Chapter Text
Beel left to go find a table shortly after the human finished their check-in, and Belphie set about to hang the curtains he’d found to block out all outside light with a sigh, kicking a chair across the room and watching it smack against the wall. He wasn’t upset with Beel, but why did he have to hint at what they had planned?
Setting up some spooky medical facility would’ve been so simple, so easy. Humans never seemed to be a fan of realizing just how close their ever-present mortality truly was. Anything that broke that suspension of disbelief would suffice, but lower effort was his obvious preference. Something to crack through their mental barrier and force them to see what little control they had over their own fate.
Only now that they knew what to expect, how was he supposed to scare them as effectively?
He scowled, kicking the chair over to the next window and hopping up to hang the next curtain.
There had to be something more he could add, even in the short window of time he had until they’d be back to see their attraction for real.
But what?
Belphie sat back and looked over the room, most of the decorations haphazardly spread about, but the room was darkened now. Far too dim for a human to see clearly.
That’s all that mattered.
He hopped off the chair, touching his fingers to his temple and closing his eyes to draw his focus inward.
Where was…
There.
Beel, I think I might have an idea.
A wave of confusion and surprise greeted him, followed by the low bass hum of his twin’s thoughts.
Something other than the table?
No, we still need it, but-
He looked around again, smiling to himself. The darkness would help alright.
-I think I might need to enhance our hospital a little more than I’d planned.
Even if he’d bothered to hide his intent, Beel knew him too well.
I… feel like I should be worried for them.
He laughed, removing his jacket and changing into his costume.
Just get the table, I’m almost done setting up and I’ll need to rest before they show up.
Already on my way back.
Nice work, Beel.
The last sentiment was more of a wordless thought of gratitude than any specific thanks, but Beel’s aura colored in kind. Always so ready to assist his family.
Belphie shook his head and picked up a scalpel, testing its edge on his thumb.
Dulled.
Of course.
He tsked and tossed it aside, the sharp metal twang almost pitiful as it skittered across the floor.
Dulled or not, a scalpel wouldn’t be much use anyway.
Beel returned, dropping the table with a loud thud, vibrations reverberating under his feet while he looked back.
“You won’t go too far, right?” Beel asked, straightening the table and leaning over to check the legs and make sure it was stable.
“Of course I won’t~ this is all for fun, remember?” He said, lightly gliding his fingertips across the table’s edge, fantasizing pools of red blossoming and spreading across its pristine white surface. “Besides, they already know we’re going for the hospital theme, so I had to think of something else to catch them off guard.”
Beel winced, his eyes cast down. “Yeah, sorry about that. It just slipped out. Whenever they’re around I just-“
“It’s fine, Beel. Don’t worry about it, I’ll make sure our attraction is their favorite.”
“Thanks, Belphie.”
Beel…
Even falling couldn’t erase his kindness, only bury it.
“What else do you need me to do? Is there more I can help with?”
Well, mostly.
Belphie chuckled, tucking his uniform away in the far corner of the room and picking up his mask. There wasn’t much else to help with at this point, most of his plans didn’t have any need for ‘physical’ help. “I don’t think so, I don’t want to waste too much effort setting up the rest until they get here.” He stood up and walked back to the table, testing it briefly before sitting up on it. “Why don’t you go get changed and meet me back here?”
Beel needed little reassurance after that, quickly leaving to change and more than likely gorge himself on snacks. So that meant he’d have plenty of time to grab a quick nap to save up energy for the event.
Belphie laid down on his back across the table with the mask resting on his chest while he stared up at the ceiling. It wasn’t comfortable, but he’d fallen asleep in worse places. He closed his eyes, tapping his fingers against the mask while he waited for his thoughts to slow.
These stupid masks…
Lord Diavolo’s whims could be so thoughtless and yet others could be so ignorantly conniving.
It was infuriating.
He grit his teeth, drumming his fingers on the polished wood and focused on maintaining a steady rhythm. The masks didn’t even go together or have any sort of theme. It was lucky they even somewhat matched any costumes he or his brothers had.
Another scheme thought up by the future Demon King with little to no foresight.
“Thoughts like that won’t get me anywhere.” he muttered to himself, picking up the mask and holding it up above his head. The one he had been given didn’t look too bad, at least. He brushed his thumb across the mouth and over the kiss mark, a smile touching his lips.
Maybe he could use tonight as an opportunity to steal a kiss from the human. Wouldn’t that be a fun game to play?
First things first, though.
He brought his hand down to cover his yawn. Just a quick nap so he’d have enough energy to give them the best experience he could sustain.
Just the thought of what he had in mind made him tired.
May as well put the mask on now so he’d be ready the moment he woke.
He brought it up to his face, closing his eyes and slipping it on. Lord Diavolo’s whims were always exhausting and unpredictable, but wearing some stupid mask was far more bearable than some of his past requests. It wasn’t worth the effort it’d take to complain.
Still a stupid idea though.
He yawned again, feeling drowsy while he crossed his arms behind his head and settled in as best he could. It had to be mere coincidence they’d all managed to somewhat fit with their costumes, the masks themselves didn’t even go together. Diavolo must’ve used Barbatos to get some idea at what they’d had planned.
What…
What did he have planned?
His mind started drifting, but it wasn’t the usual sweet embrace of slumber that called to him. No it was something else. Something that seeped into his limbs and began to pull his consciousness down, sinking into the abyss.
It… didn’t feel like he was falling asleep…
…but every thought and worry… was lulled just the same.
Maybe he could indulge in it for just a few more minutes.
It promised something he always yearned for, ached for.
A shapeless slumber where he could lay unmoving.
Unfeeling.
Without a thought.
Without a care.
Feeling nothing but…
Peaceful oblivion.