Here we are the third chapter. Now if any of you are reading along and happen to be female please drop a review an tell this poor smuck if he did okay.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Inaudible replies to tenants"
"Beings of immense power talking"
"Beings of immense power sealed in a host speaking"
'Beings of immense power thinking'
I do not own Highschool DxD. NO DUFF.
First Date
**** Occult Research Club Building, Rias' sleeping quarters ****
In a room behind the Club meeting room lies Rias' bedroom. The room is bare of the typical decorations of a teenage girl, only having the required furniture. At the back is a queen size four poster bed with a solid oak frame, and pillow top mattress. To one side is an oak vanity with a small amount of makeup and a small jewelry box, while on the other side is a matching night stand. The single window has heavy maroon drapes, which are closed. Along the wall opposite the window stands an oaken dresser and chest set with a matching wardrobe.
Rias is currently standing in front of the open wardrobe in a bathrobe while having a personal 'crisis'. There is thirty five minutes left before she is to meet Arthur at the Academy gates and she still hasn't decided what she should wear, how to wear her hair or what topics of conversation, other than what he is, because she is quite sure he isn't human despite what he says, and what that weird pulse was, to bring up tonight. At least she has her makeup, what little she needs, already done.
Rias has narrowed down her wardrobe choices to either a rather classy black dress that ends a few inches bellow her knees with a single 'strap' going over the left shoulder that leaves most of her upper back bare or a more racy dark magenta dress that leaves almost all of her back exposed and ends two thirds of the way down her thighs. Both dresses flare out at the bottom rather than hug her figure and would go well with her selected hand bag and any of the two inch black heels she has. For her jewelry Rias is wearing quarter inch diamond studs in silver and a small silver chain with a pearl pendant.
As Rias is 'hming' and 'hawing' over which dress to wear with which shoes Akeno walks in. She quickly scans over Rias' options for clothing and makes a quick decision for her 'king'.
"I would go with the black one with the open toe heels, Buchou," Akeno says, "For the hair you should leave it down."
Rias smiles and nods before saying "Thank you Akeno." She quickly strips out of her bathrobe and grabs the recommended clothing and an appropriate bra and pair of panties. She then puts on the undergarments and the dress. With Akeno's help she gets the zipper in the back done up and puts on the heels. She glances at the clock to see she has fifteen minutes left before she has to meet Arthur and it would take her at least twenty-five to walk to the designated place in her current heals. Rias doesn't want to chance teleporting straight there and have Arthur already there. Rias makes a quick decision to just teleport into the school and walk from there. With her mind set and handbag in hand Rias teleports to the main school building.
"Ufufu, I sure hope Arthur-kun is prepared for tonight," Akeno says just before exiting the room.
**** Academy Building Main Entrance ****
Rias appears in the main entrance to Kuoh in a brilliant flash of crimson light. After a quick check to ensure no one saw her show of magic Rias smooths down her dress and exits the building. The short walk towards the gate is over quickly and Rias can't help but notice Arthur's apparent absence.
As Rias steps through the gate Arthur's voice calls out from her left, "Good evening Rias." Rias automatically turns to her date and her heart skips a beat. Artorius is wearing a maroon dress shirt, blood red tie, a black shadow stripe suit vest in what looks like silk and black dress pants in the same style and material. His shoes are fine black Italian leather dress shoes, though not top of the market. On his left wrist Rias can see the band for an expensive gold Rolex.
Currently he is leaning against the gate support with his eyes closed, left foot crossed in front of the right and his arms crossed. He quickly pushes off of the wall while uncrossing his ankles and arms. Arthur opens his eyes as he turns to Rias and freezes, his crimson eyes widening in surprise. His gaze flies up and down Rias' form eagerly drinking in the sight before him in its entirety. After a few seconds Artorius releases a slightly shuddering breath. "I believed that there was no way that your beauty could be greater, but it seems I was wrong. My unworthy gaze falls upon a woman who must be an angel," Arthur says, Rias knowing that such is as far from the truth as possible. "I must be blessed." Rias smiles and giggles while a small blush dusts her cheeks. Arthur walks up to Rias and holds out his right arm out for her to take. "Shall we, Benihime."
