Animals Live Inside

by Stephpencils

In a ghoul-ridden Tokyo, a strange group of friends form; each member vibrant and beautiful. They spend their nights partying and trying to ignore the horrors of their world. When an unexpected event occurs, the group's leader takes them down a path to spiritual enlightenment - a path of meditation, violence, sentient supermarkets, and cannibalism.

8. 7

Hi guys! I'm just popping in before the chapter starts to explain something.

This is technically chapter 8, but it's chapter 7 because of a recent change.

I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and to put it simply, I don't feel comfortable with chapters such as chapter 4 being up.

I just don't think it's necessary, and even with huge trigger warnings; I'd rather it just wasn't a part of this fic.

So I removed it! And no future chapters will be like that one.

There will still be references to sexual assault, but there won't be any direct descriptions or scenes. As always, I'll mention if there are any references to it before the chapter begins.

Sorry about all this, but I'm sure you

understand my decision. I just don't feel comfortable with that sort of thing being in this fic!

I also have some other notes before we begin;

• From now on, Bunny will be referred to with mostly they/them pronouns, but other pronouns may be used for them. I'm not that familiar with neopronouns, but if you want to use them for Bunny, then please go ahead!

• I'll also be using he/they pronouns for Tsukiyama. The more I thought about it, the more this made sense to me! You don't have to subscribe to this of course, but I'll be using them for him.

• This chapter has a sex scene near the end. It's completely consensual and it's not graphic or smutty, but I just wanted to let u guys know bc I know some people are uncomfortable with that. There's also a kinda make-out/sensual scene near the end of the first part of the chapter.

• There's also a very loose reference to self-harm and pica. They're both in the beginning of the second half of the chapter. They're both pretty vague, nothing's described in detail, so this is just a small warning for anyone who might be sensitive to that sort of thing.

That being said, I hope you enjoy the chapter!

--

StardustBibi: good morrrrrrnnnnninnnnng!

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset:Good morning!

StardustBibi: woahhhhhh

hi

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: Hi!

StardustBibi: hi hi hi

omgggg

im not used to ppl being up so early

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset:No? Well, getting up early isn't for everyone, I suppose.

StardustBibi: i mean dory and maddie are usually up late but idk abt lyra

dads normally up rn but he is tiree

d

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: I see.

What do you usually do in the mornings?

StardustBibi: yoga meditate workout eat journal study

in that order

every day

52/364

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: You exercise in the morning too?

StardustBibi: yuh

i have swimming early most days but on other days i do pole or aerial hoop

i like aerial hoop

and plyo

plyo is also very fun

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: Plyometrics? I've never tried.

StardustBibi: omg u have to

srsly

its so fun

and so painful

i love it

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset:Maybe we should do it together sometime?

StardustBibi: mkay ill tell u when my next one is

oh and we need to do yoga sometime together too

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset:Yes! I've been meaning to ask about that!

StardustBibi: also i needed to ask u something

about kama sutra

Twinkitty: FFS WPLL U PLS STFU

StardustBibi: sorry

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: It's not our fault you don't get up early.

Twinkitty: I WENT TO SLEEP 90 MINS AGO

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: That's not our problem.

Just go back to sleep.

StardustBibi: he cant he has insomnia

dory put the gc on mute

and try to sleep again

pls

im so sorry

dory

Twinkitty: SHUT UP

StardustBibi: sorry

hes mad at me

oh no

now i feel bad

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset:Don't feel bad. It's not your fault he chooses to get up late.

StardustBibi Sent a Video.

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: What's that?

StardustBibi: im leaving a video of my kittens so when dory looks at the gc again hell see them

bc he likes cats

u kno

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: I know.

StardustBibi: oh ok

sorry

idk how well u kno him

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: We went to school together.

L.O.L!

StardustBibi: he says ur mean to him tho lol

but u seem nice to me

u have nice energy

im good at picking up on energy

u kno

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: Really?

StardustBibi: yeeeee

anyway do u wanna see a pic of my hrmstrrr

hamstr

wait no

hamstur

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: Hamster?

StardustBibi: yes thats how u spell it thank

do u wanna see tho

she cute i promise

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: Sure.

StardustBibi Sent a Photo.

StardustBibi Sent a Photo.

StardustBibi Sent a Photo.

StardustBibi:shes so cute

ShuuTsukiyama—PeriwinkleStarsUnderSunset: She is.

