Time And Time Again

Time and Time Again

*** This fic is something I've been excited for ever since @dicetheroll, @rainiishowers, and I brainstormed the concept for it in the Hive Discord! It the most voted for the recent "Help Me Choose" post, so alas, Barbatos simps, this one's for you. I hope you all enjoy it ❤️-B ***

Summary: Barbatos loves MC. He has loved them for nearly as long as he has known. He goes back and relives every second that he can with them, over and over again. But, after experiencing a time line so many times, one begins to notice certain patterns — MC getting hurt, for example. And after one too many times, he decides that he can't stand idle by any longer.

*Spoilers up to Lesson 16*

The confusion, but glittering curiosity that shimmers in your eyes never ceases to excite him upon the inevitable first meeting. It's one that he's lived a thousand times, yet still, it remains one of Barbatos's favourites.

Sometimes, when he first gets there and hears Lord Diavolo and Lucifer discussing your new pact with Mammon, he'll see you — the slight twitch of irritation in your brow in the way they converse as though you're not there. The proud puff of your chest as they remain in awe of your achievement. The flickering of your gaze around you, ever alert and cautious — and he'll forget you're not an MC who knows him yet.

But there comes the moment, where your observant stare falls onto him and your soft lips purse.

"Who are you?" You ask, just as you have a thousand times before. He's memorized the question and the way your voice dictates the words.

To him, the question reads like poetry. Who are you? So innocently unaware of the history you've shared with him. As friends. As allies. As enemies. As lovers. You ask the question, completely unaware that you are his polar magnet — a ruthless force that constantly draws him in no matter how he may resist.

And resist he did — at first at least. He had responsibilities and duties. Diavolo was meant to be his priority, not a rambunctious human who had no concept of self-preservation. And yet

"Ah yes. Pardon me," he responds with a subtle grin. "I suppose we haven't met before, have we?"

There it is. The slight flush that painted your expression as he took your hand into his and kissed the back of it.

He already knew which way this route will be going, he decided it before he even entered the timeline.

He has seen you choked, and broken, and ripped to shreds. He has seen you destroyed both mentally and physically to the point that had become nothing but a shell. He has stood as a bystander as you lived a life with each and every one of the brothers, his lord, and even Simeon and Solomon — and he has witnessed both the good and bad endings of each of those relationships.

Time, as it seems, was not kind to you, despite all the kindness that you gave. It would chew you up and spit you out with every chance that it got.

But not this time. Barbatos would be sure of that.

This time, he spared no mind to being suspicious to others or acting out of character. His only concern was you and your safety — and in order to ensure your safety, he needed to become close with you as quickly as he could.

He spent your lunch hours by your side — claiming he needed your aid with paperwork or surveying the students. It would hurt your connection with Mammon, sure, but for all his efforts, Mammon never was all that great at his job of protecting you.

He, much to Diavolo's delight, would often invite you over for tea and dinners at the castle — it was a joy to be the one to introduce you to your favourite Devildom delicacy. The honor was usually reserved for Beelzebub, but he found he couldn't help himself.

It was after one of these dinners, as you aided him in doing the dishes that he dared to spark a conversation he had only initiated a handful of times before.

"MC?" he questioned as you scrubbed the porcelain plates with the same care and ease as one would when handling an ancient artifact.

"Hm?" You hummed in response, squinting your eyes to glare through the soap suds at a particularly tough stain.

He smirked knowingly as he set down his drying towel and faced you. "Make a pact with me."

He quickly reached down and caught the plate slipping through your fingers before you had time to even process you had dropped it. You blinked at him with wide eyes as he carefully set it back on the counter.

Barbatos could feel your gaze on his back — filled with pure shock and confusion. It was one he knew all too well.

You had told him once, after the first time he had ever proposed the pact, that you had never expected him to ask you this. Not in a million years. You knew he had a pact with Solomon, but no one truly knew how that particular agreement came to be (and he would much rather keep it that way). But you also knew how much trust went into bestowing a pact with someone. It was not something to take lightly.

"Barbatos," you breathed with awe on your tongue. "You ... Why?"

To protect you. To ensure that he could be by your side in an instant the second you call out for him. To keep you safe from the world — from time. To love you.

He smiled and went back to putting away the dishes as though he hadn't just offered his entire being to you. "You already have Mammon's. And I hear that you have a contest with Leviathan soon approaching to earn his. It seems you've become a collector of sort."

And if the promptness of the decision had anything to do with the lingering threat of Leviathan's rage during said competition, well, Barbatos was hardly one to offer spoilers.

You huffed and placed a hand on his shoulder, forcing him to face you. He reveled in the closeness. "This is serious. I- You're not usually one for jokes. I- I mean, pacts are a big deal, right? I'm just beginning to understand that. I-"

He gently scooped your hands into his own gloved ones and peered deeply into your eyes. "We're friends, are we not?" he couldn't help the flare of pride that ran through him as your expression grew flush. "I like to keep my friends close. I like to protect them. And this, this pact? It's the best way I can think of to keep you as protected as possible."

A frown dug at your lips as you tilted your head in confusion. "Isn't that what the brothers are for? Do you not trust them?"

Quite honestly, no. He didn't. More often than not it was them who were the very cause of your pain. He would never understand why his Lord thought that it was best to keep you there, with the brothers who had barely agreed to the program in the first place, over keeping you in the castle with them. But that was out of his control.

This, however, was not.

"I think they do the best they can," he answered instead as he peered down at your joined hands. He would never grow tired of just how nicely they fit together. "But this is different. It's a personal comfort that you're alright," your breath hitched as he his thumbs caressed your knuckles. "Would you allow me that one little peace, MC?"

"Okay," you whispered, and that oh-so-beautiful burn ran through him and branded itself into the base of both of your throats, just under your voice box.

He couldn't help but smile. Teal always looked so good on you.

He lifted a single hand to touch the mark — it was still warm to the touch. "Perfect," he muttered.

The pact was good. It meant you two were connected now. But it wasn't enough.

He knew from experience. The pact alone wouldn't prevent you from nearly dying in the competition. It wouldn't stop you from getting Leviathan's cursed album and finding your way to the attic.

It wouldn't stop Belphegor.

The night before the competition he made his way to the House of Lamentation with one goal in mind — to take the pendant of the Lord of Corruption's lost wing that Solomon had given you.

You hadn't spoken in detail with Simeon as Satan had advised you. Meaning this pendant was your only chance of winning the competition. Without it, you would lose, Leviathan would never go into a frenzy, the two of you would never form a pact, and most importantly, he would never give you the cursed TSL album that would allow you access to your doom.

Barbatos knew what this meant. He would be completely shredding apart the timeline and creating a number of unknowns.

But it had to be done. To save you.

As he was making his way out the door, a large hand on his shoulder stopped him in place.

Barbatos felt his heart nose dive from his chest to his stomach as he stared at the door not five feet in front of him. "I have to do this," he said firmly even as dread began to swirl within him.

"You know you can't," came the Young Lord's voice — calm, for once. Thick with morose solemn.

The butler swallowed thickly around the lump in his throat. "They're going to die.

"They will." "I can stop it." "No. You can't," Barbatos felt his hands begin to shake at the finality in his tone. "You know this. It's fate."

