Chapter 9 : Sandwich

As he reached his motorcycle at the front of the school, ready to go home, Issei was surprised to see Vali on a badass white motorcycle right next to his.

She looked over at him as he walked up, "Yo Issei, why don't you show me what that bike of yours can do."

Before Issei could respond Vali revved up her motorcycle loudly causing a huge scene. Everyone in the front of the school stood around and watched with shock as Issei got on his, started it up, and revved his back at her.

Tiamat pulled up on a blue motorcycle right next to them a moment later, nearly running over several students in the process.

"Nice bikes," Issei said with an enthusiastic grin.

"Yours too…" Tiamat said laughing as she did a donut in the street.

The Sekiryuutei grinned as he immediately popped a wheelie and took off down the road. He was surprised when the blue and white motorcycles of Tiamat and Vali slowly caught up to him.

Both came up either side of him and before long Issei realized it was a race. They all tore through town at high speeds causing many police to come after them, but none managed to catch the dragon trio as they recklessly and obnoxiously raced around the city. This went on for nearly two hours before finally Issei came up to his home.

He wasn't surprised that Tiamat and Vali had ended up following him there as they likely wanted to know where he lived. Issei couldn't help but wonder if they intended on using his family against him, but quickly dismissed those thoughts as he realized they would be dead if he ever caught them messing with his parents.

"Done already, Issei? That was a blast!" Tiamat exclaimed.

'They're already calling me by my first name like we're friends or something…that's presumptuous as hell,' the brown-haired dragon couldn't help but think.

"You never asked if it was okay to call me by my name. I thought I told you we aren't friends," Issei said as Vali and Tiamat traded glances.

"Good race, Issei…you won't win the next one though. Take care…" Vali said as she gave Issei a seductively sly grin.

A moment later both Vali and Tiamat took off leaving Issei at the front of his house. He sighed for a moment before parking his bike.

"I wouldn't stress over it too much, Issei…you're definitely ready to reveal yourself now that you've matured your powers," Ddraig said reassuringly in Issei's mind.

'Yeah…but it's like you said, the moment I do, all hell will break loose. I at least wanted to get through high school. At this rate I doubt that's gonna happen.' Issei replied telepathically to Ddraig.

He sighed heavily as he walked through the front door lost in thought.

Both of his parents perked up with surprise as he walked inside and announced his arrival, "I'm home."

"We know…we heard you drive up. I-I hope you're doing well, Issei. We never really see you much these days. You mind if we talk, son?" his father asked cautiously.

"Sure, I guess…what about?" Issei asked.

"Umm…well your mother and I have been talking and its…well we're concerned about your behavior," his father continued.

"This again?" Issei sighed as he rolled his eyes.

"We thought it was just a phase at first, but you're really getting deep into this delinquent thing, son. You're not involved with the Yakuza, are you?" his father asked worried.

Just then a terrifying epiphany crossed his mind, 'Wait a second…they think I'm an actual dragon and not a human. So, if they end up seeing my human parents they'll assume I'm a human too. And then they'll assume I have a sacred gear…ah shit. I better avoid bringing them here if I can. It couldn't hurt to come up with a good excuse for when they ask me about it too.'

"No, I'm not…I just ride my motorcycle and work. You guys worry too much about me," Issei said casually.

His mother frowned, "We never see you with any friends or hear about what's going on in your life. It's like you're never here…like you never want to be here. Why? What are you avoiding, Issei? Is it us? Is there a girl or something going on? Are you in trouble? You can tell us, son…we're just worried about you."

"I'm fine, honestly. I just have a lot of hobbies," Issei tried to explain vaguely.

"Like what? Where do you go? You aren't part of any clubs from what I've heard, and there's rumors that you're a troublemaker at school. I even had one of your teachers ask me if you were recovering from your illness. Have you been skipping school too?" his mom asked.

"Not skipping. I still have the highest grades in my class I believe. I just do things around town…I work on motorcycles and train martial arts. You know that kind of stuff. I promise it's nothing bad," Issei said reassuringly.

"Then where do you get all this money from? How can you afford that motorcycle and all the things you buy for us?" his dad asked.

"It's not that much money…" Issei said with a shrug.

His father shook his head and held up two tickets, "You bought us roundtrip tickets to a resort in Europe, and paid off my car. Kids don't do those kinds of things for their parents."

"What your father is trying to say is, we appreciate these things you're doing for us, but it's just hard to accept since you barely talk to your father and me. You don't have to buy us things to make us love you, Issei. We just want to see you around more," his mother said softly.

'I totally forgot I bought them tickets for a vacation. That's actually good timing…I can get them out of here for a bit and keep my cover going,' Issei thought relieved.

"I wish you guys would stop worrying about me. My grades are good, I make good money, and I have hobbies. It's not as crazy as you make it out to be. I just thought it'd be a good anniversary gift for you," he replied.

"We can't accept these tickets…not unless I know how you could afford to buy them," his father said.

"I've been working for this international group lately. They pay really well for me to fix their motorcycles. Just take the tickets and go on the cruise," Issei said sternly.

His father sighed, "Well…I suppose if you insist. Although why didn't you buy one for yourself as well?"

"I'm too busy with school and work. Speaking of which, I have homework to do," Issei replied.

"A-alright…we love you son. It's okay if you ever want to talk to us. We just want you to know we're here for you," his mother said somewhat emotionally as she moved to hug him.

Despite his delinquent personality, Issei still did his best to maintain a good relationship with his parents. After talking to them, he made his way to his room and closed the door.

'I should go ask Red if he knows anything about the Khaos Brigade,' Issei thought as he plopped down on his bed.

"I wouldn't recommend trying to go tonight or anytime soon. Those two girls are no doubt watching you in some manner. Let their curiosity die down a bit before going. You will regret it if Tiamat finds out you're the Red Dragon Emperor," Ddraig spoke up.

"Ughh…I hate this crap. I'm so used to hanging out in the Dimensional Gap that I just can't stand not being able to vent there," Issei sighed.