Chapter two of the re-write, let's go! The response was pretty great, and I was glad that many of the old readers came, even if some events are already "spoiled" for them. I can't thank you enough. there was one guest review.

nice
You're nice.

I OWN NOTHING! I'M BUT A HOBO THAT SNEAKS INTO THE LIBRARY AND WAISTS TIME WRITING THIS INSTEAD OF WATCHING PORN!

"Hello there." - regular talking
"I am with you, partner." - sacred gears talking
"I can win I feel great!" - inner thoughts

This chapter was beta read by Marethyu. Thank you for your awesome work!

Azazel kept his word. He kept coming and demanded new drinks from Issei. On his fifth visit, he brought a friend, a sullen man named Baraquiel. Issei now regularly served two Fallen leaders. In a devil territory. No, he was not scared. Just… worried so much that his knees were heavy, his palms became sweaty and he had nightmares about people blowing up his bar.

But talking with Baraquiel after Azazel became endorsed in his notes (apparently the buzz helped him think) was something Issei found that he enjoyed. It was like finding a kindred spirit. They both knew how to talk about meaningless things, and where the lines were drawn. Azael usually stomped over those lines with the subtlety of a charging dragon.

"Hey, Issei. Ever had sex?" Baraquiel did a spit take, spraying a mouthful of Issei's most expensive wine (on display) across the counter. Issei himself kept calm and immediately went to wipe the mess.

"Can't say I did, Zaz."

"Ah, so you're a virgin. Is your game that bad, or are you just that picky?"

"Neither the first nor the second. I in fact choose to remain abstinent." He wished he had a camera. The look on Azazel's face was worth all the trouble of shipping sake from Kyoto for him.

"So you're saying that among all these skirts, you see not one worth chasing?" Great. Now he had the ear of every woman in the room trained on him.

Issei was no fool, he knew that a lot of women frequented his bar in hopes of getting a date. Phone numbers left on the receipts made that very clear. And while he had no qualms in throwing those all away, that did not mean he could just say that he had no interest in any of the women in his bar.

"Nothing like that, Zaz. It's just… I was once in love with a woman, and we swore to wait. We later broke up, but I can not in good conscience commit myself to another woman before my heart stops healing. It would not be fair to her if I could not give her anything less but my everything."

The females eavesdropping all 'awww'd' at his proclamation, while Azazel looked something between amused and concerned. Baraquiel did not care for anything but his wine glass. And Issei smiled, covering up the ache at half-lie he just told.

Happy Dragon continued reaping success, becoming one of the Kuoh town hot-spots, and a must-visit point for the passing tourists. The bartender was always kind, somehow managing all of the workloads by himself. The young man running the place always knew when you had a rough day, and gave you a cold one on the house. When his birthday came all the patrons sang to him, and he gave the first round for free. Everyone was happy, Issei especially, managed to completely make back his investment costs and started profiting. All dragons like wealth. Life was great.

Life sucked. SOO MUCH. By now Issei could deal with the fact that a devil and a fallen angel frequented his bar. Or that a traversing yokai stumbled upon his door. The first time that happened he was half ready to book it out of town, thinking they were onto him. But what Issei was not prepared to deal with was the scent of new devils all over town. Like, ALL OVER. Two scents were not pure devils, and one smelled like the reincarnated variant, but one was a full, 100%, Underworld-made devil.

On that day, Happy Dragon stayed closed. Then a week. A month. Azazel called, probably using some Grigori means to obtain his number, left a voicemail, with a female voice nagging him to get back to work in the background. Hell, even Venelana sent him an email, asking about his health. Soon after that Happy Dragon opened like normal, and Issei fed a half-assed story of why he was one. He did go to Hawaii to visit his parents. but that was a week after the bar closed, and he only stayed for two.

That was also the month Issei started drinking. But because he may or may not have upgraded some of his body parts, including but not limited to liver and stomach, alcohol had no effect on him. He was half tempted to open his gift from the Shinto faction, but he feared that somehow it would be detected, and used to find him, so he refrained. He also did not have enough of his more exotic merchandise to waste on himself, especially now that he earned enough to import the REALLY good stuff.

