Time for more funtimes!
To be perfectly honest this chapter was the first one i had ever written before this fanfiction was even a thing. I watched these episodes over and over because it was fun watching Issei squirm (and okay, yes i also watched it for the girls but shush! .) and i was thinking "That.. I wanna redo that. with music."
I do not own High School DxD. and for that I am sorry *sadface*
The day following their massive fight, the entirety of the ORC had declared a couple days off from school would do them good, most sleeping well into the morning from exhaustion following a quick looking-over by Asia for any wounds that would need to be healed. Thankfully barring Kumonji's rather unfortunate incident (the resulting scar from which, he decided, would be covered by a tattoo) the wounds incurred were quite minor. Kiba was given special care for Light poisoning from needing to use two holy devil swords at once and it coming back to bite him in a comically literal way as well as slight bruising to his ribs when Koneko bearhugged him so hard he swore he could taste what he ate that morning.
Even still, looks like a devil's work is never done. Guess this gives the phrase "No rest for the wicked" a whole new meaning. Checking his phone Kumonji saw his phone lighting up with Azazel's summon. 'Better him than Milton, I suppose.' With a sigh of slight remorse that his last day off was slightly marred by a summons, he set off to the the old man's home.
"Oh hey devil boy, you're just in time. Why don't you come in and have a drink?" Azazel offered, gesturing behind him to the usual assortment of high end liquor sitting on the coffee table. As Kumonji walked into the sitting room he noticed that one of Azazel's paintings was missing from the wall, made obvious by the massive patch on the wall faded into the outline of the frame.
"You're missing a portrait. Hey wait, was that the one Issei was carrying? How could you? You handed over an original Manet to a walking nutsack on a bicycle." He hung his head in defeat.
"Quite the eye for remarkable pieces." Azazel commented, closing the door and striding over to take a seat by his side. "Speaking of which, I must congratulate you on a battle well fought. Or at least I'd like to say that, if you weren't quite so reckless and unpolished. Even got yourself a little war badge. Scars are great for getting chicks kid, but get too many and you're bound to lose more than a woman's attention. Ya get me?"
"Thanks for the advice. Now, if you don't mind me asking why did you call me here?"
"To warn you. You've got potential but there's no way in hell you'd be able to take a fight like that again and walk away, not in the condition you're in right now and especially if you rely on luck more than skill. More importantly than that I want to thank you for keeping Albion on mission and to do that I want to warn you and your master that the Fallen Angels, Angels, and Devils will be holding a summit here in town in the not too distant future. Please prepare accordingly. That's all I wanted to say, but you're still welcome to have that drink."
"Thanks, but I already told you I'm underage. If possible I would like to not make this a habit until I'm old enough to know better." With that Kumonji stood and bowed to Azazel, heading over to the door. "By the way, I hear you're a fan of collecting things of interest. If you should happen to have an interest in Sacred Gears, for example the Red Dragon or... Whatever this is," he stated holding up his Sen, "I would advise you tread carefully about collecting them. Just a word of caution to a potential client."
Walking home in silence through the night Asia, Rias and Issei waved over to Kumonji as he walked in his own front door.
"Tadaim-AH! Teiya, Mom, will you not hug me so tight please? I'm fine, honest." He looked them both in the eyes apologetically. "I'm sorry to have worried you, but you shouldn't count me out so quickly."
"I'm your mother, it's my job to worry." Erisu said with a pat to his shoulders.
"In that case mum, I'm gettin' a tattoo!" Kumonji stated, showing off his perfectly circular scar, the skin where he was forcibly healed lighter and slightly tougher than the skin around it.
"Damn right you are young man, I don't like seeing my baby boy having scars and battle wounds." Erisu decreed sternly much to the surprise of everyone. Kumonji's well thought out argument died on his lips. 'That was almost too easy.'
"Aw sweet, then I'm getting a tattoo also!" Teiya announced.
"THE HELL YOU ARE!" Erisu screamed. Families, what are you gonna do?
The following day, a Saturday, the Occult Research Club filed in around the school swimming pool, which had along with half of the other buildings been remade flawlessly overnight by Sona and her peerage. Looking down at the tiles was a depressing sight as despite being rebuilt exactly as it was when it had been broken into little more than a crater of dust and shattered ceramic and pipe the Student Council had remade it with the grime that was stuck to the bottom for the last year still attached.
"So wait, we're here to clean the pool? What gives?" Issei balked.
