"Onii-chan? Will you please zip me up?" Asia sat down on the bed with her back towards him.
Issei noticed her back was completely exposed.
"No bra?" he asked.
"Of course not," Asia said. "You told me to wear this dress."
"Well, I…" he had indeed picked out a dress and told her to wear it, but-
"Since you didn't specify any underwear, I can only assume you didn't want me to wear any," she explained.
"Oh."
"Was I wrong?" Fear sneaked into her voice.
"No, no. You're right. If I wanted you to wear underwear, I should have specified that. Sorry for making you worry."
"It's okay," Asia said. "It's a bit new for both of us. Would you like me to put on underwear?"
"No. You're fine like this."
He carefully closed the zipper of her dress.
"Okay, Onii-chan."
"Show me how it looks like," he said.
Asia stood up.
The white dress looked pretty good on her. She was blushing slightly since this dress was more revealing than what she would usually wear.
Issei motioned for her to turn around. Asia made a turn so he could check out the back as well.
"So," Issei said. "I assume you're not wearing panties either then?"
She blushed. "That's right."
"Show me."
With trembling fingers, she lifted the hem of her dress. She was indeed wearing nothing beneath that dress.
Issei touched her between her legs.
She inhaled sharply. "O-Onii-chan?"
"I'm just touching what's mine."
"Y-Yes." She kept her dress lifted.
"Oh my, someone is getting all excited."
"Y-You too." She nodded to the bulge in his pants.
"Senpai?" a voice said from the hallway. "What do you… oh."
"Oh, hey, Ruru-chan," he said, casually.
"Am I interrupting something?" she asked.
"Not at all." He pulled his hand away. While looking at Ruru-chan, he brought his hand up to Asia's face.
Without hesitation, Asia took his fingers in her mouth and dutifully licked them clean.
Issei studied Ruruko.
His other girlfriend had just gotten out of her shower it seemed. Her long auburn hair was still a bit wet. It was put up in the usual twin tails, but now, she used different clippers. Instead of the usual plain green, they were silver-green with elaborate flower patterns. She had put on eyeliner as well to make her green eyes stand out more. Ruruko had a similar dress on, but it was light blue instead of white. And he could see another set of straps going up, so Ruruko was wearing a bra.
He pulled away his fingers from Asia. "Good girl."
Sensing he was finished for now, Asia put her clothes back to normal.
Ruruko ignored their little exchange.
"What do you think?" She spun around. Her dress was so short he caught a glimpse of her panties. White with green stripes.
"Looks good," Issei said. "Where did you get those clippers?"
"Gift from Sona-senpai. It's my anniversary today."
"Wait, it's your birthday?"
"No, my anniversary. Yesterday marked one year since I've become a devil."
"Oh, congratulations."
"Thanks, Senpai."
He didn't realise devil's celebrated the day they reincarnated. But then again, their circumstances were drastically different. Issei had been dying, Ruruko had joined Sona-senpai willingly. That probably played a big role in it.
"You sure you want to spend your anniversary with me and not with your peerage?" Issei asked.
"It wasn't possible for everyone to be free today," Ruruko explained. "But we're going somewhere this weekend."
"Oh."
"Besides. You're more important to me."
"Thanks, Ruru-chan."
He checked his watch. "Still a bit early, but let's go."
"Okay."
They went downstairs. Issei put on his usual shoes. Ruruko put on flat shoes as well. Asia hesitated.
"Onii-chan?" she asked.
"Oh, sorry. Uhm, are you okay with wearing these?" He took out her heels.
"Whatever you want, Onii-chan." She accepted them and put them on.
"Hey, that's not fair," Ruruko complained.
"You can wear heels too," Issei said. "If you want to."
"Why do I have to torture my feet to look taller?"
"You don't have to," Issei said.
"Well clearly you prefer it," Ruruko said.
"I also prefer it if you are comfortable," Issei said. "I'm not gonna love you any less because you're not wearing heels."
"And you don't want Asia to be comfortable?"
"Looking good for Onii-chan is more important to me than my own comfort," Asia said.
"That's insane," Ruruko said.
"I'm happy like this," Asia said.
"You're just-"
"That's enough," Issei interrupted them.
They both shut up.
"I need to talk to Ruruko-chan," he said.
"Okay."
Asia went to the living room and closed the door.
"We'll be late," Ruruko said. She kept her gaze fixed on the floor.
"I'll keep it short then: I want you to respect Asia's decisions."
"Your decisions you mean?"
"Asia gave up control willingly. She can take it back whenever she wants. You don't get to decide that for her."
