Chapter Eight
Hail to the King
Heathcliff leaned heavily on his balcony, looking over the town beyond his yard. His thoughts meandered back and forth between Akeno, Asia, Raynare, and the others. He wondered what they thought of his break. His moment of wrath. The sip he took from the well of rage. The spurned feeling in his heart didn't leave. It kept jabbing at him from all sides.
Akeno probably hates that I spared Raynare… and Rias probably doesn't like it. I doubt Kiba even sees me as a person anymore. And he's so nice… I bet a spot Koneko doesn't even care. Or she hates me even more. I wonder what they all do on weekends. Heathcliff thought. He reached into his jeans pocket for his phone but chose against it. He still wanted to be alone for a while longer. So, he continued to mope on the railing.
[You just gonna sit here and fuck the day away?] Kiva asked. Heathcliff nodded his head and sighed.
That's about right. I doubt anyone really wants to do anything today. Heathcliff responded. He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and retrieved it. His notification was a text from Akeno.
"Fuck, it's Akeno…" Heathcliff mumbled. He opened the message. He read through it several times. It wasn't very long, so he looked quite foolish going over it so many times. He suddenly rushed back into his room, his phone left to hover for a solid second before a black web shot back and caught it before it fell. With his boots on and a flannel now donned over his jeans and white tank-top he leapt downstairs and shot out the front door, much to his mother's shock. He got a call while he was running down the street.
"Yo?" Heathcliff said, answering the call. His mother sighed on the other end.
"Heath, where are you going on a Sunday?" Caroline asked. Heathcliff swung around a light post and dashed across the crosswalk towards the shady, rural road along the grassy hills.
"Akeno asked me to come by. I'll be back later, okay?" Heathcliff said. He could nearly feel the ecstatic smile she formed over the phone.
"Alright. Don't forget your rubbers." Heathcliff nearly tripped.
"Bye…" He sighed, hanging up. Sometimes things are best left unanswered. He soon approached the stone steps he had been looking for and spotted her standing at the bottom. He slowed to a stop, stunned silent and still. She stood, holding a little handbag and wore a cute skirt that matched her white hoodie which covered her pink tube top. An outfit so casual some wouldn't even look twice. But Heathcliff found himself unable to stop looking once.
"H-Hey…" He sputtered finally. Akeno looked up and smiled. She made her way over to him and stood up on her toes to reach his face. An effort mostly in vain, but he leaned down instantly to capture her lips with his. His arm snaked itself about her waist, and another around her back. She interlocked her hands behind his neck and fiercely returned his kiss.
"Hey. I see you got my text… Want to go do something? I already took care of my duties and all… then I could only think about you… You were really upset when you left the other day. Are you feeling better?" Akeno asked, staying locked in their embrace. Heathcliff pulled her closer and buried his face in the crook of her neck. Akeno rubbed his back and let herself dangle from his shoulders.
"Yeah, now that I know you're not upset with me." Heathcliff mumbled. Akeno giggled and squeezed him tight.
"I don't think I could really be upset with you when I know everything you do is out of love and kindness. I don't like those two Fallen Angels… but I can't hate you for being a sweetheart." Akeno said, blowing gently into his ear. Heathcliff shivered and smiled.
"Thanks… Can… Can I hold you a bit longer?" Heathcliff asked timidly with burning cheeks. Akeno giggled and put her legs around his waist.
"Sure, but you might have to carry me if this keeps up." Akeno jested. Heathcliff snuggled her closer and grinned.
"Eh, I don't care. You might lock my arms into place, though. You'd never escape." Heathcliff said. His cheesy smile was hidden beneath a wave of her dark locks. Akeno giggled and squeezed his neck, choking him ever so slightly.
"That just means I get to torture you all day long." Akeno whispered intensely. Heathcliff felt a chill run down his spine at the notion and slowly released his grip on her.
"I think… that's enough…" Heathcliff mumbled sheepishly. Akeno laughed and hopped back onto the ground. She slipped her hand into his and they started walking.
"So… what did you want to do?" Heathcliff asked. Akeno smiled as she tugged him along. A sweet but sadistic smile that gave him goosebumps again.
"I may or may not have gotten your mother's phone number the other day. And since you were so down, I may have asked her what kinds of things you like. And I may be taking you somewhere really cool." Akeno said with false innocence. Heathcliff sighed and pulled her back into an embrace.
"Jeez, you could've asked me. I bet Mum lost her mind talking to you." Heathcliff chuckled, planting a kiss on Akeno's forehead. She smiled and opened up her cellphone. In her log was an hour-long call with his mother's number. Saved under the name, 'Heath's Mommy'. He sighed at the name.
"She did." Akeno responded with a laugh.
"And her name is Caroline by the way." Heathcliff added. Akeno pouted and closed her phone, slipping it back into her handbag.
"I know. But she told me how you used to call her Mommy and my heart melted. So I had to." Akeno explained as Heathcliff released her. His face burned up. Heathcliff sighed and held his palm to his face.
"Please stop." Heathcliff pleaded. Akeno giggled and started pulling him along again.
"No promises!" She chirped. Heathcliff let out a drained sigh again.
[Ha, she's pretty good at getting under your skin.]
Shut up.
Heathcliff felt ten years old again as if he'd never grown up. Which, according to some questionable sources, he never did. The guitar shop was chock full of, well, guitars. Everything from the largest bass he'd ever seen to a tiny little ukulele in the corner that was clearly out of tune. And of course, his time within would not be complete if he didn't play with both of them.
"Aw, this is cool. I didn't know this place was here!" Heathcliff exclaimed as he picked up a stark black electric guitar with golden accents. He then walked over to another shelf and plucked a practice distortion pedal off of it.
