Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Hey! Raccoon!” 

Adania looked up from her book, not exactly surprised at being interrupted, but not excited about it either. This was lunchtime. Book reading time. Ignoring idiots time. Intentionally hiding under the bleachers so the mouth breathers left her the hell alone time.

“What.” She said. It wasn’t a question, just a deadpan look and a blink.

“Holy shit, Ross, her eyes really do glow!”

“I told you she was a raccoon!”

“That shit is fuckin spooky, Ross!!!”

They laughed and kicked the supports for the bleachers which caused dirt and who knows what else to rain down on her. Great. She was going to have to set aside some of her lunch reading time to brush random crap out of her hair again. A quick glance at her phone told her that she had better get going now if she wanted to be presentable for class. Great timing, idiots. Ugh.

The bell rang just as she slipped into her seat in history. Usually she was early, and her teacher gave her a knowing look. Late after lunch usually meant something had happened, and Adania cursed internally. Now she was doomed to get held after class for a lecture about speaking up about bullying. Technically they didn’t do anything to her, other than comment about her eyes again. 

What, was she supposed to give them a little pre-written lecture about how the light reflected off of the specific pigments in her eyes to make them look like they were shining based on distance and angles? Her eyes looked like they were shining because they were lit from above when everything around her was dark. I’m just going to have to find a different place to read during lunch. That was all it was.

“Adania.” Her history teacher said, catching her before she could leave the classroom.

“Yes, Ms. Silver?”

“You were almost late to class today, is everything alright?”

“Oh, yeah, I just had to get some dirt out of my hair after lunch.”

“Why was there dirt in your hair after lunch?”

“You know me, reading under the bleachers as usual.”

“That’s not a safe place to be, Ms. Laney.”

“Well, neither is trying to read in the lunchroom, Ms. Silver.”

“I thought you might say that.  Have you talked to any of your other teachers? You could probably read in one of their rooms if they have prep hour.”

“I… um. Never thought of that?”

“Sure. Think about it? I don’t want you getting hurt. Those bleachers are old, and it could be something other than dirt that hits you next time.”

“Thanks Ms. Silver.”

“Don’t thank me. Just think safer.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Now, you’re going to be late to your next class. Let me write you a note.”

“Nia!!!” two small forms crashed into hers, and she fell back into the leaves and laughed.

“Avery! Aubrey! Welcome home from school, girlies!”

“What’s for dinner, Nia?” they said, in eerie stereo, scrambling to stand themselves and her back up on their feet.

“Would you believe…. Spaghetti?”

“Sounds like a Wednesday.”

“That’s because it is a Wednesday, Avery.” Aubrey responded, and Adania laughed.

“Sorry, I know it’s routine, I’ll learn how to cook more things, okay?”

“I like Mexican food! Shari makes us tacos on Mondays!”

Adania laughed. “Okay, so what if I learn how to make… enchiladas or something?”

“Yeah!!”

“And how about… We’ll roll dice and figure out what foods are on what day each week, too. Then you won’t know what day Spaghetti happens on!”

“I like that! Dice are fun! Especially your weird shaped ones!”

“Okay then, I’ll brainstorm some more food ideas, and we can talk about them with Mom on Friday, okay?”

“Okay!!”

Adania laughed as her sisters launched into the apartment like little whirlwinds, leaving their coats and shoes all over the place, and getting themselves settled in at the table to get their homework done.  She followed behind them, dutifully putting shoes on the rack and coats on their hooks before making her way to the kitchen to get supper started.

“What is Lake Superior?” Avery said, determinedly. Not a question, but formed like one.

On the television, a man in a too-tight suit jacket cleared his throat and said “What is Lake Erie?”

“No!” all three sisters practically shouted at the television, and Adania facepalmed.

“Seriously, how do you not know what the heck lake borders Minnesota?” Aubrey said.

“People who don’t live around here don’t know these things, B.”

“Well they should study geography more! I’m only 9 and I know them, V!”

Adania had thought, a number of times, that her sisters needed to go on Jeopardy. Maybe if they ever advertised auditions for that, she’d talk to mom about it. The girls were really smart. And they’d probably love the chance to get a head start on a college fund.

Ugh. College.  That was not a thought she was entirely excited about crossing through her head. School right now was all of her teachers trying to talk to her about what colleges she was planning to apply to, and all she could think was that if she didn’t get a full ride somewhere, she wasn’t going.  Sure, she could probably get loans and whatever, but at least until the girls were old enough to take care of themselves, she’d need to stay home and take care of them.  They were already 9 though, and Adania remembered being 9.  It wouldn’t be too long before they would start hating her company instead of adoring it, so she was going to take everything she could get for now. College could wait.

Our topic for Final Jeopardy tonight is ‘Scientists’.

Adania laughed.

“Okay girls, what’s your wager?”

“If we get it right, we get pudding.” Aubrey said, and Avery followed that up with “If we get it wrong, we vacuum the living room and the hallway.”

“And if you can’t agree on an answer so one of you gets it right and the other doesn’t?”

“Uh… we do the vacuuming and then we get pudding?”

“You’re on.” Adania said, and the girls waited impatiently for the question. 

About 100 years before Darwin, this naturalist put orangutans & humans in a group with the Latin name “Homo”

Adania covered her mouth while she watched her little sisters think.  In all honesty, she had absolutely no idea.  And they almost never agreed, which she loved because then they willingly did chores and got their chosen reward.  Pudding she’d have to mix up while they were vacuuming, but that wasn’t a big deal, instant pudding was easy.

The music ran out, and Adania raised an eyebrow at her little sisters.

“It’s clearly Spencer.” Aubrey said.

“No. It’s Linnaeus.” Avery said, and Adania grinned. She had no idea who either of those were, it could be either, it could be neither. It could be Spencer Linnaeus. Linnaeus Spencer?

The first person said something neither of them said. They were wrong, and the girls both giggled at the screen.

The second person said Spencer, and Aubrey looked at Avery with a wicked grin on her face that faded into shock when they were deemed wrong.  The returning champion of course said Linnaeus…. Which was correct.

Adania didn't even know who that was!! She was going to have to ask friend google about that one so that she could at least feel half as smart as her little sisters who were about half her age.

“Okay then! With the upset of the week, Avery gets one that Aubrey didn’t!”

“About time I won one!” Avery said, and the girls laughed.

“So, on with the vacuuming! Avery, what kind of pudding?”

“Um, pistachio, obviously.” The girl said, her curls bouncing.

Adania laughed. She couldn’t wait to share with them the ice cream that mom had promised them for tomorrow.

“You’re kidding, right Jake? This whole thing is a joke, haha, joke’s on old dad.”

Jake looked up at his dad and winced.

“No. I’m not kidding, dad. I’m gay.” It was probably the fifth time he’d accidentally outed himself to his father.  It wasn’t like his dad was old enough to have Alzheimer's or something, he was just usually too drunk to remember anything the next day.

“Oh Andy, leave the kid be. You know it’s just a phase.” His mother said from the kitchen, and he winced. That was her way out of this argument every time.  Honestly, all he wanted was his dad to realize that being gay wasn’t the worst thing that a kid could

be these days.  It wasn’t even that rare for a kid to be gay, especially in the city.

It wouldn’t be that big of a deal, really, his dad not thinking the highest of him, but he knew that when his dad got upset like this… well… it went bad for his mom, real fast.

“Yeah sure, just a phase.” His dad said, and threw his bottle against the wall.

Here we fucking go. Jake thought. He started to say something else, but his mother spoke before he could.

“Jake, go to your room.” His mother said, gaining all of his father’s attention.

“What, Marnie, you just going to take his side?” his father spat, and Jake all but sprinted up to his room. 

Jake > Nia: Nia, they’re at it again.

Nia > Jake: Oh shit. What this time?

Jake > Nia: Same shit, different day. Dad found out I’m gay, I guess.

Nia > Jake: You came out to your parents more than a year ago!!!

Nia > Jake: How many times is this going to happen?

Jake > Nia: I don’t know. What can I do? I can’t.. Anything.

Nia > Jake: You know you’re always welcome here.

Jake > Nia: I can’t leave my mom.

Nia > Jake: I know. Hey look on the bright side, tomorrow’s Friday.

Jake > Nia: Friday… gods bless Friday, I need my Ma hugs.

Nia > Jake: Me too! Also it’s Pizza and Ice Cream Friday.

Jake > Nia: Now there’s inspiration to get through one more day...

Downstairs, more glass shattered, and Jake winced.  He just hoped his mom was going to be okay, after this. He knew he’d hear all about it tomorrow, how much he was a bad son, and did he have any idea what she went through for him…
Jake sighed, and put his headphones on, music far too loud, to drown out the mess that was his home life so that he had a chance to get his homework done.  

Now… how was he supposed to do this thing again? A squared plus B squared…

Adania slid into her seat in the otherwise empty classroom, and pulled her book out of her backpack.  The rest of her classmates were still in the halls, as usual.  Adania relished the ten minutes before class started, when she was guaranteed a little bit of time to get some reading done.  Usually less than ten minutes, because Jake would appear and undoubtedly have somewhere upwards of ten new things she needed to know about school gossip, but she didn’t mind. Her bestie was, well, the best.

“Nia!!!” Jake sat backwards on his chair to face her, and she laughed.

“Morning, Jake. Happy Friday.”

“That’s your normal Friday Greeting. Today is not a normal Friday!”

“What?” 

“There are new kids!”

“On a Friday.”

“Yep!”

“Their parents are the worst. Why would you start your kids on a Friday, at least wait until Monday.”

“Okay, okay, I get your point but like… they’re both seniors. Brothers, apparently. And smokin’ hot.”

“I’ll take your word for it?”

“No way. Between the two of us we have seven classes today. Surely we’ll catch sight of one of them, right?”

“Yeah. Hell of a story to tell mom later.”

“Miss Laney. Language.” Mr. Randall said, entering the room.

“English, Mr. Randall. Christian jargon, specifically.”

The teacher laughed. “Alright, alright. Good morning.”

Jake turned himself around in his chair, as the rest of their classmates started to file into the room.  In all honesty, Adania wasn’t sure that she even wanted to meet the new kids. They were probably just bullies anyway.

Finally, in last period, Adania got to meet both of the new students. Jake had texted that he’d gotten to see them both in Chemistry, and apparently they had a sibling rivalry, because they did not get along. Not even a little.

Her experience was similar, but different. Her last period was Choir, and she loved it. She looked up and met the eye of the dark-haired brother, standing at the front of the room. He winked at her, and she just rolled her eyes and went back to her book.  Was she blushing? Probably. Was some new kid enough to get her to pay attention to him by winking? No.

After their introductions - Diaval was the tall, dark and handsome brother, while Mark was … still tall, but light and blonde and looked like he’d walked off the cover of a 90s romance novel. Hello, Faux Fabio.

As warmups were starting, and the boys were getting their range checked, the conductor called her over for a moment.  Adania shut her book and walked over. 

“I just got a call from the office - your mother is here.”

“Why is my mom here?”

“No idea, but you’re going to be heading out straight from the office, so get your things, alright? I’ll see you Monday.”

Adania knew not to argue. If mom was here to pick her up, there was likely a good reason. She’d text Jake from the car.

She ran into Jake in the hallway. 

“Oh hey! I have to go to the office—“

“—because my mom is here…”

“Weird.” They said in unison, and weird only began to cover the next few hours.

“So, you’re saying you signed me up for an exchange program?” Adania said, eyeing her mother over the coffee-adjacent drink sitting on the table in front of her.

Next to her, Jake was pinning his own mother with the same stare.

“Isn’t it just supposed to be like, to another country though?” Jake said, concerned.

“Well…” Adania’s mom started, and Jake’s mom interrupted.

“It was my idea.  I didn’t know if you two would get in, but I suggested to Lynn, I mean your mom, that we could sign you both up so you’d be together.”

“Well, that backfired.”

“They said you can still text though! And video call, and regular call!”

“But…”

“And there’ll be a big dance at the end of the program.”

“So you’re saying the two hot guys who just transferred in today are our replacements?”

“Well…”

“In Adania’s case, yeah, literally. They’re staying at our place since we have the space…”

“And you’re going to trust them to take care of the girls?”

“Well, no. I had to take a few months of 8-5s to cover Janice’s maternity leave, so it works out.”

“That is suspiciously convenient.”

“Jake… There’s a reason we did this.  I’m divorcing your father. But it’s going to be messy… and I need to know that you’re safe, okay?”

“So you’re sending me off to the literal actual Celestial Realm where Angels are from to keep me safe.” Jake was angry.  Adania was just numb. “And you’re sending Nia off to Literal Actual Hell.”

That was it. Was she a bad kid? Was it the talking back to her first period teacher?

“Adania. Please. Just try it. It’s a year. It’s Room & Board covered, and we have been promised you will both be entirely safe.”

“Ugh. Fiiiine. Can we still have pizza and ice cream night?” Adania asked, sighing.

“Yes. But we’re going out for pizza.”

“What.”

“Yeah, we’re gonna do the whole arcade thing.”

“Mom, we can’t afford that.”

“With the stipend they’re giving me to house a literal angel and a literal demon? We’re good.”

“Mo-om!”

“Hush. You’re leaving tomorrow. Let me spoil my baby girl.”

Chapter Text

Where am I…? Okay, this place looks… like a fantasy courtroom. Several people are looking at me. Oh good. The man where I would have expected a judge to be is talking. I should listen, but… this is just a really weird dream, right?  Right?!

“Welcome to the Devildom, Adania.” The man said, and smiled. It was a nice smile, but it didn’t last, probably because she didn’t respond. “…Oh, pardon me. Feeling a bit shocked, are we?  Well, that’s understandable, you’ve only just arrived, after all.”

“Hang on right there, Mr. Important. Can you not go using my whole name like it’s some sort of good idea? I know better. Just call me Nia, okay?”

Somewhere to her right, someone sighed, and to her left, someone was trying not to cackle. She was just trying not to look anywhere but the very important and for some reason frightening man in front of her. Was he the principal?

“Alright, Nia.  As a human, it will probably take a little while for you to adjust to things here in the Devildom…”

“Oh right! The Devildom! Wait, did you just steal me out of my dreams? I was pretty sure I was asleep.”

“Oh, that. Don’t worry about it.  I should probably take a step back and introduce myself. My name is Diavolo. I am the ruler of all demons, and all here know of me. And someday soon, I will be crowned king of the Devildom.”

“So… I shouldn’t just mouth off and call you Mr. Important, is what you’re saying?”

He chuckled, but otherwise ignored her interruption.

“This is the Royal Academy of Diavolo, though we just call it RAD. You’re standing in the assembly hall, which is where we do all of the important student council business.  I’m the president of the student council.”

“Okay… but I’m shiny and new here, and, if I’m being honest, a little embarrassed about standing here in my pajamas, so…”

“I will explain everything to you.” The man to the right of Diavolo spoke up, and Nia was immediately stunned. He’s gorgeous… in a scary way.

“Nia, this is Lucifer. He is a demon, and the Avatar of Pride.  He’s also the vice president of the student council and my right-hand man… and not just in title, I assure you. Beyond that, he’s also my trusted friend.” Did he just imply that they’re dating? 

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Diavolo.” Lucifer said, a half-frown on his face. Hm. Maybe not?

“Nice to meet you, Lucifer.” Nia said, wondering if he was the Lucifer, or if it was a passed-down name, or what. He looked too close to her age to not be a descendant of some kind, but then… ugh. This whole thinking thing was a job for future-Nia. You know, awake-Nia.

“Speaking on behalf of the entire student body at this great and storied school of ours, I offer you a most heartfelt welcome, Nia.” I think he’s using that as a cover to say he’s not too thrilled to be stuck with me…

“On behalf of the students?”

“Diavolo believes that we demons should start strengthening our relationship with both the human world and the Celestial Realm. As a first step towards this goal, we’ve decided to institute an exchange program. We’ve sent two of our students to the human world, and two to the Celestial Realm. And, we’re welcoming four students to our school: two from your world and two from the Celestial Realm.”

Two?! Why couldn’t they have let me keep Jake then?! Ugh.

“So I take it you’ve probably put two and two together at this point, right?”

“Well, my mom told me all about it, I just thought I’d know when today rather than just suddenly, in my sleep, you know?”

“Well, with any new program, there are kinks to work out. We’ll note this down for next time.  Simply put, your period of stay is one year. You will be able to communicate with your family at home via your D.D.D., as well as any friends you make here. You will have to work on the tasks that you receive here at RAD, just like your schooling in the human realm, though the subjects will differ. After one year, you will write a paper about your exchange here in the Devildom, and then you will return home, and we will arrange for sufficient educational credits and the issuing of your diploma at that time.”

“What kind of tasks? Is there a primer? Books I can study up on so I don’t make a fool of myself?”

“Don’t glare at me like that. It’s not like I will abandon you all by yourself here in the Devildom.”

“Well, good? I’d probably make a very interesting snack for someone.”

“Exactly. And as such you will need someone to look after you, and I think that someone should be my brother Mammon.  He’s the Avatar of Greed and…how should I put it…? Oh well, you’ll understand soon enough.” His brother?  Oh good, irritating kid brother time…

“I’ve got two little sisters, I think I can manage your brother…” Nia said, and watched his eyes flash a bit. Interesting, so he has a temper?

“Here, take this device. I mentioned it before, it’s called a D.D.D. It’s a lot like the cell phones of your world.” He handed it to her, and she looked it over.  Sure enough, it looked like the newest model of Android phone… not an iPhone? Even the Devildom has turned its back on Apple.

“Thanks.” She said, her fingers brushing his gloved hand as she took the device. I wonder why he’s wearing gloves. Would I melt if he touched me bare-handed?

“This will be yours to use for as long as you’re here. It’s pre-loaded with all of the Student Council’s contact information, your family at home and… whoever Jake is?”

“Whoa! You weren’t lying, I can totally text Jake with this.” A traitorous tear tried to escape her eye, and she dashed it away and put on a smile.

“Oooooh, Who’s Jake~?” a sing-song voice from her right called out, and she refused to address whomever that was. She hadn’t been introduced yet, and she’d read a lot about not being tempted when one was not in their home dimension or realm or whatever. The internet at 2am can be a very strange place.

“Now. Go ahead and try calling Mammon with it.”

Nia unlocked the phone, fingerprints, it knows mine already, creepy, and tapped Mammon’s name in her contact list.  It rang a few times, then got picked up.

“Yoooo.”

“Yoooo, yourself.” Nia said, trying not to laugh.

“Are ya foolin’ around? Who the hell are ya?” Ooh, an attitude. Also he sounds cute. Shit.

“I’m a human.” She said, deciding to be a brat.

“Whaaa? A human?” Didn’t you hear me? “Geez, I was gettin’ all chilly here thinkin’ it was Lucifer again. Ya should’ve told me right away. So, what business does a human got with THE Mammon?”

“Well, I hear you’re going to be in charge of me from now, on, so…” So we should be friends, right?

“No way! There’s nothin’ in it for me.” Oh right. Avatar of Greed. That must actually mean something here. 

“I mean, there could be. I might even be willing to be your friend.”

“Uh, that sounds like more work. Whaddya even mean by “be in charge of you”? Ahh! I get it now, you’re the other human —  the new exchange student! G’luck with that, and see ya.”

“Hey, don’t just hang up on me, Mammon! Lucifer told me you’d be looking after me, and…”

“Pfft, whatever. Ya think THE Mammon would listen to ya just ‘cause you’re tryin’ to scare me with that name?”

Lucifer, while she was talking to Mammon, had moved close into her personal space, and leaned towards her D.D.D.

“You’ve got ten seconds…9…8…”

“YESSIR!” Mammon said, and the call ended.

When she looked up at Lucifer, he’d taken a step back out of her personal space, politely. Weird. She definitely hadn’t expected manners to be part of a Demon’s regular habits. She sure had a lot to learn. She’d best write down her prejudices as she noticed them, they’d be good fluff for the paper she was going to have to write next fall.

“Sounds like you had a nice chat.” Lucifer said, and honestly Nia couldn’t tell if the smile on his face was from getting to harangue Mammon, or what.

“He seems reliable.” She said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“…You really think so?” Lucifer was eying her carefully.

“Luci~!” That same sing-song voice from her right called out again. “That was sarcasm!!”

Whoever that was, Nia thought she was going to like them.

“Well, if you were suddenly brought to a strange place and then get told that an even more unfamiliar face would now be taking care of you, you’d feel anxious enough to backtalk the ruler of the devildom too, Lucifer.” Diavolo said, and smiled at her. “However, Nia, Mammon isn’t the only one who’s going to be helping you out.  Now then, we still need to introduce our new friend to your brothers, Lucifer. And it’s probably better if you do that instead of me, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes… as much as I dread the idea of doing so, you’re right.” Oh, brothers. Plural. That probably explained the look she’d gotten when she mentioned her little sisters.

“Oh, come now. Really? You should be honored that you get to introduce such a sweet and charming little brother like me!” Ah yes! Cute voice boy! Finally! He really was cute. Like, heckin pretty.  Jake was going to be so crazy jealous, she’d have to get a selfie with him to send along.

“This one here is Asmodeus. He’s the fifth eldest. He is the Avatar of Lust.”

“Hm, I can see why.” Nia said boldly. 

“Wh…I can’t believe you just totally ignored what I said! And not only that, you referred to me as this one. How rude!”

“Can I just call you Asmo? It’s cuter.”

“Ooh! I like this one!!!” He said, and Nia decided to take that as permission to use the nickname, despite her amusement at him also calling her 'this one'.

“Hmph. At least he didn’t ignore you altogether. How do you think I feel.”

“That one there is Satan, the fourth eldest of us. At first glance, he may seem like a responsible demon with a good head on his shoulders, but looks can be deceiving.”

“Aha, so I’m that one, am I? Nice to meet you, Nia. I am Satan, the Avatar of Wrath.”

“Uhm.. Dang. That smile is killer, Satan. I think I’d be a pissy litle bitch if I had to deal with all the assumptions about being named Satan and being angry all the time. You could probably write a book about it. You seem nice. Let’s be friends.”

“He may flash you a pretty smile like that, but you had better be careful, because it is all an act.” Lucifer said, almost deadpan.

“Hey now, Lucifer. If you continue saying such nonsense, you’ll just scare Nia. Don’t take him too seriously, Nia. He can’t help but speak ill of all of us brothers, he is the Avatar of Pride after all.” He’s… glowing. Like, some kind of magic aura? That’s kindof kickass. I wonder if I can learn how to do that.

“Now, the one there with the very grumpy look on his face is Beelzebub. He’s the sixth oldest.”

“I’m not grumpy, I’m hungry.”

“That’s too bad. Now behave yourself.” Did he just brush off someone being hungry? That’s an incredibly shitty thing to do to someone. Nia instinctively rifled through her pockets. She usually had something in her robe pockets.. You know, for midnight snack purposes.  Her hands curled around something that crinkled. Aha! Fruit snacks!

“Hey, um.. Beel.. Yeah, I think I’m just gonna call you Beel if that’s okay, the whole thing’s a bit of a mouthful. Catch.”  She tossed the bright blue packet of fruit puree and corn syrup at the grumpy ginger. “Fruit snacks. Just return the favor sometime, okay?”
He had caught them right out of the air with no warning, and was staring at them and at her like he wasn’t sure he was allowed to eat them.

“I’m Beelzebub.. Like he said… the Avatar of Gluttony.” Oh. That explained the hunger…

“Well, Mr. Beel the hungry, please enjoy the fruit snacks!!”

Lucifer sighed as Beel very carefully opened the packet and looked at the fruit snacks with great interest before carefully eating them one at a time.  Nia didn’t know what she was expecting, but something more like cookie monster with cookies rather than a dainty careful little princeling with his snack— Wait, did he just eat the wrapper, too?! Nevermind.

“There are seven of us brothers in all, I am the eldest. Mammon, the second oldest should be here shortly. My other brothers aren’t here at the moment, but… well, we can get to them later. All in good time.”

“During your stay in the Devildom, the seven brothers will lend you their strength.” Diavolo said. “To keep you safe, you are to stay with them at the House of Lamentation.”

“Oof, that’s a name.” Nia said, and Satan smirked. 

“Yes, it is where I live with my brothers. It is a rather spacious house, and it was originally a cursed house in the human world. So I assume it won’t be a problem for you — a human — to live there.”

“So I’m missing… don’t tell me…. Envy and Sloth?  Sloth I get, I’d be napping somewhere right now if I could be, but Envy? Won’t he be like, super envious about you all getting to meet me sooner than him?”

“He’s a hermit.” Satan said. “He never leaves his room except for meals, and if he can avoid even that, he does.”

“Sounds like my kind of person.” Nia said, and put a smile on her face. It was going to be interesting being around this many cute guys. Ugh.

“Well, you’re all set up now, and it looks like Mammon has arrived. Finally. Idiot.”

The door banged open and a white haired demon appeared, giving her a once over. She did the same to him. Shit. He’s just as cute as he sounded over the phone. Down, Nia. You can’t go getting a crush on every demon you meet.

“HEY! Just who do you think you are, human? You’ve got a lotta nerve summoning the Great Mammon! Listen up, because I’m only gonna say this once. If you value your life, then you’ll hand over all of your money now! And anything else of value, too! Otherwise, I’ll wipe that stupid happy-go-lucky look right off of your face..by eatin’ you! Startin’ at your head and working my way down, until—“

Lucifer started to say something, and Nia just held up a hand on instinct.

“Listen, The Mammon. I am standing here in my pajamas, and the only possible thing I had that would be any value to you was the fruit snacks that I already gave Beel. So get the hell off of your high horse, and start treating me like a person because you are stuck with me for the next year, and I can not wait to see Lucifer ream you a new asshole for treating me like shit on day one. Because I really don’t feel like Diavolo is going to bother.”

She heard, behind her, Asmo giggle, a small smattering of applause, and Satan quietly saying something along the lines of I’m keeping this one. She knew it was Satan, because the next thing he did was pipe up like the proverbial peanut gallery. 

“Nia, Mammon here is the Avatar of Greed. He governs and oversees all forms of it. Whenever he takes a liking to someone, they find themselves awash in money. But from what I hear, if he decides to break it off with someone, that wealth evaporates. They’re left without a Grimm to their name.”

“Yeah, that follows.” Nia said, considering. Grimm must be the money here.

“And he’s also a masochist~!” Asmo added, with a giggle. “That part’s important!” How was that important…?

“Indeed.” Lucifer said, and Nia's attention snapped to him. “And it just so happens I have a task for my masochist of a brother.”

“Hey, what? I’m not a masochist! She just pulled the venom out on me!!”

“You liked it. I could tell.” Asmo muttered.

“Mammon,” Lucifer continued sternly, “You are going to be in charge of seeing to this human’s needs during this whole exchange. I expect your full cooperation.”

“What?! Why me!?”

“Aww, lucky you, Mammon! I’m so jealous.”

“Alright, then why don’t you do it, Asmodeus?!”

Asmo considered, but shook his head. Nia tried not to be disappointed. It wasn’t like she didn’t like the idea of Mammon, Asmo and Satan just seemed to understand her, you know?

“Hell no, too lazy.” Asmo said, and Nia pouted.

Satan grinned. “I’ll do it.” Sweet!!

“Absolutely not.” Lucifer said, and Satan visibly wilted.

“Damnit…” Mammon said.

“Just get used to it, Mammon. You know you can’t refuse a direct command from Lucifer, correct?”

“But… what about Beel?”

“He might eat her.”

“Shit, you’re right.”

“Mm, yeah. I can’t promise I wouldn’t.” Oh, shit. Note to self, keep snacks handy at all times.

“Fine, fine, I’ll do it. Alright, human—“

“My name is Nia.”

“UGH FINE. Nia. Listen up. As much as I don’t want to look after you, I’ve got no choice. It’s a huge pain in the ass, and I’m too important for this shit, but Lucifer told me to do it, so I will. But in return you better make sure not to cause me any trouble, got it?”

“You’re kidding, right? Like, I get it, you’re all Avatars of the Seven Sins or whatever, but why do I need a babysitter?”

“Are you deaf, human? Or are you just that much of an idiot?”

“Way to be an ableist jerk, Mammon.” Satan said, and Nia smirked.

“Shaddup, Satan.” Mammon growled. “Here in the Devildom, Lord Diavolo’s word is law, and so is Lucifer’s. And don’t you forget it.”

Nia pondered this for a moment.  She’d seen Lucifer’s power over his brothers firsthand, and Lucifer did whatever Diavolo even suggested was the thing to do, so that followed, and she could see how Diavolo’s word would be law, but…

“Okay, but don’t get any ideas, Mammon.”

“Don’t worry, he won’t~” Asmo said, and winked at her.

“What’s that sposta mean, you….”

“Mammon.” Lucifer said, and the Avatar of Greed shut right the hell up.

Nia looked at Lucifer, who smiled at her. She was beginning to sense that his smile was not something you really wanted to be on the receiving end of, but she just couldn’t help it.

“We have decided who will take care of you, so the next subject to cover is your tasks…”

“Are there going to be tests?” Nia asked, wondering. If there were tests, she was golden, because she could ace a test even half asleep.

“That’s a good question.  Given that your main tasks are to polish up your soul nicely and to acquire the power to resist demons, likely every day will be a test.”

Fuck. Okay. “That sounds..  Interesting. Polish?”

“Demons like humans with nice souls. Put another way, nice souls seem like shiny jewels to us.  Do you understand now? Demons will use their wisdom and abilities to tempt the humans so they can get their hands on their souls. Other demons at RAD also have tasks assigned to them just like you.  In other words, either humans will be tempted by demons, or demons will lose against the shiny and noble soul of a human and make a run for it. You could say it is an experiment to find out who will win.”

“Okay, legit, but what happens if I lose…?” Nia liked to know the consequences of her actions, or inactions. She was sure she’d be fine, but what happened if she actually wasn’t fine?

“There is no penalty set, would you like me to think of one?” Would she…? No. Damn, Nia. Chill. You have been here …  some minutes. How the heck did time even work here?

“Uh..”

“There, there, don’t give me that look.” Lucifer said, his smile gone. “Don’t take it so seriously. You won’t have to do those tasks on your own. After all, you don’t have any magic in you, unlike the other exchange student from the human world…” Wait, now there’s also magic? What bullshit storybook did I walk into? “…so my brothers and I will lend our power to you and you alone. Seeing is believing, so why don’t you go ahead and give those tasks a try, Nia?” There’s that smile again…

“Well, I mean, obviously.” Nia said, blinking.

“I wanna make one thing clear right now: Don’t blame me if someone gets eaten, cause it ain’t my fault.” Mammon said, and Nia just laughed.

“Let’s make this one a year to remember, eh Mammon?”

“You… sure are a positive one. Welp, I won’t stop ya from havin’ some fun.”

“Nia… thank you for accepting this exchange.  Humans, angels, demons, I imagine a universe where each accepts the other. Where we are brought together as friends. This is my dream, and I’m asking you to be the foundation for it. One year. That’s all I ask of you. Good luck, Nia.” Well, that’s very phantom of the opera of you Diavolo, but okay.

Chapter Text

Mammon ranted, whined, complained, and was generally a complete pill to deal with the entire way from RAD back to the House of Lamentation. Nia tuned him out about halfway through to look at all of the new flora, and wondering at the fact that it seemed like it was night but everyone was out doing things.

“Oi, Human, aintcha listenin’ to me?”

“Honestly, Mammon, I really don’t care about your attitude issues. Lucifer told you to do a thing, so you’re doing it. You don’t think I somehow know about all of your internal politics when I haven’t even been in the Devildom an hour yet, do you?”

“What?! Oh, now you’re really in for it…!”

Nia just blinked at him. He wasn’t going to hurt her. She quirked an eyebrow at him.

“…although, come to think of it, I’m surprised you’ve got the guts to talk to me like that. You’re not scared? I mean, I’m a demon. You do get that, right?”

“Well, yeah. But you’re the demon assigned to keep track of me for an entire year. It’ll look really bad for you if something happens to me.  Besides, I’m apparently the only magicless human here, so don’t I make a good capstone piece for your collection?”

Mammon choked on nothing, and looked at her, his eyes glowing gold for a moment.

“…Hmph. You’re one strange human, I’ll give ya that.”

“That’s not news. Everyone at home thought that too.”

“Well… let me show ya around the house.”

Mammon walked her through the house, from its grand staircase, to the library, pointing out where everyone’s rooms were.  At one door, he stopped and knocked a few times, then turned and looked at her.

“This here is Leviathan’s room. He’s my next youngest brother.”

“So… Third. And Envy, right?” I wonder if he’d let me call him Levi, like I nicknamed Asmo earlier…

“Yeah, so ya better watch yourself with him.” Ah, maybe not.

“Mammon….” A voice from the other side of the door rang out, and Nia instinctively took a step back as it opened.

“D’ah…! Levi…” You knocked on his door but you’re surprised he answered?

“Mammon, give me back my money. Then go crawl in a hole and die.” Levi said, completely ignoring her presence.

“Come on, I told you I’d get it to you! I just need a little more time. …And you still want me to die even after I give it back? That’s real harsh, Levi!”

Levi seemed unimpressed. “You need a little more time? How much more?”

“A little more, okay~? A little more means a little more!”

“You’ve been telling me that for the last 200 years, Mammon.” 200 years?!! But they looked right around her age.  Way to thirst outside of your age bracket, Nia…

“Hey, no! It hasn’t been 200 years, it’s been 260! Get it right, Levi!” 

Nia giggled. Mammon, bud, you just made it worse.

“Unbelievable. Seriously, Mammon, you’re—“

“I’m what? Scum? Is that what you’re gonna say?”

“—you’re a lowlife and a waste of space.”

“Hey, come on, that’s even worse!”

“Whatever, just give me back my money. I need it to buy the Blu-ray box set of Journey to the Devildom: The Tale of a Little She-Devil and Her Reluctant Companion. The initial round of copies includes promotional tickets to a live event as a special bonus.”

“That… sounds… really on-point for my life right now, can I watch it with you?” Nia asked, hopefully.

“Aaagh! Mammon!! Not only are you not here to pay me back but you brought a normie?!?” 

“I’ve got no idea what you’re even talking about, Levi, but it doesn’t matter! Because I don’t even have any money to give you. How am I supposed to give back money I don’t have, huh?!”

“So then, you’re telling me you refuse to pay me back?”

“…What? You lookin for a fight, is that it?”

Nia looked between the two of them in concern, but she didn’t think there was a single thing she could do at this point that would help the situation, so she opted to just keep her mouth shut.  Despite this choice, Mammon turned and looked her dead in the eye.

“Listen, human. You remember my advice from before about what to do when demons attack? Well, you’re about to witness that for real, So… time for you to die, because if it’s either you or me, it ain’t gonna be me.”

Levi looked confused for a moment.

“Hold on. I thought your advice was to either run away or — Dammit, Mammon! That ass…he ran off,…!”

Nia giggled. She didn’t mean to, but Mammon had telegraphed his exit beautifully and Levi still missed it.

“You’re laughing? Do you realize what just happened?  Mammon used you as a distraction to get away from me. Or, maybe I should say, he used you as a sacrifice. I’ll admit that Mammon is one of the scummiest scumbags you’ll ever meet… a total lowlife. But still, that was pretty dumb of you letting him use you like that.” 

Levi sighed dramatically.

“This is exactly why humans are—“ He stopped himself mid-sentence, and Nia wondered if she’d ever get a word in edge-wise with this one. “Humans. Yes. That’s it. Suddenly, I’ve got an idea.”

Nia eyed him carefully.  That whole having an idea thing didn’t sound too promising.

“Listen, are you free right now? Of course you are. You’ve gotta be, right? You know what? Never mind. Either way, you’re coming with me.”

While Levi was pulling her past the threshold into his room, her shiny new D.D.D. buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out to see texts from Mammon.

“Fucking seriously, Mammon?” Nia muttered, and shoved her phone-like object back in her pocket.

“What did the scumbag do now?”

“Oh, he basically just pretended he had something more important to do than the job Lucifer gave him. I sure hope you’re up to babysitting a human…” She paused and looked at Levi again. “Wait a sec, why did you—“

“What’s that now? You want to know why I looked around to see if anyone was watching before I closed the door?  Why do you think I did it?! Isn’t it obvious?! Imagine what would happen if someone saw me inviting you into my room! A human who doesn’t even look like an otaku but a normie!” 

Nia wanted to be offended. She did. She loved anime so incredibly much, and had a bad habit of playing cutesy dating games on her phone when she was bored or on the bus or whatever, but… she was too distracted by the room she was in. It was gorgeous.  Floating jellyfish lights, one wall that was just entirely aquarium and the ceiling looked like it was actually water. There was a bookcase full of thick, hardcover books as big as encyclopedias, and his bed looked like it was just a clawfoot bathtub? Where did that get comfortable…? But her eyes were immediately drawn back to the bookshelf, and she felt herself drawn to a fancy hardcover... The Tale of the Seven Lords… wow, that was also a painfully accurate title to the people she was dealing with right now.

“Wait, what’s caught your attention?”

“This…” Nia said, her hand reaching out to carefully touch the spine.

“Oh! TSL! Are you a fan?”

“Oh.. I… no. But I could be? I find myself wanting to know everything about it and it feels weird. Did you do something to make me want to talk because ugh I mostly just would like to curl up with a nice manga and ignore the universe…”

“Well, let me tell you about TSL!! It’s got 138 volumes and…”

What felt like an hour later, Nia finally got him to stop talking about TSL because she didn’t want any more spoilers. He seemed to understand that, which was good, but that was when she remembered that he’d asked her in for a reason. And by asked, she meant pulled.

“Um… so, did you need something, or…”

“Oh right. I didn’t bring you in here just to talk about TSL.”  He sighed, but continued. “I don’t think there’s any harm in coming out and saying what you already know is true: Mammon is a complete and utter scumbag. It’s very important that you understand this about him, so I’ll say it one more time. Mammon is a hopeless, worthless, scumbag.  I lent that scumbag money, and now I want him to pay me back. But being the scumbag he is, he won’t do it. I wish I could force him to, but despite what a rotten waste of space he is, Mammon’s still the second oldest. As the third oldest, no matter how hard I try, I don’t stand a chance against him.  But if you, a human, made a pact with him, then he’d have to do whatever that human told him to do. Which means you could order him to give me back my money, and he’d have to do it.”

Nia pondered. She’d seen things in movies about making deals with the devil, and she knew that was exactly the opposite of what her tasks here were supposed to be. She was supposed to shine up her soul and then protect it, not sell it off to the highest bidder.  But also, she didn’t think Mammon was as bad as his brothers made out. In fact, the way they treated him was pretty crappy. Who wanted to be treated that way constantly?

“Have you considered maybe treating Mammon better?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I mean, they told me when I got here that…”

“Who’s they?”

“Uh. Diavolo, Lucifer, Satan and Asmo? Oh also Beel.”

“Wait. You. You’re the exchange student.”

“Yes. That’s me. Living in this house with you for a year, your otaku-ness, sir.”

“Well, shit. I need to rethink this entire plan now. Time for you to go.”

Levi all but pushed her into the hallway, and she stood there looking like an idiot for at least five minutes. “What the fuck just happened?”

“I don’t know, but you’re mad about it.” A voice said from down the hallway, and she looked up to see Satan striding purposefully towards her. “Come with me? I want to talk about it. And also get a snack before Beel eats the entire refrigerator again.”

“H-hey Satan?” Nia asked carefully.

“What, not hungry?”

“No.. I mean yes.. I mean… can I see my room? Mammon offhandedly mentioned that I didn’t need things because things would be provided, but I’m in my pajamas and it’s really embarrassing…”

Satan gave her a careful once over.

“Huh. I hadn’t noticed.  Sure, your room’s just past the kitchen, and on the way to mine basically. We’ll stop in so you can change.”

“Thanks, Satan. You’re the best.”

Chapter Text

“So…” Nia started, and Satan just chuckled.

“I’m sorry there’s nowhere else in here to sit but my bed. I’m not Asmo, don’t worry, I don’t mean anything by it.”

“Oh, I mean, I didn’t figure… you’re all supposed to take care of me after all, I didn’t figure it’d be an issue.”

“Huh. Okay. You’re weirdly trusting.”

“Sorry. Blame my mom.”

“I think I will, if I ever get the pleasure of her acquaintance.”

“Oh hey! Um… I know this is weird, but I can text my mom from my D.D.D., so would you be willing to take a selfie with me to send her?”

“Don’t you think she’ll pitch a fit given the lore associated with my name?”

“Oh. Nah, mom is chill.”

“Well… you should let me take it, my arms are longer. Here, scoot closer. Do you want the windows or books in the background?”

“Um. Books, obviously.” Nia said, as if Satan were an idiot.

Any other time, he wouldn’t have put up with that attitude, especially not from a human, but she’d been talking about the books, so he took a deep breath and let it slide.

Nia > Mom: [Picture]

Nia > Mom:  Having fun so far! Enjoy this selfie with my new BFF Satan!

Nia > Jake: They teleported me in my pajamas.

Nia > Jake: It’s Hot Boy Summer.

Nia > Jake: [picture]

She’d check back on them later, for now, she had questions, and she was hoping Satan had answers.

“So, Satan…”

“Are you done sharing my face with the world?”

“Yes.” She said definitively, making sure that her D.D.D. was safely put away. It was tempting to play with the technology, but that could wait.

“Why were you angry?” Satan asks, pauses and rephrases. “Why are you still angry?”

There was a knock at the door, and Satan immediately leapt to his feet, and moved to answer it.

“Oh, hey Asmo.” He said, and let his impossibly gorgeous brother into the room.

“Asmo!” Nia said, and waved. “I’m sorry you were too lazy to hang out with me more.”

Asmo blinked. “Well, it was more that I wanted to tease Mammon. Lucifer made his choice as to who was to be your guardian based on our ages, as it were… Mammon can beat any of us without blinking. Any of us but Lucifer or Diavolo that is. So even If I hadn’t been a brat… it would have been Mammon.”

“Wait, but you’re the Avatar of Lust? What does that even mean? Because you’re cute, but…”

“Well, the name pretty much sums up what I’m about! Including my power.  Let’s give you a little demonstration!  Nia, can you gaze into my eyes for a moment? I promise Jake won’t be too jealous…”

Nia was slightly startled by the mention of Jake. He’d be more jealous of her than of Asmo, whatever Asmo was about to do, but.. Whatever. 

“Come on, don’t be shy… I won’t hurt you, it’s okay.”

Satan stiffened, and put one arm protectively on her back, which brought her back to the present a bit. She looked up right into Asmo’s eyes, as requested. She wasn’t shy, she was thinking about Jake.

“Yes, great! That’s perfect. Now, keep your eyes fixed on mine. Just like that…”

Asmo’s eyes flared with pink light, but nothing changed.

“…wait a minute. There’s something about you…hmm…”

Satan took that moment to steal your attention.

“I should probably warn you, Nia; you’d best be wary of Asmodeus’ Gaze. He can charm and manipulate people and use them to his own advantage. If you’re not careful, he’ll charm you. And once you’re under his spell, he’ll eat you.” 

“Hey! Don’t go around saying things like that~! Regardless, though, my power doesn’t seem to work this time for some reason. I wonder why.” Asmo said, puzzled.

Nia blinked and looked back at Asmo. 

“So, were you going to eat me, then?”

Asmo giggled, and it sounded like wind chimes, which made Nia smile.

“Only if you want me to… and not the way Beel would.” He winked, and Nia felt herself blush.

“Ooh, she liked that one, Satan!” Asmo said, and giggled again.

Satan cleared his throat. 

“Anyway, Nia, you were telling me about why you were so mad earlier."

“Oh, um.. It’s about Mammon.”

“Oh, what did that lowlife do now?” Asmo said, his tone turning menacing.

Satan just sighed.

“Mammon.. Listen you guys. I know I just got here, but… you all shit on Mammon like, constantly. Maybe he really is a deadbeat, scumbag, whatever. But why rub it in? He’s your brother!”

“Nia, you don’t understand. Mammon really is the lowest of the low.” Asmo said, as if he were talking to a child that wasn’t capable of understanding the big words the grownups were saying.

“But, bear with me here, what would happen if you tried lifting him up instead of pushing him down?”

“He’d become insufferable and steal more of my things.”

“Wait, stealing? Why would he need to steal anything, he’s the avatar of greed?”

“Yeah, he’s broke. Poorest of the poor, steals from his brothers to pawn our stuff off and make a quick buck, just to get off on having money for the five minutes before he loses it.”

Nia thought back to what Satan had literally just told her less than an hour ago.

“I mean.. You’re brothers though. Shouldn’t you all be rolling in money?”

“Uh, being brothers with greed gets us nothing.”

“Ok but… Satan said that if Mammon likes someone, they’re showered in riches.”

“Well, he’s a scumbag, so whatever riches he might shower us with he just squanders instead.” Asmo said.

Satan seemed to be thinking about something. Nia was just getting more and more angry, and she could see Asmo’s temper starting to flare as well.  Some part of her was screaming at her to calm down, but she couldn’t, nor could she stop the next words from flying out of her mouth.

“Maybe if you tried being nice for once in your at-least-260-year-life, you’d—”

Asmo’s eyes flared, and suddenly instead of looking at the delicate, gorgeous boy she’d barely gotten used to, she was looking at a rather tall full-on demon, with two sets of bat wings and a giant-ass scorpion on his chest looking like he was about to murder her.

“You, human, have been here a few hours, and you dare to tell me how to act? Abso-fucking-lutely not.”

Nia felt the rage she’d been held captive by drain away, replaced by fear as she instinctively backed away from Asmo, running into a stack of books before toppling it and herself to the ground. Even after the harsh introduction of her rear to the ground, Nia kept backing up, away from Asmo who was slowly advancing on her. When her back hit an immovable object she stopped, and hid her head in her arms. Maybe I picked the wrong day to talk back…

After awhile, the sounds of the room started to filter back in. She heard the door open and close, and then argument on the other side of the door, and then silence for a bit.  When the silence continued, Nia looked around frantically for a place to hide. Any place.  She noticed the spiral stairs next to the bed that seemed to lead up to a little library area.  She knew that he’d check the library when he came back, but… stairs were like bleachers. They had a place under them that was perfect for hiding.  Nia carefully scooted into the dark space that had been opened by her having knocked over that stack of books, and then carefully started restacking the books to ‘brick up’ the hole she’d crawled in through.  Maybe if she was lucky they wouldn’t notice the difference in how the books were stacked for awhile. Maybe they’d calm down before she got found.

The darkness of the space was soothing, and the massive adrenaline spike was fading, making her drowsy. And so, before Satan had even returned, she’d fallen asleep.

Chapter Text

When Nia woke in the dark, her first response was panic. Why was her room so dark? Wait, no, this wasn’t her room, she was…

The smell of books made her remember where she was, tucked in under the staircase in Satan’s room. Somewhere she should probably not still be. And what woke her? She paused to take in her existence, and realized something suddenly. She was hungry. Not just a little hungry. How long had she been asleep? She definitely hadn’t eaten anything since dinnertime yesterday, since they’d talked instead of eating the snacks they got from the kitchen earlier, but who knew how time worked here in the Devildom? She sure didn’t. Then, she heard voices in the hallway, and froze.

“She’s in there.” Beel’s voice, certain.

“Beel, we’ve checked Satan’s room multiple times. Each of us. She’s not there.”

“I’m telling you, she’s in there. She needs… please, just let me..”

Lucifer’s sigh was audible even through the door and all the books.

“Fine.” Lucifer said, and the door swung open. Nia was terrified, and she tucked as far away from the book-wall as she possibly could as Beel stalked around the room. Was he… sniffing? Like a hound dog?

“Here.” He said, and suddenly the stacks of books that had been walling her in had been backhanded away, and she heard Satan hiss in reaction. Like a cat. Nia thought, before suddenly she was in Beel’s hands, and over his shoulder.

Nia bit back on a scream, instead it came out as a whimper. Beel wasn’t going to hurt her. Everyone else was there. And he wasn’t scary like Asmo was. Besides… he was holding her incredibly gently, all things considered. As Beel walked down the hallway, the demons behind them started arguing, and Nia whimpered quietly.

“Hey, it’s okay..” Beel said. “I know what it’s like to be hungry. Do you… want to walk?”

“Yes, please.” She said quietly, and Beel set her down in front of him, giving her a quick once-over before offering her his hand.

“May I escort you to the kitchen for a snack? You missed dinner, but…”

“Beel!” Asmo’s voice echoed down the hallway, and even a sightless person would have been able to see Nia tense up.

“Asmo, don’t come any closer.” Beel said warningly, reaching out and tucking Nia behind him protectively.

“Beel. You can’t eat Nia.”

“Wh-what? I have no intention of eating Nia.”

“You…don’t?”

“No! She’s hungry, that’s how I found her… so I wanted to take her to get the food I set aside from dinner for her, and…”

There was a pause, and Nia peeked out from behind Beel’s back to look at Asmo, who had the most bewildered look on his face. Nia couldn’t help but giggle as the Avatar of Lust said, “You… saved food?”

“I did. She’s new!! I couldn’t just eat her dinner!”

“You totally could.”

“I’m not that greedy. That’s Mammon.”

“No, you’re gluttony.”

“Yeah. And sometimes what I want to consume is someone else’s joy about food, okay?”

“That… is an interesting take on your whole sin, and I’m just going to be over here considering that for a bit. Um.. Can I come with you two to the kitchen?”

Beel looked down at Nia, who was no longer hiding behind him.

“I don’t know. Nia, can Asmo join us?”

Nia looked up at Beel, and figured that the ginger could probably protect her if Asmo went all spooky-wings again, so she just nodded.

Beel smiled and looked up at Asmo.

“Looks like a yes, big bro.” Beel said, and Nia giggled, because Beel was a lot bigger than Asmo, size-wise. Beel smiled down at her, as she was even shorter than Asmo, and offered his hand.

“Where were we. Ah yes. May I escort you to the kitchen, Miss Nia?”

Meanwhile back in Satan’s room, words were being thrown - and not the book kind.

“How did this happen, Mammon? I expressly put her in your care.”

“Well, ya see it was like this…”

“No. I don’t want one of your long stories.”

“Uh.. Okay. I introduced her to Levi and then she went off with Satan to get a snack and then this happened?”

“Mammon, you are so completely useless I don’t even understand why I trust you with anything anymore.”

“I’m sorry, Lucifer.” Mammon said, his head hanging.

Lucifer blinked. Mammon apparently actually felt remorse about this course of action. Maybe he wouldn’t need to punish him for this after all. 

“I’m gonna—“

Lucifer waved a hand, effectively dismissing Mammon from his sight. Mammon scurried off, lest Lucifer change his mind.

After seeing to the second-born, Lucifer turned his attention to Satan, who was carefully picking up the books that Beel had backhanded out of the way of Nia’s hiding place, wincing at every bent page or cracked spine. Satan clearly took every bit of damage as his own fault, not even blaming his brother or the human.

“Satan.” Lucifer said, and Satan sighed and looked up at the eldest.

“What?”

“Your punishment for causing this mishap is that by this time next week I expect to see every book in this room on a shelf where it belongs, or back in the main library if it should be there instead.”

Satan grumbled, but didn’t argue. It wasn’t half the punishment that Satan felt he deserved, but Lucifer knew Satan would be beating himself up over this for a lot longer than anyone else would remember it happened.

Once in the kitchen, Beel settled her at the table with a glass of water, and then bustled about heating up the leftovers he’d saved for her. Nia was stunned. He’d saved enough food to feed her family and Jake twice over.

“Oh wow, Beel, I don’t know if I can eat this much.” Nia said, worried.

“It’s okay. Asmo is hungry too, and I can eat anything you can’t finish. It won’t go to waste.”

“Beel…” Asmo said, looking away. “I don’t deserve dinner today.” That’s… not a healthy mindset about eating, Asmo… Nia thought.

Beel looked offended. “Everyone deserves to eat, Asmo!”

“No. I hurt Nia.”

Nia’s eyes snapped up to Asmo, who looked serious, despite having settled into a seat across the large butcher-block table from her.

“Asmo… you didn’t hurt me.”

“I scared you. It’s bad enough.”

Beel was looking between them, while still getting food onto the table at the correct temperatures. Neither Nia nor Asmo had said anything at all during that time, and the silence was going from awkward well past uncomfortable. Once Beel got the last of the food onto the table in front of Nia and Asmo, he spoke into the silence.

“Asmo… I thought Satan said that you and he had an argument and scared Nia. How would that be you hurting her?”

Nia didn’t say anything, she just started taking small portions of the foods on the table. They all looked amazing, and while she was excited to try them, she was worried about making Asmo mad again. Besides, it sounded like Satan and Asmo were trying to cover for her so she wouldn’t get in trouble. She didn’t want to ruin their hard work.

Asmo, for his part, just sighed. “Satan lied. We were just chatting, the three of us, and I was an idiot. Nia came into this house with fresh eyes and made me realize that I’m not as perfect as I claim to be. And I didn’t want to see those things in myself. And I got mad. Too mad. Beel… I lost control and my wings were out and everything.”

“You unleashed your demon form. On the human. On day one. Of 365 days she needs to live here? Good job, Asmo.” Beel said, slightly stunned. He wasn’t mocking, just stunned.

Asmo hung his head, trying not to look up, but Nia could see the tears welling up in his eyes, and she didn’t like it, but she had no idea how to address the situation. He seemed sweet and tame now, but… she’d have to be more careful about her snark in the future.

“I did lie. Because I didn’t want Lucifer writing Nia off as a bad apple before her time here even started. And Asmo… most of the mad was my fault.” Satan’s voice rang quietly from the kitchen doorway, and Nia looked up at him. He looked… tired. Scared. “I wasn’t in control either, and it’s been awhile since one of you have been angry enough that I had to make sure I wasn’t leaking to you, and… I got it wrong, and Nia got hurt.”

Nia wasn’t having this. This guilt… she knew this guilt. This was like when Jake would blame himself for what his dad did to his mom. I didn’t even get hurt. She thought. I got scared, and I learned an important lesson. She stood up and walked around the table and wrapped her arms around Satan in a hug. He didn’t hug her back, but she didn’t care. He looked like he needed a hug. Was it okay to hug demons? Meh, too late now.

“Nia. What…?”

“It’s a hug.” She said, some of her snark leaking into her tone.

“Okay, I knew that. Why?” Satan amended.

“You’re not to blame.” She said, smiling up at him as she let go. “I pushed buttons that I probably shouldn’t have. I learned an important lesson about just how much y’all are not human.”

“Also you’re distracting.” Satan said, and ruffled her hair. “It’s harder to keep a handle on things when you’re around.

“I’m distracting?” she blinked, wondering in that moment if they had thought to get her the things she’d need to handle her kind of hair. “And distracted!” she said, as her stomach rumbled about still being hungry. Before she went back to her chair, she stopped and poked Asmo in the cheek, forcing the demon to look up at her, and he scrubbed at his eyes to hide the tears.

“You should eat, Asmo.” She said, putting on a brave smile, even though she was still afraid of the man in front of her, no matter how cute he was in his human form. “I think I’m going to need your help making my RAD uniform look good tomorrow. I know nothing about uniforms. So I’m gonna need you at your best. I need to make a good impression.”

Asmo chuckled. “Okay, girlie. I’ll… try.”

He called me girlie? Who even is this scary beautiful man? Oh right. A demon.

Beel, disinterested in missing out on a chance to feed someone, immediately started putting food on Asmo’s plate, and Nia returned to her own. Before she’d really even put a dent in the food she’d taken, Satan had pulled up a chair next to Asmo and grabbed a snack. Nia really enjoyed the friendly bickering between the brothers. It seemed like they really did love each other.

Beel really did eat everything that was left behind, and Nia resisted the urge to tease him for it. It might be funny the first time, but given what she’d learned about these demons in the past few hours was that they tended to unconsciously treat each other like shit, and she didn’t want to be that last straw that made another of them go scary like Asmo had. She’d really warmed up to Asmo while they ate and chatted, and she wasn’t even worried about getting dressed in the morning because she knew Asmo would take good care of her.

As they were cleaning up, Mammon appeared in the kitchen.

“Hey, Human.”

“Oh, hey Mammon.” Nia said, turning to give him her attention. “Are you okay? Lucifer seemed really mad.”

Mammon blinked at her for a minute, as though his words confused him.

“I’m fine. Can I steal ya from Beel? I wanted to walk ya back to your room and make sure ya have everything ya need since we don’t get humans here… so we might have missed something, and…” he blushed slightly, and Nia could tell he was trying to make up for ditching her earlier.

“Beel, is it okay if I ditch out on the rest of the dishes?” She asked - he’d dirtied the dishes for her, she didn’t want to leave him with all the chores.

Beel just laughed. “If Mammon wants you for something, you should go before he gets whiny about it.”

Nia made a dubious face. Full on slant-faced emoji. She really wanted to ask Beel why he said that kind of thing about Mammon, but she’d learned her lesson with Asmo earlier. Calling them out was only going to make things worse.

“Okay, thanks! I owe you one.” She said, and he just laughed, but didn’t argue with her.

The walk back to her room with Mammon was silent, and Nia was nervous. As she opened her door, she bit her lip and turned to face Mammon. 

“Would you like to—“

“Can I—“

Nia laughed, and stepped aside, gesturing for Mammon to join her in the room before shutting the door.

“Listen.” Mammon said, half-collapsing into one of the chairs. “I’m sorry for running off on ya earlier. I’ve never had ta care about some human before, and I fucked it up.”

“I mean, Levi was an ass.” Nia said, her back to Mammon as she dug through the wardrobe for suitable pajamas. Sure, she could wear what she brought with her, but Asmo had been in charge of her entire wardrobe and she felt like he’d be offended if she didn’t at least try the pajamas he’d chosen. She was just hoping there was something more comfy than the racy lingerie she’d found first.

“He wasn’t wrong though. I’m scum. You really shouldn’t trust me so much.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Nia said, sighing.

“Anyway. I don’t want ya endin’ up scared too much. I can’t be around ya all the time since I’m a busy demon, so I want ya to be able to call me if ya need ta, so I… I had this made for ya. It’s a rush job, so it’s only gonna work the once, but we’ll replace it if ya use it.”

He held his hand out, and in his palm was a smooth egg-shaped gemstone.

“It’s just citrine.” He said when she eyed it. “Not super expensive or nothin, jus’.. If ya hold it tight in yer hand and think my name, I’ll know and I’ll come runnin’.”

“Thanks, Mammon.” Nia said, blinking back tears. “This is a really thoughtful gift.”

“It’s not like that! I jus don’t want Lucifer yellin at me again if ya go missin, alright?” He was blushing and not meeting her eye, and Nia nodded.

“I get it. Still, regardless… thank you.”

“Yeah, whatever. Get some sleep, tomorrow’s gonna be busy since yer hangin out with THE Mammon all day.” He stood up and walked over to the door. “See ya at breakfast, Human.”

“Night, Mammon.” Nia said, as the door closed, and then looked at the bed. She sure hoped she could sleep here. If only she’d gotten to bring a stuffie with… 

Chapter Text

Nia woke to the sound of someone banging on the door.

“Hello~! Nia~!”

She launched out of bed and ran to the door, wrenching it open.

“Uh.. Hi.” She said to Asmo, who was standing, impeccably dressed outside her door. “I was asleep.”

“I figured! I finished my morning routine early so I thought I’d take you up on your offer to help you get dressed! And since you’re just waking up~” Asmo waggled his eyebrows at her, and she laughed.

“Right. Avatar of Lust.” She said, and invited him in. 

“Of course! But don’t worry, I’m a big fan of consent… even though my powers imply that I’m not.”

“Hey, Charm has purposes that aren’t always sex related.” Nia said, and poked him in the shoulder before opening her closet, trying to pretend her own sentence hadn’t made her blush.

“Hey before we get started, I um. I brought you something~!” Asmo said, and she turned to see him holding out a little notebook, or maybe a diary? It was black, but it had pink details inlaid along the leather spine.

“Oh, wow that’s really pretty, Asmo… thank you.”

“I thought since you’re trying to learn about us, maybe you’d want a secret diary to keep things in. It’s spelled so only you can open it, see?”

Asmo tried to open the cover, and got shocked with pink lightning. He cursed, she giggled.

“You try. I promise it won’t bite you, I had Solomon do the work, so I know it’s good. Oh! You’ll meet him later. He’s the other human.”

Nia took the little book, and opened the cover. No shock. The inside cover contained just a few words in a gorgeous hot pink script.

Please forgive me. ~Asmodeus

Nia smiled. “I forgive you, Asmo.” She said, and hugged him, surprised but pleased when he enthusiastically hugged her back.

“Clothes! We gotta get you dressed or you’ll be late to breakfast!” Asmo crooned, and turned her towards her closet before giving her a gentle shove.

“So, it looks like I’ve got a black shirt, jacket, and the choice of pants or a short skirt… Wait, isn’t your shirt teal though?”

“Yep. But this teal would look horrendous with your skin so I swapped them out for more black. No one will notice or care. Anyway~! I figure based on yesterday you probably want pants for today?”

“I don’t even know what seasons are like here.”

Asmo huffed. “Seasons. I wish we had those!”

“Oh. Um. Well, let’s go with pants so I don’t have to worry about unintentionally flashing the whole school on day one.”

“Yeah, that’s fair. I want you to save that for me.” Asmo winked at her, and Nia stuck her tongue out at him.

“So, lots of black. I guess I can do fun makeup…”

“And don’t forget that there’s a whole rainbow of ties!”

“Oh right. Well, bows for me. Do you all wear the same color, or…”

“Oh, we all tend to wear what we consider ‘our’ color.”

“Okay, so what’s Mammon’s color? He’s babysitting, erm… making sure that no one eats me, so I feel like I should honor him with my tie or whatever…”

“Honor… Mammon…” Asmo looked like he wanted to be sick.

“Listen.” Nia said, irritated. “I know that for whatever reason you boys don’t get along. And some day, I really want to understand why so I don’t put my foot in my mouth again like I did last night. But as of right now, Mammon has done nothing wrong to me, and he’s been saddled with having to deal with a fragile human, so I want to do this for him.”

“You’re… really too sweet, Nia.” Asmo said quietly, and pulled out a golden yellow bow, and added it to her stack of uniform.

“I didn’t know I should get you makeup though.. Do you want to get dressed and then come to my room, and I’ll do your hair and makeup for you?”

Nia looked at Asmo’s perfect hair, then at her crazy curly mess, and shrugged. “Sure, Asmo, I will let you attempt something with this hair. But the makeup… can we make it match my tie?”

“For you? I will use the golds.” He winked, and then her D.D.D. chimed with a little map of the house with the path to Asmo’s room marked out.

“Hurry up though, there’s not a lot of time til breakfast, and we don’t want Beel to eat it all!” He said, and as he turned to wave, Asmo realized that Nia was already half out of her pajamas.

As he ducked out of the room, for the first time in a very long time, the Avatar of Lust blushed.

Mammon sighed. 

“Why do I gotta be stuck here with you first thing in the morning having to look at your face while I’m tryin’ to eat my breakfast?  To us demons, eating a human like you is a special sort of treat, understand? Yet I’m not allowed to do that. I’ve gotta sit here and eat my breakfast instead. I mean, it’s like having a premium-grade roast Iriomote musk hog right in front of me. Medium Rare, cooked to perfection. But I can’t have it. Instead I’m sitting here eatin’ dried blackbelly newt legs. I mean I’m not sayin’ blackbelly newt legs are bad, I actually like ‘em, but still!”

“Hey, Mammon!” Asmo said, irritated. “We know you like Nia but could you keep it down?”

“Seriously.” Levi said, yawning. “At least use your inside voice.”

Nia tried not to smile too much. She knew Asmo was bitter, a little, because she’d chosen Mammon’s color to wear. And Satan looked miffed, like she’d slighted him somehow, but she hadn’t meant to, she just wanted to see if she could boost Mammon up a little bit.

“Me,” Mammon said, offended. “Like a human?” he scoffed, and shoved the rest of his breakfast into his mouth, then grabbed Nia by the arm and hauled her out of her seat. “C’mon Human. The Great Mammon has things to do, so we gotta get ya to class fast.”

Walking to school, Mammon kept looking at Nia, and she refused to meet his gaze.  Did he like her wearing his color? Did he hate it? 

“Ugh!!!” Mammon said, then stopped and turned her to face him. “What’s with the attitude, Human?”

Nia blinked. 

“Attitude?” she asked, carefully. 

“Ya been quiet. I know you’re not quiet.”

“Oh. I’m just nervous. New school, no friends. You know the drill.”

“Ya got friends.”

Nia looked up at Mammon, who was looking away, a slight blush tinging his cheeks.

“I…do?” she asked, confused.

“My brothers, obviously. And me. I mean you look gorgeous this morning which is no small part Asmo’s doing, I can smell that hair product he likes all over ya. And Beel saved you food last night. He never does that. Satan spent all morning before you and Asmo appeared muttering about how he hoped Asmo didn’t take too long with ya. Levi greeted ya at all, which is frankly a miracle.”

Nia nodded, these all seemed like reasonable human things to… wait. No. Reasonable…person…things to do? Reasonable things. For doing.

“What about you, Mammon?”

Mammon coughed to hide his discomfort, and then grinned at her. 

“Ya chose my color, Human. And it looks real good on ya.”

“Well, I mean, you’re taking care of me, Mammon. Even if you’re only doing it because Lucifer is making you… I want people to know I’m your human. Then maybe they won’t even think about messing with me and you won’t even have to lift a finger.”

“So you got Asmo to actually help you look this good… for me?”

“Well, I mean mostly for me, because first day and all, but yeah?”

Mammon grinned. “Maybe today won’t be so bad for THE Mammon.”

Nia laughed softly as they started walking again, and then paused as she saw something in the street. She reached down and picked it up - it was a 20 Grimm note.

“Whoa. Money.” She said, smiling. “Hey Mammon! I found this. You should have it.”

Mammon stared at the money that she was offering him and then squinted at her.

“What’s the catch?”

“Um. No catch? I really don’t need money, and it’s the least you deserve for having to look out for a human like me.”

“Okay then.” Mammon said, and pocketed the note. “Let’s get going before we’re late, Nia.” He said, and a smirk settled on his lips.

Nia smiled.  He actually seemed happy, for once. She hadn’t seen him do anything but fake it or be upset. And yeah, it’d only been a day, but she liked to think she might be making some progress.

Nia sighed, and leaned against the wall.  She knew her first class was due to start any minute, but Mammon was still getting the books and things that had been assigned to her.  He’d said he wanted to handle it, and asked her to please wait right here and not do anything too stupid.

And so she had, waiting for him to return, ignoring the demons gossiping about her as they walked by.  She just decided to pretend she was Asmo, and stood there leaning against the wall like she was the most gorgeous being ever to grace the Devildom.  And sure enough, the gossip changed.  Not for the positive, of course, but they stopped talking about her like she was an easy target because of how weak she was and who her guardian was, and more about how she’d be easy, but that was for some reason less hurtful.

As class time neared, Lucifer actually walked up and eyed her carefully.

“Good morning, Lucifer, sir!” She said brightly, and he raised an eyebrow at her.

“I see you managed to survive your first night.” Lucifer said, “No thanks to your guardian.”

Nia shrugged.

“That wasn’t Mammon’s fault at all, and I’m sure you’re smart enough to have figured that out, Lucifer. You don’t strike me as empty-headed like the student council VP at my old school.”

Lucifer blinked, and then full-on smiled. 

“You’re sharp.”

So are your teeth. Nia thought, slightly taken aback. Right. Demons, Nia. They’re Demons.

“So, Lucifer…”

“What is it, Nia? Is there something you want to ask me?”

“I’d like to know more about Mammon.” she said, not a question, but at least a statement of intent.

“Mammon? Why do you want to know about him all of a sudden? Still, I guess it’s only natural, considering he’s the one assigned to look after you.  Mammon is my brother. I don’t want to say anything unkind about him…”

“So don’t.” Nia interjected, and Lucifer’s smile dropped.

“I’ll try to be sparing in my criticism.” Lucifer relented, then cleared his throat. “He’s pure scum. The scummiest sort of scum. Pure, unfiltered, disgusting scum to the point that I’m embarrassed to call him a fellow demon, much less my brother.  Any particular reason you asked, or were you just curious?”

“Well, honestly, I was trying to figure out what kind of demon you were by way of how you treat others.” Nia said. “I think I got a pretty solid impression about just how garbage a sibling you are, based on how you treat the eldest of your brothers, the one you’ve tasked with taking care of the only helpless human in the exchange program. I know you like to shit on him, but Mammon’s not near as bad as you all make him out to be. He’s doing a damn fine job of being the Avatar of Greed, and he’s been taking good care of me, so you don’t even have a leg to stand on about that.”

Lucifer looked like he was going to get angry just like Asmo had last night, but Nia had chosen a public place for this conversation intentionally.  Well, more like she chose to have it because he greeted her in public. Just then, the worst sounding school bell she had ever heard in her entire life rang, seemingly interminably.

Lucifer relaxed enough to give her the smile she had come to take as his resting public face.

“That’s the first bell. Class is about to start. Time to get going.  You’d better hurry too. You don’t want to be late on your first day here.”

With that, he walked off, and Mammon stepped out from the office, carrying her things.

“Ya shouldn’ta done that.” Mammon said, nodding his head to lead her in a direction.

“Hey, I can carry those.” Nia said, but Mammon shook his head.

“Nah, you stood up for me in front of Lucifer and the whole school. I can carry your stuff until we can get you a bag for carrying it in.”

“Mammon. You know I was just telling the truth, right?”

“Well, I am THE Great Mammon.”

“You are. You don’t have to pretend. You’re not the second brother for no reason. Levi even said that every time he tries to fight you he loses.”

“Nia, I’m just a scumbag. It’s probably better if you think that too. All of my brothers do. I mean, you heard Lucifer, he was being nice. Now, let’s get you to class before that second bell rings.”

Chapter Text

Nia couldn’t help but think about the brothers instead of working on the assignment in front of her.  She still hadn’t met the seventh brother yet, and it was worrying her.  She pulled out the little diary that Asmo had gifted her, and started making a page of notes for each brother.

Lucifer, Avatar of Pride - A complete ass, treats his brothers like shit despite being effectively in charge of them. Better at keeping his cool in public than I expected, but that might backfire in practice. Embarrassed by them? 

Mammon, Avatar of Greed - Should be rolling in money if his power works how Satan said it does. Which means he hates himself. Which is terrible, because he seems wonderful. Really need to get all of his brothers to stop treating him like shit.  Also? I want to hug him. He looks huggable. I wonder if he’d let me.

Leviathan, Avatar of Envy - And confirmed otaku. I wish he’d let me watch anime and play games with him. He seems like he’d be exactly the sort of person I’d enjoy spending time with. But he’s disinterested in my existence, except as a pawn to get his money back from Mammon, which I still feel like would be a cinch if he’d just stop treating Mammon like shit.

Satan, Avatar of Wrath - He sure likes books. I’m still sorry I made him have to clean up his book haven and return them to the library. He seems sweet though, despite his associated sin. I wonder if we could curl up and read books together. Though… he might have to read to me. I can’t really read infernal yet. I feel like he has some hangups about Lucifer. Middle child syndrome?

Asmodeus, Avatar of Lust - Definitely a narcissist, probably has an eating disorder. Really good at fashion and makeup. Has a hair trigger about some things. Really cute voice. Like, heckin cute! I worry that his self-focus is covering up something bigger. Maybe he’ll tell me when we’re better friends?

Beelzebub, Avatar of Gluttony - Doesn’t seem like he’s hungry only for food.  He stopped being so hungry when he spent time talking to me.  And when he cares about someone, he can even stop himself from eating food. Also, he seems super sad about something, and I really want to figure out what that is. 

?????????, Avatar of Sloth - The seventh brother. I haven’t met him yet, and I’m wondering if it’s because he’s so sloth-y that he’s just asleep all the time? Want to ask Lucifer, but I did just antagonize him about Mammon… Maybe Beel knows something since he’s sixth?

While she was writing that last, her D.D.D. chimed. She looked over at it, and grinned.

Jake > Nia: Hey. How’s the devildom? Not too full of torture and blood?

Jake > Nia: I saw your hot boy pic. Is that really Satan?

Nia > Jake: Totally is. He’s supposed to be the Avatar of Wrath, but he’s actually a sweetheart who reads as much as I do.  That selfie is in his room, btw.

Jake > Nia: Have you met the celestial realm transfers yet?

Nia > Jake: Not yet. I haven’t met the other human exchange student yet either, though we locked eyes in class earlier. He’s… a time, if my housemates are to be believed.

Jake > Nia: What do you mean?

Nia > Jake: Remember Solomon the Wise from history?

Jake > Nia: Wait a damn minute, the other human exchange student is some old dude?

Nia > Jake: He doesn’t look that much older than us, his hair is silver though.

Nia > Jake: It’s weird, he reminds me of my dad a little.

Jake > Nia: Is it the jokes? I bet he makes dad jokes.

Nia > Jake: Haha I have no idea. But I’ll totally try a dad joke on him tomorrow.

Jake > Nia: Or you could ask him if he really would have split that baby in half.

Nia > Jake: THAT. I am going to ask him that.

Jake > Nia: How’s your uniform? Mine… has khakis.

Nia > Jake: Oh no! I’m still in mine, let me send the selfie I took with Asmo this morning.

Nia > Jake: [image]

Jake > Nia: Dang, girl! Your makeup though!

Nia > Jake: Crazy good, right? I had the Avatar of Lust handle me this morning.

Jake > Nia: Handle you?

Nia > Jake: OMG Jake, Not like that!!!

Jake > Nia: I jest, but be careful, okay?

Nia > Jake: Duh!

Nia really didn’t know how to handle her classes, and on top of that she also didn’t know how to handle a lunch break.

“Hey, Nia.” A voice called out to her from the front of the classroom - Satan was standing there, attracting the attention of her classmates.

“Hey Satan! What’s up?”

Nia ignored the mutterings of people criticizing her familiarity with a member of the student council. What was she supposed to do, not talk to one of the few friends she had?

“Lunchtime. You want to eat together?” He asked, and she could see he had a lunch bag in one hand and a book under the other arm.

“I didn’t pack a lunch, but let me, um.. Figure out how to carry these things… and I’ll come sit with you.”

“Oh. I packed a lunch for you. We can eat in here if you want?” He entered the room against the flow of other students trying to leave, and hopped up the couple of steps to her row.

“I didn’t think you’d remember, not with everything else that happened yesterday.” He said with a smile, tapping away at his D.D.D. as he sat in the chair next to her.

“You’re not going to eat lunch without THE Mammon, are you Human?” Mammon called from the doorway, and Nia laughed.

“Mammon! Did you bring lunch? Satan brought me lunch.”

“Satan did? Wow, he must have owed you a favor. He never brings me lunch. Let me go grab drinks and I’ll be right back. Satan, you watch her okay? Make sure no one pulls anything stupid.”

“Of course, I’ve got her back. Go and come back.” Satan said, shooing Mammon out of the room.

As Satan settled in next to Nia, she could hear a gaggle of demons gossiping nearby. In fact, she couldn’t not hear them, they weren’t trying to be quiet or subtle at all.

Did you hear about the new Human exchange student?

Apparently she’s entirely ordinary.

Seriously? I don’t get it, why bring an ordinary human to the Devildom?

At least the other one’s a sorcerer.

Don’t get me started about those Angels though.

Oh, you mean that one that’s a little kid?

Right? How could you send a kid? They’re going to get corrupted in no time.

While Nia was distracted by random demon gossip, a number of other had wandered up to their table.

“Whenever you make an important announcement, the demons here couldn’t care less. But rumors… they really do spread like wildfire. Just when I thought the uproar about the celestial realm students had started to subside, now they’re all freaking out about this.”

“Come now, don’t say that Barbatos.” Mr. Important said. Wait, wasn’t his name Diavolo? Nia thought, reminding herself not to call him Mr. Important out loud. 

“Oh hey Diavolo.” Nia said, figuring she should probably greet the man.

Diavolo chuckled and smiled at her, which was unnerving.

“Actually, I’d say that all this gossip is a good thing. It means that everyone will be watching this human, which makes it hard for any demon to go after Nia’s soul when no one is looking.” Diavolo said, smiling that eerie smile. Okay, it wasn’t eerie on its own, just something about his presence made her feel iffy.

“Yes. Since Mammon’s not doing a very good job as a guardian.” Lucifer added, and Nia blinked. Somehow Diavolo’s presence had completely masked Lucifer’s arrival. Nia found herself shifting so she was slightly behind Satan without thinking about it.  She started to speak up, but Lucifer just talked over her.

“I told him he was to look after Nia, but he’s off somewhere shirking his responsibilities. Though, I figured this would happen.”

Nia was fuming, but bit back on it. Lucifer was probably still angry at her for what she’d said earlier.

“Lucifer, don’t be silly. Mammon’s just off grabbing drinks for Satan and I.” She said, though her cheerful bravado was lessened slightly by the fact she was half-hidden behind Satan.

“Hmph.” Lucifer said, but didn’t argue with her, especially as Mammon bounded back into the room with three cans of devildom coffee.

“THE Mammon has returned!”

“Yay! Mammon!” Nia said, taking the can he offered, grinning at him.

“Said no one ever.” Satan muttered, and Nia elbowed him.

“It’s so nice to see you two getting along.” Diavolo said, looking between Satan and Mammon as Satan started to set out lunch.

“Um. This is probably rude, but.. Who are you?” Nia said, looking up at the demon with a teal ombre to his fringe.

“…ah, yes, pardon me. I suppose we haven’t met before, have we? My name is Barbatos. I apologize for not introducing myself sooner. I have the honor of serving as steward to Lord Diavolo. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Barbatos said, and Nia was immediately charmed by his manner.

“Barbatos here is a smart and talented individual, so much so that I wish I could trade a certain idiot brother of mine for him instead.” Lucifer said, spearing Mammon with a glare.

“Well, as for your brother, and I’m sure Nia here will back me up on this,” Barbatos said, sharing a conspiratorial look with her, “In the human world it is sometimes said that a truly wise man does not flaunt his talents. He keeps them a secret.”

Lucifer scoffed. “Yes, but then again, an incompetent fool doesn’t actually have any talents to begin with.”

