(I don't think I need to say it... I wish I owned Diabolik Lovers)

(was trying to post this before my birthday- 31st December- lol that flopped)

I am so happy you've all continued this far; seriously.

Thank you:
AstridClaire, DarkLov3, LunaLightSerenade, Lunarose jodes, MegamiTenshiHime, Nijnabor0312, TheSunAndMoon4321, ashleygrusz, kuroyuki051700, LunarQuartet, WhiteSakura11, pink1268, AkaiYukki, DaedraChild, XRagingBear187X, waterfall66631, Otakuversion2.0, wildcrazything, Black Roses Wilt, nijah44, alistil20

for following my story :)

Thank you:
Alissin, MegamiTenshiHime, kuroyuki051700, LunarQuartet, Starawesomeness2, WhiteSakura11, pink1268, AkaiYukki, waterfall66631, Ichika07, ashleygrusz, Otakuversion2.0, Black Roses Wilt, nijah44

for putting my story in your favourites list :)

Thank you:
TheSunAndMoon4321- Ah, thank you very much; I honestly didn't think I'd be able to gauge such a reaction- I'm glad I was able to get you more excited :) ;) Get ready, cause stuff- eventually- gets crazy.

WhiteSakura11- Thank you so much, I'm happy you love it and am so relieved you like my portrayal of lil Sakamaki's XD I like writing Akune and Akuma's dialogue in this story so I'm glad you enjoy reading it lol. I shall work as hard as I can afford to and here's an update :)

shusakamakiswife- XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD Wow, I'm glad you like it. I'm brown skinned so I thought I'd make my first OC brown skinned too. I'm just so flattered from your opinion lol- thank you so much!

ashleygrusz- Thank you! I'm glad your enjoying the story so far and I will try my best to make the Sakamaki bros as in character as possible (there will be some small changes due to relationships lol) and I will try to keep the story interesting too. :)

Guest- I'm back :) Thank you very much, I'm really glad you like my story; Your comment made me really happy :D

for reviewing the second chapter of my story.

I hope you guys enjoy chapter 3.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Chapter 3: Cuddly Worries

The situation I was observing was nothing less than amusing; even Akuma stopped her fascinating observations on the 'Cuddly-King Subaru' to laugh.

Well, Yours Truly wants to read about Takoyaki Man!" the red haired boy was waving around a book with a colourfully dressed man on the front cover.

"It is a degradable book read by children with brains unable to comprehend the fact that a Man dressed in a Takoyaki costume, with only Takoyaki in his inventory, would be useless when fighting against men with actual weapons. I refuse to sit and listen to such a moronic story" the boy with glasses looked offended by the others suggestion, eyes squinting and back straightening.

Ayato and Reiji had began an argument about which book they wished to read; the rest of us sitting in various places on the carpet- observing with amusement.

"That's your problem, Tableware otaku!" I giggled at the strange nickname Ayato used for Reiji, "you want us all to do what you say when we should all be doing what Yours Truly says!"

Laito- who I am sure was next to Kanato, quite a few feet away- now had his right arm draped over my shoulders, his laughter ringing within my eardrums and tears of joy falling from his eyes. I felt my giggles become a little louder in volume due to how contagious his laugh seemed to be.

"Wow Ayato" Akuma chuckled, "I see Laito finds your bullshit exceptionally funny"

Reiji took the book from Ayato's hands with a huff and placed the- much heavier- one he had been holding into his hands. I watched Ayato's face scrunch up into something entirely unrecognisable as he struggled to hold up the book within his arms.

This medical encyclopaedia is a much more worthy book for us all; the sons of Karl-Tougo Sakamaki and it is less insulting towards Miss Akune"

Shu rubbed his hand through his hair and sighed gently, an exasperated look within his eyes, "Reiji, give us a break; by the time we finish that book it'll be dinnertime"

"Takoyaki Man does sound kind of fun" I smiled, "Whilst the medical encyclopaedia sounds interesting"

"Yet both sound like way too much hassle"

Laito released me from his grip and instead leaned gently against my shoulder; another happy smile on his face as he watched Ayato's cheeks flare red from his struggle. The red head glanced towards Kanato's direction and I watched in amazement as the small boy lifted the gigantic book with ease; using one hand- the other clutching his Teddy bear.

"Is that so Teddy?" he said, "I agree, Brother Ayato does owe us his desert for tonight's dinner"

Ayato sputtered as Kanato put the book down on the floor and grinned, "Don't you agree with Teddy, Ayato"

"And just like that, the creepiest brother has gained my respect"

"What the hell do you mean?"

