Toshio POV
The satisfying crack of fist striking the training dummy echoed through my basement, sweat dripping down my bare chest as I finished the strike, energy swirling around my arm.
"Not bad, Toshi-kun," Kuroka purred from her perch on the weight bench, her golden eyes tracking my movements with that predatory interest she always seemed to have. "Your Senjutsu flow has improved remarkably over these past two months, ~nya. I daresay you're close to mastering flow."
I lowered my stance, letting the energy dissipate. The circulation of Ki and nature energy had become second nature now—not quite effortless, but no longer requiring the intense concentration it had initially demanded.
What surprised me was that Ki Cultivation and Senjutsu Flow remained skills after they fused to create Senjutsu Dichotomy, the first time this had happened. To my understanding, Ki Cultivation (Rank MAX) helped expand Ki reserves. Senjutsu Flow (Rank MAX) learned how to control it.
Senjutsu Dichotomy, which was now Rank 8, perfectly synced that process with the addition of nature energy. I was disappointed that even though hitting max on ki cultivation did improve my base Ki levels quite a bit, it was mainly the peak of how fast I could grow my Ki levels, unlike how Reiroku Dominion worked.
When using Dichotomy, it enhanced my power, senses, speed, and awareness. Almost on par with Reiryoku enhancement skills. The only downside was the negative energy adsorption. Kuroka had drilled the importance of mastering Ki and Senjutsu before moving on to Touki, saying my Touki would be leaps and bounds stronger with that foundation. The problem was that took time.
"Thanks," I said, grabbing a towel to wipe my face. "Though I'm still frustrated that I won't have Touki mastered before the trip. Three days isn't enough time to finish this and learn Touki."
Kuroka's tails swished behind her in that way that meant she was about to say something teasing. "Oh yes, I remember when you were so frustrated with your progress that you accidentally obliterated half the basement wall, ~nya. That was quite the mess to clean up."
I scratched my cheek at the memory. In my defense, I didn't know the wave motion spell I created was going to tear right through the relatively strong barrier magic my basement was laced with.
"It was a learning experience," I said defensively.
"It was hilarious," she corrected, standing and stretching in that feline way of hers. Her black kimono hung loosely off one shoulder as always, her breast threatening to pop out at any minute. "Watching you scramble to come up with excuses for those supernatural contractors. Even that one devil who specialized in barrier magic couldn't believe you, a human, broke through it, ~nya."
I snorted despite myself. "Upon initial testing of my new creation, I'm just happy it worked. Despite the consequences to my house." I said the last part looking away from the feline woman. Definitely not bashful.
"Despite." She giggled, then moved closer, running one finger down my chest and tracing the lines of muscle I'd developed. "But you've come far, Toshi-kun. Even without Touki, you have plenty of new spells in your arsenal. You're much stronger than you were two months ago."
That was true, at least. Between the Senjutsu training with Kuroka and my own experimentation with theoretical runic formulas, I'd expanded my capabilities significantly. The defensive barrier I'd been working on was nearly complete, and I'd refined several offensive techniques that made use of my dual casting skill. I had even made some interesting fusion spells I was eager to test against something I didn't mind killing. Like demons.
"I just hope it's enough," I admitted, moving to sit on the bench. "If something does happen in Kyoto—and let's be honest, the odds made it incredibly probable—I need to be ready."
Kuroka settled beside me, her warmth pressing against my side. "I'll be keeping watch over Kuoh while you're gone, ~nya. If any demons show their ugly faces here, I'll let you know immediately."
"Thanks. That actually makes me feel better." I turned to look at her, studying the way her hazel-tipped black hair framed her face. "Speaking of which, have you given any more thought to how you're going to approach Koneko?"
Her expression shifted immediately, that confident mask sliding into place. "Of course, ~nya. I have an elaborate scheme all planned out. Very sophisticated. Lots of moving parts."
I raised an eyebrow. "Really."
"Yes, really." Her tails swished with more agitation now. "I've been thinking about it extensively."
"Uh-huh." I kept my voice neutral, watching as tiny cracks appeared in her composure. "And what exactly does this elaborate scheme involve?"
"Well, it's... complicated, ~nya." She shifted slightly, not quite meeting my eyes. "There are multiple phases, you see. And contingencies. Many contingencies."
"Kuroka."
