||Abhorred||

Chapter XI

"Is that so? Not even a single trace in him?"

"None, my lord." Grayfia humbly nodded, keeping her cold gaze at the polished marble floor.

"I see…" Sirzechs roused slightly on his velvet seat, leaning on one hand. "Curious. Curious indeed." He glanced up at the high ceiling, then veered at the grand chandelier lighting the throne room in wonder – partly wondering if that giant candle was really necessary.

But there's no use questioning the High Councils' ridiculous spending. Other important matter was at hand. "You said he's a Devil and he's Lucifer?"

"Yes. That is what his claims are, my lord." Grayfia did the same gesture, with the same intonation - which was practically nonexistent. "If my lord wills it… I shall dispatch him at once."

"Oh Lilith—come now, don't be so ruthless, Grayfia." The Crimson Satan laughed merrily, "Although…. The idea is not outlandish… still I'd like to meet him first before anything."

"Not right now; my hands are all full." He groaned, cursing at his 'Satanic duties'. "Although, if he is proven to be a sham, then you are to bring him to me."

Grayfia bowed.

"Good. Well then, since you have Riser to attend to, you're free to leave. Do tell me how it goes, will you?"

"I will, my lord." After one last bow, Grayfia excused herself outside the large room.

Seeing her leave, he turned his head to the person standing beside his throne; the lady of stunning blue hair yet dressed in white tanktop and a scanty low-cut jeans. Not the most proper attire for a Satan's recognized right hand, but she's a special exception.

After all, not even Tannin dared to invoke the disastrous wrath of the Chaos Karma Dragon. He reasoned her nags were never-ending, but Sirzechs could tell his true intention was to prevent himself from pushing her buttons. Dragons are blunt, after all.

Realizing she was being looked at longer than she's comfortable with, Tiamat returned the look with twice the intensity as she crossed her arms. "What is it. Cease your ogling."

"Any thoughts?" Sirzechs asked, "You were listening, weren't you?"

"I heard." She's rather brash too. Even for a Dragon. "How many times do I need to mention I have no interest in your domestic matters?"

"Oh come now… don't be so aloof. It is among a Queen's duties to discuss with the King."

"I have the same amount of interest regarding you Devils and to your duties. It's nonexistent." Tiamat grouched. She reminded him so much of Tannin, just franker, albeit more well-spoken. "But if it can sate your interest; I find it to be stupid. Why prolong the trouble when you can simply kill him and be done with it."

That was why Sirzechs hoped his Bishop was here instead of her. But all of his peerage-save this particular lady- had too many needing tasks, and his close colleague, Ajuka, was busied with his experiments. Then again, when was he ever not busy.

Regardless how no-nonsensical of a Dragon/Devil she might be, she's better than having no one to talk to while waiting for the High Councils' decisions.

"I can't kill a man just because." Sirzechs reasoned, "Well, I can, but I don't want to. It conflicts with my moral code."

At this, Tiamat huffed aloud. Sirzechs could sense her vibrant golden eyes rolling.

"There's nothing to lose but time. And if he ends up being a Lucifer, a real Lucifer, perhaps he can be the bridge to the Lucifers, won't he?"

Sirzechs earned a skeptical look. "…You truly are crafty. No wonder I was beaten."

"Hey," he laughed, "It was fair and square."

"Hmph. I was unwell. I had a bad stomach that day. I demand a rematch." Tiamat puffed. She could be scary and terrifying as a Dragon, but as a person, or as she said, her 'personification', she was adorable. Albeit no less dangerous.

"I'd rather not injure you. Or myself."

Unfortunately, Tiamat's protest was cut short as the huge double doors opened.

"Pardon me, my lord." the royal messenger said to him, "The High Councils are ready for you."

"Oh boy…." Now it was Sirzechs who sighed. "Here we go. Watch over my throne for me, will you?"

"I will not stay here just to babysit a chair."

But she was unheard. As the dandy crimson Satan left the fancy room, the messenger was left alone with the clearly furious Dragon.

"….What." Tiamat snapped.

He flinched. "It's er…. Um… w-would you like something to drink?"

"I do not. Now leave me be."

"Y-Yes ma'am."

He scampered right away.

Finally alone, Tiamat grouched a few more. She's a Dragon. A Dragon Queen. A Dragon Queen that was tasked to watch over an over the top chair. But as her anger subsided, her curious eyes slowly peered towards the throne.

….Since it was there, might as well sit on it.

Break

It was not the welcome she wanted.

"Ah, there she is… My lovely Rias, how I have missed you. How long has it been since we last met?"

"Clearly not long enough."

That's one cold greeting if he knew any. He might not be as bored as he thought he would by all this drama. There was no hesitation or any effort to coax her resentment to this bloke. And by bloke, he's referring to this… Casanova wannabe.

