Veilguarding - an open post for DAV AU shenanigans

[smartass_captain]

It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. Masterpost for Dragon Age Veilguard AU overflow + psls

Comments

[the_other_dellamorte]

"I'd only threaten you with a good time." Illario says brightly, "Lucanis is the only one allowed to give you a proper telling off. Caterina's orders."

Or it had been when they had been small boys and Lucanis had been put in charge of them both when they went on their little adventures. Illario still brings it up, never quite over the fact he wasn't trusted- but of course, considering some of his silly schemes, that's probably for the best.

As it is now he slings an arm around Jim's shoulders and keeps him close. It's the usual intimacy they have always had, and despite being separated by years and distance, Illario isn't letting that stop him.

"If we get you all summer, we'll have to plan something. There's going to be balls Caterina wants us to go to, but we can go to the Funalis parades. Go to Antiva City for a week-"

"If work allows," Lucanis says as drinks arrive.

"We can reschedule things. Or turn down some contracts and let the other Houses deal with them. We have Jim back. That is more important than work."

[smartass_captain]

"And what hobbies have the two of you picked up while I've been gone with what little free time you've got? You'll be pleased to know I kept up with fencing lessons and I've become a deft hand with a bow, too. With all the sitting hunched over tomes and scrolls I do all day a man's got to stay in shape somehow."

It's easy to tease back with Illario like they always have. But it feels less innocent now than it did when they were boys. Jim will have to watch himself lest he accidentally cross a line into impropriety. He shifts subtly to relax into Illario's touch but is grateful for the coffee when it arrives.

The noise he makes to finally have a taste of home is almost obscene.

"I haven't had a good cup of coffee in so long!" James exclaims after a moment. "Every time I get a care package from home it's always the first to go." Lucanis had startled a little for the sound, but offers a rare smile after. Somehow, he can believe James both spoiled himself by using up his proper coffee first and was too humble to ask for more before he got another package.

"We will have to ensure you get sent more then. Unless you are developing an unhealthy addiction. We would not want you to take ill."

Jim has the decency to flush for the teasing but quiets up so he can pay attention to the other two while he sips at his beverage.

"I'll enjoy whatever time we've got together, don't worry." Jim offers quietly. "We haven't seen each other in so long--anything is going to feel like a treat. I didn't come home to insist you two Join me in taking a holiday..." But he would like to see them. He looks hopeful no matter how polite he tries to sound.

[the_other_dellamorte]

"You kept up with both of them? Did you get much of a challenge from the southerners?" Illario asks, delighted that Jim has continued something that they used to do together- even if Jim was a little less practised than the cousins when he first came to live with them. But one thing that has always been true of Jim- he does what he sets his mind to. Illario has always admired that, and frankly, so has Lucanis.

"Looks like it did keep you in shape," Illario says as he pinches Jim's side, which is all lean muscle. "But don't worry, we'll spar with you later."

Lucanis shakes his head fondly, pouring the coffee and handing Illario a cup too, fingers brushing and Lucanis' dark eyes shyly glance away.

"Lucanis has been studying every ancient fighting technique you can name-"
"-And Illario has been studying this season's high fashion."

Illario shrugs, not denying it.

"One of us has to represent House Dellamorte at all the parties, balls and dinners we get invited to. But I think the three of us should go to at least one or two. We can show off Jim, come home so handsome and so smart."

He nudges a knee against Jim's own, smiling at him with immense fondness.

"Don't worry. We will make time for you. We missed you more than you can know."

[smartass_captain]

James waits for the three of them to be alone (he has never quite realized they are Never truly alone) before he relaxes visibly. His posture sags a little, leaning more weight onto Illario now he doesn't have to sit ramrod straight in his seat. He crosses one leg over the other whilst sipping his coffee. Almost inhales it for a second when Illario pinches at his waist but gets back at the other by pressing More of his weight into Illario in a boyish little retaliation.

"Mm. I was eventually told I wouldn't get a more serious sparring partner unless I made friends with a chevalier, though admittedly they have me easier in a duel with swords than if I'm challenged to a shooting competition."