"As a thank you for putting our school back together the Occult Research Club has agreed to do this for the Student Council. Normally this would be their job but they did so much I felt it would be necessary to pay them back somehow." Everyone's shoulders sagged just a little, but Rias had a point. "Of course, Sona being Sona once we're done we've been given free reign to use it as long as we like just as long as we keep it tidy after." She declared. At the thought of all of them swimming and laying out catching a tan the color returned to Issei's cheeks, mind racing with raunchy ideas. It took Kumonji every ounce of restraint not to hit the perv, 'but a deal is a deal.'
"Hell yeah, raise your hand if you're excited to get this place sparkling clean!" shouted the pawn with both arms raised high.
"Raise two hands if you're a pervert." Koneko shot back. To Issei's dismay everyone around him laughed. 'Honestly, he's so transparent.'
"I hope I'm not late for anything?" No way, that voice. Sure enough, Xenovia stood at the entrance to the pool, walking in and running up to the group in a scarlet skirt and white top, the school uniform.
"Wait, Xenovia what are you doing here?" Issei asked, tilting his head.
"Ah, right on time Xenovia. Did you find your way well enough?" Rias asked, ignoring the pawn.
"Admittedly I was lost but I found the school without too much trouble. The hotel you've helped set me up with is rather nice, thank you." Xenovia said with a bow.
"My pleasure. Well now looks like we're all here." Rias grinned.
The bluenette bowed to them all. "I look forward to working with you all. Please take care of me." As she raised her head, she gave the red haired male a quick glance then turned her eyes back toward Rias.
Kiba picked up on it first. "So you're really one of us now?"
"There's a twist." Kumonji, who was closest to her, smiled and lightly tapped her shoulder. "Still, you being a holy sword user and a former member of the church turned devil in and of itself isn't quite new to us. Glad to have you on our side."
"She's a devil?" Issei sputtered, only to be stunned as her wings clipped Kumonji and nearly knocked him into the greasy scummy pit below.
"Oops, I'm sorry Tokumatsu-san. I've not gotten used to them yet." She retraced them quickly and bowed.
"It's no big. And by the way what's with the formality? Call me Kumonji, we're allies and friends now." Behind him Kumonji could feel the eyes of Akeno-senpai burning a hole in the back of his head and quickly fell back into line.
"Very well. I also wished to return these to you." She reached into her pocket and withdrew the pair of underpants she had borrowed when she stayed over, holding them up for everyone to see. "Thank you for allowing me to wear them, they were quite comfortable." The redhead was embarrassed beyond all belief, grasping them and stuffing them into his pocket as quickly as he could, cheeks deepening from pink to red very quickly.
"YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO HOLD THEM UP ON DISPLAY!" The hairs on the back of his neck tingled and he could swear he heard a crackling from over where Akeno stood. "*ahem* At any rate, you're welcome. I hope my mother and sister weren't too rough on you and Irina. Hey speaking of, where did she go?"
Xenovia cast her gaze downward, still stinging from the last words Irina had spoken to her. She hadn't told Irina the truth about God's death having decided that it would be selfish of her to take the faith of someone who believed in her heart that His will lived on. Irina had lashed out, speaking down to her and calling her names like "traitor" and worse, but she had stayed silent for her friend's sake. 'Forgive me, Irina, but there is still much to do. I can't claim to know why becoming a devil was a good idea, but I feel as though I have found my place.'
"Uh.. Xenovia?" Issei ventured carefully, seeing that something was bugging her.
"Oh, my apologies." The bluenette shook her head and addressed Rias. "What are my orders?"
"Orders?" Rias giggled slightly. "So serious. Relax a little. As I was just explaining today we'll be cleaning the pool area and afterward we're free to lounge or swim or just enjoy ourselves. A little recovery time will do us all good. Now, let's get changed and get this place spotless!"
"Right!"
"Aww yeah, pool party! G-strings and titty slings!" Issei proclaimed in the boy's changing room. He opened his phone to examine for the fifth time the photo Rias had sent when she was trying on swimsuits. The white one fit her very well, hugging her features and amplifying her already sizeable bust. Beside him Kiba and Kumonji rolled their eyes.
"Hey.. You guys. I never really got to thank you. If it weren't for you two I'm not sure I'd have even survived against the Holy Sword abomination, but thanks to all of you, my new friends, I got my closure. I think I'll be okay, and.. I want to start dating Koneko."
"That's great Kiba!" "Seriously, way to go."
"I'll never be able to repay Rias for being so lenient on me, or for taking me back so readily." Kiba smiled at himself in the mirror hanging in the back of the locker.
"Yeah but 1000 ass whoopings from Prez isn't something to scoff about. I mean even Kumonji couldn't walk right after that kind of punishment. How's your ass doing by the way?" Issei asked of his friend.
