22
Gilgamesh awoke, reaching out into the sheets immediately to feel for Luca, and when his fingertips gracefully and softly swiped across warm, satin skin, he sighed and opened his hazel eyes.
His muse had stayed in bed with him all night, and all morning.
What an absolute luxury it was to wake up aside his chosen one; beauty being the first thing he sets his eyes upon after rising.
The Sumerian king smirked viewing Luca Conti's tossled, curly hair, now dry again, it shimmering a deep brown in the morning light, almost black it was, but with red undertones.
His tanned face was peaceful.
Gilgamesh then reached out and put a palm softly on the Italian's cheek, and whispered. "My muse."
"Hn?" Luca started to rouse. A small yawn.
The ancient king yawned back in response, then rubbed Luca's cheekbone with a thumb then.
"Mm... it's... sore."
Gilgamesh raised his eyebrows then and removed his hand. "I'll treat it." He had indeed slapped him twice the night before, but ever since Luca had agreed to be his muse, even though he'd forcibly made him, he felt it was his duty to fix him.
"Mm." Luca mumbled again, opening his lids slowly, wincing a few times before he adjusted to the bright morning light.
The king took in a breath.
His new muse's eyes.
They were so much more light green than he'd originally thought.
In the daylight, they were simply stunning.
Instead of a foggy green, they were a frosty green; a like fresh snow had fallen upon a summer hill, little yellow dots inside of them like the petals of wildflowers blowing tenderly in a meadow.
He leaned down to softly kiss his cheek then where he'd slapped it.
A groan from Mage Luca.
"If you are ready to rise, I will bandage you." A whisper.
A nod. "Okay." Luca felt hungover, but remembered clearly what had transpired last night.
He felt his heart beat as he softly bat his dark lashes eyeing the pale skinned king laying aside him naked still, even though he couldn't see anything from chest down, nor he did necessarily want to.
However, the whole bed did feel warm, not something the mage was used to living alone.
Gilgamesh's gaze also appeared thoughtful and still very passionate; albeit sleepy.
With a white, plush morning robe on, Luca was watching the king carefully wrapping his forearm's deep bruise, putting a bandaid over his neck knick, dabbing and rubbing ointment on his face and lip as well.
Luca was confused as the king now looked quite upset that he had some mild injuries; maybe Gilgamesh had been telling the truth about how after he'd agreed to be his muse, that his care of him was instant.
But, to see a man, being this 'way' towards him; treating him with what seemed genuine 'care', asking him questions as if 'intrigued', paying attention to him as if actually 'listening'?
No woman had ever done that to Luca, so it was a bit bizarre coming from a guy.
It was leagues different from his previous girlfriend, who was cold and distant towards him, and also unlike his forced 'pairing' he had now with the Caskin Group's daughter.
It was strange being doted upon by a male, having those blonde eyelashes batting softly at him, those high cheek bones shifting upwards to catch glimpses of his face, the texture in hazel eyes expressing 'wonder' and 'awe' at his form, words, and emotions in all Gilgamesh's glances.
But Luca knew underneath it all, just from the wounds he'd gave him the night before, even though not too terrible, lurked a murderer.
He knew Gilgamesh without a doubt was his heroic spirit and would soon begin a war where he would be fighting to the death.
The king also had said because he was now his 'muse' that he would protect him.
Luca wasn't sure how far he meant that, but he did say he would 'destroy' all things awful that befell him the night before in the jetting tub.
Would that mean killing for him?
Just to keep him safe, to keep him out of danger, to help him?
A chill ran up his spine.
This Grail War was 'killing', but Luca was thinking more about in everyday life.
Luca Conti didn't doubt it; how alike Gilgamesh seemed to the 'ex-mafia' members his dad had kept around, or rather 'present' mafia members.
The young man suspicioned that his dad, the CEO, never quite entirely 'exited' the mafia, but still had ties.
One of those hunches came from the type of men that he kept around as guards and on his general, personal staff.
Luca got distracted then, unable to keep his eyes away from the extra robe he'd let Gilgamesh borrow, as it was so loosely tied upon his pale body.
It was odd to see someone else, another man actually, wearing his attire, even if it was just an extra bathrobe.
"How does that feel?" Gilgamesh was done, throwing a few used alcohol wipes into the trash can after finishing.
"Better." Luca cleared his throat. "Will... you... ever do that again?" It was extremely broken and a bit scared in quality.
"What?"
"H... hurt me?"
Gilgamesh smirked. "No."
"Because I agreed... to be your... your muse?"
The king nodded. "As I said, until I leave this place of existence."
Luca wondered how long that would be.
Surely awhile.
He wasn't sure how long this war would go on for, but he dared not to 'unmake' himself a muse, even though he didn't know how, because who knows?
Gilgamesh might return to hassling him, smacking him, treating him like a servant, squeezing his arms, threatening to kill him.
By all means, he did not want to usher out that 'menace' that lurked just below the surface again inside of this man; that 'wrath'.
Underneath the Sumerian's suave and sophisticated shell laid a vicious beast; like a beautiful savannah during rainy season, but hidden within is vast terrain a pit of vipers always ready to strike.
A tremble went through him in possibly asking this. "What... about after?"
"You are freed of me."
Luca opened his bright irises wide.
That was it?
Gilgamesh noticed his muse's surprised gesture. "You aren't tied for life, only for now, until I die." He simply took Luca's hand and placed warm, kiss. "I'm hoping you mourn me when I return to the underworld."
Luca shot some air out of his nose.
This man was so forward with everything he said to him!
He was happy to hear he'd be relieved of this eventually, but crying for his death?
Gilgamesh was making it sound as if he'd develop real, tried and true feelings for him or something!
"Let's have a late breakfast." Gilgamesh suggested. What was that called? Ah, he remembered. "Brunch." He cleared his throat. "But first, I need clothing, and so do you."
He then pulled the white robe aside that had been covering Luca's thighs and nipped his kneecap playfully; a smooth kiss and a smile up to his face after.
Luca's breath caught in his throat at that downright unashamed and bold move.
Is this what it was really like to have someone who truly cares about you, treat you?
Was Gilgamesh's care real?
The CFO wasn't dead set on that.
He could be playing him with words and gestures.
Luca Conti couldn't quite help but not trust him, as he'd grown up in a situation where he could not entirely trust anyone.
His father did with him what he wanted, and had never taken his feelings into account.
Every time when he was much younger that he'd voiced his opinions they had been shut down or ignored.
When he'd been told by his dad that his feelings would be honored, it had always been switched.
After growing up like that, how could Luca truly trust anyone?
"A table is ready downstairs." Conti stepped into his walk-in closet where he saw Gilgamesh sorting through his clothing, carefully scanning each piece.
"How?"
