Waddup my dudes, thanks for the 1k follows, I always knew my subbots would do it

I am (was, but i wrote most of these at the hospital or Exclusive Sick People Club) at the moment hospitalized so the writing progress for Lucifer and The Last Guardian have been severely hampered since I don't want to think too hard at the moment. Writing this story is chill, it doesn't have a super complicated plot, characters are generally genial to write, etc., etc

And thank you for the 'F's. Who says internet sympathy can't make you feel better?

anyway, in all honesty, this chapter should've been out like 2-3 months ago, but Zero and Dueliant bought me minecraft. And then Three Kingdoms came in. And when i finally got bored of committing genocide, fucking Warhammer 2 DLC outta nowhere. So there you go. The reason I don't write often is because I no longer spend my already little free time writing, but being an epic gamer

(it might have something to do with me not having any interest in anything super flashy (hyper shounen, action, very cool fights etc.). Im just a filthy casul SoL manga fan (senko be praised)

anyway, have fun

Everyday Life with Supernatural Girls

Chapter 13

||Realization||

"Can we go the shrine tomorrow? Pleaaase?"

Issei didn't think the day would come, but he felt guilty as he watched Kunou's brushy tail swaying side to side as she bounced up and down at the balls of her feet. Yasaka's conflicted face didn't lighten the guilt either. It was bothering him, but maybe he shouldn't have mentioned it.

"Dear… it'll be too crowded." Yasaka explained. Only the first few words and already Kunou had her ears flattened and her tail went still. "The shrine is in a fair distance too; it will take almost half an hour to get there. Can you maintain to hide your tail for that time?"

Valid reasons, but she still wanted to. "…Probably…? She can if she tries hard enough."

"Kunou…" Yasaka sighed. "I'm sorry but we can't. We don't want to cause trouble to Ise-dono and Azazel-sama, do we?"

"But moooomm… we used to do that every year…"

"We were living at a shrine during that time, dear." Yasaka said as she stroked her daughter's head. "Perhaps next year we'll be able to, but not this year, okay?"

"But tomorrow is next year…" Kunou pointed out. She knew it wasn't going to work.

"Kunou…" Yasaka sighed. "I mean the year afterward. We don't want to trouble Ise-dono or Azazel-san, do we?"

There was a tiny bit of flame rivaling the French revolutionaries in her, but Kunou understood.

"…Okay…"

Understanding but still dejected, she rejoined the two Nekoshou who had yet to move away from the kotatsu. One had her eyes on the TV but wasn't really watching, while the other was completely asleep. Take a guess.

Issei huffed as he smiled a thoughtful kind of smile. It was his first time seeing the girl lacking energy, but he supposed it was pretty common for kids who didn't get what they wanted. He would call her mature for her age, but Issei couldn't remember what common 11 years old would had done. He couldn't remember what he did when his parents didn't let him get a McDonald's ice cream because he already had two. Did he throw a fit? Maybe. He couldn't remember, but his mother surely could.

Anyway, that wasn't something he should be thinking too long.

"I shouldn't have talked about it, sorry Yasaka-san." He apologized as he put down his glass of air. He never expected getting a drink and starting a small talk would end with him witnessing that scene.

"It's not your fault Ise-dono—um… Ise. She would have prodded about it regardless. It only happened sooner, that's all."

"Ah well… I still feel bad though." Issei muttered as he, as always, tried to think of a way to 'fix' it. "All things aside, if it's possible, would you like to go there too?"

"Oh, I would love to." Yasaka placed the plate and the wipe cloth down, having finished the last of the plates. She would always stop what she was doing to face the person talking to her at all times – except when she was cooking. "Is there something you'd like to know?"

"Is it because of the whole restriction thing or…?" He couldn't think of other reason why. Personally, he wasn't that keen to begin with. Too crowded for his liking. It was why Tokyo was never high on his list of 'places to visit some time'.

'Maybe because it was tradition?' Issei guessed. Foxes and shrines were rather connected in the land of Japan, and he knew there is a fox deity too – just not their name.

"I…" Yasaka stared away for a bit, shying away from eye contact before admitting in a quiet voice. "It may sound a little embarrassing, but I feel more at ease at one."

"What's embarrassing about that? You did live at one for a time." Issei had always felt creeped out at a shrine. Now that's embarrassing. But in his defense, the shrine at his hometown was abandoned.

"Perhaps it is so." Yasaka smiled. She appreciated his words, despite him being obvious. "I do prefer a quiet place. Oh! But I don't dislike it when people come and visit, especially after the new year."

People do visit shrines almost only exclusively on new year, or when they had something they wanted to get rid off, like some sort bad luck and the like. He didn't really believe in those kinds of things. Never was a superstitious kind of person – well, until the superstitions actually lived with him. But Kitsune and Nekomata should no longer be considered superstitions, so he supposed gods do exist.

It made him wonder what the deities would be doing in their free time. And he was ashamed for the thought that came after; do gods mastur-

"What about you Ise?"

"M-me? Uh… yeah. I mean no. No, not really." By the gods he certainly hoped Yasaka couldn't read his mind.

Luckily, there was no sign of her being aware of his earlier thought as she followed with a mildly concerned look, "Really? How come?"

