Work Text:
Onigama sighed as he dropped a packet of fish into his shopping basket, it was getting so full already he wasn’t looking forward to carrying it. The glare of the supermarket’s flourescent lights and murmur of voices made him feel even more tired.
Yagyo was the only other person in the house who’d help him with shopping. Onigumo was too young and Shutendoji was too lazy so on days Yagyo was working he was all alone.
He pulled out his phone, checking his list. Thankfully he was almost done. Picking up a few items on the way, he headed for the till.
“That’ll be 34000 yen.” An equally tired cashier mumbled as she eyed up her monitor.
Onigama sighed, pulling out his wallet. Money was always on his mind too, thankfully Shutendoji seemed to have an infinite wallet but he always felt bad about taking from it. He packed the shopping into his bags strenuously, leaving the store. Unfortunately, the Ungaikyo was a little way away from the shop he liked to go to. Yoroz Mart just wasn’t good enough quality for him but the Ungaikyo in every store certainly was helpful. Overall the quality was worth the small trek.
Onigama stopped by the crossing, the light red. It was a school day so the streets weren’t busy. He looked across to the other pavement, a man seemingly his age was stood opposite him, his own shopping bag in his hand. Onigama smiled to himself, it seemed like he had far less to carry in comparison. The lights changed and he began across the street. All of a sudden, one of his bags burst, the bottom falling away.
“Shit!” Onigama uttered as the contents tumbled out onto the road, spreading as far as they liked as if to specifically annoy him. He rushed to pick everything up in fear his purchases could be run over by an impatient driver.
“Well that’s unlucky!”
Onigama looked up to see the man from across the street above him, holding a box of tea leaves. Onigama sighed, taking it with a nod of thanks before stuffing it into his other bag. They gathered his things together, heading back to the pavement briskly.
“Thanks, what’re the chances, huh?” Onigama chuckled. He could be calmer now they weren’t in the middle of the road but he could feel his forehead was sticky with sweat. “Thanks for your help, sorry you’re on the wrong side of the crossing now.”
“That’s fine, it doesn’t take long to change now, does it?” The man smiled. Now they were out of danger, Onigama could finally get a look at him. He had a strong build with dull blue hair pulled back into a bun. It was hard to wrench one’s eyes away from his own stark red irises.
“Say, do you have a spare bag? I’m worried that load will break that one too.” He gestured to the remaining bag. Onigama had piled up the fallen items on top of his already full bag and it looked like it was struggling just as much.
“I suppose… But no, I don’t… “
“Here, mine isn’t full, let me take a load off.” The man held up his own that was only half full.
“Then we’d have to walk together..!” Onigama laughed nervously, shooing away the idea.
“I’m fine with that. I don’t mind a longer trip, I’d rather get away from the house anyway.”
“Hm, I understand that.” He chuckled, “Well, if you’re alright with it, I’ve just gotta head to the Ungaikyo.” Onigama stopped abruptly, smothering a hand over his mouth as he realised what he’d let slip. The man laughed, shaking his head with a smile to reassure him.
“I had a feeling, don’t worry.”
“Thank goodness..!” Onigama let out a sigh. Too much stress in the day already… “I don’t know how I’d have to explain that to a human..! What’s your name then?”
“Ah… um… you can just call me Samurai, if that’s okay. I know it’s weird but that’s what everyone calls me.”
“Of course, I’m Onigama, it’s nice to meet you.” He smiled. “So you could tell?” After readjusting the shopping load, the two began down the street.
“You have a strong magical aura, I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t. I scarcely use magic.” Samurai peered him over curiously. A magical aura was practically seeping off him, a cool breeze of water magic filling the air around him.
“Mmm you’re right. A blade I suppose if you’re a samurai!” Onigama chuckled as he thought of the obvious, Samurai nodding with a grin.
“Say, what are you planning with this, hm?” He pointed at the stacked groceries. “That’s quite a lot of specialised ingredients.”
“Ahh, well I do like to push myself with meals. I suppose I could cook the house anything, they’re not picky, but it’s more so for myself.”
Samurai’s eyes seemed to light up, matching an eager smile.
“You enjoy cooking then? Incredible!”
“I’m guessing it’s the same for you?”
“Oh indeed! It’s my passion! I wish I could pursue it.”
“And why don’t you?”
Samurai looked away with a long sigh. He stayed silent, battling with how to respond.
“I just… can’t… “
“I’m sorry… I know that must be tough… “ Onigama nodded, knowing there must have been an important reason that couldn’t be so easily divulged. “I had to put everything aside for someone I loved for a long time. It’s hard.”
“So that time has passed?”
Onigama nodded as he readjusted his bag in his grip. Thinking about the years he spent searching for Onigumo made his shoulder’s feel incredibly heavy.
