I needed to get my rapidly forming obsession with Aedan and Leliana out of my system, so here's a story about Aedan's awkwardness around the bard. From the title, you can probably guess what it's going to be about, but anyway, here you go! Set in the FC Universe, but can be read on its own. Oh, and it's in Leliana's POV.

Another night on the road, but this one feels different. Calmer, maybe? I'm not sure. I can't find a word for it. Calmer doesn't seem to fit.

I pitch my tent in its usual place several feet from the campfire, beside Wynne's. The others go about doing the same while Sten stands guard, glaring at anyone and everyone if we so much as look in his direction. Morrigan has her camp done before we do, like normal, and then sits and reads that book Aedan found for her in the Circle. I am sure that I don't want to know what it is about.

"You're a sack of potatoes." The familiar voice brings a smile to my face, but I don't look back to see what Aedan is talking about. No doubt he is teasing his twin, who is also the unofficial group leader. "Can't even cook, for Maker's sake!"

"Like Nan taught you how to cook," Elissa retorts.

I hear muffled laughter from behind me as the two chuckle, going about their separate ways to finish setting for the night. I'm done with my tent rather quickly, so I sit by the elected firepit's place and begin piling wood and kindling up in a triangular formation. Once I'm satisfied, I use the flint and steel by my foot to ignite it, and move back so Alistair can drop the bundle of branches he's carrying.

"Ah, there we go," he says, plopping down across from me. "Much better."

I raise an eyebrow as I brush a piece of red hair from my face. "Cold?"

He chuckles. "You didn't think the Tower was cold?"

I shrug as I scoot a little further back. "Not as cold as it could've been."

"Well, you're the eternal optimist," Alistair says, going back to warming his hands.

"I'm the brains of the operation," I say. "You're just hired muscle. Those are our roles."

"Except I'm not hired muscle," Alistair teases. "I was in the group long before you, my friend. If anything, I'm the handsome one here."

"What was that?" Aedan asks, looking up from whatever it is he's doing by his tent.

"I'm prettier than you are," Alistair says jokingly, laughing at the grin that pops up on the brown-haired man several feet away. His grin makes me grin, and I look down at the fire suddenly, annoyed by what that could mean. Yes, I've been awkwardly flirting with the man since we met (literally) but what if he just thinks it's nothing? What if he likes the witch? I have been dancing on nails since joining the group; I don't want to push myself over.

"Hello," Elissa says, sitting beside me. I flick my eyes up to hers for a brief moment, marveling in how two twins could have the exact same eye color when they're not identical. But for some reason, her eyes don't make me feel the same way Aedan's do. It is strange and I don't like it. They are the exact same shade of blue, bright and striking, always alert like Wolf's ears. Her eyes offer friendship and kindness. Aedan's eyes make me want to melt in them. More than once I have become a blushing idiot because of the way he looks at me. "You feeling okay?"

I nod a little too quickly for it to seem truthful. "Yes, thank you for asking."

She arches an eyebrow before leaning over to whisper, "I saw that look."

I scowl at her bemused expression, but that only serves to make her laugh. "I hate you. You're an evil friend."

"I'm a great friend," she says, looking at me like she's hurt and offended. I know her well enough to know she is teasing me, and whereas I would usually shoot back with a smart comment about her and Alistair, all I do is frown. She doesn't like that response, so she rolls her eyes and gets up, going to sit beside the blond Warden. With just a peck on the cheek, the man is turned into a stuttering fool, much to Aedan's annoyance. He sits beside me, grumbling something under his breath.

"Well anyways, what's up, Leli?"

"I...what?" I mentally curse myself, but find my mind wondering to thoughts of slapping the woman I call a friend as she covers her mouth to hide her giggling.

"Oh never mind," Aedan says, shrugging. "So...who's cooking tonight?"

"Maker, it better not be Alistair," I say.

"Nope, it's me," Elissa says. "And I actually can cook despite what Aedan says." She gives him a look that can only be described as a challenge, but he sits up straighter and raises an eyebrow. "I don't think grass is an ingredient at the very least." The warrior laughs loudly, shaking his head in his amusement.

