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Lucifer nervously took off his gloves and rubbed his sweaty palms on his pants. He looked at his watch; still 10 minutes before it was time. He was nervous. It’s just walking our dogs, he reminded himself, nothing you wouldn’t be doing anyways . “Come on,” he clicked his tongue and his three big fluffy dogs followed his command. He entered the park, the vines that were twisting around the rusted metal archway still green. Fallen leaves from the surrounding trees lay damp on the ground, held down by morning due. There was a slight chill in the air and fog swirled around his ankles as he walked deeper into the park. Fall was here. It had a loneliness to it that stirred nostalgic feelings in him.
Lucifer really wanted this to work out, but it wasn't so simple; there was a lot to think about when starting a new relationship and… It had been quite some time since he had been in one. He found a bench to sit on as he waited for time to pass. The park was pretty empty in the morning, only a few joggers out. He liked this time of day, being awake before the rest of the world. Five minutes before their scheduled time he spotted his date coming up the path he had just been on. They waved to him and he quickly stood up as they approached. He doesn't know what to do with his hands.
As the cheerfully large man reached him he panicked and held out a hand in greeting. “Good morning, Mr. Diavolo.” Diavolo laughed, but shook his stiffly outstretched hand. “Lucifer, good morning! You don’t need to be so formal, I’m the one that asked you out here so early!” Lucifer covered his blush with a cough, shoving his hand into his pocket. Right, Diavolo had asked him out because he didn’t have the balls to. “I-It’s fine. I’m normally out around this time regardless.” “The atmosphere does have a very nice vibe to it this time of morning,” Diavolo agreed. Vibe? That sounded like something his son would say.
While they were making small talk, their dogs were excitedly sniffing each other. Diavolo noticed and proudly patted his dog's head; a doberman. “Ah, guess I should introduce you to my baby. This is Pudding.” Pudding wagged his stubby tail and Lucifer struggled to not make a face displaying his surprise. The name did not suit the canine at all. He gestured to his own pets, who obediently sat upon his intructions, “You already know Cerberus, Arcadia, and Celestia. So… I guess this is directed towards Pudding…” He looked down at Pudding who gave him a doggy smile of sorts.
Diavolo laughed again and the sound warmed Lucifer’s soul, allowing him to relax a bit. This was fine, he could do this . He straightens his back, clearing his throat again. “Shall we?” “Yes, we better get a move on before the park starts getting crowded,” Diavolo smiled at him and Lucifer's lips curled up in a slight smile back.
***
A few drops of rain blew into the glass windows. Lucifer watched leaves swirl across the sidewalk in the increasingly darkening sky. The drink in his hands stopped the chill from outside reaching his bones. Things had been going well with Diavolo. Too well in fact. They had continued meeting up every morning and sometimes on other occasions. He liked how free spirited, but responsible Diavolo was. Diavolo seemed to always have time for him, not put off by his sometimes unpredictable emotions and many rain checks due to complicated family matters - mainly his younger brothers getting into trouble. He really wanted this to work. He wanted to make a move first this time, ask him out for more than just a walk in the park. But to do that he needed to be honest about his situation. He needed to…
“Dad, what are we doing here again?” His son pulling on his sleeve pulled him away from the hypnotic trance of thoughts. He took their little hand in his. “We're meeting someone special. I would like you to be nice to him. Can you do that for me Satan?” Satan nodded his head, though there was a little pout on his lips. Lucifer sighed nervously. He had told Diavolo he wanted to introduce him to someone important, but he hadn't exactly…specified who that someone was. He’d been too nervous to get rejected right there and then. Diavolo had said he liked kids during one of their conversations, but liking kids and wanting to take on the role of a parent were two different things. And if Lucifer wanted to take their relationship further it would be for more than just him. He had to think about what was best for Satan too.
The door to the cafe *dings* and Lucifer quickly turned towards it. Diavolo’s eyes lit up as their eyes met and came towards the table. Satan tugged on his arm. “Dad, is that them? They are really big.” He shushed them, hoping Diavolo hadn't heard. “Be polite,” he hissed. “Haha it’s okay.” Diavolo crouched in front of Satan as he reached the table. “You must be the important person I’m meeting today?” “This is my…son, Satan. Satan say hello.” “Hello,” Satan mumbled. “Well, hello Satan! My name is Diavolo.” Diavolo’s smile was so warm and caring, Lucifer’s heart clenched.
“I-I’m sorry I didn’t say anything before,” Lucifer apologized once Diavolo had sat down. “Heh, it’s alright,” Diavolo assured him, ruffling Satan’s hair, “He’s so cute.” The small boy made a noise of protest, but his eyes widened as he caught sight of something. He pointed to Diavolo’s shoulder bag. “Dad, it’s the Green Kitty Ranger!” Lucifer looked at the bag charm, not really understanding the hype, but recognizing it as a character from a show his son liked. Diavolo unclipped it and handed it to Satan. “He’s the coolest isn't he?” “Yes, I want to be just like him!” Satan exclaimed. They divulge into a conversation Lucifer has trouble following. However, it relieved him to see the two getting along.
Satan eventually got tired from the excitement and nodded off on Lucifer’s lap, the keychain still clutched in his little first. “I’m glad he’s having fun,” Lucifer said. “You're a good Dad,” Diavolo told him. “...I don’t know about that…” “You’re trying and sometimes that matters the most,” Diavolo said. A moment of silence passed between them. “I’m glad you introduced me to your son Lucifer,” Diavolo spoke, “...but was there any reason it took you so long? I mean it's okay, it’s just…” Lucifer bit his bottom lip, “I…” He cleared his throat trying to sit up a bit straighter. This was it. He would not chicken out this time when he worked so hard to get here. “Diavolo, I have really enjoyed our time together…and I would like to keep spending time together. But in order to have what I want I also need to make sure it’s right for my son as well.” Diavolo’s eyes widened, “Are you asking for us to date?” Lucifer flushed red, “Y-you could at least let me say it!” “Ah! I’m sorry I just got excited thinking about it and just blurted it out!...But I want to hear you say it Lucifer,” Diavolo insisted. Lucifer’s lips turned down a bit and Diavolo can see the resemblance between father and son in that sulking expression. Lucifer glanced quickly at Diavolo. “Diavolo, I am asking if you would entertain the idea of dating me and being a part of my son’s life.”
Diavolo reached across the table and griped Lucifer’s hands with such force the other man was pulled forward. “Of course! I would love that!” Lucifer was at a loss for words and his mouth just kinda hung open a moment as he processed the fact his proposal had actually been accepted. Extra attachments and all. He looked away shyly, “G-good. I look forward to it.”