luciel ♡

divus’ face hurt from smiling so much as he turned his attention back to the puppies, holding luci’s hand and pressing a soft kiss to its back before grabbing the other to do the same and rub his thumbs softly across his palms. he leaned his head back against luci’s chest and mumbled softly as he turned his hands over, “my, look at that..” he mused as a thumb brushed over the glistening ring on his finger, feigning innocence as he teased, “hmm, what’s this pretty little thing i’ve found on this pretty little hand right here~?” “you tell me~” “it sure does look an awful lot like a wedding ring..~” “oh my word, how could that be..~” divus pressed a few more pecks to his hand as he relaxed, mumbling with a little kiss to the center of the ring, "i think this ring might actually belong to somebody.. hmm.. it seems to me like this ring belongs to someone really special, someone I'm absolutely in love with..." luci smiled softly as he leaned in to whisper, “i love you..~” “i love you too, baby~” as the two sat and cuddled, they seemed to fall into a little loop of loving whispers as the puppies rested, all was truly well..

"i love you more, you adorable little lovely~" divus whispered, his voice filled with pure love and happiness as he couldn't help but feel giddy and playful, knowing that he also wanted to engage in a bit of playful teasing, "and I definitely love you way more than you love me!" “oh you do not~!” “oh yes i do! i love you the mostest, and you can’t change my mind~!!” “stubborn~” luci giggled as he squished his cheek, giving him a teasing squeeze. “yes, this professor is very stubborn about how much he loves you and is never going to change his mind~” divus playfully pouted and stuck his tongue out, grinning as he felt the squeeze and snuggled down further into him. it wasn’t long before little bennett seemed to be waking up, squirming around and grunting in her little bed as she woke from her nappy state. luci gave divus’ cheek a quick kiss before getting up to go over to her, cooing as he gently scooped her up, “hello, sweetheart..!” divus still had that same soft smile on his face as he watched him go over to the puppies, his smile now slightly filled with amusement as he saw the sweet sight of the little puppy snuggling down into his chest and rooting around.

“are you all ready to wake up and play?” divus asked bennett softly, moving over to gently try and rouse sinatra from his sleep, but he was not simply having it. sinatra let out a little whine as he flopped back over dramatically, making luci chuckle at the theatrics he displayed to try and continue napping. divus let out a little sigh of amusement as he watched, scolding teasingly, "sinatra, stop being lazy and get out of bed. you’re being a bad example for your sister, now." sinatra still decided to stay in the bed, his paws slightly tucked to his chest and the divus could see the pout on his little face all the way from here. “aww, let the baby sleep, darling..” luci chuckled as he continued to pet bennett in his arms, making divus roll his eyes playfully before signing again and giving sinatra’s little belly a rub with his fingers.

he saw a little motion out of the corner of his eyes, glancing over and grinning as he saw luci getting down on the carpet to play with bennett as she woke up more. he couldn't help but have a soft and fond gaze on him as he watched him interact and play with the little pup, as the warmth and affection he showed was filling the man with joy. divus continued to watch the sweet scene as he sat down on the fluffy dog bed, having decided to take a seat and just take a moment to just observe the two of them and how cute and adorable they looked together. bennett ran in a few little circles before reaching up and grabbing a hold of luci’s  fingers, her paws gripping onto his finger and not letting go as she proceeded to pull him over to her basket of stuffed animals. she promptly started pulling one after the other out and trying to get him to play with her, making luci giggle as he watched and playfully tossed the toys for her to chase and retrieve. divus’ gaze had become one with a lot of happiness and pride, so incredibly fond of the moment that he was witnessing between the two of them and how they were bonding and the sounds of luci’s sweet voice as he cheered and praised her when bringing the toys back to him.

bennett barked softly in excitement as she dropped the toys on his knees, happily kicking her legs as luci picked her up and hugged her close and she buried her head snugly into his chest. bennett let out a happy whimper and bark as he cradled her in his arms, now feeling very comfy and very happy to be able to get one-on-one time with him like this for a little bit. she rested her paws onto his chest and rested them there, playfully licking his chest in addition as she seemed very excited about getting all of this attention and love as luci cooed and bounced her softly in his arms. he held her for a bit before asking as he looked over to divus and sinatra, “are our babies hungry..?”

