[sandbox]

[bringspeopletogether]

No Orlesian nobles pounded down their door to demand their hound back, so when Alistair and Cullen left Halamshiral, the newly-dubbed Gruyere happily trotted alongside their horses.

A few weeks after -- which included some quiet conversation, a few orders placed with a few merchants, and almost an entire extra pack of gifts slung over one of their mounts -- Gru just as happily trotted along as they turned for South Reach.

Years of correspondence led Alistair to build an elaborate image of Cullen's family in his mind; Mia, perhaps, more fully realized than the others, but everyone with a name and a voice to match their letters. They're...not wholly inaccurate? But Mia's definitely shorter than he expected, and one or two of the children a little louder.

(Mia's voice, however, adopts exactly the pitch he imagined it would when Alistair brings up the whole I'm-your-brother-in-law-now thing.)

It's a nice place. Just the right kind of rambunctious, with all the kids running around; just the right kind of homey.

If only Cullen weren't -- well, reacting more or less precisely how Alistair worried he'd react to the reunion.

Comments

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair yelps -- half in surprise, half in pleasure -- and dissolves into a trembling laugh. He digs his fingernails against Cullen.

"Yes," he breathes. "Always yours. Always."

[howtoactfereldan]

Not always.

For just a moment Cullen freezes. Then he lets out another breath against Alistair's neck -- as though he's giving in.

He kisses the underside of Alistair's jaw, slipping his tongue over the skin.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair isn't so lost that he fails to notice the hitch to Cullen's movements. Even as he exhales another small gasp, leaning his head to give Cullen all the space he'd like, he runs his palms along Cullen's back -- less delving, more soothing.

"It's all right," he whispers. "Yes."

[howtoactfereldan]

It isn't.

But under Alistair's hands, it's not worth mentioning.

A moment passes. Cullen lets out a heavy sigh, and then lowers himself onto Alistair as though laying down to rest. He tucks his head in the crook of Alistair's neck, fingers curling lightly against Alistair's shoulder.

[bringspeopletogether]

Slow, he promised.

With one hand, Alistair continues smoothing gentle circles along Cullen's back. He cradles the back of Cullen's head with the other; after a moment, he kisses his brow.

Soft: "I've got you, love."

[howtoactfereldan]

"I know." Faintly. "I'm sorry. At least -- we have time."

[bringspeopletogether]

"We do." A small smile. "So no need to apologize."

Still rubbing Cullen's back.

"Is there more I can do for you?"

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen huffs a breath that's nearly amused.

"You know I hate it when you ask me that."

[bringspeopletogether]

"I know." Rueful, but still smiling. "Someday I'll learn better."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Doubtful," Cullen grumbles, settling more comfortably.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair just chuckles, presses another kiss to Cullen's hair, and winds his arms more securely around him.

One thing he can do for his husband: give him a moment's quiet instead of tossing out another teasing rejoinder.

[howtoactfereldan]

It's because of that quiet that Cullen eventually says, softly, "Mia told me that it wasn't like I was the first one they'd seen to come home from war and need space. And time."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Mm."

He takes up the small circles on Cullen's back again, slow, meditative.

"She's a wise woman."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Already you're taking her side," he mumbles.

[bringspeopletogether]

A soft laugh. "Am not."

Lightly, he tugs on Cullen's hair.

"I can admit someone said something smart and still be on your side. Just like I always am."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen wrinkles his nose, and gently prods his shoulder.

"No, you're both going to gang up on me at every opportunity. I know how this works."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Keep in mind," murmurs Alistair into Cullen's ear, "that we've been writing to each other for years and have yet to gang up on you. You have my word I'll defend you."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen laughs softly.

"Welcome," he says with fatalistic cheer, "to having siblings. Famous last words."

[bringspeopletogether]

It's Alistair's turn to wrinkle his nose. "I suppose you do have more expertise in the area."

He settles his arms more snugly around him.

"But you're still my favorite, and favorites get preferential treatment."

[howtoactfereldan]

He lets out a small, content sigh.

"Oh good," Cullen mumbles. "For once I'll take it."

[bringspeopletogether]

His smile broadens.

"I'm glad," he whispers, and kisses Cullen's temple.

[howtoactfereldan]

"So no scheming," he mumbles.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Not a one." Warm. "Any conversations I have with Mia will be scheme-free."

A moment's quiet passes.

"Was there -- anything else you talked about?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"Like what?" Still mumbled.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair shrugs. (Not too much -- it wouldn't do to disturb Cullen where he rests.)

"You coming home, I suppose." He smiles, faint and rueful. "Or something less fraught. Or nothing at all if you'd prefer to tell me to shut up."