Chapter Text
“Another dull night.” Issei Hyoudou mused to himself, watching the overhead clock strike 9. He hadn’t planned on working tonight. He had considered declining his manager’s ‘offer’, but between extra cash and spending another night watching anime alone, work won out … barely.
Working at the convenience store was nothing more than an obligation to his parents and a constant reminder of his mediocrity. The fact that it was only a 15 minute walk from his home was both a pro and a con. He didn’t have to travel very far to get to work, but he also didn’t have a lot of excuses when he didn’t want to work. Something his manager knew about and used to his advantage, the slimy bastard. But that thought process only brought madness and manic energy, so Issei did his best to put it to some good use. That day, his manager praised him for his customer service skills. Told him that ‘You bring joy to the customers, kid! Keep going!’
If only I could bring some of that joy to myself, thought Issei as he stacked drinks into one of the fridges. It was already almost full to bursting, but one of the afternoon shift workers had accidentally fallen into one of the other fridge doors and broken it, letting all the cold air escape. Issei had spent most of his shift trying to tetris the rest of the stock into the other fridges, with varying amounts of success. It was why he’d been called in that night. Apparently the worker had to be sent to the hospital or something. Personally, Issei hoped it was Tamaki. Fuck that guy.
“Hey, excuse me?” Abruptly pulled from his daydreaming, Issei turned, an instinctual plastic customer service smile fixed on his face. His eyes met a man around his age with short blonde hair and blue eyes.
“Y-Yuuto Kiba?” He blurted out, a flash of memories washing over him.
The boy looked confused at first, but after a moment his eyes lit up with recognition.
“Long time, no see, Issei.” Kiba smiled warmly, moving past him to pull out a drink from the fridge, Issei ducking out of his way after an awkward pause. Eventually, Kiba broke the silence.
“I haven’t seen you in forever. How are things?” Kiba asked.
“Oh, fine,” Issei said meekly, “Just working hard. What about you?”
“Not much. Just getting ready for my second year at college.” Kiba replied.
“That’s cool…” Issei muttered, trying not to sound too… something.
“Hey, didn’t you go to Kuoh with me last year? You could’ve said hi to me there?” Kiba pushed.
“Hehe, funny you say that. I dropped out last year…” Issei revealed.
“Wait, really?! That’s rough, man…” Kiba said sympathetically, “But hey, you’ve got a job, at least!”
Issei fakes a smile. “Uh, yep!”
Now at the counter, Issei started scanning his order.
“Hey, are you free this weekend?” Kiba said abruptly.
Issei looked up in bewilderment “Uh, yes? Why?”
Kiba smiled, appearing relieved by his answer. “Well, I’m part of this club at my college, right?” he began, resting his arms on the counter, “It’s all about occult research, but it’s also a super chill place to hang out and talk. If you want, you could come along sometime to one of our meetings.”
“Oh. Um. Maybe?” Issei stammered, averting his gaze. “Are your friends okay with some random guy just showing up?”
Kiba waves his hand, dismissing Issei’s concerns. “Trust me, my group is dying to get new people to come and visit. And besides,” he grinned, “you’re definitely not just some random guy.”
Issei blinked slightly. Was this pity? he wondered absently. Kiba, unknowing or perhaps uncaring about Issei’s thoughts, snatched one of the pens from behind the counter, wrote something on his receipt and slipped it to Issei with a bright grin.
“Here. Message me, and I’ll send the details. Think about it!” Kiba said, waving over his shoulder, the tiny bell above the door announcing his departure. Issei picked up the receipt, and after a moment of hesitation, put it in his pocket.
The rest of his shift flew by as he kept debating whether to message him. Issei mostly remembered Kiba for being popular in high school for his brains, looks and charm. In the eyes of most everyone, Kiba Yuuto was perfect. It used to infuriate Issei, who had been haunted by low grades, chronic skin problems, and mediocrity his entire high school career. He also remembered being jealous of the way girls fawned over Kiba, though he couldn’t really blame them. But regardless of high school Issei’s cringy thoughts, Kiba and Issei didn’t really know each other. They knew of each other, crossed paths once or twice, but never really interacted that much. Well, aside from that one disastrous group project in sixth year, but Issei had thoroughly scrubbed that debacle from his memory. He had, okay? But forbidden incidents aside, Issei hadn’t really given Kiba much thought. Until today, he’d been pretty sure it was mutual.
