[sandbox]

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair surprises himself: he adapts to the Basin a lot quicker than he expected.

The camps feel -- snug, he decides. In a good way. Trees overhead, a limited number of egress points, a vantage point so high it puts every night by the ladder to shame: they're not the stone walls of Skyhold, but maybe they're the next best thing. After an initial restless night or two, he sleeps soundly.

(Knowing he's surrounded by lots of people with sharp, pointy weapons? Also helpful.)

Joining the patrol rotations seems like a decent next step. No point in being in the field, especially after all that training with Bull, if he's just going to twiddle his thumbs all day.

Comments

[bringspeopletogether]

Cheerful: "It'll let me know how much time I need to take out of my busy Double Commander schedule to observe the proceedings."

Beat.

"Unless you successfully avoid it, in which case the answer is 'none.'"

[howtoactfereldan]

"None," Cullen says promptly.




"You know I save that for you."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair's grin softens: not shyer, exactly, but more private.

"Lucky me," he murmurs, warm.

[howtoactfereldan]

"I don't know about that," Cullen says, cheerfully enough. He picks up a chunk of raw silverite and puts it on top of the reports. "I should read more, take one last walk around camp, but I'm done with meetings for the night, at least."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Would you like company on the walk?" asks Alistair. He pushes away from the desk. "Or is it Commander business only?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"Depends on whether you can keep your hands off of me for the duration." Serene. "I'm afraid I have to look official."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair heaves himself to his feet with a sigh. "I suppose I can be good," he says. "Though if you don't mind -- "

He steps closer, the better to brush his fingers over Cullen's shoulder.

"I could get a little of it out of my system now?"

[howtoactfereldan]

With deliberation, Cullen removes his breastplate and puts it on the desk.

He leans against Alistair, and murmurs, "I wish you would."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair smiles. He rests his hand more heavily on Cullen's shoulder; after a moment, he begins to knead, slow and firm.

His other hand moves to the back of Cullen's neck, thumb circling over the knots.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen lets out a long, slow breath, lowering his head.

Mumbled, after a moment: "You don't have to do this. Your day was far more strenuous."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair shakes his head.

"I like being able to look after you." Soft. "Let me?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"Fussing, you mean," he grumbles, but doesn't protest further.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair suppresses a laugh. (If Cullen can do the kindness of only protesting a little, Alistair can do the kindness of not laughing, no matter how good-natured.)

He continues to work on Cullen's neck. Some moments later, the hand at Cullen's shoulder slides down and circles to the front of Cullen's chest, fingers splayed.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen opens an eye, and turns a little to squint up at Alistair.

"You missed," he informs him.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Did I?" His tone's innocent; the smile he gives Cullen, not so much. "I'm sorry."

Alistair trails his other hand down Cullen's back, taking his time. Enjoying the feel of each muscle.

Once that hand finally lands on Cullen's abdomen, and Alistair wraps him in a loose embrace, he adds, "Oh, dear. Seems like I missed again."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen sighs, content, and leans into the embrace.

"I forgive you," he murmurs, and settles his hands on Alistair's arm.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Oh, good." Alistair laughs softly against Cullen's neck. "What a relief. I thought I might have to sleep out in the trees tonight."

[howtoactfereldan]

"With the gurguts? Never. They snore."

(So does Cullen, periodically.)

[bringspeopletogether]

"Guaranteeing I'd wake up surly if I don't wake up crushed under a gurgut." He kisses Cullen's earlobe. "I'm even more relieved you'll let me sleep indoors now."

[howtoactfereldan]

He shivers.

"Don't understate it." Low. "I encourage you to sleep indoors."

[bringspeopletogether]

"To keep you warm?"

Another kiss, just under Cullen's jaw.

[howtoactfereldan]

"Mm." Cullen tilts his head to give Alistair easier access. "Among other things."

[bringspeopletogether]

As Cullen's said on occasion, there are better things Alistair can do with his mouth than offer clever rejoinders. Alistair seems to be taking that advice to heart: he could say something right now, but why bother when Cullen's neck is right there?

He tightens the embrace. Gently, he patterns circles with his fingertips along Cullen's chest; gentler still, he lets his teeth graze Cullen's pulse point on the next kiss.

[howtoactfereldan]

His fingertips dig into Alistair's arms, just for a moment.

"If you aren't careful," Cullen says shakily, "everyone's going to know our business." Beat. "And I might not even care."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair pulls in a quick breath. He's reached the base of Cullen's neck; he touches his lips to the spot just above his shirt collar, lingers there.

"Damn shame you can't lock a tent door," he murmurs.