Chapter Text
Davrin the Grey Warden is, without question, the worst person Lucanis has ever met.
Not because Davrin is evil, but because he's good— the type of good that judges people from a morally superior high ground if he disagrees with the choices they make. More than once, the Grey Warden has brought up the fact that the Crows kill people for money, and the moral and ethical standards that Davrin believes Lucanis lacks because he's a Crow. The topic has even come up between Davrin and Lucanis while out on missions with Fallon. Despite the fact that Fallon is just as much a Crow and the assumed heir to the title of Talon of her house as Lucanis is to his, Davrin never questions her morality and ethical standards. Lucanis wishes he could chalk it up to the fact that Fallon is leading a team that's trying to save the world, and therefore she gets a pass as an assassin-for-hire, but Lucanis knows better.
Davrin holds Fallon to a different moral standard than Lucanis because Davrin wants her, and it's driving Lucanis insane. Not just that Davrin's motives are so transparent, it's pathetic, but the fact that Davrin wants Fallon at all. After the dragon attack, Lucanis was already waiting outside Fallon's bedroom door for his turn to check on her when Davrin broached the topic of Lucanis and Fallon's relationship. He heard what Davrin called Lucanis when he found out that it was Lucanis's idea not to continue his relationship with Fallon.
"Idiot."
It wasn't just what Davrin called him. It was the way he said it— like he couldn't believe his own luck because Lucanis was stupid enough to fumble a relationship with the most perfect woman in all of Thedas. Like Lucanis doesn't already know. Like Fallon doesn't already know. Every time Davrin compliments her, or offers to do things around the Lighthouse, volunteers for missions before anyone else can even raise their hand, or subtly flirts with Fallon, Spite suggests a new way to kill the Grey Warden.
Between Lucanis and Spite, they have devised fifty different ways.
Since the dragon attack, Lucanis has not tried to sleep in Fallon's room again. Despite Fallon's (accurate) accusations that Lucanis changed his mind because he was jealous of Davrin, it really wasn't the only reason Lucanis asked. The poor timing of Davrin's arrival just made it seem that way. What Neve said to Lucanis about needing to let Fallon decide for herself who and what she deserves stuck with him. Apologizing for not giving Fallon that choice was already on Lucanis's agenda before ever knowing a dragon would attack Treviso, or that Davrin would show up in shining armor with hulking muscles, a wyvern scout attitude, and a baby griffin on his heels.
Not that Lucanis could ever hate Assan. He's too damn adorable, and it's not Assan's fault that his keeper is a pendejo.
Smells like. Wet griffin and wood chips. In the kitchen.
Spite has taken to announcing to Lucanis whenever somebody is using the kitchen on the other side of their bedroom wall. On the one hand, it's helpful to know who is nearby— especially if it's Harding. The scout is sweet, and she tries so hard, but mierda, that woman cannot cook. Hovering over Harding when she's in the kitchen is as much for Lucanis's safety as it is the dwarf's, as he's stopped her from burning herself, her food, or the kitchen itself at least three times now.
On the other hand, Lucanis can now identify which of his teammates is in the kitchen based on what Spite says he smells, which is somewhat peculiar. Neve is jasmine and snow. Bellara is ink and electricity. Harding is jam and spearmint. Wet griffin and wood chips were the easiest to figure out.
Lucanis listens for a moment to see if he can hear what Davrin is doing and if he's alone. One set of boots scuffing against the stone floor, and also the clicking of claws against it impatiently and without any real pattern. Assan is with Davrin and is jumping around. It must be time for Assan's dinner.
Happy squawks follow the sound of a bowl clattering to the ground, then silence from the griffin, presumably because he's eating.
"What should we cook for dinner for the team, boy?" Lucanis hears Davrin ask his feathered friend. "What do you think Rook would like?"
Lucanis's eyes narrow as he looks up from the book he's supposed to be reading for the book club Bellara and their newest team member, Emmerich, started last week. Now, Davrin is trying to impress Fallon by cooking. Lucanis's eyes roll heavenward towards the Maker as he shakes his head.
We should. Sabotage!
How do you recommend we do that?
Tell him! Rook's favorite food. Is something. She hates!
I don't think Davrin is dumb enough to take my advice on wooing Rook.
