Chapter Text
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Everywhere you turn, the sea of soft pink fills your vision, and the sight makes you feel as though you are drowning in sheer awe and happiness. You've never thought you'd get to experience this, not so soon anyway. You have nothing unpleasant or unsatisfactory to say about the Devildom, but you can't deny that this is one of the things you love and have missed about the human world. Springtime.
It's been a while since your last trip to your original home, and even longer since you last really lived here before you were unceremoniously brought to the Devildom for your exchange year. Although you are aware of what time of the year it is, but because mostly none of your human world events and traditions seem to have the same degree of relevance in the other realm, and not to mention the monotonous darkness the Devildom sky is perpetually cast into, the passing of time elsewhere seems to jump over your head sometimes. But thanks to the petal Mammon received from the Night Lantern people, you are not only reminded, but you're also not given the chance to miss what has become a natural aspect of your growing up.
You suppose it's not so much Mammon's luck as it is fate's working that got you all here. After that long dream which has left everyone feeling light and fulfilled in some ways, and after hearing that story of the princess with her unspoken affections, you know that the single petal finding its way to you and the brothers and eventually bringing you here are no coincidence, just like your life and everything that's played out ever since arriving at the Devildom are no coincidence either. You don't mind at all. Although the sweet honesty manifested by each brother when confessing to you has left you more than a little flustered, you're just glad that through you, the princess is somehow able to shed some of her regret, strong enough to withstand time and leave its mark on the place where, once, her own love could have been realized.
A hand reaches out to touch the trunk of a tree. All this time you've spent marveling at the beauty of this God-given gift, and to think that a single petal has contained that much power and has quite the history behind it. Then again, perhaps it's the scope of the princess's love for that person which allowed her feelings to latch itself into the very thing that had held great significance to the couple.
Poor thing... You honestly hope that wherever the princess is at this moment, she is now together with her beloved, the both of them having attained the happiness owed to them by time.
From a distance, merriment and chaos reach your ears, before the sound is carried away by a gust of wind that sweeps through the area, also causing the flowers from the trees and those that have fallen on the ground to spiral in the air. Your eyes reflexively shut tight, so as to avoid dirt from entering them, until finally, you feel it safe enough to open them again. The swirl of cherry blossom petals is just starting to clear, their subtle fragrance wafting through your nose and soothing your senses, and as the cloak of satiny pink falls away, there he stands... The seemingly floating flowers forming a riveting backdrop and foreground to the real masterpiece in their midst, as though they serve as the enthralling prelude to something a whole lot sweeter and infinitely more exquisite.
Standing amongst the gently falling cherry blossoms, head slightly raised skyward, is Lucifer.
The glasses cannot quite hide the relaxed and peaceful look in his eyes as Lucifer himself watches the blooms drift ever so slowly towards the ground. The entire scene is flawless and beguiling. Like a writer's most compelling composition, comprised of a cluster of overused words masterfully twisted to accurately yet naturally reflect the essence of the story, or an artist's meticulous but delicate strokes that combine to create a most vivid depiction of a thousand unspoken words in one picture. You have never gazed upon anything more tender, so much so that it has you stopping, your mouth hanging open as you hear yourself gasp in awe, completely transfixed as you are by the almost dreamlike sight in front of you.
And even though you ache to go to him, you don't make a move to approach him, not wanting to break the delicateness of the moment and so simply opting to watch in silence. It's not unlikely that Lucifer's become aware of your presence, but whether he doesn't or does know and is just waiting for you to decide how you want this scenario to play out, so far he hasn't made to acknowledge you yet. In the meantime, you take the liberty to enjoy this from the sidelines, where you are free to engrave this image in your mind.
Even in the human world and wearing casual human clothes, Lucifer still exudes the same regal, impressive aura, but when it should have been in heavy contrast with the humble touch of the surrounding nature, it is anything but. On the contrary, both complement each other very well. Because despite his intimidating presence, Lucifer is still breathtakingly handsome, with perfect features nothing less of one crafted by God Himself. If anything, the flowers, the light peeking through the gaps in the leaves of trees, and him bathed in the overall brightness of the human world sky, all of these seem to soften his edges, and only serve to make him more...