bennett let out a little whine and wiggled excitedly, making luci smile as he stood and carried her into the kitchen. though she began to get a bit too excited, whining and grunting as she wiggled around, making luci laugh as he shushed her and held her securely as he prepared the bottles then carried them to the living room so everyone could eat. bennett quickly downed her bottle, looking up expectantly as luci pulled it away and smiled down at her. “you only need one, silly..!” she let out a whimper, seemingly feeling a bit greedy and upset that she was not going to get that second bottle. she did not seem to want to share with her brother at all, but at the same time, she did not want to deprive her brother of food, so the little pup was now stuck in a bit of a dilemma in her head as she tried to figure out what to do. noticing her distress, luci smiled as he leaned in to whisper, “don’t tell papa, but i’ll fix you another little bit when your brother’s done, okay..?” bennett’s ears perked at his words, her tail swishing as she watched luci set her down to go over and feed sinatra, who was still mostly asleep but didn’t mind being woken up in such a way.

luci grinned as he laid sinatra back down and began to head back towards the kitchen, winking softly as he said, “why don’t you come help me clean the bottles, bennett~?” she excitedly followed, wiggling as she ran behind his heels to go ‘help out’. luci sneakily fixed her another half of a bottle, scooping her up to give it to her with a grin, until he suddenly heard a voice behind him moments after giving it to her. “my love!” divus laughed as he saw the sight, luci turning with wide eyes as his ears went up at getting caught mid-deal. “my love, are you trying to spoil the little pup~?” luci giggled as she continued eagerly drinking from the bottle, responding as he held her close, “she was hungry..!” “mhm.. and because she was hungry you decided she needed a second bottle?” “it was only half!” “and why is she getting even half a bottle more~?” divus teased as he patted his shoulder, then the little pup’s head as she drank. “because she’s a growing girl!” “she is a growing girl indeed.. she needs her nutrients, huh?” “mhm!!” divus beamed as he reached down to brush his fingers over her little tummy, making her legs kick as she continued drinking.

luci cleaned the bottles after she was done and went back to the living room as divus headed upstairs for a quick shower, returning a while later to find a sight that made his heart absolutely melt. luciel and the puppies were asleep on the sofa, the pups tucked peacefully into him as he curled around them and made a little barricade with his tail as they rested peacefully. the precious sight almost made him tear up to see, the puppies nestled into him and the way that he ensured they’d stay close just overflowed with cuteness. he truly looked like a father like this.. divus quickly grabbed his phone and took a few photos, wanting to preserve everything about the sweet sight before quietly approaching the sofa and giving luci a soft kiss on the forehead to try and rouse him from his nap.

as his arm touched luciel’s, his eyes immediately widened as he heard a soft protective growl escape him, his heart absolutely melting and gaze turning adoring as he smiled softly. he knew it wasn’t aimed particularly at him, more at any possible threat to the pups while he slept, and the sight and thought of him being so protective melted and sped up his heart tenfold. he soothingly rubbed over his arm to help lower his guard, letting him know there was no threat to the babies and that it was just his presence. luci began to slowly wake at the touch, blinking up before his eyes focused and his tail tapped against the sofa as he smiled up at his love’s return. “did the puppies tire you out, love..?” divus asked softly with a loving smile as he gently ruffled the hair between his ears, luci smiling as he mumbled and pulled himself to sit up, “a little..” upon seeing him sit up, divus gently moved to sit behind and wrap his arms around him as he laid his head on his shoulder.* "that’s adorable..." he whispered softly as he embraced him, peppering his cheek and neck with small little love kisses as they settled back into each other.

“you know, you make a very good father..~” divus smiled as he softly pet his fluffy ears. “you think..?” “oh i know..~ you were holding onto both babies so very closely.. and you had that protective instinct kick in when i came up to the couch, that was so sweet~ oh, there really is nothing sexier than when that protective fatherly mode kicks in~” he crooned into his neck, luci’s face flushing slightly as he smiled and whispered, “oh, hush you..” “noooo, when you growled at me, it was seriously hot~” “hushhhh..~” “neverrrrr~” luci grinned as he nuzzled into the crook of his neck, hugging him close as the puppies continued to rest beside them. "and not only that, but you were holding those puppies so very close in your arms.. i was almost gonna cry out of so much affection from the sight..~" he cooed sweetly in his ear, now placing more small kisses to his shoulder as they lovingly embraced. luci smiled down at the puppies before leaning down to wipe off sinatra’s face, nuzzling his head softly as he slept and divus whispered as he ran a hand over luci’s back, “there you go, a very good and gentle father..~”

