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Diablo carried his all-powerful lord to his room, who babbled on and ranted about some manga sequel he remembered reading. How it was so bad, it was a disgrace to the original material.
How his lord was in such exasperation over a simple story was beyond him, however he did look absolutely adorable when he's mad and especially all curled up in his arms.
When they inevitably reached his room, Diablo was almost reluctant to go in, for he'd have to part ways with the master he carried in his arms. If he could, he would love to bring Rimuru into his own room instead, but such was an improper thought he could never dare act upon. But the thought of being alone with Rimuru in his room was enough.
He locked the door behind him with his magic—only to ensure his lord's safety, he tells himself.
It felt a little surreal to Diablo, tucking his master into bed like this. How the great Rimuru could be so innocent and vulnerable within his presence like this. It warms him to his coldblooded core that he could be trusted so much by someone he worships.
Rimuru seemed to be very comfortable and his previous ranting seemed to have tired him out. Diablo watched as pale blue eyelashes fluttered, trying to combat drowsiness.
He looked ethereal like this; underneath the pale moonlight that seeped through the window, illuminating his hair to shine like a precious gemstone. He's far more precious than any gem, though.
That's not to say Rimuru isn't always ethereal. He's the most beautiful thing Diablo has ever laid his eyes upon in all the millenia he's lived.
At last, the slime seemed to finally fall asleep. Tiny snores leave his slightly gaping mouth. Diablo admits he's seen this sight many a night before, when he'd appear in the dark corners of his room without his lord's knowledge. It was to keep watch over him and make sure no intruders came, he swears.
But watching him fall asleep like this right beside him, he can't help but realize how life could be much simpler if he were allowed to just never leave his side.
Then came a thought Diablo would normally never condone, but he was a bit tipsy right now as he didn't want to be the only one not drinking at such an event. And how could he especially refuse his lord's insistence?
His lord who laid sound asleep within arms reach, who had such a serene face and such soft-looking skin.
He wondered just what would happen if he caressed Rimuru's sleeping face.
He had no time to think about the consequences as his hand moved on its own, but the gloves prevent any sort of actual touch between them. He nearly regrets his choice of attire.
" Mmh? " Rimuru stirs, Diablo hadn't expected him to be a light sleeper.
Pale blue eyelashes flutter yet again, revealing flashes of gold that's worth more than anything in the world.
" Diablo? " Rimuru sits up unexpectedly. " What are you doing here? " Sleepiness still evident in his voice.
" I have taken you here, my lord. You drank too much and me and Shuna agreed it was time to lay you to bed.
Please rest well, my lord. I can guard you as you sleep. "
That seems to have broken Rimuru's drowsiness and replaced it with concern, " You mean you won't sleep? I can't have that. "
The demon shakes his head, " I insist, my lord. I am capable of staying awake for weeks at a time. "
Rimuru furrows his eyebrows at that, " Just because you can, doesn't mean you should... "
Truly, Diablo doesn't deserve such a caring master such as he.
" ... If you insist, my lord. Then I shall head back to my quarters at once. " He does wish he could stay, though.
But as he got up to leave, a hand grabs him.
" ... Wait... " Rimuru stood still, a foot still dragging behind on the bed until he planted it on the floor to keep himself more stabilized. It seemed he had done this without thinking, as well.
" Uh... you can.. sleep here with me. "
Diablo must be drunk right now. Or asleep. Could he be hallucinating or dreaming of this scene right now? If so, he hopes he never wakes up from it.
" ... I am forever grateful, Rimuru-sama. " He bowed so deeply and kept his voice steady, but Rimuru could see the way he seemed to nearly tremble with excitement.
Getting back in bed was embarrassing. The bed was really only meant for one person, because, well. Rimuru never once imagined he'd share his bed together with someone like this—much less his demon butler.
And when he got in first, he basically watched Diablo as he got in too, next to him.
It all felt too intimate to him, especially when the demon positioned himself so that they were eye-to-eye. It didn't help that Diablo looked much more handsome up close. His striking jawline, his gorgeous otherworldly eyes. He could drown in them, in the void darker than the night that envelopes them now. His irises that reflect the moonlight, the only source of light.
He still had the decency to keep some distance between them, but it honestly disappointed Rimuru. Which is a thought that surprised even himself.
Diablo took it upon himself to pull the blanket over both of them and smiled.
" Goodnight, Rimuru-sama. "
Before the slime could even respond, the demon had already closed his eyes peacefully with a smile still on his face. Was he truly this happy just being in the same bed as him?
Well, it wasn't enough to satisfy him.
With the audacity he shouldn't have left in him as he was completely sober now, he pulls himself closer to Diablo, tentatively wrapping his arms around him and hiding his face in his chest.
" R-Rimuru-sama? " Diablo looks down, only able to see a head of pale blue hair.
" I'm cold. " It comes out muffled and sounds entirely like a lie, but Diablo doesn't dare question it, especially not when he squeezes tighter like a silent plea.
He embraces the slime in his arms instead, pressing his lips against his head just barely enough to be felt.
" Goodnight, Rimuru-sama. "
Finally, Rimuru says, " Goodnight, Diablo, " too.