Chapter 17: Complications

A few days passed since the party and everything went back to normal, giving me some time to plan my next move. I estimated that we got at most three weeks before the next arc starts, not a lot of time. As expected, we had a shit ton of homework to finish, but had more time since Sona gave us approval to temporarily leave school. Though I just used shadow clones to quickly finish them and resume training. Currently I'm walking to school, enjoying the nice morning, the blowing breeze, the singing birds...

"Akeno, aren't you a little too close to Daisuke?"

"Ara, ara, Rias, Daisuke-kun doesn't seem to mind."

... and not so enjoying these two bickering at my sides. They've been like this ever since the party, waiting for me at the entrance of my apartment and asked me to escort them to school. Sometimes our hands made contact and they didn't try to pull back like I did. My gut says something happened to these two that I don't like. If I'm right, Issei is fucked, and not in the way the pervert would like. Plus, the glares from our schoolmates are getting worse each day.

'There's that time when Akeno felt me up at the infirmary, Rias possessiveness, and now they constantly want me to walk them to school. And the way they're acting these past few days were more physical than before. All of these should be with the guy they like. Canon is more screwed than I thought. How am I gonna-'

"Well let's ask Daisuke then."

"Huh?" Walking slightly ahead of me and blocking my way, the Two Great Onee-samas were staring intently at me, like they were expected to win or something. "Sorry, I was thinking about something. What was that?"

"Daisuke-kun, who do you prefer more at your side?"

"What?"

"We mean, would you prefer Akeno or me to walk with you to school?"

This is getting out of hand. No matter what I say, it would just end up badly for the other, "I don't prefer anyone, it's nice to walk together to school as a group."

""We appreciate if you pick one of us.""

Seriously!? Out of all the stuff they choose to agree on, it's this!? Sweating nervously, if it's between Akeno and Issei's future girlfriend...

"Hey Daisuke, Buchou, Akeno-san."

"Good morning everyone."

I saw Issei and Asia walking towards us. A chance! "I guess I'd pick Akeno. She's fun to be around with." The look of absolute rage on Rias' face was contradictory to Akeno's heavenly one. Grabbing her hand, "Sorry Akeno, I need your help with something." I dragged her with me to school, leaving Rias alone with the other two. Hopefully she and Issei will get closer with this.

The stupefied faces on the other students tell me that there's gonna be another crazy rumor, not that I care. Those two's future is at stake if I don't do something to help them. We somehow ended up alone at the side of the building, panting from slight exhaustion, "Sorry about that."

"It's okay... I was happy that you need me." Akeno smiled shyly, blushing and fidgeting.

Confused by her actions, I understood when my eyes trailed down to our still connected hands. Pulling mine back, "Sorry."

She looks sad and disappointed, "What is it do you need my help with?"

Aside from playing matchmaker, I checked our surroundings to make sure no one's around, "I'm working on a new project. Please teach me more about teleportation."

"Teleportation? Well, you already learned the basics of magic circles, but the magic formula is much more complicated than a storage circle, it might take longer for you to learn."

"It's fine. I wanted to learn how to teleport for a while now."

"I am happy to help." She suddenly closed in and lean on my chest, "So can I have my daily petting now?" Though it was faint, I think I heard the words, "Thank you for choosing me."

Doing so, I tilted my head upwards with complete exasperation on my face, 'I need help.'

Rias watches her childhood friend holding hands with her crush, eyes drooping and heart aching when he should be holding her hand. No, she can't give up! Daisuke said he prefers Akeno with him, not to be his girlfriend specifically. She can't let a small set back like this stop her. She will need to refer back to her love manual after class.

"Buchou, you okay? You look a bit scary." Issei cautiously asked, seeing the two running ahead gave him an idea of what's going on.

"I'm... I'm fine. I haven't lost yet."

The ambient students gossiped at the scene of an onee-sama being taken. Some even dropped to their knees in despair that they lost their chance at going for Akeno. Seeing the mini havoc, Rias remembers that Akeno was actually very popular in Kuoh, desired by even adults whenever she walks in town. And as much as she hates to admit it, her slightly bigger breasts and naturally seductive nature might have earned her more points.

