Time And Time Again

Time and Time Again

*** This fic is something I've been excited for ever since @dicetheroll, @rainiishowers, and I brainstormed the concept for it in the Hive Discord! It the most voted for the recent "Help Me Choose" post, so alas, Barbatos simps, this one's for you. I hope you all enjoy it ❤️-B ***

Summary: Barbatos loves MC. He has loved them for nearly as long as he has known. He goes back and relives every second that he can with them, over and over again. But, after experiencing a time line so many times, one begins to notice certain patterns — MC getting hurt, for example. And after one too many times, he decides that he can't stand idle by any longer.

*Spoilers up to Lesson 16*

The confusion, but glittering curiosity that shimmers in your eyes never ceases to excite him upon the inevitable first meeting. It's one that he's lived a thousand times, yet still, it remains one of Barbatos's favourites.

Sometimes, when he first gets there and hears Lord Diavolo and Lucifer discussing your new pact with Mammon, he'll see you — the slight twitch of irritation in your brow in the way they converse as though you're not there. The proud puff of your chest as they remain in awe of your achievement. The flickering of your gaze around you, ever alert and cautious — and he'll forget you're not an MC who knows him yet.

But there comes the moment, where your observant stare falls onto him and your soft lips purse.

"Who are you?" You ask, just as you have a thousand times before. He's memorized the question and the way your voice dictates the words.

To him, the question reads like poetry. Who are you? So innocently unaware of the history you've shared with him. As friends. As allies. As enemies. As lovers. You ask the question, completely unaware that you are his polar magnet — a ruthless force that constantly draws him in no matter how he may resist.

And resist he did — at first at least. He had responsibilities and duties. Diavolo was meant to be his priority, not a rambunctious human who had no concept of self-preservation. And yet

"Ah yes. Pardon me," he responds with a subtle grin. "I suppose we haven't met before, have we?"

There it is. The slight flush that painted your expression as he took your hand into his and kissed the back of it.

He already knew which way this route will be going, he decided it before he even entered the timeline.

He has seen you choked, and broken, and ripped to shreds. He has seen you destroyed both mentally and physically to the point that had become nothing but a shell. He has stood as a bystander as you lived a life with each and every one of the brothers, his lord, and even Simeon and Solomon — and he has witnessed both the good and bad endings of each of those relationships.

Time, as it seems, was not kind to you, despite all the kindness that you gave. It would chew you up and spit you out with every chance that it got.

But not this time. Barbatos would be sure of that.

This time, he spared no mind to being suspicious to others or acting out of character. His only concern was you and your safety — and in order to ensure your safety, he needed to become close with you as quickly as he could.

He spent your lunch hours by your side — claiming he needed your aid with paperwork or surveying the students. It would hurt your connection with Mammon, sure, but for all his efforts, Mammon never was all that great at his job of protecting you.

He, much to Diavolo's delight, would often invite you over for tea and dinners at the castle — it was a joy to be the one to introduce you to your favourite Devildom delicacy. The honor was usually reserved for Beelzebub, but he found he couldn't help himself.

It was after one of these dinners, as you aided him in doing the dishes that he dared to spark a conversation he had only initiated a handful of times before.

"MC?" he questioned as you scrubbed the porcelain plates with the same care and ease as one would when handling an ancient artifact.

"Hm?" You hummed in response, squinting your eyes to glare through the soap suds at a particularly tough stain.

He smirked knowingly as he set down his drying towel and faced you. "Make a pact with me."

He quickly reached down and caught the plate slipping through your fingers before you had time to even process you had dropped it. You blinked at him with wide eyes as he carefully set it back on the counter.

Barbatos could feel your gaze on his back — filled with pure shock and confusion. It was one he knew all too well.

You had told him once, after the first time he had ever proposed the pact, that you had never expected him to ask you this. Not in a million years. You knew he had a pact with Solomon, but no one truly knew how that particular agreement came to be (and he would much rather keep it that way). But you also knew how much trust went into bestowing a pact with someone. It was not something to take lightly.

"Barbatos," you breathed with awe on your tongue. "You ... Why?"

To protect you. To ensure that he could be by your side in an instant the second you call out for him. To keep you safe from the world — from time. To love you.

He smiled and went back to putting away the dishes as though he hadn't just offered his entire being to you. "You already have Mammon's. And I hear that you have a contest with Leviathan soon approaching to earn his. It seems you've become a collector of sort."

And if the promptness of the decision had anything to do with the lingering threat of Leviathan's rage during said competition, well, Barbatos was hardly one to offer spoilers.

You huffed and placed a hand on his shoulder, forcing him to face you. He reveled in the closeness. "This is serious. I- You're not usually one for jokes. I- I mean, pacts are a big deal, right? I'm just beginning to understand that. I-"

He gently scooped your hands into his own gloved ones and peered deeply into your eyes. "We're friends, are we not?" he couldn't help the flare of pride that ran through him as your expression grew flush. "I like to keep my friends close. I like to protect them. And this, this pact? It's the best way I can think of to keep you as protected as possible."

