Well, don't I feel like a big jerk?

It's been a few months since the last chapter, and that's a long time even for my liking. I apologize for keeping everyone waiting so long. I really wish writing was my only hobby so I could spend more time on it, but that just isn't the case. Though there was a story on this site that really got my gears going and really motivated me to write this out to its completion. If you haven't read "Delinquent Dragon Emperor" by Melkor's Mercy before, I highly suggest it! It's a very good read and definitely deserves its ratings.

Anyway, what are your thoughts on keeping chapters fairly small at 5-6k each, or going for longer ones that could be 10k-15k? Obviously, longer chapters would take more time (ironic now, isn't it?) but would you feel more satisfaction in them being longer? I'd love to know.

Now let's go over some questions I've read in the comments and clarify:

MidnightAmbush: Right now I don't have an exact list of the harem, but I will say it will both have the original members like in canon, but it wouldn't hurt to add more? Realistically most would rather look up to him rather than be totally infatuated, but things can change. I also don't want to cuck Sirzechs and have Grayfia cheat on him with Issei, that wouldn't feel right with me. With her, the feeling is more sisterly like you said. She LIKES him, but only to protect and help him along the way. What happens to Issei as the story progresses, he'll definitely be different. I don't want to spoil too much, so that is what I will say for now.

Nice: I'm really sorry if the story confuses you. I purposely left out a lot of past information just so we can relate to issei more, as well as using a non-linear timeline to go back and forth between moments. I won't use that as much in later chapters But I promise that questions will be answered in due time. Why Raynare is alive and Grayfia is focusing more time on Issei than her other duties...that is just my narrow-mindedness. I don't quite like how Raynare and her comrades were portrayed in canon too.

Xerzo LotCN: I highly doubt I would add a lot of lemons to this story, but maybe a few offscreen moments if I see fit. But I can confirm that there will be plenty of fluff moments just for the feelsys.

That's all I can really think of right now, but I will have more to say afterward. Enjoy the story if you do!

A nurse quickly walks her way down the hallway after being notified by the call button. Knowing what room it was exactly, it was very important to be there as soon as possible. Locating the room number with ease, she opens the door and walks in to see Grayfia sitting and facing the bed, her back towards the nurse.

"Uh, is something the matter...?" She cautiously asks. The maid slowly turns her head to face her, tears were now gone but leaving the white of her eyes red. Her expression makes the nurse assume the worst had happened, quickly rushing over to the bed. What she discovers though stops her in her tracks, a face plastered with disbelief.

Issei was awake, looking over with a goofy smile to the nurse.

Grayfia stands up from her seat, motioning her to follow without saying anything. The nurse has no choice but to oblige as they walk to the other side of the room and out of earshot. The grey-haired devil talks in a hushed voice, arms crossed as she rubs her elbows nervously.

"He woke up not too long ago while I was here. He seems fine...but he doesn't remember my name or anything I've mentioned to him."

The nurse's eyes open a bit wider but then solemnly nods in understanding. "We were afraid this would happen. I'll call over the doctor, but please stay here. I'm sure she'll want to hear more from you."

Grayfia gives a small nod, taking a glance over at Issei. This was going to be a snowball of problems.

Later in the evening, Grayfia arrives back at the Gremory mansion all dry amidst the downpour outside. Lowering her head she sighs heavily with eyes closed.

"Mother, you're back!"

Her head jerks up at the sudden voice of Millicas as he hurries over with arms outstretched. He hugs her waist as she puts a hand on his shoulder and another to pat his head. If there's one thing to bring a smile to her face, it was her son.

"You're home later than usual. Was everything back at the hospital ok?" The next to come over was Sirzechs, dressed in something comfortable with his usual calm smile.

"Ah, yes, everything was just fine." She replies to him, sweeping the question away with a passive smile as she gives her attention back to the youngest Gremory. While not diminishing his smile, in his mind he knows she is not saying the full truth. Just a hunch as some would say.

