YANDERE! The Devil (from Cuphead: The Show) x Reader
This guy knows how to play dirty.
Warning: Unhealthy relationship, yandere tendencies, manipulation, obsession
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AREN'T YOU JUST ADORABLE?
• Never forget-- he’s a master at dangling temptation in front of unsuspecting mortals. They fall for it every time, stumbling right into his traps. Money, fame, wishes, the whole “I can make your dreams come true” deal.
• Oh, how the tables have turned. He didn’t expect that the next “victim” he’d set his sights on would be the one to ensnare him.
• You could be anyone-- an innocent bystander, a performer, a gambler, or just an unlucky visitor to the CarnEVIL-- either way, you've sparked his interest, and now you're his new victim.
• At first, he doesn’t realize it’s different. It feels like another game of cat-and-mouse…but the longer it goes on, the more the lines blur. It will become increasingly apparent as time progresses.
Let’s take the “innocent bystander” route.
FIRST ENCOUNTER
Your friend convinces you to go to the casino-- just for fun. You’ve never been before, so you agree, figuring a drink or two won’t hurt. You’re not here to gamble, and you’re certainly not here to make deals with the Devil.
Typically, the Devil is a busy man. You won't find him at the casino (surprisingly); he's usually behind the scenes living a luxurious lifestyle while tormenting the living. But today? Today, he’s out surveying his territory, sniffing out “fresh meat.”
The moment his gaze lands on you, something inside him clicks. He knows he's found it.
He turns on the charm instantly-- silken voice, calculated smile and , casual small talk meant to lull you into a false sense of security. Just a little smalltalk will lead to something more sinister later.
“Well, well, well… who do we have here? Haven’t seen you around before.”
But you're smarter than he initially expects. You don’t bite. You're dismissive and shut him down at every turn.
Money? Not interested.
Games? No thanks.
Fame? Nope.
You’ve heard enough stories about him to know better, and the nervous glances from other patrons only confirm your suspicions.
You're obviously uncomfortable, so you finish the rest of your drink and head for the exit with your friend.
But he's insistent, and your disinterest makes him itch. The closer you get to the exit, the more his composure cracks. That smug smile starts to strain as his need to win twists into something else entirely.
“You’re really just gonna walk away? From me?”
Why is your soul suddenly so important? You're not bound to be his by contract; You’ve made no deals, no bets, no promises… yet the thought of letting you walk away feels unbearable.
You find yourself merely meters from the doors, almost to freedom, when his hand shoots out, gripping your arm. You whirl around, wide-eyed, but before he can say a word, your friend yanks you through the exit.
That was the last time you saw him-- at least, in the open. Now, he’s everywhere.
OBSESSIVE TENDENCIES
• The Devil is used to sleeping soundly in his king-sized bed, wrapped in opulence, with all his vices satisfied. But now? Now he can't have the one thing he wants: you.
• He can’t eat, can’t rest, can’t enjoy his usual pleasures-- tormenting the living, destruction, arson, basking in his own glory-- because every thought comes back to you.
• 100% stalker energy, but not in the way you may be thinking. At first, the stalking is “practical.” He learns your daily routine, your habits, your friends-- all in the name of “strategizing.”
But by day three, the plan changes. You’re no longer just a soul to claim.
• He notices the little things: Your laugh, the way you brighten up the room, and the kindness you show even when you don’t have to. How disgusting. But he keeps watching. And watching... and watching.
• Henchman spotted it first, ahead of all the demons residing in the underworld.
“Uh, Boss? You’ve been starin’ out that window for three hours.”
“…Shut it, Henchman. I'm busy.”
The way his boss is distracted, lingering, lost in thought. This sends alarm bells ringing. It’s not a strategy anymore. It’s fixation.
• The Devil uses his shapeshifting. Not to lure or scare you but to stay close-- slipping into the crowd as a stranger, perching in the form of an animal, anything to keep you within reach.
You're smiling. You're laughing. You're full of life, constantly on the move, and most importantly, you've got that sparkle and pizazz he craves so deeply.
• You’re vibrant, untouchable, magnetic. That sparkle in your eyes-- it’s addictive, and worse, it scares him. HIM-- the Devil. 'Cause this isn’t about winning a game, or even about your soul anymore. No. This is about you. And the Devil doesn’t drop the things he wants.
• He turns up everywhere you go-- sometimes casually leaning against a lamppost with that smug smirk, other times lurking in the corner of your eye when you swear you’re alone.
• It’s not a coincidence; he wants you to know you're under his watch.
• There will be some instances where you meet with him again. Especially if you are joining the cup brothers on their tirades. You see everything-- his temper, malice, and... efforts to court you?
• He will go to absurd lengths to win your approval, to appear “cool” in your eyes. Desperate doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Fancy outfits, Over-the-Top Grand Gestures, showing off his “connections”, competing for his attention.
If someone else makes you laugh, he’ll instantly interrupt with a bigger, louder joke or trick.
• Naturally, you fear him (for the most part), but you become more 'accustomed' to his presence as time goes on. There are two different paths you could go on in this instance:
Path #1: What if you actually become attached to him?