Venelana also asked him if he planned to expand his business, by opening a cafe. Apparently, she thought it would be a good idea, so the students from the nearby academy could work part-time. Apparently, she had connections with his landlord. And with the principal. Issei decided to go for it, next year.

Sirzechs allowed Rias a month of complete freedom when she and Sona took up the territory in Japan. And by allowing, he meant he had to restrain himself every day not to call his little Ria-tan and see how she was doing. Grayfia helped as well, by flash freezing him every time his will wavered. She was the best partner he could wish for.

Speaking of, they should probably make another public appearance "accidentally" caught by the paparazzi. Maybe he could kill two angels with one blast, by making the appearance in Kuoh. He used a spell to call Rias, and something inside of him sagged with relief upon seeing her and hearing her angelic voice.

"Onii-chan! To what do I owe this call?" Ahh. Maybe it was a mistake letting her listen to all those Japanese stories.

"Ria-tan! It's so good to hear from you again! I can rest easy now."

"So you called me to satisfy your siscon tendencies, real nice, onii-chan."

"Ria-tan, don't be like that! When did you learn to wound with words as deep as with Power of Destruction?" Oh, he could just hear her pouting. Before she could respond, he broached the subject.

"Listen, Rias, I want to take Grayfia out, do you know any good spots in Kuoh?"

"Well, this client wanted Akeno to be his escort to a bar, apparently he knew the owner, but they were kicked out because he tried to order alcohol for her. Still, he had nothing but good things to say about the place."

Her Queen, Akeno Himejima walked into the picture.

"It's true, Lucifer-sama. Venelana also told us that the bartender was cute, and upon seeing him last night, I can't disagree fufu."

"Akeno!"

"What? You certainly didn't mind when I showed you the pictures."

"That's hardly-"

Their little spat was interrupted by the sobbing Satan.

"I can't believe it! Rias is already at that age when she's looking at boys! And to think she'd be into older men as well." He was half-joking, half-serious. He already sent his familiar to one of his peers to make a thorough background check. Although maybe his mother already did that…

"I guess I'll have to see for myself if this bartender is worth your attention. What's the name of the bar?"

"Happy Dragon."

"Noted. Should I bring Milicas along? He misses his favorite aunt, you know?"

"I'm his only aunt. And please do."

Happy Dragon was one packed place. Despite the use of hypnosis and other convenient magics, they had to wait a full ten minutes. But it was worth it, as they ended up getting a seat right at the bar. Sirzechs went into full siscon mode by immediately using some fairly advanced scanning spells, before getting elbowed by Grayfia.

What he got from the boy was higher than the average Ki signature. most of the Japanese people had one, because of the not so rare yokai ancestry. This, admittedly handsome bartender did probably have a great grandparent who was one, maybe great-great ones. He would never amount to much even if he did practice the art, so there was no danger of him being recruited or being a threat. Maybe in less desperate times...

A bit less happy at remembering his sister's woes, but satisfied with his analysis he did what some patrons outside recommended he do and flashed a black credit card. Money recognizes money, human or otherwise. The bartender shot him a look and a nod, before discreetly passing them a small chart of what was available, and where it was coming from.

Grayfia decided on some wine, originating from Greece, while Sirzechs went with some Slavic beer. The handsome bartender bent over (not in the direction Grayfia wanted) and retrieved a very plain looking bottle of wine, and a glass filled with a brown liquid, with a very nice layer of foam at the top, which was already on its way to dissipate.

Both of the devils were rather impressed with the quality of the products. The young man explained he did some traveling and formed some connection, but as a true businessman, he did not reveal his sources. Grayfia stuck to wine, slowly sipping away glass after glass, while Sirzechs himself had fun sampling a variety of liquors from around the globe. The only thing he regretted trying was a shot of vodka that made even his devil throat feel the burn.

