Chapter Text
The weekend thankfully gave Rook time to dwell on what had happened. The Necropolis Nugs easily beat the Orlesian Lions, which meant this was the week of the big Homecoming game.
It was Monday in Master Tethras’ archery class, and he was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Harding stepping to him as he notched another arrow to his bow.
“Kenneth Ingellvar!” Her tone was a harsh bark as he loosened his arrow, completely missing his target as he turned to her with a wince.
“Dammit Harding now what was that for?” He grumbled as she just crossed her arms over her chest and whipped her braid with annoyance. Any smart boy would have had the good sense to back down. And while Rook knew books, people were something he was still getting used to.
A flash of hurt crossed her face for the briefest of moments, a pang of guilt seizing in Rook’s chest at the frown on her lips. But she quickly hid any pain behind her anger as she stepped forward and poked him in his broad chest. “You haven’t really spoken to me in weeks and that…that’s how you want to talk to me now?”
He held his hands up as he took a step back, trying to defuse the situation even as she continued to advance on him. Her shoulders were shaking, her eyes narrowing as her emotional anguish grew to a fever pitch that neither had seen coming.
“You’ve been off playing ‘Mr. Popular’ now and forgotten the person who was always here for you. I guess I’m not cool enough these days for you to be seen with, huh?” Rook physically recoiled from the hurt in her voice. The lone tear down her cheek actually made him feel ill as her hands fisted at her sides.
“Hey Lace, it’s not like that–” he said in a small voice as he finally took a tentative step forward, trying to bridge the divide between them. “I just…I was trying to be more social. Hell you and my Father have been pushing for that for how long? But no one– not even Taash, could replace my favorite girl. You’re my best friend, Lace Harding.”
There was a long pause as they both stood there, before he reached out towards her. His arms slipped around her shoulders, pulling her in for a side hug as he tried to mend what was broken. He could feel her tears on his shirt, and he let her cry it out as he added, “I couldn’t have done any of this without you. You’re the most amazing friend a guy could have. Especially a loser like me.”
She chuckled at his self-depreciating joke, leaning back to wipe her face before she playfully punched his arm. “You are a loser, but you’re my loser,” she sniffled before continuing, “I’m sorry. I just felt like we were drifting apart.”
“Nah,” he replied as he shook his head and grinned in his easy way. “There are few things in life that are certain, but one thing I know for sure is that we will always be friends. We’ve been through too much shit for you to ever lose me.”
They both just took a moment together, reaffirming the depths of their friendship before an idea hit him. His entire face lit up like veilfire as he grabbed her by her upper arms and slightly shook her. “Hey, why don’t you hang out with all of us? We are supposed to be getting together later. They aren’t half bad once you get to know them.”
He knew the group would absolutely love and accept Harding just as they had him. Probably easier, if he was being honest. She was a lot less weird than he was on any given day.
“Alright,” she agreed as a wide smile of her own split her face. “But you have to promise not to be too much of a silly boob and embarrass me.”
They both laughed then, a hearty sound that carried across the archery grounds. There was a lightness to Rook’s soul now. And he knew with certainty that no matter what, things between them were going to be just fine.
*****
After school Rook and Harding were making their way out to the soccer pitch. They planned to watch practice and then hang out with the gang for a little while, Rook even blowing off some of his biology homework for Professor Myrna just to relax and have fun. But when they turned the final corner to go outside, they froze at the sight before them.
Lucanis stood rigid, his eyes cast to the ground. In front of him was an ancient looking woman with a severe scowl. Rook knew her well, Caterina Dellamorte was one of the school’s major benefactors. He had interacted with her a few times at the behest of his father, and each time left him feeling cold and uncomfortable.
He pulled Harding behind some lockers as they peeked around to watch, wishing he could somehow save Lucanis as the old hag tapped her cane upon the ground.
“And what is this I hear of you being seen with some girl?” she asked with a raise of her eyebrow so high he thought it would disappear into her hairline.
“Neve is not–” Lucanis began to try to speak but was silenced by a single raise of his grandmother’s weathered hand.
“She is a distraction. Need I remind you all the major scouts will be at this game? If you are to one day play for the Real Antiva Club professionally you must keep your head in the game and away from… zorrita.” Rook didn’t speak Antivan, but he could tell by the way Lucanis flinched that Caterina had just called Neve something highly offensive.
And that made his blood boil. Because the reporter was one of the kindest, most loyal people he had ever met. Even if she did occasionally exaggerate the truth to get a good story.
The goalie looked like he wanted to argue, like he truly wanted to fight for his love. But the Matron Dellamorte would not hear it, turning from him with a swish of her cloak as she began to walk away.
