Chapter Text
"I AM THE WORST MOTHER EVER!" You bawled as you buried your face in Sullivan's shoulder as he held you close. "I can't believe I forgot Iruma's birthday!"
"You've been under a lot of stress, sweetie," Your adoptive father reassured, rubbing circles along your back. "I'm sure Iruma understands, you know how he is."
"That makes it worse," You cried. You knew Iruma would forgive you and shrug it off, but to you that was worse than him being upset. Because it was a stark reminder that until just a few years ago, he never had his birthday celebrated. No one cared for him enough to take the time and celebrate his life - his existence.
It tore at you, because you knew even if he didn't act like it, you were sure your lapse of memory had reminded him of those dark days. Did he think you were as careless as his biological parents? That now that your lives had improved, you didn't want to celebrate such things?
"Then let's make it up to our boy, hmm?" Sullivan offered, breaking through your thoughts as he tilted your chin to look at him and wipe your tears. "For this year, and all the birthdays I missed as well."
You nodded your head eagerly at the idea. Yes. You would make up for lost time; not just the last few weeks, but the ones you hadn't been there before too.
To make sure Iruma knew how cherished he was.
----
As you were quick to learn, Demonic Rites were - well - the devilish version of a grand birthday party. While Opera and Sullivan took the lead coordinating the event, you helped as best you could; choosing some of the dishes to be served and presents from the three of you - since they were busy with organizing the event - but also making sure Iruma was kept preoccupied as not to notice anything was amiss.
While traditionally Demonic Rites were saved for milestone birthdays - with much smaller events for the other years - Sullivan was all too happy to use the excuse that it was the first birthday he was able to celebrate with his grandson. So he was apparently going all out from what you could gather, renting a whole other castle.
Though as it turned out, that was tradition as well; apparently even demons believed in bad luck, and holding a Rite in your own dwelling was a surefire way to invoke misfortune. It was also the reason for the costumes; in case Bad Luck did find the revelers, they couldn't curse you if they couldn't recognize you.
"Life is precious in the Netherworld," Shichiro explained over the phone the evening before the Rite. "Our world is harsh, and once upon a time it was not uncommon for a demon to be killed before reaching adulthood. So we take every precaution to protect it, especially when we celebrate it.
"It's also a time where demons show their gratitude for their peers. After all, demons do not frequently bond the way humans do, and showing appreciation and kinship is usually very rare. The Misfit class are truly misfits in that regard…"
They were; not just for demons, but even on earth they'd be an odd bunch. Yet you couldn't help but love all of them, hearing the debacle that occurred earlier that day as they fought over who was Iruma's friend and who was the boy's 'soulmate'.
You had to agree, Clara and Az seemed to be platonic (assumedly, at least) soulmates. Those three had a bond like no other. If there was such a thing as soulmates, it was those three.
But the entire class was still bonded tighter than any friend group you had seen - let alone experienced. Those thirteen students could achieve anything if they set their mind to it. And somehow, Iruma was more-or-less the ringleader of their troupe.
"You're coming tomorrow, right?" You asked, glancing at the costume that hung from your closet door. Both Sullivan and Opera had assisted with choosing it…
Well - they had done more than assist, to be honest. It was more like they had chosen it and you meekly agreed when you saw the looks on their faces. Not that it was something you hated or even disliked; it was beautiful, and something that had caught your eye right away.
The thing was, it was so… decadent, even for a costume. Beautiful but wispy fabric that flowed with the slightest breeze, the waist framed with a corset-vest that - thankfully - hadn't felt too uncomfortable when you tried it on, and a high neckline that would hide your lack of wings. Then the crown of flowers and faux horns that completed the piece.
You worried it was too fancy for such a thing, but assumed the two demons would know best. Then there was the anxiety of Shichiro's reaction to it, despite the fact he never seemed to judge whatever you wore. Or rather, be it a casual outfit or something more special, his gaze always lingered enough to cause you to feel beautiful.