"..not the kind of thing you should be asking another half-naked dude in a locker room Issei. Besides Kiba we all knew you weren't going to leave us forever, you just had some stuff to work out of your system." Kumonji smiled and tossed his shirt lazily into the locker before him. "Just don't expect any help winning Koneko over again. That chick scares me almost as much as Akeno."
~-~
Meanwhile, over in the girls' locker room:
"Do you think maybe I'm too hard on him Rias?" Akeno asked as she got into her gym clothes. She looked expectantly at Rias who was mostly dressed and tossed her hair back over her shoulders to do her signature ponytail.
"I think you have a hard time trusting men and that you're a bit guarded. You know what you expect from him and what you want him to be, if that's what you're asking." Rias could tell what she was thinking, but this wasn't her battle. "You two have to work this out yourselves. But I wouldn't worry, I know how you are."
To her side, Koneko was fully dressed and put her berets on top of her clothes so they didn't get dirty. She turned her head from one conversation to the next.
"Asia, did you have trouble dealing with your new life as a devil?" Xenovia looked rather uncomfortable asking, but she had to know. "Being a devil and still keeping the faith, it must have been so hard with people condemning you and calling you such names as I did. I.. I'm sorry. You may strike me if it makes you feel better."
"N-No please, it's fine really! I was totally nervous at first but then I realized that my love for God has never been greater. Even though I'm a devil I still feel His love and benevolence. If Michael is in charge now I can't really say that I feel the difference because Heaven's light still shines upon me, I just know it does for you too." She took Xenovia's hands and looked up at her with that sweet gaze that just melted hearts. The two nodded at each other and crossed themselves. "Amen-YOUCH!" they both cried as the pain of prayer surged inside them. Some habits die hard. (A/N: ha.. Habits. Nun joke.)
Shortly thereafter the entire ORC had scrubbing brooms and hoses in hand. Kiba, despite being a knight, slipped constantly and found himself fumbling to keep his footing every few dozen feet. This scum wasn't coming off easily and it was sure as hell not going to go away without putting up a fight.
"W-wha-whooooaa! I don't get it, how are you keeping your feet so easily?" The knight looked over at Koneko and Kumonji walking along and scrubbing with two brushes each without effort.
"Fast feet on a slimy floor doesn't work as well as lead feet. Adamantium in my case." Kumonji pointed down at his feet to show that his trainers had been left behind in place of the metal of Sen. Inside his mindscape though Seras grimaced as she felt the slippery muck almost as if it were stuck to her own feet. Just to show him, she retracted the metal coating and sent him into a fit of stumbles. "Seras, what the hell?"
Oopsie, sorry 'bout that. ;P
'Somehow I don't believe you.'
Beside him, Koneko was using her bodyweight and momentum forward to create downward force, a four point approach. "Lean into it, don't resist." She managed to get another small pile clear from the bottom in no time.
Somehow despite being surrounded by girls in gym clothes Issei managed to keep it in his pants; he even did a great job working beside Asia and Rias, who kept bumping into him "Accidentally." The only weirder thing than how clingy Rias was to him was how Xenovia and Akeno had both gravitated toward Kumonji, pushing each other without the foolish young man catching on.
Rias wiped her brow with a satisfied look, appraising for any missed spots only to find none. "Well done everyone. We got it done in record time. Akeno, if you would please?" Both ladies raised their hands and cast a very large spell over the pool. As the circle activated a torrent of water spilled forth, as though the heavens themselves had opened and filled it to the very brim.
"Whoa!" everyone cried out in unison. Seeing a feat such as this was almost normal, but on a scale that big it was still difficult to get used to.
"Okay, let's all get changed and have some fun! Swim to your hearts' content" Rias gave them all a wave and flew across the pool to get changed, everyone else following suit with excitement and anticipation. Hey, it's not the beach, but it's a fun day at the water's edge.
~~
Rias was first out, sporting her new white swimsuit with gold hoops holding it together, if only barely. Her chest was so tightly concealed it looked as though she would pop out of her top at any moment, and the straps on either side of her waist strained to keep her decent. The moment Issei flew out of the changing room door his nosebleed shot him backward almost through the door again.
"Oh Issei, what do you think of my new swimsuit?" Rias teased with a flaunt of her hair. She looked like a vision of heaven, there was no denying it.
"ILOVEITIT'STHEMOSTEPICTHINGEVER!" Issei shouted, fangirling so hard it was almost unbearable.
Kumonji followed Issei out in a very tight pair of swimming shorts that looked identical to the underwear Xenovia had returned: Teal all over with two black stripes up either side and a band of silver on the top. He felt a little embarrassed wearing such revealing clothes, but loose shorts felt like they could fall off at any moment.
