Farmhand
Wordcount: 1676
Pairings: Sebastian x Farmer, Sebastian x Reader
You’d felt tired all day, but you especially felt lethargic now that you’d finished your chores for the day. There had been an annoying tickle in your throat all day and it probably wasn’t helped by the drizzle that you’d worked in for a few hours. There had been no other way about it, you needed to get those seeds in the ground today if you wanted another crop out before the season’s end.
You secured the barn and coop doors for the evening, making sure there was enough hay for the animals in case they got peckish. You headed inside for a warm shower, hoping it would perk you up but it had no effect and your head was starting to thud.
You were meant to be playing Soliaran with the boys tonight, but the more you thought about the journey to and back from Sebastian’s and how late it would probably end up being. You hated to let him down though, but you also knew you wouldn’t play at your best. Reluctantly, you got your phone and rang your boyfriend’s number. Sebastian had warned you he wasn’t great on the phone – he much preferred text messages or via the app – but you knew he often missed messages until much later and you didn’t want him to think you’d just forgot about the whole thing.
After a few rings, he picked up.
“Hey, Y/N. All okay?”
“Hi, Seb. I’m not feeling so well. I think I could do with an early night, but I hate to let you guys down… I’ve been feeling tired all day and I’ve got an awful headache now. Ugh, I’m sorry, I feel the worst!”
“Sweetheart,” he began – oh, whenever he called you that still made your stomach do somersaults, “it’s fine, don’t stress. Do you want me to get Harvey?”
“No, it’s nothing serious as that. I think I just need a seriously early night. Going to sleep past midnight and getting up at six must be catching up on me.” Your alarm clock had felt pretty brutal the last few days.
“Do you want me to cancel and come round? I’d be happy to.”
“That’s sweet but it’s okay.” You smiled as you opened the fridge, perusing the contents. “Honestly, I’m going to heat up some soup and then go to bed – I’d be extremely dull company.”
“Only if you’re sure. The others would understand.”
“Please don’t cancel for me, Seb. I’d feel terrible. I’ll catch up next time, okay?”
“Okay. But you’ll call me if you feel any worse, right? I can be right over.”
“I promise. I’m pretty sure I’ll be dead to the world once I get in bed, though.”
“I’ll miss you.” You could hear his pout through the phone.
“I miss you too. Love you, have fun!” You stressed.
“I love you too. Rest well.”
True to your word, you ate some leftover soup, left the dirty dishes in the sink – something you hated doing most of the time – and treated yourself to a fresh pair of pyjamas and crawled into your bed before the clock even hit 8pm.
--
Sebastian hadn’t slept well. He’d had fun with Sam and Abigail and they’d left just after midnight. He’d sat at his laptop for a couple of hours after that, keeping his phone close incase you’d rang. At around 3am he’d got into bed and must’ve had a few hours sleep as now the clock read just after 6am. He’d checked his phone, but there were no messages from you. That wasn’t unusual either – you knew he slept late into the morning and wouldn’t want to disturb him. He considered texting you but having stayed over at the farm a few times now, you weren’t one to take your phone out with you on your early morning chores. He placed his phone back down on the floor and tried to settle down but his mind was whirring. He wanted to see you and you’d be up anyway, right? He groaned as he got himself out of bed, he then quickly threw on jeans and his usual sweatshirt, picking up his keys and heading upstairs and out.
Thankfully, the sun was pretty low in the sky and he didn’t meet anyone taking the back route to your farm. Something was off, though, as he reached the top gate and let himself in – it was quiet. On nights he slept over, he’d soon got used to the sounds of the animals grazing in the morning. The chickens were always particularly vocal after being let out of the coop but as he walked past the door, it was firmly shut.
He checked the time on his watch – 06.45. That was super unlike you, unless you just didn’t want them out today? No, that didn’t make sense. It was often your first task in the morning to go and open the doors, and the only morning he hadn’t seen you do it was when it was a torrential downpour as the animals much preferred staying cosy inside.
Sebastian climbed up the porch steps and knocked, tentatively. Maybe you’d changed your morning routine since the last time he’d stayed – it had been over a week ago. He waited a moment or two but there was no response, no muffled sounds behind the door. Beginning to worry, he dug his keys out his pocket and swiftly found the one to your front door, easing it in the lock and twisting it before swinging the door open.
The living room was empty and there was no sign of you in the kitchen, but your bedroom door was slightly ajar and he could hear deep, heavy breathing. He crept over and peered through to see you fast asleep in the bed, a pillow over your eyes. You must be exhausted. He hovered his fist over your bedroom door, about to knock when he lowered his arm back down to his side. You were always working so hard, he couldn’t remember you ever mentioning a lie-in the whole time you’d known each other – every day it was up at 6am, rain or shine, feeding the animals, watering the crops, preparing the ground for the next lot of seeds… It seemed relentless, all that plus the other stuff living in Pelican Town meant – helping out your neighbours, maintaining friendships and a relationship with him. He began to wonder how you even had enough hours in the day. He retreated, heading back and out the front door, silently locking it behind him.
