Disclaimer: I don't own Toukyou Kushu/Tokyo Ghoul

Snap.

The whip styled Quinque that lashed out at them was blocked easily by Sumi's arm. The appendage coated in a tortoise like Kagune, blocking the attack before the dove could wrap it around Uta's head. The scaly appearance was visible in the dark alley and when Sumi saw their opponents' eyes widen, she knew that they recognized just who they were dealing with. Before the dove could pull back the whip, Sumi transformed her Kagune into its pincer like state and used it to snap the thin Quinque into multiple pieces. Sumi may not have been able to achieve Kakuja, but she had mastered her Kagune like an art form. Kakuja was something that didn't awaken in many ghouls, so she wasn't too heartbroken over the fact that it didn't in her. Besides, a ghoul that mastered their Kagune was a fearsome opponent. Even more so against what looked to be newbie doves.

Well, with or without a mutation, she had already served her purpose.

The one reason Uta needed her back then and even now.

That was to buy time through distraction.

Because with her defense and Uta's powerful onslaught of quick attacks. No one – not many stood a chance.

When the dove landed on a crouch before them, he was glaring. His eyes only on Sumi. What a foolish mistake. In the next moment, Uta was behind him with his hands popping out from the back of his head. His blood was on the ground, eyes bulging. His mouth open in a silent scream. His eyes rolled around, still alive for a moment. The no name's doves' brain probably registering just how fucked he was right now, but that was only for a second because when Uta tore his hands out, the dove fell to a heap on the ground. A gory mess. His face no longer recognizable. Blood spraying out from his head as pieces of his brain lopped onto the concrete floor. They were both completely stained by the dark color.

Sumi looked to the entrance of the alley where the other dove was. Uta had taken care of the sword wielder while Sumi stalled the already dead one before her. The dove by the alley was a woman, her neck bent at a sick angle and both of her arms sitting a few feet away from her body. She grimaced at the strong scent permeating the air. This would definitely attract other ghouls. The ballsy kind and the kind that were so hungry they just didn't care about invading the feeding ground of the fourth ward's previous leader.

What fools.

Uta was a mediator once known for his brutality. But many must've forgotten that. It was years ago, after all.

"You covered me too," Sumi complained, shaking her hands to rid it of blood. "And you're even more soaked now, Uta."

"At least we got a good meal," he sloppily licked at his fingers. "Human. I wasn't expecting such a huge feast."

"It's alright to binge every now and then," Sumi said, bending down to examine the man's face that Uta had completely wrecked. It wasn't even a face anymore. Just a bloody, gaping open wound. "We should hurry. Other ghouls are probably on their way and if CCG bodies are found anywhere near us we'll have a problem on our hands."

"Eat what you want then," he said, crouching. "We can leave the scraps for the other ghouls. Let's just get rid of their belongings," Sumi looked around, trying to think of a place to put them. He noticed when she found none because she turned back to him silently asking for any ideas. "Or we can leave them. This is the fourth ward, after all. People dying isn't anything new. These guys were newbies too," he motioned to their weapons. They were the mass produced kind. "Average Quinque."

"I suppose you're right," she kicked the man's head. At least, what was left of it. "These two won't be missed."

"Feeling guilty?" He asked, munching away.

She raised an eyebrow at him. "No."

"Too bad," he said around a mouthful of flesh. Uta looked up at the ever darkening sky. "I'd like to see a guilty expression on your face, something like that is nice every once in a while."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "And I'd like to see you not get blood stains on your clothes while eating. You're such a messy eater, Uta. I work hard on those clothes."

"You get blood on my masks," he countered.

"I can easily wipe that off though."

"Please don't bother with the small details, Sumi-san," he said overly politely. "Eat and enjoy your meal."

She was about to retort when they heard the sound of rushed steps. Their heads snapped up to see a ghoul standing by the entrance of the dark alley. An elementary school kid, judging by the uniform and tiny stature. There were tears in his eyes as he stared at the carnage. His pupils were dilated and his mouth dripped with drool. He was hungry. Hungry and fighting the urge to eat. How pitiful. Kids that lived dual lives nowadays were so hard to deal with. Sumi stood slowly, so as not to scare the boy off.