"Oh yeah, magey?" Aedan says. "If your cooking is so great, then why don't you tell us if I cook better than Alistair? We could use a professional opinion."

The Warden chuckles. "Let's make this clear. Not only can't I cook, I can behead a darkspawn. Just so we're all aware."

"But my cooking doesn't make the party sick for days on end," Aedan says.

"Enough, enough," Elissa says, raising her hands. "We all suck at cooking. All of us except Wynne and Leliana."

"And me!" Zevran chimes in from where he and Cyrus are playing cards on a flat span of ground.

"And Zev," she adds, giving the three of us a look that says she said it for his benefit only. "So back to the original discussion." Her eyes meet mine again and her face cracks up in that stupid mischievous smirk she shares with Aedan. "Leliana, how do you feel about-"

"You think I won't hit you," I interrupt. "You're wrong."

"I'm faster," Elissa says. "You can't catch me even if you wanted to. That, and I have a really big dog."

I look up at Aedan, putting on my most innocent expression. "Who teaches Fereldan nobility manners?"

"Ourselves," Aedan says. "We just kinda go with it."

"Of course," I say, nodding. "That explains everything."

"If that really bothered you though, you would've left before we even got to Highever," Aedan says, putting his hand on my shoulder. He offers a smile at my frown. "That means a lot more to Elissa and I than you realize. You could've left us, any of you could have, but you all stayed and helped us take our home back."

I want to say that we're friends and that's what friends do for each other, but I can't bring myself to do it. I don't want to see if that's all he feels. If he said no, I do not think I would be able to bear it. Not after what he said to me once we killed Marjolaine. No, I would not. It would kill me.

"Well, bardmaster, why don't you tell us a story while I cook? Keep the boys entertained?"

I nod as I pull myself from my thoughts. Yes, that will help. I won't have to think about Aedan while I talk. "Anything you want to hear about in particular?"

She shrugs, looking at the other two for help. "Ooh! How about something made up and completely useless?" Aedan asks, a hopeful expression on his face. "I'm not in the mood for a history lesson. I feel we've gotten enough from Genitivi and we'll no doubt be getting more from the elves."

"Something useless?" Elissa asks, not looking up from the cooking pot. "Like your opinion?"

"You're a horrible sister," Aedan says. "Alistair! Wanna trade?"

He visibly cringes at the mention of his sister. Only he and Elissa went to meet her, but I get the feeling from the look on his face that it did not go over well. I was too absorbed in my own thoughts to pay much attention when they rejoined us after leaving Marjolaine's hideout.

"No, thanks," Alistair mumbles. "I'm just fine with Elissa where she's at."

"Really?" she asks, tone changing slightly. Alistair picks up on it the same moment I do and his ears turn red, much to everyone's amusement. "You don't want me in your lap?"

"Oh Maker," he says, groaning.

She laughs. "Well, how about it, Leliana? You got any stupid children's stories up in that head of yours?"

I smile as I lean forward. "Quite a few."

I randomly select one I haven't told for a while, and as I talk, Elissa cooks, listening with one ear while keeping track of what's going on around the camp. Alistair is listening intently, as is Aedan, but the way Aedan watches me as I talk, the way he listens, it's so sweet. He keeps his normally fleeting gaze fixed on me as I speak, asking questions when something confuses him. I end up turning to him to tell the story because Alistair blanks and starts whispering to Elissa. Aedan doesn't notice. He listens to every word I say, completely absorbed in the story and I hope he's more absorbed in my voice, although I know that cannot possibly be the reason.

"Food's done," Elissa says. "Mostly. Let it cool off."

I lean back on my hands, staring at the stars. "It took me that long?"

"Well, there was that one part where you just stared at Aedan," Alistair says. "It got kind of weird after that." I hear Elissa stifle a laugh while Aedan just clears his throat awkwardly. I find myself smirking as I close my eyes, beginning to hum a tune that pops into my head. The rest of the party shuffles over for dinner and I feel a familiar nose bump into my back like it does every night. Wolf knows who to go to for scraps. I swear I might make this 'warhound' a fat, Orlesian lapdog by the time the Archdemon is dead.

