บท 3: II
Warm sunshine beamed through the windows of Issei's bedroom. After futilely turning over and over for ten minutes trying to fall back asleep, he finally gave in. He tossed the comforter aside and rolled out of bed.
A quick glance at the clock revealed it was still early. Seven thirty. He stepped into his slippers, and padded over to his bureau. Issei pulled on a pair of khaki cargo shorts sticking out from his bottom drawer over the boxers he'd slept in, and pulled open the second drawer just far enough to reach in and pull out a shirt without even looking at it. Yawning, he absentmindedly ran a brush through his hair, tossed it back on top of his bureau, and headed out his bedroom door.
He considered that it was still early, and he might grab a shower before the girls took it over, but as he walked passed the bathroom, he could see the lights on through the tiny space at the bottom of the door. Just two days ago, he had accidentally walked in on Rias showering. She didn't seem to mind though her face did color a little adorably. He had been so embarrassed he had raced out the door calling an apology over his shoulder and sprinted directly into Koneko knocking her to the floor.
He had tried to help her up, but she slapped his hand away staring daggers at him. "I don't need help from a pervert!" He had tried to explain it was an accident, but… "You're the worst…" He sighed, turned abruptly from the bathroom, and headed down the stairs toward the kitchen.
Koneko… He paused midway down the stairs as the previous day's events flashed through his mind. After he had punished her and then comforted her, she had cried in his arms for quite a while. Her tears seemed to say what she could not. He felt that she was really sorry and not just saying the words he wanted to hear. She seemed to be holding something in… all this time, and last night she let some of it out. When she finally had no more tears to shed, she just lay there against his chest arms still around him, but fatigue had lowered them to his waist and reduced her crushing grip. She sniffled occasionally, but eventually that too faded.
He continued rubbing her back and whispering soothing words occasionally, until he noticed her breathing had become long and slow. His heart grew warm in his chest as he realized she'd fallen asleep in his arms. Maybe she trusts me after all. He sat with her for another several minutes before finally shifting his left arm under her thighs and lifting her up against his chest and shoulder. With his free right hand, he pulled back the comforter on her bed and then as gently as he could laid her face down, careful to place her head on the pillow. Then he'd pulled the blanket over shoulders and gone to his room to think things over.
He was still hopeful that he had done the right thing, and Koneko would come around.
"Issei-san?" inquired a voice from below, snapping him from his thoughts.
"Hmm?" he asked glancing down and then matching Asia's smile.
"Are you alright?" She asked her eyes revealing that she was more worried than her tone expressed.
Issei chuckled. I've been standing in the middle of this flight of stairs for who knows how long!
"Oh, I'm fine, Asia-san! Don't you worry. Just got a little caught up in my thoughts and forgot where I was."
Asia beamed and her eyes returned to their usual happy brightness.
"Oh, I'm sorry to have interrupted you!" She exclaimed blushing a bit.
Asia, always worried about offending you. She's so cute!
"No worries, I should pay attention to what I'm doing after all!"
She nodded and offered to make him breakfast which he joyously and gratefully accepted.
They chatted about the weather and made small talk as he handed her skillets, utensils, and whatever else she asked for to help her cook. As the conversation turned to the previous night's demonstration, Asia blushed a little but complimented him on the success of his spell.
He waved away her compliment, thanking her for her support and help in practice.
"…And let's not forget poor Akeno got caught in the blast!" he reminded her.
"She didn't seem to mind." Asia returned shyly.
"Well, it wasn't intentional… but neither did I to be perfectly hon—" Issei abruptly paused leaving the word unfinished as Koneko sleepily walked through the entrance to the kitchen.
The sound of his voice seemed to startle Koneko fully awake. Their eyes met for just a moment then both of them looked away. I'll take it easy with her. I don't know how she feels now about yesterday. Her instant reaction then, might be different now that she's had a chance to sleep on it. Maybe she won't want to talk to me. Maybe she'll be angry…
Issei decided not to say anything as that might force her into an unwanted conversation.
Asia turned when Issei hadn't finished his sentence. Her eyes followed his to a gently blushing Koneko. Issei and Koneko's eyes had met for a brief moment. Something was clearly going on between them, but it wasn't her business. She had been about to ask if Koneko wanted her to cook for her as well when to everyone's surprise Koneko spoke first.
She purposely met Issei's eyes and shyly greeted him, "O… Ohayo g-gozaimasu, senpai."*
Issei was astounded, but quickly recovered.
"Ohayo, Koneko-chan!" he replied cheerfully with an approving smile.
Some of Koneko's uncertainty faded, and her lips curved upward in a tiny smile as well.
Their eyes still locked, Issei nodded slightly; Koneko returned the motion, and an unspoken agreement to keep everything confidential was struck.
Asia beamed at Koneko thrilled to see the two of them acting so friendly to each other. She always felt awkward when any of their family was fighting.
"I'm making breakfast for Issei and me, would you like some too?"
Koneko gazed hungrily at the omelet Asia was tipping into Issei's plate and nodded emphatically.
"Please!" She added.
Issei chuckled.
"Smells amazing, right?" he asked Koneko.
She nodded, closing her eyes and tilting her nose up breathing in the delicious aroma. She smiled widely and released her breath in a depressed huff. Hers wouldn't be ready for several minutes still.
She opened her eyes and nearly lowered her chin right into an omelet. She jerked slightly back in surprise. Issei was holding his plate out to her.
"It's not mine." She said quickly even as she licked her lips.
"Don't worry; I'll take the next one." He replied pressing the plate into her eager hands with a dismissing wave.
She gratefully took the plate to the table, and hopped into a chair. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut for a moment and grimaced but only for a moment. She quickly turned to Issei. "S-sumimasen, arigato gozaimasu!"** her voice was slightly higher than normal.
