For the Sake of a Smile (v.2) Chapter Nine
Title: For the Sake of a Smile (Revised)
Overall Rating: Mature (18+)
Chapter Rating: T for teen.
Trigger warnings: Nothing beyond the child abuse hinted in the series, though we do explore the consequences a bit more.
Main Pairing: Balam Shichiro/Reader
Summary: Hell on earth was your motto for your job. Granted, you were pretty sure earth really was hell, considering the shit you had seen in your life. And the fact your coworker was a child.
A child named Suzuki Iruma, in fact. A kid who’s life was decidedly worse than yours, but yet he smiled despite everything. It wasn’t long after meeting him that you decided you’d do a lot for his smile. Including summoning a literal demon and signing your soul away.
But as it turns out, hell (The Netherworld, actually) was a lot better than living on earth. Demons were more humane than a lot of humans you knew.
And Iruma’s smile wasn’t the only one that would change your life.
Masterlist | Ao3| Mairimashitai! Simps Discord
The rest of the final day had been an insane whirlwind, making you bite your nails as you kept an eye on Iruma as well as the rest of the Misfit teams. It had been a stressful race to the deadline, and you had feared that despite all of it, Iruma and Lied hadn't won.
Only for Jazz to protest, sealing their victory.
When you saw Iruma, you automatically broke out into a run. The boy barely had time to prepare before you snatched him up in a crushing hug.
"Mom!" He squeaked as you squeezed him tightly, causing you to reluctantly release him.
"I'm sorry, I'm just so excited for you!" You explained as you took a step back. And while you were excited for him, that was only partially the reason for the urge to fuss over him.
You didn't want to explain how terrified you had been, or how you still had those dark feelings of being a failed parent. They were pushed deep away in the corner of your mind, but still hung around like a dark shadow.
His beaming smile eased some of the anxiety before Iruma closed the distance between you to give you a bearhug. You quickly reciprocated the hug, and went as far as to press a kiss to his messy blue hair. "I'm so proud of you, kiddo. So very, very proud."
"Thank you," He answered quietly, face still pressed tight against your shoulder. "Thank you so much for being my mom."
Your heart squeezed in your chest as tight as you squeezed him, words failing you. How do you even respond to that, especially in public? You wanted to cry, to tell him how honored you were, how much you loved him. How much it meant to you to hear him say that.
"Hey, I helped too, Ms. Suzuki!" Lied chimed in with a teasing tone.
You pulled away from Iruma once again, covering Iruma as he rubbed his eyes while you focused on the blonde demon. "You're right, you did!" You grinned before pulling him in for a hug as well. "I'm proud of you too! Both of you did an amazing job!"
Lied's face was a bright red, though you didn't miss the almost-bashful smile on his face after he pulled away. "Of course we did! Lil' bro and I make the best team."
"Oh? Lil' bro?" That was news to you, and you were about to playfully grill the two about it before Clara seemed to appear out of nowhere, wrapping her arms around your shoulders as she pounced on your back.
"Iru-mama!"
Soon the whole Misfit class was swarming both the 'young kings' of the Harvest Festival as well as yourself.
You couldn't help but compliment all of them on their strategies and attempts to win the festival, earning varied flustered but glowing smiles at your praise. They all did their best, and you could easily see how much they had grown stronger underneath the special tutelage given to them.
And while Iruma would always hold a special part of your heart, you were filled with that maternal pride for all of them. You didn't care what others may think, but the Misfit class certainly stood above the rest of the students in their year, and you couldn't wait to see what they accomplished next.
--+--
The end of the Harvest festival was celebrated with a large banquet. The dining hall of the first year tower filled with students, faculty, and of course - food. Everyone was enjoying the break, the excuse to let loose and have fun.
Except you.
Within minutes of arriving, you realized Momonoki and Rami were hunting you for the infamous ‘girl talk’. You had barely escaped them the first time, and felt like a mouse being hunted by two starving cats.