Might be!! We can try!
Lucanis sighs as he sets his book down with one hand and rubs his face with the other.
Rook would know we had something to do with it and get mad at us.
She'll get mad at Lucanis. Not Spite. Rook never gets mad. At Spite.
She will if she hears that she had to go hungry tonight because telling Davrin to cook something she won't eat was your idea. Hungry Rook is an angry Rook, and I will be the one who suffers.
You're NO FUN!
The clattering of pots and pans coming from the kitchen distracts Lucanis from responding to Spite. He shoots to his feet, exits the pantry, and is treated to the sight of Davrin splayed out on the floor with Assan's front paws on his chest, various cooking instruments surrounding them.
"Is everything alright out here?" Lucanis snorts with laughter as the griffin and Warden both look in his direction.
"Yeah. I tripped over Assan. Apparently, he thought he'd help cook dinner." Davrin lets out an exasperated sigh.
"I have a feeling that allowing Assan to cook dinner is some sort of health violation," Lucanis says drily as Davrin pushes Assan off himself and stands.
"You're probably right. I'd hate to be the guy that gets the whole team killed because my ward is out of control." Davrin gives Lucanis a warning look to accompany the passive-aggressive tone of his statement. They're no longer talking about Assan. They never are when Davrin says things like this.
Lucanis's lips form a thin line as he stares at the Warden.
Does he. Mean ME!
"Yes, Spite, yes. Davrin was talking about you." Lucanis replies to the demon out loud as he maintains eye contact with Davrin, a hint of a snarl on his face. Davrin's nostrils flare as fear flashes through his eyes.
He's afraid. Of us! Spite cackles.
"No, we can't throw him off the side of the Lighthouse into the Fade. Who would feed Assan?" Lucanis carries on as if Spite had asked him an actual question. The griffin even squawks in reply, making Lucanis chuckle softly.
Lucanis. Is having FUN! LUCANIS IS HAVING FUN! Spite sounds both utterly shocked and overjoyed by this turn of events as he hovers beside Lucanis.
"Yes, I suppose we'll have to let him live. For Assan's sake. For now." Mirth exudes from Lucanis's entire being as he stares Davrin down, watching as the elf's fists clench.
Davrin opens his mouth to say something, but the doors to the dining room burst open. Davrin and Lucanis both whip their heads around to see who is joining them. The sight of the Qunari female walking between Harding and Fallon strikes Lucanis like lightning as the memory of one of the worst nights of his life resurfaces. Lucanis knows this woman. Technically, so does Fallon, even though Fallon was unconscious the last time they saw the Qunari. This woman saved Fallon's life.
Lucanis holds Fallon's unconscious body in his arms, trying not to shake from a combination of fear and rage. Someone tried to drown Fallon tonight, and if it weren't for the tall, silver-haired Qunari female currently kneeling by his side, Fallon may not have survived it. He takes a good look at her, committing the face of Fallon's savior to memory.
"You are an angel sent by Andraste herself." Lucanis praises the Qunari with tears in his eyes.
The Qunari shrugs. "Drowning someone is vashedan. If you're gonna be a murderer, at least don't be a coward about it."
"I couldn't agree more." Despite the situation, Lucanis snorts with laughter and wipes the tears off his face. Lucanis carefully scoops Fallon's motionless body into his arms and stands. The Qunari follows suit, and Lucanis is astonished by how much taller than him she is. He's not the tallest man on a good day, but the way she towers over him…Lucanis vaguely thinks that she would make a hell of an intimidating Crow. The Qunari points him in the direction of Fallon's assailant, and then it is time for them to part ways. "Thank you again. I'm not sure if the words are enough. Just know that if we ever meet again, I owe you an incredible debt."
The woman shakes her head vigorously. "You don't owe me anything. Saving her was the right thing to do."
"Mierda," Lucanis swears in surprise as the Qunari's eyes meet his. He smiles. "It's you!"
"It's me," The Qunari greets him with a half-smile. She really doesn't seem terribly thrilled to be here. "I'd say it's nice to see you again, but since we're trying to take down a bunch of gods, I'm not so sure it is, yet."
"Lucanis, Davrin, meet Taash. Our dragon expert, and my apparent savior." Fallon introduces herself with a broad smile as she bends down to greet Assan, scratching him behind the ears.
