This chapter didn't actually take that long, but I did quite a bit of work on the first three chapters, so if you're one of the ones that's been following along since the beginning, I'd recommend starting from the beginning.
Rias Gremory was a proud, High-class Devil, heiress to one of the most respected pillar families in the Underworld. As befitting her station, she was taught to deal with whatever came her way with the grace and poise befitting a noble.
She was not, however, taught to deal with Kazami Yuuji.
So when he responded to her invitation to deal with the matter of two Stray Fallen Angels, she was completely unprepared for him to declare that his desire was to keep them.
But that was what he had said. As if it was the obvious thing to do. As if he hadn't been dragged into the world of the supernatural by being murdered.
By one of the Fallen Angels before him.
"Yuuji?"
"Yes, Buchou?"
Her Pawn gazed over at her with innocent, curious eyes.
Rias could feel a headache coming on.
"What, precisely, do you mean by 'keep them'?"
Yuuji's eyes widened with sudden realization.
"...You're right. I wasn't thinking."
Ah, so the glaring issues had made themselves apparent.
Her adorable Pawn was a smart boy.
"Asia has nowhere to go. Can we keep her as well, Buchou?"
...What had she really been expecting?
"K-k-keep me?"
For some inexplicable reason, Asia was blushing furiously as Yuuji turned to her.
"We're friends, aren't we?"
No one missed how Asia's eyes shot wide open, nor how they began to glisten. The rest of the other Devils in the room couldn't help but smile at the sheer joy on her face.
Yuuji tilted his head.
"Aren't we, Asia?"
She nodded frantically, smiling blearily the whole time.
"Yes! I-I-I want to stay with Yuuji!"
Yuuji turned his head back to Rias with a raised eyebrow. She could only sigh, her smile never having quite left her face.
"Very well Yuuji, if you understand, then I'll allow it. But it will be dangerous to have a former Holy Maiden with no affiliation under your roof. So with that in mind-"
Rias turned to Asia, suddenly all business.
"How would you like it if you joined my household? You can stay by Yuuji's side as long as you want, and you'll even have a new family to call your own. In exchange, you'll serve me as a Devil."
Asia simply stood there for a moment, before sheepishly lowering her head.
"Become a Devil?... that...I.."
Rias' expression softened.
"I know this situation is hardly fair. But if Yuuji wants to protect you, this is the best assistance I can offer. Becoming a Devil will erase any previous claims over you."
"That being said, stay with Yuuji for now. You can take some time to decide, but I will need your answer soon."
"O-okay. Thank you, Miss Rias."
"Just Rias is fine."
Yuuji gave her a warm smile.
"Thank you, Rias."
Rias nodded in return, but her expression was stern as she turned away. Cold blue eyes swept over the two Fallen Angels, who had remained silent and huddled together, still with Asia's hands on their shoulders. Without looking away from them, she addressed Yuuji.
"Now in regards to those two, do you understand what you're asking?"
"Yes, Buchou. They've been disavowed. Abandoned."
The two women flinched at each word, quivering.
"Their leaders have cast them away, and they've given us our blessing to dispose of them as we see fit. A task you've left to me."
Rias didn't understand what he was getting at.
But it wasn't her that responded.
"Then..Then why? After what they've done, after what they've done to you! How can you let it go as if it's nothing!?"
It was Akeno that spoke, her voice steadily rising into an angry shout as everyone stared at her, startled. Rias was the only one who could guess who her anger was really aimed towards.
"Asia's forgiven them. Anyone can easily tell what kind of person she is."
"But what about you!?"
"Hurts, doesn't it?"
The room froze. Those words weren't directed at Akeno. Yuuji had turned his head back to the two Fallen Angels with a strange nostalgia in his eyes.
Raynare and Kalawarner were staring up at him as if he'd just slapped them.
"She'll forgive you without a second thought, because you were there for her when she needed you. Nothing that happened up to that point makes any difference at all."
All eyes were on Yuuji now, with one exception. Yuuji might have still been facing the Fallen Angels, but his eyes were somewhere else, far in the distance.
"And I'm sure you can feel it right now, can't you? Tearing bloody little holes in your hearts and being left to fester."
"That feeling when kindness, gratitude cuts you like a knife."
"But... I think you've suffered enough for now, don't you?"
The room was silent as the grave, The Fallen Angels stared at him with wounded eyes and shaking limbs.
Asia was staring guiltily at the floor, straining under the uncomfortable idea that kindness might not help at all.
More than a few were caught wondering just why Yuuji seemed so knowledgeable on the subject.
For his part, Yuuji simply crouched down beside Raynare and Kalawarner, lowering his head to their level, his expression unreadable.
"So I won't forgive you… Instead, I'll punish you. Raynare, Kalawarner, from now on, you'll live for my sake. If need be, you'll even die for it. Until the day I decide I no longer need you, your lives are mine."
Rias was staring at him in open-mouthed shock. She wasn't the only one, but her expression melted into a proud smile as she turned her gaze to look at the effects his words had had, on those they were directed towards.
The Fallen Angels… No, Raynare and Kalawarner. Behind those shaking gazes were just the faintest traces of hope. As if they were drowning, and Yuuji held out the only rope.
Yuuji had turned his eyes back to her, though. Questioning. Expectant.
She could only sigh once more. She didn't have it in her to say no to eyes like that.
Not from Yuuji, nor any other member of her precious family.
"When you put it like that, what else am I to say?"
She straightened, taking on a commanding air.
"You heard my Servant. He has laid claim to your lives as just compensation for your crimes against him. And so you owe him your everything. Everything, am I understood?"
Dazed nods.
The air suddenly rumbled and churned as her aura flared, the Power of Destruction engulfing her body. Pitiless blue eyes loomed above them, freezing them in place.
"Make no mistake, if you ever betray his trust, if you ever so much as think of hurting my precious Pawn...I will erase you."
Raynare and Kalawarner could only cower, nodding mutely.
Point made, Rias let her aura fade, and the stern expression gave way to a tired smile.
"That's enough for one night, I think. Everyone, let's go home."
As people began to file out of the hall, Yuuji felt a tug on his sleeve.
Eyes fixed on the floor, Raynare's eyes were covered by her hair. But her outstretched arm was trembling.
"Is it… Really alright? Can we...really?"
"Yeah."
A dull response.
"But...How… How can you just?"
She didn't understand. Truthfully, no one did.
"I'm not the kind of person that has a right to hold a grudge."
He paused there.
"And more importantly...I understand what it's like not to have a home."
More than one person in the room flinched at that. Earlier pride forgotten, Rias felt a pit open up in her stomach, as she realized she was the only person in the room who didn't know. Akeno's anger withered, and so she was left to bite her lip and avert her gaze.
Kalawarner spoke up.
"You're really going to…"
The question never quite made it out. But it didn't need to, as Yuuji slowly, gently reached out a hand to each of them.
...And flicked them on the nose.
"Don't overthink it, idiots."
...This was her one and only Pawn.
Rias couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Proud, but embarrassed nonetheless.
"Senpai is mean."
Koneko, as if it explained everything.
To be fair, it probably did.
"But Senpai is warm."
As if it explained everything. And maybe, just maybe it did.
Neither the two Fallen Angels, nor Asia could go through the teleportation circle. So they'd have to walk. The two of them were still wearing the blankets Asia had put on them, after discovering what was left of their clothes.
Of course, Rias wasn't quite ready to leave them alone with Yuuji just yet, so her and her servants were walking as well. As they traveled, she caught up with Yuuji.
Glancing at the others, they caught her intentions and backed off a little. She turned to her one and only Pawn, who was staring straight ahead with the same bored, lifeless look as always.