"Well if you need any help, just tell us."

Issei's words gave Rias an idea, "Actually Issei, do you know anything about Daisuke's likes?" He was spending a lot of time with her Pawn, maybe he could provide something to improve her chances.

Thinking back on the times he spent with Daisuke, "He likes training and working on new spells, anime and video games particularly shounen genres, and... oh yeah, he likes Chinese stuff. He called that yakitori's Rook that wears Chinese clothes hot."

"Hanwei-san also likes cookies." Asia added, remembering the time he visited their house to talk about Dra-M Ball.

Rias was furiously scribbling down everything in her notepad, not daring to miss even the information she already knows and planned her next attack. She'll have to do it soon if she wants to overtake Akeno, "Thank you Issei, Asia. How about we walk to school together?"

"Sure."

Though Rias engaged in a conversation with them, her mind sometimes drifted towards her ravenette Rook. Even after becoming closer, it still feels like he only sees her as a friend. Issei and Asia analogues to her own problem, although Issei was closer to Asia than Daisuke was to her. Must be nice to be able to live with your crush. Maybe it's time Rias moves to a new home.

"So, you and Himejima-senpai, huh?" Kiryuu once again, sitting on my desk and evaluated what must be exhaustion in my eyes, since that's pretty much how I'm emotionally feeling right now. "Anything to say for yourself young man?"

"How did this happen?"

"For starters, there was the rumor where she latched onto your arm at the mall a couple weeks ago. And now there's the part where she was smiling and blushing when you pulled her to school."

"Not that. Why would she like me?" I rubbed the bridge of my nose, not bothering to mention the possibility of Rias feeling the same.

"You got one big dick?"

"Aika, be serious. I don't know how to deal with this. I don't think I've done anything that would attract her, we just talked and did club work like everyone else."

"Don't downplay yourself. Your smart, friendly, not perverted, and you don't judge people. I mean, look at me." She pointed at her glasses, "I can measure a guy's manhood just by looking at them, most would be repulsed and shoo me away. You're still talking to me no problem."

My eyebrows furrowed in suspicion and a bit of fear, "You're not..."

She smiled teasingly, "Do you want me? I wouldn't mind, my normal price is 100000 yen per hour. For you, it's only 10000."

Deadpanning, "Forget it." I facepalmed for being an idiot. As much as I want to think of myself as a fairly smart person, there's just some subjects I could never understand, "Back to my problem."

Going back serious, Kiryuu placed a hand on her chin and thought about it, "How do you feel about her?"

"Me?"

"Yeah, your feelings matter too."

My feelings? How do I feel about Rias and Akeno? Friends? Definitely, we've been through thick and thin together, helping each other out when we got into trouble. But more? I've never once thought of them as potential lovers. They're Issei's future ones and I'm too busy thinking how to survive and getting back home. They may have known me for a short while, but I've known them much longer as anime characters. They're practically like older sisters to me. Besides, I think I might have a crush on someone else...

"I don't like her that way."

"Thought for sure you would say yes and date a hot onee-sama for yourself. Are you into Hyoudou or Kiba? I've seen you hanging out with them sometimes."

My right eye twitch, "I'm not gay. And I don't want to date any girl just because of her looks you know."

"Could have fooled me. Then just tell her you're not interested and want to stay as friends."

"How am I gonna do that without hurting her feelings? And what if things get awkward between us? We're in the same club and see each other every day."

"That's just it, there is no way of doing that. You can accept her feelings, or reject it, but don't run away from it. It takes a lot of courage for a girl to confess to the guy she likes for your information. The least you can do is properly let her know your own feelings. Talk it out and give it some time to let her calm her emotions."

I sighed, this is gonna be my hardeest challenge ever, "Thanks Aika. For a girl with lewd humor, you give out some pretty good advice. I would probably still be a clueless idiot and mess it up."

