- Long Chap ✏-
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As soon as the Goddess left, Rias approached his brother and they talked for a while. She then started searching for the Goddess inside the estate and she didn't have to search wide because the girl was settled on the living room.
Erin was lying down on the couch and she had her eyes closed. It seems that she was asleep judging by the steady breaths she was taking.
Rias silently stood next to her and crouched down to gaze at Erin's face.
" I can't understand why you are such a looker in whatever state you are in." the red head mumbled as she brushed away a few hair strands from her face.
She stared at the Goddess' face for a couple of seconds before she felt herself leaning closer towards the girl.
"Rias." Erin uttered which surprised the red head. The latter quickly moved away as soon as the Goddess opened her eyes.
" Why are you here?"
" W-Were you awake the whole time?" Rias asked with a blush on her cheeks. She found it embarrassing if ever Erin caught her about to steal a kiss
" Hm. Not quite. I was about to fall asleep before I felt you brush my hair."
" I-I see."
The Goddess groaned slightly as she
covered her eyes with her arm.
" What's wrong?
"Just having a headache." replied the Goddess in a tired tone which made Rias place a hand on her forehead.
" Wait. Your temperature is rising." Rias was slightly worried.
" Don't mind it. This is just one of the side effects of using my skill earlier."
" The twins mentioned it. You are able to copy a power using that one?" Rias asked with interest.
" Hm. Mostly. Though I can only maintain it for a short period of time and if I prolong it, I might suffer worse side effects than just headaches."
" Can't you retain the power you copied?"
" That.. I'm not sure. What I'm certain is that if ever that happens, I might lose some of my memory or something like that." the Goddess shrugged and Rias' eyes widened.
" Wait. You can't do that!"
" Do what?"
" Use that skill frequently." Rias said with a firm stare. " You better promise that you won't be using that skill on a frequent basis."
" I mean, if the situation calls for it then why not?" Erin replied in confusion. "But okay. If you say so."
Rias sighed in relief and the Goddess teased
" Why, scared that I'll forget you?"
"Yes." Rias replied in determination and the Goddess just rolled her eyes.
" You're scared about something that isn't known compared to getting caught by stealing a kiss."
" Wha- that's..." Rias stuttered and the Goddess snickered at this. The red head eventually narrowed her eyes as she approached the Goddess.
" I think I'll really steal a kiss from you if you won't stop with your teasing."
The Goddess didn't listen to her and proceeded to chuckle. Rias settled herself above the Goddess as she straddled the girl.
Erin's eyes slightly widened but she still supported Rias' weight by holding on to her sides.
" Are you nuts? You're seriously crazy if you proceed with what you are planning."
" Whose fault do you think that is?" Rias retorted as she shifted on her position and stared down at the Goddess.
"Stop. You are acting stupid to take advantage of a defenseless patient." Erin referred to herself but the red head just placed her arms on the sides of her head
" And in an open space nonetheless?! Get off before others can see us."
" I'll do that after you learn to not tease me." Rias replied as she lowered down. The Goddess squirmed at this.
" You think I'm enjoying this?"
" Yet you're not stopping me." Rias said in a low voice as she slowly descended towards the girl's lips.
" Others are bound to find out." Erin replied in a 'duh' tone as she observed the red head closing her eyes. Their lips are centimeters apart until a booming voice headed their way.
"Big sister Rias!"
The red head was startled and she fell to the floor with a loud 'thump'. She slightly winced and the Goddess snickered at her state.
" Big Sister Rias! Grandma is looking for you!" Millicas informed as he approached the two. He hugged the Goddess who sat upright on the couch
" Oh- Um. Okay, let's go."
The Goddess held Millicas' hand and smirked at the red head as they walked past her.
" Hurry up, Buchou. You might miss any announcements."
The red head sighed and pouted as she looked at the 2.
" Geez. Can't Millicas barge in at a later time? I can't even get a single kiss."
Sirzechs was talking with Venelana until Rias approached them.
"Mother. We shall be taking our leave now."
" Oh my. This early?"
" Hai. There are preparations for the school field trip too. We shall visit again sometime."
" Erin-neesama." Millicas tugged on the Goddess' hand making the girl look at him.
