Wow… I got some amazing feedback for my latest chapter of A Man's Heart. It was mainly for a scene between Issei and Irina, so I'd suggest if you guys aren't reading the story, to at least read the latest chapter… but wow, so many people loved it and I was honestly surprised. I didn't think it was that special, but the praise was overflowing and made me feel really good as a writer. It is definitely going to make things difficult, since I was going to do a similar Issei and Irina scene next chapter and now the pressure is on to match what I did, or even surpass it, so I think I'm going to need a few days to think about how to execute it. The worst part, is I forgot some of the details, but I still remember the main premise, so I'll just carefully work at it, until I achieve my original vision.
This chapter however, is more light hearted, as a nice change of pace from the seriousness and fighting of the past two chapters, and will also serve, along with next chapter, to lay the groundwork for future chapters and my own original stuff, that Issei will be doing, while Rias and Sona have their battle, along with all that other devil stuff.
Also, A Third Chance will be updated tomorrow.
Oh and with this, I've officially written over 90K words in the past 2 weeks…non-stop!
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 22 – A Date With Akeno
Issei awoke early the next morning… and found himself immobilised.
"Shit! I knew I was going to need a lock!" Said Issei, finding he was surrounded by a pool of black hair. Sirzechs had kept his word and had the house built by the morning. Surprisingly, Issei's parents were fine with everything.
'Well, we were thinking of remodelling.' They had said.
Somehow, Sirzechs managed to recover everything that had been destroyed as well, even every single photo. He had said it was a special devil thing and even winked… ridiculous. That day, Rias, Akeno, Asia, Koneko, Kuroka, Raynare, Xuelan, Karlamine, Ravel, Xenovia, hell even Kiba and Gasper, had all moved in. Even Irina said she would be coming by in a day or two as well. It was ridiculous. Somehow, the two older Hyoudou had easily accepted this, and it boggled Issei's brain.
It was now summer vacation and Issei was currently on his bed, a fallen angel tightly gripping onto his left arm, a Nekoshou on his right and a fallen angel-devil hybrid lying on top of him.
"Ddraig… I don't know whether to kiss you or curse you right now." Thought Issei, with a conflicted expression.
'Well, at least you won't need any of those ridiculous games or manga any longer.' Replied Ddraig.
"That's true I suppose… wait! I can't just start doing things like that with them all anyway!" Shouted Issei internally.
'I warned you of this all in advance years ago, and that was before you got Ophis' eye as well. At this stage, I doubt you'll make it to the end of the year, even more if you end up getting another dragon body part.' Said Ddraig calmly.
Issei sighed softly at this.
"Well, at least there aren't any male Youkai around… that Bikou made me nervous." Thought Issei, remembering the intense eyes of the Son Goku descendant.
'*Uwah* Morning Issei.' Yawned Raynare cutely, clad in her violet, low cut nightgown.
'Yeah, morning.' Said Issei, before noticing Raynare had crawled closer to Issei, so her face was next to his.
'So, I've been meaning to ask.' Whispered Raynare into Issei's ear, getting him to involuntarily shiver.
'Did you grope my boobs after you bound me because of your massive fetish?' Asked Raynare, getting Issei to blush slightly.
"Damn you Kuroka! That was a secret damn it! Now everyone is going to be using that against me!" Shouted Issei internally.
'M-maybe.' Confessed Issei, with a small huff.
'You know, if you want, you can do it again.' Said Raynare, before getting closer to Issei's ear, so that her lips almost touched them.
'Anytime.' Purred Raynare seductively.
Issei's body trembled.
"This year… I'll be lucky to last the week, Ddraig." Thought Issei nervously, which only got Ddraig to laugh in amusement.
'It is too early to start seducing my Issei… go back to sleep, nya.' Said Kuroka sleepily, clad in a thin black kimono.
'You sure are a cat, lazy and moody.' Muttered Raynare.
'And you're annoying and squawk too much, crow, nya.' Muttered Kuroka.
The two half-heartedly glared at each other, before a third voice entered the conversation.
