Agares is weird to write because sometimes his speech is normal, and sometimes it's lazy. So if it feels weird, it's the lazy aspect of his speech I'm trying to capture, so I hope you'll forgive any oddities.

Chapter Considerations: There will be spoilers relating to Gaap's Clan history in this first section. If you are spoiler sensitive/not a manga reader, you may have to skip it at your discretion. I wasn't sure how to start this chapter, and suddenly… Agares and Gaap decided to work with me. -shrugs-

TW: Swearing/crude talk, dancing around the topic of intimacy, dubious levels of consent, slight bondage while keeping things tame, kissing, blood.

Blood Entwined, Crossed Between Distant Moons
xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx

Agares yawned as he sunk further into the comfort of his bed while Gaap sat hunched into himself nearby. The apathetic demon muffled a soft sigh into the plush beneath him as he finally lifted his head with one tired eye open, "Gaap, why don't you just… talk with Iruma about your family's rules..?"

Gaap shifted and held his knees, shrinking into himself further as he bowed his head slightly, "You know why, Agares-dono."

It was a tired conversation at this point, and Agares knew it as he exhaled tiredly while observing his friend with lidded eyes.

Gaap had simulated speaking with Dream Iruma on more than one occasion, explaining his family's circumstances. Dream Iruma was always understanding, but when it came to reality, Gaap always lost his nerve.

He was scared and terrified of possibly causing Iruma irreparable psychological harm or damaging their friendship. He just couldn't bear to risk it.

Agares shifted to cup his chin in his palm as he hummed. "Do you even need to reciprocate, though? I mean. I'm not in any rush to give him my blood, besides, you could always ask Kalego-sensei his opinion."

Gaap shook his head vehemently, "I can't risk this getting back to my family. I already had to beg Balam-sensei when he discovered what we'd done. I can't…" He wilted, "I don't want anyone else to know."

Agares closed his eyes and breathed for a moment.

It was unfortunate, really. They hadn't thought about the consequences when Sabnock had given his rather convincing sermon after they'd all watched their classmates get speared through. It'd made too much sense at the time to just go along, and damn the possible results. Iruma was special, and they wanted to keep a part of him with them if he ended up dying on them.

Who knew it'd end up with weird Memory Dreams, the misfortune of getting emotional feedback from him, and the pervasive need to ensure his well-being.

Agares let his hand fall as he faceplanted into his bed and muffled, "Why are we talking about this, again?"

Gaap was quiet for a long moment, "...The other night."

'Ah.'

Agares took in a deep breath and exhaled softly as he pulled himself out of bed and settled on the floor in front of his friend in a lazy cross legged position while leaning back on his left arm, "The Dream Kerori created." It had been obvious to them both that The Dream had been created with purpose.

Gaap nodded solemnly.

They had both known what was wrong with Iruma the other day, and neither had known what to do or say about it because… well.

It was awkward to process.

Gaap's family situation didn't help things. He was not a demon that could easily find a partner, thus, his family was moreso of the traditional Old Ways, where blood was chosen for power and continuing one's lineage over feelings. It made sense considering the circumstances of their appearance. They'd been blessed by a Deity, yet, they were of the lowest and most horrific sort.

Only those who were bound to them would be granted immunity from the madness that came with seeing their face.

It was for this reason that their family did not participate in Security Devil pacts. They would Guard and Serve with their Body and Word, but their blood was heavily protected because they were, in and of themselves, madness personified for the sake of devouring others.

So for Gaap, taking in Iruma's blood had started something, and it was something he should not have done.

There was no way Gaap could even figure out his feelings towards his classmate. They were too light, too simple to be anything more than friendship… But something had been formed due to ingesting his blood and he was… lost.

Gaap was far more interested in gaining allies than much else.

(Though, that was not to say he didn't appreciate the opposite gender and would happily go to a Sabbath if invited.)

None-the-less, he was stuck.

Agares was in a far better position, but was merely unwilling to continue with anything unless it had some sort of benefit.

(He also, silently, didn't want to leave Gaap as the one-man-out in this situation.)

Gaap focused on Agares, "Should we tell Iruma-dono that we saw that Dream?"

Agares snorted, "Nah." He pondered a moment before smirking to himself, "But maybe we should tell Kerori."