His eyes turned to the barn and he nodded in determination – he’d seen you do it enough times…
--
You stretched your arms over your head, feeling a bit stiff from the position you must’ve slept in, but otherwise you felt good. Far more rested than you could remember feeling in months. You rubbed your eyes, noting that the sun seemed pretty high this morning, especially since it must be before 6 since you hadn’t heard your alarm go off yet.
You looked over to your bedside table and your stomach sank when you realized it was past 10am. What the…? Had you turned it off in your sleep?! You cursed, scrambling out of the sheets, popped to the bathroom and then quickly got dressed, trying to remember exactly what you had on your to-do list today.
You unlocked the door and stepped out onto the porch to be greeted by the gentle cluck of the chickens pecking at the dirt down by the steps. Had you not closed the doors last night? No, you were sure you had, but that didn’t explain how the cows, goats, sheep, pigs and chickens were now all roaming amongst the grass.
Suddenly, Sebastian ducked out of the chicken coop, a basket in hand and your heart skipped a beat. He caught sight of you standing dumbfounded on the porch and smiled shyly.
“Morning, sleepyhead.”
You jumped down the porch steps and over to the fence, where he met you on the other side. His basket was filled with chicken eggs.
“I, er… I hope you don’t mind. I came by early and I saw the animals were still inside, so I checked on you and you were dead to the world. I thought you could do with the extra sleep, so I tried to get on with your morning jobs.”
“Seb, you are the sweetest man alive!” You squealed, pulling him forward by the scruff of his sweatshirt into a kiss. The man’s usually pale complexion turned a cute shade of pink as he blushed.
“It’s nothing,” he shrugged. “You work really hard, Y/N. Are you feeling any better?”
“So much better,” you stressed, opening the gate for him. “I think I must’ve slept something ridiculous like 14 hours. What did you get up to?”
“Er, well, I let all the animals out to graze, and I topped up the hay a bit. I’ve collected the fallen fruit, turned the sprinklers on, cleared some of the weeds in the crop patches and I just finished collecting the eggs… It doesn’t seem much considering the time.” He finished with a yawn while you stared at him, momentarily sunned.
“Sebastian, please, that’s loads! I can’t believe you did all that for me. Here,” you took the basket from him and grabbed his hand. “That calls for a coffee break.” You led him towards the porch. “Or maybe even a nap? You look exhausted, did you even sleep last night?”
“A bit,” he shrugged as the two of you entered the farmhouse.
“Go,” you pushed him towards the sofa, “Lie down whilst I brew up the coffee.” You had the strongest suspicion Sebastian wouldn’t make it till then.
He yawned, loudly, before settling down and resting his head back against the arm. “Okay, but only for a moment. Still got cows to milk…”
By the time the coffee was brewed, you could hear light snores coming from the sofa. “Sleep well, farmhand.” You whispered, kissing him on the forehead.
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That time when you have dinner with Simeon and it's Wednesday night
Uh hi, first ficlet ever for this fandom and it has to be random middle of the week domestic slice of life bc my brain said so.
Pairing: gn!reader x simeon (romantic or platonic is up to you, have fun)
Tw: none?? pls correct me if I'm wrong
Word count: ~2,100
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"Come now, MC, it's time to wake up."
Exhausted as you are, you purr at the gentle pressure of fingers tenderly carding through your hair.
"Mm, five more minutes," Nuzzling your face into the space below, you reach up to grasp the hand resting on your head, tugging it to your side to tangle the fingers with your own.
Your world slightly shakes with the breathy chuckle Simeon lets out at your antics, but he doesn't pull his hand away.
"You said that 5 minutes ago, dear."
You crack open an eye to peer up at the angel, but quickly shut it again as you feel your face begin to heat up. Having come to terms with the confirmed existence of the supernatural, you send a thanks to the Heavenly Father for the beautiful creature in your company.
Despite being in the Devildom for some time, you still hadn't fully adjusted to the unfamiliarity of your newish reality. Establishing a routine of window shopping with Asmodeus (though the only one abstaining from purchases was you), starting a book club with Satan and Solomon, and hosting a weekly movie night open to all the brothers brought a sense of comfort you could cling to. Regrettably, it wasn't enough.
You adored the devilish demon lords who had finally come around to accepting you after a rather tumultuous start, and midmester, and still sort of now given some of your reservations with Belphegor. But, as amusing as their antics were, they only further reminded you of how different this world was from the comfort that could so easily be found in your own.
"MC?" Your eyes shoot open again to meet Simeon's, and you share a tired smile with him as he gives a quick squeeze to the digits you've encaged him with.
You feel a bit guilty, really. Despite the unfortunate circumstances that had come to pass, everyone has done their best to be accommodating to you. Leviathan had started going out of his way to search for series suited to your more "normie" interests, Beelzebub had gotten into the habit of creating a human-safe snack stash locked away in the kitchen with a code only known by you, and even Lucifer had been so kind as to look for non-cursed records for you two to partake in over a glass of demonus.
Yet, no one brought you as much comfort as Simeon.
Being one of the only two human representatives was a heavy task. And it was made heavier by the expectations of the eldest brother and the eyes of lesser devils who followed your every move. The unfamiliarity of Devildom coursework made you feel inferior when it came easy to your classmates, the technicalities of student council meetings often went over your head, and cultural differences had you reeling when you learned that some habitual acts of human kindness could insinuate that one underestimated the capability of the demons around them.