“Yes, he is safe with me again now. It was surely an ordeal though.”
“You must have loved him.”
“Yes… “ He sighed, “My, we have gotten morose, haven’t we? Forgive me.” The two stopped at another crossing, waiting for the lights to change.
“It wasn’t your fault. Who else do you live with?” Samurai asked, hearing about this other oni piqued his interest.
“One child and two adults. We’re all oni funnily enough.”
“Ah, I see! It’s four of us too, but just one oni.” The lights changed and they crossed, Onigama keeping a closer eye on their bags. He willed them to stay put with an evil glare. His intimidation seemed to work, all bags staying together in fear he’d explode on them if not.
“A family is nice, isn’t it. I don’t know what I’d do if I was alone.”
Samurai looked away, unsure if he felt the same. His love was torn, of course he loved the people, but the future they held wasn’t so similar.
“Well! This is it.” Onigama stopped by the Ungaikyo, patting the top. “Thank you for helping!” Now they were still, both could put the bags down for a brief respite.
“No problem, I’m more than happy to help.”
Onigama nodded with a smile, he began to turn but paused. Someone so similar to him… it felt like a waste if he didn’t hold onto this chance.
“Um… would you… like to come over for a drink..?” His words stumbled out nervously, but at leatpst he could get them out.
“Ah… “ Samurai blushed, averting his eyes. “Well… if I am allowed, I would like that.” His heart jumped at the invitation just as much as Onigama’s but he daren’t sound too eager, that may be quite uncool.
“Then that’s settled!” Onigama chuckled, rather trying to hide his own nervousness. He reached for the Ungaikyo but stopped. “Ah… I will… have to take your hand so we travel together… “
Samurai’s blush spread and he looked away, finding more interest in a street sign behind them.
“I… I see… “ He reached his hand out nervously, Onigama taking it. Both were warm, each heart beating fast as their fingers touched. But neither stayed with the other long. As soon as they emerged on Mount Oomori, both separated quickly.
The city hum had been replaced with a sweet birdsong, concrete buildings now luscious trees surrounding the twee little shrine.
“It’s beautiful… “ Samurai couldn’t help but utter. Such a scene needed praise.
“Isn’t it?” Onigama smiled. “I am lucky to live in this forest.”
“So you live near here? Goodness… “
“It’s just a little trek up the mountain, I hope you don’t mind.” He pointed to the path past the shrine that wove between the bamboo groves.
“Not at all, but I’ve never been up here before.” Samurai looked around before sighing. “I wish we could live somewhere so nice.”
“Where do you live?”
“Downtown… it’s small and cramped and busy… at least I’m close to food shops… “ Just the thought of it made him huff in annoyance.
“Hmm… I see.” Onigama nodded, trying to think up a solution for something that wasn’t his problem. “I’m no craftsman but perhaps we could build something..?”
“A nice idea, but we don’t have the money for that.” Samurai laughed bittersweetly. Onigama paused, his mind wanting to offer something himself but he immediately fell back to his money woes. As charmed as he was right now, he knew giving up so much for a stranger was unwise.
They dipped into the thick of the forest, only dapples of light sneaking in onto the rugged mountain path. A buzz of cicadas chirped around them, cementing the wild feel of the trip.
“Say! What’s your speciality dish?” Samurai turned to Onigama, clasping his hands together with an eager smile. His mood always seemed to lift tenfold when food was being discussed. Onigama couldn’t help but smile back at his enthusiasm.
“Speciality, hm? I’d say katsu chicken curry! Plus the whole house loves it!”
“Ahh! A good curry! My favourite thing to prepare is sushi, any kind really. I just love the intricacy of it all.” His finger waggled in the air as if he was going through the motion of making it there and then.
“Hm… “ Onigama tapped his chin in thought. “I have the things to make some, Onigumo wanted to do it the other day… “
“Ah..! Could we? I could show you how I do it!” Samurai perked up even more, his calm and sensible demeanour had been melted away to reveal unbridled enthusiasm. It almost matched Onigumo’s own spark. And it even matched that warm feeling in Onigama’s chest, the comfort of someone he loved. He quickly gripped at his shirt to press pause on that thought. He couldn’t get ahead of things. He composed himself, giving a gentle smile.
“Of course! That sounds fun!”
The two arrived at Onigama’s home, a quaint little house sat amidst the trees. Onigumo’s zori were missing from the doorway so he assumed he’d gone out. A note on the side proved him right.
“Hm, it’s just us for now then. A shame, I wanted to introduce you to the others.”
“That’s fine. “ Samurai nodded.
“Well, please make yourself at home!” Onigama gestured around the room, a little disappointed it looked a mess. “Ah, what can I get you to drink?”