Gaap froze, "B-but! She's a girl!" Boys shouldn't go spilling a girls secrets!

Agares shrugged, "She started it, and Iruma's too nice to take revenge and finish it."

Gaap hugged his knees tighter, "...I suppose that's true."

Agares nodded with a sniff as he pulled out his phone and sent a message, "She's gonna have'ta face the consequences of makin' us see that."

Gaap winced. 'This will not be fun.'

But they'd damned the consequences a long time ago.

xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx

Kerori chewed on the inside of her cheek as she went to the place Agares had messaged her to meet him at.

It wasn't that she wanted to go, but when you're sent a message of just, 'We need to talk.' by the most apathetic member of your class, you go.

She inhaled before sighing heavily. The stress she'd relieved in her now entirely regretted Dream was back and coiling further and further. It was her own fault for thinking she could do something so devious in private, when she should have known others could get dragged in.

She held a hand to her temple and grimaced as a sharp pain assaulted her eyes.

She needed a release.

She knocked as a courtesy before opening the door of the Nap Room where Agares, and apparently Gaap, were waiting. She frowned as she looked between the two before cautiously settling down and tucking her legs beneath her, "You wanted to talk?"

Agares hummed as he leaned back into his faithful companion, his bed. "You really fucked Iruma over, Crocell."

Gaap couldn't help the shocked choking noise he made as Kerori gaped at the shorter demon as color slowly bled into her features and squeaked. "Y-you! You saw that!?" Kerori frantically looked between the two boys as they nodded before she buried her face into her hands with a bemoaning whine.

She thought she'd created a private space with the ice walls she'd erected! How many of their classmates had seen her depravity?!

Gaap spoke solemnly, "Unfortunately, de gozaru."

Agares tapped the floor beneath him with an impatient claw, "I'm not looking for'n apology, but Iruma definitely deserves one."

Kerori pursed her lips as she hesitantly looked at them, "I-I know that! I- everything is even worse than I thought it was!"

Agares frowned at her exasperation, "Whaddya mean?"

Kerori hugged herself in restraint, frustrated with herself, and the whole damn situation she'd placed herself in. "Iruma's been suffering from rejection, and then I just went and used him! I…" She grit her teeth as the warmth of tears began to build in her eyes, "I never meant to be so vile towards him!" It made her feel like absolute scum.

Agares and Gaap glanced at each other in discomfort at her admission.

Agares ran a hand over his face before letting his head fall back upon his bed with a groan as he melted back into his bed. "This is so troublesome!" He didn't mean to sign up for emotional labor, but here they were.

Kalego-sensei had every right and reason to be pissed with every last one of them for this.

Gaap was silent before clearing his throat awkwardly, "So you were planning on apologizing?"

Kerori rubbed at her eyes miserably, "I hadn't even thought of it until I'd heard about him suffering from rejection."

Gaap nodded. It was understandable as it was in their nature to be selfish, and really, Iruma was great at helping others feel good or better about themselves. Kerori had, unfortunately, taken advantage of his innate kindness to a rather unsavory extreme. "You'd best not take advantage of him like that again, de gozaru."

Kerori nodded, "I'm well aware of that, now." She'd had guilt rolling in her gut for hours, and she hated it.

Gaap rubbed the back of his head as Agares asked while staring at the ceiling, "Why'd you even do that in the first place?"

Kerori licked her lips, "I've been stressed out and at risk of a Wicked Phase."

Gaap nodded, that made sense he supposed.

Agares simply closed his eyes, the desire to doze and go back to being uninvolved, warring with his desire to make things right for Iruma.

Kerori was silent as she had no other words to defend herself with.

Agares finally huffed, "I hope Iruma gets a backbone and takes revenge."

Kerori turned to him, upset and annoyed, before a snore rose out of the shorter demon. She pinched her nose in annoyance as Gaap lifted his hands to try and placate her, "As long as you're planning on apologizing to Iruma-dono, I'm sure everything will turn out alright, de gozaru."

Kerori huffed before pushing herself to her feet as the idea of getting away with her actions unscathed sat ill with her, "So are we done with this conversation?"

Gaap wilted a bit as he motioned his hand to the door, "You may take your leave, Kerori-dono."

Kerori nodded and swiftly made her way out of the room as she closed the door behind her while annoyance sang through her blood.