Anger boiled deep in his stomach at those words. "It's fate," Diavolo would always tell him, as though that excused the endless hardships you were forced to endure.

It wasn't fair, he knew that. Diavolo loved you just much as Barbatos himself did. But he didn't understand. How could he?

While he may be able to see through lies, he couldn't travel through time as Barbatos could. He didn't have the power to actually change fate like Barbatos did.

He wasn't the one who could do something, but has been forced to stand by and do nothing every single time and just watch.

Watch as your back broke and blood trickled out from your lips. Watch the soul leave your eyes as your face remained frozen in eternal horror. Watch as you died. Time, and time, and time, and time, and time, and time, and time again all because it was fate.

His hands twitched at his side. "Why?" He pleaded in grievous whisper. "Why not just this once? They live, and they'll be safe."

The grip on his shoulder tightened. "It's MC's fate to sacrifice themself for the betterment of the Devildom and those within it. Just as it was Lilith's fate to die so her brothers could fall and take their rightful place here. If it didn't happen here, and now, it would only happen later on. But in ways that we won't be prepared for."

"I know" he damn-near growled. Where Diavolo could only speak based on theory, Barbatos had lived it.

One time you were kidnapped by a rebellion who disagreed with the exchange program and publicly mutilated you as an example. The next, your head was sent to Mammon by the witches he loved to infuriate. In another, your soul was claimed by the very nature of the Devildom — torn apart by beasts and plants alike. And one more, the angels stole you to "train" and shape you until you're the perfect weapon against the Devildom that they'd been searching for.

And again, and again, and again.

"I hate it," he spits as exhaustion bleeds into his tone and his voice cracks. "No matter how many times I reset the timeline. No matter how many things I change, I-I can't-"

"You can't save them, Barbatos," a sob escapes him as Diavolo speaks. "I'm sorry, but you can't. It's ... It's impossible."

And that was it. Wasn't it? There were simply somethings that, no matter how hard you tried, you could simply never change.

A little over a week later, his pact ignited. He felt the air cut from his lungs. He felt his spine break into two. He felt the blood trickle down his throat and flood his lungs. He felt his stomach flip as he plummeted.

He felt you die. Just as you had before. Time and time again.

***Oh this may be on of my favourite fics I've written yet. I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did! Thank you all again for endless love and support. You guys are the best community I could ever ask for. Love you all! ***

Tag List: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21 @theother4 @todoroses @circus-of-freaks @fuzzyphotography @avatar-mikazuki @curatoroffiction @sunlightocean @taare-ginn @dragon-rider-with-a-book @korneatto @rphantom1

How they sleep headcannons pt. 2

Part one

Dateables + exchange students

Gender neutral

Warnings: None

Simeon

He could sleep in both. Considering the fact that he falls asleep at his desk fairly regularly socks on is more likely.

HUGS A PILLOW. Don’t ask me how I know, he just does. Even if you are sharing the bed the pillow is going to stay for a while. Gotta leave room for Jesus.

Wears old man pjs like Lucifer but they have fun designs and color. Has a set that Lucifer bought him that’s his favorite. Definitely sent Lucifer a pic of him in it.

Luke

He was a strictly socks only kind of guy back in the Celestial Realm but the Devildom was just too warm for that. Socks off now unless Diavolo switches up the weather, then those bad boys go straight back on.

Sleeps on his front, face into the pillow. Traditional sleepover kind of guy. MC gets a mattress on the floor. Very comfy and quiet compared to the house of lamentation, 10/10 sleep.

Has a favorite shirt from Diavolo with little bears on it Don’t tell anyone he actually really likes it.

Solomon

No socks, Let them floor grippers breathe. Won’t wear socks until it is freezing. He likes the pair of toe socks Asmo got him as a joke. Likes to ~wiggle~ his toes in them bc it freaks out Luke.

Any position goes tbh. He could fall asleep upside down and still have a good sleep. Would probably hug you with an iron grip. Good luck MC this one is a doozy.

His current favorite are plaid pj pants but no shirt but it tends to change every 50 years or so. Asmo really hopes that he goes back to sleeping lingerie one day.

Diavolo

No socks. Have you seen his demon form. Tits out toes out is his motto. It’s also just a little too warm for socks.

Face sleeper, all the way. I feel like he sometimes accidentally transforms to his demon form while he’s sleeping because it’s more comfortable. Don’t worry about this if you ever share a bed though, he will be too excited and nervous to even fall asleep.

Like I said, tits out toes out. His demon form is the most comfortable to sleep in. If he can’t do that he has some loungewear Lucifer bought him that he prefers.

Barbatos

Socks. On. No arguments. The stompers will be appropriately clothed.

Out of habit he’s a very light sleeper will wake up if you move. Sleeps in a corpse position unless he is very worn out. You’re very lucky if you catch him sleeping anywhere outside his bedroom.

Another one who has a classic old man set. These are the only known pyjamas he has. Diavolo has sworn secrecy regarding his other nightwear.

Thirteen

Toe socks, they are fun. She enjoys the chaos of knowing the fact that she can cover each toe with a bit of sock. Has a magenta and pink set she got from Solomon and regards it as the only redeeming thing he has ever done.

Doesn’t have to sleep for a while if she doesn’t want to. Prefers to sleep with an invention of hers near enough that it could be used if need be. Good luck MC.

Likes tank tops and shorts that match. Also likes to have a matching hair tie and has a strict hair regimen. She won’t tell you but she likes doing hair so if she gets the chance you will end up with a new hair style specifically for when you sleep.

Mephistopheles

Socks, appropriate bed attire only. Wait Lucifer wears socks too? No socks, socks are for those who lack class.

Sleeps like a 𝒟𝒾𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓊𝒾𝓈𝒽𝑒𝒹 𝑔𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓁𝑒𝓂𝒶𝓃, meaning that he snores loud enough to wake the dead. Likes to kick sometimes. Rip MC.

Has a favorite set of black pyjamas they have a nice pocket on the chest ☺️👍. Don’t tell him Lucifer has the same set, he will loose it.

Raphael

No socks. He wants to feel free of obligations so he finds socks too constrictive.

This man is tired of dealing with Michaels shit. Please let him get at least 8 good hours of sleep. For the love of god, MC, if you’re in the room you better be quiet or he may pull a reverse guardian angel on you.

Not fully nude but close to it, he locks his door unlike a certain nudist sleeper. Just a good pair of boxers is all he needs. It reminds him of the days of loincloths. Good times.

Waves Are Calling

*So I have many other things I SHOULD be writing, whether for school or for this blog but instead, I'm here with more of my crazy non sense. So this will be the first time I write a non-human MC, and it's not quite what the request asked for, but I saw Grand Admiral Levi and my brain went running. Hope you like it!*

Summary: Grand Admiral Leviathan is tyrant of the Devildom seas. He sails the Devildom seas both to protect them and as a show of his power. He had thought he had seen every creature the treacherous waters had to offer until a pretty little song caught his ears over the waves. ft. Grand Admiral Levi x Siren MC

CW: Yandere/possessive behavior Songs referenced in order: "Davey Jones" - Fia Oradd, "Seafarer's Lullaby" - Ginny Di, "Siren Song"- Sara Singer

Life as a siren was an interesting one.

