[he doesn't like it when people worry about him. it feels like he's setting them up for heartbreak, because some nights jiho goes out and he's not leading rook to a restaurant. and sometimes he does stupid things like attack a demon without knowing anything about them (something that he's done twice, no less.) but that whole idea that he could prevent it by keeping his distance didn't work out so well.
even if he told rook to stop, to stay home, it wouldn't do any good now. he would still worry for his sake. so the least jiho can do is lead him somewhere every once and awhile where he doesn't have to worry about him. he likes this look on him much better than worry - well, after those initial moments of worry pass, once rook has realized where he is and what jiho has done. it's kind of nice to catch someone off guard without a blade at the ready.]
I told you to wear whatever you want. The place is ours tonight. [the owner has a daughter and the daughter has an abusive ex. or had. and as a result, they get to have a nice dinner together. romantic, even, though thinking of it that way still makes jiho feel a little panicked, makes him wonder if he can slide under the table and suck him off instead of expressing it. but no, this is about rook, and ironically he thinks the demon of lust appreciates this sort of thing more.] This is to thank you for everything you've done for me.
[he reaches for his glass of water, but doesn't take a drink until after his next words.]
And...because watching me read in my room must be a boring date.
[ maybe he was an idiot for catching these emotions for someone who kills for a living, but Rook really doesn't care. what's done is done after all and-- he is pretty sure that the easy, quiet companionship he has found with Jiho is worth any amount of potential pain that it might bring (it is, but Rook is also completely willing to give up whatever chance at redemption he might have to keep Jiho out of trouble for as long as possible, not that he will tell the other that).
the laughter that spills from Rook at that is bright, easy, something that you wouldn't expect from him and, honestly, doesn't often get pulled from him (not unless your Jiho it seems) and he looks just amused as he leans on the table ready to make a comment about how all it takes is asking to see him without a shirt, wow, until he hears that Jiho considers this a thanks and a date and--
what.
for a blink, Rook's face is nearly frozen, lips still curled in a half laugh, before all of him seems to melt. the demon leans in, over the table so that he is closer to Jiho.]
First, you don't have to thank me, I like-- I like being able to help you, Jiho. I really do. [ see this smile? this happiness? you put it on his face, you did. with your dumb hair and you quiet book reading. ] Secondly, I will have you know that watching you read is a wonderful date, you have the best facial expressions. I always know when something scandalous is happening because you make this little 'oh no' face that is amazing.
[ cutest, he means the cutest, but he won't say that outloud, not yet at least. it might be clear that he still enjoys it though with the way he looks at Jiho, quietly fond, a barely there flush of colour on his cheeks as the whole idea of being on a date rattles around in his head.
gods, this is his first date ever. shit. here is to hoping he doesn't fuck it up. ]
But this is-- amazing. Really. Even if it started with a heart attack. I think pasta and your company can make up for it.
[quiet company, jiho would agree to being that. but easy company? he has his doubts, doubtful but also grateful if rook has found that with him. those days when rook just appeared and slept have taught jiho more about him than he ever expected to learn. like how peaceful his face looks, how he radiates it from the inside. how he seeks out any body heat that he can get, but there's nothing obscene about it. he is...cute. it's not meant to take anything away from his body or that aura he can exude at will. if you asked jiho to choose the innocent one, he would point to rook every time.
he's watching him, waits for his reaction after it all registers, and when the demon nearly becomes a puddle, he thinks it again. cute. and goddamn, what a beautiful laugh, the sound of it as well as the way rook's face looks when he's doing it. this might be as close to the sun as jiho ever gets.]
I do have to thank you. [he's not letting himself off the hook anymore.] And I want to.
[and oh, that's new, the way he's happy to be here, with rook. the way he was looking forward to it from the moment he started sending the text. and he's a little surprised when he realizes that he's not the only one who's noticed things - rook has noticed things about him too.]
I don't mind the scandalous parts, I just hate the word 'moist'.
[jiho makes a face...and then smiles a little. and that's something that's getting easier to do.]
We'll see. I hope so. [he wants...he wants this to be good. he doesn't even think about it being his first date, he just thinks about it being his first with rook. he's quiet when the food arrives, arranging all the plates so they're all within reach. he looks up when he's finished, and then leans in to give the demon a surprise kiss.]
