Joyride

More Humans

     I woke up to loud footsteps on the metal grates in the middle of the ground outside, as well as chattering from the group of people outside.

     There was a slight snore from Sebastian, his tail slightly curled around me, probably to make himself more comfortable in the small room we were cramped into so I didn't think anything of it.

     "Sebastian," I tapped his arm lightly, the heavy coat falling off my shoulder. "Sebastian, someone's here," I tried to wake him up.

     "I dare you," I heard a snort from outside, you would almost think a group of teenagers were trying to get their friend to enter a haunted house.

     There was a thump as someone entered the vent, crawling through. "Please," my voice left my mouth desperately and I grabbed onto Sebastian's hand, trying to shake him awake, to which his body shot up, his hair messy and eyes glaring down at me. His claws dug into my arm, holding it up above my head and I let out a quiet whimper of pain.

     "Don't touch me!"

     His eyes softened as he realized who I was, a slight look of regret in his eyes as he released me, darting to the vent where the ruckus grew louder. He ushered me behind him, and I reluctantly moved to hide there.

     I mean, who wouldn't be scared when a creature twice their size and could possibly kill them in a heartbeat had looked that angry at them and caused them to bleed?

     "Ah, stranger," there was a strain in Sebastian's voice. "Come in, come in. I have some quality goodies you might find helpful on your journey, all for the small price of some of your research," I watched him grab select items off the table, hearing the clicks as he clipped them onto his tail. "Feel free to grab it off my tail," he spoke through his teeth.

     "Oh, this looks good," the stranger spoke before a bright flash blinded me, and presumably Sebastian as he let out a hiss, their hand darting out and grabbing the man. I heard the sound of glass shattering.

     "Don't do that again," there was a thump as the man hit the ground, a groan leaving him. "If there's nothing here that interests you, leave," Sebastian spat out.

     "Whatever, freakshow. We aren't here for you anyway," the vent let out creaks and thumps as the man crawled away.

     "Y/n, I didn't mean to-" he turned around to face me, a first-aid kit in his hands.

     "It's my fault, I shouldn't have touched you," I tried to back away, keeping my voice down in case the other humans were still near.

     "No, it's not your fault," Sebastian motioned to my arm, and I knew he wanted to help, but I was still weary. "I've just. . . I've been down here on my own for a long time, but that doesn't excuse how I reacted. I prefer not to be touched if it can be helped, but seeing as you'll be here a while, I will try to endure it when I can."

     "Are you okay?" I asked, making the mutant look at me confused. "The flash?" I clarified. "It can severely affect anglerfish eyes. Are you alright?"

     "Oh," he glanced around. "I suppose I'm not seeing the best right now, but I can manage. I can see enough to go take care of those punks before they get too far," his words made me tense up. "You don't have to worry, my little human. Whatever I do to them, I could never do to you. You're far too caring of a being."

     I think that was supposed to make me feel better, but if anything, it made me loads more anxious. Just what was Sebastian capable of?

     "Y/n, I'm not gonna hurt you," we both glanced at the arm the mutant just bandaged up. "N-not again," his thumb barely touched the covered wound. "I- I don't understand how to show that I'm sorry?" his face scrunched up. "I don't completely understand human emotions anymore, or how to express them."

     They glanced around, finding a small chain on one of the tables that cluttered the room, slipping the ring off his pinky finger and sliding it onto the chain.

     "Here," he handed me the necklace. "This is my promise to never hurt you again, and if I ever do. . ." Sebastian watched my small moves closely. "I want you to take it off and leave me. And never come back. If I cannot keep myself from hurting something I find precious, I don't deserve something so precious near me."