"These are luxury penthouses, the bottom has a restaurant."
"Ah." Gilgamesh acknowledged pulling out a deep navy blue turtle neck, putting it on himself. He already had slid on some borrowed boxer briefs.
Luca felt shy and pink-cheeked.
As if him wearing the extra robe wasn't awkward enough earlier, now here this king was wearing his undergarments too.
It wasn't like he had anything else to wear, but still!
As Gilgamesh picked out a comfortable pair of dress slacks, swiveling the gold and ruby ring on his finger, Luca spoke. "We can go clothes shopping for you this afternoon."
"Can we?" The king asked, smiling, thrilled.
"Yes." Luca simply affirmed. "I'm sure you... are uncomfortable wearing someone else's."
"Not if it's yours." Gilgamesh smirked, clicking his tongue to get Luca's eyes to fall back upon his body; vain and wanting. When they did, he continued. "You have fine taste; another aspect I like of you."
The CFO felt a little warm from that compliment, unlike the 'beautiful' compliment from the night before which had made him feel squirmy and weird.
"Still..." Conti said.
After the king was done zipping himself into pants and putting on a pair of socks and dress shoes that surprisingly fit him, he stood, pulling some more hangers aside in Luca's closet, eyeballing.
"What are you doing?"
"Finding you an outfit."
"I can find one myself." Luca tugged a bit at his robe, mild irritation. He was not some dolly to dress up!
"As a king, I make you how I want. Remember?" He slyly looked at Luca lowering his gaze.
That low-lidded panther eyed look shot a tidbit of fear up the mage's spine.
He sighed simply grabbing a pair of underwear to put himself into beforehand, turning his back, still not dead set on Gilgamesh seeing his 'parts'; he would rather choose for him to see his 'backside' than his 'frontside'.
Last night he'd felt the king's parts up against his in the bed, and in the bath, but he knew for a fact that Gilgamesh hadn't seen his straight on yet either.
He'd evade it as long as possible.
Also, the mage knew it wasn't like he could escape the king; there was no way Gilgamesh would allow him to change in another room.
It was like without asking, Luca just knew, already understanding this ancient Sumerian ruler's deep 'want of control'.
Also, this blonde was so used to nudity, if all of him was exposed it didn't bother him, unlike Luca Conti, who'd grown up in the modern world.
Gilgamesh wouldn't openly or willingly expose his body to others, other than him, would he?
Luca shook his head at that thought.
What in the world was he thinking by pondering that?
If he wanted to show his body to others, so be it, Luca guessed.
But something inside him, for some reason, hitched at that, and that 'hitch' made him feel coy.
"This." The king instructed. "And this."
It was a tailored, collared shirt with a muted floral print that Luca hadn't worn in a few years, with a pair of light colored, tweed slacks.
He slowly put it on.
Gilgamesh sat on a neighboring ottoman just watching with a glazed look, eyeing him up and down; completely enjoying himself.
Luca felt his cheeks flush.
Here he was again seemingly ogling him just like he had last night in the bath, while watching him dress.
It felt so damn strange.
After he was done, Luca just stood there hands to his sides trying to relieve himself of the small discomfort this event was causing him.
"Something is missing." Gilgamesh motioned a chin and a glittery portal suddenly lit, and out from a golden light ten or so rings started coming out.
Mid-air they just floated near his left and he started picking through them as a woman would in an expensive jewelry store; catching one, looking at it, letting it go, then grabbing another, turning it over and few times, then allowing it to float away.
"This." He finally said, making a decision, standing. "Give me your hand."
Luca held out his left.
Gilgamesh smiled. So, he'd chosen to give him his left hand was it? He wanted to play a little with him then.
He slid the thick banded golden ring onto his digit in one long, smooth motion, instantly making the ring fit Luca's 'wedding finger' with a tidbit of magic.
The mage instantly realized his mistake, and bit his lip.
Damn it.
"Wear this for me today." Gilgamesh looked to his muse's face. "It's priceless and from my city state."
Luca dropped his jaw a bit then, getting a closer look.
How much was this thing worth?!
His face suddenly a bit stricken, was awed at the same time.
Luca liked art, that was why he'd been a bit upset that the column had busted to bits after the summoning.
This ring was amazing, shiny, heavy, and cast onto the top, a beautiful winged lion imprint.
Gilgamesh was pleased with the emotions running across on his muse's face. "Don't loose it." He ran a thumb over his knuckles; over the ring. "You're wearing the symbol for my land; it was designed in Itud's image."
"I... I won't." That was partially in fear of what he'd do if he did lose it, but also because he certainly didn't want to! This ring was simply marvelous!
But also, the iconography for Uruk was after his lioness pet?
How much did he care for her?
It must of been a lot.
Gilgamesh let go then, smiling shallowly, walking to the doorway. "Wear those shoes there." He pointed before exiting.
Luca nodded.
As the ancient king walked down the hall, to grab his earrings out of the bathroom where he'd left them, he knew he'd done something out of the ordinary.
Normally, he hoarded all of his treasure to himself, as he was incredibly selfish and not willing to share.
But that dream last night had stirred him a bit; seeing Luca wearing a huge winged lion bracelet, head resting on his shoulder.
For some reason, he wanted to see that emblem on him, and the simplest thing he possessed was that ring.
However, he'd never seen a bracelet Iike the one Luca was wearing in the dreamworld before.
He had nothing like it in his treasure storage; and he couldn't say that he didn't want it.
Of course he wanted it!
The more treasure the better!
If it only existed.
And if it existed... and he could make it his...
Gilgamesh swallowed feeling something coming over him.
He would allow Luca Conti, his muse, to wear it if he desired.
"Here's your bill." The waitress laid it in front of Gilgamesh with a sickly sweet tone, giving him a thirsty wink.
She spoke English but with a heavy Italian accent.
Luca noticed but said nothing, simply grabbing the small paper and pulling out his wallet for a credit card.
Here this blonde was, already attracting attention.
As the waitress attempted mild conversation, the king not replying much, Luca inspected.
He really was striking.
No wonder in their first outing since he'd been summoned, a young lady was instantly trying to butter him up and flirt with him.
Gilgamesh was not ugly.
Luca hadn't given him a true, honest look just yet, aside the quick one in the bathroom the night before where he shivered at himself for running his eyes quickly up and down at a naked man's form.
But now he was taking advantage of the situation at hand to do so again, but a little more throughly, albeit his insides quivered again knowing where his eyes were going; all over his head.
The king's hair was the color of a bright sun, a little darker at the roots, but not by much. It was styled now with a part and some gel that easily would scream to anyone that he was upper class.
Those earrings he had were a little gaudy, but the mage knew they were probably pure gold.
