The Poison

Everything was good in the Hyoudou house. Ellie was enjoyed by everyone who she saw. She also grew to tolerate more people holding her and playing with her. Recently, the baby had favored hanging around a certain white Nekomata.

Koneko found herself being stared at more than a few times from the infant. However, she never really played with her until Rias helped her learn how. Since Elizabeth was only comfortable being around Koneko when either Issei or Rias was around, they didn't spend an awful lot of time together. Once she figured out that this child would not shatter at a simple touch, Koneko spent more time with her.

"Alright Ellie. Let's not pull aunt Koneko's tail this time." Koneko giggled as she held the baby. The two were sitting on the couch and Koneko was teaching her about restraint. She would wave her white tail in front of the baby's face and see if she was quicker than the little girl. At first, Ellie would grab the tail and pull it. Afterwards, she would grab and let go.

"Good, you can be taught. You're a lot smarter than your knuckle headed Daddy." She teased and tickled Ellie's sides.

"I thought I was pretty smart." A voice startled Koneko but didn't faze the giggling baby girl.

"You are, but she takes after Rias in that aspect."

"Keep that up and you won't get your date tonight." Issei winked at her and walked off into the kitchen.

"Date?" The curious cat picked up Ellie and followed him. "What do you mean date?"

"I was gonna take you out for a nice evening out, but since you would rather spend time with my daughter…" He chuckled.

How could she pass this opportunity up? The only time she had been alone with him was when they bought Kuroka's clothes a year ago. Since then, he had been busy with the wedding, the baby, the whole ordeal up in Heaven. She wanted a day out with him.

"When do we go?"

"Oh, so now you want to go?"

"Yes! More than anything!" Koneko started to jump up and down with excitement.

"Woah there kitty cat." He quickly took Ellie from her hands. "Gotta be careful."

"I'm sorry." Her smile faded and her gaze hit the floor.

"It's okay." He patted her head. "Now, go get ready. We leave in 20 minutes."

Koneko sprinted out the room and raced up to her room, there she found Asia and Kuroka. Asia had been helping Kuroka go over a health plan much like the one she made for Rias. Since she was in her late fifth month of pregnancy, it was crucial she start eating right.

"Woah Shirone. Got a hot date?" Kuroka laughed as she watched Koneko go through her clothes.

"Yeah, Issei said he's taking me out." She picked up her short light blue skirt and her white cat hoodie and went to the bathroom to change.

As Koneko slammed the door shut, Kuroka giggled happily. "I'm glad he makes her smile."

"Yea." Asia looked glum.

"Don't worry Asia. I'm sure he's saving something extra special for you." This made the blonde cheer up instantly.

"You really think so?"

"Of course. I can tell, after Rias, you're his favorite." This wasn't true and she knew it, but every little bit helps. Everyone knew that after Rias, Issei loved them all equally.

Suddenly, the bathroom door burst open and Koneko came out. "So, how do I look?"

Both older girls thought she was adorable. "You are so cute Koneko." Asia smiled.

"She's right Shirone. Absolutely adorable."

"Thanks guys. See ya later." Koneko raced out of the room to start her date.

"I'm glad you're happy." Kuroka smiled and turned back to Asia.

Koneko sprinted down the stairs and found Issei waiting.

"Let's go." He patted her head and they left. Koneko picked a pizza place for their date. Not really fancy, but it was her pick.

The waiter took their orders and left them be. The night went smoothly, that is until Koneko started feeling light-headed.

"Hey Koneko, are you okay?" Issei asked as she held her head a moment.

She started to stand to walk to the bathroom. "Yea, I think I just need to-…" The young cat devil passed out and hit the floor.

"Koneko!" Issei was quick to get up and pick her up. By now, a small crowd had gathered around them.

"Oh my Gosh. Is she okay?"

"Poor girl."

"I hope she's alright."

Issei didn't know what to do, so he quickly paid the bill and carried Koneko to the car. He was very careful and strapped her in. Then, he drove home at a smooth but quick pace. He didn't want to make it worse. Thinking quickly, he called Rias.

"Rias. Koneko is sick I think."

"What? How?" Rias asked. She had to be quiet so that Kuroka didn't get worried. The less stress for her the better.

"I don't know. She ate nothing weird I don't think. She just passed out."

"Hmm. Bring her home, and we'll get one of the spare rooms ready for her in case it's contagious."

"Okay, we'll be there in 5. Love you."

"I love you too. Be safe."

"Always." Issei hung up and upshifted the car. The Aston's V-12 growled to life. He soon pulled up in the driveway and got the unconscious Koneko out the passenger seat. He carried her inside and up the stairs to the room Rias and Asia had prepared.

"How is she?" Asia asked.

"Still unconscious." Issei's face was grim.

At that moment, Koneko started to wake up. "Where am I?" She groaned. Her head was pounding.

"You're at home, kitten." Issei got her into the bed.

"Hot." She whined.

"I got you." Issei took off her jacket and her skirt. This left the young Nekomata in just a long shirt and her underwear. "Better?"

"Uh huh."

"How are you feeling?" Issei asked her as he helped prop her up on the pillow. Rias and Asia had gone to get her medicine.

"Like I got hit by a truck." Her eyes had tears in them. Whatever was going on, was making her miserable.

"Oh, come on. We both know that if you got hit by a truck that the truck would be in worse shape."

Koneko tried to laugh but it came out a coughing fit. "My head hurts." She groaned and shivered a bit.

"Come here." Issei crawled in the bed and held her close. He could tell that his presence was helping her. This wasn't going to be a fun time for her, and he wanted to be there for her as much as he possibly could.

"Will you stay here with me?" Koneko squeaked out. Her voice was frail and soft.

"Of course, kitten. I won't leave you." He held her and rocked her.

"Can you sing me a song? Kuroka would sing to me when I was little."

"You know I can't sing Koneko." He chuckled and continued to stroke her hair.

"Okay." She said in a defeated voice.

Issei took a deep breath. "A lonely road crossed another cold state line. Miles away from those I love, purpose undefined. Can't help but think of the times I've had with you. Pictures and some memories will have to help me through. Dear God, the only thing I ask of you is to hold her when I'm not around, when I'm much to far away." He looked down and the frail girl in his arms was snoring softly.

"Is she asleep?" A voice came from the door.

"Hi Kuroka. How are you feeling?" Issei asked.

"I'm good. More worried about Shirone though." Kuroka went to sit on the bed, but Issei stopped her.

"Hold on. We don't know if what she has is contagious. I hate to ask you to keep your distance for now." This was asking an awful lot, but Kuroka understood.

"Okay." She started to walk out of the room. "Issei, please take care of my sister."

"I always will." He carefully got out from under Koneko and met Kuroka by the door. "Goodnight Kuroka. I love you." The Neko was surprised when he embraced her warmly but couldn't help but smile.

"I-I love you too." She blushed.

"Issei, I'm cold." Koneko's sleepy voice came from the other side of the room.

"That's my cue." Issei chuckled and quickly kissed Kuroka. "Don't worry, she'll be alright."

"Thank you." Kuroka took her leave.

Issei walked back over to the bed and laid down. Koneko instantly snuggled up closer. Her face was pale, and she was shivering.

"I'm sorry." She spoke softly.

"For what?"

"For making you stay with me. I'm sure you'd rather be with Elizabeth instead of taking care of me."

He pulled her face up and kissed her gently. "I'm needed here right now. Ellie has a whole house of people to take care of her. It's you that needs my attention."

Koneko started to cry. "I love you, Issei."

"I love you too kitten." He pulled her close and rocked her till she was asleep.