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It wasn’t something Rook paid much attention to at first. Probably because Lucanis did his best to hide it. Despite his agreement with Spite, there were some topics he was still sensitive about. Rook did his best not to push—but he’d always been bad at keeping his mouth shut. Especially after he’d been kissed into a boneless mess in Lucanis’s lap.
They had been taking advantage of some rare downtime to make out like fledglings in Rook’s room. Rook’s higher brain functions had stopped working about two minutes ago, when Lucanis had slipped his warm, callused hand up his shirt to stroke lightly over the small of his back. He was hard, and so was Lucanis, and he had high hopes about where this was going next. Logical thought did not play a part in those plans. So when he noticed Lucanis pushing his face into the crook of his neck and taking a big, deep breath, he did not have the forethought to stop himself blurting, “Are you smelling me?”
Lucanis froze, and Rook knew right away that this was a Spite thing. The only time he reacted this way was when it was a Spite thing. Before Lucanis could do anything stupid like leave to go brood, Rook pulled back to flash him a—hopefully reassuring—grin. “What do I smell like?”
Lucanis sighed. “Rook,” he said reproachfully. He withdrew his hands from under Rook’s shirt and instead rested one respectfully on Rook’s waist. He draped his other arm over the back of the chaise. Not very promising—but at least he wasn’t leaving yet.
“Come on,” Rook insisted, curious now. “I want to know. Taash always tells Harding what she smells like.”
Lucanis shook his head. “That’s different.”
“How?”
“Taash’s gift is natural,” said Lucanis, and Rook saw his expression tighten. “Mine is not. Does it not bother you?”
“That you like how I smell?”
“That Spite likes how you smell.”
Rook smirked. “I’d be more worried if he didn’t.”
“Rook, be serious.”
“I am serious,” said Rook, snuggling up closer to deny Lucanis any escape, and then grinding down because he always did fight a little dirty. He was rewarded by Lucanis’s other hand flying to his waist again, as if to hold him still. Good. He ran his own hands appreciatively up the length of Lucanis’s lean torso, and then leaned in to brush the tip of his nose against the edge of a bearded jaw. “It’s kind of flattering. And I like how you smell, too,” he breathed. “A little like coffee. Leather and steel. Like danger and a good fight. And something that’s all your own, that I can’t get enough of.” He began sucking soft, open-mouthed kisses onto Lucanis’s neck, not bothering to hold back his noises of enjoyment as he did so.
“Rook,” said Lucanis again, but his voice was shaky now, which Rook counted as a victory. He continued his kisses, keeping them slow and enticing, and draped his arms around Lucanis’s neck. When he finally felt the tension drain from Lucanis, he pulled back.
“Tell me what I smell like?” he beseeched, eyes wide, giving a small pout.
For a moment, it seemed as though Lucanis would hold strong. His fingers on Rook’s waist flexed as if in indecision. In turn, Rook held his gaze, refusing to look away from those dark eyes. Part of it was in challenge—but more importantly, it was because he wanted Lucanis to know that he was there. That he wasn’t going to back away from this—from them— just because there was a demon in him.
Finally, Lucanis huffed. “You will be the death of me, Rook.”
“You know I love it when you flatter me,” Rook purred in response.
The edge of Lucanis’s mouth quirked up. He leaned in—slowly, as if to give Rook an opportunity to move away. Fat chance of that happening, Rook thought as he pressed in closer as well, tilting his head up to bare his neck. Obediently, Lucanis brushed the tip of his nose against the skin there, lightly at first, before he pressed his face into the warm, sensitive crook of his neck, the roughness of his beard making Rook shiver. He took a deep, deliberate sniff.
When he next spoke, his voice was layered with a growl that sent heat rushing down Rook’s spine. “You smell like…warm, sweet things. Like a romantic Treviso evening. Melon, woodsmoke, a hint of spice. Sweat.” Another sniff, and the growl deepened. “ Desire .”
Rook could not stand it any longer. He tugged Lucanis’s face up and crashed their mouths together, fingers sinking desperately into Lucanis’s hair. Lucanis responded in kind, his hold on Rook’s waist tightening before his palms slid downwards to grope at his ass. Vaguely, Rook wondered if they should talk about this—about Lucanis and his hangups, and Rook’s determination to resolve them. But then Lucanis ground his hips upwards, the hard line of his cock rubbed against Rook’s, and all conscious thought left his mind.