“Do you have… oh! You do have green tea! I remember seeing it!” Samurai chuckled as he thought over the contents of his shopping bag from earlier.
“Why, yes! That then?”
Samurai nodded as Onigama headed for the kitchen. He paused for a moment before following him.
“Forgive me… I wanted to see your setup.”
Onigama laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck.
“It’s not the best-looking… I wish it was nicer.”
“No better than mine.” Samurai looked around, running a finger across a wok on the side. “What a good metal.”
“Hah, kitchen isn’t good but the utensils have gotta be! Then they’ll last!”
“Have you ever thought about opening a restaurant..?”
“Heh… “ Onigama let out a weak laugh. “I couldn’t, too many mouths to feed here at home.”
“I see… “
“Do you want to as well?”
Samurai nodded, picking up a kitchen knife and gazing down the blade.
“It’s my dream.”
“Then… I hope one day we both achieve that dream.”
Samurai turned to him with a smile. Talking with someone so likeminded made his heart swell, it was a feeling he hadn’t felt for a long time.
“Here.” Onigama passed him a cup, heading back to the living room. Samurai followed him to the kotatsu, sitting opposite him.
“Onigama, what are the other people you live with like..? You mentioned you have to feed them yourself.”
Onigama nodded idly, tapping his fingers on the table.
“A little… Onigumo’s still a child so I don’t mind… it’s not that I don’t like living with them… I just feel like all the jobs fall to me… “
“I understand wholly… I have to look after everyone. Sometimes I just want to ditch them… “
“You don’t like them?”
“No… “ Samurai sighed. “I do… I love them all… but sometimes I wish I didn’t have the weight on my shoulders.”
“We need to run away together, hm?” Onigama chuckled. Samurai jolted upright, he couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. “Yagyo could look after Onigumo… no… what am I saying… “ He took a swig of his tea. “Maybe we could just go on holiday for a little bit… “
“Mmm, I need a holiday… “ Samurai glanced around. Onigumo’s drawings were strewn about like usual, Oniusa asleep in their basket on the side. “You said… you worked hard to help your friend… at that time, did you ever just want to give up on everything..?”
Onigama looked up at him, his eyes cold for a moment.
“Of course I did. But I knew I was the only person who could save Onigumo. I had to keep fighting for him.”
“I wish I had that steadfast view… “ Samurai sighed.
“Now now, we can share our problems with each other now, right? Well, if you want to that is… “
“I’d like that.”
Onigama smiled.
“Well! Enough of the blues! What about that sushi, hm?”
“Yes!” Samurai’s eyes lit up. He finished off his drink before following Onigama into the kitchen.
“Okay. Could you put on the rice for me?” Onigama passed down a packet of rice from a cupboard.
“What do you have to put in it?” Samurai asked as he took it. He was honestly eager to show off his own skills. He found a pan on the side along with a small ramekin dish. He measured out one cupful of rice and poured it into the pan along with the equal amount of water.
“I have salmon and some veg. Sorry there’s nothing more special.”
“That’s okay.” Samurai shrugged with a smile. He was more than happy to do something simple. Just getting to cook anything with someone else was a treat. Onigama placed a cutting board on the side, joining it with a sharp knife and a cucumber. “May I..?” Samurai stepped over excitedly, Onigama could see the glint in his eyes. If he wasn’t a chef, he’d be more worried about such excitement around a knife.
“Go ahead..!” Onigama chuckled, stepping back to give him room. Samurai slid into place, picking up the knife gracefully. He swiftly sliced down the long end of the cucumber, turning it over briskly and slicing again until it was in quarters. Onigama became quite lost as he watched him move, he had a speed unmatched to what he’d ever seen before.
“Onigama..?”
Jumping at his name, Onigama looked up at Samurai expectantly. “I said, is this the right length?”
“Oh goodness… I completely blanked out..!” He laughed sheepishly. Composing himself, he looked down at the cutting board. “Yes, that’s great!” Checking the rice for a moment, he returned to his side. “Can you cut up the salmon too?”
“With pleasure.”
“A-ah..! Actually… could you maybe show me how to do it..?”
“Hm..?” Samurai glanced down at the knife in his hand then back up at Onigama. “I can try.” Onigama nodded, moving closer. Samurai placed the salmon on the board and began to cut small pieces. “I don’t really know how to explain it… “ He muttered as he went. The knife was so sharp it slid through the fish like butter.
“Um, could you perhaps… guide my hands..?” Onigama moved his hands, simulating the cutting motion himself. He had a devious little plan… and was hoping Samurai wouldn’t notice.