...Beautiful. You swallow.
It is this thought that gets your feet moving after a while, each step truer and more certain towards its destination than the last as it brings you closer to the only person in all the three worlds you know who can make you feel this way. It's a little presumptuous of you, but when Lucifer turns his head at your approach, a knowing smile in place, a strange yet pleasant sensation courses through you, causing your insides to tingle with the rush of anticipation and hope much like the season brings, unable to help imagining a scenario where he has actually been waiting for you under this cherry blossom tree which you have both agreed upon as your secret meeting place.
You will your heart to slow down, but your attempts prove futile as you near him, seeing how especially attractive he looks in the afternoon sunlight, even more than usual. It might be the clothes, or the different environment that gives his skin a certain glow. Except, it's most probably due to the obvious shift in his demeanor, whereas normally he looks so tense and serious, for once he appears unusually calm and sure of himself, no trace of the insecurity and stress that are hidden so expertly one would never suspect, but that you know he must harbor from trying to maintain his impeccable character as well as surpass expectation that both come with being the Avatar of Pride. Even his eyes that seem to hold a lot of his personal burdens behind them, currently look sharp and unencumbered, as though in the time you've spent here in this forest, he's somehow been able to find some sort of inner peace.
Lucifer waits until you've stepped up beside him before speaking. "I take it this means we're of the same mind then."
"If you mean wanting to enjoy a bit of privacy while admiring the cherry blossoms, then I suppose yes, we are," you admit with a light smile. You're very thrilled at being able to spend this season of spring and cherry blossoms with the brothers, at watching them witness, for the first time in the long, unfathomable years of their life, this human world phenomenon that's unlike anything they'd ever get to experience in any other realm. It makes your heart swell with pride and gladness, seeing the lighthearted, childlike joy in everyone's faces as they revel in the surrounding beauty and sheer purity of the scenery. And although they can be a little too rowdy and loud, it's nothing to complain about, regardless you find yourself wanting to have some alone time, take a moment to reconnect with the nature aspect of yourself, and to simply bask in the joy found in the simplicity and beauty of something as rare and precious as this. And judging by how you've found him, Lucifer apparently feels the same.
His smile softens, before he gestures wordlessly behind him, under the shade of a huge tree, where a large square cloth is spread over a blanket of lush petals, and atop of which lay a variety of human world food — some sweet treats but mostly fruits — and a bottle of wine with two glasses. Your eyebrow shoots up, to which he chuckles in response.
"Come join me for a bit."
And rare as it is for these flowers to grace the world with their pretty colors, it's even rarer to have some peaceful, undisturbed quality time with Lucifer, so you are inclined to follow him to the small picnic he may or may not have specifically set up for the both of you. Not that you are capable of saying no to him otherwise. Haven't you already established the fact that his happiness — as is his pain — is your own?
The two of you sit on opposite sides of the blanket, the basket of food in the middle as you feast on the small but scrumptious meal. You even oblige Lucifer by consuming a glass of wine even though you don't normally drink. In fact, the only time you ever do is when you're down in the Devildom, which is also where you have gotten your first taste of alcohol. The Demonus hits you like fireworks on your tongue, strong and fiery with a burst of spectacular flavors, so even for you who can't tolerate bitter stuff, the beverage suits you just fine also because it cannot get you even the slightest bit tipsy. But apparently, Lucifer knows your preference, since the velvety texture of the liquid that assaults your mouth is anything but bitter. There may be slight hints of it, but predominantly it has a subtly sweet flavor and aroma, not to mention the aftertaste is incredible. But what really makes you feel like indulging yourself today is this wine seems to have been chosen particularly by Lucifer to match the day's setting — sweet, mild, and elegant.
Light conversation is made as you eat, and even though your topics can go to something mundane and silly as the ladybug crawling to join you on the mat, or the accidental hole in Mammon's pants yesterday as he somehow found himself in a struggle with some woody branches, you still enjoy this time with Lucifer immensely, and going by the smiles and laughter he's exhibited in a short amount of time, so does he with you.
