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Solomon paced his room at Purgatory hall, shoes clicking insistently against the floorboards; the background music to his internal turmoil. This wouldn't do. He had hoped his small gift of magic blooming flowers would bring a smile to Mc's face today, but this was not the case. They had looked so sad as they politely declined his romantic gesture, rushing quickly out to hide the tears he had glimpsed building in their eyes. It had been unfortunate and unexpected that Satan was at lunch with them, perhaps if he were not it would have turned out differently.
Mc's kind face was usually so full of joy, especially around him, but since Mc had confessed feelings for both Satan and himself, they had seemed so tense and unsure. The smallest of sweet gestures even hinting towards romantic feelings seemed to trigger immense guilt for Mc. Solomon runs his hands through his silver hair before dropping down onto his bed with a groan, resting his face in his hands.
Mc had started as just a fellow human in the devildom with him, but much to his surprise, had quickly and permanently cemented a special place in his heart. They brightened his every day. Each moment he was excited for the next moment they would get to spend together. They were, by most textbook standards, an average human. But he had found so much more than just a human without magic. He had found a fiercely loyal and kind friend, someone brave, yet still so compassionate with a heart full of curiosity and love. If he were honest with himself, Solomon knew he had well and truly fallen head over heels in love with them. And, by some miracle, his feelings seemed to be returned by the object of his affection. So why were they now in so much pain? Why was this hard?
Satan. Satan was why, though, the sorcerer could hardly begrudge the demon for his feelings for Mc, nor would he hold Mc's feelings for Satan against them. Love was a beautiful thing. So why not celebrate and rejoice its every occurrence? Solomon, for all his pursuit of things he desired, was not a greedy or selfish man. He could never require the object of his affections to only pursue him, if their heart desired more.
Solomon shakes his head, jaw clenched as he ruminates. No, he couldn't just sit here and lament, not when mc was likely in just the same state. He looks up, gazing intently at the many clocks lining his walls. Judging from the current time and the way the day had played out, he knew where he likely needed to look.
- - -
The halls of the great library were littered with loitering demons, but they were of no interest to Solomon today. He strides with purpose through the mazes of shelves, past nooks and crannies, tables hidden out of sight, books of every age and contents. Normally this was a place Solomon took great care in memorising every detail. People watching had always been a keen interest of the sorcerer's, and one of the greatest collections of written knowledge in all the three realms provided a most interesting place to do so. He revelled in the information that could be gleaned here, and not only from the infinite pages. While that was not his goal today, his time spent here doing so, told him exactly where to go.
He rounds bends of shelves, passing through a magically concealed passage, and up an old spiral staircase. This section of the library was always dead quiet, tucked away from the bustle and hushed sounds of the rest of the building. The tomes were older than most, and many wore a fine coat of dust. Solomon reaches out and touches them fondly as he ascends the stairs, cautious to avoid the steps too eaten by rust through the fine filigree of metal work.
He takes a moment to quietly observe as he reaches the landing. It had a cozy charm, this little hidden nook. It was not the only hidden place in this vast library, but it certainly seemed to be a favourite of a certain demon, especially in times of turmoil. The old wooden door atop the stairs was left ajar, a beam of artificial sunlight from the wide bay window spilling through, as well as the quiet, distant bird song from outside. Despite his uncertainty of how this situation would play out, it still brought a smile to his face. The first time he had discovered this room, he couldn't help but think it was just like a cat to find the highest point, quiet, undisturbed and tucked away, full of warmth and light, to make yourself a cozy nest away from the world. So it had not surprised Solomon when he had noticed Satan stealing away here after fights with Lucifer. The demon was more like his favourite animal than he realised.
