『 I Won't Run Anymore』

Part 9 ~ Library

He didn't wait for my reply, nor did he seem to care as he started walking off, expecting me to follow which I did... I had promised him after all. He only took me down the street to where a sweet shop was; I smiled up at the bright pink and blue building. In the window display looked to be really tasty looking sweets. As is in every business. He walked in with me on his heels and begun to dig around for whatever he wanted, I helped myself to a bag of jelly babies and paid for them. Him doing the same with his pick and mix. Sitting outside the shop I popped the sweet treat into my mouth; the red ones had always been my favourite. I saw Amaimon look at my bag as I looked at his. Through the clear plastic I could see the array of choice that was in there; but no jelly babies. I smiled and pulled out a handful from my bag and dropped them into his.

"I can have these?"

His voice was deadpan as always, almost expecting there to be a catch.

"Sure. I don't mind sharing. It looked like you wanted some anyway."

He turned away from me and popped one of the jelly babies into his mouth, I decided not to say anything else in fear of making him uncomfortable. He seems like he doesn't hang around people much. And I didn't want to push my luck with the aggressive demon. Once we had finished eating, he dragged me around the town for a while; despite my protests of being tired and pointing out random things and asking about them. I guess he isn't used to the culture either. Being limited on Japanese knowledge myself I could only answer a few of his questions. The ones I couldn't answer resulted in him dragging me into the place to take a look.

~~~~~ 5 hours later~~~~~

I sat in the immaculate library at the Faust mansion; reading The Wind in the Willows. It was a classic, I loved this book as a child. My mum would read it to me a lot, I miss her.

"Ah belle~ here you are. I wondered where you had wandered off to. I was planning on showing you this library at some point but I guess it got away from me. I remembered from our conversation at your old home that you liked to read."

I turned my eyes away from the page to stare at Mephisto who was walking over to me.

"Sorry, I found this place last night but it was too late to read then. So I thought I'd drop by after I finished work."

I decided not to tell him about my outing with Amaimon earlier. He seemed to be like a watch dog, and dogs don't disobey their masters.

"Hmm, I see you found a book to nurse your homesickness?"

He eyed the cover and I smiled, running my hand over the coarse and worn edge.

"Yes, I'm surprised to have found it really. You have a wide collection, it's impressive."

"But of course! I only settle for the best!"

I ignored his vanity and closed my book, standing from my seat to formally face him.

"So why were you looking for me?"

"Just to see how you enjoyed your first day~"

I smiled at the memory of today, placing my hand to my heart.

"It was enjoyable."

"Ah~ so no more thoughts about running away then?"

"Ah..."

I tensed... I watched his smile turn into a toothy smirk; making me shudder. The face of a demon... I still can't get used to it...

"I understand your fear belle~ but you yourself said you weren't going to run any more. The students have said that they simply adore their new teacher~ Even Amaimon has been talking about playing with you! Ha-ha! And as for myself, well... I simply can't let a good teacher go, especially one that I am enjoying figuring out. I won't let you go."

"You..."

My throat closed up, this demon... he...

"You will have nothing to fear belle~ just carry on doing your job and leave all the hard work to moi~"

"Am I just a game to you?"

He blinked lightly, my own look turning sour.

"You said you were going to help me, but you're just treating me as a human play thing. I'm not a Sherlock Holmes book..."

"Ah, my dear. You have me all wrong! I adore humans and am genuinely wanting to help you figure out your roots."

"Adore humans? Tch, I'd believe that more if you weren't talking through the tongue of the human meat suit you're wearing."

His smile fell, his eyes turning dangerous. I knew I had stepped my bounds, but refused to back down from his stare. I had to stand up for myself, for once in my life! And this is a pretty damn important thing!

"Careful belle..."

"No! You be careful Mephisto! I am truly grateful for the opportunity you have given to me working here! I am! But I am not some animal to be caged up here with your indirect threats! Granted, I was thinking about running away. I am a normal human being though, and it's what we do when we get scared. I want to know myself about what this thing with me is, yes... but... but you ticked me here, and you are just trea-"

Thud!

"Ah!"

My body was suddenly slammed against the wall, one of Mephisto's large hands holding my wrists above my head. His knees pinning my legs so I can't move at all. His other hand moved to catch my chin in-between his thumb and index finger, forcing me to look him in the eyes. His eyes... looked so dangerous... it looked as though a rain had fallen in the forest that was his eyes.

"You are a mere human belle, there is no doubt. Yet you did something to cause a reaction to my barrier. My. barrier. Demons were able to seep through, and I need to know why. Take a look at yourself belle~ a human between a demon. I could kill you with a flick of my wrist..."

He tightened his grip on my chin for emphasis. I could feel the prints themselves, the warmth thickening in his bruising touch, causing me to gulp hard.

"You won't do it..."

"No?"

His smirk widened, waiting for my reply.

"No, if you love humans as much as you say you do; you won't. Or was all that a lie and demons can't love?"

He stared me down for a moment, his gaze unwavering. The only sound in the room being my ragged breathing. Echoing throughout the mighty halls of the library.

"Heh, an interesting human indeed..."

It was a swift movement and I couldn't comprehend what was happening. My heart thumped harshly against my ribs, as my eyes stared widely into closed ones. A warmth was spread across my face, his breath fanning me through his nose... his lips pressed firmly against my own. He moved his hand to cup my cheek, tilting my head for better access. A growl left his throat from my lack of response and pushed his body closer to mine. My eyes fluttered close, responding to his growl. My lips pursed against his... Snap! My brain had caught up on what was happening. This demon was kissing me!

"Mpfh!"

I pulled at my wrists, trying to free myself from his grip futilely. His grip only tightened. So I opted for turning my head away from him.

"No! Get off me!"

My voice echoed around the room, silence falling thick after. I panted heavily, trying to force oxygen back into my lungs. Mephisto didn't move and I couldn't bring myself to look at him.

"Why did you..."

"Dinner will be ready by 6 belle, try not to be late."

I felt his weight lift from me, my body feeling cold in the spacious room. He turned and left without looking back, leaving me alone in the library. Why did he...