Chapter 25: Familiar Life

The sun has yet to rise but a certain pink haired Salamander was almost lazily getting up, cursing how comfortable modern human nests can be to allure her back to slumber. Ever since Miho decided to stay in the surface of the human world, she has enjoyed luxuries like never before. No worrying about food resources, no worrying about invasion of her territory, and there is so much to explore.

Stretching her hands up high, Miho let out a yawn before rubbing her eyes and looked at her alarm clock, saying that it was near dawn. That was a little discomforting. Her biological version has been set later than when she was in the Familiar Forest. Perhaps a few months with her master has made her a bit complacent, adjusted herself to human standards. Then again, if that makes her feel closer to Hanwei-sama, then she would accept it so long as there are no dangers.

As her schedule today was free of flyer duties, Miho is allowed to spend the day to herself as Hanwei-sama attends to school in a few hours. Standing in front of her mirror, the Salamander heated her hand and combed her bed hair, smoothing back to its straight appearance, followed by tying it in half ponytail style. Miho is a fire spirit, so her entire body is very resistant to flames and heat, allowing her to groom herself quickly by burning impurities off her body. And it's much faster and better than using a hairbrush in her opinion.

Miho unbuttoned her pajama shirt, slowly sliding it off her fair skin which revealed her bare breasts. No matter how many times she wore a bra, she just couldn't get used to the restricting sensation on her chest for long periods of time. That's why she is always braless at her own territory, but she still wears panties though as shown when she pulled down her pants to expose a black pair.

Her casual wear for today was a red T-shirt and black skirt that reaches just above her knees. Twirling a little in front of the mirror to inspect her appearance and deemed it presentable to her master, Miho went to the bathroom to wash her face and brushed her teeth, ready to start another day. Or at least until she remembered Hanwei-sama's master decided to invade her territory to steal her master.

The fact that the entrance to the neighboring apartment was still in her living room was proof of that, no matter how much she disliked it.

Yesterday was exceptionally infuriating! Rias hardly ever left Hanwei-sama's side the whole day. Whether he wanted to relax or do his homework, the manipulating devil was always nearby. The worst part was when she stole Miho's job to cook for dinner and attempted to hand feed him! The familiar worked through a lot to personally serve her master and now the vixen is trying to steal it. Hanwei-sama looked uncomfortable as he surrendered to his fate, but Rias was either ignorant or enjoyed herself too much to care.

For reasons unknown to Miho, the ravenette would occasionally steal worried glances at her. They're not signalling for her help, but more like he was more worried about her. She didn't think Hanwei-sama would assume she would attempt to attack without declaration. Plus, Rias was her master's master. Her time here has taught her to think more and causing unnecessary violence is more adverse than beneficial.

Doesn't mean she had to like it. The vixen's scent was starting to mix into her master's!

But now is Miho's chance. While Rias is still asleep, she would quickly prepare breakfast to please Hanwei-sama with a new dish she's been working on- pancakes. Wearing her apron, the pinkette grabbed the required equipment and skillfully made the fluffy breakfast with minimal wastage of ingredients, humming a merry tune while cooking. Instead of using the stove like normal people, the Salamander uses her own flames to accurately adjust the temperature to obtain the best results. Miho finished by adding a bit of honey and berries as well as placing a glass of milk that Hanwei-sama always likes.

The taste is nice and the food looks appetizing. The familiar beamed, hoping for her master's praise and head pats. As for the bento for school, Miho made egg rolls, meat, salad, and rice that look like pandas as decorations. But by the time she was done, there was still no sign of him. Odd? He would normally be awake and out of the bathroom and dressed by now. Not the shared bathroom, but the attached one in his room. Since she tried washing his back some time ago, Hanwei-sama has always used the latter, even if it was smaller than the former.

Due to human culture about opposite genders, Hanwei-sama expressed not to enter his room without knocking unless there was an emergency. So that's what Miho's about to do after removing her apron, to see whether he has awaken or not.

*Knock**Knock*

"Hanwei-sama, are you awake?"

I should have seen this coming. Was too busy worrying about how Miho feels when she saw Rias flirting with me all day, but I really should have seen this one coming from kilometers away. Just as I turned off my alarm clock and blearily opened my eyes, feminine scent reached my nostrils as two soft mounds were pressing against my body. The body heat was really accepting as my instincts screamed at me to hug her back. As much as I like her, but doing this straight after waking up is way too stimulating, especially when we're not dating, "Miho, I thought I told you not to sleep with me."

"How rude. Can't you at least recognize me Daisuke?"

Like I said, I really should have seen this coming. My body was frozen stiff as I heard her voice. Rubbing my eyes, what I thought to be telemagenta hair and slitted eyes turned out to be crimson and blue-green versions. Rias pouted like she's been insulted while being downright naked, "I know you like Miho, but I didn't think you would have wet dreams about her."

"She crawled into my bed on the first day I brought her here, told her not to do it anymore though." Why am I even surprised? The red head does this all the time with Issei in canon... and now I'm her target. Rubbing the bridge of my nose, "Rias, can't you at least let me sleep alone in my own room?"

