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Chapter Text

Alice honestly didn't think that pledging his alliegence to Iruma would lead him down this road, standing on a stage with a face full of makeup and a frilly dress in front of hundreds, if not thousands of strangers.

Yet despite the embarrassment he was experiencing it was so worth it to see Iruma shine on stage. His incredible ability to dodge had translated well into dance, his agile body twisting and turning to avoid Alice's flames, putting on quite the show for the masses. Although he almost had a heart attack when the corner of Iruma's dress caught alight.

He could hear the crowd going wild for the cute, albeit clumsy, debut akudols. Despite the sense of pride that their efforts where being appreciated he couldn't help feeling disgusted whenever anybody commented on either his or Iruma's appearance.

While it was only natural for those lesser demons to sing Iruma-sama's praises, hearing those praises himself made him want to hide Iruma-sama away from their leering eyes. Alice boiled it down to the possessive nature of his mother's blood, a desire to seal away the things he loves and keep them to himself. He thought similarly the comments about himself, if those praises don't come from Iruma (or Clara but she's on thin ice) then he didn't want to hear them.

When Kuromu came out and rejoined their performance and Alice and Clara were no longer needed, Alice was able to fully appreciate Iruma like the rest of the spectators. He truly dazzled on stage, in another life he would've made a great entertainer, although he was glad that this life caused their paths to cross and he wouldn't change it for the world.

Despite how he enjoyed seeing a new aspect of Iruma he was glad when they took off their wigs and left Irumi and her happy friends behind them.

That is of course, until the months end idol games.

He wasn't even going to watch them, but he had foolishly told his mother that he was going to spend the months end at home and she was adament about watching the games as some of her former students were participating. He wasn't expecting to see the familiar sparkling persona that was Irumi.

He wished to run to his soulmate's side immediately but his mother was still one of the thirteen crowns of the netherworld, despite her usual happy-go-lucky attitude, so if she wanted him to stay he had no choice but to comply.

Clara arrived promptly with pockets full of the essentials necessary for watching Iruma-sama on the screen. Even his mother, who was known for enjoying the finer things in life melted underneath the warm table she brought.

"Now we're all set for cheering!" She exclaimed after handing out the proper equipment. The Asmodeus family rallied behind her.

"Just who the hell is Melie-chan" the announcer over the TV exclaimed.

"That's the president" Alice said as his fingers gripped tightly into the fan gifted to him by Clara. The student council president was somebody he didn't want to leave Iruma-sama alone with. While he originally respected Iruma-sama for trying to take over the student council, as his feelings for the boy grew so did the burning jealousy that erupted in his body whenever he saw the two together.

"Who's that?" Clara pointed to the screen when a cute, yellow haired demon appeared. She seemed familiar but Alice didn't have the brain power to focus on anything other then the fact that she and his Iruma-sama seemed pretty close.

"I don't know. But if I ever see her, I'll burn her to a crisp" Alice stated as he added this mystery girl to his internal list of 'demons to keep away from Iruma-sama'. Then finally, the person they were waiting for made her appearance.

"IRUMI-SAMA!! You're dazzling even when you're cheering" he yelled as though the Akudol could hear him through the screen.

Clara and himself spent the time cheering Irumi on. Amaryllis and David had separated themselves from the excited teens to talk amongst themselves.

"I get to see so many different sides of Alice-chan. I'm so happy~" Amaryllis cooed, while her Alice was adorable even when he was young and haughty, seeing her beloved son smile and show emotion so easily brought a tear to her eye.

"We have his two 'friends' to thank for that" David said as he looked at his master's excited expression.

"Yup~" Amaryllis knew how much love could change a person. Her son was a prime example of it, it was so refreshing see Alice fawn over his puppy love for Iruma instead of being so uptight, something about Alice's flustered face whenever she teased him about it made her son even more endearing to her.

The Irumi on screen continued to dazzle as she showed off her archery skills. Clara and Alice were amazed by the display, despite the seeing it before.

Alice noted that the frilly, showy dress did little to disguise Irumi's well defined biceps, watching it made heat bloom on Alice's face and travel well past his collar. He could watch Irumi's athletic prowess all day and not get bored. The very sight of the demon he loved showing off their hard earned skills make Alice bawl with pride.