Rias takes the offered arm allowing Arthur to lead the way. As they walk in silence Rias goes over the questions she think she should ask. Rias is so lost in thought that she doesn't notice when Arthur asks her a question. "Rias," Arthur calls with a small amount of concern. Rias blinks and looks to Arthur wondering what he wants to say. "Are you alright, you seem distracted?"
"Hmm, oh I'm fine, just going over a few topics of discussion for this evening," Rias replies, "Did you want to know something."
"Yes, I was wondering if you could tell me something about yourself," Arthur says, concern still showing in his eyes slightly.
"Oh well the first thing you should know is that I'm the youngest of two siblings and that my brother is extremely protective of me," Rias states.
"Yes aren't all big brothers," Arthur says blandly. 'Though he can't be to protective if he is allowing you to marry the Phenex when you obviously don't want to.' This thought causes a frown to mar Arthur's face for a quick second as his eyes haredn in anger before softening back to their previous look.
Rias catches Artorius' reaction to the comment on her brother and can't help but wonder if he knows more than he lets on. Pushing that aside Rias continues on with a little more information about herself. "My family is quite well off, though they are quite old fashioned," Rias adds the last bit under her breath.
"Old fashioned," Arthur says inquisitively.
"Yes, old fashioned. My father has it in his head that he has to arrange a marriage between myself and the son of another powerful family. I believe that is ridiculous. Not to mention that my betrothed is a complete chauvinistic womanizing pig. I absolutely refuse to marry that man," Rias rants out before gasping at all the information she never intended to let out. She looks to Arthur expecting him to be looking at her in disgust, but instead sees that his eyes are burning with rage.
"And your extremely protective brother agrees with this," Arthur grinds out through his teeth. He closes his eyes and breaths in deeply before he exhales. When he opens his eyes they are once more warm and caring with an undercurrent of determination. "Well Rias, I'll have to meet with your father and see if I can convince him that I'm a better match."
"I don't think that would work," Rias says, "My betrothed's family is very powerful and prestigious."
Arthur just chuckles lightly. "Okay, but my family, the Lucian family, was one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, families in Europe up until a couple of centuries ago," He says then smiles a macabre smile. "Unfortunately as often happens with families in dark times, my family was almost wiped out. I am the last pure blood descendent of the entire family." This statement is followed by a gasp on Rias' part. "But enough of this depressing talk. We've arrived at our destination."
Rias looks at the building they're standing in front of and realizes that Arthur has brought her to one of the few high end restaurants in the city. "Arthur are you sure that we can get a table here. I've heard that tables have to be booked a month in advance," Rias says, though she is hoping that they can get in.
Artorius chuckles once more then smiles that heart melting smile. "Of course we can get in," He confidently states. Arthur, with Rias on his arm, strides up to the entrance and opens the door for Rias. "After you Benihime."
Rias smiles and thanks Arthur before walking through the door. As soon as she is through Arthur steps through and follows her to the concierge. "Name," The tidily dressed man of average height asks when Arthur and Rias stop in front of him.
"Lucian," Arthur says.
"Do you have a reservation," The man asks.
"Do I truly need one," Arthur retorts.
"Without a reservation I will not be able to seat you. Make a reservation and return on a later date," The concierge says icily.
"I don't believe you heard me when I said my name," Arthur replies coldly.
"I did and as I said, without a reservation I cannot seat you," The concierge answers back. "If you want there is another restaurant down the street that offers fine dining without the requirement of reservation."
"Let's go Arthur," Rias says and tries to pull him towards the exit.
Arthur stands firm, even reaching across with his left hand to place it on Rias own hand comfortingly. "No Rias we will be dining here," Arthur states causing the concierge to bristle. Arthur stares the concierge down and says "Fetch the manager and tell him that Artorius Lucian is at the door."
The concierge glares at Arthur before turning on his heel and moving into the restaurant. Rias starts to fidget nervously beside Arthur before he squeezes her hand to reassure her. Rias looks up to Arthur and sees that he is completely calm. "Why are you so calm? What if the manager calls the cops," Rias asks in alarm. Arthur chuckles for a third time. "It's not funny this is serious," Rias says angrily.
