Fridge Mission Master

Requests: Open The demons have taken my soul, now I write fanfic. Call me Vex Hope you enjoy your stay.

[fridgemissionmaster]

Master Post

Vivian's the name and fanfics my game.

If you want Obey Me! stuff you've come to the right place, if not... who knows maybe something'll catch your fancy.

Requests: Open

Current Remixed Event: Diavolo + Barbatos in The Dame Event

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PFP is from https://www.etsy.com/shop/SatoriisanArt the person my sibling commissioned this art for me

Star dividers by @bunnysrph

[fridgemissionmaster]

Time.

That was always such an odd thing to keep track of in the land of Demons.

The eternal night was one thing, however their long ‘days’ were another.

Sure, seventy-two is another multiple of twelve and twenty-four like the systems you were much more familiar with, yet still it tripped you up sometimes, especially clocks which were all analog aside from the digital ones on D.D.D.s.

How was one to keep track of time in a place like this? And demons, much less physical beings than humans, able to eat less and be awake longer naturally, it only made sense that their time score would accommodate that, seventy-two, thirty-six hours for the waking day and thirty-six for restful night.

Belphie and his brothers would complain about your hours long ‘naps’ in the middle of the day, mostly when at R.A.D. and Solomon got to take these ‘naps’ with you, he too was human after all,

… supposedly.

Then, there was nighttime, a twelve hour period where when all others were asleep, you’d awaken, up and about a bit past witching hour.

In the early days of the exchange program this period unnerved you, shadows seeming to claw towards you, strange thumps and groans keeping you confined to your room.

But it was home now.

With how noisy the lot was, this peaceful time was a much needed reset from that chaos. Be able to read in the library without worry or hearing arguing a few rooms over or someone crashing in, getting to nap in the planetarium and not awaken by almost suffocating with a heavy sleeping Belphie atop you, practice and play instruments in the music room and not have someone try correcting your technique only for someone else to come in and saying that was wrong and you had to do it a different way only for someone else to come in and the cycle repeat till they’re fighting over who should be your personal tutor and teach you their favorite song or instrument.

It was nice, to just be. That way you could better indulge in the fun chaos of the day without getting stressed out.

It was lovely to simply take your time, perhaps sleep in past your alarm for a little bit. Soak in the bath, do a couple half-hearted stretches before calling it a day.  And maybe sometimes use the opportunity to get school work done so you wouldn’t run the risk of having to cram it in due to being preoccupied by those silly indulgent antics that filled up the day.

You kept your room well-lit during this time, only place you dared to keep light. You could technically light up which ever room you were using at the time, but it was a bit more hassle than it was worth, before you had become adept enough with those spells to do so you had long memorize this place. The darkness clung to you, keeping you one with the house, each and every last step, the floorboards, the walls, all a part of you, there was no such need to feel around, not any longer. Not for so, so long now.

It was also just easier so your eyes wouldn’t have to adjust to the lighting constantly.

Like with that fridge which always blinded you. Every morning, past midnight, for breakfast. You were so tempted at this point to get a pair of sunglasses just for this, but explaining such a concept to your roommates seemed like more trouble than it was worth.

And…

Even if they technically knew you were up and about at this time, most had not actually realized it. And if they did…

You ignored the thought, not needing a headache so early in the day, opting to place ingredients on the counter. Griffin eggs and toast with weeping lettuce and bursting tomatoes sounded nice. You always tried not using too many ingredients, didn’t want to disappoint anyone when something they were expecting to be there was missing, sure, Beel would likely get at it later, but… it still felt odd.

That feeling didn’t stop you from taking out two plates though. One across that island in the middle of the kitchen, closer to the door, just in case; your’s beside the stove top.

A sigh escaped you, adoring the warmth from the stove as you lit it, the crackling of the fire inside as it grew while you closed the hatch, the sight of the flames being funneled through that grate before you covered it with the frying pan.

Griffen eggs were always a bit big and unwieldy for you to hold in one hand, just a bit too big for a little human, but damn if that bright orange yoke wasn’t delicious enough to offset the annoyingness of it’s unwieldy size.

…

It was only now that the house was this quiet to appreciate the little things, the light pop and crackling of the egg on the pan, the light thump, thump, thumping of heel against stone to the rhythm of a tune creeping through the back of the mind. Even the ever so quiet taps of footfalls on tile, normally any could sneak around simply by hiding amongst the yelling, the play fighting, the pranks, the actual fighting and su-

“Beellllzeebuuuuub.”

Oh wow, the elongated tone usually reserved for Mammon, poor Beel didn’t deserve that. Especially if he were up at this hour…

He was already being punished enough as is.

Over your shoulder you spotted the stunned Lucifer, looking to you in shock.

He looked old, or rather tired, the kind that could accompany age. Perhaps it was simply the lighting from the fire in the stove, the lines on his face, the creases on his forehead seemed deeper, the area right under his eyes almost as dark as the dining room his back was turned too. “… MC.”

Wait… he hadn’t found Beelzebub?

…

Shit… you couldn’t exactly hide the plate now.

“Working late or did you have a nightmare?” A playfulness seeped from your tone that you couldn’t help, such a rarer expression from that man.

Maybe you could pull another from him.

“Wait no…” Turning to face him you smirked, eyeing him up and down, his clothes wrinkled, slightly disheveled, sleeves rolled up, his coat missing. “You’re going to sneak out to party, aren’t cha?”

A jolt, laughter exploding out from you, his immediate distaste and unamused expression was practically cartoonish in how exaggerated it was.

“Ah, so that’s why you were expecting someone.” Not a question but a droll accusation. The eldest’s voice rumbled so deeply you almost mistaken it for a growl.

Desperate to ignore the piercing gaze that was on the plate before him you suddenly found yourself exceedingly focused back on the egg. “I rather I didn’t see anyone at this time.” It meant Beel was able to sleep through the night peacefully…

“More of a just in case thing.” You quickly added. You could count on one hand how many times you were alone for every meal during your ‘late days’. “Asmo prefers to break his diets with as few people seeing as possible, Satan sometimes wants some cider before bed if he’s stayed up too late reading, even Levi; he actually prefers proper meals but those aren’t exactly easy for him to squirl away in his room or to eat quick enough between games or episodes.”

But having a second guest at this time was exceedingly rarer.

You continued, trying to ignore the nervous acidic feeling gnawing away at your stomach. “And I was right to do so considering we’re even talking about this right now.” Even then, you always had the same dining partner almost every night, and it was certainly not Lucifer.

“Hmm.” Ah, that condescending, knowing hum of his. How annoying. “Well, I came here for coffee, but a meal would be nice to go along with it.” And that tone, Lucifer wanted to catch his brother in the act, but any refusal on your part now would only make things worse and suspicious, look like this was planned and scheduled.

“Really? Coffee? It’s like, midnight for you. Just eat the eggs and toast and get to bed. I doubt you’ll wanna be dealing with everyone’s antics half-asleep.” Carefully you slid the egg out of the pan and onto the plate it practically completely covered. And with the now thin grease-like film on the pan the bread piece was gently pressed into it, the quietest of crackling before quickly flipping it over, already a lovely golden-brown.

“No, there are papers that need to get done tonight, and they’re being more of a hassle than Diavolo presented them as.” With a thunk Lucifer placed that clunky grinder on the counter. Such a loud noisy thing. No different from any other coffee grinder in that aspect at least, however it was hand cranked, and that handle for whatever reason insisted on squeaking and screeching each and every time it was turned, jittering and swaying like it was about to fall off. Honestly one really just needed to hear THAT to get up, no need for coffee.

“Oh yeah? Ehe hehhehhe.” WHY DID YOU HAVE TO NERVOUSLY LAUGH LIK-

“MC?” Fuck. Your heart sank. “Heh, what’s got you so excite-”

…

All three of you stared at one another, the silence palpable, heavy with dread. At least between you and Beel who was frozen in the doorway.

And he just sounded so exhausted too.

Wait! “Ah, you’re working late too Beel?”

“huh?” Before he could question a thing you dragged Lucifer off, shoving him in a seat.

“Yeah.” Your giant gave you the briefest of nods as he passed. “Here, let me.” Beelzebub, thankfully, was a man of instinct, already getting a bag of beans for the grinder. Exhausted as he was, Beelzebub was a loyal, obedient man, he’d always follow your lead.

Even if it were unlikely to ever appease Lucifer, at least you two could try so he wouldn’t punish the both of you as much, or at the very least please him enough to be willing to ignore your nightly meetings for surely he’d connected the dots by now.

“MC-”

“Just a moment, now that Beel’s here too I need to get some-”

That screeching and grinding made you flinch, heart leapt in your throat. Though you watched as Beel vigorously spun the crank something in your mind was still screamed to run, hide from some beast that was out to get you.

But it was just him.

Or rather-

“Beelzebub!” Lucifer slammed a hand on Beelzebub’s shou-

CRASH

.

.

.

Maybe Beel put a bit too much fervor into it, the pair of you now staring at the crank in his hand, and the pile of falling apart metal before him. Lucifer had a hand on the funnel bit where the beans were poured in.

He heaved a great, heavy sigh that sent a chill down your spine, and presumably Beel’s too given how he shuttered.

“I-I’ll clean this up.”

Did Lucifer flinch? Surely your eyes were playing tricks on you, projecting the heart break you felt hearing Beel sound… nervous? Exhausted? A little scared? It was something vulnerable, you could pinpoint that at least.

Beelzebub wore his heart on his sleeve, he never shied away from his emotions before, but… you’d never heard him like that, even right after…

“Me too.” Squeezing past Lucifer you took the funnel, and the box bit it poured into, trying to save all the beans you could.

“Lucifer?” Your gaze followed Beel’s. The man didn’t say a thing, simply wiping off the actual grinding parts and… one by one taking each other piece and cleaning them off.

You two followed his lead.

Once they were all done and collected in the bowl Lucifer placed out he… left?

You and your companion shared a glance. You both knew better than to keep Lucifer waiting, that he made silent commands all HAD to follow, but… this didn’t feel like that. Still after Beel gave you an affirming nod you closed off the fire completely, making sure it was dead before following after.

Slinking up those steps and down those halls you found yourselves in the eldest’s room. His closet was left partly ajar and he had on a pair of glasses you could only vaguely recall him wearing once before in a photo, but never in person. He sat on the couch that was before the table and his bed, a metal box beside the bowl he just placed down.

Cautiously you sat beside him. Leaning over his shoulder you found it to be a small metal toolbox. Unlike the one Beel used for the occasional construction work or repairs around the house, this one had small tools. The inside was also a mess, the actual equipment buried under springs, coils, screws, metal plates, even some metal wire and hooks, so many little scraps and such. And yet Lucifer didn’t even need to look, not even needing to feel around for a moment to find what he was after.

Then you just watched him work.

He went in chunks, not necessarily putting things together in the order they should be, but it did help in figuring out what shouldn’t go where. On occasion you or Beel would chime in about what you thought should go where or when to put it in before putting in something else before it would be in the way.

The ticking of the clock became background noise as you found focus on the clicking of gears or the quiet clanks of metal against metal.

“A screw is missing, but I took everything…”

Eventually that was replaced by the slight reverb of all those metals being rummaged around in the metal box. No matter how Lucifer searched though. “Where is it.” No matter how many screws from that box he tried.

He sighed, none working.

Even if you did find it, it wouldn’t be of much use. It was needed for keeping the handle in place, but even before busting that thing was looser than Mammon’s lips for any amount of grimm. It was an especially tiny one too, it very well likely broke from the grinder’s constant use and no one noticed given how it was to be screwed in from the inside.

…

Actually…

Gently plucking the screwdriver from Lucifer’s hand you trotted away for your destination, a pair of confused demons at your heels. Glancing behind yourself you couldn’t help the snicker that escaped you. What a cute, silly sight, like some ducklings or lost puppies but as two grown, who should be intimidating looking men.

“What are you up too.”

“HA-” You slapped a hand over your mouth, desperate to keep in your laughter at the utter deadpan skepticism from the eldest.

And Beelzebub’s hiccupping chuckle he tried hiding behind his fist. Seemed your laughter was infectious for he had a raised brow, clearly wondering what got you so giggly.

“Sh-Sssshhhh. Shut up.” Too much energy rattled inside you. A tension taut in your muscles, your nerves finally spilling out. In repressed fits of laughter and loud snorts you kept whispering for your companion to quiet down pawing his mouth shut.

“You’re being louder. SSSSHHHHHH.”

“No- Beel! Quiet, you’ll wake them up!”

“ssshhhhh”

“no you ssshhhh”

“mc, you’re too loud.”

Among hushed whispers you two dragged one another along, tears pricked the corners of your eyes as your laughter turned to coughs from the sheer tension that coiled within you, smiling so hard your cheeks hurt.

At last your anxiety had found an outlet and wouldn’t let go, as your giddy, childish laughter came spilling out in full force- “WAH-” and in his own giggle fit Beelzebub flung you over his shoulder, bounding down the stairs.

Very loudly.

You both froze at the bottom.

“What are you two-” the stairs creaked under Lucifer’s first step.

“SSSSHHHH, Lucifer, shut up you’re too lou-”

Before you could finish, before your mind finally caught up in it’s nervous haze that you were speaking to LUCIFER LIKE THAT, Beel dashed away with you in tow.

.

.

.

So you were going to die tonight.

The moment you were placed down you took several deep breaths. You needed to slow down, and better yet get the last of this anxious energy out, hopping in place and shaking your hands.

You were fine.

You… WERE fine.

…

DON’T… dwell on that.

A quiet chuckle petering out, and sniffle and deep breath drew your attention, Beelzebub forcing his shoulders to sag.

“Okay, guess I’ve been a bit nervous toda-uh, night.”

“It’s okay.”

… What a lovely smile Beelzebub had, and what a contrast to the dark spots under his eyes.

“Let’s go get that screw.”

Beel simply nodded in reply, taking your outstretched hand.

His lightly trembled.

… You had to ask. “Was it worse tonight?”

“…” He couldn’t quite look at you. “… I don’t think I’ll be going back to sleep. But, this has made me feel a little better.”

“good.”

“We should get going before Lucifer catches…” His words trailed off, the giant’s eyes catching something in the not too far distance past you.

Lucifer was behind you, or just down the hall at least.

“C’mon, we need a rubber band.” Before another word could be said you dashed off, dragging Beel along.

Ducking into your room for but a moment you dashed back out, slipping past Lucifer on the way.

Now, where was the controller. You sometimes forgot there was a T.V. in the lounge room, usually for movie night or for one of Beel’s games, or if anyone, other than Leviathan, wanted to watch something they’d hijack Mammon’s room since he had the best quality and biggest T.V. And thankfully, since this one wasn’t used as much, that meant the controller was less likely to have been lost, sitting right where it should be on the table.

Relief washed over you after flipping it over, would have been rather embarrassing if you misremembered and it had one of those push-tab backs and not a screw on one. And now just to make sure this one didn’t get lost.

“This is what you needed me to ‘shut up’ for.”

…

You didn’t look to Lucifer, instead twisting the rubber band around the controller. “Look… nobody here has had their coffee yet. We’re all a bit tired and out of it.”

“And just what are you doing.”

“Nobody uses this T.V. anyway, we’ll have plenty of time to get a new screw for the back, and even if we don’t the rubber band dose a good enough job of keeping the back on. Everyone’s going to be much more upset about the coffee grinder being busted that having some rubber keep the battery backing in place. Who knows, this one probably won’t fit the grinder anyway and I’ll put it back like nothing happened.” And with that you quickly and quietly made your way back to Lucifer’s room.

Beel sat beside Lucifer as he examined the tiny screw you placed in his palm. “This better work for both your sakes.”

Huh… not as bad of a reaction to this whole mornin-night as you thought he’d have. He too probably realized just how much of a headache his brothers would sow if they didn’t get their morning fix.

You stood behind the couch behind Beelzebub, just a precaution on your part. That didn’t stop your hands for perching on his shoulder, leaning in for a better look.

…

“A little too short to stay for long, but it should last for the morning.” Was that a hint of relief on Lucifer’s tongue?

“Oh thank goodness.” Not as much as your own though.

“You two will still be making all the coffee runs till this is actually fixed.”

…

Just… just coffee runs? That’s it?

“Okay.”

“Oh-uh-Yeah, yes!”

… Maybe Lucifer was too tired to dole out any kind of real punishment for now, and would summon you and Beel later to talk about these late night meetings.

Well, nothing for it now but to watch him work.

…

It was strange to have two of your demons in one room and for it to be so quiet and tranquil. The crackling of the fire, and clink of metal on metal, the ticking of that big old clock in the corner.

And even stranger, for Lucifer to be… like this. When Lucifer was doing paperwork, there was more of an edge to him. It was work for Diavolo, it had to be perfect.

… A part of you sometimes wondered if Lucifer, despite pledging his loyalty, felt a need for everything to be perfect out of fear him and his brothers would be cast out of their home again.

... Surely, he'd kill you if you dared ever voiced this aloud, but... so much of him didn't read to you as a perfectionist, or even as a man of such god damning pride, just... scared. A little alley cat quick to bare it’s claws and teeth at anything that could bring it harm, to the point of even lashing out at it’s own tail despite itself.

And yet, something seemed softer about him tonight. Instead of punishments here he was, simply repairing the thing. No anger, no frustration, no yelling, just…

Something more big brotherly you supposed.

Actually… all the other times you could recall this side, Lucifer only ever showed it with Beel. Not all the time, the man was still cruel and would starve his already starving little brother, but still…

“Oh.” … Maybe that was why Beelzebub could feel safe around him, the redhead leaning against his brother’s shoulder, fast asleep.

You only caught it for a brief moment, too distracted by your bug, but Lucifer turned a little towards the pair of you before facing the mechanical pieces in hand again.

… You’d let him have that moment.

“He still has nightmares.” Lucifer rarely asked questions, he had to be all knowing, only making statements of observations. Yet that breathiness to his tone… couldn’t be disbelief but something akin to it.

And since it wasn’t a question, you didn’t need to answer. Although, your silence likely was enough of one anyway just from how heavy it felt to you at least.

It was too long till he spoke again. “They’re the same as after the war, they never stopped.”

“I’m not a cure all for everything you know. And… it’s not like my being here somehow makes the war any less painful.” As much as you wish you could. Somehow take it all for them.

“I thought they stopped.” … Actual disbelief? “Less food was going missing in the night soon after you arrived, surely he was just hungry not still…” Those last few words died out.

He just stared at you, eyes barely flickering up and down.

Lucifer went back to working on the coffee grinder. You went back to watching.

.

.

.

.

.

.

“Thank you.”

“No need, I would be up anyway. I appreciate his company. He made the earlier ‘days’ here less scary. Without him I may have starved a little, too nervous to eat ‘at night’.”

“…”

Neither of you said much else the rest of the ‘day’, aside from Lucifer grumbling something about finishing the paperwork in the morning before R.A.D. as he draped his bed’s comforter over Beel who was still on the couch.

And the rest of your ‘day’ went just as normal. And the day after too, only notable thing was Beel feeling a little embarrassed about ending up sleeping on the couch in the morning. You all went to R.A.D., a fight broke out over who you’d sit next too at lunch, you went to sleep in the student council room with Solomon that everyone complained about, a lab room almost blew up, Thirteen woke up the pair of you with another one of her traps, she apologized to you by promising to go out with you later for a coffee date, you went back to classes.

Sleeping at school was always exhausting, but that just made getting home feel all the better at least. And because of the timeline you more or less had an entire human weekend before having to return to school again, and it wasn’t even the Devildom’s weekend yet!

And so after dropping your book bag on the bed you trotted over to the closet. What a relief it’d be to get into comfy-

…

Well, that was new. Only noticed it tucked away in the corner since your foot bumped into it.

Carefully you pulled out the little white box. It was plugged in to some outlet you didn’t even know was in your closet. Had a good heft to it, but not too heavy to be a strain to carry out.

A mini fridge? You couldn’t think it to be anything else.

It was strange looking inside, seemed like it was just… a fuzzy light? Yet still you were compelled and curious, reaching a hand inside.

Cold.

The thing was certainly bigger on the inside, you could, and did, stick your whole arm in to feel around.

It was like a magic hat, you were able to pull item after item out seemingly endlessly, some griffin eggs, bread, bloody lingon berries, spiteful dragon fruit, burger buns, milk, juice, chocolate, water bottles, condiments, stinging grapes, pickles, meat paddies, bursting tomatoes, weeping lettuce, bacon, cheese, noodles, vegetables, fish, it just went on and on, but eventually you seemed to have found everything.

… And now to put it all back.

You didn’t mis how everything you packed away happened to be ingredients for your or Beelzebub’s favorite meals.

…

This didn’t change your mind, just because something was here now didn’t change how one felt about the past… but you could admit, it was comforting.

You better hide this away behind the false floorboard so no one found this given your roommates had a habit for snooping through your things. Besides, it’d be nice to be able to surprise Beelzebub with a fuller meal if-

…

No, when he visited you again.

As much as you wished it were an ‘if’.

At least you could keep a pair of sunglasses with this refrigerator so you’d no longer get blinded in the night and stop worrying Beel when he caught you shielding your eyes before.

One of the oldest things in my WIP folder, finally finished this after, what, two, three years. Started it well before this blog at least. One down and… a lot more still to go.

Thank you so much @raphaelshalo for beta reading! ヾ(≧▽≦*)o

[rowenaluvr]

✶ . ၄၃ . FIC WRITER ASK GAME !

any [insert __] is for the sender to fill in :)

1 ⧽. if you could sit down and finish any one of your wips without anything stopping you (time, tiredness, etc), which fic would you choose? tell us about it if you want!

2 ⧽. if you could sit down and finish any completely new fic without anything stopping you (time, tiredness, etc), what would you write? tell us about it if you want!

3 ⧽. what's something you like about your writing?

4 ⧽. is there an au or trope that you haven't written before, but would want to try?

5 ⧽. is there a certain kind of fic that feels the most satisfying to finish? any reason why?

6 ⧽. if you were to write a part two/sequel to a fic, what fic would you want to write it for?

7 ⧽. is there a fic you wish you received feedback on, but didn't get any/much? this ask game is asking someone else to then give feedback on said fic, pretty pretty please!!!

8 ⧽. what part of [insert fic] is your favorite?

9 ⧽. tell us about a wip/idea that you're excited about!

10 ⧽. what genre is generally the easiest or most enjoyable for you to write? which is the hardest?

11 ⧽. if you were to rewrite [insert fic] with [insert different character/ship] how do you think it might change?

12 ⧽. what's a song or two you associate with [insert fic]?

13 ⧽. do you have any writing projects/goals/plans you're working on/want to work on?

14 ⧽. is there anything outside of your normal content that you want to write?

15 ⧽. if you wrote a fic called [insert title] with [insert character/ship] what do you think it might be about?

16 ⧽. if you wrote a fic called [insert title] what character/ship would you want to write it for?

17 ⧽. are there any songs you want to write a songfic for?

18 ⧽. how do you want your writing to feel to your readers?

19 ⧽. give a hint/teaser about something you're writing without any context or explanation! tease us haha

20 ⧽. answer any one of the other questions that you want to!

[fridgemissionmaster]

“NGH-”

“MC?”

“Brain freeze!” Such a distinct pain that shot through your head. And it’d been so long since you last felt it, but the moment it arrived, you couldn’t mistake it for any other kind of head pain.

“Eh? DID THAT GUY SWINDLE US!? I PAID EXTRA SO YA WOULDN’T GET-”

“N-no, no! It’s just- sometimes when humans eat cold stuff too quickly or suddenly it hurts the head.” It felt so different from your typical headache though, but in the moment-

“So ya just got a headache?”

All you could manage was nod at Mammon’s question. The specifics didn’t matter, all he needed to know was that it hurt.

When even was the last time you got brain freeze? As a little kid? Certainly before arriving in the Devildom at all, frankly you’d completely forgotten this even was a possibility with frozen treats. At least this wasn’t the typical Devilcoaster fare that could literally freeze you for taking a bite, this was just normal ice cream.

Oh, wait, this was just normal ice cream!

Quickly swallowing down the last of the cream you opened up your mouth, pressing your thumb against the roof of your mouth. Just like the last time you got brain freeze, you couldn’t remember where or how you learned of this trick, just that it was one should do if…

…

AND like the last two things, you ALWAYS forgot JUST how effective this was-

“The hell are you doing!?”

With a breathy chuckle you took out your thumb, going back to eating more of your delectable treat! “It’s a trick to getting rid of brain freeze, and a VERY effective one at that!” Your smile just got wider  and wider seeing Mammon’s completely stupefied expression as you merrily went back for another bite.

Good thing you remembered it too, it’d be such a shame to have to be dealing with head pain when at the amusement park. You were getting enough headaches as it was from all the student council work that had been newly appointed to you. It was actually Mammon’s idea to ditch school today to give you a much needed break.

Now if only he’d do his own share of council work instead of pushing it onto you, that’d help even more! At least he was kind enough to try hiding you away when Lucifer came charging through the place to drag the pair of you back to school.

Of course he did find you, and of course the pair of you had to bow your head, sitting on your knees through another several hours long lecture, but… “And you will be staying in your room to think about the trouble you’ve caused all of us.”

“EY!? Why just MC!? WHY DO I STILL GOTTA BE TIED FROM THE CEILIN’!?”

The eldest didn’t answer, simply glaring to the second getting such a tiny, pathetic yelp from him. “MC. Now.”

… Not forcing you back to school… Letting you stay home to relax. There were certainly perks to being the favorite! Still you quickly skipped off before Lucifer had the chance to change his mind.

“E-EY, GET BACK HERE!”

“MMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOONNNNNNN”

“GAH- WAIT- WAIT- HOLD ON, BEFORE YA DO ANYTHIN’, haven’t ya ever wanted to get rid of your headaches for good?”

“Oh? Are you saying you’ll finally behave after this punishment?”

“NO!”

So, what to do with your first real opportunity to relax?

You could try making a dent in that pile of books Satan recommended you. Maybe finally check out the game Levi bought for you ages ago. Or you could just catch up on some shows you liked.

Yeah, that sounded good. Being able to lay in bed and not think of a thing, of having to deal with the bloody box, or the piles of paper work, or organizing whatever event Diavolo was so giddy about announcing at today’s meeting.

All you had to do was… sit back

enjoy

enjoy the music

enjoy the credits

enjoy some random thing that played next

enjoy that voice.

“Hon, I know you need your beauty sleep, but I’m pretty sure Lucifer is going to assign you to check the bloody box for the entire week if you miss breakfast too.”

…

“what?” Slowly you sat up. Asmo started talking again, you couldn’t… understand him for a moment. He went flitting about here and there adjusting your uniform.

“Uh, maybe change into your spare, I could help you with that!” He sounded so giddy…

It was Asmodeus.

You felt just a little too warm, just a little over what would be comfortable. And you were thirsty, and the dents left in your skin from where the wrinkles of your uniform was pressed into it only served as further proof of your dehydration.

How you wished you could call in sick to sleep in a bit more.

At least with Asmo’s help you only got a stern warning from the eldest for being late and nothing more before being dragged off to school.

For having slept through dinner the day before, you certainly didn’t FEEL rested, barely able to keep your head up in class.

Why in the hell did you even agree to be a student council officer anyway? Life here was chaotic enough as it was, but at least that was FUN chaos, not running back and forth across the school as an errand boy, collecting reports from teachers, interviewing students, collecting stuff from the stupid bloody box and having to shower and rinse and dry your clothes of literal staining blood within, like, fifteen minuets before going all the way back to the office so you wouldn’t be told off for being too slow!

“MC?”

“Hi Solomon, bye Solomon!” It took all your concentration to not trip over your own feet, shoes and socks still soaked, squelching with every step, water dripping onto the floor. Sholder checking your master on the way past you wanted to apologize, but you already said bye, you couldn’t just go back now, and if you took too long your moist clothes might ruin all the bloody box request forms that were clutched in your arms, pressed against your ches-

“EH-”

A hot wind enveloped you, cradling you into the air, twisting and swirling about, your papers getting caught and tossed away. But they were kept together, in order, one by one landing back in place, but in the wizard’s arms.

“Is this why you missed your lesson yesterday?” A smile played on the man’s lips, the playful tone failed to mask the hurt on his tongue, and his brows knitted together. Once upon a time you would have thought this genuine worry, and it was, in a way, but you also knew you had a rather needy teacher. “More council work? When are we ever going to get back to your lessons?”

Damn it, not another thing. And surely he was going to insist you two spend the rest of the day together to make up for it.

After a few moments you were placed back down, a soft tap as your sole met stone, suddenly a lot warmer, dryer and comfier than befo-

NO NOPE

Solomon’s eyes grew wide as with a loud SNAP you slapped your cheeks. You couldn’t get sleepy here and now! “Just- come on!” And snatching his wrist you bolted off down those emptied halls.

“I’m- hahhh- I’m back!” Out of breath you quickly marched over, flopping back into your seat.

“Hmm? This is the student council room, Solomon. What are you doing here.”

Seemed your master didn’t care much for decorum in that moment, if he ever did, taking the seat beside you, Satan’s seat, happily smiling away as if the Avatar of Wrath WASN’T standing beside him, glaring, already deciding that whatever answer Solomon could give wouldn’t be reason enough for this. “Well, my adorable apprentice looked a little tired, so I thought I’d help them out. Don’t mind me.” He lightly waved his hand, as if dismissing Satan before turning to you. “And if we have to miss your lessons, I should at least still check up on you. Can’t do good in anything without enough rest.”

“Pot calling the kettle black.”

Solomon said something, likely some witty retort, it was all just noise now that the others were starting to bicker.

Well… you may as well as get started on reading through all the requests.

Or

You would have, if not for Mammon who sat at your other side, just moments ago leaning back with his feet propped up on the table, now he huddled in beside you, his pointer and middle fingers hooked on your sleeve drawing it back some. “Ain’t that a sign you need to drink.”

More indents… Not like you had much of a chance aside from lunch time.

Before you could answer the demon had already rummaged through his bag, taking out a bottle and shoving it into your chest.

“… Thanks.” A soda, better than nothing you supposed. Hadn’t even been opened yet either.

“Fu-” Now if only your hands weren’t so clumsy, managing to spill the thing all over the table. “just great. Just Great!” At least Solomon pulled the papers away in time so you were free to grit your teeth and sink in the corrosive feeling settling into your gut. Just burry your face in your hands. “My head hurts.”

“Open your mouth.”

“Huh, wh-” So caught off guard by Mammon’s statement when you turned to him, hands dropping he had just the opportunity to stick his HAND into your mouth. Or not his whole hand, you were too distracted to figure out what exactly by his proud beaming face.

“Gross Mammon.”

“Ey, I’m just taking care of my human!”

“Hey now, we shouldn’t kink shame, but is MC even into it?”

“It’s NOT a kink thing!”

“Oh, Mammon Dear, I can assure you-”

…

He had his thumb pressed to the roof of your mouth.

“For humans it’s a remedy for headaches!”

… It was sweet, how he dose genuinely try. And listens to everything, but maybe you should have explained things better yesterday, for both your sakes.

“No way.”

“Nuh-huh.”

One by one those brothers went about dismissing Mammon’s statement, yes, the man lied, and cheated, but when it came to things he found important, like caring for his family, he only ever did his best to help them. It wasn’t fair, not every situation should he be put down.

Next in line was Solomon. Managing to lock eyes with him you could only give a pleading gaze, don’t humiliate Mammon, or let him get in trouble, judging by Lucifer’s glare, he was just about ready to keep Mammon strung up for several years straight.

Then, Solomon smirked, not with his lips, that had some wise and scholarly smile, it was his eyes, a twinkle of mischief. “No, Mammon’s right.” He didn’t faulter even as all eyes landed on him. “It’s not that common of knowledge though. And even if you do know it, when your head hurts you’re not in much of a thinking mood to remember it.”

“Really?” Suspicion, yet Diavolo seemed truly curious. He could tell when people were lying, after all. What could he be sensing now? Solomon wasn’t completely wrong, just omitting that this only worked on the cold induced kind.

“Indeed, there are lots of little quirks about us demons wouldn’t know. Like how we need a hug every day to stay healthy, or how we need sun light or else we’ll get depressed.”

The prince’s brows raised in surprise. “This is the first I’m hearing of any of this. These would have been good to know for the exchange program, why was I never told sooner?”

OH! Before Solomon could answer you had already pulled out your D.D.D., quickly scrolling through your messages. Then the moment you found it you placed the device on the table, away from the spill and slid it Diavolo’s way.

You couldn’t help the giddiness the bubbled out of you as he studied it, Lucifer and Barbatos subtly glancing over his shoulder.

… and Lucifer’s expression hardening, glancing to you.

It was a little petty thing really, a tiny grudge you had nursed and held close like your own newborn. Back when you first arrived here, when Lucifer asked you how the program was going, and you said there could be improvements you were excited, true cultural exchange and the chance to not get sick from the lack of vitamin D, but he immediately quashed that, demanding you not tell Diavolo a thing, to lie and say everything was perfect. This was long before you came to care for all those brothers, and you forgiven and forgotten many a thing for them. But this was a little treat for yourself. Never had you imagined you’d actually get to use this ammunition though!

What a delightful terror!

Maybe Solomon noticed that shift in Diavolo’s expression, or Lucifer’s, maybe he caught a glimpse of what you had slid their way. Whatever it was, it seemed he found the chance to pounce. “Humans are also social creatures. We can get depressed and even die if we don’t have community or come in contact with one another for too long.”

“Oh now, THAT’S a lie.” Though Satan’s tail was wrapped around his leg, when had he even shifted to his demonic form- the tip still flicked about. “You spend YEARS at a time isolated from-”

“Who ever said I never made the occasional visit back home?”

“an uu ou ow he osnt ake ood ar of im shelf.” It was difficult to ignore that lovely blush that bloomed on your first man’s face as you attempted talking around his thumb, if you showed too much joy it might ruin this sudden game. You needed to keep a scholarly straight face, you were just talking about facts about humans, nothing more!

“Ha hah! True! Just ask Simeon, he’d happily tell you about all the times he’s caught me skipping meals or staying up way too late experimenting!” Solomon however wasn’t worried in the slightest about merrily giggling away.

“Well, MC is just fine…” Yawning Belphegor continued. “They get hugs from us every day, especially when we sleep together.”

Nap.

“Nope! Those don’t count, it has to be from another human.”

And the room erupted, everyone all yelling over one another, how all this was bull shit and so on, really wasn’t helping your headache.

“Is that why you say you have to see MC every day, even when you don’t have lessons?” The room fell quiet for the only brother who seemed to take the matter seriously. It was a matter of your health, after all.

“Ugh, don’t listen to him Beel.”

“But Belphie, he’s been like that since the first exchange program.” Ah, yes, the very beginning. Usually they were very brief, unnotable checkups, but he would go out of his way to see you most days nonetheless. Long before anyone had a crush on you, aside from Mammon.

“Very astute Beelzebub!” Behind you he easily snaked his arms around, pulling you close and away from Mammon.

Sighing you turned around hugging him back, burrowing your face into his neck.

You just wanted to save Mammon the embarrassment, not give Solomon excuses to glue himself to your side like so many others had.

But, it wasn’t so bad you supposed.

His cheek nuzzled your scalp, a hand patting your head, all you could hear was his joyous laughter, a sound dampening spell draped over you like a cloak, easing the pain in your head some, not being jolted by the sudden screaming that was surely consuming the student council room.

Still all that he said was true, maybe it would do your master good to care for these silly human quirks.

[fridgemissionmaster]

Mephistopheles X Reader: Mephisto and the Secret Valentine's Day Date

AN: Once again getting a Valentine's Day story done at the last second in only a few days. Once again this has not been edited or proofread aside from the outline stage so there may be a few mistakes here or there. Also don't ask me why this one is decidedly more moody, it just decided to be like this for some reason. I know I didn't want to kinda just do what i did last year so... yeah. But it's here on the day!

(You can read the first part here for context, however it is not required for understanding/enjoying this story though. I would also recommend this one if you want something more fluffy. Mephisto and the Not-so-Great Valentine's Day Date)

“Huh? We…” You pointed to yourself. “You-” You pointed to him. “You literally took me on one last year?” All you could do was stare at the man before you baffled.

“Yes?” And Mephistopheles, too, seemed to be just as baffled.

The chair squeaked irritably as you abruptly stood, your hands slamming on his desk getting a grimace from the man. “Last year you literally interviewed me about this, what happened to those notes!?”

He sighed; so exacerbated, as if the answer were the most obvious thing there ever could be. Eyes closing, brows knitted together, even had his pointer finger up, that telltale tick of either a long-winded tangent was underway, or he spoke of clear succinct facts. There was no in-between. “Those were for personal use.”

A smirk played on your lips. “You said you wanted to learn about Valentine’s Day for an article for the newspaper.”

“A POSSIBLE, article.” What a cute glare, no trace of any real bite, just a failing attempt to hide his embarrassment. “Nothing was set in stone, and if you recall, that article never came to be.”

“Uh-huh, and you used that as an excuse to ask me ou-”

“Stop! Please.”

How silly.

The pair of you sat nestled away in the Newspaper club room, nursing the coffees you had brought along. It had been far too long since the pair of you had gotten to spend any time alone together. It was already a rarer occurrence, but between the holidays, the new year, planning for the next, there just seemed to be no time. But the first month had finally come to an end, so perhaps things had finally settled down, perhaps finally you both could relax and simply chat away with one of your favorite people.

A chuckle bubbled out of you, and it seemed to make that lovely red bloom even darker across his cheeks. “You really don’t need to be embarrassed about last year, I loved it.”

“You say that every time that train-wreck of a day is brought up.” Pinching the bridge of his nose Mephisto leaned back in his seat.

“Well fine then.” That comment piqued the demon’s curiosity, getting him to glance your way… Then stare, and simply have to wait for you to finish taking an elongated sip of your coffee. He wasn’t one to squirm, but still, you could not resist teasing him a little. “You seem to think you know more than me about this human holiday. Take me on a better Valentine's Day date.”

“…”

“Les?”

In an instant your cheerful banter was shattered. Something about his expression seemed to harden, one of his fingers picking at the corner of his notepad, something that had to be kept pristine as he had told you oh so many times before.

“Hey, I really did enjoy myself. You know that, right?” Carefully you reached out, gently tugging that pad away and replacing it with your hand. A year ago he likely would have flinch away, squawked something out of surprise, but he just let you. No fighting, no panic, just…

Resignation.

“I indeed do.” Gaze locked onto your’s he corrected his posture. Important things had to be said properly, after all… not that any words shared with you weren’t, but… you had a way of making him lose focus on what he should do. “Which is why I regret to inform you that I will be unable to do such this year.” But there were some things he could not allow you to do that with. “I am to represent my family at The Meeting of the Lords. A several day long affair, one of which lands on your Valentine's Day.”

Ah

“So, I need you to tell me everything. For Diavolo’s dream of peace we must understand one another, and the populace have been gaining an interest in your holidays. How do you celebrate, why do you celebrate, when.-”

…

“Is the day treated any differently between parties who had not confessed their love for the other vs those who had been partnered for some time-”

Did he…

“Is it celebrated differently between regions, would there be an expected way for couples of differing regions to act, such as taking customs from both or just one or the other?”

You wouldn’t say it aloud, for both your sakes. To spare him the possible embarrassment of planning to make this day so well-known it’d be embraced and celebrated here so something like this wouldn’t happen again, or you for being off the mark and thinking too much into this.

He always took every matter seriously, everything mattered to him. And yet, there were few things that got that kind of sharp steel from his eye. A gaze intent on cutting though, of finding the optimal path.

And that gaze was focused on you, not at the distance for someone else.

Just… you.

“-What is one to do should they fail this courting ritual, or what is one to do if they choose multiple partners for the holiday, is the day simply split between them, and should a suitor fail to attend would they be taken not as seriously or simply disregarded entirely.”

“Wait, hold on. Back up. Let’s take this one question at a time.” You weren’t quite able to catch all those questions, however those last ones you DEFINITELY got.

“Of course, I was merely giving examples.”

And so the interview commenced. The pair of you had done this song and dance countless times before. You were more-or-less the sole ambassador of humanity so just about any event or article even slightly relating to such required your opinion.

“So, continuing off of that, what would be considered the most romantic phrase?”

“‘I love you’, although, ‘I remember’ is a good one too, means the person is paying attention to you and not just… doing the basic romantic stuff someone could do for any other romantic partner.”

A tape recorder sat between you, taking in all your words for Mephistopheles to review later. He’d pause only to take notes of points he found particularly important or intriguing, maybe something to be reviewed later with additional evidence. Sometimes a new tape would be put in, rarely because the first was full but usually when the topic took a more drastic change to more easily keep things organized.

“‘is a good one too’ is this a sentiment shared among many humans, or is this your opinion?”

“Well… I’d think most people would like it, but I’ve never seen that specifically discussed much.”

“Hmm…”

Just like now, once again placing in a tape labeled ‘MC’ and taking out one called ‘sentiments’

“Repeat your answers after I ask my questions again.”

You simply nodded, he didn’t really need to ask, you knew what to do, but still, he’d make sure, or it was simply habit to do such.

On and on it went. Was the paper going to be about nothing of Valentine's Day, neither of you could be sure at this point. Mephistopheles certainly was gathering enough material for such at least.

“And how will you be celebrating the day?”

“Uh… Why would students need to know that?”

Sighing the demon paused the recording, the chunky device making an audible click as one button was pressed and another popped up. “I should think that obvious given what we’re discussing. Who wouldn’t be curious? As you said some people celebrate differently. You needn’t go into detail, just an idea how an actual human celebrates.”

And once again the tape was set recording, the two gears of the tape spinning around and around.

“I won’t be. Aside from using it as an excuse to have some chocolate I suppose.”

And suddenly, it stopped again.

And before you could ask why, Mephistopheles was already answering you. “Not at all? Surely your flock of love-struck fools have asked to be your’s for the day.”

“Yes, and I told them I’d be busy.”

“… eating chocolates.” With how deadpan he said that it almost ripped a laugh right out of you, but somehow, you managed to keep it in check.

“No, I was planning on asking some noble demon. It was him or bust an-”

“Who’s Bust!?”

You broke.

Such raw earnestness, the utter confusion, and shock, the ever-elegant Mephistopheles with such a ridiculous expression.

That laughter shook your whole body, tears pricking the corners of your eyes.

“Y-You find humor in this!?”

And you fell out of the chair.

“MC!”

Slowly, you managed to sit up, Mephisto, kneeling before you, keeping you steady as those last few giggles subsided. “I-It’s a saying. I want You or nothing at-at all.”

…

Honestly, what was wrong with him. Thankfully you were wiping the last of the tears from your eyes so you couldn’t see that ridiculous blush that made it’s away across his cheeks.

Again.

Was it your mission that day to completely humiliate him?

All he could do was turn away as you still clung to him for balance. Couldn’t go and let you just fall again and break your fragile bones or worse. Surprising that as frail as humans were, you were able to withstand a lot.

… It would be impressive, if not for how often he’d seen this first-hand from all the chaos and danger you seemed to always attract.

How you hadn’t died yet, he couldn’t be sure.

“And why would I be with anyone else that day?” Eyebrow raised you looked to him curiously.

How you didn’t have a harem was another thing he couldn’t be certain of. Sure, he could wave away the brothers, there was few charming things about them, but… angels, a grim reaper, the most powerful man from your world, even the prince of all demons and his steward, all falling over themselves for your attention. “While having one partner is not uncommon a practice, with how vocal many are of their affection for you, and showing no sign you had rejected them, their advances, I thought you’d possibly-”

“Are you seeing anyone else?” Such a delight for you to finally treat this matter seriously.

All Mephisto could do was lightly shake his head. “I wouldn’t be here right now if I weren’t courting you, would I. And even if I wanted, I certainly don’t have the time for others. I have to fight for every minuet of your’s I get!”

Heaving a great sigh your shoulders relaxed. “And I’m not, nor do I want to either.”

“Did you really need me to spell it out for you?”

“No.”

“Good, so you do know my intentions.”

…

Why did you’re knowing bring such a relief to him?

Whatever the case may be, that light feeling in his body could do nothing but help him in attending to his duties.

Or not

He retired early to his bed chambers. He shouldn’t have, but he refused to make a fool of himself with the exhaustion that now plagued his form. Better to appear rude or ungrateful than to bite back with incoherent babbles of an ineloquent, inadequate, charlatan.

And yet as he laid in that unfamiliar bed… he just laid there. Staring at the ceiling.

What are you doing?

It was only the third day, he shouldn’t be THIS exhausted.

Slowly he sat up, groaning and rubbing his face hoping it’d somehow relieve the tension in it.

… well, he was up anyway.

There were few personal affects he brought with him, but he made sure to bring work.

And with a click, “We shall begin the interview now.” he heard his own voice. “So, MC, how dose it feel that the Devildom is gaining an interest in your human holidays?”

Then your’s. “It’s exciting!”

As the head of the newspaper club he insisted on taking the lead in important articles, so of course he couldn’t leave these materials behind.

Going through and reviewing, transcribing, jotting down notes by nothing but the moonlight that shown through his open balcony.

Music from the ballroom drifted too his chambers. It shouldn’t have, but leaving the balcony open prevented that sound canceling spell from activating, a basic to have in any guest room. Sloppy work really, the spell should have worked anyway, he ought to point it out to his host, but…

Likely another provocation from them, Mephistopheles knew better than to bother paying mind to their barbed teeth.

… WHAT are you doing?

Getting so much enjoyment from reviewing these tapes over and over again. Even now your voice had such sway over him.

Hours had gone by and there he still sat at the desk, writing away.

“So, continuing off of that, what would be considered the most romantic phrase?”

“‘I love you’, al-”

Click

“-antic phrase?”

“I love you”

Click

“-rase?”

“I love you”

Click

What ARE you doing!?

Being pathetic that’s what. Reduced to another sycophant. Rewinding over and over for a false scrap. That wasn’t even for him. When you said it, it didn’t mean anything. Just answering for an interview.

…

Click

“I love you”

What are YOU doing!?

The demon who’s supposed to be Diavolo’s right hand. The man who’s to represent his family, uphold your place. The man meant to serve this country. A demon who’s to lure others into the pleasures of sin.

And he’s taking out his phone. It was past midnight.

…

‘It’s Valentine’s Day. Let us go on a date. I want to be the first and last person you see this day. I should be. You shouldn’t have to miss out on the few pieces of home you have here. I’ll be beside you shortly.’

…

What are you DOING!?

‘wait’

‘no’

‘You’re asleep by now, just ignore all this!’

‘I apologize if I awo

And in disbelief he stared at the blindingly bright screen, those three little bubbles appearing on your side making his fingers freeze in place before he could finish and send another message.

‘Too late’

‘I’ll be dressed and out in a moment’

…

It took him but a few minuets to place away the cassette player and his other supplies, soon finding himself standing on that little balcony. Staring out across the vista, dark forests and mountains surrounding the not so distant glimmering town, right there before him. He took in the breeze that rolled past. He felt chill run down his spine.

before vaulting over the railing.

WHAT

his demonic form unfurling, tail catching in the wind as he plummeted

AM

phone still in hand, quickly scrolling and tapping away

I

then once the device was slipped back into his coat he simply looked to that distant, bright, dazzling horizon

DOING!?

Muttering a spell under his breath, just the tip of his shoe landing on the stone path, allowing him enough leverage to launch off of, sending him hurdling across the grounds. Only a few leaps and already he was well past that giant fence.

Bounding through forests, barely landing on those treetops before leaping again. The closest a creature such as he could get to the freedom of flight. Of weightlessness.

No.

Actually, that was about a week ago when you and he were back in the club room talking about this very day, the mutual understanding of your connection.

That was the closest he could ever get.

Why was his heart pounding?

That feeling was all he knew. No thoughts in his mind, his body just carrying him onward.

Only once he had circled part way around the town, foot meeting stone again those mighty leaps slowed to a tripping run.

The edges of town weren’t lit like the ever-alive center. Only powerful demons could live out here. Ones strong enough who’s presents was enough to scare away predatory wildlife and even lesser demons that would otherwise encroach on these grounds.

But even had the moon gone out, he’d know his way. That little house you insisted was giant, it’s silhouette he’d be able to recognize anywhere came inching over the horizon.

His footfalls mere taps as he bound down the street, hand on the edge of that open gate to help him take that sharp turn and-

There he stood, completely out of breath before you. Stopping just in time to not send the pair of you hurdling towards the ground.