Asia came out in her one-piece swimsuit which she wore very well. Standing beside her was Koneko wearing a similar outfit with a swimcap on her head. She looked over and Kumonji noticed the blush in her cheeks. At first he moved to cover up until he looked over his shoulder and saw that she was stealing glances at Kiba, and Kiba at her. The two took each others' hands and got into the water at the same time, Kiba whispering something to her that was difficult to hear.
At that particular moment Kumonji heard the door to the ladies' changing room close one last time and felt something very soft and warm in his back.
'Those.. that's...'
"Ufufufu~ I hope you don't mind my outfit. How does it look, Kouhai?" Akeno's steamy breath filled Kumonji's ear and her sensual words mixed with the feeling of thin fabric separating her chest from his skin had him about ready to faint. Kumonji turned slowly, and what he saw gave him fits. Akeno stood there, hair still done up in her long ponytail but in place of her uniform or her priestess costume she was showing plenty of skin in her tight red and blue Bikini, strapless on top with only a single ring holding it together and hiding very little on bottom.
"If this is a dream please don't ever wake me." were the last words Kumonji was able to eek out before suffering a sexy TKO and falling into the pool. Akeno giggled and hopped in after him, pulling him up to the surface with a goofy grin on his face.
And so the day passed, after recovering Kumonji joined in the fun with everyone as diving contests were held, friendly races had, and breaks were taken to sunbathe and work on tans and tan lines. Somewhere along the lines a ball was brought over from the supplies shed and they all passed it around playing volleyball, which later turned to a mock-water-polo. The redhead even helped Asia learn to swim alongside Kiba who was teaching Koneko. Issei took over when Akeno asked to borrow him for a bit and Rias gave a satisfied smile as the two swam over to the deeper end where they could chat in private.
"Hey, uh.. about.. you know.. everything." Kumonji was completely unprepared, but it had to be honest and from the heart. "I know I've kept secrets and withheld some information from you. But.. I'm ready now more than ever if you're still willing to give me a shot."
"I think I am. But I won't take any more secrets or lies, if you give me any reason to distrust you.."
"I know. And I won't." He took her hand. "This.. is going to be hard to hear but.. The fact of the matter is that I never existed." Seeing the confusion on her face turn to hurt he quickly moved to explain. "What I mean is that there are worlds beyond this one, like the underworld and heaven, and even beyond that which push the limits of reality and possibility. There existed a world where this.. everything around us right now was just ink on paper. I was born into that world, a boring tedious painful world that was stripped of any magic or wonder or angels or devils. And I died in that world. For whatever reason, call it fate or destiny or just pure blind luck but when I did die I had just one wish and that was to do it over, to get a second chance at life. I was born again, here in this world in this reality a total stranger and completely unaware of my past life. Something happened one day, something that set off a chain reaction that made me question everything. That was the second day that I died. The day Freed killed me, and the day I met you." He held her hand tightly. "For a while now I've been trying to face the truth that there existed an alternate timeline where you existed happily without me. When I told Rias of where I came from even she had a hard time swallowing it. I was afraid that as a paradox, a living entity that brought two planes of existence together and more importantly as a gaijin that just being near you would put you in mortal danger. I've loved you ever since the first day I saw you and if you don't love me back after everything I've told you I'll understand. Just.. I want you to.."
"Stop." Her word was sharp and cold. This was it, the moment he dreaded most. She didn't believe him, and this would be goodbye. He closed his eyes, turning his head. He wouldn't let her see him cry. Instead, he felt her arms around his neck and her body pressed against him. She hugged him tightly, just wanting him close. He didn't hesitate, not for even a second. His arms found their way around her and he held on like it would be the last time. "Everyone has their past. But you don't have to be alone anymore." She tightened her grip on him a little, and rested his chin on her shoulder, trying not to just burst into tears. She believed him, or at the very least understood he was working through a difficult time.
A short while later the two held hands and made their way back to the group, minus Xenovia who was still absent for some reason. Surely a bikini wasn't that hard to put on even for a former member of the church?
Some time later still everyone was sunbathing as it neared lunchtime, the sun in the sky burning hotter now.
"Issei, would you mind rubbing lotion on my back?" Rias called, undoing the strap to her top. Issei, never one to miss an opportunity leapt to his feet and practically teleported to her side, taking from her hands the bottle of sunblock and dabbing some into his palms. His fingers worked her over making sure to cover every inch of her from shoulders to calves up and down her back and legs. Kumonji also proudly noted that he skipped over her buttocks like a gentleman instead of being a perv and going for it. 'looks like he might be learning after all.'
"That feels great. Would you like to rub some on my chest too?" Her words echoed in the pervert's ears, his heart thumping wildly and thoughts of fantasy were suddenly coming to life. ' "Rub lotion on my chest" are officially the greatest words I've heard in my life!' Issei proclaimed in his mind.
