Man, I'm hardly getting any feedback over on TTONU… oh well I guess. It was my first and by far, worst planned out story, so I can't be too surprised people don't really want to read it anymore. That being said, I will finish it and just value those who are sticking with it, extra, as they help carry me through the next… 30 chapters? Towards the end.

I have to say though, DxD really does come to me quite easily… I wonder if that is because DxD is just so much more fun to play with… or maybe because the romance aspect of it, isn't fixated on a massive shipping war, between a pink haired screamer and a pale eyed squealer…

Now, to clear a few things up moving forward. I've been purposely vague about what Raynare is… and that won't change. What Raynare is and how things go down after this, was the ending to this story in my mind, before I decided to extend it. Rest assured, it won't end there anymore, but that was a massive point and I'm not giving it away, especially since it is a big part of the story. That being said, I've dropped a load of hints, so it can be deduced.

I've also come to a decision. Akeno and Koneko fans rejoice, they will be forgiven… eventually.
I'm sorry, but I need to play this out properly. You just can't forgive people who hurt you so easily. You can forgive them though, but easily… nope.
Harem wise though… still tossing up my options. With the way things will go, I'm thinking yes for Akeno and no for Koneko… but I'm seriously considering them both.

My main beef with Koneko, is that Kuroka has kind of replaced her, bumped her down, so to speak, into a little sister role. Even the way the two (Issei and Kuroka) talk about Koneko, is more like that of an older sister and her boyfriend… which is why I'm thinking Koneko won't make the cut.

The reason I say yes for Akeno, is because harem or not, she will play a significant role in helping Issei not hate fallen angels again, in a similar manner to how Issei helped her. It is specifically the way I plan on doing this, that makes me feel like she should be put in… but this isn't final.

I've also figured out what to do with Rias and it will be so ironic… so ironic that I almost consider it cliché, but I have good plans for her… just not with Issei.

Once again, I don't hate Rias, but she did do a lot of things wrong (like not saying to a breast loving pervert, "Hey, join my peerage so no one tries to kill you." Or even "You're a devil now, so stay near me for protection, or the same people who killed you, will come after you again." (no wonder Sona is the brains out of the two…) or you know, just killing the fallen herself, after they killed Issei… I mean, if that doesn't constitute violent/hostile behaviour, what does… you know, since devils apparently care for humans… didn't save the guy Freed butchered though…).

Asia… still got nothing… *sigh* still open to suggestions.

In any case, as an update, now that I'm back at Uni, I can only really only write on weekends, so I should be able to get 2-3 chapters out a month. I don't say four, since I don't get to proofread them during this time, so it carries over into next week's writing time.

Once again, thank you for the support on and if anyone else also wants to help support me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'

"Ddraig thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

Chapter 16 – To Be Loved

Monday brought a fresh change to the week. It might have had something to do with Irina, Xenovia and Issei, preparing to revisit the Hyoudou Household and possibly, stay there on a permanent basis once again, but that remained to be seen.

As the trio made their way to school, there was someone at the gates eagerly awaiting them.

'Morning Issei. Morning Irina, morning Xenovia.' Said Murayama happily.

'Morning Murayama, you look pretty energetic today.' Commented Issei.

'I just have so much energy now and the sun is shining so brightly.' Said Murayama happily.

'Hmm, now that you mention it, I too feel invigorated, more than I had previously.' Commented Xenovia thoughtfully.

'I think it is because you got a little more from me, when I turned both of you, giving you an extra boost.' Said Issei quietly, ensuring no one was within earshot.

'Well, should we go to class now?' Asked Murayama happily, to which, the trio nodded, as the group of four set off.

Upon entering the classroom, Issei separated from the three, making his way to his desk quickly and sitting down happily.

'Issei! Where were you yesterday man? We were both calling you for ages.' Asked Motohama curiously.

'Ah, I was out of the house all day, had to go help out an old friend in another town.' Said Issei tiredly.

'What's up?' Asked Issei curiously.

'Not here, we'll tell you at lunch.' Said Matsuda, with a smirk.

'You don't think they got lucky too, do you?' Asked Raynare in shock.

"… I think I'd probably forgive her before that happens." Thought Issei dryly.

-line break-

Come lunchtime, the trio had made their way to their usual spot. Matsuda and Motohama were both looking very excited and looked as though they were about to burst.

'Well then, what's the good news?' Asked Issei curiously.