Seriously, his collar button couldn't be lower.

There's a fine line between a Casanova and a bumbling playboy, and this chap seemed to fall to the latter category. Although, he looked quite brash, and he wouldn't be surprised that some women would die to date him. As a matter of fact, certain female did like bad boys.

But not Rias.

Maybe. He didn't see himself as one. Nor that Lucifer would ever give a single thought about it. There's more affable matter to ponder about, such as devising a method to 'seduce' the ostensibly dutiful maid.

"Welcome back Young Lady." said the maid with a compulsory polite bow. At least Riser's arrival brought Grayfia here; Lucifer wouldn't be so bored.

Nonetheless, Rias didn't even bother to spare a glance at the young blonde Devil as she walked right past him to take her seat at the sofa. What she did, however, was grabbing Lucifer by his arm, beckoning him to stay with her.

Not that he'd mind. Rossweisse minded, though.

While it's true they had an 'agreement' earlier, seeing her newfound darling being dragged away did stir a pang of pain in her chest. But that's the expense of having the same Devil to love. She had troubled Rias and made her visit her home for nothing, so the least she could do was play nice, and mingle with her fellow 'servants' somewhere behind Rias' couch.

"Welcome to the clubroom Sensei," her Devil colleague greeted with her ever-present smile. "it's nice of you to finally be here, ufufufu~"

"Huh? O-oh…" A tease this soon? Rossweisse was starting to rethink her decision to be a Devil. Again.

"Nice to have you here, Rossweisse-sensei." Kiba said to her, remaining seated while a snack-eating Koneko gave her an acknowledging nod. Not the speaker in class and not here either, she supposed. "Have you gotten better yet?"

Rossweisse paused her walk, now standing and rubbing her elbow like a fool. "W-well…. Yeah…"

"Ah, that's relieving." Kiba then glanced at the girl beside him for a moment, and looked at the Valkyrie-turned-Devil. "If you don't mind me asking, Sensei, did anything happen between you and Lucifer-san?"

"Wh… W-what?! N-No! WE didn't do anything!"

"I see….. so something did happen." Kiba smiled unassuringly, but his smile to Koneko was much craftier. "….Well… Koneko-chan?"

Then Koneko grudgingly handed him several colored papers that went straight into his wallet.

Normally, she wouldn't tolerate gambling between students. But at the moment, she was too ashamed to even raise her head.

After that little betting settlement, Rossweisse noted they were behaving rather off. Almost uncomfortable - she might not know them long as a person, and she's no expert psychologist who could read the subtlest body language, but it was easy to notice. If she had to guess, it had something to do with the blonde Devil's presence. But maybe that's just her. It's not nice to judge people she just met.

Because it was surprising to see one of her best students, one she knew to be prudent and well-spoken, to be so blatantly refusing to breathe the same air with that man. And she never expected Rias to be that clingy, sitting very close and holding Lucifer's arm still. But then again, she knew her only as a student so far.

Or maybe it's only to tick her fiancé.

Either that, or to prevent Lucifer from flirting with the silver-haired maid - which was futile; Lucifer had his eyes on her. Nonetheless, her taunt was working. The supposedly 'Riser' guy made his ire known as he glared at Lucifer. If the intensity of a glare could kill, he could kill a fly.

Lucifer? Well, Lucifer didn't seem to care. In fact, he looked like he's devising a masterplan to woo the maid that was criminally too beautiful to be a maid. Hell, even Rossweisse thought she'd be more fitting to be one. It made her wonder why Lucifer would like such person like her…

"Enough of your yammering, just get this over with Riser." Rias' tone was sharp and brimmed with annoyance - it caught Rossweisse off guard. "For whatever reasons you have in your thick skull that makes you think coming here can make a difference?"

Oh boy. If her love was like a burning cinder, warm and amiable, then her anger must be the kerosene that turned it into a malevolent blazing fire. Lucifer made a mental note not to get on the same side as Riser.

"Because I know you listen to reason, Rias." Riser kept his cool - to the surprise of a few. "Can't you see you're being stubborn?" Rias was about to snap if only Riser hadn't continued. Spiteful to the man she was, Rias still respected him as a Devil of a high class. "You're a mature Devil, you should know this isn't going to impact to you or your family, but your peerage as well. Do you think they want their first Rating Game to be a decisive loss?"

"I respect you as much as I adore you," Lucifer felt disgruntled. Using flirtation was amusing, but hearing it? Not so amusing. "but I have my own pride. I have my own burdens to bear and it is my name as a Phenex. I have my own family and they have trusted me." Riser narrowed his eyes threateningly, crossing his hands over his v-neck shirt. "Maybe it's fine for you to disappoint your family, but know that I have no intention of doing that."

