A Life Torn Asunder

Rainy Day and Fever

It was the start of the rainy season. The sky was overcast, and droplets began tapping against the windows of the classroom. Lucifer and Masha sat side by side, their desks pushed slightly closer to the window for a better view of the rain. The rhythmic patter of raindrops against the glass and the faint murmurs of their classmates created a calm, almost cozy atmosphere.

Masha sighed as she rested her chin on her palm, watching the rain pour harder. "It doesn't look like it's stopping anytime soon, huh?"

Lucifer, his strikingly white hair catching the dull light of the room, leaned slightly forward to get a better look. "Nope. Seems like we'll be swimming home at this rate."

Masha chuckled. "We forgot our umbrellas, didn't we? Typical us."

"Yeah, it's almost like we're asking for trouble." He grinned, his cheerful demeanor making even the gloom of the rain feel less dreary.

The hours passed quicker than they realized. Soon, the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. The students packed up their things, some groaning about the rain as they prepared to head out. Lucifer and Masha lingered for a moment, hoping for a miracle that the rain would subside, but it only came down harder.

With no umbrellas, they had no choice but to make a run for it. "Ready, partner?" Masha asked, tightening her bag straps.

"Always," Lucifer replied with a mischievous grin.

The two bolted from the school building, rain soaking them instantly as they dashed through puddles and dodged splashes from passing cars. By the time they reached home, they were drenched from head to toe, water dripping from their hair and clothes.

"Ugh, this is the worst!" Masha groaned, peeling off her wet socks at the entrance.

Lucifer shook his head like a dog, sending water droplets flying everywhere. "I think I'm half-fish now."

"Cut it out!" Masha laughed, swatting at him before dragging him toward the bathroom. "Come on, we need to warm up before we catch colds. Let's take a hot bath."

Lucifer hesitated for a moment, his cheeks faintly tinged with pink. "Together? Again?"

"Of course!" Masha declared, already pulling him along. "It's not like you haven't before. Besides, you'll thank me when you're not shivering like a leaf."

Lucifer sighed but followed her lead, knowing better than to argue. The warm water was a blessing against the chill that had seeped into their bones. Masha laughed as she poured water over Lucifer's head, teasing him about his long, white hair that seemed to glisten even when wet.

"You know," she said, running her fingers through his hair to untangle it, "for someone with such pretty hair, you're hopeless at taking care of it."

"Hey! It's not like I have time for that," Lucifer shot back, his cheeks puffed in mock indignation.

After their bath, the two changed into comfortable clothes. Masha, as usual, took it upon herself to dry Lucifer's hair. Sitting cross-legged on her bed, she motioned for him to sit in front of her.

"Come here, princess," she teased, patting her lap.

Lucifer groaned but obeyed, sitting down and leaning back slightly as she began towel-drying his hair. "You call me that one more time, and I'm—"

"Going to do what?" she interrupted, smirking as she rubbed the towel a bit too vigorously.

Lucifer flinched but couldn't help laughing. "Okay, okay, I surrender! Just don't yank my hair out."

Once his hair was mostly dry, Masha offered her lap as a pillow. He hesitated, but when she gave him her signature puppy-dog eyes, he relented. Resting his head on her lap, he let out a content sigh.

"You're too nice to me," he mumbled, his voice soft.

"Don't get used to it," Masha replied with a grin. She began cleaning his ears with gentle care, occasionally brushing her fingers through his hair. "Besides, I like teasing you. Your reactions are the best."

Lucifer didn't reply. The combination of her warmth, the rhythmic motion of her hands, and the lingering comfort from the bath lulled him to sleep. His peaceful expression made Masha smile. Unable to resist, she quietly grabbed her phone and snapped a photo.

"You're too cute for your own good," she whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair from his face. Not wanting to disturb him, she decided to let him rest and soon dozed off herself.

The next morning, Lucifer woke up feeling off. His head spun slightly, and his vision was blurry. He dismissed it, chalking it up to sleepiness, and went about his morning routine. Masha, as energetic as always, greeted him at the table with a bright smile.

"Morning, sleepyhead! Ready for breakfast?"

"Morning," he replied, his voice quieter than usual. But before he could sit down, the world tilted, and he collapsed to the floor.

"Lucifer!" Masha cried, rushing to his side. Panic laced her voice as she felt his forehead. "You're burning up! Why didn't you say anything?"

Lucifer tried to smile weakly. "Didn't think it was a big deal..."

"You idiot," she scolded, helping him up and guiding him to the couch. "Stay here. I'll get some medicine and a cold compress."

For the rest of the day, Masha doted on him, fussing over every little detail. She made sure he stayed hydrated, checked his temperature regularly, and even cooked his favorite porridge to cheer him up.

At school, their classmates immediately noticed Lucifer's absence. During break, Masha explained, "He caught a fever. He's resting at home."

"Aww, poor Lucifer!" one of the girls exclaimed. "He's always so cheerful. It's weird not having him around."

"We should do something for him!" another chimed in.

Masha smiled as the girls began brainstorming. Later, during lunch, she showed them the photo she had taken of Lucifer sleeping on her lap.

"Oh my gosh, that's so cute!" they squealed in unison.

"Right?" Masha said, grinning. "He has such a pretty face, doesn't he?"

"Totally! Next time, it's our turn to give him a lap pillow!" one of the girls declared, sparking a round of laughter.

When Masha returned home, she found Lucifer sitting on the couch, watching TV. Her hands immediately went to her hips. "You're supposed to be resting!"

Lucifer looked up, a playful smirk on his face. "But the couch was calling me. Besides, I'm feeling a bit better."

"Yeah, right," Masha muttered, marching over to turn off the TV. "Back to bed, mister. Or do I need to carry you?"

Lucifer chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender. "Okay, Mom. You win."

Later that evening, after dinner, they decided to call it a night. As they lay down, Lucifer instinctively buried his face into Masha's chest, seeking comfort.

"Comfy?" Masha teased, running her fingers through his hair.

"Very," Lucifer mumbled, already half-asleep.

Masha smiled, her heart full. Despite his occasional stubbornness, she wouldn't trade moments like these for anything.