luci’s tail tapped against the fabric as he laid back down and pulled the pups back into his arms, curling up close and letting out a breath of contentment as divus curled up behind him and nestled in close. the warmth and comfort made luci unable to stop a little yawn, closing his eyes and laying his head beside the little puppies as he hugged them and gave gentle licks to their tiny forehead, letting sleep take over once again. “a very good father..” divus mumbled as he watched the scene, nuzzling into the back of his neck as he got settled down and comfy as well… 

the car ride was tense and silent, bennett shaking in worry for her little brother as sinatra fell asleep and crosby continued to lay in luciel’s arms, his pulse weak and breath too shallow for comfort. the vets took him in quickly, while divus and luciel quickly walked to the instructed room to meet them. the puppies looked around curiously, sniffing all of the different smells and looking at all of the new sights and sounds until they reached the room, where crosby had been set on the center table and was being currently examined. divus leaned against the wall as he watched anxiously, a million questions running through his mind until luciel leaned against him with a soft sniffle, hugging the puppies closely as he buried his face into divus’ shoulder. “oh, it’s alright darling, don’t worry.. we’re going to find out what’s wrong and we’ll make sure he’s alright, it will be okay..” he quickly wrapped his arms around luci, rubbing his back softly as he hugged him close to try and comfort them both.

the vets took crosby into a back room for some tests, and divus took a seat in one of the chairs on the wall to wait. though, it was hardly any time before luciel climbed onto his lap and curled into him, making divus beam as he held him as close as possible and rocked him gently. “there we go.. all better..” the two leaned into each other, the only sound in the blank room being the soft grunts from the puppies as they shifted on luci’s lap. soon, luciel spoke softly, his voice slightly shaky from worry, “i don’t want to fail him..” divus shook his head, holding him closer as his worry continued to grow. “it couldn’t possibly be your fault.. you are doing everything you can do for him in this time. it’s likely he had some kind of illness and that’s not your fault, dear.. trust the vets, they will take good care of him, i promise..” luci just let out another little sniffle as he nuzzled his nose into divus’ cheek, relaxing slightly as divus’ hold tightened even more.

a vet was soon sent in to check on the other two puppies, and the couple stayed together while they were being evaluated and examined. they ended up being taken into that back room as well, but they were soon returned and placed back in luciel’s arms with the good news that they would be perfectly healthy and fine. another set of footsteps soon entered the room, and the doctor that had been working with crosby soon showed himself. luciel immediately clutched divus’ hand in worry at the news that was to be delivered, though thankfully his fear was unwarranted as the doctor smiled and explained it to them. very thankfully, crosby was beginning to improve as he had been given some nutrients and a few different medicines, but he would need to stay under their supervision for a bit to make sure it was really helping. divus practically jumped for joy at the good news, giving luciel a tight, excited squeeze which brought a laugh from his chest before the two leaned in for a kiss of cheer. the two little ones seemed to be in high spirits too after their checkups, making little yips as they batted at each other. divus chuckled at the sight before picking them both up, giving them each a little kiss on the nose as he cheered, “oh, how wonderful is it that you are feeling fine now~?” luciel grinned down at them, the excited puppies licking at his fingers and face as he hugged them and gave them some more kisses and chuckled at their little grunts as they wiggled and moved.

they were soon cleared to go with the pups and return at a later time to retrieve crosby, which was both relieving and a bit saddening as divus had wanted to bring crosby home quickly, though he knew it was for the best for him to remain in the professional's care. he gave luciel a kiss on the forehead before handing him the puppies to go and pay the checkup bill, chuckling as he glanced back to see the smile painted on his face as he bounced the little excited puppies gently in his arms. divus got the receipt and paperwork and looped his arm through luciel’s walking everyone out to the car and helping luci get them settled back into his lap for the drive back home.

