Solomon and Barbatos x GN! reader
Summary: Parties are exhausting, so Solomon and Barbatos decide to comfort and be there for you in their own way.
AN: Happy belated birthday, @starry-miki!!! 💜🥳 I'm so sorry this is late, I had some unexpected things come up these past few days and it's been busy (boo). But as my mom likes to jokingly say: birthdays are a season! Yay!! I hope you had a great day and lots of cake!! 😊 Also, for this Solomon and Barbatos are agreeable towards each other because I miss them being nice, lol.
The noise of the party fell away as you passed through one of the large, ornate castle doors that led out to the royal gardens. You were in need of a breather. Mammon and Asmo had danced your feet sore, Satan, Levi, and Diavolo had talked your throat hoarse, and you were sure the others had done much of the same, though with your mind fogged from exhaustion faces blurred until you couldn’t remember who had done what with you. While you were grateful for the thoughtfulness of everyone who had pitched in to organize this party for you, five minutes of silence was necessary if you were going to see it through.
The cool night air welcomed you where the air inside had become sweltering and uncomfortable. You meandered along the cobblestone paths that skirted around raised beds with myriads of sweet-smelling flowers, hedges trimmed to angled perfection, and the occasional marble statue of a Devildom hero or royal alike. The gardens were serene and peaceful, a perfect place to rest. But your aching feet kept moving until the gazebo by the lake came into view. There was no sign of anybody in or around it, and as far as you could tell it remained that way the closer you got.
Beginning the climb up the stairs to almost certain comfort, you jumped after lifting your head to find Barbatos and Solomon both standing at the top, grinning as if they were expecting you. You would’ve lost your balance had Solomon not shot his hand out to steady you.
“Careful there!” With your hand in his now, he led you up the rest of the way, keeping a close eye on you.
Barbatos laid a gloved hand on your back once you made it onto the landing. “Are you alright? It was not our intention to frighten you.”
You smiled. Your poor, startled heart slowly returned to an even pace. “I’m fine. I just wasn’t expecting either of you.” As you said that, your eyes trailed downwards in confusion. “I swear I didn’t see anyone in the gazebo on my way over…”
The two looked between each other with a knowing glance before Solomon responded. “Well, isn’t that odd?” he beamed while rocking back on his feet. You gave him a measured once-over, doing the same to Barbatos who only wore a small smile on an otherwise unassuming face; though you thought you saw a twinkle of mirth in his eyes. You were getting the idea that this was planned.
“Come,” Barbatos said as he stepped aside and gently led you further into the gazebo. Solomon did the same, never letting go of your hand. Set in the center you noticed a round, wooden table with a few chairs situated around it. A silver tray sat on top carrying teacups, a teapot, as well as a sugar bowl and creamer jug – all meticulously arranged. “We figured you’d want a rest,” he added. As you neared, Solomon rushed forward from your side to pull one of the chairs out for you.
“Was I that obvious?” you asked sheepishly as you took the offered seat. You thought back to your behavior at the party, how sluggish you felt as you made your escape to the gardens. Barbatos got to work preparing you a hot cup of tea, one of his special blends that was native to the Devildom, and he quickly became engrossed in the task. It was Solomon who answered with a chuckle as he took a seat next to you.
“To the untrained eye, no.”
You sighed almost guiltily. “I just needed a few minutes.”
“And that’s completely acceptable.” Solomon’s hand returned to rest on top of yours, his thumb smoothing over your skin in a comforting gesture. “We wanted to be here for you in our own way, isn’t that right, Barbatos?”
Barbatos placed a cup and saucer pair in front of you and hummed his agreement. As steam rose to reach your nose, the sweet, earthy smell of the drink seemingly calmed every worry that could possibly haunt you. And that was enough for now, until it cooled a little. “Is that why neither of you danced with me? It wasn’t ‘your way’?”
“There were no slow songs,” Barbatos said simply, pouring a second cup presumably for Solomon.
Solomon laughed. “I mean, we can dance, but not like Asmo. I don’t think anyone wants to see us… gyrate like that.”
“I beg to differ,” you mumbled and quickly swallowed a laugh down with your scalding cup of tea. It wasn’t ideal, burning your tongue because the thought of either of them shaking ass on the dance floor was too entertaining, but what else could you do? It seemed that Barbatos heard you as he cleared his throat awkwardly while placing a full teacup before Solomon. You thought you saw a hint of pink dusting his cheeks, though it was so subtle you convinced yourself that you imagined it. Solomon on the other hand just grinned like a fool. Though no more was said on the topic.
Barbatos had prepared his own tea, and the three of you drank in silence for a while. Their energies were calming. Soothing. Steady. Their care was tangible and warm like the teacup in your hands. Occasionally Barbatos would break the silence to ask if you needed more tea or if you wanted more cream or sugar. Solomon had got up once to place his coat around your shoulders when a cool breeze blew by, but he remained in quiet contemplation until the teapot was empty and Barbatos was collecting everyone’s dishes.
“If you are rested enough, I would like to show you something,” Solomon said softly. He held out his hand, which you gladly took, and led you to the railing of the gazebo. The water below lapped against the bank the gazebo was built upon. It was crystal clear, and the starry sky above reflected onto the lake as if it were a mirror. He lifted a finger and pointed out to the middle of the water. “Watch closely.”
For a few moments, nothing happened. You squinted into the darkness until the stars reflected on the water began to brighten and shift. You watched with rapt attention as the little specs began to spell something out: ‘yadhtriB yppaH’. Barbatos came up beside you, his and Solomon’s warmth now surrounding you on either side. He leaned down and whispered in your ear. “Look up.” He pointed to the sky, and following his finger you saw clearly what was written in the stars: ‘Happy Birthday’. A smile you could not contain spread across your face.
“Thank you both so much. For everything this evening.”
Both Solomon and Barbatos rested their heads against yours, your hand in Solomon’s and Barbatos’ hand on the small of your back. It was their own way of saying so many things without needing any words. And that was how the three of you stayed until the others came looking for you.