"Relax Rias. There is no need for alarm," Arthur states smoothly. Rias huffs then sees the concierge returning with a fairly tall but unassuming dark haired man. When Rias turns her head to observe them she sees that both men are agitated. She starts to fidget again when they get two thirds of the way across the restaurant. Rias is taken aback when the men arrive and both bow deeply.
"My apologies Lucian-sama. I did not know that you were in town and some of the staff have changed since your last visit," The tall man, apparently the manager, says.
"It is alright Ao. It has been a couple of years since my last visit to Japan. Just be sure to inform new employees exactly who pays their wages," Arthur states with a pointed look towards the unfortunate concierge.
"Of course Lucian-sama, I will personally see to it that the staff is properly informed. Now if you would follow me, I would be glad to serve you and your companion this fine evening," Ao says before leading Arthur and Rias past the sweating concierge. Ao quickly leads the couple to a table for two set close to the window and one of the emergency exits. Normally this would not be prime rel-estate in a restaurant, but this table offered rapid service from the kitchen, a beautiful view of the city and the fountain at the center of the restaurant. Arthur stands behind one of the chairs and waits for Rias to sit in it before pushing it in for her and taking his own seat.
Ao leaves only to return shortly with two menus in hand. He hands the menus to Arthur and Rias before reaching into an inner pocket of his suit to pull out a pen and order pad. After a few seconds Ao starts speaking. "This evening the chef's special is an excellent roast duck basted in a red wine sauce or Filet Minon basted in the chef's specialty steak sauce," Ao says and waits for any questions. After a quick scan of the menu Arthur closes it and looks at Ao.
"What sides do the specials come with," Arthur asks.
"Either special comes with a serving of pomme de terre in your chosen style and choice of salad," Ao replies.
"Excellent, I'm decided. I'll take the roast duck with garlic mashed. I'll also take the garden salad," Arthur says, "To drink, seeing as me and my companion are under age, I'll take a bottle of your finest sparkling cider."
"An excellent choice Lucian-sama," Ao says while jotting down the order. "And what will the young lady be having," He says while turning to Rias.
"I believe that the Filet Minon would be agreeable with the side mashed as well hold the garlic," Rias replies.
"Of course. How do you want your steak done. And what salad would you like to start with," Ao asks.
"Medium well please. Does the chef's salad go well with the nights specials," Rias asks
"It would go quite well with you order," Ao replies, "And would you like something different to drink?"
"No the sparkling cider should do," Rias replies.
"Very well. I'll see to it that the chef knows exactly whom her staff is serving tonight. Enjoy the remainder of your evening," Ao states before collecting the menus, turning on his heel and hurrying to the kitchen.
Rias smiles then looks at Arthur. "I see why you were so confident that we would get in, Lucian-sama," Rias says bemusedly. "You never said that your family owned any restaurants."
"Yes, well it's not something that I advertise. Besides you told me to surprise you, and I must say that you seemed thoroughly surprised after Ao came out," Artorius replies.
"I was. So your family has holdings in Japan. Any other surprises I should know about," Rias asks.
"Right now not many, but if I told you all of my secrets I couldn't surprise you when I want. Are there any other burning questions that you want to ask," Arthur replies.
"There are many, but I believe that they can wait until after our meal," Rias comments. Just as she finishes Ao returns with their salads and drink choice.
"Your salads, I hope you enjoy your meal. Just signal if you want or need anything," Ao says.
"Thank you Ao. And as long as the chef hasn't changed since last I was here the meal should be superb," Arthur says. Ao bows and returns to the kitchen. "Now before we arrived we were talking about our families and early lives, yes. Although we didn't get far in our conversation."
"Yes, actually going back to that, you said you were the last of your family. Does this mean your parents are deceased," Rias asks before cringing, "Sorry, you don't have to answer that. I should be-"
"No don't worry about it. Yes my parents are no longer among the living. I actually don't remember much about them, I was only thirteen months old when they died," Arthur says, "I was raised by the family butler and maid, both of whom were very loyal to my father and are still loyal to the family. They pounded many things into my head, sometimes quite literally." Arthur grumbles the last three words out. This makes Rias laugh slightly the melodic sound brightening Artorius' mood slightly and making him smile. "What about your own childhood, surely it couldn't have been as boring as mine."
