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Kal sighs, nursing his soda as he glances over the crowd on his first floor. They may be having fun, but there’s no one here cute enough to catch his eye. A shame, considering how many guys attended this party.
Well, whatever. It’s not like he won’t end up with a good fuck later anyway. Taking another sip, he moves deeper into his home. He’ll take a look around later once things calm down some.
Entering one of the spare bedrooms, Kal finds himself unseasonably warm. He’s never seen this man before in his life, and he’s already whipped for this man. “This room isn’t open to the party.” Kal mentions with an obvious blush across his face. “Care to tell me what brings you here?”
“I hate parties. I’m not sure why I let my cousin drag me here.” His mystery companion grumbles. “I knew I should of just left, but I don’t exactly know my way back from here.” Is he not from this area?
“Who are you, anyway? Must be your first time in this city if you can’t find your way home.”
The man gives him an adorably awkward smile as he rubs the back of his neck. “Lucanis. And I’m afraid I’m from this city, I just haven’t spent much time with its nightlife, and I’ve found myself disoriented.” Oh? He’s blushing? It just makes him that much more attractive to Kal. Not that his dashing good looks didn’t already have Kal’s attention. That short, messy hair only complements the hint of a beard starting to grow.
“I’m Kal! Would you like me to take you home? I’m sure I could find the way.”
“I don’t want to put you out.”
Kal grins. “You’d be doing me a favor, actually. This party sucks.”
Lucanis smiles at him. “Then why are you here?”
“It’s my house.”
“You don’t seem to be enjoying your own party any more than I am.”
A laugh breaks free. “Yeah? Not like there’s much interesting going on after the first few hundred.” He catches those coffee brown eyes, perhaps staring a bit too long, “So, you want me to take you home? I can promise it’ll be more exciting than waiting around in an empty room for your cousin.”
“Sure…” Kal smiles, setting his half-full can of flat soda aside in favor of leading Lucanis up through his bedroom and out onto his balcony. “Hold on.” He orders, reaching for his magic as electricity begins to spark and buzz around them. Kal picks Lucanis up, holding the shorter man tightly against his chest as his lightning coalesces at his feet and propels them into the air.
“You’re a mage!?” Lucanis splutters, heating further. He can feel something familiar pulse inside Lucanis, begging to be let out to resonate with Kal’s magic.
“Yeah! Aren’t you?” His passenger clams up as they reach into the sky. “Well, whatever. Where do you live?” Lucanis moves just enough to locate a building… And points to the Dellamorte estates. “You’re a Dellamorte!? Neat! I’m a de Riva!”
Lucanis just looks at him with a mix of emotions that grow more anxious by the moment. “Lucanis? Is everything alright?” Kal’s already moving them to the massive estate that Kal’s never visited before. He wonders if it’s anything like Dad’s main place.
"You can put me on the roof. I can get in from there.” Lucanis doesn’t look at him. It hurts, but it peaks his curiosity.
“If you say so.” Kal decides, an idea forming in his mind. Setting Lucanis on his roof, Kal moves off, then slips into the shadows to watch and wait.
A woman steps out of the shadows on the other side of the rooftop. “You know better than to sneak out, Lucanis.” He hears the way Lucanis shifts. He’s tense, perhaps nervous.
“Illario dragged me out.”
Silence followed by the clack of a cane. “I expect you to be at breakfast in the morning.” There’s something distinct in her tone that has the same dangerous edge as Dad gets sometimes. She leaves after a few seconds, that cane clacking away with every step until they trail away down a set of stairs. Lucanis hasn’t moved.
“You know,” Kal starts, slinking out of the shadows. “You don’t have to listen to her.” Lucanis jumps.
“What— do you mean?”
“I’m not even sure you’re grandmother likes you. You could always leave. Find something you want to do away from here.”
Lucanis stares at him like he can’t believe what he’s hearing. “Why should I?”
“You didn’t seem very happy being scolded like a child.” Kal smirks. “You don’t have to, ya know? Well, whatever. You know where I live when you decide what you want to do.”
Lucanis sighs, staring out the window of Cafe Pietra and sipping his coffee. He… He really shouldn’t be thinking of that de Riva, but there’s little he can do to keep the other man out of his head. Why? Is it the other man’s good looks? His uniquely white hair and tattoos? His willingness to speak up against his grandmother?
Is it the magic?
The magic… It… It stirred something dangerous in Lucanis that he’s not sure he wants to deal with. He’s supposed to stay away from the de Rivas. He’s never understood why, really, but he knows he needs to stay far, far away from that perfect spec— No. No, he needs to stay away from mages, and the de Riva’s have several.
Still… It might have only been an hour at most, but Lucanis is smart enough to know he already has a massive crush on the elven man.
“Lucanis?” He might be unseasonably warm, but the sound of Kal’s voice brings a certain thrill through Kal’s body.
“Kal?!” He blinks, staring at the white-haired man after spilling a few drops of hot coffee on his hand. “Ow— Kal? What are you doing here?”
Those mesmerizing eyes stare at him curiously for several seconds before he cocks his head in an adorable way that does fun things to his emotions. “It’s a cafe. They have some good tea here.” Kal smiles, setting down a cup and taking the seat beside him. “’Sides, I like to come here to study sometimes.”
“You’re in college?” Kal grins at him wildly. It’s more charming that Lucanis would have expected.
“Yeah!” Kal pulls a laptop from his bag, setting it up in front of them. “Dad promised to help me start a bakery if I got a degree in business.” That’s not what he would have expected from someone from old money like a de Riva. “See!” Kal points at his screen.
That’s… That’s not a normal laptop. He’d thought it was larger when he’d say it at first, but… The key board is massive, the keys nearly twice the normal size and with letters filling up most of each key. He’s never seen the font on screen, but there’s also a screen reader running in the background.
“Is this a custom job?” Lucanis inquires. “I’ve never seen a laptop like this before.”
Kal’s smile only gets wider. “Yeah! Dad got it for me. It’s about the only reason I’m able to pass my classes. I’m dyslexic and Dad’s done everything he can to help.” He… doesn’t think Caterina would have done the same for him. He would have been told to deal with it and forced to power through like he has so many times before.
The constant buzz under his skin agrees with that fact.
“Is Viago that good of a dad?” He wonders what it would have been like to grow up with a decent parent.
“He’s made mistakes, but he’s always been fair and does his best.”
Lucanis chews on his lip, considering what it is he really wants to ask. “You two clearly aren’t related. How’d you end up a de Riva?” Kal smiles at him, then turns to the waitress and orders.
“I dunno.” Kal looks at the ceiling for a moment. “I don’t remember much up until I was, oh, maybe twelve? Thirteen? According to Dad, I bumped into him in an alley as a child and he took me in. Apparently, I was a ‘pathetic mess of a child’ and needed his protection. Esha says Dad spent weeks on some secret project and wouldn’t tell her what. All I know is that one of the first things I remember is Viago being the only parent I’ve ever known and that I don’t have any real complaints about him.”
