"I see you, Miki!" the hulking devilman teased through an incoherent mumble. He began to charge her way giddily, nearly falling over himself several times. Miki felt her heart clutch in her throat, and for a moment she was shocked motionless, but that didn't last. The second her body became responsive again she darted up the stairs leaving Akira behind to stumble behind her.

His body as it was couldn't quite fit through the opening, he forced himself to shrink back down, fixing himself into a half-transformed state.

"Miki? Where did you go? Are you trying to race me? You know I got you beat!" she could hear his cheery yet delirious voice call up the stairs. The next thing she knew she heard the heavy tapping of claws clicking up the stairs. She pushed herself harder making it to the landing and keeping her bedroom door in her sights as she rushed to it. With all the weight in her body she barged the door open making her way inside and bashing it closed the second she could. She turned to catch her breath leaning her quivering back on the door. She felt horrible, there was something most certainly wrong with Akira, but she just wasn't sure how to help him or what he'd do.

Miki peeled herself away from the door rubbing the side of her face as her brain racked for a solution. She didn't get far however, as a shot of terror stopped her in her tracks.

"I won!" a grizzly voice boasted. Miki impulsively screamed watching Akira's odd figure hang upside down from her ceiling. Uneasy breaths took over her respiration again as she stepped away from him. He could sense she was startled. He flicked his head to the side curiously but kept on his toothy grin.

"Miki? Don't be afraid, the monster's all gone," he chuckled, dropping from the ceiling. Once on his feet he pursued steadily making his way closer to her. "I killed it! It never even had a chance of laying a claw on you, you should have seen!"

Miki had backed up so much she found herself pressed up against the wall. She gulped hard and traced her eyes all over the room for some kind of help.

"A-Akira," she stammered. "What's wrong with you? This isn't like you; you're acting like you're drunk. I could see there was some kind of wound on your back, is that it?"

He made a low gurgling sound; it was like listening to the grumbling of a tiger as he approached her closer. She squirmed back as much as she could, feeling him now hovering over her.

"Wound on my back?" he sputtered out a laugh. "Oh, t-that's nothing!" his hand landed on the wall next to her stabilizing himself. "That came from some pathetic scorpion demon guy! I'm fine Miki, I'm so fine, but still not nearly as fine as you!" he burst into a fit of chortles.

She felt his breath on her neck, as he leaned over and stared at her with hungry eyes. A large part of her was alarmed by his erratic behavior, but at the same time she couldn't deny she was flattered by his attraction. Miki knew he wouldn't so easily say something out loud to her like that if not for being in an inebriated state, and because of that very same reason, she knew he meant it. However, those feelings would need to be placed on hold for the time being, if he truly were stabbed by some kind of scorpion demon he could be in grave danger. She looked up at him and bore through his rugged outward appearance and incapacitated manners, and through that, it was still his eyes. Those hazel irises that even now bled with that familiar unspoken adoration reserved specially for her alone.

A worried yet tender expression made home on her features, as she took his arm and escorted herself and him away from that wall.

"Alright Akira, how about I have you sit down for me, and I'll take a closer look at that wound for you," she said softly. He was compliant in actions as he allowed himself to plop down on the floor, but he still grumbled words of discouragement.

"I-I don't need you to do that! I'm Devilman!" he protested through slurs. Miki ignored him for the time being examining the blemish on his back more thoroughly. It looked irritated with a purplish ring surrounding the cut. Miki grimaced as she lightly ran her fingertips up his back. The contact resulted in a shiver shooting up the devilman's spine. He grew an ornery grin and in a flash, he whipped around placing himself over Miki. She gasped, staring up at him, his demeanor was mischievous flicking his tail friskily. She could tell through his now void eyes he had succumbed somewhat to his demonic instincts, mistaking her soothing touch for something more amorous.

"Oh Miki, how sudden of you," he toyed, looking her over and taking in her addicting scent. "You're so beautiful," Akira cooed deliriously. He graced his claw across her cheek, as she could only lay there stunned stiff. "You've always been so beautiful," his neck went limp, resting his forehead against hers. She could hear him sound as if he were purring. "And I've never been deserving of you…"

Miki couldn't lie to herself, a part of her liked hearing him speak freely and admit to things she had for years suspected. Even now being under him, her breath was caught in her lungs yet simultaneously it felt like there was a swarm of butterflies tickling her guts.

