"That's already clean you know."
Your coworker pointed at the glass you had been polishing with a bar towel for the last five minutes. It was spotless when you picked it up too. You were just looking to fidget.
"Oh, yeah. Sorry, I'm just in my thoughts tonight I guess," you mutter.
There was never a more true statement for you. You were drowning in your thoughts all week. You find yourself staring at your coworkers fingers as they finish cashing out a ticket for a customer...
You've had plenty of people give you the finger before in your life. Usually in traffic, especially back when you were first learning the rules of the road. Even now at the occasional drive-thru, someone in the parking lot will lose their temper and flip you a nice bird on your lunch break. But you had someone give you a literal finger for your birthday last week. Your partner, someone you love...It's an entirely new low for you. The memory of Ryomen Sukuna's words echo in your mind,
"You already have one, you will help me find the rest."
So that was, what, nine more? Quite a chilling little scavenger hunt you've contracted yourself into. On the thought of contracts, your brain always segued into your next dilemma: what were all the rules you had agreed to? You vividly recall setting your first priority of "No killing." You were positive of that. You also remember establishing your word of control over him, "subsisto." Then what happened? He made fun of your pathetic Latin, and-
Oh. He had caught you cheating using trick cards. Your brain was fuzzy on the details after that...This troubles you greatly.
Four agonizing days had passed and you had been losing sleep researching your "new hobby" as you had been passing it off to your partner whenever they asked. Demonology. You would think there would be a modicum of entertainment, but all of the sources are all dreadfully boring. Occultist references were dusty and stale with their ancient style of words, making everything sound awkward and Shakespearean. And depressing.
Never enter into a bargain with demonic entities...
Demons will always lie...
Do not enter into unions with the damned...
Demonic entities will not keep their word...
Do not try to trick a demon...
There was nothing to uplift your spirits, everything was despairing. You had a knot in your stomach that felt like lead. After your last meeting with Sukuna, you had felt unsuccessful at setting hardly any boundaries you had initially wanted.
Like not taking me while I'm at work...or school...or with my partner.
He could still summon you to his domain whenever he pleased. "You will come when I call." He had made it clear there was no option to decline. Thankfully during the past four days he had not called for you. You wish again dearly that you could remember what happened after he caught on to the marked cards.
It was nearly time to close up the restaurant where you worked, only a few customers were left. Of course it would be your luck that one of those stragglers was a regular who always made you feel uncomfortable. Whenever he had a few drinks, he always got more talkative and said really inappropriate things to you, especially when he sat at the bar. Like tonight.
"Hey shweetie, let's have another round over here, yeah?" he slurred.
You grit your teeth a little, already not in the mood to deal with anyone's shit.
"No, we actually need to close. So you'll need to settle your tab."
"Aw, don't be like that," the creep reached across the bar to touch your hand. You try to pull back but the jerk grabs your wrist at the last minute.
"Just one more, don't be a bitch."
His tone is losing it's fake friendliness.
"Hey! HEY! LET GO ASSHOLE!" You scream at him, pulling back with all your strength. The motion sends his empty glass over the bar edge to smash at your feet. Finally the noise attracts your manager's attention. He bustles through the swinging doors of the kitchen in a huff, obviously annoyed but still trying to put on the shit-eating 'customers first' smile.
"What's the trouble here?" He sees the customer and then sees you clutching your wrist. Asshole had lost his grip finally, and had slumped over the counter.
"Shervice here is terrible," Asshole grumbled, jerking a thumb in your direction. He was putting all the blame on you for the commotion. Of fucking course he was.
"Ok, sir. You've clearly had enough." Your manager doesn't even give you a second look as he slaps down the man's tab and waits for payment. You take the moment to slink into the back, tears stinging your eyes. You try to busy your mind with washing a few dishes left in the sink. You run your hands under hot water. Scalding hot.
That fucking bastard had never touched you before whenever he came in. Usually he made some unsuccessful one-liners in a pathetic attempt to flirt. Or he would continuously compliment you until it became awkward for you and everyone else around. His friends usually apologized for him at the end of their meal. "He just likes you is all." Ugh, so now he was your problem? This incident pissed you off severely. It was a few minutes before your manager came back to check on you.
"Hey, you all good?" his casual tone made you burn.
"No I am not 'all good!' Did you see that creep put his hands on me?" You hold out your wrist to show him, but there is no mark on you. It doesn't erase how it felt having his clammy palm holding you with obvious hostility. You feel gross, like you need a shower to wash away his slime. That was another reason you had immediately run for a sink.
"You look ok. I'm sorry that happened. If you want I'll finish closing up. You can just head on home." Again, he didn't sound very concerned. You were trying your hardest not to say your true feelings. Angry tears stung your eyes.
"Did you tell him not to come back?" you ask. Your manager just blinks stupidly at you.
"What? Why? You just showed me that you're fine. That guy is harmless, I've seen him in here all the time. He's a regular."
"He isn't harmless! He put his fucking hands on me!" Now you're yelling.
"Just seemed like he was having a bit of a bad day," your manager continued. Why was he apologizing for him?!