As if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. As if he wasn't still drenched in blood.
Hesitating, Rias took a moment to gather her thoughts.
"Yuuji...Did you mean what you said? Back in the clubroom?"
She wasn't really ready to ask this just yet. But it was weighing on her mind, and she couldn't go any longer without getting it out into the open.
Yuuji turned his head slightly in her direction.
"Does… Does being a Devil really mean so little to you?"
He blinked in surprise, before his expression returned to it's typical empty look.
"Yeah. Being a Devil changes nothing."
Rias was thought she was prepared for that, but she still felt her heart sink. They walked in tense silence, and the air grew heavier and heavier.
Looking back at her concerned household, who had listened closely in silence, Rias worked up the courage to continue the conversation once more. As his King, she had to clear up any issues or misunderstandings. She owed him that much, she-
"But… I've never been in a club before. Going to the same place after school… being welcomed by the same people...I think...I want it to continue."
Yuuji was frowning as he spoke, as if unsure of how to say what he wanted to say.
He kept walking, but Rias had stopped in her tracks. He didn't turn, so he couldn't see her expression...But he heard her soft voice just fine.
"Okay Yuuji. If that's what you want… Then we're not going anywhere."
The single stutter in his step was the best reply she was liable to get.
But that was okay. Kazami Yuuji had understood her words, and for Rias, that was enough for now.
Apparently, Asia, Raynare, and Kalawarner had expected some kind of talk when they arrived at his home. Apparently, they'd overestimated Kazami Yuuji.
His first words upon entering the house were directions to the shower. He then said they could borrow some of his clothes to sleep in until they had something more appropriate.
Yuuji hadn't thought this through at all though...His flat only had one bedroom. There were four of them.
Luckily, his bed was a king-size. JB had bought it for him, for when she visited, ignoring his protests. But it was a blessing now.
The girls protested of course, even if the two Fallen were rather nervous about doing so. But they still ended up cuddled on the bed together, Asia sandwiched between the two taller women. Meanwhile, Yuuji curled up on one of the couches.
Staring at his hands. Trying to ignore how slowly the fingers moved. Trying to ignore how he couldn't feel them at all.
Morning rolled around, and Rias stepped out of a summoning circle into Yuuji's living room. From his place in the open kitchenette, he turned to her before she could speak, and pressed a finger to his lips. Luckily for him, the sensation in his hands had returned by the time he'd awoken. One secret that would be a little easier to hide for now.
She raised an eyebrow, and Yuuji motioned for her to follow, to the door of his his bedroom.
Lying on the bed, blankets on the floor, they could just make out Asia's sleeping face. Snugly cocooned by not one, but two pairs of black wings. A serene, easy smile on her face.
Breakfast was left wrapped, with a note on the fridge.
They let the girls sleep.
"They're making it difficult, you know."
"They're supposed to be our enemies. They killed you, and nearly killed a sweet innocent girl like Asia."
"I still don't understand how you can trust them so easily."
Yuuji finally spoke up, the first time he'd done so on their walk to school. Even after a night like that, Rias hadn't let her peerage skip class. She was strict that way.
"Well, I don't really trust them to be honest. Even if they have nowhere to go, there's always the off chance that desperation could make them do something stupid."
Rias was frowning.
"Then are you really okay with leaving them alone? Leaving them alone with Asia?"
"It's because it's Asia that I'm okay with it."
That gave her pause.
"Asia's kind to anyone though. Doesn't that worry you, Yuuji?"
Yuuji continued walking without a change in expression.
"Yes, Asia is kind to anyone. But Asia doesn't just trust anyone. So if she trusts them, I can tell that they aren't bad people deep down. And they'll never betray her, because trust like that is a heavy thing."
Rias had raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"You know how animals don't seem to like certain people, even if they haven't done anything to warrant it? That's the kind of intuition Asia has. And that's the kind of intuition you can rely on, even if she's not quite conscious of it herself."
Rias stopped walking for a moment. When Yuuji turned, her expression was deadpan. She let out a loud sigh and buried her face in her hand.
"She's small, she's cute, she's innocent… Asia is a puppy, isn't she?"
Yuuji's smirk was rather self-satisfied.
When lunchtime rolled around, Yuuji was almost lured out of his absent-minded examining of the window by a commotion at his classroom door.
Almost.
Unaware as his fellow classmate were busy fawning over and worshiping the figure that had materialized at the door.
Unaware of the adoring words and high-pitched squeals of the girls, or the admiring (lustful) stares of the boys that followed their goddess into the room, as she locked her eyes on a single figure, sweeping past her worshipers.
Unaware as seeing the attention of their goddess elsewhere broke the hearts of everyone present. Unimaginably jealous of her preparing to bestow her blessings on a single mortal. Which was the homemade lunch held in her hands.
A polite cough. Then another.
Belatedly, he turned.
"Oh, it's just Akeno."
Blissfully unaware still of the shock and horror from the crowd that followed that causal statement, Yuuji returned to his careful examination of the windowpane. The Nadeshiko's perfect smile twitched, and her slender fingers tightened their grip on the wrapped bento in her hands.
"Helllloo Yuuji-kun~"
There was a dangerous edge there.
Once again ignored, as Yuuji tilted his head, puzzled.
"What are you doing here? This isn't your class."
"It's lunch time Yuuji-kun."
It took a special kind of talent to make another person's name sound like a threat, and a special kind of talent to ignore it. He blinked at the clock in surprise.
"So it is. Excuse me Akeno, I need to go down to the cafeteria."
He rose from his seat.
*Twitch*
"Yuuji."
"Hmm?"
*Twitch*
"Come with me."
"Now?"
*Twitch*
"Yes now."
"But it's lunch time."
The twitching of her smile reached violent levels. The room slowly seemed to darken, and the ordinary students found themselves, inexplicably shying away from a corner of the room. Even if said corner contained their idol.
"That's. The. Point."
"You owe me over that little stunt you pulled last night Yuuji-kun."
She thrust the wrapped lunch in his face. Unease forgotten, one of the onlookers swooned. Several others were crying. Several eternal grudges were formed. The usual.
Unconcerned, Yuuji looked up at her.
"I see."
Akeno's full hands prevented her from trying to tear out her hair.
"Thanks."
Akeno handed him a lunch, once they were up on the rooftop. Seating herself on the bench beside him. Just like when they'd met the first time.
"Listen Yuuji… I'm sorry for blowing up at you like that at the church. I don't have the best history with Fallen Angels."
"There's nothing to forgive. It's been made clear that I was the one acting strange."
"Thanks… But I'm still mad at you for choking me out like that."
And a little happy that he hadn't asked for details as to why she hated Fallen Angels. But first things first.
"I'm sorry, I thought you'd enjoy it more if I did it that way."
She scowled and blushed.
"Jerk."
"Sorry. What I really meant was that I needed you out of the way without hurting you, and that was the safest I could come up with."
"You could have tried asking for help."
She gave him a reproachful stare.
"And ask you to act against Rias, just to go along with my selfishness?"
"I…"
"No chance, Akeno. Your relationship with Rias is way more important than..."
"Than what Yuuji?"
Her voice was barely more than a whisper now.
"I… Nothing. Forget I said anything."
He turned away with a scowl.
"Finish the thought Yuuji."
"I…"
He bit off the words and went silent. But Akeno knew. Gently, she pulled his head back to look at her, hands on either cheek.
"You lovely, stupid boy. I don't know what it is that makes you place so little value on your own well-being, but don't think we haven't noticed. After we left you at home, Rias had us all sit down and talk about how we'd deal with you."
