One day I'll do a flashback chapter for how Hongjoong and Seonghwa met. Would anyone actually want that though?

Also, a quick question for scientific purposes, what's your favourite ship in the story so far and who do want to see more of? Asking for a friend 👀

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Lately, Seonghwa had been exhausted. His limbs felt heavy, eyes always ready to close and he constantly felt two seconds away from collapsing. Fortunately (and unfortunately) he knew exactly why. See, while Hongjoong could recharge by sitting in fire and San by generally being his chaotic self, Seonghwa on the other hand needed to consume souls. Sure, the occasional nightmare would do but it was only ever a brief high and would leave him suffering from the dream afterwards. He knew this would be an issue when they moved to Earth and thought ahead.

In a small, black bag, Seonghwa had a collection of soul shards that he'd use to replenish his energy. He'd usually grind the shards and spread them on something but lately he's been taking it directly from the crystal out of desperation. They weren't the most filling things in the world but they were just enough to keep him going. What he didn't anticipate was how quickly he'd run out. However there was a very simple solution to this, but it wasn't something he was too fond of. Inside every human was a soul waiting to be taken. With so much energy inside a living being, it was beyond tempting to steal. It didn't help that Seonghwa was surrounded by humans every day. It was becoming especially difficult to be around Mingi and Wooyoung since he saw the barista so often and San (despite his father's warning) usually brought his friend over after school. He was finding it more and more difficult to control his urges and he felt close to snapping.

Though he had yet to tell Hongjoong, Seonghwa was sure he had noticed after the older was too weak to engage in their usual pleasantries, despite it being midnight, the hour Seonghwa normally thrived at. His husband would constantly ask if he was alright and was always ready to catch him if Seonghwa was close to falling over. He'd even stay by his side in bed at times. The raven-haired demon hated having to trouble him and worst of all make him worry, but was thankful for the help.

Seonghwa felt miserable. By now, his eyes had dulled out and he could barely move. Still, he tried his best to power through as if nothing was wrong.

Which he was failing horribly at.

"Father?" San whispered as he slowly crept into his parent's darkened room. He didn't dare turn on the light, or worse, open the curtain, in fear of his father's irritation. Seonghwa responded with a low huff and San cautiously walked in. "Um...there's a parent-teacher meeting happening at school...do you think you can come?" His father sighed, trying his best to sit out of bed to no avail.

"Sorry Sannie, do you think your dad can go?" Even though it was pitch black, Seonghwa could see his son's disappointment from a mile away.

"Oh...yeah it's fine." Recently, San hadn't been spending much time with his father. He was always either at the café or sleeping. Seonghwa knew it was a problem but genuinely didn't even have the energy to move, let alone go out with him. He wanted to spend more time with San but physically he just couldn't.

Even still, he hated disappointing his son.

"Sannie, wait," He called out. "I'll go."

"Really?" San beamed. "Great! Thank you father!" The teen left with a smile and that was all Seonghwa wanted. Unfortunately, he had yet to find the will to get up.

He was going to need help.

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"I'll admit, when you called me, I was a bit sceptical. Now I see why. This is just sad."

Seonghwa groaned and looked over at his friend standing over his bed. "I didn't call you so you could berate me Jinyoung. Just help me up." The older demon rolled his eyes but still began to carefully pull Seonghwa up and threw his arm over his shoulder with a grunt.

"Did you do it?" Asked Seonghwa.

"Yes, they're waiting down the street." Jinyoung closed his eyes and when they reopened, the duo had been teleported somewhere else. Jinyoung was a much higher up demon than Seonghwa, as such he could use his powers freely in the overworld with little to no restraint. In front of them were two men dressed in black who had been startled by their sudden appearance. Drug dealers no doubt. "Hello gentlemen," Jinyoung said calmly. The strangers recovered quickly and turned over their bags.

"Are you going to buy or what freaks?" One of the men questioned. Seonghwa could feel his mouth water as their souls glowed from beyond their chests, the demon's eyes brewing with a crystal colour.

"Eat up Hwa, we've got a full night ahead of us." Less than five minutes later, Seonghwa has devoured each of the dealers souls, leaving nothing but grey husks behind making him sigh in satisfaction as he felt his energy slowly return.

"What's on the agenda today, hm?"

Jinyoung smirked. "I'm glad you asked." The demon cracked his neck then traced the air in a familiar pattern and with one gust, spilt a glowing, red portal into reality. "Ready?"

Seonghwa took a step back, looking somewhat conflicted. "I can't," he muttered. "Hongjoong will know."