"Uh… Well…" He leaned against the countertop behind him. "It's not a dislike, but also not a like either? It's erm… it's more of a so-so thing."

"A so-so thing?" Yasaka quoted, her head tipping to one side slightly with a confused look in her face.

"Yeah… like an 'undecided' sort of thing. Just shrines in general though, not the one where I met you and Kunou. That one's my favorite. Even though I don't remember the name."

"O…oh. I'm glad it is then." She said quietly, her cheeks feeling warmer.

Issei didn't think of it that much. "Anyway. Tomorrow's probably the most crowded and maybe the day after though not as much. I think there won't be many people in the 4th if you want to be safe."

"The 4th…? Mmm… yes, I do suppose so. I do want to take Kunou there, but… I'd hate to cause trouble because of it. Perhaps waiting until the fifth to come might be better."

"You can have her wear her shrine maiden outfit. It can hide her tail. …A bit. The tip might poke out… and the skirt would be kind of lumpy I guess." Never a great feeling when he kept finding flaws in his already un-flawless plan. "…Maybe it's not a good idea."

Yasaka giggled. "You don't have to worry about it Ise. I feel it's important for her to understand."

The good old 'can't have everything in life' lesson.

"Yeah. You're right." Issei looked over at the living room. He couldn't see Kunou, which meant she was probably slumping at the couch. "I hope she won't have to be locked here for too long."

"I certainly do hope so as well." She huffed. She should be allowed out there, running around and making a mess. "I do have a place we may visit later tonight – if you don't mind of course!"

Issei laughed. Well it was more of a chuckle actually. For someone more mature than him to ask for his permission to do stuff – despite the circumstances. "Of course, I won't mind. I'd want to go somewhere too if I'm stuck in the house pretty much every day. You really don't have to ask for my permissions for these kind of things, Yasaka-san, just let me know." What is he, her dad?

"A-ah, yes. Thank you, Ise-san." Yasaka muttered, feeling a bit sheepish, overthinking if she was too formal about it.

"Where are you going anyway?" Issei asked. Everywhere will be crowded this night, and with him having an acute allergy towards lovey-dovey couples loitering the streets, he would very much rather stay inside with the kotatsu and 2 or 3 cans of beers.

"Kyoto."

"Kyoto?! But that's way south! And west! That's southwest! How're you going to get there by—oh right. I guess you can teleport as well."

"I-it's nothing as impressive as Riser-sama's." She said with a sheepish smile. "It's a festival held by the Yokai clans to celebrate the coming year. But, mmn… perhaps it's best if I asked Azazel-san firsthand. I'm sorry Ise-san."

Look at how her ears wilted. Bent slightly forward like a scolded puppy. Issei would squee if he allowed himself. "I-it's fine, really, I completely understand. I'm not the one trapped here like Kunou does."

"If allowed, would you like to join as well?"

"Yeah, sure." Not like he had any other plans otherwise. "I'm curious how it's gonna be like."

"It's more similar to a traditional festival than you might think, but I'm not entirely sure. It has stalls… booths – oh, those two are the same aren't they? A-and umm… a dance circling a large bonfire. Fireworks and such festivities."

"Except with more Yokai." Issei added.

"Ufufu, yes. With more Yokai."

How many more supernatural varieties would he discover that night? He couldn't wait.

Break

"Nope. No can do."

Welp. So much for a New Year Festival flag with her.

"Hey don't give me those faces. Even the guy himself isn't as disappointed." Azazel grumbled upon seeing Yasaka's sudden change of expression, added with Kunou's face of unwelcome surprise. "Look, missus, gotta understand. This whole thing is still new, and the Yokai in Kyoto are known to be a bit… uh… well they value tradition. They're still undecided 'bout this entire thing, and although introducing them to a human could be a good move, doing that in the middle of their club exclusive party isn't."

"But why?!"

"…Didn't you hear what I just said?"

"Yes!" Kunou barked, "She doesn't understand! Make it simpler. Mmph."

"…Okay, okay. Man, you can be nosey sometimes can't you? But basically, your 'Niitan' can't come because he's a human."

"Ohh." Kunou hummed. "So… it's okay if Niitan's not a human?"

Azazel sniggered. "Yes."

"Please don't dehumanize me." Issei didn't like how interested he looked. "It can't be helped then. There's always next year and other festivals to come, you girls have your fun."

"Ehh… who said I'm coming?" Lazing on the sofa, taking up all the spaces she could, not being lodged in the kotatsu simply because she didn't feel like moving 3 feet, was Kuroka who chimed in the discussion.

Yasaka blinked. "You're not coming?"

"Don't wanna." She sniffed; a little bit miffed at the suggestion. "Too many cretins than I can handle for a night. 'Sides, I don't want to ruin your mother-daughter bonding time nyan."

"But how?" Yasaka missed the sass. As per usual. "Shirone would very much prefer to come with you I would say."

That lifted her head. "Huh? Shironyan, you wanna come?"

"…"

The silent, slightly timid, but nonetheless expectant and a bit beggy nod was replied with a loud groan. "Egghh…."

"…Please come."

No one could resist that look. Also, she had been pulling the puppy-eyes look rather often around her sister. Shirone was unexpectedly shrewd, although reserved only to her sister. Thankfully. She could conquer the world with those eyes.