Using her fondness towards her 'family' as a catalyst. Sly. Very Devil-y. But why though. Lucifer wouldn't place a bet that it was the right method to use, considering Rias was now tightly gripping his hand. He didn't say anything yet, why was he in the receiving end already?

"I. Will. Not." Rias griped, "I will not disappoint my family. If you have some awareness, I have found my suitor." Lucifer raised an eyebrow. He would like to meet this suitor.

Riser intensified his glare that his eyes practically flared an orange light.

Then Lucifer realized he was the suitor.

'Oh dear.' Lucifer didn't want any part of this - heated discussions provided more fun when he was a bystander.

"Him?!" And at that, Riser couldn't contain his boiling ire. With crumpled nose and sharp glare, he demanded, "I've heard of this pretentious nobody." He spat, "And meeting him in person, I can't see why you'd want to be with him, other than he cast a spell on you."

"Dearie me, and I thought a noble is noble."

"No one spoke to you!"

"…Technically, you just did."

Lucifer heard a familiar giggle in the background.

"Watch your words, Riser." Rias bit back, her anger becoming less and less concealed, "He's the one I chose and he's the only one."

Lucifer noticed the red crackles sparking in Riser's palm as he balled it into a glowing fist. "What good does he have?! What does he have that I don't, huh?! You were homeless before you met her, weren't you?!"

"Yep." Lucifer shrugged with his standard cheery smile. No shame. "But I have her affections I suppose. It's quite nice." Since he's been dragged, might as well throw in some gas canisters into the fray. An explosion was always awesome in movies.

"You bastard-!" Sooner rather than later, he ran out of fuse and exploded right then. "Let's take this outside! If you're man enough, you'll face me on your own!"

"Oh my." Lucifer smiled with satisfaction and with a slight snobbishness; one if not the best method to piss off an already pissed off person. Not how you'd make friends, but Lucifer's not looking to make pals at the time.

"Enough!" Rias stood up, releasing Lucifer's nearly-broken hand. "This conversation is over. We are done. Grayfia, get him out of here. Please."

With a silent nod, the maid then ushered the fiery blondie to follow her. Lucifer wished she ushered him too.

But Riser didn't have enough. "You just wait, Rias. Wait and see the gravity of the mistake you just made."

"Then he will be the mistake I can't live without. Now leave before I turn you to dust!"

A magic circle bearing the seal of Gremory materialized beneath their feet, shining a bright red glow. It granted an ominous effect as it seemingly made Riser more sinister with his glare and flaring eyes, and also flaring wings of a Phoenix.

'Showboat.' Lucifer thought with slight jealousy. Those were wings made of flame. He wanted one. But made of ice, preferably. It's hot enough in here.

"Don't tell me I didn't try." Riser seethed, "I tried everything I could think of to win you over. I guess it's impossible when there never was a chance to begin with." There was hurt on his face, but it was soon swallowed by his anger before Rias could take notice. "Don't tell me I didn't give you a chance to walk away after I defeated your peerage. Because I will. And I will kill you right after, you son of a bitch."

"That was rude… But I do not have a mother, unfortunately. Or fortunately, perhaps." Lucifer quipped.

"I apologize for interjecting, Master Riser. Young Lady, I bid my farewell." Silent as always, Grayfia teleported him away with herself to avoid any further conflict.

"What? Aw… We haven't exchanged a word yet. And phone number. She surely has one, does she?"

Still too taken with the recent happenings, Rias sighed loud and fell down at her seat, one hand set on her temple as she ran the other through her locks in frustration.

Being witty didn't seem could help, so Lucifer scooted beside her. "What a thrill ride that was." He began with a short chuckle as he flung an arm around her shoulder. "Oh my, you're a stiff as a stone." He muttered, "How're you feelin' Princess?"

"…Exhausted. Upset. Worried."

"Mhmm. I noticed." Lucifer hummed as he gave her arm a gentle squeeze- she's so soft and warm. "Why don't you rest a bit?" he said as he pulled her into his chest. Might not be the most appropriate action as there were others, but she's his top priority at the moment.

Rias didn't seem to mind either. And it wasn't because she wanted to be lovey-dovey with him, but simply due to her unpleasant mood. The thought of being considerate and move to her room or tell her servants that they're free to leave didn't even cross her mind.

But, as Lucifer observed, her servants looked more concerned with their King. Even Rossweisse, albeit not without the green eyes of envy.

"Why won't this ever end…?" She sighed, resting her eyes.

"Oh it will, just not today."

"…What should I do…?"