Yes, you had vowed to set the record straight, but that was before everything became a wild mess. You were in no state to confront those two.
So, despite your reservations, you searched out Balam in the crowd, knowing he would help you without question - hopefully, at least - because you really didn't want to explain to him why you were so determined not to talk to the two tonight.
As it turned out, Kalego was standing close to Balam and apparently using him to ward off others as well. A small part of you balked, worried how the other teacher would react to your situation, but you had no other alternative.
"Please, hide me!" You begged as you approached, glancing left and right for a hint of pale blue or deep violet.
"What?" Kalgeo answered for Balam, though the taller demon seemed just as confused by your desperate plea.
But there was no time to explain. Not when you caught sight of Momonoki's signature ponytail next to Raim's horns. Without hesitating, you ducked between the two male demons and hid between them and the wall.
"Speak of the devils," Raim's voice carried as she approached, and you could only press closer to Balam - hoping you were out of sight. "Have you two seen our little librarian running around here?"
"We haven't," Kalego answered as he stepped closer to Balam, surprising you. You hadn't been expecting him to cover for you so easily. "She likely went home, seeing how the Chairdemon and Opera are absent."
"Hmmm, maybe," Momonoki replied after a moment, sounding somewhat convinced. "She doesn't socialize much - well, at least the rest of the faculty. You're pretty chummy with her, aren't you, Balam?"
Your blood ran cold at the insinuating tone in her voice. Oh god. No, no, no.
"I suppose," Balam answered. "We do share an interest in imaginary creatures. She actually has some interesting thoughts! From what she had studied, she believes that the human realm's avians are related to ancient dragons called 'dine sars'. Which, considering the close relationship between the Netherworld dragons and bird-types, I…"
"I think I hear my students calling me," Raim interrupted, sounding rather frantic. "Come on, Momonoki!"
You waited until you could feel Balam relax before peeking your head around his side carefully. His hand rested on your hair, ruffling it reassuringly as you looked up at him.
"And they call me antisocial," Kalego sighed, sipping at his glass. "At least I don't actively hide from my peers."
"Any other time, I would argue that," You shot back; wanting to defend your actions but at the same time, not wanting to mention The Rumor to them if at all possible. "But… I never had female friends before. They kinda scare me."
That wasn't quite the truth, but they both seemed to accept it.
"They can both be intense at times," Kalego acknowledged. "Of course that never seemed to stop you befo--"
His words were cut off by a sudden flash of light as he disappeared, and across the hall there was a loud cheer of 'Eggy-Sensei!' by many students.
"Oh dear," Balam sighed. "I guess Iruma must have Summoned him."
You could only imagine how upset Kalego was, or wonder what could convince Iruma to summon his familiar. But, those thoughts were quickly pushed aside with the more pressing matter that you were once again alone with Balam.
Okay, so the hall was packed with students and teachers alike, but none particularly close by. Before, it would have never bothered you. Hell, you would have preferred it; though you didn't mind Kalego's company either.
Yet with The Rumor repeating itself in the back of your mind like a broken record, it made you especially nervous. Was everyone noticing you two standing together, and that once again Balam's hand was in your hair as you remained overly close to him? Were they gossiping and whispering about the relationship between you?
"Were you able to see the Legendary Leaf?" He asked, dragging you out of your thoughts.
"Er, not before it transformed," You answered. "I heard it looked like a Salamander flower with an even dopier expression on its face."
Balam pulled his phone out, and from your vantage point you could see the gallery of saved images: many cute looking animals surrounded by the forest.
You probably should have stepped away from him - put more space between you - yet it was too hard. Not when he was happily going over the different animals in the pictures, like the Patched Cows with a calf, or a whole nest of Snuggling Squirrels.
Then near the end was a long series of what you presumed was the Legendary Leaf; a black, very dopey looking… thing. You really didn't know how else to describe the chubby creature at the end of a long, thin stem; Its eyes almost cartoonishly out of focus.
