Duality (DxD) (Part 1)

Ch 120 - Hard Work

Jin had been spending a while making statues for the Sitri Clan while teleporting back home to continue spending at least a small amount of time with Mittelt, Aika, Rias, Akeno and Koneko. Though making statues wasn't as hard as he thought. Out of a similar principle he used to mould his figures. He made statues in a similar way. But stone wasn't as malleable as clay. Though metal was when superheated with his Fox Fire. But he predominantly made statues of stone.

How he made the statues of stone was fundamentally different though. He injected his Ki into the large stone and on the surface of the stone, just underneath it with his energy, he caused micro-cracks and internal shock. The collision and vibration of his energy caused surface abrasion similar to how waves carved into large mountains and how rivers formed. The surface abrasion caused the stone to break into a fine dust that fell off or blew in the wind. When it was all done, a perfect statue was left in place. With not a single fault. Not a single crack or compromise of the stone's integrity.

Jin's talent for using his energy made him the perfect sculptor and Artisan since he used it correctly. He didn't just have the ability and the experience to make figures anymore. But statues of small size reached no higher than the waist, medium-sized statues that were twice people's height, or large statues much larger than buildings. He took pictures and documented it all. Expanding his once small but popular business into a new market and territory. Paying for advertisements in the underworld too.

Though everything he earned was immediately used. He wasn't opposed to his house changing. Ban wanted his martial arts to improve and that would also mean its place of practice. Jin owned many buildings in the area where he lived. All on his side of the street. He was finished making statues and he was now overseeing the construction of his new, much larger home. Though the Sitri Construction Company worked a lot faster than Jin believed normal construction companies worked. Aika and Mittelt had been staying at the Kiryuu residence for only a bit, but they might have been returning sooner than planned.

Though Akeno might have been disappointed to let Jin go back home. She quite liked him living in her shrine. Jin also found living in the shrine interesting. But he was eager to return home.

But since Jin was done sculpting, he could return to a semi-normal life going back to school. Though, today wasn't normal, as he had been called to the Student Council room.

Sona was in school today.

Jin walked over to the School Council room and opened the door. The rooms in the school were all uniform, so the size wasn't any different from that of other classes. But the layout was different. In the middle of the room, tables had been placed together to make one large table. With enough chairs around for everyone that was on the council. To the right of the room, there were matted silver filing cabinets. To the left of that, there was a small bookshelf full of books. Then to the far left of the room a larger bookshelf. A large pinboard to the left of the room full of events external to the school or things the Student Council needed to do.

But the most important thing in the room was a person. Sona was standing before the table, looking at Jin who closed the door behind him.

Sona: I... I tried to make it right Jin. I did the best I could. I... I know you work harder. Maybe more than anyone. I actually watched you make some of the statues in secret and I couldn't help but be amazed. You're talented, but you still work so hard, not only to live but to better yourself. I... I admire you Jin. But most importantly, I love you.

Jin didn't say anything looking at Sona who held her hands. She didn't seem to stand as confidently anymore. She seemed nervous as Jin walked forward.

Sona: I... I don't know if this can gain back the respect I lost from you. I... I don't know if you can return the feelings I have back. I know I did you wrong Jin. Immensely so as many of the reasons I love you I ignored. I hurt you and I know it will be hard to forgive me. But... could we at least be friends again? I...

Jin gently put his hand on the side of Sona's face. Moving her hair back he gently kissed her soft lips. It was something that took Sona's breath away. But a tear fell from her eye as she put her arms around the back of Jin's neck. Embracing the kiss that Jin gave. A kiss that slowly mended her broken heart. She loved Jin. It wasn't a love as instant as Aikas, the first time she met Jin she thought she would have been forced to marry him. She didn't leave the best of impressions the second time they met either. But she developed a love for Jin. She learned to lose in chess, and winning felt better when playing with Jin. She admired his hard work. She developed a crush on him. But when she truly started loving Jin, was when she got rejected for the first time. When he didn't want to join her peerage, but wanted to be loyal to her nonetheless.

Jin was someone she loved and actually wanted to marry. Despite all the people she met through her parents trying to arrange a union between clans. Jin was the only one she wanted because everything felt better when done with him. Just like Jin promised to Aika, Sona wanted to stay with Jin forever.

Because forever felt a lot better with Jin in it.

Slowly the kiss parted as Jin looked into Sonas violet eyes. Wiping a tear slowly falling from it.

Jin: I've always respected you. To me, it's obvious you're a smart and hardworking person. Every chess move you've made against me is from experience. Experience you've gained from constant games and constant failures. Learning from all of it. You're the head of the Student Council. You constantly work hard to your dream no matter how often you meet a wall that blocks your path. You righted your wrong against me. I respect you, Sona. But that respect also comes with my love.

Sona looked at Jin in awe and in love. Looking into Jin's crimson eyes as she couldn't look away from them. They were eyes that captured her heart and soul.

Jin: As I said Sona, if you need me, I'll charge into the front lines like a Pawn. I'll be the Bishop that offers you any guidance that you may need. I'll be the Knight that throws myself in dangerous situations to save you. I'll be the Rook that puts myself in front of attack to protect you and I'll be the Queen, one that is always loyal to you. In all of those pieces, in the pieces most precious to me and we played each other with for so long, hold my love for you. So don't hold yourself like you are now, because the Sona I fell in love with was confident, even when losing constantly. {Stand confident Sona, you look much more beautiful that way.}

Sona began to cry as she knew Jin meant every word. She knew how important those chess pieces were to Jin, yet every piece of that set, all 32 pieces held a love for her. The pawn, the bishop, the knight, the rook, the queen and the king. Jin was all of them and all of them loved her. To each other, they were both kings, yet to each other, to one another they were queens. A lover, and now a partner.

Gently they pressed her lips against one another, holding each other close and softly. However, unlike their last kiss, this wasn't anything close to feral or fuelled by built-up desire. This kiss was passionate, gentle and loving. A kiss that mended wounded hearts and showed just how much they loved each other.