Lucifer began stroking her hair. "We~ll…. For a start, what about a rest? Your body's getting quite warm, Princess. And I doubt that flameboy is the culprit." Not his flames or charms, at least.

In spite of her condition, Rias finally realized she was not alone. "….Ah, I'm sorry. You can all leave now. I'll see you at night."

Glancing at each other, her servants agreed to give them the space they needed. Kiba and Koneko excused themselves home, while Akeno and Rossweisse headed to the lounge. Akeno knew her friend only needed a moment to ease down, but she'd like to be there in case she's needed as well as wanting to have a little more chat with Lucifer.

Meanwhile, Rossweisse knew she wouldn't help anybody by staying, but she didn't want to go back to her apartment either as she too, would like a little of Lucifer's time.

Private at last, Rias held onto his chest tightly, yet feebly. "….What should I do….? What if I lose….?"

"My, Princess, I'm not an adept in this area but I do think a confident leader fares better than an unconfident one." He drew circles on her smooth cheek with his thumb. "But why don't you not think of that. You're tired, and we haven't showered. Unless you're fine with resting without one- which I am very not fine with, let's head to your bedroom."

"….I… I don't think I'm in the mood for that, Lucifer…"

Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Pardon me?"

"You know…. That…."

"That?" He repeated with just the same confusion, until he noticed her cheeks were one shade redder. "Aah… that. Hah- you're a woman and yet a girl still. It's very adorable of you Princess," Lucifer chortled to Rias' embarrassment, "although it hurts a little. I wasn't implying anything that leans that direction Princess."

Rias frowned. There're not many moments she felt horrible because of what she had done, and this was one of those case. "I'm… sorry…"

"Naah~ don't worry about it. Let's worry about you first."

Lucifer laughed it off. He's not that sensitive. And he's sure as hell wasn't going to make a fuss of that. Not when he could have a bath with this lovely woman.

It wasn't a long walk to get back to her room as it was only three classrooms away. One of which was rebuilt into an open lounge area, but Lucifer refused to admit it as one as long as it lacked a bar. It had all the requirements for one; sleek wooden floorings and paneling, some table and chairs, and a fridge.

Just the bar itself was missing.

But the women were there, so it's not completely bad.

"Girls." Lucifer chirped as he and Rias strolled past the lounge. Normally he'd stay for a chat or a little banter, but this particular Devil didn't seem to be feeling all too well at the moment.

"Lucifer-sama~" Akeno rose from her seat along with Rossweisse, curious about her friend's wellbeing. And upon seeing her, she decided to spare Rias her teasing. "You don't look so good Rias. I can understand why, fufufu~"

Lucifer smirked. "You as well? I suppose the nob isn't so welcome here is he."

Massaging her temple, Rias groaned. "I'll do anything to get him out of my mind right now."

"I have several options in mind that we can try."

Rossweisse simply stood there, awkwardly listening, until Lucifer said that. She then contemplated if she should fume or let it slide. She settled on the latter.

"Ara~ it's not so bad is it, Rias? You still spend time with him in the end."

Rias' face regained their rosy color. "…"

Lucifer quirked an eyebrow. This might be interesting… "Oh?"

"Hmm? You were saying you wanted to be with him a few hours ago, isn't that why you headed to Sensei's place?"

"A-Akeno!" Rias cried, huffing loudly afterwards. "L-let's just go. You two are dismissed for today."

Akeno didn't sound troubled – she was amused, in fact. Rossweisse in the other hand, appeared ready to start a debate.

"M-Me too? But I just got here!"

"Well you're free to go back home." Rias replied, pitilessly as she tugged on Lucifer's arm.

"V-Vat?! That's unfair!" Rossweisse grumbled, grabbing Lucifer's arm as he was hit by a déjà vu. "Y-You're not the only one who wants to be with him!"

"Life is unfair." Rias snapped back.

During the Lucifer tug-of-war, Akeno giggled in glee as she spectated in apparent delight. Didn't stop her from her usual banter though. "Ara…" she began, sweet and softly, like a warm honey, but carried a certain mature charm cloaked within. "Arms full already Lucifer-sama? Fufu~ what a shame… I suppose there's no space left for me?"

As if Lucifer would miss that. "Why… don't you know I have a big heart? I'd be delighted to adore and be adored by more any days or nights." He and Akeno then shared a giggle or two, but their titillating exchange was unheard by the two other girls.

Although his arms started to hurt, Lucifer had no intention to interrupt, as their quarrel was amusing. As long as it didn't get out of control, of course. But he's not taking that risk for this time, however. One of his lovelies wasn't feeling the greatest, and he wouldn't want it to spread now, would he?