"Akira, that's not true…" she faintly replied. She could feel his single finger move away from her cheek and his hand come to nestle into her hair.

His head shot up, "What do you mean, that's not true? Of course it's true, you're so sweet and lovable and talented and beautiful and smart and popular, and-and I'm not. Everybody knows that ya silly," he finished sleepily. Listening to that Miki's face became saddened, she never realized how highly he thought of her, and how tragically little he believed of himself.

"Akira, no, don't talk about yourself like that," she gently scolded.

"Miki, it's fine! I know it, everyone knows it, you're way out of my league! First, I was a loser and couldn't have you, but now I'm a monster and can't have you. Isn't that funny!" he began cracking up. Miki could only watch him with disbelief and a gloom as her head slowly shook.

"It's okay though, I'm a fool."

"Akira why is that okay? I-it's not ok-" her voice was becoming much more disapproving but was cut short when his hand covered her mouth.

"Fools love even when it's hopeless," He rolled his eyes playfully as if it were obvious. "And let me tell ya, it's been hopeless for me for a long, long time," he smiled nuzzling his face close to hers once more.

It was so odd; it was as if Miki's heart had broken for him and yet had never felt so whole. She brought her hand to hold his cheek, her face littered with these conflicting emotions but only one rang true.

"You're not hopeless and you're not a fool. You're not a loser and you're not a monster, you're just you. You're the same boy who would play with me and cry with me, you're my best friend. You're strong, caring, and brave, and I'll always believe in you, no matter what anyone else says. I, I love you Akira…"

Despite his incoherent state Akira's eyes were stuck on hers, watching attentively. She wasn't sure if he understood what she said, but by his body language the message seemed clear enough. The distance between them was limited already and with each second it only grew smaller. The room, that moment, and the tension between them was sweltering. She didn't know what he would do next, but she was ready for whatever it might be. Her eyes closed, knowing he was so near, only a whisper away from her lips. She anticipated their contact and was genuinely shocked when the time had passed with nothing.

His body fell limp over hers as her eyes sprung open. She tried to lift up and see him better, but his dead weight was heavier than she had expected. Miki had to wiggle herself loose out from under him, feeling the rush of horror arise once more.

"Akira!? Akira are you alright?!" she lifted his face. His eyes were closed, and he appeared unconscious. She could tell he was breathing at least, but she fretted the worst knowing the possible toxin he was battling. She blamed herself as she tried to flip him over, thinking she allowed herself to get distracted, wasting his precious time.

"You're going to be okay Akira, you're going to be okay," she laid him on his side brushing his coarse hair. Her brain tumbled desperately searching for some kind of answer. Only one possibility kept coming to mind, and whether she liked it or not, she didn't have much of a choice.

"I'll be right back," she promised to him. In no time flat she hustled down the stairs and began her hunt for his phone. The downstairs was such a mess, there were shredded coats and turned over furniture strewn about everywhere. The girl could only groan, there was no time to deal with it now. She came to the couch and scanned it thoroughly amongst the tattered bits of black fabric that used to be his clothes. Her fingers found the outline of a rectangle in one of the pockets whipping it out instantly. She found his phone and was flipping through his contacts till she came across the one she was needing. Taking a deep breath she dialed.

"What is it, Akira?" a male voice answered flatly.

"Hey Ryo, it's Miki actually, I don't think we've ever officially met but-"

"Why do you have Akira's phone?" he interrupted.

She didn't appreciate his bluntness but kept on, "It's a long story. I think there's something really wrong with Akira, and I'm hoping you have some answers."

There was a pause before he spoke again, but when he did, she could tell there was aggravation there despite his business attitude.

He sighed, "How much do you know? Did he tell you anything?"

"What? No, no look I realize there's something else going on with him that has something to do with you, but this isn't about that!" she defended.

"Then what is this about?"