"You're like a kid in a candy store. I didn't know you could play guitar." Akeno commented. But her words were drowned out as Heathcliff had been busy setting up the amp and now blasted the chords to Du Hast. She gave a crooked and confused smile to the roaring noise.
"Oh, sorry. Uh, yeah, I can. Watch!" Heathcliff exclaimed. He then continued much to her chagrin. Akeno's smile fell slightly. Heathcliff stopped playing and scratched his head.
"Um, what was that?" Akeno asked. Heathcliff came out of thought for a moment to answer her.
"It was the chords to Du Hast. What, don't tell me you don't know Rammstein?" Heathcliff asked. His senses told him Akeno was completely thrown for a loop and was even slightly upset.
"Um… no. I don't. What kind of music was that…?" Akeno asked. Heathcliff almost went off on a tangent. Or he would have, had depression not kicked him in the knees. He was in total shock and awe.
My girlfriend doesn't know what heavy metal is… Heathcliff thought, falling to his knees comically. The clerk behind the counter leaned over and patted him on the shoulder. Heathcliff looked up to see the empathetic tears on the man's face. He nodded solemnly to Heathcliff.
"Um… what's happening?" Akeno's unnerved and hesitant question broke the thick air of disbelief. Heathcliff hopped to his feet and stared at her incredulously.
"You're telling me you don't know what Metal is!?" Heathcliff exclaimed. Akeno cringed slightly and shook her head frantically. Heathcliff took a deep breath and held back his outrage.
"I'm sorry, I just have no idea what you just did." Akeno said innocently. Heathcliff clasped his hands together, holding them over his lips. She waited cautiously for his next outburst.
"Akeno, what kind of music do you listen to?" Heathcliff asked calmly. Akeno settled down and put a finger on her chin as she thought. Heathcliff smiled.
Her thinking face is cute. Gah, what the? That came out of nowhere… He thought. He continued to smile at her nonetheless. She eventually came around and sighed.
"None, really. I tend to read a lot, and I don't really have anything to listen with." Akeno answered. Heathcliff's smile turned to horror as he fell to his hands and knees. Akeno reached for him out of concern, but he held up a hand.
"Let me process this." Heathcliff said. So Akeno backed off and allowed him to wallow on the ground for several moments. He then stood up and pointed to the instrument currently strapped to him.
"One of these days you're going to listen to me play. If I was back in Australia, my band could get together… but those bastards wouldn't even talk to me. Heathcliff finished his words in thoughts. He grew solemn again. He failed to realize Akeno would easily pick up on his emotional change. Akeno stepped forward and reached up to cup his cheek. She forced him down into a kiss.
"Don't worry… you're more than enough for me to listen to. Okay?" Akeno said with a sweet and sarcastic smile. Heathcliff felt more insulted than consoled.
"Really? Was that supposed to be funny?" He asked with a furrowed brow. Akeno giggled and pinched the cheek she was holding. Heathcliff reeled back.
"It was to me. Aw come on, don't give me that!" Akeno laughed as Heathcliff moped about. He slowly put away the guitar and the pedal, mumbling about inconsiderate women the whole time. Akeno continued to giggle at his reaction. He eventually returned to her side and continued his tirade of moping and groaning. Akeno tried to pinch his cheek again and he violently pulled away.
"Holy crap, okay, sorry. Heath!" Akeno called as he started out of the store without her. Heathcliff slid to the side as Akeno came rushing out the door and caught her in his arms. She laughed as he spun her around and brought her to his level.
"Damn you… You're the most intoxicating drink in the whole world." Heathcliff said as he kissed her. Akeno giggled into their embrace and ferociously kissed him back. He slid a hand over her thigh, twisting his grip into her stocking. Akeno broke away and licked her lips.
"Heath… I thought you were all mopey and upset?" Akeno wondered. She sucked in a quick breath when Heathcliff ran his hand up her thigh.
"I can't be mad at you. Then I can't do this…" Heathcliff trailed off, pulling her into another passionate kiss. Akeno gladly received him and returned it tenfold. She slowly slid her free hand under his shirt and kept the other squeezing the back of his neck. A rather hard task to do with how powerful his trapeziuses were. Heathcliff had to stop when he felt himself forcing his tongue into her mouth, and felt his other hand halfway up her side. Akeno's blushing, ever-inviting face grew curious as he breathed heavily and leaned back against the wall.
"Okay… sorry… I kinda lost… myself there. I forgot how aggressive I can be… sorry." Heathcliff said, releasing Akeno from his grasp. He noticed how she grew slightly upset.
"That's okay. I wasn't stopping you, you know." Akeno said, her hand still firmly pressed against his chest. Heathcliff placed his hand over hers and smiled.
"That's good… I think… but… People are around. And stuff…" Heathcliff mumbled. Akeno smiled at him and slid her hand around his waist.
"I'm sure you can take us somewhere more private." Akeno said suggestively. Heathcliff blushed and grinned sheepishly. Akeno's touch sent firestorms across his body. He suspected the same went for her. He looked her in the eye and gulped.
"Y-You sure?" Heathcliff asked. Akeno pulled him closer with a nod and a very lecherous grin. Heathcliff gulped nervously. He then glanced around to check for anyone watching them. Not a soul was in sight. He double checked with his senses, which were slightly dulled from the intense sensations. Coast was clearer than her silent message to him. He then grabbed her about the waist and jumped with all the might he could muster.
There, that rooftop… Heathcliff thought brokenly. His mind focused only on one matter. He jumped and leapt across the Kuoh rooftops, finally settling on a secluded one with a large garden. Trees shadowed and shaded them from prying eyes. Heathcliff enhanced his focus on his sixth sense as he pushed Akeno up against the wall of the stairwell.
