Can't Afford a Good Time [Open]

[Sima Oratio]

Sima felt an unsettling feeling as he walked towards the Gallow's Inn Tavern. After such a long trip he couldn't wait to actually sit down and relax in a place he called home. He knew that the Inn wasn't much of a home, but it was all he had right now, other than the restaurant. Sima wondered how it was doing, but pondering the thought he found himself peering down over his hands. The hands he once used to slaughter innocent lives, and they were also used to create delicious meals, and treats for the people he cared about, as well the customers. He felt it odd the ways he tried to be a part of society, like that was the only thing he could give the people of this world. Sima knew he could be a great warrior again, with the right trainer. The thought was terrifying when he first came to this world, but now everyday Sima became less and less terrified of it. After all, there was nothing to fear anymore. There wasn't someone he was afraid to hurt, at least not at this moment. Sima made his way to the Inn, and quickly headed over to the Tavern. Sima found the closest open seat and plopped himself down. He let out a large sigh of relief, letting go of all of his exhaustion almost in one breath it seemed. A lonesome smile appeared on his face. 

"Anyone care for a drink?" Sima was actually a bit tapped out on money. Sima was hoping to possibly get someone to come and talk to him, perhaps challenge them to a game of chance. Perhaps they'd want something more than a drink, like going for a walk! Sima loved going for a walk, it was really calming. He sniffed his nose in the air attempting to find anyone he might be familiar with by scent, tired enough to actually make him forget to hide this persistent sniffing. On all other accounts he simply acted as if he was breathing, hiding the fact he was sniffing around for scents. It was a little odd in the bar scene, but Sima was used to being called a bit odd. 

[Roxanne]

It had been a long day for the half demon. She'd gotten up that morning before dawn, thrown on some basic black clothes and went out hunting until noon. Afterwards, she brought her prey, a couple of rabbits and a deer, back to her cabin where she skinned them and sectioned out the meat. Some of the meat was salted and hung to dry in her cabin. The rest she made into jerky to restock her supply pouch. The bones were thoroughly cleaned, since she intended to carve them, and left to soak in a special mixture that would sanitize and bleach them. By this point, Roxanne was a bit tired and mostly thirsty. She searched her cabin in vain, sighing, as she realized she had no alcohol in the house. That meant a trip to her usual waterhole was in order, which filled the half demon with renewed vigor as there were always interesting people to meet at the Gallows Inn Tavern. She dressed quickly in her usual outfit, tucking her knives in her boots, and then fixing her hair. Satisfied, Roxanne transformed for the flight into the city.

Landing in the alley beside the tavern, the half demon assumed her human form again before entering just in time to hear someone ask for a drink. The smell that hit her nose as she walked through the door drew her attention straight to the bar, her lavender eyes locking with that of the male demon seated there. He was a pureblood, she could tell by his smell. Something about him seemed familiar but she couldn't remember where she'd seen him before. In any case, Roxanne gave him saucy grin, taking the seat next to him and ordering drinks for both. "If you're willing to have my company, this drink is for you. However, I do have a few questions as it's so rare to run into another of my kind. I'm Roxanne, by the way," she offered, her eyes alight with curiosity and mischief.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima jumped a little bit as the woman met eyes with his. He stopped sniffing the air, and began to breath naturally. However he was not only breathing, but Sima was inhaling a story. His nose was so strong he often could tell what the person was up to beforehand, What they ate for breakfast, or lunch. Sima made a fun game out of it. Scent alone didnt give all the answers so he had to assume based on what he smelled. Sima didnt always get it right, but he was very accurate with this little game.

The first scent that bodly stood out was a scent of bleach. Perhaps the fumes wafted into her hair. Sima didn't like the smell, but it was so miniscule most dogs couldnt even pick it up. Bleach? He thought to himself. Cleaning seemed like the most logical choice.

