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"Y/N, we're almost there".
You pulled your scarf tighter around you. For just a brief week, you and the demon brothers had been given access to the human world. Diavolo had called it "a break from studying".
"Aren't you cold, Satan?" you asked, looking at his outfit - a light, white jacket the only thing protecting him from the biting autumn winds. Even though you had multiple layers on, drafts of freezing air still managed to sneak up your sleeves, causing your fingers to go numb.
"Don't worry, Y/N" Satan assured you, "demons aren't affected by human-standard temperatures." He smiled, eyes travelling downwards to your shivering hands. "You, on the other hand..." reaching out, his hand perfectly slotted in yours. Despite the temperature, you felt your face heating up, palms becoming clammy.
Not now...
"Sorry, my hands are sweaty." You fought the urge to pull your hand away.
"Don't worry."
To distract yourself, you examined the street around you. Diavolo had sent you and Satan to a small town... somewhere. The road was narrow; mainly made for walking down, a few bikes slumped against shop walls and lampposts. Lining the left of the street were charming, mostly specialty shops.
To your left, a large river streamed past, a green bridge spanning the distance. Leaves swirled red, orange, and yellow on the banks, grabbed by the rushing rapids. Being pulled along by Satan, you took a moment to enjoy the atmosphere. An icy blue sky was a nice change from the inky black Devildom sky you were used to. Although you didn't know the place, it seemed Satan did, as he strung you further and further down the street - then suddenly stopping.
A quaint bookstore stood in front of you, the display window showcasing Autumn's new releases. "Toad's Haul" was written in elegant, black lettering above the door. Fittingly, a stout toad figurine guarded the entrance.
I'll have to thank Diavolo later," Satan chattered excitedly, pulling you inside. Bookshelves stuffed to the brim grazed the ceiling, flush against the walls. Smaller, knee-height shelves filled the space in between. Despite its outwards appearance, the interior was surprisingly spacious.
"You've been here before?"
"Oh, many times" Satan nodded, "this place has a wonderful occult collection,"
Occult...?
You watched as Satan left your side to browse some books, silently wishing he would've held your hand for a little longer. Despite Satan's questionable intentions (probably to prank Lucifer), you also had a goal. As you were staring at the display case, one book, in particular, had caught your attention. It was the second book of your favourite series.
Right before you had left for the Devildom, you had managed to read the first book - and became hooked. Now, the second had just released! When would you get a chance like this?! Delicately picking a copy from one of the lower bookshelves, you carefully flicked through the fluttering pages, savouring that new-book smell.
"Enjoying yourself, Y/N?" You had been so engrossed, you had barely noticed Satan. Leaning over your shoulder, he examined the cover. "Is that a book you're interested in?" He began to read the title aloud, eyebrows ascending with each word "My Forbidden Romance with my Roommate who is also secretly a-"
"Stop!"
You quickly slapped a hand over his mouth. Fighting to keep a calm demeanour, you plucked the book from Satan's hands, placing it back onto the shelf. Pulling your hand back, you nervously fidgeted with the hem of your shirt. "I know, I know it's probably not your taste" you stammered, avoiding directly looking at Satan. An awkward silence filled the space, it was so quiet you could hear your own heart beating.
"Not at all..." Satan said, words coming out slowly as he watched you carefully. He continued, picking up speed and confidence. "On the contrary, I am familiar with this author."
"You're kidding me!"
"Not at all," he grinned, "I'm sure you're familiar with 'I got reincarnated into my favourite novel-'"
"-and became the queen of a corrupt kingdom!" you finished his sentence. "I never knew you read these kinds of books..." It was like the silence had been wiped away instantly, and you suddenly wanted to bombard him with questions. You had never considered that Satan might like these books, outside of the things he already read...
Time flew by as the two of you spent the afternoon browsing books, feeling free to discuss favourite novels and series. By the end of your trip, you left the store with a hefty bag, nearly overflowing with books of every subject and variety.
"Let's go home, Y/N." he sighed contentedly, gazing adoringly at the books. "And-" he held out his hand, "let's read that novel together."