Nia quietly put her hand on Mammon’s arm, and he startled. Satan turned to look at Nia, and shook his head. She could practically hear Satan telling her to calm down.

“Well I’ve heard that the most thick-headed child is always the cutest.” Diavolo said, giving no indication that he saw the silent struggle at the lunch table.

“…Stop it, Diavolo.” Lucifer grumbled. “It’s troublesome enough having him as my younger brother. But my child? Him? I don’t even want to think about it.”

“Ah, but I notice that you didn’t deny the part about him being cute, did you?” Another person had wandered up, and Nia wasn’t even sure what to think of them since they weren’t wearing a RAD uniform either. She chose the path of least resistance, since it would help her calm down a little, and smiled at him. He smiled back, and there was an odd sense of wickedness in that smile that seemed out of place.

“If I might offer my own opinion, out of you seven brothers, you’re without a doubt the most troublesome, Lucifer.”

“Is that meant as a compliment, Simeon?” Lucifer asked, and Nia smirked. This one’s name was Simeon?

“Pfft, of course not! Duh! That was a put-down! An insult! He’s taunting you!” another voice chimed, and Nia was surprised to see a… wait, was he a child?

“Oh!” Nia said, immediately overcome by her excitement. These must be the angels they were gossiping about.

The boy looked up at her when she spoke, and smiled.

Lucifer was less impressed.

“Ah, I see you’ve brought your chihuahua along with you.” He said, scowling.

“I am NOT a chihuahua! How many times do I have to tell you that, demon?!” The boy said, and Nia had to hide her smile behind her hand. He reminded her of her sisters.

“Well, what do you expect?” Lucifer said, in a snarky tone she hadn’t heard from him before. “I am a demon, after all. Now then, stop yipping at me. C’mere boy…shake! Who’s a good boy?”

Nia blinked. Teasing him by calling him a chihuahua was one thing, but this was… this was rough. No thank you. 

“Hey.” She said quietly but irritatedly. “Can we stop talking shit about each other? I’d like to eat my lunch.”

Diavolo blinked at her, and chuckled. “We should be heading out as it is.  Nia, it was good to see you. Perhaps I will invite you over for tea one of these afternoons. Look forward to my invitation.”

“Thanks, I will.” Nia said, and watched as Diavolo quietly left, and took Barbatos and Lucifer along with him. She’d expected the other two newcomers to leave as well, but instead they settled at the table.

“Hey, Satan.” The taller of the angels, presumably Simeon, said, opening up his lunch.

“Sorry about that.” Satan said. “I didn’t expect the boss posse to come make problems over lunch.” He was addressing the angels, but Nia felt that part part of that was for her. 

Mammon piped up, his mouth half-full of sandwich.

“Nia, this is Simeon, and Luke. They’re the Celestial Realm transfer students.”

“Nice to meet you!” Nia said, smiling. “Luke, you remind me so much of my best friend. He’s in the Celestial realm right now.”

“I bet he’s taller.” Luke said, pouting.

“Luke, you know that Lucifer calls you a chihuahua because it makes you so upset, right?” Simeon said, and Nia smiled. That was the kind of kindness she expected from Angels.

“I know.” Luke pouted.

“Let’s eat our lunch.” Satan said, passing Nia’s lunch to her.

“Thanks, Satan.” Nia said, pleasantly surprised by the options in her lunch. “How did you find so many nice things?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I just paid attention to what you seemed to like of what Beel was feeding you.”

“Haha, legit. Still, thanks.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Satan said, but he was smiling slightly, and Nia liked to see it.

“H-hey Nia, is your next class in this room too?” Luke asked, and Nia nodded. “Mine too. Wanna sit together?”

“Sure, Luke! In exchange will you take a selfie with me to send to my friend Jake?”

“The one in the Celestial realm? Duh! Gotta show off my human-meeting skills.”

As they finished up lunch, Mammon cleaned up all of the trash and patted Nia on the top of the head before going to his next class.

“I’ll come pick you up after class, our last one’s together, alright Human?”

“Sure, Mammon, got it.” Nia said, and waved at Simeon and Satan as they walked out to go to their next class.

Luke looked over at her and sighed.

“Hey. Nia. Just… never trust a demon. Especially when that demon is Lucifer. Listen to me. He’s a monster and a brute. He’s uncivilized, immoral, and… and also…”

“And also a sadist?” Nia said, snarkily.

“Yes, exactly! He’s the most sadistic of sadists!  I was against this from the beginning. What are they thinking, bringing humans to the Devildom as exchange students…  So you’ve been warned. You get what I’m saying, right? Okay.”

Nia blinked. Lucifer really is an asshole, but…

“I mean… not all of them are bad, though.” Nia said quietly. “Not used to dealing with humans, but Satan’s been really kind to me, and Mammon’s… grating, but he’s also a sweetheart.”

Luke just blinked at her.

“There’s no accounting for taste.” He said quietly, as class started.

“Hey, I got a magazine shoot tonight. You gonna be fine on your own?” Mammon said, handing her the pile of books and notebooks and other supplies he’d been stubbornly carrying for her all day.

“Yeah, I gotta find Asmo because he’s gonna take me backpack shopping and then I am going to try to convince Levi to let me watch that anime with him…”

“Don’t ya go turnin into no otaku like Levi while I’m gone.”

“Oh, that ship has sailed, Mammon.”

“Nuh-uh. You’re not a shut-in.”

“Nope, but I do love anime more than a normal person.”

“Okay, just… if ya leave the house make sure ya got two of them, otherwise they won’t be as good as me.”

“Right now I don’t think any of them live up to you, Mammon.”

“Stop flatterin’ me, it won’t get you anywhere.” He said, grumbling.

“I’m unlikely ever to stop telling you the truth about how awesome you are, Mammon.” Nia said, and poked his chest, ignoring the fact that it made her drop a notebook.

“Ugh, ya gotta stop doin’ that.” He said, leaning over to pick up the notebook and adding it back to the top of the stack. “I gotta go or I’ll be late.”

“Hey, send me a selfie from the shoot, Mr. Model!”

“Fiiiiine.” Mammon said, walking off.

Chapter Text

“Okay, so what about this one?” Nia said, pointing to a cute messenger bag.

“Nia, baby, that is so pastel goth, and it would clash every single day with the uniform.” Asmo said, disappointed.

“Okay, but what if I like that style, but don’t want to look like a fashion hazard?”

“Well we could go with straight up black and you could get some enamel pins to put on it, those are trendy.” Asmo said, flipping open a new tab to look at fun pins.

Only an hour later, they’d decided on a bag and a whole bunch of pins to decorate it with. Nia wasn’t looking forward to waiting for it to arrive, though.

“What, you think we have to wait for shipping?” Asmo said incredulously. “No way! We just need to use your feminine wiles to convince Levi to help us.”

Leviathan, who had been walking by just turned and looked at them.

“Whatever you’re planning, the answer is no, Asmo.”

“Aw~!” Asmo said, cutesy and disappointed at the same time. “But it’s not for me, it’s for Nia!”

“Still no.”

“Wait, Levi…” Nia got up and walked over to him, reaching out to grab his shoulder but stopping short when he flinched away from her. “Hey, I’m sorry, I know I’m not the best person to even ask this kind of thing, but… Asmo says that you have super-fast shipping with Akuzon, and I really don’t want to give Mammon an excuse to carry all of my things for me again tomorrow, today was way too awkward and I just want to do this school thing and get done with it.  Is there anything I can do that would entice you into helping a girl out? Like… um.. Shoot. I don’t know how to.. Things. What if I offered to watch any anime you wanted to show me?”

“Any anime. You mean that?”

“I mean it. I know you don’t believe me, but I really do like anime.”

“So you’re saying movie night in Levi’s room, then. Because I don’t think they’re likely to trust you alone with me.”

“They?”  Nia turned to look back at Asmo, who to be honest should be the least trustworthy of them at this point, and saw not only the Avatar of Cute…erm, Lust, but also Beel and Satan, sitting there like they’d been there the entire time.

“I guess? What if I threw in making them watch whatever you picked, and not arguing about it?”

“If you can make that happen… you know what? Fuck it. Let’s give it a shot.”

Levi took her D.D.D. from her, and entered his Akuzon password in, allowing her purchase to ship immediately.

“We’ll discuss anime over dinner, brothers.” Levi said, and strode off to the kitchen. Huh. Apparently it was his night to cook. Nia thought, and shrugged.

“I hope you three are excited to watch anime.” Nia said. “Because now I owe your evenings to Levi.”

“Will there be popcorn?” Beel asked, and Nia shrugged.

“I will do my best to ensure there are snacks, Beel.”

“I want it to be a romance~!” Asmo said, and Nia chuckled. Knowing what little she knew about Levi, it would be hard to pick one from his collection that wasn’t a romance.

“I can’t promise romance, but I can promise hot boys. Every anime has hot boys.” Nia proclaimed. Asmo giggled, which almost set Nia off into her own giggles.  You know, Asmo was terrifying when he was angry, but he was also really sweet, and it was hard not to like him.

“Can I sit by you?” Satan asked, simply. 

Nia blinked. “I mean, I don’t know what Levi’s anime setup is, but… yes, as long as that’s physically possible?”

“Great.” Satan said, grinning. “I’m interested in anything that has a story, but if you’re sitting with me, then Asmo has to behave and we can at least enjoy the story.”

“Hey…!” Asmo said, pouting.

“I just don’t want Nia to get in trouble with Levi when the inevitable hot anime characters make you try and charm the delicate human in the room.”

“I’m not sure my charm works on Nia anyway.  I mean like, the other day might have just been a fluke, but it probably isn’t. Nothing ever goes my way.” Asmo fake-pouted, and Nia laughed.

Then, the dinner announcement pinged out to their D.D.D.s simultaneously, and they made their way to the dining room as a group.

“So, Levi… What are we watching?”

“It’s called Journey to the Devildom: The Tale of a Little She-Devil and Her Reluctant Companion.” Levi said, grinning. “You mentioned wanting to watch it the other day, and I can get it on Crunchysoul, even though I don’t have the DVDs because of a certain absent scumbag.”

“Hey. Those were preorder you said, so you wouldn’t have them anyway, and Mammon’s not a scumbag he’s literally working right now just so that you can get your money okay?”

“He is?”

“Yeah. Modelling job.”

“Are you sure he’s not just at a casino?”

“He’s gonna send me a selfie.”

“Okay, I will believe it when you have photographic proof.”

Satan patted the spot on the loveseat next to him. “Okay, Nia. Come, sit. We’ve a story to partake in.”

Levi pouted for all of three seconds before flopping down on a beanbag next to Asmo. Nia looked around, then back at the three demons in the room.

“Um… where’s Beel?” 

Just then, as if summoned, there was an awkward knock on the door as if someone was knocking with their forehead.  Nia bounced over to the door and opened it to reveal Beel holding two giant bowls of popcorn. He really had been knocking with his forehead.

“I made snacks.” He said, and Nia chuckled. 

“Thanks, Beel! I um… Well, Satan and I really… got some fruit from the kitchen, too.”

Beel's eyes were shiny with emotion. “You got snacks? For me?” He looked from her to Satan. “You helped?”

“I helped.” Satan agreed. Beel looked confused, and handed the fuller of the two popcorn bowls to Satan. It had smaller bowls on top for dishing. Beel just curled up in a beanbag with the other.

Nia looked at the couch where Satan was, and realized they all left enough space so that she didn’t have to actually touch Satan and still be sitting with him.  Which was silly, because they all agreed not to hurt her, and Satan’s request for seating arrangements we because he was worried for her.  They all talked a big game, but she was beginning to think that other than being complete assholes sometimes, they weren’t as bad as they tried to claim to be.

“Hey Nia. Woolgathering? Let’s watch the show.”

Nia laughed, and plopped herself onto the couch.

“Okay, okay, I’m ready.”

[prrt prrt] [prrt prrt]

Nia looked down at her phone and smiled.  Mammon had sent her texts.

Mammon > Nia: Hey! Human! Look, it’s me, modeling, just like I promised!

Mammon > Nia: You miss me?

The picture was great. It was a shot that someone else took of the whole process, with Mammon stripping out of a black sweater with his white sleeveless undershirt riding up and showing his abs. Nia failed, utterly, to pretend the picture wasn’t hot as hell.  She wasn’t expecting anyone else to notice, but she should have. 

“Levi, calm down.” Satan said, himself eerily calm. 

Levi paused the anime and glared daggers at… Asmo?!

“Seriously, Asmo? Are you jealous of the girl about to get eaten alive by the…” Of course, Asmo’s eyes were glued to Nia. 

“What in the world did you just look at?” Asmo said.

“Uh. Mammon sent me his photo from the shoot just like he promised? It’s… hot?”

“Sounds fake.” Levi said, bitterly.  Satan leaned over to look over her should and chuckled.

“Nah.” He said, “She’s right. He’s definitely hot.”

“I wanna see!” Asmo bounced over and looked over her other shoulder, and made some positive humming noises.

Levi was sitting looking irritated, and Beel was just eating popcorn and enjoying being around people.

“Too bad he’s a scumbag and I’ll never see a single Grimm of whatever he’s making from that shoot.”

“Ugh, too right.” Asmo said, heading back to his seat.

Nia grumbled, and Satan reached out and put what he probably thought was a calming hand on her knee.

“Nia. We’ve known him a long time.” He said, but then sat back away from her as his own eyes lit green from the sheer amount of rage radiating off of her.

“I cannot even fucking believe you.  How stupid do you have to be to act like this about your own brother?”

“Sure, fine, yell at us about it, you don’t even know him.” Levi bit back. Levi. King of all Otaku.

“Mammon? The demon who is supposedly in charge of me, but took this modeling job so that he could pay you back in time to get your Blu-ray preorder for a show we’re already watching?  The demon who carried all of my things for an entire day just so I didn’t have to until I could get a backpack?  Who went out of his way to make sure that I felt welcome and like I might not drown in loneliness my first day not only at a new school but in a new dimension?
Like, have you even fucking considered what you all being complete shit to him for who the fuck even knows how many years has done to him?  The second thing I learned about Mammon was that his power is directly related to how he feels about someone. You know what the first thing I learned about Mammon was? That you all think he’s a living pile of garbage.
Just stop, for one damn minute and think about your older brother.  How in the ever-loving fuck is the Avatar of Greed broke when all he has to do is, oh, I don’t know, love himself? No, not even. All he’d have to do is like himself and he would never want for anything. Ever. And for that matter, how come you all need him to pay you back.  Shouldn’t your brother love you?  Shouldn’t you be swimming in Grimm? If I’m remembering my likely incredibly skewed “history” properly, didn’t you all fall from heaven with Lucifer?”

“The Celestial Realm.” Beel muttered. “I wouldn’t call it heaven.”

“Anyway. Just fucking think about it, will you?” Nia turned her attention to Satan, and flinched. She hadn’t even noticed him change into his demon form. His tail was swishing like a cat’s. It was… attractive. Shit. No. Nia. Stay on topic. “I know I brought this up before, and Asmo literally almost killed me for it.” She turned her attention to Asmo, who was surprisingly calm in comparison.

Asmo raised a hand, like he was in class and Nia was the teacher.  She was practically shaking with rage, but she nodded to him. Let him say words.

“Actually… since I lost my temper about it I’ve been trying to understand what you meant, and I think I get it.” Asmo said, quiet enough that even Beel stopped crunching popcorn to be able to hear him.

“We all keep blaming Mammon for trying to steal our things, for borrowing money and never returning it, for, well, anything Grimm related even if it’s not his fault.  My power is active, so I don’t really even think about his. I think.. I think Nia’s right. I think we’re at least partially at fault for all of this.  Maybe if we tried… being nice… for once in our lives, we’d see some of the light from Mammon’s power, not just the darkness.  I mean, consider. We’re all having to work our asses off to make Grimm. Nia’s right. We should be wanting for nothing. He’s our brother.”

Finally hearing someone who was listening to her and making sense, Nia half-fell half-collapsed back onto the loveseat.

“But that doesn’t explain why Mammon himself is broke.” Levi muttered

“Sure it does.” Beel said around a mouthful of popcorn. “If someone tells you that you’re the lowest of the low, garbage, a scumbag, for hundreds of years… well, you’d start to believe it, wouldn’t you? Like a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

“But wait.” Levi said, confused. “This is how it’s always been, though. Even before we fell.”

“So you’ve literally never treated him nicely in your entire lives?” Nia said, unaware of the tears leaking down her face. The silence that greeted her was stunning. “No wonder he hates himself.” She all-but whispered, before her anger shook her out of it.

“Well, I for one am not having it. You know what? I really like Mammon. He’s a sweetheart, and a strong, imposing Demon who scares the shit out of me but I like it that way.  He’s super nice and cares about people, even his brothers who have treated him like literal garbage because it turns out they didn’t know better. And earlier today, when I found money in the street, he actually tried to make me keep it when I wanted to give it to him. I didn’t. I made him take it. And you know what? He smiled. A real one. I want to see more Mammon smiling with real joy, okay? Please. Just… think before you talk shit about your 2nd oldest brother okay?”

Levi sighed. “I still think it’s probably bullshit, but it’s bullshit with weird game logic built in, so I’ll try.  Especially since he’s supposedly trying to earn money for me.”

Asmo nodded. “I’ve been trying to be better since Nia first said something. Failing, but.. I’m trying. It’s harder than I thought to undo hundreds of years of habit.”

Beel set aside the bowl of popcorn he’d been eating. “I think I want to save what’s left for Mammon. Do you think he’s going to come hang out with us when he’s done with his shoot?”

“I don’t know, I can ask…” Nia said, and Levi grumbled.

“No. Don’t. I will. It’s my room… and he should know I’m okay with him being here, otherwise he’ll probably turn me down again.” Levi said.

Nia turned to Satan, who’d been silent. He was still in his demon form, but his eyes had stopped glowing.

“Satan.. I…”

“I’m sorry. I know this form frightens you. You were so angry that I couldn’t hold my human form any longer. I would work on that, but… patience has never been my strong suit.”

Asmo, ever the brat, laughed.

“She thinks your demon form is attractive.”

“Asmo!”

“Oh, do you now?” Satan said, and waggled his eyebrows at her.

The laughter (and facepalming from Levi) broke the tension in the room enough that Satan managed to calm down and shift back. Nia checked her messages and saw a few from Mammon

Mammon > Nia: Did the little lamb not like my photo?

Mammon > Nia: …Human?

Mammon > Nia: Nia, answer me damnit, are you okay?

“Uh oh. I’ve been ignoring Mammon because I was mad.” Nia said, and Satan shook his head.

“Yeah… he’s…mad about it. Why don’t you come closer to me for a bit…” Satan reached out his hands, and when Nia didn’t move or protest, pulled her onto his lap. He didn’t mean anything by it but to physically protect her when Mammon, in full Demon form, knocked down the door.

“What the fuck did you assholes do to MY HUMAN?!”

Chapter Text

As it turns out, Mammon in a full rage was just as terrifying as Asmo in a full rage. Clearly Satan had the right idea when he’d pulled her out of direct line of the door, but that didn’t stop Mammon from charging in, walking right over the door he’d snapped off of its hinges.

“Mammon. I’m right here.” Nia said, taking care not to look like she was struggling to move - she didn’t want Mammon to think that Satan was holding her against her will or anything. He wasn’t. In fact, though he had his arms around her, they were loose - she could move if she needed to, without issue.

Mammon swiveled to look at her, and took in everyone else in the room. Nia sighed. He probably felt bad for making a fuss. She shifted a little, and Satan let her go, with a whispered admonition that she be careful.

She stood up and walked over to Mammon, her tiny frame dwarfed even further because he was in his demon form.

“I’m sorry, Mammon. I should have been paying attention to my D.D.D. and I wasn’t. I… I saw your picture though…”

“Ya didn’t respond at all.”

“I know, I… I don’t have an excuse, Mammon. I fucked up.”

“Hey now, that’s not fair.” Beel said quietly, from the floor.

Mammon speared him with a look, and he just shrugged. “I’m just saying, Mammon. Not one of us is used to dealing with human emotions on the regular anymore. Things got somewhat heated.”

Mammon looked around the room again, and growled, his hands balled at his sides as though he was keeping them there only by force of will.

“Then why is Asmo crying? And why did Leviathan invite me to his room? That never happens.”

Asmo piped up in response to this one. 

“Um. There’s a long story about the tears, and I promise I will tell you it, but not until you’ve calmed down because I’m worried that you’re scaring Nia.”

Mammon looked down at the human, and felt the anger he’d been holding onto leech out of him. He looked up and saw Satan’s eyes glowing, and as he managed to drop his demon form, he nodded his head in thanks to his younger brother.

“Well, shit. Who wants to help me pretend the door is fine before—“

The sound of Lucifer’s footsteps down the hallway alerted everyone, and Levi and Beel were immediately at the door looking at it as though it knocked itself down, and Mammon had scooped Nia up and settled into the loveseat next to Satan, where the three of them started looking at Devilgram on Satan’s phone with Asmo laying basically upside-down on his beanbag taking selfies that just so happened to include the rest of the room.

Lucifer reached the door and looked over the room.

“Why is the door broken?” he asked, in a low, menacing tone.

“I came back with popcorn and knocked with my head and it fell in.” Beel said, and Lucifer looked at him in confusion.

“Why are you proud of that?”

“He’s strong.” Levi said, and shrugged.

“Okay, but why are you and Mammon both embarrassed? …. And why is the human embarrassed?”

Nia was blushing, and from the floor, still upside-down Asmo giggled. 

“Because she’s all snuggled up in Mammon’s lap and doesn’t want you to notice.” 

“Asmo!!” Nia said, and then looked back at Lucifer, cheeks red. “Um. Hi Lucifer.”

“Okay, this is weird. What were you watching? It wasn’t one of those Hentai that Levi likes, was it?”

“GAH NO LUCIFER WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?!”

Nia didn’t think Levi could get as red as he did, but here we were.

“Alright, well, since it seems to have been a team effort in breaking the house, who’s letting Levi sleep in their room until it’s fixed?”

Beel raised his hand. “It was my fault. He can sleep in my room… if that’s okay, Levi.”

Levi shrugged. “I can crash in Belphie’s bed.” He said, unthinkingly, which caused Lucifer to growl and stomp away, calling out behind him something about having the little Ds fix the door overnight.

“Uh… mission accomplished?” Nia said quietly.

Mammon chuckled. “Only if you explain what happened before I got here. But since there’s not a door and I really don’t want our dear brother to decide to eavesdrop….”

Beel picked up all of the snacks. 

“My room. All our best stories happen in my room anyway.”

Mammon stood, not releasing Nia, and Asmo smirked.

Levi grabbed his pajamas and his travel gaming bag, and they migrated to a new place Nia hadn’t been before.

“Mammon. I have feet. I can walk.”

“Nope.”

“Mammon. Please?”

“I need to feel useful okay?” he said quietly, and she sighed. 

“Okay then how about a piggy-back ride instead of eerie bridal carry?”

“Y-yeah.. Sure.” Mammon said, and they proceeded to run down the hallway like idiots, and there was no way that Lucifer couldn’t feel the embarrassment falling off of the rest of the brothers while Mammon and Nia made complete idiots of themselves.

“So, ya liked the photo then?” Mammon said, a blush coloring his cheeks while he looked anywhere but at her.

“Seriously, Mammon? That entire story and what you take from it is that I think you’re hot?” Nia said, rolling her eyes.

“Well, no, I…”

Asmo sighed.

“Listen, Mammon. Nia’s right. We’ve treated you like shit our entire lives. And that’s a long fucking time. And you deserve better. But also stealing our stuff has got to stop. Please.”

Mammon nodded, not trusting his voice.

Nia smiled, and yawned. 

“Ugh, boys, I need to go sleep.”

“Your bag is waiting by your bedroom door.” Levi said, and Nia laughed.

“Of course it is. Thanks Levi.”

Levi muttered something unintelligible, his cheeks pink as he poked at his D.D.D.

Mammon stood when Nia did.

“Let me walk you back to your room.” Mammon said, and Nia nodded. 

“I’d probably get lost anyway. This house is a fucking maze.”

Nia waved goodnight to the rest of the brothers, and they made it as far as the door before Levi launched to his feet.

“Wait.” 

Nia froze, but it was Mammon who turned around.

“Got the email, huh?” he said quietly.

“You…” Levi was shaking.

“Know it’s not enough… but… wanted to try… ‘m sorry.” Mammon said, and when Nia turned to look, she saw that Mammon was holding back tears by a thread.

Levi’s D.D.D. hit the floor, and he had his arms wrapped around Mammon. Nia thought she might need to protect her favorite idiot, but Levi wasn’t attacking. Unless you consider a hug an attack, which to be fair, Mammon might. Nia thought, smirking.

“What? Why are you…?” Mammon was confused, and Levi sniffled.

“Thanks Mammon. When the preorders closed earlier I was sure I’d missed out.”

“Wait a minute.” Satan said from where he was perched on Belphie’s bed. “Am I reading this right? Did Mammon get that preorder Levi was harping on about earlier?”

“Seems like it.” Nia said, smiling.

“He did.” Levi said, realizing he was hugging Mammon and backing up like he’d been burned. “Even got the limited edition set, not just the regular preorder.”

“How did you even have the money for that, Mammon?” Satan asked, and when Nia pinned him with a glare he waved a hand at her. “I don’t mean it in a bad way, I’m just curious.”

“Oh, I took the modeling job on short notice so I demanded they pay me on the spot rather than waiting for a check, so I could get Levi that thing he wanted. I’m THE Great Mammon, so obviously they agreed.” Mammon preened, and Nia covered her mouth to hide her yawn. This was too important and too cute to interrupt just because she was sleepy.

“Hey, boys, I’m sorry to interrupt your brotherly love fest,” Asmo said, sounding very much like he was in fact sorry to do so, “But Nia is asleep on her feet. Mammon, if you’re not walking her back, Satan or I can.”

“Nah, I got her. She’s my human after all.” Mammon said, slipping an arm possessively around her waist as he guided them both out the door.

“See ya at breakfast. Don’t be late, Levi.” Mammon said, and Levi grumbled. Levi hated showing up for breakfast, but spending the night in Beel’s room was likely to make even the shut-in hungry.

“Mammon?” Nia questioned sleepily, once they’d gotten to her room. The demon in question was practically vibrating with the need to say something to her. “Do you want to come in and help me put pins on my bag?”

“Pins?”

Her question had completely caught him off guard.

“Yeah, Asmo and I picked a black bag and a whole bunch of cute enamel pins to put on it, since I liked the bag but the available colors were apparently an affront to fashion.”

Mammon chuckled. “Sounds like something Asmo would say. Yeah, lemme help otherwise it’ll keep ya up too late.”

And then you can tell me what’s on your mind, I hope. Nia thought. She hadn’t known him that long at all, but Mammon was already one of her favorite people.

“Ow, son of a bitch!” Nia looked down at her finger, where a small bead of blood was forming where she’d accidentally stabbed herself with one of the pins.

Mammon, who’d been looking at his D.D.D. reached out like a striking snake and pulled her into his lap, scanning the room for threats.

“Uh… Mammon?” Nia said, awkwardly. “I just poked myself. I’m the threat to me. Calm down, okay?”

Mammon looked down at the tiny wound on her finger, and pulled it up towards his face. At first Nia thought he was going to lick the blood off or something weird, but he just placed a delicate kiss against her finger.

“There.” He said quietly. “Good as new.”

Nia was blushing. She could feel the heat in her face all the way to the tips of her ears. It was in this moment that she was glad that when she was flushed it wasn’t as obvious as it was on Jake’s pale skin.

“Mamms?” she called to him softly. “What… was that?”

“It’s what she would have done.”

“She?”

“Nevermind.” He said, obviously uncomfortable, but not letting her go. “Listen, Human… I got something I want to ask ya.”

“Okay…?”

“Do ya wanna… make a pact with me?”

“Mammon. I don’t want to give you my soul, bud. That’s the number one thing they told me not to do.”

“Oh. I know. I… I don’t need yer soul. I just wanna protect ya, and if we have a pact… then you can use it to call me if something happens… like with Asmo… I just want ya to feel safe.”

“Well, if you’re not claiming my soul, what do you get?”

Mammon hadn’t considered that.

“It’s ‘sposed ta be somethin important to ya. We talk about souls because they’re the best prize, and humans are stupid when they’re desperate.” Mammon said.

Nia blinked. Something important. What did she have that she could give him that she considered important?

“Ya don’t hafta.” Mammon said quietly. “It was just an idea. And I’m sure I’ll get made fun of for it, but I don’t feel like you’ll abuse the pact, even if you could.”

“Wouldn’t abusing the pact be like abusing you?” Nia said, offended on his behalf.

“Yeah, but we’re demons. No one really cares about that.”

“I do!” Nia said vehemently.

Mammon chuckled. “That’s why I like ya, human.”

“Tell me more about what happens when you make a pact.” Nia said. He wanted to do this, so she wanted to know about it.

“Well, It’s like this…”

Mammon went on for a few minutes about the magic that went into binding a pact, until he realized Nia was starting to doze off.

“Hey, human, wake up.”

Nia blinked. “Sorry Mamms. Tired.” She muttered sleepily.

“Fair.” He said. “It’s pretty late, lemme give ya that quick version. Basically ya give me somethin valuable and I give ya my literal undying loyalty. If ya tell me to do something and draw on our pact bond, I have to do it. The more ya can draw on the pact, or the more magic ya put into it if ya have magic like Solomon does, the more complicated things I have to do. But the most important thing is that once ya learn how, you can summon me to your side. So no matter who messes with ya, I can be there.”

“How would people even know we have a pact? You said they’d tease you.”

“It’s a bond. Stronger demons will be able to sense it, and… there’s a mark. Like a tattoo, kindof? For the first 24 hours it sits on your skin - temporary pacts are easy to break but after 24 hours it settles into ya, becomes part of ya.”

“What’s the downside?” Nia asked, seriously.

“Uh. You made a deal with the devil? Lots of people in the human realm would ostracize ya for it, for one. For two, breaking a pact is harder than making one. Depends on what ya gave, and if it can be given back.”

“Can you do anything to me because of the pact?”

“Nope. Well, I could find ya, anywhere. But the pact makes it so I can’t hurt ya, either. It’s why we usually ask for the moon.”

“Do you have any pacts going right now? Some jealous succubus going to have it out for me?”

“Nah.” Mammon said, softly. “I’m not seen as worth making a pact with. Too scummy.”

“Mamms…” Nia said, squeezing his hand. “You’re not scum. But if you’re not in a pact, how do you know…?”

“It’s not like I’ve never been. Greedy humans are always going to exist. It’s just… been awhile.”

“What if I’m just a greedy human?”

“Nah, yer not. I’d know.”

“Oh, fair.”

“Any more questions?”

“Where does the mark show up?”

“Oh. Wherever ya want. Most people have them somewhere they won’t be noticed because they’re embarrassed. Or, at least most people who’ve made pacts with me.”

“Hm.” Nia said. “I think I’d want mine on the inside of my wrist.”

“Are ya actually thinkin about it then?” Mammon said, excited.

“Yeah. Just trying to figure out what I could give you.”

“I said you didn’t hafta give me nothin’” Mammon grumbled.

“I had an idea…” Nia said, willing herself to say the words before she chickened out. “But I don’t know if it counts as me giving you something, because I’d be getting something more than just a pact…”

“Yer being confusing, human.”

“I was thinking about what I could give you that you couldn’t get anywhere else.” Her voice shook, and she looked up at him nervously. “What about my one-of-a-kind limited edition first kiss?”

Mammon froze.

“That… you… human…”

Nia tried not to laugh. She laughed when she was nervous, but she would swear the demon in front of her was bright red. What if he turns me down? She suddenly thought, and then squashed that thought.

Eventually Mammon found words again.

“Are ya sure?” he eventually asked, and she nodded.

“It’s going to be awkward, you know.”

“Well, could be worse, ya could still be kissless at Levi’s age.”

Nia laughed, and Mammon shifted so they were facing each other.

“Okay, let’s do this before either of us changes our mind.”

“What do I need to do?” Nia asked, nervous.

“Sit still, listen to me even though you won’t understand the words, and… well, then when it’s time I’ll take that kiss.”

“Okay.” Nia was nervous, but Mammon had thought this through, and despite the whole being a demon thing, she trusted him.

When he started talking, no, chanting, Nia was enthralled. He’d shifted into his demon form, probably subconsciously, and she couldn’t help but admire how he looked. Powerful, self-confident, and strong. All of the things he probably didn’t feel like he was.

She felt the magic, as cliché as she knew it would sound, in her blood. It fizzed through every part of her, and while it burned, it was a pleasant sort of burn, like a mint that was way too strongly minty. After it fizzed through her, it came to settle on the inside of her right wrist, just how she wanted, and as it collected, the burn intensified, and that was the point where Mammon leaned forward and captured her lips in a kiss.

His lips on hers were careful, but needy, and she wrapped her arms around his neck as he held her close. When they split, she started to giggle, leaning her head against his shoulder as she turned her hand to look at the mark on her wrist, black with gold veining through it like lightning.

Lucifer looked up from his book, disturbed by a powerful, lingering pride, and sighed.

Lucifer > Mammon: What did you steal this time?

Chapter Text

Nia yawned and stretched, and then noticed the stamp on the inside of her wrist, and blushed as she remembered sharing her first kiss with Mammon to seal their pact. Did we really do that? I have a pact with a demon? What’s mom going to say? She told me no tattoos… but is this really a tattoo? I wonder if he’ll let me kiss him again.

A knock at her door was followed by Asmo’s voice on the other side.

“Morning Cutie! I sure hope you’re thinking about me this morning!”

Nia chuckled and got up to let Asmo in.  Of course, the first thing he did was grab her wrist.

“What’s this then?” He said, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him.

“Oooooh!! A pact mark~? Who would have…” The gold pulsed and Asmo blinked. “Mammon?!”

“Y-yeah.” Nia said. “After last night’s scare, unnecessary as it was, Mammon and I talked, and this seemed like a good way for him to keep me safe, once I can figure out how to summon him.”

“Well, you didn’t give him your soul, at least.” Asmo smirked, letting his eyes roam over her body.

“N-no! Of course I didn’t!” Nia sputtered. 

“The real question then is what did you give him, because Mammon is too greedy to do something for nothing.” When Nia glared at him, he clarified, “It’s his sin, he can’t help it.”

“What I gave him is between him and me.”

“But it makes you blush~!” Asmo said, reaching out and stroking her cheek.

“H-hey!” Nia said, stepping back. “Personal Space.”

“Right, right, sorry.” Asmo said, and grinned. “So, Gold again today for Mr. Mammon?”

“Um… No.” Nia said, absently rubbing her thumb against her pact mark. “I thought I’d wear your pink today, you know, as thanks for helping me with my wardrobe and accessories, and… image…”

Asmo grinned like he had just won the lottery. Yes, this was the right decision. 

“You, my dear, are going to look stunning in pink.”

“Excuse me, Miss Nia?” a voice called behind her, and she turned, cautiously, carefully eyeing the person standing behind her.

“Yes?”

“Is this your D.D.D. here? I thought I saw you drop it just now.” The man was silver haired, and seemed human, but she’d learned better than to judge a book by its cover.

Nia looked at the device in his hand and checked her pockets. Sure enough, her D.D.D. When did I drop it? 

“Uh, thanks.”

He handed it back to her, and his eyes caught on the pact mark on her wrist, and though he smirked, he didn’t say anything about it. Nia just watched him suspiciously.

“Hey, what’s with that look? There’s no need to be suspicious of me.” Is he reading my mind now? Creepy…

“I’m not suspicious, just… curious.” She lied, as smoothly as she could manage.

“My name’s Solomon. I’m an exchange student from the human world, just like you.  It’s nice to actually meet you, Nia.”

“Oh, you’re him!” Nia said, and laughed. “I wondered when we’d actually get to meet. Satan said we have potions class together later?”

“You do.” Satan said from behind her, and she startled. How the fuck is he so quiet? She thought. “We’d best be going if we don’t want to be late, Nia.  See you in Potent Potables, Solomon.”

As Nia turned to follow Satan to their shared first-period class, Solomon waved.

“See you around, Satan. Nia, take care of yourself.”

After they left, Solomon stared after them for a time before turning and walking in the opposite direction. There was something about that girl… and it wasn’t just that she’d already managed to form a pact with Mammon.

In her break between History and Potions, Nia slipped her journal out of her bag and started adding notes.

Mammon - Seems to be a lot happier after my rant accident with his brothers. Was right about him being totally huggable. Excellent kisser, 10/10 with no reference for scale. Formed a pact, felt weird and fizzy.

Diavolo, Lord of the Devildom - Mr. Important. Cheerful and excitable like a puppy, but is it an act? It’s probably an act.

Barbatos, Diavolo’s Butler - Opinionated, but also somehow much more regal than even his boss. Word on the street is he’s good in the kitchen. Might have to get him to teach me a thing or three so I can impress the girls when I get home.

Simeon, Whole-ass Angel - Super polite and kind, but lots less stuffy than I expected for an angel. Seems to have some interesting prejudices, but is really friendly with the demon brothers and Diavolp/Barbatos. Also, what is with that outfit? Are angels allowed to show that much skin? Mom would say it’s scandalous, but I have to admit he’s attractive.

Luke, not a Chihuahua - This boy has very strong opinions about demons being evil, especially Lucifer. He’s probably going to be mad about my pact mark, I should maybe not let him see it, but I’m sure someone will make sure he hears, because this place is a haven of gossip, enemy of secrets.

Solomon, Human? Sorcerer - Reminds me of my dad, and not just in those dad jokes kind of ways. Maybe it’s just because he’s an older human dude. Why is he taking classes, anyway?

“Writing something?” Solomon said, sliding into the seat next to her. Speak of the devil… Nia thought, and snapped her journal shut.

“Yep!” she said, but didn’t offer more information.

“I recognize that little diary.” He said, and winked at her. “Now I see who Asmo was sucking up to.”

“Well, he did try to kill me, so… now he can’t read my secrets, and we’re even.”

“Sounds like Asmo.” Does it? He didn’t seem the type to get angry like that, and besides that, how would Solomon know?

“This is a neat bit of magic. Can you open it?”

“Nope, it’ll zap me too.” Sounds fake. I bet he’s lying. I don’t really want to test him on that though.

“Sweet, now you can’t read what I wrote about you.”

Solomon eyed her, and she laughed. Yep. He was bluffing. I’m sure of it now.

“Can you teach me how to do it?”

“Well, you’d have to have an aptitude for magic, first.”

“Oh. Welp. I’m too normal for that life.”

“Alas.” Hm. Well, if he says so, I guess there’s no way of learning magic then.

“Hey, Solomon, you’re Solomon the Wise, King Solomon, all of that, right?”

“That’s what they tell me.”

“Would you really have cut that baby in half?”

Solomon blinked at her in silence, and Nia started to fidget. She’d offended him somehow.

“No.” He finally said. “I would not have cut the baby in half.”

“What would you have done if both of them told you to go ahead?”

“I’d have kept the child. In that case neither of them deserved to raise it.”

“Oh, I suppose you’ve probably got some experiences with kids, what with all those wives over the years.”

Solomon shrugged. “Probably. It’s been a long time.”

Nia smirked. “It’s okay, Solomon, you don’t have to talk to me about your love life. We’ve only just met after all.”

When he laughed, she wasn’t expecting it, and just stared at him, finally making true eye contact for the first time in their entire conversation. Wow, his eyes did that weird sectoral heterochromia thing hers did. She’d have to ask him about that later. Get a selfie for mom.

“Okay there grandpa, settle down, it’s not that funny.”

“Alas, I am nobody’s grandpa.” Solomon said, but bit back whatever else he was going to say.

Satan sat down on her other side and leaned in possessively close.  “You’re my partner, right Nia?” 

“Um. I. Uh. Are there partners in this? Like chemistry class?”

“Of course.” He said, smirking. “Fewer disasters that way, Right Sol—“

Nia looked the direction Satan was looking, only to see the other human walking away.

“Shit.” Nia said. “I think I said something wrong.”

“He’s an old and powerful sorcerer. I’m sure he can cope with a little social faux pas, but if you’re that worried we can stop by Purgatory Hall on our way home later.”

“Sure...” Nia said, still unable to shake the sense that she’d really screwed up.

“For now, let’s focus on potions, hm?”

“Oi, Human!” Mammon called out to her from the doorway as she packed her things back into her bag. “I need to run out and pick up some things for dinner, hurry it up or I’m gonna leave ya behind.”

“Actually, Mammon.” Satan said from beside her. “Do you mind if I walk Nia home? She wanted to go talk to Solomon over at Purgatory Hall before supper.”

“That one? Oof. Good luck with that, Nia, he’s been cranky all afternoon.” Mammon grumbled.

Nia winced. That was probably her fault.

“It’ll be fine.  If you’re sure I can go without you?” she said, half-hoping he’d tell her no.

“It’s fine, you can call if you need me, I’m sure. But Satan’s got you covered.”

“Thanks, Mamms~!” Nia called. As he waved and left the doorway, she was sure she saw pink on his cheeks. He’s too cute. I can’t cope. Ugh, Mammon, why did you have to choose now to stop being so possessive? Well, so much for having an easy excuse to avoid the apology…

“So, Nia…” Satan said, slowing his pace down to something more leisurely. “What did you say to upset Solomon so badly?”

“Ugh.” Nia said, and didn’t elaborate.

“If you don’t tell me, I can’t help you figure out how to apologize. Which I’m sure you’ll want to even if he says otherwise. Solomon’s usually such a cheerful guy I can’t even imagine what might have made him cranky enough that Mammon noticed.”

“It was probably when I asked him a question he probably gets all the time.”

“Oh?”

Nia summarized the conversation, and Satan sighed.

“It wasn’t about the baby, not directly at least.” Satan said. “He’s really touchy about family discussions.  I don’t know why, but whenever his wives or descendants come up, he clams up and gets bitchy.  Probably just the way the loss stacks up. Being immortal is… wearing on relationships.”

“I believe it.” Nia said. “I mean, y’all are more than ten times my age.”

“And then some.” Satan smiled. “But despite that we can hold conversations. It’s nice.” He reached out and ruffled her hair, and she laughed. I really love spending time with Satan. Maybe we can do homework together later. Or I can get him to read to me… No, Nia. Focus.

“Asmo’s going to whine at me for my hair being messed up.” She said, batting his hand away.

He just did it again, brattier this time. 

“Satan!! You’re such a brat.  Anyway, I think then what probably did it was me teasingly calling him Grandpa.”

“Oooof. Yeah, he’d probably love having someone as cute as you as a granddaughter. Or great… great… granddaughter, anyway.” Did Satan just call me cute? No. Down, girl. You already kissed Mammon this week. Just… chill.

Nia knocked on Solomon’s door, with Satan and Simeon hovering just down the hallway behind her. She’d tried to convince them to wait in the living room, but neither one of them seemed comfortable leaving her alone with Solomon in his current mood.

Luke was off baking with Barbatos apparently, and Nia was happy not to have the younger angel around to judge her social inabilities.

“I’m busy, come back later.” Solomon called, and Nia could almost feel the irritation in his voice.

“Hey, um, Solomon, it’s me, Nia. Are you sure you can’t spare a minute?”

“Oh, Nia. Yeah, sure, just a…” a small clattering sounded on the other side of the door, and then a slightly disheveled Solomon opened the door.

“What can I do for you?” he asked quietly, and she sighed.

“I… came to apologize. I’m really sorry for upsetting you. I don’t know what I said wrong, but I never meant to upset you today. If you tell me what I did wrong I will never do it again, I promise. I know I can come across as a bit of a snarky bitch, so… please don’t hate me, you’re the only human contact I’ve got here.” I hate apologies, I always get all teary, and then they seem fake… 

Solomon sighed, and invited her into his room, firmly shutting the door before Simeon or Satan could interrupt. He gestured for her to take a seat, though there wasn’t a lot of space to do so, with the number of magical bits and pieces scattered all over the room.

“You don’t need to apologize. You didn’t really do anything wrong. I’m touchy about family things, and tend to overreact. You’d think I’d be better than that after all of these years, but… I’m still just human. And a bit of a recluse at that.”

“Too late, already apologized. Wanna talk about it, Mr. Recluse? Mom taught me that talking about these things helps.”

“It’s ancient history at this point.” Nope. Not getting out of it this easily.

“Bet it doesn’t feel like ancient history. Besides, who else are you going to tell? Demons?”

Solomon just stood still for a moment, and sighed.

“Well, you may as well know, I mean there’s all kinds of history about me. Supposedly 700 wives, plus 300 concubines. Even without the obvious exaggeration there have been a number of partners in my life. You’d think I’d have a child out of one of them, no?”

“Uh. At least? It’s not like birth control was really a thing in the negative years.” Was it rude to say that? I really don’t like thinking about Solomon sexing people up, that just feels too much like imagining my parents boning. No thanks.

“Four. That I knew about.  My ‘firstborn’ wasn’t mine - Naamah was, with my permission of course, sleeping with one of the servants. They were in love. Our marriage was for convenience and politics.”

“What about the other three?”

“They and their mothers died tragic deaths.”

“What?!”

“Someone doesn’t want to see my line continue. And I’ve never been able to figure out whom.”

“Oh. Shit. That… sucks.”

“Yes. It does.”

“I won’t call you grandpa again.” Nia said, biting her lip. It would have been fun to play around with that and confuse people though.

“Nia.” Solomon said, meeting her gaze. “You’re a lovely girl, and I’m sure your actual grandparents are proud to have you, I’m sure.”

“Ha, right. Thanks, Solomon.” I wish I had actual grandparents. We know basically nothing about Dad’s side, and Mom’s parents died when I was super little.

[prrt prrt] [prrt prrt]

Nia looked down at her phone to see a text from Mammon.

Group Chat - Mammon/Satan/Nia

Mammon: Dinner’s ready.

Satan: We’ll be home shortly.

“Dinner’s ready, I have to head home. You have my number right? You can text if you want to chat more, or call later?”

“Of course.” Solomon said, helping her stand, and opening the door. “If nothing else, class tomorrow.”

“Sure!” Nia said, and bounced down the hallway to where Satan had been strolling towards her.

Solomon turned back, letting the door shut again, and saw one of the little pins from Nia’s bag laying on the floor.  He picked it up, and inspected the cute pudgy cat pin, laughing softly.  As he set it on the bookshelf, he noticed the dark stain on the sharp point, and his eyes narrowed.

Hmm. That will do nicely. 

Nia tossed and turned. She’d been incredibly tired, but now she couldn’t sleep. She felt like someone needed help, her help. But she was in the Devildom, and she knew better than to just go wandering about on some kind of feeling, especially at night.

Despite her determination, a few minutes later she found herself following the voice that would not leave her alone, padding quietly through the halls until she found herself at the base of a spiral staircase that seemed to head up into an attic space.

“Nia.” Lucifer said, stepping out of the darkness near the staircase.

Startled, she took a step back, her fingers unconsciously going to the fading mark at her wrist.

“Stop right there.” Lucifer said, his quiet tone leaking menace. “You’ll go no farther… that’s not a place for humans. It’s dangerous.” 

Wait, is he trying to help me, or threaten me? Nia was confused.

“Go back to your room.” Lucifer said, and Nia shivered.  Something wasn’t right here, and she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“No.” She said, her eyes narrowing. Whatever it was he was after, she wasn’t just about to take his orders like they were law. She was her own person, thanks.

Lucifer’s eyes also narrowed, trying to read her purpose, and then he laughed. Suddenly, and it didn’t even sound forced.

“Interesting.” He said, a smirk on his face. “I think I’m starting to understand why you were chosen to come here. But you can’t say no. Because I’m not giving you a choice. Now then, back to your room. If you value your life, you’ll do as I say.”

Nia rolled her eyes.

“You won’t hurt me.” She said, confidently. “Because that would make Diavolo mad. But—” she held up a hand to stop whatever he was about to say “—I was actually just wandering, and have no real reason not to go back to my room. So you can stop with the idle threats. They’re irritating.”

She turned on her heel and went back the way she came, robe strings fluttering in the breeze she made with her passing.

When she got back to her room, she shut and locked the door, and then slid down against it, sitting on the floor, unable to stop herself from shaking, with tears spilling down her cheeks.

Why do I keep talking back to Lucifer like that?

Why is he such an asshole constantly?

One of these days he’s going to hurt me just to prove he can.

Chapter Text

When the faux-dawn lit her windows, Nia got up and threw on workout clothes.  

Thanks, Asmo. She thought, and made a note to send him a message in actual thanks once it was late enough in the morning that he wouldn’t complain about her making him miss his beauty sleep. He’d complain enough once he realized she had missed sleep.

Now, where was that gym that Beel showed me… Nia wandered a bit before she managed to find her way to the gym. She wasn’t really a workout human, but she enjoyed climbing on a bike and losing herself to her music. And it was the only way she could think of to break the anxiety that had a hold around her heart like a vice.  

Quietly, Nia adjusted the machine to handle her short stature, slipped in her earbuds, and turned up the music player on her D.D.D. Thank goodness she’d talked Levi into hooking her up with his anime playlists.

While she was riding, Nia would have sworn she saw the door open in her peripheral vision, but when she turned to look, it was closed as if it had never moved. A few songs later, she thought that she saw the same thing again. This time when she turned, Beel was standing in the doorway holding a water bottle out towards her. She popped one of her earbuds out and smiled at him.

“For me?”

“Yeah, I came in earlier and saw you didn’t have any water. I also brought you a towel.”

Nia took the offered water and sipped at it gratefully.

“Thanks Beel, you’re the best.”

“I didn’t expect to see you here this early.” He said quietly. “Or at all. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just feeling sluggish since I’m not chasing my little sisters around, decided I should get some cardio in before classes.”

“Legit.” He said, settling in on the mats and starting to stretch. “Except that you’ve been here at least an hour without taking a break which implies more than just some innate sense of a need for exercise. Come stretch with me.” He patted the mat next to him, and Nia sighed.

“How did you know how long I’ve been here?”

“Counter on the bike.”

“Oh, fair.”

“Our eyesight is really good, is all.” Beel said, and Nia climbed off the bike, trying to ignore the stiffness in some muscles and the weakness in others.

“So, you’ve got sisters?” Beel asked,  and Nia smiled.

“Twins.” She said. “Avery and Aubrey. Hang on a sec, I have a picture they sent me yesterday.”

Nia leaned back and grabbed her phone from where it sat next to her water, and when she sat back up, Beel had stopped stretching and was looking at her in a way she could only describe one way; hungrily.

Trying not to worry about that expression, Nia pulled up the photo of her sisters, and handed Beel her D.D.D.

“V and B are wicked smart. They regularly know all the answers on Jeopardy, and are the top in their class every year.  They also do all their chores, and are generally really great kids, if a bit energetic.”

“They look so much alike.” Beel said, handing her device back. “Nothing like me and my twin.”

Nia blinked. “You have a twin?!”

“Yeah. His name is Belphegor. He’s in the human world right now as an exchange student.”

“Oh, really? He wasn’t one of the ones at my school. Too bad, if he’s your brother I’d feel better leaving him with my sisters. They like their new big brothers though…”

“Yeah…” Beel sighed. “But anyway Belphie and I don’t look alike though. Actually, we’re total opposites.  Belphie had a falling out with Lucifer, so he was chosen to be an exchange student. Belphie didn’t want to go, but he was forced. So don’t mention his name in front of Lucifer.”

“Like me. I didn’t choose to come here either, but as much as I miss my family, I really don’t regret coming here. I’ve learned so much! I hope he’s having fun at least.”

“I doubt it.” Beel sighed. “Belphie… doesn’t get along with humans.”

“I’d really love to know more about Belphie.  His nickname is super cute.”

Beel smiled. Belphie was one of his favorite topics.

“Even though we’re twins, all that means is that our father made us at the same time. It’s not like we’re alike in any way. My brothers and I don’t share blood like human families do.”

“Huh, so like, you’re a family that chose each other instead of just being family by blood then.”

“Right. Still, Belphie and I always got along. We used to have a little sister, too. Lilith.  So the three of us were always together: me, Belphie, and Lilith.  But that was a long time ago now.” Beel’s face fell, and Nia instinctively reached out and took his hand.

“That must be why you wanted to know more about my sisters, huh? Because you miss yours? I’d love to hear more about her, too, if you want to tell me.”

“I… don’t feel like talking about her right now.” Beel said, softly, and Nia would have had to be a fool to push him on the subject.

“No problem! Family’s difficult.” She squeezed his hand. “I don’t suppose you’d show me a picture of Belphie though?”

“Oh, there’s a picture of him in the portrait hall for sure. Once we’re done working out, I’ll show you on the way to breakfast!”

Nia grinned. “I think I’m as worked out as I’m going to get at this point. I’m going to go shower, but I can meet you back here…”

“Can you help me before you go?”

“Help you, how?”

“I need more weight for my pushups. Think you’d be willing to sit on me?”

“Uh. I’m a lot of weight, Beel.”

“Nah, I used to do my pushups with Belphie sleeping on me, you probably weigh about the same.”

Nia grumbled. “But I’m all sweaty.”

“Oh no, how will I cope?” Beel said, smirking sarcastically, gesturing to his already glistening self.

“You’re weird, you know that right Beel?”

“I know. Now are you going to help or are you going to keep complaining?”

Of course she was going to help.

“Your hair is still dry.” Beel said, patting her curls affectionately as they walked down the hall.

“Of course it is, are you kidding? I don’t have all day to wash my hair.”

“Mine just… dries?” Beel said, poking at her hair.

“Haha oh you sweet summer child.” Nia said. “Next day off we have you can hang out with me and watch my hair process. It’s an entire time.”

Beel looked at her with wide eyes. “Promise?”

She nodded. “It’s boring as hell, but I promise.”

“Oh hey, here’s the pictures I wanted to show you.” Beel said, pulling her over to a section of wall. “See, here’s me and Belphie, and then a painting of the seven of us, and this one’s just Belphie.”

“Oh, he’s cute.” Nia said, then clapped a hand over her mouth. Okay, me. What have I told me about not simping over every demon boy I see?!

Beel smiled at her. “He really is. Maybe after the exchange program is over we can come up to the human world and you can introduce us to your sisters.”

“I would love that, Beel!!” She said, and then her stomach growled embarrassingly.

“Now, though, Breakfast!” Beel said, and pulled her off towards the dining room.

“Nia?” A hand on her shoulder startled her awake. “Nia, you okay?”

“Mn.” She said, noncommittally.

“Nia, class is over.” Satan’s voice snapped her out of her drowsy haze.

“What?!” Her head snapped up, the back of her head connecting with his forehead. “Ow. Shit. Sorry Satan.”

He was, of course, laughing, though worry reigned in his eyes.

“Nia, are you okay? It’s not like you to sleep through class.”

“Ugh. Mistakes were made.” She said, and he eyed her carefully.

“You didn’t go out to The Fall with Asmo last night, did you?”

“No, just couldn’t sleep and then worked out with Beel this morning.”

“Maybe I should take you back to the House. You’re not learning anything like this.”

“I don’t want to get in trouble.”

“Nonsense. You stay here, I’m just going to tell Lucifer what I’m doing.”

“…okay.” Nia said, and put her head back down on her arms.

“You’re taking her home.” Lucifer said, as though he hadn’t heard what Satan said.

“Yes. She’s exhausted, she claims she’s just tired, but I think there’s something more to it. She might be sick. I don’t want to risk it.”

Lucifer sighed, and Satan knew better than to press him for an answer. The firstborn would give one when he was good and ready.  Luckily this time he didn’t have to wait too long.

“Fine. Make sure Mammon knows, and don’t leave her side until dinner, understand?”

“Understood.” Satan said, and turned on his heel. Lucifer seemed suspicious and angry, and whatever that was about, Satan wanted in on it. He’d have to ask Nia if she was up to something. After she slept, of course.

Help me. Please.

Nia woke, opening her eyes and looking around her room. She’d had that dream again, like the past few nights, but this was daytime. Maybe she’d be able to get up those stairs now, while Lucifer was at school.

Someone was in her room. He was backlit from the window, and she couldn’t see his face.  In her half-awake stupor, Nia panicked. Why is Lucifer here, now? I was only thinking about the stairs, I haven’t gone anywhere near them.

“Nia?” Satan’s voice rang out into the silent room. “I’m sorry, did I scare you?”

“S-satan?” Nia said, startled, cursing the fear that caused her to stutter.

“It’s me. Still here. Who were you expecting?”

“Uh…” She could not tell him she thought he was Lucifer.

“You thought I was Lucifer.” He said, as if he’d read her mind.

“More like I was afraid he would be here.” She said. “And not awake enough to know better.”

“What did you do to get on his bad side already, Nia?”

“Well… honestly… do you know what’s up the spiral stairs?”

Satan stilled. “The attic. Lucifer’s spelled it so none of us can go up there.”

“What’s up there, though?”

“No idea. He wouldn’t tell us.”

“Someone is asking me for help, Satan. In my dreams.”

“You really want to go up those stairs, don’t you.”

“Yes. But…”

“But you’re afraid of Lucifer?”

“Yeah.. I… kinda talked back to him last night, and he was giving me death glares at breakfast.”

“Mammon mentioned that to me while you were asleep. I’d asked if he knew what was going on. Beel mentioned that you were working out at some unpleasantly early hour this morning. He thought you were homesick, but it’s Lucifer, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Nia saw no point in beating around the bush. And better that someone knew, really. Just in case.

“Well, he’s stuck at RAD for the next few hours… want to try going up the stairs?”

“Fuck yes.” Nia said, sitting up quickly. Satan just laughed.

“Alright. I’ll come with you to the stairs. Just… be careful, alright? I have no idea what’s up there and I can’t follow you.”

When they got to the stairs, Nia turned to Satan and smiled. 

“Time to find out what Lucifer’s hiding.”

“I hope it’s a cat.” Satan said, and Nia giggled. 

Can devildom cats talk? She wondered, as she slowly climbed the spiral staircase. At the top of the stairs, an intricate door that looked more like a cage separated the hallway from a room beyond.

“I knew you were the one person who would be able to find me.” A voice said, far enough past the door that she couldn’t see them.

“Who are you?” Nia said, staying a reasonable distance from the door.

“Who am I? That’s a good question, it depends on why you’re asking, Miss Nia.” The owner of the voice stepped into view, and Nia’s breath caught in her throat.

“Belphegor?!” She said, so startled that his name came out more as a squeak than a properly spoken word, but his eyes went wide regardless.

“How… do you know my name?”

“Oh. Uh. Beel and I were talking about you this morning. You’re supposed to be in the human realm as an exchange student! What are you doing trapped in the attic?!”

“Well, there goes my plan of trying to get you to believe I was human so you could get me out of here.” Belphie muttered. “Why’s Beel got to be so damn trusting?!”

“Uh. I mean, I told him about my family first, so it was only fair, but… I think that’s just kinda how Beel is.”

Belphie sighed.

“Well, I don’t fucking know what to do next, Human.”

“Um… tell me what happened and I’ll get you out of here somehow?”

“That won’t work. You’ll blab to my brothers and it’ll just get worse.”

“If you think I’m not going to tell Beel that his twin has been trapped here the whole time…”

“Oh, I know you will, that’s why I’m frustrated.”

“Well, how were you going to have me get you out before I ruined your plan?”

“By getting you to make pacts with all the rest of my brothers so you’d be able to just open the door.”

“I doubt they’d be interested.”

“Mammon clearly was.”

“Oh. Well, that… that’s different.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t care.” Belphie said, and Nia pursed her lips.

“Seriously though, Belphegor, why are you locked up?”

“I’d love to see the looks on their faces if they found out that Lucifer was actually keeping me trapped up here in the attic.” He chuckled darkly, and Nia wondered if he was ever going to answer her question. “I’m sure if my brothers knew of my predicament they’d fly into a fit of rage and confront Lucifer about it.  And if that happened, it wouldn’t be any ordinary family squabble. No, It might very well devolve into a war that would envelop the entire Devildom. If worst came to worst, even the Human world wouldn’t be spared its effects. I’d like to find a peaceful resolution to all this. For Lucifer, for the Devildom, and for the human world as well. Personally, I’d like to be able to have a proper face-to-face talk with Lucifer.  Sure, we may have had a falling out, but really it was only a little misunderstanding. If I could just talk with him, he’d realize that was the case. I need to find some way to get out of here, find Lucifer, and have a talk with him. That’s all I want.”

“Whew, done with that monologue there? It must have made you tired.”

Belphegor’s eyes flashed, and she was sure, for just a moment she’d seen a hint of horns.

“Whatever the problem is, I’ll try and find a way to fix it. Hell, if I could fix Mammon’s shitty existence, I can fix yours.”

“What, did you find a way to give that scumbag some money?”

“Not you too, Belphie! Just fucking… be nice to Mammon. Please.”

Belphie stared at her.

“Nicknames, already?”

“Yes. All of your names are too long and complicated. Also, Belphie is a super cute name.” And you’re also adorable when you’re not being a total ass.

“Meh, fine. Beel calls me it anyway.”

Behind her, she heard Satan call up the stairs. “Nia? You okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be back in a minute.” She called down to him. Am I okay? Lucifer is going to kill me. There’s going to be no pretending that I didn’t come up here.

“Wow, got Satan on a leash too?” Belphie said with a smirk.

“You can’t leash a cat.” Nia said offhandedly. “Anyway, I should go, but… I’ll come back with some idea to try for getting you out of here, okay?”

“Sure, fine, whatever.” He had absolutely zero faith in her, and she could tell.

She hustled back down the stairs, looking about carefully for a lurking Lucifer before grabbing Satan by the hand and practically running back to her room.

“Nia…?”

“Not now.”

A knock at the door made Satan look up as Mammon and Beel entered, but he didn’t dare move. Nia was curled up against his side, asleep, with his arm and jacket around her shoulders.

“How’s my sleepy human?” Mammon said, quietly, to Satan.

“Terrified.” Satan said.

“Any idea why?” Mammon asked, settling into a chair. “I’d like to kill whoever made her this way.”

“Lucifer didn’t spell the stairs against Humans, he relied on threats keeping Nia away. The threats are why she didn’t sleep last night, Beel.” Satan said, idly petting her hair.

“Ah.” Beel said, between bites of a cheeseburger he materialized out of nowhere. “So she really was exercising on no sleep and then basically ate nothing for breakfast.”

“Yeah.” Nia said groggily from Satan’s side, bringing the eyes of the three brothers to hers. “Sorry.” 

“Why are you sorry?” Mammon asked. “Lucifer’s the problem.” 

Should she tell them? She should tell them. Waiting to tell them would only make things worse.

“I discovered what Lucifer’s hiding up the spiral stairs.” Nia said quietly. “It’s Belphie.”

The only sound in the room was Beel’s forgotten cheeseburger hitting the floor with a sickening splat.

Chapter Text

It took forty minutes, a lot of talking, and two demons in full form to keep Beel from storming out of her room to confront Lucifer. Once he finally relented, Mammon took him off to the gym to work off some of the remaining angst, though he only left after securing Nia’s promise that he could come back after dinner.

Satan had tried to convince Nia to lay back down and try to get some more sleep, but she was restless then, after all of the adrenaline, so he let her curl up against his side again while he read to her from one of his favorite books. It was this heartwarming scene that greeted Lucifer when he came knocking once he’d arrived home from RAD.

“Good afternoon, Nia, Satan.” Lucifer said, stepping in and shutting the door.

Nia looked up sleepily from Satan’s arms, and felt an unpleasant rush of fear and embarrassment.

“Lucifer.” Satan greeted his eldest brother with tolerance but no joy.

“I’m glad to see you’re feeling somewhat more rested this afternoon, Nia.” Lucifer said, a half-smile on his face. “I’m surprised to see you actually in bed where you belong, given last night’s encounter.”

Nia blushed. He makes it sound like we were making out in a dark corner or something, rather than him scaring me shitless about a stupid flight of stairs.

“Oh, is he what kept you up last night, Nia?” Satan said, smirking at her. “I promise you I can be much more entertaining than my stuffy older brother.”

These two are going to be the death of me. Nia thought. Being kept awake by Satan would be so much better than… down, girl.

“N-no, that’s not…” She tried to argue, but Lucifer just sighed and cut her off.

“Regardless. Let me give you a piece of advice.” The smile dropped off of his face, and Nia felt Satan’s arms tighten just slightly around her. “You should focus on surviving this year here, finishing the exchange program and going back to the human world. That’s all you need to concern yourself with.”

Nia pursed her lips, and started to say something, but Lucifer just talked over her as though she hadn’t tried to talk in the first place.

“Would you like me to make it a bit clearer for you? Curiosity Killed the Cat.” He looked pointedly at Satan when he said that last bit, and Nia couldn’t help but glance at the man holding her before turning her attention back to Lucifer. “Surely you’ve heard this expression? Well, curiosity can very literally get you killed here as well. Hmm. I guess that’s more what you’d call a word of warning than a piece of advice… Eh, but why split hairs?”

“Lucifer.” Satan half-growled, staring down his brother as he closed the book he was holding. “Why do you persist in threatening Nia? Certainly that’s not how Diavolo wants you to act around his precious exchange student.”

“Did you think I wouldn’t know you went up the stairs this afternoon?” Lucifer said, his tone mostly a low growl.

Nia shivered, but answered anyway. “I’d be embarrassed for you if you didn’t know.” She said, but didn’t give him anything more than that.

“Well, then you know how dangerous and useless curiosity can be.” He said, and with one more piercing glare left the room, throwing a last few words behind him as an afterthought. “Dinner in ten minutes. Don’t be late.”

Nia wilted in Satan’s arms, and he stroked her hair.

“Sorry he’s such an asshole, Nia.” Satan said, after a moment.

“Not your fault.” She said, chuckling. “If anything, I think you’re even more wonderful for being you without also being an asshole like Lucifer. You were his wrath, after all.”

“I like to consider it personal growth.” Satan said, chuckling.

Dinner was tense. Beel was clearly just barely keeping it together, but thanks to his endless appetite he wasn’t made to hold any kind of conversation. Nia managed to eat some food, though it tasted like approximately nothing. Devildom food itself was a bit of an enigma. Beel commented that there were a number of things that they didn’t even keep in the house anymore because they weren’t human-safe, and Nia considered it a bit like keeping a Kosher kitchen.

“Nia.” Satan said, as conversations lulled toward the end of dinner, Beel polishing off the bits left behind in the serving dishes.

“Yeah Satan?” Nia said, putting a smile on her face for the Avatar of Wrath.

“I’m going out to buy a new book. Would you care to join me?”

“Ooh, a bookstore trip?” Nia’s eyes lit up, but then she sighed. Most of those books are going to be in Infernal.

“They have a human realm ordering service, too, Nia.” Satan said, correctly gathering the reasons behind her sigh.

“Hey, don’t think you can take my human right out from under my nose, Satan. If you’re going shopping, I’m coming too.”

“Aw, I want to go shopping with Nia too but I have other obligations tonight~” Asmo said, winking at her. Nia laughed. He says other obligations, but what he means is that he’s going out to The Fall again tonight and needs to take time to get ready.

“Satan, you’re going to the bookstore that’s right across from Madam Scream’s right?” Beel said, his mouth half-full of something or other still.

“Yeah, that’s the one.” Satan said, nodding.

“I have to shower, but I could catch up with you later and do dessert? We haven’t taken Nia there yet.”

Nia grinned. “I do like desserts…”

“Then it’s a date.” Satan said, grinning.

Nia blushed. But there are three of them and one of me. Who is it a date with?

“Nia~” Asmo giggled at her. “Need me to help you get ready for your date?”

Nia looked at Asmo as though he’d grown an extra head. 

“How can it be that kind of date when there are four of us?” She said, and Asmo’s grin only got bigger.

“Easy! They’re all doting on you, after all! Besides, those dates make for the most fun after you bring them home…”

“Asmo…” Satan said warningly, but that just made the Avatar of Lust giggle more.

“Aren’t I just the best wingman, Satan?”

Suddenly, Nia felt like she was in over her head.

“Wow, these human-world import books are like a decade behind in terms of the good stuff.” Nia said, eyeing their fantasy collection dubiously. “Do you think I’d be able to have my mom send my books to me? I had just bought some new ones I was excited to bring along but then… I didn’t get to pack or anything.”

“I don’t know.” Satan said, hand on his chin while he was clearly considering her question. “We can ask Diavolo? He’d know for sure.”

“Okay! I’ll do that. I’d love to share my books with you, just like you share your favorites with me, Satan.”

Satan looked at her, a bit of surprise in his eyes. “Would you read to me then?”

“Of course!” Nia said, grinning. “It’s only fair.” There was something so nice about having him read to her, she’d love to share that joy with him, if only to watch his expressions while she read to him from her favorite series.

Satan reached out and took her hand, leading her deeper into the store. Nia blushed as she looked at their joined hands. She knew it was just so she didn’t get lost in the maze-like bookstore. But I really wish there was more to it. She admitted to herself, and felt her cheeks warm in reaction to her own thoughts. Is it greedy to want something special with Satan after that kiss with Mammon? I still want to kiss him again. But would Satan’s kisses be different?

“Whatever you’re thinking about, human, it’s greedy as hell, keep it up.” Mammon’s voice came from a few shelves away, and Satan looked back at her, startled.

“Did you see something you wanted, Nia?” he asked, and she squeezed his hand. Of course I did… but I can’t tell him that it’s him.

“I just want to keep shopping like this, please.” She said, her voice slightly squeakier than intended, carefully not meeting his eyes.

When they met Beel at Madam Scream’s, they discovered that he had already ordered for the table - three entire cheesecakes. Nia was glad she constantly underestimated the amount Beel could eat, because cheesecake was super rich. It was the kind of thing they only got on important birthdays or holidays at home, and this felt beyond extravagant.

“So, today was a day.” Nia said, and took a small bite of the blood-red cheesecake in front of her. Ah. Pomegranate.

“How are we going to get him out of there?” Beel said, his words half-muffled by the cheesecake in his mouth.

“Well, Belphie’s known to hate humans — Sorry, Nia — and the only reason Lucifer would have locked him away like that instead of sending him off to the human realm like he said he did was if Belphie had done something to go against Diavolo.” Satan said, and Nia realized he was writing in a little notebook, and had produced a pair of wire-frame glasses from somewhere. He looks extra hot in glasses.

“Ya got that right. Lucifer’s an asshole, but he’s always had a soft spot for the twins. There’s no way he just shoved Belphie up there because he felt like it. But Nia, you said Belphie said it was going to take pacts with all of us to open the door.”

“That’s what he said. I don’t know if it would actually have worked, it was kinda offhanded and…” …and I don’t think you’re all going to just make pacts with me like that. I don’t have any more first kisses to give away.

“So getting Lucifer to just agree to let him out is a better plan.” Satan said. “But he’d have to not be a threat to exchange program for Lucifer to agree to it, or to Nia for us to feel good asking.”

“He didn’t seem like a threat to me.” Nia said, and Mammon sighed.

“Nia, you’re too trusting. Belphie’s been a hair’s breadth away from snapping a human’s neck every time he saw one since the Fall.” Mammon said, and Nia blinked.

“So you’re saying I really could have died going up those stairs?”

“No.” Beel said, setting his fork down to take a drink. “If he could get past that door of his own will, he would have before you went up those stairs. You’re safe from him.”

“Okay, but what about…” Nia paused. Do I really want to suggest this? Yeah, it’s our best chance. “What if I went up the stairs and spent some time just sitting there chatting with Belphie? Like every day? Then he’d get used to me and maybe not be as likely to… kill me…” she trailed off at the end, focusing her gaze on her half-eaten dessert.

“That’s not a bad idea.” Satan said, reaching across the table to take her free hand in his. “I know you’re afraid, but if you can get Belphie to actually tolerate your presence, it’d go a long way towards fixing what’s broken between him and Lucifer.”

“I’ll keep Lucifer off your back.” Mammon said. “He seems concerned about how well behaved I’ve been lately, so if I have to plot a bit of mischief, I can do that.”

“Thanks, Mamms.” You self-sacrificing idiot.

“I think I want to get Lucifer to admit where Belphie is.” Beel said, determinedly. “Maybe I can ask to go to the human realm to visit, so we can visit Nia’s sisters too?”

“That would give me a good chance to get those books for you, Satan.” Nia said, and Satan smiled. When did he finish his dessert? I’m still only like halfway through my slice!

“Oh, or I could offer to be the one to go pick up your books for you, since a couple boxes of books would be light enough for me, and Diaval knows who I am so could vouch for me to your mom…”

“That could work.” Mammon said. “Just leave me out of that planning or he’ll think I’m trying to steal something.”

“Ugh.” Nia said, but didn’t argue.

“Hey.” Beel said suddenly, a soft smile on his face. “How about we pack up some of this cheesecake for the other four.”

“Beel, are you feeling okay?”

“Yeah. I just… I want to share, you know? When was the last time you think Belphie had any cheesecake? We can have Nia take some up to him tomorrow.” Suddenly Beel looked at Satan and Mammon, and then back at Nia. “You know, I thought Belphie was mad at me all this time. Maybe he’s not. I bet Lucifer took his D.D.D.”

“Seems likely, else why have none of us heard from him? If he doesn’t have it, he doesn’t have to try and fake human world selfies either.” Mammon said, and Beel nodded.

“At first, I thought this was the worst news ever, hearing about Belphie being trapped up there, but now? I think this is actually better. I won’t have to wait most of a year to get him back now!”

Beel grinned, and flagged down a waitress to pack up the extra, and then another waitress when the first one fainted from the shock.

When they got back to the House, Satan slipped his hand into hers, and smiled.

“I’ll walk Nia back to her room.” He said, and for once, Mammon didn’t argue, just let them go on their way.  It was a short walk from the garage-entry of Mammon’s room to Nia’s room, and they spent the walk in companionable silence.  When they reached her door, Nia looked up at Satan, and smiled.

“Hey, Satan?”

He smiled at her.

“Yeah, kitten?”

“Thanks for the excellent date.” She said, and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.  Before she could back away to a safe distance, Satan had leaned in again and stolen a kiss from her lips. It was gentle, chaste even, but at the same time determined.

“You’re welcome. Goodnight, Nia.” He said, a bright blush on his cheeks and the hint of a smile on his lips before he turned and headed off to his room.

Nia went into her room and then shut and locked the door before brainlessly going through her nighttime routine.

What was I thinking, kissing Satan like that? My first kiss was barely days ago and now I’m kissing someone else? I mean I meant to just kiss his cheek and he kissed me for real, but I wasn’t mad about it, I wanted to kiss him again right away.  But I still want to kiss Mammon again. And I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t something warm and comfortable with Beel, and Asmo is a sweetie, and don’t even get me started on how much fun I have with Mr. Otaku himself…

Am I a slut? Is that what this is? I feel dirty even thinking the word, but why else do I want to kiss so many boys?  It’s not like they’re casting spells on me, hell, Asmo tried and it didn’t work. Ugh, I can’t keep thinking in circles like this.

Nia > Jake: Jaaaaaake

Jake > Nia: Hey girl, what’s up?

Nia > Jake: I need help

Jake > Nia: Are you hurt? Should I call someone?

Nia > Jake: No. I… I kissed Satan tonight.

Jake > Nia: Tell me everything.

Chapter Text

Nia woke and stretched, grabbing her D.D.D to see if Jake had said anything else before she fell asleep last night. His last messages still sat open on her screen, and they made her smile.

Jake > Nia: Girl, you’re far too caring for your own good. You’re in literal hell. If you feel like kissing boys, kiss boys!

Jake > Nia: But if you feel more than just kissing, if you actually think you might like one of them, you have to talk to them about it. I bet there’s a lot more to it for them to be with a human.

With a smile, she tapped another message off to her bestie before getting ready to start her day, and laughed to see his response ping in right away.

Nia > Jake: Thanks, Jake. You’re the best, you know that?

Jake > Nia: Of course I know that! I’m happy to help, just keep talking to me okay?

Nia > Jake: Duh! Oh, hey, I’m gonna ask Diavolo if I can get some of my books from home, is there anything you want from home while I’m asking?

Jake > Nia: Girl Scout Cookies?

Nia > Jake: I will do my very best to acquire cookies.

Jake > Nia: Thanks!!!!

Nia stood in the doorway of the Student Council room, and looked around for Diavolo. He wasn’t there, but Lucifer was.

“What can I do for you, Nia?” He asked, an eyebrow raised.

“Oh.” Nia said quietly. “I was looking for Diavolo because I wanted to ask him a question.”

“What about, I can probably answer it.” He beckoned her closer to the desk he was sitting at, and she approached cautiously.

“Well, I was wondering if there was a process to get some of my things from the Human world. I really want to share some of the new books I got but I didn’t get to bring them with.”

“Shouldn’t you be focusing on your studies, not reading human world books?”

“I am focusing on my studies, but this isn’t just about me.  The exchange program is a cultural exchange and I’d like to at least do something to encourage that while I’m here, you know?”

“Hm. I think that’s an interesting idea.” Diavolo’s voice rang out behind her, and she turned to see Mr. Important himself standing in the doorway she’d just vacated. “But we can’t just bring your things here, because they’d be changed by the environment here and you’d likely need to leave them behind when you left.” 

Oh. Nia thought. That explains why I didn’t get to pack a bag or anything. Note for later report: warn people about that before transporting them. Aloud, she made a general sound of discontent, unwilling to interrupt Diavolo more than that.

“What if we arranged for you to have access to a catalog, maybe curate your own little “Human’s Corner” in the Royal Library while you’re here?” Diavolo finished.

“What, really?!” Nia was stunned. That was far more than she ever considered. “I only know things about popular fiction, though, I wouldn’t know how to…”

“That’s fine, Solomon’s been handling our nonfiction since he got here but he absolutely refuses to touch fiction, so between the two of you, I think we’ll have a fine collection. I’ll get your name added to the list over there, have Satan take you by sometime this weekend, hm?”

Nia just nodded, Diavolo had such a force of will that she really couldn’t say anything else once he got all wound up like that.

“Now, if that’s all, excuse me, I have some business to take care of with Lucifer…”

Nia knew a dismissal when she heard one, and got the hell out of the student council room.  Mammon was leaning against the wall outside, and just smiled at her.

“Went well, then?”

“Better than I could have imagined.”

“Great! Does that mean you’re willing to help me cook supper?”