When she sat down next to him he looked over a little surprised at what she was saying. He could clearly tell she was half-breed by smell. She must possess a same sense of smell. Was it as strong as Sima's nose? His was particularly strong, in fact so strong had she actually had a scent of bleach visible to a human's nose Sima would have to leave, because the scent would overpower him.

Now that she was closer Sima was beginning to faintly smell a deer, and maybe a rabbit. The scents were so faint Sima had to concentrate for a few moments leaving him staring at her for a minute or two.

When the drink arrived Sima was snapped out of his guessing game. "Thankyou, I'd be more than happy for the company, and the drink!"

Sima smiled brightly his gorgeous blue eyes shining brighter than the sun as he picked up the mug and began to drink.

"But, what do you mean 'Your kind'? I mean, are you homeless too." Sima now had a smile just as mischievous as hers. He thought his human form kept him quite hidden here, and he would prefer to keep discussions of his race hidden while in a public place. He was teasing her by playing dumb, but if she was persistent he'd discuss that with her later.

"So, what do you like to eat?" Sima smiled. It had been a while since he had cooked for anyone after all. Sima wondered how the restuarant was doing without him. He missed the smile his food gave others.

He then had a puzzled look on his face as he began calculating what he had smelled earlier. "Did.. you go hunting today?"
The smell of deer certainly signaled that, or some sort of animal petting zoo. 

He dropped the mug of ale. "Also, the name's Sima and sadly I am already out"
He tipped the mug to show her the lack of alcohol.

"and It's nice to meet you Roxanne" Sima reached his hand out to shake hers.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne smiled as he thanked her for the drink and the company. Well at least he was personable, so far and easy enough on the eyes. "It's no trouble and well worth the bit of coin for good conversation," she said, momentarily mesmerized by his blue eyes. She'd never seen a shade of blue that bright and he certainly was quite cheerful. She found the situation a bit odd, as most demons she'd met were only cheerful if they were killing something. But for now, she'd just wait and see.

The conversation shifted naturally as the man asked what she meant and Roxanne gave him a smirk, lightly tapping her nose. His mischievous smile was a good tell that he we was playing coy but public discussion of their kind seemed to be something he'd rather not have. Roxanne could respect that and instead chose to answer the homeless part of the question. "No, at least, not anymore. I recently bought a cabin out of city. But before that, yes. I was mostly alternating between camping in the forest and staying here at the inn," she said, being a bit vague for now. She was sure his nose was probably much better than hers, given that he was a full demon. He could probably track her down if he wanted.

Roxanne looked a bit surprised at his next question, though. It clearly caught her off guard and she chuckled lightly for a moment. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude but I wasn't expecting such a question. I live on my own so I usually eat what I can catch. Sometimes, I'll treat myself when I'm here at the tavern or by chance manage to get into a party.," she explained, thinking that sounded rather dull and not sure she'd actually answered the question. "Why do you ask?," the half demon countered, curious. With her life and occupation, it was never about what she 'liked' but rather what she could manage to find.

When Sima asked her if she had been hunting, she grinned. That definitely confirmed her earlier theory about his nose and she liked that he didn't hide that. "Actually, yes. That's very good. I did spend the morning hunting and was lucky enough to bring in a deer and a few rabbits. The meat will last me for awhile, at least. That kind of ties back in with your earlier question," she said, smiling and ordering him another drink when he showed her the empty mug. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sima. What brings you to Nova?" Roxanne said, curious. Her nose wasn't nearly as good as his but he didn't smell like Nova.

[Sima Oratio]

looked at her as his smile faded lightly.

"I'm a chef. So I was going to repay you with my talents. Unless you want something else. Although the only other talent I have is dancing." Sima shrugged lightly.

"I'm not as good as I used to be but if you need a hired hand, bodyguard,mercenary. I suppose I could fill those roles too." Sima continued to drink quite heavily.

Sima glanced down at her feet. Then her hands. Her face, and then her figure. He was trying to assemble a picture of what her other form looked like, if she had one. He set the empty mug down and glared at her with an angry look. "Are you just going to let me drink by myself? Or are you going to join in?!" Sima immediately realized he was the only one drinking.