"Nothing could make me miss it," Shichiro assured. "I'll be there, promise."
---
Sullivan and Opera had left early to finalize the preparations, leaving you to escort Iruma to the surprise party. Thankfully, Opera had hitched the Nightmares to one of the smaller carriages before leaving so you didn't ruin your dress. Especially knowing Deinos, who loved to be as impish as she could be.
The Nightmares knickered softly as you and Iruma exited the mansion, both dressed in your costumes. "To Lord Sullivan," You instructed the demonic-horses simply as you opened the carriage door. They snorted in understanding, making you smile as you patted Lampon's flank before boarding.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on?" Iruma asked as the carriage began to move.
"It's a secret~" You answered in a singsong voice, smiling at his pout. "You'll love it though, I promise."
His pout didn't change, though he watched as you smoothed down your skirt, still unused to such rich material. "Well, you look beautiful, mom."
You blushed, "And you look very handsome, Iruma. Who would have thought we both could clean up so well, hmm?"
He laughed at that, and soon both of you were sharing memories of when you were less than presentable. Such as being covered in fish guts after being tripped - or when he came back from a forging trip, completely covered in mud and leaves. It had taken weeks to get every bit of mud and grime from the tiny shower afterwards, but you refused to spray him with the hose used to clean the floor of the workshop, mainly because the water was ice cold and it was late autumn and winter had been attempting to set in.
Before you knew it, the carriage slowed to a stop. Opera opened the door before you could even think about it, holding a hand out to Iruma and then you once the boy was on the ground.
But before you could take a look around, a blindfold settled over your eyes. "Calm down, my dear," Sullivan reassured, his hands settling on your shoulders, thumbs rubbing calming circles. "We don't want to ruin the surprise."
"This is Iruma's Demonic Rite!" You protested as your adopted father led you presumably to where the Rite was to take place.
"Do you think I would celebrate my grandson's life, and not my daughters?" Sullivan chuckled as a groan of old, heavy doors opening filled the air. A sound you were familiar with, given the Library's own doors perchance to complain every time they were opened.
But surely you weren't there. You heard hushed yet excited whispers, making your heart pound as Sullivan continued to guide you. He gently coaxed you up a couple of steps before turning you around and encouraging you to sit.
A moment later you heard Opera guide Iruma into a seat next to yours. There was a hushed countdown before the blindfold fell from your eyes, revealing the elaborately decorated ballroom with a large bonfire burning brightly in a pit at the center. The Misfits along with a few other Babyls students cheered your name along with Iruma's, making your heart catch in your throat.
"Mom?" Iruma asked softly as Sullivan and Opera joined in with the others as they began to dance-- an ancient dance, full of guttural words that truly made it seem like a demonic ritual.
"A Demonic Ritual is how they celebrate birthdays," You explained. "We -- grandpa, Opera, and I -- planned on it being a secret, and to also make up for missing your actual birthday this year. I didn't think they'd plan on putting me in the spotlight too…"
Iruma's hand found yours. "But we've always celebrated our birthdays together. I was actually just telling Professor Balam that the other day…"
Oh. Oh. You caught sight of the tall broad demon standing apart, watching the revelers dance while also apparently taking a head count.
Those sneaky demons. Your heart grew warm at the realization that while you thought you were in on the surprise for Iruma, the three demons had been building a surprise for you as well.
As if he was aware of your gaze, Shichiro looked towards you, his expression shifting into a smile as he offered a small wave.
"It seems we are missing a guest," Opera said as he appeared on Iruma's other side. You tore your gaze away from Shichiro for a moment, and in a flash of light and smoke, a familiar white puffball appeared, looking disgruntled as always.
"EGGY SENSEI!" The Misfits cheered. Kalego's reluctant presence seemed to be the last thing needed for the celebration to kick into full swing.
