Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

    The assignment hall always made Pezzy feel small. White walls, high ceilings, light spilling in from nowhere and everywhere—it was all too clean. Rows of angels stood in silence, waiting for their names to be called, waiting to be handed their demons.

Every demon gets a guardian. That was the rule.

He’d heard it all his life: “Every demon, shall be given a guardian. A guide. An angel who will watch and remain at their side. This has been Heaven’s decree since the first flame of rebellion, and it shall remain until the last demon is tamed.”

The words were ritual by now—an old decree, repeated year after year.

“Pezzy,” he flinched and his eyes snapped to the High Angel standing now in front of him. Her voice was calm and gentle. She’d always been like a mother to him—someone who made Heaven feel less strict. She smiled when their eyes met. “This is yours.”

A sheet of light shimmered into his hands. The glowing script shifted, letters forming until they settled into a single word.

Droid.

He stared at it, lips parting a little. That was it. That was his demon. Pezzy swallowed hard. His chest felt tight.

The High Angel rested a hand on his shoulder. “You’ll do fine, Pezzy. Don’t worry yourself sick.”

He nodded quickly, forcing a smile, bowed his head, gave the usual polite thank you, and got out of the hall before anyone noticed how much his hands were shaking.

/

   The gardens were quiet, at least. Golden trees, stone benches, fountains that never ran dry. Usually the place helped him breathe, but today? His thoughts followed him like flies. A demon. An actual demon. What if I screw this up?

“Pezzy!”

He turned at the sound of his name. John was running over, grin already wide, brown hair messy as ever. He didn’t look nervous at all—which felt unfair.

“You’ve got that face,” John said, falling into step beside him.

“What face?”

“The ‘I’m about to faint’ face.” John paused, “or throw up- C’mon, it can’t be that bad.”

Pezzy huffed out a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Easy for you to say. I just got my assignment. What if I can’t handle it? What if they’re awful?”

“Relax,” John said, bumping his shoulder with his own. “We’re in this together.” He pulled his slip of light out and flashed it. “See? Meet my demon—Smitty.”

Pezzy blinked at the glowing letters. “…Smitty?”

John grinned. “Yeah. What, were you expecting ‘Doomslayer the Third’? Nope. Just Smitty.” That made Pezzy laugh, even if it was a little weak.

“Alright then, let’s see yours,” John said, nodding at Pezzy’s slip.

With a sigh, Pezzy held it out. “Droid.”

There was a pause. John tilted his head. “…That’s… an odd name.”

Pezzy rolled his eyes. “Like Smitty is any better?” John shrugged before giving him a pat on the back. “Look, names aside—you’ll be fine. Really. You overthink everything, but you’re good at this. Whoever this Droid guy is, he’s lucky they stuck you with him.”

Pezzy sighed, staring down at the glowing letters again. His chest felt heavy. “Lucky…” he muttered, not really believing it. John caught the look on his face and immediately shook his head. “Yeah—lucky. Don’t do that thing where you doubt yourself. You’re solid, Pez. Ten out ten.” Pezzy opened his mouth to argue, but John cut him off with a crooked grin. “Meanwhile, Smitty’s the unlucky bastard who got me.” He raised his brows like he was daring Pezzy to disagree.

Pezzy barked out a laugh, shaking his head. “Unlucky as fuck.”

“Exactly,” John said, satisfied, clapping him on the back so hard he almost tripped. “Poor guy’s doomed the second he meets me. But hey—at least I’ll keep him entertained.”

“Yeah, until you get both of you killed,” Pezzy shot back, rolling his eyes but smiling now.

John grinned wider. “See? That’s the spirit. You do have a little bite in you. Maybe Hell won’t eat you alive after all.”

Pezzy groaned, but the weight in his chest felt lighter than it had a moment ago.

   The air down in Hell was thick, hot, and heavy. Shadows twisted along jagged walls, and the low groan of distant creatures echoed through the air. Flames licked the edges of the stone paths, throwing everything into jerky, flickering shapes. Even if you thought you were brave, this place made you feel tiny.