A frown dug at your lips as you tilted your head in confusion. "Isn't that what the brothers are for? Do you not trust them?"

Quite honestly, no. He didn't. More often than not it was them who were the very cause of your pain. He would never understand why his Lord thought that it was best to keep you there, with the brothers who had barely agreed to the program in the first place, over keeping you in the castle with them. But that was out of his control.

This, however, was not.

"I think they do the best they can," he answered instead as he peered down at your joined hands. He would never grow tired of just how nicely they fit together. "But this is different. It's a personal comfort that you're alright," your breath hitched as he his thumbs caressed your knuckles. "Would you allow me that one little peace, MC?"

"Okay," you whispered, and that oh-so-beautiful burn ran through him and branded itself into the base of both of your throats, just under your voice box.

He couldn't help but smile. Teal always looked so good on you.

He lifted a single hand to touch the mark — it was still warm to the touch. "Perfect," he muttered.

The pact was good. It meant you two were connected now. But it wasn't enough.

He knew from experience. The pact alone wouldn't prevent you from nearly dying in the competition. It wouldn't stop you from getting Leviathan's cursed album and finding your way to the attic.

It wouldn't stop Belphegor.

The night before the competition he made his way to the House of Lamentation with one goal in mind — to take the pendant of the Lord of Corruption's lost wing that Solomon had given you.

You hadn't spoken in detail with Simeon as Satan had advised you. Meaning this pendant was your only chance of winning the competition. Without it, you would lose, Leviathan would never go into a frenzy, the two of you would never form a pact, and most importantly, he would never give you the cursed TSL album that would allow you access to your doom.

Barbatos knew what this meant. He would be completely shredding apart the timeline and creating a number of unknowns.

But it had to be done. To save you.

As he was making his way out the door, a large hand on his shoulder stopped him in place.

Barbatos felt his heart nose dive from his chest to his stomach as he stared at the door not five feet in front of him. "I have to do this," he said firmly even as dread began to swirl within him.

"You know you can't," came the Young Lord's voice — calm, for once. Thick with morose solemn.

The butler swallowed thickly around the lump in his throat. "They're going to die.

"They will." "I can stop it." "No. You can't," Barbatos felt his hands begin to shake at the finality in his tone. "You know this. It's fate."

Anger boiled deep in his stomach at those words. "It's fate," Diavolo would always tell him, as though that excused the endless hardships you were forced to endure.

It wasn't fair, he knew that. Diavolo loved you just much as Barbatos himself did. But he didn't understand. How could he?

While he may be able to see through lies, he couldn't travel through time as Barbatos could. He didn't have the power to actually change fate like Barbatos did.

He wasn't the one who could do something, but has been forced to stand by and do nothing every single time and just watch.

Watch as your back broke and blood trickled out from your lips. Watch the soul leave your eyes as your face remained frozen in eternal horror. Watch as you died. Time, and time, and time, and time, and time, and time, and time again all because it was fate.

His hands twitched at his side. "Why?" He pleaded in grievous whisper. "Why not just this once? They live, and they'll be safe."

The grip on his shoulder tightened. "It's MC's fate to sacrifice themself for the betterment of the Devildom and those within it. Just as it was Lilith's fate to die so her brothers could fall and take their rightful place here. If it didn't happen here, and now, it would only happen later on. But in ways that we won't be prepared for."

"I know" he damn-near growled. Where Diavolo could only speak based on theory, Barbatos had lived it.

One time you were kidnapped by a rebellion who disagreed with the exchange program and publicly mutilated you as an example. The next, your head was sent to Mammon by the witches he loved to infuriate. In another, your soul was claimed by the very nature of the Devildom — torn apart by beasts and plants alike. And one more, the angels stole you to "train" and shape you until you're the perfect weapon against the Devildom that they'd been searching for.

And again, and again, and again.

"I hate it," he spits as exhaustion bleeds into his tone and his voice cracks. "No matter how many times I reset the timeline. No matter how many things I change, I-I can't-"

"You can't save them, Barbatos," a sob escapes him as Diavolo speaks. "I'm sorry, but you can't. It's ... It's impossible."

And that was it. Wasn't it? There were simply somethings that, no matter how hard you tried, you could simply never change.

A little over a week later, his pact ignited. He felt the air cut from his lungs. He felt his spine break into two. He felt the blood trickle down his throat and flood his lungs. He felt his stomach flip as he plummeted.

He felt you die. Just as you had before. Time and time again.

***Oh this may be on of my favourite fics I've written yet. I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did! Thank you all again for endless love and support. You guys are the best community I could ever ask for. Love you all! ***

Tag List: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21 @theother4 @todoroses @circus-of-freaks @fuzzyphotography @avatar-mikazuki @curatoroffiction @sunlightocean @taare-ginn @dragon-rider-with-a-book @korneatto @rphantom1

The Goddess of Flashiness and Festivals 😌🎆🎇

Sister's Keeper pt 5

***Oh it feels so good to be back with this series! I have so much planned for this fic, I apologize that it takes so long between updates, but thank you guys for sticking around for the ride. Love you! -B***

Summary: MC wasn’t pleased about being forced out of their home and into the Devildom for this so-called exchange program, however, they were pissed that their little sister Harper was brought with them. MC wants nothing more than to make sure their sister stays alive and safe while in the Devildom, but first they need to figure out why these Demon bastards won’t stop gawking at her.

