"Hello there… It's been quite some time, since we last met, hasn't it? Ryu?" The guest said with a smile, after Ryu opened the door.
He was a fairly tall young man with silver hair, and blue eyes a slim build, broad shoulders, long legs and all that stuff.
He looked at him for a second or two before letting out a sigh, "Should've guessed he'd send you…" Ryu muttered before clearing his throat, not really caring if his guest heard him or not.
"Hey, Vali. It's been… I don't know how long, I forgot, anyway come in." Ryu said letting him through.
Vali walked in and took off his shoes.
"Nice place, not too big, not too small. I like it."
Ryu was a tad bit surprised by that, he remembered Vali being an ill-mannered and… well, active? He was always looking for fights, spars, training, and everything, so that counts as active. In the Supernatural world at least.
He was also surprised that Vali knocked on the door, normally he went in through windows and magic circles without thinking about privacy at all.
Ryu's 'Prisoners' were seated in the kitchen, eating last night's leftovers, admittedly Ryu made bit too much food.
(He thinks everyone eats the same amount as he does.)
"I'm surprised, you were… against joining 'This Side', what changed?" Vali questioned, while sitting down on the sofa not even paying attention to The Fallen.
"Nothing really, I didn't join This side because I wasn't ready then, now I am." Ryu shrugged.
Vali hummed before his eyes narrowed, while looking at Ryu, the staring did make him a bit uncomfortable.
"You got bigger. Again."
"That I did."
"Has Azazel figured out why? Or is it still unknown?"
"I'm afraid he's got no idea, but it isn't harmful to me or anything so there isn't a need to worry."
"I'm not worried about you. I'm just curious, even Albion doesn't know."
He leaned back into the sofa after saying that, and another voice came out from his body.
"He feels… familiar, I don't know exactly what he is, but that mystery will soon reveal itself." This was the Spirit of Vali's Sacred Gear, Divine Dividing.
It was The White Dragon Emperor, Albion.
"Hello Albion, it's been a while." Ryu greeted the spirit.
"Greetings, Ryu. It has been quite some time, I sense that your body has grown stronger again… impressive, very impressive." He praised.
"Yeah, and so has my appetite." Ryu sighed.
Albion chuckled, "That is an insignificant price to pay for Strength."
Vali who was silent for a bit suddenly straightened up and looked at Ryu with a bored expression, which was his normal face. In that regard he was similar to Ryu.
"Ryu, don't fall behind. you're the only rival I have at my age at this point in time, since I still haven't found The Red Dragon Emperor of this generation." Vali said, his face turning serious at the last part.
Ryu didn't bother mentioning the fact that he knew who The Red Dragon Emperor.
Ryu scratched his head, "Man, you're really into this… eternal rivalry thing Albion has with The Red Dragon Emperor. By the way, has Albion ever told you why the two are beefing in the first place?"
Vali shrugged. "He says he forgot."
Ryu was left speechless and at that and slapped his forehead, "…If he forgot that means it was over something insignificant, and stupid."
"Probably, but it doesn't matter. Another rival will help me grow even stronger until I attain my goal." Vali spoke while looking very determined.
Ryu's expression turned serious as well, "Yeah… I remember, I promised I'd help." After saying that he stood up and stretched and gestures to The Fallen Angels sitting in the kitchen silently.
"Anyways… they are the ones I spoke about, I convinced them to rejoin, so you won't have any problems."
Vali looked them over for a second, not sparing another glance, "I don't know why you're going through that much trouble… they're weak."
The Fallen Angels flinched just a bit, but they stayed silent. They knew who this silver-haired man was.
"…He took us in when we were just like them Vali, I wanted to do the same."
Vali glanced towards him and stared for a few seconds, then averted his gaze.
Then he got up, "Alright, you four move your asses, we're going."
"Rude…"
"Shut the fuck up."
His magic circle then appeared on the floor, and the fallen angles bid farewell, and stepped into the circle.
"You guys, if you get permission come visit often." Ryu said with a smile. "Vali that applies to you as well."