StardustBibi: yeeah

i love her so much

do u also wanna see a picture of my axolotl????

--

Bunny is at the Grocery Store.

They like going to the Grocery Store. They can't quite place why; there are lots of things to like about the Grocery Store.

As usual, the Grocery Store is empty.

Bunny has only ever seen other people in the Grocery Store once, and that was only because they'd invited them.

There's something cathartic about it. Bunny finds something exciting about picking up what they need, pondering over prices and looking at new stocks.

"It's important," Bunny says, to Allan, "To enjoy these things."

"Small pleasures."

"Exactly. I mean, we get to go to this big store and get whatever we need. Isn't that so cool?"

"Very cool."

"Yeah!"

Bunny stops at the Customer Service Desk, staring at the woman who is always at the desk.

"Good morning!" Bunny chirps, "How are you today?"

"Good morning, Bunny. I'm well, thank you," The woman says, "How are you doing?"

"I'm good! I saw some birds on the way here. I like birds. Do you like birds?"

"Birds? They come in here sometimes, they steal things and then leave without paying."

"That's so rude! But maybe they're hungry? You should leave food out for them."

"Maybe," The woman pauses, looking at Bunny with all of her eyes, "Would you like me to get you anything? Would you like to see the new stock? I have lamps, Bunny. Beautiful lamps. And mirrors. Have you noticed? Mirrors."

"Oh, it looks like very nice! But I don't need any furniture. I need other things, you know; food and stuff."

"Yes. This is the Grocery Store."

"Mhm. I have to go now. See you later!"

Bunny skips off to buy grains and nuts, getting excited by the little machine that prints stickers on her products and explaining how it works to Allan.

"It's just so fun, Allan!" They say, "I just weigh out my bag of nuts and put it in my little bag, and then I get to print a special sticker to put on it! Look!"

"Isn't that waste?"

"Hm?"

"You throw away the sticker. That's waste. This is a waste-free place. Bunny."

"Yeah, but like, what's worse? A sticker or a plastic bag? Hm?"

Allan just stares at them. Bunny shakes their head, before heading to the fresh produce section, where they get excited by yet another Sticker Machine.

As Bunny gets their things, they find Him. You Know, That Guy At The Grocery Store? The One The One That's Always Stocking the Fruit and Veg Shelves?

He has a face and fully-formed hands, and a now-working penis. He is not Bunny's boyfriend.

You know the one.

"Hi," Bunny says.

He looks up, "Hi."

"You ok?"

"...Yeah."

"That's good."

"...Mhm."

"..."

"..."

"So," Bunny says, "Do you—"

"I missed you, Bunny. I didn't think you'd come back. I was scared, Bunny."

"I was? Oh, I'm sorry!"

"You were gone so long," He says, gripping one of his arms so tightly that Bunny worries his flesh may start to slip from his arm, "I was really worried."

"I'm sorry, but you know I'll always come back," Bunny says, "I promised."

He doesn't say anything, still gripping onto his arm. He only stops when he tears through it, revealing the fleshy gunk beneath his outer layer.

"Owie," Bunny says.

The flesh is confused. It takes a moment to bleed. First, clear fluid spills out, with faded strands of red that twist and expand. Within seconds, it has turned a deep crimson.

He watches the fluid dribble out, exhaling deeply.

"Are you okay?" Bunny asks.

"Yes...Come on," He says, taking Bunny's arm, "I need to show you something.

Bunny smiles, following him into the backroom.

The backroom is small, full of exotic produce and other things he has collected. There's a blanket in the corner of the room, which is often shared between the two of them.

He picks up a box of pink and green fruit from one of the shelves.

"Look at this, Bunny," He says, "It's called a pitaya."

"A dragonfruit?"

He blushes, "...You know what it is?"

"Mhm. They're pink!"

"T-That's why I got it," He's starting to stammer, "I thought you'd like it. Um. But...it doesn't matter now," He bites his lip, eyes shifting around the room.

"Oh, I like it! I love it! It's wonderful," Bunny says, "Why wouldn't I love it?"

"Because you know what it is. So it's boring now."

"I love all fruits, you know that. Have you ever had one?"

"No."

"Then you totally have to try some with me. C'mon, it's really good, I promise! We'll need to cut it though, do you have a—"

He hands her a large knife. Bunny smiles and cuts the fruit. The two of them sit on the blanket, eating in silence.

"Do you like it?" Bunny asks.

