Author's Note: In case anyone missed it, I posted a canon sidestory/spinoff to this story. M rating, to deal with more adult situations in Harry's relationships. The first chapter of Beyond the Outer Gates Lies… Bliss? covers what happened between the last chapter and this one. If you don't care or aren't interested, is is not necessary for the plot. But if you are interested...
Beyond the Outer Gates Lies... Next Steps?
I slept surprisingly well, Sunday night into Monday morning. I might have thought the combination of the accidental nap and just generally being... worked up, would have made it har... difficult to sleep.
On the other hand, I did get some good aerobic exercise not long before bed, and I did have some truly excellent dreams.
Either way, I was well rested and got up early the next morning. I hurried through breakfast and getting clean and presentable. Then I walked as quickly as my long legs would carry me to school. I wanted to be first into our classroom. On the way, I sent Ise a text, letting him know I had already left, and asking him to come talk to me when he got here.
I sat there as casually as I could. Fortunately for me, Ise was the second one to arrive. He dropped off his stuff, and came over to my desk.
"What's up?" he asked, "Did you need something?"
"Just a shield," I told him, "I'm hoping if you and I are talking, everyone else will leave us alone. I want to wait until everyone is here, and just talk to them all at once."
"You realize the guys and Aika probably won't care," he reminded me, "Especially the guys. They weren't convinced by what I told them about the potion."
"Yeah," I groaned, my hope scattered. Then I shrugged, "At least I won't feel bad about hexing those two."
"Couldn't you just put up a shield?" Ise asked.
"I'm trying not to be too obvious," I told him.
"Isn't that sort of out the window after last Friday?" he pressed.
"How so?" I countered, "I accidentally ate some weird drug that enhanced my pheromones. I used a smoke bomb to escape, and a quick freeze chemical on the floor."
"What about Asia's magic?" he reminded me, "Or the spell on the door?"
"No-one was paying attention to Asia," I explained, "And even if they were, that was her spells, not mine. I'm happy to help if it's an issue, but I haven't heard anything about her. Or about the door either, my guess is everyone thinks I was holding it shut or stuck something in the door jam. But the big stuff was all just drugs and bombs."
"You think people will believe that?" he considered it, "That it was all chemicals?"
"I talked to Tsubasa and Reya on Saturday afternoon," I told him, "when they called to thank me. The rumor mill came up with the chemical thing all on their own. Frankly, I'm not going to say anything either way. I'm going to talk about what, not how. And let them believe what they want. Regular people are generally looking for a reason not to believe in magic. So if I don't say anything, most will decide it wasn't magic. And the ones who accept that it is magic? Good for them. Beside, I advertise that I'm a wizard and you Devils hand out flyers. The Masquerade is already pretty thin around here."
"I can't argue with that," Ise admitted. Then he said, "So what should we talk about?"
"So much as it worries me to ask," I started cautiously, "How are things going on your show?"
"They started scripting for the second season," Ise got excited, "Kiba and Koneko are going to be switching sides, and there's going to be a character for Akeno, too. They are talking about making the new bad guy be Loki, and bringing in a character based on Rossweisse, too. She's really excited, because of the residuals..."
My plan more or less worked. When my classmates saw Ise talking in an animated and happy manner, they assumed he was talking about boobs, and stayed far away. Aika seemed to be considering coming over. Then she looked at me, her cheeks went flush, and went over to Asia and Xenovia instead. She seemed to be teasing them like normal, but she kept glancing over in our direction. While the hint of red stayed in her face, as she looked at me, a knowing look formed behind her glasses. Could that lascivious witch actually tell what Sona and I had been doing yesterday?
The Duo also looked like they wanted to come over. But the scathing and borderline murderous glares of our classmates locked them in place.
I waited until everyone had arrived, but our teacher entered the room and started attendance before I could do anything. So I had to wait until homeroom ended, when the teachers changed classes. As soon as the door was closed, I stood up and walked to the front of the class. Outside of the Devils and the Duo, everyone looked nervous.
"We all need to talk about Friday," I said when I reached the front of the class, and turned to face them. Man, I wish there was someone in the room I had Soulgazed, so I could look them in the eye. Or even that I had thought to have Sona give glasses like hers to Aika.
