Chapter Twenty Four

Then next day came and since it was Diavolo’s birthday we didn’t have school. I spent the day fiddling around and getting ready until Lucifer picked me up from my room. We walked arm in arm to the castle. I told him that I let Asmo know about our relationship. So even if he wanted it a secret, that wouldn’t be possible. He didn’t see a problem with it and decided that it just saved him the work of dealing with tabloids.

The castle doors were propped open as demons poured in and out of the castle. Oh boy, that’s a big crowd. I should’ve expected it, with it being a prince’s birthday and all, but I was going to have to do a lot of socializing. Thankfully the brothers took up most of my time, until Diavolo’s speech.

“I am grateful to everyone who came to celebrate my birthday,” his deep voice carried and cut through any noise, unable to be ignored, “While, I no longer really know how old I am. Let’s use this night as an excuse to cut loose and relax. Also, this party is not just for me, but to celebrate the amazing achievements of Drizzm.”

My eyes widened as he motioned me to join him. I anxiously walked up the stairs as he continued.

“It is thanks to Drizzm’s dedication and hard work that I am able to have such confidence in my mission to bring peaceful relations to the three realms. He has gone out of his way to show me what human kindness can do. From reuniting the brothers, to quelling a human-hungry demon, let us celebrate the bright future we may see for him.”

I was standing next to him as he had his hand on my back, presenting me to the massive crowd of demons, Solomon, and the angels. I hoped I didn’t look as nervous as I felt. After his closing words the demons cheered and continued on partying. Diavolo and I both turned to each other.

“Is this a good time to give you your present,” I asked, having been holding the small bag.

“Of course,” he beamed.

I handed him the bag and he eagerly, but carefully, unpackaged his present. Upon seeing the pen his eyes widened with his smile. What a wonderful reaction.

“Drizzm, it’s magnificent,” he praised, then he pulled out the ink, “Oh, and what a wonderfully coordinating ink!”

I smiled, relieved, “I’m so glad you like it.”

“I see you’ve gotten started without us,” came Lucifer’s voice. He was standing with his brothers, and they all had presents. Except, Belphie was missing.

“Are you here to give your presents to Diavolo?”

“Not quite. These are for you.”

“Me?”

“Correct,” Diavolo explained, “Since I announced that I wanted to have you as part of what we are celebrating, they have been searching for presents for you.”

“Awe, that’s so sweet guys,” I know it’s Diavolo’s birthday, but it almost feels more special for me.

One by one they gave me their presents. Beel gave me a year-long coupon for Hell’s Kitchen. Satan gave me a complete set of his current favorite mystery trilogy. Asmo said my clothes were part of my present and he also gave me some cologne. Levi gave me a nice new pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Mammon actually got me a fountain pen, one that he said he paid for by actually working a job. Every present was so like them and I loved each one./p>

But, one I loved more than the others. Lucifer’s present. He handed me a small, dark blue, velvet box with a light blue ribbon. The shape seemed familiar. I opened it to find the earring that I saw in the shop window. I gasped and beamed at him.

“Thank you so much,” I hugged him, “I’m so happy you remembered this.”

“I haven’t seen you so happy at something,” he hugged me back and kissed the top of my head, “Would you like me to put it on?”

“But my cartilage isn’t pierced.”

He smirked and gently took the earring, placing it where the holes should be on my ear. I felt a pinch, and viola, it was attached like a normal earring.

“Ah, right,” I nodded, “Magic. Incredible that I keep forgetting that.”

I turned my head to show off the earring to Lucifer. He chuckled.

“It suits you well,” he complimented.

"Wait, we’re missing someone,” Asmo mused, “Where’s Belphie? He hasn’t given you your present yet.”

“I’ll find him,” I told them, leaving to do so. As I passed a window I spotted him in the garden. I went to him and called out, “Hey, Belphie. Getting away from the noise?”

“Yeah,” he awkwardly smiled, “Never have been good with crowds.”

“Me neither. It’s nice to be out here.”

“Oh,” he spotted my earring, “Did they hand out presents to you already?”

“Yeah, and we noticed you were missing.”

“Sorry, I meant to go back before that.”

“It’s alright. It gives me a break from it all too.”

He shuffled his feet, “Uhm. I don’t actually have a physical gift for you. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course. What is it?”

“A pact with me.”

My eyebrows raised, “What? Why? You just got your free will back and you want to just give it to me?”

“It’s because of you that I’m free. Also, I won’t be able to attack you if I have a pact with you.”

“A-are you saying you’d attack me again?”

