A silence settled between them, not quite comfortable, not quite hostile.
Just waiting.
Then, Grayfia spoke again.
"You seem… at ease here."
Tatsuya swirled his wine, watching the way it formed a spiral pattern, "Should I not be?"
Grayfia tilted her head. "Most humans would be overwhelmed by the Underworld and becoming a Devil suddenly…"
Tatsuya's smirk faded. His grip on the glass tightened, just for a second, before he set it down calmly.
"Let me tell you something, Grayfia-san," he said, voice low. "The Underworld is much more comfortable than Earth."
His eyes darkened.
"Every night for years, I hunted Stray Devils. Fallen Angels. Anything that slithered near my house, my locality." A bitter laugh escaped him. "Pathetic, right? Some dumb kid playing hero, thinking he could clean up the world with his fists."
Grayfia didn't interrupt.
Tatsuya's fingers traced the rim of his glass. "I didn't kill them. Just broke bones and left them bleeding. Figured that was enough." His jaw clenched. "I was naive. Turns out, Devils heal fast too."
The air grew heavier.
"One of them came back." His voice was flat. "Not for me. For my parents."
Grayfia's fingers froze around her glass.
Tatsuya didn't look at her. "After that, I learnt the harsh reality. It was about making sure nothing got close to Ichika." His knuckles whitened. "Every night. Every damn night, waiting for something to crawl out of the shadows and—"
He cut himself off, exhaling sharply.
"I'm the one who killed our parents," he declared, "Doesn't feel great if I were to say." Tatsuya smiled softly, "Well at least now…"
A long silence stretched between them.
Then, in a similarly soft tone, Grayfia spoke. "And now?"
"Well, Sirzechs-san promised he'd protect her, right?"
"You trust Sirzechs-sama's protection that much?"
Tatsuya met her gaze evenly. "I trust that he won't let harm come to Rias…and by extension, Ichika." He took another sip. "That's enough."
"...I see, so that's why you adamantly refused Ichika's request to transfer to your peerage despite Rias-sama having no problem."
When Tatsuya had gotten his Evil Pieces, Rias had suggested for him to take Ichika in as it would be suitable. With the issue of Riser having been solved Rias had no reason to force Ichika to stay in her peerage, nor would she feel like she was losing anyone because Tatsuya was her Rook, and her future Husband.
Tatsuya's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah, I don't care what you Devils have planned nor do I care much about your schemes. I may not have experience spanning centuries but I'm not dumb. Sirzechs' love for Rias is real, and Rias' sincerity towards her is real… that's what matters."
"Schemes?" Grayfia hummed thoughtfully, "Your abilities," She decided to move the conversation forward. "Your regeneration. Your strength. They're… unusual. Isn't it understandable if we're wary? Is there a source for them?"
Grayfia seemed tipsy herself, but besides the slight flush of redness on her fair smooth cheeks there was no change. If Tatsuya had to nitpick something it would be that she was being overly talkative.
Tatsuya shrugged. "Born with 'em. No idea why."
Grayfia's gaze sharpened. "And that doesn't concern you?"
"Concern me?" Tatsuya let out a harsh laugh. "Lady, when you're fighting for your life every night, you don't stop to ask why your fists crack concrete. You just survive."
Grayfia didn't respond.
It wasn't that she couldn't understand him. She had been through something similar, during the Civil War that occurred half a millennia ago she had seen hell. She had seen how Devils slaughtered each other without regard, how her family had been on the side that wanted the slaughter, how despite her unwillingness she had killed thousands herself, how… how… how…
If she were to begin to count, she could continue forever.
She sighed, everyone had their sorrows.
But wasn't it the wish for sorrow to vanish why she had defected, betrayed the Old Devil Faction?
While she was mulling over her thoughts Tatsuya noticed her dazed expression, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Now, my turn for a question."
His voice was bold and daring, containing a playful edge.
Grayfia didn't mind it, attributing it to the alcohol.
She arched her brow. "Oh?"