They could address this later, he thought as he quickly shouldered his shirt off.
There would be plenty of opportunity.
*
Rook yawned and stretched his arms above his head as he strolled across the courtyard toward the dining hall. The sky never really got dark here in the Fade, but they’d had dinner a while ago, and then he’d retired to the library to do inventory with Emmrich. By his estimation, it was late evening now, and most everyone else had gone to sleep. He only wanted to stop by the kitchen to see his favorite Crow before bedtime, maybe steal a goodnight kiss. They hadn’t had much opportunity to interact today, and he missed Lucanis.
As usual, he stopped by Assan to give the baby griffon a hug first.
“Hey, boy,” he cooed, and was rewarded with a soft squawk and a cheerful nip at the back of his hand.
He pushed open the door to the dining hall. The fireplace was crackling away cozily, and the smell of the cookies Bellara had made for dessert still hung in the air. Smiling to himself, Rook rapped his knuckles on the pantry door, and leaned a shoulder against the wall as he waited.
And waited.
Frowning a bit, he wondered if he should knock again. Perhaps Lucanis was elsewhere. Or maybe he’d fallen asleep. But then the door opened, and there he was, dressed impeccably as usual with his sleeves rolled up to show off his strong forearms. Rook felt his grin brighten helplessly at the mere sight of him. Maker, he had it bad. “Hey,” he said.
“Rook,” greeted Lucanis. “Is there something you need?”
Something about that sounded off—but maybe Lucanis was just tired. It had been a long day. “Just wanted to see you before bed,” said Rook with a coy tilt of his head. “Maybe get a goodnight kiss.”
“Ah.” There was that suave smile Rook was so fond of. “That, I believe I can provide.” Lucanis cupped Rook’s jaw with his callused hand, already making Rook melt, and leaned in.
Then, he paused.
Rook blinked. There was a small furrow between Lucanis’s brows. His eyes flicked to the side, like he was distracted. His nostrils flared.
“Lucanis?” said Rook. “What’s wrong?”
Lucanis blinked, eyes refocusing. He gave Rook a tight smile. “Nothing. My apologies.” He gave Rook a quick peck on the lips before drawing back. “Goodnight.”
He attempted to close the door then. Before Rook even realized what he was doing, he’d stuck a foot into the gap to keep it open. Confusion surged through him. Lucanis had never rejected him like this before—not even in the days before they were officially together. Unable to keep the hurt out of his voice, Rook said, “That’s it? What did I… Did I do something?”
Lucanis sighed. “No. Rook, it’s fine—”
“You’ve been avoiding me all day,” said Rook, only realizing it now. He’d been missing Lucanis not because they'd been busy, but because the other Crow had made a conscious attempt to evade him. “So don’t tell me it’s fine.”
Lucanis gave a wry quirk of his mouth. “You’re not letting me get away with this, are you?”
“Nope!”
Again, Lucanis sighed—but this time, he also opened the door wider, stepping back to invite Rook in. Rook quickly slipped into the pantry before he could change his mind. He planted himself on Lucanis’s cot, hoping the message was clear: he was not leaving until they sorted this out.
“So, what is it?” he asked as soon as Lucanis had shut the door again.
Lucanis made his way slowly to the wall beside the cot and leaned against it with his arms crossed. He seemed to be steeling himself for something. The reason became obvious as he said, reluctantly, “It’s Spite.”
“Ah,” said Rook. He should have known. “Is he…being difficult?”
“When is he not?” Lucanis chuckled. His shoulders hunched. He clearly did not want to be talking about this—but still, he was making an effort. Rook felt a swell of appreciation for him once again. “I suppose I should explain,” he continued. “This morning, you were with Davrin and Assan. Being quite affectionate, according to Spite. He could smell it on you, and it’s made him unhappy.”
“And that’s been bleeding over into you all day,” concluded Rook, giving Lucanis an understanding smile. He still wasn’t sure exactly how the bond worked between Lucanis and his demon, but he could imagine Solas being loudly dissatisfied in his head all day, and how that might ruin his mood. He certainly had been spending a lot of time with Davrin lately as they got closer to finding the Gloomhowler. He could see why Lucanis might feel neglected. Only, something wasn’t adding up. “I wasn’t that affectionate,” he mused aloud. “And even if I was—you know I’m yours, right?”