Previous Part, Series Masterlist

"There's no fu-" Mammon cut himself off as he eyed Harper sitting in your lap. "Fudgin' way you're beatin' Levi at somethin' like this! He's like the geek to end all geeks. You're dead!"

Satan pursed his lips as he brought over a box of bandages and ointment for your bruised wrists. "For once, Mammon's right," said demon loudly protested in the background. "Levi is actually quite intelligent when he wants to be, and he has invested every single one of his brain cells to that series. It's absurd to think you can beat him," he reached out to take your wrist, only to pause as you flinched back. He narrowed his eyes at the movement.

"That's mean!" Harper shouted, disrupting Satan's train of thought. She quickly pushed his hands away from you and yanked the box out of his grasp. "My sibling can do anything! They're the smartest, best person in the whole world!"

You snorted and ruffled her hair. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, sunshine."

Harper smiled brightly at you as she handed you the medical supplies. You sighed as she began to help you rifle through it. "Look, it's not like I'm going to go into this blind. I'm not stupid. I'm going to binge watch all the movies tonight, and take notes while I do."

Mammon shook his head as he finally stopped pacing and leaned against the wall. "That won't be enough! You don't realize who you're messin' with MC."

You huffed and grabbed a tube of bruise cream from the box of supplies. "If he's as lovely as he was when I met him, then I think I have a pretty good idea of what I'm facing."

Harper frowned as she quietly handed you a role of bandages. She didn't say anything.

She always hated when you got hurt.

Mammon mumbled something under his breath about stubborn humans as he turned and began pacing again along the side of the room.

Satan watched you carefully. His clever, ever-observant eyes combing through every twitch and wince of your body — reading you as easily as one of his books.

It was uncomfortable, to say the least. Unfortunately, the only affect your glare seemed to have on him was the faintest ripple of amusement. "Why?" He questioned bluntly. "Why do you want to do this so badly?"

You tilted your head as you cocked an eyebrow at him. "Why do you care?"

There was a thud as Mammon slammed his head against the wall. "Dammit human! Just answer the question!"

Your jaw clenched as you felt your heart pathetically pound at the sudden shout. "Mammon. Calm down," you hissed. Adrenaline coursed through your veins even as the demon's shoulders slumped and his expression smoothed.

Phantom pains shot through your wrist.

And Satan — stupid, mystery-obsessed, god-damn Satan — took in all of it.

You wanted to scream as understanding began to bleed through his expression.

You had only known Satan for 5 weeks, and yes he was the most tolerable of the literal demons that you were forced to live with everyday, but if there was one thing you hated the most about the man it was that damn look on his face when he figured you out.

"Your scared of him. Of us." he stated confidently. "Assumably, you're getting something out this to make that not the case. What?"

It wasn't fair.

With a frustrated huff, you rose to your feet and began to gather a night bag for you and Harper. "I'm going to Purgatory Hall."

Satan's face instantly became serious as he stepped closer to you. "What? I thought you just said you were going to binge watch TSL?"

You nodded as you threw pajamas for Harper into the bag. "I am. Just not here, and not with you." You walked around Satan and grabbed your D.D.D. charger. "Who better to make me an expert in a franchise than the creator himself?"

Satan clicked his tongue as he crossed his arms over his chest. "It doesn't matter who you watch it with. It's impossible for you to learn all of it in one night."

"Not to mention," Mammon piped gently, his mind still foggy from your order. "There ain't no way Luci's just going to let ya have a sleepover. We got RAD tomorrow."

Harper's head perked up at the "S" word as she turned to you with big wide eyes. "We're going to have a sleepover?!"

"No-"

"Yes!" You answered at the same time as Satan, smiling brightly at your sister as you strapped on your backpack. "We're going to spend the night at Luke's house!"

Harper's eyes lit up at the mention of her newest friend. She giggled before taking off towards your bathroom. "I'll go grab my toothbrush!"

The moment Harper was out of the room, Satan stepped toward you, peering as closely into your eyes as he dared — as though his gaze alone could pull the very truth from your soul. "MC, it's already late. You're being foolish. If this is because Levi hurt you, let me assure you-"

"Don't." You hissed, stepping back and away from him. "Stop pretending like you know me or that we're anything close to friends. I'm going to Purgatory Hall because I will win that fucking contest tomorrow if only to make that rage-gamer brother of yours backoff without any of your help."

Mammon rolled his eyes as he tried to block the doorway. "You're being stubborn."

Satan nodded in agreement, for once, with his older brother, a firm frown fixed on his face. "Quite."