He knocks twice before entering the room, closing the door behind himself from habit. Satan didn't look up from his book, perched on the bench against the bright open window. His face was schooled into its normal look of formal politeness, but his blonde brows slightly furrowed, green eyes stormier than usual. To the casual onlooker Satan was his usual self, pouring over a book, but the sorcerer could clearly see the demon was distressed. His hair messy, shirt partly undone, tie pulled down and crooked, jacket of his uniform discarded haphazardly across the small table. His grip was uncharacteristically tight, far more rough than he usually treated his treasured books.
"If you knew to look for me here, then you also know I come here to be alone." Satan states coldly. "Yes, I am aware of that." Solomon replies, not taking heed of the unsubtle suggestion to leave. Much to the demon's displeasure, the sorcerer pulls out the chair by the table and makes himself comfortable. "That was not an invitation to join me." Satan snaps, slamming the book closed and turning his formidable scowl to Solomon.
"Yes, I know that too. But I thought we ought to talk-" Solomon replies calmly, cut off part way through his sentence. "And I would want to talk to you why, exactly?" Satan snorts, dropping the book on the table, sending up a cloud of dust up in front of the sorcerer, glittering in the enchanted light.
"You're upset. And if I were not so personally involved, I would hope you could talk to me about it, as your friend." Solomon says gently, reaching out to place a hand on Satan’s arm. "But, as I am personally involved, who better to talk to? How else is this to be resolved?" Solomon asks him, silver eyes searching the demon's deep green. Satan shrugs off the sorcerer's hand, crossing his arms as he fixes him in his glare. "Resolve this? Resolve what, Solomon?" He spits.
"You are hurting, so am I. But more importantly, I know you have not missed how deeply MC is hurting. And if you care for them, then you will work with me to resolve that. I will not stand by and watch them in pain, and if you intend to do so, then you are not the man I thought you to be." Solomon states bluntly, frustration bleeding into his usually reserved tone.
Satan's hand comes up to pinch the bridge of his nose, face scrunched in a very Lucifer-esque manner. "And you propose we do that, how?" He asks with a defeated sigh. "I do not wish to see them in pain, let alone be the cause. But I'm at a loss. I stay away from Mc and they seem distraught. I treat them as my friend and they seem to long for more. I make the smallest romantic gesture, and I get shot down." he states, free hand gesturing to the book of poetry crumpled on the floor against the wall, pages strewn open, decorative ribbon torn.
"Ah, I see your gift went over as well as mine then. I have tried the same, with the same results. It seems they are not happy without either or us, nor with. But.. what if we altered our approach to a more united front?" Solomon asks, watching him carefully for his reaction.
Satan rests his chin in his hand, legs crossed beneath him, leaning against the warm glass of the window. "What exactly do you mean by 'united front'?" He asks, blonde eyebrow raised skeptically.
"I mean exactly what I say. United; The two of us, in a relationship with Mc. Unless you begrudge them their feelings towards me?" Solomon asks, holding his own chin in his hand as his gaze scrutinises the silent demon, who's eyebrows had shot up in surprise."Oh come on, since when do demons default to monogamy? Mc, like all beings, can control their actions only, not feelings. Which is exactly what I believe the issue has been. Mc has felt guilty for their feelings and in not wanting to hurt either of us, has been keeping us both at arms length. Why is this so complex? Surely you agree this is a sound solution?" The sorcerer implores.
Satan takes a moment before responding with a sigh. "It's not that I'm defaulting to monogamy, nor do I take issue with mc's love for you, though, this would be much easier if they did not feel that way." Satan lifts his hand up parallel to Solomon's face, index finger upright, shushing the protest he anticipated. "But, with that said, it is as you say. Feelings cannot be controlled. And their love is not 'wrong', for either of us. It is complex because it likely goes against how Mc was raised. I am not opposed to polyamory; Infact, it is something I have always supported… however, how do you know Mc is of the same mind? If they were not opposed to the idea, then why this turmoil? I do not believe they will agree." Satan states matter of factly, green eyes deep in thought.
