Chapter Text
Finishing off for the day at the Devildom’s school, all of 8 of you decide that you’re going to take a break in a resting area at the House of lamentation. While the guys had just gotten settled, Mammon had raised his hand up high to show off a brand new gadget, he was able to trade some old coin he found for with another demon at the academy.
Smugly proud of himself, he grins triumphantly--- “I’m gonna’ really bring in the dough this time! I’ll sell it for DOUBLE of what it is worth!” Admittedly, you always admired Mammon’s way of being able to come up with some sort of idea to haggle or bargain with another demon into giving them their money for the things he finds or purchases. You wondered where he had learnt about his skills of persuasion. He’s even used it with yourself a few times. In awe of your favoured demon, you were about to give him a cheer of encouragement---
“Tsk.”
Satan and Lucifer make a sound in unison.
“Really? Another one? Isn’t this just going to backfire?”
“…Idiot.”
Belphegor, who was slumped against the sofa, retorted the last insult. Mammon’s arm slowly started to shrink down as he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“Yeah, I don’t get why you always keep thinking you’re going to gain money from something so useless again. You never learn.”
Asmodeus adds.
While you were not originally too involved in the conversation, ears unable to pick up on who specifically was making comments on the greedy demon’s scheme. You were too pre-occupied in wanting to know what your beloved demon had up his sleeve. Whatever rude comments they had to make, simply did not come to your acknowledgement. His words were like honey to you. They were sweet, alluring and had this sticky aftereffect which help keep you glued to him.
Yet… it did start to irk you how they were leading this situation. It’s not like they didn’t do this often, but today… it felt harsher…
The comments even twinged at your heart. Taking a quick glimpse at the demon receiving the mockery—his top teeth bit his bottom lip tight, fists balled. Usually, he didn’t take what they had to say to heart like this… what’s gotten into him…?
He was more… sensitive…
Room growing heavy with the negativity, legs becoming heavy—They felt like lead. Really, really hard to even stand from the impact. Catching the last of the brother’s comments, turning your attention away—trying to pinpoint who exactly was doing all of the talking. You noted with a small nod that Beel… wasn’t exactly one of the perpetrators in the situation. In fact, he was doing his usual. Too busy inhaling the mass of food he’d piled into his arms. Boy… how much did you really put in there? It’s like he took out everything from the whole fridge! Didn’t quite appear, as if he was paying attention to the conversation either.
“I know, right? Lololol” Leviathan laughs in agreement.
… By that point, you’ve lost track of who was saying what…
“---It’s like, he doesn’t even understand the consequences of his actions. What will he even gain from doing this?”
“Yeah. He’s just an idiot doing anything to get money—”
“That’s why he’s so useless. He doesn’t even learn from the previous lesson.”
“What are we going to do with him?”
“We’ll need to think of an appropriate punishment for him.”
Everything became a blur… just words of torment… You too, at that point had bitten into your bottom lip rather hard. As much as you adored the greedy avatar, who would constantly tease you here and there—At least he didn’t EVER do this to anyone. He wouldn’t call them names, or ever put their ideas down… Well, that’s from what you had experienced…. Even when he was reluctant to take care of you, or keep an eye on you—He still did it. Even protecting you from his own brothers, who had twice as much strength than him!
“…So stupid.”
“Yeah, what an idiot.”
“He’s the literal definition of what a moron is.”
“Haha---HAHAH---”
Exhaling a sigh from your lips, ready to dive into the criticism of your first pacter--- You’re about to stand up for his mischievous shenanigans in front of the other six brothers, who would easily gobble you up or could kill you in an instant, if provoked. Pushing that aside; smacking a hand to your chest. You point at every single one of them.
“—Enough! ALL of you!”
Eyes squeezed tight; expecting atleast one of them to fight you back for shouting aloud. It’s almost like your were summoning a Pokémon with the way that you had your arm outstretched with the command. ‘Satan, I choose you—‘. The very image planted in your head, the last thought before you go head on again whatever quip they had to say or do.
But no…
…Silence.
Frozen, . Still in their place. Perplexed by the fact that, you didn’t join in with them or sit it out, like you usually do. If anything, Levi had put his game down and even Lucifer appeared to have been blinking twice in your direction.
That did the job….!
…. Surprisingly, that did the job a little too well…
Twisting to your side, about to side nod to Mammon… But he wasn’t there.
Hues searching the room.
You couldn’t see him.
…Did he…leave?
Giving each and every single one of them, minus Beel. He was eating at the time of the discussion—You gave them the sternest glare, you could summon with all of your might.
“….”
Not a word. A few of them couldn’t even make eye contact with you, due to the unbelievable guilt they had building up. Lucifer, however had the faintest smirk upon his expression. Bemused by the power you had to enchant upon them, to change a situation as such as this.
Hoping they finally regret their words.
Turning on your heels, you venture off on seek for Mammon.
---------------------------------------
… Funny enough, it did not take you too long to find him.
Tapping on his door, they waited.
“….”
No response.
Odd. Usually he would’ve heard him yell to welcome them in. In fact, he would’ve been rather cheery and insistent on it by now.
On another note… He appeared to be pretty taken… or even hurt by the comments his sibling made about him. Anyone would.
“Mammon…?”
“…C’mon, it’s me… I wanted to say, I’m sorry…”
Your knuckles rattle against the door again.