"Well, guess what? Now I get to have a bad day! And it's your fault!" You were definitely leaving now.
You didn't even bother hanging up your apron, flinging it at the back door as it slams shut. You leave without punching out, too. Let them deal with it all, you think with spite.
"Fuck!" As soon as you walked out to the parking lot, you remembered your car was still in the shop. You had your partner drop you off at the beginning of your shift. They must have forgotten they were supposed to be picking you up too. Whipping out your phone, you curse again to yourself. Your battery charge is only at 4%. Because you had spent every free moment today on your demonic research. What was normal life like again? You were starting to forget. Looks like it's time to pound the pavement and walk home when-
"Needing a ride are we?" An annoyingly familiar voice calls out to you.
Oh, fuck no.. That customer had started following you in his truck as you were walking down the sidewalk, and you were too absorbed in your anger to notice.
"Go away! Leave me alone!" You scream your loudest, hoping to call as much attention as possible to your direction to anyone passing by. It's too bad that nobody is there. You always worked the late shifts, and worked in a cul-de-sac with no through traffic.
"Rude bitch. You should really be more nice. I'm trying to help you, gorgeous."
"I don't want your fucking help! Go away!" Why was he following you?! How much more clear could you make it that you weren't interested in him?
You picked up your pace, cutting through an alley. You look back down at your phone, trying to call your partner, but just as you're about to hit CALL the screen goes black.
"Shit!" You hiss to yourself. You can hear that creep's truck, now on the other side of the alley. The jerk had driven around and was waiting for you at the opening. Your heart hammered in your chest. If you doubled back the way you came, you could go home the long way through the neighborhoods behind the restaurant. Fuck. You almost considered going back inside...but then you'd probably have your manager calling you dramatic. You doubted he would see this as an act of literal stalking.
Without much of a choice, you turn and bolt back toward the opening of the alley. It was two blocks uphill to get to the neighborhood, and you were not the fastest. You must've taken too much time deciding on your route, because the rumbling of an engine coming around the corner told you that your pursuer hadn't given up yet. Why is he even driving? This guy is faced...That gives you an idea.
You zip across the street suddenly, certain to get his attention. It worked. You heard the truck accelerate, and watched headlights frame your shadow against the brick wall of the closest subdivision. There was lettering on the side of the wall that said "Shadey Grove." Sorry, Shadey Grove.
At the last possible second, you leap, pivoting a foot off the brick wall to change direction and sprint back across the street. The movement was too quick for the driver to follow. There was a loud CRUNCH! as the front of the truck met the brick wall. Now their sign read "Shad- -ove."
You felt slightly guilty but mostly exhilerant as you slipped down the first street, gasping to catch your breath and slowing to a speedwalk. A mad smile splitting your face. I can't believe I just did that! He could have been seriously hurt...Good, you think to yourself. YOU could have been seriously hurt, you remind yourself. Nobody else is here to look out for you apparently. Not your partner, not your manager, no strangers on the street come when you scream for help either. You just have yourself.
It was going to take you a long time to walk home and your thoughts were darker now than ever.
*
*
You were ready to drop by the time your keys unlock your front door. No lights are on. With throbbing feet you trudge to the bedroom. Your partner is once again passed out without a care in the world. Like, that they were supposed to pick you up from work so you didn't have to walk home. Or run home because a drunk driver was chasing you. You almost consider waking them...but what would be the point? For another fight? You didn't have the energy for it.
Instead you turn around and go back to the living room. You just need to be around someone. Anyone. You pick up the puzzle box from the shelf, and without hesitation you slide it open. The welcoming embrace of familiar darkness wraps around you, pulling you inside.
"Sukuna..."
*
*
You spend a few moments wondering if the void would ever end before your feet find solid ground. You're still surrounded by darkness. So you call for him,
"Ryomen Sukuna!" your voice is quivering and unsure.
There is a soft pulsing glow behind you. When your eyes adjust, you recognize the red carpeting and fireplace from your first visit here. You watch your shadow stretching impossibly longer on the floor in front of you. It sprouts upright, gaining more mass by the second and taking shape.
"My, this is a nice surprise. I wasn't expecting you back so soon. What do you need?"
His features are finally visable enough to just make out a smile greeting you. His teeth flash like a knife in the dim light. You hadn't exactly planned anything to say to him. The exhaustion of the day was weighing heavily upon you now. What did you need?
"Can I...Can I just stay here for a little while?" your voice breaks, doing your best to hold back your frustrated tears. You aren't doing a good job of masking your emotions from him.
"Today was...really shitty."
He looks you up and down, seemingly taking in your current state before slowly spreading his hands open.
"Of course," he replies.
You lean into him, whether or not he meant to invite you for a hug, you don't know. There's a few strained noises from you as you fight to hold them back, but eventually you allow your tears to fall. Sukuna is silent, but you feel his arms wrap around you. You breathe him in deeply. You cry out your frustrations into the silk of his kimono. You're so, so tired. Tired from walking for three hours. Tired from dealing with everything on your own with others gaslighting you. You realize that your spirit is entirely drained. When you manage to breathe in between your sobbing, you notice how Sukuna smells sweet and earthy. Like wood smoke, you think to yourself, as your eyes droop heavily.