"Well he already didn't know you were dying. Might as well pile on more secrets." Jinyoung's sarcasm wasn't helping his nerves. "Besides, there's a party going on."

"Jackson?"

"Who else? Come on Hwa. You need to loosen up." Seonghwa scoffed and pushed past him.

"You're telling me to loosen up? What kind of alternate dimension are we living in?" Jinyoung grinned and closed the portal just after he stepped in alongside him.

Hell was bustling as always and Seonghwa had to admit, he missed it. In the window of a building, he saw his face turn to the one he had always known. Along his eyes were red stripes that went from his above brows to the tip of his cheeks that matched the red line across the smile on his red lips. Immediately, he felt better than ever. Under the blood moon that sat in the sea of red they called their sky, Seonghwa could feel nearly every ounce of his demonic energy slowly return. Still, it wasn't enough.

Jinyoung suggested the two demons get a "bite to eat" before any activities and Seonghwa happily agreed. In Hell there was a system for generating souls for demons to consume. Every day a new unfortunate human was thrown into the torture chamber. When their time is up - their souls are deposited and eaten. Seonghwa felt as though it had been years since he had a proper soul because shards just weren't doing it for him.

"Slow down Seonghwa," Jinyoung chuckled while he watched the younger swallow yet another soul from a prisoner's body. He was emotionally broken after years of torture so he did nothing be let himself be food for the demon above him.

"Sorry," Seonghwa slurred. He shook his head with a grin, not used to feeling so full. He continued to grin as he felt his horns rise out of his head soon followed by his tail. He groaned with glee as they reached their full length. Seonghwa ran his hands across his shadowy appendages just to feel if they were real.

Yup, and just as sharp as ever.

Jinyoung suddenly put a finger to Seonghwa's face, his dark eyes starting to brighten. "Pardon me Hwa," he said once his eyes reverted back to normal. "Jackson decided to make me go deaf." Jinyoung rolled his eyes with a wince, irritated at the sudden message from his telepathic friend. "He's waiting for us."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Seonghwa sprinted forward and up the wall of a nearby building.

"How immature." Though Jinyoung grumbled he soon followed suit and ran after the younger demon.

Seonghwa missed this. He missed leaping across buildings at top speed, flying through the air past the limit and having Jinyoung angrily chase after him. It was the kind of fun he had been longing for.

He spotted something that made him stop dead in his tracks, Jinyoung nearly smacking into him. "Why'd you stop?" He hissed. Seonghwa didn't respond. Wordlessly, he jumped from the building and teleported to a neighbourhood in the distance. Jinyoung grabbed his hand just before he jumped and went with. Once they arrived, Jinyoung understood why they were there.

In front of them was a large, Victorian style house. Both its interior and exterior were dark all around with hints of red every so often. "My home..."

"Ah, I see." Said Jinyoung. "You haven't sold it or anything?" Seonghwa shook his head.

"This house is centuries of years old. Hongjoong and I built it together, there's no chance I'm selling to some fledgeling." The two of them walked up to the front door. Engraved on its sides were the initials K.H.G, P.S.H and P.K.S - For Kim Hongjoong, Park Seonghwa and Park-Kim San. Seonghwa traced the carvings with his fingers, envisioning the day it was printed. He remembered helping San put his initials in and excitement on his face as he exclaimed how he did it all by himself. "Are you going in?" Asked Jinyoung and once again, Seonghwa shook his head.

"No," he replied simply. "Because I know if I go in, I'll never want to come out." He looked up at the house once more with a sad smile. "Now come on, I'm not one to miss a Jackson Wang party."

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There was nothing in Hell better than a Jackson Wang party. Even the devil had been to a few. Jackson's house was beyond massive, more akin to the size of a mall, with lights blaring in every direction and a vibe so intoxicating that one would never want to leave. In fact, most didn't for days, months even. It's difficult to escape the realm of a chaos demon. As usual the building was packed and the two dark demons had difficulty getting through but once they were in they felt like they never wanted to leave.

The host himself came floating in upon their arrival, tackling Seonghwa in a hug and sending them both straight to the ground. "Hwa!" He exclaimed. "Did Earth blow up or something? What the heck are you doing here?"

Seonghwa chuckled and pulled himself up. "Just wanted to get out," he shrugged. Jackson grinned at him then snapped three drinks into his hand. He handed the sparkling liquid to his guests and downed his own within seconds. Seonghwa did the same, while Jinyoung leaned against the wall, swirling his nonchalantly.