This food has a lot of garlic in it. I thought you might like it better if we did that first.
[ the best part about Jiho,Rook thinks, is that you never really have to wonder where you stand with him. Rook has known, from the beginning, where he was at with the other. there was never lies or secrets, no manipulation or crossed lines. if Jiho really hadn't wanted Rook around, the demon would have not been around. so when he says that he wants to do this for Rook, it makes a warmth settling in Rook's gut. something that the demon knows will not be easily extinguished.
and a warmth that the assassin just keeps feeding with his, well, everything.]
That-- is fair. That is an uncomfortable word, and mildew. But that's really the word I have to use to get that face and not tasteless nudity?
[ there is mock surprise on his face, that quickly morphs into polite hunger when the food arrives. it does look delicious, nothing too fancy, but well prepared and-- well Rook thinks that Minsu would approve of it, so that was the stamp of approval. the demon goes to say as much but then Jiho is right there and kissing him softly, easily, and Rook forgets to breathe let alone speak.
let him reboot a moment, please.]
Garlic? Why-- oh! [ is he allowed another kiss? he would like one. ] Um, honestly I think I would enjoy it no matter what as long as it's you.
[ it sounds ridiculous, like a line, but really Rook's just being honest. ]
[not everyone who's had to deal with jiho could say the same. but he didn't expect to care about rook. he was a stranger who showed up on their couch, wearing barely there clothes and burdening him with a ridiculous nickname. he didn't expect to like him, didn't even want to at first. jiho never thought to even try to put that distance between them.
he didn't expect rook to try to get closer, and care. the day jiho realized that he shouldn't have let him get close was the same day that rook was already curled up in his bed. by then he didn't want him to go.]
I haven't seen every inch of you. But I've seen enough, often enough. I'm not shocked by tasteless nudity.
[jiho looks up, eyebrows lifted he twirls some pasta around his fork. he hasn't taken a bite yet, so there's still time for another. he does snort a little at rooks words, but the faint smile on his lips isn't mocking. from anyone else, definitely a line. but rook is marshmallow fluff with abs and thighs that could crack a walnut.] It's too bad I used up all my breath spray annoying Neve. But okay, I guess I'll have some bread then.
[ whether it was accident or something just overlooked, Rook will forever be thankful for the fact that he was given the chance to sneak behind Jiho's defenses. not that he was trying but-- well he also wasn't trying to make the other dislike him. honestly, there was no one that he tried to make really dislike him, but-- there were those that saw him, what he was, and figured that he was nothing more than his cardinal.
Jiho wasn't like that. clearly. he did this, a date, for Rook. let the demon take care of him, let him in his space. Rook couldn't ask for more.]
So I should return the assless chaps that I got to wear around next week?
[ is he teasing? probably. maybe. there is a good chance that he does actually own a pair of said chaps but whether or not he will wear them around is another story.
but yeah, he is leaning in to steal another kiss, brief and soft, and Jiho can surely feel the smile on his lips.]
That sounds... like a very interesting story actually. And I will have you know that I will not be offended if you rank garlic bread above my kisses, it is delicious.
[ he will rank any affection from you above breathing but like, whatever that's him. Rook is then moving to impale a meatball with his fork now, humming under his breath as he does, watching Jiho from out of the corner of his eye.]
You look good. I mean, you always look good but-- [ one moment, let him flush a little. goddamnit. ] Yeah. Your back doing okay?
[jiho chokes, just a little. you can guess at which part. he reaches for his water, taking a sip before looking up at rook's eyes.]
The sauce is a little spicy.
[sure it is. had nothing to do with the thought of rook in assless chaps. at least now he's been warned. he's prepared. except the touch of rook's lips takes every ounce of that preparedness out of him. makes him feel a little bit like he's melting, as much from the curve of his smile as anything.]
What story? [...oh. right, they were talking about something. jiho takes a in a deep breath and tries to refocus on food.] I was just trying to annoy Neve during spin the bottle. He's okay.
[they have a lot in common, murderous thoughts included. but he's not thinking of any of that tonight. jiho looks down at himself, wonders what he sees that looks "good". he's short and skinny and just...well, he's no rook.]
