A demon's deal

by darkdragonemperess

What had she gotten herself into? Trying to soothe a young boy, she went down the well looking for his sister. And emerged in the past. That is when she met him. The demon lord. Arrogant and sadistic, but the only chance she had at getting home. OC x Sesshomaru

15. Chapter 15

Greetings to all still lurking in this swamp I call a story! There are still too many ideas in my mind to simply let this fic fade away, so it won't be the fastest but I will keep trying to add more chapters until it finishes. Please enjoy.

Warnings: mentions of rape, lemon (not a particularly good one either)

This place had changed. Going from a harsh nightmare to a minefield. Expertly laced with traps just waiting for that one foolish moment of a successful baiting. Like a temple made to guard some grand treasure. The human wishing the idea was literal rather than simply proverbial. At this point an actual temple of traps would be far less dangerous. At least in that type of environment, research and her own instinct could aid in navigation. Perhaps even finding a few moments peace in areas deemed as not needing as much protection. Such a thing would not be found here. A wrongly placed foot would not trigger poison darts, nor a giant boulder tumbling down. No it would do so much worse. Behind these cruel walls the only real protection was the demon lord. His presence, and in his absence the fear and respect he garnered. One misstep, one wrong word, and the facade that had been so carefully crafted would shatter. Opening not just her, but Rin up to a world of unfathomable horrors. She'd gotten too comfortable assuming Sesshomaru could keep them safe in the lion's den. Lulled into that false sense of security until it was so brutally ripped away. He'd gotten there before things had fully progressed, but what if he hadn't been so close? In his dealings he had been taken to the far reaches of the property. Sometimes even going outside the walls. Staying in the rooms, or keeping in their little group was supposed to have granted them protection. Each presence providing not just a witness, but a reminder that they were the demon lord's property and therefore not accessible. What a foolish hope. The only silver lining was that Rin was far too young to have garnered the worst sort of attention yet. The males were brutish and grotesque, but at least they only lusted after the mature bodies. Though those below that age still might find themselves tortured for entertainment purposes.

Such thoughts could not be shaken. Mel barely able to conceal her shiver as they made their way back to that infernal dining room. Arriving to find a marvelously decorated space. She found momentary distraction in the beautiful decor. The ceiling strung with a multitude of colorful paper lanterns. Each one holding a new painted image. The scene pulled her to a different memory. A house that had looked so beautiful from afar. Sesshomaru had returned as they were moving in for a closer look. His tone laced with irritation as he snapped at them to stop. Forcing them to leave the space before giving a curt answer. What they had seen was a traditional celebration in demon households. Only when they had settled for the night did he offer more when prompted. Each color was meant to attract something to the household. Prosperity and luck, fertility, even something like a strengthening of the couple's bond. The paintings were symbols of important things to the couple. Representations of a blissful marriage. Supposedly. Far be it from her to judge that aspect. Maybe demons and humans were really that different and she had no idea what they found constituted a happy marriage. Or maybe regardless of species, political marriages were always the same. Seldom about love. Simply a convenient way to collect power and wealth. It wasn't so much about the desire for others she witnessed. At the pension she'd seen a handful of open marriages. People flirting and bringing others up to their rooms. Sharing a certain amount of intimacy. But in each of those there was always a very specific pattern. Prominant moments and attention were always reserved for the spouse. There'd been one particular couple. The husband seemed to like watching his wife with others. Each night a guy sat at their table or drinks. The wife sharing flirtations and touches with the new comer before the three headed up to their room. But every morning it was only the actual couple at the breakfast table. Giggling and teasing about the latest adventure over quick kisses and very loving touches.

Those moments didn't seem to ever appear here. On Mika's end she was obviously pinning for Sesshomaru. By her own words this was just the latest in a line of pursuits. More often than not completely oblivious, or perhaps simply apathetic, to the husband that was around. Hachiro's end had been more subtle. That nervousness had hidden it at first. But as time moved forward that mask had fallen away. Revealing a man completely consumed with bitterness and jealousy. Perhaps he had loved her at one point. But now anger and even hatred filled his gaze whenever it fell to the demon lord or his wife. Even when he threw a brief glance to the human, those feelings didn't seem to diminish. His eyes would display tinges of lust, but almost as if it were an after thought. He hated her too, if for no other reason than being another representation of something Sesshomaru took away.

The bright lights had stopped being enough of a distraction. There had been advice to act normal. As if the preceding hours of violating touch and unexpected comfort had never happened. It was what was expected in that world. Prepare the seats before taking her place. Ignore the looks caught in her periphery. The barely concealed rage of the demoness, bitterness from the husband, and the still unrestrained lust from the head of house. Ignore her own burning rage and frustration. Overt displays had stopped, but now even Hotaka's leering gaze was enough to make her skin crawl. Triggering a need to do something. Rip her skin off, burn this place to the ground. Anything to distract from the storm in her heart. Sesshomaru was the first to break the silence. An admonishing word to remind them she was his personal toy. Not allowed to be touched by a different hand. A repeated offense would not find the same mercy he had granted that afternoon. Hotaka was quick to offer multiple apologies. Chastising the other two for their folly, but only in the gentlest of ways. Probably due to him being well on his way to drunkenness and thus only vaguely aware of why this was a problem. The other two offering only a single one before moving on. Naturally the demon princess was staring daggers whenever she felt like she could get away with it. A typical evening at this point. It just wouldn't be dinner without the demoness trying to cause harm through telepathy. But there was something else that was...off. That was the only way the human could describe it. Soft apologies and promises of future presents to her husband. Maybe she was just paranoid. A lifetime of having to read between the lines making her read things that weren't there. But some alarm was blaring that these were threats. Passive hints that were meant to slip under everyone else's radar. Mika was tired of playing this game. Tired of a rivalry she never seemed to win. She hadn't given up on the idea of eliminating her competition. Death wouldn't work. Though a bitch, the princess obviously wasn't stupid. To outright kill the toy would be a huge display of disrespect. Even they couldn't get away with something like that. But that wasn't the only option.

Over the course of multiple confinements Jaken had explained exactly why it would work. Although his words had been meant to express why the plan on how Sesshomaru claiming her would work. Demons were often violent and controlling when it came to protecting their living territory. Holding such overbearing jealousy and obsession. Depending on the demon's power, it would mean at the least inviting a clash. For the very powerful though, touching their personal toy meant inviting death. But only if the second person were caught during the act. There was yet another cruel aspect to this world. If it were to be interrupted the owner would often fly into a rage. Appropriately directed at the interloper for the most part. But if things had already happened, that rage could potentially be turned on the toy. Or at the very least all interest would vanish. Though on this, she couldn't blame just the time period. Even in her own time there were far too many places where a woman was considered ruined, regardless of whether or not it had been done with consent. So many times the perpetrator given maybe a slap on the wrist while the victim was left to face the brunt of the consequences. If her gut was right, that's what Mika was aiming at. Hachiro succeeding and ruining her. The demon getting some light reprimanding while Mel herself would be held accountable for the loss of exclusivity. Which made it very helpful that this was simply an act. There was no real vested interest to the demon lord. Early on he had given that crass and callous delivery of not seeing humans in a sexual light. Offering touches as a means of punishment. Lately there had been a bit of a shift. It had been done as a protective measure, but there also seemed to be a slight bit of curiosity to Sesshomaru now. It could be that she was becoming something of an exception. But more likely it was just because it had been a while for the guy and it was starting to get to him. Something in his words and attitude hinted that he hadn't had a lot of intimacy in recent years. Perhaps the idea of a warm body had started to be more tempting. A baser need tugging at his mind that had few options to sate. They crossed the path of very few demon women. Mika's ugly personality made her completely unsuitable. It made sense he might be bending his morals a little at this point. So there was that vague hint of interest, but nothing that would shift into disgust. Hell he initially hadn't expected that she would be a virgin. And that afternoon he had been nothing but gentle. Making it clear she held no blame for anything that had happened. So Mika's plan was doomed to fail from the start. Unfortunately that could never actually be revealed. That possessiveness and extreme rage that could accompany it was the only thing protecting her in this household...probably the only thing currently protecting her in much of this world. That thought gave her pause. A flurry of curses in her mind.