And with those parting words, Vali and the others disappeared.
Ryu plopped down on the sofa and took out his phone from his shorts that he was wearing, and checked the clock.
10:21 AM.
And it was Saturday, now Ryu was feeling pretty dang tired for no reason, but still he got up and washed the dishes from last night and today, after that he took a shower.
First he laid in the bathtub for about 20 minutes though, admittedly he almost fell asleep. Almost.
Finally, he got out of the shower and dried his hair and all the stuff people do after the shower.
He then took a look in his wardrobe, to organize it, it was about time to buy new clothes anyway, since his old stuff didn't fit anymore, and since he was getting involved in the supernatural world he might destroy quite a few pants and shirts.
Like he did when he fought that stray devil and then got acquainted with Akeno and Rias for the first time.
Before that, he decided to clean the entire house.
His house consisted of 3 bedrooms 1 living room 1 kitchen.
His uncle wanted to buy him a bigger house and hire maids and stuff but Ryu convinced him not to, he didn't really like massive houses, and in his home right now, maids aren't necessary he can clean, cook and do laundry and everything by himself.
After finishing his chores and stuffs, he looked at the phone and noticed that it was now 1 PM,
"Today's a day as good as any to go shopping for clothes… I should call someone to go with me, shopping alone is a bit sad and boring… and shopping itself is boring already…" Ryu muttered to himself and sat on his bed after that he took out his phone and started going through his contact list.
Akeno's name came up first, and then he remembered that she wanted to hang out on Saturday. Which was today.
So he called the number and put it to his ear, after a few rings she picked it up.
Akeno answered, "Hello and good morning Ryu."
He greeted back, "Hello Akeno, I'm planning to go shopping today and I was wondering if you wanted to accompany me."
"Oh? Sure, I love shopping! When and where do you want to meet? My schedule's completely free today~"
"We can go right away if you want to, my schedule's free today as well."
Akeno giggled on the other end of the phone, "Oh my, are you that eager to see me?"
A blush crept up Ryu's cheeks, "Of course, who wouldn't be eager to meet a beautiful girl such as yourself?"
"Hmm~ You sure know how to make a maiden happy~" She paused briefly before she continued, "Okay charming beast, get dressed and meet me at the mall for our Date, and don't keep me waiting too long or I'll find you and we won't like how that ends~"
"Sounds like a plan, I'll be there." Ryu said before hanging up the phone, he got up going to his wardrobe to get dressed before he realized something and froze.
"Date?" Ryu questioned out loud she said it herself, very clearly.
"A very welcome twist indeed…" Ryu muttered to himself with a smile as he glanced at Akeno's contact on the phone again.
"Well… Let's make this first date of mine a good one."
He put on his white t-shirt and black pants, a pretty good combination, before going out he looked at himself in the mirror.
He nodded to himself and went out.
Akeno arrived at the mall and started looking around to find Ryurang. Despite the large amount of people gathered here, it didn't take her much time to find him as he stood out like a sore thumb.
It was practically impossible to miss him, he was extremely tall, extremely wide, not to mention his thuggish face. People avoided him while some girls were stealing glances and some were blatantly staring.
Ryu paid no mind to them, he was busy looking around trying to find Akeno. Though he was failing at that.
Akeno giggled to herself and approached him from behind, and tapped his shoulder he turned around and she noted that his eyes widened just a tiny bit, before going back to their usual state.
"Hey, looking for me?" She questioned still smiling.
He didn't say anything for a moment, still taking in her current outfit.
She was wearing a red and pink dress, her hair wasn't tied, it instead hung loosely behind her and it went down to her legs, and the most mesmerizing things were her purple eyes and the charming smile.
Ryu's heart started beating… just a tiny bit faster.
He quickly snapped out of it, "Sorry, it's just that you look… different I guess."
"Is it a good kind of different?"
Ryu smiled warmly while looking at her, "…Yeah, you look much more beautiful like this."
He then glanced at her hair, "And your hair… looks much better like this as well."