“Remember my words, grandson. I will not repeat them again.” And then she was gone, leaving behind nothing but lingering anger and bitter resentment.
Rook let out the breath he had been holding, unsure what to do now as he watched Lucanis’ shoulders slump. The poor goalie looked utterly defeated, but Harding stepped out boldly and walked forward with a determined press of her mouth.
“Hey,” she called as Lucanis head snapped up and his sad brown eyes met hers. “You’re grandmother’s wrong. You know that, right?”
The goalie just gazed at her, his brow furrowing as he sighed. “I know that Neve makes me happy. Mierda, she's the best thing to ever happen to me. But Caterina–”
“No buts,” Harding interrupted as she clapped him on the shoulder roughly. Rook knew that resolute set to her jaw, and Lucanis just might as well go on and listen. “If she makes you happy, then be with her. And do you even want to play soccer professionally? Or does the crazy old lady just have your life mapped out for you?”
“Well I… I don't know,” he answered honestly as Harding hummed and gave him a gentle squeeze of encouragement.
“Well luckily the old witch can't live forever. Unless she's a vampire. She isn't a vampire right?” Harding paused for a moment and then shook her head, Lucanis just staring unsure what to say. “Anyway, Maker willing, she has to die one day. No offense, of course, and then you have to make your own decisions without her influence. So why don't you just start doing that now?”
The goalie looked at her like she had grown a second head before he shrugged. “Did you see her?” he asked incredulously as she just laughed in response.
“You are so clearly a boy. Scared of everything. Look, you can let a good thing go and allow your grandmother to control your life, or you can take a stand. The choice is yours, my friend.” Her spine was straight as she spoke, and Rook noticed Lucanis standing taller as some of her resolve took hold in him as well.
“She's right you know,” they both jumped as Rook finally appeared from his hiding place. His cheeks pinked as she stepped forward to join them, clearing his throat as he added, “And we will both be here to support you. Neve will as well, I'm sure.”
Lucanis opened and closed his mouth several times as if to speak, finally just nodding as a ghost of a smile lit his face. “Maybe you both are correct. Maybe…it is time I finally lived my own life. That I made my own decisions.” He ran a shaky hand through his shaggy hair as it partly fell out of where he had it bound at the crown of his head. “Thank you. For the pep talk and your strength.”
“Anytime,” Harding giggled in that way that seemed to make every worry evaporate. Rook knew the effect she could have on people. She had set her sights on him too many times, and now Lucanis was feeling the effects of her fast friendship.
“Let's get out of here,” he suggested as he nodded towards the door. “Everyone else should be waiting. And Coach Tarquin may actually kill us if you are late to practice.”
And with those words they set off, ready to face whatever came next together. Friends, as they always would be.
*****
After practice, they headed back to Rook's place. It was better than hanging out in the dorms, and Vorgoth was beside himself with joy at his son bringing home a huge group of friends. He practically floated around with glee as he prepared an entire kitchen of drinks and snacks for them, nothing he personally cooked though luckily as Myrna always kept rations on hand in the fridge.
It took a herculean effort to finally get the headmaster to leave them all alone downstairs, and Rook tried to ignore the occasional tendril of smoke he saw creeping about the edges of the room as the gang all sat around hanging out together.
He was pleased to see Harding was fitting right in. She was chatting away excitedly with Chance and Fletcher on the couch while everyone else lounged around in their own conversations. Except for Teia and Viago who had snuck away again, hopefully not up to his room. They were in for a nasty surprise if they looked too closely at any of his enclosures.
He leaned against the wall as he took a sip of his water bottle, a contented smile on his face as a shadow fell over him. He found himself gazing up as Taash crossed their arms over their chest and took a similar position next to him.
“Hey you,” they said almost awkwardly. They didn't quite meet his gaze, and he tilted his head to the side in question but didn't pry.
“Hey yourself,” he replied before casually adding, “Everyone seems to be having fun. You want to join them or–”
They hadn't really spoken much since that night they got Chance and Fletcher together– the night Taash said he was their best friend. He still wasn't really sure where they stood. But he knew this ache in his chest was getting harder and harder to ignore, something he was going to have to deal with sooner rather than later he supposed. Especially with the way they were currently sighing, a slight slump to their shoulders that made him want to reach out and gently touch their arm.
The silence stretched out between them while he searched for what to say to brighten their mood. Until finally he smiled and nudged their arm. “Hey, the big game is this Friday. Heard all the scouts will be there. Are you excited?”
Taash fixed them with an unreadable gaze, and for a moment he worried he had picked the wrong subject. But then they grinned just a fraction and some of his tension eased.
