Work Text:
Esh and Lucanis’s relationship was new, in more ways than one. They had shared their first kiss not too long ago (and maybe a couple more since), but the pair was also navigating their own personal strife’s of never being in a serious relationship before the other. It was all new, and it was thrilling.
Lucanis was not used to having someone be there. To talk with in the soft glow of candlelight in the early hours of the morning. Someone to gently touch and hold. To be present with. It felt as though the shards of ice in his chest were slowly melting away with each breath he took around her.
The soft padding of feet across wood flooring and a cup clinking brings Lucanis out of his introspective thoughts. He smiles when he heard the footsteps. He knew it was Esh by the way she carried herself. Quietly and light, in fear of waking him. Which that was new, too. Sleeping. Esh had calmed Spite, as well as himself, and helped the two form an agreement, to which he was incredibly grateful for beyond words.
Sometimes it hits him just how much Esh had done for him, his family, his city, in such little time. Sometimes at the cost of her own wellbeing. The thought makes his nose scrunch a little. Lucanis shakes his head and stretches his arms over his head, reveling in the pop and crack of his back, before standing from his bed and making his way to the pantry door. He smooths his hand over his black cotton sleep shirt before opening the door and looking into the dining room.
Esh was standing in front of the fire, sipping from “her” cup. It was green with a gold embossing design. Lucanis had picked it up for her in secret when the team had visited Treviso to follow up on a lead from Teia and Viago. Lucanis will never forget the way Esh’s eyes sparkled and lit up. How she wrapped her arms around his neck and bounced a little with excitement while she thanked him. It is just a cup he had said to her with amusement, but she just simply shook her head with a smile and pressed light kisses all over his face.
With a sleepy smile, Lucanis made his way over to her and gently wrapped his arms around her middle, pressing his chest to her back and softly kissed her temple. “Good morning, Lucanis.” Esh melts back into him, tipping her head back to kiss his cheek.
“Good morning, Cariño,” Lucanis hums, voice rumbling with sleep. He doesn’t notice the way Esh’s body slightly twitches. “mi corazón…” He noses against her temple and over her ear, his hand lazily caressing over her rib. He does notice the way Esh takes a quick breath, and Lucanis pauses his ministrations. “Esh?” He asks, pulling back slightly to look at her. Esh has her eyes firmly set on the fire, her fingers tightening around the cup. “Esh? Are you all right?” He leans over a little to look at her face. He can’t tell if it’s the fire causing her face to go bright red, or something else. “Did I make you uncomfortable?” Lucanis’s chest tightens uncomfortably at the thought, and he starts to step away from her. He’s nearly startled by the quickness of Esh turning around in his arms to face him.
She has a determined and slightly wild look about her with flushed cheeks. She grabs at his shoulder with her free hand, assuming to make him stay where he was. “No! No. You didn’t.” She insists. Lucanis blinks and nods.
“All right…” He says, confused. “I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time reading you.” He offers, and he watches as Esh awkwardly leans over to place her cup on the table behind them before sighing and plopping her forehead against his chest. Lucanis can’t help but chuckle and bring his arms back up around her; gently rubbing one hand over her back. Esh gently grips the front of his shirt, and Lucanis’s hears her mumble something against him. He makes a questioning noise and pats over her hair.
“It’s stupid.” Esh pulls back a little but is still staring pointedly at his chest.
“I can assure you that it is not.” Lucanis smiles softly.
“You can’t possibly know that.” Esh looks up at him through her lashes, and the way she’s pouting petulantly and blushing makes something funny flip in his chest.
“If it’s you, then it’s not.” He says simply.
“I’ve done a lot of stupid things.”
“Esh, what is it?” Lucanis sighs. He knew she wouldn’t stop unless he got directly to the point. “Did I make you uncomfortable?”
“No.” Esh shakes her head, eyes dropping to his collarbone.
“Did I make you happy?” Lucanis presses gently, tipping his head to try and meet her gaze. He notices the way her ears tint at the comment. Esh simply nods. “Then that’s…good, yes?” He’s not used to Esh being like this. She is not easily flustered by seemingly unknown reasons. Esh then gently grabs the front of his shirt and squeezes her eyes shut.
“I – I’m not used to hearing Antivan. And it’s beautiful and sounds lovely and your voice makes it even better. I love your voice.” Esh rushes out all in one breath, and Lucanis has to take a second to process what she’s saying.
She likes our voice. Lucanis could practically feel Spites smug grin , but he was still processing what she has said.
“You….like -?” He mutters, feeling a little dumb. Esh nods fast and sharp, clearly embarrassed, eyes still tightly closed. He stares down at her for a moment as his brain wakes up.
Adorable. Spite grins. More. Tease her! And quite frankly, it’s one of the better ideas Spite has ever had.
“Esh.” Lucanis calls softly, wrapping his arms around the small elf to bring her close. She makes a sound of protest, but hides her burning face against his exposed collarbone. “Eres tan adorable.” He whispers low against her temple, just over her ear, before placing a kiss there.
“Lucanis!” Esh whines, gently hitting her fist against his chest. Lucanis laughs. “I’m not telling you anything ever again.” She grumbles, but there’s no heat behind her words. Lucanis reaches under her chin to gently guide her face up.
“I appreciate it.” Lucanis presses a soft kiss to her forehead. “I appreciate you. This is all new for me, as well.” Esh nods and smiles softly at him. She leans up, and Lucanis meets her half way. He notes the way she leans her whole body into him as they kiss, the way her fingers spread wide over his chest. It makes his heart swell with pride and happiness when she hums pleasantly into the kiss. He’s quickly realizing how he’d do anything for this woman. A thought that both scares and thrills him.
“Would you like to help me with breakfast?” Lucanis asks as they part, keeping his hand cupped over Esh’s cheek. Esh nods and nuzzles slightly against his hand before pressing a kiss to his palm. She then moves to turn away, but Lucanis leans in from behind, drops his voice low, and whispers, “And don’t worry, I have plenty of Antivan phrases and words in my repertoire.”
Lucanis laughs at the embarrassed shriek of his name from his companion. He presses an apology kiss to her head and the pair fall comfortable in step.
This was all new, but at least they were in this together.