonna ask me what I’m wearing next?” You slyly commented, cracking a joke to help lift the tension. 

“I’m sorry (__), but I’m afraid this is no laughing matter. Are you alone right now?”

The smile melted off your face. You paused in silence as you checked your surroundings, peering into the darkness of night to check for any bystanders. 

“Coast is clear.”

“I need to tell you something.”

He sounded so serious. Something was wrong. 

“…Yeah…?”

“Alright. I’ll tell you, but you must not cause a commotion.”

You held your breath. 

“Some of our specimens have escaped.”

You felt your heart stop. 

A suffocating silence enveloped the glass panels that captured your panic, enveloping your sense of self in a nauseating claustrophobia. 

“Hello? Are you there?”

You heard Kyojuro’s babble emerge from the phone. You felt the strength drain from your limbs as you processed the information. 

“…hmm…” 

“(__), please don’t panic.” He sounded firmer than before. “This isn’t your fault to fix.”

“Who—“ You wheezed. “Who escaped.”

Kyojuro sighed deeply. “Douma, Akaza, along with some lower ranked demons.”

You bit the inside of your cheek, muffling the sound of your whine. You balled your hand into a fist, digging your sharp nails into your skin. 

You tasted blood. 

“How did this—-?” You huffed, your mind hazy. “How did this happen?”

“(__), despite all our precautions, this facility is run by human beings.  Humans make mistakes. Humans get tired. Humans have bad days.”

“How are you so calm about this?” You muttered in disbelief, voice almost accusatory. “Won’t people die..?”

“We caught them once. I’m confident we can do it again.” He declared. “Of course, most of them are equipped with trackers…”

A silence settled. You felt the darkness of night swallow you whole. 

“And what now? Your voice trembled. 

“For you, nothing. You just stay put.”

“That’s all?”

“You won’t have to come into work for a while. Of course, you’ll get paid during the time off.”

Your fingertips quivered. 

“Like I said, this is not your problem to fix.” Kyojuro stated, trying his best to comfort you. “Everything will be okay.”

You didn’t reply. 

“I had to call you on this phone instead of your own as a precaution. Cellphones always get watched after all. We don’t want this information to fall in the wrong hands…”

You shuddered. 

“Everything’s gonna be okay.” Kyojuro cooed, his voice laced with care. “Please don’t worry. Our most dedicated experts are onto this. Things will be back to normal before you know it.”

You wanted to say something in return. You felt frozen. 

“If you ever feel scared, don’t hesitate to reach out, okay?” You heard his tone soften. “I’m here for you…”

A broken hum was all you managed to muster. 

“Goodnight, okay? I’ll see you soon…hopefully.”

Your lips parted. 

“Kyojuro?”

“Yes?”

The moon was beautiful tonight. 

“I’ll walk Senjuro home.”

Chapter Text

Stage 1: incident  

The rustling of keys greeted Senjuro’s ears as he bathed within the silence of your living room. 

Staring at the black screen that was your tv, the young boy hadn’t moved an inch on the couch he firmly planted himself on. His hands were glued to his thighs, his spine stretched in the same, formal manner. 

He visibly perked up at the sight of your silhouette emerging in the doorway, eyes widening in a hopeful excitement as you entered the warmly lit space. 

“Let’s get you home.”

You stated, uncaring about the stains your shoes left behind on the floor. Your shoulders trembled between the comfort of your jacket, inhaling through the gaps of your nose. 

You bit the inside of your cheek, hoping to conceal the obvious tremble that racked your body. You clasped your hands around the hems of your jacket, opting the hide the shiver of your fingertips. 

Senjuro’s lips parted, his eyes widening in a mixture of both surprise and disappointment. 

“You’re not gonna tell me what it was about…?” He murmured, slightly tilting his head. 

You awkwardly huffed, shifting your weight around the surface of your feet. “It’s just-“

“Confidential?” Senjuro chuckled, although no spark of joy reached his eyes. “Yeah, I know. Secrets and stuff. Kyojuro’s told me dozens of times that those things aren’t meant for my ears.”

He sighed as he got up from the couch. “Though I can’t help but wonder…”

You felt your eyebrows knit, a pang of guilt tormenting your heart. “I know, Senjuro. But there’s no reason for you to worry.”