He almost puts his boots up on the edge of the table but a sharp glance from Lucanis has Jim deciding not to push his luck with the other the way he is with Illario. He offers an apologetic bob of his head before he returns to sipping his coffee.

"I'm interested in both, believe it or not. Though am I wrong for hoping Luca has kept up with his passion for cooking...?" Jim's turning big hopeful blue eyes the eldest's way. He really has learned mischief from Illario despite how polite and innocent he seems.

"But! If this season has decent fashion it has been an Age since I've been able to get something nice and fitted and Trim to wear. The Southerners want to wear their entire Draperies on their bodies at all times, I swear."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Illario laughs loud and unguardedly when Jim almost drowns himself with his coffee, not expecting the pinch, and the blond leaning his weight against him isn't unpleasant in the slightest. Its affection, pure and simple, and Illario wraps an arm around Jim's middle to keep him pressed in close. Antivans are a tactile people, of course this is utterly familial. The way his fingers gently caress at Jim's waist is entirely innocent.

"Ah, a knight, hm? As long as you find one from a good house to sparr with you..." Illario teases. But Lucanis quickly cuts in:

"Be careful. Even in friendly sparring accidents happen. The Orlesians are as a rule more about show than substance, but some of them can be deceptively capable. Perhaps leave the serious sparring to when you are home with us."

His dark eyes are full of honest concern and fondness, and he glances away before Jim can look into them too deeply.

"I still cook, yes. Better than before I hope. Perhaps we can make you something to celebrate your return? I think the kitchen is already busy but we could always make a midnight snack..."

"Or a light lunch tomorrow before we drag Jim to a tailor. He must have decent clothes for the summer session."

[smartass_captain]

Tanned skin and long fingers curled against him. James has spent Years seeking out attention and affections from people who never made him feel like he Belonged even half as well as Illario and Lucanis do. It doesn't feel like he's been gone for so long when they fall right back in with each other the moment they're back together. His gaze flits to Lucanis for his concern and it makes his chest squeeze in a way he isn't quite sure how to handle.

"I didn't go hunting down chevaliers for training. It seemed more trouble than it was worth especially for how tense politics in Orlais have been. I took up their sport fencing instead--almost entirely show and no substance--but it was good exercise. Allowed me to hold any kind of a blade in my hand lest I forget how entirely. It's been easier to keep up with archery. I earned a modest reputation for myself in shooting competitions."

James is certain both men will absolutely trip him up with swords despite his practice. But he hopes that with a bow to hand he can show off to them for once. Show them that James is capable with more than just a quill and charcoal sticks.

"We have all summer." Jim reassures them both but his laugh is sunshine breaking through the clouds. "But I am looking forward to it already~"

[the_other_dellamorte]

"Good, you can do better than those pompous blowhards." Illario murmurs, voice low and possessive, his hand still warm and familiar against Jim's side. "They don't deserve you. But I know you like their libraries..." He lets out a little huff, but if Jim wanted to study, Orlais was the best place for that. And far away from the messy politics of the Marches and Antiva.

"You would not forget," Lucanis is saying, rolling his eyes at Illario's complaints, such as they are. "You are a good swordsman, and we will train with you while you are home. That way, you will not fall out of practise."

"What he means is that he wants someone else to spar with. He thinks he knows all my tricks." Illario grins. "A little three-way sparr should convince him he only knows about half of them."

Jim's laugh is wonderful, though, as intoxicating as the best wine, and Illario's fingers pluck at the fancy-tailored shirt, sliding those elegant digits beneath the fabric and against skin, going for one of those sensitive spots. Teasing, tickling, fingers dancing over skin.

[smartass_captain]

"I mean what I say. Something you would do well to adopt." Lucanis sniffs but he isn't Actually taking any offense to his cousin. It is a familiar pattern of socialization with James back home. He has grown well. They will ensure he learns well too. The better to keep him safe.

"Well, I certainly won't say no t--ack!" James almost drops his empty coffee cup but manages to set it down on the nearby table while his other hand swats at Illario petulantly around a startled laugh. "Back not half an hour and you're resorting to tickling already?!"

