#insane...

eddie: okay 🥺

buck: you need to come clean to kim

There are a ton of headcanons you can make in regard to that line, and why Illario would say that to your specific Rook, so there is not, like, a *single* answer to that.

But speaking in a general sense, I don't think that any romantic feelings were involved. Rook as a person isn't the point of interest here - I could *maybe* see Illario taking a pass at Rook just to prove a point, but mostly as a way to get at Lucanis. The only thing that really interests Illario in Rook is the connection to his cousin, they aren't anything special to him as a person.

I see it maybe less as jealousy and more as inferiority complex, and the desire to make it about himself, be the centre of attention. Like, Illario is supposed to be the charmer, he gets into people's pants and beds, and I imagine he had to observe a lot of people trying and failing to hit on Lucanis, and also Lucanis trying and failing to express interest in someone (hello The Knife For The De Rivas Accident).

And now somebody picks that guy? What in the hell. He, the clearly superior (in his mind. also in--) and more socially adept option is right there, and Rook ignores him at every opportunity. How dare they!

But it's just my opinion. If any of my Illario-loving mutuals see that interpretation as incorrect, please feel free to stab me in public. Today feels like the right day for that!