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The sweet smell of Christmas Cookies hit Beel’s nose and he couldn’t help sniffing the air in response. He walked towards the kitchen, his stomach growling. Sure enough, when he peeked through the door, the island was covered in all kinds of cookies. They were probably for the Christmas party tonight, Beel thought, but surely no one would miss a few . He reached for a green cookie with red sprinkles shaped like a Christmas Tree.
Beel winced, as before he could grab the treat his wrist was slapped. “Beel! Those are for the party!” Asmo scolded him. He’d been caught by his brother in his haste. Beel tried to fix puppy dog eyes on his older brother, hoping they would give in. Asmo squirmed a bit under his gaze, but refused to give in to Beel’s despair. His stomach growled again and his eyes flicked towards the cookies. Asmo narrowed his eyes at him, “Hon, don’t think about it.” Beel deflated. Asmo sighed and shooed him out of the kitchen. “Go find something to do till the party.”
Feeling unsatisfied after that encounter, Beel went in search of food. First he went to Purgatory Hall; Simeon and Luke were busy baking their own treats for the party and sent him away. The food at Cocytus Hall was uneatable though Solomon offered him some. The sour taste was still in his mouth by the time he got to the RAD campus. He saw the cafeteria chef locking up the doors and quickly ran up to them. “You’re closing now?” He asked, confused. It was barely noon! “Sorry, we’re closing early today for the party.” “Oh…” Beel said a bit sad. There was only one more place he could try.
The bell jingled as he entered Madam Scream’s bakery. “Oh look, it's my favorite customer!” She smiled when she saw him. “This is an emergency,” he panted, “Do you have any cookies??” “I’m sorry to say we don’t,” she said, not sounding the very least sorry, “We sold out through online orders this year.” Beel’s stomach growled in anger. “Thanks anyways…” he sighed.
Beel sulked as he made his way back to the house of Lamentation. How hard was it to get his hands on some delicious cookies?? “Beelzebub?” Beel looked up as his name was called. Surprised to see Diavolo. “Me?” He looked around before pointing to himself, making sure he was the one the prince was talking to. “Yes, I’ve been looking for you,” Diavolo told him. “Why were you looking for me? Did I do something wrong?” Maybe he had been a bit too indulgent the last time he was at the palace… “No, of course not,” Diavolo assured him, “I wanted to give you a gift.” Beel was still confused, Why would Diavolo give him of all people a gift? “Here,” Diavolo handed him a large box. The smell hit Beel’s nose instantly and he desperately opened the top. It was filled to the brim with an assortment of cookies. “I can have all these??” “Yes, I had Barbatos prepare these specifically for you. I noticed last year you were looking to enjoy more after the party…do you like them?” Beel already had a few in his mouth and spoke between bites. “Yes, thank you so much Diavolo!” “My pleasure, I’ll see you at the party then.”
“Wait!” Beel grabbed his arm as he turned to leave, “I need to give you something in return.” “No no, that's not necessary,” Diavolo said. “No I want to,” Beel insisted, “...Hmm…” He thought for a moment. He did want to repay Lord Diavolo’s kindness, but what could he give a prince? His eyes lit up with an idea. He carefully set the box down and held out his arms. “I will give you a hug as a promise until I am able to repay you.” Diavolo immediately wrapped his arms around Beel and squeezed him tight. Diavolo’s body was warm and surprisingly soft against his own. Beel noted that for once the person he was hugging could see over his shoulders. It was quite a novel experience. “This is a wonderful gift by itself, I don’t need anything else,” Diavolo told Beel. “Oh…okay?” Beel didn’t really think it was, but who was he to dispute a future king? And the hug was pretty nice too.