During a lull in your conversation, you let your gaze wander around. Absentmindedly, you voice out loud your musings of how you wish you were a better artist, so you could accurately reproduce the image and store it away in print, somewhere you can pull it out conveniently when you feel the urge to revisit the memory, as vividly and raw as the day the very moment has transpired in existence.
"You could borrow Levi's camera. I'm sure even he would have gotten his fill of taking picture after picture of that figurine of his," Lucifer suggests.
You let out a small laugh at his offhand regard of Leviathan and his unconventional hobby. "Oh no, I wouldn't want to ruin his fun. Cherry blossoms is a common trope in anime. He must be having the time of his life living out his dream, he even brought Ruri-chan with him!"
"No doubt about that," he agrees with a light huff, but the slight quirk of his lips is a proof of the lack of his usual exasperation about the topic. "If you're sure. But you may never get this chance again. It's not often that we get to visit the human world, and you still have quite the long months ahead of you."
"I don't mind, really," you assure him. And as if to prove your point, you carelessly stretch out your legs and lean back with your arms behind you for support, drinking in the magnificent view around you and deeply inhaling the sweet scent. The combined sensation makes you giddy. "A picture would be nice, but something beautiful and memorable, I just think it's much better remembering it as you've felt it, not through some looking glass or anything like that, but with your own eyes and memory. Makes the experience more personal, you know? Closer to the heart."
"Oh? And this is coming from someone who has enough pictures in her Devilgram to rival even Asmo."
You can practically hear his smirk before you even turn to face him, your own cheeks puffing out in turn. "That's different, okay? Well, not really. But I'm spending those times with people who are dear to me, and we have so much fun together that maybe I'd like to have keepsakes for when I want to look back on them, thank you very much." You punctuate that with your tongue sticking out at him just because you feel like it.
Lucifer's laughter rings out pleasantly, rich and jovial, in that little clearing you've claimed for yourselves. "I'm only joking. I do see your point. But since you mentioned that you wish to preserve this in some way, but you're not confident enough with your artistic skills, I believe that taking photos would be the next best thing."
"Hmm, oh, well, it's not that I don't appreciate photos. I mean, photography's also an art, and if you're talented enough, it's even possible to capture things in an angle that showcases their best qualities. Or how you perceive an object so others may also see it differently through your eyes." Your brows furrow unconsciously as you carefully contemplate each word. "But I guess, rather than 'capture' something at once, I want to... recreate it, from scratch, so every detail comes entirely from me, then it'll be like a clear reflection or manifestation of how I was feeling when actually living in the moment." When you look at Lucifer again, you're slightly taken aback to see that he is focused solely on you, regarding you with such a serious attentiveness that makes you self-conscious. "Err, that doesn't make much sense, does it?"
The corners of his lips lift up into a gentle smile, and it's only embarrassment from the sudden warmth erupting in your chest that has you even slightly doubting that it is really admiration and pride that you can see in his eyes. "It actually does." He then chuckles at the shy grin you give him, before continuing. "While I don't think your drawing skills are dismissible as you think, if you're not confident that you can express your emotions well through visual art, you can still write about them, no? That would surely be something worth reading."
You blink at him through wide, skeptical eyes. "You would read that, even though you're so busy?" While the idea of Lucifer reading something you've written is definitely flattering, it's also kind of absurd in your opinion, no matter how appealing the idea is. It's common knowledge that the eldest demon is so busy to the point he almost drowns himself in his work; you most certainly do not want to intrude on his already packed schedule with your more nerdy interests.
At seeing your incredulousness as if what he has just proposed is something preposterous, however, he frowns a little. "Is it that surprising? If I can find time to unwind through my music, then I will certainly find time to share in your chosen passion. If it's so important to you, then all the more reason for me to indulge you."
Well that's... sweet. Incredibly so, in fact.
A subtle shift in his expression, like a cloud or shadow passing, replaces the earlier frown with something a little more... subdued — you can't say for sure since it's only for an instant. "Besides, I would love to know what you're feeling right this moment."
Oh. "Why not just ask me then?"
"I suppose I can do that. But I prefer to learn it in the best way you can express it."