it had been such a hectic morning, the warmth of their home eagerly welcomed as they got everyone inside and carried them into the kitchen to start on some breakfast. as he saw luci carrying the puppies in and fixing their bottles, all that divus could do was admire how good of a caretaker he was and how caring he was for them, leaning against the counter as he watched lovingly. after the pups were well fed and sleepy again, luci carried them to their bed and tucked them in with a soft smile before returning to divus, wrapping his arms around his neck as he said with a little grin,  “now we can actually start our morning~”

divus’ face lit up as his attention switched back to his beloved, his arms encircling his waist as he pulled him close and into their routine morning kiss. as they pulled away, luci smiled as he whispered, “good morning honey~” “good morning to you too, my little lovely..” the sweet smile that had been on his face turned into a slight smirk as he kissed luci’s cheek, before lifting him up and carrying him back up to their room for a little morning time together as the puppies slept, luci letting out a soft squeal as he was suddenly scooped up and giggling as he curled into his arms…

“pup, your hands are absolutely frozen, how long have you been standing outside?” divus teased, though his he quickly raised his brow at the unexpected answer that luci had to give him. “well, maybe i accidentally got locked out of the library for a bit..” he mumbled with a soft, embarrassed chuckle, glancing down until he heard divus’ soft chuckle as he thought about the adorable sight. “how would you get locked out of your own library, little pup~? it’s not like the key has a mind of its own~” he teased yet again as he gave luciel’s hand a soft, affectionate squeeze, picking up the other hand to warm it up as well. “well, i tend to get a bit scatterbrained sometimes, and my keys were inside but my assistant was on break so he had to get back to let me in..” “oh, you’re a very silly thing, aren’t you?”

a soft smirk painted divus’ face at their soft banter, their hands still latched together as they enjoyed the warmth of the current scene. “perhaps next time you get locked out, you should find a nice place to sit and wait, like the teacher’s lounge.” “maybe you’re right..” luciel chuckled. “i’m always right, little pup.” divus’ confidence seemed radiant as he beamed down at his adorable little object of affection, squeezing his hands yet again. “and i can assure you that my office always has a nice, cozy fireplace going. you’re always welcome to come in and warm your hands when you need it.” he had been wanting an excuse to invite him to his office for so long, he was thanking his lucky stars at the excuse he was finally given, even if the sudden invitation seemed a bit brash. “oh, that does sound lovely.. maybe i should ask headmaster to get the library fireplace back running again..” luciel seemed to get lost in thought again, his little ears raising as he stared down contemplatingly. “that is a good matter to bring to him.” to divus, that brought the thought of how adorable luci would look cuddled up in front of a fireplace, in a cozy armchair with a book nestled into his lap. and from his perspective, looking at his pretty wool coat and the way his face bundled into his scarf and the way his legs crossed as he gazed from over the steaming rim of a teacup, and he couldn’t help his face flushing just a bit more. “i personally believe a crackling fireplace would be just the thing to get more students to use the library, don’t you?” he asked as he brought himself back from his thoughts, regaining his smirk as luciel seemed to do the same. “it sure would..” they both smiled at the thought of their students having somewhere nice and warm to go during such a chilly winter, though those thoughts quickly turned into the thoughts of the two of them sitting by the fireplace instead, luciel curled up on divus’ lap with a blanket over them as the two read a book together, which made them both clear their throat softly before looking out the window. what a beautiful scene, and how much they would love for it to be real..

after a moment, luci’s sweet voice rang through the quiet car again. “you know something i don’t understand?” ”and what would that be, little pup?” “how on earth does this mystery person keep getting perfectly in-bloom roses even during winter?” divus tilted his head slightly as he gave him a little smirk. “that, my dear, is a great question. i really have no idea where someone would find red roses at this time of year, unless perhaps, they’re grown in a greenhouse.” “oh,, you’re right.. pardon my silly question..” luciel felt a slight sense of embarrassment creep over him for not thinking about that possibility before asking the question. “oh come now, it was a perfectly sensible question. it’s not at all silly.” divus remarked as he gently tapped luciel’s chin, a soft smile on his face as he couldn’t help but admire the adorable look on his face. “i’ll admit, whoever is sending you these roses must be quite knowledgeable and skilled if they’re able to grow them out of season like that.” luciel just nodded, still not seeming to have caught onto him one bit. “now, that brings us to the next question: why would someone go through so much effort just to send you roses?” “i can’t understand either.. i’m not worth all that effort or money, i just don’t get why someone would do such a thing for me..” the boy’s words made divus’ heart ache, his heart breaking to think that he didn’t understand his own worth. he couldn’t help but to reach out and gently cradle luci’s cheek into his hand, giving his cheek a light brush with his thumb before murmuring, “oh, dear, you’re worth so much more than simple red roses..”