'You first Motohama.' Said Matsuda.

Motohama nodded, before pushing his glasses up a little.

'I got to kiss Kiryuu, on the lips and… I even got to second base.' Said Motohama proudly.

'Hmm, good for you. I figured you'd have a good chance with Kiryuu, given she's probably as perverted as you.' Complimented Issei.

'Yeah, but wait until you hear Matsuda's news.' Said Motohama, with a chuckle.

Issei waited patiently, as Matsuda let the suspense build before speaking.

'Katase and I are dating now.' Revealed Matsuda proudly.

'Wow, even after you stuffed yourself like an animal at that burger place?' Questioned Issei in shock.

'Yep, I… wait, what are you talking about?' Asked Matsuda, initially speaking pridefully, before becoming confused.

'You guys do remember me saying I was going to come on the date, to watch you guys screw things up, right? I mean, you guys did way better than I expected, but you ate like a pig Matsuda and you were close to tears during the movie Motohama.' Said Issei teasingly.

'Screw you Issei! At least we actually made progress.' Ranted the perverted duo.

'That you did and I'm equally shocked and proud of both of you. For two idiots, you pulled off a semi decent date.' Said Issei, with a nod.

'Well how did you do? You weren't even on a real date. You were a tag-along.' Asked Motohama.

'Well, let's just say… better than both of you and leave it at that.' Said Issei calmly.

'Hey! We told you about our dates!' Shouted Matsuda accusingly.

'But Motohama just said I wasn't even on a real date, so I don't need to say anything.' Smirked Issei.

'I bet you just struck out and are putting on a façade.' Accused Motohama.

'Believe what you want to.' Said Issei airily, waving his hand at the duo.

'You don't think he got another, do you?' Whispered Motohama to Matsuda.

'No way! It wasn't even a real date. I doubt Murayama even likes him.' Whispered back Matsuda.

Issei was barely containing his laughter at this point.

"Doesn't even like me… oh man, I'm not going to be able to hold it." Thought Issei, barely keeping his laughter in check.

As the duo continued their furious whispered discussion, a loud shout broke them out of it.

'You did what with Hyoudou?' Shouted a voice, which could only belong to Katase.

The perverted duo looked at Issei, with gobsmacked expressions.

'What, don't look at me like that, I clearly struck out and this is all a façade.' Said Issei, with some difficulty, before unleashing all his held in laughter and rolling around on the grass.

Once Issei had regained himself, he noticed the two were looking at him in awe.

'Please teach us master!' Cried Matsuda and Motohama desperately.

'You guys already know what you need to. You're already in, just don't screw things up.' Said Issei uncaringly.

'I doubt these two will be able to avoid that… but then again, I couldn't see those two getting dates either, so maybe they'll surprise us.' Said Raynare.

"Us? When did we become a unit?" Thought Issei in confusion.

'Well, I am a part of your mind.' Pointed out Raynare.

Issei hummed at this in thought, but didn't respond after that, amusing himself in the grovelling of his two perverted friends.

-line break-

As the day concluded, Issei, Irina and Xenovia, headed back to their residence, after Murayama had bid them farewell, when their paths diverged.

'Meet downstairs in ten minutes. There is no telling how long we will be there for, so bring enough clothes to last a week.' Said Issei tiredly, getting two nods from his fellow angels.

As Issei made his way to his room, he was unsurprised to see Raynare in his living room, waiting for him, arms crossed under her chest.

'So, you're really going through with this?' Questioned Raynare, with a quirked eyebrow.

'Yeah, I like it just as much as you, but it needs to be done I suppose.' Said Issei tiredly, before heading to his room, with Raynare following.

'You know, you don't have to do this. You don't owe Azazel anything. He likes studying on and helping train Sacred Gear users. It's his hobby. He would have helped you anyway.' Pointed out Raynare.

'I know, but I'm not doing this for him anyway. It's for Gabriel… and for myself as well.' Muttered Issei quietly, zipping up his red duffel bag, containing his clothes.

Raynare didn't say anything after that, which Issei was thankful for. Making his way downstairs, he noticed the other two weren't there yet and waited. A few minutes later, they came down and nodded to Issei, before making the trip back to the Hyoudou Household.

Upon reaching the gate, Issei opened it and allowed his two companions to enter, before closing it behind them.

As the trio walked up to the door, Issei steeled his nerves, preparing for what was soon to come.