However the pair gave him a distinctly foreign look, as well as his accent when speaking English; a rich, heavier-toned one as the king was undoubtably fluent in Sumerian, the ancient Akkadian language he'd heard a little of last night.
An outsider could potentially peg him as possibly Latvian, Estonian, or maybe even Swedish, but they'd be so terribly wrong.
Also, everything about the king's features made him look as if sculpted from a priceless, alabaster marble.
His complexion a sweet cream, lips a gentle tulip pink, irises of varying colors; a green that cascaded into a rich brown, almost the color of an expensive clay used for artworks.
Without knowing him also, a stranger could easily think he was a high fashion model by the clothes he'd chosen for himself.
Luca had realized they were about the same size body-wise; so it made since that his attire fit him to-a-T.
He watched the King's interactions then.
To her simple banter he simply nodded, a few words, revealing absolutely nothing about himself, but that was all.
A look of complete disinterest written all over his facial features.
"Shall we go?" The king interrupted the woman as soon as he saw Luca giving him a deep stare; obviously scanning him.
"Oh, the bill... right." The waitress looked a little dejected taking it and the credit card, walking away.
When the mage saw Gilgamesh's ears tint a little pink at his stare upon him, he looked away.
For some reason he'd been a little happy that the man had cut off the meaningless conversation with the waitress.
He swallowed, barely noticeable, and looked to his right; as Gilgamesh smirked then raising his glass for a few more simple sips of a brunch cocktail.
After the girl returned the receipt to Luca and he signed, soon they were walking to the luxury penthouse's parking garage, set on taking one of Luca's cars to a boutique.
Luca stopped, fumbling keys in his pocket. "Which one?" For some reason he felt he should ask the king.
Gilgamesh stopped, pondering.
So, this new muse was catching on; he liked making the decisions, although he'd let him decide where to dine this late morning as he had no real knowledge yet of the area.
It had been a decent meal.
The king had opted for a salad with small, round tomatoes, crumbly cheese, crunchy dark lettuce and a vinaigrette.
And for his main dish, a cut of rare steak topped with eggs benedict and a dash of some green sauce, possibly pesto.
He liked that bloody taste in the meat, just the same as he did when he'd licked Luca's neck last night.
He smirked remembering.
He could seriously just 'eat' his new muse right up. Especially, because of the choice he was offering him right now.
A choice of chariot was always a well thought out process in his time, as it's choosing indicated what type of business you were attending to.
He figured the shopping today would be considered leisure, so he simply pointed and chose easily. "This one shall be ours."
Luca turned his head.
That one?
He hadn't driven it in a long time.
Almost four years?
It also had a car cover over the top of it, only a small tip of the front bumper peaking out to reveal it's body color, how was it that the king decided on this one?
It had been a gift from his father, unlike being bought with his own money; a gift that of course had strings attached.
His father never gave him a 'gift' without it being something of that nature.
Luca sighed and walked over to start pulling off the car cover. "Why this one?" He asked while working.
"I was curious." Gilgamesh stated, but then walked over to start helping his muse pull the cover off.
Luca was surprised he'd lended a hand at all actually.
Underneath what was revealed was a cherry red Lamborghini.
If the king wanted something that screamed 'rich' all of Luca's vehicles would do it, so he could of at least chosen one of the others that aren't as eye-catching.
There was also a smoke grey Aston Martin and a black Audi R8.
They slowly got in, cars doors going upwards to open for them, buckling latches, Luca in the driver's seat.
He put the keys in his lap, breathing, but didn't push the auto-start button to fire the car up; his hand a little shaky atop the stick shift.
"Hm?" Gilgamesh turned to him, putting down the warm-tinted sunglasses over his eyes that he'd swiped from Luca's closet.
"It's just... I don't like driving this."
The king slid a hand onto his right thigh, which made the hairs raise on the back of the mage's neck.
However, the alarm inside of Luca was only there for a second, and somehow fizzled out pretty quick as when he looked too his right, the Sumerian's eyebrows were furrowed, his chin tilted, patiently waiting for him to speak.
Luca let out a breath.
Nobody had ever looked at him that way.
Expectant, but wanting.
A wanting of wanting to hear what he'd have to say.
It slowly came out. "My dad gifted me this... but it came at a cost."
"How, so?" Gilgamesh's rich-toned, accented voice was calm in asking, rubbing a thumb across his mage's knee.
What injury, even if emotional, did someone do to his muse outside of him?
He was all ears, ready to listen.
"My father doesn't exactly do business legally... all the time." Luca cleared his throat. "He's ex-mafia, but I honestly think he's still active in it." He mulled his lips. "I wanted this car so badly then, that I'd do anything for it. It was before I was a Chief Financial Officer and too naive. I worked for a few months for my dad shredding a paper trail for something he'd done, although I didn't know what it was."
Luca was a bit surprised. This was the most amount of words in a single paragraph that he'd spoken to the hero since his arrival.
The half-god gave a light chuckle.
"What?" Luca looked at him again.
"The mafia? Trivial."
"Maybe to you... since you're a demigod."
A nod.
"But for people like me, it's terrible."
Gilgamesh grew quiet wanting what he was about to say.
"I'm a decent person, and my father uses me when he can by any method he can, and that inadvertently involves me in his underhanded schemes, while also keeping me in the dark at the same time. I never know what's truly going on."
"I see." The king rubbed his thumb more on his knee trying to comfort his mage.
"I just... I can't drive this car." Luca put his hands into his lap. But for some reason something else popped out of his mouth. "I'm... I'm sorry."
Gilgamesh tilted his head to the side then.
Luca felt him grab his chin and turn it to face him; a strike of fear running through his veins for a second that he might be slapped again.
But instead, the king's two fingers perched on his chin simply stayed where they were, warm.
Luca closed his eyes, a single tear falling down.
Gilgamesh scanned the private parking garage for a second, then moved forward to place a delicate kiss upon his lips.
Conti's eyes flashed open and he felt his fingers twitch at it.
"Then let's take another." The king brushed out on on hot breath between them.
"Does my... dis... discomfort... bother you that much?" Luca felt shocked at himself for asking that, but for some reason or another, he really wanted to know, because it hadn't bothered the demigod before at all, not even this morning as they were getting dressed.
But this was a different discomfort.
A familial discomfort, one not in reference to Gilgamesh himself or the things he made him do.
Gilgamesh nodded with little lopsided smile, one of his own distress that his muse was battling such issues, and not free entirely to simply just be 'his'.
Luca could easily feel his emotion through his wordless expression.
And it made him smile shallowly.
It did look genuine, that was the thing.
Luca wasn't sure if Gilgamesh was trustworthy, but somehow he was starting to feel a bit of hope inside that perhaps he was, at least with him.