"No one has seen the Legendary Leaf since it was created," Balam explained as you studied the picture. "Lord Derkila left the Seed of Beginning and the Pot of Ending with the school for the Harvest Festival shortly before his disappearance with strict instructions on how it was to be hidden. In the decades that have followed, no one has been able to cause the Legendary Leaf to bloom - or even find the two objects."
It only made you even prouder of Iruma - which you hadn't thought was possible.
Speaking of which, he flipped to the next picture and froze. It was a shot of you hugging Iruma and Lied, sakura petals drifting in the air around you.
"I, uh, well," He started, face turning pink again when you looked up at him.
"I love it, could you send that to me?" You reassured, though felt your own face heating up as well, the tempo of your heart increasing its pace.
Once again, The Rumor whispered in your ear. But…would it be so bad, being in a relationship with Balam?
No, you would love to have a more intimate relationship with him. More than anything, you wished that was possible.
It was your rational mind that reminded you that you were separate species and that he was well aware of that fact; any possible signs of his attraction could be explained away as an enthusiast studying and learning more of their passion. His skinship habit meant any physical touches could have an entirely platonic meaning.
You were reading way too much into this - The Rumor and your own feelings affecting your perspective.
You didn't want to ruin the friendship that had developed between you. Plus the fact you hadn't realized how touch-starved you had been until now, and the thought of being devoid of his friendly touches made your heart ache. Even if they were platonic with no other motive, you loved being able to be so easily physically affectionate.
You were going to kill Sullivan and Opera when you got home for ruining this.
"O-of course! I'd be happy to." He quickly busied himself with sending the image, and you took the opportunity to take a step away - putting space between you and him as you scanned the crowd for lingering eyes.
Who else had heard? Who else was presuming you were in a relationship with Balam?
Did they frown upon it, as Momonoki implied they would? Or did they silently encourage it?
And really, what did your fake backstory matter to them? Did the Netherworld really not have single mothers, or did they not look for a second significant other after their first? It seemed odd, considering how their other social aspects seemed more progressive. But they were also very hierarchical.
Was that an issue? The fact you were 'unranked' and he was rank eight--Khet, if you remembered correctly. Was that the equivalent of a pauper and a lord forging a relationship?
Not that it would ever happen….
Your phone beeped startling you out of your thoughts to the point you actually jumped a bit.
"Are you alright?" Balam asked when you fumbled with your phone, saving the picture he had sent you. "I can understand not wanting to be roped into a conversation with Momonoki and Raim, but… you seem very on edge."
"It's nothing!" You quickly defended, sidestepping to avoid his hand as he reached out to reassure you. The expression on his face - or at least what you could see - about broke you, but… you couldn't give The Rumor more fuel than you already had. "Its-its nothing. I'm just, uh, worn out after everything. Could you tell Iruma I'll see him when he gets home if he happens to ask?"
Without waiting for an answer, you rushed towards the exit. You hated this, hated the confusing mess of thoughts and feelings rattling around in your head. Hated the fact it could irreparably damage your relationship with Balam.
You were going to kill Sullivan and Opera.
-+-
Balam watched you leave, the Buzzer ability ringing in his ears.
There was definitely something wrong, he could tell that even without his bloodline ability. Was it just nerves left over from the Harvest Festival? Or was something else going on?
Whatever it was, he hoped it passed soon, and things went back to normal. He wouldn't be so preoccupied with tutoring Asmodeus and Sabnock, so he was eager to spend more time with you…
Granted, with the fall molt approaching, maybe that wasn't such a wise idea…
--+--
The doors slammed open with a thunderous boom when you reached home. "Sullivan!" You yelled. "Opera!"
Both froze, mid-decorating the entrance hall for Iruma. "Yes, princess?" Sullivan answered warily, taking in your enraged expression.