“… Huh,” You eyes raked over him, up and down, before settling on his face. “I’m liking this look on you.”

…

He was really here.

That truly was your voice, not a somewhat grainy recording.

You were just… there. Right there. As irritatingly charming as ever, especially with an amused smirk playing on your lips.

Just, how; how was there someone who rivaled Asmodeus in such handsome beauty.

Meanwhile there he was, a disheveled wreak, panting, sweat dripping down his skin, his hair simultaneously clinging to his face and tossed about from the wind. Even his clothes, coat unbuttoned, shirt riding up and wrinkled. Just a mess he was, surely.

And you were out here to see him and

And

And he was here.

.

.

.

“Our date will be an hour or two at most, no more, and no one can know of this!” If he were anyone else the weight of his mind coming back to him would have sent one’s knees buckling, collapsing to the ground. But Mephistopheles was not just any demon, a constitution of steel he had, something he needed, honed over eons and eons.

… At least he thought.

“Of course!” Your voice, how it-

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH HIM!?

His mind scrambling, instincts colliding, to recoil back from how your hands burned cradling his flushed cheeks, and yet he needed that touch, dive in, pull you close and squeeze, indulge in that overwhelming heat.

Stuck in a deadlock he just stood ridged and frozen there.

And you just continued on as if nothing were wrong! Like there was no war being waged within the demon before you! “This is… so unlike you. I never thought you’d ditch your duties like this! I wouldn’t… I COULDN’T ever ask this of you. But you just did, on your own.” That smile, how it stole his breath and made it hitch.

Terrifying, this power you held over him.

“What a gift to give me for Valentine’s Day.”

Damn it heart, settle down, it was being much too noisy for the demon’s liking.

Uh-Wait WAIT!

Before you could take both your hands away he placed his atop one of your’s. Holding it in place.

“… That rough getting here?” How soft your voice was. Did he worry you?

“I must admit. I am surprising myself by this. However…” he had to. He needed too. There was no choice in this matter.

…

Still it was all settling in, and only now did he see just what he was presenting you. A mess of a demon, less than what you deserved. And you had such low expectations already from your time with those brothers. He had been doing so well in showing you what should be the bare minimum, and here he was failing at every step.

Your hand on his cheek he took down, his other hand finding the free one of yours that went to straighten his outer-coat.

A kiss to the back of your hand.

A far better greeting than nearly trampling you.

You deserved someone who had etiquette.

And even if he couldn’t completely fix himself up, he could at least straighten out his outfit, and ran a hand through his hair so it wasn’t clinging to his face.

You deserved someone who could get dressed.

“Though it is rather last minuet, I do have a date planned for us. And we may be off any time you wish.”

You deserved someone who could provide.

All you had to do was take his outstretched hand.

And that you did…

“GAH-”

Before dragging him to the house!?

“In a moment, first you need a jacket or something, it’s freezing tonight.”

He would have been overwhelmed with embarrassment that you were able to trip him up so easily had it not been for the sudden dizzying lightheadedness that seemed to crash into him all at once, instead concentrating on not accidentally sending you both tumbling to the floor.

Again.

Down those decrepit halls the pair of you went. Thankfully your room wasn’t too far from the entrance.

Even a light shove of your’s and he was sent back onto your bed. Hopefully you hadn’t noticed how he fell back and hadn’t just let you place him down.

And you went sifting through your closet.

At least this gave a moment for his leg to rest for the night ahead. Didn’t need it giving out on him or for the pain to slow his steps. And it wasn’t like his cane would be able to be of much help either since it’d only get in the way.

“Uh… maybe this one?” You held up a… something, before draping it over your arm and grabbing one other item.

Both seemed a bit oversized for Mephistopheles.

“First we…” Around, and around, and around, and around you wrapped that blanket calling itself a scarf, assumably at least, having it cover most of his face. There was even enough extra to drape over his shoulders like a shawl.

There was something very… soothing about this.

“Heh, what’s gotten you so giggly?”

“Wh-‘giggly’? I was not giggling!”

“Alright.” You lightly chuckled as you smoothed out the ends…

You must have heard something outside for it certainly wasn’t him.

…

Strange, to be looked at so tenderly.

Or did you always look at him like this?

Perhaps he’d just gotten more used to glares over the past several days so anything over than false smiles or open sneers felt so… foreign.

No, no.

Your affections, how open they were had always-

Oh, he needed to lift his arm.

He hadn’t had something like this put on him before. A hoodie he believed it was called, but those were more… shirt-like? And this had a zipper along the front.

It was instinctual, his posture straightening as you zipped it up, as if you were buttoning up his shirt or tying his cravat. A bit silly, considering how loose the things was, and yet still he did so…

When had he stopped holding his posture up? It was natural for him to hold his body like that, when had he started slouching!? And in front of you no less!

“Uh… could you come out of your demon form?”

Oh? A simple enough request.

Up and over you flipped the hood, it covering part of his vision. “And done. Now no one should be able to recognize you!”

Given what you were to do, he had already taken into account that his identity would be substantially hidden. He couldn’t use his or his family’s money lest that could be tracked or anybody in his family notice, nor could he call upon any of his staff even to drive you around lest they know he left his duties. But… “Thank you.” It shouldn’t have been a surprise to him. You who had a penchant for sticking your nose in other’s business, giving your all to help anyone with even the most ridiculous of problems, treating them as the most serious of matters. Of course you’d take into account this. “Let me tie up your scarf.”

You nodded trotting off to get one.

…

If… if you were truly his alone, then anyone seeing you would assume it was he beside you, right?

But you weren’t. That was merely wishful thinking on his part. If you were out and about with a masked anyone, it’d be stupid to assume anyone but those brothers…

You all were a packaged deal, really. When anyone referred to ‘the brothers’ only in exceedingly rarer circumstance did it NOT include you, like when speaking with you about them.

You were already dressed for the cold. You didn’t need to hide your face to save his own, and yet…

You seemed all too eager to accept his assistance, practically preening yourself under his gaze.

Cute.

Well, if it didn’t matter before, it did now, if nothing else than for the warmth of this moment with you.

It was not all too often he got to do this, for himself or another. This fussing. The staff were good at taking care of things right the first time, even with his little brother.

“There.” Even with most of your face covered no one could miss the giddiness that radiated off of you. The crows’ feet at the corners of your eyes, how you were unable to keep still.

Then you head snapped up at the smallest of creeks from above. “Shit. We need to go, now. Before Lucifer catches us!”

Before the demon could question a thing, you bolted away to a lone window- “C’mon!”

And that he did. The nobleman was far too used to this, sneaking around for scoops and leads for the newspaper. No wonder he had kept being called a noble with no sensibilities of one the past several days.

“Create a path.” Instead of stumbling onto the ground, the earth gave in beneath you, magic surround and tangling the pair of you till once again footing was stable and you laid on the stone road down from that house, past R.A.D., tucked away by the facilitie’s outer walls near the back.

You couldn’t help laughing. “I’m surprised it took him so long to notice.” Sighing you looked over to the man beside you, scrambling up and dusting himself off. “So like, is it our tradition now to runaway from the House of Lamentation every Valentine's Day.”

“Ugh.”

“Bad joke?”

“Distasteful more like.” With a huff he crossed his arms.

“Okay, how about it’s tradition to run away from the brothers?”

“I’m leaving.” Mephistopheles said as he took your hand, helping you to your feet.

… Huh, and he never let go. Not that you would complain, but another surprise. Seemed the noble demon was just full of them tonight.

You weren’t quite sure how to feel about this.

Or the dark bags under his eyes.

At least for this time, he was beside you.

“So, your studies under Solomon seem to be going well, being able to teleport both of us with only that small part of the incantation.”

“Yep! Impressed?”

“Who wouldn’t be?”

Excellent. “Then…” Before the pair of you could take a step further you stopped dead in your tracks, and missing a beat Mephistopheles stopped two steps later, turning back to you. “Since we only have less than an hour, why don’t I teleport us to our destination?”

“That is true.” With a nod he pointed to the base of a mountain off in the distance. “I trust you can get us there.”

“I haven’t been there before, what if I can’t?” To teleport to a place you’d never even been before. You didn’t think you’d ever even heard of anyone, even SOLOMON of all people, doing such a thing.

“If you couldn’t do that. Well, I’d have to revalue you against my expectations.”

…

You CANNOT fuck this up now! Besides, you had so few chances to ACTUALLY IMPRESS Mephistopheles, you couldn’t let this slip by!

At least you could see the place. “I am the magician, MC… Heed my words!” Deep breaths. Feel the energy flow through you. “Open the way forward-” Sliding his fingers aside your fingers interlocked, your demon giving your hand a tight squeeze. Spirits of water, something similar to the feeling of their magic flowed through you from his hand. “and create a path where there was none!”

… The portal looked stable enough.

“The whole incantation this time?”

“I was nervous, okay!?”

A brow raised he looked to you and smiled. “With your brazen cocky attitude I had no idea you were at all familiar with such a feeling.”

“Shut up! You’re one to talk!”

Sighing he led the way. “Come now. As you said, we don’t have time to waste.”

So confident in your work, even more than you, simply going right through without any sign of hesitation.

Even after you were both past the portal, standing before a massive lake his grip never loosened, just the magic he let pass through faded.

“Now let us just hope we arrived at the correct side, or else we will be having a long walk.” A quick glance around and he seemed pleased. “This way should be it.”

You wouldn’t say it aloud just in case it spoiled his plans, but in all honesty a long walk didn’t sound that bad. “It’s breathtaking.” The lake almost like a mirror, reflecting that sky aside from when the surface rippled from the breeze and the violet, pinkish tint to it all.

“Heh, just you wait till we get closer.” The sheer amusement in Mephistopheles’ voice, you couldn’t stop yourself from scooching in a bit closer to him, see if you could catch some micro expression from him. Just what was he planning, you needed to know.

“Closer?” Already you were walking along the shore, a rough crunch accompanied every last one of your footfalls, something seeming to break and be crushed underfoot.

And that smell, it almost reminded you of the ocean, but there was something so distinctly off about it you couldn’t quite place. Something… fresher? Greener? Like the dense forest that surrounded this place.

“What is all this Les?” Little row boats came into view, then only when you were walking past could you notice the familiar white crystal that clung to it, the outside of the boats, the poles they were tied onto, even rope that kept them together.

“The only body of salt water in the Devildom, Salt Lake, nicknamed water-lava lake, or holy lake due to the abundance of purifying salt here.”

“Should you even be near here!?” It still surprised you how there was such little salt in the Devildom ocean’s but considering how hazardous the stuff was to demons you slowly got used to the idea, and taste of it being so sparse. Even unpurified salt could hurt them, or lesser demons and Little Ds at least. Your gut still twists into knots remembering Little D No. 6’s yell after you fed him a human world potato chip.

“Hah! You needn’t fear for me-” Arriving on a dirt path the pair of you followed it away from the lake and into the encroaching woods. “I’m far too strong for it to have any real affect on me, a minor irritation at worst!”

“… If you say so.”

“And what is that supposed to mean!?”

“Just…” How were you to put this delicately? “Don’t push yourself too hard. I know you always give your hundred and ten percent, but I just don’t want you hurting yourself on my account or something, I don’t know.”

It seemed you’d always see this expression at least once whenever the pair of you spent any time together, his complete and utter bafflement at you. “… What nonsense are you speaking!? Do you think that little of me!?” His free hand landed on his chest. “I won’t- I can’t afford to not do so! I’m already gifting you a rushed date. I can at least make it decent.”

And before you could retort. “There it is.” The pair of you made your way to a little stand.

“Excuse me. I’d like to rent a boat and two paddles.”

“Huh?” A tall pudgy demon sat there, blinked a couple of times before their gaze seemed to finally focus. “Uh… for two?”

“Yes.”

“Five-undred grimm.”

The man beside you flinched. Ridged for a moment before pulling something out of his pocket.

… They just stared, gaze lazily flickering between Mephistopheles’ covered face and the card he held out. “We take grimm here sir.”

“I-uh- This, is.”

“Physical grimm or get lost.” With a yawn they leaned back in their chair. It was actually rather impressive they balanced so perfectly to not be falling backwards.

“I don’t…” Such a quiet mumble, Mephisto beginning to pat himself down.

“Here.”

“Thank ya kindly.” Didn’t even look to you or the grimm you placed on the counter, instead with a grunt sat up some and kicked the wall! And just like that a pair of oars came tumbling out of a hatch just below the awning the pair of you stood under. “You kids don’ fall in an’ get yerselves killed now, ya-” A mighty yawn revealed those glistening sharp teeth. “‘ere.” And they were leaning back in that chair, just as when you found them, eyes half open and fogged over suddenly, softly snoring.

…

“Les?”

“Ah, MC?” Spacing out again.

“Should we take this guy’s lead and get a little shuteye first?”

“No! No, not unless you, want too?”

“… Well, let’s go see the boats first.” You still couldn’t place it, was he being off because he needed a break from all the nobility stuff he had to do, or was it because he was taking a break. At the same time he clearly wanted to do this, so you were unsure about how to confront this, or if it were best to leave it be. Or was he just tired, the most likely of the three options.

For now, you’d enjoy your time. This was a date after all.

A secret date.

“How come you didn’t disguise your voice?”

“Unnecessary.” He didn’t even look your way!

“Come on, you’re supposed to be hiding yourself, you could at least have gone deeper or something.”

“All that’d do is draw attention to ourselves!” Finally.

“Fine we’ll just have too next time.”

“How unfortunate, as we shouldn’t be running into anyone else.”

“Damn it!”

“You’re ridiculous.” Mephistopheles said as he chuckled.

“And that’s what you love most about me.” He flinched at your sickeningly sweet singing-song tone.

“…” His pace slowed for a moment. “UGH- enough of this!” Before picking up pace.

Soon your steps and mingling chatter was accompanied by the crunching of salt once more.

“Hop in.” After you did so Mephisto followed after. The moment the oars were in the oarlocks the rope keeping the boat secure to shore undid itself, and easily enough Mephisto pushed off the pole sending you drift… ing…

“Hah, nothing like this in the Human World, is there.”

You didn’t answer for a moment, memorized by the sight. The breeze was far too light, especially with those thin sheets of salt on the water’s surface, but the rocking of the boat, the oars cutting through the water as the demon began to row did. Big enough splashes sent the water to glow a beautiful golden-red color. So that was where the ‘water-lava’ nickname came from, probably.

As Les made no protest to your placing your hand in you assumed it to be safe, watching as your breaking the surface, moving forward with the boat got more of that glow to appear in the ripples. “we do actually. But ours are blue, and in oceans. It has something to do with algae, I think.”

…

Well, that answered your question from before, if the man could ever look more handsome than after having literally ran to come see you. It was him surrounded by that red glow, with such a peaceful expression, a small soft smile, eyes partly closed, his hair swaying in the breeze, about to go on one of his tangents. “What’s happening here?”

“Huh, perhaps something similar to your world actually. This is also the only place where Angel Eater Algae can thrive as they sustain themselves on salt. It’s so small it can’t be touched, or even seen unless they glow. And how they do so is a fascinating process, and completely unrelated to their diet despite no other known algae having any sort of bio-luminescent effect such as these!”

It’d been far too long since you last hear one of these.

He really should have disguised his voice though. At least you certainly couldn’t forget his sound. Maybe it was something about his cadence, or that slight hum that seemed to always be in the back of his throat, but it was such a lovely sound. And you were lucky enough to hear it for seemingly hours, rudely interrupted by the crunching and scraping of salt sheets against your little boat.

“And given you can’t see as well in the dark you may not be able to tell, but this whole lake is so dense with salt the water is pink. Before the algae was discovered it was believed to be blood, angels draining demons of so much of it, and the tears from the pain of that war mixed together created this lake. As for it’s true origins, that’s still the only lead we have.” It was good to see him so relaxed and in his element.

“I’m surprised though that such a dangerous thing as this is just left be.” With how little salt there was everywhere else a part of you had kind of assumed demons got rid of all the salt, not that it seemingly didn’t naturally exist here. “I’d think this place would have been gotten rid of.”

For a moment he paused in his rowing and looked out to the lake. It was only now with his silence you could notice… music, off in the distance.

“We could get rid of this place, but poisons can still be taken to be used in medicines. Just as true here as it is in your home as you’ve taught me.” And back to rowing he went.

You could no longer see the shoreline. The further you went out the louder that music became, and eventually, a large building came into view in the distance, past the forest that surrounded you, up a hill. Maybe you could see this lake from there.

And Mephistopheles stopped. Stopped talking, stopped rowing, even placed the oars in the boat. Then he leaned over the edge, seeing his warped reflection with the backdrop of that endless sky as his demon form came forth.

And then he tapped the water’s surface with a single finger.

The ripple from it was more golden and less red in hue.

Taking off the glove that touched the water he set it beside himself, muttering a healing spell as he rubbed his fingers together.

Even after his hand still twitched, and the way he held it was a little off and stiff.

And to his confusion, you took that hand, giving it a kiss. Only when you looked up could you see how his eyes widened. It was beautiful how they sparkled from the glow of the lake and the stars it reflected.

Slowly, carefully, he stood. After a moment he stepped out and you reluctantly let go. Arms up some as if to help him keep balance just in case, a little before him he tapped the water’s surface with his shoe a few more times.

A step, a turn, a satisfied hum he was beside you, bowing, that hand held out to you.

You didn’t hesitate, letting him drag you off the boat, pulling you close with a hand on your hip instantly making you forget about the chill in the air.

It must have been such a strong spell, and yet you could only feel the faintest hints of magic when you tried.

Sometimes you forgot just how powerful Mephistopheles was.

The pair of you swaying, giggling, dancing, running around, each of your steps punctuated by glowing ripples that constantly collided into one another.

To walk on water, for it to be so steady, not even a single droplet clinging to the bottom of your shoes.

So powerful he rivaled Lucifer who once was the most powerful of the angels. The only ones who could out class hem were Diavolo, Barbatos, and maybe Solomon. Such power, and he so rarely used it. Not for newspaper club activities where he could probably make something to spy on others for scoops. Never at any of the balls Diavolo threw where demons are expected to show off where Diavolo is right there to see.

And such control he could keep the spell from affecting algae at all. Such control you could hardly feel it, something so powerful and it left almost no presents as to not distract from the moment.

So elegant, and beautiful, yet subtle. Perhaps too subtle for his own good at times. Such a man not used to the limelight.

Twirling about, his tail curling around you, the tip dragging across the water leaving a trail, that gorgeous grin. It was unfair that the world couldn’t see just how amazing this man was. But that just meant only you got this. Mephistopheles. A man so colorful yet quiet. A true demon, a gentleman who wasn’t afraid to bend or break the rules of his conduct in favor of his nature, to dash around, let the hood and zipper fall off, the scarf come undone. Unapologetically show you a beaming smile and sheepishly laugh as he tripped over his own feet. Always one of his hands was on you, never truly letting go.

It started as a waltz before devolving and losing all form, eventually the pair of you simply holding hands as you spun around and around.

And when you got too dizzy, and when his leg began to give out you held one another close, let you lean against eachother as the pair of you simply sway.

“I wonder where the music’s coming from.” Obviously some party or another out in the distance, maybe that mansion you could see.

“Ah, that, my Dear, is from The Meeting of the Lords.”

“What!?” You shot up shocked, THAT NAME, of all things came from Mephisto’s mouth at the moment.

Turning his head to that distant mansion he continued. “It’s being held there.”

“Are-Is it safe here!? Could you get caught!?”

What was with that sigh from him. It was not one of his usual overly dramatic ones. So small, so… “None of them would bother with such a simple place as this.”

“Simple!? It’s gorgeous!”

“I agree.” A step back and he took you into a slow waltz. “But it takes time to look beneath the surface, and… well, when you’re supposed to be supporting your leader your supposed to not have the time for such things as investigating, or even learning.”

Was that BITTERNESS in his tone at the end there!? And he looked so intently at… at you.

“… Did they talk about, us.”

“…” He just kept staring at you.

“hey, Les.” He didn’t seem completely here. “Mephistopheles.”

“ah- yes MC?”

…

“How come they have the music so loud we can even hear it out here? Do they need the whole Devildom know they’re partying it up?” Maybe an easier question could help him get his focus.

“It’s to show how well versed in magic they are.” As if to emphasize his point his next few steps had a little extra flourish to them. “How powerful they are. For all of us to go on and on nonstop for the whole meeting.”

You couldn’t help eyeing him up and down before settling on the bags under his eyes. “Mephistopheles have you slept since going to this thing?”

His shoulder sagged. “I usual can last the duration of the event but…” But what. “I tried getting sleep tonight but couldn’t.”

“Are you kidding me!?” He seemed surprised you were forcing this dance to stop. “Dude no- just- You’re getting some rest! Right now!”

“MC-”

“Three days straight Mephistopheles! I don’t care if demons don’t need as much sleep as humans or whatever b s, you need a break!”

A before you could stomp off you were clutched against him. “True I am exhausted, but I simply can’t sleep. To be beside you… there is nothing more I want, no greater break or rest I could take.” Squeezing you tighter his voice went quieter. “Unless I awoke you before? If you desire sleep we may do so.”

“… No, I couldn’t sleep myself.” Too preoccupied with figuring out if you could somehow surprise him on Valentine's Day without getting in the way of his noble stuff.

“Then may we stay here awhile longer?”

“Yeah.”

And so for the moment the pair of you simply sway there, the sparse red glow at your feet.

“So, you guys just go all night?”

“Indeed.”

“I thought it was a meeting, not a party.”

He hummed for a moment, thinking it over. “Its mostly an event to socialize. See how others are doing. Organize things, size up one another.”

“Ah.” Usual politician bullshit then, what else were you expecting. “Did they talk about us?”

His grip grew tighter. “No…” There was a slight grumble or raspiness to his hushed tone. “They didn’t acknowledge you, not in any form at all.”

… Wow, who knew Mephistopheles insulting you was the better treatment you could receive from most demon nobility when you first met.

“As…” His voice wavered, looking to the side. “As much as there is a need to impress when courting, to properly court I must gift you everything. No one would be satisfied with buying something and expecting it to be one thing and only to find it’s something else entirely. If I am to court you properly, I am to offer myself up fully, not just in part.”

So tempted you were to ask, but surely, in just a moment you’d get your answer. Where was this coming from?

“The host and I… That family used to be the crown’s main council, however my family has proved to be wiser, to look further than the issues of the now, and we proved to be more loyal, never straying from serving the crown and it’s people, our people, and so we have been granted honor of council for so long now. A kind acknowledgement of our efforts all the eons before.

Then we all lost when Lucifer arrived. Someone our prince barely knew, someone who didn’t know a thing of our people and still refuses to embrace us keeping himself and his brothers so separated aside for playing popularity contests…

Lord Diavolo saw Lucifer more fit than his own childhood friend.

He saw a man who lost a war as wiser than the man who’s family’s main purpose is strategizing and information gathering. He sought out an ex-angel for the matters of what would be best for the demon population instead of another demon.

Lord Diavolo who if not surrounded by demons who would die for him at least had a friend he could trust over all else, who cared about Diavolo, not Prince Diavolo? No. A man he barely met several times before would be more loyal and trust worthy. A stranger would see to it his best, not another demon who’d known him, had been by his side his whole life.

And after all this time he still chooses Lucifer, each and every day.”

He watched as those distant ripples faded away, back to just like how they started, as a part of the dark smooth waters. “This exchange program, all his efforts, they question if he’s being manipulated, if he wishes for the downfall of our people.

I’ve heard it all before, how I must be incapable, or how my family must not be as trustworthy or loyal as we ‘portrayed’. How I’m a sham, how I will be why my family falls from our station, all us be executed for having too much strength and no loyalty to put it towards. How I’m so weak, unable to protect him or this kingdom. Merely an abandoned lap dog desperate for scraps.

I know what they think of me.

It’s my family’s job to know things such as this.

As long as I can still serve, it doesn’t matter, and as long as my family is safe, it doesn’t matter.

But of course, it had to be this family who played host this time. Usually the talk is less, however merely because we’-”

“Hey, Les.”

“Huh?” Completely snapped from his train of thought he tripped.

But you were there to keep him stead. “May I impress you again?”

“I- What?”

“I want to teleport aaaalllllllll the way over there, or- you know what? What if we stayed here, and instead I teleport them all over here, right into the water! Wouldn’t it be nice to see the whole lake glowing?”

…

The pair of you stopped, simply standing there as the air around you teemed with magical energy making the water tremor, the lake glowing a blood red.

Eyes wide, his lips sightly parted, a deep dark red graced his cheeks that wasn’t the glow of the lake, you could feel the sheer heat that radiated off of them. You could feel it, how his heart quickened in pace, pounding away against you. And his breath, slightly trembling with each one he took.

…

You’d never seen an expression like this on him before. Full of surprises tonight, wasn’t he.

Eyes half lidded, leaning in, your breaths mingling as his hand trailed up your neck and cupped your cheek, letting him pull you in. Lips just barely grazing one another.

He swallowed, shaking, expression contort-

Collapsing to his knees he let go for a moment, but just before you’d part he had a vice like grip on your hands. “Make a deal with me. Ask me to be something you could love forever.”

“Wh-”

Looking up to you, such pain in his face. “I have a power, should one make a deal with me, I’ll have all the strength I need to accomplish it.

Please.”

Leaning his forehead against yours as you kneeled down he closed his eyes, pressing your hands to his chest. “By your hand, by your command, make me into something you would keep.”

“What are you talking about!?” Immediately you dropped down to his level.

It terrified you, even with his voice trembling, possibly on the brink of tears, there was a calmness underneath. Not desperate, not saying whatever passed his head, he was still choosing his words, no matter how raw and brutal they were.

Important things had to be said properly after all. One needed etiquette, holding the hands of and locking gaze with the one they were pleading too. One needed to be dressed, in their demon form the highest form of dress while carrying the colors and garments of their lover’s people. One needed to provide, give all they could possibly offer.

“Grant me this power, please. If nothing else could I be your’s? Even with all my failures, all that I am. I was so caught up in the moment, but I should have been the one to bring you here. I should have paid. It shouldn’t have been a question that I’d spend this day with you. I’m no noble, not in attitude, I cannot be anything else now, just a humble demon asking for this one favor.

Please keep me.

I don’t want this to end.

I don’t want you to look away.

Let me keep performing, tell me what you want me to be. What you want to see.

Say it.”

“I…”

What the hell were you supposed to say?

All you could do was try keeping him steady.

He wouldn’t let go of your hands, so the next best thing you could do was lean your forehead against his. “What are you talking about? Who you are now already IS that.”

What a pitiful chuckle. “For now. Or maybe it’s not, and it’s not just me this time who doesn’t know it. You did say I wasn’t acting myself before when I left the meeting.”

“That’s it.” As gentle as you wanted to be, this would not stand. “You don’t get to decide how or what I feel. Even to predict it.”

Somehow you managed to pry your hands out of his, and instead firmly placing them on his shoulders. “You’ve been awake for three days and nights straight, and you’ve been put through relentless harassment through it all. You’re exhausted. You. Need. Sleep.”

“MC please-”

“No. Listen up. You are Lucifer in this situation!”

Sitting there Mephistopheles just blinked in shock as you continued. “I had been with that lot since the moment I arrived here. The brothers, Diavolo, Barbatos, Simeon, Solomon, and after YEARS of knowing them, of them fighting over me, of all the endless love confessions, the moment you finally decided to appear after us just somehow NOT bumping into each other at all at R.A.D and I was head over heels! Even with you being an ass, going on and on about how weak humans are, you still captivated me!”

You kept one hand on his shoulder while the other waved about, presenting and gesturing to a whole lot of nothing as if there was a screen or presentation behind you. “So if you’re going to not subtly compare this to what happened with Diavolo, well guess what, I’m going to keep choosing you each and every damn day.

I have no idea how in the world they’re all blind to your greatness, how caring you are, how you put your all into whatever you do, your passion and dedication, your loyalty to your personal creed, but that just means I’m cruelly lucky in that only I get to see such beautiful sights past the salty, rocky exterior.”

Damn it, why were you getting emotional now. OF ALL TIMES! “So don’t magically change yourself. Just… let that be something that naturally happens over time.” You caressed his cheek. You couldn’t help it really. He was too damn pretty last year, and still he was, even if in different ways than before. “And I’ll be right here because I want to see it, because I can tell you for a fact, there just isn’t anything better than this. Than you.

I love you.

So please, don’t so easily disregard that guy like everyone else. He means everything to me.”

…

You couldn’t quite read his expression. “oh.” The closest you could get to describing it could possibly be, a small shock.

And even if small, it was no less impactful. His hands shaking before lurching forward-

“AH!” Perhaps with a little too much force, pulling the rest of him along with it. Still he hugged you so tightly, face burrowed in the crook of your neck, leaving you with a view of the stars above.

“… but if not this, how can I know you won’t…” His hot breath tickled the skin of your neck.

And his voice sounded so tired.

How you wished you could give a clear answer to that. Tangible proof for him to hold. “… I don’t know. All I can do is be here all the same. Maybe one day you’ll believe me.”

“…”

“Say, could you let me roll over?”

And that he did. Finally you could see him again.

He looked exhausted too.

Laying on your sides you both held hands. Mephistopheles let his tail drape over you. His gaze couldn’t quite meet your’s but only for a moment. “I… I can’t completely trust all that you say. It’s too good to be true, too romantic. But now more than ever I want too.”

…

“Les.” Gently you brushed that hair off of his face. “Please get some sleep. I’m begging you. And after all the meetings, and after you’ve had time to recuperated, if you want too, we could look for some magical way to bound us together. I would offer a pact, bu-”

There you were on your back again. However instead of the starry sky it was Mephistopheles, his hands on either side of you pinning you in place. His pupils were the size of pinpricks, piercing right through you. “Make a pact with me.”

.

.

.

“Only if you ask me again in two weeks time. People’s emotions a heightened when it’s late and when they’re tired and I don’t want you to offer something you’ll regret.”

“… But this is still how I feel, even if they are stronger. Two weeks ago, now, two weeks from now, I just want to be your’s.”

…

“You felt like this before?”

It was too long a pause where all you could hear was the wind and the music. You were both completely still.

Slowly his pupils returned to their normal size. “I… I may not have had the words for it… or offered my power, but yes. I want you to want me.”

“A pact seems unfair though, you giving me your power and I… just have it.”

“It shows my respect and trust in you. At least… that’s how I’d see it.”

You needed to close your eyes and think for a moment. If you looked at him any longer surely you’d give in without a second thought.

“Hmm… still unfair though, you’d have the same thing as the brothers when I don’t see you the same way I do them.”

What to do.

Actually. “It’s also unfair you’ve taken me out for Valentine’s and I haven’t, or gifted you anything.” This is serious, why were you blushing now! “When you texted me, I was actually trying to figure out how to surprise you for today. But like… you’re so rich, you can get whatever you want, so the only thing I could think of was to make something. So…”

“So?” Why did he have to lean in!?

“So… I… uh… what if we could always feel the other’s heart. The idea I liked best for what to make for you was a pair of rings for us, and through these rings we could feel the other’s pulse, your heartbeat, but, I don’t know? It just, felt like something I’d be more into than you and I do have other ideas like-”

Laying atop you your chests were pressed together, your hearts right beside one another. Your hands fumbled about till they finally found one another, fingers interlacing together, squeezing tight. He lightly moaned, crooning with that first kiss. He did end up denying himself your lips, your embrace before, and finally he let himself melt into it.

And before he could lean down for a second you quickly turned away. “I take that as you like the idea.”

You couldn’t help chuckling some as he huffed. “You phrase that like a question when clearly you know the answer.”

“Just checking.” And before he could do a thing you grabbed the back of his skull, slamming your lips together, and your demon all too eagerly went along, finding your cheeks to keep you from turning away again. Not that you would, you had no more cheeky remarks. And you couldn’t resist the way he bit your lip.

How could a mere hour or two hour feel like so long and so short at the same time? With a groan you managed to sit up, pry yourself out of your lovely warm sheets. You would have slept in- “it’s too early for this.” But already you heard all that ruckus just outside your door.

Thankfully you never bothered to get changed into pajamas, able to just get up and out, smooth out the oversized zipper hoodie, and hope whatever today’s chaos was could be delt with easily so you could get back to-

“Ah, there you are. Had a good night?” Never before had you been so terrified. Lucifer, beside you with such forced cheeriness from his voice.

Flowers, heart shaped boxes, candies, chocolates, human world love birds, and too many other things for you to recognize all pouring through the front doors of the House of Lamentation!

Satan stood there, demon form out just about ready to scratch up the walls, Levi was crouched in the corner mumbling about normies, Mammon had his calculator out trying to take stock of everything, Belphegor was having fun stuffing as much as he could down Beelzebub’s gullet and Asmo was shrieking excitedly in a voice too high pitched for these morning hours.

It was all addressed to you.

Thankfully, you never changed so you still had your phone on hand for you to make calls.

“M-”

“What did you do!?”

“I assume you’ve gotten my surprise!” How was Mephistopheles sounding so happy and rested!? “As I couldn’t do things properly, hand make you chocolates or gift you flowers in person, on the way to see you I ordered as much as I could from only top quality services my family have used for our personal catering or events in order to compensate some. Several places were unable be finished by the morning, but they have assured me they’ll get them to you soon. Actually I suggest we go to some of these stores in-person to pick out the material for out rings if we don’t decide to get the raw material by hand!”

…

“… I love you.”

“I-uh! I… I love you too.”

“Good-”

“But that doesn’t even begin to describe my feeling for-” Suddenly a strange muffled scuffling came from the receiver. “Excuse me, I’m having an important call here! Ahem, as I was saying. I love you doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings for you.”

Ah, so you’ve graduated to love tangents, have you? What were you going to do with this man?

Well, try running away from a furious Lucifer while you listened for one.

Thank you @penappal for reviewing part of the super rough draft

[fridgemissionmaster]

Mephistopheles x Reader: Mephisto and the Not-so-Great Valentine's Day Date

AN: So... the holiday kinda snuck up on me and only did it hit me the day before yesterday that, A. Valentine's Day was coming up and B. Obey Me! is a dating sim and I should probably have something for the holiday and I literally just finished this so this has not been beta/proof read, so there are probably a few grammar/spelling mistakes BUT I GOT SOMETHING DONE ON TIME AND I FIND THAT GOOD ENOUGH!

damn it

Damn it

DAMN IT!

How could HE of ALL people be, LATE!? And on a day as important as this!

He already had his outfit chosen and laid out, offerings on his bedside table, valet scheduled ahead of time to be ready to leave, alarms set, attendants assisting in preparation, he took every precaution AND YET SOMEHOW HE’S RUNNING LATE! He’s never late but somehow THIS TIME HE IS!

There was no excusing this misconduct, how was he to face you now. If he were to court anyone let alone you for that matter, you deserved nothing less than his best yet here he was, disheveled, out of breath, face flushed from the run over here.

Was it the shame or nerves that made his heart pitter-patter so, a lump beginning to form in his throat.

ENOUGH! He was better than this, to get so flustered. Yes, he messed up, however even he has before, it was not the end of all things.

“Ah M- Oh, Lucifer. Hello.”

“Mephistopheles.”

The man eyed him up and down, clearly unimpressed with the sight. Of all demons to answer the door it just had to be that man. Slowly, deliberately, he smoothed out his light pink button-up.

…

He had kept you waiting, if Lucifer was the one opening the door and not you, had he disappointed you enough for your date to be call off? The least he could do was apologize.

“How is MC? I’d like to see them if they’d have me.”

A deep sigh escaped the man before him.

“MC-”

The ground shook, a mighty crash erupted from the once deathly silent house, a cacophony of voices yelling.

“-… is occupied at the moment.”

“Occupied!?” The appalling gall! “Is MC even alright!?” 

“Les!” It’s you! Though his sight was immediately obscured by black feathers he managed to squeeze past, darting into the house.

In your sprint your foot got caught on the carpet sending you tumbling forward! Thankfully you were just within arm’s reach.

“PDA POLICE! UNHAND MC!”

“Yeah!”

“Wait! We still-”

“MC you can’t go with the wall broken!”

“Yeah- uh, only you… can fix it?”

“THE HELL WAS THAT!?”

“Look just- SHUT UP!”

“I have chocolate.”

“Are you hurt?” Looking you up and down there didn’t seem to be any injuries, but humans are such fragile things, did something in you get hurt?

You lightly shook your head before abruptly standing up. “STAY!” Though Mephistopheles himself wasn’t under your command he could still FEEL the raw power behind your voice. Something so strong the force of it alone left him in such utter aw he almost didn’t notice the demons around him collapsing to the floor. “I’ll be back later, I don’t know when, don’t wait up for me for dinner. If I catch ANY of you or your familiars stalking us, you know what will happen, got it?”

With their nods you smiled, taking Mephisto’s hand. You squeezed it so tightly before running off with him in tow, the demon tripping his way out the door his knees too weak from your display moments before.

“M-MC, where are we going?”

“Away from here!”

Your footfalls tapped against the cobblestone streets racing along, down one road, turning at the next. Soon you slowed down taking a moment to rest on your knees.

“Sorry about that. I was ready but right before you got here they dragged me back in with excuses to stay.”

“No, I should be the one apologizing. If I had been here on time we could already be on our date.”

You just stared at him. Why were you staring at him? You took out your phone, looking puzzled. “It’s just a few minuets past when we were to meet.”

“Just?” You… didn’t care?

… Well, you do have many suitors, either those brothers had managed to lower your standards for basic decency, or it didn’t matter for you would have gone out with one of them if he hadn’t arrived.

Gently he took one of your hands into both of his own. “Allow me the chance to make up for this grievance, if you’re willing, I do still have a date planned.”

“What? No, dude-” A light chuckle shook you. “-you were at most a minuet late, you’re fine. You don’t need to be so serious.” Your free hand found purchase on his shoulder before rubbing up and down his upper arm. “Just relax, we’re supposed to have fun today.”

Relax? How?

You’ve bewitched him don’t you know? Just as you had just about every other being. You have countless people after your heart and asked him on a date on such an important human holiday! You chose HIM! And in return he had to show you nothing less than his best! To impress you, to prove to you he’d make for nothing less and an exemplary partner!

WHAT DO YOU MEAN RELAX!? What could that even mean in this context?

Unlike Lord Diavolo, Mephistopheles was never meant for the spotlight, he is to assist from backstage, but if it would keep your gaze on him longer and to not be drawn away he’d perform the greatest show, for you to see only the best he had to offer!

What nonsense could you understand that he was unable too?

“So! What are we doing?”

“Well you requested I do ‘simple’-” It’d be too much of a fuss and delay to properly fix his outfit, so he partially untucked his top and ran a hand through his hair so at least it wasn’t completely out of place. “-and with your advice I believe I’ve planned just that. Lunch, a walk and a show.”

“Hmm” Your gaze traced over him, from his black slacks to the pink top, the edges of the collar and the cuffs of the sleeves embroidered with black lace and tiny jewels. Was it… too much?

“Lovely.” It was almost too easily how your hand slid into his own, intertwining your fingers. “Let’s get going!”

“Of course.”

The streets were bustling as they always had. To everyone else it was a day just like any other yet that could not be further from the truth for the pair of you.

So… Valentines day. After looking into the holiday when you mentioned it was coming up it was fascinating how the story of two separate priests and an older society festival combined could have spread so far and come to be a day of love, if something similar had happened in the Devildom the day would likely be a much different affair to the romance and reds, pinks and whites… well… perhaps the red would be still be there but for blood, like that older society’s festivities.

Humans, such fragile things, yet the more he looked the more fascinated he was, by how so quickly everything happens, much of it would do to be put in the paper for others to learn, yet that’s also the problem, everything going by so fast he could hardly keep track of all that happens in a few hundred years… Just as now, chatting and laughing away and in the blink of the eye already their pair of you stood before those open doors.

“What’s this place.” Your eyes practically sparkled upon entering. Immediately you crouched down scanning over the little gachapon machines that lined the wall.

“Sharpest Slice, the only generationally owned and operated pizza places in the Devildom. Exceptional really, it’s rarer for a family to have multiple generations, let alone for the younger ones to continue their family’s work outside of nobility.” He wasn’t surprised you found yourself being drawn to the arcade corner. “It was a few centuries back when we made the article about this place. The whole of the first and second generation works here from cooking, to repair, to making and enchanting the little toys in the machines.”

“Oh, these little guys are enchanted?”

“Yes, but with the way the machines are built you can’t tell unless you get one or see one move through the window. The enchantments are changed regularly so it’s always a surprise even if you get something you got before.”

“Huh… you’re right, I can’t sense a thing.” Back to hovering around the machines you held out a hand, drawing it closer and farther, around the little door and window likely still looking for some reading or sign of the magic.

… So this is what he looked like to his clubmates when they first got here.

“Order whatever you like, I’ll be back in a moment.” With some grimm placed in your palm he curled your fingers over, giving you a soft pat before trotting off.

When he scouted out here for your date he was surprised by how little coin the exchange machine could except. In fact the last visit all the grimm he had was worth too much for the machine. Good thing the owner stopped him before he attempted such or else he may have broken the thing, or accidentally had it drop all the change it had.

By the time he was done you came trotting over asking what to do first. He found himself before one of the mini claw machines. There were mostly plush key cha-

Immediately he tossed in a few coins activating the game.

“Hmm? … Oh, gluhschwanz!” You pointed to just the little plush dragon key chain he had his eye on. “For Rubezalis?”

“Ruby would love it.”

“Good luck!” You perched yourself on his shoulders as if that could somehow transfer said luck into him.

…

..

.

“You actually did it!”

“Excuse me!? Actually!?”

“Well, yeah! All these crane games are all rigged so you can’t win.”

Taking the little push thing he looked to you, brow raised. “Really? I know my clubmates won a few things when we came here to interview the first owners.”

“Eh? Let me try!” and so you activated the game…

…

..

.

And nothing but air was gotten. “Ugh.”

“You wanted the wyvern?”

“Yes.”

“Let me try.”

…

..

.

“Here you are.”

“… Okay, how! I’ve never seen these things work!”

Mephisto stared at you for a moment. “MC… you say they’re all rigged?”

“Yes.”

“… Perhaps it’s simply your skill at the game.” That or somehow ALL the machines in the human world were broken which he doubted.

“It has nothing to do with skill!”

“Well let’s try another then.” He gestured to another machine.

“Bet.”

“Bet? Bet what?”

“No, bet- it- human turn of phrase.”

“Hmm?”

And so you tried again. And again. And again. And again. Mephisto tried giving you tips, even the plush toys began trying to hanging on to the claw yet still… “See!” You only meant to gesture to the machine but a bit too much force from the frustration seemed to find it’s way to your hand having you smack the thing.

“MC?”

“I’m fine.” With a sigh you stood up, turning your back to the machines. The little plush toys wobbled, whether jeering at your defeat or encouraging your win, Mephisto wasn’t sure.

“… Bet I could get a higher score than you.” Gingerly you pointed to a pair of the same arcade game standing side by side.

“Given your track record so far…”

“That’s it! We’re playing!” Looping your arm around his own you practically dragged him off to your dueling ground.

“What would we even bet?”

“Uh- we can decide later!”

“Three, two, one, GO!” Admittedly you immediately got a head start, clearly this was a game you knew well. Mephistopheles hadn’t played too many of these kind of… pixely, shooty, flying, score, combo games??? before, but your smug smile was showing you were too quick to count him out. What was he if not a fast learner? He couldn’t help the smug smile, catching you check his score from the corner of the eye and try focusing on your own game. Good, he was hoping you’d give a chall-

He froze losing a life. Your mischievous giggle rang in his ears as you pulled your lips away. He swore he could still feel your heat as you kissed his cheek.

So, the pair of you were allowed to play by under handed means?

Sure, he’ll play.

“WAH!” You jumped, instinctively batting at tip of his tail that he dropped on your head. The moment you realized it was just him it was back to the game, spamming the fire button as fast as you could! Unlike your distraction he managed to get you to let go of the controls, this couldn’t go unpunished!

And thus your tattled continued, a playful shove here, a standing in front of the other’s screen there.

Soon a triumphant laughter erupted as well as the most beautiful bright smile you had ever seen graced your senses. “I WON!” Crow’s feet at the corners of his closed eyes, sharp canines on full display, the bridge of his nose crinkling up, perhaps the softest expression you had ever seen on him.

“Nah, I definitely won.”

“Ha?” He looked to you confused, so unguarded for a moment before glancing between your screens.

You interrupted before he could even speak. “I’ve never seen your demon form before, you’re gorgeous.”

Could your words really have caught him so, for him to be so… not surprised but something like that, not as harsh.

Like Barbatos you couldn’t pin down an exact human world creature his features were like but you could find similarities. If you had to find a comparison though the closest one could find would be a Chinese dragon, flowing fur running along a thin line on the top, before stiffening and forming a fish like fin at the tip. Even his horns, branching like cherry blossom trees in paintings, running back instead forward or out to the side like most horns you’ve seen.

“You’re even blushing.”

“That’s- I-”

“Say, isn’t showing one’s demon form an honor, the highest form of dress?”

“… yes?”

How were you doing this, looking to him so… so…

He lacked the words.

There was this twinkle in your eyes. “Glad I can make for a worthy opponent.”

A worthy opponent indeed.

Mephisto placed a hand to his chest seeing his now once more gloved hand landing on that fluttery dark green ascot. “… I had thought to be like this, but this is a human holiday, so it would only be appropriate I adorn myself in your colors and form, would it not?”

He didn’t dare move even as you stepped closer, only a breath apart.

“You’re so swee-”

BANG

You both flinched as the sudden sound practically attacked you. A few demons followed it, beginning to surround the gachapon machines. You almost followed too but couldn’t right away, finding yourself wrapped protectively in Mephistopheles’ arms, even holding his can up and in a defensive stance. With an awkward cough and stiff opening of his arms he let go.

Quickly the pair of you made their way just in time to see A. the gachapon machines had toppled over with many of the capsules scattered across the floor and B. the toys inside breaking out going on the attack directly or working together to chuck knives, forks, other toys and capsules your way. And that was how the pair of you as well as many other customers found yourselves ducking into the kitchen for safety. Being wacked with little plastic balls could surprisingly hurt.

“Mephisto!” The man came sprinting in.

“They blocked the exits.”

“Why!?”

“I don’t know! And neither dose anyone else! The ones who make the toys are on vacation so no one can get in contact to know what they even did to the toys!” His tail smacked against the counter sending the toy clinging to it back out to the dinning area.

“Well, the magic allowing them to move is weak, we can subdue them.”

“Remember how I told you this is a family run business.”

“Yeah.”

“The chefs are fighting with the others who want to break the toys because their siblings made them!”

“I’m going back out there.”

“MC, those things will stab you!”

“Well, we can’t break them, so we just have to undo the enchantment! You said they place new ones on them regularly, that should be fine, right?”

“Well, ye- Wait!” He immediately followed as you ran past back out to the front counter.

You managed to snatch one of the plush key chains, holding it firm enough so it couldn’t escape but not so much as to be squeezing it. “… How can such weak magic do so much?”

You both held your breath concentrating on the little soft chimera. Surprisingly it didn’t do much once in hand, not even squirming, at most resting it’s muzzle against you.

Curiously Mephisto reached out a finger to pat it on the head only for it to buck him away. “Usually the enchantments are something simple, changing color, moving to simple commands, giving hugs… reacting to emotions!” The pair of you looked to one another coming to the same realization.

Gently you stroked the toy with your thumb concentrating, searching and feeling for those faint traces… “Love… Les?” The demon dropped his head on your shoulder.

“Once again you’ve captured the heart of every being in the room. Rioting because they’re upset you didn’t get to win again.” Slowly he got to his feet. “If the enchantment is to react on love, it should be simple enough to dispel.” You didn’t even think before taking the hand outstretched to you, pulling you up. “Shall we?”

And alarm rang, their pair of you felt a water spell activate drenching the pair of you as well as the rest of the restaurant just as a terrible heat began to emerge from the back.

Next thing you knew you were held tightly, standing across the street from the restaurant, a green fire could be seen through a window toward where the kitchen was. Thankfully it seemed most, if not everyone else was out too.

…

“Maybe I sensed anger and not love.”

“… Yes I believe we got the enchantment wrong.”