She sighed. "Sorry. I'm just…"
"Jealous?"
She finally met his gaze. "Asia can do so much more for you. She… she loves you more than I do."
"So we're measuring love now? That makes no sense, Ruruko. I know it's inevitable to compare yourself to her, but I promise I'll give both of you equal attention as much as possible. You're both first place, and nothing will change that."
"You're getting more girls," Ruruko said.
"I only have two girlfriends. What happens with the others is different."
"For now. But what if they become your girlfriends as well? I'll get less and less, won't I? I'll have to share you with more and more people."
"You knew that," he said. "And you accepted it."
"I know, I know. Still, it's not easy."
"Look, I can just… the two of you are more than enough for me. I don't need to do things with other girls."
"You don't have to do that for me."
"For a normal girlfriend, it wouldn't be strange to ask her boyfriend is exclusive to her."
"You'll hate me if I ask you that."
"That's not-"
"Don't lie to me please. Having a harem is your heart's desire. If I take it from you, you'll hate me. It's as simple as that."
"That…"
"We should go. We'll be late."
"Okay."
He called Asia back.
"I'm sorry, Asia-chan," Ruruko said. "I'll respect your decisions from now on."
"Thanks, Ruruko-chan."
Issei summoned a magic circle.
The girls stood next to him. They both took one of his hands.
The circle activated and transported them to a small forest at the back of the movie theatre. It was already dark, so it was safe to teleport here. Well, it should be safe.
"I sense a presence," Ruru-chan whispered.
He released Ruruko's hand. Asia gripped his hand tighter, clearly afraid he'd let go of it.
"Promotion, Queen."
His free hand summoned a small ball of fire. It cast a circle of light around them. There were only trees though, and darkness beyond that. Nothing in sight.
"It's him," Asia said.
"Indeed." Now he recognised it too. It was the shadow that had attacked them before. But he also realised why it had taken him so long to notice. The aura was distant and vague. This thing had to be at least a few hundred metres away from them, if not more. Or it shielded itself somehow.
"Ise-kun?"
He turned around wildly. "Akeno?"
"Good evening," she said.
Rias was with her, but she looked at the ground and didn't say anything.
"What are you doing here?" Issei demanded.
"Well we sensed the stray shadow roaming around here," Akeno said. "So we decided to check it out."
"In that outfit?" He pointed to Rias' short red dress and Akeno's even shorter black dress. They both had high heels on as well. Completely inappropriate wear to walk around in a forest.
"Well we found it by coincidence," Akeno said. "It looks like it's wandering around in here."
"Hm."
"We can't hunt it down now," Rias said, as if reading his thoughts. "This forest is too big to put up a barrier."
"We could set a trap," he suggested.
"Too late for that," Akeno said.
She was right. Apparently the shadow had sensed their presence too and decided not to engage. It's aura grew more distant. It was probably running away from them. Not long after, Issei was unable to detect it.
"You should be careful," Rias told them. "It might appear again."
"Stay with me, Asia," Issei said. They were still holding hands.
"Always."
"You still haven't told us what you're doing here," Ruruko said to Rias.
"We could ask you the same thing," she replied.
"I'm on a date with Senpai, obviously."
"A double date," Asia added.
"Are the two of you gonna watch a movie as well?" Issei asked. Given they were at the back of the movie theatre, that made sense.
"Yeah," Rias confirmed. "We're gonna watch Chains of an Angel."
"Oh, it's the same one," Issei said. "Well we should hurry then, it's gonna start soon."
He didn't notice Rias turned red when he said that.
They all got out of the forest and circled the building to the front entrance.
The five of them entered and found the right hall. Issei went up all the way to the last row. He made sure to keep holding Asia's hand. She didn't have much experience with walking in heels after all. And he didn't want her to fall down.
"I'm telling you," he said. "Love seats are pure discrimination."
"Most boys only have one girlfriend," Asia pointed out.
"Or boyfriend," Ruruko added.
He sat down on their seat. Luckily, they could fit into one loveseat, since Asia and Ruruko where both very small girls. They had to sit pretty close together though. Not that he minded that.
Ruruko poked him. "Senpai, look at that."
He followed her gaze. What the…
Down their row, a bit further, were Rias and Akeno. Rias avoided all eye contact, but Akeno casually waved at him.
"They are close friends," Asia said. "It's not weird."
"Yeah," Issei said.
He wasn't convinced though. These were loveseats. No matter how close friends you were, it was pretty weird to pick those.
He had no time to think about that though, since the lights went out at that point.