"Millicas, could you let your mother and I talk in private for a moment please?"

"Yes, Father." Being one to not disobey his parents, the boy gives the maid one last hug and smile before promptly leaving them alone. Once he was far enough away, Sirzechs' smile swaps to a more concerned face when he turns to face his wife, who in turn now looks at him with a stoic face. He knew she was just putting up a defense.

"Grayfia, there is something you're not telling me. I know it."

"What could you ever mean, dear?"

Sighing, he attempts to hold her but she turns around walks away to create some distance between them. Though he can't see it, her lips start to quiver just slightly.

"I know when you're lying, Grayfia, we've been married for a long time now. Is it about Issei? Did something happen?" He wasn't giving up that easily on the questioning, that's for sure. She keeps quiet though, even if it pains her on the inside to do so.

After a moment of silence, two hands rest on her shoulders with a comforting massage. A faint red appears on her cheeks as she slowly turns her head, seeing the face of her loyal husband. She knows damn well what his massages do, and it's usually to get what he wants. Her natural reaction is a soft scowl.

"Honey, please...just what happened at the hospital?"

Gazing into his pleading eyes had made her drop the frown, locking eyes for a short duration. A suppressed feeling started to build up in her, screaming to be let free. Holding it back was a challenge, but the fresh tears that started to slowly run down couldn't be contained any longer.

"I-I promised the doctor I wouldn't say anything..." Grayfia's voice sounded shaky, her hands balling into fists.

Now worried, Sirzechs gingerly turns her around so she can face him as he keeps up his calm demeanor. Inside he felt the desperation slowly seep in though.

"Why, Grayfia? Why?"

Ever so gently her weakening voice managed to mutter something out.

"...Issei...he doesn't remember anything..."

The next morning was a huge improvement from yesterday. Grey clouds and a downpour are now replaced with a slightly cloudy but still sunny and warm day outside. The hospital continues to operate just as any other day, the staff busy at work.

The front doors slide open as a man with distinctive red hair walks inside as if he were on a mission. The nurses at the front desk take notice, surprised to see one of the Maous come in all of a sudden.

"Um, Lord Lucifer...?" One of them tried to engage him but is paid no mind as he continued on his way to the elevator. Looking at her colleagues, they give her shrugs and faces of similar confusion in response.

Inside said elevator, the doors now close as Sirzechs stares forward at the shiny metal doors, seeing his blurry reflection somewhat. The ride up to the upper floors is a quiet one. Something was going through his mind, judging by the hard stare planted on his face. Soon the doors open upon reaching his desired floor as he walks out and down the hall to his left. His dress shoes clack against the hard floor, no other sounds present in the mostly quiet part of the floor.

One of the doors opens as the Doctor leaves after talking to one of her patients, closing it after herself. Glancing over her shoulder, she looks more than surprised to see Sirzechs making his way quickly past her. He doesn't even acknowledge her, let alone look over for even a second.

"L-Lucifer? Where are you in such a hurry for?"

No response.

Scoffing under her breath, she follows the Maou to his side as she keeps a somewhat annoyed glance at him for ignoring her, but he only pays attention to the passing room numbers.

"No disrespect to you Lord Lucifer, but what is it you are looking for?"

Her question is soon answered once he stops at a door. Looking over, the Doctor's face slowly turning into a silent gasp. There is a sign on the side of the doorway that distinguishes which room is which, and on that specific one read an eerily familiar number for the Maou.

Thirteen.

Eyes looking back at the Lucifer, it all connects to why he is here suddenly. The Doctor suddenly stops his hand from turning the doorknob, looking up sternly at his neutral face.

"I'm afraid I can't let you in, Lord Lucifer. No more visitors are allowed inside until further noti-"

"I know. It will only take a minute."

"I'm going to have to decline, with all due respect. His therapist will be here soon and as it is now, it is not safe for him to interact with too many people."

Sirzechs stays quiet for a short time as if weighing in his thoughts. The Doctor keeps an eye on him, slowly letting go of his hand. His eyes glance over right at her's.