It looks worse than it feels. [maybe because of the little bottle of pain pills that he bought from someone. anyway.] And about the bread. [the kiss.] If we both eat it, it will probably cancel the garlic out.
[ clearly at the part where Rook looked adorable stabbing a meatball, right?
either way, Rook is smothering his laughter against Jiho's lips before he is focused on his own food, small noises of approval slipping from his lips as he chews. for a being that doesn't need to eat, it is something that he rather enjoys doing. and this food? delicious.
possibly made even better because of the company.]
Mmm, Neve and Dash are interesting, the strings they both have are so tightly tangled together all the time it's-- [ admirable. amazing. something Rook is a little jealous of.] Rare. Beautiful.
[ is he still talking about Neve and Dash or is he talking about you now, who knows. (Rook knows, its both. mostly you though, Jiho).
Rook really wishes you could see what he sees. good barely begins to cover it. but Rook knows that saying as much won't have the effect that he desires, so he is just going to make a point of showing you, over and over and over.
he will start with going for some of said bread with a smile on his face as he bites into it.] Mmm, if you're sure. If, um, if you don't mind I have a healing ointment I can maybe give you for later?
[look, if you're enjoying the food that much, you'll like a bite of whatever off of jiho's fork, right?]
It is. [jiho agrees easily. he can't see these strings that rook is talking about, can only see the surface of what the pair chooses to show. but that's more than enough for him to see that it's something special. it's one of the things that jiho wants to protect. he looks up to see if rook has finished the bite...and finds the demon looking at him instead.
it derails his train of thought, and jiho dips a bite of bread into the sauce as he ponders it all over.]
[ of course he will take that bite, and give a hum of approval too because it is delicious. there might be a bit of colour on his cheeks too because, well, as stupid as it sounds this is something he has always wanted. not just the date, though that is up there, but the trust. the intimacy here. it is so different from what he is used too.
Rook might be a little unwilling to lean away from Jiho even after he has swallowed the bite of food.]
Glad you agree...
[ the words are soft, quiet, but he knows he doesn't need to be any louder. not here. not like this. the demon looks to the food, contemplating his next bite apparently, at the hint. don't worry, Rook gets it.
eyes flickering up, he raises a brow while he twirls some pasta onto his fork.] Well it is a good thing that I can reach them then, isn't it?
[it's been a gradual change. once, jiho would never have accepted such help. he would never have let anyone know that he was hurt in the first place, would rather have crawled into a dark alley and died here.
now, he's actually looking forward to rook's care. the gentle way that he touches him, draws close to him with just enough room between them. it's so different from what he's known too. and different from what he thought he wanted, but he's realizing that it was more about him not allowing himself to want it.
rook has stayed close and jiho doesn't mind. he reaches up under the pretense of rushing some stray ash from his hair, but ends up sliding his hand along his face. guess they're going to test that kissing thing right now, wow.]
[ when he first woke up on the couch all those months ago and was met with a sharp dagger and sharper tongue, Rook really had no idea how the pink haired assassin would manage to get under his skin. sure, Rook was soft between the ribs as Leviathan put it, but-- he didn't usually actually tumble headlong into this kind of thing. didn't let himself get close enough to other people for them to know him, and Jiho? Jiho knew him.
better than most.
humming around the last bit of food in his mouth, Rook swallows as he leans into the touch. the touch that pulls him in more, that has him leaning towards Jiho and smiling as he kisses him, softly. easily. he doesn't feel like it needs to be more, this kiss, it is perfect just as it is.
there is a pause, a break where Rook all but nuzzles the assassin, eyes closed and smile still on his face, has his free hand move to curl around his waist.
Rook feels safe here. wanted for more than his abilities.] I really... enjoy kissing you. More than garlic bread actually.[ a smile, bright and boyish before he leans in to press another kiss to Jiho's lips, chaste and sweet. ] But don't tell the garlic bread, it might get jealous.
[how is a grown man, a demon, so fucking adorable. that's all jiho can think, the only thing he can wonder. the smile that comes to his lips is always sweet and easy, and jiho is always inclined to look behind him because there's no way it could be meant for him.
except it is. rook is looking right at him, and smiling, and pressing his mouth gently against his in a way that makes no demands.]
