𝒪𝒸𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓈 & 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓈

feelin sentimental lately so here's a couple quick paints of some of my friends' hot Rooks!!

Pairing: Tarquin/Rook

Story Rating: Explicit

Total Words: 5,712

-❀-

"I notice everything about you," Rook confesses softly.

He takes a step closer. "Why's that, little dragon?"

"You know why," she murmurs, eyes faltering.

He cups her cheek, tilting her face toward him. "I want to hear it from your lips. Why me? Why not Ashur? Hector? Bren?"

"Because you're the one who inspires me," she blurts out. "You wear beauty and strength like they're petals of the same flower. Speak up for those who can't speak up for themselves. Fight till you're reduced to blood and sweat. And I'm captivated by that. By you."

Tarquin’s breath hitches, his palm instinctively pressing deeper into her cheek, overwhelmed by the emotions her words stir.

No one's ever said that to him.

He’s always considered the act of standing for what he believes in its own reward. Fighting for a city like Minrathous is a thankless job, but it’s a fight he chose — continues to choose — and that’s always been enough.

Until now.

Until this girl, with her wide eyes and reckless heart, says something like that — and suddenly it hits him how much he needed to hear it. How rare it is to be seen when you’ve grown used to living in the shadows. It’s blinding, almost. Like stepping out of a cave and into sunlight for the first time.

"You are something else," he whispers, leaning in closer. "You know that?"

"Is that good or bad?" she squeaks, and he chuckles lowly, his breath caressing her lips.

He could kiss her.

"Good," he murmurs, nose bumping hers. "Better than I deserve."

He wants to kiss her.

"Tarquin," she whines softly.

So, he does.

throwing this over the finish line for @viagoweek !! thank you for hosting!

felt like being cinematic 😎