Draconis teleported home in a shimmer of magic, dropping his bag and setting to work. Tomorrow's tutoring session loomed, so he sorted through textbooks and notes, prepping everything he'd need. As he worked, he dialed Rias—good news deserved to be shared.
Five new contracts in one day. Even Rias, usually so composed, couldn't hide her excitement. But she was still buried in her own commission work, so Draconis kept the call brief, not wanting to distract her.
With his materials ready, Draconis moved on to his nightly training. Sweat slicked his skin by the time he finished. He showered, then collapsed onto his bed, a satisfied ache in his muscles—a day well spent.
Still riding the high, he reached for his phone and called Mai Sakurajima. She'd be home by now, and he wanted to hear her voice.
The line connected. Mai's familiar, velvety tone filled his ear.
"Hello?"
"It's me."
"I figured. You're the only one who calls this late just to bug me."
Her voice was lazy, almost teasing. Draconis grinned. Mai's snark was half the fun.
"Were you already asleep?"
"Not yet. Just finished my shower, changing clothes." He could hear the faint rustle through the speaker.
Draconis arched an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. "And what's Mai wearing right now? Care to describe?"
"I'm already in my pajamas."
So fast. Damn.
"Sleeping in clothes is heresy."
"Try sleeping without pajamas and see how quickly you catch a cold." Mai shot back, unfazed.
"I should be there to keep you warm myself."
She laughed softly. "You're in a suspiciously good mood tonight."
Even when the conversation drifted into the personal, Mai never lost her cool. Draconis wondered if she was blushing on the other end—but with Mai, you could never tell.
She knew him well enough to sense his mood. Usually, Draconis played it close to the vest, but with her, he let his guard down. Flirting came easier, the words lighter.
He chuckled. "Something good happened today."
He told her about the five new contracts, the rush of accomplishment. Mai's response was quiet, almost wistful.
"Isn't having just me enough?"
Draconis blinked, then laughed. "So you do get jealous."
"I do not."
"No?"
"Of course not..." she insisted, stubborn as ever. Then, after a pause, her voice softened. "It's just... when I was your only contractor, it felt special. Like I had you all to myself. But I always knew you'd find more, eventually."
Draconis couldn't help smiling. "Why does your jealousy make me so happy? You're way too cute, Mai."
"Don't get cocky."
If they weren't on the phone, he was sure she'd pinch his cheek or stomp his foot.
A sweet warmth bloomed in his chest.
"Mai, I made these contracts to get stronger. I want to protect everyone I care about. You understand that, right?"
He heard her shift on the bed, then a gentle sigh. "I know. You've got your own brilliant world."
"No, my world's only brilliant because you're in it."
Draconis's voice was serious now. "That's why I need strength—to keep you safe, to keep all of this safe. If I lost you, what would be the point of immortality?"
Mai's reply was soft, almost fragile. "So 'you' means me, but I don't even know who else is included in that. I don't know any of them."
Draconis paused, lips pressed tight. "My master, my fellow servants—they all know about you, but you haven't met yet. I'll make sure you do, next time."
Mai was quiet for a long moment. "Sometimes I wonder if I really know you. Maybe I'm just a passerby in your life. You're so different—my life is so short compared to yours."
Her words were rational, but Draconis felt the ache beneath them.
He cleared his throat, sensing her mood dip. Without a second thought, he gathered his magic and teleported straight to Mai's apartment.
He appeared by her bed, smiling. "It's not like that. We'll be together, always. You're already my target, Mai. No escape now."
Mai sat there, phone still in hand, stunned for a heartbeat before she managed a pout. "You know, this is technically trespassing."
Draconis just grinned, slipped under her covers, and found her in adorable pink pajamas.
"Wow, you really did get dressed."
Mai: "..."
She kicked out, her bare foot landing square on his face.
"Who said you could get in my bed, pervert?"
Her cheeks were flushed—maybe from his sudden appearance, maybe from the fact that he'd shown up in nothing but his boxers after a shower.
"Mmph..." Draconis caught her foot, gave it a playful squeeze, then let go and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"I came because you sounded sad."
He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. His voice dropped to a whisper. "So, Mai, would you want to live forever with me?"
Mai's face went even pinker. She turned away, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Of course I'd want to live forever."
Draconis clicked his tongue. "Not quite the answer I wanted."
"If you didn't hear it, too bad. Go to sleep." Mai's eyes sparkled with laughter as she lay down, turning her back to him.
Draconis smiled and slid closer, arms wrapping around her waist. His fingers found hers, and she laced them together without hesitation.
No words needed—their hearts were in sync.
Draconis breathed in the scent of her hair, kissed the nape of her neck.
"Don't... No strawberry marks, okay? I've got an audition tomorrow..." Mai twisted to look at him, a touch of apology in her eyes.
"Ah, sorry." Draconis pulled back, remorseful, then pressed a soft kiss to her lips instead.
This time, Mai didn't resist. She melted into his arms, heart racing as she let herself be close to the boy she loved.
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