Flashback

Doragonzu speaking

(Ddraig speaking)

[Albion speaking]

Author note

Chapter 10 - Cat's night out

'I cannot wait for tomorrow, Doragonzu.'

'Indeed partner, you may finally get your revenge.'

'Kalawarner, your death inches closer...and every bit closer.'

Ryūno thought to himself, walking to the market.

'Partner, should you not be going home?' Doragonzu asked his host.

'Normally, yeah. But I promised Kuroka I'd get something to eat.' Ryūno replied.

'You're gonna cook for her?'

Ryūno only smiled bitterly at that remark.

'Do you mock me, Doragonzu? I'm a terrible cook, you know I eat out most of the time, anyway.'

'Maybe she'll teach you a thing or two.'

'Let's hope so.'

Ryūno remembered something crucial.

...

'Fuck, I forgot my wallet at home, guess we're meeting Kuroka first.'

'Let's hope she doesn't tear you apart.'

'Right...'

Ryūno continued walking towards his home. Eventually, he reached the entrance.

"Kuroka, you there?" Ryūno said, entering his home.

"I'm here, dragon boy, nya." Ryūno looked over to his couch to see Kuroka laying there in her usual Kimono, reading one of Ryūno's spellbooks.

"You seem to be eyeing that rather carefully." Ryūno said walking over to the other side of the couch with closed eyes.

"This is a very advanced spellbook, nya. Did you make this?" Kuroka asked.

"I actually got it in the underworld, and incorporated some of my own spells in case I ever forget, it has the basics and the advanced tactics for using magic and such."

"Nya, well I hope you don't mind me reading it..." Kuroka faked sadness.

"You can read it, just don't take it out of this house."

"I'll finish it later." Kuroka said closing the book and laying it on the coffee table.

"Oh, by the way, did you bring back food, nya?" Kuroka asked excited.

'Oh boy, here we go.'

"Well, that's actually the reason I came back home first, I forgot my wallet at home, you'll have to wait a bit longer."

Kuroka's eyes died down, and her cat ears lowered, as she gave Ryūno the puppy eyes, or in this case...kitty eyes.

"Nya, but I'm very hungry..."

Ryūno looked at her, he had to admit, she looked very adorable like that.

Ryūno sighed.

"Those eyes won't work on me, Kuroka. You won't have to wait for too long, I'll be back in like half an hour." Ryūno reassured.

Kuroka's stomach growled, her face turned red as she got embarrassed.

"Nya, how about a compromise?" Kuroka suggested.

"Hmm?" Ryūno hummed in confusion.

"Let's go out to eat, nya!"

"...Like a date?" Ryūno asked.

"Of course, silly! What, have you never had a girlfriend, nya?"

"...No, I have not. And I've never been on a date."

"Hahaha, you're funny-oh...you're serious, aren't you?" Kuroka deadpanned, she thought that Ryūno was just either joking or roleplaying, you know...taking the role of the submissive one.

"Serious as I can be." Ryūno replied.

"Wow, a cute guy like you, never had a girlfriend, nya? What gives?"

"Well for starters, none of the girls were a nekomata whose race is endangered and needs someone powerful to revive her race...and none of the girls had a sexy voice like you, I guess." Ryūno replied, as Kuroka blushed a bit.

"Nya, thanks. But, my voice? Not my figure, face, eyes, but voice? Not that I don't appreciate the compliment, but most boys just look at my boobs or butt, why are you different?"

"Because, I, in fact, can handle a flat-chested woman. What I can't handle...is a woman with an annoying voice, it makes it impossible for me to even hold a proper conversation. You're pretty gifted."

"Hmm, I see. Well, maybe you'll change your mind once you see the outfits I bought, nya~" Kuroka said seductively.

"Alright, maybe I ca-wait, bought with what? Last time I checked, you don't have any money on you." Ryūno said narrowing his eyes.

Kuroka started sweating and just shrugged and giggled sheepishly.

"Ehehe, I...may or may not have used your credit card while I was at the mall yesterday..." Ryūno facepalmed.

"Please don't tell me I'm in debt now..." Ryūno mumbled.

"Eh? I only bought 4 dresses!" Kuroka defended herself.