"We all know what happened," I addressed my classmates, "But a bit of why; the chocolates I ate were given to me by a researcher friend. Except she gave me the wrong box. I got the box she meant for her love interest. She was planning a special evening. Unfortunately, I got them, instead of two people who were alone together. And didn't find out until it was too late."
"Second thing everyone should know, I destroyed the rest of those chocolates, and my friend promised to destroy both the concoction and the formula."
I paused, and saw a few dubious looks.
"And I don't expect you to believe me," I added, "Takamachi-sensei heard my phone call where my friend told me what happened, and watched me destroy the chocolates."
"Damn it," Motohama groused.
"Personally, I intend to forget Friday ever happened," I told them, "No-one was really at fault, no-one intended any harm, and no-one suffered any injuries. So I won't bring it up again, I won't tease anyone about it, or hold It or use it against them."
"Hold what against who, Harry-san?" Rei asked; calling me by name like most of the track team members, "Nothing happened Friday. You were feeling sick after first period and went home early, didn't you?"
I grinned, and nodded to her. Other heads bobbed thankfully. Though I noticed a few looks of disappointment. And Aika was visibly and deeply pouting. I guess she was upset at losing a reason to needle me and the others.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I felt Lash shaking her head in dismay. Yes, there were other possible reasons, but I was blatantly ignoring them.
The rest of the day went fairly normally. Takamachi-sensei's left arm was in a sling, though she didn't say why. And a few of my classmates did approach her. I didn't eavesdrop, but did catch her glancing at me. The girls all looked relieved by whatever Nanoha told them.
I joined the StuCo after class, and helped them with their normal work. Then, once it was all done, the others all left. Saji gave me his usual glare. Tsubaki gave Sona a knowing look, plus a tiny smirk, for good measure. That left me and my three StuCo girlfriends. For a moment I felt bad for Serafall, and looked forward to her return.
"So it seems like you two want to see us two," Tsubasa said, a hint of an edge to her teasing tone.
"Yes," I said, "Sona and I had a date yesterday. We talked on Saturday. After Friday, and Sona was feeling uncertain, about a few things. So we decided to get together, to... talk it out."
"And?" Tsubasa pressed. Reya frowned.
"And never order from U-donald's Noodle Emporium," I warned them sincerely.
"Huh?" that threw my Rook off balance.
"Honestly," Sona nodded, "If I could go back in time, I would tell Harry to order pizza instead. Order go out and get Burger King. It was the worst udon I can recall having."
"Worse than Tsubaki's 16th?" Reya asked softly.
"The second worst udon I have had," Sona revised.
"And then we watched Princess Bride," I said triumphantly.
"Finally," Tsubasa groaned.
"I still haven't seen the movie," Reya admitted, "I've read the book, but have heard they are different."
"We will watch it," Sona told her.
"All of us?" Tsubasa prompted.
"And after that, we got to the main reason of the date," I continued, "We underwent a careful and respectful exploration of what level of physical intimacy we are both currently comfortable with."
"You had sex?" Tsubasa's eyes narrowed.
"No," Sona said, "we did not."
"It was a careful and respectful exploration," I said again, "A scientific test. That test just happened to involve direct contact with each others' bodies."
"If you didn't have sex, what did you do?" Reya asked cautiously.
"We're not going to say," I said, then held up my hand before either of them (mostly Tsubasa) could protest, "Because I don't want either of you to feel obligated."
Both relaxed.
"That said, I am wondering if the pair of you would be interested in similar... experimentation."
Tsubasa's eyes narrowed in lidded lust. Reya considered it, blushing slightly.
"Not as a pair," I added quickly, "Individually."
Reya turned redder. Tsubasa pouted and said, "Damn."
"So, if you two aren't busy next weekend," I ignored my Rook, "would you each like to come over to my house for some... let's call it practice in pleasure."
"Next weekend?" Tsubasa half-asked and seventy percent protested, "Why wait? I'm free tonight."