So, although you're not quite sure when this little routine of finding comfort in Simeon started, you are grateful it has. Whenever you were terribly frustrated or on the brink of tears, you could rely on him to hold you steady.
You'd learned that a chat over coffee or tea with sweets could do wonders to soothe the soul. Such moments became even more precious when you began to pick up on the way Simeon had narrowed down to only laying out your favorite pickings. Or when you'd figured out how he'd gotten into the habit of having a fifth chair already pulled up on the weekends you joined him, Luke, Raphael, and Solomon for dinner.
Yes, no one prioritized you or your needs the way Simeon did.
You flinch slightly as Simeon uncoils his fingers from yours, "It's starting to get late, I'll walk you home." Patiently, he waits for you to lift your head off his lap.
"Simeon," you call out to him as you sit up and stretch, "do you think we can we grab dinner before you drop me off?"
"Dinner?"
You snort as his confused expression.
"Yeah, I was thinking we could stop by this human-demon fusion restaurant that Beel mentioned. It's just a pop-up shop, but the reviews on Devilgram seem pretty positive."
Bending down, you pick up your backpack from off the living room floor and sling it over your shoulder. You'd left R.A.D. with Simeon and Luke after classes, studying until Solomon arrived to take Luke to the Demon Lord's castle. You hope that Luke will save you some of whatever recipe Barbatos and him decide to try their hand at this week, and that Diavolo will be successful in preventing Solomon access to the kitchen.
"Not that I wouldn't want to, dear, but it's a school night. Are you sure that would be fine with Lucifer? I don't want to get you into any trouble."
You feel the corners of your lips tugging upward at the angel's concern.
"It'll be fine. I'll just let him know I'll be with you for a bit longer than planned, and to give my plate to whoever wants it. So, Beel."
It's not too long after you message him that Lucifer gives you the ok and his mandatory warning to return within the next hour or so. Honesty and timeliness were a virtue that Lucifer was appreciative of, and you were used to using both in good measure with updating the eldest. It had saved you from what could have been endless lectures more times than you could count.
"See," You show Simeon the text thread, "all good to go."
"Well, I'm curious to see what this fusion is all about. Anything in particular you'd like to try?" You follow Simeon as he stands and moves towards the foyer of Purgatory Hall.
"Simeon, you know I'm terribly indecisive when it comes to good food. I want to try it all." He laughs at that, opening the front door for you and exposing the warm hall to the chilly evening.
You suppress a shiver.
"My apologies, I presume the usual then?" Meaning: you two will buy a plate or two each to share and compare. Each taking home what they prefer or splitting it evenly.
"Oh, but of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Thankfully, the pop up is situated in a toasty cafe that's closer to the House of Lamentation than you expected. Though bummed that their most popular item, the Demon Delish Barbeque Skewers, are sold out, you're pleasantly surprised to find out that most of the reviews are true. The food you and Simeon order goes down smooth for the most part, and you can actually try at least half of the menu if you wanted.
You decide you'll come back with the brothers before it's gone.
"Sorry about falling out like that earlier," you take a sip of the Gossam berry shake you're sharing with Simeon. It's a bit tangier than you were expecting, but the slight sugar rush gets your blood pumping. Maybe a little too pumped since you can feel it coursing through you, but it's fine...probably.
With a soft shake of his head, Simeon reaches over to take the shake for himself. "You have nothing to be sorry for. You needed to rest."
You watch as he lifts the straw you're sharing to his lips and takes a sip. Never in all your life did you think you'd be intimate enough with an angel to be in the same room as them, let alone share a singular straw. You wonder what even is your life anymore.
"I guess...I just, feel bad." You slouch onto the table, resting your chin on top of your crossed arms. Simeon sends you a gentle smile and reaches over to pat one of your arms. When you don't move, he leaves his hand to linger, fingers tracing up and down in a soothing pattern.
"Mm," Simeon hums, "It does no good to tell one how they should feel but know you haven't offended me at all. I enjoy spending time with you."
"Even if I were to start drooling in your lap?" You quip, blinking back the tears you feel rising to the surface. You can feel the week catching up to you, and it's only Wednesday.
"Especially then."
You snort, pushing your face into the arm he isn't holding to wipe the wetness from your eyes.
"MC," You lift your head as Simeon calls out to you. "Really, it's alright."
You flush as you sit up, retracting your arms to rub at your eyes. His arm still lays splayed out on the table, hand held open for you to grab if you want. And you do, even with how selfish you feel you've been with his time all evening.
He links his fingers with yours.
"Now isn't the right place or time," he begins in a hushed whisper, "but when you're ready to talk," he gives your hand a firm squeeze, "I'm here."
"Thank you, Simeon."
A ping grabs both of your attention, and Simeon puts down the shake to pick up his phone. He manages to unlock it without your help, and a smile pulls at his lips.
"What is it?"
He clicks on something before turning the screen towards you. It's an image of Luke and Barbatos holding up a tray of what looks like some multi-colored cream puffs. Your heart melts at the joy in their faces.
"Aw, look at him. I'm sure he did such a good job! Soon enough I'm going to have to start taking lessons from him."