So he stepped down, "Ladies, please. Rosie, Rias isn't feeling well," he said with his standard smile, but with a softer tone that reached both of the girls despite their mild shouting, "I adore both of you, but she requires extra attention at the moment." He chuckled, and then raised a suggestive eyebrow and a smirk to the civics teacher. "Besides, it's not like we haven't had our little… 'study session' back then… no?"

Like all weapons, a little twist of words could be deadly if handled properly. It still could backfire, still.

"H-huh?!" Rossweisse blushed.

"What…" Rias stammered, "…what… what was the meaning of that? Rossweisse, what did he mean by that?"

"It means she shares her feelings, that's all." Finally putting the quarrel to a pause, Lucifer took the liberty to free his hands and held their shoulders, beckoning them to move along with him. "Ciao Akeno."

None of them expected this outcome. They were baffled for a good second.

"Ara… am I being left out?"

Lucifer smirked, glancing at the woman with the absurdly long ponytail. "I unfortunately can't grow an extra arm to hold you sweetie. But you're always free to join."

Rias snapped out of her trance first. "W-wait… why are you bringing her…?"

Rossweisse was about to say something, possibly something that would trigger another fight, but Lucifer interceded with a gentle squeeze on her arm.

"Isn't she your family now, hmm? And~ because I have no idea how to treat a fever. Which you seem to be having, mein fräulein."

"I-I can handle myself just fine!" Rias retorted, "And there's no need to trouble her, and if you really have to, there's Akeno!"

"Me? Oh my, are you sure Rias? You can't get lovey dovey with Lucifer-sama~"

"Wha— I—You— I just… huh….?"

"Whoa there."

For once, Rossweisse didn't pout when Lucifer let go of her as he caught a tipsy and a very red-faced Rias. And those weren't her blushing from embarrassment, or fluster.

"Mhmm, should've told you fuming like that wouldn't do much help with your fever dearie." Lucifer said with a cheeky smirk, softly clutching Rias' shoulders.

Resting her eyes for a few moments, fighting the thumping headache, Rias brushed off Lucifer's hands as well as her peers' looks of worry. "I'm fine."

"And I'm ugly." Lucifer jested, but really, he's not amused. There was even an uncharacteristic concern in his expression and even in his big chocolate eyes. "Now let's get you to bed before you spout another protest. I was not joking when I said I don't know how to treat a fever, I never have it and never have to. So I hope you ladies aren't too bothered to play nurses for a while, yeah?"

Akeno tittered slyly, "I'm sure Sensei won't mind if it means she can stay longer with you Lucifer-sama."

That easily turned Rossweisse cheeks red. She didn't say anything, because they all knew that's true.

"Pshh—why of course. Who wouldn't?"

"I don't enjoy your tease Akeno." Rias grumbled, though she's now capitalizing on her condition as she could lie on Lucifer's arm with little effort.

"Oh, but Lucifer-sama does fufu~ and I do too." Akeno hummed cheerily, "Still, it's rare of you to catch a fever Buchou. Did you catch Sensei's fake fever?"

"…I-It's not fake..."

"Pft." Lucifer laughed at Rossweisse's expense. Even Rias giggled a little.

Break

"…You're not going to stay?"

"Oh, darling, please don't look at me with those eyes." Lucifer droned. Few could resist those dangerous puppy eyes that even Lucifer was having a hard time. But he knew she should get her rest first, and if he stayed, he'd just ended up cuddling her.

Which wasn't a bad thing. But he's a man with more than one woman to love. Sacrifices were to be made sooner or later.

She still should know however, as there's no point in cloaking the truth. What mattered was how he chose his words.

Which wasn't difficult at all. "I feel like hanging outside for a while. At the lounge. With the girls." As his smirk grew wider, Rias' pout only grew… pouter. He gave her a quaint smile as he inched to the door. "Try to have some rest Princess."

Mostly covered in her duvet, bedridden, Rias could only complain. "…Don't flirt with them too much."

Lucifer laughed, "I'll flirt with you later if that's what you're asking."

"Th-that's not-!"

"Goodnight Princess."

Shutting the door behind him slowly, Lucifer walked towards the lounge with a towel around his neck. He just had a shower, a cold one, and unfortunately, he wasn't able to convince Rossweisse to take one, and Rias made sure Akeno wouldn't sneak in. The crimson girl herself refused to join in, saying she didn't want him to catch her cold – and because he refused to take a hot bath.

As if it's possible. He's Lucifer goddammit. But the girl's stubborn and wouldn't budge, so what else could he have done.

Drying his coffee brown hair, the always-confidently-smiling bloke snatched an armchair as the girls welcomed him.