This was not an isolated incident. In her own time there was some risk. She'd known more than a few that had dealt with unwanted touches. That resulting fear had pushed her in so many ways. To learn. To train. Taking almost any precaution. Honing a multitude of skills. Perception, fighting styles, every dirty trick she could conceivably use. Anything that could compensate for the potential disadvantages. But this wasn't her time anymore. Opponents didn't have some height or weight on her. No there were things that were out and out stronger. Her own fickle powers were apparently no use. If in battle or to protect someone else, that new strength emerged. Allowing her to disintegrate creatures in blinding lights, or rip them apart with the use of the whip. But it couldn't seem to recognizance an attack if it wasn't the life endangering kind. That might be something training could help with. But at this moment it was yet another advantage that simply didn't exist. That list of weaknesses seemed to be growing longer by the day. For one that had spent so much of her life acting as the protector, this was really starting to get to her. Kept safe only by the mercy of Sesshomaru's protection. But just like everything else, it still had its limits. The demons of this house could all best her. Outside this manor was a world of creatures just like them. It was really only a manner of time before one of them disregarded the scent Sesshomaru left. This spiral of thoughts wouldn't stop dragging her down. A chorus of voices ringing in her ears. Shaky and tear filled, panicked, some just completely dead in tone. Confessing the unending torment. The haunting images that wouldn't leave their minds. Pain and shame that was threatening to drown them every day. So many tales of those that had endured an unwanted touch. Sometimes by a stranger or acquaintance. Other times by those they should have been able to trust above all else. Maybe it was the pain she had seen in so many eyes, but that seemed like the worst type of fate to her. She'd offered whatever encouragement and comfort she could. Genuinely admiring the way they kept fighting their struggles and pressing on. But inside she felt like death would be the easier option. She'd seen the face of the reaper on several occasions. Even dancing with him herself once. The idea she would completely disappear from the world was saddening., but for the most part coped with. At least until now. Rin needed her. Even if it was only for the year, Mel was basically her mother. A loving parent to a child that had lost everything else in this world. The idea she'd once had about simply taking her own life if she ever got raped had to vanish. The losing of that plan made her stress worse. There was no easy way out now. If something happened she would have to find a way to deal with it. Even if it was her first time.

The human barely managed to bite back the gasp. No. Her life could not mirror the servants in this house. Her introduction could not be an act of violence. She could cross just about any obstacle life decided to throw at her eventually. But she couldn't endure her first time happening simply because she wasn't strong enough to stop someone. Which meant what exactly? A crash course in getting her powers to activate on command? Becoming a barnacle to Sesshomaru like Rin could be with her? Or maybe...with some discretion her gaze went to the demon lord. The chance of her getting home unscathed was highly unlikely. But she could fight to endure if she at least had something to cling to. A weapon, any weapon, to help fight through the looming jungles. Rin needing her was the iron. Maybe small things like the knowledge she had consented to and actually some what wanted her first time would help forge it into a proper weapon. It wasn't the smartest of ideas granted, but at this point she just wanted as many ways to fight off the traumas of this world as could be mustered.

"Lord Sesshomaru I finally decided on our gift. You must tell us one of your stories." Mika's voice was pure honey. All traces of rage hidden behind that veneer of exuberance. For some reason it was those words that finally brought the human out of her cascading thoughts. Mel only now realizing exactly how distracted she had been. Having absolutely no idea what had happened in the last 5 minutes or so. This time her gaze went to Jaken a moment. Noticing how he had taken up serving Rin as if it were completely normal. Sesshomaru waving off a maid with an almost air of impatience. They were covering for her. Making it seem that she wasn't exactly distracted so much as just not currently being needed. Which thankfully left only the minor issue of wondering how exactly the conversation turned towards storytelling. She forced herself to focus. Hoping she could piece together what had been missed.

"Very well. I suppose that is a wish I can grant on this one occasion." The words were accompanied by a slight nod. Though his tone made it sound like he was enduring a great deal to give that favor.

Visibly ecstatic, the demoness seemed a step away from bouncing in her seat. Her brother holding an amused, albeit drunken grin. Hachiro's gaze was still filled bitten back agitation. Even the haze caused by far too much drink not softening it. Mel vowed to pay more attention to that particular danger. No more missing or dismissing the emotions of the creature that was consumed with such hatred. Fear and decorum could only hold something like that at bay for so long.

"This all began several centuries ago. When I came of age my father insisted I must learn all duties and intricacies of our station. Offering days upon days of training and what had to be thousands of tests. The intended lessons have stayed, but only a handful of those tests had anything that would make them memorable. One such test was what was supposed to be how to properly observe and condone alliances made through marriage. I was sent to a village where the demon princess in charge had decided it was time to find a husband. I went in my father's stead to approve or disprove of potential matches. My father thought it best to warn me that this was going to be a very unpleasant task. The demoness in question was rumored to be irredeemably vein with a cruel streak that had earned her the loathing of all in her domain. Somewhat powerful, but with an ego that far outpaced any potential strength. I gave the warnings little thought, as I had dealt with such ilk before. An unfortunate truth learned very early was how demons could be just as susceptible to hubris as humans. So easily forgetting that looks and wealth can mean nothing without strength. I had thought myself ready, but nothing could have prepared me for this...woman." There was the slightest sneer in his voice. Lasting only a moment before being replaced by that eerily placid tone. "The first night we met I had mistaken her for an entertainer. Drowning in a kimono with far too many layers, an elaborate headpiece that would normally find its home on some stage. When I learned who she was, I surmised she must have dressed up for our meeting. She wouldn't have been the first to think making themselves into a doll would somehow land them in our good graces." Although his gaze lingered on the head of house, it was hard not to hear the subtle implication in the words. Mel biting back a smile as she forced her eyes to remain on the table. Ignoring the burning gaze that could only belong to the demoness. "As it turned out, that was essentially her everyday wear. She was adamant about adorning herself with garish costumes and gaudy decorations. Everything a means to accentuate her wealth and beauty. She had been very insistent on giving me an unwanted tour. Beaming with such pride as we walked through the rooms of clothes that ended with a wall of headdresses. All overly large and each one somehow worse than the last. These things would have looked far too much for coronations or weddings. But for daily garb of a supposed warrior? Absolutely ridiculous. Her words were something to the effect, 'By wearing such a heavy burden on my head it proves my strength, by making it grand it showcases my wealth. Don't you agree?' Admittedly I tried to bite my tongue at first. Not wanting to fail my father's task so quickly. But she prodded. Would not let up until I gave her an answer. I finally admitted I found it strange to take such pride in something so unremarkable. They were not light, but all but the weakest of demons would have been able to wear them with ease. Why was she taking so much pride in a display that showed at best common strength, and at the cost of making herself look foolish? She was not very happy with that answer. Stormed off while muttering any number of curses. That sour mood only worsening when a messenger informed her my father would not be granting her a new representative, regardless of what she thought of my behavior." Already the household's lips were curled into smirks. Moments of drunken laughter slipping out as more drink was poured and consumed. They were obviously enjoying the idea of Sesshomaru humiliating someone else. "Now if that was all there was to the story, it's unlikely I would still be able to recall it to this day. Most of the rumors surrounding the princess were highly exaggerated. Outside of baffling habits, there was nothing particularly striking about her. She was not a breathtaking beauty. Nor particularly clever. Strength, while not horrible, was nothing compared to many I had already encountered. Her only remarkable traits were that gaudy wear and just how pathetic she allowed herself to be. So obsessed with the idea of displaying status she forget her very pride as a demon. Insisting on allowing a servant to do everything for her. Cutting up her food and feeding her each bite, patting the raindrops off her face. There was even a maid whose sole purpose was to tend to her hair. Washing it and setting it so that it would be comfortable to sleep in at night. Fixing it up to go into one of those headdresses. She was even made to stand at the princess's side in case an errant hair needed to be tucked back in or some stray threads needed to be mended or cut. Frankly, aside from being pathetic, it also felt completely foolish to place so much trust in the humans she treated so poorly. That was not what I was there for though. So I said nothing more about the situation. Nor the moments I noticed that maid slip a drop of liquid or fingertip of powder out of her sleeve. Or even when that little blade meant to tend to the crown occasionally slipped beneath and returned with a few uneven strands of hair.

