PART 2: FRIENDS, FOES, AND FORMIDABLE FAVOURS
A quick rap at her door brought her back to the waking world that Saturday morning. "Asuna, may I come in."
"One minute, Barbatos," she responded, glancing at the clock as she struggled to make herself look decent. 10 a.m., she'd slept in way past breakfast. Hoping she wasn't in trouble, she opened the door to find him standing there, holding a plate of food in one hand and a bunch of beauty products in the other.
"I was instructed to come here and help with your hair and makeup. Diavolo debated asking Asmo, but I told him I'd be happy to volunteer," he said, giving his signature teeny, but very inviting smile.
"Asmo will probably be busy all day getting ready for the dance himself," she nodded, taking the toast in his hand and shovelling it in her face, not realizing just how hungry she was.
"Please show me your outfit and I can get started on a makeup palette that compliments it. And here are the haircare products I'd like you to use when you shower this morning. Green spray before the shower, white lather, yellow rinse, blue leave-in, and pink spray for after you're done. Here's some scrub for your hands and face, a gel for hair removal, and a gentle lotion that smells of devil roses. It's Lucifer's favourite," he winked.
Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things he was handing her, she gave him an expression that was doubtful and hesitant. "Worry not, Miss Asuna, I have done this before. You can hand me your breakfast plate and then get started. If you need help, I'll be waiting right here."
After taking what must be the longest shower of her life, lathering, rinsing, and scrubbing as instructed, she felt clean and refreshed, her hair silky smooth, her skin free of hair and baby soft. She couldn't help but think that even Asmo would be jealous of her appearance. In nothing more than a towel, she walked back into her room to find Barbatos rolling out a bag of makeup brushes and setting up a stool in front of her vanity.
"Ready to begin?" he asked as she threw on a button-up shirt and shorts, Barbatos politely facing the other direction as she did so.
"Do your worst," she joked, trying to make herself less nervous. He simply smiled and patted the stool, a comb and scissors in his hands.
It took nearly two hours of brushing, cutting, and styling to finally get her hair into a style full of curls. They bounced so naturally, looked so even and pristine, and were topped off with an up-do at the back of her head filled with dark purple jewels that stood out in her auburn hair and glowed like stars. He moved on to giving her a manicure, painting her nails and toes with such a steady hand that he could paint little scenes in each one, all of them looking like the night sky.
"What do you think?" he asked, putting the nail polish back in his makeup kit.
"They look great! Thank you so much!"
"Just for the makeup now. I picked a lighter pallet than your hair and nails. I'm going for a more natural look, it compliments your rosy glow and brightens your face. Since you don't normally wear makeup I figured it would be most comfortable for you. If you are not satisfied with these choices, I can go more mysterious, more innocent, more sexy, just let me know."
"I trust your decision," she said, unsure how to accomplish any of this with a painted face.
"Then I shall get started. Please try to keep as still as possible," he instructed, holding her chin in his sturdy hand. She smiled her approval and he got to work, sculpting the makeup on her face the way an artist paints a canvas. Finally, after all that work, he released his grip and turned her to face the mirror.
"Is this to your liking?" he asked, still examining her face in the mirror for any flaws in his masterpiece.
"I've never felt so cute before," Asuna beamed, grateful to Diavolo and Barbatos for setting this whole thing up.
"All you have to do is apply this lipstick right before the dance starts and enjoy yourself. If you need anything, text me or Lord Diavolo."
He turned around to leave her room, taking everything he brought with him. "Why are you doing this for me?" Asuna asked quickly, before he was all the way out the door.
"I believe the young lord is doing this for Lucifer, actually," came his response. She looked confused, but didn't say anything else. After a moment, Barbatos left, shutting the door quietly behind him.
Waiting around in her room all day was getting her more and more excited for the dance. Every time she'd try to focus on reading or playing a game, her mind would wander to a picture of her, dressed to the nines, and Lucifer, unable to keep his eyes, and his hands, off her. She spent the rest of the afternoon practicing the waltz in her new shoes, the excitement mounting with each passing minute.
When it was finally time, Asuna slipped into her dress and studied herself in the mirror, the frilly purple fabric decorated with gold specks, a lacy pattern wrapped around her midsection, and a pair of bright, silver flats all gave her the impression that she was the night sky, a dark, mysterious, and irresistible reflection of the outer worlds, the makeup on her face looking like a glowing star.
A quiet knock brought her back to reality. "Asuna, are you ready to go?" the gentle voice of Simeon carried through the crack in her door.
"I've never been more ready in my life," she thought to herself. Aloud, she replied, "Be right there!" as she carefully put on the lipstick to complete the outfit.
