#oc abaddon

Barbatos:

This place would likely make anyone mad if they stayed too long, cold touches randomly dragging across the skin, whispering you could never make out but was always nearby, eyes peering out of the darkness only to become that same darkness.

No matter how many times you stayed the night, you could never sleep here. It truly felt haunted, so dead and alive in only the worst of ways. You’d usually be accompanied by at least a couple of those brothers, but nope, not tonight. You felt safer with them around. But perhaps it didn’t matter, even back home, your mind would be reeling, snuffing out any true chance at rest.

At this point you much rather have some physical threat to fight than be stuck in looping thoughts that grated away any peace you could find in your mind more than any monster that went bump in the night could.

Perhaps, a walk would do you some good. Burn off some excess energy, if nothing else you’d have to focus on not getting lost in those hallowed halls instead of… Focus on the padding sound of your footfalls against stone, and nothing else. Think of the cold, and nothing else. Focus on the monsters at your back, and nothing else. Anything but if you were alone… just… these wretched thoughts.

… it’d be nice if there was someone…

but the brothers were away, and Diavolo and Barbatos were hosting you. It didn’t feel right to disturb their day to day further, especially at what whatever ungodly hour it was. If anything Barbatos doubly so given all the running about making sure his master didn’t have a single thing to do on his day off other spend time with you, his one wish.

You couldn’t bother him with something like this after all that.

No phone or candle to light the way, the gardens should be close enough by one wouldn’t need them to find their way. A brisk pace you set, enough to get the heart pumping but nothing more.

Yet it came to a sudden stop, for just a moment, it wasn’t a shadow, the exact opposite flickered in the corner of the eye. Something bright, and it rounded a corner you couldn’t recall before. Just what could that be?

You only ever caught sight of it at the last moment before it flitted away, past some door, the far-off end of a corridor. For how far out of reach it always was, it seemed to be going at a leisure pace from what you could tell. Perhaps that was why you felt no need to rush when stalking it, combined with the rather silly fear of scaring it away or drawing it’s attention.

It was round and pale, like the moon, and so small, like a little fairy. Something of a pale blue was it’s hue. Many a strange thing you’d come across in the land of demons, but nothing quite like this. It didn’t erratically flitter and flutter like a flying insect, nor was it stagnant and straight, something more like a sway, gently rocking up and down on waves. And the faintest sound of bells drawing you ever nearer.

And was that water?

It took a moment after you opened the door, but once he was finished washing his face Barbatos turned to you. A soft smile drew on his face, weren’t you lucky to be graced with such a rarer sight. Even if you couldn’t read it, understanding, pity, his own sleepiness, or something else entirely. The flickering warm light of the candle on the counter beside the sink he stood before made the drops that clung to his face enchanting, sparkling like jewels.

Seemed he was still in his R.A.D. uniform, but most of the outer pieces were missing leaving him in the green button-up with the sleeves rolled up. Not even his gloves were anywhere in sight.

Both your eyes immediately locked onto the pale light as it dipped past you and around the corner. And behind you, there were a few more. The demon lightly chuckled as he approached the door. After stepping out of the way so he could pass you followed after him, arriving at a lone glass door. The moment he pushed it open those little orbs dashed though. And you were at the gardens.

Goosebumps emerged as you ventured out, ‘night’ here always so much colder than the ‘day’.

He probably heard your teeth chattering, offering you his arm to cling too, one you gratefully took. Before following after those lights he did pause for a moment, looking you your arms. For a flicker his gaze met your’s, you couldn’t help smiling which he seemed to take as consent. Carefully he ran a handover your arm that was interlocked with his.

Did he… not know what goosebumps were? Did demons not have that?

And off you were again, your companion’s hand continuing to smooth up and down your arm, alleviating some of that chill.

It was not that far till you found it, flowers. The little orbs drifted out of them, getting carried away by the wind. Curious.

But even more so was Barbatos taking a seat on a near by bench. Didn’t he need to get to sleep… then again, if you vocalized that he’d likely turn that exact question onto you. So, you simply followed his lead.

…

Actually… he seemed much more relaxed than usual. Or, ‘off the clock’ more like. Casual. Perhaps, you could indulge in something you’d never attempt when the man was working.

The moment you rest you head in his lap you regretted it, but you couldn’t just sit up now, THAT’D MAKE EVERYTHING EVEN MORE AWK-

Oh, he placed a hand on your head, giving you little pets…

Well, who knows if you’d ever get a moment like this with the man again, you might as well as indulge in these pats, watching the mysteriously beautiful view.

Deep down, Barbatos knew he was a man of service. Even when his young lord tried getting him to ‘relax’ he truly didn’t know how to do so, typically, at least. He was most at ease knowing those he loved were cared for, and the only way he could know for certain was if it were by his hand. As such…

Whether or not you called for him, he still heard it, what kind of butler would he be if he didn’t? He could see it in your body language, the unease, the agitation in you. There was only so much he could do about the stresses of school, and life, however you should know you’re safe here. The castle knows better than to do you harm, he made sure of it, as tempting as your soul would be for the ancient building to take, to add to it’s collection.

You are safe here, and you just experienced that firsthand, wandering through the halls, knowing there was some mysterious something, yet no harm came to you. No harm will ever come to you here. Even when he left a single window open, letting only what he saw fit in, let you on a little adventure.

He however wasn’t expecting for you to find him. Seemed your wishes could influence his and his master’s domain. He shouldn’t be surprised though, he was after all, a man of service.

Your wishes, his command.

He would have taken you into his arms to place you back in bed, away from the cold, however whenever the thought crossed his mind you stirred. And all you wanted was sleep. And so his hands were tied, all he could do was try his best keeping you warm, stroking your head to keep too much heat from escaping, and rubbing your arm to keep that strange rash at bay.

Admittedly… this action felt rather soothing for him too. Would it be enough to draw him to sleep with you?

a rather amusing thought for him.

Luke:

Maybe a snack would help? Something light to settle the stomach. There were still some of those crackers from dinner, maybe those’d be good.

And so you crawled out of bed, quietly making your way for the kitchen. Admittedly you felt a bit odd, you were after all staying at Purgatory Hall, this was their food, but it was a part of the dinner they had with you earlier, so taking a few extra crackers when they weren’t looking shouldn’t cause any trouble, not like they could do much else with it other than put some cheese on top.

Perhaps you were in a bit too much of a rush for your midnight snack. It always is when you want to be quiet it seemed everything because as loud as possible, your door and the floorboards creaking, stubbing your toes into every table or cabinet that lined the wall causing small thuds, mumbling curses because of said stubbing of toes.

You were not having a good time.

The universal curse followed you even into the kitchen. You had to climb onto the counter to reach the higher cabinets. All was fine, but maybe it was your exhaustion, maybe it was focusing more on keeping your balance as to not fall backwards and crash into the hard floor that you slammed the cabinet door shut. And bonked you head into that same door out of frustration, another loud thud.

You wanted. TO SCREAM!

Heaving a sigh you got down an-

…

And you stood there, staring at the little angel who was peaking around the door, eyes wide in shock.

No matter how you tried stopping or placating him nothing was going to stop Luke from giving you something equating to an earful about how dangerous climbing on the counters were. Best you got was getting him to charades it after you kept pointing to the bedrooms and pressing your pointer finger to your lips. The ordeal would have been adorable actually if you weren’t so paranoid of waking up any more of your hosts.

In the end you ended up having to explain your situation as best you could without speaking or writing. You had no idea if Luke understood, but he seemed to extrapolate… something? From your encounter? Pushing you to the table to take a seat while he promptly got something from the refrigerator. Leaving the milk on the counter he dragged you over to the burners. For Luke was responsible and knew he shouldn’t use burners without supervision, at least that’s what you thought he was trying to say through your continued game of charades.

With the milk warmed in the saucepan it was poured into a pair of mugs. Then with the thing washed and dried Luke took you hand, leading you through the house and…

to his room. Admittedly you thought he was going to take you to your guest room then like, sit on your bed like a guard dog or something to make sure you stayed there and didn’t cause any more trouble.

Instead, he took you to his bed, even tucking you in before scurrying off to the a lone bookshelf against the back wall.

He came back with a surprisingly thick picture book, looked a bit more like a tome. Judging by the cover seemed to be a collection of fairytales or the like.

You recognized how he read, he was emulating the same cadence Simeon used whenever he read to you the rough drafts he was working. Different inflections and voices for characters, trying to speak extra clearly and concisely as the narrator.

Some stories you recognized, some you didn’t, seemed they were from all across the three worlds.

On and on he read, taking a sip of warm milk between stories. You had to admit, this was probably better than munching on crackers. And he continued, even as his yawns grew more frequent, pausing to rub away the dewy tears that formed in the corners of his eyes that blurred the pages.

Gently you pulled the book from his hands. He tried keeping it, however the exhaustion took all his strength, you easily closing it and pushing it away down the bed. You tried reaching over to switch off the bedside lamp but the little kid tried pushing you away. He just looked concerned.

Really, worrying the kid so much. Hopefully he was just having fun playing big brother and didn’t want it to end… You knew him better, but you could try pretending. You gave him a smile before shutting off the light.

Letting him snuggle into you, you ran a hand through his hair.

…

Well, he’d notice if you left too soon, and you worried him enough as it was. Maybe the warm milk and stories would be enough. Maybe the sheer power of Luke’s will was enough. Guess, maybe, you could try shutting your eyes again.

Good, you were asleep.

You really scared him, you know. All those thumps and bumps. But he got it! He understood! You had a nightmare!

But that’s no excuse to run to the kitchen, climb counters, or have midnight snacks! Those weren’t healthy for you!

Then once he stopped reading, you still didn’t look tired, just… kind of sick.

It must have been an awful one to get to you so badly. Nothing scared you, ever.

Maybe you were sick, that’d make sense with how odd you were acting, and if that were the case he’ll just have to take care of you! You have nothing to worry about, you’ll feel better in no time at all! He’d make sure of it.

Simeon:

… he wouldn’t still be up this late. You were the next to get to bed after Luke. You weren’t feeling all that great and you thought the few extra winks would help, but sleep’s sweet embrace had eluded you this entire time. If you’d known that from the start you would have stuck with Simeon and Solomon, maybe got out some demons or something and have a more adult evening.

Alas you didn’t have Simeon’s uncanny ability to rather accurately predict the future via writing, and so you laid here, very, VERY tempted to scream into your pillow. Maybe you’d run out of breath, get lightheaded and knock yourself out, at least you’d get some rest, or even better not suffer through the long, long night of the Devildom.

…

Maybe they were still up. Maybe they got a similar idea as you and were having quiet conversations in the living room, or something, anything.

Yet it seemed that wasn’t so, sneaking into the hallway finding all lights were out. The darkness unnerved you to no end, you were not used to it here, you didn’t know this place as you did the House of Lamentation. How many paces to any doors hadn’t ingrained into your muscles, the feel of the air, the faint smells. You knew them, but they hadn’t become part of you, sunk into your bones, became a part of you to feel you-

Breath caught in your throat, nearly jumping out of your skin as hands clamped down on your shoulders, a quiet roar in your ear for only you to hear. You playfully punched Simeon in the shoulder after whirring around, finding him there, seemingly just as startled as you. Guess he wasn’t expecting to get you so good.

Well, at Halloween he did want to try his hand at being a little demonic, a little scary, seemed the best way for him to do so was to hide himself completely, otherwise the sight of him would be too calming.

If it were anyone else but this man one may have actually been upset. But… one glance and one couldn’t help being placed at ease.

But now you were curious as to what the angel was doing up at this hour, unlike Solomon he wasn’t irresponsible enough with his health to stay up working all night.

Before he could ask anything like what got you up you heard something. He smiled at your curiosity, and lead you to the living room.

T.V. was on, ads running, guess he was waiting for something to start. Taking as seat on the couch he pat the area beside himself, silently inviting you to join him.

An older film, still monochrome. With how behind the Devildom seemed to be technologically wise from the Human World, you were genuinely surprised they had any films like this, assuming they started making movies when humans had already figured out color and they copied the tech from there, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

It was warm huddled so close, and it was rather cute to see how engrossed he got, his full attention on the screen before an ad would start, leaving him on a cliffhanger. You made a small bowl of popcorn, and Simeon got each of you a glass of alcohol, demonus for him and actual human booze for you to your surprise, never seen the stuff before here. During another break you set about cleaning so it wouldn’t be left for later, chatting away about the twist, how tragic it seemed the plot was going to go, speculating if there were any hope of a happy ending for the hapless hero.

As the credits rolled he yawned and stretched right was discussion began, seemed you’d have to share opinions in the morning.

…

He noticed it though, your hesitance. And here you thought he’d be too tired to spot how it took you a few beats too long to get off the couch or switch off the lights. He waited for you at the beginning of the hallway, instead of going straight to his room as you assumed after your goodnights.

No, he waited. He also didn’t ask though. A sympathetic smile, a hand smoothed up and down your back. He lead you to your room, and to your surprise, slipped in and was the first on the bed. Laying on his stomach, arms crossed under the pillow he was resting his head on, asking if you didn’t want to talk about the movie.

That was the only thing you wanted in that moment.

It was such a pleasant surprise to awaken with your sleeping face beside him. It was a view he’d happily see every morning, every time he woke up for the rest of his existence. He however didn’t mean to sleep here; he was just going to stay till you were alright.

He couldn’t quite recall who dozed off first, if it was him that was a little embarrassing, and if it was you, he knew he would have stuck around for a moment, just to make sure you had found rem sleep and wouldn’t be getting up again.

It was a lovely night though. Just you and him.

What had gotten you up though? He’d brush it off, some nights are just like that where sleep is elusive, but with how jumpy you were from his little prank and how you were after the movie.

He wouldn’t push, for now, let you take your own pace. But he would hear you out eventually. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but any troubles of yours, he’d take them all on, even if all he could do was listen. Even if all he could do was keep you company.

However, if this were a more persistent issue, if you had troubles getting sleep generally, if troubles always haunted you in the night… He’d just happened to hear of this movie and wanted to check it out, but that channel always ran older films in the late hours it seemed. If you’d like, if you wanted, if it’d help, the pair of you could have these movie nights forever.

For now though he could only wait and see. But be sure, no matter what, even in the smallest ways, he’d be here for you.

Solomon:

Welp, time to get Solomon to bed you supposed. He was still experimenting when you said your good nights before, and if you knew the man at all, the hours escaped him and he’d still be tinkering away. So much for being ‘wise’, can’t even take care of himself, hell, he’d forget to eat if he didn’t have roommates who cared enough to drag him out to the dinner table. Even immortal he could still get hurt and strain his body.

… And the light seeped past the door where it met frame. Honestly, you would have been worried if it was actually dark in there.

Not bothering to knock you strolled on in, perhaps opening it a bit too eagerly, flinching back for a moment to shield your eyes. So damn bright.

Sprawled out across the desk, some trinkets knocked to the floor, a book fallen over onto his head, the man knocked himself out it seemed.

… You couldn’t bring yourself to see the time, you stopped looking once midnight struck, however long ago that was. You could pretend it wasn’t likely early in the morning, that there was still time to get SOME rest.

But, IF that was the case, should you bother? Not like getting him to bed now would save him from a sore neck and back, besides he’d get more sleep like this than waking and trying to get like, what, an hour, half an hour of sleep while in pain. Guess the same could be said of you too.

You should get back to your room…

Maybe you could clean up a little first, tire yourself out some! … as if, but it’s better than just sitting in bed, getting choked up, heart thudding against the ribs painfuly. And even then, where to put these trinkets now that the sorcerer was occupying the space where they were before being shoved out of the way so carelessly.

Guess you could simply place them on the coffee table. The quiet thunk or thud sound as you put them on the wood was rather pleasant, so many little things missed in the busy day to day.

And you could also open the window, it was rather stuffy. But the cold could wake him… He basically already had one on but you didn’t know how warm that cape could keep him warm so you’d just steal the quilt from his bed and drape that over-

The moment it touched his shoulders part of it flew up, like a sudden burst of wind came up from under your feet, swaddling you in the cloth too as your arm was taken, dragged under it and pressed against the mischievous gremlin. Just how long had he been awake for, or was this one of those, ‘thinking with his eyes closed’ moments and he was never asleep in the first place.

… You glared but his dopy grin and his cheery half lidded eyes faltered your scowl.

And you stayed like that, his awed, calm giddy expression so serene you couldn’t bring yourself to move, even if you were crouching in a rather uncomfortable position.

Taking you up with him Solomon stood for a moment, stretching and glancing at the clock.

Though confused, you made no protest as he began to eagerly shove you out the door, rather difficult when BOTH of you were tripping over the quilt, the thing tangling up your legs. Soon you were dragged to the backyard, literally, the wizard charging his way ahead, like some eager dog, the quilt his leash, more so keeping you tethered to him than the other way around. Even so, he never let go of your arm, not once, not even loosening his grip.

Strange, he was normally much more calm, even if he were excited over something.

He turned around, pressing you close, looking you in the eyes, pressing a pointer finger to his lips before he mumbled something.

Though caught by surprise you didn’t even yelp as the pair of you were suddenly tossed into the air. Even landing on the roof, there wasn’t even a thud, the excess quilting dampening the sound.

And there you two laid, watching the sky above.

Though the stars so dulled out by light pollution, the night sky in the Human World so much brighter than the Devildom’s, more of a dark blue here, instead of a black void. Though, this was a bit bright, even for that… and toward the horizon, even more so.

A chilly breeze brushed past and you were pulled closer, you let your head rest on his shoulder.

… No wonder he was so eager. A view only for humans, the smearing and shifting of night to day, a temporary twilight. Only here, only now, as brief and vibrant as life here, nowhere else.

pretty

Why?

This weight?

Oh, his precious apprentice asleep on his chest. How lucky for him. He just hoped you didn’t mind.

The higher the sun rose the lower your eyelids drooped till you were fast asleep. He really did mean to take you back to bed, but the quilt was a bit of a hassle and the exhaustion made him too dizzy to cast any spell for fear of messing it up and harming you. The best he managed was to carry you over to the hammock in the backyard. And due to the quilt he tripped in and couldn’t get out without having to wake you or drop you to the ground.

Neither was an option he’d ever even consider.

The patio lent enough shade to keep the sun from beating down, in addition to the cooling wind, it would be the perfect day for a nap…

If you wouldn’t mind, stay for a bit longer.

…

The most relaxed and exhausted he’s felt in centuries.

Let him drift back off to sleep…

Just a little bit longer.

He’ll make lunch or dinner, whatever time it was, as an apology later.

Thirteen:

It wouldn’t be annoying to text, right? It was so late; she probably wouldn’t notice till morning. If she decided to question why you were up at…

It was not that late, you simply misread the time and will be pointedly ignoring it for the rest of the night because you were sure you would ‘misread’ it again.

Anyway, even if she questioned why you were up at some totally indeterminate time, it’d just give you an excuse to invite your favorite reaper to hang out, such opportunities didn’t come by often, and frankly, it’d be nice to have something to look forward too after this awful ni-

And you already got a response.

…

Actually… did reapers even need to sleep. Do they even sleep? Like, at all?

Such questions could be asked later, possibly in a few minuets later. To your asking if Thirteen was up you got a picture of a building, the only one with the lights on in an otherwise completely darkened street.

‘Perfect timing! Wanna come?’

‘I’ll pick you up.’

Exceedingly eager for some company you hopped out of bed, getting a little more properly dressed for a late-night outing, a jacket, long pants and such. As for sneaking out… getting out was surprisingly easy, Mammon taught you all the best methods of doing such, but he had yet to crack how to get back in without Lucifer’s protective spells going off, mistaking one for an intruder. You were mulling over how to get away with such when you spotted your late-night savior reaching those iron gates.

You spitball some ideas, if one of her traps could get you in, maybe use Solomon as bait, the magic focusing on him so you could slip though and such things. Even with your mind a bit hazy conversation was so easy, the woman bringing the exact same energy she always had. Certainly energetic, but not the more hyper flavor your roommates had. It was always a delight to spend time with her.

She certainly noticed the giddiness bubbling out of you. There was just something about getting to take quick detours to the shops that only opened at these midnight hours, places you never got to go in before felt exciting. She questioned aloud why you followed Lucifer’s curfew anyway, you were a powerful wizard in your own right, strong enough to not be in danger walking the streets of this demon infested lands on your own, in fact, she was surprised you hadn’t done this kind of thing before given your tendency for breaking rules.

You two dragged one another to any shop that caught your fancy, delaying getting to your intended destination, but Thirteen certainly didn’t mind, pointing out a cute curio place with some dolls you two just had to check out! The pair of you even ended up making a pair of charm bracelets for one another.

Surprisingly, the Devildom appeared much more alive than you’d ever seen it. All the demons around you seemed to have more energy, more similar to what the place was like when a holiday or festival was around.

Hand in hand you went on, just to be sure you didn’t get separated, even as you rounded the corner and the city scape took a bit of a darker turn. Thankfully you wouldn’t be out long, you recognized this street, and could see your destination just up ahead.

A café that opened at midnight and closed during the day. Seemed it was only going to be here temporarily, so, it was now or never to try everything. Thankfully there was a sample plater option, for both your wallet and your stomach. Thirteen was going to pay for it all since that’s what she was going to do anyway, you chipped in a little, wouldn’t have gotten to try this in the first place without her after all.

Mostly sweets, a few delectable savory options, such a shame it wasn’t going to be staying more permanently, it’d eat up all your money but coming here with her on sleepless nights would be just the thing you needed.

You’d completely forgotten the time, so caught up in sharing laughs and feeding one another bits of things you fond particularly good, which was almost everything. You’d even forgotten how your feet were beginning to feel sore by the time you got here, any worries that fogged the mind, how you were gonna sneak back into the House of Lamentation, school, almost anything.

You were simply able to sink into the warmth of the moment, eyes meandering across the decorations while your companion was away.

If only you could come back here every night.

It was perfect.

Always a handful, weren’t you. She shouldn’t have been surprised though, not with how awful you looked. With how dark the spots under your eyes were, for a moment she genuinely though you got into a nasty scrap with one of the brothers.

She had to carry you all the way to her cave, you know. It was a bit funny, a human getting a good night’s sleep here of all places, but it’d be a long, long time till you took a more permanent rest here. And you seemed rather comfortable, so if anything she was glad you liked it here.

But honestly, what was that lot putting you through to actually get you to THIS state. Maybe while you were still sleeping she pay them a vary calm, polite, not at all, upset visit. Make sure they were treating you right. She trusted your standards; you usually could keep the lot in check but everyone needs a break from time to time.

It was cute that you came to her. You truly had impeccable luck, what with her already being in town. She’d make sure you knew that should you ever want another late-night escapade; she was always down for it. Besides she always comes up for the best ideas for new traps with you.

Now, what little friend can help you sneak back in.

Or… maybe not. You liked it here, she liked your company, who was she to send you away? She should probably inform one of the brothers where you were though…

…

Eh, she’d get to that later.

Raphael:

… Perhaps someone else was up too? And maybe, since you didn’t sleep over at Purgatory Hall too often maybe they’d be willing to stay up for a bit with you. You REALLY should have brought up the idea before, but in the moment everything felt fine, and okay! You didn’t think…

You rolled over again, this time kicking off the now extremely twisted sheets and quilt. Stay in bed. Such a simple sounding task, but with a racing mind such as your own, it was torture.

Maybe Raphael would be up for a chat? Everyone else seemed too tired last you saw them, surely they were asleep…

Who were you kidding, it’s been hours, he’d be asleep now as well.

It couldn’t hurt to check though, right?

You held your breath, tip-toeing down those halls. You couldn’t wake them up, no use into dragging them into the same hell as you.

Carefully, ever so carefully, you opened the door, avoiding any clicks or squeaks… He would have said something if he were awake. You couldn’t quite see him, just a lump in the bed, but you weren’t going to get any closer, it’d just be creepy if you looming over him woke him up.

Well…

they kept some jigsaw puzzles in the living room, guess you could at least while away the time with that… if you could manage to contrate on it that was.

With moonlight from the windows as your only guide you stumbled through the dimply lit room, trying your damndest to not crash into the table, or knocker over any-

Cold hard metal pressed against the side of your throat. You could feel it, the moment you flinched from the contact, not the slice, oh no, but the hot drops of liquid that began to ooze out of that tiny little cut. Any movement on your or the holder’s part and the blade would be sinking in before you’d even realize.

The softs of gasps and it was gone, your shoulder taken and flipped around. He may have been obscured by the dark, but you could make out Raphael’s silhouette and the spear he held anywhere. Something else you could find was how wide his eyes were.

Before he could say a thing your hand slammed over his mouth, using your free one to point to the other’s bedrooms before holding your pointer finger before your mouth, silently begging he stay quiet. This seemed to only confuse and annoy the man.

Immediately you were dragged off, weaving between furniture effortlessly before being let go, the bright kitchen lights blinding you as they were flipped on.

It felt a little silly for Raphael to take out the whole first aid kit when all you needed was a big bandaid. Even that you probably didn’t need, when you felt it the cut was already scabbing over, it was that fine. Such control he must have had to not kill you…

Guess even just at his door you ended up waking him.

A few more times he tried speaking, and every time you slapped you hand over his mouth. This didn’t need to be a big fuss, no one else needed to be disturbed. Learning quickly he took your wrists but you’d shush his whispers.

Soon you fell back on the couch back in the living room, staring up to the ceiling… and you were gently nudged into laying down, a throw blanket draped over you.

You wanted to scream. As if going to sleep AFTER ALL THAT would be any easier than before! But you weren’t going to complain, you caused Raphael enough trouble tonight. That didn’t hold back your annoyed groan though.

Well, Raphael went back off to bed, you may as well as try doing the same.

…

Maybe you could go back to that jigsaw idea from before.

Slowly you sat up, pulling the blanket closer. Burrowing your face in your hands, rubbing at your temples, hating this fogginess that still plagued your mind… If you tried a puzzle you’d only get frustrated. A nap or something would probably help, but your body. Just. Couldn’t.

Breath caught in your throat as the seat beside you suddenly shifted. The angel sat there, making himself comfy and placing some fabric and tread on his lap.

And he began his work.

So simple, mostly repeating the same stitch over and over at the edges, yet the process was mesmerizing. A cut here, fold there with some pins, a beautiful black cord and soon enough he was a little drawstring bag in hand. Only once it was complete did you notice ‘Solomon’ had been embroidered in the corner.

Didn’t the wizard say something about needing a new pouch for foraging ingredients recently?

… how lovely.

Raphael leaned over the armrest of the couch, and came back with some more fabric and scissors in hand. Then that cut-up fabric was given to you.

It took a little bit, you ended up having to use the seam ripper a few times but soon you were getting the hang of it. You couldn’t let the mind wander, let your stiches get uneven or slopy, or even accidentally sew the wrong sides of the fabric together in extreme cases. Guess Raph didn’t point out those ones since it was still practice of the stitch.

Raphael long started on something else, and much bigger while you went on, finally finding some focus on the little to-be bag in hand.

And he even got the occasional snicker out of you when you pricked your fingers, never enough to bleed, yet still he’d present you with the big first-aid kit, the smallest of smirks playing on the corners of his lips as he did so.

He didn’t get what the others found so amusing, having taken pictures of you and him asleep on the couch, his head resting on your shoulder and your’s on his.

He explained the events of the night, for the most part, how you seemed to be having trouble sleeping, how he heard you up and about. Seems the bandaid was hidden by him and the blanket so he didn’t have to go into detail about how he thought you were an intruder at one point.

Luke had the mind to suggest going out to get breakfast so you could sleep in a bit longer without any noise. And so here he was to stay as to not accidentally awaken you.

How much longer had you been up? After you finished the first bag he cut out a couple more for you to make, and they’d all been used. Longer than him at least, he knew that much, last he could recall you were on your third.

You seemed so intrigued, leaning into him, and you so quickly took to making the bags, he thought maybe the task could help with… whatever was troubling you.

You really should have said something though…

You still didn’t look all too good. Did you only fall asleep recently?

Was there something wrong, or could you just not sleep?

Don’t you know they’d drop everything for you? Or… did you not want to bother anyone, and that was why you were so squirrely.

Honestly.

Well, at least they knew now. And once you were up, he be sure to let you know you could wake him any time. He much rather know if you were awake, know what he needed to be more aware of in the house, not run the risk of hurting you again, he much rather patch up your pricked fingers and keep you safe from outside dangers.

Mephistopheles:

… Were you becoming like Solomon? Finding it hard to sleep in your own home, in the Human World now too? You wouldn’t mind so much, but at this moment it was troubling.

Who were you kidding? You weren’t going to be getting any rest, no matter where you were. Your thoughts would still be drifting off, gnawing away, making the pit in your stomach grow heavy like stones were slowly being placed inside, throat tight, eyes…

A few deep, shutting breaths, keeping them shut tight before the stinging went away.

You were so used to the darkness of the Devildom, the night of the Human World seemed so bright in comparison, so easy to look around the room. So fancy, the nicest hotel room you’d ever been in, or ever will get to stay in your whole life most likely.

All for you too, with just you, Diavolo, Barbatos, Mephistopheles, Simeon, and Solomon going on this trip nobody had to share a room for once. And all mature enough to not start a fist fight about doing such either.

Getting treated to such niceties… it was a shame to not share it with someone. Mephistopheles was probably used to this kind of treatment, maybe with him… Nah, as if he’d visit you, but of everybody him seeing you like this, it’d likely change his opinion the least. Everyone else would make some kind of fuss, worry, concern, make it a big deal, but maybe he’d just keep you company.

Maybe.

Whatever, throwing off the blankets you made your way for the balcony.

So illuminated, that city scape sprawling out before you, the sky almost empty of stars. Though the cold here could never reach the depths it did in the Devildom the wind still sent a chill through you, goosebumps spreading across the skin.

Oh. What an unexpected sight. It was rather far what with each of your rooms so large, yet there on the balcony next you yours was the handsome demon sitting on one of those garden chairs, his purple hair being swayed by the wind. His brows raised, perhaps a little surprised by suddenly having a guest beside him, but quickly the expression faded, looking back down to something in his lap.

… Wasn’t there a pad of paper on the table by the T.V.?

It seemed he was perhaps going to say something, yet didn’t. Did he feel awkward yelling over that distance? Quickly you scribbled on a page, asking how he’s doing before folding it up, and writing ‘open me’ on one of the wings of the paper plane.

He looked your way upon hearing your doors slide open again, then stood upon seeing you threw something his way, before daintily catching it.

It was so cute, watching him examine the thing as he unfolded it, so curious and awed, by a paper plane.

… What was he doing?

In one hand a pen and that note pad he always had on him, and the other, a paper plane. On it his beautiful, flowing handwriting. Saying the Human World was for too bright to sleep, and asking what you were doing up. A little sloppy, you wouldn’t be surprised if it were his first attempt at one, yet each crease was pristine.

And on and on it went, paper planes flying across the gap between you, carrying your thoughts along with it, what he thought of the view, if you’d been to this area before, what he thought of the place, how this place compared to your home, how quiet it was, speculations as to what exactly this surprise trip by the prince was for, even some of the notes he had been writing down for future newspaper articles through the day or doodles. With each one his planes got better and better, till they looked even neater and sleeker than your own.

It was still a windy night though, on occasion you’d get a chuckle out of each other, making fools of yourselves, tripping over your feet, hopping up and about to make sure to catch each other’s planes.

It got the heart pumping when you snagged one, just before it was out of reach and-

And there was nothing beneath your feet, hurdling over and off the-

No, nope, heart racing as you laid there on the balcony, having kicked off the railing, back here.

Welp, almost plummeting to your death was certainly going to keep you up.

Sitting up you certainly found a sight to behold. It was so rarer to see Mephistopheles in his demon form, the jewelry adorning his horns glittering in the moon light, practically about to fall off his own railing, pupils the size of pinpricks slowly dilating, a hand reached out as far as it could go beginning to retreat back in an almost jittery motion, a bead of sweat forming under his hairline, mouth agape as if in mid yell slowly closing.

A sharp inhale, his expression turning disgusted just as suddenly as he leaped back onto his feet, promptly marching into his room, slamming the balcony door shut on his way.

Oh

Guess, that was that then. Too bad, aside from that last part, you were having a rather nice time.

You almost leaped off the railing again as a knocking suddenly came from your door.

You didn’t even think about it before swinging the thing open.

The moment his gaze caught on his crumpled, unread message still in your hand he glared at it, snatching it and placing it aside.

Well, if he was here, there wasn’t a need for them anymore, was there.

He gasped the moment his bleary mind caught up to him, realizing it was, in fact, unusual, and not comforting, for such a warmth and weight to be leaning against him.

It was you.

…

Stupid, stupid you.

Honestly, your penchant for trouble combined with the destructive nature of your caretakers, he was genuinely surprised you hadn’t died, yet here you were. Alive and well enough to die to catch his words, words that were easy enough to repeat. If it was from someone as important as Diavolo, sure, but for him…

Only almost did he get up until he remembered that humans were also fragile things, not getting enough sleep was enough to make them keel over, and considering just how long the pair of you were out there and for even longer you two sat here, quietly talking the hours away…

He simply had no choice but to keep still, not disturb your rest. Memorize the steady raise and fall of your breath, the slow beating of the heart, the warmth. Watch as how those specks of dust caught in the light marvelously, a view he could never find back home…

How did those hours go by so fast he wondered. Felt like mere minuets, but the beams of light that pierced through the open balcony doors spoke otherwise.

Perhaps he was stupid too, finding himself holding you close, letting you snuggle into him, to lull away in this moment. Stupid for wondering if you’d need company again tonight. Stupid for falling in line with everyone else and getting attached to you. Stupid for…

No, he wouldn’t dare think it. Just a stupid human and an even stupider demon. You were always surrounded by so many, you would go to them, why would you call him so late at night, his assistance would be of butter quality, true, but they were closer, in multiple ways. This time it was just a coincidence, nothing more.

But still, at least for this time, you were within arm’s reach should you dive headfirst into trouble again.

…

What was he even thinking? Must be delirious from the lack of sleep… Maybe he could try getting a few minuets in, not like he would be going anywhere any time soon.

Aurum:

At this point, this little beach side town felt like a home away from home what with how often you stayed here. Didn’t make the hotel bill any cheaper though. Poor Mammon, but without hesitation he always paid for any visit you made here. You always came here at his request, but for a while now you’d already be taking the train or walking into your hotel room when Mammon would ask.

These times were when Diavolo sent you away back ‘home’, when there was no where else you rather be than in the Devildom. But there was a perk to being back even when being so far from your family made the unease that kept churning in your gut worse.

Aurum. A man who’d likely never step foot in the land of demons, at least not willingly. No, only here could you get the chance to meet. Even if the man had… conflicting feelings about you, he still treated you, treated everyone, with the care of a gentleman. A warmth one could never get enough of.

… You knew they were up, probably closing the bar for the night soon. It wouldn’t be fair to bug him so late, right after work, they deserved rest, and yet… still you found yourself trotting out into the hall and taking the elevator to the ground floor. Maybe you could help clean up and lock up.

The first night back in the Human World was always the hardest, especially with the time difference. Made one feel even more off-kilter, out of place. Feel wrong.

The door was locked. Closed? Already? Or was it later than you thought? Quickly you scurried out, and around the corner, down the steps and… the front of the bar was also locked.

So, you just missed him. Great. Well maybe-

You flinched back, practically startled out of your skin finding someone was right behind you. Arms crossed, that frown shifting a little after a moment, lips slightly parting, however you couldn’t read their expression, for a good chunk of Aurum’s glasses were reflecting the bright moon light, obscuring their eyes. Had they just left the back?

Soon his arms fell, much more relaxed, tilting his head enough so you could see his face fully. Unamused was the best descriptor, probably thought you were some rando trying to break in or something.

And they walked away, not even a word, huh. They stopped at the top of those steps, looking over his shoulder. Well… you weren’t going to refuse the silent invitation.

This was not the first time you had walked him back home after work. Better than admitting that you were having trouble sleeping, you supposed. Aurum’s commute home was always so quiet and calming, the tapping of soles against cobblestone, passing under streetlamps, gorgeous views of the rest of the town and the sea below.

Their pace was rather slow, rather lazy. A word you never thought you’d use to describe the man beside you, yet here you were. It was nice in a way though. Prolonging the moment, focus on the chill of the sea breeze and the saltiness it brought along. Focus on the sparkling ocean, on the idea of drifting across it, away from everything. Focus on the handsome man beside you, glancing away when he glanced to you.

But all too soon you were there, Aurum holding the door ajar, standing to the side for you to go through. Probably was going to take you immediately to the guest room, but that wouldn’t help you much, you weren’t going to admit your plight either, it’d… sound stupid to bother him with something an adult should be able to deal with on their own. It should at least be something important.

A quiet mumble, a spell, and suddenly the candles on the dinning table and by the fireplace were lit, seemed he didn’t want to bother with matches tonight. You came to learn they preferred firelight when first getting home, easier for the eyes to adjust to than harsh blinding lightbulbs, but soon they’d go on.

The more open layout of the living room, dinning room, and kitchen was nice, you could plop yourself on the comfy couch and still easily watch as he fiddled in the kitchen, placing a kettle on the stove and flipping through a couple tea boxes. It was cute, how his expressions shifted, after going through the first one a little surprised, then the next confused, but finally with the third one satisfied, smirking revealing his golden tooth, at having found some particular blend.

… How odd though, they weren’t picky about teas, they just happened to have gotten a collection of freebie samples that came with their regular shopping. Why this time? Must have been special, but you weren’t going to pry. You didn’t want to risk talking and the mood turning awkward. Usually things went back to normal real quick, at least lately, but… your stomach was already in knots, no reason to risk worsening it.

… it was very difficult to keep yourself from picking at the throw blanket on the backrest of the couch.

Which was taken out from under you and draped over your lap instead. He continued past to the T.V., immediately taking a DVD from the shelving below and set it in the player. A very quiet anime, a white-haired man with a piercing green eye walking through a gorgeous forest. Not much talking either but when there was it was usually soft, lulling. Certainly not in any of the generas Levi usually perused. There was a name for this genera, but you couldn’t remember what… very… tranquil-

The piercing hissing of the kettle took you out of that forest, jumping in your seat. Aurum looked to you apologetically as he passed you a cup and saucer before sitting beside you on the couch.

And there they stayed. When you tried draping the blanket over them too they nudged it back to you. Leaning over some, somewhat resting on the armrest they gestured to their lap, letting you legs rest across them so you could properly lay down. HAH, and with the blanket covering your legs you still got to cover him too, OUT GENTLEMANED! GET WRECKED LOSER!

...

Nah, if you insisted he would have accepted unless he was too warm.

Still… a sort of movie night? This was new. And with a lovely drink too, a Devildom blend, of all things to serve you. A precious gift, and they shared it with you. At this point you were never going to pay him back for all the nice things he’s done for you. You didn’t have too, but… for once, it’d be nice if things went the other way around.

Still asleep. It’d still be sleeping hours in the Devildom by now.

You didn’t stay up too much later after the third episode, so you should be up soon…

…

When was the last time he had trouble sleeping? It’d… been a while now. Hopefully he helped. Camping out in the living room, snuggled up on the couch or dad’s chair as cartoons played quietly, it was all they could do as a kid, not like they could ask anyone to keep them company.

They couldn’t be sure if it was better to leave you be or not and go do their own thing somewhere else, but… he couldn’t just leave you, not with how dark the spots under your eyes were. Even before the bar at night, your face mostly hidden in darkness, those were so stark.

Actually, he needed to take advantage of the moment, send dad some money to cover the night you didn’t stay at the hotel. No sense in him paying for a service you didn’t even use. He shouldn’t notice and ask about it. Besides, him seeing he mysteriously had some extra grimm in his account was sure to bring a smile to his face.

… What now then? His plans were thrown out for the moment while you were here. You’d probably feel odd to just wake up alone.

Guess the plan now was now to keep you company, for however long you needed. Even if it was for the next few nights… They wouldn’t mind, really. As long as you got good sleep out of it. Aurum knew all too well how rough it could be to be away from your family.

…

It was so hard to not hate and be so glad to not be in your position. You were so lucky, and…

No, no use going down that train of thought. Not again. No need to poison the well.

Matoi:

Not only would your thoughts never stop running in loops, but the light never ended. A constant orange-blue, the land of yokai, perpetual twilit dawn.

You couldn’t even trick yourself into thinking you were simply having a nap, not when it looked so close to night when you’d need to go to bed proper, or like a raising morning and you’d need to start the day soon.

Seemed no one else was having any trouble though, if they were, surely you would have heard them by now, none of those brothers could keep quiet for too long even if their lives depended on it.

You knew Matoi was awake, or at least some parts of the being were, after all, they had already tried helping you.

You laide there, staring at the ceiling when you spotted something scurrying across the beams, and that something spotted you too, jumping down without hesitation, landing beside you with a soft thud. Before you could even turn for a better look the thing crawled onto your chest, that intricate little rat puppet staring back at you.

Matoi must have been making sure your party all arrived here safely.

You sat up, holding them close, admitting sleep eluded you. You left out any reasons though. You… just couldn’t get into it all.

And it’s not like Matoi could inquire either, for puppets didn’t have vocal cords.

But the rat tried it’s best, pulling on your sleeve to get you up, tugging on the fabric on your shoulder directing you in which way to go, leaping into kitchen cabinets to knock over a box of tea.

The tea didn’t help much.

The rat directed you to a library in the inn you were staying at.

Reading didn’t do much either.

Soon you were being directed outside. Those who spotted the Lantern Lighter on your shoulder would give a slight bow as you passed, or greet the both of you verbally.

The sky both blue and orange, the buildings so traditional, yet modern, at times it was a bit much on the senses, your brain felt as if it were lagging, like there was also more, but you couldn’t… understand it yet. Like hearing someone speaking, but not taking in their words. You’d been here before, not too often, but enough you knew your way around, yet…

Your head felt fried. Foggy. Maybe a walk wasn’t the best of ideas, but Matoi was with you, whether it had a plan or not, there was some reasoning for this, even something as simple as the air smelled better out here for sleeping.

Soon the little rat nuzzled into the crook of your neck, chin tucked between your skin and the fabric of your clothes. So, no more directions? Onward you continued then, the wind rolling past, catching a few stray green leaves from the trees that lined one side of your path. Dirt and cobblestone marked the way beneath your feet, a delightful scraping sound against the soles of your shoes.

But it suddenly came to a stop as you stood before the workshop. The place seemed closed, but the rat made no reaction as you stepped in, even as you made your way up stares to the living quarters. Only then did the rat scurry away, but still, no move to stop you.

Curiously, cautiously, you slid open the door to Matoi’s bedroom.

Sound asleep was the organic body, the rat draping a thin cloth over the face. No one was to see the organic body’s face. Or it was just a Matoi thing, you weren’t sure if it was a part of being the Lantern Lighter, or if it was one of your friend’s many eccentricities, however, it was still something of importance to them, so you’d respect that.

Off the rat went again, this time taking something out of a drawer, a sleeping mask, which was effortlessly carried as it climbed up your clothes before perching on your shoulder. The moment you held your hand up the rat dropped the mask into your open palm. Getting the hint you placed the thing on.

But now what?

It took a few moment, a groan, a sigh with the shifting of fabric. The soft paddling of footfalls on the floor. Seemed someone was struggling with picking up something and used too much force, the distinct thud of head meeting wood sounding during the struggle. You couldn’t help rubbing the back of your head, an all too familiar misfortune for many, including yourself.

Some grumbles approached you, slender, bony fingers curling around your hand, limply tugging you along.

With an unceremonious flop Matoi fell onto the futon. You sat beside them on a second futon that was not there when you first peered into the room. A hand found your shoulder gently guided you down. Then pulled you into the thing’s warmth before drawing up the blankets.

And just like that Matoi was already fast asleep, or Matoi’s organic body was, arms loosely wrapped around you, breaths becoming slower and shallower. Even the heartbeat slowed. Your ear pressed to the chest, the rhythm steady…

It had been a while since you last heard a human body’s heart beat. Not as deep and all encompassing as a demon’s nor as slow. This seemed so fast in comparison,

And yet

So, this was something only the flesh could do. The work of this god was never done, so many wishes and prayers to be answered. So many needs to fulfill, so many opportunities. It’s a treat when there are some things that can only be granted one way.

It’s so lovely, to get to sleep with you, that you’d allow one another to be so vulnerable and comfortable. It was so cute to see how your eyes slowly shut closed, the rest of your body soon taking that same pace. And you leaned into them, yearning for the sound of the heart. A precious gift Matoi would accept gratefully.

Oh? The cat puppet hopped onto the fence, getting a better view of the inn. Seems the brothers were beginning to awaken and started taking notice of one of their cohort being missing.

Too bad for them! The Lantern Lighter would not allow your wish for restful sleep to go ungranted. They’d just have to deal with it.

As long as you wished you could stay by the being’s side, for Matoi’s favorite’s get special privileges, that includes making EXTRA sure your time here in their home, is a good one.

Abaddon:

What was it he had told you? If you were to search for the deepest darkness, he’d be there? If you shut your eyes, TRULY shut them, no light whatsoever, you could find him?

What did that even mean.

But that all meant he was always there, right?

Well, you weren’t sure what the hell he even was, demon, angel, a ghost, something else, and it seemed nobody else had any idea either, so, who were you to question what he could or couldn’t do, or really, whatever this was.

True darkness, huh. He did say it might not work your first try, that this was difficult for any living thing to do, but it was possible, many had done it before, in fact it could even save you in an emergency, it just took practice. He did admit he hoped it’d never come to that though, that only for connection, peace of mind, would you want this.

You closed your eyes…

…

You covered you face with a pillow.

…

You chucked away the pillow and pulled the quilt and sheets over your head.

…

At this point the anxiety of just calling and risk waking Abaddon at whatever freaking time it was sounded like a much better idea than making a fool of yourself doing this any further.

One more try.

True darkness. The void of space expanding and consuming everything. The depths of the ocean, crushing, no sunlight able to pierce through. Those came to mind. Weightlessly drifting on above, sinking under an unfathomable weight below.

Dark. Darker. Yet Darker.

A nothing swallowing all, blanketing everything till it disappeared, a-

A voice. So familiar. Warm and musky, slightly raspy, something of a growl or purr rumbling and tumbling out sent a… shiver… down… your…

Nothing, down your nothing, no body, no spine no NumBNeSs nO FEeLING

He spoke, so softly. Arms cradled you, grip firm but not tight. He kept speaking, comforting mumbles into you. The words lost all meaning, but there was intent, a purpose. A pair of arms turned to four, then nine, then thousands, gently carried along, held with such tenderness.

Then space. Space to breath, space to move, but you wouldn’t. You sank, hair brushed against your cheek, legs intertwined with your own, a pair of arms kept your back pressed into him.

You couldn’t move, arms and legs dragging behind as you were sinking, floating. Not good, not bad, not even scary that you couldn’t, you were simply unable to do so. One arm let go, his fingers tracing up one of your’s, curling around your hand before gently holding it, his thumb idly running over your knuckles. Your hand was pulled back to your chest, lightly pressed against your flesh and the ribs underneath.

That rumbling continued, not loud, but it was everywhere, or in your ears. Like the slow grinding of earth, or lava flowing from the cracks in it. But it quieted, as if muffled.

Still though, you were held. Warmth surrounded, like being in the palm of the hand, fingers curling around you, tracing your form. Gentle squeezes in time with a heart’s beat.

… who’s heart?

Your lungs almost felt like they burned, this sting, it quickly faded, and as it did you realized you were breathing, the mattress beneath you, the quilt and sheets that blanketed you and… though your eyes were closed, you could see again, and sure enough when you cracked them open, sure enough, you could.

It took minuet but soon your fingers twitched and you managed to get up.

When did your morning alarm start going off?

…

It was no dream, whatever happened. What you couldn’t be sure. But your body… It was off, slower than usual, almost ridged, like things you’d normally do without out thinking you had to put effort into, and you even felt more, really noticing how your veins pulsed, your lungs, it- it was hard to describe, but it seemed like everything just… stopped for a moment…

Safe. You felt safe. That was the best way to describe it. An odd peace you couldn’t quite grasp, but you knew Abaddon was with you and kept you company for the remainder of the night.

Yet you yearned.

The shadows that danced across the room and in the corners. You crouched before one, tempted to place your hand in, to sink, to see if it would be held in kind.

.

.

.

Well, that was certainly an unexpected and pleasant surprise. And you hadn’t even attempted this before, right? And you did anyway. How charming, but he also knew you could. After all, the darkness loves you, he loves all of you. He’d welcome you into his embrace any time, as long as you wished, no matter the form you gave it.

Seems it was due time for a visit to the Demon Lord’s castle if you wanted to see him so badly and you came to him, he should treat you in kind and come to you in your own field. Then he could get a better look at you, to see why there was a such a strain on your soul. It was much easier to speak of earthly worries at the place they reside.

Should he bring you a treat though?

It would be quick enough to make you a little baggie of hard candies, and it’d give him an excuse to use the new molds he got last time he was in the Devildom.

No, no. He should simply get to you as soon as possible. While there, whatever you wanted he’d be there for, help playing hookie from R.A.D. for a break from it all, a shopping spree, visit a park, perhaps returning you to the Human World for a day, didn’t matter how implausible, or silly a desire seemed to you, it would be simple enough for him make it happen, you need only ask.

It’d be nice, to help make the most of a life.