Akeno would admit that the narrowing of Yuuji's eyes and the flash of hostility stung. But that was precisely why she couldn't back down now.
"...And what did you decide?"
He was expecting her to condemn him, wasn't he? He was expecting them all to condemn him, just like that.
As if obedience had been his only virtue.
"I think it pained her to admit, but Rias felt that I'd be the best choice to talk to you."
Yuuji's eyes remained suspicious, but there was an unspoken question there.
A question she answered.
"You're not the only one who's wounded, Yuuji. You took in those Fallen Angels and Asia because you could see their pain. Rias did the same for all of us, so I'll make this as clear as I can."
Still holding his cheeks, Akeno looked deeply into Yuuji's eyes with all the sincerity she could muster.
"If you're going to refuse to find value in your own life, then we'll just do it for you. If you can't smile for your own sake, we'll smile for you, until the day you can smile with us...So stop trying to do everything alone, and try relying on your family a bit hmm?"
With eyes full of compassion, Akeno wrapped her arms around his head, pulling Yuuji down into a gentle embrace.
Pretending how he stiffened and went rigid in her arms at the word 'family'. Gradually, tentatively, he returned the embrace. Soon, he was gripping Akeno so tightly she could feel bruises forming.
But that was okay. Kazami Yuuji had understood her words, and for Akeno, that was enough for now.
They stayed like that for some time, before Yuuji seemed to snap to his senses, pushing his head back and holding her at arm's length. Yuuji stood up, and shortly after Akeno followed suit.
He was facing away, but his back seemed just a little less tense than before. As he turned back to her, Yuuji paused for a moment and frowned, clearly struggling with his words.
Akeno could be patient. She kept that gentle, almost motherly smile on her face, and waited for her cute underclassman to speak.
And the eloquent reply was;
"Huh."
Yuuji had returned (regressed?) to the same blank look he always had.
Akeno could be patient. Yuuji clearly had more to say…. A pregnant pause filled the air.
Didn't he?
.
.
.
He didn't, did he? This was why Akeno hardly liked any boys.
Right as her smile began to twitch for the umpteenth time that day, Yuuji spoke up once more.
"I don't really understand it to be honest. I don't understand what you all see in me, why you're willing to keep trying…."
Had she really not gotten through to him at all?
"But if that's what you're asking of me, then I accept. I don't know if I'll ever be able to give the answer you want to hear, but... I'll try to answer that hope you've placed in me."
Kazami Yuuji then put on the most genuine smile he could, and pulled Akeno into a hug of his own. She let out a little squeak of surprise, before relaxing and returning the embrace, awkward and wooden though it was. Only for a moment, though. Not quite releasing him, she held him at a bit of a distance.
Her stern expression contradicted by the sultry tease in her voice.
"You know, this doesn't mean I forgive you just yet."
"Oh? Well I wouldn't want to let a grudge fester. How can I make it up to you, Akeno-san?"
As his tone grew serious, Akeno put a finger to her lips with a sly smile.
"Hmm, I think I could forgive my adorable underclassman, if he gave his Onee-san a kiss~"
Teasing underclassman was a well-loved hobby of hers, though there were few Akeno would admit it to. Kazami Yuuji had definitely earned a bit of embarrassment.
She'd made a grave mistake though. In the roller coaster of emotions that had led them to this point, Akeno had forgotten some of the finer details of who she was dealing with.
"Well okay then."
Akeno didn't have a chance to be surprised at the easy acceptance, because Yuuji had pulled her in close, claiming her lips with his own without any further warning.
Her eyes shot open as she let out a muffled squeak, which quickly turned into something more like a moan as he used the opening to slip his tongue into her mouth, swirling it around hers and freely exploring every inch.
She leaned into the kiss and pressed her body against his, hands finding their grip on the back of his shirt.
She couldn't breath, she couldn't think.
The only thing she could feel was Yuuji's lips against her own.
An eternity later, Yuuji's lips released her own, and he lengthened his arms. Almost unconsciously, she leaned forward, seeking to continue. Dimly, she could make out Yuuji's questioning gaze, and his own teasing smirk.
"Forgive me yet?"
A heavy-lidded, dazed nod was all she could manage. Yuuji let her go, and she managed a single, wobbly step before sinking to her knees, panting heavily.
Akeno's head was spinning, so she put a hand on either of her burning cheeks, as if vainly trying to steady herself. Vaguely, it struck her that this was nothing more than Yuuji's way of being sincere, and a giddy, almost drunken giggle escaped.
Yuuji regarded her silently. As her vision came gradually back into focus, Akeno stared up at his smirking face, cheeks still burning.
"That was my first kiss, you know."
There was something vaguely reproachful in her tone.
"Mine too."
"Liar, no one's that good without practice."
... Suddenly, that seemed like a mark against him.
Yuuji merely shrugged, and focused his gaze behind her. Belatedly, Akeno became aware of a faint sputtering noise behind her. Turning, she slowly let her gaze drift to the other members of the household. She could vaguely remember that some time, ages ago, they'd agreed that Akeno would talk to Yuuji first.
Rias was the source of the noise, hands across her face (but not covering her eyes), cheeks just as red as Akeno's. Kiba, had politely averted his gaze, but not before stepping behind their youngest member, dropping his hands across Koneko's eyes. Koneko's hands were stacked on top of his.
Akeno had never been this embarrassed in her life. How long had they been there? It was shameful, it was humiliating, it was… kind of hot. Rias seemed to be trying to speak.
And failing.
"I...you...Akeno…"
As her best friend struggled to form a sentence, Yuuji beat her to it. Unsurprisingly.
"Are you alright Buchou? Your face is kind of flushed."
"Ah..I...you k-k-k-k-kissed."
Akeno had recovered enough at this point to make her move, smiling slyly.
She swept to her feet, and flung her arms around Yuuji's neck from the side. He tilted his head away with an annoyed expression, but she leaned closer with heavy-lidded eyes and a seductive smile.
"Fufufu now now Yuuji-kun, you wouldn't be so cruel as to rock a girls world like that and then run away, would you? You need to take responsibility for a maiden's heart~"
"Of course. I wouldn't have kissed you if I wasn't prepared to follow through."
The oddly serious tone he used made Akeno giggle once more.
"A-A-Akeno! Quit your flirting! T-this was supposed to be serious!"
Her King stamped her foot, but her furious blush undermined the authoritative tone Rias was attempting. Akeno shot her a playful wink.
"Ara, sorry Rias, but looks like I'll be going on ahead~"
As the two older girls went back and forth, Kiba, who had dropped his hands to comfortably rest on Koneko's shoulders, leaned his head down. Just as Koneko tilted her head back to meet his eyes. They smirked.
And in perfect sync, they shifted their gaze to the guilty parties.
"Perverts."
Not for the first time, Akeno reddened with embarrassment, though that wasn't nearly enough for her to relinquish her grip on Yuuji.
This changed suddenly as she recoiled in surprise, along with everyone else, from a sudden, unfamiliar sound.
Kazami Yuuji had begun to laugh, loudly and deeply. They stared at him in mute shock as he continued to laugh, one hand on his his head as he tilted it back. The laughter unceasing, he walked past them, opening the door and leaving them behind. The sound of the closing door broke the spell, and soon, nothing but smiles remained on the rooftop.
Kiba stared at the now closed door. Letting out a chuckle, he turned back to the girls.
"That was certainly unexpected. I've got nothing to add, Buchou, so I'll take my leave."
He walked towards the door. Koneko looked to Akeno for a moment, before shaking her head and following suit, leaving the two older Devils along on the rooftop.