"Mmmmghhhh... fine. I'll tag along…" Kuroka defeatedly mumbled as she buried her face on a cushion, groaning furthermore while her legs kicked the sofa.

"We're leaving soon Onee-sama. Let's get ready…"

"Mmmaaaaggh…" With much verbal reluctance, Kuroka left the sofa. Shirone tottered along behind her, a small satisfied smile glued on her face.

"I should prepare as well. Kunou, come dear."

"Awwww, but Niitan's not coming."

"Hmm? Don't you want to come?'

"Yes…" Kunou puckered, eyes gloomy.

Issei giggled. How cute of her. "Don't worry too much Kunou. Have fun for me, 'kay? Maybe win a few prizes for me."

"…'KAY~! Kunou'll win you lots. Let's go mom. Kunou wants to be ready, both physically, spiritually, and mentally."

As the girls left the living room, Azazel clapped his hands, leaning forward from his seat. "Alright then, with that done and done… what else did I come here for…?"

"Dinner."

"Hah, no no. I'd never forget that."

"Right."

"Ah! Yes. Yes-yes, I also want you, to take Raynare around the town. City."

"What? What for? Didn't she just take Akeno around some days ago? In Christmas too- it hasn't even been a week yet."

"No, no, it's not about that." Azazel explained, "You see, I have… plans for my New Year, and that is to drink until next year. All of my minions are with me – except her, because she shalt not drink." Then he suddenly sneered, as if revolted by an idea. "A Fallen Angel that doesn't drink? Can you believe it?"

"What an unexpectedly yet unsurprisingly basic celebration."

"Hey, hey, I'm not here to be judged." Complained Azazel. "But see, I can't change the plans because then she'd feel bad. And I honestly don't want to. I'm asking you a favor here Issei. Help a brother out."

"Since when are we brothers?"

"Uncle then."

"That's worse!"

"You get what I mean. Don't be so nitpicky." Azazel said. "C'mon. I didn't lie that I'd introduce you to her didn't I? Remember our first meeting?"

"…You did say that, but if I remember right, she introduced herself to me since you tossed her here."

"Did I? Maybe I did then. Psh, let's not worry about the past. Let's come to terms, I'll cover all your expenses and I'll even put in some extra cash."

Issei hmphed. "You think I can be bought that easi—"

"50k."

"Where do I take her?"

"Heh, money talks don't they." Azazel scoffed. "I don't know. Go have something to eat, street foods, watch a movie, go to some place, watch fireworks, walk her home then you go home go bed. Simple right? And seems to me you don't have any plans for New Year again so it's a win-win."

"Again, huh." Ouch. That hurt. "Alright fine." As if he'd say no to this. He was basically getting paid for a date with someone pretty and someone he knew already. It wasn't an outlandish request, and Issei understood that Azazel was simply looking out for her. He'd hate for anyone to spend a lonely New Year. That would suck.

Although, Issei would be lying if he claimed he wasn't a little bit excited and nervous. After all – not that he liked to bring this topic up – he never—

"Oh right, it'll be your first time going out with a girl your age no? Hahaha! Well, think of this as my late Christmas gift to you."

Goddamn spies. "…Thanks, I guess."

"So you agree 'kay? I'll let her know then. Great."

Azazel left a little bit after that, leaving Issei to himself. He said he wanted to make sure his underling wasn't gambling his bonus away in a day so that he didn't have to pay for him. What a shining superior everyone should aspire to be.

Now that he was alone and could think without obstruction – which was a rarity in this place, since either Kunou would ask him question or beg him to play 'burakku jakku' with her, the thought finally settled.

Acquainted and friends they might be, he didn't know her much more than that. Other than she shared the more or less the same passion towards fluffy things and that she was a fallen angel being enslaved by Azazel. He couldn't just talk about the wonders of fluffy tails and ears all the time, could he? If she found him to be dull or boring, he would die a little inside.

Issei went back to his room. Azazel told him Raynare would come by around half an hour. Enough time for him to take a quick shower and think about what to wear then. He had forgotten what it was like being excited about something like looking forward for a school trip, or a new game in production or coming out soon. Today he was reminded of what it was like.

Break

Almost exactly half an hour later, Issei was ready. A bit more than his usual plain t-shirt and jeans combo. This time, he wore a black shirt and added a blue flannel and a slightly darker jeans. All of his jeans were slim-fitted as he didn't want to torture his balls with the skinny version, and he didn't have the courage to wear the baggy ones once he realized how unkempt they make him look.

"Oooh, goin' somewhere? That's rare of you nyan." Kuroka was the first to note his appearance as he climbed down the stairway – as well as poke fun at him. Shirone turned to see as well. They were the only ones there, and both were wearing their kimonos.

Kuroka for once wore her black kimono properly without showing any cleavage. It made him a bit sad, but Issei deduced it was due to the cold. Shirone wore white with pink flower motifs, something he didn't know existed in this household, but there it was. Both of them looked nice and proper. Kuroka especially.

Issei took a seat. "Nice kimono. You both look high-class. Nobody could tell you spend half your day dozing off."

Shirone said her quiet thanks while Kuroka scowled, "Dozing off all day takes dedication y'know."

"You're a master then."

