Chapter 23: The King's Lap and the Debt of the Pawn
Motohamaru's eyes snapped open. He saw Rias standing by the door, her hand on the handle, ready to leave the room. He realized she didn't know he was awake yet. Sensing an opportunity to break her stiff composure, he squeezed his eyes shut and let out a series of violent, jagged coughs, clutching his stomach as if the wound had reopened.
Motohamaru: "Gah... cough... damn it..."
In an instant, the door was forgotten. Rias was across the room, her crimson hair blurring as she knelt by the bed, her hands hovering over his chest in a panic.
Rias: "Motohamaru! Where does it hurt? Should I call Asia? Speak to me!"
Motohamaru slowly opened one eye and let out a tired, teasing smirk.
Rias: [Realizing she'd been played] "You... you absolute idiot!"
Slap! The strike was light, stinging more than hurting, but it was immediately followed by her throwing her arms around his neck, pulling him into a crushingly tight hug.
Rias: "You made me worry for nothing! If you pull a reckless stunt like that again, I'm not just going to slap you—I'll spank you until you're crying for mercy in front of the whole club!"
Motohamaru: "Sorry... President."
Rias: [Pulling back, her eyes narrowing dangerously] "If you call me 'President' one more time while we're alone, I'm throwing you out that window myself."
Motohamaru: "Sorry, Rias. I'm just... exhausted. I think I need a certain someone's lap to recover properly."
Rias: [Huffing, looking away with a blush] "I'm not giving an arrogant devil like you my lap. You've already caused enough trouble."
She sighed, her heart clearly not in the refusal. She sat on the edge of the bed and guided his head down. Motohamaru didn't just lay there; he turned and buried his face against her chest, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Motohamaru: "Please... just take care of me for a bit."
Rias froze, her breath hitching. The possessive, protective instinct flared in her eyes as she began to stroke his hair, pressing soft, lingering kisses to his forehead.
Rias: "Don't do it again. Promise me. I can't... I can't keep seeing you bleed like that."
Motohamaru: [Looking up at her, holding her chin gently] "I chose it, Rias. Don't blame yourself for my choices. I'm still alive, and I'm not going anywhere. Stop being so dark; it doesn't suit you."
The Return to the Club
An hour later, Motohamaru was standing in front of the mirror, dressed in a sharp casual outfit. He had tossed his glasses away days ago; his face was open, his hair tied back neatly. He looked like a man who had survived a war and come out refined.
When they entered the clubroom, the energy was frantic. Xenovia, Kiba, and Asia were busy organizing files, but Motohamaru walked straight up to Issei, grabbing his chin and tilting it upward.
Motohamaru: "Issei... you look particularly beautiful today. Those eyes... they speak to me."
Issei: "What the hell?! Get off me, Motohama! What are you doing?!"
Rias: "Motohamaru, what in the world is happening now?"
Akeno: [Giggling] "Ara, ara~ A new side of Motohamaru-kun?"
Motohamaru: "Oh, you didn't hear? Issei came to my room last night after Rias left. He said some very... unholy things in my ear. Very 'Bad Devil' behavior."
Issei: "I DID NOT! We're Devils, so unholy is normal, but I didn't say anything to you!"
Motohamaru: "Are you sure? Because if you aren't playing along, I might have to tell Asia and Irina about the 'Hidden Dragon hoard' of magazines I found under your bed."
Issei: [Instantly turning pale] "I... I will play along! Yes! Everything Motohamaru said! We had a very... emotional talk! Please don't tell Asia!"
Kiba: [Watching from the corner] "You guys are absolute idiots."
Motohamaru: "Careful, Kiba. Do you want a round of 'affection' too?"
Kiba: "Absolutely not. I am a Knight of the Gremory House; I have standards."
The Task Ahead
Rias clapped her hands, silencing the chaos, though her eyes were still burning with a mix of amusement and lingering jealousy over how close Motohamaru was standing to Akeno.
Rias: "Enough. The battle destroyed parts of the school, but the swimming pool is our responsibility to clean and maintain. Everyone assemble at the pool tomorrow morning. No excuses."
Motohamaru: "Roger that."
Akeno: [Leaning into Motohamaru's space, her voice a sultry purr] "Motohamaru-kun... what color do you prefer? For my swimsuit?"
Motohamaru: "I've always thought black suits you best, Akeno-senpai. It matches your... lightning."
Akeno: "Then I will come in black just for you."
Rias's aura flared, a faint red glow surrounding her as she slammed a stack of paperwork onto the table.
Rias: "Motohamaru! Since you have so much energy to flirt with Akeno, I've decided you have five delivery orders to complete tonight. Express Devil service."
Motohamaru: "Wait, what?! I'm still recovering! I have a hole in my stomach!"
Rias: "If you have time to fool around, you have time to work. Get moving!"
Crom Cruach: [Inside Motohamaru's head] "You touched the hot spot, boy. You played with the Priestess right in front of the King. I'd start running if I were you; the delivery work is the least of your problems."