ObeyMe Secret Santa 2021

"Repeat yourself, please."

Levi knew this was a bad idea from the start. A horrible idea. One of the worst ideas he's had in his entire life. He had no idea what in all of the three realms possessed him to follow through, but here he was. Was it too late to sink even deeper into the Devildom? Probably. But oh how he wished the ground beneath his feet would just open up and swallow him whole right now.

"I uh, was wondering if, you know-" Why wouldn't the words just leave his mouth already? "If you maybe, by chance, if you weren't busy, but I mean it's okay if you are because really in the long run it's not all that important and I'm sure you have better things to do and stuff-"

"Leviathan."

He couldn't meet Barbatos' eyes. His voice sounded so stern. He was going to say no wasn't he? Leviathan couldn't blame him. Who would ever think about saying yes? He felt stupid. So incredibly stupid. Maybe he could just hole up in his room and stay there for the next millennia or so.

At least Barbatos wouldn't laugh at him. That was the one solace he had. The only one he had the more he thought about it.

"Would you wanna go to a convention with me?"

"A… convention?"

"Like I said you don't have to go, you probably have cooler-"

"What kind of convention?"

Levi couldn't believe his own ears. Has Barbatos really asked him about the convention? No. No way he did. He must have misheard him. There was no way someone so cool would be willing to hang out with him at something so nerdy.

"It's just an anime convention. They have some panels and merchandise and stuff. I don't know if you'd be interested in this kind of thing."

The silence that followed was not comforting in the slightest to Levi. He would have rathered Barbatos rejected him outright. He could feel the ice of quiet penetrating deep into his bones, stretching down into his very core. What did Barbatos even have to think over? Obviously he was going to say no. There was no point in getting his hopes up. Why would anyone say yes? Especially when he was asking them to go to a convention with a disgusting, embarrassing, otaku like himself.

"Alright. I'll ask my young master if I can go."

What?

Levi must not have done a fantastic job at hiding his shocked expression. A gloved hand came up to his lips in an attempt to hide his smile. "I wouldn't mind. Lord Diavolo talks about the interesting things you introduce him to all of the time," he chuckled, "So I believe it is my duty as his butler to spend some time with you as well and learn firsthand about your interests."

Levi felt his face heat up. Was Barbatos messing with him? He had to be. Right?

"When would you like me to meet you?"

"Uh… Maybe nine? I can wait for you outside and we can go together."

"Very well. Nine sharp in front of Lamentation is when and where I'll meet you. I can't wait to attend your convention with you."

For some odd reason, the anxiety is Levi's stomach started to fester even more.

***

"Leviathan's conventions, what are they like?" Barbatos asked, setting his tea down. He would have asked Leviathan himself, but the third born looked rather shaken the last time they spoke. Barbatos couldn't help but notice how nervous he'd looked when asking him to accompany him. The least he could do was make sure Levi had a good time. The only question was how? And who better to ask than the fourth born?

Satan was into similar things from Barbatos' viewpoint. His library seemed to rival Leviathan' own collection and he couldn't help but notice the tiny overlap of authors in which they had a shared interest. Surely Satan would have an idea of how he was to act at such an event. Right?

Satan put down his own teacup while letting out a thoughtful little hum. Barbatos couldn't help but notice every little movement. He was good at noticing the little things. Perhaps it came with his job: if he were to miss the little things, someone would end up dead.

Satan tapped his fingers in a steady rhythm. It came to the point where Barbatos could count the beats per measure. His arm was steady but not stiff, but he also wasn't relaxed. Not really. When was the last time he saw Satan relax? He couldn't recall. But perhaps it was fitting, he came into the world in a blind, fiery rage. Why should he dull and stop burning throughout the rest of his life?

"Well, a lot of people dress up," Satan started, "He took me one year. There were tons of impressive costumes, artists. He took me to a few panels too. It's also where he bought me a keychain."

"Was it the one with the four small kittens perchance?"

"Precisely."

"It's quite cute."

"I'm happy you think so."

