Author's Note: Hey everyone! I know it's been a while since I updated. It's been like what? Almost 5 years? Gahhh damn LMAOOO! I've been suffering of writers block so it has been a struggle to come up with original ideas. That and it's mostly where I've been super busy with life too. My career and family has been taking all of my time to write so I apologize for the extreme delay. I will try to write and update as much as I can. Thank you guys who are still waiting for me to posts new chapters. Also, I will be doing a rewrite of chapters 1-2 so don't be wary of the changes!

The room was filled with silence. As in silence. There was a slight awkwardness, joy, and a hint of surprise between Mariko and Issei. She breaks off her embrace and smiles at Issei.

"Im back Sei-chan~" her smile filled with happiness and eyes glisten like sparkles.

Who can blame her though? She hasn't seen this man in years. Mariko has no idea what Issei has been up to and the drama he's been going through. They sure do have a lot to catch up on.

Issei's face was surprised like he's seen a ghost. But this was so sudden, he didn't have the time to react. However, he was happy to see his long time best friend of course!

"M-mari?! What are you doing here? When did you return from Kyoto? Are you here to visit?" His confusion is making him scratch his head and look at her dumbfounded.

Mari chuckled and sat up since she noticed the close space between them.

"Well I know this isn't your ideal reunion but I wanted to surprise you! Plus I have to convince mother to not tell you or your parents that we're returning here for good!"

Issei also stood up and they both sat on his bed. Of course, there was a safe distance between the two. He can't help but notice her change of appearance. She seemed way different than the woman he had known.

Obviously puberty kicked in and blessed her with curves and not to mention big breasts. He was trying not to check her out as it felt wrong.

Issei low-key thought to himself 'YOU GUYS LITERALLY GREW UP TOGETHER AND KNEW HER SINCE WHEN YOU GUYS WERE BARELY IN GRADES SCHOOL! GET A HOLD UP OF YOURSELF ISSEI! BUT GOD DAMMIT...!'

He managed to break those thoughts for now and said "Oh well! I'm happy that you guys are back here again! Mom and dad would be too! Also-"

There was a sudden interruption. Someone barged inside the room. She was someone with young beautiful girl with golden hair, no other than Asia Argento.

Issei met Asia months ago when she was lost in town searching for a church. He was kind enough to guide her but he couldn't go any further since him being a devil prevents him from going so. Asia was killed by Raynare, but luckily was revived by Issei's profound master. So Asia herself became a devil too.

"Ise-san! I need you to-... O-oh who's this?" she asked with a little hint of jealousy.

Both Issei and Mariko flinched in shock and looked at Asia as if they were up to something suspicious.

"Sei-chan, you never told me you have a girlfriend. I thought this whole time you were gonna be single forever!" she chuckles.

Issei blushed and quickly denied her allegations. He only sees Asia as a younger sister and someone who he needs to protect with his dear life. Anyone who dares to hurt her will pay.

"Ehh that's cruel Mari-tan! But by the way, Asia-san meet Mariko! We've known each other since kindergarten!" Mariko politely bows at the blonde girl as she does the same.

Both girls exchanged greetings and the two talked about their interests. Asia explains to Mariko that she was found at the church when was an infant, causing Mariko to be interested since she was adopted as well. This makes her wonder if her birth parents had done the same. Asia reassures her that no matter what happens to them, they must have their reasons.

The three of them are all getting along, Issei's mother went inside the room to inform them that she prepared a meal for them all.

"Hello auntie, how are you?! I missed you and uncle so much!" Mariko jumped out of excitement and went straight up for a hug.

Issei's mother was very happy to see her as well.

"My my Mari-chan~ You've grown to be a cute and lovely young lady! I'm sure Issei wouldn't mind you being his girlfriend! But oh dear, what about Asia..."

Issei blushes and awkwardly yells at her mom to stop the tease ship. Sure he DID like her back in middle school. But that was all in the past, as he has his heart set for Rias.

Asia puffed her cheeks and pulled Issei's cheeks as another sign of jealousy. She has taken a liking to him after he saved her from Raynare.

"Oh auntie, you know dating Issei would be weird... Wouldn't that kind of be like incest..? He's like a brother to me!' Mariko explains as she denies her fantasies of them getting together.

"Well I've made food for you guys, and especially for you Mari-chan!" Miki all waited for them to exit out of the room and went downstairs to the dining area.

As they made their way to the dining area, there was Mr. Hyoudo reading his newspapers. He took a sip of his coffee and saw all four of them coming his way.

"Oh if it isn't Mariko! Welcome back!" he happily exchanges his greetings.

Mariko politely bows and greets him as well. They all grabbed their chairs and sat down. Asia was obviously sitting next to Issei. But Mariko is sitting in front of him, and between Issei's parents. There was one empty seat meant for Rias, but she isn't here at the moment. She was out in school having a meeting with Sona Sitri.

Miki made some hotpot for 's mouth was watering at the sight of this dish. Before they could eat though, they gave thanks to the food and proceeded to serve themselves.

A warm delicious hot pot despite the hot summer weather. It was very delicious to the point Mariko almost demolished it! Issei couldn't believe what he saw, he wasn't expecting her to be a glutton.

Everybody was in good spirits during the meal, they were all having conversations about what they've been up to such as school, work, ect.

"By the way Mari-chan, do you know which school you'll be attending?"

"Oh? I haven't really had that discussion with mom but she did say it isn't too far from where we live." she thought to herself.

"Maybe Higurashi-san will be going to the same school as us Ise-kun!" Asia smiled at Issei who is obviously suffering from a food coma.

Issei did like the idea of being in the same school as Mariko. He hoped for the best as it would mean a lot to him.