"Good choice… Now, where were we?" Akeno wondered with a wicked smile. She pulled him down and locked lips with him. Heathcliff pulled her close and let his hands wander again. Akeno slipped a hand under his undershirt and wrapped a leg about his waist. He could feel her fingers pressing and tracing his muscles as his found their way around. He rested one under her skirt on her thigh. The other managed to find her chest. Akeno moaned as Heathcliff's large hand cupped her right breast. They parted and Akeno smiled.
"Naughty boy indeed…" Akeno whispered. Heathcliff chuckled as he leaned forward and kissed her neck. Akeno bit her lip and squeezed his shoulder as Heathcliff started licking her neck.
"So what if I am? Don't forget you're the one wearing black lace here." Heathcliff mumbled into her neck. Akeno gasped as his lips found her jugular and something jabbed her in the lower stomach.
"Says the one poking me with his… junior." Akeno giggled. Heathcliff pulled away, a predatory look in his eye. He sniffed the air and his face split with a wicked grin.
"Look who's talking." He whispered. Akeno giggled as she continued to grope at his torso.
"Ahem."
Heathcliff nearly flew off the side of the building as he jumped back and landed on the railing along the rooftop. He purposefully crouched, as he would have a rather pointy problem if he stood up. Akeno giggled as she wiped the spit from her mouth and adjusted her clothes. Rias stood just adjacent to them, her arms crossed under her bust and a very irritated glare accompanied her stare. Heathcliff's senses came back in full force and now told him of Rias' flared presence.
"H-H-Hey Rias! How-uh- how long… Where'd you come from!?" Heathcliff asked sheepishly. Rias' glare softened slightly when she glanced at him, and he could sense the fluctuation in her emotions when their eyes met. But she returned to glaring at Akeno before he could discern the change.
"Akeno, what the hell were you doing?" Rias asked as if Heathcliff wasn't even there. He slowly felt his problem die down as Akeno cleared her throat and address Rias.
"I was helping Heathcliff feel better. What's wrong with that?" Akeno asked. Rias stomped her foot and raised a very angry finger at her Queen.
"And that requires you to tempt him into groping you!?" Rias shouted. Akeno laughed and shook her head. Heathcliff remained quiet, choosing to watch the exchange. He still didn't quite understand Rias' feelings.
"As a matter of fact, Heathcliff did that himself. I just didn't stop him." Akeno said with a smile. Rias' eye twitched and she shot a glare at Heathcliff. He nearly felt the need to dodge her condensed anger.
"Fine then. Heathcliff, how did Akeno's breast feel?" Rias asked, suddenly calmer than Akeno. Heathcliff nearly did fall off the railing at her inquiry. He glanced between the two and gulped.
"Um… why is that relevant?" He asked. Rias suddenly walked over and pulled him from the railing. Heathcliff caught himself and stood up as Rias took his hand and blatantly put it against her breast. Heathcliff sucked in a quick breath and tried to hang onto his sanity for dear life. He stood as a broken record. Stuttering slightly and unable to think coherently.
"Oh? Trying to one-up me in the breast department is kind of foolish. Yours are smaller than mine." Akeno said. She walked up beside Heathcliff and grabbed his right hand. Before anything drastic happened again, Heathcliff froze all of his muscles in place. Neither Rias nor Akeno could force him to move.
"Heath?" The said in unison. Heathcliff was released from their grips and relaxed his tension. He fixed his shirt and let his blood cool down to where he could see straight. Their quarrel subsided, replaced with concern and curiosity over Heathcliff.
"What the hell is wrong with you two? You were arguing over me back when I joined and now you're trying to force me into… more than awkward situations? Seriously, what the hell?" Heathcliff wondered. He knew Akeno hadn't truly done anything out of the ordinary but when she argued with Rias over him was when it truly bothered him. Rias shrunk back, an odd mix of emotions and it was impossible to get a grip on just one. Akeno looked downcast and wrung her fingers. A dim silence overcame the rooftop. The wind kicked at the tree leaves.
"Sorry, Heath… I just… Don't like it when Akeno keeps you away from me. She knows it bothers me, too. Yet-" Rias cut off when Heathcliff held up a hand. He scratched his head and tried to wrap his mind around her unusual reasoning.
"What does that even mean? We see each other in the club, in class, and you even came to my house for fuck's sake. And now you're here, while I was… Ah shit, how would I put it…?" Heathcliff trailed off. He shook away the last of his thoughts and focused on the immediate and glaring problem.
"Wait, wait, wait, what are you doing here anyway?" Heathcliff asked. Rias looked up at him. He knew he changed the subject, but he wanted to know why he was interrupted. Rias cleared her throat and her regular, commanding demeanor returned.
"Uh, well, I have news. Asia was having trouble returning to the living, as I suspected… So I offered to reincarnate her as my Bishop. She agreed after learning you were under my command as well. So, she'll be staying with you just as Kala and Raynare are. I will also be joining you starting today. You weren't home, and when I asked Caroline she said Akeno had whisked you away. Since you're so good at hiding I followed her magic signature." Rias explained calmly. Though the contents of her explanation hit Heathcliff harder than most people could. He stood, silent as night for several moments. Then the information finished processing in his mind.
"I'm sorry, WHAT!?" Heathcliff shouted. Akeno was slightly irate and upset at the news, but nowhere near as inflamed as Heathcliff was. Rias reeled back in surprise at his outburst.