“I was, but now I'm not so worried about it. Getting into a big school or even the pros doesn't seem so important lately. Even if I would still love to get away from my Tama.”
“Oh really?” he choked out mid-drink. He wasn't sure why his cheeks were heating, even if Taash was looking at him like they could see right into his very soul. Hope was such a fragile thing, and he was trying not to let it run away with him as they slightly inclined their horned head.
“Yeah really. I always wanted nothing more than to get away from here. But now this place doesn't seem so bad.” Now he knew they were smiling at him. And Maker, if his heart wasn't beating in his throat.
“Well you know I'm sure wherever you end up getting a scholarship to play at, they probably have a biology program.”
Taash laughed then, a hearty sound that made him chuckle as well as they playfully shoved his shoulder. “Yeah? Well we will have to see what happens Friday. Either way we can figure it out. Together.”
He swallowed hard at those words, trying not to dwell too much on what they meant or how much they affected him. Because a future with him and Taash at college together sounded about damn perfect no matter where they ended up.
The group seemed to finally pick up on their line of talking as Davrin interjected from a nearby chair, “Man I need these scouts to see me. I only got into this school on tuition assistance and my Uncle Eldrin's help. I'm a damn charity case. And if I want any hope of going to college, then I need this shot.”
Illario sank down in the large elf's lap, his lithe form curling up against his boyfriend's broad chest as he patted his cheek. “Oh cariño, you worry too much. When I turn eighteen even Caterina cannot stop me from my inheritance, and you will not have to worry about such things.”
Davrin blushed to the top of his pointed ears, burying his face in Illario's neck as he whispered something only the smaller man could hear that made him chuckle. The entire group took that moment to look away and give them some privacy. No one wanted to interrupt whatever secret discussion they had going on between them.
Besides, Elek and Bellara popped in from the kitchen with a fresh wave of snacks, accompanied by Lucanis and Neve who carried the tiniest black ball of fluff. She had found the kitten earlier that day out behind Heir's shop class while sneaking away to visit her boyfriend, and she had named him Spite the moment he bit the goalie on the hand.
“He's adorable,” squealed Harding as she took the kitten in hand and he softly purred. Spite seemed to love everyone, except Lucanis of course.
“Awe… he really is cute,” praised Fletcher with a wistful sigh as they also gave the little ball of fluff a scratch behind the ears. Chance looked on with a grin, and Rook somehow knew it wouldn't be long before there were several new kittens appearing around the dorms.
“Well at least he's cheaper to feed than a horse,” chuckled Rook as Taash just shook their head.
“And he takes up less space,” they agreed as they both watched everyone fawn over Spite. “Also mucking out a litter box has to be easier than Reg's stall.”
That made Rook full on belly laugh, his blue eyes twinkling as he looked up at the Qunari. “Don't tell me you're wanting a cat now as well,” he teased as Taash snorted.
“Nah. I have enough to keep up with between you and the horse.”
They joked back and forth for the rest of the evening, settling into something that was more than friendship but still not fully defined. But Rook knew that whatever this was, they would figure it out side by side.
*****
The gang spent the week hanging out, until the evening of the big game arrived. Harding helped Rook paint his face half purple half green, with Taash's giant number 9 splattered on his bare chest and ‘Go Nugs’ across his back. He had never been so into the school spirit as he was on that night.
Of course, he realized he had also never been in love before.
Because he finally realized that's what this was: the ache between his ribs whenever he looked at Taash's face, the longing he felt whenever they were apart, the racing of his pulse when they said his name.
He was in love. And tonight, he was going to do something about it.
The box he found himself sitting in with his father felt impossibly small. Caterina Dellamorte sat on Vorgoth’s right while Myrna took his left. Behind them sat the scouts. There was a man in a fedora named Solas with his partner, Felassan. They were busy studying notes on their clipboards and talking amongst themselves. On the other side sat the most richly dressed man Rook had ever seen in his life. His gray streaked hair was slicked back, black coat adorned with green and gold stitching as his massive Qunari assistant perched like a body guard at his shoulder.
“MASTER PAVUS. WE ARE PLEASED YOU COULD JOIN US THIS EVENING.” His father greeted the man as an old friend. If Rook remembered correctly, Dorian Pavus had once been a student here as well.
“Charmed to return to these hallowed halls,” the man quipped back with a twitch of his mouth under his finely manicured mustache. “This is Bull. My…confidant.”
Rook decided not to read too much into that. Instead he tried instead to focus on the field, on the teams now spilling out of the locker rooms for warm up.
