Work Text:
Never ending paperwork, and more things to organise. Another scolding, and another headache caused by his brothers who never seem to learn from their lessons. Lucifer was exhausted, but it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to any. He was perpetually lethargic, never getting more than a few hours of sleep per day. While demons didn’t need much sleep, continual strain on the body would eventually lead to them collapsing.
This was Lucifer’s dilemma. Another new stack of paperwork, detailing policies of RAD and applications for various reasons. Budget revisions, class allocations, requests of materials for lessons… and more of Diavolo’s ideas that he had to write reports and comment on. Unlike Lucifer, his brothers were lazing away, the weekend finally rolling around. Mammon was at the casino (no doubt there would be trouble later), Levi was playing games in his room, Satan was shopping for new books, Asmo was at another party, Beel was at Hell's Kitchen while Belphie snoozed away. Usually, Lucifer would’ve scolded Mammon, told Levi to do some chores, accompanied Beel to ensure he didn’t go on another rampage… but he was drained.
The lines on the paper in front of him all seemed to blur together, the quill in his hand slipping out and onto the table. His head hurt, and he felt ready to just crash and sleep right there. In his daze, he failed to notice one of his empty coffee mugs; bumping into it, causing his ink bottle to spill over the edge of his desk. Oh, now he was mad . All of the stress, inconveniences, annoyances and everything else in life hit him all at once, and he was just about ready to snap his desk in half. His rational side took over, and he refrained, but he was still extremely pissed.
The sound of a knock at his door made that anger resurface. What, was Mammon back to ask him for money? He stood up, angrily pushing his chair back, and almost stomping to the door, he swung it open; ready to yell at the quivering Mammon, but his anger immediately dissipated upon seeing who it was.
You.
“Ah, [Name]. Apologies, you’ve caught me at a bad time.” He said, his expression softening.
You knew that Lucifer had been particularly busy this week, and in your hands, you held a coffee, made just how he liked it. You gave him a soft smile, shaking your head.
“No worries, I know you’re stressed.”
Lucifer stepped aside to let you in, and after moving a few stacks of paperwork, you placed the coffee mug down. You noticed the ink spill, and Lucifer sighed, saying;
“I hadn’t been paying attention. Please ignore it.”
You looked back at the overworked demon, eyebags pronounced and his eyebrows furrowed. His hands were trembling slightly, and his gaze averted, seemingly ashamed at you seeing his disorganised state.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” You ask, moving to stand in front of him.
His annoyance melted away, your mere presence bringing a sense of peace to his soul.
“Yes…” He said, but your facial expression said that you didn’t buy it.
Sighing, you got to work cleaning up the mess, and Lucifer reached out to stop you from doing it, saying “I can do it-” until you cut him off.
“Lucifer.” You said in a stern tone. “Please sit down at your desk. This is the least I can do to help you.”
He relented, and after cleaning up the mess, he went back to doing the paperwork. He took a sip at the coffee you brought in, commenting on how it was amazing. He gave you a small smile, one that warmed your heart. You loved his smile, and seeing him perpetually annoyed hurt you. You knew that he was completely capable of doing everything and anything; but sometimes even superheroes need a break.
You offered to help, which he graciously accepted. You both did the paperwork in silence, and at some point, he reached out to hold your hand in his. You peered over at him, a small blush dusting his cheeks, making a small blush overcome yours too. Time passed, and you were so engrossed in your work, you didn’t even realise that at some point, Lucifer had dozed off. His head rested upon his arm on the desk, his breaths steady and deep. He was truly fast asleep, even while your hands were still intertwined.
“Oh Luci.” You said, feeling your heart swell with affection and pity. Half of you was really happy that he felt so calm that he could sleep, and the other half felt so sad that he had been so overworked he needed to sleep at his desk. With your free hand, you reached out to caress his hair, and subconsciously, he leaned into your touch. You leaned in closer, watching his expression as he slept. At least he wouldn’t have another sleepless night.