Chapter Text
It took a while for him to accept them, these expressions of yours. The first time, he nearly froze in place, his eyes widen. How dare you rub his head so brazenly? And a high five? He wasn’t sure what emotion would prompt one to do so.
From then on, he watched your every move. Clearly, you were trying to manipulate him into some ridiculous scheme or request. He understood, of course. Wanting power or privilege is natural for your kind and not to brag, but he had plenty of both. Why else seek him for such ridiculous affections when his brothers were more than willing to oblige?
For a moment, he thought you’d cursed him. How else could he explain the way his hand began to reach for your waist? Or how his fingers would graze against your adorable…pardon, pleasing facial features. Yet to call it magic would be a lie and even if he could break such a spell, he wasn’t sure if he’d try.
He could hear his detractors now-“The mighty firstborn, son of the morning, enamored with a mere mortal? The shame of it all!”
And they’d be right. After all, he did have an image to maintain, one in which you consistently threatened with your need for hugs and head pats!
He doubts you would understand. Wherever he went, everyone knew. Whenever he spoke, everyone stayed silent. Demons, angels, and even humans with your various stories knew of the name Lucifer. For most, it brought fear, to some admiration, but for you…nose boops.
For Diavolo’s sake, those nose boops.
And though he tried to keep up this illusion he cultivated, you always managed to pick and prod at his cracks. You saw the real him, a part that no one should see. Yet you never ran or hide, comforting him every time. Honestly, he didn’t deserve it, any of it.
And still, he would stroll through the halls of RAD, hoping to find you. A brush or even a nudge, anything was enough to set his veins ablaze. He thought such emotions were beyond him, having buried them long ago, but you showed him, slowly, that he too could still feel.
Now, in those moments where you reach out to him, he will proudly lean in, finally knowing the peace that comes from another’s touch.