It was several days before suitors began to show. One by one, often dismissed just as quickly as they arrived. A full week I was there before any hint of progress happened. The first that hadn't been almost immediately turned away. Not particularly handsome, but he a decent title with a reputation of power. Of enviable strength. At least to those of that level. Both seemed amenable to the union, and I found no objections. During the meal meant to celebrate a successful pairing, the demoness asked why he had chosen to journey so far. No doubt fishing for further compliments. He was quick to speak about how rumors of her beauty had spread even to his lands. How it was said that her eyes shined like honey in the sun. And her hair held the color of the deepest shadows yet with the shining light of a thousand stars. He said the part about the eyes was certainly true, and requested permission to behold the miracle that was her hair. That was how he actually phrased it. I found it bizarre but recognized this match would work out because he was able and willing to flatter her in an almost delusional manner.

With that minimal prompting, the hair maid was summoned. Several long moments as she undid ribbons and whatever other bits held that headdress on. Once removed, the demon's jaw dropped. With the finery gone, we were all treated to just how horrific of a sight her hair had become. Patches cut in uneven lengths. Colors appearing at random. Splotches of pale yellow or mud brown. A thick section faded green, and one chunk was what I would describe as the ugliest purple color I have ever seen. Seeing the lord's face, the demoness finally displayed a moment of wisdom and demanded a mirror. Judging by the extent of the damage, it seems this would be the first time in years she had actually seen her own hair. Upon catching her own reflection, she shrieked as if someone had pushed her hand into a fire. That sound continuing as she fled from the room, then the manor, and eventually ceasing when she disappeared into the forest."

As the tale wrapped up, the demon siblings once more burst into laughter. By the tears beading at their eyes it was not the least bit an attempt at appeasement. It wasn't about them wanting Sesshomaru to simply think he had given an entertaining story. They just genuinely enjoyed the idea of others suffering. The conversation only delved into worse things from there. The household offering their own stories. Cruel and bizarre acts Mel had neither the heart nor the stomach to completely process. Doing her best to let them in one ear and fade out of the other. Beneath the table taking a hold of the child's hand. Offering a reassuring squeeze. Hoping Rin would be able to focus on Shesshomaru's tale. While it too had been about humiliation, it was a minor one that held a lesson of comeuppance rather than cruelty for pleasure. As time passed that conversation continued to drag on. The stories slowly getting worse. Mel was glad there was no expectation of contribution. Able to simply sit there with the decent poker face she'd had to learn in childhood. But it did nothing to protect Rin. By then the little girl wasn't simply holding her hand, but leaning against her. Clinging tightly as she hid her face against the fabric of the uniform. Obviously trying to block out the upsetting stories.

"It is getting very late and the day has been unbearably long." The demon lord interjected as the current story was hinting at going down a very specific path. One that would not necessarily be understood, but still disturbing Rin. Certainly it would have triggered a few painful moments for Mel. His gaze never actually went to them, but it wasn't hard to figure out he was cutting that particular story off for their benefit.

"But the festivities have only just started my lord. We have so much to do!" Mika was quick to protest. Momentarily leaning in to grab at his sleeve. Even in her drunken state noting his irritated gaze and letting him go. "We have hired several entertainers to come perform. They are getting ready now. And. And..."

"And it is a time for celebration!" Hotaka rose his cup. Already slightly intoxicated. Taking a large swig before slamming it down on the table. "Besides I have wonderful news. When we returned home I had word from our vassals. We have so much needing to be discussed. A very fine time to mix business and pleasure." The laugh that accompanied it grated on Mel's nerves. Hating the way it's pitch made her ears heart. Or perhaps her patience had finally thinned to the point she was having physical reactions to each irritant. Which meant she was dangerously close to snapping. Not good.

The demon lord simply looked at them. Letting the silence drag on until the other demons were subtly squirming in discomfort. "Very well. I shall stay to discuss what is needed. But this day has gone on long enough it would serve no purpose to keep everyone prisoner." Finally his gaze went to his little group. "Escort Lady Rin to her room and see her to sleep. Both of you." His attention shifted towards Mel alone. "You may take the opportunity to rest as well. I will fetch you when I am done here."

"Of course my lord." She was quick to bow her head before helping Rin up. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, she hurriedly guided them all out of that dreadful room and back to their quarters. Happy to be allowed to hide away instead of being trapped until the demons grew bored or passed out. Rin's eyes were already drooping by the time the door shut behind them. As done so many nights when out camping, Mel settled in beside her. Pulling in the child and holding her tightly. Her attempt to protect her from this world.

"How long do we have to stay here?" There was such misery in that little tone. Misery and fear. Even Sesshomaru couldn't shield her from as much as needed. Gently stroking the child's hair, she tried to offer some comfort.

"I'm not sure. I'll be sure to ask Lord Sesshomaru later tonight. For not though just try to get some rest. We need to show these creatures just how strong us humans can be." It was a horrifically unjust thing to say. Nothing in that little girl's life had been fair. Family lost to brutal bandits. Villagers that should have looked out for her merely beating her when she caused them inconvenience. Her entire faith in the world hinging on a creature that until recently hadn't even taken over the task of keeping her fed. Rin was already strong. Enduring things that would break grown men and women. There was only so much Mel could make up for at this point. Making sure basic needs were met, giving her a visibly loving figure to cling to. Protect her from as much as this world as possible. But she also needed to make sure Rin was able to recognize that strength for what it was. To realize that she might have been a victim of some very tragic circumstances, but through it all she was a survivor. Pressing a gentle kiss to the little girl's forehead, she offered that favorite lullaby. Watching those lids grow heavy as she eased her into sleep. A few more moments of slight fighting before those eyes stayed closed. Breathing evening out.

In the darkness of that quiet room, her mind began to wander. Painful images vying for a spot. Heart stopping worries dancing in to torment her. A fist was pressed against her temple. Fighting her own mind to think of something better. Contemplate something that didn't leave her feeling sick to her stomach. Eyes wandering to the kosode neatly hung up in the corner. Sesshomaru's gift to Rin. That was a train of thought easy to get lost in. The demon, and the bizarre relationship they possessed, would take years to unravel. An egotistical man that was equal measures cruel and apathetic, with a disturbingly strong penchant for violence. Had any of her friends described this situation, she would have told them to run like hell. Interactions filled with cursing, yelling, and threatening, should not be viewed as normal. A tumultuous person with abusive tendencies was not someone to chase after. Hell if circumstances hadn't aligned as they did she would have probably fled as well. But the chain of needing to look after Rin and find a way back home had allowed something unexpected to flourish.

There had always been bouts of sleeping issues in her life. Following her usual coping tactics, when they hit she would crawl out of the sleeping bag to stare at the stars. At some point he began to join her. Sitting a small distance away. Saying nothing at all. One particular night she had been feeling very lonely. When she felt that familiar presence appear she began to tell him a greek myth of one of the constellations. Feeling that loneliness lift a little just from this one sided conversation. Over multiple nights she told him many stories. Eventually he answered. Offering some of his own myths. Making commentary about either of their stories. Things that had her laughing, or making her genuinely think about something. At some point two thoughts clicked into place; 1. His presence had become disturbingly successful at driving that loneliness away, and 2. The demon lord wasn't exactly as bad as she'd originally thought. True he must be the villain in so many stories, but in the grand scheme he was just a very complicated creature. After many shared moments beneath the stars, she realized the pattern. He would join her gazing. Offering conversation and his form of companionship. But inevitably there would come a point when he would pull away. A shared laugh that lingered a few moments too long. Returning her smile for a fraction of a second. Their eyes meeting and for a time neither quite able to look away. When those moments hit he was quick to pull away. Take his leave and avoid joining her for the evening. Sometimes it was him being around and just not going to meet her. Sometimes it was him disappearing for days or weeks on whatever the hell excursions he did when vanishing from their group. It was almost like clockwork. He would join her, then pull away. But he always came back. Just as it was inevitable he would run, inevitably he would once more take a seat beside her to exchange stories and conversation.