"And I've been consulting with—"
"Kuroka. Kidnapping doesn't count. That's a crime. Not a plan."
She deflated slightly, her shoulders slumping. "Fine then. I have no plan, ~nya," she pouted.
I couldn't help it—a snort of amusement escaped before I could stop it. The mighty Kuroka, an SS-class criminal and master of Senjutsu, spiritual poison, youjutsu, and devil magic, is completely stumped by how to make up with her little sister.
"It's not funny," she protested, though I could see the corners of her mouth twitching. "This is serious, ~nya."
"I know it is," I said, composing myself and pulling her closer. "But you can't keep putting it off forever. Koneko deserves to know the truth. She deserves to have her sister back. Just like you."
"I know that." Her voice had gone quieter, more vulnerable. "But what if Shirone still hates me after I explain everything? What if knowing the truth doesn't change anything?"
"Then at least you'll have tried." I tilted her chin up so she had to look at me. "But I doubt that would happen. Despite the circumstances, you both love each other. Koneko just doesn't know how much yet." I tried to encourage her. This got a small smile out of her as she gazed down.
"Yeah… maybe," she mumbled.
"Also, I think we're going to need help with this. Rias and her peerage—they're not going to just let you waltz up to Koneko without interference. Not unless they understand what's really going on."
Kuroka's eyes widened slightly. "This again?" She looked up at me, eyes displaying clear annoyance and anger.
"Yes, this again. I'm not saying right now. When we get back from Kyoto." I held her gaze, trying to convey how serious I was. "They need to understand that you're not a threat, that you had reasons for what you did. Otherwise, they'll just try to keep Koneko away from you, and you'll never get the chance to explain. It's unrealistic to think you can have a relationship with her, but not involve yourself with the peerage she's now a part of."
She was quiet for a long moment, her golden eyes searching mine. I could practically see the internal struggle playing out—her desire to reconnect with her sister warring against her fear of rejection and her instinct to remain hidden.
"I'll think about it, ~nya," she finally said, though her tone suggested she was far from convinced.
"That's all I'm asking." I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Just promise me you'll actually think about it, not just say you will and then avoid the topic."
"When did you become so pushy, ~nya?" But there was fondness in her voice rather than irritation.
"I learned from the best," I replied with a grin, moving her kimono so it slid more off of her arm so that I could grope her breast.
She swatted my hand playfully, then stood. "You should shower and get ready. Don't you have that meeting at that Gremory's house soon?"
I glanced at the clock on the wall and swore softly. She was right—I had about forty minutes before I needed to be there. The final planning session before the Kyoto trip, with Rias, Akeno, Kiba, Sona, and Tsubaki. Even Koneko would be there, though she wouldn't be coming on the trip itself.
"Yeah, I should get moving." I stood, stretching muscles that were pleasantly sore from training. "You going to be okay here by yourself?"
"I survived long before I met you, Toshi-kun," she said with amusement. "I think I can manage a few hours, ~nya."
Fair point.
I headed upstairs to shower, letting the hot water wash away the sweat and grime from training. My mind was already shifting gears, moving from training to the upcoming meeting. What new information would Rias have? Had Sirzechs discovered anything about the Old Demon Faction's movements?
The quiet of the past two months bothered me more than I cared to admit. After the massacre at Mount Kumotori, I'd expected... something. More attacks, more evidence of demon activity, anything to indicate what they were planning. Instead, there had been nothing but silence, at least as far as I was concerned.
And that silence felt like the calm before a storm.
I dressed quickly—dark jeans and a button-down shirt that Akeno had insisted made my eyes look "dangerously attractive"—and checked my inventory. Shinjūka was secured, along with several emergency supplies I'd taken to carrying everywhere. Better to be overprepared than caught off guard.
The walk to Rias' house took about twenty minutes. The Gremory estate in Kuoh was impressive without being ostentatious—a large Western-style mansion that managed to blend into the upscale neighborhood despite its size. I'd been here enough times now that the guards at the gate simply nodded me through.
Akeno answered the door before I could knock, her violet eyes lighting up as she pulled me inside.
"Toshi-kun," she purred, immediately pressing herself against me for a kiss that was far more thorough than a simple greeting required. Her hands slid up my chest, fingers curling into my shirt as her tongue traced my lower lip.
I responded in kind, one hand finding her ass cheek while the other cupped the back of her neck. She tasted like the tea she always brewed.