You couldn't help but laugh at the comments. "You're not the first to call me that and you'll hardly be the last," you forced your expression to shift from one of annoyance to tender fondness as Harper came back out. "We'll see you both in the morning."

The two demons slumped in exhaustion as the door closed shut behind you.

Mammon groaned and ran his hands over his face. "I thought we were making progress."

Satan rolled his eyes as he made his way towards the door. "We were. Levi just happened to undo it all in one interaction."

Mammon frowned as he watched his younger brother leave the room. "Oi! Where are you going?"

"To do research."

***

The other exchange students in the Devildom were ... interesting.

You had met them during your second day of classes at RAD, and while you were hesitant as always around them, you had to admit it they offered a pleasant relief from the constant stress and subtle fear that you felt around the demons.

Simeon and you had got along swimmingly. Both you were guardians of your younger wards and it was nice to finally have someone who understood the worries and doubts that came with that. The angel was a good source of advice and was a surprisingly great conversationalist. He had a way with words that made every tale sound like a poets novella. It was nice. The fact that he was an angel and seemingly incapable of doing harm to you only helped earn your trust towards him.

Solomon on the other hand, was a little different. He was human, like you, and on top of that he spent his time willingly in cohoots with demons and the dark arts. It left you more than a little weary of him. But there was something about his small smile that made you give him a chance.

You knew you weren't going to survive the year down here alone, and that you needed allies who'd have your back. So you gave him a chance.

He proved his worth by slipping you viles of different protection potions and tutoring you in magic spells and incantations that would've otherwised breezed over your head. While you were still hesitant around him, you couldn't being yourself to regret forming this fragile relationship with him.

And then there was Luke ...

"LUKE!"

"HARPER!"

You couldn't help but chuckle as the two kids rushed towards each other and wrapped eachother in their arms, immediately babbling on to one another about their days.

The pair had gotten along like two peas in a pod ever since they met. There was a flicker of guilt in your heart that always appeared whenever you saw them together. You couldn't help but wonder if Harper was lonely in the human world, as your life hadn't exactly made it easy for her to have friends around her age.

Simeon tilted his head as he approached you. "What pleasant surprise. I can't say we were expecting guests at this hour."

You huffed as you adjusted your bag strap on your shoulder. "Neither were we. You wouldn't mind having to campers with you for the night, would you?"

Solomon's eyes flickered to the bandages on your wrist as he smiled at you. "We wouldn't mind at all. Right, Simeon?"

Simeon's own smile faltered slightly as he noticed the covered injury, and he quickly glanced over to Harper. His shoulders slumped as he found none. "Not at all. Why don't you come in and get settled in the guest room? I'll make tea."

You nodded as you herded the two kids further into the Hall. "Any chance I can convince you to serve that tea while we watch Tales of the Seven Lords?"

Both Solomon and Simeon halted at the question — Simeon more so in confusion, while Solomon looked nothing short of amused.

"Oh? Why the sudden interest in Simeon's work?" Solomon piped in.

Harper answered the question for you before you got the chance. "MC's gonna kick Leviathan's butt tomorrow in a trivia contest and get revenge for him hurting them!"

You couldn't help but sigh as Luke gasped and rushed over to you. "Those fiends hurt you?! Where?! Are you okay?"

You tried to give Luke a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. I just-"

"He bruised their wrist!"

You sent Harper a sharp look as Luke grabbed your hand and instantly began inspecting the bandages. His eyes nearly bulged out of his head as he took them off and saw the darkened skin that laid beneath it.

A determined gleam lit within his blue eyes as as he gently wrapped his hand around your wrist before a tingling warmth spread over your skin.

You frowned in confusion as a small glow came from the crease between your hands. "It's a good thing you came here," Luke stated as he pulled his hand away and revealed your now clear skin. "We wouldn't have been able to help you otherwise."

"WOAH" Harper gawked as she rushed over and yanked your hand closer to her to inspect. "That was crazy! Luke, you're a wizard!"

Solomon snorted and shook his head. "Not quite, little tyke. I'm a wizard. Luke, on the other hand, was just using his celestial abilities as an angel."

Harper's eyes grew wider as she slowly turned to Luke. "Are you MC's guardian angel?"

Simeon stiffened at the question, but before he could protest, Luke seemed to have found his own, vastly different, answer. "Yes! That must be why Micheal sent me down here! Why else than to make sure that MC is safe while surrounded by horror and corruption?"

Simeon seemed to wince at the words. "Luke, no. Micheal sent you here because you need to adapt with-"

"Don't worry MC," Luke began, not listening to Solomon in the slightest. He grasped your hand in one of his own as he placed the other over his heart. "I vow on my duties as your Guardian Angel to always keep you safe and protected so long as I am able."

Silence filled the room as a bright glow surrounded the two of you.

Simeon sighed as Solomon cackled in delight.

You tried to remain calm even as all your instincts screamed at you to go on the defensive. Luke's smile only grew brighter as he pulled his hands away — it didn't help the unease in your gut. "Luke, what ... What did you just do?"