"I wished I could have seen that up close" he mumbled to himself as Irumi walked off the screen, absolutely victorious. His Iruma-sama was, after all, the most exceptional demon of all.

"Yo, Irugly" a gruff voice exclaimed over the speakers, stopping Alice and Clara in their tracks.

"What is wrong with this rude girl?!" Alice exclaimed, if he wasn't bound here by his mother he would have already flown to Irumi-sama's side and made sure that the girl on screen could never call anybody ugly ever again.

"Irumi-chi is cute right?" Clara spoke, cheeks puffed in annoyance.

"Of course" Alice answered without hesitation. "The cutest of them all!!" Even without a wig and makeup, Iruma had soft cheeks and big sparkly eyes, almost like an infant animal, his innocent expressions made most demons that came in contact with him flush. Both Alice and Clara knew this well, as the adorable Iruma had made both of them fall head over heels for him.

There was a sense of relief through the room when Kuromu returned onto the scene, Alice couldn't quite make out the audio but judging by their expressions it seems like Kuromu had come to back up Irumi.

"Yeah! tell her off, Kuromun" Clara shouted, equally as pissed that anybody dared call Irumi ugly, of all insane things. Both teens where glued to the screen, excited to the disagreement between the two parties unfold.

"And it's because" Kuromu lifted Irumi's hand high "I'm going to marry her" the cute akudol exclaimed boldly.

Alice felt all the blood drain from his face, he felt Clara similarly stiffen beside him. He felt betrayed by his meek classmate, Kerori-san. She was one of the only females he could happily leave in Iruma-sama's company as she seemed unaffected by his natural charm. How foolish of him to fall for such an obvious deception, there is no demon alive that could resist Iruma-sama, Alice concluded and suddenly decided to be on guard with every single demon that Iruma interacts with. It will be safer that way, he'll be damned if he lets some random demon get the upper hand on him.

While he wrapping his mind around the fact that his beloved had been proposed to on one of the most popular TV showcases in the netherworld, by one of the most famous personlities in the netherworld, Alice failed to realise the fire that had started to spread from where he was seated.

His mother, while she loved her son and wanted him to be happy, could not help but feel excited about this latest turn of events that threatened their relationship. She happily offered to teach Clara when she started to beg for help, if only to force her son to realise that the boy he loved was very desired and that he better make a move quickly.

An inaudible sound that vauguely sounded like Irumi's name clawed its way up from Alice's throat as he watched Irumi being dragged off screen. The unconscious fire had started to spread far into the corners of the room.

"Amaryllis-sama please put out Alice-sama's fire" the poor butler could only watch in horror as his young masters jealous flames scorched the manors carpets, dreading the work that would come with having to repair the damages.

Alice meanwhile, had decided to use the chaos to his advantage, using the flames to slip last his distracted mother into his wardrobe. Where he immediately started to pack what he would need to join Irumi-sama's side as 'Alice' once more.

"Where do you think you're going Alice-chan" his mother snuck in without a word and wrapped her arms around his waist and hoisted him up like a stray dog.

"Release me mother" Alice struggled in Amaryllis's tight grip. "I must return to Irumi-sama's side at once" despite the fear that his mother could invoke in him, nothing was more terrifying then the possibility of losing Iruma to somebody else.

"Ummu~" his mother sighed as she walked Alice back out to the watching room. "You promised to spend months end with me remember" she placed him back down next to Clara, who, while pouting, was back to being entranced by the events on screen, despite all his protests.

"Besides Alice-chan" she poked him on the nose lightly. "Do you really thing such a half-hearted confession will be enough to move your precious Iruma's heart" she took a place next to Alice, grasping his arm and snuggling next to him.

He looked at the TV once more at his mother's words. The next event was about to begin. The previously rowdy crowd had died down and was quietly waiting in anticipation for the next round of games. The camera was focused of Kuromu's group, the sudden proposal had put them directly in the spotlight.

There he saw Irumi, her face hardened with resolve, no longer bashful at the sudden confession. She proudly stood up straight and her posture was determined, as though victory was a mere step away, Alice was reminded once again of why he fell in love in the first place.

