ROGUE🖤 (Cole x OC! Lavellan) ✓ [COMPLETED]

Ch. 16 *Becoming More Human*

NALIA
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He's been so quiet every since that day. He won't look at anyone, let alone me, won't murmur a word...he just hides away in his corner.

It's been two weeks since everything happened. Purposely, I've been leaving him at Skyhold when I go out to the Hinterlands, or the Storm Coast, etc. I bring my two usuals, Iron Bull and Dorian, but sometimes I let Vivienne come.
She complains to much, honestly. So on days when I don't want to hear shit from anyone, I bring Blackwall.

I would love to have Cole on these trips, but I know that he needs time alone...for how long, though? I have no idea. But today, after two weeks of going without approaching him, or talking to him, I find myself walking onto the battlement to find Cole.

I probably shouldn't, and yet I feel like it's the best thing to do.
I find him sitting on the edge, staring out at the wide scenery. His back is facing me, and his posture is a little more slouched forward then it used to be.

Even though I can't see his face, I know he's hurting.

I approach him. "Cole?" I whisper.
He glances at me. His eyes are so full of an emptiness that never was there before...it makes my heart sting.

I pinch the tips of my fingers. This sounded so much better in my head, or when I was rehearsing in my room to the mirror.
"Would you like to do something fun with me?" I ask quickly, and shyly, not looking in his eyes, afraid to see his rejection.

He raises an eyebrow. "I don't know, I've never tried it before."

I take his hand. "Well, it's better now then later."

I hope this works out for the best and not the worst.

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After arranging some things with Josephine, we reserved a table at the finest restaurant in Val Royeaux.

Cole stands close to me, head down. He's not used to everyone being able to see him, remembering him. He's always been like a ghost, slipping in and out of shadows, coming to help you when you need it before disappearing again.
This is uncomfortable for him. I almost cancel the whole thing, but I know that this is what Cole needs.

"Inquisitor! You honor us with your presence," a masked man says as we approach the entrance to the restaurant. "May I bring a sampling of fine cheeses for you and your guest?"

"Yes, please," I smile, "and may we also have a bottle of your best tasting wine?"
The man nods. "Of course, Inquisitor. Now follow me, I'll show you to your table."

He leads us to a table that overlooks outside at the city. The man bows one last time as we sit.

"He saw me..." Cole whispers when we're alone. "They all see me."

I nod. "Next you'll be eating and drinking and... everything else." I don't get into too many details...some that he will find out when...time comes.

He tilts his head. "What else is there?" He sounds like such a curious child when he asks questions like that, it's adorable.

"Have you used the privy yet? That should be enlightening." I giggle softly behind my hand.

He lowers his head. "I find people when there pain leaves them open. I ease the pain, I leave, they forget. That was enough for me. Now they remember and I'm not sure...ah," he chuckles, smiling.