"What the actual fuck?!" You swore, slamming your overnight bag down--things you had needed in the forest. "Why?! Why would you do that?"
"Well, mainly it was just to give you and Balam a little nudge," Sullivan replied meekly, eyes downcast as his hands knitted together in embarrassment.
Yet despite his reaction your fury barely calmed. "A nudge?! Why? We-we're just friends. There is nothing between us!" You gestured wildly as you paced the hallway, the anxiety and frustration bubbling and demanding release. "Yet now I'm sure half the school thinks otherwise! You do realize that Raim and Momonoki both love to gossip, right? Hell, I'm new here and I already know that!"
While Sullivan was chastened by your anger, Opera - as always - barely seemed fazed. "You both are obviously fond of each other. More than allies usually are. You both just need to realize and admit it."
"I may be fond of him, but we all know Balam. He isn't going to be interested in me like that. He's fully aware that I'm human! He's never going to see me as anything more than a source of knowledge for the earthly realm. Some weak but priceless creature to fuss over and protect." By the end of your tirade, you had worked yourself into a rather hysterical panic; all the stress, fears, and anxieties pouring out. Tears stung your eyes, your heart pounding.
It both helped as well as pushed you closer to crying as Sullivan quickly gathered you into his arms, pulling you into a tight hug. "Oh, sweetheart, you don't actually think that, do you?"
"Yes! No - I don't know!" You answered, burying your face in the fluff of his collar. "I can't get my hopes up, or even take that risk. Everything is perfect as it is, I shouldn't want more."
"My sweet dear girl, that goes against everything a demon is," Sullivan said as he stroked your hair tenderly. "We constantly strive after our ambitions, and never settle for anything less. Look at Iruma, striving to be the best he can be. Don't let the fear of failing stop you from chasing what you desire."
You stayed silent as you clung to him, seeking that paternal reassurance while also mulling over his words. Ambition? As much as you loved the fact Iruma was able to adapt so well to the Netherworld, you found it so much harder to leave behind the lessons you had learned on Earth. Especially the lesson that you should be content with what you had, else your selfishness will cause you to lose it all.
How many times did you see others take risks and gamble because they wanted more, only to lose everything -- sometimes even their own life.
And you had more than you could ever dream of. How could you dare to risk this?
The door opened, causing you to pull away from Sullivan. Iruma looked confused by the half-decorated hall, and then you looked as if you were minutes from crying your eyes out.
"Mom?" He asked, and you quickly wiped your eyes and offered a smile.
"Hey, welcome home!" You opened your arms widely, as if you felt far happier than you actually did. "Heh, I, um, interrupted gramps and Opera from finishing their decorations. Sorry about that…."
Opera popped a confetti popper, trying to break the mood. Instead, tears gathered in Iruma's bright blue eyes and before you knew it, you and Sullivan were both pulled into a hug, his hand waving towards Opera to join in. Which, they did, with a very feline-like sigh - though their ears betrayed their happiness to be included.
"I'm happy to be home," He confessed, relieving your worries that your own tears had upset him."I-I'm just so happy to be home."
"We're happy you're home as well," Sullivan said softly, pulling everyone closer.
This. This was why you couldn’t take the risk. You had everything you needed right here.
--+--
Hours later, you retired to your room; happy to flop back on the plush bed, surrounded with the soft silence of home instead of the forest nightlife just outside the tent walls, faculty talking near constantly in the background.
Knowing that just down the hall, Iruma was safe and sound. Sullivan was close by, as was Opera. Everyone that had become like family.
Your peaceful rest was interrupted by a soft knock at the door before it cracked open. You looked up as Iruma poke his head. "Hey, um, can I come in?"
You quickly sat up. "Yeah, of course," You answered easily enough, though you couldn't help but worry. "Is something wrong?"
Iruma worried his lip as he walked over and sat on the edge of the extra large bed. "That's actually what I wanted to ask."