"You're too sweet to be a vicious killer," I say as Wolf lies down beside me. He whines softly, curling against my side. He casts a wary glance over at his mistress, checking like all dogs do to make sure their owners aren't jealous. I scratch behind his ears and he soon forgets his worries, panting away happily like he always does. "Too sweet and glu-" I cut myself off at the look from the mabari's eyes. "Excuse me. 'Lover of fine foods'."

"Are you having a conversation with a dog?" Cyrus asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Bitch, my dog kicked your ass," Elissa snaps. "He's far smarter than you and your sassy comments."

"Sassy? If anyone here is sassy, it's you, fearless leader," he says.

She laughs. "I won't deny it."

"Won't deny it?" Zevran asks, looking up from sharpening his daggers. "If you are in that mood, Warden, would it be a good time to ask what it was I heard going on in Denerim?" By the flush that appears on Alistair's face, it's obvious what happened.

"So the boy has become a man?" Morrigan remarks. "How wonderful for him." She takes her food and returns to her secluded area, content to eat alone.

"I was right?" Zevran grins. "Perfect!"

"Yes, Alistair became a man," Elissa says. Beside her, the subject of their teasing groans in embarrassment. "I showed him how to put his armor on all by himself. I'm very proud of him."

I can't resist. I have to ask. It'll make the both of them blush like idiots. "How is he? Does he follow orders or lead?" Alistair groans and falls over on his back, face beet red, but Elissa manages to keep her own embarrassment in check. Her cheeks flush only slightly.

"He comes up with some of his own ideas, too," she says, straight-faced.

"Ooh, so he is all grown up! It's nice to hear he can...ahem, play well with others."

That one stops her in her tracks as she pauses, thinking of a comeback to keep it going. As she opens her mouth, Alistair bolts upright and covers it with his hand.

"You can't talk about something normal? Or funny? Like...darkspawn?"

She raises an eyebrow again despite the hand covering her mouth. She says something that's far too muffled for anybody but Alistair to hear, but she must ask him to let go of her, because that's what he does.

"I don't quite see how darkspawn are funny," I say.

Elissa looks to me, grinning. "You been hit with one of their hammers? It's freaking great!"

I laugh. "I can only imagine."

"There are bound to be plenty around the Archdemon. You could always try it out for yourself."

"Ha! No, thanks."

That's how our evening continues. We spend it shooting jokes at one another because this is the one place in all of Thedas where we can be normal people. Outside of camp, we have to be more. Elissa has to be a leader when it's clear she does not like it, let alone have much experience in the matter. Aedan has to be ready to step in for his sister if necessary. Alistair needs to be more confident than he usually is.

I'm not sure what I have to do though. The only reason we're here is because the Wardens keep us together. Even Cyrus does whether he wants to admit it or not.

But at camp, we can be ourselves. Elissa is just some unlucky noblewoman who was born a mage. And despite it, she has manged to have a sense of humor during all of this. She's friends with everyone but Sten, and that is only because Sten prefers to be left alone. Aedan acts like a brother at camp, picking and teasing at his sister constantly. He has little humor unless directed at her, but it is slowly coming back. After what they went through to get here, how can anyone say they are surprised? I'm surprised they have kept going as long as they have. But who I am I lying to? My thoughts stray to Aedan no matter what I do. All the time, everyday.

Like they just did.

I'm suddenly aware that my face is warm, so I get to my feet and excuse myself, hoping the heat from the fire hides the blush. I go to my tent and just lay on the scattered blankets and furs, staring up at the canopy. Now that I am away from the fire, the cold of Ferelden's winter is creeping up on me. Not long now. We will be facing snow soon.

I fiddle with my fingers, an unconscious habit I have developed during my time with the Wardens. I tend to do it when I'm nervous about something, and every time I catch myself doing it, I force myself to stop. I hate giving people ways to read me. Reading people is my job. Not the other way around.

It is so strange, though. No matter what I do, Aedan always seems to be able to figure out what I'm thinking. It takes him time, but he has gotten better at it. So have the others, but he...excels. I can be sitting somewhere with a perfectly happy expression on my face while I'm slowly dying on the inside because of painful memories, and he'll notice. He comes to talk to me about it every time he gets the chance. It's another reason I doubt that he just wants to be my friend. Still, I can't see why he would want me. Right now, he is one of the most sought-after men in Ferelden. I know noblewomen throw their sons and daughters at the Cousland twins. Next to the Theirins, their family is the most powerful in the entire country. He could have literally any woman he wanted.