You huffed again, beckoning towards the front door. You tried your hardest to act normal, careful to hide the adrenaline causing the extra pep in your step. “Come, let’s go now. It’s getting late.”

Senjuro nodded, following your orders as he moved towards the hallway. You watched as his feet slipped into his wooden sandals, wiping some imaginary dust off his clothes as he stood before you. 

A brief silence settled. 

“Are you alright?”

The young boy asked, eyes clouded in concern as he stared you down. “You look kind of…pale…”

You forced yourself to nod, glueing an artificial smile onto your face. 

You hurriedly turned around, shielding your face from him as you opened the front door. You flung it shut behind you, feeling your fingertips tremble as they brushed past the doorknob.  

The walk to the Rengoku estate was a quiet one. 

The rhythmic sound of swaying footsteps crunched beneath the pavement, your breath shaky as you walked. Your hand moved to grasp Senjuro’s, feeling the warmth of his palm swell in yours. 

“Are you cold?” You asked him, feeling the responsibility of taking after him dawn on you. “You can have my jacket if you’d like.”

The young boy shook his head. “Not really. I’m fine.”

You nodded at him, redirecting your gaze towards the moonlit streets. 

“You’ve shivering a little, onee-san.” 

The subtle remark of Kyojuro’s sibling had no reason to stress you out as much as it did. You felt your heartbeat speed up, your breathing intensifying. 

“I’m okay.” You dryly replied, deliberately avoiding eye-contact.  

Luckily for you, Senjuro didn’t push it. The rest of the walk was filled with stillness as the two of you eventually reached the Rengoku residence. 

“There we are.” Senjuro mused as he whipped his house keys from his pocket, swiftly inserting them into the lock. The door opened with a gentle huff, revealing the sight of a long, dark hallway. 

“Is your dad not home?” You asked as you peered into the darkness, letting your eyes adjust. 

“I guess not.” Senjuro sighed as he kicked off his slippers, closing the door. “He’s probably out again…”

“Then I-“ You shuddered, nervously glancing over your shoulder. “I should head back.”

That’s right. Now that the SCP’s has escaped, you had no idea where they possible could be. If one of them had been keen enough to follow you, every person you’d surround yourself with would be exposed to eminent danger. 

Senjuro, the young boy who radiated kindness and compassion, was in danger because of you. 

You felt your heart sink at the thought. 

“…You’re leaving already…?”

The disappointment embedded into his voice made you want to cry. You glanced at his frown, noticing how his tiny hands gently clasped his clothes. 

A silence settled as you stared him down. 

Your brain was at war with itself. Your mind was telling you to get away from Senjuro, to amplify the distance between you and the one you swore to protect, whereas your heart begged to give the poor child a grain of attention. 

“I-“ You sighed, giving in to your instincts. “Okay then. I’ll tuck you in…”

Senjuro’s whole demeanour visibly lit up. A smile adorned his face as he bowed in gratitude, thanking you. 

Grasping your hand, Senjuro escorted you through the shadows, seemingly knowing his way around. He guided you up the stairs, taking you to his room. 

After pulling the cord of his nightlight, a warm, golden-like warmth enveloped the room. 

Senjuro’s room was adorable, although a bit minimalistic. It was small, equipped with a bed, tiny closet and a low, wooden desk. You couldn’t help but look around, noticing the lack of decoration and trinkets. 

You had been in the Rengoku residence a couple of times, although not much. After one glance, you could tell the estate resembled a more traditional one. 

Senjuro’s bed was a futon, enveloped by tatami mats enclosing both the floors, walls and ceiling.  A fleeting scent of oakwood lingered in the air. 

“What a nice room you have, Senjuro-kun.” You muttered, your words now finally honest and true. 

While you were occupying your mind with sightseeing, the young boy had already changed. The younger sibling was dressed in a white robe draped around his body, keeping him warm. 

“Thank you.” Senjuro smiled. 

“Come, get in now.” You ushered, moving to sit on your knees. 

You felt a heartfelt smile tug on your lips as you watched him crawl into his futon, making himself comfortable within the warm, cozy covers. 

“There there.” You cooed, softly petting the blanket. “All nice and warm now….”

Senjuro chuckled, his face being the only thing the blankets didn’t engulf. He reminded you of a caterpillar. 