You tilted your head, keeping silent to encourage him to continue. He fiddled with his hands a little bit before taking a deep breath. "I noticed that tonight, both at the celebration and at dinner you've been… preoccupied. And it made me realize I've been so caught up with my friends and everything, that we don't talk like we used to. I miss that. And…" He trailed off, looking down at his lap. "And I worry that we're not as close as we used to be."
"Oh, honey," You sighed before scooting closer to him to pull him into a hug, resting your head on his. "It's nothing like that. I'm so happy you have friends now; that you're able to just be a kid and not forced into being an adult. As for what's been bugging me, it's nothing for you to worry about, okay?"
He leaned into your embrace. "But you used to tell me things that bothered you before; from coworkers, our boss, even just random things."
You smiled softly at that, twinging your fingers with his. Both sets bore scars from working in the factory, gutting fish all day. More than once, both of you nicked your fingers with the knives; from shallow cuts to deep ones.
His hands weren't shaped like yours, yet they looked a lot alike in that sense. A bond borne not of blood, but circumstances. Yet it ran deeper than you could even imagine.
"Remember when Boss wanted you to move to another station with that idiot? I can't remember his name now, but I do remember he couldn't tell Tuna from Carp. And I knew it was 'cause Boss wanted you to pick up his slack and do twice the duty."
Iruma chuckled a bit. "They could hear you outside the office, swearing up a storm worse than the sailors when they came in. Everyone was whispering about you being a mother hen again."
"Damn right I was being a mother hen!" You pulled back so you could smile down at him. "I wasn't about to let them misuse you any more than they already did. At least when you were with me, I could keep an eye on you! You go out on the ship one time, and here we are, in the literal Netherworld with our souls sold to a demon. But you know what?"
"What?"
You pressed a kiss to his forehead before smoothing down his unruly blue hair. "I wouldn't change one thing. You are the best thing that's ever happened in my life, and I will always be grateful for that."
Tears filled his eyes again, and he quickly threw his arms around you. You pulled him tight, rocking him lightly. "We may not be bound by blood, Iruma dear. But ever since day one, I think I’ve known deep down you were meant to be my son. It just took a deal with the devil to make it happen."
He snorted at that. "Grandpa is hardly the devil."
You sighed, smiled fading lightly. With Sullivan apparently happy to propagate The Rumor, you were beginning to wonder. Still, both he and Opera seemed to have good intentions.
The saying went 'the road to hell was paved with good intentions', though you weren't quite sure how that proverb stood when you were already in hell.
Because of your own good intentions.
Iruma sensed your thoughts wandering and pulled away. "...are you sure you won't tell me what's bothering you?” He asked softly, bringing your attention back to him.
Oh no.
He had his puppy's eyes in effect. His already large blue eyes somehow wider and more innocent - looking on the verge of hurt - and looking towards you for help. You tried to close your eyes, but the pleading expression was burned into your memory.
"It's just a rumor" You finally broke with a sigh. "Your wonderful grandfather thought he was being helpful when he and Opera kinda shared with a few of the faculty that Professor Balam and I are courting - or, er, dating."
The puppy-eyed expression disappeared, to your relief, and was replaced with mild confusion. "Wait, Grandpa and Opera started that rumor?"
Wait. "You've heard it already?" Oh, god. How far had it reached? Did the entire school know by now?!
"Maybe?" He offered, his cheeks turning pink. "I mean, the rest of my class have been wondering the same thing for a long time, to be honest…"
"What?!" You screeched.
"Well, everyone else is scared of Professor Balam except for Kalego. Even the other teachers seemed to avoid him. And then Sabnock and Asmodeus admitted tonight that you were frequently dropping by during their training…."
You hadn't even thought of that. Sullivan and Opera didn't need to say anything, apparently. You rubbed your face with a groan, wishing that you had heard that little fact tomorrow instead of today. Because now there was definitely no way you were getting sleep.