However, her annoyance swiftly bled back into guilt as she barely took a couple of steps away from the Nap Room in shame. Her classmates were holding her accountable. Kerori's stomach hurt as she clenched her fists.

She needed to talk to Iruma soon, before she lost her nerve and tried to brush it off.

xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx

Asmodeus absently ran his fingers through Clara's hair as she hummed while tucked against his chest. He was comfortable despite the rough bark of the tree behind him, and Iruma was settled into his side, reading an unusual book that he couldn't decipher.

It was clearly native to Iruma's origin, and had an occasional illustration depicting a dog demon and a high school girl with a bow and arrow working together. It was fascinating to observe, though he couldn't help but ponder what it was Iruma was learning from the book.

Clara's tail was wrapped around Iruma's wrist comfortably, including him in whatever way she could since he needed both hands to hold the book he was reading.

Asmodeus licked his lips as he glanced at Iruma's neck and traced his profile. He felt his body warm, and he swiftly shifted his gaze to the girl in his hold as he buried his face into her hair, "You're using shampoo and conditioner?"

Clara stiffened as her body warmed in what he could only guess to be embarrassment, "K-kerori and Makka-chan gave me some, and Elizabetta gave me some lotion to try." Asmodeus shifted so he could get a view of her face as she bashfully looked up towards him. "She said that maybe, if I used them, it'd help bring out more of my charm."

Asmodeus frowned in contemplation for a moment, "What were you using before?"

"Soap."

Asmodeus nodded, expecting her to list off more before the silence stretched between them.

Iruma paused in his reading as he looked their way oddly in contemplation, "Just soap?"

Clara averted her gaze as she nodded, "Mmhmm."

Iruma rubbed the side of his head awkwardly. Before when his budget was tight, he'd use those 3-in-1 products that were available at the cheapest price. However, occasionally, a nice boss or coworker would give him separate hair and body products for a holiday.

The thought of only using one kind of soap for everything made his head itch.

Asmodeus gave the imp in his arms a sympathetic look, "Ah, because you're poor."

Clara glared up at him before gnawing his arm in retribution, causing the aristocratic demon to cry out in surprised pain. "Nuh-uh! That's not it at all, stupid Azz-azz, we just only need soap! It takes care of everything!"

Asmodeus clicked his tongue, "Well, no girlfriend of mine will only be using soap to take care of their hair." He sniffed haughtily as he pulled her into his chest and spoke low near her ear, "Your hair is softer today and smells rather nice."

Clara flushed while grumbling to herself, "Ah, uhn."

It was beginning to become clear to Clara that Asmodeus was trying to distract himself. She could feel his Desire building for herself and Iruma-chi. He was trying to keep it under wraps, but she was beginning to feel the effects of it.

She wanted to ravish him, mess up his pristine white uniform, and then smother Iruma-chi in her brand of affection as well.

Clara puffed her cheeks in a pout before turning to grab Azz-azz and Iruma-chi's opposite cheeks to force them to look at one another as she declared, "Just kiss already!" She was getting impatient with them and the rolling tension beneath her skin.

Asmodeus and Iruma turned red as they gaped at one another.

Amodeus nearly choked before reaching over and doing as Clara had demanded of them with no further resistance.

Iruma's eyes widened as he inhaled sharply at the feel of him, Iruma's hold on the book in his hands weakening as it slid onto his lap. He had a second to breathe in sharply before Asmodeus continued to get his fill of his Desire.

Iruma didn't really know what to do with himself, far too self conscious of the fact that Clara was right there, or the faint thought that one of their classmates might walk in on them.

He bit down hard on Asmodeus's tongue when he'd had enough, the need for air and his building embarrassment causing him to panic.

Asmodeus jolted at the pain as copper bloomed, gasping before pulling back in shock when Iruma released him. He didn't have the chance to speak before Clara grabbed Asmodeus's face and stole his full attention.

Iruma, on the other hand, held a hand to his mouth with a flushed face as he swallowed thickly.

He breathed silently through his nose as he tried to make sense of his fluttering feelings. He licked his lips, a remnant of copper there, as he belatedly realized he'd hurt his friend.

Abruptly, he recalled the night before, as Ali-san had taken a moment to give him a pointed Talk before he fell asleep.