Perhaps she was finally acclimating to the world, or maybe this house was so stressful she needed to delve as deep into a distraction as possible to retain her sanity. Whatever the reason, that night seemed to be the first time she had ever fully contemplated the situation. And the demon. Even as far as this afternoon she had been utterly convinced there was no way he could love her. That his taking his leave all those times was a strange balance of him liking her company but not wanting to be friends or claim enjoyment from a human's company. But maybe it went deeper than that. What if it wasn't merely about friendship or companionship from a human. What if...What if there was a part of him that wanted to actually love her. In his own difficult way, he cared for them. Beneath very rough edges was a heart. He was violent and cruel to Jaken, but he still kept him around. Protected him in subtle ways. Jaken provided some assistance, but it was nothing Sesshomaru was unwilling or unable to do. For Rin it was even more obvious. Whatever debt her care-taking had created he had repaid a dozen times over. While he hadn't provided proper care-taking on a day to day basis, he was always there for the worst things. Protecting and even rescuing her should it be necessary. As for herself, it was such a mixed bag, but always with an underlying core of logic. He offered exactly what was needed if he was capable. Like the trek to this hellhole. She'd borderline hated him near the end. Angered by all the disparaging remarks and cruel comments. Despising him for that sexist and arrogant attitude. It had taken far to long to realize, but that seemed to be the point. Humans were something to look down on for the most part. But being female didn't really drive his opinion down any lower. A woman ruler was never met with surprise. Snark only offered in that general humans are terrible way, or perhaps a personal issue taken. Women being able to hold power was a normal thought to him. There was even a sense of admiration when they would speak about myths involving goddesses getting others to bend to their will. If he was in the mood to be complimentary, he was just as free with them regardless of the gender. So the whole extreme misogyny was simply an act to push her past her limits. With this household, it was of the utmost importance everything was proper. Her and Rin's safety dependent on selling this facade. So they needed to make good time. Needed to arrive early to get that proper appearance in place. He'd realized spite was one of her biggest motivators. Throwing out human based insults to give her rage filled stamina. Switching to belittling women when that stopped working. Those insults all but stopping when they had reached the campsite. Switching to accept her disrespect and childish behavior because those were the last moments she could decompress in safety. Giving her that outlet so the mask would be less likely to crack. Granting even more leeway this afternoon. There hadn't been a single harsh word. Over and over again making it known that she was not to blame. Being touched against her will was not her fault. And that he was going to make sure it didn't happen again.

He made her think of those old time movie monster villains. Initially it was so easy to think good vs bad. That he was some cruel monster simply bent on destruction. But to strip away the first layer always revealed some big points for sympathy. He may have been a very powerful demon lord, but he was also a very damaged man. Some part unable to reconcile his care for his companions. As if affection and love were grievous unpardonable sins. In a certain sense, that damage was probably partially responsible for her falling for him. He seemed to understand what it was like to need to be strong no matter the cost. That sometimes even important emotions had to be sealed away to avoid the vulnerability they created. He knew how to get under her skin. To push how she needed, whether that be with cruelty or gentleness. At this point, he was the closest thing to a best friend she had since losing her parents. Probably not a good reflection on her part that one of her deepest connections happened to be with a human hating monster with serious intimacy issues and who occasionally physically assaulted her. Oh well. That was something to deal with in therapy when she got home. It wasn't like they were getting married or going to have children. By its very nature, this situation was temporary. She would probably stay longer to ensure Rin had as stable a foundation as possible. But this whole situation was at most only going to be for a handful of years. Maybe...maybe she should make the most of it. Either way she was going to get her heart broken. Be left hurting when she finally returned home. If there was always going to be harm, why shouldn't she explore this? It was a very unhealthy and unorthodox relationship, but it had already started helping her open up a little more. Acknowledge just how badly her previous life had screwed her up. This fucked up quasi family scenario might actually help her battle a few of her own problems. Quite a bit still left to think on. Unfortunately the day had been very long and she was exhausted. Closing her eyes she finally allowed herself to drift off to sleep.

This night was never going to end. Hours already wasted stuck at this table. Sipping this stupid drink as he listened to them blather on and on. Occasionally able to steer the conversation enough to get a question answered. But more often than not trapped as they spewed revolting stories and what he supposed were meant to be jokes. Rancorous laughter ending the tale of how one disobedient maid learned her lesson after being given to the guards for a night. Demons had a high level of tolerance for alcohol. These three still somehow managing to find the tipping point. Words slurring as drinks sloshed and spilled over the table and themselves. At one point Hotaka grabbed the maid attempting to remove his plate. Dragging her down onto his lap and giving a forceful kiss. Tearing away fabric to grope at the now exposed breast. The demon lord's usually placid expression faltered as his eyebrow twitched.

"Is that really necessary?" His words were laced with agitation. Staring down the head of house and very grateful he had thought to insist the others leave. There was no way the elder human would have been able to hold herself back. And exposing this to a child felt very wrong. Even Jaken would have had visible discomfort about such antics.

"Fine. Fine. I forgot how proper you insisted on being. I would have thought having such a pretty pair of legs to spread would have loosened you up a little." Another almost barking laugh escaped as he let the woman go. Forgetting all about her as he finished the liquid in his cup. The maid frantically scurrying away. Although there was a momentary pause before she left the room. Half a second to check that none of the house were paying attention. The other half spent throwing Sesshomaru a look. Amid all the chaos, it took a moment to click. Gratitude. She'd risked punishment to offer him that look of thanks. In a twisted way it made sense. He was probably the first to stop this house. Saving her from yet another rape. He pushed the thought away. Once again he tried to steer the conversation where he needed it. Learning some were at their manors and already preparing for the journey. Others scattered around for various reasons that would keep them for a day or two longer. All had responded though. Within a week and a half all would be there. Introductions would be made, fealty pledged, and groundwork laid for his plans. Everything was proceeding well. If he didn't count the mounting issues of having his companions behind these walls. He would just have to be more watchful over the coming days. Then they could all be free of this place.

"I believe our conversations will no longer be fruitful and I should get some rest for the coming days." The demon lord stood up. His brow raising as Mika reached out and attempted to grab him.

"Oh no. No my lord. We still have so much to discuss." Her protests ending with a hiccup. Still reaching out until her brother pulled her arm back with a laugh.

"Now now Mika. He's been very generous with us as is. Not many would have stayed this long when such a pretty little bedwarmer is waiting on them. Go enjoy the rest of your night Lord Sesshomaru." Hotaka waved him off, spilling more of his drink down his shirt. It took far too much self restraint to hid the disgust Sesshomaru felt. Even his hanyo brother could behave in a better fashion. Concealing his sneer he left the table. For once accepting a maid's accompaniment. If only because she seemed far too young to be in that room. He absolutely detested this place. Raping women. Killing little children. There was no honor in such things. Even if the victims were merely humans. It was why it had been so easy to sever ties in the first place. Something he was sorely tempted to do once again. Truly weighing all costs and benefits. Especially if it required them to be in this place too much longer. His humans were already breaking. Rin holding a fearful expression whenever he had to leave them. Mel's revulsion and agitation were threatening to crack her veneer of docile obedience. And that was simply from observing the cruelty inflicted on the staff. Who knows what kind of damage this afternoon had done. Perhaps she too would have a look of panic when he left them. A tiny part of him was hoping that mistake would be made again. Not actually violating her of course. Just enough to be caught in an improper act. Then he would have a proper reason to rid the world of those that tainted what it meant to be a demon noble. Though that same tiny part was tempted to ignore the rules and just deal with them. Holding back only because to kill them without 'proper' reason would mean their vassals could bear a grudge. Refuse to follow and maybe even want revenge. So for now he was stuck. Biding his time until one of them foolishly stepped out of line.

The maid was waved off at the door. His bad mood significantly lifted at the reminder those cretins were now properly painted into a corner. One wrong move and he could kill them without any repercussions. A momentary smile flashing across his face as he entered the room. Finding the humans sharing a bed. Mel curled around the little one as she often did. Even in sleep trying to be her shield. For a moment he contemplated simply leaving her here. The day must have been draining and this was the first peaceful rest she had been granted since they had received the invitation letter. Sadly he had to be practical. There were still many things that needed to be discussed. Things best not overheard by outside ears. What better time then when the house was on the verge of drunkenly passing out? Another moment's debate he tapped on her arm. Switching to slightly shaking when she didn't stir. That had the proper effect. Her eyes popped open. Fright on her face as she jerked away from him. He should have expected that. Those violated often reacted in panic. Flinching and shrinking away for months after the attack. Some never stopped. "It's just me. Time to go to our room." Care was taken to make his voice particularly even. The human calming when she recognized his voice.