• In his eyes, this is nothing short of divine providence-- a wish he didn’t even have to trick you into making.
• He doesn't need the kidnapping, gaslighting, lies, stalking, eliminating rivals. He'll be a happy man-- however, he's going to be attached to you practically 24/7.
• Your affection becomes his greatest treasure… and his most addictive drug. Every smile, every compliment, every loving glance feeds his massive ego until he’s strutting around like the king of the underworld he believes himself to be.
• After all, someone as dazzling as you choosing him? It’s proof, in his mind, that you truly see the “magnificent heart” beneath the horns and hellfire.
• You’ll have your own bed, shower, and space; he’ll feed you anything you crave. Be docile, and he’ll rub your back, lean against you, kiss your forehead, and spend hours gazing at you with an almost unsettling tenderness.
• His favorite thing is holding you and wrapping his arm around your waist-- it's a statement for sure, but also, it takes the edge off of his 'busy life.’
• But also… HOLD HIM.
• PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING—HOLD HIM, too.
• Surprisingly a sweet and passionate lover. When you walk into the room, his entire demeanor changes. He's instantly gushing or yapping to you about something trivial that happened earlier that day.
• You are the only person (besides Henchman) that he will open up to. Emotionally and mentally-- but don't take that for granted.
Path #2: You have no romantic interest.
• Definitely has tantrums knowing that you don't seem to like him. When that realization hits, he’s livid-- ranting in front of Henchman while igniting into flames like a full-blown firenado with every furious gesture.
• The Devil is not self-aware in the slightest-- A man of immense pride, he simply cannot comprehend why you aren’t attracted to him.
Oh, by the way, he remembers how your buddy yanked you out of those exit doors. He’s not letting that go.
• He will isolate you from anyone who might get in the way of his connection to you-- including that friend.
• His methods range from sly and mysterious to devastatingly blunt. If they continue to be the barrier protecting you from him-- they have to do it just enough times to where he becomes sick of it.
• There are different ways he can go about this, from dark to mysterious and devastating. Yeah, they're gone. I don't think he'd kill them, but it is in the realm of possibility.
• If you’re connected to the Cup brothers-- whether as family or close friends-- they’ll know exactly who’s behind this, thanks to their own history with him. And yes, the Devil is still trying to steal Cuphead's soul... but he found an even better idea!
DEALING WITH THE DEVIL
You soon find yourself in a dire situation. The Cups are captured, and you’re the only one left to fight for their return.
Then, he makes you an offer-- a deal laced with poison: He’ll end his tirades against the Cups, release them unharmed, and erase Cuphead’s soul debt entirely… but at a cost. And that cost is you.
“Here’s the deal. I let the boys go, wipe Cuphead’s debt clean… and in exchange, you’re mine. Forever.”
Unfortunately, this does lead to a bad ending. Even if you play your cards right.
This was his plan all along, a perfect trap designed just for you. And he already knows your answer-- because you’d do anything for them.
Desperate, you agree. And he actually keeps his word (shockingly). The Cups are free, but now you’re the one trapped in his claws. Maybe forever.
AFTER THE DEAL
• Once you’re isolated? Oh, you’re stuck.
• Now that you belong to him, this will be an unsteady and unhealthy ride.
• Are you upset? In tears? Furious? He’ll still try to comfort you, even if you curse at him, shove him away, or spit venom in his face. No matter how many times you tell him you hate him, his delusion holds fast-- he believes you must feel the same as he does now that your soul is his.
“Easy, easy… you’ll warm up to me. You have to.”
Though, it wounds his pride when you glare at him. Hurts him, even. Seeing you upset is the only thing that dims his fire. :(
• And if you try to run? He’ll give you a head start— just enough for your hope to flicker—before appearing in front of you without a bead of sweat, looking entirely amused. “Going somewhere, hmm?”
• He’s an emotional gambler. If sweet-talking doesn’t work, he’s not above using guilt or pity. You’ll hear sighs, wounded remarks about how “cruel” you’re being and ignites the theatrics like he’s the tragic hero in a doomed romance.
• His threats, when they come, are dressed as charming little quips-- lighthearted enough to almost fool you-- until you catch the cold glint in his eyes. Spoiler: he’s not joking.
• Deep down, he hopes you’ll eventually develop Stockholm syndrome. He’ll apologize with expensive gifts, lavish meals, or soft touches meant to soothe. It never works.
• If you behave, he'll be good to you.
• He'll make sure you are well taken care of. So follow his rules, and he'll rub your back and lean against you. He'll kiss your forehead and gaze at you for hours.
• His love, when he thinks it’s reciprocated, is soft and gentle-- regardless of whether you truly care for him or not. You’re still stuck.
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• Henchman may serve the Devil, but there’s a streak of goodness in him. He might help you… or perhaps you’ll have to wait for the Cups to mount a rescue.
The only people that have a sliver of a chance to help you are Henchman and the Cup brothers. Without them, you stand no chance.
Nobody asked but I'm here to deliver!!