Both with a slight buzz decided it was time to leave, and after parting with an amount of money no rational person would ever pay for a couple of drinks, they stepped outside, only to immediately feel the telltale sign of observation spells. Sirzechs smirking slightly and spun the silver-haired devil around into a kiss, which she returned before he teleported them both back to the Underworld.

After the glow of the magic circle receded, they separated, and Grayfia tilted her head slightly towards him.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening Sirzechs. I'll go pick up Milicas, and tuck him in. See you tomorrow."

Both her voice and the look in her eyes were far from what you'd expect coming from two spouses addressing each other. But Sirzechs responded in kind.

"You're welcome Grayfia. Please wish him a good night for me too."

Another tilt of the head in his direction and she was gone, bathed in ice blue light, and snowflakes to pick up their son.

The Mao turned around and headed towards his bedroom. It seems he will spend the night alone. Like the usual. But, if he was honest, the usual was good. He wouldn't change a thing.

Issei was fucking terrified. He thanked the victorious fighting buddha for teaching him how to blend the seals with his own lifeforce, making them last longer than they would, but apparently also disguising them from some fairly advanced scanning spells.

Safe to say the seals greatly diminished his ability to sense things far away, but he always knew when a supernatural entered his bar. But what he felt this evening… There were no proper words to describe it. It was like all living energy around the crimson-haired devil simply… vanished. Disappeared. Was no more.

He stared at a sake bottle, given to him by Amaterasu herself, and almost broke the seal, keeping the liquid inside. But he managed to get a grip on himself. He would not use alcohol to run away from his problems.

"…"

If it weren't for those seals, Ddraig would call him a hypocrite. All he did was run away. All he did was hide. Ever since he broke his promise and committed a sin that could never be washed. He, Issei Hyoudou was a fucking coward of the worst kind.

It took a couple of days to snap out from his pity party. that and a visit from Azazel. The fallen complained about the cleaning solution he used, which made sense since Issei literally doused his bar with the scent killer, to erase any and all presence of the two devils who visited last night.

It was a slow day, and Issei and the fallen angel both conversed at the counter, about light topics, such as the average cup size of the town's populace, which housewife invited Issei out for a date, and how he stopped passing by the Kuoh Academy on his way to work, due to explicit request of the Student council vice president, since the female students often rushed towards the window, be it class or not, to catch a glimpse of him.

Then the worst thing happened.

"Bartender! This magical girl is thirsty! Fix her a magical cocktail!"

A devil barged into his bar. A devil dressed as a magical girl. Looking at her made a small piece of his Japanese pride die inside. He was also completely unprepared for the spell Azael sent at him. When re-telling the story, Issei would claim he was only pretending to be asleep. Which was complete and utter bullshit.

"Hey there, Leviathan. What might you be doing here?" Azael was sporting an easy-going grin, and about two dozen light spears so potent, that a lesser devil would feel their eyes burning just looking at them. Serafall Leviathan was no lesser devil. Not in the slightest.

"It's obvious, isn't it? To get a drink."

"Wait, so you're not here to bust my ass for lounging around in devil territory?"

"No! Wait. I should do that, probably. Okay! Milky Spira-"

"ACTUALLY I would very much appreciate it if you would NOT do that, or at least not do it here. This is like my third favorite place, right after my workshop and the secret peephole in Gabriel's bedroom." Serafall seemed to listen. Her staff stopped sparkling at the least. But she only focused on the last thing.

"Do you have a secret peephole in MY bedroom?" Now how was he supposed to answer that?

"I, um… Yes?"

"Good. I will not let Gabriel get ahead of me! Just wait, my rival, we shall combat again! Now kindly wake up the bartender so he can mix me my magical girl cocktail."

Issei woke up with a start. Did he pass out while wiping mugs? NO! WAIT! The devil! And Azazel, the fallen! Were sitting next to each other? What happened here?!

"Well, well, Issei. You passed out the moment this charming lady walked in. Might have we finally found the lass that will break your celibacy?"

