"This is without a doubt the stupidest plan you've ever had."
"But-"
"Of course I'm in."
Lavellan's mouth dropped open, eyes widening in surprise as she stared at him. He flashed a grin, leaning close and kissing each exposed corner of her mouth. His eyes were warm and inviting as he leaned back.
"What? Did you think I'd say no?" Cullen chuckled, the vibrant timbre setting her heart aflutter.
"Honestly? Yes." She gave him a bashful smile, barely cutting her gaze up toward him from under her eyelashes.
He scoffed. "My Lady, I take offense. I am not stuffy and boring all the time."
"That's not what Leliana told me," she giggled.
"Contrary to popular belief," he leaned in again. "Our Lady Spymaster does not know all. I am allowed some secrets, after all."
Cullen planted a quick kiss on the end of Lavellan's nose, sliding away from her and off the bed out of her reach moments later. She squinted at him in protest and after a few huffs that didn't bring him back, slithered out of the bed after him. He was nimble, though, down the ladder before she quite reached it and disappearing toward one of the side doors of his office.
"Where do you think you're going?" she shouted down after him. He stood at the door when she reached the bottom of the ladder, hands on her hips. "This was my idea, after all!"
With a giddy squeal, she dashed past him and out across the battlements. Cullen followed with a chuckle, trotting along in her wake as the lithe elf made a beeline for the tavern. He knew he would regret this decision, but with so much strife and frustration in her daily life he could not deny her such simple joys. If playing games and pranks made her smile, made her laugh, Cullen would follow his love into anything.