In the depths of the waves, you had all the freedom you could ever desire. Endless miles of varying shades of blue were yours to share with the other beasts and creatures that journeyed through its expanse. Upon a glance, one would think that the life of a siren was a pleasant one — one filled with singing and swimming to your heart's content.

But you knew otherwise.

To be a siren was to be labeled as a monster, a tempter that would attack its victims the second it's given the chance. Even in the seas of the Devildom, nearly all of your race had been hunted down and slaughtered.

The few that remained now were precious rarities. You had been raised to be quiet, and to never sing or give your true nature away.

But to deny one's instincts is a tortious and frivolous task.

The truth was you loved to sing. It was your everything. Nothing set your soul ablaze more than closing your eyes and letting your heart's song spill past your lips. You didn't do it to hunt or to lure anyone in. You simply did it because you enjoyed it.

You were always careful, of course. You never sang anywhere close to the mainland. Instead, you hid in coves surrounded by jagged reefs of rock and in the husks of wrecked ships.

The other sea creatures seemed to find these areas dangerous and scary, but that just meant that they were yours to keep! They were dark and gloomy but always provided the most hauntingly beautiful acoustics. It was all you could ever want.

You hummed as settled onto a flat rock on the shore, the blue waves glinting off the dark, wet walls of the cave in the early morning light. The tips of your blood-orange fins gently rocked with the waves, creating ripples against the calm surface, as you closed your eyes and parted your lips.

"Cruel and cold, like winds on the sea. Will you ever return to me? Hear my voice, and sing with the tide. My love will never-"

Spalsh!

Your eyes snapped open as you quickly whipped your head around at the sound — a strange glint caught your attention — two large orange eyes were watching you from below the waves.

In all your years of living in the seas, you had never seen such a creature, both in size and species. It looked like a serpent, and yet it's magnitude and subtle fins told you otherwise. You held your breath as its eyes locked onto you, tongue flittering out of its mouth, before it slithered closer.

The thing was huge. Its head alone was easily the length of your entire body, with teal scales that would allow it to vanish beneath the depths whenever it may wish.

And it stared at you — and you it — it a silent draw of horrifying stillness. Its glowing amber gaze was almost curious and amused as it tilted its head left and right.

Finally, the beast raised its head as it opened its gaping maw and revealed rows of deadly, knife-like teeth — white like porcelain, as though someone had been maintaining them.

You screamed as you flinched back, pulling your tail closer to yourself and waited for the inevitable pain of being ripped to shreds.

Hisssssssssssssssss

A cold snout butted against your tail and another strange hiss filled the air. You couldn't help but squeak as it butted against you once more. You didn't dare move — waiting for the pain that would lead to your demise, but it never came. With a trembling breath, you reluctantly cracked open an eye and glanced at the creature.

It tilted its head at you, nudging you once again, as another slow hiss filled the air.

You gulped as you ever so slowly-righted yourself. "Is ... I-Is there something you need?" You didn't even know if this thing could understand you, but what else were you supposed to do?

It, apparently, could understand you however, as it hissed once more and swiveled its head from side to side. You narrowed your eyes in confusion, mimicking the movement.

The creature's head drooped, as it bared its fangs in annoyance.

There was another small splash as the serpent's tail rose from the waves and it, with surprisingly gentle movements, gestured to your throat.

You gulped, clutching a hand to your voice box. "Y-You want me to sing for you?" A pleased hisss came in return. You shakily nodded — trying not to give too much thought to the fact that you were talking with a snake.

You let out a trembling breath, catching the serpant's eager eyes once more before you parted your lips. "Over waves and deep in the blue. I will give up my heart for you. Ten long years, I'll wait to go by. My love will never die."

As you sang, the strangest thing happened. The serpent seemed to relax and settle against the sandy cavern floor beside you. You couldn't help but smile as you sang — though the beast appeared frightening, it was actually quite sweet. An audience, you supposed, wouldn't be bad this once.

Only it wasn't just this once.

From then on, whenever you went to the cavern, regardless of the time of day, within minutes of beginning to sing, the serpent would appear — ever eager and happy to hear your song.

You didn't mind. It wasn't doing any harm, and over time you had actually become quite fond of the creature. In a way, you supposed you were both lonely misunderstood creatures labeled monsters. It was nice to have a friend, even if it was one whom you couldn't understand.

Months passed of your peaceful concerts with the serpent, and you had grown to anticipate his presence.

You smiled as you settled onto your normal rock, eyes earnestly searching the depth for your friend. This wasn't new — the serpent only came when called. "Far beneath the rolling tides. Where the sunbeams cannot go. Gilled and scaled with sightless eyes," You giggled as familiar orange eyes peaked up at you. "Monsters down below."

"So this is where you've been taking off to, Lotan," Your yelp and the serpent's hiss echoed off the walls as you both turned towards the new voice.

A pale land walker with indigo hair and eyes that matched the serpent's smirked over at the pair of you from where he stood, leaning against the cave walls. He was dressed strangely — not like any of the other land dwellers you had seen before. There was something that screamed status in the medals that decorated his chest like scales.

"To think," he stated as he began to walk closer, "you've been keeping this UR-Rank prize all too yourself. Naughty Lotan. I raised you better than that."

Your fight-or-flight instincts finally kicked in as you made a dive towards the depths. You beat your tail twice against the currents — desperately trying to create distance from you and the walker.

Suddenly, a strong tail wrapped around your middle and a scream ripped from your lungs as you were hauled back above the waves. You thrashed in the serpent's grip as the person grew closer and closer.

There was a scowl on his face as he looked you in the eyes. "You were so friendly with Lotan, why are you trying to run from me?" You whimpered, squirming in the snake's hold as his coils tightened around you.

The person snapped, as a smile came onto his face. "I know! I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Leviathan, Avatar of Envy and Grand Admiral of the Devildom's Navy, and you," his smile grew into something almost manic as his eyes scanned you up and down. You couldn't help but shiver. "Are a siren," a breathy laugh of disbelieve escaped his lips. "A majestic one at that."

Your heart pounded in your chest with each echoing step that he took closer to you. You banged your fists against the beast's scales — but he only let out a high hiss in complaint.

"Let me go!" you shouted. "I don't care who you are, you can't do this!"

Painted nails dug into your cheeks as Leviathan turned your face to his.

"I don't like it when people try to tell me what I can and can't do," she snarled as carefully took in your features. An expression of pure wonder came across his face. "I thought your kind had gone extinct," he mumbled. "At least that's what everyone else says. Legend has it you were all too murder-prone for your own good and attacked anything that moved. But look at you. You're no more threatening than a guppy!" His eyes became a glow as he glanced down at your dazzling, orange tail. "You even came in my colour. This is fate. I was meant to find you! I'll be the only demon in all of the Devildom to have a live siren!" he cackled as your eyes widened. "Mammon will be so jealous!"

This land-dweller was insane. You shouldn't be nearly as surprised as you are, and yet as you watched him laugh to himself you couldn't stop the sinking feeling in your stomach.

There was no time for thinking — no time for doubt. You needed to act fast.

You had never actually used your vocal abilities for harm before. You had never even witnessed it. But you didn't have a choice. You needed to him to stop — to sleep.