"Ah, um, I should've suspected you'd react like that…" Rias mumbled. Heathcliff jumped up to the highest point on the roof, a large antenna, and peered out across the town. From here he spotted a large truck on his street. With his sixth sense, he picked out everyone in his house. Asia, Kala, Raynare, and the moving men. He turned and shot a glare at Rias.
"What the hell are you pulling? My house isn't big enough, plus Raynare is terrified of me. What the hell did Mum say?" Heathcliff exclaimed, jumping back down next to Rias. She smiled and waved him off. As though she could just brush his concerns away.
"I'm not pulling anything. I can't leave three girls unattended in your home, especially two Fallen Angels. Any other problems?" Rias asked. Heathcliff, woefully unsatisfied with such a superficial answer, shook his head and rubbed his temples. Akeno walked up and put a comforting hand on his back. She shot Rias a glare that was returned.
"Heath, are you going to be alright there? If you need a break…" Akeno leaned close to his ear. His sensitive hearing was something she must've been aware of, as barely a whisper exited her lips. "…there's always room at the shrine."
"Alright… Well, I'm really not in the mood for anything now. So I'll be dropping Akeno off and locked down in my room for the night." Heathcliff announced. He winked at Akeno as he picked her up and glanced to Rias over his shoulder. She attempted to stop him but Heathcliff already leapt off the rooftop with Akeno laughing as they descended.
"Dammit… Heath, can't you see that I love you?"
Heathcliff opted to use the rear entrance to his house, as the front was currently occupied. He jumped to his balcony and vaulted onto it. When he opened his door he found exactly what he was trying to avoid sitting on his bed. Kala smiled and jumped up to greet him as he entered.
"Heath! Where've you been?" Kala asked, trying to cling to him. Heathcliff carefully pried her off and sighed.
"Does it really matter? It's like I don't even live here. It was only like a month ago that it was just me and Mum." Heathcliff complained. His ire died out when he noticed Raynare nervously sweating as she sat on his bed, wearing a Kuoh girls' uniform. Same as Kala. She did her best not to look Heathcliff in the eye but snuck glances at him. He walked past Kala and dropped down onto one knee in front of Raynare. She flinched.
"Raynare… I'm sorry that I hurt you so much. I was angry. That wasn't me. Can you ever forgive me?" Heathcliff asked, bowing his head. He felt a tug on his shirt collar and looked up to see Raynare nervously smiling.
"It's okay. I deserved it… I should be thanking you for letting me live. I-I want to be of use to you…" Raynare trailed off as Heathcliff took her hand in his. He smiled and shook his head.
"Don't worry. All I ask is forgiveness. You did right by reversing your actions. But I don't want you to be living in fear of me." Heathcliff said quietly. Raynare nervously looked away.
"I-I forgive you… you were in the right, anyway. B-But… are you sure everything is okay?" Raynare asked. Heathcliff nodded and sat on the spot next to Raynare. Kala joined them and clung to his side.
"Yes, everything is fine… I'm not too happy that Rias is just blatantly moving everyone into my house... but I don't really mind that much. In fact, that just means there's more for me to protect." Heathcliff said with a grin. Raynare started smiling and latched onto his side. With their combined efforts they pulled him back onto his bed and pinned him underneath their weight. Not that he was truly pinned, as they felt rather light to him.
"Yay! I'm so relieved! Does that mean you'd protect us if Kokabiel came after us?" Raynare asked. Heathcliff, who was blushing furiously, also nodded and grinned.
"Yeah, I think I could take the fuckin wombat. Why were you two working for such a foul fucker anyway?" Heathcliff asked, remembering how the man wanted war. Kala and Raynare shared a look. They pulled him closer and put their lips to his ears. Heathcliff felt his cheeks could melt steel at this point.
"He promised us rebirth into Heaven." Raynare whispered, hugging Heathcliff tightly. He merely let them do as they pleased.
"And threatened us with death should we refuse. When he ordered the death of anything or anyone who might interfere, be it people with power, or Devils, we found you." Kala explained. Her grip tightened as well. Heathcliff could feel their unrest and regret.
"He thought a foreigner would cause him trouble… So he sent me to…" Raynare trailed off. She trembled and sniffled as tears welled in her eyes. Whether from fear or remorse Heathcliff didn't care. He slid his arms out and hugged both of the unsteady girls on top of him. It was the least he could do.
"Don't worry about all that. I'm still here. I'd hope you prefer me alive rather than dead." Heathcliff chuckled. He was suddenly smothered by both women as they furiously hugged him. Heathcliff had to force his head out from between their bust to breath.
"Of course we do! We also came to an agreement while you were gone." Kala said, sitting up on his leg. Heathcliff became very aware of the fact that she was not wearing underwear. Neither was Raynare when she sat up. They both started unbuttoning their shirts. There was nothing beneath but skin.
Oh what's happening? Oh fuck. Heathcliff thought in panic. Raynare smiled as she took his hand and slid it into her undone shirt. Kala did the same. He nearly lost consciousness from the blood rushing away from his body.
"We'd like to serve you now. So please do as you like with us… Heath." Raynare said as she pressed his open palm against her breast. Heathcliff didn't dare pull away as violently as he wanted to. He'd rather not scare them. Slowly Heathcliff pulled his hands back and sat up gently.
"What are you talking about?" Heathcliff asked, doing his best to remain calm. The two exchanged a look and slowly grew downcast.
"Well, I thought you kept me around because you liked me… So I figured the same must go for Ray… so, we're yours to do with as you please…" Kala explained quietly. Heathcliff raised an eyebrow and pushed down on his crotch. He winced slightly, but the pain would have to wait.
"What's that supposed to mean? I kept you around because I couldn't bring myself to hurt you anymore. Same for Raynare… And I guess I hoped we could learn to be friends." Heathcliff explained with a sheepish grin. He was more than surprised when Raynare and Kala were more depressed by his words than comforted.