Issei winced when her backside hit the chair, and barely restrained a chuckle, knowing full well what had triggered her sudden extra courtesy.
"You're very welcome!"
In the background, Asia continued cooking amazed at Koneko's sudden etiquette toward Issei, but let it be figuring it would be better to just accept it.
The three of them ate together enjoying the warm weather and high spirits.
A sleepy-eyed Akeno sauntered into the kitchen, drawn by the mesmerizing aroma of Asia's cooking. Akeno clapped a hand to her mouth stifling a yawn. She looked tired.
"I can make you something!" Asia offered, jumping from her chair leaving her half-empty plate.
Issei's gaze lingered over Akeno as she turned and smiled warmly at Asia. It was strange not to see her impeccably put together. Her long, dark hair usually meticulously brushed and tied up in an orange ribbon fell of its own accord across her shoulders slightly disheveled. Her eyes were duller than usual. Her stride not quite the graceful glide he was so used to. Though even these blemishes couldn't hide Akeno's beauty, she seemed off. Issei couldn't help but worry a little.
"Good morning, Akeno-senpai." He offered sending her a cheerful smile.
His greeting startled her slightly. She turned toward him, studying his eyes for a moment searching for something. It was as though she hadn't seen him when she walked into the kitchen. Her eyes flashed over Koneko; she turned back toward Issei, but stopped short of meeting his eyes.
She yawned again and addressed Asia.
"Thank you, Asia-chan, but please do finish your breakfast. I'm sure you worked hard on it. Enjoy it. I'll just take some coffee."
She flashed her usual smile, but Issei couldn't help feeling that something was still off. He turned to Koneko who met his gaze and frowned a bit. She senses it too.
Akeno poured some coffee into a mug, swept toward the door and tossed over her shoulder: "My, my, where are my manners? Ohayo, Issei-kun, Koneko-chan! I'll see you all at training!" And with that she disappeared.
Asia, Koneko, and Issei traded surprised looks.
"She didn't put cream or sugar in her coffee," noted Koneko. "She always does…."
"She seems…tired." Added Asia always afraid to say anything mean about anyone.
"I hope she's alright." Issei chimed in what they all were thinking.
***
After breakfast, Issei decided to try again for the shower. With Asia and Koneko in the kitchen, and someone having taken their shower when he first got up, the odds of the bathroom being free were greatly improved. Being fresh and clean always improved his spirits. He rushed backed to his room, pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it across the room onto the closed hamper, and slipped his shorts and boxers off leaving them on the floor at his feet. He darted to the closet and slipped a fluffy white robe on pulling it closed but not bothering to tie it and sprinted for the bathroom.
He glanced at the partially-open door. The light was on, but the shower was off. He listened for the sounds of hair drying or dressing: nothing. No signs of movement… The steam has already dissipated, so no one has used the shower in several minutes… Someone probably just left the light on while they went to dress in their room. Turning to the closet on the right he grabbed a forest green towel and tossed it over his shoulder.
He kicked the door open and stepped into the bathroom coming face to face with a spectacularly curvy posterior thrust upward from a bent over Rias Gremory as she toweled off her feet and ankles.
Soft, toned thighs slightly separated, curving outward into tight round cheeks gleaming from the shower. As he watched, condensation beaded up on her lower back. Several drops trailed together in the upper dimple between the uppermost boundaries of her cheeks then streamed in little rivulets down the cleft glistening as they caressed the silken petals of her labia.
It was a glorious sight. Her skin flushed from the hot water. Everything about her was beautiful, and in this compromising position, he could see it all.
The sound of the door banging open, drew a gasp from the president who arched her back to see who had walked in on her. Her face burned as red as her hair when she caught sight of Issei. She rose to her full height and turned to face him her long hair falling in dripping curls to frame her exquisitely full breasts. She wrapped the towel around her hips and met his eyes. There was more surprise than anger in her gaze.
"I'm s-so s—!" he began.
Rias grabbed a second towel from the counter and wrapped her hair up in it ignoring his apology before cutting in. "Twice in the same week, Issei-kun? You know you could just ask." She announced sarcastically.
"I didn't mean—" He tried again.
"Are you sure?" She asked with a sly smile. "This is becoming a habit!"
Issei flushed. "No, really! I—"
"Didn't like what you saw?" Rias asked feigning shocked hurt though truthfully she was enjoying tormenting Issei.
"Of course I did!" He bit his lip wondering how much he had admitted to.
"Hentai."
The soft accusation came from behind.
Rias looked passed Issei disapprovingly.
Koneko's eyes widened. She gasped and clamped a hand over her mouth. Her eyes darted to Issei to see if he had heard, but he was already frowning at her. Their eyes met for a moment and Koneko fell back a step defensively. She gulped, and her eyes filled with fear.
Issei turned his back to her and addressed Rias. He bowed low and apologized, stating that he had tried to make sure no one was using the bathroom by waiting until after breakfast to take his shower and listening for motion. The lack of steam and the open door had lead him to believe the room was empty. He apologized again profusely.
Rias shook her head amused. "I suppose I should have locked the door… or at least closed it…." She rolled her eyes. "This is at least partially my fault as well."
Issei sighed in relief.
"But if this happens again," she snarled and raised her arm. A complex geometric pattern formed within a circle around her right hand. There was a flash of red light and Issei's robe disintegrated.
"Hey!" he protested. His hands darting to cover his genitals.
"It's only fair I should get a glimpse too." She simpered.
Issei flushed, but couldn't disagree. He snatched the smoking towel from his shoulder and wrapped it around his waist. Then he threw her a playful smirk and sprinted for his room. There was another scarlet flash, and his towel turned to ash just as he slipped into the entrance of his bedroom.
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