"Buy yourself two drinks, get me a bottle of whiskey, then we can go for a walk and discuss what kind you are" Although that seemed a little flirtatious Sima's intentions were to discuss their race. She wanted to ask him before, and he felt much more comfortable with liquid courage on his side to discuss it.

Although he was feeling the alcohol he was no where near the intoxication he wanted. However Sima became aggressive and mean with a certain amount of alcohol and decides to avoid that part of it if he was to make a new friend.

"Do you have another 'self'?" Sima felt that now asking would keep the moment of him looking at her facial features from staying too awkward. He became less coherent the more he drank, obviously, and He felt guilty for asking knowing if she wanted to see his Demon form he wouldnt be able to show her.

Sima didnt want to go through that pain tonight. It's a fun night, not a sad one right?

He clenched his nose. "It's disgusting in here" Sima was of course smelling the large disgusting belching patron three rows down.

[Roxanne]

A look of understanding crossed Roxanne's face as Sima explained why he had asked. "Oh that's interesting. I've never met a chef before, honestly. I suppose if you insist on paying me back, that would acceptable. You could surprise me, I do like trying new things. As for your other offers, I'm already a mercenary myself but I'm not a very good dancer. I know a few of the basics, noting fancy though," Roxanne said, smiling. She was rather enjoying the conversation so far, despite the slightly overcrowded tavern and all its noise and unpleasant smells. She'd probably have a headache by the end of the night, but it seemed well worth the effort.

Roxanne watched Sima look her over, wondering what he was thinking. It wasn't the type of gaze she was used to and when it turned into a glare, she looked back at him, surprised. His question was unexpected and she laughed, relax a bit as she realized what the problem was. "I apologize. I didn't mean to leave you drinking alone. I'm just very engrossed in our conversation," she said, promptly picking her glass up and draining it. Sima's following request earned him a grin, though she was a bit concerned. "Something you're drinking to forget?" she questioned before ordering the drinks, which consisted of his bottle of whiskey and two bottles of wine for herself. "I'll drink one of these, but the other I wish to take home for future drinking," she explained. It would take the whole bottle of wine to get her drunk and even then, it wouldn't be quite enough. She was cursed with a high tolerance for alcohol but she was certain Sima wouldn't end up being the only one of them getting intoxicated. It would be quite rude of her, after all.

The drinks arrived shortly after Sima's next question. The half demon handed over her coin to the barkeep and one of the bottles to Sima before standing. She nodded when Sima commented on the smells. "It is a bit crowded and that does come with some unpleasantness. How about that walk now?" Roxanne offered, heading for the door and turning to wait for Sima. Once outside, she took a deep breath to clear her lungs, walking forward for a bit and taking a few swigs of her wine before answering his previous question. "I do have another self. I'm sure you're aware that I'm only a half demon but unlike most, I do have both a half form and a demon form. You wouldn't know it by looking at me though," she said, laughing a little. "What about you?" Roxanne asked, curious. She'd only ever met one other demon and that hadn't ended well. The thought made her frown for a moment but she shook it off.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima was really happy with the company he was given tonight. They were helping him feel better, even if they did not realize it. It was good for him in a way, to get out and meet people. To see what kind of weird people lived in this world. A half-demon, just like his own. 

Sima looked at her, glad that she decided to drink too. Sima knew that alcohol made people due things they regretted, say things more easily. Sima actually was surprised he even spoke of the second form. He found himself very recluse about his race, not wanting people to even acknowledge that he is in fact a demon. Of course, it was a little different when someone of your own kind is curious about it. 

He was surprised at her question. What was he drinking to forget? He had to take a moment of silence about it. 

He followed her outside, his nose screaming its thanks for Roxanne wanting to leave the putrid smells behind. Sima followed her outside, and walked with her for a few minutes before actually speaking up. 

"I suppose if I'm running from anything it would be my past life. I come from another world, and I just want to forget everything I had there. I wonder if I'll ever be happy in this world, and what it actually means to live." 

