Chapter Text
Getting closer to Leviathan had been a tricky process. But falling in love with him? That was an exercise in masochism.
Watching his back as he darted to the next storefront, you sighed to yourself as you followed obediently behind, arms full of anime merch and game boxes that the ever nerdy Avatar of Envy needed help carrying. Your offer for the demon to join you in the human world had meant to be romantic- a secret rendezvous between just the two of you, maybe even something like a date.
“If I could go home with anyone, it would be you, Leviathan…”, you had murmured softly, blushing as you looked your favorite demon in the eye.
He had blushed in return, averting your gaze for what felt like an eternity- before suddenly meeting your bewildered stare with a newfound manic confidence that could only mean that the moment was over. “Wait, home? Like, home as in, the human world with human things home? How close do you live to Akihabara?!”
You huffed. Of all the brothers, it just had to be him! The only one completely oblivious to flirting. Even Beelzebub had made a move or two on you; the memory sent a shiver down your spine as you recalled that surprising moment two days ago with a hint of longing. It had been nothing more than a gentle press of his fingers to your face to wipe away a spot of whipped cream, until his rough thumb lingered against on your bottom lip just a little too long, his head slowly leaning forward to-
“This is the place!”
Your cheeks turned a deep shade of pink as you snapped back to reality. This was no time to be reminiscing. With a dejected sigh, you desperately pushed the memory of Beelzebub to the back of your mind as you focused your attention ahead, weaving your way through the crowded street as Leviathan called back to you impatiently.
“Y/N! Come on already- they’re having a sale on Ruri-chan grab bags! This one might have the ultra-rare event exclusive figurine- see? It’s even on the sign!”
He had no idea how hard he could be to keep up with when he was excited. It irritated you to no end, partly because of how inconsiderate he could be, but more so the way you found his quirks incredibly frustrating and cute all at once.
“The odds of you pulling it are probably low, Levi.” You answered curtly, scanning the flyer of the shop window. Of course it would be in Japanese, and you barely knew enough to make out a word or so beyond the price. The amount of yen you were looking at alarmed you. “Wouldn’t it be cheaper just to order it off Ebay?”
Leviathan’s withering glare meant you were in for yet another lecture on otaku culture. “Oh no, not this again! Gah, you’re such a normie! I told you, there’s no way I’m buying it used! You have no idea the things some fans would do to her-”
You held up your hands in surrender. “Alright, alright, no more! I’ll wait here. Just go get it- but this is the last store, okay? Lucifer will notice we’re gone if we stay out much longer, and there’s class tomorrow, in case you forgot.”
The way he beamed at you made your heart ache. He could be so handsome, those rare moments when he let his guard down. “I totally did! Huhu. But school’s the last thing on my mind right now. Thanks for helping me today, Y/N. Just this last store, I swear. I’ll save the rest for next time!”
He had already dove into the storefront as you pondered over his words, a bitter smile tugging at your lips. “Next time, huh…” you muttered to yourself aloud. He was already planning on a next time, but what about you? Were you really fine with things continuing like this forever?
The sun was beginning to set, the lights behind the glass windows up and down the street flickering brighter against the oncoming night sky. You were definitely, definitely cutting it close. Solomon had promised you six hours to sneak into the human world, and no more- not without risking Lucifer’s notice. You would have to thank him when you got home...but the pitying stare he would give you when he inevitably asked about your “date” was going to be a hard pill to swallow.
It just had to be him. The only one who had decided that you were his very best friend .
You kicked at a stray can on the curb, praying Levi would make this last shopping excursion quick. Your arms were going numb, but more importantly every little thing he did today seemed to weigh on your chest and ache there in a way that made it hard to breathe.
Stupid . Only you would catch feelings for your thousands of years old demonic otaku shut-in best friend. And only you would be dumb enough to think you still had a chance.
“You sure took your time, Y/N.” The white haired magician quipped over his shoulder, noting the way you dragged your feet into his dorm room. The trip back to Devildom had been less than peaceful- especially when Leviathan had opened his grab bag early only to find that he had won the second place consolation keychain instead. Basically dragging a dejected, sulking demon over a head taller than you by his arms under the curious stares of onlookers had been hell in and of itself.
“I don’t really want to talk about it,” was your gloomy reply. Without another word you made your way over to his desk, plopping down a strange crystal you had found by chance at a fortune teller’s booth. “Here. It’s not much, but Barbatos says it may have a bit of magic to it. I know it’s not enough to repay you, but...can this work for now?”
Your fellow human exchange student shot you a grin, his dark eyes narrowing in amusement at your tone. “Oh yes, I think that’ll do. But I expect you to tell me all about your dating woes as payment next time.”
Typical. “You’re a prick, Solomon.”
His grin only grew wider. “Sorry, what was that? It’s a little hard to hear you from all the way over there in the friendzone.”
Your face must have betrayed your emotions, because Solomon let out a sharp, almost gleeful bark of laughter, his pale hand shooing you away. “Okay, that was mean. I’ll try to contain myself. Seriously, just blow off some steam for now. You know he’ll come around, one day.”
Something about his words stung deeper than his joke, the intended comfort giving way to a lonely, empty feeling instead.
“I’m not so sure about that,” You wanted to say. But your throat was beginning to clench and Solomon was just about the last person who you’d ever want to see you cry. So you left his room instead, your feet carrying you the only place you knew to go when you were down.