Over the last several months, you had slowly gotten used to the positive attention from the students as well as the teachers of Babyls. But that did little to prepare you for sitting in the spotlight as the guests symbolically gave part of their life to you as they poured out the burning water into the central bonfire. Or as each knelt one by one, offering their gifts with the heartfelt words: "Thank you for being born and living amongst us."
"I appreciate the love and kindness you give us, Mrs. Suzuki."
"I'm so happy I get to have two moms! My siblings are so jealous!"
"I know you're not my mother, but it really feels like you are sometimes."
"Your beauty is outstanding, my lady! May you continue to age so gracefully!"
"Thank you for caring so much."
"Thank you for bringing Iruma to us!"
"I appreciate your dedication to Babyls and its students," Kalego grumbled begrudgingly, offering a small delicate flower as a gift. (Where he got one considering his Summoned state, you weren't sure.) "You are one among few others whom I can tolerate."
"That's high praise coming from the professor," Iruma whispered in your ear, as if you weren't already aware. Yet any words died on your lips as Shichiro approached, quickly bowing low as his green feathered wings spread out wide to their full extent.
Yes, the others did the same as a sign of respect - but something seemed different….
Or maybe you were just head over heels for Shichiro that seeing him like that, knowing just how strong and powerful he was yet showing his weakest spot to you…
Your thoughts were interrupted as he looked up, his gaze focused on both you and Iruma as he spoke your names. "Thank you both for living in our world, and for being amongst us."
The sentiment had been expressed before, but by those oblivious to the reality of you and Iruma's true circumstances. But he knew. He knew it all. Your throat grew tight as he presented his gifts, hands briefly grazing yours as you accepted the box as your gazes locked.
The warmth, the sincerity, the love in his eyes meant the world to you. He meant the world to you.
You struggled with the urge to simply slide from your chair to your knees and pull him close for a kiss to reciprocate those tender emotions. Except you were still aware of everyone else watching, so you just caressed his hand deliberately with a smile hopefully conveying your feelings.
His eyes crinkled as he returned your smile, fingers lacing briefly before he pulled away and stood. Your eyes followed him as he stepped away.
Until Sullivan stepped up, his own eyes glittering knowingly. He didn't say a word, but knelt down as he took Iruma's hand as well as yours into his, his black wings opened, but curled around the three of you.
"You both mean so much to me, you are truly my treasure," He spoke softly, squeezing your hand tightly. "I am sincerely thankful you both came into my life."
"Grandpa…"
"Dad…"
This time, you did leave your seat, having the same idea as Iruma as you wrapped your arms around both your father and son, and feeling their arms around you.
You were loved. Just as strongly as you loved them, they loved you.
----
The rest of the party was truly a party. You swore you had been to more festivals and parties in the last few months than before in your prior life.
But instead of standing on the outskirts of the party with Kalego and Balam as you typically ended up doing, you were drawn into the menagerie this time. You danced with several students as well as Opera, Sullivan, and then oddly Fluffego, when he was all but shoved in your arms by an impish Opera. He acted begrudgingly as you twirled him around, his small hands holding onto your fingers. You had your toes stepped on as well as stepped on a few yourself, but it was all brushed off with a laugh and even more dancing.
You hadn't had unbridled fun like this for such a long time. Your face hurt from smiling so widely, ribs aching from laughing.
But your favorite part was when large warm hands wrapped around your waist when you had slipped towards the table laden with food and drinks. "You look beautiful," Shichiro whispered as he held you tight around your midsection, making you smile. You had briefly danced with him, no more than thirty seconds, during one where you were constantly changing partners. Otherwise it seemed like the universe had conspired to keep you separated.
"I'm sure I would've been more lovely if my personal hairdresser had helped," You teased lightly as you glanced over the treats, taking your time to enjoy being held against him. "But I have a nagging suspicion he was in on the surprise."
"Iruma explained how you had always celebrated your birthday with him, and never told him when your actual birthday was," He admitted, chin resting atop your head despite the decorative horns. "We -- Lord Sullivan, Senpai, and myself-- figured it would be best to continue the tradition. Especially considering you would likely refuse to tell us once you knew what it may entail."