"Iru-boy, I can't tell you what you should and should not do… but you need to examine yourself and your feelings for your sake. What do you want for yourself and your partners? How far are you willing to go with them? These are important, because if you don't think about it now, it'll be too late when you've gone too far."

"But what if I'm not sure I even want any of… of that for myself?"

Ali-san was quiet before he sighed to himself, as if a memory lingered just out of his grasp. "Sometimes, Iru-boy, you can't know until you experience it for yourself." He tapped a finger gently on Iruma's forehead, "But at least, if you've thought about it beforehand, you won't suddenly be overwhelmed with guilt and regret by the answer."

Iruma had thought about the situation he found himself in, about what sort of things could happen in the future.

He pulled his hand away from his mouth to examine the palm of his left hand as it refused to stay completely steady, the world around him blurred as he lingered on the taste of Asmodeus's blood in his mouth. His thoughts were a whirl of confusion before settling on what Clara and a few of the others had mentioned about feeling his emotions.

He felt nothing from the others.

"What do you want from me?"

Iruma heard Asmodeus breath in sharply when he and Clara separated while Clara's tail tightened around his right wrist.

Iruma couldn't quite look at them for reasons he himself couldn't decipher, but he felt forlorn at his lack of connection.

Asmodeus was silent for a long moment, "Iruma-sama, I-" He exhaled shakily while running a hand through his hair, belatedly realizing Clara had pulled out his hair tie, "-I probably want more than you can give me right now."

Iruma lifted his head to look at Asmodeus. The other couldn't quite look at him, a small flush that spoke of his personal frustrations and introspective shame. Iruma clenched his left fist close to his chest with a small frown. He knew, knew that if it were even just the other day, he would've simply gone with the flow and told Asmodeus to do whatever he needed or wanted if it'd help him feel better.

But this wasn't only about Asmodeus and himself, but Clara, and all the others to some extent.

Iruma pursed his lips before giving a very wobbly smile and spoke quietly, "I'm scared."

Asmodeus jolted as he met Iruma's eyes while Clara carefully moved Iruma's book out of his lap and shifted over to him with concern. Her tail unwound from his wrist as she gently coaxed him into her chest, and Iruma relented to her touch as he wrapped himself around her. He pressed his face into the crook of her neck as frustrated tears began to soak into her uniform top. "I'm sorry I don't know what to do. I can't feel the things everyone else is, and I feel so left out, even though it's my own feelings everyone has to deal with. And I'm just not sure what you both want from me, and I don't want to go too fast, while I also know that you both have needs. I-" He hiccupped as he nuzzled into Clara's neck, "I'm scared… because I don't want to disappoint either of you."

Asmodeus shifted closer before pulling them both into his chest, accommodating them as best he could at such an awkward angle. "I'm sorry, Iruma-sama."

Iruma shook his head, "N-no.. I-"

Clara ran her claws gently over the back of Iruma's neck and just a little down his spine where his wing root would be, if he'd had them. "It's okay, Iruma-chi." She closed her eyes as she settled against the both of them while taking advantage of her position to nuzzle them both, "You've both worked hard, and I'm not even sure how this works, but… We'll figure it out together, right?" She met Asmodeus's eyes, and he nodded in agreement as they fell into silence.

Asmodeus just wasn't sure how long he could hold out before his Desire crushed his Will.

xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx

How does one sleep after going through one trial after another?

For Iruma, after years of training himself for the sake of survival, this was easy.

You slept.

Be they good dreams or bad dreams, sleep was essential.

His thoughts were abuzz with no correct answer to guide him, so when he became 'aware,' he believed he was simply dreaming.

Floating islands of beautiful greenery, cascading waterfalls like out of a fairytale story. Iruma had never witnessed such a beautiful landscape in his short life.

But the figure lazing on the edge of a cliff swiftly made him doubt as he stepped towards this new individual that felt far too familiar. His instincts told him he was safe, because he had nothing to fear from himself.

The figure's head tilted back, long navy hair with a bun to crown his skull. Long white horns that curved from the sides of his head. They were similar in height, though the other seemed somehow longer in his proportions than Iruma. Many rings adorned their clawed hands amongst other golden accessories, while they wore otherwise comfortable white pants with a fitted high-neck sleeveless dark top.

Iruma paused a few feet behind them, a fanged grin adorning the other's hidden face as they shifted, "I've been waiting, Iru-bou."