Your mouth is fucking amazing.
[soft lips, the best laughter, caring words. rook's mouth is the hottest part of his body, and fuck anyone who can't see it. jiho shakes his head, but he can't even think about words to joke back with. he just slides into rook's lap, food forgotten in lieu of kissing him. a part of him feels like he's messing their first date up, that there should be more eating and conversation. but there's still time for that, and that's what they make to-go containers for. his room is pretty much rook's room anyway.]
[ that compliment, that easy statement of truth, has Rook blushing even as Jiho slides into his lap. the demon winds his arms around his torso easily pulling the other closer still with a broad hand moving to span along his lower back, warm and he hopes comforting. the kiss makes his breath catch in his throat, or maybe it's the way Jiho looks like this, in his lap with lips slightly reddened from pasta sauce and soft kisses, candlelight making his hair look like a halo.
Rook hums before he kisses Jiho like that's all he needs to live, goes from soft and adoring to something a little deeper, a little more like worship the way the demon knows best. Rook lets the kiss ebb and flow and doesn't break the kiss this time until his lungs are burning and he swears his heart is about to beat out of his chest.
he looks drunk when he pulls back, lets his head rest against the backrest behind him, eyes dark and fixed on Jiho. his hands are moving in small, calming circles against the assassin's back.]
If I say you're fucking amazing, I mean it and not -- not just as something I am saying to get a reaction. I mean it, you are-- [ a soft noise, a laugh maybe, as one hand moves from Jiho's back to card through his hair, cups the angle of his jaw.] Yeah, you're amazing Jiho.
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even if he told rook to stop, to stay home, it wouldn't do any good now. he would still worry for his sake. so the least jiho can do is lead him somewhere every once and awhile where he doesn't have to worry about him. he likes this look on him much better than worry - well, after those initial moments of worry pass, once rook has realized where he is and what jiho has done. it's kind of nice to catch someone off guard without a blade at the ready.]
I told you to wear whatever you want. The place is ours tonight. [the owner has a daughter and the daughter has an abusive ex. or had. and as a result, they get to have a nice dinner together. romantic, even, though thinking of it that way still makes jiho feel a little panicked, makes him wonder if he can slide under the table and suck him off instead of expressing it. but no, this is about rook, and ironically he thinks the demon of lust appreciates this sort of thing more.] This is to thank you for everything you've done for me.
[he reaches for his glass of water, but doesn't take a drink until after his next words.]
And...because watching me read in my room must be a boring date.
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the laughter that spills from Rook at that is bright, easy, something that you wouldn't expect from him and, honestly, doesn't often get pulled from him (not unless your Jiho it seems) and he looks just amused as he leans on the table ready to make a comment about how all it takes is asking to see him without a shirt, wow, until he hears that Jiho considers this a thanks and a date and--
what.
for a blink, Rook's face is nearly frozen, lips still curled in a half laugh, before all of him seems to melt. the demon leans in, over the table so that he is closer to Jiho.]
First, you don't have to thank me, I like-- I like being able to help you, Jiho. I really do. [ see this smile? this happiness? you put it on his face, you did. with your dumb hair and you quiet book reading. ] Secondly, I will have you know that watching you read is a wonderful date, you have the best facial expressions. I always know when something scandalous is happening because you make this little 'oh no' face that is amazing.
[ cutest, he means the cutest, but he won't say that outloud, not yet at least. it might be clear that he still enjoys it though with the way he looks at Jiho, quietly fond, a barely there flush of colour on his cheeks as the whole idea of being on a date rattles around in his head.
gods, this is his first date ever. shit. here is to hoping he doesn't fuck it up. ]
But this is-- amazing. Really. Even if it started with a heart attack. I think pasta and your company can make up for it.
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he's watching him, waits for his reaction after it all registers, and when the demon nearly becomes a puddle, he thinks it again. cute. and goddamn, what a beautiful laugh, the sound of it as well as the way rook's face looks when he's doing it. this might be as close to the sun as jiho ever gets.]
I do have to thank you. [he's not letting himself off the hook anymore.] And I want to.