It was late now, and Issei was staring at the ceiling on his bed, weighing out the pros and cons of ignoring the number. He gazed around his room, faintly lit by the moonlight peaking from his curtains. He saw the endless memorabilia to his favourite shows, movies, video games, and hobbies, his unwashed uniform, his computer with a wall of girly posters hanging overhead.
On the other hand, he thought, continuing his musings from earlier, they were older now. Kiba actually remembered him, Issei thought incredulously. And if someone like Kiba could remember the existence of someone like Issei, and decide he was worth reaching out to, then maybe Issei could reach out too. After all, he thought, I’m older now too. Also it wasn’t like he had anything better to do.
I guess meeting new people can’t be that bad… he thought as he grabbed his phone and the receipt with Kiba’s number.
o0o
That Saturday, Issei sat on a park bench with his best, and only, friends, Matsuda and Motohama, at the park. Well, Matsuda and Motohama were sitting on a bench. Issei, who had drawn the metaphorical and literal short straw, was sitting criss-cross-apple-sauce on the ground and hoping that the grass stains wouldn’t be too noticeable. The three of them were sharing drinks that Issei had pilfered from the slightly soggy fridge last night, and gossiping.
“Dude, you're going to some cult?” Matsuda scratched his shaved head with a bemused expression, drink in hand. He had forgotten to put the lid back on and it was slowly leaking out onto his sleeve. He didn’t seem to notice. Neither Issei or Motohama said anything.
“It’s not a cult. It’s a club about the occult,” Issei replies with an eye roll, taking a sip of his fruity something or other. It might have been kombucha once in its past life, but Issei was pretty sure it had a sudden career change and had taken a swan dive into glorified sewage. He took another sip.
“Well, no shit; he wouldn’t just announce it like that. But from what I know, cults always send their most charismatic members to win new people over. Kiba was a massive charmer in high school, so it’s not impossible.” Motohama adds cynically, cleaning his glasses. He had taken one look at the drinks and decided to pass. Issei was slightly jealous.
“Oh, come on. Goldilocks hasn’t got an evil bone in him,” Issei retorted. He took another sip of his drink, cringed, and left it to rot in the grass where it was probably happier.
“Well, if you’re not used as a virgin sacrifice, tell us how it goes. Oh, and if there’s any hot baddies! Especially goth ones!” Matsuda said with a pervy grin. Issei sighed.
“Yeah, I’ll ask if they accept monkeys as members.” he retorted dryly. Matsuda pushed Issei playfully, before squawking as he suddenly noticed his damp sleeve. Issei laughed.
o0o
Later that night found Issei getting ready in the best clothes he had and trying to style his unkept hair more formally before giving it up as a bad job. His parents seemed a bit confused when he told them he was going out, but they made him promise to try to make a good impression. Issei wasn’t entirely sure who they thought he’d be making any sort of impression on, but he agreed anyway. Walking alone at dusk, Issei’s mind was stuck in a whirlwind of expectations.
Exactly what kind of club is this? he ponders, And why is Kiba, of all people, part of it? He never really gave off the impression that he was into the occult before. Is this some prank? No, no, Kiba’s not like that. He probably pities me for being a dropout.
Sooner than he’d like, Issei found the address of the club leader’s home, a high-rise apartment complex. Following Kiba’s message, he buzzed Unit 1408 and waited, trying not to do something embarrassing like run away or vomit from nerves.
“Gremory Residence. How can I help you?” the intercom buzzed to life, a warm, feminine voice calling out.
Stunned, Issei manages to say, “Uh, Issei Hyoudou. Kiba may’ve mentioned me…”
Nailed it.
“Oh yes! Well, come up!” the voice replied cheerfully, as the front door unlocked with a click.
Issei stepped into an elevator, starting to shake. The voice sounded so nice and warm, and it was making Issei blush. He felt like a fool, even more so as he walked across the hallway to the front door. As he knocked on the door, he wondered what the club leader would look like, and if maybe they were the owner of the nice voice. Kiba had said her name was Rias, but Issei had no idea what she looked like.