"Why did you agree to drink with me?"
Grayfia took another sip, "As I said, it is my duty to serve the Gremory household."
"And here I thought you might just enjoy my company."
Grayfia's lips curled slightly. "You flatter yourself, Yamamoto-sama."
"Maybe." He chuckled. "Or maybe I'm just trying to figure out why the legendary Grayfia Lucifuge is so indulgent to a mere fiance who has yet to officially become part of the Gremory Family."
Grayfia set her glass down calmly, it didn't seem like she was going to drink more.
"You are engaged to Rias-sama. That reason alone is sufficient."
Tatsuya's smile faded slightly. "Let's be honest, is it not because of my uncanny abilities? Is it not because that scary but mentally ill dragon is following me around like a slave? Sirzechs sent you to keep an eye on me, didn't he?"
The air grew heavier.
Grayfia didn't deny it. "...You are perceptive."
"It's not hard to guess." Tatsuya sighed. "I'm an unknown variable. A former human with inexplicable power, suddenly engaged to the sister of the Lucifer. Of course, he'd be cautious."
Grayfia studied him carefully. "And how do you feel about that?"
Tatsuya leaned back, his expression softening. "I don't blame him. If I were in his position, I'd do the same." He finished his drink. "But here's the thing, Grayfia-san, I have no interest in causing trouble. I won't lie and say I love Rias but that won't stop me from cherishing her, love is complicated and I can't say I dislike her. As long as the future is harmonious we'll eventually become a real couple… She's cute."
Grayfia tilted her head before smiling and nodding.
"That is reassuring to hear…" Grayfia's smile became softer, "I've raised Rias-sama like my own little sister. It'd be a shame if she were to be hurt."
Tatsuya noticed the atmosphere turn icy, it forced him to become sober.
He smiled wryly, "I understand."
His gaze towards Grayfia began to shift.
Grayfia noticed this.
Sigh…
"Would you like some more wine?" Grayfia pretended not to notice and asked.
Tatsuya's eyes flickered with hesitation before shaking his head, "I'll withdraw. I'm too tired, I'd like to rest. I wouldn't want to waste any more of your time."
"Really? I have nothing much to do. As a maid, my duties are somewhat limited and I'm free till tomorrow." Grayfia unexpectedly didn't let him leave and insisted he stay.
Tatsuya froze just as he was about to get up. His gaze shifted from the blood-red wine to the drop-dead gorgeous woman sitting across him in a maid outfit.
Perhaps it was the wine but Tatsuya felt his body heat up.
The will to just let go and ravage her right here blazed inside him. He closed his eyes before taking a deep breath.
"I see."
Grayfia smiled and filled their glasses again.
Is it because the date of the engagement is too close? I was planning to have some daily drinking sessions with her before coaxing her into my will. Sirzechs must have given her some freedom in this regard according to his personality otherwise she shouldn't have been so accommodating despite how rudely I glared at her that day.
He looked at her once again.
Did Grayfia not notice the lust in his eyes?
A man and woman, alone in a private room, drinking to their hearts' content.
Grayfia drowned her glass in one go, startling Tatsuya.
"It's fine, the strength of this alcohol is too weak to cause me any problems," Grayfia explained, knowing Tatsuya must find the wine hard to consume.
"No… I thought you said you wouldn't be indulging yourself."
Grayfia shook her head, "I haven't."
Tatsuya looked at her flushed face and was speechless.
"I've heard you vent, so it's only fair you listen to me now." Grayfia's voice began to change. The usual strictness and rigidness were nowhere to be seen.