"How could your childhood have been boring," Rias asks.
"My childhood was spent learning how to be a proper gentleman, how to handle family finances and administration, inter-family politics, and how to make an opponent play their hand without revealing my own. On top of all the intellectual training, my guardians trained me physically. They worked me into the ground in unarmed and armed combat, both with a blade and a firearm, along with non-combat related training," Arthur says, "I'm actually one of the best swordsman in the world."
"Wow, it sounds like your guardians were preparing you to take on the world, be it peacefully or violently. My parents and teachers on the other hand treat me like I'm made of glass," Rias comments. All throughout the conversation both parties have been casually picking at their respective salad and have almost completed them.
It is at this moment that Ao returns with Arthur and Rias' main course. "Your main dishes. Is there anything else you would like," Ao asks.
"No thank you Ao. We will be fine for now," Arthur says.
"Then enjoy your meal," Ao says once more with a bow before leaving.
Arthur and Rias' previous conversation is put on hold for the moment as both start their meal. Rias cuts a small piece out of her steak to see that it is done to perfection. The smell wafting off the meat is strong but not overly so and sets Rias' mouth watering. She raises the piece on her fork to her mouth and daintily place it within. The flavor dancing across Rias' tongue is purely divine in her opinion and she hums out her approval.
"How is your steak Rias," Arthur asks after a few seconds.
"Quite superb, the meat is done to perfection, the baste and spices tantalize the palate, and the cut is both tender and juicy," Rias comments.
"Indeed the chef has certainly outdone herself tonight," Arthur replies. The conversation stops once again as both parties return to their respective meal. After a rather long fifteen minutes Rias daintily wipes her mouth with the provided napkin and sighs. "Well now that our meal has been concluded shall we continue our conversation from before," Arthur asks.
"Yes. As I stated earlier there are some questions that I would like answered. One of those is do you believe in the supernatural," Rias asks.
"The supernatural now there is an interesting topic," Artorius says, "I would have to say that the supernatural does indeed exist." Rias nods at his statement.
"And what drives that sentiment," Rias asks.
"I am," Arthur pauses, "sensitive."
"Sensitive as in you can sense supernatural beings," Rias asks in surprise.
"Yes I can. It's something I've always been able to do. Unfortunately I have no reference for the auras I feel," Arthur says. "And the range of my sense is quite immense."
"How immense," Rias asks.
"I can feel several auras gathered around the northeast section of the city. I also feel two very dark auras within the city limits, along with some various other minor signatures," Artorius says.
"That is a very good range," Rias says, filing away the information on the group of signatures in the northeast for further investigation.
"Yes it is. Is that all you wanted to know," Arthur inquires.
"No, I also want to know if you know what those pulses earlier today were," Rias asks and Arthur blinks in confusion.
"Pulses," Arthur questions.
"You didn't know," Rias says incredulously, finding that highly suspect. "How could you not know that a strange energy pulsed from your being earlier."
"I'm afraid my sensitivity does not allow me to monitor my own inner energies," Artorius says with a shrug.
"Interesting, then it wouldn't be to much of a stretch to say that your friends are also sensitive," Rias comments.
"Why would you assume as such," Arthur inquires.
"Because after that energy pulse at lunch when you met Akeno's eyes your friends became much more interested in what was happening between us," Rias reasons.
"Ah that explains your assumption. They are indeed sensitive but they are not nearly as powerful sensors as myself. Though friends is not a fitting word to use in our circumstance," Arthur answers, taking notice of Rias' questioning gaze he continues, "You see all of them are orphans and my guardians took them in. They are more like family than friends."
"Interesting, and I guess they received the same physical training as you," She says.
"Not quite, they never trained in the use of firearms like me," Arthur clarifies, "Also none of them can match me in any form of combat, even in a four on one fight."
"You must be quite quick on your feet in that case," Rias comments.
"You'll see just how quick later this evening," Artorius says cryptically.