"Hear my voice beneath the sea," you sang with your eyes squeezed shut. You focused on your desire for freedom, on your need to escape. "Sleeping now so peacefully," Lotan let out a strange hum and shook his head. You shakily caressed his scales. "At the bottom of the sea," you felt his grip on you begin to loosen — your breath hitched. "Sleep for all eterni-"

A hand slammed over your mouth as Lotan's grip quickly tightened around you once more. The land-dweller peered down at you with curious eyes, "That's a pretty little song you sang," he cooed. "You nearly had Lotan taking a nap. He's just an NPC though," you winced as you felt his nails dig crescent moons into your tender flesh. "I'm the Grand Admiral. I have power over all the oceans, and that includes you."

He hummed as he finally released your mouth. "You'll learn that though, in time."

Tears welled in your eyes as you shook your head, "P-Please," you pleaded.

He scoffed and snapped his fingers as both he and Lotan began to exit the cave towards a smaller boat sitting near the entrance. "You act as though I'm going to torture you. Please. I'm a demon, but I'm not like my brothers. I take care of my belongings."

You snarled at his words, thrashing your tail against Lotan. "I am not a belonging!"

He clicked his tongue in consideration as he got into the boat. "Wrong. I own these waters, remember?" He snorted as he shook his head. "I shouldn't be surprised that you forgot, already. Goldfish memory and all that," you let out your own hiss at the man. "Don't worry though. I got a nice setup for you at home already. I'm sure Henry won't mind moving a smaller tank until you get settled."

Your eyes widened as he shifted into a different form, one speckled with scales and sporting a strong tail of his own. He roughly pulled you from Lotan's binds and into his own. You were forced down into the boat beside him.

Laying behind him, the sun barely cresting his horns as his shadowed face grinned down at you, your fate began to sink in.

Your cured into a ball around your tail and shivered as the boat began to move, taking you away from the life you had once loved and closer to the prison that you'd be forced to endure.

***It's like the opposite of fluff, but it's spooky season, so I hope you still enjoyed it! Thank you all so much for the love and support while my schedule is a little out of whack! Love you guys 🥰 -B***

Taglist: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21 @theother4 @todoroses @circus-of-freaks @mcx7demonbros @bloopthebat

Sister's Keeper pt 5

***Oh it feels so good to be back with this series! I have so much planned for this fic, I apologize that it takes so long between updates, but thank you guys for sticking around for the ride. Love you! -B***

Summary: MC wasn’t pleased about being forced out of their home and into the Devildom for this so-called exchange program, however, they were pissed that their little sister Harper was brought with them. MC wants nothing more than to make sure their sister stays alive and safe while in the Devildom, but first they need to figure out why these Demon bastards won’t stop gawking at her.

Previous Part, Series Masterlist

"There's no fu-" Mammon cut himself off as he eyed Harper sitting in your lap. "Fudgin' way you're beatin' Levi at somethin' like this! He's like the geek to end all geeks. You're dead!"

Satan pursed his lips as he brought over a box of bandages and ointment for your bruised wrists. "For once, Mammon's right," said demon loudly protested in the background. "Levi is actually quite intelligent when he wants to be, and he has invested every single one of his brain cells to that series. It's absurd to think you can beat him," he reached out to take your wrist, only to pause as you flinched back. He narrowed his eyes at the movement.

"That's mean!" Harper shouted, disrupting Satan's train of thought. She quickly pushed his hands away from you and yanked the box out of his grasp. "My sibling can do anything! They're the smartest, best person in the whole world!"

You snorted and ruffled her hair. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, sunshine."

Harper smiled brightly at you as she handed you the medical supplies. You sighed as she began to help you rifle through it. "Look, it's not like I'm going to go into this blind. I'm not stupid. I'm going to binge watch all the movies tonight, and take notes while I do."

Mammon shook his head as he finally stopped pacing and leaned against the wall. "That won't be enough! You don't realize who you're messin' with MC."

You huffed and grabbed a tube of bruise cream from the box of supplies. "If he's as lovely as he was when I met him, then I think I have a pretty good idea of what I'm facing."

Harper frowned as she quietly handed you a role of bandages. She didn't say anything.

She always hated when you got hurt.

Mammon mumbled something under his breath about stubborn humans as he turned and began pacing again along the side of the room.

Satan watched you carefully. His clever, ever-observant eyes combing through every twitch and wince of your body — reading you as easily as one of his books.

It was uncomfortable, to say the least. Unfortunately, the only affect your glare seemed to have on him was the faintest ripple of amusement. "Why?" He questioned bluntly. "Why do you want to do this so badly?"

You tilted your head as you cocked an eyebrow at him. "Why do you care?"

There was a thud as Mammon slammed his head against the wall. "Dammit human! Just answer the question!"

Your jaw clenched as you felt your heart pathetically pound at the sudden shout. "Mammon. Calm down," you hissed. Adrenaline coursed through your veins even as the demon's shoulders slumped and his expression smoothed.

Phantom pains shot through your wrist.

And Satan — stupid, mystery-obsessed, god-damn Satan — took in all of it.

You wanted to scream as understanding began to bleed through his expression.

You had only known Satan for 5 weeks, and yes he was the most tolerable of the literal demons that you were forced to live with everyday, but if there was one thing you hated the most about the man it was that damn look on his face when he figured you out.

"Your scared of him. Of us." he stated confidently. "Assumably, you're getting something out this to make that not the case. What?"

It wasn't fair.

With a frustrated huff, you rose to your feet and began to gather a night bag for you and Harper. "I'm going to Purgatory Hall."

Satan's face instantly became serious as he stepped closer to you. "What? I thought you just said you were going to binge watch TSL?"

You nodded as you threw pajamas for Harper into the bag. "I am. Just not here, and not with you." You walked around Satan and grabbed your D.D.D. charger. "Who better to make me an expert in a franchise than the creator himself?"

Satan clicked his tongue as he crossed his arms over his chest. "It doesn't matter who you watch it with. It's impossible for you to learn all of it in one night."

"Not to mention," Mammon piped gently, his mind still foggy from your order. "There ain't no way Luci's just going to let ya have a sleepover. We got RAD tomorrow."

Harper's head perked up at the "S" word as she turned to you with big wide eyes. "We're going to have a sleepover?!"

"No-"

"Yes!" You answered at the same time as Satan, smiling brightly at your sister as you strapped on your backpack. "We're going to spend the night at Luke's house!"

Harper's eyes lit up at the mention of her newest friend. She giggled before taking off towards your bathroom. "I'll go grab my toothbrush!"

The moment Harper was out of the room, Satan stepped toward you, peering as closely into your eyes as he dared — as though his gaze alone could pull the very truth from your soul. "MC, it's already late. You're being foolish. If this is because Levi hurt you, let me assure you-"

"Don't." You hissed, stepping back and away from him. "Stop pretending like you know me or that we're anything close to friends. I'm going to Purgatory Hall because I will win that fucking contest tomorrow if only to make that rage-gamer brother of yours backoff without any of your help."

Mammon rolled his eyes as he tried to block the doorway. "You're being stubborn."

Satan nodded in agreement, for once, with his older brother, a firm frown fixed on his face. "Quite."

You couldn't help but laugh at the comments. "You're not the first to call me that and you'll hardly be the last," you forced your expression to shift from one of annoyance to tender fondness as Harper came back out. "We'll see you both in the morning."