"Right," Simeon said with his voice thick with exhaustion. "Luke? Go show Harper your room and some of the things you brought from the Celestial realm. We'll discuss this together later. For now, I need some time with MC and Solomon, okay?"

Luke's smile faltered as he glanced between his guardian and you. "Did ... Did I do something wrong?" You couldn't help but ask yourself the same question.

Simeon pursed his lips for a moment. "Not necessarily wrong, just ... You were just a little too eager this time. We'll talk later."

Luke shifted from foot to foot, not moving from his spot until Harper came up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. She smiled softly at him with the type of compassion and sensitivity one would expect to see in elementary school teachers and nurses but never in a seven-year-old.

"It's alright Luke. They just need some grown-up time. That stuff's boring anyway, believe me. Let's go play in your room." The younger angel looked back at Simeon one last time before silently nodding and leading Harper down a hall.

The moment they were out of your sight you immediately turned to Simeon. "What was that?"

"Calm down," Solomon soothed. His ever-present smirk still fixed on his face as his eyes glittered. "It's nothing bad. In fact, from what I hear from Asmodeus about your interest in demon pacts, it might even be a good thing."

A frown dug into your lips. "What does that mean? How does Asmodeus know anything about my interests? I've barely talked with him."

The wizard hummed in agreeance. "Yes. He's quite upset about that you know? He feels it's completely unfair that he wasn't the first object of your attention or even the second. But it just so happens that he has a rather close relationship with your dear Satan. Your second demon pact from what I hear."

Your nose wrinkled at the term of endearment as you plopped down onto the living room couch and threw your bag beside you. "It was a necessary allyship for a means of survival. Nothing more."

Simeon rose an eyebrow at your words. "So you are making pacts with the brothers' then? I had thought it might've been a rumor."

You couldn't help but scoff. There were plenty of rumors about you circulating around RAD, and the pacts were far from the most outlandish of them all. "Afraid not."

The two exchanged a knowing glance as though you couldn't very obviously see them.

"In that case, I think you'll be pleased to know that what Luke just did to you is called a vow of protection." Solomon explained casually as you felt tensed.

"A what?"

Simeon sat beside you and allowed your knees to brush against one another. "A vow of protection. It's meant to be reserved for guardian angels and their wards. Nearly every angel is assigned a mortal, or several in some cases, to watch over, guide, and protect by Michael once they are old enough and have received the proper training. Luke should one day receive this honor as well. However, he wrongly assumed that Michael had assigned him to you, and enacted a vow of protection towards you, sealing himself as your guardian angel."

You couldn't help but blanch at the idea of a child being in charge of protecting you. "What does that mean exactly?"

Simeon's lips pursed for a moment. "It's like the vow says. So long as he is present and able, he will do everything in his power to protect you."

Your stomach sunk at the words. "I don't like that."

The angel flashed you a brief smile as he drew his hands towards himself. "I don't either. But what's done is done. Just take extra caution when he is around, please."

You couldn't help but wince at the statement as you remember your reason for coming. "Right. Well, in that case, you should keep him far away from the Hall of Lamentation tomorrow."

The amusement on Solomon's face only grew at your statement. "Why? Off to claim another one of the brother's pacts and don't wish for him to get caught in your chaotic aftermath?"

"Yes," the smile finally fell off his face as your eyes shifted to Simeon. "And I need you to teach me all there is to know about The Tale of the Seven Lords in order to do it."

*** The other exchange students are just so fun to write. Thank you everyone for the love and support! I so so hope you enjoyed this. And thank you all again for your patience with this series and me. Love you all ❤️🥰***

TAGLIST: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21 @crzyimp @peachifiedenbyfaux @greenlit-mess @k1ngan0n @chirikoheina @tanspostsblog @kadythethief @mootofuu @fun-ghoul-neela @l0v3r666 @siniy606 @porgs-are-space-puffins @suzofobm @chirikoheina @nebulosalumine @pen-ink-therapy @urmomhetero @subaroon @hajimeslover @attackonhoseok @darkfaethedestroyer @amaya-writes @blankfornow @nexxy-is-lonely @sutsuxan @hobin-gnoblin @hatsunemiku2025 @idiotic-canadian @cubandevil04 @unicornhorse160 @dweeb-central @r-0-tt-3-n-m-1-lk @keqingsfavbestie @marvelous-maniac @stupidwingboy @bestblob @gallantys

Stars Above and Stars Below

*A short little snippet since I'm feeling particularly romantic. Hope you all enjoy. -B*

*Lesson 16 SPOILERS*

Belphegor loved stars.

Not just the romantic glimmering stars that twinkled and blinked at him from light years away. The ones that composed Milky Ways and were the subjects of poets and paintings.

But it was more than that. He loved the rawness that hid behind the beauty for the sparkling lights.

He loved deadly balls of gas-lit fire scattered across cosmos. There was a morbid fascination in watching something glittering from afar knowing you were looking at a ghost of something already dead.