“Sure, I need to learn my way around the kitchen anyway.” Especially if I’m going to bake those cookies for Jake…

“Cool. Meet me in the kitchen once you’ve had your introvert time.”

Introvert time. 

That’s what they’d decided to call her visits to Belphie since no one could follow her up the stairs. That gave them a cover, “She’s having some introvert time, she’ll be back soon.”

Nia bounced up the stairs to the attic, wanting to get to the top of them before anyone saw her so she could plead ignorance if she needed to.

“You’re back already?” Belphie’s voice came quietly from the attic room, and Nia smiled.

“Yeah, um, I brought you cheesecake.”

“What?”

“Beel saved you cheesecake from our dessert last night and asked me to bring it to you.”

“Beel… saved… food.”

“Yep! I just hope we can get it through the door somehow.”

“It’s just magic. Try to slide it through one of the gaps near the bottom.”

Nia did just that, and the plate and cheesecake passed neatly through the door, though her hand did not, stopping as if there were some kind of forcefield.  Luckily, Belphie took the plate before she was forced to let go of it, and smiled.

“It’s been awhile since I had anything other than cup noodles.” He said, and daintily took a bite of the cheesecake. With his mouth full, like his twin tended to do, he continued. “So, how did my brothers take finding out I was trapped up here? I see that Beel has opted for feeding me instead of starting a civil war, so it’s already better than I anticipated.”

“Um, well, only some of them know, and we’re working on how to get you out of here, but… I have a question for you.”

“Spit it out, human.”

“That’s just it. Do you hate humans?”

“I do. I hate humans. I hate them more than anything in the three worlds.”

“That’s a lot of hate. How is it that you hate every single human, even though you’ve never met them? My sisters are too adorable to hate, for example.”

“Ugh. How can I express how I’m feeling right now? What can I do?” Belphie took another bite of cheesecake, and seemed lost in thought. “Humans are foolish, idiotic, weak creatures. You’d have believed me if I’d told you I was human, and even though I’m locked up here for a reason, you’re still trying to find a way to let me out.”

“Of course I am. You mean the world to your brothers, you know.”

“Sure. But what about you. What do you care?”

“I care about them. I’d like to be friends with you, too, honestly.”

“Other than finding a way to let me out of here, there’s only one thing you could do for me.”

“What’s that?”

“Die.  If you die, the exchange program will be ruined, and Diavolo’s reputation will be in tatters.”

“Sorry, Belphie, I can’t just die, I have family to look after once I go home.”

“I had a family, once, too. Lilith. And the humans took her from me.”

“I’m sorry about Lilith. I really wish I could have known her, from what Beel has told me she sounds like the best possible person. But I can’t help that. I’m just me. And honestly, if anything, it sounds like the Celestial Realm took her from you, not the humans. Think on that, I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Hey, you can’t just drop something like that and leave—!”

“Can. Am.” Nia said, and made her way back down the stairs to help with dinner, trying to pretend she wasn’t shaking. That was a lot more aggressive than I was expecting. Maybe the boys can help me come up with some talking points for tomorrow.

Nia yawned and stretched. Studying was taking its toll, and she really needed to do something. Maybe she’d try baking cookies. Dinner had gone well, the kitchen was, thankfully, very much a normal kitchen due to the origins of the house itself. A little antiquated, but the appliances were new enough for making cookies without too much issue.

As she closed her textbooks, her D.D.D. started pinging in with messages.

Luke > Nia: Can you come outside now?

Luke > Nia: I’m in front of the House of Lamentation.

Huh? Luke? What could the cutest angel want from her? Nia stood and stretched, and headed out to the front of the house, where sure enough Luke was waiting.

“Nia! You came, thank you! I was worried… I don’t know what I’d do if someone saw me hanging out in a place like this.”

“Hey, this is my home right now too, you know.”

“I know, I know. I just…”

“Did you need something, Luke? You seem uptight.”

“Yeah. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have come to this den of demons.”

“And a human.”

“…and a human.” Luke sighed. “I’ll get right to the point. I need you to let me spend the night in your room tonight.”

“Um… what?” Okay I know he’s not actually twelve, but it still feels weird and wrong.

“Please, I’m begging you…!”

“Okay, you’re going to need to explain some things, Luke. For the time being I was about to bake some cookies, do you want to help with that?” Baking cookies always got the girls to calm down when something was unfixably wrong, surely this tactic can’t fail on an angel child, right? Right?!

“Y-yeah. I like baking.” Sweet, nailed it.

“Great, come with me then.” Nia said, and turned to head back into the house, with Luke in tow as she pulled up her D.D.D. She had this feeling that inviting an angel into their home wasn’t something she should do lightly, and also wasn’t something she should do without one of the brothers ostensibly chaperoning them, so she reached out to the brother she knew would jump at the chance to be involved with a kitchen-related activity.

Nia > Beel: Hey Beeeeeel. I’m gonna bake cookies. Wanna come keep me company?

Nia and Luke walked into the kitchen to find Beel leaning against the wall.

“So, cookies?”

Luke looked at Nia as though she’d betrayed him.

“I thought we were going to bake together, so why is Beelzebub here?”

“You’re talking too loud. If you don’t want my brothers to know you’re here, you’d better keep it down.” Beel said, a smile on his lips but worry in the set of his brows. He turned to Nia. “I don’t remember asking anyone to pick up a dog from the street and bring it back here, not to mention one that never stops barking.”

“Hey! Don’t you compare me to a dog! Anyway I wasn’t picked up off the street, I came here of my own free will!”

“Both of you, quit it.” Nia said, hands already busy getting out ingredients and setting the oven to the correct temperature. “What kind first, do you think? Spice snaps? Chocolate Chip?”

“What are spice snaps?” Luke said, his ire about being called a dog forgotten instantly.

“Well, in the human realm we call them ‘gingersnaps’, but I don’t have any ginger here, but there are a ton more spices I can use that we don’t have at home. I’ve been testing them out with Beel for the last few days and I have some ideas what will work nicely in a cookie.”

“Let’s do those! If they’re good maybe we can invite Barbatos to come have some!” Luke said, beaming.

“While you’re setting up, I made some drinks…” Beel said quietly, and handed glasses to both Luke and Nia.  Nia smiled and sipped hers. This was Beel’s favorite drink, he must be really excited about the cookie experiments.

“Wh-what’s this supposed to be? …It’s red. It better not be some sort of weird demon drink…like some strange creature’s blood or something. Tell me it’s not! Nia, you’re just drinking it without even asking?”

Nia chuckled.

“Luke, it’s just sparkling pomegranate juice.”

Luke looked from her to Beel and took a sip.

“Wh-what?! This is so good! Beelzebub, why are you being so nice to me? It’s creeping me out.”

“Because you gave me cake once.” Beel said as if it should have been obvious.

“Did I? …Ah, right, you’re talking about that one time…” Luke trailed off in thought, and Nia wasn’t going to let it go.

“When was that? Why didn’t I get cake?” Making them think I’m in it for the cake and not the cute bonding moments: Check!

“It’s nothing important, really.” Luke said, his tone making it obvious that he cared a lot more than he was saying. “In recent years I’ve been working hard learning how to bake cakes and pastries and things.”

“Oh, so asking for your help with cookies is really the best choice! That’s so cool, Luke.”

“N-No, it’s nothing so impressive. I mean, I’ve only been doing it for about 300 years or so. I’m still an amateur!”

300 years?! He’s the baby one. I am so out of my depth. Time to pass it off with a joke, Nia…

“And here I thought I was pretty good at baking cookies. I’m only 18…”

“Well, of course, Nia. You’re a human.” Beel said, and it sounded for all the world like he was talking about a snack. 

“Anyway!” Luke interrupted, not wanting to go any further down whatever conversation path that was. “It’s true that I’ve been learning to bake. Michael loves sweets of all kinds, so I’d like to present him with a cake I made myself someday! That’s why I’m doing it!  Not too long ago I was testing out a new cake recipe when Beel happened to walk by. And he mentioned he was hungry, so…”

“Mmm, just thinking back on it makes me wish I could have some right now…” Beel said, lost in happy memory land.

“I only meant for him to sample it and give me his opinion, but he inhaled the entire thing in a single bite! He didn’t even stop to taste it.”

“It was really good, and I told you so back then as well.” Beel said, defensively.

“He loves to eat, but his vocabulary is almost nonexistent. He’d make the worst food reporter ever.” Luke said, sticking his tongue out at the demon, which made Nia laugh.

“Right, back to baking then.” Nia said, setting aside her sparkling juice where she wouldn’t knock it over.

With cookies in the oven, Nia started on the second batch of dough.

“So, Luke…” Nia said, measuring sugar into her mixing bowl. “What brought you here tonight?”

Luke looked startled, and scuffed his toe along the floor before sighing and looking up at her.

“Well, um…” he sighed. “This is all Simeon’s fault. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him.  He’s getting way too chummy with these demons.”

Nia looked back and forth between Luke and Beel. Who is getting chummy with Demons now? Her snarky look was lost on Luke, who seemed to be looking through her, not at her.

“We are angels, proud inhabitants of the Celestial Realm! And what’s more, we report directly to Michael the Archangel himself! Yet because of this exchange program, we’ve been sent down here to the Devildom of all places — and what’s more, we’re supposed to associate with demons! It’s unbelievable! I mean we’re talking about DEMONS here! Just the idea of me speaking with one face-to-face is repulsive!”

Beel looked hurt, and offended, and spoke up, but in the smallest, saddest voice Nia had ever heard. “Um, let’s not forget I’m actually a demon myself…” 

It’s like Luke didn’t even hear him… Nia thought. The Celestial Realm sounds rough, if it produces bias like this. Maybe I’m glad I didn’t go there with Jake.  But now I’m so much more worried about him.

“If we go making friends with demons, what do you think is going to happen next, huh? I’ll tell you what; We’ll be corrupted! I’m always warning him about this, but he ignores me.  Then he just leaves to have tea with Diavolo, even though we had plans…”

Nia sighed. This is more about Simeon choosing to spend time with Diavolo instead of with Luke, but I just can’t leave it be. It was like listening to a kid spouting racist garbage at her at the mall. She wasn’t into it, and she couldn’t just sit by and let Luke wallow in his ignorance anymore. I don’t care if he’s 300+ years older than me. This has to stop.

“Luke.” Nia said, and the force in her tone stopped his tirade and he looked up at her. “When has a demon done you wrong, personally? You’ve been here in the Devildom for weeks now.”

“Uh.. I.. Well…”

“Weren’t you baking with Barbatos just the other day?”

“Yeah, I was but…”

“No. You’re an angel. Stop and take a look at the things you’re saying. Take a look at your friends in the room with you. You’ve been saying nasty things about Beel and his family.”

Luke turned to look at Beel, who was trying to pretend he hadn’t just dashed tears off of his cheeks.

“I have a pact with a demon, Luke, does that make me a bad person? Because I wanted to let Mammon protect me? Because my friendship is solid enough I’m willing to bet on it?”

Luke shook his head. “You’re sweet and kind, Nia… you’re not like them.”

“No. I’m a snarky bitch, Luke. I’ve got a tough skin, because I grew up being bullied, and protecting my family. I’m just like these demon brothers.  Maybe I’ve only got a couple years under my belt, not even a tenth the time they’ve had, but we’re really similar.”

Nia smiled at Beel, and he smiled back.

“Listen, Luke. I think Simeon is just trying to get you to embrace the exchange program for the learning opportunity that it is.  It’s a chance for you to get to know Demons and Humans for who they actually are, not for who you’ve been taught they are your whole life.”

“Y-you have a point.” Luke said, sighing. “Sorry, Nia.” He turned to Beel and held out a hand. “I’m sorry, Beelzebub, I said some really uncalled-for things.”

Beel reached out and pulled Luke into a hug, which the little angel didn’t fight.

Group Chat: Diavolo/Barbatos/Nia

Nia: Hey Mr. Important & Butler Sir!

Barbatos: Haha. Hello Nia. What can I do for you?

Nia: Luke, Beel, and I just made way too many cookies, and we’d like for you to share in our three-realms cookie bounty! Would you two be available for a late-night tea party at the House?

Barbatos: I believe that My Lord has some other plans for this evening, alas, but I should be free and can bring some to him at a later time.

Diavolo: Nonsense! I was just going to stop by and check on some work Lucifer was doing for me, it’s a perfect storm of obligations.

Nia: Wonderful! I have a follow-up request.

Diavolo: If I can do it, I will!

Nia: Well, I was wondering if I could send cookies up to the Celestial Realm exchange group too? And maybe some to the human realm ones too? I bet they’re all homesick, and it’s all human and angel safe ingredients…

Diavolo: That is a sweet offer, Nia. Especially since it’s not just from you, but from the three of you working together.  Package them up, I will see to it that they are delivered properly.

Barbatos: She’ll know if you keep them for yourself, sir, remember that her friend is in the Celestial Realm.

Diavolo: Why would I keep them for myself when I can simply ask her to make more, or challenge you to copy her recipes, dearest Barbatos.

Nia: Anyway, hurry over! I can’t wait to see you both and share my cookies.

“Yes!” Nia cheered, actually jumping up and down in her excitement.

“What is it?” Luke said, peering over her shoulder at her D.D.D.

“Diavolo said he’s going to make sure our cookies get sent to the celestial realm and the human world to the exchange students so everyone gets cookies.”

“Well, we did make like 40 dozen.” Luke said, surveying the kitchen.

“We did go a bit overboard, even with Beel eating an entire batch of batter.”

“It looked good.” Beel said, an attempt at a defense of his behavior.

“Anyway, Dia and Barbatos are going to come over so we can have tea and cookies. You boys want to help me get cookies packed up for the other exchange kids?”

“Of course!” Beel said, smiling.

“Duh!” Luke chimed in.

“Okay, you get started sorting them out, I have some ribbon we can tie them up with in my room, I’ll be right back.”

Nia’s room was literally right next door to the kitchen. Surely, nothing would happen in the amount of time it took her to get the ribbon and come back.

Chapter Text

She was wrong, of course. As she stepped back into the kitchen, she saw Lucifer had appeared, and was staring down Beel and Luke in a way she really didn’t appreciate.

“Beelzebub. What is going on? What is this angel doing in the House of Lamentation?” Lucifer's voice was more menacing than Nia had ever heard it.

Beel just stood his ground, staring Lucifer down.

“We were baking.”

“Baking? Right, and what’s next, the grand tour so he can steal our Grimoire?”

Beel froze as Lucifer’s form shifted into his demon form, his wings glorious if terrifying.

“Excuse me.” Nia said, slipping around Lucifer to put herself between Lucifer and Beel (and Luke). “Lucifer, please be careful of the cookies, we made them special for the exchange program, and…”

Lucifer’s eyes met her own, and Nia reflexively took a step back.

Fuck. He really is terrifying. I thought he was bad in human form, but I was so wrong. Why is he even mad? We were just making cookies! What in the world does this have to do with a… a Grimoire did he say? Ugh.

“You three had better be ready to face the consequences…!”

“Lucifer, Stop. Seriously, what’s gotten into you? Shouldn’t you be happy that we’re doing everything we can to support Diavolo’s exchange program?”

Lucifer seemed to see her, but it didn’t stop him.

“Now would be the time to run away, Human. Or do you want to die here?”

Nia had been pushing his buttons since the day she’d arrived, and she knew it. Her attitude might be about to get her killed, but if he couldn’t handle one snarky human girl, then Diavolo’s exchange program was doomed to fail from the start. That didn’t mean she wanted to die, but her mother didn’t raise a quitter.

“I will not.” Nia said, meeting his eye again. “I can’t stand seeing you like this, about cookies, about an angel in your kitchen. Are you proud of your attitude right now? I would be ashamed, myself. I know you’re better than this, Lucifer. Be better than this.”

Beel hissed a breath in through his teeth, and placed a hand on Nia’s shoulder. Luke reached out and took her hand, while still hiding himself behind her.

“A human risking so much to defend a demon and an angel, all over baked goods. How very interesting.” Lucifer said, the light in his eyes changed quality, but not intensity. “Well, one of them will have to take the punishment for this regardless. And since you’re so determined to be a hero, you’re going to have to choose one of them to save. Beelzebub or Luke. Make your choice.”

“No.” Nia said, confusion coloring her tone. “How does that even make any sense, Lucifer? Why do they need to be punished? No one needs to be punished for baking, making gifts, and camaraderie. This is complete nonsense and you know it.”

“Do you actually think I’m going to allow a lowly human to question me like that? Do you think I owe you a response? That you can have whatever it is you want? NO.” Oh right. Actual Demon. Shit.

Lucifer’s rage was almost a tangible thing. Nia hadn’t considered that he’d still contain the capability for this much anger after literally splitting off a completely formed avatar of wrath. Maybe I shouldn’t have pushed back…

As things became utter chaos in the kitchen, the last thing Nia saw was the wall between the kitchen and her bedroom collapsing in a cloud of dust and a clatter of pans.

“…Nia…”

“…Come back to me, Nia.”

Nia cracked her eyes open and looked around. She was laying on Beel’s bed, looking up at the gentle ginger giant himself.

“…Nia.” He said, and reached out carefully to stroke her hair. “You’re awake.” His smile was practically radiant, and she couldn’t help but smile back at him.

“Hi Beel.”

“Hi. I’ve been here watching you. I hope that’s okay… I thought you might never wake up, since humans are so fragile and all. I’m really glad you’re awake again.”

“Well, mom always told me I was built tough, so that must be it.” Nia smiled, and Beel’s brows creased.

“Do you remember what happened? You made Lucifer really mad when you stepped in to protect Luke and me. You almost got yourself killed. If Lord Diavolo hadn’t come running up, you’d be dead right now, you know.”

Nia shivered. “I… remember until the wall collapsed. But nothing after that.” Fuck. That was terrifying, my heart is going a mile a minute again.

“Lord Diavolo managed to stop Lucifer.” Beel reached out and took her hand. “You saw how Lucifer looked when you got back to the kitchen, and yet you stepped in front of us and spread your arms to block him. It was like you had a death wish. You need to go to Lord Diavolo and thank him for saving your life.”

“Ugh.” Nia said. “You’re not wrong, I just… were you hurt at all, Beel? What about Luke?”

“I got a couple scrapes while I was protecting the cookies, but I wouldn’t say I was hurt at all. Luke is fine too, Simeon came and took him back to Purgatory Hall. But is this really the time to be worrying about me? You almost died, you know?”

“I know, but… only almost. And I always worry for you, Beel. You’re important to me.” Oh, good, now I’m confessing to Beel as though leading two other demons on wasn’t bad enough? Maybe I really do belong down here in the Devildom.

Beel blushed, and Nia knew her cheeks were also pink, but it was true. Beel felt like home to her. Maybe it was because of the way he liked to share food with her, or the talks they had in the gym, or just how warm he was towards her in general.

“Still. A human stepping in to shield a demon from harm. I’ve never even heard of anything like that before.”

“Well, you have now.” Nia said, smirking. “I know this is out of left field, but… where’s Mammon? I tried to call on him like he taught me, when things were scary, but…”

“Oh. He was here watching you with me until a little while ago. I think he was worried about you… in his own sort of way, that is.”

“Oh, okay. Maybe it did work then, a little. I’ll ask him later.”

“Satan was here too. I’ve never seen him look so worried, Nia.”

“Oh.” She couldn’t help but smile a little bit. “He’s really sweet. Weird, for the Avatar of Wrath.”

Beel chuckled, but then his face dropped into a more serious expression.

“Listen, Nia. Lucifer’s anger… I knew he was going to be mad about Luke being in the house. He told us when the angels came that they weren’t allowed in the house unless he was there to supervise. I knew better, and I was too excited to spend time with the both of you in the kitchen to even bother to tell him Luke was here. His anger was all my fault. All of it. When you stepped in to shield me from Lucifer, I was pretty shocked. I mean, why would you go to those lengths? You’re not a demon or an angel, and you’re not even someone with powerful magic. You’re just a regular human. So why… why did you try to protect Luke and me?”

“I… it was reflex, Beel. You’re my friends and you’re important to me.” Wasn’t saying it once enough? Beel must be really shaken up about this. “I’ll say it as many times as you need me to, Beel.”

“As I watched you there sleeping, as I looked at your face, I couldn’t help wondering… if the situation had been reversed, would I have stepped in to defend you? I want to think that I would, so… would you consider making a pact with me? I know you have one with Mammon, but I’d like to be able to be by your side and protect you the way you protected me. And with all the work you’re putting in to help Belphie, I just… it feels like the least I can do.”

“Really? But I… I don’t have anything to give you like I gave Mammon…” Nia bit her lip. She really shouldn’t have said that aloud, but it was true.

“It’s personal, I’m sure.” Beel said. “But would you mind telling me what you gave Mammon? I can come up with something similar, probably.”

Nia felt her cheeks get hot, and she looked away. “A kiss.” She mumbled, and she could hear the smirk in Beel’s tone when he asked her to repeat herself.

“It was my first kiss.” She said, slightly louder. “Something he can’t get anywhere else, that no one else has, and that it’s impossible to give back.”

“Yeah, that would have gotten his sin all amped up.” Beel said, smiling. “I like the idea of kisses, myself, but I have something better in mind, if you’re willing to consider my offer.”

Nia nodded. If he’s not after a kiss, does he want something more? I’m not ready for more…

“I want you to agree to visit every single Devildom restaurant with me at some point. Not like, all at once or in a row or anything, just… over time. Even though it’ll probably take longer than the year you’re here… then it means we have an excuse to keep in touch, too.”

“As long as you promise to keep me from eating something that’ll kill me, that sounds like an undertaking I’m willing to commit to. A small price for having the strongest brother at my fingertips if I need him.” 

“Nia, you know I’m not the strongest brother, right? I mean, what you just saw with Lucifer…”

“I didn’t say the most powerful, or the oldest. I said the strongest. Tell me, can Lucifer bench press more than you?”

“Probably not.” Beel grinned, and Nia was incredibly relieved to see his smile.

“So it’s as I said then.” Nia nodded emphatically, and they both dissolved into quiet laughter.

“Okay, so… I know it’s late, and you probably want to go back to sleep, but… can we make the pact now before I chicken out?”

Nia laughed.

“Of course, if that’s what you want. But if you want to think about it more, you can. I won’t force you to do anything, Beel.”

“I’m not worried about that.” Beel said in a huff. “I’m worried about my brothers being upset that I did.”

“You mean the way they teased Mammon for being easy?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’ll yell at them if they do. Your pacts are your own business, Beel, and they can deal.”

“Okay. I… thank you, Nia.”

Beel’s gaze was so full of… something. Something warm. Nia looked away awkwardly from the power in that gaze.

“So… Mammon and I sat facing each other, how do you…”

“Like this.” Beel sat with his back to the headboard and pulled Nia in front of him, so her back was against his chest, and she was caged in by his bent knees. She felt…contained. Almost as though his warmth were consuming her, in a way. His breath ruffled her hair when he spoke next. 

“Are you ready?” 

Nia nodded, and remembered that words mattered.

“I’m ready, Beel.”

When he started chanting, instead of the slow fizz and burn she’d gotten with Mammon, it was as though the pact took hold fast through every point at which their bodies were touching, like getting into a bath where the water was just slightly too hot, before settling into the pact mark.

As the feeling faded, Beel hugged Nia tight.

“So, where is it?” he said, peering over her shoulder at her.

Nia blushed. “Uh.”

“Hey, it’s not Asmo’s pact, he always suggests lewd places.”

“Oh. Well then.” Nia said, and pulled up her pajama top so he could see the black with red marking on her abdomen, just low enough that she wasn’t flashing him to show him. “This is where I feel it when I get hungry. And when I get hungry I think of you, so…”

“That’s really cute. And my red looks good on you, too. And unlike your mark with Mammon, it’s not somewhere people will see it.”

“Are you upset by that?”

“No, it’ll keep gossip down. I didn’t make a pact with you just so someone who wasn’t us could comment on it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Nia said, and yawned. “Shoot, what time is it? I’m still heckin tired.”

“It’s about 3am.” Beel said.

“Oh.” Nia said. “Can we just stay like this awhile?”

“Yeah.” Beel said, and leaned his head back against the headboard, thoughts swimming. Who would have thought I’d fall for a human, after everything Belphie and Lilith went through? 

Breakfast was tense, no one seemed to want to talk about anything, and Nia was no exception. She was just glad that it was Friday, because she desperately needed to wash some of the kitchen wall debris out of her hair, and while she could survive one day like that… not two. She vaguely registered Asmo complaining about everyone being so quiet and tense, but it was his comment that Beel wasn’t eating as much that drew her attention.

“Beel. If you don’t eat your breakfast properly you’re going to be hungry all day. And you know how that tanks your studies, my dude.” She said, pinning him with a look.
Beel shrugged. “I know, I’m just not as hungry this morning.”

Nia nodded. She could honestly understand why that would be. Stress and anxiety tended to make her appetite turn into complete garbage.

 “Remember to bring a snack then. I think I’m going to head out early today.” She said quietly, and Beel smiled at her, but before she could even get out of her seat, Lucifer was calling her name.

“Nia, would you come see me in the music room before heading to class?” Lucifer asked, and the look on his face was anything but promising. It took everything she had to nod, and when she did he turned and headed that direction with a simple “I’ll be there waiting for you.”

Beel and Mammon both turned worried looks on her, and she sighed. Maybe I could have one of them accompany me part of the way to the music room. Then, if anything happens, at least someone would know…

“Mamms… would you walk with me? I don’t want to walk to school alone after whatever scolding I’m about to get, and…” Nia stumbled over her words, and Mammon immediately came and grabbed her hand.

“Right, don’t you worry. I’ll go with ya.”

Beel looked up from his breakfast and smiled at her. “You’ll be safe with Mammon.”

She turned to Mammon, who she realized was looking at her extra closely.

“Beel, huh?” he said quietly, when they were out of the dining room. “Woulda thought you’d go for Satan next, seeing how he—“ Mammon cut himself off with an incredibly fake cough and Nia just stared at him. Oh shit. Does he know about that kiss? Jake was right. I need to talk to them sooner rather than later. Maybe I could ask Asmo how any of this even works. I know he knows. And he’d probably tell me without too much teasing.

“Beel offered… he felt bad after what happened last night and… I would have to be a fool to turn him down.”

“It’s true. Especially with our other project, having him on your side will help. Where’s the mark, can I see it?”

Nia blushed, and pointed through her shirt to where the mark had settled.

“Oh.” Mammon also blushed, and Nia couldn’t help but tease him a bit.

“Maybe if you’re good, I’ll show you after school when I’m not in all these layers.”

“Y-yeah, like I’d want to see that.” Mammon said, turning away from her. “This is as far as I can go. If you get in trouble in there, just call me. Like yesterday, but put some more oomph in it. Eh, don’t worry though. It’s not like Lucifer’s gonna eat ya or anything… At least, probably not.”

“Okay!” Nia said, and stood on her tiptoes to give Mammon a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks, Mamms.”

“Don’t mention it.” He said, grumbling.

As Nia entered the music room, she could feel herself trembling. This was no good. She needed to be strong in the face of the eldest brother.  Lucifer looked up at her entry, and addressed her.

“Ah, you’re here.”

Nia nodded, and sat down on the nearest bench to the door.

“I assume you know what it is I want to talk to you about. It’s regarding last night.”

Nia nodded, and waited patiently when he paused, but she wasn’t expecting his face to fall, nor for the words that came next.

“What I did to you was inexcusable. I apologize.” He sighed, and then took a deep breath.. Whatever he was about to say, stuck in his throat as he looked her over again, carefully. 

“I sense that you’ve made a pact with Beelzebub now. How daring.” He smiled at her, and Nia wasn’t sure at all how to take that expression. “There’s one thing I want to make absolutely clear. As long as they consent to it, I have no problem with you making pacts with my brothers.”

I can sense that there’s a ‘but’ to this statement…

“However, your curiosity is getting the better of you. I want you to stop sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. I believe I warned you not to climb the stairs leading up to the attic. And yet you did exactly that. I’m the only demon able to go up there. There’s a spell cast on the stairs that ensures that. However, it only works on demons — humans and angels are still able to pass, unfortunately. As I’m sure you’ve found, there is nothing at all at the top of those stairs.”

Whoa. It sounds like Lucifer thinks I can’t see that Belphie’s up there, or that I’ve met him now. That’s going to make going up the stairs more often a lot less complicated.

“As I said to you before while you were with Satan: Curiosity killed the cat. If you behave yourself, you’ll complete your year here in the exchange program. At which point we’ll return you to the human world.”

Nia nodded, and Lucifer sighed. Again.

“I got sidetracked, my apologies. I imagine that last night served as somewhat of a learning experience for you. We demons are dangerous, especially where our emotions are concerned. You are very lucky. Still, the fact remains that I put you through a very scary experience. Sometime in the near future, I’d like to treat you to a meal out somewhere to make it up to you.”

“Ah.” Nia said, nodding. “You’ll understand if I request a chaperone, given our past.”

Lucifer winced, but agreed. “Well, that’s all I had to say. You’re free to go.”

Nia stood, still somewhat shaky, and left the music room, walking as quickly as she could back to where Mammon was to be waiting for her. And he was there, with Beel and Satan, the three of them looking equally concerned.

“Hey, how about that! Nia, you’re alive!” Mammon said, grinning. Did he actually doubt that I would be?

Beel eyed her carefully, before speaking. “Let’s see… yep, you’ve still got both arms and both legs. Your eyes are still in their sockets, and your ears are still attached. Guess you’re okay.” That’s quite a checklist there, Beel…

Satan, however, wrapped her in a hug.

“Of course she’s fine.” He said, his voice somewhat loud but still soothing that close to her ear. “Unless he went crazy again like last night, Lucifer wouldn’t harm Nia. She’s an exchange student.”

Chapter Text

After classes, Nia just wanted to collapse, but she knew better. She needed some self-care, in the form of actually washing her hair, and going to bed early. Not that she knew how a shower was going to work now that she was living in Beel’s room, and she had promised Beel that he could see what her hair process was like. Just as she was contemplating these things, Asmo rounded the corner in front of her.

“Niaaaaaaa~! It’s Friday night! Come out to the Fall with me!”

“Asmo.” Nia stared at him. “I am a mess. I need to wash my hair and sleep for a week.”

“So?”

“So… Maybe next time.”

“I could skip going out tonight and we could have a pamper party! Bubble bath, hair care, I can even do your nails!!”

Nia paused. That sounded amazing. Asmo’s tub was like the hot tub of the gods, and it’s not like she could use her own bathroom. “But I promised Beel he could see how much work it took to wash my hair.

“Yeah, Curls are an entire time, dear.” Asmo said, implying somehow that she’d chosen her hair texture.

“I’d cut it all off in a heartbeat if my mother wouldn’t disown me.”

“Nooooooo. No, no no. Don’t do that.” Asmo practically fell apart at her ruthless statement about her own hair. Oh. Apparently Asmo likes my hair, then.

“There’s only one real problem with this plan, Asmo.”

“What’s that?”

“I’m not comfortable chilling naked in the bath with you.”

“Awww~” Asmo pouted, his whine still somehow singsong-toned, which blew her mind. “But why not?”

“Sorry, Asmo. I don’t have centuries of body positivity behind me, just my teenage years of being an ugly outcast. I can’t just strip and be proud of my existence.” Not to mention that’s far more intimate than I’d like to be right now…

“That’s something different entirely.” Asmo chuckled. “You’re gorgeous, but being gorgeous doesn’t mean you have to be comfortable baring all of yourself in front of a veritable stranger.”

“Thanks, Asmo. And here I was sure you were going to insist.”

“Hey, I might be the Avatar of Lust, but that doesn’t mean I need to be an insensitive ass. I have other brothers to do that for me. And besides, maybe someday you’ll be comfortable enough with me that it won’t even be an issue.”

Nia chuckled. “Maybe. Someday. I am sad to have to miss out on what would probably have been an epic bath though.”

“Whoa whoa whoa, who said anything about you missing out on the bath?”

“But I thought we just said…”

“I wasn’t going to ask you to be naked in front of me, let alone me and also Beel since you promised to show him your hair process. And the chances that it’s just the two of us when certain other brothers hear about this plan? Pfft. No.”

“But then—“

“There’s a bathing suit in the clothes I got for you. You can take a private shower to wash your skin, and then soak in the tub in your suit while we pamper you.”

“Oh.” He clearly already thought this through at some point. “Okay, but… I have so many questions that I’m sure you can answer for me…”

“Oooh, girl talk~?”

“Haha, yes, effectively.”

“Okay, I’ll go get my bathing suit and my shower supplies and meet you back at your room in like 20 minutes.”

“How do I know you won’t just disappear?”

“I have literally nowhere else I could be going, Asmo. And if I’m not there in 20 minutes you can make Mammon or Beel find me.”

“What about Satan?”

“Well, he’d probably be able to find me first if it was just logic but the other two have pacts on their side, so…”

“I thought I smelled Beel’s pact on you.”

“Smelled?!” Nia squeaked. “I do need a bath.”

Asmo chuckled and shook his head.

“Just a figure of speech, love. I’ll see you in less than 20 minutes.”

Asmo’s idea of a bathing suit was, of course, a bikini.  Nia had never worn anything other than a modest one-piece suit in her life, but if she was going to be spending most of her time underwater, she thought she could probably deal. Hopefully. It was better than being naked.

Once she was clean, Nia put on the bikini, wrapped a towel around herself, and exited the shower.

Asmo was standing there in, as expected, the smallest speedo that actually covered his bits. Nia blushed, but wolf-whistled at him. Asmo waggled his eyebrows, but otherwise just stood there waiting.

“You wanted to see the mark?” Nia said, and Asmo watched carefully as she opened her towel to show the pact mark she’d gained from Beel the night before.

“That and how the bikini I chose fit you. It looks nice, and that mark is in just the spot I’d have picked, if it were me. Thank you, dear~” Asmo said, and gestured toward the stool in front of him,

Nia secured her towel again and sat in front of Asmo, who started gently finger-combing through her hair.

“So, you had questions?”

“Mn.” Nia said noncommittally. Yeah, I have so many questions, but now that I have a chance to ask, I am so unbelievably nervous.

“Out with it, I’m sure you’d rather ask and get answers before we have more company?” Asmo said, chuckling.

“Ugh, Yes. Um. Asmo, what are relationships like in the Devildom? I have no basis of reference.”

Asmo stopped combing her hair for a moment and Nia could practically hear him vibrating.

“This is my specialty, dear, you came to the right demon with your questions.”

“I couldn’t have asked anyone but you about this kind of thing. Just… don’t tease me.”

“No promises.”

“Rude!” Nia said, but laughed.

Over the next few minutes while Asmo worked all of the major snarls and lingering debris out of her curls, he explained the basics of morality and relationship norms in the Devildom. It was a pretty solid explanation, with a few more nuanced examples given the nature of lust demons and the like.  The most important thing that Nia learned over the course of the mini-lecture was that demons were by default non-monogamous. Simply put, monogamous relationships went against the way their society worked.  They did happen sometimes, when a particularly close bond formed between demons, but usually they got passed off as the demons in question just being picky about their partners.

Nia, of course, had to ask the follow-up question that Asmo had to have been anticipating.

“What about relationships between Demons and Humans?”

Asmo sighed. “Sorry dear.  Most relationships between demons and humans are tied to pacts and have nothing to do with romance and attraction, aside from charm.  Mostly, that’s because if a human and a demon meet, it’s because the demon has been summoned for a purpose. There is always a power imbalance inherent to them. Relationships with humans and demons are basically never ‘real’ the way a human would think of them.”

“Ah.” Nia said. So I’m just being an idiot about all of this. Mammon wanted my kiss because he’s Greed and that follows. Beel got something completely different from our pact, and Satan…

“Your cheeks are red, what are you thinking about? Or should I ask who~?” Asmo said, giggling as he went to get his D.D.D. off of the bathroom counter.

“Just trying to figure out where I stand, I guess, with everything.”

“Did something happen?”

“I mean… I kissed Mammon as part of our pact.”

“Ooh~! I wondered what you gave him. No one knows what that tsundere is thinking though.”

Nia laughed. He really is a tsundere though.

“And after everything yesterday, I spent the night all snuggled up with Beel.”

“That boy wouldn’t know romance or even lust if it hit him in the face.” Asmo said, offhandedly. “Cute, but dumb.”

“Cute, yes. I might argue dumb.”

“Try me. Half the time he eats the plate along with his dinner.”

Nia just shook her head. “He’s more than his appetite though.”

“Sure, sure.” Asmo shrugged. “What about Satan?”

Nia stilled, and looked at Asmo. “What do you know?”

“He lights up like a display at Majolish in my eyes whenever he sees you, dear.”

“He does? That… might explain why he kissed me then.”

“Ooh, he did?”

“Yeah… but he’s been avoiding me ever since.”

“Listen, girl. You’re in the Devildom. Stop overthinking things, and maybe give in to a little hedonism while you’re here. I certainly wouldn’t argue.” Asmo ran his fingers across her shoulders, and Nia laughed. 

“Okay, okay, I get the hint. Enough serious talk for one night.”

While they were laughing, there was a knock at the door. 

“Ah, that should be your trio. You get into the bath, I’ll let them in.” Asmo said.

My Trio? Nia was confused for a moment, and then felt like an idiot. Right. Mamms, Beel, and Satan.

As she heard the door open, Nia dropped her towel onto the stool, and stepped into the bubble bath that Asmo had prepared. The water was hot but not too hot, just how she liked it, and as she looked up at the door, she saw Satan stopped still in the doorway, watching her with a bright red blush across his cheeks.

A matching blush lit Nia’s cheeks, and she dropped into the water faster than was probably sensible, relying on the bubbles to hide her.

“Satan, what’s the hold up! Move already.” Mammon said, all but shoving Satan into the room.

Satan stumbled in, and Mammon’s eyes scanned the room looking for Nia, who stuck a hand out of the bubbles and waved.

“So what’s with the suit requirements, Asmo? You’ve never needed us to be all modest before.” Mammon said, grumbling.

Asmo just rolled his eyes. “Do you really think our delicate little human is going to be comfortable sharing a tub, even one as luxurious as mine, with four naked men? Just getting her to agree to this was ridiculous given how long she hasn’t known us.”

Mammon blushed. “Oh. Right.”

Nia rolled her shoulders, and let out a long breath.  The warmth of the water was heavenly after the tense past few days.

“Hey, Nia?” Mammon said, his voice barely audible over the soft music Asmo had playing while they all relaxed.

“What’s up, Mamms?” Nia said, sleepily, opening her eyes.

“Since we’re, you know, in the bath… want to show me your new mark, before it fades?”

Nia grinned. “I thought you weren’t interested? I mean what you said this morning implied…”

“I was lying. I want to see it, ya know?”

Nia smirked, and reached a hand out towards him. “Okay, balance me so I can stand up.”

Mammon took her hand, blushing slightly, and Asmo’s voice cut through the room.

“Hey~ What are you two getting up to? I had my eyes closed and everything.”

Nia giggled. “Nothing~”

Immediately, Nia felt the water move, and then felt arms around her from behind. Oh. Beel.

“Hi Beel.” Nia said, and felt more than heard him laugh.

“Are you showing off our pact?” he said, low but audible.

“Y-yes.” Nia said, suddenly nervous. “Should I not?”

“Oh, I don’t mind. I…” He blushed. “I just wanted to help.”

Then, without warning, he picked Nia up by the hips, so that she was out of the water.

“There, see?” Beel said, and Mammon’s eyes were in fact drawn to the slightly glowing red and black pact mark on her abdomen.

“That’s actually a real good spot.” Mammon said, and then looked across to his brothers. “Wouldn’t you agree, Asmo? What about you, Satan?”

“It’s cute~!” Asmo said, with a giggle, and if Satan said anything at all, she didn’t hear it. Ugh. He really is upset with me. I should talk to him… or something. Nia wriggled out of Beel’s grip and went back to soaking (not sulking, nope) in her spot in the tub.

After a little while, the water moved around Nia again and she opened her eyes to see Asmo standing there with a few bottles in hand.

“We should probably wash your hair if we ever intend to get you out of this water.” He said, and Nia smirked.

“But it’s a huge bath that never gets cold, Asmo. Why would I leave?” Seriously, I could get used to lounging here.

“Because you’ll get all wrinkly or worse, turn into Levi!” Asmo said offended. “And I can’t do your nails if you’re in the tub 24/7~!”

Levi does sleep in a bathtub, it’s true.  But I don’t think wanting to be a spa goddess will turn me into a bathtub otaku. Wait, or is Asmo speaking from experience…?

“Mammon.” Beel said suddenly. “Will you go get us some late-night snacks? I would do it but I promised Nia I’d learn about her hair process…”

Mammon shrugged. “Sure, besides then it’s not half-eaten by the time you get back.”

Nia could not hide the fact that her eyes were drawn to Mammon getting out of the tub and toweling off.  Asmo giggled and poked her cheeks, but she just grumbled.

“So.” Nia said. “First step is to try and comb through it. We did most of that earlier, which, to be fair, I would never have allowed if I wasn’t about to wash it, because that’s a one-way ticket to a bad hair day. And I’ve had more than enough of those, thanks.”

Beel had shifted closer so he could hear her explanations to Asmo, and then helped her balance so she didn’t try and drown herself while Asmo worked through her hair.

“Usually I do this in the shower.” Nia said, her voice echoing oddly while her ears were underwater. “Having help is fun though, in a weird codependent kind of way.”

“I just like pampering you~!” Asmo said, and Nia giggled, her laughter sending ripples of water away from them.

“Next step is shampoo, so Beel, you can let me sit up, okay?”

Beel nodded, but didn’t say anything, backing off to give them space.  Asmo grabbed a bottle from the side of the tub, and Nia looked at it.

“I sure hope this doesn’t turn my hair into murder seaweed.”

“That can happen?!” Beel exclaimed, startled.

Nia burst into laughter while Asmo massaged the shampoo into her hair.

“No, not literally, just… it acts like that with products that don’t know how to handle black girl hair.”

“Oh. Okay good, because Mammon would not forgive me if your own hair killed you.” Beel said solemnly.

“No killing Nia!” Mammon said from behind the door. “Can someone get the door?”

“On it.” Satan said, and Nia realized that he’d been so silent she’d almost forgotten he was there, and promptly felt bad about it.

“Don’t worry, doll.” Asmo said quietly in her ear. “If he wanted your attention, he’d ask for it.”

“How did you—?”

“Don’t worry about it.” Asmo said with a wink, and Nia couldn’t help but giggle.

“Alright, now rinse! Beel, come balance your girl.” Asmo said, and suddenly Nia was tipped back into the water via Beel again, and Asmo was carefully rinsing the shampoo out. Nia couldn’t see it, but her hair didn’t feel like murder seaweed, it even seemed less prone to tangles than before the wash, which was promising.

“Alright, human, out of the water, it’s time to comb through your hair and see what we’ve got.”

“It feels…” Nia didn’t really have a word for what was going on with her hair. It felt too long, even taking into account the fact that it got longer when it was wet. Asmo held her hand to guide her out of the bath and over to the stool where they’d detangled her earlier.

“Well, it looks less curly.” Satan said, suddenly at her shoulder.

Nia looked up at him, startled. She hadn’t even heard him move. He held in his hand the wavy-toothed comb she preferred.

“I’d like to do this part for you.” Satan said, smiling shyly, and Nia blushed.

“Go for it. I don’t even know what it’s going to be like with devildom product in it.”

While Satan combed through her hair, Asmo had set up his nail station, and was busily handling Mammon’s nails.

“Hey Asmo, don’t forget the crackle I suggested for Mamms!”

Asmo laughed and shook a bottle of gold crackle polish at her. “How could I forget? You practically forced me to put his name on it, dearie.”

Mammon was disgruntled. “I thought I told you nothing glittery, just my usual white.”

“Sorry, big brother, but this is Nia’s pamper party and she insisted.”

Nia sighed as Satan finished detangling her hair.

“Hey, Satan?” It’s now or never, while the other three are distracted. “Did I do something to upset you?”

“That’s my line.” He said quietly. 

“You’ve been avoiding me since… since the other night.”

“Yes. Since I kissed you without permission. I almost did it again this morning.”

“What? When?”

“After your discussion with Lucifer in the Music Room.”

“Oh.” That explains the slightly awkward hug. He hadn’t intended it to be a hug. “You could have. I’d really like it if you did, I think.”

Satan chuckled and tipped her head back, planting a kiss on her forehead. Wait, what? I just said he could kiss me, and he didn’t? Is it because his brothers are in the room? There’s no way they weren’t listening to that conversation, but…

“Let me blow dry your hair first, and then maybe.”

Nia froze. “You don’t want to do that. It’ll turn into a scouring pad in no time flat.”

“No it won’t. I know how to use a diffuser and it looks a lot like mine does when it’s wet.”

As Satan started to dry her hair, Nia crossed her fingers and hoped for the best.

Chapter Text

“Okay, fam! Let’s take some pictures for Devilgram!”

“Only if you share them with me so I can send them to Mom and Jake.” Nia grumbled. They’d been keeping her away from the (many) mirrors so that she couldn’t see what her hair was doing, which was apparently beautiful but was stressful because it had a different weight to it than usual. Damn Devildom hair products anyway…

 
A few awkward photos later, Nia flopped backwards onto Asmo’s bed.

“Pictures.” She said, simply.

Next to her, the vibrations from her D.D.D. began. Asmo had taken upwards of twenty photos, and instead of just sending his favorites, he sent all of them.

Nia > Mom: I know you’re probably wondering what I’m up to on a Friday night.

Mom > Nia: Movie Night? Game Night? Out at a Club?

Nia > Mom: Spa night!!

Nia > Mom: [Picture of the 5 of them in spa robes with Nia’s loose curls over her shoulder, and all four showing their nails]

Mom > Nia: Whoa, did you get your hair relaxed? That’s the loosest I’ve ever seen it, except that time we flatironed it.

Nia > Mom: Ugh don’t remind me. And no, devildom curl shampoo is strong stuff. It’s even been blowdried. Apparently Satan’s hair and mine are very similar after this shampoo, so I warned him about our usual issues in case he ever showers in the human world.

Mom > Nia: Ha! I hope he does, I want you to bring the boys up here on vacation sometime so I can meet all of them.

Nia > Mom: At least these four, yeah.

Mom > Nia: Okay, You’ve sent me photos of Satan and Mammon, who are the other two?

Nia > Mom: The ginger is Beelzebub, we call him Beel. He’s a gentle giant, promise. The diva is Asmodeus, we call him Asmo.

Mom > Nia: And here I thought for a moment you were going to tell me that you made a girl friend!

Nia > Mom: Nope! All brothers all the time. Asmo’s just… Pretty.

Mom > Nia: Cute. Also silly. Can you send me one of just you?

Nia > Mom: [Picture of Nia sitting on a stool while Satan blowdries her hair - mid conversation.]

Nia > Mom: Shoot. Wrong one. Just a sec.

Nia > Mom: [Picture of Nia sitting on the end of Asmo’s flower-bedecked bed.]

Mom > Nia: Aw that one with Satan is too cute! Send that one to Jakey!

Mom > Nia: Alright, I’m heading to bed. Goodnight sweetheart. Don’t let those boys corrupt you into staying up too late.

Nia > Mom: Night mom!

Nia giggled and looked up at where the boys were chatting. It was Friday night. Sleep was overrated.

Nia > Jake: What are you doing this wonderful Friday night?

Jake > Nia: We have a lecture tonight, alas.

Nia > Jake: What?! Fake!

Jake > Nia: It was “optional”. You know, optional like Mrs. Frank’s extra credit?

Nia > Jake: Gross. Can I distract you with pictures from my evening? Asmo’s posting them to Devilgram, but I don’t think you can access that up there.

Jake > Nia: Yes please!

Nia > Jake: [The same first picture she sent her mom]

Nia > Jake: [The candid picture of Satan doing her hair]

Jake > Nia: What the hell is up with your hair?! Are they turning you white?

Nia > Jake: Devildom products are just too strong for my black girl hair.

Jake > Nia: LOL okay drama queen.

Jake > Nia: How do your demon boyfriends like your new look?

Nia’s sharp intake of breath after Jake’s comment caught in her throat and she started coughing on nothing, bringing the attention of all four demon brothers to her. Asmo of course grabbed her D.D.D. in the shuffle, and grinned, shaking it at her tauntingly.

“Nia~ are you telling tales?”

“Uh…” Nia blushed, knowing what Asmo had just read. “No. I was just sharing the photos like I said I was going to.”

“Hey you three.” Asmo said, winking mischievously, holding her D.D.D up as if to snap pictures of them huddled around Nia, “Nia’s bestie Jake wants to know how her demon boyfriends like her new look.”

Nia blushed bright red, and hid her face in her hands.

Satan took one look at Nia’s reaction and pulled her hands away from her face, so he could hold them. “You look stunning, Nia. You don’t need to hide.”

“I like it, it’s soft.” Beel said quietly, idly petting her hair.

Mammon, on the other hand, started muttering about how it was pretty and soft and sexy if you liked that kind of thing, implying that he totally didn’t and couldn’t understand why anyone would, but the only really audible bit of his rant was the last bit; “I liked it the old way better though.”

Of course they latch on to the meat of the question, what they think of my hair, and don’t even hear that they were referred to as my boyfriends. Now I’m even more confused about how they see our relationships.

The next morning, Nia woke warm and cozy, and opened her eyes to realize she was curled up in Beel’s arms again. But she was absolutely certain she’d been in Belphie’s bed when she went to sleep, and the blankets were even messy as though she truly had.

Behind her, Beel muttered something sleepily, and nuzzled into the crook of her neck, causing a giggle that she couldn’t stop. Nia supposed she could really get used to being a stuffed animal for snuggling, as opposed to snuggling one herself.

“Beel?” Nia questioned in his general direction, and there was a pause before he quietly responded. 

“Nia?”

“How did I get in your bed?” Nia asked. She had to know. I’m not sure I really want to know the answer to this, but not remembering how I got here is going to eat at me more.

“Mph. You crawled in bed with me in the middle of the night shivering so hard I thought you’d break into pieces, so I held you until you warmed up, but we fell back asleep.” Was that all? I must have been to tired to even remember waking up.

“Oh. I’m sorry to have bothered you…”

“Not a bother. Belphie used to do it all the time. Thought you were him initially until I remembered he’s not here, and also you smell different.”

“I bet. I’m neither a boy nor a demon.”

“Yeah, but you’re still mine.” Beel said, tightening his arms around her in a momentary hug.

“Oh?”

“Pact.” He said simply, and Nia blushed. Of course he means the pact.

“Right. That means you’re mine too.” Nia said, and she could feel herself blush.

“Mhm.” Beel muttered. “I should have gotten out of bed to work out ages ago.”

“Oh, am I keeping you?”

“It’s Saturday so it doesn’t matter, but…”

“What if I came to work out with you?”

“And breakfast?”

“Of course. Can’t work out without breakfast.”

Nia finally opened her D.D.D. once she’d been through the shower after her workout with Beel, and blinked. What? Why is there a video? When did I send a video to Jake? Nia pushed play on the video in her chat log with Jake, and almost dropped her D.D.D.

Nia > Asmo: YOU TOOK A VIDEO AND SENT IT?!
Asmo > Nia: 

Nia > Jake: Oh my god. So. That happened. I just saw the video.

Jake > Nia: Clearly you didn’t record it since you’re in it. Who’s the cute voice?

Nia > Jake: Asmo.

Jake > Nia: I can’t believe Asmo actually took that video. And sent it. And you didn’t know?! It’s morning already!

Nia > Jake: Yeah, I crashed right after that, and woke up for my weird new morning workout tradition with Beel.

Jake > Nia: He’s the ginger, right?

Nia > Jake: Yeah. And I’ve sent you selfies with Satan and Mammon already, so…

Nia > Jake: Now you understand why I’m so confused all the time.

Jake > Nia: Yes, rather. Did you talk to them about the whole boyfriends thing?

Nia > Jake: Nope! As you could probably tell, they didn’t even react to being called my boyfriends.

Jake > Nia: If you’re going to be boring and just pick one of them, I’d go with Satan, he looks super sweet and super smart and has cared about your existence even before you had anything that wasn’t pajamas.

Nia > Jake: Asmo said that polyamory is the default here. And… that relationships with Humans and Demons aren’t a thing, because of power imbalances and things, so…

Jake > Nia: Well, be careful and trust your heart? Ew, I sound like someone frankensteined a cheap greeting card with a bad fortune cookie.

Nia > Jake: But you’re also not wrong. I gotta get my shit together because I’m heading over to the Royal Library with Satan to get some good fiction on order for the “human corner” that Diavolo started for me.

Jake > Nia: I’d say kiss him for me but you need to kiss him for you first.

The Royal Library was everything that Nia hoped it would be, and she was super excited to explore it, but first she wanted to look at the space she was working with so that she didn’t order too many books to fit. Satan led her, by the hand of course, over to the section of the library where Solomon had been curating his nonfiction section, and she was stunned. Solomon’s section was multiple rows of shelves that reached from the floor to the ceiling, centered around a beautiful area of couches and tables for reading. The couches even looked comfortable, which seemed incredibly fake. On top of that, her section was here too. Not only was there an expansive section of empty shelves, recently cleaned until they shone, mirroring the space that Solomon’s section occupied, but it was the kind of library that had ladders attached to the shelves, just like she dreamed her personal library would someday have.

“This is…” Nia started, trailing off as she was awed by the space around her.

“…amazing.” Satan said, grinning, as though he knew what she was going to say before she managed to finish the sentence.

Nia just laughed, joyful and excited.

“There’s even space for manga and graphic novels. Oh, this is going to be so lovely.”

“Let me show you the human literature we already have, I’m sure it’s all super old, but I know we have decent sections for Arthur Conan Doyle and William Shakespeare, as well as a full selection of things that were “Classics” last time someone cared to look, which was likely somewhere between thirty and fifty years ago.”

“Gross, every human fiction you have is going to be older than me, isn’t it.”

“Yes.” Satan said, not even pretending to hide his amusement at her reaction.

Sure enough, they had the things that big chain bookstores considered classics, and a surprising number of first editions of things that Nia hadn’t bothered to read and was unlikely to, but it gave her an idea of where to start.

Satan and Nia settled onto one of the couches in the ‘human’ section (a title that still amused Nia to no end), Satan to read whatever he’d picked up while they were looking around, and Nia to work on her list of book requests. While she didn’t know a lot about a good number of genres, she at least knew where to start with Fantasy, Manga, other Graphic Novels, and Romance. What kind of stories even happen in basic ‘Fiction’ sections? Ugh. Mom would know. I’ll send her a message when we get home. I bet she can figure out some good lists for Mystery, too. Should I get cookbooks?

Some three hours later, Satan nudged her shoulder. 

“Hey, Nia. We should probably get some lunch, it’s afternoon already.”

“Oh.” Nia poked her D.D.D. and saw that it was indeed later than she had expected. “What do you want to do for lunch?”

“There’s a cute little bistro around the corner that I think you’d love. They do human-world style pasta dishes.”

Nia hadn’t realized she was hungry, but once Satan mentioned lunch she was very aware of it, and almost like clockwork her D.D.D. chimed.

Beel > Nia: You should probably eat something. Need me to rescue you from the library?

Nia > Beel: We just decided to go get lunch, nice timing. I’m good.

Beel > Nia: Enjoy!

Nia laughed, and explained to Satan what he’d missed. Some emotion flitted across his eyes before he took her hand and led her out of the library. Nia knew she should say something about the amount of casual hand-holding going on, but she didn’t want to say anything. What she wanted was to kiss him again.

The restaurant was in fact a cute little place with booths along the wall that had curtains for privacy just like Nia imagined that Italian restaurants in Mafia stories had. She and Satan got settled, and through some idle chitchat ordered their lunches, and then their conversation faded, and Nia bit her lip.

“Satan, I…”

“Yes?” Satan’s eyes snapped up to hers, and she blushed.

“I don’t know how to ask what I want to know.”

“Try me.”

“Why did you kiss me? Why do you want to kiss me? What am I to you?”

Satan sighed, and smiled.

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “It’s nothing concrete, I can’t just say. I’ve never felt whatever this is, I don’t know what to do with it. I just want to hold you close, and kiss you, and never let go. And even still, I’m not someone you should be spending time with. You’d be better off with Mammon, or Beel, or Levi, or Asmo, or Belphie, or hell, even Lucifer.”

“Never Lucifer.” Nia said vehemently, and Satan winced at the heat in her tone. “Satan, I… I really like you. And you’re sweet to me. All the time, not just when you need something, when it suits you, or when you notice me. I know that Humans and Demons don’t do the relationship thing like I’m used to, but I’d really like—“

“How do you ‘know’ that?” Satan asked, his head tipped to the side like a curious cat.

“I asked Asmo, and he said that the power imbalance generally makes it so there aren’t what I would think of as a normal relationship. And he said that demons are mostly polyamorous…”

“Ah. Well. I can’t say you didn’t do your research. Do you think there’s a power imbalance between us?”

“You could snap me in half like a twig.”

“I would never.”

“Besides, if you did, I’d just sic Beel or Mammon on you.”

“True. Beel’s a better choice. He can beat me in a fight without resorting to his demon form.”

“Even though you’re older?”

“Yeah. He’s that good. If I went full form I could take him down, but I wouldn’t. Not my brother.”

“Good to know. We got off topic though…”

“Listen, Nia. Jake called me your boyfriend last night. I was trying to pretend like I didn’t notice since he called all of us your boyfriends, but I… really liked that idea. Can I be your boyfriend?”

“Well. I. Uh.” Nia stammered, utterly unprepared for the question. Isn’t there supposed to be a lot of awkward time and failed confessions and confusion before something like this actually happens?

“You don’t have to say yes.” Satan said quietly.

“But I want to.” Nia said, and then looked anywhere but at Satan. “But I’ve also kissed Mammon. And I find myself sleeping with Beel a lot lately. J-just sleeping, but…”

“It’s normal for Beel to want to protect his human. And Mammon… that was your pact bargain, right?”

“Yeah, but… I’d do it again if he’d let me. He doesn’t seem interested though.”

“He is, I’m sure. I don’t know how he could be anything otherwise. But it’s as you said. Demons aren’t monogamous. You can do any and all of that. All I really want is permission to call you mine, and permission for kisses and snuggles. Cards on the table though, I know it’ll piss Lucifer off, so that’s also a bonus for me. Not a big deal if he gets over himself and approves, but his irritation is a nice addition.”

Nia giggled. “Lucifer deserves to be irritated, he’s an ass. You know, I might just have to listen to my bestie on this one. Sure, Satan. Let’s… date. Or whatever. Your kiss was really sweet, and I’ve been wanting to repeat it.”

“Well, are you busy this afternoon?”

“I need to visit the attic at some point today, but otherwise I set aside my whole day to spend with this cute blonde I know.”

“Mn. I see. Maybe you could come peruse my personal library?”

“Are you inviting me back to your room, Satan?” Nia said, fluttering her eyelashes at him.

Satan blushed, but grinned. “I am.”

Chapter Text

“Hey Belphie?”  Nia queried into the silence of the attic.

“Yeah, human?” Belphie’s voice came sleepily from somewhere in the room.

“Is it always unreasonably cold in your half of the bedroom?”

“Usually. I tend to like it cold, but sometimes it’s too much.”

“Last night I apparently climbed out of your bed and into Beel’s because I was cold.”

“Ah. Well. He is a living heater.”

“True that.” Nia chuckled.

“Hey next time you invade the attic will you bring me a snack? Cup noodles are getting boring.”

“Yeah, of course.”

“So, your room should be ready for you to move back into tomorrow, huh?” Beel said, sitting on the edge of his bed, nervously toying with the drawstring from his pajama bottoms.

“Yeah.” Nia said as she gathered up her things from their places scattered around the room.

“Can we… will you…” Beel seemed to be stumbling over a thought, and Nia set down what she was doing to face him. “Will you sleep with me?”

Nia blushed bright red, and Beel seemed to catch on immediately to what she’d assumed.

“No. No no no. Not like that. Just like… like when you crawl in bed with me, or right after we made our pact. Just sleep, but… intentional. I’d like to fall asleep with you in my arms.”

Nia’s blush didn’t abate, but she nodded.

Beel’s brow furrowed at her response. “You seem hesitant. We don’t have to. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, Nia.”

Nia shook her head. “I’d really like to. I was just suddenly worried that you’d be lonely again without me here. I need to step up my game and get Belphie out of the attic sooner rather than later so you’re not so alone.”

“I’d like that.” Beel said, beckoning her to join him,  and waving the lights off.

Nia snuggled up to her giant teddy bear, thinking. “Belphie asked me to bring him some snacks tomorrow, do you think you could help me pick some?”

She felt as much as she heard Beel laugh. “Of course, snacks are what I do best.”

Nia waded through a lake of blood, the thick red liquid sloshing against her shins, and getting deeper with every step. No matter what direction she looked, there was no land, and with the blood rising, she knew she would eventually sink beneath it and be lost forever.  There was nothing she could  do but move forward, and continue her blind hope that something would change.

“Hey. Grab my hand.”

Nia looked up, and saw an unexpected visage - Belphegor, floating above the blood, as though he was flying with no wings.

“Belphie? How did you?” She reached out and took his hand. “Nevermind, I’m just happy to see you.”

Belphegor looked taken aback by her comment, but hauled her out of the blood. “Let’s get you cleaned up and back to bed, hm?”

Around her, the scene shifted to the twins’ bedroom, and with a spin reminiscent of a video game character changing clothes, she was clean and in her pajamas, and crawling into bed with Beel, while Belphie crawled into his own bed across the room.

“Sweet dreams, human.” Belphie’s voice echoed across her own, and she closed her eyes.

Moving back into her own room was as simple as it seemed. She didn’t have a lot of things, and the little Ds had cleaned all of the things in her room so that they looked the way they had the day she arrived. Simple or not, once she was alone in her room with a few moments to herself, Nia found herself almost unbearably drowsy. A short nap won’t hurt, right? I’ll just send Beel a message so he wakes me for dinner…

Standing in front of a row of gravestones, Nia was crying.  Each of the gravestones bore a single name, and a cause of death.  To her left down the row were mostly names she didn’t know, to the right of her empty graves waiting to be filled. Directly in front of her was her father’s stone. Elijah Cole Laney. Retribution.  One left of him was Delilah Marie Laney, her grandmother. Nia couldn’t help but look further right down the stones, despairing to see her own name or that of her mother, but instead seeing blank stones that could be anyone.

Retribution. What could her dad have done to have earned that word, and her grandmother the same?  As far as she knew, they were law-abiding happy folks. Also as far as she knew her dad and grandmother had both died in accidents, so how…

The sound of footsteps made Nia turn and look left down the row of graves.  A woman was walking towards her.  She looked somewhat like her mother, but also like her little sisters. Long, cascading black curls, and eyes of a deep forest green, just like her mother’s. Was this…

“Grandma?”

“Something like that.” The woman said, opening her arms for an embrace.

Nia stepped into her embrace, as if it was always where she was meant to be.

“Come away from here, dear. We wouldn’t want them finding you.”

The world twisted around them, and she was standing in front of Diavolo’s castle.

“There we go. Back safe.”

The woman turned to leave, and Nia reached out for her as she disappeared.

“Wait, Grandma, I—“

Behind her, a voice caught her attention.

“Who are you talking to?” Belphie’s quiet voice caught her attention and she glanced at him, but when she glanced back, the woman was gone.

“Belphie, who was that?”

“You’re the one standing out here in front of the castle talking to yourself.” Belphie said and offered her his hand. “Let’s go, it’s time.”

“Time? For what?”

“Time to wake up.”

“Nia, I’d like to see you in my office for a few minutes after dinner.” Lucifer said, startling her.

“How many minutes is a few minutes? I have plans with Levi tonight.” Nia said, glancing at the third brother before looking back to Lucifer.

“Just a few, I just want to clarify something with you. And you don’t need to bring your guard dogs with you this time, I promise I’m not going to hurt you.”

“You better not.” Mammon said, the growl in his tone lending weight to Lucifer’s ‘guard dog’ comment.

Next to her, Satan placed his hand comfortingly on her leg beneath the table.

“I’ll be there.” Nia said, and turned her attention back to her meal.

“Lucifer?” She called as she opened the door to his office.

“Come in, Nia.” He said, and she strode into the room.  As much as the man himself drove her crazy, his office was one of her favorite rooms in the House to look at. Warm, dark woods, books, a fireplace, and big windows. The only thing ruining the decor was the stern man who it belonged to.

“What did you need me for?” She asked, standing in front of his desk, feeling like she was about to get detention from the Principal.

“I’m curious. You keep going up those stairs. And I know Mammon’s been getting up to mischief in order to keep me from noticing, but the spell marks every time you pass.  You know nothing’s up there, so what’s the draw?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Nia said, knowing that she was telling the truth there.  He wouldn’t believe her even for an instant if she told him it was to acclimatize Belphie to a human’s presence.

“Try me.” Lucifer said, and she sighed.

“It’s quiet.” She said, finally. “Because none of your brothers can go up there, it’s the perfect place for me to get some quiet time when I know I won’t get bothered. I usually go up there for a little bit to text with my sisters, or call my mom, or when I’m working on a particularly hard assignment that I need quiet for.”

“Ah. I see why you didn’t think I’d believe you.  I’m sure you’re aware that Satan would help you with your assignments.”

“Oh, for sure, if I need help I ask him, but it’s too easy to get distracted.” With kisses. And snuggles. And generally anything not-homework related.

“Alright. Be careful not to fall asleep up there, no one can carry you back to your room if you’re careless.”

“Yes, thank you, Lucifer.”

Why is he worried about me falling asleep up there?  Does Belphie have something to do with sleep? He is the avatar of sloth after all, maybe he emits sleepiness like cats do.

Nia blearily looked at the time on her D.D.D. as she crawled into bed after a long gaming session with Levi. 2:45am. On a weeknight.  That demon is going to be the death of me… Nia thought, as sleep took her.

She was late. If she didn’t get to class, she was going to fail the Devildom final, and she hadn’t even gone to most of these lectures because she was busy playing games with Levi instead. What had she been thinking, skipping so many classes? Did she really want Lucifer to feed her to Cerberus? He’d promised to do that very thing if she failed any of her exams.  The look of feral glee in his eyes when he’d caught her skipping this lecture was something she didn’t ever want to see again.

Nia sat staring at her test in confusion.  On the top, the score read 98/100 in big green text. All she could remember about the test was that she hadn’t studied.  She turned to the demon next to her, and was startled to see Belphie sitting there, head on his arms, asleep. His test was sticking out from under his arms, and she tried to pull it out from under his grip slowly, in an attempt not to wake him. She managed to see the score - 91 - before he snatched it back from her.

“You’re nosy.” He said, yawning.

“You sleep through class, how come you did so well?”

“I only pretend to sleep through class. You don’t even show up. How did you do so well?”

“Uh… luck.” Nia said, as when she looked at the page she wasn’t even sure she knew the language it was written in.

“You mean it wasn’t your tutor’s doing?” Satan’s voice from her other side startled her.

“Oh. Well, I mean, obviously?” She giggled, and Satan sighed and went back to what he was looking at.  Nia blinked. Something was wrong with Satan, usually he’d take that opportunity to give her a kiss or at least ruffle her hair…

Her attention snapped back to Belphie, who had reached out to touch her arm.

“So what do you think of the Devildom so far? Better than the Human world, or the Celestial Realm?”

“I’ve never been to the Celestial Realm, but the school part is better than human world school. No one bullies me here. I miss choir though.”

“You sing?”

“I like to.”

“She liked to sing too.” Belphie said quietly. “Lilith, I mean. You remind me of her sometimes.”

“I’m sure it’s just because you think of me as a little sister.” Nia said, and Belphie chuckled.

“Maybe that’s it.” Belphie said, but he didn’t sound convinced. “See you in the attic.”

Nia woke with a start at the sound of Beel knocking on her door. “Nia! You’re late for breakfast!”

“You’ve been here to see me every day for a few weeks now.” Belphie said, munching on the snacks that Beel had sent up with her this time. “What exactly is the point?”

“Honestly?” Nia said, looking up from her homework. That was the second time this week someone had asked her that.

“Yes, obviously.” Belphie said with his typical sneer, though the corner of his mouth kept trying to turn it into a smirk instead.

“It started as a way to get some relative quiet because your brothers are enamored with the novelty of me existing and… it’s hard for an introvert.”

“Tell me about it.” Belphie said, clearly a rhetorical statement.

“But then…” Nia trailed off, trying to figure out to explain that she really enjoyed his company even though he had threatened to kill her multiple times.

“You’re more honest in your dreams.” Belphie said suddenly, and Nia stiffened. Have I really been talking to Belphie in my dreams and not just dreaming it? Shit.

“Fine.” Nia said suddenly. “I like spending time with you, Belphie. In dreams or otherwise.”

“Me? What?!”

“You. I got nothin’. You’re calming. And kind. And whatever trauma you have about humans is probably legit, and worse than it should have any right to be because you’ve been letting it fester for so long. I guess I just hope that when you get out of here you’re as kind and caring as you are in my dreams.”

“Your dreamscape is weird.”

“Tell me about it.” Nia said, unconsciously mirroring what Belphie had said earlier.

“I think I will.” Belphie said, grinning. “Do you often talk to your invisible grandmother?”

Nia thought back over her dreams, and laughed. 

“She was really there. Or, well, as real as a dream could be. Heck, you should know better than I would, since you show up in my dreams all the time.”

Belphie made a thoughtful sound, but didn’t otherwise respond to her.

They sat in silence for a short time, and then both of them froze as they heard footsteps on the stairs, and Nia busied herself with her homework while Belphie hid the snacks and curled up in his bed.

“Nia.” Lucifer’s voice made her look up, and she realized that it wasn’t just Lucifer there, but also Diavolo.  She scrambled to her feet, scattering her study materials.

“Lucifer. Diavolo. Hi. Um… should I go? I was just… it’s quiet and…” Nia said, stumbling over her words. I’m an idiot. Of course I’m going to get in trouble for being up here. But why Diavolo?

“Would you like to see what’s up here?” Lucifer asked in a tone that she had no idea how to read.

“She already knows. Please stay, Nia.” Diavolo said, with a smirk on his face, and Lucifer snapped to look at Diavolo, and then at Nia.

“How…?” Lucifer started to question, but was cut off by Belphie’s voice. Nia couldn’t help but notice that in that moment Lucifer looked paler than usual. It was hard not to be concerned.

“Stop scaring my only visitor, Lucifer. Greetings, Lord Diavolo.” Belphie said, approaching the door. “I didn’t know you were aware of my predicament.” 

Diavolo chuckled, and it sounded downright menacing. “I only learned of it this afternoon, in fact. It seems like Miss Nia has likely known for weeks at this point. Hello, Belphegor. It’s been a while. Still feeling like destroying the human world?”

Nia blinked, trying to take in the words Diavolo had said, not to mention the meaning behind them. “You were going to destroy the human world?!”

“I suppose Nia should probably hear the whole story.” Lucifer said, and with a wave of his hand, chairs appeared for himself and Diavolo, who settled into them like it was story time. Nia awkwardly returned to her seat on the floor and started gathering her things. Looking busy seemed smart in this situation, whether or not it was.

“When my proposal for the student exchange was officially adopted, Belphegor was vigorously opposed to it. Apparently, he appealed directly to Lucifer and asked him to put a stop to it. It would seem that Lucifer dismissed his objection out of hand.”

Lucifer grumbled some kind of assent, but Nia kept her eyes on Diavolo, who continued.

“You’ve always hate humans, haven’t you, Belphegor?”

“Well, not always. I used to love humans, but then I lost Lilith…” Belphegor trailed off, his voice sounding strangled. Diavolo picked right back up as if Belphie had simply answered in the affirmative.

“Which is why you couldn’t accept my plan, or the fact that Lucifer was working to execute it. You got angry — so angry that you lost control of yourself. And if no one had stopped you, you might have inflicted great harm on the human world. Lucifer realized that, and chose to shelter you. Next, he told me he sent you off to the human world.”

“Lucifer sheltered me…?  Did I hear that right?” Belphie looked angry, and Nia felt a strong urge to reach out to him, even though the door was between them. “He locked me up, sealed me away, confined me, detained me, imprisoned me, held me captive… That’s what you call sheltering me? Seriously? If you’re trying to be funny, I’m not laughing.”

“Oh no, that was the correct choice of words. He was sheltering you… from me.”

“…what?”

“Because he knew that if he didn’t, I’d have put you in chains. I am still tempted to do so. Barbatos awaits my command at the bottom of the stairs. Your actions and intents constitute treason, Belphegor. Things could go in a different direction, if you will only acquiesce to my simple requests.”

Belphegor sighed, and nodded. 

“I’m listening. Almost anything is preferable to this.”

“It is my mission and my duty to help bring stability to the three worlds. To shepherd them along that path. You were kept here because you are trying to destroy that very same path. Lucifer knew that, and protected you from me. Because you are his brother, and he loves you. Do you still harbor these feelings?”

“Some of them, yes. But not at the same intensity. In hindsight…” Belphie said, sighing. “If I could turn back time, I would prefer not to be blindsided by the program, given time to consider it once I’d calmed down. Meeting this human, for example, has taught me that there’s a lot more going on with them than there was when we lost Lilith. I’m more curious than angry, now. I’m still uncertain. But I’m not… I don’t…” his voice cracked, and he sighed. “I don’t think I can forgive those involved for Lilith’s death. But… the humans involved are all long gone, even the memory of what happened is long forgotten. I can’t keep blaming an entire race for their predecessors’ wrongs. It’s not what she’d have wanted anyway.”

Lucifer sighed, and Diavolo nodded.

Nia's heart ached for Belphie. It doesn't seem like he's even been given time to grieve... and it's been hundreds if not thousands of years.

“So Lucifer’s punishment gave you some time to think.”

“It did.”

“Do you want your freedom back?”

“More than anything.”

“Then, onto the first of my simple requests. Make a pact with Nia.”

Nia froze.

“…What?!”

Chapter Text

With the door of the attic room separating them, Nia and Belphegor shared a stunned look. There was a moment of pure silence before, well, all hell broke loose inside the attic bedroom.

“You want me to make a pact with a human? Why? For what purpose? What do I gain?”

Belphie had shifted fully into his demon form, and Nia was entranced by the swish of his tail and the curl of his horns. His shift was simpler than some of his brothers, but stunning in its simplicity.

“…how can I express what I’m feeling right now? What can I do?”

Ah, good. Nia thought. Here comes another classic Belphie monologue…

“For everything I’ve known, for the full length of my life, I have known humans to be foolish, idiotic, weak creatures. This has to be the most idiotic request I have ever—“

Nia impulsively reached out to stop Belphie, to try and calm him, and as her hand came into contact with the door, her vision went dark.

The darkness lifted to show what looked like an ornate garden, with the Demon Lord’s castle behind it, but from a different angle than she was used to seeing. Was this the garden that Barbatos was so proud of? Nia, think about that later. Something weird is going on here.

In front of her, a very ragged Lucifer, in demon form, stood staring at her with a look of unbridled panic in his eyes. On her other side stood Diavolo and Barbatos in… what must be their demon forms, though Nia had not seen them prior to this. Diavolo looked resplendent, everything she’d expect from the Demon Lord, but Barbatos looked stunning. Shaking off her less than savory thoughts, Nia realized that her vantage point was much lower than she’d expect, and while she couldn’t control her current viewpoint, it still shifted to show battered and bloody angel’s wings beneath her, slowly dissolving into black beneath her charred and broken form.

Lucifer’s voice rang in her head, wracked with grief and terror, something she’d never heard before, and never wanted to hear again.

“How…how could this happen…?!” He looked up startled, as though he’d just noticed Diavolo and Barbatos. “Who’s there?”

Diavolo said nothing, but just watched calmly.

“You two.” Lucifer said, then, and ignored them in favor of fretting over the broken angel in front of him.

“Yes, her injuries look severe.” Barbatos said, calmly. “If she’s exposed to Devildom air for much longer, she’ll likely perish. She doesn’t have long.”

Lucifer’s breath caught in his throat. Still, Diavolo said nothing.

“Help… please…” Lucifer choked out, tears streaming down his face as he met Diavolo’s eyes. “I beg you, Diavolo… help her. I don’t care what happens to me! You’ve got to help her…! I know you have the means to do it.” Lucifer was begging at this point, unashamed and desperate.

Diavolo crossed his arms, his lips pressed together, leaving a longer than comfortable pause before he spoke.

“…Yes, I do have the means to help her. However, it might not be in the way you expect or desire. And if I am to do this, there are conditions.”

“…Conditions?” Lucifer was dubious, if still hopeful.

“You must pledge your loyalty to me, Lucifer.”

Lucifer jolted from the shock of Diavolo’s declaration.

“Young Master…” Barbatos chided quietly.

“I know what you’re going to say, Barbatos. I’m taking a big risk here as well. The Celestial Realm has rendered its judgment, and I’ll be interfering with that. But if I end up with you on my side, Lucifer, I’d say that’s a risk well worth taking. Wouldn’t you agree?” Diavolo smirked, and Lucifer looked as though he was chafing under that gaze.

“You’re suggesting I pledge my loyalty…to the son of the Demon King…? ME?” Lucifer said, and he looked like his bitchy self again.

“I am sure there could be no greater disgrace to one such as you, who was once celebrated as the pride of the Celestial Realm.” Barbatos spoke from Diavolo’s side. “However, before you make your decision, perhaps you might want to have a look at yourself?”

Lucifer seemed to notice his demonic visage for the first time in that moment. “My wings. They’re black… I see, so then I’ve—“

“You don’t have time to sit around trying to make up your mind.” Barbatos said, again in his chiding tone.

“Don’t you dare order me around!” Lucifer said, his wings flaring behind him. Barbatos simply stood there, waiting. “I don’t need time to make up my mind. I will stay true to my convictions. I’ve always done so, and I always will. That will never change, whether I am an angel or a demon…!”

Lucifer sighed, and forced his anger back, thought it was still simmering behind the panic and concern for the quickly deteriorating angel in front of him.

“If it means you’ll ensure that she says alive, I’ll make any sacrifice I have to. So…Diavolo, I hereby pledge my loyalty and allegiance to you…!”