“Thank you for looking out for me, onee-san.” Senjuro professed, his eyes trembling. “It’s been a while since someone tucked me in like this. It makes me feel like a kid again.”

“But you are one. And you should enjoy your youth while it lasts.” You smiled, slightly lowering yourself. Your hands gently brushed some fiery strands aside, delicately pressing a kiss onto his forehead. 

You witnessed a shy, flustered blush paint his cheeks. 

“Do you have a younger sibling, (__)-chan?” 

The question caught you off guard. 

“No, I don’t sadly.” You chuckled. 

“That’s a shame.” He replied. “If someone were to have you as their sister, they’d be the luckiest person in the world.”

You felt your heart swell. You almost teared up. 

“Awww…” You mumbled, touched by his words. 

“Hey, you sure you don’t wanna go out with my brother?”

You audibly laughed, deflecting his question with a smile. 

“Goodnight, sweet boy.” You cooed, gingerly brushing his cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”

“….Bye….”

Senjuro muttered as you parted ways with a smile. 

——

Your teeth clattered as you stumbled back to your apartment, the cold of night nestling itself beneath your skin. You felt your lips turn a shade of violet as the temperature dropped, rubbing your arms to keep yourself warm. 

As you eventually reached the sight of your front door, you shuddered as your hands moved to dig into your pockets, opting to fish out your keys. 

The sound of weeping hinges caught your attention. 

Frozen in your movements, your hands stopped fiddling as you stared at the door ahead. 

It was open. Unlocked. 

A few millimetres of darkness unraveled itself between the front door and inside. 

Your lips parted in surprise, tilting your head at the sight. 

That was…odd, to say the least. When it came to home-security, you were a total control freak. You always locked all windows and doors upon leaving, and never left without checking in the first place. 

This wasn’t like you. 

You sighed, gently pushing the door open to grant you access to your home. 

Whatever, you thought to yourself. 

Accidents happen, right? 

Stage 2: coincidence 

You woke up to the sound of your phone ringing. 

You groaned at the buzzing sound drilling through your brain, feeling like it was splitting your skull. Your eyelashes fluttered, heavy eyelids separated as they stared at the darkness. 

Your body was cuddled up in the warm embrace of your beloved bed, frame engulfed by the blankets. Staring at the rims of your curtains, the lack of sunlight piercing through them made you come to the conclusion that the unknown caller had decided to bother you at night. 

Moaning, you tried your hardest to glue your eyes open as your hand roamed through the darkness, wiggling and writhing until it found your nightstand. You picked up the vibrating device, your eyes registering the name of the caller. 

You sighed at the recognition of Senjuro’s name. The fact that the young boy had called you at exactly 4:10 AM did very little to soothe your nerves. 

Feeling the slightest bit of worry pool in your stomach, your eyebrows furrowed as you slightly straightened your spine. Pressing the circular green button on the screen, you picked up. 

“Onee-san…?”

At the sound of his familiar voice, you couldn’t help but groan a little. 

“Do you have any idea what time it is?” You replied, tone laced with annoyance. “It’s the middle of the night.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” You heard the young boy mourn. “I’m so sorry to be bothering you this late, especially since you were with me just now…”

You sighed, immediately feeling guilt about projecting your chagrin onto him. “It’s alright. Is everything alright there?”

A short silence followed. 

“Both my daddy and my brother haven’t returned.”

Judging from the cadence of his voice, you could just about imagine the look on Senjuro’s face. You were sure he laid with his spine pressed into his futon, eyebrows knitted in concern as he stared at his ceiling. 

“…Are you worried about them.?” You asked, wanting to discover the root of his concerns. 

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” He struggled. “It’s not unusual for them to be out at this hour. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about…”

You blinked in confusion. “But then…what’s keeping you up?”

Another silence followed. It was longer this time. 

“I can’t sleep in an empty house.”

Senjuro professed. 

“The floor creaks. The ceiling moans. The fridge buzzes. Everything is so loud yet so quiet…”

Your lips parted, unsure of what to say. 

“How do you do it, Miss (__)? Aren’t you…scared sometimes?”

You chuckled. “Senjuro-kun, are you scared of the dark?”

You heard a faint chuckle emit from your phone. “I guess I am…”

You shook your head. “Don’t worry about it. That’s normal for kids your age.”

Although you couldn’t see his face, you were sure he’d look relieved. 