"In one night?"

"Yes?"

...

"Man, am I gonna need to sort out a budget for you."

"You're a millionaire!"

"Yeah? And? A millionaire can go into debt just as fast as a homeless person can." Ryūno replied.

'Hmph, or you could just steal all of Azazel's shit again…'

"Well, if we're gonna head out, best get ready. I'll go upstairs and get dressed."

"Alright, handsome, I'll see you downstairs, nya." Kuroka said as Ryūno headed upstairs.

Ryūno went to his room, only to find that his closet doesn't have any fancy clothes.

...

"What the hell am I gonna wear?" He said looking into his nearly empty closet.

"Just put on a black sweater, black jeans, and black shoes! A dark color really complements your eyes, you know." Doragonzu reassured his partner.

"Sounds a bit boring, I don't think Kuroka would like that." Truth be told, he didn't actually care that much, but a good first impression wouldn't hurt.

"Partner, she'll think you'll look good in anything! You could probably go outside naked and she wouldn't object."

"...I probably could, but eh. You're right, I don't have to worry too much, hell, this is technically our first date."

As Ryūno said that, he changed from his usual unique attire to something a lot more casual.

He looked in the mirror.

"I gotta wash my face." As he said that, Ryūno went to the bathroom, opened the door, and headed towards the sink, soaking cold water on his face, and sliding his hair back a little."

"Man, this haircut is hard to maintain, how does Levi do it?"

"Stop watching so much Attack On Titan, it's getting to your head."

"Levi's a badass and you know it, you liked that show just as much as I did."

"That may be, but that doesn't mean you have to literally copy his style! He has a horrible fashion sense anyway!"

"You're an ancient dragon, what the hell do you know about fashion?"

"You're a prime example of good fashion, partner."

"Shut it you-wait, what? Was that an actual compliment? That was very sweet of you, Doragonzu."

"Any time to bring up your confidence, think of me as your wingman."

Both chuckled at their antics.

"Alright, time to head downstairs and see what she's picked out." Ryūno said walking out of the bathroom and down the stairs.

"Kuroka?" Ryūno didn't see her on the couch anymore. He walked closer to it, to find quite a pretty sight.

She was wearing a tight black dress, with the skirt showing a bit too much...not like Ryūno cared though. Kuroka had her hair neatly tied up as well.

"Hey, Ryūno, do you like it, nya~?" Kuroka asked, but genuinely afraid of his answer.

"Well, I'm glad I chose black as well. You look fantastic, Kuroka." She was really happy to hear that.

Kuroka was eyeing him as well, it was weird to see him out of his usual outfit, instead replaced by a very casual outfit. Even though it was so simple, he looked godlike in it.

"My, aren't we a bold man, you think you're so handsome you don't even have to dress well, nya~?" Kuroka teased, she liked his attire but wanted to play with him a little bit.

Ryūno genuinely had no real comeback to this.

"I...don't have any fancy clothes in my closet. Now that I think about it, I should really consider getting a tuxedo."

"Hehehe, I'm just teasing you, dragon boy. You look great, nya."

Ryūno just ruffled his hair.

"Thanks." He said while smiling ever so slightly.

"Woah, that's the first time I've seen you smile."

"Heh, maybe I'm just in a really good mood..."

"That so? Well, care to explain why, nya~?"

"Well, I'm going out of the house for a valid reason for once, with a really beautiful girl at that, and two...actually, I'll tell you that as we walk, okay?"

"Okay, just give me a sec to put on my lipstick and perfume."

'Oh Great Red, this is gonna take ages.'

'You know, you're lucky you can speak in my mindscape, she'd give you the biggest rant ever if she heard that.'

'Indeed, she would.'

"Alright, all done!" She said as she finished putting on her purple lipstick.

"Let's head out." Ryūno turned off the lights in the house, both of them walked out of the door, Ryūno locked it.

As they walked out of their house, Kuroka started to hold Ryūno's arm with hers, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Lead the way, nya~."

"Huh, well then. You said you wanted seafood, right?"

"You know me so well, nya~."

'Except for the fact that I'm basing that off of a stereotype that you're a literal cat...'

"There's a new place that opened recently, it serves practically anything you can ask for."