"So, you don't want our bodies? Our sexuality?" Raynare asked. Heathcliff blushed and froze up slightly. He searched for a way to answer that question. The two Fallen Angels appeared desperate and stared at him longingly. He hid his embarrassment and tried to keep his thoughts lucid.
How am I supposed to answer that!? They're more than beautiful… downright gorgeous. But I'm with Akeno… I can't just… do whatever. Ah fuck me… Scratch that, shoot me. Wait, I'll just come back… damn. Heathcliff dug at the corners of his mind to answer them. They ran their fingers over his collar bone and arms and his chest, making the task of response that much harder.
"Uh… well… It's just that you don't have to give me that… you don't need to give me anything at all. There's no doubt that I find you two attractive but… you don't have to… I mean, I have a girlfriend… Ah!" Heathcliff jerked his neck as Raynare leaned in and nibbled at his throat. Kala slid a hand into his shirt and started to undo his flannel.
"But I want you…" Raynare said, blowing into his ear. Heathcliff blushed deeply and let out a noise of unrest. Kala smiled and started to pull his clothes off his torso.
"And so do I. Please accept us…" Kala said. She leaned in and started licking his other ear. Heathcliff was slowly losing his mind. It was as if they didn't even hear him. Stuck between disbelief and desire he tried to adhere to his morals. Morals which were slowly being sucked out of his skin through his jugular.
"H-H-Hold on! Stop! I-I-I can't!" Heathcliff finally shouted. He pushed each of them off by the shoulder and held them at arm's length while he regained his breath. They both allowed him his space but became solemn rather quickly. Heathcliff was in awe that they had both thrown themselves at him. Rarely did he find women attracted to him, let alone willing to literally throw themselves on him.
I thought I was consoling them? How did it end up like this? Heathcliff wondered. He glanced at the two beauties and saw them still staring at him. He sensed their sadness and felt a stab of guilt in his heart. They noticed his look and stared downcast.
"See… I can't just… do that. As much as I'm sure I'd enjoy it… I can't. I'm faithful. I'm sorry. I can't fathom why you chose me of all people to… anyway. Please understand I'm not rejecting you. Or, at least I'm not trying to. And please don't cry, you'd surely break my spirit if you did." Heathcliff said. He immediately felt his resolve start to crumble when both of them started sniffling.
"Oh no… no… no… Please don't cry… I'm sorry… please, no." Heathcliff pleaded. He brought them into his arms and they accepted his hug. Raynare looked up at him with shimmering eyes. Heathcliff felt his heart snap in two. He had to look away.
"I'm sorry… please don't cry. I'll do anything." Heathcliff said, hanging his head. He felt their moods change and they pushed him back onto his bed. Kala smiled and hugged him closer to her. Raynare laid on top of him and cuddled close to his chest.
"Fine, I suppose I'll settle for cuddling with you for now." Raynare sighed happily. Heathcliff was relieved as they seemed satisfied now. He relaxed and let Kala hold him close to her chest.
"I guess I can, too. But don't hesitate if you need anything, Heath." Kala said. Her smile widened when Heathcliff let out a relaxed sigh.
"I don't think I need anything right now… Thanks guys. Just don't let anyone catch us, okay?" Heathcliff asked. The two Fallen Angels giggled. Heathcliff felt his stomach sink as his door swung open to reveal Asia and Rias.
"I guess the competition just got stronger. I'm not letting you two or Akeno have Heathcliff. Now…" Rias started as she entered the room. Heathcliff could sense a heavy layer of anger and jealousy not only in Rias but also in her voice. Asia pouted as she joined Rias.
"I want to cuddle with Heathcliff, too!" Asia exclaimed suddenly, jumping between Kala and Raynare. Heathcliff flexed to ensure he didn't lose his oxygen and was starting to feel the weight on him. Rias growled and Heathcliff had to peek over Asia's head to see her fuming.
"Not you too, Asia! Dammit! Only I get to cuddle with HEATH!" Rias shouted. She suddenly jumped on the bed as well, her chest aimed directly for Heathcliff's face.
Oh fuck. His breathing became hard as softness engulfed his head. Some form of argument was ensuing outside of his dark hell, but he was having a hard time comprehending it. Not only was Rias' chest suffocating, it was also soundproofed. It seems he could die in peace. But all hope was lost when Kiva suddenly kicked in.
[Seems you're in a bit of a pickle. I might be pinned, but I can extend myself outwards to a point where your skin is exposed enough for oxygen absorption. I'll transfer it to your bloodstream from there.] Kiva explained. Heathcliff felt the creature start to move a tendril across his skin. More extended from his mass and spread out across his body. Suddenly his body stopped aching for him to breathe. His lungs still felt empty, but his consciousness remained.
Huh, didn't know you could do that. I suppose that's how you breathed before me. Heathcliff thought. Kiva gave a hum in response, a sign he was concentrating. But it was also an answer to his assumption. Kiva used to absorb oxygen, just as he was now doing to keep Heathcliff alive.
I guess now's a good time to get some sleep. It'll be easier for you to work that way. Heathcliff thought as he let himself relax. Within the darkness of being covered by women, he found himself a snug position to sleep in. Their sweet scents mixed with each other, creating a concoction of scent that sent him to the sandman easily.
Heathcliff awoke to the scent of food. He glanced about to see his bed empty, much to his relief. He got up and shook the tiredness from his mind. He left his room and jumped down the stairs as he normally did. When he landed and walked around the corner into the kitchen his blood started rushing again. Quite literally all of the girls were in nothing but aprons at the stove and counter preparing food. The worst part of the situation was that his mother simply sat at the table with a coffee in one hand and a magazine in the other.
