Three years.
It had been three years since his visit to the Hawke Estate to see a woman who had captured his heart. After leaving that night, he realized that it killed him not to have Persephone Hawke in his life. That's why he kept his distance. Avoiding her when he could, but went on missions with her when he was needed. Now, here he was with Hawke and two of their companions atop the Hanged Man's roof, relaxing from the stress of Kirkwall.
His eyes glanced over at the woman a few feet from him when she looked up at the night sky. He couldn't help feel the corner of his lips curve up into a small smile.
'She looks so peaceful.' He thought to himself as his eyes trailed along her facial features. Her emerald eyes glistened as she stared up at the stars, informing the storyteller of the various constellations within them. A smile forming on her dark red lips as she spoke about each and every constellation. Her moonlit face was littered with freckles across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. Her long chocolate brown locks perfectly framed her entire face, making her more beautiful than she already was.
"I swear on Andraste's knickers that I am not making any of this up, Varric." The usually brooding elf heard the woman say as he watched her place her hands behind her and lean against them.
"I'm sure you aren't, Hawke, and I thought I was the storyteller in the group." The dwarf replied with a chuckle before said woman continued to tell him about other constellations. Fenris silently chuckled to himself before looking up at the sky as well, quietly listening to Persephone's stories.
"You still love her, don't you?" a voice asked suddenly, making Fenris jump slightly before remembering that the other companion, Sebastian Vael, was sitting beside him. He turned his head and when green eyes met blue, he knew he wouldn't be able to lie to the Chantry brother. He knew the man would get it out of him sooner or later.
"…Yes." He reluctantly responded and he sighed, looking down the blood red cloth wrapped around his gauntlet clad wrist, remembering the night he shared with her. Pain stuck through his heart. He couldn't forget the way her ruby lips felt against his. The way her fingers intertwined with his. The softness of her lightly tanned and smooth skin. The sounds that escaped her as their bodies became one. He would never be able to forget that. He regretted leaving Persephone that night, but he couldn't bring himself to go back to her. It hurt too much.
"I know. Anyone can tell by the way you look at her. You stare longingly at her when she isn't looking or paying attention." The man pointed out, making Fenris glance over at the woman in question. Sebastian was right. He was always right and the elf hated to admit it.
"You need to tell her. She hasn't been the same since then." Fenris cursed to himself and he looked away from Persephone, closing his eyes as he heard those words. It was his fault she was this way. He broke her heart and it killed him.
"I don't think I can." He said before opening his eyes slowly and glancing over at the woman once more. She was laughing at something Varric had said and her lips curved into a perfectly white smile before she glanced over in his direction. Their eyes connected and a blush formed on her freckled cheeks before she turned away. Fenris sighed softly and he looked away as well, gazing up at the starry sky.
"Not today, at least."