Initial panic gone, she disentangled herself from the bed. Staying close as they walked. Needing that imposing aura to shield herself. Sleep fading from her mind and a thousand thoughts now vying for attention. As often done in her life, letting the mundane and far too distressing be tucked neatly away. A valuable lesson her grandfather had been able to teach. To try and go through everything would be far too overwhelming. More likely to end with shutting down then successfully getting answers. What she needed to do was focus on something concrete. Figure out the current problem and find a solution that was workable. The current problem: She was weak and in a world where things that lusted after her could get what they wanted. A ticking time bomb that sadly was far more likely to happen than not. Though funnily enough she could probably cope now. Original plans to simply take the easy out and kill herself couldn't happen. Rin needed her. That link would help her push past anything she was made to endure. It would break her of course, but she had been broken in different ways before. Always figuring out a way to glue herself back together. So the current problem was not just that someone was eventually going to best her. It was that her introduction being about power and violence would not just break, but shatter her. Especially since buried beneath all her barriers, she was in fact something of a romantic. There had always been some idea that her first time would be special. Not in a movie magic type of way. Just that it would be done in a proper setting. She'd be a good age and madly in love with a partner that absolutely adored her. This set up was anything but ideal, but was it really that bad? Younger than she would have liked, but a very normal age to enter into the sexual realm. There were a lot of worrying aspects about it, but there was in fact a one sided love happening with the demon trapping her here. And on his end there was something. Perhaps not love, but there was care. Even if he was too damaged and stubborn to recognizance it. Hell technically he had already introduced her to the sexual world. The first to touch her, the first to use her body. And the worst of that was a feeling of loneliness. A little sense of being used, but nothing like the feeling of being tainted others had described. How she had felt with Hachiro. If she really wanted this particular ax off her head, Sesshomaru was a remarkably decent choice all things considered. As they got to the room she was quick to flit over to her backpack. Emptying it out and sorting through everything. Thoughts still swirling as she did an inventory check, making sure everything was still in working order.

Closing the door behind them, he moved to settle against a wall. Watching as she performed the same task done so many times. A habit when she was nervous. Perhaps trying to exert whatever control she could. His mind drawing back to that broken figure in the bath house. Soft sobs escaping as the water was poured over her. Unfortunately the feelings she had were not something that could simply be washed away. Which made his rage all the worse. He was disgusted by this place's antics. But that bastard dared to touch his companion. Dared to challenge him and hurt someone he cared about. The last thought was disrupted. Shaking his head to dispel such nonsense. He didn't like seeing such grievous violations take place. There was some sympathy for the house maids that had to endure their masters forcefully prying their legs apart. Of course he would hold the same sympathy for one he had traveled with.

"How long were you there? It feels pretty late." The human's words were the first to break the silence. Unable to deal with it any longer.

"I was there a little more than 3 hours." He was quick to answer. Pleased to have something besides foolish thoughts in his head.

"Must have been some party."

"Well they seemed to think so." Even with that placid tone the snark was apparent. Prompting a stifled laugh on Mel's lips. Amusement flashing across her face before fading back to the more neutral expression she was trying to hold onto.

For a few moments the silence once more lingered. A question that needed to be asked lingering. Fearful to bring it up. Without an answer she could pretend it wasn't so bad. Unfortunately burying her head in the sand would do nothing here. "Rin and I...well we'd like to know exactly how long this whole thing is going to take. I mean how long should we expect to be here? I figured it would be tough but...but hell. At this point I'd rather be back in that gray forest with all those crazy boars." With a frustrated huff she threw a few things back into her pack. Irritated with herself for being so open. No matter how true it was. That forest had been a nightmare. Searching for another shard they had ended up in a perpetually winterized forest. Something riling the animals up to the point they attacked almost anything that moved. Birds lunging from trees. Squirrels attempting to jump on and bite. The boars were the worst though. Coming out of nowhere. Something driving them to insanely charge. But at least it had been straightforward. Destroy what was trying to hurt you. Keep Rin out of their reach. All simple goals. And frankly even with the new scar a random tusk had inflicted, she had been far safer then. A simple strike and Sesshomaru had obliterated dozens. A-Un not taking any chances and unleashing a brutal massacre she could never have imagined. The usually gentle beast was one hell of a fighter. No doubt he'd have wanted to protect her here too. Probably take a chunk out of the demon nobles for trying to touch her. The thought granted a single moment of reprieve. A slight smile tugging at her lips. Dropping when he answered.

"It will take about a week for the farthest ones to arrive. From there it would be a matter of days to do planning."

"So...at best we are looking at least another nine days in this...place?" It took everything she had to bite back the words burning at her tongue. Frustration seeping in. Yes the forest of insane boars would be a vacation at this point. Her hands began to tremble. Getting bad enough she had to put down the med kit to avoid spilling it's contents everywhere. Nine more days trapped in this nightmare. Staring down the barrel of the gun with Mika eagerly waiting on the sidelines for another foolish moment that she could punish her for. Or time to let her husband try another attack.

"This can not be easy. I wish it was." That was all he said. That silk voice offering his form of an apology. There was no response for a while. The demon somewhat regretting having dragged her out of slumber. Even the most important information to share seemed insignificant as he watched so much distress wash over her form. Minutes passing where the only sound was her taking things out and shoving them back into the bag in random order. Agitation displayed in every action. Thoughts going to a place she really didn't want them to go. Violently shaking her head when Hachiro's breath could be felt on her cheek.

"I kind of spaced out at dinner. What was up with the story request?" She desperately needed a distraction.

"Some think I have a way of weaving fascinating tales out of the events of my life. I really don't understand it but it was a somewhat common practice for someone to ask. On rare occasions I would offer one in exchange for something. Mika has always been one to ask, but as I don't particularly like sharing many details, I never saw a reason to indulge. Unfortunately today is the type of celebration where even I am expected to offer something. At the moment what I have are you and those tales. I chose one many have found amusing."

"Wait..what kind of things would you exchange?" Genuine curiosity filled her tone.

"Information mostly. Issues in territories that I might be able to exploit. Whereabouts of people I was searching for. Once I was given a golden obi broach that could turn into a dagger."

"Damn. Those must have been some very impressive stories."

"The stories must have been because the storytelling was not." Whatever was in her hands dropped. Another joke. A self deprecating one no less. She couldn't hold back her laughter. Shaking her head as everything was set aside. Moving over to go sit in front of him.

"So what happened to the demon ruler? The one with the bad hair?" She looked up at him earnestly. Curiosity gleaming in her eyes. Though something else also seemed to be present. Something the demon couldn't quite place.

"I'm not really certain. She had disappeared into the forest and even after I left there were no further mentions of her. To my knowledge she just seemed to have vanished."

"Huh. Someone might actually have died from a bad haircut." This time another chuckle escaped. This one far stronger. Going from a slight snickering to a full blown body shaking laughter. It was such an absurdity. Being so vein one would vanish forever due to a temporary bad look. Maybe she should feel bad about how hard she was laughing. Someone was gone from humiliation. Then again they had been described as cruel. Someone that probably deserved at least a small taste of their own medicine. And yes it probably didn't help that the story badly reminded her of the current demon princess. Imagining Mika's face and shriek of shock as she ran away only made the laughter worse. It especially didn't help when the demon started snickering as well. For a moment it startled her. He was obviously too dignified to laugh the way she was, but the amusement lit up his face. Triggering another laughing fit until she was struggling to breath. Gulping down breaths at the very end. Shaking her head and trying to stave off another round of laughter. It really hadn't been that funny of a joke. She'd just been really starved for something good to happen.

He waited for the laughter to die down. Amused by how unabashed she was. The look was completely undignified. But it really was an interesting display of life. A moment of curiosity created when their eyes met and her's were quick to drop. Her cheeks flushed an enchanting shade of pink. Silence descending for another round. Not uncomfortable in the least on his end. But there were obviously gears turning in her mind. "The household has been talked to. It is understood that the earlier incident should not have happened and if it happens again there will be no mercy in punishment. Even the biggest fool should be wise enough to leave you be now."