Though the pair of you were sopping wet at least the emergency fire system going off would probably be enough to wash away whatever enchantment the toy were under. You noted to yourself to never mention this incident to anyone, if it reached Solomon’s ears surely he’d double your assignments, you barely had any time that wasn’t RAD work or apprentice work as it already was!

“Les?” Mephisto’s breath shuttered before he let you go.

“I’ll be back in a moment.” Quickly he made his way towards the demon who you made your order to at the counter. They seemed to exchange something before the demon practically lunged at Mephisto, gripping him in a tight hug before running off.

You had a feeling about what just transpired but you couldn’t help asking once he got back. “So what happened?”

“Although we didn’t get our meal, we still enjoyed the services of the place and thought I could at least compensate for that.”

He overpaid by a lot, honestly you didn’t know if he knew he was or not, but if he did you wouldn’t be surprised.

As if in a panic Mephisto patted himself down, sighing upon taking something out of his inner coat pocket. “Good it wasn’t washed away.”

“Oh?”

… He couldn’t bare to look to you as he presented the bar, the ribbon wrapping around the corner partially undone. “It’s tradition to make chocolate for whom you wish to be your Valintine, right? And since we can’t get pizza anymore you could at least have this.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you? You hadn’t even tasted to know if it’s to your liking yet.”

“But you took the time to make it for me, that’s enough. Besides, you made it I’m sure that even if it’s a flavor I don’t personally like it’ll taste good.” It was interesting to try to unwrap what with the paper disintegrating from the water. It thankfully easy enough to simply rub off.

Though you said you accepted his offering no matter how it was he couldn’t help focusing on the awful nerves that bubbled in his gut. First he was late allowing the brothers that chance to bother you, then… ALL THAT at the restaurant. He knew he could do better and that was the worst part. Still, the least he could do was make your day better.

“Oh, what’s this jell on the inside, it’s delicious! And why dose it tingle so much!”

“You told me once you wanted to know more about Demous, so I thought to add some to the chocolate. Most of the bottles I could find had such high concentration. Many of the more flavorful ones could knock even Lord Diavolo off he feet, but I couldn’t compromise on the taste, so it took some time to find one with low enough concentration that it wouldn’t harm your liver while still keeping the tas…… What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing! Nothing. I love it.”

“No.” You shrunk a little under his gaze. “You made a face just now. Is it not to your liking?”

“…” now it was you who couldn’t look him in the eye. “Demonus doesn’t ha-uh… effect humans. H-hopefully you didn’t spend too long finding this one, I’m- ahem, I’m sorry!” You shook a little trying to clear your throat.

…

Those three months were still worth it! Learned a lot about Demonus then he thought he could about how to make it less effective!

“MC?” You kept clearing your throat. Now beginning to pat your chest.

“P-pen- EpiPen.” The moment you got the thing out of your pocket Mephisto took it, helping you to the ground before popping off the cap and sticking it into your leg.

…

And there was nothing else he could do. Sitting at your bedside as you napped. The moment he arrived at the castle it was as if Barbatos and Diavolo knew you would be arriving, the butler whisking you away to tend to you. Already Mephisto had given Diavolo a list of the ingredients he used. It seemed you had tried everything on it in some form or another already… except for the alcohol. Of course. With you napping at least he had the chance to give it to Barbatos to check if all humans would be allergic or just a few.

Would you even want to see him after this, he POISONED you, made an attempt on your life! Thankfully with magic and him getting you here in such a quick fashion you should be fine with a few hours but, your life is so short as it was, and he stole several hours. Yet despite this shame he couldn’t seem to keep himself from your side any more than he already had.

“Les?”

Though he faced you he could hardly get words out, but he had too! “I’m so sorry, MC.”

“… Eh, one of the more peaceful attempts on my life.” You tiredly chuckled, slowly sitting up. “H-hey, it wasn’t that bad. Every time I try something there’s the risk of that, who knows, maybe the pizza would have gotten to me.”

“… Barbatos says you’re free to go whenever you wish.”

“Oh, good! Could we still catch that show?”

You almost flinched seeing how he looked like you just slapped him! “You… still want to continue the date?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“Well…” He closed his eyes thinking for a moment. “We missed the show, and it’s getting too late for a walk without the more dangerous creatures beginning to stalk about.”

… Slowly, he took your hand. “Would you come home with me?”

“Oh?”

He adjusted himself so he could better face you. “Allow me the chance to make you some proper Valentine’s Day chocolate. I still have ingredients left over and I won’t add anything extra to it!”

“Hmm… only if I get to make you chocolate too.”

Clearly you left the man bewildered, of all things, that seemed to catch him off guard. “I wanted to make you chocolate too, but every time I tried they got eaten, or the ingredients were eaten, or someone else shoved their way into the kitchen and messed up everything.”

“If that is what you wish, of course!”

“And we could still get that walk in now!”

“Of course.” Walking to his place… There weren’t exactly too many places to stop and rest like at the botanical garden he was planning to take you too, but his leg could push through!

And so the pair of you began to trek, you simply waving bye to Diavolo much to his chagrin, but at least the prince didn’t seem to mind.

It was about half way he began to notice that pain spark from his ankle and up. He had taken enough of your time, he couldn’t ask for more of it for his own sake. Besides you seemed to be enjoying yourself, pointing out a shop and describing an incident where Satan and Asmodeus ended up dragging you into being in a commercial or how the jingle off in the distance reminded you od a song you liked back home. You burst our laughing as Mephisto described some of the misadventures he and Ruby got into in the forests around the mansion, like when Mephisto couldn’t find anything worthy of the front page of the paper so Ruby started spreading rumors there were ancient ferocious dragons only for that to turn up as not so much as a rumor but kinda true as Rubezalis manage to accidentally lead some to RAD who turned out to be the most cuddly creatures one could meet.

Later and later it got, he just hoped there would be room in the kitchen for the pair of you to work without getting in the way of the staff’s dinner prep. The doors opened before you, not even needing to knock.

“Oh, I was just gonna call.” The teen was lounged across some of the steps of that grand staircase like it were some comfy couch. He ran a hand through that long bright teal hair, pulling some of it away from his face.

“Hey Rubezalis.”

“Hey MC.”

The boy quirked a brow, immediately Mephistopheles tried loosening the tight grip he held onto his cane but it was too late, Ruby getting up and quickly making his way over.

“Guess you’ll be joining us for dinner. You two should have a seat, I’ll tell em to add another portion.”

“Actually,” Mephistopheles placed a hand on his little brother’s shoulder just as he tried walking past. “we haven’t discussed that yet.”

“So what are you doing?”

You piped up. “Making chocolate.”

Ruby gave his brother a pointed glare his gaze flickering to that tense leg for a moment, lightly knocking his foot into his brother’s gaining smallest, quietest wince. “Cool, cool. Standing around sounds awful though. Well, you kids have fun.”

“Oh, wait, before you go.” Quickly Mephisto pulled that little plush key chain out of his pocket and placed it in Ruby’s hands. The demon couldn’t help beaming seeing that excited twinkle in his little brother’s eyes.

“Wait, you got me something for me and not your date.”

“No, he did!” You held out your keychain gaining a small smile from the youth.

“Good. Welp, see you.” And with that he walked away, hooking the keychain to one of his beltloops. “Hey, tell Ma we should go to Ristorante Six for dinner.” With that order given an attendant scurried off.

“Let’s be off, the kitchen’s this way.” Just as Mephisto turned you to one of the doors he felt a light tap on the back of his head. Over his shoulder from the corner of the eye he spotted his little bother giving him two thumbs up, mouthing ‘good luck, try not falling flat on your face’ before hopping up those steps.

“… Rubezalis cast a spell on your shoes.”

“Yours too. I don’t see the harm in leaving it be and letting him have his fun.” You nodded at Mephisto’s words, agreeing as he led the way through that gigantic house.

With a shaky sigh he leaned against one of the counters alleviating some of the pressure on his leg. While he separated the measuring cups and bowls, you were gathering the sugar and other ingredients from the cabinets he pointed out.

“A-AH!”

“MC!”

You both felt it, that little spell suddenly coming to life, shoes stuck to the ground, the sugar you held sent flying into the air as you crashed into the demon beside you. Cups and bowls in hand clattered about, tossed away cradling your head and neck to chest.

Well… he fell on his back and not face.

Damn it

If this were ANY other day, his leg wouldn’t have locked up from the pain and he could have kept the pair of you steady, but no, he couldn’t and now

now

The pair of you laid there, just absolutely covered in sugar.

Everything just kept going wrong.

His face so unbearably hot, his eyes stinging a little, this embarrassment just eating him up.

“Are you alright, MC- MPH”

.          .          .

Slowly you drew back, your eyes half lidded, smiling, looking to him so adoringly. “Sorry, your lips were too sweet to resist.”

“I, what?” Quickly he sat up. “How? How can you kiss me, this date has been nothing but terrible!”

“Well… maybe it wasn’t idea, but-” you ran a hand through his hair dusting some of the sugar off… and making those take on a darker red hue. “You’ve been so thoughtful this whole time. From the planning, your outfit, even your chocolate, you always put your all into everything you do, it amazing! And even the EpiPen I shouldn’t have been surprised but I still was, demons don’t have allergies so you could only have learned that for me.”

“Surprised? Of course I knew! No harm can come to any of the exchange studens while you reside in the Devildom.”

“I think you just care about people, more than you like to admit.”

“You-” You can’t just say something like that! “Bet.”

“Huh?”

“I won that bet, remember? I know what I want. A… another kiss.”

“… boo.”

“BOO!?” The man practically shot up, yet you still sat in his lap.

“You should have asked for something better.”

“SOMETHING BETTER!?”

“Yes, you don’t need a bet for that.”

A light laughter escaped you as the demon was unable to look to you anymore.

“Double or nothing.” Somehow he managed to force his flustered self to face you once more. “I bet you I can take you on the most extraordinary date! One that meets my standards.”

“Ooh, and what if you lose?”

“You decide.”

“Then I’ll have to take you out! And what if you win?”

“… I’d still like a kiss.”

“Okay. But I say that’s a separate bet. So…” You couldn’t help that giddy giggle feeling the man practically melt under your lips.

So he had another chance. No matter what he would make it a good date, that he promised to himself. But… if even such an awful day could have something like this happen… maybe it’s wasn’t completely terrible after all.

[fridgemissionmaster]

The demon couldn’t help wringing his hands, oh so tempted to rip that glove off. He sighed marching through those empty halls, the tapping of his footfalls drowned out by the echoing, pounding rain who’s sound came pouring though the windows and open archways.

… This was ridiculous, he should turn on heel and go right back. He didn’t need to go home, but his presents would only hinder and distract at this point, everyone else had already decided to wrap up soon anyway. At least he was able to keep the notes to go over later.

Honestly what was wrong with him. Questioning his own decisions and being stubborn about this. This was…

What?

Who was that assaulting the halls of Diavolo’s academy!?

At the end of the hall under that grand entrance was a familiar figure. But it couldn’t be. Surely you, of all people, with your boisterous entourage wouldn’t be left here in this weather. It had to have been someone else.

Yet as he approached your visage only became more and more clear. You, standing there, lightly bonking your forehead against the stone frame.

Well… though odd you weren’t actually doing any sort of dam..age…

…

“Do you not have an umbrella?”

The human flinched looking over their shoulder. Did you not notice his approach? Did you just feel that safe here or were you that air headed to not be alert of your surrounding!?

“As of this afternoon, no! Not unless you count scrap metal I guess!” You heaved a sigh, turning to the man, a bruise forming where you kept meeting the stone.

“And none of those brothers are taking you back? Classes have long since ended!”

“tch.”

“Honestly! What is with that lot! They drone on and on of their love for you yet abandon you here? Are you kidding me!? Even if not you’re still their charge, it’s their job to care for you, not leave you out in the cold! How did you come to be under their care, they can barely keep themselves presentable let alone tend to another life!”

“OH, will you just shut up, yes they suck but they didn’t mean for THIS! Even if they did cause it!”

YOU raised your voice, at him. Mephisto couldn’t tear his gaze away as you paced around, beginning to wave your hands with such force a soft whooshing sound he could pick up as you cut the air.

“I could be home by now, NNNOOOOOO, Lucifer apparently can’t be a decent dog owner and not let Cerberus use whatever the pup can find as a chew toy, and of course he came in all like ‘oh guess we’ll just have to share, here stand closer’ and everyone gets into a fight over who I should share and umbrella with cause nobody could just, oh, I don’t know, just let me run through the rain for a few minuets to get to the market for a new one! And of course the old one I found in the closet Asmo had to mess up a spell in class and TURN IT INTO AN ANGRY GUITAR! Then obviously everyone had to be busy and needed to leave early. I just wanted to study some! Is that so wrong! And Mammon said we’d go home together but Lucifer just HAD to find out about Mammon holding a betting pool on the tournament and decided that OH OF COURSE IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS I HAVE TO DRAG HIM BACK HOME AND STRING HIM UP TO THE CEILING BECAUSE APPEARENTLY I CAN’T THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST WAY TO GET ON EVERYONE’S NERVES TODAY! Oh, yeah, and guess what!? I can’t even call anybody cause Levi broke my phone! You know what it’s like to wake up DROWNING in the middle of the night, and all your stuff getting flooded! NOT! FUCKING FU-”

“MC!”

THWACK

He wasn’t fast enough.

You froze the moment your hand crashed into the wall, your fingers crumpling under the force.

In stiff jolty movements you slowly removed your hand from the wall.

“Here, let me-” The moment he took your hand you ripped it away.

“I’m Fine. I’m fine.” With a heavy huff you practically fell back against the archway, holding your wrist, your hand slowly stretching out of it’s awkward positioning, looking to the floor.

…

He looked out to the front gate, a chilling breeze rolling past. A step toward the precipitation, with a pop his umbrella came open.

“Mephistopheles, wait.”

He looked to you with a raised bow. “I wasn’t going anywhere.”

“Huh?”

“Come along, it wouldn’t due for Diavolo’s guest to be left out here like this.” He tilted the umbrella your way.

It seemed your mind was running slow, just… staring at him for a moment before realizing what he was offering and scrambling to his side. “Uh- thank you!”

The pair of you walked in silence. He made sure to keep you covered, admittedly he felt a twinge of nerves, he knew the Devildom and human world shared rain but he knew there were different types and if the one today could harm you.

Those colorful lights danced and rippled across the ground, reflecting off the saturated world. It was not often he had the chance to just walk around like this. There was always so much to do, so much to research, so much to find, he always was doing something. Yet all he had to do for the moment was just… well, walk.

… Maybe it was due time to add a photography section to the paper. Students could submit entries, it could be another method to build more community in school, giving students a-

“I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier.”

“Huh? What are you talking about, you’re sounding like an angel. Is this some human nonsense.”

“What? No! I got mad at you, and had nothing to do with… ANY of that. I shouldn’t-… I don’t like that I lashed out at you.”

“… Wait, are you apologizing for indulging in your emotions?” You looked to him baffled, and likely you were greeted to a similar sight from him in that moment. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. “You really are talking like an angel, repressing emotions and being ashamed of expressing them.”

“Hold on, I never said that! Look, just… know I’m not upset at you. I’m just upset you took the brunt of that.”

“Oh…” He shifted his gaze to the road ahead. It was difficult to look you in the eye for too long, they were too… too much swirled inside them, even he could get lost there. “You made it abundantly clear it was nothing on my part.”

“Still…”

Quietly the pair of you murmured amongst yourselves as you went along, drinking in the sights. It was a slow stroll back to the House of Lamentation, neither of you were in any particular rush to get there. On occasion you would point to a different path, saying there was less foot traffic. Did you really think he, of all people, the guy some people accused of being everywhere at once, wouldn’t know better? He didn’t mind though, you needed a break, and he admittedly was enjoying getting to just take a moment in the rain, it had been far too long since he last took a break himself.

Your pace slowed as you inevitably inched closer to the house, the rain the only thing separating you from those last few steps before the door.

“… Hey, thanks for being here.” You turned around to him, your back to the door. Though the porch was right behind you, you still huddled close under his umbrella.

“There’s no n-”

“Your hand! What happened?”

The demon tucked it closer to his side, trying to relax it some and not hold it so awkwardly. “We were interviewing Solomon on a new potion he made. One bump lead into some things getting knocked over and an unfinished, boiling potion spilled on it.”

“What!? It still hurts or is that just a side effect!?”

“It hurts some, even with a health potion. Solomon wanted to make me one, but I took one from the room’s emergency kit. The pain should subside in a few days.”

“A few days!? Are you kidding me!”

“It was, even if unfinished, a potion made by the most powerful wizard, I’m surprised the effects won’t last longer.”

… Huh, even more surprising, you looked more mad than when you ranted about the brothers before.

You shut your eyes and took a deep breath.

Slowly your features relaxed. “Could I hold your hand a moment?”

“Excuse me?”

“I want to try a human world remedy for pain.”

“Oh?” Well, you couldn’t make it worse.

You held his hand so delicately in both of yours’, thumbs gently caressing the back of his. You held it up and close, simply looking to it before

…

“There, kiss it better.” You chuckled. “Judging by that stunned look… it worked?” You took a few steps back. “Uh… consider it a thank you or apology for earlier, again. Okay?........ well, see you?”

Before you could turn away, your hand was taken so softly. His hot breath brushed over it before he shut those emerald eyes, pressing his lips to the back of it. Then one after the other on each of your fingers. With soft clicks that umbrella was dropped to the ground, both his hands now occupied by your shoulders. It was so soft, that kiss to your forehead, was he scared of hurting you?

He stood back, eyes not quite meeting your’s for a moment. Those drops caught in his hair marvelously. “Here’s hoping both our days go better from here.”

“I don’t think it could get better than it is now.”

Quickly that umbrella was snatched up and he marched away.

Just what was he thinking!? Sure, your spell worked on him, but he’s a demon! Did it even work since he did it. And this unbearable heat coursing through him…

Absurd, this whole thing absurd! And why did you say that, of all things!?

…

Guess he’d just have to ask you tomorrow if the spell worked on, even if it was from him. And he could inform you it certainly worked on demons.

@penappal

[fridgemissionmaster]

Mephistopheles x Reader: March Prompt/Day 1 Flowers

Prompt list/available prompt requests here

Tap, tap, tap

You hummed, arms crossed looking over the colorful array before you, leaning in and squinting, hoping it’d somehow focus your vision more.

Tap, tap, tap

Every last detail mattered, you just had to get this right.

Tap, tap, tap

Pacing around you gave each one a whiff, you couldn’t choose any that were too fruity or meaty smelling, that’d just be cruel to poor Beel.

Tap, tap, tap

“Ugh, Mephisto why do you keep tapping so much, it’s breaking my concentration.” Glaring over your shoulder to your (reluctant) assistant sitting on a stool in the corner, note pad in one hand, pencil in the other, absentmindedly tap, tap, tapping the end against the paper’s edge.

“Huh? Well, if you wanted quiet for this you should have brought someone else.” The soft, rhythmic sound abruptly stopped as he quipped back, gaze meeting yours for a moment before returning to the page. “And who was it that insisted that I put aside my club duties for this?”

You sighed, shoulders sagging as you looked across the waves of flowers all miraculously tucked away in the little shop.

Who else would you ask, the man had his fingers on the pulse of the Devildom, researching anything that caught his discerning gaze if it was for the newspaper club, and this was no different. It was only a few weeks ago he made that article highlighting this place as one of the Devildom’s hidden gems, and he most certainly did his research into the flowers sold here, hell even down to where they sourced their nearly extinct Pensive Daises when you asked him about the place. Though you felt this land a second home because of the brothers and their distance to the populace you never got to bathe in this culture, see and feel how these people see and understand the world, the shifting of seasons, their traditions, get drenched in what it meant to live as a demon and that included what they would see appropriate flowers for the birthday of twins.

Carefully, gently, you plucked a rose from it’s bucket, practically stuffed in with others of it’s kind, careful to not prick yourself on it’s many thorns. The stem a deep dark brown, almost red, this thin green vein like color climbing up it. Despite the color the stem in hand felt fresh. The bloom itself a vibrant purple, the tips of the petals curled.

“Not those ones, not unless you plan on confessing your love.”

“Oh, that’s what these mean?” You rolled the stem between your fingers for a moment getting a good look at the blossom from all angles before lightly pointing it Mephisto’s way. Already he was strolling over examining the flower even at a distance.

You let him take it, it was held aloft, the lights above beautifully reflecting off of the dewdrops that rested on those petals. Almost as much of a marvel as how your eyes could just sparkle like that when you got curious about something. Or perhaps it was simply something all humans did. “Sometimes, it depends on the color of the stem and how dark the petals are.”

“Oh?”

Delicately he passed the flower back to you. “Twilight Roses are difficult things to find, they need both moon light and some other light to bloom, the bushes they sprout from, if they only have moonlight they become Midnight Roses, their petals don’t have these curls at the end and are more blue in hue. Due to their fickle growing conditions Twilight Roses are associated with new, blooming love, where as the Midnight variant are associated with long lasting, ancient love. But these are not strictly romantic in nature, just love so some get twilight roses to celebrate adopting a new family member. The romance comes from the stem.” Lightly he traced a finger up said stem, following the green trail. “This is what indicates romance. The thorns wish to speak of protection, of fight, of proving one’s self to be a suitable provider, and the river of green shows the many paths one could have taken but didn’t, molding fate to reach this moment in time. Even the moss up here-” He pointed to the green fuzzy leaves that grew from where the blossom and stem met. “-only younger rose bushes have this fuzz, so they indicate the youthfulness of this love.”

“Ah, then would Midnight Roses be good for a birthday? The brothers have called each other family for so long now.”

“Hmm… I suppose they’ve always just been family from the start…no finding each other, no adoption, all angels seeing each other as siblings.” He gave you a firm nod and approving smile. “Yes, I can see Midnight Roses being appropriate here.”

“Okay, then…” Quickly you glanced around. “Oh! Snapdragons!”

“Hmm? You have Snap Dragons in the human world?”

“Yes!” Merrily you trotted over crouching before the plant pinching one of the blooms making it open and close. “Ba, ba, roar.” Making sounds for it every time you opened it’s ‘mouth’.”

SNAP

“AH!” THE FLOWERS TRIED BITEING YOU! Leaping back you held your hand protectively to your chest on instinct.

You heard a stifled snickering behind you. “Don’t laugh at me!”

“I’m not.” His gaze couldn’t meet your’s, that little notepad held in a tight fist before his mouth in a failed attempt to discreetly cover up that smile.

“Yes, you are!”

His body began to tremble as that laughter tried bursting out, now he turned away from you, but he did manage to look to you from the corner of the eye. “You- hehehe- you must be- be hearing things.”

“Oh come on! That’s a terrible lie! I can see your smile even with that pad in the way!” Snatching that notepad you caught a glimpse of that brilliant, strained smile.

“Excuse me!”

“Huh?” You didn’t mean to go snooping whatever he was taking notes on, honestly you assumed it was ideas for future articles for the newspaper club, but these, they were the names of flowers, some flowers were repeated between lists.

“Give that back.” You less so had the chance to give it back, him simply taking it.

“What were those flowers?”

He looked to you puzzled for a moment before sighing and shaking his head. “What else? The whole reason we came here, flowers that would be appropriate for decorating the twin’s birthday party.”

“Then how come some a repeated and in different groups?” You sidled up beside him. The man made no protest, instead turning the pad so you could get a better view.

“When I was last here the manager was kind enough to tech me some about flower arrangements and how placing different flowers together can completely change the meaning of a bouquet, so if I’m to have to assist with this, we’re going to do this right.”

“I don’t see Midnight Flowers anywhere.”

“I didn’t believe them appropriate until you proposed you interpretation of their meaning.”

You both looked out to the colorful array before you. “Maybe there are more like that. Let’s find them and add them to your lists! What about these guys? They look like little stars, I bet Belphie would like ‘em.”

And so the pair of you hopped from blossom to blossom that caught either of your eye chatting away longer than either of you ever thought you could about flowers. One after another your conversations blossomed and bloomed, soon turning to playful debates about which would work with other flowers, if placing two particular blooms together made a new unintended meaning or not.

“Thank you so much for today. I think we got a really good selection for Beel and Belphie!”

“… Perhaps I should be thanking you.”

“Oh!?”

He looked to you practically disgusted. “Oh!? Oh what? This is so surprising to you is it?”

“Yes! I basically manhandled you over here.”

“No, you asked, and I couldn’t not accept.” He sighed. “Anyway, I must admit, I found your insights on Devildom flora and flower language intriguing. I never thought of seeing Midnight Roses or Tearful Fuchsias the way you read them.” He held out a hand to you. “Perhaps you would teach me about human flower language sometime?”

“I’d love that.” And with a firm shake your promise was made.

“Good, I can’t wait to learn of Snapdragons.”

THAT STUPID SMUG SMILE! “Oh come on!”

A light chuckle escaped both of you, your laughter mingling and drifting away.

“So… Who’s the Twilight Rose for?” You pointedly looked at the single blossom in that clear wrap, a little bow at the bottom keeping it together.

He presented it to you. “It’s for you. Your eyes really bring out it’s color.”

You simply stared, almost hesitant to take it, but happily, softly smiling, you took it.

“Thank you. Heh, maybe this’ll be a chance to try out a new hobby.”

“New hobby?”

“Yeah, flower pressing, that way I can keep it forever.”

“Keep it forever like that!?”

You froze on the spot shocked to see him so disturbed by the idea. Did… Did you read this wrong?

“You have to let it wilt, otherwise you’d be saying you’d want to keep that love new, never allowing that love to change, to one reciprocated, a confession that never gets an answer!”

…

He flinched, realization dawning on his features, a hint of a blush beginning to bloom on his cheeks. “However, it’s your gift, do whatever you want with it.” And quickly he walked away.

Huh…

Well, he did say he wanted to learn about human flower language, maybe next time you see him you aught to gift him a bouquet of red tulips and six violet roses.

Tag List: @penappal

[fridgemissionmaster]

“… Things would be easier if you used embroidery floss.”

Of all things, such a frustrated groan was not a possible response he was expecting.

It was surprisingly quiet in The House of Lamentation, from all appearances to Raphael it seemed most of the brothers were out. A bit surprising considering YOU were still here.

Upon first arriving in the land of demons the angel had very quickly learned how not only had the brothers all sworn fealty to a master, but that they adored you alike no other. They just about worshiped your every step you took, their praises of you even reaching the highest part of the heavens. To garner your attention, whether it be for better or worse, was the greatest honor to acquire.

Even Lucifer falling over himself for your gaze to linger upon him just a bit longer.

And there you were, alone.

He hadn’t meant to linger here or spy upon your project, he just needed to deliver… something, he didn’t know what nor did he really care, to Lucifer from Solomon. The fallen angel was busy with paper work, the piles towering over him so Raphael thought best to let him be once the task was done.

He shouldn’t be here still, really. He had no reason too.

Yet you hooked his gaze.

In the music room you sat on one of the chairs. Scraps of felt scattered around you with wool yarn sewn in. A plush white… some sort of incomplete stuffed toy sat on the arm rest watching as your yarn got torn, pulling a sigh out from you along with it. It’s ears and assumably horns sat beside it, waiting to be placed on.

Before the man knew it he was drawn in, standing beside you, behind the creature, both watching as a successful French knot was made.

…

The next was a bit sloppier, but it couldn’t be helped with how your needle got caught in the fabric making pulling it through difficult.

… the next was better.

… the next fine.

… and the yarn ripped.

After Raphael made his comment you glanced to the creature, the fabric scrap dropped and forgotten in your lap. “I know. But the instructions said wool would be fine. And I want a fluffy sheep.”

With a finger you pet it’s tiny head, forlorn at the possibility that either you’d never get this little guy finished, or that any attempt to do so would only ruin the progress you made so far.

You knew it was just some stuffing and fabric, but you already put the eyes in, and it was cute! You didn’t want to leave it like this or worse hurt it! That’d be too sad! Besides, this was the Devildom, for all you knew it already had some sentience magically or something! All the more reason to figure this thing out!

“So, has my guardian angel of embroidery come to help me?”

“I’m not your guardian angel.”

You couldn’t help the chuckle that rattled out of you. Oh how the man took just about everything so seriously, who wouldn’t be charmed by such blunt earnestness? “Then what cha need? Almost everyone’s out but if you need any of them I can take you to them.”

Lightly he shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m done here.”

“Wait! Do you have anything you need to get too right away?”

“… I’m getting ingredients for dinner later, but immediately after this, no I don’t.”

Not even thinking on it, just an impulse your hands clapped together. “Then could you please help me!”

That sigh, you thought it the likely answer yet still you dreaded it. “Use embroidery floss.”

“But it won’t be a wooly sheep.” It was the perfect materiel, you just needed to figure out how to use it.

But…

Even for you some things were just impossible. “Alright, I won’t keep you th-”

“You- oh sorry.” So quick his expression shifted, but you didn’t quite catch it in time. Damn it!

“No! No, go on!”

“Well…” The plastic bag of supplies that sat beside your chair crinkled as he opened it up, taking out that pink gradient spool of yarn. “You need to be gentler. This is good quality wool, but it’s still loosely spun wool. It’s bound to keep ripping when you’re tugging it so tightly.”

…

You never had actually seen Raphael work with embroidery before, have you. Only the product of his work, never the process.

He wasn’t the most expressive of people, but you were used to that. And just like with Beelzebub when you first met him, before you really got to know him, seeing new ones were always such a treat. Like now, contemplative, concentrating, yet there was something gentle about his eyes. Tracing over the fabric before meandering away to the needle.

That described him rather well actually.

Sharp, to the point and precise as a needle, yet tender and gentle as wool yarn when he wasn’t on guard.

Such a rarer delight.

His calloused hands found yours, placing the needle and fabric in them. “Show me how you fixate the yarn to the fabric.”

Oh, THIS you knew how to do what with how many times you had to start over after the yarn ripped!

The little nod of his as you successfully did it made a warmth and pride bloom in your chest. So there was still hope yet for you that the embroidery master could see!

“And how have you been doing French knots?”

“Things have gotten a lot better.” You didn’t even need to look to the floor to see just how each scrap was so much poor or better than the other. “Kept switching through my needles till I got to the biggest one which has helped a lot! I’ve started making the loops around the needle looser so they don’t get caught on the end of the needle. But the needle still wants to get stuck in the fabric!”

“… Try a knot for me.”

“Ugh, here we go again.” Five loops on the needle. Keep your pointer finger on the loops, through the fabric. Then the trouble begins with the needle coming back up again, everything getting tangled and st-

“For embroidery you need to keep the fabric taught.”

WHY!

YOU WERE SURROUNDED BY DROP DEAD GORGEAOUS PEOPLE ALL DAY EVERY DAY, AND YET,

STILL

AT TIMES YOU GET FLUSTERED BY THEM!

YOU SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN USED TO THEM BY NOW, BUT NOPE! APPEARENTLY NOT!

Maybe it was because you didn’t know Raphael as well as others, yet, but still!

One of his hands covered your’s that was holding the fabric and his other taking the other end. Not too tight, or stretching it, just enough so it wouldn’t have any give for the needle, allowing the eye and wool through.

Honestly how were you so caught off guard like that? It wasn’t like you hadn’t been literally tied to the man before!

Direct, but he wasn’t the touchy sort as far as you could tell. Maybe that was it.

You tried ignoring how he had to lean over the arm rest, just barely not leaning onto you but still so closely hovering over your shoulder. “I can’t exactly do that with the plush already sewn. And I definitely couldn’t do this first than sew it all together, besides, that’d still leave this one naked!”

“Hmm…” And this was why Raphael wasn’t really the biggest fan of teaching embroidery despite being asked several times over his life. He’d done it for so long now much of what he did was just on instinct.

Frustrating, that’s what this was. He knew something was off, but without just doing it himself he couldn’t… “I saw some paper in the bag, were those pattern pieces?”

“Oh! Uh, yeah?”

“Could I borrow your left-over material?”

“Sure!”

“Thank you.”

Plopping himself down on the floor, bag in his lap he set about pinning the paper and cutting the fabric.

Just what was he… “Are you making a sheep too?”

“Yes.”

“Do you… do you wanna borrow a chair?”

“I’ll be quick.”

… so no?

Well… You certainly weren’t going to complain about this development. However it did prove troublesome.

It was always amazing to watch a master at work. The skill, the speed, the care, just mesmerizing, like watching Barbatos brew his teas or Beel doing any sport.

So distracting, but you were already at this for at least half an hour now, so a break would do you good. And maybe, just maybe you could learn a thing or two if you manage to not simply get transfixed by those deft movements. Or-

On occasion he’d glance up to your sheep before going back to the material in his lap. At least that’s what you hoped and that he wasn’t just feeling how you were practically staring holes through him.

No. It was totally just the sheep! Not! You!

…

Maybe you’d just watch a little longer before trying the knot again.

However long that ‘little longer’ was you weren’t too sure. You’d been sporadically been working on your wooly little friend over the past week or so, so you couldn’t be too sure exactly how long you’d actually been working on it, but already the angel was off stuffing the legs and beginning that blanket stitch up the neck.

It couldn’t have been that long yet!

Quickly you recollected your needle and fabric to try again.

And again.

And again.

And…

These were actually turning out well. Why now?

Never mind the next didn’t…

“Keep the fabric taut!”

“Huh?”

“Ah- Sorry, sorry! But-” Skittering off the chair you practically fell down, making yourself comfy next to the man. “I kept doing it like this, right? Making the exit point right next to the knot.”

He nodded. “Yes.”

Then after a moment his eyes widened, the realization surely dawning on him. Even still, you continued. “But the fabric there is already not as tight from the needle and yarn going through. But here…” So instead you made the needle exit at the opposite side of your starting, fixating knot. “it’s not!” And with making a knot over there now, you can make the next exit point back where you were trying before but the fabric shouldn’t have troubles since the area next to it wasn’t giving in due to the needle and wool pushing through still!

“Good job.”

Oh

“Thanks.”

What a reward. A smile from Raphael, such a rarer delight.

…

And he went back to sewing.

Already his sheep looked to be turning out beautifully.

And there the two of you worked.

Once you had it figured out the knots were very easy to make, soon enough a whole fluffy coat adorned your sheep. All that was left was to attach the ears and horns. Leaving you just enough time to catch Raphael finishing up his coat.

Huh. It was odd though. You were certainly no professional, so there were a few cute charms to yours that were not intended for from the instructions you found. The sheep was meant to simply be facing forward but for some reason your’s ended up looking like it was turning to the side to look at something. You expected Raphael’s to be… well, more perfect, and yet, his too, was turning, looking about.

He even added some extra details to the design like eyelids making his sheep look a little sleepy or sterner than your’s. And instead of horns his had little hooves and it seemed attached above them were tiny whisps of more white felt, the running stitches through it making it appear like his sheep were walking through fog or clouds.

“Aw, your is so c-”

The pair of you jolted as a crashing broke your peace, several voices ringing out, some yelling, some practically screaming.

Back to everyday life it was then.

And unfortunately, just as suddenly as that rambunctious lot came charging through the house Raphael stood.

Back when you had first met the angel Lucifer had told you that you could find him some place quiet, and it seemed noise would scare him of-

“I still need to get dinner.”

“Dinner?”

Getting up yourself you caught a glimpse of his D.D.D. and-AND WHEN DID IT GET SO LATE!?

Rushing you the door, shoving past those brothers the pair of you ran off, well, you more so chasing after the man since you took a moment to chuck all the fabric, yarn, plushes, and other things into the bag.

“Have the list on you?”

“Why?”

“You’re not going to get everything back in time, we’ll split up to get it all so you’re not extremely late!”

And that was how you found yourself left panting and wheezing, pretty much collapsed before Purgatory Hall.

“Thank you for helping me.”

“Le-ha-least I could do. For. For making you late.” You really didn’t think you should be feeling this lightheaded.

A bit shaky, but you manage to get back onto your feet, slowly catching your breath. “And here.” And in hand were your plushes. “A thank you for helping me.”

“Why?”

Really. “Look, I just wanted a project, a hobby, and I wouldn’t have completed this little guy without you.”

…

He stood there staring at the little sheep for a moment. They stood on your hands, facing one another, looked like they were nuzzling each other.

Somehow it seemed odd for him to take both.

“Okay.” While he took your’s he pushed your other hand back leaving you with his. “Have mine as thanks for helping me get dinner back on time.”

“Ah… Thank you.”

…

You had a very lovely smile. “Alright, see you Raphael!” And just like that you were off. You probably already had dinner plans with the brothers.

…

And Raphael found himself standing there, your little sheep in hand, the groceries on the ground beside him.

Simeon once told him you were just so lovable that everyone always wanted to help you. He didn’t even realize it was happening till it was too late. It wasn’t like him to neglect duties, and yet he almost did, and only with the help of the very one who caused this trouble in the first place did he get it done on time.

Perhaps he should keep a closer eye on you. Just in case. Help you before you need it so things like this wouldn’t happen again.

Now, where to put this little guy…

…

Well, his bedside table seemed as good a place as any. And that way he could more easily make sure to up keep it so dust and such would get a chance to dirty or cling to the wool.

It was a rather cute little thing too, wasn’t it.

[fridgemissionmaster]

Skinship

People watching, it became an exceedingly intriguing hobby since you arrived in the land of demons. One you hadn’t had as many chances to partake in as of late. Watching as they simply go about their lives, how familiar and distant their actions were, holding hands when crossing the street, sneaking up behind someone to surprise bite their shoulder, tall demons patting the head of shorter ones and shorter one giving a kick to the shin in return merrily, a pat to the shoulder, hugs.

Were those simply natural inclinations, or was there history, and meaning that went over a human’s head.

And unfortunately it seemed, you’d never get too.

Despite those brothers being ‘rulers’ of this place, they always kept a distance from the people, knowing the culture, setting trends, but to bathe in it? Live it? BE IT

…

They refused too. Or perhaps, Lucifer, refused too.

To keep them safe.

Even all these years later.

The moment Satan sat beside you on the bench, a book in one hand, the other leaning on the seat-

“Oi! The hell you think you’re doin’!”

“PDA Police! Get your hand away from MC!”

A veritable riot broke out, first Mammon and Leviathan soon dragging in their other brothers, for the fourth had done such an atrocious crime. His fingers bumped into yours that were also placed on the seat.

As affectionate as any of them tried to be with you, someone else would always appear and throw a fuss over it.

Even when Beelzebub sat beside you and placed a hand on your shoulder. So terrible. “But they’re starving!”

Or when Belphie tried using your lap as a pillow. “Go away.” Diabolical, he should be thrown in the attic again.

…

It could surprisingly be cold in that house at times.

There was also a surprising lack of cultural exchange in this ‘exchange program’. But perhaps you were too presumptuous, that letter that started it all never called this a ‘cultural exchange program’. But wasn’t that the point of these things? Especially THIS ONE, for the three worlds to build connections, to better understand each other?

As much as you loved the brothers, you couldn’t help but mourn that ‘what if’, if you were assigned to live in Purgatory Hall or with Mephistopheles instead, to get a chance to actually learn of THIS PLACE, not just your isolated roommates.

“Hmm.” Diavolo’s smile faltered. Eyes closed, arms crossed, he leaned back in his seat.

“Something wrong?” Odd just moments ago you two were having your usual chats, him asking how your day was, laughing over the brothers antics and such, yet there he was, looking… not disappointed, but definitely not happy or content.

“But what’s gotten you upset? Is that something you don’t deem worthy of mentioning?”

“Huh?” Upset?

You rather enjoyed these weekly visits to the Demon Lord’s gardens for tea. It was your suggestion actually, kind of, a chance to directly talk to Diavolo about what humans would need here like artificial sunlight, after Lucifer threatened you shut up and not tell the prince a thing about how to actually improve the program. So early on when you had hopes of not being a family therapist and getting to experience the Devildom.

“I… I’m not?” How could you be in that moment? A break from yelling for quiet. Tea, biscuits, and all sorts of other delights prepared by the greatest butler there was. Holding a conversation that wasn’t interrupted every five seconds. Even great company.

It was Diavolo’s idea to have these meetings in the gardens over tea. Much better than the stuffy office you expected or even the brief handing over of a report. No. Barbatos would lead you through the maze of shrubbery, always noticing any plants that caught your attention and gifting you factoids about them, sometimes even incorporating them into the tasty delights you had for next weeks meet up.

“Why? How would I be?” This was too homely, like taking a day trip to a botanical garden with the kindest guides.

The prince didn’t seem to care for your query, a pitiful half-hearted laugh, or rather a huff was your response. Yet, he smiled, leaning in forward some. “Well then. I guess we can only get to business then.”

He beamed, that delightful sparkle in his eye. He truly loved his people. So much. “What do you want to know?”

“What I wanna know…” You took a sip, you forgot what Barbatos called it, but it was mellow with a kick on the back of the tongue. The butler set about pouring you some more; it was mesmerizing watching that pale pink liquid ripple in the cup as it flowed in.

…

“MC?” You were so mesmerized by the tea you missed the quick glance the prince and butler shared, and the faintest of frowns too. Or even your name being called.

“… I guess, what dose touch mean.”

“… What?”

How were you to word this? “You see… Back in the human world, there are many cultures that see touch or any display of affection publicly as strictly romantic. To do otherwise is wrong, disgusting. You’d be treated oddly if you asked to hold a friend’s hand. In other places, even just a stone’s throw away, people kiss one another on the cheek or even hug for greetings. I…”

You couldn’t help your gaze shifting away to the side, seeing the warped reflection of the stars on that great lake. “what dose it mean to you? Do you see people across the street holding hands and assume they’re a couple, or is that allowed if you’re not? Do demons need touch, are you smarter than some places that make such a basic form of communication practically a social tabu? Do you understand that humans NEED touch, that it helps the brain, keeps you healthy, PHYSICALY, not just emotionally? That humans need one hug a day to stay healthy?

Do you understand how it rots? Do you rot?

Dose that make any sen-…”

Your words faltered the moment you focused on what was caught from the corner of the eye. He was reaching for you across the table, palm up. Was there enough room for him to rest his arm across the table or did Barbatos just like, instantly move stuff out of the way for him?

It was strange, such an open invitation yet still, your hand hesitated.

He dwarfed you. His callouses from writing so much, about or bigger than the pad of your thumb. If he closed his hand, your’s would be completely hidden and none would be the wiser if there was anything in his palm.

So warm, probably from his teacup.

…

Odd, he didn’t speak right away, instead his thumb idly rubbed against the back of your hand.

Studying. That’s what this was.

“What do demons eat?”

Asked the prince of demons.

“Uh, human souls?”

He just stared at you.

Then burst out into howling laughter. If he didn’t have such great control over himself, he probably would have knocked over the table on accident.

Dewy tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he settled down.

Okay, fine. Time for your real answer, not that you were incorrect before. “Energy, emotions. That kind of thing.”

“Lifeforce.” Of course, Barbatos swooped in with the correct terminology.

And you continued. “You can get it from things that require effort to make, like art, dancing, cooking.”

Diavolo nodded. “But, isn’t this emotional too? Touch?”

What an odd thing, that question truly grabbing your attention, dragging you out of that fog.

Gently his thumb pressed into the bones of your hand, tracing down them, massaging the muscles and ligaments that kept it all together.

“… I guess so?” Certain actions that involve touch yes, but just… touch itself?

Of course, the prince could read even the smallest of your expressions like an open book, was that just him, or something he learned as being prince?

“While alive, this is the closest we can get. Isn’t that special?” His eyes seemed to shimmer. “I think food is a common language among all people. We give it when hosting, we give it when others are grieving or hurt, when you don’t know what to gift someone, we always go back to food. Everyone needs it. We need connections, we need trust. And the best way to give food, is directly!”

“So, what. You’re nibbling on my emotions right now?” There was a light laughter in your tone-

“Yes!”

“…”

“And you get a bit of mine in turn.

Human lifeforce is so vibrant and bright, and you’re always making so much of it, leaving it in anything you touch. My people… after living so long, we lose that flicker, that spark to keep going, that energy, we have so little. People care for their own, even when you have little, you share with people you care for. Friends, family, neighbors, even strangers. If we didn’t have this little physicality that we do, touch… I’m not sure there’d even be a Devildom or demons.”

He gently squeezed your hand, something tender in his gaze as he did so. “And you need it too. I felt it, that shift! Just a little, but you feel a little better than before. Or worse. I… well, I haven’t felt a human’s touch enough to know that difference.”

…

At times, it felt odd to be so open like this. But for Diavolo, you tried. It was difficult to ignore one who wanted to connect as much as yourself.

You sighed. “Sometimes you don’t realize you’re missing something till you get a glimpse of it. But then when you do know…” Only now could you notice how something felt hollow. Deep and shallow. Overflowing, that warmth too much to bear that it burned but so empty you kept pretending he had an iron grip, desperately trying to not acknowledge how easily you could slip your hand away.

Almost… lonely feeling.

How it dared to squeeze at the back of your throat

…

“I suppose…” You turned to the butler, a hand on his chin. “they’re so wrapped up in competition, they haven’t realized how little nourishment you’ve actually gotten.”

“OH!” That sudden shift, a pop. You couldn’t help but to think back! “I thought the brothers were always more touchy with Beel and Belphie because they’re, y’know, the babies of the family! But it’s because Beel’s always starving! And that’s why they’re the most affectionate! Belphie and Beel are always feeding each other! And they… Beel’s said I’m starving before when I’ve just eaten or didn’t feel hungry. Maybe… THIS is what he meant.”

Diavolo hummed. “Of all of them, he would be the most sensitive to that. And Belphie certainly would have noticed too.”

“Heh, so maybe this is finally the way to get Belphie to stop trying to use me as his personal heated mattress. Just be at bit more… touchy”

huh

… how’d you even go about that. They’d always cause trouble if you dared tried.

A soft chuckle rumbled in Barbatos’ throat. “I, personally, would not place too much hope in that.”

“Then… what about you two? I haven’t exactly seen anyone be too touchy-feely with you.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

From the sounds of it, touch is a mutual exchange. It wouldn’t be wise for royalty to make themselves so open and vulnerable like this so often, would it.

And he offered his hand anyway.

“I devote my everything to my lord. It comes through in all my work.” All those sweets before you, the tea prepared in Diavolo’s favorite way. Could it be felt, pulsing like a heartbeat through the whole castle, cleaned day in and day out by Barbatos’ hand?

And now that you thought about it, Barbatos was never shy with the Little D.s, picking them up, lightly nudging them away to their work and such things. So they feed each other.

“Hmm?”

You couldn’t look to or answer the prince. But… Did it matter?

Could he feel it?

That you wanted?

You needed to get going.

It seemed, they may have began to see you differently after that. Dug a pit through the bottom of your stomach. Initially something in you just cowered. Wanting to hide. But how could you, when they were being more open themselves. The two people who should be the most guarded… and they tried for…

For you.

You wanted to throw up.

“It’s rather chilly out.” Barbatos held out an arm for you to hold on to as you traversed the winding paths of the gardens.

“Hmm, mind if I take a look?” Diavolo leaned over your chair during a student council meeting to see the notes before you, a hand on your shoulder, for balance would probably have been the excuse but none was needed when Lucifer swiftly crushed any protest about to be made… Although he hovered right behind you as if trying to push the prince out of your space.

And… perhaps you could…

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

Just

Normal human, things.

“Hey, Diavolo. Wanna learn some human handshakes?”

“My! Yes!”

Perfectly. Average. Interactions.

“Barbatos, you know how to apply make-up right? Think you could teach me? I don’t think I should be asking Asmo to always do it for me, and… I’m kinda intimidated to ask him how. You know how… particular he gets about this stuff.”

“Certainly. But you know by now I can be rather ‘particular’ myself.”

“… Never mind!”

“We’ll begin tomorrow.”

Diavolo:

This was a terrible idea. Not even after the first week you already ran out of handshakes and had to start making up some. You couldn’t just teach Diavolo like three then be like ‘Okay Dia there’s no more ways humans greet each other!’

IT FELT LIKE SUCH A SIMPLE THING THAT THERE WAOULD BE SO MANY VARIATIONS BUT WHEN YOU THOUGHT ABOUT IT, LIKE REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT IT, THERE WASN’T THAT MANY UNLESS YOU INCLUDED MADE UP SECRET HANDSHAKES!

You knew you were going to resort to that, but not this soon!

What were you even doing!?

You took a deep breath passing the front gates of the school, dreading when you’d inevitably run into the prince today.