"Is that a no?" Rias prodded with a sarcastic grin.
"No please I want to. It's cool?"
"Of course, I know how you are about touching breasts."
"They're only my favorite things ever!" This was torture; Issei was more perverse now than ever and Kumonji had made a deal that he would never hit him for it again.
"Then make sure you do a good job on mine" Rias stated, turning over and letting her large breasts hang free of any garment. Asia pouted, Issei went into a state of disbelief, Kumonji hid his face under his arms at seeing Rias topless for the first time. Akeno just chuckled lightly and patted his shoulder.
"If it makes you feel any better, why don't we borrow that for ourselves, and you can put some on me?" 'Akeno didn't just say that. There's no way she just said that.' Before his mind could even register, she had slipped off her top as well, ran around the pool and stole the bottle from Issei's hands.
"Akeno, that was uncalled for. Issei wasn't done with me yet." Rias half-shouted, standing with her chest exposed for everyone to see.
"Ufufu too bad. It's not fair if you're the only one getting a back rub. How about it Kumonji? Won't you help your senpai?" She licked her lips for emphasis, clearly loving the spark of rivalry.
"Y-YES SENPAI!" there was no warning, Rias cast her black flame at them both shattering a stone column behind them.
"I don't know what's gotten into you but you're out of control." Walking through the smoke made the silhouette of Rias that much more imposing. It seemed impossible that any woman could be so sexy undressed and at the same time lethally dangerous and yet there she was. The two women grasped and tugged at the bottle of sunblock, both fighting for the win.
"W-wait! Both of you!" Kumonji shouted, stepping in only to get nudged back hard. Rias pulled back and downward, Akeno across and upward. "Th-The Bottle's cap is..!" He couldn't get out the word "broken" before the two topless beauties squeezed, causing a fountain of the clear-white sunscreen to splatter over the both of them. Issei fainted immediately, Kumonji saved the image of that moment to the gentleman folder in his brain and stuffed his thumb and forefinger up his nose to stem the bleeding, all while running over to the dressing room where he knew he kept a spare bottle to end this mess.
On his way out, bottle in hand, he nearly ran over Xenovia, dressed in a stylish green and gold swimsuit.
"Oh, Kumonji, there you are."
"Hi Xenobia." Feeling safe that he had curtailed his inner pervert he removed his fingers and washed them off in the fountain beside her. With his head turned to keep talking he made sure to get the blood out from under his fingernails. "Where have you been? Kinda thought we'd lost you."
"I.. was having trouble with my swimsuit. It is the first one I've ever owned."
"Yyyyyeeeeaaaah I'm calling bullcrap. It's just two pieces of fabric, how hard can it be?"
"You're right. Actually, I had changed quite some time ago. The truth is, after I got dressed I was thinking. I have a very serious matter I must discuss with you."
"This should be interesting.."
"I would like you to make a baby with me." Without further warning she pinned him to the wall, body against body leaving him no way to get away. Her hand moved and for a moment he was concerned where it was going, getting awfully close to his shorts. The door behind him opened as she twisted the knob, leaving the two hapless teens caught in a semi-awkward horizontal embrace. Struggle though he could Kumonji felt his natural reaction kick in right away, the fabric of his shorts growing that much tighter as his senses went into a heightened state. He could see the tinge of red in Xenovia's cheeks, the slight puffiness of her lip as she bit it carefully and the swell of her breasts as she raspily breathed in the warm air that played over her sending the tiniest beads of sweat rolling from her neck toward her cleavage. For a moment he could smell the faintest whiff of lilacs and honeysuckle, no doubt her shampoo but the more she leaned in to kiss him the more pervasive it became. Lastly and most powerful at the moment was his sense of touch, the way her whole body felt laying over him, the firm muscles in her calves and thighs hidden under the gentle touch of her skin. Her hands were callused from her endless training, her chest so soft, and damn his own body the shifting of her hips as they both felt his erection straining against her. He was madly aware of it all.
'She's.. this is so hot.. and so wrong.'
"I've already given this much thought. I've seen the way you fight and I can sense the latent power within you. I want my child to have such power, the tenacity in battle to fight without tiring and the passion to always find a way to win." Even as she spoke her voice seemed to crack, barely containing her own desire and the feelings of lust being awakened. "I admit that I hated you when first we met, but somehow I feel that I had just lied to myself to hide the truth. You are kind, daring and loyal, even caring for those who would offer you insult or threaten you. Please, Kumonji.. hurry and give me your baby." She sat up still astride him, working to undo her top with a straight face. She bared her breasts quickly but her eyes averted only for a moment. She was uncertain he could tell, for her bold words she was still so pure. 'She's so stoic, just like Koneko. Wait, I can't be thinking this now, what if Akeno sees this?'