"I missed you," she murmured against my mouth when we finally broke apart.
"I saw you this morning," I pointed out, though I was smiling.
"And that was far too long ago." She took my hand, leading me deeper into the house. "Everyone's already in the sitting room. Sona's been here for a while already, so we're all just waiting on you." She grabbed my butt, causing me to look at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Or they could wait a little longer while we have some fun in here," she said seductively, licking her lips.
"I doubt Rias would appreciate the tardiness, nor the sounds we'd make." I snorted in amusement at her horny antics. One thing I've learned about Akeno during my time with her: this girl was insatiable. Not that I was complaining.
"I wouldn't be opposed; maybe they could come watch and, learn, something," she said with an innocent smile, contrasting it with a very suggestive wink. We walked through the door to the meeting room, our sides practically conjoined with our closeness.
"Hmm, can't say I'm opposed to spectators."
Perspective Shift: Rias
As they entered through the door, I was curious what Toshio had meant by that. A fight, maybe? I focused back, ignoring their closeness.
"Toshio, nice to see you," I greeted.
I watched as Toshio returned my greeting with a nod, his steel-blue eyes meeting mine briefly before Akeno pulled him toward the couch. The way she practically draped herself over him would have been amusing if it didn't make something in my chest tighten uncomfortably.
"Glad you could make it," I continued, keeping my voice neutral and professional. "We have a lot to cover before the trip."
Sona adjusted her glasses from where she sat in one of the armchairs, Tsubaki standing attentively beside her. "Indeed. The departure is in three days, and we need to ensure everyone is properly prepared for potential... complications."
Kiba sat on the opposite couch, his usual pleasant expression in place, while Koneko occupied the floor near my chair, a piece of candy already in her mouth. The small gathering felt intimate despite the serious nature of our meeting.
I tried not to notice how Akeno's hand rested possessively on Toshio's thigh or how she leaned into him with complete comfort. They'd been like this for two months now, and I should have been used to it. I was happy for my Queen—truly, I was. Akeno deserved someone who could match her intensity, who could see past her masks to the person underneath.
But watching them together still made me feel... something. Something I'd been trying very hard not to examine too closely.
"So," I said, forcing myself to focus on the matter at hand, "let's start with what we know. Onii-sama sent me an update this morning." I pulled out a folder from the table beside my chair.
I opened the folder and scanned the contents, my stomach sinking slightly as I reviewed the information. "The only thing that's come up since Mount Kumotori was two other minor leyline shrines being attacked. Both were hit hard—similar levels of carnage, the same ritualistic desecration. But since then..." I looked up at the assembled group. "It's been completely quiet."
Toshio's expression darkened immediately, his posture shifting from relaxed to alert in an instant. "When did these attacks happen?"
"About a week after you discovered the first shrine," I replied, noting how his jaw tightened. "One was in the mountains near Nagano, the other closer to the coast in Shizuoka prefecture."
"And the Youkai didn't station additional guards at other shrines after the first attack?" His tone carried an edge of frustration that I rarely heard from him. "That seems like a massive oversight."
I felt my own frustration rise in response, though I tried to keep it from my voice. "They were attacked very soon after the first incident—within days. There wasn't time to make garrison adjustments before Serafall-sama was able to show Yasaka the evidence from Mount Kumotori. By the time the Youkai leadership mobilized a response, two more shrines had already fallen."
Sona nodded, her expression grim. "The speed of the attacks suggests coordination and planning. Whoever is orchestrating this knew they had a narrow window before the Youkai could respond effectively."
"Which means they're not acting randomly," Toshio said, his fingers drumming against his thigh in a pattern I'd learned meant he was processing information rapidly. "Three attacks in quick succession, then nothing for nearly two months. That's not a pause in activity—that's a deliberate strategy."
Akeno's hand tightened on his leg, her playful demeanor from earlier completely gone. "You think they got what they needed from those three shrines."
"Or they're waiting for something," he replied. "Building up power, preparing for a larger move. The energy they drained from those leyline nodes had to go somewhere."
The thought made my blood run cold. I'd been thinking the same thing, but hearing it stated so plainly made it feel more real, more immediate.
"Onii-sama has stationed devil observers at every known leyline node in Japan now," I said, trying to inject some reassurance into my voice. "The Youkai have also increased their patrols significantly and are cooperating with us devils against the common enemy. If there's another attack, we'll know about it immediately."
