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Chapter Text

Kotoha has had many things go wrong in her life. From being orphaned at a young age to being a servant a family that had given her the false promise of marriage. Only for a bad harvest to lead her to being sold to the Red Light District.

Where she met the one person she should have never met.

A demon that would soon become obsessed with her. Having every intention to make her his.

Let her tell her story, from the beginning.

—
The headmistress of the house would have her train for a month, the fall coming to an end as the Red Light District hid more skin when advertising outside, but offered all the warmth inside.

Kotoha would be helping with morning chores, opening the door to morning sunlight. Letting the halls to breathe, draining the heat that had settled, but also flushing out any undesirable scents. From heavy perfumes to the undeniable smell of alcohol and sweat.

She would need to wait a bit later to set out sheets to dry, but she would sweep up the dust and wipe down anything she can.

—
In training, she was taught to steadily pour her tea, never show too much emotion unless the client wanted more attention, especially the high-paying ones.

She would be bid upon soon. To allow someone to taste her for the first time. It pained her at first, but she understands that it’s a task that must be done. Many will see it as honorable or a stepping stone to a higher status.

She just wants to leave this place.

—
When she first came, Kotoha will admit she was clumsy, former abuse at the family that sold her left her flinching.The Orian especially not pleased with her. She would soon be set in a group of other trainees and get more chores done correctly.

Then came any talents she had.

Her voice was the most prized. Singing lullabies accompanied by music was how she would make her mark in the house.

Her purity would still be the first goal overall and so she was to make her debut and allow the customers to have a chance to bid upon her for the next few days.

In the mean time, she gains a nickname, a way for her bid to go up.

She would be known as the songbird of the Kyogoku House.

—
Upon the rooftops, the first snow came down and Daki watches the flakes float and glide down. Beside her, Gyutaro, out of his hiding spot within her, shakes off the snow layer that had gathered on his skin. The cold won’t kill them but it was a sensation they don’t care for. Much like a tendon getting stuck between one’s teeth. It’s uncomfortable.

Though, Gyutaro knows of one who relishes in this element. Cold coming natural to him though he would say he is the warmest person to be around. Didn’t stop goosebumps from rising every once in a while. He learned his worst traits as a demon from him.

That’s why he comes to visit like some father coming back after a long time away from home. Gyutaro huffs, shaking the snow again.

The terrority that his sister and him control once belong to him and he is still their superior so he can stalk his way in-

Hair raises at the back of his neck as claws barely touch his shoulder. Gyutaro tenses for a moment, turning with Daki reacting only a silver slower than him.

“Awwww, Gyutaro-kun and Daki-chan were waiting for me? Don’t you know, I tend to be late while bringing a gift?” Colorful eyes direct him to where the roof ends. A gift indeed as the smell of blood and iron enters his nose. There soaking into the snow of the roof was a dead slayer. A new recruit based on how little scars she had. Gyutaro’s nose wrinkles a bit. He tends to play with his food more, wanting a run for his life before killing them.

So Daki is the on to accept as the newcomer gets to standing up straight, admiring the late night of the Red Light District.

“So Daki-chan, any new ladies you can point to little old me? I get so lonely and can use companionship.” Gyutaro rolls his eyes, already feeling the spike of rage in his sister’s veins.

Every month or so, whenever Daki is under her persona as -Hime she becomes envious of certain women, young women usually. Those with natural talents and beauty that made men mad with want. Lusting after them like the dogs they were.

Why not send a tiger into the house to take care of the pest?

“I have one just for you, Douma-sama.”

Douma twirls on one foot, his heavy crimson kimono clean as can be, cutting through the snow. The snow was avoiding even landing on him. Making him more of an anomaly than he already was. Being this energetic with this weather.

“Oh?” A tilt of his head showed his interest, though he does take his fan out, using it as he makes his way past them. Planning to join the other desperate men of the Red Light District. Already dressed for the occasion. “Where can I find my prey this time?”

Daki hisses out the name.

“Find the Kyogoku House and find the mistress. Bid for the songbird. She’s getting expensive so you better hurry before someone spoils her.”

Douma tilts his head back, grinning, showing off his fangs, a glint coming to his eyes.

“Oh~ Daki-chan, you treat me so well. Do let me know if you desire anything in the future, I can provide.”