"Where are your parents?" She asked. When the boy didn't answer she just waved a hand and gestured to the body at his feet. "Hungry? He's all yours."

He hesitated for a moment, but once his hunger took over his senses all doubt left him and he immediately began chewing at a famished pace. He ate loudly without a care for those around him. Hunger was such a terrible thing for ghouls like them. But if he continued to eat like that he'd be caught by someone one day and that wouldn't be pretty. He should move to a different ward. He was still young. Someone might take him in. Sumi sighed, breaking off a few of the smaller bones and crushing them in her mouth.

"I'm done," Uta said after a while, standing and stuffing his hands in his pockets. She stood as well, looking over at the boy still eating. Uta walked over to the kid, crouching down so that they were face to face. "You can't live eating scraps forever."

The boy looked up at him, tears in his eyes.

"Don't make him cry, Uta," Sumi said, walking over and wiping her hands on her clothes. No longer caring about their state. She was already soaked in blood anyway. It was a good thing that they were close to home and that it was getting darker. She didn't want to have to deal with anymore unnecessary trouble just because Uta couldn't wait to eat.

"I'm not," he told her, getting back up to clear her face of blood with his fingers. He only ended up spreading it though. "Can't you eat properly, Sumi?"

"I do eat properly!" She argued as he continued to wipe at her face. "All this blood was your fault."

"…Did you have fun?" He asked, leaning down so that his face hovered over hers. "You were worrying over what I've been thinking again."

Sumi frowned. It wasn't fair when he did things like this. "I did. It took my mind off things."

He replaced his sunglasses on his nose and turned to the boy. "Go home before others come. Take the backstreets and don't show yourself to anyone."

The boy nodded hesitantly, silent as ever.

No matter how interesting it would be to have a kid around, they couldn't have that. They were a bother and tended to mess things up. Plus, kids like this would die quickly. They weren't responsible for brats wandering in a ward like this. It was every ghoul for himself, unless otherwise agreed upon.

"Let's go," Uta said, leading the way back.

The boy only stared after them until they were no longer in sight.

It was almost midnight, HySy ArtMask Studio had long closed. The streets were silent and the trains had already stopped running. People were in the comfort of their homes, enjoying the silent night. Ghouls around the area knew better than to disturb the mask maker at such a time and there was no way humans would ever rob them. Uta's appearance alone was enough to scare even the bravest of civilians. Besides, it was unusual for anyone to suddenly drop by during off hours. Not even the clowns did such a thing. But even though it was the time for slumber and dreams, lights were still on in HySy. Not like anyone outside could see them though. They had thick curtains and heavily tinted windows.

Sumi sat on the shop's checkered floor, leaning against Uta's stool with a mug of coffee in her hands. The man was currently hard at work on Kaneki's and some other ghoul's mask. Both fresh from a much needed shower and in their sleep attire. Sumi was letting their blood stained clothes soak in soapy water for the time being, hoping she could get the red out.

"He was such a pitiful boy," Sumi mumbled, talking about the boy they had just encountered. "He won't last long. If it were Nico-chi, he'd probably bring him to a nice home."

"A shame it wasn't," Uta said, absentmindedly. He picked up the dark mask, examining it in the light. The pleasant smell of Sumi's coffee wafted up to his nose, tempting him and making him crave. "Are those the beans Yoshimura-san gave us?"

"They are," she took a sip of the hot drink. Coffee calmed her – made her sleepy. How ironic. "They're good. You want some?"

He nodded.

Sumi got up to pour him a mug, placing it on the coaster on his desk as he continued to work. He drowned out the rest of the world, focusing only on the task before him. A hand distractedly reaching out for the mug and bringing it to his lips. She watched his every move closely. From the way he took a small sip to the way his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. His pale skin looking even whiter under the light. Uta turned to her, a questioning look on his face.

"You'll burn a hole through me, Sumi," he said, tilting his head up at her.

She ignored his words. "How's the coffee?"

"…Mmm," he took another sip. "Good."

"Yoshimura-san gave us a nice present," she said, happily. Sumi reached out, running her hands across his cheeks and through his hair. She tilted his head a bit more and leaned down to give him a quick peck on the lips. His piercing was cold against her skin. "Will you be coming to bed tonight?"