"Do you know how boring my life is? My strength has reached its full potential and I have yet to improve after hundreds of years. The household is always empty with Venelana and Zeoticus partying or indulging themselves elsewhere. Sirzechs is always busy with work, Rias stays on Earth and tending to Millicus is all I have left to do. But even that job is starting to fade away as he grows older and spends time with his friends. And me? Cleaning already clean windows, cleaning already clean tables, I wanted to be a maid! A maid that did her job! A proper Lucifuge that serves the Lucifer! A maid that tends to the members of her household, to support the heirs and heiress', to provide comfort to her Lord, but I'm left with nothing to do! Is this fair!? If there's one hobby I have besides being a maid it's drinking and even then Sirzechs refuses to accompany me most of the time!" Grayfia slammed the table with her fist, causing it to shake, but a magic symbol flashed, protecting the table, "Tell me Yamamoto-sama, is it fair?"
Holy fuck!
Tatsuya was flabbergasted, he looked at the furious Grayfia and his jaw dropped.
This bitch… she's drunk!
Grayfia did not care about his musings as she picked the bottle up and started drinking straight from it. The sounds of gulping echoed in the room as a single trail of blood-red wine trailed down her chin disappearing into her bosom. She slammed the bottle down on the table and stood up before grabbing Tatsuya by his collar.
"Is it fair!?"
She's lost it!
Not strong enough wine my ass!
What the fuck!?
He faintly understood why the table had a magic formation to protect it. If this was what Sirzechs had to deal with whenever they drank then he could understand why he avoided it.
"U-Uhm, Grayfia-san calm down, we can talk peacef—"
"Shut the fuck up, you dirty lecherous dog!" Grayfia pulled him in closer, "Don't you fake stutter in front of me. You must've been twisted from birth if you're acting so much just to lay your hands on me. Is that it? Enjoying the process rather than the fruits?"
"I don't understand—"
"Oh you understand, you definitely do. Treating you like a normal 18-year-old was Sirzechs' biggest mistake but I don't blame him. No matter what kind of cunning or dirty plan you had in mind, you were useful, you were willing to be used in exchange for protection and… you were weak." Grayfia's grip tightened as the naive and innocent look on Tatsuya's face began to vanish, "But Tiamat! That filthy dragon for some reason decided to leave her cave and follow you around like a dog, creating more trouble for us."
She glared at Tatsuya, "You think I'd be willing to let you touch me so many times during the spar just because you're Rias' fiancé? That I ignored all of your intentional brushing against my body as a mistake or coincidence? You think I'd be here drinking and venting to you if you didn't have that damned dragon following you around?"
Why had Tatsuya suddenly asked her to drink with him?
Because during the spar he had no intentions of hiding his beastly nature. Her thighs, her breasts, her legs, all his touches were filled with ill intent that Grayfia should clearly be able to feel.
But not once did she frown or show any dissatisfaction.
Tatsuya had gleaned the truth.
Just like he wasn't hiding his intentions, Sirzechs' side was also declaring their intentions clearly.
Tatsuya couldn't help but admire Sirzechs' mental fortitude to a certain degree. How much did one have to care about their species to let a stranger touch their wife all they want?
This was some next-level cuckery.
Tatsuya grinned as he raised his hand and placed it on top of Grayfia's own hand that was clutching his collar. Grayfia frowned and slapped his hand away with disgust.
"Showing your true nature already?"
"You're acting as if I'm committing some kind of big crime. A beautiful woman like you would cause any young man's heart to throb with desire. Forgive me Grayfia-san but it's hard to control myself."
"Hmph, don't act coy with me. You have that beautiful dragon following you around. Are you telling me you haven't laid your hands on her? Or is going after the woman of another man getting you off?" With a flushed face, she spoke words so crude that Tatsuya wouldn't even imagine she would say while being sober.
"As if, you think I'd dare touch that dragon with my meagre strength? Ordering her around is the limit of my guts. She's clearly on the level of Sirzechs-san who is the literal leader of Hell. Do you think I have a death wish?" Tatsuya scoffed.
"Well, at least you know your place," Grayfia smirked and began downing the alcohol again. She emptied the bottle and threw it away causing it to shatter with a crash.
"You're wild." Tatsuya couldn't help but admit, impressed by her change in demeanor just from liquor, "I suppose there's more that frustrates you? Like…" he shot up from his seat and grabbed both of Grayfia's hands before slamming her into the wall.