"Wait, you know each other, too?" Davrin interjects in confusion.
"I wouldn't say we know each other, but we have met. I helped this one save that one from drowning in Treviso like a year and a half ago." Taash clarifies as she points between Lucanis and Fallon, respectively.
"Rook can't swim," Lucanis informs everyone.
"Hey! In my defense, I was unconscious when the two of you saved me from drowning!" Fallon pouts.
"Not that it would have mattered if you were conscious, because you still can't swim." Lucanis snorts.
"I'll teach you how to swim, Rook." Davrin offers, and Lucanis goes rigid. Before Lucanis's untimely disappearance last year, one of the things that he promised Fallon they would do together upon his return was that he would teach her how to swim. Assuming no one else beat him to it while he was in the Ossuary, it was a promise that Lucanis had intended to keep now that he's out. They've just been a little busy, so Lucanis hasn't had the chance to bring it up.
Lucanis bites the inside of his cheek as Fallon makes eye contact with him. The way she kinks her eyebrow as they stare at one another suggests that Fallon remembers Lucanis's promise, as well. Lucanis has to work to keep his facial expression neutral, as opposed to the deep sense of smug satisfaction that he feels because Fallon is not only going to reject Davrin's offer, but she is going to let Lucanis be the one to tell him."Rook already has a swim instructor— he was just otherwise occupied until about six weeks ago," Lucanis settles on. His eyes remain on Fallon's, and he definitely catches the sparkle of mischief in them. "Surely the gods will stop causing chaos for one day so we can go swimming?" His lips twitch as he holds back a laugh and tries to imagine a world where Elgernan and Ghilan'nain would just let them take a break.
"Oh yeah, let's just write them a note asking them to take a holiday. They seem reasonable." Fallon's tone is sarcastic, but a smile breaks through as she laughs.
"You do have a full team now, Rook, and everywhere we've gone recently has been at least partially surrounded by water. If you and Lucanis want to take a day for swimming lessons, I think the rest of us can handle things here." Harding offers. Lucanis is genuinely stunned—he was under the impression that the dwarf's opinion of him leaned toward apprehension and fear due to Spite. That the dwarf is warming up to him enough to offer to give him time alone with their leader is a huge win, and it makes Lucanis hopeful that the others are starting to come around, too. Lucanis makes a mental note to ask what Harding's favorite meal is, so he can cook it for dinner one evening.
"Harding makes a good point, Rook. I imagine you'd be pretty mad at yourself if, of all the things that could kill you these days, it was drowning," Lucanis adds with a slight grin. He does not need to ask to know that if drowning is what ends up killing Fallon, then she will come back to haunt Lucanis as a malicious spirit for letting that be how she goes out.
Fallon scratches the top of Assan's head absentmindedly as she considers the suggestion. "Could we go to Arlathan to do it? Pathetic as this is going to sound, I kind of don't want anyone seeing me look like an idiot thrashing about."
"Sure, if it will get you to agree to learn how to swim, we can go somewhere secluded." Lucanis chuckles softly.
Fallon gives him a grateful smile and turns to Harding. "Think you can hold it down tomorrow?"
Tomorrow? Maker, Lucanis was not prepared for Fallon to rip the bandage off and suggest they go tomorrow.
"Sure, Rook! Shouldn't be a problem." Harding smiles brightly. "It will give us time to get Taash completely caught up on everything that's been going on."
Fallon nods and looks back to Lucanis. "What do you say? You and me, swimming tomorrow?"
Lucanis's mouth goes dry as he thinks about spending time with Fallon alone. He's going to have to be close to her, and he will definitely have to touch her. "Tomorrow is fine." Lucanis barely manages to get the words out without sounding nervous.
Alone? With Rook? Spite pipes up with interest as the demon realizes the implications of this outing.
I will be alone with Rook, yes. Not you.
Predictably, that is not the answer Spite wanted, and he lets out an enraged growl. NOT FAIR! WHY JUST LUCANIS?
I'm teaching her how to swim. Can you swim?
Spite goes quiet for a full five seconds before quietly answering with a resigned, No.
That's what I thought.