"I'm not very experienced, so I'll need you to take the lead. You can do anything, as long as I have your seed inside of me." She hesitated for a moment, then took the sides of her swimsuit in her thumbs, all the loops digging into her hips even more as she was dangerously close to being fully indecent.
"W-wait! Xenovia stop!" Hearing his voice grow desperate she paused, long enough for him to sit up on his elbows. "Look, I like you and I think you've very attractive but this is so wrong. You can't just jump into bed with me all of a sudden and expect me to be okay with it. You barely know who I am and even though this is what you think you want this is a big commitment for both of us. If you really want this to happen you should do it right."
"And what is she doing right?" There in the doorway watching over the both of them stood Akeno. Her eyes wandered over the scene before her. He was pitching a rather large tent, she was topless and straddling his waist, all in all it was very damning. "Oh my, it seems I've interrupted something."
"Would either of you care to explain yourselves?" Rias appeared behind Akeno, hands on hips and her top securely fastened. By her side a very glum looking Issei slumped his shoulders.
"I merely asked Kumonji to make a baby with me." Xenovia stated.
"And I refused to do so! I want it on record that I suggested an alternate course of action!" The rook half-shouted, hoping Akeno would actually buy his story.
"I see. I suppose there's no other way to say it but a new challenger has made her presence known Akeno. Very well, there's only one logical solution: Kumonji you must date both Xenovia and Akeno until you decide who you feel is destined to be your soulmate." Rias must be joking right? How could she not feel the sparks flying between her best friend and newest recruit when they were both standing right there, unless of course..
'Right, she needs the distraction so it's easier to screw with other people rather than deal with your own problems. Thanks a lot Rias-senpai.'
~!~
Kumonji had been kindly asked (or rather, fought over) by a couple of his classes to help set up ideas for class themes for the festival. In the end he decided his music class would probably be the easiest to deal with, suggesting concerts in the quad by the students. The class all agreed happily, though one loudmouth by the name of Tokumatsu Teiya adamantly lobbied that she and Kumonji would play lead guitar and vocals in the second and third concerts respectively.
'Well thanks a lot sis.. I was hoping not to have to play in front of everyone.' he thought to himself. In truth, it wasn't that he couldn't play guitar because frankly he was decent enough to play a lot of different genres. No, the reason he never joined a band was because of his stage fright. He barely made it through the gig he played those months ago and that was only because the band was just too big and famous to say no to. Even still, he had to admit he had the worst case of jelly legs and butterflies in the stomach from start to finish. The same reason he never really liked making a spectacle of himself save for fighting the occasional priest or fallen angel. The teacher however wouldn't hear of it, and neither would most of the girls eager to hear some kind of love ballad or instrumental. 'I wonder how Kiba deals with all of this? At least he's more popular than I am. A fact I think I don't ever want to remedy.'
Throughout the rest of class everyone broke off into small groups to rehearse, with Kumonji helping and giving tips for every guitarist as they would all discuss the general setlist and maybe keep a couple songs reserved for encores. After class the redhead went to the club room to find nobody there except Rias who was doing the usual paperwork.
"Oh sorry Prez, I was just popping by to see if there were any summons today.. You need a hand with those?"
"Very kind of you," Rias replied with a gentle smile "but I have Issei running around for me, he should be back any minute. As for the summons we've reached our quota for the week so I thought we could all take some time off. After all, we do still need to have fun now and then right?"
"Of course." Looking around Kumonji thought to himself about his first time in this room and how long ago it seemed, now he's living his life as a devil and a student in nearly perfect harmony. "*sigh* You know, I almost envy you. Being a high class devil heiress, you have your life basically set for you. Me, I can still barely process how the rest of my time is gonna go. For that matter I'm still so indecisive I can't figure out what I'm doing for tomorrow."
Rias paused for a second, then chuckled. "Well if you put it bluntly like that I suppose anyone would be envious, though you really should look at all the small things along the way before making a grand plan. After all in life as in chess every move is permanent and has consequences that define us." She stands and comes around to address him more properly. "That being said the only way to know which move is right is to try them all and see what works."
Kumonji wass utterly stumped by her meaning, until he heard the door opening behind him. Issei strolled in with his arms half full of papers for the club room, and behind him was Akeno making that sadistically sweet grin that told Kumonji and Rias just what was on Issei's mind the entire walk around campus. 'Poor perv will never learn.' everyone thought in unison. At seeing Akeno walk through the door Kumonji couldn't help but smile and suddenly everything clicked. He turned to Rias and bowed politely "Thanks Rias! I should go, I need to practice after all.." He turned and jogged out, feeling more confident and full of energy now that he knew what to do. Things were starting to make sense, and it would all fall into place tomorrow.