“But I’m not scared Senjuro. And you know why?”

“Why?”

“Because demons and monsters don’t exist.”

The darkness grew heavy. The silence of your bedroom seemed to press down on you as soon as those syllables left your lips. 

“They’re a fairytale, Senjuro. It’s all fake. And if you do ever get scared…?”

“Yeah?”

“Your big sister (__) will come save you.”

You heard him laugh. 

“…I think I feel better now. Thank you so much. I’m so sorry to bother you this late again.”

You shook your head again. “Please don’t worry about it. I’m always there for you.”

“Goodnight (__).”

“Sweet dreams now.”

The phone call ended. Senjuro had hung up.  

You sighed in relief as you shut your phone off, redirecting your gaze from the mechanical screen to the darkness. Feeling a pressure build up in your bladder, you dragged yourself to the bathroom. 

After having relieved yourself, the floorboards creaked as you returned to your bedroom. You shivered at the cold floorboards touching the warmth of your bare feet, making your teeth start to clatter as you entered the space. 

You closed the door, rubbing your arms as you turned to face your bed. 

You felt a breeze against your cheek. A gentle, icy wind caressing your skin. 

You perked up, staring at your curtains in confusion. Parting the two sides of fabric, you were met with a peculiar sight. 

Your window was open. 

The gap wasn’t a large one. Just a couple of centimeters. Enough for a gust of wind to pierce tbe warmth of your room. 

Your arms grew limp beside your form as you stared at the moonlit fields. 

You never slept with your windows open. 

As a result of irrational fears, your body could only succumb to sleep after you had confirmed every door and window to be locked. 

Whatever, you shrugged. 

You flung the window shut as you returned the curtains into its original position, yawning as you returned to the sweet embrace of sleep. 

Stage 3: pattern 

You woke up as sunlight pierced the room. 

You groaned as you slowly slipped out of the comfort of your covers, letting your feet kiss the icy floorboards as you slouched towards your kitchen. You stretched your spine as you stood in the very middle, getting used to the fierce daylight. 

You glanced at your living room, sighing as you looked at the bowls and dishes you had been too lazy to clean. 

You dragged yourself towards the small coffee table, peering at the little souvenir Senjuro had left behind. The glass bowl of diced up fruits stood abandoned, filled with the juicy delicacies. 

You wrapped your hands around its rims, picking it up as you swiftly launched a piece into your mouth. 

It tasted sweet. 

Walking towards your fridge, you couldn’t help but notice how awfully…full the bowl looked. 

The diced up fruits touched the very rims of the bowl, as if had been entirely untouched. You knitted your eyebrows at the thought, remembering how much both you and Senjuro had been snacking on it while catching up. 

How is still so full…?

You halted in your tracks as you stared at the fruit bowl clutched within your hands. 

You slipped another piece of fruit into your mouth, taking your time to register its taste.

It was cold. Unusually so. 

Humming in confusion, you felt the fruit cascade down your throat as you swallowed. 

After wallowing in room-temperature all night, the fruit was bound to get soggy, mushy and warm. 

But it wasn’t. It was fresh as day. 

You felt unease churn in your stomach as you hurriedly put the bowl onto your counter, almost slamming it onto the surface. 

You dug your nails into the stone, tying to take deep breaths to ground yourself. 

Calm down. You chanted. There has to be a logical explanation for this. Everything is fine. 

Your fingertips trembled as you stormed into your hallway, slipping a jacket onto your shoulders. 

Perhaps a walk would clear your mind. 

——

The weather was gloomy today. 

The clouds were glued together in the sky, forbidding a single ray of sunlight from piercing its mass. Its dreary look outstretched itself across the horizon, casting the usually lively park into a dull, somber atmosphere. 

A soft gust of wind brushed against your shoulders as you absentmindedly stared ahead, letting your spine rest into the wooden bench you were sitting on. 

The park was empty. 

The usual lively paths filled with hikers or chattering dog owners were now quiet and abandoned, only the sound of rustling leaves to keep you company. 

It felt nice to be alone for a while. You took a deep breath, closing your eyes momentarily as you savoured the peace. 

You perked up when your phone buzzed. Whipping it out of your pocket, you peered at the caller’s name. 

Your colleague called. You picked up. 

“Hey Kyo”.