Thankfully he was not at the front waiting for Lucifer to walk and talk business. He did not pass you in the halls of R.A.D. between classes. You didn’t bump into him if he snuck away for a break. Not at the cafeteria just to oversee if nothing was happening at generally the most chaotic time of the school day.

Then he called for a student council meeting. You were shoved in with the crowd of brothers. Not even the chance for a single ‘Hi’ as Lucifer practically glared everyone into their seats, his mood especially soured after Leviathan summoned Lotan destroying three buildings, Beel eating the cafeteria whole worried Lotan would destroy it, Satan flying into a rage that the cats were scared away by all the commotion, Belphie trying to pull one of his pranks amongst the chaos, Mammon using the chaos as a cover for thieving, and Asmo for Devilgraming all the incidents making R.A.D. look bad.

You were not looking forward too going home.

What was worse, embarrassing yourself before Diavolo or dealing with a pissy Lucifer.

…

The answer was very clear, you almost wanted to thank Diavolo for prolonging you ‘having’ to sit in on Lucifer’s hours long lecture because ‘you were there and didn’t stop them’ and nonsense. Like you can ALWAYS handle them any second. HE of all people should know what a task that was.

…

Tired, boring, longwinded, hopefully no one noticed how you zoned out during the meeting.

All too soon it had come to an end.

… And it didn’t seem Lucifer’s mood was any better, his rage silent but palpable. That alone herding his brothers through the door.

“MC, could you stay back?” The cheery prince didn’t faulter under his right-hand’s appalled look. “We shouldn’t be long.”

“Y-yeah! Of course!”

You couldn’t care at this point, rather blatantly scurrying over to the man’s side and answering so quickly. Anything to make Lucifer objecting harder.

You watched as the man stewed for a moment before not saying a thing, just a little bow before leaving.

…

“Thank you so much!”

“Whatever for?” That chuckle seeping out of his voice gave his amusement away. “You still need to teach me a handshake!”

… Yeah, just about what you expected.

“Hold your hand out… now we curl our fingers together like this and rest your thumb on like… the side of your pointer finger, the side of the knuck- yeah like that. Now, when we both say one we switch our thumbs. One.”

“One.”

“And again on two.”

“Two.”

“Three.”

“Three.”

“Four.”

“Four.”

“And we keep it up for each syllable. I declare-”

“I declare-”

“a thumb war.”

“a thumb war!”

“C’mon, put it up, now we fight!”

“Hmm?”

“With only the thumb, you gotta pin your opponent’s thumb!”

“Oh!”

The man chuckled, you both knew he could win instantly; however it’d be rude if he ended your greeting so abruptly. The ridiculousness drew some snickers from you, twisting and turning your hands trying to get leverage, nudging each other away, by the end you were both giggling messes, this giddy, boyish, silly energy overtaking you as your war raged on.

“Damn it, Man!”

Diavolo chuckled, keeping his thumb back as far as he could, watching as you struggled to reach him.

But however long he wanted to extend this greeting, he couldn’t keep Lucifer waiting on you for too long. At least he got a smile to grace your tired features before letting you go. Even a laugh, he did well.

At last you got him pin-

“I win!” And in the last moment, swift as a bullet, he got you.

“Finally done toying with me, are ya?”

“Whatever do you mean.”

…

“Well…” Your sudden quiet and subdued tone, it got him to drop that mischievous streak. “I suppose I did so first. And I can’t simply let you out into the human world, challenging everyone to thumb wars wherever you go.”

“Hmm?”

“A game, not a greeting.”

“I see…” Why did his grip get tighter? “Then, since I won, could I choose the greeting you teach me?”

Confused you raised a brow, nodding, unsure how one could go about doing so.

“Excellent.” He- “… You once said humans sometimes greet each other with hugs, right?”

Those arms enveloped you completely, their grip so firm and sturdy. Your face pressed into his chest, even with all those layers of fabric, his steady breath, a gentle raise and fall, heart rhythmically beating away under your touch, it was much too loud and big even for his massive frame.

You almost lost your footing from how secure his hold was.

“We do… sometimes.”

So… this was the strong hands which hold the entire weight of the Devildom, huh.

A powerful, and gentle grip. Unyielding in strength and care. The hands of a gardener, plucking the weeds, pulling them out by the stubborn roots and tenderly coaxing the plants into bloom, making sure anything they could need was cared for.

Even if it was too much.

Even if it dared to squeeze at your throat.

Even if it dared to squeeze the tiny heart in your chest.

Even if it dared to make your breath begin to hitch and shutter.

Did he yearn too?

For this?

Did it matter if it was you? Or just someone willing to reach out?

But it seemed, you were the only one to dare.

Be this unguarded

Be this vulnerable in the face of the most powerful and potentially destructive being there was.

For all his kindness and love, was still feared by his people.

Did he yearn, just as much as you?

A man who had to hold the weight of the world on his shoulders, to be small, to be held close, to be able to be broken.

To be allowed to connect at all

Is that the world he’s so desperate to create?

Did he ever allow himself this before?

A simple hug?

You didn’t say anything about how the ever self-controlled, steady Diavolo, acting ruler and future king of demons’ hands trembled slightly as you slowly let go, and he didn’t say a thing about the tear stains that now adorned his uniform.

Barbatos:

It was certainly tiring just how many parties you were dragged off too, clubs, raves, balls, there was always something. And being by the side of the brightest stars of the Devildom, whether you liked it or not, you were somewhat forced to keep up appearances.

Not by on lookers, oh no, but those stars themselves. You were their lovely little doll to dress up however they pleased. They had a NEED to show off their amazing master after all, so how you looked was top priority.

And the worst part of all… when they were unable to do so the fit they’d throw. Asmo refusing to leave in the greatest dramatics till he did your make-up, Mammon hiding the pair of you away if he didn’t get a say in your outfit.

And frankly, you were getting tired of being blamed for their antics. Especially when they got into a fight because the other was getting too ‘touchy’ with you which happened just about every time.

Even if they wouldn’t accept it and want to do this for you anyway, maybe learning how to apply makeup for days when they were too busy too would placate them some.

And so, every few days or so, depending on his schedule, you’d make your way over to the Demon Lord’s Castle. Of course his ward noticed, getting pouty when Barbatos allotted your time for directly after your tea times with Diavolo. One of the Little D.s would act as your escort while Barbatos made sure Diavolo got to work even knowing his favorite guest was still milling around somewhere.

It was the same room every time, one you hadn’t been to before these lessons. Some sort of dressing room you had to assume. It was much better lit than most of the darkened castle halls, rivaling the main entrance, the only other bright room in this place you could think of other than the ballroom directly connected to it.

A walk-in closet perhaps? You couldn’t be too sure.

You were placed before a grand three mirrored vanity. It was perfectly your size unlike most of the beds, chairs, and couches better fit for the denizens of this land, a bit bigger than your petite human self.

Rather simple at first glance, even with the three mirrors and the many drawers, but then came the details. How shiny the finishing was, the deep dark red of the wood, the intricate engravings on the edges, even a matching chair. Almost odd to say but it almost felt like it was made for you somehow, but why you couldn’t quite articulate. So, you’d admire the craftmanship, run your hands across the surface, poke around in the drawers to see what you’d be working with this time, see if there were any hidden compartments somewhere.

“Enjoying yourself I see.”

“WH-”

A great THUNK you jumped, head slamming into the underside.

“MC!”

“I’m fine! I’m fine.” Your first instinct was to take a deep breath as to try stifling the flush that threatened to bloom across your cheeks.

He kneeled, squatting on the ground by your exit, but he didn’t crowd you, a little off to the side as you waddled your way out.

The moment you were in the open he approached, “Please, allow me.” placing his hands on your head, likely searching for and bumps and looking if there were any bruises.

It was strange, despite how close you were you couldn’t make out what he had mumbled so quietly. It made your scalp tingle under where his fingertips traced. A spell, most likely.

Or not, magic actually wasn’t used all too often in everyday use here despite what one might expect. Perhaps it truly was simply his finger work, even as his voice hushed the feeling lingered as he continued.

The crown, the sides, down, tracing the bottom of the skull, where head and neck met, behind the ears… and just the right amount of pressure. In all honesty, you were rather tempted to close your eyes, but you never could, no matter how relaxing, every fiber of your being so alert to every movement made. Even of the shifting of his weight on his own feet. If he were to lean forward, just a little, just a few inches…

Soon he backed off, a hand out for you to take. “May I get anything for you?”

“Nah, like I said I’m fine.” You were not going to have him go fetch an ice pack or something and that makes him decide to cancel this because you’re hurt.

Besides, you didn’t hit your head that hard, the pain was just from… the wood… the wood was extra hard or something, it just seemed worse than it felt!

…

HE SO KNEW, HE ALWAYS KNOWS EVERYTHING, HE COULD PROBABLY SOLVE A MURDER MYSTERY FROM ONLY SEEING ONE CLUE!

But it seemed, for whatever reason, he didn’t call you out, instead holding out your chair for you… and patting your head once before walking away.

Damn it, Damn it, DAMN IT! Don’t let this stupid embarrassment give you away! No blushing cheeks, no tears pricking the corners of the eye! None of that nonsense!

You! Are just! Had a VERY normal interaction! And nothing else!

…

For whatever reason the man often caught you off guard. There was just always something… off, for lack of better wording, inhuman about him. It wasn’t bad, he didn’t scare you, he just… for someone who seemed so upfront, even about his more mysterious aspects… there was just something. Like his touch.

In all honesty, you didn’t expect him to be as touchy as he had become, and how quickly too. It fit, but also didn’t fit his personality, or at least your impression of him. Ever the perfect butler, doing all this for poor you. Pity. Duty.

Stupid.

“My apologies for the wait, it seems my chair ran away.”

“Huh?”

“So, shall we get started?”

“Uh- Yeah!”

And so your lesson began.

Barbatos was a very strict but patient teacher. You’d spend hours doing the same technique over and over before you got it just right, then by your next lesson you had to show Barbatos you could do it again, and if you failed another lesson that was nothing but that.

You never looked to one another directly, always focused solely on your reflections, watching him work on himself.

He truly was such a beautiful man. Wars would likely be waged over him if he stayed out of the Demon Lord’s castle long enough, let alone if he highlighted his best features like he was teaching you how. No wonder everyone went nuts when he was dressed as a dame. Even as a child did Diavolo know he dream and knew he had to lock this man down lest there’d never be true peace with all fighting for his affections? Seemed ridiculous, but you wouldn’t be surprised.

“However, with the shape of your eyes, I suggest you keep the wing short. It can be rather striking, and it would suit you well, but shorter ones would highlight your lashes instead of distracting from them.”

“Hmm, okay…”

“Something the matter?”

“Nothing.”

… He pat you on the head again before continuing. It frustrated you how it felt so… childish? Embarrassing? Silly? Needy? You didn’t know but the feeling was, just that it was a lot.

He never had his gloves on during these lessons. Surely it was that. That was also why you always dreaded the end of these lessons. “Turn to me please.” He always did your whole face after. A very natural look, something you could easily do tiny adjustments too fit most occasions, the sort of ‘goal’ you were building towards.

Cupping your cheeks, thumbs smoothing over the area under the eye, fingers on your chin tilting you this way and that; it made your stomach do flips. Some guy doing your make up made you react like this. The most tender, and kind touch, and it was fucking THIS, a JOB! Because OF COURSE it iS! Why eLSe wOuLD ANYoNE-

“Thank you.”

“… I’m sorry, for what?” Even with the man so close to your face you couldn’t read his expression.

Even as he paused for a moment, staring at you. There was… something swirling in his gaze.

Then he continued his work.

“I may have powers that relate to time, but unlike how even Solomon assumes it works, I am much more effected by it than most. Time. I am not it’s master, but the other way around. Scattered throughout it all, all at once, more aware of that pull than anyone else. At times, there is difficulty in ‘being here’ to not get lost some time else. To be in any ‘present’, you might say.”

He kept going, but his movements slowed, fingers lightly tracing the lines on your face he had yet to cover. “You can be here, while I struggle to find footing to stay on.” He dropped the brush instead going for one of those hand power pads, and with each pat of it, the tips of his fingers holding it did so too. The last step, a final touch-up. He always insisted on it, even though you were confident it shouldn’t be. “But, touch grounds me, something tactile, something to anchor me here. And you’re allowing me to live in this moment, with you.

So thank you, for gifting me excuses-” He put it away. Before patting your head where you crashed into the vanity, again. “to stay here.”

For him?

His eyes widened, you taking his face before he could stand. Cradling his cheeks, foreheads pressed together. “For you, Barbatos, anything. Only if it’s for you.”

“Anything?”

You just nodded.

He leaned into you. “… Yes… For me.”

“Heh, guess I gotta get myself injured so you can take care of the woun-”

“I’d rather you didn’t joke like that MC.”

“I’m not-”

“MC.”

“… yes.”

“Do. Not.”

Fine…….

“… Oh no, I suddenly forget how to put on foundation.” You didn’t even try hiding that droll playfulness from your tone.

“Then I suppose we have no choice but for me to demonstrate on you for you to remember how it feels and should look in the end.” Huh, and it seemed Barbatos couldn’t either.

“Yeah, and I’m kinda dizzy from hitting my head before.”

“Oh my.”

“I may need to lean on you to keep balance.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t allow for anything else.”

“And we might have to walk slowly. Like, really slowly.”

“I see. Rest assured, no matter how long it takes I’ll make sure you get back safely. "

[fridgemissionmaster]

Beelzebub x M!Reader x Barbatos SMUT: Work at the Castle

Link to the Fem. Reader version: HOWEVER I do recommend giving this one a read since the dynamic between Beelzebub and Barbatos play out differently in the NSFW sections of each version. So if you don't like their dynamic in the other, you might like the one they have in this one more. (Fem Reader version currently under construction, idk when it will be finished so if this interests you at all I still recommend giving this version a read so you're not left waiting too long)

Word Count: 19,817

Summary: Beelzebub invites you to work with him at the Demon Lord's castle on Barbatos' request. However one evening it becomes apparent there was a miscommunication between the butler and Beel as to the kind of work you agreed too, for the word 'work' has multiple meanings for them. Get to know this pair's unexpected friendship, relations, and eagerly join them in this other 'work' they have. ~AKA Threesome!~

Notes:

-It is left ambiguous/up to reader interpretation whether Beelzebub and Barbatos have romantic feelings for one another. It is left ambiguous/up to reader interpretation whether Beelzebub and the reader are in a romantic relationship, however they certainly have an emotional bond.

-The reader is refereed neutrally but is depicted as having a dick.

-Fem. Reader once it's released, will be the same but the reader has feminine parts and the NSFW section plays out differently due to that and different dynamics between Beelzebub and Barbatos play out as well, completely changing it. If you don't care for the dynamic between Beelzebub and Barbatos in the Masculine Reader version, the one that plays out in the Feminine version may be more to one's likeing.

-I have no idea when I'll finish feminine reader version

-I also didn't know what to tag/lable this, pls send help

-light sub/dom dynamics, tail fucking, blowjob, anal sex, temperature play, monster parts... def more but idk how to concisely label them

And if you prefer reading on AO3 here's a link to that.

With stretch and a high pitch groan you readjusted yourself on the couch, some joint in you popped getting the demons around you to flinch before returning to whatever they were before, still freaked out by some of your human body’s ‘eccentricities’.

It was a nice, warm, quiet day. Such a pleasant rarity in the House of Lamentation. Perhaps everyone was just that tired from school and chose, for once, to relax and not cause trouble during these weeks off.

There was something lazy about the atmosphere. Satan slouched against the chair, eyes half droopy all the while slowly drifting from one page to the next. Asmo laid across the floor on his stomach, feet lightly kicking the air as he flipped through make-up swatches, them taking up the majority of the living room’s floor space. A sleeping Belphie ended up shoving Mammon off the couch so he could sprawl out, all his big brother did was complain for a minuet before continuing to scroll on his phone, not bothering to move from the floor.

You and Beelzebub sat side by side on the other couch, you scrolling though :D JOBS for some part-time gig over the break, otherwise you’d have however many demons, angels, and others hounding you for your attention and admittedly you were getting a bit low on pocket money too, while Beelzebub rested an arm across the backrest behind you, letting you slowly lean into him while the others were too preoccupied or tired to notice. A sucker rested in his mouth, a new record with how long it had stayed there without it being swallowed down stick and all, there was still a quarter of the candy bag it came from left. Silently an already unwrapped sucker was held before your face, when your mouth opened there it was placed, a sour fruity flavor immediately danced across your tongue, not what you were expecting from the creamy green and neon orange colored candy, but not an unpleasant surprise.

A ding sound and Beel took out his phone… and raised a brow.

“Hmm?”

He looked to you for a moment before answering your silent question. “Barbatos wants me to do some work at the castle.”

“Oh yeah, it’s been a while hasn’t it.” It was not uncommon for the man beside you to do as such from time to time, a little disappointing though since usually he’d be gone for several days for it. Only thing you found odd was that you’d think Diavolo would take the opportunity to insist that Lucifer come over to help too, but maybe he actually had SOME form of boundaries and realized asking for that of the man as well was too much, not that assigning half HIS work to him wasn’t already.

“He’s probably gotten stressed over gala preparations.”

You simply nodded watching as the giant beside you held the D.D.D. in one hand, the other in a loose fist aside from a single pinky held out, had to type with it, any of his other thick fingers would hit multiple keys on accident on that little key pad, no matter which way he held the device.

There was some big party held at the castle around the end of this break, you tried figuring out what it was for your first year here, but you just kept getting different answers. Didn’t matter really, just another opportunity to get drunk and be a giggling mess trying one’s best to keep composure. For everyone else at least, meanwhile no alcohol that would have any effect on you in sight, so babysitting duty…

Maybe you could get work for that day? But even if you did you’d be dragged over to the castle anyway.

…

What about if you got injured on the job the day before?

Oh? Just as you were about to go back to scrolling you spotted how Beel’s gaze flickered to you before beginning to quickly type again.

“If Barbatos is okay with it, would you want the work too?”

“Sur-”

“HOLD UP! NO WAY!” Mammon leaped to his feet. “It’s vacation MC, we’re gonna be liven’ it up! You can’t just walk out on me like that!”

“I don’t remember agreeing to anything like that.” The man flinched at your words. Just as he was about to retort he was cut off by a sigh.

“For once, Mammon is right.”

“The hell you mean ‘for once’!?”

Asmo sat up, clapping his hands together and looked to you over his shoulder with that brilliant smile. “We need to be resting while we have the chance. That’s why I’m going to book a spa trip for us~”

“Actually-” Satan placed the now closed book gently in his lap. “I would like to join in this work t-”

“No.”

…

… Everyone looked to Beelzebub, caught off guard by the sternness in his voice and how quick he was to cut off that idea, even Belphie jolting up from it.

“Why not? Wouldn’t more hands be better.” There was an undeniable twinkle of curiosity in Satan’s eye, and admittedly you couldn’t help but wonder too.

“Hmm, I wouldn’t want to get all sweaty but if MC’s going, I could cheer you all on from the side lines.”  And there went the last peace maker, Asmo likely saw an opportunity to take over party planning.

“Yeah, we can all go.”

“You know Mammon will just steal things, don’t listen to him.”

“HEY!”

“I never asked any of you.” Even glaring at his brothers a roar of complaints began to ring out, Beel shooting down every retort.

You barely tapped his arm and you had all his attention, Beel immediately dropping all arguing with his brothers. “Sorry bud, maybe it’s best I don’t.”

It was only slightly but you saw how his brows furrowed, you didn’t feel it fair either but Beelzebub and Barbatos were by far your dearest friends, of everyone they were the last people you wanted to cause any issues for. Another ding from Beel’s phone got a quick glance from him. “Well, if you change your mind Barbatos would be glad if you joined us.”

“This is what you’re fighting about? If you’re that desperate for work I have plenty in mind.”

“Hi Lucifer. How long you’ve been here?”

Quickly the demon gave you a nod in greeting before turning to his brothers. “The whole time. You two get ready, I have to make sure no one here causes any trouble for Lord Diavolo.”

“Hey we wouldn’t!”

“If Barbatos wanted your assistance, he would have asked you.”

“He didn’t ask for MC’s either, Beel- EEP!”

Beelzebub took your arm and swiftly the pair ducked out of the room, dashing away before Lucifer changed his mind for whatever reason and dragged you two into a lecture as well.

Up the stairs, around the corner and into the twin’s room you ran.

“Well… would you still want too…”

“Of course!” Your chest fluttered seeing your demon’s beaming smile at your answer. So handsome and pretty, good thing he was so tall, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to resist cupping his cheek, trace that sharp jaw and stare at those beautiful long lashes.

You plopped yourself on the edge of his bed, watching as Beel trotted about, collecting his travel bag, clothes and other essentials.

“How long and what exactly will we be doing?”

“Don’t know.”

“And you agreed to the job just like that?”

The man paused for a moment, gaze locking with your’s in bewilderment. “… Yeah? You did the same thing.”

“That’s different!”

“How?” Getting absorbed in the conversation he stopped leaning over the bag, standing up straight, a couple of t-shirts still draped over his arm. The man always scrunched up some, maybe it was to take up less space, or be closer to eye level with his brothers. He had decent posture, but when he allowed his posture to be more natural like out in the field it always struck you upside the head just how… commanding? Strong? his frame was. Larger than life, chewing away the scenery till there was only him. It really showed off those broad shoulders and puffy chest, how his shirt draped over those curves and

Wait, shit! He asked you a question-stop staring!

Think!

Words!

“You.”

“… Just me?”

“Yeah. So, what about you?”

“Well…” He dropped the shirts before going to the closet to take out a few pairs of pants. “Same, just because it’s Barbatos.”

“Hmm, I didn’t realize you two were so close.” … Did he stiffen at your words? Or was that a pause? Or were your eyes playing tricks on you, you couldn’t be sure.

With many other articles in hand he returned, perfect. Shifting about the bag, he pulled out some items already inside, leaving some in, making room for the new clothes. “I like his cooking. And he helps us all the time. It was only after you came did everyone else start warming up to him too, until recently, even if he did ask, I think they would have been too scared to be around him long. But when he asks for help, it’s only if he really needs it.”

…

You’d completely forgotten about that.

Your first year here in the land of demons felt as if it were so long ago, so much was happening so quickly, sure you literally signed up for joining an exchange program in a place called the ‘Royal Academy of Diavolo’ in the ‘Devildom’, but when you got that wax sealed letter you thought it was some silly Role-Play thing or a weird new scam, you signed up for shits and giggles wondering what the hell this could lead too, not, an actual school exchange program!

It was all a bit overwhelming. In all honesty some bits were hard to remember. But you did recall something. It was around the time you were trying to make a pact with Asmodeus, when you first stayed over night at the castle. Barbatos was so hyped up to you to be dangerous and terrifying, even Asmo, who would flirt with literal statues, and snakes, and monsters, said he wouldn’t go near let alone touch the butler with a ten foot poll. You kinda just assumed they were exaggerating to scare you, but…

“Heh, but not you?”

“… He’s……… He’s strong. Very strong. Maybe even more than Lucifer. I should be, I guess.”

Huh, maybe he isn’t sure why he’s not? Or maybe he didn’t know how to phrase it. You dragged out the little crate under Beel’s bed. Good, there were still snacks inside so you could toss a bread roll his way. You adored the relief that spread across his features after catching swallowing the thing…

… and he didn’t continue. Too bad, it’s hard to think when you’re starving, sometimes a tribute could help him but it seems this time he was done and content with his answer. But you did get to hear that delighted hum from him, how his crystalline eyes seemed to shimmer your way, his short yet warm “Thank you.” how your simple action could bring such joy to him on it’s own was enough to prompt you to do so, an extended answer would just have been a nice addition.

There was a twinge of excitement, likely from the unknows of whatever you were headed into. It was just the next day and you and Beelzebub were off for the castle, a cool breeze brushing past, a lovely relief from the already warming environ.

Beelzebub, of course, didn’t even ask, just wordlessly took your bag, carrying both his and yours as you went along. He likely didn’t think about the action, this brand of kindness for those he cared about second nature. Your bag probably didn’t even weigh a thing to him, but still. Even how he always made sure he was walking on the outside where cars would pass by.

Very lucky, weren’t you. That as popular as he was, adoring fans, secret admirers, jealous and awed teammates, only you really got to see his true charm beyond his strength and looks. Although, you have gotten to see and experience other sides of those aspects as well.

At least this gave you an excuse to bump his arm and motion him to lean over a little so you could feed him a something. This gave a little pep to his step, but he always made sure to keep in time with your pace. It was so tempting to give him a kiss, and it wasn’t like there was anyone around to complain or insist on one of their own.

However it seemed daydreams of such took too much of your time, before you even realized it you stood before the grand front gates of the castle. You always expected some sort of screech as they swung open on their own, but Barbatos would never allow such a detail to go unchecked, you once admitted your expectations but he told you this of all places had to be kept perfect, wouldn’t want to give anyone a bad first impression.

Soon you were at the doors, them too opening without you needing to do a thing. However they did not do so on their own. “It is a pleasure to have you two here.”

Beelzebub was right, if Barbatos of all beings was asking for help, surely things were dire. You assumed, that even him with his seemingly endless wellspring of skills, if HE couldn’t handle it he’d be… a bit more haggard or tired looking? Yet, there he was, prim and perfect as ever.

Behind Barbatos Little Ds dashed about here and there, many carrying something or other, No. 6 holding onto a tower of boxes with a sleeping No.7 on top, keeping whatever was shaking in the top one from escaping, No. 3 almost tripping over the pile of wires draped across them, even No. 5 jumping down the stairs with a bit too cumbersome chair in hand.

“Come in, come in.” A step to the side and you two were allowed through. And just like that it seemed the Little Ds disappeared.

“Let’s get you settled into your room, then I can show you too-”

You wouldn’t have noticed if Beelzebub hadn’t shaken the butler off and took a step back. It was eerie how the man was about to get ahold of your bags without your notice, he was too good at misdirection, at being everyone’s shadow. To take care of all the little things all the while making you not notice.

But Beel did.

He lightly shook his head, a hand on all the straps making sure they couldn’t be slipped off his shoulder. “Actually we brought some tools with us. You can just tell us where and what we have to work on now.”

“I see.” The butler’s eyes closed, head tilting a little to the side. “Then follow me.”

Really, what were you expecting.

Last time you worked with Beel on construction it was renovating that restaurant. It was a fun relaxed time, Beel taking things slow, teaching you how to use each of the tools, getting into paint fights, having the time to admire Beel’s form as the man lifted anything and everything with ease from stone tiles to a tower of wooden beams.

 But you were under Barbatos’ command this time. The man who, despite knowing the way to escape the fairytale book was for him, the prince, to declare he loved you, still drilled into you all the upper-class social niceties you’d need to know to woo the prince at the ball like in some becoming a princess montage in a children’s movie.

And still now, he expected perfection. Everyone had to meet his standards, which likely were if he had done the task himself. During every job he’d pop by, critiquing every last thing, even down to examining how much you sanded down any given surface. Yet he wasn’t hovering or overbearing about it either. You knew he scrutinized everything nonetheless, you could tell just by the look in his eyes, how his gaze lingered.

“Have you done repair work before?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, but only once with this Devildom stuff. The wood here is so dense and… attacky.” You flicked the slab so it’d stop chewing on your arm. You really didn’t want to deal with any more splinters.

A light chuckle escaped the man behind you.

YES!

Barbatos leaned over a little to get a better look at your work. “And you’re already able to handle framework?”

“Beel’s a good teacher.” Snowboarding, the saxophone, construction, recently sewing and design, whenever Beel had a true interest in a skillset, it seemed he would master it. Not just learn something but come to understand all it’s intricacies of how it worked. So patient, he always quickly picked up on what you were struggling on and coaxed you through. And a good bit of praise too. But not so gentle as to let you get complacent, he just… “So smart, straightforward, and kind.”

The kind of guy you could always feel so safe and secure with. Even if you’re making a fool of yourself, fumbling over the same mistakes over and over.

“He certainly is.” A soft quiet tone, an agreement you didn’t necessarily have to hear.

You both waved back to the man as he gave a wave from the rooftop.

You bolted to the ladder, holding it steady as he began his quick decent down.

Barbatos still stood beside you, gaze on the barreling man above. “Although, you shouldn’t sell yourself short either. You make for an excellent student.”

“Hah, I don’t know about that. I can still barely remember the names of all those spoons for dinner parties.”

“Oh?” A chill fan down your spine at that single expression from the man beside you. You weren’t even looking at him, yet you knew how he looked, that icy smile turned your way. “Shall we do a review tonight th-”

“NO! N-no. I-I was planning on showering.”

“Hmm-”

Okay, all clear.

“-After the festivities then.”

DAMN IT!

“But school will be starting back up right after.”

“There’s a few days, it would be a good warm up to get used to schoolwork again.”

So days of scolding. That in of itself wasn’t so bad, especially from that man but…

You got used to Beelzebub, living under the same roof for so long. Didn’t make your heart pitter-patter any less whenever he held you, complimented you, or when you helped him with his workouts. And with all those brothers competing for the position of Avatar of Jealousy you learned how to be more discreet with your appreciation of the drop dead gorgeous men around you.

Barbatos however. So blunt yet mischievous, but only sometimes, you still couldn’t properly find your footing around him. You were always prepared for it, doing something mundane only to begin to trip on his words, and you fall for it every time. Him running circles around you, and using your words against you. Sometimes it seems he knows what he’s doing and others, you can tell he SOMEHOW genuinely doesn’t!

Not to mention with a single glance he can make one feel as if he were on such a high pedestal and also make you compelled to kneel before him squirming and apologizing for any unknown slight!

YOU BARELY SURVIVED THE BOOK INCIDENT WHICH WAS LIKE WHAT!? AN EVENING!? NOW SEVERAL DAYS!

How were you to not get so flustered that you forget everything… again. And what if you actually disappointed him this time?

You could never live the shame and heartbreak down.

BESIDES HOW WERE YOU SUPPOSED TO PAY ATTENTION TO ANYTHING WHEN HE’S SO GOD DAMNED BEAUTIFUL! NO WONDER THE WHOLE OF THE DEVILDOM FREAKED OUT WHEN HE DRESSED AS A DAME, YOU WOULD HAVE GONE JUST AS FERRAL AS WHEN BEEL GOT ALL DOLLED UP FOR THAT PHOTOSHOOT IN THE YUKATA YOU MADE HIM!

…

Not that his butler uniform was any better, stupid pants showing off his butt perfectly.

“You’re so flushed.”

“EP!” You mentally cursed yourself for getting so lost in thoughts. But how were you not too!? At least his tone seemed neutral?

“Allow me.”

A cloth?

Gently it was pressed to your forehead, then your all too warm cheeks. A swipe over your nose getting rid of the irritating bead of sweat that tickled and hung off the end of it before running over your neck.

“That… thank you.” You could just melt on the spot.

He stood there, not having realized the chaos running rampant through your mind because of him, just genuine concern, lips pressed into a thin line. “Thankfully I’ve prepared cool refreshments. But please, do not overexert yourself.”

It wasn’t that hot a day, but the humidity… A kind one could only notice after spending a considerable time outside, something you knew the butler hadn’t done unlike you and your friendly giant. Only someone who cared for even the smallest of details would have noticed otherwise.

… So smart, straightforward, and kind.

Another thing that usually came along with the butler’s visits was a much needed break and-

Barbatos only had the chance to pull out your seat, Beel already making himself comfortable, his chair already pulled out, plate covered in the baked goods.

“Thank you.”

“An uu” He barely paused in devouring the mini feast, but you understood. It was certainly a feat to manage stringing up those metal wires from up there.

Barbatos simply gave a little nod before pouring you your drink.

Thankfully for you Barbatos tried extending these breaks. Beel always made sure you were left with your favorites and frankly more than what you could finish. And all too quickly he had finished his portion before you could have even a fraction of your’s. Barbatos never directly said it aloud, but he always made sure to distract the man to save you all the heartbreak of seeing his continued hunger, as reluctant as you were to part from him.

This, however, did give you a very rarer sight. Just those two together.

Kinda.

You could recall more memorable moments of Barbatos with Belphegor or Beel with Diavolo, but… them spending time together wasn’t very rarer when you thought about it, just…

Both men, rather quiet and reserved in nature, when the louder personalities were taking over the conversation they both would take a step back and keep to themselves. It was subtle in a way.

And here you were getting to watch as they quietly talked over the construction of the stage.

It was interesting.

“Bigger?” Beel raised a brow.

“Yes.”

“No. The supports couldn’t take that. We’d have to start all over.”

“I know, but still, we must accommodate even… unwanted guests.” A hint of irritation rolled off the butler’s tongue in those last words.

Not exactly formal, not exactly casual.

“You should just throw them out.”

“Believe me, under normal circumstances I gladly would.” That polite smile with the closed eyes, if you weren’t paying close attention on them you’d assume Barbatos was just fine with this.

They focused on the task at hand mostly, but it was… more relaxed, in a way. You don’t believe Barbatos would have said something like that around the others, at least not as loudly.

“Hmm…” The redhead pointed to different areas of the stage as he spoke. “We could knock out some of the flooring and make the stage shorter but wider. And we can add an elevated part in the middle for Diavolo to stand on for the speeches.”

“What will you need?”

“Nothing, MC and I will make what we already have work.”

“It wouldn’t be trouble to get more supplies.”

“Nope. You don’t do anything. We’ve got that covered.”

…

Beel always did that, making sure Barbatos didn’t do more. From just about the very moment you arrived here.

“Beelzebub would you-”

“Where?”

“Entry way. Drop them off at the basement.”

“Wait, Barbatos stay here and watch MC for a moment. They’re still new at using the spirit level ruler.” And before Barbatos could respond Beelzebub was already off.

… The ruler where all you had to do was watch for the bubble to be in the middle of the cylinder. Really?

What surprised you though was that he actually did. Not staying but not insisting he had other things to do. And sure, he kept an eye on you, but it was less of the that judgmental gaze and just… watching you work. You KNEW he had far better things to be doing, with all your work outside, any time you looked to the castles windows you’d see his distinct silhouette bustling about from one place to the next, even suddenly switching to floors at the complete opposite side.

Even when you were almost done with the stage, Beelzebub was able to place a hand on the man’s shoulder and have him sit on the raised platform with you two for a few minuets to show it was sturdy.

You NEVER seen the man take breaks before. He even seemed apprehensive but never actually fought back or anything, just accepting the situation. It wasn’t often, you could count all the times this happened on one hand, but STILL.

BARBATOS, and man who even the PRINCE OF ALL DEMONS could not convince to go on vacation, the man whom you were absolutely sure has only gone on ONE vacation EVER, willing took breaks now?

Perhaps, the situation was that dire, but… that didn’t seem quite right.

You heaved a breath, leaning on the dresser, Beelzebub holding onto the other end so the dolly it was on wouldn’t roll away.

“Just two more days and we’ll have all the heavy lifting done.”

“Okay.” You stood straight, clapping your hands against your cheeks causing a loud snap like sound to ring out, an awful stinging radiating where skin met skin sending electric shocks to your mind. No more exhaustion! “We’ve got this!” And with renewed vigor you continued pushing ahead.

Back and forth, up and down, on and on you two went. Admittedly you felt a little guilty, Beel having to carry the stuff up the stairs by himself, but you would only get in the way if you tried assisting, it was just safer for everyone, no extra feet to accidentally trip over but still. “We need to take things slow or we’ll strain ourselves too much.” Beel refused to risk either of your safety even a little. And so you’d sit there watching as he slowly made his way up.

The halls of the castle were an eerily noisy place, like what one would expect of a haunted house. A groan here, a shriek there, the constant static-like buzzling gnawing into the back of the skull, but you could always recognize Barbato’s quiet footfalls amongst all that, no matter how far. You waved to the man down the hall as he sped walked his way toward you.

“MC, how are you and Beelzebub fairing with the furniture?”

“Fine, I guess.”

“Good, we need everything switched by the evening, before dinner is served. The Fairie ambassadors are arriving early and their rooms need to be ready.”

“What!?”

A soft thud as the dresser was placed down. “Half a day?” Beel looked between you and the butler, a little hesitant.

“Yes, you will get this done.”

It took a moment but Beel nodded in reply. “I’ll make it happen, somehow.”

It was more so a belief they had in one another. Even if Beel or Barbatos were not sure about something, if the other believed they were capable, then that was it, they’d do it, whether it be taking breaks because they were skilled enough to make up for the lost time, or of having the brawn to make any task viable.

They had a mutual trust in the other’s abilities, or at least that was your impression of the situation.

Beel looked to you, worry evident in his features. “But…”

“Uh… maybe I could push stuff to the stairs?”

“No, you could pull a muscle or throw out your back.”

“MC,” A gloved hand perched itself on your shoulder. “you’ll assist me in dinner prep, won’t you?”

“Yeah, I can do that!”

Still though, you were hesitant to go. It felt off just leaving him like this. Taking a glance back you saw he was in his demon form doing some stretches. He gave you a little smile when he noticed. Sure, Beel was moreso taking the brunt of the workload before, but it didn’t sit right with you to just leave what was supposed to be two days’ worth with your assistance down to just half a day alone.

Even after the stage there was still much to do, a lot of strange odd jobs. If you didn’t know better at times you would have thought Barbatos was looking for excuses to keep you and Beel around. And what was for the next several days apparently, temporarily switching out the furniture in the guest rooms, something about the current stuff being poisonous to certain species. It didn’t matter the reasoning, Beelzebub just took on whatever task the butler offered. At least grocery shopping wasn’t as precise and nerve wracking as sanding down the table legs in that one guest room by exactly three centimeters.

Thankfully the shopping was easy if hectic, Barbatos clearly had the several course meal planned already, occasionally asking for your opinion on what to use for a garnish or if this discounted spice was fine since the ones he usually got were out.

“Oh, thank you.” “Thank you!” “Thanks!”

Felt as if that was the only response you could give the man at times. Still ever the gentleman, even when your hands weren’t full Barbatos opened the door for you and the like. He even happily picked up a few extra things, you hadn’t the chance to pick yours and Beel’s dinner reward any day you were here yet. Finally you were not so exhausted that choosing something was a burden and Barbatos was sure to take this opportunity. Even if you were a little pressed for time.

In all honesty you weren’t quite sure how you made your way back, it didn’t feel or look like you teleported. You simply followed Barbatos, side by side as he took you down streets, and alleyways you didn’t know of, and before you knew it already making your way past the front gates.

You scurried your way to the kitchen, Barbatos giving you instructions to preheat the oven, fill a pot with water, and other such prep work along the way before he had to leave. Even so you were a little distracted, Beelzebub ran about at blinding speed, some heavy looking bed or closet on his back, face flushed, breath heavy.

“MC, careful to not trip over the Little Ds.”

“AH- Sorry, sorry!”

…

Did you choose a good meal for dinner? Your main reward for all this, every day, has been the most lovely dinner, the next day’s always somehow better than the last. This was your first time choosing, and you wanted it to be something that a lot of it could be easily made. At least try satiating Beel’s stomach, but considering all he’d have to do today… you just didn’t want him to be left hungrier than usual somehow. You doubted Barbatos would let that happen, after all, though you’re both working, you are still guests, technically…

“Good, good. You even have the spuds already prepared to peel.” Barbatos came marching in, rolling up his sleeves, getting straight to work.

“Well, I already finished everything, so I thought I’d start the first dish.”

Hmm.

“MC?” The man paused for but a moment before continuing his work. “… Shameful, to have forgotten such a step.”

Your fingers lingered behind his ear where you tucked those longer, bright strands of hair back.

So pretty.

“Nah, you’re cooking, and I’m just assisting you in the little things. And that includes tying your hair back if need be!”

“Heh heh. Not typical work for an assistant, but I suppose today is not a typical day either.”

“Exactly!”

Being a chef is no easy feat, being Barbatos’ sous chef even more so. Any guest would not get anything less than exemplary service. This kind of cooking was much different from your usual casual hang outs or baking sessions. Timing was key, being synchronized so Barbatos’ sauce and your fish were ready at the same time. There was also several times where you were left alone while Barbatos had to take care of something else. It surprisingly wasn’t too bad though, a lot easier than cooking in the House of Lamentation at least, no one popping in insisting you can drop everything you were doing to be with them or someone sneaking in and deciding to help without telling you and messing up everything.

“MC, I told you to take a break!”

Finally he was back, took him a lot longer than you expected. “The cooking isn’t really done till everything’s cleaned.” You were really tempted but… “So everything turned out okay?”

Barbatos scooched in beside you. He made one attempt to take the sponge from your hand, but you weren’t so willing to allow for that and reluctantly he opted for a towel to get started on drying the growing pile beside you. “Far better than that. They loved the meal and their rooms. Even found our service most excellent.”

“Aren’t fairies sticklers for etiquette and service and stuff?”

“Indeed.”

You couldn’t help heaving a sigh, losing all the tension, letting your shoulders relax and your arms rest in the sudsy water. “And what about Beel, how’s he doing?”

“Napping in your room, seems he just emptied the snack stash there so he should be satiated till your dinner is ready.”

“… good.” … you needed to check. “Say do we have enough ingredients to make an extra dessert, or just… more for my and Beel’s dinner?”

“If that is what you want, I will make it happen.”

“Will it make more work for you? The point of us being here IS to help you, not have you do more.”

“… Let me assure you.” His tone grew softer, a voice you hadn’t heard since coming under his command. The tone you were more familiar with as of late, the tone when you’d visit for tea testings or when you asked him for help with coming up with dinner for eight people. “Just you both being here is more than enough; knowing you’ll help me if I asked, even more, let alone you actually doing so. And you, MC, wanting this… well, it’s a treat.”

“I’m glad.” Okay, back to scrubbing. “… Although, I know we’re here for you. Well, you’ve seen him. Beel’s been doing most everything, especially today. I just, wanna give him a reward or something. He really deserves it.”

“… I believe you’re right. He dose deserve a reward.”

Did his eyes twinkle for a moment?

Wait! “When did you finish drying everything!?” Panicking you scrubbed with renewed vigor still having a small pile of dishes and utensils beside you, almost splashing yourself and most of the counter in the process.

“Tonight then.”

“Huh!? Tonight?”

The butler trotted across the floor, seemingly not hearing your question as he got out some new ingredients.

Well, at least Beelzebub was going to get a something, maybe a dessert that takes a while to make, not that Beel would mind midnight snacking.

Actually… that did get you curious about something, and maybe you’d get a clearer answer from him. “Say, Barbatos.”

“Yes?”

“What do you think of Beelzebub? You seem to get along really well.”

“…”

From the corner of the eye you saw how his tail kinda just… swayed a little. Just in place, not even to get out of the way of something as usual.

There was a little hum in his throat before he spoke. “Given the circumstances, I suppose it’s only right I indulge you.”

Only right?

“Beelzebub is… one of the more reliable of his brothers, as well as the least judgmental. He takes any situation in stride and is quick to get what is needed done. I respect him. We both have a rather similar dedication to those we care about. I believe a human term would be ‘kindred spirits’. We understand the strains this kind of dedications has, this doubled edged knife, just as fulfilling as it can be draining at times. There is no place else I rather be than here, just as Beelzebub beside his family. I love my duty so much I would let it kill me, but that would only hurt the Young Master. Sometimes, as much as Beelzebub adores his brothers, he’ll ask for work, to let me give him a way to blow off steam, to take control for a moment, to let him rest, or not think for a time.

And…” You looked over your shoulder wondering why he suddenly paused, even in food prep. “He is so smart, straightforward, and kind.” That smile! Heart caught in your throat. The moment your eyes met you flipped back to the sink, an awful heat growing on your cheeks. WHY DID THAT MAKE YOU FEEL SO- AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! Lips tight, this stupid embarrassment beginning to course through you. WHY WAS IT EVEN THERE!? “It all makes him rather charming.”

But even with this flushness hazing your mind you couldn’t miss THAT. It was surprising to you how little you heard such compliments for Beel. At last, someone else with good taste. Still… Like Beel Barbatos was, even if veiled by politeness, rather blunt, but not as straightforward. You weren’t expecting such an answer from the man. So… detailed, perhaps?

“Perfect you’re done washing. Now-” the demon crowed you, standing so close, coaxing you away and towards the door, a hand on the small of your back. “you will take a break. Get some rest, you needn’t worry over me, cooking for you and Beelzebub will be a much needed cooldown from the day. Drinks and water will be waiting for you in your room by the time you arrive. This has been a long day for you, so be sure to recuperate. Please.”

“Okay, okay! I will!” Thus you were all but kicked out. He was right though; you didn’t realize how thirsty you were till that first sip hit your lips before chugging down the pitcher whole. You also knew your feet were sore, but you melted the moment hitting that cushy bed, going completely limp.

Eyes heavy you let them rest. Every passing moment you felt. Noise, the ticking of the grandfather clock, that was what your drifting mind seemed to find focus on.

You knew there were other sounds. You knew what they were but…

They didn’t register

Blurring into the background

Only that

Tick tock

Tick

Tock

Tick

tick

soft

voices?

“MC.”

A gentle warmth on your shoulder, you were lightly rocked.

Oh wait.

You should probably get up.

It was blurry, but you’d recognize that bright, sunset-like orange anywhere.

A few blinks to clear your vision and you slowly sat up. “hey bub.”

He seemed to stare at you for a moment, a smile across his lips you rarely saw before this. A little tired, a little dopy, yet content, or something like it.

A deep breath and that’s when that delectable smell finally hit you. Guess you ended up taking Beelzebub’s lead and-

…

“Food’s here?”

Beel just nodded before pulling a table between your beds closer. You couldn’t tear your eyes from the feast, more than just what you requested. There was even an ice chest by the corner, away from everything else. “Barbatos said we had the rest of the day off and that’d he’d be back once everyone else was settled in.”

“Oh!”

You felt a bit giddy, this sort of bubbliness popping inside you. It was like you and Beel were staying at a hotel on vacation. Perhaps it was knowing there would be a treat later or the realization that you could simply relax for the evening and just do nothing, not even have to go to the staff dinning room for dinner per usual. You bounced a little in excitement before plopping yourself next to one of your favorite people on the edge of the bed, beginning to devour the practical mountain of food before you.

Thankfully there was a second table which had more. When your table got too empty for his liking Beelzebub would trade those empty plates for the new ones. He never stayed at the other table long, quickly taking his seat beside you again.

Amazing, as always. So many layered flavors, yet not so many as to be overbearing. Textures that melted on the tongue or crunched between the teeth just right, the sensations such a delight. Barbatos’ cooking was truly art no matter the angle you took, the looks, those smells, even the sound of taking a bite, and most obviously the taste, a symphony for all the senses, all at once. Enough to bring a tear to the eye when one was too full and could no longer fully partake.

At least, in it’s place, you could take on Beel’s pleasure. His delighted hums and groans at each bite, those beautiful sparking eyes, the terrifying way he ravaged every meal that sent your reflexes into fight or flight mode, swallowing dishes whole, sharp canines on full display making the heart pick up in pace. Watching how when he found something particularly good, which was everything, he’d offer you some on a fork or spoon. It was nice, just seeing someone so thoroughly enjoy something.

It was a surprisingly slow meal considering how hungry, well, hungrier Beel must have been, but he’d pause every few bites, asking how things were while you were separated and the like, about what you cooked and if you ended up having to serve anyone at any point, if you got to sneak any tastes of the dishes. “Really man? All this food and you want to know what I tasted?”

“Yes?” Stated like you questioning why he’d ask such things was the silliest or oddest parts of this conversation. Which to be fair, it was, considering you were taking with him.

“Well… A little, when Barbatos asked me to check something and tell him how it was.”

“Ooh! And… you had a good time?”

“Yeah, it was a nice change of pace from what we’ve been doing.”

“I’m glad.

…

Hmm, want a bite?”

“I really can’t buddy.” You sighed, it was very tempting, but you knew you would regret it later when your stomach would inevitably turn sour. “You worried about me?”

“… No.” A little clink and the empty platter was placed atop the growing pile before he dragged one of the as yet untouched plates before himself. A piece was cut onto the fork, his other hand held under it, almost turned to you before quickly taking the bite and continuing the meal, dropping his hand. “I didn’t like being separated from you. I don’t ever, but it was different this time. It was the first since we came here… And next I see you, you’re asleep, I didn’t even know you came back.” The man grumbled, shoving in the next bite with a bit of force. “I’m starting to sound clingy like Mammon.”

