Chapter 1: Cliff, Shag, Marry

It was late at night in Varric's suite at the Hanged Man. Fenris and Sebastian had left several hours ago, arguing passionately over some theological question. Aveline was on guard duty, and Anders was busy at the clinic, so there were only four of them left. Kit Hawke, Isabela, Merrill and Varric were sitting at the rough wooden table, playing dice and trading stories. The ale was flowing freely and they were all more than a little tipsy, when Isabela suggested a new game.

"What kind of game did you have in mind, Rivaini?" Varric leaned back in his chair, his expression wary. Isabela's games were seldom harmless and sometimes downright vicious. He wanted to know what he was getting into.

"It's perfectly innocent, Varric." Isabela was pouting. "Just one question for everyone to answer."

"Go ahead." Hawke was throwing her a heated glance from under his thick thatch of black hair. The rogue had been enjoying himself tremendously tonight, cheating at dice and surreptitiously eyeing Isabela's ample cleavage.

"Well, it's called 'Cliff, Shag, Marry', and it's really easy. Out of the three people sitting here, you have to say which of the three you will shag, which one you will marry and which one you will boot over the cliff. Pirates love it." Merrill squeaked and Varric grinned, but Isabela kept her eyes on Hawke. His reaction was the one she was really interested in.

Kit smiled a wide cat-like smile as he put down his tankard. "That's a... an interesting question, I'll give you that." He knew a challenge when he saw one. "I guess you aren't worried that I'll send you over the cliff?"

Merrill beamed. "He won't, Isabela. I told you he likes you!"

"Did you now?" Hawke's grin had become predatory. "You're right, Merrill, I like her... a lot. And it seems she likes me too, wouldn't you say?"

Isabela threw him another look from below her long lashes. "Yeah. You're alright."

Hawke gave her his best wounded-puppy look. "Just alright? That's mildly insulting, you know." He sighed theatrically. "Right. Who will go first?"

"I will." Varric's deep rumbling voice was unabashed. "This is easy. I'll marry Merrill. She's the sweetest of the bunch. And of course I'll shag Isabela, because she's been after me for years and I owe her a favour. Tough luck for you, Hawke. You go down the cliff."

Kit looked at Varric with an expression of deeply hurt innocence, while Isabela grinned. "Well, I'm flattered, but that was hardly unexpected. Now you, Kitten."

Merrill blushed deeply. "Oh my, everyone is staring at me! No, no, I... I can't do that. Sorry!"

Isabela snorted. "Chicken! Well, that means you go over the cliff as far as I'm concerned, Merrill. As for the two of you..." She dragged out her answer, enjoying every second. "Well, I think I'd have to marry Varric. I really want his suite here at the Hanged Man. It's much nicer than my own room. That means..." she threw Hawke a sultry look. "I'd have to shag you."

Varric grinned broadly. "Fair enough. And you, Hawke?"

Kit sat up straight, his amber eyes fixed on Isabela. "I'll marry Merrill. She needs someone to look out for her."

"Oh, you're so sweet," Merrill cooed. "Thank you, Hawke." Her large green eyes looked up at him with an expression of utter adoration.

"You're welcome." Kit's tone was dry. "As for the rest... that is a tough choice, to be sure. I'm sorely tempted to shag Varric, what with all that lovely chest hair..." He stroked his beard, a pensive expression on his face. The room had become quiet. "No, sorry, Varric. You're going to have to take a dive."

Isabela's lips curved upward in a wicked smile and she stretched slowly and voluptuously in her chair. Varric looked from the pirate to Hawke and back with a knowing smile. "Uh-oh! Merrill, I'd better take you home."

"Oh yes, I am tired, and I'd rather not go alone," Merrill chirruped happily. "I don't know why, but I always feel very nervous being out there at night. Hawke, couldn't you take me? Then Varric could stay at home."

Kit still hadn't taken his eyes off Isabela. "I don't think so, no, Merrill. Not tonight." He was slowly taking off his belt, putting his daggers on a table next to his seat.

Varric jumped up and took Merrill's hand. "Never mind, Daisy, I'll be happy to go. Isabela..." he looked meaningfully at the pirate. "I want all the details later. You owe me."

The pirate slowly licked her lips. "Take your time, Varric, will you?"

"Don't worry, Rivaini." Varric smirked. "I'll take the long route."

Merrill squeaked happily. "Oh, great. You can tell me a story on the way. One with a griffon in it."

As soon as the door closed behind the two, Hawke was on his feet, pulling Isabela up into a rough, deep kiss. When they paused for breath, she was panting, her breasts heaving against the thin fabric of her tunic.

"So, you really want to do this, Bells?" he growled, his finger softly tracing her jawbone. "'Cause if you don't..."

"Shut up, Kit!" Her lips never left his while she was busy unlacing her tunic and throwing it off. "Get that armour off and shag me already!"

She was trying to peel off her boots, but his hands stopped her. "No. Leave them on."

"Oooh, kinky!" Isabela laughed a soft tinkling laugh, but she complied willingly. The rest of their clothes and armour came off at surprising speed.

"Isabela!" He lifted her easily and placed her on the table before him, bending down to swirl his tongue around her nipple, suckling softly. His hands were rough and hard on her skin but his mouth was incredibly gentle and careful. The contrast drove her nearly mad and she moaned out loud.

Kit laughed smugly and pulled her closer, placing her booted legs on his hips while his fingers dipped deep inside her. "Ever since I first saw you down at the bar..." he said, his thumb circling her nub with soft careful moves. "...I've wanted to bend you over a table and fuck you senseless."

Her nails scraped over his broad chest. "So what's stopping you now?"

Another laugh, and without hesitation his strong hands flipped her around so that she was stretched out facedown on the rough wood, her legs firmly planted on the floor again. She felt him at her entrance and whimpered, expecting a rough thrust from him, but he surprised her again. His hands were firm on her hips but he entered her with excruciating slowness and gentleness, giving her time to adjust, to take in his hard length. She was grateful for this when she realized just how much there was of it.

"Maker, Kit!" When he had finally sheathed himself completely inside her, she moaned. He felt incredibly good inside her. He pulled back and she sighed with regret, but he was moving faster now, in a steady insistent rhythm that set her on fire. "More," she begged, "Kit, let me have more. Harder! Deeper! Faster!"

He obeyed willingly, thrusting hard now, his movements becoming more irregular. She was almost afraid he'd lose control too early, but then his hand reached around her and pressed firmly against her core. She cried out in pleasure. Maker, he knew exactly where and how to touch her! Faster than she would have thought possible, her lust built towards its inevitable peak.

When she came with a loud cry, his hands grabbed her hips again, clamping them so fast she knew he would leave bruises and he bit down hard on her neck. "Bells..." he groaned and his body shuddered and convulsed violently before he relaxed and slumped down on top of her, his weight almost crushing her.

"Kit! You're too heavy!" she complained, her voice still shaky and weak.

He pushed himself up on his arms immediately, then carefully withdrew with a small sigh of regret. "I'm not done with you, not by a long shot," he murmured, leaving a trail of feather-light kisses along her back. "Let's take this to your room."

Isabela nodded eagerly. Oh Maker, more of this? She was trembling with anticipation. This promised to be a long and exciting night.

to be continued...

Many thanks to zevgirl for beta reading this. You're awesome!