If you are anime-only, The Dream depicted in this chapter is influenced by Purson's introduction, so for the sake of not being semi-spoiled without warning, skip the first section. Also, I've started to notice characters referring to Elizabetta as Eliza on occasion in the manga so… I will occasionally be utilizing it. -shrugs-
Sorry for the delay, life kicked my ass and I've had severe anxiety about stuff. I've been writing on and off for the past month. The chapter is proof-read as best as possible. Please let me know if you enjoyed the chapter!
TW: The teens've thoroughly heck'd up, sir.
TW2: Blood, talking about intimacy, secondhand embarrassment, and possible ooc-ness.
Blood Entwined, Crossed Between Distant Moons
xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx
Despite their concrete plan, Purson flew home with his heart in his throat.
His hand was already mostly healed so it shouldn't be a problem during dinner, but he couldn't help but wonder what actually happened when individuals shared their blood. Did their scent change? Did their presence gain something extra?
A month ago, when he'd taken only a fingertip's worth of Iruma's blood, his mother had noticed immediately that something was off about him.
He wasn't sure if his father had noticed- the demon used their Bloodline almost nonstop to be capable of reading him.
However, he'd taken in far more of Ameri's blood… and well.
It was a girl's blood after all. That usually meant something more.
Soi landed, going through his usual motions of returning home from school as he entered his room, shucked off his uniform (neatly), and got into something more comfortable.
He was nervous despite his determination and it was making his stomach hurt. He settled himself on his futon and tried to relax by laying down with his hands over his stomach while staring at the ceiling. He unconsciously licked his lips, a vague residual of Ameri's blood catching his taste buds as his face heated. He covered his face with his hands as he tried to make himself small, disappearing from sight as he tried to breath out his feelings quietly.
Something… something wasn't quite right about this. They knew it was risky, and really, Purson wasn't regretting his choice.
He just felt overwhelmed by it all. So much rode on this Dream. For Iruma, Ameri, himself…
Perhaps even Asmodeus.
Soi sighed softly in mental exhaustion, counting down the few hours left until their plan was set into motion.
Dinner was a unique torture because he knew his mother was scrutinizing him. He didn't understand, but he had to continue pretending nothing unusual had happened. He finished his familial obligations, returned to his room, and brought out the instrument that strung him and Iruma together.
The gold brass gleamed in the dim light as he ran his fingers over the instrument. Each key and note ready to be played.
He had composed a special song for this, one that he had yet to perform in reality. He took in a deep breath, carefully set the instrument beside his pillow, and willed for Sleep to swiftly find him as he closed his eyes.
He felt something of a tug as Sleep claimed him and found himself flung onto his hands and knees on the school's roof, pink petals floating down and creating a beautiful view as a familiar Memory set the scene of The Dream. He couldn't help but be startled by the fact that he had control over his movements as he glanced at the black duffel bag beside him. He settled back on his legs and pulled out his trumpet, admiring it with both hands as he understood just how frighteningly Real The Dream felt as he pressed down in familiarized motion on the tabs.
He relaxed a little as the silent clicks helped to ground him in his purpose.
He took in a deep breath and exhaled softly before pushing himself off his knees to stand. He looked outward towards the horizon as he lifted his trumpet and began to play, losing himself to the melody.
This composition had a specific purpose, a unification of chords he'd only rehearsed in the back of his mind during his freetime as he pondered one thing after another since tasting Iruma's blood.
This song was composed entirely because of Iruma.
Purson faintly noticed the soft sound of another, the gentle sway of the roof's door behind him as the presence of his friend came closer.
A mere handful of feet separated them when the other paused to simply continue listening in peaceful silence until the final note rang out into unusual calm.
Purson Soi lowered his trumpet as a gentle wind blew more petals their way, and finally acknowledged the other behind him with a small smile, "Iruma-"
Iruma was completely starstruck as his eyes glistened in pure joy at the music Soi had played as he closed the distance between them, "That was amazing!" He grasped Purson's arm as his face flushed with excitement and wonder, "It was all, pah-pah and it was so wonderful!" Iruma smiled and Soi couldn't help but feel slightly flustered by the other's gushing.
"I- uhm, it was… thanks."
Iruma grinned before tilting his head innocently, "Why are you hiding your talent..?"
Purson blinked before he remembered. That's right, this Dream was based on the Memory of when he agreed to join the festival-
He'd have to roll with Iruma's preconceived notions for a bit as he set the Memory back on track.
Purson, focused as he was on Iruma, did not notice Ameri hidden behind the enclosure to the roof's entrance.
Her arms were crossed, a small smile on her face as the curled tips of her hair were alight with the activation of her Bloodline Magic. She'd had her eyes closed during Purson's performance as she soaked in each note, but after listening to the boys go back and forth, she finally acknowledged the trapped individual before her. "Asmodeus."