~*~
"Please explain to me again why I need to learn to swim in full leather armor, with my weapons strapped to me?" Fallon asks with a soft pout. "Wet leather sounds…awful. And like it will chafe later."
"That's why I told you to bring an extra set of clothes, Rook," Lucanis pats her shoulder as he walks past her towards the water's edge. "And you need to learn to swim in your armor because, in our line of work, that is what you will most likely be wearing if you find yourself in a situation where you unexpectedly have to swim. You need to be able to carry the extra weight."
Bellara happily pointed to a spot on their map of Arlathan Forest, where she knew a secluded lake was located. It's almost too sheltered, and there's a waterfall on the opposite side of the shore. It's relatively shaded and quiet. The whole setting is practically romantic. Surely, if Bellara knows where this lake is, then she's aware of the scenery. Lucanis can't help but feel like perhaps Bellara sent them here on purpose.
The elf has been friendlier towards Lucanis lately, and every time Fallon and Lucanis talk to one another, she gets this weird look on her face. The closest emotion Lucanis can pin to the look is hopeful, but that doesn't feel exactly right. Lucanis has also gathered that Bellara would become very self-conscious and apologize too much if he asks her about it, so the weird look remains a mystery.
Lucanis removes his belt of daggers and carefully lays them on the ground. Next, he takes off his gloves, removes his boots, and socks.
"What are you doing? I thought you said I need to learn to swim with the extra weight of clothes?" Fallon questions once she realizes Lucanis is removing his clothes.
The jacket is next to go, and then Lucanis's vest. "I said you need to learn to swim with the extra weight. I already know how to swim, so I don't need that practice." Lucanis answers smugly as he unbuttons his shirt. Fallon's eyes instantly drop to his torso, and she stares somewhat shamelessly as her jaw slackens. After six weeks of training with Fallon, Lucanis's body is finally starting to resemble its former self again. His armor and clothes finally fit properly again as his muscles have expanded and toned. Fallon swallows hard.
Spite manifests beside Lucanis and inhales deeply. Rook WANTS!
I know. Lucanis answers Spite silently as he smirks at Fallon. He doesn't need Spite's ability to smell Fallon's emotions as readily as her actual scent to know what Fallon is thinking right now. The faint rosy color of her cheeks, the way her violet eyes dilate so far that the violet is more like a halo around her pupils than her eye color, and the way her tongue darts from her mouth to lick her bottom lip. How Fallon feels is as clear as the water they're about to swim in.
Will we. Do something now?
Not now. I do actually need to teach her how to swim.
After?
Probably not.
WHY?!
She's still mad at me from the other week.
Is she? Spite floats over to Fallon and circles her. The demon leans in until his nose is in her hair. Doesn't smell mad. Smells like lust.
Lucanis's fingers pause on the final buttons of his shirt, and he tenses as he stares at Spite.
"What's wrong?" Fallon frowns when she sees his expression.
"Get away from her," Lucanis warns, out loud.
Fallon looks around wildly in confusion, stepping away from Spite in the process. "What are you talking about?"
The demon grins at Lucanis. Not doing anything wrong! She can't see me. Or feel me.
"Spite is right next to you. He was smelling your hair." Lucanis explains, his voice tight as he stares at the demon.
Fallon snorts with laughter. "Creepy, especially since I wouldn't have known if you hadn't said something. Tell Spite he needs to respect boundaries and not to sniff someone's hair without their permission."
BUT ROOK. SMELLS GOOD!
"He can hear you," Lucanis's lips twitch as he holds back a laugh. He looks at the demon. "You heard her. Away." Spite huffs angrily, but he floats away from Fallon and merges with Lucanis once more.
Fallon tilts her head curiously. "How often does Spite do that? Hover around the rest of us without our knowledge."
"Not often. He doesn't do it to the others. Just you."
"I'm flattered." Fallon laughs.
"Your attitude towards Spite will never cease to amaze me." Lucanis shakes his head as he finishes removing his shirt. He rolls up the legs of his trousers next, like it will make a difference. They're going to get wet no matter what.
"His fascination with me is cute," Fallon shrugs. "It's hard to be wary of him when so far all he's done is smell me and want to talk to me."