Iruma clenched one fist as the other clamped around his wrist, "You have?"

The other shifted and sat up, his left leg raised while the opposite right arm, a ring missing from the middle finger, took his weight in balance as he patted the spot next to him, "Sit with me."

Iruma didn't need to be compelled to do so, but he couldn't help the small rush to swiftly do as requested. The nervous thrum of his body as he felt small beside this clearly powerful demon.

They sat in silence for a time, until Iruma's nervousness calmed into wonder as he stared across the expanse before him and smiled, "It's lovely here."

The other nodded, "It's my favorite spot."

Iruma unconsciously smiled before glancing towards the demon beside him curiously. The other's eyes were a deep indigo, and something about his sharp-gazed profile made Iruma believe he was looking at himself, though he had no idea why he felt that way.

The other shifted slightly to look at him, a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he huffed, "I think it's about time you took control of the situation."

Iruma blinked, "Eh?"

The other leaned his head back slightly to gaze up at the fuchsia colored sky above them, as steel blue clouds rolled quaintly above them, "You understand that blood is sacred and dangerous, right?"

Iruma nodded, "Yeah." It was a biohazard in the Human World, but necessary for life.

The other hummed, "Yet you are halfheartedly dealing with the situation." He shifted his gaze back to Iruma, an indiscernible glint to his eyes that was a mix of far too many emotions to examine at once. "Your friends took your blood without permission and tasted it. You, in turn, have every right to demand repayment for what was given."

Iruma's eyes widened, "But I-"

The other shook their head, a sternness behind it, and Iruma went silent as he clenched his hands in his lap.

Both were silent before the other sighed heavily, his voice a strange familiar mix of his own and- "Do not let yourself be taken advantage of again. We demons are far too selfish to reciprocate the kindness you so easily lend." He closed his eyes, "Iru-bou, finish what was started before it falls any further out of hand."

"You are the one who must benefit the most from your sacrifice."

Iruma bowed his head in thought, contemplating their words for a time before courage and timidity formed a new question. "...Who are you?"

The other hummed in question, as a small amount of amusement seemed to bleed back into their demeanor, "You can't tell?"

Iruma wasn't sure if he was afraid of the answer, or simply reluctant to assume. "Not quite."

The other shifted close and barely clasped their head under Iruma's chin so that their eyes met, "I'm You."

Iruma opened his eyes as his blood hummed with Magic.

He took in a deep breath before exhaling slowly while a strange dreadful giddiness in his gut left his thoughts silent.

The Other was Himself, but from Before.

xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx

If there was one thing Iruma was good at, it was surprising people.

Hey, if you were the one in my position, what would your reaction be to that Dream from the other day?

Purson stared at the text message and reread it multiple times before responding. What?

It took time for Iruma to respond, as it seemed he had to figure out how to phrase his question.

Uhm, how would you, as a demon, deal with being put in a situation you didn't like?

Purson rubbed his head. If they were talking about The Dream Kerori had created, it wasn't easy to answer. Probably take revenge, or get back at the other party. Why're you asking?

The response was strangely faster than expected.

It's a lot to ask, and I know it probably doesn't make sense… but I have an idea, but I need someone as backup.

Purson rubbed his face a little more harshly than he should've with a tired sigh before replying. You'll owe me.

Iruma seemed happy with the response. Sure! =n-n=

Purson shook his head, 'Iruma should know better than to make open-ended deals with demons. Seriously.'

He got ready for the day. There was a pleasant hum throughout his blood, Ameri's feelings pleasant that morning as she went through her own routines. Iruma's feelings were muted in comparison, a small hum of excitement, relief, and something more muddled in the mix.

Purson paused with a puzzled frown as he examined the two sides.

The intensity of Iruma's needs and worries were… They were much calmer now.

Purson shook his head and finished fiddling with his tie before making his way to eat breakfast with his parents.

'Something's changed.' What that change meant, and how it came about were contemplations for another time. He ate while only half aware of the conversation, making small contributions to whatever his parents were on about, before extending his wings to fly to school.

Iruma startled him when he grabbed his arm and pulled him into a side room. Iruma definitely seemed to be in better spirits, though the emotions playing on his face were a bit confusing to read. He was excited and guilty all at once.