And then the smile he sends your way is one of equal challenge and encouragement. You are taken aback not only at the fact that he is both aware of and acknowledges this aspect of you, but more importantly, he believes in your abilities when you yourself tend to get short on self-confidence. The giddy feeling ever present from the cozy atmosphere and the surprising turns of your conversation with Lucifer and which has settled in your stomach is now bubbling up towards the surface again. You hope it isn't too obvious in the way your eyebrow raises and one side of your mouth curls up into a light, teasing smirk.
"You really think I can do that?"
"Yes," he answers promptly as he fixes you with an earnest look. "I'm sure my brothers would agree with me that you have a way with words, Ruisu. I, for one, have never imagined that you could make me listen to you, that I would place such value on your opinions, sometimes even more than my own. I don't know how you do it, but somehow you always know what to say, and I often find comfort in that in times when I feel particularly troubled or simply need something to ground me."
Without meaning to, your gaze drops down to your lap, unable to keep meeting the intensity of Lucifer's eyes on you. You can feel your cheeks heating up, your whole body tingling as though it has been set afire. The erratic thumping of your heart against your chest is much too hard, much too loud for comfort, and you've got just enough wit about you to wonder if Lucifer is aware that it is his words that are capable of making you feel the way you do — your mind short-circuiting before going totally haywire, and your heart seeming somewhat heavy with the knowledge that someone thinks this way of you, at the same time nothing else could make it soar higher.
"You give me too much credit, Lucifer," you say bashfully, eyes flitting back to him in time to see his sincere expression become tinged with a hint of playfulness.
"Not less than you deserve. But would you rather I say your words have effect on me because I love you?"
It's like a giant explosion taking place inside your head with the bomb Lucifer has dropped on you, or your heart making wild tumbles and jumps trying to escape its cage. As you sit there gaping at him, you feel the sudden urge to pull a Leviathan and hide your face in your hands, because seriously, how can Lucifer, with that damned smirk on his lips, utter those words so casually, and still manage to wreck your feelings and reduce you, a living human being with consciousness, free will, and intelligence, into an incoherent, bumbling mess of a... well, you're not really sure what you are now.
Then again, maybe it's exactly because of how he's said them, like it's the most natural thing for him to say or feel, that it has that much impact on you.
And even though you hate making light of both your feelings, especially when they're so undeniable at this point, what can you do honestly? Smile like a goofball, dance around like a maniac, scream your lungs out until you're hoarse, or God forbid, jump him? Or perhaps, let yourself be carried away, like a leaf surrendering itself completely to his strong current? Between all those compliments and confessions he's throwing at you so carelessly, they're more than enough to overwhelm you that you're not really sure how to react. And so you blurt out the first thing your mind can conjure up.
"S-Stop teasing me, geez!"
Your pout turns into a scowl at seeing Lucifer's obvious enjoyment of getting you so flustered. Well, at least you're amusing to him, you muse wryly. Despite yourself, you have the strong urge to join him, because how can you stay mad when he sports such a rare open fondness and softness in his features, and the atmosphere makes you feel lighthearted like you've never been in quite a while? So you throw your inhibitions to the wind and allow a hearty giggle to escape, sighing in happiness and wondering if this is what Lucifer meant about acting cute and brainless at the same time.
A light wind causes the raven fringe on the side of his face to sway. There is a blissful, content look about him, in the manner he has his head tilted back, relishing in the feeling of the cool air against his sun-kissed skin. "It's been a while since I was able to relax like this. It's quite nice and refreshing."
"Honestly, you'll be able to relax a lot more if you'd just allow yourself to do so," you chide him slightly, making a face at him to which he simply chuckles. Then perking up, you round on your seat to face him, grinning cheekily. "Aren't you glad for once that Mammon has gambled?"
"I suppose so," he admits, a bit surprisingly. "I'm not particularly happy about his gambling. But I guess I can let him off this time. After all, it's thanks to him that we get the chance to experience something extraordinary. The Night Lantern people were right though; this is much more valuable than money or any other materialistic gift the world could offer."
You nod your head slowly in contemplation at first, then eventually in agreement, happy to see that he finds this as overall fulfilling as you do. "So how'd you say your first cherry blossoms experience is, Lucifer?"