It's why he loved you the second he looked at you.

You, who were so bright and warm and dazzling to all who you met. You who had enchanted each of his brothers with your very existence with a kind smile and sparkling eyes.

He looked into your eyes and saw the fire burning behind them, a ball of pure energy destined to burn out by his own hands. It was breathtaking — his own personal star.

At the time he couldn't wait to witness your end — to watch the fire extinguish within you. Not from a distance as he had with the other stars so many times, but fatally close. He would feel the flow of your blood lick down his hands like flames. He'd watch with a grin as your mouth gaped and gasped like a black hole, trying to pull air — pull life — towards you and failing miserably.

It was only a matter of time.

But when the moment came, it was nothing like he had expected.

Rather than a slow dimmer, as he had expected, your death was an explosion that only caused him further pain.

You died and were re-born twice as a bright — unblemished by anything he did, while he was singed to his core and left with exposed.

From your death, you grew stronger and became your own planet.

From your death, he was left in ashes, even in the years that have passed since then.

"Belphie?" He jumped, looking up as you stood over him with a concerned expression. The indigo ceiling of the planetarium created halos behind you. "Are you alright?"

He opened and closed his mouth, searching desperately for the words he wanted to say — he was never as good with words.

But stars don't need words, and there is only silence in space.

The two of you said nothing as you sat down beside him, pulling some of his blankets onto your lap and resting your head on his shoulder.

The two of you watched as the glowing silver orbs slowly spun around the room. He dared to spare a glance at you.

His heart skipped a beat at the twinkling lights reflecting in your eyes — just as they always had been, just as they always will be.

TAGLIST: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @salvationprodigy @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21 @theother4 @todoroses @circus-of-freaks @mcx7demonbros @bloopthebat @rainiishowers

Waves Are Calling

*So I have many other things I SHOULD be writing, whether for school or for this blog but instead, I'm here with more of my crazy non sense. So this will be the first time I write a non-human MC, and it's not quite what the request asked for, but I saw Grand Admiral Levi and my brain went running. Hope you like it!*

Summary: Grand Admiral Leviathan is tyrant of the Devildom seas. He sails the Devildom seas both to protect them and as a show of his power. He had thought he had seen every creature the treacherous waters had to offer until a pretty little song caught his ears over the waves. ft. Grand Admiral Levi x Siren MC

CW: Yandere/possessive behavior Songs referenced in order: "Davey Jones" - Fia Oradd, "Seafarer's Lullaby" - Ginny Di, "Siren Song"- Sara Singer

Life as a siren was an interesting one.

In the depths of the waves, you had all the freedom you could ever desire. Endless miles of varying shades of blue were yours to share with the other beasts and creatures that journeyed through its expanse. Upon a glance, one would think that the life of a siren was a pleasant one — one filled with singing and swimming to your heart's content.

But you knew otherwise.

To be a siren was to be labeled as a monster, a tempter that would attack its victims the second it's given the chance. Even in the seas of the Devildom, nearly all of your race had been hunted down and slaughtered.

The few that remained now were precious rarities. You had been raised to be quiet, and to never sing or give your true nature away.

But to deny one's instincts is a tortious and frivolous task.

The truth was you loved to sing. It was your everything. Nothing set your soul ablaze more than closing your eyes and letting your heart's song spill past your lips. You didn't do it to hunt or to lure anyone in. You simply did it because you enjoyed it.

You were always careful, of course. You never sang anywhere close to the mainland. Instead, you hid in coves surrounded by jagged reefs of rock and in the husks of wrecked ships.

The other sea creatures seemed to find these areas dangerous and scary, but that just meant that they were yours to keep! They were dark and gloomy but always provided the most hauntingly beautiful acoustics. It was all you could ever want.

You hummed as settled onto a flat rock on the shore, the blue waves glinting off the dark, wet walls of the cave in the early morning light. The tips of your blood-orange fins gently rocked with the waves, creating ripples against the calm surface, as you closed your eyes and parted your lips.

"Cruel and cold, like winds on the sea. Will you ever return to me? Hear my voice, and sing with the tide. My love will never-"

Spalsh!

Your eyes snapped open as you quickly whipped your head around at the sound — a strange glint caught your attention — two large orange eyes were watching you from below the waves.

In all your years of living in the seas, you had never seen such a creature, both in size and species. It looked like a serpent, and yet it's magnitude and subtle fins told you otherwise. You held your breath as its eyes locked onto you, tongue flittering out of its mouth, before it slithered closer.

The thing was huge. Its head alone was easily the length of your entire body, with teal scales that would allow it to vanish beneath the depths whenever it may wish.

And it stared at you — and you it — it a silent draw of horrifying stillness. Its glowing amber gaze was almost curious and amused as it tilted its head left and right.

Finally, the beast raised its head as it opened its gaping maw and revealed rows of deadly, knife-like teeth — white like porcelain, as though someone had been maintaining them.

You screamed as you flinched back, pulling your tail closer to yourself and waited for the inevitable pain of being ripped to shreds.