"Time," I said, "This is going to be a proper date with a meal and some form of entertainment first. Then we go into the sexy science. Which will take time. A three or four hours. At least. Sona and I had already started our date at this time yesterday, and by the time we finished, it was late enough that your respective parents would probably be worried or suspicious. Or both. Sona and I don't have that issue, but I'd rather not get on your mothers' bad sides. I know your dad already doesn't like me, Tsubasa."
She frowned at that, for multiple reasons.
"So I'm thinking lunch, a movie or some sort of games, and then SCIENCE! And unless you already have plans, Tsubasa on Saturday and Reya on Sunday. If that doesn't work we can flip the days. Or discuss other options, if you can't do either day."
"I am free this weekend," Reya said quickly, "And I am definitely wanting to do this. This date and experiment."
"I'm supposed to spend Saturday with my dad," Tsubasa said darkly, "But I might be having a talk with him and cancelling. Still if I can have Sunday and Reya can have Saturday, that will work better."
"Okay, it's a date... err dates," I said, looking at the three of them, "So one ground rule... No two. You need your Christmas glasses, so we don't have accidental Sougazes. And no talking about this with each other, any of you. Not until everyone has had their chance. Again, we don't want anyone to feel restricted or obligated going into this. This is for each of you, to learn what you enjoy and what our individual interests and limits are. Not to compete with anyone else, meeting or exceeding."
Sona nodded her firm agreement.
"What about Serafall-sam... Serafall?" Reya realized.
"I'll be talking to her after she gets back Wednesday ," I told them, "Or if she is busy, Thursday."
Wednesday, February 18th, I got to talk to Serafall all right. Just not how or why I had been expecting.
After classes let out, a bunch of us were herded to the Hyoudou House, and up to the top floor meeting room. Specifically Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Ise, Asia, and Rossweisse from the Gremory Peerage, Sona, Tsubaki, Tsubasa, and Reya from the Sitri Peerage, and the President and CMO of Wizardling Wearables (me). When Mittelt escorted us in (scowling deeply the moment she was out of Miki's sight), we found Serafall, Sirzechs, and Ravel Phenex waiting for us. The spiral haired Bishop was doing well hiding it, but I could tell she was horribly nervous, sitting alone with two of the Great Satans. Especially those two, I suspected. Sirzechs was a friend and I cared deeply for Serafall, but they were a handful. So Ravel perked up as the rest of us entered, and she seemed very happy to see Ise.
After we were all seated and the Fallen spy turned maid had served us tea and then not quite ran from the room, the Sirzechs started.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he addressed everyone, "We have two things to announce today. We will start with the one that does not impact all of you, since it is shorter and faster."
I looked at Serafall, who gave a slight shrug.
"Phenex Ravel has been Ise's acting manager for the Oppai Dragon TV series and related endeavors," the Lucifer reminded us, "And she was going to move into the Hyoudou House at the end of March to attend Kuoh Academy as a High School 2nd year. Well, after discussing it with Rias, the production company, and the Phenex family, Ravel will no longer be an acting manager, but Ise's full and permanent manager. And she has moved in starting today, instead. This is both her own desire and necessary with the unexpected growth of the Oppai Dragon brand. Of course, Ise, we do not intend to cut you out of the decision. So if you have any objections, please let us know."
"No, that's great," Ise cheered, "Ravel-chan has done a great job, and I'm happy to have her here."
The phoenix girl blushed slightly but smiled happily.
'He doesn't know, does he?' I asked Lash silently.
'If not, I believe Rias Gremory will be filling him in tonight,' she answered, inclining her incorporeal head towards Ise's King and harem manager.
"I'm hoping there are no other questions," Sirzechs continued, "So we can move on to the main topic for today."
"Which is?" I prompted.
"Members of the Rias Gremory Peerage," Sirzechs said formally, switching the English, "Akeno Himejima, Yuuto Kiba, Issei Hyoudou, and Asia Argento..."
"Members of the Sona Sitri Peerage," Serafall said, also in English, "Tsubaki Shinra, Tsubasa Yura, and Reya Kusaka..."
Then they both continued in unison and with more joy and less gravitas, "Congratulations, you have all been nominated for promotion to Middle Class Devil."
