Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

         One thing you know for sure is that you've definitely snuggled into your bed wrapped around the comforting warmth of your thick comforter, snoring away beside a certain someone and his majesty Lord Azreal the Great. The thing is. This is not your bed, in fact, you're standing on wobbly feet, wide awake after falling. And now here you are, in your pajamas, upright (with mild ire from the disturbed sleep) surrounded by oddly enough… pretty sketchy men in a courtroom. This is weird. But weirdness isn't your first rodeo. Your life is a testament to that anyways.

Still, it's the principle of the matter, and before you could utter any word out of your mouth, the man in the center. A very tall man, with dark red hair, and a garrish uniform of the same colour embezzled with gold beads that makes it look like a hybrid of a decorative military uniform and a pretentious private academy in one, speaks up.

“Welcome to the Devildom!” The man greets you with a warm, patient smile, but little can be done to appease the goosebumps raised on your skin as he mentions your name afterwards, how'd he get it, you're not sure, but it's still unnerving to say the least. He pauses for a moment, seeing your visible apprehension, he then changes his tone. It's softer now, and more understanding. He sends you an apologetic smile, “...Oh, pardon me. Feeling a bit shocked aren't we? Well, that's understandable. You've only just arrived after all.”

Arrived? Arrived where? Oh gods did you finally kick the bucket? No way, you've avoided so many ‘lemons’ that life has given you (ie the attempts of getting your soul) that you've made more than enough lemonade to be fed up. No way would you be dead right now, surely this must be a weird fever dream.

“—As a human, it will probably take a little while for you to adjust to things here in the Devildom."

Yep. No way. This is a dream. You've definitely huffed too much cow shit while fertilizing your flowers. At any moment you'll be woken up by your spouse hogging your blankets, and you'll be staring at Casper hugging Azrael on the other side of your bed.

But since this is a dream, you might as well entertain the whims of your brain's imagination right? No.

“The Devildom… uh huh, totallyyyyyy real,” you nod along the man's words, you've been to the Underworld once, the capital of reapers. So might as well cross off hell from the bucket list, the only place left is heaven you suppose… but seriously Devildom…Devil Kingdom… surely all these supernatural beings must have better naming skills than this. 

Left to your musing, the man nods caught up in his own world, too preoccupied in explaining away, “You catch on very quickly! My name is Diavolo. I am the ruler of all demons, and all here know me. And someday soon, I will be crowned king of the Devildom.” The man, now known as Diavolo, continues as he gestures to the large room surrounding you all, as he does so magic swirls in his arms, and projects upon your eyes the visage of the large sprawling demon country. “—This is the Royal Academy of Diavolo… though we just call it RAD.” then the magic fades, and you're standing back in the courtroom with Diavolo and the other men behind him.

You really want to comment on the naming convention but some deep rooted thoughts keep your tongue tied from snarking back. Maybe it's your sorely lacking self preservation instincts finally kicking in. Or maybe you just want to ask about him being demon royalty, but he resumes his spiel

“You’re standing inside the assembly hall, the very heart of RAD. This is where we officers of the Student Council hold our meetings and conduct our business.” Diavolo boasts before adding, “I’m the president of said council.”

You're really tempted now to ask why demons, possibly immortals, would ever subject themselves to the horrors of the education system for eternity. But then again this is hell. No doubt about it. So instead, you settle to ask something more reasonable

 “... Okay. Uh, cool. But what does this have to do with me? And when can I go home?” 

It's silent. 

“Let me handle this for you.” A new voice pops in, from the black haired man, who was standing the closest to Diavolo sighs, he respectfully motions the prince to move back to address you. Though, Diavolo butts in to gesture at the other man with a grin. “This is Lucifer, he's also 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.”

“—He is also my most trusted friend.” Lucifer crosses his arms as Diavolo chuckles, there's a pointed look with a raised brow as Lucifer frowns, “Flattery will get you nowhere Diavolo.” Diavolo just laughs hearty and loud, it reverberates through the large room. You can even feel the tremble in the room.

You glance between the two, then at the other men sitting behind the student council table, most of them all don faces that practically scream with utter boredom leaking out of their pores. Same.

Then, Lucifer snaps his fingers, gaining your attention once more to him. He smiles, now the center of attention he clears his throat. “Speaking on behalf of the entire student body at this great and stories school of ours I offer you a heartfelt welcome,” definitely ass kissing but go off king, this still doesn't answer anything. This dream is getting more convoluted the longer it goes on!

Your eyes twitch, “Answer my question.” straight to the point, but Lucifer seems to take your approach with a different reaction. A smirk creeping up to the edges of his mouth all he says to you is “Interesting, this one is quite different from Solomon.”

He does humour you after, “Diavolo believes that we demons should start strengthening our bond with both the human world and the Celestial Realm. As a first step towards this goal, we've decided to institute an exchange program. So we've sent two of our students to the human world, and another set to the Celestial Realm.” 

You don't like the implications of this.

“—And we're welcoming four students to our school, two from the human world, and another two from the Celestial Realm. So, I take it you've probably put two and two together at this point, right?” Lucifer asks, but it's more of a rhetorical question, as his gaze steadies on you.

You definitely DON'T like the implications where this is going!

“You've been chosen from among the people of your world to participate in this program of ours. You are the newest exchange student.”

        Waking up to the warmth of the sun's rays hitting his cheek is still somewhat foreign for Casper. The placement of your apartment's window facing where the sun rises doesn't help either.

He yawns, stretching his joints absentmindedly. After you gave up a portion of your soul to give him humanity, the effects of living a normal mortal life has followed him. Long gone are the cold frozen stasis of death. The softness of humanity thrumming in him, with each beat of his heart, to the blood flowing through his veins that carry much needed oxygen to his body every time he breathes in and out. 

In the haze of sleepiness he groggily turns to tuck in the axolotl beside him, the plastic beady eyes of the stuff toy greeting him with a smile. He pats Azrael on the head and swivels to face your side of the bed.

It's empty.

“Sunshine?” He calls out, rubbing sandman's dust from his eyes as he trudges out of the bed, feet hitting the cold floor, he stands up, searching for you across the moderately sized apartment.

Nothing.

Maybe you're cooking or taking a bath and didn't want to disturb his beauty sleep. He often complained to you about sleeping for 8 hours now that he has to comply with mortal needs, as part of his skin care routine (compared to the atrocity that is your with a measly bar of soap and 4-6 hours of sleep)

But when he walks to the kitchen, there's no one. He moves, knocking in the bathroom to check if you're there or not. Once again only silence. He's getting worried now. “Hahah… this isn't funny sunshine. Stop it with the pranks today,” Casper calls out with a groan, dread creeping in as he searches for you through the shared space.

The apartment is just an apartment, not a huge house. And he’s been turning the place upside down looking for you. You can't just be hiding somewhere without being found quickly. Then he spots the keys to your shared flower shop lying on your desk, along with your phone and laptop still plugged in after being charged for the night.

He turns your desk, pulling out the drawers to check. There lies your wallet hidden innocently under some stationary stuffed in the same drawer, untouched as well.

Where did you go—

Chapter Text

Lucifer's words rattle in your (small but very wrinkly) brain like a dvd screensaver, it echoes, bouncing around until it finally sinks in.

EXCHANGE STUDENT… 

EXCHANGE STUDENT… 

EXCHANGE STUDENT…

EXCHANGE STUDENT…

EXCHANGE STUDENT…

EXCHANGE STUDENT…

  EXCHANGE STUDENT…

…

AW HELL NAHHH!!! I AM NOT GOING BACK TO THE SOUL SUCKING SYSTEM, THAT IS COLLEGE!

Ironically the concept of college did a better job at crushing your soul than the grim reaper ever would. You won't admit that to Casper though, or maybe you would, just to see him pouting at you for that jab.

But to the others, your face says it all, because one look at you, Lucifer smirks, amused by your harrowed look. “Your period of stay is one year. You will have to work on the tasks that you will receive in RAD.” he explains, probably enjoying your misery. Misery indeed. First of all, demon hell college, second of all you have to work too??? You didn't sign up for this. No way in hell would any sane person (even if some would like to debate you on ‘sane’) would ever want that. Second of all, you didn't consent to this nor had any recollection of anything you've done to somehow end up like this.

Unless it's the fault of you during third grade, trying to summon demons with an ouija board at a sleepover to prove that you weren't a chicken, would somehow lead to a prominent domino effect… no that's not it, probably…

“—After one year, you will write a paper about your exchange here in the Devildom.” He adds, just to make it sound worse. You stare at him, dead eye, with a frown. Demon or not, why a thesis paper as a cherry on top?

You open your mouth, then close it, at a loss for words, then open it again, before sputtering out an affronted “Tasks?!” You really don't want to think about thesis papers again so you choose to focus on something else. Lucifer shakes his head, “You are here as an exchange student. Did you really expect to spend your time here fooling around?” The glare you send him is piercing, but he brushes it off. “I didn't even expect to be in demon college in the first place!” 

Lucifer sighs, “Don't glare at me like that. It's not like I will abandon you all by yourself here in the Devildom. You need someone to look after you and I think that someone is my brother Mammon. He's the avatar of greed, and how should I put it…? Oh well, you'll understand soon.” With that, he pulls out a phone from his pocket and hands it to you. “Here, take this device. It's called a D.D.D, it's a lot like what you humans call a ‘cell phone’. This will be yours to use as long as you're here.”

Hesitantly, you reach out to take the phone from his outstretched hand. You murmur a quiet thanks to him as you stare at the phone. It's free, and it's an anchor to cling on after all of this being dumped on you like a bucket of ice.

“Now go ahead and call Mammon with it.” He nudges you, the screen already open to the name in question at the contact list. With a long sufferable sigh, you tap the name on the phone. The call activates, ringing continuously for a few seconds until someone picks it up, “YOOOOOO” can be heard from the speakers, Lucifer just grimaces at the cadence of the man on the other end. Ah, this must be Mammon.