“Please… I know you’re in there…”
What is this… Frozen? ‘Do you wanna build a snowman?’
Resisting a chuckle to yourself; you shake your head and slap your cheeks, trying to gain a more serious manner.
On the other side of the room, behind that solid wooden door. Mammon already could sense your presence. Hos ears perked up, faintest blush. He knew you weren’t necessarily involved, but the pain… as patience as he was with his siblings, this time he couldn’t put up with this mass ball of negativity. He had enough.
He really had constructed his plan carefully and it wasn’t at the expense of his brothers losing out.
Tenderly taking a step closer to the door—he rested his back against it. Hesitating for a short moment.
“And what do I get if I let ya’ come in, huh?”
Oh… that sounded like he was willing. A small spark of hope bubbled in your chest.
“U—Um, I’m sorry—About what they said— I’ll give you the grimm I earnt from my part-time job, if you just let me in… please?”
With a sigh, he side glances the handle once more. Opening it—You couldn’t make out what he was thinking. Hi expression was tilted to the side. Blue hues sprawled towards the floor, blush more vivid.
“Mammon… Can I hug you?”
Jerking up with the sudden question; face reddening, “W—HUH--?? Are you makin’ fun of me?”
Ok. He didn’t say no.
Stepping close, coiling your arms tightly around the wounded demon. It was one of the first things you wanted to do as soon as you saw him again. Letting your hands trail softly, up smoothly, gracing the fabric ever so delicately on his back. Soothing him fondly, lovingly. Audible sigh leaving your lips.
This is nice…
After a while, Mammon had finally let his arms mimic the same as yours. Except, the embrace became tighter. Head buried against your shoulder, tempting you into running your fingers in to the locks of his hair. “Mammon, it’s okay… It’ll be okay.”
“What are you talkin’ about now…? I’m fine, okay…?”
Attempting to reconfirm for himself, he really didn’t want you worrying about him. This was the kind of demon he was. He may have been greedy, but his heart was so full of kindness…
Returning the squeeze once more. You pecked the side of his cheek attentively.
“I’m here to listen to what you had to say back there. It’s not a scheme, right?”
Guiding your hands to link with his, letting your thumb brush the outer part of your hand. A tentative smile glistened your face, as you tried to get an answer out of him. A spark was made between you both, as you gave a few nervous looks at each other, but as he gave you another glance over. He perked up and puffed his chest out.
“Of course! What did you take me for? I spent a whole lot of time, comin’ up with this plan—So listen here.”
That’s the Mammon you remember. Seeing him like this made your heart flutter; stomach churn and butterflies were achieved with simply a glance at him. His charming grin, the way he holds himself with such confidence.
Holding in your admiration, ear getting closer as he lowered himself down to conceal the plan. “—Good. I have this pla—”
Before he could continue, you press a hand to stop him. “Wait.”
Brows furrowing, he nods. Waiting for your answer for the pause. “I think we should clear things up first with your brothers. They may have said those things, but they need to apologise to you.”
Face appearing grim, his tanned fingers grasped the back of his neck. Eyes not able to make yours again, returning to the expression he made previously. It was quite troubling, but it had to be done. Reaching out to grab his hand again, you did the same before. Cheeks reddening a rose hue again, he nodded.
“… Alright. I’ll come with ya’ and see what they have to say…”
Hearing this, made your heart oh so happy. You wanted nothing, but peace between the brothers. Even if they do try to kill eachother from time to time. About to turn on your heels, a tug pulled you back—
Feeling like you were about to fall—Eyes shut tight shut, preparing yourself for the hard fall-- a strong grip propped you up and with a soft, press of his lips firmly against yours.
“…Nn… I… This is thanks… “
Taken back by the kiss. Really it’s not like it was your first, however… it felt different from the others. Catching his attention on you once again, for a moment… there was a trace of yearning from him.
“We best go… We’ll finish this later..” Unable to get your thoughts together, you tug his hand back in the direction you can from.
Retuning to the room.
They all stood, almost as if they really were preparing themselves for the worst.
Hands to your hips, you puff your chest outwards and inhaled. Mammon was tucked right beside you with his hands planted to his hips. Waiting.
“Look—I sh—”
“Mammon… I apologise.”
The first to speak up was Lucifer. This wasn’t a strange, nor peculiar action for the eldest to do, but it did help. Holding his elegance as he approached his sibling, he lowered his head. “I’m sorry for not allowing you to proceed in talking about your… Plan.”
Wow. That sounded like a genuine apology.
Soon, the others came close, as well. Each other them, their expressions brimming with concern, a few with regret in the commentary.
“I’m sorry I called you an idiot, Mammon. I… just thought your plan could’ve been stupid…” Levi adds, as he fiddles with his thumbs, feeling awkward about having to be the one to apologise for once.
“Yeah. It was inconsiderate and insensitive.”
Satan added. Asmo chirped in, “As /my/ apology I would love to do something about your hair—”
“I’ll pass—” Mammon added in quickly.
He wasn’t expecting them all to be so open and apologise to him in front of his face. Bottom lip quivering, overwhelmed by it all. He grinned. “Look, I wasn’t crying over any of you or anything—”
Yeah, right.
“—But… thanks, I guess.”
Leaving the group to make up and listen to his usual mischievous plans. You sat close to the fireplace. This place, this family… it really felt like your own. Your second family.