Eitsu's Nine Lives (永津の九生) [yuri/GL yokai reincarnation story]

33 - Tsaam Lei

CW: Death

"It was very cold of you to leave me like that." Rei offered a tiny smile that might have been described as a little sad, were it not for that hungry glint hidden under the lazy eyelid.

"Just die already, you obsessive creep," Eitsu recommended.

Was that a real flash of pain, just then? If it was, it was there and gone in a heartbeat, lost behind the sly smile that crept across Rei's face.

Speaking of heartbeats, Eitsu's were dangerously out of control. Her hand in Tsubaki's trembled. Tsubaki's fingers squeezed hers.

Didn't you just spend months getting building your strength? You can kick a hole through his spine now.

"You're not going to leave if I ask nicely, are you?"

"Depends how you ask. Are you coming with me?"

"What do you think?"

"Eitsu... Don't make me-"

"Make you what? No-one's making you do anything."

The lazy brown eye drifted upwards, against the flow of falling snowflakes. "What do I have to do, Eitsu?" he asked quietly. "How do I get you to come to my side, and stay forever?"

"What do you think I am? A dog?"

"A treasure," Rei said simply. "How could I let someone else hold onto something so unutterably precious to me? I can only be certain of your well-being if I have you beside me at all times."

"You've been leaving me alone a lot if that's the case," Eitsu pointed out reflexively, mentally kicking herself for her choice of words. Rei latched onto it straight away.

"Are you angry with me, then, for leaving you alone?"

"I've got far more important things to be angry at you for. Killing me several times, for one. Threatening Tsu-bo. Creeping in and out of the lives of the people around me. And what's with your weird side business of kidnapping and selling divine creatures?"

"Everyone has to make a living somehow."

"You are literally an immortal shinigami. What need do you have for money?"

Rei looked surprised. "How else am I supposed to keep my precious goddess in comfort? Ah, you should see the most recent-"

"No."

"Eh?"

"You weren't listening to anything..." Eitsu frowned. Closing her eyes, she squeezed Tsubaki's hand again, her voice a low murmur. "Remember..."

"Remember?"

"When I was snow...?"

Tsubaki looked blank for a moment, then nodded comprehendingly, if looking a little troubled.

"What are you talking about, treasure?" Rei asked pleasantly. "You were snow? Ah, are you referring to your seventh life? You truly were like snow. Even in human form, that pale skin and white hair..."

"You really are too smart for your own good." Eitsu laughed lightly. Her expression was still less than positive, but she was no longer boring a hole through his skull with her eyes.

"What's this? I would love to think you've changed your mind, but I suspect you're up to something."

"What will happen if I tell you to go fuck yourself and walk away right now?"

"Well, I'll be upset, of course."

"And?"

"I'll likely have to calm myself somehow."