Well, as a quick warning, there is a small lemon in this chapter. I actually didn't intend for it to happen, but once I started writing it, it fit very well, so I went with it.
In other news, I have two more patrons that I am very thankful for. Once again, if you'd like to support me and can comfortably do so, please don't hesitate, but don't feel obligated to do so. Reading all my stories is already the bare minimum of support I need to keep writing, so thanks.
In somewhat more sad/annoying/irritating news, I will in fact require surgery late this month. I thought I had gotten away from it during the summer holidays, but the issue hasn't resolved, so surgery is now my only option. Why am I telling you all this? It means I may not be able to write for a few weeks, from the date of the surgery, as it will hurt to sit down and take time to heal, making it difficult to write. In addition to this, I'll have exams during early June, before my two-week break, so I will have very little time to write, in addition to not being physically able to write. That being said, hopefully it heals quickly enough (estimated healing time is 8 weeks, but it should be at least healed enough for me to sit down by 4 weeks) and I can write as much as possible. Even with this though, expect a few more chapters across all my stories, (not sure which ones yet), around mid-June.
Well, that's all for now. 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 17 – Human Nature
Issei slowly made his way back to the others, before retaking his seat. It was hard not to notice the change of atmosphere in the room, as Akeno was smiling demurely, happy with the outcome of their brief chat, while the others seemed contemplative for some reason.
'Hmm, this is even more awkward that I expected. You can't even talk to each other.' Commented Raynare in amusement, looking at the two groups.
The silence persisted for a few more minutes, before Issei finally had enough and decided to speak.
'So what exactly are the living arrangements going to be for the foreseeable future?' Asked Issei tiredly.
'Oh, well, you can take your old room back of course. It's still untouched since you left it.' Said Rias hesitantly.
'*Hmph* It's your room, why would you go anywhere else.' Snorted Raynare.
'Naturally, Irina and Xenovia can take their old rooms back as well.' Continued Rias.
'I will stay with Ddraig.' Said Ophis suddenly, getting a nod from Rias.
'Maybe the two of us should as well, ne, Le Fay?' Suggested Kuroka.
'Well, it would be the safest option… but…' Muttered Le Fay, before glancing at the others.
'It's fine, it would make sense for the two of you to remain close to Ophis.' Said Rias, through pursed lips.
"This is so awkward." Groaned Issei mentally.
'You could always just leave.' Pointed out Raynare.
"No… I'll get through this." Said Issei, before standing up.
'I'm going to my room now, if anyone wants to talk with me, feel free.' Said Issei, before heading to his room.
'It's unbearable, isn't it? Everything you've said, all your intentions, you can't actually follow through with any of them, now that you're facing them all again.' Said Raynare knowingly.
Issei ignored the Fallen Angel, as he walked to his room.
'Partner, you don't need to rush things. Take your time settling back in. Like Michael said, one month is not a lot of time. Just be patient.' Said Ddraig.
"Thanks Ddraig." Thought Issei genuinely.
Finally reaching his room, Issei entered it and noticed it was in fact untouched.
"A bit dusty though." Thought Issei, seeing a small layer of dust covering everything.
Issei dropped down on his bed, waving away the dust that rose up into the air from the action, with his hands, as he looked at his ceiling.
"This is going to be a long week." Thought Issei, with an audible sigh, before closing his eyes, trying to get some rest.
-line break-
If Issei thought things were going to improve the next morning, he was mistaken. The metaphorical eggshells everyone was walking on, persisted, with only Akeno being able to look at him without showing some level of discomfort.
'Do you see them looking at you carefully? It's because you showed them that you won't be pushed around and now they don't know how to manipulate you anymore.' Whispered Raynare, into Issei's ear.
"Do you enjoy messing with me for no reason?" Thought Issei.
'Of course, only you and Ddraig can see me after all and Ddraig isn't the best conversationalist.' Answered Raynare coolly.
-line break-
The tension in the house remained, throughout the whole weekend, making Issei really regret coming. It wasn't that he hated them anymore, it was that he hated this situation right now. While he wasn't making any effort to speak with any of them, they were all avoiding him, none of them had the courage to approach him.
'This whole situation is making me nauseous.' Grumbled Issei, sitting on his bed, preparing to go to bed.