"Where are you taking me after this," Rias asks.
"You'll see," Arthur says mysteriously. He then raises his right hand and gives a quick come hither motion with his index and middle fingers. Within a minute of the motion Ao is at the table.
"Is there something I can get for you and your companion Lucian-sama," Ao asks.
"Just the bill please," Arthur replies.
"Right away," Ao says and goes to retrieve the bill. Rias watches Arthur attentively trying to figure out what he has further planned. After a couple of minutes Ao returns with the bill and hands it to Artorius. After flipping open the leather bound holder and flipping it closed Arthur pulls out his wallet and takes out two ten thousand yen notes. He slips the two notes into the holder and hands it baxk to Ao.
"Keep the change," Arthur says before removing an additional five thousand yen note from his wallet. "Would you please give this to the chef for me."
"I will gladly give the chef your compliments. Enjoy the rest of your evening Lucian-sama," Ao says and returns to the kitchen.
Arthur stands and circles around the table to assist Rias with her chair. Rias thanks him for his assistance and takes the arm that he offers her. Arthur leads Rias out of the restaurant and turns right once they are on the street. As they walk Rias goes over some of the information that Arthur told her about himself. She wonders what she should do and whether Arthur could truly help her with her problem.
Rias is so deep in her introspection that she doesn't notice Arthur watching her intently. While Rias is thinking about what Arthur told her, he is going over the information that he withheld including, but not limited to, the true significance and meaning behind the pulses of his disguised devil power. Arthur ponders on what he knows he has to do when the time comes. But for now keeping Rias in the dark is better for her own sake. Arthur is sure that his father's enemies would jump at the chance to finally snuff him out or turn him to their own agenda.
The sound of loud music snaps Arthur's attention back outward where he observes that they have reached their destination. Arthur stops catching Rias off guard with his suddenness.
Rias blinks and starts opening her mouth to ask Arthur why he has stopped when she notices that they are currently standing outside a dance club. By the sounds of the music, which is Latin themed, Rias deduces that she is about to get a very good cardio workout. "I don't recall you saying you can dance," Rias comments idly.
"I did say my guardians trained me physically. Not all that training was combat related," Arthur replies, "Though I'm quite sure that I mentioned as much." Rias blushes slightly in embarrassment having missed that slight bit in favor of focusing on Arthur's assumed combat prowess. "No need for embarrassment Rias. That tidbit of information wouldn't seem all that interesting to me as well if someone mentioned it amongst the fact that they are extremely combat effective. My guardians believe that a true gentleman should be fluid in motion at all times, from every day locomotion, to during combat if necessary or on the dance floor." With that said Arthur starts towards the door to the club.
At the door the bouncer, a big burly bear of a man with silvery white hair, piercing golden eyes and a face that looks like he went a couple of rounds with a blender, holds out one of his monstrous paws. "ID please," He says in a familiar deep voice. Arthur reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet, sliding his photo ID out of one of the card slots. Rias also retrieves her ID from her hand bag. They each hand their ID to the bouncer who scans over them. After a few minutes he looks up and hands both teens their respective ID. "I'm guessing you already know this, but just so my ass is covered, it is illegal to serve alcohol to underage persons," He said.
"Yes we understand that is why I chose this club," Arthur says.
"I'm guessing you did your research. Unfortunately I don't know all the clubs policies, first night and all. You'll probably get carded again before the inner entrance. Make sure to pay your cover charge and ask the girl for your identifier," The bouncer says.
"Of course. Rias after you," Arthur says. Once Rias enters the club Arthur turns to the bouncer. "Arcturus I'd ask why you are here but that would be quite unnecessary," Arthur says under his breath.
"I'm sorry but it would seem strange for a grown man to not have a job. This helps me maintain my cover," Arcturus says, "Don't worry they are still under surveillance."
"Good. And excellent thinking," Arthur says and goes to step past Arcturus but Arcturus grabs Arthur around the arm. This earns Arthur's attention and he looks Arcturus in the eye.
"Be watchful in there, I saw a rather shady character enter earlier. He was being very mindful of the more beautiful women in the line up," He warns.
"Thank you my friend," Arthur replies.
