Ship(s): I mean this is pre Lance/Cinna but? That is the point of this haha
Timeline: TEASSI
Trigger/content warnings: none
Headcanons/notes from the author: just posting it here for Lance to have easy access to it/fun ^^
Brief Blurb: Barbatos accidentally summons two humans for the exchange program.
The exchange program was widely anticipated by many demons, Barbatos included. He had mentally prepared to be assisting with the care of the human that Lucifer had picked for the exchange. Humans were different from demons in many ways that could potentially be dangerous to their safety in the Devildom. Depending on the human, they could also be extremely irresponsible. Preparing for the unexpected was his main concern.
Having perfected his cross-worlds portals when he was much younger, there wasn’t much concern about his ability to pull it off. Lord Diavolo trusted him to bring the selected human to them and return them safely after the school year was over. There was nothing too complicated about it. There was nothing to worry about outside of the human adjusting to the differences between the human world and the Devildom.
The morning of the exchange, Barbatos awoke with a throbbing migraine. His entire body ached and even opening his eyes sent shockwaves of pain through his skull. Not the worst he had been through, so he continued his day like normal. An unexpected ailment, but he had opened portals while under the weather before.
By the time the council members gathered for the human summoning, Barbatos nearly regretted not saying anything to his lord about his condition. It had progressed to the point that he hated every breath he took, and he could barely process anything with the sludge that replaced his brain. Lord Diavolo was so ecstatic that he couldn’t bring himself to mention the possibility of something postponing the human’s arrival. Deep breaths and digging his fingertips into his palms would soothe him, surely.
Once he began to open the portal, Barbatos felt a strange twinge in his power. In his attempt to fix it, something in the portal twisted, or ripped, or… what was he supposed to do?
After feeling the human’s presence pass through, he gave in and held his head. The portal closed and he didn’t realize his mistake until a large hand rested on his shoulder. “Barbatos, you have appeared to have summoned more than one human.”
There was a beat of silence as Barbatos processed what his lord had said. “More than…?” He removed his head from his hands and stared at the humans he had summoned. Despite knowing there was only supposed to be one human, he also felt as if there was the correct amount of humans. They both… seemed familiar? “My Lord, if I may utilize my…” he trailed off, realizing he probably shouldn’t use his abilities again until he was well. “Do… either of the humans look familiar to you?”
“Well, we were expecting Cinna, weren’t we?”
Lucifer quickly cut in, “Do you mean the shorter human? We were expecting Lance, Lord Diavolo.”
The two both furrowed their eyebrows at each other, then gazed at Barbatos expectantly. Uncharacteristically frazzled, Barbatos rubbed his temples and sighed long. “I believe I may have altered something. I am extremely sorry, Lord Diavolo. I have been unwell today and foolishly thought I could manage.”
Shaking his head and laughing, Lord Diavolo patted Barbatos’ back. “It’s quite alright, Barbatos. I am aware you neglect yourself when ill. We should wait to fix this until you are well.”
Barbatos nodded, grimacing from both mortification and pain. “That… is for the best.” He stared at the humans, who were deathly silent, sitting on the floor as they watched the demons around them. Part of him knew versions of himself would be ecstatic, or perhaps not even present when either of the humans arrived, or simply have the uncontrollable urge to pay them attention… but he could barely think anymore. “If I may—”
“You are to return to your chambers and rest, Barbatos,” Lord Diavolo interrupted. “The Li’l D.s will take on your usual duties, as well as Lucifer.” The butler slowly nodded, rubbing his temples more in a vain attempt to soothe his head. “Asmodeus, if you would please accompany Barbatos and ensure he gets to bed…”
The avatar of lust bounced over and grabbed Barbatos’ hand. “Of course, Lord Diavolo! Come on, Barbatos.”
Once Asmodeus pulled Barbatos out of the room, Lord Diavolo focused on the humans and switched to their native language. “I apologize for the wait. Welcome to the Devildom.” He extended his hands to them, but they did not move. Smiling through his feelings of slight offense, he added, “We only meant to summon one of you, but unfortunately we cannot resolve the issue right now.”
“What?” Lance breathed out. “What do you mean…?” He looked to the other human, who was hiding their face in their knees. “I must… be dreaming.”
“This is no dream, I assure you.” Lord Diavolo focused on Lance for the moment, unsure what Cinna’s body language meant. “I am Lord Diavolo, prince of the Devildom. We hope you two enjoy your stay here, however long that may be.” Lance glanced at Cinna, then back at the demon prince. “It was originally planned that Mammon take care of… whichever one of you it was supposed to be, but—”
Lucifer cleared his throat. “My apologies, Lord Diavolo, but Mammon can handle two humans.” He rubbed his temple and exhaled with exasperation. “This is quite the unpredictable situation, but Mammon will still do as he is told. None of my other siblings will be suited to such responsibility.”
“Ah! Alright.” Lord Diavolo gestured to Lucifer. “Lance, Cinna, I will have Lucifer pass you off to Mammon at the House of Lamentation as planned.”
“Very well.” Lucifer uncrossed his arms in a vain attempt to seem more approachable. “Let us get there post haste.”