The unwitting phantom witness of The Dream observed the demoness before him as he made a number of swift conclusions. Ameri smirked wearily at the emotions that quickly flashed through Asmodeus's eyes. "I hope you understand how important Iruma is to the rest of us."
Asmodeus knew that. He'd come to that conclusion well before and during Eliza's Dream, let alone the travesty that was Kerori's.
Ameri found the current situation difficult to deal with. It was only a little fun to be able to heckle the boy before her until amusement ran out into frustration. She pulled away from the wall and reached out towards the other and took his barely-there hand and dragged him into a more solid shape as he stumbled in surprise into her prepared arms.
She trapped him to her chest, his height only slightly less than favorable as she growled threateningly into his ear, "You had best see me before the school day ends, Asmodeus Alice."
Asmodeus gulped as he instinctively held the demoness back. He shouldn't have felt anything from the action, yet he knew it came from a place of love and adoration for Iruma and it thrilled him.
Ameri loosened her hold, and Asmodeus shifted back to a more polite distance, a challenge unspoken as an internal fire lit between them. "Understood, Azazel Ameri."
The Dream began to melt into Morning.
xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx
Purson Soi awoke violently as he threw himself unsteadily out of bed in a beeline for the nearest mirror.
Unfamiliar Magic was running through his veins as he made it to his personal bathroom to catch the light of a small section of his bangs silver-white with lavender thorns woven through before it faded back into normalcy.
Soi stared at that reflected spot with his chest and throat tight with an incomprehensible swirl of emotion before long-practiced calm brought him to detached apathy.
He began his morning routine earlier than usual, but the ability to rest any longer had fled to the hills. He was ready for school in practiced time as he meandered over to his instrument and carefully returned it to its casing before hiding it away with magic.
"Soi." The teen startled with a gasp before turning to his mother with rattled nerves. She had her hands clasped in front of her with an unreadable expression, but Soi knew he was potentially in trouble. She motioned with her hand for him to sit, and he plopped down on the side of his bed before his mother peacefully settled beside him. "Are you seeing someone?"
Soi shook his head as he watched his mother. It was seriously too early in the morning to sweat and feel this much.
His mother was silent for a drawn out moment before nodding to herself, "As I told you before, whatever decision you make for yourself, you need to see it through." She met her son's eyes. "You can't do these sorts of things halfheartedly."
Soi felt something like guilt and pride intermingle through his gut as he responded gently, "I know."
His mother nodded before pulling him into her side as she coddled him loosely, "Then see to it, because there is more than yourself to fail, now."
Soi flushed at the uncomfortable insinuation, but nodded in agreement, "I will."
They stayed like that silently until the usual time for breakfast arrived. The everyday habitual motions were followed, and in no time at all Soi was once again at Babyls.
He meandered the halls out of sight as he passed by and through many others. He should probably check in with the president, to report what he'd felt that morning.
Soi didn't expect to be grabbed by nothing and dragged into an alcove before Ameri dizzily melted back into view in a panic.
'Oh.'
Both demons stood still as Ameri tried to regain her bearings with a deathgrip on his arms, flustered as she was before Soi reached up and grasped her arm gently in return. He didn't really know what to do or say to calm the demoness down, but he hoped a simple touch of affirmation would help.
Ameri's eyes lowered as her turbulent feelings subsided and she was finally able to articulate her feelings, "I think… we messed up."
Soi couldn't help the snort that came as a response before he nodded, "Kind of an understatement, but we both knew that was a possibility. Still, the plan worked and I was able to give Iruma a hint so I plan to properly talk to him about it later. Oh, and I plan to give him a nudge to return your favor. I have absolutely no plans to get in the way of-" His jaw clicked shut as Ameri silenced him with a simple touch under his chin.
Soi couldn't help the flush of embarrassment that colored his face as his thoughts continued to run a mile a minute.
Ameri huffed softly, "You don't have to do that." She was resigned to this, but Soi vehemently shook his head in denial.
"Iruma is still the most important person between us. It's fine."
Ameri evaluated the young demon before her with both shock and pride. An unconscious smile bloomed as she pressed her forehead against his, "If that's what you've decided." She pulled back a step to create space between them, "You're an intriguing demon, Purson Soi."
Soi felt part of himself melt away before recollecting himself, stiff as he restlessly pulled at his tie. "I- uhm. Thank you?"
Ameri chuckled lightly before taking another step back with a small wave, "I'll be in touch."
Soi nodded absently as he held himself in the alcove she'd pulled him into before giving into the desire to melt away and avoid facing the world for a stabilizing moment.
They had definitely messed up the Security Devil pact that they'd tried to create… but it would be fine.
It was all for Iruma's sake, and Purson Soi could admit to himself that he loved his classmate. Not romantically of course, but in a way that went beyond what Iruma's barebone description of friendship was.
Less than devotion, and more like… like…?
Purson huffed before he forced himself to move towards Royal One to put into motion the next part of his plan.
xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx
Iruma awoke to peace.