She stuck her tongue out. "What about you nyan? Strange of you to dress yourself just to wait at home."

"Hey I do get out too outside from work." Just not as often. Maybe twice a month. "Azazel wanted me to take Raynare somewhere."

"Raynare?" Kuroka then gasped. "Don't tell me, you're going on a date?"

"Uhhhhh, sorta and sorta not."

"Sorta huh? What's that mean? Is this like a trial period or something?" She nudged, all smirky-teasy-like. Shirone was equally interested albeit not as teasy. "So where're you taking the gal?"

"Hit the movies, most likely. Then somewhere to eat."

"That's pretty basic nyan." Kuroka said, unimpressed. "Unless there's a certain kind of a 'hotel' afterwards…?"

"What? No!" Issei laughed while Shirone got flustered. "We're just- we're just going out as friends. Damn, don't make me feel more conscious about this."

"Ohohoho~ so you are conscious of it nyan."

"Eeergh…"

Moments and several teases later, a door opened. And out came Yasaka and Kunou in all their glory. Kunou in flashy red with pink petals and deep green leaves spattered across the cloth, whilst Yasaka in a reserved purple one with golden sash hugging her waist, keeping her body figure remain visible. Three purple and black pins holding her golden hair in a careful bun.

But the stunner was her nine lustrous tails, swaying by her like a golden flame.

She was ridiculously gorgeous that Kuroka kept staring at her in a wordless wonder. Let alone Issei.

"Damn." She finally broke the silent stares that was creeping up to Yasaka – as evident by the worried look in her face. "…Damn."

"…Y-yes? Is something wrong?" Yasaka asked worriedly as she started to look around her kimono, checking her sash and any gaps that she failed to cover.

Issei slowly shook his head. "What the heck, Yasaka-san, you're so- so stunning that it makes me brave enough to say that."

"O-oh… thanks."

The mood had taken an awkward turn for the worse, as Issei's brain had caught up with what he said, and Yasaka not quite able to take compliments firsthand.

"Aw, look. She's flushing. You did that, Ise-nyan."

"W-well, I wasn't lying." He had said already, and therefore; 'Fuck it.' that was how his mind worked at the moment.

All the attention and compliment she wasn't getting finally got her. "Wait, wait, what about KUNOU?!"

"When are you not cute, Kunou-nyan?"

Hands on hip, Kunou proudly stuck out her chest. "Fu, never."

"Man, when is she not smug." Issei muttered, unaware he had gotten back to his usual self, completely avoiding being a blubbering mess. He felt a bit bad, however, but also glad he said what he said, as Yasaka's tails were swooshing lightly side to side, possibly without her realizing.

It also made him happy that she just stood there, not saying a word, her cheeks flushing and a small smile on her lips, her eyes avoiding his when they caught hers. He felt glad. Really glad he didn't pussy out and be like all the shounen protagonist he came to loathe.

"I-I wish…"

Everybody stopped chatting when Yasaka let her voice out.

"I-I wish… I wish you could join us, Ise-san." She muttered just loud enough while looking and avoiding his eyes, twiddling her fingers. "Next occasion, perhaps?"

"Ah…" Issei froze. She's so adorable it hurts. 'Shit. I can't believe you've done this.'

Break

"Aaaaawww! Really? Really? You said that? And then she said that?! Ohm'gosh that's so cute." Sat opposite of him from the café table was Raynare, squealing time after time as Issei recounted his early evening. "I wish I could've seen her in a kimono. Yasaka-san already look so pretty, she must be gorgeous in one."

"Yeah."

"Aaaawww~" She paused when she noticed Issei had covered his face with his hands, as if playing peek-a-boo with a nonexistent toddler. "-wait, what are you doing."

"I'm realizing how embarrassing it was." Issei muffled.

"And you realized it just now?" Raynare said with a giggle. "Geez, aren't you a funny guy."

Funny and silly, Issei felt, though the stupid side was heavier. Not a good feeling since he didn't aspire to be a comedian.

"So~ they all left you here, huh?"

Issei had calmed down enough. His cheeks were still tingly but they weren't as hot. "Pretty much. I was invited but Azazel didn't think it was a good idea."

"Hmn, true, true. It'll be weird if you show up all of the sudden without invitation. Though I don't see what's the big deal."

"Yeah, well…" Probably him being human and them being not-human. "Guess that makes us both then."

Raynare gasped. "Oh! You're right! We're like an outcast but not really outcast." A pout then formed, the playfully jealous one. "Hmph. How dare they, having fun without me." She fixed her gaze at her steaming cup of hazelnut latte and its milky leaf cream art. "I thought you were gonna hang out with your friends Issei?"

"Wha- me? And ruin their date?"

"Oh right." Raynare pouted. This time the more sincere and annoyed one that was followed with a loud sigh. "Couples. It's like they're everywhere in Christmases and New Year's Eve."

What's this? A fellow envious sister in arms?

But before Issei was able to joke about it, Raynare continued. "Even all of my friends already have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Some are even already married… and has a kid. Like, what the heck. Meanwhile I'm just slaving my butt off."

Issei ditched the joke that was no longer funny and listened instead. Raynare soiled the cream art with the ridiculously small, thin, ugly brown straw nearly all coffee shop had instead of a goddamn teaspoon for god knows why.