Once more her gaze shifted up. Eyes widening the slightest in surprise. Was it her imagination, or was she hearing that underlying of concern again? It was so hard to tell with the demon. That voice was always so steady. Calm to the point of apathetic. If there were any hint of emotion it was generally annoyance or disdain. Maybe her mind had finally snapped and was trying to offer some sort of kindness by finding things that weren't there. Or maybe her theory was right. He wanted to care and something was simply holding him back. Displaying what he could in his own way. Offering support in a somewhat abstract fashion. They'd been particularly close that day. He'd given that heart pounding kiss. Threatening his allies to not dare lay a hand on her again. Spending over an hour simply helping clean and comfort her. Finally capping the night off with laughter at a stupid joke. Which meant they were heading for the point where he pulled away. When he cleared his throat it was obviously starting. But she couldn't let him go. Not this time. When he started to stand, she grabbed his sleeve.

"Please...Please stay." She tried to sound the least bit pathetic as possible. Not entirely succeeding. But it was enough for him to sit back down. Hands fell back to her lap. Tugging at the fabric as her gaze drifted to the floor. "I'm...frustrated. Really frustrated. This afternoon made me realize the precarious situation I am in. Women aren't exactly safe in my time either. But it's not as bad. I am a pretty fair match to a lot of people. Barring too many attackers, I have ways to protect myself. But here? Years of training are worthless. Every demon in this household could force my legs open and I wouldn't be able to do a damn thing about it. I am very weak comparatively. And for some reason my powers don't register anything as wrong. If its not a threat to my life they just don't activate. I hate it. I hate the idea that no matter what, I can't protect myself here."

"I bound us by blood. For the time being I own you. And to touch what I own is to invite my wrath. As said before I did grant some leniency. But it was a one time offer. A repeat of such a grievous overstep will end in nothing short of death. That will allow you some semblance of safety. And you should not underestimate your strength. Yes the house may best you, but you would be more than a match for any guard or servant." He offered the words calmly. Giving some reassurance. It would not do well for her to doubt herself. Reservations were wise, but doubt only lead to failure.

She moved the slightest bit closer. Gaze still shyly averted. There was no audience to play act for. No furniture forcing them to be this close. She had chosen to be near. Even after all that had happened she wanted to be near him. The idea triggered something. Something that pushed at the back of his mind. Only for a moment. He would not waste time humoring such ridiculousness. Barring the last few days he had been celibate for the better part of a century. His body was simply telling him it was at the edge of its limits. Making him more responsive towards the beauty that had earned some trace of his respect. "It's late. You should sleep."

There it was again. Reassurance offered in that almost intangible way. Promising her protection without ever really using those words.. Alluding to the fact she was under his care but avoiding the terms as if admitting such a thing would be a dangerous flaw. Such thoughts helped her look up for a brief moment. To search those stone eyes for the rare traces of warmth that slipped through. What had his life been like to make him pull away like this? Would he even be willing to have sex with her? Only one way to find out. Well there were several ways, but there'd always been a lot of comments about how she seemed to almost always prefer taking the bold routes. Taking a breath to steady her nerves, she stood up. Grabbing the fabric of her uniform, she pulled it down her body before kicking it away. Moving over to settle into his lap. That pink tint to her skin getting so much worse. Her resolve faltering a moment, but only enough that she couldn't quite look him in the eye anymore. Gaze lingering on the fabric of his robe. "I don't want to sleep. Today really shook me. It's not just about what might happen here. This entire world is dangerous. Some I can beat. A lot that I can't. Maybe you'll be around. Maybe your scent is enough to ward them off. But its only a matter of time before I clash with something I can't win against. And if it's one of those things that isn't weary enough of your scent..." A shiver passed down her body. "Maybe it will just kill me and eat my corpse. Or maybe my craptastic luck shows up and it decides it has other uses for my body. This is going to sound so fucking stupid. Like ridiculously stupid. But if I'm being honest, I'm actually more scared of being raped than of dying. Don't get me wrong here. Dying would suck. I couldn't be there for Rin. All my aspirations for the future vanish onto the breeze. But at least its over. All suffering has ended." She guided his hand to the long scar along her side. "A caretaker of my grandpa stabbed me when I was little. I lost a lot of blood and my heart stopped as they raced me to a doctor. So yeah, I've seen the grim reaper before. Danced with the fucker. Early death is a disappointing end, but not a feared one. Getting raped though. Fuck. It's like you have all the bad parts about death. The torment, the worry. The loss of yourself and your hopes. But unlike with death, all that bullshit doesn't ever end. I had friends it happened to and I can't describe their torment. The things they told me about nightmares and flashbacks. Hearing all those sounds. Smelling their scent...Feeling what they did. Fuck I...I can still feel him pushing his fingers inside me. Its so fucking gross. I can't even imagine how bad it would be if he'd actually managed to get his dick in me...cum in me..." There's a slight gag as she tried to fight back the urge to vomit. Clinging onto his clothes. This whole talk, her actions, none of them screamed sexy seduction attempt. It wouldn't be surprising if he were to shove her off his lap and move away. Really it was kind of shocking that he just stayed still. His hand going only where she placed it. Still lingering at her side, his thumb rubbing in what was probably meant as a soothing gesture. "What makes it even worse is I'm probably the type to get slapped with the worst aspects. I've had to take care of myself in some sense since I was 6. Gotta be self reliant. Gotta be strong. Or at least fast enough and smart enough to take care of myself. So the idea is already in my head that when things happen, its gonna be partly my fault, because I wasn't able to stop it. I already feel responsible for what that bastard did because I should have found a damn way out." Her fingers were clenched in the fabric of his outfit. Knuckles white as another shiver passed.

"It is never the victim's fault. If they did not ask to be touched, it can not be on them that it happened." This was not how he had envisioned this night would go. She wasn't even a day out of her attack and here she was stripping down and dropping in his lap. Although the attempted sexy vibe was greatly dampened by this little speech. For once the human completely letting that mask drop away. Revealing her insecurities and fears. Showcasing vulnerabilities he himself had used against her.

"I know. I mean objectively I know. I would never hold anyone else to this standard. And I'd bitch slap the hell out of someone that ever tried to shift blame onto a victim. But...like I said I've been on my own for a long time. My parents died when I was 5. My grandpa gave me a home, but he wasn't in the best health. It got worse and I know he felt bad about it, but most days it would be me taking care of him instead of vice versa. He tried to protect me however he could. But like this damn stab scar, I had a lot of lessons about only being as safe as I could make myself. And right now I don't even have that fucking option. I could train like hell and hope there is some way to make my powers activate whenever I want. And until I do I am stupidly vulnerable. Constantly rolling the dice on what kind of fucked up situation I'm going to walk into next. My world could be crappy but this world is an entirely different beast. I could find flimsy guarantees over there. But here? I am not going home unscathed. That ship has long since sailed. With a fuck ton of luck it would mean just a few more physical scars to add to the list. But the odds are outrageously high that even if I do survive, there's going to be at least one instance where someone successfully forced themselves on me." She worried her lip until a bead of blood welled up from the newly torn skin. "Look, I know this sounds very morbid and pessimistic. But in this world it's just being pragmatic. I've accepted the chances are high and that I need to figure out coping mechanisms now. While I still have my sanity intact. Needing to care for Rin is going to help me keep digging myself out of whatever hole it creates. But there needs to be some other tools to use...at the very least I don't want to be like the women in this household. I had a stupid fantasy about how my first time should be. But right now I don't want to risk being a virgin in this world anymore. If I have to give up that fantasy I want it to at least be with someone I trust. Someone that would make an effort for it to be a fun experience for me. Give me at least a foundation of what sex should be. Might do dick all to help me in the future. But it could also help ground the worst aspects. Help me remember what it was like to have my body respected and worshiped instead of ruined."

He let the soliloquy run on. Merely listening about the worries that infected her mind. Unburdening herself by sharing it with him. She wasn't exactly wrong. Her time frame was unknown, but in this era rape was a very common occurrence. Demons and humans alike exerting their power over another's body. Dangers even he had failed to protect someone from before. With the way she stripped, he had a decent grasp on the situation. She wanted the rest of her introduction to sex to be a consensual experience. A fun one. Things he would be more than happy to give her. But then the other words struck a cord. She wasn't going just for fun. She trusted him. Trusted that he would give her the experience she needed. Even after all he had put her through. "And you think...I'm the best one to do that? Why?" He could have kicked himself so hard his heart would have flown out of his throat. Here she was offering herself, offering the very experience that would allow him to finally get rid of these irritating glimpses of thoughts and random pangs. And instead of leaping at the chance he was pushing her to question it. Damn he was an idiot.