Alice shifted in his spot to get comfortable while pouring another glass of tea. He had no reason to be worried after all.

Although he wasn't quite sure he was above cooking Kerori alive if her feelings turned out to be reciprocated, however Alice decided that he will start burning those bridges as they appear.

Chapter Text

The live concerts were always the most popular part of the evidol games. The thrilling climax caused by the cumulated hype left most demons feeling satisfied and stress-free. Alice however, was not most demons.

His mother forced him to watch the evidol games every year, and every year he would watch dolled up strangers flounder and sing on stage. However his opinions slightly changed when He, Iruma-sama and stupid Clara performed on stage in Kuromu's place. He still didn't particularly enjoy it but for the first time he was able to watch the games with respect for the performers as he knew first hand the difficulties that came with performing.

So when he saw Iruma, or should he say Irumi? The excited thrill that shot up his spine at her appearance was a first. As per expectation, she completly obliterated the events with ease. Alice found himself glued to the screen, awaiting to see Irumi reappear.

He can safely say he was a hypocrite. Alice mentally apologized to all the fan-demons he called pathetic for wholeheartedly supporting a single evidol, as it seems that Alice had happily thrown himself to becoming an Irumi fan. Every single movement of theirs brought out a new incomprehensible feeling from within him.

He even had a new arch nemesis. That Gyari girl who dared call his adorable Irumi ugly. She was obviously blind or stupid, or both. Both him and stupid Clara cursed her whenever she showed up on screen and took Irumi's place.

That hatred only solidified during the ribbon snatch event. His noble Irumi sacrificed her winning place to protect a small child, the act brought tears to his eyes, but when the announcers broadcasted Gyari's victory he ground his teeth so hard he may have chipped a fang in frustration. How dare that gaudy demon take advantage of Irumi's kindness.

It was only natural that Gyari chose rock as the genre for the live performances, her speciality.

"Azz-azz" Clara tugged on his sleeve, not taking her eyes of the television.

"What do you think Irumi is going to play?" She asked.

He had to admit the thought was exciting. Rock was not something Devimuse was known for. Irumi could be doing anything. Maybe she'll sing, her voice would be deep if she's doing rock, maybe she'll play bass or drums, her figure would be most gallant just like it was during the music festival. The possibilities were endless and the more Alice thought about it the more anxious he was to see her perform.

Gyari obviously did very well with her performance, her voice pierced even the unflappable Alice was shaken when her powerful voice came through the speakers. He paled, he had no doubt that Irumi-sama could do anything they set their mind too, but his Irumi was too adorable, despite the quality of her voice her cute appearance would be a liability.

Both him and Clara clutched at each others sleeves, the anxiety eating them alive as hooded figures set the stage.

The hooded demons turned out to be team Devimuse, clad in black with hardened expressions. The crowd went wild at the new looks.

"Devimuse has always defined their image with cute girls, so this is a total makeover! Their completly different from what we expected!" The broadcaster announced.

"They look like they're all in their wicked phases!"

The comment made a bubble of anticipation rise in his chest as the final figure revealed themselves.

Irumi was clad in a skintight black dress, lace gloves rose up her arms and kitten heels were on her feet, dark makeup coated her face, making her features sharp and striking. Alice could feel himself burn hot the longer he looked at her, next to him Clara gripped his arm, her face and ears equally as red. His mother exclaimed behind them, the succubus was thrilled at the developments.

Last time Iruma-sama went into an evil cycle was torture for Alice. The memory of bad Iruma was still a cause for sleepless nights. Sometimes the memory resurfaces in class or during meals, during which he has to excuse himself to calm down.

Now this was the same confident 'bad' Iruma, only now they were less dressed and being broadcasted to countless demons. If Alice could he would burn the eyes of all the demons that looked at Irumi, melt them right out of their sockets.

"Who's you calling ugly?" She said to a stunned Gyari. The voice was pitched higher to mimic a feminine voice, but there was a sort of confident drawl that repeated over and over in Alice's mind.