"Hmm, let's see." He mulls over in thought for a second, before dropping his gaze from the clouds to look at you squarely in the eyes, an undeniable hint of anticipation mixing with the spark of mischief glinting in those red orbs. "What do you think?"
Despite the half-teasing nature of the posed question that he has somehow turned on you, you're more than glad for the excuse to study the demon in front of you more carefully, intent as you already are in drinking in this precious sight 'til it all but drowns you.
Leaning against the tree, arm propped up on his bent knee while exchanging light banters with you, it's like Lucifer is a different person. But you know better; this is him when he allows himself to let loose. You're not sure if this is a lingering effect of the magic, or simply the flowers' natural invigorating effect on everyone which is also magic in and of itself. You've seen him act this way once before, in that virtual reality world when he showed his other, more genuine side to you, when he is not keeping up a facade of perfection in front of everyone. You have no qualms about that, simply accepting whom he chooses to be rather than pushing for whom you think he ought to be. Admittedly, though, seeing Lucifer like this is a wonderful treat, not more for you than it is for him, because in the couple of times you've witnessed an uninhibited Lucifer, he must undoubtedly feel so free as you yourself certainly do.
With a sincere smile, you tell him earnestly, "I think it suits you."
His voice taking on a quieter note, laced with something you can't identify, Lucifer replies, "Is that so," his exquisite features adorned with a grateful and pleased smile, and accentuated further by the warm, gentle glow of the sun's rays. Not for the first time this day — and certainly not the last either — you catch yourself speechless and staring, although thankfully he moves on from the subject, forcing you to keep up and inadvertently saving you from the sheer embarrassment of being caught openly admiring him. "I can see why these flowers are famous in this place though. Even saying they're astoundingly pretty is an understatement. Watching them, for some reason, it feels like my heart is full, among other things."
The knowledge of the shared sentiment brings a rather soft smile to your face. "I know the feeling. But you know, there's a lot more to them than just their appearance. These flowers, they're short-lived."
"So I've heard."
Above you, the clouds drift ever so slowly, and from your vantage point on the ground, the view is decorated by the never-ending fall of the pink flowers as if they are raining down from the heavens. Beside you, Lucifer silently watches as you fall into a contemplative explanation about this human world thing that he's hardly familiar with but you're clearly very fond of. "They only bloom at the beginning of spring, when the winter season's about to end. So for most people, these flowers symbolize growth, hope, and new beginnings. But sadly, they're only around for a few short weeks before eventually, every last one of them has fallen from the trees, and they won't grow again until the next spring comes around again. That's why they're more meaningful, because they've come to be associated with the fragility and fleetingness of life. They're all the more appreciated because they're so pure and beautiful, yet they don't last forever."
You chance a peek at Lucifer through the fallen curtain of your hair as you bite your lower lip in a display of sheepishness, wanting to gauge his reaction to your words, only to find that he is already staring quite intently at you. Hardly unexpected but still surprising, you almost recoil back and avert your gaze, embarrassed and quite intimidated by the sheer intensity of his focus. But you don't, because oddly enough, it's that same intense look he's giving you that has you staring right back, drawn in like there's some kind of force pulling you in. He has always had that effect on you, but most especially when he gazes at you like this, all teasing and smugness at getting you so nervous gone and replaced with a seriousness, a sort of indecisive and pensive look on top of an indistinguishable mix in his face that he so often adopts whenever he is contemplating on what to say or how best to proceed with regards to a wholly 'complicated and troublesome' matter that is you.
Noticing the barest trace, almost dismissible yet admittedly present conflicted look that passes Lucifer's eyes as he fights to maintain his neutral expression, you begin to worry for a second whether that has been a little insensitive of you, considering that you have just pretty much described your own situation with him. But you shrug it off in the same instant. Lucifer is hardly ignorant. If anything, it is him who should know above anyone else, even Diavolo, that is, if, more than being the one to supervise you in the duration of your stay in the Devildom, he favors you in a more personal and intimate manner. Surely, he is well aware of what he is getting himself into from the moment he has decided that he wants you. And even in the unlikely event that he is not, well, there's really nothing to it.