Distantly, Gyutaro thinks about support for a blood battle against Uppermoon 5, but he shakes his head. Lord Muzan had been generous in allowing them to stay and filter out lower moons that dared to take them out.

He had heard of a promising marksman, lower moon that had lasted over a decade, but perhaps in another he will have his chance.

“You getting rid of her is what I need, Douma-sama.”

Rainbow eyes twinkle as their elder jumps down into the alleyway, joining the main traffic.
—
Kotoha will be notified that she was bought by a man who paid well above the others to have her for her first evening. She would become anxious upon hearing that the man paid much of it in gold.

Oh this should have been her first sign of the predator that was going to enter her doors.

Chapter Text

The Red Light District would open it’s doors to customers during mid afternoon but the true traffic came at dusk. The eager men would make their way in, noses red and scarfs shedding as soon as they enter. Snow would be renewed, making a blanket. The walkways are cleared by the young girls not up for service.

Tonight was the night, the moment in the system Kotoha would be worth something. Her nerves were getting the best of her. Her throat dry and muscles tight. It was too hot in her current attire. The layers suffocating her. The make up she was surely going have to pay for in her debt was making her feel puffy.

Who was this man that was going to take her tonight? Was he an old man with land and that’s why he could afford her? A merchant or tavern owner with a thick belly?

Her mind races as the sun sets outside.
—
From the house he decided to stay, Douma emerges. He hums, watching the sky fade pink.

Oh how he adores winter. It always allows him to be outside longer.

Douma looks over his shoulder. Looking at the residence he had taken over. He had found a young woman and her father. He had killed them both, absorbing the man and chewing on the woman throughout the day, though her body got cold quickly.

He cleaned and now it looks like a simply abandoned home. If he remembers correctly, this would be the fifth home he had done this to in this neighborhood. Though it wasn’t a stretch to think people would want to leave being so close to the district.

Speaking of, he needs to go see a young woman. The one that had poor Daki all worked up.

He licks his lips, pulling out a cloth fan and opening it.

He couldn’t wait.
—

Her head mistress looks her up and down. Correcting any pins and trying to tug on her bun.

“You will do well to take care of this man. I haven’t seen that kind of money for such a clumsy girl like yourself in years. Truly a miracle that he paid as much as he did and he didn’t even see you. Only word of mouth.”

Now that did surprise Kotoha. Who would spend even more than a thing of sliver on her.

She bites her lip as another harsh tug is felt on her scalp.

“You will do your best please him. Make him a returning customer. Let him see the other girls available. No one with gold only has one coin. They have inheritance.”

But what does that mean for her?

She has heard how clumsy men can be. Rough and unable to control themselves, even leaving young women like herself and even younger damaged and unable to work for a few weeks because of it.

Well, sexual services, she has heard once the bleeding stops, they are put to work doing chores.

The door opens and one of the young girls that are actively running around is there kneeling.

“Head mistress, the client for Kotoha-san is here.”

—
Those few minutes she was in silence, tea pot hot and ready along with cups on a table. But she feels like it hours.

What if she displeases him? What if he tells her head mistress that he wants his money back for his wasted time?

What if-

The door opens and she is soon bowing on reflex, her eyes close and breathing slowly. Her heart was beating as she hears those footsteps approach.

“Welcome to the Kyogoku house. I am Kotoha.” She sits up and opens her eyes.

She was glad for the pale make up for it would have balanced how red she gets underneath as she realizes the man had already taken a seat and was leaning in the moment she sat up.

Eyes so colorful and twinkling under the lantern light as he tilts his head. At that moment, she feels his fingers, gently lifting her chin. Hooking her and guiding her closer.

She felt she was going to faint under the gaze as he studies her with those eyes.

“Kotoha~, what a lovely name. Kotoha, Songbird of the Kyogoku house.” The man before her pulls back and finally, she could breathe ever so easier. The man straightens up, his lips twitching upwards.

“Tell me, any melodies you wish to sing on this most wonderful night?” The silence that had been there before he arrived returned. It was due to Kotoha being distracted by the man’s beauty. He was quite handsome, hair light and well taken care of. Spiraling down his back, easily a two year process for the length. Most likely more.

He must have many under him for how well he dressed and held himself.

He tilts his head once more and Kotoha realizes her mistake.

She reacts a bit too much.

