[sandbox]

[bringspeopletogether]

Back to Skyhold. Back to work.

Alistair resumes training with the Chargers a few days after his and Cullen's return; the company got back from Halamshiral just before the Basin group showed up, Bull explains, so he was giving them a rest before picking up exercises again. Krem fills Alistair in on all the details as they're exchanging blows. Some of it is just Orlesian Worst Game Ever nonsense, but since it ends with a whole lot of shamefaced nobles with no mercenaries to their names, Alistair's pretty damn pleased.

(Maybe he can get the new mercenaries in on his plan to dress up the training dummies in Orlesian garb. Hmmmmmm.)

Cullen's in a war room meeting by the time Alistair's done. He throws some water on his face and heads for the kitchens -- maybe he can split a small meal with Kieran before Morrigan's return.

Comments

[bringspeopletogether]

Shifty look.

"Mmmmmmmmaybe?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"Both times?"

[bringspeopletogether]

"To be fair," says Alistair, with all the dignity he can muster, "we were already together when I gave you that rose. It wasn't my opening sally."

[howtoactfereldan]

"So what you're telling me is that it never actually works, and you're not disclosing that to Kieran?"

[bringspeopletogether]

"I'm saying," says Alistair, and gives Cullen a gentle prod in the side, "that timing is everything. I seem to remember you being quite happy about the rose. Those men who walked in on us probably remember it too."

[howtoactfereldan]

"So he ought to hope that she's the type to be swayed by roses, then?"

This does not seem like a great strategy to Cullen.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Or find something she is swayed by. Who knows, maybe she likes snakes. Find her a nice snake and come up with an appropriately cheesy speech to go with it."

[howtoactfereldan]

Silence.






Barely stifling laughter:

"He's far too young to be pulling out his snake, Alistair. Even if she does like them."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Cullen -- "

Alistair socks him in the arm before burying his face against Cullen's shoulder, laughing helplessly. Something that sounds like a squeaky didn't mean it like that, dammit!! escapes.

[howtoactfereldan]

"This is why I said I'd pay to see you give him advice."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Awful man," he manages, still laughing, before planting a firm kiss on Cullen's temple. "Maybe I'll send him to you for advice, then."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Moon from afar," Cullen says, thoughtful, "and turn bright red and stammer any time she so much as glances in your direction. It won't work, but you also won't have any grandchildren in the next year or two."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair splutters. "I would hope I wouldn't have any for at least another ten, thank you."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen laughs, then, low and rumbly. Contented: "I do appreciate that you're so easy to horrify."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair sighs, molding against him. "It's all for you," he murmurs. "Just to brighten up your life a little."

[howtoactfereldan]

"A lot," he assures Alistair, eyes closing, and traces idle patterns on Alistair's chest. "Your facial expressions are the best I've ever seen."

[bringspeopletogether]

He snorts a tiny laugh. "I should be equally appreciative that you're so easy to entertain, then."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Distractible as a small child," Cullen agrees.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Watch out," he murmurs against Cullen's shoulder. "All you have to do now is start front-combing your hair, and you'll turn into me."

[howtoactfereldan]

"One: not a chance," he says peacefully. "And two: there are worse fates by far."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair's smile warms. (Might go a little goofy.) He closes his eyes.






"You forgot your other strategy when you're trying to woo someone," he says after a moment. "Kiss them when they're least expecting it."

[howtoactfereldan]

"I've only ever tried that on one."

Mumbled a little.

"Can't verify the efficacy when applied broadly."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Fair enough."

Another small kiss, this one to Cullen's throat.

"And by this point I'd be very put out if you did try to verify it, so..."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen breathes out.

"Let's avoid that," he murmurs.

[bringspeopletogether]

A soft breath of laughter, right across Cullen's pulse point.

"Exactly."