Chapter Text
Rook quickly followed Lucanis out into the courtyard. He reached out to grasp the fleeing man’s shoulder. “Lucanis, stop. I want to talk to you.”
When Lucanis spun to face Rook, his eyes were the telltale purple indicating Spite was in control. (Spite) “No talking. Angry. We need to fight.”
Rook nodded in understanding. “I can do that.” He dropped into a fighting stance and began circling Lucanis/Spite.
Spite tilted Lucanis’ head curiously and narrowed his eyes. “What’s this? Won’t hurt Rook.”
Rook shook his head and momentarily straightened his posture, as he tried to explain, “It’s okay, Spite. We won’t use daggers. I was trained as a Crow just like Lucanis, so as long as we only fist fight, it should be fine. I know he needs to work through some things.”
Spite didn’t need to hear any more. He immediately broke into a run and leapt into the air spreading his wings as he flew toward Rook. Rook dropped into a forward roll narrowly avoiding the outstretched fists headed right toward his head. When he landed, Spite growled and spun to face Rook again. The demon ran toward him on foot this time, striking when he was close. Rook ducked to the left, but Lucanis’ fist had grazed his cheek. Almost too slow. He would have to stay in the game in order to keep up with the demon. He dropped into a leg sweep attempting to unbalance Spite. Spite gracefully backflipped away from him. They began circling each other again.
(Spite) “Rook is tricky. Fast.”
Rook never took his eyes off Lucanis’ figure, but he let a smile curve his lips. “Thanks, Spite. I’ll take the compliment.” Then he rushed forward swinging his fist for Lucanis’ cheek. When he only met air, he followed up with a left cross. Spite grabbed his fist before it connected. Spite pulled Rook’s arm tight behind his back. Then leaned in to whisper in Rook’s ear, “Lucanis wants Rook.”
Rook jerked his free elbow back into Spite’s side forcing him to release his handhold. “If Lucanis wants me, then he needs to tell me himself.”
Spite recovered quickly and resumed his circular prowl. “Fear. Want. Guilt. All tangled together.” Spite’s fist flew out like a snake strike, knuckles grazing Rook’s nose.
Rook considered for a moment. He struck out as if he were going to punch Lucanis’ nose, but he pulled his punch and switched to a leg sweep. Spite used his wings to slow his descent, but he still ended up on the ground on his back. Rook dropped down and straddled his waist. He looked into the demon’s glowing purple eyes. “You didn’t hit me. Why? You could have multiple times.”
“Rook is ours. We won’t hurt you.”
As Rook gazed into Spite’s eyes, they faded back to Lucanis’ brown eyes and the wings disappeared into his back. Lucanis glanced away refusing to make eye contact.
“So, Lucanis, I had an interesting conversation with Spite. Is there anything you want to talk to me about?” Rook leaned toward Lucanis’ face trying to encourage the Crow to make eye contact.
Lucanis sighed as he moved his eyes to meet Rook’s. “This is a bit of a compromising position for me, don’t you think?” He cocked his eyebrow as his hands moved to Rook’s waist.
Rook smiled as he leaned toward Lucanis bracing his arms on either side of the restrained man’s head. “Oh, I don’t know. I think I rather like you at my mercy.”
Before Rook could act any further, Lucanis’ wings were extending and pushing them off the ground. Lucanis used the power to flip their positions; he was now straddling Rook, who couldn’t contain his shock. Lucanis rested his fingers along Rook’s jaw as he leaned in. “You just don’t know when to quit, do you?” Instead of waiting for an answer, Lucanis leaned in and lightly touched his lips to Rook’s. It was a brush more than a kiss.
Closing his eyes, Rook leaned in, pushing their lips together as he wrapped his hand in Lucanis’ hair and pulled him closer. He opened his mouth, welcoming all that Lucanis would give. When their tongues slid together, Rook moaned into the kiss. They kissed until they were breathless. Lucanis pulled back to rest his forehead against Rook’s. “So now that you’ve fallen over the edge, how does it feel?”
Rook sighed happily. “If this is the consequence, you aren’t really selling me on staying away from that edge. You know, I think Spite was teasing me earlier too. He wouldn’t hurt me, even after I told him it was fine.”
Lucanis leaned back, resting on his knees again. “We have a deal that includes you. He knows the rules. I’m glad he respected our agreement. Neither of us want to hurt you, Rook.”
Rook sat up and wrapped his arms around Lucanis’ back pulling their bodies closer together. “Lucanis, I want to help you in any way I can. I know Illario’s betrayal has been hard on you. If I can do anything to ease your pain, please let me.”
Lucanis placed a delicate kiss on Rook’s temple. “Help me stop him. I can’t think of anything beyond that.” He pulled away from Rook as he stood and walked toward his quarters.
Rook watched him go, his heart a mixture of hope and melancholy. Lucanis was a complicated package deal, but he was willing to do what he needed to make it work for the three of them.