Hisssssssssssssssss

A cold snout butted against your tail and another strange hiss filled the air. You couldn't help but squeak as it butted against you once more. You didn't dare move — waiting for the pain that would lead to your demise, but it never came. With a trembling breath, you reluctantly cracked open an eye and glanced at the creature.

It tilted its head at you, nudging you once again, as another slow hiss filled the air.

You gulped as you ever so slowly-righted yourself. "Is ... I-Is there something you need?" You didn't even know if this thing could understand you, but what else were you supposed to do?

It, apparently, could understand you however, as it hissed once more and swiveled its head from side to side. You narrowed your eyes in confusion, mimicking the movement.

The creature's head drooped, as it bared its fangs in annoyance.

There was another small splash as the serpent's tail rose from the waves and it, with surprisingly gentle movements, gestured to your throat.

You gulped, clutching a hand to your voice box. "Y-You want me to sing for you?" A pleased hisss came in return. You shakily nodded — trying not to give too much thought to the fact that you were talking with a snake.

You let out a trembling breath, catching the serpant's eager eyes once more before you parted your lips. "Over waves and deep in the blue. I will give up my heart for you. Ten long years, I'll wait to go by. My love will never die."

As you sang, the strangest thing happened. The serpent seemed to relax and settle against the sandy cavern floor beside you. You couldn't help but smile as you sang — though the beast appeared frightening, it was actually quite sweet. An audience, you supposed, wouldn't be bad this once.

Only it wasn't just this once.

From then on, whenever you went to the cavern, regardless of the time of day, within minutes of beginning to sing, the serpent would appear — ever eager and happy to hear your song.

You didn't mind. It wasn't doing any harm, and over time you had actually become quite fond of the creature. In a way, you supposed you were both lonely misunderstood creatures labeled monsters. It was nice to have a friend, even if it was one whom you couldn't understand.

Months passed of your peaceful concerts with the serpent, and you had grown to anticipate his presence.

You smiled as you settled onto your normal rock, eyes earnestly searching the depth for your friend. This wasn't new — the serpent only came when called. "Far beneath the rolling tides. Where the sunbeams cannot go. Gilled and scaled with sightless eyes," You giggled as familiar orange eyes peaked up at you. "Monsters down below."

"So this is where you've been taking off to, Lotan," Your yelp and the serpent's hiss echoed off the walls as you both turned towards the new voice.

A pale land walker with indigo hair and eyes that matched the serpent's smirked over at the pair of you from where he stood, leaning against the cave walls. He was dressed strangely — not like any of the other land dwellers you had seen before. There was something that screamed status in the medals that decorated his chest like scales.

"To think," he stated as he began to walk closer, "you've been keeping this UR-Rank prize all too yourself. Naughty Lotan. I raised you better than that."

Your fight-or-flight instincts finally kicked in as you made a dive towards the depths. You beat your tail twice against the currents — desperately trying to create distance from you and the walker.

Suddenly, a strong tail wrapped around your middle and a scream ripped from your lungs as you were hauled back above the waves. You thrashed in the serpent's grip as the person grew closer and closer.

There was a scowl on his face as he looked you in the eyes. "You were so friendly with Lotan, why are you trying to run from me?" You whimpered, squirming in the snake's hold as his coils tightened around you.

The person snapped, as a smile came onto his face. "I know! I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Leviathan, Avatar of Envy and Grand Admiral of the Devildom's Navy, and you," his smile grew into something almost manic as his eyes scanned you up and down. You couldn't help but shiver. "Are a siren," a breathy laugh of disbelieve escaped his lips. "A majestic one at that."

Your heart pounded in your chest with each echoing step that he took closer to you. You banged your fists against the beast's scales — but he only let out a high hiss in complaint.

"Let me go!" you shouted. "I don't care who you are, you can't do this!"

Painted nails dug into your cheeks as Leviathan turned your face to his.

"I don't like it when people try to tell me what I can and can't do," she snarled as carefully took in your features. An expression of pure wonder came across his face. "I thought your kind had gone extinct," he mumbled. "At least that's what everyone else says. Legend has it you were all too murder-prone for your own good and attacked anything that moved. But look at you. You're no more threatening than a guppy!" His eyes became a glow as he glanced down at your dazzling, orange tail. "You even came in my colour. This is fate. I was meant to find you! I'll be the only demon in all of the Devildom to have a live siren!" he cackled as your eyes widened. "Mammon will be so jealous!"

This land-dweller was insane. You shouldn't be nearly as surprised as you are, and yet as you watched him laugh to himself you couldn't stop the sinking feeling in your stomach.

There was no time for thinking — no time for doubt. You needed to act fast.

You had never actually used your vocal abilities for harm before. You had never even witnessed it. But you didn't have a choice. You needed to him to stop — to sleep.