"That's good," Toshio acknowledged, though his expression remained troubled. "But it still doesn't answer the bigger question—why Kyoto? If their goal is just to drain leylines, there are smaller, less protected nodes they could target. Kyoto is heavily guarded, and attacking there would draw an immediate response from multiple factions."
"Unless that's exactly what they want," Kiba stated grimly. "Maybe they're after another war. Though, I can't see them winning going against the Devils and Youkai, let alone the others." Based on what I knew from my brother, victory against Devils alone would be a long shot, let alone both factions.
"Unfortunately, we don't have those answers. Speculating won't get us anywhere, so let's focus on what we do know," I said, trying to steer the conversation back from the spiral.
"Sorry, president, you're right," Kiba apologized, causing me to smile briefly at his composed politeness. I always found it endearing. Despite being relatively close in age, he always seemed like a little brother. I shook my head free of my thoughts.
"The surveillance teams have been monitoring known Old Demon Faction strongholds, but there's been no movement. No activity at all."
"That's concerning," Tsubaki said, her voice calm but analytical. "Two months of complete silence after such a brutal attack suggests they're either planning something significant or have gone into hiding."
"Or both," Toshio added. His voice carried that quality it always had during strategic discussions—focused, intelligent, and cutting straight to the heart of the matter. "If they're planning to target Kyoto, they'd want to avoid drawing attention beforehand. No point in revealing their position when they could just wait for the perfect opportunity."
I nodded, appreciating how quickly he grasped the implications. "Exactly what Onii-sama thinks. Which is why he's arranged for additional security during our trip, though it will be... discreet."
"How discreet?" Sona asked, leaning forward slightly.
"Youkai guards in civilian clothing, mostly. They'll be positioned throughout the city, particularly near major leyline nodes and shrines. We won't see them unless something happens." I flipped through the papers in my folder.
"Serafall-sama has also coordinated with Yasaka to increase patrols around Kyoto's main leyline. If anyone tries anything there, they'll have to go through some of the strongest Youkai in Japan. Yasaka herself is guarding the second largest leyline with a few of her generals so her main force can guard the main one. I'm guessing that way there are more troops to fight off a large attack force." I saw Toshio nodding with my analysis. I wasn't sure why I looked to him for approval but didn't dwell on it.
"What about our human classmates?" Kiba spoke up, his expression growing more serious. "If something does happen, they'll be caught in the crossfire."
That was the part that worried me most. Two hundred students from Kuoh Academy would be in Kyoto for the school trip. Two hundred innocent humans who had no idea the supernatural world existed, let alone that they might be walking into a potential war zone.
"The teachers have been briefed—the ones who know about our world, at least," I said carefully. "If there's any indication of danger, they'll evacuate the students immediately. And both mine and Sona's peerages will be on high alert the entire time."
"I've also arranged for several members of my peerage to patrol in shifts," Sona added. "We'll maintain continuous surveillance throughout the trip."
I caught Toshio's expression shift slightly, his brow furrowing in that way it did when he was thinking through scenarios.
"Why is there not more devil representation? Why do we, as students, have to take up the responsibility of patrolling for a land that isn't even theirs?" Toshio asked. It was a very valid question.
"I'm assuming the pillar families don't see the old demon faction as a threat, likely due to them targeting Youkai, rather than devils. They probably wouldn't get involved at all if it weren't for Onii-sama and Serafall-sama. Serafall, as the Satan of interspecies diplomacy, is always trying to establish good relationships with other factions, especially our neighbors. Onii-sama, because I think he has a grudge to settle from the last war." Toshio sighed, clearly displeased with how devil nobility operated. I couldn't agree more. Toshio continued.
"What about transportation? If we need to evacuate quickly, how do we move that many humans without causing a panic?"
"Magic circles," I replied. "We've set up several emergency teleportation points throughout the city. If necessary, we can move groups of students directly back to Kuoh within minutes. We'll have our familiars on standby for mass memory altering."
He nodded, seeming satisfied with that answer. I found myself appreciating his tactical mindset, the way he thought through contingencies and worst-case scenarios. It was one of the things that made him so valuable, even though he wasn't part of my peerage.
Even though I'd pushed him away.
