#flomo

The chances of Florian’s religious family accepting their love were slim. A same sex lover who was, of all things, a demon and a tempter? They’d never understand. And so, though Florian loved them, he turned his back to them.

Now Florian stood before Diavolo, his gaze steadfast and ready as he waited to lose his human life. Hellfire swirled around him at the demon prince’s command, painting runes on the floor in its cindered wake before converging on Florian in a spiraling inferno.

And he burned.

His skin and clothes blazed from the sinister flames of the Devildom’s royal family as he screamed out – but not in agony. It was as if everything his old life had been, his human time, his human emotions, his humanity was leaving him in that eerie scream as that hellfire burned all that he was and left him born anew from the ashes. He fell to his knees. The flaming apparition of a lovebird emerged from his chest soaring into the air for but a brief moment before it shattered in the air. The sparks scattered across the ground and spelt a single word in Devildom script with its glowing embers.

Guilt.

Suddenly, the flames doused themselves, and Florian was left sitting slumped on his knees alone in the center of the room, his appearance completely changed into his demon form. His horns were long and slim. They emerged from the sides of his head and grew backwards and down, crossing at the top of his neck and curling around towards the front. The tips pressing near the front of his neck -- as if much more new growth might pierce his skin. His once-brown eyes now glowed permanently pink.

He now wore a cape-like cloak with a hood covering his head, his brown hair tumbling down his shoulder in a braid. The cloak, which flowed in a black and green ombre, parted at the front and the back, two triangular sheets of fabric hanging from his arms with the edges lined with a feather trim. His shirt, as seen through the front opening on the cloak, was slim and form fitting, the v-shaped neckline dipping low enough so that one could see a section of his demon marking: a vibrantly red, bleeding heart drawn on his chest. The back of his shirt split into a V shape – high enough to allow his new, feathery swallow tail to emerge from his lower back. Coal black marks remained stains on his face, as if eternal tears seeped from his eyes and flowed down to his jawline.

Asmo hesitantly approached his lover. “Emmy?” he called, though he wasn’t sure what else to say. Was Florian alright? It seemed an almost insensitive thing to ask, given his state.

Florian’s head turned limply to the side as he glanced over to the Avatar of Lust. His face scrunched up and tears fell as he began to weep, and Asmo dashed to him, sitting in front of him before placing a comforting hand on each arm.

“I don’t deserve this.”

“Don’t worry, Emmy, it’s gonna be all right. Being a demon isn’t so bad! It–”

“No,” Florian cut in, grabbing Asmo’s shoulders, “no, I don’t deserve you, Asmo. I-I don’t–” a sob wracked his voice “I don’t deserve to be happy.” He hung his head and cried into Asmo’s chest, who could only watch on and offer what little comfort he could. For now, he felt he should stay quiet; it was best for him to allow Florian to let any emotions festering within him out. But he worried. Deep concern and fear filled him as he watched the horns coiling around Florian’s head extend until they pressed right against his throat – as if any more growth would cause them to pierce through his skin.

For now, Asmo took Florian back to their room, where his situation failed to improve. Soon his sobbing ceased, but his tears still fell. And when those too ran out, he still spent most of his time staring off with a pained and somber look in his eyes. He would eat when brought meals and sleep when Asmo led him to bed, but he still failed to say much new about the thoughts that haunted him.

It finally became too much for Asmo to handle. He missed the sweet moments he’d shared with Florian before. He missed their little gestures, their acts of skinship, and most of all he missed the man Florian was before he lost himself to his sin. Asmo entered their room, where Florian sat in his usual place on the bed with his legs folded beneath him. The sight made him think of his previous conversation with Diavolo.

“Lord Diavolo, there’s something wrong with Emmy!” Asmo had said that same night Florian took on his demonic form. “He’s not… he’s not himself.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Asmodeus, this is just how these things normally happen,” Diavolo had replied. “When a powerful being like yourself or your brothers awakens as a demon, they’ll notice no change from who they were before. However, when a human falls, the one doubt or flaw that always haunted them will emerge as their sin and warp their thoughts. And from there it’s a battle within themself to take control of that sin as their own power.”

It was obvious what Florian’s sin was; it had been spelled out in hellfire embers for them the day of Florian’s transformation – Guilt. But then came the real question: what did Florian feel guilty about? He was so nice and so sweet, a gentle soul that could soothe others with his presence. He always put his friends first and hated seeing others in conflict to the point that he strove to help them solve their problems. All these things and his overflowing kindness were what made Asmo fall so madly in love with him. So what in the three worlds could he feel such guilt over?

He approached the bed, climbing on top of it to sit with his legs to the side in front of Florian. “Emmy… I need you to talk to me.”

“It’s not fair,” Florian began. Sadness dripped from his voice like tears. “I shouldn’t be allowed to be so happy when so many others are suffering. I don’t deserve to be.