“(__)!” You heard Kyojuro’s voice beam. “How are you?”

You stared at your surroundings. “I’m well.”

“Hey listen, I just wanted to thank you for taking care of Senjuro in my place. He’s grown really fond of you.”

You smiled at the reminder. “It’s nothing really. I like him a lot.”

A short silence settled. It was almost uncomfortable. 

“…Was that the only reason you called?”

You heard a soft gasp on the other side, signalling that Kyojuro had parted its lips. 

“I…”

For someone so sincere and outspoken, Kyojuro sounded awfully uncertain. 

“Yeah?”

“This might seem a little out of the blue but…I just have to ask.” He paused. 

“(__), has anything weird happened to you lately?”

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. You felt your heartbeat quicken, amplifying your alertness. 

“Like what?”

You heard him sigh. 

You were deliberate not to share the details. If anything, you wanted Kyojuro to come forward with an explanation himself. 

“Look, I’m actually not allowed to say this, but I figured you deserved to know.” He paused briefly, collecting himself. “However, promise me you won’t freak out.”

You didn’t reply, clutching the phone in your hand. 

“SCP-0102 has been spotted lurking around your house.”

In an instant, you felt the world shatter beneath your feet. 

The front door. The opened window. The fruit on your counter. 

The pattern finally made sense. 

Although you were surrounded in the beauty of nature, you felt walls close in on you. Panic rushed through your veins as your stomach sank, feeling your eyes widen in fear as you processed the revelation. 

You were being stalked. 

“(__)? Are you still there?”

You choked on a sob. 

“Listen, I promise it’s nothing worth worrying about.” The man desperately explained, feeling your terror creep up on him.

“While it is true that the SCP is physically able to infiltrate your house, I assure you that our top-notch experts are onto this. I know it sounds scary, but you’re in good hands. He cannot hurt you. Our team is constantly keeping everything under surveillance to ensure your utmost safety.”

You removed your cellphone from the shell of your ear, letting it sink down onto your lap. 

“It won’t be long until we catch him and put him back in his solitary confinement. We figured out the majority of his patterns and behaviour to pinpoint his most vulnerable moments. Everything is alright, (__). Please do not be afraid.”

Rengoku’s words fell on deaf ears. 

“(__)? Are you still—“

You hung up. 

The dark clouds rumbled in the distance. A storm was coming. 

Stage 4: rage 

You never imagined that a day would come where you’d feel like a stranger in your own home. 

The paranoia was suffocating. 

Every creak, buzz, or mutter from inside your house made your heart stop, feeling utter dread manifest itself beneath your skin. 

Your body felt like lead. Each limb of yours seemed to be excruciatingly heavy as you navigated through the small space you called your own. Your widened eyes constantly checked the now barricaded windows, checking whether the potential entrances were locked tight. 

You stood in the middle of your living room as you gawked at your kitchen, panicked eyes scanning every last detail. You shuddered as you memorised the entire layout of your house, desperately making you remember the state in which you left it in. 

Sleeping had never been more difficult. 

Terror-stricken eyes peered at the ceiling above, feeling your heart pound in your chest as you bathed in the silence. Every last decibel to the rustling of trees to the buzzing of your fridge startled you awake, forbidding you from entering the realm of unconsciousness. 

You dreamt about footsteps dirtying your floors. You dreamt about blood staining your walls. You dreamt about eyes watching you sleep, of icy fingertips caressing your cheek. 

You woke up in the middle of the night, panting as beads of cold sweat decorated your forehead. Drifting in a state that was in between asleep and awake, you carried your exhausted self downstairs. 

Switching the lights on, you groaned in agony as you grabbed a mug from your cupboard, waddling towards your faucet. 

Your heart sank however, at the sight of the counter ahead. 

Another bowl of fruit rested there. Little blocks of pears and peaches filled a white, marble bowl. 

At the sight in question, you felt all source of drowsiness shatter. 

Your heart pounded. You felt your blood crackle beneath your veins as an utter, all-consuming rage engulfed you, setting you ablaze. 

Gritting your teeth, you hissed as you grabbed Douma’s gift in one hand. 

You screamed when you threw the bowl with as much strength as you could possibly muster, an ocean of glass particles coating your floor after it collided with the wall. 

You huffed in anger as you witnessed the blocks of fruit staining the walls, trailing down with a nauseating squelch. 