"You of all people should know that I just can't ignore a well placed trolling"

My eyes rolled and I saw Ayato's eyes widen, his cheeks flushed red in frustration. Kanato smirked and I heard Subaru murmur, "Here we go..."

"Are you trying to blackmail Yours Truly?!" he placed himself before his brother and sneered, "listen up Hysteric Cry-baby, I don't have to give you anything-"

Kanato's smirk widened as he interrupted his brother with a chuckle, "But Ayato... I did help you with that book you were struggling with"

The red haired/faced boy growled.

"Which ultimately saved you from the embarrassment of hurting yourself before Akune and appearing weak"

I saw Ayato's fist clench and how his arm slowly began to rise.

So now, your dessert belongs to Teddy and I; right Teddy?"

Before the angry boy could land a hit on Kanato, Laito had moved from my side and lightly pushed them away from each other. The smile that had been on his face was missing and his eyes held enough coldness to produce a shiver from my body.

I think that's enough for now, right?" the coldness was now gone and the usual warm smile was back, "besides, the Little Cow wanted to tell us a story"

I shot Laito a small glare that only seemed to encourage him to annoy me more as he then shot me an overly cute pleading look; eyes large and mouth slightly pouted.

Please..." he blinked slowly, "Little Cow"

"THAT'S IT!" the urge to leap for his throat was halted from two words I never thought capable of being said by Akuma.

"Forget it" , my obvious surprise made her giggle, "It's an annoying nickname... but it's still just that- a nickname"

"I don't like it!"

"It's the first nickname someone's given you" She laughed whimsically, "Well, the first one someone's used as a term of endearment anyway"

Flashbacks of children from various orphanages calling me offensive things seemed to be forced through my mind; Akuma's laugh fading as I let all my frustration out with one long sigh.

"I guess he can... call me that; as long as he doesn't use it in a negative way!"

I managed to force a grin towards Laito- the confused look that took over his features made up for his usage of the annoying nickname- and I waltzed over towards a random chair within the room; dragging it into the centre. My eyes met with each boy in the room as I propped my right leg over my left and crossed my arms.

"Well?" a smirk was placed neatly on my face, "gather around and I'll tell you the tale of a little girl called... Akuma"

"Ha Ha, so fucking funny bitch"

~Mini time-skip~

"Swish! She swung her sword at the beast before her, it's jaws wide and ready to eat her whole"

I heard Subaru gasp and watched as Kanato squeezed Teddy tighter with a small fraction of fear in his eyes.

"Akuma, get outta there! Her best friend screamed but it was too late" Shu appeared disheartened; his blue eyes turning a duller shade.

I jumped from my seat and placed my hand over my heart- voice taking on a quiet tone to bring about tension.

I sighed and took a deep breath in, "The beast had knocked the sword away from her hand and clamped it's jaws around her small body"

Ayato jumped up and gritted his teeth, green eyes blazing with disappointment, "I refuse to believe she's dead! She can't be! Yours Truly is telling you to bring her back now or-"

The rest of the brothers made a "shush!" sound causing the boy to heat up in embarrassment and sit down; grumbles of how "Akuma better be alive" slipping from pouting lips.

"I damn straight better be alive!"

Holding back my laughter I made my hands into my own impression of claws and spoke in a deeper voice, "Now little boy; there's know one to stop me from eating you too!"

Subaru's eyes widened, the grip Kanato had around his bear honestly should've ripped it apart, Ayato's eyebrows were drawn together as a frown drew upon his face, Shu's mouth was slightly agape, Laito was breathing heavily and Reiji scoffed but I could see the anxiety hidden behind his stern expression.

"It leapt towards him and he covered his eyes screaming, AKUMA HEEEELLLPPPP!"

"Silly human" Reiji pushed his glasses further up his nose.

I stayed silent and looked each of the boys in the eye; a small smirk placing itself upon my face. Each of the boys leaned closer and I smiled, "The feeling of being eaten was not felt by the boy but when he removed his hands from his eyes, he saw something completely mind boggling"

Ayato stood and I smirked towards the hopeful glow that radiated on his face.

"Well!" Laito burst out; as if reading the minds of the other boys, "Hurry up Little Cow, what was it?!"

One of my fingers stroked the side of my head in thought and I giggled lightly. Subaru frowned and sent a slightly pleading gaze towards my person; making me stop my teasing.

"Transparent arms were locked around the beasts throat as it tried to breathe air into its lungs- stepping further away from the boy due to its struggle. Before it realised, the arms had left its throat; reaching towards a shiny object by its feet"

"THE SWORD!" all the boys said at the same time; some louder than others.