“And I accept your allegiance. It is done, then.” Diavolo responded, his face returning to a serious mask.

“You’d better save her!” Lucifer said, on his knees, so much closer to her now.

“Of course I will. Now, it’s time for you to say your goodbyes.”

Lucifer got closer to her, reaching out with his free hand to run his fingers through her dark curls.

“No matter how far apart we may be, no matter how much time passes, even if someday you’re no longer yourself…I’ll never forget you. And I’ll always pray that you find happiness. Always. I love you, Lilith.”

“…Hey, wake up.”

Nia tried to move, to see, to anything, but she felt like she was encased in a giant marshmallow fog.

“…You can do this. I know you can find me. Please…”

Nia forced herself to open her eyes, and found herself in a vast white space, and standing before her was the woman from her dreams, the one Belphie hadn’t seen.

“I know you… Grandma?”

“You recognize me then, really? I knew it was the right choice, waiting for you.”

“For me?”

“I’ve been waiting for so long, you see. I’ve been waiting for you to come find me.”

Nia tipped her head sideways. She’s talking around the point.

“Ah.” The woman said, and smiled. “My name is Lilith.”

Nia stepped back, startled. 

“Lilith?! Where have you been all this time?”

Lilith sighed, and her eyes looked pained.

“Following the Great Celestial War, I was near death. My very existence hung by a thread, but thanks to Lucifer, I was reborn as a human.”

“Oh. That must have been jarring.”

“Well, I just lived out my life, a happy one as a human, never knowing who I was or what had happened.”

“That sounds… I mean I’m glad you were happy, but somehow that sounds lonely.” Nia said, thinking about just how much she knew the brothers missed Lilith.

“After my death, I remembered who I was. I remembered everything.”

“Oh damn.”

“And so… I’m worried about Belphie. Not only him, but all of my brothers. Ever since becoming a soul, I’ve been watching over them, and in that time, I’ve forgotten how to get to the Celestial Realm. But I also can’t do anything to help them. It’s infuriating.”

“Oh, like an old-school ghost legend. You’re there and you can see, but they can’t see or interact with you at all.”

“Yes. Exactly. So please, Nia. I’ll lend you my powers, so please, save them. You’re the only one who can. Please.”

“Of course. I mean I’ve already been doing my best…” Nia said without thinking. She cared about the brothers, even Mr. Overbearing Lucifer. “But why me?”

As soon as she’d asked that, she started to feel the darkness creep in on the white space, and Lilith fade from view, her voice drifting to Nia as if it was crossing miles.

Why you? Because you’re my…

“Your what?”

…which is why…

“Why what? Lilith, I don’t understand! Come back! Lilith?!”

“…Lilith?!”

“Nia!” Diavolo’s voice rang above her, and she realized she was cradled in the Demon Lord’s arms, still in the attic, with Lucifer and Belphie.

“Where’s… Lilith?” Nia asked, her voice coming out much weaker than she would have preferred.

Diavolo and Lucifer shared a look, and Belphie growled.

“Don’t you dare say Lilith’s name, human! You don’t have the right!”

Nia ignored the insult, and looked confused at Lucifer. “What happened?”

“That’s what we want to ask you. You touched the door, and there was a flash of Celestial Magic, and you collapsed.” Diavolo said.

“What’s this about Lilith?” Lucifer asked, at the same time.

“Lilith.” Nia felt tears running down her cheeks. “She lived. And she was happy. Just like you wanted, Lucifer.”

“What? What are you talking about?” Belphie said, confused and still angry on the other side of the door.

“Nia.” Lucifer said, in the dark tone that he had used when warning her about the very stairs she was at the top of now. “How do you know that?”

Nia looked anywhere but at Lucifer, then sighed as Diavolo caught her eyes. “I saw… when you saved Lilith. I don’t know how, but… it was like I was there, looking through her eyes.”

“So then, in the Great Celestial War, Lilith didn’t die? You’re lying…! Lies, lies, lies! All of it! As if you could ever trust the word of a HUMAN!”

“It’s the truth, Belphegor.”

“I… it’s so hard, Lilith…”

“Lilith is the crux of this.” Diavolo said, with certainty. “Lucifer, Take Nia’s hand.”

Lucifer did as he was told, and gasped. “What?!”

“Nia… you’re a distant descendant of the human Lilith.” Diavolo said, and Nia stared at him as if he’d grown an extra head.

“What?”

“That’s unbelievable.” Belphie said, having taken a seat on the other side of his door.

“I’ve had Barbatos look into the lines and confirm it for me, and I’m rather certain. At least one of Lilith’s lines is present in Nia. Probably more than one.”

“Even I don’t believe it, Belphie.” Nia said, and Diavolo chuckled.

“We should continue this conversation with the rest of the family.” Nia said suddenly. “I can’t… I need…” she had started compulsively rubbing her wrist, and Lucifer sighed.

“Mammon will be on his way here if he’s not already. Belphegor, you know what you must agree to if you want to be a part of this conversation.”

Belphie looked torn, but sighed. “I’ve been angry enough for this millennium. I want a nap. In my own damn bed. Diavolo, what are the other conditions?”

“First, the pact. Second, you have to catch up with your missed classes and pass your exams at the end of the semester. Third, Nothing about your treasonous garbage or the fallout from same leaves this house. I don’t want a single rumor. And finally, you’ll be active helping the student council plan the exchange program retreat we’ve got coming up in a few weeks.”

“Ugh. Fine. Nia, you’re okay with this?”

“I have my own requirements.” Nia said, shifting so that Diavolo let her sit on her own again.

“…what?” Belphie said deadpan.

“I want the first thing you do when you leave this attic to be giving Beel a hug. But also… I’d like you to try and be my friend. I’m going to miss our quiet time chats.”

Belphie chuckled. “You drive a hard bargain. But I can live with that. My pact ritual is slow, though. Uh. And I need touch to do it.”

Lucifer waved a hand, and the door disappeared.

Diavolo nodded to Lucifer. “Go gather your brothers and we will meet you. I will watch over Nia to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

Belphie helped Nia up off the floor and led her over to the bed in the attic room.

“My pact works like this. You take a nap with your head in my lap. Poof, pact.”

Diavolo chuckled. It had been some time since he’d seen Belphegor’s pact magic, after all.

As they settled in, Nia felt herself jolt out of her drowsiness, and as her eyes flew open she heard Belphie sigh.

“Diavolo, would you come hold her hand? She’s resisting sleep. I don’t blame her, I… am frightening.”

Nia felt Diavolo’s hand enfold her own, and heard him chuckle. “You’ll be fine, Nia. Belphie can’t hurt you with me here, and soon he won’t be able to.”

Nia nodded, and closed her eyes again, and sure enough, Diavolo’s anchoring presence kept her from fighting Belphie’s power.

Nia looked around, finding herself in a rooftop garden, surrounded by sun-dappled black and purple roses, sitting opposite Belphie in his demon form.

“So… welcome to my garden I guess.” Belphie muttered.

“Thanks… so, I’m dreaming now?”

“Right. Dreams are… my place. I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

“I had some guesses, but wasn’t entirely sure. This is really beautiful, Belphie.”

“Thanks. I’m too lazy to keep plants for real, and roses need sun, which isn’t really a Devildom staple, as I’m sure you’re well aware.”

Nia chuckled ruefully.

“So, I don’t really make pacts.” Belphie started, and Nia could feel a mini-monologue coming from a mile away. “In fact, I’m truly disinterested in making a pact with anyone at all, ever. Nothing’s worth the kind of shit that my brothers put up with from pacts, and I’m not about to put myself out there just to get a soul or two, you know? I’m sure you’ve seen the shit Mammon puts up with from the witches that have blackmail material on him by now, so… yeah. No thanks. But you… Ugh. You’re a human, and I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to tie myself to a human, but I’d rather do that than be trapped up here in this tiny room forever eating cup noodles and whatever bits and pieces Beel sends. So even though it’s a requirement and not a choice… you don’t seem like you’d turn me into your own personal servant, working me like a slave and making absurd demands and stuff. You haven’t done that to Mammon - who would deserve it, or Beel - who’s got the body to handle doing all your chores without noticing that he’s done it. So it’s really unlikely that you’ll make me do something I don’t want. And if it makes Diavolo and Lucifer feel like I can be a normal Demon again… Yeah, so, we’re doing this. Also, I think it would make Lucifer real bitter if I could be the closest demon to you… I mean I know you’re dating Satan or whatever, but, you know. The first one you turn to for help whenever you need it.”

Nia blinked, but smiled.

“I think I’d like that. I think Beel would like it too, you know?”

“I know. So, I know you don’t have to give me anything for this pact, but can I ask anyway? It makes it easier to close my dream if there’s an action to tie the magic to.”

“What do you want?” Nia asked, warily.

“A hug?” Belphie offered, and Nia laughed. “I can give you a hug. I’ve given you probably fifty hugs in dreams already by now. But… you’re really going to try and be my friend, too?”

“Yeah, human. I’m going to try. Maybe being around Satan more again will help me keep my anger more in check.”

Nia grinned, and Belphie opened his arms and beckoned her in.

“So then, let’s make it official. Here’s to a long and lasting friendship, Nia.”

 

Nia awoke to Belphie’s lips on her left wrist, mirroring the placement of her pact mark with Mammon.

“It’s done.” Belphie said, and Diavolo let go of her other hand, and helped her sit up.

“Alright, we should go talk to your brothers, then.” Diavolo said, and turned from the room without even looking back. With the pact in place, Nia’s safety was assured, and he seemed to want to give them a little bit of privacy before they had to reveal their pact status and Belphie’s situation to the rest of the House.

Belphie got off the bed and held a hand out to Nia, which she took. 

“It’s not because you’re Lilith’s descendant that I wanted to protect you and keep you safe. I know I have to, but… I just need you to know that.  Lilith was very special to me, she was my sister… But you’re not her, Nia. So don’t think this is misplaced, okay?  You make Beel happy. You helped me see, when I wasn’t throwing a temper tantrum, that Humans aren’t all bad anymore. And I’m really grateful for that. I agreed to this because you’re you. And don’t you forget it. Now, let’s go.”

Chapter Text

Nia walked into the room being led by the hand after Belphie.  The looks on everyone’s faces when they saw Belphie, then saw them connected by the hand, and then one by one as they recognized the pact mark visible on her wrist… Nia wanted to melt into the floor and stop existing.

She sighed when Belphie dropped her hand and wrapped his arms around Beel who was standing staring at his twin’s entrance in shock. Good, at least he remembered that part. She thought, and bit her lip. For a solid minute, no one said anything, and barely any glances were even exchanged, despite the fact that all seven brothers were present, with Diavolo and Barbatos in addition.

“Would it be better if I weren’t here?” Nia asked, quietly but firmly.

“No, there’s no need to go.” Mammon said immediately.

“That’s right.” Satan said, patting the empty spot between himself and Mammon on the sofa.

“Actually, I’d say this involves you.” Asmo added, his usual smile missing from his placid features.

“Yep, you’re like family to us now, after all.” Levi said, unwilling to be left out.

“You stay right here.” Beel said, his conviction as firm as Mammon’s had been.

“Well, you heard them, Nia. Sit down.” Lucifer said, and Nia curled up on the open sofa spot as she’d been told. Lucifer sighed in resignation, and continued. “It would seem my brothers think of you as part of the family now.”

His smirk didn’t match his tone, but it was mirrored by Diavolo’s, which was downright eerie.

“Family, huh…” Beel said, quietly. “Okay then, what about Belphie?”

“Beel…” Asmo warned, but Beel was not to be cowed, not even by his next older brother.

“Belphie’s family too! That goes without saying! Or am I wrong?!”

Lucifer looked pained, and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Yes, he is family. That’s why I locked him away.”

Beel bristled, still standing despite everyone else taking seats around the living room.

“If he were really family to you, you never would’ve done something like that to him!”

“Hey, whoa…” Mammon stood, and put his hand on Beel’s arm.

“Okay, try to calm down.” Asmo added from his other side.

Nia looked to Satan, and took his hand when she realized he was working to drain the anger from Beel so he could calm down.

Beel looked at his brothers, and to Nia, and let himself fall into a sitting position at her feet.

“How can you all be so calm about this? Lucifer lied to us, you know?! I’ve been bottling this up for…for…”

“Too long.” Nia said when she realized Beel was trying not to break down. She ran her fingers along Beel’s scalp and through his hair, in a way that she knew helped to calm him down.

“Right, and we’re mad about that too, Beel. That’s why were’s all here. To talk about these things.” Levi said, and Beel nodded.

“You’re too upset right now, Beel. We’ll never get anywhere if we’re lashing out at each other.” Satan said, forcing calm into his tone.

Beel sighed, and leaned back against the couch between Nia and Satan, who put a hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“I know how you feel, Beel. And I get it.” Nia said, softly.

“Nia…” Beel leaned back against her knee, and met her eyes, smiling softly. “Thanks.”

Nia blushed, and ruffled his hair.

“Okay then, now that we’ve calmed down, why don’t we let Nia take over from here? If I’m right, there’s something you want to ask Lucifer, right?”

Nia nodded.

“I know Belphie’s side of the story… but I want to know why you locked Belphie up, Lucifer.”

Lucifer nodded, and with a subtle nod from Diavolo, he started his story.

“It began with Diavolo’s plan for an exchange program between the Devildom, the Celestial Realm, and the Human world.  That’s what triggered the chain of events that led to today.”

Barbatos and Belphegor, on either side of the room, nodded, and Nia felt her thoughts whisked away into someone else’s memory.

“…So, with all of that in mind, I’d like to propose that we create a student exchange program.” Diavolo said, addressing the assembled brothers of the Student Council. “It would be an experiment, an attempt at opening the door to a new age.” Belphegor sat up straight, suddenly awake from his usual napping posture.

“Wait just a second! What are you talking about?!” The whole idea of having an exchange with humans is insane! We can’t do this! Absolutely not!”

“From the very beginning, Belphie was opposed to Diavolo’s Proposal.” Lucifer’s voice rang like a narrator’s through the vision.

“Belphegor, I understand that this must make you anxious, but I’d like you to listen to what I’m saying. Having a student exchange will help the Devildom to grow and develop. And it certainly won’t cause any harm. I wouldn’t allow such a thing to happen.” Diavolo said, his voice stern.

“Just coming into contact with humans itself is causing harm!” Belphie argued.

“Times have changed, Belphegor.” Diavolo said, and the implication of Belphie’s ignorance on the topic was not subtle. “The universe is made up of more than just the Devildom. We exist by maintaining a state of balance between each of our worlds. There are some humans who are starting to wake up to this fact as well. It may seem like we’re rejecting our history, by acknowledging and accepting each other, and building relationships. But we’ll never get anywhere if we’re too afraid to move forward.  What we need now is to have the courage to take the first step into the future.”

“Don’t think you can fool me with that talk.” Belphie said, his eyes flashing.

“Ah… right. I remember what happened.” Asmo said, sadly.

“Everyone besides Belphie agreed with Diavolo.” Satan added.

“Right, yeah.  The majority of us were in favor of having the exchange program, so the plan was approved, right?” Levi asked, more a statement than a question.

Beel just nodded, guiltily.

“Okay, so like, are you sayin’ that you locked Belphie up ‘cause he was opposed to Diavolo’s idea?” Mammon asked, perturbed.

“Wait a minute, really? I mean that’s kind of awful, don’t you think?” Asmo said, shocked.

Lucifer shook his head, his irritation coated with a thick layer of sadness.

“You haven’t heard the whole story yet. That night, Belphie showed up at my room alone…”

“I don’t understand it, and I definitely won’t accept it!” Belphie said, bitterly.

“No matter how many times you may say it, it’s a waste of breath.” Lucifer responded sharply.

“Well it’s not a waste of breath to me!” Belphie argued. “Lucifer, you have to be able to do something, right?! Talk to Lord Diavolo and find a way to convince him! Tell him to kill this exchange program thing. Tell him that he needs to rethink things!”
When Lucifer didn’t say anything in response, Belphie continued ranting, oblivious to the growing storm on his eldest brother’s face.

“Are you that afraid of Lord Diavolo? Is that it?! Does the idea of disagreeing with him scare you that much?!”

Lucifer growled. “Let me make one thing clear. What Diavolo wants, I want.”

“Oh come the fuck on.” Belphie said bitterly. “What happened to your ability to think for yourself, Lucifer?! Are you really nothing more than Diavolo’s puppet now? Have you fallen that far?!”

“Belphegor, no matter what you say, it won’t change anything. When a motion is passed by the student council officers, that’s it. It can’t be undone. I have nothing else to say to you on the matter.”

“Maybe not, but I’ve got more to say to you!” Belphie said, his desperation sparking dangerously. “I’m begging you, Lucifer! You’re the only one with the ability to persuade Diavolo!”

“I’ve got no intention of trying to persuade him of anything. Because the fact is that I agree with his plan for the exchange program.” Lucifer said, his voice draining of emotion.

Belphegor looked startled, as though Lucifer hadn’t already said that same thing numerous times in their conversation.

“Have you forgotten about Lilith?” Belphie asked, quietly, his voice pained. “Have you forgotten about our sis—”

“What does she have to do with any of this?” Lucifer interrupted sharply.

“What do you mean?! It was because of the humans, remember?! They were responsible for… for what happened to her…”

“It’s time you forgot about that.” Lucifer said coldly, and it was clear it was a mistake by the instant reaction from Belphie.

“Forget about it? You’re telling me to forget about it…?  Does that mean you’ve forgotten, then? You’ve forgotten about Lilith?”

Lucifer’s silence just exacerbated the distance that was clearly growing between the brothers.

“It’s unforgivable that you would just forget about her. It’s absolutely unforgivable! I refuse to stand by and let this happen! I refuse to allow an exchange with humans to go forward! Humans…they should be wiped from existence!”

Lucifer stood completely still, shocked by the anger and pain rolling off of Belphie in waves. He needed to handle this, and he could only think of one possible way.

“Stop right there, Belphegor. Not another word, or you’ll be guilty of treason against Diavolo.”

“That’s right! That’s exactly what this is! I’m standing up in defiance of Diavolo. If you can’t do it, then I will. I’ll wipe out every last human, and kill Diavolo as well! And if you stand in my way, I’ll kill you too!”

By the end of his outburst, Belphegor was in full demon form, stunning Lucifer with the strength of his feelings.  Lucifer followed suit, shedding his mortal guise and shaking out his wings angrily.

“Enough, Belphie. Do you seriously mean to attack me? What would be the purpose of us fighting? What good would come of it?”

Lucifer restrained Belphie as he spoke, his own anger and pain making quick work of his struggling youngest sibling.

“Let go of me…! Hey…!” Belphie struggled to move, or even speak.

“I won’t allow you to stand in Diavolo’s way. You may be my brother, but that’s a bridge too far, and now you will pay the price.  From this moment forward, I’ll be keeping you prisoner here, and you’ll remain that way until you manage to calm down and reform your way of thinking.”

“Why…grr…why would you do this, Lucifer…?!” Belphie said, as he struggled to free himself. “Is Diavolo more important to you than all of us now? More important than your brothers?!”

When Lucifer said nothing, Belphie demanded he answer, and Lucifer grit his teeth before finally responding.

“…Yes.”

It was that moment that Belphegor broke, no longer struggling. “Why…?! Why would you…?!”

Lucifer hauled his limp, heartbroken youngest up to the attic room, and set the spells to keep him isolated, tears running freely down his face as he returned to his room to contemplate the evening’s events.

 

It was a few minutes before anyone dared to break the silence that settled over the room. Asmo was the first to break it.

“…Okay, I understand what happened now, but still… Couldn’t you have at least told us in secret what was up?”

“Yeah, you didn’t have to lie to us, feeding us that story about sending Belphie off to the human world to study. Isn’t that right Nia? You agree, don’t you?” Levi chimed in, more irritation in his tone than Nia expected from him at this point. She couldn't argue his point though.

“Yeah, I agree.” Nia said, quietly. “Secrets, even when we tell them with the intent to keep our family safe, only hurt us. I mean… look how Levi and Asmo are feeling right now. I should have told them when I  found out, but…”

“That’s not your responsibility, Nia.” Asmo said softly.

“Yeah, don’t stress about it, normie.” Levi said, sticking his tongue out at her.

Nia sighed. She couldn’t just not stress about it. Had they met her at all?

Swiveling in her spot so she could see where Belphie was standing somewhat behind the couch from where he was helping with the memory magic, Nia tipped her head questioningly at Belphie, who shook his head, so she turned back to the rest of the group.

“So why is it that Belphie hates humans?” she asked, quietly.

There was yet another awkward silence, which Nia was beginning to hate, before Beel spoke up.

“That’s not something we usually—”

“Alright, listen up.” Mammon interrupted. “There ain’t any rule sayin’ we can’t talk about what happened with Lilith, is there? C’mon, we should answer Nia’s question.”

Lucifer nodded, after sharing a look with Diavolo.

“Nia, I know you’ve heard us mention Lilith before. At least today, if not previous?”

Nia nodded, deciding not to tell them about Beel telling her what she figured was everything he knew.

“She was our little sister.” Lucifer continued. “The youngest one of us.  Long ago, back when we were still angels, Belphie felt very differently about humans than he does now. He liked them.”

“Uh, I’d say he more than just liked them” Mammon interjected.

“Yeah, he loved them. He loved humans and the human world in general.” Beel added.

“Yep, he really did. His room was filled to the brim with stuff from the human world. And whenever he had the chance, he’d sneak down there for a visit.” Asmo said, grinning.

“He used to bring me back stuff all the time.” Levi grinned. “He knew my favorite anime and manga and game characters and he’d get me rare character-themed merchandise.”

“He’d regularly go down to the human world without permission, and he was always getting in trouble with Lucifer and Michael for it. He’d say he wanted to see how the humans were doing and what they were up to.”  

As Beel was talking, Belphie quietly walked into the middle of the couches and plopped down on the floor, laid his head in his brothers lap, and promptly fell asleep.

Mammon shook his head at Belphie’s antic, but smiled. “No matter how many times he got yelled at, it never stopped him.”

“Okay…” Nia said, getting the picture. “But what does this have to do with Lilith? And why did he change?”

“Lilith was especially close to Belphie. His enthusiasm for the human world rubbed off on her, and she began to take an interest in humans as well.” Lucifer said, and Beel nodded.

“Yeah, Lilith had always been really attached to Belphie.”

“No need to be so modest, I’d say she was pretty attached to you too, Beel.” Asmo said, smiling fondly. “You, Belphie, and Lilith always used to hang around together, laughing and giggling. I was so jealous!”

“Yeah, whenever you were together you were like three puppies, playing and having a good time.” Levi said, a smile gracing his face as well.

“Hey, whoa! Lilith was also pretty attached to me!” Mammon interjected, as usual. “Like, we even slept in the same bed once, y’know! She was a big fan of Mammon!”

“Oh yeah, I remember now! You woke up and started making a scene, yelling about how you’d just had a bad dream—” Asmo said, smirking.

“Whoa… Hey! Quit it! Not another word!” Mammon said, cutting Asmo off.

Levi picked up the narrative as though he’d been the one speaking initially.

“We were all ignoring you, but if I remember correctly, Lilith felt sorry for you and agreed to sleep beside you because you were so scared.”

Mammon pulled his head into his coat like a turtle retreating into its shell. His yells for them to shut up were adorable when muffled like that, and Nia couldn’t help but giggle and poke the demon beside her. When Mammon didn’t come back out, Nia looked to Satan who just shrugged, as if to say ‘I wasn’t there, I don’t know why you’re looking at me’.

Lucifer clapped once, just to get everyone’s attention again, and continued.

“Yes, now that we’ve got that established, back to the story.  Belphie rubbed off on Lilith, and she started going down to the human world a lot as well. And like Belphie, she developed an interest in humans.  But then, one day she happened to meet a man.  He was human, and she fell in love with him.”

“Lilith may have hoped to keep the relationship a secret from us, but eventually word got out.” Beel said, quietly, and Nia noticed that he was absentmindedly stroking Belphie’s hair.

Mammon, having returned to normal from his jacket-turtle moment earlier, had his teasing-Lucifer grin on and Nia could almost have predicted what he was going to say before he said it.

“You didn’t like it one bit huh, Lucifer? You were all like ‘As your older brother, I won’t stand for this!’”

Lucifer blushed, and Nia wondered if the impression was more spot-on than he liked, or if he simply had regrets about the situation.

“I did go down to the human world once to have a look at the man she was seeing.” Lucifer said, as though it was a response to Mammon. “He seemed like a man of virtue to me, a good man. And most importantly, Lilith was happy. However, that happiness proved to be short-lived.”

Nia blinked. “Well, he was Human, so… wasn’t that to be expected? We’re mortal after all.”

Satan’s hand on her knee tightened, and she smiled apologetically at him. She knew he hated the thought of losing her, they’d talked about it at length.

“It wasn’t just his normal lifespan that broke their happiness, unfortunately.” Lucifer said, sighing. “The man she loved was stricken with an incurable illness. Lilith tried to nurse him back to health. She did everything she could, but he showed no signs of recovering. She was afraid of losing him, and in her fear she made a mistake. She gave him forbidden food from the Celestial Realm, hoping it would save his life.”

“If only she’d talked to us, told us what was going on…” Beel said sadly.

“Even if she had, there’s nothing we could have done.” Asmo responded. “I mean, altering the lifespan of a human is expressly forbidden.”

Nia froze. Is this the cause of everything? One love? One poor choice made in desperation?

“Lilith incurred the wrath of our father, who declared that she was to be punished.”

“That’s awful!” Nia exclaimed, then covered her mouth. She hadn’t intended to interrupt.

“Ya got that right. It’s like, come on… was what she did really all that bad?” Mammon said, clearly still irritated centuries later.

“We couldn’t just stand by and let something like that happen. As her brothers, we had to do something.” Asmo added, bitterly.

“You bet we did.” Beel said, idly petting Belphie’s hair.

“That wasn’t the only reason behind our rebellion against our father, but it was the catalyst that incited it.” Lucifer said, as if he could read the question on her face. “And, well, you know how it all turned out. We were banished to the Devildom, and Lilith—”

“She lost her life in the Great Celestial War.” Beel said, and the pain in his voice, and on the faces of his brothers, told Nia everything she needed to know about how much these boys hadn’t actually grieved for her loss, they were holding onto it as though through their grief they could hold onto her, just a little bit longer.

“Belphie felt that the man she’d fallen in love with was responsible for it all. That it all came back to him. He said that if she hadn’t met him, she never would’ve died. And that’s when things changed. That’s when Belphie began hating humans. And so, when Diavolo proposed establishing peaceful relations with the human world, Belphie couldn’t accept it.”

“And then he made the mistake of turning on you, Lucifer, which would explain how he ended up locked away in the attic.” Satan grumbled.

“No.” Beel said quietly, looking back at Satan. “Lucifer locked Belphie up for his own good. Lord Diavolo isn’t someone who’d let someone off the hook if they tried to stand in the way of his dreams. If Lucifer hadn’t stopped Belphie, he would’ve been found guilty of treason for sure. And you didn’t want that to happen to Belphie, did you Lucifer? You were protecting him.”

Nia looked over to Diavolo, who had been sitting silently the entire time.

“Somehow, I feel like clearer communication between all parties could have avoided that. Sure, Diavolo is powerful, and driven, but he’s not a senseless tyrant.” She said, and Diavolo’s eyes snapped up to meet hers.

“I’m not so sure, Nia. I have a hard time holding my temper about Devildom reforms.” He said, but all she could do was smile.

“Sure, sure. But you’re here, and Belphie is here and not locked up in the attic, and this helpless human exchange student is also here and seems fine.” Nia said, and Diavolo smirked.

“Pact Magic is strong. Also, time can heal a lot. You heard me earlier. I was ready to chain him up if he wasn’t amenable to rethinking his previous position.”

Nia nodded. “My point stands though. Communication is key.”

Lucifer sighed. “I swore an oath to do whatever I must in order to bring Diavolo’s dreams to fruition. At the time, locking Belphie up seemed to be the safest option while keeping that oath.”

“Why did you never say anything about that Oath, Lucifer? For so long we’ve thought you were just Diavolo’s puppet.” Satan said, sadly.

“I’m sorry.” Lucifer said, not meeting anyone’s eyes. “I’m sorry I never said anything. Lilith, she… she didn’t die in that battle.”

The shock in the room was palpable, and even Belphie woke up in order to help keep everyone calm. It was a near thing.

“Lucifer asked me to save Lilith when she was on the verge of death at the fall.” Diavolo said quietly. “As compensation, he swore his allegiance to me for all eternity.”

“And I’ve never spoken of it.” Lucifer said. “Diavolo had Lilith reborn as a human, and we were prohibited from coming in contact with the human Lilith.”

“Prohibited?” Beel said, his quiet anger much more frightening to Nia than the more explosive version she usually saw. “By who?”

“Me.” Diavolo said quietly. “If the Celestial Realm knew she lived, even as a human… it would have been all-out war between all three realms.”

“Lilith was alive, yes.” Lucifer said, tears quietly running down the Avatar of Pride’s face, and Nia felt wetness on her own cheeks as well. “And nothing was stopping you from going to the human world to see her if you had a mind to do that. Yet it was strictly forbidden, under any and all circumstances. I thought it was best that I be the only one who had to live with the pain of knowing that. I made the choice I made because I thought it was best at the time. But knowing Lilith, she would have been happy. I truly believe that.”

Beel launched off of the floor and into Lucifer, and everyone tensed for a moment before they realized that Beel wasn’t hurting Lucifer, he was hugging him.

“You chose to save Lilith, Lucifer. You did what you had to in order to keep her alive, didn’t you? Thank you. And…I’m sorry. I’m sorry you had to bear that pain all on your own.”

Nia remembered, then, the last thing that Lucifer had said to Lilith in what she now knew was a memory not a dream, and her tears started afresh.

“No matter how far apart we may be, no matter how much time passes, even if someday you’re no longer yourself…I’ll never forget you. And I’ll always pray that you find happiness. Always. I love you, Lilith.” Nia quoted, and Lucifer bit his lip hard enough to bleed.

“…Those were the very last words I said to Lilith before she was taken away.” Lucifer said, quietly. “How did you…?”

Nia looked away awkwardly, not really knowing how she should answer Lucifer’s question. Diavolo cleared his throat, and all eyes turned to him.

“Nia is a distant descendant of the human Lilith.” Diavolo said, and waved a hand at Barbatos.  Behind him, Barbatos spoke for the first time since he walked into the House earlier that afternoon.

“Lord Diavolo ordered me to look into the matter, and so I did.  It wasn’t easy to trace down Lilith’s lineage, but there can be no doubt, it’s true. She bears at least one, but very likely three distinct lines descending from Lilith.” Barbatos’ tone was gravely serious, and Nia met his eye and smiled at him, in case he was worried how she’d react.

“Nia, you’ve been seeing some of Lilith’s memories, am I correct?” Diavolo asked, as though he already knew the answer.

Nia nodded. “Not often, but… every now and again, yes.”

“Lilith’s powers, as well as her memories, must have passed down to her descendants, from generation to generation, and in you, enough time has passed and enough of her lines have converged. And now you, Nia, are here with her family. Your family.  When Nia’s application came up in the exchange program, her photo bore such a striking resemblance to Lilith, I couldn’t help but look into it, and well, here we are.”

Wait. Nia thought suddenly. Powers?

Chapter Text

"Hey, Satan?”

Nia plopped down next to Satan, but he didn’t respond.

Nia waved her hands in front of his face to get his attention. “Babe?”

Satan sighed, and held her hands.  He didn’t speak up immediately, but it looked for all the world like he was trying to wrap his mind around something, so she left him to it.  Eventually, he found the words he was looking for, and spoke into the silence.

“When we found out you were Lilith’s descendant, I… I suddenly felt incredibly warm and happy.  Do you think it was because I was born of Lucifer’s emotions? I wonder. I never knew Lilith.”

“Possibly. I mean I can’t claim to know any of this for sure because I’m just a human, even if a human with some neat ancestry… but even if you didn’t know her, you knew about her, and you know how much she meant to the rest of your family.  When mom tells stories about when she met dad it makes me warm and happy, even though I was never there, and he died when I was really young.”

“Thanks.” Satan said quietly. “Sometimes I feel like I’m a second-printing of Lucifer. Less in every way, but still saddled with his issues.”

Nia pulled one of Satan’s hands towards her, and planted a soft kiss on his knuckles.

“You’re more than that to me, Satan. You’re unique, and irreplaceable.”

Nia curled up against Satan’s side on the couch, and rested her head on his shoulder.

“So… this whole Lilith thing… it doesn’t change our relationship any, does it?”

“Why would it?”

“Well… I’m descended from your sister now?”

“Not like that.” Satan said, his response solid and sharp. “None of us are blood related, except theoretically Lucifer and I, if you count emotions as blood, I guess?  Anyway, it changes nothing.”

“Okay, good.” Nia said, and kissed his cheek. 

“More likely to change our relationship is your newest ink.” Satan said, running his thumb over her mostly-faded pact mark from Belphie.

“Are you mad? I had to agree to it or they were going to…”

“I’m not mad.” Satan cut her off. “I’m… I don’t know. I feel oddly, and I don’t know how to explain it. But I just meant he’ll want your time now.”

“I mean he got some of it every day for the last few weeks. The difference now is that we can spend it with everyone else, too.”

From the couch opposite them, Belphie grumbled in his sleep. 

“All right, I’m going to go ahead and call this officers’ meeting to order.” Lucifer said, though it did nothing to quell the chatter from his brothers.  His aura flaring out from him when they failed to respond, however, did the trick. All eyes on Lucifer, he continued. “To start things off, Lord Diavolo has an announcement for us.”

“Yes. Well then, I assume some of you have already heard the rumors about the group retreat. And they’re true.  I’m planning an exchange party between the demons, humans, and angels involved in my exchange program.  It’s to be held at my castle and I’d like you all to attend as well, as ambassadors of the Devildom. I have a feeling that this will turn out to be quite the interesting experience for all of us.”

“Maybe for you.” Lucifer said, an uncharacteristic pout gracing his face. “For me, it’s simply going to mean more headaches.”

“Now, now, don’t say that Lucifer.” Diavolo jokingly scolded.

“A group retreat, huh? I’d heard the rumors, but I never thought they were true.” Satan said, and Nia grinned at him. 

“This should mean you get to meet Jake.” Nia said, quietly. Satan squeezed her knee, and they shared a smile.

“So, demons, angels, and humans are all going to get together and have an exchange event?  Nothing like that has ever happened before, has it?” Asmo asked, curious but buzzing with excitement.

“No, indeed not.” Diavolo responded. “But there has to be a first time for everything.  And you all are going to be present to witness this particular first.”

“Will there be food? Good food?” Beel asked, and no one was particularly surprised.

“Ah, yes!” Diavolo was pleased by the perfectly timed question from the expected source. “Why don’t I let Lucifer give you a rundown on what we have planned.”

Lucifer stood, and in true Lucifer fashion, started from the beginning with redundant facts.

“The exchange retreat will be held at the Demon Lord’s Castle.”

“In addition to spending two nights there, you’ll be attending several events, including a dinner party and a formal dance.” Lucifer said, and despite his efforts not to look at Beelzebub, the sixth-born was still enthralled with the idea of a dinner party, mumbling about it under his breath for the next few minutes.

“I assume you all have some questions.” Diavolo said, and Nia blinked. Lucifer had basically told them nothing at all, who wouldn’t have questions?!

“Uh.” Nia said, raising her hand as if she was in class, but not waiting to be called on. “The Demon Lord’s Castle…? So is that like Diavolo’s house, or…?”

Diavolo’s shoulder’s bounced as he chuckled. “Yes. It’s my castle, the place where I live, as the name implies.”

“It’s hands-down the most magnificent, impressive structure in all of the Devildom.” Satan said, smiling at her.

On her other side, Levi grinned. “And it’s just like the castle where the heroine lived in Fantasium Fantasia 9! Now, when it comes to the Fantasium Fantasia series as a whole, it goes without saying that the fourth installment is a timeless masterpiece. Afterwards, the games went 3D polygonal, and the old producer and BGM composer left, so the general opinion of people online is that those games were trash. Personally, while I agree that the 2D sprite graphics of Fantasium Fantasia 4 were great, I think Fantasium Fantasia 7 is clearly a masterpiece as well, on par with 4 even. It’s known for having an excellent scenario and character designer, and what’s more—”

Nia reached out and put her hand on Levi’s knee, and he stilled, his face going bright red as though he were a cartoon character who’d just eaten a hot pepper. Taking  advantage in the lull of Levi’s monologue, Asmo chimed in as well.

“Yes, the Demon Lord’s Castle is like something straight out of a fairy tale. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

“…At first glance, sure.” Mammon, still grumbling about not getting to sit next to Nia this time, projected his attitude onto the situation, as usual. “But I know the truth… I know about the tons and tons of horrible stories they tell about that place. It’s enough to make your skin crawl. Barbatos has a secret torture room beneath the castle. And every night you can hear his victims screams of agony echoing up from outta there. And there’s a huge mirror, and behind it is the entrance to a secret labyrinth. And inside the labyrinth lives a monster that feasts on the innards of demons…”

“Mammon!” Nia said, scolding him by reflex the way she would have her little sisters. “You can’t just talk about someone’s home like that! Sorry, Diavolo.  Mammon, apologize to Diavolo. And Barbatos.”

Mammon’s eyes were wide, looking at her as if she’d grown an extra head or something. “Uh. Okay, human. Sheesh.”

She raised a single eyebrow at him, and he turned his attention to Diavolo, and standing with him, Barbatos. “I’m sorry. I should have thought about how sharing all those rumors would have made you feel.”

Diavolo looked between Mammon and Nia with a grin on his face. Barbatos was covering his mouth to hide a soft chuckle.

“So, Asmo claims it’s like something out of a fairy tale, and Mammon thinks it’s a hell house.  What do you believe, Nia?” Satan said, reclaiming her attention.

“Well, I mean…” Nia turned to face him. “It’s Diavolo’s house. So I’m sure it’s a lot less extreme than anyone’s making it out to be. But it is a castle, so it’s likely to be beautiful. And we are in the Devildom, so some built-in scary is also to be expected. So I guess Both? Both is good?”

Satan chuckled and kissed her cheek. “You’ll see.”

Beel, of course, was still muttering about the dinner.

Solomon’s desk was covered with spellwork in progress. Something so simple and yet so complicated that he had three books open and two dozen reagents carefully measured and placed within an even more carefully drawn circle of symbols. In the center, a small enamel pin of a chubby gray cat eating a piece of pizza, the point of said pin dark with dried blood.

The spell itself worked a bit like flame-testing elements. When he triggered the spell, the circle would light with color in a way that would reveal the extents and origins of Nia’s connection with magic. A chill ran down his spine as he reached to start the reaction. Last time he’d done this, it had been… no, best not to think about it.

Speaking the words and lighting the flame, Solomon stepped back so that he could see the full pattern. The range of colors and textures was dazzling, and in that moment Solomon knew for sure that she was no mundane human. Nor was she simply magically awakened. Some of her colors took after Asmo, the one fallen angel whose blood he had tested. It was more similar to Simeon’s, but farther from Barbatos’. The similarities were most striking when he compared her fluorescence to… his own. Had he somehow sullied the test? It was categorically impossible that Nia was related to him, Someone had been working hard to end his bloodline for years. Had that someone planted his own blood on one of Nia’s pins to test him? But no, the rest of the spectrum didn’t match completely, just in the places that implied blood relation.

A chill ran down his spine, and Solomon reached to end the spell, his hand shaking. Something was wrong. His chest felt tight as he cleaned up the carefully measured ingredients and set out a different, simpler set. He had to know. To know if the sample was contaminated, or if there was something else going on. His breathing came in shallow gasps as he spoke the words of the spell he needed, the confirmation popping up before his eyes almost instantly. 

It isn’t possible.

He cancelled the spell and set it again, and again the same results presented.

Again.

He tested repeatedly until the small sample of Nia’s blood on the pin was completely exhausted.

When the last test fizzled, Solomon fell to his knees, his vision darkening at the edges, tears running down his cheeks.  It simply wasn’t possible, but his magic had never once been wrong. Not about something this simple. He did not dare hope that something this impossible had even a chance of being true.

Behind him, the door swung open, and then shut, and then Simeon was there, his angelic form on display, as he wrapped arms and downy wings protectively around the sorcerer as he sat numbly on the floor of his room.

Chapter Text

Nia snuggled up to Satan on the sofa in the library, both of them engrossed in their books. They liked to read like this, curled up in each other’s arms but otherwise doing things entirely separately.  She couldn’t help but follow Mammon with her eyes when he walked into the library to get something, or return something, she wasn’t sure.  When he left, Satan closed his book, and reached to take hers away as well.

“What’s up, Satan?” Nia said, leaning her head back into his chest.

“Mammon.” He said quietly. “You’ve been watching him more lately.”

“Yeah.” Nia said, smiling. “He’s so much happier now that things are going better with all of you.  He only has to take the modeling jobs he feels good about, and he’s even studying more.”

“That’s not what I mean though.” Satan said, slowly petting her hair. “You’re interested in him.”

“Y-yeah.” Nia said, stumbling over her response. “He’s not interested in me though, and I don’t want to make him uncomfortable, so I’m just admiring him from afar.”

“I think he’s into you too, though.” Satan said. “He just… doesn’t know how to show it right.  How about this - what if we make it our goal to get you a kiss from Mammon before the end of the retreat?”

Nia giggled. “Okay, but… only if he really wants to. I don’t want to bully him into it or something.”

“Deal.”

“Asmo…” Nia knocked at the fifth brother’s door, nervously.

The door flung open as if it had a mind of its own, and there stood Asmo, in a state of undress that made Nia immediately turn around, her face flushing.

“Oh! Hello Nia~!” Asmo said, grinning. “I was dolling myself up for a bit of fun out on the town. Come in, come in!”

Nia followed him into his room, keeping her eyes anywhere but his basically naked form.

“Asmo, you’re naked.”

“Am not! I’m totally wearing socks!”

Nia wasn’t sure she’d call the thigh-high fishnets “socks” but, well, she didn’t really want to admit how much she’d seen of the man.

“So, uh… I was hoping you could help me shop for what to wear to the formal dance at the retreat? I know nothing about Devildom customs of dress, and… there’s no one better to go to than you, Asmo. Please say you have time.”

“Oh Dearie~! You came to the right demon.” Asmo’s tone of voice was practically dripping with excitement, and Nia smiled despite herself.

After a moment, she looked up to see Asmo in his pajamas, no sign of the fishnets. Why had he even been wearing them? Wait. Nevermind. I don’t want to know.

Asmo led her to a room she’d never been to before, with furniture all draped in white cloths, and large arched windows letting in what felt for all the world like actual sunlight.  Nia basked in it while Asmo shuffled around some things to make some space, and then flung open the closet.

“This is Lilith’s room.” Asmo said quietly, the first words he’d spoken since they entered. “Lucifer made it to remember her, and for a long time, I’ve been designing dresses for my baby sister, even though she’s gone.  But now we have you. And I know you’re not Lilith, but… I think she’d be happy to loan you a dress or two.”

Nia peeled her eyes open to look at Asmo. “I’m honored that you’d share these with me, Asmo.”

The next two hours were Asmo trying a multitude of dresses on her. Nia thought this must be what trying on wedding dresses was like, or at least what Say Yes to the Dress was like. So many dresses.  Eventually, she stood in Asmo’s favorite of the set.  A deep green gown that flared out as it hit the floor, just enough to completely hide her feet. On a sheer layer over the deep green chiffon, gold ivy trailed over her chest and down her back like a cape.

At Asmo’s gesture, Nia did a little twirl, and Asmo giggled. 

“You look perfect. You’ll let me do your hair and makeup, right?”

“I sure will. I need… heels, though, Asmo. Shoes. All I’ve got is my slippers and the black flats I wear for school.

Asmo grinned and pulled out a pair of gold heels from the closet. “These should fit.”

Nia slipped into the shoes and felt more than a little bit like Cinderella.

Friday morning dawned the way a Friday morning usually did; without a sun, this was the Devildom. Nia woke to her alarm, and then a sudden knocking on her bedroom door, the energetic nature of which could only belong to one very specific Demon, who quickly made himself known when she did not immediately throw open the door.

“Yo, Human! You’re awake, right?” Mammon’s voice was too loud for this time of morning.

Nia grumbled and rolled out of bed before stumbling to the door, unlocking it, and peeking out at an energetic dork.

“Hey Mamms. I’m awake, I swear.”

Mammon chuckled, reaching out and tapping her nose. 

“That’s why ya packed last night, human.”

Nia nodded.

“Get dressed, we’re heading out as soon as yer ready.” He said, and then strode off the other direction.  Nia rolled her eyes and turned to stare at her closet, suddenly glad she’d planned what she was wearing last night, because she wasn’t particularly a person yet.  She’d hoped that this retreat would mean she could dress more casually, but alas that was not to be. She expected to skip the Jacket after the first day, but who knows. Lucifer could be really stuck up about these things whenever the Celestial Realm came up, and Nia didn’t want to make Diavolo look bad, either.

Uncertain how exactly she managed it, Nia got herself together and wheeled her little weekend suitcase out to the front hall. A glance at Asmo told her he had the garment bag with her dress and shoes, so she didn’t have to worry about forgetting them.

All at once, the realization that she was going to get to see Jake soon shook her out of her morning funk, and she grinned. Mammon was excited too, practically shouting in the hall.

“All right! It’s finally time for our retreat! Three days and two nights! So, Nia! Are you pumped for this or what?!”

Nia laughed. “I’m excited to see Jake.” She said, honestly.

“Hey now, is that all? Let’s see some more excitement, eh!”

Levi looked about as dead as Nia felt. “Mammon, you’re being really loud.”

Mammon stuck his tongue out at his next youngest brother. “Aw, what’s wrong with you Levi? Get that grumpy look off your face, killjoy! Ah, I know what’s goin’ on here. You stayed up real late last night playin’ games and readin’ manga and stuff didn’t ya? Yup, I knew it! One point for Mammon!”

“You’re like… too excited right now, Mammon, and it’s really annoying.” Levi grumbled.

Satan walked up behind Nia and planted a kiss on the top of her head. “Mammon being annoying is nothing new, but yeah… this morning he’s especially annoying.”

“At first, you were complaining about how this retreat was going to be a drag.” Levi said, enjoying pointing out Mammon’s habit of contradicting himself.

“Ah shut up, both of you.  Sure, I thought it was gonna be a drag, but then I found out about Nia’s friend, and the party, and… Well now that it’s time to go, I’m excited!”

“He’s like an elementary school kid about to head off on a field trip.” Satan said quietly, and Nia giggled.  Mammon had turned from them to pester the rest of the family.

Asmo joined them, then, and Nia gave the Avatar of Lust a kiss on the cheek.

“Morning Asmo. Thanks for your help last night.”

“Anytime, dearie~!”

Satan looked between them, and then at Asmo’s luggage. 

“…Asmodeus. Why do you have so much luggage?”

“Hey.” Nia said, elbowing Satan. “Some of that is my outfit for the formal dance thingy. Asmo said he could keep it from getting wrinkly, so he’s carrying it.”

Asmo nodded. “Yes. And bringing my makeup and hair tools so I can make us both look perfect takes up space!”

Satan nodded. “I suppose that makes sense.”

Lucifer strode out with his own suitcase, rivaling Asmo’s, in tow.

“Ah, good. It looks like everyone’s here. Thank you all for being on time. It won’t do to keep Diavolo waiting. We should head over to the Demon Lord’s Castle right now. I want to be sure to get there before the angels and Solomon do.”

Lucifer led the way, and Mammon fell into step beside Nia.

“So we’re goin’ to the Demon Lord’s Castle… I hope you’re ready Nia, ‘cause there ain’t no guarantee you’ll come back from this alive, ya know?”  Mammon seemed for all the world like he was trying to spook her, and Nia just laughed.

“Diavolo would never let anything happen to me, let alone my pact boys. C’mon Mammon, give yourself some more credit.” Nia said, smiling.

“I know you want Nia to be interested in you, but you do realize it sounds like you’re trying to scare someone, don’t you Mammon?” Satan said from her other side, throwing a wink her way.

“What?! Whaddya mean?! Pff, why would I want Nia to be interested in me, huh?” Mammon looked at her, and Nia knew he’d be able to read the disappointment in her eyes, but she wasn’t about to hide it. He scoffed, but continued talking. “There are a lotta rumors about that place, that’s a fact.  From what I hear, there are ghosts wanderin’ the halls, y’know?”

The entire walk to the castle turned into urban legends about the place.  Nia was just glad that the House wasn’t too far from Diavolo’s Castle.

The castle was stunning. Nia had seen it from a distance, but the closer they got the more she was in awe of the hedge maze she saw off one direction, and the beautiful water features to another. As they approached, the doors opened, revealing Diavolo and Barbatos, waiting for them.

“Well, good morning. I must say, I couldn’t wait for you to arrive!” Diavolo said brightly, hands spread in welcome.

“Welcome to the Demon Lord’s Castle. It’s a pleasure to have you here.” Barbatos said, quietly but firmly.  Nia couldn’t help but smile at the butler, and his eyes lit up at her reaction. They hadn’t seen each other in some time, not since he’d revealed her relation to Lilith. Something about the man with his teal ombre hair made Nia feel at home. Maybe he’d make her some tea later.

“Good morning, Diavolo. And you too, Barbatos.” Lucifer said, leading his eccentric family into the foyer. “It seems that Solomon and the Angels have yet to arrive. If you’ll show us to our rooms, we’ll drop off our luggage and get to work.”

Nia cleared her throat. “Actually, if it’s all right with you all, I know you said I wasn’t supposed to be helping set up and everything, but I could ferry all of our luggage to our rooms - that’s just personal help, not retreat help, right? Then you can get started sooner.”

Lucifer pursed his lips, but Diavolo just laughed. “Trust Miss Nia to find a way to help even after being told to take it easy this weekend.  Barbatos, would you be willing to help our overachieving exchange student move things to the rooms?”

“Absolutely my lord.” Barbatos said, gesturing for everyone to leave their things. Wow, look at them scatter. Nia thought as everyone moved quickly to their tasks. They all knew the sooner they got things done, the more free time they’d have before the other exchange students arrived. Satan ruffled her hair and headed out, sharing a look she couldn’t decipher with Barbatos as the two passed each other.

“So, Rooms.” Barbatos said, coming to stand closer to her. “Lord Diavolo will be sharing a room with Lucifer and Michael.”

Nia blinked. “Glad I’m not in that room.”

“You and me both, sister.” Barbatos said with a rueful laugh.

“Are you in a room? Or wait, no, you have your own room…”

“I do, my own room. If the retreat ever gets to be too much and you need a quiet space, please let me know, I can hide you for a time.”

“Barbatos, you’re a saint.”

“I am decidedly not, but I accept your intended compliment.”

Oh. Another backhanded compliment. Shit.

“Sorry, ‘Batos.” Nia muttered, and she heard him cough.

“What did you call me?” he said, and she shrugged.

“’Batos. The last part of your name. Sounds better than Barb and I like nicknames, so…”

“I like it.” He said, chuckling. “Alright, so rooms. Down the right side we have Lucifer, Levi, and Mammon. Down the left we have yourself and Asmo, Satan and Belphie, and Beel.”

“Those are odd combinations.”

“Well, you’re not the only ones staying here after all. We’ve spread everyone out so that there’s a Human, Demon, and Angel in every room. Well, except Dia’s room. They’re enough of a powderkeg without adding Maddi to that mix.”

“Maddi?”

“The attaché from the Human world. She’s a sorceress, akin to Solomon though… different.” Nia giggled.  Barbatos had just used ‘different’ the way her mother used ‘interesting’ to describe the worst food she’d ever tasted. “Once on a visit to the Devildom she refused to leave unless Diavolo agreed to marry her. It was… an entire time.”

“Diavolo’s not married though.”

“Yes, well, Solomon manufactured an emergency. Which resulted in himself getting a place in the exchange program when it came up.”

“Oh. Cool, that explains a lot. Man, I love Solomon, It’s so relaxing to be around him, you know?”

Barbatos blinked at her. “Sure, if you say so. He and I have a bit different of an understanding than that.”

“Oh right, you have a pact with him.” Nia said, and Barbatos smiled.

“Odd of you to know that.”

“Asmo mentioned it at some point when we were talking about Solomon’s pact collection.”

“Ah. Asmodeus. Yes, that explains. Well, shall we get things moved so you can settle in before the other delegations arrive?”

“Yes, let’s.”

Chapter Text

Nia was sprawled out on the bed she’d claimed in the retreat room when she heard a commotion in the entry hall, and she got up and walked out to see who’d arrived. The rest of the Devildom crew had already arrived, so it was either the Human world contingent or the Celestial Realm set, and Nia was impatient for either, as one would include Jake, but the other would contain the guys who were living with her family, and they were bringing her a care package from her mother.

Standing at the door being greeted by Barbatos were the two exchange students she’d met that fateful Friday when she’d found out she was coming here, in addition to two girls who looked far prettier than Nia felt. In addition to them was an older woman who looked like she was trying to pretend she was still 25, and Nia blinked. That has to be Maddi, if this is the human world set. Which meant one of those gorgeous ladies was an angel, and another was a demon.

Nia bounced over to help folks find their rooms. Barbatos smiled at her, and she waved.

“Hey, Long time no see Diaval, Mark.”

Diaval grinned and waved back, but Mark looked confused, and turned to Diaval for help.

Diaval rolled his eyes at the angel. “She’s the one whose room we’ve been using in the human world. We met her at school the first day.”

“Oh. We did?” Mark, who looked just as much like a knock-off version of Fabio as he had that first day, also seemed to have the memory of a goldfish.

“We did!” Nia said, keeping the cheerful tone in her voice. “So, rooms!” she said, and gestured at Barbatos to take over.

“Yes. First we should allow you to divest yourselves of your luggage. Everyone’s rooms are just down this hall. Sarah and Maddi, you’re in the closest room on the left. Jynora, you’re in the closest room on the right, Mark second room on the left, and Diaval you’ll be in the farthest room on the left.”

“Which room is Asmodeus in?” Jynora asked, tilting her head sideways.

“Oh!” Nia said, grinning. “Asmo’s in a room with Diaval and I and someone from the Celestial Realm.”

“I’m with you?” Diaval said, raising an eyebrow.

“Aw.” Jynora said. “I wanted to be with my Asmobunny.”

Nia had a feeling that Asmo did not consider himself to be Jynora’s ‘bunny’. Especially as he’d never once mentioned the girl’s name. But she kept that to herself.

Nia sat on her bed facing Diaval who handed her a decent sized box.

“Your mom and sisters packed this for you. I have no idea what’s in it but I’m curious, so thanks for letting me hang out while you open it.”

“Of course! You went out of your way to bring me a care package.”

“I just want to know if they included gummy bears that I can bully you into sharing.” Diaval said, frankly.

“Wait, gummy bears? Really?” She laughed, and opened the box, which did in fact include a large size bag of the fancy organic gummy bears that she loved. They actually tasted like fruit. “Ohhh. I can’t wait to share these with Beel.”

“You share food with Beelzebub?!” Diaval said, taken aback. “Isn’t that like starving yourself?”

Nia scoffed. “He knows the meaning of moderation.”

Diaval grinned. “Sure, sure. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

There was a knock at the door, and Diaval got up to answer it, revealing Mark and, surprisingly, Beel himself.

“Beel!” Nia said, and launched herself at her pactmate for a hug, laughing as he caught her out of the air. “What brings you here?”

“Well, I was curious why this angel was just standing in the hall staring at the door, and then I heard my name, so…” He set her back down next to the bed, gently.

“Oh! Right! I’m looking at the care package my mom sent - look, gummy bears!” She brandished the bag at him, and he eyed them hungrily.

“Those are like those fruit snacks you brought on your first day.” He said, grinning, and to be honest drooling a little bit.

“They are, but chewier and bear-shaped!” Nia said. Beel smiled, wiping his face.

“Can’t wait to try them. If you’re gonna share?” he asked hopefully.

Nia nodded. “Still gotta go through the rest of the box though.”

“I need to get back to it, still a little bit to do before dinnertime. Barbatos says the Celestial Realm crew are due to arrive in about fifteen minutes.”

“Thanks babe!” Nia said, and waved to Beel as he exited the room. 

Diaval clearing his throat reminded her that there were other people in the room.

“…Babe?” Mark said, confused. “How does one derive the nickname ‘Babe’ from ‘Beelzebub’ I wonder.”

“It’s just a term of endearment.” Nia said, blushing. “Beel and I are close.”

“Close, huh?” Diaval winked at her, and Nia stuck her tongue out at him. 

“Yeah. You try living as part of a family for months and not get close with them. Oh wait. Are you not close with my family after all this time?!” Nia pretended to be taken aback by the concept, and Diaval grinned.

“I like you! You know how to joke.”

The rest of the box was pretty simple - a few of her blank journals for keeping notes in, a few new pins for her bag, some hair bows her sisters made for her, a neat little shawl or wrap thingy that her mom knitted for her, and school photos of her sisters to put on the wall. And like a dozen boxes of girl scout cookies, with the expectation that half of them were for Jake. There was a wrap ‘for Jakey’ too.

“Who’s Jake?” Diaval asked. “Your mom talked about him a good bit with another human that would come over, but she never really talked to me about him.”

“Oh! He’s my bestie. He’s part of the exchange program too, he’s been in the Celestial Realm this whole time. We were supposed to end up together, they thought, but we got split.”

“Big oof.” Mark said from his perch on the bed opposite them. “They should be arriving soon. I’m excited to see Michael, it’s been too long.”

Nia nodded. “We’ve all got people we’re excited to see again, I’m sure. What about you, Diaval?”

“I was hoping I might get a chance to see Mephi before I head back up. Diavolo said he might be able to get him in for the dance, but that he was busy with something else this weekend for the paper.”

“Mephi?” Nia said, tipping her head to the side.

“Do you not know Mephistopheles?” Diaval said, stunned. “He runs the newspaper club!”

“This is clearly an oversight on my part.” Nia said sagely. “It’s about time for some Celestial Realm arrivals. I’m going to head out to help Barbatos get people to rooms. And see Jake, obviously.”

“I’m going to lounge here.” Diaval said. “I haven’t had this much downtime since before the exchange program started. Your sisters are monsters.”

“You can say that again.” Mark said. “If I never see glitter again, it will be too soon.”

When Nia emerged into the main hall again, Barbatos was sitting in one of the side chairs, reading something on his D.D.D.

“Hey, ‘Batos.” She said, plopping into the chair next to his. “When are we expecting the Celestial Realm folks? I thought they were due by now, but here you are reading.”

“Ah.” Barbatos said, smiling at her as he slipped his device back in his pocket. “Celestial Realm time is often… fashionably late.”

“So much for being sticklers for the rules.” Nia said, grumbling.  I’m only upset because Jake isn’t here yet and I’m impatient.

“Yes, well.” Barbatos said, suddenly standing. “Your timing is impeccable, as always.”

The knock at the door heralded the arrival of the Celestial Realm delegation, and unlike the generally calm entrance of those from the human world, once Barbatos had the door open, Jake sprinted past the demon and wrapped his arms around Nia, picking her up and spinning her around.

“Giiiiiirl~!” Jake said grinning. “I have missed you so much!”

“Jake, we text every single day.”

“It’s not the same!” He pouted, and Nia laughed.

“Barbatos, This is my bestie Jake!” Nia introduced.

“Ah yes! The cause of the cookie caper.” Barbatos said, a slight smirk gracing his lips.

Jake looked between Barbatos and Nia, and shrugged.

“Sure! Also hi.” He fidgeted with his watch, and Nia elbowed him, causing them both to break out into the giggles. Immediately interested in the only Demon he’s met here… typical Jake.

The sound of a throat clearing brought Nia’s attention back to the rest of the people standing in the hallway.  There was a tall, almost regal blonde man with piercing blue eyes, who was glaring at her.

Ah. Well, seems like I already made an enemy of an Angel. Never saw that coming. Nia thought, her eyes scanning over the rest of the group.  Given what I know, I bet that’s Michael.

The other human was a girl with long hair, tied back into a thick braid, all of it dyed the color of grape juice. Of the demons, both were girls, one especially tiny and the other large like Beel. In addition to the exchange students and Michael, there was an additional angel, with tan skin and striking ash-blonde hair.  He wasn’t smiling either, but was instead watching her carefully. Maybe I should be more proud of having made friends with Simeon and Luke…

Barbatos being the perfect butler he was, took in the situation with a glance and then started explaining room assignments.

“Myself and Nia here will help ferry all of your belongings to your rooms.  Michael will be in the far right room. Across from him is Raphael. The next room closer on the right will have Jake and Vriaya, and the closest room on the right will have Cheyenne. Yboun’dih will be in the closest room on the left.”

Jake whispered in her ear, “Am I rooming with you?”

Nia shook her head. “Nah, but you’ll have Luke and Levi, so it should be a good time.”

Jake pouted, but didn’t get to say anything else as the wary extra angel walked up to them.

“Excuse me, Miss Nia. I am Raphael. As I am to be carrying Michael’s things for him, can I entrust my bag to you?”

“Absolutely!” Nia grinned, taking the bag from him. “You’ll be in my room anyway, so that’s pretty simple.”

Raphael nodded, and turned away.

“Aw, no smile?” Nia pouted to herself, and Jake chuckled.

“Girl, he talked to you. That’s more than I got for over a week after I met the guy. You’re doing great.”

Asmo swanned into the hall, one of the first to arrive to Barbatos’ call that wasn’t already there when it happened. He took one look at the assembled personages, and made a beeline for where Nia and Jake were chatting.

“Nia~!” he said, planting a smooch on her cheek. “Who is this delicious morsel you are chatting with?”

Nia laughed. “Asmo, this is Jake.  Jake, meet Asmodeus, Avatar of Lust.”

“Oh!” Jake said, smiling. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Photos do not do you justice, like, at all.” Jake was blushing, and Nia wondered if that had anything to do with Asmo’s Charm, or was just her bestie being a gay disaster as usual.

“Jake!” Asmo said. “What are you wearing?!”

Jake looked down at his Celestial Realm uniform, and winced. “Ugh. Khakis.”

Sure enough, Jake was wearing white sneakers like old ladies wore to go mall walking, a pair of (well-fitting at least) khakis, and a baby blue polo shirt.

“I can’t wait to get you out of that mess and into something that suits you better. Please tell me you have better clothes for the dance?”

Jake sighed. “I did my best?”

Asmo sucked in a breath through his teeth. “Well… maybe I can get something drop-shipped from Akuzon…” he trailed off, mind running calculations while he looked around for Levi. 

Nia found herself distracted by the arrival of the rest of the brothers, as well as Diavolo. She looked at everyone gathered in the entry hall, unable to hold back her smile.  Jake, who was feeling a bit shy among all of these otherworldly folks, leaned on her shoulder for support.

Satan came up quietly behind her and put his arms around her waist possessively. He shared a look, then a smile with Jake who blushed, but didn’t stop leaning on Nia’s shoulder.

“All right then. Now that we’re all here, perhaps we should go ahead and explain how this retreat is going to work.” Diavolo said, and gestured to Barbatos.

“Certainly, My Lord.” Barbatos said, and then dove into his explanation. “The aim of this retreat is for demons, angels, and humans to intermingle so that each may gain a better understanding of the other.”

Mammon leaned over to Nia and whispered. “Pillow fight in my room later.”

Barbatos sent a glare in Mammon’s direction, and the demon immediately shut up.

“Now then, I’ll begin by explaining what we have planned for each day of the retreat. As you’ve all taken your belongings up to your rooms, we’ll begin shortly with a guided tour of the Demon Lord’s Castle, where you’ll have a chance to learn about Devildom History. After the tour, we’ll be serving Devildom cuisine for dinner tonight. I will be cooking, assisted by Diaval and Yboun’dih.”

“Mmm. Barbatos’ authentic Devildom cuisine…” Beel said, and Nia smirked.

“Um, Beel… you’re drooling.” Levi said, slightly disgusted.

Barbatos cleared his throat and continued. “Tomorrow we will be having a scavenger hunt, so your attention to the tour this evening will be of use to you, should you manage to retain any information.  Tomorrow’s Lunch will be Celestial Realm food, as prepared by Simeon, Raphael and Sarah. Luke, Nia, and I will be preparing Sweets from the three realms to accompany afternoon tea.”

Nia squeaked. Like sure, I can bake pretty good, but shouldn’t someone have told me ahead of time? Hopefully Barbatos has human world baking ingredients…

Lucifer caught her eye and then glared at Mammon, who looked sheepish but said nothing. Ah. Mammon was supposed to tell me. Nia thought. She reached out and grabbed her greedy pactmate’s hand and squeezed, so he’d know she wasn’t upset with him. Barbatos simply continued talking.

“Tomorrow’s dinner will be catered by Hell’s Kitchen, a treat for everyone, I’m certain.  As you’re all well aware, there will be a formal dance following dinner tomorrow. Once we are finished with dinner, you will all have ninety minutes to change and ready yourselves.”

Asmo made a small whine in his throat. That was going to be a fast turnaround for doing not only his makeup and hair, but Nia’s.

“Sunday morning will be for relaxing and chatting and simply spending time with one another. We expect the dance itself will run late into the night, especially with flowing spirits, so breakfast will be continental over the course of the morning, with a hearty Human world lunch prepared by Cheyenne and Jake.”

“And Nia!” Jake piped up, making Nia laugh.

“As usual.” Nia said, agreeing with whatever Jake had in mind just by default.

Barbatos chuckled and nodded. He’d had an inkling that might occur. Nia was really bad at moderating her own efforts, but he was sure she’d be fine.

“Now, if there are no further questions, shall we away on our tour?”

Chapter Text

“…I want to go home.” Luke said, and Nia looked over to where he was standing, with an overly-excited Levi and the girl who reminded her a little too much of one of the cute villain girls from her favorite anime.

“What’s wrong, Luke? You seemed to be in such high spirits earlier.” Simeon said, concerned.

“Yeah, Suddenly that cute little tail of yours is hanging down like a sad puppy, you know?” Vriaya said, smirking.

“I’m not a dog! And I don’t have a tail!” Luke said, angrily, and Nia had to hide her small smile at the way his cheeks puffed up when he was angry.

“You’re so lucky, Nia! Unlike me, you have relatively decent roommates!”

Nia blinked. Asmo was great, Diaval hadn’t fucked up yet, and Raphael… her gaze went to her fourth roommate, who stood with Michael like an unimpressed aide, and smiled slightly. She didn’t know what to think of the angel, but he had a different vibe than the others from his realm, and so far she was a fan.

“I sure did luck out.” Nia said, trying to cover for the fact that she was smiling across the room at an angel she’d barely spoken ten words to.

“My room is Awful! First off, Leviathan is taking up almost half of the room to perform a strange ritual worshiping some sort of idol.”

Levi cleared his throat, offended. “Well, tomorrow is the birthday festival for one of my favorite characters. When the clock strikes midnight, I’ve got to go online and start streaming. To share my deep passion, and joy, and infatuation—”

“Ugh, at least speak in a language I can understand!” Luke interrupted, irritated. 

I’m pretty sure he was speaking English. Nia thought. Otaku dialect, sure, but…

“As for Vriaya…” Luke continued, glaring daggers at the blonde, “Her makeup is taking up basically the rest of the room.”

“Hey, it’s not that bad, little buddy!” Jake piped up, and Nia watched Luke freeze and turn towards her bestie. “You’re bunking with me after all, and I am totally awesome.”

Luke scoffed, and Jake looked offended.

“You’re fine I guess.”

Nia couldn’t let this slide.

“Fine?! You Guess?!” Nia stood behind Jake and used the boy himself to gesture at Luke. “Jake is a perfect human specimen of friendliness and chill.”

“He called me little buddy.” Luke muttered sullenly, scuffing the toe of his shoe against the floor.

“Hey now.” Mammon said, joining the conversation. “Levi, Vriaya, you shouldn’t tease Luke too much, got it?”

“What’s going on?” Asmo piped up, having walked up from the other direction when Mammon did. “Suddenly you seem to be in an awfully good mood, Mammon. Did you spot something in your room that you might be able to sell for a profit?” Asmo winked at him, and Mammon sputtered.

“What? N-N-No, I’m not plannin’ to do anything like that!”

Nia couldn’t help the low growl in her throat as she turned to Asmo, fire in her eyes.

“Asmodeus…” She said, the anger clear in her tone. “I thought we were past this?”

Asmo blanched. His darling human never used his full name. And she was angry. At him.

“No, no no oh no, Nia. I was just teasing…” Asmo said, holding his hands up placatingly in front of him. When she started to advance on the Avatar of Lust, Mammon stepped around her, and put himself between the two of them.

“Nia, I promise that Asmo’s just teasing, we’ve been going back and forth about him seducing all the exchange students and me stealing things all day.”

Nia paused, squinting at Mammon to see if she could tell if he was lying.  She couldn’t just like tell of course, but usually if he was lying and she squinted at him he tried too hard to cover it up and gave himself away.  No dice on that this time, though. He didn’t seem actually upset about what Asmo had said either. Maybe they were just teasing…

Jake broke the stalemate with a gasp, pulling Asmo out of Nia’s warpath protectively.

“Nia! What are they teaching you at that fancy Devildom school of yours?! Bullying 101?”

Nia shook her head, and sighed.

“I just… they’ve been ganging up on Mammon for so long, and… I… I’m sorry, Asmo.”

Mammon awkwardly patted her shoulder, but Asmo bounced over to her and wrapped her in a hug. 

“It’s okay, Sweetie. You were just living into the threats you’d made, and I’m proud of you for that. I should have got you in on the joke at least first.”

What Nia didn’t notice while she was settling her misunderstanding with Asmo and Mammon, was the intensely intrigued look that Raphael was giving her across the room.

They’d split into smaller groups to take the tour, so that everyone could hear the information without anyone having to yell or resort to magical means of vocal projection. Nia’s group was being led around by Barbatos, which made Nia happy in a way she couldn’t really express. Next to her, Jake was asking a question of Barbatos on their way to their first destination.

“I thought this was a Devildom History Tour, so why are we staying in the castle?”

“The history of the Demon Lord’s Castle is the history of the Devildom itself.” Barbatos responded, smiling. We’re going to be viewing all sorts of historical artifacts and works of art housed here in the castle. And in the process, you’ll learn all about the Devildom!”

Jake nodded, his curiosity sated for the time being.  Nia knew it wouldn’t last. Jake was exactly the kind of person that museums were built for. He loved guided tours, and was a huge nerd about all of it, be it art or artifacts, he was interested. 

Nia leaned over to Jake and whispered in his ear. “You lucked out, Barbatos is the best tour guide in all three realms. I’d bet money on it.”

Jake grinned at her, excited, and Nia suddenly felt a lot more at home in the situation. Having Jake here was just so good.

After a little bit of walking, Barbatos stopped in front of a portrait.

“So, let’s start with this portrait here.” Barbatos said, and Satan sighed.

“I doubt you even need to introduce him, right?” Satan said, a slight grimace on his face.

“Don’t be so sure, Satan. After all, I’m guessing Nia and Jake don’t know who this is.” Simeon said, and Satan shrugged.

“This portrait is of the Demon King himself.” Barbatos said, ignoring the chatter.

“What about that crown there?” Jake asked. “Does that belong to the Demon King, then?”

Barbatos shook his head. “Actually, that belonged to the previous Demon King.”

“Doesn’t the crown pass with the title?” Nia asked, curious.

“It’s a bit more complicated than that.” Barbatos said, pausing. “I think that if you want to know more, you should ask Lord Diavolo. Alas, he is guiding another group right now…”

Nia waved Barbatos’ concern away. “Idle curiosity, ‘Batos. Don’t worry about it. I’ll ask him another time.”

Barbatos smiled, and led them down the hall, talking about each painting or artifact as they went.  Nia did her best to pay attention, but found it slightly difficult with the way that Vriaya was watching her, and how Satan kept ‘accidentally’ brushing against her.

More than an hour later, they’d met back up in a large room of portraits with the rest of the tour groups.

Luke grabbed Nia’s sleeve and pointed to a painting near them.

“Look, there’s even a picture of the Celestial realm here!”

Diavolo, overhearing Luke’s joy, walked over. “Ah, yes. I believe this was painted around the time that I first met Lucifer.”

Lucifer, next to him, grimaced. “Hey, Let’s not bring that up…”

“Oh, what’s the harm in it?” Diavolo said, unaffected by Lucifer’s concern as usual. “The first time I met you, you were simply so diving, so awe-inspiring that you took my breath away. I couldn’t believe that such a beautiful, magnificent angel actuallyexisted. And then there was the way you refused to even shake my hand at first.”

“Why do you sound so happy right now…?” Lucifer looked like he was going to drown in his own embarrassment, and Nia was here for it.

Satan fake-coughed to cover his laugh, and said not-so-quietly; “Get a room, you two.”

Just as Lucifer turned his glare on Satan, unimpressed with his middle brother’s commentary on the matter, a scream ripped through the space.

Everyone was taken aback, looking around their group for the source of the voice. Nia didn’t recognize it, and she’d spoken with literally everyone today as they arrived.

 Asmo looked particularly concerned, however.

“Wait a minute. I feel like I’ve heard a scream like that somewhere before…”

“How could you… HOW COULD YOU…?! Asmodeus… this is all your fault! All of it, YOUR FAULT…!”

While most eyes swiveled to Asmo, who looked horrified, Solomon was staring elsewhere.

“Is that portrait talking?”

Nia blinked.  The man had been looking practically waxen today, unwell enough that she’d been concerned, but Simeon had told her not to worry about it, so she’d been trying to keep her worry to herself. Now, however, he seemed much more himself. And rather serious.

“It absolutely is.” Barbatos said, his lips pursed. “That is a portrait of Helene. She was a witch.”
“Helene…? Hmm, Helene… why does that name sound familiar? …ah, yes!” Asmo was having a little conversation with himself, as usual. “Yes, of course! Helene! I remember now!”

“So…Anyone want to explain for the rest of us?” Diaval said, an eyebrow raised.

“Helene was once known far and wide as a witch of unparalleled beauty.” Barbatos said, loud enough to be heard over the chatter. “Countless humans, angels, and demons alike fell under her spell. But then Asmodeus here came along and seduced her, leading her to betray her lover at the time. War erupted as a result of her betrayal, a great war that destroyed an entire country. And Helene was derided as a horrible, wicked woman who had sold her soul to a demon.”

“So you’re saying all this happened because Asmodeus fooled around with some woman long ago?” Satan said, smirking at his brother. The ambient chatter continued, and Nia wondered what everyone was so up in arms about. This was just part and parcel of Asmo’s existence and though she hadn’t been here long, even she understood that.

“Ahaha!” Now wait a minute, everyone.  We’re talking about something that happened hundreds of years ago! But regardless…Helene, I never expected to run into you here of all places! I mean, what are the chances?! Wow, it’s been sooo loooong! So whatcha up to these days, hm?”

Nia could almost feel how uncomfortable Asmo was with the situation, but it didn’t seem like anyone else could tell, except possibly Solomon, who stiffened at the demon’s tone.

“…After what happened, I incurred the wrath of the nephew of my former lover, who was a sorcerer. He sealed me inside this painting.”

“The nephew of your ex?” Asmo said, surprised. “Are you talking about Demetrios?! I don’t believe it! The first time I saw him, he was just a little munchkin. You’re telling me he grew up to be a sorcerer capable of doing something like that?! Well, that is impressive! You know, Demetrios’ father was a grade-A hunk, so I imagine his son must’ve turned into quite the man himself…”

Diavolo started herding people out of the room, talking about continuing the tour, but he was clearly just trying to buy Asmo some time to deal with this crazy situation. Lucifer helped him get people moving, but Nia was drawn to the conversation between Asmo and the woman in the painting.

“Why didn’t you tell me this happened to you? I would’ve come straight over to help. Ugh, Helene, you’re so stubborn, you know that?”

“Silence!”

“Ahaha! Wow, it’s been so long since I’ve heard you say that! Ah, the memories…”

Nia felt like she could see the heart emoji that Asmo would have added to the end of that if he’d been on his D.D.D.

“Asmodeus…you haven’t changed one bit! You’re still the same awful womanizer of a demon you’ve always been. Not a day has passed that I haven’t thought of how much I hate you, how much I RESENT you! NOT ONE SINGLE DAY!”

Nia couldn’t take it. Sure, she’d yelled at Asmo undeservedly earlier, but that was a misunderstanding. This  was different. Asmo didn’t look okay at all, and was muttering something about having missed her, too.

“Excuse me.” Nia said, addressing the painting as though she were speaking to a live person standing in front of her. “You’ve been out of things for a bit, miss. Asmo’s not like that. Yeah, he used to be, sure, whatever, but he’s come a long way since then, and he’s a lot more sincere than you think.”

“And who are you to address me, child?”

“Oh, my name is Nia, and I’m Asmo’s friend.”

“Friend? FRIEND!? I may be imprisoned inside this portrait, but I haven’t lost all my power. Just you watch, you uppity little thing.”

“Nia, be careful.” Barbatos said from almost immediately behind her. When did he get there? Nia wondered to herself. “It just so happens that Helene’s portrait is known to drag those who look at it inside the painting itself.”

Nia’s eyes flicked quickly away from the painting, but the damage had been done, and she felt herself being physically pulled toward the painting.

“Oh, this can’t be good.” She said, her tone far more calm than she felt.

“Nia!” Beel called, and she felt strong arms wrap around her from behind, slowing the pull slightly. “I’ve got you, but…”

“Oh, a two-for-one deal on Asmodeus sympathizers? Marvelous.” Helene said, and as she felt herself getting pulled into the painting, Nia started to hear others clamoring behind her. 

This is probably not what Diavolo had in mind for the kinds of things we’d be learning on this retreat… Nia thought, as despite Beel’s strength they were no match for Helene’s power, and were drawn fully inside her painting.

Chapter Text

“Th…they’re gone!” Luke said, shocked.

“Oh dear. It looks as though they went inside the painting, doesn’t it?” Simeon said, looking for all the world like this was a completely normal occurrence.

“I should have been faster.” Barbatos said, worriedly. “I should have warned her sooner.”