I. Am Not. CUTE!
"Oh, he hated that," Lucanis chuckles. He steps to the edge of the lake and walks into the water until he's knee deep. The water is cool, but not uncomfortably cold, and his body quickly adjusts to the temperature change. Lucanis turns back to look at Fallon and extends his hand. "Quit stalling."
For the first time since they started discussing the idea of Fallon learning to swim, she looks nervous. She walks towards Lucanis, entering the water with an uncomfortable look on her face, as her boots are inevitably filled with water, her clothes begin to soak. "Oh, I hate this. My shoes and socks are all squishy." Fallon pouts, and Lucanis can't help but laugh.
"You'll get used to it." He chuckles.
Once Fallon reaches Lucanis, she takes his hand hesitantly; the uncomfortable expression caused by her wet shoes is replaced with trepidation. "Promise not to let me drown?" Fallon requests meekly. Fallon's gloves are still on, so Lucanis is robbed of the feeling of her skin against his, but his heart stutters in his chest anyway.
"I promise," Lucanis squeezes her hand reassuringly. "We're going to walk out until the water is up to our necks or so, that way you can still put your feet on the ground if you need to while we practice."
Fallon inhales deeply, then exhales slowly. She nods, indicating that she's ready. "Okay."
After two hours, Lucanis wouldn't exactly call Fallon a strong swimmer by any means, but she can tread water, doggy paddle, float on her back, and she knows how to breathe underwater long enough to find her way to the surface. What's important is that Lucanis can confidently say that as long as Fallon is conscious if she finds herself in deep water in the future, she won't drown.
As their lesson progressed, Fallon also began removing her armor piece by piece, weapon by weapon, until she had even less clothing on than Lucanis does. It's entirely distracting, and based on the look Fallon gives him as she walks back into the water after removing the last of her clothing so she's in only her undergarments, the elf knows precisely what she's doing.
After all, the first time the two of them discussed Lucanis teaching Fallon how to swim, he promised her that it would end with them skinny dipping. Lucanis honestly should have been more prepared for Fallon to choose to make him suffer in this way by reminding him exactly what he's been missing.
"This is actually kind of relaxing." Fallon declares as she floats on her back near Lucanis. He makes a noise of agreement as he makes a conscious effort to look anywhere other than at the soft peaks of her breasts above the water. The problem is that no matter where he looks, if he looks at Fallon, Lucanis's sense memory kicks in, and he can practically feel how each and every part of her body feels beneath his hands, just by thinking about it. Needless to say, Lucanis is very grateful that they are neck deep in the water, so it conceals just how badly it's affecting him.
"It can be. Though I can't remember the last time I went swimming for pleasure— usually it's an escape route." Lucanis admits.
Fallon stops floating and paddles over to Lucanis. They've remained in the part of the lake where the water goes just past their shoulders, and once Fallon is closer, she stands in front of him with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. Before Lucanis can ask what Fallon is up to, he receives his answer in the form of her splashing water directly in his face. Lucanis swears in Antivan as he wipes his face, while Fallon giggles.
"Meirda, what was that for?" Lucanis complains.
"Fun." Fallon grins.
Rook. Is. TOYING with us.
I know.
She wants. To PLAY. Spite says gleefully.
"Oh, splashing me is fun to you?" Lucanis can't help but grin back as she nods.
"Maybe." She replies before splashing him again. Lucanis makes a noise of superficial frustration and splashes her back without looking. Even with his eyes closed, the water finds its mark, and Fallon shrieks in disapproval before laughing and playfully pushing more water in Lucanis's direction. Lucanis's eyes shoot open just before Fallon does it again, and he grabs her wrist.
"I just taught you how to swim, princesa, I'd hate to have to drown you," Lucanis warns teasingly. At the sound of the familiar pet name, Fallon falters momentarily. Lucanis missed the look on her face when he called her that. It's one part mischief, one part awe that he cares enough to give her a pet name, and two parts adorable. The look is fleeting, though, and it quickly morphs into something more melancholy.
"That's not fair," Fallon says sadly. "Calling me princesa, when you've pushed me so far away that you can barely bring yourself to use my real name. It gives me hope, and that's not fair."
"Hope?" Lucanis asks.
Fallon hesitates before answering, and her eyes drop to the water surrounding them. "Hope that there's a chance for us. That you're not going to push me away forever."
Rook. Is sad. Did we. Hurt Rook?