"No!" Oh, he walked right into that one, didn't he?

"Whaaa? So you're saying I'm not pretty enough for men to pass out on the spot?"

"It's not that! It's just-" Damn you, Azazel for setting him up! He suddenly got an idea.

"Your magical girl costume reminded me of the fond day of watching Admiral Luna with whom I till this day consider my little sister." Hah. Saved it!

Issei never knew eyes could sparkle until this day. Ok, that was a lie, he has seen eyes sparkle before. Those golden orbs- No Issei. Bury those thoughts. They will do no good for you.

"-as your favorite?"

"Pardon?"

"Which one was your favorite Planet Navy Officer?"

"Oh… I guess Vice-admiral Jupiter."

"Mine was rear-admiral Uranus."

"No one asked you, Zaz."

Ok. So his bar was not blown up, there wasn't any magical residue in the air, and he already discreetly pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. So far so good.

"Well, then what can I serve you, Miss?"

"Call me Levia-tan!" Yea right. Not in his dreams.

"I want a magical girl cocktail!" Azazel whispered something in her ear. She flashed the familiar black card. And her cleavage. A lot of it. Who places their card there?

"Sorry, we don't have such a drink." Great, now she looked like he kicked, stabbed, and drowned her puppy. Don't do it Issei, don't do it. Fuck. You're doing it.

"But how about I make one." Sparkles filled the room. They shouldn't if the disapproving look Azael was shooting her was any indication.

Issei never really had to come up with a drink before. Time to put that barista training in use. Fruits were flying and were sliced and or juiced. Bottles made their way in and out of his hands. During this process, he had both… Levia-tan and Zaz try some alcohol combinations since with his modification he could barely separate rubbing alcohol from a beer. And the last thing he wanted to make was a cocktail that made you drunk after a first sip.

Picking the three best-received concoctions, he started adding various fruits, and played around with the flavors, every once in a while giving Sera a small shot to sample.

Five minutes had passed, and before Sera stood a tall glass of pink syrupy liquid, with whipped cream, and blue sprinkles on top.

"One magical drink for one magical girl."

Both he and Azael watched tentatively as she took a long sip. Suddenly the room exploded in sparkles, and Serafall looked at him as if he just presented her with the greatest thing in the history of mankind.

"Hey, you wanna join my pee-"

And Issei was out again.

"I'm sorry, Sera, but as much as I loath to fight you, I will do it if you try and take Issei from me."

"Since when was he yours?"

"Since he served me the delicious drinks, strong enough to get the buzz going, at an affordable price. Here three cups, and I'm feeling great. Also, he gave me some great advice on how to deal with Vali."

"The White Dragon Emperor?"

"He was feeling a bit lost after he learned his rival died after the Red Trial. He had a rebellious phase of sorts. Still does. But Issei's advice helped tone it down, so now he won't accidentally start a war with someone." Raising a boy with so much hatred and no clear goal set was hard, teenager harder still. But Azazel would never give up on him. Never.

"How did you even find this place anyway?"

"Sirzechs told me."

"And him?"

"He heard it from Ria-tan. His sister. She's managing the territory." Azazel's face lost all color.

"Wait. SO you're telling me I've been lounging in a territory owned by Super Devil's little sister?"

"Yep. He's gonna be pissed when he hears. But… He really liked this place as well."

"May I set a proposal? This bar becomes neutral ground. No fighting here. And no one claims the bartender. Also, we don't tell anyone but the leaders about this place. The last thing I need is some upstart rookie trying to get my attention while I'm relaxing."

Serafall though hard on this. As the person in charge of foreign affairs, she could make that deal right away. But did she want to? She took another sip of a drink, made just for her. Yup. That sealed it.

That's chapter 2 over! I imagine we get one more chapter of Issei and head honchos messing around in the bar, before we start with the fried chicken stuff, and start the story proper. I don't really have much to say here, so I guess READ. REVIEW. Let me know what YOU think, and we'll read each other next time. NPGamer out.

PEACE!