'You're both too loud. Besides, I have the biggest, so if anyone will seduce Issei, it will obviously be me.' Said Akeno, as she lifted her head off Issei's chest and sat up on Issei's pelvis, rubbing her eyes slightly. Akeno was clad in a low cut, white kimono.
'Besides, I'm in the best position.' Teased Akeno, as she ground her hips onto Issei's.
Issei involuntarily groaned.
'Hmm, I don't mind if Issei practises elsewhere first… but if you start hogging him… we will have a problem.' Warned Kuroka sleepily.
'He made a move on me first anyway, out of all of us here, you should be last.' Added Raynare.
'Ara, it seems you two won't let me have my fun today, oh well.' Said Akeno, with a soft giggle.
'Is this going to become a regular thing? You guys do know I train in the morning, right?' Asked Issei.
'That's fine. Besides, I'll be training with you and the sword wielder as well.' Said Raynare.
It had been decided that Xenovia, Issei and Raynare would all practise using their Holy Swords in the mornings with Yuuto and Karlamine joining in during the afternoon, as neither of them were morning people.
'The bed will still smell like you anyway, so I'll be fine, nya.' Muttered Kuroka, slowly starting to fall asleep again.
'I don't mind, this way I get to wake up with the two of you every day.' Said Akeno with a giggle.
'Two?' Questioned Issei in confusion, before Akeno rolled her hips.
'Yes. Two. I can't wait for the day you actually start using this, but this is good enough for now.' Smirked Akeno.
'Ok, in any case, I need to go train now.' Said Issei, as he noticed his digital clock, showed the time as six in the morning.
'Too early, nya.' Said Kuroka, before falling asleep again.
'Well, we might as well get up, I guess you can stay here Akeno.' Said Issei.
'Oh, but I'm losing my pillow.' Pouted Akeno, practically knocking Issei out with cuteness.
"Akeno is deadly as a refined beauty, but even when she acts her age… it is just too much." Thought Issei.
'There is always the cat.' Said Raynare, as she pointed at the sleeping Kuroka.
'I don't swing that way.' Said Akeno simply.
'Unless you want me to give you a show, Issei.' Said Akeno, as she leaned her forehead against Issei's.
"And then her usual seductive self, is way too much as well." Thought Issei, as his brain nearly shut down.
'Later, we can all jump him together at a different time, we need to train now.' Said Raynare.
'Hmm, fine, but I want my kiss.' Said Akeno, before she planted her lips on Issei.
'I honestly wonder what you would have been like as a full fallen angel… you can almost match me.' Said Raynare appraisingly.
'Match? I'm sure I surpass you.' Said Akeno, with a giggle.
'Whatever helps you sleep at night.' Said Raynare dismissively.
'Is that so… Issei, remember when you summoned me and Rias, and I wanted a favour as payment?' Asked Akeno.
Issei merely nodded.
'Well, I want you to take me on a date.' Requested Akeno.
'That's fine I guess.' Said Issei.
'Today.' Added Akeno.
'What, today? I haven't planned anything.' Said Issei in surprise.
'That's fine, you'll figure something out, besides, I just want to spend some time with you.' Said Akeno cutely.
'Okay.' Complied Issei, not able to resist the demure look, Akeno had just given him.
'You are good… still, I'm better.' Said Raynare.
'Whatever helps you sleep at night.' Quipped Akeno, using the pure fallen angel's words against her.
-line break-
It was a little past noon when Akeno and Issei set off on their date. The two strolled hand in hand down the streets of Kuoh. Unknown to them, the Occult Research club was following them, Kiba and Gasper tagging along reluctantly. Ravel, Xuelan and Karlamine had temporarily gone back to their old residency to get their things. Kuroka was still sleeping, as even noon was still too early for her, and no longer being hunted, gave her the chance to indulge in her need for sleep. Raynare had briefly thought about following them on their date as well, but instead had decided to spend the day with Xenovia and try to corrupt her mind, which was fairly pliable as is, with impure thoughts.