"Surely the two of us can persuade them? I do not feel Mc is against polyamory, just not used to the idea, and likely not realising it as an option. Let's extend the offer, show them how we feel on the matter. And if they do not accept, so be it. At least we tried. Though, I do believe they will accept it, if it comes from the both of us together." Solomon counters, leaning further forward in his chair.
"Okay."
"Okay...?"
"I am in agreeance with you, Solomon. Perhaps a united front between us to prove to MC their feelings are both valid and fully reciprocated is the best course of action. Maybe in knowing our views they can proceed without the guilt of having to betray either of us. I accept your proposition." Satan expands, green eyes serious as he tilts his head.
"Excellent!" Solomon exclaims, a wide smile breaking across his lips as he stands and clasps Satan's shoulder, causing the demon to startle at his excitement. "Here's to a wonderful relationship blooming between us." Solomon laughs with a wink as he turns to leave.
"Ah, hold on. I agreed to a relationship with Mc only," Satan says with exasperation as he shakes his head. "And I don't believe we are done here. I would like to plan our approach as a coordinated effort."
"Ah yes, very well." The sorcerer replies with a chuckle at himself for getting carried away. Neatening his cape, he takes his seat again, crossing an ankle over his knee. "Do you have anything in mind for our dearly beloved?"
"Why do I feel you are going to be insufferable? They have not agreed to a relationship yet, so let's not with the pet names." Satan groans, shaking his head, slender fingers coming up to massage his temple. "I do not have anything specific in mind, but I would like to do something romantic and genuine to show the sincerity of our feelings when we talk to them. Perhaps a date, or gift. It would be nice to not have one turned down." he muses.
"Mm, I agree." Solomon says, ignoring Satan's complaint. "Why not plan a romantic date and a gift then? Something that has flair and sentiment from both of us."
Satan nods his approval as he shifts to a more comfortable position on the window seat.
"There are many beautiful places here in the Devildom I've wanted to experience with Mc. The Midnight Cascading Falls are said to be spectacular. That could be quite romantic, and private too, I believe" Solomon suggests.
"Beautiful, yes. But, also difficult to get to and quite secluded. A future date perhaps, but getting mc to agree to meet us there now would be challenging. And I would really rather not involve my brothers, so let's please choose something where their help in getting Mc to the location would not be required." Satan asks, lips turned down into a scowl as he runs through all the ways in which his family could mess up such a simple task.
The sorcerer chuckles at the irritation on Satan's face already from the imagined scenario of the brother's lively antics. "Perhaps that would be wise." he agrees with amusement. "So, if we were to stay somewhere close by and familiar… Perhaps the lake by the castle? Mc seems quite fond of it, and it does have a lovely view. I'm sure I could persuade Diavolo to close it to the public for the day, allow us to have a moment without distraction nor interruptions?" Solomon suggests.
"Yes. Mc always looks so happy and at peace when they spend time by the lake. It seems to be a favourite place of theirs to study or catch up on reading. Regardless of what shenanigans my brothers pull while we hang out, they seem so content." He agrees, fond smile pulling at his lips as memories of all the times they had spent there together play in his mind.
"Well, location is settled then" Solomon says with a soft smile as he observes the affection for Mc clear on Satan's face. "I could have barbatos help me prepare a picnic and somewhere nice for us to sit. I do have some new recipes I'd like to try. Keep it more low-key? Or, I could muster up some breathtaking fireworks that we could view from the center of the lake. I've been working on transportation spells, so that coupled with some transmutation could make for a beautiful boat of light for us to use" he offers.
"Maybe hold off on the magic tricks" Satan snorts. "Low-key would be preferable. I would like our offer not to be lost among some showy attraction. And… I will prepare some beverages and snacks. You can bring a nice blanket for us to use." He compromises, hoping to save himself and Mc the pain of Solomon's cooking.
The sorcerer's face falls at the denial of his request. "If you insist, though, I'm sure we would all enjoy some homemade Bitter Spawn muffins and Vile Hound wine atop a spellcraft vessel on the lake…" he sighs. "We can put a pin in that plan for another time, then." he reluctantly agrees.
