Author's Note: Yay! I finally got around to writing a happy-ish story for once! Actually, Running (my other story), is supposed to have some happy parts in there; I just haven't written them yet. Anyways, thanks for reading and enjoy the story!
Listened to What the Water Gave Me by Florence and The Machine while working on this, just in case you wanted some music.
Hawke found it. That moment in which everything seemed right in the world. The grief of the death of her mother, brother, and sister was temporarily gone. In its place was the fleeting feeling of perfection.
Hawke knew it wouldn't last long – the cool breeze, the gray clouds, the feeling of freedom – and all she wanted to do was spread her arms, close her eyes, and lean into-.
"Whoa, there," came a voice and a strong arm.
Hawke was caught mid-motion and her eyes flew open. She then remembered she was on a cliff, not the grassy fields of Lothering.
Her heart fell; she missed being innocent and carefree. A frown fell on her face, and the familiar sense of pressure and duty weighed down her heart.
"Come on," said the voice, nuzzling his cold nose against her warm neck. "You're going to get sick if you stay out here much longer."
She shivered as the cold nose jolted her back to reality, and she turned to see her once source of joy. His blonde hair was a bit messy and his comforting smile melted away all of Hawke's fears and doubts; at least she knew she could so something right. She was with Anders after all.
"Are you there, love?" asked Anders gently, pushing a strand of hair out of her face.
She looked into his eyes and smiled.
"You know, I think I just had the most beautiful moment of my life. There was nothing there; no guilt, no scrutiny. Just peace. And now it's gone," she said sadly, looking longingly at the view she had been staring at as if it would return her previous feelings.
"It's not gone," said Anders, gazing at the profile of the woman he loved.
"It's just hiding. Waiting for the perfect time to give you another glimpse, another moment."
He turned her face to look at him.
"I know your life has been difficult, Hawke, but you're doing good. You're helping this city. Helping the mages. You're doing the right thing."
Hawke stared at him sadly. "Then why do I feel as if I'm always wrong?"
"You can't please everyone, Hawke, no matter how hard you try."
Hawke sighed. "I guess you're right."
She leaned in and hugged him.
Anders' heart began to dance madly in his chest. He was in love with this woman, but they had never gone father than the intimate embrace. He wanted more. He wanted to be more. He wanted to be more because Hawke deserved more.
He pulled her close and when she pulled back, he took one look at those vulnerable eyes and kissed her.
He drew back quickly, though, afraid he was being too bold.
Hawke blushed and looked down, words forming on her lips, but her brain was too fuzzy to form a coherent sentence.
"Why?" she finally asked, knowing that he had waited patiently to kiss her until seemed stable.
To Anders, the answer was simple. "To give you peace."
She smiled and leaned into his side as they turned and walked off.
Anders was right. Everything was right again.
There was nothing but peace.
Author's Note: Reviews and constructive criticism are welcome!