"Here, I brought you… wow," Simeon gasped as she opened the door and stepped into the hallway. He was wearing a fancy blue dress shirt that gave her the impression that he was a sunny day, a bright white pair of pants just begging to reflect any and all light. The black hair on his head was curled and styled to give him an even friendlier face, if that was even possible. And the dropped jaw expression he wore, that quickly turned into a beam of radiance, gave her butterflies in her stomach. He held out a white flower in his hand and pinned it on her dress, making the gold in her dress glow even brighter.
"Do you like it?" she asked, twirling in place for him.
"Lucifer's going to have one heck of a night. I'm already jealous of him, myself," Simeon chuckled. She blushed, the makeup on her face accentuating it. She took Simeon's arm, radiating confidence and feeling more beautiful than she had ever felt. There was no way this plan could ever fail.
"I can't believe you named it that," Lucifer shook his head as Barbatos climbed down from the ladder. A bright red banner hung in the air with the words "Fallen Star Dance" written in cursive, black letters.
Diavolo let out a jolly laugh, completely unfazed by his friend's reaction. "I think it's cute, Luci. A memento to you."
Lucifer just frowned harder and let out a sigh. "You know I hate it when you call me that."
"Oh, just have some fun tonight for a change. Don't be such a stick in the mud. It is your birthday present, after all," Diavolo smirked.
"I take it everything is to your satisfaction?" Barbatos asked them, putting the ladder away behind the stage.
"Yes."
"No." came both their responses. Barbatos cupped his chin in his fist and nodded to Diavolo.
"Shall I start letting the guests in, then?" Barbatos asked them. Lucifer just sighed and poured himself a drink, taking his place next to the food, since he knew Beel would go straight for it and devour everything. Diavolo nodded his approval and went to greet people at the door with Barbatos.
Lucifer almost choked on his drink as Asuna, hanging on to Simeon's arm strode through the door. The sight made his chest burn in a way he did not understand, and when Simeon leaned down to kiss her cheek and her face turned beet red, Lucifer could feel his hand crushing his cup. He watched as his brothers and others gathered around the couple.
"You look so pretty!" Luke chimed in, sounding like an excited school boy. She looked down at him with radiant eyes, giving him a loving pat on the head.
"Woah, Asuna, you look like something right out of Starmist Valley's twilight festival!" Levi said, wearing the excited expression he wore whenever someone mentioned Ruri-chan.
"Who did your hair and makeup? They look almost as good as the dress we picked out!" Asmo commented, taking photos with his phone.
"Asmo may have some competition tonight." Satan was looking at her curiously, a mixture of lust and contemplation on his face.
"Tss, she was beautiful before the makeover," Mammon said, hands on his hips and a frown on his face. Lucifer saw Satan smack him upside the head. The more he watched his brothers' interactions, the more embarrassed he felt. But was his embarrassment at their behaviour, or his own? Why did he both want to go join them and stay as far away as possible?
"Beel, save some for the rest of us," he commented when he saw his brother trying to sneak three platefuls of food out of the corner of his eye. Lucifer realized that the sad puppy dog face Beel now wore expressed Lucifer's feelings about Asuna perfectly, completely. He wanted nothing more in this moment than to have her glide over to him and ask him to dance, cursing himself that he wore nothing more than his school uniform and knew he would pale in comparison if seen next to her.
"Boys, boys, you're going to have to give it up, she's here with me tonight and we're due for a dance," Simeon chuckled. Was it Lucifer's imagination, or did Simeon just shoot him a wink? Simeon pulled Asuna away from the small crowd and joined the other couples on the dance floor, most of the brothers wearing sour expressions of jealousy.
"Wow, everyone looks so fancy tonight," Asuna commented as she twirled around the dance floor with Simeon, a single unit of graceful movement.
"And yet, they can't keep their eyes off you," he said kindly. He leaned in a little closer, right next to her ear and whispered, "including Lucifer."
"Really?" she gasped, looking down at her shoes to stop her from looking at Lucifer.
Simeon gently cradled her chin and lifted her head. "I was watching him when we came in. His eyes were all over you for a solid five minutes. And I saw him spill his drink. It was very funny," he giggled. "Allow me this, then we'll get food and drinks. It'll make him crazy," Simeon said, right before giving her a kiss. She was not prepared for it and could feel the blood rush to her face. "Go alone to grab the food, I'll get the drinks from the other table. Take your time. And look for me afterwards," he winked. She nodded once, then nervously walked in the direction of the food table, right towards Lucifer.
Asuna didn't dare look him in the eye; she instead pretended to be humming along to the song that was playing, despite not knowing the tune. She wanted him to make the first move. As slowly as her unsteady hands would let her, she chose items she thought looked good. But the silence between them dragged on, making her more nervous, and starting to make her feel like this plan wouldn't work if she didn't start talking first.