"A buffet..?"

Ryūno laughed at that.

"Don't be ridiculous, it's a restaurant. It's located on top of a skyscraper, it has a nice view. Great drinks, and most importantly, the people are nice as well, no rich snobs or rude vermin there."

"Sounds expensive, nya."

"Words like 'expensive' and 'cheap' aren't in my vocabulary, there's only 'like' and 'dislike'. No matter how expensive or cheap my night outs are, I either have a good time or a really good fucking time."

"So commanding, nya~."

"I got that from my caretaker. Though, if you want me to be soft, then I can tone it down." Ryūno offered.

"No, no. You're fine, don't worry. So, why are you in such a good mood, nya?"

"Well, I believe I already mentioned the first reason, and the second reason is a bit of a darker one, but..." Ryūno looked down a bit.

"It's fine, you can say it, I'm listening."

Ryūno sighed.

"I may have a lead on Kalawarner, her friend said she's gonna be at the church tomorrow, I'm gonna head over there."

"Oh, I understand, will you need my help?" Kuroka looked up at him.

"I'll be fine, believe me. Don't underestimate the power of the forbidden sacred gear." Ryūno reassured.

"So it is that sacred gear..." Kuroka said.

"Don't worry, I have mastered its powers and properties, the stories you've heard about the hosts dying or going mad, that will not happen to me, okay?" Ryūno said as he pet her head.

Kuroka nodded and smiled, gesturing them to keep walking.

"Well, this is the place."

"Okay, let's go in-"

"Before that...you'll have to get rid of your cat ears and tail. We don't wanna get any unnecessary attention because of them."

"Really, and here I thought you liked them, nya~"

"Believe me, I do. But we can't risk it."

"I understand, nya." She said as she made her ears and tails disappear with magic.

"Alright, let's head inside." They both went inside the big building.

"Woah, this is huge, nya." Kuroka looked in awe.

"It's not the only thing that's huge..."

"Oh, and what might that be-" Kuroka was interrupted out of her perverted thoughts as Ryūno looked over to the side.

"Look at the lines."

"Oh...so I guess we're going to the next place?" Kuroka said a bit sad.

"Oh no, we aren't." Ryūno said firmly.

"Huh, but the line-"

"That line will be long gone after they see me. Come on, let's go." Ryūno held out his hand, motioning for Kuroka to grab it.

Kuroka grabbed it, as Ryūno dragged her over to the line.

"Hey, get back in-" The man stopped yelling dead in his tracks when he saw that face.

"I-It's Mr. Kishatsu, and he's got a woman, make way!" Everyone dispersed from the line.

The man at the register looked at Ryūno in fear.

"M-Mr Kishatsu, t-to what do we owe the pleasure?" The man asked trying not to anger him.

"Please, call me Ryūno. Meet my girlfriend, her name is Kuroka. And we'd like a table for two."

"I-I'm sorry, but...all of the tables are reserved."

"Surely you can spare a table for just the two of us?" Ryūno asked with a coy smile, whilst it looked like a genuine smile, it screamed 'I'll have you disappear tomorrow if you don't give us a table right now.'"

"O-of course, Mr. - I mean, Ryūno!"

"Excellent. Come on, let's go, Kuroka." They both proceeded to walk towards the elevator.

"Our table is 6 b, it's near the corner of the skyscraper I believe, shouldn't be too many people there. Lucky us." Ryūno said.

"Huh, can you explain why they're so scared of you, nya?"

"I'll explain whilst we eat." As he said that, they made it to the very top floor of the skyscraper.

As the elevator doors opened, Ryūno and Kuroka saw a beautiful sight, a full moon, shining above the sky, with seats and tables near the edge of it, being protected by a fence. A bar with a variety of drink choices as well, of course.

"It looks beautiful." Kuroka said.

"Indeed it does, let's find our table, shall we?" Kuroka nodded and took his hand.

As they were walking, everyone sitting was eyeing them, more specifically, the beauty next to one of the most dangerous teens in Kyoto. Ryūno had quite the reputation there, and it showed in Kuoh Academy as well. As they continued walking, they both finally found their table, and sat down, looking at the view.