"Yes, I'm excited to try whatever he brings home. He's been improving each week with Barbatos's help. Truly, I'm relieved he's found something to connect with him over. I...," Simeon shuts his phone and puts it away, "I do worry about him."
"Well, that's only natural. I’m really proud of him and how far he's come. I get how...hard it can be. But who knows, maybe the two of them will open the first-ever Angel-Demon fusion bakery or something."
Simeon laughs at that, "Yes, I would like that. Perhaps when that time comes, we could go together?"
"Yeah," you unwrap your hand from Simeon's as you see your waitress round the corner with the check you'd asked for earlier, "I would like that a lot."
The walk back home is quicker than you would like, but you enjoy hearing Simeon talk about his newfound fascination with Devildom botany on account of a carnivorous plant that uprooted itself into Purgatory Hall unannounced. Thankfully, Barbatos and Diavolo were quick to settle the matter before it could go on a rampage, and you promise to check with Satan to see if he has any book recommendations for newcomers to the study.
The two of you stop just before the gates.
"Thanks for walking me home," you reach out to give Simeon a hug.
"And thank you," he rests his head on your own as you settle into his arms, "you didn't have to pay for my meal, but it is appreciated."
"Let's take Luke and the rest with us next time, I think they would enjoy it too and it should be here until the end of the month."
Your heart skips a beat as you feel Simeon's lips lightly press against your head. It's not a kiss, but it makes you feel raw all the same. He takes in a deep breath and exhales, the air pushing against you.
"I would like that very much."
You look to him as he suddenly lifts his head and faces Lamentation. His eyes narrow and he lets out a huff of amusement.
"Well then, dear, I'll let you go. I believe someone is waiting for you to hurry back."
You have an idea of who he might be talking about and looking back over your shoulder confirms your suspicions. You laugh as you catch Mammon ducking down under one of the downstairs windows near the front door.
You turn back to Simeon, "Ok, sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow?"
Simeon pulls back, and you fidget a bit as he takes you in. He gives your shoulders a quick squeeze before fully pulling away, "Yes, I'll see you tomorrow."
As you lie in bed that night you hear your phone go off and see a text notification from Simeon. You're not sure when he managed to take a candid picture of you savoring the HoomanWorld Burger ✩ you ordered, but you can't be mad with how funny the blur is.
I had fun today. Sweet dreams, Mc.
Yes, me too! Sweet dreams, Simeon.
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You Will Go Nowhere Else
I never planned for this to be so long, but I love Asmodeus sm...expect nothing less from me.
Pairing: gn!reader x Asmodeus; Leviathan makes an active appearance, but isn't the focus of this fic (romantic feelings are heavily implied, but a relationship has not been established...yet)
TW: Cyberbullying, Slutshaming, Cursing, Alcohol use (Asmodeus is an emotional drinker), Suggestive (Its Asmodeus), unspecific yet hinted spoiler for those who haven’t reached level 20, Asmodeus (and all demons) can be possessive, and I’m trying to figure out demon mannerisms I’d like to establish so bear with me on this awkward journey
Word Count: ~4,700
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So-called "weak" human subduing the Devildom's demon lords? It's more likely thank you think! WATCH OUT... YOU COULD BE NEXT!
Scoffing to yourself, you click off the Dreaddit thread to scroll through whatever else you could find under the "d/human" tag. You expected to make up some of the content, given that you and Solomon were quite literally the only two human exchange students in all nine circles. Yet, it wasn't any less unnerving that most of the top posts seemed to circulate around your "mysterious relationship" with the brothers.
At some level, you understood their fascination and hesitation with you. Your lone quest to free Belphegor during your first year was essentially the equivalent of what would happen if a lone demon managed to ensnare some of the Earth's top leaders under their command. You just wished they didn't have to be so mean about it.
This budding Dreaddit addiction of yours had started the evening prior, courtesy of Leviathan.
"ROFL, what an idiot!"
You two spent a good chunk of the night lounging on his extra-large beanbag chair, surfing Dreaddit posts under "d/R.A.D. memes" on his premium account. Leviathan had excitedly showed you his avatar's exclusive Ruri-chan t-shirt, emphasizing that 9.99 grimm a month was a necessary sacrifice for otakus everywhere, or at least those truly passionate about their fandoms. As his loyal Henry, you'd been privy to sensitive information regarding his identity as both creator and moderator of both the "d/TSLMerch" and "d/RuriChanUpd8s" forums.
"Levi," you chastise, “leave Mammon alone. This is already embarrassing enough."
A user by the name xXLuciferz_LegionzXx had uploaded footage of the second eldest being chased through the school halls by Cerberus.
"I-it's his own fault!" Levi defended. "He shouldn't have tried running off with the Council's debit card."
And try he did.
You watched as the video replayed from the beginning. The shaky scene followed Mammon as he rounded the corner in front of Potions Lab 3 with Cerberus hot on his tail. Looking backwards as he sprinted through the crowd of students, he failed to notice Lucifer already blocking the doors at end of the hall.
You cringed as the familiar "MAAAAAMOOONN" blew through the speakers.
Realizing his fuck up, Mammon skidded to a near-stop to pivot into the hall just before Lucifer. But it was too late. Cerberus, determined to catch the focus of his master's ire, latched onto his pantleg, and quickly pulled him back.