You bit your lip out of reflex to hide your smile. "You three really do know me well, don't you?" Because he was right; once learning of Demonic Rites, and knowing Sullivan's own tendencies to spoil you, you would've kept your lips sealed.
Which was related in a way to why you never told Iruma which day you were born. You hadn't wanted the boy to give up more of his hard earned money on your behalf. Sharing his birthday had been a bit of a compromise in a way, so you both were able to celebrate each other while you could make sure he didn't use a lot of his meager funds on you.
"Both you and Iruma are completely selfless," He answered, squeezing you tighter. "To the point I really wish you two would have a bit more of a sense of self-preservation."
"So when exactly is your birthday?" You asked after a moment, making him chuckle at your poor attempt at changing the topic.
He squeezed you tighter, adjusting to nuzzle your neck gently; considering his mask was still in place. "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours."
You laughed at that, leaning your head back and finally looking up at him. "I love you, Shichiro, but I know better than that."
A flash of surprise crossed his face and his grip tightened to the point of nearly taking your breath away. "...do you, really?"
You realized your slip. You had admitted to yourself - to others - your feelings, but never to him. And, well - for good reason from what you understood about demon culture.
But… screw it.
"Yes," You answered, twining your hands with his. "I really do love you."
His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, the look in his eye changing slightly. He guided you to turn in his arms so you were face to face, still holding you tight against him. "Demons, especially those who are courting," He continued, his voice threatening to become even huskier, "don't say those words freely, or lightly."
You had gleaned as much from the books you had read. Some said it freely to those they were crushing on, and during little flings. But once a demon entered courtship, the word became much more meaningful to their Intended.
And yes, you two had just started courting - and sometimes the courting period lasted several months to years - but there was no denying how you felt. He had come to mean so much to you, and you could easily imagine him being in every part of your life. Not just the romantic moments, but the mundane parts of life; like doing dishes, or chores (if Opera ever allowed that to happen again).
You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, pulling him down so you could face him eye to eye as you stood on your tiptoes. "I love you, Balam Shichiro. With all my heart. And I can't imagine being with anyone else but you."
Before you could blink, his hands cupped your backside and he lifted you up, your body pressed against his as you fought the urge to wrap your legs around his hips, knowing in your current dress that would be very inappropriate.
Shichiro's eyes were desperate in more than one way as he searched yours, undoubtedly using his bloodline ability to find a hint of a lie. "One more time?"
You couldn't help but smile before you cupped his face in your hands, meeting his dark eyes and holding his intense gaze. "I love you, Shichiro. And I'll say it as many times as you want me to."
If you weren't in a room full of students - as well as your father and Opera, (and you supposed Kalego as well) - you would have happily removed his mask to kiss him properly, but you knew he was self conscious of his scar and refrained. That, and you had a very good idea his self control was on the verge of slipping; as was yours, to be honest. One kiss would lead to more, and you knew you'd wouldn't want to stop.
"I love you too," He finally admitted as your words sunk in. "So, so much." There was a hint of desperation to his voice, which paired with the way his grip on you was more than just supporting you against his frame, but feeling the plush curve of your butt.
There was no denying the thoughts running through your head, or the yearning that filled your body. You bit your lip as your fingers as well as your gaze traveled down his neck, feeling the strong cords of muscle beneath. He wasn't wearing the collar of feathers, but instead a dark, high collared top that felt like velvet beneath your fingers.
It would be so easy to push it away and press your lips to the sensitive skin there and listen to him hold back a whimper and groan as you tortured him. The thought of reducing him to a whimpering mess always tempted you, making you bite your lip as your mind drifted into the gutter.
Shichiro said your name quietly, making it sound like a plea as you continued to rub the velvet cloth trying to feel his muscular shoulders beneath as you thought.
You met his gaze, which felt as hot and heavy as the feeling settling in your lower gut. You knew what you wanted to do - what you thought he wanted to do too - but were uncertain how to proceed. Or rather, hesitant to take that next step. Was it being too bold?