During the movie, he occasionally sneaked a glance at Akeno and Rias, but neither of them did anything strange. They were just watching the movie.
"Don't," Rias whispered. "Ise-kun will see."
"Ara ara. Scared?" Akeno interlaced their fingers.
"I'm not ready to tell him yet."
"I think he can guess it on his own. Besides, he can't see this."
"Even so…"
Her mind told her Ise couldn't see them holding hands from his angle, but somehow, her worries didn't go away.
"They say being scared brings two people closer together," Akeno said.
"Is that also true if you're the reason I'm scared?" Rias shot back.
"Let's find out, shall we?"
Akeno moved her hand. It went beneath Rias' dress and rested on her thigh. The redhead inhaled sharply.
"Interesting," Akeno said.
"Stop that," Rias said. She took Akeno's wrist.
"You might want to reconsider making a scene."
Her eyes darted to Ise. Akeno was right. If she pulled Akeno's hand away, Ise would notice.
Slowly, Rias put her hand down again.
"So," Akeno said. "Does the fear make you feel closer to me?"
"It makes me want to kill you," Rias said.
"They say love and hate are two sides of the same coin."
"They say more things that don't make sense. When we get out of here, I'll remind you who's the King and who the servant."
"Scary," Akeno teased her. "But for now, you're helpless, aren't you?"
Her hand slowly crept upwards along Rias thigh.
"Don't you dare," Rias warned her.
"Or what?"
Suddenly, Rias put her hand on Akeno's thigh.
"Y-You." Akeno's confidence leaked out.
"Something wrong?" Rias asked. "I'm just doing the same thing you're doing."
"Fine, if we're gonna play it like that."
"Those two are doing something," Ruruko said.
"I can't see well," Issei said.
"Exactly. Normally your devil senses should see and hear them without trouble. One of them must have casted a barrier."
"Maybe they just don't like us spying on them?"
"Meaning there is something to spy on?" Ruruko pressed on.
"Just give them their privacy, Ruru-chan."
"I can't. My curiosity is not yet satisfied."
"You're never satisfied."
"Well-"
The lights turned on.
"Looks like we're halfway through," Asia said.
The screen displayed a message stating there was a ten minute break before the second part.
Both Rias and Akeno stood up and went down. They both had a blush on their face. Had something happened between them?
"Onii-chan," Asia said.
"Hm?"
"I have to go pee."
"Okay," he said. "I'll just wait here then."
"Could you… come with me?" she asked.
"What?"
"You said you wouldn't leave me alone."
"You did indeed say that," Ruruko said.
"I'll go with you then."
"I'll wait here," Ruruko said.
He escorted Asia to the toilets.
"I'll just wait here," Issei said.
"You said you'd go with me."
"Yes but…" he dropped his voice. "Not inside."
"You said you'd go with me," Asia repeated.
"I can't go into the girl's bathroom," Issei said. "People will notice."
"Let's go into the handicapped stall then," Asia said.
"What?"
"Not like anyone will dare to say something."
"Okay then."
They went inside together. Issei locked the door behind them. Luckily, this was an actual door and not a cubicle, so people outside couldn't hear them.
He turned to the left wall. "Let's just get this over with."
"You have to watch me," Asia said. "Something could happen."
"Aren't you taking things a bit far?"
"Are you having second thoughts?" Asia asked.
He sighed. "No. Just… are you okay? I've been very dominant. You're complying with everything, but I want you to do that because you want to, not because you're afraid of displeasing me."
"I am afraid of displeasing you," Asia said. "Isn't it perfectly normal you want to make the person you love happy?"
"Yes, but… it's a bit one sided, isn't it? While I certainly worry about making you happy, it doesn't dominate every second of every day. You care more about me than I care about you. You're not hesitating for a second to put your own happiness aside for mine."
"They are not separate, Onii-chan. You are my only reason to smile. If you're happy, I'm happy. I'm not putting anything aside, my happiness comes directly from yours."
"That's a bit hard to believe."
"I don't want to force you into something you don't want," Asia said. "If you want to go back to-"
"No. I don't want to go back." If he was being honest, he quite liked this. "You're mine, Asia, all of you."
"Okay," she said. "I think break is gonna be over soon, so I better hurry up and pee."
"No. We're going back now."
"Onii-chan?"
"I didn't give you permission to go pee."
Her eyes widened. "I…"
"You just said you had to go pee, you didn't ask me if you were allowed to go."
"I didn't consider I had to ask permission for that."
"I own you," he said. "All of you. So yes, you need to ask permission to go to the bathroom."