Her eyes widened slightly, as a red tint grew on her cheeks. She certainly wasn't expecting that response, turns out he wasn't a big, shy boy at all.
He even complimented her, and that smile… she burned that one into her memory.
"Thank you, you look dashing as well, even though you're wearing such simple clothes… I do wonder how handsome you'll look like when you dress up for real~" Akeno said with a bright smile and a slight blush on her cheeks
Ryu blushed as well, a smile crept up his cheeks and he also looked away. "That's what we're here to do right? If something catches your eye, I'll try it on."
Akeno's smile widened, "Really? No taking back your words okay?"
Ryu chuckled, "I promise."
Akeno interlocked her arm with his, and noticed just how much bigger his arms were, "Well let's go now, what's the plan?"
Ryu was surprised by her action just now, but brushed it off.
"Let's eat something first, I'm famished." He spoke and as if agreeing, his stomach let out a loud noise.
"What do you have in mind?" Akeno questioned, curious as to what his preferred food would be.
"I was thinking about burgers, it has been a while which is about… three days, since I've had any. What about you?"
She put her finger to her chin, "Sure, burgers it is."
The two walked around the mall before reaching the restaurant, luckily there was a free table so they didn't have to wait for a seat.
The waitress soon arrived, "Hello, may I take your order?"
"Hi, I'd like to order 4 burgers, large fries, and 2 large cans of cola."
Akeno assumed that he probably ate a lot, but this was just too much.
"Can you really finish that much food?" Akeno asked a bit skeptical.
"Hm? Of course, very easily." Ryu answered back.
The waitress was dumbfounded, but quickly wrote down the order.
"What about you miss?"
"I'll have a beef burger, small fries and a bottle of water please."
The waitress bowed and left, leaving the two on their own.
"Oh right, How is the girl… Asia Argento I think… you know? The girl who was hiding behind Issei?" Ryu questioned while leaning back into his chair.
"Quite well, Issei's parents took her in and will take great care of her, she will be in Kuoh academy on Monday. Turns out she didn't really know the world outside of the church walls, she's as pure as a girl can be."
"Ah, She'll experience what it's like to be a normal teenager. Good for her."
"What about those Fallen Angels from Yesterday?" Akeno questioned.
"Dealt with, someone from the Grigori came in and took them. They won't be repeating what they pulled here again, I guarantee it."
Ryu leaned back in his char and continued speaking.
"They were more like troubled teens… than ancient Fallen Angels, I talked with them I managed to get through to their hearts."
A strange glint flashed through Akeno's eyes, before she giggled,
"So you charmed the ladies and the man, and got busy? Now you've set your eyes on me? That's no good my dear Ryu~"
"W-What?" Ryu was stupefied, Akeno completely shocked him with that sentence, he then took a breath before the same glint flashes through his eyes as well.
"Not at all, my beautiful Akeno, I didn't do anything with them at all… I rejected one's advances, because I've had my eyes on you from the start."
Akeno's smile froze, and she went beet red before looking down, and Ryu smirked before he felt Akeno kicking his shin from under the table.
Which made him laugh and then he was kicked a second time.
"Here's your food!" The waiter saved Akeno.
She set the tray down and stole a few glances at Ryu which Akeno noticed, and hurried her way over to other new customers that came in.
Ryu was just about to dig in, but he noticed a napkin that had numbers written on it, he picked it up and showed it to Akeno, her eyes face twitched.
"It's probably her number." He said out loud, the waiter in question wasn't near them so she couldn't hear it nor see what he was about to do.
So he ripped the napkin apart. He was on a date with Akeno, and he wouldn't lay attention to other women, nor would he accept their advances.
"Ignore that." He said before shifting all his focus onto the food in front of him.
And Akeno did, though she was quite happy that he didn't take her number, cause that would make any girl angry, even Akeno.
A lot of guys would have hid that napkin if they were on a date with a girl, because if it didn't work out with the first girl, then they'd have a 'backup' of sorts.
Soon, the two finished their meal, Ryu paid the bill.
They walked out of the restaurant when Akeno turned to Ryu, smiling brightly.