The next morning had parents and siblings following begrudging students throughout the schoolday. Thankfully Miss Tokumatsu Erisu had deigned to follow Teiya much to her chagrin and Kumonji's joy. 'That's what you get for trying to outfox me Teiya,' he celebrated internally while watching the two women of the house striding off to class 1C, little sister feeling slightly gloomy. As was normal the redhead didn't make any spectacle of himself unless asked by his instructors. It is worthy to note that he had stifled several snickering fits as Issei and Rias' parents filmed them at their not-so-great moments, such as Issei's flawless rendering of Rias in the buff shaped seamlessly in clay with his eyes closed.
"Oh come on Issei I think it's flattering that you know her body so well." he teased the Red Dragon pervert-king. "In fact, if I didn't know any better I'd say that Harem King has a crush on our President Ri- oof!" The rook was taken off guard by a less than subtle nudge from the queen to his left. Looking up from her look of slight concern and amusement, Kumonji noticed the two of them had looks of guilt and a light dusting of pink on their cheeks, along with Asia clinging to Issei's arm. "Er... anyway my concert is up in 20 minutes so if you see Xenovia, Koneko and Kiba let them know okay? I really don't think I can do this but I'm already volunteered.. oh well." With a wave he took off, walking to the changing room to meet his band and grab his lucky black headband that he saved for occasions like this. To make things better he asked Seras to loop a few rings around both ears and one more through his eyebrow, to which she happily agreed. The faux piercings looked excellent, almost believable and if asked he would write them off as cheap stage jewelry.
When he arrived, looking like a new age rockstar if he did say so himself, he was stunned to find his band waiting for him with the backup guitarist missing.. and Teiya in her place. "Um Teiya why are you here exactly? Where's Nagato?"
"She kinda.. got food poisoning from the stall of first years who tried making Soba by hand. So the teacher asked me to come in her place, since I know you and all.. Try not to be too grateful," she added, with a smack on the side of his arm for emphasis. Without realizing it she had hit the part of his arm that was still scarred, but with a shirt on under his school uniform that came down to his elbow nobody else was the wiser. He felt that ring tingle for a second but nodded to her and gave a heartfelt thumbs up. After tuning up, synching up, and going over a quick revision of the setlist they all smiled, ready. All, save for the lead guitar and vocalist.
'I can't do this I'm not ready I can't There's no way I..'
Someone tugged on his sleeve. The rest of the band was getting on stage waiting for the curtain to rise, so who could be-?
"I.. I just want you to know that I.. I know you have feelings for me and maybe.. I kinda like you the same way.."
'Akeno?!'
"So.. no matter what just go up there and have fun okay? I'll be cheering for you." With that she gave a fist pump that brought a smile to his face.
For a brief and shining moment he thought of kissing her right then and there, letting her know exactly how he felt. Just like when he decided to face Kokabiel, except this wasn't life or death, he wanted this. It wasn't until the haze cleared that he realized he had actually leaned in and kissed her. As their lips parted and his eyes widened he saw the shock written across her face, and immediately felt ashamed for being so forward. "I- I'm sorry. I don't know what I was-" the rest of his sentence and most of his cranial activity was shut out when her lips contacted his.
She loved him, and he loved her. Now, they were unafraid of admitting it to themselves and each other. This was.. dare he say it, Heaven? In that fleeting moment when everything between them finally tumbled down and they truly expressed themselves they could swear they read each other's minds. And as quick as it came, the moment was gone. He stood there as she went around to find the rest of the ORC and he merely touched his finger to his lips, hoping to never forget the moment.
"Making out with your girlfriend, Bro?" Teiya asked. Somehow, she seemed less annoying now than usual. Seeing the blush in her brother's face she just winked and nudged him. "'Bout damn time you two.. I was afraid I was gonna have to intervene." Kumonji just chuckled and assured her that no, everything seemed to be on the upswing now. The curtain rose and Kumonji took guitar as Teiya was going to have the first song.
"Kono omoi wo keshite shimau niwa mada jinsei nagai desho? Yarinokoshi te'ru koto yarinaoshite mitai kara.." The song went beautifully, and thankfully making the decision that he was starting second helped ease the fluster in Kumonji's head, both from the nerves and his confession only moments ago. As the song drew to a close he could only steel himself for his coming turn. "...Natsukashiku naru konna itami mo kangei jan!" The crowd started cheering, Teiya stepped aside and pulled her guitar around for the next song.