The Seheron Antaam were all Qunari and all massive, but the largest was their striker and Captain. They called him the Butcher, and Rook could see why as he walked out onto the pitch with a confident swagger.
“Father,” Rook said as he tugged on the hem of Vorgoth's robe. “I would like permission to go sit with my friends.”
The headmaster turned, and somehow he was smiling despite his face being nothing but smoke. “OF COURSE, MY YOUNGLING. GO AND ENJOY THINESELF.”
He slipped away from the stifling atmosphere, letting out the breath he had been holding as he saw the twitch of a familiar flaming braid down by the front rail. Harding was sitting with Neve, Bellara, and Elek. All of them were fully decked out in school colors, the reporter even wearing Lucanis’ letter jacket as Rook grinned at the sight.
“Hey guys,” he called as he slid in beside his best friend and nudged her shoulder. Everyone turned and offered greetings before their eyes were drawn back to the teams as they stretched.
“Damn, look at the Antaam. Their whole team is larger than Taash,” whistled Elek before Bellara pinched his side and gave him a harsh look.
“Yeah just look at that goalie. Or is that the sweeper? They could be twins except that one has green hair.” Neve was furiously writing notes, though Rook saw how her pen was tapping nervously against her notepad.
“Either way they are both dreamy,” sighed Harding as she stared at the opposing players, and Rook was reminded yet again that he really needed to find his best friend a partner.
“Maybe you should talk to them after the game,” giggled Bellara as Elek frowned at her next words. “They really are quite handsome, you know.”
“They are Ronnie Thorne and Riley Mercar,” Neve stated as she perused her notes for the game. “And they are cousins according to this report.”
While everyone else chatted away about the other team, Rook couldn't fight the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach– the worry gripping him even as he watched the Nugs execute drill after drill with absolute perfection. He wanted this win so badly for them, needed it with a fierce desperation that bordered on feral. But more than anything, he had so many unspoken things lingering between him and the striker about to face down their greatest game ever.
And when Taash happened to turn their head as if they were searching for him, grinning with their eyes finally met, Rook knew what he had to do.
“Where are you going?” called Harding as he stood with purpose. He didn't answer her, couldn't as he moved out onto the pitch and towards the bench where the team now stood.
He saw movement to his left, but thankfully no one tried to stop him. The cheer squad was eyeing him with interest as he walked, but Teia was holding them back as she flashed him an approving thumbs up. Even Jacobus, the mascot in the skeletal nug had taken off his head to be able to see better.
Rook couldn't believe he was doing this. The entire school was watching. Coach Tarquin spotted him and his face was so red he looked ready to blow. Obviously the man didn't appreciate a distraction like this before a big game.
But then Taash stepped forward between him and all the noise, their eyes softening with something like relief as they looked down at him.
“You know you're going to get in trouble for this?” they teased with a snort of laughter as he just shrugged.
“Eh, my dad's the headmaster. About time I used some of that privilege." He knew they didn't have a lot of time, and he had to make this quick. “Taash look, you are my best friend. And you're…” He shook his head, trying to find the right words as his heart hammered a staccato rhythm inside his chest. His palms were sweaty, breathing heavy, as he finally reached out and placed a solid hand on their forearm. “You're everything to me.”
Taash's entire face split into the widest grin he had ever seen. They pressed their forehead to his, inhaling deeply before they growled, “I am going to go win this game for you. And then…we are going to talk. Really talk.”
He knew everyone could see this intimate moment between them. Elek had probably taken a million photos while Neve had written half an article already. His anxiety should have been through the roof.
But for once, he found he really didn't care. Not when he got to be with Taash.
“Alright I will hold you to that,” replied Rook as he reluctantly pulled away. A sigh escaped his chest before he playfully added with a nudge to their broad shoulder, “Now go kick some Antaam ass, yeah?”
They nodded with determination as he released them, escaping back to the stands before making Coach Tarquin any angrier than he already was.
Plus he had an idea forming; a stupid, brave, wild idea. And he would need Professor Antoine's help to pull this one off.
Rook marched up in the stands to the special section just for the band. Professor Antoine was sitting near the front, staring up lovingly at his band director wife. Professor Evka had her baton in hand, getting everyone warmed up in their own way as he noticed Fletcher shoot him a wink from the percussion line. Well, at least they seemed to have his back as he slid into the seat next to his equestrian teacher.
“Rook! Delighted for you to join me.” Antoine's thick Orlesian accent never failed to make him grin, and he felt his tension easing around the elf despite the nerves he felt.
“Professor I have something I need your help with,” he began as he leaned slightly forward, his features taking on a serious expression as his brow furrowed. “You see Professor it's…for love.”