The two demons slumped in exhaustion as the door closed shut behind you.

Mammon groaned and ran his hands over his face. "I thought we were making progress."

Satan rolled his eyes as he made his way towards the door. "We were. Levi just happened to undo it all in one interaction."

Mammon frowned as he watched his younger brother leave the room. "Oi! Where are you going?"

"To do research."

***

The other exchange students in the Devildom were ... interesting.

You had met them during your second day of classes at RAD, and while you were hesitant as always around them, you had to admit it they offered a pleasant relief from the constant stress and subtle fear that you felt around the demons.

Simeon and you had got along swimmingly. Both you were guardians of your younger wards and it was nice to finally have someone who understood the worries and doubts that came with that. The angel was a good source of advice and was a surprisingly great conversationalist. He had a way with words that made every tale sound like a poets novella. It was nice. The fact that he was an angel and seemingly incapable of doing harm to you only helped earn your trust towards him.

Solomon on the other hand, was a little different. He was human, like you, and on top of that he spent his time willingly in cohoots with demons and the dark arts. It left you more than a little weary of him. But there was something about his small smile that made you give him a chance.

You knew you weren't going to survive the year down here alone, and that you needed allies who'd have your back. So you gave him a chance.

He proved his worth by slipping you viles of different protection potions and tutoring you in magic spells and incantations that would've otherwised breezed over your head. While you were still hesitant around him, you couldn't being yourself to regret forming this fragile relationship with him.

And then there was Luke ...

"LUKE!"

"HARPER!"

You couldn't help but chuckle as the two kids rushed towards each other and wrapped eachother in their arms, immediately babbling on to one another about their days.

The pair had gotten along like two peas in a pod ever since they met. There was a flicker of guilt in your heart that always appeared whenever you saw them together. You couldn't help but wonder if Harper was lonely in the human world, as your life hadn't exactly made it easy for her to have friends around her age.

Simeon tilted his head as he approached you. "What pleasant surprise. I can't say we were expecting guests at this hour."

You huffed as you adjusted your bag strap on your shoulder. "Neither were we. You wouldn't mind having to campers with you for the night, would you?"

Solomon's eyes flickered to the bandages on your wrist as he smiled at you. "We wouldn't mind at all. Right, Simeon?"

Simeon's own smile faltered slightly as he noticed the covered injury, and he quickly glanced over to Harper. His shoulders slumped as he found none. "Not at all. Why don't you come in and get settled in the guest room? I'll make tea."

You nodded as you herded the two kids further into the Hall. "Any chance I can convince you to serve that tea while we watch Tales of the Seven Lords?"

Both Solomon and Simeon halted at the question — Simeon more so in confusion, while Solomon looked nothing short of amused.

"Oh? Why the sudden interest in Simeon's work?" Solomon piped in.

Harper answered the question for you before you got the chance. "MC's gonna kick Leviathan's butt tomorrow in a trivia contest and get revenge for him hurting them!"

You couldn't help but sigh as Luke gasped and rushed over to you. "Those fiends hurt you?! Where?! Are you okay?"

You tried to give Luke a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. I just-"

"He bruised their wrist!"

You sent Harper a sharp look as Luke grabbed your hand and instantly began inspecting the bandages. His eyes nearly bulged out of his head as he took them off and saw the darkened skin that laid beneath it.

A determined gleam lit within his blue eyes as as he gently wrapped his hand around your wrist before a tingling warmth spread over your skin.

You frowned in confusion as a small glow came from the crease between your hands. "It's a good thing you came here," Luke stated as he pulled his hand away and revealed your now clear skin. "We wouldn't have been able to help you otherwise."

"WOAH" Harper gawked as she rushed over and yanked your hand closer to her to inspect. "That was crazy! Luke, you're a wizard!"

Solomon snorted and shook his head. "Not quite, little tyke. I'm a wizard. Luke, on the other hand, was just using his celestial abilities as an angel."

Harper's eyes grew wider as she slowly turned to Luke. "Are you MC's guardian angel?"

Simeon stiffened at the question, but before he could protest, Luke seemed to have found his own, vastly different, answer. "Yes! That must be why Micheal sent me down here! Why else than to make sure that MC is safe while surrounded by horror and corruption?"

Simeon seemed to wince at the words. "Luke, no. Micheal sent you here because you need to adapt with-"

"Don't worry MC," Luke began, not listening to Solomon in the slightest. He grasped your hand in one of his own as he placed the other over his heart. "I vow on my duties as your Guardian Angel to always keep you safe and protected so long as I am able."

Silence filled the room as a bright glow surrounded the two of you.

Simeon sighed as Solomon cackled in delight.

You tried to remain calm even as all your instincts screamed at you to go on the defensive. Luke's smile only grew brighter as he pulled his hands away — it didn't help the unease in your gut. "Luke, what ... What did you just do?"

"Right," Simeon said with his voice thick with exhaustion. "Luke? Go show Harper your room and some of the things you brought from the Celestial realm. We'll discuss this together later. For now, I need some time with MC and Solomon, okay?"

Luke's smile faltered as he glanced between his guardian and you. "Did ... Did I do something wrong?" You couldn't help but ask yourself the same question.

Simeon pursed his lips for a moment. "Not necessarily wrong, just ... You were just a little too eager this time. We'll talk later."

Luke shifted from foot to foot, not moving from his spot until Harper came up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. She smiled softly at him with the type of compassion and sensitivity one would expect to see in elementary school teachers and nurses but never in a seven-year-old.

"It's alright Luke. They just need some grown-up time. That stuff's boring anyway, believe me. Let's go play in your room." The younger angel looked back at Simeon one last time before silently nodding and leading Harper down a hall.

The moment they were out of your sight you immediately turned to Simeon. "What was that?"

"Calm down," Solomon soothed. His ever-present smirk still fixed on his face as his eyes glittered. "It's nothing bad. In fact, from what I hear from Asmodeus about your interest in demon pacts, it might even be a good thing."

A frown dug into your lips. "What does that mean? How does Asmodeus know anything about my interests? I've barely talked with him."

The wizard hummed in agreeance. "Yes. He's quite upset about that you know? He feels it's completely unfair that he wasn't the first object of your attention or even the second. But it just so happens that he has a rather close relationship with your dear Satan. Your second demon pact from what I hear."

Your nose wrinkled at the term of endearment as you plopped down onto the living room couch and threw your bag beside you. "It was a necessary allyship for a means of survival. Nothing more."

Simeon rose an eyebrow at your words. "So you are making pacts with the brothers' then? I had thought it might've been a rumor."

You couldn't help but scoff. There were plenty of rumors about you circulating around RAD, and the pacts were far from the most outlandish of them all. "Afraid not."

The two exchanged a knowing glance as though you couldn't very obviously see them.

"In that case, I think you'll be pleased to know that what Luke just did to you is called a vow of protection." Solomon explained casually as you felt tensed.

"A what?"

Simeon sat beside you and allowed your knees to brush against one another. "A vow of protection. It's meant to be reserved for guardian angels and their wards. Nearly every angel is assigned a mortal, or several in some cases, to watch over, guide, and protect by Michael once they are old enough and have received the proper training. Luke should one day receive this honor as well. However, he wrongly assumed that Michael had assigned him to you, and enacted a vow of protection towards you, sealing himself as your guardian angel."

You couldn't help but blanch at the idea of a child being in charge of protecting you. "What does that mean exactly?"

Simeon's lips pursed for a moment. "It's like the vow says. So long as he is present and able, he will do everything in his power to protect you."

Your stomach sunk at the words. "I don't like that."

The angel flashed you a brief smile as he drew his hands towards himself. "I don't either. But what's done is done. Just take extra caution when he is around, please."

You couldn't help but wince at the statement as you remember your reason for coming. "Right. Well, in that case, you should keep him far away from the Hall of Lamentation tomorrow."

The amusement on Solomon's face only grew at your statement. "Why? Off to claim another one of the brother's pacts and don't wish for him to get caught in your chaotic aftermath?"

"Yes," the smile finally fell off his face as your eyes shifted to Simeon. "And I need you to teach me all there is to know about The Tale of the Seven Lords in order to do it."

*** The other exchange students are just so fun to write. Thank you everyone for the love and support! I so so hope you enjoyed this. And thank you all again for your patience with this series and me. Love you all ❤️🥰***

TAGLIST: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21 @crzyimp @peachifiedenbyfaux @greenlit-mess @k1ngan0n @chirikoheina @tanspostsblog @kadythethief @mootofuu @fun-ghoul-neela @l0v3r666 @siniy606 @porgs-are-space-puffins @suzofobm @chirikoheina @nebulosalumine @pen-ink-therapy @urmomhetero @subaroon @hajimeslover @attackonhoseok @darkfaethedestroyer @amaya-writes @blankfornow @nexxy-is-lonely @sutsuxan @hobin-gnoblin @hatsunemiku2025 @idiotic-canadian @cubandevil04 @unicornhorse160 @dweeb-central @r-0-tt-3-n-m-1-lk @keqingsfavbestie @marvelous-maniac @stupidwingboy @bestblob @gallantys

Sister's Keeper pt 6

***I have been WAITING for this one! Oh I am so excited. I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter as much as I do! Thank you all for your patience and support of this series! I love you guys ❤️***

Summary: MC wasn’t pleased about being forced out of their home and into the Devildom for this so-called exchange program, however, they were pissed that their little sister Harper was brought with them. MC wants nothing more than to make sure their sister stays alive and safe while in the Devildom, but first they need to figure out why these Demon bastards won’t stop gawking at her.

Previous Part, Series Masterlist

Amber eyes glared straight into yours from under a deep purple fringe. Thin lips pulled back into a snarl revealing sharp, pointed fangs.

You could feel your palms line with sweat even as you glared back at him.

"Let the show begin!" Asmodeus cheered as he pranced between the two of you in mini denim shorts and tied-up, plaid blouse, as though this was a car drag race and not a competition to see who the biggest nerd was.

You allowed your eyes to skim across the crowd. Mammon and Satan were standing by Harper's side — forcibly equipped with glowsticks and cheer signs that she and Luke had made the night before. Neither of them look particularly overjoyed about being there, but you had given neither of them a choice.

"Oh, so you finally came crawling back to us," Mammon pouted as you stepped into his room that morning. You rolled your eyes. "I told you, it was a sleepover. Now, we don't have much time before RAD, so I need you to listen. Harper wants to go to the competition. She won't listen to me saying otherwise." "You mean the competition that you definitely shouldn't be competing in?" You and Mammon jumped as a scowling Satan suddenly appeared at the door. "You're just going to get yourself hurt. Call it off." You crossed your arms over your chest as you rose an eyebrow at him. "I already told you, I can't do that," not when your hands trembled just from being in a room alone with two of these demons — and these were the ones you reluctantly trusted. "I'm going to be competing. What I need you to do Mammon, is get Harper out of there the second things start to go south, and especially if Leviathan gets violent." Mammon's head whipped over to look at you with wide blue eyes. "What!? No! I ain't just leavin' ya if Levi goes all crazy otaku!" You narrowed your eyebrows at the behavior — For a second, you could almost believe he cared. "It wasn't a question." Mammon growled as Satan observed you coldly. "And what about me? I assume you have plans for me in this death-wish as well, Master," he practically spat the word. A shiver ran through him as your two gazes locked.

Satan shifted as he noticed your attention, and nodded his head in affirmation. Unconsciously, you felt your shoulders relax.

"Rules are simple!" Asmodeus continued. "The two of you will answer my wonderful questions on the series The Tale of the Seven Lords and whoever answers the most questions win! Should Leviathan win, MC will be required to attend and do all his weird nerd things for him so he doesn't have to pull all-nighters or wait in huge lineups," the demon sighed. "What a waste of a prize."

"Hey!" Levi snapped from his side of the room.

"And MC, you minx, if you win, Leviathan will form a pact with you," Asmo smirked and looked over shoulder at Levi as hushed whispers spread across the room. "See Levi? That's how you properly use bets to your advantage."

Great. The competition hadn't even started, and Asmo already had Leviathan looking like he wanted to rip someone's head off.

The strawberry blonde giggled. "Well then, we'll start with you, MC! Get ready for TSL Quiz question number one!" You held your breath, as he pulled a sleeve of cue cards out from his back pocket. "The seven lords are all brothers, and each has a specific name that people know them by. In birth order, name the older, second-oldest, and third-oldest."

A frown dug at you lips. Was ... Was he serious? That's it? Your eyes flickered over to Solomon, who had taken a seat near the back of the room and was smirking like an asshole in delighted glee.

"Corruption, then Fools, then Shadow," you answered easily. "Easy."

Leviathan rolled his eyes as his hands curled into fists by his side. "Any normie could've got that!"

Asmo squealed and threw his hands in the air. "You're absolutely correct! Way to start off the game on the right foot, MC!"

You raised an eyebrow at the excitable host. "Aren't emcees supposed to be unbiased?"

The demon giggled and blew a kiss towards you. "Oh, but I can't help being biased towards you when you're so cute!"

You nearly gagged.

Asmodeus either didn't notice or paid it no mind as he turned to Leviathan. "Alright Levi, it's your turn! Here comes question number one!" Leviathan's gaze hardened as he sharply nodded his head. "In what year did the Lord of Shadow build the Blue Palace for his imaginary mistress?"

"Year 693 of the ancient era," the otaku answered without hesitation.

But you weren't so sold. "Wait," you demanded with a clipped voice. Leviathan's stare was once again locked on you. "Why is his question so much harder than mine? That's not fair."

The room went silent — so quiet the only things you could hear were your own jack-rabbit heartbeat and your breaths. You swallowed thickly as you lifted your chin. "I ... I mean. This is a competition to see who knows the most about TSL If you're asking us questions at different levels, it proves nothing and you might as well be giving Leviathan the win now."

The Avatar of Envy smirked as he tilted his head. "Is that your way of giving up? Tossing in the towel already normie?"

You scoffed, "Hardly. I don't want your pact through a stupid trick like you made me do to Mammon before I knew any better," said demon blushed in recollection. "I want to earn it," it was your turn to smirk this time. "Unless you're scared that I'll beat you if put at the same level?"

Maybe Satan was right. Maybe you did have a death wish. It certainly felt like it as Leviathan growled and whipped around to Asmodeus. "ASK THEM BETTER QUESTIONS!"

Asmodeus shrugged as he peered over at you with what could almost be described as respect glittering through his eyes. "You're funeral," oh, it certainly felt like it.

He cleared his throat as he looked back down at the cue cards. "Okay, MC. You said that last round was too easy for you, so let's try something new! Question two! The Lord of Flies loves to eat cursed goat tartare sandwiches with cheese," you could hear someone's stomach growl in the audience. "But there is one, and only one, instance where he doesn't eat it. Why?"

You took a deep breath as you racked your brain — doing your best to ignore Leviathan's smug expression across the room. The now-familiar buzz of magic spread across your skull.

"So what is this again?" you asked Solomon as you frowned at the pale green vial he handed you. The wizard grinned while arranging pillows in front of the television. "It's a memory retention potion! If you drink it now, it'll ensure that you will remember everything that we're about to watch plus anything that Simeon will tell you." Your frown deepened. "Isn't that cheating?" Solomon paused for a moment before glancing back you with a curious expression. "Would that be a problem?" You huffed and tossed the vial back to him. "I'm a lot things, but I'm not a cheater. I like to do things on my own." A bubble of irritation swelled within you as the wizard cackled. "Oh, believe me dear, I've noticed," he took your hands into his own and pressed the vial into your palm. "You're indepent. You don't trust others. You're used to only working alone because you've never hand anyone else," your breath hitched as he leaned in close to you. "This isn't cheating. It's putting you at an equal playing field. It's not you asking for help. It's me giving it to you." You ripped your hands from his, the vial still in your grasp, even as a faint blush dusted your cheeks. "Don't act like you know me." Solomon chuckled, his silver eyes flashing victoriously as you downed the potion. "As you wish."

"He didn't eat it because the Grand King's mage, who is well known for inedible cooking, made it. Even he couldn't stomach the taste," you answered confidently and took exceptional glee as Leviathan's jaw dropped.

Asmodeus let out a genuine laugh — his entire being lighting up with pure amusement. "That's correct! Very impressive," he purred. "That was a tough one. You really know your stuff, don't you?"

Your scrunched up your nose and instinctively took a step back. "Just move onto the next question."

He let out a small sigh, now looking at you with more interest and intent than you had ever seen from him. "So demanding," with a flick of his hair, he turned back to Leviathan. "Now back to Mr. Reliable himself, Leviathan! Here comes question number two! In the Tale of the Seven Lords, volume 3, page 724, what does the Lord of Fools say in the fifth line from the top?"

You couldn't help but be irritated by the difficulty of the question in comparison to yours. They still weren't taking you seriously.

Leviathan gained an almost whimsy look on his face, as his entire demeanor changed. You made a mental note of his ability to shift so drastically. "Money is my dearest friend and closest companion. It's everything to me. The blood bonds I share with my brothers are like the weak, wispy threads of a spider in comparison."

You gritted your teeth as Asmodeus cheered him on. Of course, it was an exact match. You needed to step up your game.

The demon of lust turned to with that ever-present, stupid smile on his face. "Final round, babe. You think you got this?" He loudly laughed as you glared at him. "Alright, alright. Calm down, tiger. Question three. Regarding the fifth brother, Lord of Lechery, who does he love more than anyone else?"

To most the answer would seem obvious. But after a conversation with Simeon about some of the flaws you had noticed in the characters, you knew better.

"Most would say, himself," you began, catching everyone's attention. "But the real answer is that he loves no one. He loves his appearance, but the Lord of Lechery doesn't even know who he is until he meets Henry. And that's when he finally begins to experience true love for the first time. So the real answer, is Henry."

Something in Asmodeus's flawless expression cracked, if only for second, at your words. His glossed lips were parted, but no words came from them.

An impatient grumble of frustration came from the other side of the room. "Come on!" Levi whined. "Hurry up, it's my turn!"

Asmodeus shook his head, a faint blush painting his cheeks as he looked at you and cleared his throat. "A beautiful interpretation and one that is correct," he finished softly. He peered at you deeply, as though you were a creature he was trying to dissect before turning his attention back to Leviathan. "Final question Levi, if you get this, we'll have to go into final death and pull out the big guns to see who really is the biggest nerd," he looked down at the cards once more. "Why did the Lord of Emptiness try to kill Henry even after all the other lords befriended him?"

Your blood froze as Leviathan let out a near-psychopathic cackle - his orange eyes alight with mania. This was it. "That's your big tough question?! HA! This is easy! Everyone knows that he killed Henry because he hated people like him and wanted to slaughter all of them!"

Your heart stopped as you starred at Levi with wide eyes. That ... "That's wrong," you whispered.

The crazed laughter suddenly stopped. The air felt heavy around you with the pressure of a thousand stares. Leviathan took two steps towards you. "What did you say?" He hissed — phantom pains shot through your wrist once more.

You felt your legs tremble lightly beneath you, even as you stood your ground. "You're wrong," you spoke firmly. "He didn't kill Henry because he hated him or because he wanted them all gone. He's the Lord of Emptiness," you emphasized. "He's been empty since the death of his sister. He didn't hate Henry or people like them, he used to love them. But because of his sister's death, he couldn't process that. The real reason why he tried to kill Henry is that he wanted revenge for his sister and to fill the emptiness inside him."

Not a word was spoken. Not breath taken. Amber eyes glared straight into yours from under a deep purple fringe. Thin lips pulled back into a snarl revealing sharp, pointed fangs. You felt like you were going to be sick.

"They're telling the truth!" Diavolo spoke with pride from the audience. "MC is correct! What a twist!"

Silently, everyone's faze turned back to you. You gulped nervously as you widened your stance and readied yourself for the inevitable.

Asmodeus's stunned expression slowly shifted into a radiant smile. "That settles it then! The person with the most TSL knowledge is -"

"I won't stand for this!" Leviathan growled. The shadows of the room almost seemed to cling to him as his chest heaved in pure rage. He slowly began stalking towards you. "All you did was stay up one night and marathon the DVDs! You haven't even read the books! The idea that YOU could be a bigger TSL fan than ME, is ... it's..." he frantically looked around, searching for the answer.

Mammon held tightly onto a shaking Harper. "Woah, calm down there, Levi," he called out nervously — cautiously eyeing the tension between the two of you. Satan pressed his lips into tight light.

"NO!" The otaku shrieked — a sound like nails on a chalkboard that you couldn't help but wince at. "I WON'T STAND FOR THIS!"

You couldn't help but gasp in fear as Leviathan split into his demon form and began to charge toward you. "Mammon! GO!" You called out as you held up your arms in defense, doing your best to ignore the sounds of your sister screaming as the white-haired demon dragged her away.

That was all you managed to get out before you were tackled to the ground, your head bouncing pathetically off the solid marble with a loud CRACK. You let out a sharp cry as you felt the gangly demon latch himself on top of you — his claws sinking into your shoulders.

But just as fast as he was on you, a loud roar ripped through the air and he was torn off of you.

You opened your eyes to see Satan snarling over you as Lucifer restrained the struggling Leviathan. You winced as you sat up and felt something warm trickle down the back of your neck. "Thanks," you grunted.

Satan didn't dare glance back at you. "Just following orders. Sorry I wasn't fast enough."

Your breath caught as you finally realized that Lucifer and Satan were in their own demon forms as well. "You're out of control, Levi," Lucifer scolded as he held the demon by the scruff of his neck. "Go back to your room and cool off."

The envious demon's deadly gaze flickered between you and his elder brother and he found himself once more. 

Diavolo stood from his throne in the back of the room. "Levithan? You heard what he said. Enough," you couldn't help but shiver at the utter power in his voice alone. Lucifer set Leviathan back on his feet as the younger demon nodded. 

"Wait," you croaked as you stumbled back on your own two feet. "We ... We had a deal," you spat as you began to slowly walk towards him. 

Satan reached out to grab your arm, "MC-" you weakly slapped away his hands and continued forward. 

Lucifer held his own arm out in front of his brother — ready to interfere if needed as you approached. 

You had never fallen victim to such hatred as you had looking into Leviathan's eyes in that moment. 

"As per the deal, you lost," you snatched his hand into your own trembling grip and clung onto it with all your might as you pulled him closer to you. "I bind thee to myself and my command, you, Leviathan, third born of the Seven Lords, Avatar of Envy," the second you felt his magic course you — a disgusting sludge that burned slowly like magma across your skin before searing into your inner wrist — you dropped his hand. Cold relief finally washed over you.

Lucifer lowered his arm, cautiously eyeing the two of you. 

He gave you an opening. 

You reared your fist back and relished in the feeling of your knuckles colliding with the demon's nose. You bared your teeth in a bloody, feral grin as he went tumbling to the ground. "Leviathan, you sore losing bastard, you will not ever hurt me again." 

Lucifer scowled at you as he crossed his arms over his chest. "That was unnecessary."

Feeling particularly done with the day, you spat a mouth full of blood onto his shoes and flipped him off. 

Without another word, you turned on your heel, facing a wide-eyed Satan and began to walk away.

Or tried. 

You made it two steps before your legs gave out beneath you. The last thing you heard before the world turned black was someone calling out your name.

***

You awoke to warmth. To sniffles. To a weight curled up into your side.

It was all so achingly familiar that, for a second, you were able to ignore the splitting migraine you had, and just turned over to curl up around Harper.

"MC?!" Harper cried you hugged her tightly. "Y-You're awake! I was so scared! Satan said you needed to sleep, but your clothes were all red a-and you wouldn't wake up, a-a-and-"

You didn't say anything in response. There wasn't much you could say. Instead, you just held your sister as close as you could and buried your face in her hair. 

Each of her sobs felt like a knife straight through your heart knowing that you were the cause of them this time and not -

You shook you head, wincing as you did, to brush off the ghosts of your past.

"I'm here," you murmured quietly. Harper only held you tighter. "I'm not going anywhere. I promised, remember?" You smiled lightly as you felt a faint nod against your chest. You lightly kissed the top of her head. "You remember what I told you the day that social worker tried to take you when Mom and Dad left?"

Harper sniffled as she finally pulled away and wiped at her tear-filled eyes. "Y-You said that even if were split apart a-a-and you weren't around that you would be f-fighting to get back to me. That we- we would always find our way back to each other."

"Exactly," you whispered. "I'm sorry I scared you, cupcake. But I'm okay. Just a little hurt. And even if I were taken away, or needed to go some where for a bit, I will always, always, come back to you. Okay?"

Harper nodded as she launched herself against your chest once more. You did everything you could to hold back a yelp from the flare of pain that shot through you. 

You took a moment to glance around the room and finally noticed that you were alone. "Where's Mammon and Satan?"

Tiny fists curled tightly against your uniform in response. "No more demons allowed in our room. They hurt you."

You smiled as you ran a hand through Harper's hair, wondering what kind of hell she must have given them to actually get them to leave. "That sounds like a good plan to me," as you lifted your hand to caress her head once more, a brilliant orange mark now branded into your wrist caught your eye. 

A stone sunk into your stomach as you sighed. 

Three down. Four to go. 

This better be fucking worth it.

*** This ended up MUCH longer than I anticipated but MAN did it feel good to finally get this out! Thank you all so much for the love and support and just being here. You're all amazing and I can't wait to hear your guys' thoughts on this one! ***

TAGLIST:

@thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21 @theother4 @todoroses @circus-of-freaks @greenlit-mess @k1ngan0n @chirikoheina @tanspostsblog @kadythethief @fun-ghoul-neela @l0v3r666 @siniy606 @porgs-are-space-puffins @nebulosalumine @attackonhoseok @darkfaethedestroyer @amaya-writes @nexxy-is-lonely @sutsuxan @hobin-gnoblin @idiotic-canadian @cubandevil04 @dweeb-central @keqingsfavbestie @marvelous-maniac @stupidwingboy @bestblob @gallantys

Take A Deep Breath

***After 24 hours of pure stress, I have finally found a calm, and thought, "hey? Why not channel this experience and emotions through headcanons?" So alas, have a very small fic of Lucifer helping out an overwhelmed MC ***

CW: Immediate anxiety attack/ overwhelmed description

It was all too much.

Everything seemed to pile up, one task after the other, in monstrous amounts that screamed at you and your failures. You felt like a failure, and you hadn't even started working on anything yet! You didn't know what to do. You didn't even know where to begin.

You couldn't help but grip tightly at your hair as sobs of frustration burst from your lips and tears burned behind your tired eyes.

In your panic, you hadn't even noticed your bedroom door open

Lucifer pauses as he sees you so distressed — he silently narrows his eyebrows and scans your room, searching for the cause. It's not long before he spots your laptop, haphazardly tossed away from you and the loose pages scattered around you.

He can't help but feel understanding and sympathetic toward the situation. He was no stranger to being swamped by work, and thankfully for you, this meant he knew exactly how to handle it.

He makes his way over to your bed and sits at the end of it, giving you plenty of space to be comfortable and only come to him if you wish. "What seems to be the matter?" he says softly with only the gentlest of tones.

And he listens. He sits there, and he lets you cry, and shout, and scream, as you finally get out all the frustration, hopelessness, despair, and utter stress that had been overflowing within you like a thick poison blocking out your veins. He listens, and he takes note of every word you speak and your dilemma.

Once your finished, and there are no more tears to spill and your voice is horse from the strain, and only then, does he take your laptop and very carefully set it back in front of you. "Alright," he whispers. "Let's think about this logically. What are the most important things you have to do?"

He's by your side every second, as the two of you carefully make a list of the tasks you have to complete, and then separate your "pebbles from your boulders" and break your larger tasks into more manageable chunks.

Within a couple hours, the two of you have made a new schedule to help you healthily and efficiently get your work done. He'll kiss your cheek and say, "It may seem like a lot, but take a step back and take a deep breath and look at it from a different angle. Remember you don't have to do anything alone, and that if you need me, I will always be there to help you."

***This is 100% inspired by Mother who has a business major and was my super hero last night. I might do these with the rest of the brothers. I think I like these quick little fics because they let me feel like I accomplished something and aren't as harrowing or demanding as the full length ones I usually do. What do you guys think? Would you like to see more of these? Perhaps ones with the other brothers?***

TAGLIST: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21