woodlandrealms | dragon gays

[The only time Dorian ever spent time in the kitchen was because he was on his way to the wine cellar. He'd nearly been sent away when the servants caught sight of him, and bewildered them even more when he said he wanted to cook. Dorian Pavus. Cooking. The world really had gone mad

As it turns out, it wasn't a good combination, as the first batch of eggs were horribly burnt by fire magic. He just couldn't be good at everything, though he insisted the very much charred eggs would taste fine. He'd prove it!

So after spitting up into a bucket and swearing it clearly wasn't his fault, Dorian left the kitchen with a plate of food he'd let the staff prepare instead. He'd shielded it from several thieves, including the Iron Bull and Sera, all the way up to the steps of Cullen's office. He sighed with relief, pushed his hair back, and didn't even bother to knock before he was walking inside.] You better appreciate all that I've went through to get here!

[ By comparison, Cullen's morning had be almost uneventful. He had awoken at dawn after a solid two hours of sleep (a record these days to be sure) and immediately headed out to speak with the troops. He had only been in Skyhold a few days since his dramatic arrival, but things had already started falling into place. He spoke to Cassandra as if he had never been gone in the first place. The recruits didn't even question him when he arrived — though that perpetual commanding air about him probably spoke louder than any words could — and things were almost, dare he say it, normal?

Well, it felt normal, right until Dorian barged into his office unannounced holding a plate of eggs and demanding that Cullen appreciate his efforts.

The commander — who was currently speaking with one of his soldiers; who promptly yelped in surprise as the door slammed into the wall behind it — stood up straighter, head turning toward the doorway with a look of surprise. Oh maker, had Dorian been serious about that offer for breakfast? ]

Ah — that will be all, thank you. [ he says quickly, ushering the confused soldier out. when he's gone, the door shut, the commander stares at Dorian. ]

You actually cooked breakfast? I... I don't even know what to say.

A word of thanks might suffice. [Dorian jut out his lower lip in a brief pout, looking at Cullen as if he were actually offended. It lasts about ten seconds, though, because he's crossing the room to hold out the plate expectantly.] No, my dish was... inedible, to say in the least. But I had the best prepared before they banned me "for all eternity."

Now-- [He's about to go on about how Tevinter had much more delectable meals, but he's spotted the ladder up to Cullen'a bedroom. His brows furrowed.] Surely you don't... sleep up there.

Edited 2016-10-29 19:04 (UTC)

Oh, uh. [ cullen rubs the back of his neck sheepishly before taking the offered plate. ] Thank you, Dorian. You didn't have to — [ oh. cullen laughs at the admission, ] Seems a harsh punishment for not being able to cook. Still, I appreciate the effort regardless.

[ cullen sets the plate down, intent on eating it... eventually. he steps toward dorian — stops just as he ends up in front of the man and glances up toward the loft. ] Why wouldn't I? It does it's job well enough, and it's connected directly to my office. It's convenient, really.

It's... certainly something. [Dorian doesn't sound— or look, for that matter— all too convinced. He places a hand on a rung like he's intending to go up, but shakes his head and turns to face Cullen instead.] Perhaps I'll get to go up there at a better time.

[He didn't actually have more to say than that, so now he can only stare awkwardly. He can't help it. The soldier's work looked boring.] I hear you're settling in quite nicely...?

It's better than sleeping on the ground. [ it might be cold sometimes and there might be holes in the ceiling but dammit there's a bed and blankets and that's more than he could ask for.

he watches dorian as he touches the rung of the ladder, uncertain as to whether or not he should stop him. thankfully, the mage decides for him. ]

Yes. Everyone has been very welcoming - I feel as if I never left. [ which was nice, and mostly unexpected. he thought he might be treated differently after being gone so long. he should have known better. ]

Will you - have you eaten yet? I see there's plenty here to share.

I... haven't, no. [ He blinked, looking between Cullen and the plate. What nonsense was this. ] Surely you aren't offering to share. That's disgustingly sweet. I'm not--

[ His stomach growls at the most inopportune time. ] ... hungry.

[ cullen gives him a disapproving look, lips parting to comment on how he has no right to comment on his eating habits when dorian can't even take the time to feed himself first.

but then the mage's stomach rumbles and cullen can't help but smirk as he grabs the plate and moves toward a small table nearby that has ALWAYS BEEN THERE as of right now because i said so. shut up. ]

I'll have to insist, lest the Inquisitor have my head for letting you go hungry while I eat a hearty meal. [ just sit down and eat with him. ]

Someone fears the Inquisitor's wrath. How are you going to be my knight in shining armor if you can't fight a small elf? [He smirked, joining at the table that TOTALLY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE to eat.