It was a strange sensation after everything that had been happening as of late. He took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly before pushing himself up to begin his daily routine with a smile on his face.
His dreams seemed to have returned to normal, which hopefully meant that his daily activities would follow suit. Yet, despite being zoned out while brushing his teeth, he slowly noticed something was off about a small section of his hair. It was faint, but there was a lighter floral pattern that barely illuminated his right sideburn until it returned to his natural shade of blue. Something he'd normally try and pass off as his imagination, except…
Magic..?
He was aware of it after he'd hurt his hand. A low hum along his nerves, growing, shifting, and accepting something that was previously not. It felt unusually natural to inherently feel Magic within his body, and not merely as a foreign outer concept allowed due to his connection with Ali-san. It was as if he was regaining something he'd simply... forgotten, or perhaps lost..? It was akin to regaining strength in his left arm after his injury, but spread throughout his entire body.
Iruma pursed his lips in contemplation at that.
'So it's you..?'
He finished putting on his uniform and glanced at the lingering pile of books that Higurashi-sensei had left him, flippantly deciding to place one into his bag to read during his breaks during the day. 'A Feudal Fairy Tail' didn't seem too terrible, and who knew what it would teach him about the history between humans or demons.
Iruma finished his usual morning motions, met with Clara at the front gate, and began their trek to school.
Clara was unusually quiet, her normal spark subdued as he frowned in concern, "Clara..?" She looked up towards him and he smiled slightly as he held out his hand in invitation. She glanced at it before clasping her hand around his and squeezing it comfortably.
He exhaled gently as he tried to make small talk, "It's a lovely day, isn't it?"
Clara nodded silently, and Iruma felt any further attempts to bring her out of her strange mood wilt. He frowned as he gently squeezed her hand, "What's wrong?"
Clara met his eyes, a well of concern and sadness building unconscious tears as she bit her lip viciously. "Iruma-chi…" She sniffed, "Do you really think Azz-Azz abandoned us?"
She could have focused it on him or even herself, but really, both of them had been rather lonely this past month.
He'd just been the one internally affected by it the most.
Iruma took in a cleansing breath before exhaling, "I… no, not really. I know he's training because of me… and even though there's a part of me screaming that I've been abandoned… I just know if I hold out a little bit longer, we'll be able to properly talk and return to normal."
Clara bowed her head as she tried to hold herself back from screaming that it would be impossible. It wouldn't do any good to burst out in front of the school, but she wanted to shove him down and hold him. To weep and confess her selfishness unto him as if it would bring her relief. Perhaps telling him that she and Azz-Azz had shared their blood would hurt his spirit irreparably.
Everything about this was so beyond their level of understanding.
It was far too easy for Iruma to bring her close to the area around Royal One, but to keep them just far enough away to keep their privacy. He silently settled her onto her knees as he settled himself beside her in the grass, relaxed. He wasn't sure how to coax her to speak, and there was only so much time before class, or before anyone else found them-
Clara exhaled shakily before she shifted and wrapped her arms around him as she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Tears quickly soaked into the neck of his uniform, and Iruma shifted to best accommodate her weight and hold her in return. His voice was soft and gentle as he did his best to coax her to speak, "Clara… I can't help if you don't tell me what's wrong."
Clara sniffled, "Iruma-chi's been feeling neglected, while I was feeling smug for having Azz-Azz's affection."
Iruma frowned in confusion. "I don't understand."
Clara inhaled tiredly, "Azz-Azz has annoyingly been stalking me all month, and he suddenly yielded to me, and I was so amazed and distracted by his feelings, that I forgot about all of the hurty-hurt he's caused you… And then Makka-chan recently gave you her blood to start a pact 'cause you were feeling full-on rejection because of everyone, while I was off making out with Azz-Azz in the hallway and I never wanna hurt Iruma-chi ever-!" She held him tighter as she cried, "I only thought about me and forgot all about you and it wasn't nice of either of us to leave you out and I just…" She sagged in his arms as her emotions tired out. "I just wanna be The Love Trio again."
Iruma exhaled gently as he held her close, simply breathing as he took in what she'd said.
He didn't feel angry at all, really. Not even vaguely jealous. He'd had his week with Asmodeus, so it was fine if they were getting along nicely. Somehow it felt a little bit like a relief, though he couldn't quite grasp why.
…But the Magic thrumming throughout his nerves seemed to have nothing but the underlying spark of elation. As if the end of their forced solitude was coming to an end, and Clara would have her wish as he comforted her with his presence.
They would be The Love Trio again, and Iruma Knew that their reunion would happen soon.
Far sooner than they were prepared for.
xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx
It was early when Kalego made his way through the halls of Babyls with purpose.
He breathed deeply as he tried to contain his annoyance as his patience had been bled dry over the past month. The attack, Asmodeus and Iruma getting injured and disappearing with the Chairman. The strange behaviors his students had developed since then that he'd first brushed off as a trauma response, only for general counseling and familial normalcy to do nothing to cure the odd undercurrent of focus.
