AN: A series of short stories chronicling the Cullen/Trevelyan romance through Cullen's interactions with other members of the Inquisition, typically leaving Cullen embarrassed, flustered, etc. (which is why we all love him, isn't it?) This will go in chronological order of the game (at least as much as possible), meaning later chapters will most likely have spoilers for the end of the game.

Thanks for reading and please review!

Chapter 2 - Dorian

"A life of service and sacrifice. Are Templars also expected to give up… physical temptations?"

Maker's breath! What was all that about? And when she agreed to stay behind at Haven there was a look. He was sure there was a look… Maybe. Cullen stared at the chess set before him but all he really saw was her face. He had told her he wouldn't let her sacrifice herself again. Was that too much? No. It was part of his job to protect her, just as it was her job to put herself in danger. And that was all, despite what he might like to imagine was between them.

"Do you play, Commander?" Dorian approached Cullen, ripping him from his thoughts.

"What? Play?" Dorian gestured toward the untouched board. "Ah," Cullen realized. "Are you looking for a game? I should warn you, I've been playing for years."

Dorian sat across from him and smiled wryly. "Well, seeing as it's a game of cunning and intellect I am, obviously, a natural." Cullen scoffed and made the first move. "What I interrupting anything?" Dorian asked as he moved a piece forward.

"I'm sorry?"

"It's just that you seemed deep in though. I hope I didn't disrupt some brilliant plan to defeat Corypheus brewing in your head."

Cullen sighed. "Unfortunately, no. I was just… thinking. I'm glad to have some company, though."

"Yes, as populated as Skyhold is it can sometimes feel… lonely." Dorian chuckled. "It's just like home!"

Cullen was amazed at how easily Dorian could spit out a sentence filled with so much pain in such a light-hearted way. Seeking to change the subject he asked, "Are you enjoying the Inquisition?"

"Seeing as how it only exists because the sky is ripping apart at the seams, I suppose I'm enjoying it as much as anyone can. The food could be better. And why in all of Thedas are we in the mountains? We couldn't have found a nice fortress on a secluded tropical island somewhere?"

Cullen smiled and thumbed a pawn in his hand. He turned to look around the courtyard and there she was, the Inquisitor, chatting with Revered Mother Giselle. She had that look on her face – the one she always had when she was listening intently to someone. He still wasn't sure if it was a façade or if she was actually interested in what everyone had to say. She gave him that look whenever he talked about Templars, proper armor fittings, and calibrating the trebuchets. He liked to believe she was interested. She certainly asked a lot of questions.

"…and he had the audacity to accuse me of eating it! I don't even like taffy! It's too chewy…"

Cullen realized he had been ignoring Dorian for some time, not that the mage seemed to notice. Nonetheless, he felt guilty and tried to pay attention to his story but it proved much more difficult than he thought and his gaze wandered back to the Inquisitor. When he heard Dorian finally take a breath to contemplate his next move, Cullen couldn't resist asking, "So, what do you think of our Inquisitor?"

Dorian looked up at him and stated frankly, "I'm madly in love with her," resulting in Cullen uncontrollably making a face of horror and confusion. "Oh, I'm sorry," Dorian continued. "I meant you are madly in love with her."

Cullen tried to contort his face back to a normal position but he felt it growing redder and his mouth seemed to have stopped working. "I… wha… huh?"

Dorian leaned back in his chair, extremely amused with how uncomfortable the commander had become. "I may be incredibly handsome, but I'm not stupid. I can tell when I'm being ignored for a pretty girl. It's rare, mind you, but it does occasionally happen."

Cullen wanted so desperately to speak, to end this conversation now, but he just couldn't, so Dorian happily continued.

"And then you try 'casually' bringing her up. "What do you think of the Inquisitor?" What exactly were you hoping I would say? That she told Sera, who told Varric, who told me that she has a crush on you? Or are you just at that stage of wild infatuation where you just want to talk about her to anyone who will listen? If so, I'm happy to oblige. What is it you wanted to talk about? Her smile? Those green eyes? She's got a nice backside too."

"Can we just finish our game?" Finally, Cullen had gotten something out.

Dorian laughed, clearly quite pleased with himself and replied, "Of course, Commander."