Lucifer sighed.  “One way or another, some annoying problem always has to come up, doesn’t it?  Well, whatever. Let’s continue the tour.”

“Are you certain you should leave your brothers and those humans in that painting?” Michael looked taken aback at Lucifer’s words.

“Well, they’ve got Beelzebub with them, so I’m sure they’ll manage to make it out in time for dinner one way or another.” Lucifer said, and shooed people back into their groups to continue the tour.

Jake looked at Barbatos in concern.

“Excuse me, Mister Barbatos, but Nia’s going to be fine, right? She’s safe… Right?”

Barbatos paused for a moment too long before answering.

“She’ll be fine. She’s got her pacts, and Solomon is there.”

Jake nodded, forcing himself to believe the butler’s words.

“Nia? Nia!” Nia opened her eyes to see Solomon’s face rather close to her own. “Ah good, you’re awake!” 

Nia only realized that Solomon was holding her when he set her back on her feet.

“Where did everyone else go? Where are we?” Nia was confused, but mostly fine otherwise.

“I’m not sure where we are, nor am I sure where everyone else is.  I woke up and found myself here, same as you. Looks like we’re the only ones here.” He paused in thought, before continuing. “Two humans alone together in an unfamiliar area of the Devildom… this isn’t safe. I’d better go ahead and call Asmodeus over.”

“How are you going to do that?” Nia asked, curious. She assumed magic, of course, but that only made her more curious, not less.

“By summoning him. If you have a pact with a demon, you can call them to your side whenever you want. Though, I’m guessing it would be a difficult task for you, since you have almost no magical power. Here, watch.”

Solomon started to glow with a fuchsia light, almost the way that the demons had a black aura when they shifted into their demon form.

“Hear me, denizens of the darkness, you who are born of shadow and you who give birth to it. Hear me and do as I command! I, Solomon, call upon you to send forth one of your number. I summon the Avatar of Lust, Asmodeus…!”

Light flashed, and Asmo tumbled unceremoniously out of the air into the wall.

“D’AAAH! Ow…that hurt…” He pouted, then glared at Solomon. “Solomon, how many times have I told you to be more gentle when summoning me? What if I had injured my face? What then?”

“Stop complaining, Asmo.” Solomon said quietly. “This is your fault.  Anyway, where are we?”

Asmo looked around, his irritation palpable.

“Don’t ask me! From the looks of it, I’m guessing we’re in that underground labyrinth or whatever that’s supposed to be beneath the Demon Lord’s Castle. The one Satan and Mammon mentioned.”

“What happened to the others?”

“How should I know?  But I’ll tell you this much: We’d better find Beel before he gets really hungry. We have to get him out of here, or we’ll have a real problem on our hands. If he gets too hungry, he’ll lose control and go on a rampage. He could end up destroying the entire castle, and then Lucifer would be super mad.”

“Hmm. I have to say, I’d enjoy watching Lucifer tear into you brothers for doing something like that. But yeah, I’ve got no interest in being involved myself.”

“You really are a sadist.” Nia muttered under her breath, and Solomon’s cheeks pinked.

“I don’t want to hear things like that from you young lady.” Solomon said, and Asmo giggled at her.  “I guess we should start by finding Mammon and Leviathan, since they were sucked in as well.”

“Solomooooon, how far does this Labyrinth go? Are you even sure we’re going the right way?” Asmo whined.

“Quiet Asmo. You’re the reason we’re in this mess to begin with.” Solomon grumbled.

“Hey.” Nia said, her protective hackles up again. “It’s not Asmo’s fault.  First of all, he didn’t trap her in that painting. Second, he had no control over that painting being there to start with, and thirdly, I’m the reason she got mad. If I’d kept my nose out of their business everyone would be fine.”

“Nia gets me.” Asmo said quietly.

“You should probably still apologize to Helene. If for no reason than that she stops abducting people.” Nia said, even though she hated suggesting that to him.

“Ugh. Yeah. But I didn’t even do anything wrong! Sure, a country was destroyed in the end, but how could I have known that would happen?  It’s not like I manipulated Helene, after all. I simply gave her an opportunity to have what she wanted. To unleash her inner desire.”

“I mean, isn’t that the whole point of a lust demon?” Nia said, confused.

“Right? Everyone desires something. Everyone has lust in their heart. No matter how noble and saintly they may be, they’re always keeping something locked up in there. It’s not always dark, sometimes it’s pure, but still, it’s lust.”

“Like those people who genuinely lust after world peace. I mean wish for.”

“Exactly. As hard as they may try to control it, deep inside they wish they could do what they want and have what they want. They’re constantly fighting the urge to stop suppressing it, to set desire free.”

Asmo reached over and ruffled Nia’s hair, which made her laugh, but also made her realize how closely Solomon was following their conversation even though he pretended not to be paying attention.

“And it’s the same with you as well, isn’t it, Nia? I wonder, what is it you desire? What sort of secret, shameful thoughts are hidden inside that heart of yours? Why not let me help you reach inside and unleash it?”

“Hey!” Solomon turned in an instant and took Asmo’s arm from around Nia’s shoulder where it had settled.

Asmo looked disgruntled. “Quiet, Solomon. We’re having a moment here.”

“Are you sure now is the time for that?” Solomon said, through his teeth.

“Well, yes!” Asmo said unabashed. “Things are just starting to get good!”

“Okay, but you should probably know that Mammon, Leviathan, and Beelzebub are being chased by a giant snake right now.” Solomon said, one eyebrow lifted at Asmo.

“…Come again?” Asmo said, confused.

The joint screams of Levi and Mammon drowned out whatever either of them had been going to say next.

Nia froze when she saw the brothers and also the snake moving down the corridor toward them at speed.  It wasn’t so much in fear as it was in awe. The snake was a beautiful teal-and-blue iridescent, and while Mammon seemed sure the snake was going to eat them, Nia wasn’t sure that was the case.  Or at least, not all of them, as the snake only had eyes for Levi.

“Gah… It’s giant. And disgusting! Ugh, I hate having to look at unattractive things.” Asmo said, the whine in his tone not even breaking Nia’s focus.

“I don’t know about that.” She said quietly. “His iridescence is rather stunning.”

Beel wrapped his arms around Nia and picked her up on his way by.

“Hey Asmo, how bout you stop talkin’ and help save us from the monster somehow?” Mammon said in a panic.

“Not right now!” Asmo said, running with them. Solomon and Asmo led them back a few turns through the way they’d come, and eventually they managed to get the snake off their tail.

“He’s not a monster.” Levi said, offended. “He’s Henry 1.0.”

Asmo turned to Levi, stunned. “What…?”

“Henry…? Wait, you mean that Henry?!” Mammon was startled, but he seemed to understand more.

“Are you sure?” Beel asked, not even winded by the running they’d been doing.

“I know my Henry when I see him. And that is Henry, no doubt about it.” Levi said, nodding. “I can’t believe I’d find him down here of all places.

“I thought Henry was the goldfish?” Nia asked, confused.

“He’s talking about the pet snake he used to have. Every time Levi gets a new pet, he names it Henry.” Beel said, quietly.

“Oh wait, that’s why 2.0. So you said, 1.0 is the snake, right?” Nia asked, and Levi nodded.

“I kept Henry 1.0 in his glass case and took really good care of him, but one day he disappeared. How many years has it been at this point, I wonder…? He was in his case in my room that day, and the door and windows were all shut, yet he still managed to vanish without a trace. I looked all over for him. Later, when I moved rooms, I expected to find his bones. Every time I picked up something to move it I was scared. But I never did find the remains of Henry 1.0.” Levi paused, but then his face lit up. “I don’t believe it. I never thought I’d see him again…! But here he is, alive and well. And he’s gotten so big! Oh, it’s such a relief. I’m so glad he’s all right.”

“Well, I sure ain’t!” Mammon said, irritated.

“If he used to be your pet, do you think there’s a way to pacify him?” Solomon asked, and Levi shook his head.

“Nope. No way. He looked like he’d forgotten me completely.” 

“I disagree.” Nia said. “It looked like he was watching you and you alone, Levi. Maybe he just misses you. I’m sure there’s a way to calm him down without resorting to violence.”

“Whaaaat?” Levi looked at her like she’d grown an extra head.

“I have an idea.” Solomon said, and Asmo grinned.

“Oh, Solomon. I knew you’d come up with something! Not only are you good-looking, you’re smart too!” Asmo said, piling the charm on thick.

“Thanks.” Solomon said, grinning. “I’ll be counting on you to make this work, Asmodeus.”

“Huh? …Me?” Asmo threw up his hands in shock.

“Are you thinking of using Asmo to mesmerize the snake?” Beel asked. The feel of his voice rumbling in his chest reminded Nia that he hadn’t put her down yet. She didn’t mind though, and snuggled into his chest, which brought a smile to Beel’s face.

“Exactly.” Solomon said. “We should make use of Asmodeus’ Charm. If he can manage to tame Henry and win him over, then maybe he’d be willing to show us the way out of the labyrinth.”

“Ah, okay…yes. Well, I suppose I could do that.” Asmo said, smiling. “You know, it really should be illegal to be so stunningly beautiful that you can even charm a snake. I’m so attractive sometimes I scare even myself.”

“…Yikes.” Beel said, and Nia giggled.

“I see. So that’s how you managed to make it safely out of the underground Labyrinth…” Diavolo said, relief clear on his features.

“Too bad. If you’d stayed lost in there for another 5000 years or so, it would have been a bit quieter and more peaceful here in the Devildom.” Lucifer said, and Nia wasn’t at all sure if he was joking or not.

Nia scoffed. “Oh yeah. Tell that to my mother when you don’t return me in one safe piece, Lucifer.”

“Her mom is no joke.” Jake said from where he was clinging to her arm.

“Well, in any event, it really is awful that you got caught up in this mess, Solomon.” Simeon said, and they shared a look that Nia didn’t understand and chose to ignore. Old dude things. I got nothin’.

“Ugh, I told you Jake. When you associate with demons, bad things always happen. Truly bad things!” Luke said, and Jake chuckled.

“Actually, I ended up enjoying myself in a way.” Solomon said. “Sure, it was a complete accident, but I did get to go inside the rumored underground labyrinth, after all. Still though, I can’t help but wonder why there’s a labyrinth underneath the castle to begin with, or what Henry is doing down there.”

“Hmm, I suspect I know the answer to—“ Diavolo started to say, but was cut off by the sound of some kind of demonic triangle.

“Dinner is served, if you’ll all come to the dining hall.” Barbatos said. “Tonight’s Devildom feast is something very special. Please, come, take your seats.”

Asmo was laid out flat on his bed, looking at his D.D.D. when Nia came in to get ready for sleep.

“Hey Nia, what do you think about this for Jakey?”

He handed her his D.D.D, and she looked at the dark rose pink corset-vest and slacks outfit Asmo had chosen.  She didn’t know how to pick formal outfits, but it looked good to her.

“Pink is good, of course, but he looks stunning in purple.” A sudden voice in her ear and a hand on Asmo’s D.D.D. startled Nia so much she almost dropped the device.

“Sorry, sorry.” Raphael said, backing up to a polite distance.

When Nia looked up at Asmo, he had a wicked grin on his face.

“Raphael, dear, get your ass up here and help me order things to dress this boy. He’s planning to wear his uniform for the dance I just know it.”

“Ugh.” Raphael said, suddenly in Asmo’s top bunk. “He doesn’t really have a lot to choose from, and Michael won’t let me just buy him a wardrobe.”

“Asmo handled mine.” Nia said, and Raphael nodded.

“I can tell. Asmodeus, do you think we can also order him a few things… not for the dance?”

Nia giggled as Asmo nodded, and from the doorway, Diaval laughed.

“What the actual fuck is going on here?”

“Fashion!” Asmo and Raphael said in unison.

“Nope.” Diaval said, and turned on his heel and walked right out of the room again.

Chapter Text

The entire room smelled of blood, and everywhere she looked there was some furnishing or decoration broken, broken glass scattered all over the floor.  On the other side of the room, a woman lay curled into a ball, with her hands around her head, shaking in terror. Nia walked over to her, heedless of the glass. 

“Ma’am?” she said, reaching out to touch the woman’s shoulder.  She didn’t look up, and Nia realized that her hand went right through her. Was she a ghost? Was Nia a ghost?

After a moment, a loud rumbling sound, as though of footsteps with far too heavy a weight to them, rang through the room. If there was a vibration to the sound, Nia didn’t feel it. 

A silhouette appeared at the door, and then Nia saw little Jake, looking for all the world like he was ten again, running over to the woman in a panic.

“Mama, mama it’s okay. I’m here” Little Jake said, then looked Nia right in the eye, like he knew she was there even though she hadn’t been able to interact otherwise.

A knock at the door woke Nia from the odd nightmare she’d been having.  It had been a quiet enough knock that none of her roommates had heard it, so Nia slipped out of her bottom bunk and cracked the door open.  Barbatos was standing there, clearly dressed in his pajamas, carrying a stack of boxes.  Nia let him into the room and he carefully set the stack of boxes down in such a way as to not wake those who were still asleep, then with a tip of his head and an offered hand, led Nia from the room, all without saying a single word.

As they were walking down the hall in their pajamas, Nia realized that Barbatos had not let go of her hand once he’d led her from the room, and she felt a blush coloring her cheeks. Eventually, likely once they reached the point where Barbatos didn’t think they’d wake anyone by talking, he paused.

“Good morning, Miss Nia. Apologies for waking you and spiriting you away from your bed this early in the morning.”

“How early is it?”

“About a quarter to six.”

“Oof, that is early.”

“Well, someone ordered rush overnight shipping from Akuzon.”

Barbatos looked disgruntled, and Nia chuckled.

“Asmo and Raphael were colluding to get Jake an acceptable wardrobe since all he has are his uniforms and…”

“And the Celestial Realm School Uniforms are… tacky at best.” Barbatos said, with a smirk.

“Anyway, that explains you arriving at our room with packages at this hour.” Nia said, and then pointedly looked down at where their hands were still joined. “That doesn’t explain where we’re going?” she said, half-questioning at the end, because what she really wanted to ask was what the meaning of him holding her hand was, but that was too awkward to ask.

“Oh. I thought I could treat you to tea and conversation, since you won’t be able to fall back asleep anyway.”

“I’m pretty good at sleeping.” Nia said, though her mind immediately went back to the nightmare she’d been startled awake from. What was that even about? Was that Jake’s nightmare? Does my pact with Belphie make me more connected with other people’s dreams?

“I’m pretty good at seeing the future.” Barbatos said teasingly, jarring her back out of her thoughts, and tugged on her hand to get her started moving towards the kitchen again.

Sitting at the kitchen table sipping tea with Barbatos turned out to be a lot better of an early morning activity than she was expecting, given her relative lack of sleep.

“So, ‘Batos. You said you were pretty good at seeing the future?” Nia asked, curiously.  She’d known that he was more than just a butler, but she was never particularly sure what that meant.

“Yes, had I not told you about my magic before?”

“Not in the slightest. This is in fact the first time we’ve ever been really alone together, unless you count a few spare moments in the hall yesterday.”

“I do not.” Barbatos said, with a slight smile. “But yes. The domains of my magic are Time and Causality.”

“That sounds heavy.” Nia said. “If you know things as simple as whether or not I’ll be able to go back to sleep after being woken, does that mean you know all of the little things all of the time?”

“No, thankfully.” Barbatos said. “That would be more than a little bit of a headache to keep track of.  This morning I am aware of your ability to sleep or not because I knew I would wake you with the delivery no matter what, so I chose to look ahead to see if I should let you go back to sleep. Imagine my shock where there wasn’t a single timeline wherein you got back to sleep for more than a few scattered minutes.”

“Really? That seems… unlikely.”

“Agreed. Thus, it was a clear sign that you were supposed to have tea with me.”

“’Batos, you must know there’s almost no reason that I’d turn down tea with you.”

“I did not know that.” He said, a slight blush lighting his cheeks. “But I do now.”

“Changing the subject.” Nia said, clearing her throat. “I am embarrassed to admit that I don’t know what was planned for breakfast this morning.”

“Quiche.” Barbatos said with a grin. “I’ve got ingredients from all three realms.”

“You’re making all that by yourself? For so many people?” Nia said, trying to decide if it was just how Barbatos was, or if he actually woke her up in hopes that she would help with breakfast. Barbatos didn’t help with her concerns however, he just nodded.

“I want to help.” She said, determined. “I might not be a gourmet cook, but I’m not Solomon.”

Barbatos chuckled at that, standing to retrieve something from the oven.  Nia hadn’t even realized that anything was in the oven.

“Despite your similarities with the Sorcerer, you have the right of it.  I have never seen you make anything noxious, at least.  And who do you think had to approve your cookies to transport to the other two realms?”

Nia smiled. “You, I take it? Were my cookies acceptable?”

“They were delicious.” Barbatos said, plating the freshly baked scones he’d retrieved from the oven. “Speaking of delicious, what do you like with your scones, dear? I’ve got a variety of toppings.”

Nia considered. The only scones she’d had were a just-add-water mix and were the American kind with stuffs in them, rather than whatever kind this was that got stuffs on them. Oh right. Honesty was the best policy with Barbatos.

“I have no idea. Why don’t you share your favorite with me?” Nia said, trying to use cute familiarity as a cover for her ignorance.  Luckily for her, it worked, as Barbatos made a tray of things and came back to sit next to her, patiently talking her through toppings and the kinds of people who liked what different thing.

“That was a lovely breakfast, Barbatos.” Michael said, smiling at the butler, who didn’t betray a single shred of whatever emotion the angel’s praise caused in him.

“Thank you, Michael.” Barbatos said politely, and then gestured at Nia, who was sitting next to him. “Nia assisted me in making breakfast this morning.”

“Is that why you were already gone when I got up?” Asmo pouted.

Nia just nodded. “Yeah, Barbatos tends to overwork himself, so I like to help when I can.”

Next to her, the most unexpected conversation began to unfold, and Nia was drawn to it.

“…Quit leaning up against me, Mammon. You’re heavy, you know.” Beel said, mouth still half-full of quiche.

“Shut up and at least let me rest my head against your shoulder, Beel. It ain’t like I’m stopping ya from eating.  Lucifer kept me up until morning… I didn’t sleep a wink last night.” Mammon yawned, and Nia had to stop herself from giggling.  She knew that Mammon didn’t mean that in the way she took it, he and Lucifer didn’t have that kind of thing going that she knew of, she just had a dirty mind sometimes.

“Yes, Lucifer just kept going and going last night, didn’t he? I’m sure you had a hard time, Mammon.” Diavolo said, smirking at the second brother. “Though I have to say, it was fun to watch.” He added, before laughing.

“That’s not funny!” Mammon said, glaring at Diavolo.

Levi started narrating his social media posts aloud, “Big news: Last night Lord Diavolo, Lucifer, and Mammon totally—” Levi squawked as Lucifer stole his D.D.D. out of his hands.

“Hey! Don’t post stuff like that! I don’t want my personal information leakin’ online!” Mammon said, a little loudly.

“Wait, that’s the part you have a problem with, Mammon?” Satan asked, chuckling.

This entire mess was Asmo’s favorite playground, and he was not about to be left out.

“Hehe. I bet they were…”

“Asmodeus...” Lucifer said, his tone ominous.

“Simeon, why’d you put your hands over my ears? I can’t hear anything this way.” Luke said, louder than he probably meant to due to the nature of talking when someone has their hands over your ears.

“Right. That’s the idea, Luke.” Simeon said, though Luke couldn’t hear him due to, you know, the hands over his ears.

Solomon cleared his throat. “So, back to business. I think you mentioned that day two of the retreat was supposed to start with—”

“Yes. We’ll be having a scavenger hunt.” Lucifer interrupted him. “Each group will be given riddles to solve. Each riddle hints at one of the works of art or historical items here in the castle. Once you figure out the answer, you find and take a picture of the item in question.  The things you learned during yesterday’s tour of the castle should come in handy as you try solving your riddles.”

Nia nodded. That made perfect sense.

“We’re doing this in groups, huh? In that case, I’m groupin’ up with Nia.” Mammon said, smirking.  Nia couldn’t decide if this was because he knew she cared about the tour they had, or if he just wanted to spend time with her.  If she was being honest, she hoped it was the latter.  She hadn’t had the chance to see if their pact kiss was a one time thing or not, yet…

“Actually.” Diavolo said, grinning. “The groups are pre-decided, and are made up of the same people that you share a room with, with one exception.  Since Maddi knows the history by heart, she won’t be joining in the scavenger hunt, but we couldn’t leave things unbalanced. At the recommendation of Diaval, we’ve invited Mephistopheles to join us for this afternoon’s activities. And before any of you complain about an unfair advantage, Diaval is on a different team.”

Mammon growled in irritation at not being able to be on her team, but stopped when Nia caught his attention and winked at him.  Honestly, she just wanted him to stop getting himself in trouble with Lucifer, but she’d take what she could get out of it. 

It turns out that having half of your room pulled into a basement labyrinth during the tour really puts a damper on your ability to do a scavenger hunt. Nia was really disappointed in how low her group placed, but then she wasn’t surprised in the slightest that Satan’s room won. Satan, Belphie, Mark, and Solomon were a dream team. Well, excepting possibly Mark, he came across more like a Himbo than even Beel did, but he probably helped by carrying Belphie during his naps.

At lunch, Barbatos and Luke stole her attention talking about the plans for afternoon tea ideas. Jake was just as interested in listening to them talk about baking as he was in watching the antics unfold between the Demon Brothers and their unsuspecting guests. Diaval had managed to talk Lucifer and Diavolo into letting Mephistopheles stay/come back for the dance later, and Jake had been unable to hide the fact that he was attracted to 2/3 of the room. Or at least, 2/3 of the men in the room. 

“Nia, do you think you will be alright if we adjourn to the kitchen after lunch? I know your treats do not require a lot of process, but I was hoping to steal your time to help with mine.” Barbatos said with a smile. 

“I won’t be in the way for the first hour or so.” Luke said. “I promised to play a board game with Cheyenne and Sarah.”

Nia perked up. She liked board games. “What game?”

“I don’t remember what it’s called but you play as superheroes!” Luke said, grinning.  Nia could think of a half dozen of those based only on that description.

“Sounds like fun! You’ll have to tell me all about it when you get to the kitchen.” Nia said, and Barbatos nodded. 

“We shall manage without you while you enjoy your social obligation.”

Chapter Text

“How did you know what I’d need, ‘Batos?” Nia asked, chuckling as he presented her with a tray containing all of the human world ingredients she’d need for her tea snacks.

Barbatos chuckled ruefully. “Well, when I realized that you had yet to ask for ingredients and thus had likely not been warned that you would be cooking, I looked ahead to see what you might make… You make the same things almost every timeline, Nia. I find it quite concerning.”

“Oh.” Nia laughed. “It shouldn’t be. I don’t know how to make that many things, and only two of them really lend themselves to afternoon tea.”

“I have read about Cucumber Sandwiches before, but the one time I had one in the Human Realm it was simply buttered bread and sliced cucumber. Yours seem as though they will have… panache.”

“I hope they taste as good as you’re imagining them.” Nia said, adding  things to her mixing bowl. 

She was having the hardest time keeping the butler off her mind. First seeing him relaxed in his pajamas, but also now seeing him simply without his jacket but with an apron instead, gave Nia a solid answer as to how she felt about the butler. He wasn’t even on my radar. He’s not even one of the brothers. Why does he affect me like this. Is it a spell, or do I just vibe better with demons in general?

They worked in companionable silence for a bit, both lost in their own thoughts. Nia tasted a bit of the herb cream cheese spread she’d put together for her sandwiches, and thought it needed something. Maybe salt? Last time she added salt when a recipe hadn’t called for it had been tragic, however, and she was hesitant.

“Batos, can you come taste this? It needs something and I want your opinion.”

As requested, Barbatos came over to her side of the kitchen, and tasted the spread.

“Salt.” He said immediately. “Especially going up against bread and cucumber.”

“I thought so.” Nia said, feeling vindicated. “I was just worried about ruining it.”

Barbatos reached out to the bowl of salt on her counter, and carefully sprinkled a small handful into her spread, mixing it expertly before gesturing for her to taste again.

“Mmm, perfect!” Nia said, grinning. “Thank you~!”

Barbatos simply smiled that barely-there smile of his before reaching out to wipe an errant bit of spread from the side of her mouth.

“You could have just told me…” Nia blushed. Am I that much of a mess?

Barbatos shook his head slightly. “It is my job to ensure the cleanliness and order of this castle.”

Then, as if Nia wasn’t already blushing hard from his proximity and actions, he licked the spread off his thumb. 

“Ah yes. Perfect, as you said.” He smirked, and went back to the cigar cookies he’d been working on.

Did he just… that was… Nia shook her head to try and get her thoughts to settle so she could go on with her cooking.  Barbatos just wiped cream cheese from my face and then licked his fingers. Could he think of me as more than just a random human that Diavolo caused to exist in his space? I just assumed he was indifferent but kind. But now…

A little later, after Nia had tucked her perfectly crafted sandwiches in the refrigerator in order to set, Barbatos was eyeing her area.

“You left a pile of crusts?” Barbatos said, curious but not surprised, really.

“Cucumber sandwiches aren’t perfect unless you cut the crust off!” Nia said, and then handed a crust-stripe to Barbatos. “Besides, then there are tiny crust sandwiches for the cooks!”

Barbatos hummed in approval as he chewed his treat. Nia had moved back to her area to clean up so she could mix up the cookie batter that was her second dish for tea.

“Crusts are my favorite part.” Barbatos said, after a moment. “Mostly because they are stolen in the kitchen like this.”

Nia nodded, and started to say something endearing about liking crusts because of her little sisters, but got derailed when she felt Barbatos’ hand on her shoulder.  When she turned to look at the butler, he stole her lips in a kiss. After she’d gotten past her initial shock, Nia kissed him back. She tasted the cream from the sandwich, and the light fruitiness of the cucumber, and something that was distinctly Barbatos.

“Forgive me.” He said, when they parted. “I also enjoy kisses when they are stolen in the kitchen.”

Nia knew she was blushing, but shook her head.  “There’s nothing to forgive.”

“Oh?” Barbatos said, and Nia could see the mischief sparkle in his eyes. “Well then.”

She’d thought he might go in for another kiss then, but he surprised her by returning to what he was working on elsewhere in the kitchen.

Once the last of Nia’s cookies were out and cooling, she wandered over to Barbatos and slipped her arms around his waist in a hug, burying her face in the taller demon’s back.  She liked to do this with Beel, and didn’t really think it through before attempting it on another Demon.

“Were you intending to surprise me, Miss?” Barbatos said, a chuckle in his tone.

“No, I just wanted a hug and you’re busy.” Nia said, into his shirt.

“I am never too busy for a hug. I can wash my hands, and—”

“No, no. Let me help. There will be plenty of time for hugs.”

“Will there?” Barbatos turned a gaze that seemed too serious on her. “Will you not be returning to Satan’s side, or to your pactmates, once we leave this kitchen?”

“Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean I can’t spend time with the best butler in all three realms.”

Barbatos seemed to ponder this for a bit, but in the end, he simply started giving Nia directions to help him work on his dish. He seems to be completely lost in thought, have I done something wrong?

As the tart crusts went into the oven, Barbatos seemed to tense.

“’Batos? Is everything okay?”

“Nia. Would you make a pact with me?”

“What?” Nia swiveled to stare at him, flabbergasted at his question.

“Ah. So you haven’t even considered it. I see.”

“Barbatos, why are you asking me about a pact?”

Instead of immediately responding, Barbatos scooped her up and set her on one of the counters, and touched his forehead to hers. For a moment, he said nothing, but just as Nia started to repeat her question, Barbatos sighed and started speaking very softly.

“I feel a strong pull to protect you, and I can best do that if we share a pact.”

“I have nothing to give you, I refuse to give you my soul.” Nia matched his volume, but couldn’t match the calm in the butler’s tone

“Taking your soul would be the opposite of protecting you, Miss Nia.”

“I reiterate; I have nothing to give you.”

“You could teach me how to make those cucumber sandwiches.”

“They are self-explanatory, that hardly counts as—”

Barbatos quieted her argument with a soft chaste kiss.

“What you are actually giving me is your time and attention. I don’t have cause to request them of you otherwise.”

“No?” Nia said mischievously “And why would you think that?”

“Humans choose one partner. You’ve chosen Satan. And I am mostly disconnected from the exchange program except when Master Diavolo needs something.”

Nia sighed. “But Demons take multiple partners.”

“You are a human.”

“Well, I mean, technically I’m part fallen angel?” Nia said, quirking an eyebrow up.

“Ah. So in addition to having interesting blood through Lilith, you have somehow gained a more Devildom sensibility in regards to relationships?”

“I may have already had one? I mean I kissed Mammon for my pact, and then Satan not long after that, and…”

“And by now Asmodeus has seen you naked or as close to it as he can manage.”

“And been completely polite about it after he got over fawning over my figure. Which to be honest is confusing and I totally don’t understand his fascination, but being a total gentleman with me standing there naked was a pleasant surprise.”

“Well, of course. Asmodeus is the Avatar of Lust, not poor impulse control.” Barbatos said, which caused Nia to burst out laughing despite their proximity.

“What did I miss?” Luke said, bursting into the kitchen, a tiny whirlwind of energy. “Something’s funny!”

Barbatos took a polite step out of Nia’s personal space in the presence of the young angel, surreptitiously helping her off of the counter.

“We were talking about how Asmo—” Nia started to say, but Luke cut her off.

“Oh. Demon talk. Nevermind.  What are you making for tea?”

Afternoon tea saw Nia sitting between Satan and Jake, directly across from Barbatos, who looked just as calm and put together as usual.  If she didn’t know better, Nia wouldn’t even suspect the encounter they’d shared in the kitchen. I would say that Demons were a completely different breed, because they are, but even among Demons, Barbatos really is something else. His perfectly polite manner is like a superpower.

“What are you thinking so hard about, love?” Satan said, leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek, but lingering for a moment longer in her space. “Oh. You smell like Barbatos. And I don’t just mean his cooking.”

“Mhm.” Nia said, smiling. “Would you believe that he kissed me?” she added, as quietly as possible.

Satan chuckled, and elbowed her in the side.

“Nia, you’re moving your own goalposts now.”

“What?”

“Well you were at 2 out of 6, but now you’re at 3 out of who knows how many.”

“Was I supposed to tell him no since he’s not your brother?”

Satan’s laugh was loud enough to catch Barbatos’ attention, and his smirk in response just about did her in.

“What are you keeping tally of, Nia? I missed it.” Jake said, trying to understand what his bestie might have said that caused the Avatar of Wrath to laugh like that.

“Kisses.” Satan said, before Nia could do damage control. “So far she’s got 3.”

“Are you collecting kisses now?” Jake asked with an amused shake of his head.

“What? No!” Nia said, mock-offended. “I’m just… making sure to get the kisses I want so I don’t regret having to go home.”

Jake chuckled and leaned in close. “You’re right, that’s entirely different from what I said. So, obviously Satan. But who else?!”

Nia smacked herself in the forehead. Why did I think he would do anything but ask for more details immediately?

“Mammon, for my pact. Though I only half count it cause it wasn’t for romance reasons.”

“It counts.” Satan said, and Jake nodded his agreement.

“And, um, Barbatos.” Nia glanced up, and the demon in question was no longer in his seat.

“The butler?!” Jake said, and while others might have taken it as disapproval, Nia knew that Jake was simply jealous, as he’d had his eye on the man the entire weekend. “I would not have guessed him for straight. Damn.”

“I suppose you may have been in the Celestial Realm for too long if you’re guessing a restrictive sexuality on a demon.” Barbatos said from just behind Nia’s chair, causing Jake to look up in surprise, and Nia to let out an audible squeak in startlement.

“’Batos!” Nia said, once her heart had returned to its usual place in her chest.

“Yes, that is the nickname you use for me.” He said, the smirk on his lips taking any potential sting out of his pedantic remark.

“He’s tolerating a nickname?” Satan said, then chuckled darkly. “Sounds like Barbatos and I are going to need to compare notes about some things.”

Nia punched the blonde demon in the shoulder, and then smiled ruefully when he had the decency to pretend she’d hurt him.

After Barbatos left to refill snacks and teacups, Nia felt her D.D.D. buzz in her back pocket. When she looked at it, a single message was waiting for her.

Barbatos > Nia: Please seriously consider my request. I will ask you again once the retreat is complete and we’ve returned to our routines.

Chapter Text

The time between Tea and Dinner was a whirlwind, and Nia couldn’t help but get caught up in it. And so, when dinner rolled around and she found herself seated between Maddi and Michael, she was at a loss.  This was the last kind of place she wanted to be.  She knew from Barbatos that Maddi was not to be trifled with, and the only person who had even a single nice thing to say about Michael was Luke, and that was more hero worship than actual compliments.  Even Raphael, his… butler? Nia wasn’t sure what his role actually was, but even Raphael had carefully skirted around conversation topics that would force him to have an opinion about the Angel. Given their proximity, texting was right out, and so Nia found herself watching the brothers directly across the table from her. Mammon seemed grumpy, and the combination of Levi on one side and Satan on the other didn’t seem to be doing anything to help him get less grumpy. She spent the entirety of dinner wondering what was up with him and trying to field the seemingly random questions coming from her notorious seat neighbors.

She smiled wryly when Mammon started to say something to her across the table, but the volume level in the room was such that she couldn’t hear him. He tried a couple times, which only made her laugh, and when he got louder, the conversation volume dropped suddenly, and Mammon’s loud and slightly irritated voice echoed in the dining room.

“If ya keep starin’ at me like that, I’m gonna have to charge you for it, and it won’t be cheap.”

Wait, I was being a problem?  I didn’t mean to be a problem, I just…

Nia felt traitorous tears building behind her eyelids as people teased Mammon for being, well, Mammon.  Muttering something that was meant to be an apology for her necessary departure but probably came out something more like a stuttering mess, Nia turned to leave. On her way past his seat, Lucifer snagged her arm, and whispered harshly in her ear.

“I don’t know what exactly it is you’re plotting with that Jake, but let me make one thing clear. I respect my brothers’ freedom to do as they wish. However, if I ever sense that you’ve become a threat to either Diavolo or us then I will show you absolutely no mercy. Understood?”

Nia was shocked by his words, coming completely out of seemingly nowhere as they were, and pulled her arm out of his rough embrace, saying nothing whatsoever as her casual walk turned into a shameless run out of the dining room.

Nia’s exit drew few eyes, as Levi had already turned on Mammon.

“Seriously, Mammon? You’re bleeding Envy all over the place all night and when the object of your attentions is watching you, you call her out?  That’s the worst way to build up friendship points! I just can't believe you, you’re going to get a bad end at this rate.”

“What else did ya want me to say? She was starin’! The whole time?”

“I don’t know! Do I look like I have appreciable XP with ladies, or humans at all?”

“Yeah, ok, no. Don’t know why I even asked ya.”

Asmo huffed, and then started in on Mammon. “Well, if you ask me, Mammon…” 

Not knowing entirely where she was heading, Nia found herself opening some random door along the hallway, and ducking inside. The door opened on a library that rivaled the size of the one in the House of Lamentation, and when she shut the door, all sounds ceased. The library was silent, and Nia wondered for a moment if there was some kind of spell keeping it silent. Then, she considered the many shelves and the plush carpeting, and realized that instead of a spell, this was simply the sort of place where sound waves went to die, absorbed in all of the soft angles of the place. Perfect for a library, in hindsight.

Eventually her steps led her to a cushioned window seat, and Nia curled up in it, and leaned her head against the glass.  The light was changing — she couldn’t really call it sunset, things were weird and different here in the Devildom — and the sky was bathed in midnight blue and purple.

Nia didn’t know particularly how long she sat there.  She expected someone to try and come find her, likely Satan, but barring that one of the twins who could track her with their pact.  She didn’t expect Mammon to come, given how upset he’d been with her at dinner.  The last person she expected to quietly arrive in the library was in fact the very one who arrived.  Solomon, looking carefully around for her as he entered the room.

“Nia, dear, are you in here?”

Nia sighed. Solomon, huh.  Maybe he could give her some advice about how to handle this many boys all at one. And maybe… maybe he could help her decide what to do about Barbatos.  She felt it was too much to tell someone else that Barbatos had offered her a pact.  She’d be a fool to turn him down, but… ugh. That was a headache for another day.

“I’m over here.” Nia said quietly, and as much as the sound didn’t carry, Solomon still quickly found her.

“Hey, are you doing alright? You look pale.”

“I think I’m just overwhelmed.”

“Did Lucifer say something untoward? You seemed fine, until…”

Nia looked out the window.

“I… I want to say it was nothing, because I have no idea what he’s on about, but he just threatened me because he thinks I’m plotting something with Jake.  Does he not know what friendship is? You’d think the man didn’t even know how to smile.”

Solomon’s calm cracked a little at her words, though by the end of it he smirked.

“Well… good that it was nothing of note.  I’m sure he’ll be suitably embarrassed when he realizes his mistake.”

“Serves him right.” Nia muttered.

“Just remember, this is the Devildom.  When it comes down to it, you’re human and that makes you different. Never forget that. You may have made pacts with demons, but you still lack the power to command them.”

Nia turned to look at him, feeling like a bratty child refuting everything the wise parent has to say.

“I sort of managed to call Mammon once! Almost!”

Solomon simply raised an eyebrow at her, and she relented.

“How do you command a demon you’ve made a pact with?”

“Hm.” Solomon said. “Good question… Everyone has some amount of magical power by nature.  However, there are some people in which it actually manifests itself, and some people in which it doesn’t.  And even among those in which it does, some have more of it than others. It varies based on the individual.  Seeing how it doesn’t even manifest itself in you to begin with, even though you’ve made pacts with demons, you can’t take command of their powers.”

Nia felt herself get excited towards the beginning of what he was saying, but by the end of his spiel she felt completely useless, and sighed.

Solomon reached out and put his hand on her shoulder.

“Would you like me to lend you my power?”

Nia’s eyes locked with his.

“…What?! Why? How? You would…” She had no idea where that sentence was going, but it seemed like it was going approximately nowhere, and fast.

“Let’s just say I’m curious to know what would happen if I did.  You’re a destabilizing element here in this world.  I can’t say what might happen if I do this, which is exactly what makes it interesting.”

Solomon didn’t wait for an answer. Suddenly, Nia felt power flowing through her, surprisingly similarly to the way the pact magic worked from the brothers but less abrasive and more… cotton-like. As though she were swaddled in a soft blanket.

“There. I’ve put a spell on you.”  His wolfish grin made her smile in kind. “As of this moment, you have use of my powers for the next six hours. You should experience what it’s like to control a demon and use his powers. We are on a retreat after all. Why waste this opportunity?  So, go… show me what you can do. I’m counting on you to deliver.”

Nia giggled, and Solomon tugged her to her feet. 

“Asmodeus is waiting in your room. Impatiently, I might add. Something about so much fashion to do and nowhere near enough time.”

Nia allowed herself to be escorted from the library and delivered to her room.  What would having Solomon’s power do for her? How could she use it? The possibilities were simultaneously endless and nonexistent.

Nia was nervous.  Asmo had gotten her so far dressed up, she wasn’t sure she even recognized herself.  She would have demanded that he take pictures to send her mother, but this was Asmo, and he had an entire set of poses he had planned for not only the two of them, but also Jake, and (she should have been surprised, but wasn’t) Raphael.

Once that was done, he sent the two other boys ahead, and held out an arm and escorted her to the ballroom.

“You look perfect. I couldn’t be more proud of my own work.”

“Thank you, Asmo. I feel more confident than I ever thought I would. Especially in a dress like this that hides absolutely nothing.”

“Good! That’s exactly what I like to hear. Maybe you’ll make it worth my while later.”

Asmo winked at her, and Nia elbowed him. “Asmo!”

“What? Doesn’t the fashion king deserve his very own happy ending?”

“Of course he does, but you’re not getting to have your way with me out of obligation, Asmo.”

“I know dear. I just like to tease.” He nuzzled into her curls, and she laughed, until the doors of the ballroom opened and they walked in, with all eyes on them.

Nia’s dress was exactly how she remembered it, a corseted deep green gown with a trumpet silhouette that flared out as it hit the floor, just enough to completely hide her feet when she was standing still, but somehow with enough motion that she could walk and dance freely in it. On a sheer layer over the deep green chiffon, gold ivy trailed over her chest and down her back like a cape.

He’d styled her hair similar to how it had been after that first bath. Long, loose curls hung around her shoulders, and her striking cat eye makeup and long fake lashes made her feel more like a model than a normal girl. But that was likely part of Asmo’s plan. 

A few steps into the ballroom, a sharp gasp rang out as Lucifer noticed their arrival - fashionably late of course. He mouthed something at her that she didn’t understand, and she tipped her head at him in curiosity. I really need to learn how to read lips, especially if this is going to keep happening. Nia thought, bemused.  Lucifer’s gasp had brought all eyes first to him, and then to her once they realized where Lucifer’s attention lay, and the cause of the gasp. Feeling all eyes on her, Nia looked at the floor shyly, and then turned to look at Asmo, confused about what she should do in this situation. She’d never been to an event like this, after all.

The sound of glass shattering echoed through the ballroom, and Nia looked up, startled by the sound. Michael’s punch glass lay shattered at his feet, the cherry red liquid of the punch leaving a conspicuous stain on the cuffs of his white ensemble. 

His voice rang out into the silent ballroom:

“LILITH?!”

Chapter Text

Nia stared at Michael like he’d lost his mind.  She knew she had to talk her way around this, and fast, because Michael could never know that she was a descendant of the fallen angel who should have died an age ago.

“I know the clothes make the man or the dress makes the woman or whatever, but I never thought that wearing one of the dresses that Asmo designed for Lilith would get you that amount of turned around, Michael.” Nia said, laughter in her voice. “It’s just me, Nia.”

Michael had the grace to look embarrassed.

“My apologies, Adania, you simply looked so much like Lilith in that moment…”

“That’s a compliment, Nia.” Lucifer said, smiling. “My sister was beautiful.”

“Well, thank you.” Nia said, doing her best impression of a curtsy as she’d never had to do one before. The mess at Michael’s feet was starting to make her twitch, however. “Is.. Is someone coming to clean up this mess at all? Should I go fetch a broom, and likely a mop, I…”

“Shh, Nia.” Asmo said in her ear. “A lady doesn’t clean in a ball gown.”

Mostly in reaction to the sound of his voice in her ear, but at least partially due to the situation, Nia blushed.

“Oh. Right. I promised to take good care of the dress…” As she was speaking, Little D #2 and a few of his small orb-like compatriots burst onto the scene with Little D sized cleaning implements, and in moments the only evidence that there had ever been a mess was the splatter marks of punch on Michael’s cuffs, the deep red of the punch slowly seeping into the fabric.  Without the evidence of the broken glass, the punch stain looked even more like blood, and Nia thought it suited Michael just fine.

Diavolo took that moment to stride over and steal Nia into a dance. That was, of course, when Nia realized that her dance experience amounted to standing near a dance floor and staring in horror at the kinds of stupidity teens thought were dancing, and didn’t come within miles of ballroom dancing, let alone whatever was currently the trend in the Devildom.

“Diavolo… I have no idea what I’m doing.”

The Demon Lord chuckled, and placed his hands at her waist. “Just let me lead.”

“What if I step on you?”

“That’s the risk of dancing, isn’t it? Don’t worry, I won’t have you beheaded.”

Through their shared laughter, and a little more stiffness than she hoped, Nia learned that letting someone lead was a lot less trying to pay attention to what they were doing to match, and more just letting her subconscious do the work. Soon enough, she was actually having fun gliding around the dance floor with Diavolo.

“I wanted to tell you what a smooth response you had to Michael’s outburst earlier. He’ll find out eventually, of course, but better that it not happen in a public forum such as this.”

“Thanks. I just said whatever came to mind. I’m glad it wasn’t horribly embarrassing this time around.”

“This time?”

“Well, I tend to be a lot less successful with my words, is all.”

“I fear what would happen if you were more successful with your words, Nia. You’ve already got my careful butler wrapped around your finger.”

Nia was so taken aback by Diavolo’s comment that she stumbled, and he had to hold her upright for a moment.

“I’m not wrong, Miss Nia.” Diavolo said, and she followed his eyes to where Barbatos was standing with Solomon, and while Solomon was chatting animatedly with the butler, Barbatos had eyes only for Nia.

“Oh. Well. I. Um. Cucumber Sandwiches?”

“Was that a poor attempt at a topic change?”

“No, he just wants my recipe. That’s all.”

“Mhm. Sure.” Diavolo said, laughing. “I’ll let you have that one.”

I wonder why I thought Diavolo wouldn’t know if his butler offered to make a pact with a human, especially one in the exchange program. Barbatos is nothing if not devoted to his service, and his lord.

As they finished their dance, Nia noticed Mammon watching her from the sidelines, some emotion she couldn’t place burning in his eyes. Her wrist stung, and worry took her. Was he okay? Had she made him so mad that her pact mark was suffering?  No, that was probably just psychosomatic.

When the song ended, Diavolo handed her off to none other than Jake, who looked simply stunning in the suit that Asmo and Raphael had procured for him. It was a violet tweed suit, over a lavender dress shirt left open at the collar.  Raphael was right, he looks amazing in purple.

“Jake, you look so good!”

Jake blushed. “Yeah, It’s a lot better than Khaki, for sure.”

There were a lot more people around than Nia had expected, apparently Diavolo had invited officials who wanted to see the humans and angels mingle with demons in a peaceful way. Some political garbage, Nia was sure, but she just shrugged it off. Not my circus, not my monkeys. Then, she paused. Speaking of monkeys, where’s Mammon? I want to talk to him about what happened earlier…

“Hey Jake, do you see Mammon anywhere?”

Jake looked around, but shook his head.  “He was over chatting with Bunny earlier, but…”

“Bunny?” Nia said, confused, and slightly too loud, because seconds later a girl who rivaled Beel in size bounded over. 

“Did you call?  Hi Jakey!”  She scooped Jake up into a hug, and Nia was sure for a moment that the demoness was going to crush Jake into a pulp.

“Sorry, he called you Bunny, and I didn’t know that was your name, or nickname? It sounded like a pet name, but…”

“Oh. Yboun’dih is a bit of a mouthful to say, so Jakey just calls me Bunny instead.” The girl said, and Nia couldn’t stop herself from smiling.

“Yeah, we tend to be nicknamers around here. Anyway, um, Bunny, have you seen Mammon?”

“Oh sure, he just stepped out to use the bathroom.” Yboun’dih said, smiling. “Would you mind if I took Jakey here for a dance?”

“I have no complaints. Please, have a good time!!”

Jake grinned at her, and Nia was utterly unsurprised to discover that Yboun’dih was leading.

Of course, losing her human bestie armor meant that everyone else wanted a piece of her time, and Nia realized that making friends (and more than friends) with an entire household of demons meant that she was going to be doing a lot of dancing tonight.

During a rare moment of calm, Nia looked around for Mammon. He’d promised her a dance tonight, but he’d been conspicuously absent, and she was starting to worry about it.  Earlier, Yboun’dih had said that he’d stepped out to use the restroom, but even still Nia hadn’t managed to lay her eyes on the demon since her dance with Diavolo.

If anyone was going to know where Mammon was at any given point, however, it was likely to be Lucifer. As loathe as she was to talk to the man, Nia strode over to where he was having a conversation with Simeon, Satan, and… Nia thought her name was Vriaya?  Dainty little blonde demon girl with a fascination about blood that Nia may never understand.

“Excuse me.” Nia said, just loud enough that she knew it would get Satan’s attention, even if it were too quiet for the rest of them. She shouldn’t have been worried, of course, as all four sets of eyes were immediately on her the moment she spoke.

“Yes, Nia?” Lucifer said, one eyebrow raised in curiosity.

“Have you seen Mammon anywhere? We haven’t gotten to dance yet, and he promised…”

Lucifer sighed. “I saw him slipping out earlier, he’s probably trying to find something to steal.” Nia bristled, but didn’t have a chance to interrupt, as he simply talked over whatever argument she was queueing up. “Would you be willing to go figure out what he’s up to and make him come back to the party?”

Nia sighed.  As much as she hated what Lucifer was saying about her first pactmate, she didn’t want to get into an argument that would lose her this chance to figure out what was going on with Mammon.  Some time to herself had let her realize that something was up with him. He wouldn’t have tried to monetize her gaze even in jest on a normal day.  Maybe having more angels around was a really rough time for him, or maybe he liked someone and was having to hide it… really, she had no idea and was just throwing ideas at a nonexistant wall to see if they’d stick.  She just needed to find Mammon and ask before her ideas ran away with her.

“I’ll be going to find him then.” She said, and turned on her (precarious, gold) heel to leave the hall.  As she was leaving, she heard Satan get all over Lucifer’s case about treating Mammon better, and how he wasn’t like that anymore, and smiled.  I don’t have to fight my own battles anymore. I have demons for that. 

The clicking of her heels down an otherwise empty hallway made any attempt at stealth impossible.  Given that she hadn’t managed to find Mammon yet, she wondered if he was actively hiding from her and her heels were giving her away. Nia stopped walking and looked down at where her feet would be if she could see them through the pool of fabric at her feet.

“Maybe I should just take them off.” She said, to herself.  She didn’t know why she’d said it aloud, but later she’d be grateful to her subconscious, as the slightly gruff voice she was used to rang out quietly into the hallway, as Mammon himself stepped out from behind a pillar.

“Not yet.”

Nia looked up and met his gaze, her surprised and concerned, his remorseful.

“Mamms…” she started, and took a step towards him.  She expected him to step backward, but instead he strode quickly forward and pulled her into a hug.

“Ya look amazing tonight, babe.” He said, muffled into her shoulder. “Especially while dancing.”

“You promised me a dance, Mamms.”

“I know, I’m sorry. This is a lot harder than I thought.”

“What do you mean, Mammon?” Nia asked, pulling away from him just enough that she could look into his eyes. “All this opulence should be right up your alley.”

“Oh the party’s great.” He said, and Nia smiled to see his eyes flash with his telltale gold. “But you…”

“I didn’t mean to stare at you Mammon. I was stuck between Maddi and Michael at dinner and I was so bored. You were right there in front of me and I couldn’t even chat with you and it was torture.”

“You wanted to chat with me? Me?”

“Well, yeah!  If I didn’t, why would I have come looking for you, anyway?”

“To keep me from stealing something.”

The sound Nia made in response to that statement was some kind of ungraceful snort that made Mammon laugh outright.

“Mammon! Come on now! We both know you’re better than that.”

“I know, but…”

“Mammon. I came out here looking for you because I missed you, silly demon.”

“But your best human is here, Asmo is basically glued to your side, and you’ve got Satan, and Barbatos was all over you at lunch and the Tea…”

“And they’ve all had their dances and then some. So have Beel and Belphie. I needed you, Mamms.”

“I’m just a pact though. A friend, sure, but…”

“Mammon you gorgeous idiot, I love you.”  Nia saw Mammon’s eyes go as wide as saucers and she realized just what she’d said out loud, her cheeks going hot.

When his lips met hers, careful yet needy, she was reminded of their pact kiss, and failed to hold back a soft giggle. Mammon pulled back, and smiled shyly at her.

“Was that okay, babe?”

“Yeah. I was just remembering our pact is all. You really are a good kisser, Mammon.”

“And you’ve known that for every kiss you’ve ever shared with anyone.” He said, a somewhat feral grin on his face.

Nia blushed. “Of course. I even told Satan about how much I liked your kisses.”

Mammon growled then. “You’re not making me any less jealous, human.”

“Jealous? No wonder Levi has been teasing you all day.”

“That little shit. Has been teasing me all week.” Mammon grumbled. After a moment, the smile he wore when he had one of his signature ‘plans’ lit his face. “How about we skip the dance and make out for a bit before we go rejoin high society bullshit?”

Nia grinned, and nodded, and Mammon scooped her up into his arms, walking with purpose.

“I’m sorry I didn’t give you enough attention, Mamms.” Nia said, nuzzling against his neck.

“S’ok. We got here eventually.” He said, and pulled them through the nearest doorway.  Nia gasped as the abrupt motion sent one of her heels skittering to the floor, coming to rest on the hallway side of the now shut door.

“Mamms. My shoe. It fell.” Nia said, in bits and pieces between kisses.

“Sorry Cinderella.” He replied, without a hint of remorse.

Chapter Text

Levi watched Nia leave to go look for Mammon, and smiled. Maybe he’d be able to stop teasing Mammon, finally.  It wasn’t often that he felt his own sin off of one of his brothers. Well, except Beel when anyone ever was eating anything when he wasn’t distracted by his own food, but that was usually low-level enough that he didn’t notice it.

A solid twenty minutes later, he felt the hot pulse of Mammon’s envy flicker and go out.  He’d have worried, if not for the sharp intake of breath and quiet chuckle from Asmo, next to him at the punch bowl.  Now, of course, he was worried for another reason. Earlier when Satan was taking Lucifer to task for being shitty about Mammon’s sin, he’d heard Lucifer mention that the doors to particularly sensitive rooms were spelled to take unauthorized persons to a less than safe location. Nothing that could seriously hurt a demon, but a human… Shit, I have to go find them. I don’t want to interrupt that. Ugh.

For the first time in his life, Levi wished that he had a pact with a human. Well, not just any human, but this specific one, so he could find her before she got hurt.  He glanced around the hall.  Mammon was obviously with Nia right now, but… no, there was no way he was getting Belphie away from whatever conversation he was engrossed in.  The youngest didn’t even look drowsy in the slightest, which meant he would hold onto whatever he was doing like a rabid raccoon. So that left… Beel. Who could probably use an excuse to leave the snack table.

“Hey Beel.” Levi said. “Would you be willing to take a walk with me?”

The urgency in his older brother’s tone must have gotten through to Beel, who’s head snapped up and he stopped reaching for whatever had caught his eye this time.

“Yes.” Beel said, and held his questions until they were out of the ballroom.

“What happened to Nia?” Beel said then.

“Something did happen then?” Levi said, and started to fidget. He told Beel all about how he’d helped to get Nia and Mammon some time to talk, but that they hadn’t come back and what he’d overheard about doors, and how he was worried about them both.  Beel reached out and grabbed his wrist which stopped his spiral into a pile of anxious sludge and pulled him along.

“You wanted me to help you find her. Because of my pact.”

“Y-yeah.” Levi agreed.

“You should just make a pact with her if you care that much.”

“I know, but…”

“But? No buts. Pacts protect. Wouldn’t it help you be less anxious?”

Levi made an awkward strangled sound, but Beel waited for him to be able to put some words together in response.

“What if she says no?”

“Why would she? Nia likes you. You game together all the time. I’ve never seen anyone even mention Ruri-whatever other than you, let alone love it like Nia does. Besides, it’s not like she’d lose anything in the deal unless you’re an asshole.”

“But everyone seems to want to make a pact with Nia. I don’t want to just be a normie about it…”

“But it’s just me and Belphie and Mammon right now. You’d still be faster than half of your brothers let alone anyone else who has interest if you moved fast.”

“I could be a Nia hipster. Pact with her before it’s cool or whatever.”

“Yeah, sure, that.” Beel said, smirking. Whatever got his brother on the Nia train. She was family, and if she couldn’t have her own demon powers then she should get to have all of theirs instead.

Their walking path led them through the halls to a section of the castle they hadn’t toured on Friday, and Levi could feel his anxiety creeping back up on him. 

“You’re sure she’s this way.”

“Yes, I’m sure.”  Beel pointed and Levi spotted one of Nia’s heels laying on its side just outside of one of the rooms.

Levi reached down and picked up the shining gold shoe. “I feel like Prince Charming.”

“He from one of your animes?” Beel asked, reaching for the door handle.

“No, from Cinderella.”

“Oh, duh.” Beel said, momentarily feeling like an idiot until he pulled on the door and had to hold out his hands to catch Nia and Mammon as they toppled out, forgetting all about his momentary embarrassment.

Mammon was shocked, but Nia blushed so hard even her arms turned noticeably pinker even past her natural color.

“Beel?! Levi?!” Nia squeaked.

“What are ya doin’, interrupting us?” Mammon said gruffly.

“Oh.” Levi said, himself a blushing tomato. “I-I-I… I was worried because Lucifer said that some of the doors were spelled to keep their contents safe from intruders, and I knew you two were out here and probably…” Levi gestured wordlessly at their current predicament. “I just wanted to make sure you were both safe from some trap you weren’t trying to trigger and…”

Nia reached out and patted his shoulder. “Thanks, Levi.  I suppose we should probably get back to the hall and show ourselves like proper exchange student and hosts, huh.”

Beel nodded, and Levi helped Nia back into her errant shoe, but just as they were about to start heading back to the hall, Mammon, who had been only half paying attention since being interrupted, froze.

“Someone’s coming.” He said, and instinctively pulled Nia and his brothers into the room they’d been in, and pulled the door mostly shut as voices started to ring down the hall.

“Are you sure they’re this way, Maddi?”

“Of course I’m sure. I heard their voices. Now shut up, Chad.”

“Uh, my name’s Mark. Not Chad.”

“Didn’t I just tell you to shut up?” Maddi’s raspy voice sent chills through the whole party, and Mammon very carefully closed the door so as to make no sound. As the door clicked shut and he let go of the handle, Nia stumbled, even though she’d been standing completely still.

“Something changed.” Beel said quietly.

“It’s more humid suddenly, like we’re at the pool, or in the sauna given heat level.” Levi added.

A low growl started to build behind them, and as one the entire group turned to see Cerberus, waking from a nap and very angry.

“Oh shit.” Beel said suddenly. “How did we get to Cerberus’ room? I would swear…”

“The trap.” Levi said suddenly.

“But Mammon and I were just in this room… for awhile…”

“We never let go of the door, babe.” Mammon said, his voice tight with repressed panic. “When I shut and backed away from the door, we committed to being in the room and the trap fired. Typical Lucifer.”

“Okay, much as I really don’t want to run into Maddi and whoever Chad was, We need to get back out into the hall. Now.” Beel said, and Levi squeaked.

“What the…? The door we came in through. It’s LOOOOCKED!”

Of course it’s locked. Nia thought uncharitably, and tried to see anything at all in the dark room other than the slightly glowing eyes of the three headed dog growling in their direction.

“Wait! There’s somethin’ over here! It feels like a door!” Mammon said, and without waiting for a response, scooped Nia up and strode through the door, followed closely by Beel and Levi… only to discover that the room beyond the door Mammon had found had no floor.

Mammon’s trail of curses as he curled protectively around Nia was matched by Levi’s cry of panic (which to be fair was only slightly higher pitched than his cry of excitement) and Beel’s calm muttering about all of this excitement making him hungry.

The fall was longer than it had any right to be. Nia blamed magic.  Her concern, however, was cut short by the several thuds that the demons in her party made as they hit the ground, followed by their exclamations of pain.

Nia immediately stood up out of Mammon’s arms and checked everyone over carefully for injury.

“Is everyone okay?”

“Us, what about you?” Levi asked, concerned.

“I’m fine! Mammon made sure of it.”

“Well, I am your first Demon after all.” He said, while mindlessly rubbing his tailbone.

“Wait a minute.” Beel said suddenly, “Are we where I think we are…?”

“The underground labyrinth.” Levi confirmed.

“Again?!” Mammon whined.

“Hey, do you hear something?” Beel said, looking around carefully. It paid to be careful after encountering Cerberus.

“Oh. It’s probably Henry 1.0 again.” Levi said, and then the weight of what he’d said hit him.

This time, it was Beel who scooped Nia up, just how he had the previous time they’d been running from the snake.  On the one hand, Nia was glad that the boys cared for her enough to make sure they got her to safety, but also she was a perfectly capable

person thank you very much!

As they ran, Mammon called out to Levi. “I thought Asmo charmed this snake of yours, Levi! Why’s it comin’ after us?!”

“Because the charm wore off a long time ago! It’s been a whole day and then some! Asmo’s magic isn’t permanent!” Levi responded, irritated.

“Henry 1.0 used to be your pet, Levi! Are you sure you can’t do anything?” Beel asked, without sounding even the slightest bit winded, despite carrying an extra person.

“If I could, don’t you think I would’ve already?!” Levi said, definitely out of breath and disgruntled to boot.

“Okay then. Grilled snake it is!” Beel said, grinning.

“I told you, NO. If you eat Henry 1.0, I’ll eat you, Beel! That’s a promise!” Levi said, angrily.

“Kinky.” Nia said quietly, not really being the picture of restraint or tact herself, and Beel chuckled while both Mammon and Levi looked at her with horror.

“It’s not like we’re blood brothers.” Beel said in defense of Nia’s silliness.

“Now is not the time for this.” Levi said, blushing. 

Mammon just looked disgruntled. “We need to hurry.” He said.

Suddenly, Solomon’s words came back to Nia.

“As of this moment, you have use of my powers for the next six hours. You should experience what it’s like to control a demon and use his powers.”

Nia went still in Beel’s arms and tried to focus the fancy power she felt inside of her the way she’d seen Solomon do in this very labyrinth.  I have no idea how to even use Solomon’s power but if I do exactly what he did… it should work, right? 

“Hear me, denizens of the darkness, you who are born of shadow and you who give birth to it. Hear me and do as I command! I call upon you to send forth one of your number.”

“Hey, I know that incantation. Whaddya think you’re—” Mammon looked miffed when he turned to look at Nia, but her eyes were shut, and she didn’t notice.

“I summon the Avatar of Lust, Asmodeus…!”

A bright light flashed, and Asmo appeared in all his ball finery, punch glass in hand. The summoning didn’t even slosh his drink, unlike last time when he almost face-planted into a wall. He looked miffed.

“Hey, Solomon, I was just on my way back with punch! I know it took awhile, but you didn’t need to summon me across the ballroom, you silly—” Asmo looked around in shock. “—Wh-huh? Wha? No way, how could I be here?!”

“Did Nia just summon Asmo?” Beel said, looking at the very focused very not-paying-attention woman in his arms. “You two don’t even have a pact!”

“Whatever, who cares?!” Levi said, his voice mostly one giant squeak of terror. “Just do something about Henry 1.0!”

“Wh… how was Nia able to…?”

“Denizens of darkness, awaken! You who are born of shadow, hear me! I call upon you now to lend your power to Asmodeus, Avatar of Lust!”

Asmo startled, as though someone had jabbed him with a tazer, and went full demon form, heedless of the punch glass shattering at his feet.

“I don’t believe it…!” He laughed in a weird combination of joy and confusion. “What’s even going on right now…? This power…not even Solomon has ever managed to draw this out of me…” Asmo turned his cherry blossom eyes on the snake that had skidded to a halt at Asmodeus’ appearance. “Henry, you can totally tell too, right?”

The rest of the group would have sworn under oath that the snake was purring. Snakes don’t purr, but then, this was the Devildom, so maybe they did. Who knows.

“Henry 1.0 is tame again!” Levi said, excitedly.

“Hold on a second.” Mammon said, confused. “Asmo hasn’t made a pact with Nia yet, has he?”

“That’s what I was saying earlier.” Beel said, perpetually ignored.

“So why was he able to be summoned here and have his power drawn out like that?!” Mammon continued, undaunted.

“And not only that, Nia’s got way more magical power than he does.” Asmo said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Nia dear, what exactly is the story with you, anyway?”

“We can talk about this later after we get back to the party.” Beel said, still holding Nia despite the danger having passed. “I need a snack.”

Chapter Text

“All right, I understand how you got yourselves into this mess. It’s all too clear. And what’s also clear is that no matter where you go, you always manage to stir up trouble.”

“Just to be clear,” Mammon said, irritated. “Nia and I were just chatting when Levi and Beel came up, and…”

“You call that chatting?!” Levi said, his face red.

Mammon opened his mouth to say something and Nia elbowed him. “Yes. Yes I do. Besides, I think we have more important things to talk about than what exactly we were doing out in the hallway.”

Lucifer sighed. “Maddi?”

“Yes.” Mammon said. “She was walking with an angel looking specifically for Nia and Mammon. Her voice gave me chills, Lucifer. Also she didn’t even have enough respect for the angel she was using to remember his name. She kept calling him Chad.”

“His name is Mark.” Nia said, and the calm yet concerned tone of her voice drew Lucifer’s attention much more than Mammon’s ire. “He lives with my family when in the Human world.”

“Well shit.” Mammon said, slipping his hand into hers. “We’ll make sure your family is safe, okay?”

Nia nodded, concerned nonetheless.

“Well,” Lucifer said, sighing. “I’m sorry that Mammon’s determination to avoid Maddi got you all first into Cerberus’ room and then into the labyrinth again. I’ll look into what you’ve said. It seems unlikely Maddi is working with an angel for a good reason. The thing I’m most interested in right now, however, is the fact that a certain someone very kindly lent his powers to Nia.  Isn’t that right, Solomon?”

“Hm? You mean there’s actually someone out there in the Devildom who’s that kind? Well, it’s the first I’ve heard of this.”  Solomon’s shit-eating grin would have infuriated Lucifer on the best of days, and today… was not Lucifer’s best day. “Isn’t that right, Asmo?”

Asmo was busy making tiny pink fireworks with the dregs of the power Nia had funneled into him. “Huh, what?”

Solomon sighed, but continued patiently. “Whose power is it that you’re playing with right now?”

“Nia’s, duh.”

Solomon grinned at Lucifer, who rolled his eyes. Asmo just continued making air sparklers, even sending little pink smoke-ring hearts to float over to Nia and then dissipate.

Nia sipped at her punch, oddly relieved to be back in the middle of the dance. Mammon was off dancing with Bunny, and the rest of the brothers were chatting with other folks, which left Nia completely open for unexpected conversation.  And unexpected it was when Diaval and Mephistopheles came wandering over to her, drinks in hand.

“Hey Nia! I wanted to make sure to properly introduce you to Mephi.” Diaval said, smiling. “Mephi, this is the human girl whose bedroom I stole.”

“That’s sure one way to put it.” Nia said with a laugh.  

Mephistopheles reached out and took her hand, kissing it. “The pleasure is mine.” He said with a wink, and Nia laughed.  She’d never met a demon who radiated gay energy quite the way Mephistopheles did. She’d have to introduce him to Jake.

Diaval smiled, looking between them. “Anyway I was hoping you two could be friends so I’d have an easy excuse to see Mephi if I needed to like, check in with Nia or something for exchange program reasons or whatever.”

“Cunning.” Nia said. “But why can’t you just contact Mephi?”

“Well, we’re supposed to be focused on the exchange program. You know how it is.”

Nia nodded. She didn’t communicate with her family as much as she otherwise would be.

“And what he also means to say is he wants you to have one demon in this place that’s not going to try to sleep with you.” Mephistopheles said, and Nia smirked.

“Because you’re gay, right?”

“Haha, see Diaval, I knew she’d get it right off.”

“Well, I promise, if I ever try to sleep with Mephistopheles it will be because I actually want to sleep.”

Mephistopheles blushed, and Diaval elbowed him.

“Anyway. That’s all we really wanted, you can go back to standing alone if you want.”

“Actually, Diaval… I have a favor to ask.  Can you keep an eye on Mark with my family? Something about him seems… off. And no one will listen to me about it.”

“Oh. Hell yeah, I got you. Nothing will happen to your sibs or your mom under my watch, doll.” Diaval grinned, and then hauled Mephistopheles off onto the dance floor as a slow song started. 

“Why does Diaval sound like he got his entire vocabulary out of a noir movie?” Nia asked to no one in particular, and then startled especially hard when she got an answer.

“Because he thought it made him sound cool, and never stopped.” Diavolo said, reaching out a hand to steady her. “My apologies for startling you, Nia.”

“Oh! It’s fine. I didn’t really mean to say that out loud, I just…”

“It’s relatively loud in here so you figured no one would notice or care?”

“Got it in one.”

“I heard about your second escapade in the labyrinth.”

“Oh. That. I’m sorry we went somewhere we weren’t supposed to…”

“It’s fine. I think you fared better there than you might have had you gotten dragged into something by the one who was looking for you. Believe me, I know.” He said the last bit quite ominously, but with a waggle of his eyebrows that made Nia laugh.

“Diavolo, I— Sorry, Lord Diavolo—“ Diavolo chuckled and waved off her concern. “I just want you to know, when it’s just you, me, and probably Barbatos hovering just within ‘totally not eavesdropping’ distance, that I think this exchange program has been really beneficial for me as a person, not just insofar as my relationships with Demons and Angels are concerned. I’m a better version of me, and I honestly have your lofty goals to thank for it, so… thanks?”  Nia chuckled as her great sentence petered out. It had started out so well, dangit!

Diavolo smiled. “Nia, I’m very glad to hear about that.” He said, and then stiffened slightly. “Can I steal you for another dance? I know it will make like half the party jealous that I got two, but…”

Nia accepted the hand he was holding out. 

“Diavolo, if dragging me around the dance floor like a sheep with two left feet is more exciting to you than whoever it is that is walking over for a conversation, count me in. I’m happy to play the foil for you as often as you need.”

Diavolo grinned at her, and swept her out on the dance floor. They stayed there for multiple songs, until Barbatos cut in and stole Nia from Diavolo with a wink, leaving Diavolo to try and find himself another partner, or deal with the noble who was waiting.

“Having a good time, then?”

“You know I am.”

“Yes, well, the question was mostly to be polite. I also know that those shoes fit you perfectly but are still not something you’re used to wearing, and that you’ll be happy to get out of them.”

“Accurate. What else ya got?”

“Michael left the dance early and came back wearing an entirely different formal outfit. It does not belong to Diavolo or Lucifer, so he was planning to need to change.”

“Or he’s just fickle and couldn’t decide what to pack.”

“Given what I know of Michael, that man never second-guesses a decision he’s made. Even when that decision turns out to have been objectively incorrect.”

Nia chuckled. “Well, I am famously indecisive.”

“I know. There are few who would even take a single second to think before accepting a pact with me, and yet here we are, in an odd sort of limbo.”

“You’re too important for an impulsive reaction.” Nia said, but sighed. “I’m sorry if my need to think once I’m out of a busy situation is giving you anxiety about the situation, ‘Batos.”

“Not at all. What is giving me anxiety about the situation is forcing myself not to look ahead to where you’ve decided. That seems… unfair, and a waste.”

“Well, self-inflicted anxiety is my usual, so… take a nice hot bath later, maybe with some oils. Get a good night’s rest, and I bet you’ll feel better in the morning.”

Barbatos chuckled. “Ah, the self care advice. Maybe I should see if I can schedule a spa date with Asmodeus.”

Nia grinned. “Spa dates with Asmo really are the best.”

As though speaking of the demon summoned him, (and Nia knew it took a lot more than that), Asmo sauntered up as they finished their dance, and took Nia’s hand.

“Things are winding down now, my dear, and I’ve gotten permission to head off and relax. Would you like to join me? Maybe slip into something a little more comfortable?” He winked at her, and Nia laughed.

“Thanks Asmo, I’d love that.”

Saying her goodbyes to Barbatos, Nia let Asmodeus lead her out of the hall, with Jake and Raphael trailing behind them.

Back in their room, Asmo helped Nia out of her dress and into her pajamas.  Not that she needed help with the latter, but Asmo was feeling extra clingy after their magic escapades, and Nia couldn’t really blame him for that.

“Hey, Nia?” Asmo called to her, and she turned, her arms wrapped around the stuffed cat that Satan had gifted her.

“Yeah, Asmo?”

“Thanks for earlier. I don’t know how or why you did what you did, but being there with two of your pactmates and still calling me, trusting me to get you out of a dangerous situation… it was nice. Nice to be needed for something more than my aesthetic sensibilities. I am a perfectly capable demon in many ways that don’t involve a bedroom.”

Nia smiled, and opened her arms to invite Asmo in for a hug, which he responded to by tackling her to the bed for said hug.

“You’re welcome, Asmo.”  She could have said anything about what she was thinking, but it didn’t matter. Everyone deserves to feel like they matter.

“Hey, Asmo!” Beel called from the doorway. “Who said you could tackle Nia?!”  Nia laughed, and Asmo launched up to tackle Beel, which caused him to drop the pile of pillows he was holding.

“I said so! But she offered!” Asmo giggled.

Beel smiled, holding Asmo up without issue. “Well, as long as she said it was okay.”

Nia, of course, was fascinated by the pillows and the fact that Yboun’dih was waiting patiently behind Beel with another pile of pillows.

“What’s with the pillows, Bunny?” Nia asked, and the brothers parted when Beel got nudged from behind.

“Oh! We thought maybe you might be interested in… a pillow fight?”

Nia grinned. “Oh, am I ever. Thank goodness we got me out of that dress, I would have ruined it with a pillow fight.”

Beel grinned. “It was a nice dress though! Green suits you.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Nia grinned, and threw the pillow from her bed at Beel, which hit him in the arm.

“Oooooh!” Asmo squealed. “First blood to Nia!”

Then, Chaos reigned. At some point, Simeon came in to chat with Nia, deftly avoiding pillows and somehow not attracting attention even though the two of them were sitting on Nia’s bed having a chat.

“Still, who would have thought that you kept such powerful magic hidden within, Nia? Where had it been hiding all this time, I wonder?”

“Simeon, we’re trying to have a pillow fight here.” Asmo pouted.

“It was Solomon’s power, anyway.” Nia said. “I don’t have any of my own.”

“That’s not true, Nia.” Asmo said, throwing his pillow at Simeon before plopping down next to her on the bed. “I know you’ve got your own power in there. I felt it. We’re going to discover where it’s hiding. I’m going to take it nice and slow, and be very thorough…kay?”

“OH NO YOU DON’T!” Mammon came charging across the room with a pillow that he immediately whapped Asmo with. “Asmo! What are you doin’ in that bed?! And why do you have your arm around Nia’s shoulders, huh?!”

“Hey Asmo! What do you think you’re doing throwing a pillow at Simeon?! Take this! Super Celestial Shooting Pilloooow!” Luke yelled, throwing the pillow and himself at Asmo.

Nia laughed. It wasn’t that Mammon wasn’t being a little extra possessive, but that was how he was normally, and Asmo had stopped playing in the pillow fight to talk to her. After a moment, Satan came over to check what the pause in pillow-bludgeoning was about, and got Mammon’s pillow to the face for his trouble.  Meanwhile Nia just laughed and skittered away from the group to go hide behind Beel. So far she’d managed to avoid too much injury via fluff, but these dorks were ridiculous about it.

“Just WHAT do all of you think you are doing?” Lucifer said, his aura flaring out around him in his anger.

Behind him, Diavolo cleared his throat, and Lucifer stepped aside to allow the Demon Lord to enter.

“…That’s a good question, yes.  Really, I have to say, I’m disappointed.” Diavolo said, and Nia looked up to apologize, and the slightly gleeful look on Diavolo’s face did not in any way match his tone, and she was immediately confused and concerned.

“Diavolo, I promise you that I’m going to have a good long talk with them, and ensure that—” Lucifer started to say, but got cut off when Diavolo just laughed heartily.

“I mean a pillow fight? …How could you do something fun like that and not think to invite us?”

Lucifer put his hand over his heart, a shocked look on his face. “…What?”

“It’s a pillow fight, Lucifer! A pillow fight…! This is what overnight retreats are all about. I mean, it’s straight out of the book Youthful Fun 101!”

“…No, I’m sorry.  Starry-eyed nostalgia is all well and good, but I won’t stand for this.”

Mammon was not one to stop having fun just because Lucifer was being a wet blanket about it. “Take this!” he said, aiming a pillow at Asmo but missing, and getting Diavolo right in the face.

Lucifer looked downright murderous at that point. “…Anyone who dares throw a pillow at Diavolo must DIE.” After making that ridiculously aggressive statement, he hit Mammon square in the face with a pillow casually handed to him by Simeon.

After that, the pillow fight escalated until all of the rooms ended up involved, Jake’s room ending up building a defensive wall and working with the neighboring rooms to reload the main players.  Nia snuck past their barrier and all-but collapsed on Jake’s bed, exhausted from being an unintentional rally point for the pillow shenaniganry.  Eventually, the siren song of sleep started to win over the fun of bludgeoning each other with soft objects, and Humans, Demons, and Angels alike reclaimed their pillows and retreated to their own rooms for some well-deserved rest.

And if their room ended up containing an extra demon, well, Nia wasn’t going to tattle about Mephistopheles curled up with Diaval. They looked like they really missed each other while Diaval had been in the human world.

Chapter Text

“Niaaaaa” Jake whined. “I am going to miss you so bad.” He hugged her tight, and Nia hugged him back, loathe to let go.  Lots had happened over the course of this retreat, and it left her much more uncertain about some things than she liked to be.  She still had to give an answer to Barbatos, and … Asmo and Levi had both been especially clingy, and… she felt like she really ought to talk to Satan more seriously. Especially about ‘Batos…

“Jake, expect more texts from ya girl. I am going through some shit right now.”

“Yeah, and I might need… advice.”

“Don’t think I didn’t catch you slow dancing with a certain someone last night.”

“Shhhhhh.” Jake hissed, just as Yboun’dih walked up. 

“Who are we shhhhing about?” She said, unconcerned about volume, as usual.

“Oooooh, Secrets?!” Asmo said, bounding over. Jake facepalmed.

“I promise to tell you later, Asmo.” Jake said.  Asmo made ‘call me’ fingers and winked. “Bunny, we can talk about it tomorrow while I spot you?”

“Yeah!!” the demoness said, and Nia was suddenly glad she only had to deal with one large loveable gym rat at a time.

“Just remember to text me back ever, okay, Jake?” Nia said, feeling awkward.

“Oh, don’t worry.” A voice said behind her, and Nia shivered as Raphael came into view.  He was sneaky. “Nia and I exchanged numbers just in case Jake gets too busy with ‘angel stuff’ to answer her again.”

Asmo waggled his eyebrows at Jake, who was blushing to the tips of his ears.

“Looks like it’s about time to go, though.” Jake muttered, spotting Michael rounding people up in the background.

Yboun’dih picked Nia up and squished her into the best hug she’d had in a long time. “Bye, Nia. I promise to look after Jake.” She said, setting Nia back down carefully.

“Celestial Realm, we are leaving.” Michael’s voice resounded, and Nia and Asmo stood and waved with everyone else as the Celestial Realm group departed, a few suitcases full of clothes heavier than they’d been when they arrived.