"Smitten already, Akeno?"
Rias was giving her best friend with a faintly judging look.
"Oh please Rias, not to sound vain, but between the two of us we have hundreds of admirers. Do you really think I'd still be a virgin if I was that easy?"
Akeno rolled her eyes as she spoke.
"Well… I guess you didn't expect someone to one-up your flirting so easily."
Rias' smile turned a bit teasing. Rias was a bit too used to being on the other end of things, so she'd enjoy it while it lasted.
"No… But I've never realized how exciting that could be. After all, Yuuji is a really good kisser. I mean, a really good kisser."
Akeno's eyes had gotten unfocused, breath husky as she bit her lip ever so slightly.
Rias snapped her fingers in front of her friends' face. Akeno shook her head lightly to clear it, smiling once more.
"I don't quite know how I feel about him, and I certainly don't know how he feels about me. But just like he said, I wouldn't have tried anything if I wasn't willing to follow through. The last thing I want is to hurt him more."
"Haah... I can agree with you on that. As long as you're certain, I think it'll work out just fine. Our troublesome junior would never admit it, but he really can't be left alone. And if that's the case, there's no one I trust more."
Rias leaned against her friend as she spoke.
"Now that that's out of the way, why don't you say what you actually want to say, Akeno?"
Rias knew her too well to miss the cues.
"He took them in without a second thought, even after what they did to him."
So that was it. Of course it was.
"He has every right to hold a grudge, but it's clear he doesn't hate Fallen Angels at all."
Akeno paused for a moment.
"Rias, how many guys will I meet who could accept every part of me? I… I might never get another chance like this."
"So… are you going to tell him?"
Akeno shook her head, eyes conflicted.
"No. Not yet. I know what I said, it's just, I'm just…"
She didn't need to say anymore. Rias drew her friend into a warm hug, rubbing comforting circles on her back.
'Shhh.. I know it's still hard for you. Just take your time okay? I'll support you every step of the way."
She didn't say it, but Rias knew that even if Akeno thought Yuuji could accept the truth, that didn't make the idea any less terrifying for her. Akeno had enough scars of her own.
Rias was no stranger to friction with the family legacy.
She was no stranger to jealousy either, but she kept that to herself as well. It must be nice being able to choose who she wanted to be with. At least one of them could be happy.
Akeno's arms tightened for a moment, trapping her.
"Now that that's out of the way, Rias~ why don't you ask what you actually wanted to ask?"
Rias pushed herself at arms length, and Akeno didn't fight it. Her knowing smile widened as Rias squirmed and looked down guiltily, cheeks flushed.
"How.. how was it?"
Yuuji opened the door to his home. Rias had sent him straight home after school, excusing him from club activities for the time being.
"Welcome home, Yuuji-sama."
As he stepped in and closed the door, Yuuji was confronted by the pair of women who had spoken. Both of whom were bowing low in front of him, some distance away from the landing where Yuuji stood. Beside them, a younger, blonde woman shuffled awkwardly, partially bowed as well, but shooting confused looks towards the other two. With a put-upon sigh, Yuuji decided to start with the obvious issue.
"Why the hell are the two of you still in your pajamas?"
The two women, Raynare and Kalawarner, flinched at that, looking up slightly without breaking from their bows. When Yuuji glared impatiently, the two Fallen Angels quivered and bowed even lower. It was Asia that spoke up.
"They don't have any other clothes Yuuji. Mine are...I only have dresses...Mine are too small! I'm sorry!"
Asia wailed, with small tears in the corners of her eyes.
Yuuji stared at her for a long moment.
And another. Just as the tension reached unbearable levels, Yuuji let out a snort and looked away, covering his mouth with one hand. Asia covered her eyes with a cry, dropping to her knees.
"You're so mean! I'm… I'm still growing!"
"I didn't laugh."
But he wouldn't look at her.
"You definitely did."
Mostly, he didn't just didn't want to see that pouting face.
"Sorry Asia, that was cruel of me. I'm sure you'll have a growth spurt any day now."
Asia puffed out her cheeks and crossed her arms, looking away with a huff.
Throughout this exchange, the Fallen Angels had just watched in growing confusion. Face neutral once more, Yuuji turned to the two women, who met his eyes hesitantly.
"Can't you just make clothes with magic? I've seen Rias and Akeno do it."
Kalawarner was the one to answer.
"You are correct Yuuji-sama, we can but…"
Yuuji let out another long sigh.
"But I didn't give you permission to use magic, did I?"
A meek nod from the two Fallen.
"I suppose it's time to get this out of the way. Couch. Now."
As the girls hastened to obey, Yuuji slipped off his shoes and followed behind, at a slower pace.
As he stepped further into the house, an appetizing smell drifted from the kitchen. Odd that he'd only noticed now, with an open floor plan like this, but he supposed he just had other things on his mind.
"Was someone cooking?"
Come to think of it, there was a pot on the stove. Raynare and Kalawarner stiffened at his inquiry. Raynare answered for them both.
"Y-yes Yuuji-kun."
Her eyes widened in horror at her mistake.
"I-I mean, yes Yuuji-sama! I-we can both cook, so with Asia's help we were presumptuous enough to-"
"It smells good."
At his casual remark, the tension eased just a little from the room. Curiosity satisfied, Yuuji took a seat opposite from the girls.
"I-T-T-Thank you! You're… you're not mad?"
Raynare looked at him meekly, Kalawarner with more composed posture, but an equally nervous look.
"For making dinner? I think my heart's just large enough for that level of forgiveness."
Yuuji didn't miss how they immediately sagged in relief.
"Now, why don't we stop dancing around the issue? Ask what you want to ask, and we'll go from there."
The girls flinched and shared nervous glances, before Kalawarner straightened and spoke up.
"Yuuji-sama… What is to become of us?"
Raynare shrunk at her words, but Kalawarner continued to sit upright. Yuuji tapped a finger on his chin before answering.
"Straight to the point, huh? Good, this would be a pain otherwise. So I'll keep this short. You."
He pointed at Asia.
"And you."
Raynare this time.
"You're going to be joining my class."
.
.
.
Kalawarner didn't understand. He had left her out. Was he planning to separate them? Of course he was. She was just the unlucky one being singled out.
Good... she couldn't bear it if... hold on, what was that last bit?
Asia didn't seem to catch the implications, but Raynare's eyes were full of terror.
What was he planning to do to Kala? Was she to remain here? Would he make her-
...Wait, class?
"Raynare has already proven that she can pass for a highschool student. Don't take this the wrong way, Kalawarner, but you're the most grown up here, so I thought you'd prefer a job or something."
He ignored the guilty flinch from the black-haired young woman.
A job… What did he mean? What work was he planning for her-
"Because my house is boring. Staying here all the time would probably be hard."
"Huh?"
"I said, my house is boring. So what do you think, Kalawarner?"
The woman in question along with Raynare, blinked several times, confusion evident on both their faces.
Not Asia though. She had just processed the 'joining my class' part, and was only seeing sparkles.
"School? Jobs? Yuuji-sama, forgive us, but we don't understand."
"I'm a Devil, but I'm also a highschool student. So the three of you can follow suit, and be students, or get jobs as well. I can provide for the four of us if I have to, but it's sounds like it would be a pain."
This time, it was Raynare who responded first.
"N-N-No, we don't want to impose!"
She froze as soon as the words left her mouth, and slowly turned to find Kalawarner just as shocked as she was.
Impose?
... As if reading their thoughts, Yuuji smirked at them. Asia, finally able to see past the stars in her eyes, flung her arms around the dark-haired Fallen.