"Ahm, you should try this one," Lucifer commented, after what felt like an eternity of silence. She tried her best not to whip her head in his direction, choosing instead to slowly look towards him and smile first. He grabbed the tongs and put two small sausages on her plate.
"Thank you," she said politely, gazing into his eyes, silently begging him for more. More interaction, more reaction, more everything. They seemed frozen in place until he looked away first, shouting at Mammon to leave the statues alone. She turned her head back to the food and moved down to the other selections.
"Isn't it tradition for the man to get his date their food? You'll have to forgive Simeon, he probably doesn't know this," Lucifer commented nonchalantly.
"He doesn't know what I like, though," Asuna smiled, not taking her eyes off the food this time. He was so close to spilling his feelings, she could feel it.
"I do," he said, holding out his hand for her plate.
She eagerly handed it to him and commented that she didn't know all the dishes. He carefully selected things he thought she'd like based on what she already enjoyed, paying no mind to Simeon's tastes at all.
When Asuna again looked in his eyes with a thank you escaping her ruby lips, Lucifer felt his stomach lurch and quiver, almost dropping the plate.
"No more drinks for you tonight," she joked as she gently took the plate from his hands.
Asuna turning her back to him almost hurt. He had to resist the urge to grab her arm and pull her in close. "She's here with Simeon," he had to remind himself quietly, closing his eyes in disappointment at himself. Both for thinking about doing something like that and for not acting upon it. He knew it would never work between them. She was only here as an exchange student; he couldn't ask her to leave her life in the human world to be with him. He knew if he got even one little taste he'd never be able to let her go.
"Having fun yet?" Diavolo strode over, making Lucifer jump out of his thoughts.
"It's just a dance," Lucifer commented.
"I specifically requested that you have fun tonight," Diavolo joked. "Why don't you let Barbatos take over for a bit and grab some fresh air with me? It's as lovely outside as it is in here," he said slyly, eyeing up Asuna and Simeon, who were giggling and sharing the plate of food. Lucifer felt his arm raise a few inches, almost like he was trying to reach out to her.
"I could use a break," he sighed, following Diavolo to the balcony.
The night air on Lucifer's face seemed to bring him back to his senses. He took a deep breath in, and another, leaning against the railings and staring up at the night sky. "I haven't seen you looking this dishevelled since Lillith," Diavolo commented quietly.
"I'm just tired," Lucifer lied. "Been a busy week."
"I might have to start calling you Belphie," Diavolo laughed, joining his friend on the railing. "Or perhaps Levi," he said, giving Lucifer a sly, all-knowing look out of the corner of his eye. Diavolo saw his friend tense up at the words, but his next sentence was as cold as ever.
"And what, exactly, would peg me as jealous?"
"You could just say I've known you for a very long time," Diavolo commented, looking at the curtain that separated the dance floor from the balcony and refusing to meet Lucifer's stare. When Lucifer didn't speak, Diavolo broke the silence once more, sounding business-like and demanding. "Barbatos can handle the dance for the night. Go enjoy your birthday and have some fun. That is not a request, Lucifer." And he strode back inside, leaving a stunned Lucifer to gaze at the curtain from whence he disappeared.
The night was growing old. Asuna's feet were starting to ache from dancing with Simeon so much, who seemed to have endless energy. She'd danced with everyone she knew at some point, stopped to vote for best dressed demon, and had even taken a break on the balcony alone, but she still hadn't danced with the subject of her affection. She could feel her mood dropping as hope grew thinner the more the night wore on. Simeon pulled her back to the dinner tables and gave them both a small break as the DJ announced that there was only fifteen minutes left before the dance ended.
"I'm so sorry Asuna, it looks like tonight didn't go as planned," Simeon said, taking her hand in both of his, an apologetic frown forming on his face.
"It's not your fault," she commented. She glanced over at the table to see Barbatos standing where Lucifer had been the rest of the night. "I still had a ton of fun. Thank you for bringing me," she said, with all the kindness she could muster. Upon sweeping the room and not seeing hide nor hair of Lucifer, she could feel a lump form in her throat.
"Do you want me to walk you back to your room?" Simeon asked, his warm gaze stopping the tears before they had the chance to start.
She knew she would regret moping all night, so instead she decided to push those feelings away and enjoy the last few minutes she had with Simeon. She gave him a thankful smile and said, "Just one more dance."
"Right, and don't want to miss the cake afterwards!" he chimed in.
"Cake?" she said, surprised.
"Yes, it's Lucifer's birthday tomorrow. June 6th. This is his birthday party. Didn't you know that?"
"I-I did not," she stammered. "Lucifer must have stuck around, he wouldn't miss his own birthday cake, right?" she thought to herself, despite knowing full well that if he didn't want to be there, he'd leave.