"Okay. Would you like to punish me for my insolence?"
"As you didn't know, I'll let it slide this time. But next time you will be punished."
"Yes, Onii-chan."
"Now hold it, and ask me properly next time."
She nodded weakly.
They returned to the hall. Her heels made clicking noises on the floor.
"Thanks for accepting me, Onii-chan," she said.
"I didn't take things too far?"
"There is no need to be insecure. You can take things as far as you like. I'll accept it all."
He held out his hand. She took it.
They entered the hall again and took the stairs up.
"That sure took a while," Ruruko said.
"We had some things to discuss," Issei said.
"I see," she said. "You look… I don't know. Closer?"
"Maybe. The movie is gonna start again."
She shouldn't be doing this. This was completely insane.
Yet…
Would she be able to control herself if she didn't do this? She had to do something or she'd never make it through the second half of the movie.
Hesitantly, Rias bunched up her dress and put her hand inside her panties.
Akeno had gotten her quite worked up. If she didn't fix this, things would get really out of hand. Her barrier may have stopped Issei from noticing anything, but there was only so much sound and vision you could block. What if the lights suddenly went on while she…
She shook away the thought.
Rias wouldn't have gotten into this situation if she hadn't fantasised about Akeno so much in the last years. But strangely, the problem was also the solution. She could simply conjure up her favorite fantasy about Akeno and play it in her head. She'd finish before the movie started again.
Akeno was waiting for her in the hallway.
"We should get back, there's not much time left."
"Yeah."
They walked back to the hall.
As they entered, they saw Ise taking the last stairs and moving to his seat with Asia.
According to the screen, there were only ten seconds left.
Akeno and Rias hurried up the stairs.
This time, she sat down on the seat next to Akeno. The arm rest stayed between them.
The lights went out again and the movie continued.
Ise seemed to be sneaking glances at them even more than before. Rias couldn't help but feel like he knew what was going on. Either that, or he was just really confused because Rias had changed seats.
Luckily, the movie ended without further incidents.
Ise walked up to them when it was over.
"So, did you have fun?"
"What?"
"The movie," he clarified. "Did you enjoy it?"
"Oh, yeah, it was good," Rias lied. She could hardly remember what it was about.
They all went outside.
She heard Ise discuss the movie with Ruruko-chan and Asia-chan, but Rias wasn't really paying attention.
They reached the forest.
"Well, see you at school," Ise said.
"Yeah."
Akeno summoned a circle for her.
They teleported home.
In the hallway, Rias removed her shoes. Akeno did the same.
"I'm sorry," Rias said. "It's just… Ise-kun was there, and I wasn't ready for-"
"Shh," Akeno shushed her. "It's okay. I understand."
"But…"
"Come with me."
Hesitantly, Rias followed Akeno to the couch.
"We can do it over," Akeno said. "There is no one here."
"You mean…"
"Let's watch another movie," Akeno said.
Rias smiled. "Okay."
She sat down next to Akeno.
The Queen turned on the tv and started a movie. A strange scene appeared.
"Wait, which movie is this?"
"I borrowed it from Ise-kun," Akeno explained.
"You borrowed it?"
"I hope you appreciate the effort. It wasn't easy to get."
"Does he know you have it?"
"Don't concern yourself with unimportant details, Ria-tan," Akeno teased her.
"Don't call me that," Rias warned her. "I'm your King."
"Scary," Akeno teased her. "What are you gonna do, spank me?"
Rias leaned in and kissed her.
Akeno was surprised at first, but then got into it. The unresolved tension boiled over and it only took a few seconds before their tongues started touching.
Their breasts were pressed together because they were so close together.
Rias explored Akeno's mouth with her tongue, but very quickly, Akeno pushed back and forced her tongue in Rias' mouth.
Rias pushed back again. She wasn't done yet.
The King sucked hard on Akeno's tongue. In Akeno's brief surprise, Rias could take the lead again.
Their tongues fought for dominance. Not in a playful way, no, they were actually fighting.
Their hard kiss made it difficult to keep breathing.
Rias momentarily stopped kissing Akeno. She grabbed her shoulders and pushed her Queen against the back of the couch.
Akeno let out a surprised yelp before Rias sat down on her lap and claimed her lips again.
She used her weight to keep Akeno against the couch, however, Akeno grabbed her shoulders and turned her around. Their positions reversed.
Akeno's tongue pushed past Rias' lips, not caring about the feeble resistance.
Rias was pushed harder against the couch.
She grabbed Akeno's shoulders and held her off.
"Just give in," Akeno whispered. She moved down to kiss Rias' neck and collarbone.