'Nya, it certainly isn't going at all how I wanted it to either.' Added Kuroka, having snuck up on Issei.
'No luck with your sister?' Asked Issei.
'None.' Said Kuroka, her ears drooping slightly.
'Well… give it time I suppose.' Said Issei weakly.
'Isn't that the same useless advice you got? Just look at how successful that's been for you.' Quipped Raynare.
'I just don't know why this is so weird.' Muttered Issei to himself.
'Maybe because even if you want to forgive them, you're still not ready for it.' Suggested Kuroka.
'Do you think you're in the same situation?' Asked Issei.
'Maybe…' Said Kuroka thoughtfully.
Issei reached over to Kuroka and pulled her into a hug, which she reciprocated.
'Don't worry, it'll all work out somehow.' Said Issei soothingly.
'For both of us hopefully.' Added Kuroka.
-line break-
Waking up for school the next morning, Issei made a point of leaving earlier than usual, seeking to avoid all the awkwardness. He apologised internally for leaving Xenovia and Irina, but he really needed a bit of time to think.
Arriving at school half an hour before classes were to start, Issei wandered through the school, before finding himself near the kendo training field. Surprisingly, Murayama and Katase were already there, getting in some early morning training.
Issei arrived just in time to see Murayama strike Katase's shoulder softly, before the two relaxed. Murayama perked up, unconsciously sensing Issei and turned in his direction.
'Morning Issei, you're earlier than usual.' Greeted Murayama, getting Katase to notice him as well.
'Yeah…' Said Issei absentmindedly.
'I'll see you in class Murayama.' Said Katase, before leaving her friend, but not without giving Issei, one last scrutinising glance.
'So, what's wrong?' Asked Murayama curiously, grabbing a bottle of water beside her.
'Where to begin… well, I've temporarily moved back to my parent's house, as a favour for someone, but it's been an extremely uncomfortable weekend because of… them.' Said Issei tiredly.
'Well, from the sounds of things, I would have expected something like that.' Said Murayama, walking towards the changing rooms, with Issei following behind her.
'Why's that?' Asked Issei curiously.
'It just doesn't seem like you all have a reason to interact anymore.' Said Murayama.
'What do you mean?' Asked Issei in confusion.
'Well, before, when you were part of the peerage, you were together every day and did stuff together, you know what I mean. Now though, you've been independent of them for a long time, so there isn't any real drive for you to interact with them. Add to the fact that you're not really looking at them romantically anymore, it makes sense that you wouldn't really have much to say to them.' Explained Murayama, entering the changing rooms, with Issei standing just outside the door, looking away from them.
'Wow, she is way smarter than I first placed her.' Commented Raynare in surprise.
'So what am I supposed to do then? I mean, I don't really hate them any more… I just… well, I don't really care for them that much anymore.' Admitted Issei.
'I know, but there isn't really anything you can do to change that. You can't force yourself to care about people, especially those who've hurt you.' Commented Murayama.
'So… am I supposed to just ignore them from now on?' Asked Issei.
'Well, I wouldn't call it ignoring them, but if you don't have anything to say to them, it doesn't mean you have to force yourself to try. Oh, and can you come give me a hand in here.' Said Murayama.
'Are you sure? I don't want to meet the wrong end of a Shinai today.' Said Issei nervously.
'Relax, only Katase and I ever show up here this early. Now are you going to help me or not?' Said Murayama expectantly.
Issei gave a small sigh, before entering the change room, only to see a topless Murayama standing there, hands on hips.
'Er… what exactly did you need help with?' Asked Issei, as his eyes eagerly roamed Murayama's form.
'Well, I missed you this weekend, since you were busy, so why don't you come and remind me about how special I am to you?' Said Murayama challengingly, beckoning Issei forward, with her right index finger.
'This girl has to be related to Fallen Angels in some way or something.' Commented Raynare in surprise.
Issei walked over to Murayama, only for her to pull him flush against her chest and give him a kiss. Issei couldn't help but be happy, feeling Murayama's own happiness in the kiss. That, and he also enjoyed the feel of her breasts, pushing against his chest. When Murayama released him, Issei's hands quickly made their way to Murayama's chest, groping it.