The Human Realm crew were next, and Nia grinned as Diaval had a touching…very touching… goodbye with Mephi, who was blushing more than Nia had seen any demon who wasn’t Levi blush.

“Wow.” Nia said.

“I’d be jealous if it wasn’t so hot.” Asmo said, smirking.

They parted, finally and Diaval winked at Nia before joining the group returning to the human realm. There was a lot less fanfare when they left, though once they were gone, Nia kept checking her phone until she got a text from Diaval.

Diaval > Nia: Home Safe.

Diaval > Nia: [Selfie with the twins]

Nia > Diaval: Never thought I’d be so happy to have my delicate siblings in the care of a Demon.

Nia > Diaval: Thank you. And I’m so glad I got to know you better. 

Diaval > Nia: 

“Nia!!!” Levi said, practically vibrating in front of her.

“Levi?”

“A new map for Demon Unknown’s Battle Grounds dropped!!! We gotta play some duos!!”

Nia laughed. Gaming. Obviously. That was clearly what was going on.  It was either gaming or anime with the third born.

“Okay, after dinner? Your room?”

“Yes.” Levi said, suddenly subdued. “Yes good.”  Then, he turned and walked off like nothing happened.

Nia chuckled, and continued making her way to the kitchen. It was her night to help cook dinner, and she was supposed to be cooking with Satan tonight. It was the perfect opportunity to talk with him about what Barbatos had offered.  As she walked into the kitchen, she was met with an unexpected sight; Lucifer was already elbow deep making… something.

“Lucifer?” she asked, carefully. “I thought I was cooking with Satan tonight?”

“Lord Diavolo needed Satan for something, so you’re cooking with me, instead.”

“Pasta?” She asked, looking at what was laid out.

“Yes. I must admit the food at the retreat inspired me to cook more from scratch.  I don’t suppose you know how to make a sauce?”

Nia blinked. Lucifer was not only being polite, he seemed to be…kind? Weird.

“I can make a decent red sauce, yeah. You know, depending on Devildom ingredients and the like…” She trailed off. The vibe really seemed off and she didn’t understand.

“Can I ask you something personal?” he said, not actually looking up at her. 

For anyone else, Nia would likely have just said okay, but Lucifer was… something else.

“You can ask.” She said finally. “I reserve the right not to answer if it’s too personal.”

“Acceptable.” Lucifer said immediately. “I simply wonder if you knew your father at all. With you being a descendant of Lilith, I would love to know more about her family. And I can reach out to your mother privately without needing to bother you. Your father is another story entirely.”

Nia sighed. “He was just a normal dad.”

“Normal human?”

“Very much so. He didn’t even believe in things like demons and angels and the like.”

Lucifer made a curious sound, and Nia chuckled.

“Most humans don’t really believe.  Some of them do, but… even I didn’t before I ended up here.”

“Well, I hope we didn’t live up to your fears.”

“Cerberus does.”

“He’s just a puppy.” Lucifer said, his tone clearly offended.

“Sorry sorry.” Nia said, waving her hands at him. “The large three-headed angry puppy is still scary.”

Lucifer chuckled, but didn’t argue with her again.

“Nia, what are you doing after supper?” Asmo said, delicately dabbing a stray bit of sauce off of the corner of his mouth.

“She’s playing DUB-G with me.” Levi said, grinning. “We’re gonna go get us some chicken dinner.”

“I made pasta.” Lucifer said pedantically from the head of the table.

“He meant we’re going to go win some matches.” Nia said, trying not to roll her eyes.

“Aww. Can I steal you tomorrow then?” Asmo asked, his hand wandering probably unconsciously to her knee. “We’re due for some pampering, your hair looks…like it needs pampering.”

Nia reached up and patted her hair. 

“It’s probably fine.” She said, chuckling. “But sure, after classes tomorrow?”

“But Nia…” Mammon said, and Levi chuckled.

“Mamms.” Nia said, laughing. “We have lunch together every day.”

“Yeah, yeah. I have a shoot tomorrow anyway.”

“So you’re just jealous to be jealous then?” Levi said, and Mammon blushed.

“Well, yeah I guess.” He muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Nia flopped back onto a cushion. The screen read “BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME” in friendly yellow text.

“Fourth.” Levi said, sighing.

“Yeah. Let’s get some snacks and then go again.”

“A-actually…” Levi stuttered, and Nia turned to face him.

“What is it, Levi?”

“MAKE A PACT WITH ME.”

Nia just stared at him.  Apparently she stared too long, because he started to backpedal.

“I-I mean just like… someday, when you might think it might be okay in the future to consider making a pact with s-someone like m-me.”

Nia reached out and grabbed his hands. “Did you want something from me, Levi?”

“N-no. I mean yes. I mean. Nothing more than we already have? I just want you to be my player 2 is all.”

“Then what brought this on suddenly?”

“The retreat.  I thought, if only we had a pact I could have found you and Mammon way sooner and we never would have ended up in that situation. I just don’t like thinking about you in danger and me  not being able to help.”

“And a pact will fix that?”

“Well, I mean, you can summon us, right, like, eventually, when you learn how.  And I can find you when you’re my pactmate, like, that’s why I had Beel with because he knew right where you were, and…”

“Levi. You’re offering me complete control over you. And all I have to promise is that I won’t stop playing games with you?”

“And watching anime, yeah.”

“Levi, you silly boy.” Nia pulled him into a hug. “Am I that weak?” she muttered into his chest.

“N-no. That’s me. I get so worried about you sometimes that it just throws me right out of whatever I’m playing, you know.”

“I didn’t even realize. You know it’s okay to text me whenever, right?”

“I mean I know that but…”

“Hey Levi?” Nia said, sitting back and holding his face in her hands. He just stared at her. “Yes.”

“Yes what?”

“Yes, I’ll make a pact with you.”

“WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!”

“Shh, you’ll wake up Henry 2.0” Nia said, laughing. “So, what symbolic thing am I giving you?”

“Nothing.” Levi said, suddenly standing up and hurrying over to his bed-tub. “Instead, I want you to accept a thing.”

Nia watched as he brought over two enamel pins; Player 1 and Player 2.

“Be my Player 2.” He said, smiling. “All I want is for you to put this pin on your bag, proudly.”

“Okay.” Nia said, accepting the pin from him. “How does your pact…ritual?…work?”

“Just sit and hold my hands, and I’ll do the work. It’ll work better if we’re holding our pins too. And then you just focus on where you want the mark to go. I’m sure it’s like what you did with the other three and nothing particularly special, but it’ll be special for me because it’s you, and—”

“LEVI.” Nia said, breaking him out of his anxiety spiral. “It’s already special because it’s you. Because you’re already so far outside of your comfort zone and what, to make sure I’m safe?  It means the world to me, Levi. Don’t be so down on yourself, you’re lovely. This is lovely.”

Levi scoffed, and sighed. “Thank you, Nia. L-let’s do this.”

Nia sat, facing Levi on the couch in his room, their hands clasped between them. Nia felt the magic bloom up around her before it fizzed through her veins. The more she got used to this feeling, the less comfortable it was. It felt almost like every time someone's pact magic fizzed its way through her, it ate away a little more at her nerves, finding new spots to settle and fizz. Eventually, the magic finished running its course, coming to settle over her heart. 

Nia opened her eyes once things had settled. Levi was looking her over, and Nia knew he was looking for her mark.

“It’s… hidden right now.” Nia said, blushing. “Here, let me show you.”

She pulled her hoodie off, cursing the fact that her undershirt wanted to come off with it. Then, cool, slightly trembling hands grabbed her undershirt and held it in place so she could finish shedding the layer without awkward issue.

“So… where is…” like most people interested in the female body, Levi’s eyes went right to her cleavage. This top just brought out the worst in most demons, which is why Nia tended to wear it under something else. “That.. Is a very nice shirt.” He said, and then Nia looked down, pulling the neckline over enough that Levi could see where his pact mark had settled. The orange shimmered like a weird combination of lava and glitter, but also like it was wet.

“I-is that over your heart?!” Levi asked incredulously.

“It is. I don’t get jealous over things, but people… I get jealous over people. People my heart cares about.  It’s the only place I could ever consider putting your mark.” Nia smiled, and then reached out and drew a heart over top of the mark, and then pressed twice. “Dokun. Dokun.” She said, mimicking the heartbeat.

Levi shivered. “I think I could feel that.” Then, his poor otaku brain kicked into overdrive. “Shouldn’t it have been doki-doki though?”

Nia laughed. “Uh, well, I mean it could have been, but my heart beats too heavy for just a mere doki-doki to cover it.”

Levi grumbled and pulled up his phone to ask the internet to win this argument for him.  When it did not, he sighed.

“I give. Your heart just beats too powerfully for me.”

“Damn straight it does.” Nia laughed. “So… one more round?”

They settled back down with their controllers, but in the end, they did even worse, partially because Levi couldn’t seem to keep his eyes on the screen and off the undeniable evidence of their pact.

Chapter Text

Nia was glad for multiple reasons that her RAD uniform was modest. She didn’t have to show off to all of her classmates that she had yet another pact mark on her skin, and she got to wink at Mammon and tell him to ask later when he nagged her to tell him where the mark was.

Beel and Belphie seemed please by the development, and Satan just smiled at her when she checked in with him, but Asmo spent the entire day being disgruntled with everyone around him after he found out. Lucifer just pinned her with a stare that seemed to say “Watch it, Human.”

Once classes were over, Nia bounced into Asmo’s room.

“Honey~! I’m hoooome!” Nia called, and carefully shut the door behind her. There was no response, and Nia was concerned. She looked all over Asmo’s room, but the demon was nowhere to be found. Eventually, she gave in and plopped down on his bed, and pulled out her phone.

Nia > Asmo: Hey hon, I’m in your room, where did you go?

Asmo > Nia: I decided we needed something extra special today so I’m in town!

Asmo > Nia: Also I’m picking up smoothies!

Nia giggled. Okay, that sounded more like Asmo than the whiny bitch he’d been all day, but…

Asmo > Nia: Ugh, this trip is taking forever I wish you could just summon me.

Nia > Asmo: Me too, wouldn’t that be convenient?

Nia > Asmo: Anything I can do to help?

Nia > Asmo: Asmo? 

Asmo didn’t respond to her question right away, and while Nia stared at her phone hoping for some kind of response, the overwhelming calm of Asmo’s room caught her up, and she found herself drifting to sleep.

Asmo walked into his room like he was nothing. Like he was an android running on the very last bit of his battery. He had a handful of boutique bags hanging off one arm, and a drink carrier with two brightly colored smoothies in the other.

“Hey Asmo.” she said, rubbing sleep out of her eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”

“It’s okay.” Asmo said, not meeting her eye. “I’m glad you trust me enough to fall asleep in my space.”

“Asmo.” Nia clambered off the bed and got between him and the nothing he was staring at. “This isn’t like you. What’s wrong?”

All Asmo did was shake his head, making a pointed effort not to meet her eye. He looked for all the world like a wilted plant, and Nia just couldn’t handle it. She took the bags out of his hands and tossed them aside (carefully, she knew better than to do something that might break a cosmetic). Then, she took the drink carrier, and set it on the vanity. Something was bothering the fifth-born, and she wasn’t about to ruin whatever help she could give him right now by allowing one of the brothers to interrupt, so she went and clicked both locks on Asmo’s bedroom door. Asmo hadn’t bothered to move in that entire time. Nia took both of his hands in hers, and she could feel him trembling.

“Asmodeus.” She said, seeing if invoking his whole name would get her anywhere. Still, no reaction. Nia looked around the room, trying to figure out what she might be able to do to bring Asmo out of whatever funk he was in. Well, we planned on taking a bath, maybe that’ll do it. 

Nia started walking backwards toward the bathroom, leading Asmo by the hands. He just let her lead, and she noticed the tears glistening on his cheeks, but chose not to mention them. When they were near the bath, Nia slowly started to unbutton the jacket of Asmo’s RAD Uniform, eventually running out of buttons and haphazardly tossing it to the side.

Usually, if Nia even went near some kind of garment closure Asmo would be making some kind of innuendo, but he still wasn’t even looking up at her. She didn’t feel good about going any farther than his jacket without his okay, but it didn’t look like she was about to get that anytime soon. Maybe he would forgive her for getting his uniform wet? 

Nia sighed, and considered what she might do to get Asmo back to his flirty fun self… or at least get him to talk to her about whatever was weighing on his mind. Her hands went instinctively to her own uniform buttons, shedding her layers as fast as was reasonably possible. When she was done, all of her clothes lay in a messy pile on the floor. She turned back to Asmo and took his hands again.

“Asmo… come back to me, please. Talk to me.”

Asmo shook his head, which was better than she’d been getting the last few minutes, so she’d take it. If he wasn’t willing to talk, maybe he’d be willing to at least respond to her more.

“If you can’t talk to me, will you come sit in the bath with me? It’s a bit chilly like this.” She hadn’t meant to mention her state of undress, but she was cold, and much longer and she’d actually start shivering.

Asmo nodded, and made quick work of the rest of his uniform. Nia stepped down into the bath, and before she could turn back towards him, his trembling arms slid around her waist, clingy but not teasing in any way, and he pressed his face into her neck, just breathing.

“Do you want a real hug, Asmo?” Nia said, and she felt him nod, so she turned around and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. Eventually his arms came back up around her and hugged her against him, and his quiet sobs into her shoulder broke her heart.

“Asmo… Sweetie, I’m so sorry. You were so excited for this afternoon, and then I fell asleep. I should have been more attentive, something.”

Asmo huffed into her shoulder, and Nia shifted them so she could sit on one of the ledges, pulling him into her lap, his head still on her shoulder. She’d gotten some kind of reaction out of him, so she wanted to see if she couldn’t pull him out of his head enough to at least talk to her.

“I didn’t mean to ruin our pampering date. I know how much you look forward to playing with my hair, and frankly spending time with you is one of my favorite things these days.”

“You didn’t ruin it.” Asmo muttered. “I did. Me and my stupid… everything.”

“I don’t think your everything is stupid.” Nia said, and planted a careful kiss on Asmo’s forehead. She didn’t want to scare him back into not talking to her, but…

“You.. don’t?” Asmo looked up and met her eyes, and she was struck by how almost-colorless his irises were.

“I don’t. I think your hair is cute, and your body is..” she pantomimed a chef’s kiss. “But it’s that heart of yours that I love best. Paired with that brain of yours that goes out of its way to make this one tiny human happy? Perfection, Asmodeus. Simply perfection.”

Asmo laughed, then, a small rueful chuckle. “I am perfect, aren’t I?” he said, half-heartedly.

“You are. Who dared make you feel like you were anything less?” Nia said, running her fingers through his hair gently. “I will end them. I have some powerful men at my beckon call.”

“Oh, just… some demons in town talking about your pacts, and how I was just your errand-boy, and it hit… harder than I knew it could, I guess. Since I’m not even one of them and I’m buying you things.”

“Asmo, can I tell you something? Something no one else could possibly know?”

Asmo nodded, wiping a stray tear off his face.

“I love you.” Nia said, a soft smile on her face. “You’re one of the most important people in my life, and I don’t think I could get through a day without seeing your smile.”

Asmo made a squeak sound that Nia had never heard before, and likely would never hear again, and covered his face.
“You what?! No no wait don’t say it again. I know you’re being honest. I can tell. But why tell me this now? I’m a complete and utter mess!”

“Because it’s true whether your at your best or your worst.”

“I don’t want to be a complete mess when you tell me that! I want it to be an amazing romantic setting with rose petals and… and…”

Nia smirked, but she couldn’t keep her cheeks from darkening despite her boldness. “So, you think naked in each other’s arms isn’t a great time to express my love?”

“But Nia, you’re not naked, you never bathe naked here.”

Nia looked pointedly at Asmo, then looked down at her own body.

Asmo realized, then, that he was curled up in the lap of a very naked human girl.

“B-but—!!!” his fingers reached out to trace her shoulder where a strap would usually be. “You weren’t going to try and make me feel better with sex, were you?”

“No!” Nia shook her head, and looked away embarrassed. “I just was focused on getting you in this bath to help you relax, and it didn’t seem prudent to leave you alone long enough to grab my suit. Besides, you’ve seen me in similar states of undress on shopping days.”

“That’s fair, but… now I can’t stop thinking about how soft you are.”

“I don’t stop being soft just because I have clothes on.”

“It’s different and you know it.” Asmo pouted. “But maybe this is fate, right? Because…”

“Wait, fate is involved in you getting a naked girl in your bath? I feel like you are pretty good at that, in general.”

“Not just any naked girl.” Asmo pointed out, bouncing his eyebrows at her. “Anyway before my trip down melancholy lane I was going to ask you to make a pact with me. Which is why I thought i needed to go shopping. I was going to have to somehow convince you to feel comfortable being naked around me.”

Nia latched onto one part of the sentence, the rest of it falling to the wayside.

“Wait… you want to make a pact with me?”

Asmo smiled. “Yeah. Even with this staring me in the face.” He ran a finger carefully over Levi’s pact mark which was starting to fade, and would be completely gone in a few hours. Nia shivered at his touch, but didn’t say anything, trying to decide how she felt about making a pact with Asmodeus.

I do love him. I wasn’t lying about that. But my first pact was made partially because Mammon and I were both afraid of what could happen to me if Asmo lost his temper again. To be fair, he hasn’t even shown me his demon form since that day. Not even once. Is he afraid of me?

“Nia, what are you thinking about?”

“Making a pact with you.” She said honestly. “I was thinking about my first day in the Devildom, and just how afraid I was of you.”

“That… I regret that with every fiber of my being. But I don’t want you to think of that as a reason not to make a pact with me. If we have a pact, I literally cannot hurt you. So literally that it makes some of my favorite kinks trickier because there’s a lot of extra consent involved to get around pact restrictions.”

Nia snorted. “Pain play with a pact is a problem?”

“That’s too many P words.” Asmo stuck his tongue out at her, and Nia giggled.

“Asmo, I don’t have anything to give you.”

“Well… tell me what you gave everyone else, and I’ll see if there’s anything I can ask for that is commensurate.” Asmo said, suddenly very serious.

“Um. Mammon got my first kiss. Beel and I have a standing date to visit all of his favorite restaurants in the Devildom - well, at least the ones that are safe for humans. Belphie got a hug, but that pact wasn’t really his choice, and I feel… bad about it. Levi got… otaku privileges, and me agreeing to keep a Player 2 pin on my bag.” 

“And what is Barbatos getting?” Asmo said, one eyebrow raised teasingly.

“I. Uh. Um. Haven’t… agreed to…” Asmo just stared at her through her stuttering until she gave in. “I promised to teach him my cucumber sandwich recipe?”

At this, Asmo started laughing so hard Nia had to actually work to keep the demon afloat.

“His power. Time, space, reality. The Grimoire. And he asked for A CUCUMBER SANDWICH RECIPE?!”

Nia nodded, feeling awkward.

“That demon has it bad for you, Nia. In his history, I know of one human who has ever gotten a pact with Barbatos. One. That’s Solomon. And it cost him a lot.”

“I might have it bad for 'Batos too.” Nia muttered. 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I want to unpack that so much, and that is going to involve a nice sparkling Moscato and some candlelight dear, but one revelation at a time.”

Asmo slipped off her lap and stood before her, a complete disheveled mess yet somehow still resplendent in his nudity, holding both hands out to her, palm up. His eyes flashed their signature pink as he spoke.

“Nia, Will you make a pact with me?” 

Chapter Text

“Nia, Will you make a pact with me?” 

“I have requirements.” Nia said, biting her lip.

“As do I.” Asmo said. “Name yours.”

“I want you to do the pact magic in your demon form. And I want you to tell me before we do anything what’s going to happen, and why I need to be naked for it.”

“Mmm, my demon form? I don’t know that you’ve gotten a good look at me this way since I tried to kill you, so…”

Asmo grinned, and she watched him flicker into his demon form. She felt a chill run down her spine, but her hands instinctively went out to touch his wings before she pulled back, embarrassed. 

“My pact works like this - I hold you, do the incantation, the mark appears. Just like everyone else’s to a degree. The nakedness pays tribute to my sin, but also the more of our skin that is touching, the stronger the bond. I usually use it as an excuse to get laid, but… I would prefer a different kind of intimacy with you for this. You’re too important for that. I love you too much for that kind of… claim.”
Nia squirmed a little bit hearing him say that he loved her too. Something about the avatar of lust using love instead just made her stupid levels of happy. “Okay… and as for what I can give you…” Nia had been thinking a bit on this, and smiled. “What about full control over my wardrobe and styling choices, as well as the shopping equivalent of my restaurant deal with Beel?”

“Why so much?” Asmo said, surprised.

“Do you think you’re not worth that much? It’s not my soul, Asmodeus.”

“No, but it is how you present to the realms. I could make you look like a two-bit whore.”

“Yes, but that would reflect on you as well. And besides, I trust you. You’d never do that to me.”

“Then… I agree. Can you show me where you want our pact mark? I prefer to be touching the place, it helps me control the magic.”

Nia blushed and stuttered gibberish. Sure, she’d thought about where she’d put everyone’s pact marks if she got the chance to make a pact with them, and she knew Asmo would want to see his, but…

“Here.” Nia reached out and took his hand, guiding him to her abdomen, below her belly button, just high enough not to give him the wrong idea, but barely.

“Nia… you want my mark over your womb.”

Nia blushed and nodded. “I-it seemed appropriate.”

“It winds me up is what it does.” he half-growled at her, a pointed difference from his usual sing-song tone, and she shivered. “But that is irrelevant to the task at hand. Do you want to do this here in the bath, or shall we dry off?”

“Here please.” In the bath, the nakedness didn’t feel so awkward. Nia hadn’t been completely naked even with Satan, so this was.. a lot.

Asmo pulled her over onto one of the deeper benches in the bath, and wrapped himself around her, his hand never moving from where she’d settled it on her skin.

“Pay no attention to the fact that my ever-ready body finds yours so enticing. I promise not to act on my instincts until and unless you give me explicit permission.”

Nia hummed in response. She’d said she trusted Asmo, and sure, being pressed up against him made some things very obvious, but clothes rarely hid that from her anyway.

“May I have permission to bite you?” Asmo suddenly asked, and Nia froze.

“Bite me, why?”

“Well, partially because it will help me control my sin’s reactions to this situation, but partially because you’re hot and I have wanted to leave a bite mark in your shoulder since you fell into our lives in your pajamas.”

“You’ve been behaving for that long Asmo?”

“I have. I will rescind my other gains from this pact if you will allow this.”

“That’s unrealistic. You can have both, with one requirement: No permanent scarring.”

“Oh. OH.” Asmo chuckled, and Nia felt it vibrate through her form. “If I were in human guise I would be unlikely to draw blood even. These teeth are… pointier, so it will probably hurt less and bleed more, but it won’t scar. I swear.”

“I accept.” Nia said. “Anything else?”

“Um. I’m sorry if I react more physically than my brothers to this. And in this form…”

“It’s your sin, I know.” Nia said, shrugging. “I believe you when you say you’re not going to do anything I haven’t given you explicit consent for. I also accept that bodily functions aren't always controllable. I trust you, Asmodeus. Completely.”

Asmo made a soft sound, and hugged her tightly to him as he started to speak the magic into being.  From Asmo’s explanations, Nia expected something akin to the way Beel’s pact had worked, where the amount of her that was touching Asmo would make a difference.  And perhaps it did, to the magic, but it didn’t seem to affect what she experienced. This time, the spark and sparkle of the magic radiated out from the hand over where the mark would form. It was the same sparkling, fizzy feeling she got from all magic, with the same sense of pushing her boundaries, and trying to find new places to claim. Asmo’s pact magic spread from its starting point to all of the points of her being, and back down into to the mark, and as it pulsed, she felt Asmo’s teeth pierce into her shoulder.

Nia knew she made some kind of sound, but she had no idea what that sound was, as she was laser-focused on the feeling of Asmo’s teeth piercing her skin. She felt Asmo tense underneath her in response, and the moments between his tensing and when he released her were soft but also Nia could feel her skin heating up in response to being pressed so close to him. Once freed, Nia turned to face him, and his eyes were glued to the pink of his pact mark, glowing and shimmering under the water.

“Fuck.” he whispered, and before he could react further, Nia stepped closer and planted a soft kiss on his lips.

“Yeah.” She said, quietly. “I agree.”

“I didn’t expect that to feel like that.” Asmo said, and he flickered back into human form. “My heart feels full. And usually I…” he glanced down at his own nakedness slightly awkwardly. “Well, there’s a first time for everything, I guess.”

“Well, we’d both be feeling a lot more awkward if you had.”

“Yeah, and the bath water is still clean now, so…”

“And besides, we still need to do my hair.”

“I do want you looking stunning when my brothers feel that I’ve claimed you. They’ll be jealous.”

“Satan and Lucifer, maybe. The rest of them have made their marks on me already.”

“Mn, maybe I shouldn’t have bit your shoulder.” Asmo said, reaching forward and running his fingers over the delicate puncture marks.

“It’s fine, Asmo. You’ll want to show off your claim, and I won’t show them this mark. This mark stays between us.”

“I’d love for it to glow between us some heated night~” Asmo said, and Nia blushed.

“Asmo!”

“Yeah, yeah.” he abruptly changed the subject, walking across the pool towards the hair products. “Why don’t you have a pact with Satan yet?”

Nia considered what her answer was going to be as she slipped out of the bath while Asmo’s back was turned. She walked as quickly as felt safe across the room and grabbed the smoothies, turning to see Asmo’s eyes glued to her again, his cheeks pink.

“Because he hasn’t asked.” Nia said plainly, setting the smoothies down by the edge of the bath before slipping back into the water. “And I don’t… I won’t force him to do something he doesn’t want. He has to want it. Is it a little weird for my first boyfriend to not be one of my pacted demons? Sure. Did I think I’d be pacted with practically all of his brothers before him? Hell no. But I don’t have anything to offer him, and I’m not afraid of him. So it’ll wait until he’s ready. If ever.”

“So you’re saying there’s a chance you make a pact with Lucifer first.”

“Oh that’s un-fucking-likely.” Nia grumbled. “Pride will never lower himself enough to even consider me a person let alone pact-worthy.”

“Mhm.” Asmo said. “My eldest brother can be a real asshole, it’s true.”

“Now, which one of these smoothies is mine? I don’t want to drink something that will kill me.”

Asmo shook his head. “Either is fine. I don’t get things that aren’t Nia-safe anymore, just in case.”

Nia chuckled as they settled into their usual routine, as if Asmo’s depressive funk and the intimacy of their pact-making had never happened. Both were occurrences that she would never forget.

“Hey Satan.” Nia said, and her boyfriend looked up from his book with his head tilted slightly to the side, like a cat, and she giggled.

“What do you need?” He said, closing his book. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah… I just… wanted your help thinking something through.”

“It’s Barbatos, right?”

“How do you always know?”

“You only get worried like this when it’s relationship things. You’re pretty independent about your pacts, but Barbatos is interested in more than just loaning you his powers.”

“Yeah.”

“You like him back.”

“Very much.”

“Then it’s solved?”

“No. Is it.. I mean, you’re sharing me with Mammon, and sortof for sleeping times with Beel maybe and Asmo for sure now, because he’s Asmo, but… is it really okay?”

“Yes, kitten.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Until the day you stop wanting my company, I will be happy with whatever time you give me. And if I ever need something more, or something different, I will ask for it.”

“Satan, I love you.”

“I love you too, Kitten. Say, can I ask you something personal?”

Nia blinked, but nodded.

“How did your pact with Asmo go? I know we talked about where you’d keep his mark if he ever wanted to, but… I know his pact ritual is intimate.”

“Ah.” Nia talked him through how the pact went, and he chuckled.

“Oh, well that explains the bite mark. He really was holding back. Did you consider, at all, his more typical pact ritual trappings?”

“He said that it’s usually in bed… intimately… but we’re not that kind of close. I mean, I had only admitted that I loved him that afternoon, and…”

Satan chuckled and pulled her into a hug. “Nia, you know that’s not how Asmo rolls. If you wanted, he’d jump at the chance.”

“Y-yeah.” She said and glanced away. “I’m not ready for that yet.”

“It’s fine.” Satan said quietly. “And you should tell me if anyone ever even implies that it’s not fine. I will make sure they never bother you again.”  His voice was rough, and dark, and Nia shivered.

“Hopefully I will never need to take you up on that offer.”

“Well, this i s the Devildom. So it’s possible. And I know that you can count on Beelzebub at the very least if you need to summon someone to take care of a… problem.”

Nia nodded, and snuggled into Satan’s chest.  She needed to change the subject. Fast.

“So I’ve been thinking about where to put Batos’ pact mark.”

“You tend to go for symbolic places.” Satan said, accepting the abrupt topic shift with grace.

“Yeah. And I thought of what seems like the perfect place only… I will not be able to go outside while the mark is visible.”

“Oh?” Satan said, and while she couldn’t see his face she could picture the single raised eyebrow that he must be sporting.

“Yeah…” she hesitated, and he ruffled her hair.

“You don’t have to tell me, but I know you want to, or you’d never have brought it up.”

“Well, I was thinking right in the middle of my forehead.”

“Oh, like a third eye?”

“Yes! Exactly!” This was why Nia and Satan had hit it off so well. He always seemed to know the reasoning behind her thoughts, and she knew full well he wasn’t telepathic.

“Maybe you can arrange to spend a weekend over at the castle? Everyone here will understand except possibly Lucifer. And if you were to, say, request that Lucifer not be present during your stay, it would even put a thorn in his side.”

“You’d like that.” Nia smirked. “I can just ask Barbatos to keep me all to himself.”

“He’ll get ideas.” Satan said, chuckling.

Chapter Text

Nia > Mom: Hey Ma, can you send me GG Etta’s honey cake recipe?

Mom > Nia: Baby you know that’s your father’s family recipe

Nia > Mom: Yeah I wanna make some as a gift for ‘Batos.

Mom > Nia: Which one is that?

Nia > Mom: Barbatos. He’s the Demon Lord’s Butler. You can ask Diaval about him.

A good fifteen minutes passed, and Nia was starting to worry just what Diaval would tell her.

Mom > Nia: He sounds responsible. You can make him honey cakes.

A knock at the door distracted Solomon from what he was working on, and he turned to go answer it. 

“Barbatos.” he said cordially, inviting the butler into his space. “Had I known you were intending to visit, I could have simply summoned you.”

“I had things to bring over for Luke, and you seemed… distressed, last we talked, so I considered it prudent to come visit.” Barbatos said, looking around the room which was even messier than usual.

“Ah.” Solomon said, and swept a chair clear of detritus so that Barbatos could sit. “Well, things have come to my attention that are simply beyond me right now.”

“And what might that be?”

“First, let me preface this with a question - have you learned who is targeting my family yet?”

“As I have told you in the past, this knowledge has been obscured in my sight. I am narrowing down the suspects, but I can only attempt the spell once a month.”

“And would you agree that the results of a simple lineage spell are nearing impossibly difficult to skew?” Solomon pushed books out of the way so that he could sit on his bed, cross-legged, his whole posture sagging.

“I would. Solomon, stop beating around the bush and tell me.”

“Nia.” Solomon said quietly, lost enough in his own thoughts that he missed Barbatos stiffening slightly. “Is my granddaughter.”

“Through her father.”

“Yes.”

“And her grandmother?”

“Delilah. A woman I loved, for a time. She was like a piece of home. I never knew she had a child, but how could he have survived to father Nia, when no others of my children lived into their double digits?”

“Delilah carried one of Lilith’s lines.” Barbatos said, thinking back on the research he’d done into Nia’s lineage. “You were never marked as her husband, nor the father of her child. There is no record of you even being in the area. But I think it was the dregs of Lord Diavolo’s magic on Lilith’s descendants that may have hid him, for a time.”

“So Nia…” 

“Could go unnoticed, until she starts using her own magic. She bears three distinct lines descended of Lilith. Two through her mother, and the third through Delilah.” Barbatos watched Solomon carefully. “I see you are not surprised by the news of her lineage.”

“Ashmedai told me.” Solomon muttered. “He was so excited.”

“And he does not know of your relationship to her.”

“Only Simeon knows, and you, now.”

“You should tell her, Solomon.”

Solomon grumbled, but said no intelligible words in response.

“She will be in my care this weekend. You could come for tea, and have true privacy to speak with her.”

“That is a tempting offer. But first, pray tell, why is my granddaughter in your care for a weekend?”

“We will forge a pact.” Barbatos said, slight color touching his cheeks. “And perhaps another type of relationship as well.”

“A pact? Barbatos, you’ve made a pact with one human before. Me. Why Nia?”

“Are you jealous?” Barbatos said, surprised.

“No. But I know the cost you set me and it was not small. What has she offered you? You mustn’t take her soul.”

“Ah. You would not believe me were I to tell you.”

“And now, you must tell me.” Solomon said, sighing.

“Her cucumber sandwich recipe.”

Solomon blinked back the white that threatened the edges of his vision. “What.”

“I want nothing from her, excepting perhaps her affection, which I cannot take for a pact.”

“So you are requesting a pact with her, she did not approach you?”

“She did not. You are aware that she has not requested even one of the pacts she carries?”

“I was not aware. I thought perhaps she was attempting to collect all of the brothers - a feat even I have not succeeded at.”

“Ah. I thought the same, initially. But then I spoke with Beelzebub at the retreat and learned my mistake.  He at least, as well as the others after some surreptitious discussion, feel a strong need to protect her that they tie to her being descended from Lilith.”

“You also feel a need to protect her. For other reasons. Is it because you wish to take her as a partner?” Solomon said, feeling somewhat uncomfortable talking about his granddaughter in this way.

“It is not. When checking her lineage I encountered a number of blockages that made me uncomfortable. I feel a need to protect her from that which eludes even me.”

“And you do not suspect that one as young as her will misuse your power?”

“She has not tapped even one of the brothers’ power since forming their pact, at least intentionally.”

“How would she use it unintentionally? She can’t even summon on her own.” Solomon said, confused.

“She visited her human friend’s dreams with Belphegor’s power during the retreat. She does not know that was what occurred, and has simply written it off as an odd dream. Belphegor came to Diavolo and I to make sure that something untoward did not occur, and has been keeping a tighter rein on his own sin since the incident.”

“Hm. Interesting.”

“Agreed. However, I want to be able to protect her. I have received permission from Lord Diavolo for this, and she has requested a weekend in my care in exchange for acquiescing to my request.”

“I, for one, am glad to see my granddaughter following in my footsteps, even though she’s collecting her pacts in a different order.”

“Oh, do you have pacts with more brothers than Asmodeus?”

“No, but I was bound to Ashmedai first, and if you’re to be seeing her this weekend to form a pact…”

“Ah. I think time is what is needed to clear up this confusion.” Barbatos said, chuckling.  Just as he finished his sentence, Asmodeus swung the door open without knocking.

“SOLOMON I HAVE THE BEST NEWS!!!! NIA MADE A PACT WITH ME!!!!”

Barbatos chuckled, and vacated his seat to make a space for the overexcited Avatar of Lust.

“I must be getting home to prepare for this weekend.  Congratulations, Asmodeus.” he said, and Asmo seemed to realize the butler was even there.

“Yes, yes! And I hear you have an exciting weekend planned with our girl! Take good care of her, okay Barbatos~?”
The butler nodded, and saw himself out, the excited raving of Asmodeus following him down the hallway.

Nia stared at the mess of a cake in front of her.  It tasted fine, but it didn’t at all turn out the way it was supposed to.  Now she was going to have to give up on her ‘three realms honey cakes’ idea. The regular ones had turned out perfect, and despite the surprisingly overwhelming floral scent of Celestial Realm honey, those had turned out marvelous as well. It was just this Devildom honey… Ugh.  Nia scooped up one of the cakes…ish…of goop into a little travel container. Maybe seeing the other two, Barbatos could give her some tips on how she could get them to turn out.  It wouldn’t do as a surprise, but maybe it would do as a cute bonding activity?  In the meantime she needed to make this tasty but unsightly goop disappear. Pulling up her DDD, she started a text to Beel, but never got a chance to push send, as he appeared in the kitchen doorway about the time she got the third word typed.

“You needed me?” He said, and Nia blinked.

“You could tell?”

“Yes? I mean, well, I suddenly had this feeling that you wanted me for something, so.. here I am.”

“I did! I wanted to know if you wanted to make this baking mishap disappear for me.”

“All of it?”

“I already set aside some so I could ask ‘Batos what I did wrong, so, yes. All of what’s here.”

Beel looked like he was going to cry.  He walked over carefully and kissed her forehead. 

“I love you, Nia. You know that right?” He waited until she smiled and nodded, and then practically inhaled the failed pan of honey cakes - well, the cakes themselves. He’d been learning not to accidentally eat the bakeware, too.

“Thanks for hiding my embarrassment, Beel.”

“It tastes good.” He said, or at least that’s what she translated him talking with his mouth full to.

“Now that you’ve had a snack… do you want a treat?” Nia giggled.

Beel looked her up and down in confusion. “Are you the treat?”

“N-no!” Nia said, pulling out a plastic-covered plate from behind her back. “I saved you out one of each of the other batches of honey cakes too."

Beel’s eyes widened, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t even reach to take them. Nia watched his expression carefully, as he seemed to be going through a good bit of mental gymnastics.

“You saved me snacks even after letting me eat an entire tray?” he said, finally, and she nodded.

“To be fair, if these turned out, I would have just saved you one of them. I just didn’t want to have baked so much and then not given you any.”

Beel nodded, and then bit his lip. “Let’s put my name on them in the fridge. I think I’ll save them for later.”

“Look at you, moderating yourself.”

“You’re going to be away for days. This way I can remember you.”

“Silly Beel, I’ll be back Sunday afternoon.”

“That’s literally two days from now, Nia.”

From the doorway, Barbatos’ voice interrupted their conversation. “I promise I will keep her from you for no more than 48 hours, Beelzebub.” 

Beel turned and smiled at the butler. 

“Don’t worry, I trust you with Nia. I just like to tease her.”  Beel reached out and ruffled her hair, then took his treats from her to go put in the refrigerator.

Nia set the small accident container on top of the two more sizeable containers, and handed the stack to Barbatos.

“Treats for Lord Diavolo?” He asked, eyeing them. 

Nia laughed “For you. He can have some, though, if he behaves. Just let me grab my overnight bag, and we can head out.”

“Welcome, again, to my home.” Diavolo said as Nia stepped in the doorway, completely dry despite the unexpected rain shower thanks to Barbatos’ foresight.

“Thanks for letting me stay with you for another weekend! I’ll try not to distract Barbatos too much while I’m here, and…”

“No, no. None of that. You’re here as Barbatos’ guest after all, and I’ve told him that he’s to see to your needs before my own this weekend. Despite this I am certain he will still try to juggle everything, so please do help him out when you can.”

Nia smiled ruefully and nodded.

“First thing’s first.” Barbatos said. “Getting you settled into your room. If you’ll follow me?”

Nia waved goodbye to Diavolo, who turned and headed elsewhere.

This time, Barbatos led her away from where they’d stayed for the retreat, and towards the wing that contained his own rooms.

“Miss Nia, would it be too forward to ask you to stay with me this weekend? There is an adjoining room to my own that I have prepared for you, but there are other suites in the area if that is too forward.”

He’s asking me to stay in the room next to his. With a door between them. And is worried that is too forward. Even knowing that my pact with Asmodeus has to have been rather intimate… well, maybe he doesn’t know that but everyone assumed it, so…

“That sounds lovely, ‘Batos.” Nia said, smiling. “I’d love to stay in the adjoining room.”

Barbatos’ answering hum was calm, but the subtle smile on his face gave away his joy.

Chapter Text

Nia collapsed backwards onto the bed in her temporary room, a large sigh leaving her lips. Helping Barbatos cook dinner had been fun, tiring, but fun.  Dinner with Diavolo was what really took it out of her.  He was constantly full of energy, and she always felt like she should be rolling dice to determine how much damage she was taking from how loud he got when especially excited.  She didn’t dare try to have a conversation with that man about one of his media interests, she’d go deaf.  On top of this, he was aware of the reasoning for her visit, even going so far as to give Barbatos the night off to encourage them to spend as much time together as possible.

Nia felt, out of all of her pacts, this was the one she’d thought about the hardest and considered the most. This was the pact that explicitly came with a relationship, and was the least likely pact for anyone else to understand how she got without somehow giving away her soul, and all he wanted was her cucumber sandwich recipe. A recipe that he watched her make. It felt wrong to take something so precious from him and give him practically nothing. It was why she made the honey cakes, and why she was going to make sure that he had the recipe for them when she left this weekend. Even though it was a ‘secret’ family recipe.

While she was laying there, ruminating about balance and fairness, Barbatos walked in, and chuckled. “Tired already, Miss Nia?”

“Yes. No. Burma.”

“Burma?” Barbatos asked, carefully.

“I panicked.” Nia said, chuckling. “I have no idea why I said Burma, it’s just something my dad always did.”

“So. I have a request for how we spend a portion of our time this weekend.” Barbatos said tentatively. Is he going to ask me… no, no, he wouldn’t ask like that…

“What is it?” Nia asked, sitting up so she could meet the butler’s eye.

“I’d like to have tea with you and Solomon.”

“Solomon? Why Solomon?”

“Well, first, he’s the only other human I have a pact with, so… I think of you a bit like family.” Nia smiled, but let him continue. “Second, he’d asked me to set up some time when he could talk to you… undisturbed.”

Nia blinked. Most of the time when someone wanted to talk to her undisturbed it, well… it was because they wanted to kiss her. And she was not about that with Solomon. It wasn’t that he wasn’t attractive, he just… he wasn’t for her. 

Barbatos seemed to understand what she was thinking, and reached out a hand to forestall whatever she was thinking. “He has no ulterior motives, he simply wishes to have a conversation with you that cannot be overheard.”  He said, then continued softer, almost inaudibly, “I am the only one allowed to have ulterior motives for your time this weekend.”

Nia blushed, but smiled. “I would love to have tea with Solomon. Perhaps we can invite him for a midmorning tea? Not breakfast, but I could share my honey cakes with him as well?”

Barbatos considered, and nodded. “As long as you are willing to allow him to see your pact mark.”

Nia sighed. “Yes, well. He’s got one of yours somewhere himself, so… I suppose I can allow it. Speaking of… I’m ready to do this.” Nia said, sitting up properly. “I’m ready to make a pact with you, Barbatos.”

“Well. I still have some things to set up in regards to that… may I, perhaps, steal a kiss from you to fortify myself while I spend some minutes away from you?”  He looked so hopeful, like a little puppy, Nia couldn’t suppress a giggle.

“Yes, ‘Batos. I’m all yours this weekend, and that does include kisses.”

Barbatos strode over to her and tipped her chin up before gently kissing her.  Nia didn’t know what she was expecting, but the delicate kiss she received was not it. When he pulled away, she pouted, and he laughed.

“You can have more kisses once the preparations are complete.”

“Can I help? I’m not against giving you my time and attention before it’s part of our pact.” Nia said, remembering how he’d used the pact as an excuse to simply spend time with her. “Satan approves of us, you know.”

“Ah, good. And Asmodeus sent me a great many stickers of approval and… some nighttime suggestions I will not be taking, so I know that he is accepting as well. What of Mammon?”

“He laughed at me for being worried, and then kissed my forehead and told me to ‘get on with it’.”

Barbatos shook his head, but held a hand out to her.

“Well, let us get on with the preparations for our pact, then.” He said, gently pulling Nia to her feet, and then with him to another room in the wing that wasn’t a bedroom, but seemed more like a laboratory.

“You see,” he said quietly when they’d finished assembling the large spell circle that practically encompassed the room, “I don’t have a simplified ritual like the brothers do. I have done this once before, and will likely not do it again. So… I hope my rituals live up to your expectations. Are you truly ready?”

At her affirmation, Barbatos turned and lit something on fire, and she watched the powders laid out in careful lines and sigils flare in different colors of flame and then settle as first an enamel-like liquid and then harden quickly into a substance that appeared to be something that was both like glass and also like a gemstone into the channels that had been carved around the room.  Together they stood in the center of the circle which had cooled to a perfect inlay.  The circle marking and containing and binding their pact was a permanent part of his workshop, virtually unbreakable.  Next to her, Barbatos shifted into his demon form, and Nia found she couldn’t take her eyes off of him, even if she’d wanted to.  They stood on either side of a shallow carving of a symbol in the demonic tongue that Nia thought looked familiar, but she wasn’t certain what meant. She knew, of course, that he would tell her.

“Now, I will need our blood.” Barbatos said simply, holding his hand out for hers.

Nia nodded. Barbatos had warned her that his pact ritual involved the spilling of blood, and that it would likely hurt. She wasn’t sure if he’d been trying to dissuade her, but it had failed.  She held her arm out, and Barbatos leaned in and bit her forearm - above the wrist where Belphie’s mark lay invisible - hard but careful, catching her blood in a bowl he’d prepared for the purpose. Nia teared up, but bit her lip to keep from making a sound. He was right. It hurt. A lot.  The actual wound was not unlike the bite Asmo had left in her shoulder, but without the intimate contact and distraction from the fizz of his magic, Nia felt the pain much more acutely.

While she was coping with her own wounds, Barbatos had bled himself, his darker blood mixing with hers in the bowl. Over the blood he spoke in the demonic tongue words that made the circle around them glow, once again the same colors it had burned when initially setting. He poured the blood into the sigil marking on the floor, then scattered some powder over the top of it, the reaction of which caused it to harden just as the rest of the circle had, into a permanent part of the floor.
Finally, Barbatos dipped two fingers into the blood that had remained in the bowl, drawing the same sigil on his forehead, and then again with a fresh dip of blood on hers.  As he said the last words of the ritual, Nia felt the magic spark from the blood on her forehead and shoot through her body into the floor, as though she had been struck by lightning. Her vision went white, and she felt herself collapse to the floor. 

I hope I didn’t ruin the ritual…

“It’s not like you to worry like this, Barbatos.” 

“I must be certain I haven’t harmed her.”

“She is fine. Humans are especially sensitive to our magic.”

“But this didn’t happen with Solomon.”

“Solomon is a sorcerer. Nia is just a normal girl.”

“Of that, I am highly skeptical.”

Nia cracked her eyes open to see who was talking. Barbatos she was sure of, but the other voice… Oh, Diavolo, of course. I didn’t realize it was him because he was talking so softly.

“Are we talking about me?” She said, groggily, and both men’s gazes snapped to her.

“Yes, dearest.” Barbatos said, crouching down next to her bed. “How are you feeling?”

Nia took a moment to inventory her limbs and consider her general state of being before shrugging. “Fine. Hungry?”

“See, Barbatos? She is fine. As I said.” Diavolo said, his usual boisterous smile once again gracing his face. “I will take my leave.  Do find her a snack though.” Without waiting for acknowledgment, Diavolo strode out of the room, leaving them alone.

“Did it work?” Nia said, reaching up to touch her forehead, as though the mark would somehow be tactile instead of just visual.

Barbatos reached out and took her hand, and held up a mirror so she could see herself.  There, on her forehead, his pact mark, a wet-looking metallic silver with teal occasionally swirling through it.

“It’s beautiful.” Nia said, smiling, and then remembered something. “Hey… ‘Batos… can I touch your tail?”

The butler had the decency to blush.

“What is it with my pactmates and this tail?” He grumbled, but good-naturedly, and flicked his tail up onto the bed.

Nia reached out and ran her hand along it, the cool temperature and unique texture making her feel, for a moment, like it was wet. It was not, of course, and when she looked up at Barbatos, he was sitting still, his eyes half-closed.

“Does it hurt?” she asked cautiously.

“No, quite the opposite, in fact. Which is why I tend to avoid any situation in which someone might caress my tail.”

“Should I stop?”

“Only if you wish to, though, we should probably find you something to eat rather than getting too distracted by… other activities.”

Nia blushed and removed her hands from Barbatos’ tail, and moved to sit up.

“Snacks… what time even is it? Is it time for midnight snacks in the Demon Lord’s Castle?”

“Near enough.” Barbatos said. “Bring your D.D.D., you can answer your concerned pactmates and partner while I craft us a snack.”

Satan > Nia: Hello love. I hope you’re having a wonderful time. 

Satan > Nia: Do tell me how Barbatos’ pact ritual is, none of us have any idea. 

Satan > Nia: Asmo is curious and will not stop bothering me, as though I would hide our communication.

Group Chat - Pactmates

Beelzebub: I miss Nia already.

Asmodeus: I want to know how it’s going!

Mammon: Me too!

Belphegor: Be patient, she won’t have her D.D.D. in the circle.

Leviathan: Did you feel that?

Asmodeus: That was… not good. Nia?

Mammon: Whoa Nia ARE YOU OKAY????

Nia looked at the chats and shook her head. Good grief, nosy bastards. They’d felt when she blacked out though, which was interesting. Was it because of the power, or because of the nature of pacts? Or just because they were already connected to her with a desire to keep her safe? She would have to ask Solomon about this. He had enough pacts and time to research them that he probably had some idea. She could ask Barbatos, but she didn’t want to make him worry any more than he already was.

Nia > Satan: I love you. 

Satan > Nia: Hello! How was it?

Nia > Satan: The pact ritual was very involved, and our pact has a permanent circle in Barbatos’ workroom now.

Nia > Satan: I definitely passed out though, which scared Batos enough that he went and got Diavolo.

Satan > Nia: Yeah, we felt that over here. You’re okay though?

Nia > Satan: Yes. It was just a little intense for this weak human.

Satan > Nia: You’re not weak, just new. I’m very glad you’re safe. 

Satan > Nia: That’s enough talking to me now, go back to your new pact boyfriend. Kisses ahoy!

Nia chuckled, and shook her head. More kisses, hopefully, yes. But everything was still so new, and tentative. She wasn’t really sure what would happen.

Group Chat - Pactmates

Nia: Hey Boys - Everything went great, minus the magic knocking me out.

Leviathan: KNOCKING YOU OUT?! You’re ok though?!

Asmodeus: And?? Did you kiss yet?

Beelzebub: Nia, you’re hungry. Stop that.

Nia: I’m sitting in the kitchen. Barbatos is making us midnight snacks.

Beelzebub: Okay. That’s good.

Beelzebub: 

 

Nia chuckled, and then grinned as Barbatos set an array of finger foods in front of her.  Tiny grilled cheese sandwiches, chips and some sort of dip, other cheeses and meats, charcuterie-style.

“This looks amazing, ‘Batos.”

“Eat some now, we’ll take the rest with us to the room. Just in case we get peckish later.”

“Just how late are you intending to keep me awake?”

“As long as you let me.” Barbatos said candidly. “Our pact is new and I would like to be certain of its strength.”

Nia kept herself from saying anything at all in response by taking a larger than polite bite of grilled cheese sandwich.  To her surprise, Barbatos followed suit.  Did the ritual make him hungry, too?

Later, curled up in pajamas and a pile of blankets, Nia laid her head on Barbatos’ shoulder.

“I have questions.” she said simply, and Barbatos chuckled.

“I would have been disappointed if you did not. Please, feel free to ask me anything, and I will answer to the best of my ability.”

“Our pact circle is now permanently embedded in your workroom floor?”

“It is as you noticed.”

“Even the blood?”

“Yes. It has formed a bloodstone inlay in the sigil’s groove. We can look in the morning, if you’d like.”

“But I thought bloodstone was green with red inclusions.” Nia muttered.

“The bloodstone in the human realm has far too little blood in it.” Barbatos said as though that should have been obvious.

Nia blinked. Okay, that’s more than a little creepy, but this is the Devildom.

“Actually, it has to do with the quality of the magic. Celestial Realm bloodstone is a silver with some small green inclusions.”

“Are there other stones like that?”

“Few, but yes. I’m sure Solomon could talk endlessly about it, if you asked.”

“I might.” Nia said, smiling. “I still have more questions for you first.”

“Go ahead, dearest.”

“If your workroom has our permanent circle, and you’ve made a pact with Solomon before, what happened to his pact circle?”

“Oh, that’s simple. It’s in his workroom, in the Human world. He summoned me to request the pact, so there was no reason to bring him into my home, let alone Lord Diavolo’s.”

Nia made a face. “Of course. That makes sense. I should have guessed that.”

“There is no shame in asking questions.” Barbatos said firmly.

“Good, because I have so many. Like… why did I faint?”

“That… I can only speculate. I know you’ve gone through pact magic multiple times at this point, but I am guessing they did something to ground the magic somehow. Whereas my inexperience means the magic likely surged through you all at once.”

“Oh. That would make sense. It felt almost as though I’d been struck by lightning, and couldn’t contain the electricity.”

“Will you tell me about your other pacts? While I do not anticipate ever needing this knowledge… I cannot bring myself to miss an opportunity to learn.”

Nia nodded, and walked him through how each of her pacts had felt, right up to his.

“Hm. It sounds like you can feel the conduits through which your magic runs, but that they are somehow… clogged? An interesting theory to pursue.”  Nia yawned, and Barbatos amended his last statement. “…at a later time. You need to sleep.”

“But I have more questions!” Nia pouted, but her petulance was ruined by another yawn.

“I will allow one more question, sleepy human.”

“Okay, okay. What does the sigil mean that our blood makes? That you drew on my forehead?”

“Ah. I thought you might have guessed that one.  It’s a glyph that combines the symbol in our language for infinity and the one for dedication.” He paused, and after a breath, continued. “It is to denote the quality of our pact. Unending, my devotion to you for eternity.” Barbatos’ voice was full of emotion, the cold butler’s reason completely lost to the emotion he was sharing.

Nia blinked. “Oh. Wow.”  It hadn’t really hit her just how much this pact meant to Barbatos until now.  Like, logically, intellectually, she’d understood, but this was different.

“I hope it’s not too much for you.” He said, softer this time. “I don’t do temporary.”

“No, it’s.. wonderful, ‘Batos.” Nia said, smiling, and tipped her head up so she could kiss his cheek.  She was happy, and cozy, and loathe to move. “Can we… just sleep here?”

Barbatos looked down at the human in his arms, in his bed, and considered. He’d had centuries of training to keep his emotions and reactions in check, but she… she cracked his willpower in seconds. Would she be safe in his bed?

Nia sensed his hesitation. “If you’re not comfortable with me here…”

“That is not the problem, dearest.” Barbatos said, sighing. “I was considering if you would be safe here with me.”

“Barbatos, we have a pact now. There are very few places I would be safer.”

“Ah, but are you safe from my advances?” Barbatos said, one eyebrow raised.

“You can’t hurt me. You wouldn’t intentionally do anything I don’t want. Hell, you’ll think about something three times before you even consider enacting it. I trust you, ‘Batos.” Nia said.

“You trust me more than I trust myself.” he said, chuckling. “Yes, if you feel safe, I am happy to have you in my arms tonight, and any night for that matter.”

Nia smiled, and allowed herself to be settled for sleep. It was moments before she was sound asleep, but it took far longer for Barbatos to calm his thoughts and his heart to find his own rest.

Chapter Text

“Excuse me, Miss Nia?” A voice Nia vaguely recognized was urging her to wake. Nia grumbled, and  blinked the sleep out of her eyes.  Little D #2 was standing there, poking her arm which was hanging off of the bed into poking range.

“Barbatos has gone to fix tea for you and Mr. Solomon, and suggested I wake you in case you wanted to greet the sorcerer in something other than your pajamas.”

That got her moving.

“Shit, what time is it even?”

“About 10:45, Miss.”

“Thank you, #2.” Nia said, and shooed the Little D off. “Tell Barbatos I’ll be out shortly.”

“He will be waiting in the tea room… he said I should stay to walk you there…” #2 looked especially hesitant to leave.

“Oh.” Nia considered that she had literally no idea which tea room or where it was, and sighed. As much as she didn’t really like making the Little Ds do work, it was his job, and he’d probably get scolded if she didn’t allow him to at least do it. “If you wait right outside the door, I’ll be ready in 5 minutes.” #2 sighed, and Nia thought he might even have relaxed. 

“Okay!” he said cheerfully, and stepped out.

Nia stretched, and realized that she had, in fact, slept the whole night in Barbatos’ bed, not the one she was supposed to be in. And now #2 knew that too.  Not just any Little D, but the one that she could even tell apart from the rest. Great. Hopefully the Devildom really are as open minded as Asmo said… and also that the Little Ds are less gossipy than I feel like they will be.

Nia launched into motion, stripping out of her pajamas and stumbling her way into clean underthings and one of the sundresses Asmo packed for her.  A quick glance in the mirror to try and make her hair behave reminded her of the bright glowing pact mark on her forehead. 

Chuckling at her own startled reaction, Nia scuffed into the slippers she brought just for this purpose, and stepped out into the hallway.

“Nia!” Solomon said, smiling at her. “Nice ink.”

Nia blushed, self-consciously touching her pact mark. “I hear you have one too.” She teased.

Solomon nodded, and pulled his collar to the side, gesturing to the back of his left shoulder, where - with a wave of his hand - his own silver-teal mark flickered into view.

“Oh! Cool! Less…obvious.”

“Given the infrequency with which you intend to use Barbatos’ power and the general honesty with which you approach your day to day life, I don’t think anyone will ever notice it.”

“That’s true.” Nia shrugged, then looked around “Where’s Barbatos?”

Behind Solomon, a door swung open to reveal Barbatos carrying a few trays.

“Speak of the Devil…” Nia muttered and Solomon chuckled.

Once Barbatos had set everything down, he walked over and wrapped his arms around Nia.

“Good morning, dearest.” He said, planting a kiss on the top of her head. “I hate to leave you so soon, but Diavolo also needs his tea, and Solomon here would like to speak to you in private.

Nia pouted, but eventually nodded. “Okay. I have the rest of the day with you anyway, I suppose I can spare some "time for ye olde other human.

“Ye… Olde…” Solomon was laughing.

“What, at least I didn’t pronounce the e on olde!”

“Ye. Old-ee. Other. Human.” Barbatos said with a smirk, and left the room.  

When the door shut behind him, Nia turned to the trays Barbatos had brought. “Before you tell me whatever it is you wanted to tell me, will you do me a favor and try one of my honey cakes? Barbatos liked them, but…”

“You want another human opinion.” Solomon said, smiling as he reached for a cake. He took a single bite, and froze, staring at her while his eyes welled with tears.

Nia watched him carefully, and the tears concerned her. 

“Oh no, did I do something wrong? Was ‘Batos just humoring me? I don’t cook much but these are a family recipe, and I was so sure they came out tasty…”

Solomon shook his head, and swallowed. “These… this is Etta’s recipe, yes?”

“Yeah, my great-grandmother. Dad’s side.” Nia said, sighing. “We don’t know much about them, but the honey cake recipe is something we do still have.” She paused and realized who she was talking to. “Wait, how did you—“

Solomon cut her off mid-sentence. “I… could tell you everything you wanted to know about Etta and Delilah… but not your father. I never met him.”

Nia sighed. Of course he hadn’t. But also of course he knew GG Etta and Grandma. Old people things. Nia started to say something again, but Solomon cut her off.

“Nia… I’m your grandfather.”

“Look, I’m sorry I called you that, but… we’ve been over this. I understand, okay?” Nia bit her lip.  He wanted to talk to her in private because he was still mad about her social faux pas so long ago?

“No, Nia. I mean it. Your gut instinct was somehow accurate.”

Nia froze, and just stared at him for a solid minute before she spoke.

“Okay, let’s say you’re right. I’m still skeptical, but just to run with this before I write you off here, how do you know?” 

“I ran some lineage tests on your blood.”

“When did you get my blood.” The toneless blank of Nia’s voice deprived the sentence of its question.

“When you came to apologize, you dropped that cat pin. Remember, I gave it back to you later?”

“But, my blood?”

“You must have poked yourself with it.”

Nia’s mind flashed back to when she was putting all the pins on her bag with Mammon, and the pin she’d stabbed herself with accidentally.”

“OH.”

“Exactly. I shouldn’t have just done it without asking. I wasn’t expecting to find something so… impossible. I just wanted to test your magic levels, since you were so certain you didn’t have any magic.”

Nia nodded, but her brain was elsewhere. If Solomon was her grandfather, and his descendants were cursed… how…?

“Hm.” Nia said, sighing. “I suppose I have to believe you. I suppose Barbatos already knows and believes you because why else would he set up this tea?”  Speaking of tea… Nia sipped her tea, and realized that Barbatos had made Lavender Chamomile. He knew she’d need to calm down. Silly demon, knowing her this well already.

“You’re taking this better than I anticipated.” Solomon said, sighing.

“I’m actually terrified.” Nia said, setting down her cup. “You said, before, that someone didn’t want you to have family. How am I alive? How did my dad even live long enough to have me?”

Solomon sighed, and took a sip of his own tea. The next words he said sounded like he was forcing himself to say them. “I don’t know for sure.” He paused, then continued, less pained. “Barbatos thinks that the dregs of Diavolo’s magic in Lilith’s bloodlines might have hidden him long enough. And the fact that you have more lines from your mother… that might be what’s keeping you hidden.”

“Oh. Lilith out here doing work. Or should I say Diavolo? Either way.” Nia shrugged.

Solomon hid a chuckle behind his hand. “Either way, until you manifest your magic, you should be safe.”

“Well, then I’m golden.” Nia said, smirking. “Since I don’t have any magic.”

“You do.  That’s the test I had intended to do with your blood, and did, in fact, until I realized there was too much overlap in our results and got distracted. I thought I had spoiled the sample somehow.”

“Are you sure you didn’t? Because I’m sure I don’t have any magic.”

“I’m certain.” Solomon said, firmly. “But I will happily teach you how the test works once you’re home again and can visit Purgatory Hall.”

“So you’re saying I have magic.”

“Yes. It hasn’t manifested yet, but… what you did with Ashmedai in that labyrinth… that was more than what I gave you could have done, Nia.”

Nia blinked. “Who’s Ashmedai?” She knew she should have been thinking about the magic, and she probably could have figured this out from context clues, but…

Solomon blushed. “Asmodeus. My apologies, my age is showing.”

“Is that a cute nickname between the two of you?” Nia said, teasingly.

“No, not as such. It has become that way, I suppose, but… it’s the old Hebrew version of his name. It was the name he used with me when we formed our pact.”

“So what you’re saying is that next spa day I should just whip that name out and see what he does?” Nia said, a wicked grin on her face.

Solomon had made a mistake.  Using Asmodeus’ other name was not the mistake. Encouraging Nia wasn’t the mistake. Taking a sip of tea in the middle of this conversation was the mistake, as at Nia’s comment he aspirated the tea, and started coughing.

“Solomon! You’re supposed to swallow the tea, not breathe it!” Barbatos said, stepping into the room with a spare napkin.

Nia chuckled. “So… who all knows? Who can I talk to about suddenly having new family?”

“Right now, the three of us, and Simeon.”

“Simeon?”

“Yes. He… helped me, when I first found out.”

“Gods…” Nia muttered. “I can only imagine what that had to be like. This is a shock for me, but you…”

“I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around it for weeks. Trying to figure out how it happened, how I can protect you…”

“Wait. Is that why you wanted a pact, Barbatos?” Nia turned to look at the butler, who looked shocked. Did he only want this because it would stabilize his other pact with Solomon?

“No. I only found this out yesterday afternoon.” Barbatos said firmly, and Solomon’s nod confirmed it.

Nia immediately felt like garbage. “Shit, Barbatos. I don’t even know why I thought that, I’m horrible, I didn’t mean to make you feel like—”

“Nia. Stop.” Barbatos said, taking her hands in his. “It was a reasonable question. Had I known sooner, it would definitely have made me think about it. But not for Solomon, for you. I wanted this pact because I feel a need to protect you, my love. Finding out your full lineage… it just makes me want to keep you even closer.”

Nia shivered, and looked up at Barbatos. “Barbatos, would your power let you find out who keeps taking Solomon’s family from him?”

Barbatos’ eyes darkened, and he looked away from her. “I’ve tried. I’m trying. I… I don’t know.” Admitting there was something he didn't know seemed to pain the butler.

Nia bit her lip. “I think Lilith knows.”

Solomon’s gasp reminded her that he was still there. “What in the world would make Lilith know that, Nia? And why would you even know to consider it?”

Barbatos reached out and refilled their teacups, pouring himself a cup as well.

“Well, I had this dream…” Nia started, and both of the men in the room perked up. “Okay, so I don’t remember it entirely well. It was over a month ago at this point, while Belphegor was still in the attic.  There was a row of gravestones, it seemed infinite in either direction. But my dad’s name was there. And Grandma’s. The stones just had their names, and the world ‘Retribution’. I was crying. Then this lady walked up - I thought it was Grandma D, but… she talked around who she was. I think it was Lilith.  She told me we had to go, something like “We don’t want them finding you” and.. I just feel like she knew who she was talking about.”

“That’s not even outside the realm of possibility. We know from your experience in the attic that Lilith’s soul is here in the Devildom, watching over her brothers.”

Solomon looked between them. This was clearly a piece of information that he did not have previously.

“I wish I knew how I could intentionally connect with her. So I could ask.”

“I’ll look into it. This might be the best lead we’ve ever had.” Solomon stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I…”

Barbatos waved him off, But Nia stood and pulled him into a hug before he could leave. He stiffened, but then hugged her tight.

“You want me to keep our blood a secret, right?” She said, quietly.

“For now. Until we figure out who’s behind this. But that… we might finally learn who, thanks to you.”

“Teamwork.” Nia said, smiling. “Thanks, Solomon.”

“No, Thank you, Adania.” Solomon said, and swept out of the room.

Nia turned and looked at Barbatos. “Well, that happened.”

Chapter Text

At the front door of the House of Lamentation, Nia turned to face Barbatos.

“Thank you for a lovely weekend. Will I be seeing you at the Student Council meeting tomorrow?”

“Yes. Hopefully by then I will have figured out the problem you were having with the Devildom version of your honey cakes.”

“My hero.” Nia said, and wrapped her arms around Barbatos. The thing about all of these Demons is that they were all so impossibly tall. How was she ever supposed to get used to kissing someone who was more than a foot taller than her? Satan had her by almost 40 centimeters. Unless they were sitting, initiating kisses was right out for her, she couldn’t even tiptoe for success.

I am going to kick Solomon for this. It’s clearly his fault I’m this short. Wait, can I blame him for everything now?!

Barbatos kissed the top of her head, and chuckled. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I get the feeling someone is in trouble.”

“Oh, I just… I’m so short! How can I initiate surprise kisses like this?”

“You can’t. That’s my privilege. Why exactly do you think I hoisted you up onto the counter that time?” He leaned down and kissed her then, and she felt herself flush, but let herself get lost in the kiss, so much so in fact that she made a soft sound of discontent when he pulled away. Behind them, the door swung open to reveal Asmodeus wearing a huge grin.

“Nia! You’re home!”

Nia turned to face the Avatar of Lust. “Hey, Asmo. I’m home.”

“And you look so well rested. Thanks for taking such good care of her, Barbatos! Do you want to come in for lunch?”

“Ah.” Barbatos said, and Nia could tell he was going to refuse just by the tone in his voice. “Alas, I cannot. I have errands to run and much to do to make up for my time off this weekend. Please do take care of my love for me, Asmodeus.”

“Of course, of course! Nia, Beel and Satan made your favorites for lunch!”

Nia stared deadpan at Asmo. “Human world cheeseburgers and fries? Of the horrifying fast food variety?” she asked, doubtfully.

“Yes!!” Asmo said. “How can you get so much joy out of a potato? I do not understand.”

“French fries are sexy.” Nia said, and rolled her eyes. “Thanks again, ‘Batos. I won’t keep you from your tasks.”

“I’m just a text away, Nia.” Barbatos said. “Or a call, if you truly need me.”

“Of course.” Nia said, feeling awkward, the second half of her sentence barely audible, “…love you.” 

Barbatos’ answering smile was like the sun, if the Devildom had one of those. It made Nia feel warm and loved.

Errant history project in hand, Nia strode purposefully toward the library. Homework nights were her favorite because then she felt accomplished and got to spend time with Satan. It was a win/win situation for Nia. Her steps slowed as she reached the door, however, which had been flung wide open, giving her a clear view of Lucifer and Satan, neither of whom noticed her but both of whom looked upset.

“I’m not going to end things. Especially not just because you think I should.” Satan looked irritated, and Nia froze in the doorway. I should probably not interrupt this.

“Don’t you think it’s been long enough?”

“I don’t know what you think you’re getting at with this.”

“You’ve made your point. I’m irritated and you’ve made my life more difficult than it needs to be.”

“Wait, do you really think that’s why I’m with her?”

Wait, this is about me?!

“Excuse me.” Nia said, deciding that she couldn’t just stand there and eavesdrop on an argument about herself. “Satan and I had a study date planned…”

“What if I made a pact with Nia, Lucifer. Would that prove to you how serious I am about her?” Satan said, as though he’d missed her entrance completely.

“That’s enough, Satan.” Lucifer said, and Nia took a step back towards the door, reflexively.

“I have to say, you seem awfully concerned about the pacts Nia has been making, Lucifer.”

“…I see. All right then, if that’s the way it’s going to be, then get out of this house, Satan. Now.”

“What, you want me to leave? Wow, for once you’re giving me an order I’d be happy to follow. Okay then, I will. Gladly.”

“What the hell is going on with you two?” Nia said, irritated. It was unlike them to ignore that she existed.

Lucifer’s gaze bored into her. “If you ever hope to return to the human world, then stay out of this. This is a family matter between us brothers.”

Nia looked up to see that Mammon was also in the library, and walked up when things started to get heated.

“Whoa, hey now. Just calm down, you tw—”

“Drop it, Mammon. Let your hopelessly ungrateful brother do as he pleases.”

“…Ungrateful? Did you call me ungrateful?! Do you honestly think I owe you a debt of gratitude?!”

Lucifer just stared at Satan, and Nia could feel the anger pouring off of her boyfriend in waves.

“Fine, I will do as I please!” He turned on his heel and stalked past her, barely avoiding shoulder-checking her on his way by.

“Satan!” Nia turned, and followed him. Lucifer could rot, she needed to make sure her boyfriend was okay. When she reached his room, the door was already shut. Demons tended to walk faster than humans (thanks to their height, for one thing), and an angry Satan was practically a speed demon. She knocked, and called his name again. “Satan?”

“Come in.”

Nia looked around the room at Satan, who was staring at his books, his anger still oozing off of him. Around him, things were floating themselves into a suitcase. “Babe?”

“…Ah, Nia. It’s you. Did someone tell you to come stop me? Because if so, you’re wasting your time.” Satan muttered. “Though I doubt any of them would have. They all think this is funny.” He sighed. “Anyway, I’m trying to decide which of my books to take with me, since I couldn’t possibly take them all.”

“You’re really going?” Nia said, her voice softer than she wanted.

“Yeah.” Satan said, barely glancing her direction. “I’m really going.”

“Where?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet.”

“Take me with you. Please.”

“I can’t. You have to stay here. You’re safer here.”

“I’d be safe with you.” Nia said, and she could feel herself starting to be unreasonable.

“It’s not allowed, no matter what I want.” Satan muttered. “Come on, let’s make this pact. That’s why you’re here, right? You heard me say it to Lucifer and you’ve been waiting… Well, I said I’d do it, so I will.”

“I’m not making a pact with you like this, Satan.” Nia said, tears welling up in her eyes.

“…What did you say?” Satan’s brows furrowed together as he took a step towards her. “I told you I’d make a pact with you. You can’t seriously be planning on rejecting me?”

Satan’s power started oozing out of him, and Nia froze, afraid to even move. She’d seen Satan angry before, but never like this. 

“Satan, you’re scaring me.” She said, the honesty squeaking out of her when nothing else could.

 “Don’t you dare trifle with me. Do you think I’m called the Avatar of Wrath for nothing? I usually work to contain my anger so it doesn’t show.”

“I know.” Nia said, tears leaking down her cheeks as Satan advanced on her. “Satan…”

“Enough, Satan.” Lucifer strode into the room.

Satan turned sharply toward the door. “Lucifer…!”

“Nia is our guest, whom Diavolo invited as part of our exchange program. I won’t permit you to lay a hand on our exchange student.”

Ah. Well. Nia thought. He never did think of me as a person, why should it have changed now? I’m sure Satan would never actually have… 

And then Lucifer said the one wrong thing. The one thing that never worked on Satan, especially from him. Hell, it never worked on her little sisters, and he had at least ten times her years to have learned this particular lesson.

Lucifer said, “Calm down. Don’t give in to your rage, Satan.”

Nia watched as Satan’s rage flared even higher, and if she could have become one with a bookshelf, she would have. Compulsively she found herself calling for Mammon, her thumb pressing hard into her pact mark. She still couldn’t summon like Solomon could, but… maybe he could hear her screaming in her own head.

“You’re telling me not to give in to my rage?! You’re really telling me that? YOU of all demons?!” Satan’s aura was so strong, Nia was sure it was going to burn her.

“Satan…” Nia started, and he turned to her, his rage and his heartache plain on his face.

“Stay out of this, or I’ll burn you to a crisp…!”

Nia’s breath stuck in her throat as Satan’s wrath started to whip the air around him up into a whirlwind, stirring the books around the room. She didn't even dare to move, then, lest Satan see her as meddling. 

“Didn’t you hear me? I said to stop.” Lucifer growled, reaching to catch books out of the air and settle them back into stacks.

“Don’t you tell me what to do…! And don’t touch my books!” Satan snarled back at him, and Nia once again wished there were further steps back away from them that she could take.

In that moment, both Satan and Lucifer reached to grab the same book out of the air, and the air around them sparked with electricity, flashing so brightly that for a moment, Nia could see nothing at all.

When the light faded, Nia looked around at the absolute mess of books in the room, and the two brothers breathing hard crouched on the ground. Her gaze caught on Mammon who stood at the doorway, his eyes wide.

“Treasure, ya good? Come here, quick while they’re catching their breath.”

Nia did not need to be told twice, and scurried over to Mammon.

Satan growled, and Nia looked at him, concerned. That sound…

“So what was that flash of light?” Mammon said, addressing Lucifer, and ostensibly Satan.

Satan looked confused. “What’s going on? Why is there another me here?”

“There’s only one of you, Satan.” Nia said, and Lucifer spun to look at her.

“That was the book I mentioned to you earlier, wasn’t it.” he said, a pained look on his face that Nia had never seen on Satan, let alone on Lucifer, and Nia blinked, her brain struggling to catch up to itself. 

“The one you told me never to touch.” Nia said. “The Forbidden one.  Satan…”

“Nia, babe, you’re looking at Lucifer right now.” Mammon said, and while his tone was condescending, Nia couldn’t bring herself to be irritated.

“No, I’m talking to Satan.” Nia said, determinedly, and she watched Satan’s body stiffen and Lucifer’s relax in a way it normally never did.

“Oh.” Satan’s body said, wincing. “It’s not that there’s two of me. It’s that we’ve switched bodies.”

“Thank fuck you’re not as slow on the uptake as you usually are.” Lucifer’s body said sharply.

“How did that happen?” Mammon said, still confused.

“The book I caught as it flew though the air. You reached out for it as well, did you not, Satan?” Satan’s body said, dusting himself off.

“I did. And we swapped.” Lucifer’s body said. “It’s a forbidden book, one that causes any who touch it at the same time to switch bodies.”

“We’ve switched places. Satan is in my body, and I am in his.” Satan’s body said, a crease forming between his brows.

“Whoa, slow down a second. So, you’re telling me that Satan here is actually Lucifer on the inside and Lucifer is Satan on the inside?!” Mammon stepped forward and moved Nia protectively behind him, but was distracted when his hand slid against her arm in a way he wasn’t expecting.

“Nia… Yer bleeding.” he said, and she looked down at the gash in her arm. 

“Oh.” she said, staring at it as though it was someone else’s arm. “So I am.”

Mammon growled at the two twisted-up brothers. “Fix your shit. And next time, keep my human out of it.” He scooped Nia up into his arms, heedless of the blood getting on his clothes, and strode out of the room.

Lucifer and Satan exchanged glances. 

“According to the literature on this subject, the effect is supposed to last for several days.” Satan said in Lucifer’s voice. “I think the best course of action would be to seclude ourselves and wait for the effect to wear off.”

“Oh no. We’re going to RAD.” Lucifer responded in Satan’s voice.

“What…? Are you insane?”

“Of course we’re going to school. What did you expect? If we stay home, Diavolo will probably start asking questions. I don’t want Diavolo knowing I’ve allowed a mistake like this to happen.”

“Lucifer, it’s not like you to be naïve enough to think we could actually clear this up without Diavolo knowing. Nia has a pact with Barbatos, and she was injured around the time when it occurs.  Chances that Barbatos doesn’t already know about this are very low, and he keeps nothing from Diavolo.”

Satan had the singular experience of watching his own body tighten in anger and hear his own vocal cords shred in a growl.

“In any event, you’ll be staying in my room until we both return to normal.” Lucifer said.

“Oh no, nuh-uh! We may have no choice but to stay where we can see each other, but I’m not staying in your room! Anything but that!” Satan argued.

“Well, your room has nothing but books all over the place, so many that it’s impossible to even set foot in here normally.” Lucifer countered.

“How about Nia’s room?” Satan offered, quietly. He knew she wouldn’t like it, but she could go stay with one of his brothers - okay maybe not Levi, that bathtub didn’t look comfortable in the slightest.

“Would she allow us to stay with her?”

“With her? Oh hell no, I don’t want her forgetting in her sleepiness and kissing you.” Satan shuddered. "But we can share her room and she can go stay with Beel. She’s there at least once a week, anyway."

“And why is your human girlfriend sharing a bed with Beelzebub?” Lucifer asked, and Satan hated seeing that haughty look on his own face.

“That’s absolutely none of your fucking business.” Satan said sharply. “But because I know you will only think ill of my love until you know, she has nightmares, regularly, thanks in part to a certain eldest brother of mine, and between Beel and Belphie they keep her grounded enough that she can actually get sleep those nights.”

Lucifer had the grace to look chagrined. On Satan’s face, of course.

This is going to be the death of me. They thought simultaneously, neither one aware of the other’s thoughts.

Chapter Text

“Are you certain I can’t help you, Ashmedai?” Solomon’s voice filtered out of the kitchen.