"Phew— I could use some milk." Nothing like a nice cold milk after a cold shower. Relaxing his limbs, returning the girls' greeting with a 'thanks' and a nice smile, the young(?) Devil continued to dry his hair. "That girl really is something else isn't she? She kept on gushing about Rating Game this, Dating Game that, tactics and all of those tosh. It's like she forgot she's ill."

"That sounds just like her." Akeno whirred. She took special note at his messy hair that somehow enhanced his

"Ain't she?" Lucifer grimaced. "I also didn't know Devils can get sick." He didn't recall Beelzebub ever got sick, even with all those…. tiny wicked evil cretins loitering on his jungle he called home.

"I know the reincarnated ones can get ill from time to times, though less often when they were human. But I suppose even the pure Devil isn't completely immune to everything."

"Huh. How unfortunate." That's odd. Were Devils nowadays weaker than his generation of Devils? And Christ, 'Nowadays'? he's really getting to sound old, and he's only a few days old. Technical-wise, of course.

"It is weird… I don't think I've ever seen Rias being ill until today." Now that's a genuine concern in her voice and within her doe eyes. Lucifer wasn't sure if he liked it. "Could it be because of him?"

'Him?' Lucifer asked himself inwardly. 'Roight. Him.' "Perhaps. She seemed pretty stressed out about the whole thing."

"I recall reading an article that states psychological stress suppresses the immune system." Rossweisse finally jumped in with her knowledge. "It doesn't cause all kinds of colds, but maybe that's her case?"

Lucifer and Akeno both nodded in agreement.

"She did mention she had trouble sleeping when the news first broke to her." Akeno added as she held her elbows. "She looked fine today until he came here."

Lucifer then chuckled. "Is it me, or that sod is the root of all problems?"

"Her problems, yes. I might be biased though, ufufu~" Now she's back to her smiling-self again, or so she would appear to anyone who just knew her. Who could tell whatever she had in mind, but it's obvious to Lucifer she shared the same opinion with Rias regarding that flamey-boy.

"Well no use gossiping about him now, but will someone explain to me what a Rating Game is and why she's so stressed about it?"

"Rating Game?" Akeno resaid, "But didn't she already explain it yesterday?" Lucifer gave an innocent smile. Kinda goofy, and it made Akeno giggle. She wouldn't mind this side of him every now and then in between his playful teases.

They went through a brief explanation of what is a Rating Game. Rossweisse added a little detail or two, as she explained she had heard of it before. At the end Lucifer concluded it as "Like the Romans and their gladiators, no? Except with teams I suppose. And minus the death."

"Mhmm~"

"Sounds exciting." He laughed, continuing to dry his damp brown locks. "Have there been any spars with the other? Like the Angels for example. That would be quite the spectacle."

"I don't think that's possible with the current relationship." Rossweisse said, "A-at least from what I know…"

Lucifer quirked an eyebrow as he groaned. "Eugh… still the same old problem even after centuries. It's almost we're humans."

"You don't think highly of human do you?" Rossweisse said with a flat but judging expression.

"Oh, don't get me wrong. I don't hate all of them. Just most of them. Their inventions are brilliant. Excepting all of those useless garbage they call as 'gadgets', of course. I mean a 'Smart Salt Dispenser'? Come on now." And that's only to name a few. He knew there's far worse. "And the drinks, the food, they're tenfold better than my mates' dishes." Beelzebub's notorious deep-fried cockroach still haunted him to this day.

Akeno leaned her head on her palm. "Then why do you don't like them?"

Lucifer smiled still, but there's something off about his smile. It was as if it was sewn with bitterness and utter disappointment. "Well. How many wars have happened and still happening? How many genocides? Bombs? Nukes? Don't you find their willingness in exterminating their own kind over a dispute of ideology revolting?"

His smile faded, and a wicked flicker of a blue flame erupted within his deep brown eyes.

"Let's talk in a smaller scale. They rape. They leave the starved alone. The poor rarely get better and the rich rarely lend a helping hand. And even if they do, it's for public image. Their 'good deeds' aren't always genuine. Plenty will choose money over helping their own kind, and that should be enough reason for a second flood." Which unfortunately won't happen, knowing his Creator.

"It's in their instinct to fare better. Never content with what they have. There is no such thing as 'enough' for them. It's almost like a curse."

"And then there are those who 'have no other choice'. People who will do anything to see the dawn of another day. Well whose fault is it to begin with? Who made their living conditions so pitiful? themselves. They are the source of their own problems. Hilarious, isn't it?"

The girls did not expect this heavy on an answer. They were expecting something in the line of 'because they're a bunch of apes', or 'because they're not Devils', but not this. Nor did they expect to see him being wrathful to this extent. This side of him they're unsure of liking, because they would lie if they claimed he didn't scare them.

