(no subject)

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen is fine in the field. He can set up a tent, build a fire, find water safe to drink, make something edible. But he hasn't traveled enough to get the knack of what's wise to bring.

These days it makes little difference, given his status: he helps to set up camp, but there are runners and adjutants to find and fetch things. And there are few enough of them, this time -- not the massed force of the Inquisition, but a patrol's worth of soldiers and scouts and accompanying support -- that in the evenings, Cullen finds himself... restless.

It's akin to the reason he doesn't frequent the Herald's Rest, but there's no office to hide in, and no paperwork to justify staying in the tent.

At least tomorrow he and Alistair will peel off to where Honnleath used to be, to spend the night and rejoin the rest again late the following day.

(This may also contribute to his fidgeting.)

Comments

[howtoactfereldan]

"I told you it was excellent."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair nods, still giggling. After a moment, he gathers himself enough to plant a firm kiss on Cullen's cheek.

"I'm so proud," he says. "I love you."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen sighs; even he has to admit it's a theatrical sigh.

"Most people get that when they pull innocents out of burning buildings."

[bringspeopletogether]

"Well, there are plenty of other things I'm proud of you for doing," says Alistair, with great practicality, "but you'll make faces if I bring them up. So being proud of you for incredible puns it is."

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen looks at him.

And makes a very horrible and pained face.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Yes." Peaceable. "Precisely like that."

He musses Cullen's hair.

[howtoactfereldan]

He puts up with it.





And then, quiet: "Out of your system?"

He's not smiling.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Yes."

Another kiss, softer, to Cullen's temple.

"I'll be quiet now."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Maybe -- don't pick at me."

Barely audible. He's not looking at Alistair.

"Is what I mean to say."

[bringspeopletogether]

Oh.

Alistair's smile, already fading, vanishes entirely.

"I didn't..." (No. That's not how to begin.) "I'm sorry. I didn't -- mean for it to sound that way."

More cautiously, his hand returns to Cullen's hair; settles there, without mussing or moving.

[howtoactfereldan]

"I know." No louder; Cullen doesn't move.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair can't say nice things without Cullen objecting. So he often teases instead, as affectionate as he can.

(But Alistair -- for whom words like witless, obnoxious, terrible have barely registered as insults for years -- sometimes has difficultly judging what's affectionate teasing and what's...not.

He's aware enough to know that much about himself.)

"What was it?" Quiet. "All of it?"

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen shakes his head a little.

"It went from -- being about other things, to me. Tonight isn't..."

They have a long day tomorrow.

"Not tonight."

[bringspeopletogether]

"All right." No louder.

Still cautious, he smooths his hand over Cullen's hair, just a little.

"I'm sorry."

[howtoactfereldan]

"It's all right."

Cullen can say that and mean it: it's stopped before he's had to work hard to control his temper.

(That way lies headaches, at the very least.)

"Thank you."

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair nods.

Carefully, he works his fingers a little deeper into Cullen's hair; combs his fingers through, slow and gentle.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen closes his eyes.






"Feels good." Small, and tentative.

[bringspeopletogether]

"I'm glad," whispers Alistair.

He keeps sliding his fingers through Cullen's hair.

"Do you want the blankets yet?"

[howtoactfereldan]

"Probably should." It comes out on a sigh. "Do you?"

[bringspeopletogether]

"I could use one." Smiling, faintly.

Said blankets are piled not far from the bedroll; Alistair snags one, drapes it over himself and Cullen.

[howtoactfereldan]

Cullen takes the opportunity to drape himself over Alistair.

"I see my favorite pillow has returned," he mutters.

[bringspeopletogether]

Alistair laughs softly. "It never goes far."

He wraps his arms around Cullen, settling his cheek against his hair.

[howtoactfereldan]

"It better not." Truculent.

[bringspeopletogether]

"Fortunately, it takes up absolutely no room in your pack, so it's quite portable."

He closes his eyes.

"So long as you don't mind its nattering."

[howtoactfereldan]

"Much as I hate to admit it... most of it's pleasant."

Smiling, a little.

"Might go so far as to say it's welcome."