"What, really?" Tsubasa demanded. Ise and Asia both looked like they agreed. Kiba looked stunned. Reya was still processing it. And the two Queens did not react.
"Yes, really, really," Serafall confirmed.
"All of you are more than qualified in terms of strength," Sirzechs told them, "In fact, all of you are overqualified. With the exception of Asia, all of you have combat potential approaching or exceed what is expected of High Class Devils. And while Asia is not a powerhouse, her magical reserves are, and her skill as both a healer and a battlefield controller are top notch. The other side of the recommendation has to do with accomplishments. And all of you have gained those is spades, between both Ratings Games, and battles with the Chaos Brigade."
"Well congratulations, everyone," I told them sincerely. Then I looked Serafall in the eye, and said, "That doesn't explain why Rossweisse and I are here. If it was to celebrate, I'd expect everyone else from both Peerages. So what's the catch?"
"The catch," she answered, "Is that there is still one more hurtle. Before they are actually promoted, everyone needs to pass a test."
"What sort of test?" Tsubaki's eyes narrowed behind her glasses, looking forward to the challenge.
"Well, to be honest, the test was just recently revised," Sirzechs admitted, "The first two portions of the test are the same. An essay must be composed in advance and turned in on the day of the exam. Then there is a written test, multiple choice and short answer. Then the first change is that there is an interview. With everything going on with the Old Maou group and the Brigade in general, we want to make sure we don't promote any traitors."
That prompted another round of bobbing heads.
"Then finally there is a practical exam," he finished, "Which in the past was a one on one spar between two candidates. But it has been revised to a sort of obstacle course."
I looked at my fellow magic tutor.
"So I'm getting hired to teach again?" I asked incredulously. Then I turned to glance at Sona, "This isn't part of a plot to get me to work at your school, is it?"
"Not on my part," she said, after considering it for a moment, "I was not aware of this."
"Ahem," Sirzechs cleared his throat, "The written exam has five sections; Politics & Law, History, Earth, Magic, and Math & Science. Each section has 100 questions. To pass, you must score a seventy five percent or higher, but you must also score at least forty points on each section."
"No acing four sections and failing the fifth," Kiba noted.
"Precisely," Sirzechs agreed, "In fact, the Earth and Math sections were added a few years ago, due to Middle Class Devils coming to Earth, and sticking out like a sore thumb."
"Didn't know what a toaster was?" I asked. He chuckled weakly, remembering the conversation when I first met him and his father.
"Those sections should be easy enough for everyone here..." Sirzechs said.
I glanced sideways at Asia, who only a year ago had never had a hamburger and didn't know what one was.
"...but we suspect everyone could use at least some chance to study on the other three," he concluded.
"They aren't that hard," Serafall added, "Last time, one of the Politics questions was about my show. Everyone knows who plays Behemoth, right?"
"The exam is also in English," Sirzechs explained, "So brushing up on written English while learning about magic fundamentals..."
"Sure," I agreed with an overacted sigh, "Not like I would turn Sona or Serafall down, so might as well help everyone. Besides, I might learn some things about the Underworld, too."
"I will also be happy to tutor everyone," Rossweisse said.
"When is the exam?" I asked, "And can I get any past ones, to figure out what to teach?"
"We have copies of the last two exams," Sirzechs sounded a bit squirrely, like he was deliberately avoiding my first question. Sona and Rias both regarded their siblings angrily.
"Sister?" Sona pressed.
"February 28th," Levi-tan said.
"Nine days?" I demanded.
"Generally the exam is held once every three months," Sirzechs said, "Except it is not always possible to find enough participants. We had barely enough to hold this one, but everyone here puts it well into the cost effective zone. However, if enough of the candidates pass this one, even with the seven of you, there might not be enough for the May exam. Then you are looking at August, or later."
"Nine days?" I repeated, "During which we might already have plans."
Tsubasa and Reya both flinched.
"I'll help when I can," I said, "But I've already got plans for both Fridays, and this Saturday and Sunday. So we can talk about tomorrow, next week Monday through Thursday, and maybe a couple of hours tonight."