“Yoooo.” You answer back, flatly. The man on the call immediately picks up on your unfamiliar voice, “Are ya’ foolin’ around? Who the hell are ya’?” he asks, or rather, demands to you in a booming tone. You blink, pulling the volume down before your eardrums burst. “I’m a human.” simple as that, but Mammon seems to think otherwise. “Whaaaa? A human? Geez, and here I was gettin’ all chilly here thinkin’ it was Lucifer again. Ya’ should’ve told me right away.” 

You rolled your eyes but kept quiet as Mammon started yapping, “So what business does a human ‘got with THE GREAT MAMMON?! ”. He’s starting to remind you of your grimmy, a bit... You JUST have a gut feeling that he’s just as easy to rile up. You try to ignore the pang of sadness at the back of your mind… you don’t want to imagine Casper waking up to the realization that you’re gone off the face of the earth with no clue where you get whisked away. 

That’s a problem for later, and so you muster up some optimism. “Let’s be friends.” But, the demon seems to find your offer stupid, his tone incredulous at the mere thought, “Eh… What’re ya’ even saying? AH ! I get it now, you’re the other human— The new exchange student!” obviously—  “G’luck with that and see ya.” He snickers. You eye the black haired demon near you, whose face had darkened throughout the conversation, you meet his eyes and he curls his lips, urging you to invoke his name to scare the shit out of Mammon. You nod, and let out a silent chuckle. “Lucifer called for you.” 

“Pffffttt, whatever, Ya think THE Mammon would listen to ya just ‘cause you’re tryin’ to scare me with that name?” And said demon moves closer, enough so that the D.D.D’s microphone picks up his voice. “You’ve got 10 seconds…9…8—” “— YESSIR !”

The line disconnects, and you peer at Lucifer’s smug face and the smirk plastered on it. “Sounds like you had a nice chat.” You shrug, “Eh...He seems reliable,” and reply back, dripping with sarcasm. Lucifer doesn't seem to see it though maybe it's the pride clogging his sarcasm sensors right now, “...You really think so?” No but whatever.  

Sensing an opportunity, Diavolo swiftly eases himself into the conversation once more to share his own thoughts of you to the other demons, hoping to foster their empathy. “Well, if you were suddenly brought to a strange place and then get told that an unfamiliar face will now take care of you, you’d certainly feel anxious.” he gives you an understanding smile, hoping to make you feel better of the situation. He promises you that, “However, Mammon isn’t the only one to help you out.” I don’t want more ‘help’, I just want to go home…

At least he’s trying, the others you’ve encountered had varying degrees on your scale of ‘effort'.  Usually, you’d make a joke or two, or even, be more amicable. But today isn’t your day. And you’re starting to get fed up. 

“Now then… We still need to introduce our new friend to your brothers, Lucifer. And it’s probably better that you do that instead of me, wouldn’t you say?” Diavolo breaks the silence with an offer that makes Lucifer grimace. “As much as I dread the idea of doing so, you’re right.” The black haired demon loudly exhales through his nose to emphasize his displeasure.

“Oh, come on now. Really ? You should be honoured that you get to introduce such a sweet and charming little brother like me!” A sandy blond man trills, looking faux offended at the notion made by Lucifer. Speaking of which, said man brought his hands to his temples, nursing the sudden but growing headache that manifested within seconds. “This one here is Asmodeus. He’s the fifth eldest. The avatar of lust.” Lucifer gestures at the demon whose expression immediately turned into real offense, “Wha… I can’t believe you just totally ignored what I said! And not only that, you referred to me as ‘this one.’ How rude!” Asmodeus huffs. 

The other blond, more of a golden blond, rolls his eyes at the other, “Hmph! At least he didn’t ignore you altogether. How do you think I feel?” he adds to his point which make Lucifer ignore the two even more, not wanting to deal with their complaints. “That one there is Satan, the fourth eldest of us. At first glance, he may seem like a reasonable demon with a good head on his shoulders but looks can be deceiving.” At that remark, Satan’s brows furrowed taking that description as an insult, “Aha, so I’m that one, am I? Nevermind, nice to meet you.” He greets with a small nod. “I am Satan, the avatar of wrath.” Oh great, both Satan and Lucifer exist… well you shouldn’t be surprised after all a grim reaper made a bet on your soul and you now have bragging rights over him.

“Wrath?” you ask simply, hoping to move the topic along and be done with it. He does give off a more reasonable face than the others, but looks can be deceiving. Especially with how Satan’s smile curls at the acknowledgement, “Don’t judge a book by its cover, he may flash you a pretty smile like that, but you had better be careful because it’s all an act”. Isn’t that obvious, you’ve been catfished before, by pretty faces, but there’s only one pretty face for you… and that’s Azrael… the most perfect axolotl doll you and Casper adore… oh yeah, and your little reaper. But he’s more a footnote against the axolotl, and even if you said that to his face, you know he’d wholeheartedly agree on that claim.  

Oh wait, where were you again— right, a College. In. Hell. Oh sorry, my mistake— the Devildom.

Satan just laughs it off, but his smile twitches ever so slightly, “If you continue saying such nonsense, you’ll scare them off.” The room growing colder with each word that rolls off his tongue.

“Don’t take him too seriously, Lucifer enjoys speaking ill of us after all, he’s the avatar of pride.” Lucifer just clicks his tongue, moving on to point at the ripped ginger at the back. Who knew hell had Ed Sheeran? Actually, no that was a bad joke, you chastise yourself mentally for that low hanging fruit.

“Now, getting back on topic, that one over there with a very grumpy look on his face is Beelzebub. He's the sixth eldest.” And just as Lucifer introduces the man, his stomach grumbles as he whines, “Lucifer, I’m hungry.” me too buddy, I haven’t eaten anything since getting dragged to hell. Me too...

“That’s too bad. Now behave yourself and get on with the introduction.” The eldest commands, with his already thinning patience, “Aw…” The treat isn't that scary to the ginger since Beelzebub only pouts while clutching his empty stomach. “I’m Beelzebub, avatar of gluttony.” His eyes are glazed and unfocused as he stares at your general direction, as if imagining food to suddenly manifest right in front of him.

“...So, there are seven of us brothers,” Lucifer clears his throat, commanding everyone to watch him, “And I am the eldest” he says, bringing a hand to his face as if pretending to hide that knowing look and a coy smile of superiority. “Mammon, the second eldest will be here with us soon. My other brothers aren’t here at the moment, but well… We can get them later. All in good time.”

Once the long and massive unskippable introductions are done, Diavolo swoops in again with his signature diplomatic smile, eager to explain more of his cultural exchange project to you. “During your stay in the Devildom the seven brothers will lend you their strength. To keep you safe, you are to stay with them at the House of Lamentations.”

You take a moment to process the information given to you, “Safe?” The idea of getting hurt or even dying never hit you until now, nor has it, in your whole life. Even making a stupid bet with the grim reaper, evading death was as swift as side stepping a piano from crashing down on you…. Still, maybe you should err on the side of caution.

“Most agree with Diavolo, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t vulgar demons out there who wouldn’t harm you. In fact, if anything were to happen to you, it would be our responsibility, and I won’t betray Diavolo’s expectations.” Lucifer explains with the most ‘matter of factly tone’ he has, “ So I will do everything in my power to make sure you survive your stay down here in the Devildom. Although we will all be living together, you should still have the means to reach us at any given time. All our phone numbers are already there. And your D.D.D also has a messaging app pre-installed. Make sure to add all of us.”

“I’ll go ahead and send you a message!” the demon prince excitedly says, as if proud to show off the tech level hell currently has, whipping out his phone and sending you a text, and unlike a certain ex-reaper of yours, the prince uses proper capitalization. “Isn’t that nice? Now you can be friends with the future king.” Satan says with a jest.

Wait…

“I have a request, er… prince Diavolo, can this messaging app contact my friends and family?” You ask, voice hopeful for once. The prince shakes his head, but as your shoulders sag, he takes your phone from your grasp, “But if you worry so much about your loved ones, I can find a way, if it means so much to you!”

“Where are you, Sunshine?” 

He had already knocked on several of your neighbors, that he knows you chat with for hours on end, no one has seen you, not even your best friend from the 13th floor that’s just as much of a green thumb enthusiast as you (in fact you and that neighbor had bonded over their probably mutant venus flytrap aptly named Audrey after a movie or something) and just as crazy in terms of mutual brain cells being almost zero, had seen you since yesterday.

Worried red eyes sweep over the apartment once more after he shuts the door as he enters, Casper can’t help but scratch his head in frustration, tangling up the long white locks into a mess as he paces across the living room. He has to think logically, he was always the brains in your duo (or so he claims, you like to dispute that though, saying it takes an idiot to fall for another idiot). 

It’s hard to think logically when you’re gone, there was no sign of any struggle, everything you own is still right where you left it, and he tries not to fear the worst. You’ve both circumvented dying in the Underworld by bending the rules. But what if it came to bite back at your asses?

“No, that’s not possible,” He reassures to himself, “If someone took their soul, there would be a body left if that's the case…” he doesn’t want to think about you being dead, but it’s an option… “But there’s no signs of anything else”. It’s as if you had just simply vanished into thin air. 

No. He doesn't regret being human, he’d never look back to the past longing to live amongst the dead with no choice and no voice to decide on his own will,  the warmth of your life shown down upon him a new beginning, by your side, to live was to be free. But sometimes like now, he wishes he still had the abilities of a reaper. Because that would certainly help him now.

Casper takes a deep breath, inhaling to calm his nerves before exhaling and repeating it again and again until his heart rate slows. He sits down at the edge of your side of the bed, pondering what to do. When his eyes land on your phone resting on your desk against a small vase of sunflowers. Then his own phone starts ringing, from the bedside table demanding his attention, usually, it’s customers ordering in advance a bouquet or an arrangement. And this one shouldn’t be any different because, he doesn’t recognise the number calling, just like most customers, it’s new. He lets it drop, not wanting to deal with it again. Then it rings again, it’s the same number. Drop. Ring. Drop. Ring. Drop. Ring. Drop. Ring. Drop. Ring. Drop. Ring… Fine! He’ll answer it and tell whoever is spamming the calls to shut it. Just when the call connects, he didn’t expect your voice to cut through.