Lucanis blinks, wondering why Caterina wasn’t like that. “Luca?” Lu— Luca? He… He doesn’t hate it. ”Everything alright?”
Maker. This man is far too pure for him. Lucanis doesn’t deserve him, but he doesn’t want this to end. “Yes.” He decides, shoving everything back into the box for later. “I’d like to see you again?” That lifelong anxiousness inches back up into him. He knows Caterina will find issue with it, but really, Lucanis has never wanted anything quiet this much in his life.
Kal’s worth risking this much. Lucanis is almost certain.
“Yeah!” Kal grins. “Tomorrow?” Kal wants to see him, too? Lucanis nods dumbly.
Kal grins, string out the window of Dad’s manor. He’s honestly surprised a Dellamorte asked him on a date. He can’t wait for his date later!
“Oh? Did you find some pretty boy to lay?” His cousin asks as she swaggers in. “No. You’re never in this good of a mood just because you found a good fuck. You. Have. A. Date.”
“Yeah.” Kal mumbles dreamily. He can’t wait until later.
“Must be some cutie to have you’re attention.”
A smirk crawls across his face. “Got a date with one of the Dellamorte’s later.”
“And it’s not Ari.” Lonely hums. “Which means you got a date with Lucanis. I’m impressed. Apparently, that man’s never been on a date. How’d you manage it?”
“I asked?” Kal grins.
Aloe eyes him curiously, looking him up and down. “I hadn’t thought you’d be his type, but then again, I’d thought the man was so far on the ace spectrum that he didn’t know what a romantic feeling was.”
“Nah. He’s totally into guys. He’s just got an overbearing grandmother.”
“Caterina’s not overbearing.
“Maybe not to Larry.” Kal dictates. “But Luca’s a whole other matter. That party I hosted the other week that Larry attended just to see you again? Luca was there and I ended up taking him home. Also got to hear a bit of how she talks to him. Larry may not be the favorite grandkid, but he’s definitely the one treated better.”
Aloe levels an unimpressed look at him. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready, then?”
“I am.” He strolls over to the oven where his cream puffs should be about ready to come out. “Just gotta finish baking, first.” A quick check, and yep, they’re ready to come out. It’s just a matter of letting them cool and filling them.
“I hope you made enough for me.”
Kal smiles. “Of course! There’s enough for everyone. Just give me a bit and they’ll be ready.” He pauses, thinking of Luca once more. “Luca’s a mage.”
His cousin starts. “He is? But Ari said there are no mages in their family.”
“Best I could tell is that he’s either completely untrained, or suppressing it for some reason.”
Allona smirks. “You’re first real boyfriend and you choose a man with more secrets and trauma than my own. How typical.”
Kal shakes his head, pulling at his magic to help cool his pastries. “Give me twenty minutes and you can have a few.”
Lucanis throws himself into his bed. He’s completely screwed. Not only is he completely whipped for the sweet, charming man he just got back from his date with, but he knows Caterina is going to try something the moment she finds out he’s dating someone. After all, Illario may be able to date freely, but they both know that would change if his cousin ever had any sort of relationship with another man.
She wouldn’t hurt Kal, though, would she? The de Riva’s aren’t that different from them. Sure, Viago might be Caterina’s underling when it comes down to it, but its clear to him that the rest of the de Riva’s haven’t really been groomed to follow in Viago’s lead. Well, mostly, anyway. He hasn’t seen… what was her name? Eshi? Esha? Aisha? Whatever. He hasn’t seen her much in years, which means Viago’s long since stopped forcing her to fit in the mold he wanted her for originally.
He doesn’t know what to do about Kal, though. He’s already gotten himself emotionally reliant on a man he’s only met three times. Lucanis wants so much more. He wants to know every little thing about Kal, wants to learn every inch of him, wants to know what he’s thinking and how he’s going to accomplish his dreams. Kal never hides anything from him as though he’s never learned what a lie is, and it makes Lucanis feel so still every time for doing as he was raised and keeping every bit of information about himself a secret.
Lucanis… Wants to be that open with Kal, too. He’s just not sure how he could ever hope to break nearly three decades of conditioning.
“Lucanis.” Ugh. Why does Illario have to be here now? Can’t he just mope about his feelings in peace. “Ali told me something very interesting today. You. Have. A. Date. And not just any date, but a de Riva!”
“Shut. Up.” Lucanis grumbles from his pillow.
“Oh? Does my cousin not wish to speak with me? To hide secrets from me?”
“Illario!” He growls before panicking for just a moment. His magic slipped out just a bit with that one. He… He needs to calm down. He can’t let this keep going or— or— The servants will know. They’ll tell her and then Caterina will be on his ass again and he won’t be able to see Kal. “Just. Shut up. Please? I can’t have you ruining one of the only things I’ve found for myself.” He’s not proud of the way his voice cracks or how pathetic his tone is, but it does its job and gets his cousin off his back.
“He really means a lot to you.”
“Don’t sound so surprised…” Mierda. He’s really gotten himself into a mess, hasn’t he?
Illario smiles softly. “They really are something special.”
“Yeah… They are.”
Kal smiles as he waits on his usual corner with his box of pastries and his collection box.
“Ah! Kalias, my dear! Am I glad to see you!”
Kal smiles. “Professor Volkarin! Back for your usual?”
The older mage smiles at him, pulling out a bit of change to stuff in his collections box while sipping on his nice hot home made tea. “Of course! You’re pastries have long become part of my morning routine. I wouldn’t miss it!”
He pulls out the much smaller box he keeps just for the Professor’s sweets. “Here ya go! Oh! Hey! If you’ve got a bit, could we talk?”
“Whatever about?” The Professors smart enough that he catches something in Kal’s gaze. “Would you prefer to speak in private?”
“That’s probably a good idea?” Kal leaves his boxes and follows the older man into his office. It’s only two doors down, so it’s a quick trip.
“What is it?”
“What would you do if you met a guy you think you love and he turned out to be a mage who’s forcing himself to keep his magic hidden away?”
“Ah.” There’s something in his gaze that makes Kal certain he’s about to learn one of the professor’s secrets. Granted, that could also be because the older man goes over to lock the door. “Well, the first thing you’d want to do is ask why your beloved is keeping this a secret. Some secrets are for the keeper’s safety, while others are from, say, embarrassment or other strong emotions.”
Professor Volkarin looks like he’s debating whether to tell him something important or not. “He’s doing it because of his grandmother…” Kal mumbles. “So then how can I get him to tell me? It’s not like he’s just going to come out and say it.”
The Professor smiles at him. “Just keep talking to him, Kalias. You have a way with people that’ll get you what you want soon enough.” He does? “After all, you’re the only one I’ve been willing to tell my secret to since I moved here a decade ago.”
“Professor?”
“Kalias, please. Surely, we’ve moved passed titles.” Emmrich, then. “Well, I’m sure you’ve earned at least this much with your pleasant conversation these last few months.” Emmrich hesitates.