He continued to sit, unmoving. "Do you want me to?"

"Always," she muttered. "Don't forget that we have an auction tomorrow evening. It's best to rest up. The Madams are aggravating people. I'm afraid your patience will slip if you lack sleep."

"These auctions always get bloody," he told her, running his tongue across her lips for a quick taste and putting down his mug. "That side of me will be satisfied without me having to lift a single finger. Besides, the auction is in the evening. I can sleep in the afternoon."

"Are you excited? Do you think something interesting will happen?"

"We can always find something interesting in an auction. Though I'll have to look at the merchandise first."

"And if nothing catches your eye?"

"Then I'll look to the buyers."

She shrugged, moving away. "I'll leave you to your devices then, Uta."

He grabbed her wrist, before she pulled away from him completely and with a rough tug had her close again. His grip would've left a bruise had she been less resilient. In fact, his clutch hurt even with her tough skin. His fingers were iron bars, strong enough to break bone and having those tough appendages wrapped around her wrist made her ache. But she didn't tell him to let go. She never would. He harshly pulled one more time, forcing her to sit in his lap. She had a hard time balancing and both of them almost toppled over.

"Careful now," he said, wrapping his arms around her to get her to stay still. "Stay here for a while."

"Uta."

"Are you tired?" He asked, noticing the stiffness in her shoulders. Attentive as usual. "Sit here and talk for a little longer."

They didn't really get the chance to do much even though today was the anniversary of their meeting. They'd come so far from him just trying to kill her for not wanting to work under him. It was easy to get sentimental on days like these. Their memories spinning around them like the shadows of a revolving lantern. They had wasted the day away on work, they had to make up for their lack of time spent together now. Uta knew she wouldn't be able to resist anyway. Not when he was the one asking. He bet that Enji would have loved to see this part of their relationship.

She shot him a dubious look, before looking at the mask he was so busily tinkering away at. Starting the conversation off with something light. "This is a bit scary."

"Perfect for a ghoul," he said, reaching over to continue his work. Somehow able to balance both of them on the small stool. "You like it?"

She nodded, shooting a quick glance at Kaneki's mask that Uta had put aside. "Whose it for?"

"Miranda."

"Oh," Sumi looked up at him. "She's PG's friend right? The one we saw at the Ghoul Restaurant last time?"

He nodded, pausing for a moment before speaking. "PG outdid himself this time."

"Permanently incapacitating Kamishiro Rize was impressive enough," Sumi said, resting her head in the crook of his neck and curling herself around him. "But I'm afraid that he's made quite the monster."

"…He's amusing."

If he meant Kaneki or PG, she didn't know. But knowing him, it was probably both.

"Roma's been saying that she's been bored recently and wants to meet our latest project. That is, if he does something interesting," she told him, filling him in on the relationships of the clowns at the moment. He was busy with masks and never really cared for such things, so she was usually the one to tell him during instants of momentary peace. "While Itori told me that PG was rather annoyed by Nico-chi."

"It's bad to gossip, Sumi," he lightly scolded, but listened anyway.

"PG wants Nico-chi to be a more active member of the clowns, but Nico-chi's always obsessed with others."

"We can't force Nico-san to play with us," he said. "Besides, grouping up all the time isn't like us. These occasional auctions seem to be the only steady thing that brings at least three or four of us together."

"Don't you only participate to make sure none of the others die? They're too reckless," she smiled. "You're such a team player, Uta. Always knowing when it's time to attack and when it's time to retreat."

"Our power is limited, I don't want our numbers to dwindle," he said. Though he was the founder of the clowns, he wasn't exactly their leader. He never ordered anyone. Everyone was usually off doing their own thing, sharing information when they couldn't find anything interesting to do with it. "And we show exceptional teamwork when we're all together. It's hard to find others that think like us."

"Hmmm… I think I'd get annoyed if I had to spend every day with Roma though. Ah! But PG seems like he wants Ganbo-san to die. Always has. I still don't know the relationship between them or if they even have one," she moved away, so that she could properly look up at his face. "I should ask Itori."

"Itori-san wouldn't know. If she did then she would've told you already. She likes to talk."

"Reminds me of someone."