Still pouting, she shifted from enveloping my right side into her breasts to moving on top of me, her soft breasts pressing harder onto me as she moved her face dangerously close to mine, "But you're such a nice hug pillow. Besides, this is still not enough if your thoughts can still drift towards Miho when I'm right here." She rested her head on my chest, "Pat me."

While fighting the raging male instincts inside me, I gave her a head pat, earning myself a smile from the red head. Would have almost found it cute if her hands weren't moving all over my body, "Are you feeling me up?"

"Uh-huh. Your muscles are very well developed. Perhaps the combination of your Rook piece and Double Burst facilitated for compact muscles that meant for a good balance between strength and speed. Not overly bulging but enough to show a faint outline through your pajamas." Rias smirked seductively, her left hand caressing my right cheek, "Do you like it?"

"I thought Akeno was supposed to be the closet pervert, not you." I better find a way to get out of this amazing situation before I lose my shit! I'm accustomed to visual nudity not direct physical contact!

"While not as much as Akeno, I am still a devil and a woman with desires." Rias leaned forward, her hot breath tickling my ear. She whispered slowly yet sensually, "And I know you have desires as well. Go ahead, do whatever you want."

'I like Miho! I like Miho! I like Miho! I like Miho! I like Miho! I like Miho! I like Miho! I like Miho! I like Miho! I like Miho!'

"Rias, I can't."

She dropped her seductive mindset and got up, pouting in petulant anger while straddling on top of me, but at least granting me some space. I discreetly tried to breath in and out deeply to calm my rampaging heart, averting my eyes from her massive breasts and hoping she would just end it. However, she had other plans as she noticed a certain protrusion behind her.

Her seductive smile returned tenfold, "Ara, maybe I have some success after all." She shamelessly yet teasingly pointed at my pants, "What's this?"

Keeping my face as neutral as possible but utterly failing, "I-it's morning wood. You know, what every male physiologically does."

"Or maybe," Rias' finger circled too close to my crotch for my liking, "you feel excited. But then again, we don't know for sure until we experiment a bit."

"Experiment?" I gulped, almost too afraid to find out, "What kind of experiment?"

As I contemplate whether using Double Burst to make my escape would be rude or not, Rias pulled my right hand and held it against her left breast. My eyes popped as wide as saucers, feeling the softness and elastic roundness only girls like Rias can have. I can feel her nipple in my palm, hard and pushing as if it wanted to be grouped.

Rias' eyes lit up when she saw my dick twitching, "So you do feel excited. I am honored, but why stop it here? I don't mind, give it a good squeeze."

"I-I-I-" My head's getting lighter, blood rushing downwards. I can't think about anything except those tits. I'm so hard right now I think it's gonna explode! At this rate, I'm gonna-

*Knock**Knock*

"Hanwei-sama, are you awake?"

Miho opened the door to walk in before pausing in mid-step, eyes wide in shock and disbelief at the sight of me and Rias initiating what might be looking like sex. Her eyes darting from my hand, to Rias' naked body, to my erection, and then to me.

"Miho wait! It's not what it looks like!" All previous thoughts were immediately discarded, fear overtaking lust as I can't afford to let my crush misunderstand the situation.

Rias clicked her tongue, "Tch, I was so close."

My familiar's entire body trembled, flames began flicking around her. She was half miserable half furious and quickly ran towards us, forcefully pushing Rias off and pulled me into a hug, "You vixen! Why do you keep invading my territory like this!?"

The red head scowled, "Your territory!? Since when do I need your permission!? Daisuke is my servant!" Rias pulled me back and stuffed my head into her breasts.

"Hanwei-sama is my master!" Miho dragged me back into her breasts.

"Daisuke is mine!"

"Hanwei-sama is my territory!"

And so, my morning began with two girls trying to tear my body in half like children arguing over a toy. This is honestly worse than fighting against Kokabiel.

The atmosphere was tensed. Due to so much time was wasted in a catfight, Hanwei-sama and Rias had to prepare and eat breakfast quickly. Or at least the former had to.

"How come Daisuke has breakfast but not me?" Rias asked in irritation, staring at the two plates meant for the other two only.

"You did not request for food."

"I made dinner for all of us last night."

Miho huffed and turned her head away in annoyance, causing the red head's eyes to twitch.

The male face palmed, "We don't have time for this." He quickly grabbed another plate with a fork and knife, cutting his portion in half, and gave it to Rias, "Here."

Surprised etched all over her face, Rias felt touched and guilty at the same time, "But Daisuke, that's yours."

"And I can't let you go hungry. Don't worry, we can finish and head to school faster this way. Eat up, Miho's cooking is good."

The King felt not so kingly, blushing and fidgeting at Hanwei-sama's warm smile. She hesitated for another moment before accepting, "T-thank you."