Except, only Mammon's pants went with him.
The video ended with the poor demon being pantsed as Lucifer menacingly appeared before the videographer.
After viewing it for the fifth time, you made a silent promise to treat Mammon to some lunch and TLC time this upcoming weekend.
"Levi. Please?" You sighed and pouted your lip a bit for good measure.
"F-fine, if it's that important to you." Flustered, he clicked off the video and flagged it for inappropriate content before he selected the home page.
"Thank you," you leaned your head on his shoulder, "I appreciate it."
A small squeak left Leviathan as he ducked his head further into his hoodie and kept scrolling.
"Oh? Levi, what's that one say?"
On the screen was a picture of you and Satan sitting together in the library. The time stamp confirmed it must have been taken this past Tuesday when Satan helped you review basic Enochian phrases. He'd recommended taking the language for your free elective this semester and offered to serve as your tutor.
Your brows furrowed as you looked at the post's heading.
"...who do they think they are?" You murmured. "What do they mean by that?"
You hadn't gotten any further as Leviathan quickly shut his laptop.
"Hey, I forgot I bought a new co-op farming-dungeon crawler game I thought you would like. Let's check it out!"
Without warning, he had popped up from the beanbag and headed straight towards his console to set up the controllers.
You gasp sharply as you finally reach the exact post Leviathan had hidden from you last night. Visibly uncomfortable with discussing how you ended up on the top page of Dreaddit, you didn't push him for more details. His diversion occupied you for some time as you kicked slime monster ass and planted dewdrop berries, but the curiosity lingered in the back of your mind throughout the school day.
After dinner and watching an episode of "One Day I Woke Up Reborn as An Oven: One Piping Hot Pie of Existentialism Coming Up!" with Leviathan, you'd returned to your room and set up a basic Dreaddit account. He wasn't kidding, the ads were no joke. Every two to three posts you clicked on led to an ad-break or brand deal, sometimes featuring even Asmodeus or Mammon as a model.
"Ok yea, maybe I'll look into getting premium."
You chuckle to yourself as an ad for DevilGlam Lip Balm in the shade RedRose pops up for the third time and wonder if Asmodeus got to take samples home from the shoot. Because if so-
"I'm definitely gonna ask to borrow it." It was pretty cute.
Exiting out of the ad, you save the picture of you and Satan. Despite the fact that it definitely wasn't meant to be seen by you, the intimacy layered within the shot warmed your heart. Focused on the heading, you had missed the adoring smile curled on his lips as you fumbled through past and present conjugation.
However, you don't miss that this was posted under the "d/Sa10Stans" tag. A peek at the authors username, SatansS0ulmate, is warning enough that you are entering dangerous territory. But the temptation is too great.
You scroll through the comments.
HellsKitchenette: There the human goes again, running through the boys each week like a common whore. I've caught them just begging for attention, it’s pathetic.
RADRum: UGH, I have them in seductive speechcraft, and they're just so annoying!! If you can manage a pact with nearly all of the fucking student council, you can figure classwork out for yourself, slut.
You click on the thread you see forming with over 300 replies and at least 150 upvotes.
DearDeerLights: Wait, what do you mean nearly all the student council?!?!?!
HellsKitchenette: Oh, you poor thing. You didn't know? They've managed to trap our boys, all seven of them.
GroundGossamberry: ACK! You guys scared me, I thought they had gotten to Barbatos or something! But seriously, how pathetic can they be... like having to be coddled in public? Not me, I'd rather drop dead <3
Solomonssock: I see I'm outnumbered, but isn't this a good thing? The whole point of the program is that the human is supposed to study with us. And the lords are their host-family. I don't see anyone in the comments giving Solomon such harsh treatment.
RADRum: At least Solomon carries his weight around. Like come on, after a fucking year of being here if you can't go out by yourself then don't come out at all is all I'm saying.
GroundGossamberry: Yeah...I wouldn't fuck with Solomon; I've seen him in potions. He's brewing liquid death.
HellsKitchenette: Solomon's strength and wit makes him increasingly more bearable, and I admit, dashing. This one...well, there's simply nothing special about them. Anyone who witnessed Lord Leviathan's TSL Quiz last year can attest to the fact that they were all coerced into these contracts. Honestly, the human should be ashamed.
You stop there, your throat constricting in response to your rising panic.
"...oh fuck." Hearing the wobble in your own voice, you swallow thickly and sit up from your bed. Exiting out of Dreaddit, you hurriedly delete the app and set your DDD face down on your bed, tripping over your fallen sheets as you scurry out of your room. You need water, or anything really, to stop you before you start spiraling.
You make the short trip to the kitchen and pour yourself a glass with shaky hands.
It doesn't take a genius to infer that you wouldn't be the most popular person in all the Devildom, but the pure vitriol of the subdreaddit had been a higher dose than you anticipated. Truthfully, the focus on you was the least of your worries.
You shotgun the glass, the cool liquid gliding down your throat and easing the tension that had started to build.
You admit you and the brothers still hadn't fully sorted through the emotional muck that releasing Belphegor had unleashed. You felt assured that your pact with Lucifer was mutual, but Leviathan, Mammon, and the others took precedence in your mind. Did they really feel that way?