Despite feeling more than tipsy his words were coming out cleanly, and he was speaking very seriously. 

"I'm drinking to forget my own hideous crimes, knowing I alone could never forgive myself with them. Let alone someone else every having enough strength to know what I have done and still choose to forgive me." Sima had a lot on his mind all the time, and in fact it was very rare for him to share this much information about himself. 

Luckily for Roxanne she got him at a vulnerable time. Exhausted, recovering, stressed, and lonely. A mixture of feelings that made alcohol a tempting prospect, and the alcohol made it so relieving to speak about the things he kept from everyone else. 

"In my world, Demons were considered monsters. Creatures of the night that fed on innocence, devoured blood, fed on anger." 

Sima's expression changed to a somber one. 

"I mean, they are probably right.." Sima glanced at the bottle of whiskey trying with much difficulty to restrain himself from drinking more. 

Sima refrained from speaking of his past. He wasn't sure this half-demon was prodemon or prohuman because people can never pick both. Sima of course, was ironically raised to slay demons. He never even knew he was one, not until the age of human adulthood. 

"Your second form, is it permanent like mine? Whenever my transformation takes place, afterwards I am stuck as a demon. The only reason I appear human now is because I physically removed the Demonic features myself." 

Sima's ears were very sensitive thanks to this. Tearing them out again and again would do that. Fangs, claws, facial markings. They were all removed, and Sima simply healed back to a more human appearance. It worked, but it was barbaric, and frankly anyone witnessing such an event would be horrified someone could inflict that much pain to themselves. 

Sima had never admitted doing this to himself to anyone, she was frankly lucky, and he was more curious to share so he could learn. They were both demons of a sort, which made him more comfortable speaking. 

"I know it sounds barbaric, but it's not that bad." Sima only said that to make himself feel better, and alleviate any judgement by Roxanne. 

Sima seemed to regain more of a chipper mood. "But besides that, things are going okay! I mean, I met you didn't I?!" Sima laughed nervously. 

"It's been a while since I have been accompanied by a good looking acquaintance. You are providing me alcohol. So I am yours! I'll do whatever you want, from answering questions to hide and go seek, and beyond. I'm starting to feel much better!." Sima smiled at the thought. It would be her funeral in hide and go seek. That nose of his could track down almost anyone. 

Sima was beginning to hit a 'high' of sorts. Where he was at just the right buzz. Of course, he was intoxicated so many of his actions would almost immediately begin to lose any filter. 

[Roxanne]

Roxanne listened as Sima talked, knowing full well that the alcohol probably had something to do with it but she wasn’t judging. Rather, she gave him a sympathetic look. He was Fated, like her; had done unspeakable things, like her; and demons were monsters in his world, like hers. Although, she really supposed that was probably any world except for the actual demon homeworld. It still gave them a lot in common. “I’m both from this world and also not, technically. Demons arn’t looked upon fondly anywhere that I’ve been in my travels, though. This world, at least, is a little bit better though, trust me. With all of the strange creatures that are native here, we are not so unwelcome as long as we keep to ourselves and don’t cause trouble,” she said, grinning a bit before sombering. “Demons in my world don’t belong there. They come from a different world, entirely their own, and sent only to cause pain and trouble to all who are unlucky enough to be in their path. It’s not that they are viewed as monsters, it’s that they are monsters. And for a long time, I had a problem with that because of what I am,” Roxanne said, taking another swig of her own drink. She was also not normally so talkative but she also had nothing to hide really. What she did have were some unpleasant memories and an odd childhood. It had taken her years to be this comfortable with herself, she worked hard for it, and she didn’t let anyone else make her feel otherwise.