A frustrated hand came to claw through her hair before she spoke, "I'm worried he's been poisoned. He's got this big ugly stab mark on his back and he's been acting loopy tonight, and now he's unconscious! He said some scorpion thing got him; I'm scared it could be lethal!"

There was another gap of quiet on Ryo's end. She didn't have to hear his words to know this had now become a serious matter to him.

"I'll be on my way," he finally said.

"Oh thank goodness, but be careful the storm is still pretty bad-" she cut herself short hearing the phone go dead. Frankly, she wasn't surprised as she hung up. It didn't matter much though, she returned back to her room seeing Akira still laying there. She took a deep breath coming closer to him. She wished now she had him sit down on the bed instead but knowing how out of it he was that may not have been much of a better choice. Regardless she sat beside him and tenderly stroked his side and back listening to the storm rage on at her window. She hoped and prayed all would be well, surely Ryo would know what to do she rationalized. If only he could get here in time. She dismissed the apprehension ducking her head as a cringe came upon her. All she wanted was for Akira to be okay, he needed her, and she knew it.

Miki laid herself next to him and tucked in close, observing his current state. It was odd at first seeing him in this mixed demonic form but the more she took it in the more accustomed to it she got. She had to admit he wasn't half bad looking even if he didn't look exactly human.

The tiny reminders that he was alive kept her sane, every inhale he took relaxed her conscious, as the time passed. It seemed like forever, Miki was beginning to panic that perhaps she hadn't done the right thing, and she had only doomed one of the closest people she had. The thoughts were all consuming and would have ultimately devoured her, but then something changed.

She noticed his tail was flinching and the expressions on his face were subtly changing. She propped herself up on her elbow with her hope resurfacing in full bloom. Her face came closer to his as she gently took his hand rocking it lightly.

"Akira? Are you okay? Can you hear me?" she murmured. His small movements seemed to become more deliberate and obvious. He was making some kind of beastly noise too; it didn't exactly mean anything to her but hearing anything out of him was a blessing.

"You're gonna be okay, Ryo's on his way, he'll get you all fixed up," she spoke on the brink of tears. She fought the sobs in her throat, staying strong for him as she pet through his dark and messy hair. It was then she noticed a trickle of tears drawing down his face. It lightened her spirit but bothered her still, she didn't want him to worry for her while he was in such danger, but that was Akira. The reason he had always stood out to her, the purity of his heart was always his best quality, and she treasured it.

"…Miki…Mi-" he mumbled.

Her mouth parted and her brow stood at attention, "Akira!"

"M-Miki, don't cry…" his eyelids tried to flutter open and his voice was breathy. "It'll be alright…"

Her head tipped to the side as she faintly shook it. Miki couldn't believe what she was hearing but she also couldn't keep the smile off her face.

"Akira don't worry about me, I'm worried about you," she corrected in a honeyed tone.

"Why?" he asked tiredly.

She nearly laughed at such a question, but she was just happy he asked at all, "Akira, you've been poisoned. You've been acting strange all night."

"Strange?" he asked, forcing his stare to fall on her again. His eyes were half open, but still looked to her calmly.

"Yeah, you tried to save me from the monster in the movie, don't you remember?"

"Aw, that's nonsense, that monster isn't real," he said drowsily.

"Yeah, I know but you thought so," she rebutted through a surgery grin. "Aside from the mess it was sweet of you still. You're always there to protect me."

"Of course I would, I want t-to protect you more, than…anything," he drifted off.

Akira grew quiet again, falling in and out of a sleepy trance, but his words still warmed the young athlete's heart.

Miki not wanting him to go under fully again kept on with her messaging, keeping him as alert as she possibly could. While he didn't speak, she could tell he was still listening and slowly his actions appeared to become more thoughtful. She allowed her face to dip next to his, keeping a close and admiring eye on him.

"Miki," hearing him speak out of the blue again caused the girl to jump, but it was welcomed, helping mitigate her stress.

"Yes?" she responded.

"Did you say you loved me?"

