"Thanks again, you're lifesavers."
The old man retreated inside, back to the cool confines of the restaurant and the human invention called 'air conditioning'. I did not wave or pretend to acknowledge his presence; his existence meant nothing to me.
"It's only for a few hours."
The woman stood facing the street, counting the papers tucked in one arm. Hair tucked behind her ears, she appeared at ease in the heat, dress as dark as the sign overhead. A curving neck, pale legs and arms bare, foot tapping an unknown melody. I wanted to hold her, claim her, mark every inch of flesh as mine, though such traditions were not accepted in this world.
That was the only reason I agreed to this ridiculous idea.
Shuichi suggested it in a plea for more time, a bargain to maintain his body. When she mentioned volunteering at Black Lotus and needing someone to wear a kigurumi, he offered himself immediately, plotting an escapade. I had no notion of what a kigurumi was and nearly refused until he promised an afternoon with her, hidden from prying eyes.
He knew I would not turn that down.
"Remember to smile – customers will feel it, even if they can't see your face." Azumi pressed half of the stack into my hand, overstuffed with cotton and whatever else was used to make the thing. Sweat coated my skin already, dampened my hair and fur, the suit hotter than the Makai's deserts. Moisture soaked into the material, dripped into my eyes, collected in dark places. I nearly ripped the thing apart for a taste of fresh air, to truly see her face-to-face:
She smiled, then, the sun lighting both cheeks. "It looks good on you."
A tightening in my chest – a strange sensation – and I realized she meant Shuichi. Such was natural: the woman knew nothing of me, the spirit living within the man she loved. He did not realize this yet, too young and inexperienced, though her affection was plain for all to see. The proximity of her body, touches lingering longer than necessary, despite the suit. And eyes, bright as stars.
Her eyes always shone whenever Shuichi was near.
He slept now, unable to maintain consciousness at my emerging, even after all this time. Despite his best efforts, his body continued to develop an immunity to the medicine, rejecting the one thing which could save him. Soon enough, it would have no effect whatsoever. Nothing could stop me from taking what was rightfully mine, what belonged to me from the beginning. Such was our bargain – the price for sparing his soul – yet when my thoughts drifted there, her eyes stopped me.
If the boy disappeared, would she give me the same look as he?
Or, when she looked at me, would she see a monster?
September 2020 OTP Drabbles
Prompt 11: Wearing Kigurumis