Kal blinks at him. “You don’t have to tell me, you know. I may be curious, but I’m not going to force you.”
Emmrich pats his head, ruffling his hair enough to mess it up. “I know, Kalias. You’re an honest man and you won’t judge me regardless. I trust you, which is why I feel I can tell you that I am a Necromancer without you turning me in to the nearest bronto-headed, superstitious authority.”
He’s a Necromancer? Neat! Kal’s never met one before but he’s always been interested in it even though it’s basically forbidden everywhere but Nevarra.
“Can you teach me?!”
Emmrich stutters a few seconds before finding his words once more. “I could, but why would you want to learn something you couldn’t use openly?”
“It’s neat.” Kal grins.
“Certainly… Would you like to meet up at your place, or mine?” Kal considers it, looking between the older man and the wall behind him. Dad’s not dating anyone right now, and he wouldn’t mind having a Necromancer around. They’d get along well, too. Something slides together in his mind.
“Mine. I can come get you after classes?” Emmrich nods.
Kal’s grin doesn’t fade even a bit as he leaves the room and reclaims his empty box of pastries and his newly filled box of money. Another successful day.
Lucanis stands outside the front door, wondering if he’s got the right place or not. He’s pretty sure this is the same place from that party a few weeks ago, but since he’s only seen fleeting snapshots at in the middle of the night, he’s only half sure.
“Luca?” Kal states from behind him. “You came to visit!” Lucanis knows he’s turning several shades of red right now.
He holds out the gift bag he’d brought along. “I did. And I brought a gift?” Kal takes it, finding the good bottle of wine Lucanis definitely didn’t spend far too long picking out so that he could give the man he loves one that pairs well with sweets.
Kal smiles, so he thinks he did a good job. “Never had this one before! Dad doesn’t like it when I drink.”
“Can’t hold your liquor?”
“It doesn’t play well with my narcolepsy and the last time I drank, Dad had to spend a week getting everything cleaned up and dealing with the death threats and marriage proposals.” What… What does Kal even get up to while drinking?
“Death threats? Over a few drinks?” Kal leads him inside.
Kal smirks. “Apparently there were a few rich boys who’s parents didn’t enjoy that we shared a good fuck.” Lucanis starts, images he didn’t need as well as a few fantasies flooding his mind. It’s not what he was expecting to learn at this moment.
“And the marriage proposals?”
“Same reason.”
Lucanis stops in his tracks. “You must be Viago’s favorite.” Lucanis sasses.
“Probably.” The blunt honesty is refreshing considering Lucanis has had nothing by lies steeped in shadow and deceit for the better part of his life. He finds himself smiling, his eyes flicking to Kal’s lips as Lucanis flops onto the couch. “See something you like?” He’s observant, too. What’s not to like so far?
Lucanis can return honesty with honesty. Kal deserves that much, at least. “Yeah.” The smirk that forms doesn’t even need his command. Nor, does it seem, does Kal.
The taller man pours a bit of wine for the each of them, handing one off to him. “And do you think you’d like to take what you want?”
He may flush with the attempt, but that hardly bothers him. “Still deciding.” It’s lower than Lucanis even knew he could speak. “After all, one must get a proper look at the prize before committing, otherwise there’s no point.” Kal’s hungry. For Lucanis. He’d like to think that even a fraction of that lust is somewhere inside Lucanis for Kal.
Caternia doesn’t have to control his actions anymore. Coming out here today was supposed to be a stop towards proving that. So, as Lucanis is still uncertain about everything, he takes a too-long sip of his wine, sets his empty cup aside, and plants himself on Kal’s lap.
“There’s certainly something irresistible about you.” Lucanis purrs, cognizant of his magic rising up to rest just on the edge of his control. He doesn’t really care right now. His gaze lands on those lips once more, lingering for just long enough to relay his intentions before he makes the boldest move in the last fifteen years of his pitiful existence as a groomed, mildly traumatized heir to the Dellamorte fortune and crime syndicate.
Kal leans into it, smirking as they share the first of many kisses to come even if Lucanis is more inexperienced than he’d ever admit. Kal doesn’t seem to mind, picking up the slack wherever he could to make it all the more better. A few more attempts, and Kal has Lucanis melting into his arms. This may be his first relationship, but there’s nothing here that makes him want to end it.
His magic might be edging out of his control, but he doesn’t really care right now when his body is reacting in every way to the man under him. Kal smirks at him in that knowing way that makes him certain Kal know’s exactly what he’s doing to him.
A moment of doubt has Lucanis pulling back. He shouldn’t even be here, but… He wants Kal more than that. Sure, Catarina will be pissed later, but that’s nothing compared to what he might lose if he steps back here. This stupid anxiety shouldn’t be holding him back.
“Luca? Something wrong?” There’s no judgment in that tone. Why does he have to be such a coward?
Eyeing the bottle of wine, Lucanis does the stupid thing and takes a few too many swigs.
Kal wakes slowly, well rested, warm, comfortable in a way he hasn’t been in a long time. An eye cracks open to the midday sun peaking through his heavy curtains. There’s something warm and heavy half draped across his chest, and hair in his mouth.
Spitting it out, he finds himself face to face with much shorter black strands than his own. Luca. He smiles, pressing a soft kiss to the top of the still sleeping head. His silly, silly sleeping prince is going to have questions when he wakes if the three empty win bottles nearby have anything to say about it.
A groan meets his ears as arms tighten around him. Sounds painful. “Luca?” Kal runs his fingers through the shorter man’s hair.
“Hrghn?” A pained moan follows when he tries to raise his head.
Kal’s amusement never leaves his voice. “You had a bit too much to drink. If you let me up I can get you something to help.” Luca only holds him tighter. “I know it hurts, but it’s nearly noon and you have to get up sometime.”
Luca stiffens, then raises his head to stare distastefully. “Mierda.” Kal can’t help the fond smile that finds it’s place on his face. "Caterina’s going to kill you.”
“Me?”
“We’ll she isn’t going to touch me, and she’s not going to be thrilled that we’re together.”
Kal blinks, smiling softly. “She can try all she wants. Dad doesn’t let anyone hurt us. Why do you think we can use magic so openly?” He watches Luca’s expression change as he pieces together everything he’s been told.
“We didn’t… Do anything, right?” Its adorable how uncertain he sounds.
“Nah. You got real drunk real fast and I do do anything with people who can’t give proper consent.”
“Then how--?”
Kal smiles. “You were particularly clingy and pulled me into bed with you. Fell asleep before I could do anything.” There was also that interesting display of magic last night, but he’s almost certain Luca wouldn’t appreciate him bringing it up. “Now, as much as I’d like to stay here all afternoon, I have to piss and you need something to drink and possibly some drugs for your headache.”
Luca gives him an adorable little pout.
As Lucanis made his way into the main foyer of his home, he’d really been hoping Caterina would be busy, or absent. Instead, he gets met with the full force of his eighty year old crime boss of a grandmother glaring at him like she knew everything he did last night. She probably does, too. He’s caught some of her henchmen trailing him on multiple occasions.