"I am going inside. If you or any of the other staff attempt to stop me, there will be severe punishment. I mean it."

That serious face, only a few have ever seen it. Though mentally the Doctor wanted to defy her Maou, physically her mouth only hung open and her feet step back on their own. His demonic power was starting to seep a bit, acting as a clear signal to not cause any more issues with him. Closing her mouth and raising her hands in defense, she keeps a cautious look at him.

"...Okay, okay you can go. Just...be careful, please?"

Sirzechs only gives a silent nod, his focus back on the door. Turning the knob and walking inside, there was no going back now.

The room looked just like the last time he visited, though the tension and dread of before were gone. Well, maybe not the tension part. His dress shoes lightly click with each slow step towards the bed. Issei was still laying in bed but with eyes closed. Was he asleep, or only resting his eyes? It must be boring to be cooped up in a room like this for a long time.

Moving a chair from a small table nearby and to the bedside, Sirzechs takes a seat as his eyes are still fixated on the boy. It was true how people looked younger and more peaceful when sleeping, or at least to him. Trying to keep a calm face, inside he felt the memories they shared find a way to seep in. Memories that the Red Dragon Emperor possibly won't even remember anymore. Just thinking of that new reality aches his heart.

"Issei. Issei, can you hear me...?"

His voice was low and borderline a whisper, but alas there was no response. Deciding to be firmer, he gingerly places a hand on Issei's casted arm. He speaks more clearly now.

"Issei. Can you hear me?"

The same result. He gives a small sigh, his stoicism faltering. Glancing over his shoulder, he knew the Doctor was looking through the glass of the door behind him. And he is right, her face showing conflicting emotions as her arms were crossed.

"Hmm...?"

Though it was barely audible, his head instantly turns back to Issei. Shuffling in bed with eyes squinting, the brunet tiredly looks over at Sirzechs nonchalantly. The Maou though looked both stunned and ecstatic to see him, but studying his eyes they looked...different. While they still held life in them there was no familiarity in them. No love. Only a hollow and empty gaze. As much as Sirzechs did not want to believe it, this was not the same Issei as before.

"Um, hello? Who are you?" The breathing mask muffled his words a bit but he understood him clearly. To ease any possible fear from the situation, Sirzechs dons a small smile to try and appear as friendly as possible. Unfortunately in Issei's eyes, he was a total stranger to him.

"Hello, Issei. I hope I wasn't interrupting your sleep?"

He lightly shakes his head, his sleepy eyes still observing the man next to him. The redhead clears his throat and adjusts his posture.

"This might seem a bit out of the blue but...do I look familiar to you at all?"

Staring longer at the older Devil, he lightly shakes his head.

"No, I don't think so. I'm sorry."

Sirzechs figured that would be the answer. Exhaling with a smile still, his hand reaches in to grab something from his suit jacket's inner pocket. Out came one little photograph. Taking his eyes off of Issei since he woke up he then moves the photo over so he could get a better look from the bed.

Issei wearily moves his eyes to stare at the photo. Sirzechs could see his pupils move around and scan the faces on it, a small smile appearing on his lips.

"Do you recognize anyone in the picture?"

"...Not at all, really."

Though his smile fades a bit, hope is still with the Lucifer. After letting him stare at the photo for a bit longer, he slowly moves it over to the table next to his bed, propped up against the lamp. He faces Issei again with a concerned face.

"No doubt everything is confusing to you right now, but I promise by the end that life will come back to normal. I hope you can trust me in helping you, Issei."

Glancing back at him, he remains silent as if he were pondering his words. The red-haired Maou couldn't blame his hesitance considering the sudden arrival not too long ago. All he does is place a reassuring hand on his arm, smiling again.

"A little too abrupt of me, isn't it? I'll let you think about it, and I do hope your recovery is fast. We don't want everyone to worry too much, right?"