"Yes! I want to go to school with Yuuji-san and Ray-san and Kala-san! Please!"
Yuuji's smirk widened further, even as it softened ever so slightly.
"Well? You heard Asia. What do you say?"
Kalawarner nodded.
"I-I can work. I will work."
"Then can you teach?"
"Teach, Yuuji-sama?"
"Teach students. Rias can make it happen, if you want."
"Yes! Kalawarner can teach! She's done it before, she-"
Raynare went pale as a sheet, hands over her mouth.
Kalawarner was focused on Yuuji, eyes wide.
"Teach..Students? At a school? I… Yes... Yuuji-sama. I can be a teacher. I was an Angel of Knowledge before.."
Before her wings... Before the children, before she…
She shook her head furiously, dispelling the thoughts before it was too late. Unaware that it had taken several moments to do so.
"Oi. You don't have to tell me. Are you sure you're alright with that?"
Yuuji looking at her with slight concern.
"It's.. It's fine Yuuji-sama. I wish to be useful. If you wish for me to work, then work I shall."
Kalawarner met his gaze firmly as she did so.
Until Raynare addressed the elephant in the room.
"But Yuuji-sama, the other night, you said, you said that you'd…"
"Punish you?"
A mute nod in response. The tension had returned to the room, but if Yuuji had noticed, he wasn't giving any sign.
"Well, you are going to be forced to help out your natural enemy with the dark deeds he commits on his master's behalf."
They stiffened a bit at that, and Asia grew concerned once more, even if she didn't really get it.
"After all, I don't have a familiar yet, and while handing out fliers isn't really all that bad, it would still go faster with extra hands."
"Fliers?"
The girls were staring at him as if he was speaking the wrong language.
"Of course, it would probably cause issues if you went with me on requests, so we'll leave that alone for now. On nights like that, the responsibility of you two will be keeping Asia company, understood?"
It didn't take a genius to understand his hidden meaning.
"Yes, Yuuji-sama."
The two Fallen Angels stood up once more, and bowed.
"Also, that thing that you're doing. Stop it."
Yuuji vaguely gestured a finger as he spoke.
"The...thing?"
The two women looked at each other.
"The bowing, the 'Yuuji-sama', the asking permission to take care of basic needs, all of that. Call me what you want, and stop expecting to need permission for stupid things. While our fates are tied for the foreseeable future, most of the time that won't mean all that much. While Rias will probably scold me if we don't keep up appearances in public, she knows exactly what I'm doing here."
Yuuji turned his head to the third girl in the room.
"Asia."
She straightened up in surprise.
"I think it would be best if for now, you didn't leave the house on your own. Make sure one of us accompanies you. We'll have to be careful until things died down, but just to be clear, you're not prisoners, this isn't a jail. This is home."
He didn't miss the looks they gave him at the word home, but any words were cut off as he let out a sudden groan.
"Oh wait, that is a problem. Hang on."
Without further preamble, Yuuji pulled out his phone and flipped it open, while the nervousness level in the room steadily increased.
"Rias, I need your help… no not that kind of help, calm down. We're safe, it's just… my house is too small...yes my house, could you do something about it?...why? Because I believe in you, that's why... Rias? Rias are you still there?... Oh you just dropped your phone... so you will take care of it? Great, I knew I could count on you Rias … are you sure you're okay? Your voice sounds strange."
A moment later, Yuuji hung up.
The room was silent. Yuuji rolled his eyes as Raynare and Kalawarner stared at the floor.
"Spit it out you two."
"You… Why are you being so kind?"
Raynare was trembling as she asked. Kalawarner was only a little better.
"I mean, you said you understood… But, why us? Why me!? I killed you, Yuuji, and you just brushed it aside like it's nothing! Why would you care!? Why would you try to save us!?"
Raynare was yelling now, tears flying as she stood. The other Fallen remained seated, but bit her lip and looked at the floor, trembling as well. Asia hesitated, looking like she wanted to reach out but having no idea how.
"A long time ago, a woman saved a child who had no reason at all to be alive. She didn't know the first thing about raising a child, but she took the boy in anyways and did her best to raise him into a halfway decent man, and give him a reason of his own to live. And then, before he could find his answer… She left him alone again." Yuuji spoke in a distant tone, no longer quite with them in the room.
Yuuji stopped speaking for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
"But I think... she always hoped that if that boy ever found someone in the same position, he'd reach his hand out in turn. Even if he didn't have his answer. Even if he wasn't sure how he'd help them. So that's what I'm going to do."
His voice turned firm with conviction, and Yuuji rose from his seat, taking the time to meet each of them in the eyes as he did so.
"Raynare. Kalawarner. Asia. Let me help you. I don't know how I'm going to do it just yet, but let me try. Please." And with that, he straightened his arms at his side and bowed low, as if asking them for a favor.
No reply. Yuuji held his bow. Still no reply, and slowly Yuuji looked up, ready for…
Three women staring at him, glistening tears streaming down their faces. Before he could say anything, the dam burst, and Asia and Raynare flung themselves at him, wailing. As their arms wrapped around him, he was forced back into his chair, which promptly tipped over, spilling them to the floor in a tangled, sobbing pile.
Yuuji laid there, staring up at the ceiling for a moment as the girls buried their faces against him, sobbing loudly.
"This is gross."
"Waaah- Yuuji- d-don't... be so mean!"
"I'm supposed to be punishing you, Raynare."
"Just let me have this for now!"
"Huuuh… fine. I'll allow five minutes of crying."
The wailing intensified.
Gradually, the two girls had recovered to let him up off the floor, still on their knees and sniffling. Yuuji turned to the only person that hadn't joined in, and Kalawarner flushed and looked away, her cheeks just as streaked with tears as the other two girls. But one eye was still on Yuuji, and his worrying smirk.
"Asia. Raynare."
They snapped out of their sniffling and looked up at him.
"Aren't you forgetting someone? Kalawarner looks lonely."
With a betrayed look, the woman in question snapped her head back to him, spluttering excuses and waving her arms about in front of herself frantically.
Too late.
The wailing renewed as the couch she was on was the next to tip over, Kalawarner stammering, squirming with bright red cheeks as the two smaller, weeping girls clung to her.
Satisfied, Yuuji left the room to find a dry shirt.
Later, once the excitement died down, the girls had changed, the two Fallen Angels now aware they could use their magic freely to do so. Though, Yuuji had promised to take them shopping for real clothes soon, waving off any protests.
Dinner, which had been forgotten up to that point, was very much cold, but Asia had insisted that something about it was still warm.
Yuuji couldn't help but agree. He couldn't remember the last time he'd sat at a full dinner table.
The last one to shower that evening, Yuuji re-entered the living room to find the three girls cuddled up on the couch together, already in their sleepwear. Asia had an innocent enough white nightgown that reached a little shy of her knees, while Raynare had created a significantly shorter and significantly less innocent black one with her magic. Kalawarner had created hers as well, opting for a sheer, maroon nightie than strained against her more generous assets, as well as a short, matching housecoat.
When he approached, Raynare immediately twisted around to him (The hallway being behind the couch), to press a finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. Stepping around quietly, Yuuji found that the small human, nestled between the two taller women, was fast asleep, leaning her head on Kalawarner's shoulder.
The two Fallen Angels had fond smiles on their faces as they stared down at her, and Yuuji found himself wondering, and doubting, if he ever looked that peaceful in his sleep.
Yuuji was snapped out of his musings by an unwelcome buzzing, coming from the pocket of his pajamas. He tended to keep his work phone close by when he showered, but he had been hoping that that wouldn't prove necessary for a few days.