"It's pink."

"Yeah."

"I like it."

"Good."

He chews his lip, "Do you want to have sex?"

"No. I don't think so."

"Ok."

"I want to be close to you though."

"Yeah. Me too."

"Do you think you could hold me today?" Bunny takes his hand, "Just hold me and kiss me?"

He stares back at her, "Yes. Thank you."

They both understand what this means; they've done this before. They remove their clothes and sit together again, still eating their fruit.

They begin to touch each other. Bunny's lips press against his neck, leaving sticky marks of pink juice. He strokes Bunny's back and plays with her hair, he kisses Bunny's ear, leaving similar marks of pink stickiness.

They make small whimpering noises as they mark each other with the pink juice. They do so until their bodies are sticky and pink.

They then begin to lick, and bite each other, as though preparing to tear off chunks of sweet fruit.

"I love you," Bunny says, as they kiss his shoulder.

"I love you," He replies, kissing her hand, chewing her wrist and licking at the rough skin on her forearm.

Bunny smiles, still trembling, a deep feeling of warmth has bubbled up inside of them. They wonder if he feels it too? No, they think, if he felt something like that he'd probably just explode.

Bunny holds his hand, looking into his eyes, "I have to go soon," They say.

"Oh," He replies, pouting and chewing Bunny's hair, "Will you come back?"

"I promise."

"Where are you going?"

"Shopping, with my dad. He says we're going to the craft store, because he needs stuff for knitting, and he promised to make me a new dress! Oh, and I need more resin, so I can make pretty things, because like, one of my friends gave me these pretty flower, but like, I used all my resin making things with them! So now I need more."

"Oh. Ok."

"I'll make you something next time! I have pretty stars and glitter and gold leaf and everything, so I promise it'll be pretty!"

"Okay...Thanks."

Bunny smiles at him, before kissing him again, "I'll see you soon."

They leave the backroom. He stays, watching them go, praying they will come back.

--

Everyonesleastfavtwink: Bunny

Answer me

StardustBibi: ok

good morning

again

dorry

wait no

sorry

i cant spell today sorry

Everyonesleastfavtwink: It's okay

StardustBibi Sent A Video.

StardustBibi: here

more kittens 4 u

Everyonesleastfavtwink: Omg ur feeding me today bestie

StardustBibi: dory look at what from the grocery store

StardustBibi Sent A Photo.

banana milk!!!!!!

Everyonesleastfavtwink: YOOOOOOOO

Honestly dude tha-thats pretty epic

StardustBibi: i was wondering

do u wanna maybe

sit on my bed

and

drink it together????

Everyonesleastfavtwink: Geez Bunny thats pretty kinky idk...

Ur gonna have to slow down there dude

StardustBibi: but do u want it???

do u want my milk dory

Everyonesleastfavtwink: Ok dude that was just offensive smh

StardustBibi: sorry

do u want my milk tho??

bc i will share it with someone else

Everyonesleastfavtwink: No I want it

Anyway

I need ur opinion on something

StardustBibi: mkay

Everyonesleastfavtwink: Recently I've been thinking a lot abt this lately

Everyonesleastfavtwink Sent A Photo.

Everyonesleastfavtwink: I wanna bring it back but like

Should I????

StardustBibi: AGFFRFFDRTHHVFFFF

YES

DO IT

StardustBibi Sent A Photo.

StardustBibi:BRING IT BACK PLS

Everyonesleastfavtwink: I'm glad ur into it

Thats good

I've been thinking abt it for a while but like

Idk

StardustBibi: no pls

bring it back

pls bring the mullet back

it was iconic

it was sexy

we werent ready for it last year

i miss it sm

Everyonesleastfavtwink: I think Ima do it dw

Just needed confirmation from my bestie

StardustBibi: YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

MULLET DORY

wait

ur not gonna bleach it this time rite?

u kno

like

StardustBibi Sent A Photo

Everyonesleastfavtwink: WHY TF DO STILL HAVE THAT

StardustBibi: the seed of what uve done will forever germinate within u

Everyonesleastfavtwink: Delete that right now

StardustBibi: no i cant

i need. it

Everyonesleastfavtwink: For what????

StardustBibi: blackmail

Everyonesleastfavtwink: WHA—

WHY?

?????

StardustBibi: wait i gtg now sorry

Everyonesleastfavtwink: No get back here rn

StardustBibi: i cant

natsukis shouting again

i rly have to go now

sorry

ill see u later

--

Bunny is crying.