his words made luciel’s heart skip a beat, his cheeks flushing more and his ears lowering slightly. “you’re a gem, so precious.. i would do so much more than just giving you roses if i could..” the urge to pull luciel closer was strong, very strong, but divus kept his hand on his cheek despite the intense pull in his chest. as luciel looked at him and processed his words, he seemed to be slowly putting the pieces together. “have you figured it out yet, little pup..~?” luciel’s eyes widened in disbelief as he covered his mouth with a soft, surprised gasp. “no.. oh, why would you do such a thing??” he wasn’t actually upset, he just couldn’t grasp why anyone would go to such efforts just for him. “why, because i adore you. plain and simple.” divus couldn’t help but laugh softly, this boy was too adorable for his own good. “you can deny it all you want, but you’re absolutely lovely in my eyes.” luciel’s tail began to tap a bit louder at his words, making divus laugh as he reached over to give it a gentle pat. “oh how cute~ everything about you is just absolutely lovely~” he gently brought their hand that was still joined up to his lips to press a gentle kiss to luci’s knuckles, nuzzling his nose against it softly as he didn’t want to pull away. all of that time thinking about him and the restless night spent dreaming about this moment had finally come to fruition, and he had never felt happier. “th-thank you sir..” “you’re very welcome, pretty pup.”

luciel spoke up once again after a moment, with a question burning at him, though he seemed to bite his tongue as if there was a certain looming thought of rejection holding him back, “p-professor crewel, i-“ “what’s on your mind, dear?” “c-could— could we maybe see each other some time..? i mean, a-away from here, uhm, i—“ divus’ heart fluttered at the precious question, his lips turning into a smile in record time. “of course we can. in fact, i would be more than happy to see you sometime.” his pleasure at the question was crystal clear, already grinning just at the thought. “when would you like to see each other, little pup?” “why, i-i don’t know..” “how about this saturday? i’ll come pick up, dinner is on me.” he was already mentally making a list of all the nicest restaurants around, he had to make sure that this date was perfect to a t. “i’ll pick you up at 7:30 that night, make sure to wear something nice dear~” he pressed a few more kisses to luciel’s hand, unable to holdback his excitement and affections for too much longer.” “i will..~” luciel giggled softly at the sudden sensation, smiling down at him. “that’s my darling.”

a few days passed and luciel was calmly sitting at his desk doing inventory when he suddenly looked up to see a small bundle of red roses being set on his desk. he examined them with surprise and curiosity, finally finding a small tag attached to the stems after a minute and noticing that there was no name signed on the card. “oh dear.. is this really for me??” he asked the postman to confirm, receiving just a nod in response. “could you at least tell me who they’re from?” the postman merely shook his head and left, and luciel let out a soft sigh as he sat back down and looked at them confuesdly. who would do such a thing..? meanwhile..

while divus had been trying to finish his grading, he just couldn’t get his brain to stay on track. this was the fifth day in a row that his work was halted due to that boy, and he was damned if he wasn’t going to do something about it. so, during his lunch break, he went out and purchased a small bouquet of the freshest red roses he could obtain, the stem tied with a clean white red ribbon and signing the tag with a mysterious “for the new librarian”. he didn’t want luciel to figure it out quickly, no, he didn’t want to run the risk of scaring him away, and this was the perfect way to grab his attention indirectly.

this routine continued for weeks; every wednesday at lunch, a bundle of red roses that increasingly grew over time would be placed on luciel’s desk, and still no signature on the card. by now, divus knew that he had it bad. glimpses in the hallways or faculty meetings would set his brain off for days, distracted and unable to complete his work. even a splotch of ink from his pen reminded him of him, making him sigh as he rested his head on the desk and try to figure out how to proceed yet again. this wednesday, he had been sitting with his forehead against his palm as he tried to think and devise a better plan than just the roses, surely that would bore him after such time. such a distraction had already made him almost spill one of his potions on himself earlier in the day, he really had to get this under control..