“Gomen!” She bows and when she raises her herself again, it was to the man watching her. Perhaps about to get up and demand his money for poor service.

Instead, he grins, showing off perfect teeth. Not a lost or chipped tooth in sight. Then he laughs.

Throwing his head back and wiping a tear that builds in his eye.

“Oh my, excuse me. Hehehehe, I must say. That was different.” He gets more comfortable, leaning in once more. “Let’s start over shall we?”

He sits up straight and directs to himself and gives a slight bow.

“I am Douma.”

Kotoha gives him a bow back.

“I am pleased to meet you Douma-san. Please forgive me for my actions earlier.” Douma’s lips curl again and he fights back another laugh.

“Oh, my dear. You need not worry. Simple mistakes like staring and observing one another makes us humans. Holding back makes you-“ Kotoha is surprised as from his other hand, he opens a fan, hiding his lips and makes her focus on his eyes. Eyes that haven’t really reacted as much as she expected. “-seem false.”

Douma folds his fan a bit, showing his lips still quirk up.

“Tonight is indeed supposed to be a night to be remembered. A grand stepping stone for a young woman such as yourself. Though….” Douma looks around, soon gesturing to it all and then pausing at her. “ This cheapens the value that it holds for you. Now doesn’t it? Barely a blink for your Mistress. “

Kotoha was taught to control how her face moves but the words he was saying were making sense.

“Yes, you are right Douma-san.”

Douma tilts his head.

“Here you are calling me so formally. Why? Just because I have money?” Kotoha does nod. It’s the truth. Her head lowers as she replies.

“Yes….I am a product my lord.” Fingers gently come under her chin once more and make her look into those color eyes once more. Studying her and those brows have become neutral.

“No…. You aren’t a product. Not in this moment and not with me. You are a young woman. You have value. You are worth more than anything they bid for.” Tears were coming to her eyes and she wants to wipe them away.

A thumb comes up and a kiss to her forehead.

“A young woman shouldn’t fear her special day. Shouldn’t feel uneasy and should certainly know the man taking her. For she will look back on this moment every time her heart flutters at what comes next.”

His voice was so soothing. Kotoha didn’t notice the arms that had come around her and pulled her in.

—
He knows women never taste as good when afraid. Even a bit of soft words changes everything.

Though, the moment she broke character and didn’t fall back into the mask that she was force to create, Douma allowed her to set that down so he can see what was inside.

Inside the young woman known as Kotoha.

—
Fingers were combing through hair, slowly and smoothly. The lantern light had burned out and the hallways were silent as early morning was upon the red light district. Douma lays on his side, holding and cuddling Kotoha. Her hair was soft and she was too trusting.

She should know all men are predators. In the end, always wanting something.

Nuzzling into her hair, getting to know her scent, Douma breathes in and out. A faint scent of the make up that had stained her ivory skin. He had wiped it away early in the night.

Making comments on how much better she looks without the white powder.

He never cared for it, and it was always toxic on his tongue. A bitter taste and leaves a lot to be desired. Often spoiling the meal for him.

Douma hums when he sees a ribbon drop from the ceiling. Eyes are glaring at him on the fabric and his grin is hidden behind Kotoha’s hair. The young woman sleeping deeply in his arms, hiding away from the cold but he offers little heat if any. He soon shows his full face, tucking Kotoha under his chin.

His kanji comes forth in his eyes.

“Daki-chan, gomen. It seems I have failed in my task you had given me. Do forgive me. She was just so cute to have.” The ribbon continues to glare before going up in the ceiling. Douma sighs; he wishes Daki had stayed.

He would have told her how he wanted to take Kotoha to his temple. The ultimate taste of freedom and the idea of potential affection sparked the perfect plan to have the grandest meal.

A bride served on a silver platter.

Oh, how marvelous it would be, it made his fangs ache and made him want to bite down now just to have an expectation of what she would be like on his tongue.

He admits he’s a glutton, but even he knows how to savor. To know how wine ages best by waiting even for a few weeks.

Douma sighs, a rumble coming to his throat and a swallow of drool at the thought.
He needs to get his money ready for the purchase of his catch.

Chapter Text

Activity in the house began to pick up before dawn. The air just a touch chilly as a window had been cracked open to let in the winter air. The sky was brightening but still at least an hour before the demon had to depart to darkness once more.

