Work Text:
Vesnia, aka Rook, was asleep. She was warm. In her unconscious state, she could feel the warm blankets covering her. She felt good. She took a deep breath, a faint smell of wood, mint and leather reaching her nostrils. She breathed out through her mouth, her breath coming back warm from the hard face in front of her. She cuddled closer against the warm, solid surface. She was about to slip back into unconsciousness when...
A slight squeak reached her ears. A squeak?
It started again.
Vesnia frowned, beginning to become aware of her surroundings. And that she wasn't entirely covered in blankets. A pair of strong arms held her against an equally strong torso. She opened her eyes. She was in a comfortable-sized room with a fireplace where a faint blaze was trying to resist. The faint rays of the moon, now white again, came through the shutters, illuminating the room with a lunar atmosphere. She sat up slowly, provoking a slight, but very cute, grunt from her bedfellow. She couldn't help but smile tenderly at the sight of him. She brushed a few strands of his hair away from his face and then leaned over to place a light kiss on his lips. She began to stroke his hair when she heard scratching against the door and a long moan.
Vesnia withdrew silently from the bed. Her feet reached a soft carpet. She searched the floor for a few things to cover herself with. Panties, check. Brassiere, check. And her beloved's shirt. As she put it on, she could smell him on the fabric. The shoulder seam fell below her own shoulders, and she fastened a few buttons, the shirt reaching halfway up her thighs. Satisfied, she walked to the door and opened it. A modest-sized living room and kitchen were revealed. She thought she recognised the front door. She hadn't had time to really look around the flat last night.
As soon as they'd arrived, they'd headed straight for the bedroom. She didn't blame him, there was a time when talking was out of the question and only actions counted. That wasn't going to prevent a conversation this morning... which she was a little dreading.
“Wow!”
At the sound, Vesnia looked down to discover a tiny mabari puppy. He was two-tone: a white base with grey spots, including a pretty patch over his right eye. He had pretty floppy grey ears. He looked a few months old. This one wagged his tail, tongue hanging out, spinning around, happy to have attracted attention.
“Hey there,” whispered Vesnia as she crouched down to stroke him.
Happily, the puppy lay on his tummy, where an adorable big belly waddled under the caresses. Vesnia was charmed and won over. Suddenly, the puppy got back on its feet, squeaked again and ran to the back of the room, where there was a sort of sliding door.
Intrigued, Vesnia followed him. The puppy must have wanted her to open the door for him, given the scratching noise. Hoping she wouldn't do anything stupid by opening it, she slid the door open. The puppy ran into a sort of inner garden. A few flagstones created a path across the grass. There were five modest-sized trees, shrubs and bushes. It was very well kept. This flat was one surprise after another... just like its owner.
“Wow!”
Vesnia repaired to the puppy circling one of the trees and lifted her paw. Ah, a little guy. She hadn't been paying attention earlier when she scratched his tummy. He came back all happy, a bit clumsy but very cute. When he reached her feet, he stood up on his hind legs, asking to be carried. Vesnia had no intention of refusing him. She picked him up and began to pet him.
She entered the kitchen, closing the door. She realised she was thirsty. Carrying the puppy in one arm, she looked around the kitchen to see if she could find a drink. She did. A jug full of water and a glass. She helped herself, or at least tried to, as the puppy began to move energetically against her. Putting down the jug, she took the puppy in her hands and brought it up to her face.
“You're so lively all of a sudden,” the puppy licked her nose, “you're really so adorable.”
“That's the charm of it,” said a voice.
“Tarquin. Did I wake you?” asked Vesnia, turning towards him.
Wow, what a sight: Tarquin shirtless, arms crossed over his chest, hair tied up in a quick bun, linen trousers and resting against the wooden pillar of the kitchen.
“No. It's your warmth I've missed,” he said, moving closer to her. “Hi.”
“Hi,” smiled Vesnia, her heart pounding.
They kissed. His lips slid gently over hers. Tarquin's hands came to rest on her hips.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, resting his forehead against hers.
“Tired. Tarquin, by the way...”
“Atchmouf,” sneezed the puppy.
Vesnia and Tarquin looked at each other, then laughed.
“Come on Topaze, let's go back to bed, it's still time to sleep,” decided Tarquin, taking the puppy in his arms and placing him on a large cushion in the corner of the kitchen. Tarquin settled him down, gave him his little blanket and toy and, with a few strokes, made him sleepy again.
Tarquin beckoned Vesnia out of the kitchen.
They found themselves in the open room.
“What did you want to tell me, Vesnia?” asked Tarquin gently, taking her in his arms.
“Was it about us? Could it be serious, or was it really for...” Vesnia tried, caressing Tarquin's chest.
“Vesnia. Ever since the day I met you and Neve, I've been hoping for a chance to like you. We don't have the same culture, but I'm desperate for us to consolidate our relationship: to continue our nocturnal walks, our battles against the venatoris, our treasure hunts, to learn to live together. I want to go as far as possible with you, Vesnia. You're the kindest, sunniest, most sincere woman I've ever met. And I'd be a fool not to try anything with you. I was already cursing myself when I didn't try to show more interest in you.”
“That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me. I'd heard about a certain Templar, a bit grumpy but with a heart of gold, who helped slaves escape with his shadow group. Meeting you introduced me to a fantastic man with a cynical sense of humour that I adore. You are the most precious man in every sense of the word. I'd like to be part of your life, Tarquin, for as long as possible.”
“So, are we agreed?”
“Yes, we agree,” she said, kissing him.
They continued to kiss, deepening the kiss in a languorous way. Tarquin asked for his mouth to be opened, which Vesnia granted. The caresses intensified, massaging the muscles and lightly scratching the skin.
But too curious, Vesnia finished the kiss, slightly alarmed.
“I'm curious: you always said your flat was like a roof with four walls that held together magically. With lots of water leaks. Maybe I've got a vision problem, but it seems to be in very good condition and very spaaaaaaaaaaaciiiiiiiiiiiiiious... Tarquin!”
Tarquin had swept Vesnia off her feet to hold her in his arms and was heading for the bedroom.
“I'll give you a guided tour later with the whole story. But for now, I'd like to tire you out a bit more before getting a few hours' sleep. We could have a bath afterwards and I'll make you some breakfast. Would you like that?”
“Well, at first I thought I'd have a drink and then go back to bed, but your programme is much more pleasant.”
“I’ve got water in the bedroom. And you might need it...”
“Are you sequestering me in your room, Tarquin?” teased Vesnia, blushing.
“Only with your full blessing, Amatus.”
“Amatus?” confirmed Vesnia, her heart pounding.
“Amatus,” confirmed Tarquin.
With their smiles of a future full of promise, Tarquin took them back to their room to seal all those promises.
*Bonus:
Several hours later, Topaz, waking up and feeling alone, entered the unlocked bedroom. He walked over to the bed, put his little bottom down and squeaked a little.
Silence.
He squeaked again before an arm picked him up and placed him on Tarquin's chest.
“Don't get used to it, rascal,” warned Tarquin, his eyes closed as Vesnia rested her head on his neck, pressing herself against his side.
She's going to love this routine.