Fallen Scales

First Step

After Issei left Kyoto he was thinking about where he should go first. His first instinct was to return to Kuoh and figure things out from there. But then one person popped into his mind. Penemue. Even after she kept the secret about his engagement to Rias he still loved her and there was no doubt in his mind that she loved him. He was willing to hear her out about why she was willing to go along with it. It would also be a good chance to ask her to make a meeting with Sirzechs so he could talk about Kurokas whole situation.

When he finally arrived at the Grigori Headquarters he immediately made his way to his room. On his way there, however, he ordered one of the many low class Fallen Angels to inform Penemue of his arrival. Upon entering his room he finally was able to sit down and mentally prepare himself for whatever reason Penemue had to agree to a forced engagement. His mind raced from one possibility to the next but was never able to come up with anything. But then while he was in the chaos of his mind he found some serenity from his surroundings. More specifically from the family photos scattered around the room.

He slowly examined each individual picture and thought back to the days when his family was complete. He would remember those nights on the dinner table where his mother would gladly listen to anything about his fathers research in sacred gears. She was always eager to learn more about Azazels work and encouraged him to say anything he could. It was unexpected because most people would want him to shut up about it but surely not unwelcome.

Then there were the moments when Issei needed her guidance. Unlike Azazel, Sorine was able to guide Issei when it came to his personal issues. His mother was always able to comfort him whenever he was in need. Hell, she was the one who prompted him to start his relationship with Penemue. She somehow knew how to solve every problem he had. Unexpected from a first time mom.

Issei was soon brought back into reality when the double doors of his room were opened. Before he was able to see who had entered, he was tackled to his bed and brought into a deep kiss. When he opened his eyes he wasn't at all surprised when he saw Penemue on top of him. The kiss went on for a few more seconds until she pulled away and dug her face into his chest.

"I didn't think you'd ever come back here." Penemue said, with sorrow in her voice.

Issei rested one hand on her hip while the other caressed her hair. "Yes well, I got tired of using my scales as payment and knew I could live here for free."

Issei's attempt to lighten the mood worked when he heard Penemue giggle. "You're such a brat." The two stayed in silence for a few more moments until Penemue finally risen herself from Issei's chest. "I'm sorry for everything Issei. I should't ha-"

Penemue was immediately silenced when Issei gave her a quick but loving kiss. "You shouldn't be sorry that you did it Penemue. All I need now is the reasoning to why you went along with it."

To say that Penemue was reluctant to share her answer would have been an understatement. He didn't know if her reluctance was because she had no reasoning, or if they were ridiculous. "I did it because over time I've learned that I wouldn't be able to satisfy you alone." She for a moment when she noticed that Issei cocked an eyebrow and motioned to him to keep listening. "Issei, you're a Dragon; and I learned that as they mature, male Dragons gain a higher sex drive." Penemue hoped that this would be enough for Issei to understand but to her dismay, it wasn't the case. "I knew that eventually, we would get to the point that I won't be able to take care of your needs on my own and so I thought that this would be a gateway for you accepting other women in your heart."

Issei blankly sat on his bed trying to process the information. She hid this insanely big secret from him, to improve his sex life? He didn't know whether it somehow was a romantic gesture or an annoying one. He only hoped that she could've told him about the engagement earlier so he wouldn't have had to get shot down by Yasaka. Then again, if she did then he wouldn't have met Kuroka nor saved Kunou. Cause and effect at its finest.