Douma pouts as he snuggles into Kotoha’s hair more. He was so comfortable. Muscles relax and his form having conformed into the woman’s whims. His back arc ever so slightly more than he usually does so he was pressed more into her. Her legs had tangled with his.

Most importantly was how warm he was. So much he was absorbing from this woman, her heart having fluttered for a time before settling.

He hums, sighing as he reluctantly gets up. He’ll find the mistress of this house and give his payment to ‘enjoy’ Kotoha’s company. A good word for her to have a wonderful stay while he gets ready to take her back to his temple. Ultimately where her end will come once she weds to him. As is the case of a young woman who gets bought out by the man who saves her from this line of work.

The only way to repay him back was to have him as a husband. Oh how Douma would be so grateful in fulfilling his duty before devouring her. Her heart being wholeheartedly his before that one ting of fear corrupts the flavor.

His mouth was salivating and his lips spread, fangs glistening with a wet shine before he clicks them close. He smiles, pressing into Kotoha’s hair once more.

Time for him to bribe his way, using his charm and money.

—
Kotoha would blink as she was given minor tasks for the day, her mistress treating her well. In passing she could hear the whispers of others. How the customer that paid for her had paid handsomely for her. Booking Kotoha for the next few days.

Her cheeks were hot, many asking how was she was feeling, if she was sore down below and if she needed ointment for damage.

She was embarrassed to admit it and so she kept silent on the matter.

There shouldn't be any worry on if Douma was going to claim her, he had plenty more nights with her.

Unless….

Kotoha blinks, her blush dying slightly as she tilts her head at a thought.

A handsome man came to a place where many pay their month’s earnings for a chance to be with a beauty. A man who knew poetry and was able to make her comfortable with no intentions to rush into having sex.

A lord who clearly didn’t need to come to a place like this and could have easily ordered for women to come to his estate.

Her conclusion had to be proven tonight.

—
They had tea that night, the taste bitter for Douma, rolling in his stomach but settles the acid for a moment. Though it did nothing for the hunger that was building. He can handle a week of not eating. For now, he wants to prove himself that Kotoha was worth savoring.

Tonight, she was acting less like a blushing maiden, not a taught courtesan and more like a twitchy squirrel. Watching his movement and his brow raises as his lips spreads into a mischievous smile.

“Kotoha-chan, what’s wrong? Something on your mind?” Kotoha’s hands would clamps each other, Douma witnessing her thumbs comforting each other.

“Douma-sama, may I be blunt?” Douma grins, a bit of his teeth showing.

“Of course, speak freely when in my presence. I won’t mind whatever you say-“

“Are you attracted to men?”

.
.
.
The wind rattles the window as Douma stares at Kotoha for a few moments, silence filling the air along with lose of warmth as Kotoha believes she did wrong-

But then Douma laughs, his eyes crunching a bit but focus entirely on her.

Before Kotoha could voice her reply, Douma had moved, leaning into her space and kissing her.

Her blood pumps as adrenaline kicks in. Lips moving to shift and apply more pressure. A cool hand tilts her head gently. His arm comes around her waist and presses her into his torso.

Her hands come around his shoulders, one tangling into his hair. She whimpers as he gently lays her down. Coming over her and continues to kiss her. Pulling back only to angle his head to kiss her again. Barely giving her a moment to catch her breath.

His arm around her waist angles her lower body to lay flat and soon his hand is trailing to her kimono split.

Kotoha gasps, only for Douma to take advantage, his tongue coming to dance with hers for a moment before retreating. Her heart was thundering in her chest as she tries to keep up with her client’s actions.

Only after a few more moments does she come to realize that Douma has spread her legs apart. Groins now pressing into each other.

There it was, a heat building in her loins but also a heat that was felt in Douma’s.

That was when Douma pulls away, eyes lidded studying her as she blushes and trying to catch her breath. Her fingers still tangled in his light hair as he brushes her hair out of the way.

Those colorful orbs twinkle as he chuckles, his notable bang that comes down to cover his glabella shifting when he tilts his head. A hum coming to her ears from him as a spark of playfulness comes to his eyes.

Kotoha swallows heavily as she felt his hips shift, pressing into her more.
“I do hope this is a satisfying answer Kotoha-chan.”

