Face to Face With Your Demons

Deimos eventually realized that she was there and though she couldn't quite meat his gaze, she could see the turmoil on his features. It was exactly what she had hoped to see. If he had taken her against her will maliciously, then things would have been much more difficult. There was regret there, and that was good. Iki could blame his actions on the drink. Perhaps Deimos just shouldn't indulge in alcohol. That was what she would tell herself and what she would tell him once she was done tending to the wounds.

Ikigai didn't have to ask what happened. She knew that Alastor had taught the man a lesson and gods... did she hope that this lesson would stick. Yes, she had asked the black and red giant not to take action, but perhaps this was easier. Tending to the purple brute silently would allow them to acclimate to one another's presence after such a traumatic incident. If they spoke about it after, that was fine. Iki didn't even want an apology. She just wanted everything to be okay.

The pale fae dipped a rag into the fresh water and as she wrung it out, she noticed Deimos' paw rising from the ground. Reflexively she stilled, but Iki didn't flinch or pull back. The man spoke her name softly, then asked why she was here. Iki's brows drew together for a moment and his next statement made her feel as though he was going to send her away. That wouldn't be happening, however. He had overpowered her, but Ikigai was no pushover. She would not be sent away from her own den, no matter what he wanted.

When he didn't continue, Iki finally raised her gaze to meet his and she could see the tumultuous emotions within the blue depths. A low exhale pulled from the fae and she sat up on her haunches. One dainty, dexterous paw stretched out to rest upon his broad chest for balance. The rag in the other paw moved up and she gently began cleansing the blood away from his face, her motions as delicate as she could manage to save him from more pain.

He had asked her a question a moment ago and Ikigai decided to answer. As she pulled the red from his amaranthine coat and saw the damage beneath, the woman spoke softly, though there was strength in her voice as well. He hadn't broken her. "You are my mate, are you not?" One dark brow rose in question. "Tending to you is my responsibility and my right." Just as he thought, she didn't want anyone else seeing this. If Ikigai could shield the pack from this drama and negativity, then she would do so. She wouldn't have others looking negatively on Deimos. Even after what he'd done, she would protect his character and reputation.

"Ikigai"