“No no no no no. You stay over there, I will be done with the coffee in just a minute!” Asmo responded, only slightly panicked.

Mammon strode into the kitchen with Nia in his arms, immediately catching the attention of the pair, and stopping their usual banter in its tracks.

“Wha~?!” Asmo immediately pranced over. “What happened to my darling Nia?”

“Satan and Lucifer have been fighting all evening and she got caught up in it.” Mammon grumbled, passing Nia to Asmo while he got the first aid kit out of the cabinet.

“And you’re involved because…?” Asmo said, setting Nia on the counter, and taking the kitchen shears to her torn sleeve. 

“She called me. Practically screamed inside my head.” Mammon said, turning back. “Solomon, get a wet cloth so we can clean up this blood, would you? Lousy useless sorcerer.”

Solomon, of course, had gone pale staring at a wounded Nia. “Right…” he said, and like a zombie went about doing as he was asked.

For her part Nia was still in shock, whether it was in reaction to the blood or the situation with Satan and Lucifer, she wasn’t sure. She didn’t really register what was going on around her until Mammon started carefully cleaning the blood to reveal the actual wound.

“Mamms…” she said, her eyes going wide. “That really hurts.”

Mammon just bit his lip, and continued delicately cleaning her arm. “I know, treasure, I know. This is going to need stitches. I wonder if we have any numbing stuff.”

Off to the side, Solomon just stared, until Asmo stuck a foot out and nudged him.

“Hey~ Solomon~, stop staring at Nia. It’s creepy.”

“I could heal her.” he said, quietly, and Mammon stopped what he was doing at looked at the sorcerer.

“What are ya waitin for then, old man?”

Solomon sighed. “I don’t know. Reasons.” He pinned Nia with a stare, and she blinked at him.

“Solomon, they’re my pactmates. One of them is yours. I trust them.”

Solomon looked at Mammon carefully, and then sighed.

“Only because she trusts you, Greed.” Solomon said, and then shooed both of them away from Nia before hovering his hands over her wound.

“Hear me, powers of Blood and Bond, you who both watch over lines and sever them. Connect the vitality of this line, one to another. Heal this blood of my blood.”

Nia watched, fascinated, as the wound on her arm bound itself back together, first rough, then smooth, then even the line where the cut had been disappeared, leaving only the spilled blood behind as proof that there had even been an injury.

Mammon looked at Solomon with narrowed eyes. “Blood of my blood?”

Asmo shrugged. “I’m sure it’s just a human thing.”

Just about everyone was crowded into the music room, talking over each other in concern. 

Nia was curled up in Belphie’s lap, sound asleep despite the noise.

Solomon had gone back to Purgatory hall to “work on something”. He had of course left without answering Mammon’s questions about how he healed Nia, which left Mammon in a mood.

They’d called Diavolo and Barbatos and asked them to come over - it would be better to tell everyone what was going on once, and get all of the questions handled right away.

The cacophony was not left unattended for long, as Diavolo and Barbatos arrived moments later - Diavolo taking the obviously available chair, and Barbatos making a beeline for a sleeping Nia, checking her for any injuries other than what Mammon reported when he’d called.

Once everyone was situated, Satan (in Lucifer’s body) took point in explaining what had occurred in painstaking detail, which caused Lucifer (in Satan’s body) to roll his eyes more than once.

“Whoa, slow down a second. So you’re telling me that Satan here is actually Lucifer on the inside, and Lucifer is Satan on the inside?!” Asmo said, practically bursting with concern and confusion.

“…For real?” Beel added, still questioning whether this was an elaborate prank.

Mammon sighed. “It’s like they said. I watched it happen. So did Nia, but…”

“Meh.” Levi said, disinterested.

“Whaddya mean MEH?! This is a big deal!” Mammon turned on his next youngest brother in shock.

“Like, it’s just that the whole switching bodies story is standard anime fare. I’ve seen it a million times.”  He was laughing quietly, a wicked smirk on his face.

“This ain’t an anime, Levi! This is for real!” Mammon assured him.

“So Lucifer, are you two going to go back to normal eventually?” Beel asked, concerned.

“The effect should last several days.  Unfortunately, I hadn’t researched far enough to know what ‘several’ equates to. It could be four days. It could be a month.” Satan said in Lucifer’s bold tone.

“Aww, lucky. That means you get to skip school and hang out in your room playing online games all you want until it’s over. I’m so jealous…”

“Ah. Well.” Lucifer said, his usual cadence sounding odd in Satan’s voice. “If Lord Diavolo would permit us the ability to study remotely until this situation has resolved, I would be most grateful. I would hope we will be back to normal before my speech next week.”

“Lucifer.” Diavolo said, properly addressing Satan’s body without issue. “I think there’s a bigger issue here.”

Satan’s face paled. “And that would be?”

“You put Nia’s life in danger. I understand that your Pride is a driving force in how you handle yourself, but I think you need to consider getting a better rein on it. Satan is clearly not in a relationship with Nia to spite you, and yet, you spurred on an argument over this. Because of your pride. I want you to spend the time you are unable to attend RAD considering why it is you thought these things, and what you can do to avoid endangering others needlessly in the future.” 

All needless chatter ceased about halfway through Diavolo’s lecture, and the room stayed silent as he turned to Satan.

“And you, Satan. Spend some time considering other ways to ground your anger rather than just bottling it up. In this case, it ended with a body swap and an injury to someone you love. Without the shock of that book, it could have ended much more fatally. I know you’ve been making strides in being able to ground others’ anger into yourself, but then you just hold onto it.  Consider hitting the gym with Beelzebub, or the club with Asmodeus. Either of these could help you immensely.”

Lucifer grimaced but did not respond. Satan nodded in response, sighing. “You’re correct. I will work on it. For her sake, and my brothers’, if not my own.”

Belphie hummed and smiled a little bit. “And that’s why he’s in charge.”

Barbatos caught Belphie’s eye and nodded. They agreed on something that wasn’t Nia, it seemed.

“Tell me again why you’re staying with me?” Mammon said, shuffling things around in his closet to make space for Nia to keep a few outfits in his room. “Not that I mind or nothin’, but don’t ya usually stay with Beel?”

“We’re together now, aren’t we?” Nia said, raising an eyebrow at him. “Shouldn’t I want to stay with my boyfriend?”

Mammon watched her out of the corner of his eye, and sighed. “We both know that’s not the real reason, treasure. If it were just that you’d be with Barbatos, or Asmo.”

Nia paused. “I… It’s stupid.” she muttered, plopping down onto the couch.

“Nia, if ya taught me anything since ya got here, it’s that feelings aren’t stupid. Spit it out.”

Even with his encouragement, it took Nia a bit to get the words out.

“You made everything better, Mamms.” Her voice was soft, and he had to stop what he was doing to even hear her. “I’m supposed to be strong, I’ve always been more than enough to protect my sisters, but… when I wasn’t enough, you were there.”

Mammon stopped what he was doing, and sat on the couch next to Nia, pulling her into his arms.

“It’s not about strength, Nia.” he said, hugging her tight. “You were caught between two of the strongest Demons in the entire Devildom having a pissing match. The only one of us who could have gotten out of that unscathed without help would have been Diavolo. Even Solomon wouldn’t have gotten a spell off without them noticing, babe.”

Nia sighed. “What if I told you I understand but I still feel bad about it?”

“Then I would tell you the same thing you always tell me - feelings don’t follow logic.”

Nia grumbled, but didn’t argue further. “Okay, so… how do we get Satan and Lucifer to stop fighting like this?” She asked, her brain already pivoting another direction.

“Wait, get Satan and Lucifer to…make up? Now listen, those two have been at each other’s throats like this ever since Satan was born, you know? I mean I guess you could say it’s only Satan that hates Lucifer. But it’s like… Lucifer doesn’t give a fuck about how Satan feels, which makes Satan even angrier.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed. I really think Diavolo hit the nail on the head with what he said to them earlier, too.”

“Mhm. Maybe what we gotta do is make them work together towards a common goal, you know?”

“They’ll never agree.”

“Maybe they will - Levi’s got this new game coming, did he tell you about it?”

“You mean Dogi☆Maji☆Memorium?” She said, grinning. “Levi said that it’s one of the GehennaStation’s new immersive VR games.”

“Yeah! Anyone who registers to play at the start of a run is actually pulled into the game world for real. What if we got them to play it?” Mammon said, matching her grin.

“First, we’d have to get Levi to agree to letting them play his new game. Which means including him, probably.”

“And us! It plays up to 5, he said!”

“Weird, I thought it was 1-4.”

“Huh. Well… I can sit out if I gotta.” Mammon mumbled. 

“Pfft, Mamms, its fine. I’m sure if he told you 5, it’s 5. I’m not the queen of remembering things, you know. But second, we’d have to get them to agree to play at all.”

“That’s easy.” Mammon said. “They’d get to be in their own bodies while they were playing. All we need is for them to get fed up being swapped.”

“Oh. Legit.” Nia laughed. “But isn’t Doji Maji a dating sim?”

“It’s got a twist. I can’t tell ya what, but it makes everyone team up at the end.”

“Welp.” Nia laughed. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… Levi might just be able to work miracles with video games.”

“Man…is it just me, or am I a for-real genius? I’m pretty sure I am!” Mammon said, grinning.

“Nia!!!” Levi said, practically vibrating in front of her.

“Levi?”

“Dogi☆Maji☆Memorium arrived!!!”

Nia laughed. “Nice. So the plan is on for later?”

“You got it. I think if we go one more day with those two like this, the whole house is going to implode."

With a conspiratorial salute, Levi wandered off, leaving Nia to continue her tired walk to the kitchen.  Once again, she was on cooking duty, with Satan. As she walked into the kitchen, she was met with an unexpected sight; Lucifer was already elbow deep making… something. After an odd moment of deja vu, Nia shook her head. That was Satan.

“Good morning, Satan.” She greeted, only to have him look up in irritation.

“I forgot you were a morning person.” he grumbled.

“Hey, you were here before me.” she covered a yawn. “And I’m not a morning person… is it wrong to be happy to see you?”

He stilled. “But you’re not really seeing me, are you.” He sighed, and went back to mixing the weird goop in front of him. Nia decided not to respond to his disappointment, and instead just move on to breakfast.

“What are you making?”

“Biscuits… kindof. They’re this weird meat-and-cheese mixed right into the biscuit dough breakfast thing. I learned it from some historical re-enactment nerds last time I was up in the Human Realm.”

“Oh, neat. Need any help?”

“No, I’ve got this. You want to get the bacon and eggs started?”

Nia looked at the pair of large ostrich-sized eggs and the hell-boar bacon sitting out on the counter and laughed.

“Satan, babe, you know I can’t crack those eggs.”

“Oh. Right. Uh.. let me get cleaned up and I’ll help.”

Moments later, hands freshly washed, he joined her to help open the eggs, and she startled at his hand on her shoulder. Lucifer’s hand, ungloved because he’d been working with dough.

After instinctively pulling away. Nia winced and stammered out an apology.

Satan just shook Lucifer’s head. “No, don’t apologize for that. I hate being in this body just as much as you hate me being in this body.”

“More, I’m sure.” Nia said, and smiled wryly.

Satan grumbled in that way that was purely Satan, and then shifted enough that his claws were bared so he could open the eggs for her.  This, of course, appeared to have been a dubious choice, as instead of continuing to grip the egg in question, he fumbled it.

Nia watched in horror as an egg the size of a volleyball fell to the kitchen tile… and bounced. Unharmed.

“Fuck.” Satan snarled. “I can’t wait to get the hell out of this body.”

Chapter Text

“You’re sure we shouldn’t ask them first?” Nia asked, concerned.

“I’m sure.” Mammon said, and Levi nodded.

“Even if they both thought it was a good idea, they’d never agree at the same time.” Levi said, booting up the game.

“Just tell ‘em it was my idea when they complain.” Mammon said. “I’m okay being the scapegoat this time.”

“Let’s see… ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Satan’ … There, I’ve entered their names. They’re registered.” He sighed happily.

“Understand just how badly I’ve been wanting to play this game, you cannot! Finally time, it is!”

“Thanks, Yoda.” Nia said, laughing.

“I’ll enter my name here… ‘Leviachan’ Okay done. Now, we’ll add ‘Nia’… Mammon, what name do you want?”

“Just Mammon is fine.”

“Okay, ‘JustMammon’ it is… and done.”

“Hey, I didn’t mean for the just to be part of my name!!” Mammon said, indignant.

Levi chuckled with an evil lilt. “Now I’ll adjust a few settings really quickly and… Okay, ready! it’s time to enter the world of Doji Maji!”

“Hey, did ya hear what I said?! …hey!” 

Mammon reached out to poke Levi, just as Levi hit the start button.

“And… start!”

Nia blinked. Suddenly, she was sitting at one of the window desks in a typical anime classroom. Is this game basically an isekai? I mean not that I’m mad, but… I hope I don’t die.

“Huh…?” JustMammon said, looking around. “…Whoaaaaaa! What’s goin’ on? Are we inside the game now?”

Nia giggled. “You really did get stuck with JustMammon.”

Leviachan was just laughing. Harder than he probably should be, but well, it was Levi after all.

“Anyway, what’s goin’ on? Is this s’posed to be…a school? It looks totally different from RAD. I thought this was an RPG. Aren’t games like this supposed to start in some village, or a castle, or out on a giant grassy plain or somethin’? Shouldn’t Nia be in a flirty peasant outfit or a corset or somethin?”

Nia laughed, but it was Leviachan who answered.

“Not necessarily. I mean, Dogi Magi is a school dating sim after all!”

“…Wha?!” JustMammon looked like he’d just been told his credit card was maxed out.

“One character is designated as the heroine, and you’ve got to work hard to increase your favorability score with her higher and higher. Then in the end, you go up on the Roof of Legend and profess your love to her. And if she accepts you, you win. Oh, I forgot to mention I designated Nia as the heroine.” Leviachan said, smugly.

“You did WHAT!?” JustMammon said, loud enough to shake the glass in the windows.

Just then, the sound of someone clearing their throat made the three of them turn to see Lucifer standing at the back of the classroom.

“You two… So, you’re the ones behind this…”

“Yikes! He’s here…!” JustMammon said, taking a step back.

“Mamms, what did you expect? That was the whole point.” Nia said, and the sound of Satan chuckling made her head snap up to where he was standing at the front of the class..

“It seems that while we’re in this… game world… we have our own bodies back.” Satan said, stretching every muscle in his body, a bit like a cat.

“Now then.” Lucifer said, every bit as menacing as he was the night he caught her going to the stairs. “How about you explain to me exactly what is going on here?”

“…I see. So essentially, we’re inside the world of one of Levi’s games, and we can’t go back to the real world unless we win?” Lucifer asked.

“And in order to win, you have to confess your love to the heroine up on the Roof of Legend, and she has to accept you? Do I have that right?” Satan added.

“Yep, and I went ahead and made Nia the heroine. So raise your intimacy score with Nia, you must! And achieve the happy ending, yes…!”

“Still talking like Yoda, Leviachan?” Nia asked, one eyebrow raised.

“Of course!” he replied with a grin.

“Why’d ya go and do that?” JustMammon muttered.

“What do you mean? Because it seemed like it would be fun?” Leviachan responded, shrugging. Nia wasn’t sure if he was responding about the talking like Yoda or making her the heroine, but it worked either way.

Lucifer looked irritated. “It would seem that I am at a disadvantage in this game.”

Nia pinned him with a glare. “I guess that means you’ll just have to try harder.”

“It also means,” Satan said, “That we shouldn’t be at risk of losing the game.” He met Nia’s eye, and she blushed.

“Yeah!” JustMammon said, grinning. “We’re golden! So you guys don’t have to do a thing. Nope, nothin’ at all. Y’know, just hang out and do whatever. In your normal bodies. I’ll go ahead and raise my affection score with Nia.”

Satan’s grin just got bigger. “You know what this means, right? It’s a competition, to see which one of us can get the happy ending with Nia.”

Lucifer’s face continued to sour. “That goes without saying. And I highly doubt I’d actually lose to the likes of you, Satan.”

Nia just blinked. Does Lucifer really think he stands a chance at making me happy? Unlikely.

Leviachan burst out laughing. “You guys are hilarious! Aren’t you forgetting about someone? You really think you can beat me at my own game?”

“Hey!” JustMammon interrupted. “Why do you all wanna win so badly all of a sudden, huh? We should just have fun playin’, and you two in your normal bodies and all.”

“I won’t lose to the likes of him.” Lucifer and Satan said simultaneously, and Nia couldn’t suppress a shiver.

“And I guess I just want to win the game? And have a 100% perfect run? It’s my game after all. I’m not about to let someone else experience the very best part of it in my place. That’s like, crazy.” Leviachan said, grinning like an idiot.

JustMammon growled. “Don’t forget about me! Listen up, Nia. I’m gonna tell you I love you, and you’re gonna choose me. Okay? It’s totally gonna happen.”

Nia knew how games worked, so she bit back on her desire to tell him she loves him and she already chose him once. Even if she knew it was what he needed to hear right then.

Not to be outdone, Satan reached out and pet her hair. “Nia. I won’t have to make you fall for me, but I will remind you how much you love me, and it will simply be natural. A matter of course.”

Leviachan just bounced in place. “Nia is my princess!”

Lucifer wound himself up to say something, but Nia didn’t let him.

“Okay, but what about the twist?” Nia said, looking pointedly at Leviachan, who’d been fidgeting.

“Well, at some point, depending on the choices we make, the game will change. But I don’t know to what. So we should all probably not stray too far.”

The game itself was fun. Simple school sections, cute chatting between classes sections, and even some activities with the love interests. It reminded her of a Persona game, minus the combat bits.  Watching the demons struggle in anime class, well except Levi, was exceptionally amusing for her, and she even got game detention once for laughing when JustMammon failed to answer a question due to having been asleep. Said detention was spent chatting with the demon in question, so it too was fun.

One time, passing Satan in the hallway, she stepped sideways to shoulder-check him, which caused him to stop and hold her close, while no one was watching.  She practically melted in his arms, and they shared a moment of quiet contentment before they heard footsteps and split like they were afraid of being caught. Who knew what the world would do with them being close like that in front of an NPC.

Somehow, Levi managed to make her an entire bento lunch of human-world foods. It was probably the best lunch she’d had in ages. She didn’t get human-world food unless something important was happening, and she savored every last bite. He was determined to make her happy, even offered to feed her bites. 

After a few game days of not seeing Lucifer, she found him laying on the roof, basking in the sun. They chatted for a short time about him being less concerned about her opinion and instead taking the opportunity to enjoy some time outside of Diavolo’s sphere of obligation.  From the way he’d talked when they got started, Nia had expected to be upset with his advances the entire game, but he seemed content to leave her be. Maybe he’d gotten the hint. All she knew was that while he wasn’t explicitly avoiding her, it amounted to the same thing, and she couldn’t help but tap the ‘intimacy up’ button when it appeared.

The night before Graduation day came, and Nia was nervous. They all met to discuss the next day, and Nia had never seen her boys (and Lucifer) looking this nervous. They hadn’t come across the twist yet. Maybe it was something she’d done, or because the heroine was a player and not the AI?  She was nervous, because to end this mess she was going to have to choose one of them, and she just knew despite what they said about it, there would be fallout.

They split to head back to their dorms to trigger the night sequence, but on the way there Satan caught her in the hallway.

“Nia. Do you have a second?”

Nia nodded, and allowed herself to be led to one of the benches out on the green.

“I feel bad, and I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“Lucifer and I… No. I hurt you. Whether I held the weapon or merely stirred it up in my anger, you were hurt. In my room. Because you cared for me.  Before we go back to the real world and I stop being myself again, I wanted to apologize to you. With my own face, my own voice. I’m sorry, Nia. You deserve so much better from me.”

Nia knew she was tearing up, and tried to blink away the offending moisture.

“Thank you, Satan.  Can I.. tell you some things? That I’ve noticed?”

“Always, kitten.”

“Please.. don’t be upset with me for meddling. I just.. can’t bear to see you two at odds so much. Lucifer, he.. he doesn’t see you as a child as much as you think he does. He’s just constantly on edge, trying to look good in front of Diavolo.  Dia wasn’t wrong when he said that Lucifer needs to control his pride better. Because it affects a lot more than he thinks it does, and the relationship between the two of you is one of those casualties.” Nia could see that Satan really didn’t want to hear what she was saying, so she tacked on the last bit of advice she could think that might be helpful. “You don’t have to force yourself to like someone you don’t, love. But sometimes it helps to know where they’re coming from, anyway.”

“I can’t say I entirely agree with your point.” Satan said, sighing. “But… you’re not entirely wrong, either. Not forcing myself to like someone I don’t… that’s a refreshing point of view. You’re the first person who’s ever said anything like that to me. And here you are, a human.” He laughed, and it went straight to her heart. “Thanks, Nia.”

They still had no idea at that point, just how the game was about to change.

Chapter Text

Finally, the last day of the game came. Graduation day. Nia woke to the sound of screams. Ah, the twist. She got out of bed and tapped the UI button for the uniform that came with pants. Today sounded like it was going to be a pants kind of day.
There was a pounding at her door, and Nia picked up the (oddly convenient) very large wrench sitting by her door. She’d always wanted a crescent wrench large enough to incapacitate an intruder, and now she had one. Maybe Levi would order her a real one off Akuzon later.

“Who’s there?” She asked, and was surprised to hear Leviachan’s voice on the other side of the wood. Confident. Full of authority.

“It’s Leviathan. Open the door when you’re ready. We’re going to get the other three and hit the roof.”

“What’s going on, Levi?”

“The twist. Survival horror. The halls are full of monsters, from every horror game I’ve ever played. People are dying left and right, so we need to keep you safe. I’d be happier if you’d open the door and let me protect you now, Nia.”

Nia swung the door open, and her messy adorable otaku Levi was nowhere to be seen. In his place, however, was a slick, confident version of the same third brother she’d come to love, resplendent in his demon form.

“Levi?” She questioned, looking him up and down pointedly.

“What, did you really think the Grand Admiral of Hell’s Navy was only an Otaku?”

“I…” she muttered. “Maybe? I didn’t know you were the Grand Admiral either…”

“Heads up, you two!” Satan said, his own demon form on full display. Leviachan pivoted, and knocked a zombie-looking thing out a window with his tail.

“Thanks, Satan. Have you seen Mammon or Lucifer?”

“No. Their rooms are two floors up from here.”

“Let’s move it.” Nia said, hefting her wrench. “I’m not good at horror games.”

“Nia! When you said this game had a twist, I was not expecting monsters to start poppin’ up outta nowhere all over the school this morning and change this into an ultra-hard game where we gotta fight to survive!” JustMammon demanded, breathing hard. 

Nia had to snap her attention back to his face and away from his body, covered in blood and viscera from the various creatures they’d been fighting.

“I had no idea, but… it did mean I got to see all four of you in an entirely new light…” she said, smirking.

“Still though, this is totally exciting. Who would have thought that what looked like a simple dating sim would have this crazy twist at the end?! Not to mention how totally bloody it is! OMG this is so epic…” 

Satan coughed. “Levi, your otaku is showing.”

“Yes, please Leviathan, stay focused, we are clearly not yet finished.” Lucifer said, scanning the horizon. They’d made it to the roof.

“One of the NPCs was talking about a final boss.” Satan said. “John. The one who rushed that mob of monsters at the end to clear a path for us.”

“Oh, he was my favorite NPC.” Nia said, and had the pleasure of watching a wave of jealousy and irritation roll over her companions until she specified NPC. “RIP John.”

“Speak of the devil…” Lucifer said. “It looks like the last boss has found us.”

“What the…?! No way… That’s the last boss?!” Leviachan said, standing up straighter somehow.

“It would seem so.” Lucifer said, relaxing slightly.

Nia looked up and laid eyes on none other than Cerberus. Angry, flame-breathing, three-headed Cerberus, who took that opportunity to snarl at them.

“Cerberus…!” Satan said, squaring up.

“Wait, we’re lucky that the boss is Cerberus, doncha think? I mean this’ll be easy, right?” JustMammon said, and Nia spared him a glance. “With Lucifer here on our side, Cerberus will be like a sweet little puppy!”

“I don’t know if it’ll be that simple… This isn’t the Devildom, after all.” Satan said, concerned.

“There’s no need to be concerned, Satan. I’ll have this easily handled. You just sit back and watch.”

“Lucifer, I…” Satan started, concerned.

“Cerberus, sit.”

Cerberus, in fact, did not sit. He padded menacingly closer, letting out a growl loud and fierce enough that Nia was sure that the fringe of Lucifer’s hair had to have lit on fire.

“Well yeah, of course he’s not gonna do what Lucifer says! This is a game! Lucifer’s real-world powers don’t work here!" Leviachan called.

“Satan, he’s goin’ after you!” JustMammon said, lunging to attempt to put himself between the three-headed dog and his brother.  To his credit, he was fast enough to turn the demon dog’s attack away from Satan, but with two hands, he only managed to fend off two heads. The third bite, its attack slightly belated, caught Mammon’s shoulder. Nia watched in horror as Mammon was shaken like a toy and then tossed across the roof, bouncing twice before coming to rest, still.  

In horror, Nia dropped her wrench and ran over to Mammon’s side.

“Mamms. Mamms open your eyes babe, tell me you’re okay.”

“It’s just a flesh wound, treasure.” he said, his voice so quiet it was almost lost to the wind, but he cracked his eyes open to look at her. “Besides, I’ll be fine once they take out that damn dog.” Nia looked up to see the three remaining brothers fighting Cerberus, and watched in horror as Lucifer simply stood his ground and attempted to control Cerberus as if the dog were actually his own. Mammon attempted to sit up, and Nia propped him up so he could see.

“Mammon, stay down. I’ve got Cerberus, you two. Just stay back and let me handle this.” Lucifer said, and despite their misgivings, Satan and Levi listened. Satan because he was happy to watch Lucifer fail, and Levi because this was combat, and he was trained to listen to his superior’s orders.

Nia bit her lip. This wasn’t going to go well. They traded blows back and forth for a bit, but then Cerberus raised a paw, and smashed it into Lucifer. He held his ground, but something snapped at the impact, and Lucifer dropped to one knee.

“Lucifer!” Nia called out worriedly. He might be a pompous asshole, but he was part of this family, and she’d spent far too much time with him to enjoy seeing him hurt. Besides, Diavolo would be upset, and she didn’t know if she could handle that loud man’s tears.

Lucifer sucked in a breath, and then said words Nia never thought she’d hear. 

“I was wrong. Satan. Leviathan. I need your help.”

With the three demons working in tandem, even with Lucifer’s injury, Cerberus fell quickly.  When the fire in the beast’s eyes had finally faded, Lucifer sprinted over to where Nia was holding Mammon, and checked his injury. 

“Mammon, this wound… it was my fault. I’m so sorry.” He lowered his head, and then suddenly they were all in a different space, with confetti raining down, and big floating text congratulating them on a completed mission, and game.  

Just like that, they were back in Levi’s room. Uninjured, but rattled.

Mammon grinned like he’d won the lottery. “I’m healed!!!”

Lucifer tested his legs by bouncing a few times, and cursed. “I’m back in Satan’s body.”

Satan likewise bounced. “Well, if it’s any consolation, your legs aren’t broken.”

Levi was cackling. “We just broke the RTA Speedrun Record!”

“I need a nap.” Satan said, looking pointedly at Lucifer. “How about you, brother?”

“Mhm. We’ll be taking our leave.” Lucifer said, and Nia thought it was odd that they were intentionally doing something together, but she wasn’t going to say anything and jinx it.

Having heard nothing from the swapped brothers by the time she was getting ready for bed, Nia left Mammon and headed to her room. When she arrived, she heard concerned voices, and knocked.

“Who’s there?” Satan’s voice called, and Nia chuckled. 

“Nia.” she said, and the door swung open. “I came to see how you two were doing, make sure you hadn’t murdered each other in my room. It’s been pretty quiet since we finished Dogi Maji.”

“We’ve been talking.” Satan said, still presenting as Lucifer.

Lucifer was practically growling, a low sound that Nia hadn’t heard from Satan since the first day she was in the Devildom. “I cannot believe we are still stuck like this, it is entirely unforgivable. I have a speech to give in just a few days.”

“I know, Lucifer, and we don’t expect to have changed back by then. So clearly I will have to give the speech as the student council’s chosen representative.” Satan said, the pompous tone seeming normal in Lucifer’s voice.

Nia blinked. “Satan, it’s not like you to be so smug. Not about something like this. And Lucifer… I expect you’re usually better at controlling your temper than this.”

Both brothers had the grace to look chagrined. “You know, she’s not wrong.” Satan said. “Why am I so proud of having to give a speech? I hate speeches.”

Lucifer was doing some calming breathing exercises.

Nia’s eyes lit up. Now that was something I hadn’t considered. “The body swap didn’t swap your sins… or… it did, kindof? Your sins stayed with your bodies.”

Satan stared at her, and it didn’t take long for Lucifer to catch up to what she was saying.  Much to her surprise, it was Lucifer who broke the silence between them.

“Satan… I’ve known the whole time you were born from my uncontrollable wrath, but to feel it like this… I am sorry to have pushed you. You are doing an admirable job controlling your own anger. Obviously not perfectly because otherwise Diavolo would have had no reason to admonish you, but I dare say you do a better job on an average day than I do. I hope you can forgive my ignorance.”  His apology was slightly marred by the fact that he kept clenching and unclenching his fist.

Satan just stared dumbfounded. Nia wasn’t sure Lucifer would have been able to humble himself like that if he’d been in his own body, based on what she’d been seeing with Satan. “You… apologized.”

Lucifer nodded.

“Then at the very least let me say this. I understand now why you always seem to have your nose in the air. I’m struggling to believe that I could have done anything wrong, because I know full well that I am perfection walking. And if you have to tamp down this level of pride, well, I don’t know how you do it.” Not an apology, but the poor demon looked like he was struggling to say even that much.

They shared a chuckle, and then Nia stumbled backward as a flash of light lit the room.

As she blinked away the afterimage, Satan and Lucifer looked at each other an laughed.  They’d swapped back.

“So the key was… mutual understanding?” Satan asked, and Lucifer nodded. 

“It must have been.”

“Waaait.” Nia said, looking between them. “You’re back in your own bodies?”

“Yes, we’re ourselves again.” Satan said. At their shared nod, Nia launched herself at Satan, wasting no time getting a kiss from her boyfriend.

“Nia, it’s only been a few days. Control yourself.” Lucifer said, though the laughter in his tone took away some of the sharpness.

“Okay, okay.” she said, stepping back from Satan. “I’m just so happy you resolved this.  Satan… you’re not going to leave now that you’re back to yourself, right?”

Satan looked at her like she was an idiot. “Leave…?”

“You were all set to move out.” Nia said softly.

“Oh.” Satan said, and looked to Lucifer, who simply shrugged slightly. “No, I’ll be staying. My books are probably all over the place in my room anyway. Could use a good cleaning.”

Lucifer smiled, and looked to Satan. “Satan. I want you to give tomorrow’s speech.”

“Me…? But that speech is supposed to be given—”

“Yes, by the chosen representative of the student council officers.  I know I can trust you to fulfill that role. Are you going to refuse?”

“Refuse? You must be kidding. By the time I’m done, Lord Diavolo won’t be able to stop gushing about what an amazing speech I gave.  And how it was even better than anything you could have done.”

Nia giggled. Satan would be Satan, but there was something so much more brotherly, and so much less menacing than his usual challenges like that.

Lucifer laughed. “Well, you’re certainly setting the bar high. I look forward to seeing you deliver on that.”

Chapter Text

As the Student Council meeting was winding down, Nia found herself the subject of not one but three different demons looking for her attention, and not the usual suspects, nor in the usual ways.

First, Lucifer and Diavolo almost simultaneously asked her for a word. While she was turning to answer them, there was a knock at the door revealing Mephistopheles, looking somewhat chagrined to be asking for the Human’s attention amongst other such nobility. Lucifer looked irritated when Diavolo waved her off to go talk to Mephi, and she bobbed in acknowledgement before she hustled over to see what he needed.

“Hey, Mephi, what’s up?”

“Well, I was hoping to get a behind the scenes scoop on why Lucifer let Satan give that speech.”

“First, what kind of scoop? Second, what’s the angle you’re shooting for with the article?”

“Pro-Satan, looking to speak to the possibility of the end of an era of pointless power struggles within the Devildom’s nobility.” Mephi said, and Nia was reminded that this demon was, in fact, old blood nobility in comparison to the brothers’ effective new blood. Of course he had opinions.

“I will totally talk to you about what I know, so long as I get to read it before you publish.”

“Sure, sure. How about we text? I can feel Lord Diavolo boring a hole in my skull because I’m making him wait his turn with you.”

“The way you say that sounds so scandalous.”

“Doesn’t it just?” He winked at her, and for once Nia was glad to already have established that he wasn’t flirting with her.

“Alright, text me. And get out of here before you get caught up in some drama or other.”

“You know I live for drama, dear.” He chuckled, and turned to leave. “But point taken.”

Nia turned and walked back up to where Diavolo and Lucifer were talking.

“So… who first?” She said, looking between them.

“Actually, both.” Diavolo grinned. “We were both hoping to invite you out to dinner.”

“Oh!” Nia looked at Lucifer. “Diavolo I understand, but why you?”

“I still owe you a nice dinner from that… incident… earlier this year.”

“Oh, that you do.” Nia smiled. “But it’s my night to cook…”

“I have a solution for that!” Mammon said, stepping up behind her and placing a kiss on top of her head. “Let’s all go out to dinner.”

“All ten of us?” Lucifer raised an eyebrow at Mammon.

“Yeah. I just got paid, so I can cover myself and Beel, at least.” Mammon said, and Nia grinned at seeing the shocked looks on Diavolo and Lucifer’s faces.

“That is unnecessary.” Diavolo said, his shock shifting over into his usual over-the-top grin. “But the offer is appreciated and will not be forgotten, Mammon.”

“So, what time is dinner~?” Asmo called from across the room.

“7:45, Ristorante Six.” Barbatos said, stepping back up from where he’d stepped away to make the reservation. “And yes, they know that they are expecting both the human and Beelzebub.” Barbatos met her eye, and while he didn’t wink or smirk, the twinkle in his eye was enough to warm her heart.

Dinner was lovely. They toasted, they chatted, Nia ate very carefully curated dishes and Beel ate basically everything else. As things were winding down, Diavolo picked up his glass of Demonus for one last toast.

“As we enter the last quarter of this exchange program, May we all study hard, and pass our exams with flying colors.” Everyone toasted, but Satan was watching Nia carefully. His time with her was running out, and he knew it.

Mephi > Nia: So, you said you could say some things for my article?

Nia > Mephi: Yeah. Putting it simply, The bonds between the brothers are all better and stronger than they’ve been in a long time. 

Nia > Mephi: It’s lending itself to more teamwork and less letting their aspects own them. 

Nia > Mephi: Especially Satan and Lucifer, though that’s a much newer change. 

Nia > Mephi: I’m keeping an eye on it myself to avoid explosion.

Mephi > Nia: I do not know how you survive in that house, my dear.

Nia > Mephi: Determination. 

Nia > Mephi: Was that helpful at all? I don’t know what else you might need.

Mephi > Nia: That’s exactly the kind of information I was hoping for, given the tone of the article.

Mephi > Nia: I’d like to refer to you as “an inside source” if that is acceptable?

Nia > Mephi: Yes, please do obfuscate my involvement. The brothers and the bossman will know because you came to the student council room for me, but…

Mephi > Nia: But you’d have told them anyway even if I hadn’t.

Nia > Mephi: Yep. It’s just safer that way.

Mephi > Nia: Great. I’ll send the article over for you to approve when it’s done. Couple hours, tops.

Satan was walking Nia back to her room after dinner, and trying to figure out how to ask her to come back to his room instead, when she stopped in front of her door and turned to face him.

“Hey, Satan. I can tell you want to talk about something, but I really need to get out of this dress.  Do you… want to come spend time in my room, for a change? Fewer books, but a less cluttered bed?”

He chuckled, and gestured at her door. “Sure. If you find yourself missing my books, we can move once you’re comfortably dressed.”

Once inside, Nia slipped out of her heels and reached back to unzip her dress, only to find herself wrapped in Satan’s embrace.

“Sorry. I know you want out of the dress, I just wanted to hold you in it first. You look so amazing.” Nia felt herself blush, but before she could tell him it was fine, he stepped back and pulled the zipper, freeing her from the fabric.  Once she was free, she turned to get her pajamas, only to find Satan holding out the soft nightgown she favored. She slipped into it, and then wrapped her arms around Satan, giving him a proper hug.

“What’s on your mind, sweetheart?” She asked, and felt him chuckle.

“Well…” He had the decency to look chagrined. “I wanted to ask you if you’d make a pact with me. I know, I know, you’re probably still upset with me about what I said before, and I… I was wrong, Nia. Wrong to suggest that you were only there for the pact. Wrong to think you were rejecting me when you were just trying to help me calm down so I could at least rationally consent to something that important. But… Please, Nia. Please do this. I don’t want to hurt you again. I want to give you recourse to stop me if my anger gets out of hand like that again. And the entire reason I was able to face my issues is because of you, Nia. You’re the one who helped me be honest with Lucifer… and with myself as well.” He took a deep breath, and then let it out again. “I love you. I don’t know what I’ve been waiting for, but there’s no reason to hold back now. Please make a pact with me, Nia.”

Nia was glad her face was buried against his chest. She could feel his heartbeat. She knew how anxious he was about this situation. She could tell the basics of how her boyfriend was feeling. And yes, she had been excitedly waiting for him to feel comfortable in a pact with her. She was never going to push him, but when he came at her with this much sincerity, she wasn’t about to turn him down, either.  She pulled away from him just enough to answer.

“Yes, Satan. I will make a pact with you. But… what can I give you?”

“Nothing. I want nothing.”

“Then, how does the pact…?”

“It’s simple. Do you trust me?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then why are you afraid?”

Nia realized she was shaking, and sighed. “Well… my last pact… with Barbatos… I passed out. I’m afraid of doing that again and scaring you.”

“I promise to keep you from getting hurt, even if you do pass out. And I’ll stay with you, until you wake, and then some. Okay?”

“Okay.” It was true that admitting the cause of her fear and his reassurances even in the face of them helped her calm down enough to at least stop trembling.

“Still want your mark on the back of your neck like we planned?”

“Yeah.”

She felt Satan’s magic sweep up around her, and suddenly she was floating, held securely in her boyfriend’s arms.

“My pacts are made adrift, tethered to nothing but our anger and each other, because anger so often leaves us adrift, far from the shore of sense and reason. Are you ready?”

Nia nodded. “I’m ready.”

Satan started speaking, and Nia understood far more of what he was saying than she had when she’d made her first pact with Mammon.  Apparently another part of Satan’s pact involved a bit of speaking in tongues, because she heard a multitude of other languages pour out of him as well, even English, as she felt his magic burn its way through her.

“I am Satan, Avatar of Wrath. I pledge myself to you, Nia, that we may be bound by an unbreakable pact. This I swear to you on both my name as well as the very blood that runs through my veins.”

Nia felt the tendrils of his magic reaching, pushing towards her edges before collapsing suddenly as if drawn in by a black hole, to the point on the back of her neck where Satan’s fingers were touching, and she knew her mark had formed.

“Still with me, kitten?”

“Mhm.” she said, but couldn’t help but smile as she felt their feet settle gently on the floor again.

“Any actual words you want to say?”

“About fucking time?” She said, and turned a grin on him. “It felt wrong to not be pacted to my very first boyfriend of all time.”

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I just… I wanted it to be perfect, but then I realized it would never be perfect, and then I just got way too self-conscious about it.”

“That’s actually surprisingly understandable.” Nia said. “Now… will you take a picture of my mark for me? I’m curious and I can’t see the back of my neck, so…”

Satan dutifully snapped a picture of her mark, and then sighed. “Hey, how about we go back to my room so I too can get more comfortable, and then we can both sleep in my bed? It’s way more comfortable than the guest bed…”

“Okay.” Nia said, smiling, and allowed herself to be led out of her room, and over to Satan’s.

Later, Nia lay awake, once again the victim of cruel insomnia.  Satan lay curled behind her, with one arm draped around her waist, sound asleep.

Nia grabbed her D.D.D. off of the night table and pulled up her texts with Jake. It was unlikely he was awake, but she had to try. 

Nia > Jake: New Ink

Nia > Jake: [photo of pact mark]

Jake > Nia: Oh! Nice! Is that Satan’s?

Nia > Jake: Yep.

Jake > Nia: Surprised he let go of you long enough for you to text a photo.

Nia > Jake: Well, he’s asleep. I’m trapped in insomniac hell.

Jake > Nia: Sounds fake.

Nia turned on her camera and snapped a selfie of herself and Satan snuggled up behind her, practically nuzzled against her new pact mark.

Nia > Jake: See?

Jake > Nia: Holy shit that’s adorable.

Nia > Jake: How go your romance trials and tribulations?

Jake > Nia: Slow, if at all? I mean, we’re going out to dinner tomorrow…

Nia > Jake: A DATE?!

Jake > Nia: Is it a date? I’m not sure…

Nia > Jake: Is it just you two? And he asked you?

Jake > Nia: Well, yeah…

Nia > Jake: Then it’s a DATE you adorable idiot!

Jake > Nia: Oh. Well. Uh. I have a date!!

Nia > Jake: Jake, if it weren’t for you, I think I’d never want to leave the Devildom.

Nia > Jake: I love it here so much.

Jake > Nia: Well, but what about your mom and your sisters then?

Nia > Jake: Oh. Yeah. That would be pretty rough for them…

Jake > Nia: Well, good thing we only have a couple months of this torture left.

Jake > Nia: You try and sleep again, I’m going to try to do the same.

Nia > Jake: Night Jakey.

Jake > Nia: Night!!

Nia sighed and set her phone aside, snuggling deeper into Satan’s embrace.  Just a few more months and she’d be going home.  She was already 3/4 done with her stay in the Devildom, just in time for her to realize that she finally felt at home, and never wanted to leave.

Chapter Text

In an odd twist of fate, Nia was curled up half-asleep on Belphie’s lap while he sits doing an assignment for some class or other.  She hadn’t been paying attention, mostly because she was just so tired.  She’d been a lot more tired lately, but thankfully she had no small number of friends and boyfriends to use as pillows.  Belphie was especially comfortable, and he even promised her no nightmares when she napped on him, which was a bonus.

“Hey, Nia.” Belphie called to her quietly, and she shifted so she could look up at him from his lap.

“Yeah?” she blinked a few times to clear the half-sleep from her eyes.

“Has Satan been being nicer to Lucifer since the body-swap incident?”

“Well, I mean he’s always been nice… but… yeah.”

“But… why? Lucifer was an ass to him even then.”

“They came to a bit of a… how do I put it… a mutual understanding?” Nia said, and then stiffened when she heard footsteps. Please let that be anyone but Lucifer. I don’t think I could handle another lecture about sleeping in the library.

“Talking about me behind my back now?  How rude, my precious little brother and girlfriend.”

Nia sat up and smiled at Satan, who leaned in for a kiss.

“Hey, Satan.”

“Hey yourself.” He said, feigning irritation.

Belphie just laughed. “We were talking about how nice you’ve been to Lucifer lately.”

“Oh. Well, I guess I just… get him a little better now.” Satan shrugged. “But don’t get me wrong here. Just so we’re clear, I still love to see Lucifer suffer.”

“Good.” Nia grumbled. “He’s an ass.”

“Just the thought of it gets me excited.” Satan said, and his aura flared around him for just a moment.

“Well, good.” Belphie muttered. “I liked you the way you were, Satan.”

Satan grinned, and dropped his aura when he realized it was up. “I’m glad.” he said, simply.

“I hit on a really good idea back when I was contained in the attic. It’s taken me awhile to find a good time to bring it up, but… How about we form a little group! The Formerly Anti-Lucifer League.”

Satan looked at Belphie like he had gone completely insane. “What are you talking about…?”

“I’m saying that as people who used to have a grudge against Lucifer, we should team up to do something he’s sure to hate! It’ll just be you, me, and Nia.”

Nia grumbled but kept her mouth shut.

“I mean you don’t have to join us if you don’t want…” Belphie said, though he deflated a little.

“It’s not that.” Nia said, sharply. “I’m not sure how I feel about ‘formerly’. I still don’t like Lucifer!”

Satan chuckled. “You probably feel about him the same way we do now. You never had the bone-deep hatred we’ve been holding onto for so long.

“Maybe so.” Belphie said. “And the more people we have in our little group, the more fun this will be, you know?”

Satan took both of his hands in hers and grinned. “It has to be fate that brought us together like this. Don’t question it, just join us.”

Nia laughed, and pulled Satan onto the couch next to her, which knocked her back over into Belphie, causing all three of them to dissolve into giggles.

Once they’d calmed down, Satan steepled his fingers. “So, let’s hear it! As the so-called “Formerly Anti-Lucifer League”, what exactly are we going to do?”

Belphie shared his grin, and Nia tried to suppress the giggles that were threatening to resurface. “Pranks! For our first one, I was thinking… it’s fairly basic, but what if we put some of Mammon’s super-spicy hot sauce into Lucifer’s prized vintage Demonus?”

“Oooh.” Satan said quietly. “That should definitely get a rise out of him.”

“That sounds hilarious.” Nia said. “And it won’t actually hurt him. Just his feelings.”

“I know, right?!” Belphie said, excited and also proud of his own suggestion. “You’re really starting to understand us, huh Nia?  You’d make a good demon yourself.”

“When I think about how distraught Lucifer is going to be… That moment when he takes a sip, and realizes that his vintage Demonus has been spiked with hot sauce, that it’s ruined…” Satan’s chuckle made a chill run down Nia’s spine.

“I love that laugh.” Belphie said, grinning. “Classic Satan.”

“Ha… thanks, Belphie.” Satan said, a light blush on his cheeks.

“So, how exactly are we going to pull this off without him knowing? I am not playing distraction.” Nia said, putting her foot down on that discussion before it even started.

“Well, Lucifer keeps his Demonus in one of two places. First, his room, or second, his secret study here in the library.” Satan started.

“His room is right out.” Belphie said. “It hasn’t been that long since Mammon stopped stealing things, he won’t have gotten accustomed to not needing to hide it from Mammon.”

Nia sighed. “Well, at least Lucifer’s resistance to change helped us narrow it down, but how are we going to get in there? Knowing Lucifer, it’s probably spelled pretty tight.”

“Maybe not.” Satan said. “Lucifer may be resistant to change, but opening heavy spell locks is tiring, and he hasn’t looked quite so wiped out recently.  Either Diavolo’s giving him less paperwork to do, which I highly doubt, or he’s removed the locks since Mammon’s got no need to steal from us anymore.”

“Okay, so you think about where that door is, and I’ll go get the hot sauce.” Nia said, standing.

“No way.” Belphie said. “That hot sauce is not human-safe. I would hate if you got hurt handling it. I’ll go. You two just sit here and be painfully sweet to each other to deter people from coming to this corner.”

Satan looked at Nia and smirked. “I think we can handle that.” he said to Belphie’s retreating back, and then kissed her.

“And what, exactly, are you three doing in my study?” Lucifer’s voice rang out into the room, startling the three of them.

“Shit.” Belphie said under his breath. “Should have posted a lookout.”

“I might have expected this from Belphegor and Satan, perhaps Mammon, but Nia, you too?”

Nia grinned and shrugged.

“What lame prank are you plotting at my expense this time?”

Nia shook her head. She refused to incriminate herself in this.

Lucifer’s eyes bored into the three of them, and then he sighed.

“What did you do to that bottle of Demonus?”

“Nothing.” Nia said. She wasn’t lying, and Lucifer chuckled.

“You’re too proud of having done nothing. That means those two definitely did something.  So.  What say we four sit down together and have a glass?”

Belphie gulped and looked at Satan, who sighed. 

“You’re really going to share a prized vintage bottle with us?”

“Yes.”  Lucifer turned and got out four glasses, and set them out on the table.

“None for Nia.” Satan said, suddenly.

“Oh, I see. So whatever you did wasn’t safe for the human.”  One of Lucifer’s gloved fingers tapped his chin as he thought.  He turned and got the bottle of sparkling water he kept on the bar for just such an occasion, filling a glass and handing it to Nia, who took it obediently, and then settled into the corner of the couch.  Lucifer uncorked the bottle, staring at it before pouring a perfectly-normal looking Demonus into the three glasses he took out.  Everything seemed fine, until the top of the liquid in the glasses lit on fire, and Nia flinched. Something tells me the heat in that hot sauce is from something far more sinister than mere capsaicin.

“Ah. Some of Mammon’s special hot sauce, I take it? Yes, a good thing Nia isn’t having any.”  He handed glasses to his brothers, and settled into his chair while they took their own seats. “Nia, you make me wonder what it was that made me allow you to be one of our exchange students. You are nothing but trouble.”

Satan grinned. “But she’s cute trouble.”

“Seconded.” Belphie chimed in.

Lucifer pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, reflexively taking a sip of his Demonus, and then staring at it incredulously. “This is unquestionably the worst thing I have ever imbibed, and yet I feel compelled to take another sip. Curious.”

“It’s hot.” Belphie whined.

Satan just sipped in silence, the struggle to school his expression obvious to her in the way his free hand twitched against her leg. 

“Why did you pick me for the exchange program, anyway?” Nia asked, extra curious about this specific topic.  And maybe, just maybe, Lucifer would tell them, since he was the one who brought it up initially anyway.

Lucifer sighed. “Choosing the human exchange students was supposed to be Diavolo’s job.” he sighed. “But after confirming that Solomon wished to use his favor to be involved in the exchange program, he handed the hundreds of applications to me, and told me he trusted my judgment.”

“I bet that flattered your pride a bit.” Belphie said, his tone still whiny from his reaction to the heat of his drink.

“It did.” Lucifer said. “But it was a Sisyphean task. Eventually, I stood to open a window and get some air. Like an idiot.”

“Why does wanting a breath of fresh air make you an idiot?” Satan asked, and then it hit him. “Oh. The stack of papers.”

“Exactly.” Lucifer nodded. “The applications went everywhere thanks to the gust of wind I let in.  Eventually, once they all settled, there was one that had landed right at my feet.  At the time I decided it was choice via happenstance.  Knowing what I know now, I believe it is possible that Lilith had a hand in the flight path of that specific set of papers.”

“It seems likely, given what we now know about Nia.” Belphie said, smiling at her.

“It also seems like a cute story.” Nia said, dubious.

“Oh, if you don’t believe me, you can most definitely ask Diavolo.  He arrived about the time I opened the window.  In fact, I may have discarded your application right then if he hadn’t.  You know, of course, that your application came attached to your Jake’s, requiring that both of you were chosen, or neither.  It was Diavolo’s intervention that got Jake sent to the Celestial Realm.  We couldn’t retroactively exclude Solomon, so Diavolo went to speak with Michael - they’d been having trouble choosing their humans as well, so they welcomed his request.”

“And thus Jake was sentenced to the worst year of school he’s ever had.” Nia muttered.

“Is it that bad?” Satan said, tipping his head at her curiously.

“You saw what he wore to the retreat.” Nia said, one eyebrow raised. “If the uniform doesn’t give some kind of indication of the environment… well, none of you are Asmo, so maybe we need a different angle. Usually when I text him at night he’s in some kind of ‘optional workshop’ which is optional in the same way going to your least favorite cousin’s wedding is optional.  Sure, you could skip it but you’d never hear the end of how irresponsible and selfish you were.”

“Oh that is… unpleasant sounding.” Belphie said, but that just made Satan laugh.

“Belphie, you sleep through classes anyway, this would just be an excuse for another nap.”

“I get the feeling I would not be allowed to nap in these workshops.” Belphie said, and Nia shrugged.

“I know Jake doesn’t regret going there, for his own reasons. But I know overall he’d have been happier here.” Nia said, shrugging.

“Well, I’m sure we’ll have a good excuse to have him back here again sometime.” Satan said. “Because even after the year is over I’m sure you’ll be back to visit your boyfriends.”

Nia giggled and sipped her water. “Right, like I’d ever live it down if I didn’t come visit Mammon? Like, I’m sure you’d find a reason to come visit me, and Barbatos probably already knows every single time we’ll meet from now until the day I no longer wander the realms, but…”

“Mammon would come steal you from the Human World if you were gone for too long.” Lucifer said, a smirk gracing his usually stoic features. “Boys, can I top up your glasses? You will be helping me finish this bottle before you leave.”

Nia smirked at the grimaces on her pactmates’ faces, and stifled a yawn.

Belphie looked at her, surprised. “Nia, why are you so sleepy already, it’s barely even after dinner. You were even half-asleep in my lap earlier.”

She shrugged. “No idea. I’ve just been tired a lot lately. I was going to tease you about making me sleepy so you could steal more of my attention, and ask you to back off so I could study better for exams.”

“It’s not me.” Belphie said. “Maybe if you slept nights…”

Nia blushed so hot she thought even her ears might be showing color. “Belphie! I do sleep nights!!!”

“Then why are you crawling into Beel’s bed at odd hours, huh?”

Nia sighed. “That would be the nightmares. And I haven’t done that in like… weeks!”

“Because you’ve been staying with Mammon.” Belphie said, not letting her off the hook.

“I’m just sleepy, okay?” she replied, but it was half-hearted at best.  She’d noticed she was more sleepy lately too, but she was eating right, and actually getting 8 hours at night even if sometimes it was broken into two pieces. She was working out with Beel (and now Satan sometimes) and kept the partying with Asmo and the gaming with Levi to responsible levels.  Maybe limiting her gaming and social time was what was making her feel so drained.

Sensing the mood, Lucifer cleared his throat and changed the subject to talk about the upcoming exams.  It was mere minutes before Nia dozed off, curling up half on Satan, half on Belphie, without a single care in the world how Lucifer felt about it.

Chapter Text

Nia lay sprawled out on Asmo’s bed, half-asleep listening to the fifth brother talk about his plans to go out to The Fall.  She was trying to listen, but she just couldn’t bring herself to have the energy to care about much these days.  This last bit of classes running up to exam season was really wearing her down, and she had no idea why. She loved tests.

“Nia, you really should come out with me tonight~!” Asmo said excitedly, plopping onto the bed next to her while gently waving his fingers in the air to help the polish dry.

“Mn.” Nia muttered. “I really don’t feel like it, Asmo.”

“But why not?  Even Satan’s coming tonight!”  Usually the idea of getting to go out somewhere with Satan in tow was enough to get Nia’s mischievous side interested. Alas, today it was barely enough to get an eyebrow twitch.

“I really should study for the exams. I don’t know any of this, and…” she sighed. “I promised I’d do a good job.”

“Diavolo’s not actually going to get down on you if you don’t score perfect, cutie!” Asmo said, running his fingers through her hair.

“Couldn’t you come have fun, just one night?”

Nia didn’t really respond, but she let her eyes flutter shut and leaned into Asmo’s touch, instead.  She really didn’t think she could put together enough energy to go out tonight. Not and keep herself safe.  Despite everything, she still had to keep her guard up to keep herself safe here in the Devildom.

“Nia, are you sure everything is okay? You’ve been pretty down lately. And more sleepy. Should I yell at Belphie? He’s not trying to steal all of your attention, is he?”

“He’s not the one making me sleepy.” Nia muttered. “I’m fine, Asmo. Just tired from studying.”

Asmo grumbled. “But you won’t come out with me.”

“Not this time. Maybe next weekend?” she said, her voice softer even than she was expecting.

It didn’t take long before Asmo’s soft petting put her all the way to sleep, leaving the Avatar of Lust sighing in concern.

Asmo practically burst into the common room, visibly upset. 

“Satan. I need your help.”

Satan looked up from his book, and then down at their youngest brother curled up using his lap as a pillow.

“I’m happy to help you, Asmodeus, but you will need to be the one that disturbs my lap invader.”

Asmo shook his head. “Just… listen?” He plopped down on the couch opposite Satan. “Something’s wrong with Nia.”

“What do you mean?” Satan tensed in concern.

“She’s asleep in my room right now.” Asmo said, bitterly.

“Oh, busy afternoon?” Satan relaxed slightly, raising an eyebrow.

“No. The opposite. She was just laying there while I did my nails. We chatted about going to The Fall tonight, and even the fact that you were joining me didn’t interest her. She fell asleep. While we were talking. And she keeps.. just… it’s like she doesn’t think anything matters anymore. She says things like she should be studying, but she doesn’t.”

“Even I’m not that bad.” Belphie muttered, sitting up. For a moment, Asmo felt bad for waking him, but… maybe he had some insight to this.

“I have no idea what’s going on, but something is clearly wrong with her. Did she get cursed by something? Was there a book that she read that she shouldn’t have? Belphie, you’re not using your power on her, right?” Asmo knew he wasn’t, it wasn’t the same as Belphie’s induced sleeps, but…

“I’m not.” Belphie said, shaking his head. Asmo breathed a sigh of relief when he realized the youngest wasn’t offended by the question. “This is different. She’s not really even dreaming so far as I can tell.”

“Not dreaming could be a curse.” Satan said, tapping his chin. “It could also be some human thing we’re ignorant about. She’s been here in the Devildom for months.”

“Ooh, should I ask Solomon then? He knows about curses and random human problems.”

“That might not be a bad plan. Do you think he’s available?” Satan said, pulling out his D.D.D. and tapping out a message to the sorcerer. “Let’s see if we can’t get him over here while she’s contained and he can look her over without making her feel like a science project.”

Solomon walked into the House of Lamentation with a lot on his mind. Nia wasn’t feeling well but she wasn’t admitting to not feeling well.  From what the brothers said, he had a pretty clear idea what was wrong, but he’d rather confirm that she wasn’t under some kind of curse before he jumped to the easy conclusion.  He’d still brought some of his own stash, since boosting her up couldn’t hurt, even if there was something magical going on at this point.

Asmo met him in the entry hall, and told him everything Satan hadn’t said in text.

Yeah, that’s textbook Vitamin D deficiency. Solomon thought to himself. There’s got to be some way other than supplements to get humans some sunlight here.  I should talk to Lord Diavolo about this.

Solomon walked into Asmo’s room, where Nia was curled up on the bed, sound asleep.  He did some preliminary tests, stretching his magic out over her sleeping form to check for anything untoward, but as usual, there was no magic on her body that she didn’t explicitly allow.  Nia seemed to have an innate talent towards nullifying incoming magic. Too bad she didn’t seem likely to have any kind of magic awakening in her future.

Solomon scratched a note down for Nia about taking these pills in the morning, and to call him if she had questions, and left a vial of tiny little pale yellow gelcaps with the note next to her D.D.D. on the bed, and took Asmo back out to the common room where Satan and Belphie were waiting for news about their girl.

“So, news?” Satan said immediately as the door opened, and Solomon just smiled.

“It’s a simple vitamin deficiency.”

“What, but we’ve been so careful about her foods!” Asmo said, fluttering uselessly around Solomon, which forced him to sit in a chair to at least get Asmo to follow suit and settle poutingly into his lap.

“Vitamin D isn’t something we humans tend to get enough of in their diets. Most of us get the majority of our Vitamin D intake by absorbing sunlight through our skin.”

“Gah, science is weiiiiird.” Asmo said.

“Ah. And no sunlight in the Devildom means no Vitamin D.” Satan said, nodding.

“Correct. I was certain Lucifer knew of this, I’ve been taking supplements since I got here. I simply assumed Nia had as well.  I’ve left her some of my stock, and a note to take them.  There are no side effects, and she should start feeling better basically immediately.”

“Oh, thank god.” Asmo said, and then a look crossed his face. Solomon knew better than to ask about that level of mischief, and reminded himself to ask Nia later about anything interesting she’d done with Asmo.

“On that note, it’s my night to cook at Purgatory Hall, so I’d best be getting back.” he said, and with a wave to the brothers made his way out of the house, completely missing their looks of horror as he turned his back.

Nia woke in Asmo’s room, completely alone. That was entirely unexpected.  Logically, she knew she’d fallen asleep in his room, probably while they were in the middle of a conversation, because her drowsiness had been a complete jerk lately.

She sat up and looked around and noticed a glass vial and a note on the bed. The vial was full of pills, and the note was from… Solomon? What the heck? When was Solomon here? Nia read the note, and laughed. Vitamin D? Thanks, gramps. She thought, and laughed.

She was still laughing when the door opened to admit Asmo, whose expression brightened to see her awake.

“Hey, you’re awake!!!” He said, bouncing onto the bed next to her. “I have an idea for something fun we could do tonight.”

“Oh? I thought you were going out to the Fall tonight with Satan?”

“Well, I mean, yeah, but…” He pouted. “I wanted to spend time with you and if you’re not going I’d rather be home. With you.”

Nia smiled.  “Okay, okay, I get your point. What’s your idea?”

“Fashion show. Remember all those clothes that I made for Lilith?”

Nia blinked. “You have an entire room devoted to your fashion work for Lilith. I do remember.”

“How about…we try all those clothes on you and take cute photos!”

“Just photos of me?!” Nia looked at Asmo like he was drunk, or stupid.

“Well, no, obviously~! I’ll be in them too as the designer! We can set you up a whole-ass devilgram account as a model!”

Nia blinked. “I’m not model-worthy, Asmo.”

“Well that’s just a load of complete bullshit you’re throwing around.”

“Nope. I know me.”

“I do too! Let’s meet in the middle. How about we take a whole bunch of photos for fun, and we’ll post your favorites, and if no one bites, we’ll stop, but if people like them, we’ll keep going?”

Nia laughed. “Okay, okay.”

“Good! Now, we have like an hour until supper so you go hang out with the others so they won’t interrupt us too much later, okay?”

Nia rolled her eyes, but obliged. Beel was probably in the gym right about now, she could go get some biking in and then a shower before dinner…

Satan walked into the library, looking to see if he could learn something about what was going on with Nia, but also to check some information about sunlight spells to see if he couldn’t enchant an object or a space for a limited amount of time to make things better for her.

Little did he know he wasn’t the only brother using the library for this task.

“Asmodeus, what in the world are you doing in the library? Shouldn’t you be preparing for your night out?” Satan said, eyeing his next youngest brother carefully.

“No. I’m staying in tonight, Nia and I are going to have a mini fashion show with the things I designed for Lilith.”

“Oh that sounds lovely. Well, that means we’re not going to The Fall tonight, then?”

“Yeah.” Asmo nodded. “Spending time with Nia seemed more important to me.”

“Legit.” Satan said, thinking. “Can I tag along? I promise to stay out of the way.”

Asmo thought about it for approximately half a second before grinning. “You want to be our photographer?”

Satan grinned. “Ah. That would be entertaining.” he said, nodding.

Just then, their phones pinged - dinner was ready. As Beelzebub was cooking tonight, he was already at the table, and that sent both brothers scurrying to the dining room.  Research would have to wait.

Satan was not expecting to discover that there was a hidden room in the House of Lamentation of which he was unaware.  Nor did he expect Asmodeus to have enough clothes there (that appeared to be perfectly sized for Nia, no less) to keep them busy for hours.  But the biggest surprise was that this hidden room seemed to be enchanted with the kind of sunlight spell that he’d been looking for in the library when he’d come upon Asmodeus earlier.  It was beautiful, streaming in the big arched windows, the view outside implying endless fields of lavender.

Over the course of the next week, Asmo and Satan took turns surreptitiously bringing Nia to Lilith’s room for “alone time”, as Satan had discovered that the spell used on the windows mimicked Human Realm sunlight so well that it allowed for Vitamin D… and sunburns.  Nia, of course, between the sunlight and the supplements was becoming her energetic, snarky self again, which made everyone happy.  Especially Lucifer, who had endured a lecture from Diavolo after Barbatos had learned what had been ailing his Nia, and thus reported on it to Diavolo, as usual.

Lucifer, on a mission of his own to permanently resolve the issue, strode into Lilith’s room to find Nia curled up in a chair near the window, a textbook open on her lap, one hand furiously scribbling notes.

“What are you doing here?” He asked, somewhat coolly.

Nia looked up at him, startled. “Um. Would you believe studying?”

Lucifer sighed. “Why is it that you have a habit of studying in places you are not supposed to even know about, let alone be comfortable in?”

With a shrug, Nia shut her book, and set it aside. Clearly she was getting no more studying done for the time being. “Well, it’s because in a house with seven other people, the places I’m not even supposed to know about tend to be the only quiet places. And exams are coming up, you know.”

“I know.” Lucifer said, sitting on the still-covered couch. “I am actually glad to find you here, if I’m being entirely honest.”

Nia tipped her head to the side in question, but said nothing.

“Do you know what this room is?”

“Asmo said it was Lilith’s room. From the Celestial Realm.”

“Yes. I created this room.  At first, I vowed that I would never forget Lilith, and I meant to keep that vow.  But I think that maybe, somewhere inside, the secret that only I knew was weighing on me. That I’d had Lilith reborn as a human.  I wanted a place to unload it… a place to leave it, so I wouldn’t have to think about it. I was the only one who knew, who could know, and it was too big of a burden to bear. So I tucked it away here to keep it out of sight.”

Nia nodded. “And that’s why none of the rest of the brothers knew about this room. But why did Asmo know?”

Lucifer sighed. “He was creating gifts for Lilith. It was his way of mourning. He asked me if there was someplace he could keep them, and… well, it seemed perfect to put her things in her room.  He didn’t tell a soul, either, in all these years, until you came along.”

Nia stiffened, but Lucifer waved her off.

“I’m not angry with him. Or you. Honestly, I don’t need this room anymore. After all, thanks to a certain someone, my secret has been laid bare for all to see.”

Nia blushed. “Well, I think you’re better off for not carrying it anymore.”

“Yes.” Lucifer said, smiling. “And the hole in my heart, the sadness I felt having lost Lilith… times have changed. I have my family, after all. But that said, I no longer need this room. And so, I’d like to remodel this room. For you.”

“But, Lilith…”

“Listen. We’re all sad that Lilith’s gone. But even if we left her room exactly as it is, that wouldn’t change.  And if we leave this room here forever, then I have a feeling that this sadness we bear will never go away. We’ll never be able to move on — to move forward. Even now, the smallest things remind us all of Lilith.  She’s still alive in our memories, and with you here, it’s even more like she’s come back to us.”

Nia wavered. Some of the brothers already thought of her a little too much like a replacement Lilith. She didn’t really want to encourage that mindset, but this room was lovely…

“Think of it this way.” Lucifer said, the smile on his face oddly warm, especially for him. “Right now, you’re staying in the guest room. And I would like to make a permanent space for you in our home. One catered to you, the way each of my brothers and I have a space catered to us.”

“Well, I can’t very well say no to a gesture like that.” Nia said, smiling. “Will you teach me how to turn the sun off? I can’t sleep with it this bright.”

Chapter Text

Nia looked around her new room, her thoughts a whirlwind of joy and confusion.  Understanding the confusion was the easy part. She had a scant two months left in the Devildom, but they were still moving her into a room that was going to be set aside for her from now until forever.  But the joy…   She had so much love here, in what was ostensibly hell.  Eternal torment.  Though, perhaps the torment was that she was going to have to leave these boys and go back to trying to live her life as a normal human. Then again, with Solomon as her grandfather, maybe she could manage something like occasional visits one direction or the other. She really did want her mom and her sisters to meet all of them, so they’d all have to come visit the Human World at some point…

“Nia, what are you thinking so hard about?” Satan said, stepping up behind her and wrapping her in his arms.

Nia smiled, and leaned back into his embrace. “About what happens when I go home.  What happens with us, what happens to this room, that kind of thing. I don’t know if I can go back to just being some girl, after all this. I can’t forget you all, and I know so much more about how the universe actually works than regular humans. Hell, my gr—“ Nia cut herself off before she finished that sentence. She’d promised Solomon that she wouldn’t tell.

“Your what?” Satan said, raising an eyebrow.

“My grades.” Nia said, hastily finding something that started the same way as her abortive sentence. “My grades are pretty good here, but nothing like they were back at my old school where I already knew everything they were going to teach us. How do I explain away my GPA tanking for an exchange program?”

“Well, you did start dating. I hear that can be distracting.” Satan nuzzled into her neck, and Nia giggled and felt herself blush hotly. At least he believed my bullshit. I don't want Solomon mad at me.

“I wouldn’t know, you’re the first person I’ve ever dated. Would you believe that there were people at my old school who thought Jake and I were dating because of how much time we spent together?”

“But Jake’s gay.” Satan said, confused.

“Apparently, that was irrelevant.” Nia snorted. “But yeah… that’s how undateable I was before you decided to take a liking to me.”

“Your former classmates were all complete idiots, and I am glad to reap the benefits of their incompetence.” He settled onto the couch at the foot of her new bed and pulled her into his lap.

Just then, her D.D.D. pinged with a message from Jake.  She’d sent him a selfie at the fake windows of her new room. She tapped on his message and it loaded with a selfie he’d sent in return from his room… at the same windows.

“Huh.” Nia said, blinking.

“What is it?” Satan said, peering over her shoulder at her screen.

“Looks like they put Jake in Lilith’s room up there.” she said, and Satan laughed.

“Awkward.”

“Right!?” Nia said, chucking.

“You know…” Satan said, quietly. “For a long time, I wished that my brothers would have won the war.” Nia looked closely at his expression, but it was unreadable. “I thought… if Lilith had lived, then Lucifer would never have been so angry that I was created, and everyone would be happy. And Lilith would still be with them.”

“But you wouldn’t exist then!” Nia said, upset, and Satan shook his head.

“I used to think that. I did. A lot. I’ve told you before that I feel like someone used the Lucifer stamp a second time without re-inking it, right? Like an awkward shadow of a strong demon. Like the leftover ink was just the anger he couldn’t keep inside anymore.”

Nia nodded, but didn’t interrupt.

“I know better now. His anger created me, but I’m more than anger. I’m also intelligent, and caring. And full of love.” He punctuated that sentence with a kiss to her forehead. “And, I wouldn’t trade my existence for anything.  And while I used to wish they won the war, I don’t anymore. I’m actually really grateful that things happened the way they did, because it means that I’m here. That I exist at all, but also that I get to spend time with you.  Without Lilith’s sacrifice, and her life as a human, you would never have been here for me to fall in love with. And I wouldn’t trade this time with you for anything.”

Satan turned her to face him and then kissed her. The kiss was all-consuming, and she could feel his love and gratitude for her existence, in addition to the hefty dose of wanting that usually came with this kind of kiss from him.

When they finally parted, they were met with boisterous applause.  At the doorway, Asmo was grinning like an idiot. “I felt that all the way down the hallway! Save some for me, you two!”

“Asmo!” Nia said, blushing.  Satan picked her up by the hips and set her back on her feet just in time for Asmo to pull her into a kiss of his own.

“Hey Player 2, I brought you a— OH.” Levi’s face turned as red as a tomato, and his focus dropped to his shoes. “N-no wonder it reeks of envy.”

Asmo broke away from her and giggled. “That was me, of course. I walked in on Satan and Nia making out and I just… it was so hot but I wasn’t included~!”

Satan chuckled, and Asmo flopped onto Nia’s bed, freeing her to greet Levi, both of them blushing.

“So what did you bring me, Player 1?”

“Oh, just all my spare consoles so we can play in your room sometimes, and so you can play without me if you want and are bored or if I’m busy and—“

“Levi.” Nia said, cutting him off from his own anxiety. “This is lovely. Help me get them set up?”

While they were connecting cords and having lively chatter about what games they were going to play first, and what new releases were still coming during Nia’s remaining months in the Devildom, Belphie appeared at her door.

“Nia?” He called quietly, and she looked up with a smile on her face.

Hey Belphie, what’s up?”

“Um. I was just wondering if you’d be willing to let me nap here? The common room is pretty lonely with these three here, and…”

Nia grinned. “Come on in, Belphie. There’s a cozy sunspot in front of the couch right now.” She turned towards the bed. “Hey Asmo, toss your littlest brother a pillow, will ya?”

She watched as Asmo flung one of the decorative plaid pillows off of the bed at the sleepiest demon, who caught it and promptly curled up in the spot she’d mentioned.  He was probably instantly asleep.

“Just like a cat.” Satan said quietly, a soft smile on his face as he watched Belphie snooze.

“Who’s a cat?” Beel said from the doorway. Nia turned and burst out laughing.

“That’s quite a bit of popcorn you’ve got there, Beel.” She said, which got everyone else’s attention.

“Yeah. I decided I wanted to make popcorn like you taught me but then I got carried away, and I figured I’d bring everyone some popcorn and… almost everyone is here already…” he said, as Nia had helped take enough of the bowls of popcorn from him so he could see the rest of the room.

“Oi!” Mammon said from the hallway behind Beel. “I was gonna ask if ya wanted to watch this movie with me, but I can’t even see ya past Beel.”

Nia laughed. “Well, the gang’s all here.” she said as Mammon stepped around Beel into the room.

“I’m late I guess.” he muttered.

“Not at all!” Nia said, setting aside a bowl of popcorn to give Mammon a quick kiss on the cheek. “Clearly we’re all meant to watch a movie together to break in my new room.”

“I could think of more exciting ways to break in your new room~” Asmo said, and Satan elbowed him. “A movie sounds great though!” he finished awkwardly.

As they all settled in - Asmo and Levi on the bed, Nia flanked by Mammon and Satan on the couch, with Beel and Belphie at their feet - it felt like a true family movie night, and Nia found herself missing her human family more poignantly than she had in quite some time.

Lucifer strode down the hall toward Nia’s room, irritated.  Asmodeus was supposed to be assisting him with dinner, and had yet to arrive.  It wouldn’t be the first time that the fifth-born had gotten distracted by something and forgotten it was his turn to help with meal preparations, however Lucifer did not want to give the human any reason to think that this was an acceptable attitude to take towards her chores.

When he reached the doorway, he could hear a movie playing, so rather than knocking, he simply opened the door as unobtrusively as possible.  The view that greeted him was almost unprecedented, and on instinct he took out his D.D.D. and snapped a picture, sending it off to Diavolo and Barbatos out of reflex before turning on his heel and returning to the kitchen.  He could handle one night of cooking on his own. It wasn’t like he hadn’t done it before, of course.

Diavolo and Barbatos shared a look at the simultaneous chime indicating a message had arrived.  Barbatos pulled out his D.D.D. only to see that Lucifer had sent a photo to their shared chat.  He opened the photo to see the residents of the House of Lamentation, sans Lucifer who was obviously the one taking the photo, all fallen asleep on one another.

Barbatos smiled at the sight, and looked up to see a similar smile on his Lord’s face.

“It’s so nice to see her settling in with her family.” Diavolo said, and then his smile faltered. “While I am glad to know that the exchange program has been such a boon for Nia and the brothers, I find that I will miss her immensely when she returns home in a few months.”

Barbatos nodded. “As will I.  I am hoping to be able to teach her how to summon at least one of her pacts before she leaves.”

Diavolo nodded. “That would be good, however Solomon does not believe that she is a sorcerer, last I checked with him. Do you think otherwise?” His eyes searched the butler’s face, but Barbatos was determined to give nothing away.

“I have not been permitted to check.” He said.  And certainly he had not looked ahead into her future using his powers with any kind of intent.  His dreams, however, were outside of his direct control due to the nature of, well, being asleep. He was no Belphegor, with power over dreams. He had, on multiple occasions, dreamed of being summoned by Nia, to different effect. Likewise had he dreamed of others being summoned to her side while he himself was not. Those were his least favorite dreams. He might even go so far as to call them nightmares if it weren’t for the fact that Nia was always safe in them thanks to the rest of her pacts.

Solomon lit the last candle, and started intoning his most recent attempt at a spell to converse with Lilith.  “Denizens of Darkness, Awaken. I am Solomon. Hear my voice and heed my command. These words are sound… the sound, melody. And through it I bind you to light and form, and grant thee presence.”

In front of him, a woman shimmered into existence, her long black curls tumbling over her shoulders nearly to the floor, a soft green dress draping over her pale skin.

“Solomon.” She said quietly.

“Lilith.” He grinned, and held a hand out to her.

She reached out and touched him, a smile on her face. “This won’t last, sorcerer.”

“I know, it is only a false semblance of form.”

“And the materials burn quickly.” Lilith said, looking at the sigil, which was already faltering.

“Will you tell me, if you know,  who it is that seeks to end my line before it even begins?”

“I would tell you this, and even the cause. But only if you allow me to speak to my family and friends first.”

“Family and friends.” Solomon said. “You want me to get enough materials that you can speak with your brothers before you tell me, but who else?”

“Diavolo. Barbatos. Simeon.” She said, as one of the candles started to gutter.

“Alright. I will have to be there to monitor the spell, so it cannot be truly private.”

Lilith stopped as if to consider his offer.

“Alright. But Nia must also be there. She can calm them.”

“Agreed.” Solomon said, and Lilith grinned as she faded back into invisibility.

Solomon immediately started on the calculations to increase the duration of the spell. It would work. She knew the answer. She would tell him. Soon, he would know the perpetrator of the curse he had been living under all of these years.  Soon, he could have revenge for his kin.

Chapter Text

“So you’ve managed it, then.” Barbatos said quietly.

Solomon nodded, a nervous excitement making him more jittery than the butler had previously seen him. “She had conditions, of course, but I wasn’t surprised to know that a spirit as powerful as Lilith would have demands of her own while being perceivable for a limited time.”

“And I was on her list of people to speak with?”

“Yes. All of the brothers, Lord Diavolo, yourself, and Simeon.”

“Simeon? I was unaware that they were well acquainted in the Celestial Realm.” Barbatos said, a single eyebrow raising in response.

“The more you know, I suppose.” Solomon said with a shrug. “She wants Nia there for all of it for some reason, so we’ll be doing the ritual in Nia’s room at the House of Lamentation - can you make space in Lord Diavolo’s schedule?”
Barbatos considered and nodded. “Let me know when you have everything prepared, and I will make time in his schedule.”

It had taken a few weeks. More time than Solomon liked, but he’d done the calculations, and he’d gotten everything together, and it was time. Here he was, setting up in the room that was once Lilith’s and was now Nia’s, and with her help, he’d even collected everyone who needed to be here. Soon he would have his answers, and yet somehow, it did not feel soon enough.

“Solomon, is there anything that I need to be doing for this? I know you told me to just sit here and observe, but it feels like I really should be helping or something.”