Instead of waiting for an answer, Douma soon leaning back down, kissing her deeply, her blushing staining her cheeks crimson.

The hidden demon would smirk as he feels her legs hook behind his knees, wanting some leverage as Douma begins pressing into her.

—
They don’t remove or release any skin that night. Douma however got a sneak peak, a taste of what’s to come.

Once again, as they settle for the night, Douma only sinks his talons further into her heart.

Chapter Text

Caged in the arms of a predator, Kotoha sleeps peacefully. Bright eyes watch her, lips trailing and fingers holding her hair gently. Kissing it and humming every so often as she shifted. Observing and studying her in these quiet moments.

A moment of her true nature, when she is at her most relax and raw. Vulnerable in this state of unconsciousness. A sleeping beauty that can be seen.

But how well does he know her personality in this cage. Chain to debt she never asked for.

Douma presses her closer, letting her settle into her new position even when she was in deep sleep. Her head tuck under his chin, futon nearly covering her, his head fully out and his thick hair acting as a curtain from the chill of early morning. Soon active workers would begin their routine.

Once again he would depart.

His lips curl, leaning back to press a kiss to her temple. So warm, a bundle of heat so concentrated it tempts Douma. It entices him to stay longer. To become trapped here.

Douma can’t help but grin.

Daki-chan would be furious if he stays longer than the night allowed. He was already given his meal, he can’t have any more from the houses here. He would need to scavenge the outer parts of the district and town for meals.

But….

Colorful eyes look down, tilting his head as he takes a deep breath in. Letting the scent of the young woman before him marinate on his tongue. It made it water.

It made him want to taste more.

He does ponder as he slowly pulled away, smirking as she curls in the center of where they had laid, trying to absorb any heat.

Douma licks his lips, tracing his fangs.

Perhaps….savoring her longer would be the right choice. Stretch out her time of life just a bit longer. Let her become memorable in his mind. Let her stain his memories and let her have a place in his heart.

—
Over the course of a few nights, Douma returns to her. Often asking to just to chat. He however would lead her to kissing him. Some times ending with her in his lap and grinding. Never moving her clothes to claim what he bought.

But tonight, on their eight night together, Douma comes with a man. The man had a small bag with him. Douma eagerly comes to her, eyes bright as he takes a seat next to her.

“Kotoha-chan! Do you like me?” Douma tilts his head, teeth showing as he smiles her way. Her cheeks heat up, void of make up at Douma’s request.

“Hai, I do. Douma.” Kotoha would be surprised as he leans in and kisses her cheek. Douma pulls back just a bit, gesturing to the man that was slowly setting up.

“Good! This here is Yuto, he’s a well known tattoo artist.” Kotoha watches the man more closely before turning back to Douma.

“Tattoo?”

Those eyes are bright as stars, almost taunting when he continues to smile.

“Yes Kotoha-chan, what better way to show you like me than having my name tattooed to your skin?”

—
Her voice was quiet after that, not wanting to voice she didn’t want a tattoo. But how could she say no to a well paying customer.

But it was placement that was a problem. Douma’s name was two complex kanji characters and would take time to do.

At first, Douma trailed her ankle, pondering if it would be a good spot while making her shiver down her spine. Then he took hold of her wrists, thinking how each time she raises her hand she could think of him.

He even lifted her ponytail, looking at the base of her neck. He had leaned in at that moment whispering as Yuto waits to begin. Examining the characters that made up Douma.

Lips had reached her ear as he spoke, his hair tickling her bare neck.

“What if we put it here Kotoha? So if another man tried to kiss you, he would see I was in your heart first?” Oh her heart was about to burst from her chest.

Douma smirks, pulling back before he choses the spot. Using his index finger and circling around it. Her right shoulder and out of sight but a drop of her kimono would show she was claimed by a greedy man.

“Here, Yuto-san. The perfect spot.”
As Kotoha slips her kimono off her shoulder, she would spot Douma pricking his finger. Allowing his blood mix with the dark ink. For whatever reason, seeing the blood exposed to her made her stomach curl. —
Douma would help in the after care, midnight having come and her pain was high. She couldn’t bare entertaining Douma to the level she is meant to. However the man doesn’t seem to mind. Combing through her hair, a tune coming from him.

“Kotoha-chan, ready for bed?”