The one-minded attentive concern for one troublesome student.
Kalego knocked on a familiar door as Shichirou poked his head out before stepping aside in greeting, "Kalego-kun, it's been a while."
Kalego nodded and he let himself in as he glanced around the history prep room his friend had made into his nest. Kalego had been frustratingly left out of a large majority of the investigation- understandably, as he had been distantly implicated by unexpected sources in the attack.
Really, he was angry about the whole mess, and would love to sink his fangs into every last one of his bird-brained relatives that had caused such a commotion within his territory. His bloodright as the Hound of Babyls. They had tracked mud through and injured what was his.
Shichirou placed a light hand on his shoulder, "Kalego-kun?"
Kalego pulled his rising anger back and observed his friend, "My students were hurt, Shichirou."
Shichirou froze at those words, understanding everything in a moment. The growling he could sense with Buzzer in every single one of Kalego's movements over the past month. His growing agitation with being kept apart.
His lack of understanding-
Shichirou motioned with his hand towards a seat, "Let me make some tea, and then we'll talk."
Kalego nodded and settled himself into the nearby chair, a seat that, unknown to him, was used by Iruma quite often.
This was merely a short visit, a simple beginning spark for the knowledge he craved to resolve the issues with his students. Still, he felt relieved when Shichirou handed him a cup of Hell Grey Tea, and he took a scorching sip of it to center his thoughts before setting the mug down beside him.
Kalego got straight to the point, "What can you tell me is happening with my students?"
Shichirou internally frowned as he unconsciously fiddled with his mask, "What exactly do you mean?"
Kalego exhaled loudly as he conjured his observational journal and began to read off his latest set of notes. "Iruma burst into tears the moment Asmodeus left my class, and every single one of them swarmed the boy to comfort him, as if inexplicably compelled. If he were an Incubus, I could understand their unshaken attention, but this was something else. If I didn't know better, I'd say they were a bunch of muddled newlyweds trying to appease their mate."
Shichirou couldn't hide the hint of a grimace he had in response to Kalego's final words as his friend focused in on that.
"Shichirou, what in seven hells have my students done?"
Shichirou sighed heavily as he ran a hand through his hair. This… this would be difficult. A fingertip's worth of demon blood couldn't cause the chaos that was happening with the Misfits…
But clearly, as Iruma was a human, it was plenty.
Kalego really did deserve to know about Iruma-kun.
Shichirou took off his mask and settled it beside him before carefully taking a sip of his own tea. "I can only say so much…"
Kalego huffed, "Iruma is the source of far too many oddities, Shichirou."
Shichirou nodded as he became resolved, "I can't tell you all that much, not without Iruma-kun. But… I will tell you that your students left out an important piece of information from their witness reports." Kalego raised an eyebrow as Shichirou concluded, "They each willingly ingested some of Iruma-kun's blood that day without his knowing, and it has changed them all irreversibly."
Really, it was a good thing Kalego hadn't been holding his tea, as his journal fell unceremoniously to the floor.
xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx
Two classes into the day, and Purson was about to scream from anxiousness.
He hadn't had the chance to catch up with Iruma before school due to walking in on him comforting a sobbing Clara, so there went plan number one. (Honestly, Purson hadn't had a Wicked Phase in quite some time, but the stress he was feeling at the moment could certainly take him over that particular edge. But no, he'd endure it. He had to.)
He finally gained an opportunity as Asmodeus, Clara, and Iruma returned to Royal One from one of their elective classes. Purson snatched Iruma by the back of his jacket, covered his mouth as he pulled him into his chest, and forced him to stay still as the other two jumped from Iruma's abrupt disappearance.
Purson's heart was hammering in his chest, and he swore Asmodeus made eye contact with him as he seemed to have a flash of disheartened understanding before distracting Clara from her fight response.
Iruma simply stayed still, perhaps surprised by the feeling of being nothing, before Purson cautiously tugged his hand and coaxed him into a side alcove for privacy.
Iruma was a little baffled, but he could tell Purson wasn't out to cause trouble considering he could feel a very slight tremor of stress running through the other Misfit. He observed his friend as he allowed himself to be settled onto a small two-person seat hidden under one of the stairways for a private rendezvous.
Purson sat down beside him and gripped his knees, stiff. Now that he'd managed to get Iruma away for a moment of privacy, his mind went blank. There was a lot to discuss, and yet, they had so little time.
Purson took a deep breath and shifted slightly to face Iruma, "The Dream."
Iruma blinked, "Huh?"
Purson was intently watching his human companion, "Last night I shared a Dream with you. It felt real, right?"
Iruma's eyes widened as he stiffened in surprise, "Wh- yes. My dream last night- I thought I was reliving when I asked you to join us!"
Purson nodded as he gently grasped Iruma's shoulders, "I purposely brought you into my Dream to help you understand- you aren't the only one having those Dreams. I witnessed it- you having tea with Elizabetta, and what Kerori did to you the other night. I couldn't do anything, but I was witness to them."