The door opened suddenly, and Issei was greeted by who could only have been the club leader. Issei almost jumped back in shock. She stood taller than him, which wasn’t unusual; nearly everyone did. What was unusual, and what nearly took Issei’s breath away, was her unique long red hair, turquoise eyes and a beaming smile.
“Hello there.” she said in that same warm voice. It was better in person. “I’m Rias, I’m the leader of the club. It’s a pleasure to have you, Issei.”
“H-h-hello”, Issei mustered up. So much for not stuttering, he cringed. He automatically tried to avert his gaze, but found himself in a… different sort of staring contest. Some distant part of him was aware that it was probably rude to stare at a stranger's chest, but that distant part of him was ruthlessly smothered by the bigger, more demanding part of him that was determined to get his fill. Shying away, Rias chuckled to herself and beckoned Issei inside.
“Well, come on in, the rest are waiting.”
Inside the apartment, Issei was met with a large living and dining area with an open kitchen, with modest but regal furniture decorating the room. There, around the dining table, were three other people. He immediately recognised Kiba, who waved at him with a smile that put sunshine to shame. Ah, so he’s always like this.
To his right was a short girl with white hair cut in a bob, save for a few strands near her ears. She was staring down at the riceballs on her plate intensely, not looking up at Issei as he entered the room. Across from them sat a girl about as tall as Rias with long black hair, partly tied into a ponytail.
“Oh, you’re Issei! My, you’re much cuter than I pictured,” the dark-haired girl said endearingly, standing up to greet him. Issei’s heart was pounding in his chest, not helped by the fact that he got a look at her bosom, which was noticeably large.
“Uhh, thanks, Miss…?” he stuttered out. The girl gave him a cheeky grin.
“My name is Akeno Himejima. I didn’t mean to get you so… flustered~” Akeno introduced herself with playful eyes. Issei found himself drawn in by her. There was something in her eyes… he couldn’t quite place what he was seeing. Her violet eyes were beautiful, it reminded Issei of a cathedral he’d visited once as a child that had these massive stained glass windows. They reflected the sunlight, sending violet light scattering around the room. And then she shifted slightly and he immediately forgot anything ever.
“Akeno, try not to scare him off so soon,” Rias playfully chastised. Akeno tilted her head slightly, both in concession and unrepentant.
The short girl in white looked up, squinting in disappointment.
“Cute is being generous, Akeno,” she commented dryly, “He looks so… average.”
Issei honestly wasn’t sure where to go with that. I mean, she’s right, but did she have to say it so bluntly? Suddenly there was a weight on his lower back as Kiba rested his hand there. It was warm.
“Cool it, Koneko, he just got here! He’s not used to you yet.” Kiba chastised calmly. The girl, Koneko, let out a small huff before returning to her yakitori. Wait, didn’t she just have a plate full of rice balls? Where did they go? Kiba tugged gently on Issei’s waist, leading him to his seat. Issei was too distracted by his thoughts to do anything but go along with it, but he did notice that once Kiba let go and returned to his own seat it seemed a bit… colder, in the room than before.
Now sitting down, Issei noticed the thick, golden embossed books on the table, and that everyone had notebooks next to them. Am I supposed to take notes too? Damn it, this is why I dropped out of college in the first place!
Soon, everyone was sitting down, with Rias at the head of the table.
“Welcome to the Occult Research Club, Issei! It’s nice to have someone new join us, for a change!” She said with a smile. Issei waves his hand bashfully. “Well, with a new member joining us today, let’s go over what we talked about last session. Any volunteers to begin?”
Kiba raises his hand. “We were discussing the history of devils throughout religious texts.”
Issei perked up with intrigue, but also secretly with relief. Seems I won’t be a virgin sacrifice after all, he joked to himself. Not that he was particularly worried about that occurring, but it was always nice to have confirmation.
“Exactly. History gets muddy over time, especially about such taboo topics, but I think it's best to research such taboos for enrichment and understanding.” Rias declared passionately. Issei stared at her intensely. She was so passionate and charismatic, and he could feel it drawing him in like a moth to a flame. It certainly helped that he was eye level with her chest, even when she was sitting down.