Leviathan hadn't mentioned anything about costumes. Why hadn't he said anything? Perhaps he forgot? He had seemed incredibly nervous. Maybe Barbatos had done something to intimidate him. Or maybe it was just a part of Leviathan.

Well, all this meant was that Barbatos' was now making it his personal duty to make this particular convention extra enjoyable for Leviathan. Perhaps he could even pick up a souvenir for his young lord. He was sure Diavolo would enjoy him bringing something back for him. It would also be worth it to see that bright smile on his face.

"Satan, could you explain these costumes to me a little more?"

***

Five minutes.

Barbatos had five minutes.

Had his room always been so cold?

So empty?

Lonely?

It didn't matter that Leviathan knew that the butler was always punctual. It didn't matter that he knew Barbatos would show up exactly on time. No. None of that mattered. Because Barbatos had abandoned him.

His room was cold.

No, not abandoned. Levi had been stupid enough to believe he'd actually come. Why would anyone as cool and collected as Barbatos ever want to hang out with him?

No.

There were always so many people, with so many groups of friends. Levi would be lying if he said he wasn't envious of them. He wanted what they had, the laughter, the shared jokes, the contact, it all seemed like so much fun.

He was cold.

But Levi would never have that.

So very cold.

And now he would be all by himself, once again, at another convention. He'd be a lonely stupid otaku, in his stupid cosplay that wasn't nearly as good as anyone else's, and they'd all be pointing and laughing at him for being a weirdo for years to come.

Cold.

...

One minute.

Why did he even bother going? He should just stay holed up in his room and not come out for another hundred years. He was a humiliation, an embarrassment. Someone that no one, especially not Barbatos, would ever want to be seen with in a hundred million ye-

There was a knock at his door.

Levi hesitated. Should he open it? Who could it possibly be?

"Leviathan?"

Barbatos?

"Are you in there, Leviathan?"

Slowly, Leviathan found himself opening the door, still unsure about what exactly was happening. Was Barbatos coming to tell him in person that he didn't want to go? He was almost certain this was the case until he saw how Barbatos was dressed.

"That's Henry's armor! From the special edition of Volume 3 of TSL! With the special deleted scenes that only sold in limited copies!"

How did he do this?

Well, maybe it shouldn't be such a shock, he was the demon prince's butler after all. Impossible seemed like a foreign concept to Barbatos. But still-!

This…. This was beyond amazing to Levi.

It was absolutely breathtaking.

Awe inspiring.

Some… other third word to mean awestruck.

Barbatos chuckled. He looked a bit flustered, choosing to look down and inspect his arm in that moment. "Yes, well, I heard dressing up is rather fun at events like this. I also heard that you would most likely be going as The Lord of Shadows, so I wanted to surprise you and match you."

Leviathan was sure his mouth was hanging open before the grin morphed onto his face. He could hardly contain his excitement. Barbatos was going with him, him! And he even took the time to put an outfit together. There wasn't even a single flaw! Barbatos had nailed it! He'd never seen a more perfect Henry! Was he bouncing? Barbatos' eyes were following him like he was bouncing. Should he stop? Barbatos was smiling, so perhaps it didn't matter. His smile was warm. Not quite like the summer, but more like the spring. Warmth with a gentle breeze. That seemed right.

He just couldn't contain himself! Containment was impossible in a moment like this!

"I like your costume as well. It looks wonderful."

Oh Leviathan swore he was going to combust.

"Well technically it's cosplay but I can forgive you for the slip up. It took a while to make I wanted to get the stitching just right because it's one ofmyalltimefavoritecostumesfromtheTSLseriesI'mreallyhappyyoulikeittooand-!"

"Breathe Leviathan, you're turning blue," Barbatos chuckled, putting a hand on his shoulder. Leviathan felt warmth shoot from the point of contact all throughout his body. It wasn’t that Barbatos was warm per say, it was more like Levi was-

Excited?

Grateful?

In disbelief?

He couldn’t place the word he was looking for. All he knew was that it was a good feeling. An incredibly good feeling.

His room didn't feel as cold as it had moments before.

He took a deep breath and smiled at Barbatos, “I’m just, really happy you wanted to come along.”

It was warmer now.