"To be honest, I was happy," Iruma continued after a moment, shocking you. You looked up and saw him smiling to himself as he looked down at his lap. "I mean, Professor Balam is one of the nicest people I've ever met. And I could tell you're really happy when you're talking with him. So, I’ve kinda been rooting for you two."
A thousand thoughts and emotions fought inside you, leaving you speechless for a long moment. "You… you don't think it's weird? A human and a demon?" You finally voiced softly.
He shook his head. "No! Not at all! And Professor Balam knows you’re human, and he's always so cautious around both of us. He'd take good care of you. Besides, there's no other humans down here but us, and I want you to be happy."
You wiped away the tears in your eyes and pulled him into another hug. "When did you get wise beyond your years yet again?"
"My mom taught me well," Was his muffled reply, making you squeeze him tighter.
"She could stand to listen to her own advice then, huh?"
--+-- Su-Ki-Ma--+--
The next morning you stumbled into the kitchen, drawn by the delicious smells.
You swore no one could cook like Opera, not even the amazing staff in the kitchens of Babyls.
Opera still wouldn't let you help much in the kitchens, but you had finally learned it wasn't because they were being possessive of the kitchen, they were apparently doing it more to protect you and the rest of the household from your attempts.
Cooking in the Netherworld required mana to make things edible, apparently. Iruma with his ring had just a bit of difficulty brewing tea, but it was drinkable; unlike your own mess.
"I was hoping you would be down," Opera stated as you plopped next to the small kitchen table as they quickly appeared with a steaming pot of tea. "I wanted to talk with you."
You made a noise to indicate you were listening, even if you weren't quite awake. To your surprise, Opera took the seat across from you, hand folded on the table and their yellow eyes piercing.
There was a brief moment of panic as you worried you had messed up somewhere; and while Sullivan was too kind to scold you, Opera certainly wouldn't have any qualms. Afterall, they were both Lord Sullivans right-hand as well as security demon.
"Shichiro, as well as Kalego, are my kohai," They started. "I'm not sure if humans have something similar to the term, but they are as precious to me as Lord Sullivan is."
Well, kohai - or underclassmen - were a thing in the human realm, but it varied culture to culture and you had a feeling it was far more significant here than where you were from. But you kept those thoughts to yourself and merely nodded your head.
"I wanted you to be aware that if I thought you would be a bad mate for Shichiro, I would not be participating in Lord Sullivan’s plans," They continued, making you flush and start to protest, to which they held up a hand to silence you. "I'm aware you aren't pleased with our interference, but let me continue. Shichiro is a very unique demon, to say the least, and I had thought he would be content with his role as a professor and guardian of Babyls. But I see now, it would take an equally unique person to catch his attention, as you have done."
"...you really think he's interested in me?" You quietly interrupted, and Opera gave a short nod.
"I've known him since his first year of Babyls when I took him and Kalego as my kohai. In the many years since, I have never seen him take such interest in a person. But, I digress. I had just wanted to assure you that your fears are unfounded, because if you weren't suited for him, I would be sure to make it clear."
That last bit… sounded rather like a threat, especially paired with unblinking eyes and annoyed twitch of their tail and ears.
"Okay," You answered meekly. "I-I'll be sure to keep that in mind."
They nodded again before standing. "And that I agree with Lord Sullivan, your children are going to be absolutely adorable. I'll have to contact his mother. Shichiro was extremely cute as a child - although a bit of a handful, if I remember her stories right."
They left you to gawk in silence as your mind was invaded by thoughts of children. With Balam.
"Can- can humans and demons even, you know, reproduce?" You squeaked without thinking, and earned a very slight smile from the feline demon.
"Legends say they can, but you know who the expert in that field is. Perhaps you should ask him."
Right. Balam was the expert in imaginary creature history. But… asking him…if humans and demons… could have kids.
That was even worse than asking him about courting.
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