Waving away the two questioning gazes, for now, Yuuji headed to the bedroom to avoid waking Asia. Closing the door behind him, he flipped open his phone and brought it to his ears.
"Terrible timing, JB. I'll have to pass."
"Sorry, 9029, but that's not an option this time."
Using his call-sign over the phone told Yuuji all he needed to know.
"Good grief. 9029 reporting for duty."
He didn't tell them what was in the case when Yuuji told them he was 'leaving for work'. Nor did he tell Raynare and Kalawarner what kind of work he was leaving for at this hour of the night.
But that was fine, for now. They were well aware they had no right to be prying into his business, and they had a far more important task to focus on anyways.
For the first time in forever, Raynare and Kalawarner had someone other than each other, who was more than worth protecting.
In what would surely become their regular sleeping arrangement, Asia was tucked snugly in between the two Fallen Angels. As safe as could be.
In the morning, both Rias and Akeno came to pick Yuuji for school, and to check on his three 'guests'. This time they were awake, but any serious topic was cut off by Yuuji asking if she 'could free up some desks' for Raynare and Asia, and make Kalawarner his new homeroom teacher 'or something'.
"Yuuji."
The headache was starting bright and early today.
"Yes, Buchou?"
She found the way he tilted his head in confusion both a little adorable, and immensely frustrating. The hand Akeno demurely used to cover her mouth in no way hid her giggling.
"You really expect me to be able to pull off two transfers, and a new hire first thing in the morning?"
She didn't actually want the answer, but people don't always get what they want.
"Absolutely. I, Kazami Yuuji, believe fully and wholeheartedly in the abilities of my King."
His formal tone caused renewed giggles to come from behind her.
"Flattery will get you nowhere."
"You're still blushing, Buchou."
Rias couldn't see it on his face, but she could hear his smirk. Akeno's giggles grew in volume, while the other three women in the room were busy looking anywhere but her direction. Rias slumped, defeated.
"You're awful, you know that? Fine, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for Kalawarner-san. She can stay in the clubroom for today. Eager, sudden transfers I can pull off, but it'll take a bit more work for a sudden new hire. Stop laughing, Akeno, you're going to be helping with this too."
"Ufufu, Yes, Buchou~"
"'Sigh'. Now that that's taken care of, how are these three settling in? Any problems I should be aware of?"
No one missed the chill in the air.
"No, Buchou, no issues to report. Girls, anything you'd like to add?"
Asia stood up first, smiling.
"Th-Thank you again for letting me stay with Yuuji-san! And thank you for enrolling me in school!"
Rias hadn't actually enrolled her yet, but the smiling Sister, with her grateful little bow, had unwittingly trapped her into doing just that. Yuuji's knowing smirk and yet another giggle from Akeno told her they were fully aware, but Rias couldn't quite bring herself to be angry.
"You're welcome, Asia-chan. Akeno and I will be in the grade above you, but feel free to come to us if you need any help. My door is always open."
Yuuji noticed that she hadn't brought the matter of reincarnation up, but he appreciated that Rias wasn't trying to push.
Sensing they were finished, the two Fallen Angels, that had risen to stand side by side, stepped forward to bow and speak as one.
"Thank you for allowing us to stay with Yuuji-sama."
Rias turned to them at that.
"You are welcome, serve him faithfully, and you and I will get along just fine."
Rias smiled politely.
"Oh! That reminds me, I nearly forgot why I was here!"
Akeno clapped her hands together as she spoke, drawing all eyes to her. Narrowing her eyes briefly at the two Fallen Angels, she swept over to Yuuji, and threw both arms around his neck, pressing closely against his chest and nuzzling against his neck.
"Akeno! Now is not the time!"
Rias scolded her.
"Now is exactly the time, Buchou. I'm sure the message got through~ By the way Yuuji, you and I need to have a talk soon…. Privately~"
The man in question raised an eyebrow.
"We do?"
"Yep, don't make a girl wait, Yuuji-kun."
Yuuji was pretty sure he knew what Akeno wanted to talk about. That didn't explain, however, why every other girl in the room was blushing. He had a distinct feeling that trying to find out would be a pain though, so he'd ignore it. JB had always complained about how dense he was.
Now was as good a chance as any to own it.
"I'll look forward to classes with you, Asia."
She perked up and smiled.
"Mhm! Please take care of me, Yuuji-san!"
"And I'll look forward to learning from you, Kala-Sensei."
She blinked and reddened at the nickname, but recovered quickly to smile politely and nod.
"And…"
Yuuji smirked.
"I'll look forward to classes with you as well, Yuuma-chan."
'Yuuma-chan' buried her face in her hands with a squeal, as Yuuji's smirk widened.
School was about to get livelier than ever.
The surprise debut of two new transfer students had went over well. And when Yuuji thought 'well', he meant that two new fan clubs had likely been born on the spot. On an unrelated note, it seemed he had one of those as well.
Some people had no taste.
Asia was a bit shy at first, but when the preliminary questioning revealed her excitement for being at the school and having so many chances to make friends, the hearts in the room melted. Some of those hearts subsequently broke when she couldn't contain her excitement at sitting next to Yuuji.
'Amano Yuuma' was playful and outgoing, teasing without being cruel, and innocent without being naive. Suffice to say, she drove the boys (and a few of the girls) wild.
Having offered the side seat to Asia, she took the window seat directly in front of Yuuji. That too, did not go unnoticed. Given the personal visit of one of the Great Onee-sama's earlier in the week, and harem rumors had begun.
Not that Yuuji was aware of any rumors. That required a minimal level of attention payed to small-talk.
Occult Research Club room. Yuuji had led Raynare and Asia there, though Raynare was still playing the part of 'Yuuma'. Though, Yuuji had noticed something during the day. He had spent his time carefully watching over her and Asia, and come to a bit of a realization.
'Raynare' might have been her true name, but 'Yuuma' was the true personality. The cheerful, bubbly girl with bright eyes was who she really was, not the poorly designed facade of a Fallen Angel assassin.
It was to be expected.
Many people who should be too kind for such work had a disconnect between their home and work identity. Take JB, for example. 'Julia Bardera' was a kind-hearted airhead who worried too much. But as his case officer, 'JB' was cold, calculating, always ready to make the hard calls.
True, it was 'Harudera Yuria' since moving permanently to Japan, but Asako had always called her JB, so he had picked up the habit as well. Back to Raynare, though, that would be something to watch out for. Since Yuuji had known JB for so long, he was fully aware of the stress that disconnect could bring. He'd spent more than one sleepless night comforting his erstwhile superior when she'd given an order with a particularly steep price.
And judging by her actions, Raynare had the exact same problem. Unfortunately, she had been denied that ever so small mercy of not being in the field herself, so the blood on her hands was all too real.
Arriving at the old school building, however, forced Yuuji to put those thoughts aside. Asia looked a little nervous, but only gave him a muddled look when Yuuji assured her he wasn't in a cult. Raynare stifled a laugh though, so at least the joke worked to some degree.
The clubroom wasn't empty, though it was almost completely silent. On one couch was Kalawarner, sitting rigidly, and on the other couch was Koneko, eating chips.
"Kala-chan!"
Raynare chirped.
"Hello, Kala-san."
Asia said with a bit more reserve, but just as much joy.
Kalawarner immediately brightened and stood up, returning the greetings as the girls passed Yuuji, who remained at the door. As she returned the hugs of the smaller girls latched on to her, she turned her attention to Yuuji with a polite nod.
"Hello, Yuuji-sama. How was your day?"
Yuuji frowned at the greeting.
"Didn't I tell you to drop the 'sama'?"
Kalawarner nodded in response.