Or, well, just sit there with his chin in his hand to wait for his reaction. ]

You haven't seen her when she's angry. [ he jests, only catching the comment about being dorian's "knight in shining armor" a second too late. the tips of his ears blush, and he shakes his head slowly as he stabs a fork into his eggs. or, his and dorian's eggs. whatever. ]

Most mages wouldn't want a knight in shining armor, truthfully.

No, but I'm sure I will with how late I'll make you to meetings. [ Dorian winks. He'll be the bane of Cullen and the Inquisitor's careers. ]

And... I don't know if you know this, my dear commander, but... [ He leans forward, smug grin still wide across his face. ] I''m not like most mages. You don't see any others kissing former Templars in their bedrooms, do you?

[ cullen sputters and just barely manages to reign in his expression of surprise and mild embarrassment at the comment. ] I fear neither of us would survive her wrath for long, if you did that too often.

[ and they both know cullen wouldn't allow himself to be late more than once ever. he's too much of a workaholic, no matter how tempting dorian's offers may be. though he will certainly make time for such... excursions. ]

How would I know, if they are smart enough to hide away in their bedrooms? [ cullen smirks, lifting his hand and pushing a forkful of eggs into dorian's mouth. ] Though last I remember, I am the only former templar here, and no one else is kissing me.

[Dorian opened his mouth to retort, but he's interrupted by the eggs. Try as he may, he can't keep a straight face, laughing as he leans back to chew and swallow.]

How can I kiss you when you go doing that?

[ cullen finds himself almost entranced by the sound of dorian's laughter echoing in the tiny office. it's nice, just sitting here with him and enjoying a meal; making him laugh like things around them aren't as terrible as they seem. he should be careful, he might get used to this. ]

You could wait until we're done eating. There will be plenty of time to kiss then. [ he takes a bite for himself, then offers another to dorian. ]

Ooh, just another thing Mother Giselle can harp at me about. You're distracting the commander, Dorian! You're spilling all our secrets to Tevinter, Dorian! As if we're interested in the Fereldens. [ He rolled his eyes, but he was still smiling as he leaned to take another bite. ] ... No offense.

None taken. Mostly. [ he is such a patriotic fereldan it's stupid, but he won't take offense to something like that. they don't need tevinter's interest in them - they have enough problems as is. ]

She needn't worry about distractions, I am more than capable of handling myself. And you. [ oh shit. ]

[ oh shit.

Dorian blinks, too stunned to say anything for a moment. That was hot? Cullen was hot?? He's supposed to be dumb but cute!! ]

Can you handle me, commander?

[ did cullen really just render dorian pavus speechless? he would be pleased with himself, were he not just realizing the implications of what he just said. ]

Better than you might think. [ he says, with an air of confidence the he normally reserves for dramatic speeches on the battlefield. ] You wouldn't be the first mage I've dealt with. [ please, take that how you're supposed to. ]

[ Congratulations, Cullen, you've successfully turned Dorian's face a deep shade of pink. ] That's-- That's surprising. [ wait, shit-- ] Not that-- That you would-- Ah...

[ He's going to shove a piece of bacon in his mouth now. ]

[ red-faced and stuttering? cullen's on a roll and it's mostly accidental. ]

Is it really that surprising? I was young once, too. [ young and stupid, perhaps. but he's not completely ignorant to the whole sex thing - he just prefers to have feelings along with it. terrible. cullen leans forward, toward dorian, and squints. ]

...Are you blushing?

[ Dorian leans back as Cullen leans forward. Yes, he's blushing, damn you. Now it's even worse, a darker shade of red, it's all his fault. ] No. Yes. Perhaps.

... Can you really blame me? [ He muttered, opting to stare at the table than meet Cullen's eyes. ] It's not as bad as you the other day.

[ oh how the tables have turned. cullen's expression softens a little, like he feels bad for calling him out on it. ]

No, I suppose not. It wasn't my intention to embarrass you, though. [ he sounds sincere, because he is. though it's nice to know that dorian gets just as embarrassed as everyone else in situations like this - if timed right. ] Maker, I will never hear the end of that. You kissed me without warning! Anyone else would have reacted the same.