“Hey Caspy-Waspy, sorry to have you worried, no I’m safe, kinda, but it’s a uh… long story…”

And nine hells, it was a long story

"..."

“—SUNSHINE, WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU’RE IN HELL?!?!”

Chapter Text

       As Diavolo fiddles around with your new phone, Lucifer turns to face you, “Well, now that your introductions are done, it seems that idiot has arrived as well.”

Who?

And just in cue with whatever supernatural demon senses Lucifer has, the large wooden doors to the courtroom were kicked open with a loud resounding BANG! A new face appears, running, with ragged breaths. He takes a moment to get his bearings before glaring at the avatar of pride. 

“HEY! Just who do you think you are, human? You’ve got a lotta nerve summoning the Great Mammon!” The white haired newcomer shouts, turning his ire to you. “Listen up, because I’m only gonna say this once. If you value your life, hand over all of your money to me now! Or anything else of value too!” You pause then look at Diavolo, who was still absorbed with fixing up your new phone, then glanced down at yourself, clad in pajamas with no pockets. You obviously don’t have anything on you, so you shrug, still you pat yourself down just to emphasize that you really are broke right now given the circumstances.

“Otherwise I’ll wipe that stupid, happy-go-lucky look right off your face… by eating you! Starting off with your head and working my way down to— ”

Your face wasn’t even smiling though, wait nevermind did he just threaten to chomp off your head? You’re sure he’d regret it soon, you wouldn’t be very tasty with how much microplastics were coursing through your veins anyway.

“—Mammon, shut up or I’ll punch you!” Lucifer pushes past you going to the front, and immediately going for the hit, jabbing Mammon in the face within seconds, making the demon of greed stagger back, nursing his nose from the impact. “GAH! OWW! Hey! What’s the big idea?! I thought you were actually gonna give me a chance to shut up before punching me!” He screeches whilst giving the older demon a stink eye.

Satan on the other hand finds it the perfect moment to slide in, amused by the developments of this meeting. “Look, Mammon here is the avatar of greed. He governs and oversees all forms of it. Whenever he takes a liking to someone, they suddenly find themselves awash in money. But from what I hear, if he decides to break it off with someone, that wealth evaporates, then they're left without a Grimm to their name.” Then, Asmodeus joins in, taking the opportunity to bad mouth his brother in front of you with a shit eating grin. “And! He’s also a masochist! Don’t forget that! That part’s important!” 

Mammon growls at the two, ready to snark back only to have Lucifer interject “Indeed, and it just so happens that this masochistic brother of mine has a job for me.” The specific mention of ‘job’ caused the demon of greed to clench his fist, “OI! Y’all stop telling lies! I didn’t ask for that punch! AND I AIN’T NO MASOCHIST!”

“Look, Mammon. You are going to be in charge of seeing to this human’s needs during the whole exchange.” Lucifer shook his head in exasperation, “I expect your full cooperation with this.” It takes Mammon nanoseconds to process this, the surprise in his tone evident. “WHAT?!? Why me?!” he complains, and quite frankly, you’re offended, ‘I’m not that bad…’ you think to yourself as Asmodeus teases the man on his ‘luck’ for being saddled with you. To which Mammon protests that Asmodeus should’ve been the one if he was oh so jealous of that position.

“What? Hell no, ‘too lazy.” Asmodeus whines, ouch, the disrespect you have here is something you hadn’t felt in awhile. The two then continue to bicker, with Satan once more including himself in the conversation to add more fuel to the fire with a sadistic smile at the misery of the older demon. “Just give up, you know you can’t refuse a direct command from Lucifer, right?”

The avatar of greed sags, “But why does it have to do with me?! What about Beel. Why can’t he do it!” Asmodeus rolls his eyes at that. “This isn’t a job we can entrust to Beel. We might as well ask him to eat the human.” Your eyes bug out, “Hey, didn't he ALSO threaten to eat me?!” you accuse, pointing at the white haired man with suspicion. 

“Mm, yeah… I can’t promise I wouldn’t” Beelzebub adds, while still holding his rumbling stomach, and for once, you shiver, scooting away from the ginger. “You’re useless, you know that?!” Mammon glares at Beelzebub.

It didn’t occur to anyone that Lucifer had crept up to Mammon’s side, only when the eldest had addressed him did Mammon turn, “...Wh-what?”. Suddenly Lucifer releases a strong out pour of magic, that an ominous purple aura surrounds him, flickering in the dimly lit room. “Surely, you of all demons, would tell me that you’d object to this arrangement? Are you?” he threatens as Mammon audibly gulps. “Ugh..! I hate you guys! Every single one of ya’!” gritting his teeth, Mammon concedes. “Fine! FINE! I’ll do it, okay???” 

‘Goddamnit, do I even get a say in any of this?’ you too, seethe, the feeling of being treated like chopped liver irks you. Then Mammon abruptly grabs you by the shoulders making you wince at the sudden pain, his grip so tight you fear it might pop off. “Alright human, listen here. 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 kind of thing, but Lucifer told me to do it, so I will.” He pauses, making sure you listen. “But in return, you better make sure you don’t cause me any trouble, you got it?”

“...Uh huh, fine, let’s get this over with, so sure, I agree.” you grumble out, the demon’s grip lessens, “Good, that’s what I want to hear. As long as you do as I say, we won’t have any problems, capiche? Just be sure to never forget which one of us is the boss ‘round here.”

Now that Lucifer has calmed down after that, he restarts the topic specifically about your tasks here in the Devildom, of which you still have totally never consented too but whatever, you’re already knee deep in this rodeo. Now you gotta deal with the punches. And just like you once said two years ago, doomed by the narrative you shall be, woe upon you.

You stare at the black haired man, already feeling dread and regret gnawing at your bones with this one, “Will I get tests then?” silence, then Lucifer just laughs at you for asking something that common sense already had an answer to. “Good question… Of course you’re going to take tests, this is a school after all. But, when I mean tasks, I mean it is your job as a human, to polish up your soul nicely and to acquire the power to resist demons.”

Oh dear gods, not soul business AGAIN

Swallowing the saliva that pooled at the back of your mouth, you hesitantly ask him to repeat his words. “Demons like humans with nice souls,” he explains, “Let me put it in another way. Nice souls look like shiny jewels. Do you understand now? Demons will use their wisdom and abilities to tempt humans so they can get their hands on their souls”. There’s a pregnant pause, an awkward one at that as you groan, and cradle your head with your hands, you already know your soul was eye candy, just look at Casper! 

“Oh of course this happens to me!” you cry out in dismay. Nuh uh will you let some random demon take your soul, you like it very much attached to your body, thank you. “There’s only one man I’d give my soul for soul babies damnit!” you grumble under your breath, barely audible to the rest.

You don’t care to hear out the rest of Lucifer’s explanation about souls, you already had that talk years ago when the grim reaper thought it was a good idea to hack your laptop with his stupid chat room like it was mystic messenger. “Don’t give me that look,” the pride demon says once you start glaring at him again. “Don’t take it seriously, you won’t have to do these tasks alone. After all, you don’t know any magic unlike the other exchange student from the human world. So my brothers and I will lend our power to you, and you alone.” 

…

“WAIT MAGIC?!” you shout, startling Diavolo to look up from your phone, apparently he was too absorbed dealing with the technicalities for human world to Devildom telecommunications to notice what just transpired. He peers up, then laughs at your sudden (devious looking) glee, “Of course, RAD offers the best! From the arcane arts to arithmancy, you name it, we have it!”

Never mind bemoaning about soul business, you can learn magic! Casper refused to teach you how to fly back when he had the ability to do so, and now you have the possibility of doing it in hell? Why not! Maybe when you do learn how to fly you could reenact that iconic Howl's Moving Castle scene walking on air, sweeping your spouse off his feet now that he can’t fly. Obviously you’d be the Howl of this dynamic, you’re definitely going to make him wear Sophie’s dress while you winsomely strut in Howl’s dapper suit— Anyways, your mind is now set! The others blink at the sudden 180 turn of your mood. You’re already giddy, bouncing up with a bright (yet eerie) smile. 

Lucifer clears his throat, and then snaps his fingers just in case, to get your attention back on him. “So, that aside, when your exchange period comes to an end, you will submit a paper about your experience and you will not shirk it. Got it? It’s as easy as pie if you just listen and follow along.” to which Mammon grunts, “I wanna make one thing clear right now: Don’t blame me if someone gets eaten, ‘cause it ain’t my fault.” and Beelzebub’s empty stomach grumbles again ominously. “Lucifer, I’m hungry.” only to have the eldest reprimand him again.

…

“I would like to learn magic but I want some clarifications here, can I go home in between periods?” You ask, tapping your chin as you mull over what’s set in front of you. Lucifer shakes his head. “All of humanity was listed, your name was drawn, and that’s something you can’t change.” Damn.

Diavolo steps forward, looking you in the eyes, it’s golden and shimmering with ambition as he takes your hand and gives you back your phone, now with the ability to call home. “Ah, don’t worry, we’ll do our best to accommodate the needs of our guests during the year. And it’s been determined that you’re best off left with Lucifer and his brothers for protection’s sake. Because I want others to realize that there’s a universe where humans, demons, angels, and the rest, can live in harmony. This is my dream, and I’m asking you to help, to be one to help build the foundation for it. Just one year, that’s all I ask of you.” 

You gingerly take the phone, returning the look the demon prince has, “...Alright, I'll accept for now, but I will negotiate some things later.” Diavolo smiles, and you can’t help but feel his infectiously bright energy. 

The plan has been set, and the pieces are in motion.

         After all that, Mammon immediately took the opportunity to drag you outside, wanting to be done with his duty, he held you by your wrist in an iron lock grasp, tugging you along the Devildom. You just ignore his loud complaints of being lugged with you in favor of marveling at every new and unfamiliar sight that the Devildom has. One odd thing you note is that Hell seems to be in a permanent night cycle just like the Underworld, with the denizens enjoying the warm yet dark days that stretch to eternity. You both squeeze through the streets of the Devildom with ease from his guidance.