"You also told me to call you whatever I wanted, Yuuji-sama."
Kalawarner had a bit of a smirk as she said that. Good, maybe she was relaxing a bit.
"Fine, fine. I'm back, Kala-chan."
Yuuji was the one wearing the smirk as the slightly taller woman flushed and looked away. Ignoring that for now, he let Asia and Raynare sit on one couch with her, chattering excitedly to her about their day, while he took the other couch beside Koneko.
"You two getting along?"
"Yes Senpai. Though there's a chasm between us we'll probably never cross."
Ah, that was to be expected… Why was Kala blushing again? She wouldn't meet his eyes.
"The Fallen Angel-san doesn't like snacks."
Koneko, as if it explained everything.
To be fair, it probably did.
Yuuji stared down at the white-haired girl. Just as she was starting to squirm uncomfortably, he tilted his head to one side.
"Isn't that a good thing though?"
An eyebrow rose in question.
"If she doesn't like snacks, that's one less person who would ask you to share."
Koneko's eyes widened for a moment, before she smiled slightly and nodded her head a few times.
"I was naive, Senpai. Let's get along, Kalawarner-san."
Kalawarner flinched at hearing her name, blinked, and then politely returned the smile, albeit with a bemused expression.
"I would like that, Koneko-san. I'll be in your care."
"Just like that, Koneko?"
"Don't look at me like I'm the weird one, Senpai. I have less reason to hate them than you do."
Koneko paused for a moment.
"Trust doesn't come that easily, but I trust you, and Senpai's the scariest person I've ever met."
Yuuji regarded her for a moment, before smiling thoughtfully.
"True, I've heard mutual suffering helps foster trust. I was planning to train Raynare and Kalawarner as well. Haven't asked Rias though, yet."
No one missed how Koneko stiffened at the word 'train'.She held Yuuji's gaze for a moment, before slowly getting to her feet and shuffling over to the other couch.
The two Fallen tensed as she reached for them, but not sensing any hostility, allowed her to continue, though they kept wary eyes on her.
...As she reached out a hand, and patted both of them gently on the shoulder.
Their bewilderment was met with an expression of the deepest sympathy.
Which was the point when Rias and Akeno entered the room.
"Is there something I should know about?"
Rias had a puzzled tilt to her head.
"I'll tell you in a moment, Buchou. I think there's something I need to take care of first."
Yuuji's attention was on Akeno. Immediately upon seeing him, she had beckoned him over, then had looked down shyly, bangs covering her face.
"..Okay then, Yuuji. Take as long as you need."
A soft smile, as Yuuji walked past her, Akeno already leaving the room.
"So? What did you want to talk about, Akeno?"
The girl in question was fidgeting in the empty classroom on the first floor, not quite meeting his eyes.
"Well… You said you were willing to follow through. You know, when you k-kissed me. So are we… You know?"
This was a lot harder than Akeno had expected. All her carefully thought out words, all of Kiba's advice, had seemingly flown from her head.
"Are we what? Akeno, spit it out."
She flushed at his words.
"Are we… dating?"
Yuuji blinked in confusion.
"Dating? Us?"
Akeno sagged a little.
"Do you… Do you not want to?"
"I'm a little out of touch with these sort of things."
But that wasn't a no, was it? Was it?
"Then, do you like me, Yuuji?"
"I…" She filled in the gaps left by his hesitation.
"You don't have to force yourself, Yuuji. I understand."
Akeno's smile looked more than a little lonely.
Of course he didn't like her. Yuuji didn't seem like the sort to like someone for their body. And really, what else was there to Himejima Akeno? A pretty little face, to hide how ugly and empty she was on the inside.
He stood there for a moment, silent. Akeno could feel her heart grow heavier and heavier, and she was ready to turn and leave, run, when he held out a hand.
"Like a painting."
"Huh?"
"You were like a painting, Akeno. Too beautiful and elegant to seem real. Honestly, when we first met, I was so overwhelmed by the feeling that my very presence was ruining something beautiful, that I nearly turn and ran."
Was that what everyone thought? She wasn't… She was more than… Wasn't she?
"But…"
Yuuji paused, as if searching for the words he wanted to say. She could feel just the faintest glimmer of hope, buried somewhere deep. Don't stop Yuuji. Please.
"I want to see more of it."
"More of?... More of what Yuuji?"
Her voice was barely more than a whisper.
"I mean… This is difficult… What I mean is…Dammit."
Yuuji was getting more and more frustrated. He was struggling, she could tell. But he kept struggling.
Akeno's internal dialogue scattered to the wind as Yuuji grabbed onto her shoulders with both hands and looked deeply in her eyes.
"I want to see more of Himejima Akeno. I want to know more of Himejima Akeno. I don't really understand the why just yet, but that's what I think."
Akeno was quivering a bit. Had he said the wrong thing?
This was difficult.
Her voice was still quiet.
"Tell me one thing then, please"
"Sure, Akeno."
"Once more, do you...do you like me, Yuuji?"
A firm gaze met hers.
"I do like you, Akeno. I can't quite say in what way, but that much is true. I wouldn't have kissed you if I wasn't interested at all."
"...Okay, Yuuji. I think that's enough for now. Then are we…"
"Dating?"
A wordless nod.
"I'm willing to, if that's what you want, Akeno."
Her response was a weak smile. She was shaking a little still. Yuuji was starting to be bothered by it, but a noise from around the corner stopped him. Meeting Kiba's smiling face, he raised an eyebrow
"Hey, Kiba. Did Buchou send you?"
"Yes, Yuuji-kun, you were taking a while so Buchou was a little concerned."
"Oh, okay. I think we're done… Almost? Oi, Akeno, snap out of it… Akeno?"
Her shaking had increased. What the hell was going on-
With a loud, joyous cheer, Akeno spun and flung herself at Kiba, throwing her arms around his neck and spinning both of them about. As if expecting it, Kiba caught her, patting her on the back.
"I did it Yuuto! He said yes! You were right you were right!"
"I'm happy for you, I knew you'd be okay. Now, you know Rias is dying to hear how it went, so why not go share?"
He continued patting her on the back with an indulgent smile, unconcerned as the arms around his neck tightened.
Akeno released him, sweeping around the corner without so much as a backward glance. Giddy laughter trailing down the hall in her wake.
Yuuji could only stare in awe, wondering when the world had stopped making sense.
"...Kiba."
"Yes, Yuuji-kun?"
"There was a girl here who looked just like Akeno-san. Did you see her?"
Kiba laughed at that.
"She might try to hide behind her "Great Onee-sama" title, but Akeno-san is still a teenage girl. They all get excited like that when a boy they like returns their feelings, even if just a little."
"Did she go to you for advice?"
"Yes. It happens from time to time."
"Do the other girls ask as well?"
"Haha, not to sound vain, Yuuji-kun, but all the girls in school recommend me for relationship advice. Not that I understand why, but girls tend to share that kind of thing. It's one of those open secrets, I suppose."
"Then you must have a lot of experience."
Kiba laughed again.
"Not in the slightest. It's just that the girls in the peerage are the only ones who believe me when I tell them."
"You must give good advice then, if it keeps happening."
"I guess so. It's still a mystery to me sometimes."
"So I guess you've known her a long time, if Akeno is that comfortable around you. Haven't the two of you ever considered-?"
Kiba had to take a second to laugh once more, the joy on his face clear to see.
"I was the third person to become the servant of Buchou, Yuuji-kun. I was 11. Rias, Akeno, and Koneko are practically sisters to me. Both of Buchou's parents have given us their blessings to adopt the Gremory name as our own."
"So why don't you?"