“Of course,” Lucanis answered right away, which warned Rook’s heart—but then he flicked his gaze to the side again, listening to a voice only he could hear. “But Spite insists you were… flirting ,” he added dryly. “And that he can smell it on you, even now.”
“Now?” said Rook with some surprise. “The last time I saw Davrin was at dinner, and we weren’t even sitting near each other.”
“Oh.” Lucanis paused. He looked almost…embarrassed. He scratched at his jaw. “How should I explain this? It is not Davrin. It is Assan.”
Rook stared. The wheels in his head turned. Slowly, things clicked together.
“Spite is jealous of…Assan?” he said haltingly.
Lucanis rubbed at the space between his brows with his thumb and forefinger. “Yes,” he admitted reluctantly. “Assan is Davrin’s companion. Spite sees himself as mine. And he is jealous of you spending time with Assan while not affording him the same affection. He’s been throwing tantrums in my head all day, and I suppose his whining has affected my mood as well.”
Rook couldn’t help it. He laughed. He’d been feeling lonely all day, and then worried—and for such a silly reason. He doubled over, hands braced on his knees, and allowed the laughter and relief to rock through him.
When he was done, he looked up to see Lucanis regarding him with a helpless smile.
“Trust me,” said the Crow, “I know how foolish it is to be jealous of a griffon.”
Still grinning, Rook pushed himself to his feet and sauntered over to his lover. He draped his arms around Lucanis’s neck. “Don’t worry,” he whispered, like they were sharing a secret. “I think it’s kind of cute.”
“Cute?” repeated Lucanis, sounding amused. “For a man and his demon to be so insecure?”
“To be so possessive ,” he cooed, swaying on the spot like they were dancing. “It’s hot, you know? Poor Lucanis, and poor Spite. It must have been so hurtful, seeing me play with someone else’s tailfeathers.”
“Rook,” Lucanis said reproachfully, but he was chuckling.
“However shall I make it up to you?”
“I have a feeling you’ve already planned an answer for that.”
“You know me so well,” Rook smirked. With that, he spun them around and pushed Lucanis down onto the cot, before settling himself in his lap. “How about,” he started, pretending to think long and hard about it, “we do something that I’d never do with Davrin and Assan?”
“Oh?” said Lucanis, settling his hands around Rook’s waist. “And what might that be?”
Rook pressed a chaste kiss to Lucanis’s cheek. “I’m going to ride you until you pass out,” he decided, “and then Spite can snuggle me while you sleep. Will that make up for my…transgressions?”
Lucanis growled, his hands tightening. “I think both Spite and I would be amenable to that.”
Triumphant, Rook finally took the goodnight kiss he had come here for—and more.
*
Rook loved when Lucanis was sweet with him in their lovemaking; when the Crow took his time, tasting every inch of Rook’s skin, worshipping him like a deity. He loved it, too, when they were like this: desperate and animalistic, Lucanis’s hands stern on his waist as he relentlessly took his pleasure from Rook’s body. Rook gripped the arm of the chaise, moans spilling out of his mouth with every thrust. His cock bobbed uselessly between his legs, drooling onto the leather of the seat. He’d already come once earlier from Lucanis swallowing him down while fingering him into a screaming mess. Now he could feel his climax building again and he was powerless to do anything but take it.
“Lucanis,” he panted, mind unable to focus on anything else. “Lucanis…”
Strong hands gripped his shoulders, pulling him upright. He all but collapsed back against Lucanis’s muscled chest, letting the other man take his weight as he stroked over Rook’s torso affectionately, his thumb catching on a nipple. “My Rook,” Lucanis murmured into his ear, slowing to a deep grind that made Rook’s mouth fall open around soundless pleasure. He kissed the back of Rook’s neck, his beard rasping against sweaty skin. “Are you ready to come again?”
“Please,” Rook gasped, his hands grasping at Lucanis’s forearms just for something to hold onto. “Oh, please.”
“Anything for you, my love,” Lucanis cooed. He began working his hips, slapping them ruthlessly against the softness of Rook’s ass. His glorious hard cock pounded right where Rook wanted it, sending pleasure sparking up his spine, and gods, he was going to come—
And then, Lucanis stopped.