Sima’s question about her second form intrigued her more because of the comment that followed. It sounded quite brutal. “That sounds awful and painful. I commend you for being able to do that to yourself, especially if your form is complicated. For me, I can transform at will between this, a half way form, and a full demon form. It took me years to figure it out, during which time I lost myself to the demon half and committed many horrible acts upon any whom I hunter. My human conscious kept it at least to bounties only but it was otherwise unrestrained. It went against everything I believed and my memories are still a little fuzzy from that time. All of that aside, I wouldn't mind showing you sometime, if you wanted. ,” Roxanne explained, smiling wryly at Sima.
She wasn't sure if her offer would offend him or make him sad or something else but she felt it would be rude not to offer. It sounded as if he were a different sort of demon than her which was interesting in itself. 


She couldn’t help but laugh as Sima started to perk up, citing meeting her as a good thing and tagging on a compliment. “Well thank you. I’ll keep your offer in mind, though for now this is quite nice. The last demon I met, well, that didn’t end well. As for playing hide and go seek, I think I’ll pass. I know for a fact that your senses must be even better than mine and you’d probably be able to track me all the way out to my cabin if you wanted,” she said, laughing as they continued to walk about the third district.

[Sima Oratio]

“Demons in my world don’t belong there. They come from a different world, entirely their own, and sent only to cause pain and trouble to all who are unlucky enough to be in their path. It’s not that they are viewed as monsters, it’s that they are monsters. And for a long time, I had a problem with that because of what I am,”

Her words stung Sima, made his heart drop to the floor. His heart beat even seemed to slow. "They are monsters?" Sima spoke quietly. Now all Sima could think of was how he was a monster. She clearly viewed him as one by her speech which didnt give any other explanation for one.

Sima knew it was true, he just didnt want her to see him like that. He couldnt help but feel that for some reason Roxanne believed he wasn't a pure blood. Regardless her words hurt him.

Sima picked up that whiskey bottle and began drinking once again.

"Roxanne. Am I a monster? I don't have any human blood in my viens. There is no humanity in me. Does that make me a creature doomed to forever kill?."

Sima stopped walking and looked her in the eyes. He was determined to ask a question he was afraid to know the answer to.

"More importantly. Do you view me as a monster?"

He was clearly nervous, terrified to ask this question. It had seemed she decided all Demons were monsters. Sima should be no exception. He however, wanted to know if that could change.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne realized that she should have explained further as soon as she noticed the look on Sima's face. His following questions only emphasizing that more. When he reached for the whiskey bottle, Roxanne grabbed his hand, having stopped walking. Now they were standing in the middle of the street just staring at each other. She could see the fear in his eyes better than she could smell it and her face softened.

"No, Sima. There is more to the story than that, otherwise I'd still hate myself just as much. What you are doesn't matter. I've met humans that were far worse than any demon. It's what you do that determines who you are, whether or not you're a good person. And even then, it's not black or white for us. We're grey, always will be," she said gently, a touch of regret in her tone. "No, you're clearly different from most other demons I've met and I haven't even known you that long. But you work so hard, it seems, to be human. Even going so far as to tear yourself apart. It's inspiring, really," Roxanne added, smiling.

She looked down at the ground for a moment, shaking her head and smiling wryly. "I'm sorry Sima. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Knowing what you are, I should have worded that better. I'll understand if you don't want to speak with me any longer," the half demon said, letting go of his hand so he could take back the whiskey.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima looked at her, as she reacted to his questions. His eyes light up with something that hadn't been in them for sometime. The stared back into her eyes calmly, while they reflected the low-light around them. He looked into purple eyes, although most of his reaction was adjusted thanks to alcohol. Sima was very thankful for her words. He removed his hand from hers, and turned his back to her. 

He sighed loudly, quickly turning back around to look at her. "You are an interesting half-demon. I will remember your scent." Sima chuckled lightly. 

"Don't worry, I'll remember your face too. However, this is not the end of the night!" Sima smiled wildly. Sima raised his head upward. Having someone who had a similar nose to his made him much more comfortable using it. He sniffed the air, smelling whatever he could. "So, where would you like to go? The night is young, I think." To be honest Sima was just quoting someone else without realizing it. 

"Also, what the hell do you mean? Why would that stop me from talking to you?" 

