Chapter 41 A mask to cover up the sadness. Let's go on a date!
Rias P.O.V
It has been three days since we left heaven after the crime force dragon Grendel failed to force Issei into his juggernaut drive form. Using the image of his parents to pull off such a twisted and diabolical scheme. Just thinking about what that bastard did to my Issei, is enough to make my destructive power rise to the surface.
But that's in the past. At the moment, I'm worried about my Issei more than ever. Since that day, Issei hasn't spoken a word about what happened back then and he just smiles whenever I bring up the subject saying that I don't have to worry and he is just fine.
But I see through that smile. Issei is hurting. He is hurting so much that he doesn't know how to act around everyone. I fear that he may eventually shut me out and go down his own path once again.
No! I can't afford to get depressed like this! Issei is unable to open up. But that doesn't mean I can act powerless! I have to do my best to show Issei I am there for him!
I returned home from the supermarket and set the bags down in the kitchen where I was greeted by Asia who kindly offered to put them away and see to it that they were placed in the appropriate location.
I thanked Asia and made my way up the staircase.
I couldn't help but walk past Issei's bedroom door as I proceeded on my way to my study at the Hyoudou household.
And it took every bit of my will power I had to prevent myself from knocking on his door and pulling him into my arms so I can comfort him and help him through these hard times.
But I managed to do it.
As I was just about to walk away from Issei's room, I heard a sudden sound which made me spin around to attention.
"Hey Rias, have you got a second?" Issei said causing me to be caught off guard.
Seeing his face after thinking such saddening things, made my mood take a spiral turn for the better.
"What's wrong Issei?" I simply asked and awaited for him to answer.
"I was wondering, would you like to go out on a date with me today? I feel so cooped up inside and I would appreciate it if you came with me?" Issei said to me with his usual smile.
I was stunned and puzzled. What should I say in a situation like this? I don't want to selfishly enjoy myself when Issei is so sad. But I know that I can't possibly waste this opportunity to comfort him. So I said what I wanted to say the most.
"Of course! I'd love to go out with you Issei! But are you sure you don't want the rest of the group to come with us?" I can't believe I said that! I'm such an idiot!
"No that's okay Rias, I was kind of hoping that we could go. Just the two of us." Issei said to me with the cutest blush on his face.
I was happy beyond words! Issei was personally inviting me out! No Akeno or Asia. Just me! I couldn't help but feel so delighted that I was chosen to accompany Issei out.
"I'll go get ready then. I look forward to it." I said after I kissed my cute and handsome pawn on the cheek.
"Don't take too long okay? I've wanted to go on a date with you for quite some time now." Issei said to me making my heart skip a beat.
"I won't be too long I promise." I happily replied as I raced into the room Issei just exited to choose my outfit for our date!
I couldn't have got to my closet any quicker even if I was being chased by the whole old Satan army. My feet practically glided along the floor despite it being carpeted.
After all, this is my first proper date! And to make things more incredible, it was with Issei! It was at that moment, I wondered to myself if Issei had ever been on a date before?
I notice how he is very popular amongst his peers at school. And with further confirmation from Sona, it has been that way since he entered Kuoh Academy.
I shook off the thought as this didn't matter to me. Because I am Issei's girlfriend! And even if many may lay their eyes on him, his eyes will only gaze at me.
I began to scream like a normal teenage girl as the face of the man I love stared back at me from my closet door.
I realised that there was no time to lose and began preparations for my outfit.
After several rejections, I settled with a red striped sleeveless top and white trousers. I found myself wearing red a lot more since I met Issei. The red dragon emperor.
Even before I became his girlfriend, I unconsciously found myself wearing this colour as if my heart was trying to tell me all along that Issei was the only man for me.
With my preparations complete, I grabbed my purse and rushed down the stairs to reunite with Issei who was standing by the doorway waiting for me.
I took a moment to stare at the dashing good looks of my most precious evil piece as he leaned against the wall.
Issei was wearing his favourite black leather jacket on top of his lucky red vest which I admit I have stolen from him from time to time when he has gone out to make contracts. I get so lonely without him there.