Trapped?
The pit in your stomach, persistent and pernicious, prevents you from returning to your room to wallow in your worries. Instead, you pass through the now empty dining hall and open the door to the music room.
The grandiosity of the room isn't lost on you. The gold detailing, polished to perfection, reflects your shaken image. You take up so little of the room, and yet you are suffocated by it.
Shuffling over to the piano, you drag your hands softly over the keys, each muffled note bouncing around the room in short bursts. For a minute or two, you loom over the instrument, dragging out each note, trying to sort a melody from the emotional medley consuming you.
For the outcomes that had transpired the year prior, you were certain you had no regrets. The hatchets had long been buried - at least that's what you led yourself to believe, wrapped up in the arms, and roped into the plans, of your lords once more. The sacrifices and secrets of the past were all to mend a family in danger of falling apart. And yet...
You crash your fist onto the keys, rolling your knuckles into a harsh trill.
The nagging guilt you had thought to have laid to rest creeps up again, coiling tightly around your heart. Its weight drags you forward until your forehead presses against the dark wood. It cools your skin, flushed from the few tears you'd allowed to fall.
You had been reckless. Dived into matters that long existed before you ever did, took the mantle of master of the seven lords, and yes, deceived them to do so. The many times they have attempted to wrong you in the past is not lost on you. But, in the end they are demons, and you are no devil.
You strain to lift your head from the wood and turn to face the mirror beside you. You scoff at your own pitiful appearance. Surely, Dreaddit would have a field day if they could pick you apart now, crying over the grief of your own guilt. Without your lords, you know, you are weak. What good is unbridled power without belief in oneself? You stand proud in a world you were not born to wander because of their faith in you, your dear seven pillars. The thought that you have wronged them wounds you deeply. If they ever came to ha-
Abruptly, you slap your cheeks against your cheeks and stand up from the piano bench. It would be unfair, in the face of your regrets to be so bold as to assume their feelings. Regardless of the past, they have taken you in with open arms, adopting you as part of their family. You are here now, with room and board because of their desire for your return and continued stay.
After a deep breath, you pad over to the large windows stretched across the back of the room. You take in the foliage that surrounds the manor, and chuckle to yourself when your gaze happens upon Cerberus taking Belphegor for a walk. You are so happy, that he is here and whole, that their family is here and whole. You are so happy, yet feel so terribly guilty that you sob deeply into your hands.
You startle as the door to the music room is thrust open.
"Darling, are you in h-", Asmodeus stands in the doorway. Even with his hair in slight disarray, he is gorgeous. The panic in his voice, in his eyes, tapers off as he takes you in. In its stead, bleeds in worry.
"Oh, dear." Softly, he shuts the door behind himself.
Desperately, you wipe at your eyes. It's no use, the puffiness and ragged breath would quickly reveal your miserable state to any being. But you try, and try, and try.
He emerges before you, but still, you hide your face in your hands. Asmodeus's own hands reach for your arms first, but only his fingertips graze you as they test how you respond to his touch. You freeze, but don't step back. The thought of rejecting his touch, even when you feel so unworthy, is agonizing.
"I had wondered where you'd wandered off to." His hands move downward, fingers coming to dance across the expanse of your waist.
Knowing you cannot hide forever; you sniffle and rub at your eyes one last time. You're not ready to meet his eyes, so you don't. You occupy yourself with his hair, hands coming up to push back the soft strands that had fallen out of their usual place. You two stand like that for a moment: the moon casting an ethereal glow on his champagne hair as your fingers coil into its thickness to ground yourself.
The moment cannot last forever.
Fingertips press against your jaw, gently guiding you to face him. You want to run and hide, not bare to him this weakness. Not in the music room, and especially not on a Friday night. Or was it Saturday morning by now? You haven't a clue how much time has passed. Yet, you stay, drowning in pools of light orange that plead for your attention.
"I called, several times might I add, but you didn't answer!" With the dramatic flourish you've come to adore, he sighs and blows away the fringe that has fallen into his face from your ministrations. You try to bow your head, avoid his disappointed gaze, but he holds you firmly in place. His face inches closer, you two nose to nose as he whispers against your lips, "I was soooo worried."
The faint whiff of demonus on his breath lets you know Asmodeus had gone drinking after dinner tonight.
"I went to your room as soon as I got home, but you weren't there." You reach up and press your hand against the one he leaves curled around your jaw.
"Mo," Your heart clenches as tears begin prickling at his eyes. An uneasy and desperate expression you haven't seen since that time overcomes him.
"You left your door open", his cheek presses into your other palm as it moves to cup his cheek, "your sheets were on the floor and your DDD was just there on the bed. Levi said he hadn't seen you since after dinner-" His own sniffle interrupts him, and although you feel you haven't the right, you unfurl his hand from your jaw to press a grinning kiss into his palm.
Your Asmodeus, such an emotional drunk.
"I'm ok." you whisper against his skin. The pout he forms cues you in on the fact that he heavily doubts that statement. His free hand trails up from your waist to trace the tear stains covering your cheeks. You can feel yourself tremble and will yourself to remain strong for the both of you right now.
You are not the only one laid bare tonight.