Lucanis fights back a smile but says nothing. Yes, this is indeed a return to old times. Good times. Save for James losing his family, of course. Such is their shared lots in life. Eventually, his brows arch just slightly.

"You leave yourself too open to my cousin's tricks, James. It is why he takes such advantage."

[the_other_dellamorte]

"Yes yes yes," Illario retorts, "I could. But my truths are saved for you two. No one else is worthy of them." The rest of the world gets poised and preened Illario Dellamorte. Luca and Jim are the ones who get him raw, unabashed in his enthusiasm, mischievous and yet dedicated wholly to them.

Like in this moment, letting out a shout of triumph as he gets Jim squirming and wriggling, swatting at him. Such a reaction only makes him join in with the second hand, going in for both sensitive sides at once.

"I only take advantage because he likes it so much." He adds, grinning as he continues his attack. "But Jim- a truce? We both go after Luca?"

"No! Do not dare!" Lucanis says, but it is too late, Illario is already springing from his seat.

[smartass_captain]

Jim's peals of laughter fill the room. He squirms to try and get out of Illario's reach but never actually flees or puts up THAT much of a fight. Illario is right after all. He does like the attention. From both of them if he's being honest. He calls Illario all sorts of breathless names unbefitting of his station before Illario finally caves and offers him a truce.

It leaves him flushed and panting a little. Watching as Illario pounces instead on Lucanis. A smile curls across his lips and he gets up to go join in. The cousins are squabbling already and looking entirely too attractive with their hands all over each other. Jim ought to feel ashamed for thinking so.

His own hands slide up Lucanis' sides gently and brush under the man's arms. He blows a cheeky little puff of air into Lucanis' ear as he slides up behind the other man. When they were boys, Jim was easily the shortest of them. Now, Lucanis is the one who has to look up to the others.

"Let's hear you laugh, Luca~"

[the_other_dellamorte]

There's a shameful secret Jim does not know. Illario's hands all over him are not unfamiliar to Lucanis, the way Illario presses up into his space is not as innocent as the youngest adopted Dellamorte thinks. And while it isn't written over them in bold letters, Lucanis feels it must be so obvious when Illario touches him that it goes straight through him as a bolt of pleasure.

"Illario!" He tries to protest, although it's halfhearted, it's not a no because he can never say no to Illario. In the tangle of their limbs there's a brief press of Illario's thigh between his own and he gasps, just as Jim presses up behind him.

The breath in his ear and the close proximity of both his lover and Jim makes his face burn hot, and he tries to keep Illario's hands from sneaking up beneath his shirt.

Why does this feel so good, to be between them?

"Behave! Both of you!"

[smartass_captain]

"I'm easy to dissuade. We could take revenge on Illario you know..." Jim offers and his smirk is wicked though Lucanis cannot see it. James doesn't realize how things have changed between Illario and Lucanis since they were boys. All he knows is that these are the games they used to play.

Lucanis feels Jim rock back half a step to give him space to move and he takes that opportunity to hook his ankle around Illario's to tug the taller man off balance. Jim shoots a wrist out to snag at the back of Illario's collar to keep pulling him toward tumbling down onto the ground with a self satisfied air. He's all too willing to drop down to straddling Illario's stomach with his weight so he can tickle the other in turn.

"Got him Luca~" Jim crows. He doesn't notice how it takes Lucanis half a second longer than it ordinarily would to react. How Lucanis stares.

"You are both impossible." Lucanis huffs but he tilts his chin in just such the right way that he knows Illario will be weak for as he stares down at his cousin.

[the_other_dellamorte]

Lucanis isn't the only one aroused. Far from it, Illario's blood has been ooling in his stomach since Jim cuddled up against him and teasing Lucanis makes it worse. He did do this to himself he realisss, but that's as Lucanis trips him and Jim settles down on top of him.

Thankfully, straddling his torso and not his hips, or there would be nothing he could do to distract from his condition. But like this? He can at least pretend.