"Because as pathetic as it sounds, you are probably the closest friend I have. If its with you, its me choosing it. And despite what you've done for punishment, I get the feeling you would be careful not to hurt me. A least not in the none fun way."

"Some pain would be unavoidable. Humans aren't built to take a demon easily." He wanted to punch his own teeth out at throwing the negative aspects around, but it seemed like she was set on this. Not allowing her to understand what she was in for was just a little too unfair.

"No shit dude. I remember outside the bathhouse. It felt like I was getting split open. You are hung like a damn horse."

"Hung? Why would I be hung? Why would you hang a horse? Do they hang a lot of horses in your time?" Sometimes she had a way of speaking that was very baffling to him. Terms and phrases that were highly confusing. Sometimes she seemed to take a certain joy in causing that confusion. Though right now she just seemed a little embarrassed by it.

"Um...no it's...in my time its a phrase that means a guy has a massive dick." Her skin was tinted so badly at this point she must have looked like a tomato. Hunching her shoulders to appear smaller. She hadn't expected to be this open with him. Bold yes, but at this point it felt like something had completely destroyed her filter.

"Oh. Yes demons tend to be much larger in that area. Its why some will pick a demon partner to bear him children, but have their fun finding a way into human beds. Supposedly your kind are tighter than demon women Though I suspect that might have more to do with them forcing their way into an unprepared hole. Most humans wouldn't have much choice, while demonesses would have much better luck taking his head off for going about it like that." Why was he talking about this? She was half naked in his lap. Talking about wanting him to take her virginity so someone else wouldn't have the chance to steal it. And he was bringing up the topic of demon rape again. The very thing that seemed to have pushed her to this whole idea.

"Well I know you wouldn't do that. This isn't punishment and...well you made my last punishment fun as fuck. I...I've never been able to get myself off like that before. My legs were shaking. And if you are going to bring those skills back I'm sure as fuck not going to mind a little non pleasure inducing pain at the start."

"Very well. I suppose bedding you wouldn't be too much of an imposition. I accept your request." He had to bite another stupid comment. Forcing himself to reign in any excitement.

The human looked up at him. Awkwardly sitting there for several long moments. "Um...so how do we start?"

"I think a good starting point would be for my servant to undress me."

How the hell could he make a statement be so arrogant and yet somehow still ridiculously sexy? Damn that voice. A shiver ran down her spine as she did what was told. Reaching between them to untie the belt at the front before her hands disappeared beneath the fabric of his robe. Fingertips running down bare skin as it was guided off his shoulders. There was still so much fascination with his body. Unyielding as stone yet still so warm. Her gaze shifting to his face when the mutilated arm was revealed. She knew it was merely an annoyance to him. Something to occasionally be frustrated by rather than hold any shame over. Still, she had a strange need to show him just how little it bothered her. Leaning in she pressed several kisses along the stump. Hopefully he took it as her being cool with this and not her having some amputee fetish.

A growl rumbled low in his throat. Chest tightening as those gentle kisses wandered around his ruined arm. Once again thoughts were pushed back to the dark recesses of his mind. "I would tell you it would be wise to flee now..."

"But?" She could practically hear that being how the conversation was supposed to go.

"But you'd never escape." His hand gripped her hair. Careful not to hurt as he dragged her in for a messy kiss. Trapping the human as he tasted her. Little droplets of blood escaping from her torn lip only driving him crazier. He wanted to taste so much more of her. See what kind of secrets her body held. With perceptible impatience he pushed them from the wall. Spilling her onto the floor. Silencing any protest as he ravaged her neck. Searching out the sensitive spots to suck or bite on. Needing to feel her squirm. To fill that room with the head spinning scent of her arousal. Alternating between coloring her skin and taking those lips again. This time only stopping when he could feel her need to breath. Holding his weight on his arm, he practically glared down at her. A piercing look displaying all that pent up lust. A look that should frighten her after everything that had happened. But it only sent a painful jolt of heat between her legs. "If you hope for any sort of comfort get on that bed and get rid of these infernal trappings right now." His flick of the gaze letting her know he meant the bra and panty set keeping him from so much of his prize. "Otherwise I'm going to rip them to pieces and fuck you right against this floor. You will be in such ecstasy you won't even care that you are getting broken. But you will regret the soreness come morning." His lips curled up in a smirk. Displaying an almost playful nature he'd only showed the previous night. Making her almost desperate for another touch. With a quick nod she practically scurried out from under him and onto the bed. Tossing away her last covering with a matching impatience. That blush still painting her skin, but her eyes filled with need. That smirk lingering as he stood up. What was left of his clothing falling away to pool at his feet. Far more graceful in his movement towards the bed. "On your back." That placid tone holding the edge of command. Simply standing there until she complied. For several seconds his gaze was the only thing that moved. Eyes wandering over the new display. The face tinted a beautiful pink. Large breasts rising and falling with every breath. Marks on her skin denoting injuries that had long since healed, and a few instances of far newer scarring. Curious things that made the blemished canvas that much more beautiful. Though there was a slight bit of disappointment at the way she had her knees bent upwards and legs pressed together. For all her boldness before she was still trying to hide pieces of herself. That was not acceptable. Dropping down at her feet, he pressed a kiss just below her knee. "You do realize keeping your legs together will make it much harder to do this right?" There was a certain teasing to his tone. That usual placid surface was gone. This Sesshomaru far different from the one that she was used to. She couldn't find her tongue to answer, simply staring at him with that blush somehow getting worse. "Let me help a little here." His hand went to her thigh. Sliding up along her skin until finding her knee. With a certain gentleness coaxing them to open. His eyes immediately shifting to what was now revealed. "You do have a very beautiful body." The compliment simply buzzed by her ear. Far too distracted to follow the words when he so quickly shifted to press harsh kisses along her thigh. Skin turning red as fangs playfully nipped. Each one leading him steadily down the path to his goal.

She couldn't bear to watch. Not from shame but simply awkwardness. The human staring at the ceiling as she felt him exploring. His destination obvious. But that didn't stop the sharp gasp as his lips wrapped around her clit. The human moaning as he began to suck on the sensitive nub. Tongue darting out in random intervals to offer a different kind of pressure. Sometimes a lingering force, others quick flicks that never failed to set her nerves on fire. That hand harshly gripping her thigh to keep her from being able to move her hips. Robbing her of any ability to help. Not that he seemed to need it. She began to squirm as that tongue moved in indiscernible patterns. Repeating movements that prompted the loudest gasps. And suddenly that pressure vanished. Mel unable to bite back the whine as her pleasure halted. Shifting to look at him in confusion. Her head quickly dropping back as his tongue plunged inside her. Curses on her lips as it explored and experimented. Losing all restraint her hands quickly tangled in his hair. A weak attempt to keep him there as she found herself begging for him not to stop. Especially not when he found a spot that sent an almost painful jolt of electricity down her body.

"Again. Please fuck do that again." Her voice badly shaking. Quickly losing the ability to string together any sort of coherency. Devolving to the point all that escaped were moans, whimpers, and curses. Feeling that heat build with every push of the muscle. Dragging her up until she hit that peak. Screaming his name as she broke.

The demon lord loved how she reacted. Begging and cursing as he explored his new playground. Tasting her sweetness that offered itself so readily to his venturing tongue. Her juices drenching his lips and chin as she found her first orgasm of the night. He moved away to sit up. Amused by the way her body heaved with every breath. That dazed expression on her face lingering as she started to come down. This was only the beginning. Pushing apart the legs that had somewhat drifted back together, he settled between her thighs. Leaning over to offer a deep kiss. Letting the human discover the almost intoxicating taste she had given. Allowing her to breath at the expense of once again coloring her throat. Giving her a few moments recovery before whispering into her ear. "This will be unpleasant but we must hide the blood." His version of an apology. Mel's eyes filled with confusion before a sharp pain appeared at her side. The scent of blood flooding her nostrils and tempting her to look down. His claws had dragged downwards across her ribs. A shallow cut but one that was being allowed to bleed. Confusion was growing but there was no time to ask any questions. Before even a single word could be uttered the demon thrust in. Only able to sink about halfway. This time his kiss was gentle. Pressing sweet kisses over and over again. To her lips, her cheeks and jaw, even a few affectionate ones to her forehead. Seemingly trying to distract as shallow thrusts were made to open her further. Inch by inch finding its way into her heat.

