Setting the book down upon the table, Lucifer looked at Diavolo.

"I finished reading it." He plainly stated.

"And what did you think?!" Excitedly asked the demonic prince.

Lucifer started out giving simple thoughts before delving into a complete analysis on the entire story. As Lucifer spoke, Barbatos served a few cups of tea with snacks. Diavolo listened intently as he gently sipped on his tea, a brimming smile spread across his face. Once Lucifer finished, he took a small sip of his tea.

"It sounds like you really enjoyed it!" Diavolo replied. "I'm so glad! When Satan showed it to me, I had to read it right away! I read it in a single night!" Barbatos gave Diavolo a look with a raised eyebrow. "Don't worry, Barbatos. I got plenty of sleep the next evening."

"Is that why you had slept in so late and ended up late for school?" Barbatos continued to give him a look then sighed. "My young lord, please. You can't let your sleep schedule fall apart."

"It was just one time. Don't worry, Barbatos!" Diavolo chuckled then turned once more to focus on Lucifer. "So Lucifer, how have things been with your brothers and (Y/N)? Last time I remember you mentioned that you had to talk with them because their grades were slipping. I think you said it was Beel, Mammon, Levi, and (Y/N), right?"

"You remember correctly. I spoke to them all individually. (Y/N) ended up getting back on track, even writing an outstanding essay. Beel is better with his test scores, but still struggles in some classes. Levi is temporarily taking online classes while he takes a mental health break. And Mammon." Lucifer sighed and put his head in his hands. "He continues to skip class which is causing him to fail. I can't have Satan help him study if he won't even go to class. It's driving me crazy. I'm tempted to use tracking magic to make sure he stays in class for once." Lucifer rubbed his head and closed his eyes.

"Mammon sure is a handful." Diavolo chuckled and sipped his tea. "Hey, he's gotten along with (Y/N), right? Why not have them try to figure out why he's been skipping?"

"What? Why he's been skipping?" Lucifer looked at Diavolo then nodded. "Yes I suppose finding the reason could work. But I doubt Mammon even has one. I'm sure he'd just complain school is boring and he'd rather be making money."

The two continued to talk, Lucifer spilling the complaints he has had about his brothers lately before mentioning one thing,

"It appears that Asmodeus adores (Y/N)." Lucifer stated.

"Well I'd say that's pretty obvious." Diavolo commented. "Even when he comes over here to work with Barbatos on his baking skills, he ends up mentioning them."

"Wait Asmo comes over here to learn baking?"

"Oh yes, you didn't know? He's become obsessed with baking adorable treats and so Luke and Simeon suggested he learn from Barbatos so he's been coming over here every so often to practice." Diavolo leaned back and stretches for a moment before continuing. "It's rather sweet seeing them work together in the kitchen."

"Well, that's good to know. I must have him bake for us sometime. Especially with the twins' birthday coming up. Anyway, I ended up overhearing Asmo, Mammon, and (Y/N) playing truth or dare recently. And Asmo loves (Y/N). Like truly loves them. Though I could already tell, it was just shocking to actually hear him admit it. Even if he didn't say their name." Lucifer sipped his tea and looked off towards the royal garden, watching some beautiful plants.

"I see. How does that make you feel, Lucifer?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"Lucifer. We both know that you have come to love (Y/N) greatly. I've seen the way you look at them. You look so relaxed and happy around them, sometimes moreso than you are with me." A twinge of envy slipped through Diavolo's words and expression as he spoke.

"Diavolo, I..."

"I know you have feelings for them. So I want to know, how does it make you feel knowing that your brother also loves them?"

Lucifer looked to the garden once more and watched a beautiful violet plant with an orange interior. Small luminescent droplets poured from the center and dripped down the petals of the plant as vines then caught the droplets, cupping and collecting them.

"I know that Asmo deserves them more than I do. And that he is more open about his feelings towards them. I'm sure they'll choose him. So...I'm going to step back and allow him to have them." Lucifer watched more droplets fall down the petals, leaving streak marks resembling those of streams of tears. "He'd be loved and cared for, more than he had been with his exes. I believe he deserves that chance. So my feelings will remain unseen. And if they start to fall for me, I'll make sure they go to love him." Lucifer closed his eyes and imagined your beautiful face.

Diavolo looked at Lucifer silently, unsure of what to say. He rose from his sent then went over and wrapped his arms around Lucifer and gently squeezed him. "Lucifer, you don't need to do that. You deserve their love."

"I may not need to, but I want to. They'll be happy together." Lucifer added. He opened his eyes and looked towards a beautiful pink plant with puffy petals that resembled wool. "I know they will be."

~★~ End ~★~

Chapter Art: Solmare, an in game card from Obey Me, card is called "Focus On Me"