You're a human. This has always been a fact of your life. It's basic — the basest — human nature. Time and time again, to the point where it has lost some of its impact due to how often, and so lightly, it's said, everyone claims that life is too short. Regardless, people do hang on to these words still, knowing all too well the heartbreaking reality of them, how a person can so easily be stripped off of life at any given, sometimes least expected time. On a lighter note, this saying also serves as a reminder to live to the fullest and with as little regrets as possible. In hindsight, you suppose it holds much truth to it than it normally seems. If you sit still by your window long enough, or stare mindlessly at your ceiling for days, hours on end, it would probably even pass your notice that a day or week has gone by (and this hits home a little too hard, more than you'll imagine). Singular days bleeding seamlessly into one another. Thousands of yesterdays linking together to as far back as the day you were born, and another thousands of tomorrows currently counting down to the end of your days. Or perhaps, you're looking at just a hundred more — only God knows.
It's safe to say that this is something you and Lucifer are both aware of, but have never really discussed. There's really no need to, because this isn't some random issue that has come up and is in need of a solution in order to get fixed; your being momentary here on earth is only natural, it's part of your humanity. And you were fated to die soon enough, long before you have met Lucifer or any of the brothers. It goes to show how even they aren't totally almighty and formidable, because for all of their impressive abilities and power, your human life is one thing they have no hand in, neither a say in it nor a means to alter it. But maybe, the main reason why you don't really talk about it is because, on your part, you don't want to be unintentionally cruel by either making light of the topic or reminding them of the inevitable. You're not sure if the others are conscious of the fact on a frequent level, but between you and the oldest demon brother, you suppose this has been the elephant in the room. Nevertheless, you can't deny that a large part of you wishes to know so badly, beyond this factual knowledge, what Lucifer truly thinks of your brief life, and if he ever wonders about the very near future when you wouldn't exist anymore in a world where he is still a long ways part of.
The air has shifted somewhat, subtle yet noticeable, a sense of awareness settling in, keeping your eyes, ears, and hearts wide open. Waiting on the other, longing to know what the other thinks or plans to do with this new progression. In your defense, it's not what you've intended when you said those words, but it's not like such trivialities matter at this point. Or maybe, this is exactly what you've been hoping for, without knowing that you actually need this at all. Because no matter how much you've tried to evade this part, it's not something that you can get away from; either way, it's happening — even now, every second that ticks by is one less you have with Lucifer. On your own, it wouldn't be such a big deal for you. However short your time on earth may be, to a human like you, this is enough. But that means little to nothing when, in the grand scheme of things, you won't be the one left behind with only the memories.
While the mood isn't one of unease, you see no reason to let it linger, or to dwell further in the matter. After all — and even more frustrating is that — it's not like you can do anything about it either.
And so, you shrug it off, yet again. Lately, it feels like it's all you ever do. Swallowing the pang of resentment towards yourself even though you're hardly at fault, you give Lucifer what you hope is a casual smile. "Aren't you envious though? You don't have cherry blossoms in the Devildom. Don't you wish you got this back home? Although I doubt they'd actually bloom there."
A glimmer of amusement lights up Lucifer's face. You're not sure if he feels grateful for the slight diversion, but whether or not that's the case, he seems willing to play along, surprising you more with how it relieves the tension on your shoulders. Although as what you'd expect from Lucifer, he would still call you out on your lame joke, regardless of it being just an excuse to spare you both from what could have been an awkward situation. "I wouldn't call myself as outright envious, as you so... maturely puts it," he briefly chuckles at your sour face. "But yes, that would've been lovely. Although, the way things stand right now, to be completely honest, this is fine too."
When he moves his gaze from you to cut across the bright, blue sky once again, there is a faraway look in them — you realize, similar to the one he had a few moments ago when talking about wanting to know your true feelings — an air of wistfulness that makes him appear almost in a dreamlike haze. "I'd say it's fulfilling, to some extent, every time I learn a new thing about the human world. It makes me feel a touch closer to one thing that's just beyond my reach. Besides, like you said, its transient nature only adds to its charm and overall effect. Not to say that I'd do differently otherwise, but the fact that it's rare for me, and something that I don't get to keep with me forever, I intend to cherish the experience for as long as I can be a part of it."
