Nightmares: A Lucifer Thread #ObeyMeSpoilers
(heavily inspired by @/faikittyy)

There was a time when Lucifer enjoyed the night; the sanctity, the quiet of it. A time where he could lie under the stars and let the universe pass him by. When he taught a young, sleepless Belphegor

entire star maps of the Celestial Realm. Lazing in the grass with Simeon after a long shift, gossiping without a care. A time long, long ago. Long before the Fall, before he descended into a realm constantly shrouded in darkness. The night took on a different meaning there.

It was no longer quiet, no longer safe. It was eternal. But Lucifer didn't fear the demons that stalked the shadows. He was better than that, better than THEM. No, the demons he feared the most were the ones in his head.

The first few nights waking up alone in his bed were the worst. His skin and sheets soaked in sweat, his pupils wide with fear. The nightmares were so vivid, so tangible, so REAL, that they often activated his demon form as he woke. The flurry of feathers would bring him back

down to earth, remind him where he was; of his empty, bloodless hands. But the fear, the memories, the guilt, they would remain to haunt him. The only way he could escape them was to escape sleep. And so Lucifer buried his head in his paperwork - even BEGGED Diavolo for more.

Diavolo refused at first, worried that his friend was pushing himself too hard too soon after such a traumatic event. Lucifer countered that he wasn't working hard enough. And when had Lucifer been wrong?

And that was how it was for centuries. Lucifer would avoid his past and the nightmares that came with it by focussing on his present and Diavolo's future. But things changed again when you dropped in.

It started with throw-away comments, "you should go to bed", "get some rest". Lucifer could ignore those. But as your relationship grew and you began spending more time with him, his own desires would drag him to bed with you. He couldn't ignore YOU.

Lucifer found great joy in spending time curled up in bed with you. Feeling safe and comforted in his arms, you'd fall asleep quickly and easily. No matter how hard you tried to fight it, to stay up with him, you couldn't. It was in those hours that Lucifer found comfort again.

He found it in the hair that tangled around his fingers. The sweet scent of your skin. The rhythmic rise and fall of your chest. The little noises you made in your dreams. He often wondered if you dreamt of him.

Lucifer took his role of protector very seriously. When he watched over you at night, whether from your side or at his desk, he told himself it would always be that way. You gave his nights purpose. You gave them light. You were the stars he would watch until sunrise.

But even the most valiant protector can fall. For Lucifer, all it took was a headache. He was forced back into the world of dreams, of sleep; but with no memories, it was a peaceful time. Faint shadows hinted at a dark past, but your love, that glowing light, led him home.

To fields under the stars. To lessons about the planets and the stars. To long walks through rain-soaked streets. To a bedroom of dark slate, a roaring fire.

To times worth remembering.

When he awoke for the first time, he couldn't remember any of it. He didn't remember YOU. But he recognised that light; it emanated from you, from your very soul. Like a moth to the flame he was drawn to it, to you. Just like he had been all those months before.

Returning to your own bed that night felt cold. Lonely. You didn't want to overstep your boundaries - you were basically a stranger to Lucifer now - but you didn't want him to think you didn't care either. Before you could even throw back your covers, he was at your door.

"Can I come in?" he asked from beyond the frame as you bolted upright.
"Sure, Lucifer." He opened the door slowly, unsure, without his usual bravado and confidence. His eyes were low, but they met yours with a faint glimmer of hope in those ruby reds.
"I can't sleep."

"Do you want me to make you some tea?" The offer was cordial, friendly... not what you wanted. He shook his head.
"Could I... sleep with you tonight?" Your heart fluttered a blush to your cheeks.
"S... sure!" You moved aside, your bed just big enough for you both. He sidled in.

Almost automatically he grabbed you into a soft embrace. His breathing slowed and he relaxed against you, the tenseness when he first entered melting away at your touch. For a few silent moments, you simply enjoyed each others' warmth.
"This feels right," Lucifer murmured.

The statement was followed with a yawn.
"Did we do this often?" You nodded.
"Every night."
Lucifer chuckled softly. "Lucky me." He nuzzled his face against the top of your head, holding you tighter to his chest. "Goodnight."
And Lucifer slept. With your arms around him, he slept.

Lucifer would remember that. When he regained his old memories, he also kept those from the weeks before. As you both climbed into bed that first night, for the first time in forever Lucifer wasn't afraid to sleep. He held you close. The sound of your heartbeats in time lulled

him into a peaceful rest. He closed his eyes.

But with memories comes nightmares. With nightmares comes the cold sweats, the fear, the guilt. The sudden waking. And wake he did, terrified, panicked; not about the Fall, but about you. He remembered. He saw it. You'd DIED.

The flurry of feathers brought him back to earth again as his eyes whipped around the room. At his side he found you, sprawled out on the bed. He breathed a sigh of relief that you were alive. But he refrained from reaching out. He didn't want to wake you.

But he needn't bother. Your hands searched for him, grasping and patting the bedsheets as your face contorted with fear and anguish. And there you found him, your hands latching onto his waist and tugging him in. With a thankful smile he settled back into your touch.

And you into his.

And there, Lucifer found his comfort - because you found your comfort in him.

#ObeyMeSpoilers for S2 of Obey Me. Adding it here too!

Not going to tag anyone for this, considering it's a bit Luci x MC but if you wanna be added to the usual tag list just let me know, even if it's just for a certain brother or thread type!