Sparkler and the Wolf

4. Truths and Plans

Fenris had hesitated at letting Dorian leave, but it had been clear enough that the mage was emotionally drained. Even had he not been he'd had too much to drink for anything to have happened between them.

He'd not planned to kiss the man but he hadn't any other notion on how to get Dorian's attention. Plus he'd really wanted to kiss him. Standing there, dishevelled and unable to hide his distress behind snarky comments and witticisms, his true self had been laid bare. It was everything he'd suspected Dorian was hiding and it was the most attractive thing he'd ever seen.

By the time they reached his quarters he'd begun to think he might be going too fast. Dorian hadn't rejected his advances, had welcomed them even, but the question he'd asked on the ramparts had bothered him. He'd never given any thought to how Dorian's attraction to men might be received in Tevinter. Especially someone like Dorian who clung to his ideals as though they were a lifeline. And perhaps they were, perhaps it was the only truep ower the mage had held as an only son of a Magister.

The thought was sobering and it made him think that maybe there was more than one kind of slavery in the Imperium. That perhaps nothing ever changed or improved because everyone there had become so accustomed to slavery it permeated every aspect of society.

He sipped at his wine, still troubled by what Dorian had revealed about his past. Everything he'd learned tonight had been eye opening. It gave reason for Dorian's behaviour. From his flippant way of talking, his need to dress to attract, to his snark and casual condemnation of himself and his countrymen. It was rare to see him argue or be upset, but when he did it was full of a passion he tried hard to keep hidden. He suspected Dorian was passionate about a great many things, but time and experience had taught him to keep those thoughts to himself.

It was unlike how he himself reacted to things. He was passionate to the point of extreme inflexibility on matters he cared about. Backing up that passion both vocally and violently when necessary. He doubted there was anyone who didn't knowh is feelings on any subject, but the same could not be said about Dorian.

He shook his head at the brooding he was indulging in and headed to bed. He would have to make a point of speaking to the mage tomorrow. There were a lot of things he wanted answers to and though his current state if arousal was maddening, he wanted this, whatever this was between them, to be done properly. He didn't want to screw it up and ruin what he suspected could become something precious neither of them had ever known but both desperately craved.

----xxx----

Dorian woke with a pounding in his head, groaning as he swung his legs over the side and sat up. He downed a healing potion and got dressed, his stomach growling loudly now that the alcohol he'd drank the previous evening had worn off.

He headed to the dining hall at a brisk pace, denying that his early rise from bed had anything to do with the fact that Fenris tended to sleep late more often than not. He was not avoiding the man, he was just hungry.

----xxx----

Fenris woke, frowning at the lateness of the hour and got dressed. He'd hoped to catch Dorian at breakfast, but after knocking on his door and receiving no response he'd entered to find the room empty.

He headed to the dining hall where people were still lingering over their meals, but the mage was nowhere to be seen. He joined Varric at his table, helping himself to the variety of dishes laid out before him.

"So Broody. Heard you and Sparkler were talking last night. How'd it go?"

Fenris scowled. Of course the dwarf had heard about that. He'd done the same thing often enough in Kirkwall, why would it be any different here?

"It was fine Varric." He said between mouthfuls of poached egg.

"Well good. Glad you two are getting along."

"Is there something you wanted to know Varric? Just ask and get it out of your system."

"Alright. I just want to make sure you aren't going to break his heart. Sparkler's been through enough already and I don't want to see him hurt."

"You think I'm toying with him?"

Varric frowned. "No. I think neither of you have enough experience with relationships. It's just something you should keep in mind if you're looking for something more."

"I assure you Varric my intentions are honourable, and now that you mention it, Dorian has let slip a few troubling things from his past. I don't suppose you know anything about that?"

"All I know is what everyone else knows. Dorian left the Imperium because of something to do with his parents. A very unpleasant and shocking event from what I've heard, but if you want details, you'd have to ask him."

"I might just do that. Can I ask why you're so interested in this?"

"Because I like you Broody and I like Sparkler too. You're my friends and you deserve to be happy."

Fenris grunted as he finished the juice he'd been drinking. "I appreciate that Varric and on that note, have you seen Dorian this morning? Is he in the library yet?"

"I saw him earlier when he left with the Inquisitor's group. Off to meet with some Grey Warden Hawke says is waiting for her in Crestwood."

"Hawke was here?"

Varric nodded. "Sorry broody, but she was only here for a few hours while you were out in the Hissing Wastes. She said to say hello and to tell you she's glad you'vej oined the Inquisition"

"So Hawke's with the Inquisitor then?"

"No she left after her meeting with the Inquisitor. Wanted to get a head start I suppose. Didn't want to wait."

"Is she... how was she Varric?"

"You know Hawke. Charming, witty but more serious than I remember. This business with Corypheus has her worried."

"I can't believe that darkspawn is back."

"That makes two of us broody."