Fortunately, Lucifer cooled down relatively easily and quickly before an awkward silence would ensue. "But anyway," He restarted with his refreshed smile, and in a much lighter tone. "I stopped mulling those apes long since. There's no use other than piling up my stress level. I'd rather chat with you two lovelies over that any time of day."

But it seemed not everyone could tone down as fast as him, because both Akeno and Rossweisse were still having difficulty to say a word.

Softly sighing, Lucifer smiled gently, almost weakly. "I apologize if I made you two uncomfortable."

"N-No! I-I'm not!" Blustered Rossweisse. She realized how her heart nearly popped when he pulled such a guilt-ridden look. "It's just… it's just… erm…."

"Mnfufu~ I'm just surprised to see this side of you, Lucifer-sama." Akeno was first to return to her usual self. "I hope you don't hate me as much~"

"Oh Akeno, please! As if I could if I want to."

"Ara~ ufufu, you are too kind Lucifer-sama."

And that was enough to smack Rossweisse to herself. She still didn't say anything, just a look of silent contempt aimed at this young bloke, with Akeno tittering without burden. 'Boundary' probably didn't exist in his dictionary when it came to flirting around.

As much as she wanted to stay and tag team with Lucifer to tease the living out of her easy-to-bug teacher, she knew when to scoot. And you couple-botherers out there should know your limit as well.

While Lucifer kept his silly smile at Rossweisse, Akeno stood up, breaking the exchange. "Fufu~ I'll leave you two then."

"Aw. Would you like me to come with you Akeno?"

"Ara, you're too kind Lucifer-sama, but no thank you. I wouldn't mind facing some criminals… truth be told. Ufufufu~" Her sadistic smile then softened as it gained another trait. A playful trait, as she glanced at her civics teacher. "You know…. Sensei, now's a good chance if you want to do something a bit bad~ Just don't be too loud. Rias is a light sleeper, fufu~"

Lucifer was obviously amused. Rossweisse was obviously not. "A-Akeno! That's not something you say to your teacher!"

The shrewd pesterer gave a look of feigned ignorance. Complete with a finger on her cheek. "But Sensei, isn't that the reason why you're staying here?"

"V-V-VAT?! I-I'm here to wait for you! Y-You know! A teacher has to make sure her students are safe and sound and—" And then Rossweisse blubbered a few reasons and a few German words that only she and Lucifer understood, and in the heat of the moment, just before Akeno disappeared into the hallway, Rossweisse popped up from her seat and said something she knew she'd regret once she got back to her apartment.

"I'll take you to your home!"

Lucifer made a face.

Akeno stopped. "Hm~? There's no need to do that Sensei. I'm independent~, I can look after myself."

She cursed her own pride. "I-I insist! It's getting dark, and S-Sensei is about to go home anyway."

It's so palpable that she's forcing herself. Where did all of those talks she had with him had gone to, he wondered. Still, Lucifer wouldn't hold her back. He wouldn't want to hurt her prestige, although he really, really wanted to tease her a little more, and perhaps…

"Alright then, you girls be careful." He said, surprising them both. "See you bunch later, you too Rosie." Rossweisse showed clear signs of disappointment, as if she was hoping he would stop her instead.

"O-oh… alright. See you."

She's so blatant with her emotions. It's undoubted that she'd do horrible in poker. But he wouldn't go far and let her go with an empty hand.

"Wait two seconds—" the moment she turned around away from him, he grabbed a careful hold of her silvery purple strands, and brought them close to him.

It wasn't a 'naughty' action or a flirtatious line, but that didn't mean Rossweisse' heartbeat didn't gallop suddenly. "W-wh-vat are you…"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Lucifer said dryly, but not without a smirk so that it didn't come across as rude. "I like the smell of your hair. Just taking a whiff since you're leaving. Surely you wouldn't mind."

Akeno went 'oh my', evidently satisfied with all the scenes, but Rossweisse couldn't stand him anymore – in a good way, that is. Her face was beet red as if she's holding her breath, and her lips were pursed tightly.

But then Lucifer slanted his head. "If you do though, I'll… let you sniff my hair?"

Rossweisse scampered before more damage was done, but Akeno now hoped they stayed longer. Lucifer did too, but hey, at least he could focus everything on her. The crimson princess might be asleep, but that won't stop him from getting his cuddles.

Yet as Lucifer returned to her room, Rias was not on the bed. She wasn't sleeping, and no, she wasn't kidnapped. The stubborn redhead was instead perched on her study desk, huddled in her velvety blanket that spilled to the rug. She was in the middle of flipping through pages of some old relic book Lucifer had no interest on, until he arrived.

Because she's looking at him with a mix of surprise and contrite. And for once, Lucifer was not amused.