"I never got to say this, but thanks for taking me out, really. It feels nice to be finally rid of having to fear for my life as a stray..."

"Of course, I also needed to get some fresh air with someone as well, besides, I think you deserve some peace, after everything you've been through."

"You're surprisingly nicer than I expected you to be at first."

"Thank my sacred gear for that, as well as Ms. Akane."

"Ms. Akane is your caretaker, right?"

"That she is, her full name is Akane Hiroshita, and she's like a step-mother to me."

"Why do you call her Ms. Akane, instead of...you know, Ms. Hiroshita?" Kuroka asked.

"That's because I couldn't pronounce her surname as a child, she'd get annoyed, and she'd suggest that I call her Ms. Akane instead, as I grew up, I still call her Ms. Akane, just cause it grew on me."

"I feel like you were a troublesome kid in her care, nya."

"You bet I was, she was usually the one to pull me out of trouble. But she liked me a lot, I wasn't a loud kid, but I'd break most of the orphanages' rules, which she did get annoyed at."

"How did you become an orphan, exactly?"

"Well, to start off. My mom was far too young to take care of me, she gave birth to me at age 17, she wasn't in a very good financial situation, either. So she slept with men for money, and then she got pregnant with a client, one day. And yes, she's the one that named me, not the orphanage. She called me 'Ryūno' because the name sounded beautiful, but at the same time, intimidating."

"Oh, sorry to hear that..." Kuroka.

"Yeah, it is kind of crazy to hear that my very existence is an unwanted mistake, right? Or a miracle, as Ms. Akane puts it more sweetly."

"Your caretaker sounds like a really nice woman, nya."

"She is, though, I do wish that I could see my biological mother again. I heard from Ms. Akane recently, that my biological mother now has her very own son, my...technical brother, I guess."

"Maybe you'll get to meet him."

"I'm visiting Ms. Akane in a week, maybe you'll want to come with as well?"

"I'd be happy to."

"Also, why is everyone so scared of you?"

"Well, I used to be...kind of like a gangster, and a gambler, back in Kyoto. So everyone here fears me, I have quite a reputation at Kyoto."

"You used to gamble? Naught boy~"

"I gambled because I was bored, mostly. I'm surprised to say, I won most of my games. Why? Well...one can keep a secret if two are dead."

"Ooo, so you know what rule as well, huh?"

"All too well."

As they continued talking, the waiter finally came up to them.

"Pardon me, sir and madam, we are quite busy this night, so we can't get out orders or serve customers as quickly, I hope it's not that big of a bother."

"It is not your fault, you're just doing your job. Now, may we order?"

Kuroka smiled at the fact that he's not treating the waiter badly for something that's out of his control.

"Yes indeed, you may. What would you both like?"

"You go first, Kuroka." Ryūno suggested.

"Well, I'd like the Thai Steamed Mussels, please."

"Great choice, madam. And what for a drink?"

"Kotichibee please, room temperature."

"And what would you like, good sir?"

"I'll take the Shrimp Verde, and for a drink a Gekkeikan Horin, as cold as it gets, please."

"Excellent choices, the food will be with you as quickly as possible."

"Thank you." Ryūno said.

"All right, so, where were we?" Ryūno asked.

"Well, you said you wanted to visit your caretaker, and that I'll go with you."

"Right, now, I've told you about my family, now what about you, what's your relationship with your sister, currently?"

"...Well, it's not a very good one. We've been separated for a very long time, Rias has manipulated her, and made her hate me..." Kuroka said.

"She doesn't hate you." Ryūno said.

"How do you know?"

"She might not like you, but hate is an exaggeration. Sigh...look, if you want, I'll try to get you and your sister on good terms, whether she wants to or not. She has to know the truth, Kuroka."

"Are you two on good terms, Ryūno?" Kuroka asked.

"We're...friends, I think? She doesn't resent me, as far as I know."

"Then maybe it's not that far fetched, we'll see."

"So, you're part of the Khaos Brigade, a terrorist group. Do you yourself seek world domination, by any chance?"

"No, not really, me Vali, and...Ophis, we're not interested in it."

"Ophis...The Infinity Dragon God, how I crave to meet her. What's she doing in a group like the Khaos Brigade, anyway?"