"Oh, Heathcliff! These girls are just darlings. Can you believe that they're all volunteering to do the housework for me!? I was confident in how handsome and sweet you were, but this is just amazing. What's that look for?" Caroline's fawning was replaced with confusion as Heathcliff stared in horror at the scene. He gripped his head and gestured to the girls as they turned their attention to him.
"What the fuck is this!? Where are their clothes!?" Heathcliff yelled. Caroline smacked him with the magazine.
"Heathcliff Robert King!" Caroline shouted, giving Heathcliff a strong glare. He settled down and sighed.
"Right, right… sorry. But still!" Heathcliff exclaimed. Raynare skipped over to him and caught his arm in hers, pressing it between her breasts. Heathcliff felt his face fire up and Caroline started laughing.
"C'mon Heath, you know you like it. Rias said this would certainly cheer you up. Guess she was right." Raynare said as she rubbed against his arm. Heathcliff did his best to keep his composure and shot Rias a halfhearted scowl. Kala soon grabbed his other arm and pulled him away from Raynare a bit.
"Your mom doesn't care, so what's your problem? You like it, don't you?" Kala asked, pressing her breasts together. Heathcliff tried to keep his eyes on track, but they seemed to spot a curve of a butt or cleavage wherever he tried to look. He nearly made himself dizzy just thinking about where to look. He eventually pried himself away and sat down at the table. His face in his palms as Raynare and Kala returned to the stove.
"Of all the things to allow in your house, you let them cook mostly nude?" Heathcliff wondered, still buried in his hands. Caroline swatted his head with the magazine again.
"They're wonderful ladies and I hope you appreciate them even more than I do." Caroline stated. Heathcliff sighed and nodded slightly. His mother went back to sipping coffee and reading. When he was done moping, Heathcliff relaxed in his chair and stared at the ceiling.
"Say, I'm a little confused. Where's your dad, Heath?" Raynare's voice asked suddenly. Heathcliff felt his chest tighten as he slowly leaned forward in his seat. His eyes sank as melancholy gripped his mind. Caroline sniffled and set her coffee down. Heathcliff stared at Raynare, making her flinch. The deathly cold look in his eye even made Asia take a step behind Rias.
"My father, James King, died last year in an auto accident." Heathcliff said numbly. Raynare's smile fell, as did Asia's. Rias and Kala shared a look as Heathcliff bowed his head and took in a shaky breath. It took all his willpower not to tear up. He held his mother's hand as she tried to remain strong.
"Oh… I'm sorry…" Raynare mumbled. Heathcliff waved his hand and stood up.
"Don't worry about it… I'm… not really hungry… I'm going back upstairs." Heathcliff said. Something twisted harshly inside of him. It made him want to vomit. Heathcliff dejectedly walked back upstairs, rather than leap as he normally would. The girls watched him go with concern. Caroline steadied her breath.
"Heathcliff is… very sensitive about his father. He'll be okay, though. He's a strong boy."
"What about you, Mrs. King?"
"I'm fine… I have my mementos of James… Heathcliff though… he doesn't have any. Only his memories and his teachings."
'That's the spirit, lad! Grow stronger, girls love muscles! Just ask your mother! HAHA!'
Heathcliff tried to ignore the warm memories flashing in his mind. They only made his chest ache more than it already did. An hour passed, and his mind showed no sign of settling down.
'Aches give us a reason to fight. If it comes back, that means it's needed. Required to keep moving. Don't let a little pain hold you back.'
As if the words matched his feelings, they helped him fend off the tears behind his eyes. They burned and branded his mind with pain, but it couldn't be helped. Not even Kiva shutting his receptors off would work. As if fate had truly wanted to test him this day, so it gave him a strong pain. Quite possibly it was the thought of the girls with him. So close, yet so far. He even regretted going as far as he did with Akeno. Paranoia set in, furious and wicked lies of his own mind.
What if they find out?
'Fuck you, Heath! You're a goddamn animal! I'll kill you!'
'He's a monster! Just look at him! A huge monster of a human!'
Voices he did not like. Voices he did not remember plagued him. They were familiar, but they did not match the happy-go-lucky cultivated Australian accent of his father. Their anger bashed against his mind. Looking for an escape from their prison. He wished to release them, but he could find no key.
I hope they'll understand. Given how much I was understood in Australia, I can't help but doubt.
Heathcliff didn't know if he fell asleep or not. He suspected he had been awake for another solid two hours, as he did not feel the groggy sensation of awakening. He glanced at his alarm and noticed it was late. Far later than when he had returned to his room. But sleep still eluded him and he was plagued by malicious memories and painful reassurances from his father's voice. He crept out of his bed and stepped onto the carpet, feeling the warm material dig into his flesh. He replaced his jeans with fleece pants and took his flannel off. He checked the presences in his house.
Almost everyone is asleep. Almost. Heathcliff quietly left his moonlit room and shuffled into the dark hallway. A dim light down the hall called his attention. He made his way there and found the door ajar. Inside he found Rias studying diligently. A task he never often found himself undertaking. He pushed the door open gently and it released a creak of relief. Rias turned and was surprised to see him standing there.
"Heath… what's wrong? Are you okay?" Rias asked. Concern for him was her new assignment. Heathcliff shrugged, unable to come to terms with his own needs. He wanted to tell her what he genuinely desired. But words were hard to come by in a vocabulary famine.
"Not really… I can't sleep. And… I keep having bad memories creep up on me." Heathcliff admitted. Rias examined him and patted him on the chest.