It was hard to keep up a conversation with demons ramming into each other at every second, so the three of them travelled to an empty room. "Aw man, I haven't seen you in forever." Jackson chuckled, creating yet another drink and soon gulping it down. "What about Hongjoong? Is he here too? Because I know for a fact that he wasn't planning to come back anytime soon." Seonghwa looked down nervously, only just now thinking about his husband's reaction to him leaving.

"He doesn't exactly know..." he explained slowly. For a moment Jackson looked surprised, before his face turned to a smirk.

"How rebellious Hwa," he teased. "Jinyoung really let you get away with this?" Jinyoung glanced at his friend, an unamused look on his face before he finally sipped at his drink. "No way, this wasn't your idea was it? Seven hundred years and you're finally loosening up, hey Junior?"

"Where's Lay?" He asked, completely ignoring Jackson's comment.

"Right here," out of nowhere, a demon of poison named Lay, appeared right next to Jackson. Being so used to random jump scares, none of the other's even flinched at his arrival. Lay leaned his head against Jackson's shoulder while the younger wrapped his arm around him making Seonghwa narrowed his eyes at them.

"No way, you two are together now? Congrats!"

Jinyoung rolled his eyes. "Yeah, it only took a hundred years." Jackson playfully hissed at his younger friend and brought Lay closer to him. His boyfriend giggled and pecked him on the lips.

"It's great to see you Seonghwa," Lay smiled. "Hope you're not still mad at me." Momentarily, Seonghwa was confused before he snapped and pointed an accusing finger at the older.

"Damn right I'm still mad!" He smirked. "Don't think I'll ever forget about that!"

"Oh come on!" Lay groaned. "You're not actually upset with me, are you? It was just an auction! It's not my fault you were too slow."

"Yeah, but you knew damn well that I wanted Napoleon's soul! You can't even eat it, every time I come over I just see it displayed on a shelf and it's infuriating!" Everyone chuckled at Seonghwa's pout. Jackson created a few more rounds of drinks for everyone and the night went on smoothly.

"Are things going well between you and Hongjoong?" Asked Lay.

"I'd say so. We haven't fought or anything recently," Though he might be anticipating that when he gets back. He asked Jackson to make yet another drink to distract him from his thoughts.

Jackson was quick to cut him off. "That's not what he means."

"Babe, no, that's exactly what I mean-"

"How's it going? Spare no detail, I want to hear everything." Jackson and Seonghwa smirked at each other, whereas the other two just groaned.

"Oh it's been going really well. I wish he'd take charge a bit more often though. It's fun when he lets other side out." Seonghwa bit his lip at the thought of Hongjoong ruining him, excited by the idea alone. "It's been too long since we've been in the basement."

Jinyoung sighed at his friend's horny attitude. "I swear Hwa you and your basement, are you sure you're not a demon of seduction?"

"He's a demon of seduction in disguise!" Jackson commented. "Must be hard being the raunchiest demon on Earth, I'm surprised they haven't sent an angel after you yet." Seonghwa pursed his lips at that. It was rather strange that he hadn't been confronted, but he didn't think much of it just yet.

"Oh please, I'm not like you. I don't create chaos wherever I go, if anything it comes to me."

"Isn't that the excuse you used on Taemin when shadows that you created went haywire at the barrier and nearly swallowed the poor angel whole?" Remarked Jinyoung.

Seonghwa just shrugged. "In my defense the barrier is messy and can alter just about anyone's powers."

"Uh huh," mused Lay. "And what about the time you were found in bed with the master of seduction?"

"I couldn't help it, Jimin is a very compelling character."

"Sure, and what about the time you broke into the ministry and practically wrecked the place!" Seonghwa reached over and smacked the chaos demon across the head.

"Don't just pin that on me! We both did that!"

"Hell yeah we did!" The two of them laughed and high fived each other. Everyone was laughing except Jinyoung of course.

"You bastards, do you know how afraid I was to explain to the devil that someone had painted This ass belongs to God on his statue! I could've been sentenced to death, jackasses! I'm surprised they're only sending one angel after you instead of five."

"Yeah, my life is pretty great." Seonghwa chuckled. Jinyoung gawked at how his sentiments were so rudely ignored and slurped down another drink to contain his irritation.

"It was," Lay corrected. "Didn't all that happen before you got married and found San?" Seonghwa nearly replied, but realised he had a point. Not that he didn't go out after the fact but the majority of the ridiculous stunts he pulled happened before he settled down. In truth, he had no clue what Hongjoong found so captivating about him back then. Well, he was Park Seonghwa after all, but with how much he slept around and caused trouble it was a miracle Hongjoong even stuck around. Something that still surprised the demon to this day. Still, he couldn't be more grateful for it. "I could still get into all the trouble I want. It's Earth, it's not like anyone there could stop me." Jinyoung actually chuckled at this, causing his younger friend to glare at him. "What? Don't think I could?"