Yet there he goes, confusing me at every turn. I do not see how that's fair, considering it is always the women confusing the men, but...

"Leliana?" He's right outside my tent. What could he want now? Dammit, I feel like an idiot. "Are you awake?"

"Yes," I say, sitting up. I stare at his silhouette, unsure of what I'm supposed to do now, but then remind myself I'm an idiot and get up, going outside. "What is it?"

He looks at his feet sheepishly, saying, "I have first watch and...I was wondering if...you'd like...to...stay up with...me?" He winces as the last part of the sentence comes out, voice raising in pitch.

I don't end up at a loss for words this often, but I am now, so I just find the most casual smile I can and nod. He smiles back. It is much more nervous than he probably intended, but it's sweet nonetheless. Maker, I need hit. I told myself to not get caught up in something like this. Not after Marjolaine. I can't suffer that again. Not the lies, not the betrayals, not the torture...

I push those thoughts from my mind as I join him by the fire. We sit beside each other with our backs to the tents, watching the only way in and out of camp with heavy eyes. I will not allow something to happen again. I have finally recovered from the poison Howe's man hit me with, and I am not eager to have a repeat of the process. The poison did not even take affect until the original wound was healed. As a consequence, neither Elissa or Wynne could get whatever was in my blood out with magic. And despite her skills with herbs, Elissa had no idea what to do with me, so off we went, frantically searching for the Dalish in hopes they could do what others could not. They didn't disappoint. Only three days after their healer...healed me (I have yet to figure out exactly what she did to me) I was up and moving like normal. I could not drink much, let alone eat, without feeling sick to my stomach, but I was healthy enough to defend myself when Marjolaine's mercenaries attacked us.

"Nice night," Aedan says, voice so low it's barely more than a whisper.

I look over at him, smiling. "Yes it is."

Seems awkwardness finds people of all ages. I am not awkward, as I outgrew shyness several years ago, but tongue-tied. The last time I was awkward was when I first met Marjolaine. I was much younger and much more naive, probably a year or two younger than Aedan is now.

If I think about it, I realize that if Ferelden hadn't won its independence, our roles would probably be reversed. I would be higher in social status and he would be lower. Much, much lower. He would be the lowest of the low. That, or he would be a leader in whatever rebellion was left over. Then we really wouldn't be friends.

"There is a large age gap between us," I say. "Did you know that?"

He grins. "I've been taught to never ask a lady how old she was. Is that a problem?"

I shake my head, giggling. "No, that's a good thing. I spent a lot of my time thinking Fereldan nobles were uncultured barbarians."

"You described my older brother perfectly." We both laugh for a few minutes when he asks, "So...how old are you?"

"Twenty-five."

"Not that much older," he says. "Only three years."

"Old enough," I reply. "In Orlais, it is strange for women to marry younger men."

"But we aren't getting married, are we?"

"No, I suppose not."

He chuckles. "That might be a problem for my sister though. If she ever gets married, and especially to Alistair, she'll be older."

"It is a good thing your sister has expressed her dislike for anything Orlesian then, yes?"

"It's only two years," he says. "It's not that bad. Not as bad as..." He puts his hands over his cheeks and forms an 'o' with his mouth. "Three! Maker, what will we ever do? My friend, a whole three years older than me! It's...it's...that's just horrible! We should be punished for our sins, Leli!"

"Oh yes. I am a bad person for becoming friends with a younger man. Maker strike me down where I stand!"

"But...you're sitting."

I grin up at him. "Exactly."

Aedan shakes his head, running his hand along his hair. He had it cut close to his head when we first met, shaved almost, but now it is growing, and he doesn't seem to like it. He keeps flattening it. It is something he does quite often during the day. "Oh, Leliana. What a clever, clever woman you are."

"I'm a bard. I have to be clever."