“No! No no no,” he put his hands up for emphasis, then sighs, “If I’m being honest. I feel a bit jealous that the others have such a close bond with you. I’m the last one to get a pact with you and I don’t want to be left out.”

“Huh? I don’t have a pact with Lucifer.”

“You don’t?”

“No, I just somehow managed that.”

“That’s more impressive than getting a pact with him. But, does that mean you won’t accept my gift,” he looked at the l

“Belphie, I know how important pacts are with demons. Ever since I got here my rule has been that you want to do it of your own free will, not that you feel like you have to. For whatever reason. So, are you sure?”

He looked me confidently in the eyes and nodded.

“Alright,” I nodded back, “Then I’m happy to accept such a personal gift.”

He smiled and our pact formed, with the color purple for the star.

“Now I’m not the last one to get a pact with you,” he announced happily.

“I doubt Lucifer would want a pact with me anyways,” I told him.

“Why?”

“He’s the Avatar of Pride. Nothing would cut his pride more than to have a human in control of him.”

He thought, “I don’t know. But you’re the one that managed to date him.”

“There you two are,” Asmo and Beel waved at us from the door into the castle, “Come on! Everyone is missing you both!”

I smiled at Belphie, “Looks like our break is over.”

“Seems so,” he agreed as we made our way back. The party went on for the next several hours and I was pretty ready to leave by the end. There were significantly less demons now and I was hoping to actually speak to Diavolo before I left. Say bye and all that.

“Drizzm,” called just the demon I wanted to talk to, “I’m glad you haven’t left yet.”

“I was almost about to give up talking to you,” I half-joked, turning to look at him, “Have you enjoyed your birthday?”

“I think it is my favorite one so far! But, Drizzm, I actually have a gift for you.”

“You do?”

He nodded, and he led me through the garden, “I worked with Lucifer to understand what would help you most right now. I wanted to present you something with the same magnitude of gratitude I feel.”

“Stop, I don’t deserve all the praise,” I blushed, “I questioned whether or not I was on the right path a lot. I’m just glad it all worked out.”

“Either way, I have arranged for you to receive top surgery at the end of your exchange here.”

I stopped, “What?”

“Are you alright,” he faced me.

“Did you say that I’m getting top surgery?” “Yes. About a month or so after you get back.”

My chin trembled as I started crying, covering my eyes with my hands.

“Did I say something,” I heard his concerned voice get closer as he put a hand on my shoulder.

“T-t-th-thank yo-u-u,” I barely choked out, hugging him tightly.

He jumped at my sudden hug but returned it, “I was scared I made the wrong choice. I’m glad you’re so happy.”

He patted my back as I calmed down. I wiped the last of the tears away, “Sorry about that.”

“Why are you apologizing,” he asked as we made our way back, “If anything, I’m glad that out of everyone, my present is the one that made you cry with joy.”

“I guess that’s one way to see it,” I mused, “But, thank you again. I don’t know if I can express how much it really means to me.”

He smiled and we chatted until we reached the castle. Lucifer was waiting for me and we made our way back to the house after bidding Diavolo goodnight. He was a bit drunk, walking with his arm around me shoulder and being very affectionate. Not that I minded at all. It just meant it took longer to get home.

When we got back I joined him in his room, where he pulled out two bottles of alcohol.

“Whiskey,” I questioned as he poured me a glass.

“I remember you mentioned apple whiskey back in the Human World,” he explained as he handed me my glass, before pouring himself some Demonus from the other bottle.

“So, you’re trying to get me drunk,” I joked as I took a sip, the apple flavor making it go down smooth as a comfortable warmth grew within me, “Considering how I said I’m irresponsible with it.”

He smirked, the drunk blush on his cheeks very cute. He clinked his glass with mine and I took a larger sip, “It would be a lie to say I’m not at least a little curious.”

“Well, I hope you don’t think I’m clingy. Because it’s going to get worse.”

“Oh, really?”

I don’t know where he got this whiskey but it was really good and the glass was already empty. He poured me more and I took another sip before setting the glass down. If I held it I was going to spill it as I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaning into him.

“Why don’t we have a seat,” I whispered, lightly pushing him to sit on the sofa. He kissed me before lounging on the sofa. I grabbed my drink and straddled his lap, taking a sip, “This is really good whiskey. Would you like a taste?”

He reached for my glass but I moved it away from him, smirking. I took a sip, holding the alcohol in my mouth and then kissing him, sharing the drink with him. The way he gripped me made me chuckle. Teasing the Avatar of Pride was great fun. We spent the rest of the night drinking and having fun.