He was starting to see outside of all the discomforts the king himself put him through, the Sumerian was not keen on the discomfort and issues his father had made for him.
And... that made Luca a little happy.
The Italian then slowly did one bold thing, he moved his head to the side of Gilgamesh's face, and placed a warm, gentle kiss on his cheek.
It was the first time sober that he'd did that.
And he had honestly felt like he'd actually wanted to!
It was so wild and abnormal to be doing this to a man, but somehow Luca was willing.
He could hear Gilgamesh smirk into his ear. A whisper. "Come. A full day is ahead. Let's make it for us only." With that he opened the door to the Lamborghini, popped off his seat belt, the door going upwards.
Luca quickly wiped his face free of the tear that had fallen and nodded.
Yes, he'd try.
Try to have a good day... with him.
With the king.
They opted to take the Aston Martin instead, a definite more incognito vehicle than the cherry red one from before.
Their first boutique was a luxury one, full of designer suits; business clothing.
Luca was waiting patiently as the Sumerian was once again filing through some hangers, picking at the fabrics, swirling them between his fingers testing textures.
His gestures indicated that of class.
An individual very concerned about the feel of the fabric on the skin was a common worry among rich socialites, and Gilgamesh was no different.
But yet, he was somehow different.
As if there were more things he was contemplating rather than just choosing everything with the right 'feel' as many modern, new age wealthy people with too much excess money, to try it all on.
Luca was a little lost in silence, simply watching him.
The demigod was carefully considering the colors as well, laying jacket sleeves up against his skin.
He was checking the tailoring, running his fingers down the seams.
Looking at the emblems and sheens of the buttons and zippers, checking their hardness and durability.
But then a woman came over; obviously a store employee. "This one would look fine on you." She said to the blonde pulling out a tan suit.
Luca again, watched his interactions.
He didn't speak much to her, only a few simple words, certainly no thank yous.
This woman was also all about chatting him up; another quick 'fan' Gilgamesh had made for himself.
But the King after pulling out some jackets and tailored shirts he liked, taking the tan two-piece suit as well from her, he waited until the woman left him be, and simply hung it back onto the rack right where the lady had pulled it from.
For some reason or another Luca smirked at this, and shot some air out of his nose at it, turning so the demigod wouldn't see him holding back a chuckle.
It was obvious as hell to the mage that Gilgamesh hated her 'suit choice' for him.
Luca thought that simple gesture was a little funny.
The ancient man soon came over to him. "I want your opinion."
"Mine?" Conti said upwards to him from a cross-legged position, lounging on a tuffeted bench.
Whatever would he need his insight for?
He could just get what he liked and he'd pay for it.
The answer came quietly and hushed. "I want to appeal to your tastes."
Luca raised his eyebrow.
What?
Was the king concerned about that?
"I'm sure you'll look good... in anything." The mage looked away then, feeling his toes moving inside his dress shoes at that statement coming out of his mouth.
The demigod smirked. "I know." He ran some fingers through his hair, liking those words from his muse; it embraced his vain side. "But I want to please your eyes."
Luca blushed at that.
That would be something that a girl should say, right?
Carefully choosing an outfit to look good for a outing or something?
To catch the eye of their date?
That might be just an assumption though, some men probably did the same.
Gilgamesh coolly smirked, content again at Luca's response.
This muse was slowly making him feel quite young again steadily with all his little wordless, bashful expressions, appealing to his inner being.
He quite liked feeling the warmth from another's slowly growing smitten behavior and emotions towards him.
He liked that his muse was beginning to feel cozy, even if just a little, in accordance to him.
Gilgamesh wanted all of it, and he swore eventually he would have it.
He had to admit, he was somewhat aroused and charmed.
"I will be back." The king said then.
After giving his muse a little show, trying on some different outfits, choosing quite a few jackets, pairs of slacks, collared shirts and sweaters, they went to another shop where Luca bought some casuals for him; loungewear, athletics, undergarments, as well as multiple shoes for different occasions, even a brand new Cartier watch.
Then they went to a tech store where he bought Rider a brand new smartphone, so he could keep contact with him in the modern world.
Surprisingly, when asked by the store employee setting up the device what language he wanted the phone to be in, Gilgamesh asked for Japanese.
Luca learned on their way out that the previous Grail Wars he was referring to had both taken place there.
After the first one, he was left alive on earth for about twelve years, where he decided to memorize hiragana, katakana and kanji, since he already spoke it due to his last mage being Japanese.
That was quite a surprise.
So, Gilgamesh spoke at least three languages that Luca knew of now: Sumerian his original, Japanese from his last mage, and English now because of his recent conjuring.
Unfortunately though, due to Gilgamesh only being able to read Japanese, that meant every text the hero would send him, if he'd even send texts, would have to be ran through a translator.
He'd downloaded an app that would do that exact function as a precaution.
Who knows?
The king might only give him calls, and he'd never have to use it.
Luca, driving his Aston Martin, was mulling a bit over the day's events so far, looking in the rear view mirror at the backseat stuffed full of luxury bags in multiple colors, mostly pondering about the ancient ruler still and his interactions.
Other than the lady handing him that beige suit, which he simply put back after she left, another store employee at a different location had tried to make comments on his outfit, but he'd ignored her.
He kept the curtain in his changing rooms closed completely tight as well, so as no other could see his body.
That kind of mildly answered something Luca had been thinking on earlier; about how open he was to revealing his form since he was so unphased with being nude in front of him.
Somehow, Luca Conti understood by just observation that the king was okay with exposing himself around him, but certainly not to anyone else.
Also, it seemed the king favored his opinions only, as Luca had told him his favorite suit out of his pickings in the first boutique was a slim-fit, burgundy one, and the Sumerian easily decided to get it.
Burgundy and maroon were his favorite colors, just like the collared shirt he'd been wearing under a cable knit sweater the night he'd summoned him.
But Luca felt the dark shade of red suited the ruler as well.
Everyone else's opinion outside of his about apparel was simply cannon fodder to Gilgamesh.
He got nothing that was suggested to him by the employees, and was ignorant of them for the most part.
It sort of seemed that the ancient man did not quite like to entertain the musings of other people outside of him as well.
He shut down conversations that outsiders tried to make with him with short, curt statements, wordless nods, or shakes of the head for 'no'.
It wasn't mean or cruel, it just simply came off as terribly disinterested.
Luca found this about him to be nice, never had he felt his words and opinions so valued and respected now that he'd agreed to be Gilgamesh's muse.
But also, this made him different as well from modern wealthy socialites who desired to entertain as many other rich people as possible all for the sake of networking.
Gilgamesh didn't seem to give a rat's ass about such things; and Luca could say he found that refreshing, as he was the same way.
Dinners with many guests that his father held always made him feel socially isolated, but of course he was expected to wear this 'mask' of extroversion that was completely false.