Raynare huffed. "Soo~ do you have any girl on your mind? Maybe even girls~?"

"Does Kunou count?"

"No."

"Hmm." Issei laid back and crossed his arms, pondering the simple yet strangely difficult to answer question. Oddly enough, he didn't know the answer himself. As he thought about it a little more, he didn't think he had ever 'liked' a girl, or wanting to be with someone more than just friends.

He was too focused on wanting a girlfriend he forgot to actually try and get one.

"I'm not sure," Issei said. His honest uncertainty surprised Raynare, who had expected a name or two. "I guess I never thought of that until now."

"Whaat? Not even celebrity crushes?"

"'Course I have, but that doesn't count."

"Okay, okay. But no one at all?" Raynare poked, not buying it. "Not even Yasaka-san or Kuroka-san?" She suddenly gasped mid-sentence and her face filled with fright. "Y-y-you're only joking when you said Kunou right?"

"Well yeah! Obviously!" Issei quickly shot down that idea. All pedos should be smote out of this world. "And I don't know. I'm not sure, I… think."

Did he like her? Yes. Definitely. But what kind of 'like' was it? He liked being around her but he liked being around Kuroka as well. Seeing Yasaka would calm him down, ease his weariness and made him forgot about work. She had made his heart skipped a few beats though, that was for sure. Like that one time she brushed a milk stain from his lips – but that was more of a motherly thing as he thought about it some more.

She's very pretty. They both are. But was that him liking one of them or was he simply attracted to them? He'd hate to mistake some shallow feeling for something else that it was not, more so towards the two of them. True he wanted them to be happy, but he also felt that way for other people in general – even Azazel.

"Geez, I didn't expect you to think about it this hard, Issei-san."

Issei flinched. How long did he space out? "Oh, whoops. My bad."

"S'fine, fine. You just search your feelings for them." Tittered Raynare.

"Yeah." Issei scratched his head. "Is it alright though? If humans and supernaturals get along more than… uh… what's the term here… caretaker and their… 'clients'?"

She looked oblivious. "Huh? Yeah, sure, why not?"

"But won't that cause any troubles? Like, I dunno, people may not be so accepting?"

But his worry was shrugged away with Raynare's dismissive handwave. "Pshh, it's almost 2019, who cares about all that jazz. And it's not like there's no one who wants to realize Nekomatas anyway. They even made a petition about it."

"Well… yeah…" 'But they weren't serious.' "I'm just worried if it's going to be like one of those movies. You know, that humans should be with humans and ghosts with ghosts, then such n' such."

"Hmmn…" Raynare sighed and placed a knuckle under her chin. "maybe for the backward-minded people, yeah. Doubt think we can do anything about that. But as long as they're not a majority, it should be manageable. I think."

Certain people already had a difficult time seeing other human as 'people', he didn't want to imagine what they'd think about the supernatural or how they would treat them. He just hoped no one would bother Kunou once this entire thing was made more open.

"Fufu~ aren't you sweet? Thinking about other races like that. If more people are like you, we could've walked around freely since last year."

"I just want Kunou to have a normal life." Issei replied, "Well I don't know what's 'normal' for them, so maybe a 'happy' and 'freer' life instead of being cooped up all day. I don't think there's enough snow in the backyard she can turn into snowmen you know."

"Well. Aren't you a dad." Raynare laughed a little bit louder this time. Issei was a bit more flustered.

"A-anyway, what about you?"

"What about me what?"

"If you have someone you like."

"Me? Hmm…" Raynare closed her eyes as though it would help. "Mmmn… Nope. Can't think of nobody either. Guess we're both the same." She stuck out her tongue.

While that may be true, unlike his case, he doubted it would take long to find a boy that likes her. She had kind and an easygoing personality, a great figure that was coupled with great sense of fashion – she looked cute in her beige dress, red coat, brown scarf, and black pantyhose, something all the guys here would agree upon – and she was pretty. She also had a job, no less.

"Fufu, why? Are you planning to make me like you?"

He gasped. "Are you saying you don't?"

She gasped as well. "Oh my, how rude of me."

The two shared a laugh at their combined silliness.

As the humorous mood fade slowly away, like the steam leaving the coffee, Raynare took a look around them, disgruntled at the inane number of couples loitering the shop.

Issei took her silent staring as an opportunity to reflect on her earlier question that brought him to wonder his own feelings. How does one tell if one likes someone? he wondered. Issei was fully aware he was a pervert, and he worry if he ever liked someone because he was thinking with his Issei Jr. instead of his heart. Neither Yasaka or Kuroka deserved someone like that.

"But are you looking for it though?"

"For… what?"

"For a girlfriend, silly."

He scratched his head. "Well… I'm not sure."

She arched her eyebrows. "Not sure huh? Fufu, you're surprisingly complicated. I'm not saying that you're basic o-obviously… it's just that… you're not…"

"Hah! It's fine. Don't worry about it." He too thought he was a simple man. If there were boobs there would be happiness. He still withheld that principle, however, there's definitely more criteria in his preferences for a woman than mere 'has great boobs'. "I want to have a better job first, I think."

"Mhmm. Mhmm." Raynare nodded approvingly. "As for me- I guess I'm just tired."