"Is… is it about your father?" Rias asked gently. Heathcliff nodded. He felt all his strength was nothing to compete with the thrashing he was receiving from his own brain. Rias hugged him tightly. He hugged her back and rested his head on hers.
"Here, I'll stay with you. Let's go back to your room." Rias said as she released him. She shut the light off in her room and ushered Heathcliff out into the hall. He felt a small measure of relief and happiness return to his throbbing body. He would never openly admit or ask for someone to stay with him as Rias had just volunteered to. He thought he could deal on his own. But specters hurled their icy spears of hatred at him this night. Rias led him back to his own room and locked the door behind them as they entered. She made him climb back into bed before joining him. And as if she could read minds, Rias pulled his head close to her and tucked him under her chin. He slowly accepted her embrace and felt bliss return to him.
"Why didn't you say anything earlier? It's almost midnight." Rias whispered, stroking his hair. Heathcliff grunted and blushed in the darkness.
"I wouldn't have even said anything if you hadn't noticed me. I probably would've tried to go back to sleep on my own. It's too embarrassing." Heathcliff mumbled into her embrace. Rias kissed his forehead and snuggled him closer.
"Don't be silly. I'm always here for you, Heath. Do not ever hesitate to ask for anything. You can be as selfish as you want. Understand?" Rias asked. Heathcliff heard her words but between the newfound comfort and reassurance he felt, sleep quickly overtook him once more. He couldn't respond with much aside from moving closer to her and falling into a deep sleep.
"Good. I'll always hold you. Only you are allowed this. Only you can be so intimate with me."
The Next Morrow…
Heathcliff awoke with a start. He noticed his alarm had yet to go off. Never had he awoken before his alarm went off. He checked the clock. It was minutes before the timer struck. He turned the alarm off for the morning and sat up with a yawn. Out of a newfound habit, he checked his bed for naked women. Within all of the years he had lived Heathcliff never imagined he would have to investigate his bed for hidden nude girls. One too many mishaps led to this new routine. Now he had three others to worry about finding in his sheets.
"Huh…" Heathcliff muttered, finding his bed clear of girls. He got up and began his regular routine for school. But before he made his way across the hall for a shower he checked his senses. Either everyone was still in their room, or like Rias, they were already downstairs. In that brief moment, though, he wondered when his house acquired so many rooms. Heathcliff slipped into the bathroom and started his shower, allowing himself a brief moment of relaxation sitting under the hot water. His tense and knotted muscles relaxed slightly. He briefly took his attention away from everything aside from the hot water running down his back.
[Pft…] That was until his back was taken over by a soft, heavy feeling. Heathcliff returned from his trance to find a rather familiar presence on his back. More than familiar. They were getting very cozy with his back.
"You let your guard down… mind if I wash your back?" Raynare whispered in his ear. Heathcliff glanced at her over his shoulder and sighed.
"What the hell are you doing?" Heathcliff groaned. While he enjoyed the pleasant feeling of Raynare's breasts on his back, her hand snaking down his torso to his thighs made him quite nervous.
"Oh come on! Will you really not do anything with me?" Raynare whined as Heathcliff shrugged her off. He shook his head and applied shampoo.
"I'll give you a warm hug when we're both fully clothed and dry. That's about all I'm comfortable with, being a taken man and all." Heathcliff stated. Raynare pouted behind him and gently smacked his shoulder.
"Meanie… Hmm? What's this? A growth?" Raynare wondered, poking Kiva's mass gently. Heathcliff felt the creature shiver from the sensation. Heathcliff carefully brushed her hand away.
"That's Kiva, the Synergetic alien that gave me the form you saw the other day…" Heathcliff explained. Raynare leaned down behind him and got uncomfortably close to his lower back. Heathcliff tightened his towel.
"An alien? So your powers aren't even magical?" Raynare asked. Heathcliff shook his head and washed his hair out.
"Nope, not all of them. Most of what I can do are biological enhancements Kiva recreated with my body. The fire I breathe and the obsidian swords I use are just two examples." Heathcliff continued. Raynare was suddenly on his shoulder again and leaned into his vision.
"That's cool! I mean, that fire really hurt… but still. What else does he do for you?" Raynare asked. Heathcliff laughed and handed her a sponge.
"Since you offered, I'll talk. You scrub." He said with a grin. Raynare smiled and squeezed the soap out onto her chest. Heathcliff did his best not to stare at her chest the whole time. She squished herself against his back, happily rubbing away.
"Anyway… Kiva is an Assassin Type Synergetic. Meaning whatever he bonds with becomes very strong and impossible to attack. My sixth sense, the one that lets me dodge bullets, is like a huge three-sixty map in my head. I can even sense changes in your heartbeat and emotional state with the refinement that it underwent when I was turned into a Devil." Heathcliff explained. Raynare curiously poked his cheek.
"So what's all that weird goo you shoot from your wrists?" Raynare asked. Heathcliff procured some of it and stuck her finger to his face with it. She pouted and pulled against it to no avail.
"Caulobacter webbing. A type of bacteria lives inside Kiva, and now me, which creates the webbing to hold itself together. I use them in my little wall climbing trick as well. Can hold up to a couple tons if I remember right. And I can command them to break apart at will, like so." Heathcliff elucidated. He then snapped his fingers and the webbing disintegrated. Raynare looked impressed. She continued her task and remained rather quiet. Heathcliff glanced at her.
"You know, you could tie me up with that and fuck me all day if you wanted. I wouldn't stop you." Raynare said bluntly. Heathcliff choked on his own breath. Various, lascivious images flashed in his mind.
"What!? No! Do you really think I use it just 'cause I'm into BDSM?" Heathcliff asked belligerently. Raynare giggled and slipped her hand over the front of his towel. He went red and froze up momentarily.