Your heart pounded in your chest, feeling your patience reach its limit. 

“THIS ISN’T YOUR HOUSE!” 

You screamed into the silence, huffing in rage as your fingertips trembled. 

“GET OUT! GET THE FUCK OUT!”

You felt your lips quiver as your vision blurred, feeling your ears well up with tears. 

Your heart sank at the buzzing of your phone. 

The device trembled against the counter, demanding your attention. 

You stood there for a while. 

With a trembling hand, you reached out. You sighed in relief at the sight of the caller as you eventually picked up. 

“….Zenitsu….?”

For a fleeting moment, you felt your rage and concern eb away. Your tired legs gave out beneath you, letting you sink to the floor as you clutched your trembling knees. 

“Oh. I didn’t expect you to actually pick up.” 

You had never been so happy to hear the cute awkward chuckle that belonged to him. 

How long has it been since you last talked to your friends? You couldn’t remember. It seemed the concept of time had slipped through your fingers. 

“(__)…”

You heard it. The silent yearning embedded in his voice. 

“How come you’re still awake?”

For the first time in weeks, you smiled. You clung yourself to the sound of Zenitsu’s voice, getting lost in its warmth. 

Oh how you missed them all. 

“…couldn’t sleep.”

You tried your hardest to blink away your tears. 

“Yeah. Me too.” He chuckled. 

A silence settled. The absence of sound had never been so comforting. 

“I miss you, (__). We all do.”

You felt your heart ache in your chest. 

“Zenitsu….”

“Me and Tanjirou are worried sick.” He uttered. “Inosuke’s….you know how he is. Always acting tougher than he is.”

Although you chuckled, your heart felt like it was about to burst. 

You heard him sigh. “Sorry for waking you. I just wanted to hear your voice for a second. You should go to bed, (__)-chan.”

“Zenitsu, I—“

For a moment, you considered it. Considered telling him everything you hid, spilling out all the secrets you kept and allowing him in. 

But you couldn’t. 

Telling him would put his life at risk. 

This was a secret you had to bear alone. 

“Hmm?”

“…No, nothing.”

You stared at the wall’s stain as a silence lingered. 

“Goodnight (__). I love you.” 

He hung up. 

Stage 5: acceptance

You sat abandoned in the living room, skin pressed against the cold stone floor. 

The silence made your ears hurt. 

For a while, you sat there. Bathing in the solitude, basking in the stillness. Time slipped through your fingers as you stared ahead. 

You perked up when you heard something creak. 

You lifted your head, peering at your empty kitchen. You sighed at your rising paranoia, groaning in despair as you dug your face into your knees. 

Something creaked again. It sounded much closer now. 

“Seriously?” You barked, infiltrating the silence with your frustrated voice. “Can you—“

Your heart stopped when you lifted your head. 

A silhouette stood in front of you, inhabiting the space.

A rising statue paired with lean, muscular limbs had infiltrated your home. An all familiar smile laced with pointy teeth veiled the darkness. 

Flowing platinum locks graced his back, shining eyes containing the entire spectrum of colour scanning your existence. 

The intruder smiled. 

Douma had arrived. 

He hadn’t made a sound. As if manipulating time and space, the demon had swiftly appeared, making his grand entrance. 

The very anomaly itself now stood in your kitchen, dirtying the space with a creature that was not supposed to be. 

He hadn’t changed one bit. He wore both the meaningless smile along with the stained red shirt and flared hakama pants with pride. 

The only thing missing was the glass separating you both. 

It took long for the fear to set in. It took seconds for your eyes to widen in shock, and even longer for the utter dread to roam beneath your skin. 

You had already anticipated this to happen. You felt that somewhere far in the distant past, something wicked was bound to come your way. 

The moment you enrolled into the SCP facility, a giant cogwheel in the factory of time started spinning, leading you closer and closer to the endgame of your fate. 

Your eyes did not leave his as you forced your body upwards, standing before the anomaly that loomed over you with ease. 

A silence settled as you stared death into its eyes. 

“This.” You stated. “Is not your house. And you are not welcome here.”

It seemed to take surprisingly long for the demon to grasp the essence of what you said. After an uncomfortable moment of silence, the demon laughed. 

The corners of his lips curled into a childish giggle, making your eyes widen as he laughed before you. 

