Dragon Age x Reader (Oneshots)

The Hanged Man (Fenris x Reader)

The Hanged Man was something special though it may not look it. From its grimy floor to its ale splattered ceiling the place was like home for Hawke and her technicolored array of companions. They would meet up here most evenings except occasionally for Aveline who often had a patrol assigned for the night.

Varric was usually the one to instigate these meetings of course, rounding up the wayward strays that over the past six years had come to be friends for a night of card games and fun. Attendance was mandatory after you had told Varric you would be there. This had led to several drunken outings to Hightown to pull Fenris from his brooding to drag him down to the pub.

It seemed tonight would be another night like that, as the white haired Elf had failed to show once again. Normally he was the last to shuffle in, alongside Anders who was not a usual patron of the Man and only ever came when Varric bade him.

"'Ey, where's tall, white and lyrium run off to tonight? He said he'd be here," Varric inquired at about the usual time as poor Merrill was sent to order the group another round.

"No doubt he'll still be at home, staring into the fire place. Should someone go get him?" Anders suggested, as he tried to decipher the rules to this new drinking game their Dwarven friend had presented to them.

Before Varric could offer to lead the party on a booze induced fetch quest, you got to your feet while slinging your staff onto your back from its place leaned against the table.

"I'll go get him. If we all go Aveline's guards might think it's riot. Again," You reassured with a stretch. You didn't fancy another awkward encounter with guardsman Donnic at four in the morning.

"Alright, alright. Just watch yourself, you know what lowtown's like at night," Varric warns you. "You take any longer than two hours and Aveline will just have to handle the riot report."

You laugh as you dance off into the night, leaving the merriment of the tavern behind you. You never liked these streets at night, though you refused to let it hinder you but even since you had lost your mother... Suffice to say you were suspicious.

Still it seemed all was well this night. Not a single bandit in sight, nor a single carta member, not even the coterie. Rubbing the back of your neck as you wound your way up through the city, the only thing you came across at all was a stray cat you accidentally startled. Oops. Just as well you'd left Anders with with Varric.

Fenris wanted his residence to look abandoned. You assumed as much anyway. He didn't want visitors, he was like a ghost in Kirkwall rather than a resident but he was entitled to his privacy. You thought so anyway, but it wouldn't kill him to make sure the lanterns outside had oil. It would save you feeling around in the dark for the door knob, prying the entrance open.

"Fenris?" Your call went unanswered in the eerie darkness and you hesitated. Maybe he was asleep. Normally he at least called back, or threw a plate at a wall if he was particularly frustrated. After considering your options you went in further, feet leading you to the cozy study your Elven friend typically occupied.

"Normally if someone doesn't answer the door, it implies they don't want company," Ah there he was, voice growling at you from the darkness, form slouched on an arm chair in front of the fire place.

"Normally doors also have locks," You returned slightly playfully, moving to stand closer to the warmth of the embers. "Besides, you know the rules. If you tell Varric you'll be at the Man, you'll be at the Man."

Fenris groaned, his head rolling back a little as he lifted a hand to his forehead. "Right. Cards. The Hanged Man. That's tonight."

Now this worried you. Fenris was not a forgetful person and he could probably recount the past six years of your time together better than you could. This meant, in your mind, something was wrong and your instincts with Fenris were often correct. You and he shared a different bond when contrasted to the rest of your companions.

He had made it very clear to you; he was not willing to enter a relationship with a mage. He had told you that very abruptly one day for no apparent reason before you were even aware you were pining for him as he was for you. So you now danced around each other. Friends but not but also more.

This game of hearts you played did occasionally mean Fenris tolerated you prying into matters else-wise secret. Not very often. You hoped this may be one of those times but it was never your desire to press him beyond his comforts. His past with Tevinter was something only he could conquer.

"If something's wrong, I'm here to listen," The reaction you get is not what you were expecting, your words greeted with... A laugh? Hoarse and bitter.

"I know. Maker damn you, I know. That's the problem," He growls, both hands clawing into the arms of the chair.

"The problem is I want to... Help? You've lost me," You admit, a little confused as suddenly Fenris is up out of his chair and in front of you. Only just a breath away. "F-Fenris?"

"I told myself I wouldn't. To betray my own wishes, my own beliefs, as everything about you would... But I still... Still I want to," His words run down your spine like liquid fire. Despite the ferocity with which he speaks when his hand brushes your cheek, he does so as if you're made of porcelain.

"It's been six years. I could wait six more if that's what it takes," You reply, sure he's about to kiss you...

But then he's gone, he's pulled back and brushed past you. You're absolutely shocked and truly tempted to smack Fenris with your staff for being so hot and cold... But a sheepish Daelish voice withholds you of that.

"I, um, I didn't mean to interrupt. By the Dread Wolf, I've made this awkward, haven't I? It's just, Avaline asked me to come fetch Hawke. Varric and the others have gone and upset the guard patrol again," Merril apologises while staring at her feet, backing up away from Fenris.

You sigh as you realise you've taken too long and Varric always keeps his promises. It seems any progress with Fenris will have to wait, you have a drunken search to pacify. 

"I better go then before they get themselves in more trouble," You agree, nodding to Merril as you make your way to the door however to your surprise Fenris makes to follow you.

"I best come too. It's late. You'd be safer with me," You almost forget about poor Merril as you both spend far too long staring into each others eyes. It's intoxicating but you rip yourself away with a nod.

One day soon the two of you would get a proper chance to talk alone, but it was not tonight; much to your mutual disappointment.