He groaned. 

"You know I was raised by Demon Slayers," He chuckled, not realizing what information he was giving away. 
Of course, Roxanne probably had many questions after that, but that was more of a touchy subject, and she would get more information by letting him ramble. 

"I think I've heard people say much worse, and I was one of them!" Sima, thanks to the company of a young woman, and a generous amount of alcohol, felt quite like gloating, despite how this conversation would more than likely make him upset, when sober. 

"I was the top of my class, for good reason. It was much easier to kill Demons, when you were one I suppose. Over 36 confirmed Demon kills, of all classes!" Sima looked at her, his eyes widening realizing what he was doing.


"Never mind.." He groaned, face palming himself.


"So, Roxanne. How old are you? Do you have children? Married? How long have you been here? Why red? Your hair I mean. Why purple?" Sima questioned her heavily in attempt to avoid discussion of what he spoke of earlier. He blurted out every question he thought was important, or at least his alcoholic infused mind did. 


"Do you have a plan? Where are we going anyways?" Sima looked at her a confused look across his face.
"What do I smell like to you?" Sima knew that many lower class demons smelled his scent, and ran. It was why he never faced lowers on his old world. He could answer how she smelled for him, but he kept that to himself. It was sweet, and calming. He found that embarrassing to admit, and felt this discussion had the chance to upset him. He kept that to himself however, there was still things, even in this state, he was able to keep a secret.

"So let's go!" Sima was all over the place wasn't he? He began to calm himself down, knowing that no matter what she knew it wouldn't be the end of the world right?  

[Roxanne]

Roxanne watched Sima’s face as he reacted to her words, worried a bit when he turned around at first. Once he spoke, she laughed, relieved that he seemed to have accepted her apology. She watched as he sniffed the air, not sure how to answer his question just yet. There were plenty of places to go but it was odd for someone to ask her that. His next question was much easier to answer and she grinned at his words. “I’m very glad to hear that. I find you much too interesting and would be sorely disappointed if you had answered otherwise. The only reason I thought that is because clearly I offended you and some people don’t react well to such statements,” she explained. She was more than aware of her tendency to stick her foot in her mouth, so to speak. The demon in her cared little for how her words affected others and it was a constant struggle to be a decent human being for her. 

When he began to speak of being a demon slayer, Roxanne looked at him with surprise. She didn’t say anything right away, letting him ramble a bit and boast. She found it odd that a demon would be a demon slayer, though she knew well enough that would certainly give one an edge. “I don’t mind hearing about your past. We all have one, after all. I’m surprised, for several reasons. I’m a bounty hunter and when I was younger, I often hunted demons as well, also for several reasons. Though, i didn't count them,” she said, being a bit vague. In truth, she had hunted demons as a way to atone for what she was since she had been raised to believe that demons were bad and she was half herself.

Sima began firing questions at Roxanne after that, clearly trying to distract her from the information he had just given about himself. Perhaps that was an uncomfortable topic for him or he was worried he would make her uncomfortable with it. Regardless, the half demon didn’t mind answering anything. “Let’s see. I’m 28, single, no children. I’ve been here in Teair for around eight months or so I think, maybe longer. I’m not good with time, honestly,” she replied, shrugging a little. She looked at him blankly when he asked about her hair and eye color. “I was born this way. Is it odd? Do you not find me attractive?” the half demon asked, clearly confused.

When he asked her if she had a plan and where they were going, Roxanne shrugged. “Not really. We could go anywhere in the city you’d like. My original plan was simply to come in for a few drinks, buy a couple bottles to go, and return home. I suppose we could still do that, if you want,” Roxanne wasn’t concerned with how that sounded. He had asked what her plan was, that was her plan until she ran into him. She took a few more swigs of the wine, feeling pleasantly tingly at this point. “My plans kind of changed when I met you, which is not a bad thing, I'm just not sure what to do now. What about you though? What was your plan? How old are you? Are you married or do you have children?” she tossed all his questions back, clearly curious to learn more. It wasn’t often she found herself so intrigued by a stranger.