…

You scooched over, letting your head lean against him. He paused. You didn’t need to look up to know he was looking to you. “I didn’t like it either. Almost a week we’ve been here? We’ve been beside each other just about every moment. Of course it’d feel weird.”

“Two weeks.”

“Already!?” Finally you faced him, he simply nodded. “That long already!?” Beel nodded again. “How!?” Beel just shrugged. “But it can’t be! We just started!” An arm wrapped around you, pulling you close.

So, your time together was going by too quickly for your liking too. Beel was glad that you seemed to agree.

You wiggled out of that hold for but a moment after some time, once your giant was getting to the last of the dishes. The moment your hand landed on the handle Beel too eyed the ice chest. To your surprise it wasn’t very heavy at all, if you didn’t know Barbatos you very well would have thought there was nothing at all inside.

With a pop it was opened, the pair of you leaning over to get a look.

Sliced fruit! All elegantly arranged in a bowl and some much smaller covered bowl beside it. The saranwrap covering it had steam obscuring the view from the underside.

“Ah!”

“MC!?”

“Sorry, but…” Carefully you tried taking the mysterious bowl out, the chill surrounding your hands a such a stark contrast. You held it out to Beel, his eyes widening the moment he made contact with that heat.

Beel hummed before collecting the fruit bowl. “Fruit’s cold.”

“Eh?” Curiously you removed the wrap.

You didn’t even have to unwrap it fully to realize what it was. Stabbing one of those fruit slices and dipping it in the ooey gooey chocolate before holding it up to your giant who eagerly took the bite, with such force you were concerned he may have bitten through the fork, but the delight across his features was more than enough to place you at ease. And seeing the fork was still intact.

Slice after slice, piece after piece you dipped and passed to him, careful to not let any of the chocolate drip-

“Sorry!”

And in your rush you bumped it into his cheek, by the corner of his mouth instead.

Clink

He didn’t care, taking that bite from the fork without hesitation. “ats ok.”

“At least let me get it.”

…

You let your hand rest on his cheek for a moment, your thumb caressing the area right under the chocolate.

Poor Beel, he made the grave mistake of sitting beside you, being closer to your height. But he of all people had to understand indulging yourself.

A soft quiet gasp, his warm breath hit you as your lips were pressed against him. And a small lick, that goodness immediately melting on the tongue. But all good things have to come to an end so reluctantly you leaned ba-

“Don’t… tease me like that.” You were taken aback for a moment. A little gruff, a little disappointment and a hint of hurt mixed within his tone. Arms encircled, keeping you pressed close. If you had to guess, you would have expected your demon’s usual shyness, a bashful look, a flushed face, or even a quick kiss to your cheek.

“Beel.” Foreheads pressed together, nuzzling into you, his lips just barely brushing against yours before gently yet hungerly kissing you. How could you forget. It’d been too long you supposed, how unabashed he was when it came to his affections when others weren’t around, particularly his brothers. There were some sides of himself he didn’t show so easily, like this. But not with you at least. Adoring you with his every mov-

Knock, knock, knock

You jolted back on instinct, so used to having to hide one thing or another when one of those brothers came crashing in, or you were already that lost in the moment and anything besides it disturbing, jarring, Beel had a tendency to take up all your attention, as he rightly should if he wanted it. Yet in that moment he didn’t anymore, letting go the moment you hopped back. No resistance at all.

You almost wished he didn’t, you certainly didn’t want to lose his touch but, for him, your comfort and safety was ALWAYS the top priority, no matter the moment, and if you stepped back, that was it.

“Apologies, am I interrupting.”

“Oh, no! You’re fine.” Beel’s surprise, Beel’s surprise, Beel’s surprise!

Seemed you assumed wrong about the cooler being it. An almost cheeky or playful smile graced Barbatos’ lips as he quietly closed the door, towels over one arm, some fancy crystalline like bottle in hand.

A massage!

“So, are you ready?”

“W-”

“I’m sure Beel is!”

Perhaps you were a bit too excited for this, accidentally interrupting Beel’s answer, but, how could you not!? A massage from BARBATOS had to have been the closest thing to heaven one could get in the Devildom, and you certainly knew how wonderful the ones Beel gave you after workouts were, surely it’d be nice for him to be on the receiving end for a change.

The butler’s back was to you, placing those licked clean dishes on the far table, out of the way. He looked over his shoulder, lightly chuckling. “And you?”

“Huh? Isn’t this for Beel?”

Said man suddenly looked between you and the butler baffled.

“Hmm.” Quietly Barbatos made his way over, placing those items on the table beside your bed, standing before you in such a way where he partially faced you both when doing so. “Of course, but I’m very sure he wouldn’t want you simply left out.”

His hand landed on your shoulder, sliding onto your upper back as you were lead back to where you were before he arrived, pressed against Beel. Then he

they

A heat began to burn under your skin, a lump forming in your throat you had to swallow, trying to not salivate, one of those gloved hands on that beautiful chest, the other lifting up Beel’s chin with middle and pointer fingers, lips on lips, the butler sighing into the kiss, leaning in more and more almost pushing the giant on to his back.

“W-wait!”

Barbatos was shoved back, not roughly, Beel’s forearm on the butler’s chest keeping him away.

“Ah, is that no longer allowed for me?” There was not hurt in Barbato’s words, something slightly curious, yet knowing when he glanced to you.

“No, you can- wait, MC’s joining?”

.

.

.

The butler’s eyes widened. “You… never told them?”

“… No? You did? You two were just talking about it, but for me? But you asked for work so MC and I should be leading you. You haven’t had the chance to let go at all yet.”

As Beel sat back up Barbatos stood abruptly as if repulsed. “Excuse me, Beelzebub. You said they wanted work.” Shock, worry? His tone fluctuated, unsteady. That… was a first. Unsteady.

“Huh? I…” Something clicked. “They wanted work and… I didn’t want to leave you like this and let you down. I saw they were looking for jobs and I knew if I agreed I wouldn’t get to see them, so I asked. But… I was only thinking of work and not this part of ‘work’. We don’t always do this part.

MC, you don’t have to join if you don’t want too, I just wanted you around-”

“YES!” Wait, fuck that was right in his ear! Don’t screw this up! “I- well. Only if you want too, not out of… obligation I guess??? Or awkwardness? I don’t wanna intrude on you two!”

They just stared at you.

“Okay, FINE! I do, but not if you would not be okay? With it?”

Words were failing you, rather difficult to speak when your mind was completely elsewhere running rampant with made up stories and scenarios having only heard half of the conversation, heart racing from the mere thought, let alone seeing the two most attractive people you KNEW KISS RIGHT BEFORE YOU, AND THE IMPLICATIONS THEY DO SO AND MUCH MORE SEMI FREQUENTLY!

THERE WAS A LOT DISTRACTING YOU AT THE MOME-

“MC.” The moment your giant’s voice hit your ears your mind settled, focusing on his words.

“Uh-huh.”

“Our job, is to take control for a while, so Barbatos can have a break. Are you comfortable with that?” And admittedly, there was a more… commanding or confident tone to his voice than usual, one you were compelled to follow.

“Ah… Are we talking hardcore stuff ooooooorrrrr ???”

“If we want to.”

“… Noted.” Almost squeaky how that word came out, a high lit at the end. You were mindful of your breathing. If you were to do this, you didn’t want to seem, unreliable or frazzled or something. Who would want to be in the hands of someone like that? Maybe if they were taking the lead, HOWEVER, this was different. After all this is what Barbatos thought you were here for, wouldn’t want to let him down now.

“So,” You placed a hand on Beel’s thigh before patting it, and glancing to the two men. “shall we get started?”

In an instant those big hands had found purchase on the butler’s hips, dragging him on to Beel’s lap. And if he squished in a little there’d be room for you. You snuck in behind, pressing Barbatos into the redhead, but not before you placed your hands on his abdomen, fingers just itching to pick at those suit buttons. You-

“Now hold on.” You and Beel froze on the spot, locked onto Barbatos who leaned back and into you some. “I may be the one who requested work, but since MC’s here, I’d like to rearrange a little.”

“What about your stress reli-” Beel started your question before you could, cut off by the butler opening his palm at shoulder height.

“I’m very sure.”

“Uh, you don’t have too on my account! You two can just keep going, or do what you normally do, I can just sit in the corner and you can pretend I’m not even here!”

“Sounds like you’d enjoy that very much.” You almost wanted to shrink away from Barbatos’ piercing gaze. You were a bit obvious, weren’t you.

“Perhaps another time, if we’re willing. However, I would much rather you take an active role. And if I may be so bold, I believe Beelzebub feels much the same.” Beel gave a firm nod to the butler’s words. “I just would like to not be strict as to who ‘takes it’ this time.”

The man let that palm down, allowing his hands to rest on your knees on either side of him. “MC, is there anything we should know? Areas to not touch or something to not do? A preferred safe word? Or perhaps you’d wish for a moment to prepare?”

“Do whatever you want to me or just tell me whatever you want me to do to you.” … Maybe a bit strong of a start, but there was not going back. “And stop lights? Y’know, red, yellow, green?”

“Red, yellow, green.”

“Red, yellow, green.”

… It was strange, to find such a moment sweet, them echoing your words. For lack of better wording for it, there was something so familiar about it, something so… human. The moment gave you a small smile. Demons were more sensitive to invisible forces like emotions, could they feel that?

“For myself, do not manhandle my tail.” Before you could back off from where you were pressed against it the man took your wrist, pulling you a little forward. “You can touch, just do not be too rough with it. There tends to be…” He paused before holding out a pointer finger at having found a not terrible wording. “unintended consequences.”

Beel glanced away for a moment, eyebrows slightly furrowed, the faintest of blushes blooming on the tips of his ears and cheeks.

“Oh?” You wouldn’t ask for now, after all, it was Barbatos who should get the brunt of teasing, not Beel.

Speaking of, you leaned over a little, looking to your giant. “Pain play on you.” He didn’t even have to think on that.

“But you would on Barbatos?”

Beel simply shrugged. “If we wanted to.”

“… Fiiiiiine.” You placed your chin on Barbatos’ shoulder, it was a convenient perch. “Besides, Barbatos is supposed to be the star today, right?” You felt how he shifted, your warm breath against the back of his ear before a sweet kiss. Then one right below it, then one on the jaw, slowly leaning your weight against the man’s back.

“Hold on now.”

You ignored the butler’s words for the moment, having him continue, there was no tone to stop or nervousness more so… something else, instead meeting gazes with Beel who seemed to be staring in awe. So, he liked a show too?

Up close and personal with the rest of your weight shoving them flush together. A closer view for Beel as you dragged your tongue over what little skin on Barbatos’ neck was exposed past his high collar, forcing his head to tilt up some to give you room. Even getting a soft sigh from the man, seemed whatever Barbatos wanted to say could wait a moment, a moment, or a few, to let your teeth to sink into that flesh, biting down into that skin, entranced by that slight minty chill and tingling it left on your lips and tongue. Barbatos was in his demon form, perhaps there were other eccentricities of his body like this to find.

Your gaze was still locked with Beel’s, how his eyes seemed transfixed by how your lips danced across that skin. The moment he looked away you let your eyes close, savoring the feelings.  How Barbatos had to crane his face up as Beelzebub left wet kisses on his throat, your combined assault getting quiet, stifled groans or cut off breaths from him. How even with those tiny fiddley buttons Beel deftly undone them, practice likely from thousands of times before, popping open that collar giving you a wider canvas to work with.

Your hands wandered, raking over that fabric, down his chest, under the outercoat, down lower to the hips, bumping into such familiar, gigantic, calloused hands. Almost delicately your fingers intertwined, an unexpected thin cold metal getting tangled between them before your hand was held, practically engulfed by his own, a soft squeeze letting you go on your way.

Barbatos did have a chain thing that connected the ends of his collar, didn’t he. Reluctantly you leaned back, reaching over and placing the thing on the table behind you. Wouldn’t want to lose or crush anything, a bit counter productive of what you were trying to do.

“MC.”

He turned to you as much as he could, gloved fingers just barely brushing the underside of your chin before that hand was drawn back, leading you to him. There was an expression you’d never seen on Barbatos, at least, not so openly, so… raw. A yearning. You’d seen hints of want and desire, nothing as soft as this.

You felt how his breath just lightly shook as your lips met. One after another, after another, after another. A hand on the cheek, keeping him in place as you melted into the other’s embrace, a hand atop yours, that chilling gloved palm making sure yours wouldn’t stray away.

Something deep in the gut fluttered, this nervous excitement you couldn’t handle, tossing that wayward, irritable energy into slamming your mouths together again. Not enough, not enough, not enough, you needed more! Raking your teeth across his lips, tongue pressing across the seam, pleading for entrance.

You couldn’t stop yourself the moment he let you in, exploring all that you could, lungs soon burning, breath getting lost and taken away getting the same treatment in kind. It was cruel, any time he dared to back away, you immediately dove in for another, something he too eagerly obliged.

Even with your eyes shut so tight, you knew your vision would be spotted from how light your head was. But you had to have another, those groans and moans were too inviting, you didn’t care if they were from your interlocked lips, or Beelzebub’s love bites, or how you could feel that man coaxing this on, nudging Barbatos into you or tugging on your shoulder back forward whenever your body jolted back for breath.

“Wh-” It hurt. I hurt, it hurtithurtithurtithurt. Your breath heaved and rasped, needing air yet still you had to have a moment to swallow so you wouldn’t choke on yours and Barbatos spit instead.

“Before you get too far, there is still something we have to do, remember?” Similar to Beelzebub before, Barbatos’ forearm pressed into your chest, keeping you back and admittedly giving you something to lean on, in the likely case you were a little dizzy.

“Beelzebub here still deserves his reward. We really should be preparing him first, don’t you think?” His expressions, his movements, the man was meant to be a butler, truly, his mannerisms for it were just so natural, so polite, you almost missed it, yet you also could never had, not to your trained eye who had long memorized his patterns, that heat in his gaze, the subtle… not giddiness, something calmer than that yet still…

Clearly he was looking forward to whatever he had planned.

“Well, what sort of preparation dose he need? If all it is, is to get him excited-” All to easily your arms encircled him, your fingers trailing down the cummerbund, finding the waistband of his pants, rolling over the front button before dragging your nails up to his chest. “I believe putting on a show for him would be enough. I mean, it’s been working so far, right Beel?”

You couldn’t stifle your chuckle seeing the blush that began to dust your giant’s cheeks.

Good, you weren’t off the mark there. Placing a hand on his cheek, letting him hide his embarrassment a little and lean into your touch, tilting his face, a tender kiss to your palm, even if you were right you knew how calling him out like that could maybe get to the gentle man a little.

But where to start, and how were you even supposed to get the cummerbund off in the first place?

…

Stiff, Barbatos always looked that way, even now. Knowing he came in expecting this you’d think he’d be more… loose, yet somehow he looked to still be serving, too ridged, at least for the role he was to be in. Shoulders up and taut, a hand to the side, his other arm rested at a right angle, even his tail. Not bad, but, clearly, the man was thinking too much.

There was only so high you could go under that outer suit coat. Still, you watched your finger under the fabric, slowly tracing down his spine. So many layers keeping him wrapped up and…

“MC,”

You nodded, not like Barbatos could see that though. A thin strap at the top and bottom of the cummerbund held it together, gold buttons on either end, even a thin gold chain connected over the top ones, delicately draping over Barbatos’ tail. The top strap draped over it as well, yet the sides and underneath there was a bit of an opening.

It was odd, just how cool he was too the touch. You could feel it through his clothes, let alone pressing your fingers against the base of his tail, the thing leaving a thin wet film that seemed to quickly evaporate, only a slightly tacky feeling on the skin to remind you it was there at all. Was that what left the tinglyness on your lips? And the skin around it, that black quickly fading to teal than his complexi-

Did he just shutter?

You continued to trace where tail met spine. “Oh, are you sensitive here?”

“He is.” Before the butler had a chance to answer for himself, Beelzebub just conformed it so matter-of-factly, mumbling it into the man’s neck as he leaned back a moment, watching your mistransgressions, his arms naturally wrapping around the man in his lap, his fingers pulling up some of that excess fabric, like drawing back curtains.

“Is that so, Beelzebub?” His tail shifted, loosely coiling around the two men, Barbatos’ hands going lower. “You think that is sensitive? You and I both know you-mph”

Arms pinned down between their bodies, hand clamped to the back of the butler’s skull, wet grunts and clicking chues as tongue bullied into another’s mouth. That tail stopped encircling, you could feel how the muscles slowly began to let go, the tips slowly flicking back and forth. And a shaking through the butler’s body, a quiet chuckle?

He tried to move his arms but to no avail, only made Beel squeeze tighter.

…

What a silly and fun game these two had.

Around and down your fingers traced, dipping just below the fabric, not too far though, too tight for that. Oh well.

You ran your hand around the underside of his… tail…

You felt it so distinctly, that shudder, that flinch.

Your fingers pressed into the underside, felt like an abnormally large vein. A deep, stifled groan you drew out of him. The man squirmed, you knew he did, even as he did his damnedest to not, feeling how the muscles in his tail clamp tight to not move.

“What’s this? W-Hey!” As you lifted up his tail it quickly slipped through your grasp, more of that ooze secreted from it, it stuck to your hand, even spreading your fingers apart it stretched between them like webbing.

Beel had to gulp down a deep breath before he could speak up. “What’s what?”

“Thi-”

“QA-ngh.” The butler trembled, stopping himself just short of burrowing his reddening face into Beelzebub’s shoulder. You continued idly pressing the thing, finding it was rather short, starting slightly below the tail and ending just short of where tail met body at the underside, curiously there was even a divot or hole at the end.

“Ooh, Barbatos’ egg hole. He’s extra sensitive there if he’s not in water.”

“Excuse me his WHAT!?”

You needed to tug at the collar of your shirt, the heat growing unbearable. Heart hammered against the ribcage and picking up in pace. And his stupid wet tail pressing against your cock.

This man was getting destroyed.

With your hand already around the base it was simple enough to yank it up-

“MC!”

…

You hated this new wave of heat spreading across your face and the pain of having, fucking, PUNCHED IT! “I’m fine.” You managed to groan that out, the least you could do to not further worry your demons. Slowly you uncovered your face from behind your hand, wiping off the other of the slippery secretions that caused this in the first place. “I think my pride is more wounded than anything”

“Not the first time this has happened.” At Barbatos’ words Beel looked to the side, with a blush that perfectly matched your own.

“Oh, SHUT. UP!” You and Beel were supposed to be the ones teasing him, not the other way around!

He just barely covered his mouth to stifle that chuckle, that quiet laughter shaking his body, a smile pulling tightly on his lips. A gorgeous laughter that made the embarrassment flair up too much and subside some, the lovely sound all too charming. And that expression beautiful, truly a rarer sight to behold.

“Barbatos.” You didn’t even know your voice could purr like that whispering into his ear, grinding your hardening cock against his ass and the base of the tail, cutting him off- drawing out a shuttering breath, and that glare, a smoldering glare. A challenge, you supposed, one you were all too eager to accept, your hands already unlatching that chain connecting the bottom of his coat, Beelzebub happily joining in, kisses worshiping what little skin he could get, hands smoothing up the shoulders and down the arms peeling off the outer garment at last.

Layer after layer, piece after piece, Beel holding up the man’s arms so your fingers could slip under those gloves, practically ripping off the triangle vest piece, hands on the top of that fluttery button-up pulling it apart so easily buttons giving way perfectly to reveal that canvas, that heaving cheat, that smooth belly, that soft cold flesh, the unnecessary things falling away.

That friction was too little, all it did was frustrate, you needed him, yet you could ignore the terrible tightness of your pants for a moment simply to take in it all. 

How those arms were like his tail, such a bright, practically glowing teal at the ends, cracking onto that black skin that faded into that pale complexion just a little past the shoulders where the button-up began to drape off.

Long stretchmarks on his sides, between the hips and ribcage, horizontal they went. His gasp, you flinched back the moment feeling… something so warm come from them as Beel tenderly traced his fingers across one.

“His gills aren’t very sensitive, but they can be…” His thumb pressed into one of those lines, going back and forth making the man under them shake. “ticklish. So if you plan on taking him from behind, be careful of them, you don’t have the strength to keep things from getting very bumpy.”

“Gills… how pretty.” You simply let your palms rest against them, feeling how they seemed to shift, feeling that… breath, was it?

“So, we’re not letting them find out anything for themselves?” Partially a query, mostly an observation, the man looking to Beel with a quirked brow.

One of Beel’s large hands landed on the butler’s neck, tilting him up to look just a little higher. “No, not everything. I know what they like and… what can help you get what you need better. Then we’ll all have more fun.”

A rough bite to the throat and an open-mouthed moan left Barbatos, he flinched, arching his back rubbing more into you.

Hips bucked on their own, adoring the unexpected movement. But, surely they were feeling too incumbered too.

You adored it, drinking it in, every last sound Barbatos would give you, especially as you massaged him. “Your pants are already so tight; you must be feeling just awful right about now.”

“ngh- says the person making it worse.”

“Well then, I better help you out then.”

The thing practically sprang out leaving you stunned, Barbatos whimpered as it finally hit open air, pinned between himself and part of the giant lump in Beel’s pants.

It was clear with a light teal tint. Five distinct layers that went at a diagonal, low end at the bottom underside, high end at the top back, almost like a flower if only all the petals were on one side; arum palaestinum perhaps if the petal grew up against the pollen rod and didn’t go too far beyond it. And if the petals were much thicker. Layer upon layer the color got darker the light teal core turning a green more similar in hue to the butler’s hair. And the thinner rod bit in the middle, black, at least it looked like such, you see the black tube inside, and if you squinted, faintly what was in it, the precum that came leaking out.

If you were at the right angle, if it was right at your face, could you see… inside, past through his member and to the organs inside? Could you? Something in your breast trembled at the idea. Past the dick that clearness quickly faded into his skin tone and grew opaque.

The texture was much smoother, reminded you of petting manta rays at aquariums. Your fingers simply glided over those layers and ridges, even in just your hand the texture of it was setting your nerves alight.

But that was it, seemingly nothing underneath, at least, nothing obvious.

The demons shifted about doing… something, but you had to know, was that it?

A bit of a tight fit what with the pants and having to push against Beel’s big mound but it was easy enough to find what you were looking for… maybe. Those family jewels or at least what you assumed were them were where one would expect, however it seemed they didn’t hang out, instead tucked away inside, the only sign of them a pair of smooth, oval bumps where they would b-

“Ah!?”

That big hand found it’s way past the waistband onto the butler’s ass, giving it a firm squeeze, perfectly lined up to push against your member. Beel’s revenge against you perhaps.

“Beelzebub, could you pick up Barbatos for a sec for me?”

He didn’t even say a thing in return, simply completing your request effortlessly. “Perfect, thank you~!” Now to finally get the last of those useless clothes off!

A couple tugs, chucking of shoes getting a surprised and miffed “MC!” from the butler later and the man was placed back onto Beelzebub’s lap. Meanwhile you slipped off the edge of the bed right behind you.

Now… to at last get back to what you intended for before, and thankfully with less cloth in the way and this new angle, you could go about this a little differently.

Carefully, you lifted up his tail, just enough so you could get in place.

His breath hitched, body jolting the moment your tongue pressed against that sensitive spot under his tail. Sucking, biting, kissing, groaning into the vain-like channel you got lost, your partner’s moans beginning to fill the air. Clearly the man wanted more, suffocating you, grinding into your face, you were tempted to stop palming yourself to keep him steady till you finally looked up, Beel’s strong, sturdy hands on those hips, he alone got to decide how much they got to move at any given moment, and it wasn’t like you were one to complain.

One hand did find it’s way to kneading the flesh of that ass, not plump, but it had a delightful firmness one couldn’t get enough of, giving in to your touch just enough to have something hearty to grab and squeeze or leave love bites and burses. It needed attention too after all, it was certainly going to see much use later so while you were here, you might as well as help that puckered hole loosen up a bit.

Your fingers, your tongue, how those legs began quaking from your work, that man’s voice beginning to come undone, his voice breaking out with every heaving breath, feeling how another’s gaze boring  into you and your actions, at any time able to take over and pin you and Barbatos down so easily but letting you have your fun for now, heart racing knowing how Barbatos, possibly the strongest being there was, willing let you do whatever you may please, play acting this part for the sheer joy of the role, how was one to not to love his? For one’s body to get lost in the haze, happy to suckle away down there, mindlessly grinding to release the pressure between the legs long lost to the wayside, instead absorbed in the beautiful symphony of noise he willing gave to you and made with you?

“A-hah. More, m-more.”

Fuck. Who were you to deny him. How were you not to get so hard from that whine.

“Oh? Ngh- I’m surprised. You didn’t realize just how skilled they are with their- AH ah… mouth? Why don’t you find out?”

“I-”

And just like that Barbatos’ strange yet refreshing chill was gone. Now a radiating heat in it’s place, but from who you couldn’t be sure. Between your giant’s knees you kneeled, his fat hog pulled out, jacket discarded, hair and clothes disheveled, his face and expression flushed with embarrassment, eyes locked onto you for a moment before quickly flickering away. “No, I… couldn’t fit.”

“…” Your jaw would probably break if you tried. A little shorter than average for a man of his size, what Beel lacked in length it was more than compensated for with sheer girth. A tingling chill ran down your spine at the idea… or that was just Barbatos doing that. “Hey!”

You playfully slapped away his hand, rather rude to interrupt implausible daydreams-

“MC seems eager to try.” Barbatos looked to Beel as he lightly gestured to you.

“Just what are you trying to pull.” Your tone lacked question. True, you were curious, but it was more so pointing out he was pulling such a move at all. Did you need to get a bit more serious? Barbatos stood behind you, just slightly off to the side. Even when you tried to look to him for a response he simply nudged you back to Beel.

Those slender hands perched themselves on your shoulders, sliding down your arms as he kneeled to your height. “You said so yourself. Beelzebub more than deserves a reward, and I now know this would make for an excellent one.”

“……… I mean, if you of all people say so I can’t exactly refute, can I?”

There was a light chuckle in his first few words. “I don’t know about that, but it is an honor to know you value my opinion so highly.”

Immediately you pounced, with a slap your hands landed on Beel’s thighs, the tips of your noses touching, a quick kiss to his lips before slipping down and giving another to the tip of his other head.

Beelzebub was never a very vocal person, but he always made his feelings known to you, shuttering under your touch, grunts and groans as you dragged your tongue across that thick black vein on the underside of the shaft, spreading out his legs so you could make yourself more comfortable, hands holding yours’ or on your shoulder or head, his thumb caressing you. Letting you know he adored your every touch, wet kisses, massaging his balls, both hands grasping around to get in a few good pumps, licking up the pre that came beading out of that fat tip.

You could hear how he swallowed as you did your best to take him. The size alone wedged your hurting jaw open, lips stretching around it.

“Come now, you can do better. Relax.” You tried keeping calm, Barbatos’ sudden intrusion startling the daylights out of you. You were already breathing hard, consciously through the nose, trying to not accidentally try from the mouth and panic or gag.

There was not much you could do, only bob up and down, tongue pinned back and down.

“Y-your good… so good.”

A cold hand on the back of your skull kept you in place even as you tried going back. Huddled close the butler used his free hand to lightly tug your hands off that thick cock. “I didn’t take you to be one to be so easily satisfied with this kind of service. You call this a reward?” Gagging, shoved down to take another inch, though he let go as you jolted back you didn’t go up all the way, instead diving back down again.

“N-no, MC’s doing so-mph”

Drool dribbling down your chin and Beel’s cock, tears pricking the corners of the eye as you were held down, hips bucking into you, soft praise in one ear and strict criticism and goading in the other, doing your damnedest to take in even just a little more before coming up to suck back down. Beel was not going to finish till you could take in the whole thing if it was the last thing you did!

The giant whimpered as you moaned and hummed around him. He seemed to really like it when you looked up to him, finding that heated gaze, batting off Barbatos’ hands from you, even telling you to slow down or to let up a little.

Some sort of fear pooled in your gut, how he looked down at you, so, so adoringly, almost like he was ready to attack at any moment. Not you, but anything that dared to get in the way. Even your own flesh if it made indulging yourself in that moment the slightest bit difficult. Snap off and unhinge the jaw to take more of him if you wanted, rip out the lungs so he could fill them with air for you so you wouldn’t have to stop for yourself.

But the moment you went back to focusing on the task at hand, to get that thing into your throat, swallow down more and more, those bumps veins and ridges pressing into your tongue, cheeks, the roof of the mouth, you were let be. The other demon made his appearance, that chill keeping you in place, back to his vip seat beside you for the best view of the show.

Eyes shut tight, tossing yourself down, forcing it in all that way, a strangled moan was all you could hear, a terrible stinging pain radiated, your mouth and throat filled and stretched, burning hot cum pouring down your gullet.

It took a few moments to settle that wretched cough which wracked your body. A cold hand smoothed up and down your back as you caught your raspy breath. “H-heh heh, I actually got my mouth around it!”

Perhaps you were a bit too forceful at the end there, but in all honesty you were too proud of yourself to care. And you didn’t even cough up anything! You did need to swallow one last time, still feeling some of that viscus, salty stuff on the tongue.

A giant hand cupped your cheek, his thumb wiping away the stray tears from your eyes. The roof of your mouth and the back of your throat felt somewhat raw. “You okay?”

“Great!”

“Good, I… really liked that.”

“Want a taste?”

“huh?”

You held Beel’s dumbfounded face in your hands. “I swallowed it all you know. Want to know what I tasted? We always share if we find some good grub.”

“Ah…”

You couldn’t wait, crashing your lips into his own. They slotted together perfectly, already open, eager to explore one another. Happily sucking on one another’s tongue.

A chill settled in behind you, Barbatos all too eagerly pressing himself against you. His hands explored around, tracing the hem of your shirt, or up your le-

Beelzebub immediately backed off when you flinched. You took the butler’s wrist but made no real move to stop him from palming the tent in your pants. “F-fuck.” Your face ran hot at how bucked into his hand. So needy and desperate. You had been neglecting yourself, hadn’t you? But even that strain, that denial could feel so right. However, it just felt so sensitive, so terrible and great.

It was too much at first, like a punch to the gut, a sudden jolt piercing your lower abdomen. A deep pressure in and around you, trapped, needing something to let up. You couldn’t help it, squirming under his touch, grinding against him, it was awful, not enough, not enough not enougnotenough

“I must wonder, was that a reward for Beelzebub or for you?”

“I…”

“Actually,” Beel’s giant hand easily found it’s way under your shirt, fingertips then palm pressed on your stomach, traveling up your skin, stopping at your collar bone. “MC deserves a reward too. They’ve haven’t had work under your strict eye before, and they did really well.”

“I must concur.” How cruel of Barbatos to take his hand away. “Since you know what they like, I believe you know what would be most appropriate?” They rested on the buckle of your belt, idly undoing it.

“Hmm.” That… Your heart picked up in pace, looking up to the giant before you, the man who happily let you tie him down and rode you for all you were worth… There was… A LOT he could choose from. “Nothing too intense.” And with a flick of the wrist your shirt was off and half-hazardly tossed away. “You’ll need your legs for later. We still need to make sure Barbatos relaxes.”

“I’m rather enjoying myself already act-”

“Right, MC? After our rewards we’re going to make sure he gets a good break.”

“Obviously.” You got a smile from him with your answer, Beel happily pulling you close.

“Hey, wait a minuet.” Your hands propped yourself back a little on his chest.

“Huh?”

“Lose the shirt, you’re not staying dressed big guy.”

“oh.” Beelzebub could be exceedingly cute at times.

The moment he chucked it away your hands were already on him. Who could resist grabbing and squeezing the supple flesh of his chest. Or nuzzle into it. Or kiss and adore that valley between them. Let their fingers roll over those cherries, make them a nice bright red. Worship that beautiful frame.

As soon as there was space, the butler oh so helpfully undoing the button, Beel’s hands found their way down and around the swell of your ass, his fingers eagerly digging into you. Only fair that he got to play with it while you got his chest.

Back you went, dragging him along so you could stand, much easier to discard the unwanted cloth, letting them fall to the floor.

…

Oh, what do we have here? Surprising that Beelzebub hadn’t polished it off at some point.

Just about all the fruit was gone aside from a few Devildon equivalent of grapes and orange slices. However, you took the almost empty bowl with that strange heat. “Seems we didn’t finish before. We were a bit abruptly interrupted, why don’t we finish this off? But where, on me? On yo-”

It was gone!? “Hey!” One moment it was in Barbatos’ hand, the next, it vanished!

“We don’t… involve food. It’s too dangerous.” Over your shoulder you could see how almost ashamed Beel looked. “I once bit off Barbatos’ ta-” What was THAT expression that flashed across his face!? “aaaaa Nothing to speak of happened!”

“… Is that why his tail split off at theeEEEE!”

Your whole body shuttered, that long slimy muscle mass wrapping tightly around your thigh. A light tug and you tripped forward, bumping into the butler’s sturdy frame, a hand perched on your hip, his tail slowly coiling up and around.

Around and around, pushing it’s way through where thigh met thigh forcing them apart. Heart fluttered, feeling how those muscles shifted, stretching out a little forward before contracting together to stretch out again in many small waves all the way to the tips. Yet it looked so smooth like it simply glided across. However you couldn’t miss it, not with how your thighs involuntarily squeezed together from instinctive terror and excitement.

“No. it is not.” He simply smiled, yet you desperately wanted to slink away.

But you couldn’t.

Not as it kept coiling up and around, pressing into and dragging against your balls, higher still over the swell of your ass and it prodded at your entrance.

“Deep breath.”

So smooth it was, inching in, so easily making you swallow more and more of that freezing object. Even as some of the tail’s ooze dripped and plopped down there was still enough to breach and coat your walls. The tip so thin it easily slid in, hardly a sting, just an odd feeling in the gut, something wrong about this intruder, then it kept going, getting bigger as it went, the only resistance from your hole clenching around the growing size and chill.

Your breath deepened, body growing hotter melting away that cold protruding inside, flinching as it folded in under itself to let more in as it was getting too long, sliding over, tickling that damned spot that he just. wouldn’t. press. Slowly filling you, forcing you open.

Hands on his shoulders for some stability, knees growing weak realizing THIS probably wasn’t the reward, just preparation, even if you would die happy to be completely wrapped up and filled like this.

You ripped a gasp out of him, your weight thrown into him, his back hitting the wall with a loud thud.  The lightest of blushes dusted his cheeks as you glowered at him, body heaving with your breaths, flinching at the intrusion, feeling how it writhed inside massaging your walls even when reaching the split that kept more from arriving. The other end explored around, wrapping itself around your other leg or along your hip.

Bodies pressed tight, skin to skin, a little roll of the hips and your dicks were rubbing up against one another sending sparks through the nerves releasing and worsening that pressure. Leaning in your hot breath hit him, open mouthed pants ready to steal his breath away.

“I do apologize interrupting before.” Huh? “And now for having to decline your plans, however I hope this may serve as some form of satisfactory compensation. A forbidden treat, given the circumstances.”

Your breath hitched the moment those two digits pressed into your tongue, that sweet, delectable, chocolate bathing your tastebuds. When the hell did he swipe some!? When he grabbed the bowl?

Well… since he was such a fan of your mouth, you might as well as give him a show. Swirling your tongue around them, sucking, letting your mouth open some for a moment so he could get a view of the action…

Ripping his hand out and pinning it to the wall, your fingers interlocked with his. Sticking your tongue out for him to see there was still some chocolate there, lurching forward to capture his li-

Your attack suddenly halted, breath caught on your throat, a hand so giant and firm holding it, thumb alone so easily got you to tilt up, crane all the way, peel you away a little so he had enough room. Steal that kiss, his tongue bullying into your mouth, taking what was his and his alone, that interrupted moment.

Even your hand losing grip on that shoulder, instinctive going up, cradle Beel’s cheek or land on the back of the neck to keep him in place it was taken, cool, slender fingers interlocking between your own.

“Hmm, almost there… I believe this should be a size you’re more accustomed too.”

What was-

You couldn’t stop it! You couldn’t stop it, you couldn’t stopityoucouldn’tstopit! That other end forcing it’s way in. Even when your hips jerked it still kept going, pushing and pushing, stretching you and twisting around the other tail end. Rougher and faster, squeezing it’s way in. Beel swallowed up all you moans, groans, screams, whimpers, your hastening breath.

With what felt like a pop, that hump, where the two ends split off, it thinner at the whole tail. Everything trembled feeling that constant writhing, that slithering, in you. Gasping as you heard that squelching, in and out over that hump. And STILL! He refused to just press that damn spot. Keeping you filled but refusing any true relief. Only that anticipation, that tightness, those appendages filling out those walls. Even his hands on your hips, keeping pressed close, grinding into each other.

In and out, in and out, and… out?

Desperately gasping for breath even Beel backed off a moment, still close, enough for you to take in his air, but…

Barbatos’ tail completely slid out. You squeezed around nothing.

You were pressed against him, Beel hugging you close, him nuzzling into the crook of your neck. A hand on your chest, feeling your pounding heart.

Then his hands went lower.

“Wah!”

Lifted up, those hands hooked on the underside of your knees, back against his chest, legs held up and apart. Your face burned so hot at being on display like this, so exposed, so empty. So hard, it almost hurt, pre leaking from your tip. But you weren’t the only one, looking lower seeing the man who held you so close was in a similar situation.

He was Gluttony after all. Even if he’d just finished, whatever he wanted, no matter what it was, he had all the capabilities he needed, always able to get his heart’s desire, so much of it it’d make one sick. However this man could never be full.

But he was very kind to you, his desires lied with your own. He wouldn’t like it if you didn’t want it too.

Two squeezes he did with his hands, both short but the second one slightly longer. Your signal. Under normal circumstances he’d already know what you want, to just go for it, but things were a little different this time, so, just in case.

You swallowed, taking a slightly trebling breath, hands on his forearms, leaning forward. A short, then a longer squeeze you gave him.

And you were plunged down, his hips bucking up, that thick shaft burrowing into you, crashing right into that spot, knocking all the air out of your lungs, stars dotting your vision. Head thrown back, body convulsing for a moment. A strangled sound ripped from your throat.

Your breath labored as he simply held you there for a moment, nestled inside you. No matter how much prep one could never be truly prepared, even if they had done this before such as you. He was all consuming, filling you up to just before the point of bursting. Just a moment, so you wouldn’t break.

Before he effortlessly lifted you up, and his hips backed off, and he dropped you, thrusting in as far as he could get. Over and over again, every thrust seemingly pushing himself in deeper, go in harder to get past any walls in the way, burrowing through.

These pangs sparked through you, deep in the gut, through the thighs, at your cock, that pressure, finally being able to squeeze it tighter, feel that dull pleasure come in waves threatening to knock you over.

You were gonna through up, it was too hard to breath, so labored. He completely filled you, there was no room for anything else. Over and over, he didn’t even have to thing, his body memorized where your sweet spot was long ago. Wave after wave of that growing pleasure that-

“W-wait! Waitwaitwaitwaitwait!” Your voice wavered, breath growing shallow. That teal hand wrapped around your cock. He didn’t even have to move, Beelzebub doing all the work, just holding you, squeezing in time with every last thrust. Except that thumb which always kept some pressure right under your head.

“Hah-ngh” He pulled strangled wines from you. His other hand kneading one of your breasts, his almost talon-like fingers flicking your hardened nipple, a curious pinch before a sharp pull.

“N-no, I can’t-fuck!” He made sure to leave bruises on your neck, his sharp canines digging into you.

And harder that that thick cock thrusted in.

So exposed, that predator watching as you writhed between them, adoring this display. You felt how his gaze bore into you.

You couldn’t take it. It was too much. So much. Being torn apart on the inside, being assaulted out. Everything burned and it only grew hotter. The friction, those bodes, needing more.

“H-hold-” It snapped, that pressure broke, forcing everything to come spilling out, body tightening before going slack at losing it. One, two, three, a fourth slower one before Beelzebub let himself out of you.

A whimper escaped you. You were so empty now, you could feel how it seemed to radiate, your pulse through you, especially at your hole. It didn’t burn, or hurt, or feel the slightest bit raw though. And though Beel didn’t cum, still things dripped out of you, slimy on it’s way down and out.

A palm wiped the sweat from your brow, trailing down to rest on your cheek. Though much of that coolness had faded, it was still so appreciated.

You tilted your head up looking to your giant who simply shook his head. “Water break.”

You were shifted about, being more comfortably held in Beel’s arms, watching as Barbatos spread out a towel on the bed. He even already had a cup of ice water on the nightstand, from where or even how he got it, you had no idea, other than Barbatos being Barbatos of course.

Gently you were placed down, with plenty of pillows for a backrest. Sighing, letting yourself relax, taking a refreshing sip of water, Barbatos patting you down at some spots, and cleaning up the mess you made on yourself.

It was funny how delicately you were being treated. Beelzebub certainly knew you could, and would happily handle more, but he was right, didn’t want to push yourself too much before the main act. Even then the… secretions from Barbatos’ tail certainly helped a lot.

…

Would he be at all amicable to letting you bottle some up for future use? Doubtful…

But what if~

As Beel let himself flop on the bed you hopped up for a moment from the shifting mattress; Barbatos taking a less impactful approach, took a seat on the edge.

Huh, you were so distracted by Beelzebub’s still stiff log you almost missed the glinting of the crystal bottle thing Barbatos had brought in with the towels in the redhead’s hand.

And aphrodisiac? Lube? What could be in such a pretty bottle.

So swiftly Beel wrapped an arm around the butler’s torso, dragging him to the middle of the bed and flipping him onto his stomach. With a squeaky pop Beel flipped off that crystal stopper with a flick of his thumb, pushing that tail out of the way and pouring the clear substance right onto his hole. “Now, no more thinking. I’ll do the work.”

Lube it is.

“Say, mind if I loosen him up some?”

Both men looked your way.

“I may be in time out, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help a little. Besides, I gotta show that there’s more to me than a talented mouth. And I may as well finish what I started before, only the proper way to handle a job, right?”

“Right.” Beel gave you a firm nod. “Barbatos wouldn’t like it otherwise.”

Before anymore could be said the butler was practically tossed onto you. He did manage to catch himself with his arms, prop himself up, hands one either side of your face as if pinning you there. Your arms wrapped around his shoulders pulling him down. For a moment, resistance, but it quickly collapsed under your sway. “Good. Could be better.”

“Hmm?” Your comment seemed to catch his attention; however, you paid it no mind.

“Lovely.” His skin was like porcelain, so smooth and perfect, so few blemishes it could be unnerving. Your fingers traced along down his spine. Your other found itself getting tangled in his hair, lightly tracing around his horns.

“You think so? I’m very lucky indeed then.”

“Won’t you scooch up some for me then?”

Perfect, while he was distracted you looked to Beel, fervently glancing between him and lone candlestick holder at the far end of them room. His expression confused before following your gaze… That only seemed to get him more lost.

Damn it man! You’re trying to be smooth about this!

Still the man got up-

“Better?” He sat perched on your lap, letting you get a perfect look at his slender frame. Those teal cracks among the black reminded you of scorch marks and kintsugi. Resting on his lower back your fingers teased, lightly smoothing where tail met body.

“I don’t know.” Your voice trailed off into a sigh. Fingers traced lower, yet no reaction. He was the master at having a poker face, but this was work now. Dose he refuse to let go because he wants you to entertain him more? Or was he calling himself out before and HE preferred to watch from the side lines? “Come closer.”

With a fistful of those locks you tugged him down roughly. You got a huff out of him, something in his eyes shimmered, something deep, something almost glittery. He had to crouch over, most of your demon companions were at least a little taller than yourself, and that included Barbatos. Still, he crowded above you.

One, two, you slipped in, scissoring idly. If you really wanted to prepare the man you’d probably have to stick in your whole fist, but, though this was for Barbatos, you didn’t think it fair to keep Beel waiting that long.

“Relax.” You mumbled that into his chest, hearing him swallow. A third.

“You-HA-gh” Hooking your thumb into the hole at the base of his tail. A sharp exhale from his nose. You wondered what his expression could be. Too bad you couldn’t check, too preoccupied with biting his nipple, loving the feeling of that flesh sinking between your teeth.

Poor, poor Barbatos. You could feel how his hardon pressed into you, and with holding him so close you could also feel how his muscles twitched, and jerked, wanting to move, so subtle something the eye couldn’t catch, at least not easily. “You don’t have to hold back. I rather like the sound of your voice.”

“ngh”

“Won’t you let me hear it?”

“MC…”

“You were doing better about this earlier, even if it was quiet.”

He whimpered, your thumb pressing up and deeper noticing some bumps. “I though y-… you wanted to show off more thAN-”

“I know, but… how can I resist when they’re RIGHT. THERE!... unless” He shuttered as you leaned back. “you don’t want me too.” You quickly got settled against the pillows, fingers still exploring around, even going a knuckle deeper.

“I…”

A great shift on the mattress signaled your partner was back. “You can speak up.”

A very light laughter seeped out of Barbatos. “It’s simply not often I’m asked what I want… please, do not stop.”

He flinched, pressed against him, nipping on that already reddening bud. His voice betrayed him, leaking out with his breaths as a great pressure pressed him into you. Beelzebub, a hand on Barbatos’ back, using it for Balance as he leaned over to get a better view of you and your work.

“WAH-Haaahhhhhh.” His whole body jolted, and much to his disappointment, you stopped, too intrigued. Watching as some wax dripped off his back and down his side.

 “So you ARE sensitive to heat~” Just what you were hoping for or at least, to test. “Thank you for getting that for me Beel.”

“Oh!” You shoved the butler back, leaning in to capture the pleasantly surprise sound from Beel’s lips, a very quick kiss. So pleased he accidentally already had done what you wanted.

A three prong candelabra, the wax a deep dark purple bordering on black and the flame a bright cream. There was a surprising lac of candles around the castle. Admittedly, thinking back on it now, this was the only time you recalled being in a guest room here that had any, that was probably… a rather big hint as to what Barbatos thought your intensions to be. Setting the mood so obviously.

“Say Bub, could you keep him from squirming too much, don’t wanna accidentally burn him or the bed.” A quick nod, with a single hand pinning both those arms behind forcing Barbatos’ to arch his back some, legs partially covered by his own, and tail pinned under him.

He held out the candelabra for you to take.

Both seemed surprised, but made no protest when instead, you carefully took one of the candles, wiggling it free from it’s cup.

Barbatos appeared entranced by how that light bounced off you. Or how the flame flickered in your eyes. Or how you held it up to him, so close that even if the raise and fall of his chest weren’t a give away for his hastening, deepening breath, how it made that flame tremble, did.

“And you asked so nicely too, I’m sorry for stopping before. Could this make up for it?”

You were almost startled by that open mouthed moan. That hot wax dripping down his chest, right over the nipple. Your thumb pressed into it, rubbing and stretching, spreading that substance around, getting such sweet sounds from your host.

His breast trembled, holding that flame so close to the skin. “Well? Dose it?”

… Huh, he actually seemed caught off guard at the question.

“It would…” There was that gleam again in his eyes, it was certainly not the flame, that sparkle in his eyes was too golden for that. Something more akin to when the shimmer of Grimm was reflected in Mammon’s eyes. “not. There would have to be… a lot more.”

“Oh, okay. Then-”

His whimper as another drop rolled down his skin let alight something under your own. Watching as he squirmed some whenever more hit him, trailing down agonizingly. It hardened all too fast on his cool skin, but as you flicked and peeled away it always left bright pink marks, proof of it’s heat.

You’d pinch and pull it off those buds on his chest, there was simply no better way to get rid of that layer, and it left him a little more raw for the next round.

It was usually on accident, Beel too preoccupied with watching your work, wax from the candelabra would tip over and run down the butler’s shoulder making him shutter.

You adored seeing how sometimes his hips jerked.

His groans as you let some burn down his thighs, making them twitch with each drop.

Actually…

Head thrown back, trying and failing to buck up into that heat as you let the wax drip down his cock, so beautifully rolling along those ridges, encircling that thin pole in the middle, and being led to the same spot in the middle. His cock twitched so hard, even managing to flick some off onto his stomach. “M-MC, MC, Beelz-” How he moaned and groaned your names.

“MC’s very hot inside.”

“I KNOW!” How his answer for Beelzebub utterly melted, quaking.

He couldn’t take it, not how you delicately traced your fingers down his throat, right over where the adam’s apple would be if he were human, how you smoothed over that spot before kissing the exposed underside of this lower jaw.

