Chapter 75: Comfort
With Sirzechs leaving with Grayfia to inspect the town, Rias released everyone to their own devices. From there, Vahn spent much of the day consoling and holding Asia in his room, caressing her back, combing his fingers through her hair, chatting, and periodically exchanging kisses to help her cope with the revelation of God's death.
"If Vahn-sama becomes the new God, do you think I can be reborn as an Angel...?" asked Asia, her head resting against Vahn's chest and a listless look on her face.
"Anything is possible..." responded Vahn, his tone reassuring as he gently cupped and cradled the back of Asia's head, proclaiming, "If the method doesn't exist, I'll create it myself..."
"Nn...I believe Vahn-sama can do anything..." muttered Asia, closing her eyes and adopting a faint smile before her stomach produced an audible growl, causing her cheeks to warm.
"Should we get up, or would you rather stay like this and eat a Bapple...?" asked Vahn, leaving the decision to Asia. He resolved to stay with her as long as she needed, so until she decided to separate, he intended to keep holding her.
"I feel much calmer now," responded Asia, raising her head from Vahn's shoulder and presenting a loving smile as she affirmed, "And as long as I have Vahn-sama and our family, I can keep going, no matter what trials or tribulations await us..."
"You're so strong..." remarked Vahn, adopting an affectionate smile of his own as he reached up to caress the left side of Asia's face, causing her to tear up slightly as he added, "I'm proud of you, Asia...and my life has been fuller ever since you arrived..."
"Vahn..." muttered Asia, addressing him without honorifics. For several seconds after that, the two simply stared at one another, their faces and lips gradually drawing closer until...
The distant sound of long-forgotten gods demanding substance
Seeing Asia tense, her face flushing from embarrassment, Vahn exhaled a faint chuckle, gave her a playful peck on the lips, and asserted, "Let's get you something to eat..." before rising with her in his embrace and carrying her like a koala all the way to the kitchen...
...