The question about his scent caught her off guard and she stared at him blankly for a moment. “Well, you smell like a demon, and not a half blood like me,” she answered first, laughing. Roxanne stepped closer, invading Sima’s space and sniffing lightly. “It was a bit difficult in the bar and I’m sure my nose is not nearly as good as yours. I’m trying to make sure I don’t get you mixed up with everything else,” she explained before continuing. “There’s dust and the scent of trees. Have you been traveling?” she asked, distracted and shaking her head. She breathed deeper, closing her eyes. “You smell like the last frost before spring. Earthy with a bit of chill and a lot of life,” Roxanne declared, opening her and smiling. His was a strong, protective scent which she found attractive. She had no intention of telling him that, however and instead chose to explain why she had to concentrate.“I don’t usually try to smell things anymore. The scents here are always so unpleasant and strong,” she added, seeming a bit proud that her nose still worked which was quite odd.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima looked at her curiously wondering what she will think. "Well, I had children, at one point before reaching this world." Sima yawned. "I was also married, but they were all killed a few years before I was brought to this world"

That was all he wished to speak about them.

"I believe I'm past 100 years. Not entirely sure." He looked at her his eyes raising in curiosity.

There was no point in being subtle when she asked up front like that.

"I find red-heads attractive. Your in that category are you not?"

He felt this kept him from actually saying she was attractive. Sima felt like that gave him an edge in conversation for some reason, but he was about to throw it away.

"So, yes, you are an attractive woman in my eyes." Sima said this bluntly with no real sign of embarrassment, although normally Sima wouldnt be so blunt, the alcholoh helped him do many things today that he already regretted so adding more didnt seem like a big deal.

Sima on the other hand didnt need to ask her if she thought he was attractive. To be frank, it wasnt on his mind. He was comfortable enough with his own body to accept whatever she thought. Good or bad. At least his human body.

"Well I mean, I wouldnt want to stop your plans. If you feel uncomfortable with me tagging along I can leave. I'm sure either of us could track the other down, if you ever wanted to speak with me again."

Sima was trying to smell the air, but realized just now that his own breath was irritating his nose.

"Howevever my nose seems useless right now. So I don't remember how to get back."
Sima chuckled, he navigates quite frequently with scent.

"Plus, I mean I did offer to repay you."

[Roxanne]

Roxanne was surprised by his initial answer until he explained that he had lost his family. A look of understanding crossed her face and she simply nodded. No one ever wanted to speak of such things if they could be avoided.

As for his age, that would perhaps surprise most and possibly deter them from further conversation but not her. She knew well how long demons could live, so long as nothing interfered. No, rather than be surprised, Roxanne grinned. "Well, with you being so much older, I'm sure there's quite a lot you could teach me," she said, half serious and half teasing.

Her grin widened with his next answer. Roxanne was by no means insecure with herself. She looked good and she knew it well, often using it against her bounties when she could to lure them into a false sense of security. However, like any woman, she did appreciate a good compliment and was truly curious about Sima's opinion based on his previous comments. "Thank you but I'm still confused then. Do you expect that I should be able to change my hair and eye color? I mean they have hair dye now in the shop but I look like my mother. I've never met my father, so I'm not sure what I gained from him besides my demon nature," Roxanne asking, explaining a bit about herself in the process.

She shook head when he mentioned not stopping her plans, laughing a little. "It's no trouble at all. I'm rather enjoying your company so I wouldn't be at all uncomfortable with you accompanying me. I'm sure most people would be concerned about allowing a stranger to follow them home, or anywhere else for that matter, but I can handle myself," Roxanne replied, shifting her weight on her feet a bit. "Are you staying at the Gallows Inn? I can take you back there if you that is what you wish. But I'd think your nose, however useless it may be now, would greatly appreciate it if I didn't" she offered, giving the demon a mischievous smile, her eyes practically twinkling with mirth.