“Lucanis.” She states blankly. He knows the anger is thinly veiled. It’ll be released the moment he says or does something wrong.
“Caterina.” He greets. There’s no way for him to get out of this, but with any luck he can minimize the damage. “It’s—“
“You were with that de Riva boy.” She accuses. “I know I taught you better than that.” He should have known better. His luck’s always been abysmal when it comes to his grandmother. “You will cease seeing the de Riva immediately.” Those piercing eyes bore into him, demanding his compliance.
“No.” It’s shaken and u certain, but he’s proud of himself for coming this far.
“No?”
He may be facing down a viper, but Lucanis doesn’t want to quit when he’s finally found something in this life for himself. “No. I won’t. I’m not going to stop seeing someone I love just because you don’t like him.”
The glare he’s given nearly breaks him, but Kal wouldn’t let an angry grandmother stop him. “You will. You have no need for something as tribal as love, especially when I’ve already found you a wife. All it’s going to do is distract you from your duties.” His stomach fills with dread at the thought of an arranged marriage to a woman he doesn’t know. “Your wedding date was decided last night while you were off on a frivolous pursuit.”
Panic catches in his throat. He can’t. There’s no way he can do the same thing his mother did. He’s not going to spend his life unhappily married when he’s got someone special already.
He’s scared. So scared, but he has to do this. Kal deserves this much, at least. “No. I won’t do it. I’m not sure what, exactly, you have against Kal, but he’s the man I love.” He takes a deep breath, holding back his panic even as his magic threatens to break free. “Why do you hate him so much when you’ve never even met? Is it because cause he’s a de Riva? A man? A mage?”
“It appears I’ve let this idle fancy go one for too long. Don’t worry. Go to your room and remain there. I’ll deal with this. When I’m finished we can have a civil conversation about your wedding.” He can hear the guards closing in behind him.
Lucanis needs to move. Now. He’s not going to become a trapped princess just because his grandmother wills it.
For the first, anxiety inducing time in his life, Lucanis lets his magic, and the will he feels within it, take control.
The next thing he knows, he’s exhausted, covered in blood, and standing in front of Viago, a silver fox he’s never seen before at the de Riva’s side, and a wild look in Lucanis’ eyes. “I think I need some help.”
Kal would admit to being a little concerned and very curious when Dad messaged him stating he was needed at home this moment. Dad hasn’t demanded he come home since he left for college five years ago. Then again, he also hasn’t heard from Luca today and he’s got a bad feeling something’s happened to him.
“Dad!?” Kal calls, slamming open the front door with little care. Emmrich meets him, “Professor? What’s up? Dad said it was urgent?”
“I believe it’s better if you see for yourself.” Emmrich motions inside. “I believe they’re in the living room on the third floor.” Kal nods, flying through the house. It’s a matter of moments before finding the proper room.
“Da— Luca?” His boyfriend’s covered in blood, sitting on the couch with a warm cup of coffee. “What happened?” He’s at his boyfriend’s side in less than a second.
Luca leans into him, demanding the comfort for as long as Kal will have him. “I think Caterina’s going to try to hurt you. She—“
“What the hell, Dad?!” Oh, Esh’s home. “When were you going to tell me you arranged my marriage?” What?
“… Was Caterina planning on having us married?” Luca mumbles.
“Dad? H—“
Dad sighs, sipping on his thermos of espresso. “All of you calm down and let me explain.” Those piercing blue eyes silence them with a glare. “Yes, I did arrange for Eshari to marry Lucanis. I never intended for it to actually go through.”
“Then why?!” Esha demands. “What was your endgame?”
Dad doesn’t even look phased. “I needed to get Lucanis out of Caterina’s grasp and this was the fastest way. Either Lucanis and Eshari married and they came to live here where we could void the marriage, or Lucanis would grow some balls and leave. Either way, Kalias gets his boyfriend free and clear and Eshari is free to pursue whoever she wants.”
Kal’s not sure how he’s feeling, really. Not when Luca’s clearly distressed and Kal’s wondering what made Dad think this was a good idea without talking to any of them. “When were you going to tell us?”
“Tonight. I was planning on having the three of you over for dinner so we could discuss the matter. Clearly, that didn’t happen since someone decided he needed to kill a pair of bodyguards and seriously injure his grandmother.”
It takes a moment for Kal to process all that, but when he does he turns to Luca with a soft smile. “Luca?” His boyfriend starts, then turns to him with a wild look in his eyes. “Why don’t we go get you cleaned up. We can deal with everything else later.” Luca nods dumbly.
Kal helps him up. “Kalias. Watch yourself. Caterina will not take this lying down.”
“I’ll do my best.” Kal promises.
“I’ll be out in a moment! Just need to lock up real fast!”
“Sure!” Kal calls. He hears his boyfriend move off a short distance to wait. Lucanis finishes what he’s doing and moves to catch up with the taller man. “So, where’re we going?”
Lucanis smiles, grabbing Kal’s hand. “Thought I’d show you one of my favorite places in this city.” They walk up to the nearest intersection, only for Lucanis to nearly be pulled over when Kal’s hand gets ripped from his.
“Kal!” His voice cracks as his feet send him after the speeding car. It turns the corner long before Lucanis catches it. A crash, a screech, a pitiful mewl reach his ears. Wha— what? He needs to get to Kal. He needs to get to Kal right now.
Another thump, then a much softer one. Tires screech away as Lucanis rounds the corner. There, on the street in a growing pool of his own blood, lies his wonderful, beautiful Kal. “Kal!” No. No no no no no. He can’t do this. He can’t lose Kal now. Not when they’re just now getting into everything. How’s he supposed to—
Caterina. She did this. She’s trying to take Kal away from him so Lucanis goes back to her.
The worse part of it all is it might just work.
“Kal! Kal, please stay with me.” It’s useless, Kal’s already stopped breathing. “Kal! Mi amor! Please don’t leave me!”
Footsteps rush up to him. Magic flows out, caressing Kal’s body gently. “Lucanis. I can save him, but I need you to look the other way.” It’s Viago’s lover.
“Wh-what?” He stares the Professor, desperate and hurting.
Professor Volkarin has an expression full on conflict, but he speaks anyway. “What I am about to do is illegal in every country but Nevarra.” Necromancy.
Lucanis hesitates for just a moment. He’s not going to lose Kal like this. Viago has the money, influence, and lack of morals to make this disappear. “Do it.” He’s not proud of how his voice cracks, but he knows what he wants.
“I need some space.” Volkarin states. Lucanis nods, moving to Kal’s other side to hold his hand. He watches as green magic flows over the man he loves, sickening cracks sound softly as Kal’s body forces itself back into shape. “That should be enough…” Volkarin mutters. “Now for the actual Necromancy.”
Volkarin’s hand hovers over Kal’s heart. A moment passes, than two. Three. Four. Five. This isn’t going to work, is it? Kal’s gone and he just has to—
Kal takes a breath. Lucanis can’t believe that actually worked. “Kal?…” His boyfriend lets out a low whine. He’s… He’s actually back.