"Hear my voice beneath the sea," you sang with your eyes squeezed shut. You focused on your desire for freedom, on your need to escape. "Sleeping now so peacefully," Lotan let out a strange hum and shook his head. You shakily caressed his scales. "At the bottom of the sea," you felt his grip on you begin to loosen — your breath hitched. "Sleep for all eterni-"

A hand slammed over your mouth as Lotan's grip quickly tightened around you once more. The land-dweller peered down at you with curious eyes, "That's a pretty little song you sang," he cooed. "You nearly had Lotan taking a nap. He's just an NPC though," you winced as you felt his nails dig crescent moons into your tender flesh. "I'm the Grand Admiral. I have power over all the oceans, and that includes you."

He hummed as he finally released your mouth. "You'll learn that though, in time."

Tears welled in your eyes as you shook your head, "P-Please," you pleaded.

He scoffed and snapped his fingers as both he and Lotan began to exit the cave towards a smaller boat sitting near the entrance. "You act as though I'm going to torture you. Please. I'm a demon, but I'm not like my brothers. I take care of my belongings."

You snarled at his words, thrashing your tail against Lotan. "I am not a belonging!"

He clicked his tongue in consideration as he got into the boat. "Wrong. I own these waters, remember?" He snorted as he shook his head. "I shouldn't be surprised that you forgot, already. Goldfish memory and all that," you let out your own hiss at the man. "Don't worry though. I got a nice setup for you at home already. I'm sure Henry won't mind moving a smaller tank until you get settled."

Your eyes widened as he shifted into a different form, one speckled with scales and sporting a strong tail of his own. He roughly pulled you from Lotan's binds and into his own. You were forced down into the boat beside him.

Laying behind him, the sun barely cresting his horns as his shadowed face grinned down at you, your fate began to sink in.

Your cured into a ball around your tail and shivered as the boat began to move, taking you away from the life you had once loved and closer to the prison that you'd be forced to endure.

***It's like the opposite of fluff, but it's spooky season, so I hope you still enjoyed it! Thank you all so much for the love and support while my schedule is a little out of whack! Love you guys 🥰 -B***

Taglist: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21 @theother4 @todoroses @circus-of-freaks @mcx7demonbros @bloopthebat

Take A Deep Breath

***After 24 hours of pure stress, I have finally found a calm, and thought, "hey? Why not channel this experience and emotions through headcanons?" So alas, have a very small fic of Lucifer helping out an overwhelmed MC ***

CW: Immediate anxiety attack/ overwhelmed description

It was all too much.

Everything seemed to pile up, one task after the other, in monstrous amounts that screamed at you and your failures. You felt like a failure, and you hadn't even started working on anything yet! You didn't know what to do. You didn't even know where to begin.

You couldn't help but grip tightly at your hair as sobs of frustration burst from your lips and tears burned behind your tired eyes.

In your panic, you hadn't even noticed your bedroom door open

Lucifer pauses as he sees you so distressed — he silently narrows his eyebrows and scans your room, searching for the cause. It's not long before he spots your laptop, haphazardly tossed away from you and the loose pages scattered around you.

He can't help but feel understanding and sympathetic toward the situation. He was no stranger to being swamped by work, and thankfully for you, this meant he knew exactly how to handle it.

He makes his way over to your bed and sits at the end of it, giving you plenty of space to be comfortable and only come to him if you wish. "What seems to be the matter?" he says softly with only the gentlest of tones.

And he listens. He sits there, and he lets you cry, and shout, and scream, as you finally get out all the frustration, hopelessness, despair, and utter stress that had been overflowing within you like a thick poison blocking out your veins. He listens, and he takes note of every word you speak and your dilemma.

Once your finished, and there are no more tears to spill and your voice is horse from the strain, and only then, does he take your laptop and very carefully set it back in front of you. "Alright," he whispers. "Let's think about this logically. What are the most important things you have to do?"

He's by your side every second, as the two of you carefully make a list of the tasks you have to complete, and then separate your "pebbles from your boulders" and break your larger tasks into more manageable chunks.

Within a couple hours, the two of you have made a new schedule to help you healthily and efficiently get your work done. He'll kiss your cheek and say, "It may seem like a lot, but take a step back and take a deep breath and look at it from a different angle. Remember you don't have to do anything alone, and that if you need me, I will always be there to help you."

***This is 100% inspired by Mother who has a business major and was my super hero last night. I might do these with the rest of the brothers. I think I like these quick little fics because they let me feel like I accomplished something and aren't as harrowing or demanding as the full length ones I usually do. What do you guys think? Would you like to see more of these? Perhaps ones with the other brothers?***

TAGLIST: @thegrimgrinningghost @henry-and-the-seven-lords @satans-beloved-riv @cosmixbun @sufzku @obey-mes-treasure @kissed-by-a-dementor @yukihaie @justtiarra @mammoneybb @poly-bi-mf @burrixino @rul-of-demise @pumpkins-mainside-blog @acousticpen @sucker-for-angst-and-fluff @itskrispy @10paradox10 @vallison-rea @ivoryclive @newfangled-artistry @pumpkinpatchkid @chirikoheina @sailboat21