“Oh my.” He cooed, his majestic voice even more coddling and soothing than you remembered. 

“That is no way to greet a friend, is it?”

“We are not friends.”  You bit back, straightening your shoulders. “Leave. And quit stalking me.”

“Stalking?” The demon uttered, face morphed into a comedic sense of disbelief. “My, such false accusations. All I’m doing is making sure my favourite fruit won’t get spoiled.”

“Fruit.” You repeated, poison dripping from the gaps of your teeth. “How funny.”

Douma’s chest heaved as he sighed, his undead eyes scanning your appearance. 

“Oh dear…” He muttered to himself, shaking his head with the click of his tongue. “You look unwell.”

He frowned. “You look thinner than before. There are bags under your eyes. Are you holding up well?”

You scoffed. You didn’t feel like participating in this conversation. 

“Leave.”

Douma hummed, cocking his head to the side with a smile. “You look sad. You have been troubled, haven’t you?”

You watched in disgust when he widened his arms, inviting you for a sweet embrace. 

“Come on now. I’ll listen to you, so spit it right out.”

 Something about that tone of his made a bitter rage churn in your stomach. You felt your nostrils flare as your hand reached behind you, grasping a fork that laid abandoned on the kitchen table. 

“What do you think?” You muttered. “How good am I supposed to feel when I’m being stalked by a demon?”

“I don’t understand your hostility. We were so lovey-dovey back then….” He pouted, making a heart with his fingers. “What happened?”

“Leave.” You stated again, trying your hardest to sound assertive. “Now.”

The demon hummed, lacing his hands behind his back as he stared at your ceiling.

“Hmm….I don’t feel like it yet….”

You felt a fire light up in you. The embers of your fear, despair and frustration tangled together, scorching your skin with fury as you hauled your body forwards. 

Lacing your fingers around the fork you were holding, you rushed towards him as you thrusted it into his glowing eye. 

What you failed to expect however, was the demon’s total lacklustre response to your barely functioning attack. With his unreal physical abilties, dodging such a weak blow would have been child’s play. 

Instead, your eyes widened when the metal piece of cutlery punctured his eyeball, making blood spill from the open wound.

The sight made you nauseous. 

Panting, you stepped back. The smile hadn’t left his face as he stood motionlessly still, merely accepting the situation he was in. 

You shuddered when his hand rose to his face, swiftly pulling out the fork with ease. Splatters of blood stained your carpet a dark red. 

You huffed when the cells of his body mended together, repairing the damaged tissue like it had never been there. You felt the colour drain itself from your face as your utter hopelessness dawned on you. 

A sudden force knocked the air from your lungs. 

You gasped when two strong arms suddenly engulfed itself around your waist, pulling you impossibly close to his chest. You gasped for air, writhing in place to create some distance. 

“Bravo! Wonderful!” The demon complimented, smiling as his hold grew impossibly tighter. You whined when the overbearing pressure pressed down onto your bones, forbidding a single breath from entering your lungs. 

“How courageous! Magnificent! Trying so hard with that pointless attack!” A twisted chuckle emerged from him, vibrating against your skin. 

“Despite knowing everything is pointless, you still tried your best to take me down. That’s what I love so much about humans!” 

You gasped for air as his grip grew tighter. 

A gentle hand rested itself onto your head, petting your air with soft, soothing motions. 

“You have been suffering, haven’t you?” He cried out. “You have been scared, haven’t you? You have been in pain, haven’t you?”

A choked out sob was all you could reply with. The pressure was too much. 

“I know! I know! I knew you couldn’t take it any longer! That’s why I’m here to save you!”

You couldn’t fight it. You felt your resolve eb away as your mind grew fuzzy. 

“Your heart! Your mind! Your spirit!” The demon gushed. “All of you will become all of me! Let us live together for all eternity!” 

The will to fight had long abandoned you.

You were sinking into him. Your cells collided. 

“I’ll guide you to paradise! With me, you’ll be happy forever!”

The pain vanished. Your heartbeat slowed.  

Your mind slipped into a quiet state of bliss. 

With the remaining strength that roamed through your body, you glanced at the living room. 

A picture of your friends formed the spectator of your demise. 

You focussed on their smiles. Their faces. The light in their eyes. 

You felt the demon sob as your consciousness faded. 

The faithful drown together.