13. !Even the Devil can cry

Next morning.

Makima widened her eyes, her breathing was ragged, and the back of her clothes was wet with how much she was sweating, as if she had had a nightmare. Even though she was a Devil, she still had the corporeal flesh of a human so being able to dream was a very natural thing.

She studied her surroundings, desperately looking for someone.

Upon gazing at the familiar silhouette sitting at the corner of the room, she let out a relief sigh.

'Good, Veilhem was still here.' She thought, reminiscing about the whole ordeal before she passed out.

It was because of her that led to that situation. She had read his memory to know the far stretch of how fucked up the Hollowing Curse truly was but she had neglected to put it in the grand scheme of things.

A rookie mistake…

She clicked her tongue in annoyance as this was the second time things hadn't gone in her way. The first time was when Denji killed her before she met Veilhem in that abyss. This situation was not something she could control with her current ability.

She needed some time before she could get back her full power. Having too many contracts right now might be a far stretch for her.

Makima never felt this powerless before considering her one of the four Horsemen of Apocalypse. The Devil with power only less than that of the Primal Fear Devils.

Makima stood up from the bed and walked silently to Veilhem. Seeing how he was still dozing off with a blade strapped to his back, she decided it was unwise to disturb his rest.

Her mind right now was filled with a lot of things, but most of it was grief and guilt that had somehow crept into her heart. Like a cancerous venom that had festered in her heart, it made her mind turbulent. She couldn't think straight right now.

Makima snuggled into his arms as she always did when they were in 'The house without time'. Her keen sense was picking up his fragrance.

His scent had something that relieved her mind and soul, she didn't know why. It was so unique that it was intoxicating and appealing to her.

She leaned her head onto his hefty frame, hoping to find a bit of solace from this poor man.

She closed her eyes, wishing the chaos that had been ravaging her mind somehow disappeared.

For the first time, she was hurt to see others getting into dip shit that was because of her. Makima was unsure what to do as this situation had spiraled out of her control.

Makima was a Devil and a Devil shouldn't have feelings toward humans.

Suddenly, a hand was placed on her head, slowly stroking her hair. Makima knew this feeling as it was all familiar to her. It was Veilhem.

Makima didn't open her eyes and let him continue to stroke her hair in a slow and calm manner. She liked this feeling. No, 'like' wasn't a proper word to describe it; perhaps she 'love' it?

She really enjoyed every time he did that. For a human to do this act toward a Devil was unseen before and probably unheard of even after hearing what she did in the past.

She felt accepted.

Is this what it feels like to be a human? To be loved and pampered unconditionally?

Whatever the case, it does not matter at the moment.

Makima wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him closer to her, feeling the cold and firmness of his hand running through her hair in peace was quite… addicting for her.

However, every good thing had come to an end. Makima perked her head up to see Veilhem in the eyes.

"Veilhem-san, what do you still remember?" Makima asked in a hushed tone, devoid of any leakage of her true emotions.

"Not much actually, I was intended to ask you about that too. My memory ends with me signing a contract with you. That's all." Veilhem replied to her with genuine expression, though she might not be able to see it because of his helmet.

Or, in other words, he forgot about her. The Makima who used to tease him and snuggle up to him.

"Nothing else?" She asked, hoping this was not the truth.

"Affirmative." He nodded.

Unbeknownst to her, hearing that confirmation from him, she slightly clenched her fist, clutching at his cape's hem. The turmoil in her grew rapidly like a cancerous disease.

If only she hadn't given him that contract. If only she made some contracts with other humans before going here. If…

But that was just an if.

The truth was always bitter and she now knew what that meant. Her pupils shook uncontrollably as her mind replayed the time they had spent with each other.

All of that, gone, down to the drain.

At first, Makima just thought that he was only a slightly more interesting human among the crowd, nothing more, nothing less. But after that time, she realized how comfortable and relaxing she was around him. She found consolation within his presence.

It was as if what she sought for her entire life was there but reality was often cruel and disappointing. The chance of having an equal relationship was there and she… trampled it with her own foolishness.