If he was having some fun before, now he was truly coming undone, giving himself utterly to this moment. There was a rawness to his voice that wasn’t there before. Those perfectly measure building blocks of the foundation of the butler, the man being chipped and letting himself fall through the collapsing foundation.

“Okay Beel. I think he’s ready.”

“Huh!?”

And Beel too, you didn’t miss how he was grinding into the man.

It was so sudden how Barbatos was snatched off your lap and tossed onto the middle of the bed, sprawled out.

The man barely had a moment to get up on his arms before there was a hand on his hip, easily lifting it up. Beel’s cock already lined up with the man’ entrance.

“Down.”

That free hand slammed on the back of that thin neck, Barbatos’ face shoved into the mattress that failed to muffle his strangled moan as Beel thrust himself all the way inside bottoming out. Tears pricked in the corners of his eyes, whimpering, body convulsing for a moment, losing all sense of self, just filled up by Gluttony completely.

Those hands stayed firmly in place, not letting the butler move. That was where he would stay and that is where he wanted to stay, after all, it was Beelzebub’s will.

A shiver ran down your spine as Beel set the pace. His favorite pace. Languid thrusts, so slow and so strong each one rocked the bed and made both Barbatos’ and your flesh ripple from it. Every thrust was noted with a harsh snap sound, reddening those cheeks that were slammed into. Each one also got guttural moans bordering on yelps of pain, fingers digging into and clutching the fabric beneath them, every last breath labored, drool beginning to pool out of the mouth, tail trying and failing to wrap around that waist or leg but the efforts getting cut off as the mind went blank and body convulsed.

No matter how you’d want it faster, you couldn’t dare ask, each thrust knocking the air out of your lungs, Beelzebub savoring the feeling, how you squeezed him, how the ridges of your walls caught against him, how they clung to him, how plush your ass was against him, drinking up all you were so willing giving him. Another meal where he wouldn’t leave a single crumb behind. A meal all participants would savor.

Your gazes met, Beelzebub looking to you. When he did his movements were so deliberate, gripping Barbatos tighter letting his fingers sink in, pause for a moment like making sure you were really paying attention before ramming in full force, his muscles flexing a little more than they needed too for any given action, grabbing onto Barbatos hair and turning him which the man gave no resistance, even how they were positioned, giving you the best angle to appreciate this show. The painful bliss on Barbatos’ face, how his dick stretched out that hole, how the light twinkled on the sweat dripping down him just right.

Barbatos, of all people, was willingly submitting to him. It was him, of all people, who Barbatos trusted to make this arrangement with. Why WHOULDN’T he showoff in this moment. His power, his attentiveness, it may or may not have been deliberate, Beel wasn’t one to showoff or care for attention, but an appetite for your’s had awoken in him long ago. And he, is a simple man, loving any bit you gave. But he is indulgence, sure he’s satisfied with some of it, but he could take more, and you don’t mind. So, why wouldn’t he? There was no reason not to.

Even if you were in the palm of his hand, having completely given yourself to him, there was more, there’s always more, your time, your mind, your thoughts, why not indulge in it. Bathe in it. Drown in it. Let it take you over and kill you with it.

His gaze locked onto something for a moment.

Something in you trembled, having to swallow down the lump in your throat at the sight laid out for you when Beelzebub moved them here. Barbatos had an equally shocked and flustered expression on his face, even that oh so rarer blush tinting his cheeks. His face pressed up against your hard poll, it was against the side of his nose and covered one of his eyes.

And it was silent other than breathing.

“Beel?” All the demon did was give you a little smile. He didn’t move, just sitting there in Barbatos.

…

You flinched feeling that wet muscle, Barbatos’ tongue drag up you. He gasped, it quivering when Beel nudged a little more in. You didn’t realize how cold it was till his hot breath hit your member.

He backed off for a moment, one hand taking the base, sending a shutter up your spine, tilting it a little his way, lips just barely not touching it. Those eyes half open, his lashes obscuring the view of them. “I won’t forget this time, MC.” And he tucked the longer bright teal bit of his hair behind his ear.

He didn’t even hesitate taking you in completely. And that harsh snap, both hands on those hips to make sure they stayed in place as to not disturb you too much.

You completely understood, each of those thrusts, how it forced one to moan and groan, but damn, how he kept vibrating around you made you weak in the knees. And that tongue constantly wrapping around and pressing into you like trying to draw your pre up.

Why again!? Having gotten so lost in the show you forgot yourself, and now being thrown straight into the deep end, that steady bobbing, squeezing and loosening it’s grip on you. So warm, so wet. There was such a pressure deep in your gut twisting you up.

How the hell were you supposed to notice though with witnessing Barbatos getting fucked senseless by Beelzebub!? That’d simply be forcing someone to just NOT look at the most gorgeous sight in the world when it’s placed right before them!

Damn it, damn it, damn it!

You couldn’t- you didn’t want to lose yourself too soon. Just a little longer, settle in this growing pleasure, this heat a little longer, let it boil you.

And even that man, so quiet aside from showering praise,  you could hear his grunts with every thrust, slipping up, even his own body begging to pick up in pace, to make it snap, to let the flood gates open, to let that all too short-lived glorious feeling wash over him. But that build up was the best part, he knew it, it was just a balance to keep going, not push too far. And. Yet. If one wouldn’t want to risk it all to shove another over that edge and indulge in it.

Fuck, you had too keep your hips still, you just had too.

You had to shut your eyes, but who could with that view. There was this tingling under the skin, a heat more unbearable than the one around your cock. All you could do was watch as that demon begin to climb over, his forehead against your’s. Crowing you in, absolutely dwarfing you.

You sighed into that kiss, heated, yet so gentle. Even as he was taking your breath away he let you breath for a moment but dove right in for another.

You couldn’t last longer. You were losing yourself, that pleasure completely consuming your rod, about ready to burst.

Slender fingers found your’s quickly tracing along them before hands held one another, fingers intertwined, grip so tight, Barbatos’ trembling, as he actually faltered, jittering, having to let go of your cock, choking back sobbing whines.

But only a moment, swallowing you down once more, all the way as far as you could reach, choking you down, squeezing you so-

Your desperate moans were swallowed up, feeling how that hot seed washed over you for a moment before getting swallowed down. But he wouldn’t stop. It was too much, even as you bucked he wouldn’t let you go.

So hot, too good, too much, so much, that feeling so much, it didn’t hurt but it just kept up, Barbatos’ mouth burned!

You had too, you couldn’t, you needed to focus. How he squeezed your hand, how Beelzebub panted into you how HOW-

He was almost there, Beel was almost there. He just- “Bub, PleAse! More!” Everything shook, you could feel it. “BeelZEbuB!”

“Ah-I, I will! I will!” His voice growled; teeth grit. Barbatos clutched your hand tighter.

So much, so-so, you writhed under them, Barbatos refusing to let up at all.

“NGH-” One, two, three, and he slammed his lips into your’s. Five, six!

His breath heavy, nuzzling into the crook of your neck. And finally, you were let go, your butler resting his face on your thigh.

Your free hand found it’s way to your giant’s scalp, running your fingers through his sweaty hair. “So good. You did so good. Practically back to back.”

“… I can do more.”

“I know.” He could go… You hadn’t actually tested that out surprisingly, but there was always something the next day so there was never the chance. “Now, you two get a water break, alright? And let me take care of everything.”

“Oh, what do you have planned, MC?”

You squeezed Barbatos’ hand before answering him. “Well, clearly you still haven’t been fucked dumb yet. So… a lot.”

All that did was get an amused chuckle out of him.

Perhaps it was time to find the limits of your and Beel’s endurance.

So warm, not too hot, just perfect. You wanted to roll over closer, but your stiff and sore body couldn’t. It was such a familiar warmth; one you had awoken too many a morning. All you could do was tilt your your face a little more his way.

Thank goodness you all took a shower after everything. Soft touches, helping one another scrub their back or sore spots. And get off all the sweat. Your muscles would certainly be hurting now if it weren’t for the gentle massages Beelzebub and Barbatos gave you. Kisses to your bruises, praise for Beel, letting Barbatos use you as a pillow.

Knock, knock,knock. It was soft, quiet, but clear.

“Good morning.”

“morning.”

Barbatos stood above you, his uniform pristine and perfect… just like always, even his walk and how he held himself, as if nothing even happened.

“How are you feeling?”

“good. you?”

“Excellent… It seems I’ve made the right call in giving you two the day off today.”

“oh… thank you.”

His chuckle was warm, not quite as open as last night, but… such a stark contrast from the one you heard from him day to day. “Only this once, mind you. Usually there’s still much to do the next day, and I’d expect you two ready by now.”

…

“Wait, what?” It made sense but…

Barbatos ran a tight ship, you really shouldn’t have expected anything else.

“I’ll be back with a proper breakfast soon, but…” His gaze shifted to the man who’s bicep you were using as a pillow. “he’ll need something to tide himself over till then once he awakens.”He placed a bowl of fruit on the table.

“Definitely.” You were so tempted to reach out, rest your hand on Beel’s chest, but he deserved the rest, you didn’t want to risk waking him.

“Want me to leave the lights off?”

“… Dim? Or maybe just the furthest ones?”

With a little bow Barbatos was off… there was a little skip to his step, wasn’t there? Before you could really tell he was already by the door, with a small smile and a bow before closing it.

…

…

…

Ding

Reluctantly you rolled onto your side so you could more easily pat at the nightstand, feeling around… for…

there

Immediately you turned down the screen brightness to as low as it could go before tapping the newest notification.

‘Work?’ It was called.

A new group chat. You, Beelzebub, and Barbatos.

There was only one message.

‘I thought to set this up now, since I believe we’ll be needing this for after the galla.’

…

oh

…

…

Oh!

Before you could tap the stickers you felt a shift, then a moment later another arm was wrapped around you, loosely pulling you closer, against his chest, Beel nestling into you.

“okay buddy, just a sec.” After sending that sticker you flipped off the D.D.D., back to the nightstand before turning back around to him, slowly letting your mind wander to future work, and more moments like this.

[fridgemissionmaster]

Beelzebub x Reader: Building a Home, Part 3 The Question

Part 1: The Future and Part 2: The Pursuit of Happiness

(extra/part 4 Till Death Do Us Part... But Dose That Have To Be The End?)

Word Count For this Part: 12,020 (I did not realize this was almost half the fic)

Word Count Over All: 24,250 (excluding extra ch.)

Summary For This Part: You're finally back.

Summary Over All: Seeing your declining mental state, and wanting to help you however he can, for as long as is the life you have left, Beelzebub plans on building you a home, one reflecting you: connected to both the Human World and Devildom.

It also would count as a proposal by Devildom standards, and because of that particular detail troubles start popping up.

Notes: THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SO MUCH SHORTER BUT GOT WAY OUT OF HAND!

Now as this is a chonky one it was been separated into 3 sections for ease of reading, however I do have an AO3 version up where the separate sections are separated into chapters if that's preferred.

And the trailer/preregistering for Till Death Do Us Part dropped so I stayed up all night to finish this in celebration, then I fell asleep and didn’t get to editing till now, but it’s here and done on time!!! And even though it’s technically the day after it’s been less than 24 hours so I count that I got this finished in celebration on the kinda same day!

AND AS I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY IS TOO LONG FOR TUMBLR SO NEVER MIND THIS IS GETTING MULTIPLE POSTS, ONE FOR EACH PART

Never had a one shot be too big for Tumblr before.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Finally. Today you’d be coming back!

NO BACKING OUT NOW!

As much as you wished for more practice, you just couldn’t wait anymore! Besides, the longer you were away the more of an event your returning would be, and the longer it would take for things to settle down at all.

But that did bring up a question, when would you be coming back here? You took a deep breath looking up to the bright blue sky, wispy clouds quickly drifting by, the sun’s ray warming the chilled environ enough to tempt you to throw off your jacket. Surely next time Beel would be by your side, he still had a house here to build for you after all.

… On one hand you almost wanted to wait till then. Maybe ask Beel if he was finished with the Devildom house, and if he were, just return for a minuet to help him pack for an extended stay here to do that. It’d be hilarious to see the fit the others would throw at your disappearing AND taking one of and not all of them with you. It wouldn’t be so bad if you did, but you couldn’t bring yourself to do something like that without discussing it with your bug. Too bad you didn’t think of such before.

The sudden vibration startled you, almost making you hop fight off the park bench. Your phone’s alarm was ringing, ‘Sun Over’ it read. A just in case, getting in as much sunlight as you could before heading off. Everything was already packed and ready to go back home, you were just waiting for the agreed upon time for that portal to appear.

Your cheeks sore, smiling all too much. Dashing down the streets, just about ready to burst out into a run, too much energy coursing through you! Last night was the first time you’d gotten a full night’s sleep in…

How long?

Uh…

A VERY LONG TIME!

And thus you couldn’t be sure if this simply be the excitement or how you normally were, just with having actually taken care of yourself. But there was no need to rush, not like it’d make the portal appear any sooner!

Unless…

Locking the front door behind you, phone in your other hand you typed away messily with only your thumb. Then with your message sent you flopped onto the couch. You almost wanted to look over your bags again, just to make sure you hadn’t forgotten anything, but you already impatiently had several times over by now. No need to make yourself ma-

“MC.”

“Barbatos!” Suddenly you propped yourself up. He stood there, the swirling mess of light like a black hole softly glowed behind him. Eyes wide, the faintest of blushes on his cheeks. What got him so surprised, did he not realize how glad you’d be to come back? Could he feel it dripping from your voice, did it radiate off you? If anything you were the one who should be in shock, you didn’t think he’d just open the portal after saying you were good to go early. You thought he’d text back or something first.

“Just gimmie a sec to pick up my bags.” You scrambled off, nearly falling flat on your face in the process, just catching yourself with your arms in time, Barbatos suddenly right by your side, hands out to catch you. A nervous, childish, giddy laughter escaped you. What a happy fool you must make in that moment.

All your bags laid sprawled out in the kitchen. Some ingredients were left in the grocery bags, others in insulated bags in the fridge if they needed to stay cool, you tried keeping those ones to a minimum though for fear of them going bad too quickly since who knew fast you’d get to any fridges what with everyone going to be fussing over you.

You paid no mind to the little hum from Barbatos, going about, hanging far too many bags off your arms and shoulders, but you tried it before, you could carry it al-

“Please, allow me.” The butler went about gathering some of them, slipping them onto his shoulder or into hand, which honestly really did help.

“Thank you.” All of it together was rather heavy.

“That is all?”

You nodded, you knew for certain…

although…

no, no, you couldn’t drag Barbatos off shopping for more ingredients, the rest of what you needed could be gotten in the Devildom.

You knew for certain you had all that you wanted from here, so it was time to get going already.

Palm up Barbatos held his hand out for you. You hesitated for a moment, all too aware of the riot that’d likely break out at this sort of sight from the others, however you took it, letting your fingers rest in his palm, having him do the actual holding bit. Letting the portal master take the lead here.

You took a deep breath before stepping through. Going through one of those always messed with the senses in the worst of ways, even if it lasted for but a second, the second felt too long, like time itself was being forcefully warped around you. Footing lost, gravity fleeting before suddenly crashing into you the moment that darkness engulfed you, taking away that terrifying watery feeling in the lungs that arrived too suddenly with gravity’s brief absence.

“MC!”

“WA- Guys!” And your ears rang, a chorus of cheers and your name being called. Or perhaps it had to do with the insufferable heat that engulfed you, so many tackling you into a hug. You sighed. “It’s good to see you too.” All your excitement could just barely out do that of all here.

“Ey! Let go of em’!”

“No way! MC has been deprived of my lovely self for far too long! We need to catch up on all the ones we missed out on!”

“Like hell you do!”

“We should take turns.”

“Is this it, my chance to recreate the reunion in ‘My BFF Left for Five Hundred Years A-”

“Hehe, Barbatos, when did you go shopping with MC?”

“Hey, you, me, and Beel could just sneak out of here.”

“Belphie you’re free to leave if you want too, I’m sure you can make it home on your own.”

Seemed it was just the demons this time, no angels, reapers, or Solomon. The student council room seemed to be half ready for a party. Some balloons up, a cloth covering part of the table, ribbons and streamers tied around columns and hung down from those grand seats. In all honesty you were surprised they bothered to come to school at all and not just portal you to the House of Lamentation directly.

Quietly your giant approached, cautiously sniffing the air, drool already forming at the corner of his mouth. So easily you let him take it all, the backpack on your back, the duffle bag slung over your shoulder, even the grocery bags in hand. Perfect chance to give his hand a squeeze as they were passed.

“Thanks Bud.” At this point all had already devolved into chaos so no point in keeping the peace. This song and dance of not upsetting the others had gotten so tiering so long ago, and after being apart for so long, you frankly couldn’t care any less about this nonsense family politics. You were just glad to finally see your favorite man again, so brightly smiling up to him, holding his hand for far too long for others not to take note. “And I missed you most of all. Just be sure to not go nibbling on anything. I’ll be needing them later!”

It was only for a moment he seemed to be taken aback, but that soft smile drew on his lips and made his eyes partly close, one of his more tender expressions. A rather rarer one. How lucky that it was one of the first you saw after so long.

“Oh, wait-” With your now free hands and having wriggled out of any hugs you were able to much more easily take out the treats from your jacket pockets. “You can have these though!”

Immediately his eyes sparkled. “Thank you so much!”

A chuckled seeped from you. Poor guy, he probably wasn’t allowed to munch on any of the party food during set-up, and now his hands were full with your things.

Eh, nothing for it but to peel the oranges and hand feed him.

“Wh-HEY!”

“Ugh, normies…”

You tried ignoring the protests, letting Beel finish his snack before answering. “Well, if Beel was properly fed I wouldn’t have to take time out to feed him, now would I?” Honestly this lot, they’d throw a fit over you so much a looking at one of them too long and you didn’t give the rest ‘fair treatment’.

“So, is that what the food is for?” Of course it was Satan to point your extra luggage out first.

“Yeah, kina.” You smirked before glancing back to Beelzebub. “I’ve been cooking a lot lately so I’m challenging myself to fill up his bottomless stomach!”

Some confusion, some laughter, it was a rather ridiculous idea, but you’ve done the impossible before so why couldn’t you this? Beel… seemed worried more than anything. “Are… you sure?”

“Yep!” You just had too.

“… Yeah, I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“For once, I agree with Mammon.”

“What do you mean ‘for once’!?”

Mammon shook his head, his tone shifting to something more serious. “Whatever, have you all forgot already why we’re here?” A mischievous smile spread across his face. “It’s party time!”

What further preparations they possibly could have had were thrown out. Sure it hadn’t been set out yet, but the food, lights, and music were already there so there was no reason to not live it up.

Thankfully Barbatos was kind enough to slip away for a moment to place your food items in the fridge in R.A.D.’s kitchen in the meantime. He was gone for but a moment, probably only you, Beelzebub, and Diavolo noticed he disappeared at all, coming back with the last of the refreshments they still had to bring in, in hand.

Dance, after dance, after dance you were dragged off too, and in all honesty you didn’t mind, even as your feet grew sore and your arms became wobbly, warmed you right down to the core alleviating winter’s chill and finally you had a chance to move and not be so stiff cramped in that little room all the time.

Then it was Beelzebub’s turn, sliding in between you and whoever else tried to approach you. AND YOU WERE SCOOPED RIGHT OFF YOUR FEET! Many of his moves were like that, whether he spun you lifting you into the air for a moment by the hand or just straight picking you up and tossing you into the air.

Maybe he noticed how you began to hesitate some with your movements, maybe he just wanted contact with you, maybe he was doing so just because they were dance moves only he could pull off so effortlessly with his strength or a little of all of them, whatever the case may be didn’t matter, the novelty of seeing him dancing more than he was partaking in the food was fun enough for you.

Like any good party in the land of demons it was loud, it was draining, it was chaotic, it was exhilarating. No need for hesitation, introverts awkwardly getting into the swing of things before just moving in the corner enjoying the music, cheering others on to drink more or attempt something truly stupid but awesome if it succeeded, sneaking away to have quiet conversations in the corner, this the most tame of things making one feel like some troublesome delinquent bucking the system.

Never before your time in the Devildom did you ever have so much fun to just be alive, live in the moment. That was all demons did after all, and this kind of life style suit you so well, so much more freeing, no judgement for screaming your heart out nor for keeping silently to yourself.

Eventually you found yourself sitting on the student council table, still tapping your toes together to the beat of the song, Beelzebub eating away on one side, Diavolo and Satan on your other. Somehow you got to chatting about the most mundane of topics.

“Really? Then maybe MC should go into a more advanced magic class!”

“I don’t know about that!” Vehemently you shook your head. “That was more than a year ago now, and I haven’t exactly been practicing my magic to much lately.” A nervous laughter escaped you remembering the many, Many, MANY, unready messages you’ve gotten from Solomon, avoiding him like the plague. You had more important things to do than practice that. “Besides, studying under Solomon AND doing an advanced class would leave me just about no time to do work for any other classes!”

“I could always tutor you in those if need be.”

“No, Satan, even with your helps I-” Oh thank goodness Lucifer was approaching, maybe he could save you from this conversation! “HeY, Lucifer! How you holding up?”

Ah, that oh so punchable pompous grin of Lucifer’s, it always liked making an appearance more often when he’s just had enough demonus before drinking too much to truly loosen up and let his masks slip. “I’m doing just fine, and you?”

“Never better!”

“Oh?”

…

What was that look for.

Satan stepped a little closer, his smile clearly forced. “Excuse us, but we were in the middle of a conversation.”

“I believe it was MC who wanted to speak to me.”

“Tch. Perhaps but-”

“But I’d like MC to go on.” It was like watching two cats walk around one another ready to pounce. Your heart jolted when the eldest looked back to you, something too fierce in his gaze for your liking. “You missed us that much?”

“Sure did!” Mostly Beel, but, you couldn’t deny that you had many friend here you had wished to see again.

No, really. What was that look, it was gross, confident but in the annoying, fake, smug way, like the eldest knew… something.

Something didn’t feel right, a gut feeling.

One of your hands already on the table, subtly you slid it away, pinky first looking for some reassurance from-

When had Beel stopped eating? Instead he too faced Lucifer, his fist tight, gripping the edge of the table.

“Then what if you never had to be without? I hold the power to travers between worlds at will, by my side, you could have it all-”

Why was he reaching into his jacket pocket!?

“- I made a ring to sho-”

WAIT WHAT THEFUCKNOSHITUHSOMETHING UH GOGO DO DOGOOD MAGIC D GOOD AT MAGIC! NOISY CAN’T HAR! OKAY! NOISYLOUD BIG CARSCARSARE

“MC-”

A painful shock down the spine, your skin on fire, lips stinging from the broken mumbled chant, your mind, your mind was

Was something

IT WAS SOMETHING

Thoughts were hard to form, all you knew in that moment was that the truck’s security alarm was as loud and obnoxious as ever, and in that grand hall, even louder as it echoed off the walls. You swore that were was some mistake and multiple sirens were installed in it.

That crashing thud did open a pit in your stomach, did the damn thing break? You couldn’t afford to fix it! Did the portal open too high and it just crashed!?

“S-SORRY! Sorry! We were talking about my studies and you caught me in the middle of showing off a teleportation spell!” One that was WAY out of your league even when you were at your peak of proficiency.

Why was it THAT of ALL THINGS in a panic did you go straight for!?

Whatever!

You winched, muscles spasming but trying to push through it and hop off the table. It was only then you noticed Beel had a hand on your chest that he easily let slide away to let you be on your way. You did nearly jump out of your skin when the truck crashed in, guess he must have stopped you from falling.

He was close behind as you raced to the thing, mostly afraid someone would get the bright idea to break it to get it to stop making…

noise…

“Uh… Barbatos?” A sheepish laugh escaped you as you turned to the man. “The keys are back in the Human World, could you-” And just like that a portal opened up beside him. “Thank you so much!”

You rushed in, tripping over your own feet, almost eating stone on the way.

The party ended after that. “Geez, too much too drink? Don’t worry, we’ll get ya back into the swing of things.”

“Yeah, hon, maybe you need a lie down? Let’s we should go home.”

“I bet even the party animals need to recharge.”

Everyone seemed rather tense, their concern almost forced in a way, or more like, being casual was more forced. The only one who seemed genuinely happy and relaxed was Satan, who kept grinning from ear to ear, occasionally giving Lucifer pointed looks while the man… stayed distant from it all.

“I’d like some rest, thanks guys. Uh… could we leave the truck here and just deal with it later?”

You were left be in the guest room, even then your heart still pounded heavily. Surely it was the effects of improperly doing magic and NOT you terrified of the implications of the THING that was TOTALLY NOT ABOUT TO HAPPEN! BECAUSE IT WAS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN AND YOU WERE JUST PANICKING AND MAKING THINGS UP!

Well… you were supposed to rest. Laying in bed you stared up at the ceiling.

…

It was good to be back. You missed how ridiculous it was here.

And it was much easier to sleep here too…

Just… nodding off

…

safe

…

…

bed so cozy

…

Surrounded by your family

…

..

.

.

.

.

.

.

It took a bit, for your mind to catch up. It was odd, and not, to wake up here. Almost felt… So used to it, hell you even dreamed of it, but now, you were back, actually back.

Oh yeah

Sitting up it came back to you.

Lucifer was not fucking doing what you thought he was fucking doing, right? RIGHT!?

And the truck.

Well, priorities. A: the truck was probably still in the student council room, B: though the stuff that needed to stay cold were fine you still rather get some of the things that stayed out like the vegetables some place cold too. C: investigating… whatever THAT was at the party/ checking up on Beel.

For now…

Maybe pain meds? Such improper form, just chanting and borrowing Beel’s magic power really messed with your body. At least nothing should be broken or permanently injured.

… You think.

Thankfully you brought some with you, could never be too careful around here.

And since you were rummaging through your bags anyway, you separated the ones that had ingredients and trotted off to the kitchen with those ones and-

The freezer was full.

And half of it was your’s, the stuff Barbatos put in R.A.D.’s kitchen.

You supposed Beel could help you with the rest though, but you wouldn’t want him to get into trouble with-

“MC?” And speak of the devil!

“Hey Buddy.” It… was a bit embarrassing how your voice just melted, and so you quickly trotted up to where he stood at the doorway. Right up to his face. Distraction! “Sorry for just borrowing your help with the magic like that. You okay?”

“I’m fine, what about you?”

“Uh…” You almost wanted to slink away with how his gaze seemed to focus in on you at the hesitation. “Just fine! Nothing I can’t recover from. I took some pain meds already, just kinda waiting for them to kick in.”

“Okay… How long have you been up? You went right to sleep when you got to bed.”

“Just took the meds and came here hoping to put my stuff away.” You held up your bags to emphasize your point. “But the fridge is already full with the rest of my stuff somehow.”

“I got them while you were sleeping.”

“Thank you. But even if the other stuff was taken out, there’d probably not be enough space for it all.” You really did try keeping things to a minimum!

“Oh. We can take them to your place.”

“Eh! Really? The fridge is all good to go?”

He smiled giving you a firm nod. “Other than furniture I just have a couple small things to finish in the basement and the second floor.”

“Perfect! Let’s go see it!” You were hardly able to keep still, dashing back to the fridge and chucking blue ice packs into your bags. FINALLY you’d get to see it! But slamming the door shut, Beel taking the cold bags it hit you. “Or-um, should I not? Am I allowed too before you’re ready or finished it?”

“… Do you want to see it?”

“Yes!”

Did he sigh? It was so small. “Then let’s see it.” Was he nervous? Whatever it was a moment ago, you could tell now he was a bit more relaxed, his shoulders not as taut as they were before.

Taking his hand you practically dragged him out the house, ignoring any and all calls for you and-

And…

“Where are we going?” You slowed to a stop turning back to your companion, very well aware in a few moments the others would catch up and try stopping you.

It always caught you by surprise just how suddenly they were always able to shift into their more demonic forms.

“Actually Bub-” It suddenly hit you in that moment as well… this might just be your chance! They’re already on alert, all you had to do was post some cryptic devilgram and…

But did they even know where the house was?

Such a jarring sound the door being kicked open, the poor thing slamming into the walls with such force it bounced right back shut on them, the lock probably broke judging by that harsh metaly snap sound.

“DAMN IT MAMMON!”

“M-MC WAIT!”

“DON’T GO!”

“PLEASE, CAN WE TALK!”

Their voices already grew distant, you having been scooped up, Beelzebub taking flight. “WE’LL BE BACK SOON! PICKING UP THE TRUCK AND GROCERIES!”

“Hmm?” Brow raised he looked to you with that silent question on his lips.

“Well, I thought that if we were gonna go anyway, we may as well as stick around a little longer to appreciate it. Maybe you could do some of those small things while I get started on my challenge!”

Just the look you wanted, that delighted hunger in his eye. A light chuckle escaped you at how he had immediately picked up speed.

“You didn’t tell them that.” Curious, yes, but did he really care? No.

“Don’t you worry about that, I have a plan.”

Before he could say a thing more, if he was even going to, you snuggled into him, his warmth such a pleasant contrast to the fridged Devildom air. And any excuse to get all cozied up with the best hugger there was, was a good one.

Unfortunately the trip to R.A.D. was short lived given the brothers practically lived next door to it, and at the mention of food, even indirectly, got Beel riled up, racing to get to that part of your schedule sooner.

Too bad. But there’d be plenty of chances for romantic flights like that later, you’d make sure of it.

Thankfully for you, R.A.D. was something more of a castle or fortress in structure, with giant grand doors to match, plenty of room to get a vehicle through. As for if said vehicle had a good enough turning radius to get through the halls…

Well, you were about to find that out in a moment, Beel making way for you and pushing those gigantic wooden doors open.

“Oh, wow. I would have thought Barbatos or Lucifer would have saw to this place being cleaned up.” You weren’t sure for how long you had been asleep, but surely it was enough to get at least part done. It looked just as it did when everyone was leaving after…

“Something wrong?” It was odd for Beelzebub to lag THAT far behind you. With his height and wide strides he could easily keep up with anybody, but he tended to stick to the back of the pack, staying beside his beloved twin, easier to keep an eye on everyone, be more easily be able to secretly munch on snacks when he wasn’t supposed too. However this… his pace more meandering as he made his way over to the truck.

“… No.”

“Say-” Maybe this was why. “was Lucifer trying to propose to me?”

His eyes locked with yours for a moment… then a single nod.

“I’m guessing they found out about the house?”

“Yeah.”

Just about what you expected, if anything you would have shocked if they hadn’t. “Guess that explains why everybody got so tense.”

“No.”

You didn’t need to say a thing, Beelzebub knew you well enough to know you wanted reasons, him immediately noticing the little signs of intrigue on you. “You didn’t answer, you never let him finish. So, nobody knows if you rejected him or not. Satan says you did, and I…” He couldn’t look to you for a moment. “I don’t know what to make of your lie.”

…

“That’s making everyone else hesitant about their own proposals. Cause, you know,-” Beel wasn’t one to gesture with his hands too much when speaking. “he’s Lucifer!” But Lucifer was just that grand apparently, words lacking to describe him. “To reject him, is like saying no one would ever be good enough. And… they’re scared to be rejected and lose any connection to you. Levi started going into a spiral about how you’re going to find a way to sever your pacts with everyone.”

… So, that was why he seemed off at the kitchen.

And why they said what they said when you flew off with Beel.

Such extremes these demons. To reject one feeling is to reject the whole, but… it felt odd, to accept another’s more… romantic feelings, and not reciprocate. Would you just have to be okay with him trying advances on you or something? Would declining those but ‘accepting his feelings’, what was the line, could that be seen as rejection? Or did ‘accept’ mean ‘tolerate’ in this instance?

… whatever it did, you didn’t want him, but you also didn’t want to hurt Beel’s family… what you wish could be your’s too, pretend it is… but things like that could never truly be, what with their pining.

A tricky balancing act you wish you didn’t have to play.

Gently you took one of his hands into both of your own, your’s too small to hold his properly it felt at times, so… both was the best you could do.

Maybe one day, maybe soon, changing the dynamic would safeguard you all.

“I’m not sure what I was doing. Something just felt wrong and I panicked. I…”

His free arm wrapped around you, pulling you close. Kneeling down some, while you stood on your tip-toes, nuzzling into the crook of one another’s neck. He took a deep breath, leaning into you. “I know, I could taste it.”

These beings, where emotion was everything… “You said you were fine after the magic but… did my freak out do anything?”

“Doesn’t matter… Is it bad, to say I’m happy you reached for me then?” Squeezing you tighter he mumbled his question into your skin.

“No, it’s nice.”

“… okay.”

Sometimes you wished you were a bit bigger, just to be able to more, physically gift him the same security you always feel from him, in every way.

Maybe... “Love Bug? Could I give you my answer?”

“You haven’t even seen the house yet.”

“I know.”

Letting go he stood straight, actually straight, his real posture, not the hunched over stance he usually took to be closer. There was an understated subtlety to his features, his neutral face verses his more serious one. Something about his eyes you still couldn’t quite place. “But I want to. You’re… not like us. Humans are more physical. When I touch you, you can’t sense my emotions, you aren’t affected by my worry like that. Even when you touch the house you won’t feel my love, when I’ve pored everything into it. All of me. But it’s physical like you, so you can still know it, even if you can’t feel it. It’s… important. That there’s more to me than-” He held out his hands for a moment, looking down to himself, before they fell. “this. That you judge me on everything.”

…

You could tell he was struggling to find and gather the words.

To be fair demon’s… less physical inclined nature could be a bit much for a person to wrap their head around. That what you saw before you wasn’t exactly Beelzebub, but what your mind has been able to scramble together, but a times it falters and your senses don’t know what to make of things, like changing their forms, a sudden blurred haze like water drops and steak covering a smeared mirror.

Even if it was more difficult to place exactly what he meant, the context he saw that you simply can’t, but the heart of it… “It’s a way to connect, right?” To show you what you can’t see, is it?

He just stared at you, expression unchanging.

“… yeah.” His voice almost breathy.

…

Did you get it wrong? You couldn’t tell.

… Funny, kind of felt like when you first met, when you couldn’t understand any of his expressions.

So, there was still more to learn about him.

How lovely.

But now you were a little nervous.

“Well-” You took out the keys from your pocket, standing beside the thing, tossing your tied up bags into the truck bed. “I got the biggest, sturdiest, off-road one I could find.” Glancing between your bug and the truck, you gestured to the passenger’s seat. “Shall we test it out?”

Here, accepting and asking were seen as different. You’d be fine.

You hopped up and over to the wheel. You always had to pull yourself up, and it felt a bit cartoonish in a way how high up you were in the thing, couldn’t help but wonder if driving a monster truck felt anything like this.

It was definitely more suited for Beelzebub who didn’t even need the step, Easily reaching over and dropping his bags in the back, just ducking right in, instantly shifting the suspension under his weight. It was cute, how he curiously took a glance around as he climbed into his seat.

… “You comfy there?”

“I think so.” He had to scrunch up some, something he was rather used too unfortunately.

Too bad. You were hoping for a perfect fit, but you knew that’d be a long shot, especially with shopping in the Human World where generally everything was smaller than it was here. But what the hell else were you supposed to do! Any bigger and you wouldn’t be able to drive the thing, not that there was any! Probably!

“Take a seat in the backady-back while you still can and see if that’s more comfortable.” Sliding the back window open you pat what you could reach of the truck bed.

“… Are you sure?”

“Yeah!”

Beelzebub, so gentle by nature, it was still sweet in a way to see how cautious he was. If he had ridden in cars and such before it was probably Mammon’s, and that man treated his like a baby, no wonder Beel was being so careful.

“All good? There’s no seatbelts back there, but I’m sure you’ll be alright.” Not like you’d be going anywhere fast anyway considering there were no traffic lights, and most people walked, or took the catbus if they couldn’t fly, so you were going to have to be extra slow and careful.

“Ohh. Uh-Yeah!” he poked his head in for a moment, distracted by such an odd vehicle it seemed. And the food.

“Then I guess we’ll go.”

Luckily it was a school day so the place was open, but late enough that few souls remained, so there wasn’t much issue.

“Are you okay?”

“Just peachy.” Didn’t stop your palms from sweating, a terror crawling beneath the skin if you ended up damaging anything, hitting lockers, scratching the walls. You just hoped Mephistopheles wasn’t around, he’d simultaneously scold you, and ask you so many questions about the whatever was going on here.

You pointedly tried ignoring how Beel stared at the back of your skull.

“Okay, fine! I will be once we’re out of here!”

Finally he looked away after your confession. That man was too good at reading you.

“Would talking hel-”

“Yes please!” On one hand, you were desperate to concentrate, and on the other, you couldn’t stew on this any longer without giving up and abandoning the truck.

This was your chance to check something too. “You know how everyone’s freaked out about how I reacted to Lucifer’s… you know.”

“Uh-huh.”

Maybe this wasn’t a good idea, your nerves skyrocketing, but you needed to check how much time you had left. “Did they not interrupt because he’s the eldest? Like… some power hierarchy thing, because I’d expect if anybody did, they’d interrupt to propose themselves. I get that here you can accept multiple proposals, but, at least Mammon would fight over being ‘first’, right? Or even Satan and you were there but neither of you did anything.”

“…”

SHITSHITSHIT “I-”

“No. I…” He used the open window as an arm rest, his fingers idly fiddling with your seat. “I had a feeling he would at the party, or someone would, but it just happened so quickly.”

Okay, so there wasn’t something stupid like that in play, even if there were you doubted they’d actually follow it.

“I guess I didn’t really know he was trying either till he mentioned the ring.” And some were still dancing, did they only realize something happened when you had the truck crash in? Or even find out at all once everybody got to talking after you fell asleep. “Still, it all feels off somehow, you know?”

“It dose?”

“I don’t know, if I had to throw a guess as to how he’d propose to a person I’d assume he’s a private kind of guy?” You adjusted the rearview mirror some to get a better view of Beel, who immediately noticed you fiddling with the thing, meeting your gaze through it. “Or if he did do it publicly it’d be at like a restaurant with strangers or something. Not with you guys around, since they might try interrupting him to propose themselves once they realized what was happening.”

“Well, he had too.”

Had too, huh. “Let me guess, otherwise the other’s wouldn’t be willing to believe it.”

Poking his head in he grabbed the edges of your seat. Looking to you from over the headrest. “How did you know!?”

BECAUSE YOU’VE ALREADY HAD THE SAME DAMN IDEA!

You sighed in relief the moment the front gates were within sight. “I’m gonna go faster now.” You couldn’t wait to get out of there.

Being out in the open road was so much better. Although you were more used to walking around, taking short cuts through alleyways or over fences, but getting a little turned around wasn’t so bad. The Devildom was truly such a gorgeous place. Older architecture with the conveniences of the modern. Coble stone streets, stone and wooden buildings that looked to be mini castles, neon lanterns in trees igniting the streets in color and any not bathed in it instead receiving the pale glow of the moon and stars or the warmth of fire light from shop windows, there was just nothing else quite like it.

“let me see…”

“Hmm?”

Flipping on the radio it was nothing but static so you kept adjusting and adjusting, surely it could pick up- THERE!

It was funny to hear a kind of beachy sounding tune in winter.

“Oh, I haven’t heard that one in a few hundred years.” It was quiet but after a few moments Beel began to hum along. Guess you just had to turn it up then.

And maybe you could also pick up in speed a bit more.

Soon your fingers tapped along to that addictive beat.

So lost in the song, your demon’s sudden movement startled you. “Uh- Beel?” Why did he stand up?

Ignoring the fact you really should fix the rear-view mirror to show you what you needed it too, you instead rolled down the window, sticking your head out some and look up, the corner of your eye still on the roa...

…

“gorgeous.” He looked so blissful. Eyes closed, hair getting tussled in the wind as well as making his popped collar flutter. His hands propped himself up off the roof, for once he stood up straight and tall, the only thing bigger than his profile, the ever-shining starlit backdrop. His wings wavered in the wind as well, lights kept reflecting and refracting off of them in the most brilliant rainbow display.

“This feels so good on my wings.”

This demon had no idea what he dose to you.

You ducked back in, face flushed and much too warm…

Wait! Popping open the glove box you were glad to see you had refilled your emergency bag of trail mix.

“Beely Boy!”

“Eh!?” Startled out of his trance, the faintest of blushes on his cheeks he turned to you. Then his eyes shimmered similarly to his wings- “Thank you!” taking the bag you held out to him.

Climbing up and over he sat on the roof, happily munching away.

The populous must have been very confused by the reserved and intimidating Beelzebub being paraded around, music blasting as he contently snacked away judging by the bewildered and odd looks you got. Many even got out their D.D.D.s.

… You muted your’s after you started getting a flood of nonstop notifications from Devilgram, mostly about you having been tagged in a post.

You did, eventually, figure out your way to your favorite grocery store.

“Alright, we better be quick about this before the cold stuff melts!” As Beelzebub hopped off you climbed onto one of the steps, almost falling in as you reached for one of the bags in the truck bed.

“What’s that?” He pointed to the binder you pulled out.

“My schedule.” Three ringed, every page in sheet protectors, and very thick. It was admittedly a little heavy, but cooking could require a good amount of upper arm strength at times so over the past year you gained enough muscle to be fine carrying something as hefty as this around for a while, even if you didn’t have it before. And as long as the store hadn’t been rearranged too much, you should be able to find everything rather quick too, so there wouldn’t be much strain on your arms.

Now you just hoped above all else they had all you wanted in stock.

“Uh, what tools do you need?”

Stopping in your tracks you just stood there, blinking at your giant. “…what do you mean ‘what tools do you need’!? Have you not been using the kitchen to make yourself meals!? You at least kept stuff in the fridge, right?”

And he just shook his head.

“Beelzebub! You of all people should know better! Construction is hard work, that takes so much energy!”

“I, I brought plenty of food?”

“Bub! Just how much, there’s only so much even you can carry, let alone in addition to material, and boards and whatever!” You turned away, pinching the bridge of your nose. This man could not have STARVED himself for you. OF ALL THINGS! “Guess this’ll also be to make up for how small all your meals were when building.”

Before Beel could say a thing you snatched his hand, him letting you drag him inside.

Now more than ever this needed to be a quick trip, you splitting the list in half and running off to collect everything, each of you getting six double sided pages.

OH YEAH, AND YOU STILL NEEDED TO GET THE TOOLS AND UTENSILS BECAUSE APPEARENTLY BEEL DECIDED TO BE AS ABSENT MINDED AS A DEAD ASLEEP BELPHEGOR OR AN ASMODEUS IN FRONT OF ANY MIRROR!

“MC, let’s get these green plates.”

“… The white and dark purple ones are bigger.”

“Oh, you’re right!... Heheheh.”

“What?”

“You’re cute.”

“I’m ANNOYED at you! THIS is not cute!

...

Stop smiling like that.”

“I can’t though.”

…

“I’m going to borrow your body for a minuet.” Before Beelzebub could say a thing you proceeded to hug him, screaming your anguish into his bosom.

Which just got ANOTHER CHUCKLE FROM HIM!

That drew any passer by’s attention, especially that of what you thought were familiar heads of hair ducking into the crowd, quietly swearing and whispering, likely to ‘shut up’ you assume.

Eventually you got everything ready. The staff were even kind enough to pack the dishware and tools, and even your ingredients in boxes for you, they were used to big bulk orders from greedy and gluttonous demons after all. You did have to get rope separately to tie everything down, but with Beel’s help to toss it over the tower it was quick enough work.

“Something wrong?” After you fished tying Beel stood there staring at it… For a while. You weren’t sure if he was somehow under a spell or in some trance.

“… This would have helped so much.”

“Told you! Now c’mon, let’s go home!”

“… home.”

And finally it was time to get going. You could feel the difference in handling the thing with all the weight on it, but it still felt sturdy- “MC, go right here.” Even as you left the smooth cobble stone streets for bumpy dirt paths.

“Now left here.”

It wasn’t too far out of town, but enough so that some of the ways were unkept, making you wonder if you accidentally wandered off it. Certainly didn’t help it was a dense, thick forest, needed the headlight to make out anything, but the trees were so tall you at least didn’t have branches and leaves blocking the windshield.

“Left again, and that’s it.”

The path became stone again, and the trees began to become more sparce as you went down that path, more and more of the sky beginning to… come into… view.

…

It certainly was not as big as the House of Lamentation, but in the middle of that clearing it certainly felt like it. And unlike The House of Lamentation, despite being two stories it looked rather cozy. Any and all little details you had mentioned, at least for the outside look were there.

It was breath taking.

“MC!”

A-and it seemed you had gotten so absorbed in it all you missed how Beel had gotten out and pulled open the large folding door for the garage, a separate room for a car that WASN’T a display space, a concept your bug seemed rather perplexed by when you tried explaining it to him. Guess you forgot to mention the garage door opener, but that was fine, you’d help him figure that out when you two were in the Human World.

For now though it was time to get in.

Beel’s interpretation for a garage was certainly different than most, not just a cement and wooden box. Something closer to the entrance way of a house mixed with a utility closet and an alchemist’s or gardener’s workshop. A coat rack by the door, the tools he probably used to build this place including gardening equipment hung on the wall, some sort of plants in jars hung from the ceiling, likely what was giving the space a refreshing smell. Much better than gasoline.

Wait

…

How were you going to get gas!?

While you began to stew over such a grievous oversight Beel let you be, setting about untying the cargo.

But such things had to be fretted over later!

You were on a mission!

And so you hopped out, heart picking up in pace.

You could do this, you HAD to do this!

THERE WAS NO REASON TO START GETTING NERVIOUS NOW!

Well, now to see if the inside reflected the outside in being all you asked for and more.

But it seemed it wasn’t just you. To the average person it’d look as if Beel was just fine, in anything acting very calm and cool, simply opening the folding door and taking several boxes in, but you knew the man, to you, it was plain to see from his face he was so nervous.

Before he flipped on the lights you could see past him, the floor and ceiling, so softly illuminated by the trimming, bright enough to find your way, but not so obtrusive as to be blinding should one get up in late night hours.

And stepping through it was just as you asked, basically right into the kitchen.

“Where’s the freezer?”

“Other door.”

Quickly you scurried over to the only other door in the garage. Which you regretted, instantly freezing, but you were going to have to get used to it.

Placing was perfect, as you expected, like this it would be easy to get everything in their proper place after grocery runs with the places you needed being literally right next door.

Most importantly though, you needed to familiarize yourself with the kitchen.

A beautiful set up really, ‘u’ shaped, tucked away in a corner, there two free sides would be was a corner shaped island that was almost split in half, the edge facing away from the kitchen was raised while the side close to the kitchen was lowered and had metal burners with nobs you could turn, drawers, cabinets, and such, even a pull out shelf, or… was it a pull out cutting board? The part of the kitchen that was attached to the wall had the more heavy duty stuff like the sink, the dish washer, and the oven, and the other oven, and the convection oven.

And it was an open layout too, no walls, just part of the island separated the kitchen from where the dinning room could be.

Perfect.

It’d be much easier to hold conversation that way, or have space here without having to cram in like back at the brother’s place, or even toss Beel snacks while he waits.

“Hey, Beel?”

“Yeah!” Poor guy. So worried. Did you startle him?

“Would you wash the dishes while I get everything out of the boxes? I rather clean them just in case, who knows who’s touched these.”

“Okay.”

While he set about that you could get all your ingredients out and start exploring this space proper. As much as you would like to for the rest of that house, if you were going to get everything done on time, you needed to familiarize yourself with how everything worked here! And there was new opportunities, what with having three instead of only one oven to work with.

But then…

Unfortunately you didn’t have a pen to scribble away with, but that was probably for the best, making sudden changes at the last minuet would probably lead to mistakes and oversights, and that was something you could not afford today!

It didn’t take long though, where you’d instinctly expect something to be, it was there, even down to how you controlled the oven, it was just immediately intuitive. And here, things were actually much closer to your size, no need to ask Beel for help, or to climb a chair to reach certain cabinets anymore.

You were actually able to switch roles, you doing the drying and placing away while Beel washed.

But it was also a little awkward at some spots, you having to go on your tiptoes. But you did specify they you wanted Beel to be able to comfortably to reach for anything too. So in the end both of you had some awkward places, but it wasn’t bad.

And soon all was done except emptying the last bag. Your binder which you had flipped open twelve pages in on the counter, and an apron. “Devilcat!?”