'So, are you sure that no one will come by here?' Asked Issei, as he kneaded the two plump marshmallows, held in his hands.
'Yep. Every day as well, just in case you were curious.' Said Murayama, before letting out a soft moan, as Issei tightened his grip.
'I just might have to start coming to school earlier then.' Said Issei, as he squeezed and rolled Murayama's erect nipples, between his fingers.
'Well, I'll be here if you do and there are always other things we can do as well.' Gasped Murayama, before Issei let go off Murayama's chest.
'In that case.' Said Issei, before squeezing Murayama's bottom harshly and pulling her up to his waist, before walking over to a bench.
'We have twenty minutes, might be close, but I think we can make it.' Said Issei, pulling Murayama's panties down, before moving his face towards his goal, only for Murayama to grab his shoulders.
'Wait, I'm all sweaty from training.' Protested Murayama.
'It just makes your scent all the more attractive.' Said Issei, looking up at Murayama, with love in his eyes.
Murayama's grip slackened, allowing Issei to reach Murayama's lower opening. Murayama moaned at the feeling of Issei's mouth along her labia. Issei's tongue felt warm and a little rough, causing Murayama to shudder slightly.
'If you like that, just wait until I do this.' Said Issei, moving his head away to speak, before spearing Murayama's folds with his tongue.
'Oh, Issei… that feels so good.' Moaned Murayama, her breathing picking up, as she felt Issei's appendage roam her inner walls.
After a minute of Issei's ministrations, Murayama regained her focus.
'Issei, class will start soon.' Said Murayama, causing Issei to give a nod, understanding Murayama's message.
'So, enough foreplay?' Asked Issei, getting a nod from Murayama.
Issei went to unbuckle his pants, only for Murayama to stop him.
'Let me.' Said Murayama, before unbuckling Issei's belt, unzipping and unbuttoning his pants, before pulling them down to his knees. Issei's underwear soon followed, revealing his manhood to Murayama's gaze.
Issei groaned, as he felt Murayama engulf his member, in her warm, wet mouth.
'I thought… you said… no more foreplay.' Grunted Issei, finding himself once again impressed, with how well Murayama could handle him.
'I lied.' Mumbled Murayama, Issei's member still in her mouth, sending vibrations though it, which caused Issei to shudder.
Murayama's hands moved to Issei's family jewels and lightly squeezed them, while continuing to suck on his member, her tongue rolling around the head frequently. Letting it go with a pop, Murayama stood up.
'Now that's enough foreplay.' Said Murayama cheekily.
Issei gave a small chuckle at this, before resting his hands on Murayama's waist.
'Well, since someone took their sweet time down there, we'll have to make this quick.' Said Issei, before picking Murayama up and impaling her on the member she had just been servicing.
Murayama quickly wrapped her legs around Issei's back, while her arms wrapped around his neck, leaving her chest to bounce freely.
'So good.' Moaned Murayama, feeling Issei spread her with each thrust.
'You know, I just might have to come here earlier more often, especially *ugh* if this is what we're going to do.' Grunted Issei.
'Yes… yes, definitely.' Agreed Murayama, feeling her release building.
Issei quickly picked up his pace, causing the sound of flesh slapping on flesh, to echo in the Kendo Club changing rooms, with the occasional moan adding to the symphony of sounds.
'Close… Murayama.' Gasped Issei, after a few minutes of furious pounding.
'Do it.' Moaned Murayama, feeling herself clench around Issei, as she reached her end.
Issei gave a low moan himself, as he released inside Murayama, who moaned in response. Sitting down on the bench, Issei kept Murayama on top of him.
'Do we have to go to class?' Asked Issei, nuzzling the side of Murayama's neck.
'Yeah, but, next time, we can try and finish faster, so we can try something else as well.' Whispered Murayama into his ear.
'I can't wait.' Said Issei, giving Murayama's rear a soft squeeze, getting her to smirk.
-line break-
Issei and Murayama quickly got dressed and headed to class, with Murayama leaning against Issei.
'I wasn't that rough, was I?' Asked Issei worriedly.
'Relax, I can walk fine, I'm just happy being close to you.' Replied Murayama happily.
'Thanks by the way… for helping me get all that stuff off my mind.' Whispered Issei, into Murayama's ear.