“I know I try to help others but it… it’s never enough! I’ve been dealt a good hand in life while others may never get dealt in at all. So why should I be allowed to feel happy and so loved by you? I should be doing more but – but I don’t. Do I really deserve so much when I’m too selfish to give it all away?

“And here I am, pitying myself. I’ve had a good life, Asmo. My parents loved me, I’ve had friends by my side and… and I have you. I’m disgusting, the way I can’t even be happy when I’ve been given so much. I just…” – Sobs began to choke his voice – “I always feel so, so guilty!”

It was heartbreaking to see Florian in so much pain. Asmo reached out and cradled Florian’s face with both hands and pulled their foreheads together. He couldn’t keep the tears in as he spoke.

“Emmy, we’re demons! It’s okay to be selfish! We were never meant to be righteous or good, so it’s okay to be happy with what you’ve got. It’s okay to love. Because I just want your love.”

“How can I dare want more than I already do? How dare I try to be happier?” As Florian’s bitter weeping rang out, his horns once again grew. The ebony tips pressed threateningly into his skin, indenting it. If the horns grew once more, it was sure to be disastrous.

Perhaps lethal.

“Just let me love you, Emmanuel!” Asmo cried out as he, too, began to sob. “I don’t care if you can’t love me! I don’t care if you don’t think you deserve to love me. But… but don’t try and take the two most important things to me away, dammit! I’m being selfish, I know, but I’m a demon so it’s what I do. We get our hands on whatever we want, no matter how we have to do it. And now I just… I only want to love you, okay? So don’t deny me the right to love you. Please.”

The two sat in silence, save for the sound of Asmo weeping. His head hung low into Florian’s chest, and he dared not look up for fear that he’d only be met with that same sad, distant gaze.

Finally, Florian broke the silence. “I…” he hesitated as he spoke, as if one wrong word could spell irreparable harm. “I want to. I want to love you, Asmo. But is it really okay?”

“Yes. There could never be anything wrong with that gentle, pure love you’ve shown me.”

“Asmo, I’m sorry.” Warm arms wrapped around Asmo. Something in Florian’s voice was different – he was apologizing, but it was sincere, nothing like his self deprecating words from before. “I’ve hurt you more now than I can bear to think about, but can I make a selfish request?”

Wiping the tears from his eyes, Asmo smiled and looked up at Florian. His horns had already started to slowly retract, no longer a threat. The demon markings of dark tears began to fizzle and fade from Florian’s face while his clothes melded back to their original form. The dripping markings from the bleeding heart on his chest retreated back to form a complete heart, which lightened and faded into his chest until all that was left of it was a pink symbol of lust.

“Yes. Of course.”

“I want your love, Asmo. All of it until the day fate takes us from each other.”

Their lips met in a sweet kiss that they held as the two basked in the warmth of the other’s touch – a silent ‘yes’ to Florian’s request. And as they pulled away, Asmo held in his tears of happiness.

Placing his mug on the table, Florian nodded. “My mother wants me to celebrate Christmas with my family as we always do. I’d love to bring you to meet them but...” He reached across the table and intertwined his hand with Asmo’s. A soft, sad smile graced his face as he rocked their hands back and forth on the tabletop. “I suppose it’s a little too soon. They might not understand.” Asmo reached out his free hand and caressed his boyfriend’s cheek, holding Florian’s face as he leaned into the gesture.

“You’ll only be gone a few days, right?”

“Yes. For Christmas and Christmas eve, and possibly a few days after. I’ll be able to get some of my winter clothes and be back before New Year’s eve for sure.”

A pout fell across Asmo’s lips. “I’ll miss you.” Florian turned to nuzzle his face into Asmo’s hand, placing a kiss on his palm.

“And I’ll miss you just as much.” As their hot chocolate sat unattended and began to cool, they spent a tender moment in silence. Florian relished the warmth of where their hands met and the feeling of his lips being traced under Asmo’s thumb.

“Oh, how about this?” Asmo pulled back his hands and touched a finger to his cheek in thought. “The two of us could celebrate a little early and go out in town! We don’t celebrate Christmas here in the Devildom, but the idea of going on a Christmas date with you makes me feel all giddy inside, you know?” He giggled, squirming a bit in his seat before glancing back up at Florian through his eyelashes. “We don’t have enough time today, but since you’re leaving so soon, how about tomorrow?”

His lips formed a tender smile as he replied, “Of course. I would love that,” and sealed the deal with a quick kiss.

- - -

Soon the afternoon of the next day was upon them, and the two men prepared for their date. They met in the foyer of the House of Lamentation, where Asmo finished donning his fleece lined boots as well as wrapping a pink buffalo check shawl over top of his pale pink sweater.

Pulling on his tan, suede gloves, Asmo asked, “Aren’t you going to be chilly like that?” He tilted his head quizzically as he glanced over Florian’s outfit: a red velour, sleeveless turtleneck lined with white sherpa which he wore over a black, long-sleeved tee and black jeans on bottom. Florian wore his brown hair up in a ponytail today as opposed to his usual braid, which at least looked like it would keep his neck warm.

“I think I’ll be okay,” Florian replied with a soft smile. “Besides, the cold can’t bother me when I’ve got you by my side.” Florian’s words sparked a happy squeal to rise from Asmo, who threw himself to Florian’s side as he clung to his arm and rubbed against it. The two leaned in to quickly rub the tips of their noses together, and, with Asmo still holding onto Florian’s arm, they headed out.

Their date started with a stroll through the park. It was Florian’s first winter in the Devildom and Asmo was eager to show him the sights. They walked arm in arm, gazing across the snow-covered greenery while Asmo narrated about his memories in the park. And as Florian gazed out serenely at the scenery, Asmo couldn’t help but glance up at his smiling face, Asmo’s cheeks turning rosy from more than just the brisk air.

Florian caught Asmo’s gaze peeking up at him. “Have you had enough sightseeing? If you’re bored, we can start heading into town.”

“Oh, no, I was just caught up in your gorgeous smile, Emmy!” Asmo giggled as Florian booped his nose with a cold finger. “But I do think it’s a good time to start window shopping.” And so they followed the walkway as it led towards the city.

Shopping was something Asmo had always adored – he loved looking for clothes and accessories to mix and match for himself. But when he was with Florian, he always seemed to be thinking about his boyfriend. Instead of wondering which top to go with which bottom, he would instead consider matching outfits for the two of them. And Florian was just the same; he’d humor friends in the past and give the best answer he could when asked his opinions on this shirt or that shirt, but he was always doing it for them. Now he found himself giddy with anticipation as he waited for Asmo to present himself to him, twirling in his new outfit with a laugh. It was moments like these where Florian felt himself unable to hide his grin, his mind full of how adorable he found Asmo and how grateful he was to have him at his side.

Time passed quickly as they browsed plenty, though having bought only a few things by the time they left. The two left the main stretch of boutiques and headed further into town.

“I think I’m getting a bit hungry. What about you?” Florian asked.

Asmo nodded. “Me too. I heard that one of the bakeries in town added some grilled sandwiches to their menu, so why don’t we get some of those?”

“Sounds good. We could find a bench and look at the sights as we eat.”

As they entered the bakery, Asmo thought he felt the muscles in Florian’s arm relax suddenly. Confused, he glanced up at Florian, trying to figure if something was bothering him. Florian noticed his stare and simply smiled back, and Asmo was left with only an idea of what could be bothering him before they stepped up to the counter to order.

Their order was ready in no time at all. With sandwiches in hand, the two soon found a bench to sit on and set out their food. The paper bag sat between them as they ate and shared bites of their meal, commenting on the taste and flirting between bites. Though many passersby threw a smile their way upon seeing the happy couple, the two were lost in their own world as they dined.

They finished their sandwiches, and Asmo finally confirmed his suspicions. As he leaned against the taller man, he felt him shivering underneath his touch; the thin long-sleeved shirt Florian wore had been no match for winter’s bite.

“Oh, Emmy, you are freezing!” Asmo threw his arms around Florian in a tight squeeze to share his warmth. Then as he pulled back, he unwrapped the scarf from his own shoulders and placed them around Florian’s.

“Wait right there – I’ll be right back!” Asmo said as he hopped up from the bench and skipped off. Florian remained sitting, confused. But given a moment by himself, the cold finally caught up to him. He rubbed his arms to try and warm himself, and, as he shivered, he noticed his breath turn white. Asmo returned before long with a shopping bag in hand.

“I’d much rather give this to you all wrapped up and pretty, but this will have to do. Ta da!” He reached into the bag, pulling out a pair of red, fuzzy earmuffs with a black band, displaying them proudly for Florian to see. “I wanted to get something that would look nice on you and you could use everyday. Here, let me put them on you! –Oooh, Emmy, you are just so cute!” Asmo took in the sight of Florian smiling shyly as he wore his new present, before once again taking his place next to Florian. He took a second pair out – these ones pink instead of red – and placed them on his own head. Slipping the scarf around Florian’s shoulders around his own head, he popped his head out the top so that the two of them were snuggled securely together.

“I’d say you’re the cuter one, Asmo.” Though it wasn’t evident in his voice, Florian was overjoyed with the sentiment of matching with Asmo. His heart was accelerating due to their lack of distance and his growing delight. He wished he could say something, anything to express how he felt accurately, but with his mind overflowing with thoughts of love, he could only stare breathlessly at his boyfriend. Asmo, however, could see the emotion overflowing in Florian’s eyes. Pulling Florian closer, he squished their cheeks together and pulled out his D.D.D. to snap a cheery photo of them together.

“Is that for your Devilgram?” Florain asked.

“Nope. This one is just for the two of us,” Asmo replied as he rested his head on Florian's shoulder and nuzzled into his side. “Hey… Emmy?”

“Hm?”