"Akeno's surname is a memento of her family, and Koneko and I were both given our names by Buchou. It's my most cherished possession."
"I see."
Something suddenly fell into place.
"So the reason you're immune to the attentions of the opposite sex...?"
"Yes, Yuuji-kun. Puberty at the Gremory estate."
Images of a petite girl, with long, silvery hair and stern red eyes flashed through Yuuji's head.
"You had it rough too, huh Kiba?"
"Yes Yuuji, I can tell you understand."
The two men of the Gremory household wallowed in shared pain for a moment.
None of the Gremory peerage took requests that night. While it was obvious that the tension between Fallen Angels and Devils wouldn't just disappear, they all seemed at least willing to try. Yuuji couldn't help but notice how Akeno's usual polite manner was strained to its limits, but if she was willing to at least try and rein in whatever hostility she had, that was enough for now.
Akeno, Kiba and Koneko all left one after another, leaving Rias alone with Yuuji and his new roommates.
He was a little surprised when Rias asked Raynare, Kalawarner, and Asia to go home without him, but they reluctantly (very reluctantly) agreed when Yuuji told them to go home and get some rest.
"So, Buchou, what did you need?"
Wordlessly, she beckoned him down the hall, to one of the rooms with spare beds.
Facing away from him, Rias slowly reached up to about waist height and fiddled with something.
He raised an eyebrow as her corset fell to the ground. Then her cape, then her shirt, before she stepped out of her shoes, taking off her socks and skirts next.
Standing in her underwear, Rias turned to face Yuuji, right as she unhooked her bra, letting her breasts bounce free. Panties followed, and Rias was naked before him, illuminated by a shaft of moonlight.
She was perfect. So fragile. So vulnerable.
... He was angry.
Rias Gremory was offering herself to him, and all Kazami Yuuji wanted something to kill.
"I… I know you're with Akeno now, so please don't read any deeper into this. But Yuuji, I need you to have sex with me right now, before it's too late."
Before it's too late? Pushing that aside, Yuuji strode forward.
"If that's what you want Bu- No, Rias."
The girl in question paled a little, as if surprised he'd accept.
"Really? T-that's good, I knew I could count on you. This is my first time, so please be gentle. Or, if you'd prefer~"
She was batting her eyes at him. It went unnoticed.
Rias let out a loud yelp as he flicked her on the nose. Kazami Yuuji in no way cared how Rias Gremory batted her eyes at him.
"You're trembling, idiot. Don't get carried away."
She flinched a little, taking a half step back as something trailed down the sides of her cheeks.
"Huh? I thought I was- I thought."
Tears.
Rias Gremory was crying.
"What's making you go so far? No, better yet, what do you really want from me, Buchou?"
For a split second, Rias was hurt by his tone. But then, she understood what he was asking.
Give me an order.
"P-please Yuuji… Save me."
"Yes, Buchou-"
Yuuji's words were cut-off by the unfamiliar magic circle that appeared in the room. At the sudden appearance, Rias gave a bitter smile, wiping her cheeks.
"Too late huh? Sorry for troubling you Yuuji. Let's just forget about this, okay?"
"...Yuuji?"
Whatever she'd wanted to ask withered and died in her throat as Yuuji roughly pulled her behind him.
Hate you hurt you crush you kill you.
The link between her and her Evil Pieces allowed Rias Gremory to feel the strongest emotions of her peerage.
Hatred howled through her mind like a black storm, and a vicious, otherworldly snarl pounded through her head and shook the walls.
"Hey…. Who the hell are you?"
Feebly, the moonlight withered and died, leaving only a hateful shadow in its wake.
Grayfia Lucifuge was the maid of the Gremory Household, widely acknowledged as the Strongest Queen of the Underworld. But the first title, to her, was far more important.
So when the silver-haired beauty appeared in her typical maid's dress, she was ready to prevent her young mistress Rias from doing anything that would bring shame to her or her family.
Bottomless. The eyes that burned into her were bottomless, disturbingly dark.
Malice that denied everything, fury born from the very idea that anything could live and breathe in its presence.
... The rational part of her mind understood that victory was a certainty if she fought this boy, this thing in front of her.
Yet her instincts screamed at her to not take one single step.
It just wasn't worth it.
... A deeper, secret part of her was thrilled, however.
Because it was protecting Rias from anything and everything.
Best treat this delicately, Rias would never forgive her if she hurt this boy, who she could only assume was the newest Pawn she'd been so excited about.
She gave a polite bow and spoke, carefully and slowly.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Grayfia, a maid that serves the House of Gremory. May I assume that you are Kazami Yuuji?"
The dark aura receded a bit at the polite greeting. Or maybe it was the trembling arms Rias had wrapped around him, as if to hold him back.
"Yeah. The pleasure's mine, Grayfia-san."
Naked hostility added a tense edge to his polite tone. This boy was used to being professional towards those he clearly had no interest in dealing with. Who exactly was Kazami Yuuji?
"Was this your plan, to get out of the arrangement by throwing away your purity?"
Rias twitched upon hearing those words, taking on an unpleasant air almost immediately.
"It's not 'throwing it away', if it's someone I acknowledge. What I do with my cute servants is my business, and I won't forgive anyone who suggests that's a waste, even you, Grayfia."
"Regardless, the next heiress to the Gremory Household should not be showing her skin so recklessly. Even more so in a situation like this."
As she spoke, she scooped up Rias' bra from the floor, holding it out to her. Reluctantly, Yuuji stepped to one side, out of Rias' arms, his eyes roaming between the faces of the two women in the room.
This Grayfia was a tall woman, just between Yuuji and Rias in height. Appearing to be about JB's age in her early twenties, her shining silver hair was split into three strings, knotted together. With red eyes contrasting her blue and white maid uniform, she came across as quite the cool beauty.
Powerful too, overwhelmingly so.
From her posture to the air around her, this woman held herself with the unshakable confidence of the truly strong.
"Grayfia, did you come here of your own accord, or was it the household.. Or, Onii-sama?"
Rias had a brother? He'd had no idea.
"All of them."
Rias sighed as if giving up. Yuuji nearly snapped right there. Everything about this was wrong.
"Then it can only be one thing if they sent you personally. Say no more."
Rias began to dress as she spoke.
"Grayfia, let's return to my house, we can speak in my room. Akeno may also be present, correct?"
"Your 'Priestess of Thunder'? I do not mind. A Queen belongs at her King's side."
"Very well. Yuuji?"
Yuuji turned as she stepped over to him, and blinked in surprise as her lips brushed his cheek.
Closer now, she whispered to him.
"I've troubled you, haven't I? Forget I said anything Yuuji, it's okay. We'll talk tomorrow."
Yuuji said nothing, waiting silently as she summoned her power and vanished.
"Liar. As if anyone would believe a sad face like that."
He glared at the spot where she'd vanished, before turning to the remaining occupant of the room.
His expression impassive once more, he met the maid's inquisitive stare.
"Grayfia, was it? You and I need to talk."
Originally, this was going to go up to the meeting with Riser, but I found a good stopping point so I went with it.
Kiba being immune to women due to long lengths of time living with the likes of Rias, Akeno, Grayfia and Venelana struck me as an obvious (and hilarious) explanation. And you know those four will have sky-high standards for any girls he does show interest in.
Really though, that Kiba scene was good times all around. He's actually my 2nd favorite DXD character, and my favorite male character in the series.
Lot's of issues came out into the open, but seeds have been planted for them to start moving forward a little bit.
And Akeno got a firm reminder to be careful who she teases. That was fun to write.
Comments and reviews are always appreciated, and thanks to everyone who's read so far.