It's ironic, really. What with Lucifer telling all these to you, baring his heart seemingly without the slightest sense of self-preservation, you'd have thought you would be absolutely floored by now — blushing in every inch of your skin down to the roots of your hair, being a stuttering mess, and all those other cliche 'shoujo-esque' reactions that you yourself admittedly commit when dealt with this side of Lucifer. Yet the situation seems almost fragile. At this point, you're honestly not capable of articulating any response. Or at least, a suitable enough response that could give some sort of justification to his sincerity. All you can be is speechless, unable to think past the wave of surreal sensations flooding your senses, listening in dumbstruck awe and wonder as you hang on to every word that comes out of Lucifer's lips.
His eyes find you again, like he can't tear his gaze away from you for too long as though you are far more beautiful and worthy of his attention. "Well, we brothers may never see eye to eye when it comes to a lot of things, particularly in what interests us, but I can understand the appeal of engaging in something you love, especially under the present circumstances. Truly, the idyllic ambiance of this place surely magnifies the entire experience." Your skin tingles, despite your earlier assessment, quite certain as you are that his light, assured smile and the meaningful glint in his eyes, unwavering on yours, are not the only things directed at you. "I can't really deny them this when I myself wish to make the most out of this time."
Is it the flowers, or the magic that still lingers in the space around you, which creates this mood, you wonder as you grapple for anything to say. Maybe it's just him. "Lucifer, I..."
To your surprise, he releases a loud, airy laugh. "It's always worth it to see your blushing face."
You throw him a glare which doesn't have the intended effect with you pouting like that. "Geez... Is that why you love to tease me so much?"
His laughter devolves into an easy quirk of his lips, as you revel unblinkingly and wide-eyed in every detail on his face, the overall softened and contented look, and the way his gaze bores down on you, assertiveness and pride shining in the vermilion eyes of the demon who has always been bold and knowing of his wants when it comes to how he feels about you, only ascertaining the truth in his next words.
"I don't tease, Ruisu."
A tranquil silence falls over, accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature and punctuated by the pounding of your heart. Lucifer regards you with that same peaceful, content aura that he has adopted in the time he has spent here in the human world and in this forest. And even though he's not asking you of anything you're not ready to give him, despite his assertiveness which is often misconstrued by others as forcefulness, he seems perfectly alright where he is, simply relishing in this moment that he can be with you. Not you though. For all the words you cannot find a way to say, thoughts rage inside your head, conflicting with the emotions running wild in your heart wanting to be free, giving you an unsettling feeling in your stomach. As long as you've known Lucifer, he has always been vocal about his interest in you. If you have doubted him before, you have no reason to do so now, especially after today when you've just confirmed yet again where you stand in Lucifer's heart. It may not be intended, yet somehow it makes you feel responsible anyway; the ball is undeniably in your court now, everything is riding in this very moment and it's up to you to decide what's going to happen next.
Then, like a ray of light illuminating your surroundings, reality sets in before your eyes. It's just you and Lucifer, the little meadow wherein you're currently sat caged in by lush trees, which allow for some solitary haven from the rest of the world, and whose flowers carry more significance for the both of you than either could have imagined. The cherry blossoms continue their descent, fluttering in the barest of wind like an endless dance. It's... enchanting. Like something out of a dream, or straight out of any romantic's fantasy. It's that one incredibly tender time of life that makes one want to burst into a hearty laughter through their tears, and at the same time grasp the moment with all of their power because nothing else could touch and make such an impact on their life like this ever again.
As all of these hit you, you're feeling a little overwhelmed, not sure what to do with all this bubble of emotions wanting to burst out of you. Suddenly self-conscious, you tuck a few stray strands of hair behind your ear, which is just as well since soon after a particularly strong gust of wind rushes past. You instinctively shift your head to avoid the initial wave, but then ultimately dare to look up, eyes remaining wide open while your hand keeps your hair from blowing about and obstructing your view.