"So shall we go then?" Issei said to me with a huge smile and with his hand extended out towards me.
I grabbed his hand instantly and felt his strong hand grip it once I welcomed his touch.
And thus, my date with Issei begun!
I happily held onto Issei's hand as we walked the streets of our quiet and mostly peaceful town.
I carefully watched bystanders who began to lovingly gaze at my Issei and this caused me to latch onto his arm to establish my position as his girl. For most of the girls, this did the trick and they resumed their activities. But there were some who dared to still stare at my Issei despite my actions.
I just realised after we passed them that I was being a bother to Issei because I grabbed him so suddenly, this would surely make it more awkward for him to walk.
But Issei just smiled as we proceeded onwards.
His facial expression made my heart race when I saw the blush stained on his cheeks.
Is he nervous? Don't tell me! I'm actually Issei's first date after all?!
"Umm Rias, so where do you want to go? I'm sorry this is my first date so I don't have any experience." Issei said to me making my mood brighten magnificently.
"Anywhere is fine with me as long as I'm with you!" I said with such happiness as I blindly followed the path we took together.
"Then let's go have fun!" Issei said to me as he lifted me onto his shoulders.
I was surprised by Issei's sudden actions at first, but it wasn't long until I found myself laughing away as he raced into town carrying me.
Every moment I spent with Issei was so magical and I couldn't believe how lucky I was to be the girl enjoying herself by his side.
The first place we went was a clothing store where I happily picked out various t-shirts for him. His face really brightened up when I found a dragon bracelet for him.
I still remember all of the girls staring at me when Issei kissed me on the forehead and told me...
"I love it Rias. Thank you." I began to feel so relieved when I saw his smile this time.
Issei was really having fun with me. I no longer saw that fake smile that he has been wearing for days now.
After this, we went to various other stores and finished our shopping spree at the nearest arcade.
We played loads of games such as, Air hockey, basketball, and arcade games which surprisingly became very competitive.
After I returned to Issei with drinks, Issei introduced me to an unknown guest.
"What's this?" I said as I questioned him about the cute little friend he had in his hands.
"I won it for you on the crane machine. I figured you may like it." Issei said to me as he handed me the stuffed animal.
It was a teddy bear with devil horns and a spiked tail.
"It's so cute! Thank you Issei." I said as I kissed him on the cheek and began to hug my new friend.
After we exited the arcade, Issei and I went to a restaurant to get something to eat.
And as the sun began to set, our date began to reach its end.
"Wow it's so beautiful." I said as I gazed from the view Issei took me to.
"This was my family's favourite spot after we finished playing at the festival. We would always watch the fireworks from here." Issei said making me notice his eyes begin to tear up.
"Issei. It's okay." I said but Issei wiped his eyes and displayed his fake smile again. This meant that Issei was locking away his emotions because he didn't want to upset me.
"Sorry it's nothing. I'm going to get us some drinks I'll be right back." Issei left straight away running towards the vending machines we passed on the way here.
I let out a sigh as I lay on the grass and began to worry about my Issei.
I wish he would open up to me. I want to help Issei smile again.
"Oh girl are you alone right now?" a voice said making me sit up and notice the group of strangers who came close to me whilst I was lost in thought.
"What's this she's crying? What's the matter did your boyfriend dump you?" The second male said showing his desires clearly through his words.
"Don't worry about that, come play with us. We just got paid so we can have a lot of fun." The third said to me. His expression and his aura suggested to me he was the ring leader.
"No thank you, I have no desire to go anywhere with you people. I'm waiting for someone." I said hoping this would display my message.
"Don't be so stingy, we just want to help a crying girl forget the jerk who dumped her." The ringleader said.
I couldn't help but be greatly angered when he referred to my Issei in that way.
Before I knew it, I was standing up and struggling to hold back my anger.
"Why are you glaring at us like that?" The man in the grey top said.
"You think you people are anything like the man I love? Ridiculous! You're not even a 1/5 of my Issei."
"What was that you bitch?! I don't like your attitude! Come with me!" The ringleader said as he didn't hesitate to grab my arm and try to pull me away.
