Morning sunlight filtered softly through the Oga household, falling across the breakfast table and catching in the eyes of a small, black kitten curled up between Beelzebub and Kogen. Jagua, now back in his smaller, feline form, had stretched lazily, tail curling around Beel's tiny legs as he nuzzled and purred with gentle authority. His emerald eyes gleamed like polished jewels as he smothered the baby demon with affection, licking the top of his head, rubbing against his sides, and softly purring vibrations that seemed to resonate through the very floor.
Beel stiffened at first, his tiny fists clenching, sparks crackling faintly as if ready to protest. Yet, for the first time since he had met Jagua, his protests were feigned. He puffed out his cheeks and turned his head just slightly, refusing to look fully satisfied, trying desperately to maintain a semblance of his usual tsundere attitude. Sparks fizzled harmlessly in a small, whiny display of frustration, but Jagua remained patient, simply pressing closer, unwavering in his devotion.
Oga, still half-asleep and rubbing his eyes with one hand, leaned against the table's edge and muttered under his breath, "Well... I guess that works." He had watched Beel's behavior for days now, seen the baby demon's jealousy and possessiveness, and recognized that Jagua's presence—no matter how dramatic—was calming Beel in a way nothing else could. The small panther had claimed the baby demon as its own, and Beel, stubborn and prideful, had no choice but to comply.
Hilda, busy serving breakfast with her usual efficiency, glanced at the scene with a confused frown. "What... happened to him? He's... actually calm?" she muttered, tilting her head. She had spent the last few nights trying every method possible to calm the demon child, and yet, this sudden display of trust and affection for a mere kitten left her slightly flummoxed. "Did... something happen while I was asleep?"
Kogen, lounging near the table with Beel nestled safely against his chest and Jagua draped across his lap like royalty, smiled faintly at Hilda's confusion. "It seems," he said softly, "that Beel has recognized Jagua's role in protecting him. He understands now who is truly watching over him." He reached down and stroked Beel's tiny hair, careful not to disturb the kitten. "No need for worry, darling. He is safe."
Beel, for his part, was doing his best to ignore the obvious delight he felt. His tiny fists twitched as he pushed Jagua gently away, muttering a tiny squeak that seemed almost like a huff. Yet, whenever Jagua pressed closer, he would allow a small nuzzle or purr to reach him, his eyes betraying a flicker of contentment despite his determinedly grumpy demeanor. Sparks occasionally fizzled out in tiny arcs, harmless but dramatic, as if he were saying, I'm not happy... I'm just... humoring you.
Oga's family watched in growing amusement. His father, still half-asleep from the early morning, tilted his head and muttered, "Is he... officially adopting the cat?" His eyebrows raised as he observed the kitten nuzzling Beel, pressing closer, and guarding him as if nothing else existed in the world. Oga's mother gave a soft laugh, eyes sparkling with maternal amusement, while Misaki, Oga's elder sister, crossed her arms and smiled, shaking her head. "Well... I suppose that's official," she said. "He seems to have chosen his companion."
Breakfast continued, the mundane clatter of dishes juxtaposed with the quiet, protective purring of Jagua. Oga father, in his usual obliviousness, picked up a bottle of warm milk intended for Beel, humming softly, unaware that the temperature was far too high. He held it out toward Beel, who had been leaning against Kogen, tiny fists clenched in anticipation.
Before Beel could react, Jagua leapt with feline precision, hissing a low, warning hiss that made the father jump back. The milk tipped slightly but remained intact as Jagua pressed a paw against it, eyes narrowing. The warning was clear: do not endanger my charge.
Kogen's calm, measured gaze swept over the scene. "Ah," he murmured, reaching out to take the bottle with the same quiet authority that had once frozen a gang of delinquents in place. With precise movements, he held it under a stream of cool water until it reached the perfect temperature. "There. Safe for consumption," he said softly, passing it to Oga to feed Beel.
Oga's jaw dropped slightly. "Wait... the cat just... stopped him from giving Beel hot milk?" he asked incredulously.