I giggled and proceeded to explain to the boys how Akuma's spirit had heard her best friends cries and returned to rescue him; before encouraging him to achieve his dreams- then returning to the afterlife with a cheeky grin on her face.

I know that it's cruel but I couldn't help but find each of their reactions amusing.

Shu had a peaceful expression on his face, stating that "the fact they were able to give a proper goodbye was relieving"; leading to Reiji scowling and clicking his tongue in annoyance.

"Pathetic" he said clearly, "goodbyes do not change the fact that they will never see one another again; Akuma is dead and nothing shall change that"

I felt a small pang within my chest at Shu's slightly disheartened expression, "I guess your right but... it's still nice"

"Oh Shu...""For fuck sakes Reiji! Why are you such a stiff ass mother-"
"Akuma!""But he is!"

With a forced smile, I ruffled Shu's hair; a light blush probably appearing on my cheeks. He grinned brightly and seemed to lean into my touch, "I agree with you Shu, It's a very nice way to part with someone you care for".

The burn from Reiji's glare forced me to turn towards his direction and flash him a quick smile, "You were correct also Reiji. Goodbyes do not change the fact that someone is dead"

"The same way knowing my past wouldn't change the fact that I did forget it"
"Akune..."

Arms wrapped themselves around my shoulders, snapping me out from my short daze and alerting me to a presence behind me; making me cringe due to the unexpected touch.

The sound of light chuckles by my ear made the corner of my mouth twitch.

"Well Little Cow, you really know how to pull on my emotional side" Laito grinned, releasing me from his hold and standing beside me, "next time though... I want a romantic story"

The wink he shot me made my heart stop.

"Wow Akune, didn't peg you for the kind of girl to go for TWO brothers..."

"What?"
"Don't play stupid, stupid! You felt your heart- that's crush number two right there!"
"No way, Laito is... nothing like Shu"

Akuma sighed, "Next you'll be telling me that you love Ayato... then Reiji and finally Kanato..."

"Akuma! I only have a small little thing for Shu! You said so yourself!" My eyelid twitched in annoyance, "Why in that order anyway... if anything, the only one I'd be able to bare after Shu is Subaru"

The sudden pelt of warning I could feel was intense.

"Well Akune, that's because I think you'd suit all of the lil cuddlies!" She said quietly, her voice sounding eerily smooth, "But you can't be with the Cuddly King..."

Before I could ask why, Subaru clicked one of his fingers before my face; bringing my attention to his confused expression.

I watched as he folded his arms and gave me a hesitant glance, "Why?"

I blinked, "Why what?"

His head tilted slightly to the left as he sighed and furrowed his eyebrows; as if the question he was about to ask puzzled even himself.

"Why ... would Akuma sacrifice herself for someone else like that..." he murmured, "Did she ... hate herself too?"

Shock was apparent in my eyes; why would Subaru think that he was hated? Sure he was a little quiet but he was definitely in my positive books. Instead of voicing this however, I decided to answer his question, "She cared a lot for him, he was the only person who believed in her; even when no one else did"

Light red eyes widened as confusion was replaced by fascination.

"That's... wow"

"Yep. He definitely my second favourite... If not Shu, then you may pair me up with Subaru"

"NO!"

I nearly jumped from the force of her words echoing in my mind.

"W-why?"

"S-Subaru... he's..."

She made me look at the boy, drilling her next word deep into my very core.

"M.I.N.E"

I shivered. Never has Akuma ever spoken to me with such a... menacing tone. Yes, she's shouted at me, or cursed but she has never scared me; not like this.

I was going to tell Akuma how she was making me feel but a loud voice interrupted my train of thought.

"WHY DID THE BIGGEST BADASS NEXT TO YOUR'S TRULY AND TAKOYAKI MAN HAVE TO DIE?!"

Ayato was glaring an inferno into the carpet below him, arms folded, cheeks red and green eyes alight with frustration. I didn't think he'd react so negatively towards a simple character death. Although, it would make sense, due to his personality being a little bit possessive towards things, or people, he finds interesting.

Kanato was, once again, the first to try and use Ayato's state of mind for his own personal gain.

"I agree Teddy" he had a creepy smile on his face, "Brother Ayato does have quite the colourful face indeed"

The red haired boy directed his heated glare towards Kanato and made a low growling noise.

Kanato chuckled, "With his temper, I'm sure Brother will scare away any bats he tries to capture in the garden... don't you think Teddy?"

It was the carefully placed amount of certainty he had managed to lace into his tone, that made Ayato respond in a way that benefitted Kanato completely, "Is that a challenge towards Yours Truly?!"

