Work Text:
"I, Diablo, swear my loyalty to you for eternity." Said the demon as he bowed his head.
"Yes! On the subject of loyalty, I, Ranga, am also your loyal servant, Master!" Said the wolf as he wagged his tail.
"I know, I know!" Rimuru said happily as his slime form hopped on Ranga's head and began petting him.
Rimuru looked up and noticed his newest servant was now sporting a hurt expression.
"Before I head out, what's wrong Diablo? Having second thoughts about that name already?" He asked, he couldn't really guess any other reason as to why the demon suddenly looked so sad.
"It's nothing! My personal emotions are nothing you should ever have to bother yourself with, Lord Rimuru."
"Nonsense." A single word from Rimuru seemed to change the demon's belief on the matter instantly. "I know we pretty much just met but there is one thing you should know by now: That I care about those who pledge loyalty to me. You're emotions are just as important as anyone else's. Besides, you listened to my problems, it's only fair at this point."
Diablo wanted to insist that it really was a waste of his divine master's time, but at the same time, his master's words were law as far as he was concerned. He couldn't deny him.
"Forgive me, Lord Rimuru, but it's....jealously."
"Jealousy?" Rimuru questioned.
After admitting that, Diablo's face started to show signs of embarrassment and shame. It baffled Rimuru to see someone so strong and cool looking act like a jealous puppy.
"Jealous of Ranga? But all I did was pet him."
"Precisely. You see...I would also...greatly appreciate a pat on the head."
"Uh?? For real?!"
"It's true! But worry not! I would never think to ask you for such a selfish and silly request! Especially after you already blessed me with such a wonderous name!"
Rimiuru thought it over. It was a rather silly request. Diablo isn't a wolf or anything like that. Maybe its a fetish? That would be awkward, Rimuru didn't mean to pressure his new servant to reveal something so private like that. But the expression on his face really did seem more like a kicked puppy. Not some perv or whatever. Rimuru didn't see any harm in obliging.
Besides, even after giving Diablo a name, he still felt bad for forgetting all about him. This would be a good way to apologize.
And so without warning, the slime hopped off of Ranga's head and onto Diablo's and proceeded to lightly pat him.
"Welcome to the team, Diablo! Get along with my other followers, okay?"
The demon smiled and looked like he was on the verge of crying tears of joy just from the mere action of being praised.
Rimuru thought it was weird, but also kind of cute. Adorable even. And it was nice to see the demon happy again. Much better than the shameful frown from earlier.
On that note, Rimuru left to return to the cave where he met Veldora.