[and oh, that's new, the way he's happy to be here, with rook. the way he was looking forward to it from the moment he started sending the text. and he's a little surprised when he realizes that he's not the only one who's noticed things - rook has noticed things about him too.]
I don't mind the scandalous parts, I just hate the word 'moist'.
[jiho makes a face...and then smiles a little. and that's something that's getting easier to do.]
We'll see. I hope so. [he wants...he wants this to be good. he doesn't even think about it being his first date, he just thinks about it being his first with rook. he's quiet when the food arrives, arranging all the plates so they're all within reach. he looks up when he's finished, and then leans in to give the demon a surprise kiss.]
This food has a lot of garlic in it. I thought you might like it better if we did that first.
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and a warmth that the assassin just keeps feeding with his, well, everything.]
That-- is fair. That is an uncomfortable word, and mildew. But that's really the word I have to use to get that face and not tasteless nudity?
[ there is mock surprise on his face, that quickly morphs into polite hunger when the food arrives. it does look delicious, nothing too fancy, but well prepared and-- well Rook thinks that Minsu would approve of it, so that was the stamp of approval. the demon goes to say as much but then Jiho is right there and kissing him softly, easily, and Rook forgets to breathe let alone speak.
let him reboot a moment, please.]
Garlic? Why-- oh! [ is he allowed another kiss? he would like one. ] Um, honestly I think I would enjoy it no matter what as long as it's you.
[ it sounds ridiculous, like a line, but really Rook's just being honest. ]
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he didn't expect rook to try to get closer, and care. the day jiho realized that he shouldn't have let him get close was the same day that rook was already curled up in his bed. by then he didn't want him to go.]
I haven't seen every inch of you. But I've seen enough, often enough. I'm not shocked by tasteless nudity.
[jiho looks up, eyebrows lifted he twirls some pasta around his fork. he hasn't taken a bite yet, so there's still time for another. he does snort a little at rooks words, but the faint smile on his lips isn't mocking. from anyone else, definitely a line. but rook is marshmallow fluff with abs and thighs that could crack a walnut.] It's too bad I used up all my breath spray annoying Neve. But okay, I guess I'll have some bread then.
[and they can see if what you say is true.]
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Jiho wasn't like that. clearly. he did this, a date, for Rook. let the demon take care of him, let him in his space. Rook couldn't ask for more.]
So I should return the assless chaps that I got to wear around next week?
[ is he teasing? probably. maybe. there is a good chance that he does actually own a pair of said chaps but whether or not he will wear them around is another story.
but yeah, he is leaning in to steal another kiss, brief and soft, and Jiho can surely feel the smile on his lips.]
That sounds... like a very interesting story actually. And I will have you know that I will not be offended if you rank garlic bread above my kisses, it is delicious.
[ he will rank any affection from you above breathing but like, whatever that's him. Rook is then moving to impale a meatball with his fork now, humming under his breath as he does, watching Jiho from out of the corner of his eye.]
You look good. I mean, you always look good but-- [ one moment, let him flush a little. goddamnit. ] Yeah. Your back doing okay?
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The sauce is a little spicy.
[sure it is. had nothing to do with the thought of rook in assless chaps. at least now he's been warned. he's prepared. except the touch of rook's lips takes every ounce of that preparedness out of him. makes him feel a little bit like he's melting, as much from the curve of his smile as anything.]
What story? [...oh. right, they were talking about something. jiho takes a in a deep breath and tries to refocus on food.] I was just trying to annoy Neve during spin the bottle. He's okay.
[they have a lot in common, murderous thoughts included. but he's not thinking of any of that tonight. jiho looks down at himself, wonders what he sees that looks "good". he's short and skinny and just...well, he's no rook.]
It looks worse than it feels. [maybe because of the little bottle of pain pills that he bought from someone. anyway.] And about the bread. [the kiss.] If we both eat it, it will probably cancel the garlic out.
[that's how that works, right?]
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either way, Rook is smothering his laughter against Jiho's lips before he is focused on his own food, small noises of approval slipping from his lips as he chews. for a being that doesn't need to eat, it is something that he rather enjoys doing. and this food? delicious.
possibly made even better because of the company.]