Miho felt her inner fire and heart froze to subzero levels and shattered like glass, her appetite suddenly left her. She didn't think Hanwei-sama would had to sacrifice half of his food to the vixen. He could have ordered her to surrender her food instead but didn't. Drooping her head in sadness, Miho couldn't believe she troubled her master because of her petty anger. What downhearted her the most was that Hanwei-sama offered the vixen so readily. Does... does Hanwei-sama see her as a potential mate?

By the time Miho hardly made it a quarter, the devils finished and quickly placed the dishes into the sink. They grabbed their bags and reached the door. Hanwei-sama called, "I'm heading out."

The familiar nodded weakly, watching those two going to their educational institution together. They do look good with each other. Hanwei-sama is a devil with astounding strength, wisdom, and kindness whereas Rias is a noble with great power, status, and wealth. Miho didn't know the specifics about Rias but compared to her, the pinkette is just an average Salamander who owns nothing but flames. What can Miho offer to Hanwei-sama that Rias can't?

Hanwei-sama turned back to Miho with a confused expression, missing something in his daily routine. Rias in turn, turned back to him confusingly, "Daisuke, we're gonna be late."

"Hang on." The Rook took off his shoes and walked back to his familiar, his hand went to pat her head. Miho 'eep' in surprise and saw her master smiling kindly at her. "I'm heading out."

Her face flushed, overheating from not her flames but from her emotions. Perplexed, Miho stared for a few moments before realizing. A smile graced her lips as she responded, "Have a good day."

His eyes softened before putting his shoes back on and left with an agitated Rias.

Miho's heart reignited and shook her head to get rid of those depressing thoughts. She didn't know exactly what but from Hanwei-sama's earlier reaction, she knew that she was still needed. Not wanting to waste food, Miho went back to finish her pancakes and cleaned the dishes. After that, she began to do the chores.

Starting with the laundry. There are two different laundry baskets. Pink for Miho and blue for Hanwei-sama, to split clothes between genders. Her master accidentally discovered one of her panties mixed into his clothes once and immediately suggested segregation, though she still doesn't see the problem in it. It would save the water bill if all laundry is washed together.

Today is Hanwei-sama's. Miho threw them into the washing machine, added the right amount of detergent, and set to wash. She felt proud of herself. Her first time of using electronics was a frightening experience, especially with this weird water spinning machine. It blew up excessive amount of bubbles and Hanwei-sama had to help her clean up. Now she can utilize this by herself.

Letting it wash. The familiar turned on the television, listening for any important news while vacuuming the apartment. It doesn't take long actually considering it was just her and her master living here, but now they have an extra. Miho stared at the hole in the living room, contemplating whether she should clean the vixen's territory. In spirit conditions, invading another territory must be declared before doing so. But in human conditions, it should be fine as long as she doesn't take anything.

The pinkette refuses to help that vixen after she invaded her territory. However, she was Hanwei-sama's master and Miho already caused trouble for him by not cooking breakfast for her. And Rias has helped her before when she first came to the world of the humans. With great reluctance, the familiar sighed in defeat and went to vacuum the other apartment until it was clean.

Next were the rooms. Since Miho always keep her room clean, she finished up fast and proceeded to Rias' room. After locating the correct one, Miho opened the door and was stunned to see an unhealthy amount of paraphernalia in a corner. Based on the time she spent here, those paraphernalia are from Japan. Even if the familiar decided to clean her room, seeing the pile of mess was enough to dissuade her as she left Rias' room as it is.

Now for the best part, Miho entered to clean Hanwei-sama's room. As usual, the familiar relished as she inhaled her master's scent in the room, but frowned immediately. There were traces of the vixen's scent that tainted it. Sighing, Miho resumed cleaning. His room was only slightly messy, with books, papers, formulas and such about school and spells all over his table but still mostly recognizable. She took her time though, enjoying herself more than anything as she took in the smell.

Hearing the washing machine ding, Miho finished up to fold the clothes. Folding, not drying because the Salamander can produce hot air to immediately dry them, saving much more time especially on rainy days. Miho sat in a seiza position, taking one clothe at a time, admiring just how big they are compared to hers. Eyes glossing, Miho held one of Hanwei-sama's shirt in front of her and hugged it closely. She snuggled into the fabric, smelling her master's leftover scent while giggling happily. That's right, if the familiar has a weird quirk, it would be this.

Miho has a smelling fetish.

Before meeting her master, Miho has relied on her nose often in the Familiar Forest. Her sense of smell is not as good those such as hellhounds but good enough to help her with certain situations. Ever since she grew affections for her master, Miho has taken more opportunities to smell his scent more than she realized. Her favorite was after training when Hanwei-sama was soaked in sweat, that was when his body odour was the strongest.

As much as she wanted to keep sniffing, Miho knew she has other duties to do. After taking one last deep sniff, Miho folded the shirt and the rest of the clothes, placing them in his room. There was no underwear though, Hanwei-sama said he would wash those himself. Miho often wondered what his underwear would smell like but didn't dare to cross the line, she prefers her master to praise her not scold her.