Amid the chaos of jagged rocks and rivers of molten fire stood a massive house, impossibly large, perched like a crown on a cliff.

And somewhere inside, the quiet of the house was shattered.

“OH FUCKKKKKKKK NAAHH!”

The scream bounced through the halls, echoing louder than the roar of the lava below.

/

“OH FUCKKKKKKKK NAAHH!” echoed through the common room.

Grizzy raised his head from the couch where he was lounging and gave Puffer a look that clearly said, what the hell now? “What’s up his ass?”

Puffer muttered without looking up from his phone, eyes glued to the screen. “Lucifer said Droid’s getting his own angel today.” Matt, sprawled on the couch next to Grizzy, shrugged. “Smitty too.” Grizzy’s eyes went wide. “Wait… both of them? Angels in Hell? This is gonna be something.”

Matt shifted, sitting up properly on the couch. “I don’t know, man. Yumi’s angel was a total bitch. I’m kinda worried.”

Puffer glanced up from his phone, frowning slightly. “Well… we could always, y’know…” He made a quick chopping motion at his neck, miming ‘take care of it.’ Grizzy snorted. “Yeah, because that usually works out so well.”

Puffer shrugged “I’m just saying…“ Matt sighed and flopped back down on the couch. “We can only hope for the best.”

Chapter Text

    The soft glow of dawn spread across Heaven, washing the marble halls in gold. Outside, choirs of angels warmed their voices for morning hymns, their sound weaving through the open windows like a gentle breeze. Rituals always started early on assignment days.

In John’s room, the air was quieter, and darker. The only light came from the open windows. The bed was half-covered in clothes and small charms, things John was still deciding whether to pack. He moved back and forth between the bed, a small chest and the closet. On the other side of the bed, Pezzy knelt on the cool marble floor, his hands clasped tight, head bowed in prayer. His lips moved quickly, barely audible whispers tumbling out his lips. John glanced over at him, then down at the nearly full bag he’d just finished. A small smile tugged at his lips. Setting the bag aside, he leaned against the bedframe, watching his friend for a moment before softly calling,

“Pezzy.”

Pezzy froze mid-word, cracked one eye open, and glanced up. John tilted his head, “You’re over-worrying again, hun.” His voice had a teasing lilt, but there was warmth beneath it.

With a sigh, Pezzy let his hands fall into his lap and sat back on his heels. His gaze stayed fixed on his fingers, fiddling with them. “I’m just… worried,” he admitted quietly. “What if I make a fool of myself?”

John chuckled softly, sliding down to the floor beside him. He rested an elbow on his knee, leaning close enough that Pezzy couldn’t dodge his gaze. “Then you’ll make a fool of yourself. That’s your thing, isn’t it?”

That pulled a small huff of laughter from Pezzy, though he still looked away.

John’s grin softened. “Listen. You’re not going down there to win a war or something. You’re going because you’ve got a good heart. You could’ve refused the assignment, but you didn’t. For some reason, you said yes.”

Pezzy chewed the inside of his cheek, still quiet.

John nudged him with his shoulder. “And besides—if you really screw up, I’ll be right there with you. We’re in this together, remember?”

Finally, Pezzy smiled. “Thank you, John.”

John’s own smile widened. “Come on. I’ll pray with you.” John shifted, so now he was on his knees beside Pezzy. The marble floor was cold, but he didn’t seem to mind as he laced his fingers together. He gave Pezzy a little nudge with his elbow. Pezzy let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and straightened up. Almost shyly, he clasped his hands again and bowed his head, mirroring John’s posture. The two of them sat side by side, their shoulders brushing, the sunlight spilling over them like a blessing.

   Pezzy and John stood in front of the portal, Heat pulsed off it in slow waves, already reminding them of where they were headed.

John bent down to scratch Sly behind the ears. The cat purred, pushing her head into his hand, then meowed like she knew he was leaving.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll miss you too,” John muttered, rubbing her chin. “Don’t give Pezzy the sad eyes, he already looks like he’s gonna cry.” He kissed the top of her head and nudged her toward the newbie angel who’d be looking after her. “Be good, alright?”