"Not expecting me to return early eh, Princess?" He walked towards her in a methodical gait. He first peered at the encyclopedia, noting its current pages' drawings were regarding to that bird on fire, and shook his head, before finally settling his eyes at Rias. "You're ill, Young Lady."

"….Don't call me that…" Rias griped, "…huh?" The book shut magically. She didn't hear a word or saw any twinkle of his fingers, but that must be his doing. "H-hey! I was reading!"

"Was, yes. You are not reading that anymore mon amie. Not before you get some sleep."

Not quite in the mood exchanging with his jests, Rias doggedly reopened her book. "Just a bit more."

Why did it felt as if he's dealing with a rebellious teenager?

"Very well then…" Lucifer quipped. He didn't want to be a pushover but he did know where and when to set his foot. Wrapping his arms around the blanket and her neck, and leaned in next to her head, he whispered, "Let's make a deal. I won't bother you, but only if you let me read it with you."

"….."

He's unsure if her broadened eyes was a sign that she's annoyed or was just surprised, so he rubbed their cheeks together. "Please?"

"O-Okay…."

He let off a quiet but lighthearted chuckle. "Yay~."

"S-stop it- your beard tickles." Obviously he didn't. "L-Lucifer! Kyaah! N-Noo!"

"So that's what you've been stressing about?" scoffed Lucifer as he pointed at the aforementioned fire bird. "How to beat this chicken wing? –Speaking of which, I could use some, really."

"…You made it sound so easy." Rias huffed. It was hard to concentrate when she was encased in both her bed and duvet's warmth, but also his chest. Not to mention his heart beating right behind her back and his chin resting on the top of her hair. This man seemed to know all the ways to set her heart aflutter.

"Psh, you're the one making it hard." He chuckled, "Can't you just throw water on him or something. Douse him out? Akeno can make it rain right."

It's hard to tell if he's joking or not, but Rias didn't want to joke. "No matter what the damage, he'll keep on recovering. He's practically immortal. There are ways, such as overpowering him with a godlike power - which is unlikely at the moment - or outlast his stamina."

"That's the only thing I can think of." Finally. The stubborn princess shut the darned book and set it aside. "But with the amount of manpower I have and his complete peerage… It'll be hard…"

"Mmmn, not impossible. Do you know what else is hard? Getting you to sleep." He could had said a joke. That joke. But it wasn't appropriate at the time.

Still, Rias complained. "This is serious Lucifer!" She griped with all the strengths she had left. Her eyes were getting tired, and she felt as though every fiber in her body was yelling at her to sleep, yet Rias couldn't. She had to find a way. And his impishness wasn't helping. "Do you know what will happen if I lose? Not only that I'll have to marry him, I'll lose you too!"

The realization of despair hit her like a cruel slap to the face. Her shoulders began to shake, and though she wasn't facing him, it's not that hard to guess what expression she's hiding.

"...I think about it every day. At first, my liberty was he only thing I'll lose, but you're here now… I can't…. I don't want to lose you…"

Boy. Teenagers sure knew how to pile their stress. Or was it everyone in general? Whatever. Lucifer had better things to think of.

He brought her close so that her head rested on his chest, smelling the fragrance of her soap and her shampoo. There's only so much comfort he could give, but he intended to give it all. Slowly easing her to lie down with him.

It's not a full-blown cry like Rossweisse did to him just earlier and hopefully it wouldn't.

"You're worrying about it too much, Princess." He softly said, delving her gorgeous locks with his fingers. It's awkwardly hard to do since they're now lying down, but damn it, what wouldn't he do just to cheer her up.

"Just do your best in the game and just that. You can worry about what you'll do, what er… tactics you'll devise, all other whatnots. Just not what will happen if you lose. That part is mine to worry and to handle."

"…How?"

"Oh I always find a way. So please, dear, rest easy. I don't break my words; my bonds. No one will lay a hand on you."

.

.

.

"Unless, of course, you're fine with it. Not allowing anyone is a bit extreme."

"….You idiot…"

"Hey, got you tittering didn't I?" His warm laugh resounded in his throat as Rias swiveled around, facing his shirt. She noted he had dumped her encyclopedia somewhere in the floor along with his towel, but why should she even think about that.

Sniveling, Rias was about to hug him and gave him a good night kiss, but he beat her first.

A peck on the tip of her nose turned her into a red mess. For good seconds, she had to avert her eyes from his self-satisfied smirk. Perhaps her fever was a good thing. She knew her face was flushing before this.

Snuggling him and tucking her face into his chest, Rias muttered quietly, "I love you…." As a quiet yawn followed.

"I know. I love me too." Aside from creating, he also knew how to ruin the mood. "Now sleep you stubborn lass."

To be continued...