Arthur steps through the front doors, the music increasing in volume as he does. Arthur quickly rejoins Rias by the bouncer at the inner doors once more producing his ID. Together the two teens enter the club proper where they notice a fairly attractive woman standing behind a counter collecting cover fees and taking pictures of patrons. Rias and Arthur proceed to the counter and pay their cover fees, Arthur covering both, and each receive a neon green bracelet. While there Rias hands her purse to the woman for safe keeping, paying the small fee for the service.
After the cover fee counter Arthur leads Rias through the crowd to a waitress behind a counter selling bottled water. "Hello can I get a water for my companion and myself please," Arthur calls out over the music once they reach the counter. The waitress smiles and hands Arthur the requested bottles. Arthur pays for Rias and his water and hands one of the bottles to Rias. Both teens crack their bottle and down half of it in a few minutes. Arthur puts his bottle down and looks at Rias prompting her to match his gaze. Once Arthur has Rias' attention he jerks his head towards the dance floor. Rias smiles and nods while reaching out for Arthur's hand.
Arthur quickly takes Rias hand and leads her out to the dance floor. Once there a high tempo 'mambo' starts and Arthur spins Rias around before catching her. Arthur grips Rias right hand in his left and places his right hand on her waist, while Rias places her left hand on his shoulder. Arthur picks up the rhythm immediately and leads the dance as is usual, throwing the lifts and turns in at random. The dance ends with Rias slightly out of breath. No sooner does it end than a song that goes with the 'cha-cha' comes on. Arthur doesn't miss a beat in transitioning between the two dances and finding the appropriate rhythm.
After the second dance ends Arthur drops the stance and leads Rias to a table on the side. This allows Rias to catch her breath and calm her racing heart, while Arthur goes to retrieve new bottles of water. As he is away Rias decides to take a look around the club. This cursory look allows Rias to see several men in the club are eying her up.
Arthur returns and hands Rias a bottle of water . "Are you enjoying yourself," Arthur asks.
"Yes," Rias replies and notices that most of the men she saw have now lost interest, except for one unsavory looking individual. Rias drinks from her water bottle while trying to fight the strong desire to wretch because of the man watching her. Arthur takes notice of Rias' discomfort.
"Rias is there something wrong," He asks.
"Not really," She replies, finishing her water and placing the bottle down, "Let's go back out." Rias grabs Arthur's hand and pulls him out onto the dance floor.
As they reach the center an extremely upbeat 'salsa' song comes on over the sound system. Arthur quickly seizes Rias and starts to dance. After a couple more songs Rias is once more out of breath and allows Arthur to lead her back to the table.
Once she is back in her seat Arthur goes to grab her a water. While Rias is sitting one of the roaming waitresses comes over and sets a tumbler with a fizzing dark caramel liquid in it down in front of Rias. "Compliments of the gentleman over there," The waitress says and points to the unsavory individual Rias noticed earlier. When the waitress turns to continue her rounds Rias places a hand on the inside of the waitresses elbow. The waitress stops and turns back towards Rias.
"Excuse me, but you wouldn't happen to know if this drink has alcohol in it," Rias asks.
"Yes, why," The waitress asks and Rias holds up her left hand in response. The waitress realizes what Rias means with the gesture almost instantly. "Oh, I'm sorry,I must have the wrong table."
Rias waves off her apology. "It's okay, just take it back to him and ask if he really meant it for me."
"Sure thing," The waitress replies. The waitress turns to leave then stops and looks back to Rias. "What if he tells me that the drink is meant for you?"
"Then tell him I thank him for the gesture but I make a point of not accepting drinks from strange men," Rias replies. The waitress nods and disappears into the crowd. Arthur returns just as the waitress departs and hands Rias a bottle of water.
"Do I want to know what that was about," Arthur asks concernedly.
"It's nothing I can't handle," Rias says.
"If you insist," Arthur says, "but if it gets to be to much just say so."
"I'll be sure to do that," Rias says. She starts drinking from the bottle of water before noticing that Arthur only brought back one bottle. After drinking her fill Rias hands the rest of the bottle to Artorius. Arthur accepts it graciously and downs the remainder quickly.