You didn't.
And boy, if that isn't a realization that hits Lucanis over the head like a brick. This whole time, Lucanis has been worried about the ways Spite could potentially hurt Fallon if Lucanis lost control, but the demon has shown more concern for Fallon's feelings and desires than his host. Between this and his conversation with Neve, Lucanis understands now that he has done nothing but hurt this woman since the day they were reunited. And by the Maker, he's tired of being the reason Fallon is hurting.
"After the day in Treviso when we rescued Jacobus, I was already planning on coming to your room and asking to stay. Even before the dragon attacked. I understand how my jealousy of Davrin made it seem like my intentions were purely from a possessive place, and why you kicked me out because of it."
Lucanis reaches for Fallon's chin with his free hand. Water drips down his wrist as he lifts Fallon's chin just enough so she has to look at him. "But I swear to you, it was not the only reason. I've been making decisions on your behalf out of fear, and that's not fair. Only you get to decide what you deserve, and I truly did come to your room that night to apologize and tell you that I understand that now."
Fallon stares at Lucanis, dumbfounded as he explains, almost as though she can't believe what she's hearing. "So… you're done pushing me away?"
Lucanis answers her by leaning in and hesitantly pressing his lips against hers. It's gentle, as anything less chaste feels like it might scare Fallon off. Fallon inhales quickly in surprise, and while she does not kiss him back, Fallon also does not pull away. Lucanis pulls away after a moment or two. "Things might be…complicated because of Spite, and I need to be a little cautious until I have a better idea of how his obsession with you will manifest. But you were right about what you said a few weeks ago: we're not friends."
As soon as Lucanis confirms that he agrees with Fallon's assessment of what they are to one another, Fallon sighs in relief. "It's about gods-damned time." With that, she throws her arms around Lucanis's neck, launching herself at him and kissing him so passionately that it almost knocks Lucanis backwards into the water. Within his mind, Spite rejoices as Lucanis's tongue tangles with Fallon's as they refamiliarize themselves with one another. Lucanis's hands slide down Fallon's back, over her ass to the back of his thighs, lifting her beneath the water so she wraps her legs around his waist.
A soft whimper passes from Fallon's mouth to Lucanis's as his arousal rests just beneath her backside, and she wiggles slightly in his grasp as she tries to grind against him. Lucanis grunts into her mouth as the brief friction sends a jolt through him. "Princesa," He mutters against her mouth before biting her bottom lip. "Here? Now? In the water?"
Fallon pulls back far enough to look at Lucanis, lips kiss-bitten and cheeks flushed as she pants breathlessly. "Why not?"
Lucanis chuckles softly as he presses his forehead against hers. "It's not exactly the romantic reunion I pictured."
ROMANTIC? ROOK WANTS. NOW! Spite exclaims, outraged that Lucanis is hesitating.
Fallon smiles at Lucanis, kisses him once, and when she looks at him again, the look in her eyes is almost desperate as she shakes her head. "I need to know this is real, and that this isn't some sort of cruel nightmare where I'm going to wake up and you won't be there. Te necesito, amor. Ahora, Lucanis."
SHE SAID NOW!! SHE WANTS NOW!! Spite echoes, his voice practically vibrating with excitement.
The desperation in her voice alone is enough to make Lucanis give Fallon whatever she wants. When Fallon begs him in Antivan, the rest of his restraint unravels. "Sí, princesa, lo que necesites. Soy tuyo." Lucanis kisses her hard as he releases his hold on her thighs. Fallon places her feet back on the ground and her hands join Lucanis's on the front of his trousers, quickly undoing them under the water. Together, they work to push his pants down just enough to release his cock before Fallon jumps back into his arms and wraps her legs around him again. Fallon's hands drop between her legs and push her underwear to the side with one hand and position Lucanis at her entrance with the other.
The moment Fallon sinks onto Lucanis's cock, they moan in unison. Lucanis holds her still for a moment, relishing the heat of her around him after over a year of missing this feeling, as he tries not to spend inside of her instantly.
Feels like. Home. Spite sighs happily from inside his mind.
Home is the perfect way to describe how Lucanis feels about Fallon. Even in the middle of a lake in Arlathan, if Fallon is there, Lucanis is home.