When Barbatos returned his smile it amplified the unknown feeling within Leviathan ten-fold, “But of course. It seemed like a marvelous opportunity, and the more research I did, the more fun it sounded!”

Fun? Barbatos thought his conventions sounded fun?

If this was a dream Leviathan never wanted to wake up.

If this was a curse, the spell could remain forever unbroken.

Whatever this reality was, he wanted to stay.

"Shall we get going then? I would hate to have you be late for all of the festivities."

"Yeah, we shall."

"I feel like I should also mention that I packed snacks and water."

Barbatos made snacks? For him? Well, more accurately they were for the both of them. But he made snacks? For him?

"You're really prepared huh?"

"Well but of course, I wanted to make sure I did my research well!" Barbatos hummed, "And that you had a marvelous time."

Levi hoped that Barbatos would have a marvelous time as well. Then maybe they could go together again in the future, and Levi could find other places they could go to. They could coordinate their costumes, map out cool places to take pictures, and make inside jokes that only they would know.

Finally.

Finally Levi would have something he'd always wanted: a friend to go to conventions with.

Someone to laugh with.

Someone to stay by his side when they walked in the halls.

Someone to make memories with.

It was all too exhilarating!

Leviathan would never have to spend another convention alone, wouldn't have to be envious of all of the groups of people laughing and talking together, wouldn't have to feel so insecure about his own isolation.

As they walked together, side by side, Leviathan had a slight bounce in his step.

He couldn't help but notice how close they were, how Barbatos didn't even attempt to shy away from his step. He kept the same close distance with each stride, matching Levi perfectly.

Barbatos really was something else wasn't he?

Something special that was for sure.

Holly sempre foi uma pessoa esforçada, sempre colocando muito esforço em qualquer coisa que faz - não importa se for algo de grande relevância ou não -, dando o seu melhor para tudo ser perfeito. Isso seria perfeito, se a garota não se esquecesse de sua própria saúde física e mental nesses momentos.

Esse fato deixou os seus amigos mais próximos apreensivos desde que a jovem iniciou seu estágio, pois já era difícil Holly cuidar de si mesma apenas fazendo o curso da faculdade. Ela sempre estudava por excessivas horas antes de perceber que precisava fazer ao menos uma refeição ao dia, o que cabia a Beel lembrá-la disso, levando lanches sempre que sabia que iria encontrar-se com ela. Agora, com esse estágio, Holly mal aceitava momentos de descanso onde lia com Satan ou apenas contemplava sua mera existência enquanto se deitava com Mammon. A garota passou a cobrar mais e mais de si. Tudo tinha que ser impecável. Suas notas e estudos não poderiam ser afetados pelo seu trabalho agora.

Com o decorrer dos meses, a jovem já não aparentava estar no seu melhor estado, passando a parecer fisicamente abatida, com olheiras profundas e um corpo ligeiramente emagrecido. Além disso, ela não aceitava mais passar um tempo com o trio de irmãos com a mesma frequência de antes, mantendo, no máximo, uma conversa em uma ligação enquanto Holly trabalhava. Ainda assim, tudo isso era o que ela deixava transparecer, pois estava uma bagunça. Ela estava corroendo-se em meio a tanto esforço, mas ainda sentindo que não deveria preocupar ninguém.

O estopim dessa falta de autocuidado se deu quando a garota encontrou-se doente, mal conseguindo se manter em pé por tamanha exaustão. Seu corpo já não aguentava mais horas incessantes de estudos e trabalho sem uma alimentação ou descansos decentes por tantos meses. Então, sem conseguir fazer a coisa mais simples naquele momento, Holly acabou encontrando-se em uma encruzilhada. Ela precisava de ajuda naquele momento. Ela queria ajuda. Ela tinha que ter alguém ao seu lado.

Não tendo mais o que fazer e quase desesperada, a garota mandou mensagens aos amigos, dizendo apenas que estava doente e que precisava de ajuda. Ambos os três irmãos responderam-na em poucos minutos, afirmando que chegariam em seu dormitório rapidamente.

Mammon foi o primeiro a chegar ao socorro de sua amiga e, como esperado, mostrou-se ofegante e quase histericamente nervoso assim que a viu deitada na cama com uma aparência que o chocou. Ele nunca havia a visto doente. Holly não ficava doente.

“Você tem sorte de eu estar livre no momento em que chamou, Holly!” Ele demorou algumas dezenas de segundos para recuperar a compostura, avisando que seus irmãos demorarão algum tempo até chegarem. Nesse período esperando os dois irmãos, o rapaz de cabelos prateados tentava deixar a amiga o mais confortável possível, evitando ao máximo deixá-la mais tonta do que já estava. “Eu te avisei para não se esforçar tanto… Você sabia que poderia acabar assim…”

Levou pouco mais de uma hora para Satan e Beelzebub chegarem ao dormitório da garota, Beel trazendo consigo uma pequena quentinha de frango grelhado com cogumelos. “Você não deve ter comido nada o dia inteiro…” Disse o ruivo. Era verdade, Holly costumava perder totalmente o apetite quando doente e dessa vez não foi diferente. “Então, te trouxe uma comida leve.”

O trio de irmãos passou os próximos 40 minutos debatendo sobre quem deveria cuidar da amiga doente, pois todos queriam ajudá-la a melhorar, mas tinham ocupações durante boa parte do dia durante esse tempo indeterminado que Holly permanecerá com a saúde física e mental num estado não tão adequado. A garota, por sua vez, permanecera extremamente silenciosa, recostada no maravilhoso monte de travesseiros que apenas Mammon sabe fazer - ele diz que um de seus irmãos mais novos sempre o pede para fazer esse encosto, deixando-o tão macio a ponto de parecer uma nuvem. Enfim, nesse tempo de debate, concluiu-se que os irmãos iriam revezar seus cuidados à garota.

Holly sempre guardou coisas demais para si mesma e, naquele momento, tudo parecia demais para ela segurar por mais tempo. Tudo parecia denso demais para a pequena aguentar. Portanto, era justamente por isso que Mammon está ali por ela.

Mesmo com uma reputação duvidosa, esse precioso rapaz mostrou-se extremamente cuidadoso em relação às pessoas que ele ama e isso não é diferente com Holly. O homem de cabelos esbranquiçados era um ótimo ouvinte e até conselheiro, seu irmão mais velho comentou à jovem uma vez, e era o confidente da menina desde que ela se lembrava.

Enquanto Mammon cuidava de Holly, seu maior foco era a mente da amiga. A saúde física é capaz de melhorar em instantes, se compararmos com a mental, e Beel já estava cuidando da primeira. Além disso, Mammon sabia que garota se via mentalmente exausta e, embora não pudesse fazê-la magicamente extrair esse terrível miasma da jovem, podia estimulá-la, incentivando-a lentamente a pôr para fora todo esse mal estar em sua mente.

Esse processo se iniciou de uma forma bastante raquítica, cheia de hesitações e gaguejos vindos tantos de Holly quanto de Mammon - além da garota ter dificuldade em se expressar adequadamente, era duas vezes mais difícil para seu amigo se mostrar abertamente preocupado com ela. Com o tempo, a jovem passou a pouco a pouco pôr seus pensamentos, sentimentos e medos em palavras.

“Viu só? Você me parece mais leve.” Disse ele alegremente.

Isso realmente ajudou a jovem. Além dela se sentir realmente mais tranquila, pôde entender-se melhor, organizando seus pensamentos mais profundos. Holly não precisou proferir nenhuma palavra, apenas sorriu em agradecimento, o que fez seu amigo ficar sem jeito, mostrando sua atitude defensiva, comum em situações como essa.

“N-Não me olhe assim…” O rapaz de cabelos prateados cobriu a boca, desviando o olhar. “Eu só estou te ajudando por não querer me ocupar com você estando doente por mais tempo, você sabe.”

O loiro consegue ser um meio termo em relação aos cuidados dos outros dois irmãos, apenas um pouco mais rígido, embora minimamente. Além disso, ele ajuda Holly a organizar a sua vida em relação aos assuntos que não pôde ver em seu curso e lazer na situação onde se encontra, fazendo-a se abrir decentemente ao último. "Para não enlouquecer”, é o que ele diz.

Satan é um rapaz curioso, sempre aprendendo de tudo um pouco, não sendo diferente sobre alguns assuntos do curso de Holly. Assim, sempre estudando e revisando o conteúdo dado com sua amiga, explicando alguns tópicos a ela, se necessário, enquanto ambos desfrutavam das suculentas fatias da melancia traga por Beel há algumas horas atrás.

As sessões de estudo nunca foram tão rígidas e densas como Holly fazia, sempre havendo intervalos onde a dupla conversava sobre livros ou séries que viram. Eles também mantiveram aqueles momentos onde liam livros juntos - ambos em seu próprio mundo, mas ainda desfrutando da presença um do outro -, e viam séries e documentários sobre casos criminais - criando teorias mirabolantes sobre o assassino e suas motivações.

A mudança de humor de Holly era quase palpável, o que era gratificante, ela parecia mais tranquila e relaxada em relação aos seus estudos. Claro, Satan estava extremamente satisfeito com os resultados.

“Viu só? Não dói ter um pouco de tempo para si mesma, pequena.”

É de conhecimento comum que esse rapaz, embora possa comer como se não houvesse amanhã, sabe cuidar de seu físico, sempre mantendo uma dieta balanceada e rotinas de treino. E ver Holly tão doente, num estado tão raquítico onde a garota não consegue se manter em pé, faz o coração do ruivo se quebrar. Ela merecia estar bem, sadia como sempre parecia estar.

Sempre que Beel ia cuidar de sua amiga, ele levava frutas e refeições leves bem frescas para a garota. Mesmo que ela não conseguisse comer uma refeição, ela deveria comer ao menos uma banana para não ficar de estômago vazio. Também ajudou-a a abrir seu apetite, não importando quanto tempo demorasse, estabelecendo horários - junto de alarmes - para que a garota não se esquecesse de comer nos momentos em que o rapaz alto não estivesse com ela.

Beel ficou bastante feliz em ver a melhora gradual de sua amiga, incentivando-a a manter os hábitos criados e fazendo breves caminhadas por uma das praças da faculdade assim que o corpo de Holly aguentasse andar por um período de tempo adequado.

“Isolde,” he nodded towards the front, and you glanced up in time to see the homework assignment being wiped off the board. Your heart raced momentarily in concern when you heard Simeon quietly chuckling next to you, slipping his notebook closer, giving you a chance to try to jot down the assignment after deciphering his handwriting.

The bell rang and the demons slipped past you, hurrying along their way to their next classes. “Thank you.” You push Simeon’s notebook back to him.

“My pleasure, but what were you thinking about?” He carefully reached out and pushed your hair out of your face, “if you were thinking any harder I fear the class would’ve heard it.”

“Just a little project I’m working on.” You glanced away.

“Anything I can help with?”

“Only if you know a way to get some privacy away from everyone.” The reason you hadn’t been able to practice the night before was because suddenly Lucifer was yelling at Mammon right outside your bedroom, you weren’t sure how long he had been there, but it had made you anxious to strike another note the rest of the night.

“Well, depends, are you working on an art project?”

“Music.” You admitted quietly.

“Then I know the perfect place.” Simeon beamed excitedly, and you had to quickly hush him as a few demons glanced at you two.

“Where?” You kept your voice quiet, just in case.

“I ask that you let me listen once you’re done.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“I look forward to it, if you choose to share. There’s a music room on the other end of RAD that no one is around once classes are over for the day. I think they placed it over there so if the band has practice it isn’t disturbing the offices.”

“That sounds perfect, I’ll check it out. Thank you.”

Simeon smiled tenderly, “of course, Isolde.”

After your last class you rushed home and hurriedly grabbed your guitar and snuck out of the House of Lamentation before anyone could see you.

You hurried back to RAD, and slipped into a study hall, and listened as the last of the students went past. After a little while you made your way to the music room, checking the hallways as you went. The last thing you wanted was to be caught, embarrassing enough they had almost heard you the other day in your room. Maybe when you felt braver you could ask Lucifer about soundproofing your room.

Finding and hearing no one you slipped into the music room and placed your guitar case on one of the front chairs. You took it out and tested it, making sure it was still tuned. You glanced at your music sheet, in theory you’d have a few hours before the brothers realized you weren’t home.

You started playing, your voice barely above a whisper, your mind insisting that there was still someone around, someone who could overhear you. Asking yourself to calm down you placed your guitar aside and slipped out of the music room. Ready to prove your anxiety wrong.

You were looking down the one hallway, checking for people. “What are you doing out here?” You jumped but relaxed realizing you recognize the voice.

“What are you doing out here?” You returned the question, looking Mammon over you don’t see any stolen items or any extra paperwork Lucifer could’ve stuck him with.

“No reason.” He crossed his arms, “the Great Mammon can go wherever he likes!”

You gently teased, “really?”

“Of course! No one can say otherwise.” He looked so proud of himself.

“Not even Lucifer?”

Mammon quickly turned, looking over his shoulder, and relaxed, not seeing his older brother there. He smiled at you, “of course not! But what are you doing here this late? You know you could be in big trouble if any other demon found you. You should be grateful.”

“Of course,” you said, “as long as I have you I’m safe, right?”

“R-right.” He nodded eagerly.

“But Mammon…” you tried to find the best way to give yourself an excuse to go get your guitar. Giving up on the practice session you had in mind.

“H-hey.” Mammon continued, “I didn’t mean to scare you last night, but - uh… whatever you were listening to sounded pretty nice.”

You watched the blush darken his cheeks.

“Not that I'm complimenting you! Just whatever you were listening to. But I could give you some better music recommendations if you like. You know my taste in everything is amazing.”

You glanced down at your hands, “I wasn’t listening to anything.”

“Huh? Then where was that music coming from?”

You weighed your options, trying to decide if you were going to do this. You took a deep breath and tugged on Mammon’s sleeve. “Come with me.”

“What? Why?” He fought you for a moment.

“Please.” You managed to whisper, afraid to meet his eyes or risk losing your courage. You pulled him into the empty music room where your guitar was exactly where you left it.

“Isolde,” Mammon spoke softly, carefully taking your hand off his sleeve. “You don’t have to-” he was struggling to find his own words, looking over at your instrument.

“I would like to.” You admitted, and went to your guitar, and when you turned to face him he was sitting nearby, watching you curiously.

The first chord you hit was wrong, and for a moment you considered dropping the guitar and running out, but with a smile from Mammon you began again. The words flowed from you, and your music filled the room, and surrounded the both of you. You grew louder and your voice became fuller as you felt yourself relax into your sound.

The notes died out, and the room felt too still, and you glanced at Mammon, half expecting him to start teasing you relentlessly.

“That was amazing!” He burst out of his seat, and you barely had time to put down your guitar before his arms were around you. He picked you up and swung you around. “That was fantastic!” He was positively glowing when he set you down. “Next time we can talk to Asmo about your outfit and maybe get Beel to help build a set and then we can shoot your music video for ‘deviltube’ and we’ll make a fortune!”

“Mammon!” You squeaked, feeling the panic over being watched, even if electronically, press down on you. “No!”

“No?” He froze, turned to you, looking confused, “why not?”

“I didn’t.. I..” You turned to your guitar and started packing it up, struggling to express yourself. You kept your back to him and whispered, “I just wanted to share this with you.”

There was a heartbeat of silence before you heard Mammon come up behind you. “You wanted to share this… with me?”

You nod.

“Isolde,” you hear your name whispered, and then a soft press to the top of your head from behind, “thank you.” You turn to Mammon and he’s blushing again, refusing to look at you, his hand covering his mouth. “I… I liked your music, you can share more with me, if you want.” His eyes darted to you and quickly away. “Not that you have to, but I call first dibs on any music you might want to share with others!” He crossed his arms.

“I do have another song I could play you if that’s alright. But it’s a work in progress.”

“Sure, I guess.” But he was grinning as he sat back down, waiting for you to take out your guitar again.