Iruma felt his breath catch and his blood drain from his face. It was one thing to loosely talk about it with Lied, Jazz, and Allocer- it was a whole other problem if someone saw him being…
Iruma felt lightheaded as his eyes filled with tears. His chest tightened and his stomach turned as he shakily grasped Purson in return, "Y-you… you saw that..?" His voice was weak as he swallowed thickly. Iruma was still trying to decide how he felt about what had happened!
Purson nodded as he pulled Iruma close and spoke quietly, "I'm telling you this so you can protect yourself, Iruma." Iruma took a short breath in as he clung onto his friend's every word. "What happened with Kerori was bad. Things got way out of hand far sooner than anyone could have expected with such a unique situation. I knew I needed to get your attention, to make you understand that these new Dreams you're having aren't unique to yourself. Any one of us can be dragged into them and trapped. They can also be triggered on purpose. Elizabetta and Kerori both purposely brought you into their Dreams, just as I did last night, and I know why The Dream changed from the Memories we were interacting with before into this."
Iruma nodded weakly, "What do you mean by before..?"
Purson paused before relaxing slightly and nodded to himself. "When we first took in your blood, we were Dreaming your Memories as if we were You. We sort of mentioned that when you first came back, which is how we really learned you were a human. Over time, we were able to separate 'Ourselves' from 'You' and could interact with the 'Memory of You.' However, last week I happened to be nearby and saw when Ameri-kaichou gave you her blood. That's when The Dream changed."
Iruma gaped at him, "Ameri-san's blood did that..?"
Purson nodded, "Unfortunately… but Iruma. You… I know she doesn't expect you to return her favor… but I…" He felt his chest tighten, and he had to fight off an abrupt wave of tears as he gently squeezed Iruma's shoulders. "Just as you've suffered rejection because of Asmodeus, eventually Ameri will begin to feel a rejection response to you not reciprocating her sacrifice as well." He bit the inside of his cheek and drew blood to keep in all the other words he could say. He was almost overflowing with feelings he didn't know how to express to help his friend understand.
Irumas's breath hitched at the thought of causing Ameri any amount of anxiousness in the way he had for the past couple of weeks. He reacted immediately, going to stand as his body reacted to the idea of needing to find her now before Purson prevented him by forcing him to stay seated, "Don't. Right now isn't the time, Iruma."
Iruma shook his head, "But Purson-kun, I can't stand the thought of causing her any emotional pain just because of me!"
Purson exhaled gently as he nodded, "I know, Iruma." He glanced to the side for a moment before meeting his friend's eyes again, "I know that very well, and so does Ameri-kaichou. She's strong, and she chose to wait because it's what you needed. It can wait a little longer, until you're ready."
Iruma slowly released his panic with a soft sigh and nodded, "Okay."
Purson pulled back a little and looked at the palm of his hand where there was new sensitive skin from where he'd torn into it. He clenched his fist and resolved himself before looking at Iruma again, "May I alleviate some of your anxiety, Iruma?"
Iruma furrowed his brows slightly, "Hm?"
Purson brought his hand to his mouth and bit his pointer finger- the same one that he'd used that ill-fated day a month ago to taste his blood. He ignored Iruma's worried gasp as he stared at the blood that easily began to seep out of the puncture he'd made with his fang. He met Iruma's eyes as he offered his wounded hand palm up, "Let me finish what I started, Iruma. I know… I know this isn't the smartest thing to do… and maybe it's not something you should do… but I can't leave this unfinished any longer. I've gone too far to walk away from this."
Iruma barely managed to grasp Purson's wounded hand before blood began to drip between them. Iruma felt his nerves buzz as his heart hammered in his chest. Was there something special he was supposed to do in this situation? He'd read about yielding to girls in the books he'd studied, but they didn't explain this. He was speechless as he searched Purson's eyes for help.
Purson gave him a small smile, "I will do my utmost to protect your heart and those you hold dear, Iruma. Would you do the same for me?"
Iruma immediately nodded as he held Purson's injured hand close to his chest, "Yes! I'll protect you and those you care for in any way I possibly can!" He took a cleansing breath and resolved those words between them before he stared at the blood trailing down the other's finger and into his palm. Iruma swallowed dryly as he stared at the growing red.
He tasted the blood of his friend, and felt something click into place as he licked every drop clean.
xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx
If Kalego hadn't been suspicious before, he was even more so now as he observed his students.
Asmodeus was peacefully sitting beside a subdued Clara- suspicious.
Purson was in the visible spectrum with a dazed look on his face and a curious bandage on his finger that hadn't been there earlier with full side-body contact with Iruma. Another abnormality.
Iruma was still seated near Clara and Asmodeus, but he was normally tucked between them.
Most of the other students at first glance seemed to be their usual selves, but Elizabetta was smiling just a little too knowingly, and Kerori seemed to be attempting to mimic Purson by being as inconspicuous as possible.