"I'd say I would make a pretty good matchmaker if I do say so myself. Don't you think I'll make a lot of profit in the future?" Kiryuu smiled proudly.

Chuckling, "Yeah, I guess so."

"Now, my work here is done. I have another customer to service." She got off my desk and prepared to walk away.

"Another customer?"

"That's right. Asia needs to learn more if she wants to get closer to Hyoudou. Still don't know what she sees in him though."

Now that she mentioned it, I think I remember Asia doing some erotic play like Kiryuu advised her to. Wish I could be there to see it in real life, Issei trying to be a gentleman and a pervert at the same time in front of her would be funny. Placing my crossed-arms on my desk, I rested my chin on them and thought what would be the most gentle approach on how to turn Rias and Akeno down. Just hope shit doesn't blow the fan, they're pretty serious about love in the anime.

"DAISUKEEEEE!"

Right after I get rid of those two perverts...

My two classmates and I walked to the club room together. Issei isn't being anymore perverted than usual, and Asia doesn't look bothered in the slightest. Which means, nothing happened between him and Rias. Pointless, I know, but a guy can hope right? Just to confirm, "Say Issei, did Rias made more physical contact with you like hugging you or giving you lap pillows?"

Both of them stopped in their tracks, staring at me like I've gone crazy.

"What the fuck are you talking about Daisuke?"

"Hanwei-san, does your head hurt anywhere?"

"... Never mind, I was just asking."

The two exchanged worried looks before Issei spoke up, "Actually, Buchou was in a bad mood when you went ahead with Akeno-san. It's like she was really mad and asked about you. Did something happen?"

"Something that I need to handle by myself. If I can't... let's just hope that I can."

"If you say so."

"Remember Hanwei-san, we will always be ready to help you."

"Thanks." Well I more or less already know what to say to those two, just gonna find the right timing.

We entered and were greeted by everyone else. I expected Rias to glare at either Akeno or me, but to my surprise, she was smiling like she won a lottery, "Daisuke, Issei, Asia. Good, now that everyone is here, I have great news to share. Please follow me."

Just when I thought she didn't like me that way, it was completely shattered when she hugged my arm, pressed it on her breasts and dragged me somewhere. Turns out that somewhere was Gasper's room, does the Dhampir found an extremely influential client or something? Nonplussed by our King, all of us just waited in anticipation for the good news. Now if only I wasn't sandwiched by girls again.

Briefly giving Akeno a stink eye, Rias excitedly called out, "Gasper, we're all here. Go ahead and tell them."

"A-alright." The familiar sound of the Bishop was faint but somehow resolute, "Everyone, I watched the Rating Game. I was happy that you won and sad because I couldn't help. But, what Daisuke-senpai said about being there for Buchou, I want to be just like that. Everyone working together showed me there's nothing we can't beat. I... I want to come out and see you."

"So we finally get to see what you look like?" Issei smiled excitedly, "Finally, trying to imagine your face has been killing me."

This is actually awesome! Yes, another good change! I knew getting to know him earlier was a good idea, "I'm proud of you Gasper. You're finally taking your first step."

All of us were in a festive mood, even Akeno felt happy enough for him to let go of me and waited for Gasper. Rias, after releasing my arm, unlocked the chains and lifted the sealing spell. It took a few seconds, the door opened just enough for us to see a pinkish-violet eye, before it was slammed shut again.

"Noooooo! So many peopleeeee! I knew it was impossible for meeeeee!"

...

"Can't say I didn't see that one coming." I commented.

Koneko simply opened the door and walked into the room, "Gya-kun is a scaredy cat."

"Waaaaahhhhhh! Koneko-chan is mean to meeeeeee!"

The rest followed suit and finally got a good look at him who was sitting in an open box. Huh, if this was my first time seeing him, I would honestly believe he was a girl. Even his body shape is slightly feminine, minus the chest of course.

Issei was breathing hard in perverted joy, "Ohhh, Gasper is a platinum blond bishoujo. Our Bishops are a pair of blond beauties."

"Sorry to break it to you Issei, but Gasper's a cross-dressing boy."