The crowd grew hushed before the drummer counted off. The rook stood in front of the sea of faces, nearly trembling. All eyes on him. He's on the verge of freezing up, until he sees them. The ORC are holding up a sign with his name, and right in the middle is Akeno.
Then Kumonji holds his pick up high, strikes the opening chords and just lets it all go. Even he looks amazed as his fingers dance of their own free will, ease of familiarity flowing through him to the amplifiers, never once taking his eyes off of the woman he now knows he wants to spend his life with.
"We all have a weakness
But some of ours are easy to identify
Look me in the eye
And ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again
Yes you are my friend
We all have something that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone
We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try
We all have someone that digs at us
At least we dig each other
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as clever medicine.
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
the better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone
Oooh each other
When everything else is gone."
The crowd cheered as the last note faded and Kumonji gave everyone in the ORC a big grin, 'I think I've got this.'
"Not bad big bro, now how about something that shreds?" Teiya poked at him into the mic. She knew what was coming next and signaled for the band to pick up on the second bar. It was a favorite of her brother's, and Kumonji's eyes lit up as she played the rhythm section. Coming in on the second bit with the rest of the band; the lead guitar kicked the distortion way up and they were at it.
"The secret Side of me I never let you see
I keep it caged but I can't control it
So stay away from me the beast is ugly
I feel the rage and I just can't hold it
It's scratching on the walls, In the closet, in the halls
It comes awake and I can't control it
Hiding under the bed, In my body, in my head
Why won't somebody come and save me from this? make it end!
I feel it deep within, It's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I- I- feel like a Monster
I- I- feel like a Monster
The secret side I keep Hid under lock and key
I keep it caged but I can't control it
Cause if I let him out He'll tear me up, break me down
Why won't somebody come and save me from this? make it end!
I feel it deep within, It's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I feel it deep within, It's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I- I- feel like a Monster
I- I- feel like a Monster
It's hiding in the dark, It's teeth are razor sharp
There's no escape for me it wants my soul it wants my heart
No one can hear me scream, maybe it's just a dream
Maybe it's inside of me
Stop this Monster!"
At this moment he lets his guitar hang around his shoulders, slumping slightly and covers his face with his hand, pretending to be facing some inner demon. "I feel it deep within, It's just beneath the skin..." 'Here goes..'
"I must confess that I.." He takes a sharp breath in, activates a small tinge of his devil power and strengthens his vocal chords. On the outside, his green eyes glow maliciously as he scrapes his nails in his cheek and causes his voice to sound feral and demonic "Feel Like A Monster!"
He brings his voice back to normal to play out the rest of the song as the crowd explodes in awe and wonder.
"I feel it deep within, It's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I hate what I've become, the nightmare's just begun
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I feel it deep within, It's just beneath the skin
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I'm gonna lose control, It's something Radical
I must confess that I feel like a Monster
I- I- feel like a Monster
I- I- feel like a Monster
I- I- feel like a Monster
I- I- feel like a Monster!"
The band takes a bow and several fans and fangirls swarm to the stage wondering how they got so good or how Kumonji did the thing with his voice or one of a thousand other things. Eventually the packed area dies down and the ORC along with Rias' father and brother, Issei's parents, Teiya, and Miss Tokumatsu are left to chat. The Invitation over to Issei's place is unanimously accepted with no small amount of grumbling from Rias and Issei. "It's so nice to see the House Gremory keeping up public appearances" Miss Tokumatsu states, causing both Rias and Kumonji to choke on their bottled waters and spittake in rather comical symmetry.
"You two know each other?!" the two young redheads shout in unison.
"Why yes, in fact the Tokumatsu are our distant relations. I guess that makes you two Cousins by blood, thrice removed."
No appropriate response could be prepared. The pair of them could only maintain a mildly shocked silence at this development all the way to Issei's house, punctuated only by Kumonji murmuring inaudibly about how he had seen Rias' funbags only yesterday as well as Rias sputtering syllables under her breath. Thankfully the only mortals in the house couldn't tell that what had just happened was a devil family reunion of sorts. The only saving grace was that Issei was there to support Rias and Akeno for Kumonji, who was glad that at least one conversation tonight would be less awkward.
~~End Chapter~~
A/N: er.. ma.. gerd.
even i didn't see that coming! well okay maybe i did but i'm not telling you that.
Btw yes that Nagato was supposed to be Yuki Nagato, moderate hint at "Melancholy of.." mostly the Haruhi version with Nagato on guitar and Haruhi on lead vocals. In this case however Yuki was just Yuki. She would probably be a good friend to Koneko. Hell they could be sisters.. o.o
As always and forever, faves follows and most of all Reviews make me a happy and more productive writer-director-producer-thing.
Much love, peace and hair grease! ^u^