Will you react the same now, I wonder? [ Dorian sits up, huffing and going to lean forward. He reached out to pull on Cullen's collar... but his elbow collided with the plate. ]

Vishante kaffas!

With some warning, it — [ nevermind. cullen jerks back, moving to see if dorian was alright. ] Maker's breath, be careful! Are you hurt?

I'm.... fine! [ Aside from the egg on his arm, now. Dorian sighs, leaning back to brush off. ] I don't know what it with you, but you've made a mess of me. I'm supposed to be charming, and... and smooth. Now? Only the former!

[ he's surprised dorian doesn't consider egg on his arm the tragedy of the century. cullen stops fussing once he's assured the other man didn't accidentally stab himself or anything. ]

From the look of things, you're the one making a mess. [ they can't even eat those eggs now with your arm all up in them, dorian. ] I would apologize, if I knew what I was doing to upset you so much.

Existing. [ He sighed, sliding the plate aside and leaning forward on his arms safely this time. ] Being so kind. Handsome. It's not fair, Cullen. Stop that.

I — [ he's not even sure what to say to that. cullen leans forward as well, calloused fingers brushing under dorian's chin. ] Are you saying you would prefer me to be unkind? I could always kick you out of my office, if that is the case...

Ohhh, you don't want to do that. You like my company more than your soldiers. [ He grins, leaning into his touch. ] Isn't that right, commander?

That's hardly an appropriate comparison. [ he doesn't want to kiss his soldiers. in fact, most of the time he wants to slap them because they don't know their ass from their elbows. but that's not the point right now.

cullen leans in the rest of the way - which at this point is like two inches - and kisses dorian softly on the lips. ] But you're right, I do enjoy your company. I wouldn't have insisted you stay if I didn't.

[ Dorian smiles, leaning his forehead against Cullen's. For once, he wasn't rendered speechless out of shock. He just didn't have a smart comment because Cullen was so nice... maybe he'd— ]

Commander— [ Speaking of soldiers, one pushed open the door and froze. They blanched. ] Er— I'm sorry! The Inquisitor needs the mage.

[ cullen says nothing — just enjoys the moment as he admires the intricate details of dorian's face. he's smiling —

right until the door opens. in an instant Cullen's pulled back and on his feet, his hands slamming into the table — silverware clattering. ]

What? [ he practically snarls, amber eyes boring holes into the poor soldier just trying to do his job. something pricks at the edges of his mind — anger, just from hearing the man refer to dorian as mage. he had done that once, but now it felt wrong. just as so many of his old habits did these days.

when the soldier replies though, cullen sighs, flexing his fingers on the table. ]

Fine. We'll be through shortly. Back to your station, soldier. [ of course the guy just stands there for a few seconds. ] Now.

[ Dorian had a smart remark ready for the soldier, but it was lost to the Fade when Cullen stood up. He blanched, simply sitting there as they carried on their conversation. He hadn't expected Cullen to come to his defense, let alone look so angry.

After the door slammed shut in the soldier's haste, Dorian cleared his throat and sat up again. ] Are you... certain you don't want to go upstairs...?

[ Can he really blame him? It was hot. ]

Shut up. [ cullen says with a huff, reaching out to grab the front of dorian's shirt and pull him close. in an instant, he has his lips clamped over the mages in a kiss far more heated than the last. ]

What-- [Dorian looked affronted in the split second before the kiss, hands that raised in mock defeat coming to rest on Cullen's collar. He held tight this time, making sure he couldn't just pull away and run off like last time.

There's no hesitance this time. He was pressing his tongue to Cullen's lips, hardly asking permission.]

[ cullen wraps his arms around dorian's middle, making sure he's as close as possible as they kiss. he parts his lips without even thinking, letting the other man's tongue delve forth without any further interruption. his own darts out to meet his, twirling and suckling around the muscle with an excitement not previously seen in him before. aren't adrenaline rushes great. ]

[Dorian would be lying if part of him still didn't expect inexperience. He should know better, he should be better, but Cullen's touch is rendering him as capable as a first-timer.

He almost keeps his eyes shut, melting into him with silent pleads for more, but he withdraws after about a minute of making out. He's out of breath and flush, but he still manages to ask.] Are you sure?

[Cullen was so worried before, after all. Even if he hadn't left the impression of it, his wants were important to him.]