Mmm, Neve and Dash are interesting, the strings they both have are so tightly tangled together all the time it's-- [ admirable. amazing. something Rook is a little jealous of.] Rare. Beautiful.
[ is he still talking about Neve and Dash or is he talking about you now, who knows. (Rook knows, its both. mostly you though, Jiho).
Rook really wishes you could see what he sees. good barely begins to cover it. but Rook knows that saying as much won't have the effect that he desires, so he is just going to make a point of showing you, over and over and over.
he will start with going for some of said bread with a smile on his face as he bites into it.] Mmm, if you're sure. If, um, if you don't mind I have a healing ointment I can maybe give you for later?
[ or you know, put on you. if you want him to. ]
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[look, if you're enjoying the food that much, you'll like a bite of whatever off of jiho's fork, right?]
It is. [jiho agrees easily. he can't see these strings that rook is talking about, can only see the surface of what the pair chooses to show. but that's more than enough for him to see that it's something special. it's one of the things that jiho wants to protect. he looks up to see if rook has finished the bite...and finds the demon looking at him instead.
it derails his train of thought, and jiho dips a bite of bread into the sauce as he ponders it all over.]
I can't reach all of the bruises.
[is that a hint? maybe.]
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Rook might be a little unwilling to lean away from Jiho even after he has swallowed the bite of food.]
Glad you agree...
[ the words are soft, quiet, but he knows he doesn't need to be any louder. not here. not like this. the demon looks to the food, contemplating his next bite apparently, at the hint. don't worry, Rook gets it.
eyes flickering up, he raises a brow while he twirls some pasta onto his fork.] Well it is a good thing that I can reach them then, isn't it?
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[it's been a gradual change. once, jiho would never have accepted such help. he would never have let anyone know that he was hurt in the first place, would rather have crawled into a dark alley and died here.
now, he's actually looking forward to rook's care. the gentle way that he touches him, draws close to him with just enough room between them. it's so different from what he's known too. and different from what he thought he wanted, but he's realizing that it was more about him not allowing himself to want it.
rook has stayed close and jiho doesn't mind. he reaches up under the pretense of rushing some stray ash from his hair, but ends up sliding his hand along his face. guess they're going to test that kissing thing right now, wow.]
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better than most.
humming around the last bit of food in his mouth, Rook swallows as he leans into the touch. the touch that pulls him in more, that has him leaning towards Jiho and smiling as he kisses him, softly. easily. he doesn't feel like it needs to be more, this kiss, it is perfect just as it is.
there is a pause, a break where Rook all but nuzzles the assassin, eyes closed and smile still on his face, has his free hand move to curl around his waist.
Rook feels safe here. wanted for more than his abilities.] I really... enjoy kissing you. More than garlic bread actually.[ a smile, bright and boyish before he leans in to press another kiss to Jiho's lips, chaste and sweet. ] But don't tell the garlic bread, it might get jealous.
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except it is. rook is looking right at him, and smiling, and pressing his mouth gently against his in a way that makes no demands.]
Your mouth is fucking amazing.
[soft lips, the best laughter, caring words. rook's mouth is the hottest part of his body, and fuck anyone who can't see it. jiho shakes his head, but he can't even think about words to joke back with. he just slides into rook's lap, food forgotten in lieu of kissing him. a part of him feels like he's messing their first date up, that there should be more eating and conversation. but there's still time for that, and that's what they make to-go containers for. his room is pretty much rook's room anyway.]
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Rook hums before he kisses Jiho like that's all he needs to live, goes from soft and adoring to something a little deeper, a little more like worship the way the demon knows best. Rook lets the kiss ebb and flow and doesn't break the kiss this time until his lungs are burning and he swears his heart is about to beat out of his chest.
he looks drunk when he pulls back, lets his head rest against the backrest behind him, eyes dark and fixed on Jiho. his hands are moving in small, calming circles against the assassin's back.]
If I say you're fucking amazing, I mean it and not -- not just as something I am saying to get a reaction. I mean it, you are-- [ a soft noise, a laugh maybe, as one hand moves from Jiho's back to card through his hair, cups the angle of his jaw.] Yeah, you're amazing Jiho.