"That was… very delicious, I'm surprised." Akeno spoke.
"Of course, I wouldn't dare take you to a bad restaurant, I do that to people I don't like." Ryu said with a proud smile.
Akeno giggled at that, "Does that mean… you like me?~" She said with a mischievous smirk.
Ryu was momentarily surprised, before he leaned down towards Akeno and smiled.
"We wouldn't be here if I didn't, now would we?" Ryu responded, before he straightened up again.
Akeno was once again, red as a tomato, but the smile on her face was priceless.
"That's twice in one day that I left you speechless." Ryu chuckled.
Akeno took a deep breath before locking eyes with Ryu again.
"My turn will come soon~ be ready for it, big boy."
"… I kinda like the sound of that, and I kind of don't." Ryu muttered to himself, while scratching his cheek.
After that, Akeno grabbed Ryu's hand and led him to a store.
"Ryu, Are you ready to start?" She asked, very enthusiastic about the idea of buying clothes.
"Sure am, I'm curious about your taste as well." Ryu responded with a smile.
The two walked in and Akeno had a noticeable spring in her step. She was very excited. Very very excited.
The first outfit, a white woolly coat, black short, black pants and a golden chain.
"…I look like a gang boss." Ryu muttered staring at himself in the mirror.
"That style's pretty popular nowadays though~ it suits you… but you look even more like a thug, so let's get rid of it, I'll get some more." She turned around and went back to finding more outfits for him to try on.
The second outfit, was… a Metallica shirt, leather jacket and cargo pants.
"…I get the feeling that you're messing around now." Ryu raised an eyebrow, while glancing at over at her.
"What? No…" Akeno averted her eyes while trying not to laugh, her lips were twitching a lot though.
Ryu let out a sigh, "Let's try something normal please."
Akeno let out a laugh. "Fine, Fine, I'll stop."
The third outfit, was a black button up shirt, black pants and a black coat.
"This is… good, real good." Ryu said with a smile, looking at himself in the mirror before he turned towards Akeno.
Akeno's eyes widened a bit before she smiled, "Oh my~ that looks great on you!"
Ryu chuckled, "Alright then, let's buy this outfit, we can continue if you're still up for it."
"Sure! Now go back in the changing room, I've got a couple more ideas."
Outfit 4, He wore a dark suit with white lines running vertically, the same on the pants as well, underneath was a white button up shirt and a tie which completed the formal look.
Akeno hummed smiling proudly.
"…You have really good taste Akeno." Ryu complimented.
"Of course, I have a really great specimen as well~" She said before giving him another outfit.
"Wear this too please~" Akeno said her eyes shining with a mischevious light.
The last outfit, a pink shirt that had "bad man" written on the back, a regular white shirt and yellow pants.
"PFF-" Akeno barely contained her laughter, Ryu raised an eyebrow at that.
"I like this." Ryu said, then pausing a bit, while Akeno let out a surprised "Huh?"
"In fact, I might just wear this for the rest of our date." Ryu turned back and said with a smirk.
And he did just that.
They paid for everything and Ryu was indeed wearing that outfit when they got out of the store.
Also Ryu didn't forget to buy about 10 pairs of just regular shirts, 5 black and 5 white.
"I didn't think you'd like this outfit so much." Akeno said looking Ryu up and down.
"Me neither, but it's cool." Ryu said while looking down at his shirt, before he turned towards Akeno.
"Akeno, thanks a lot for helping me with this."
Ryu thanked her.
Akeno turned towards him and looked up, "Not a problem, I had a lot fun."
Ryu smiled warmly at her, "Next time, I'll help you pick out the outfits."
Akeno hummed, and smiled "I'll gladly take you up on that offer… I do hope your taste in clothes is as good as your taste in restaurants."
"Oh it definitely… is not, but I'll try my best."
"I'm looking forward to it already~"
Considering that this was the first time Ryu went on a date, he considered it to be a pretty good one, Akeno obviously had fun, Ryu had fun too… but not as much as Akeno.
The two said their goodbyes and went home.