He leaves Issei with that question, standing up to leave the room. Issei quietly watches Sirzechs leave, his eyes trailing back to the photo. On it shows some guy surrounded by a plethora of female companions, all in front of a giant mansion.

In the deepest part of his subconscious, something was trying to break free in his memory after seeing it. But to no avail.

A long week had gone by, or what felt like one. Issei had made a lot of progress towards his health, so fast that the casting on his arms and legs were already removed, though the pain in his chest and abdomen still lingered. His left arm felt the worst out of anywhere else on his body. On the bright side, Issei is now able to get up and walk around, but can't leave his room because of the current arrangement. Only a few people know about Issei's condition to prevent everything from escalating and overwhelming the amnesia. For now, the predicament was kept under wraps.

The hospital elevator doors open as Grayfia steps out. She walks down the halls in silence, passing by few other people but paying them no mind. Right in her sights is Issei's room, the person she wanted to see. Giving a light knock at the door, she waits for a response as a small smile appeared on her face.

"Come in." He said from the other side, prompting her to open up.

"Good morning I-"

She stops herself when she notices the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels, Azazel, playing cards with him at the table. Issei just gives her a tired smile, something of which is common of him now. The governor just looks over, smirking as usual. Her smile quickly diminishes into a flat face.

"Oh. I thought I was going to be alone with him today."

"Afraid not it looks like. I happened to get here a liiiiittle been sooner than you." His smugness only seems to irk the Devil more but she didn't show it. Grayfia crosses her arms.

"In that case, mind if we talk for a second then?"

Azazel only shrugs, placing his cards face down as he stands up. Issei only watches quietly as the two adults leave his room and close the door after them, looking back down at his hand of cards solemnly. Grayfia lets out an audible sigh, looking up at him in his eyes. The Fallen Angel only puts his hands in his pockets, keeping a cool expression.

"Ise is making great progress on his health, enough to even be discharged fairly soon. But we've kept him mostly in the dark about everything. For Satan's sake he doesn't even have a full grasp about the underworld...are we sure he's ready to come back to society?"

"I understand your doubts, Grayfia. The kid can walk and function normally...mostly anyway. As much as I want to keep him safe here, he's going to need to readjust to life eventually. Everyone cares for him we both know that, and we are at a time of peace. I feel that he will relearn at a much faster and efficient pace if he has more at his side helping. Even if he doesn't remember, we can replace those forgotten old memories with new ones."

She had kept quiet and listened through his whole explanation, yet a small part of her was hesitant. Her hands rub her arms and her eyes glance to the side as thoughts flood her head.

"Something on your mind?"

Her body language was obvious to the governor as he stared right at her. She doesn't meet his eyes anymore.

"I just wonder if he wants to do it this early. He just doesn't seem ready yet..."

Azazel thinks about it for a moment, mouth flatlined and eyes idly looking forward. After a long silence between the two, he breathes out through his nose as he comes to a conclusion.

"We can ask him. If he says yes, we take him out. If no, he stays. Sound fair enough?"

After a few moments of thinking it over, Grayfia eventually nods. Just as they are about to head back inside, a nurse passes by them. Being the sly pervert he is, Azazel's smirk returns to him.

"...Actually, you can go tell him. I have to go make a quick appointment real quick~"

Slipping past the maid and following said nurse, Grayfia looks over her shoulder at him leaving. Eyes half-lidded and mouth flat, she only shakes her head disapprovingly at the display. Staying on track though she looks through the small door window, seeing Issei just sitting by himself alone. Better now than later.

Slowly opening the door, Grayfia steps inside again as she gently closes it behind herself. A sad smile appears on her face as she walks over to take Azazel's seat across from Issei, who looks up at her with a small smile of his own.

"Good morning Grayfia."

"Good morning Ise,"

He tilts his head a bit, looking around the room. "Where did Azazel go?"

Grayfia keeps her smile, closing her eyes. "Him? He's doing...something on his own accord."

Not fully understanding, he only slowly nods as he goes back to looking at his cards. She places a hand on his wrist, using her thumb to gingerly rub his skin as a form of comfort. She smiles reassuringly at him.