Those were all the chores for the day. Now she would usually change into her salamander form and bask under the warm natural sunlight but today is different. A little change of pace to re-read a certain book: The Magestica of Devil, starring her master as the main character. She already finished the book recently and fell in love with the story, it featured Hanwei-sama so closely, little changes here and there but still resembled him so much. She was about to go into her room to get the book before stopping to look at a certain object next to the sink.

Hanwei-sama's bento.

"Eh?" Miho was shocked, didn't she give it to him before he left? Wait. Now that she thought about it, Miho was preoccupied with Rias' intrusion and Hanwei-sama was in a hurry.

As the realization dawned onto her, Miho panicked. Because of her territorial instincts, she failed in one of her duties. Maybe she could mentally contact him through their summoning contract and ask him to summon her with the bento but she is not aware of what his schedule was like and wishes to not disturb him. And she can't use teleportation magic by herself either.

Looking at the time on her iphone, Miho found out it was only a few hours since Hanwei-sama left so he should not be too hungry yet. The only option she could think of was to deliver his bento to school directly, she has been there before and the distance is not long. Breathing deeply to calm her nerves, Miho psych herself up to fix her mistake. And maybe Hanwei-sama will reward her with another head pat!

But first things first, she needs to wear a bra before going out. Entering her room, Miho took off her shirt and picked out a black bra with frills to wear it. Just as she was about to hook it on, she found that the strap wasn't long enough, "Eh?"

Miho blinked and attempted again but failed. It wasn't until the fourth time when she applied more force and successfully hooked it. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, pushing up her breasts and noticed slightly more tightness than usual. Her shirt and skirt still felt normal so it was only the chest area. Miho frowned in worry, "Oh dear, are they growing bigger again? Would Hanwei-sama be pleased?"

Unsure whether larger breasts were good or not, she postponed contemplating in favor of quickly delivering. Miho put on her shirt, grabbed the bento and keys, and set off for her journey. Ignoring the stares from the human males, she walked at a slightly faster pace and eventually reached Kuoh Academy gates. There was someone standing guard, a male devil judging by his aura and he looked vaguely familiar.

The Salamander remembered human ethics and decided to try asking first, "Um, excuse me."

"Yes, how can I- Wait a second, aren't you Daisuke's familiar? I saw you with him before you all went to fight against Kokabiel."

"Yes, my name is Miho." The familiar thought back and finally remembered another group serving under a different high-class devil, "May I know your name?"

"Oh, sorry. My name is Genshirou Saji, a member of Kuoh Academy's student council. I'm patrolling around to make sure nothing bad happens. What are you doing here?"

"I am seeking for Hanwei-sama to deliver his bento." Miho showed the lunchbox for emphasis.

Saji blinked, before clenching his fist and tearing up in envy. Saji muttered, "To have such a cute familiar bringing your bento. Daisuke, you lucky bastard." He blinked again as he thought of something, "Wonder if you're the girl he likes?"

"What?"

"Nothing!" Quickly replying in panic, the blonde Pawn looked at the school building in thought, "I can just give it to him. No wait, it's a man's duty to accept a girl's delivery personally. It's not going against the rules. Hmm..." Turning back to her, "I can call him over, but it might take a while if he doesn't have free period."

"Thank you very much."

The blonde nodded, making his way towards the building to fetch the ravenette Rook.

I can feel my stomach emptying earlier than usual. Another period ended just now and only a little longer until lunch. Wonder what Miho gave me today? Wait, a better question would be what got into Miho this morning?

Spirits tend to be territorial but I've never seen it up close before, except when those two Undines fought in the Familiar Forest. I was laughing my ass off at that time but saw enough to know they take power and territories seriously. Miho didn't look like she would retaliate violently on Rias for now so it shouldn't end up too badly. I don't want to order her to do anything she doesn't like. Maybe she feels insecure when Rias throws herself at me.

"So?" A brunette with glasses and teasing smile interrupted my thoughts, once again sitting on my desk, "How far have you gone?"

"What are you talking about Aika?"

"You know. Did you and Miho..." She made a gesture where her index finger went into a hole, "... have fun?"

"Yes actually, we really enjoyed the karaoke."

"Come on Daisuke, you know what I meant. You live with such a beauty, and you don't like either of the Two Great Onee-samas. It's not hard to put the two and two together."

"She's my relative."

"A very distant relative." Kiryuu looked at me as if I'm an idiot, "Forget the obvious hair color, you don't even resemble each other. I'm starting to think you two aren't relatives at all."

That's because we're not.

"I doubt anybody would object if you two start dating. Don't tell me you're the pure type that would wait for at least six months before making a move on her. Either that or you're-"

"I'm not gay."

Kiryuu shrugged, "Still could've fooled me. You said you won't date for a girl's looks alone right? So there's gonna be something special you like about Miho." She blinked, all playfulness was gone as she stared at me in astonishment, "Or are you afraid of hurting Himejima-senpai by not choosing her?"

My eyes avoided hers uncomfortably. Kiryuu pressed for answers, "Daisuke, are you holding back for her sake?"

