DARKS(DxD)

Kagami Ryuuchi? I thought, narrowing my eyes. I don't recall anyone with that name from the imp cast. But he hardly seems like a background character...

I dragged a chair closer and sat down in front of him, arms resting casually on my knees. "So, Ryuuchi—can I call you that?"

"...Sure," he replied, his voice steady but his tired, calculating eyes never leaving mine.

"Alright then," I began, my tone turning sharper. "Let's get to the point. Why the hell were you creeping around the house?"

I leaned forward slightly, watching for his reaction. "I mean it's okay if you want to stalk me, but I hardly met anyone here to warrant attention from a guy of your standards...So unless" My voice dropped, becoming ice-cold. 

"...you were stalking Ryouko and little Hinami, I don't see any reason for your actions, so whats up??"

His eyes widened in surprise, and he hastily shook his head. "*Cough* No! I'd never bother them. They're good people," he said, his voice hoarse.

I noticed his pale complexion, and before he could continue, he coughed violently, blood staining his lips.

"Here," I said, handing him a bottle of water as I stepped forward to remove his chains. "Drink"

Ryuuchi took the bottle with a nod of gratitude, massaging his wrists as he regained his composure. "Thank you," he muttered before continuing.

"I wasn't stalking them," he clarified, his voice stronger now. "I was following you. I wanted to know who you really are, especially after you 'talked' with my leader."

'Leader? What leader....oh OH! Kaya!! she is Black dobbers head right? But weren't they supposed to be an all-female gang?

"You're from the Black Dobbers?" I asked.

"Yes," he confirmed, sitting straighter. "I'm Kaya Irimi's right-hand man—or at least, I was until she decided to join the coffee shop." His tone turned bitter as he added, 

"Che! What a waste of talent..."

"So... are you running the Black Dobbers now?" i was intrigued,

"What? No." He looked almost offended by the suggestion. "I wouldn't dare take the leader's position. I'm not worthy of it. Besides..." He hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I'm working on a backup plan."

"Backup plan?"

"Yeah," he said, his tone growing more confident. "If she ever needs us again, we'll be ready. 

No questions asked. 

I've been scouting, recruiting, and training so we don't lose our edge. If—or rather, when—the need arises, we'll fight for her in a beat."

I leaned back, processing his words. 

"I see. But where do I fit into this little mission of yours?" I asked, my voice steady as I fixed him with a piercing stare through the eyes of my Oni mask.

His gaze didn't waver, though a flicker of embarrassment crossed his face. 

"As her right-hand man, it's my responsibility to make sure she's safe and happy, even if she's chosen to leave her old life behind. 

I needed to know you weren't... you know... some pretty boy out to mess with her feelings."

I blinked. "Wait, hold on."

He looked away awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.

I couldn't decide whether to laugh or be annoyed.

"You followed a guy from morning until night," I said, still trying to process it, 

"just to make sure I wasn't... what? Going to break her heart?"

He nodded, looking slightly embarrassed but resolute.

I stared at him for a long moment before muttering under my breath, "Unbelievable."

This guy had spent an entire day shadowing me, for her. His loyalty was almost absurd. Almost.

Still, I couldn't help but admire it in a way.

Damn...

I sighed, removing the Oni mask and setting it on the table beside me. I figured it was best to let him see my face properly as I had an idea.

"Ryuuchi, let's get something straight," I said, my tone calmer now. "First, I'm not going to hurt her. She's... well, she's someone I like... let's keep that there for now"

He studied me intently as if weighing my words. He didn't speak,

"Second," I added, 

"I appreciate your loyalty. I really do. stalk me all you want I hardly care, but keep my fam-

*cough* 

I mean, I don't entertain creepy behavior towards women and children, especially those who are close to me"

His lips twitched, almost like he wanted to retort, but instead, he sighed. "I suppose it might've been... excessive. 

But you're not exactly a normal guy, either. That mask, these shadows, they are not something a normal street ghoul can do....Who the fuck are you?"

I smirked.

Sometime Later

I was sitting in the passenger seat of Ryuuchi's car as he drove us to his 'base.'

"We've arrived," he said as we climbed out, leading the way into what looked like an old, rundown factory.

At first glance, the place seemed abandoned and run down. 

But as we moved deeper inside, the scene changed.

I was greeted by the sight of a functional training space. 

omen and a few Men in classic black full-length coats and Doberman masks practicing combat techniques, their movements disciplined and precise.

There were makeshift stations set up—a couple of old computer monitors likely used for gathering information.

It wasn't a high-tech spy hub, but it was surprisingly well-organized for an underground operation.

As we walked further in, Ryuuchi gestured to the group, gathering their attention. "Everyone, this is Grey. He'll be our new tactical adviser and trainer. Let me tell you, he's a man of skill. 

With his help, we'll become stronger, more capable of handling any challenges"

The group murmured among themselves, their gazes assessing me. I noticed a mix of people—even a few kids who had likely come with their parents rather than stay home alone.

Eventually, the murmurs died down, and as a group, they seemed to come to a decision.

"Please take care of us, Mr. Grey!" they said in unison, bowing.

I nodded, stepping forward. "Alright then. Let's start with the basics and see what we're working with."

Back at the House,

Lying on my bed, I let out a long sigh, reflecting on the day.

'hu~ Man that was a wild ride. I didn't expect someone was still keeping Black dobers alive, no wonder they were a call away from arriving..' I thought remembering the Owl suppression night.

Slowly, I drifted into sleep.

The next morning, I arrived at the café a little later than usual, having spent the early hours preparing for my trip to another Ward. 

I already informed Ryouko, so it was all good.

As I entered, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me. The place was buzzing with activity

In the midst of it all, I spotted Kaya, effortlessly moving among the tables with a tray of steaming cups. 

I walked up to the counter, catching her attention.

she glanced at me with a small smile as she set down the tray. "strong?"

"yep," I nod my head with a smirk. "And here you go...this should cover my debt" pulling out a small bundle of cash

Kaya arched her eyebrow, clearly amused, and she tucked the money into the register. 

"So... what about the interest?" she asked, her tone light but teasing. 

She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the counter, her smile playful. "You know, I had to endure a lecture from my manager cause of it"

pulling a sad and suffered maiden expression,

huh? 

It took me a second to catch on, 'Oh~'

I smirked "Ah yes, I do have interest. How about this, next coffee I'll help you relive your....stress, of such a strained work" 

"That sounds good," she replied with a grin. 

"I'll be looking forward to it....Grey." 

With that, she turned and walked away, moving swiftly to tend to other customers.

I shook my head with a small smile, picking up my coffee from the counter. But as I turned around, I bumped into someone.

"Whoa!" I exclaimed, instinctively reaching out.

In one smooth motion, I caught her in my arms and managed to balance the tray she was holding. 

To top it off, her coffee nearly spilled but fell neatly back into the cup without a drop hitting the floor.

Spidey style.

looked to apologize, "I am sorry, miss-"

As I looked down at the woman in my arms to apologize, my voice caught in my throat. 

It was her.

Rize Kamishiro.

"Oh my~ My~ You've got great reflexes," she said with a grin, her eyes glinting with interest behind her glasses.

I chuckled lightly, handing her the tray. "I'm so sorry, miss. I didn't see you there."

She smiled innocently. I might've fallen for that sweet, 'good' woman facade if I didn't know her better. 

"Its Okay. See? Nothing spilled," she said cheerfully.

I gave her a polite nod, keeping my expression neutral. "Glad to hear that. I won't take up more of your time."

As I turned to leave, she called out, "Oh wait, your shirt!"

"you got your coffee spilled on your shirt"

She stepped closer, too close, and pointed out a faint coffee stain on my chest.

"Here, let me," she said, pulling out a floral handkerchief and dabbing at the spot with delicate concentration.

I could feel her breath soft against my skin. As I stood there, looking at her calmly.

"Well, that's better," she said, holding out the handkerchief with a smile. "You should keep this. It'll help until you can wash it properly."

she handed me her floral cloth.

"this..." I hesitated, 

She giggled, waving off my reluctance. 

"Don't be shy now. You saved my coffee and tray, this is the least I can do. You can return it next time we meet... right?"

"...Very well. Thank you," I replied with a faint smile, tucking the handkerchief into my pocket. "I guess I'll see you around."

Rize's POV

And he's gone...

I watched his silhouette jog across the street until he disappeared from view.

Settling into my seat, I let my mind wander back to him. I can't believe such a quiet, dull Ward would have someone like him...

A smile crept onto my lips as I recalled his strong presence, his steady heart.

But most of all, that scent...God!!, that scent. It was soo intoxicating and utterly unique. 

Unlike any human or ghoul I'd seen before.

I wonder how he'd taste... Sour? Spicy? No... He'd definitely be sweet. 

Yeah, Sweet like sugar...

A quiet giggle escaped me, and butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the thought.

Distracted, I took a sip of my coffee and nearly choked. "Ugh, so sweet?!"

I stared at the cup, realizing I'd dumped in far too much sugar while thinking about him.

" *sigh* How long has it been since someone distracted me like this?" I muttered

Leaning back, I smiled wickedly, the anticipation building within me.

hehe Grey~... I can't wait to have a bite.