"Shall we," Arthur asks and offers out his left hand. Rias takes his hand and they both take to the dance floor. They dance to a pair of songs before Arthur turns to lead Rias off once more. Arthur stops after only taking one step and turns back to Rias when he notices that she isn't folowing. Reading her expression Arthur deduces that Rias wants to continue and acquiesces to her wishes, much to Rias' delight.
After the third dance ends Rias and Arthur walk off the dance floor back to their selected table. "Are you going to be okay if I go and grab us some water," Artorius asks.
"I'll be fine. I'm quite sure I took care of the problem," Rias replies and gives Arthur a reassuring smile. Arthur nods before going to grab some water. Rias watches as he goes before someone blocks her line of sight. Rias looks up to see who is standing in front of her and sees that it is the same man from earlier. "Can I help you," Rias asks the man while suppressing the urge to shudder when his eyes start roaming across her body.
"Yes, I believe you can," He replies, his oily voice invading Rias' ears and his eyes settling upon her chest before he licks his lips, this time unable to force down the shudder.
"Oh, and how exactly can I be of assistance," Rias asks.
"Well you can start by giving me your name babe. After that how bout I buy you a drink," He states. Rias feigns thinking about his requests for a few seconds. Rias then looks at the man and shakes her head.
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline your request and offer. Now if you will please leave I'm waiting for my date," Rias says before turning away from the man. Just as Rias thinks it's over she feels someone grab her left wrist and spin her around.
"What you're rejecting my offer because of that limp dick you're with," The man hisses into Rias face. The man smiles sickly making Rias shudder again. "Why don't you let a real man show you a good time."
"Let go of me," Rias orders, "This is not the behavior of a real man. A real man would walk away after having his offer politely declined."
The man chuckles darkly, his sickening smile growing more disgusting. "Oh I won't be walking away without what I want," He says before tightening his grip on Rias' wrist.
"I said let go," Rias says, her voice taking on a dangerous edge.
"I know, now why don't you be a good girl and come along before I have to get excessive," He bites back and turns to drag Rias behind him if necessary. As he goes to take his first step someone grabs his wrist in a vice like grip. The man grunts in discomfort and looks towards the source of the hand gripping his wrist and sees Arthur. Artorius twists the mans wrist in such a way as to make him release Rias.
"I think the lady told you to let go," Arthur states in a low growl. The man clicks his tongue and rounds on Arthur. Arthur releases the man as he turns and glares at him.
"You don't know who you're messing with buddy," The man says and steps into Arthur's face despite being a couple inches shorter.
"No, you don't know who you are dealing with," Arthur retorts and jabs the man in the chest with his right fore and middle fingers. The man stumbles back a step before glaring more intensely at Arthur. A few seconds of glaring precedes the man turning on his heel and disappearing into the crowd. Arthur turns around and smiles warmly towards Rias before looking down and frowning. Arthur takes Rias' left hand and looks more closely at her wrist before asking "Are you okay Rias?"
"I'm fine, just a little shaken," Rias replies.
"I believe we should leave," Arthur suggests.
"Why," Rias asks, "I'm having such a great time."
"As am I Rias, but I highly doubt that man will give up and just walk away. Something tells me he doesn't take not getting what he wants to well," Arthur states. He holds out his left hand for Rias. Rias takes his hand and starts to stand up. As Rias is standing up the little weasel returns with a smug look on his face.
"Where do you think you are going," He asks.
"We were on our way out," Arthur replies.
"Well you can leave," The prick sneers, "But the girl stays."
"I most certainly will not stay without Arthur," Rias retorts. "You were right Arthur, he doesn't take not getting his way well."
The sleazeball chuckles darkly with a disturbing twinkle in his eye. "Actually I think you are staying," He states. As soon as he is done four bouncers step from the crowd. Rias notes that none of the bouncers are the doorman that she saw earlier, though all of them are still between six foot five and six foot seven.
Upon realizing the situation Arthur glances to all the bouncers before settling for looking the tallest one in the eye. "Are you sure you four want to be part of this," Arthur asks receiving a glare as his answer. "Pity and I was hoping that I could just take my date home with out any trouble. I wonder what the police would say if they found out that the staff in this club condones the solicitation of minors by it's patrons."