Suddenly, Kiba slid into the unoccupied seat next to him, leaning over into Issei’s space and sliding one of the books towards him.
“Here, I’ll catch you up to speed.” Kiba said with a friendly smile.
“O-Oh. Uh, thank you,” Issei said genuinely, glad to finally have some guidance on what to do. He opened the book. Oh. This was… well, the font was very small… had the author ever heard of margins? Or… paragraphs? At least there were illustrations…
Issei then spent the next few hours getting a crash course in demonology, though the information didn’t quite stick. He tried to take notes, Kiba offering him a notepad, but his eyes kept falling on Rias and Akeno, and sometimes Koneko, who wasn’t too amused. Every time he got too distracted, Kiba would nudge him subtly with his pencil and ask Issei a question about the material. Honestly, it was probably the best studying session Issei had ever had. As the evening went on, the atmosphere seemed to relax, and the group began talking more casually.
“Kiba, what do you do for fun?” Issei asked. Kiba perked up from where he had slowly been slumping into Issei. Issei thought it was kinda weird, but Kiba had been helping him a lot, so Issei figured that forgave him of any weirdness. Honestly, it was nice. Issei had never really had friends who were into casual touch. At least, not with people who didn’t have a cup size.
“Oh, this might sound dorky, but I do a bit of metalwork from time to time,” Kiba said cheerfully, “I’m also practising fencing.”
“Dude, that’s cool as hell. Cooler than me, at least. The only metal work I do is occasionally picking the lock on the back freezer when my co-worker swallows the key. For the fourth time.” Issei retorts. Kiba let out a surprised snort, and even Rias giggled slightly. Issei felt on top of the world.
“They swallowed it?” Akeno asked incredulously. Even Koneko seemed engaged. Issei nodded.
“I know, right? I’m pretty sure the first time was an accident, but after that she just doubled down on it. Super weird, but at least it gets me some extra shifts occasionally.”
“Come on, man, you must get up to something besides work,” Kiba asked imploringly, poking Issei with his pencil again.
“Uh, well, I mostly spend time playing video games these days…” Issei admitted.
“Is that all?” Kiba probed, both literally and metaphorically. Issei was half tempted to snatch the pencil away, but Kiba looked at him like he knew what he was thinking and gave Issei a challenging grin. Issei backed off, getting the feeling that he would lose that challenge, which was more embarrassing than letting Kiba poke at him. Let Kiba poke him all he wants. He didn’t really mind anyway.
“Well, I also like art stuff. Like clay sculpting,” Issei explained hesitantly. He knew it wasn’t exactly the manliest of hobbies, but he enjoyed it. He got the feeling that this group wouldn’t judge him for it anyway.
“Oh, that’s neat!” Kiba said enthusiastically, immediately proving Issei right.
“That’s funny,” Koneko piped up, “I didn’t take you for an artsy type.”
“What does that mean?” Issei shot back, annoyed.
“Well, I didn’t think you’d do much with your hands, besides stacking cans or rubbing one out.” Koneko spewed vitriolically. Kiba was looking between the two with concern and embarrassment, shifting slightly away from Issei. That just infuriated Issei further.
“What is your problem?!” he spit back, palms on the table leaning over, “Seriously? I just got here, and you’re going at me!”
Koneko looked like a deer in the headlights, ducking her head slightly. “Nothing… I… Sorry, Issei.” Issei felt slightly bad, but not enough to take anything back, so he just slumped back into his seat, feeling awkward. He just knew his face was flushed an ugly red. Definitely not the impression he wanted to make here.
“Now now, calm down, you two,” Akeno butted in before locking eyes with Issei, “Tell me, Issei, have you ever sculpted a live model before?”
Well that’s one way to cut the tension.
Issei felt himself blushing again as he stammered out, “Oh, umm, never got the chance to, hehe…”
Akeno bit her lip sensually. “Well, maybe I could help with that sometime?” Issei didn’t know how to reply, clearly too flustered to speak. Akeno chuckled. “Oh my, have I caught your words? And after such fire. You know, Issei, if you’re going to give people lip, you could at least put some tongue into it.” She teased. Issei wasn’t on the phone right now; please call again later.