...

Her eyes hardened, "Daisuke."

Sighing, "It's one of the reasons. Listen, my feelings are a bit complicated okay."

"Daisuke, you are a very kind person, but this is not good for you. Everyone deserves a chance for happiness, not just Himejima-senpai and Rias-senpai if I'm right, it also includes you. Miho likes you back, you don't have to worry about rejection either."

I raised an eyebrow, "Miho likes me?"

Kiryuu deadpanned, "I know you're not that dense."

Okay, maybe I've noticed how Miho always acted differently around me. She's become friendlier with the others, not very good friends but still friendly enough during training sessions. However, does she act nicer towards me because she likes me or is it because of her loyalty as my familiar? I like Miho for who she is and I want her to feel the same for me, not for her master. Would she still like me if we met differently? Does she like me or just admire me? If it's the latter... that will be just hollow love.

Besides, I'm not a Salamander. Hell, I'm not even a spirit of any kind. In the off chance that she genuinely likes me, can I make her happy for the rest of her life? Can I give her the happiness she deserves like all other Salamanders? Plus, I've been busy with figuring out how to survive in this world and trying to get back to my own. Comparing to the world of DxD and mine, time and space might flow differently so I don't know how long I'll be gone before coming back. Can I really be selfish and tell her to wait for me for who knows how long?

"What if... what if Miho is mistaking admiration for love? And I'm so busy with my own personal projects, I don't know if I have the time to make her happy. Isn't it unfair to make her wait?"

She crossed her arms, "Would you rather let another guy date her?" Her eyebrows arched in surprise and slight fascination that I was able to loudly crack my knuckles with a mere flex of my fingers. "I'll take that as a no. And stop worrying so much, Miho's love is real. She chose you for a reason so unless you have another lame excuse to turn her down, go and ask her out."

"How can you be so sure? You've only known her for a few days."

Smiling knowingly, "Women are more perceptive to these kinds of stuff Daisuke. When it comes to love, my intuition has not failed yet. Even those perverted duo know there's something going on between you two."

I turned to see Motohama and Matsuda hanging around Issei, questioning what Xenovia is like during club hours. Now that I think about it, those two haven't assaulted me about the newest member or complain about how unfair their situations are, "Was it really that obvious?"

"No. They said it was the first time a girl slapped them for interrogating a guy. Most of time they get beatings because they offended the girls directly. Who would have thought those two have a tiny bit of thoughtfulness in them, otherwise there would be another crazy rumor about you."

This has become crazier than I thought. It was so much simpler when I first joined Rias' peerage, doing contracts and enjoying school life. Now I got multiple girls trying to win my affection, and I started to like the one that I didn't know she existed in canon.

Breathing deeply to release the tension, "I'll think about it. Thanks, guess I just needed someone to talk it out with. I owe you again, Aika. You know, with all that knowledge about romance, don't you wanna find a boyfriend for yourself?"

"Me?" With as much arrogance as she could muster, Kiryuu pointed at herself like a divine being, "None of the boys I've met are good enough to handle the wild and sexy Aika Kiryuu."

"Not even Yuuto?" I responded with a witty comeback.

"Nope, but you and him are close to my ideal."

"Well, I'm honored to know you value me so highly considering I'm not as good looking."

"Your personality and package size have compensated for that. It's not everyday that I get to meet a gentlemen who doesn't see me as a weirdo."

We laughed free and easy.

"But seriously though, I feel bad about receiving your help without repaying again."

"How about being my butler for a day?"

"I don't owe you that much."

"Alright fine, take over my cleaning duty tomorrow."

"Deal."

Just as I thought I could relax a little, there were a sudden increase of whispers. Some students' chatting began louder after scanning through their phones, making ecstatic expressions, the males in particular. They then sped towards the windows, eagerly looking for something.

"No way!"

"She's real!"

"Doesn't she look familiar?"

"What a babe!"

"Damn, those boobs are enormous!"

So it's just another hot girl transferring in. Weird? I don't remember anyone transferring so soon after Xenovia. Maybe it's just someone joining a different class. But still, it's kinda sudden. When Xenovia was about to move into our class, there were at least murmurs or rumors about which gender and which class. Whatever, I don't have a reason to see her so suddenly, I don't even know her.

"You think she's using dye? Her deep pink hair is beautiful."

My body went completely stiff. Deep pink hair? Kiryuu and I exchanged a glance, both of us thinking of the same possibility, "You don't think..."

"Daisuke, I think you might want to see this." Issei, also looking through a window, called me with a nervous look.

I immediately ran towards a window, shoving through the crowd while apologizing, and saw a another crowd at the school gate, congregating around a girl. A girl I feared who might burn everyone to a crisp if they overdo it. My mouth unconsciously opened wide in disbelief, 'Why is Miho here?'

My familiar was trying to withdraw herself from the mostly male students, not just the second-years, I think there are some first- and third-years there. She looked up and we locked eyes, her expression brightening up. With an innocent smile, Miho waved her arm around to grab my attention.