it was after lunch when he stepped into the courtyard for a moment to attempt to clear his head, when he saw the one and only carrying out the latest bundle of roses out from the library to the parking lot. just from the sight of the boy struggling to carry the large bouquet, he quickly rushed over to take them from his arms, swooping in with a soft voice, “pup, allow me.” “oh, professor crewel!” luciel looked up in surprise, his face lighting up at the sudden visitor. “oh, but it’s alright, they’re not too heavy!” he attempted to take them back and carry them himself, but divus wasn’t having it. “it’s not a problem, dear. let me.” well, luciel couldn’t exactly refuse that, allowing him to hold the bouquet as they continued to walk to the staff parking lot. “do you have anywhere to put these, or do you need help getting them into a vase in the library?” “i’ve had to start taking them home, i have so many they’ve covered my office and desk now.. isn’t this just crazy?” luciel chuckled as he asked, the two soon reaching his car and he opened the door to allow divus to place the roses in the passenger seat. divus’ heart fluttered just at his voice as he secured the flowers in the seat, sighing softly with relief as luciel was as clueless about the sender as could be.

“you’re correct, it is quite absurd. do you even have an idea who this secret admirer could be?” luciel shook his head, his ears raising as he said with a slightly exasperated tone, “oh, i’ve tried, but the delivery man won’t tell me and no one seems to have a clue..!” “perhaps they’d like to remain anonymous?” divus shut the car door before stepping back, saying with a tender look, “but don’t worry. i hope they reveal themself to you soon to ease your little mind..” “oh thank you, so do i.. i feel terrible about someone doing such a thing and not even allowing me to repay them!” “don’t feel bad, little pup.” divus was so close to just spilling the secret, to just coming clean, but he kenw the time was not right. “i’m sure the person who is sending the roses doesn’t expect anything in return. i’m sure they’re doing it to you can smile and know that someone is thinking of you, is all.” “my, what a sentiment..” luciel’s face flushed a bit as a dreamy expression crossed his face, his ears flattening a bit as he seemed to be thinking. seeing such an adorable sight, divus couldn’t help but stare before reaching forward to give his head another gentle pat, ruffling the hair between his ears softly and fixing it again afterwards.

“if you’ll excuse me, pup, i have duties to return to in my classroom. let me know if you ever need anything, understood?” “oh yes, don’t let me keep you!!” luciel looked up as he snapped out of his little daze, slightly disappointed that their visit was coming to a close but understanding that teachers had more things to do than him. “you’re alright, pup, you’re not in my way.. maybe this special someone will reveal themself to you soon and ask you on a date, hmm?” luciel nodded, watching as divus turned and waved before re-entering the school building, leaving luciel standing out in the snow with a swishing tail and fuzzy feeling in his chest before getting into his car and driving the roses back to his apartment. he had received so many that it had seemed to turn into a sea of red, form drying bouquets on the walls to fresh and flourishing flowers on every available surface, and he couldn’t help but sigh softly as he sat on the couch and looked around at it all. why couldn’t the sender just reveal himself already.. 

the two left soon after to leave and begin buying supplies for the puppies, walking arm in arm like always as they walked to the car. luciel settled into the passenger seat with the box held securely in his lap, looking down at the tiny little things as they continued to rest. they were so tired and had hardly any energy, likely from lack of food, and it absolutely broke his heart. as he looked over the three and noticed their subtle differences, such as the inferences in their coat colors and their little mannerisms as they slept, he heard divus’ voice over the radio asking, “so, do you have any preferred names for each of the pups, dear?” luci thought for a moment before gently picking up the biggest puppy, a soft light grey color whose nose twitched as she slept with the slightest shiver. after a moment, luciel set her back down and picked up the next puppy, slightly smaller and more of a steel grey color who slept soundly, then he picked up that last puppy. he was a bit smaller than the other two and an almost solid black color, and his ears constantly flicked as he rested, though he felt a bit colder to the touch. after a few moments, luciel finally had his answer. “i do.. meet sinatra,” he pointed to the steel grey puppy that had settled into the corner, “crosby,” he pointed to the small black puppy who was now rolled onto his side as he slept, “and bennett.” luciel had such a smile as he pointed to the last puppy, who was now making a few soft sounds as she moved her head slightly. divus couldn’t help but look proudly as he heard the names, giving a little nod of approval as he smiled at them tenderly. “oh, how adorable..” he grinned as he saw bennett beginning to wake, now sniffing and licking luciel’s finger softly as her brothers continued to rest in their weak states. the puppies were still a bit damp from being out in the early morning’s rain, so luciel settled the box closer to the air vent and turned the heat on to warm them up a bit during the drive, and soon they arrived at the nearest pet store and parked the car.