"This is short notice," Rias told me kindly, "So whatever you can do."
Sona looked at me, and said, "I believe we can cancel game night this Friday and next Friday."
I sighed, "Yeah. This is probably more important. But I didn't want to speak for everyone else, or bail on everyone."
"I think we should study," Reya said, putting the nail in that coffin. While I ran it, game night was more or less Reya's night of the week with me. She just chose to share it because she liked RPGs as much as I did. And they were generally better with multiple people.
I decided to have some dice handy, when Reya and I had our date.
"And that includes Saturday," my Bishop added quietly, unknowingly scuttling my new idea.
"We'll reschedule," I told her, "for after you get promoted."
"I'm not giving up my date," Tsubasa said, almost childishly.
"We're not asking you to," Sona said.
"Even if you do need the extra tutoring more than most," Tsubaki added flatly.
Tsubasa looked at me. I couldn't meet her eyes, but I gave her a reassuring look.
"I'm not offering to give up our date," I told her, "I'm not asking you to. I would rather spend the time having fun with you. But I also have the least stake in this. If you want to pass and get promoted, I want it for you. And will help you get there. If you don't care, I don't either. You are what matters to me, Tsubasa. Not Underworld politics."
Then I looked around, "That applies to all of you, to varying degrees. Ise, Asia, Tsubaki, Kiba, Akeno, I'm more than happy to help you. But if my four girlfriends said forget this exam, we're going to Tahiti for a week, then I would apologize very insincerely to all of you, and go start packing my swim trunks and sun screen."
"Tahiti?" Sona looked at me oddly.
"It's a..." I started.
"...magical place," Tsubasa, Reya, and I finished in unison. Then my Rook sighed.
"Fine," she said softly, "I get that it is good for me. And for Sona, and my friends. And I'll still get to spend the day with Harry. Even if it won't be as fun. So okay, date's off, and we'll reschedule after the exam."
"Thank you, Tsubasa," Sona said, taking her Rook's hand.
"I guess I do get more time with Harry overall," Tsubasa admitted, "so it's not the worst trade."
My phone beeped.
"I have forwarded everyone the previous exam questions as promised," Sirzechs said.
"We can go over them tonight," Rossweisse said, "And start planning out lessons."
"Can we meet here?" Sona asked Rias, "As it is most convenient for the largest number of us."
"That is a good idea," the red-head agreed.
"Shouldn't you be asking Ise's parents?" I pointed out.
"I'll do that," he scrambled out.
"And I guess I'll offer my place as backup," I said, "It will be like game night. Only the math will be less fun."
Miki and Gorou agreed. I didn't honestly expect them to object, especially since the top floor was mostly unused. But it was polite. Rossweisse had teacher things to do right after school, but Sona rearrange the StuCo tasks and Rias cancelled club meetings until March 2nd. So everyone except the former Valkyrie would meet here after school from tomorrow through the 27th. That included Ravel who would be helping with the two Underworld topics. We would study until dinner, eat dinner, and then study a couple hours more in the early evening.
Dinner was part of my pay.
And for Saturday and Sunday, we would start at 10 AM and going until early evening, too.
We were going to skim the Earth and Math & Science questions. We lived on Earth, and the Underworld schools didn't really match up to Japanese high school. So those categories should be covered. The Kings plus Ravel would cover History and Poli-sci, and Rossweisse and I would cover Magic. Which was mostly for Ise, Kiba, and Tsubasa. Though it wasn't impossible the Magic category would have topics we hadn't covered in the run up to the tournament.
More likely it would have outdated or incorrect theories. That might be a problem, since I didn't want to teach my friends garbage, but also was trying to help them pass.
We'd also do a bit of casting and aiming practice, for the practical.
With the basic outline was ironed out, I turned to Serafall.
"Do you have plans for the evening?" I asked her.
"No," she said coyly, "Do you?"
"Well I have some test review and lesson planning to do," I noted, "But I think you might be able to help, and help it go faster. Then I might have time for something else. And I still need to eat dinner either way."
"Yes, food is good," she agreed. Then her eyes flitted to Sona, Tsubasa, and Reya. Sona and Reya both gave small nods, and Tsubasa shrugged.
