WIP Whenever
Thanks for the tag @serrantalot :> Tagging @dude-wheres-my-ankheg @hydropyro @redroomroaving
I may or may not be writing on a fun little AU with Rook!Val'dran and Lucanis... 👀
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“What’s on your mind?” Lucanis asks. He sounds like Rook remembers him, except… there’s a hesitance now. A caution more reminiscent of their misunderstandings and disagreements at the start of their married life.
“Too many things,” he answers truthfully. “Can I—would you—an embrace? Please?”
Lucanis stares at him for a long moment, then gives a short nod. For another moment, neither of them moves, and then Rook steps forward and pulls Lucanis close. He’s warm. Alive. And somehow that—
“Are you crying?” Lucanis asks softly, stroking a hand along his back.
“Yeah. Sorry,” Rook manages, trying not to sniffle as tears simply cascade over his cheek. The fabric of Lucanis’ vest crumples in his grip, and his fight with emotions really isn’t going his way, because it’s all just a lot.
“The first thing Viago said to me was ‘Lucanis was killed a year ago’,” he explains, voice shaking. “And I was so very angry that he hadn’t even informed me. But then—Caterina explained that it was a ruse. And maybe it’s good I didn’t grieve you a year ago. But if I had known sooner—”
Lucanis sighs. “What could you have done? You had your contract with Varric.”
“I could still have… there could’ve been something. Anything,” Rook says miserably.
“Ombra. You rescued me now,” Lucanis points out. “If you hadn’t, I would still be at the Ossuary.”
“It doesn’t feel like enough,” Rook admits. “I essentially abandoned you. If I were there…”
“Then you would have been killed,” Lucanis replies. “Zara wanted only me. Cease thinking such things, Ombra. They will only make you miserable. I am here now, and I will recover. I merely need time. Your presence… helps.”
Rook sniffles pitifully, and Lucanis cups his cheek with a hand, his expression soft. “I have missed you,” he admits.
“I have missed you as well,” Rook mumbles. “I’m—so glad you’re alive. If too thin. Would you… like to make dinner with me?”
Lucanis smiles. “Of course,” he agrees. “Though we shall need to make a list of groceries going forward, or I suspect none of you will eat anything sensible at all. It is a good thing you recruited me for this group of yours.”
Rook laughs wetly, ducking his head into Lucanis’ neck. Warm. Alive.