Gilgamesh came off as quite introverted, and was not afraid of expressing himself as such.
He simply was the way he was, and did not have to pretend, unlike Luca.
That was a trait the mage liked about him; Gilgamesh was truly himself, always.
Whether it was how he was being now, or whether it be his more aggressive and brutal side.
Both sides actually were 'him'.
And he fully represented both, allowing himself to show them, not held back.
The king would not be silenced, pressured, or consumed by the customs and expectations of any society, old or modern.
Luca smiled then, while driving, a little nervous in word, but it came out. "I want to take you somewhere."
"Mn?" Gilgamesh lazily sipped on a black tea with milk through a straw that they'd gotten at a cafe for a break in between shopping.
Inside it's clear container, it had whipped cream and caramel on top; quite a sugary drink.
Luca grabbed for his hot coffee then, in his car's cup holder, taking a sip too while driving.
His hangover hadn't been that bad this morning, luckily it wore off pretty fast, but the caffeine this late afternoon was definitely helping him keep up-to-speed.
The muse simply smiled hitting the gas a bit more, wanting to get to his favorite place.
Gilgamesh rolled down the automatic window with a smile to let the air breeze through his locks.
"It's called The Pinacoteca di Brera." Gilgamesh and him walked through it's front entrance. "It's an art gallery."
The king was quite settled again, some vibrancy in his steps aside his muse.
Luca had chosen something easily that he would enjoy.
"Thank you." The mage spoke to the attendant, paying the entrance fee for two tickets and handed one to Gilgamesh.
"What's this paper?"
"A ticket stub."
He had the notion to find a place to throw it away.
Gilgamesh was keen on using what is called 'trash cans' in this modern world as his city state Uruk had it's streets free of waste and grime.
Specific people were assigned by his monarchy and paid by him to do that labor, it was a highly esteemed job keeping the land clean.
He also had orders for his citizens to do the same, to pick up after themselves and be mindful that your litter becomes other's bane.
A mountain of trash is an eyesore for all in the kingdom.
If they did not follow his laws, harsh rulings were made, and he always followed through.
Since he led with such sternness, unbreaking of his own rules, people abided knowing he would easily punish them.
And in turn, Uruk was a lovely place, full of flourishing flora and fauna, lavish trees, gardens, water features, fruit bearing bushes, clean, finely cultured buildings and city centers; all for the people.
Also, since all housing was assigned or built by the king, him, not one person was homeless or sleeping on the streets.
Everyone had a place to lay their head, and if they didn't, they were to see Gilgamesh for an explanation as to why.
He always listened, and usually it resulted in him issuing the building of a new dwelling and finding a host 'home' for the person to stay in while their new house was being constructed.
It was also easy to file for a new dwelling during his rule.
One simply listed the requirements (within reason), the purpose for a new construction (such as a marriage), and potentially how many children would be living there.
There were no payments, no fees, and no tax on housing.
Plans were easily approved, and once the new family or couple moved in, it was theirs.
They could decorate it however the chose to, as long as they picked up their trash.
Gilgamesh was a huge about having a pristine environment for his community.
Although he hated being compared to them, he still did what he could to make life decent for them.
That was one thing he despised about modern society, there were so many things now that caused 'excess trash' to pile up that were unnecessary, and he felt the systems for dealing with that mess were extremely flawed.
But instead of throwing the stub away that he was holding in his hand, since he found no 'trash can', as it was called, he stuck the stub in his right jacket pocket and simply strode aside his muse.
They began to stop and look at the paintings on the walls, some obviously more old than others.
But soon after walking in silence some, Gilgamesh feeling comfortable in it, Luca stopped in front of a huge floor to ceiling painting.
It was as large as a mural one would paint on the side of a public building for decoration, but inside it had a landscape, men and women dancing in delight in thin clothing by a stream in a forest.
He watched his mage sit on a bench then, and he did the same, sitting aside him, the same as they were in the car, Luca on the left and Gilgamesh on the right.
The mage cleared his throat. "Consuming isn't it?" He began to speak, knowing Rider was listening. "It's so large, you can lose yourself inside it. As if it was a portal itself that would transport you into a different world..." He frowned a bit. "where everyone is happy and free to be themselves, gleeful and joyous."
"You can be free... with me." Gilgamesh turned to him.
"But you control me... don't you?"
"I told you, all a muse is... is sharing your life with me, your beauty, body... even your aspirations and your joys." He took a sip of the tea he'd brought in with him.
Luca crunched his lips in then. "It's like I'm free... but not free."
"Last night I said... 'is it less' or 'is it more'."
Luca remembered those words. At the time he thought he'd been toying with him.
"To be a muse is to open yourself up to me... to live your life as you desire it to be lived... alongside me." Gilgamesh smirked in a warm way. "I said you should never let another make you less than whom you are."
"You're referring to... my father." He could hear his voice echoing a bit off the high ceilings, and brought his voice down to a more silenced volume. "Right?"
"Indeed." Gilgamesh also lowered his voice, as this art gallery was a quiet place. "Am I wrong in saying you've not lived your life so far as you've desired because of him?"
"Hn." Luca nodded. Gilgamesh was quite astute, and was absolutely correct. He looked back to the grand painting. "I used to come here when my dad would ignore, belittle or undermine my opinions and feelings." He was beginning to find his voice again, as now he was becoming more paragraphical; it seemed the king didn't mind it, and also, always wanted his true words. "I would sit here and marvel at this painting, wishing it was somewhere I could escape to... to be free of my position and this place. All I wanted so badly was to join these happy people in this art."
"If you were happy now... and free to do as you pleased... knowing that also would bring pleasure to me... what would that be?" Gilgamesh took a sip of his tea again through a plastic straw, slowly putting down his pinky finger over Luca's, gaining his attention again.
Ah, his green eyes on him made him feel good.
Luca didn't pull his hand away from the king's touch, no shock racing through him this time, narrowing his eyes softly at the man. "I would be a painter."
"An artisan." Gilgamesh slowly wrapped his pinky finger around Luca's some more. "I would like that for you as well."
The CFO's eyes widened a bit; never had anyone said that to him.
"If it means expressing yourself more, and I get to see that self-expression..." He smiled. "You will become a true delight."
"What do you mean?"
"Fulfill your desires." Gilgamesh said then. "Gladly I will bask in it." He took a deep breath. "To see my muse living unashamed and vivid..." He pursed his lips, wanting to kiss him, but promising to keep their 'bond' a secret for Luca's sake, he dared not in this public place. "that is my wish."
Luca looked away; those words hit him deeply.
He felt as if to cry, but not wanting to again, as he had already a tad in the Lamborghini earlier, he pushed it away. "I can't though..."