"I'd be happy to have dinner with you, Harry," she said.
Serafall and I teleported to my place. She helped me, and my wards were a good anchor, but it was still my longest jump to date. Even if it was maybe two hundred feet, and to a place I was very familiar with.
Once we landed, Serafall threw her arms around me and angled her face up for a kiss. I decided to take a risk. A fairly small risk, but a risk.
I put one hand around her back, and the other under her butt. I lifted and pulled her up into a fierce, hungry lip lock. My Maou looked surprised for a moment. Then she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled herself tighter to me.
Now this, was tongue wrestling.
After almost a minute we broke apart, panting. I set Serafall back on her feet.
"That was unexpected, but amazing," she said, "yet I can't help but feel there was something behind it."
"We need to talk," I said, "Not like that, just it has been an interesting couple of days. But we can talk while we eat."
"Sure," she said, the brief look of concern fading, "What's for dinner?"
"I was going to make tacos, but I don't have enough for two. So mac and cheese, or delivery."
"Delivery," she said, "I had enough cheap instant food over the last week to keep me set for a month. And I heard something about a new udon place?"
We were at the table, like civilized adults. Though mainly that was because if we put pizza boxes on the living side coffee table, we'd have to fend off Mister. He knew he wasn't allowed on the dining (game) table, and he generally respected that suggestion.
We each ate a slice in silence. Then Serafall fixed me with a questioning gaze, asking without talking.
"To start, Friday..." I began, and then paused, wondering how to put it into words, "You know that people in Japan, usually women, give out chocolates. I got some from Lasciel, for helping with her experiments. And offering to help with her relationship issues."
"You offered to help her with Azazel?" she prompted with a grin.
"Of course you know her, and noticed her crush," I groused, "And yes. Partly for her, and partly to get Azazel off my back about you, and Sona, and Tsubasa, and Reya. And to a lesser degree off Ise's back about his girlfriends."
"So Lasciel gave you giri choco," Serafall prompted.
"Except she gave me the chocolates she made for Azazel," I explained, "The ones laced with a potion that increases people's attraction to the drinker."
"Why would she.."
"To overcome her own shyness, and make her confess to Az."
"Oh," Serafall exclaimed, "That's clever."
"It would have been, if she hadn't mixed them up," I reminded her.
"And Harry-chan got them... Did Harry-chan have sexy shenanigans without me?"
"Shenanigans, yes," I confirmed, my voice dropping, "Sexy... That's up for debate. Some yes, but others much less."
"What happened?" she asked, more seriously.
"Lasciel calibrated the potion for Az," I said, "He may be an inch or so shorter than me, but he's more built, and so he weighs more. And he's a Fallen, so would have been resistant to the potion. We also think that me being a wizard, or knowing the Winter Mantle, might have also supercharged the effect."
I took another slice of the pepperoni pie, and bit into it. Serafall waited for me to continue.
I told her the rest of what happened at school. About my classmates and others coming after me. Being saved by Nanoha-sensei. Being saved by Sona. Only for Sona to fall under the spell, too. Tricking her into calling Reya, and using Reya to get home. Hiding in my pentagram. Sona, Reya, and Tsubasa trying to entice me out of my pentagram. Getting them to make a deal. Winning the bet, and their parting shot.
"You know Harry," Serafall said teasingly, "A lot of other boys would give almost anything to be in your position."
But there was also an edge to her tone, hidden underneath.
"And a lot of other boys are idiots," I said, "and none of them are dating you."
"That's true," she said. Then she gave me a saucy look, "That means you also can't rightly complain if I suddenly decide to get naked."
"Just wait," I said, "I'm not done yet."
"Oh? Did Harry-chan go out with his lust magic, after running off his girlfriends? Maybe to the game store? Or to Kyoto?"
"No," I countered, "I stayed in my pentagram until well after the potion had worn off. And I also didn't see anyone on Saturday. I wasn't spending Valentine's with my girls, but after Friday, I didn't go to the store or anywhere else. Was nervous to be around other people."
"I can understand that," a hint of the more serious Serafall shone through for a moment.