Raising his hand, he knocked on the door politely. To his surprise, none of the usual residents of the house opened the door, but rather, Azazel did.

'Ah good, good, you're here, just in time.' Said Azazel happily, ushering the three in.

'In time for what?' Asked Issei in confusion, trying to distract himself from the familiar devils to his left.

'For the guest of honour to arrive of course.' Said Azazel, before a tear in space opened up in the living room and a small girl stepped out.

'Ophis, the Infinite Dragon God.' Said Azazel, shocking everyone.

'You've got to be kidding me. Right, Azazael? This is a joke, right?' Asked Issei.

'Nope.' Said Azazel simply, causing Issei to face palm.

'For future reference, next time you want to bring in one of the top ten strongest creatures in the world, one who is meant to be the leader of the strongest terrorist organisation in the world… I want at least three days warning.' Said Issei dryly.

'How are you okay with this?' Asked Xenovia curiously.

'Azazel does stupid stuff, you remember when we were training before the Three Faction meeting… Azazel doesn't really understand doing things normally. For him to do something like this… especially considering the situation right now, this must be really important.' Said Issei, giving the fallen angel an exasperated glare.

'It is. It may very well change the entire complexion of Khaos Brigade.' Confirmed Azazel.

'Fine, I'll put up with this for now. However, I meant what I said before, I don't want to be played with. This is the last time I'm letting you dictate things like this.' Said Issei firmly, before feeling a certain sensation against his back, which involuntarily caused him to relax.

'Nya? Aren't you excited to see me again?' Asked Kuroka, appearing from a magic circle behind Issei and draping herself along Issei's back.

'So is this why you haven't showed up for the past few days?' Asked Issei, looking over his shoulder, ignoring the shocked looks of the gathered devils.

'Maybe, but I brought Le Fay with me as well, nya.' Said Kuroka teasingly, before a slightly timid magician, stepped out from behind Kuroka.

'Um, hello again, Red Dragon.' Said Le Fay shyly.

'Hi Le Fay, Kuroka been giving you trouble like always?' Teased Issei, getting Kuroka to pout.

'What does that mean, nya?' Asked Kuroka.

'You're really lazy, like a real cat.' Deadpanned Issei.

'That's because I save my energy for other things.' Purred Kuroka, causing Issei to blush slightly.

Kuroka then separated from Issei and walked closer to Koneko, who became very defensive.

'Hi Shirone, hope you've been training hard.' Said Kuroka happily, causing Koneko to frown slightly.

'While we are dealing with this mess, I have something for you, Rias.' Said Issei calmly, drawing everyone's gaze.

'M-me?' Questioned Rias in surprise.

'Yes, here.' Said Issei, pulling something out of his pocket and flinging it to Rias.

Rias caught it and looked at it in surprise.

'H-how did you?' Stammered Rias in surprise.

'I am the Red Dragon Emperor, there aren't a lot of things I can't do.' Said Issei flatly.

'Well, except finding people who won't betray you, you've had really bad luck with that so far.' Commented Raynare.

'I want to talk.' Said Ophis, instantly getting everyone's attention.

'Is that what we needed to come here for?' Asked Issei of Azazel.

'Yes, Ophis is interested in both you and Vali, who have been showing interesting growth. However, to bring someone like Ophis here, there were certain requirements that needed to be met, a safe house being one of them.' Answered Azazel.

'Fine. Before that though, I have something to say to the devils.' Said Issei, getting the Occult Research Club to look at him.

'I may have been a bit too harsh on you all back then… I meant what I said, but maybe it was too much… maybe not though, I'm still not decided. However, I am willing to at least speak with all of you from this point on, but don't think that makes us friends.' Said Issei.

'Look at them smiling. You've shown weakness and now they will suck you right back in.' Said Raynare cynically.

'I'm sure I speak for all of us, when I say thank you, for the chance to make things right.' Said Kiba, as the girls seemed too emotional to respond.

'Just know that you only get one.' Said Issei firmly, getting a nod from Kiba.

-line break-

The group adjourned to the VIP room of the Hyoudou household. Akeno had prepared tea for the guests, but Ophis was only staring at Issei. Issei matched Ophis' gaze, but couldn't help feeling a bit intimidated. Thanks to his Senjutsu prowess, he could feel that Ophis was truly a bottomless pit of energy. The personification of Infinity suited her well.