Professor Antoine's large eyes widened, before his face softened into the most understanding of grins. His head turned as he gazed wistfully at Professor Evka, and even the freckles across his cheeks seemed to deepen while she barked at some kid for chewing gum while trying to play their clarinet.
“Ah, young love,” he sighed. “Bien sûr– of course I will help you.”
Rook felt like for once the universe was doing him a solid as he whispered his plan into Professor Antoine's pointed ear, the elf humming and nodding in agreement before he set off to put their plan in motion.
Because tonight, he was going to win Taash over fully. And he was getting a date to that Homecoming Dance.
*****
Rook made his way back to Harding and the others right as the coin toss was happening at center field. Taash, Lucanis, and Davrin stood with arms crossed representing the Captains of the Nugs against the Butcher, Ronnie, and Riley.
“Did we ever figure out which is which?” asked Elek as he lifted the camera around his neck and snapped a photo of the moment, though Rook had a feeling he was more trying to break the girls’ staring.
“Does it matter?” sighed Harding with her elbows on her knees and her chin in her palms. She had that starry eyed look as she stared at the Qunari from the opposite team. Even as the coin flew through the air and the Nugs won the toss, electing to choose field position as the Antaam got the kick off.
Rook opened his mouth to respond to his best friend, but was cut off by the booming sound of the speakers around the stadium as the voice of Ivenci the Announcer cut through the air.
“Welcome everyone to the night you have all been waiting for… our Homecoming game where the Necropolis Nugs take on their rivals the Seheron Antaam!”
The crowd erupted in a roaring chorus of cheers as the band struck up a wild fight song. The excitement was electric in the air as both teams jogged out onto the field, ready to settle this once and for all.
The game started off slow. Neither side could find weakness in the other. Lucanis and Viago had several incredible saves, Teia almost falling out more than once before Jacobus righted her and she led the squad in a cheer of ‘Go, Fight, Win’. The band struck up ‘Back in Black’ as Taash broke away and took the ball down the field. But Ronnie (or was it Riley) dove in the goal at the last second as he took a shot square in the chest and denied them a score.
“Damn, that was a good move,” grumbled Rook with respect.
The crowd cheered and booed and carried on with every play. Every move the team made was under a microscope of scrutiny. Coach Tarquin was on the sideline marching like a general into battle as he pointed and shouted orders.
But finally, a break came. Davrin made a clean tackle at midfield, passing up to Chance who was wide on the outside. Taash had a clear shot at the goal, and as the ball came to them they didn't hesitate as they perfectly executed the play and made the first score of the game.
The stands went wild, the school fight song blaring as Rook yelled and hit his knees. Everyone was hugging, dancing in the stands as they celebrated. It was quickly approaching half time and they were up by one.
He could see the Antaam were pissed. Their coach, a grizzled old Qunari with the largest horns he had ever seen, was bellowing at them before they kicked off once more.
And sadly, it wasn't long before they finally answered with a goal of their own. A lucky break that was just outside of Lucanis’ reach. Though Rook had to say, it was one of the most impressive attempts at a save he had ever seen. The young man literally almost flew as he tried to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net.
“And the score is 1:1 with a minute and twenty seconds left in the first half,” came Ivenci's resonant voice about the groans of the crowd.
“I can't watch!” cried Bellara as she hid her face in her hands and buried her head against Elek who wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Even Neve was looking a little green as she stared at Lucanis who was shaking himself off as Viago patted him on the back.
“Hey, the game isn't over. They got this,” reassured Rook in a more confident voice than he felt. “We have to have faith in them.”
Everyone nodded as time ran out and the teams went to the sidelines. They were going to win, he had to believe that. He would not accept anything less.
*****
The second half was brutal. The players were getting tired. There was pushing. Shoving. Referees were handing out verbal warnings left and right. Desperation was heavy on the field as shoulders slumped and no one could break the tie. They played on for what seemed like forever, and yet no one could score.
“Rook, there are only two minutes left.” Harding's nails were biting into his skin from her gripping his hand so hard.
“I know. But it's going to be alright,” he reassured as he swallowed around the lump in his throat. The Antaam were bringing the ball down the field on a last scoring drive as Davrin slid into his defensive position. He went to make the tackle, when the Qunari barreled right through him without stopping.
“HEY!” Rook jumped to his feet as the entire stadium echoed his sentiment. Especially when the referee pulled a yellow card instead of red on the offending player. “You can't tell me that wasn't intentional!” he raged. But even as he cried his fury, he knew it was no use. The refs call was final, and at least they signaled for a direct penalty kick.