"Eh? Ehhhh!?" The pervert turned to look at me, fear and disbelief etched all over his face, eyes pleading me to say it was just a joke, "Are you serious!? Why is he cross-dressing!?" He looked back at Gasper, "Why are you cross-dressing!?"

"Because... girl clothes are cuter..."

"Don't give me that shit! My dream of our blond bishoujo duo is completely crushed!" He dropped to his knees in despair, pale as a ghost. "Goodbye dream, it was nice while it lasted."

"Pffthahahahahaha! Oh man, it's even funnier in real life! Ahahahahahahahaha! My stomach hurts! Hahahahahaha!"

"Daisuke you bastard! You knew this would happen!"

"And I'm enjoying every single moment of it! Ahahahahahahaha!"

Issei got enraged and punched me with all his strength, but my Rook defense made it feel like he was just tapping me. Gasper stopped shivering, "Daisuke-senpai?"

I got my bearings as everyone turned to the cross-dresser. Slowly walking to him with a smile, I crouched down and extended my fist, "I've seen you plenty of times before, but this is our first real meeting. Nice to finally see you Gasper, and don't worry about your Forbidden Valor View, I know how to help you."

He was hesitant, incredibly so. Slowly, he extended and fist bump me, "I-it's nice to finally see you Daisuke-senpai."

Rias clapped her hands in delight, "This is a very big improvement Gasper. How about we go outside? I have something else to show everyone."

"Eh? B-but, I'm not ready to got outside yet. I just started seeing people."

"Don't worry. You can stay in your box, I'll carry you. If Buchou is gonna show us what I think it is, then you'll get to see me in live action later tonight."

A hint of excitement appeared in his eyes, "R-really? I guess I can go." Gasper ducked in and closed the lid as I carried him.

"What are we gonna see Buchou?"

"Ufufu, it's a surprise."

We all went back to the meeting room. Gasper was startled with the shaking as I took each step, but I told him he's in safe hands, literally. On one side of it, there was a bookcase with all sorts of information about the supernatural that normal humans already know. Rias stood in front, pulled out a green book and flicked the secret switch at the back of the bookcase. It separated from the middle and moved to the sides, revealing a staircase to the bottom.

"A secret room? Since when do we have that?" Issei exclaimed in surprise.

"It was not here before." Kiba supplied.

Our King silently went in the dark pathway, guiding us down. Well, dark to normal people, we have night vision. Wasn't long until we reached an entrance and found ourselves in a very wide space. Rias gestured with her hand, "Welcome, to our new training ground."

"Woah, check out the place." Issei gaped.

"Amazing, such vastness." Kiba agreed.

I whistled, "Impressive, didn't think you can get it finished so soon. Now this is what I call a training ground."

It was a huge training ground reminiscent to Urahara's in Bleach. Lots of land and rocks, a teleportation magic circle near the entrance, a large lake with an artificial waterfall, as well as hot springs for relaxation with cover, there is a pervert among us after all.

"You knew about this Daisuke-senpai?" The box shook.

"Yeah. After the Rating Game, I asked Buchou if we could get a bigger place to train since we'll get stronger and more destructive. Easily accessible and private so we can train to our hearts' content."

"Training freak." Issei muttered but I ignored him.

"With the Gremory's resources and riches, building this was quite simple. Sona was a bit against it at first until I negotiated the space is only limited around the forest. The walls and ceiling are magically reinforced to withstand much more punishment. All sounds and vibrations are nulled so no humans can find anything suspicious. Finally, the magic circle is linked to all of yours in your apartments, allowing you to come here anytime."

"This is gonna be so awesome, can't wait to test out my future techniques on those boulders. Thanks Buchou."

"I give only the best to my servants."

Akeno was smiling happily, not the fake smile she sometimes put on to hide her sadness, but the genuine kind where she feels actual joy. That smile has been showing itself more ever since Daisuke joined in. And now she's smiling even brighter since Daisuke accepted her company to school. Right now she's helping him with the teleportation circle like he asked.