"Tired?"

"Yeah. I don't know." She sighed melancholically as she put a hand on her cheek. "I don't want to say 'every guy is the same' because obviously that's not true… and I'm not sure if it's 'me' or them… but all my relationships went stale after a month or two."

"Huh." Not that it would be something he knew.

"I mean like, the first two weeks it was fun and all, exciting and such… but… y'know."

Issei nodded a few times. That was also something he worried about; if the girl he was dating got bored of him. That would crush his pride.

"It all ended like that. Maybe it's not that they're boring, but I didn't try hard enough, I guess. They're good people too, I feel bad." She pouted, obviously guilt-ridden despite what others might think. "What do you think Issei?"

"W-what do I think? W-well… uh…" He thought hard, but not long enough as to make her wait. "I think… you just couldn't find what you were looking for in them?"

She tilted her head. "What I was looking for?"

"Like… what do you want from a boyfriend?"

"From my boyfriend… nothing out of the ordinary, I think. 'Funny and kind' y'know… not too rich because I don't wanna be a leech. And it's kinda intimidating."

"Hey I'm funny and kind and not rich."

"Hm? OH-" She laughed. Hard. It kinda hurt for him. "Oh no- don't get me wrong Issei, I'm not laughing at you, you are funny and kind, it's just- it's just unexpected."

"Oh okay. It's fine then." Issei smiled. That made him feel better. Somebody that wasn't his reflection acknowledged that he was funny and kind. And not rich.

"You're not into me, aren't you? Not to mean anything, but I kinda want to… take a break and the like."

"Me? Wow, aren't you confident."

Raynare paused to think about what she just said. "…You're right. Oh my god, that was embarrassing. Please forget that I ever said that."

Issei laughed.

"Eugh… Say, Issei." Raynare hummed, dragging him to a new conversation. "You ever feel like you're being left behind? Not, literally, I mean, but… you know what I mean."

He certainly did understand what she meant. "Well, I had." He admitted, "I felt I was lagging behind when all of my friend already decided what they wanna do after they graduated high school."

"Riight?!" Raynare's eyes flickered, happy that he understood. "It's like I didn't prepare for anything at all."

Issei wondered if she attended a high school on earth in disguise, but saved it for another more appropriate moment.

Another long sigh. "I kinda wish I could start all over. Do some things differently – but then I might never meet Kunou or Yasaka-san…"

Issei nodded. "That's what I feel as well. It's complicated."

"Mhmm. Sooo complicated."

"You also might never meet me either, Raynare."

The sudden joke caught her off guard, and Raynare tittered. "I think I can live without that. Also, it's Amano."

Issei raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who else can be your dealer?"

Indeed. What they did after they meet up was committing a video transfer of a Kunou who insisted the deformed snowmen in their backyard was her minions and therefore rightly hers to destroy, as well as several other pictures including a Shirone who had just discovered front cameras exist when Issei first taught her how to use a phone.

"…You got me there." She laughed. "Maybe a little lag isn't that bad after all is it."

"Just a little." Added Issei as he drank his cold iced lemon tea. Not from a straw, directly from the glass. Not because he wanted to avoid the use of plastic straw, but more due to the fact he felt like sipping from a tiny dick if he used a straw.

Nonetheless, drinking a cold ice tea during a cold light snowy evening was still an oddity, even for fallen angels such as Raynare. "You're drinking iced drink? Isn't it cold?"

Issei paused, and stared at his iced tea. "…Isn't that the point?" Iced drinks are meant to be cold.

"No, no, I mean it's winter, it's snowing, it's cold outside and you're drinking that. What if you catch a cold or something?"

"It's fine. My immune system is above average."

"That's still no excuse." Raynare insisted. "Unless… you're doing it intentionally so Yasaka-san can nurse you again~?"

Issei thought for a moment. "…That wasn't it, but that would be nice." Of course, he wouldn't get sick deliberately just for that. A joke's a joke.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, you're a sly one, Mr. Issei." She giggled, when then she suddenly sighed right after. "But I don't blame you. I wanna get spoiled by Yasaka-san at least once. She's just so kind and motherly-like… even though she's so young and only a few years older than us."

Issei nodded wholeheartedly. His work wasn't the hardest job in the world, but coming home and being welcomed had never fail in restoring a bit of his soul. Maybe it was something Raynare would like to have as well.

"Why don't you join us for dinner sometimes, Ray- Amano-san?"

"H-hnm?!"

That was quite a shock. For her. Being invited to a guy's house for dinner was practically something a guy should do to her when they're dating – which, after having these thoughts invaded her mind – what they would seem to be doing from outsider's perspective. To anyone, they would look like one of the many couples inside this cozy but packed coffee shop.

Her inexperience caught up and so did the sudden heat wave of embarrassment, and Raynare finally realized this was practically a date setup by none other than her own boss.

"I mean, Aza- your boss' already treats it like an actual diner. Nobody will mind if it's you."

"O-oh! R-right... Yes. Sure. Y-yeah. I'll- I'll give it a thought. Ahaha…"

If that was an attempt to cover her nervousness, that was a comically poor one. "Why're you nervous all of a sudden?"