"Never," Rias replied.
Akeno let out a frustrated sound. She reached up to touch Rias' chest, but Rias grabbed her wrist and stopped her.
"Stop acting like that," Akeno said. "Just let me-"
"You're the one who's acting like that," Rias snapped.
"Alright, alright, let's just calm down."
Akeno got off her and sat down on the couch on a safe distance.
"Sorry," Rias said. "I'm getting carried away."
"Me too," Akeno said.
An awkward silence fell.
"I'm thirsty," Akeno announced.
They both knew it was an excuse for her to flee to the kitchen.
Akeno took her time and then returned with two glasses of water. She handed one to Rias.
They drank for a few quiet seconds.
"We can't both be dominant," Rias broke the silence.
"You're crazy if you thought I'd submit to you," Akeno said. "You know I'm a massive S."
"And you thought your King would submit to you? The Red Ruin Princess?"
"You're just too proud to admit you want to be my little bitch," Akeno said.
"Well you said you wanted to be Ise's toy."
Akeno blushed. "That's… different."
"So you don't trust me?"
"No, I do. It's just…" she hesitated. "Ise is the only one who makes me submit. If you had taken charge and confessed earlier, things might have turned out different, but right now…"
Rias frowned. "Have you…"
"I said I was a bit bi-curious didn't I?" Akeno said. "And we were living together. So yes I occasionally fantasised about you. I'm sure you did the same."
"I… that's beside the point." Rias turned red as well.
"Ara ara, Rias. You're so dirty." Akeno's voice seeped with seduction.
"In your fantasies," Rias asked, not taking the bait. "Who was the dominant partner?"
"You really need to ask that?"
Rias sighed. "Well that's a problem. Because when I thought about you, I was the dominant partner too."
"At first I thought Ise was cute," Akeno said. "But then he grew so strong and manly. It's only then I started to get interested in him. And when I tried teasing him, he quickly flipped the tables on me."
"I still think it's strange you're submitting so easily to him." When she was with Issei, he wasn't very dominant. Quite the opposite in fact. He even asked her to sit on top of him while doing push ups.
"You don't understand," Akeno said. "You've never done sexy things with him."
"I've let him touch my chest for a bit," Rias protested.
"Oh please. That hardly counts. Did you even get him hard?"
"I don't know, I wasn't paying attention to that."
"That's a no then."
"We kissed too," she insisted.
"You gave him CPR you mean?"
"Anyway, I still don't understand," Rias said. "Ise isn't dominant with me."
"Try and seduce him and you'll see just how dominant he is," Akeno said. "Ise is very strong. And he has a harem. Once you really get him going, he will make you submit."
"And what if you don't?"
Akeno shrugged. "He has Asia-chan, Ruruko-chan and now Xenovia as well the way I heard it. He doesn't have to compromise. You accept his terms, or you turn around and leave. He has plenty of other girls."
Hm. When you put it like that, it made sense. Ise was in a position where he could choose, but they weren't. It wasn't that everyone wanted to submit to him. There were just a lot of girls that were interested in him, and he rejected the ones that would not submit to him. Which explained how he ended up with Asia and Ruruko, probably the most submissive girls in their peerages. Xenovia was quite submissive as well. Maybe outside the bedroom she was very strong, but she was insecure about sex because she had zero experience. If Ise told her she was supposed to kiss the man's feet before having sex, she'd believe that and do it without question.
"You know he had a crush on you in the beginning, right?" Akeno said.
"He did?"
Akeno chuckled. "Are you really that dense?"
"If he had a crush on me, why didn't he act on it?"
"Because he doesn't do the chasing. He lost interest in you once he realised you would not submit to him."
Hm. Could that be true? When she let Issei touch her breasts, he hadn't been as into it as she would have expected. She had thought he would be rougher, and immediately touch them directly. But she had to tell him to go beneath her bra. And when she said stop, he immediately stopped. Since she was apologizing to him, he could have continued. He just had to remind her about that and say he was the one deciding when she was forgiven, not her. Yet he had not taken that obvious opportunity to touch her more. Even so…
"That doesn't solve our problem," Rias said.
Akeno sighed. "I don't think you can undo years of fantasies. When we started this date, I already had a very strong image of how I wanted it to go. It's not gonna work if you clash completely with that. I want you as my little plaything, Rias, and I won't back off."
"Well then we have a problem, because I won't back off either. Besides, I'm already your Master."
"You really want to force me to submit?"
"No," Rias said. "I would never do that."
"Well what do you want to do then?"