'Just like you'll be there for me, I'll be there for you.' Replied Murayama, before giving Issei a quick peck on the check, as the two reached the door of their classroom.
There were still a few minutes until class started, so not everyone was there yet. Murayama saw Katase and went to speak with her, breaking off from Issei, who went to his seat, only for Xenovia and Irina to walk over to him.
'So, can it be my turn next.' Asked Xenovia.
'Wha- what, how did you know?' Spluttered Issei.
'Murayama's glowing.' Said Xenovia, gesturing to the brunette, who was beaming, as she talked with her friend.
'That and your zipper is still open.' Said Xenovia, causing Issei to quickly close it.
'Erm thanks.' Said Issei in embarrassment.
'Anyway, why'd you leave so early?' Asked Irina curiously.
'I just… needed a bit of time away from that weird atmosphere.' Confessed Issei.
'There was a weird atmosphere?' Asked Xenovia, tilting her head to the side.
'Yeah, I didn't notice anything.' Added Irina.
'So wait, it was just me?' Asked Issei in shock, getting two nods.
'Guess I'm really not ready to move on yet.' Said Issei thoughtfully.
'Well, you still haven't even moved on from me yet, so that sounds right.' Commented Raynare.
'It's okay, Issei, you just need more time.' Said Irina encouragingly.
'Yeah, I guess you're right… not really happy about it though.' Said Issei tiredly.
-line break-
The day ended quickly, too quickly for Issei, who wasn't ready to go back, to the oppressive atmosphere of his new abode.
'Like I said, just ignore Azazel and go back to your apartment. You don't owe him anything. You clearly need more time to *snort* forgive them, so why waste your time?' Commented Raynare, as she walked beside Issei.
Issei unknowingly deviated from his original course and found himself on a bridge.
'Ah, isn't this nostalgic. There was the first time you met me, right here, wasn't it?' Asked Raynare, leaning along the rails of the bridge.
'Yeah.' Whispered Issei, remembering the day he had been approached by Yuuma Amano.
Staring out at the sunset, Issei couldn't help feel sad.
'You know, you were really stupid.' Said Issei, surprising Raynare.
'Eh, what's that supposed to mean?' Asked Raynare in confusion.
'You had me in the palm of your hand… I would have done anything for you, even going against Rias at the time when… when you were my girlfriend.' Said Issei slowly.
'I know that already, remember, I'm part of you as well.' Said Raynare.
'I know… I just wanted to say that… for myself.' Said Issei, before looking away from the setting sun and heading home.
Raynare didn't say anything as Issei made his way home, letting him be alone with his thoughts for once.
"I wonder… just how different things could have been if Raynare hadn't killed me… would I have joined the Fallen Angels? Would I have still joined the Devils? What would have happened to the others? Would Asia have still died? Would Rias have been forced to marry Riser? Would Irina and Xenovia have tried to recruit me, to join the side of the Church? Would Kokabiel have destroyed Kuoh? Would the treaty between the Three Factions ever have happened? What would have happened at Kyoto? What about Khaos Brigade? The Old Satan Faction? Ophis even… Kuroka too… Vali… just what would have changed?" Thought Issei, not realising he had been standing outside the door to his house, for the past minute.
'Why are you staring at the door, Ddraig?' Asked Ophis, from Issei's right, breaking him out of his thoughts.
'I was just thinking.' Said Issei honestly.
'About what?' Asked Ophis.
'How my life could have changed with one simple decision.' Answered Issei.
'You shouldn't. Pointless.' Said Ophis flatly.
Issei nodded, feeling the truth to Ophis' words.
'I know, but I can't help it.' Confessed Issei.
'Why?' Asked Ophis, tilting her head to the side in curiosity.
'I guess… just human nature… we always dwell on the past and think about how things could have gone differently.' Explained Issei.
'Human nature… is weird.' Said Ophis.
'Yeah… yeah it is.' Agreed Issei.
After a pause, Issei opened the door and stepped in with Ophis, only to see a frazzled Occult Research Club.
'Ophis! There you are!' Exclaimed Rias.
'I'm here too.' Muttered Issei quietly, so no one heard him and went to sit on the couch, only to find Ophis had followed him.