She averted her eyes. "Um… nothing…"

Multitudes of scenarios played before his mind. She couldn't be bored. He should be able to tell if she was since he had seen plenty girls being bored the living out by someone who was hitting on them, or if they were responding just to get them to leave. She couldn't be annoyed either since he didn't think he had said anything stupid so far, and his offer shouldn't be seen as outlandish. Unless… it was and he didn't realize it?

'Crap.' He settled on that one. A bit late, but better than never realizing it. Knowing two awkward won't de-awkward the situation, he thought of something else to distract them. "By the way… you wanna get something to eat now? Or we can hit the movies and see what's on if you're not yet hungry."

Break

Expectedly from New Year's Eve. Everywhere was packed. Not just by lovey-dovey couples, but also families, group of friends, fellow workers, and others. The New Year discounts didn't help either. Issei was never a big fan of highly congested places, and thankfully, neither did Raynare.

"Hmm… where to… where to…" Issei muttered as sheets of snow scrunched beneath his shoes. "At this rate, anywhere would be fine…"

"Yeah…" Raynare sighed, quite honestly sickened with all the walking when she could had flown instead. "I'm starving… let's just buy something in the foodmart and eat at some place…"

"No one's at home, and all the neighbors are all away… sounds good?"

"Sounds great."

That was the conversation that occurred fifteen minutes ago when they had finally given up the idea of eating out and heading to the movies.

And now, he was all alone with Raynare in a strangely silent house that was always filled with Kunou noises. As they both waited by the kotatsu for their bowl noodle to heat up, only then the two realized what they had done and were doing.

Issei wanted to joke to lift the mood, but he couldn't think of anything other than the fact he was at home with a girl. Some applied to Raynare, only in her case, she was at a boy's house with nobody around. Nervousness clung to them like a jacket, and awkwardness was in the air as Issei flipped through channels after channels, trying to find something that was not a romance movie.

"…What the heck…" He droned, annoyed. "I've better movies than these. I'll be right back."

"Okay."

As Issei climbed the stairs and disappeared into the upstairs, Raynare took a deep breath and exhaled a loud sigh.

"Aaaaarghhh—" 'Dammit. We were so casual back then… get a grip on yourself, sheesh. You brought yourself into this.'

Assuring herself to keep her cool and be more casual, Issei came back with a grey laptop on his hand and a black cable on top of it.

"Oh good, you're still here."

That was a joke. Raynare played a giggle. "I'd run away but it's cold outside."

That got a quiet chuckle but no more. She watched him as he settled his laptop and tweaked with the cables behind the TV. Shortly after, the TV displayed what was on the laptop screen.

"That's a lot of movies." She said out of the blue as Issei clicked on his movie folder, where tons of folder with the name of a movie, mostly in English, was located. "You watched all of them?"

"Nah, these are the ones I haven't watched. I have another folder for that."

"You have another folder?!" Her eyes widened. "Something tells me you're into movies. Where'd you get all of those?"

Silence.

"…The uh… the internet?"

"Huh?" It took her a while to understand his unease. "Oh. Oh. You pirate."

"…Yarr?"

He didn't have any hidden intention when he picked the random film or when he shut off the lamps. He just knew all movies in that folder were movies he wanted to watch, and/or was recommended by his friends. None of them were specifically romance or drama, but of course he wouldn't be surprised if there was one in a movie they were watching. Luckily, there wasn't. No awkward sex scene, some kisses but whatever, and no deliberately sexy scene whatsoever.

It was pretty cool. Strange, a little trashy, but not bad enough that it wasn't enjoyable. He was a little bit worried when those creatures showed up, but Raynare told him she had seen worse in Hell. That worried him more.

The movie was dated, and its CG didn't hold up to the current day's standard. It got Raynare to giggle a bit. They both overlooked it and simply enjoyed the plot, the interactions between characters that was… strangely enough, believable, and they both got annoyed at the one doomsayer lady, and it was oddly funny seeing a fallen angel getting worked up over a fictional character like that. Then again, he already knew they weren't that different.

He didn't see that ending though, and his mouth was literally agape as the credits roll by. Neither did Raynare, who had her eyes wide, glued at the screen as tears slowly welled.

Issei realized he was in a bit of predicament. A girl was crying and his friends weren't here to help him figure stuff out. It was a shocking end that came out of nowhere, he was shocked, but she was obviously upset more than he was.

"I'll get you some tissues." He got up and turned on the lights, letting the credits play as he took their empty bowl noodles and a plate that was once filled with side dishes he reheated, as well as the glasses.

Few moments later, he settled back into the kotatsu and handed Raynare a box of tissues and her glass of water.

"Thanks…" She sniffled, wiping her now red eyes. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips were pouting as she fixed herself.

"That came outta nowhere huh?"

She nodded silently, visibly upset.

Just as Issei was about to scramble for topics to distract her from the movie's ending, a gate – an actual red torii gate – appeared without noises by the wall, as if it was a giant frame with a spiraling mirror-like water. They were only surprised by its noiseless appearance, as it wasn't their first time seeing such.

Still, it was marveling, especially as Yasaka stepped out from it, carrying her sleeping daughter behind her back. She looked the same way when she left. Kuroka followed right after, and so did a sleepy Shirone, rubbing her dozy hazel eyes she could barely keep open.