'Ddraig. Do you want to quit being a Heavenly-Dragon? The human who is the host. He's been having a different sense of growth up until now. I think this is very strange. Very different from previous Heavenly-Dragons. Vali is also the same. Strange. Very strange. The fight against Cao Cao. Ddraig had different evolutions. Human turned from devil to angel. First time this has happened. That's why I want to ask. Ddraig. What will you become?' Said Ophis.

The Boosted Gear appeared on Issei's arm and through it, Ddraig spoke.

'Hmm, I do not know. I don't know what he wants to become, but his growth is very interesting.' Answered Ddraig.

'If you want to know what I will become, you should ask me.' Said Issei, causing Ophis to raise her gaze to Issei.

'What do you want to become then, possessor of Ddraig?' Asked Ophis.

'I want to be loved.' Said Issei.

'What is love?' Asked Ophis.

'Love is the feeling of being comfortable with someone. Having people you care for, who care for you as well. To prefer to be with them, rather than be alone. I want to become someone who is loved.' Said Issei.

'I don't want love then. I want to be alone. Great Red is annoying.' Said Ophis simply.

'Partner, you won't be able to explain love to someone like Ophis.' Said Ddraig.

'Then I'll show Ophis love.' Said Issei, surprising everyone.

'Partner, Ophis is a mass of infinite energy, born from nothingness.' Said Ddraig.

'That's fine. I like a challenge. Besides, everyone should know love, even if it sometimes brings pain with it.' Said Issei, briefly glancing at his former comrades, before turning back to Ophis.

'Well, I suppose if anyone can do it, it'd be you. You are the strangest host I've ever had after all.' Said Ddraig.

-line break-

'You know, there is so much awkward tension in this room, even I'm beginning to feel queasy.' Said Raynare.

Issei was sitting on the couch, Ophis beside him to his right. To his left sat Le Fay awkwardly, as to her left was Kuroka, who was trying to get to Issei. Beside Kuroka was Irina and beside her was Xenovia. Azazel had left, leaving the two groups alone, with that of the Occult Research Club, minus Rossweisse and Ravel, who were both otherwise engaged and the tension was palpable.

"You're not the only one." Thought Issei, feeling his stomach twisting in knots, as it tried to strangle him.

'Issei… how have you been?' Started Kiba nervously, before switching his question mid-sentence.

'I've been okay.' Said Issei stiffly.

Kiba gave a slight grimace at the curt reply, which caused Issei to sigh internally.

'How have the rest of you been?' Asked Issei, with much effort.

'Uh… okay… I think.' Answered Kiba.

'Have you recovered from your battle with Sairaorg?' Asked Issei, trying his best to keep things going.

'Yes, although it was difficult losing like that.' Admitted Yuuto.

The room went silent at that once again, getting increasingly more awkward as more time passed by.

'Issei… if you don't mind me asking… how did you do this?' Asked Rias, holding the piece Issei had given her.

'With the Boosted Gear. It responds to my will and can do many things if I focus hard enough.' Answered Issei, not looking the redhead in the eye.

'First lie of the day, check. Hmm, although, I suppose you did use the Boosted Gear to do it… so maybe not a complete lie.' Commented Raynare.

'Have you been training, Gasper?' Asked Issei, turning to the nervous vampire, who was currently sitting in his box.

'U-uh yes, every night. Kiba has been helping me.' Answered Gasper timidly.

'Good.' Said Issei, with a nod.

The awkward silence reigned once again, before Issei suddenly stood up.

'I'm going to the bathroom.' Said Issei, leaving the room.

The silence that pervaded the room after that, was not only awkward, but also tense and distrusting.

'Nya, you know, if you all really want to fix things with Issei, how about trying to be comfortable around him? This awkward tension is not going to help any of you out at all, nya.' Said Kuroka languidly.

'And just why would you want to help us?' Asked Rias, her eyes narrowing sharply.

'Gremory, before you starting making mental judgements, try to remember that it was your poor judgement, which started this whole mess. I'm not complaining, since it worked out very well for me and him as well, but you are making Issei uncomfortable as well, which is something I rather you all not do.' Said Kuroka seriously.

Akeno abruptly left the room after this, causing the others to watch the path through which she had left, before Kuroka yawned loudly.

'Well, at least it seems someone got the message.' Mumbled Kuroka.