But not to Luca, who has posed himself so gorgeously that he might have to excuse them both from Jim's company so he can put his hands all over Lucanis again, minus the clothes.

"Alright I yield!" He laughs, hands held up in the air in surrender before he puts them on Jim's thighs. Strong from fencing strong from riding. A pleasure to caress even if he pretends its innocent.

"Are you to planning to punish me?"

[smartass_captain]

"You get to tend to our gear after sparring. We all only just got back, it makes sense for the punishments for forfeit are light~" Jim says with all the self satisfaction of a man who's gotten his way. His chin pulls very slightly to one side in scrutiny. Something about the look Illario had given him or the way he purred out that question at the last danced electric up his spine. But no. Illario is as Illario has always been. It is James who has grown to enjoy certain aspects of a man far more than a noble lordling should if he's expected to sire heirs.

No matter. He'll find someone to befriend once he's free to visit Treviso proper tomorrow or soon after. And everything will be as it always has been. Jim foolishly thinks he's the only one taken by the others. Lucanis doesn't notice it straight away, but Illario might. Illario whose entire training was meant to capitalize on the predilections of men not unlike James.

"James is far kinder to you than I would be after such indignities." Lucanis teases mildly.

[the_other_dellamorte]

"Just your gear?" Illario laughs, hands sliding up and down Jim's thighs- it might be considered a game of chicken or a reminder that Jim is still sitting on him, but it is neither of those things- it is simply an excuse to touch, to tease. "I could see to your horse. Or be your valet for a week, Jim."

Or bend that fine, strapping blond over a desk and fuck him until his legs were jelly.

But he doubts Jim could ever request such a thing. He's too proper. Even Lucanis has difficulty saying things like that, even whispering them when they're alone at night.

Speaking of, Illario shoots a look at Lucanis, gebtly slapping at his leg too.

"You are one to speak of indignities, cugino."

[smartass_captain]

"No no. This was your scheme. And she went astray." Lucanis murmurs back, his dark eyes taking in Illario's state. Better to help Jim to his feet before he discovers the dalliances Illario and he have fallen into. Some aspects of their relationship have changed quite a lot since they were but boys.

Jim smiles proudly up to Lucanis as the elder man offers him a hand up. Is strong in supporting his weight even as he climbs up. He's so busy basking in Lucanis' mild amusement that he misses any seeing to himself Illario has to do.

"Illario and I must see to some reports post-mission before we can be free to spar with you James. Forgive us for making you wait for just a bit longer." Of course, actually getting Illario to do those reports may have to wait until he has sufficiently 'calms down' his handsome cousin. It is not proper for Illario to be so insatiable in front of other company. He'll have to ask illario what set him off so thoroughly once they're in private.

Away from where James can overhear them.

"Not a worry. I haven't had a chance to see the library in a decade damn near. I'll not be wanting for things to do until duty releases the pair of you." Jim shoots a wink Lucanis' way that is more charming than he means to try to be though for Lucanis the intention sails right over his head. And so the man simply nods softly and waits for James to see himself off for the time being.

It's not until they are alone that he tips his chin toward Illario.

"....You are impossible."

[the_other_dellamorte]

Jim is utterly adorable, smiling so proudly at Lucanis. It makes Illario long to cup his face and kiss him, before bidding Luca do the same. Oh, the pair would be such a pretty sight, he is certain, praising both of them for their good behaviour and pretty mouths...

He forces his attention away from the fantasy and sighs at the mention of reports. Of course, Lucanis probably does intend to do them, but even as their eyes meet for a brief second, Illario knows he will also get his own way. Probably before any report is even started, because his cousin knows he won't focus otherwise.

"Ah, and Jim can reach the forbidden shelves now. The ones where Zio Antonio kept his private collection. Be careful with those, Jim! They will make a courtesan blush!" He calls put, before Jim leaves the room, and the doors swing closed.

"I am a healthy young man with healthy urges," Illario says when they are alone, "I don't need any other reason than that to see how attractive he's grown. Don't you see it?" He asks Lucanis, clearing the distance between them and tipping Lucanis' chin up for a hungry kiss. "He would look so pretty in our bed."