Purson went to ask him what was up before Iruma cut him off, "So, I think I'm gonna take revenge."

Purson closed his mouth, went to speak, stopped by closing his mouth, before outright gaping at him, "What?"

Iruma flushed, clearly becoming nervous as he rubbed the back of his head bashfully while refusing to meet his gaze. "So uhm. I thought, maybe, a way to get back at Kerori… was to make her Dream a reality."

Purson's brain pulled the breaks as he clasped his hands on his friend's shoulders and loomed close to him darkly, "Did you hit your head? Are you crazy?!" Sweet Delkira, what was Iruma on?

Iruma internally panicked for a moment before awkwardly glancing up at him, "Well, I thought… that maybe I could use her Dream against her, to get her to…" He trailed off and went silent, leaving the detection warding demon hanging.

Purson clasped his friend's ear, his claws clipping just enough to make his point without causing pain, "Iruma. What. The hell?"

Iruma was silent before he slowly met Purson's eyes. They were so terribly soulful, and it just wasn't fair that he could plead with him without words so severely, "I'm not any good at taking revenge, or hurting others… And asking someone to give me their blood just seems… weird? So…" He shifted slightly to pull Purson close in a hug, though what was behind it threw Purson's mind into confusion as it was simply muddled. "I thought, maybe, I'd give her a little of what she wanted."

Purson stared at his friend before flatly asking, "And how're you going to do that?"

Iruma's expression didn't change for a moment before a small mischievous smirk appeared. "Magic."

Purson was hooked, and damn if he didn't feel like a complete sucker for it. "And my role?"

"To make sure things don't get out of hand."

Purson raised an eyebrow, "And why not Asmodeus or one of the others?"

Iruma's smirk deepened, "You were the first to reciprocate the offering of my blood."

Purson blinked. 'Oh.'

Well.

Wasn't that something.

xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx

Iruma held his phone tightly between bound hands as he took in a deep breath to steady himself.

Today had been incredibly calm, all things considered. It was almost downright normal, and he was happy for it.

He'd done his best to avert his thoughts about his plan, which were admittedly stupid, but he really didn't know how else to deal with things as they were.

That, and for some reason, there was a thrumming clamor within his Mana to take revenge for the wrong against him. To take control.

It didn't sit completely right with him. He didn't want to cause harm to anyone despite what was done to him, but he needed to appease whatever this… undercurrent was.

Iruma took in a deep breath, reread his message one more time, and hit send with an audible sigh as the deed was done.

He swallowed thickly with a small smirk to himself, glad he'd convinced Asmodeus and Clara to go to their Battler on their own ahead of him. He didn't need them to get involved in this.

His phone was gently pulled out of his hands by ghostly hands, a warm press on his partially bare shoulder helped ground him despite how unsteady he felt, and then there was a knock on the door.

He didn't respond and closed his eyes. The room was dim, save for the natural light from the high windows of the dance room he currently stood in the center of. It was Kerori's room, for all intents and purposes. But that's why it had to be here where whatever would happen between them occurred.

He clasped one gloved hand over the other, the binding on his wrists only as tight as they needed to be without pain or friction. He felt the air acutely on his right middle finger and upper arms, his opera-length black gloves encasing the rest of his arms as he waited with butterflies in his throat.

He wore thigh-high black boots with a modest inch and a half heel- his recent growth spurt making him a little unbalanced as he tried to adjust to the changes his body had begun to recently go through. His black shorts were short, not scandalously so, but enough to make him a little flustered as he shifted just enough to make the half skirt that trailed behind him rustle.

He heard the doorknob turn with a soft click as the imp he'd been waiting for peeked in with a squint, "Iruma?"

A light tug was all it took for Kerori to stumble into the room enough for Purson to close the door and turn on the lights as the Akudoll winced at the change of lighting and gasped.

Iruma's top was fitted and sleeveless, a solid black until it reached under his shoulder blades and became a tight fishnet that ended at a thick black choker around his neck. His hair was a darker blue than normal, but the missing wing root that would be expected, along with the harsh scar of his near-fatal wound wasn't what held her gaze.

No, it was the half skirt train she knew all-too-well from her own imagination. It was perhaps even just a tad more dramatic in length as the snowflakes that represented herself danced between Iruma's added motif of feathers throughout the outer edges of the train and lace.