'What do you mean?' Asked Kiba.

'You're all walking on eggshells, like one bad word is going to send him running out of here. Just look at those two, he forgave them and they didn't even do that much.' Said Kuroka, gesturing to Irina and Xenovia, all the while, looking at Kiba.

'Sure you all hurt him, but acting like this isn't going to fix anything.' Finished Kuroka, who then gave another yawn.

-line break-

Issei grumbled as he exited the toilet.

'Surprised she didn't move the toilet? I mean, this is your house, but she just comes in and changes it, without even asking for your opinion.' Said Raynare.

'Issei.' Said Akeno, as she approached Issei.

'Oh, this is going to be fun, I can feel it.' Said Raynare in excitement.

'Akeno.' Said Issei flatly.

'Issei… I want your forgiveness. I'll do anything to make it up to you.' Said Akeno strongly.

'No thanks.' Said Issei lazily.

Akeno couldn't help but widening her eyes in shock.

'W-what do you mean?' Asked Akeno in confusion.

'I don't want you to do anything for me.' Reiterated Issei.

'But why? I'm offering to do anything for you, anything! What more can I give you to prove myself?' Asked Akeno, becoming slightly hysterical.

'I dunno, don't really care either.' Said Issei noncommittally.

'W-what… why? Didn't you always say you liked me? Every time you touched me, didn't you feel something from me? Don't you always say I have the best oppai ever? Didn't you say that even though you definitely hate fallen angels, you never once had thoughts of dislike towards me?' Asked Akeno.

'So?' Asked Issei, causing Akeno's form to tremble.

'Why… why won't you answer me properly?' Cried Akeno loudly.

'Sorry, I just really don't care too much to bother.' Said Issei.

Akeno looked heartbroken at this and dropped to her knees, tears falling from her eyes.

'Aw man, you suck. I really thought you were doing that just to spite her, but you're going to give her a chance now, aren't you?' Groused Raynare.

Issei ignored Raynare and walked towards Akeno, kneeling in front of her. Issei gave a soft sigh, before pulling Akeno against his chest, wrapping her in a hug.

'I did always like you.' Said Issei, causing Akeno to stop crying and listen to Issei closely.

'Every time you touched me, I did feel something.' Continued Issei.

'I do like your oppai and even though I hate fallen angels, I didn't dislike you because you were one.' Finished Issei.

'T-then why did you ignore me? Why did you just… carelessly shrug of my feelings?' Asked Akeno quietly.

'So I could begin to forgive you.' Said Issei tiredly, causing Akeno to shift slightly, so she could see his face.

Issei's expression look largely neutral, but his eyes looked tired.

'The way you feel right now, just for a moment, was how I felt when you all brushed me off. None of you cared about my feelings. None of you cared about how I felt. That's why, even though I kind of hate myself for doing it, now that you've felt what I felt, maybe I can start to forgive you and try and move past it all.' Said Issei, breaking the hug and leaning away from Akeno.

'D-do you really mean that? That we can try and fix things between us.' Asked Akeno.

'I do… if I didn't care for all of you, I wouldn't have cared about all those things you said. It hurt so much because of how much I cared about you.' Explained Issei.

'Issei… I'm really sorry.' Said Akeno sadly.

'I know. That's why you came and tried to make things right just now. That's also why I'm giving you another chance, because I know you really do want to make up for what you did. The first step to forgiveness though, is to feel the same pain. The same emotions, as the one you hurt felt. Proper empathy. Now that you felt how I did, ignored, unwanted… unloved, maybe… maybe we can fix things.' Said Issei genuinely.

Akeno gave a timid smile at this.

'Thank you, Issei.' Said Akeno, to which Issei nodded, before helping her up, standing along with her.

Akeno then turned on her heel and left, but not before throwing Issei a smile over her shoulder. Issei exhaled deeply, before turning to a displeased Raynare on his right, arms crossed under her chest.

'Weak! God, the amount of rubbish I just heard was enough to last me another lifetime. You and I both know you felt way worse than she did just now. You're too soft and she's going to use that to get back inside your heart and tear it to shreds once again. I'd know after all, that's what fallen angels do and we are really good at it, ne, Issei.' Said Raynare, using the same voice as Yuuma, when she said Issei's name.

"Maybe… but we won't know for sure unless I take that risk." Thought Issei.

'You take too many, which is why this happened, remember that.' Drawled Raynare.