All of that time, and he didn't remember it, not at all…

Makima realized how terrible that curse was. The hollowing curse that every undead had to face in their way of achieving a bit of solace.

"Lady, are you alright?" His calm voice sounded again but she couldn't bring herself to face him. If he knew that all of this happened because of her then…

She laughed at her own action, she never felt so down before. She was slowly drowning in her own feelings.

It was irritating…

So irritating.

"Let me introduce to you once again, my name is Makima. Welcome back, Veilhem-san." Makima smiled but this time, a trace of sadness could be seen on her delicate features, albeit, very lightly that could be ignored easily. She spoke indifferently but she couldn't help it, the goal was right there and she… found herself in the worst spot of all.

On the other hand, Veilhem saw Makima in a trance-like state all of a sudden and couldn't help but worry a bit. Perhaps it was something important that he had done with her in his previous life.

"Hey hey, Makima, no need to be so down like that." Veilhem tucked the side bang behind her ear and cupped her face in his hands. This made Makima get out of that daze as she widened her eyes in surprise.

He quite adored the little girl, showering her in his affection. It was nice actually, he would seem to enjoy himself too.

Perhaps it stemmed from his subconsciousness or because of his duty as a knight?

However, seeing how Veilhem was treating her was even more unbearable for Makima. It made all things worse for her to maintain her indifferent facade with a smile.

If he found out he was hollowing because of her, could he still treat her like this? Uncaring about the fact that she was a Devil, a being of darkness.

In the end, even that final wall crumbled, she couldn't take it anymore. The perpetual smile that always tucked on her lips was shattered. Her stunning eyes welled up with tears ridden by remorse and self-resentment.

The Control Devil couldn't control her emotion any longer. Even a tough Devil like her can cry.

"I'm sorry…" was all she could force herself to say as the tears slowly rolled down her cheek. Makima hugged him tightly as she buried her face into his chest, all the while sobbing ever so slightly.

Veilhem couldn't help but curse at his former self of how the fuck did he manage to make a girl cry like this. Not that he could remember but still, he spilled out every profanity word he knew inwardly.

Veilhem embraced her back as he let her make a mess with his already tattered cape. He rubbed her back and waited for her to calm down.

It took a while but eventually, she stopped weeping. He placed his chin on top of her head, quite amusing how this whole ordeal happened.

Makima tried to break free but her effort proved no avail as she found herself trapped in his embrace. Veilhem hummed in triumph as he saw her effort a little cute. They stayed like that until a tick mark appeared on her forehead.

"Veilhem-san, can you let go of me?" Makima asked blandly but he could feel the annoyance tinge within her voice. Even he was surprised at just how in the world he was able to differentiate that.

"Nope." Veilhem woke up and chose violence.

In his defense, he justified his action as calming a crying girl, albeit he only did it in his head. If he said it outloud, who would have guessed what she would do to him. After all, she was a Devil.

Another tick mark formed on her temple as she heard that annoying reply. She gave him a cold smile that he had to avert his gaze. He released the poor Devil from his embrace and put his head closer to her ear.

"Who was the one that sought my comfort in the first place?" Veilhem whispered playfully in her ears. A slight blush appeared on her face but before she could do anything, he ran off.

(A/N: Bro is courting death!!)

"Tsk, what a jerk." She mumbled, her palm covering the ear he whispered into. She had no idea she'd be this sensitive. Reminiscing about the scene in her mind, a shiver ran down her spine.

Clicking her tongue in pure frustration, Makima wanted to hit him so badly. Sighing in defeat, she controlled her expression to be as normal as possible, she watched his silhouette get smaller in her vision.

She needed to devise a plan. A plan to save him from that Hollowing Curse and make him hers. A conquest she would gladly take to heart.

She is Makima, the embodiment of Fear of Control, and she always got what she wanted.

One way or another.

_____

(A/N: Hello again, I just want to add a little bit of personality to her character. We ain't see enough of it in the manga and anime but well conquering the Conquest Devil sounds like a peak plot to me.

Do you realize that the chapter is 13 and me writing about a certain devil? That's completely random but it's still funny tho.

P/s: I need some motivation to write, help. I'm entering the lazy bum phase.)