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It was one of the rare nights Asmodeus couldn't sleep. No matter how much he tossed and he turned, he just couldn't fall asleep. He was sure he had done his night routine normally, so it couldn't have been that…
Britt was currently spending the night with Solomon and the angels so he knew she was safe.
But there was an itch in the back of his mind. Something that told him something just wasn't right.
Sighing, he slipped out of bed shivering as his bare feet touched the floor. Why was his floor always so cold?
Asmodeus made his way out of his room and ahead down to the kitchen, humming softly as to not wake his brothers.
But the closer he got, the more irritating the itch became.
He almost didn't catch it, as he passed the doorway. Almost.
But he stopped, and stepped back, peering into the lounge and frowned, seeing Mammon sitting on the floor by the fire.
The older demon was hugging his knees, and Asmodeus could see the tears falling freely.
Oh.
That's what's going on.
Asmodeus almost sighed, watching his older brother.
Sure he was a greedy disgusting scumlord, but Mammon truly did care for them all, he knew. And he also knew his brother would never ask for help when he truly needed it.
So, quietly, Asmodeus made his way to Mammon and kneeled behind him. Draping himself over his brother, he hugged him close, kissing his head.
"Another bad dream?" Asmodeus whispered softly, gently nuzzling his brother.
All Mammon did was nod, staring at the fire, for once silent.
Oh, it was a bad one then.
Asmodeus hummed softly, gently rubbing his shoulders, waiting for him to talk.
It felt like forever, and truly, Asmodeus was becoming bored when Mammon finally talked.
"I couldn't save you…" his voice was raspy and rough. Asmodeus was quiet as he continued. "I couldn't save you or Britt or Luke… or Anyone…" He let out a weak whimper and Asmodeus cooed softly, pulling him into his chest.
After a moment, he continued. "It… it was so horrible…. Disgusting…. You…. All were tortured. I was forced to watch."
He hiccupped and let out a sob. "He… he kept saying it was my fault. That I wasn't good enough. It was all my fault…."
Asmodeus tightened his grip and against his better judgment, he spoke up. "Who? Who was it, Mammon?"
Mammon let out a broken sob and Curled tighter into himself. "Father…."
Asmodeus flinched and looked down at his brother, horror building inside him.
Mammon continued to sob and hiccup, holding onto Asmodeus' arms to anchor himself. He tried to stop crying, but he couldn't. He felt so pathetic, he was supposed to be the older brother, supposed to be the one who took care of the others.
Asmodeus leaned down and nuzzled his cheek against Mammon's, settling there before he began to sing. It was the same lullaby he had sung to everyone so long ago, from when they fell.
Mammon slowly quieted down, leaning back into Asmodeus, eyes closed. Asmodeus smiled weakly, petting his brother as he sang.
After a few minutes, Asmodeus pat his brother's shoulder. "Come on, you should go to bed."
Mammon muttered softly, clearly embarrassed, but Asmodeus heard it all the same.
"Don't leave me…"
Asmodeus closed his eyes and held his brother tight before forcing the both of them to lay on the floor in front of the fire.
Asmodeus reached up and pulled a few couch pillows down, and then the blanket, situating them just right. Mammon Curled up and Asmodeus Curled around him, gently rubbing his side.
Oh he was going to hate himself in the morning but he just couldn't leave Mammon alone right now.
Mammon fell asleep quick enough, but it had taken Asmodeus a bit longer to sleep.
When morning came around, it was Satan who found them first.
He stood in the doorway, frowning, hand on his hip. It was easy to tell what happened, Asmodeus did have a knack for taking care of the others afterall.
Still… he grinned and snapped a picture, sending it in the group chat.
It was cute.