“...I only agreed to babysit you since I can’t say no to that rotten bastard. Anyway it doesn’t matter! Just don’t go thinking that I'm not scared of ‘im or anything! ‘Cause I’m not!” he spews out more complaints. You drag your free hand across your face, “Honestly dude, I really don’t care about your beef with your brothers, man.” your deadpan remark with a shrug causes Mammon snap his head to look at you, flabbergasted at that response. “What?! Oh now you’re REALLY in for it!... Although, come to think of it, I’m surprised you have the guts to even say that directly to my face. Ya’ ain’t scared? You know that I’m a demon right?”

“Eh,” you admit with a shake of your head, “Blud, apparently I had several grim reapers out to kill me in the past, you know about those guys right? Either way, I’m still alive and kicking, so whatever man. I think I can survive this” after which, you choose to ignore the loud screech of “WHAT?!” 

When you refuse to elaborate any further, the demon just sighs, “...Ugh whatever. Let’s move on.” and so you both fall into a silent pace as he brings you to a large gated building. He unlocks the entrance with a key and shoves you inside. There you stand inside the grand foyer with two gigantic sets of stairs being watched over by a set of stone gargoyles that loom and cast a shadow against the room, warning any unwanted visitors to leave. 

He vaguely gestures to the place with a half wave, “This is the House of Lamentations, it's not only just a dorm. But THE dorm ‘reserved’ for the members of the student council. Most of my brothers take every chance to insult me, callin' me scum or a money grubber and shit, but that doesn't deny that I'm still an officer just like them. The elite, the top of the line at RAD on the social pyramid.” he boasts the last part, “So that means I'm a real BIG SHOT, that even the regular big shots are impressed! So don't you go around thinkin' I'm just some ordinary run of the mill demon.” 

“By the way, Diavolo is even more of a big shot, he's so important that he gets to live in a castle, which is why he doesn't live with us here.” You nod along with his words, absentmindedly absorbing the information. “Doesn't he live in a castle because he's royalty though?” You point out the obvious reason. Mammon sputters “Of course that's part of it, but still. BIG. SHOT.” he huffs while your gaze meanders to a bulletin board in the hall, there's an old flyer advertising a job opening.

“Oi, stop gawking, I've gotta show you your room,” Mammon rolls his eyes, “Hurry up or else I'm gonna leave you behind.”

“Wait, I'm just checking out that flyer—” “You can check that out later, when you're not wastin' my time! Go take a look for yourself on a different day… hm, actually you've got your phone right? I'm pretty sure Diavolo got you this.” He pulls out his own phone, quickly unlocking it to show an app called ‘:D JOBS’

“Huh, that's actually kinda cute.” you observe, smiling at the little emoticon, “Who knew demons are gap moe.” at your odd words, the avatar of greed stares at you. “The hell is a ‘gap moe'? Ugh, doesn't matter, why dontcha' give that a try if you're that interested?”

You pull your new phone out of your pocket and follow his instructions. “Now that your listenin' I'm gonna give you a piece of advice, ya hear? If you wanna survive in the Devildom you better listen REAL close to what I'm aboutta' say. If it ever looks like a demon is going to jump on ya' the run away or either die.” 

Ah yes, death is always an option… of which one you'll continue to willfully ignore.

Then, there's a growl behind you, you freeze, but your eyes quickly turn to Mammon who stopped talking in favour of whatever the hell is behind you.

“Grrr! Mammon!” A new voice curses out the white haired demon, you crane your neck to the back, catching a glimpse of a purple bowl cut and glowing amber eyes filled with pure anger. “How about I vote for YOU to die!” the newcomer snarls.

The demon in question jumps, “AH…! Levi…!”, he stammers, then turns to you. “... Uh listen here human! This here is Leviathan, he's the avatar of envy and the third oldest. Since his name is long you can just call him ‘Levi’! Okay then letsmoveon—”

The other man, Leviathan, steps closer, making Mammon take one back. “You should give me back my money then go crawl in a hole and die.” 

Mammon shrinks in on himself, “Oh come on, I told you I'd give you back your cash I just need a little more time… and you still want me to die before I give it back to you, that's real harsh!” That response further drives Leviathan's ire, “You need a little more time? How much more? Another decade? A century? You've always been saying that! You've been telling the same promise for 200 hundred years!”

Your mind boggles at that, how much debt would that be in human terms? Actually, screw that, you don't want to know, ignorance is bliss. “It's not 200! It's 260, get it right!” Mammon argues by shooting himself at the foot, you facepalm. It's making his case worse! 

“Unbelievable… Seriously, Mammon you're—”

…And now they're trading insults

You decide that drowning out their spat is better for your mental health being forced to witness it. But alas you barely lasted a few sentences in when you heard Leviathan yell about anime box sets.

WEEB DEMON?!

You shouldn't expect much, of course, you're in hell, what else—

“Oi! Listen up 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 it's either you or me, and it sure as hell ain't me!” Leviathan blinks, confused at the segway “...I thought your advice to them was to either run away or—”

Then Mammon scampers away, if anything it's almost cartoonish even, with a dust trail ala looney tunes style. The demon of greed more like cowardice vanishes in a blink of an eye leaving you and Leviathan alone, gobsmacked.

Your jaw drops, so does Leviathan's. He stares at you, you stare at him, then you both end up gawking at the entrance of the dorm, the door busted open as Mammon runs to the hills. It takes Leviathan two minutes to process what happened as he turns to you.

“...Do you realize what he just did? Mammon just used you as a distraction, a sacrifice just to get away from me—”

“No shit.” you say, staring blankly at the door. “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.” Leviathan sighs, “This is EXACTLY why humans are… Wait! You're a human! Yes… I got an idea—”

Leviathan slams his fist to his palm, “Listen, you're free right? Of course you gotta be. You know what, you're coming with me—”

…And now you're being ragdolled by a different demon to his room.

        Somehow, you find yourself locked in Leviathan's room. It's messy, but also oddly pretty. The large aquarium tank casts a lovely blue glow in the room, and there's one single gold fish floating in it.

Leviathan casts sneaky glances out the hallway as he locks the door, claiming that he doesn't want to be seen with a normie like you. Frankly, you're offended, any self respecting zoomer of your standing would. That's the generation that's doomed with brain rot after all. And you're proud of that… sorta…

While Leviathan was monologuing again about weebness, your gaze sweeps the area until it lands on a massive bookshelf. There lay several hardbound first edition copies of a popular book series.

“Huh, I didn't peg you to be a stan of the seven lords,” an absentminded comment you made stopped Leviathan's spiel, his voice cracking from excitement. “Hold on… yOU KNOW THE TALE OF THE SEVEN LORDS?!”

“Yeah, it's cool, ‘was a big fan of it back in the day but I had a falling out when I graduated since life got busy,” your eyes flit across the display in all its glory, “Did you get the prequel series too?”

Leviathan nods so fast it's almost a blur, the momentary anger at Mammon fadin in lieu of finding a fellow fan. “Of course I would, duh!” He then reaches for his bookshelf, standing on the tip of his toes to reach two books from the top most self.

He brandishes the two, they're both hardbound editions again, its cover is black with the paper inside is gilded with gold. The cover reads ‘To Court with Carrion'. 

“Oh wow, I actually haven't read that one, didn't have the chance,” you admit with a sigh, longing to read it, making Leviathan giddy, almost ready to infodump you with the story before realizing what you said. “Ah… well you better get to it human, Henry makes a deal with death and well, I won't be spoiling you with the details.”

“Hey uh, check this out” Leviathan mutters as he points to the tank, “The goldfish in the tank there? He's actually named after Henry! I love TSL so much I couldn't help but name him after the main character!” then Leviathan shakes his head. “The original author of TSL is Christopher Peugeot, and he's a human, you know that? That's why I'm so jealous of you guys.”

Then he goes on another tangent. 

Oh god—

“...And once I'm there, I...I want to perform Henry's super-powerful signature finishing move for all to see and say the incantation that goes with it. I want to shout it at the top of my lungs! ...Actually, you know what? — I want tO BE Henry!” He ends up shouting, raising his fist to the air and shaking it.

You try not to laugh, he's being earnest anyway, even if it's given a bit of 8th grader syndrome.

Once he finishes his long sermon on humanity and TSL that would make any tumblrina swoon, he ends up panting out of breath.

He ends up staring at the floor in silence before looking back up, “...Alright enough. This is starting to depress me. Anyways I didn't bring you here to talk about TSL. I don't think there's any harm in just 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. So I'll say it one more time. He's HOPELESS! WORTHLESS! SCUMBAG!”

Okay then, this family ‘got issues huh? Now you feel like thanking whatever higher power there is that your family is just as bad as you, and if not, worse. You try to cover your mouth as a small smile appears from a memory of introducing your Casper to your parents, his utter despair once he realized you weren't lying back then. 

“—I lent that scumbag money, and NOW I want him to pay me back. But being the scumbag that he is, he won't do it.” 

“Uh huh, uh huh…” you nod as the envy demon starts explaining his long held grudge against Mammon, ending up with the other demon losing a still sealed collectible figurine of an elf girl.

“...” 

“—You've seen just how fast he is yourself, haven't you? No one aside from Lucifer or Beel has that kind of speed. But if, say, a human made a pact with Mammon and bound him to their service…then he'd have to do whatever that human told him to!” he tries to laugh all evily but it ends up more like giggles. “Which means that if you make a pact with Mammon and then order him to give me back my money… He wouldn't have any choice BUT to do it!”

Your lips pressed into a thin line, “A pact… like a blood pact? I dunno, someone once told me I should steer clear from those,” you say with a look of skepticism. “Huh? No, that's different, I'm talking about making a soul pact.” … “Isn't that worse?” 

“No! Well, you can bargain other things for a pact that doesn't involve your soul!” he clarifies. You're pretty sure this is going to make Casper go insane… but he isn't here right now, so uh…

“How would I even go about doing that?” the look of askance on your face is clear as day. “I'm just going to take it as you thinking this plan of mine could work, right? You may be a human, but still...you show some promise!”