She was indeed.
—
Douma once again had his prey in his arms.

But this time, she was labeled as his. Till the day his fangs rip her skin from her flesh.

Though it may be longer than he thinks the more time he spends with her.

Chapter Text

Rumors often spread like wildfire. Tonight was no expectation. The sun has long since set and the men were as hot blooded as ever.

“Have you heard? The songbird of Kyogoku house has been branded!” The man that spoke had a thick gut, a sign of wealth but his behavior lead to fail marriages. Now he seeks the attention of women here in the district.

Another, one who has been dragged into the conversation lean in.

“Ehhh? Didn’t she just debut? What a waste. I don’t want to see another man’s mark on their skin.”

Then another joined in, a man who was a bit thin but older. They would all soon be turning down an alleyway, the path dark compared the common red lights that gave the district its name sake.

“Haven’t you heard though? She has even been tasted by another.” The other two stop turning to the man who spoke.

“What? WHO’S THE JERK-“

Blood splats the ground and all three fall dead. The soft crunch of snow could be heard as well as the sound of shifting metal.

“My my, poor souls. So greedy the lot of you are. Wanting something that belongs to another?” Douma grins, rolling his shoulders to loosen up. Soon the bodies are being lifted up, taken to above and a quick swipe of his fan and the blood is covered with a fresh layer of snow.

He will drop off his kills to Gyutaro, having been out for a time. The lower demon usually feeding if the pickings are slim like they are at the moment.

Perhaps this is a nice parting gift.

—
Every day was a dream. A tease to Kotoha at the thought of what was actually happening to her.

Was it a cruel trick by Kami? To show her what she could have?

Her shoulder aches and it only spells misfortune the moment Douma loses interest in her. The moment she isn’t the one that catches his eye at the house. Even now, other girls are expected to debut today and she waits.

Had she been to rash in accepting a tattoo?

As she thinks, her door opens and there is Douma. The man is standing there, a smile on he face and her heart is sinking. Why wasn’t he coming in? Was he about to tell her he wouldn’t be needing her-

His hand reaches out, offering his palm to her. His purple nails the only thing that throws her off. But the tilt of his head makes her feel confused.

“Ikuzo.” His smile stretches and Kotoha had to blink. Slowly but surely she is coming forward, taking his hand. His fingers come around her, firmly grasping her as he gently begins to tug her along. She looks at the doors they pass by. Some girls with no customers try to bat their eyes at the handsome man passing their way.

However with each stride, Douma confidently leads her through the halls and is slowing down only at the stairs before they make it to the door. There was the mistress, her husband and the head Oiran.

She only saw her a few times, often keeping her head down as not to anger her. The whispers thick with gossip of the abuse Oiran does to the fellow courtesans.

But Douma was beside her, his chest buffed out as he pauses, back straightening as the trio first bow to him and then he bows in return. Kotoha bows as well, with only a mild delay.

“Thank you for accepting my payment.” Douma spoke and Kotoha’s heart flutters.

“Thank you for taking the time to spend your time here Douma-dono.” That was the Oiran who spoke. Her voice…sounded off. Kotoha can’t help but feel her hairs on end but just as quickly as it was there, it was dismissed as Douma tugs her along.

It seems that their strides only get longer as they walk through the crowd. Kotoha’s shoulders starting to tremble, a mix of excitement and cold causing her to focus on those gates.

Then as they step over the threshold, her breath comes out in steam.

So brief her stay was here in the entertainment district. But her mind trapped her instantly into the idea of never leaving. Day in and out, practicing to be prefect to her client. To give all their desires that they were missing.

But Douma-

The man who freed her was still tugging her along, taking her to the normal business district, guiding her into a store. Buying her new hairpins , a thick robe for this cold night and new shoes, tossing away the constricting shoes that had nearly broken her toes.

“Kotoha-chan, look at you.”

Here she was, standing in front of a full body mirror, she sees their true height difference. Douma comes to wrap his arms around her waist, chin resting on her shoulder. Giving her a kiss right by the lotus pin he just bought for her.

Her new deep green kimono was a nice contrast to Douma’s own deep crimson.

“My gorgeous bride.”

Finally her disbelieve is dispelled, tears finally comes down her face.

—…Douma has set her free from her chains of debt.