Screw it. Fortune favored the bold, right?
"Why…don't we slip away somewhere more private?" You asked hesitantly, your attempt to be quiet making you sound a bit more sultry than intended.
His grip tightened even more, and you felt a hint of something hard press against your stomach. Yet instead of eagerly agreeing or even just carrying you away, (as you may have thought about more than once in previous daydreams) he protested - but with obvious reluctance. "It's your Rite, and…"
"Is there an unwritten rule that I have to stay here when I'd rather be alone with you?" You asked. Because devi, your mind was fully in the gutter and the thought of trying to pretend you were totally not thinking such things while you tried to mingle with everyone else sounded like torture.
And not the pleasant kind. The kind you hoped waited for you in the near future.
"Well, no," He admitted after a moment, his brow furrowed in confusion. "But would you really rather sneak away with me than stay and celebrate?"
Devi, how could a demon be so pure? "One hundred percent yes," You replied firmly before boldly adding on: "To the point I don't care where we go, as long as it's somewhere private and we won't be disturbed." Because hell or heaven help you if you couldn't at least get him half-undressed so you could explore his body with both your hands and lips. It was taking every bit of your self control as it was, with those thoughts running in your mind while being braced against him, the growing firmness pressing against you left little doubt he was having similar thoughts.
There was a moment of silence as his gaze became distant and unfocused, his cheeks turning bright red."Shichiro…?" You called softly after the moment stretched on. He snapped out of his thoughts, though his cheeks stained red even more.
"I, uh, well, I-I have been wondering if you would like to, um, come to my home? I've been working on my nest…."
Oh. Oh. That was much more than finding a closet or unoccupied room. It was your turn to blush, your heart racing in anticipation as well as more than a little bit of anxiety.
You wanted to - you really wanted to - but you couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. It had been such a long time - what felt like a lifetime to be honest - long before Iruma came into your life, since you had been with someone. And while kissing and petting had been second nature when it came to Shichiro….
Well, your daydreams hadn't quite prepared you for the real possibility.
Yet, again, you wanted to. And he was bound to be a more thoughtful lover than you had experienced before, demon or not.
After what felt like forever, you finally took the metaphorical step and nodded while biting your lip. "I-I would like that."
--- Short---
"They seriously don't think they're being subtle, right?" Soi sighed as he watched the two adults head towards the exit. Well, Balam walking somewhat stiffly with you cradled in his arms, your face red as a tomato but laughing.
Granted, his ability made disappearing easy, and also made it more noticeable when others tried to sneak off… but, still. That was about as obvious as anyone could be without making a loud announcement.
"Soi!" Leid jumped, startled by the demon's sudden presence. "You have got to stop doing that!"
"Are you talking about our two love bird teachers?" Elizabetta asked with a giggle, not as easily startled as their classmate. She also had noticed the pair, but was delighted by the turn of events. After all, their romance was something straight out of her own daydreams, making her hope even more that she would have a fairytale romance as well. "Aren't they adorable?"
"That's one word for it," Soi acknowledged, not as enamored with the situation as she was. "I might want to adjust my bet…"
"You and everyone else," Jazz agreed, summoned by the word 'bet'. He was already pulling out the notebook he was using to keep track of the massive pool going. "Lets see, are you wanting to change when you think their wedding day will be, or when Professor Balam will have mom knocked up?"
"Are you still taking bets?" Opera asked after overhearing the four students discuss their options. All four froze, glancing at the security demon and expecting a reaction much like Kalego's when he had found the betting during one of his lectures. (Granted, shortly after he had placed his own as well. He just didn't appreciate it being discussed during class.)
Instead, there was no anger behind Opera's placid expression, just simple curiosity.
"Er, yeah…." Jazz answered as Soi disappeared and both Elizabetta and Leid stepped away from the feline demon.
"Good. Both Lord Sullivan and myself would like to participate…"