Gee thanks…

“Anyways, what's important is that I have a plan, and I'm going to explain it to you now. So uh shut up and listen.” He makes you huddle, despite it being only two while he makes up a plan. 

A rather stupid one, but a stupid one that could catch a stupid demon or so he says; A plan to find his (confiscated) credit card.

        After that's over, he's actually decent enough to point you in the right direction to your room. And once you find it, you immediately slam the door close and lean against it, back on the wood as you slowly drop to the floor and groan.

Today actually drained you. And you don't have enough time to properly process all the turbulent emotions that come with being dragged to hell to attend college.

You know your life had a luck streak going with how much you've swept death like it's nothing but this is a different level of insane.

God.

You pull out your phone, ignoring anything else for now as you curl up. "I miss home…” you mumble to no one but yourself while scrolling through the apps installed on it, desperately looking for the MS feature Diavolo promised.

There it is at the last page, it's basic and rudimentary, but it's enough to tide you over. 

Not bothering to think any further than this you furiously type out texts to family that you're okay and you'll be gone for a while…

You don't really want to alarm anyone that you've been kidnapped to hell but then your eyes rest on the dial pad. It beckons you to call someone you desperately need and miss even if it's just been a day, because who knows how long until you'll get back?

You call Casper, his new phone number already a muscle memory to you. Inputting it with trembling hands, you steel yourself, making sure your voice doesn't tremble. It would make things worse if he caught you scared. No doubt even without his powers he'd try to claw his way to hell for you, and you'll end up feeling bad because what can he do now after two years of being a human?

No.

You'll just have to fake it until you make it, right?

The number rings, it stays there until it drops. You try again and again and again until you've lost count. Then it connects.

You try not to cry in joy.

“Hey Caspy-Waspy, sorry to have you worried, and no I'm safe… kinda, but it's a uh… long story.”

You didn't miss the sound of relief in voice as he answered the call. “Sunshine?” His voice is cautious but you know for sure he's happy to hear from you.

“Yeah,” you smile behind the screen, listening to his voice as he throws in several questions asking about your safety. Your answers each making him grow more exasperated as the conversation builds up until you finally let the bomb drop.

“...SUNSHINE, WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE IN HELL?!”

Ah there it is, you can't help but chuckle.

“Sunshine, for the love of— oh nevermind, just wait for a bit.” The call abruptly ends, and now you're just sitting there on the floor of your new bedroom waiting in silence. Then a stupidly familiar app appears, as if it downloaded in on itself. Then a video call, of which you scramble to accept immediately.

Chapter Text

[]

It took Casper roughly twenty or so minutes to revive his old chat room app. He didn't have a need to use it for a long time considering how he started living with you after that whole ordeal. But now, it's a lifeline to him, because who knows if those demons were secretly tracking data in your phone.

Demons couldn't be trusted. Especially not after you told him that you were staying in the same building that housed all the avatars of the seven deadly sins! What was he supposed to do? Sit around? No! He's doing the best he can within minutes, mind racing with multiple thoughts to solve this mess. His options are already limited due to his squishy mortalness. But what he still has is his brains, a WiFi signal, a computer, and a goal. 

His fingers practically blur with how fast he types out what needs to be done. His code has to be rewritten to fit with the Karasu operating system, which is a rather convoluted piece of work to deal with.

He dabs off a bead of sweat pooling from his forehead, concentrating on the task on hand. Inter-realm connectivity between the Underworld and the human realm had been easier to figure out than doing with for the Devildom's, since most of the tutorials he got were from the Underworld and for the Underworld.

He also has to up the security considering that last oversight with 5012 getting access to his chatroom without any issue was still a sore subject to him. Although he's pretty sure the senior reaper wouldn't be meddling this time. 

Hopefully.

Either way, security? Check! Lag? None! Chat box? Fine! Video call? Probably. All he needs to do is force the application down to your phone. And there! It's done.

Casper sighs, leaning against the backrest of the swivel chair with a triumphant smirk. He adjusts the chair to turn, now facing the axolotl doll he propped up to watch him work. “Look at that Azrael, of course I still got in me~” he smugly gloats, imagining the plush to nod along his words.

Now satisfied with himself, Casper stretches, letting the joints of his fingers pop as he swivels the chair back to facing the desk. The setting sun casts a warm orange hue against the table, the cold air from the open window greets him in his victory as he boots up the chatroom, making sure to check things one last time.

Everything's in perfect order, as Casper props up the camera. He sits there waiting in anticipation for you, bouncing his leg. Then the call connects.

For the first time in hours, he sees you.

His sunshine.

…

…

…

[CALL CONNECTED!]

He can see the new room provided with you is filled with flora, but he ignores that in favour to observe you, as you're curled up on the floor, unwilling to properly sit on the unfamiliar bed provided.

His eyes rake in your visage, from the soft curve of your cheeks, to the way your hair perfectly frames your face. “Hi…” you finally pipe up after the mutual silence, eyes softening with a tiny smile snaking it's way up to your lips.

“Hello to you too Sunshine,” Casper greets, letting the words roll off his tongue. “Azrael says hi too,” he says, pushing the chair aside to pick up the axolotl toy, and moving his little cotton filled nubby arms akin to a wave. You giggle at him, with a fond roll of your eyes, saying hello to his grace, the eminence of all sub aquatic beings.

Casper finds himself kicking around the bush, sure he wants to address the elephant in the room. But seeing you in this rare moment of vulnerability, he doesn't want to break the sense of normalcy yet. Unsurprisingly it's you who steered the conversation, taking the lead.

“How are you?” you prompt him, to which his only answer is a faux pout, “Isn't it obvious?” he replies back in an instant making you chuckle. “Oh my! Looks like my little reaper missed me.” you pretend to swoon, clasping both hands together. 

Despite living as a human for years, constantly exposed to your shenanigans, it's still easy to rile Casper up. And it's fairly evident with the way his face blooms pink at admission. “Of course I missed you, who wouldn't?” He retorts, crossing his arms.

From his screen, he can see you coo at his actions. Eyes brightening up back to how they usually shine. Even if he can't see your soul anymore, your radiance in his eyes never fades.

He tries to ignore the growing heat as his ears redden. “You’re lucky this old thing works,” He changes the topic, smugness settling in instead, “It's just as good as before, if not, new and improved!” He claims, as he lounges his back against the chair with a proud look.

You clap, “Bravo! Bravo! You really are a genius when you want to be Caspy’!” joining his theatrics by feeding his ego, “Of course, with someone as perfect as me, this was a piece of cake.” Maybe you shouldn't inflate his ego too much…

It's just that he's so easily pleased—

Despite that, he knows that the nagging part at the back of his brain knows you're trying to avoid acknowledging the inevitable as you cycle through several fair weather comments. He indulges in it though, because he knows you're both antsy.

And in this call alone, you both can be open and vulnerable together. Because beyond the door is hell itself, waiting to sink its teeth on you.

“Have you eaten?” To “Is the shop okay?” To “Are you okay with cooking for yourself?” and even, “I fear for our kitchen's life.” It goes on and on.

That is until the dam breaks.

He can see unshed tears well up in the corner of your eyes while your lips quiver. 

Casper scrambles, “Woah, it's okay.” He tries to reassure you softly, wishing he could be there in an instant to whisk you back home. But he can't, not yet. You both know that.

A humourless laugh escapes from your throat.

“I'm a pawn to whatever this is.” You mumble out under your breath. You look away, gaze landing somewhere behind him. “Sure they offer me magic and shit, but I didn't sign up for this, and when I asked if I could back out, I can't… my emotions keep flip flopping from one to another.”

Casper remains silent, letting you express your confusion, frustration, and most importantly fear. He's not very good at consoling others, so he just listens.

Lending an ear is all he could do for now while ruminating on the facts that you've told him in the voice call earlier. The Three realms exchange program was spearheaded by the crown prince of the demons, and everyone with half a brain knew he had always advocated for peace. What's actually surprising was that the Celestials agreed to it. Then there's the Underworld, which is considered a neutral entity not fully part of any of the realms… And the human world, where most live unaware of the rest except for a small percentage.

The crown prince is certainly ambitious, even during his time as a reaper who practically buried himself with work, had heard of Diavolo. Most thought he was naive for that optimism, but in reality the prince was certainly cunning. Maybe… just maybe, he could take advantage of that ambition. He let's go of any hesitancy left.

…

“Why don't you tell the prince I'd like to join his program then?” He announces, all of a sudden. Your eyes pop out, “What—”

“I said what I said Sunshine. Tell the prince about my situation. I'm sure he'd never pass up a chance to observe an ex grim-reaper now human.” Casper sighs, rubbing his temples, it's a stupid gamble. But he can't just leave you alone in the lion's den. “From what I've heard, he's a crafty man, and if that's the case…”

He glances up to the monitor, locking eyes with you, a wry smile on his face. “Look, if you're forced to be in the Devildom, I might as well be there. We're a team no?” 

Tears well up in your eyes, now freely falling, but you laugh as well. Relief (and dread) flooding in tandem as you run a hand through your hair. “Yes. Yes we are.” you manage to squeak out, wiping your eyes before speaking again. “Thank you…” your voice cracks on the word. You take a deep breath, before resuming, “I'll tell Lucifer about it, he's the prince's right hand man apparently. If I manage it, I'll let you know.”

Casper shakes his head, trying not to show the shiver in his spine at the mention of Lucifer. That name's a reminder to him that you're surrounded by danger and he's not there to make sure you're safe. But your mood has considerably improved after that, albeit still unsure about his choice. 

“I should be the one concerned about you, not the other way around,” he sticks a tongue out to break the tension. You return the gesture, and a pout.

The conversation that followed was light, with your banter cutting through the lonely night. Minutes turned to hours, everything slotting back into a sense of normalcy even in face of unfamiliarity. With your voice as crisp as ever despite the video call, he closes his eyes, imagining that you're in the same room as him rather than being a realm apart. Then when he has to open them again, he's staring at you through the camera. There's a feeling of loss, longing, and adoration in those red eyes of his.