"You're getting a little stiff. I'd say yes…" Raynare snickered. Heathcliff tried to move her arm but she grabbed the didgeridoodle by the throat and he was forced to still himself. He watched with fearful eyes as Raynare slithered up to his side and bit his ear.
"Just admit it. You'd love nothing more than to tie my wrists together, bend me over… and fuck me senseless." Raynare whispered. Heathcliff felt his blood start to rush. Between her on his back and the images her words kept pushing into his mind he was starting to lose rational thought. She squeezed her grip and Heathcliff had to pry her off of him.
"No, nope, stop! We're done here!"
"Aw come on! You're already hard!"
"SHUT UP!"
Later…
The sound of Heathcliff's head striking his desk during the final study hall of the day attracted the attention of some of his classmates. Namely the girls who all lived in his house and had been vying for his attention all day. And of course, Akeno, who sat just next to him. She put a comforting hand on his shoulder and rubbed some of the stress from his shoulder. He was completely surrounded on all sides by them. Raynare now sat to his left, constantly pushing their desks together during breaks. Luckily his back was open and he could slip away with ease. But as he tried to do the same now, a hand caught his collar and he was left dangling in his tipped back seat.
"Heath, come on. We're going to the clubroom." Rias said, holding firmly to his collar. Heathcliff tiredly nodded and she dropped him on the floor purposefully. He laid there for several seconds as the rest of the girls got up and walked past him. All of them stepped directly over his face.
"Ah!" Heathcliff sat bolt upright and got off the floor before Akeno could step over him. She giggled and offered a hand to him as he clambered off his seat. Heathcliff accepted her hand and picked his bag up. They then walked hand-in-hand, following the others out. The scene garnered more attention than he liked it to but ignored the disturbed or baffled stares of his classmates.
"So that was… traumatizing." Heathcliff murmured. Akeno giggled and pressed into his side as they walked.
"I guess you're really not much of a pervert, then. And I was so willing to let you see mine…" Akeno teased, tugging at the collar of her shirt. Heathcliff grinned and moved his arm to her waist, relocking his hand with hers over her stomach.
"I still find it a bit rude, but it's them who've got me all fucking confused. That was more than purposeful. I think Rias knew I was going to fall back and zip on outta there and planned that, then those two just joined in." Heathcliff said with a sigh. Akeno put her head on his shoulder and her grip tightened. He sensed her displeasure and squeezed her reassuringly.
"I'm really pissed they keep trying to take you from me. I'd be willing to share if you weren't so noble about it. I'm surprised you actually kept those damn angels off." Akeno said. Heathcliff stopped dead in his tracks. He glanced at her incredulously and tried to comprehend what had just been uttered. Akeno turned around and gave him a doe-eyed stare of confusion.
"Sorry, could you reiterate?" Heathcliff asked politely. Akeno tilted her head.
"Which part?" She responded. Heathcliff rubbed his stubble-covered chin and tried to recover from his shock.
"Sharing?" He wondered. Akeno grinned and nodded.
"Oh yeah. You didn't notice how much they all want you? The only reason I keep you all to myself is because you let me. I'm sure if you let them, the two angels would certainly relieve you." Akeno said with a sly smile. Heathcliff's backpack sagged off his shoulder.
That can't be how she really feels. I thought she hated those two? Wouldn't she want to keep me away from them? What's happening here? Help. Heathcliff's thought process redirected to a busy line. Soon Kiva came over the telegram and started laughing.
[That's one hell of a lost boomerang. Dude, you should totally do that thing Arabic guys do. What's it called?] Kiva wondered. Heathcliff pinched the bridge of his nose. The creature liked Heathcliff's archaic mind more than his refined one.
A… harem? Is that even legal? Well, marrying more than one is illegal, but… I'm sorry, let's get back on track here. Heathcliff shook his head and clasped Akeno on the shoulders. She gasped as he hugged her close. The hall was deathly quiet.
"Are you sure that's how you feel? How could you let me go so easily?" Heathcliff asked quietly. His voice barely snapped the silence. Akeno's smile faded and she hugged him.
"I'm sorry, am I pushing you away? I didn't mean that… Devils have a very open style of life. Many powerful ones have many lovers. So, I won't mind if you accept them as well… as much as it bothers me." Akeno explained. Heathcliff's grip tightened.
"If it bothers you, then why would I do it?" He asked. Akeno giggled.
"Because you're a sweetheart. You're too sweet, actually. So I don't care. But if you've really pledged yourself that much, it's up to you." Akeno said sweetly. She kissed him and smiled. Heathcliff mind was in distress. His body ached and violently fought him to give into desire and accept Akeno's openness. But his mind kept fighting valiantly. So much so that he was stuck in a limbo of turmoil only someone identical to him could experience.
"You can't be serious…" Heathcliff muttered. Akeno sighed, fed up with his indecisiveness and buffoonery. She released him and squeezed his cheeks with her hand.
"Just think about it, dummy." Akeno said with a grin. She then turned and walked ahead without him. Heathcliff, left with insecurity and doubt, could only sink to his knees momentarily.
"How the fuck am I supposed to think about that?" He wondered. For several inconclusive moments he stood in silent ice. His thoughts drawing out like a blank line upon a sheet.
"HEATHCLIFF, ARE YOU COMING!?" Rias' voice called. Heathcliff broke his stupor and started off down the hall again. He focused on the coming tasks, choosing to ignore the blast of irregular logic hoisted upon him.
Nothing makes sense anymore.
And here you are once again. There's probably more coming soon after because I like this character so much.
Thanks guys,
See you next time with the King of Symbiosis.