Kiba shoves his shoulder playfully. “Your jaw’s on the floor, man.”
Issei shook himself back to his senses as Akeno giggled even more.
“Akeno, you were planning to pay Issei his commission at least?” Rias said with a cheeky spark in her eye. Not you too…
Akeno rolled her eyes playfully. “Of course, Rias. He would be very well compensated.”
Issei looked back at Koneko, who was now eating chocolate with a concentrated gaze. Where does she get this stuff? I haven’t seen her move at all…
“Hey, Koneko. No hard feelings right?” Issei said, reaching over for a handshake.
Koneko looked at it and at Issei’s face, before putting a piece of chocolate in his palm.
“Sure. Sorry, again…”
Soon, the night ended, and Rias began ushering everyone out. As Issei went to leave, she pulled him aside.
“How did you enjoy your first meeting?” she asked.
“Well, I wasn't sure about the whole occult stuff, but honestly, it was actually kinda interesting. And you guys seem cool.” Issei replies. Rias clapped her hand together, pleased.
“Great to hear! Will I expect you at our next meeting?” she asked imploringly, big turquoise eyes gazing down at him. Like two precious gems, beautiful and resilient. Issei felt like he could drown in eyes like those.
“Oh, when’s that?” Issei questioned. He already knew he was coming back.
“Every Saturday, then every Monday when college goes back in. There’s no pressure to attend though, we aren’t strict.” Rias replied knowingly. She knew he was coming back.
“Well, I’ll try and make it,” Issei said noncommittally. He was trying to play it cool, but he mostly felt awkward. “It was great meeting you, Rias.”
Before leaving, Rias grabbed Issei’s hand. Her skin is so soft. It took Issei a moment to realise that she had handed him something. A folded piece of paper? “It was great meeting you too, Issei. Stay safe.”
Issei was commuting his way home, the train humming soothingly around him. He examined the paper in his hand. It had a phone number on it and a weird rune on the bottom, with the message ‘In case you need me~’ written in red ink. A pretty girl had actually given him her number! If you count Kiba, that was two people in less than a week! Issei’s heart was so light, it felt like he was flying. When he got home, he spent the rest of the night reading the textbook Rias lent him, finding a new determination to learn the material and impress his new acquaintances. Perhaps even… friends?
o0o
At work the following day, Issei found himself actually smiling while he went about opening the store. He was even humming! He felt Tamaki giving him the evil eye from his place resting at the register, but not even that could bring Issei down. In fact, the fresh cast around Tamaki’s arm only lifted his spirits further. He thought he saw Akae (who hadn’t swallowed any keys yet) mouthing something at him while raising her fingers in a cross, but he wrote it off as his imagination. It’d been a while since he’d felt this excited about something that wasn’t one of his otaku interests.
In the middle of his shift, Issei felt eyes on him. He looked around subtly. A customer was watching him, with a basket of groceries on her arm. She was cute, he noted, with long black hair and violet eyes. Not quite as enchanting as Akeno’s, but beautiful nonetheless. She was wearing a nice lavender blouse and short shorts. Really short shorts. While he appreciated the view, he couldn’t help but wonder if she was cold, given she’d been standing in the frozen food aisle for the past ten minutes.
He didn’t pay her much mind, moving away to mop up a spill in the bakery aisle. Once he finished, he reached his arms over his head in a spine popping stretch, feeling his muscles loosen. Suddenly he heard a crashing sound. Issei looked up and saw that the girl had tripped into one of the shelves, taking some of the stock down with her. She was splayed out on the floor, one hand on her head where she had been hit by a loaf of bread. Taking initiative, he moved to help her up.
“You okay, miss?” He asked with a stabilising hand on her shoulder. The girl nodded, leaning into him. Issei was trying very valiantly to ignore how her chest pressed into him.
“I’m fine. I’m just so clumsy, I tripped over my own feet. I’m so sorry about the mess…” she said tearfully.