The stars in the human world begin to peak from the darkness, as seen through the window but his eyes are only set on you and your light, lovingly gazing into the sun.

The night passes on with the both of you falling asleep some time later while on call.

Chapter Text

Someone calls out your name, it’s dark and everything feels blurry, unfocused, and surreal.

The echoes of silence is an oxymoron, but here, it's something that exists. Like the depths of the ocean, its pressure is immense and haunting.

Your legs feel heavy, as if it’s made from lead, taking the effort to even lift it feels like a workout. It’s melting into the shadows, slowly threatening to consume you whole. The cold envelopes you, binding you in place.taste of blood fills your mouth and desperation takes root in your very soul.

Everything and nothing is one, you are but a speck in the dark, no one is here.

Then you’re falling, down, down, deep into a rabbit hole where insanity is just a brink above. Suddenly someone grabs you, hoisting you back up with just your arm. There’s a searing pain where his hands connect to yours flesh, stopping you from falling. 

You look up, but there's nothing 

The stranger’s face is obscured by shadows, except for the sharp grin on his face, pearly whites in a gaping maw as he leans closer, whispering a command.

“I’ve saved you, now come save me.”

You wake up drenched in sweat, face planted on the floor with a sore nose and red forehead, at some point during the call last night, you’ve clambered up to the bed provided in your temporary space, but it seems like you love the floor a bit too much since the morning kiss that greeted you was the cold hard floor and not your husband’s as you try to massage the slight sting that follows falling off a bed face first.

You stare at your phone, there's a lot of notifications from family and friends in the rudimentary app Diavolo made, and there's also a couple of notifications from Casper in his own app. You read through everything that was sent to you, from your family wishing you well, to friends asking for advice, to even Casper asking you how to turn on the oven (for the 57th time). 

You're definitely concerned on that. Too bad your attention is ripped away easily.

There’s someone knocking from the other side of the door. Slowly adjusting yourself from the ground, you open the door by small crack, trying to peer outside, you can barely see the orange figure standing, but it's a no brainer on who it was when the unmistakable loud grumble from his stomach demands attention. It's Beelzebub, with a small frown on his face, it’s not directed at you though, he says.

“Come on, it’s breakfast time.” He urges you to step out, “Mammon forced me get you up.” he answered when the look you’ve got seemed perplexed that he’d spend some time getting you out of your room for food, when he’d probably not like the idea of any competition in sharing portions.

His stomach rumbles again, it's like a localized earthquake with how the area shook along with it. You shudder and hesitantly step outside to follow him, once the demon understands that you’ll be following him, he starts to power walk to the dining room, mind empty and body on autopilot for the thought of breakfast awaiting him. 

The dining room is quite big, everyone else is there, except for Mammon. Beelzebub immediately takes his spot and begins to scarf down the food on his plate, his jaw unhinges itself as he gobbles it down, some scraps and crumbs fly out making Asmodeus complain about his uniform being stained.

The food opinions on the table are… unappetizing to say the least, or maybe it's your mortal preference and uncanny valley sense screaming that the unknown mysterious meat substance and toxic purple sauce is not meant for human consumption.  

Lucifer frowns at your appalled expression, “Don’t look at it like that, we’ve made extra precautions for the human diet, just wait for Mammon.” and speak of the devil, the white haired demon enters from somewhere carrying a platter of… “Waffles?” you ask, pleasantly surprised at the consideration of your (kidnappers) hosts. “With bacon and eggs too,” Mammon huffs, proud of his work as he sets down your food. “You’re lucky human, that I know some witches for this.” 

Witches… riiiiiight, magic humans…

Just as you pick up the cutlery given to you, you could feel the heavy gaze Beelzebub gives you with his salivating mouth quite obviously fantasizing over your food. Mammon rolls his eyes as he magically pulls out a smaller plate with a single waffle for the younger demon. “Oi Lucifer said this is just for the human, but… I made too much,” Mammon looks away as Beelzebub inhales everything, including the ceramic plate “Oi! I wasn’t even done!”

The scene looks almost somewhat domestic even, just as long as you ignore the fact that they’re demons and your soul is a commodity to them.

The food is fine. It's nice and the waffles are crispy yet fluffy, more of a diner style waffle than anything and the bacon is a bit soggy from the oil but you can’t complain. The egg is good though, so that’s a plus. 

You try to ignore the brief mental image of Casper fending for himself against the apartment's kitchen for the meantime. ‘Gotta give him the benefit of the doubt, it's been years, he can at least cook an egg without causing a fire now…’ Surely he can handle himself while you try to figure things out on your end.

Halfway through with your meal, Lucifer clears his throat. “Today will be your orientation around RAD, official classes will start tomorrow.” 

“Isn't that too fast?” 

He shook his head, “Regretfully fast for you, but you were summoned to the Devildom late, the academic year started a week ago, and you need to catch up ASAP.” 

“What about my clothes and necessities?” You prompt in between bites, “That will be provided with your weekly allowance. Lord Diavolo also made sure we had your human needs figured out in advance, although generic, you can find most of the bare bone items a mortal needs in your closet.”

“Ah… I suppose that works.”

Breakfast was awkward after that, no other conversation prompted aside from Lucifer scolding Beelzebub for trying to eat his fork.

As you fiddle with the last scraps of your breakfast, Lucifer stands up, saying that he needs to do some logistics for now. His brothers follow suit until you're left with Leviathan, who had ignored everything up until now playing on… a Nintendo switch of all things.

There's something itching at the back of your brain, nudging you that something is missing. That's when it clicks to you. You bury your hands to your face. “Goddamnit I forgot to ask him!”

“LOL! Forgot to ask who?” 

Ah yes, Leviathan's still here. He peers up from his game, mildly curious at the not-so-normie-fellow-7-lords fan.

“Uhm…” you hesitate, wondering if you should go ahead and tell the demon of envy your plan. He's been the least hostile out of everyone you've interacted with (aside from the prince) but that's probably because of the mutual respect of Christopher Peugeot's works keeping him amicable enough.

That's when Mammon comes back in with a look of annoyance cutting the conversation short, “You two better get your asses up, I've got the human a tour and I'd rather not be wastin' my time for your bums to do nothin'!”

Reluctantly, you get up, shooting the white haired man a look of resignation, “Aye aye, I heard you.” 

And you're off.

…

Well, after Mammon scolds you for not wearing the new RAD uniform provided (because Lucifer would string him up against the ceiling) just as you leave the front door which takes up another 30 minutes of your life with a quick shower before leaving again.

RAD is still just as imposing and gothic as it was the first time you've been there (which was yesterday but still!) 

After Mammon gave you a map and pointed out the basics he just… dipped out again with the excuse of ‘going to the little demon's room to take a piss’, but you're not really expecting much with a guy like him after yesterday's whole stunt.

The long winding halls of the ancient academy are just as bullshit as you'd imagine what Hogwarts would be in real life. It's disorienting and most of the students eye or leer at you for your unique status as a human with a very tasty soul to boot…

You at least know the general direction for the canteen/dining hall, the student council office, the toilets, and the library. Everything else is just a maze that you'll have to solve later. “Gee thanks, Mammon.” You grumble to no one but yourself as you try to manoeuvre your way across the bustling crowd of demon students milling about the halls.

“Casper was right, demons are stinky,” you mutter, as one bumps into you. No, they aren't really smelly, or maybe you just lack the ability to perceive souls like reapers do, but you wholeheartedly believe his words because the personalities of these guys are just down right stank.

“Hey, check it out. That's the human thate everyone's been talking about. You think it's true what they say, that Mammon became a babysitter?”

Speaking of stank, you've gotten yourself lost and cornered by two demons loudly gossiping, the two made sure you can hear their thinly veiled words to assert fear into your heart. They haven't, you're more or less this close to fist fighting them no matter the power scaling two demons Vs a human.

“Well, if so, then I'd say that actually works out great, doncha think? If we wait and strike when he's not paying attention, he'll never figure out it was us.” The taller one grins, taking a step closer to you. “C'mon, we should devour the human before Beel does.” The shorter of the two agrees, grinning at you with a smile that promises a painful death.

Good thing for you, even if you've lost that lucky property of your soul, you haven't lost your spunk. Because most would assume a magicless human brought to hell would be like a fish out of water. Maybe you are, but you at least know one universal constant.

Kicking someone in the crotch is always the answer. 

The taller demon cries out in pain as he cradles his shriveled up family jewels, as the latter of the two stood frozen at the sudden action before lunging at you. Then he stops midair, a field of magic surrounding the demon before the short one gets flung across the hall. 

Your eyes barely make contact with the interloper before the tall one crumpled on the ground also gets thrown out as well. 

“Wow.” 

“Wow indeed,” the stranger says as he places a hand on your shoulder, making your crane your head to take a good look at your partial saviour. The man has short white hair and fair skin that no doubt would sunburn easily, and sharp blue-ish eyes that scream ‘DANGEROUS!’

“Hey, don't worry, I promise you I'm human too. Cross my heart and all.” He says, placing his arms up to appease your suspicions. “You're the other human exchange student, aren't you? I'm Solomon.” 

Solomon right, Lucifer did mention him to you after debriefing you of the other students you'll be saddled with. 

“How'd I even know if you're lying or not? You might be in cahoots with those guys pretending to be a hero.” You accuse, crossing your arms at the new man. At least he has the decency to look sheepish but definitely not guilty. 

“I… that's reasonable, honestly there are some times when I question that too, long ago I was given a very special ring to give me wisdom, drunk on it's power I've used it to make pacts with 72 demons becoming a wicked sorcerer… that is if you believe the rumours are true.” He shrugs, hinting at the power he holds it but there's no remorse on the smile slapped on his smug mug. “I guess I'll make it up to you in the future for your trust. Regardless, I am still human, if that counts.” He gives you a wink and a cheeky laugh.

What.

Solomon. Wisdom. 72 deals.