"How are you feeling? Stressed out about everything that was told to you this week?"

He only shakes his head, looking at her hand as if he were almost fixated on it. Perhaps looking at the nail polish.

"I'm, okay, I guess. It's a lot to take in, but that's to be expected. It makes me feel...weird, not remembering everyone and everything. It even feels like Azazel, Sirzechs, and even you hold back a few things from me."

The maid feigns surprise from his last comment.

"Us, holding back?"

He looks up into her eyes, almost as if he was pleading to her.

"...What happened? What happened to me?"

Though she didn't want to, she had to keep her feelings in check. In the end, it was for his sake after all. Grayfia only gives a sympathetic smile in response.

"I wouldn't worry about the past, Ise. All that matters is how you shape your future."

Her words didn't exactly bring him any answers or ease his curiosity, but he only nods his head as he stares at his cards.

"...So Ise. I have a question for you."

"Hmm?" He looks back up, curious now. Grayfia bites her lower lip, trying to think of how to explain their deal to him.

"Well...we've been thinking about this lately. How would you feel if we took you out of this room and to meet some of your friends? Maybe stay there for a while? Just to see how comfortable you are with other people besides us three. Who knows, it might be fun?"

"...Ok, sure."

Wait, was it just that easy to convince him? Grayfia looks dumbfounded by how simple the task was.

"...Eh? Really?"

Closing the door after himself, Sirzechs joins Grayfia, Azazel, and Issei in the latter's room still at the hospital. A week had passed and this time the brunet is properly dressed now, wearing a red T-shirt, black jeans, and his usual shoes. Grayfia continued to mess with his hair, trying to keep it as cooperative as possible with a determined glare. Issei personally didn't mind if his hair was messy or not, but for the maid, there was no negotiating. All he could do was stand there and let her do her thing.

"I've talked to the Doctor about Ise's discharge, looks like we're ready to go."

The Fallen Angel leader nods his head, arms folded. "Appreciate it, Lucifer. Do we all remember the plan?"

"Of course," Grayfia replies sternly, still working on Issei's hair. When the one part of his hair refuses to cooperate with her, she finally gives up with a frustrated sigh.

As if right on cue a teleportation circle appears on the floor of the room, with a beautiful purple-haired woman manifesting from said portal.

"Huh, right on time Penemue." Azazel looks a tad surprised at the chief secretary of Grigori, returning his attention to the others. "Now the second phase comes into play."

Before Grayfia and Issei join the two Fallen Angels Sirzechs puts an arm around his wife, giving his trademark relaxing smile to the former.

"I know you've been taking good care of Ise, but I can assure you he will be in good care with Rias and the others." The maid looks away for a moment, concern still on her face until forcing a smile for him.

He looks over at Issei now, placing a hand on his shoulder. "As for you Ise, I have full confidence that you will get along well with everyone. Even if you don't remember, they will still love you."

"I suppose..." Still a bit doubtful, he looks up with a mixed expression.

Letting go of the two, they join the others as the Maou stands back. With the circle coming back again, Issei sees him smile and wave goodbye as a purple light fills his vision. And like that, the group is gone.

In just a millisecond they appear at the front doors of a giant mansion home. Issei seems a bit dazed by the teleportation, stumbling a bit in place until Grayfia holds his shoulders. A small smile creeps on her lips.

"You'll get used to the feeling, Ise."

Azazel looks over at her. "I've hidden all our auras for the time being. Hopefully, this meeting will be short and sweet, as well as help everyone normalize their lives."

Penemue lifts her head up, eyes squinting as she homes in her senses.

"Lord Azazel, I sense others, not from the Hyoudou residence. It's the Sitri girl and her queen."

Grayfia notices it too, nodding in agreement. The Governor-General sighs a bit, pinching the bridge of his nose in slight annoyance.

"This makes our meeting a bit difficult, but we can compromise. Any objections on continuing?"

With no reply from the three, he rings the doorbell as it is heard echoing from inside. While waiting for someone to answer the door, Grayfia motions for Issei to keep behind her and Penemue to keep the secret going. It dawns on her a question she wanted to ask Azazel about his colleague.

"You know Lord Azazel, none of the other Maou or families know about our plan. What about Grigori if you have your secretary here?"

Glancing over at the maid, he only gives a shrug of his shoulders as his hands go into his pockets. "Because I trust her the most to keep secrets I guess."

She only gives him the dullest stare in the world upon hearing his reasoning.

The front door opens to reveal a little doll-faced vampire girl in a maid outfit herself, looking up at the adults in surprise.

"Miss Grayfia? Lord Azazel? W-what brings you here suddenly?"

The Governor speaks up first, putting up a more relaxed persona to try and ease any nervousness the girl had from their abrupt arrival.

"Ah, Elmenhilde, good afternoon."

"U-um, good afternoon, Lord Azazel...?"

"We're just here to talk to everyone here for a quick minute, could you please tell them to gather in the living room?"

"Everyone? What is it abou-"

Before she could finish, Azazel interrupts her for a moment. "I'll explain once we start the meeting. May we please come in?"

"Um, yes of course. I'll go get everyone I suppose." The vampire reluctantly turns around, heading to the living room with a few glances behind her at the group. Just before Azazel and Grayfia go, the former turns to the purple-haired secretary.

"We'll be right back. Keep an eye on the kid and make sure he doesn't walk off or anything."

"Yes, Governor-General."

Entering inside the mansion, Penemue and Issei are now by themselves. Neither of them talk as the sounds of birds chirping and a small breeze fills the noise. The Fallen Angel only looked forward with stoicism while Issei slowly peeks over her form. His eyes glance over at her rather large rack, glued to them for a moment before he looks up...only to see her looking back at him with a sly grin. Now caught in the act, he quickly looks down on the ground with a small blush from being seen.

"Good. Grayfia, could you bring him over now? I think it is time for a happy little reunion."

Nodding to Azazel's request, the maid heads back to the foyer as the crowd in front of him perk up from what was said.

"A happy little reunion? Azazel, are you implying-"

Before Rias could take any more, he puts up another hand again to stop her. His face looked dangerously serious, keeping everyone on edge.

"...I am, but before you see him I have a few things to layout first."

Making sure they are all paying attention closely, he continues his talk.

"As far as we all know, Hyoudou remembers nothing or no one prior to the incident. Go easy on him if he seems off or slow to register anything, that also goes for his physical strength. And for Satan's sake..do NOT mention what happened before, at ALL. Another important rule is that Ise is not allowed outside of his house. Nobody besides us in this room and a few others know he is awake and about, and we plan to keep it that way until he is comfortable with his surroundings. The last thing we need is a panic attack, or worse, from all of the sudden attention. Keep an eye on him and contact us if anything unusual happens. Are we all clear on this?"

The room was filled with silence as everyone was handed a lot of information so suddenly, but they slowly nodded in understanding.

More sets of footsteps come closer to the living room. Rias and the others' heartbeats grew quicker. After all this time, they will finally reunite with the man that changed all their lives one way or another.

Stepping forward with Grayfia and Penemue behind, Issei looks on in surprise at how many people are here now as all eyes were on him. To say it was a little uncomfortable was a huge understatement. Before he could hide behind someone, Grayfia already put her hands on his shoulders to keep him from escaping.

"There's nothing to be afraid of, Ise. They're all your friends and miss you very much." She spoke with a gentle voice and smile, easing his worries away.

The first to walk forward is the crimson red-haired king, her movement a bit shaky as she still looks to be processing what is before her with watering eyes. Staring at his light brown eyes, it pained her to not see the same spark and life it used to have. They instead looked..foreign to her. But different or not, deep down he was still Issei Hyoudou, or as she would like to think.

