A/N - the more I thought about it the more I couldn't help this story coming out. It WILL be dealing in polyamorous relationship territory- heavily. Don't like, push back. That being said I plan on focusing on the fluffy, relationship parts and not erotica- which is why we are starting at T rating. May increase... Not sure yet.
For those who are so inclined to read, I'm always interested in constructive criticism! Let me know what you like and what can be better (and I am open to ideas for future chapters).
And the usual: if I owned it, it would have come out a lot more like this.
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Belathen Lavellan was unusually calm for a woman whose partner had made the declaration "we need to talk." She was able to get through the entire day since she had parted from Cullen at the war table without concern as well. The world was simply too frantic to worry about what her Commander, her Cullen, may say. It helped that she had a good idea what was happening anyway.
As Bell entered Cullen's tower, she found him alone sulking over the mountain of paperwork that had appeared since their trip to Adamant. She sighed. It hadn't been there this morning. Obviously Cullen was working far too hard for his own good.
"Don't you have someone to go through some of that for you and summarize?" Bell asked, drawing attention to herself.
Cullen immediately straightened. "Bela. I... you came. I wasn't sure..."
"You said we needed to talk," Belathen reminded. "It sounded important."
"I- of course." He left the desk, the paperwork, everything as he came to her side. The smaller elf was quickly engulfed in his arms as he wrapped her in a hug. "You know I love you, yes?"
Bela smiled lightly as she looked up into his eyes. "Is this a trick question, Cullen? After these last few months there is no question of your feelings. Or mine."
Cullen squeezed harder, concern passing in his expression and distorting the scar on his lip. He seemed more concerned, exasperated even. "I am glad I've been clear, but I fear I have not been... totally honest with you. Or myself. I lately find myself..." He sighed, looking straight up. "Maker's breath, why is it so hard to talk about this?"
Belathen decided to be merciful. She reached a hand up, tipping his chin back down and pushing to the edge of her toes to kiss him. As she withdrew, Bell let her hand reach back to rest on his neck and settle while playing in the light curls that were just getting long. Cullen needed a haircut...
Bell pushed the thought away quickly, reminding herself to be serious.
"Cullen. It's alright." She nuzzled into his chest. "I think... I think I already know."
Cullen tensed. "I highly doubt that."
Belathen couldn't help but laugh aloud. "You aren't nearly as understated as you think. This is about Dorian, isn't it?" When Cullen flushed bright red, the elf knew she had hit the mark. "You like him. Am I right?"
Cullen settled at that. "Then you understand why we needed to talk."
Bell nodded slightly. "I would never presume to harness you, my lion. If there is something I cannot give you..."
"But you do!" Cullen protested. "That's just it."
Bell put her finger to his lips. "Now Commander. Some may calls the Herald of Andraste still, and I do what I can, but I am under no illusion that I can be all things to all people. Dorian and I are very different I realize, not the least difference of which is that he has certain equipment I lack." She removed the finger covering the edge of Cullen's mouth and setting it at the edge of her own lips coyly.
"I... can't deny... Maker have mercy... I have always been... intrigued by... both forms." He cleared his throat. "Male and female that is."
"Well, besides yourself Dorian is one of the more prime specimens of the male form in Skyhold. I'm not surprised by the interest. Were he inclined I might make an overture myself." When Cullen face-faulted Bela chuckled. "What?"
"I just didn't think you'd be alright with this," Cullen admitted.
"Would you be alright if I took another lover as well?" Belathen challenged, curious.
"I..." The Commander's face colored even more. "The idea of you with another isn't... unappealing," he admitted at last.
"Good. Because this doesn't go just one way, Cullen." Belathen sighed and backed up a bit, leaning against the wall. "Let me know your thoughts as we go. If this doesn't come out like you hope, if Dorian says no, we can reassess should someone else catch your interest."
"Or yours," Cullen offered gently.
"Or mine," Bell added quietly with a smirk. "But we take it one step at a time. For now, we have agreed that you may speak with Dorian of your interest and act on it should the opportunity be... ripe. Nothing more. Yes?"
"Yes my love." Cullen came forward, pinning Bell against the wall with his hands and gifting her with a deep kiss. He pulled away, breathless. "I truly don't deserve you, Bell."
The elven woman shook her head. "You're wrong. You deserve all the love you can find, Cullen. Always."