Pezzy wasn’t looking at them. He was too busy hugging the High Angel tight. She’d always been more of a mother to him than anyone else in Heaven.

“You’ll be fine,” she murmured, smoothing his hair like she had when he was younger. “I’ll be praying for you, my little bird.”

Pezzy swallowed hard and nodded, though his throat felt tight. He didn’t want to let go, but eventually he stepped back, rubbing at his eyes quickly before John could say anything.

Of course, John said something anyway.

“You’re not dying, Pez,” John said with a grin. “We’re just going to Hell. Totally different thing.” Pezzy let out a shaky laugh. “Totally different things.”

John snorted, but before he could add another jab, Pezzy bent down and scooped Sly into his arms. The little cat immediately curled into his chest, big eyes staring up at him. “I’m gonna miss you, baby,” Pezzy whispered, kissing the top of her head.

And of course—she gave him the sad eyes. The exact sad eyes John had warned her about. Pezzy’s lip wobbled before he could stop it, and then he was crying, holding her even tighter. “MY BABY IM SO SORRY!” John groaned but moved closer, “Aw, come on, Pez—don’t do this now. You’ll see her again, she’s not dying, you’re not dying, nobody’s dying—yet.”

That only made Pezzy sniffle harder and hug Sly tighter. John groaned, dragging a hand down his face, while the High Angel only chuckled. ‘You’re making this harder on yourself,’ John muttered, though his hand still came up to rub slow circles over Pezzy’s back. Pezzy nodded and lowered Sly slowly—painfully slowly—so slow that John nearly snatched her from his hands himself.

After a few more whispered goodbyes, Pezzy finally let John guide him toward the portal. Their bags were already waiting. Just as the portal came to life, a loud meow echoed through the air. Both angels snapped their heads toward the sound, eyes wide. The newbie angel froze, horror written all over his face, as Sly leapt from his arms and sprinted straight for the portal.

“SLY! Wait, no!” the angel yelled, lunging forward—but it was too late. In one smooth, perfect motion, the cat landed safely back in Pezzy’s arms just as the portal swallowed them whole.

The High Angel and the newbie angel stared at the now-empty, shimmering doorway, mouths slightly open, frozen in disbelief.

“Oh…”

   The portal opened into Hell, and John jumped, then turned to glare at Sly, who was curled up against a still-shocked Pezzy.

“Holy… shit,” Pezzy finally breathed, his voice barely audible. John slapped a hand over his face. “That… that was crazy. She's crazy,” he muttered, shaking his head. Pezzy stepped out of the portal and nudged their bags with his foot.

“Careful,” John muttered, moving quickly to drag the bags away from the swirling light.

“Is this even allowed?” Pezzy asked, glancing down at Sly. “We didn’t exactly tell them we were bringing a pet.”

John gave him a sideways look as he dusted off the bags. “WE weren’t planning to bring her.”

Pezzy let out a soft sigh, shrugging, then leaned down to coo at Sly. Who only nuzzled more in his arms. “You couldn’t stay away from Papa, huh, baby?”

John blinked at him, jaw slack, clearly in disbelief at his best friend’s devotion.

“I’m gonna kill myself.” John muttered, and Pezzy rolled his eyes, he opened his mouth to reply only to be cut off by- “WOW. It’s been only a minute in here and you already want to kill yourself?” a voice called from behind them.

Both Pezzy and John spun around, startled, and found themselves facing two guys with amused smiles on their faces. John threw his hands up defensively. “Hey! That was… taken out of context!”

The taller one laughed, shaking his head. “Sure, sure. Welcome to Hell.” He stepped forward and extended a hand toward John. “I’m Yumi, and this is Grizzy.”

John smiled and shook Yumi’s hand. “John. This is Pezzy.”

Pezzy gave the two a shy smile, and was met with bright, welcoming smiles in return. It made him pause for a moment, caught off guard by how… genuine they looked. “Hey there,” Yumi said, nodding at him before gesturing toward the street. “Let’s go. We already have your rooms ready. You can rest for a few hours before lunch, and then you’ll meet your demons.”

