Court of Darkness Oneshots (requests open)

(Lou x MC) Afternoon Nap

(also on my AO3)

MC sighs as she climbs up the steps to Lou's tower. Today has been nothing short of exhausting. She's glad she at least gets this much time with him, but afterwards she's going to go to bed. The heat, the stress of schoolwork, and all this walking has really destroyed her energy levels. This tower also has way too many stairs...

Once she finally reaches the landing, she almost walks right past the door, which goes to show how exhausted she is. While she knocks on the door, she yawns into her other hand. Yeah... she's not sure she's making it back to her bed. She should have asked Lynt for where the best nap spot is before she needed it...

"Come in." Despite her exhaustion, Lou's voice registers almost instantly. Taking a quick stretch to try and wake herself up, MC pushes open the door.

Lou's work is piled on his desk, but he still has tea prepared and waiting on the table. "Good day, Miss MC." He stands up from his desk and walks around to greet her.

MC shuts the door behind her. "Hello. Sorry to interrupt your work."

Smiling brightly, he excitedly says, "This is hardly an interruption at all! In fact, I have been looking forward to it all day!"

"I have too." She takes a seat on the settee and, once he's seated beside her, she lets her head rest on his shoulder. This is probably the most peace she's had all day, she'd happily stay like this for the rest of the night.

"Miss MC?" Lou cards his gloved hand through her hair. "Are you quite alright?"

"Sorry... It's been a long week." She doesn't move to sit up even when she considers it, "You've probably been way busier than me and I'm the one half asleep on you..."

"It's alright." He leans his head on hers. "I would happily allow you to sleep in my chambers if you feel you are too exhausted to return to your own."

She silently considers this a moment. "I'll try to wake myself up a bit. I'd hate to impose on you when you're so busy." Pushing herself to sit up, MC adds, "Thanks for the tea."

"You are very welcome," his magic pours the tea as he pulls her closer to him. "I am grateful to spend this time with you."

"Hmm..." She nods in agreement. Taking a sip of tea she carefully sets down her cup and chuckles, "You picked a blend to help with relaxation." He must be doing a lot of work, hopefully this isn't that big an interruption.

"I'm afraid I did not realize how relaxed you already would be." Lou laughs and shyly averts his gaze.

MC thinks for a moment and then turns to him, "Would you mind if I cuddled you?"

"Not at all." He wraps his arms around her.

Leaning her head on him, she looks up at his eyes. "No, as in like... while you work."

"Pardon?"

"To um... Extend our time together, while also letting us fulfill our evening plans." She mumbles sheepishly, feeling her cheeks flush.

After a moment of thought Lou stands up, "I believe I understand now."

Failing to understand his thoughts, she watches him sit at his desk and hold out his arms.

"Come here, Miss MC," he says, beckoning her over with his hands. She gets up and goes over, carefully climbing into his lap. His arms wrap around her as her head falls on his shoulder. "Are you comfortable?"

She hums in affirmation. Closing her eyes, her consciousness all but melts at the comfort in his presence.

"You may rest here as long as you like." That's all she hears before she's sound asleep...