I pushed that thought aside, focusing back on the briefing. "There's one more thing. Onii-sama wants us to avoid direct confrontation if possible. If we encounter any Old Demon Faction members, our priority is to gather information and retreat. We're not to engage unless absolutely necessary."
"Because we're outmatched," Toshio said bluntly.
"Because we're students," I corrected, though his assessment wasn't wrong. "We're skilled, but we're not equipped to handle demon generals or large-scale attacks. That's what the adult devils and Youkai are for."
Sona made a small sound of agreement. "Discretion is the better part of valor in this case. Our role is reconnaissance and protection of our fellow students, not heroics."
I saw Toshio's jaw tighten slightly, and I wondered what he was thinking. He'd been the one to discover the massacre at Mount Kumotori, had seen firsthand what the Old Demon Faction was capable of. I knew that had affected him, even if he didn't talk about it much. The protective instinct that drove him wouldn't sit well with the idea of running from a fight.
"Understood," he said after a moment, though I detected a note of reluctance in his voice.
Akeno's hand moved up to his shoulder, squeezing gently. The gesture was intimate, comforting, and I forced myself to ignore it.
"What about accommodations?" Kiba asked, mercifully changing the subject. "Where will everyone be staying?"
I was grateful for the shift in topic. "The school has booked several traditional inns throughout Kyoto. Our peerage will be at the Sakura Inn in the Higashiyama district—it's centrally located and near several major shrines. Sona's peerage will be at the Katsura Inn on the western side of the city. This splits our grade up into two groups, making it easier to manage them."
"Strategic positioning," Tsubaki observed. "That gives us coverage across most of the major tourist areas, too."
"Exactly." I pulled out a map from my folder, spreading it across the coffee table. Red marks indicated the locations of known leyline nodes, blue marks showed our accommodations, and green marks represented the emergency teleportation points. "We'll be able to respond quickly to any incidents in our respective areas."
Toshio leaned forward to study the map, and I found my attention drawn to the way his brow furrowed in concentration. He'd changed so much over the past few months—not just physically, though that was obvious enough. The emotional drive to protect and grow stronger had been blossoming in him, and his demeanor clearly showed it, especially in situations like this.
"This node here," he said, pointing to a red mark near the Golden Pavilion, "is relatively isolated. Easy target if someone wanted to drain it without drawing immediate attention. Wouldn't be unreasonable to think it could be a first target."
"Good eye," Sona acknowledged. "I'll make sure we have extra surveillance in that area."
We continued discussing logistics for another hour—patrol schedules, communication protocols, and contingency plans. It was tedious but necessary work, and I was impressed by how seriously everyone took it. Even Koneko, who usually showed minimal interest in planning sessions, was paying close attention.
As the meeting wound down, I noticed Akeno whispering something in Toshio's ear that made him smirk slightly. The intimacy of the gesture made something twist in my stomach, and I looked away before they could notice me staring.
"Is there anything else we need to cover?" Sona asked, gathering her notes.
"I don't think so," I replied, trying to keep the exhaustion from my voice. "Just remember—stay alert, stay together, and don't take unnecessary risks. This trip should be enjoyable for our classmates. Let's do everything we can to keep it that way."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and the meeting began to break up. Kiba excused himself first, mentioning something about training. Koneko followed shortly after, probably heading back to her room for a nap. Sona and Tsubaki left together, discussing additional security measures they wanted to implement.
Which left me alone with Akeno and Toshio.
I busied myself with collecting the papers scattered across the coffee table, very deliberately not looking at them. I could hear Akeno's soft laugh, could sense the easy affection between them, and it made me feel like an intruder in my own home.
"Toshio, do you want to stay the night again?" Akeno asked. I couldn't withhold a wince. I never got to sleep at a reasonable hour when he stayed the night thanks to the noise they made. How they were so awake the next morning was beyond me. Glancing at them, I saw Akeno teasing him, both verbally and physically, once he agreed.
"Rias," Akeno's voice cut through my thoughts, "we're going to head up. Unless you needed something?"
I looked up to find them both standing, Akeno's hand intertwined with Toshio's. They looked good together, I realized with a pang. Matched in a way that went beyond physical attraction.
"No, I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile. "Thank you both for coming. I'll probably see you both tomorrow."
"Okay, but feel free to join us if you get too bored tonight~." I felt a little heat rise to my cheeks. I closed my eyes and sighed. That's the last thing I wanted. Right?