Before John could say a word, Grizzy stepped forward and grabbed the bags.

He lifted all their heavy luggage effortlessly, walking as if it weighed nothing at all. Pezzy’s mouth fell open, and he found himself staring at the bigger man in awe.

“Woah,” he breathed, unable to hide his amazement.

Grizzy glanced down at him with a small smirk. “Heavy stuff doesn’t scare me.” Yumi chuckled, shaking his head. “Puffer scares you, though.”

Pezzy blinked, glancing between them, unsure if that was a warning—or a joke—but couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped.

He almost forgot about Sly in the excitement, but then John cleared his throat and took responsibility.

“Hey… so,” he began, glancing at the cat curled up in Pezzy’s arms, “we’ve got a small problem.” He hesitated, then shrugged. “We weren’t planning to bring her… but…”

Sly let out a soft meow, stretching lazily against Pezzy’s chest as if to remind them both that her choice had already been made.

Grizzy raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. “You brought a holy pet. That’s a first.”

Yumi chuckled, shaking his head. “Well… good luck explaining that to your demons later.” The two demons started walking ahead, and the two angels followed behind.

“Do they… hate cats?” Pezzy asked nervously, glancing down at Sly nestled in his arms.

Yumi shook his head, smiling. “Nope. They love them… just prefer dogs, usually.”

Pezzy let out a small, relieved laugh. “Well… that’s a relief.” John raised an eyebrow at him. “Hello? Dogs?”

Pezzy groaned. “Fuck.”

Grizzy shook his head, smirking. “It’s okay. The dogs are friendly. Pinky promise.”

As they walked, the two angels couldn’t help but stare in awe at the scenes around them, taking in the beauty of Hell. Grizzy and Yumi moved ahead, walking side by side.

Grizzy glanced at Yumi. “What do you think?”

Yumi shrugged, a small smile on his face. “They seem… good. The shorter one is a little nervous and shy, but the other seems more confident. So far, their interaction with us has been… nice.”

Grizzy sighed, nodding as he cast another glance back at the angels, “Mmh… let’s hope we’re lucky this time.”

/

Droid paced the common room, fingers twitching nervously. He couldn’t tell if he was more excited or terrified.

“Droid, for fuck’s sake, sit down! You’re making me anxious!” Smitty groaned from the couch, his head buried in his hands, legs bouncing uncontrollably.

“Okay… okay, deep breaths,” Droid muttered to himself, pacing in small circles. “They’re angels. They can’t hurt me. Right?”

Smitty threw his hands up, exasperated. “Right… if you forget Yumi’s angel almost killed him! If it weren’t for Puffer stepping in, he’d be toast!”

“Uh… right…” Droid muttered not feeling comforted at all. He shot a glance at Smitty, who was still bouncing and groaning, and muttered under his breath, “I’m doomed.”

Puffer and Matt walked in, frowning at the two anxious demons.

Puffer spoke first, his tone calmly firm. “Hey, calm down. Grizzy just texted me—they’re almost here. And apparently, the first meeting went well for them.” Droid let out a long sigh and sank down onto the couch next to Smitty. “I’m just… worried, man.”

Puffer nodded, resting a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I know.”

Just then, the door ball rang, and Droid cursed under his breath. “Of course… perfect timing,” he muttered, jumping to his feet.

Matt moved to open the door, smiling—but was immediately met with a faceful of cat.

“Oh, hey little guy—”

“It’s a girl,” Pezzy corrected softly, pulling Sly back into his arms.

Matt looked up and grinned as he saw the short angel standing there. “Welcome! And… sorry for the mistake.” Pezzy gave a small nod. “It’s okay.” He glanced behind him, and Grizzy gave a quick thumbs-up, reassuring him.

Matt then noticed the two demons and smiled wider. “Come on in, new angels.”

He opened the door fully and watched as the short angel walked in first, followed by the taller one, and lastly their two demon friends. The demons looked surprisingly relaxed, chatting quietly with the angels—a promising sign.

“Welcome to our humble home, dear angels!”