He had a small grin on his face. "Who could that be?"

"Who knows?" She said, vaguely. "Oh! Maybe PG will get rid of Ganbo-san in this new game. I wonder how he'll do it."

"A dove will most likely kill him," he said, easily. Ganbo was different from the rest of them or perhaps simple was the proper term. He'd die an unexciting death. "He's careless that way."

"I think he'll break their Quinque easily though."

"Someone like him can't handle surprise attacks or diverse tactics. He was a good addition while he lasted though, brute strength is good sometimes," Uta said, wondering if what he did could be considered brute strength as well. He tore apart enemies with his bare hands, but he was also fast and knew how to dodge and block, so maybe there was a different term. One he couldn't be bothered to think about at the moment as he let his hand stroke Sumi's leg.

"If you say so," she shrugged, ignoring –or at least trying to- his hand that had begun rubbing circles on her thigh. Slowly making its way to more intimate places.

"You don't trust me?"

She looked him straight in the eye. "Of course not."

Blunt nails dug into her skin as he leaned over and kissed her with a force that had them toppling over. Her head met harshly with the floor, her arm hitting his table with a resounding thud that echoed throughout the otherwise silent shop. Some of his things clattered on the floor by their side. His stool had also fallen to the ground, but it went ignored as he hovered above her. One hand inside her shirt, giving her breast a rough squeeze. The other was hitching one of her legs up his hip.

"…Uta," she called, a breathy whisper. "Not tonight."

"Then when?" He asked, moving down and rubbing his already hard member against her. The fabric between her skin and his was an uncomfortable barrier. She was like putty in his demanding hands – might as well have been. She saw him eye the sturdy cord that sat on his table. One that her wrists had an adequate time of acquainting themselves with during long nights of entertainment. "Hmm, Sumi?"

She reached up and ran her hands over his tattooed body.

She didn't know how to answer that.

So, she didn't.

"Not gonna answer?" He said, leaning down and catching her eye. "That's alright too. I know how to make you scream."

"Wait a second," she held up a hand.

He pinned it down. "I'm not waiting," he leaned down just a tad closer. "And that's not what I want to hear. I want to hear 'more'. More, more, more."

"You're surprisingly cocky, Uta," she furrowed her brows. Uta smiled down at her in his usual way. Lips upturned and his mouth closed. Cute, sadistic and menacing all rolled into one. How that was possible, not even she knew.

"You should wear heels at home," he told her, releasing her hand and running it up her thigh that was hitched up on his hip. "Heels pressed against my back sounds exciting. Some stockings sound nice too, but bare is still the best."

"Uta, your leg fetish is showing," she said, pushing him away slightly. He didn't budge.

"Your hands are nice too though and your hair. Does that mean I have multiple fetishes?" He asked, getting closer. Because apparently that was possible. "Or maybe just one for you?"

She laughed at his teasing and his expert avoidance of the subject. "That was sickeningly sweet. Do you have a fever?"

"Just trying to get on your good side."

"Please don't involve me in your vile fantasies."

"Then who should I be sleeping with in my fantasies?"

Sumi opened her mouth to retort then closed it again, tilting her head as she properly thought over the remark. He watched her in amusement and when her eyes sparked with found answer, he leaned down and bit into her shoulder. Hard enough to draw blood. Gentle enough to still turn her on. Forceful, that's what he was. Absolutely perfect. His hands roughly explored her body as he whispered in her ear.

"Thanks for the food."

The Auction Hall looked more like an opera house. A large stage with dozens of seats below, the walls surrounding them were lined with booths. Red drapery and dark wood made up the entire room, giving it a classy feel. The only lights were on stage, all occupants of the room donning masks. Most were ones Sumi had seen Uta make. The attendees were dressed in fine dresses and suits – as pompous as she remembered. Slaves holding gory snacks walked up and down the walkways between seats, serving them to anyone hungry.

Sumi stood backstage, adjusting Uta's coat as he put on his mask. Roma and Itori were with them today. Roma and Uta would be in charge of hosting, while she and Itori would watch and bring the captives out. She stepped back once she finished and started to adjust her own clothes.

"Did you check the merchandise?" She asked. "Anything catch your eye?"

"…No," he muttered. "One of the Madams have though."