—
They would settle in an inn, near the border of the town. The sun coming to burn away the frost but the snow and ice stay, still thick.

Thick as the chains that are still connected to Kotoha.

The chains just had a new master.

Chapter Text

The first day of freedom was a bit odd. Kotoha’s body urging her to rise only an hour or so after she had laid down.

Kotoha was trapped in the arms of her fiance, the man having his chin on her shoulder and pressed firmly against her back. The futon trapping their shared warmth , sheltering them away from the cold that tried to creep in.

Her limbs were heavy and her eyes wanted to remain shut. She shifts and that gains the attention of her companion.

“Kotoha~, why aren’t you asleep?” Kotoha was mildly confused in her sleep daze. How clear his voice was, not laced by exhaustion or a hint of being tired. Perhaps he hadn’t fallen asleep quite yet. He may have been on the edge of slumber when she awoke out of habit.

“Hmmmm-‘ She tries and fails to wiggle out of Douma’s grip. Though she was given more room as he loosen his grip. ‘ I thought I needed to work.”

Lips find her ear and kiss it. A grin made it’s way to his face, showing off those pearly whites. His eyes seem to twinkle but her back was still to him.

Bringing his prize flush against him once more, Douma would rub his nose along her skin before burying into her hair.

“Ah, don’t worry. Your body will soon forget. You won’t even feel the need to wake before dawn should you wish it. I’ll gladly make it so.” Kotoha was already half asleep, her body relaxing once more as Douma does his task at being a solid comfort. Keeping her pressed against him, his arms secured (one under her breasts and the other around her waist) and finally, his breathing making it easy for her to follow. His heart though seem slow and his body was a bit cool but that could be her body being sleepy and his still fully awake.

So there she was, once again falling asleep.

Douma on the other hand, would think. His thought process jumping and then void of anything new as he just holds his catch.

This was something he never thought he do. Taking a human woman alive and claiming her as a bride. A woman not dying at his hand within the first interaction was a miracle. To have her now at his side as a companion. A declared future of being his wife and what he will love on.

To hold and cherish till she turned old and grey.

He doesn’t hold that for long, deciding to think of wedding decor and what she will wear. How grand their ceremony would be at his temple. In their marriage chambers where they would finally consummate their relationship.

Though-

Fangs make themselves known.

Perhaps he could get a taste before hand. But he would hate for his bride to feel any guilt or harassment from others. Douma isn’t blind, he knows society is much more forgiving and even encourages the sexual freedom men have but would gladly call his darling a whore for sleeping with a man.

He is a demon though so would that really count?

He doesn’t think on that dumb thought for much longer as he soon gets up. The sun would be down in about two hours and it was time for him to become active.

—
“Kotoha-chan, I must confess a few things to you.” Half way through her evening meal did Douma decide to drop some startling truths.

One, he can not go outside during the day. His bare skin breaks out into a rash that will become infected.
He joked about his looks.

“My looks are a curse. Much like those animals with white fur and red eyes. They don’t do so well in life. I guess I’m fortunate to have met you.” He would tilt his head, grinning and eyes crunching. Kotoha would nod, taking in the information.

It would explain why he came at night and why he came to the district. Yes he may have looks but he wouldn’t be able to meet with any woman without telling him his flaws.

The second thing he told her wasn’t bad but more tedious.

“We will be traveling by the night. I do apologize but-“ Douma would take hold of her hands, a twinkle in his eye. “In just a few days, we will be riding by train!”

That had attention.

“A train? Isn’t that expensive?” Kotoha knows that traveling by train was consider a privilege.

Douma didn’t seem worried as he offers her some tea to drink.

“No need to worry. I have plenty for both of us. We can even get a room all to ourselves. We could be there for a week if you wanted. But we would go pass our destination.” Douma then thinks for a moment. “Perhaps another time.”

Kotoha would let him ramble, absorbing his chatter and it came to her that she didn’t know him as well as she believed.

The man who bought her and was now her husband to be was an enigma to her. Has plenty of money yet had a health condition she had never heard of before. Then again, she had learn plenty of new things the last few months.

What’s a little bit more?

—
The next few days were slow but not terrible. More of a courting stage and if anything, Kotoha coming to the realization she isn’t worried for her future. She could see herself as a wife to this odd man.

Even if he’s a bit strange in how he acts.

She’s beginning to adore him.