They're sitting on the stairs, curled up into a small ball.

Pasha's girlfriend - Natsuki - is home today, and as usual; she is arguing with Pasha.

Usually, Natsuki works at night, and Pasha in the day. They normally plan to do something together when they're both home, but Pasha is taking Bunny with him today, hence the current argument.

Bunny is often the subject of these arguments. Bunny or the baby and Ryōma.

They argue so clearly; every word striking Bunny as if they were in the same room.

"You treat them like a child!" Natsuki is saying.

"Because they are my child."

"That's not what I mean, Pasha. They still play with toys, fucking baby toys! And you still have to sleep with them whenever they throw up or have a nightmare. It's ridiculous, Pasha, fucking ridiculous."

"You've seen the state they get in at night, you know what a bloody mess it is. I can't just just leave them alone like that."

"What about me? What about when I'm a bloody mess? You don't come running then, do you?"

"I would, but most of the time I'm at work."

"Seriously, Pasha, the work excuse? Again?"

"Natsuki, please, I'm just saying; we'd be together more if you just switched to the day shift."

"Why do I have to be the one to change shifts? Why can't you switch to the night shift?"

"Because I have to be here in the nights, in case some—"

"Something happens to Bunny. I've heard it a million fucking times, Pasha."

"Then listen to me. Please."

"They're a grown adult, Pasha. If they wanna go out and be a whore, and do drugs, and fuck their life up; that's their business, not ours."

"Of course it's my business. They're my child."

"Yes, but they're an adult now. They wouldn't be so dependent on you if you just stopped coddling them and let them make mistakes—"

"I do let them make mistakes, but that doesn't mean I can't help them when they need me—"

"What about when I need you, Pasha? You're never around then."

"Because I—"

"If you say something about work again, I swear to God I will scream."

Pasha pauses, "You don't call on me when you need me, Natsuki."

"Fucking hell, Pasha, seriously?" Natsuki raises her voice again.

"Well, you don't, do you? You just go to him, not me."

"Yes, because you let me down so fucking much and I need someone who actually cares about me!"

"I do care—"

"Shut up!" Natsuki sounds like she's crying now, "You know, I first went to him when-when Delius had gone and I needed someone, and you weren't there, Pasha. Your own fucking husband was dead and you weren't here!"

"I wanted to be, but I didn't have a choice, Bunny was—"

"No, you did have a choice. Imakita said she'd handle Bunny but you went anyway."

"They were in prison, Natsuki, prison."

"Yes, and Imakita was handling it. You just left me here! I needed you and just left me here! So yeah, I went out to be with someone who actually cared about me when I needed it," Natsuki sniffles.

"He doesn't care about you though, Natsuki! That's why you ended up back here, pregnant."

"Well, you weren't ever gonna knock me up, were you?"

"Oh, that's just—"

Pasha pauses. They both pause.

This is where Bunny gets up from the stairs.

They don't want to listen to this anymore. They feel sick.

They grip Allan, trying to release some kind of tension, and breathe deeply. They can't breathe deep enough though.

There's a tension inside of them; that's what's stopping them from breathing properly.

I need to release, They think, digging their fingernails into their palms, I need to release.

They don't want to release though. They can't. They mustn't. They haven't done so in ages, they can't start again now.

They sit on their bed, thinking hard about releasing. They bite their tongue, trying to release in a smaller way.

It doesn't work. All they can think about is going further.

"No," They say, "I can't do that."

They try to imagine releasing; forcing the tension out of them.

They tremble at the thought, imagining the resulting soreness and heat.

"Bunny," Allan says, "Bunny."

"It's okay," Bunny says, "I won't. I'm not gonna do that. Will I?"

"No."

"No. I won't. I don't need to do that. I don't."

Bunny nods, breathing deeply, telling themselves to just forget about it and breathe, to focus on something else. To try and release another way.

They think about crayons. Thinking about crayons always works.

They think about a crayon's texture, how their teeth sink into them before they snap. They think about how thick they are, and how some are too waxy to chew for long.

They bite their lip, as the thought of releasing briefly interrupts their crayon thoughts.

"No. No. No. Stop that. Not that," They can't stop. They think about scalpel, "No," They say, firmly, "Not that. Just think crayons, Bunny. Crayons. Crayons. Crayons."