"You did mention something about repayment. I find your company to be payment enough, though. However, if you insist, then I'll let you choose how best you wish to accomplish that," the half demon offered. She was curious to see how he would respond to this and hoped that, at the very least, he wouldn't be offended.

[Sima Oratio]

Sima looked at her curiously. The serene silence of the night kept most of what they were speaking about seem so loud. Yet when Sima looked back on what they were discussing, he knew that they were just two people in a very large world. It was hard to believe someone like Sima had once forged countries, helped kings. Sima had done things no man could ever dream of. However, all those dreams were over. He wanted to share some of these stories with her. In his world, most people figured to try and kill Sima when they realized what he was. However others, more nefarious, instead accepted him, only to use his raw strength. 

A war was easy to win with a man worth 1000 soldiers. 

"Well, with you being so much older, I'm sure there's quite a lot you could teach me,"

Sima's eyes looked at her curiously, smiling playfully.

"I would teach you many things," Sima responded with a confident answer, and a mischievous look.

Sima of course, loved to teach. 

"I've taught before!" Sima smiled laughing, remembering that there was no educational system. He taught his family to fight, read, math. Anything they may need to survive. He of course, at a time, taught many of the younger students at the Demon Slayer village too, but that was much different. 

"And, actually, about your hair, and eye color. You wouldn't be you without them right? SO don't get dyes, unless you want to change. I wasn't asking why to you, I was cursing the heavens in a sense." Sima wanted to leave that at that, feeling that perhaps it would be best if she didn't understand. It wasn't a bad thing, it was just an embarrassing one, if she knew anyways. 

Sima was still very drunk, and continuing to get worse. He was doing many things bluntly, and he was more greedy this way too, which was why he asked for another bottle, actually. 

Sima looked at her mischievously. "Well, I already knew you could handle yourself. It's not much fun talking to someone who can't do that." Sima took another swig. "The question is, can you handle me?" He smiled playfully, making sure to look her in the eyes. 

Sima felt like he didn't need to explain. He was after all a full blooded Demon, and although this seemed like a large flirt, he was actually asking for a serious reason, although he didn't want that be as apparent. 

Sima, was raised by humans. He doesn't know how this happened, or why, He never met his real parents. He only knew waking up, as a human child. His father, the demon slayer, raising him. Every day he would train, to pick up where his father left off. He eventually began to show signs of this demonic nature, and when the council found out they ordered Sima's death. When Sima found himself in danger, something snapped. He killed everyone, everything, that was nearby. People he believed were his family. He had no memory of doing all of those things, he can only remember waking up, his mouth, hands, all of him covered in the blood of the people he swore to protect, but ever since then, whenever his anger, or a need for vengeance arrived, he had a risk of snapping, and doing things even a monster would consider horrifying.

Sima would prefer she just take it as a flirtatious question, but there was real concern to it. 

He looked at her, beautifully playing off what he said before hand.
"I think I'd rather tag along with you for the time being. I mean, my nose enjoys your scent much more than the Tavern." 

"OH! Right repayment." Sima smiled, rather happy. 

"Well, hurry up. Take us home!" Sima said rather energetically, in fact, even tried to push her along. 
"So your home's a cabin? What kind of stove do you have?" Sima was rather ecstatic to make her something, it had been a while since he served anyone, and this was always a good way to make them happy.

"I'll serve you tonight, it'll be more than payment." Sima stopped drinking his whiskey feeling that he'd save it for her food! 

Sima, without realizing it, felt her skin when pushing her. It was soft, very much like any regular woman's of course. He could tell the alcohol was making his senses go a little out of whack. He however found the feeling intoxicating, but quickly let off, and took a few steps back. 

He shook the whiskey, judging how much was left. Sima knew he was forcing himself a lot tonight, to drink so much, and to even cook for someone, despite how exhausted from the trip he was. He deserved it though, he had been through a lot of pain lately. What was wrong with a little bit of fun? 

"I forgot to ask, are you even hungry?" Sima asked slightly embarrassed.