"Let me go this instant!" I said as I held back my rage by the smallest wall I could.
"It's time to teach you some respect!" The man said as he prepared to strike me.
I won't have a choice, I may have to use my power to send them away.
"Hey punk, I'm going to say this once so pay attention! Take your hands off Rias this instant!" Issei said as he crushed the two cans in his hand with ease.
"Oh what's your problem punk?! You want things to get ugly?!" The ringleader said as he went over to Issei and grabbed him by his jacket collar.
"You don't want to do that." Issei said as the ringleader continued to get in his face.
"Oh you think your tough punk?! What right do you have to pick a fight huh?!"
Issei effortlessly removed the thugs hand from his person and then grabbed the threatening man's hand and crushed his feeble grip with his superior strength.
"And what right do you have raising a hand to my woman!" Issei said as he began to increase his strength on his suffering hand.
"Hey let go of him punk!" The other two said as they rushed to the rescue only to stop in their tracks and break out in a sweat.
"I'd advice you to take your friend and get out of my sight before you make me mad." Issei said after he released the thug and began to display his frightening and powerful dragon blood lust aura.
"We're so sorry!" They said as they rushed off into the distance with their tails between their legs.
"Bastards!" Issei said as he came over to comfort me.
"Thank you Issei. As expected of my Issei." I said as we sat down together and I hugged his arm again.
Issei's face was emotionless. His mask was back on again. And I wasn't going to let it stay on my Issei's face anymore!
I didn't hesitate as I made my next move.
I made him look at me and as he began to question what was wrong, I wrapped my hands around his neck and connected my lips with his.
"Rias?" He said as I pulled him close to me after we disconnected.
"Issei, you don't have to keep your emotions bottled up when you're with me. I'll listen to anything you have to say. So please don't act happy when I know you're hurting so much inside!" I said and Issei in response hugged me tight.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Rias. It's just so painful! I saw my parents after so long and I was so scared that they really would turn me away and see me as a monster. But when my parents happily accepted me for who I am, I felt so happy. And I wanted to talk to you about the feelings I was going through. But I couldn't because when I open up, it's so hard to pull myself together again!" Issei said as his tears dampened my chest.
"It's okay, I'm here for you Issei. You don't have to act strong all of the time. When you feel sad or lonely, just say so and I will reassure you how much you are loved by everyone Issei. I love you more than anything so you don't need to hold back. Your rias is here to make the pain go away." I said as I began to tear up and hug him tight.
"It feels like such a heavy weight has lifted off my shoulders. Thank you Rias. I really feel like I can leave my pathetic self to you." Issei said as he let out all the bottled up emotions that he had held in for the past few days.
After Issei pulled himself together, we sat side by side on the grass with our hands intertwined.
"I had a lot of fun today Issei. Thank you so much I'll treasure this day." I said as I leaned on his muscular shoulder.
"Me too Rias. I'm so glad you're mine Rias. Kind of ironic though. I'm supposed to be your servant after all." Issei said making me pout.
"I don't care about silly things like that Issei! I love you with of all of my heart. And I don't care what anybody else says about our relationship." I said as I squeezed his arm tight.
"Same here Rias" Issei said as he held stroked my hair.
All of a sudden, my phone began to sound off ruining our perfect moment.
In an irritated fashion, I removed my phone from my purse and checked my email.
"What's wrong Rias?" Issei asked me as I gazed at the message with a serious look.
"Akeno is going to need your help more than anything Issei."
"So he's coming to the human world is he?"
"Yes. Barakiel Akeno's father is coming to visit the human world with Odin this week." I said as I ended my thoughts on my perfect day and instead changed my attention to my best friend who was going to experience cruel times this week.
It was then I felt a warm sensation on my lips.
I felt Issei's comfort as he relaxed my tension with a loving and warm kiss.
"Don't worry Rias, I will see to it that Akeno doesn't lose her smile. You can count on me." Issei said making all of my worries wash away.
Because I knew, that with Issei's words alone, that was enough to calm my nerves.
I trust my Issei more than anything. And I knew at that moment when he said those words to me, everything was going to be fine.
And Akeno would not return to how she once was before.