Bunny digs their nails into their palms again, "Do I have any crayons?" They ask, "I think I do. Do I have a green one? I really want a green one."

Bunny gets up, searching through a draw of colouring pens and pencils, squealing with delight at the sight of a green crayon. They sigh, sitting back down, gripping the crayon tightly.

They stare at it, biting their lip.

"Don't," Allan says.

"Just this one," Bunny says, "I'll feel better then."

"No."

"I just need—"

"No!"

Bunny sniffles, "But—I need it."

"No! No! No! Stop!"

Bunny doesn't move, "Please. Just one?"

"No!"

Bunny is crying again, "One. Allan. One."

"No! No!" Allan's voice sounds as it always does, but Bunny can tell it's panicking, which only makes them panic more.

"Let's go!" Allan says, "Let's just go!"

"What? Go where?"

"Out! Let's get out!"

"...We can't. I need dad."

"No! We need to get out!"

"...Yeah, but—"

"We need to get out!"

Bunny looks at the crayon, wondering if they should eat it now, before Allan can protest.

They take a deep breath.

"Okay," They say, putting the crayon down, "Sure. Let's just go out," Bunny's hands are shaking.

"Yay!"

Bunny picks up their things and slips outside without anyone noticing. They begin walking to the nearest park.

"Where are we going? I need to know," Bunny says, "I was supposed to be with dad. He had a plan for where we were going. We need a plan, Allan."

Bunny shakes their head, stopping and trying to breathe deeply again.

"Little Bunny!" A familiar voice calls out.

They look up seeing Tsukiyama approaching them. They brighten up immediately, shedding any previous sign of panic or stress.

"Mr Tsukiyama! Hi!" Bunny says, smiling, "Fancy seeing you here!"

"Et toi. How are you doing, Bunny? You look upset. What's wrong? Has someone upset you?"

"Kinda. My dad was arguing with his girlfriend and it's like, really stressful, kinda."

"He has a girlfriend? But I thought he was—I didn't think he had a partner."

"She's been around a while actually. Like, basically since we came here...Anyway. They were shouting lots, and I really don't like shouting, because it's scary, so I left."

"Who shouted at you?"

"No one. It's just scary. Like, they were kinda arguing about me as well, so they could've started shouting at me, and that would be worse because then they might get even angrier at me and like, hit me or something."

"Would your father hit you?"

"No. I mean, he's never done it before, but people don't think straight when they're angry, so I don't know...But I trust him."

"Has anyone ever hit you?"

"Yes. Lots of times," Bunny nods, "But not my dads."

"Who's hit you?"

"Lots of people. Anyway. I'm outside now, and no one's shouting at me, so I'm trying to calm down."

"Is it working?"

"Kinda, but now I just feel like, sad, I guess."

"Oh, you poor thing," Tsukiyama sighs, petting Bunny's head, "Is there anything I can do?"

"I don't think so, no...I'm trying to figure out where to go, because like, my dad was gonna take me out, but now I'm just here alone, and I need to figure out what to do."

"Where was he going to take you?"

"...I forgot."

"Well," He wraps his arm around their shoulder, "Where do you want to go? I've got my car with me, so I can take you anywhere you want."

"Really? Don't you have things to do?"

"No. I'll take you wherever you want."

"That's so nice of you. Wow...Hmmm...Oh! Normally when I'm stressed I go to a garden centre. They really calm me down!"

"C'est parfait! I know just the one."

"Yay! Thank you," Bunny says, taking Tsukiyama's arm as he leads them to his car.

"I didn't know you could drive, Tsukiyama," Bunny says, "I thought you'd pay someone."

"Most of the time I do, but I have a license and a car, I might as well use them from time to time."

"That makes sense."

"What about you? Do you have a license, Little Bunny?"

"No. My dads tried to teach me but I kept crying."

"Crying?"

"Yeah, because the earth is like, dying. And it was sooooo stressful! My dads were like, really scared, which was confusing, so then I started crying even more...And then I crashed into a tree."

"I see. Well, maybe one day."

"I think I'll just stick to my bike, or the train. I like the train. It's pretty cool."

"You do? But don't you get—You know. Harrassed?"

"Yeah, that happens a lot."

"You don't use the women's-only carriages then?"

"No. I'm not a woman."

"No, but if you're being harassed—"

"Also, they don't let Maddie into them, and that's like, so fucked up. So I'm protesting that, I guess."

"By letting yourself be harassed?"