Thud.
Grayfia growled as their faces were separated by an inch.
"How your husband won't mind if I…" Tatsuya traced his thumb over her wet glossy lips still stained by wine.
Pa!
A slap caused Tatsuya's face to whip harshly to the side.
"Let go!"
She kicked him and he stumbled before looking at her with a crazed look, "Hahahahahahahahahaha, how dare a maid not know her place, are you disobeying the command of your Lord?"
His words caused Grayfia to freeze in her tracks.
Tatsuya didn't mind the blood that trickled down his lips. The fiercer she was; the more prideful she was, the more he would enjoy this.
With a beastly expression, he stood behind the frozen Grayfia.
"It's not hard…" He leaned down, whispering into her ear from behind, "All you have to do is disobey."
Words as sweet as the wine she drank echoed.
Grayfia saw the huge shadow form in front of her as he closed in from behind. Two massive hands rested on her shoulders, squeezing her flesh through the clothes disgustingly.
"It's not like you were ever a true maid. You're the strongest Queen of the Underworld. The strongest female Devil. You surely won't let a lowly Reincarnated Devil like me have his way with you, right? All you have to do is disobey him, Grayfia. Let your strength out, let your rage out. Blast me away, freeze me into an unreliable sculpture. All you have to do is disappoint Sirzechs and cause me to drift away from Rias… drift away from the faction that stood against the Old Devils."
Grayfia clenched her fists, her nails digging deep enough to draw blood.
"It's not hard, Grayfia." Tatsuya's hand began to slither down her shoulders, tracing her delicate and soft forearm. His fingers lovingly caressed her arms as he repeated himself, "Just disappoint Sirzechs, just make Rias sad, just let me harbor dissatisfaction with your faction. That's all you have to do."
Tatsuya leaned in closer, his face right next to her. Grayfia did not need to turn her head. All she had to do was move her eyes, move her eyes to see the twisted face of Tatsuya grinning madly at her, eyes full of wicked desire.
"Oh wait… but you can't." His words hammered into her, "You cannot disappoint Sirzechs, you cannot make Rias sad, you cannot afford to lose my favor. Isn't that right… Grayfia-san~?"
Grayfia had planned to indulge him while being drunk. Drunk to the point she wouldn't have to remember what happened, drunk to the point the disgust she felt would've been numbed by the liquor.
But the liquor had caused her to lose control, to vent her emotions… to the wrong person.
Besides her probably no one would ever come to know the beastly nature of this man. Grayfia could feel his warm hands slide into her clothes. She gritted her teeth. Could she tell Sirzechs that Tatsuya was a perverted maniac? Perhaps. But what would be the result?
Nothing.
Unless one witnessed what she was seeing, no one would believe how deeply disturbed this individual was.
Grayfia's gut churned, disgust filling her core. She wanted to unleash her power, to freeze him into a lifeless husk. But Sirzechs' trust, Rias' future, bound her like chains, rooting her in place.
The liquor held her down, it helped her endure.
His fingers slithered down, breaching her blouse, grazing the lace of her bra. Each touch was a violation, his soft skin scraping her softness. Her breasts, trapped in their confines, felt unbearably exposed, as if her dignity were stripped bare.
"So soft," Tatsuya murmured, his lips brushing her ear, hot and wet. His hands cupped her chest, squeezing with deliberate cruelty.
Her flesh was moulded under his grip, a sharp sting radiating from where his fingers dug in.
Grayfia's heart hammered, blood roaring in her ears. Shame flooded her, a tidal wave drowning her pride. A tear slipped down her cheek, hot against her flushed skin, as his thumbs grazed her nipples through the fabric.
"You're not fighting..."
He taunted, putting on a deliberate mask of confusion before showing her an expression of sick realisation.
"Hngh~"
His fingers dug into her exposed milky breasts with even more force.
"...ah right, you can't."
_____________________
A/N- Read ahead at Patreon.
Patreon.com/AlmightySkyDxddy