Kogen simply smiled faintly, his eyes revealing a quiet pride and melancholy combined. "It seems Jagua understands his responsibilities."
Beel, now finally able to lap up the milk safely, looked between Kogen and Jagua, sparks of delight faintly fizzing as he drank. His tiny hands reached out to pat the kitten, then his chest, attempting to show affection without losing his tsundere composure. Jagua, patient and regal, nuzzled the baby's head gently, purring vibrantly.
Oga's father, red-faced and muttering under his breath, scratched the back of his head. "I... I didn't know it was too hot... my bad..."
Oga's mother, eyes narrowing in mock scolding, wagged a finger. "Honestly, you have to pay attention! It's not just about you, you know. That child is... delicate!"
Oga muttered a quiet, exhausted sigh, watching Beel and Jagua interact. Sparks flickered softly as the baby demon finished the milk and cuddled against the kitten, tiny limbs draped over Jagua's back. "Well... I guess he's... happy now," Oga muttered to himself. "Finally."
Hilda, observing the scene, muttered with her usual mix of exasperation and amusement, "Well as long as the young master is happy." She gave a small, almost imperceptible smile as she watched Jagua nuzzle Beel, clearly approving of the arrangement.
Jagua stretched luxuriously, tail curling around the baby demon's tiny torso. Its emerald eyes flicked to Kogen, then to Oga, as if silently issuing the unspoken message: You do not touch him unless I allow it. Beel squeaked softly in response, sparks fizzing lightly, eyes half-closed in tentative contentment.
Oga leaned back, rubbing his tired eyes. "...I can't believe... all of this... is happening... in one morning," he muttered, voice weary but tinged with relief. "The baby's happy... the cat's... officially protecting him... and no one's screaming at me yet... somehow."
Misaki laughed softly, reaching over to brush Beel's tiny hair. "He's lucky to have Jagua," she said.
Oga gave her a sidelong glance, rubbing his temple. "Yeah... lucky..." he muttered, the weight of recent nights still heavy on his shoulders.
The breakfast table fell into a quiet rhythm, the kind of domestic peace that only a baby and a protective familiar could enforce. Even Jagua's small purrs seemed to synchronize with Beel's tiny hums of contentment, creating a soft, magical ambiance. Oga, for the first time in days, allowed himself to relax slightly, though his mind remained alert.
He remembered the previous night, the panic, the terror of thinking Kogen might vanish, the echoes of that cold, merciless night when Kogen faced unimaginable horrors alone. The memory still sent shivers down his spine, but seeing Beel safe, nestled against Jagua, gave him a small, fragile sense of security.
Kogen's soft voice broke through Oga's thoughts. "Darling, it seems they have bonded well," he said, eyes calm but carrying that quiet weight of someone who had seen far too much. "Beel understands now. He is safe, and Jagua will protect him always."
Oga muttered under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "...Yeah... safe... I hope... But that last night... I don't think I'll ever forget how... terrifying it was..."
Beel squeaked softly, nudging Jagua, who pressed back with a gentle nuzzle. Sparks flickered, warm and harmless, almost like a sigh of relief. Oga couldn't help but glance at them, a small, reluctant smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Hilda, still standing at the edge of the table, muttered, "For once, all of you are... doing something right. I suppose I can approve... this time."
Jagua's emerald eyes met
Kogen's once more, then flicked to Beel. The unspoken promise hung in the air: I am your guardian, your protector, and nothing will harm you while I am here. Beel, in his own tsundere way, glared briefly at the kitten, then nuzzled closer, accepting the bond silently.
Oga let out a long breath, shoulders sagging slightly. "...I guess... we're officially a family now... in our own weird... chaotic... way."
Kogen's faint, melancholy smile softened as he stroked Beel's hair. "Yes, in our own way, darling," he said. And for the first time in days, the weight of fear, of loss, and of helplessness seemed just a little lighter in Oga's chest.