“I understand the feeling Nia, but honestly there really is nothing that you could be doing that would help. But if you should see anything that concerns you during this, anything at all, please do not hesitate to tell me.  New spells are rife with danger and I would be remiss to suggest otherwise.” Solomon said, lighting a few candles.

“Okay, I understand.”

“In a moment, you’ll get to talk to Lilith, and then you’ll get to invite the next person in to speak with her. That’s an important job too.”

“Thanks gramps.” Nia said, trying not to feel like he was treating her like a child.

Nia watched in awe as Solomon lit the last candle, and began intoning the spell.

“Denizens of Darkness, Awaken. I am Solomon. Hear my voice and heed my command. These words are sound… the sound, melody. And through it I bind you to light and form, and grant thee presence.”

Nia was slightly thrown by “you” and “thee” in the same sentence, but despite her intention to tease Solomon about it, the thought was wiped clear out of her mind by the sight of Lilith spinning up into being in front of her.

“Lilith…?” Nia said, taking in the woman in front of her. She looked, for all the world, like a member of the family.  Not the brothers, but her own.  Her hair was a mess of black curls which fell almost all the way to the floor, and her gem green eyes looked out from a porcelain pale face.

“Nia.” Lilith said, smiling. “May I have a hug, granddaughter?”

Solomon chuckled. “So many grands you left out there.” He turned to Nia. “It’s safe.”

Nia nodded, and immediately stood and walked to Lilith, letting the woman enfold her in a warm, comforting hug. 

“I wanted to do this when I found you in that dream, but… it wouldn’t have been the same, I don’t think.” Lilith said, which made Nia laugh.

“Given that I thought you were my just one grand grandma at that point, it certainly would have hit different, yeah.”

“Sorry I couldn’t tell you more… it wasn’t safe.”

They parted, and Nia smiled self-consciously. “I get it, actually. Is there… anything you wanted to tell me or ask me or flail about in general before I go get one of your brothers?”

“Just that I want you to pay attention to our conversations. I’m sure at this point none of what we have to talk about will be too shocking, but it should give you some ammunition should they continue to see you more as a replacement for me rather than as your own person.”

“Ugh.” Nia grumbled. “So you noticed that too?”

Lilith nodded. “All I really get to do these days is notice, so yeah. Alright, bring in the first victim. I mean sibling. Let’s get going so we don’t stress our poor sorcerer too much.”

The look on Lucifer’s face when he saw Lilith took Nia’s breath away.

“Wow, he actually did it. I thought…”

“You thought it was a farce, I’m sure.” Lilith said, smirking.

“I did, and one he’d gotten Nia roped into as well.” Lucifer’s face said that he was actually more prepared for them to have been lying to him than he was prepared to actually see Lilith in front of him.

“Come here, Luci.” Lilith said, her arms wide open. Nia felt like her heart grew three sizes that day.  Well, sortof. Mostly, she wasn’t used to seeing Lucifer be any kind of soft. He wasn’t that way with his brothers, and he certainly wasn’t that way with her.  Maybe he was that way with Diavolo? …Nah.

“I’m so proud of you, Lilith.” Lucifer said. “I always wanted to tell you that.  Everything you did was done out of love and with your purpose in mind, and even after you became a human… I am simply in awe of you.”

“Me? I’m proud of you! Look how well you’ve kept our family together even after the fall, and losing me.  You must have been falling apart yourself, and yet here you are. A proud demon, with a thriving family.  You do have some work to do, though.”
Lucifer preened, and then grumbled. “Work?”

“Yes. The war is over, Lucifer. You’ve kept the family intact, you’ve made a home for them. But you’re neglecting them otherwise. You can’t keep treating them as though their idleness is going to lose the war for you. It’s lost. It’s over. You’re a family now, and you deserve to be together, and be happy. You have to stop treating every day like it’s a battle, and learn to relax a bit. Maybe not as much as Belphegor, but…”

“I understand.” Lucifer said, and Nia realized she’d never really seen him look this chagrined.  Even when Diavolo had scolded him about keeping his pride more in check, he had looked more resigned and less like he truly agreed with the commentary. This… he seemed to be taking what Lilith said to heart, almost as if she were the older of the pair.

Mammon and Lilith didn’t speak much.  Once he got over pretending that he didn’t care that she was there and corporeal, he spent the majority of the time holding her and crying.   When he finally pulled away, the first words he spoke were to Solomon.

“Don’t ya tell anyone about this.”

Solomon shrugged.

Lilith simply chuckled. “Mammon, it’s not a failing to love someone. Nor should it be embarrassing. You love Nia, do you not?”

Mammon turned bright red. “Of course I love Nia!”

“And are you ashamed of that?”

“No way!”

“Then try to let yourself go a little more. She deserves to feel how much you love her. And for that matter, so do our brothers. You were always better at sharing your feelings with me, but I’m not here anymore, so you need to open up to the rest of them, alright?”

Mammon sighed, but nodded obediently. “I’ll try. It’s hard though.”

“I know.” Lilith said, pulling him in for one last hug. “But I also know you’re capable. You can do this, Mammon. I believe in you.”

Leviathan walked into the room a pile of nervous energy.  He wasn’t sure what to do with himself, seeing Lilith there in front of him.

“Uh. I… um.” He said, articulately.

“Leviathan. Grand Admiral of Hell’s Navy?!”

“T-that’s me…” he said, nodding.

“I’m so proud of you, Onii-chan!”

Levi blinked, and then laughed. “You just… did you just call me…”

“I did!” Lilith said, grinning. “Was it okay?”

“Okay?!” Levi matched her grin with one of his own. “It was perfect! You’re the best little sister I could ever have asked for!!”

He scooped her up and spun her around, and Nia hid a giggle behind her hand. They were just so cute together.

“Now, Levi.” Lilith said, when he’d let her down again. “I know you’ve been staying at home for school instead of going in to class.”

“Yeah…” Levi muttered. “People aren’t really my speed.”

“While that’s true, you shouldn’t hide from them. I know how strong you can be when you need to, and getting out of your own head and your own space more would be really good for you.  Think about it, okay? I know Nia would be happy to sit with you in class, if you’re willing to give it a shot.”

From her bed, Nia nodded, but didn’t speak up.  She’d be more than willing, but this wasn’t about her.

Levi sighed. “I’ll… I’ll think about it, Lilith.” he said, resigned to the fact that he would probably end up going to school in person, because it’s what Lilith wanted him to do.  It couldn’t be that bad, could it…?

Satan wasn’t sure how he rated time with Lilith. He’d never known her, and for all intents and purposes he was her replacement. 

When he stepped into the room, he was struck by the sight of his sister.  Because she was his sister even if she’d died before he’d been born.  She looked for all the world like the aggressively feminine version of himself.  He’d seen her portraits, of course. The rest of his brothers made sure they were impeccably maintained and positioned in the portrait hall, so he could never escape her image.

“Satan.” Lilith said, her voice warm and rich. “Come, let me look at you. I’ve wanted to meet you for so long.”

Satan walked up to her, and put up with her walking a circle around him and inspecting him like he was livestock.

“Lilith…” Satan said quietly, and she looked up at him with a smile. “Why am I here?”

“I have been waiting so long to meet you.” Lilith said. “It’s been so hard just watching you try and handle all this anger alone. You’re doing so, so well. Especially because you’re doing a job that should have been mine.  Thank you, for shouldering my burden.”
Satan sighed. “This job should never have been anyone’s. But I’d rather shoulder it than have someone else have to deal with it.”

Impulsively, he reached out and took her hand. “Especially you. You shouldered so much more than you ever should have.”

“It was worth it.” Lilith said vehemently. “It got them you.”

Satan teared up, and looked away from Lilith, unable to respond to her.

Nia smiled.  She knew the struggle that Satan had with his place in this family, and in life in general. It was good to see him getting some affirmation from someone that wasn’t her.

“But really.” Lilith said, turning his face back toward her. “I need you to explain one thing to me.”

Satan stiffened at her touch, but forced himself to relax. “What is it?”

“Why do you bleach your lovely hair???”

Satan laughed. He’d anticipated so many different questions from her, but this was not one of them. “My hair?!”

“Yes. You should have lovely black curls. But you bleach them into this… mess..” Lilith looked pained.

“Hey!” Nia said defensively from her spot across the room. “I happen to like that mess!”

“Oh, is it for her?” Lilith asked, teasingly. “If so, I’ll take back my complaint…”

“No.” Satan shook his head. “I’ve been bleaching it for far longer than I’ve known Nia.”

“But whyyyy?!” Lilith whined.

“Because everyone looked at me like I was a poor replacement for you, Lilith. I wanted to be my own person.”

“Oh, baby.” Lilith said, sadly. “You’re so much better of a Demon than I would ever have been.”

“But they missed you so much they forgot I existed.” He muttered.

“Well…” Lilith sighed. “I never said they were perfect. And you’re free to do what you like with your hair. I just wanted to tease you a bit.”

Satan smiled. “Thank you, Lilith.”

Asmo swanned into the room as though he owned it. And to be fair, for the last approximately forever, he had. 

“Lilith my dear~!” He crooned, pulling her into a hug. “I’ve missed you so.”

“Asmodeus.” Lilith said with a smile. “Dare I say the fall has been good for you?  You look so much happier as a demon than you ever did as an angel.”

“Do I?” He preened.

“You do.  The freedom really suits you.  Dare I ask to see your demon form?”

Asmo looked cautiously at Nia who nodded and waved him on.  When he shifted into Demon form, Nia felt a strong desire to go pet his wings. Note to self, offer to help Asmo take care of his wings later.

Lilith grinned, taking in his wings and horns. “I was right. You’re so beautiful, Asmo.”

Asmo was blushing. “That… means a lot, Lilith.  Did… did Nia show you all the things I made you?”

“She did not.” Lilith said, but held out a hand to forestall any irritation on the part of her brother. “But I was here when you did your fashion show. Thank you, Asmo. They’re all so lovely, and I would have loved to wear even one of them.”

“They’ll be here for you, just in case.” Asmo said, quietly.

“Asmo, sweetie. You have to let me go. I’ll be watching over you, but I can’t come back now.”

Asmo crumpled to his knees, ugly-crying for the first time in Nia’s experience.

“I miss you, Lilith.”

“I know, baby.” she said, wrapping him in her arms.

Not for the first time, Nia was struck by how much Lilith seemed like an older sister, not a younger one.

Chapter Text

After Asmodeus finished his time with Lilith, Beelzebub peeked around the door. He looked so incredibly uncertain and concerned that Nia immediately got up and went to the door, taking his hand and bringing him inside. Lilith’s expression wasn’t any different of course than it had been for the rest of her brothers, but Nia had never seen Beel be quite so terrified.

“Beelzebub.” Lilith said quietly, and he startled. Nia decided she wasn’t about to leave her gentle giant’s side until she was sure he was going to be okay in this situation. Maybe she should have had Beel and Belphie come in together, but she knew Lilith had a lot to say to them, so…

“Hi, Lilith.” He said quietly.

“Come here and let me get a look at you.”

Beel walked up to Lilith, and Nia tried to back off a little bit, but he held tight to her hand, so there was only so far she could go.

“I’m sorry, Lilith.” Beel said, after a moment. “I wanted to save you both, but I…”

“Beelzebub.” Lilith said sharply, cutting him off. “You did the right thing. Even if you’d saved me then, the war would have raged until my death, and you would have lost both myself and Belphegor.”

“But you died.” Beel said, his voice broken by the tears streaming down his cheeks.

“I did. After I lived a full life as a human. And you still have so much life to live, Beelzebub. Don’t waste another minute of it feeling guilty about this. I won’t stop you from grieving me, but don’t let it eat away at you like this. I love you, and it hurts to see you beat yourself up like this.”

Beel dropped Nia’s hand and threw his arms around Lilith. “I missed you, sis.” he said, his large form fully engulfing Lilith’s. Nia settled onto the sofa - still in arm’s reach of Beel if he needed her, but not hovering.

“I missed you too, big guy. Are they feeding you enough?” Lilith said, her voice muffled against his chest.

Beel grumbled. “They are. I don’t… need as much… now that I have Nia though.”

Solomon gave Nia a look that she couldn’t understand completely, but whatever he was implying made her blush. Not like that, grandpa, sheesh!

After a few minutes, Beel stepped back and shared a soft smile with Lilith, before turning to leave. “Thank you, Lilith.” he said quietly. “I still miss you, but… it hurts less now.”

Belphegor burst into the room at a dead run, more energetic than Nia had literally ever seen him. His arms were around Lilith in an instant.

“Big siiiiiiis!!!” He said, grinning. “I missed you. How’s ghost life?”

“Someone’s energetic today.” Lilith said with a chuckle. “Ghost life sucks. I can’t touch anything or anyone and I get tired really easily when I have to pretend to be a person thanks to a certain sorcerer.”

“Oh.” Belphie said, pouting. “I was sure you were going to tell me it was fun being a poltergeist or something.”

“Oh probably if i were still in the human realm, but I have all these brothers to look after here, and…”

They both broke down into the giggles, and Nia couldn’t help but laugh with them. They seemed so happy.

“In seriousness, thank you Belphegor.”

“For what?”

“For teaching me about humans, and even after everything went bad, for letting this girl here help you get past your hatred for those same humans.”

“I…” Belphegor sighed. “It still hurts, Lilith. And what I threatened Lucifer that I’d do… what I initially planned to do to Nia if she’d followed my idea…”

Nia shivered. She didn’t know what Belphie had been planning initially other than that he’d planned to trick her into thinking he was a trapped human to convince her to make pacts with everyone. Clearly there was something more sinister involved there, and Nia found herself grateful that they’d worked things out in a completely different fashion.

“I know, but you didn’t follow through. You connected with Nia instead.” She smiled over at Nia. “Keep it up, Belphie. There are so many more amazing humans out there for you to meet and befriend.”

Diavolo strode into the room with a big smile on his face. Nia had returned to her bed and watched as Lilith dropped into a polite curtsy.

“Lord Diavolo, a pleasure to see you.”

“And an interesting experience to be seeing you again, Lilith. You wished to speak with me, I hear?”

“Yes. I wanted to thank you for saving my life. Although human lives are shorter than those of angels or demons, I definitely lived a full life.”

“That… I would do that again in a heartbeat. While Lucifer’s pledge to me bound him here in a way he might not otherwise have wanted, I dare say I have gained a friend I may otherwise never have had.”

“Mm.” Lilith said, smirking. “I see my death had more positive benefits than I thought.”

Diavolo chuckled. “Well, now that you’re a spirit here in the Devildom you’re technically one of my people, much like your brothers.”

“That’s oddly comforting.” Lilith chuckled. “Does that mean I have permission to haunt you?”

Diavolo thought about it, and then shrugged. “Why not? Maybe you’ll eventually gain enough familiarity with Devildom matter to start spooking the dignitaries I’m not fond of.”

Lilith grinned. "Just you make sure to take good care of Lucifer. If you hurt him, it won't be your dignitaries I'm spooking."

Diavolo shivered involuntarily, but nodded.

After Diavolo left the room, Nia noticed Lilith’s demeanor shift. She went from being generally relaxed to being somewhat tense. Nia shared a look with Solomon. He’d noticed as well.

“Everything alright, Lilith?” Solomon asked quietly.

“Yes.” Lilith said. “I have simply finished with the easy, happy conversations.”

Nia shivered at her tone, but couldn’t ask a follow-up question as Barbatos strode into the room, looking carefully at Lilith.

“Lilith.”

“Barbatos.”

“What do you need from me?”

“Trouble is coming. I need you to pay attention to your dreams, you’re not giving your own powers enough credit.”

“Is there something specific I should be looking for?”

“The trouble. Not the target or the solution.”

Barbatos paused, and Nia wondered what he was thinking.

“I see. You are correct, I am not paying enough attention. Thank you, Lilith.”

“You’re welcome. Also, I have a word of warning for you.”

“Oh? That wasn’t warning enough?”

Lilith smiled, but it was chilly.

“If you hurt my granddaughter, I will haunt you until your tea bitters and your cakes burn.” It was not a threat. It was a promise.

Nia’s jaw dropped and she just stared for a solid minute until she managed to shake herself out of it.

“Lilith!! Did you just give Barbatos the shovel talk?!!” She pushed herself off of her bed and walked up and put her arms around the butler. “He doesn’t need that, he’s so wonderful.” Nia couldn’t see Barbatos’ expression, but the smirk on Solomon’s face told her everything she needed to know about the way her sweetheart was reacting.

“Everyone needs the shovel talk. You’re too precious.”

“You didn’t give it to Satan. Or Mammon. Or Asmo… wait, you didn’t give it to any of the brothers!”

Lilith laughed. “They got it from Lucifer.”

Nia blinked, and turned to look at Lilith. “They WHAT?!”

Barbatos chuckled. “I think I would much prefer whatever Lucifer might dish out to being haunted by Lilith. Luckily for me, neither will come to pass."

Barbatos leaned down and kissed Nia on the forehead, and nodded to Lilith.

“If there is nothing else, I can retrieve Simeon for you. Solomon is starting to look a bit tired and I would hate to end this prematurely simply so that you can appreciate my relationship with Nia.”

Simeon walked tentatively into the room. Nia was back on her bed, still a little bit flushed from the embarrassment of watching Barbatos be warned to treat her right or else. It felt weird to have someone do that in front of her. She could only imagine what her dad would have been like about these boys if he’d still been alive to meet them.

Simeon walked into the room and saw Lilith, and immediately lowered his head.

“Lilith. It’s been so long and I… I’m so sorry.”

“Raise your head, Simeon. I’ve long since forgiven you for any wrongdoing you think you’ve done to me. I don’t blame you for your choices. You were so young, then.”

Simeon looked up at Lilith, and Nia saw tears in his eyes, which she wasn’t expecting.

“Come here and give me a hug.” Lilith said, once Simeon had regained a bit of his composure. He did as he was told, and Nia smiled.

“Lilith…” Simeon started, and she shushed him.

“Enough apologies. I want you to take that regretful energy and put it towards saving someone else.”

“What do you mean?” he said, his head tilting to the side slightly in a show of confusion.

“Luke. He idolizes Michael too much. Angels are so easily swayed at this age, and even more easily manipulated when they adore someone the way he adores Michael. You have to try and temper that more. Help him see that he’s obsessed. And please, please do everything you can to sever that subservient habit. He’s got so much potential, I simply can’t bear to see it squashed like this.”

Simeon had gone stiff, but he nodded. “I am trying. Truly, I am. It is no simple matter. Having him here and meeting everyone has been helping, but I do not know what else I can do, honestly.”

“When the exchange is over, nominate him for guardian angel shifts. He might find it tedious, but it would get him out from under Michael’s thumb. It might only be a few hundred years, but it might be enough to actually help."

“That… might work. Thank you for the advice, Lilith.”

“Don’t thank me. Not until he’s safe.”

“Understood.” Simeon nodded, and took a step back. “I should get back to him, we haven’t told him why I’m gone, and it would not be good if he came looking for me.”

“Yes. Be safe, little brother.”

Simeon smiled softly and nodded, leaving the room.

Nia turned and looked at Lilith. “Little brother?”

“Simeon was practically family when we were still in the Celestial Realm. He was young like Luke at the time, and Lucifer wanted to give him a chance to come into his own before bringing him into the fold. Little did we know that he’d already gotten Michael’s attention, like Mammon, and there wasn’t time to extract him from that before the war. Because of that, he was forced to side against us by Michael. He doesn’t think of it that way, as I think you could tell. He thinks he betrayed us, when he was simply saving his own life. I’m sure you can tell by the way the brothers treat him that none of them hold a grudge for his choices."

“I had noticed that, it made me wonder if there was some kind of neutral faction in the war, because them not being upset with Luke made sense ‘cause he’s just a kid, but Simeon…”

“Yeah.” Lilith smiled softly. “I’m sure they all had some private conversations like he and I just had. Simeon has a very soft heart, he will always do what is best for someone he cares about, whether it is the right thing to do or not. He used to get in trouble a lot as a young angel for sneaking food to people on fasting punishments.”

Nia smiled. “Yeah, that sounds like Simeon.”

“That explains why he insists on taking my turns at cooking so often.” Solomon said thoughtfully. “I thought it was just because he really hates doing laundry.”

Nia chuckled. “He loves cooking for sure, but I bet you’re right on with the laundry.” Sorry, Grandpa... it's not the laundry.

“So many whites!” Solomon said, smirking.

Lilith sighed, and sat in the chair Solomon had prepared for her. “All right, it’s time to get on with the hard part of this.”

“Yes. Please, tell me what you know of the one responsible for this curse on my lineage.”

Nia and Solomon moved closer to her, and she sighed.

“Solomon, do you know anything of Auriel, the angel of Prophecy?”

Solomon nodded. “I thought the name was Uriel. We’ve never met, however.”

“They prefer Auriel, generally. While Uriel is one of their alternate names, it was more than a bit ruined for them during their childhood.”

Nia blinked. “I bet the bullies latched right onto that one.”

Lilith nodded. “Yep, got it in one.”

Solomon grunted. “So much for Angels being kind and benevolent.”

Lilith’s answering laugh was sharp. “More like arrogant, stingy, and ungrateful. Back to the point, however. Auriel spoke into being a prophecy shortly after the war - well, to be honest, around the time you got that ring, Solomon.”

“Ah, yes. It was a gift from Michael.” Solomon said, smiling warmly.

“Yes, well.” Lilith said, cutting off his thought process. “The prophecy stated that the awakening of the strongest member of the Wise King’s line would herald the end of Heaven’s Reign, and bring true equality to all three realms.”

Solomon blinked. “My line… is a prophesied line?!”

Nia was confused. “But why would someone want to stop equality from happening?”

“People with power will do anything to keep hold of that power.” Lilith said, bitterly. “Solomon, your line is being pruned by Raphael. An angel you’ve allowed close proximity to our Nia despite knowing his role in the Celestial Realm.”

“His role?” Nia said, blinking. “He’s—“

Solomon cut her off. “He’s a hitman.”

A hitman?! But he’s so sweet, and he takes such good care of Jake, and… “He would never hurt me.” Nia said. There was no question in her mind.

“He would, if he was ordered to.” Lilith said. “And despite his strength, Raphael is an angel who has no choice but to take orders from one person, and only one person.”

Solomon and Nia both froze and looked at Lilith, before the three spoke in unison, two horrified and one resigned. 

“Michael.” 

Chapter Text

Nia shivered. This wasn’t the first time she’d been gathered in the common room with all of the brothers, but it had been months since they’d come together to talk about what had happened with Belphie. This time it seemed somehow even more stressful because she was even more directly involved. Satan held her hand, quietly rubbing circles against the back of it with his thumb in an effort to calm her. While it might not be calming her, it was at least helping distract her focus just a little bit.

Once everyone was settled, Solomon addressed the group.

“Thank you all for gathering. I know the vast majority of you only have a passing interest in the things that go on in my life, so I appreciate your attention. There’s a lot to cover so I’m going to try and go quick but… I know you’ll have questions as we go along.”

He beckoned to Nia, who squeezed Satan’s hand before she got up and walked up to Solomon.

“For starters, Nia is my biological Granddaughter. No extra grands.”

An odd look came over Asmodeus’ face, before it was replaced by a shrug and a big grin.

Lucifer and Diavolo shared a look. Their investigations hadn’t brought up even a hint of this relation.

“It’s true.” Barbatos said from his place behind Diavolo. “I know you’re surprised. Believe me, i was also surprised.” Solomon lit a spell circle that was familiar to the majority of the room - he’d taught a seminar before the exchange program officially started about basic spell circles and he’d used this one as an example so that he could explain the different ways blood could be used to learn things about people. The first of these circles was primed with his own blood. He’d set it up while everyone was watching. Now, Nia pricked her own finger and added her blood to the second circle, and the room watched as it lit in bright colors, clearly matching the genetic markers with Solomon’s.

“Well that explains why you turned me down when I invited you to come along for movie night in Solomon’s Room~!” Asmo said, and Nia laughed awkwardly. 

“Sure does.” Nia said, going to flop back down next to Satan, compulsively sticking her pricked finger in her mouth.

“Now, knowing that, this next bit might explain to some of you what’s been going on with me lately.” Solomon said, sighing.

“Someone has been pruning my line, aggressively. Not only have none of my children lived into double digits, but their mothers have also lost their lives in the same brutal fashion. This with one glaring exception; Nia’s father and grandmother. Our best theory is that as they carried Lilith’s blood, Diavolo’s lingering magic kept them hidden from the Celestial Realm for longer.”

“So Nia’s in danger.” Satan said, and Nia realized she could feel the heat of his anger radiating off of him.

“Yes. She has been for her entire life, actually, and if I’m being completely honest, coming to the Devildom is the safest thing that has ever happened to her.” Solomon said, sighing. 

“This is worrying.” Lucifer said, quietly. “That’s a lot of energy put into ending one human’s line. What did you do, Solomon?”

Solomon grimaced. “I’ve been asking myself that for hundreds of years. What had I done that was so bad that someone was willing to end my bloodline? I thought I was cursed.”

“This just doesn’t seem plausible, Solomon.” Simeon said calmly from his chair. “It would take another quasi-immortal to be able to keep track of these things.”

“It would.” Solomon said, sighing.

“And someone strong, at that.” Diavolo said, concern marring his usually sunny features.

“If I’m bein’ honest it sounds fake.” Mammon grumbled, muttering under his breath about wasting his time.

“It’s definitely not fake, Mammon.” Asmo said, quietly but firmly.

“I must concur. I have been looking into this matter at Solomon’s behest for quite some time, and have been unable to identify the perpetrator.” Barbatos said, not quite able to hide how disappointed he was with himself over the matter.

“What?” Lucifer said, looking between the two. “You’ve been investigating something this serious without saying anything? For that long?”

Asmodeus pinned him with a glare. “Yes. Of course we didn’t say anything, Lucifer. Could I have believed you if you told me it wasn’t you? Barbatos could see nothing, and there are very few people strong enough for that. We had to keep our investigations quiet lest something more dire occur.”

Lucifer grimaced, but could not argue.

“So this is what you were keeping from me.” Diavolo said, looking at Barbatos, who looked chagrined.

“Yes, my Lord. This was the usage of my powers which I requested to keep my own counsel on.” he said, lowering his head. “For what good it did.”

“But the fact that you’re talking to us all now means that either you know for certain that it wasn’t any of us, or that you in fact now know who is behind it?”

“It’s true.” Solomon said, nodding. “Lilith knew, actually.”

“Lilith?” Belphegor said, speaking up as though he hadn’t been asleep the entire time. “Is that why you made it so she could talk to us?”

“That was her price for the information, yes.” Solomon nodded. “And a small price it was, in the end.”

Nia perked up. “Hey. Simeon.”

The angel turned to look at her, his expression questioning. “Yes?”

“Are you friends with Auriel?”

Simeon’s expression clouded. “I… was.”

“What’s that sposta mean?” Mammon asked.

“Auriel isn’t friends with anyone these days. They tend to stay holed up in their room, and don’t accept visitors. Only Michael is allowed in.”

Nia flinched. “I.. Uh. I’m sorry I asked.”

“No, it’s fine.” Simeon shook his head. “They and I were once rather close, and I simply miss them dearly.”

“What if I could explain some of why they’re a kept angel these days?” Solomon asked, and Simeon’s attention was immediately on the sorceror.

“Please.” Simeon’s tone was one Nia had never heard; desperation.

“Auriel spoke into being a prophecy. I do not have the exact words, but to put it the way it was put to me; The awakening of the strongest member of the Wise King’s line will herald the end of Heaven’s Reign, and bring true equality to all three realms.”

Lucifer hissed. “That… is a damning prophecy. No wonder you feel safe sharing this with us. Diavolo’s purpose is peace and equality between the realms. And our family spares no love for Heaven’s Reign.”

Solomon nodded solemnly. “You speak truth. But Lilith, thanks in part to her spiritual form, has been witness to the murder of my line. She knows not only the hand that struck but the voice that gave the order.”

“Enough talking around it.” Levi growled, breaking his silence for the first time, his tone surprising most of the room. “Tell us, Sorcerer.”

“Every one of my family’s lives have been ended by Raphael, under order of none other than Michael himself.”

Nia’s world spun, overwhelmed by the sheer pulse of power in the room as multiple demons shifted into their demon form simultaneously. When the world stopped moving, Nia found herself wrapped in Mammon’s arms, held protectively against his chest.

“Okay, maybe I’m just dumb.” Beelzebub said, “And forgive me if this is insensitive, but… how is Nia still alive?”

“Related.” Belphie added. “How was she even born? I thought your children were killed when they were too young to have more children?”

Solomon sighed, but Barbatos was the one who answered.

“Our running theory at this point, one with which Lilith concurs, is that the magic Diavolo used to obfuscate Lilith’s presence as a human was strong enough to also hide her line from scrying, which would have helped hide Nia’s father as well as her grandmother by proxy. What we don’t know is if fathering Nia was what made him visible, or if the magic eventually just gave way to the scrying.”

Nia shivered, and Mammon squeezed her tighter. “I’ll keep you safe.” he said quietly, and kissed the top of her head.

“What about my family?” she asked quietly from the cage of Mammon’s arms.

“They’re safe.” Solomon said. “There’s no way that Michael knows that you’re of my line, or he’d have taken steps by now. Besides that, they don’t share a single drop of my blood.”

“I can take additional steps.” Diavolo said, pulling out his D.D.D. and tapping a few buttons. Nia wasn’t surprised that his volume was set loud enough that she could hear the digital ring across the room even without it on speaker phone. The man was loud enough on his own that if his speaker was set any quieter he’d never hear the person on the other end over himself.

“Hey Boss, what can I do for ya?” Diaval’s voice bounced out of the speakers, cheerfully.

“Caught wind of a possible problem. Can you keep an extra eye on Nia’s family? Give me a call if your counterpart does anything out of the ordinary, or immediately if you catch even a glimpse of Raphael?”

“Serious, then. Yes. I was already doing the former but I will add watching for the hitman to my list. Is Nia safe?”

“She is. I’ll give you more detail when I can. Thanks, Diaval.”

“You got it, boss.”

Diavolo cut off the call and nodded to Nia. “It’s handled. Anyone want to tell me why he was already watching the angel carefully?”

Nia would have raised her hand if her arms were free, instead she just cleared her throat.

“That would be me. Mark was acting shifty at the retreat, even going so far as to be seen alone with Maddi, but no one but me seemed concerned about it. And he’s with my family. So I asked Diaval to keep an eye out for me because I just… need to know my family is safe, you know?”

“Ah.” Diavolo said, his smile returning. “I knew you were smart. And I suppose you do deserve an apology from me for brushing off that concern. It seems as though it was not misplaced.”

“You’re forgiven.” Nia said, and shifted a bit in Mammon’s grip. “Mamms, can I breathe a little… please? I know you’re worried, but…”

Mammon’s arms immediately loosened. “Sorry babe.” he muttered, not even trying to bluster his way through an excuse.

“Is there any chance that Nia is the one the prophecy was talking about?” Asmo asked, but Solomon shook his head, and sent her an apologetic glance.

“Sorry Nia, but no. She’s shown no signs of awakening as a sorcerer, so it’s unlikely that she’s the one the prophecy is speaking of.”

“Mn.” Asmo muttered. “But when she summoned me that time at the retreat, my powers were so much stronger than usual. Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” Solomon said. “Nia does show a strong aptitude for power amplification, both your power and my own were amplified in that situation.”

“So I’m a neat sidekick.” Nia grumbled. It wasn’t that she wanted to be some prophesied notable person. It was mostly that she really didn’t like being told about all the things she was never going to be able to do. She had enough of that back in the real world, thanks.

“So, that aside.” Satan said, “What are we going to do about this situation? Knowing is one thing. Action is another. I know most of my family have beef with Michael. I only know the man through reputation and that’s plenty, thanks.”

“That’s going to require more thought.” Diavolo said, frankly. “We can’t do anything hastily. While his actions demonstrate a vested interest in maintaining the current imbalance of the realms, simply eliminating him will not solve the problem, and could lead to all-out war.”

Simeon had been utterly silent since the revelation of the force behind the annihilation of Solomon’s line, so when he spoke up, he had everyone’s attention immediately.

“This explains why Lilith wanted to speak to me about protecting Luke from Michael. She was concerned that he was being groomed, and I don’t believe her concerns are misplaced.”

“Likewise,” Nia added, “I’d really like to get Jake the hell out of there as soon as is reasonable.”

“We’re approaching the end of the exchange program very shortly.” Diavolo said. “At which point you and Jake will go home, and he’ll be outside of Michael’s sphere of influence.”

“Didn’t we just say Nia was safer here though?” Belphie said sleepily.

“That we did.” Lucifer agreed. “But the exchange program is set at a year. If we keep Nia any longer than that, it will look suspicious.”

“We should get Nia some basic instruction on summoning. She’s got the instinctive Call, but that doesn’t usually come with enough force to trigger a portal between realms. We need to set her up with something stronger before she goes home.

“Agreed.” Diavolo said, and looked to Lucifer. “Lucifer, can you handle this? Solomon is likely to be busy over the next few weeks, and I know you need the least review for your exams.”

Lucifer muttered, but agreed. Nia shivered, and Mammon planted another kiss on top of her head. 

“It’ll be okay, treasure. I promise.”

Chapter Text

“Alright, explain it to me one more time. Why are you practicing on Leviathan?”

“Mammon is at a photo shoot, Satan is running a tutoring session at RAD, Asmo is getting ready to go to the fall so I don’t want to summon him out of the bath, Beel is at Fangol practice, and it’s Belphie’s turn to cook dinner and I’d like to avoid burning the house down.”

“And yet Leviathan is not otherwise busy?”

“Well, he’s supposed to be helping Belphie cook dinner but he did all the prep work and is just sitting in the kitchen playing on his phone.”

“Hm. You’ve really thought this through. You know that when you summon one of us in the future you’re not going to have the choice, correct? You will simply have to take one of us away from what we’re doing, regardless?”

“Oh, I know. But this is the tutorial level, Lucifer! I get to not be an ass, just this once! Besides, if it’s an actual emergency, do you think I’d only be summoning one of you?”

“Yes. Controlling multiple demons is immensely difficult, even for a sorcerer of Solomon’s level. That’s why he has that ring - the Ring of Wisdom gives him access to that kind of control.”

“Oh.” Nia said. “I had no idea. I guess I’ll be summoning whoever’s best suited to fix the problem, then.”

“Mammon is generally a good choice. He’s also more used to the human world these days than the rest. Excepting Levi. If you need rescued from some otaku function, he may be your best bet. Alright, so the summoning goes like this…”

“Hear me, denizens of the darkness, you who are born of shadow and you who give birth to it. Hear me and do as I command! I call upon you to send forth one of your number. I summon the Avatar of Envy, Leviathan!”

Nia felt the same kind of fizz and sparkle she was used to during the pacts flare up inside of her, but then fizzle out before the spell finished. She flopped down onto the sofa in Lucifer’s office. 

“It’s just not working.” She said, disheartened. “I just don’t have the power to summon anyone, Lucifer.”

Lucifer sighed. “You are correct that it is not working, but I do not for a moment believe that it is for the reasons you’re citing. I believe that using Solomon’s incantation is holding you back. It’s reminding you of holding his power within you and preventing you from using your own. This time, let’s just get the feeling down, and you can say whatever springs to mind, instead of all of that jargon.”

Nia nodded, and went through the mental exercises Lucifer had been teaching her. As she felt that feeling of fizzing in her veins, she called out; 

“Leviathan, I need you!”

When she opened her eyes, Levi was standing there in full demon form looking around for threats.

“HOLY SHIT.” He said, his eyes wide as he looked at Nia.

“Oh wow, it worked.” Nia said, grinning like an idiot as Levi let his demon form drop.

“It did. I think I understand now why Asmo was so taken with your summoning during the retreat.” Levi said. “I’m gonna… go back… to my game now. I’ll see you in a little bit, since I assume you need to try a couple more times to really be sure you’ve got everything down?”

Lucifer nodded, shooing Levi out of the room. 

Nia sat down on the sofa, blinking. That was simultaneously a lot easier and a lot harder than she was expecting.

“That was impressive.” Lucifer said, handing her a glass of sparkling water. He always seemed to have that handy whenever she was in his office. Did he keep it in here just for her? “What did it feel like for you, summoning under your own power for the first time?”

Nia thought around the question. How did she explain the feeling of magic in her blood? She considered as she swirled the water around in her glass. Wait. Maybe just like that.

“It’s like someone replaced my blood with this sparkling water. It fizzes and burns along my veins. It’s the same way I feel when making a pact, but… backwards? Like the magic is boiling up out of me instead of settling into me.”

“Interesting, so it’s almost a physical sensation.” Lucifer smiled. “I wonder if it will change or lessen as you get used to using it.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.” Nia said, and drained her glass.

Lucifer smirked, and took her empty glass from her. “Well, let’s work on that then. Again. Don’t yell this time.”

Nia nodded and stood, pulling on her energy.

“Levi, I need you.” she almost whispered, and again, the third-born appeared in front of her, this time much more in control of his own energy. When Nia opened her eyes, he was standing in front of her awkwardly wiping away a nosebleed with the back of his hand.

“Levi?! A nosebleed? Are you okay???” Nia immediately grabbed a tissue off of Lucifer’s desk and offered it to the demon.

“Y-yes. I’m fine. I…think I like being summoned.” He muttered, his face red as a tomato.

Lucifer blew out a sharp breath. “Fine. Out, Leviathan. Nia, again.”

Nia blinked as Lucifer clapped his hands after shooing Levi out of the room for the some-teenth time.

“You got the hang of that much faster than I anticipated.” Lucifer said, a proud smirk on his face.

“Well, you aren’t as bad a teacher as I was expecting.”

Lucifer huffed, offended. “To put it plainly, I believe that Solomon is incorrect about your awakening as a sorcerer. You have a knack for spellwork that I haven’t seen since we started teaching Satan back when he was a child.”

Nia wasn’t sure if she was more startled by the compliment that Lucifer was paying her, or the fact that he’d said anything nice about Satan at all without prompt.

“Did you just compliment Satan?”

“I did. Don’t tell him.”

“And what if I do?”

“He won’t believe you, and I’ll deny it, and you’ll just look like an idiot. I was saying that for your benefit, you know.”

Nia laughed. Classic Lucifer.

Once again, he handed her a glass of sparkling water.

“I have something I’d like to propose to you, Nia, if you’re willing to hear me out.”

Nia blinked, and settled into the sofa with her water. “I’ll listen.” she said. She still didn’t really trust Lucifer, but… he had just helped her. A lot.

“I’d like you to consider forming a pact with me.” Lucifer said, and Nia discovered not for the first time that she could in fact not breathe sparkling water. As she coughed, Lucifer handed her a napkin. “I’m sorry, I did not expect you to be quite so startled by that or I would have waited until you’d finished taking a drink.” He said, sounding genuinely apologetic.

“Well.” Nia said. “I never expected to make a pact with you, let alone have you be the one to suggest the pact in the first place. What inspired this?”

“Well, to put it simply, I feel a desire to complete your ties to this family. You’re descended from our sister, after all, and so it is only right that you are bound to all of us. As I am the only holdout on this matter, it is only right that I should offer.”

“So you want to make a pact with me because of Lilith.” Nia said coldly. This was probably the only reason that she couldn’t stand. This demon of pride did not want a pact with her. He wanted a pact with what remained of Lilith in this world, and that made her angry. “I am not Lilith. I have never been, and will never be Lilith. I am Adania Laney, and you will either treat me as the woman I am, or this conversation is over.” 

Lucifer paused, unsure how he should continue. Nia watched as a number of thoughts flitted across his face, and just let him think. She didn’t want to rush him into saying something he didn’t mean or hadn’t thought through. It was true she’d considered what it might be like to have a pact with all seven of the demon brothers, but she’d never expected Lucifer to offer her a pact. Yes, she was still steaming with anger from the shitty angle he’d taken. No, she hadn’t yet forgiven him for terrifying her repeatedly until she couldn’t go three days without a nightmare of the man himself harming her. But even with that, the pact was tempting because if he was pacted to her, then he couldn’t hurt her. Every threat that he had made would be tossed to the curb like so much rubbish.

“Nia, I would like to apologize.” Lucifer said, moving to kneel in front of her, one hand held out for hers. “I didn’t realize how my words would come across. And yes, I do think of you as a connection to my lost sister. I can’t deny that, and I won’t lie about it. But you’re entirely correct. You are a different woman entirely than she is. For one, Lilith would never have raised her voice to me. She simply would have put me in my place with a look.” Lucifer sighed. “I’m getting off track again. I’m sorry.”

Nia sighed. He sounded entirely genuine. And getting a genuine apology for, well, anything from the Avatar of Pride was more than she expected. Ever.

“I forgive you. I may not have been living with the grief you have, but I know how deeply you all loved Lilith, and it would be unbelievably shitty of me to expect you to never speak of her. And that’s not what I want. I just don’t want your reasons to be the wrong ones.”

“My love for Lilith extended to you was, while true, a front.” Lucifer said, sighing when she allowed him to take her hand. “I must admit, I fear for your life. Raphael has never once missed his mark. He’s Michael’s hitman for a reason, and he has been doing the job for far longer than that prophecy has been known. And he knows you. He’s become familiar with you, in part through my efforts to make this exchange program a success. Because of this you and your family are in danger. Michael will not give up. Right now our saving grace is that he has not found out about your lineage because he was too shocked to see Lilith in you at the retreat. At this point he’s more focused on your matrilineal ties than your patrilineal ones.”

“I can tell you’re concerned, Lucifer. I don’t think you need to be that concerned. I have seven pacts to protect me, and you trust every single one of them.”

“I would have you able to call on me should you need me.” He said. “I don’t expect that you will want anything to do with me outside of necessity, especially given the antagonistic way I’ve treated you this entire time. But I would put myself in your arsenal of protection, if you’d have me. I want to protect you the way I protect the rest of my family. And sometimes, that needs to be from myself, too.” The last sentence was softer, and Nia sighed.

“What would you have from me in exchange for your pact, Lucifer?” Nia asked. She knew better than to think he would be so willing to tie himself to her with no gain on his part. If nothing else, his pride would not allow him to do so.

“Should I ask for your soul?” He said, meeting her eye with a smirk. Nia reflexively kicked him. Not hard enough to do any damage, especially to a demon, but it was enough to startle him. “Sorry, a poor joke.”

“Nah, it was pretty good. I’m sorry for kicking you, it was reflex.”

They shared a laugh, and Lucifer sighed. “You will find this presumptuous, I am certain, but how about an agreement that you will contact me every day that you are not in the Devildom? Something simple, I will make sure your D.D.D. will still work in the human realm, and you can simply send me a chat message. I will even accept a sticker. Just something to prove to me that you are fine and everything is fine, to keep me from worrying.”

“You sound more like a worried dad than you do an older brother I swear.” Nia said, laughing. When Lucifer simultaneously tensed and deflated, a weird combination to be sure, Nia squeezed his hand. “Alright, big brother. I give. We may not be friends, and while it will take some time for me to truly trust you, I believe we share a mutual respect. I’ll make a pact with you.”

The sight of Lucifer relaxing to her words is one that Nia is unlikely to forget. It looked, for just a moment, like he even teared up, which seemed incredibly fake for Lucifer. Maybe it would be better if she didn’t comment on it.

“Where would you keep my mark?” Lucifer asked, turning away from her to hide his show of emotion. “If it’s somewhere obvious, we may want to wait, as exams start tomorrow…”

Nia thought back to when she and Satan had been talking about where she wanted marks if she made pacts with any of the brothers, and much as they’d been joking about where to keep Pride’s mark, Satan had still helped her plan a place.

Nia reached up and tapped her throat, just above the hollow between her collarbones. “Right here.”

Lucifer turned to see where she was indicating, and Nia watched as his aura flared unexpectedly.

“That is—“ Lucifer started, but Nia cut him off.

“—Perfect for Pride. And I don’t think you’d argue that my part of our bargain is a bit of a collar, though short of a leash.”

Lucifer chuckled darkly. “I can see you’ve thought about it.  Have you a necklace you could wear to cover it?”

“Are you ashamed?” Nia asked, tipping her head to the side.

“No. But your partners might be disinclined to have others see my claim so blatantly on your skin. Your fellow students at RAD would easily misinterpret our pact as a more…intimate…relationship.”

Nia couldn’t stop the shiver that thought caused. “Yeah, fair. I do have a couple of cute chokers courtesy of Asmo, I’m sure one of the ones with Blue accents would help hide your mark.”

Lucifer nodded, and reached out for her hand. “You said that you don’t truly trust me. With your choice of location, my ritual will involve one of my hands around your neck. Do you consent to this?”

Nia put one of her hands in his and allowed him to assist her in rising from the sofa.

“Lucifer, if you intended to hurt me, a pact would not be how you went about it. I trust you at least this far.” She paused, but decided that this was one of those cases where words mattered. “I consent.” 

With a nod, Lucifer stepped into her personal space, one hand against her lower back and the other around her neck. Nia tensed, but when he stopped moving, she forced herself to relax.  Once she’d calmed, Lucifer started speaking, some incantation in a language she didn’t understand, and it reminded her strongly of her pact with Mammon.  The magic, having been coursing through her earlier fizzed as usual but without the almost-painful pressure she’d come to expect from it. The fizzy feeling, however, flared white hot at the point on her throat where the mark coalesced, robbing her even of her voice as she went to cry out.

Pact complete, Nia stepped away from Lucifer, her hand immediately coming up to her neck. “That was…”

“Intense?” He had one eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face. “Yes, I would assume so. The few with whom I have made pacts have not stayed conscious throughout, so I must say; I am impressed.”

Just then, Lucifer’s D.D.D. started ringing, and he looked at it with a wince.

“It is Lord Diavolo. I must handle this, you may go. Summon me once dinner is ready, will you?”

Nia nodded and left, only stopping to wonder if he meant that last request literally once it was too late to ask.

Mammon blinked as he slipped into his jacket, getting ready to head home from his shoot.  For a moment, he felt a powerful greed… until it was clamped down on so hard he was questioning whether he’d felt it at all.  There was only one demon he knew with that kind of control over their emotions.

Mammon > Lucifer: Did you just find a copy of that cursed record you’ve been looking for?

He grumbled when he realized that as Lucifer hadn’t responded right away, he was unlikely to respond at all before dinner.  He wasn’t expecting a text from Nia, however.

Nia > Mammon: Did you drive to your shoot or take a cab?

Aw, she misses me.

Mammon > Nia: Cab. Waiting to catch one home right now. Miss you.

Nia > Mammon: Hold that thought.

Suddenly, Mammon felt a portal open up, and felt himself whisked through it. He shifted into his demon form instinctively, but found himself looking around his own room as he emerged.

“What the actual fuck?” he snarled, and then he saw Nia standing by the door.

“Welcome home!!” She said, and threw her arms around him, but not before he saw the telltale flash of Blue and Silver at her throat.

Mammon wrapped his arms around her with a soft growl. “Pact with Lucifer?” He asked, his tone dripping with a combination of his own greed and Levi’s envy.

“Yeah.” Nia said into his chest. “He talked me into it. He’s worried about Michael, and to be completely honest I am too.”

“What’dya give him?”

“I promised to communicate with him every day I’m not in the Devildom. Just so he knows I’m safe.”

“That’s cheap as fuck.” Mammon said. “But… will ya text me too?”

“Of course, babe.” Nia said, grinning. “I just figured I’d message the group chat and he said that counted, so…”

“Ha! Then he doesn’t even get something special to him either.”

Nia laughed. “So… uh… help me calm people down about this pact at dinner?”

“Only Satan’s gonna have an issue. And he’ll love that you have a leash on our big bro anyway. But why are you worried about it at all, treasure?”

“I just… I never thought I’d ever agree to a pact with Lucifer. That he’d lower himself to make a pact with a human like me. And yet, here we are, and I didn’t check in first and I feel… gross… about it.”

“It’s not like you’re cheating on us. Hell, you weren’t expecting most of your pacts, except Barbatos, so like, don’t worry about it, okay?”

Nia sighed. “I’ll try.”

“I know, telling you not to worry is like telling you not to smile. You’re gonna do it anyway.”

Nia grinned and punched Mammon in the shoulder. “Brat.”

“Yep!” He said with a matching grin. “Dinnertime?”

When they got to the dining room, Belphie and Levi had set the table and were bringing out the food - Belphie had made his take on the human world curry that Nia had taught him, and it smelled amazing.

“We just need to get Lucifer, and we’ll be ready to eat.” Belphie said as everyone filed in.

“Oh, I’ve got this.” Nia said with a smirk, and the fact that she was focusing meant that she missed the expressions of the remaining five brothers who were only now noticing the pact mark on her throat.

“Lucifer, Dinnertime.” She said calmly, and then Lucifer stepped through thin air into the dining room.

“Oh.” he said, looking around. “You took me literally.” he added, before shifting out of his demon form and heading to his place at the table. He was proud of her. She could feel it.

Levi was suddenly at Nia’s side, helping her into a chair to her confusion.

“Levi. Levi hon, I’m fine.” She said, and he looked confused.

“How are you fine?! I’m completely exhausted after all of the times you summoned me today!!” Nia looked closer at him and realized he wasn’t kidding. He looked really tired.

“Shit, Levi, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize…”

“That’s beside the point.” Satan said, eyeing her. “Not only are you not tired, you’re sporting a new pact mark.”

“Yes, she is.” Lucifer said smugly. 

“Wipe that look off your face, Lucifer.” Nia said. “Lucifer is just worried about me because of Michael. If I let him just continue to be worried it’s going to make all of your lives a living hell. Besides, now I can make him show up to meals on time.”

Lucifer speared her with a look, but for the first time, Nia didn’t feel bothered by it in the slightest. He no longer had any way to threaten her, and it was freeing.

“Now!” She clapped happily. “Shall we eat this lovely dinner? I’m starving.”

“Me too.” Beel said, reaching out to dish rice and curry onto Nia’s plate before serving himself.

Chapter Text

Exams…happened. Nia showed up on time for and wrote every exam to the best of her ability. Thanks to Asmo’s meddling, Solomon’s addition of Vitamin D, and the bright light of her new room, Nia was able to get through the rest of her classes with little issue. Well, little physical issue. She still had no idea how she’d done on her exams, but she should be getting her grades when she went to the student council room later, before heading home.

Currently, Nia was working on her term paper for the exchange program, as Diavolo had requested when she’d arrived. It was basically done. Writing about her experiences here in the Devildom hadn’t been hard. The biggest difficulty was keeping her personal developments out of her official writing. She just needed to make sure it was good enough for Diavolo, and there was only one person she knew who would tell her what needed changing if something did.

Nia > Lucifer: Can you come look over my report for Diavolo before I submit it.

Lucifer > Nia: Only if you summon me.

Nia sighed, and leaned back in her chair, focusing her magic. “Lucifer.”

“I’m here.” He said behind her. “That was fast.”

“I had a good teacher.” She said, handing over her paper to the demon as he settled in the armchair near her desk. He perused her writing quietly, before handing it back.

“It’s honest. And I think it’s exactly what Lord Diavolo is hoping to hear, which is even better.”

Nia smiled. “That’s that, then. All of my official Exchange Program work is complete.” She felt a little down about it. She didn’t really want to go home. Sure, she wanted to see her mom and her sisters, but…

“Not quite.” Lucifer said. “I want you to summon each of your pacts before you deliver this paper to Diavolo. A test. To be certain you can before we let you leave.” 

There was something else in his tone, but Nia wasn’t sure what it was. “What’s the catch?”

“You can’t warn them before you do it. Not even Barbatos.”

Nia made and uncomfortable hissing sound. “Whyyyyyy?!”

“Because. If they don’t know a summon is coming, they’ll resist. And,” he lowered his voice to a mutter, “It’s the only way you can be sure to get a private goodbye before this evening’s closing student council meeting.”

“Thank you, Lucifer.” Nia said, smiling slightly. Who knew the demon had a heart, after all?

“Levi, I need you.” Nia said, and in front of her stood the third brother, face buried in his phone.

“What for, Nia, I’m in this middle of this level and…” He looked up at her, and soaked in the sunlight for a moment. “How am I in your room suddenly?!”

Nia giggled. “I summoned you.”

“But I was…” He shook his head, and tossed his D.D.D. onto her desk. “Irrelevant. What do you need, my Henry?”

Nia laughed and threw her arms around him in a hug.

“Just… you. For a minute.” She said, and she could feel how warm his face was against her shoulder.

“Player 2…” he muttered. “I’m gonna miss you so much. Do you have to leave?”

“I do. But now that I know I can summon you… we’ll have to have game night at my place sometime soon.”

“Yeah, okay.” Levi said, and kissed the top of her head as they parted. It was Nia’s turn to blush bright red.

“W-what was that?” She said, startled.

“I don’t know! It seemed like the right thing to do! Don’t ask me!!” Levi said, and then he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him.

Nia blinked. He forgot his D.D.D. she thought, and seconds later a tomato-faced Levi came right back through the door, grabbed his device, and went right back out the door.

“Bye!”

“Belphie, come nap in my room.” Nia said, and sure enough the sleepiest possible demon looked up groggily at her from her bed.

“Nia?” He said, and patted the bed next to him. “Snuggles.”

Nia sat on her bed, and Belphie curled himself around her, using her lap as a pillow.

“There was a time when I thought you couldn’t leave soon enough. Now, my favorite pillow is leaving and I can’t stand it.”

“So you’re saying you want to be invited up to the human realm for Movie Night?”

Belphie chuckled, and Nia’s heart warmed to see the smile on his face.

“I wanted to spend more time with you, so… yeah.” He said. sitting up and taking her hands in his. “Thank you for saving me, Nia. And let me just say this: Even if you weren’t Lilith’s descendant it wouldn’t have mattered. I still would have been attracted to you. I love you, Nia.”

Nia blinked. Wait, he what?!

While she was being stunned, Belphie leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss. Soft, but full of meaning. He pulled away sooner than she liked, and Nia found herself pouting.

“Belphie, I—“

“I love you, and I always will.” he said, turning as if to leave, as if he expected her to reject him.

“Wait!” Nia caught his arm and pulled him back towards her, wrapping her arms around him.

“What?”

Nia gave into her desire to just stay there with him and do nothing, and if she could feel the mark on her wrist heat up, she knew he could feel her, too.

“I love you too Belphie. Just… five more minutes?”

The demon chuckled and snuggled in. Looked like Nia was getting her five more minutes.

“Beel, can you bring me a snack?” Nia pulled, and before her stood Beel with a large plate loaded with waffle-fry nachos.

He looked around, confused, and then settled himself at the coffee table with his snack.

“You wanted a snack too?” He said, and Nia plopped down next to him. 

“Mostly, I wanted to see you.” Nia said, and Beel laughed.

“Remember to eat when you get hungry, got it Nia? No ignoring your stomach. I can tell when you do it, and my hunger’s enough for me okay?”

Nia blushed. “I didn’t mean to, I just… was busy with my last test, and…”

“Summoning everyone?” Beel said, holding out a bite of his snack for her.

Nia took the bite and nodded. “How’d you figure?” She asked, or well, those were the words she meant to say but her mouth was full.

Beel, being himself, understood her. “Belphie disappeared from my lap.” He said with a smirk. “And when he didn’t come right back, I figured where he went, so I went to make a snack. Didn’t think I’d get it done before you called me though.”

“Oh.” Nia blushed, taking a sip of water. “Well, he told me he loved me so I made him stay longer.”

“He finally told you?” Beel smiled. “He’s been stewing on that one for awhile. I love you too, you know.”

“I know, Beel.” Nia kissed his cheek. “I love you too.”

“I’m going to miss you so much.” He pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.

“Be good while I’m gone, Beel.” Nia said when he released her.

“No, you.” He said with a smirk. “And if you’re having nightmares, call me. I don’t care what time it is. You may not be able to crawl into my bed, but I can still help.”

“Asmo, it’s time.”

“Time for what?” Asmo said, and Nia turned to see him leaning on the closet doorframe. He was standing there somewhat damp in worn clothes with a sponge in one hand and a spray bottle in the other. “Oh don’t mind the outfit, you caught me scrubbing the bath.”

“Gotta hide the evidence that you had a human with murder seaweed hair in there?” Nia said, smiling wistfully.

“Oh no, I just… I couldn’t bear to do anything fun this afternoon with you leaving tonight, so… cleaning. I’m cleaning. That’s all.” Asmo said, and Nia stood up and wrapped her arms around him.

“I love you, Asmodeus.” she said, while Asmo was having small fit over being hugged while he was ‘all gross’.

“You always say that when I’m out of sorts!” He said, feigning irritation. “Just you wait, I’m gonna come visit you in the human world and take you out for the best date you’ve ever been on. And then you’ll tell me you love me under the stars while we drink milkshakes.”

“That sounds lovely.” Nia said, smiling. “But I don’t just love you for the sweet times, and I’m going to love you when you’re not feeling well, or when you’re covered in cleaning products, or even when you don’t love yourself.”

“I am going to miss you so much, my sweet little kitten.” Asmo said, mussing her hair up.

“Kitten?” Nia said, raising an eyebrow.

“Satan likes to call you that and it stuck. I can’t help it. You’re my little meow-meow now.”

“I’m gonna miss you too, Asmo. My hair’s going to be a giant mess once I’m home again, I just know it.”

“Well, if you ever need help, just summon me, okay?  Especially if you ever get lonely sleeping by yourself at night! I’ll be there in a flash. You can count on it. Then I’ll wrap my arms around you and hold you until the break of dawn. I’ll even kiss you over and over if that’s what you want. So call me over whenever!”

“I will, Asmo. I want to do spa night at my place so you can help me pamper my mom and my sisters.”

“Oooooh. Yes. Yes yes yes!!! Do you think I’ll get to paint their nails?”

“Barbatos, I could use a word if you have a moment.”

“Effective summoning, dare I say it.” Barbatos said, stepping out of nothing in front of her, his demon form on display. “Very impressive.”

“I’m sorry for summoning you with no warning, it’s just—”

“Part of Lucifer’s test to make sure you can summon us if you need us.”

“Yeah…how did you know that?”

“He’s predictable and he likes to irritate me.”

“Oh. So my summoning you wasn’t really a surprise then.”

“No, it very much was. Actually, if you’ll give me just a moment…”  He pulled out his D.D.D. and made a call, and Nia could hear the chipper little voice of #2 through the speaker as Barbatos delegated whatever task he’d been in the middle of to the little D.

When he was finished, he slipped his device back in his pocket and stepped closer to Nia, wrapping his arms around her.

“I suppose this is my chance for a more private goodbye, then, as you’ll be leaving us in just a few hours.” He said, and brought his hands up to hold her face, wrapping his tail around her to keep her close. Nia leaned into his hands, her eyes fluttering shut. “Nia, you are so precious to me.” He kissed her forehead, her eyelids, her cheeks, and then her lips, delicately.

“I’m going to miss you.” Nia said, her voice a whisper. “What will I do without you?”

“You’ll survive. Just like you always have.  And I’m just a summon away. You’ve proven you can take me away from a sensitive task, I have no doubt you’ll be able to retrieve me when I am needed.”

Nia could feel a tension in his voice she wasn’t used to, and watched him curiously.

“What’s wrong, Barbatos? Besides the obvious.”

“My dreams of late involve you summoning almost everyone at different times to protect you from trouble… but never me. I find I am jealous, and concerned that I have wronged you somehow.”

“Oh, ‘Batos…” Nia kissed his cheek. “I promise, if I need you I will summon you. But… I don’t want to summon you for anything trivial, so…”

“I want to meet your mother.” He said suddenly, and Nia blushed. 

“My mom?”

“Yes. I do believe she must be an extraordinary woman to have raised a daughter as thoughtful and lovely as you.”

“Okay, but… maybe you can talk Diavolo into coming up too? You can come together and then mom will be distracted enough for me to steal kisses.”

Barbatos’ laugh was everything Nia needed to hear to know how well that would go over.

“Mammon, C’mere!” Nia burst into the giggles. She shouldn’t have used that on Mammon, but the thought of calling him like a little puppy had been stuck with her since the first time she’d summoned him, and she just had to do it.

“Woof.” Mammon said, and then pounced on her, knocking her back onto the bed. 

“Hey Mamms.” Nia said around her giggles.

“Hey human.” he said. “Why are you calling your first man like he’s some kind of dog?”

“Uh, because you’re my pupper?”

“Am not! I’m a demon!” He gestured to his head. “See? Horns.”

Nia giggled. “Okay, okay, I give.”

“Good.” he said, and flopped next to her on the bed. “I can’t believe your year is up already.”

“Me either.” Nia muttered, and Mammon threaded his fingers between hers.

“Make sure you don’t go doin’ anything too crazy once you’re back in the human world, got it?”

“I won’t.  I promise.”

“It’s weird, ya know? Thinkin' that I won’t get to see you anymore… I can’t even remember what the Devildom was like before you came along… With you gone, I’ll have nothin’ to do! It’ll be real boring! Which is why I’m gonna have to go see you in the human world! That’s right, you’ll be getting a visit from THE Mammon!!!”

Nia laughed. “So you’re saying I need to summon you so you can take me out on an arcade date?”

“YES!! Fake gambling! Since you won’t do the real kind with me.”

“I will come with you when you do the real kind. Just not… with my money. I don’t have enough of it.”

“Well, that’s what you get for going back to the human world. I can’t shower you in Grimm there.”

Nia laughed, and then squeaked as coins dropped onto her head. “Mamms!”

“Sorry! It was reflex!”

Nia threw the coins at him, laughing. “You’re the worst best thing that ever happened to me. Brat.”

“Yeah, but you like that I’m a brat.”

“I do. Never change, Mammon.”

Nia was pacing.  She only had one person left to summon but she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him yet. She couldn’t. She didn’t want to.  Tears were running down her cheeks and she just let them happen. I need you, Satan. I can’t just go like this, I…

“You rang, love?”  Satan was sitting on the sofa at the foot of her bed, a smirk on his face.

“I most definitely did not!” Nia said, stunned, as she turned to look at Satan. “When did you get here?!”

“You summoned me.” He said, the smirk falling off his face to be replaced with a look of concern as he stood and took her into his arms.

“But I… I didn’t. I never said the words. Any words. I knew I was supposed to be summoning you and I… I didn’t want to say goodbye, so I wasn’t, I just…”

“So you’re saying,” his voice rumbled in his chest where her head lay, “That you summoned me without uttering a single word, with just the power of your feelings for me? You needed me with you so much that your magic just did the job on its own?”

“I.. I guess?” Nia sniffled, trying to stop her tears from running down her cheeks. “I don’t want to leave you, Satan. I don’t want to go home. I just finally felt like I really belonged somewhere, and now I have to leave it all behind.”

“I feel just as strongly as you do, my love.” Satan said, petting her hair. “You taught me how to feel things other than anger. I don’t want you to leave me either. You’ve become everything to me, so can you really blame me for not wanting you to go?”

“I don’t blame you. That would be hypocritical.” Nia stepped out of his arms and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. “You’ll come visit me, right? I want to take you to the bookstore and show you all my favorites, and go out for fancy coffee, and…”

“I’ll come take you on a date, for certain.” Satan said, reaching out to tap the tip of her nose. “As long as you promise to take care of yourself once you’re back in the human world.”

“I promise!!” Nia said, chuckling despite herself. “I’ll be taking care of my little sisters again, so it’ll be hard not to take care of me while I’m at it.”

“I’d like to say I believe you, but you’re selfless to a fault, love.” Satan said, and pulled her into his lap so he could snuggle her. “Let’s just… stay like this awhile.”

“So. Here’s my term paper for you.” Nia said, handing the carefully-bound ridiculously long paper to Diavolo.

“Ah, yes. Thank you.” He said, setting it aside after a casual glance. “And Lucifer said you exceeded his expectations for summoning, which I myself can attest to, as I had my tea served to me unexpectedly by #2 earlier, as Barbatos had been ‘called away’.”

Nia blushed and nodded. “It was… easier than I expected, given that I’m not a sorcerer like Solomon.” she said, frankly.

Diavolo simply smirked in response, and Nia wondered what he was thinking.

“In return for your term paper, I have for you your preliminary transcript for this semester.  Solid grades, I dare say.”

Nia took the paper and glared at it. 

Curses & Hexes: B

Devildom Law: A

Magical Potions: B

Seductive Speechcraft: C+

How did I only get a C+?! I worked my ass off in that class!!

Nia tried to keep her dismay off of her face, but based on Diavolo’s reaction, he’d seen right through her.

“Nia. These would be your grades if we were grading you on the same basis as a magically-enabled student. I’ve spoken with your professors, and your modified grades taking into account your lack of magical aptitude puts the rest of your grades on par with that of your Devildom Law grade - which your professor has told me is one of the highest in the class. He’d be happy to have you back for an additional semester of law if you’re ever interested.”

Nia blinked. “Why do I feel like that’s a cop-out? I can summon everyone, doesn’t that mean I have magical aptitude?”

“Yes. Possibly. But it wasn’t something you could use during class, therefore it couldn’t help your schoolwork the way others were capable of.”

“I guess that makes sense. Still feels like cheating.”

“Well, you got a better score on your Devildom Law final than both Lucifer and Satan, so I dare say you’re doing just fine on your own.”

“She did… what?” Lucifer said from the doorway.

“Ah, Lucifer, just the Demon I was hoping to see.” Diavolo said with a smirk. “Nia has the best score on the Devildom Law final. I do believe that means you owe me dinner.”

Lucifer looked between Nia and Diavolo, and then down at the score grid sitting on Diavolo’s desk, before making an indecipherable face.

“I am ashamed of my own score but so unbelievably proud of you, Nia.” Lucifer said, before sighing. “Send me the reservation information for dinner, and I will be certain to attend.”

Nia looked back and forth between the two. “Did you two have a bet going about my test scores?!”

Lucifer looked chagrined. “No.”

“Yes.” Diavolo admitted with a smirk.

“I feel like the expected response is to be offended, but I’m really not. Send me a selfie from that date and I’ll call us good.”

Diavolo jokingly saluted her, and Lucifer just looked even more embarrassed.

Chapter Text

“All right, well… thank you again for the hospitality you’ve shown us this last year.” Simeon said with a smile. Next to him, Luke looked like he was doing absolutely everything he could do not to cry.

“Hmph. I finally get to go back to the Celestial Realm. I’m finally free of this… of this foul Devildom.”

“Luke? If you’re sad to leave, just say so. It’s okay, you know? You can cry and let it out if you have to.” Simeon knew that Luke was sad, it was obvious to the whole room, and for the first time, Simeon realized what Lilith had meant about Michael’s influence on the younger angel. There was no way that Luke was going to admit to being sad if it would make it look like he enjoyed something that Michael was against. And there was no shame in admitting to have enjoyed an experience that you had expected to hate.

“S-Sad? Me?! As if! Actually, I’m relieved to go!”

Mammon, as usual, was a little lacking in tact. “Look at him. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a puppy tryin’ to hide his own emotions. Ya ain’t foolin’ anyone.”

Asmo giggled. “It’s cute how he does that, though.”

Nia opened her arms and invited Luke in for a hug. “C’mere little brother.”

Luke looked up at her and the tears started to run down his cheeks. He couldn’t move fast enough at that point to run over and bury his face in her shirt and pretend he wasn’t crying. Nia just rubbed his back and smiled at Simeon, who returned her smile. He seemed grateful that she’d managed to get the younger angel to share at least some of his feelings. It was safe to be sad to leave the human, after all.

“Luke, you’ll have to bring Simeon to come visit me in the Human Realm sometime, okay? I want you to meet my little sisters. I know you’re older than them, but I just know they’d love your baking.”

The young angel sniffled and looked up at her. “Can Barbatos come?”

Nia nodded. “If he tries to pretend he’s too busy I’ll just get Diavolo’s permission and then summon him anyway.”

Across the room Barbatos laughed, and Nia felt her cheeks heat up. Despite doing basically that earlier, it still seemed a little bit heavy handed.

“I’d be happy to come bake with you at Nia’s home, Luke. We’ll have to plan on it.” Barbatos said, and Luke’s face lit up brightly. 

“I can’t wait!” He released Nia and walked back over to Simeon, looking immensely more calm, for which Nia was grateful. Goodbyes were difficult, even though she’d already said the majority of hers.

“I really had fun this past year.” Solomon said, smirking at Nia.

“Solomon, I’m really looking forward to discussing more about the human world books you added to the library once I’ve had a chance to read them.” Satan said, clapping the sorcerer on the back.

“Oh, and while you’re at it make sure you two keep me up to date on release dates and stuff for new anime and games coming out.” Levi added with a grin.

Nia nodded. “That one’s on me.”

Solomon smiled. “Yep, will do. Diavolo made it so we’ll be able to use our D.D.D.s up in the human world as well, so we’ll for sure be in touch. Probably all the time.”

“Every day.” Nia said, with a glance at Lucifer.

“Hm, maybe I should send you both some Celestial Realm delicacies as well. You know, pick out a few especially delicious items to send over, give Solomon an excuse to visit Nia.” Simeon said, tapping his chin.

“Will you send some to us, too?” Beel said, and Nia would have sworn there were sparkles and flowers around the boy.

“Of course, silly.” Simeon said, grinning. “I was planning on that anyway. Can’t have you going hungry after all.”

“Just make sure you don’t address the package to Beel. Sure, he’s been a lot better with Nia here, but with her going back to the Human World, I’d hate for him to get too excited and eat everything before he realizes.” Belphie said coolly.

Beel nodded. “That could happen. I mean, I wouldn’t do it on purpose, but…”

Simeon nodded. “Alright, then I’ll address it to you, Belphie.”

“Sounds good.” Belphie nodded.

Lucifer, who hadn’t spoken even once, addressed Simeon. “Take care up there, Simeon.”

Simeon looked startled, but smiled at Lucifer. “Thanks. Take care of yourself as well, Lucifer. I really do think of you as a brother. And I’m glad I got to see a new side of you… a side I never got to see back in the Celestial Realm.”

Lucifer huffed. “You’d better not go telling Michael anything embarrassing about me.”

Simeon winked. “No promises.” He turned to Nia. “Take care, Nia. Until we come visit you, at least.”

“I will.” Nia said. “I’ll be safe, I promise.”

“Until next time, Nia. And be careful with these demons, okay? They’re still dangerous.”

Nia smiled. Little did he know that the angels he was so excited to get back to posed more of a threat to her.

Barbatos stepped forward. “Simeon, Luke. It’s time.”

“It’s been a very special, enriching year for all of us here as well. Thank you… both of you.”

“Bye~!” Asmo called, waving to the angels. Luke waved back, and then just like that, they disappeared. “That’s it… They’re gone.” He seemed sadder than Nia expected. She’d have to make sure to give him an extra tight hug before they left.

“…well then, that brings us to Solomon and Nia.”

“Nia, to be completely honest when I first met you I felt both hope and anxiety in equal measure. I figured that two angels and a sorcerer could hold their own here… but I was worried whether I’d made the right choice inviting a regular human here, one without any special powers. Some were opposed to the idea of inviting humans here to the Devildom, and they made their opinions known.” Behind her, she heard Belphie sigh in regret. “If anything had happened to you, I would have been the one to blame. I knew that when I brought you here, and I was prepared to accept the consequences, come what may.”

Nia hid a laugh behind her hand, and when Diavolo looked to her for an explanation, she grinned. “A Lot happened to me this past year. But I blame you for none of it. And I thank you for plenty of it.”

“You’re welcome.” Diavolo chuckled. “As it turned out, I was worried over nothing, after all. You’ve had a wonderful effect on all of us here — more than I ever could have hoped. Who knew you’d be going home with pacts with eight of the strongest demons? You’ve brought change to the Devildom, to RAD, and most importantly to each one of us. The exchange program between our three worlds has been a success. It really has borne fruit… and you’re the reason why. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for us. Thank you, Nia.”

“This has honestly been such a meaningful, life-changing experience for me, too.” Nia said. “Not only do I have family, friends, and loves I never would have had if I hadn’t come here, I’m a much more confident version of myself, as well. I said this to you at the retreat, Diavolo, but this entire exchange program has been so good for me. Thank you, for choosing me. Just promise me, if you bring me back here, you give me enough warning that I don’t show up in my pajamas.”

Diavolo chuckled heartily. “You have my word, Nia.”

Solomon stepped up and wrapped Nia in a hug. “My dearest granddaughter.” he said quietly. “Are you ready to go home?”

Nia nodded, and Diavolo crossed his arms.

“It’s time, you two. The Devildom will always be here for you, Nia. Always. We’ll have to do this again sometime. Until that day, know that we’re all right here waiting for you, looking forward to your return.”

There was a flash of light, and then she was standing in front of the apartment door, with Solomon at her side. A quick glance told her that she was still in her uniform, which was a far cry from the old bathrobe she’d been wearing last time she got teleported between realms.

“Solomon, are you sure you want to meet my family like this?”

“Yes. Sooner is better.”

Nia nodded, and knocked before reaching to open the door. It felt weird to knock in her own home, but she didn’t want to startle anyone.

Before she even got a chance to turn the doorknob, the door flew open and she was hit by not one but both of her sisters, only Solomon’s hands at her back holding her up.

“Holy crap you two have grown!” Nia said, patting them on the head. “Can I come inside?”

“Yeah!” Avery said, grabbing one wrist while Aubrey grabbed the other, dragging her inside without saying a single word to or about the man behind her, who quietly followed her into the house and shut the door behind himself.

“Mom! Nia’s home!!” Aubrey called, and Nia’s mom peeked around the corner of the kitchen with a grin on her face. A grin that immediately fell like the bowl of brownie batter from her hands.

“Elijah?”

A few minutes and some awkward explanations later, Nia was helping her mom work on a new batch of brownie batter while Solomon played trivia games with the girls in the dining room.

“So… you just happened to meet your grandfather - who doesn’t look a day over 35 - while on your exchange program?”

“Yeah. Magic, I guess?”

“That’s a bit on the crazy side even for me. But I can’t really argue with him, he looks like a white-haired version of your father, and your eyes are a perfect match for each other’s.”

Nia laughed. “Would you believe I only noticed that like two weeks ago?”

“I would. You don’t like looking in mirrors much.  But I’m surprised you didn’t bring your boyfriend home to meet me.”

“Well…” Nia paused. How should she explain this to her mother? “It’s because I have more than one boyfriend, so…”

“Oh.” Her mom said, going silent. Nia turned to look at her and realized she was thinking over the situation, so just waited until her mom spoke again. “Do they all know about each other?”

“They do. Everyone’s happy with our arrangements.” Nia said, feeling her cheeks heat up. “Especially me.”

“Is it too late to have a talk with you about the importance of safe sex?”

Nia was pretty sure that if she could have transformed into a tomato right then, she would have.

“N-nothing like that happened mom!!”

“Mhm. Must have been a near thing. I saw some of those selfies.”

“Mo-om!”

“Sorry, you know me. Gotta tease my baby girl where I can.  I’m so glad you’ve found someone to be happy with. Deviant choices aside.”

Nia looked up, startled, only to find her mom winking at her. Good old ma, teasing me with the one thing I was afraid of. I’m so grateful that she accepts my choices and my boys, and…

A knock at the door sounded while Nia was putting the pan of brownies in the oven, startling her into smacking the back of her hand into the oven rack.

Biting back her curses for the sake of her young siblings, Nia ran her hand under cool water while counting to ten to try and calm herself back down.

Nia could hear Jake’s voice at the door asking if she was back yet, and grabbed an ice pack to hold against her hand as she ducked around the corner, unintentionally mirroring her mother’s actions when she and Solomon arrived earlier.

“Jake!” She called, and he grinned and ran over to scoop her into a hug.

“You brought the sorcerer home?!” He whispered into her ear. “I thought he was a little old for you!”

Nia cackled. “Only a few thousand years or so, yeah.  Nah, I brought him home because he’s my grandpa. Like, blood kind. Mom says he looks just like dad did when I was born.”

“Freaky.” Jake said, shaking his head. “But I’ve learned to cope with that over the last year, how about you.”

When Nia just laughed, Jake led her back into the main room, and she glanced at Solomon to see him glaring at her hand. 

“Nia, did you hurt yourself somehow already?” He said, causing both her Mother as well as Jake’s mother to laugh.

“Yes.” Nia said, resignedly. “I burnt myself on the oven putting the brownies in.”

“Silly girl.” He scolded, lovingly, and came over and held her hand carefully in his, quietly intoning the healing incantation he’d used on her in the House of Lamentation kitchen some months back.

“Mama!! Grandpa Solomon just used Magic!”

“Yes, thank you, Avery.” Nia said, embarrassed.

“Huh.” Jake’s mother said. “That’s not something you see every day. Girls, can you carry Nia and Jake’s things upstairs?”

“Yes Mama Marnie!”

Nia looked at her mother, and startled at the slight blush on her cheeks. Also startling was the obedience in her sisters, who made quick work of their small bags. Once the girls were gone, Solomon stood and smiled. “Now that I’m sure Jake got home safely, I’m off to handle some personal business.”

“Alright, see you again soon. Don’t be a stranger, you’re family now, Solomon.” Nia’s mom said, and he chuckled.

“Understood, Lynn. Goodbye, Nia. Don’t forget to let them know you made it home safe.” And with a blink, he was gone.

Nia blanched, and pulled her D.D.D. out of her pocket and threw a quick message into the House chat to let them know she was in fact home safe, just busy reacquainting herself with her family, laughing fondly at the chain of Emoji and Stickers from everyone.

“So, you two. Now that you’re home again. Marnie and I are planning on getting a home together.  Of course, large enough that you can stay on college breaks but…” Nia’s mom looked to Jake’s mom in concern.

“We wanted to take the burden off of your shoulders, Nia.  If I'm here to help with the girls, you and Jake both will be able to go off to college without worrying about anything.” Jake’s mom said, smiling.

“College…” Jake pondered. “Yeah. That would be fun, don’t you think Nia?”

Nia, of course, had teared up. She’d never expected to be able to go to college, at least not until the girls were in high school and could handle themselves the way she had.

“Nia?”

Nia looked up as if to answer, but whatever she was going to say was interrupted by the sound of one of the twins squealing in outrage and pain echoing down the stairs.

“Shit.” she said. “My diary.”