"And I tried to call you," I told her, "Three times. But reception to the Underworld was particularly bad last weekend."
"Oh, right," she remembered, "I tried to call Harry-chan, too. But I couldn't get through either. Thank you for the flowers and the t-shirt, Harry."
"You're welcome," I responded.
"Anyway, I did talk to Sona, Tsubasa, and Reya on Saturday. Tsubasa and Reya told me about the churn of the rumor mill after Friday. And Sona and I talked about how we were both feeling unsettled after everything."
"I'm sure," Serafall nodded, "So-tan values her self-control deeply."
"So we agreed to have a date yesterday. A special date."
I didn't tell her exactly what Sona and I did. But I laid out the basic concept of our careful and respectful exploration.
"Hmmm," Serafall was studying me thoughtfully after I finished explaining, "I guess that explains why Reya and especially Tsubasa were so upset about giving up their dates with Harry-chan this weekend."
"Yup. And it also means, if you want, you and I can and should have a similar date. I fully understand it you don't want..."
"I want, I want," she said quickly. Then she looked at me coyly, "But why wait? Why not do it tonight? There might be a few things we could do with this pizza."
"Why not do it tonight?" I gave her a look, "First of all, fairness."
"Right," she deflated.
"Also, and more importantly, time," I added.
"Time?" she said.
"There's a reason we picked the weekend," I confirmed, "While I'm not saying what we did, Sona and I took over three hours, and that's not counting the nap we took together after."
Serafall's eyes lit with a combination of delight, expectation, and jealousy.
"And I have class tomorrow, and need to go over this stuff first," I waved my phone to remind her, "And the more I think about it, the less I am sure we don't need to study for the 'Earth' test."
"Huh, really?" she sounded surprised, "All of them are former Humans... Well, except Ake-chan, but she still lived and raised on Earth."
"True," I nodded, "Still, I can't help think about 'The Experts'."
"What's that?" she frowned.
"A movie, from the eighties. Saw it once, don't completely remember it. But the premise was that Russia built a fake American town to train spies. Except they built it in the fifties, and never updated it. So one of their agents hired a couple of guys from New York, to open a night club, to try to update the town. It's a comedy about the culture clash."
"Anyway," I shook my head, "I'm worried that the 'Earth' questions the Devils ask might be before our time, or centered on America or Europe or Australia. Do you think any of the seven of them could 'Name the four Beatles.' if that was a question?"
"Ummm," she considered it.
"Reya might have read about them," I admitted, "Tsubasa might have seen a movie that mentioned them. And it wouldn't surprise me to learn Ise had played an erogame featuring feminized versions of the Fab Four."
"It wouldn't?" she raised an eyebrow.
"A couple of weeks ago, Aika tried to slip Asia an otome game where you date famous racehorses who have been turned into pretty boys. Between that and some of the things Ise and his perv buddies have mention... Let's say there isn't a lot of concepts and subjects the makers of those games wouldn't think of or produce."
"You're probably right," she agreed with a frown.
"Again, back on topic," I steered us away from that topic, "If they ask for the seven oceans, or about Star Wars, everyone'll probably be fine. If the questions are about 'The Blues Brothers', or the Prime Minister of Zambia, that might be an issue."
"Hmmm. Yeah, that's probably right. Harry-chan is pretty smart."
"So I want to go over the 'Earth' part of the exams, and see how much I can answer," I told her, "If I have problem with it, then we can be pretty sure they will, too."
"But if we get through Harry-chan's test and a basic lesson plan real quick," she suggested, "After all you don't have to plan for the next nine days tonight. If we do that, we might still have an hour or two. And if we limit what we do tonight, it wouldn't be too unfair to Tsubasa and Reya. They did get to show off to you on Friday, while I was all alone and working, after all. And it might be better to conduct these experiments in segments. To step back and tabulate our results. Revise our hypotheses, before we formulate new tests."
"True," I squeaked. How could she make the scientific method sound so erotic?
"Great," she exclaimed brightly, "So, finish eating, so we can start going over the exams."
Next: Beyond the Outer Gates Lies... Schools of Thought?