'Well, that worked well.' Said Issei to Akeno, as they walked to the elevator. Yes, given how large the new house, or rather hotel had gotten, they now had an elevator.
'Ufufufu, it feels so sneaky, misleading everyone with an illusion like that. It's so exciting.' Said Akeno happily.
'Although, since when could you do illusions like that?' Asked Akeno curiously, as the duo entered the lift.
'Well, I always had a little bit of an aptitude for illusions. Nothing too big, just afterimages and the like. Although, with Ophis' eye, I can actually make them last a bit longer, and even move independently.' Said Issei.
'But, they are going to be really surprised, when the two of us they are following, suddenly disappear… in about five minutes.' Said Issei, as the elevator finally reached the floor, with the underground swimming pool.
Since Issei had the date sprung on him that morning, he didn't have a lot of time to plan, so he decided for something simple. Swimming and a movie. Sirzechs had really outdone himself though, the house was a monster, ten floors in all, three of them being underground.
Issei and Akeno were currently on the second basement floor, which contained the large, heated, indoor swimming pool, which Issei had asked for. Issei, since he had planned on swimming, was wearing his swim trunks under his clothes and quickly stripped out of them, folding them off to the side, so they wouldn't get wet before diving in.
'Oh man this feels good.' Said Issei, as the warm water surrounded him and he closed his eyes in bliss.
'Issei, what do you think?' Cooed Akeno, getting Issei to open his eyes and drink in the sight of Akeno.
Akeno was wearing a dark pink and purple two-piece swimsuit, which barely covered her as it was. Regardless, it showed the entirety of her long, creamy white legs and left much of her bountiful chest on display.
Issei opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't, and closed his mouth, before trying again, only to fail again, as Akeno entered the pool.
'Ufufu, I think I like that reaction.' Said Akeno, with a smirk.
Issei finally regained his senses and smiled.
'You look beautiful.' Said Issei, getting Akeno to smile.
'What do you want to do now?' Asked Akeno, as she glided towards Issei through the water.
'How about a race? Winner picks the movie.' Suggested Issei.
'Ara, here I thought you'd say something else, but I love the idea of a race.' Said Akeno, with a smile.
"There's no way I can lose." Thought Issei confidently.
-line break-
'I don't believe it!' Shouted Issei in disbelief.
'Oh, what's wrong?' Asked Akeno teasingly.
'How did you beat me? I can't believe it… even a normal person shouldn't be able to match me, let alone someone with… those.' Said Issei, pointing at Akeno's chest.
'Ara, it is because you were going against the water, instead of with it.' Said Akeno happily.
Issei didn't know what to say and merely settled for a strained laugh. Akeno slowly swam over to Issei, standing next to him in the water, shoulders touching.
'Hey Akeno.' Said Issei somewhat subdued, getting Akeno to look at him.
'Hmm, what is it?' Asked Akeno.
'Do you ever wonder why we are here?' Asked Issei.
'I'm here because I sprung this date on you.' Said Akeno cheerfully.
'Hehe, funny, but I meant here as in the world.' Said Issei.
'No, but then again, I never thought about it.' Replied Akeno honestly.
'I have, a few times.' Said Issei.
'Why?' Asked Akeno curiously.
'To be honest, I'm not entirely sure… I just find it weird sometimes, how so much stuff keeps happening to me… it makes me wonder if I'm meant to do something.' Said Issei, with a small frown.
'Well, you are the Red Dragon Emperor, which has to mean something.' Pointed out Akeno.
'Yeah, I suppose.' Said Issei quietly, before feeling a peck on his cheek.
Akeno giggled, when Issei looked at her in confusion.
'You look like you needed that.' Said Akeno cutely.
Issei smiled and gave a small nod.
'Thanks Akeno… I'm glad that you listened to me, even if we are supposed to be on a date.' Said Issei, as he used his index finger to scratch his cheek in embarrassment.
'Like I said, I just want to spend time with you.' Said Akeno with an innocent smile, which caused butterflies to flutter in his stomach.
'So what movie do you want to watch?' Asked Issei.