“Not to interrupt, but we do still need to bring dear Kalias to medical professionals. He may be alive for now, but his injuries are still severe.” Right. Right, he can do that.
“Help me pick him up. We’ll head back to the estate.” Volkarin doesn’t seem pleased, but they don’t exactly have many options.
Exhausted and weary, he manages to force his eyes open despite the constant ache throughout his body. Trying to look around, he finds himself stuck in place. He can’t move his neck. Or his back. Most of his limbs are restricted, but still retain some ability to flop about. It’s only his left arm that seems to be free of the same burden. What happened to him?
Something’s clearly pressing on his arm and it’s long since fallen asleep. He tries to move it despite not being able to see it, and receives a muffled grumble in response.
“Mhhfgh?” That… That’s Luca, right? “Kal?” It’s dark, and he can barely make out a shadow, but that definitely sounds like his boyfriend.
“Luca?” The shape to his side starts.
“Give me a moment, okay?” Luca sounds tired. “I’m just going to go turn the light on and I’ll be right back.” A soft kiss presses against his lips. Moments later, footsteps are his only warning of the momentarily blinding light that flicks to life.
Luca’s back in his sight seconds later. “You’re awake!” His boyfriend looks like he might just cry. “I’m glad. I don’t know what I’d’ve done had you died.” Kal manages a smile even if he can’t really move right now. “I know you must be confused right now. How much do you remember? I’ll try to fill things in for you as much as I can.”
He… He was walking, right? Kal tells his boyfriend as much.
A pained expression fills Luca’s wonderful features. “I’m sorry. We we’re walking when some goons grabbed you, trew you to the ground and ran you over multiple times. You were lucky to survive at all, and even more so that there happened to be someone nearby who could help.” There’s something he’s not being told. Luca wouldn’t be this torn up if it was as simple as a traffic accident. “We owe Volkarin everything. I… we’ll, let’s just say you wouldn’t be here without him. You’ve been in and out of consciousness for a couple weeks, but this is the first time you’ve said anything coherent. I…”
“What?” It’s all he can manage in the uncomfortable braces.
Tears actually do well in his man’s eyes, a few even managing to escape. “It was Catarina. She hired those guys to have you killed because she doesn’t like you and she hates that I love you. I think she thought that by killing you and making it look like an accident, it would force me to return and settle down with some woman she approves of instead.” Right, Luca’s grandmother is rather particular about her bloodline continuing.
Luca’s at his bedside. He should be able to reach him with his one good arm. Kal manages to find his boyfriend’s hand.
“Luca.” It hurts him to talk too much like this, but it’s more important that he soothe his boyfriend. “Tis not… You’re fault. I’m here. You’re here. Is all… Need right now.”
“I almost lost you, mi amor. You almost died. How can you be so calm about the fact that it was my family that caused it?”
“You’re here.” He’s aware that his words are barely coming out as words at this point. “I’m here. We can sort… out later.”
That doesn’t seem to help Luca’s mood as much as he hoped. “You should rest. You need it.”
“Sure.” Kal mumbles. “For a kiss?” Luca only ends up with a sad grin, but it’s better than nothing.
Leaning down, Luca whispers against his lips. “You’re impossible.” He does as Kal asked, so Kal finds himself drifting off to sleep feeling warm and fuzzy.
When Kal wakes next, it’s to muffled talking and the smell of something delicious wafting towards him. He’s thirsty as hell, but Luca’s still at his side. It only takes a moment for his gaze to flick over to Kal before a smile forms.
“Morning.” Kal gets a kiss for his efforts. He smiles. “How do you feel?”
“Tired. Thirsty. Ready to hold you again.”
Luca hits him with such a soft expression that all of Kal’s aches and pains melt away for just a moment. “Well, we can fix at least some of that.” A hand comes to cover his gently.
Footsteps, then his cousin comes into view. “Aloe?”
“Kal.” She smirks at him, readying her healing before continuing. “You’re dumb ass would be the one to get hit by a truck. Seriously, how could you not see it coming?”
“Can’t really avoid something that’s hell bent on killing you.” Kal groans, feeling the warmth of healing spread through his body.
She smirks at him. “All that fancy magic and you couldn’t avoid a single truck? I knew I was the better mage between the two of us.” There’s no heat in it. There never is in their longstanding joke between cousins.
“At least I can do more than just heal with mine.” Kal jokes as he feels his neck knit itself back together properly.
“At least I can heal.” She retorts playfully. Kal feels something magical shift slightly beside him, but he knows Luca has it under control. Whatever it is. Even if Kal doesn’t understand why his boyfriend stops himself from touching his magic.
Soon enough, that warmth moves from his neck down his spine, meticulously knitting together bone, fixing any tears and soothing irritation. It helps more than he’d admit.
“Volkarin did the necessary healing to keep you alive, but that’s all he had the energy for out in the street like that.” His cousin states tiredly. “I’ve fixed the critical bits, but you won’t be able to move freely for a while. You’ve still got broken ribs, and I’m sure you already know about your arm and legs. As long as you aren’t stupid, you should be fine. I’ll be back in a few days to do another session.” She pulls the braces of his neck and back, though he winces as his ribs are jostled.
Allona’s exhausted. It’s clear in the bags under her eyes, the everlasting day old makeup, and ruffled clothes. “Keep an eye on him, will you?” She asks to someone other than him.
“Yeah. I will.” Luca replies, helping him sit up slowly as the others filter out of his room. “You must be hungry. Lucas made you soup.” Kal’s adjusted in several small ways before Luca turns around to grab the delicious smelling bowl and helping him eat it.
“I can feed myself, you know. ‘S not like both my arms are broken.” Kal half-complains between bites.
Luca gives him a soft smile. “I know. Just… Let me have this?” Ah. Luca’s worried about him and needs to do something, anything, for him. Kal simply nods. Letting his loving boyfriend take care of him isn’t the worse thing in the world.
Lucanis smiles, helping Kal back into his wheelchair. “You sure you want to do this?”
“It’s just class, Luca. ‘Sides, the final’s in a week and I need to talk to Professor Tethras.”
“Kal. You nearly died and you’re worried about a test?”
“But I didn’t? ‘Sides, I’ve been working towards this for years. I’m not going to lose it over a few broken bones.” Kal smiles at him. “Come on! It’ll be fun!” He has to smile. Nothing seems to be able to break Kal’s spirit. He could use more of that.
“Fine. Which building is it?”
“The one with the dwarven statues on it.” He smiles, keeping his gaze on the sparkle in those mismatched eyes for a few extra moments. Sure. Why not. At least he gets to spend more time with this wonderful man.
“Kalias de Riva!” That sounds like— “You’re supposed to be recovering at home!” The redhead storms up to them, annoyed and concerned. “I can’t believe you wouldn’t— Kal?”