'So, if it is human nature to dwell on the past, why do others do it too?' Asked Ophis, getting the others to be silent and listen.
'I suppose because everyone wants to change something. I mean, isn't there something in the past that you wish you had now?' Asked Issei.
'Silence. Great Red is annoying. I want silence.' Said Ophis simply, getting an understanding nod from Issei.
'I made Khaos Brigade to get me my silence back.' Said Ophis, surprising Issei.
'Why didn't you just get rid of Great Red yourself? I mean, there can't be anyone in Khaos Brigade that is stronger than you?' Asked Issei.
'… not strong enough.' Said Ophis, after a moment.
'Why not find another place to have silence?' Asked Issei curiously.
'It is my home. Why should I move when I was there first?' Asked Ophis.
'She does have a point.' Commented Raynare.
Issei looked over at the Occult Research Club members, consisting of Rias, Kiba and Asia and found none of them could meet his gaze.
'To find somewhere better.' Answered Issei, turning back to Ophis.
This time, it was Ophis' turn to be silent.
-line break-
The rest of the week went on as best as it could have in Issei's opinion. The others continued to feel anxious around him, but Issei ignored them, instead spending his time talking and more often than not, staring at Ophis, who did the same. Ophis seemed to develop an attachment to Issei, which had nothing to do with Ddraig, finding his thoughts to be interesting.
'Why even bother trying?' Asked Ophis.
'To help me grow.' Answered Issei, sitting across from Ophis on his bed.
'Grow? You already got stronger though.' Queried Ophis.
'Not physically, emotionally.' Explained Issei.
'Why?' Asked Ophis.
'You know, she does make a valid point? Why do you need to grow? Aren't you happy with the way things are now? You have a bunch of women throwing themselves at you and no one manipulating you behind your back, why do you even want to fix things with… them?' Asked Raynare.
Issei paused to think on this, before a knock was heard on the door of his bedroom.
'Come in.' Said Issei, only for a somewhat anxious looking Rias, to enter.
'Uh, hello Issei, hope I wasn't interrupting anything?' Said Rias timidly, glancing to Ophis momentarily.
'No, you weren't, what is it?' Sighed Issei.
'Well, this weekend, Akeno and Kiba will have their Mid-Class Promotion Test and we were wondering if you would like to join us?' Asked Rias.
'Do you actually want me there, or are you just offering to be polite?' Asked Issei in turn, only to get no answer from Rias, who was avoiding his gaze.
'*sigh* I'll come.' Said Issei.
'Me too.' Added Ophis, getting Rias to stiffen and nod rigidly, before leaving.
'They aren't changing, why keep trying?' Asked Ophis curiously.
'I suppose that's another thing about human nature, never wanting to give up on someone.' Said Issei, getting Ophis to tilt her head to the side curiously again.
'Even after that certain someone, or a group of certain people, have toyed with you repeatedly… although then again, I'm still here, so that seems to be a very Issei thing to do.' Commented Raynare.
'Human nature is weird.' Commented Ophis.
'Yeah… yeah it is, but that's what makes it what it is.' Said Issei, with a nod.
'If you are an Angel now, why do you still talk about human nature?' Asked Ophis in confusion.
'Oh, oh, I know this one!' Exclaimed Raynare eagerly, raising her right hand in the air.
'I still feel like I am human inside.' Said Issei.
'Well way to take all the fun out of it.' Huffed Raynare, crossing her arms in annoyance.
'Do you want to be human?' Asked Ophis, getting Issei to freeze.
Even after everything that had happened; Raynare, Rias, all the others… Gabriel… did he want to be human? Ophis watched Issei patiently, as numerous conflicting emotions passed over his face, happiness tinged with melancholy, being the most prominent.
'No… I suppose I don't want to be… human anymore.' Admitted Issei quietly.
'Then don't.' Said Ophis flatly.
'I wish I could.' Muttered Issei, getting Ophis to look at him in confusion.
'Why can't you?' Asked Ophis curiously.
'I suppose even after everything that has happened, I still feel that I am human… even though I know I'm not… I suppose that's human nature too, denying the truth and holding onto old beliefs and ideals.' Said Issei wistfully.
'Human nature is very weird.' Said Ophis.
'Yeah… it really is.' Agreed Issei.