Issei waved her off, moving away to pick up the fallen gluten. Some of the bread was a little smushed, but still good. “It’s no biggie. Uh, hey. Weren’t you the girl staring at me earlier?”
The girl blushed slightly.
“Oh! It’s just, I couldn’t help staring because… well…” she trailed off, wringing her hands together. Issei picked up her shopping basket and handed it back to her. She accepted it gratefully, their hands brushing against each other. They fell into an awkward silence, but the girl didn’t make a move to leave.
“Uh… I can help with your items.” Issei offered. The girl nodded, and Issei led her to the register. Tamaki sulked as Issei pushed him towards the back, but Issei ignored him.
As Issei was ringing up her order, she finally spoke up again.
“Hey… I’m sorry to be forward like this, but… are you seeing someone?”
Issei stops mid-scan, slightly stunned. “Uh, not. Not right now? W-why?”
The girl appeared to be summoning up her courage for something. She had a very cute determined face, Issei noted.
“I was wondering… if I could get your number, and we can, like, maybe meet up?” she asked, peering up at him through her eyelashes. Issei choked slightly, wondering if he was daydreaming again.
“I…. well, I…” he stuttered. Issei Hyoudou I swear if you fumble this..
“Is that a no?” she implored sadly, her big doe eyes glittering with welling tears.
“N-no! Wait, no I meant yes! Definitely yes! Sorry, I didn’t expect that question!” Issei spat out hurriedly. Nailed it… more or less.
“Great!” she celebrated, tears disappearing suddenly. She grabbed Issei’s hand and wrote her number on his wrist, before grabbing her bagged groceries.
“My name's Yuuma, by the way! Yuuma Amano! Text me later!” And then she was gone. Issei stared dumbfounded at his wrist, wondering what he did to make God favour him recently, and could it please continue forever.
o0o
That night, he was on a video call with Matsuda and Motohama discussing the news.
“You cannot be real, man!” Matsuda shouts, the audio crackling.
“Yeah, the numbers aren’t matching up!” Motohama declares.
“Guys, guys. I know, it sounds strange, but I have receipts!” Issei announced as he pulled out his phone and waved it at the camera screen. There, it showed a conversation between him and Yuuma, discussing a date idea involving the local mall. Matsuda and Motohama were stunned into silence, unable to argue with the proof. Issei gave them a cocky grin. “So, guys, am I lying?”
The silence was telling.
And oh so satisfying.
o0o
The next Saturday, Issei was walking to Rias’ apartment with a skip in his step. He’d actually prepared for the meeting this time, bringing his own notebook and stationary, along with the borrowed textbook and notes he’d made. He’d also taken the initiative to bring some snacks, a box of cookies he bought from a bakery in his arm. It was partially meant to act as an apology to Koneko, and also as a bribe to get the others to like him.
During the meeting, Issei proved that he could explain certain topics from the book with a high level of accuracy, impressing Rias. Koneko even complimented Issei, as she chomped down on his well received gift/bribe. Near the end of the night, as everyone began packing away, Kiba pulled Issei aside.
“You seem excited today. May I ask why?” Kiba asked.
“I have a date tomorrow. Everything is coming up me as of late!” Issei boasted. The corner of Kiba’s mouth twitched down slightly, but Issei was too excited to notice.
“Oh seriously? How did you meet?” Kiba continued, eyebrow raised slightly.
“Well, I was working right,” Issei begins, gesturing with his hands, “And she comes in and gets so distracted by me she trips! She gave me her number at the check out!”
Kiba seemed amused, “Huh. That sounds like how we met. Did you even get her name?”
Issei nodded. “Well duh. Her name is Yuuma!”
o0o
After Issei left, Kiba’s face turned serious. He turned to look towards the others.
“She’s already found him. We need to move quickly before they get to him!” he demanded. Rias sighed from her place at the head of the table, her hands steepled together in front of her face.
“She’s forcing my hand it seems.” Rias’s face was serious. “Kiba, are you and Koneko up for a dangerous task?”
Kiba and Koneko at each other then back at Rias and gave her twin determined nods.
“I need you to watch Issei tomorrow. Make sure she doesn’t see you. And if all else fails…” Rias smiled, looking to the side. “Well, he still has my number in his pocket.”