Why is Kal unconscious? “I should have guessed.” Esha grumbles. “Lucanis, take him home, would you? He’s supposed to stay there until he can get off his painkillers since our doctor was worried about how they’d react with his meds.” That would explain why Kal insisted on sneaking out without Viago finding out.
“Kal mentioned wanting to speak with his Professor?”
Esha sighs. “He’s an idiot. He’s perfectly capable of doing that at home.”
“Maybe he just wanted to get out?” Lucanis offers. “Can’t be easy for him.”
“Don’ talk ‘bout me ‘ike ‘hat.” Kal sound exhausted.
“That’s no fun!” Lucanis jumps. When did someone come up behind him.
“Cyr!” An elvhen man even taller than Kal strolls out to face Kal head on. There’s a weird ugly cat struggling to keep its form chilling in his hoodie. Those black sclara catch his attention. Are they related somehow.
This Cyr looks over Lucanis’ boyfriend. “Man, that car really fucked you up. How could you lose to something like that when you’ve been blessed with all that wonderful magic?”
A qunari slips over to Cyr’s side. “Cyr, you really shouldn’t tease him like that.”
“It’s fine, Kos. ‘Sides, Kal’d be sad if we didn’t tease him a bit.” Cyr has the same wide grin Kal does. “Who’s this? New boyfriend? You scored good this time.” Cyr turns to Kos with a lovestruck expression. “Don’t give me that look, love. You know you’re the only one with my heart.”
“I know, Kadan.” Is… Is Kos blushing? “I also know we have eyes.” Lucanis feels the heat rising to his face. When did he become an object of affection? That’s always been Illario’s thing.
“You guys wanna come visit Professor Tethras with me? I need to make accommodations for my final next week.”
Cyr grins. “Not this time. Kos and I have a date and we’re going to be late for our reservations.”
“’Kay!” Kal waves his friends away, then turns to him. “Come on!” Lucanis waves those two off, resuming their course to the building Kal pointed out.
A few more people wave to Kal on the way there, a few others stare at Lucanis in a way he’s completely unused to.
“You know?” Kal mumbles. “You haven’t shaved in a while.”
Lucanis feels himself blushing. “I’ve been a bit—“
“It’s hot. I wouldn’t be opposed if you want to keep it.” Kal leans back to look up at him with a warm smile. Lucanis can’t seem to find his words. Kal keeps doing this to him and Lucanis finds he doesn’t want it to stop. “Oh! There he is! Professor!”
Kal motions over an orange-haired dwarf with a serious look. “De Riva. Was wondering when you’d show up again. What do you want?” Kal goes off on his tirade, the dwarven man listening with that sour look on his face.
“De Riva. You’re left handed. Why can’t you write it yourself?” The dwarf has a point. “You know what, whatever. Come in next Saturday at…” The man checks his watch. “3? I’ll have an aid ready for you. Don’t expect anything more.” The dwarf hurries off.
“You get an aid?”
“It’s that or an extra four hours for an hour long test.”
“You struggle that much?”
“I would be luck to finish in that time.” Oh.
“Lucanis!” Oh, Larry’s here. He’s only surprised Larry didn’t show up sooner. “Karl.”
“Illario? What are you doing here?”
“My girlfriend lives here and you’re here. Why wouldn’t I be here?” He sasses before his expression morphs so something much more… Somber? “Fuck. Lucanis, Kal, I’m sorry. I never thought that crazy old bitch would actually go through with something like this.”
Luca squeezes Kal’s hand. “Do you know what she’s planning now?”
“She’s real pissed.” Larry states. “Especially after you nearly killed her with your little outburst. I wouldn’t be surprised if she comes for you and your boyfriend again.”
The door opens. “Ari? I wondered where you went.” Kal’s cousin sounds just this edge of concerned. “I was looking for you, but since your here we can talk while I heal this idiot?” Larry nods, sliding up to his lover as Aloe starts her healing for today.
Once more, the door opens. Dad strolls in with Esha in tow looking particularly annoyed. “We’re all here. Good.” Oh. Dad’s real pissed. “We’re going to talk.”
“Lucanis.” Dad begins. Luca stiffens beside him. “What are your plans with my son?” Oh. That’s where he wants to start.
“Luca?” Kal looks over at the increasingly reddening man.
With a quick squeeze of his hand, his sweet Luca finds his words. “Kal is… The best thing to ever happen to me. I’m not about to screw this up.”
Kal grins, pulling Luca down for a kiss. “Sap. Love you, too.” He lets his fingers brush against Luca’s slowly growing beard just long enough to get a reaction from his boyfriend.
“Fine.” Dad states. “Next question. Dellamortes. Who’s side are you on?”
“Kal’s.” Luca answers immediately.
Larry answers almost as fast. “After what the bitch did? Ally.” Dad stares them down for a long time, waiting to see if their answers will change.
Ten minutes later, Dad leaves without saying another word. Kal’s gaze follows him for a while.
“What was that about?”
“Dad’s going after Caterina.”
“She hurt Kal.”
“Dad doesn’t let anyone hurt us.”
Lucanis waits for Kal to finish, leaning against the wall as he gets leered at by nearly every person that passes by. Somehow, it feels so much different than when Kal looks at him and it makes him uncomfortable.
“Luca!” Kal smiles at him.
“How’d it go?”
Kal’s grin infects him with giddy pleasure. “Got a perfect score! Now Dad has to let me open my bakery!”
He doesn’t want to ruin the mood, but he has to know. “You were graded already? Doesn’t that usually take a while?”
Kal’s infectiously giddy grin turns to something much more smug. “A long time ago Professor Tethras was caught straight up marking my answers wrong because of his own preconceptions so he’s now required to mark all my work in front of either me and someone else or three other professors so I get my results a lot faster than everyone else.”
A spike of indignant rage pierces his heart at how unfair that is. Kal’s already got it hard enough! How dare one stupid professor try to make his life harder!
“Luca. It’s okay, really.” Kal grabs his hand, squeezing reassuringly. “I’m done here, and I have you. That’s all I really need.”
“Are you sure? I’m sure I could find a way to make him regret that.” Magic buzzes under his skin, determined to make that a reality.
It’s only Kal’s charming smile that makes him stand down. “I’m sure you could. But I’m asking you to let it go. It’s not important now.” Lucanis does not pout, but he does grab the handles of Kal’s wheelchair so that they can make their way back to the Manor. “Let’s find Dad and tell him the good news!”
“… Have you always wanted to open a bakery?”
That wonderful grin makes an appearance. “Yeah! Ever since—“ Kal trails off as he quiet visibly starts thinking of something. “Hey, Luca. Instead of a bakery, would you want to open a cafe with me? You could handle the drinks and I’d get the sweets.”
Kal wants him to help with his dream? He… He doesn’t know what to say.
“You don’t have to decide right now, you know? Just thought I’d throw it out there. It’d make things easier for me, too.”
“Yes.” He’s never decided anything so fast in his life. “I’d love to. Are you sure you want me, though?” Kal motions for him to lean down.