Illario was being physically restrained on the sidelines as Taash and Chance pulled Davrin to his feet, the elf moving slightly stiff but grinning through the pain as he limped over to take his free kick.
“That's a long way to go,” Neve observed as everyone lined up. Rook just nodded as he wondered how this one would play out. He knew Davrin had power, but it was an opportunity that would need to be played perfectly.
The Antaam took their positions as the whistle blew. Davrin launched his shot as Taash ran in from the side. It was not aimed to go directly into the goal, but instead right behind the defensive wall but still in front of the goalie.
The header was expertly executed. Taash's forehead connected with the ball as they tricked the Antaam and redirected its path perfectly into the corner of the net.
“HELL YEAH!” shouted Rook as he pulled Harding in a fierce hug. He took a moment to celebrate with his friends, before he snuck off to meet Professor Antoine and carry out his master plan as the crowd devolved into chaos.
“And Taash did it!” Ivenci's voice broke over the chorus of cheers that roared from the stadium below. “With twenty seconds left they scored the game winning goal with Davrin's assist!”
People were crying. Screaming. Teia had fallen out on the sidelines, her green and purple cheer uniform rumpled as Jacobus knelt beside her in his nug suit to pick her up.
The crowd was spilling out onto the field as time ran out and the buzzard sounded. Coach Tarquin tried to keep at least some semblance of order. But all hope for that was lost when even Headmaster Vorgoth was among the fray. His black smoke billowed amongst the press of bodies as the entire team grunted and hefted Taash and Davrin up into the air while they held their arms up in victory.
Now, was Rook's chance.
Above the wild din came a sound that cut through like lightning cracking across the sky from the end of the pitch. All heads turned. All eyes stared. Ser Reginald's booming neigh caught everyone's attention as he reared up on his hind legs, Rook holding onto the reins with a determined glint in his eyes that belied how nervous he really felt.
The sea of cheering fans parted as he rode forward with a steady trot, the paint on his face and torso streaking with sweat as his hands trembled. The crowd sensed the gravity of the moment, placing Taash back firmly on the ground as the Qunari stepped forward with their signature crooked grin.
“Hey you,” they said as they placed a large hand on Ser Reginald's neck and patted the horse, though their eyes never wavered from staring up at Rook.
“Hey yourself,” he replied as he took a deep breath to calm the wild pounding of his pulse. This was his moment, and he was finally going to be brave– for them. “Look Taash, I… was wondering if you would go to the Homecoming Dance with me?”
There was a long pause as they raised a questioning eyebrow at him, followed by a snort as they shook their head with a chuckle. “You know you could have asked me without dragging the horse into it?”
The whole crowd laughed along with Rook when he replied, “Yeah. But I thought the added drama was a nice touch.”
Taash reached up then, helping him down off Reg's back before they pulled him close and pressed their forehead to his. “Taarala,” they growled softly. And while he didn't speak Qunlat, he liked the sound of that.
He swore he heard his father sobbing tears of joy from somewhere among the masses. All their friends were crowded around them in their pairs: Lucanis and Neve with her notepad, Chance and Fletcher with their drumsticks, Bellara and Elek who was snapping photos like crazy, Teia peppering kisses all over Viago's face, and finally Davrin leaning on Illario as he breathed heavily but wore a contented grin. And of course there was the flash of a red braid as Harding stood near the opponent's bench chatting up a certain pair of cousins.
Things were absolutely perfect, and for once he was beyond excited to attend the Homecoming Dance with all the people who had come to mean so much to him.
*****
Rook cleaned up nicely if he did say so himself. Gone was the body paint from the earlier game, replaced with dark blue slacks, a matching jacket, and a pink undershirt. He forewent the tie though, despite his father's suggestion that it would make him look handsome. He inspected himself in the mirror before stepping down the stairs into the living room. Vorgoth and Myrna were both beaming with pride as the headmaster stepped forward, his excitement so uncontainable smoke billowed from his cloak and scattered about the room.
“MY YOUNGLING, THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF MY ETERNAL LIFE,” he declared as Rook just blushed as shoved his hands in his pockets. His father took a moment to straighten his collar as Myrna patted him on the shoulder fondly, both giving their approval in their own mismatched ways.
“Go have fun this evening,” Myrna wished in a low voice with a wink before adding, “And don't do anything we wouldn't do.”
Maker, those words alone gave him way too many nauseating thoughts as he shook his head. Instead he just headed out the door for the gymnasium where the dance was being held. His father and Myrna would be joining him shortly anyway; half of the teachers were chaperoning this evening to ensure things did not get out of hand.