"No, not at all. The second you get into things you'll stop because your precious Hongjoongie doesn't like violence." Seonghwa nearly snickered at that. Sure Hongjoong didn't like violence, but only when it came to humans. Outside of that Seonghwa knew damn well that he could be a sadist. Given his profession, he was a violent person by nature after all. "It's like you have to ask for permission before doing anything! Are you sure you're still Park Seonghwa?"

"Park-Kim," The other demon of darkness corrected nonchalantly. "Since when are you so salty? Scratch that, why are you so salty today?"

"He got scolded for having a fling with a human." Jinyoung chucked his empty glass at Jackson's head, only for it to melt in a fit of acid just before it reached him. "Thanks babe," grinned Jackson as he pecked his boyfriend's lips. The three of them chuckled at Jinyoung's flushed face and carried on with a different conversation.

"I just don't get it, are you scared to make him angry or something?" Seonghwa didn't respond and his silence was a definite yes. It was funny, most assumed Seonghwa was the one in charge of their relationship given his overall reputation and attitude but it couldn't be further from the truth. Though they both loved and respected each other equally, Seonghwa had always considered Hongjoong in charge. They both had their own boundaries and were careful to never cross them. When they first met that notion was lost on him, but it was a lesson he was sure to learn.

"Seriously Hwa, you don't need to be so tied down. It's not normal," Jinyoung continued. "It's like you're an entirely different person and not in a fun way. All because you don't want to make your husband mad."

"I bet you'd like it if he got mad at you, wouldn't you?" Jackson teased. "We all know you've got a thing for that." Seonghwa simply laughed along. Still, Jinyoung's words were starting to get to him. Jinyoung always had something to say, but did he have a point this time? Was Seonghwa too attached to his family?

After endless banter, eventually, the youngest of the group figured it was time to go. He stood and thanked his hyung's for the fun time with a bow. Jackson furrowed his brow. "Off already?"

"Yeah, I should get going before Hongjoong comes back from work." Jinyoung rolled his eyes, once again thinking about how bound together those two were.

"Aww, come on Hwa," Jackson created yet another drink and floated it over to his friend. "Just a few more rounds?" Seonghwa stood there contemplating the pros and cons before ultimately deciding that a few more drinks wouldn't hurt anyone.

Big mistake seeing as Seonghwa thought he could keep up with a demon of chaos and didn't have as high of an alcohol tolerance as the others.

After what he thought was only a few hours of drinking, dancing and partying, Seonghwa stumbled out of Jackson's house with a groan. He couldn't even tell if time had passed. The blood moon was still shining bright and no one inside would rest for even a second. After being away from Hell for so long Seonghwa just couldn't keep up. "Need help?" Jinyoung soon joined his side. He held his groaning friend up with a sigh. "I can't tell if this is better or worse than the state I found you in." He remarked.

"You asshole," Seonghwa hissed. He stood upwards, rolling his shoulders back to do away with his sudden stiffness. "Mind opening a portal for me? I feel like shit."

Jinyoung just rolled his eyes as he performed the necessary movements to create a portal to Earth. "You sure you don't want to stay? It's been quiet without you, you know?" There was no doubt about it - Seonghwa had missed the excitement of Hell, sure. His friends, his home, they were all here.

Then he remembered that his whole life was on the other side, the two people he cared about most in this universe were waiting for him and that was all the confirmation he needed. Seonghwa turned around and gave Jinyoung an earnest hug. "Take care Junior. Let's not make it another one hundred years before we see each other again, okay?"

Jinyoung scoffed lightly, still embracing him back. "Don't be so dramatic. It's only been a month and a half." Seonghwa chuckled. True, it hasn't been all that long yet he still felt like it had been forever. Time seemed to go so slowly on Earth.

Seonghwa said one more goodbye then stepped into the glowing vortex. Suddenly remembering something, Jinyoung furrowed his brow and quickly called out to the younger. "Hwa, wait!" But he had already gone through.

"Don't worry Seonghwa, we'll be seeing each other again very soon."

[Take a shot every time Jinyoung sighs/rolls his eyes and also shout out to me thinking he was older than Jackson being I'm a dumbass who can't read dates]

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It was around midnight when the demon finally crept back into his house. "Nice horns," Seonghwa flinched, quickly turning around to see the very person he was hoping to avoid.

"J-Joongie!" Hongjoong's expression was unreadable and Seonghwa couldn't tell if he was disappointed or furious. His guess was that it was a mix of both. The younger began to walk closer to him, their eyes never leaving each other for a second.

