He laughed, a sound that I've never heard before. The desert winds whipped his golden curls around his head, and I thought that might be the best sight that I've ever seen. Cullen was always so uptight and focused. Partially because he was stressed to the max every day. He had a lot riding on those shoulders: his soldiers' lives, his lyrium habit. I wanted more moments like this. His laugh ringing out across the sands and the plateaus with the war temporarily set aside. I wanted to provide this happiness to all people.
I smiled at him, and we made small talk for a few hours just enjoying the otherwise insufferable heat. Sitting was great, but walking and climbing in it was horrible. I took a drink of the water from the pack and noticed Cullen's eyes linger no longer laughing.
"What are you thinking?"
"Ah. Um. Nothing. Nothing at all."
I raised an eyebrow.
He nervously chuckled. "I'd just like to keep it this way, you know? It's simpler."
"I understand, Cullen."
His face looked shocked then fell into a solemn smile. "You as well?"
His voice was almost inaudible and somehow laced with sadness. I knitted my brows together suddenly feeling like I had said the wrong thing. Then he stood up and brushed the sand from his knees replacing his previous demeanor with a flattering smile.
"Let's head back to camp. I'd like to get to Skyhold before Josephine's dignitary friends arrive."
I looked from his outstretched hand to his face. The smile faltered then held the same way I held his hand.