And evidently the venerable Caterina Dellamorte had also seen to grace the masses with her presence, or at least her grandsons as they stood there protectively in front of their dates as Rook approached. The cool evening air cut like a knife as it whipped the two young Dellamorte’s custom tailored black suits, while Neve looked posed to strike wrapped on Lucanis’ arm in a green gown that hugged her figure, and Davrin was like some dashing hunter in a white jacket as he wove a protective arm around Illario’s middle and hauled him against his broad chest.
They were ready to make their stand, declare their love, and Rook stepped forward to support his friends in their time of need.
The matron’s face was pinched in a severe press of her mouth in displeasure as she surveyed the group before her, an exasperated sigh her response as she replied to some on-going conversation, “Well, at least her face is nice and her hips are decent. And you–” she turned to Illario then who only flinched slightly under her piercing stare. “The scouts spoke highly of your… osito. He may even have a future in the league, from the way they talk.” That was high praise, coming from Caterina Dellamorte. It was the best they were going to get, and as close to acceptance as they could hope for from the old woman.
“Neve is the most beautiful girl in the whole school…in the world,” Lucanis agreed as his date dipped her head and blushed slightly under the brim of her hat.
“And my cariño will be a star, no matter what path he chooses to walk,” soothed Illario as Davrin beamed over his shoulder.
Caterina simply nodded slowly as she gripped her cane, a sign of silent acknowledgement of their words before she dismissed them with a wave of her hand. “As you say, my grandsons.”
They all chose that moment to scoot inside the gym before the matron thought of some further criticism to add. The night was far too young to allow such things to spoil their fun anyway.
“You guys handled that well,” Rook said with a nudge to Lucanis. Both Dellamortes were slightly pale but no worse for wear as they stepped inside with a sense of growing excitement.
The space had been transformed into a sea of low lights and balloons of every shape and size. Green and purple streamers hung from every corner, school colors and skeletons the theme as bodies danced wildly in the center of the room. Someone had even procured a larger banner that read ‘Congratulations Nugs’ which currently hung behind the DJ booth Elek and Bellara were manning.
Teia had Viago in the center of the room as they swayed to ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls. Illario was quick to pull Davrin along to join them, while Neve and Lucanis casually strolled over to chat with Chance and Fletcher who were sipping punch over by the refreshment table.
“Rook!” He turned around as his name was loudly called, looking for Harding's red braid before he spotted the dwarf standing near the photo booth with the two Antaam players she had been eyeing at the game.
“Hey Harding,” he greeted as he walked over to her, waving politely at the two Qunari who each held one of her hands.
Damn, it seemed his best friend finally found her not one boyfriend, but two.
“This is Riley,” she gestured to the green haired guy as he flashed Rook a wide grin. “And Ronnie,” she added as the other cousin added a curt nod. The two might look similar but they definitely had way different mannerisms, though he was sure his best friend could straighten them out in the end.
“Lace tells me you are dating Taash,” Riley chuckled with a knowing gleam in his eye before Harding playfully slapped his arm.
“Well it… isn't official or anything,” Rook tried to explain as his cheeks flushed red and his shirt suddenly felt too small.
“Well why not?” asked Ronnie with a casual raise of his eyebrow. “They played amazing tonight. And everyone saw you two out on the field.”
“Yeah. That stunt with the horse was brilliant. I would definitely date you after that.” Harding gasped and stomped her foot at Riley's words so he quickly mumbled a recovery, “Except you know, I already have the world's best girl right here.”
Rook just laughed nervously at the exchange. He had yet to spot Taash among those here, but he was sure they would be here soon. He hoped.
“Yeah well… we will see how tonight goes,” he said with a slight tremble in his voice before he left the trio. He preferred to avoid any more invasive questions.
He tried blending in near the chaperones, spotting his father and Myrna as he headed for the familiar place near the bleachers. He slipped in unnoticed as Coach Tarquin was mid rant at two students who were getting extra handsy on the dance floor, though Professor Ashur was just smiling as he put his hand on his husband's arm and gently redirected his attention.
He also spotted Professor Volkarin with a young elf woman who was strikingly beautiful, long black hair and bronze skin highlighting a face set with haunting green eyes. She turned as he appeared, acknowledging him with a slight nod of her head as she spoke, “You must be Rook. My little brother Viago has told me so much about you. My name is Marina– Marina de Riva.”
It suddenly hit him that this was the former student that got the dear anatomy and physiology professor in so much trouble, and he could understand why as her lips curved upward in a teasing grin.
“Your… brother?” Rook's brow slightly furrowed as he looked at the point of her ears. He tried to remember her from her days at school, but he was drawing a blank.