"Very clever indeed," Aedan agrees. "After all, you convinced one of the most patriotic Fereldans I know to let you, an Orlesian, join our merry band of lunatics."

"That's because I'm charming, not clever."

Aedan smiles. Actually smiles. He rarely does that. Well, to people other than his sister of course. It seems he smiles for her all the time, and for me a few times as well, but not for anybody else. What Howe did...it must still be bothering him more than he lets on.

"Are you feeling all right, Aedan?" I ask carefully. He raises an eyebrow, an expression I've noticed to be common between the Cousland twins. They do it often in place of asking 'why'. His questioning expression makes me feel as if I shouldn't have asked, but when he waves a hand in a motion for me to continue, I do. "You look as if something is bothering you."

"I was just...thinking."

"About what?" He shrugs a shoulder and looks away, uncomfortable. I get a spur of courage from somewhere and reach out to him, putting my hand on his arm. "It's fine to be upset, Aedan. You can tell me what's wrong."

"I know I can," he says. "It's just...I've been thinking. A lot. Mostly about Highever and what my life was like when I was some 'womanizing nobleman with a weak shot at the throne'."

"You...are a womanizer?"

He shakes his head. "No. I haven't even kissed anyone yet. I was always too busy learning how to fight or read or something to have time for things of that nature. And when I wasn't doing that, I was playing with Elissa and Fergus in the gardens."

"Then what is bothering you?"

"Some days I just wish life could go back to what it was like before the Blight," Aedan whispers. "It's always been a dream of ours, me and Elissa's, to join the Wardens. Ever since she learned of them and told me, we've been fascinated." He looks slightly embarrassed at admitting that little fact about himself. "And don't get me wrong, I am glad to have joined the Wardens. I've made many friends here that I couldn't have made if I stayed at Highever to die at Howe's hands. But...I also don't want people to feel like they do. So many in Lothering, Redcliffe, and Highever feel there's no hope with Ostagar lost. After all, how is Ferelden supposed to fight a civil war and the Blight all at once? It's ridiculous, Leli. I hate it. I hate that there's a feeling of hopelessness. I hate that I lost my family to a murderer. I wish it never happened. I wish Howe had been too weak to attempt the attack, but at the same time, I don't."

"Why's that?" I ask, afraid of the answer. Not because of me. He's not happy to be a Warden because we met, right? That would just be silly. He might not have had the chance to...explore yet, but there's no way he would be interested in me. Is there?

He laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Because if he didn't, then I wouldn't have joined the Wardens. Ever. And...uh...well...if he didn't attack Highever, and if I didn't join the Wardens, then...we...would never have, ah...met."

I am not sure how to respond to that. I didn't want to get my hopes up, but there he goes, making me feel all of the feelings I swore I would avoid.

"Oh. Ah...um...hmm."

My lack of words seems to make him feel better because his face breaks out in one of the sexiest grins I've ever seen. "I thought bards were more eloquent than that."

"Not when a man tells them they're happy that the world is falling apart," I say, unable to meet his eyes. "Definitely not when he says it's because he got to meet you."

"So...I take it that wasn't a bad thing to say?"

I laugh out of sheer surprise. He's had no trouble flirting with me before, but now he is as awkward and bad at it as Alistair is. Completely unsure of himself. "No. It was really sweet, Aedan."

He lets loose a sigh of relief. "Oh thank the Maker. I feel a lot better now that I told you."

"Is that so?" I ask.

"Yes. Very much," Aedan says, nodding eagerly. "I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest. It's a wonderful feeling."

"Is it?"

He pauses, scanning my face for any hint of amusement, but I have it well-concealed. That, of course, doesn't stop him. He can see that I'm teasing him as easily as I can breathe.

"Ha ha. So very funny, Leli."

"Thank you. I thought so, too."

Aedan huffs and rolls his eyes, shaking his head. We fall back into a companionable silence after that, both of us too nervous to broach the subject he just laid out in the open. I feel light, like I was just given the best present ever. I know what that feeling is, but I don't want to admit it to myself or anyone for that matter. I want to keep it hidden, smother it, so I never have to go through the heartbreak Marjolaine put me through again. I am afraid to care and I have made it obvious. Aedan is just reluctant, and after several minutes of a comfortable silence, it drags, creating tension I was not aware could exist between two friends.