“Heh, yeah. I… I got it before I left last year.” The thing was worse for wear, a fair few stains, but it was a good sturdy thing, definitely saved you from burns a couple of times. A beautiful deep red, with even darker red triangles lining the hem, the shoulder straps white like his collar, the straps you tied around the waist was the same blue of his bow, and embroidered on the pocket a little Devilcat drooling, waiting for the meal to be finished.

“I wanted a little extra something of you while I was away.” How Beel adored and related to this character, you’d grown fond of him just from Beel’s enthusiasm. And it was one of the things that first led you to seeing new sides of Beelzebub. Like how cute and cool he could be.

“It looks great on you.”

“Yeah, well-”

“Wait, you were already planning on cooking after you left.”

SHIT!

“Well…” No, no more lies. “I still wanted to connect with you, while away, and… I thought cooking was a good way to go about that. And it kept me busy enough to now wallow in missing you too.”

He smiled, so sweetly. “So, like me and the house.”

…

“Yeah. Like that.”

Time to get started.

Beel stood there, leaning against the raised, outer edge of the island counter watching as you got set up.

“I could wash the potat-”

“Nope! You stay right there and relax! I’ll do everything.”

While you still could, before you’d start running around you kept glancing to the windows.

“You see something?”

“Well, the view for one. Unlike you I’m not used to it. Not in a bad way!” Curious to see if those familiar tufts of hair had followed or not.

But soon the initial prep work was done, so it was on with the show.

“Oh!” Your first dish came out quickly, something to tide him over while- “There’s more?” He looked around seeing there were still much more left on the counter to be used from utensils to vegetables and meats.

“I told you, I’m going to try making you full, and that means a many, many, many course meal. I… kinda lost track of how many I added half way though.”

“Will you be okay?”

“I’ve been practicing!”

Soon enough you were running about, always something to do, cleaning so you could use the blender again, taking something off the fryer and into the oven, prep for other meals, even more cleaning, placing something in the fridge, cleaning one of the ovens, placing your newest dish before Beel, cleaning the plates because they were running low, swapping dough in the proofing drawer, getting jittery at how the ovens and atmosphere affected how long the bread took to rest and bake, chopp-

“MC, you should take a break.”

“I’m good!”

“…”

You’d gone over this fully only twice, couldn’t afford, or had the stomach to do it more than that so often you’d have to dash back to the binder, occasionally flip to the further page, making sure you had all the right set up for it, or boing back to make sure you didn’t miss anything.

“MC.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Is a break scheduled in there.”

“Nope, I’ll be fine.”

“…”

Well, maybe you could make some changes after all. You did have a lot more plates so less time could be allotted to cleaning and instead you could start the next step sooner than usual or even start on one of the other dis-

…

There was a pressure on your head.

It was Beel’s hand, the moment you reached up and felt it, you couldn’t mistake it for anything else.

“Please take a break.”

It hit you all at once, your labored breaths, the sweat dripping down your face, just how hot you or the room was.

You slipped away, back to the binder, finger on the list, speed reading each line as you went down.

“In a few steps.”

“Okay.”

That was a better pause point, not now when you needed to be careful about mixing the pastry dough just right, it couldn’t rest now.

It was almost automatic to go over to the next step, but you made sure to stop yourself, trudging over to the other side, and sitting next to Beel who had parked himself on the floor, leaning against the island.

You wiped your face off with a towel for probably the thousandth time, tugging on the collar of your shirt to alleviate some of that sticky heat.

“No thank you.” Gently you pushed away the forkful that was offered to you.

“You haven’t eaten in hours.”

“I know, but that’s for you.”

“Food tasted better with you though.”

…

“You want me too?”

“Yes.”

… Well, who were you to refuse. “There’s still a lot left, and some things are time sensitive, so I can’t share every last one with you, is that alright?”

“Just when you need or want a break then.”

“Thank you.”

Actually… this may be the last time to talk before…

“It’s been a year. How much have I changed?” With that you took the bite, letting the man feed you, his expression turning confused for a moment.

… then it dawned on him. “Well…” Oh, another bite for you. “You’ve gotten skinnier since you were last here.”

“Ah, trying to fatten me up are you.” The exhaustion made your voice come out a bit droll, but it seemed Beel found the amusement in it anyway.

“… I guess I am. I just like eating with you.” But still, even with jokes he was blunt and honest to a fault.

“Which you want to do all that time.”

“I do. And you skin is darker too.”

“Thanks to dear old sunlight.”

“So you got a lot while you were gone. Good.”

You simply nodded, letting him continue. “Some of the lines on your face… they seem deeper, but different than before… Can the sun also do that?”

“Uh… I think so??? I’m not really sure.”

“There’s a lot of little things.” More and more he scrutinized you, but in the end smiled- “But you seem better, healthier, in some ways-” and poked your cheek. “in others I think you might need some help.”

“So… I don’t seem any older?”

… “I’d have to watch you more to know.”

He wasn’t sure then… for now at least. “I think I probably do. Just what stress and loneliness dose to a person.”

He didn’t say a thing, but the statement certainly caught his attention. “I’m sorry I left. Well, no, I had to leave, I guess… I’m sorry it was so long. I had too, even if I don’t like it.”

Was that some white at the window?

“It was only right before I left I realized something. You should have come with me. I mean, I had to be back anyway, perfect timing for you to start on the Human World house, wouldn’t you think?” You couldn’t help laughing a little seeing the realization dawn on him. “If I could, I won’t make that mistake again. When I go back, you’ll be with me. And I won’t want to come back here, unless it’s via that pathway you promised that connects the houses.”

He gave you a firm nod. “I have a plan for that all ready.”

“Ooh. Well, I can’t wait to see it.” Only thing you could think of was convincing Diavolo somehow, but given the circumstances, that it’s part of a proposal for you that wasn’t from Diavolo himself, you couldn’t see it. Just what could it be.

“Time to get back to work.” You still had a few hours left and way too many courses, but with this you should be able to make it.

The rest was easy enough, you having practiced these ones more because they were the most complicated, even with having to pause every few steps to be fed another bite or two, but it wasn’t so bad.

Soon enough you began to slow down, letting the final few courses and desserts take their time in between idle chats, what kind of furniture you wanted, what should be in the garden, should Beel add a shed in the back, or instead of a shed a sunroom thing for if you wanted sunlight without having to actually go to the Human World, he had been studying a lot on light spells for a while now after all.

Before you knew it you were flipping to the back of the last page.

Almost there…

While watching the ice-cream maker do it’s thing, relived you didn’t have a broken or sore foot, you debated setting up your D.D.D., on one hand, it seemed in the end evidence wouldn’t be needed, however on the other… videos didn’t age, it may be nice, to have this captured, even while you were long gone.

So you did. Just leaning against the wall, propped up with the help of the thick end of the binder.

Damn it, your throat was already tightening, as if you were going to cry, your chest feeling funny in a way you didn’t know how to describe if asked, breaths starting to shake As you watched him finish that final bowl, having you take the last bite.

“Thank you.

For… just… everything. All of it. For everything. I love you. I… damn it. What do you say, when there’s so much, but you. Just. Can’t?

Um

Thank you, even for the rough start we had here, thank you for everything that’s hasn’t happened yet, both that we know and don’t know! Because I know you’ll always be in my life, so there’s going to be, just, so much.

And thank you, for everything before that, for all the decisions you made that led to you being where you are, and… yeah?

And I’m glad, even when the pain and tears are troublesome, because it makes you realize all the more just how important and special this is, to be happy, to be able to hurt with another, to find that comfort and safety.

Whatever happens, I know I’ll be all the better because I met you. I want to be better, not even for you, hell, not even for me, I don’t know, just as a person, because, because, I don’t know, people deserve that.

And

And

Like, it’s terrifying the idea I’ll be gone one day. It scares me so, just so fucking much. I don’t want that, and I don’t want to hurt you, that’s the last thing, but you wanted me to be gluttonous, right? To live my life. To take because I can, indulge in your warmth, because I can. To want you, to, to, to learn about every last thing, even the stuff I can’t wrap my head around, I want it.

But I realized something. That makes us be better. Even after I’m gone, our love will still be there, it still existed, and, maybe it can be your strength. It can keep going on and on, but not as a burden to you, but as nice memories. For thousands and millions of years.

So, um

Thank you, for loving me, thank you for changing my life, change me, changing how I, I see things, how I treat others.

Thank you

So, so much,

For everything

 I owe who I am now to you.

I owe to you, this version of me I’ve come to love most, and all the versions after that have already been touched by you.

This

T-this, is ju-just one example of how I-I’l l gift you my dedication. A year and then some. Try and fill you, even if it’s impossible. Even if it is, I’ll keep trying, from here on.

Take my time, my effort, everything, everyday, it’s because of you and is your’s.

I love you.

Thank you, I don’t know what else to say

Thank you so much.

If you’ll let me, hell, I’d probably do so anyway, but I-I’ll dedicate myself to you, if you’ll let me.

Till the day I die, no matter how short it is.

The rest of it is for you.”

Your breath and body trembled, tears blurring your eyes, heart racing and pounding shaking you to the core.

What the hell even was this? All you did was say aloud the obvious, and what you were going to do anyway without this. Yet you were crying, and he… He stood there, eyes growing wider, cheeks getting redder and redder an-

Lunging at you, holding you so tightly, his grip only loosening to go a little lower, try picking you up some, to completely engulf you so it was only him, not even the floor touching you. And how his body trembled, or was that you? You, you couldn’t tell. Maybe it was the exhaustion after hours of cooking. You tried hugging back but your arms felt like jelly so you weren’t sure if you were or it they kinda just flopped there.

“yes, Yes, yes, Yes” Like it was all he could say, over and over till it was just broken sounds.

He took several deep breaths, and with each one squeezed you a little tighter. “I, I built you a house, I know I promised you more, but-”

Gently you tried pushing back, just a little, just enough to see his face. “Wow, wow, wow,” There was something so desperate in it. “-slow down there buddy. You don’t have to rush things.” You did manage to place a hand on his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere any time soon. To go to the human world, to make the second house, to move in, to stay there till I’m old and grey, all of it, we have time.”

Closing his eyes he heaved a great sight, nuzzling into your han-

“Shit!”

“Mammon!”

“IT WAS LEVI, NO ME!”

“YOU KEPT TRYING TO SHOVE ME OUT OF THE WAY!”

You stood… sat their frozen, still held up and clutched by Beel.

All of them were there, fallen to the floor, a bickering pile, all blaming the other aside from one who stayed out of it all.

Well…

That sobered you up real quick.

“… Beel, dose the garage door have a lock?”

“It will be the next thing I do.”

Mammon was the first to scramble to his feet. “Hold on! Ya can’t just do that!” Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. “It shoulda been me!”

What? Mammon was a terrible liar… you could always tell. You could tell he was! Right then!

Asmodeus was the next to find his footing. “Just admit it was beautiful!”

“SHaD uP!”

Belphie managed to sit up, his hair seemed more floppy than usual. An expression you’d never seen before, something hurt, and something happy. “Congratulations.”

Satan didn’t say a thing, still sitting on the floor, a clenched fist pressed against the wall… and slowly he opened his palm, keeping it there, Was he… trying to ground himself, or feel something?

Finaly Leviathan who had been at the bottom of the pile scrambled up. He also had tears in his eyes. “How… how can I feel so awful and happy? I want it to be me, but you look… so happy.”

“Alright that’s enough.” And in stepped Lucifer. “We should be getting back home. Now.”

They continued to squabble but it seemed they were slowly getting a move on.

Aside from Beel. He just stood there, thinking.

“Do you not wanna go back yet Bubs?”

“Well he is.” Lucifer had his arms crossed, clearly not in a good mood. But perhaps you should have expected that after you… last saw him… “And he’s not going anywhere. He’s not allowed too.”

Beelzebub’s grip on you grew tighter. “I quit.”

“Wh-”

“Student council members have to live in the House of Lamentation, that’s what you and Diavolo agreed too. Well I quit! I’m not going back!”

“You are coming back right now.” A thick, suffocating magic presents filled the air, Lucifer in his demon form.

“Wait, we could do that?” Suddenly all eyes were on Belphie, who meandered his way over to you two. “I quit, I’m going with them.”

Aside from Beelzebub and Lucifer who were staring one another down, the rest looked to one another.

“I quit.”

“I QUIT!”

“I quit too!”

“I-”

“ENOUGH!” A voice like that could shatter the earth, Lucifer looked about ready to attack. “All of you are coming back NOW!”

“Except Beel and MC.” Beel immediately held a protective arm before Belphegor who stood between you and Lucifer… If looks could kill, that glare from the eldest would have eviscerated the youngest.

“Hey, look, I agree with him.” Then it was Mammon who blocked Lucifer’s path. “Look, I don’t… I don’t like it either, but… we shouldn’t ruin MC’s proposal like this, ya know?”

.

.

.

“Where will you live then?” Diavolo stepped through the door. You hadn’t even noticed he was also at the doorway before.

Beel didn’t say a thing…

Really? Guess you had to give him permission since technically the plan was for later. “It’d be easy enough to get sleeping bags or something till you make the bed, and all the important stuff like the bathrooms are good to go right. We can move in early, besides, it’ll make figuring what kind of stuff I want, and where easier.”

“I’ll live here.”

Diavolo was usually a much more expressive person, but this moment his expression was more neutral, maybe a smile a that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I see. And you realize that if you won’t be in the Student Council you’ll have to return to work, right?”

“I know.”

“Beel’s already been doing D: Jobs though?” It seemed you confusion did get some form of amusement from the prince.

“No, his actual work.”

Actual work?

Wait…

ACTUAL WORK!?

“… You guys have had like actual real adult jobs this whole time!? You’re like… actual real working adult men!?”

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean!?”

You glanced to Mammon, completely baffled by his response. “What do you mean, what do I mean!? I thought Diavolo just paid you all to be in the student council or be figure heads or something! You have jobs!? That’s not just existing!?”

Suddenly a howling laughter shook the room, Diavolo doubling over, clutching his stomach. “It dose look like that, doesn’t it!”

Eventually he did catch his breath and stood again. “They each have a job under me, but they can take leave as long as they’re a part of the student council.”

So the House of Lamentation is just a vacation home!?

Suddenly so many questions flooded your mind, grabbing hold of your demon and having him face you. “… Do you have the space you need? Or, I guess can you even work here, do you need to add another room or will you have to go out every day? Wait, no. What do you even do?”

He tried turning away but you kept him in place so instead his gaze seemed to suddenly find his handiwork on the trimming very interesting. “… I forget.”

“HOW DO YOU FORGET THAT!?”

“It’s been a long time.”

“I’m sure you’ll get back into the swing of things. For now, Lucifer-” Diavolo dropped a firm hand on the man’s shoulder. “I believe we have some paperwork to get done.”

Lucifer didn’t do a thing for a moment, just dead silent, before he turned and marched out.

“Eh, guess I’ll have to go back to work to-”

Satan glared at Mammon, not even letting him finish. “No you can’t you don’t have anywhere to stay.”

“I can stay here!”

“No.” “There’s no room.” Such an immediate reaction from both of you.

“All the rooms are empty!”

Reluctantly Beel placed you down on the island counter before going to shoo off his brothers, who did eventually leave. Even Belphegor who actually willingly did so.

After shutting the screen door behind himself Beel leaned against it, looking out to the empty house.

“You okay?”

… Slowly he made his way over, arms loosely draped around you, his face leaning into the crook of your neck. “I am now.”

You shuttered, trying your damnedest to not start laughing after all that, a snicker still getting out at his ticklish breath against your sensitive skin.

Your body flinched feeling how his lips pulled into a smile on you.

“BEEL!” You couldn’t stop laughing! “STOP IT!” He just kept blowing raspberries into your neck, taking such delight in getting you to squirm, your joyful, playful tone drawing some laughter out of him. “NO FAIR! I-I CAN’T GET REVENGE, YOU WOULDN’T EVEN FLINTCH!”

It was so cathartic, all the emotion come pouring out, wiping tears from your eyes, being left out of breath.

And you didn’t even get the chance to catch it, lips tenderly pressed against your’s.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Hey” You cradled his face, thumbs caressing his cheeks. “You okay after all that.”

“… I knew something like that was going to happen, I’ve been ready for it.” He leaned into you, forehead pressed together, somehow felt like he was melting into it.

“Alright, I just don’t want to… I don’t know, ruin anything.”

“You never could.” Interlacing your fingers together he squeezed your hands. “and I want his, want you so much.”

“You do though.”

“Almost… I still have to propose… But I will, I promise.”

Lifting you up, you were carried up the stairs to the second floor. The room you found yourself in was rather big and empty, but that was to be expected. What made this one unique was the attached bathroom that didn’t have a door yet and a pair of glass doors that lead to a balcony. Even from here you could tell where the city was, one half having a faint glow from it while at the others was such a deep darkness.

You were adjusted a few times as Beel was, slipping off his jacket? And spread it out on the floor. “I was thinking this would be our bedroom.”

“I can picture it already.” And gently you were placed atop it, Beel laying beside it, his arm folded under his head.

“Good. Then maybe we could sleep here for a little bit?”

You were rather spent, both physical and emotionally, but not completely in bad ways.

“Not like this mister.” You didn’t give Beelzebub the chance to say a thing, instead taking off your own jacket, folding it and slipping it back where Beel’s head was before he sat up. “Now we can.”

Beel’s jackets were much too big and thick for you. Perfect for snuggling into and keeping warm, getting completely wrapped up in, so when finally he laid back down, and you climbed atop him, your head resting on his chest, you favorite pillow, it made for a great blanket for you both.

…

He already was, but now more than ever Beel was determined to give you the greatest home. Even if you were already acting like you had it. “Thank you for choosing me.”

Part 1: The Future and Part 2: The Pursuit of Happiness

(extra/part 4 Till Death Do Us Part... But Dose That Have To Be The End?)

[fridgemissionmaster]

Beelzebub x Reader: Building a Home, Part 2 The Pursuit of Happieness

Part 1: The Future and Part 3: The Question

(extra/part 4 Till Death Do Us Part... But Dose That Have To Be The End?)

Word Count For this Part: 7,892

Word Count Over All: 24,250 (excluding extra ch.)

Summary For This Part: Beel gets to building and has some misadventures along the way.

Summary Over All: Seeing your declining mental state, and wanting to help you however he can, for as long as is the life you have left, Beelzebub plans on building you a home, one reflecting you: connected to both the Human World and Devildom.

It also would count as a proposal by Devildom standards, and because of that particular detail troubles start popping up.

Notes: THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SO MUCH SHORTER BUT GOT WAY OUT OF HAND!

Now as this is a chonky one it was been separated into 3 sections for ease of reading, however I do have an AO3 version up where the separate sections are separated into chapters if that's preferred.

And the trailer/preregistering for Till Death Do Us Part dropped so I stayed up all night to finish this in celebration, then I fell asleep and didn’t get to editing till now, but it’s here and done on time!!! And even though it’s technically the day after it’s been less than 24 hours so I count that I got this finished in celebration on the kinda same day!

AND AS I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY IS TOO LONG FOR TUMBLR SO NEVER MIND THIS IS GETTING MULTIPLE POSTS, ONE FOR EACH PART

Never had a one shot be too big for Tumblr before.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Just one last time you’ll have to be gone for months.

At least this time he had something substantial to distract himself.

You talked a lot before you left, what you wanted, where it should be and such. He still wasn’t too sure on the idea of having guest rooms, knowing his brothers they’d just try moving in. But you said they could always be changed into storage rooms or something else if things get too bad. He did appreciate your suggesting having one for Belphie specifically.

A lot of your suggestions seemed to be for him, actually. A walk-in freezer, walk-in snack room, a gym. It… really set in the idea that you WANTED HIM. That, a home for you, would also be a home for him.

It set a funny feeling in his stomach, like waving or fluttering.

You keep doing that lately, giving him these odd new feelings.

Only thing he was vocal about, a want of his, something you dragged out of him, wanting him to have some input that you yourself hadn’t already made on his behalf, was the location.

Being outside of the city and closer to nature. Cities are nice, but there was just something so calming about being out here. Not too far into the woods where the more dangerous creatures lived, but enough that to get back to town would be more like a ten minuet drive or twenty minuet walk.

…

That was still a funny idea to him. A working car.

“Even more reasons to get a truck I guess.”

“A truck?”

You had forgotten your homework long ago, even if you still stared at it while the pair of you were planning, but then you finally faced Beel who had been snacking on some singeing goose berries.

“You guys don’t have trucks here?”

Beel shook his head, having no idea at the time what you were talking about. Honestly he still couldn’t really picture it now.

“Well, they’re like… cars, but cut in half to make room for a big open trunk? Uh,” You scratched your head a moment, typing away on your D.D.D. “Wow, nothing. Not even a picture?” before putting it down, seemed you didn’t like the results. “Anyway! It’s good for work so you can carry big heavy stuff like planks of wood. I was thinking we’d want one for grocery shopping, but if we’re going to be further out of the city we’ll have to get one. Oh! And if I could find a good sturdy one, maybe I could somehow send it back to you here to help you carry supplies!”

Cars… but for work??? “Cars here are only for showing off. Weird.”

“You’re the weird ones! But… I guess you’re strong enough to not need them, hell, some of you can just fly. But I’ll need one for groceries anyhow! And if I can teleport something THAT big” Words died on your tongue, as a glint shone in your eye. And eagerly you ran to your bookshelf, taking out several spell books. It was cute seeing you so excited like that.

But still, a car for work. He couldn’t imagine it.

But maybe something like that would be useful now. Maybe then he wouldn’t have to make so many trips to get everything to the location, dropping the last of the stones he’s need for the foundation with a loud THUD.

Then again, all this flying back and forth itself was a rather good workout.

Still he should take a break, leaning against one of the trees at the edge of the clearing he cleaned up.

Beelzebub had a surprisingly large nest egg for himself from all his part-time gigs. The money was to be used as an emergency snack fund, but luckily for him the household tried to fit extra food for him in the budget and none of his brothers were shy about gifting him treats, so it was not often it was touched.

By the end of this it might be completely drained. And to build a home in the Human World he’d probably end up in debt. Or he could just hypnotize or threaten to get land.

Or not, Diavolo might punish him if he did anything like that now that he wanted peace among the worlds.

At least this land was cheap though. Not many wanted to build outside of the city just from the labor costs of transporting the supplies let alone actually building.

…

Good. That left the area mostly undisturbed. He should probably make something of a path though, most human made stuff wouldn’t last here, and it wouldn’t be good if the truck ended up breaking if you needed to get to town fast and he wasn’t around.

… There was a lot to get done. The frame, plumbing, furniture, insulation, and much more. You couldn’t come back soon enough, and yet a thought occurred to him that seemed so wrong.

He hoped you wouldn’t be back soon. There was only so much work he could get done between R.A.D., fangol, food, sleep, and if you came back before he was finished, well, it’d be even longer then, as spending time with you when his brothers weren’t dragging to one place or another was too important.

At least he got a good bit of the digging done before having to return for dinner, he really needed it.

.

Day after day he’d return to the work site, became a habit really.

“Beelzebub!”

He’d gotten in trouble several times over for skipping out on chores.

With a groan he unceremoniously flopped on his bed, face first into his pillows, muffling his anguish some. Lucifer lectured him AND banned him from going anywhere other than R.A.D. for the week until he ‘got his act together’. He didn’t mean to skip his turn walking Cerberus! He just… kinda forgot. But Lucifer wouldn’t listen to that for a moment.

Why now? Of all times…

…

Should he sneak out at night? But if he was caught…

“What’s MC got to do with this.”

…

“Still don’t want to tell me?”

…

First time Belphie mentioned anything. But his twin had known for a while now something was up. Beel just knew it.

Actually…

“Thank you.” If it wasn’t for the youngest’s efforts to cover for him, Beelzebub would have gotten some punishment like this a while ago.

“You’re welcome.” There was a soft warmth in his twin’s voice, the one he usually had when speaking to Beel.

“But…” A slight shift. “If it’s something for them, you know I’ll help.”

“… No, I have to do this myself.”

“…”

“…”

…

“You’re proposing!?” Beel could imagine the shocked expression Belphie had perfectly.

“Yes.”

“And not including me.”

Beel could only nod.

There was once a time where he would have been fine with sharing you. Actually, he still was, to an extent.

When did this start though?

It was a couple years ago, during his and Belphie’s birthday. Just for the night, he wanted just you, no Belphie, no sharing. Belphie would still want too though. Share you completely. That was once his ideal too, but-

“You know, it’s up to them, they’ll accept you, there’s no doubt about that, but if they don’t propose back, I won’t back down.”

“I wouldn’t want you too.”

… huh, another new feeling.

It was difficult to describe. He enjoyed seeing you getting along with his brothers, even being close to them, yet…

Your time, you could spend it with them all you like, just the most of it, save it for him… was that it? Or rather, you wanting to spend most of it with him.

“Just keep being careful, I don’t want to imagine how the others will react if they find out.” There was a slight grumble to his twin’s tone, not from any discontent, purely grogginess just from the thought of the mess that lot would cause.

Yeah, that… would not end well.

“I’ll get some bubble water to settle your stomach.” With a yawn Belphie left.

He was also taking the time to start thinking up his own proposal. Beelzebub knew.

.

There was only so much Belphie could try excusing so instead he started reminding Beel if he had other responsibilities, or if he’d been gone after school too many days in a row to start being suspicious.

Just a few days and finally he was able to get back to the site. It wasn’t so bad though, gave him a chance to figure out how and where to get piping and electrical for a decent price. He couldn’t impress you if he ended up in debt. That was actually why he started taking D: Jobs again, to try and cover some of the costs to have more for the second house. When Belphie found out he also said it’d be a good cover.

But the more time he spent away, the less he could work, and establish this as his territory. Some demons or creatures thinking they could have the run of the place even after Beelzebub placed down markers to stay away. Clawing at the framework, knocking over and trying to break into his supply boxes, even digging several holes into the ground.

Well, nothing for it but to clean up.

… By that point, after you started living here-

If you started living here, by then this territory will have been claimed, nothing should dare to cause trouble but what if you two were gone for a while? Maybe it’d be good to get a Hell Hound, or coax a dragon to stay and look after the place. A pet would be nice, and there was plenty of room for a few.

But you couldn’t get a cat. Satan would never leave.

What did you call it? That big fluffy dog he spotted in the Human World with the barrel on it’s neck… A Bernard? Maybe a breed like that would be nice.

Although… you did call it a Saint. But maybe that meant it could better protect itself here? The demon would like to be able to pet any furred companions you two may get without getting burned or something from it though. Maybe once you were back you’d be interested in looking at Hell Hound breeds.

Ping

Ping, Ping

…

Did you know he was thinking about you? Several new texts, all pictures.

Already he was drooling.

It was not unusual for you to text him pictures of what you were eating while away. Lately though you’d been cooking more, and you’d send him not just the meal but some of the steps with little comments like wishing he was there to finish off the last of the berries, or if he could help you with mixing the batter because your arms were getting sore.

Whatever he was doing at the moment, he always tried to pause whatever it was to text back right away. Try catching you, see if a conversation would play out.

Sometimes you’d call, he’d take a break, lay under a tree, keep his phone on his chest or beside him as he looked up to the sky or closed his eyes, mind drifting to imaginings of you there with him. Other times he’d keep working, your voice soothing for the more annoying or difficult tasks, helping him focus.

This was after all to be your home, sure he poured all his intensions to the purpose, but having an actual little something of you in it, not just his thoughts and love but you yourself, even if only fueling his motivation, adding your warmth to the air, it was something. You surely would add your own touches in time, but…

It would be nice. To be able to already see yourself reflected there.

The closest he could get to it being your home and not just a house for you.

But your home was what he NEEDED to make.

Somehow.

But he will, he is.

Pour his blood and sweat into it on your behalf, it is your’s for the taking, to do what you saw fit after all.

.

The house was far from done, but Beelzebub had been able to make steady progress. Almost six months now.

“ENOUGH!”

… Was this the longest you’d been away from here since the exchange program?

“I’M STRINGING YOU ALL TO THE CEILING!”

Everyone’s been really feeling your absence, Lucifer quick to snap, well, quicker, more fights had been breaking out, not simple bickering or brawling but real fights with the intent to cut and bleed, everyone staying out of the house more…

“HAH, as if MC would even WANT to come back with a scumbag like YOU AROUND!”

Best way to describe it was things were more like how they were before you, just… a little tamer, not as vitriolic or poisonous or cold. After they’d try connecting now, a form of apology or understanding where the bad attitudes were coming from.

“shut up, Shut Up, SHUT UP!”

…

It almost felt weird, how it only fueled his determination.

They all needed you, but you also deserved a break. They couldn’t keep draining the life out of you to feed themselves. Were they going to keep at it till you were a husk? Till you were someone else entirely? Bleed you out so thoroughly… would you fight back and change, or let yourself…

He refused too.

Not anymore.

No one else in his family was going to be killed.

…

How you hated this place, was it just them?

And so he stood before the front gates of the Demon Lord’s Castle.

A few moments and they swung open. Down the stone path he tread, the grand front doors doing the same, light pouring out cast against the butler’s slender figure. A smile and a bow he stepped to the side. “What an unexpected visit, has the House of Lamentation gotten too stuffy as of late?”

Barbatos would notice his brothers’ bad moods. They’ve almost destroyed R.A.D. thrice this week, and that was just the incidents Beelzebub knew.

The butler held out a hand. “I’ve heard you’ve taken more work as of late. Were you perhaps hoping for some here?”

Beel immediately shook his head. “No, not this time!” Wait. “Actually, maybe regular work later. I need to speak with Diavolo.” He almost wanted to ask his friend then and there the request he carried in, however, the butler wouldn’t do a thing without getting the prince’s permission, not for something like this, even if Diavolo probably would trust and follow Barbatos’ decision if he agreed to this.

The man stood there, seemed like Barbatos was thinking for a moment before nodding. “I’m sure the young master would appreciate the excuse to take a break from his work. I shall get some snacks and prepare a list of tasks I could use your assistance with while you wait.”

It wasn’t long at all, Beel barely got to go though his seventh tiered tea tray when that calm, giddy laughter filled the air. “Ah, it’s great to see you Beelzebub! How has everyone been.”

“Oh, ell-” He could finish the tray before swallowing. “ev een ine.”

“Really. From how stressed Lucifer’s been I’d assume the house was about to collapse at any moment!” He seemed excited about that. Playful. But Diavolo was usually that way.

The butler pulled out his chair, allowing the prince to take his place across from Beelzebub at that little table under the gazebo.

“Barbatos’ sweets are just excellent, aren’t they!” Even if the prince himself wouldn’t have the chance to try any this time, all gone already, Beelzebub eagerly nodding in reply, trying to swallow it all down his gullet while still savoring the truly delectable taste. Not the worst loss for the prince though, if he had to choose, he much preferred Barbatos’ tea which was poured delicately into his cup.

A quiet settled in the air, when Beelzebub realized himself again his gaze followed Diavolo’s, who’s chin was resting in his palm, turned a little to the side to better take in that view.

The Demon Lord’s Castle gardens were rather nice, the safest place anyone could get to Devildom flora probably…

Even if it were just joking, you did say you wanted this place, maybe he could copy some elements like the limestone pathways. Or… he could get started on a garden, there was more than enough space. But that would have to wait till after the house was done, wouldn’t want to risk trampling it during construction.

…

First a big ask, then… the request.

“You can’t tell Lucifer what I’m going to ask you.”

“Oh?” Terrifying, having the most powerful of all demons focused on you, that gaze so curious, boring through you.

“I’ll tell him, but not yet.”

All the fun disappeared in a moment with a single nod of the prince, not a nod to Beelzebub but to himself. Anything involving Lucifer was a game, or something to take with the most sincere seriousness, and he saw from how Beelzebub stared back, now in his demon form, this was not something to toy with. “I can’t promise that, however... It’d be so odd for you to come see me out of nowhere like this. Surely I must be dreaming right now. Oh, Barbatos will be so mad once he finds out I fell asleep on my paperwork again.”

Wow, giving him an out, a lot nicer than Beel had expected. He didn’t think that’d work, but he at least had to try. There was no harm, this wouldn’t be a deterrent, just… trying to make this easier on himself and not have to sneak out to keep working.

Well… Here goes. “MC can’t stay at the House of Lamentation anymore. Not like this, it’s killing them.”

“Hmm?”

“They’re human, they, they NEED to…” His throat stung as the words came up. “be in the Human World, not here. It hurts them being here. They can’t, they shouldn’t, but-”

“But?”

Beelzebub didn’t need to say it, they all already knew it, but… “we’re not able to let go, even if it’s what they need.”

To dare vocalize such things. Beel could see it, Diavolo clocking why Beelzebub asked to keep a secret from Lucifer, the man who Diavolo could count on one hand how many times he had ever kept anything from.

Sure the prince had assigned you to stay there in the first place, but after the program? Wherever you stayed was no longer by his command; no, the brothers, Lucifer, made sure you didn’t dare stay any place else.

“If they’re going to stay here and not hurt, they need to be able to go between the Devildom and the Human World. But teleporting themselves so often would take too much and also hurt them, just more physically. Could they have a hidden path, that is just for them.”

If the prince didn’t have a good pokerface, Beelzebub knew it would be pitiful. At least, he knew that’s how he’d be feeling in his Lord’s place. Afterall, the one who would object to this conversation’s very existence was the one who decided the paths should be closed in the first place. The one Beelzebub should really be talking too, since the prince wouldn’t want to do a thing to truly upset him.

Diavolo didn’t say anything for a minuet, simply crossing his arms. “And how would this passage be kept from being exploited? Make sure that it’s only MC who is using it. We did close them off for a reason.” ‘We’ meaning Lucifer.

And the ‘reason’, Mammon. Being Mammon

“I’ll build MC two houses, one here, and one in the Human World, the passage will be in those, and the houses will be safe guarded.”

“By you and your brothers?”

“No. They are MC’s. Only they, and anybody they decide to stay will live there. They are powerful, they can set up protective spells stronger than Solomon’s, they could have Hell Hounds and guard dogs to guard the homes, some humans use things called security systems that watch the house and tell the owner when anybody comes by, there’s a lot that can be done to make sure only MC uses it.”

“…”

And that, was blasphemy.

Lucifer kept his family within arm’s reach, never any further. And you are one of their number. To dare even hint at leaving without his say so, let alone moving away… You were an odd case being their master and their charge. It was one thing for you to live however you did when in another world, but here, in the Devildom, the same rules applied to you.

Beel didn’t mind the short leash, with everyone on them it meant his family was always close.

But it was choking you. He knows Lucifer would never give any slack, if he tried it’d probably break the eldest. So the only choice was to snap it clean and run before he could grab hold with an even tighter grip. But that’d be made so much more difficult if he were on alert.

And for Diavolo to not alert him to such a thing…

Dare to even entertain such a thing and present it to Diavolo, Beelzebub very well knew he could be thrown in prison for this kind of treason, even if it looked different than a cell, instead being locked up at home, or sent to more permanently work at the palace.

… Still the prince said nothing, having Beelzebub continue with his childish plea. “Like this they can spend more time here, they won’t have to leave for months again. They’ll stop getting sick like they always do when they stay here too long. They can live here, not just visit.”

Diavolo took a sip of his tea. “And MC is willing to assume the responsibility of protecting that passageway?”

“Yes.”

“So you’ve already discussed this with them.”

“Yes.” Heart hammered away in his throat, just able to get the word out. Admitting to conspiracy.

The prince hummed and closed his eyes, expression stern. “That is a difference though, them visiting, to living here. I assume you will be gifting them these houses.”

“Yes.”

“How though, only citizens can own land and buildings, or even live here more permanently, and MC is human. Humans can’t be citizens. It would be a gift in name only, it’d still be your’s.”

“… I know.”

If it could truly be your’s it’d be so much easier to convince him, but because it would still be Beel’s technically. A very tangible claim over you, something no one would stand fo-

A sharp smirk, Diavolo held out his hands, laughing away. “That’s a wonderful idea!-”

What?

“-Barbatos clean up my desk, I need to get the forms ready to petition the council to make humans legal citizens!”

With a bow the butler disappeared from his spot beside his charge.

He… Beel did it?

“So, this house, what else can do I to help. Supplies? Land?”

“Just the passage. I’ll tell you when I’m finished so you can open it.” Quickly he stood. “I’ll need to be going the-”

“So, you’re making them all by yourself. Or, in fact, you’ve already started.”

.

.

.

… It was not a question, so Beel didn’t need to answer. Swiftly making his way back through the gardens.

…

“Do you wish to go through with this, young master? Even with the chance he’ll be proposing.”

“I already gave my word, I can’t go back on that, they wouldn’t mean a thing then. Besides… Making MC a citizen, if they were that means they could legally wed, or hold a position of power.”

“… Very true.”

“Hehheh, imagine that, a King’s spouse with more devotees than he.”

“… That is if they agree to such.”

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You mean to say not unless they agree to be a butler’s instead!”

.

He kept expecting it, for Lucifer to stop him. Lock him up, tie him down, muzzle him, something, yet

nothing.

It hadn’t even been a day since he got Diavolo to agree to make the pathway, but still.

Until this did reach the eldest, Beel needed to get as much done as he could now.

If only his stomach would stop growling, making it that much harder to ignore the gnawing. And the pics from your latest baking exploit you just sent really weren’t helping either.

Maybe he should push ahead with the electrical work? That way he could test the kitchen to make sure everything was working! Or well, at least the oven or burners, or something. But there was still more of the plumbing as well to do and-

And do…

Do the…

THE THING TO DO-

he couldn’t think straight.

Just a short flight, all he needed to alleviate this.

The large boulder his marker, wading into the knee-high river after tossing away his phone, boots, and socks.

Now, where was it. Dragging his feet across the soft silt he felt around for it, mostly finding the occasional rock or the wet dirt getting between his toes before being so quickly washed away.

Then he caught it getting hooked to his foot that handle.

Eagerly diving in, yanking it with all his might, the force practically sending it flying, that refreshingly chilly water flying off it getting him soaked.

That metal container so cold to the touch, perfect.

Now to just… pop off the li-

With a loud THUNK the thing was dropped in favor of his phone, ringing and vibrating away, water dripping on the screen making it near impossible for it to read his presses and swipes.

Nearly.

“Hey Bud! Did I catch you at an okay time?”

Nothing could stop him answering your call, in any form. A magic circle, or a phone, didn’t matter.

“Yeah! Yeah, just getting a snack. Was feeling a little odd and though this might help.” Even if you couldn’t see it, he still nodded.

“Something bad happen?”

“No, not really.” Maybe he was still nervous from the visit to the castle.

“Ah, just an off day then?”

“Maybe. I’ll be fine.”

“Alright, just don’t push yourself today, just in case. Okay?”

“Uh-huh.” He took a deep breath before sitting down and putting you on speaker. It really was such a lovely lush dense forest. The smells here so fresh and vibrant. With a finger he took a swipe of his treat, humming in delight. Anything eaten outside just tasted so much better. Maybe for the next batch he could add some of the berries that could be foraged around here.

Oh!

He should have some ready for when you come back, show you what this place has to offer. He was still a little worried, beginning building without you having been here, but you really insisted he choose the location… Why you were…

nah, he’d ask you later. Shaking his head as it it’d help fling away the thought.

“Ooh sound like you’re enjoying yourself, what is it?”

“Bloody lingonberry ice cream.”

“Nice.”

It was always good to hear you. This tune he was much more used too, what a contrast to when you left. Sun light really made all the difference, huh. It made sense though, that you’d need something so important to the Human World to stay alive and happy. It really stuck him during your first call, and just about every other one after he was reminded of that fact.

“Funninly enough I got an odd ice cream maker.”

“Oh?” Boots tied together hanging over his shoulder with socks tucked away inside, container under one arm, phone in his other hand he began his trot back to the work site.

“Yeah, it’s this hard plastic ball thing you’re supposed to put your ingredients in the inner bit and dry ice in the outer shell, thing, and kick it around. I thought it might be something fun, get the ice cream ready while I was making dinner without having to take up another outlet for an ice cream maker-” He should add more outlets to the kitchen wall. “-but I ended up just laying on the couch with an ice pack on my foot and had to order take out. The thing was hard as hell! And it was advertised as a family camping thing! If any little kid tried using the thing they’d break their foot!”

“Your foot’s fine though?”

“Yep.”

“… Did you still get ice cream?”

“No.” You nervously chuckled so softly, the receiver almost didn’t pick it up.

“Oh… I rolled mine around.”

“Hah?”

“I used ice magic and placed the ingredients in a metal barrel. Helped flatten out the ground some at less dense patches of the ground before fixing those for real. Used it to keep some of the beams upright.”

“Wait, wouldn’t that be back at the beginning?”

“Uh-huh, once it was mixed enough I buried it under a river to keep it cool, and so I wouldn’t eat it right away, emergency snack.”

“You ran out!?”

“Trying to get extra done tonight. I don’t want to use time to go hunting or fly back to town.” It was funny. Getting through to the clearing he couldn’t help sighing in relief.

How many hours had he spent here now? Chatting away with you, now taking a seat on the back porch, whittling down a branch he picked up on the way into a big spoon real quick for the ice cream.

…

He really did love it here, didn’t he.

Already, and it wasn’t even done yet. You hadn’t even approved of this place yet, but he still did. He couldn’t help chuckling from how silly it seemed.

And it was so odd, how silence used to unnerve him, not hearing his brothers up to something or another nearby… it still did really. It would be nice, if they could be here, maybe even be happy for him, but…

Knowing them, no matter where he went, someone would be around, that’s just how they are. Even if Beel weren’t moving in with you-

IF, if, you accepted.

…

As sure as he was, he couldn’t act like it. Not yet.

Still he’d go around, making sure everything was ready,

“So, how’s things coming along?”

“Pretty good, doing set-up for installing the grab bars.”

“Grab bars? I’m not going to be needing stuff like that for a while, dude.”

“Maybe, but they’d be helpful for you to get around if you got a broken leg.”

preparing and dreaming

“MC, for the night lights, would you want glowing stone for the wall and floor trimming, or plug ins for outlets.”

“We could place big Glow Stone chunks around for decoration, y’know, like people do with salt rocks!”

“No, tripping hazard, and if they look like salt rocks I might eat them.”

for what you’d need in the years to come,

“-Wait, how come the stairs are getting carpet?”

“I read it’s better for grip.”

“Love Bug, you’re gonna be with me. You don’t have to worry about everything, you’ll be there if I ever trip.”

“Just in case.”

“I know, I just don’t want you stressing out about making the whole place super safe, alright?”

“I’ll be less stressed knowing you’ll be safe even if I’m not around.”

ever by your side.

Immediately Beel picked up on that sigh. “Something wrong?”

“No, you’re just making the place sound so nice.”

The way you were saying it, it sounded like a bad thing.

Your grumble came along with the flipping and rustling of pages before continuing. “You’re making it so hard to stay away any longer.”

“It has been the longest you’ve been away. Almost a year now.”

“I KNOW! But…”

The silence hung heavy in the air. Beel was so tempted to ask, but from your tone he knew you were going to continue.

“… January.” Such command was in your tone. “THAT’S when I’ll come back! No more delays!” That was about three months! “I don’t think I could push things off any more without someone just kidnapping me back again. Honestly I’m surprised someone hadn’t tried that again yet.”

Three months… He may just be able to get it done in time! He wouldn’t have furniture, but it’d be something!

…

But even then he still couldn’t propose, he still had a second house to build after all.

So strange though, he promised you a home, and… in a way, for him at least, it already…

.

“Aw, going back to work already?”

Any answer Beelzebub could have given was muffled by his stuffed cheeks as he stood from the dinning table.

There was no R.A.D. so the giant wanted to get going, breakfast was already late due to him having to get Mammon down from where the man was strung up to the ceiling, why did it have to be Mammon’s turn for breakfast duty, anybody else would have had it done on time.

Before Beel could get past the door Asmodeus skipped on by, blocking it, a pout on his face, lightly pointing to Beel. “Hon, you really need to take a break, all that work can’t be good for your skin, it’s, what, the fourth day in a row of this.”

“I’ll be going now.”

He tried side stepping, yet his brother persisted, tutting. “Whatever you’re doing can wait, not like it will give you as good of pay.”

“Huh?”

Everyone ignored the overly excited wriggling and grunting of the second born from his just placed ‘seating’ suspended from the ceiling Lucifer was still tying him down to.

“Leave him be Asmo.” With a loud yawn Belphegor slowly sat up, eyes half-open, clearly still groggy.

“I will, I will. I’m just looking after my baby brother~” With a dismissive wave the beautiful man turned back to Beel. “So, Beel. I’m going shopping, and I’ll need some extra muscle to help carry my things. Isn’t that just wonderful!”

“… I’m leaving.”

“I’ll buy you lunch.” All playfulness gone, only serious cheer. Even Asmo’s signature smile. “Anything you want. Even the all you can eat places.”

Beel stop in his tracks.

“Hehe, I’m glad you-”

“Sorry, I can’t.” While he could think he needed to decide on if he should ask you about that truck thing. If they really could carry as much as you said that’d defiantly speed up moving all the pipes for plumbing. And driving couldn’t be that hard, right? Like Devilkart just with the gas button on the floor and not on the wheel. But what if there was more to driving, or worse, was he too big to even fit in on-

“Beelzebub.”

“Oh! Yeah Lucifer?” His eldest brother behind him, arms crossed and… why did everyone else look so worried?

“Before you leave we’re going to my office.”

Beel simply nodded before following along. Whatever happened was probably important… It couldn’t be about the house, if the others knew of it they’d be reacting a different way, so what could this be about?

To the library, past the staircase and down the not-so-secret hidden staircase to the office they went. Lucifer slinked behind the desk, looking out the window to that view of the dark forest out back, much less healthy than the one Beel chose for you. He stayed behind the coffee table and couches, it was an unspoken rule that one shouldn’t make themselves comfy in Lucifer’s spaces without his permission, even if they usually disregarded it when the eldest wasn’t around.

“It really is impressive work you’re doing.”

Beelzebub flinched, holding his breath for a moment. Just when he thought it couldn’t be this conversation…

So strange, pride? Frustration? Fear? Relief? Joy? Worry? Beel just could not pin point whatever it was he was feeling as Lucifer looked over his shoulder back to the six born with a smile and… perhaps, just maybe… something soft in his gaze.

It was there for only a moment.

Probably just a trick of the light.

Beel couldn’t look to his brother anymore, even though Lucifer turned back to the window before continuing. “Your skills have improved so much, a far cry to when the demonic wolverines were making a mess with their holes and scratching.”

“You knew back then!?”

“Did you truly believe I had no idea where you were going this whole time. Flying back and forth to the same place over and over?” Beel didn’t quite care for the amused droll of his brother’s tone.

“Ngh…” But he hadn’t done anything about it before, so why now?

“Just a word of advice.” Turning around Lucifer took something out of one of the desk drawers. It fit in his hand perfectly… A black velvet skull. “You should add more bedrooms. Six, although if we want to mak-”

“No.”

…

The silence was deafening. A sudden tension in the air. One dose not simply alter something another was pouring their all into, emotion into physical form, it was too precious and important to dare be tampered with. After all that was to dare to object to the emotions’ very existence in this society, where emotion was such an important commodity.

And the sheer gall, even for Lucifer. Didn’t matter the man was his brother, that man in essence objected to Beelzebub’s very existence, their emotions, were all a demon has, and all they are. To object to one part, was to reject it all, as emotions are messy tangled up things you simply couldn’t just separate from one another, try as we might.

A heavy sigh, and Lucifer gripped the little skull tighter. “This is for MC. Then you’d want what would make them happy. A home has family. Once they able to go back and forth as they please-” So Diavolo did tell. “the burdens they carry will be gone, and any ‘space’ from us would not be needed.”

“That’s not for you to decide. Only MC gets too. No one else.” Beelzebub’s voice came out rough, not holding back any of the anger and offence. He had every right to tear out the eldest’s throat for the words he DARED let spill.

“…” With little force from his thumb the skull opened, a gold ring rest inside. Intricate engravings of leaves and a snake, a great blue gemstone was set in it. “They have been happy here with us and they will continue to be happy with ALL of us.”

“… You don’t know that.” Bitterly Beelzebub spit that out before turning heel and marching up those steps.