Words fail you, for there is nothing that would sufficiently describe this — what you are and how all of this is for you. You're only a spectator, soaking in everything, feeling every ounce of emotion it evokes from within the deepest parts of your self, milking every drop of this experience that no words or picture can ever replicate. And that's because this is present and real, and it's all happening inside you, the world as you perceive it through the looking windows of your eyes. Because for you, this is just the one moment that makes that single breathy laugh tumble past your lips, the same one which you would want to stay in forever. It tugs at every heartstring with bittersweet notes, yet it is every bit perfect — the way the petals seem to fill every space around you, your eyes on the flowers, and Lucifer's eyes on you.
As the moment gradually subsides, your wonder-filled gaze finally settles on Lucifer, to find that he's already staring at you, a discordant harmony in the gentleness in his features and the burning intensity manifesting in the brilliant red of his eyes. Notwithstanding a fascinating event that he may not be so privileged as to witness as much as he'd like due to circumstances, he only ever has eyes for you. Your breath catches in your throat when Lucifer leans forward, reaching across the picnic blanket with his arm outstretched. Twinkling starry night of your gaze and the alluring rich vermillion of Lucifer's stay locked to each other even as his hand disappears behind your head, followed by a featherlike caress that ruffles your hair like a breath of wind. But then he's pulling away shortly before you can even begin to process his action, causing you to blink up at him in puzzlement. Until he holds out his palm between you, after which your expression morphs into one of understanding, lips parting in slight awe.
"This has landed on your hair." And there, sitting on his palm is a single cherry blossom flower, which he is now presenting to you.
You take it from his hand, twirling it slowly between your fingertips. Its delicate petals are velvety against your skin, and just as you've imagined, it's so much prettier up-close. A soft, unrestrained smile spreads across your face as you admire the meek beauty of your favorite flower which you now have in the palm of your hand.
You'd probably never know, but seeing you smile like that strikes Lucifer with an aching longing in his chest, wishing that he too could hold you in his arms and you would never let each other go. It's a tall order, he knows; even with him as one of the most powerful beings in existence, you are not such a trifle matter that he can possess at his whim. You are much more than that, to him especially. And for all his esteemed Pride, there is still doubt in his heart that he deserves such a lovely and purehearted person like you. The demon nature of his self craves to selfishly keep you with him for as long as he is, but the more prevalent part — the one that loves you and holds you so dearly to that part of himself that he has kept locked away all this time, until you — desires to see you live your life as happily and fulfillingly as possible. Looking at you now, he's certain that this day under the cherry blossoms will be one of your most cherished memories even several years after, and Lucifer is just as glad knowing that when you look back on it someday, you'll remember him. The one whom you've shared this truly one-of-a-kind and special experience with. As with all things bound to lose to time, this won't last, but even still, this right here exists in this present and that's all he asks of now. Time answers to its own will, and it may have taken millennia to grant him a wish fulfilled, but in this one simple moment, Lucifer feels as though he's just received the best the world could offer him, just by having you here with him. You with a lovely and genuine smile playing on your lips, eyelashes fluttering delicately on top of cheeks dusted prettily with pink, complemented so well by the cherry blossoms that shower down upon you as though they are meant to fall only for you —
— You who he cannot keep by his side for as long as he wants. You who are, to him, evanescent and so, so beautiful.
"It suits you."
The softly-spoken words have you looking up. Lucifer has already returned to his seat, adoration shining plainly and openly in his face. Something about his light and breezy expression then, undaunted and free of concerns similar to when you have first approached him yet somehow feels different, calls out to you, strengthening the urge to reach out and cradle his face in your hands with the utmost gentleness you can muster, at the same time cling to him with all your might, unwilling to bear the notion of him slipping through your fingers, or you getting separated from him by forces neither of you can conquer.
You respond to his compliment with a sweet, grateful smile, but the hand that still holds the flower curls around it instead, carefully so as not to accidentally crush the petals. At this point, you hate to drag this out any further but still you pray for a bit more time, if you want to do this the way he deserves it. Mind already reeling and heart thudding at what you are seriously considering on doing, nervousness spikes up to match the excitement that lights up every nerve in your body, teetering on the edge of restlessness. What you're signing up for is not a road you usually take, and your anxious self is not positively sure that this would all pan out the way it's currently flashing in your head, but you know that for Lucifer, it's worth taking a shot.
So with a great stroke of inspiration, you make up your mind.