Rias sighed. "Maybe it's best if we stop dating."
"Okay."
"I'm sorry."
"Me too."
"Good night, Akeno."
Rias went to her room without waiting for a reply. She closed the door and collapsed on her bed.
She should have known this was never gonna work out. Both of them were too proud to allow the other one to be in charge. She was the heir of Gremory, the Red Ruin Princess. There was no way she'd ever submit to anyone, certainly not her own servant.
It was stupid to confess in the first place. How could she ever face Akeno again after this?
Rias closed her eyes, but didn't go to sleep. Her thoughts kept her awake.
After a while, a vibrating noise woke her up.
She opened her eyes. A chilling feeling crept up her spine. Was that her…
Oh, never mind, it was just her phone.
She picked up without looking at the caller ID.
"Hello?"
[Rias?]
She jerked upright. "Ise!?"
[Why do you sound so surprised? You expected someone else?]
"No reason."
[I just called because… well, I was a bit worried. It looked like you had a fight with Akeno or something.]
"Oh… yeah, something like that."
[So I just wanted to know if you were okay.]
"Thanks for checking on me," Rias said. "But I'm fi…" the words got stuck in her throat.
[I'm coming over,] he said.
"You don't have to," Rias protested.
[I'm your Pawn, it's my duty to protect you from danger.]
"I'm not in danger now."
[Oh yes you are. I'll protect you from everything, even from yourself. I'm coming over, whether you like it or not.]
"I… thanks, Ise-kun."
Moments later, a circle lit up in her room. Ise stepped out of it. He still wore the clothes from his date.
Staying silent, he sat down at her feet.
Rias crawled over the bed and hugged him. She couldn't stop her tears anymore.
"Shh, it's okay." He held her tight. "Just tell me what happened."
"I can't."
"Either you can tell me, or I can ask Akeno," he said. "Your choice."
"That's blackmail."
"Indeed," he confirmed. "What are you gonna do about it?"
"I'm your King," she said. "I can punish you for this."
"I don't think you can."
She got out of their embrace. "You don't know me."
"Go ahead," he said. "Hit me."
Her Pawn moved his head to the side.
She lifted her hand. It glowed red.
Their eyes stayed locked until Rias lowered her hand again. The glow went out.
"This is so unfair," Rias said. "You know me better than I know myself."
"That's not true. You are just maintaining some illusions. You're too proud to admit your own weaknesses. You care about all of us, but you pretend you don't because you're afraid. You'd never hit me, and you know it."
She was starting to understand what Akeno meant. Ise could see right through her.
"I went on a date with Akeno," Rias said.
"Oh. I see."
"But it didn't go well," Rias added.
He said nothing.
"It's just that… well, you know how Akeno is."
"Dominant? Proud?"
"We don't match well."
"I don't know. I don't know about you, but Akeno secretly wants to submit."
"Not to me," Rias said.
"Hm. And what about you? You don't have any secret desires about submitting?"
"Don't get presumptuous, Ise-kun," she warned him.
"I'm just trying to help. Cause it looks like you have a big problem."
"I noticed," Rias said dryly.
He said nothing.
"I was so stupid for confessing to her," Rias blurted out.
"At least you told her how you feel," Ise said.
"I live with her," Rias said. "It's gonna be super awkward."
"You could move out. There's plenty of space in this building."
"But. I don't want to leave Akeno."
"Look, not all relationships are gonna work out."
"Easy for you to say." She started to get angry. "Everything always works out for you."
"Maybe it appears that way to you."
"Oh come on, you've got two girlfriends, and you're screwing around with Xenovia as well."
"I'm not in a position to complain, I know, but I just want to say that it's not like I get every girl I want."
"Name one example," she challenged him.
"She's sitting right in front of me."
Rias turned as red as her hair.
She quickly avoided his confident eyes. "Now is not the time to confess to me."
"I'm not confessing."
"I let you touch my breasts before," she said. She didn't even know what this was about anymore.
"Yes, but have we done anything else?"
"We kissed as well."
"You gave me CPR you mean?"
"Still counts."
"If you say so."
She met his eyes again. "Well if you like me so much, then why didn't you act on it?"
"You really want to know?"
"I wouldn't ask if I didn't."
He sighed. "I was afraid it would change you."
"What?"
"You know I'm not gonna dump Asia-chan or Ruruko-chan."
"So?"
"So you'd be part of a harem. And the Rias I know is too proud for that. You'd want me all for yourself. You'd never accept sharing me."
"You don't know that. I might learn to accept it."