They were quite a bit of distance away from the others. After tending to their clients, everyone went to training, courtesy of a Rook from an alternate dimension. Rias is trying out her Power of Destruction on some targets but kept stealing worried glances at them. Miho joined and is sparring against Yuuto and Koneko at once, trying to achieve what Daisuke did in the Rating game. Issei was doing endurance training while Asia's learning to heal from the distance. Gasper was content with just staying in his box and watching them train.

Seeing how Daisuke gave courage to their scared Bishop when everyone else couldn't reminded Akeno just why she fell for him. She turned to look two clones at the lake sparring while standing on water at the same time. Quite interesting, but she finds it virtually useless in real combat since devils can fly. Far behind the original was six more doing something with water balloons in their hands. The sight of so many Daisukes at once made her think if he's into gangbang. It'll be scary, but Akeno doesn't mind doing it with him.

"Yes!"

One of the clones yelled as a balloon popped, spilling water onto the ground. All six plus original grinned as the latter pulled another one out from his pocket dimension and threw it to the clone. They proceeded to gather and discuss about something, intriguing Akeno even further, "Are you inventing another spell?"

"More like re-inventing actually. Can't take the credit if I took the idea from an anime. If I can get it to work, it'll be by far my strongest offensive spell."

"Ara, ara, will the enemy scream in agony?"

"Definitely, but I doubt most people can hear it with the sound of the spell drowning it."

"Ufufu, I look forward to seeing it." Akeno saw a mistake in his end point mark, "You're doing it wrong. It's suppose cycle it to fortify your destination."

"Oh, thanks."

"You are actually doing well. Did you attempt it before on your own?"

"Had my clones doing it. The circle exploded a few times but I was out of range and got the memories."

"I would prefer if you didn't. Teleportation is very dangerous to be attempted by a novice, but I suppose you have your methods of bypassing the dangers."

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna die in an embarrassing manner like from a malfunctioning circle. Besides, if that happens, it'll just make everyone sad."

Daisuke smiled gently and knowingly to Akeno. Her heart skipped a beat and the usual smile cracked a little as a blush appeared. She couldn't stop her self and enveloped him in a hug. His calligraphy pen dropped in surprise, "Akeno?"

"Daisuke-kun... Would you... I..." Fumbling on her own words, she was too embarrassed to ask to be his girlfriend and hoped her actions would be enough to convey her feelings.

A pair of hands firmly hold her shoulders and pushed her back. Daisuke wore a sad smile and breathed in deeply, "Akeno, you're a great girl and I'm sure there's a lot of guys who want to date you... But, you're not my type. I'm sorry, can we still be friends?"

Akeno's whole world was crushed and a stab pierced her heart before shattering it into millions of pieces. She thought of the possibility of rejection because he knew of her lineage. She should've known this would happen. Why would Daisuke love her? Akeno even hates her own blood. Putting on a fake smile, she was about to joke that he hurt her feelings.

"And don't think even for a moment it's because of your fallen blood."

Words got caught in her throat, Akeno didn't think he could see past her mask. Letting the smile drop, tears threathen to spill as she wanted to cry out for his acceptance.

"You're not just someone's child. You are Himejima Akeno, flirty, teasing, polite, kind, and the girl who joked about having sex with me when I woke up." Daisuke chuckled to lighten the mood, "You may be born with those wings, but it was your choices and experience that made you what you are today. What made me like you as you are right now."

It was the word 'like' that gave her a bit of hope, easing her pain. Perhaps she still has a chance over time. Daisuke suddenly hugged her. Not expecting the sudden contact, Akeno let out a small 'eep' and blushed again.

"You look so much like Shuri-san, you know." Akeno stiffened. "And it's not just her face. She was kind, strong, and beautiful. Did you know your mother was also a hardcore sadist? Then again, you were too young to know those kinds of stuff at that time."

"Kaa-sama was a sadist?"

"Don't know the details, but yeah. Bet she would be proud to see her daughter inheriting her quirk. And I know she would be happy to see you happy with your friends. So that's why, don't be sad okay? I'll even let you torture me just this once... Just once okay? Any more than that will scar me for life."