"Please, don't leave us,” his head lolls forward to rest on your shoulder with ease. You sigh, threading your fingers through his hair in soothing motions.
"MC," he whines into the junction of your neck and shoulder, "I can't lose you again."
"Mo," you gather him into your arms as much as you can, hushing him tenderly as another whine escapes him, "Asmodeus, I'm here."
His arms wrap tight around your waist, pulling you flush against him as he mumbles, "MC, promise...no. Pinky promise me you won't go! That you'll stay here forever with me." He rocks against you, swaying you both side-to-side.
Forever?
"A-are you sure-," he attempts to pull back from you, a noise of protest escaping him at your lack of immediate reassurance, but he quiets as your hold on him tightens, "are you really sure that's fine? Could you bear me forever, despite everything?"
You realize as his hands smooth themselves up and down your sides, that you were already shaking.
You know these worries have no place here. This should be a conversation when emotion has not fully overcome the both of you. But nothing is perfect, and nothing is planned when it comes to him or any of his brothers.
"...bear you? You think you're a burden upon me?" Asmodeus's wounded tone affects you more than you care to admit. It strips you of the willpower to stop him as he pulls back from you a second time.
You try to stutter out a response, but you can't deny it. Asmodeus cocks a hip, expecting a response, but you look away from him. How selfish you are, you think, to have once again made the matter about you. That train of thought doesn't last for long, however. You quickly whip your head back up to face him as an unmistakable oppressive force creeps over the music room and caresses your spine. All at once, discord strikes as random notes are ripped from each instrument.
"Sweetheart~"
Asmodeus is smiling, but dread washes over you as his glamour begins to shimmer and shift.
"Come on, don't ignore me! Who put such a silly thought in your pretty little head?"
His true form pulsates beneath, ready to burst in response to his building annoyance. Glimpses of his wings, wound tight as they flicker back and forth reveals his worry. This display isn't to intimidate you and now would be a good time to say something to appease the demon. But it's embarrassing to admit to the fifth born that complete and utter strangers, demons whose opinions shouldn't matter when you have his attention, have turned your thoughts to the worst.
"Hmm, should I go have a chat with Levi?"
"N-no! It has nothing to do with him."
"No?" Asmodeus's form seems to settle as you finally respond. Only brief flickers occur as he moves past you, sitting on one of the chairs placed in front of the window.
"Then, why is my precious little human in tears?"
You take in a deep breath. He will not let this go, and you are too tired to form a believable excuse.
"I'm just overthinking, Mo. Really, I'm going to be ok."
"Ah," Asmodeus's eyes crinkle softly as he catches the weakness in your statement, "but you aren't ok now." He motions for you to join him on his lap, but instead you take the seat beside him, leaving the table as a barrier between you two.
He hums to himself, and before you can register it, he sits himself on your lap and threads his fingers through your hair. Replicating, you realize after a long stretch of silence, the pattern you had used on him just minutes before.
"Don't hide your lovely face from me," he whispers against your ear, fingers curling around your jaw again, encouraging you to face him. When your eyes meet, his soften.
"What is it?"
"I.." You begin, but he stops you, clicking his tongue as your gaze starts to trail away from him.
"Mm-mm," when your eyes are firmly focused on him and him alone, he lets out a light purr that rumbles against your shoulder, "there we go, eyes on me."
"Mo, are you really ok with things as they are?"
"Well," he grins at you, shimmying in your lap, "this view is fine for now. But later I'd rather admire you from my bed."
You scoff at his attempt to lighten the mood when he knows you are being serious, but feel your cheeks flush, nonetheless.
"You know that's not what I meant."
"Then what do you mean, darling?" You gulp as his pupils begin to constrict into sharp slits.
"You aren't implying that I'm unsatisfied with you or our current standing, right?" To any untrained ear, his playful lilt suggests a question. However, Asmodeus's tightening grip on you solidifies it as an accusation.
"No, no," he lets out a sickeningly sweet coo, "certainly you understand that your place is beside, over, or under me."
As you sit stunned by the possessiveness that floods his tone, he presses a kiss on the corner of your mouth.
"And you will go nowhere else."
"I-I-" Of all the brothers, Asmodeus had teased you the most with being something more than whatever this situationship was. But how does anyone respond to such a forward declaration - from the Avatar of Lust, no less?
"Oh, sweetheart," Asmodeus adjusts his grip to delicately cup your face with two hands, cooing at you as you tremble more under his touch, "my favorite human is never a burden. Hmm, if you keep having such ugly thoughts, I can't be held responsible for what I'll have to do to distract you. I'll fill your head aaalll with me and me alone, ok?"
"Asmodeus, I'm serious."
His eyes flash, and your heart flutters as a low growl reverberates from deep within his chest, "As am I."
Deciding to change tactics, you wind your arms around his waist.
"I'm not going anywhere, Mo. I don't want to be anywhere else." You rub his back gently in an attempt to reassure him and assuage his fears. You wait until his pupils dilate some before you continue.
"I'm happy here with you, with all of you. I just want to make sure you're happy too."
"Aww, of course I'm happy!" Asmodeus wraps his arms across your shoulders and rests his head atop yours, "I have our sweet MC all to myself tonight."