"So..." Aedan trails off rather quickly, at a loss for words himself. "You're not mad at me?"

"Why would I be mad at you?" Now not only do I feel uncomfortable and awkward, but confused as well. Did I miss something offensive?

"Because I just told you I...like you when it's obvious you don't feel the same way. I thought that made people mad."

I shake my head quickly, leaning forward so we're shoulder to shoulder. "No! I'm not mad at you. What would give you a crazy idea like that?"

"You're usually not speechless, that's for sure," Aedan says.

"Fair point," I agree. "But, no, Aedan. I'm not mad at you. I'm just...confused."

He sighs, sounding sad almost. "I don't know why I let myself flirt with you. I should've known you'd never go for someone like me. Maker, I feel like an idiot."

"When did I say that I don't like you?" I ask softly. Aedan looks at me, eyes wide in shock, but he has no words. That much is obvious from the way his mouth moves without any noise. It's almost funny, but after a minute of it, it becomes ridiculous, so I think of a better use for his mouth. "Aedan, stop that. Calm down."

He snaps his jaw shut and nods hurriedly. He's far more nervous than I thought possible, but I have no place to talk. I have been a bumbling idiot around him since we met. There is only one way to solve this problem.

Carefully, I put my hand on his, and when he rolls it over to curl his fingers with mine, I sigh, feeling a little better. But my nerve is gone with that motion. I can't do that. Maker, I'm a coward! I look up and away, but don't let go of his hand for a moment. His palm is sweaty from nervousness. I'm surprised I can even tell. I am just as nervous and jittery as he is.

"Leliana?"

He's called me by my full name twice now. He usually calls me 'Leli' when it's just us. Why is he calling me Leliana all of a sudden?

Swallowing, I turn back to him, but instead of talking, he presses his lips to mine. My head spins for such a brief moment, and then I kiss him back. He groans, moving his hands to my hips, and lifts me onto his lap. I wrap my arms around his neck and tangle my hands in his hair, enjoying the contrast of his soft lips on mine and his scratchy stubble rubbing against my face.

He's the one to end the kiss and he rests his forehead on my shoulder, breathing heavily. I lean against him, eyes closed in a strange sense of contentment as I play with his hair.

"I should've done that a while ago," Aedan says. I smile faintly and laugh, pressing a kiss to his neck. "Maker, Leliana...I don't even know what to say."

"Perhaps that you regret not kissing people more often?"

He pulls back, face pale. "Was it that bad?"

My eyes widen as I realize how that sounded. "No! No, no, no, no, no. I'm sorry. That came out wrong. I just meant that you probably wish you had started kissing people before me."

Aedan grins cautiously, like a boy when he first sees a sword but can't touch it. "So that was okay, then?"

I smile at him. "Yes."

"Good," he says brightly. "I rather liked it myself."

That's how we spend the rest of his shift on watch. Talking, whispering stupid, meaningless things, holding each other, and kissing. I cannot say I would have preferred to have being left alone. This turns out to be one of the best nights I've had at camp so far.

Several hours later, with his face buried in the crook of my neck, Aedan sighs. "Unfortunately, I think it's time to wake Elissa and Alistair for their shift."

I run a hand down his neck, almost like I'm petting him, and he shivers. "Oh well. I am tired, anyway."

He looks at me, smiling the biggest smile I've seen him smile yet. "Me too. But hey, it wasn't that bad staying up with me, was it?"

I shake my head, giggling. "I could think of worse things that could have happened." He nods as I move and get to my feet, stretching and yawning. I rub my eyes while he gets up, too.

Aedan pulls me against his chest and kisses my forehead, then my lips before whispering, "I'll get them up. Goodnight, Leli. I...look forward to tomorrow night."

"Think I'm staying up with you again?"

"Er...I was hoping-"

I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I'll gladly stay up with you, Aedan." I kiss him lightly. "Goodnight."

Then I free myself to return to my tent. Just as I step under the flap, I look back to see him watching with a smile on his face.

Oh yes. I am definitely looking forward to tomorrow, too.