"Lemmie sing you the sweetest lil' rock song you'll ever hear in your lives" Alice sung praises to whatever deity that had blessed him to be able to walk the underworld at the same time as Iruma-sama. He finally understood the enjoyment his mother got out of watching the evidol games.

"Azz-azz, Irumi-chi is going to sing" Clara huddled closer to the screen, her nose almost touching the glass, Alice joined her, his claws scraped the sides of the television as though he could crawl through and be there with Irumi. Both his mother and David struggled to move them so they could see.

'Your little imp' was the song choice, but remixed to fit the theme of rock. The cameras were trained on the duo, Alice nearly burned his house down when he saw a demon reach for Irumi's hair.

The fire ignited deep in his chest and seeped out his skin, the flames on his clothing licked the open air. Amaryllis couldn't help but choke back a laugh at her sons appearance. Iruma always managed to bring out the most adorable expressions in her boy.

The performance changed in theme. Irumi had forgone singing and played a keyboard, another one of the numerous talents she possessed. Kuromu took the limelight, changing into a wedding dress, so the cameras changed to focus on her.

Despite this, Alice sought out Irumi in the background, fixated on her strong posture and nimble fingers dancing over the keys. Just when he thought he got over the previous wicked phase, this was sure to be his latest form of Iruma related torment.

It was only natural they won, a tied win with that horrid Gyari but a victory nonetheless. Irumi captivated all those present with a single hair flick.

"Look look, Irumi-chan is flustered how adorable ~" his mother cooed.

"What are you talking about?" Alice discarded her comment, as if Irumi-sama would be shaken by something like this.

"No it's true Azz-azz look, her ears are red" Clara had forgone touching Alice in fear of being burnt, instead she resorted to poking him with an assortment of sticks.

Irumi's ears were in fact, pink. Unnoticeable if you didn't know personally know her. That tidbit of weakness showed was nearly enough to send Alice into his own wicked phase, his claws grated into his thighs. If it wasn't for Balam-sensei's teachings he was sure the jealous nature of his blood would've taken over by now.

Gyari interrupted Kuromu's victory speech, a welcome distraction from Irumi.

"I love you" Gyari's confessed once more

"I know" Kuromu's smile dazzled the audience.

Alice felt his heart lighten, not from the heartwarming scene, but from the fact that Kuromu no longer seemed interested in marrying Iruma. The less rivals the better.

(Good thing that there were no cameras rolling during the after party. If Alice heard Gyari's proposition for a harem he might actually have burnt down a sizable chunk of land in rage)

"Oh, and..." Kuromu pipped up as though she just remembered something.

"We'll be participating with the same team next year!" The exclamation made the audience go crazy, there were quite a few new fans of the new Devimuse girls.

"You hear that Alice-chan~ you're beloved Iruma will be performing next year as well. Are you excited?" Amaryllis had slithered next to Alice, teasingly poking his side.

"Of course not. Iruma-sama should not have to degrade himself in such a way, he is far to noble for such a thing" he retaliated, sliding away from his mother.

"You liar Azz-azz" Clara had clamped herself to Alice's other side now he had cooled off.

"You're smiling" she took a page out of Amaryllis's book and poked Alice's cheek.

Alice placed one of his hands over the cheek that wasn't being assaulted by Clara. He was surprised to find the skin tight and warm, an unconscious grin had spread over his face.

"It's okay Azz-azz I'm excited too" Clara had an equally wide smile on her face.

"I can come over next year to watch as well" Amaryllis shot up at Clara's suggestion.

"We can do a viewing party and invite everybody. Oh I'm sure Viole and Lily would love to come, baby-chan can invite her siblings as well..." his mother sauntered of with David and Clara in tow, making plans for next year.

As Alice rose to follow them an image of all the evidols appeared in the screen as the games came to a close. Alice placed his hand on the glass where Irumi was as the screen turned dark.

In the blackness of the screen Alice saw his own reflection. Flushed and misty eyed, like those lovestruck fools that follow his mother. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose berating himself for not being able to control his expressions. How could he be Iruma-sama's spear if such a thing affected him so.

A sighed deeply and clutched his chest as he followed everybody out. He would rather die than admit to his mother that he was looking forward to the next evidol games.