Rook gasped for air, disoriented. He stared at the arm of the chaise in front of him in confusion. Hadn’t he been about to have an amazing orgasm? Why wasn’t that happening?
“Lucanis?” he said pathetically, turning to look at his lover. “Why’d you stop?”
There was a furrow between Lucanis’s brows—not from pleasure, Rook guessed. He was breathing raggedly, and there was a strain to his shoulders.
“Sorry,” he said, voice hoarse. “I’m—sorry.”
Alarm swept through Rook, chasing away the lingering haze of arousal. Unceremoniously, he pulled away, wincing as Lucanis’s—still very hard—cock slipped out of him. He turned around to cup Lucanis’s face between his hands.
“Hey,” he said gently. “What’s wrong?”
Lucanis was breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling in rapid rhythm. He growled something under his breath, and then took one of Rook’s hands and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss into his palm.
“It’s nothing,” he said, still sounding strained. “But I have to go. Spite is—I can’t control him right now. I’m sorry.”
“What?” said Rook, blinking in confusion. Surely he didn’t mean that. But no—Lucanis was already standing, dropping Rook’s hand and bending to collect his clothes from the floor. He seriously was just going to leave.
Indignation replaced confusion. To hell with that.
“Lucanis Dellamorte,” snapped Rook, grabbing Lucanis by the arm and spinning him around so they were face to face again. “If you walk out of this room and leave me high and dry, I will tell Viago to poison your favorite coffee beans.”
Lucanis paused, looking torn. “Rook,” he tried. “I don’t want to put you through this.”
“Through what?” Rook demanded, eyes blazing. “You haven’t even told me what’s wrong.”
“Spite is—” Lucanis began, before he groaned and ran a hand down his face. “He is… excited. I can feel him hungering to get out. I don’t know how much longer I can deny him.”
Rook tried not to think too hard about the thrill that elicited in him. The idea that the demon inside Lucanis found him appealing and wanted a part of this was quickly stirring his arousal. But clearly, Lucanis was not into the idea. At least, not yet. “So,” he started, wetting his lips. “You’re afraid of him taking over your body? I thought you two worked that out.”
“We did,” confirmed Lucanis. “He cannot take over. But…I can’t say what else might happen.” He took a deep, shuddering breath. “I’m afraid that I am going to be the one that hurts you, Rook.”
Instantly, Rook felt his heart melt. All his frustration dissipated. “Lucanis,” he said, shuffling closer on his knees to hold his sweet, lovely Crow’s face again. “You would never hurt me.”
“You can’t know that,” protested Lucanis.
“Yes, I can,” said Rook. “I love you, and I trust you. Even when you were at odds with Spite, you stopped yourself from hurting Illario. Remember? If Spite wanted to hurt me, I know you would never let him. But he doesn’t want to do that—does he?”
Lucanis barked a dry laugh. “No. He does not wish to hurt you, he just—I won’t repeat it. It is obscene.”
Rook wouldn’t have been able to stop the smirk spreading across his face if he tried. He leered at Lucanis, running his eyes down his muscled torso down to his heavy cock. “Oh? I’m pretty curious, actually.”
Dark eyes regarded him shrewdly. “Rook,” said Lucanis accusingly. “Do you want to have sex with my demon?”
“Not with your demon!” Rook denied through a laugh. “But with you —demon included. Does that make sense?”
“Feel free to elaborate,” said Lucanis, though there was amusement in his tone now.
“I meant everything I said before,” said Rook, sincere now. “When we took out Zara. Hell, even when you did something as simple as making me dessert. I want you, and that means every part of you. Your messes, your burdens. Spite. I want it all.”
“Greedy,” murmured Lucanis.
“You know what I think?” said Rook, sitting back and pulling Lucanis along onto the chaise. For a moment it seemed as though Lucanis would resist—but to Rook’s relief, he relented, following Rook down until he was propped up on his elbows above him. Satisfied, Rook continued, “I think that you need to let yourself go. Stop holding Spite back. He’s a part of you now—you’ve accepted him, which means I’ve accepted him too. You always fight better when the both of you are on the same page.” He smiled slyly. “Imagine how good the sex could be if you let him get freaky with us.”