[smartass_captain]

Lucanis purses his lips while Illario brings a hand up to his heart in his dramatic flourish whilst grasping for any straw of innocence he can yet try to claim. Dark eyes narrow with a flicker of emotion he can't name, but Illario will know it all too well. Is Luca jealous from such a remark?

"Is that so...?" Am I not enough for you now, cugino? The question lingers unsaid rather than Lucanis actually thinking on what Illario is asking. He does have some ego after all, despite all attempts at killing it within himself. The selfish part of Lucanis that wants Illario all to himself bristles at the thought of being replaced, even by someone as wonderful as James.

Illario gets close but when his fingers brush Lucanis' beard to urge him for a kiss, the elder man nips Illario's bottom lip hard. Nearly enough to draw blood but not quite. Before he actually fights for dominance in the kiss. A rare thing. His hands at Illario's waist are hard as steel in their grip.

[the_other_dellamorte]

Oh, Illario sees it, and recognises that green-eyed monsters as easily as he would recognise his own face in the looking glass. He woukd be jealous himself if Lucanis was the one suggesting this. But he knows that outright calling Lucanis out will make him back further into his corner. Instead, Illario intends to play this differently.

"It is so," he purrs, continuing as if he'd never noticed Lucanis' mood. "I could watch you kiss him for hours. You would look so pretty together."

Not a replacement. An addition. Adding something into the mix that it lacks, that both would enjoy. That Illario can get off watching Lucanis with someone else will be something his beloved cugino needs to work through, but he will put the idea in his head.

He expects Lucanis to be the lamb right now, to allow Illario to take what he likes but it seems that Lucanis has some fire in him today, eager to take control. The bite is sharp and strong and has Illario gasp, but he doesn't pull away. He pushes in, blue eyes bright with enjoyment as Lucanis grips him hard.

Illario doesn't give in though, if Lucanis wants to be dominant, he needs to fight for it. Illario's tongue teases across his, pressing the advantages he gets, his fingers grasping at Lucanis' hair, holding tight. He only pulls back when his lungs start to burn.

"Are you putting me in my place, cugino?"

Me trying to keep in mind that Spite comes from SOMEwhere lmao - Lucanis gets spicy sometimes

[smartass_captain]

"You and your fantasies. When have I ever said or has James ever given the impression either of us would enjoy such a thing? That James would even be interested in either of us??" Only just back and already Illario is scheming. These seem to be petty schemes at least. His ire settles a little to hear that Illario doesn't intend to replace him after all.

Anything else.....will take time. But the seed has been planted. Covered in soil. All Illario has to do now is nurture it. It's plain to see James finds them Both extremely attractive. And that Lucanis cares very deeply about the Marcher in turn. There could be something more to this. If Illario works them into his palm.

Easier to turn his frustration into firmer kisses and a tight grip. His tongue works hungry against Illario's though he's forced to gasp when Illario yanks at his long hair, fingers buried in just the place that always makes his knees go weak. Lucanis fights to stay upright though there is color dusting his cheeks. Stubbornness makes him not want to give in so easily this time.

"Why should I waste my energy when it's clear you'll never listen." Lucanis snaps back petulantly. One of the hands at Illario's waist eases its grip only so he can shift his palm further back to squeeze a firm handful of the taller man's ass. "If you are bored then I need to clear you head before we do our reports. That is all."

Stupid sexy spicy Lucanis

[the_other_dellamorte]

"Oh please- are you blind?" Illario asks, when Lucanis counters that Jim has shown no interest. "He looked both of us over. Trust me Luca, that boy was mentally peeling both of us out of our clothes."

Lucanis isn't as sexual a creature as Illario, but he isn't uninterested. The proof of that is in the pudding with the way his cousin's body presses against him, the way Lucanis kisses him like they're planning a Contract.

"I'm not asking you to use your energy, amore." He replies, soft and warm even when Lucanis gropes at his ass, and he presses close, using his height to force Lucanis back towards the couch.

"You do the reports. Sit and relax, use my mouth. You write better than I do." He says, voice thick and warm as he sinks to his knees in front of the other assassin.