There was a mutual concern buzzing in the air, but it was nowhere near as thick as it had been yesterday.
Kalego tabled his observations and began his lesson as more questions formulated in the back of his mind. So much so, that even he was looking forward to the end of his class to get to their scheduled Free Period. He and Shichirou had already made plans to have a thorough discussion with and about his most troubling student.
Time passed torturously enough as he eventually brought his lesson to a close and assigned their homework for the night. "Iruma."
Iruma jolted to nervous attention, "Y-yes!"
Kalego narrowed his eyes, "I need to speak with you after class."
Iruma wilted as he nodded, "A-alright."
Kalego nodded. He expected some of the others to tease their classmate as they were prone to do when someone seemed to be in trouble, but instead there were worried looks and concern.
It was utterly baffling.
"Dismissed!"
No one went to move, and Kalego rolled his eyes as a spark of lightning static erupted, "Get out of my classroom and go bother someone else!"
His students finally startled and began to collect themselves as they made to leave, giving Iruma their own forms of concern and attempts at cheer as they filed out.
Clara clung to Iruma for a moment while Asmodeus clasped a hand on his free shoulder before snagging Purson and dragging Clara off their friend.
Iruma wistfully watched them all leave before cautiously standing up to approach Kalego, "Is… Did I do something wrong, Sensei?"
Kalego sighed heavily as he crossed his arms, "I'm… concerned."
Iruma blinked as surprise colored his features.
Kalego huffed lightly, "It is not as if I have been blind to the oddities between you all since the attack. I… apologize for not being able to ask after your wellbeing sooner than this, Iruma."
Iruma was outright gaping at him before a small smile spread on his face and relief began to seep into his posture, "Ah. I uhm, it's alright?" He was at a bit of a loss.
"Hmph." Kalego looked towards the side, "I have a number of things I'd like to ask you in private." He motioned with a hand as he began to walk, "Shichirou's waiting for us."
Iruma blinked as he obediently followed his teacher, "Balam-sensei?"
Kalego nodded as he opened a familiar room within Royal One. Two couches that could fit two to three individuals depending on their size comfortably. A low table between them, set with tea and a few snacks to help ease the atmosphere.
Balam waved from the door-facing couch with a small smile visible in his eyes as Iruma greeted him. Vines had begun to take over the room, but that was simply another way Balam was trying to ease the possible stress the coming conversation could bring as the door closed behind them.
Iruma took everything in with a glance as he sat down stiffly while Kalego sat down next to his friend and crossed his arms with a frown. He was quiet for a moment as he looked over his student in contemplation.
Iruma glanced between Balam and Kalego as he cautiously picked up his cup of Hell Grey Tea and took a small sip as he settled on Balam.
Balam sighed lightly, "Kalego-kun."
Kalego huffed lightly to himself, "Iruma, do you know why your classmates are acting the way they are?"
Iruma frowned in confusion, "Huh?" 'Because they're demons?' Was his unconscious answer.
Balam shook his head. They wouldn't get anywhere at this rate since Kalego could sometimes be difficult about explaining his wants. He shifted into a more comfortable position as he gave Iruma a soft gaze, "Iruma-kun, Kalego-kun came to me this morning with a number of questions regarding your fellow peer's behavior. The problem is, it has to do with the attack a month ago, and he hasn't been privy to a majority of the investigation. However, I can't say much because it's your personal information."
Iruma was blank for a moment in confusion before what Balam was trying to explain sunk in. He took in a deep cleansing breath as he grasped his knees and looked at Kalego earnestly, "Kalego-sensei, I'm a human being."
Kalego's immediate reaction was as expected- not quite as severe as Balam's, but if he hadn't already been sitting he certainly would have needed to. As it was, he managed to only gape at him for a few seconds in surprise before half-expected anger set in.
Kalego shifted and slammed his fist on the table with a low growl as Iruma flinched into himself, "Are you insane!?"
Balam set his hands on Kalego's shoulders and shifted him back slightly. "Kalego-kun-"
Kalego shoved his friend's hands off of his shoulders as he stood stiffly while giving his student his full attention. He was almost vibrating with held back emotion. There was anger and resentment, certainly, but there was also worry and frustration mixed in. Iruma shrinking back was not at all what he desired, but so many questions were clogging his throat that he needed to move, lest he bring out Keroberos. He shifted and started angrily pacing in a prowl back and forth behind the couch he and Balam had shared as he eyed his friend's shifting vines. Clearly his friend wasn't sure of how to interpret his response, but that was acceptable.
Iruma was theirs to protect, and he was acting erratically. Even he didn't know how to feel at this moment.
'I'm the last to know, huh?'
What a disgusting thought to have spring through his mind. Of course. The students took in Iruma's blood and found out that way. It didn't matter how Shichirou knew- he'd clearly known for quite some time with how close he and Iruma had spontaneously become. Opera-senpai and the Chairdemon also clearly knew.