You sigh heavily, feeling the way he shivers slightly at the drag of your palm over his spine. He's backing you into a corner.
"I feel like you deserve better than me." His breath hitches, but he says nothing.
"I was...thinking of the past. I thought I had no regrets coming here, studying here, becoming Solomon's apprentice, making pacts with you all..." You halt, feeling Asmodeus's nails dig into the fabric covering your shoulder.
"Yet, you regret them. Your pacts with us?" He hisses.
"Never!" You're shocked with the strength of your denial. With the way he jolts, you guess the finality in your tone surprises Asmodeus too. His head lifts from yours, gaze locking onto your own.
"I don't regret our pact, just the way it came to be." You expect disappointment, anger, even annoyance. But all there is, is Asmodeus's amused expression in response to the confession you'd fretted over the past who-knows-how-long.
"How so?" His knowing little smirk irks you just a tad.
"What do you mean, "how so?"!? I deceived you, all of you, to free Belphegor."
Asmodeus's shoulders begin to shake with laughter. Flabbergasted, you try to find words, but all evade you.
"Deceived the deceivers! Our little human, so powerful and persuasive." Asmodeus mocks, swooning in your lap.
As he finally quiets down, he swipes a manicured thumb over your bottom lip.
“Mm, was I not clear enough then? No one, not even Solomon, has ever made me feel as powerful as you do." His thumb presses down, parting your lips.
"I can't speak for my adorable brothers, but you wanted a pact, and I desired your power. We both got what we wanted and," a hand returns to pet your hair, "maybe even more than we bargained for?"
You snort in disbelief. Your demons, always keeping you on your toes.
"Yeah, something like that."
Asmodeus giggles, pressing a kiss onto your cheek this time.
"No need to get so worked up. Should I go to Lucifer to arrange a family meeting? If you're that concerned, we can take turns," his fingers glide down from your hair to cup the back of your neck as he whispers, "reciting the vows of our arrangement."
"T-that's not necessary, Mo! I get it!" You squirm in his hold and pout. Always such a tease!
"You're SO cute when you're all pouty. But I've suffered enough tonight by your hand, don't you think?" He hauls himself off your lap and takes a moment to stretch in a manner that is all too slow and all too intentional.
You melt at the mirth swimming in his eyes and wonder why you were ever worried to begin with. Forever, was it? Forever has a nice ring to it.
"Oh, forgive me, dearest. However, can I make it up to you?" Theatrics, your shared love language.
"Well," he begins, giddy when you get up to follow him out of the music room, "a nice long bath together should be enough to soothe my aching heart."
"Not too long," you chide, "your breath reeks of demonus. You need to rest."
"Reeks?!" He squeals and you laugh.
"Aww, I get it. You're worried about me! Oh, I always knew we'd be a perfect match." Asmodeus links his arm with your own and tugs you towards the stairs. You resign yourself to your fate, you don't want to sleep alone tonight anyway.
"Mo." You tsk.
"Fine, fine. We both need our beauty sleep, but I'm keeping you to myself aaalll day tomorrow." You take the time to make sure he doesn't stumble over any of the steps.
"And what will we do then?" The scent of roses floods your senses as you both enter his room. It seizes you whole, fills your lungs, and leaves you entranced. It smells like Asmodeus's signature perfume.
It smells like home.
Asmodeus reaches into his dresser and pulls out a matching set of pajamas. "I believe movies and massages are in order." To your surprise, he also pulls out a matching set in your size.
"Romantic comedies?" You can't stop the grin that splits across your lips.
Some time ago, as Mammon and Leviathan argued over whether to watch action movies or a live action rendition of TSL, Asmodeus had curled himself into your arms. Hidden beneath the covers of your bed and in between a stolen kiss or two, he'd confided that drama had once been his favorite genre. But in your absence, romantic comedies had occupied his time. The loveable leads reminded him of you both and the endless joy your unique and unexpected relationship brought him.
"You know me so well~" Asmodeus purrs.
"That does sound nice." You walk over, taking the pajamas from him to set them side-by-side onto his bed.
"Of course it does," Asmodeus tugs your arm and you move to join him in his bathroom, "I always know what you like!"
You move his hands away as he tries to undress you. He pouts but acquiesces, turning away from you to undress himself and slip into the bath.
When you finish undressing, you turn to find him with his head tilted back on the tile and at peace. You admire him for a moment, thankful that such a stunning creature had opened his fragile heart to you.
He doesn't move until you sit beside him, bubbly water sloshing side-to-side.
"So, you'll stay?" His head finds purchase on your shoulder, fingers tangled with yours beneath the water. You lay your head atop his own, pressing a kiss to his locks.
"For as long as you'll have me."
"So," he kisses your shoulder in return, "forever?"
"Forever is fine."
A soft trill escapes him. "I'll be sure to take good care of you."
You sink deeper into the bubbles with a hum.
"I love you." He murmurs into your skin.
The warmth sinks into your bones and pulls you deeper into relaxation. You could fall asleep here.
"Hey!" You yelp at the little nip he gives your shoulder. “Tell me you love me too."
You laugh, picking up his head to push your foreheads together. The adoration in his eyes makes your belly all warm and fuzzy. You feel safe here. This is where you want to belong.
"Love you too, Mo."
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