"Hah, like the cops would believe you. What with you soliciting minors yourself and assaulting me and the staff, which is exactly what these four will testify to," The scumbag states. Arthur stares blankly at the man before pushing Rias behind him.
"I'll finish this soon Rias," Arthur says loud enough for only Rias to hear. Arthur shifts his left foot back a couple of inches while pushing it out to shoulder width. He leaves his arms down by his side in a relaxed manner and locks his eyes with the ring leader.
"Remove this prick," The slime ball orders and the bouncers advance. As soon as the are within two paces of Arthur he strikes.
Arthur's hands fly up to shoulder level and close half way as he steps forward half a pace with his left foot. The instant his left foot touches the floor his right foot rockets forward in a snap kick. The kick catches the second tallest bouncer, who happens to be in the center, directly in the chest and violently knocks him on his back, the back of his skull bouncing off the floor knocking him out. Arthur's foot makes land fall a split second later and he drives a left spin kick across the face of the bouncer to his immediate right, removing him from the fight. The bouncer to the right of the first bouncer to fall lunges in to restrain Artorius and receives a punishing right cross, followed by a thundering left hook. Arthur twists his upper body with the force of the left hook and drives his right elbow into the top of the bouncers skull. The bouncers eyes roll into the back of his sockets while Arthur spins to confront the final and shortest bouncer, having taken out the tallest with his last combo. The final bouncer leads in with a left jab which Arthur slaps aside before stepping in and wrapping his hands around the back of the bouncers head. Arthur drives his knees into the bouncers chest one after the other before twisting to the side and driving his right knee into the bouncers face with a sickening crunch. As the fourth bouncer drops Arthur rounds on the ring leaders last known position to see that he has fled.
All told the fight (read: ass kicking) lasted no more than twenty seconds. Arthur lowers his hands back to his side and looks back to Rias. "Let's get out of here," He says. Rias nods and takes hold of his left hand when he holds it out to her.
**** Twenty minutes later, Academy gates ****
"I'm sorry for how the night ended Rias," Arthur says apologetically. "If I'd known that such men worked at and went to that club I'd never have taken you there."
"There's no need to apologize Arthur, I had fun tonight," Rias says waving off Arthur's apology. "Maybe we can do this another time, well, minus the whole kicking the snot out of people." Rias says the last bit jokingly.
"Of course," Arthur says, then notices Rias starting to fidget slightly. "Is something wrong Rias."
"Not really, I was just thinking about earlier tonight and our conversation over dinner when you said you were sensitive to the supernatural world. What I never got around to asking is what you use your sensitivity for and what you are," Rias says.
"Ah, about that. The answer is for both is quite simple, but you might not trust me after," Arthur says, earning an inquisitive look from Rias. "You see I'm human and I use my sense to help me track down supernatural beings."
"Okay and what do you do after you find them," She asks.
"Rias, I'll be blunt. I'm a Hunter," Arthur replies.
"Hunter," Rias says in confusion.
"Rias, I'm a human that hunts and kills supernatural beings," He says, Rias eyes widen in alarm and she takes a step back. Arthur reaches forward quick as a flash and grabs Rias by the wrist. "Whoa, Rias take it easy. I don't kill all supernatural beings, just the ones that go bad. Even though your aura is slightly dark, I can tell that you have never done anything that would require my ending you, you don't have the right marker." This confuses Rias as seen by the look of confusion on her face. "When supernatural beings do something truly evil or dark their aura gains a certain dark twist to it. A good example of a dark act is killing a human without just cause." A look of understanding crosses Rias' face and she starts to relax prompting Arthur to release her wrist and smile. "Now then, good night Rias," He says before placing a kiss on her right hand.
"Good night Arthur," Rias replies. Rias turns and walks through the gates in the direction of the Occult Research Club building. As she's walking she misses Arthur stepping back into the shadow of the wall and sinking into it.
{A/N Yays gots me a third chappie. Nows all I gots to do is figure out what I'm puttin in the fourth. Ugh to many story ideas not enough brain power.}