"But then you wouldn't be Rias anymore," he said. "The reason I admire you, is because I know you won't accept it. It's your strength that attracts me."
"That strength is just an illusion. I'm just as insecure as everyone else inside."
"Maybe."
"You're not in love with me. You're in love with an idea of me. You're in love with the Red Ruin Princess."
"Which is why I didn't act on it. In a real relationship, it would quickly become clear you're not as perfect as you appear. But on this distance, you can maintain the illusion."
"Then you shouldn't have come. You shouldn't have seen me cry. I'm ruining your image."
"I care more about you than I care about a fake image. We're friends. And I'm your Pawn."
She was silent for a moment.
"I can't blame you," Rias said. "I'm doing the same thing. I like the Harem King. I like the hero that saves me. We're both in love with someone who doesn't really exist."
Ise said nothing.
An idea formed in Rias' head. It was crazy, but she couldn't let it go.
"Can I ask you a favor?" she asked.
"Sure."
"It's pretty big."
"Just say it."
"Can you play Harem King for me? No, for us."
"I don't understand."
"Akeno won't back down, I won't either. Neither of us will let the other one be in charge. But what if you were in charge? The Harem King I mean."
"You want me to…"
"Direct both of us," she said. "It's the only way I can be with Akeno. If you told us what to do, neither of us would have a choice."
"That's a bit…"
"It's extreme, I know. But it's the only thing I can think of. You're the only one I trust enough to ask this."
"I'm sorry, I can't."
"Why not?"
"You want me to play a role," he said. "You won't accept orders from anyone, so you're asking me to play some character from your fantasies. Because that's the only 'person' you'd take orders from."
"Something like that yeah."
"What would I get out of that? The two of you are having a relationship, not me. So you expect me to just watch?"
"I see what you mean." She took a deep breath. "If you do it, then I… you don't need to hold back. You can do things to me as well if you want to."
"Anything I want?"
"Y-Yes, anything you want. I'm asking a lot of you, so it's only fair you get something in return. I'll do anything you want. Just, don't tell anyone."
"Alright then," Ise said. "I'll agree, if Akeno accepts the same terms."
"I'll go get her," Rias said.
She returned not long after with Akeno. They explained the situation.
"Hm," Akeno said. "I never imagined you'd come up with a plan like that, Rias."
"It just sorta happened," Rias said. The blush on her cheeks would not go away.
"And you really intend to submit completely to Ise-kun?"
"If we can be together like that, yes. If you do the same. We can't both be dominant, but maybe both of us can be submissive?"
"I think you secretly fantasized about this," Akeno said.
Rias blushed. "That's not important. Do you agree or not?"
She looked at Ise. "I'll think about it. But I want to speak to Ise-kun first, alone."
"I understand."
Rias went to the living room.
"Look," Issei said. "It was her idea."
"Well you didn't turn her down, did you?"
"Obviously not. But I understand if you don't want this."
"Oh, but I do. Didn't I tell you before? I would love to be your little plaything. And having Ria-tan join me is just an added bonus."
Issei frowned. "Then why didn't you just say so?"
"Well it wouldn't be fun if I agreed immediately. Rias already agreed, so I can keep teasing her with it."
"If you do that, I'll have to tell her."
"Then I might change my mind."
"I don't think you will. You want Rias to trust you, right?"
"I do," Akeno said. "But…"
"But what?"
"Can you just wait a few days? Until after my birthday."
"Why?"
"There is something I want to do first, without Rias. After that, I'll tell her. Then we're all yours."
"Okay."
"Thanks, Ise-kun."
They went back to the living room.
"Akeno wants a few days to think about it," Issei said.
"Oh," Rias said. "I understand. Take however long you need."
"Thanks for understanding," Akeno said.
"I have to go now," Issei said. "Asia will get worried if I stay away too long."
He said goodbye to Akeno and Rias and teleported back home.
Issei stepped out of the circle.
Both girls were sitting on his bed. They were playing Bikini Warriors on the tv in his room.
They still had their dresses on, and in Asia's case, her shoes as well.
"That's quick," Ruruko said. She put away the controller.
"Quick?"
"Well you usually take your time when you do me."
"What do you think I did? I just went to talk with Rias."
"Sure, sure. 'Talk'."
"Nothing happened," Issei assured her. "For now."
"That sure sounds like you have plans."
"Maybe." He sat down on the bed. "Are you okay Asia? You're quiet."
"Uhm, I…" she blushed deep red.
"What's wrong?"
Asia leaned closer and whispered something in his ear.
"Oh," Issei said. "Sorry, I forgot. You can go."
