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It takes a while for Lucifer to realize, perhaps long enough for him to be embarrassed by it.
Diavolo’s castle is easily the largest structure in the Devildom, only combated by RAD itself. However, Lucifer has visited and stayed within its walls enough times to have practically every single minor detail memorized. He knows the paintings, the carpets, the nicks in the walls that never quite were fixed (a shocker, considering who looks after the castle). He knows them all because he’s seen it all many times before and acquainted himself with it. Every detail is familiar.
But it’s not only the physical details of the structure he’s grown accustomed to, no. It’s also those living within its walls.
Lucifer has spent enough time in the castle that he’s used to witnessing Little Ds running about, he’s used to being witness to Diavolo’s habits when he’s at home. He’s used to the little aid Barbatos allows to work here bustling about, nervous in his presence and doing everything within their power to keep the building in best shape in order to avoid his ire.
He’s used to it all. It has become routine for him. Something he recognizes as normal.
So it comes as a shocker to him that he doesn’t realize the time-keeping demon is missing.
Since he walked in, he felt a sense of… not unease, but rather an awareness that something was not quite right when Diavolo was the one to greet him at the doors, his loyal butler nowhere in sight. It felt off. Barbatos had never missed answering the door to greet anyone, not just Lucifer. He has seen the butler rush off before Lucifer even heard the news someone has arrived at the door.
Barbatos has never missed being there to wait on Diavolo’s hand and foot.
And yet, he hasn’t shown face once since Lucifer’s arrival.
“Diavolo,” He calls, setting down his paperwork. The redheaded prince looks up, making an inquisitive noise as a response. “Is Barbatos unwell?”
“I don’t believe so,” Diavolo tilts his head, “Why?”
“I haven’t seen him once since arriving. He’s typically the one to let me in, but you were there in his stead,” Lucifer answers, “Is he busy with other duties?”
“Oh!” Diavolo pauses to chuckle, “Not quite duties, but yes he’s busy at this moment.”
“He’s alright?”
“He’s more than alright, I assure you,” Diavolo joyfully assures, eyes shining with what looks like pride. “I don’t think he could ever be better!”
Lucifer cocks a brow at the odd answer but nods and returns to his work. If Barbatos is busy with other affairs, then that’s none of his business so long as he’s physically alright.
It was meant to be a simple visit.
Luke loves visiting Diavolo’s castle for one reason.
Barbatos.
He and the demon share a love of baking and sweets, so it’s not exactly a rare occurrence for them both to be found in the kitchen together, mixing ingredients in a bowl to create some sort of confectionery when in the same building together. Luke always looks forward to those times.
So it’s why he’s more than disappointed when, upon his and Simeon’s arrival to the castle, he’s been informed that Barbatos is off dealing with other business.
“When will he be back?” He asks, feeling almost betrayed that his baking buddy isn’t present to spend time with him. He’ll have to send him a message later.
“Very soon!” Diavolo answers, “Good thing, too, I’m starting to get mixed up in the worst of ways without him here.” The demon prince finishes with a sigh.
Simeon cuckles politely behind his hand.
“What’s he doing?” Luke asks instead.
“Just checking in on someone important.”
“...Is it really necessary to take so long for that?” Luke barely manages to keep himself from whining the question out.
“Luke,” Simeon scolds. The angel lets out a huff. Thankfully, Diavolo only laughs at the question, but answers nonetheless.
“Yes, actually!” He nods, “You see, he’s assisting them with a very important decision. Whether or not it works out will determine how soon Barbatos will return, but by the updates he’s been sending me, it seems to be working out perfectly!”
“So he could still remain away for a longer amount of time?” Simeon asks with a head tilt. Luke straightens at that.
“He could, I apologize.”
“It’s not any trouble, please give him our greetings and regards.”
Luke crosses his arms once more to pout.
It’s quite odd how you tend to not notice things until they’re right in front of you.
Asmodeus prides himself on being a love expert. And he doesn’t just mean it in romance and lust, it’s easy to see the guardianship care those like Barbatos and Simeon hold for Luke. It’s easy to see that, despite how rough he is, Lucifer deeply cherishes Mammon (why, he’s not sure, but it’s true).
He has learned of all types of love, not just from experience but from seeing others interact. It’s become second nature.
So how did he miss this?
“I see Barbatos has returned,” Lucifer hums, watching the dark green and turquoise ombre-haired demon take care of things in the kitchen. They’d all had to run to pull Beel away to keep him from eating everything in stock.
“I wonder what he’s cooking…” Beel murmurs, holding his stomach. Asmo can’t blame him this time. The scent wafting from the kitchen is amazing. What could the loyal butler be cooking?
“Yes, he’s finally finished!” Diavolo beams. “I’m glad, now I won’t have to panic every time something goes wrong!”
“You really should not rely on him so much…” Lucifer sighs.
Asmodeus is brought to attention by one of the angels accompanying them, Luke, speaking up.
“Who’s that?”
Asmodeus returns his attention to the kitchen to find a demon has approached Barbatos and is now standing near him at the counter. They appear to be talking, both with pleasant smiles on their faces. Another castle aid, perhaps? Asmodeus couldn’t see any other way someone as meticulous as Barbatos would let another person into his space, much less when he seems to be working.
HIs question is quickly answered when the demon moves to be standing directly behind Barbatos, wrapping his arms around the demon only a few inches shorter than him. His chin rests on Barbatos’ shoulder, and the two continue like nothing has changed.
Asmodeus feels his brain stop.
“Ah, I see Barbatos has some help,” Diavolo chuckles, “He truly does love working alongside his husband.”
“Husband?” Luke echoes, craning his neck to look up at Diavolo.
“I was unaware Barbatos was married,” Lucifer admits, “Is this a recent development?”
Was it? Whyweren’t they invited? Asmodeus is the Avatar of Lust! He knows more about fashion and romance customs than anyone! He could have helped.
“Oh, not at all,” The prince shakes his head, “He’s had his husband for centuries, they simply had a long distance relationship for a period of time.”
“Is that why Barbatos was gone for so long?” Satan hums, hand on his chin.
“It is! His husband wanted to end the long distance, so Barbatos was off to help them get situated,” Diavolo grins, “And it just so happens that I, coincidentally , had an opening for another butler to assist Barbatos.”
“That’s very generous of you, Diavolo,” Simeon smiles.
Asmodeus huffs with a pout, crossing his arms. He’s a bit sour over the fact that Barbatos is apparently married and he both had never realized it, but also was not invited to the wedding.
“Dear,” You call softly, hands not once stopping moving alongside Barbatos’ over the various ingredients on the counter.
“Yes, my love?” Barbatos responds with the same ease.
“How frequently does Diavolo have guests over?”
“Is the staring bothering you, my love?” Barbatos pauses to shift his gaze to you.
“I suppose I’m just curious why they feel the need to,” You admit.
“You’re welcome to go and meet them.”
You ponder the offer for a moment, before humming a rejection and burying your face further into your husband’s shoulder.
“I’d rather stay with you after all the help you went through to get me here,” You say, letting your hands rise from the counter to wrap around Barbatos’ middle.
The demon in question chuckles gently, resting his hands over yours, “We do have time to make up, don’t we?”
“We do,” You smile, “And I want to use every moment I have to do so.”
“As do I, my love,” He brings a hand up to gently guide your chin so you two are properly meeting each other’s gaze. The pure adoration in his eyes accompanied by the lovestruck smile and dust of pink over his face makes your knees weak.
You hum and press a kiss to Barbatos’ lips, smiling against them when he returns the gesture.
You ignore the way a strawberry blonde demon and platinum blonde angel gasp dramatically at the act.