Immediately she felt like her flesh had been turned stone cold as all the heat in her body congregated at her core, heating up her gut to intense degrees. Then just as soon as it happened the warmth of her body expelled all together to set fire to her skin, feeling her searing blood reside at her cheeks. She couldn't even breath for a moment, recollecting on all that she had said. She wasn't even sure if he had heard it all correctly then, but now there was no doubt.

She took in a swift breath, "…You heard that?"

"I thought I did…" he stared up at her.

She glanced away beaming with a rosy blush, "Yeah, I did."

There was a hesitance to him, until a simper curled up his mouth and the tip of his tail began to thump happily against the floor.

"Rea-" he stopped himself suddenly as his face etched itself in dread. He looked down to see that his body was half transformed, his demonic side being fully exposed right in front of Miki. He wrapped his arms around himself and burrowed his face down in embarrassment. Worst of all he knew if he changed himself to appear human now, he would then be completely naked in front of her, there was no winning. He floundered about trying to cover himself in darkness and with his limbs, working perilously to move away from her.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't want you to have to see me like this," he tried to slither himself away.

"Akira, no it's okay. You're okay," she crawled after him. She took his wrist bringing him back to her and uncovering his ashamed features. "This doesn't bother me. I mean at first I was a little freaked out yeah, but I can tell you acting crazy like that had nothing to do with you."

His expression was confused, "What did I do?"

Her brow bobbed humorously, "What did you do? Well, we were watching the movie and the next thing I knew you were trying to fight the monster yourself."

"What?" Akira sounded bewildered.

She nodded with a cheery giggle, "Yeah, you kinda did a number on the living room, but we can clean it up, no worries. I think the coats are a lost cause though."

"What?" he sounded more devastated, crumpling into himself. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I had no idea what I was doing. I don't even hardly remember doing any of that."

"Akira, it's all right it wasn't your fault. I think when you were stabbed by that scorpion thing you were talking about, it messed with your perception. Ryo's on his way now to take a look at you, I was worried sick."

Akira covered his face abashedly emitting a groan, "Ah, I'm such an idiot. I shouldn't have let that thing sneak up on me, and now all this happened. Ryo's gonna be mad too."

"Don't beat yourself up, everything will be okay. I'm sure he won't be too mad; he'll probably just be happy that you're getting better. How are you feeling now?"

"Ugh, like I have a bad hangover," he answered in a mumble.

"Mmhmm, I'd think so. Hopefully, that goes down soon," she sounded earnest. A flicker of childish curiosity flashed in the girl's eyes as she started again, "So how did this happen?"

Akira's eyes traced her, noticing the intrigue she radiated, "Oh, you mean, how I ended up as a devilman?"

She bit her bottom lip playfully and excitedly tipped her head. Her little bursts of joy couldn't help but carry over to Akira as well, he sighed out a laugh. He had never expected her to take it all so well, but he was glad she did, the wonder she exuded was precious.

"Well, that night Ryo took me away. We went to a Sabbath to summon devils; we were trying to expose their existence so we could warn people about them. Incidentally while we were there, I got possessed by a demon too, a really strong one named Amon. Luckily, my heart was strong enough to combat the demon, so now I'm like this, I have the body of a demon, but the heart of a human. Half devil and half human, I now use the power of a demon to fight other demons and protect people. I have demonic urges I have to deal with still, but I've managed so far," he shrugged.

"Woah, I knew it!" she gazed at him in awe.

He quirked his brow, "You knew!?"

"Well, not exactly, but I knew you were different after that day. But man, that's so cool, and that's why you were trying to protect me from that other monster earlier huh?"

"Yeah," Akira sheepishly confessed.

"Wow! Well I bet you would've beat him easily if he were real, you sure looked strong to me!" Miki complimented.

Akira's features became more uneasy, he felt his innards twist up as he leaned up slightly, "You saw me? I turned completely in front of you?"

"Well yeah," she appeared to catch on to his changing attitude. "What's wrong?"

"Ah, it's just, I really didn't want you to see me like that…" he moped.

Miki's head turned to one side as she scooched beside him once more. He didn't retreat from her contact like he did before, as a matter of fact he seemed pretty glad for it.