Akeno felt Daisuke's warmth and strong body enveloping her own and returned the hug. His hand gently petting her head. The pain was rejection was still there, but greatly lessened. His scent calmed her even more as she recalled all the good times she spent with him, bringing a smile to her face. As long as Daisuke accepted her, Akeno felt that she can still keep going. After a few minutes, she finally went back to normal and let go of the hug.

"Ara, ara, you're quite the lady killer Daisuke-kun."

He blushed, "Half of it was thought up on the spot to be honest, never had a girl liking me before."

"Ufufu, then I am glad to be your first."

"So... friends?"

"No." The smile on his face immediately disappeared and donned a look of fear, "Akeno, I'm really sorry. I-"

"I am your future mistress."

...

The look of absolute incredulity made Akeno giggle.

"I'm sorry, I must have misheard you. I thought you said you're my future mistress."

"No, you heard right. I am your future mistress."

Daisuke opened his mouth and then closed it, repeating the process, "Why?"

Giggling again, "A girl's love is not so easy to get rid of, Daisuke-kun. After spending much time with you, I knew you are a man unlike no other."

"That's not what normal people would usually do."

"That is true but we are not people, we are devils. Polygamy is accepted after all."

He sighed, "Do what you want. Though I highly doubt I'll return your feelings."

"Ufufu, then I guess I just have to try harder. Oh Daisuke-kun, you have something on your face."

"Really? Where?"

"Here."

Akeno closed in and kissed Daisuke's cheek, causing to blush up a storm, stammering incoherently, and finally fainted from embarrassment. All eight clones who were sparring in between the two and the others paused at the same time, and went to carry their progenitor to Asia for treatment. Akeno assumed they must have provide cover for her and the original Daisuke to talk in private.

"Ara, ara, how innocent~. Maybe I will earn your love easier than expected."

What am I gonna do? By the time I woke up, I couldn't maintain eye contact with Akeno and became way too conscious of her. At least she's not feeling down if her constant giggles were anything to go by.

"Hanwei-sama."

What does she see in me that would make her go so far? It's like watching Hinata going after Naruto. This is real life, not some kind of anime, manga, or fanfic. It's like I triggered a flag or something. All I did was accepting her like Issei did in can- Fuck! I'm a fucking idiot! It was either this or let her suffer depression. A lose-lose situation...

"Hanwei-sama?"

I think I might have suspected her and Rias' feelings for a while now but was too busy with upcoming battles to figure out what to do about them. I need to pull my shit together or I'll be wrapped around Akeno's finger. And speaking of battles, there's no annual spring cleaning, which means Kiba won't see the picture in Issei's house.

"Hanwei-sama?"

Rias said something about they can't let humans enter our base of operation, with Gasper and other supernatural stuff being there. Sona permits it and placed hypnotism on the janitors to think they already cleaned. The place is already spotless with magic, which means Kiba might go revenge crazy before I could stop him. Issei hasn't met Azazel yet, so I still have a bit of time. Just what-

My face was suddenly buried into two pillows. Weird? Since when pillows feel this warm and smell so fragrant? And is my head getting petted? Looking up, I saw Miho comforting me like a child, "Do you feel better Hanwei-sama? You looked troubled."

Great, now I'm making other people worry, "Sorry Miho, I was just thinking about some stuff."

We were at the kitchen table in my apartment. Pulling myself free, I looked back at the history book about the Great War I borrowed from Rias, more specifically, a picture of a certain Cadre. "This is who we're gonna fight against next. There are other enemies but he's by far the strongest."

"Cocobeanie?"

Stifling a laugh, "Not quite. Considering you mostly read Japanese cook books, I'm impressed you can still read a bit of devil language. His name is Kokabiel, a ten-winged fallen angel, destroyer of Sodom and Gomorrah, and a warmonger. No matter how you look at it, we'd be hard pressed to beat him."

Miho grew worried, "How did Rias and the others defeat him in your dimension?"