"Why?"
"I have to fulfill my job. There's no time."
"What is more important... an obligation to your father, or becoming whom you're meant to be?"
Luca looked at him, hazel eyes scanning his face sensually.
He sensed no malice or evil there whatsoever.
So unlike he'd seen of him the night before when he'd crushed his palm down onto his shoulder, slapped him, bloodied his lip and bruised his forearm.
"There is always time for you." The king whispered. "If the job is something unavoidable, do it, then come back to me to fulfill your passion." He smiled. "Most artists walk that life."
"I'll be so tired." Luca couldn't possibly see it, with how much work he had to accomplish on any given day as a CFO.
"Then I will be there to assist while you adjust." He motioned with his chin towards the painting. "Towards your freedom as my muse."
Luca closed his finger around Gilgamesh's some more, their digits tightly locked now.
He did not quiver or shake in doing it.
He didn't feel a single shiver run up his spine at his finger's movement.
Maybe as this king's muse, he could become 'more' just as he'd said in that hot bubbly water.
Maybe having him aside him as a powerful ally, would truly aid him in his life and give him strength.
After some more time sitting and staring at the painting in silence, both partially holding each other's hands, the Sumerian spoke. "Shall we be off?"
"To where?" Luca asked, those four words pulling him from being lost inside the artwork's beauty.
"To acquire tools." The king smiled. "So you can begin your journey."
Luca was confused.
Whatever did he mean?
Gilgamesh softly ran a thumb across the underside of Luca's hand, across his palm. "To paint."
The mage chuckled. "I hardly would be any good." He had major doubts.
"So?" The king gently cooed. "All artists begin as such." Gilgamesh then stood, grabbing Luca's hand fully then. "Come with me."
The green-eyed man stared up at the ancient one, easily and silently holding his hand, seeing a look plastered upon the king's face that was a mix of so many things; expectant, blazing, steadfast.
Luca felt himself rising, that expression alone was what made him stand.
As if the king had ultimate faith that he could master the oils, as if he could 'become' something else greater than what he was now: simply a stone to be stepped on by his father.
Luca found himself quite lost amongst all of the supplies in the large art store.
He simply walked with Gilgamesh aside him, touching the paints inside the tubes in various colors, them rocking on their pegs.
Soon he felt a touch on his side to stop his mild pacing.
It was the king with a hand under his jacket, a strong but caressing hold upon him in this section empty of people.
The king obviously was watching out for unintended eyes seeing his displays of affection, keeping them hidden just as he had in the gallery which was practically deserted during the early afternoon.
Just as he said he would do, secretly protecting their tie, concealing it from outsiders, so as not to cause Luca's life to become worse, by means of his father.
"Choose some." Gilgamesh said.
"I don't know where to start." The mage said, eyeballing the oils.
"Then take one of each and go from there."
Luca slowly grabbed a cerulean blue, holding the it in his hand, gawking at the odd shape of the tube with a screw-cap inside his hand. "I'm a little nervous."
"Don't be." Gilgamesh stated. "If not for yourself, for me." A look of simmering lust burst into his eyes at his mage choosing to pursue an artistic endeavor. The side profile of his face was simply amazing. "Let desire overtake you." He squeezed his side a bit. "Allow yourself to 'become' for once."
The king then started to slowly pick one tube of each color putting it into Luca's basket for him, also taking the cerulean blue from the mage and gently placing it inside.
Luca couldn't believe he was doing this right now.
He had always wanted to be a painter, but never had he tried.
The closest artistic thing he'd done was draw in the dirt as a little boy with a stick before the caretaker caught him and forcibly made him wash his hands and face free of grime, so as not to upset his father by his disheveled and dirty appearance.
"What if I'm no good?" Previous words from earlier recapped.
"Does that matter?"
Luca turned to face him then, feeling the king's hand still firmly on his waist.
"Shall I paint with you?"
"You... have you before?"
Gilgamesh smirked. "Not ever." He then pinched Luca's cheek, the unhurt one. "I may be just as awful as you." Teasing.
The mage didn't try to slap his hand away this time, but simply chuckled.
For as many things that Gilgamesh had said so far, making himself out to be this upright, snooty, demanding, epitome of perfection, for him to admit he would probably suck at art was quite humble of him.
The irony was what amused Luca.
"Alright."
Rider smiled then, glad his offer to enjoy a shared strive with his muse had been accepted.
This one, this man, was certainly and quickly getting under his skin, and not in an awful way.
Luca's demeanor and way of speaking, his slowly growing 'letting loose' with him, it all was lovely to see.
"Where are the canvas'?" The king asked then. "Pick a large one to share... and some smaller ones just for you."
"Don't you want to go shopping for more clothing?" Luca said grabbing up a few brush sets, laying them down in his basket.
"I said this day was for us..." The king rubbed his thumb upon his muse's side, a pang of wild yearning flipping through him as his mage did not shiver away from it this time.
He was okay with repeating himself now, for this one... only for this one.
"What is a painter without a canvas?" Gilgamesh said then.
"I'm not a painter... yet." He smiled.
"Soon." Gilgamesh then lightly and quickly kissed the back of his head, moving aside him to walk by in the thin aisle. "Come." He stopped to wait.
Luca nodded, holding back a large smile on his face.
It was going to be a kiddish, toothy grin, one of complete happiness.
It was like Gilgamesh had pulled it right out of him.
The king saw though, and silently scanned his form as Mage Luca stopped once again to pick up some gesso, a medium a painter must lay upon the canvas before beginning.
It had been thousands of years since he'd taken on a new muse.
Back in Uruk he had ten of them.
All wondrous, lovely beings, fulfilling their lives as people; he enjoyed those fruits and bathing, drinking, eating, and 'undressing' with them for slumber.
One at a time of course, as he had no desire in him to bed multiples at once.
But, this one here.
He was already more than a favorite.
He was quickly becoming the best he'd ever had.
Gilgamesh adored art just as much as beauty; having a shared interest with a muse was new.
His other muses from ancient times were all quite different; one a stone mason, strong and steadfast, another a robe-maker, quick and sharp, and so on.
All ancient careers, but never had he a painter amongst his personal fold.
Also, the look of him.
Luca was refined, pretty, and with simple pushes, Gilgamesh easily could sway the Italian towards his real truth inside him.
He liked that; his ability to bend this muse.
But that wasn't how it was in the past.
Gilgamesh persuaded back then in Uruk because of his own interest to see his muses 'come alive', to be 'born' by his means, with Luca it was somewhere in between.
Yes, seeing his new muse pursue a deep hidden passion brought him joy, as he felt it was because of his glib, but also it was because he knew it was for the better of Luca Conti.
He simply wanted to watch him to be freer with himself, to open his body and mind to his true wants.