"I'm not letting myself be harassed. I'm being harassed. And like, why should women have separate carriages? Why isn't there a sexual harasser carriage?"

Tsukiyama laughs, "That's a good point, but surely if it's safer to use the women-carriages, and you're able to, you should use them?"

"Safer for how long though? It's not like the harassers disappear when they get off the train, and I've had way worse clients. I'm used to it."

"Used to it or numb to it?"

Bunny doesn't reply.

"Oh dear, I shouldn't have asked that, should I?" Tsukiyama says.

"It's ok," Bunny replies, still smiling.

Bunny doesn't seem bothered by the question. They chatter away as usual, but when arriving, they get distracted by a dead bird and start crying again.

Tsukiyama doesn't quite know how to calm them down, but they seem to calm naturally when entering the gardening centre. The earthy and slightly humid air creates an aura of calm.

Bunny begins to smile weakly, gripping Tsukiyama's hand, and staying very close to them.

It's like they're glued to him; refusing to walk anywhere by themselves.

Tsukiyama isn't sure why they are doing this. They'd like to know why Bunny is doing this.

He decides that Bunny must still be stressed; he should try and calm them some more. Yes. That seems like a sensible thing to do.

He wonders what would calm them, before spotting a large display of houseplants and taking them there.

Bunny brightens, separating themselves from Tsukiyama and rushing to look at carnivorous plants.

As Bunny looks at the plants, making excited noises as they look over each one, they begin telling Tsukiyama about an investigation they'd done into the production of biomagnetic fields given off by Venus flytraps when they eat.

Tsukiyama listens, not really understanding much, but listening nonetheless. Bunny gets distracted by a red, aggressive-looking plant that Tsukiyama has never seen before.

"It's a sundew! I think a Drosera sessilifolia!" Bunny cries, practically vibrating with excitement, "It's probably my favourite type of sundew. But they're very rare. Normally I can only find Drosera burmannii, or like, a hybrid of both. So this probably isn't a real one, which sucks, but it's still so beautiful anyway!"

"How can you tell it's not real? It's so small."

"Mainly by the stigma, see? This one is more fan-shaped and round, which is more indicative of sessilifolia. So it could be real, but given how like, rare these are, I doubt it," Bunny clutches the small plant to their chest, "Still...It's really gorgeous."

Bunny makes a strange noise, vibrates some more.

Tsukiyama smiles and strokes Bunny's back, "You like these, don't you?"

"Yeah, they're awesome!" Bunny chirps, letting out a gasp, "Oh, Tsukiyama, look! Terrariums! I love terrariums!" Bunny wanders off to look at terrariums.

Bunny moves from distraction to distraction, gathering items as they wander, eventually stopping at the garden centre cafe.

When Bunny sits down - still vibrating - they stare dreamily at a nearby hydrangea bush.

"Are you alright?" Tsukiyama asks, setting down some drinks.

Bunny nods, "I like hydrangeas," They say, "They remind me of you."

"Pardon? Hydrangeas? Moi? Oh, Little Bunny! I'd have thought roses would remind you of me!"

"Hydrangeas are the only thing the same colour as your hair."

"Oh?"

"Mhm. The purpley ones. It's such a nice colour. It's like, this close to being forbidden. It reminds me of the space between my eyes. I think it's so wonderful," Bunny smiles, chin resting on their hand, staring at Tsukiyama with glazed eyes.

"Well, merci, but I'd rather you think of me as a rose."

"Why? Hydrangeas don't mean anything bad, do they? Because I was looking at those flower languages online and it didn't mean anything bad there."

"You looked into it? My hanakotoba?"

"Yeah, I didn't wanna like, accidentally say that you reminded me of like, chlamydia or something. Because you don't."

"Chlamydia?"

"Yeah, 'cause chlamydia is like, not cool," Bunny says firmly, "Anyway. I need to ask you about something."

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Have you read the Kamasutra?"

"Oh my, Bunny! What a change of subject!"

Bunny doesn't reply, only staring at Tsukiyama with wide eyes. They tilt their head to one side, waiting.

"Yes, I have read it, quite recently, actually."

"Recently?"

"Mhm. I've been very interested in that sort of thing lately. Why do you ask?"

"I've been looking for someone to practice with. Miss Imakita and I do it sometimes, but I get the feeling she's not that into it. So, I'd like to have someone else to practice it with, and I thought you'd know about it. And I just wanted to ask if you wanted to practice with me."