“You,” said Lucanis, running a thumb over Rook’s lower lip, “are the most shameless, beautiful thing I’ve ever fucked.”
“I’ll take that as an agreement,” said Rook as he snaked a hand down their bodies to wrap around Lucanis’s cock. He gave it a couple of strokes, felt the hard length twitch beneath his fingers. Satisfied, he guided it to his entrance.
He didn’t know who moved first, only that he was finally being filled again, every inch that slid into him sending glorious pleasure racing up his spine. He let his head fall back with a moan and curled his arms around the small of Lucanis’s back—greedy, possessive, keeping him close. His legs wrapped around Lucanis’s waist, heels digging into the muscle of his ass in a silent demand for him to move.
“Impatient, too,” Lucanis murmured with a smile—but he obeyed. He began to rock his hips, deep and heavy with intent. His eyes burned down into Rook’s, open and unafraid. Each drag of his cock in and out pulled breathy whines from Rook’s mouth.
“It’s—ah—” panted Rook. “It’s your fault for denying me a—ah, a perfectly good orgasm earlier.”
“I’ll have to make it up to you,” Lucanis answered, leaning down to capture Rook’s lips in a kiss. Rook happily let Lucanis plunder his mouth, sinking back into the chaise and luxuriating in the feeling of being fucked. The air grew heavy with the sound of skin sliding against skin and their shared gasps of pleasure. Rook could feel his climax building back up, quickly swelling after having been so rudely stalled earlier. His fingers clutched at Lucanis’s sweat-slick back, legs trembling as Lucanis rolled his powerful hips again and again and again.
Eventually he broke the kiss to moan into the humid space between them, “I’m close.”
“As am I,” Lucanic groaned, before he shuddered and stopped.
This time, Rook did not hesitate. He cupped Lucanis’s jaw, bringing their gazes to meet. “Hey,” he said gently, breath still ragged but no less determined for it. “I want this. I love you, Lucanis.”
Another broken groan tore itself out of Lucanis’s chest—and black, glowing feathers burst from his back. His wings fanned out above them, beautiful and crackling with power. But his eyes remained dark and clearer than ever. Struck dumb, Rook gazed upon him with wonder. He was the most beautiful thing Rook had ever seen.
Lucanis nuzzled his face into Rook’s hand. “Rook,” he breathed, like a promise, like a vow. He pressed a kiss into Rook’s palm. Then he braced himself on his elbows and began to thrust again with desperate abandon.
Rook gasped. He wanted to tell Lucanis how much this meant. How grateful he was that Lucanis trusted him this way. How awed he felt, at the fierce beauty of the man above him. But as Lucanis drove his hips mercilessly into him, all he managed was to cry out, “I love you. I love you, Lucanis.”
It seemed to be enough. Lucanis stiffened, rutting erratically with a ragged groan before he stilled. Rook felt his cock jerk inside him, felt the spill of warmth as he came. Eyes fluttering, he let his cresting pleasure sweep him into his own blinding orgasm. He clung to Lucanis throughout, holding him close, refusing to let go.
When he felt like he could breathe again, he opened his eyes to find Lucanis already watching him. His wings had curled around them on the chaise protectively, as if to shield them from the world. Rook’s heart swelled.
“Hey,” he said gently, bringing a finger up to lightly tap Lucanis’s lower lip.
Wordlessly, Lucanis kissed it, which only made Rook’s heart swell even further.
“If you don’t stop being so cute,” he said shakily, “I’m going to have a heart attack.”
“Cute?” said Lucanis, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” said Rook. “Cute, and manly, and so good at sex. Did I mention what a great idea it was to let Spite out?”
To his surprise, Lucanis grinned. “You know,” he drawled, “you cannot actually take credit for being the first one to suggest it.”
Rook blinked. “What?”
Lucanis was chuckling now, pulling out of Rook to lay by his side on the chaise. His wings finally dissipated into black smoke as he settled in. “I’ll tell you about it one day.”
“What? Lucanis, no! Tell me now. I want to know who suggested that you fuck me with your wings out. We could have avoided that whole conversation!”
But this time, Lucanis seemed determined to hold strong. And though Rook pouted and prodded before eventually snuggling up to doze together, he could not begrudge Lucanis his secrets. Not when they made him smile like that.
He sighed, smiling as well, and closed his eyes.