[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]

"And to think you were upbraiding me for wanting to throw rocks at a spider," says Alistair.

His tone of immense betrayal lasts about three words before he's laughing again.

[howtoactfereldan]

"Completely different," Cullen says airily. "That spider was minding its own business. You're the one who said a monster had been unleashed on the camp."

[bringspeopletogether]

"It hasn't done anything yet," protests Alistair. "Just like the spider hadn't done anything yet!"

[howtoactfereldan]

"It's unauthorized personnel in Inquisition territory. The spider was in its own territory."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Maybe the monster was unleashed to help the Inquisition, hm?" He lifts an eyebrow. "Maybe it's on your side."

[howtoactfereldan]

"If that were the case, then it would be authorized personnel."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair heaves a sigh. "The monster's very sad to hear it's unauthorized, you know."

He settles his free hand at Cullen's other hip.

[howtoactfereldan]

Light:

"The monster also spoiled the quiet." Half a smile; it looks more like a wince. "We don't have real privacy, Alistair."

[bringspeopletogether]

"I know."

Quieter, as the last of his humor deflates.

"I'm sorry. I'll -- walk more, instead. Next time. Or something like that, I don't know."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Don't apologize." No louder. Cullen steps in, linking his fingers at the small of Alistair's back. "I'd just -- prefer it if the things that pass between us didn't become common knowledge among the Inquisition. At least in their more enjoyable specifics."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair nods. The argument -- isn't unfamiliar. Cullen's made similar requests before.

(Alistair's even agreed: it's nice having something that's just theirs.)

A crooked, hesitant smile. "I'll still try to do better."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen's is far more of a smirk.

As sanctimonious as he can manage:

"The Maker smiles on those who strive for self-improvement in all things, Knight-Recruit Alistair."

This phrase... may be familiar.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Ugh."

He drops his hands from Cullen's hips, grinning a bit despite himself.

"That's one way to make sure I won't try to tear off your clothes as soon as I walk in. Or ever again."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Good, because I didn't bring enough spares for that."

Cullen, in contrast, pulls Alistair just a little bit closer.

[bringspeopletogether]

Yeah, that didn't take long: Alistair's hands wander back to Cullen's waist.

"I see." Gravely. "So it all comes down to conservation of supplies. Smart of you."

[howtoactfereldan]

"You say the nicest things." Dry.

[bringspeopletogether]

Cheerfully deadpan: "And they say romance is dead."

He leans just a little further to brush a kiss over Cullen's scar.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen closes his eyes in pleasure, touches his forehead to Alistair's.

"Do they?" he murmurs.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Some, I'd assume." His smile softens. "Can't say I believe them."

[howtoactfereldan]

"It does seem illogical. And improbable."

Beat.

"As arguably it was never alive to begin with."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair sighs. With deep fondness: "You're impossible."

Another light kiss.

[howtoactfereldan]

"Incorrigible. Intractable. Intolerable."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Indubitably."

He resttles one hand on the back of Cullen's head.

"Well, not the last one," he amends. "You're perfectly tolerable. Better than."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Slightly tolerable."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Tolerable enough that I need reminders to keep my hands off you in public."

Teasing.