Title: Pomegranate Seeds

Author: Serpent at Sunset

Pairing: Yamori x OC x Tsukiyama

Rating: T

Fandom: Tokyo Ghoul

Genre: Angst/Romance

Word Count: 1,678

Summary: Some gardens bloom only at night in deep darkness, and someone has finally noticed Natsuki's bud... Yamori x OC x Tsukiyama

Disclaimer: I do not own Tokyo Ghoul.

Natsuki stirred and she sincerely didn't want to wake up but unconsciousness refused to take her. She sighed. Apparently, it was time to endure another day in hell. In truth, she felt like throwing up.

She had no idea how she was going to face the day or how she was going to face Yamori. It didn't matter, she supposed. The universe had no sympathy for her, apparently.

Had she looked too pretty? Had she been asking for it? No, she was sure that she hadn't. She had only dressed up that one night in the ball room at his request at that.

She knew that he would weigh her offer on golden scales as a king would. This was Yamori's palace after all, and now, she was a simple courtesan. Last night had showed her that.

Natsuki rose unsteadily to her feet and took in the dark purple sleeping gown reflected in the glass. She scowled. As she limped over towards the mirror, all she wanted to do was smash it. And, why not? Her life was already over. What harm was a little self-destruction?

No, she had to be calm. She had to regain control over herself, or Yamori had already had won. This was a mental game, but her torn body would want to protest that.

In moments, she was dressed in a rather simple heather gray dress. She combed her hair and left. Natsuki emptied her head of thoughts that would not help her.

"Happy Halloween," cherubed Nico when he saw her. "Any costume ideas?"

She realized that he was talking about himself, and he was wearing head to toe silver glitter with dark glasses. The first thing that came to mind was "flashy."

"A celebrity?" she guessed.

Nico chuckled. "Correct. I think it suits me, no?"

"You should be a princess," Naki suggested from the kitchen table. "With your long hair."

Natsuki actually smiled. It was the first positive thing she had heard since last night.

And then, a sudden brutal force grabbed her shoulder. Naki and Nico froze.

"Maybe, you should be a porn star, eh Natsuki? It might be interesting to see."

Yamori had reappeared, and he was already under her skin.

Natsuki wobbled dangerously: she threatened to crash on floor like a glass unicorn would from a high shelf. She was already feeling delicate, and she was sure threads of cracks would soon appear.

"I'm too old for dressing up, Yamori," she managed to retort.

"Hey, I resent that." Nico was mock offended.

Her voice had seized, but she would never betray what they were talking about. Naki didn't deserve that, and Nico would be too amused.

Tears were forbidden to escape now. Everyone was watching.

Yamori grunted behind her and let go. "Now, get the coffee ready."

Whore.

As soon as she completed her morning tasks, it didn't take her long to return to her book. Back to a mental world of safety.

She focused on the words swimming in front of her and tried to ignore all that she was missing out on. Hours passed until she could hear Nico and Naki leaving. She realized that she had been left alone with him. She tensed on the sofa.

What would be on his mind tonight? Natsuki hoped that it wouldn't involve her. She closed her book and set it aside. She couldn't concentrate any more.

"Natsuki?" he called for her.

She didn't want to hear him. She stared at the wall.

"Natsuki, I know that you're ignoring me. Not wise."

She pressed a knuckle to her lips as if to stifle a scream.

Natsuki could hear him walking over to where she sat. He stood over her.

"Come with me," he intoned.

"Where? To your bedroom?" Natsuki was caustic.

"No, yours."

Natsuki's breath caught in her throat. She was just about ready to unleash her kagune. Who cares if he killed her.

He smirked. "I'm kidding. I want you to come to my office."

"Why?"

"Find out."

He was challenging her again.

"Now, come with me." There was an unmistakable edge to his voice.

She rose and followed. An insect had more freedom than her. She was fully an advocate of the more you tried to advance ghoul society, the more you ruined it. People like Yamori came to power and became tyrants.

The office was dark. Like Yamori's heart. Natsuki wasn't surprised.

"Take a seat." Yamori released a button on his jacket.

It was another order, of course, not a suggestion. Reluctantly, she sat in the lonely chair facing the desk. She watched cautiously as he picked up a bottle of blood wine.

She was sour. "I would prefer coffee."

"Make it yourself then," he suggested with a shrug. "I only deal over liquor."

She glared as he poured her a glass of wine she obviously didn't desire. He never listened. Almost too gently, he placed it in front of her.

"This is a business deal?" she tried. Unthinkable.