Re: Stupid sexy spicy Lucanis

[smartass_captain]

Lucanis is blind sometimes. Often, even, when it comes to matters of lust. He is not impossible to rile, Illario has long since found. Lucanis does indeed possess a fire inside of him. It is just tricky to alight. He carries such a fire for Illario as the gasps, needful noises, and press of their bodies together more than proves.

But he seems a bit shocked that Jim had in fact showed interest in them. He had not seen it at all.

"Did he now?" Lucanis will have to try to pay better attention to such things later. When they see James once more. For the moment all of his attention is on his beloved cugino who purrs so sweetly into his ear. Walking them back toward the couch. He hisses softly to be told He will be doing the reports--his ire with Illario is enough he doesn't want to let the other get away with pushing it all onto him so easily.

But then the offer being leveed? Makes him swallow around a bone dry throat.

"That is what you want?" He murmurs, his voice gone deeper as the kindling inside of him catches flame.

[the_other_dellamorte]

Its very clear that Lucanis had no idea of those subtle, and less than subtle, signs their sweet little Marcher displayed. The way he'd leant into those touches, the warmth of his voice as he spoke to them, the shy way he'd avoided talking about lovers in Orlais. It was almost certainly because he wasn't sure how the two of them would react to learning he was taking men to bed- or being taken to bed by them.

"He did, my heart." Illario says, his pwn tone changing, serting out a little plan. "I think he's shy. Thinks we won't approve of his tastes... I think Antonio and Bassanio are having a little soiree next week. We shall take him."

It may be a slow game to win him over, but Illario is confident he knows what he's doing.

Just as he knows what to do with Lucanis.

From between stween his cousin's knees, he reaches up to stroke Lucanis’ thighs, thumbs working over the seam of those tight pants and enjoying the obvious impact his suggestion is having.

"You are very good at writing things down properly. I am very good with my mouth... perhaps we should stick to what we're good at. And didn't you want to teach me to behave? Fucking my mouth woukd certainly do that."

[smartass_captain]

Illario and his plans and James...he will have more thoughts on such things later. Later, when the whole of his attention is not on the way Illario has sank down onto his knees so softly. On the way his cousin's touch both caresses and riles him in equal measure.

Even now, he thinks of how easy it would be to kill a man like this. Either locking his thighs and breaking Illario's neck, or how Illario could sever the artery in his leg with so little effort. They were trained to think of these things as easily as they breathe. But Lucanis does not want to hurt Illario. He does not wish to kill him.

Instead he breathes out slowly. As evenly as he can manage. He doesn't know if he'll be able to concentrate on the words at all if he's buried into that wicked mouth.

"What will teach you a lesson is learning how to endure as I will." Lucanis hisses. He lets Illario worry about unfastening his trousers. Lucanis reaches for a quill and ink. "No whining, no bucking. If I have to rewrite these you will stay where you are until we are Both finished."

[the_other_dellamorte]

"Yes cugino." Illario replies, sweet as almond biscuits, his blue eyes looking up at Lucanis' serious face and privately holding back a grin. He's won, and they both know it, but he's going to accept it gracefully and bend himself to Lucanis' will. His hand continue their work, gently stroking up and down his cousin's thighs, the touch full of promise.

He opens his trousers, pulling free his cock and stroking with the sure, smooth hand of a man who has done this many times before. Illario moves closer and with low, eager hum he leans forward and licks a wet line over the crown of Luca's cock. A cruel man would force his head right down, hold him down and let him choke, but he knows his cousin. He might be annoyed, but he isn't cruel. Besides, his hands are already full: parchment, quill, and ink all gathered, and so Illario keeps to his part of the bargain.

He angles Lucanis' cock and begins to take him, getting almost all the way down with steady bobs of his head, before he stops. He's a cock warmer, not a tease. He's not about to claim more, but he's happy to stay where he is, blue eyes turned upwards, full of adoration as he feels the steady throb of Lucanis against his tongue. His own his rigid and trapped, aching inside his trousers, but he's here to prove he can behave.