Chapter Text
The sound of soft steps against the kitchen’s tiles alerted him that she was there. Before, the noise would have driven him into defense mode, but now, he welcomed it.
Lucanis laid in his bed, the book on his hand almost forgotten as he began to think of her. Their relationship was still new, if somewhat uncertain. There had been no grand gestures, like the ones Bellara liked to read. No, their relationship began with an offer of paella and Rook’s favorite drink. It was the least Lucanis could do, after all she had done for him and he knew it wasn’t enough.
He didn't think he could ever be enough, even if Rook told him otherwise.
Before he could dwell even more on those thoughts, the door of the pantry slowly opened and he sat on the bed, closing the book.
“Nightmares again?”
She nodded. “Same as usual. Archdemons and never ending darkspawn.” She yawned and sat next to him on the bed.
Her long, brown hair fell down her shoulders. He brushed some of it to the side, placing it behind her ear, giving him a better look at the dark circles underneath her eyes. She covered her mouth as she yawned again.
“Rook” he said, gently brushing his thumb against her cheek as she turned her face to him “When was the last time you slept?”
Tired eyes met his. “Didn’t I tell you to call me by my actual name?” She gave him a half smirk.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
She sighed and shrugged. “A few days ago? I don’t remember.”
“That’s not good, you know that.”
“Says the man who never sleeps.”
“Ah, but I am not the one leading the team.” He smirked.
“And I’m not the one who has to land a blow against a god.” The two chuckled and Rook put her head on his shoulder. “I just don’t know what to do. Nothing helps - reading, drinking milk, counting sheep. Nothing.”
“Hmm…” He hummed, thinking on what he could do to help. An idea crossed his mind but he felt unsure about it. Was it too early in their relationship to suggest that?
“Do it.” Spite, who stood near the door, said. Lucanis tried to ignore him but the demon continued. “It’ll be good. For you. For her.” Spite got closer to him. “Come on.”
Lucanis sighed heavily.
“What’s wrong?” Rook asked, lifting her head.
“Nothing, I-” he breathed deeply, as he cut himself and said “Would you rather sleep here. With me?”
Rook’s eyes slightly widened. “Lucanis, I- are you sure?”
The question did not surprise him. For the longest time, the two had struggled with physical touch, and only now were they getting more comfortable. It began with feathery touches, a hand on a shoulder, fingers brushing against each other as they walked side by side.
“I wouldn’t suggest it if I wasn’t sure.”
She smirked and shook her head. “I’m much bigger than you, will I even fit on your bed? Won’t you be uncomfortable?”
“With you by my side? Never.”
A blush graced Rook’s cheeks as she breathed out “Okay.”
He smiled and the two began trying to arrange themselves into a comfortable position. They shifted around until finally settling on Rook laying on top of Lucanis, her head and hand on his chest, listening to his heart beat.
Lucanis settled one arm around her back, while the other held up the book he was reading.
“Are you sure this is comfortable for you?” She said, looking up at him. “I mean, I almost feel like I’m crushing you.”
“Dawn.” He said her name, a name she had only confided to him, in a hushed, soft tone. “Everything is fine. Rest easy. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
With that, she closed her eyes and not too long after, she drifted off to sleep, feeling his hand slowly rubbing her back. A pair of wings sprouted from Lucanis’s back as he settled his book down, his other arm came down to embrace her. Spite’s wings encircled around them as Lucanis rested his chin atop her ahead and fell asleep.