Author's note: I had to stop and do some brainstorming about future chapters. I have changed this chapter maybe five times, but I think I have a good direction now. I hope you enjoy and thanks for reading!
Chapter 7: My World
Aaron had come to terms for now that this was not a dream, and Thedas was a reality. Somewhere, somehow, he had traveled across time or dimensions and ended up here. He was unsure of that part.
He had become quite fond of the mage, Dorian. Of all his companions thus far, Dorian was the most sarcastic and easy going of the group. Solas was quite serious. Varric was amusing, but Aaron could see a hint of depression and exhaustion behind those eyes. Cassandra was driven by religion. Iron Bull was a hard ass, but honest. But Aaron always seemed to be smiling at the end of his conversations with Dorian with his stomach full of butterflies.
Aaron's mind sometimes flickered back to his old partner, Mark, and the last interaction he had with him. Mark had left after he tried to kiss him, leaving Aaron with his heart in his hands. Sure they were drunk, but the emotions he felt for Mark were real. They were more than partners. He trusted him entirely. He thought he saw hints from Mark but he misread the whole situation. After being denied, he caged his heart and Dorian was slowly breaking the bars.
Dorian spent the most time with Aaron. They would read books and talk history together, have meals together, drink together, fight together…the list goes on. One day Mother Giselle made a comment to Aaron and Dorian that people were spreading rumors of their 'relationship'. The pair blew it off and continued their flirtatious attitudes. Many people in the Inquisition treated Dorian differently because of where he was from. Aaron didn't understand it, and he didn't really care to.
He didn't mind being stuck in Thedas, with Dorian. He had stopped counting the days after months, maybe even a year, of being here and Dorian was the reason he didn't want to leave. But he had 28 years of his life waiting for him in Chicago. He missed his sister dearly. If there was a way to talk to her again…maybe bring her here? With the time travel magic Alexius possessed, maybe he could negotiate a deal with him to travel back. But, Aaron was tired of waiting for a letter from Alexius to meet. Months passed and still they had not received anything.
One night, Aaron snuck out of Haven to find Alexius. He packed a light pack and drew out the route on his map he would take. He knew the Hinterlands well enough to know which routes were dangerous and which ones had no enemies. He tightened his armor around his legs, sticking small throwing knives in his boots. He picked up his daggers from the table and sheathed them on his back. He looked once in his mirror and turned toward the door. A shadow-covered visitor was standing in his door frame blocking his exit.
"Going out for a late night stroll?"
"Dorian," Aaron said breathing. He could now make out his distinct features in the dim candle light. He skin glowing against its flicker made Aaron's heart melt just a bit. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh you know, I saw your lights on. Thought it was unusual for you to be up at this hour and what do I find to my surprise? You, in your armor and daggers, looking like you're going scouting," he said.
Aaron's shoulders dropped. He had been caught. "I just need to get…out," he said lying to him. He knew Dorian would flip his shit if he knew he was going to look for Alexius on his own.
"Uh huh…seriously now, what's going on?" Dorian asked.
"I can't tell you, seriously," Aaron said, tightening his last strap around his chest, pulling his daggers closer to his body. He started toward his door to exit. "Please forget you saw me."
Dorian frowned. "You can't say that to me and expect me to turn my back," he said, holding his position in the door.
"You can't come, not this time," Aaron said, hands on his hips.
"Why not?"
Aaron lowered his gaze from Dorian's. He felt Dorian's hands grasp his shoulders.
"I don't know what you're doing or why, but I won't let you do it alone," Dorian said. He tilted Aaron's chin up with his hand to look at him and their eyes locked.
"I'm leaving to find Alexius to bargain with him to let me time travel back to my world," Aaron said, giving in, still looking at Dorian. Dorian's eyes flickered at the news but he did not release his hold on Aaron.
Aaron was confused, expecting something more but all Dorian said was, "OK." His hand dropped from Aaron's chin. Does that mean he's letting me go? "Let me get my staff," Dorian said turning and starting down the steps of Haven.
"What? No, I'm doing this alone," Aaron argued, chasing after Dorian as they descended the steps.
"You mean so you can die alone and ruin my world? I don't think so," Dorian said.
Aaron stopped on the steps. His world? Or His world in general? "Your world?" Aaron asked, hoping for an answer.
"My world," Dorian said, turning and stepping up to Aaron. He cupped his chin, this time with his whole hand, and brought Aaron's face to his and kissed him. Aaron was startled at first, but leaned into his kiss. Dorian felt Aaron's mouth part and he pushed his tongue in. Aaron welcomed it and returned the feeling, clashing his tongue with Dorian's. He felt Aaron's hands grasp the back of his neck and grabbed Aaron by his waist and gave him a slight squeeze before releasing him.
"I've been waiting for you to do that," Aaron said as Dorian released him.
Dorian beamed at Aaron.
Aaron's heart fluttered at the sight of his smile. "Alright, you can come. I wouldn't want to destroy your world."
"It wouldn't be my world without you in it."
Dorian just had to add that. Aaron leaned in for a quick kiss, then grasped his hand and they descended the rest of the steps. They grabbed Dorian's staff and headed into the night.