"Goodnight, Akeno." I glanced over at Toshio.
Toshio met my eyes, and for a moment I thought I saw something there—concern, maybe? Or was I just projecting what I wanted to see?
"Take care of yourself, Rias," he said quietly. "Get some rest before the trip. You look tired." The sentiment was nice, but apparently they didn't know how loud they tended to be.
Regardless, the observation was accurate but unexpected, and I felt my carefully maintained composure slip slightly. "I will. Thank you, Toshio."
They left hand in hand, and I listened to their footsteps fade down the hallway. Only when I heard the door close behind them did I allow myself to slump back in my chair, pressing my palms against my eyes.
What was wrong with me?
I'd been the one to create distance between us. I'd been the one to push him toward Akeno, to encourage their relationship. I'd made that choice deliberately, knowing that getting involved with him would complicate everything—my arranged marriage to Riser, my responsibilities as a Gremory, and my role as a King to my peerage.
So why did seeing them together hurt so much?
"Because you're an idiot," I muttered to myself.
The room felt too quiet now, too empty. I gathered the remaining papers mechanically, filing them away with movements that required no thought. My mind kept circling back to Toshio—the way he'd looked at me during our walks months ago, the concern in his voice just now, the distance I'd forced between us.
I'd told myself it was for the best. That keeping things professional and friendly was the smart choice. That my feelings were just a passing attraction that would fade with time and distance.
But two months later, those feelings hadn't faded at all. If anything, they'd grown stronger, more insistent, and impossible to ignore no matter how hard I tried.
And now he was with Akeno. My best friend. My Queen. Someone who deserved happiness more than almost anyone I knew.
I should have been happy for them. I was happy for them.
I was also miserable, and I hated myself for it.
XXX
Later that night, I was reading a romance novel, a guilty pleasure of mine, sitting naked in bed as I always did every night. Only I was distracted.
I tried to focus on the words in front of me, but they might as well have been written in an ancient language I'd never studied. The elegant prose that usually captivated me felt hollow tonight, unable to hold my attention for more than a few sentences at a time.
A muffled sound came through the wall—barely audible, but unmistakable.
My fingers tightened on the book's spine. Not again.
I'd known this would happen when Toshio agreed to stay over. It happened every single time. And every single time, I told myself I wouldn't let it bother me. That I was mature enough to ignore it, to put in earbuds or cast a silencing spell on my own room.
But I never did. Some masochistic part of me always listened, torturing myself with the evidence of what I'd given up.
Another sound filtered through—louder this time, definitely Akeno's voice. I set the book down on my nightstand with more force than necessary, the sharp crack of it hitting wood satisfying in a petty way.
This was ridiculous. I was a high-class devil, an heiress to the Gremory clan, and I was sitting here in my own home being kept awake by my Queen's sexual activities. The absurdity of the situation would have been funny if it didn't make me want to scream.
I flopped back against my pillows, staring at the ceiling and trying to will myself to sleep. Maybe if I just ignored it, it would stop. Maybe they'd finish quickly tonight and I could finally get some rest.
A particularly loud moan shattered that hope immediately.
My face burned despite the fact that I was alone. The walls were supposed to be well insulated—I had this manor built with soundproofing enchantments. But apparently, Akeno's voice had the power to pierce through even the strongest magical barriers when she was in the throes of passion.
Of course it did. Everything about Akeno was designed to be noticed, to command attention. Why would her pleasure be any different?
I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to block out the sounds, but that somehow made them more vivid. My imagination filled in the details my eyes couldn't see, painting pictures I desperately didn't want in my head.
Toshio's hands on her skin. His mouth on hers. The way his muscles would flex as he—
"Stop it," I hissed to myself. "Just stop."
But my body wasn't listening to my mind. Heat was pooling low in my stomach, my skin felt too sensitive, and I was acutely aware of my nakedness in a way I usually wasn't. The sheets suddenly felt too rough against my bare skin, every small movement sending unwanted sensations through me.
This was wrong. I shouldn't be getting aroused listening to my best friend and the man I'd pushed away. I should put on clothes, march down to the guest room on the other side of the manor, and spend the night there where I couldn't hear anything.
Another moan, this one almost a scream of pleasure.
That was it. I couldn't take this anymore.