"...sure." Satan placates. "Location and activity are planned then. That should allow us some quiet and quality time with Mc to set our thoughts and feelings straight. I believe that is an evening they would truly love. So then, what of a gift?"
"Well, I suppose it depends on what you wish the gift to convey?" Solomon muses.
"Hmm... Well, I would like it to be something of value to all three of us. And, I would like nothing more than for it to be something that brings a smile to Mcs face each time they see it." Satan ponders, staring out the window as he thinks.
"A tall order… Though, I suppose we do all have enough in common. I too would like it to be something Mc can look on fondly and think of us. But what would that be? I do not believe flowers and books will hit the mark. What gift would bring you joy each time you saw it?" Solomon asks.
"A cat." Satan says without thinking, causing Solomon to burst out with laughter. "What?! It's not that ridiculous. It would bring me immense joy. We all like cats, and I'm sure Mc would feel the same as I do." Satan justifies, looking away from the sorcerer as his cheeks flush pink.
"OK, yes, that one's on me for not expecting that quite obvious answer from you. Satan, I'm not dealing with Lucifer’s wrath purely so you can have a cat at the House of Lamentation" Solomon laughs, shaking his head.
"It would be so Mc could have a cat, actually" Satan huffs with a scowl. "Tell me there's any other gift you can think of that makes Mc's face light up as brightly as when they are around sweet kitties?"
Solomon continues to bubble with laughter at Satan's determination to defend his idea, but it slowly dies down to an amused smirk, pale cheeks colouring with blush. The cat loving demon was not wrong. His heart thudded just a little harder as he recalled the sheer contagious joy Mc had each time he saw them at the local cat Cafe. There was nothing comparable to how beautiful they were when their eyes glittered like that, how much their smile brightened a room.
"I was m ore thinking of a piece of jewellery from us both.. but, astoundingly, I think I agree with you. I cannot come up with anything else that brings them as much joy" Solomon confesses.
Satan's face lights up, grin wide as he leaps up from his seat. "Wonderful! If we hurry we can make it to the local shelter before closing. I can call in some favours with the staff to stay back. That should give us enough time to make a thorough decision" he gushes, urging Solomon out of his seat.
Solomon chuckles at his enthusiasm, rising from his chair without complaint. "Now I believe it is you who is getting carried away. We will only be adopting a cat if we find just the right one, and it will be a gift to Mc, shared between us; However, it is to stay with me at Purgatory Hall, and you both may visit" he emphasises.
Satan pulls an unimpressed face at the sorcerer, not fond of the terms set. "Of course we will only choose the perfect one. But I don't see why it shouldn't live at HoL with Mc and myself" He disagrees.
"Lucifer’s rules should be reason enough, but if they are not, I also believe it should stay with me because Mc stays in your home every night. I would quite like a reason for you both to visit my home more." The sorcerer counters with a smirk. "These are my final terms. Take it or leave it"
"Fine" Satan snorts, ushering the sorcerer out of the room as he hurriedly gathers his belongings.
- - -
The pair sit on the old worn couch in the cat viewing room, watching intently as felines of all descriptions wander around. "I'm not surprised they know you by name here, but I was a little shocked they treat you like such a celebrity." Solomon teases the demon, nudging him playfully.
"Shut up" Satan snaps, cheeks colouring as he looks away. "I volunteer occasionally and fund-raise each year. That's all. It's not a big deal"
"I think it's cute." Solomon teases with his signature smirk.
"Ugh, I will not have you ruin this. Pay more attention to the cats and less to me, thank you very much." Satan scolds, face still stained pink with embarrassment.
"Very well." Solomon chuckles. "Which kind do you think Mc would like most? There's a much wider variety than I expected."
