Lucanis was in the kitchen, chopping some parsley. Cooking had always been a comfort, an escape for him. He had somehow convinced his grandmother that the knife work would be good skills for a Crow, particularly breaking down the meat.
"Oh good, it's your turn to cook. What's all this going to be?"
Lucanis looked up and smiled, putting his knife down. It was enough for a garnishment. He drew Rook in for an embrace, kissing each cheek in greeting before gesturing at the two large pans. "Paella. Well, two of them. One without seafood for Emmrich. I figured I could substitute these large mushrooms to give it more of a substantial meal for him. And churros for dessert. It pairs well with cioccolata calda."
"Wait… you made dessert… just for me?"
"There's enough for every one, Rook," Lucanis said, gathering up dirty dishes and knives and placing them in the sink.
Rook shrugged, and hopped up to sit on the sturdy top of the kitchen table, "as long as they don't mind having it with my favorite drink."
"They won't complain."
Lucan walked to her. He cupped her face and gave her a gentle kiss. It still felt so foreign, but so… right, sharing this affection with Rook. He studied her. Today, her hair was in a loose braid, pulled over one shoulder. She wore a familiar gray top.
"Is that my shirt?" Lucanis asked, raising an eyebrow.
Rook smiled at him, reaching to wrap her arms around his neck, "yes, but we both know I have amassed quite a collection over the years. Why you could never remember to grab them after I had to patch you up…"
Lucanis trace his hands down her arms and sides, and letting the rest on her hips. He knew she was correct. He often had to lie to his grandmother for why he always needed new shirts. Luckily, it was easily explained away as a cost of their line of work.
Rook looked at him, "you didn't have to do anything special for me."
Lucanis sighed, "yes I did. I still don't know how to apologize for… everything. And you…"
Rook's lips on his stopped him. She pulled back, giving him an incredulous look. "You made dessert! Just for me!"
"Luce… this is not the first nor the last times I will have made something for you. It's nothing. Or not enough."
Rook rested her forehead against his, "it is. And you are." She pulled her head back slightly to look at him, her wide, blue green eyes studying him. He felt her fingers caress his cheek before sliding around to the back of his neck, pulling his head close to her mouth. Her breath tickled his ear as she she purred, "And remember… I'm very easily bribed."
Lucanis groaned. Maker, this woman was going to end him. He turned his head, capturing her lips with his. His hands moved to cup her backside and pulled her closer.
"I'll keep that in mind."