Chapter Text

The evenings they traveled were short but wonderful. Douma wanted her to explore every village they went through. Find out something about it or to remember by. Most villages weren’t too memorable to her , being only a handful of houses sometimes.

Douma however would spin facts about each one or point out things she wouldn’t have even considered.

With it still be winter, people would still be active for a while longer than if it was summer. Many looking to a clock that has been placed in the inn or if they were fortunate enough they would have a pocket watch. So, shortly after sunset, Douma would pay for a carriage and they would ride for an hour to the next village.

“Look Kotoha-chan,-“ Douma would lean heavily to her side, pointing to the building that they were just passing. “That is a public library. They opened it so the citizens of this town can learn more than just their own family history. I heard they even had a few books from the west. But I much prefer to trying to read texts from the east.”

Kotoha would watch the building they pass and become surprise by it. It was less traditional and certainly had money going into the building.

“You can read fluently, Douma?” Douma blinks for a moment before looking to Kotoha. He nods, a smile stretching across his handsome face.

“Yes, quite well.” Those colorful eyes watch her for a second before he tilts his head. “Do you read well Kotoha?”

Kotoha shakes her head.

“No, I can read little and usually I need things explained to me.” Douma sits back in his chair and claps. A victorious grin coming to his face as a sudden thought came to his mind.

“Then I will teach you! We have so much time on our hands due to our slow travel. I will be having you reading as fluent as those that want to become scholars!”

Kotoha pales a bit, the daunting task intimidating to her.
—
Douma was luckily a patience and understanding man when they would wake early in the morning due to not being too active in the previous days. This however was going to exhaust her more than any physical chore.

Douma would go through their basic characters, making sure she understood each sound they made. But then he had her practice writing. Her wrist got sore after the third hour.

Douma would happily take her hand and dig his fingers into her wrist, massaging the joint and surrounding muscle as she sip at some tea. When in their next carriage, he would have her try to read simple stories or try reading a poster as they pass by it.

She was grateful as they would enter a book store and read plenty of covers, not going for the simple picture books but the more complex texts.

This whole process slowed their trip back to Douma’s home but he was more than happy to allow his bride to blossom a bit more before putting her in a cage. He however doesn’t want her to be too naive. He wants her to be more of an equal when it comes to conversations.

If he had to guess, she was now as literate as he was by the time he was a young teen. She was picking up quite quickly and he wanted to buff his chest out at how well of a teacher he was. Being able to teach a commoner wasn’t an easy task. He’s okay with a challenge but it was his first time teaching someone to read.

It was quite nice. Seeing each time her eyes brighten and a click happening in her head. To see why things were or how they came to be.

While they were at the book store, he did pull a Chinese book off the shelf and point out the similarities and difference in their characters. How Japan simplified and evolved to what it was today.
“Most don’t know the history of our country, leaving them to believe many things that aren’t true.” Douma would run his hands over the spines of books, leather, cloth and even paper.

“What about legends? Like demons?” Douma pause, turning to look over his shoulder, seeing that Kotoha had opened a book with printed pictures. On the cover, it had creatures of Japan. His eyes crinkle for a moment before he relaxes. He turns back to her and reads what she was looking at.

A Tengu was on the page and he huffs a bit.

He wants to believe that perhaps Urogi was the cause but that wouldn’t explain the crow face. Or the long nose that is often depicted in the art that comes with the legend of the Tengu.

“All stories have their origins. To give people a reason to why things are. Our gods that bless us and the monsters that haunt us. “ Kotoha would close the book after finishing her page to listen to the rest of what Douma had to say. “In the end, we should learn from the stories. For they may have lessons for us. “

Douma takes the book from Kotoha ,placing it back on the shelf. He pushes it firmly into place and takes hold of Kotoha’s hands. He shows off his teeth in a smile, tilting his head.

“Let’s go find a room at the inn shall we?” Kotoha nods and soon they were off.

—
The inn was nicely warm and the couple stayed in the lobby to eat. Douma would order himself soup while Kotoha ate some rice and chicken along with miso soup and tea to wash it all down. She does question Douma some days. Never asking him about why he either eats so little or at all.

She has caught him once heaving in an alleyway before they loaded up in their nightly carriage. She finds it concerning that he may be starving himself.

She hopes he finds his appetite soon.