"They didn't, they only survived. There's a possibility the same won't happen this time, and it would be a good chance to test our strength against an opponent of this level."

"Have you formulated plans to defeat him?"

"I thought of five options. Option 1 is to train so hard, we'll be strong enough to defeat him. But that's next to impossible since we got very little time."

"What of your advance growth rate?"

"Cadre is more or less equivalent to Ultimate and Satan-class, there's a huge power gap between that and High-class and I'm not confident I can reach that stage in time. Besides, I still don't know how I can grow so fast. It would be best not to rely on it until I learn all it's effects."

She nodded in acknowledgement, "Option 2: I make a deadly new spell which can stop him. Again, not enough time and none of us have that amount of magic. Option 3: Hurl him with a tsunami like I originally intended against fire chicken, but I'm not sure that's strong enough. And that's if it doesn't flood Kuoh first. Option 4: Make full use of our teamwork to beat him. That's our best chance actually, even if it's iffy at best."

"And what is option 5?"

"Option 5 is..." I looked down at my hands, "... I attain Balance Breaker. If only it was that simple, most people need some kind of catalyst for it to work."

"Um..." Miho fidgeted and looks like she's hesitating about something, "There is a reason why Salamanders are known to be the strongest among the spirits in combat potential. Because it is us who have achieved Awakening the most."

"Awakening? Oh yeah, I did read something about spirits having a power-up similar to Balance Breaker. How does it work?"

"Salamanders are required to bring out our inner flames and spread it to our entire bodies. It is similar to our normal fire, yet more concentrated and free of impurities. There are no specific requirements however, only the strongest or constant exposure of high quality external elemental source can one only enter the heightened state."

Sounds a lot like Dragon Force. An image of a Natsu with long girly hair in Dragon Force crossed my mind, "Pftt."

"Hanwei-sama?"

"Nothing, just thought of something funny. So, do you think you can achieve it?"

"No... I was among the average."

"Hey." Standing up, I petted Miho's head, "Don't worry if you're not strong enough, I'll just find a way for you to get Awakening. For now, I'm counting on you to do your best like always." She blushed with a smile on her face. "Worst come to the worst, I'll just have to reveal my secret to Sirzechs-san and ask him to be on standby to help us."

*Knock**Knock*

A visitor? Who could it be at this hour? And I don't have any neighbors on this floor. I looked into the peephole and saw Rias standing outside. Actually, this is good timing, I need to confirm her feelings as well. Creating a shadow clone, I ordered him to keep Miho occupied so we could have some privacy.

Opening the door, "Hey Ri...as..."

She giggled, "Good evening Daisuke."

If you're wondering why I paused for a second, it was because the red head was wearing a red Tangzhuang with floral patters, hugging her figure nicely and making her breasts look like they're about burst out. Had it was a lesser man, I'd bet he'd be dying out of nosebleed right now. And hot damn, does she look good.

I invited her in and we sat on the living room couch, "So what's up?"

"I was feeling a little lonely and thought might as well check to see how your doing in your apartment. Here, I brought these." Rias handed me a bag of cookies. Sweet!

"Thanks, you didn't have to. And the apartment's pretty comfortable, no problems so far. Again, thanks to you."

"I'm glad you like it."

...

Okay, this is getting awkward. Now that I know Akeno likes me, it's almost guaranteed that Rias feels the same. Gotta find a way to let her down easy without having her keep chasing after me. I need start another conversation. Let's see-

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For helping Gasper. You probably already know this, but he suffered the most from his past. Unlike Akeno and the others, I couldn't help him cope as much as I hoped." Her voice sounds nostalgic, guess she's been doing her best to help her peerage.

"I think I can understand how they feel. They may be happy now, but their pasts still haunt them from time to time. Each of them had their own coping mechanism, but Gasper was still running away out of fear. It was either this or they'll go insane from trauma."

She raised an eyebrow, "You sound like you know more than you let on."

"I..." Awkwardly scratching the back of my head, "... might not had the best of childhood, but I finally found friends who snapped me out of my funk."