'Hmm, have you heard of Saw?' Asked Akeno curiously.
'Uh, no.' Said Issei, after a moment of thought.
'Then you are in for a treat.' Said Akeno with a smirk.
-line break-
'Come on Issei, you're about to miss one of the best parts of the movie.' Cooed Akeno to Issei, who had buried his face into Akeno's chest.
'No, I'm staying right here where things are soft and happy.' Vehemently refused Issei, wincing when he heard someone cry out in agony, which caused him to bury his face deeper into Akeno's bosom.
'If you keep doing that, you'll distract me from the movie.' Said Akeno, giving a small moan.
'Good. This is no movie.' Mumbled Issei.
Issei spent the rest of the movie, face buried in Akeno's chest, wincing every so often, with Akeno moaning every now and again… and Issei prayed to God that it was because of where his face was, and not because of the movie.
"I need to reconsider getting a lock… I don't want to wind up tied to a timer one day." Thought Issei fearfully.
'It's over.' Said Akeno, as she lightly patted Issei on the head.
Issei pulled his head out of Akeno's chest and looked at the screen, tentatively, seeing the credits.
'Oh thank God.' Said Issei, getting Akeno to wince.
'I think it is time for Saw II now.' Said Akeno, with a smile that chilled Issei's blood.
"All that is good and kind in the world… save me!" Shouted Issei internally.
-line break-
Sometime in the evening, Akeno and Issei arrived back on the main floor of the house. Everyone had returned to the house. Issei ran to Xenovia and tackled her.
'Xenovia! Please tell me you have some Holy Water!' Shouted Issei frantically.
Xenovia blinked in shock, before Issei quickly grabbed Asia.
'Asia, you were a nun, right? Please, for the love of God, heal my eyes!' Shouted Issei frantically.
Asia couldn't respond, so Issei quickly grabbed Ravel by her shoulders.
'Ravel, phoenix tears can heal everything right? Please give me some?' Begged Issei, looking like a deranged lunatic.
The girls all looked at Issei in shock, seeing his pale face and widened eyes, coupled with his erratic breathing.
Rias looked at Akeno, who looked very pleased with herself.
'Akeno, what did you do to Issei?' Asked Rias with a sigh.
'We just watched a movie.' Said Akeno cheerfully.
'Was it… Saw?' Questioned Rias, with an involuntary shudder.
'Don't say that.' Hissed Issei in fear.
'Yes.' Said Akeno with a smile.
'Which one?' Asked Rias in trepidation.
'All of them.' Said Akeno, which caused Issei to drop to his knees and Rias to quickly go and hug him.
'It's okay Issei, you'll be fine.' Soothed Rias, as she pulled Issei into his shoulder.
'Nothing will ever be fine… I ripped Kokabiel's wings off him, annihilated Katerea and so many other things over the years… but that…' Muttered Issei.
'Shh, it will all be fine.' Soothed Rias.
'I'm surprised though. He did better than you, and actually lasted halfway through the fifth one, before breaking.' Said Akeno cheerily.
Rias' eyes widened at this and hugged Issei tighter.
'It's ok, we won't ever have to see them again.' Soothed Rias.
Issei continued breathing erratically for a few minutes, before falling silent on Rias' shoulder.
The remaining girls merely looked on in confusion.
'Um, did something happen?' Asked Asia timidly.
'Well Asia, Issei and I watched a few movies together, that's all.' Said Akeno.
'What movies?' Asked Asia innocently.
'Well, if you'd like, we could watch them…' Said Akeno, before two screams cut her off.
'NO!' Shouted both Rias and Issei, as they quickly went to stand in front of Asia.
'It's okay Asia, don't worry about it.' Said Issei, with a strained smile.
The girls all looked on in confusion, as Akeno giggled.
'Oh well, there will always be another time.' Said Akeno happily.
Later that night, Issei stuck a small paper sign on his door that said "No Akeno Himejima allowed" and went to bed, sleeping with Rias in a tight embrace, as both tried to ward off their memories, involuntarily inflicted on them, by a hybrid devil-fallen angel.