[ Cullen inhales deeply as they break from one another, subsequently taking in air and the defining scent of Dorian as he lingers so close. The question confuses him at first — and it's only after he begins to calm that he realizes what he's asking. ]

I ... I want to say yes. [ He wants to, but something hinders him. Uncertainty had him stopping Dorian before, that first night, but it was obvious by now that the mage was perhaps chasing something more than sex with him. He had gone through the effort of getting him breakfast, bringing it to him, and even staying when he really didn't need to. He just asked if it was alright because he clearly gives a shit, no matter how much he says otherwise. And unless this is an elaborate ploy — Cullen knows he can trust him.

The commander strokes Dorian's cheek gently. ] Maker, but if I could be selfish, I would never let you go. But you — The Inquisitor needs you, and it would be unwise to keep her waiting.

[Then be selfish, Dorian almost says. But he holds his tongue, waiting for Cullen to go on. His shoulders sink, but he isn't all that devastating knowing he wanted to otherwise.]

Better to leave her waiting than me wanting. [He heaved a sigh, but he leans into Cullen's hand with a faint smile.] As soon as we return. I'm sure it won't be long, anyhow. A few ancient artifacts here, dragons... I'll be back before you know it.

You will not want for long, with any luck. [ He hopes. Cullen doesn't know what the Inquisitor intended to do when calling for Dorian, but it could take hours - days, even, depending on where exactly they're going. ]

Stay safe, Dorian. I will be here.

[Cullen had guessed the party would be back in a few days, at most. It'd quite more than just a few. Two weeks had passed since Dorian, The Inquisitor, Cole and Blackwall had departed, and it was nearing three when they arrived back at Skyhold.

The most unlikely of the two were together, with more similarities than they'd left with. Dorian had an arm around Blackwall's shoulders for support in walking, and they both had short hair along their faces. Dorian's was stubble, and Blackwall had missing, singed patches from a dragon fight.

The skin Dorian had usually left uncovered with his ridiculous armor was bandaged beneath what was left of it. He leaned off the warrior with an unusually genuine word of thanks, starting up the steps to the throne room with a strained smile. He'd forgotten Cullen might be waiting for him.]

[ You shouldn't keep the Inquisitor waiting he had said, and had he known he would be waiting, worried and fearful, for two weeks he may not have said it at all. He would have kept Dorian there, insisted that perhaps the Inquisitor not go at all for her own safety as well. But he could do nothing now that they were gone — only ask if the scouts had seen anything since then.

Word comes quickly to his office of the party's arrival. And the moment the words leave the scouts lips that everyone that left was back — albeit a bit worse for wear — Cullen is descending the steps of the battlements so quickly he nearly trips. He arrives in the throne room just as Dorian vanishes behind the door — and he hurries over to catch him by the arm before he gets too far up the stairs. ]

Dorian.

[Dorian was ready to collapse in his library chair and complain at passersby, and he nearly snapped when he discovered someone was stopping him from doing that.]

Can you once just-- [He starts, but the words die on his lips when he sees Cullen's face. That big, dumb, worried face.] Cullen.

[He threw his arms around him without a second thought.]

[ He doesn't hesitate to wrap his own arms around the other man, holding him close with his face pressed into his neck. ]

It's good to see you returned. [ He whispers, eyes falling shut as he takes in the familiar scent of the mage now mixed with dirt and grime and gore. Not that he really cares in this moment — he's just glad he's back, alive. ] Are you alright? [ Should he even be hugging him this hard? He pulls back a little. ]

[He probably shouldn't, but Dorian doesn't seem to care. He leans his head against Cullen's, the tension in his shoulders gone in a matter of seconds. He was so warm. He was what made it feel like coming home.]

I will be. [He mutters, his grip on the commander tightening as if he thought he'd let go.] A few cracked ribs and a broken ago can't stop me. However, if I don't get a proper bath in the next few minutes, I might possibly just die.

[ He doesn't let go, but his grip is loose enough now that he won't aggravate any of his injuries further. Gloved hands reach for Dorian's, a small - albeit tired - laugh whispering from the commander's lips. ]

We'll get one ready for you. I don't need to carry you there, do I?

As nice as that would be, I think I would rather keep my dignity around Skyhold until this is resolved. [Dorian laughs, shutting his eyes briefly to commit how Cullen felt against him before they'd have to pull away. Surely it wasn't the last embrace they'd share, logically, but... life is fleeting.

No one had really followed up after one, anyway. It's with a sigh that he pulls away, keeping a hand at Cullen's arm lest he want to fall over.] Lead the way, Commander.

dragon gays

morning after... except no sex happened

maybe some day

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two sexless weeks later

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