"Are you still going to call Big Sister Rias your friend even after her graduation?"
"Huh?" Erin grew confused. "Of course. She's still my friend even after she graduates from school."
" Heh. So when are you going to be her girlfriend?" Millicas asked with a grin causing the Goddess to gape.
" Wha- That's- "
" Grandma and Grandpa told me that you and Big Sister are engaged but you're still friends. They told me that if you officially become her girlfriend then you will be my onee-sama for real." Millicas cheerfully said as he hugged the Goddess
Erin was speechless as she gazed at the red head talking to her family.
" I see.. now that you mention it.. Anyways, are you even okay with me dating your big sister? Won't you prefer it if she dates other people and guys instead?"
" Nope. I wouldn't trade you for others. Besides, Big Sister Rias is happy whenever you are with her. Grandma and Grandpa also wants you to be the only person to date her."
" I see...." Erin pondered on the words.
" Minna-san, it's time to leave." Rias announced and the ORC stepped forward. The twins also appeared as they stood behind the Goddess.
" Bye Erin-neesama." Millicas hugged the Goddess for the last time. He then turned to the twins.
" Bye Tsubaki-nii and Azusa-nii."
" He's such a cheeky kid." The fire wolf commented after the boy hugged him.
"Lively is a more suitable term." Azusa corrected.
"Erin, bye. We'll miss your presence." Zeoticus said as he hugged the Goddess
" That's right. We'll miss our lovely daughter-in-law." Venelana added causing the red head to blush.
" Mom...."
Sirzechs watched the group step inside the magic circle.
" Bye, minna. Take care."
" Hai, Sirzechs-sama." replied the ORC in unison
They returned to the Vermillion Household and gave a quick greeting to Archaea and Sebastian. They then resigned to their individual rooms and the 2nd years who are embarking on their trip prepared their belongings.
The Goddess and Rias went to their room and the former fell to the bed tiredly.
" Ugh. I think I'm going to sleep early. My headache still feels bad."
" Want me to get you a medicine?"
" It's fine. I'll just get it myself." Erin replied as she got up to change into comfy clothes.
" Okay. Just tell me if you need anything." replied Rias before she heard the bathroom door shut
" Hmm. I do need one thing." Erin mused after she changed her clothes.
" Don't cuddle with me tonight."
" E-Eh?"
" You heard me. I don't feel comfortable being surrounded by another presence when I'm not feeling well. I want my space." Erin said with an uneasy expression
" I understand." sighed the red head. She feels sad not being close to the Goddess especially with the girl leaving for 2 days. However, she has respect for the Goddess' boundaries and chooses to make her comfortable
"Wow. That's a first." Erin said in mock surprise. " I thought that you're going to insist with cuddling anyway, given how persistent you are."
"I understand your condition and I won't insist on my way especially when I notice that you are not feeling well." Rias replied as she stood in front of the Goddess.
" Thank you then."
" But you have to make up for this no cuddle day." Rias made a 'hmph' sound and the Goddess rolled her eyes.
" Yeah yeah. Whatever you say."
--- Time Skip -----
It was time for the 2nd year members to go. Rias sent the members off and handed a ticket to the group.
" That's your certification."
" The one you mentioned before?"
" Hai. It is a free pass for any demon who plans to visit Kyoto."
The church trio stared at the pass in amazement.
" Then with this, we'll easily drop by Kyoumizu-dera, Ginkakuji and even Kinkakuji?"
" Yes. Keep it close and you won't get affected by approaching those places." Rias replied with a smile. "Just go ahead and tour to your heart's content. Cherish my beloved Kyoto, okay?"
" Hai! Buchou!"
" We're going then, Rias-oneesama." Asia made a small bow
" I'll make sure to buy souvenirs." Kiba declared.
" Me too!" Issei added
" I'm looking forward to it."
The group left towards the train and the red head glanced behind her to see the royal trio approaching. Erin yawned while the twins wore a neutral expression
" You guys are finally here. I was thinking you'll never show up."
" We had to speak with Mom quickly." replied the Goddess as she rubbed her eyes
" Anyways, this one is for you." Rias handed the same pass to the 3 and they examined it curiously
" What's this?"