“Don't tell me you suggested cutting a baby in half.” You blurt out, because of course it is, you're in HELL AND THE OTHER HUMAN HAS GOT TO BE OLD TESTAMENT KING SOLOMON—

Solomon blinks, “I suppose that incident has haunted my name for centuries.” He laughs again, as if it's the most normal-est thing ever.

RING!

“Oops, looks like I have to leave early,” Solomon says as he pulls out his D.D.D, taking a cursory glance at the notification that demanded his attention. “See you around, take care of yourself, it's a dangerous world out there for the likes of us~” He waves you goodbye, leaving you alone to digest what just occurred mere moments before.

With a groan, you decide it's better to head off to one of the classrooms for your next orientation and ruminate on your life later. 

As you wander through the halls, another figure approaches you, his tall frame pokes ahead from the crowd. It's Lucifer! What luck—

“Goodmorning,” he greets as he calls out your name, making you (and the small number of other students at this section of the hall) pause, considering he is the avatar of pride after all.

“You've become quite the celebrity here, haven't you?” He observes, letting the gazes of any curious onlooker gravitate towards the subject of his words, aka you. You're feeling the urge to die on the spot because you know he's a hundred percent doing this intentionally. Instead, you give him a wry grin, not wanting to let him have the satisfaction of unnerving you to feed his pride.

“Good morning to you too, Lucifer.” You say, giving the demon a small nod of acknowledgment. 

“Were you able to get a good night's sleep? I have to say, you look a bit more relaxed now.”

An astute remark, since yesterday you were on the far end of your irrational scale, but shhhh, the demons don't have to know that, now would they. Especially not after your talk with Casper, bless his heart, he'd do anything for you, even go to hell, you'd totally fake swoon if it wasn't for the fact you're surrounded by demons.

Speaking of your grimmy, you perk up, focusing on the fact Lucifer is here talking to you instead of doing whatever drivel he has to do as the prince's right hand man. Anyways where were you? You were drowning out the impromptu lecture Lucifer brought up.

“—Be sure not to let your guard down. I don't want you to end up getting eaten by some random lesser demon. It would only mean plenty of paperwork for me, and I don't need that.”

“Ah… on that note of paperwork, can I talk to you about that. I've got an important matter that might interest the prince.” You interject, causing Lucifer to purse his lips and furrow a brow.

“And that would be?” He inquires, as you mentally pat yourself on the shoulders to not screw this up.

“I've got someone who'd like to join the exchange program, he's a very special case and I'd like him to be here with me. We're a two for one deal after all. If I'm in here, he goes too.”

“Why would we even entertain that, we've already filed for you and Solomon.” Lucifer frowns.

You lean in closer to the man with an unsettlingly calm smile that makes even him question if it's worth listening to, making sure that none of the other students hear your next words.

…

Lucifer frowns as he brushes past several students on his way back to Diavolo. Not only had the exchange student he hosts offered a deal that he knew would pique the interest of Diavolo, they had also squandered his time and weasel out some facts about Mammon.

Although he did let them know what they wanted, Mammon deserved getting knocked down a peg or two sometimes and this would be an interesting lesson for his brother.

But that aside…

A reaper and a human… no, a reaper turned human.

This would no doubt capture Diavolo's curiosity, because the plans for getting a reaper exchange student for the following years if the program succeeds was still being negotiated. But it's a reaper that is now a human, and the Underworld has no jurisdiction to take still living humans in this tirade if the human's claims were true

He's a loophole. An uncertain loophole, a potential ace up Diavolo's sleeve.

...

...

...

But also his thoughts drift off to Lilith…

Is that how Lilith felt? When she, an angel, got reborn as a human because she gave her everything to love a human.

To give away eternity just to be able to experience the fleetingness of mortals. Was she happy with her brothers' decisions? Was she happy with hers?

His mind wanders, but no answers can fill the aching hole reopened by this subject.

This is a matter that he'll just leave to Diavolo for now.

Once you arrive at one of the classrooms on your syllabus, you take a seat at the back, because it seems like everyone else is avoiding you. It's painfully obvious that being a ‘magicless human' would not be a good partner in a class specifically talking about magical theory. The professor at the front just gives you a glance and mentions the exchange student program before going back into his lecture.

It's dull, boring, and frankly, lonely. the feeling of homesickness haunting the back of your thoughts makes your mind drift off from the lesson in front until someone taps your shoulders.

You jolt awake, there's someone who willingly sat beside you! 

Said person was looking at you with a friendly smile curved on her pink lips, short bobbed hair with blue streaks and narrow blue eyes observing you with genuine openness that makes you pause. You're very good in the EQ department, and this girl hasn't rung any alarm bells yet.

“Hi, you seemed lonely, and I figured since you're new, you might need a friend!” She says, pulling out her notes from her rucksack and a set of sparkly gel pens. She offers you the pen from the case, it's a nice copper colour.

“I'm Matilda, what's your name?” She asks, you hesitate for a moment before deciding it wouldn't hurt much to give her it. She beams, “it's a nice name, it suits you.” Matilda hums happily as she taps her own pen against the table in thought

"Huh..."

You blink at her before accepting the pen from her outstretched hand. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Matilda.” You return with a smile, noting how she doesn't seem bothered at all that about your human-ness.  

She easily reads your face, because she answers your unspoken question with a knowing smile. “You reminded me of someone, and I know if that certain someone saw you, she'd no doubt do the same thing I'm doing right now! ... Actually now that I said it out loud, it does sound a bit silly, but it's true!” Matilda hums happily as she taps her own pen against the table in thought.

She doesn't elaborate any further as the professor walks right over to your table and scolds her for talking too loud. She gives the older demon a short apology and pipes down for a moment while shooting you a suppressed smile, her exuberance can't easily be quelled by a simple scolding.

When the coast was clear, she began scribbling messages instead, and passed conversations with you on a scrap of yellow pad, which ended up with you learning more about her and vice versa, as you both engaged in this form of communication back and fourth for the rest of the class. In between the lesson, she even lets you read some of her notes, a few pages about some old books on summoning circles or runes that the professor recommended as a cursory  read at the start of the school year.

The lecture goes on, until the bell arrives. As you both filter out of the classroom, she offers you a proper tour of RAD. Maybe you were wrong, not all demons are 'stinky'. You've made a new friend.

Chapter Text

“C’mon, I’ll lead the way!” The succubus offers after making sure you’re okay with following her, she grabs your hand and eases past the old halls to the hallway where RAD hosts most of their extracurricular clubs. There’s so many demons hanging around the hall, making the area lively and filled with chatter, it almost looks normal, if it wasn’t for the fact that they’re well, demons.

Your eyes take in the sign posts by each door, there’s the standard clubs like ones for cooking, books, to geeky interests such as video games and manga. Those are the more normal ones out there, because the hall stretches beyond your eyes, as the more eccentric ones follow with a fencing club (that reminds you of your best friend constantly complaining that they’ve been barred going full brute historical accuracy in their club, of which they’ve also tried getting you in), to polo, and even a human and celestial realm media paraphernalia club.

And beyond that are the very questionable clubs at the back… you refuse to step a foot there. Some of the names and descriptions are too freaky for even you, out of all people. 

“See anything you like?” Matilda calls out to you, breaking you away from your musings. She points at a corkboard a few paces down that holds the full list of clubs available. You pause, taking a closer look at the names and their specialties. They’re all so interesting, you scratch your head, thinking about the options.

“I dunno, it’s tough choosing one.” You absentmindedly comment, squinting at the list as an attempt to find something that resonates with you on a personal level. You’re not that interested in engaging with clubs but then again the prince encourages you to at least try interacting with his people to milk that sweet sweet cultural exchange to the max. “Is there a gardening club?” you ask, turning to Matilda, to which the girl gives you a sheepish look. “That one… uh, is currently on hold after one of the students introduced a plant from the human world that became an invasive species last year… hahah…”

You give her a weird look from the tone of her words. 

“Oh no no no, it wasn’t me, I assure you, but I know who did that, I just promised them not to tattle.” she explains. “Sureeee.”

“So, anyways, what club are you in right now?” Maybe being in a club with someone you know will do you more good than being surrounded by unfamiliarities at every turn. 

“Currently I’m part of RAD’s official newspaper club, although I don’t write, I just make the weekly sudokus!” She laughs with pride, and you snort, amused by her rather silly role. She gives you a cheeky smile, “A lot of people surprisingly get competitive on sudoku especially on STEM week, so it’s serious business.”

You chuckle, the idea cementing itself, it doesn't sound that bad, “Well, that’s it. I’ve decided, I’ll take a look at the newspaper club, maybe I can make the crossword puzzles to join you!” and Matilda gasps, “You're a genius. Let's go find Mephi’!” 

And off you go, following the succubus by the heels as she runs over to the newspaper club’s door

…

“MATILDA, WHO THE FUCK IS THIS?!” A purple haired demon screeches, and you haven’t even done anything yet to earn his ire but he’s already glaring daggers directly to your soul. 

Welp. 

“You know, that’s not a very welcoming greeting, mister.” You cough into your fist, making the man glare even harder. Matilda rolls her eyes at the theatrics of her fellow clubmate. “Oh shush, Mephi’, you're always complaining that we lack staff and look who I found! A willing member!”

The man, Mephistopheles apparently, lets out an insufferable sigh. “Yes I know, don't remind me of the dismal state of our club but—” he stares at you with a furrowed brow, “—One of the human exchange students? Really? If we let them join, then the other one would follow and I refuse to let Solomon take a step anywhere near me!”

You raise both your hands up in offense, “Woah okay, that's a jump of logic! I'm not even close with that guy, just because we're both humans doesn't mean he'll follow me!” Mephistopheles’ mouth opens ready to retort but falls silent as his words die down at your point, and you hear Matilda snicker, She's standing behind the purple haired demon, giving you a thumbs up to continue. “But really though, why can't I be in the newspaper club? I have some interest, too!” 

Mephistopheles rubs the bridge of his nose, 

“Fine, why do you want to be in the club?” he asks, “You must know we uphold the spirit of journalism to the highest degree in RAD!”

“...To make crossword puzzles.”

A loud smack echoes through the room, there's a raging red mark blooming on Mephistopheles' face from the strength of his face palm.

“Wow, I've never seen him break that fast!” Matilda pipes up, eyes wide with awe. “Shut up!” the man snaps, and you bite the inside of your cheek, trying to hold back your amusement. 

Mephistopheles turns to you, eyes narrowed in annoyance. “I hope you aren't here for just getting a kick out of this! I am very serious about keeping this club in the highest caliber, I don't want any sleazy jokesters waltzing in willy nilly! You hear me, human!” He crosses his arms.

“Your words imply that you're not fully against me joining!” You cheekily point out. “It's because we barely have any staff!” Matilda answers, making Mephistopheles loudly exhale at how easily she just admits it.  

You snort, “I'm joking, I can write.” The purple haired demon frowns, rubbing his temples. “Anyone can write! What I want is dedication and actual skill.” 

“Still not joking, I've done both thesis and defense papers during college, I'm good at technical writing and editing. I could totally be an editor!” You elaborate further, Mephistopheles gives you a flat stare for a minute before walking over to his desk, grabbing a clipboard. He tosses it to you, and you catch it, eyes wide. Matilda cheers, making Mephistopheles glare at her. 

It's the membership list! It's also painfully obvious how short staffed it is with a total of 6 names excluding yours.

“Woah, you're actually letting me in?” You blink, looking up at the demon. “You're lucky we need more people.” He grunts but doesn't retract the clipboard from your hands. You pull out the pen Matilda gave you earlier and immediately write down your name on the list before he changes his mind.

"So no interview or anything? Nothing? Zilch? Zero?" You ask once again, making sure it's real. Matilda shrugs, while Mephistopheles slumps. Too understaffed

“Do people tell you how insufferably annoying you are?” He asks after you return the clipboard to him. There's an impish grin on your face that makes him immediately regret asking. “Why yes, yes most have, it's part of brand~” you reply with a singsong voice, batting your eyelashes innocently at him. 

Mephistopheles shudders at that, “…You're actually terrifying. Never do that to me, again human. I'm starting to fear for my life.” Matilda chokes on air and tries to stifle a laugh, but only succeeds in laughing herself into buckling in on her knees.

Mephistopheles glares at her, then at you. You bite back your own laugh. 

“You are an idiot.” He sighs, turning away for a moment to find something from his desk drawer. He shuffles amongst the items stuffed in there until he pulls out a pin. He then strides over to where you are, holding it out for you to take. “Here,” It's a dusty silver metal pin with purple enamel brandishing the RAD newspaper club and the word EDITOR displayed in all caps.

“We also have special lanyards for members so people know which club we're in and how important we are, but I'll have to order one since we don't have any spares.” He adds. Matilda hums, “They also act as VIP cards, although it's only there for branding and to flex.” 

“Neat,” you say, fixing the pin on your chest, making sure it won't fall off. 

“Don't you dare lose it, I won't replace your pin for free, only the first set is free per member!” He prattles as he takes a seat at his desk. Motioning you and Matilda to grab a seat too as he files you in as the newest member. “Cross my heart!” you reply, giving the tired man a fake solemn look.

“I can’t believe my team is composed of a bunch of Little Ds, Matilda, that she-demon," he shudders at whoever that was, "—And now a human that’s testing my patience and will.” He swears under his breath. Despite that, Matilda hovers near the two of you, “It's not that bad Mephi'! Look on the bright side, you made a new friend!” 

He looks at her in askance, “How'd you even call this friendship?!”

Yeah, you can tell that you’re going to enjoy this, definitely!

Lord Diavolo sighs as he fixes the stack of papers in front of him, boredly fiddling around his desk. He takes pride in his role and duties, but still, it’s been rather boring to do his work without anyone to chat with. Barbatos was off fixing the castle from a mice infestation (of which he’s taking forever to resolve…) and Lucifer is busy making sure the first day of the newest exchange student was relatively smooth. Nor were his brothers, doing whatever they usually do, frolicking about.

He starts rearranging his desk, moving the stationary to the left before ultimately deciding that they were better off at the right, then started chewing on the eraser part of his pencil, to folding origami from those small square sticky notes, then that got boring, so he tried doom scrolling on devilgram.

It’s all mindless brainrot… it's entertaining brainrot but still, Barbatos forbade him from doing that, saying that if he continues to do so, his mind would dull down. That’s totally not possible, silly Barbatos! That subway surfers game the humans made really helped his attention span! Who knew you can double task watching two videos at once? He didn't!

But five minutes in, he could feel the foreboding look of disappointment Barbatos has, even if the butler was away, the chill dancing on his spine.

That was until someone politely knocked from the outside, “Come in!” Diavolo calls, perking up from his seat. There stands Lucifer with an odd look in his face as he walks in. The sound of his footsteps on the tile floor creates a reverberation across the room, once Lucifer was hearing range, the demon of pride hesitates.

“Is something the matter?” Diavolo asks, concerned for his friend who was rather straightforward and blunt, so to see the avatar of pride lacking the proper words to convey a message must mean something big.

Lucifer frowns, taking a moment to collect himself. “The newest human exchange student has a… request for you,” Diavolo blinks, “Oh? What is it then?” he inquires curiously, “That is the issue,” Lucifer shakes his head. “It is rather hard to convey.”

Oh?

“Why?” Diavolo presses on, now on the edge of his seat, watching Lucifer with focus. “They requested that a ‘friend’ of theirs wants to join the exchange program.” Diavolo tilts his head, is that what really got Lucifer that worked up? That wouldn't be hard to fill out, nor would Barbados mind that much of a variance in time or something akin to that.

“That’s it?” he asks, Lucifer shakes his head a no, “That is… this is complicated, because the one who volunteered is a…”

“A…?”

“A reaper.”

“HUH???” 

Diavolo ends up falling off his seat from the surprise, immediately making Lucifer scramble to help the crown prince up. Diavolo shakes him off, saying that he’s fine but…

“A reaper that turned human,” Lucifer adds, hesitant in his words, as if the idea is far out of the realms of comprehension. “I frankly don’t believe that as such, but I detected no lies in that human’s claims when they approached me.” Then Lucifer gives the rest of the details the human mentioned.

Diavolo scratches his chin, lost in his thoughts as he processes the unorthodox nature of this situation. Lucifer may not be aware of how the newer reapers were born after their declining population, but Diavolo knew the truth. Of course he would, he is the next in line for the throne in hell after all. He lived longer than most demons to be there at the time when the Underworld started using human souls as a means to balance out the population loss when one of the celestial wars inadvertently destroyed part of the Underworld as collateral damage. This would usually have the Heavens raining upon the Reapers for the blatant transgression made upon a soul much less several, but they contested with the fact that almost 70 percent of their people were wiped out from an accident caused by the Celestial realm and the Devildom’s hands.

The fact that a reaper, with the high probability that they were one of those unfortunate human souls ripped from experiencing true peace of the afterlife, was able to reverse whatever process the Underworld did to their soul was unforeseen, not even Barbatos mentioned that from his future visions of the human exchange student. 

A missing puzzle piece to finally understand whatever the Underworld hides that even the celestials frown upon. But this is also an opportunity to help bridge the ties of all the realms. Especially a union of a human and an (ex) reaper! This shows undeniable evidence that different races of these realms CAN coexist!

Diavolo smiles, it’s large and giddy with excitement, moments prior he was bored out of his mind, but this…

This is tantalizing.

Then he frowns remembering the paperwork on his desk, and the implications of this request to be seen through would be egregious. 

Even if he accepts the proposal handed to him wrapped neatly in a tight red bow, the contents of accepting this would be messy. The inter-realm bureaucracy is a brutal field to navigate, he barely got the affirmation from the celestials, and it took decades, if not centuries. To take in this ‘human/reaper’ might also incite displeasure from the Underworld, and he’s been struggling to reach out to them about the exchange program as well. But progress has been made, even faster than dealing with the Heavens for sure, but still painfully annoying.

Nonetheless, Diavolo will not look a gift horse in the mouth, because when will something like this ever fall into his lap again?

“Lucifer, go handle these tax proposals from Azazel, can you take care of them for me? I need to personally attend to this matter. Tell Barbatos to whip me up some extra hellspawn strength coffee. I WILL NEED IT!” he announces, with vigor renewed and a flame of passion reignited.

“Yes, Lord Diavolo,” Lucifer replies with a look of apprehension but does not object to the prince, he just turns back toward the door and walks out with an indecipherable emotion.

And with a flick of his hand Diavolo has the doors to his studies tightly locked to remain undisturbed, so he can put all his focus on this opportunity. 

This is definitely worth a gamble.

The demon in the attic frowns, for once he's wide awake.

Belphegor, the demon who walks between dreams, utterly cannot get a good read on that stupid human living in the House of Lamentations.

He's been awake for hours now after last night, his attempts to create a peaceful dream to lull it into a false sense of security failed.

There's none of that fake softness of comfort he originally constructed that fully came through. He meticulously planned to make it dream of its home and project himself in while pretending to be a human to gain its trust.

BUT NOTHING WORKED!!!

Whatever he tried turned into ominous nightmares! He'd usually like the idea of tormenting a human with nightmares but this wasn't the time! 

Everything he tried turned mangled and alerted that stupid human that something was wrong.

What the hell did he do? 

Until then, he's going to have to play the long game huh…

Chapter Text

Whoops time flew by, still busy with college, but on the good news I'm writing the next chapter (finally!) and I've uploaded a small side story series called Underworld; Anthology to throw in side stories and world building that could not be naturally inserted in this fic without sounding too shoe horned but is semi canon I guess

There's a lot of musings of how these two worlds would mix and it's probably too much for a silly crossover but who cares. 

I wouldn't have made a new chapter announcing this tbh, but I'm currently having issues publishing my collections page called A Dummies Guide to Soul Business since it's new and it's not registering when I try to add these two fics, but once I add them, I'll delete this eyesore of a filler