He’s rewarded with a kiss on the cheek. “Every time, love.” Lucanis fills with love and contentment. There’s no one he’d rather be with.
Kal stares out the window into the storm crashing against their windows. “Kal?” Why does Luca’s voice crack like he’s trying not to cry? That’s not his Luca. Not his brilliant, wonderful Luca. “Why does it feel like my life is coming crashing down right now?”
Turning to his boyfriend, Kal spies tears in those big brown eyes. He does the only reasonable thing and pulls him in for a hug. With his one good hand, Kal runs his fingers through Luca’s hair.
“Dad went out to hunt your grandmother.” He whispers, getting a choked sob in return. Kal’s shirt grows damp quickly as hiccuped breaths reach his ears. A whine breaks the rhythm. Magic not his own buzzes at his skin.
He presses a soft kiss to the top of Luca’s head. Kal may not be great at comforting people, but he’s determined to do his best. “I’m here, Luca. I’ll be here for as long as you’ll have me.”
Lucanis isn’t sure what he’s expecting when Viago demanded his presence, but it wasn’t to find himself in the living room with just Illario.
“Cousin.” Illario greets. His cousin seems more subdued than normal.
“Do you know what Viago wants to talk about?”
“Sit.” Viago demands. There’s someone else behind him. Teia? “We’re going to discuss business.” Lucanis is on the couch beside his cousin before Viago’s even finished speaking. Teia lounges on the couch across from them, an easy smile lacing her features. He’s never understood how she could be so close to his grandmother while remaining so… Her.
“What’s this about, Viago? I have somewhere to be in an hour.”
Viago sighs, getting a sharp look to his gaze. “Caterina is dead. We need to decide who’s taking charge. Teia is both willing and a strong choice, but the two of you need to think this over. I’m not going to give away your birthright without consulting you.”
Throat closing in. Panic trying to seal his lips. “I’m not going back.” Lucanis whispers. He can’t, not after everything Caterina did. Not after how he was treated. “Kal… Kal asked if I wanted to help him with his cafe. That… sounds nice.” Viago’s smiling at him.
Viago’s smiling. At him.
“And you?” Just like that, the moment’s gone.
His cousin smirks. “Do I look like I have the time for that? Do you think this face remains so pretty because I stress myself out all the time? No. It takes work and beauty sleep.”
“Fine. Teia?”
Teia smile. “You got it, Vi. It’ll be handled by morning.”
Lucanis has the distinct feeling Viago isn’t done with him.
Kal smiles, waiting as patiently as possible while the casts on his legs are removed. “Remember, idiot. You’re legs still need a little bit to get back up to speed. Light exercise only. Lucanis, I expect you to keep this dumbass from straining himself.” More time with Luca? How could he ever say no to this? “I’ll be back to finish healing your arm and remove that cast in a week or two.” Lonely finishes her work and sways away the first moment she can.
“So, what are you going to do with your newfound freedom?”
Kal smiles softly. “If your up for it, I was thinking we could go check out a place for the cafe. There’s this great place I have in mind. It’s got a flat above it?”
Luca blinks at him a few times. “You… Wanna move in together?”
“Yeah? Did you not want to?”
“What about that place you have out near your college?”
Cocking his head, he heads for his shoes. “That was just so I could attend classes. If you hadn’t notice, we’re a little far from campus.”
“Mi amor, I’d love to move in with you. Let’s go see this place.” Luca places a soft kiss to the top of his head. “Unless you don’t want to open a cafe with me anymore?”
Returning a much hungrier kiss, he smirks. “You’re not getting away from me that easily. Come on, we’re leaving.”
Luca grabs his hand, “So, where’re we going?”
“Not far. You’ll see.” It’s a warm day with a nice breeze. Almost perfect for a nice short walk with his boyfriend.
Three blocks away, Larry meets them outside an empty building. “About time. I was starting to think you two were having some fun.”
“Cousin?”
“You wanna look at the place or?”
“Yeah.” Kal decides.
Larry leads them inside. “It needs a bit of work, but I doubt that’ll be an issue. The good news, is that you’ll be able to turn it into the cafe of your dreams with less effort.”
“Its… Definitely bare.” Luca mutters. Sure, he’s got a point since there’s barely anything beyond the guts, but it’s workable. “There something more upstairs?”
“Of course! Who do you take me for?” Larry leads them upstairs to a very much completed apartment. “Two floors. Six bedrooms. Four baths. Clearly more than the two of you need, but plenty of room to grow.” It’s nice. Some paint and new floors and it’ll be perfect. “So! What do you think?”
“I like it. Luca?”
His boyfriend takes a moment to consider everything. “It’s got potential. Where’s the kitchen?”
Larry smirks, pushing open a door to reveal a kitchen even nicer than the one back home. “I know how much you two like to cook.” Kal shares a look with Luca as Luca’s magic buzzes softly around them.
Lucanis sets the last of their boxes down just as Kal comes up behind him. He’s pulled into a kiss that lasts much longer than Kal had probably hoped. “So, which room do we want?”
Lucanis smiles, turning to flirt that much more with his boyfriend. “I’m thinking the one down the hall to the right.”
“With the view of the park.” Kal finishes. “Good choice. What color—“
“Purple.” Lucanis smiles with a surprise in mind. Kal smiles back, rewarding him with a kiss before pushing him to the couch they still need to place properly. “Oh?”
“Luca… Can I ask you a question you’re not going to want to answer?”
He hesitates, knowing what Kal wants. “My magic…” Kal deserves to know.
Kal hits him with that look that makes Lucanis want to tell him everything and anything. “Why do you hide it?”
He bite his lip for just a moment before that loving, curious gaze breaks his resolve. “I was six when it manifested. Caterina, well, she didn’t want to chance losing me so…”
“She made you suppress it so the circles couldn’t take you.”
“Yeah…” Lucanis agreed. “Clearly Viago took a different route with you and Allona.”
Kal smile turns to something a bit less bright. “He got us the best tutors and killed anyone who tried to take us. And since no one could ever even prove he was involved, they couldn’t do shit about it. Eventually, they stopped trying.”
“Yeah… I was simply verbally lashed whenever I let myself slip, so eventually I learned not to.”
Why is Kal smilling at him like that? “You must be starting to feel safe, then.” A kiss brushes his lips. “With how much your controls been slipping around me.”
His face heats. “How long have you known?”
“That first day we met. I’m particularly sensitive to it. Can usually tell the strength and preference of the magic in a person.”
“Magic has preferences?”
That’s probably his favorite smile yet. “Yeah! Mine likes to form electrical currents. Aloe’s is softer, choosing to heal instead of harm. Emmrich’s makes it easier to commune with spirits than people sometimes.”
He swallows. “And mine?”
“If you’re really that curious I can take a look? All it would take is your hand in mine—“ Why is his face so warm? “— and for you to bring your magic up for a few seconds.” Anxiousness swells up. Will he be able to control it? Will he hurt Kal? “It’ll be alright, Luca. You won’t hurt me. Everything will be fine.”