Her face suddenly closed in to mine, anxiety all over it, "Are you sure you're alright? What happened to you? Is there anything I can help?"

"Woah, woah, Rias calm down." I held a placating gesture, "I was just a bit socially withdrawn and had anger management problems. Really, it's tame compared to the others. I'm fine, really."

"Anger? You never exhibited any of that."

"Didn't you notice I sometimes become more aggressive during spars. It's partly the reason why I started learning martial arts in the first place, to blow off steam. Though I made sure not to hurt more than necessary."

"Now that you mention it, you did become fiercer the more you fought during our training against Riser."

"Losing really gets on my nerves. It's actually a good motivator for me to train."

"Well, if you need any help, just tell me okay? I'll be more that happy."

"That training ground is already more than enough help. Thanks again, but you don't have to worry about me that much."

"Of course I worry, I care about you after all."

"Don't worry." I smiled fondly, "I got my friends to back me up."

Rias suddenly closed in on me and leaned her head onto my chest, her hair tickling my nose, "Not just that." My smile became tensed, "I was really happy. Meeting you was the happiest thing that has ever happened to me." She proceeded to hug me, "I don't want anything bad happen to you."

Gulping, "Rias, thank you. You're a wonderful friend, and you will always be my friend."

She pulled back with shock and a hint of fear, "Daisuke?"

"I'm sorry. I'm really happy that you felt that way. Really, I do. But, I don't think I can reciprocate your feelings."

Her eyes pleaded for me, "Daisuke, am I not good enough for you?"

There was that look, the very same that I dreaded. Hesitating for a few more seconds, "... Yes."

"... I'm sorry Daisuke. Please forget I said anything."

"No." I firmly grabbed her shoulders, like hell I would let her go in this state. "You mean much more to me, Rias. You've given me so much, you're the reason why I'm still alive. Even if this puts a wedge between us, if anything happens to you, I'll still run to your side, I'll fight for your sake. Even if you hate me, I'll never abandon you, never forget that."

Rias had her head down, "It's not fair. Don't say something so charming after rejecting me, baka." I embraced her and petted her head like I did with Akeno, calming her down. After a few minutes, she rubbed her eyes and looked at me with sadness, "Thank you, Daisuke. Maybe it's time I go home."

"I can walk you back."

"No, it's okay. I have a lot of things to think about."

Seeing her to the door, "So... see you tomorrow?"

Rias nodded with a small smile, "See you tomorrow."

Closing the door, I turned my back and sat against it. That was harder than handling Akeno, her sadness made me feel like an asshole and hollow inside, hope Rias will go back to normal by tomorrow. I went back to the living room and saw the bag of cookies on the table. Taking one out, I ate it which tasted delicious, but somehow made me feel even more hollow.

*Knock**Knock*

What the? Did Rias forget something? I went to open the door, expecting my friend, but immediately widen my eyes and tensed my body.

"Hey there. Sorry to disturb you so late, but I'm kinda lost. Can you show me where this place is?" He pointed at his map with a carefree smile. And I didn't buy it for a moment.

I carefully considered my options and dangers of doing what this guy asked, but ultimately decided to take a risk, "Sure, just let me get my keys."

Closing the door, I grabbed the keys and made another clone to tell Miho to stay put. Eventually, we made it to the harbour not too far from my apartment. My eyes never left him and legs ready to run if necessary.

He however was still seemingly carefree throughout the trip, "Thanks kid, I keep getting lost and needed help."

My heart is pounding in my ribs. Time to get some answers, it's all or nothing, "So, what does the Governor General of Grigori really want with little ol' me?"

Guest at chapter 4 and 9: Harem and its members are decided. Sorry.

Guest-Questioner: Thanks. Not sure if they're slice-of-life, I just wrote it like what I think would happen in real life.

A.N.: Hey guys. I'm starting school again soon, so updates will be slower. Hope you guys don't hate me for making Daisuke not liking the girls. Don't worry, it will get better in the future. In the far future. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne