Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Kuroka
Toshio POV, the Morning After the Summer Festival
Morning light streamed through the windows of the Occult Research Club room, casting everything in a warm, golden glow that seemed to mock the heaviness in my chest. Summer break loomed before us—six weeks of separation that shouldn’t have felt like an eternity, yet somehow did.
I leaned against the wall, watching as Rias sorted through some final paperwork at her desk. The room felt different today—charged with an undercurrent of anticipation and reluctance, the kind that always accompanies goodbyes, even temporary ones.
"You should try to talk to your brother about me participating in Rating Games as one of your guest pieces," I reminded Rias, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled over us. "It could be beneficial for both of us."
Rias looked up, her crimson hair catching the sunlight as she tilted her head. "I haven’t forgotten," she replied, her tone carefully measured. "Though I’m not sure why you’re so eager to participate in devil politics."
"Call it intellectual curiosity," I said with a shrug. "I want to understand how all aspects of your world function. Rating Games seem like a significant part of that. Plus, it sounds like fun."
The truth was more complicated, of course. I needed to be allowed to participate if I was going to help Rias escape her engagement to Riser. But that wasn’t something I could say aloud.
"I’ll speak with Sirzechs," she promised after a moment, her blue-teal eyes studying me with that unreadable expression she’d perfected over the past weeks. "But I can’t guarantee anything."
"That’s all I ask," I nodded, satisfied for now.
The door opened then, and Akeno walked in, followed closely by Kiba and Koneko. My eyes immediately found Akeno’s, and the smile that bloomed across her face made my heart skip a beat. We’d said our proper goodbyes the night before—long, intimate hours spent together that had left me with memories I’d revisit during the coming weeks apart.
"Good morning, everyone," she said, her violet eyes never leaving mine as she crossed the room.
Without hesitation, she stepped into my space, wrapped her arms around my neck, and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss was brief but meaningful—a public affirmation of what we’d shared in private. When she pulled back, her eyes sparkled with mischief and something deeper, something just for me.
"I’ll miss you," she whispered, her breath warm against my lips.
"I’ll miss you too," I replied softly, my hands resting at her waist, reluctant to let her go.
"My, my, you two are certainly making the most of your last morning together," Kiba commented with a good-natured laugh. "Should we give you some privacy?"
I gave him a side eye. "That won’t be necessary," I said, stepping back slightly but keeping one arm around her. She giggled, gave me a kiss on the cheek and went to prepare tea for everyone.
I watched as Rias looked up from her paperwork, her expression shifting into something more complicated. Her brow furrowed slightly as her eyes darted between Akeno and me.
"We should be ready to depart soon," she said, her voice carrying that formal tone she’d been using with me lately. "No need for tea, Akeno." Said priestess of lightning stopped just short of the door to the kitchenette, then walked over to stand by Rias.
Across the room, Koneko sat on the couch, methodically working her way through a box of colorful wagashi. Her small hands selected each sweet with careful deliberation, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the room. I caught her eye briefly, and she gave me the slightest nod of acknowledgment before returning her attention to her treats.
I walked over to where she sat, smiling down at the petite girl who had become something of a little sister during my time with the ORC.
"Later, Koneko," I said. "Make sure to train hard while you’re away. Become stronger."
She paused mid-bite, looking up at me with those expressionless golden eyes that somehow still managed to convey understanding. "I will," she replied simply. "You too."
I nodded, appreciating her straightforward response. That was what I liked about Koneko—no pretense, no unnecessary words. Just honest communication.
Moving on, I approached Kiba, who was examining his sword near the window. The sunlight glinted off the blade, casting reflections across his handsome face.
"Kiba," I called, causing him to look up with a friendly smile. "I wanted to let you know that I’ll be training under a swordmaster while you’re all gone. When you get back, we should spar. See how much we’ve both improved."
His eyes lit up with genuine excitement. "Really? That sounds excellent, Toshio. I’d be honored." He sheathed his sword with a practiced motion. "May I ask who this swordmaster is? Perhaps I’ve heard of them."
I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. "I think I’ll keep that as a surprise for when you return. Let’s just say he’s... unconventional, but skilled beyond what you might expect."
"Now I’m even more intrigued," Kiba laughed, clapping me on the shoulder. "I look forward to seeing what you learn from him."
The magic circle on the floor began to glow with increasing intensity, signaling that their departure was imminent. I stepped back, watching as they gathered together.
Akeno approached me one last time, her violet eyes filled with emotions that mirrored my own. "Six weeks," she murmured, reaching up to touch my face. "It will go by faster than we think."
"I hope so," I replied. I wrapped my hand around the back of her head, and pulled her to my lips again briefly. We pulled back soon after.
"Ara ara Toshi-kun, so aggressive. You’re gonna make me miss you even more~." She dragged her hand down my chest sensually.
"Akeno. Let’s go." Rias’ tone was crisp and curt.
"Bye for now muscle boy~." I was never going to get tired of that teasing lilt in her voice. It really did something for me I wasn’t quite sure how to explain.
XXX
"I’m home," I called out of habit, though I knew the only one who might hear me was Kuroka.
After quenching my thirst, I wandered through the house, eventually making my way upstairs. I paused at the small corridor that led to the sun loft I’d built specifically for Kuroka—a raised platform near a large window where sunlight streamed in most of the day, complete with plush cushions and a small heated pad for cooler days.
Sure enough, there she was, sprawled luxuriously across the cushions, her black fur gleaming in the golden late-afternoon light. She looked utterly content, half-asleep in the warmth of her personal paradise.
I approached quietly, watching her for a moment. She didn’t stir, even when I stood directly over her—a testament to how comfortable she felt in my presence. Gently, I scooped her up, cradling her against my chest. She was warm from the sunlight, her body immediately relaxing into my arms.
A soft purr rumbled from her throat as she nuzzled into my chest, her eyes still closed in sleepy contentment. I smiled, running my hand along her back, feeling the vibration of her purr against my palm.
"I need to tell you something, Kuro," I said softly. Her ears twitched at the sound of my voice, but she didn’t open her eyes. "I’ll be gone for this break, off to train my sword down by Kumamoto."
At this, her eyes did open, fixing me with that piercing golden gaze. I could see what looked like genuine distress in her feline features, which made sense. She hadn’t been away from me for more than five days since she basically moved in.
"I wish I could bring you," I continued, scratching under her chin, "but I can’t have distractions.
Plus, the old codger is apparently a pervert. I don’t want to subject you to that."
She shifted in my arms, still watching me with those intelligent eyes. I lowered my head and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, between her ears.
"I’ll miss you, Kuroka-chan," I murmured.
The effect was immediate. Her entire body stiffened, and she looked up at me with what could only be described as shock. I set her down on her cushion, and she backed away slightly, her tail swishing in agitation as she regarded me with blatant suspicion—or at least, what passed for suspicion in a cat.
I almost laughed when she got bushy tail.
I met her gaze steadily, a small smile playing at my lips.
"I know," I said simply. "I have all along."
Her eyes widened fractionally, and she remained frozen in place, as if deciding whether to flee or stay.
"Now come on," I continued, turning toward the stairs. "I’ll make you dinner. I leave tomorrow, after all. I’ll make you something extra tasty."
Perspective Shift: Kuroka
"HE KNEW?!" I screamed in my head, feeling my fur stand on end as I processed his words. Kuroka-chan. My actual name. Not "Ku" or "Kuro" or any of the other pet names he’d used over these months.
I remained frozen on my cushion, tail lashing behind me as my mind raced. I wasn’t being subtle about being a yokai—I’d demonstrated intelligence far beyond a normal housecat countless times. But my identity as Kuroka , SS-class stray devil? How could he possibly know that?
Numbly, I followed him downstairs to the kitchen, hopping onto my usual perch on the counter where I could watch him cook. The familiar routine felt surreal now, like I was experiencing it through a fog of disbelief.
He moved with that same methodical grace I’d grown accustomed to, preparing ingredients with practiced precision. The scent of searing tuna filled the kitchen—my favorite, the bastard. How dare he drop that bomb on me and then bribe me with delicious food?
As I watched him cook, memories of my time here washed over me. The custom sunning platform he’d built just for me. The way he’d scratch that spot behind my ears that made my resolve melt away. The nights spent curled against his chest, his steady heartbeat lulling me to sleep. The chocolates he’d hide for me to "find," knowing full well regular cats couldn’t eat chocolate.
This place had become my home away from home. A sanctuary where, for the first time since fleeing the Underworld, I felt... safe. And if he knew who I was this whole time, and still treated me that way, then the food, the cuddles, the head kisses, the affectionate words—they all took on a completely different meaning.
I felt complicated. Conflicted. My survival instincts were screaming at me to run and never come back. I’d survived this long by never staying in one place, by never trusting anyone completely. Being discovered meant death—or worse, capture and return to the Underworld.
But he knew and hadn’t turned me in. How much did he know, exactly?
He looked over at me, then off to the side of me as if reading something invisible in the air, then focused back on his cooking. He did that a lot, I’d noticed. Like he was seeing something the rest of us couldn’t.
"I know the basics, but that’s about it," he said without looking up from the sizzling fish.
I nearly fell off my perch. Was he a mind reader now too? But that answered my question, at least.
Despite my instincts screaming at me to flee, my nose and tummy weren’t listening. The aroma of perfectly cooked fish was too enticing to ignore. But much more serious—my heart didn’t want to leave either.
This whole time, he accepted a fugitive into his home, never questioned me, gave me love and attention, fed me delicious meals, spoiled me. We slept together every night cuddled up. And he knew?
My heart pulled in conflicting directions. Part of me was terrified—I’d survived this long by never letting anyone discover my true identity. Another part wanted to cry—when was the last time anyone had shown me such unconditional kindness? And yet another part screamed to run away and forget him, which was clearly the safer option. And not just for me.
If the devils found out he was harboring me... if they discovered he knew who and what I was...
Why had he done so much for me? I was tempted to scratch his face with my feline claws in frustration. He finished preparing our meal and set his plate down on the table, then placed my smaller plate nearby—some kind of fancy fish dish, my favorite of course. The aroma was intoxicating, but I couldn’t fully enjoy it with my mind racing.
We ate in silence. I picked at my fish, occasionally glancing up at him. He seemed so calm, so unbothered by the bombshell he’d just dropped. My eyes never left him as he finished his meal, methodically cleaning his plate before standing to wash the dishes. The sound of running water filled the kitchen as I watched his back, my tail twitching with agitation.
After he finished cleaning up, Toshio reached into a cupboard and pulled out a small container. I recognized it immediately—the homemade chocolate he’d prepared days earlier. My traitorous heart skipped a beat as he knelt down beside me, holding a small piece to my mouth.
I stared directly into his steel-blue eyes, trying to maintain my dignity, but my body betrayed me. I leaned forward and took the chocolate from his fingers, the rich, complex flavor exploding across my taste buds. Unable to face him after such weakness, I turned around, my back to him as tears of joy threatened to spill from my eyes.
This was still the best thing I had ever eaten. How did he do that? Create something so divine with such simple ingredients? Part of my frustration came from knowing that if I left, I wouldn’t have access to his cooking anymore. How pathetic was that? How had I, the most wanted fugitive in the supernatural world, come to rely so heavily on a human of all things?
My spiraling thoughts were interrupted when his hand found my head, gently stroking all the spots he knew I liked. The tension in my body began to melt away despite my best efforts to remain alert and wary.
"I didn’t know when to tell you," he said softly, his fingers working magic behind my ears. "I still wasn’t sure if now was a good time."
Why did he have to discuss this while petting my most sensitive spots? It was completely unfair! If he didn’t stop, I was going to start kicking my leg like a common dog!
"If you aren’t here when I get back, I would understand. But I would miss you, little Kuro-chan."
His words were sincere, his touch gentle. I felt myself leaning into his hand, purring despite my internal conflict.
"And if you stay," he continued, "I promise to help you with Koneko."
I froze at the mention of my sister’s name, then jumped backward, though I immediately regretted leaving the warmth of his touch. He knew about Shirone too? This was more dangerous than I thought. But he sounded so genuine... What if he was telling the truth? Could he really help me reconnect with my sister?
No, I couldn’t take that risk. I couldn’t jeopardize my chance with Shirone. Too much was at stake.
Toshio snorted in amusement at my reaction. "If you decide to leave," he said casually, "my precious cat just decided to run away."
I understood immediately. He was telling me he wouldn’t reveal my identity to anyone. From my experience with him over these months, I knew he didn’t lie with his words. He might deflect or omit things, especially about himself, but he never outright lied.
Still, I needed to leave. It was the only logical choice.
I backed away further, my tail low, ears flat against my head. The kitchen suddenly felt too small, too confining. I needed to think, to process everything that had happened.
"Take your time deciding," Toshio said, rising to his feet. "I don’t leave until tomorrow afternoon."
He walked past me, pausing briefly to place another small piece of chocolate on the floor beside me—a peace offering or perhaps a bribe. Then he leaned on the counter, watching me with a gentle, patient expression, the bastard.
I stared at the chocolate, my emotions warring inside me. The smart choice was clear: disappear tonight, find a new place to hide, a new undercover identity to assume. That’s what had kept me alive all these years
I couldn’t stay with Vali and his little group all the time. I would go insane. So I needed a place to retreat to. But now I was compromised here, my favorite place to relax.
But the thought of leaving made my chest ache in a way I hadn’t experienced since Shirone and I were separated. I’d grown comfortable here—more than comfortable. I’d found something close to happiness.
If I stayed, I’d be putting both of us at risk. If I left, I’d lose this sanctuary and the first person who’d shown me kindness in years without expecting anything in return.
And then there was his promise about Shirone. How could he possibly help me with my sister? Koneko hated me for what I’d done, for abandoning her. She believed I’d gone mad with power, that I’d killed our master out of bloodlust rather than to protect her.
But if there was even the smallest chance...
When had I become so weak? So dependent?
No. I couldn’t afford to weak. I had to go. I had no choice.
Perspective Shift: Toshio
I watched the little black cat fight her inner turmoil with relaxed interest. I really hoped she would stay. But I doubted she would. After a few minutes, she looked up at me, her eyes carrying something I had never seen them have.
Shortly after, I watched her jump on the window ledge, then phase through the glass.
I sighed.
"I guess that’s my answer then." I couldn’t help but feel sorrow for losing my house companion. I went and showered and went to my basement to enter jinzen.
As the world around me faded, I descended into my inner mindscape, letting myself drift downward through layers of consciousness. The loss of Kuroka weighed heavily on me—heavier than I expected. I hadn’t realized how much her presence had become a comfort until she was gone.
When I opened my eyes, I stood in the Sanctuary once more. The moonlight seemed dimmer tonight, the cherry blossoms falling like tears around me. The water rippled with uncharacteristic turbulence, reflecting my inner turmoil.
"Such sorrow," Shinjūka’s voice came from behind me. "It fills our entire world."
I turned to find her standing on the water near the bench where she would usually lounge, her kimono now midnight-blue, flowing around her like liquid shadow. Her expression mirrored my own pain, but magnified—as if she felt every emotion I experienced and then some.
"I didn’t expect to feel this way," I admitted, approaching her. "She was just a cat. Except she wasn’t."
Shinjūka nodded, her eyes soft with understanding. "The bonds we form rarely conform to our expectations. They simply are."
I sank down onto a stone bench. Shinjūka joined me, her presence a comforting warmth against the chill I felt inside.
"I need to talk to you," I said, staring out at the rippling water. "About all of this. About what I’m feeling."
"For which one?" she asked, though I suspected she already knew.
"All of them." I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated by my own confusion. "Akeno, Rias, Kuroka... I don’t know what to make of any of it anymore."
Shinjūka shifted beside me, her hand coming to rest on mine. "Then let’s start with the most straightforward. Akeno."
I couldn’t help the small smile that formed at the mention of her name. "She’s... incredible. When I’m with her, everything feels right. I can be myself—all of myself—with her."
"You love her," Shinjūka said simply, not a question but a statement.
"I think I do," I admitted, the words both terrifying and liberating. "I’ve never felt this way before. Not in my previous life, and certainly not in this one. But is it really love? How can I be sure?"
"What is love but the willingness to be vulnerable? To let someone see your true self and trust they won’t use it against you?" Shinjūka’s eyes were knowing, almost amused. "You’ve shared parts of yourself with her that you’ve never shared with anyone else. That’s not insignificant."
I nodded slowly, processing her words. "With Akeno, it’s like... I can see a future. Something I never thought I’d have."
"Then embrace it," she urged gently. "Stop analyzing every emotion as if it’s a tactical problem to solve. Some things simply need to be felt."
I let out a small laugh. "You know that’s not easy for me."
"Which is precisely why you need to do it." Her smile was warm but challenging. "Now, what about Rias?"
My mood shifted at the mention of the crimson-haired devil. "That’s... complicated."
"Isn’t it always?" Shinjūka sighed, her fingers tracing patterns on the back of my hand. "You care for her deeply, yet something holds you back."
"She’s holding herself back," I corrected. "Ever since that incident with Ghom, she’s kept me at arm’s length. I know it has something to do with her family, with her position as a devil."
Shinjūka nodded thoughtfully. "The princess carries burdens you can only begin to imagine. Her world is one of politics and power plays that extend back millennia."
"So what do I do? Just wait for her to decide I’m worth the risk?"
"No," Shinjūka’s voice was firm. "You continue as you are—her friend, her ally. Be there when she needs you, but don’t force your way past the walls she’s built. They exist for reasons beyond just keeping you out."
"And in the meantime?"
"In the meantime, you grow stronger." Her eyes flashed with determination. "Show the devils that you are not just some human to be dismissed. Make yourself invaluable, irreplaceable. When the time comes for her to fight her battles, be someone she can rely on without question."
I absorbed her words, seeing the wisdom in them. "I know," I said finally. "I won’t give up on her." She wasn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know. But hearing it from her provided comfort and clarity that I couldn’t explain.
"Good." Shinjūka’s approval warmed me. "Now, for the most complex of your entanglements. Kuroka."
I felt the pain of loss wash over me again at the mention of her name. "I don’t even know where to begin with that one."
"Perhaps with honesty," Shinjūka suggested. "You loved her as your companion, like many humans would their animals. But she is actually a person. Despite knowing this, you’ve come to rely on her presence as you have mine."
"That’s an understatement," I muttered. "I spent months with her. She slept on my chest almost every night. I built her that ridiculous sun platform. I cooked special meals just for her. And all that time, she was a person. Someone I never actually got to know as herself."
"And yet, you did know her," Shinjūka pointed out. "The bond you formed was real, even if the context was... unusual."
"But was it? Real, I mean. How can it be when she was pretending the whole time?"
"Was she?" Shinjūka raised an eyebrow. "Or was she simply showing you a different facet of herself? The connection you formed—the trust, the companionship—those were genuine. For both of you."
I considered this, turning it over in my mind. "You think so?"
"I know so." Her confidence was unwavering. "Think about it. She stayed with you for months when she could have left at any time. She chose your home as her sanctuary. That wasn’t an accident or a convenience."
"Then why leave now? When I finally acknowledged who she was?"
"Fear," Shinjūka said simply. "Not just of being discovered, but of the vulnerability that comes with being truly seen. She’s been hunted for years. Trust doesn’t come easily to her."
I sighed, feeling the weight of her absence anew. "I miss her already. Is that strange? To miss someone I never really knew?"
"But you did know her," Shinjūka insisted. "Perhaps not her in her true form, but a vulnerable side she didn’t show anyone else."
"Think she’ll ever come back?"
Shinjūka’s smile turned enigmatic. "I think that’s likely. After all, you spend quite a bit of time around her sister. Paths that are meant to cross often find a way of doing so."
The reminder of Koneko brought a small measure of comfort. If Kuroka cared for her sister as much as I suspected, then perhaps our paths would indeed cross again. I really wish I knew more about the DxD lore past season 2.
"That helps," I admitted. "A little, anyway."
"Good." Shinjūka stood, extending her hand to me. "Now come here."
I rose and stepped toward her, and she pulled me into an embrace. My face naturally found its place against her generous chest, the familiar position bringing a sense of comfort and completeness that I desperately needed.
"Thank you," I murmured against the silk of her kimono. "For listening. For helping me make sense of all this."
"That’s what I’m here for," she replied, her voice a gentle rumble I could feel against my cheek. "I am you, after all. The parts that are most unfamiliar."
I stepped back, feeling somehow lighter despite the lingering sadness. The waters of my inner world had calmed, reflecting the moonlight more peacefully now.
"So," I said, a new determination filling me. "Are you ready to train? I think it’s time we pushed our Shikai to new limits."
Shinjūka’s smile turned fierce, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I thought you’d never ask."
She held out her hand, and a katana materialized in her grasp—the physical manifestation of my zanpakutō in this inner world. With a graceful movement, she tossed it to me, and I caught it by the hilt, feeling the familiar weight settle in my palm.
"Show me what you’ve got, wielder," she challenged, her own blade appearing in her hand as she shifted into a fighting stance. A familiar fire spell began to coat her blade as she formed another spell in her other hand, lightning beginning to spark from it.
I mirrored her position, pushing aside my emotional turmoil to focus on the moment.
As our elementalized blades clashed in the moonlight, sending radiant sparks dancing across the water’s surface, I felt a renewed sense of resolve wash over me. I would train and grow stronger than any being.
XXX
After hours of training with Shinjūka, I finally emerged from my mindscape, my body aching with phantom pains from our intense sparring session. The emotional weight of the day—saying goodbye to the ORC, losing Kuroka—had been channeled into our fight, leaving me physically and mentally exhausted.
I checked the time: 1:38 AM. I needed actual sleep before my trip tomorrow.
Rising from my meditation position, I stripped down to just my briefs and made my way to my California King bed. It was one of the first luxuries I’d allowed myself when setting up this house—the massive, plush mattress that seemed almost excessive for one person.
"Indulging in the little things," I murmured to myself as I slid beneath the cool sheets. "Worth every yen."
"Huh, she’s close by. Guess she decided to stick around after all." Due to my regeneration now, I never had to turn off Energy Sense.
I turned onto my side, my mind already drifting toward sleep, when a sudden gust of wind from nowhere made the hairs on my neck stand up. Before I could react, I felt warmth press against my back—a distinctly "human" warmth.
"Toshio-kun, I can’t lay on your chest when you’re on your side, ~nya."
My heart skipped a beat at that familiar verbal tic. I smiled despite myself and rolled over to find myself face to face with a very naked Kuroka. Not the small black cat I’d grown accustomed to, but her true form—a stunningly beautiful woman with long black hair, cat ears perked atop her head, and golden eyes that reflected the dim moonlight filtering through my curtains.
"Well, come on then," I beckoned, lifting my arm in invitation.
She moved without hesitation, pressing her generous breasts against my chest as she draped a leg over mine. Her head found its familiar place in the crook between my shoulder and chest, exactly where she used to sleep in cat form. I wrapped my arm around her, my hand gently rubbing her back and side, feeling the smooth, warm skin beneath my palm.
"That’s so much better, ~nya," she sighed contentedly.
To my surprise, a rumbling purr began to vibrate through her chest against mine. I couldn’t help but wonder how she managed that in human form.
"I’m glad you came back," I said softly, the words more heartfelt than I’d expected. "Especially like this."
Kuroka opened her eyes, her hand rubbing small circles on my chest. "I am too, ~nya," she eventually responded, her voice quiet and sincere.
I’d never experienced skin-to-skin contact to this extent before. The warmth of her body against mine was intoxicating, and I found myself hyper-aware of every point where we touched. Her nipples pressed against my chest, and I felt a stirring beneath my briefs in response.
Shinjūka’s words echoed in my mind: Follow your instincts. For once, I decided not to overthink it.
Feeling bold, I lowered my hand from her back, letting my fingers slide down until they cupped one of her perfectly round ass cheeks. I gave it a firm squeeze, savoring the softness beneath my palm.
"Nya!" Kuroka’s surprised gasp sent a thrill through me as her head jerked up from its resting place. Her draped leg shifted against mine and brushed against the growing hardness beneath my briefs. Her golden eyes widened slightly as she glanced down at the tent forming in my underwear.
"I definitely like this form much better than your cat form," I said, my voice huskier than I’d intended. "He agrees." I nodded toward my obvious arousal.
To my surprise, Kuroka actually laughed—a melodic, genuine sound that I’d never heard from her before. When she looked back at me, her lips curved into that mischievous cat smile I was beginning to recognize, even in this new form.
"Is that so, nya?" she purred, her voice like warm honey.
Before I could respond, she lowered her hand from my chest, sliding it down my stomach with teasing slowness. My breath caught as her fingers dipped beneath the waistband of my briefs and wrapped around my hardened length.
I couldn’t help the grunt that escaped me at her touch. Her hand was warm and soft, gripping me with just the right pressure as she began to slowly stroke up and down.
My mind raced with the absurdity of the situation. Of all the people I might have imagined would be the first to touch me this way, Kuroka hadn’t even made the list. Yet here we were, her naked body pressed against mine, her hand working me into a frenzy while her golden cat eyes watched my reactions with intense fascination.
"You like that, nya?" she whispered, her thumb circling the sensitive tip.
"Yes," I managed to reply, my voice strained. I was determined not to lose control so quickly, but her skilled touch was making that increasingly difficult.
"Had I known you were this big I might have done this much sooner," she said seductively, her golden eyes widening slightly as her hand continued its rhythmic movements. I see that the little boost in the character creator was a good idea.
I was still enjoying the sensation, lost in the pleasure of her touch, when a thought struck me. "Oh don’t pretend you haven’t watched me you little voyeur," I managed to get out between labored breaths.
Kuroka responded by biting my shoulder softly, her sharp teeth just barely grazing my skin. "You better watch it, ~nya. I’m the one with your cock in my hand."
She sat up then, the moonlight casting shadows across her perfect form as she moved. Before I could respond, she put her boobs directly in my face, her nipples tantalizingly close. I didn’t hesitate – I immediately took one of her nipples in my mouth, circling it with my tongue before sucking gently.
1 || "~NYA!" She gasped, her back arching at the sensation. The hand that had been stroking me paused momentarily as pleasure overtook her, but she quickly recovered. She licked her hand and started stroking me again with more effort, her movements more deliberate now.
I could hear her breaths growing heavy with arousal as I continued to lavish attention on her breast, alternating between gentle sucking and light flicks of my tongue. The dual sensation of her hand working me while I tasted her was almost too much.
My mouth popped off her nipple as I felt the pressure building. "I’m not going to last much longer. I’m fairly out of practice," I warned, my voice strained.
She purred, "Then we’ll just have to fix that won’t we?" Her voice was thick with desire as she shifted her position.
I felt her moving down my body, and then she was between my legs. I felt myself tense as she moved her mouth to my tip, her warm breath sending shivers through me. Then she took me in her mouth, and I unleashed. The sensation was overwhelming – wet heat engulfing me as waves of pleasure crashed through my body.
Through half-lidded eyes, I could see she was struggling to gulp it all down, her cheeks hollowing with the effort. Her eyes crossed slightly in what could only be described as bliss. When I was finally done, she pulled back, a thin trail connecting her lips to me.
"How does it taste so goooood, ~nya," she moaned, licking her lips with obvious satisfaction.
Instead of responding, I felt a surge of desire to reciprocate the pleasure she’d given me. In one fluid motion, I pushed her down onto her back and spread her legs. I saw a flash of worry cross her features, quickly replaced by eagerness as I positioned my head between her thighs.
I couldn’t help but think that I hoped my "research" would come in handy here. I’d never actually done this before, but I’d studied enough to understand the theory. I started slow, placing gentle kisses along her inner thighs, working my way inward until I reached her center. Her scent was intoxicating – musky and sweet at the same time.
With deliberate slowness, I ran my tongue along her slit, then focused on her top bud, circling it with the tip of my tongue.
"~NYYAA don’t stop!" she cried out, her hands finding their way to my hair, fingers tangling in the strands as she held me in place.
And I didn’t stop. I continued my ministrations, varying pressure and speed based on her reactions. Remembering what I’d read, I eventually added a finger, sliding it slowly inside her slick entrance while maintaining the attention of my tongue.
I curved my finger upward, searching for that special spot I’d read about. "Here?" I asked, pressing against one area. When she didn’t respond as expected, I adjusted, asking again, "Here?" I repeated this several times, exploring different angles and depths until—
"Yes! There!" she nodded in confirmation, her back arching dramatically off the bed, thighs trembling on either side of my head.
Having found what I was looking for, I returned with fervor, focusing my efforts on that spot while my tongue continued its dance against her sensitive bud. I established a rhythm, my finger stroking her inner walls while my tongue alternated between broad strokes and focused attention.
Her breathing became more erratic, her moans higher and more urgent. Her thighs began to quiver against my cheeks, and I could feel her inner muscles beginning to contract around my finger.
"Toshi-kun, I’m close!" she gasped, her voice breaking with need.
I kept going, speeding up to match her building orgasm, adding a second finger to increase the pressure against that special spot inside her. I sealed my lips around her bud and sucked gently while flicking my tongue rapidly against it.
2 || "~NNYAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Her moans echoed through the house, probably loud enough to wake the neighbors if I’d had any. Her back arched completely off the bed as her release hit her, and to my surprise, she squirted into my mouth. The sudden flood of her essence caught me off guard, but I didn’t mind the taste – slightly sweet with a tangy undertone that was uniquely her.
I kept going, not letting up on my ministrations as she rode wave after wave of pleasure. Her thighs clamped around my head, her body shuddering with each aftershock. I maintained my efforts, keeping her in a state of extended pleasure for over a full minute before finally slowing down and stopping.
She collapsed back onto the bed, completely spent, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Her skin glistened with a fine sheen of sweat, her hair splayed wildly across my pillows. She looked utterly, beautifully debauched.
"You’re quite good at that, ~nya," she said between breaths, her voice still carrying the remnants of her pleasure.
"I happened to do some research," I replied, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand as I moved up to lay beside her.
She started laughing then – a genuine, joyful sound that filled the room and warmed something deep inside me. It was music to my ears, just like her moans of pleasure had been earlier.
"That is such a you thing to say," she said, continuing to giggle as she caught her breath.
I laid back in my original position, and she quickly followed, draping her body half over mine. Her chest pressed against me, leg thrown possessively over mine, just as she used to sleep in cat form, but infinitely more intimate now.
"Well now I’m definitely not leaving. Hope you’re cool with a roommate, ~nya," she purred, her fingertips tracing lazy patterns on my chest.
I moved my head down and kissed her on the forehead, exactly the same way I had done when she was in cat form. I heard her breath catch at the familiar gesture, and I felt her body tense slightly before melting against me even more completely.
"What are you talking about? You’ve been my roommate for a long time," I said softly, my arm tightening around her.
We lay in comfortable silence for several minutes, our breathing synchronizing naturally. The reality of what had just happened began to sink in, and questions started forming in my mind. What did this mean for us? For my relationship with Akeno? What exactly was Kuroka to me now?
But as I felt her purring against my chest, her body warm and relaxed in my arms, I decided those questions could wait until morning. For now, I was content to hold her, to enjoy the comfort of not being alone in this big house, to appreciate having her back – this time as her true self.
I was grateful that Akeno didn’t mind sharing. If anything, she encouraged it often. Though usually it was toward Rias. My thoughts returned to the warmth of Kuroka’s impossibly soft skin.
"Kuroka," I murmured, my fingers absently stroking back.
"Hmm?" she responded sleepily.
"I’m glad you came back."
She nuzzled closer, her purring intensifying. "Me too, Toshi-kun. Me too." I guess that was just my nickname for playful girls now
I was almost disappointed that we didn’t go further, but I didn’t know if either of us were quite ready for that leap just yet. Plus, I really wanted to reserve my first time for Akeno or Rias. I couldn’t even begin to explain why I felt that way.
As sleep began to claim me, I couldn’t help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. My trip to Kumamoto, training with the eccentric swordmaster, and now this unexpected development with Kuroka – my life was certainly taking interesting turns.
But for the first time in a long while, I felt truly content. Whatever challenges awaited me, I wouldn’t face them alone. I had Akeno’s love, Rias’s friendship (complicated as it was), and now Kuroka’s... whatever this was. It was more than I’d ever expected to have in this life.
With that comforting thought, I drifted off to sleep, Kuroka’s purrs a soothing lullaby in the quiet night.