it took a bit of time and quite the investment, but they finally managed to get everything the puppies could possibly need, then having to go home and set everything up. it took hardly any time for the living room to turn into the puppy room, but that was okay, they were their babies after all and they deserved the most used room in the house. divus was putting the finishing touches on the pen play area as luciel went to the kitchen to make some bottles with the puppy formula they had bought, coming back to sit beside him as the two let out a collective breath before scooping up a puppy each to begin feeding them. luciel cradled bennett softly as he began giving her the bottle, which she eagerly drank so quickly it was actually a bit concerning, as there was no telling of the last time the poor things had had anything to eat. sinatra took a moment to accept the bottle, but he also drank it quite quickly, and crosby needed a bit more assistance as he was clearly the weakest of them all. the difference in their behaviors after feeding was clear, they were already getting more lively even if they weren’t very mobile yet, and bennett even began to blink her eyes open a little from her spot on one of the fluffy beds that had been set up in the play pen. it was so heartwarming to see them all settle down quickly into their little beds, sinatra quickly going back to sleep as bennett began to squirm and make her way in a little circle on the bed. but what was even more heartwarming was the love on both of their faces, luciel’s aimed towards the puppies and divus’ aimed towards luci. when they locked eyes again, they couldn’t help but lean close to each other, cuddling into each other’s sides as they watched the sweet scene and chuckling softly at the little grunts and snores coming from the play pen.

“so, which one of the three is your favorite, my love?” divus asked as he softly ran a hand over luciel’s side, to which luci teased and poked his chest, “parents aren’t supposed to pick favorites~” “that is true, dear..~ but you’re sure there isn’t one that you’re more fond of?” luciel shook his head with a little smile, looking at all of them sweetly. “they settled down quick..” divus mumbled as he rested his chin over luciel’s shoulder, luci responding with a little nod, “everyone’s so full and ready for a nap..” “i bet they feel just like little potatoes right now..” he chuckled as he looked at the sleeping pups, before saying with a little grin, “mm, sounds like dads need a nap too~” luciel chuckled, taking a photo of the puppies before following divus to the sofa and curling up on his chest, a cozy blanket swiftly wrapped around the two of them. the two had a bit of time to themselves to snuggle before the puppies began to wake back up, bennett waking first and lifting her little head as she looked around and sniffed. seeing that she was awake, luciel quickly got up to walk over and sit in front of her, lifting her up into his arms and smiling as he cuddled her chose with a slow rocking motion. it was clear that that was his baby, regardless of how they came to find each other.

as divus was watching the two being so sweet and loving, he then noticed that the other two were beginning to shuffle around a little too, and he took his place in front of them. he cooed to them softly as they also began to open their eyes slowly, sinatra letting out a big stretch before shuffling over to him with his little grunts going strong the whole time. he couldn’t help but laugh as he scooped the two tiny things up, cradling one in each arm and chuckling as sinatra attempted to chew on his shirt collar. “no no, darling, that’s not for you..” he said softly as he moved him away from it gently, his heart swelling at the sight of their tiny tails swishing the littlest bit. as crosby let out a tiny, weak howl, luciel couldn’t help but chuckle as he said with a loving smile, “they love their papa~” divus couldn’t help the faint blush that grew on his cheeks at that, before leaning in to kiss his cheek and whisper, “and i love you greatly..~” luci couldn’t escape the blush that spread to his cheeks and ears, giggling softly as he looked at how happy sinatra and crosby looked to be cuddled into his arms. his stomach did little flips as he heard divus baby-talking the little things, taking such sweet care to make sure they knew they were loved and comforted. “such cute babies..! oh, what fluffy handsome little things! look at how cute, i could just eat you two up..! awhhh, come here come here!” he mumbled as he lifted them enough to give their tiny heads little kisses, just further making luciel giggle at how sweet they were together as he gave bennett her own little kisses. “oh, what a little angel..” divus cooed as he gave her a gentle pet under the chin and a kiss on the nose, making her squirm joyfully as her tail wagged and tiny body shook with excitement. the bond between the two seemed to begin right there, and that would only continue to strengthen over time. oh, if only they knew..