“I suppose.” Putting the knife down, Samurai stepped behind Onigama, moving him over in front of the board. Even just feeling his hands on his forearms made Onigama’s stomach flip. “Pick up the knife.” Samurai leant over his shoulder, resting a hand on Onigama’s. The oni felt like he was going to explode. Thank goodness Samurai couldn’t see his face very well as he was as pink as the salmon. But maybe he felt his heat… “The kind of motion I do is like this… “ Samurai guided his hand in a swooping circular cutting motion. It was like the precision of a machine mixed with the beauty of a dancer. Even being puppeted into the movements, Onigama was cutting the salmon perfectly.
“Ah…! That’s amazing..!” He stopped, looking at the sliced salmon pieces. “You’re incredible.” His mouth pondered on the last word.
“Hmph. Well it was your hand!” Samurai stepped back with a grin. Onigama turned slowly, fiddling with his hands. He was met with a confused look as if Samurai had noticed his red face. Onigama felt so hot, so flustered. How had the perfect person just fallen towards him. Someone who had a family, loved cooking and knew what he’d been through. Without thinking, he stepped forth so they were closer.
“Onigama..?” Samurai whispered.
He wanted to kiss him, right then and there. Was that too much? He’d just had him right up against his back and holding his hand for goodness sake, how could a kiss be too much now? Onigama breathed in slowly.
“Heeeyyyy! I saw your zori so I just came in!” A loud voice called from the living room. Onigama winced, staggering back as reality hit him again. Samurai jumped, staring where the voice came from. Onigama opened the door begrudgingly, he had half a mind to tell whoever it was to fuck off. He was right there…
Inaho grinned as he stepped into the living room.
“Oh, Inaho. Hello, what can I help you with?”
“I was looking for Onigumo!”
“He’s out, I’m sorry. You could’ve probably figured that out though… “ Onigama grumbled as he reached the end of the sentence but his tone seemed to go over Inaho’s head.
“Oh? Do you have a guest?” She peered around Onigama’s side.
“Yes I do. Could you please-“
“Hey! That’s… “ Inaho gasped as she saw into the kitchen. “That’s that Kachi Kachi guy!” She thrust out an accusatory finger, Onigama turning sharply. Samurai noticeably winced, staggering back.
“W-what..? Is this true..?” Onigama breathed, he felt a pit in his stomach. He’d been caught up with the Kachi Kachi Yokai from both Inaho and Fumi. “No… no, you must be thinking of someone else!” He looked back at Samurai but his worried expression didn’t reassure him.
“I… I’m sorry..!” He turned sharply, rushing to the door.
“No! Wait!” Onigama ran after him. “Samurai! Wait! Please!”
“Onigama… I’m sorry… “ Samurai stopped, turning sheepishly. “This isn’t going to work.”
“What do you mean?! We-we can’t be friends?”
He shook his head,
“No. I… It was my fault for being distracted… I have to put my all into my allies… “
Onigama felt his heart drop.
“Please… can’t we just… “
“No. I don’t want to hurt you, Onigama. I’m sorry for leading you on… “ He turned, he couldn’t look at his face of heartbreak. “I have to go.”
Onigama fell to his knees as he watched him disappear into the forest.
“O-onigama..!” Inaho hurried over. “Are you alright?”
He couldn’t look at her. She’d ruined everything. He wanted to explode on her there and then.
“Please go.”
“Can I do anything?”
“No. Go.”
Inaho nodded, shuffling away slowly. She finally realised she was unwelcome.
“Woah. What’s with the dour face?”
Inaho looked up in shock as she closed the door behind her, Shutendoji was approaching the home with a shopping bag over one shoulder.
“What’d you get up to while I was out?”
“I… I think I messed up… “ She grumbled.
“Huh..?”
“Onigama… is upset… “
“Oh. Geez, Gama never gets upset… alright. I’ll deal with him.” Shutendoji ruffled her hair as he passed. He closed the door behind him, peering towards the kitchen. Onigama was still knelt by the back door, eyes glued to the floor.
“Hey.” Shutendoji crouched beside him. “Can I make you a drink?”
He shook his head.
“I… I really thought… “ Onigama began but tears quickly pooled in his eyes. “I thought I finally found someone… “ He looked up at Shutendoji with misty eyes. “I’m so alone.”
“Gama… “ Shutendoji pulled him close. “No you’re not. I’m here. You’ve got me, you’ve got Gumo, you’ve got Yagyo.”
Onigama let out a heavy sigh, nudging his head into Shutendoji’s collar bone.
“Oh, I see. Sorry, I didn’t realise… “ A sigh was shared as Shutendoji caressed a hand down his back to comfort him. “We’ll find you someone, I promise.”
“Okay.” Onigama mumbled, just managing to reach his words. He didn’t want someone, he wanted the man that just ran out on him. “Thank you… “
“C’mon, let me make you a nice drink.”