"Of course. I'd be honoured to practice with you. When should we set a date?"

"We could do it when we get back? I haven't got anything else to do until the evening."

"So soon?"

"We don't have to. I don't mind if you—"

"Non, non, non. It's perfect. Though, I was planning invite you to dinner this evening, I didn't realise you were busy."

"Dinner? With you?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No, I'm just difficult with food."

"You're vegan, I know. It's perfectly fine."

"No, not just that, I like, get real iffy about food I haven't made. I don't even eat at salad bars."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"I could be like, poisoned, or like, drugged."

"Do you think I'd do that?"

"No, I just get paranoid, so I don't eat...I'm also like, seriously allergic to dairy. I could like, die. But thank you for the offer! You'll have to come and eat with me instead."

"...Yes. I will," Tsukiyama chews his lip, "What are you doing this evening, anyway?"

"Work."

"Already? Are you sure you're ready for that?"

"Yeah. We're not allowed to miss more than like, five shifts. I only work twice a week, so I get a longer recovery time than everyone else. Mr Besho's pretty lenient as well."

"Oh. I see...Do you want me to go with you?"

"If you want," Bunny smiles, "But Dory's meeting me there."

"He is? That's fine," Tsukiyama looks up, "Anyway. Shall we go and look around again?"

Bunny nods and bounds off to continue their chain of distraction-based movement. They stay close to Tsukiyama again; gripping their arm and occasionally resting their head on his shoulder, humming with vibrations.

When they eventually return to Bunny's home, Bunny leads Tsukiyama to their bedroom.

"What about your father?" He'd asked.

"Oh, he's probably in his bedroom by now," Bunny replied, "It's fine though. He won't mind."

Bunny's bedroom is about as sickeningly pink and fluffy as one would expect. Tsukiyama finds it looks more childish than he'd thought; it's full of Sylvanian Families, My Little Pony decor and lego sets, as well as the seemingly endless rows of stuffed toys.

Bunny sits on their bed - which is of course, My Little Pony themed. They nudge some stuffed toys off the bed, "Do you wanna do a prepared sequence?" They ask.

"You prepared some?"

"I have sequences I like. They often go off track though," Bunny smiles, "Most of them I just go with whatever happens. Otherwise it feels stilted."

"Of course. How should we begin?"

"What do you want to do? We could read some erotic texts, or make a crystal grid, or just meditate...Or I have edibles, but that doesn't always work."

"A crystal grid? What's that?"

"Oh, for that all we do is make a crystal pattern with an intention, then we meditate for a bit. I've done it loads of times, so like, I'll guide you."

"Sure. Let's do that."

Bunny picks up a box and a wooden plate, sitting in the centre of the floor; on a hot pink fluffy rug.

Tsukiyama sits next to them, "What's our intention for this then?"

"I have some ideas," Bunny smiles, pouring a selection of orange, red and pink crystals onto the carpet, "But you choose."

"What? I just choose one of these?"

"Mhm. Which one speaks to you the most?"

Tsukiyama hesitates. He picks a pink one, thinking that it might please Bunny more.

Bunny nods, "Perfect," They pick out a pale orange stone.

Tsukiyama is about to ask what that means, but Bunny is already at work, and has started to arrange the orange and pink crystals.

They place each one down gently, with a great sense of purpose. Bunny is almost completely silent, the only sound being the clinking of crystals as they're arranged.

The result is a large grid of orange and red crystals, with a larger pink stone in the middle.

Bunny stares at the grid, seemingly unsatisfied. They bite their bottom lip, glancing up to a desk, before plucking several pink camellias from a vase and setting them in the grid.

They smile at the grid, before handing Tsukiyama a candle and telling him to carve his initials into it. They do the same afterwards, lighting it and putting it in the centre of the grid.

Bunny seems satisfied, and takes Tsukiyama's hands in theirs. They look deep into each other's eyes.

Bunny smiles at Tsukiyama, and they smile back, squeezing Bunny's hand.

"We should recite some affirmations," Bunny says, still looking into his eyes.

"...Okay," Tsukiyama replies. He sounds too quiet, or maybe Bunny is just so loud.

The affirmations Bunny give appear usual at first, before building into sentences of pure love and passion. When Bunny is finished, it's not clear if they are even saying words, or just making noises, but was there ever really a difference?

When they stop reciting, the room vibrates with the energy they created.