"I'm thinking of a purpose for you. Your future."

Why this? Why now?

"What future?" She wasn't aware that she in possession of one.

Yamori took his seat behind the desk. "I want you to be a permanent fixture here."

Again, the myth of Hades and Persephone nudged at her. Even if she had eaten the pomegranate seeds against her will.

"What if I refuse?" The words were out of her before she could even consider them.

"What were you in the 20th Ward?" Yamori scoffed. "The local reading lady? The dreaming poet? I'm talking power. Did you ever have any?"

Natsuki declined to answer. She would rather have a purpose instead of power. But, she was a ghoul. Ghouls had no purpose according to the general consensus. They were vermin.

"Still, what if I refuse?"

Yamori snorted. "It's not good manners to refuse an honor. Some people get violent. Besides, what other option do you have?"

Natsuki thought, but she couldn't come up with anything except spare a thought that there were ghouls far worse positions than she. In fact, some would be celebrating.

"Why would I even be good for the White Suits?" That in itself evaded her.

"Glad you asked. For one, your mind. It's very methodical and organized. Also, you're good with my boys. It also works well when it's under pressure. You demonstrated that in the kitchen. You have...discretion."

It was official. He wasn't going to let her go. It was what Natsuki should have expected. Maybe she should have let the Doves kill her or take her to Cochlea.

"Oh, and you're a chimera. That's kind of rare. I wouldn't mind another one on our team."

"Is there a special process? Are you going to brand my arm? Oh, wait, maybe I already went through it."

"Oh, that." Yamori chuckled. "A man has his needs. I guess its the way you carry yourself. You're rather innocent for a ghoul."

Natsuki wanted to vomit again even though she hadn't eaten all day.

"So...that's a turn on?"

Yamori smoothly ignored her question.

"So, do we have a deal?" He extended his hand across the desk.

The ghoul in white was as trustworthy as a hungry shark, but she didn't need to be reminded that she was already underwater. Natsuki couldn't be picky. She couldn't afford to. Currently, Yamori was offering what she wanted. She had also sacrificed more than enough for it.

Natsuki averted his gaze and took his hand; she didn't want to see him gloating.

"And since you joined the White Suits..."

Natsuki held her breath. It was too much to hope for.

Yamori nodded. "Yes, you can go out for Halloween."

Natsuki's mouth dropped open. Had she really heard him?

She was incredulous. "Anywhere I want?"

"Within reason. As long as you come back before dawn."

Before dawn? What was this-a fairy tale?

"Because if you don't, I'll send Naki, Nico, and everyone else I know. It won't be pretty," he promised with a grimace.

Immediately, she left the room and was out and gone before Yamori could change his mind.

It was sunset and was rather warm for October. Natsuki could hear motorcycles in the distant. She was hearing life for the first time in over a month. It was...heavenly.

Natsuki had to prove that she could be trusted, or this would be the only and last privilege of escape.

Though she had no idea where she was, she was just happy just to be free at the moment.

"He's not open," Shuu glumly reported. "Uta is closed for Halloween."

"You still didn't find her?" Chie asked.

Shuu frowned. "No, Chie, and I'm rather depressed about that."

"You can always try again tomorrow, so don't be so down. Halloween is supposed to fun."

Chie was always so positive. It was no wonder he always tried to protect her smile.

"What does she look like?" Chie asked.

Chie always was the inquisitive one.

Shuu hung his head down. "Well, let's see. She has wavy blonde hair-it reminds me of sand-and light violet eyes."

"Is she like you?"

She must have meant a ghoul.

Shuu nodded in assent. "Yes."

"Well, maybe she'll turn up. It is Halloween, and there'll be parties all night. I'm going to go to the parade for some chestnut candy. It's not too late." Chie suddenly brandished a camera. "Oh, and take pictures."

"You make a pretty witch," Shuu examined her costume.

The garment was black and gold. On her head, Chie wore a peaked witch's hat. No one would ever guess she was around eighteen. In appearance, Chie Hori appeared to be a ten year old girl.

Chie beamed. "Thanks! Well, see you later."

She left him alone there on the park bench.

It's been over a month, but he wasn't one to give up hope. Shuu just needed a bit of luck. He would just have to find her himself.

Shuu got up then and began to creep down the street while under the bright half moon.

It was Halloween. Any respectable ghoul would be out...

A/N: I was researching Halloween and chestnut candy is a thing in Japan. I am going to try to add most of the cast to this story including Tatara and Hide. Thanks to all readers and any fans of this fic!