I threw off the sheets and stood, my body moving before my brain could fully process what I was doing. I was going to march over there and tell them to keep it down. This was my house, and I deserved to sleep in peace. It was a completely reasonable request.
I stalked toward my door, yanking it open with perhaps more force than necessary. The hallway was dark, the moonlight filtering through the windows providing just enough illumination to see by. My bare feet were silent against the hardwood floors as I moved toward Akeno's room.
I was halfway there before I realized I'd forgotten something rather important.
Clothes.
I stopped, looking down at my completely naked body. A flush of embarrassment heated my cheeks, but I didn't turn back. What did it matter, really? It was just Akeno and Toshio, and they'd both seen naked bodies before. Devils weren't as prudish about nudity as humans anyway. Nudity never particularly bothered me anyway. I was quite proud of my body. Besides, I was too frustrated to care about propriety right now.
I continued forward, each step bringing me closer to Akeno's door. The sounds were louder out here, no longer muffled by walls. I could hear skin against skin, could hear Akeno's breathless gasps and encouraging words.
My hand raised to knock, but I froze as Akeno's voice rang out clearly.
"Toshio!" She rarely ever used his given name.
The way she screamed it—pure ecstasy, complete abandon—made something clench deep inside me. My hand fell back to my side as I stood there in the dark hallway, my heart pounding for reasons that had nothing to do with anger anymore.
I should knock. I should announce my presence and tell them to quiet down like I'd planned.
Instead, my hand moved to the doorknob. It turned silently under my fingers—unlocked, because of course it was. Akeno had never been shy about anything, other than her heritage.
I eased the door open just a crack, telling myself I was only checking to make sure they were okay. That this was perfectly reasonable behavior for a King checking on her peerage.
The lie tasted bitter even in my own mind.
The sight that greeted me through the narrow opening stole what little breath I had left.
Akeno was on her hands and knees on the bed, her beautiful face twisted in pleasure, her long black hair cascading down her back. And behind her, his hands gripping her hips with clear strength, was Toshio.
I'd seen him shirtless before during training sessions and had appreciated his physique in an abstract way. But seeing him like this—muscles rippling with each powerful thrust, his face intense with concentration and desire—was something else entirely.
He was magnificent.
My hand unconsciously moved to my breast, fingers brushing against my hardened nipple. When had that happened? When had my body started responding without my permission?
I watched as Toshio's hands slid up Akeno's sides, one moving to tangle in her hair while the other gripped her hip harder. The position gave me a clear view of his body, of the way his muscles flexed and moved, and of the sheer masculine power he was displaying.
And his size... I had seen it that night I saved his life. But seeing him fully erect, seeing him use that impressive length with such confidence and skill—it made my mouth go dry and my core clench with need.
Was he always this aggressive? The thought flitted through my mind as I watched him pull Akeno's hair, making her arch her back further. Or was this specifically what Akeno liked, what she needed?
I hoped desperately it was the latter. I wasn't into pain the way Akeno was and didn't crave the rough treatment she seemed to thrive on. But watching him dominate her, seeing the pure pleasure on my Queen's face—it awakened something in me I hadn't known existed.
My hand slid lower, past my stomach, drawn by an impulse I couldn't control anymore. My fingers found wetness between my thighs, evidence of my shameful arousal. I bit my lip to keep from making any sound as I began to touch myself, my eyes never leaving the scene before me.
Toshio shifted his angle, and I suddenly realized with shock what hole he was using. My face burned even hotter—if that was even possible at this point. Anal sex. They were having anal sex, and from the sounds Akeno was making, she was loving every second of it.
I couldn't imagine doing that. The very thought made me squirm uncomfortably. But watching it, seeing the way Akeno responded, imagining what it would feel like to trust someone that completely—it was intoxicating.
My fingers moved faster, circling my clit with increasing pressure as I watched them. I imagined it was me on that bed, me being held by those strong hands, me making those sounds of pleasure. But in my fantasy, we were face-to-face. I could see his eyes, could kiss him, could feel him moving inside me the way it was meant to be.
The way I'd denied myself.
Toshio's movements became more erratic, his grip on Akeno tightening. I could tell he was close, could see it in the tension of his shoulders and the way his jaw clenched.
"Cum in me," Akeno gasped. "Fill me up, master! I want to feel it!"