That first thrust had been agony. Feeling as if she were being torn open. Subsequent moves hurting a little less each time. He was slower on these. Giving her moments of rest. Sweet gestures to cling to and distract herself with as her body adjusted. Walls loosening to accept the intrusion. Getting more slick as her juices flowed. She'd already been very wet thanks to all the teasing, but his size meant even that wasn't enough yet. One more of those shallow thrusts and he was finally completely sheathed inside. Nuzzling along her neck. She could feel the way he twitched inside her. Impatience in the slight shifting of his hips to generate at least a little friction. Though still holding back from any serious movements. When that subtle stretching stopped hurting as much she wrapped her legs around him. Heels digging in to let him know her impatience. The demon lord needing no further invitation.

He started carefully. Pulling out halfway before a slow thrust buried him once again. As the tension faded in her body offering progressively more. Pulling out further for a deeper thrust. Steadily picking up the pace. Slowing whenever she hissed in pain. But those moments were quickly getting further and further apart. Soon enough his hips were pulling him almost completely out. Slamming back in with enough force to jerk her body up. His arm shifting to hold her shoulder so he could rut into that tight heat without her body actually being able to move away from his. Judging by the sounds that had now shifted back into moans and curses from pleasure, she was more than fine with the roughness. In fact the way her heels dug in felt almost like a plea for him to go harder. Her nails biting into his back as she clung to him. Pink welts appearing as those nails dragged down his flesh when she came again. Her hips were learning to move in time with his. Pushing up to get him deeper. Movements halting when that orgasm hit. Letting him take over working her through each crashing wave of pleasure. But he never let her come down. Forcing past her resisting walls to drag her back to another peak. And then another. Some were accompanied by a crushing kiss. A few met with his fangs piercing her shoulder. Always somehow at just the right time to make the pain amplify her pleasure. She lost track of how many times she finished. How many times that fire licked at her veins. Eventually his thrusts became more erratic. Losing rhythm as they somehow got rougher. A growl rumbling low in his throat as he finally chased after his own need. Staring down as her face twisted in pleasure once again. Those walls clamping down as she reached one final peak, dragging him over the edge. One final thrust and he was buried to the hilt. Cock pulsing as his seed filled her. Her walls seemingly milking him for every drop.

Though less than hers, the demon was slightly panting as well. Looked like she'd finally done it. Gotten the demon to break that abnormally placid shell. The apathetic and aloof creature bearing little resemblance to the beast that had been pounding into her so hard it was like he was testing to see how much before her body broke. Growling and even locking his jaw on her shoulder sometimes so there would be no escape from the harsh thrusts. Making her take every bit of force. And for all the soreness and issues this would inevitably cause in the future, she had to admit it was pretty worth it. The human finally understood that stupid troupe about people dealing with toxic horrible partners because they were fantastic in bed. It was still a very stupid choice to make and she knew in reality there was a lot more underlying causes. But she kind of saw the appeal of opting for sex being the primary concern now. If she'd met someone like Sesshomaru in her time and they somehow ended up in bed like this? Yeah she'd probably end up setting up one of those friends with benefits arrangements. Probably limit her contact to times she could tell he was in good spirits and would make for nice company, or when she felt like getting her soul fucked out of her body. Losing count of the amount of times he could make her cum? Leaving her legs shaking and the high still lingering even minutes later? Sign her the hell up. She would probably preferred to have this from an actual doting lover and done not due to a bit of outside pressure. But all things considered, this was squarely getting put in the awesome category of her life. She'd even kind of liked the feeling of him cumming inside her. That strange warmth spreading , giving them a certain connection. One very few others could claim.

"Fuck." Her eyes snapped open. Repeating the word several times over. Sesshomaru raising a brow at the little outburst. She bit back another curse. She still had to be careful in this house. Her first time may be done, but she didn't want to do anything that pushed her closer to an non-consensual encounter. Which meant not alerting the house to a worry that would have been dealt with a long time ago if she had actually been a sex slave. "I...uh..." She guided his head down so she could whisper in his ear. "I really can't afford to get pregnant right now."

The sudden cursing when they were already finished had caught him off guard. Surprised to see the sudden stress on her face. Though she didn't seem to be regretful or traumatized. A tiny bit of relief appearing at her words. "Is that all?" He knew the household was already passed out in their cups by now. But it paid to be careful in such circumstances. Imitating her, he kept his voice low and whispered into her ear. "Demons are only fertile during their breeding seasons. My kind in particular only have them twice a year. A week at a time. We are incapable of siring children outside of this time frame."

"Well that's...helpful." His words brought immense comfort. Somehow in the desperation to rid herself of that curse of virginity, she'd completely overlooked the issue of potential pregnancies. How lucky was it that nature at least had her back here? That thought brought a smile to her lips. Though after a few moments it fell. That glow was finally fading. Soreness creeping in as things the pleasure had hidden were slowly coming back into focus. A prominent ache at her hips and between her legs. A flare of pain at her side. When he finally pulled out and rolled off, she surveyed the damage. Noting the angry red lines trailing down her side. Beads of blood painting her skin as they had rolled down to the floor. "So, uh...what was the purpose of giving me these tiger stripes with your claws?" At that he gave her a puzzled look. For several seconds he was silent. Catching every sound in this house to assure there were still no outside ears listening.

"You wished me to take you. It would not be wise to let the blood ruin what we have built."

Now it was her turn to be confused. What would her blood ruin? And if it would ruin something why would he make her bleed? A few more moments of thoughts swirling before the context made it far too obvious. "That's a myth. Women don't automatically bleed from their first time. It's a huge misunderstanding of the female anatomy. We do have a muscle down there, but its not solid. Things can pass with no issue. Like a guy could potentially feel it, but it wouldn't really stop him and he certainly wouldn't be tearing it if he was the woman's first. The misunderstanding was probably started and continued because guys rushing it so the women weren't wet and tore. The first time can be worse because of the whole being nervous thing. So women aren't ready, guy still goes for it. But heaven forbid a guy accept he sucks at sex, so obviously that must mean his partner bleeding was supposed to happen. That idea gets pushed to the point it becomes common knowledge. So if a bride doesn't bleed that just means she was lying about being a virgin. And since women don't really have a lot of power in this situation, it is kind of in the best interest of women to teach their daughters how to fake it. Some scholars in my time actually noted that some women were taught to sharpen a nail and scratch their thigh so the husband would see the blood on the bed sheet. The whole thing is kind of stupid really."

The demon listened to her in silence. Mulling the knowledge over. Pushing himself to remember just outside the bathhouse days ago. He had felt something, but like she was saying now it hadn't actually been solid. And as he hadn't done anywhere near the appropriate level of prep, of course she would have been tighter on him. Making anything unusual far easier to notice. That would explain why he hadn't actually felt anything tear inside this time. "Hmm. That makes sense." He muttered the words almost to himself.

"Wow. Didn't expect you to be so open minded here. No offense. I mean you are smack dab in the period where these kind of things are considered indisputable fact." There was still a strange floating sensation in her head. She would say such things out in the forest to him. Teasing, taunting, a few accidental barbs when it was just their group. But she was supposed to be on better behavior here. Acting the perfect servant. Why couldn't she stop?

"Demon women don't bleed either. I had attributed it to differences between us and humans. Humans simply getting it wrong should have been an equally valid possibility." The way he said it, that normal calm, yet still somehow holding a great deal of snark sent her into another fit of laughter. Another part of her noting that lightheartedness had yet to fade. But she didn't know exactly how to bring it up. Any thoughts she had scrambled when a yawn hit her.

"Ok that was great but I really need to crash now." Without thinking about it she moved over to peck his lips. Grinning at the look of surprise momentarily crossing his features before rolling over and pulling the blanket over herself. "Night." A somewhat anticlimactic ending to such a stressful yet very fruitful day. But that was fine. She'd gotten not necessarily the experience wanted, but certainly the one needed. At least for the current circumstances. Though there was one issue she somehow never anticipated cropping it. She would really enjoy getting a repeat performance. He seemed to have fun himself, so maybe it wouldn't be all that hard to convince him to take her again. But that was something to deal with tomorrow.