A familiar melody brought her back to reality. She could feel excitement coursing through her as the music for the Demon Waltz started playing. She stood up and pulled Simeon onto the dance floor, happy that at least he was here to enjoy this, and that her practice would pay off, if not in the way she expected.
Asuna was so focused on the movements of the dance Beel had shown her, and so busy helping Simeon, who had never danced this dance before, that when someone tapped her shoulder, she jumped nearly a mile in the air as Simeon politely stepped away.
Before she could even turn to look, a smooth, low voice asked, "Can I have this dance?"
Lifting her head slowly to meet Lucifer's starry-eyed expression, a ray of sunshine for a smile, Asuna nodded her head, too excited to say anything.
Lucifer took her and led her around the room, his movements smooth as butter, much better at the dance than she ever dreamed she could be. One minute he couldn't take his eyes off her. Next, he looked away in embarrassment, slowly widening the gap between them, the blush in his cheeks unmistakable. He seemed to be fighting with himself, she needed to do something to put him at ease.
"Allow me," Asuna said, pulling Lucifer closer, putting all her concentration into her foot movement and keeping eye contact with him. She'd never seen his face look so bright, the beam of his smile making him look a hundred years younger. She could feel his confidence growing, and gradually, without realizing it, he began to lead them again, deciding to take his friend's advice to relax and enjoy himself.
"Happy birthday, old friend," Diavolo whispered to himself as he watched them dance, the star couple on the floor, unparalleled in chemistry. He felt good about his work tonight, and just hoped that Lucifer would start to be more honest with himself. And with Asuna.
Before she knew it, the dance had ended, a giant cake as tall as she was was served, and she was sitting next to Lucifer on a bench under the night sky as they both enjoyed the delicious devil's chocolate cake. "Happy birthday," she whispered, giving him a peck on the cheek before they both walked back into the dance hall.
"One last thing before we go," Diavolo announced over the loudspeaker. "It's time to announce the winner of the best dressed demon contest! If you could all give a big round of applause to Lucifer!" he laughed. The hall went dead silent as heads turned to look at Lucifer, dressed in his school uniform. "I'm just kidding folks, but be sure to wish him a happy birthday on your way out! Miss Asuna, if you could please come up here and claim your prize!"
"Bu-but I'm not a demon," she stammered.
"I don't make the rules, and the votes don't lie," he laughed. "As long as you're here, you're an honorary demon to us."
The crowd began to clap, Simeon, Luke, and Solomon all pulling her towards the stage, her stunned expression brightening. She shook hands with Diavolo as Barbatos handed her a small trophy with the words "Belle of the Ball" carved into it. It sort of felt like cheating, since she didn't do any of her own hair or makeup, or for that matter pick out her own dress.
She spotted Asmo in the crowd and gave him a guilty, but thankful smile, causing his sour expression to soften a little. She saw Levi, Satan, Beel, and Belphie all standing around him, clapping wildly, and Mammon avoiding looking at her.
As she stepped off the stage, the lights came on and illuminated the crowd. The floor was buzzing with people saying their goodbyes, the demon brothers hanging back to congratulate her on her win. Simeon joined them, looking curiously sad, lowering his head to her ear.
"He left," was all Simeon said. Asuna's head turned to where Lucifer had been seconds before, confirming his words.
"He probably just got swept up in the crowd," Satan commented when he noticed Asuna's slightly frantic expression. But as the crowd thinned more and more it became clear that he was no longer in their presence.
"That's strange. He usually sticks around to make us clean up. Well, if he's not here I guess that means we're off the hook!" Mammon said excitedly. But seeing Asuna's hurt expression made his face droop.
"He's probably in his room. Don't worry about the mess, we'll get it," Simeon said with his signature kindness, flashing an encouraging smile at her. She could feel the brothers groan at his words, all except Beel, whose face was buried in the last of the buffet food. "Guess that takes care of that part," Simeon laughed.
Asuna hesitated, conflicted over whether or not she should bother him. She'd spent all night hoping he'd choose her, and in the end, he chose to leave. What did she do? She had a feeling she wouldn't find the answers if she decided to chase him, for if he wasn't in the mood to share, he simply wouldn't. "I'll stay and help. It's not fair to make everyone else do the cleaning."
Not one to argue, Simeon just nodded his head and handed her a garbage bag, a look of disappointment at her decision heavy behind his gaze.
With the eight of them and the powerhouse organizer that was Barbatos at the helm, the clean up took no time at all. A mere hour later, she found herself alone, standing outside Lucifer's bedroom door, too afraid to knock. Melancholy piano music floated from under his door, a soft medley that made her feel tired and downtrodden, as she wondered if Lucifer was ever going to give her a chance, or if she was simply a desperate dog chasing a speeding car.