Anxiety still buzzes in his chest, but Lucanis still lets himself nod and take Kal’s hand. Taking several deep breaths, he makes himself as uncomfortable as he dares for a solid five seconds. The unfettered access to his magic is a sensation that sends far too much fear into him to ever consider actually harnessing this power.
“Mi amor?” Why does his love look so confused?
“You’ve got quiet the stockpile, it’s just…” His Kal takes a few moments to find his words. “Most of it is all tied up in a way I’ve never seen before. There’s… Something in there that’s not from you and it’s not from someone else.” Wh-what? “I wouldn’t worry to much. Whatever it is doesn’t seem to be hurting you.” That smiles has his full attention. “You don’t have to, but if you ever want to learn?”
“We’ll see. Come on, we have to get at least one room unpacked tonight.” Lucanis steals a kiss of his own.
Kal looks over the cafe he and Luca’s worked to bring into existence with a distinct excitement. All he has to do is change the sign, and they’re open for business.
“Proud of you.” Luca whispers, stealing a kiss before returning to braiding Kal’s hair from his face. “Not just anyone could have accomplished all of this on their own.”
“I haven’t been alone for a while.”
“Still impressive.” Luca finishes what he’s doing, getting up to change the sign. “Ready?”
Kal takes one look through the tinted windows at the line that started forming the previous night. “Yeah. If anyone breaks the rules lemme know? Gotta deal with them quickly if we want to make our dream come true.”
“I know, love.” Kal’s already stocked the front shelves. He doubts it’ll last, given the line, but it’s enough to start. He’s got more in the oven, anyway.
“Well then, mi amor. I believe it’s time for Cafe Amore to have it’s grand opening.” Just like that, they’re open and the growing line starts spilling inside. Luca makes his way behind the counter as Kal keeps an eye on their patrons. There’s a reporter swinging his camera around like he owns the place.
“You can’t do that here, sir.” Kal states, strolling up to the man. “We don’t allow pictures, video, audio, or any other type of of recording or journalism in order to keep our patrons comfortable.” He knows Dad’s behind him, watching and waiting to see what Kal needs. “You’ll have to leave.”
The reporter raises a brow. “You just opened.” He smirks. “You don’t know what your client base is going to be.”
“I do.” Kal counters. “And you, your camera, and any of your reporter friends aren’t welcome here anymore. Get out.”
Kal’s glare doesn’t do much, but Dad’s sends a shiver visibly down the man’s spine. “You heard the man.” Dad threatens.
“I’m not feeling very safe here.” This idiot decides. “What are you going to do about it.”
His magic buzzes below his skin. Anymore and things are going to go very badly for them. “Oi! Luca! We’ve got a pest!”
“What are you—“ The idiot’s eyes widen.
“Already? It’s barely been five minutes?” Kal turns to see his boyfriend climbing up on their counter. “You. Reporter. Do you intend to make an enemy of the Dellamortes? This cafe is a safe haven for anyone who wants it.” Seeing Luca like this gets Kal just on the edge of hot and bothered, but that’s not something he can entertain right now, so he has to ignore it. Or he could kiss his boyfriend… Soon.
“So. What’s going to happen now, is that anyone coming in here with the intention of harassing our patrons will be asked to leave. You, my dimwitted friend, have crossed that line and gone so much further that I’m debating what next steps would be appropr-” That reporter, along with a dozen others, file out before Luca can finish. Luca smirks. “Alright everyone. You all saw the rules posted outside before you entered. Follow them, and we’ll all have a great time.”
Luca hops off the counter and comes over to him, pecking a kiss on his cheek. “Now, I believe we have a dream to continue?” Luca moves to whisper in his air. “Proud of you for holding back. Now come on. I’ll treat you later once we finish for the day.”
Kal steals a kiss of his own before slipping behind the counter and heading back to his kitchen.
Lucanis finishes counting down his draw, totaling out their sales for the day even as the last few customers murmur softly.
“How’d we do?” Kal whispers, coming up to his side and rewarding him with a kiss.
“Great.” Lucanis returns the gesture. “Better than we’d hoped.”
Kal’s smile in that moment is quite possibly the most precious thing in his heart. “So, think you can handle doing this most days? For the rest of our lives?”
Lucanis smiles, filing away the days bounty in their safe. “For you, mi amor? Always.” Kal’s gaze is locked on one of their remaining customers. It’s a younger elven boy. White hair. Heterochromia. Strange. Lucanis thought he knew all of Kal’s relatives. “Who’s he?”
“Dunno.” Hm? Lucanis watches as Kal whips up a fresh cup of hot chocolate and grabs a couple of the remaining chocolate chip cookies. He’ll finish up behind the counter before he goes to see what Kal’s planning with the younger elf. It won’t take much.
Still, Lucanis is curious so he keeps his ear on the pair. “You look concerned.” His wonderful, beautiful, caring Kal starts.
“I guess?” There’s a short pause, “I didn’t order that?”
“It’s free. So. What’s up?”
“… I’m trying to figure out which college to apply to, it’s just…” Lucanis looks back to the table. The boy’s wearing nice, but not expensive, clothes. Lucanis distinctly remembers that boy being surprised things here were so cheap, and that his wallet only had a few things in it.
Kal smiles softly. “It’s nothing to be ashamed about. Lots of people struggle. What are you going for?”
Finally, the boy takes a sip from the hot chocolate before finding his way to the cookies. “… Physical therapy?”
“You know, if its the price tag you’re worried about, I could recommend something that could help?” The teens eyes light up even as he shoves another cookie in his mouth. “Apply for a sponsorship from the de Riva foundation. They take a few applicants each year and will sponsor you for as long as your in school.”
“Something like that must be impossible to get in to.”
“Nah. It’s easier than you think. Trust me.” Lucanis finishes wiping down his counters, restocking the few things Kal missed just as the boy gets up to leave. Lucanis can only smile. Seems Viago’ll have one more kid to look out for this year.
Kal stirs from his half asleep state. At his side, Luca’s magic buzzes wildly. Magic flicks and flickers, crackles and pops, flares and soothes, ebbs and flows, all in unpredictable ways. He’s never seen anything like this before.
Luca’s eyes crack open before shutting tightly with a groan. “Luca? I need you to stay calm.” Luca’s grip on Kal’s thigh tightens, most likely leaving marks. “I know you—“
All that wild magic flows away from Luca, remaining tethered but with a will of it’s own. There’ on the other side of their coffee table, it coalesces into a densely packed ball of magic.
“Luca? Open your eyes. Now.” He knows it has to be hard for his boyfriend, but Kal truly has no idea what’s happening right now.
The magic changes shape, forming into something, no, someone much more familiar. A minute later, they’re staring at a naked, purple copy of Lucanis sitting on their living room floor. “Where?” It… It can talk?
“Mierda! Where’d you come from?!”
The copy blinks slowly, pulling its glowing purple gaze from its hand to stare at them. “You.”