Kerori held her hands to her mouth as she inhaled sharply, as desire flared and warred with her own regrets. Her voice was weak and muffled as she finally found her words once more, "W-what're you doing..?"

His head lifted at her voice, causing his feather earring to make a small clink as he shifted to slowly turn to her. His eyes were warm as he met her gaze with a small smile, "I'm taking revenge, I guess."

Kerori choked as she motioned harshly towards him with an arm, "Wh- how is this taking revenge?!"

Iruma deliberately took measured steps toward her as his train shifted and spun into itself perfectly, "Because I'm willing to yield to your Will… for a price."

Kerori took a half step back as she wearily watched Iruma. She noted that he'd done his own makeup, though he had done so in a way that highlighted his more masculine features than softening them into the more feminine look he'd been taught. His gaze held an intensity to them, much like when he was out to accomplish a goal he'd set for himself, and she couldn't help but swallow back a shriek as she balled her hands into fists with a tremble. "Why are you yielding to me, when I'm the one who did you wrong!?" Tears began to build in her eyes, "I took advantage of you, used you, and then fought with myself to apologize! I'm the one who should be begging for favors!"

Kerori breathed heavily, as she abruptly realized how loud she was being. Her breathing, her voice, it was all too loud.

Iruma lifted his bound hands in a manner that seemed deliberate, as she stayed still and allowed him to do whatever it was he was up to. His arms lowered around her, pulling her into himself in a hug as the heat of his hands bled through her top as she stared up at him.

Kerori didn't know what to make of his behavior as her heart hammered in her chest.

Yet, slowly, she relaxed in his hold as she realized he really wasn't going to do anything more.

He was waiting.

Kerori exhaled heavily as she sagged against him and allowed her forehead to fall lightly against his left shoulder, "I won't make a deal without knowing the price, Iruma."

Iruma hummed softly in thought, as Kerori realized he was shaking. She frowned bitterly as she carefully wrapped her arms around him while her hands slid up his stiff back, "You shouldn't be doing something like this if you're scared, dummy."

Iruma snorted before he giggled lightly, as if a little out of breath, "I know, but you're in pain." Kerori blinked before looking up to Iruma. He watched her as he met her gaze with an ironic expression on his face, "You're really stressed out, Kerori."

Kerori huffed before allowing herself to rest her cheek on his shoulder, She traced the lines of the fishnet into the solid line of the rest of his top, mulling over her options. "I'm sorry."

Iruma's arms tightened slightly, "Hmm?"

Kerori closed her eyes and basked in his warmth, "I'm sorry I took advantage of you while you were emotionally vulnerable, and ignored your comfort zone for the sake of selfishly relieving my stress. I knew it was more than just a dream, but… it was precisely because of that, that I took advantage of the situation and made The Dream about me."

Kerori felt Iruma relax before he leaned into her a little in return and hugged her closer to himself. "I forgive you."

Kerori felt tears gather in her eyes while her tongue tasted bitter, "You shouldn't."

Kerori felt more than heard Iruma chuckle silently, "I value you as my friend more than that." And while it was true that Iruma's trust in her had been broken, he still wanted to be close to her. They were both young, and she had realized that she was wrong.

He could give her another chance.

Kerori breathed in as tears trailed down her cheeks and warbled her words, "I'm sorry."

Iruma rubbed his head gently against hers and spoke gently, "I know."

Kerori nuzzled into the underside of his jaw as she held him closer as if begging for forgiveness, "I was wrong."

Iruma hummed, "You were."

Kerori shifted, desperate to get closer to him and begbegbeg before she felt him lose his balance as something caught under his boot and they both gasped as they fell back into the expanse of his train. Kerori's knees hit the floor hard as she compensated enough to not accidentally hurt him, while Iruma made a small pained noise at the angle he'd taken the brunt of their weight on.

Kerori pushed herself onto her elbows and looked down at Iruma, "Are you okay?"

Iruma gave her a grimaced smile, "I think so."

Kerori cautiously began to shift before Iruma's hands found themselves halfway up her back, far too hot than what she was used to as she stilled with a small gasp. She stared at him, and he was flustered beneath her with his lips pressed tight.

Iruma swallowed, "Uhm, maybe- don't move just yet."