"Hmmm…?"

"Once half of the humans have been sold off, go up with Itori. PG should come find you."

Sumi sighed loudly. "I hate your last minute changes."

He was smirking behind his mask, she just knew it.

Sumi watched him disappear onto the stage, meaning they had to get this show on the road. He was interested in one of the Madams? That didn't sound good. The clowns were known troublemakers, but getting on the bad side of one of the Madam's would be bothersome. Not that Uta cared. She stood there for a moment, waiting to hear his voice. His whole personality changed when he was behind that mask. No. Change wasn't the right word. More like the side that he controlled and carefully repressed came to the surface.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen!" She heard Uta's voice ring out over the microphone, followed by Roma's bubbly one as they introduced their group. "We, the clowns will once again be your hosts for this fine evening! Please sit back and allow us to enterta—"

She didn't stay to listen to the rest of their theatrics and instead made her way down a hidden staircase. It led to a basement where the merchandise was drugged and kept in chains. The humans were washed up and changed into more suitable attire, before being forced down here. Itori was there with a whip in her hands, guarding the humans and at the ready to order the guards to bring them out when called. An amused smirk on her face as she watched the other unimportant ghouls around her squirm in lust. All staring at her revealing outfit. She could pull it off well.

"That outfit looks good on you," Sumi said, walking up to her.

"Doesn't it~? Thank you!" Itori replied, giving her a happy smile.

"I had fun making it," she said, grinning.

"You're always making such nice things," she said, placing a hand on her chin in thought. "How do you find the time to do it? Uta might throw a tantrum if you ignore him too much."

"Is he a kid?" She raised an eyebrow. "Besides, he has his own work to do."

"How are you two recently? You two haven't dropped by Helter Skelter in over a month! I'll be heartbroken if my number one pair is avoiding me or worse, fighting!"

"Our relationship is perfectly fine and healthy, Itori. He does whatever he wants," Sumi shrugged. "But I don't hate that."

"Whatever he wants? You mean, things like keeping you up at night?" Itori squealed, getting excited all by herself. "Details, please!"

"Not a chance," Sumi instantly rejected.

"You never tell me anything," Itori pouted, but immediately bounced back with another question. "Hey, hey, what kind of lover is U-chan?"

Sumi raised an eyebrow. "Like I'd answer that."

Itori put her hand over her heart. "Answer this and I'll never pry again."

"Liar."

She gasped. "Why, I'd never."

"Don't play innocent."

"Do I need to say please and beg?" Itori said with a smirk, her bubbly voice echoing around the confined basement. "Or do I need to start giving out your number to random hosts? I wonder how Uta would react."

Sumi shuddered at the thought. Itori was joking, that she knew well. It was an empty threat – if it could even be called a threat. But still, the thought of something like that happening wasn't exactly a nice one. Why had she given Itori her email again? She didn't even know. What a stupid move. There was no escaping Itori. It was answer or she would do something to make you. Sumi had gotten skilled at deflecting her questions, but sidestepping Itori's curiosity was an unmasterable art.

"Even though I know you're joking, I…" Sumi tried to find the words. "Advise against that idea."

"Hmmm…" Itori put a finger on her chin as she thought. "That means… Uta's a jealous lover then?" Itori sighed dreamily, purposely being dramatic. "Dominant, possessive types make my heart race."

Sumi shook her head in exasperation at the amused smile on Itori's face. "If I had to put it into words then I'd say…" Sumi paused for a moment to think as Itori squirmed in anticipation for her answer. "Aggressive, but considerate."

Itori let out a squeal that she ignored. Instead, Sumi let her eyes wander. The humans were all asleep or as well as. Blissful faces. Ignorant of what awaited them. "Oh," Sumi recalled. "Uta wants us upstairs once half of these guys are gone."

"Did he say why?" Itori asked. "It's unusual for him to suddenly change our plans."

She shrugged. "Something interesting."

Their heads snapped up when they heard a scream.

Ah.

So that was why.

A/N: Keep track of characters that show up in these chapters and even their past. They'll be back. I released a GilgameshXOC, a SebastianXOC, and an UndertakerXOC.This fic will only be updated once a month due to college. Please visit my wordpress for important story announcements.

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