*
*
There is a radiant warmth all around you. It's so nice, you think to yourself. Your eyes flutter open, and you try to sit up and stretch, but a pair of strong arms are wrapped around you. Very strong arms.
Remembering where you are, you recall the events that lead you here. The jerk at work, your useless manager, being chased home. Then what? You had come to Sukuna's domain...for solace, you realized. He had manifested a comfortable futon for the two of you at some point. While you were crying. That embarrassed you tremendously. This was the most ridiculously decision you have ever made, you kick yourself silently. Although...he hadn't asked any questions when you practically fell into his arms. He tolerated your breakdown, and had even offered you comfort.
Shifting to see his face, you find Ryomen lying peacefully next to you. He seemed to be sleeping. This is the closest you've been since the first time you fell into his domain. There are small lines beneath his lashes. His second eyes are also sleeping soundly. You try to recall if you've ever seen him blink those eyes before. You swallow hard, watching his lips part slightly in a light snore. You can't believe it but, he looks...Cute.
Maybe you could stay a little longer...After all, he had said that time works much differently here. There was no telling how long the two of you had been asleep already. His hands flexed against your back, and he pulled you in tighter.
"It's rude to stare," his voice was gravelly. His lower eyes squint open to peer down at you.
"Sorry. I just didn't think demons slept."
"We don't." He opened all of his eyes now, giving a good long stretch and a yawn.
"I was just matching my breathing to yours to meditate," he insisted.
"Pfft. Then you snore while you meditate." You smile for the first time in days.
"I have something for you."
Sukuna sits upright, holding out his hand. There is a crackle of his energy when a scroll appears before your eyes.
"Read over it at your leisure." He hands it to you. It's marked with a red wax seal. You already know what it is...
"Our contract," you murmur. He nods.
"As long as everything looks right to you, sign your name by midnight in three days." His lips curled into a smile.
"That's it?" you're surprised at the simplicity.
"That's it."
"Um...you aren't going to punish me for last time are you?" You reluctantly ask, but the dread is gnawing too much to ignore.
"Last time?" His tone was puzzled,
"What happened last time?"
You're positive he couldn't have forgotten already...There's a knowing glint in his eyes. He's toying with you. He takes your chin between his fingertips,
"Say what you did." He commands.
"...I used marked cards to cheat." You confess.
His eyes crinkled and his teeth flashed with a maniacal grin.
"You're a little liar. And a cheat." He sounded...impressed?
"You have not stopped surprising me once, my dear."
His hand slides around the back of your neck, pulling you against him in a kiss. The warmth of his tongue on your lips makes you melt into his lap, deepening the kiss and giving him access to your mouth.
He leans in, his face so close that his nose brushes yours. His eyes study yours intently. You feel his hand cupping your ass firmly.
"Would you like to be punished?" He breathes against your cheek in a husky whisper.
His tone was playful, but he let the light he had been sustaining in the fireplace flicker out suddenly before you can answer. You shift uncomfortably in the dark, realizing he was no longer beneath you on the futon.
"Hey!" Your words vanished quickly into the thick silence. You were beginning to wonder if he was still here when-
SMACK! "AAH!"
You cry out in surprise as you feel a sting on your ass. He had spanked you.
"There. You've been punished. Now be good for me." You can hear the smile in his voice. He returns into view with the fire light once again stoking, this time he is standing over you.
His hand rubs the area where he struck. The motions seemed to stir his desire further, because he pulls down the waist of your jeans next. You feel the warmth of his mouth on your skin, and a flick of his tongue. You hide your face into the sheets with a surprised whimper. He certainly loves embarassing you with the ways he shows affection.
"Raise your hips," you hear him murmur against your skin. You obey him.
"Higher...That's perfect.." He croons against your ass again, kissing and nipping you playfully. You feel your pants being pulled down further, you kick them off obliging his intentions.
"Eager aren't we?" His voice suddenly at your ear makes you jump.
His chest presses against your back, and you feel his fingertips caress your hip. Then the sensation of his hard cock grinding against you makes you whimper with anticipation. He lays his free hand over yours, fingers tangling with yours deeper into the sheets. You can hear your heart pounding in your chest when his fingertips close around your wrist. Your eyes snap open, the horrid memory of earlier events flooding back. His movements slow down at the sound of you inhaling sharply, and he releases his hold, rubbing almost apologetically with his thumb.
"You're alright," he whispers into your ear. The rhythmical stroking of his skin against yours and the sweetness of his tone fills you with comfort.
"Why was today shitty?" he asks finally.
The words freeze in your throat. You shut your eyes, unable to find the strength to say anything at first. Everything feels so nice right now. You don't want to think about how awful everything went, or how abandoned you had felt all night. Not when you're feeling safe and warm at last. When you open your eyes again, he is studying you patiently, awaiting any reply from you.
"...People are terrible." You finally say. His expression is soft, seemingly full of understanding when he replies,
"Of course they are."
That's all it takes for you to surrender to him once more.