Every last student, except those who already know Miho, turned their heads towards me, their eyes demanding me for answers. So much for not having another stupid rumor about me...

A few knocks resounded at our classroom door, "Excuse me. Oh, you guys have free period." Saji walked in until he found me, "Daisuke, a friend of yours came to visit you to..." Noticing virtually everyone's sharp gaze at me, "Did I come at a bad time?"

"No, you're good! Thanks!" I immediately rushed out of the classroom, making my way towards the school gate. Once I arrived and pushed through another crowd, facing the pinkette, "Miho, what are you doing here?"

"Please forgive me Hanwei-sama, I forgot to give you your bento this morning."

She held it in front of me. Now that I think about it, did I remember to get it before leaving for school? Smiling softly, I gratefully accepted it, feeling my heart beating a little faster, "Thank you Miho, I was starting to get hungry. Can't wait to eat the lunch you made for me."

"Hey, you!" A guy yelled from behind, I almost forgot about the crowd actually. "What is your relationship with that hottie!?"

"That's right! Having a cute girl to come here and give you a bento like that!"

"Aren't you the guy who hangs out with the Two Great Onee-samas!?"

"Are you playing with the maidens' hearts like this!?"

"You trash! How dare you do this!"

"Everyone, please calm down!" Saji along with a few other student council members arrived from the back in vain attempt to stop the envy-fueled crowd from rioting.

Miho glared in anger, the temperature noticeably rising. This will not end well if this keeps up. Grabbing her hand, "Miho run!"

We bolted out of there.

The master and familiar panted after making their escape, arriving in a somewhat desolate park in the opposite direction of their apartment, probably to ensure nobody would chase and locate their home. Miho didn't understand why all those negative emotions emerged, Hanwei-sama only received his bento after all.

"Miho, are you okay?"

"Y-yes, I'm fine."

"You could've sent me a text with your iphone or grab my attention with the summoning contract before coming. You really surprised me."

The familiar didn't know what was going on, but she knew that she caused trouble again. She lowered her head in shame, "My deepest apologizes Hanwei-sama. I did not mean-"

Feeling a head pat, Miho curiously looked up to see her master smiling, "Don't worry about, still better than having cafeteria food instead of the lunch you made for me." He turned to find an empty bench, "Since we're here, how about we have a mini-picnic?"

Walking towards to sit on it, Hanwei-sama patted the spot next to him, beckoning her to sit and relax, to which the familiar did so. Picking the chopsticks, "Itadakimasu." He opened the bento, to find the food mixed up together.

The pinkette's worry returned, fretting over the ruined lunch due to all the running, "I'm so sorry! I will prepare another-"

He took a bite, savoring the flavor and grinned, "It's delicious as always Miho. Thank you."

As Hanwei-sama ate the whole lunch, Miho calmed and felt bad. What was wrong with her today? She's never made blunders like these since her introduction into the human world. At this rate, she'll just keep causing trouble for the one who helped her so much.

"Gochisousama." He finished gratefully and closed the box. Next was just silence, the ravenette enjoying the breeze before he looked uncomfortable, "Does it bother you? About Rias moving into our territory?"

The Salamander tensed, formulating the right words so she wouldn't offend her master, "Perhaps a little."

"I'm sorry. Rias can be prideful and selfish, but she doesn't mean any harm. I can't exactly say no after she saved my life and helped me so many times. She was the one who got that apartment for me actually." Hanwei-sama scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

A lump formed in Miho's throat, wondering if the master-servant relationship applied to Rias like to her, "Do you... welcome Rias' presence?"

"I don't dislike it, but..." His face was tinted red while nervously meeting her gaze, "... I'd like if we could be alone together... at least once a day."

Miho's heart fluttered at her master's words. She resisted her instincts to cuddle him and smiled warmly, "I would also like that."

He smiled as he stood up, "Well, I better get back to school before next period starts." Holding out a hand, "Come on, I'll walk you partway."

Accepting the hand, Miho stood up and the two began walking. The pinkette felt like her problems were burned away, not perturbed by anything anymore. Maybe she could let Rias stay if she still has alone time with Hanwei-sama like they always have. After exiting the park and walking a little more, Miho spotted a specific hair clip in an accessory store.

A simple black clip with a round deep blue ornament in the center. Beautiful royal blue, like Hanwei-sama's eyes when he used them to save her from the Kappas. It was those kind eyes that she first felt something different about Hanwei-sama compared to any other individual she has met.

The hair clip was taken away, snapping out of her trance. After a few moments, Hanwei-sama exited from the store and showed her the hair clip, "Here."

"For me?"

"Yeah, you were staring at it and I thought it might look good on you."

Grinning like a little school girl, "Then, please affix it on my hair." Hanwei-sama blushed again but nodded. Miho undid her half ponytail and showed her back, to which the ravenette tried his best to tie her hair. She patiently waited as the boy had troubles tying a girl's hair properly.

"Done. How is it? I've never done this before." He asked nervously.