"Akira don't worry so much, it doesn't bother me. You don't bother me…" she heartened allowing her hands to touch his face. He leaned into her contact keeping his pupils in line with hers. He seemed to be contemplating something as his throat bopped with a gulp.

"Hey uh, Miki?" he started hesitantly.

"What is it?"

The way she bat her eyes at him in the cool dark of the room made him weak in a way he had never known. He mustered the strength to keep on though, even if he did come off a bumbling fool.

"There's something else I've been meaning to tell you…"

"Yeah?"

Just the way she spoke to him, in that sweet yet breathy voice. How trusting and caring she was towards him; inside he was burning with desire. He felt a little scratch at the back of his brain, a tiny demonic urge to grab her up right there and claim her as his own. How badly he wanted to protect, cherish, and love her.

"W-well," he could feel the sweat at his brow. Up close she smelled so good, and her skin was so soft against his own. He just needed to say to get it out, it was like he would burst open at any second now if he didn't. "It's just, you know earlier when I thought you said you, well loved me?"

She nodded her head knowingly as a huge grin manifested on her lips, "Yes?"

He laughed along with her, masking his nervousness, "Well, I-I think I might feel the same." He cringed at himself scrunching up his face, "No, I don't think, I do. I've had a crush on you for as long as I can remember…"

Her already elated features somehow became even more blatant. Tiny chuckles broke free from her mouth and her eyes sparkled gleefully.

"Yeah, I knew that. You told me."

Even with the limited light in the area Miki could practically see the color evacuate his body, only gathering at his bright red cheeks.

"I told you!?"

"Well not in those exact words, but yeah," she beamed.

"Oh…" he moaned, mortified. "What else did I tell you, my pin number!?"

Miki released a hearty chortle, clasping her hands over her mouth, "No, no silly! That was pretty much it."

"Thank God," his hand wiped down his face. The two allowed their giggles to wear down until they found themselves staring to one another dotingly. The jubilation was as plain as day for each of them, Akira was becoming more and more encouraged to reach out to her. In part due to his devilish impulses, but mostly he just wanted to be near her. He placed his hand on hers, and when she didn't pull away, he moved up further, grazing up her arm until his hand could rest on her side. She seemed brought in by his sudden physicality. He pulled her closer to him and traced the curve of her body.

There was a tingling spark, beating from the girl's racing heart, feeling his petting through her thin shirt. The heat in his blood was rising as was his pulse taking in her decadent scent. Once again, the two were merely inches from one another. Akira's forehead was tenderly rubbing against hers as they steadily closed the gap between them. Miki closed her eyes giving into the sensation as his hands explored her figure and sensed his face suspending just above her. The strain between them was vast but the yearning was immeasurable. At last their lips met into a tentative kiss that soon became more as soon as their grin's reduced enough to allow it.

Her lips were heavenly, and he hungered for more. His hand twined into her nest of hair clutching it firmly as he dove in for a much deeper lingering kiss. His forcefulness wasn't even a surprise to her. She had expected it from him at this point, and she couldn't complain, the feelings he was giving her were thrilling. She could tell there was a beastly nature inciting him along with his already existing passions, as his breaths became heavier, and his hands became that much bolder.

Her limbs were starting to wrap around him and hug him tightly as he pressed himself against her more intensely. His tail circled her, and he nuzzled into her neck and collarbone, marking her in as much of his smell as he could. The world had so suddenly become a haze of blissful ecstasy, feeling his craving lips come back to devour hers.

It seemed just as their pining was escalating into something more ardent is when the sound of a brash knock interrupted the moment. At least on Miki's end, Akira noticed it, bringing his head up alertly for a second but resumed his lustful endeavors without a hitch after.

"Akira?" she sounded out of breath. An animalistic grunt was all she received in turn. She sighed biding as much of her alone time with Akira as she could. She knew she couldn't shun it forever as she opened her mouth again.

"Akira, I think someone's at the door," her statement was punctuated timely with another round of much harsher knocking.

"Akira, I'm sure someone's there. As a matter of fact, I'm sure it's Ryo."