This muse was beginning to fill his head, and Gilgamesh adored it.
He liked that he was being consumed slowly, and because of that, somewhere in him...
He knew he could not take on another muse.
Just wanted this one.
Only this one.
He desired everything that Luca was now and could potentially be.
Was he becoming a little obsessed?
Perhaps.
But Gilgamesh lived for it; he wanted to fall deep into obsession.
He had never felt that sense of impending 'obsession' with any other muse before, nor as much towards Arthuria Pendragon whom he thought at one point was quite charming.
Without his mage knowing, Luca's spirit and very image was slowly morphing to be intoxicating.
Also, never had he suggested that he, himself, perform such a shared activity, like painting, with a muse.
Sure, eating, drinking, bathing, sex, those are all shared activities, but as far as other things that his previous muses were doing; brick-laying, robe sewing, he'd simply watch them only, awing at them, but they didn't 'consume' him.
Never had he actually felt even a twinge of want to pursue those things with them.
But something about painting with Luca Conti made his heart skip.
He wanted to press those colors down upon the canvas with him, he wanted to see their fingers together covered in swatches of yellows, oranges and blues, to talk with him while creating.
Luca stirred him, and had stirred him so quickly as well, and was continuing to stir him.
Capturing his eyes and his attention, and possibly a little of his dark heart, which he knew the Grail had festered when he was brought back alive by it after the first war he was in.
Luca was slowly shedding that ebony casing, making it finally beat a little red once again.
"Let's go?" His mage said then finally content with the brand and size of gesso tub he'd picked.
"Let me..." Gilgamesh quickly said. "carry this for you." He couldn't let him man the basket any longer, as he knew his forearm was bruised.
He absolutely... just couldn't allow it.
Luca was surprised he'd offered.
The thing really was quite heavy now.
He slowly handed it.
Without any complaint, the king easily took it from him, hands gripped tightly around it's handles. "Let's find our surfaces now."
Luca knew he was referring to the canvas' once again.
But the king had used the word 'ours'.
It created an unusual spring in his step, akin to that of a boy's first sight of a mega playground.
He felt a bit of blood rush through his veins; his cheeks feeling a bit hot.
It was...
Excitement.
Luca couldn't remember the last time he felt excited; that wiggle in his stride, that feverish feeling swimming inside him.
To be doing something he'd always wanted to do, but also... doing it aside someone else whom was willing to do it also.
Like a playmate he'd never had when young, but so unlike it as well, as they were adult men, and Gilgamesh was treating him so damn tenderly; a mixture of friendly and romantic, bringing out things in him in a healthy way he never thought he'd ever do.
On impulse, the mage stopped his hero.
Rider turned to look down upon him.
And Luca, grabbing onto his jacket sleeve lightly, tugged him down another vacant aisle, the king not refusing, to turn into a corner that was more dimly lit.
A small secluded section with woodworking tools.
Luca eyeing the exit, simply wrapped his arms around the Sumerian without hesitation.
"Oh?" The king whispered. "And... what is this?" He quite liked the random hug. "You're my secret? Remember?" He softly wisped into Luca's curly headed top.
"I know. Just for a minute."
A nod from blonde.
They returned with a bell boy following them carrying bags and art supplies up to Luca's penthouse, and as soon as the mage tipped the man handsomely for his help and service, he turned to spy one of his father's men waiting at his front door.
"Ah." He looked at Gilgamesh. "Hang on."
The king looked up then, seeing the man as well; a large, gruff fellow, in a perfectly tailored suit.
Just another regular human, not another mage; he felt no mana from this individual.
But still, the sight of the guy bugged the king, and he would not have his muse around him without his presence.
So, ignoring his mage's words, protective, the Sumerian followed Luca some twenty steps to the man.
The CFO noticed him trailing, internally sighing, as he had tried to spare Rider from the interaction.
Gilgamesh's ear pricked as he began to hear his mage speak another language.
He guessed it was the vernacular of this land, this Italy.
The king was right.
"Buona serata." (Good evening). The words flowed off Luca's tongue like magic itself.
"Buona serata." The husky man cleared his throat. "Un pacco di tuo padre." (A package from your father) He handed the CFO a vanilla folder that had a bit of breadth to it.
"Che cos'è?" (What is it?)
"Una nuova identità per il tuo eroe." (A new identity for your hero.)
"Okay." The mage said a word in English. Obviously his dad had done some sort of deal to get Gilgamesh into a system somewhere to make his identity valid.
It all had to be underhanded, there was no other way to deceive a government.
But Luca had a question. "Senza fotografie?" (Without photos?) Didn't passports and drivers licenses require pictures to be taken at an official office?
The man smirked.
Gilgamesh did not like it; the man's shallow, squinty, subtle expression looked off.
He had zero doubt that this one must be 'mafia' as Luca had spoke on earlier in the red car.
The king could easily sense it.
There was something to a person whom committed murder; a certain look in the eyes and in the face that spoke it if you knew how to spot it, and Gilgamesh was deeply in-tune with that knowledge.
He himself had a similar expression when it came to war, fighting, punishment, and execution.
He was a demigod, a magical being, a ruler; he knew by recognizing the look on his own face, how to recognize it in others.
Gilgamesh simply lowered his eyebrows to glare at the man whom gave him a side-eyed glance back for doing so.
"Kirei Kotomine." The man spoke then. "Un amico di tuo nonno." (A friend of your grandfather's)
Luca raised an eyebrow never hearing of this person before.
However, Gilgamesh lowered his glare even more hearing that fucking name.
Luca opened the package then and pulled out a few documents, and sure enough there were photos of the ancient king upon a French driver's license, passport, and temporary Italian visa.
So, his father had chosen Gilgamesh to be a Frenchman, but also, how was it that his grandfather knew this Kirei Kotomine?
And how was it that his grandfather had acquired pictures of Rider from this man?
Was this a reason why his father had chosen Gilgamesh as the one he'd summon?
Luca wanted answers, but knew he wouldn't get much more from this tight-lipped person.
The mage simply turned the documents so that Gilgamesh could see them, and gave a nod to older gentleman and he was off.
Luca looked to the king then, and noticed a distinctly sour mug on his face, eyeing all of the documents.
"Your name... now apparently..." The CFO was reading. "Is Laurent Aubert."
Gilgamesh huffed. "I will bring the packages in." It was all he said, leaving the folder to Luca, walking away to gather their shopping spree haul.
Luca knew then, his hero knew something.
Whom was this Kirei Kotomine and why did it put Rider in such a dark state?
For the first time, Luca Conti felt as if he was going to get answers to something his grandfather, but possibly his father too, might be up to.
He felt a little burn flare within him.
For years he'd wanted a taste of his dad's world, not that he wanted to be involved with it, but more so to finally 'come to know' whom his father really was.