Seonghwa looked down in shame as his horns and tail finally faded away. "Hongjoong, listen I-"

"Just wanted to grab a bite?" He interrupted. "Just wanted to have a bit of fun? You just thought it'd be a good idea to return to Hell without telling either of us? San thought you weren't coming back! Do you know how worried about you I was?" The previously unpredictable tone of Hongjoong's voice began to disappear as it started to rise.

"I needed souls Hongjoong!" Seonghwa yelled in defense.

"Then why the fuck wouldn't you tell me? If all you wanted was a few souls, you would've been back hours ago! It's been a week! A. Whole. Week. You just wanted to have reckless fun again! I don't know why you pull shit like this!"

Seonghwa scowled and crossed his arms. He knew he would regret this conversation soon yet carried on. "Yeah, I wanted to live my life again. What's your point?" He had just gotten a taste of fun he had been craving after days of being immobile. Of course he'd want to celebrate and Jinyoung's words started to ring through his head. "So sorry if that bothers you, but I don't always need to follow what you say."

"Seonghwa," Hongjoong warned.

"I'm not going to be stuck here doing nothing for the rest of eternity! I hate this city, this house these...humans! I get it, things were tough for you in Hell, but I shouldn't have to be held back by it!"

"Seonghwa..."

"Let me be selfish for once! I shouldn't constantly have to keep myself at bay because you can't handle how the world works. I shouldn't have to suffer from your weaknesses!"

"SEONGHWA!" The room shook, Hongjoong's voice coming out like thunder that sent everything, including Seonghwa, flying backwards. The older demon stood in defense to block the incoming gust of wind and winced as his husband's shout rang through his ears. Had he moved any closer, Seonghwa would've started shaking.

Hongjoong quickly noticed the damage and reeled himself in almost immediately. "You know how I feel about that Seonghwa," he growled, still angry. "I don't enjoy torture. I don't like being in charge of someone's eternal punishment. What you and I do in bed is different to what I've done to countless human's. Listening to them suffer and plead for their lives for years, it fills me with more grief than imaginable. For fucks say you know this!"

He let out a frustrated sigh then turned away but Seonghwa was quick to grab his hand and pull him back to his side. "I'm sorry Hongjoong," he whispered softly. "I didn't mean any of that, you know I didn't. I'm just...I'm just frustrated."

"I know Hwa," the younger hushed gently. He turned around to look up at his husband, running his hands through Seonghwa's dark locks. The older man leaned into his touch, letting his hand caress his face like he was being pet. "It's alright."

"I just didn't want to worry you by telling you I was low on energy."

Hongjoong chuckled. "Hwa, how long have we been together?" Seonghwa pursed his lips in thought.

"A good...two hundred years."

"And how long have we known each other?"

"Four hundred, give or take." Hongjoong shook his head, both a glint of disappointment and humour on his face.

"And after all that time, you still feel the need to hide things from me?" Seonghwa glanced away but Hongjoong gently pulled his face back and gave him a smile. "You'd be worried too if I disappeared for a week in such a weak state, wouldn't you?" The older nodded slowly. "I love you, so I'll always worry about you. Just like you do for me."

"I'm sorry," Seonghwa repeated. "I wasn't going to leave you two, not like that, not ever. I was just being impulsive. Please forgive me."

"Hwa, I know. If I got angry every time you did something impulsive I would've exploded within the first week of knowing you. I knew you weren't going to leave."

Hongjoong placed a kiss on Seonghwa's soft lips before his expression turned serious. "But San didn't. He truly thought you weren't coming back. He thinks you've been avoiding him and that it's his fault you left. He's only seventeen, remember? You should go talk to him tomorrow."

"You're right..." Hongjoong gave him another kiss. This time, standing on his toes so he could kiss Seonghwa just below his ear.

"In the meantime, I think a punishment is in order. Isn't that right, slut?" Seonghwa could've moaned at the name alone and nodded desperately. Hongjoong smirked at him. "Look at you, so eager already, hm?"

"Yes master."

"Glad you're on board. No sex for you."

"WHAT!?" Seonghwa shrieked. Hongjoong just smiled at him, giving his head a light pat. "Joongie~" the older whined, almost like a moan. He leaned down and buried his face in the crook of Hongjoong's neck but the red-head didn't budge.

"You heard me. I'll let you know when you've learned your lesson."

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You guys are all insane!!! This book had like 700 views only a few days ago, now it's at 1k!!! Thank you! I love reading all your comments and ideas. It legit fuels my desire to write, so thank you again! 💜💜💜