"She's our boss, actually."

"Wait, really? What's her goal, anyway?"

"I don't exactly know, but it's not world domination, that's for sure, nya."

"How interesting, I'm assuming you're only part of this group for your own survival, right?"

"Yes, I needed a home, so I came to Vali and begged him to let me join him, which surprisingly, he did. However, my one true goal is to get Shirone back to me."

"What do you mean?" Ryūno asked.

"Well-"

"Here are your drinks and dishes, enjoy sir and madam."

"Thank you."

"So, back to the topic." Ryūno said as he poured himself a glass of his Sake, Kuroka did the same.

"As I was saying, I'm gonna try to take away Shirone from Rias, by convincing her...or by force if I need to."

Ryūno opened his eyes and looked at her, before setting his glass down back at on the table.

"Kuroka..."

"Yes..?"

"What is the number one thing you value in this world?"

"Huh..? My sister, and you, of course."

"Now, you want your sister to be happy, right?"

"Yes."

"Do you think that taking her away from Rias's peerage, whom she now considers her family, is gonna make her happy?"

"I-well, she is my real family, not Gremory." Kuroka replied firmly.

"That's not the way she sees it, Kuroka. You have to understand, she doesn't see you as family anymore, she's been told to believe that you're some hideous power-hungry monster, so that she doesn't run away and back to you."

"But-"

"Understand, her wounds will take time to heal, whether she forgives you or not. Remember, she feels safe with Rias, do you think she'll feel safe when she's in a Brigade of terrorists, threatening to start an all-out war?"

"No..."

"Exactly, I'm not saying you have to give up on Shir-Koneko, I'm just saying, give her space and time, explain your situation to her, and make her wounds heal with time. Alright?"

"Y-you're right. I'll do that, but you'll have to help me, okay?"

"I'll do what I can." Ryūno replied honestly.

"Thank you, nya."

"Now onto a more light-hearted topic, food. I'm hungry, let's dig in."

"Sure thing, nya." Kuroka said digging into her food.

"It's delicious."

"It is, right? Nice to get out and have someone make something for you, with a nice ass view as well, right?"

"Which view are you talking about, nya~?"

"You know what I'm talking about." Said Ryūno eyeing her.

After a while, they were done eating and drinking.

"I feel like I'm going to pass out, mya~"

'Oh lord, my girlfriend is a bit drunk, I think it's time we call it a night.'

'Hehee, she's not meant to drink that much.'

"Alright, I think we ought to get going it's getting pretty late, and you don't look so good."

"I'm fine, mya!"

'Oh no, even her usual 'nya' is weird.'

"Sure you are. Waiter! We'd like the check."

"Right away, sir."

"Cash or credit?"

"Credit." The waiter proceeded to hand him the bill.

"223.46$. Damn, it really is expensive, oh well." Ryūno inserted his card into the slot and paid for the meal, the waiter handed him the print.

"Take this as well." Ryūno handed the waiter a 50$ bill.

"Sir, this is a bit much-"

"Don't worry, keep it. Let's head home, Kuroka."

"Alright, handsome~." She wrapped herself around Ryūno's arm.

"Have a goodnight, sir."

"You too." Ryūno replied, heading to the elevator.

"That was really fun, thanks for taking me out, Ryūno."

"No problem, Kuroka. I'm glad we went out, I'd say we learned quite a lot about each other."

The elevator descended to the first floor.

Ryūno and Kuroka continued walking, Kuroka's face had a bit of a pink tint from all the alcohol, but she wasn't drunk yet.

Kuroka and Ryūno were now near their house, but before they had gone back inside...

"Hey...for all this time and effort, I think you deserve a reward for treating little old me, nya~"

Ryūno turned to her face and closed his eyes, she proceeded to kiss him. Ryūno cupped her face and kissed back with a lot of passion. Eventually, they pulled apart after what seemed ages.

"Thanks for that, you took my first one, nya~." Kuroka said.

"Heh, my first one as well, and a pretty damn good one if you ask me. Come on, let's head inside, I'm tired." Kuroka nodded and they both went back to their house, God hope their bed is durable.

'Well, was this a fun Cat's night out...'

To be continued...