She saw her reflection in the glass of the accessory store. Slightly messier than she was used to but she doesn't care at all, admiring the present given by her master, "It's beautiful. I will treasure it forever."

The rest of the walk ended too quickly for Miho, not realizing when they reached the school and parted ways. She felt like on cloud nine and continued her day.

Night came by as Miho sat in the bathtub. Rias had business to settle for the rest of the day, leaving her with her master more time together. Did she upset the red head too much this morning? Then again, the vixen attempted to violate Hanwei-sama, something which angered her to no end.

Miho noticed the water boiling due to her emotions and quenched her anger. Bothered, she'll need to learn more on control before she cause more trouble for her master. Since her arrival, her training consisted of improving as much as possible in preparation against powerful opponents. Doesn't help that power was greatly valued by spirits instead of control. Maybe Hanwei-sama could help her, or Yuuto if she really needed it.

There was no serious training today, just practicing on techniques and physical exercises at home. With her hair tied upwards, the Salamander blissfully submerged her body into the hot water, much better than bathing in lakes of the Familiar Forest. The only part that couldn't submerge were two specific floating mounds on her chest.

Which reminded her of this morning, Miho pushed up her breasts and closer to her body, inspecting for any change in weight and elasticity, "Perhaps they have enlarged a bit. I have heard large breasts were much appreciated among human males but are mostly preferential." She remembered her master's hand on Rias' chest, "I wonder whose are bigger?"

Breaking out of her reverie, Miho enjoyed and finished her bath. Emitting embers from her whole body, Miho dried herself in seconds without needing a towel or hairdryer. She put on her pajamas and hair clip, exiting to the living room to see Hanwei-sama sitting on a chair with papers and books on the table, learning more about teleportation circles.

The familiar prepared a cup of warm tea for him, "Here."

"Thanks." He took a sip.

She took an empty seat next to him, failing to make heads or tails out of the intricate lines. The concept of magic did interest her but she wasn't a devil or has any reason to teleport except to her master's side, "Working hard again?"

"Yeah, teleportation is complex and Rasengan took most of my training time. I already worked out most of the matrix and now trying to see if I'm good enough to modify it." His iphone ringed, signifying a message. Shock crossed Hanwei-sama's face as he turned it off, before turning it on again and rapidly typed something, and he turned it off again.

"What is the matter?"

"It's nothing."

He replied a little too quickly, causing Miho to gloom slightly. She knows that everyone has secrets, but her time with Hanwei-sama was long enough to know it might be sexually related.

Her face was probably apparent as Hanwei-sama sighed and relented, "It's just... Rias and Akeno showing and asking me which swimsuits look better on them."

"Swimsuits?" Miho tilted her head.

"Yeah, the Occult Research Club's gonna clean the academy's pool this Thursday. In exchange, we get to have it for ourselves to enjoy."

"Hanwei-sama, what is a swimsuit?"

"Uhh... It's something like women's underwear, except it's waterproof and clings onto skin better to let girls swim with no resistance."

So that's why human's wear less during swimming, Miho has seen it on television before but didn't find it appealing to stay underwater for long periods of time. She finds it uncomfortable to have her flames weakened so much. And there's one question that bothers her, "If swimsuits and underwear look alike, then why are girls not bashful of revealing them?"

He opened his mouth to answer, until the question finally hit him, "I'm... not sure. You'll have to ask a girl for that."

Swimsuits... From what Miho could infer, Hanwei-sama might be attracted to the prospect. And the vixens are going to take the opportunity to allure her master again. She doesn't like it. Salamanders display their power and purity of their flames with multiple other variables similar to human courtship to find a mate, but Hanwei-sama said she was the best by being herself. So what should she do?

"Hanwei-sama, please sleep with me in my room."

*CHOKE**CHOKE**CHOKE*

The tea was immediately spat out as he thumped his chest. Hanwei-sama rigidly turned to her, "Um... Why?"

"I am unwilling to let Rias trespass into your room again and we can have more time together... can't we?"

As his face reddened like never before, he contemplated for a few minutes, thinking deeply about the consequences and such. In the end, he relented, "... Sure."

Miho brightened up with a few flames flicking like Christmas lights, "Let's go."

"Wait, right now?"

"Yes."

"At least let me clean the place first." Hanwei-sama stored his work into his personal pocket dimension and prepared to turn in early for the night.

The pinkette went to her room first, inspecting for any flaws for her master's arrival. Then she inspected herself in the mirror, judging whether to open a few buttons to show some cleavage but decided otherwise to not push her luck. After waiting several more minutes, some knocks sounded through her door before Hanwei-sama entered with an extra pillow.

Gesturing for him to lie on her bed, Miho went to turn off the lights, lock the door for good measure and gingerly placed her hair clip on her table, letting her hair down. With Hanwei-sama's right facing a wall, Miho pulled the blanket and snuggled his left, feeling the warmth and inhaling the scent, "Pleasant dreams, Hanwei-sama."

"G-goodnight, Miho."