Finally Akira grunted in a disliking manner, but nonetheless fought to retake his proper reasoning. He lifted off her enough for Miki to squeeze out from under him, even if she would have rather not.

"Here, I'll get the door, you just wait here. He needs to have a look at that injury," she instructed as she took off down the stairs. Her mind was tumbling after her as she leapt off the final step and came to the front door. Without even thinking she opened it to see Ryo standing there with an unenthused expression.

"It's raining you know…" he mentioned as he brushed past her and made his way in.

"Oh, I'm sorry it was kinda hard to get to the door," she excused. Miki could see him glaring at her with a face of disgust. She didn't understand why at first, but a quick glance down made it all clear. Her clothes were in a bit of disarray and one of her sleeves was hanging off her shoulder. A flush of embarrassment came over her as she swiftly composed herself.

"...I can tell," Ryo grumbled. "Where is he?"

His words caught Miki back up with the present as she pointed up the stairs and answered, "Up there. He's in my room."

It was clearly discernible as he made his way up Ryo's body slumped, and he looked at her with a face of begrudging disbelief.

He shook his head and rolled his eyes, "Of course he is, why wouldn't he be…"

Miki followed the blond up the stairs with a bit of a scowl as he made it to her bedroom. When he got there, he stood in the doorway shooting Akira daggers. The devilman put on a chasten grin knowing full well the trouble he was in.

"Hey Ryo, buddy, I'm sorry about all this. I'm actually feeling a lot better now, so if you want you can just take a quick look and be on your way. Then everybody can get back to what they were doing, and no one has to be upset!" Akira tried to defuse in a cool tone.

Ryo crossed his arms as his eyes tapered. Ultimately, he gave into a sigh though, knowing the circumstances were out of anyone's control.

"I'll take a look at it," Ryo resigned himself to the task much to Miki's delight, knowing Akira would be alright for sure. The sour mood Ryo had come in with didn't last too long as he thoroughly examined and tested Akira's wound. After running a few tests and giving Akira some medicine to remedy his thundering headache, Ryo began to pack up his things.

"Alright it seems the poison has run its course through you. You should consider yourself lucky you have a body strong enough to fight off a nasty attack like that," he consoled.

Akira stroked his hand over the sore. It was much less inflamed than it was before, he could tell the worst of it was finally over.

"Thanks Ryo, I really appreciate it," Akira said.

"We both really do," Miki added as she swooped down to sit next to him, holding his arm lovingly. Akira shared a rich grin with her and a mischievous eye. Ryo's brow creased noticing the action but didn't mention it verbally.

"Right, and she knows not to say anything, correct?" he iterated.

"Oh, definitely, isn't that right Miki?"

"Yes, I would never tell anybody. I'd never want anything bad happening to Akira," she rested her head on his shoulder.

Ryo's suspicious gaze sharpened, but he held in his assumptions, "Uh huh, well I have to be going, I have a paper to finish." He began to turn and leave with a lingering look making his way through the door. "Don't do anything too reckless for the rest of the night, understand?" he called back one last time before Miki and Akira had accompanied him all the way out.

"I got it Ryo, nothing too strenuous, don't you worry," Akira affirmed.

"Yes, and be safe yourself out there. I think the storm's died down a little now, but you can never be too careful!" she chimed.

Just as Ryo was getting the feeling he was being hurried out, that inkling was confirmed hearing their kind yet brief words of departure and the door promptly shutting behind him. Ryo grimaced slightly with a sigh, knowing he needed to go home and conserve what little sanity he had left.

On the opposite end of the door Akira had dipped Miki in his hold and had been kissing her up and down from forehead to neck. She giggled and wiggled to his antics, happily coiling her arms around his neck.

"Aw, you're such a dork!" she teased.

"Yeah, but now I'm yours, so who can you really blame?" he laughed along with her as he swept her up into a bridal position.

"I guess you have a point," she shot him a sideways smirk.

"I do, and you're all mine," his eyebrows bobbed naughtily. There was an excited gleam in her eye as he took them both back up the stairs. "And I believe we left off somewhere…"

They shared a titillating smile as he reentered the room, closing the door behind them for the rest of the night.