"Not exactly" Kanato had a small smirk on his face, "Teddy thinks it's more of a bet; one that the likes of Yours Truly is sure to lose..."

By now, the thick amount of rivalry radiating from Ayato was suffocating and the gleam within Kanato's eyes suggested a hidden goal.

Ayato gave a confident smirk, "Challenge accepted, Hysteric Cry-baby; Yours Truly will accept any and all terms too!"

Just like that, Ayato had walked straight into Kanato's grasp.

"I agree, Teddy" he smiled, "Brother Ayato does still owe us his dessert for tonight's dinner"

As a guest, I shouldn't have encourage something that could end in a negative way for one of the boys but the melodramatic look of horror on Ayato's face forced a giggle from my throat.

"It's settled then" I grinned, suddenly making myself referee for their strange bet, "Whoever captures the most bats in the garden wins the losers dessert!"

Kanato immediately made his way towards the exit of the library, followed by an excited Shu. Reiji pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and, after a sigh, began to make his way towards the garden too.

I felt a soft hand in my left; looking to see shy red orbs glancing at the floor.

"If you want, I can show you to the garden"

The smile I gave him seemed to bring a small blush of embarrassment to his cheeks, "Of course you ca-".

I was interrupted by the feeling of another hand grasping onto my right hand.

"Sorry little brother but you can't have the Little Cow all for yourself; sharing is caring you know" Laito smiled, grabbing Ayato's hand and forcing all four of us into a run for the garden. I could hear Subaru grumbling from my left; his hand holding mine quite tightly and his eyes sending Laito an annoyed glare.

Laito just continued to run, as if the feeling of intensity from Subaru's glare was non-existent.

As for Ayato, well... he seemed to be in a world of his own; the shock of the bet was probably still registering in his mind.

"Cheer up Ayato, I'll try and help you this time" he sniggered, "But only because you're really bad with the bats"

The poor boy was still speechless; still trying to figure out how he'd managed to fall for Kanato's ploy.

When we reached the Garden he had snapped out of his shock and determination took over his features. Reiji and Shu were sat on a well placed bench; Reiji reading a bulky book and Shu cheering at a reasonable volume for both of his brothers.

"Do your best!" he cheered, "Don't give up you two!"

I could practically feel Reiji's annoyance already, but he was surprisingly void of any rudely placed commentary (for once).

My eyes travelled to Kanato, who was holding Teddy in a confident stance, as if the prospect of Ayato winning their bet was ludicrous. I watched as Ayato took his place beside him and both seemed to look towards me for some sort of signal to start.

"Um... I guess you have until we're called back so... begin?" I questioned whilst letting Laito lead both Subaru and I towards the long bench that the two eldest brothers had been occupying.

The boys rushed into a weird looking shed, rushing out with nets in their hands. Kanato ran towards a shadowy area and literally disappeared into the shadows.

"How did he-" Subaru's voice interrupted my question; "Look at Ayato... he's going to lose at this rate"

Subaru was right. The red haired boy was at a lost with which direction to start in; his head moving around in a dizzy motion.

I could already tell that this was going to end interestingly but I couldn't help but feel a little ... distrusting towards the boys.
The way Kanato disappeared was not normal, perhaps it was a trick of my eyes but it wasn't the first time one of these boys had done something like it. In the library, Laito seemed to appear by side all to quickly; surprising me almost every time he popped up unexpectedly.

My Mother did something like this too. I guess, I've just been ignoring it all.

These people; the Sakamaki's and the Aoi's... just who, or what, are they?
And why do I get this eerie feeling that I'd rather not know at all.

Despite this fact, curiosity always seemed to get the better of me, leading me into more secrets and revelations than any normal human should be able to handle. Unfortunately for me, I realised too late that the boys would become a minor issue compared to what awaited me in the future...

and that the thing that should've worried me the most during the brothers 'bat contest', was the absence of the voice in my head.

Akuma.

If only I realised during that incident... all the problems your absence would begin to cause me.

~Chapter 3 end~

I am so so so sorry! I have been missing forever and I really do hope you will all forgive me.

Studying has been the main thing for me these past few 3months so I don't know if I'll be able to post any new chapters soon. However, I will try the best I can to do get some out.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I'm sorry if it also seems rushed, I just felt like I really needed to get this one out pronto; you've all waited long enough after all.

Thank you all for still reading, following, favouriting and reviewing my story :) I'd really appreciate it if you all leave some comments on how you felt this chapter was. Not much seems to be going on... yet, due to my need to build up character and tension.

But soon... soon stuff shall get insane...

Anywho, thank you again! Have a nice day/night :D

Angelcakes4life signing off
xxxxxxx