This didn't change anything, for as much as it should have been impossible, it explained enough.
Balam acted as a buffer to bring Iruma out of his tight-lipped silence. Buzzer was alerting him that his classmates had filtered back into Royal One with intense worry in response to Iruma's current fear. Purson was already pressed against the door listening in.
What a bothersome situation, really.
"Kalego-kun, you're scaring Iruma-kun."
Kalego exhaled noisily as he forced himself to calm down. The vines were looking a little too grabby in his opinion- understandable, but all the same, to be seen as a threat to his own student.
How laughable.
Kalego came around the couch, glanced at his friend, and approached his troublesome student.
Iruma was looking up at him with wide, terrified eyes, and he couldn't even believe how stupid they all were.
Kalego towered over his student, one leg pressed against Iruma's as he bent down and grabbed him gently by the jaw to keep eye contact, "I am your familiar, Iruma. I cannot harm you, fool."
Iruma flushed lightly as Balam relaxed with an exasperated sigh, "Kalego-kun…."
Kalego huffed lightly as he shifted his student's face back and forth, looking him over in a new and rather unimpressed light, "So this is what a human is."
Iruma pursed his lips, nervous and unsure of what to say to that.
Kalego hummed and released Iruma's jaw before backing off and seating himself next to Balam once more with a sigh as he crossed his arms and observed the human teen from a polite distance. "Are all humans like you, Iruma?"
Iruma blinked as Balam's eyes sparked in excitement. There were so many things Shichirou had wanted to ask, but was far too polite to do so. (Though honestly he wanted to learn things about Iruma and humans at a sedate pace, but oh well. Curiosity makes the hellcat and all that, right?)
Iruma shook his head, "Humans are all very different depending on how and where they're raised, similar to demons I think."
Kalego nodded absently, "How did you end up here in the first place?"
Balam winced. That was something the teen had been asked about by Henri, and while he knew why himself now, it was still a rather harsh question to ask. (Even if it was entirely logical.)
Iruma however, didn't seem to mind the question as he answered simply. "While on a job, my parents decided to summon a demon and sold my soul to them for some fast cash."
Kalego's eyes widened as he blurted, "Do human parents not care about their offspring?"
Iruma shook his head, "Ah, no. My parents just never liked working, so instead of going to school most of the time or having a normal childhood, they had me work under the table all the time. It wasn't at all normal… but there are parents that sometimes don't love or care for their children. It's not a common human trait, but… it happens." He shrugged awkwardly. There was enough time and distance to be… clinical about his past, and he knew for certain his parents could never come for him again.
He was loved now by the people around him, and that had done so much for him since he'd come to live in the Netherworld.
Kalego observed his student silently for a long moment as he tried to sort his thoughts and emotions while tapping a finger to his bicep. He breathed in counted measure as he thought over the past month. All of the oddities since Iruma appeared.
No wonder things were an absolute shit-show now.
In a perfect world he could have prevented the nonsense that was happening between Iruma and his peers. As it was, it was already said and done, and now it was up to him as Iruma's teacher, to ensure he understood some things about his demon classmates.
"Iruma, are you aware your classmates ingested your blood?"
Iruma nodded, "Uh huh."
"Do you understand the repercussions of Asmodeus's training?"
Iruma paused before frowning, "Repercussions..?"
Balam fiddled with his mask. He hadn't been sure on the timing since Asmodeus hadn't finished his training.
It just so happened that it came to completion this morning. Between himself and Raim-sensei, they had concluded that Asmodeus had done as much as was feasible without further in-the-moment action. It just came with a severe drawback due to his forced behavior towards Iruma.
Kalego exhaled tiredly, "It isn't exactly my place, but since there were times Asmodeus needed to be excused from class, I had to be informed of the situation a bit. If I were to categorize his behavior towards you before the attack, it would be single-minded devotion to the point of obsession. For his training, he was forced to abstain from his fervent reverence and focus elsewhere, as to ensure his Bloodline Magic couldn't harm or manipulate you."
Kalego paused as he watched Iruma absorb that information before the teen flushed lightly and awkwardly spoke, "So… it's related to.. Uhm.. S-sex Magic?"
Kalego rolled his eyes and gave his friend an annoyed glance, "It's related to that, yes, but do you understand what that means for you?"
Iruma shook his head in the negative, "Nothing outside of what it sounds like."
Kalego nodded absently as he went into lecture mode, "You recall the imagery I conjured for you and Purson while explaining the piece your class had chosen for the Music Festival?" Iruma nodded as he continued, "That adoration is how Asmodeus has been approaching you thus far. However, he is not an Incubus, though his Bloodline certainly comes off as a derivative of a Succubus's Magic."
Iruma was focused on his teacher as he absorbed that information with a slight nod.
Kalego continued, "Blood is a precious thing here, but it is also an ingredient. It is also something that can bind two fates. Have you ever willingly given your blood to another?"