Subconsciously her arms are already extended out, ready to give him a big hug. With a little nudging by the maid, the brunet catches the cue, getting ready for a hug too with a shy smile.

After being separated for so long, the two finally make physical contact as Rias firmly wraps her arms around Issei in a tight hug.

"Oof!"

At first, the brunet was caught off guard by the momentum of a certain asset of hers but managed to keep his ground as his own arms slowly go around her. Just in his embrace, the waterworks release as Rias couldn't hold it in anymore, tears running down her cheeks and hitches in her throat now audible.

Opening her eyes again, she looks back at eyes that were so pure, so mesmerizing, so...innocent. Memories of first seeing Issei all those years ago at Kuoh Academy came back. The good ole days in a sense. Moving a hand to his cheek, she gently strokes it with her fingers for a bit, an unbreakable smile locked on her happily weeping face.

One by one the girls from behind slowly begin to feel persuaded to join in, each walking up to hug Issei as well. Azazel and Grayfia step back as the group hug continued to get larger and larger until most of the household including Sona and Tsubaki surrounded Issei in loving embraces. Even if they didn't want to admit it, the three adults shared a small smile at the scene.

Once everyone has had their fill they let go and make some space, though still forming a circle around him.

"Oh Ise, you look so much...skinnier?" Rias curiously looks at him as he looks down at himself as if a bit self-conscious. Before he did train his body and gain quite a built physique, but now looked all skin and bone along with a weak devil aura. It almost reminded her of when he was first reincarnated under her.

Something catches her blue eyes though. Using her other hand she holds on to Issei's left wrist, moving his arm to get a closer look. From the tips of his fingers to all the way to his sleeves, a multitude of deep scars covers his arm. Something like this would horrify a person, but for Rias, she gazed at it with dejection. It seems that lifting up his arm brought its attention to the others, most sharing a similar expression while a few couldn't even look at it anymore.

After some more moments of heavy silence, Azazel lightly cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. "If there aren't any more questions and now you know of the temporary rules, it's about time we leave."

Asia steps forward, to the surprise of everyone, voicing out her concern. "Wait, before you go..what about Kiba and Gasper? Don't you think they also deserve to know about this?"

Azazel presses his lips together as if thinking for a second. "Well, they are part of Gremory's peerage...sure, why not."

Sona took her turn next for another question. "What would you say about my peerage now that Tsubaki and I know?"

"Hmm. For now, it stays between you two. We'll see how the month proceeds and then we'll see about letting more know about the truth."

With no reason to object, they nod in agreement.

"We will be sure to visit when we can. Please take good care of Ise now." Grayfia gives her goodbye as she and the Fallen Angels stand together. Just before being enveloped by the purple magic, the maid looks at Issei with a sad smile. And like that, they were gone.

A long silence filled the room as he continued to stare at where they last were. Slowly turning around, everyone still looked at him, much to his awkwardness.

"U-um...I'm feeling kind of tired...is there somewhere I could rest, or...?"

Rias is quick to recollect herself, shaking her head a bit to come back down to earth. It seems that the sight of him back with her and everyone else still feels like a dream.

"O-of course! We still have your room all set up nicely for when you returned. But..."

Issei raises an eyebrow at her hanging sentence as she seems to struggle with how to continue it.

"But?"

"...There's someone we would like you to see first if you don't mind."

Buried under blankets with no lights on and all the curtains closed, Akeno seemingly looks to be asleep, looking like a mess with her hair in discord and bags under her eyes. Just a gloomy atmosphere in her bedroom.

A knock at her door makes her eyes open suddenly, showing how dull and lost of life they are. She doesn't verbally acknowledge the person, even when the door opens. The Gremory's Queen closes her eyes again, hoping whoever it was would leave her alone.

"...Akeno? Are you awake?"

That voice...it couldn't be. Eyes bursting open and her body shooting up like a rocket on its own, her head jerks to the side of her bed...where one Issei Hyoudou stood before her. He wasn't laying in a hospital bed hooked up to machines or cast up. and he was conscious! The abrupt adrenaline and emotions pouring inside her like a waterfall were indescribable. It was so strong...