...

Seconds passed, and seconds turned into minutes as neither of them were falling asleep anytime soon due to their rapid heartbeat. "Can't sleep?"

"Sorry, not used to intentionally sleeping with a girl."

His head turned to meet her in the eyes. The Salamander doesn't have night vision but her eyes adjusted quickly in the dark. A lighter topic might calm them down, "How is school? Did those those two males attempted to harm you again?"

He chuckled, "Nah, I think you got them to stop for a while. School's fine as usual, chatting with friends, listening in class, and there's..."

"Hanwei-sama?"

"There's gonna be School Observation Day, where parents or families come to observe up close how their children are faring in school."

Family. Whenever there are topics about that, Hanwei-sama's mood always dampen slightly. She doesn't know the complicated process about multiple worlds but prior to Miho's arrival, she knew he was alone when he arrived in this universe. Humans were known to be more attached to their families than spirits or youkais. And then there was teleportation, is Hanwei-sama trying to return to his home world through magic?

"Do you wish to reunite with your family?"

Turning his head to face the ceiling, he spoke somberly, "Yeah. But it's not as easy as it sounds, there are a lot of other worlds out there. Finding one out of near infinite is virtually impossible, and that's if I can find a way to travel long enough in the Dimensional Gap without getting crushed by Ophis or Great Red. Not to mention the sheer amount of power to break through dimensions."

With every obstacle listed, his eyes drooped lower and lower as the hopelessness continues. Miho's heart constricted. Hanwei-sama was always so bright, never faltering from any challenge. A few frustrating moments here and there but he doesn't let it affect him for long. It pains her to see him so... scared.

"However, the fact that I'm here in this world meant dimensional travel is possible." He looked back to her with a small smile, "Besides, I got ten thousand years to live, I'm bound to find something to help me. At the very least, I want to let them know that I'm alright."

Miho blushed, seeing his inner flame refusing to be extinguished completely stirred something within her.

'I lost someone important to me when I was young, that's why I'll make sure to protect the people I have now.'

When did she start harboring romantic feelings for Hanwei-sama? Was it when he told her his reason to become stronger? Or before that? Miho was a Salamander of average power back then, feeling pity for herself at every failure. Yet he was always there, willing to extend a hand to her, to show her hard work is no substitution for talent. Seeing him challenging stronger opponents like the Cadre-class fallen angel gave her tiny bit of courage to step forward. And above all else, Hanwei-sama's pride is not solely for himself, but also for his friends. He believes in her strength, that's why she believes in his.

Miho clasped his hand into hers, "You can do it." His eyebrows rose in surprise. "Not once have you ever given up on anything. Your feelings for your family will surely reach them as theirs will reach you. I am sure they are also doing everything they can to find you, that's why do not lose hope. I know you can do it."

For a few seconds, Hanwei-sama stared are her in shock, his hand trembling, then he enveloped Miho in a deep hug. The familiar was startled by the sudden intimacy as she blushed, "Hanwei-sama?"

"Thank you Miho." He whispered softly, "I guess I needed to hear that. If there is one thing I would never regret coming here, it would be meeting you."

She relaxed, nearly melting from his contact and comfort him by patting his head, "Your words bring me endless joy. When you succeed, please take me with you."

He pulled back just enough so their faces are close to each other, shocked by the request, "You want to come with me?"

"I am your familiar. No matter where I am, I will always remain by your side. I wish to see the world that nurtured you to who you are right now."

"It's almost identical to this one, all except the supernatural entities. Kinda boring in comparison."

"Nonetheless, I wish to be with you."

Closing his eyes in serenity, "Thank you Miho. I'll show you around my home."

"That would be wonderful Hanwei-sama."

...

"Hanwei-sama?" Miho looked closer to see his facial muscles completely relaxed, steadily breathing as his chest rose and fell rhythmically. He fell asleep. Miho giggled at his cute sleeping face and gently touched his forehead with hers, "Pleasant dreams, Hanwei-sama."

As usual, Miho woke up before dawn and saw her master still asleep. However, the extra scent in the air filled her with anxiety. Peeking over her master, Miho found a naked Rias clinging tightly onto her master's side. She should have known that the vixen would have found a way to invade her room. Sighing, Miho got up to start another day, until she noticed that something was refraining her from leaving.

It was Hanwei-sama's hand grasping her own.

The familiar smiled, feeling that their relationship has deepened. As much as Miho wanted this to continue, she has other duties to fulfill like preparing breakfast. After rubbing his hand on her cheek, Miho slowly untangled her hand, changed clothes, fastened her hair clip, and got to work. It was her turn to distribute flyers this afternoon but she has a specific errand in mind for the morning.

Swimsuit shopping!

Guest at chapter 25: Thanks.

petru95: Didn't know you can disable PM function. So, what do you think of this?

A.N.: Hey guys and Merry Christmas. I know OCs are hard to appreciate so I made an entire chapter for Daisuke's favorite girl. I'll be gone for 6 weeks or so for exams. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne