Chapter Text
I had never pegged myself to be much of a model. Outside of the occasional for-fun photoshoot with friends from the human realm, my relationship with professional cameras ended with my last yearbook photo; which is why when the scummy little demon I called my best friend invited me along to one of his photoshoots I packed my bag full of all the unfinished homework I had and mentally prepared myself for a long day of Demon Law 1001 worksheets.
“Whaddya got in there?” Mammon pried, tipping his sunglasses to eye my bag. We were walking down the hauntingly beautiful cobbled roads of downtown Devildom on our way to the shoot, and the soft glow emanating from the stores that lined the street illuminated his snow white hair, making the Avatar of Greed look almost angelic.
“Homework,” I replied, and sighed as he raised an incredulous eyebrow. “What? I have to do something since we’re gonna be at the studio all day.”
“You already got somethin’ to do!” He scoffed, the corner of his mouth curling into a smug smile. “You’re watchin’ THE Mammon model Majolish’s new collection. Not many demons get the chance to see somethin’ like that, let alone HUMANS. In fact, you’re probably the only human who’s EVER gonna see this, so you should be grateful for the once in a lifetime opportunity.” I rolled my eyes at him, but couldn’t stop myself from smiling. Even though he was a brash and unreliable thief, Mammon’s unwavering self-confidence was endearing, and his lack of filter never failed to make me chuckle. He noticed my smile and quickly broke eye contact, his self-assured front crumbling slightly with the light blush that crept into his cheeks. “B-besides,” He cleared his throat, regaining his persona. “You’re not gonna be on the bench or anythin’. Remember? One of our models went and got sick on us so I’m gonna make sure you’re the replacement.” He crossed his arms and gave me one of those goofy, adorable smiles he saved only for his brightest of ideas.
“Riiight,” I chimed, resting my hand on his shoulder as I teased him, “with all of your ‘power and influence’, yes?” I side eyed him with a smirk and was astonished to watch him blink in surprise, seemingly taken aback that I didn’t believe him. I actually felt a little bad and, returning my hand to my jacket pocket, spoke without thinking, “It’s not that I don’t think you can, I just don’t think I’m model material I guess.”
“What?!” He stopped dead in his tracks, causing me to overtake him, and placed his hands firmly on his hips. I turned to face him as he continued, his expression stern. “If there’s anyone who could be a model, besides me ‘course, it’s you.”
I felt my cheeks flush red under the intensity of his gaze and I struggled to meet his eye. “Why do you think that?” I asked, looking up at him as his face flushed in turn and he shifted in place.
“C-’cause.. Well I mean you’re not the WORST lookin’ human I’ve ever seen.. And, uh.. And outta all my friends you’re the..” He shrugged and started walking again, appearing to choose his words carefully, something unheard of with Mammon “You’re the only one who won’t be annoyin’ me the whole time!” he called as he walked. I rolled my eyes once more, but the rouge in my cheeks remained as I caught up with the tall and tanned demon. “Come on, slowpoke!” he playfully taunted as I hurried to meet him outside what could only be described as a small castle. “We’re here!”
“This is the studio?” I asked in shameless awe. The smooth gray stone that made up the exterior of the building was intricately carved to resemble the Gothic architecture of the 13th century; delicate floral designs curled around the huge stained glass windows and merlons, and humanoid gargoyles protected the towers. Mammon chuckled and crossed his arms complacently, grinning.
“That’s right, pretty impressive, eh?” I didn’t notice his deep blue eyes glance over to read my reaction, or the way they lingered on me as I admired the building. I nodded in response, walking with him as he opened the thick, mahogany doors to utter chaos.
Half dressed models scurried around the brightly lit room as club music pumped through the air. Makeup artists and stylists were equally as frenzied; shouting to one another while they worked. The scent of high-end makeup and new clothing filled my nostrils and I instinctively stepped a little closer to the demon next to me, intimidated. I barely had time to take it all in before a terrifying voice boomed through the space.
“MAMMONNNNN YOU’RE LATE!” A tall, dark figure appeared before us causing us to flinch. His presence was suffocating; he towered over both of us, dressed much like Lucifer does in a well fitting business suit and opulent fur coat, but unlike the proud first-born he was shocking to look at. Ornate tattoos covered the skin of his neck and hands, and jet black hair fell in menacing curls around his sharp, angular face. Most notably where his eyes, pure white irises set in obsidian sclera, that not even the ever-cocky Mammon could meet. A chill went through me as those eyes darted to me and a razor toothed smile crept across the demon’s visage. “And look, you brought a friend. A human friend at that.” My breath caught in my throat as he looked me up and down, but I relaxed slightly as Mammon placed a protective hand on my shoulder and drew me close.
“Ah, come on, Eligos.” He cajoled with his trademark confidence. “No need to yell. I’m here, ain’t I? Won’t take long to get me ready, and I brought a replacement for that model that went and got sick on us!” He grinned, squeezing my shoulder in a way that could almost be described as comforting. I managed a weak smile at Eligos, whose expression was impossible to read. Mammon continued, “Look at me, savin’ ya all the time and energy you would’a spent on last minute auditions. Don’t ever say I never did nothin’ for ya! In fact, you should be payin’ me extra for helpin’ you out in your time of need.”
“Quiet.” Eligos snapped and the Avatar of Greed immediately shut his mouth; I couldn’t help but imagine his brothers would kill to have such a power. The chilling demon stepped close to me, and Mammon’s grip on my shoulder tightened ever so slightly. “So.. Human..” Eligos purred, taking a strand of my hair between his fingers “Have you modelled before?”
The words were barely a whisper as they left my petrified throat “Um.. Not really.. Only with friends…” He narrowed his eyes at me, his alabaster irises scanning my face. Time seemed to stand still as I held my breath awaiting a response, uncertain as to what would happen next. After what felt like an eternity, Eligos stepped back, took a deep breath, and burst into laughter.
“Oh, yes, this is PERFECT!” The demon proclaimed, throwing his arms out and wrapping me in a tight hug. I was stunned, as was Mammon, and it took him a second to assume his role as my self-assigned protector.
“Alright that’s enough! Hands off the human!” He said, pulling me out of Eligos’ embrace, “Time to get The Great Mammon into this new collection!” He grinned down at me, joy radiating in his sapphire eyes. “And put my.. Uh I mean,” His cheeks went ever so slightly pink as he corrected himself “Put the human in something good. But not TOO good, ya hear? I’m not gonna be outshined by some stinkin’ HUMAN.” I couldn’t help but let a giggle escape my lips, which only made the Avatar of Greed smile wider as a stylist took him by the arm and led him to his dressing room.
Suddenly I was alone in that crowded room with Eligos. Any comfort I had felt from Mammon’s familiar banter departed as a tattooed hand rested upon my shoulder. The demon smiled down at me, but the set of barbed teeth in his mouth only made me feel weaker.
“No need to be afraid,” Eligos crooned to me, leading me alongside him through the disarray of the studio “you are more than welcome here. In fact I’d even call you a blessing, silly as it sounds.” He chuckled and squeezed my shoulder as we approached a hair and makeup station. The artist looked me up and down, then to Eligos.
“A human? So we’re going with plan A?” She asked, and Eligos responded with a curt nod. She tilted her head in contemplation and then hummed in approval, taking me by my shoulders and sitting me down in the chair. Eligos gave me one more smile as he turned away from me, but before he disappeared into the frenzy I managed,
“What do you mean by ‘a blessing’?” He laughed, peering over his shoulder at me as he replied.
“You’ll see.” And with that he was gone. I tried to look around for Mammon but the makeup artist faced me forward and began applying product to my cheeks. She didn’t speak as she worked swiftly; painting my face in a foundation I recognized only from Asmo’s ridiculously large collection of designer makeup, applying a rosy blush to my nose and cheeks, a deep wine to the center of my lips that she blended out with a satiny gloss, and a soft shimmer to my eyes, which she lined with smoky brown wings. She finished the look with two teardrop shaped crystals beneath my eyes. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror as she handed me off to the hairstylist - I first thought I was looking at a painting in Lord Diavolos castle, but I realized it was me, made up to resemble some sort of renaissance painting, as the hairstylist spun me back around and began teasing my hair.
The stylist curled my hair and then fashioned it into an ornate style before fitting a delicate gold wire halo decorated with stained glass butterflies to the back. She turned me to the mirror, smiling proudly at her work. I was taken aback, I looked like something out of a museum, ethereal in a way I didn’t think possible for myself. I heard Mammon’s voice behind me, shouting something to the photographer, but I didn’t even have time to look for him as a very flustered demon took me by my hand and led me over to the dressing room.
Beautiful garments lined a plethora of racks, and the stylist muttered to herself as she hurried around the room gathering pieces for me. I stood, unsure of what to do with myself, and she tossed a robe in my direction, hissing at me to get undressed. Hesitantly I did so, but she was ushering me behind a curtain to dress me before I had even tied the sash.
“Quit touchin’ my hair, will ya!” Mammon snapped at the demon running a comb through his ivory locks. The photographer rolled his eyes and whispered something to Eligos, who was seated next to him, and the demon nodded. He stood and clapped his hands, causing Mammon to jump. “Oi! Eligos! What’s the big idea?! I can’t work when you’re constantly doin’ stuff like that.” The second-born son furrowed his brows, inciting a mischievous grin from Eligos.
“Mammon, what’s the name of this collection?” Eligos asked.
“Uh.. Temptation.” He responded. Mammon hadn’t noticed me yet, I was off to the side of the set that they had set up - a beautiful garden of lush, dark leaves, blood red roses, and in the middle a lavish bed adorned with silk sheets and twinkling lights. Mammon faced away from me as he spoke to Eligos, and I couldn’t stop myself from watching him. He was dressed in a well-fitting black silk suit, embellished with baroque jewels and plush embroidery in the shapes of flowers and butterflies. He was shirtless under the suit jacket and as I involuntarily admired the toned, tanned skin of his chest I couldn’t help but think he looked good, really good. I tore my eyes from him to relieve the butterflies trembling in my stomach as Eligos spoke again.
“That’s right, Temptation. And what is the purpose of demons?”
“To corrupt human souls by temptin’ them.”
“Exactly! See, I had an idea for this shoot, but was afraid it wouldn’t work without the right model. That was until you brought that human through those doors. So Mammon, Avatar of Greed, time to do your duty and tempt this innocent human!” Eligos gestured for me to approach and I stepped out into the ambient lights of the set.
“Whaddya talkin’ abo-” Mammon began to question as he turned, but he stopped short when his gaze fell on me. His eyes went wide, his face went crimson, and he was uncharacteristically quiet as he looked me up and down; in that moment I was thankful for the layers of makeup that hid my undoubtedly red face. “W-woah..” He said softly, letting out a deep exhale. Eligos chuckled, breaking the spell that befell us.
“This chemistry is so inspiring!” He exclaimed, retaking his seat next to the photographer, who nodded in approval. Mammon went an even darker shade of red than he already was and pulled his attention from me to Eligos.
“And what exactly are we s’posed to do?” Mammon asked with a weak chuckle, sparing a glance in my direction.
“I want passion! Pull that human close to you and tempt their mortal soul!” My breath caught in my throat, as did Mammon’s, and he sputtered out a typical response.
“W-what!? No way am I doin’ that! Grabbin’ and pullin’ some fragile HUMAN close to me? Who d’ya think I am?!” Eligos rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh.
“Well, I know your brother Asmodeus would be more than happy to have the opportunity to model this collection, and he’s not shy about laying his hands on a model,” He pulled his D.D.D. from his pocket as he proceeded “maybe I’ll give him a call and have him come take your pla-”
“NO WAY!” Mammon interrupted and grabbed my wrist. He drew me tightly to him, adrenaline surged through my veins as he placed a strong hand against the small of my back and dipped me low. Our torsos were pressed together, faces mere centimeters apart, and I felt my knees go weak as he cracked a grin, his cheeks still rosy. The scent of his shampoo and cologne was intoxicating, so much so that the sounds of the world around us dissolved and I didn’t hear the click of the camera or Eligos’ sideline direction.
“Yes! Keep going!” He called, and Mammon slowly lifted us back to a standing position, trailing his index finger from my lower back and up my side to tilt my chin towards him, leaning in closer. Our lips were almost touching and I could feel his breath against my skin, sending tingles down my spine. I realized that I probably looked like a deer in headlights and needed to act if I wanted to hold onto some sense of dignity.
I reached up and caressed his cheek with the back of my hand, offering him a coy smile. The look in his deep cobalt eyes intensified, his grip on my wrist tightened, and he pushed me onto the bed. I inhaled sharply and pulled myself up onto my elbows as he crawled on top of me, wrapping a toned arm around my waist and lifting me so I sat on his lap, straddling him. I could feel the heavy rise and fall of his chest against mine as my heart thumped in my ears and goosebumps crept over me. I took his face in my hands, allowing my fingers to tangle in his hair, and leaned in as close as I could; his breath caught for a second before he grinned wide and bowed forward, letting us fall into the bed. He traced his lips across my neck, his breath hot and filled with unspoken desire, and I gasped softly, grabbing his bicep in a feeble attempt to ground myself. Mammon growled in response, sending another wave of goosebumps over me. He pulled away from my neck and stayed there, lingering above me, our eyes locked and chests heaving. His gaze broke mine briefly to glance down to my lips, and he helped me up to a sitting position. The butterflies in my stomach were migrating to my ribs as our faces drew closer together. His hand cupped my cheek and he grazed his thumb along the skin. Our noses touched, and we looked into each other’s eyes one more time before we let them drift shut.
“Break for set change!” Eligos called, suddenly snapping us back to reality. Mammon pulled away from me quickly, the intensity that was once in his eyes replaced by fluster, and he looked away from me to rub the back of his neck. I looked away in kind, staring at my trembling hands, wondering what the hell had just happened. Stylists and techs descended from the sidelines to take us our separate ways and I dared a look to my right only to see that Mammon was already looking at me, his expression one I had never seen on him before. I was led away by the flustered stylist who had dressed me, her slender fingers already unlacing the delicate bodice of my outfit. I stood motionless in the dressing room as she changed me, my mind racing, going over the events that just transpired over and over again. I had never seen Mammon act like that; forward, assertive, and hot - I shook my head to clear the image of his face as he held me close, adrenaline hitting me with every heartbeat.
‘He was just working’, I thought. ‘Yeah, just working. This is his job. He didn’t want Asmo to take his place in the shoot, that’s why he acted the way he did.’ The thought hurt a little, reluctant as I was to admit it, but my heart calmed a little and I was able to take my first deep breath since we first stepped through those mahogany doors. The stylist finished dressing me and instructed me to go sit with the other models on the side of the new set. The fairytale garden was replaced by a bright red satin backdrop, vines of string lights and silk white roses descended from the ceiling, and techs were finishing placing an luxurious high-backed black velvet chair under the center spotlight. I timidly took a seat on a dark wooden bench next to another model, who didn’t look up from her D.D.D. as she moved her dress to make room for me.
“Are we ready?” Eligos asked one of the techs from his director’s chair, and the demon responded with a thumbs up. “Fantastic! Can we get Hectae, Bast, and Tunrida up please!” He snapped his fingers and three beautiful demonesses rose from their seats to take the stage. I watched as they gracefully draped themselves over the chair and each other, posing their bodies into exquisite shapes, making the already brilliant clothing look even more breathtaking. I looked on in admiration, receiving a small respite from my anxiety in the hypnotic ways they moved, but it was short lived. Out of the corner of my eye I caught a glimpse of white hair and the butterflies in my stomach stirred to life once again, causing my chest to tighten. I peered over to see Mammon checking his hair in a nearby mirror; he had changed into a white peasant shirt layered under an elegant red leather vest with gold chain accents. Matching red leather boots and black pinstripe pants completed the look and as he adjusted the sophisticated gold watch on his wrist our eyes met.
‘Don’t make it weird, don’t make it weird, dear God please don’t make it weird.’ I repeated to myself as my breath hitched in my throat, embarrassed that I had been caught very clearly checking him out. I smiled and shot him a casual wave, but he looked away from me hastily and dipped his head. My heart sank and I looked down to my hands; did I mess up? Did I read too much into him just doing his job and make things awkward between us? I knit my brows, my head a tornado of thoughts. I somehow didn’t notice Eligos’ massive figure saunter over to me, and his voice startled me.
“Something on your mind?” He asked, shooing the model next to me away and sitting in her place. I shrugged and shook my head, but my eyes darted to Mammon, who had his face buried in his D.D.D. on the other side of the set. Eligos nodded understandingly “Ah I see. Yes, young love can certainly be confusing.” he said and I felt my face go hot as I looked over at him. He saw my expression and chuckled, patting my back. “Do you know what I love about humans?” I shook my head and he leaned forward to rest his forearms on his thighs, watching the models on the set work. “You all have an innocence about you, a certain childlike wonder about the universe that demons just don’t. No matter how hard you try you cannot ever fully conceal your feelings, it’s beautiful.” He smiled at me, and for the first time I was able to look past his haunting eyes and deadly teeth to see genuine compassion. I smiled back and he stood, holding out his hand to help me up. “Come, it’s your turn to be front and center.”
“What?” My eyes went wide and Eligos laughed.
“See? Your face right now is spectacular!” He led me by my hand to the set and explained “You’re the focal point of my whole vision, the naive and pure human being tempted. Of course you’re going to be our primary model.” I stiffened in trepidation and Eligos squeezed my hand comfortingly as he sat me down in the chair. “Don’t worry, just be your deliciously transparent self.” He returned to his chair and the photographer stood, beginning to shoot.
Realistically I knew that I wasn’t being watched outside of Eligos and the photographer, everyone else was too busy, but it felt as if a thousand eyes were on me. I couldn’t move, struggled to breathe, and my eyes dashed around the room, seeking some form of guidance as my hands balled into painfully tight fists, panic taking over my body.
That’s when my eyes fell on Mammon. He had moved from his seat to stand right next to Eligos, worry clouding his face. Our eyes met, my heart seized, then he gave me two thumbs up and an reassuring grin - much like the kind he would give me as I played along with one of his silly money-making schemes. The tight grip on my chest relented and I took a deep breath, finally loosening up somewhat. He nodded at me in encouragement and I cracked a smile, which made him only smile wider, causing me to giggle.
“Look at ya! You’re a real model now, eh? Got me to thank for that one! I’ll take 20, no, 15% of your paycheck!” Mammon called, shooting me a cheeky wink. I laughed, my cheeks flushed, and I turned my attention to the photographer. Mammon’s reassurance and comforting repartee was enough to center me, and I it finally hit me that holy shit I’m modelling haute couture for a fashion magazine, are you kidding me?! This was cool, so cool, and I wanted to take advantage of it. I thought of attempting to pose like the three models I was admiring earlier, but I remembered Eligos’ words.
“Just be your deliciously transparent self.”
I closed my eyes and remembered my very first day in the Devildom: the utter terror that was coursing through my veins, the apprehension and fear I felt, as well as the pure excitement that dwelled deep within me the first time I saw those six brothers. I opened my eyes, and imagined the camera was Lord Diavolo welcoming me to RAD. The shutter clicked rapidly as I changed my position in the chair, allowing myself to move naturally through different poses.
The photographer stepped back and quickly scrolled through the pictures on his camera, holding it over for Eligos to inspect. I looked back over to Mammon, whose charming grin had softened into a tender smile and a light pink blushed his cheeks. I beamed at him and struck an exaggerated pose, to which he chuckled. He pulled his D.D.D. from his pocket and aimed it at me, and I stuck my tongue out at him as he snapped a picture.
“Incredible work! You’re a natural!” Eligos applauded. “The look in your eyes was EXACTLY what I was going for.” He walked over to Mammon and wrapped a broad arm around him. “Wouldn’t you agree, Mammon? Simply stunning work, absolutely beautiful.” Mammon’s face went from tan to rose as he indignantly shrugged Eligos’ arm off and tramped over to the set.
“W-whatever! It was OKAY but nothin’ compared to what The Great Mammon can do!” he snapped, holding his hand out to me as he approached. “C’mon, darlin’, let’s dazzle ‘em.” I flushed and gingerly rested my hand in his. He pulled me to a standing position and twirled me under his arm as he took my place in the chair before pulling me so I sat sideways on his lap. My heart skipped a beat as he raised my hand to his lips, tenderly kissing my knuckles. Eligos laughed and instructed the photographer to continue.
‘This is just a job. It’s just a job, don’t read into it.’ I chanted the words to myself, somehow maintaining my composure. I looked into his eyes, and the corner of his mouth perked into a charming smirk. I tried to hide my smile and the fact that my stomach was quivering with adrenaline as Mammon turned his attention to the photographer, tilting his head and smiling provocatively into the lens. I did the same, ‘Because this is a job.’ I said to myself, trying not to think about Mammon’s firm grasp on my hip. Attempting to refocus, I gave the camera a doe-eyed look, but I felt his grip tighten as he lifted his lips to my ear sending tingles cascading through me. He exhaled softly on my skin and, impetuously, my eyes closed as I tilted my head closer to his.
‘We’re just working.’ His hand drifted from my hip to my waist, the other clutched my thigh. I inhaled deeply, engulfed in the bouquet of sandalwood and patchouli that rested on the smooth skin of his neck, and placed my hand on his chest. I could feel his heart beneath the supple leather of his vest, it was beating rapidly. A pang of anxious excitement hit me and I curled my fingers around his lapel, drawing him closer.
‘Do not read into it.’ Eligos called something from his chair and I heard footsteps behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see a pack of male models approaching us. Mammon took my chin between his thumb and index finger to turn my head back as the models surrounded the chair and began posing. He grazed his thumb over my lower lip, refusing to meet my eye.
‘It’s just a job, nothing more.’ I felt fingertips brush my hair from my neck and looked over my shoulder at an attractive demon with a threatening smile, leaning in close to me. Mammon growled and snatched me close, facing me forward. I looked into the camera as he wound his arms around my waist, leaning in to whisper in my ear.
“No one else is allowed to touch ya, you’re mine.” My breath caught and I turned my head, shivvers spilling down my spine as I felt his nose brush my cheek.
“What?” I whispered. This was just a job, we were just working, right? He dipped his head a little, and I felt his heartbeat quicken against my back as deep red swept across his cheeks. He lightly bit his lower lip and avoided my gaze, but after a beat it looked as if he was about to say something.
“Alright, break!” Eligos called from the sideline, and the models around us relaxed and began chatting to each other while stylists came to adjust them. It took a moment for Mammon to release the tight embrace he had on my waist and when he did he did so slowly. I stood up and cleared my throat, seeking to abate the frenzied beating of my heart. Mammon huffed and slumped back into the chair as Eligos walked over to us, clapping. “Amazing work, you two! Truly incredible stuff, we may even win best editorial at the Dark Fashion Awards this year!” He emitted a triumphant laugh and placed an amicable hand on my shoulder, Mammon perked up to eye him from the chair.
“Ya think? And who exactly would receive the physical award? That thing’s gotta be worth a few thousand Grimm.” Eligos shot him a stern look and Mammon raised his hands in defense. “Hey now, I’m just playin’ around! Can’t ya take a joke?” The demon rolled his eyes in response and looked down at me, speaking softly.
“Really, great work. Usually Mr. ‘Second Oldest’ here only thinks about himself during a shoot, it can be really annoying. This is the first time I have ever seen him fully focus on someone else.” He winked at me and I felt my cheeks go pink.
“Oi! I-I’m right here, ya’know!” Mammon stammered, standing abruptly. Eligos raised his eyebrows and sighed, reaching his free hand out and placing it on Mammon’s shoulder.
“There’s still some shots we need to get of the secondary models, but you two are all done. Feel free to get changed and head home at your leisure.” He smiled warmly at me and released us, turning away and heading back towards the photographer.
“And what about my paycheck?” Mammon called to him.
“You two will receive compensation within the week!” Eligos replied just before turning his attention to the photographer. Mammon rolled his eyes and pulled his D.D.D. from his pocket.
“Ah, crap, look at the time. We’re just barely gonna make it back for dinner.” He groaned and looked up at the ceiling, defeated. “Lucifer’s gonna kill me.”