The lava falls glowed like molten silk under the night sky, casting red gold light across the black sand beach. Tanaka sat on the smooth obsidian rock beside Beelzebub, legs dangling over the edge, toes inches from the warm steam rising from the pools below. The distant laughter of the heroes and minions drifted from the barbecue area. Someone, probably the Mage Prodigy, had just set a marshmallow on fire with magic, earning cheers and complaints about workplace safety.
Beelzebub had not moved since his quiet thank you. His massive wings were folded tight against his back. His tail curled loosely around his own ankle like he was trying not to fidget. The ruthless Demon King who could silence armies with a glance now looked small. Not in size. He still towered. But in the way he hunched his shoulders, staring at the glowing falls as if they held all the answers.
Tanaka broke the silence first.
You are welcome, he said lightly, bumping Beelzebub's arm with his elbow. But you make it sound like I dragged you kicking and screaming into being a decent boss. You were the one who showed up with those burnt cookies on day one.
Beelzebub's ears flicked. A telltale sign the blush was incoming. They were an attempt at morale boosting. The recipe said chocolate chip, not hellfire chip.
Tanaka snorted. They tasted like despair and cinnamon. Iconic honestly.
The Demon King risked a sideways glance. Crimson eyes met Tanaka's then darted away. You ate three.
Four. I was being supportive.
A tiny reluctant smile tugged at Beelzebub's lips. The kind he only let slip when no one else was watching. You are annoyingly good at that.
HR skills. Comes with the territory. Tanaka leaned back on his hands staring up at the crimson sky dotted with floating embers. But seriously the retreat is working. The heroes are actually talking to minions instead of trying to stab them. Your Four Heavenly Kings have not threatened to quit in two days. Progress.
Beelzebub hummed. A low thoughtful sound that vibrated through the rock. They still fear me.
Good. Keeps the chaos in check. Tanaka turned to face him fully. But they also respect you now. That is new.
The Demon King looked down at his hands. Massive clawed capable of rending worlds. He flexed them once. Respect is unfamiliar.
Tanaka tilted his head. You mean besides the fear me or die kind?
Beelzebub nodded once. Fear is reliable. Respect requires me to be worthy.
The admission hung between them. Quiet. Vulnerable. The kind of thing the Devourer of Realms would never say in front of his army.
Tanaka's chest did that weird tightening thing again. He cleared his throat. You are getting there. One burnt cookie at a time.
Beelzebub huffed a laugh. Soft almost shy. You make it sound simple.
It is not. Tanaka shrugged. But you are trying. That is more than most overlords do.
Silence again. Comfortable this time.
Then Beelzebub spoke voice lower. When I first read your contract I expected another schemer. Someone who would use the position to betray me.
Tanaka raised an eyebrow. And instead you got me forcing you into mandatory compliment Fridays.
The Demon King actually winced. I still remember the first one. You made me say good job to the imp intern who spilled coffee on my throne.
You said it through gritted teeth. But you said it.
Beelzebub's tail uncurled from his ankle and very hesitantly brushed against Tanaka's leg. Just once. Like testing if it was allowed.
Tanaka did not move away.
I appreciate that you stayed Beelzebub murmured. Even when I was difficult.
Tanaka smirked. Difficult is my job description. Besides he paused voice dropping softer watching the most terrifying being in existence turn red because I said his tie looked nice? Worth every overtime hour.
Beelzebub's ears went full crimson. He turned his face away wings twitching like he wanted to hide.
It was a new tie.
I noticed.
Another beat of silence.
Then from the barbecue area the Sword Saint's voice rang out Hey Director! The Mage just bet the succubus secretary he could grill without exploding anything. You wanna referee?
Tanaka sighed. Duty calls.
He stood brushing sand from his shorts.
Beelzebub rose too towering intimidating again as he squared his shoulders. But before Tanaka could walk away the Demon King caught his wrist gentle claws retracted.
Tanaka.
Tanaka looked up. Beelzebub's expression was serious almost fierce.
If anyone threatens you even the heroes tell me.
Tanaka blinked. Then smiled slow teasing. Jealous of my new hires Your Majesty?
Beelzebub's grip tightened for a fraction of a second. Protective.
Tanaka's heart did that stupid flip again.
Deal he said softly. But only if you promise not to burn the resort down when they inevitably do something stupid.
Beelzebub released his wrist tail flicking once. I make no promises.
Tanaka laughed full genuine and headed back toward the barbecue.
Behind him the ruthless Demon King watched with a small private smile ears still faintly pink.
The retreat was far from over.
But for the first time in centuries Hell's ruler did not mind the chaos.
Because the person causing most of it was also the reason he wanted to keep trying.