“Yeah, adopted but still mi hermanito,” she giggled as she brushed a strand of hair from her face and tucked it away. “It's why I had to come see him play tonight. Well that, and I wanted to come visit with mi alma.” She looked lovingly at Professor Volkarin who was not so subtly listening in on their conversation with a wry smile under his thin mustache.
“I always relish the time we can spend together, darling,” he piped in as he took her hand and placed it tenderly in the crook of his arm. “Though your studies in Antiva City come first, as always.”
“Of course,” she agreed. Though she leaned close to Rook and whispered behind her hand, “However someone has to make sure Viago stays out of trouble. I have already caught him and Teia trying to sneak off to the closet, more than once. As if this viejo and I did not teach them all the tricks they know.”
He… decided not to comment on that. Especially as the gym doors open to reveal the one person he had been waiting for all evening. Taash stepped into the room with their Tama at their side, their eyes meeting his from across the room.
Damn… and he thought he looked good. But the way they filled out their light blue suit with brown vest and trim literally made his mouth go dry. There were thirty seconds he was pretty sure he didn't breathe at all as they crossed the floor and made their way to him with single minded focus.
“Hey weirdo,” they greeted with a tug up at the corner of their mouth as they looked down at him. And the world melted away as he tried to remind himself that he was supposed to say something in return.
“Fancy meeting you here.” That– did not come out nearly as suave as Rook had hoped. But Taash laughed anyway as they reached out and took his hand in theirs with a quiet rumble of approval.
“So you want to get out of here?” They nodded towards the dance floor, and Rook was pretty sure he made an affirmative sound as he tried to choke around the lump that had formed in his throat.
The fates must have been smiling down on him. Either that, or Elek and Bellara were paying attention as they made their way out to the lights dimming down low and the melodic thrumming of a guitar over the speakers.
“Can I have this dance?” Rook finally asked as he turned and slipped an arm around Taash's waist. He pulled them close enough for their bodies to touch, his pulse wildly jumping in his neck as he gazed up into the softness of their eyes.
“I thought you would never ask,” they replied as they melted against him. The lyrics softly hummed as they swayed along together, their hearts beating in time.
Kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me…
And as the song drew to a close, Rook dug down deep and found his courage. He leaned up slowly, purposefully, before he closed the distance between them and his lips brushed Taash's in the sweetest of first kisses.
The room erupted in cheers as they wrapped their arms around him and dipped him low. His breath left him in a rush as they deepened the kiss, before they righted him once more and both were left with flushed cheeks.
“Well I guess this makes it official then,” he chuckled as Taash playfully punched his arm.
“Yeah I guess so,” they agreed as they leaned in to capture his mouth once more.
The rest of the night passed in a wild whirlwind of dancing and fun and hanging out with friends. Until the dance came to a close and the group found themselves standing outside beneath a sky littered with stars, everyone leaning on each other as they excitedly chatted.
“I wish this night never had to end,” cried Bellara as she swung her arms out wide and spun in a circle before Elek caught her from falling.
“Chance Candide agrees, it really doesn't seem fair,” he said as he pulled Fletcher closer to keep the evening chill away.
“Hey, we still have half a year to go,” reminded Neve as Lucanis lovingly tapped her on the nose and she nipped at his finger.
“But then what?” asked Illario with a waver in his voice before Davrin kissed his neck and he softly sighed. The big elf just had that way of always soothing his boyfriend's worries.
“Well I do have that summer villa in Salle,” replied Viago as Teia looped her arm in his, her sequin gown sparkling in the moon's pale glow. He twirled the barely there beard on his chin before adding, “If my sister and her old man haven't poisoned it with their presence yet…”
“And we will always have tonight,” quipped Harding enthusiastically from her position between Ronnie and Riley. The two massive Qunari stood like guard dogs, one flanked on each side as they stared at her like she was a priceless treasure from the Deep Roads.
“Then let's make a pact,” suggested Rook as he peered out from Taash's arms that were wrapped around him from behind while their chin rested on top of his head. “No matter what happens, no matter where life takes us, we will always be friends.”
The group all murmured their agreement, his partner dipping their head as they murmured against his ear, “You're still my best friend, Kenneth Ingellvar.”
“And you're mine,” he replied as they snorted and pulled him closer. “Not too bad for a weirdo, huh?”
“Not bad at all,” they agreed as they buried their face in his neck and breathed in the peace of just being with him.
And as the friends all walked away from the dance together they knew that bonds had been forged that could never be broken. No matter what happened, they would always have each other's backs, in school and beyond.