They sit in it, observing the vibrations.

The intention of the grid is flowing throughout the room, through the both of them. They get closer to each other, and their skin begins to touch.

Bunny's eyes are closed now. They rest their lips on Tsukiyama's hand. Tsukiyama smiles, a sudden shakiness to their breath.

He grips Bunny's wrist, pulling them closer. Bunny accepts, releasing their lips and pressing their nose to his shoulder. Tsukiyama wraps a hand around their waist, holding them even closer.

They remain in an oddly shaped hold. Something about it feels natural; as if it were an extra part of the intention.

Everything after that progresses slowly.

Initially, there's a sense of unfamiliarity; as though things have suddenly become alien.

There's a calm, curious desire to touch; to tenderly explore each other. To poke, prod, lick and pinch each other.

They nuzzle into each other, making tiny whines of intimacy. They grip each other, caressing their soft skin and gently moving over each body.

Their wet lips dance over their smooth skin, and one breathes softly into the ear of another. The two of them becoming a single organism; pleasuring itself with its intuition.

The poses of the Kamasutra come to fruition naturally. Each pose has purpose, but materialises as a result of entwined thinking and desire.

They rock together gently, desperately trying and failing to get closer to each other. They can never get close enough though.

They feel like the only thing that could bring them closer is climbing into each other's skin, to peel it away and examine what lies inside.

They'd quite like to do that.

When things pick up, and each touch becomes firmer and more demanding, there remains a meditative calmness to it all.

They continue to touch each other sensitively, like a creature that has never before experienced a physical body.

Orgasms emerge as little moans and cries of pleasure, most often in gasps. Licks and kisses are placed smoothly onto skin, followed by warm, shaky breaths.

As Bunny lets out a particularly shrill cry of pleasure, and Tsukiyama lets out a similar gasp, the air shifts.

Tsukiyama doesn't feel it at first, but it becomes unavoidable; something warm and wet falls onto his skin.

Bunny is crying.

Tsukiyama almost freezes, keeps stroking them. He feels whatever Bunny is feeling trickle into them as well, and begins to sob with them.

They hold each other tightly as they sob, tears spilling all over skin, as they shudder with every breath.

The desire for closeness becomes slightly irritating here. They cannot comfort each other enough.

If only they could climb into each other's skin. If only they could tear each other open and suck the sadness out.

They become slightly less demanding with the new change, making deeper, gentler movements, slowing down to an almost complete stop.

Any lust or sexual nature that was created begins to melt away, breathing slows, and a sorrowful sleepiness makes itself known.

They lie together, crying as they share tears and wet, salty kisses, bathed in warmth and the sweet smell of one another.

Eventually, Bunny lets out a quiet, "Thank you."

Their voice doesn't form as it used to. It's unclear why.

Tsukiyama stares at them, tilting his head to one side, stroking their hair.

They're still crying, "Thank you," They repeat.

They only continue to sob harder.

Eventually, the sound of their crying has filled the room.

--

Hey guys!

Sorry for how long this chapter took. I was so busy this month and editing was being really difficult, so I'm sorry, but it's here and it's pretty long so...

Yeah.

Please check out my Spotify for playlists for this fic!

Please also check out Tokyo Ghoul X Six : The Musical! It's a collaborative fic that crosses over Tokyo Ghoul with Six, and we're always looking for new people to be a part of it!

I also need to give a shout-out to my wonderful friend, @wren_for_thought!

They drew the most wonderful art of Bunny and I just-I love it so much. I have at as my phone screen and everything, it's so perfect, and it just makes me so happy!

They also have an amazing Tokyo Ghoul fic that I literally cannot recommend enough! It's really well-written and I'm really enjoying it.

They're honestly just a really amazing, talented person, and they deserve all the love and attention so please please go and support them!

Also, one more thing I need to say;

I have a Discord!

It's not really themed or anything. We have a Tokyo Ghoul section and a fanfiction section, but mostly it's just a super chill, positive place to hang out and talk about whatever you want!

I only started it a few days ago, but already we've got some super fun stuff going on, so please head over there. We'd love to have you join!

Ok. I'm done rambling now.

Thank you so much for reading.

Comments are appreciated, (and desired, greatly). If you don't know what to comment, then just comment something nice that happened to you today!

I'll see y'all soon. Stay safe and I hope you have a beautiful day!

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Discord:https/discord.gg/RRZ9udJT