Kerori's face warmed as Iruma glanced downward and shifted slightly, wincing as he shifted beneath her to try and get more comfortable before she felt his tied hands ghost near her backside. "Wh-what're you-!"

Iruma interrupted her, "Your skirt!"

Kerori froze as her face turned red while he swiftly shifted her skirt back over her backside before traveling back up under her shirt. She wasn't sure if she was mortified or turned on and she was now completely humiliated. She buried her face into Iruma's neck and whined.

Iruma vaguely patted her back, "S-sorry."

Kerori shook her head before relenting and settling herself against him. The train cushioned them well enough that she hoped Iruma was comfortable despite her weight against him and grumbled, "What do you want from me, Iruma?"

Iruma hummed as he stared up towards the ceiling. "Your blood." Kerori stiffened in surprise, an unconscious gasp causing Iruma's warm hold on her to tighten as he elaborated, "You… you did say you'd marry me."

Kerori spluttered as Iruma finally released a nervous chuckle as he continued, "I know you weren't serious, but you really surprised me. And well…" He refused to meet her eyes as he looked to the side with a blush coloring his cheeks, "No one asked for my permission to drink my blood."

Kerori knew she couldn't fight him on that. He deserved to be able to demand reciprocation for such a wrong.

Kerori exhaled loudly, an annoyed grumble beneath it all as she gave in, "Fine."

Iruma seemed to brighten a little at that, "Really?"

Kerori couldn't help the rush of annoyance at how hopeful he sounded, like she could really refuse him. "Yes."

Iruma beamed at her, and she shook her head before shifting a little to cup his cheek, causing him to inhale softly and intently watch her with baited breath.

Kerori tilted her head, felt somethingmagicmaybe shift beneath the thin layers of his skin as she almost pressed their foreheads together as a tease and huskily asked. "How would you like me to present it to you?"

Iruma couldn't help the small whine that came from his as he fought against the idea of wanting to-

Kerori smirked and pressed their lips together, a hum from deep in her throat harmonized with his own response as he relented to her far too easily. She took a small gasping breath, realizing his teeth were far too smooth, and that he was far too gentle to do her any harm, and ran her tongue over a fang before continuing what she'd started.

Iruma's bound hands were left wanting as he held her close to himself, nearly losing himself in the strange coolness if her Magic before hooking his thumb under the back of her bra and snapping it.

She squeaked as she abruptly pulled back, affronted by his rebuttal, "Iruma!"

Iruma licked his lips with a swallow as he tried to catch his breath, "Kerori."

She stilled at his voice, a somethingsomehowpowerful behind his commanded words as he observed her with a clear gaze.

A foreign hand shifted her shirt and with a single tug undid Iruma's bindings while they uncomfortably cleared their throat and melted back into her and Iruma's sight. "Uhm, yeah, that's enough, I think."

Kerori gaped at Purson mortified as Iruma tugged her shirt down and gently grasped her arms just below her elbows.

The Magic sustaining Iruma's outfit gave out, and he was back to his now unkempt school uniform.

Kerori looked between Iruma and Purson before slumping as she flopped next to Iruma and hugged him close from his right side with a pout. "Revenge, huh?"

Purson tucked his legs beneath him, unsettled, but strangely… relieved?

Iruma relaxed, "I didn't know what to do, and well… Do you feel any better?"

Kerori flushed as she buried her face into his shoulder and muffled, "Somehow."

Iruma smiled, and after a small tug his way, Purson settled on Iruma's other side while being careful of his still sensitive shoulder.

It wasn't the most comfortable, since it was a hard floor.

However, despite his slight lightheadedness, Iruma was relieved and pleased with himself for the first time in a while.

He held Purson and Kerori close with a grinning satisfied expression on his face.

Something new slid into place.

xXx-xXx-crimson-xXx-xXx

A/N: Delkira's physical descriptors are kind of confusing for me, so even if they're a little off from the anime, nothing's absolutely clear. Also, when Ali talks in the Japanese version, I hear "Iru-bou" and not "Iru-boy," which makes me think back to Yugioh. Yami calls Yugi 'Aibou', and that's what feels correct to me. "Iru-partner," due to their symbiotic nature. Also, the Kerori resolution section has been planned in various forms for months, but it was a bit of a rough patch to figure out how to get there plot-wise, lol.

Please let me know if you enjoyed it!