His groan was deep and primal as he thrust forward one final time, his body going rigid. And that sight—watching him climax, seeing the pleasure wash over his features—was what pushed me over the edge. So wrapped up in my climax, her calling him 'master' didn't even register.
My orgasm hit me like lightning, pleasure exploding through my core and radiating outward. My knees buckled slightly, and I had to brace myself against the doorframe to keep from falling. Wetness gushed down my thighs, more than I'd ever experienced before, pooling on the hardwood floor beneath me.
Oh Satans. What had I done?
Horror crashed through the lingering pleasure as reality reasserted itself. I'd just masturbated while watching my best friend and the man I'd rejected having sex. I'd squirted all over the floor outside Akeno's room. And I was still standing here completely naked, one hand between my legs, the other braced against the doorframe.
I jerked backward, pulling the door closed as silently as I'd opened it. My heart was hammering so hard I was sure they'd be able to hear it even through their post-coital haze. I stared at the puddle on the floor—undeniable evidence of what I'd just done.
I couldn't leave it there. But I also couldn't stay here and risk them finding me.
My legs felt shaky as I hurried back to my room, closing the door behind me and leaning against it. My breathing was ragged, my body still trembling with aftershocks. My hand was still wet from touching myself, and the scent of my arousal filled my nostrils.
What was wrong with me?
I stumbled to my bathroom on unsteady legs, turning on the shower with fumbling hands. The water was cold when I stepped under it, and I welcomed the shock of it against my overheated skin. Maybe it would wash away the shame, the guilt, the overwhelming confusion of what I'd just experienced.
But as I stood there under the spray, I knew the truth. No amount of water could wash away what I'd felt watching them. The jealousy, yes, but also the desire. The desperate, aching want that I'd been suppressing for months.
I wanted Toshio. Not just physically—though gods, I wanted that too—but emotionally. I wanted to be the one in his arms, the one making him smile, the one he stayed up late talking to about everything and nothing.
I wanted what Akeno had, and I hated myself for it.
Because I'd had my chance. He'd been interested in me first. He'd made that clear in the way he looked at me, the way he found excuses to spend time with me. And I'd pushed him away, convinced myself it was the right thing to do. Listened to my damn brother and family. All for the sake of House Gremory.
And now I was standing in my shower at gods-knew-what hour, my body still humming with the aftereffects of an orgasm I'd given myself while watching him with someone else.
I pressed my forehead against the cool tile, letting the water cascade over me. Tomorrow I'd have to face them both. Tomorrow I'd have to pretend everything was normal, that I hadn't done something so monumentally inappropriate.
Wait, didn't he have the ability to sense people? The thought made my heart drop, silently hoping he had been too distracted to notice. The previous feeling intensified.
Tomorrow I'd have to continue living with the consequences of my choices. Hopefully this last one went unnoticed.
But tonight, alone in my shower with only the sound of running water for company, I let myself admit the truth I'd been running from for months.
I wanted him. I wanted Toshio Amano more than I'd wanted anything in my life. And I'd thrown away my chance because I was too afraid of what it might mean, too concerned with duty and propriety and maintaining the careful distance I thought I needed. Only being close friends was too difficult. Too painful.
I slid down the shower wall, pulling my knees to my chest as the water continued to pour over me. The image of them together was burned into my mind—not just the physical act, but the intimacy of it. The trust. The way Akeno had surrendered herself completely to him, knowing he'd take care of her.
That's what I wanted. Not the pain or the roughness necessarily, but that level of trust. That connection.
I stayed in the shower until the water ran cold, until my fingers were pruned and my skin felt raw. Only then did I finally drag myself out, wrapping a towel around my body with mechanical movements.
When I returned to my bedroom, I caught sight of myself in the full-length mirror. My hair was plastered to my head, my skin still flushed, and my eyes bright with unshed tears I refused to let fall.
"Pathetic," I whispered to my reflection. "You're absolutely pathetic, Rias Gremory."
But knowing that didn't make the wanting stop. It didn't erase the image of Toshio's body, powerful and confident. It didn't silence Akeno's cries of pleasure echoing down the hallway, which had thankfully stopped.
I either needed to give in or move on. But finding someone that could compete with Toshio, that would be a difficult task. As I settled into bed, my last thoughts were the hope that someone could show up soon so this unbearable feeling could end. I'd even be willing to lower my standards, but only a little.