Iruma tilted his head, "I had Azz-kun ingest my blood when he was injured for my sake, since it can instantly heal demons of injury."
Kalego rubbed the bridge of his nose. Of course. That part of the report he'd read made sense now. "What happened when you were away, Iruma?" Iruma made a questioning noise before he elaborated, "What triggered Asmodeus to decide he had to train his Bloodline Magic?"
Iruma flushed as he shrunk into his shoulders and gripped his knees, "We… we kissed."
Kalego raised an eyebrow as he absorbed that information before simply continuing, "Did you feel anything unusual?"
Iruma grimaced. Really, it'd been enjoyable until he'd obsessed over the memory and realized… "I… I felt like I desperately wanted him all to myself for a split second in a way that was unnatural when I thought back on it."
Kalego exhaled lightly, "Asmodeus is a rarity even among those of his Clan. Unless they want you to come close to them, you can't. That feeling you had was more than likely an impression of Asmodeus's single-minded desire towards you. Now that you've been forced to be apart as much as can be expected for the past month, think of that split second feeling and multiply it hundreds, if not thousands of times over."
Iruma's eyes widened as he felt his heart race and swallowed dryly. Asmodeus wanted him that badly..?
And if he had gone so far as to yield to Clara, did he feel similarly towards her..? And if so… if so…
'How could he stand to feel so much for so long and not go crazy…?'
Iruma felt overwhelmed for a moment as a foreign feeling settled in his belly. It was so much like his constant desire to eat, but in a way he just couldn't quite grasp.
Kalego waited a long moment for his student to understand, "Iruma, Asmodeus has decided upon you and Valac as his. If no one has explained things to you for what that means, then as your teacher, for the sake of your mental health, I'll have to prepare you as much as I can." He gave Shichirou a Look, and the other teacher nodded in agreement.
Balam decided to take a slightly different angle, "Iruma, how do humans start families?"
Iruma blinked, "Well, I guess when they confess their feelings for one another, they date- er, court one another?, get engaged, and eventually marry, why?"
Balam hummed as he rubbed his mask, "It's similar to demons I suppose, though, what is the general opinion to having intimate relations before all of those steps are completed?"
Iruma winced as he waffled at that. He had… ideas, and perhaps his own hopes in regards to how he'd thought such things would go for him. "Well, it's kind of frowned upon and seen as irresponsible, especially for someone my age…"
Balam nodded, "I see. For demons it doesn't particularly matter, though in this last couple of decades, it's preferable for students to wait, but they aren't outcast or frowned at for acting upon their impulses." They were demons afterall. Sometimes stress just could not be relieved through entertainment.
Iruma breathed in as butterflies turned his stomach as he realized and instinctively understood.
He looked between Balam and Kalego nervously as they kept silent for a moment. 'Oh.' He… he'd never thought of having a relationship, let alone with two people at the same time. He'd been far too focused on survival to even daydream about falling in love, and yet he was slowly coming to the conclusions he'd fallen in love several times over in multiple ways he didn't quite know how to express-
And now he had to deal with the possibility of being entirely intimate before properly going out on a date together?
He felt his body grow hot as his mind overloaded. He hid behind his hands, "Uaah~!" He- why did it have to be his teachers explaining this!? He'd barely thought about kissing, and then between That Dream and this he- he just didn't know what to do!
Balam sighed lightly to himself, "Iruma-kun, no matter what happens, Asmodeus has been training so that he won't unintentionally force you into something you don't want. If you aren't sure of something- if you're afraid or not ready, you have to speak it. No matter what, Asmodeus would never want to harm you in any way, so you have to talk, alright?"
Iruma nodded in embarrassed misery, "O-okay."
Kalego took a sip of his tea, annoyed that Opera-senpai hadn't been the one to warn the boy about this possible backlash. They were his Butler for hell's sake.
Perhaps the investigation and Iruma's immediate care had taken too much of their focus.
"Iruma." His student peeked out between his fingers, red faced. "If you return the favor of Blood between your classmates, it's on you if you end up with a bunch of half-witted mates vying for your attention. Do not ingest anyone's blood without having a proper conversation about what you mutually want, got it?"
Iruma swallowed as he thought back to Purson not all that long ago as well as Ameri, and nodded nervously, "G-got it."
Kalego sighed tiredly, "I will schedule weekly meetings between you, Shichirou, and I now that I know about this."
Iruma gaped and unintentionally whined at that, "But why?"
Kalego glared at him and sneered, "Because I want to make sure you're safe, but also because you've constantly inconvenienced me."
Iruma winced before nodding, finding his response acceptable. "Okay."
Kalego nodded before standing and moving over to the door, before opening it as twelve Misfits disbalanced and fell into the room in a chaotic pile. "And I'll be having private chats with all of you later."
The chorus of groans and whining were expected.
But a part of Kalego found glee in their annoyance, and he smirked in satisfaction as he stepped over them and made his leave.