"Well, each feline is exquisite in its own right, and there is much to consider. We of course have the basics like size, breed, colouring, age, and temperament. All of which have their own perks, but then there is also the consideration of the devildom variations. Not many of these are your basic domestic cat, many have unique abilities and attributes. I'm sure you've noticed the one with invisibility rubbing against our legs, then there's also the one with the iridescent fur over there. I'm quite fond of the little blue fiesty one scorching the walls. You know, many of these variations came about through thousands of years of magic exposure from the devildom climate, with no one quite sure how felines got here in the first place, but they have adapted wonderfully. It's something I so admire about cats." Satan monologues enthusiastically. He continues on about the many admirable qualities of felines, and the pros and cons of each choice, as well as their origins, as Solomon listens with endeared amusement.
In the midst of Satan's lecture, an average sized ginger male jumps up onto the couch, settling itself between the pair. Making itself quite at home pressed between them, seemingly enjoying their warmth in the cool evening. Satan stops speaking, turning his full attention to the cat, both of the pair reaching down to pet his soft orange fur.
Solomon could sense no magic power from this one. After allowing the cat to sniff his hand, he rubs under his chin, smiling as the large yellow eyes fall closed, soft purr emanating from its chest. The cat's tail swishes a few times until a hand each from both Satan and Solomon were petting him just right. The fluffy appendage slinks to wind around both their arms before settling contently.
By all accounts, and especially in a room full of such exotic and unusual felines, this was just an ordinary, textbook standard cat. And yet, with his own unique charm, he very quickly won the hearts of the two men. Not unlike their beloved Mc.
"This is the one." Satan states, free hand on his chest as if to keep a hold of his heart.
"I agree. This one is perfect."
"There is no doubt in my mind that Mc will utterly adore him. But what is to come of the cat if they reject us?" Satan asks softly.
"They will not." Solomon states confidently. "But I suppose, if they did, then the two of us would have a new sweet kitty friend to help ease the sting of heartbreak" he laughs. The sudden noise and jostling startles the ginger cat awake. He hops down from the couch and stretches out with an exaggerated yawn in front of them.
Solomon stands, taking a moment himself to stretch, mimicking the cat's. yawn. "OK, let's go sort the paperwork" he says with a smile as Satan nods, reaching down to scoop up their new feline friend.
- - -
Paperwork signed, and a large array of cat care items, toys, and food selected, the pair pour over the rack of collars and tags.
"We can leave Mc up to picking his name, but we should choose a collar" Solomon says as his fingers brush through the large assortment.
"This one." Satan says firmly, pulling out a delicate emerald green velvet collar.
"Yes, a good choice. Very you, and will look lovely against his fur. Then I suppose… this one, as the tag" Solomon replies, picking out a round deep blue tag decorated with silver moon and stars. Seemingly at the very same time, the two spot a small pink sheep charm, tucked away at the back of the rack. "Oh, we just must add this one too. Doesn't it have Mc written all over it?" He laughs. Satan chuckles along with him, adding the little charm onto the collar with the tag, and placing it on the counter with their growing collection.
- - -
After arranging payment and organising delivery to Purgatory Hall, the pair walk home together in comfortable silence. As their path splits ways to each residence, they pause, catching each other's gaze.
"I suppose.. I shall see you tomorrow." Satan says quietly, tugging at the green sleeve of his jacket with nervous fingers.
Solomon offers him a knowing smile, head tilted as he pats his shoulder. "All is arranged. Everything will be fine. I'm confident Mc wishes to be with us, and even if I am wrong, with all feelings out in the open between us, things can only improve. Plus, whether our hearts get accepted, or they get broken, you can come over and curl up with our lovely ginger feline, and maybe even watch a few episodes of that new detective show together."
"That doesn't sound so bad." Satan chuckles, returning Solomon's smile. "Here's to tomorrow then."
"Tomorrow." Solomon replies with a squeeze to Satan's shoulder, turning to walk the rest of the way home. Heart fluttering with hope for the future.