" A free pass so you can visit any place in Kyoto."
" Oh. We aren't really worried about that." Erin said in nonchalance. " We'll just go wherever our feet takes us."
" Hai hai."
" You're making me worried with that response." Rias said with a raised brow. "At least I know that Azusa is responsible to look after your group."
The ice wolf made a small bow. He and Tsubaki left ahead when they sensed that the red head still have to talk with the Goddess.
" I hope you enjoy your trip in Kyoto." Rias said with a smile and the Goddess just nodded absentmindedly. She was looking back and forth between Rias and the train.
" I can't get left behind by the group. I don't know how to reach our destination. I don't want to get lost!"
" Thanks. Well then.." the Goddess turned away from Rias. " I'll be going ahead."
*(Grab!)*
Erin stopped in her tracks and looked behind to see Rias holding her hand
"I tried my best to look composed. But I'm the same as Akeno. I'm lonely without you."
" Ah- haha. 😅" Erin looked back to the train and saw the other students boarding the vehicle
" I'm even better now than before." Rias continued her speech and the Goddess wasn't even listening. " Which is why it will be hard even if it's just for a few days."
*(Train noises)*
" Ah- you worry too much. Gasper and Koneko are still there." Erin said in haste as she fears that the train will now leave.
Rias looked down and stared back at the Goddess who wasn't looking at her.
" You're right. But you see...." the red head took steps toward the Goddess and yanked her to face back.
*(Chu!)*
Erin's eyes widened as the red head kissed her. Rias held her face as she deepened their kiss and the Goddess was rooted on her spot
*(Kiss)*
*(Chu!)*
*(Kiss!)*
" Mmngh ~ "
The Goddess can only stare at the red head in shock who decided to turn their kiss into a french one in broad daylight.
*(Bite!)*
"Oww!" Rias released her hold of the Goddess as she covered her mouth.
" Why did you do that?"
" We're in public." Erin firmly said.
"Control yourself."
" Mou! You don't have to bite my lip!"
" You think you'll stop if I don't do that?" Erin replied as she returned the accusing stare
" Geez. It's my take care kiss." Rias mumbled with a pout. " It's not like we haven't done this before."
" Y-You..." Erin massaged her head in irritation and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. "You really have no shame."
" You have to kiss my pain away." Rias said as she pointed to her lips.
"I feel like I'm spoiling you too much." sighed the Goddess
" Well, you did promise to stay by my side always so it makes me sad that you're going to break it now."
" Don't make me regret it."
Rias smiled at the Goddess and stared longingly at the girl.
" What?"
" If you think that you're spoiling me too much given our current status.. You can always.. you know." Rias looked down with a blush. " You can advance our status or relationship to the next level."
" So you're my best friend now?" Erin asked in amusement and the red head frowned.
" Mou!"
"Just joking." Erin laughed and Rias glared at her. " But really. If you like for us to be best friends then why not?"
The red head's aura started to glow and the Goddess quickly appeased her.
" Woah chill. No need to summon your power."
When Rias didn't listen, the Goddess moved closer to her and enveloped her in a hug. Rias quickly broke out of her irritation and wrapped her arms around the Goddess.
"Don't worry. I'll bring souvenirs for you."
" That wasn't what I was asking." Rias mumbled as she buried her face on the crook of the girl's neck.
Erin separated from their hug and gently held Rias' face. She inspected the red head's lips with narrowed eyes
" It didn't even bruise. Stop being a crybaby."
Rias slapped her arm and made a small distance between them.
"I hate you right now."
Erin chuckled and just gave a quick peck to her lips which stunned the red head.
" Stop blaming me now."
" More." Rias whispered as she pulled the Goddess back.
Erin was surprised from the action but just let the red head kiss her. When they separated, Rias had a satisfied expression.
"I'll be able to endure 2 days away from you now."
"I'm heading off." Erin declared and the red head waved at her.
" Geez. Completely shameless and insatiable." Erin mumbled as she touched her lips.
Rias observed the Goddess' retreating figure with a yearning look. A blush adorned her cheeks and a warm feeling enveloped her as she calmed her beating heart.
- End of Chapter -