To know how rotten the CEO had become, or still was because it all could potentially trickle down to him and impact his life.
He already wanted out from under his thumb, but to also know some of his father's dealings, that would give him even more reason to hop ship.
If he could even find a way out at all.
Usually in the mafia when the head goes down, slowly but surely the branches underneath begin to fall also, one by one, person by person.
Luca knew without a doubt, his father's deeds, if he was caught, would eventually reach him and he could possibly be taken down as well.
Not that he was even in the mafia, but he could be considered 'guilty by association'.
Which was probably why his father kept him in the dark on everything.
He didn't want him to know, so he wouldn't squeak to police, nor have anything to say to higher authorities.
But that didn't mean that it wouldn't land Luca in jail for simply being a member of his family.
He would not be free to go until suspicions would be lifted, and how long would that take?
And where would the Italian guarda hold him?
Also, Luca wasn't entirely 'free' of blame.
He was the CFO of his father's main company, and yes, he'd shredded a ton of documents for months just for that Lamborghini when he was younger and stupid.
So if anything, if the government caught his father and found that out, Luca knew he could be considered an accomplice easy.
Conti slowly opened the door to his penthouse as Rider approached carrying everything from where the bell hop had sat them.
"Gilgamesh." Luca said then as they entered into his penthouse and shut the door, locking it with the keypad.
He took extra precaution locking the chain and the deadbolt as well; he didn't like the man that had just been here, not one bit.
"Hm?" His attention immediately upon his muse, releasing all the bags upon kitchen island, canvas' to the floor, gently aside a wall.
It was the first time apart from the conjuring that Luca Conti had spoken his name.
It sounded so lovely upon his lips.
"Whomever Kotomine is..." He was a little contemplative. "However my grandfather was involved with him... I don't want that to ruin... anything."
For some reason, now that Conti was in the king's good graces and he'd surprisingly helped him in a few ways emotionally, Luca felt as if he didn't want to let go.
He was slowly feeling their tie getting a bit stronger; aside Gilgamesh being his heroic spirit, he didn't want to lose his status with him.
Luca didn't want anything threatening that.
In a matter of a single day the mage had altered his viewpoint.
He was starting to feel a 'want' to be the king's muse; a bit selfish for once.
Gilgamesh smirked knowing he was referencing the new, secret pact he'd made with him in the bath last night seeing as he hadn't conjured him with his own words.
The king answered. "You will still be my muse." He smirked, wrapping a finger into Luca's belt loop to playfully tug him at the hip. When he was close enough, the blonde wrapped his arms around his waist. "It's my turn to embrace you."
Luca sighed, carefully placing his head down upon the man's shoulder.
It felt warm to be held like this.
That hug that he'd given Gilgamesh in the art store was the first hug he'd attempted to give anyone since he was a child, and now?
Someone was hugging him spontaneously in return.
No person had given him a hug either since he'd been a boy.
Nice it was.
"Are you concerned I'd release you?" Gilgamesh whispered.
Luca nodded a little.
Gilgamesh shot some air out of his nose, placing it by his ear, sniffing his hair. "Your new worry pleases me."
Luca felt his eyes drooping; lengthy eyelashes batting slowly until his lids stayed closed, his hands began to rise and softly spread upon the blonde's muscled shoulders, under his arms.
He started to trace his fingertips up and down his spine cautiously.
"You..." A little heated huff from the Sumerian. "You remembered."
"Mm." A positive sound back; yes, he recalled last night when the king had said he liked fingertips running across his back.
Gilgamesh's words and random hug had inspired his body to move on it's own to do so.
"Let's nap before dinner." The hazel eyed one said, softly encasing Luca's earlobe with his lips, nibbling lightly.
The Italian gasped at the sudden tumultuous thrill of chills swarming through his body to his stomach.
The king loved hearing that.
He pulled back, a hand loosely entwining with his muse's leading him down the hallway to the bed.
This time, unlike at the art gallery, all their digits were laced rather than just one.
Luca blushed, turning his head a bit at it's sudden rush upon his cheeks. "Don't I give you enough mana?"
"Yes." The king said. "But sleep, fine food and drink are luxuries not present in a Hellscape."
That made since. "So, you're doing all that just because you can?"
The Sumerian nodded sitting on the side of the king sized bed still holding his mage's hand. "I'm indulging."
Luca smirked, watching the man crawl into the tossled bed sheets and duvet after taking his shoes and belt off, earrings to the bedside table; it was left unkempt from their late arising earlier in the day.
He was no longer frightened of Gilgamesh, nor terrified.
He didn't feel too odd anymore, nor strange and sickly, or have weird shiverings from being treated this way by a man.
The mage had started questioning his orientation secretly.
So exceptionally fast he'd accepted the Sumerian's ways towards him, gotten accustomed to it, and started welcoming a little bit of it.
Was he possibly... bisexual?
Like Gilgamesh obviously was?
He wasn't sure yet, but he had shared quite a few kisses with him at this point, and it didn't really bug or bother, tremor or shake him anymore.
It kind of just 'was what it was', and it had become 'just okay'.
"Join me." The king laid the duvet aside for him.
The mage sat taking his shoes and belt off as well to be comfortable in slumber just as the king.
But also, he fumbled a bit.
Without warning, something inside Luca jolted, a quick snap of 'want' that made him slowly start to unbutton his shirt, and when done, drop it to the ground.
The king watched with arms crossed behind his head, a glaze over his eyes.
The mage pursed his lips continuing, going for the rivet and zipper on his slacks.
They tumbled to the floor also.
Stepping out of them and into the large bed, he pulled the covers over himself.
"Shall I do the same?" Gilgamesh rolled over to face his muse whose cheeks were a hue of blush wine.
"If... if you want." It was a shy utterance.
The blonde was content and awed at seeing a more bold side to Luca Conti arising from his depths.
Smoothly the king undressed himself only leaving on his boxer briefs, the same as the CFO.
The king after snuggled in close to Conti, closing his eyes.
But he felt something.
It was a warm palm steaming down his side, to hold him at his lower back.
The demigod then moved forward a few more inches, welcoming it.
He heard a sigh.
After a few minutes, the man was utterly surprised as he felt something else.
Gentle lips being placed upon his.
The king pulled the duvet above their heads to enclose them and hastily, but sensually, parted his mouth to allow his muse inside.
Soon, after some kisses in darkness, them growing deeper and more luxurious towards the end, they parted as Gilgamesh could tell the Italian was slowly drifting.
"Sleep." He whispered with another simple, wet kiss, lips a tad swollen and puffed, his body feeling untamed as Luca had nibbled him back a few times.
No response.
His mage was already gone.
Away just like that, into the realm of dreams.