The morning sun spilled through the estate's wide windows in golden streams, gently pushing away the shadows that clung from the night. Its warm light bathed the master bedroom in a peaceful glow, brushing against the occupants like a quiet whisper.
Issei Hyoudou grumbled nonsensically as released his hold, rolling away from the sleeping form he had been clinging to. On the other side of the bed, Rias Gremory—head of the Gremory family and the proud bearer of crimson locks—stirred slowly, the dragon's snoring acting as a soft background hum. She blinked the sleep from her eyes and stretched, sliding off the bed with feline grace.
"Issei," Rias called gently, a teasing lilt to her voice. "It's time to get up."
A low, incomprehensible grunt was her only answer. The dragon didn't move, sprawled lazily on his stomach with his face half-buried in the mattress.
Rias moved to her dresser, picking out her casual home attire. As she slipped into her clothes, she became aware of his gaze. Issei's eyes followed her every movement, expression unreadable yet intense. There was a quiet hunger in his eyes, not beastly nor lustful, but something deeper—like he was trying to memorize every line of her.
She grinned. "What's wrong? Trying to come up with a better way to pounce on me?" she asked, half-laughing.
The dragon simply snorted and looked away, unamused.
"Oh, come on! I was just joking," Rias said with a chuckle, nudging him gently.
He remained stoic, but she wouldn't give up so easily.
"Well then," she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Maybe I'll get you first."
Rias tiptoed toward him, then suddenly leapt.
However, what happened next caused an unexpected blush to creep up her cheeks.
Issei reacted with instinctual precision. In one swift motion, he rolled onto his back, caught her mid-air, and wrapped his strong arms around her waist. They landed with a soft thump, Rias pressed against the firmness of his chest.
"What a nuisance," Rias muttered, a note of amusement in her voice. "So this was your plan all along?"
A warm breath caressed her cheek. Their proximity caused Rias' heartbeat to quicken momentarily. But she quickly laughed it off, brushing a lock of red hair from her face.
"Alright, enough playing around. We really need to get up now," she said, despite secretly enjoying the moment.
Hyoudou grunted, but complied. Still holding her by the waist, he sat up and set her gently on her feet before standing himself. Rias took his hand and tugged him gently toward the hallway.
"Come on. They've probably been waiting for us for a while now."
The dragon followed her docilely, as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
******************************
Breakfast was... an interesting spectacle.
At the dining table, Issei sat with Asia perched on his lap. His arms casually wrapped around her waist, nose buried contently in her golden hair. Asia blushed furiously, flustered and unsure where to look.
"Um… I-Issei-san?" she asked hesitantly.
"It's okay, Asia. Don't worry," Rias reassured her with a gentle smile from across the table. "It looks like he's starting to remember you. That's a good sign. Let him enjoy the moment. It might help restore more of his memories."
Asia nodded shyly. "O-Okay. Are… are you hungry, Issei-san?"
Issei didn't respond with words. Instead, a sudden cold breeze swirled behind Asia, causing her to shiver.
"I-It's cold…"
"Looks like that's a no," Rias surmised, shrugging. "Cold usually means denial. Warmth means agreement, at least when he's like this."
Asia smiled faintly, trying to enjoy the warmth of the moment despite the confusion.
The Gremory household finished breakfast in relative peace, albeit under the curious gazes of other household members observing the dragon's strangely affectionate behavior. Afterward, they all headed as a group to Kuoh Academy.
Classes passed as usual—except for one minor incident during gym. Issei, ever-so-silent and alert, quietly maneuvered behind two pervy classmates, Matsuda and Motohama, just as they were attempting to peek on the girls' locker room. With an almost casual grace, he delivered precise slaps to the backs of their heads.
"Ow! What—?!" Matsuda groaned, rubbing the spot.
"Was that… Hyoudou?!"
The dragon didn't say a word. He merely gave them a glare so intense it rooted them in place like statues.
No one else dared to attempt anything foolish for the rest of the day.
Later, in the familiar comfort of the Occult Research Club room, the group wound down from school. Issei lay on the couch with his head on Rias' lap, eyes closed in what could best be described as a peaceful, dragon-like doze.
Akeno, sitting beside them, tried her best not to look jealous. Asia, seated across from them, wasn't as successful.
"Hmph. The President is hogging all of Issei-san's attention again," Akeno said with a teasing pout.
"I'm sorry," Rias replied, brushing Issei's tousled brown hair fondly. "But I can't help it. He won't let go."
Issei let out a soft snort and cracked one eye open—but just as suddenly, his gaze shifted to Asia. She stiffened, sensing something primal and decided in his expression.
"I-Issei-san?" she asked nervously.
Without a word, Issei lifted himself off Rias' lap and moved to the sofa where Asia sat. Gently, he laid down again, this time using her lap as a pillow. Asia flushed crimson, frozen in place.
"Well, now it seems I've been replaced," Rias joked, watching the scene with amusement.
Asia shyly started stroking the dragon's hair.
Only seconds passed before the room was filled with a very odd sound, soft and low.
"Is… he purring?" Akeno asked, wide-eyed.
Rias blinked. "That's exactly what it is."
The dragon's body was completely at ease, as though the soothing touches were lullabies to his senses.
Rias got up and approached, kneeling beside Asia to study Hyoudou's expression.
As if sensing her presence, his eyes opened slightly, and the purring ceased.
Rias frowned a little at the loss of the sound. Her lips trembled slightly, a hint of disappointment breaking through her usual composure.
Issei's reaction was immediate. With great tenderness, he reached up and gently cupped her cheek, his warm hand brushing away the silent tear that had trailed down her face.
Rias gasped softly.
Without saying a word, Issei stood. With a strength that was both effortless and unyielding, he picked her up bridal-style, sat down on the sofa, and cradled her gently on his lap like a child.
"Issei…" Rias whispered, burying her face in the hollow of his shoulder. "Come back to me…"
Silent sobs soon followed, each one echoing in the quiet office. Issei began to stroke her head reassuringly, holding her close. His usually distant eyes appeared softened—haunted, yet affectionate. He knew her. Some buried part of him still resonated with who she was.
Suddenly, Issei tensed up. His arms tightened protectively around Rias. A low, rumbling growl vibrated in his chest.
"What is it?" Akeno asked sharply, going on alert.
Rias lifted her head slightly, following the dragon's gaze. In the center of the room, a magical transfer seal formed and pulsed.
A moment later, Azazel emerged in a burst of blue light.
"Azazel?" Rias said, confused. "What are you doing here? You nearly gave me a heart attack."
"I'm glad you are here," the Fallen Angel said calmly. "And don't worry, I'm not here to harm your mistress, dragon-boy." He held up his hands calmingly as Issei's growl softened.
"Then explain yourself."
"There's something strange happening in the city," Azazel said quickly. "We've detected disturbances, but I can't interfere—this territory is yours."
Rias straightened herself in Issei's lap, even though he clearly didn't want to let her go yet.
"I understand," she said, meeting Azazel's serious gaze. "We'll investigate."
Hyoudou released her reluctantly, standing as Rias called the rest of her peerage to gather.
As they exited the clubroom, preparing for whatever threat awaited them, Issei walked silently beside Rias. Still not fully himself—but closer. So much closer.
And perhaps, deep in his dragon heart, a memory stirred.
.
.
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