...she ended up fainting on the spot, falling down as her head harmlessly hits the pillow.

Issei just stares at her with a loss of words, turning around to see Rias at the doorway and shrug at her. She gives a nervous smile in return.

"Maybe later then, huh?"

Laying down on his own bed now, Issei let's put a relaxed sigh. No offense to the hospital or anything, but this bed feels almost like heaven to him. So much room too.

"Feels comfy, doesn't it?" The redhead stands by, arms crossed and a little smile showing. He only responds with a long hum as he looks to be ready to pass out any minute now.

"Take as long a nap as you'd like, and if there is anything else you need just tell any of us. We're family after all."

"Ok Rias," He pulls the blankets over him and gets all curled up, seemingly finished with talking and ready for his slumber. With nothing much else to do for him, she turns around and leaves his room, just about to close the door after herself. Stopping midway she looks over at him one more time, contemplating silently. It feels like things might just go back to normal some way or another, in whatever sense she can think of. Issei was back, and that's all that mattered to her.

The door gently closes after that moment, the doorknob quietly clicking back in place.

Relaxing in a sauna within the Gremory estate, Grayfia sits cross-legged on the bench with a towel on her lap and her head resting back as she rests both her eyes and body in steamy tranquility. It felt like a long day so this little treatment was a little deserved.

"Room for one more?"

Opening one eye she sees her husband walking inside in just a towel that's wrapped around his waist, looking as suave as ever with that cool smile.

"Don't be so silly, honey. There's still plenty of room." She closes her eye again, lightly smiling with her usual dry sense of humor. Chuckling to himself, Sirzechs takes a seat next to her.

The first minute or so were relatively quiet, the two residing in their own thoughts.

"So...how did it go?"

"Hmm?" The same red eye opens, glancing at her husband. She knew exactly what he was talking about.

"...It went fine." She seemed done with the conversation already, closing her eyes for the third time. But he wasn't. It was obvious, at least to him, that something bothered her.

"It's about Issei, isn't it?" He decided to be blunt about it, saying how it was. Grayfia doesn't seem to budge, lips sealed though her body does tense for a second.

"You don't have to hide it from me, Grayfia. You see him as a little brother, as do I. Trust me, Rias and the others will take good care of him."

Hearing what Sirzechs had to say, slowly both eyes open as she looks down at the ground, face clearly showing mixed feelings. She lets out a sigh.

"I know she will. But...before I left him, he looked so helpless. I've been with him ever since he reawakened from his coma, it just doesn't feel right to not be with him as often. What if he starts to miss me too much that he closes himself from the others?"

A hand is placed right on her's, firmly holding it as he looks at his wife reassuringly. The sudden gesture snaps her out of her doubt, looking over at him.

"I know. I worry and think about him too, but you have to believe me. Issei is a strong person, he can overcome this. Plus he has the support of all of us that know. He can do this, even if it takes years. WE can do this."

Doubt still plagues her heart, but for now, she is willing to believe that with a tiny smile and nod. She really hopes that Issei will be fine.

Hopefully.

So that happened. I wrote so many drafts for this chapter that I feel as though it could've been better honestly. I ended up shortening the hospital scene so we could dive right into the "Mansion Arc" if you want to call it that. I wouldn't be opposed to adding some flashbacks of the hospital recovery if you wanted to see more interactions like that. For now, we will focus more on Issei's time with his harem and start to rebuild his friendships and relationships with his members. Maybe more flashbacks too? Just have to see how the future drafts pan out. If it felt too rushed I don't blame you at all. For the next chapter, I plan on taking things a bit slower so if that's your thing, then good news!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the chapter. Did you enjoy it? Dislike it? I'm completely open to constructive criticism as well as advice for writing. I am in no way a professional author, so tips and pointers are encouraged. I also have other story ideas in the works, so keep an eye out just in case. Thanks for reading!