"Welcome back." Issei greeted in a quiet voice. Raynare quickly pulled herself away from the kotatsu and stood stiffly, waving with one hand with crumpled tissues in her other hand. Her eyes and face were still red from crying.

"Ise-san, Raynare-san. You're home already?" Replied Yasaka.

"I could ask the same question. I thought you're staying until next year?"

"Oh no, I couldn't do that. Kunou couldn't stay awake that long." She giggled lightly. Although it was late, Yasaka didn't look so tired from Issei's perspective. "I'll put her to bed first. Please excuse me."

"I'm tired too… g'night." Shirone also excused herself for the rest of the day. Kuroka stayed behind as she wanted to snuggle in the kotatsu first, immediately melting onto the table surface while emanating a moan.

Issei crawled back inside. "What about you?"

"Me? Next year? Feh- that'll take too long nyan." Kuroka didn't even bother opening her eyes. "It's just a New Year anyway. I don't get why people are so excited about it."

Issei agreed to that. He never was excited for New Years after he was no longer a kid. "I feel the same too. But for some reason, I still want to stay up until tomorrow. I kinda wanna watch the fireworks."

"Heh. You too, huh?" Kuroka huffed, "Guess I'll keep you accompanied tonight too nyan~"

That was sly. She said that completely in a way that would invite misunderstanding, and it did. Raynare who was still awkwardly standing had let her imaginations run wild, and assumed the worst. Caretaker or not, Issei was still a human male.

"M-m-maybe I should head home."

Issei glanced outside the large glass sliding door, at the sky that was so oddly clear and bright that he thought it was something out of a manga. "Well, it is pretty late."

"Hee~? Were you gonna stay if we didn't come nyan?"

"N-no!?"

"Really? It's not like anyone's chasing you out y'know." Kuroka smiled. In a teasing manner. With her half-lidded eyes that was admittedly quite seductive. "You got someone else to watch the fireworks with? Hmm?"

Issei wasn't sure how to respond to that, or what to say to help Raynare. He also wanted for her to stay for a while. The more the merrier, right? And besides, it seemed Kuroka was interested in her too.

The question got her to pout. It seemed even Raynare was bothered by her single-ness. "Not really but still…"

"Then stay nyan." Kuroka concluded, satisfied. Raynare gave up. "Egh… I'm all sweaty. How the hell-" There was a frown on her face as she peeked at her chest, unlike Issei's face. "I don't wanna catch a cold so Imma go take a bath first."

After watching her leave, Raynare returned to the kotatsu afterwards, albeit a bit more stiffly than earlier now that someone else was around.

However… she looked slightly… in daze.

"…Yasaka-san's very pretty in her kimono."

Issei nodded. That's pretty much was a unanimous approval.

"But…"

Hold on a minute. There shouldn't be any 'buts' there.

"Kuroka-san's very… I uh… don't know what to put it… uhm…"

"Seductive?"

"N-not that-"

Seeing her face reddened, Issei began to be suspicious. "Sultry?"

"Wh-"

"Hot?"

Raynare covered her cheeks as her eyes widened. It appeared that he wasn't the only one who took a peek at Kuroka's Kurokas. It appeared that something had awakened inside her, and she was just as surprised as Issei did.

"Issei…" She stared at him. He stared at her. "…I think I found out why I just don't 'click' with boys."

His eyes widened. "Bruh."

Break

Meanwhile, at a dimly lit bedroom, an hour until a new year arrives.

"Y-you're sure about this right? I don't want you feeling pressured or anything alright?"

"Y-Yes… I-I'm sure." She replied sheepishly, a hand covered her slender figure and her modest chest, a flush of pink shading her cheeks. "W-will you stop staring already… jeez… it's embarrassing enough for me…"

"I'm sorry but you're just too cute."

"…Ugh…You're stupid…"

She knelt down while he remained sat at the edge of the bed, at the time confused on what she was planning to do – but equally aroused.

"What're you doing?"

"J-just be quiet okay?" She said in a commanding tone. "…Murayama told me about this…"

And there Motohama sat in shock as he watched his girlfriend attempted to give him a boobjob. She wasn't able to get her breasts to fully envelop him as she thought she could, and they both noticed.

With a guilty expression, and a tear in her eye, she glanced up at him. "Ah… I-I'm sorry… mine aren't big enough…"

Motohama was already shaking, touched because of how adorable she was.

"No. You're perfect."

To be continued

No festivals arc with Yasaka. Yet.

You think this would be her chapter? Surprise, surprise, S.S. Raynare just set sail. Although not at the direction you thought it would be heading.

Writing conversations between Issei and his friends is a breeze. I can bring up countless of stupid shit between them. But I didn't expect writing an actual scene between M&M and teh grillfriends would be equally as fun instead of Issei x insertgirlnamehere. Hopefully you can appreciate occasional side ships.

idk about side 'serious' lemon tho so don't get your hopes up. Those up there are just something I had on my head for a while and wasn't sure where to put it, so I just put it there. Think of it as an added bonus chapter, like an omake

Anyway cya, and give me reviews or else.

Or else what you say?
Well… I don't know. I can't really threaten you with a long update, since it'll happen regardless :C (I got a new job and had to move, so was bit busy, thx for being a very considerate and most of all patient reader)