Beel saw his brother so highly once, but now? Locking Belphie away, LYING about that, and now acting like he knew YOU so well, acting like HE had any right to dictate your life and actions, your very EMOTIONS, the idea-

“…”

 He blinked one, twice, slowly. After a moment his brothers scattered away from where they clearly had their ears pressed to the not-so-secret bookshelf door even after Beel opened it, sliding it to the side in front of the other bookshelf.

Whatever, he had work to do, that WASN’T adding bedrooms.

…

It took a good bit of the day but he managed to get the rest of the plumbing for the second floor. It needed much less than the first so it should go fairly smoothly. Maybe he should finish the lights on the second floor though, they were ready after all, and they shouldn’t cause any problems when he was still working on the electrical in the crafting room and the kitchen.

Leaning on the railing of the front porch he looked to the building before him… The idea of laying on the living room floor was rather nice actually. But he always didn’t want to snack there and accidentally leave any crumbs and attract bugs or something. But… it’d be even better once you were there. Sitting there, snacking away, you pointing out what furniture you liked in magazines. Maybe after the bed the next thing he should build be a kotatsu? It’d be so cozy laying there together under one. He’d gotten used to the cold of the Devildom long ago, but human bodies were so sensitive, maybe he sh-

A long high-pitched whistle pierced the air. “So THIS is what you’ve been workin’ on?”

Mammon!?

Flipping around Beel spotted how they came marching out of the thicket. Belphegor pushed his way ahead, very clearly annoyed. “Come on, guys. Just leave Beel to his work!”

“He’s not working, it’s fine.”

“No, it’s not! Let’s go!” Usually they gave in to Belphie’s pleading. Guess even his powers could only go so far. Thank you though. He tried, but Beel knew something like this would happen at some point, even if he tried ignoring it.

“What ARE you doing-” Levi looked around. “putting your essence everywhere like that. It’s so thick, it’s making me sick.”

Satan stepped forward, a sharp curious focus in his gaze wandering about before settling on Beelzebub. “Clearly it’s to scare away lower demons and the monsters that live around here.”

“Hah, didn’t stop those demonic wolverines though! Those things will fight anything!”

“Wait, you knew the whole time!?” Mammon too?

Mammon just gave the bewildered and startled Beelzebub a questioning look, posture slouched, hands resting casually in his pockets as if this weren’t VERY WORRYING AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO THE SIXTH BORN! “Well, yeah. Lucifer was getting’ tired of getting those photos of you going here all the time taken down so he asked me to tail ya and figure out what you were up too. Wasn’t much back then, just filling in holes and replacing the scratched wooden beams, but-” Beel REALLY didn’t like the smirk that spread across Mammon’s features. “who knew you went ‘n made something like THIS! Imagine the killing we’d made selling this pupp-”

“Don’t. You. Dare. Even. THINK. IT.” A dreadful buzzing filled the air, Beelzebub’s demon form unleashed without hesitation.

“Ugh, honestly, you’re so dense Mammon, OBVEAOUSLY this means a lot to him!” Asmo slapped a hand over Mammon’s mouth, nervously laughing before waving the phone in his hand a little. “I was wondering why those pictures of you kept disappearing just a minuet after they appeared. Are you making something for Diavolo, Oh a…”

“…” Whatever face Beel was making it seemed to shut them all up. All of them were there except Lucifer.

“Dose it matter. Beel’s built building for work before. This has been a big waste of time.” Instead of his usual flop Belphie practically tackled who he had been leaning his head against.

“H-HEY! BELPHIE! You can’t use me as-”

“OI! Levi, the hell you’re-”

Belphie leaning against Levi, who couldn’t stay standing ended toppling onto Mammon, sending them all tumbling to the ground.

Satan shook his head, whether it be at the statement, the commotion, or both, none could be sure. “Beelzebub turned down food, a massive meal at that. Clearly this isn’t just any job. And I assume you know it is.”

“…”

“Belphie! You can’t already be asleep! Get up! YOU’RE CRUSHING ME!”

“You know what’s happin’? Both of you get off me and tell us!”

Cautiously, yet with no hesitation Asmo made his way over, Satan not far behind. “We’re just worried about you Beel.”

“…” He took a deep breath, letting go of the tension in his hands. “I’m fine. You really don’t have to worry about me. I already have plenty of snacks.”

“There!” Asmodeus pointed, his perfectly manicured finger landing on the tip of Beelzebub’s nose. “Snacks. Just snacks vs. all you can eat! There is something very wrong here!”

“I have more to get done. That’s all.”

Asmo scrutinized him, lips puckered, leaning in and grumbling, as if frustrated looking into Beel’s eyes wasn’t giving him the answers he wanted to hear.

“And just what is- oh?” Asmo followed Beelzebub intense gaze that landed on Satan.

He wasn’t fast enough, Satan’s hand already landing on the porch’s fence. How he froze, eyes dilating before tenderly retracting it, his fingers seemed almost hesitant to part. “… We should leave Beel be. We’ve intruded enough already.” His voice breathy.

Grabbing Asmo’s arm Satan tugged him back a little much to his younger brother’s confusion, who all the same let him.

“Hold on!”

“GAH!”

“Wah!”

“Why!” Mammon found the strength to leap to his feet somehow, throwing Levi and Belphie off.

“It’s for MC.” The moment your name fell from Satan’s lips all but Belphegor and Beel looked to one another.

“Well, if i-”

“No. This is Beel’s proposal, not your’s.”

…

If it’s for you, they’d drop everything to help. Thankfully Satan had the sensibility to shoot that down immediately, for this time, it wasn’t their place. Unlike some others.

And it seemed the rest here understood that. You couldn’t place your own emotions’ into another’s work. How rude, and awful to do such was to do such, or even to interrupt a demon while they were preparing their proposal.

“What’d you mean he’s proposing!? I’M their first! If anybody’s gonna propose, it’s going to be me!”

“Please, if anybody is going to propose don’t you think it should be the most beautiful of us, the best should go first!”

“Hey, it should be me! If I go later you’ll all outshine me and I won’t have a chance!”

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter who is first, but who can provide the best… like me.”

“HAH! Just you all watch, I’ll be first and give ‘em the best proposal anyone could ever want, so much so they’ll immediately try proposing back!”

“Ugh, shut up.”  Belphie groaned, slowly sitting up. “Can we go now?”

Quietly all aside Mammon agreed, in the end dragging the second eldest away, too busy going on about how the others couldn’t go about thinking of proposing before him too, to walk properly.

And that was how Beel was left.

…

“Thank you.”

A sour feeling began to settle in his stomach. It didn’t really matter. He wasn’t going to get to proposing for a while, still having to make the house in the Human World, but still… now they all would be preparing their own. It REALLY didn’t, even if you said yes to his that never meant you wouldn’t accept their’s, if anything he would have been surprised if you actually did reject any of them, you were all family, and to reject one of them would be saying you didn’t care for that one at all.

Slowly he gathered the pipeing he dropped before, taking them all in and placing them down on the tarp.

… It didn’t matter. Beel definitely didn’t like the idea, but looking around again, at just how far this place had come, most of the walls were up, he could so easily imagine where you’d want shelving or good places to hang your pictures, something just… felt a little better.

… as long as you were safe and happy, none of that did.

…

He needed bubble water or something to settle his stomach

he felt he was going to throw up.

Part 1: The Future and Part 3: The Question

(extra/part 4 Till Death Do Us Part... But Dose That Have To Be The End?)

[fridgemissionmaster]

Beelzebub x Reader: Building a Home, Part 1 The Future

Part 2: The Pursuit of Happiness and Part 3: The Question

(extra/part 4 Till Death Do Us Part... But Dose That Have To Be The End?)

Word Count For this Part: 4,463

Word Count Over All: 24,250 (excluding extra ch.)

Summary For This Part: Seeing your declining mental state, and wanting to help you however he can, for as long as is the life you have left, Beelzebub plans on building you a home, one reflecting you: connected to both the Human World and Devildom.

Summary Over All: Seeing your declining mental state, and wanting to help you however he can, for as long as is the life you have left, Beelzebub plans on building you a home, one reflecting you: connected to both the Human World and Devildom.

It also would count as a proposal by Devildom standards, and because of that particular detail troubles start popping up.

Notes: THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SO MUCH SHORTER BUT GOT WAY OUT OF HAND!

Now as this is a chonky one it was been separated into 3 sections for ease of reading, however I do have an AO3 version up where the separate sections are separated into chapters if that's preferred.

And the trailer/preregistering for Till Death Do Us Part dropped so I stayed up all night to finish this in celebration, then I fell asleep and didn’t get to editing till now, but it’s here and done on time!!! And even though it’s technically the day after it’s been less than 24 hours so I count that I got this finished in celebration on the kinda same day!

AND AS I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THE HARD WAY IS TOO LONG FOR TUMBLR SO NEVER MIND THIS IS GETTING MULTIPLE POSTS, ONE FOR EACH PART

Never had a one shot be too big for Tumblr before.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

You took a deep breath, sighing before slowly sitting up and stretching, hands held high above your head, back arching, the smallest of wines escaping you. As much as you didn’t want to leave your cuddle session- “Better get these cleaned up.” you were going to have to force yourself to get up at one point or another, lest Lucifer barge in for ‘curfew’, making sure everyone was in their proper bedrooms for the night. You knew he did this before you arrived, but honestly sometimes you swore he did it specifically because of you and Beelzebub.

… It did help in a way though. Even just collecting the various bowls spread across the couch, floor, and table, you could feel that ‘seasonal depression’ settling in. You had for a while now.

You needed real sun light, not just that dinky little lamp in your room. It was more tempting to sleep in, you were getting quicker to snap at the silly chaos that was your life here you usually loved, day by day focus was fleeing you, those very days blurring and smearing into the next till telling one another apart was an impossible task, at least the threat of Lucifer having a stick up his ass and throwing a fit, ‘lecturing’ as he’d call it, about milling about the living room a bit longer was enough motivation to force you to get up and go.

And you were so comfy too, Beel’s chest so soft yet firm, his arm encircling you, his warmth, so lovely, like the sunlight your body so craved.

You needed to clean up and get ready for bed though. You were exceedingly grateful Belphie hadn’t decided to be your blanket again so you were actually able to get up, otherwise you likely would have just stayed there the whole night long if you could.

Beelzebub didn’t say a thing, him going about collecting all the trash he left from his snacking during your movie night before following you out.

…

Hopefully he hadn’t noticed yet. He was a bit too quick to pick up on when… this mood fell over you.

You loved it here, you really, truly did. If you could, you never would leave. However, humans need sunlight, and without it… you’d get into a real depression, and that wouldn’t be good for anybody. It was always hard to notice the effects, you only would realize just how awful you felt, mind slow, and negative, and fragile till you were back in the human world for a little while.

But Beel would notice. He always did. Maybe it’s because your declining mental state a bit too similar to Belphie’s, maybe it was how observant he was to other’s emotions in general, but, he was usually one of the first to pick up on it.

And usually soon after he dose Diavolo forces you away, can’t have the exchange student get permanently injured from staying too long.

You were never sure if he told or if his new actions made your state obvious. How he’d stick closer like a shadow, feeding you more of his food, take you to have random walks throughout the day, look into light spells and spend time researching magic aside from what was required for school assignments. THAT last one became your tell that you weren’t doing so well.

It’s why you’re even noticing your symptoms this time. A few days back you spotted a couple spell books on his bed that he immediately tried hiding when anyone else entered his and Belphegor’s room. Even Satan who could probably help… but if too many people got involved then inevitably, whenever anything even slightly interesting happens at the House of Lamentation, the rest of the household and Lord Diavolo would find out, and you’d be sent away.

“Mammon, get back here!”

“WAH!”

Just barely you managed to trip out of the way from Mammon mowing you down, the man sprinting off with an out of breath Levi not far behind.

Thankfully you never met the ground or wall, the back of your shirt snatched, dragging you back onto your feet.

“Thanks bud.”

The red head simply nodded before the pair of you were off again.

At least cleaning should be fast, a quick rinse and scrub, Beel beside you, towel in hand to dry them off and place them back in the cupboards that were far too tall for you. The only reason it was going to take anything longer than five minuets was the sheer volume of bowls beside you.

Any movie night involving Beel required a great variety of snacks, preferably ones that weren’t too loud and crunchy. But that didn’t mean they couldn’t be sticky or melty.

“Say, what’s on your mind Big Guy?” Seemed your query caught him by surprise, he paused for a moment before turning to you.

There he was. Before his gaze seemed to be looking past the counter and wall in front of him.

He stared for a moment, unlike most of his brothers he liked collecting his words before speaking, had too really, or else he’d simply blurt out his hunger again.

“… Is that going to happen to you too.” His words did not hold the right inflection for a question. He knew, he knew how short a human life was, even putting aside how fragile their bodies are, but… he trusted you more than anyone, he needed to hear it from you. “Getting so weakened as you age.”

“Yeah, that’s just how things go for all humans if you survive long enough.” A reality all of your kind had to accept. You, yourself, didn’t even have to think of the answer, simply second nature.

“Not Solomon. His hair is white but he’s still young.” What a quick retort from your demon.

Actually…

You paused for a moment, but not long, it was an easy conclusion to reach. “I’m… not really sure if he counts as one anymore Beel.”

Ageing.

A feel good movie with a bitter sweet ending. The twins nor you had any strong opinions on what to watch, and Simeon happened to find some DVDs of human movies and you randomly chose one of those. Not one you were familiar with specifically, however it’s themes of love, loss, life, death, all were things you were very accustomed too.

Guess the way the film went about interacting with these themes were foreign to demons, such as this.

He seemed to be searching for something, Beelzebub’s gaze steady on you. “Why so quick. You already look so different from when you first came here.”

“Huh? It’s only been about five or six years, I haven’t changed that much.” Your hand that reached for his arm stopped, instead he cupping your cheek in his palm.

“You get sick more than you used too, and you take longer to heal from anything. You get cuts and bruises more easily.” His thumb caressed the darks spots forming under your eyes. You cursed yourself that morning for forgetting to cover it with makeup before Asmodeus spotted it and made such a racket over your state. “The wrinkles in your forehead and around your eyes are getting more noticeable like their’s, you have a couple of grey hairs-”

“I do!?”

Beel just nodded.

He couldn’t look to you like this anymore, suddenly it seemed your feet were a more comfortable view. “Only five years… I don’t want you to go. Never. But… at least not so quick.”

It would be difficult to miss how he began choking on his words.

“Hold on, look. I much rather be showing signs of ageing. Honestly I’d be very glad and surprised I get to that point where I’m too frail to care for myself and the stress not getting to me first.”

“What.”

…

Shit, that… was not good wording. “Anyway-”

“Why did you say it like that? Stress hurts you, but not just… in the moment?”

It was now your turn to find your partner’s feet a much better sight than that scared expression.

“… y-yes. Stress kinda has long term effects on humans leading to earlier…” You couldn’t bring yourself to finish the statement. You weren’t sure that’d hurt him more.

His hand practically dropped, grabbing the wrist pressed to his chest a bit too tightly.

He and Mammon was all too familiar with the toll living here often took on you, every other day being a world ending disaster, even from the early days of the exchange program. You were alone, and scared, and had no one to call a friend so you’d confide in the pact demons who would give you the time of day and listen, even if they seemingly couldn’t understand such plights, instead of putting on headphones to continue gaming. You’ve gotten used to it to an extent over time, but…

There were still times where the day left you so emotionally exhausted, you’d cry yourself to sleep. Only time you could without this whole house going into a panic and just…

Sometimes you’d sneak into Beel’s bed. He never seemed to mind, and he was least judgmental of them all.

And he just felt safe.

It was also nice knowing that you being there made his nightmares go away.

It just…

THUD

Neither of you looked up, used to the sound of tussling from upstairs. You could still hear Mammon and Leviathan around, so it was some others who had gotten into a scrap. For a moment it did occur to you that someone simply dropped something, but such a kind and peaceful explanation was practically unheard of in this household.

“… maybe you should go back.”

Ah

So he had noticed

You were really hoping it was something he had noticed, but hadn’t realized he had yet. Like he subconsciously did.

…

“Anything else?”

“Huh?” Confused his eyes met yours.

Lightly you poked his chest. “You looked confused at a couple of parts of the movie, were there other things you had questions about?”

“… Why were you were looking at me?”

“You’re very pretty, now answer the question.”

Good, you managed to get a light blush onto his cheeks. No need to let that last topic hang in the air. He lived with it far too long before you.

“You’re the pretty one.”

That delightful red darkened and spread as you slapped your hands onto his cheeks. “We’re BOTH pretty! Now, answer! What can the representative of humanity explain to you this time!”

It took him a minuet, either to puzzle it over, or to try to think away the embarrassment of being complimented in such a way, but soon he answered.

“Why did they get married?”

“… Hah?”

“Johan proposed, then they married.”

“… Yes???”

“But Percilla didn’t.”

“??? Didn’t what? She accepted?”

“Yeah, she accepted? That’s it? So why would they?”

“Because she accepted the proposal to get married?”

“But she didn’t propose?”

“Because Johan did?”

More and more lost you became, the other’s confused tone only making the other more confused in a vicious, unending cycle.

“Yes he… he did?”

“Okay, look.” You took a step back, holding up your hands. “Let’s stop a moment. Johan proposed getting married, and Percilla said yes, why wouldn’t they wed?”

“Because Percilla didn’t propose.”

“But, WHY would she? She already agreed to the idea of marrying.”

You could practically see the gears turning in his mind. “But she still had to show the length of her devotion.”

“What?”

Beel raised a brow, head tilting a little to the side, your confusion once more getting him lost. “So… one human just asks the other to get married and you do?”

“… Yyeeaah?”

“You’re just asking?”

“Well, it IS called proposing, like proposing the idea of marriage. What else would that be?”

He fidgeted about, scratching the back of his neck, but his gaze never left your’s. “… Proposing yourself. Offering your life. You can’t get married if you aren’t satisfied with their devotion. You both have to show what you have to offer, you wouldn’t marry someone who isn’t willing to show you everything, how strong or weak they are. If only one person proposes, and the other doesn’t then… well that’s not marriage. Marriage is mutual, not one sided. Why would you want to tie yourself to something you don’t want as equally or more?”

“Huh…” Of all things, this you were not expecting. “and how do you show what you have to offer?”

“Whatever you can. If you’re strong you hunt down the worst beast, rich, you buy the most expensive things, if you’re really confident in every way you could ask them what you should do to prove yourself and do it.”

Alright, that made sense, since so much of this society was about proving one’s self worth by any means necessary, it was natural the same would bleed int-

Your stomach dropped the moment hearing that deep groaning and splintering. This house was so sturdy, even by demon standards, yet for it to make THAT sound-

Your ears rang, filled with nothing but crashes, splashing, and yells. The cold, flooding floor at your back, head cradled, face and chest pressed against such warmth. Slowly Beelzebub got up from crowding you, tossing away the wooden beams, stone, even piping that was atop him, not letting a thing fall near your two.

“You okay?” He asked, casually shrugging off what you were certain was a somehow intact part of the ceiling off his back like it were a mere piece of tissue paper.

“Y-yea-”

“LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO SATAN!” Asmodeus and Satan. A most unexpected pairing for a brawl.

Wait- now wasn’t the time! “Beel the bowls!” You in one arm, bowls in the other he easily leaped over that spell on Satan’s lips, landing on the unfortunate soul at the doorway you pointed to, Beel sprinting the moment his feet made contact.

Sorry Mammon, but surely you would do the same, anything to avoid an unwarranted lecture from the eldest.

Never mattered if you had anything to do with the issue. As long as you were close, he saw fit to punish, anything to let out his rage, and the more people for that end the better. For him, not any clearly innocent parties involved.

Once you could see those eternal stars above you heaved a sigh. Getting outside, best you could do aside from straight up running away.

…

Nah, no need to get Beel in trouble and be accused of kidnapping you.

Maybe you should just go to sleep right here and now, you were certainly exhausted enough for it, and it’s not like you’d get any rest in there what with all the yelling.

“Oh, Belphie.” … all you could do at this point was to hope he already found rem during the movie so he wouldn’t care and would be too far gone to be noticed by others.

…

…

…

“MC?”

Beel was laying beside you…

When were you laying down!?

Abruptly you sat up, rubbing your face and forehead, as if it would somehow help with that stupid foggy feeling in your head. “Sorry, bud. Just dreading when Lucifer’ll find us. Heh.”

A rather pathetic, halfhearted laugh. You tried forgetting it.

“Hmm.” And it seemed Beel was perhaps none too pleased by it either. “What about the bowls?”

“Oh yeah!” You almost forgot. Or… in all honesty it was a bit stupid at this point, so concerned about getting the damn things cleaned. It wasn’t like you’d even be able to put them away!

Well, you had Beel bring them anyway, might as well as do something about it, wordlessly making your way for your destination.

You dropped the buckets from the back shed unceremoniously as you began to chant. Had to use magic since despite having plumbing for bathrooms and such the Devildom didn’t have sprinklers or hoses, magic being the easiest way to keep any lawn or garden watered.

What then though? Not like you could dry them, the shed didn’t have towels, besides if it did you and Beel would probably use them to dry yourselves off considering you were soaked to the bone from whatever running pipes that were busted over you.

… You could still hear muffled yelling, only one voice though.

Too bad it would be the weekend tomorrow, you couldn’t try avoiding being dragged into some nonsense punishment by hiding away in classes.

Maybe you could find something on D: Jobs? There was always some sort of part time work there.

… Then again, if for once Lucifer decided to be merciful enough he WOULDN’T drag you, Beel, and Belphie into whatever punishment he had for the rest and you could take the rarer opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet.

…

HAH, as if either of those would EVER happen. Sure, you-

“MC!”

You flinched back, water pouring out of the buckets, washing over your feet, your companion muttering the incantation to stop your spell.

That didn’t even come across your mind, reaching out for some nonexistant faucet to stop the water overflowing.

…

Really?

REALLY!

…

…

…

You hated this.

Why was your fucking throat tightening, as if you were about to cry.

…

Maybe…

Maybe it was best you went back to the human world. You did need to start planning for the future at some point. If you couldn’t even take care of yourself now, do even simple spells, what were you going to do when you were old, and frail. Being like THIS, in addition with your body being in WHATEVER condition it would be that wasn’t as spry as now… it’d be impossible to last long here.

“What if we lived in the Human World then?”

“EP!” You couldn’t care less about the unbearable heat raising on your cheeks from such a squeak you made, staring wide eyed at the demon crouching beside you. “ Wh-what brought that on?”

“You said it might be good to go back just now. But, we could stay there.”

Face buried in your hands your scream-yell was muffled some before you took a beep breath, hands pressed together before you, thumbs still on your cheeks.

Beelzebub, such an honest and blunt man, you didn’t need to look, but did so anyway to see the seriousness in his features.

“Dude, no, just…” Finally you let your hands down. “You can’t. I don’t know how frail I’ll get. Who knows, maybe my body will stay well enough that I won’t need help, but if it dose… I…” You couldn’t bare it. “I couldn’t put you through that. I wouldn’t WANT your last memories of me to be like Johan’s.”

Your loved one literally decaying so quickly before you, unable to do anything as they disappear before you, body and mind as they seem to change into a different person at the end, revealing their ugliest sides they hidden away. And caring for them all the same. Having to wonder if making them live through an existence of pain was better than letting them go. Having to make THAT choice for them.

And… “You’ve seen enough loved ones die. I don’t wanna- I can’t risk you blaming yourself for my inevitable end somehow.”

These worlds had been so cruel to him, you refused to do the same.

A silence fell over the pair of you like a thick blanket.

You wanted to fucking burrow out your grave and hide away then and there.

…

But ever so gently, he lifted the pall off. “I wouldn’t mind. I just want you. For as long as I can hold you, be beside you, take care of you. Even if you lose your memories and start forgetting me. I want to be there. To keep you safe. I don’t care how short this is, every moment with you, is the best I’ve ever had.”

The last person you ever wanted to hurt. So damn earnest. And honest. And actually considerate of you, not getting wrapped up in his own emotions. The others would deny it, promise to make sure you never die. But there’s no such guarantees, not even for Solomon. Beel wouldn’t lie to you like that, instead promising…

himself…

“That’d make parting hurt more.”

“… No, I’d hurt the same.”

Too late, was it?

You sighed, sitting down in the wet grass, leaning back on your hands looking to the stars.

“…Live with me in the human world, huh

…

What an awful idea. I want to be here. It’s home. Even as this awful place slowly kills me. I’ve had the best times of my life here. I met you here. And your family’s here, I couldn’t take that from you.”

A cold wind rushed past making you shiver and sending goosebumps across the skin.

Behind you he sat, arms loosely draped around your frame, hands resting in your lap, his legs on either side of your’s. If he weren’t so damn tall, he likely would have tucked you under his chin, instead you leaned against his chest. “But you still are? You wouldn’t be here.”

… Damn the man, his blunt nature made him so smooth at times.

He continued. “You can’t stay here, not if it’s killing you… Then…”

“Yeah?”

“What if I made you two houses. One here, and one in the Human World. Connected, so you can come and go whenever you want. And that way, I can always be there, and take care of you if you ever can’t. You can get away when things are too much.”

An amused huff escaped you at his words. So… he really was… “Not even like, what? Ten, fifteen minuets after you explain to me demon proposals and you’re already doing such?”

Nah, you knew that’s just how he is. “Sorr-”

“Yes.”

.

.

.

You almost wanted to ask if he were joking, but, this was Beelzebub, you knew better than that.

His arms tightened, hugging you close, legs doing the same. “You already have me, I’d do this anyway, but I guess I should officially state it.

MC.

I love you.

No, that’s not enough.

I…

I’m under your command, but that’s not why I listen to your call. You are my leader, my family, my friend, my safety. You are the strongest person I’ve ever met, and in ways I’m not sure I understand. I don’t get some of the decisions you’ve made, but I still trust them.

You’ve…” A groan then the rumbling of his stomach. He made no move to get up though, instead holding you tighter.

And breathed a heavy, almost frustrated sounding sigh. “I want you. Every moment, every laugh, every tear.

As proof of my strength, that I’m worthy to gift you myself I’ll build you the best home as proof. And you’ll see all I am, and all of it for you. And I’ll ask if you’ll keep me for yourself. To be glutinous and indulge in every moment with me, to take all of my time.

That’s how I’ll propose myself to you.”

“You’re asking later? So I can’t answer now?”

“… No? You don’t know if you’ll like what I build.”

… silly

“Fiiiiiinneee. I’ll wait. But…”

You scooched back, a little out of his grasp to finally face him again.

Adorable. A blushing serious and troubled face suit him so well, but now wasn’t the time for that, didn’t want to distract him from the subject at hand.

“How though? I thought Diavolo sealed off all connecting paths between the worlds, and only with his, Barbatos’ or Lucifer’s permission could one be opened.”

Without hesitation he nodded. “I’ll show you I’m more capable than you think.”

Huh…

“Alright then,” You couldn’t help the smirk that played on your lips. “impress me.”

“That’s what I’ll do. So, what do you want for your houses?”

“The Demon Lord’s Castle!”

He didn’t even flinch, just standing up!

“W-WAIT, WAIT, HOLD ON!” Suddenly in his demon form you only stopped him from getting away by pulling on his sleeve. “I WAS JOKING! PLEASE DON’T!” His expression baffled as he looked to you.

“I’ll need some time to think on it okay? Like… A view by a lake would be nice, and we could go fishing, but given your appetite we’d probably take out the entire fish population in a few days.”

“We?”

Now it was your turn to look baffled. “… Yes? If you’re going to be taking care of me when I’m old and grey, I’d want you to be comfortable there too since you’ll probably live there. Besides, if we live together, I can take more of your time like you wanted.”

“Oh…” He grabbed at his chest, clutching the fabric of his shirt.

“Something wrong, Bug?”

“I… I don’t know. Just got a funny feeling is all.” His voice, so soft in that moment. Unsure, but not confused.

“Hmm.”

“Huh?” Crowding him he pulled his hand away, giving you the perfect opportunity to place an ear to his chest.

“Your heart’s racing.- AH!” And up you were lifted, feet off the ground, your demon nuzzling into you.

“Your’s is too.”

“SHUT UP!”

He chuckled, soon to your confusion it erupting into uproarious laughter that shook his whole body! Seemed he couldn’t quite keep his balance either, pacing around in a circle to keep his footing.

It was infectious. You couldn’t help laughing too just from the sheer joy in his. It was so warm, even if at times it almost sounded like sobs from how it wavered and how he desperately tried catching his breath.

“I-I’m sorry.” Carefully he placed you down, fingers lingering on your sides as those last few hiccups subsided. “I, I don’t know what happened there.” Dewy tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, smile so blindingly bright, dimples on his cheeks.

You simply have to pull that view in closer.

Capture his lips, swallow his gasp, almost fall over from how eagerly he leaned in, humming in delight when you took another, and another from him.

So hungry.

“How about this. Let’s put a pause on this for the moment, clean the bowls, and scope out how things are inside. If it’s bad, let’s go out for dessert, talk a little more, and if it’s calm you’ll go to bed while I plan what we’d need for my dream home.”

“Okay!”

… But he could take one more kiss. “Just to tide me over till dessert.

…

I like the new chapstick.”

“Yeah! It’s-MPH!”

“Hmm… Dragonfruit and lemon.”

“You’re insatiable!” That adorable laughter of your’s, playfully smacking his shoulder. How he adored it.

Part 2: The Pursuit of Happiness and Part 3: The Question

(extra/part 4 Till Death Do Us Part... But Dose That Have To Be The End?)

[fridgemissionmaster]

If there was one thing Beelzebub loved more than food, it was his family. If there was one thing Beelzebub loved more than his family, was them being safe and happy and relaxed. That must be why your weight against him felt so soothing. How it was just the perfect day.

Was, being the key word

You and he found yourselves lounging around on the couch watching Champion Cooks, snacking away for hours on end, no need to do a thing else. And it was such a warm and cozy day, a lovely change from the cold and rain that had been the past several weeks. If it weren’t for his hunger Beelzebub very well may have taken your lead, snuggling into you and drifting off to sleep.

But it wasn’t so bad not joining you. He was able to lay down with you atop him. A hand on your back, idly fiddling with your shirt. Containing a quiet giggle as your breath tickled his neck. Watching the shallow raise and fall of your chest while he was half listening to the show.

He tried being quiet, thankfully the pair of you were sharing an assortment of fruits and berries, nothing crunchy.

When there was still food that is. A hand mindlessly dropping into the bowl on the floor, his fingers tracing around finding nothing but the last traces of the cool water you used to wash them before.

He froze as a gurgling rumbled from his belly.

.

.

.

Then he went slack as a great sigh escaped him.

You didn’t stir or show any sign of waking.

So,

how to avoid the tragedy of waking you.

You weren’t BELPHIE, Beel couldn’t just sling you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes or place you on the other end of the couch! No matter how gentle he was, any movement could wake you! And he couldn’t be sure how deep your sleep was. It’d break his heart to disturb you like this.

But he couldn’t just think away this painful hunger.

Then he heard it, such quiet footfalls coming this way.

It was an everyday occurrence, but still nice nonetheless of everyone else popping in and out as they pleased, Levi grumbling and playing one of his games on a sofa, Mammon watching before scrolling on his phone mumbling about some game, Asmo musing aloud about being a guest judge on shows like this.

And now Beel’s pleading gaze caught with Satan’s. The giant barely managed to mouth a ‘please’ before veritable roar erupted from his stomach.

Both men didn’t move, not even to breath.

With a little groan you flipped over to your side…

And stayed that way.

Ever so carefully, even pausing mid movement a few times when you made the slightest sound or the smallest of twitches Beel held out that bowl to his brother, desperately glancing between him and it.

Satan simply stared for a moment, even making himself comfy, his arms crossed, leaning on the backrest of the couch he stood behind.

Then he smirked, trotting away, leaving Beel to hold back a whine.

He had to have understood! Satan was smart, he could figure out what Beel needed! And surely he wouldn’t deny you anything, even something seemingly as small as a little nap!

And there wasn’t even anything Beel could at least nibble on, not even a pillow!

Immediately though as those foot falls returned he perked up.

But to Beel’s confusion, he didn’t smell anything of interest. No sweet confections, no floral fruits, not even tart berries or salty snacks.

No, to his utter bafflement Satan, with a book and blanket in hand, took a seat beside Beelzebub’s feet on the couch. And he just began reading, LIKE THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG!

And all Beel could do was take comfort in your weight and warmth as those all too familiar pangs shot through his abdomen.

It was searing or corrosive in a way, slowly eating away at him, the rest of his body-

He swore he felt the room shake as his stomach cried, demanding something, anything to fill it, to slow down the erosion till it ate itself in desperation.

Wait.

Waitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwaiwtwaitwaitwaitwaitwaitwait

His hands hovered over you, unsure of what to do, almost dragging you back down as you sat up, rubbing your still closed eyes.

No, you were so cute, and tired. You could sleep more! You didn’t have to wake up because of him!

And he blinked, mind halting and going blank when a blanket was draped over your shoulders.

A quiet hum grabbed Beel’s attention, eyes snapping up to Satan. Who just tilted his head a little toward the bowl beside Beel, all the while using the blanket to gently coax you into his side, tucked under his ar-

“THAT WAS A LIMITED EDITION PRE-ORDER BOX SET MAMMON! I CAN’T JUST GET ANOTHER COPY OF THAT GAME YOU DUMBASS! IT WAS SPECIAL WITH ALL THE FUTURE DLC PRE INSTALLED!”

You all flinched the moment that shrill anger shook the house along with the dreaded rumbling and crashing of waves.

One arm pressed you and his brother to him, Beel’s other arm took hold of the backrest to keep from getting tossed and thrashed about, almost all the bigger furniture, such as this one, were nailed down to minimize the damage of frequent flooding…

…

But that was it?

Cautiously he stopped ducking, looking up and around.

Your breath heavy, eyes wide with panic, shaky hands held out, the faintest traces of magic leaving your lips and fingertips. A bubble around the couch. The three of you safe to watch how just as quickly as it came the water began to drain away.

A couple shaky breaths you slowly let your arms down, one hand landing over your heart.

Well, that is certainly a way to wake up.

Quickly your barrier dissipated, and you took a moment to just stare. Were you shellshocked?

Finally you turned to him, giving Beel a little wobbly smile as he smoothed a hand up and down your back.

You looked a little puzzled as Satan got up and walked away quietly… too quietly. Well, you probably didn’t know he came by in the first place.

And too Beel’s disappointment you got up and away yourself. So the end of your show time was it?

You pointed to the top of a now emptied bookshelf, the bowl hanging off it’s corner. It was too tall, even for Beelzebub, but in his arms you were able to easily get it.

Then you left.

…

It was going to be Mammon’s and Leviathan’s job to clean all this up, but it was better to get some of the now scattered books placed away before any got damaged by anyone else so Lucifer could saddle them with the punishment as well. Beel was already starving, he couldn’t take being denied snacks or worse dinner!

Mammon and Levi could deal with organizing them, Beelzebub more concerned with just getting them off the floor. After all it seemed they probably wouldn’t get to tidying up here any time soon judging by the muffled sounds of Satan’s yells and their screams coming from above.

Or, that all could wait for later, finding his nose leading him to the door where you nearly bumped into him. However easily enough you ducked around, trotting over to the T.V. to get it working again. It was quick enough and Beel plopped himself down on the couch beside you, a freshly washed bowl of fruit in your lap. Thank you Levi.

Once it was on the floor you took Beelzebub’s arm, dragging him back. Confused but he let you have your way, giving no resistance to your pull whatsoever. Now you took up the space he was before, and seemingly more than content tucking him into your chest.

It…

was a weird sensation. Beel was used to being the pillow, not… this.

He was hesitant to lean all his weight into you, but you’d just pull him down and press him against you. Your heartbeat right against his ear, your fingers running through his hair, those sent a tingling feeling down his spine.

He, he couldn’t take it, shooting up from the spot. It wasn’t bad but… it also did something funny to his heart he genuinely couldn’t be sure if it was okay or not.

Still though you coaxed him back down, this time his back to you.

… was this better? Or was the other way? He couldn’t as easily wrap his arms around you like this, but it was also nice to feel your hand resting atop his chest.

No! This was great! Your other hand dangling a vine of Fiendish Grapes over his mouth, even getting a breathy chuckle out of you as he took a few bites.

What a perfect day. So nice and cozy, everyone safe and relaxed.

Now if only Satan could settle down a little so Beel could hear who won the celebrity chef challenge over Mammon and Leviathan’s continued screaming.

[fridgemissionmaster]

Beelzebub x Reader ft.rest of the bros: March Prompt/Day 26

Prompt list/available prompt requests here, making a fic everyday of march

“Are you sure?”

“I mean, yeah. Pretty much just scraps at this point. Maybe Mammon or Asmo can help me find a replacement.” With that you dropped the torn fabric into the emptied recycling bin, shivering a little as you walked away. “Besides, it’s going to warm up soon anyway.” Beel didn’t like that… strained tone in your voice.

…

Beelzebub slipped the scraps into his pocket before draping his jacket over you, those sleeves dragging against the ground, the garment more of the cloak on you. “You don’t have too!”

“I’m fine.” He adjusted it a little to make sure it wouldn’t slip off your little human frame.

Unfortunately human clothing was much less durable than demon’s. Most of your wardrobe were things from here but you still had the occasional item from home. One had to be careful though as the daily chaos of Devildom life would destroy any human garments easily. At least you didn’t get hurt but…

Carefully Beel hand washed the thing in the sink, it was so thin at parts Beel worried it’d just disintegrate in the washing machine. But then what? It wasn’t like there was enough fabric left to make you a new jacket let alone repair it.

Actually…

“Levi, how do you repair clothing?”

“You uh… find…” That tap, tap, tapping came to an abrupt stop just as the music did, a pause menu now displayed on the handheld. Utterly baffled the third born looked over his shoulder. “Beel!?”

Beelzebub held out the scraps to his older brother. “… What’s this?”

“What’s left of MC’s favorite jacket.”

“Hmm.” Levi scrutinized the bits of fabric trying to figure out some way to put his baby brother down gently. “I don’t…”

“I thought so.”

“OH! Well, then, Good.” And with that Levi turned back to his game.

… Was there really nothing he could do? But if even Levi didn’t think anything could be done, then it was impossible. Maybe Barbatos could help? Didn’t he sew an outfit for you once? Could he know a way? Even then, Beel had seen Levi make so many extravagant outfits, and he certainly couldn’t count how many times he gave Levi one of his jerseys to repair only for it to be given back good as new, so if he couldn’t surely no one could. Besides then Levi had a whole shirt to work with not… this.

“FINE!”

“Huh?”

“We’re going to my room.” With that Levi began stomping off. “I swear, you and Belphie and your puppy eyes.” But Levi only glanced at his face for a moment, focusing on the fabric before. Did he have an odd expression?

Beelzebub stood by the door while Levi got a big fold out table from behind some shelving, setting it up, before patting his hands on it. “Come on. I need to know what we’re working with here.”

“…”

It was almost sad to look at.

“Is this it?”

“Yeah.”

Levi studied the thing in dismay.

“What are we all doing here?”

“GAH! Get out party animals! You have to say the password!”

“Excuse me, you left the door wide open!”

Asmodeus and Mammon easily slipped past Levi, immediately making their way for the out of place table.

Levi sighed realizing the pair wouldn’t leave any time soon.

“Some scrap?”

“Oi, that’s MC’s jacket.” Everyone glanced to Mammon about to question how he could recognize it in this state but then remembered the word ‘privacy’ didn’t exist in his vocabulary when it came to you. Beel had even seen him snooping through your stuff for the hell of it.

“It got wreaked yesterday.” The intruders nodded, recalling the tales they were told of it at dinner the night before.

“Well, what are you going to do with it?” Asmo pinched at a corner before lifting it up to get a better look.

“I want to repair it.”

Beel didn’t much care for the pitiful look Mammon gave him. “Eh? You might as well be startin’ from scratch.”

“Mammon, hush!” Asmo smacked the back of his hand against Mammon face and kept it there, seemed he didn’t like that look either. Not enough force to leave a mark or even hurt probably, but enough for an audible fwap sound.

“EY!”

“It’s sweet.” Placing the fabric down he started talking with his hands as perusual. “Besides, did you see that yukata he made for MC? You still need to make me one! It’s gorgeous!”

Beel grumbled at the fabric. “I couldn’t make it again even if I wanted too. I didn’t write down any instructions.” He could repair it if needed.

“Come on, you at least have the pattern pieces left, right? We can just adjust them to my size.”

“No.”

“But Beel-”

“I don’t know what pattern pieces are, so I can’t even if I wanted. And I don’t.”

…

“Why are you staring at me?” His older brothers looked between one another, having some silent conversation before Levi scurried off, placing some big paper on the table, while Mammon immediately began to scribble on it.

Asmo placed his hands on Beelzebub’s shoulders, a deathly serious look in his eyes. “You didn’t use any patterns?”

“Uh? No?”

“You didn’t draw out the pieces and then cut them out?”

“No? Mc did that to make my yukata, but we didn’t have much paper so I let them use it.”

“YOU FREE HAND THE ENTIRE THING AND IT TURNED OUT LIKE THAT!?”

“I-”

“WHY HAVE YOU BEEN KEEPING YOUR DESIGN AND SEWING SKILLS SECRET FROM ME BEEL!”

Levi and Mammon had cut out one of the things Mammon drew, shoving their way past Asmo to hold it right up to his face. “Ya didn’t do anythin’ like this before cutting out your fabric?”

Beel just shook his head, words getting lost as he only got more and more confused by his brothers beginning to freak out and question him all at once. You did that to make a guide for what to cut but for Beel, trying to keep the paper and fabric in place while cutting was a bit much so he just went without and trimmed when he needed.

“I guess I can’t freehand MC’s jacket though.” It wouldn’t be your exact jacket but his own thing then.

“Uh duh. Here, just let me…” And so Mammon went scribbling away again. Beel really should have been surprised at how Mammon had even the details of your favorite clothing memorized, down to the individual parts that made them, but he couldn’t be. It was Mammon after all, the man was terrifyingly skilled.

“Oh, I know!” Asmo took one of the smaller scraps. “We need kamillion fabric!”

“Wh-” Asmo pinched Beel’s cheek, looking all too giddy.

“It’s a fabric that will turn into an exact copy of whatever material you press into it, and once you do that it won’t change, so we can get plenty of new material!” And off Asmo was, his heels clacking away as he went.

“Here, cut these out.”

“Oh-okay.” Beel had to admit it was impressive Mammon could already be done with some parts and how he drew such straight lines.

“Later, I need to show him my sewing machine.” Levi grabbed his arm, dragging Beel away to the opposite side of the table. Seemed Mammon didn’t hear, passing another sheet to where Beelzebub was.

“So, we’ll skip the basics and go straight about the special features.” Levi pointed to the machine excitedly, already beginning to ramble.

“Wait, I don’t know how to use this.”

“…” He… just started. Unblinking. “No… Beel, you didn’t use a sewing machine EITHER!?”

“Well… no. We didn’t have one to use when we made our yukatas.”

“… NO WONDER YOU TWO KEPT WORKING NONSTOP ALL DAY AND NIGHT! Beel. Okay, I’ll get us some scraps so I can teach you. Trust me you’ll love this, it’ll make everything so much faster!”

Well, he was going to have to wait on the fabric anyway. It did get a bit annoying with both Levi and eventually Mammon hovering over his shoulders and arguing about what kind of stitching would be better in certain situations, but he did learn a lot from the both of them.

“I’m surprised though…” Mammon draped an arm over the redhead’s shoulders, leaning in to get a closer look at his work. “Yer picking all this up so quickly. You used to be- uh… struggle with this more fiddly stuff. What got ya interested?”

…

“Wasn’t it when Belphie made that plush for him?”

“Oh yeah. He made one for Belphie after that.”

“Then it was the yukatas him and MC made for each other.”

“Still though, between then and now he’s improved a lot!”

“I know, and now he even designed our outfits for the parade!”

“Look at our baby bro growing up!”

“Gross Mammon.”

“Eh!? What’s so wrong about prasin’ my little brothers!?”

… there was just something nice about it. It felt good. For the yukatas you taught him a lot, you got some good tips from Barbatos when sewing that Devilcat plush for him that you shared. He did a couple of little things since the yukatas like drawstrings bags or trying to repair his jerseys himself. He couldn’t be sure why but something in him was just drawn to this. It felt soothing in a way. It was also nice to use things that you taught him, to repeat it, to memorize it, to make it part of himself.

It would take a couple of days for the fabric to get shipped so Beel used the time to get other fabrics he’d need that he couldn’t get the original parts of like the inside lining of the pockets.

“Hey, Beel.” Satan strolled a bit closer than he normally would with anyone but you. Said you was at the front of your group, excited to get home and warm up after classes.

“Yeah?” Beelzebub matched his brother’s hushed tone.

“Tell me when your package gets here.”

“My what?”

“The… supplies.”

“Uhh... Oh, you mean the fabric?”

The fourth born quirked a brow before maintaining the distance he usually would, although his voice stayed low. “So it’s not a surprise?”

“… huh?”

He shook his head. “Anyway, tell me when it arrives. You’re using kamillion fabric, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then it will be just as weak as before. I know a few spells that can make it as tough as Devildom fabric.”

“Thank you!” Beelzebub hadn’t even thought of that. Although… who told Satan about this project? It wasn’t a secret, exactly, Beelzebub hadn’t quite been open about this though either. In a way he didn’t want you to know. You surprised him with the Devilcat so it would be nice to surprise you with something.

In the planning Beel did overlook one thing. It was Fangol season so most days after school had to be spent out on the field. So instead after Lucifer had finished his bedtime check-up Beelzebub would get back up. On the loft was where he’d place the table, light, and sewing machine. He hoped the distance would make it less disruptive to Belphegor.

And yet every night a few minuets after he began work he’d hear a yawn come from the winding staircase. Belphie would trot up, pillow in hand before sitting on the floor beside him and rest his head on Beel’s lap. The company was nice. Usually he’d immediately fall asleep but sometimes he’d try staying up, ask Beel what part he was working on or what exactly he was doing, it also helped Beel stay up on nights where practice hit hard and all his battered body wanted to do was collapse in bed.

Nice soft bed…

… so warm

…. And

Comfy

…

…

…

A groan rumbled in his throat, his neck killing him. Slowly he sat up, his body stuttering and creaking from the movement. Arched back, hands up high he stretched, a yawn escaping him. He couldn’t help smiling feeling that weight on his lap and getting that familiar yawn in reply. “Morning Belphie.”

“Morning Beel.”

“Morning you two.”

Immediately Beel’s eyes shot open being greeted to the worst sight. Lucifer stood across the table, arms crossed, a glowering stare. His every step was noted with the soft thud of his shoes against the wood floor. His eyes flickered up and down the pair, clearly not pleased with the sight. “Well, get ready. You’re going to be late.”

A couple of quick nods and Beel practically bolted out of the chair with his twin in his arms.

“Wait… Lucifer, we don’t have classes today.” The man simply sighed, the distinct click of the lamp being turned off before, following him down the stairs, your jacket in hand.

“You have practice.” The jacket was placed on the railing before he reached out and…

And placed his hands on Beelzebub’s cheeks?

“Wha-” Squished, stretched, pulled, smushed Beelzebub was left baffled at Lucifer playing with his face like that!

“There, now there’s color in your cheeks and you won’t worry them by looking so sickly.”

…

“… Heh, thank you!” And so Beel was off. He had to give you your jacket before practice, you were going to be watching today after all!

You stood by the door, giving him a little smile in greeting before your eyes were drawn to the garment he held. He simply placed it on your shoulders before holding the door open for you, leaving you baffled, looking to your jacket all the while everyone else piled on one another, peeking around the corner, some filming, some giving a thumbs up, some trying to act like they didn’t care yet still stood there watching anyway.

“I hope you like it.” You held the thing close for a moment, rolling some of the fabric between your fingers.

“I- what? How?”

“I got help making it. Is it… like your old one?”

“… Even better.” Good, you smiled.

[fridgemissionmaster]

Belphegor Masterlist

Ficlets/Headcannons:

What he dose when he misses you

Can’t Sleep, Love: You can’t sleep and bug your demon about it

Bees

Four Leaf Clover (Birthday)

The Calander Was Cursed

Stargazing

(Notable Cameos)

Asmo checks up on him after a nasty fight

Pattern

Fairies

Fanfics:

Kinda empty here...