"Thanks, Onii-chan."
Asia left them.
"What's up with her?"
"She's going to the bathroom," Issei said.
Ruruko frowned. "Uhm, okay?"
"Ruru-chan?"
"Hm?"
"What do you think?"
"Well you're taking it a bit far, but she seems okay with it."
"I was talking about that thing was in the forest."
"Oh. Well I think it hoped the poison would still be active. If Asia had started arguing and ran off into the forest, she'd be an easy target. The forest is an ideal place for an ambush."
"So it knew we were gonna go to the movies?"
"Or it's just a coincidence."
"Whatever the case, I want to activate Asia's Sacred Gear again. Then we can focus on that thing."
"How are you gonna do that?"
"I have an idea. But I'll need to discuss it with Azazel first. It's a bit risky."
Asia returned.
"What would you like me to wear for the night, Onii-chan?" she asked.
"Hm, nothing."
"A-As you wish." She took off her heels and sat down on the bed with her back towards him. Issei unzipped her dress for her.
Asia stood up again so she could step out of it. She carefully folded the dress and put it away. Then, she sat down on his bed.
"Anything else you require of me, Onii-chan?"
"Ye, no fair Senpai," Ruru-chan complained.
"Well you can wear whatever you want," Issei said. "I'm not stopping you."
"Hmph." She reached back and undid her zipper.
Ruru-chan shrugged out of her dress and sat in front of him.
"Take it off please."
Issei gladly helped her take off her underwear.
"O-Onii-chan," Asia said. "If you think I'm ready for… the real thing, then…"
"Not today Asia. There is something I want to do first."
"Okay."
"Then I'll just have to take care of you in the meantime," Ruru-chan said. "If Asia-chan doesn't mind."
"Whatever makes Onii-chan happy," Asia said. "Shall I-"
A magic circle lit up next to Issei's ear.
He frowned.
"Kiba?"
[...]
Issei's face turned very serious. "Are you sure?"
[...]
"We're coming, stay there."
Issei stood up.
"What happened?" Asia asked.
"You stay here," Issei said to her. "Get dressed, both of you. We have a serious problem."
He went to the walk-in closet and picked out yoga pants, a shirt and a hoodie for Asia.
"I'm not staying here alone," Asia protested.
"I wasn't asking," Issei said. "You're mine and you'll do everything I tell you to. That was our deal. Now is not the time to get second thoughts."
"I'm not having second thoughts," Asia said. "But I think I deserve an explanation at the very least."
"If you go out, we're just playing into his hand. Now get dressed."
She did as he asked.
"It's that shadow isn't it?" she asked. "Something happened?"
"Yes. So you can't go out there, it's too dangerous. You're the one he's looking for."
"But to leave me here alone…"
"Alone? What the hell are you talking about?"
"I don't get it." She zipped up her hoodie.
Issei checked on Ruruko. She was already fully dressed in a training outfit.
"Come with me."
The girls followed him downstairs. He opened the door to the living room.
A whole bunch of people were waiting for them there. Asia recognised them as the Sitri peerage. Some of them had messy hair from just getting out of bed. Only the King and Queen were in uniform. The rest seemed to have put on whatever happened to be lying around. One girl wore a loose fitting shirt and yoga pants which were certainly used to sleep in.
"Thanks for coming so fast," Issei said to Sona-senpai.
"Given the situation we had no choice," she said calmly.
"Who will go?" Issei asked.
"Tsubaki and I will stay here. The rest will go with you."
Issei nodded. "Thanks."
He turned to Asia. "I need you to stay here with Sona-senpai and Tsubaki-senpai."
"But you said…"
"I said you had to stay here," he said. "I didn't say you'd be alone."
"Okay, uhm, sorry for doubting you. I should have-"
"We don't have time for that now," Issei said. "We can talk later, focus on the problem at hand now."
"Right. What do you need me to do?"
"Communicate with everyone and keep track of our positions on a map."
"So you need me to coordinate?" she asked. "Along with Sona-senpai and Tsubaki-senpai."
"Indeed. Can I count on you?"
"Of course."
Issei pulled something from a magic circle.
"Just in case," he said. "But I hope it won't be needed. Call me if you're really in trouble."
"Okay." She accepted the bow.
"We really have to go now. There is no time to waste."
He gave her a quick kiss on her lips.
"Stay safe," she said.
"Always."
All of them went out.
Just as the door closed, it occurred to Asia she still had no idea where they were going.
A\N:
-No threesome or yuri yet, but it's coming in future chapters.
-Thanks for all the kind reviews. It's always nice to read them.