Hawke

"Is this really happening?" She thought as she felt her body respond to his kiss. She had wanted this for so long that it felt unreal. His lips were cool and soft. But despite all that, she wasn't able to give in and to her great surprise

found herself pushing away from him.

"Wait, wait. What's all this now?" She heard her voice say.

He looked equally shocked and even in the gloom she could tell he was blushing. He floundered for words and seemed likely to bolt, but she caught his hands and held tight. Fenris did not struggle but kept silent.

"Well at least that makes two of us surprised." She uncertainly.

"I apologize Hawke. I was out of place, I had no right..." He said hoarsely, finding his voice after a moment. "I've been thinking about you. In fact, I've been able to think of little else. Last night was...an opportunity to put some wrongs to rights between us."

"Still, this is how we nearly ruined our relationship three years ago. We never talked about that night. I knew going in that you had deep wounds Fenris, but I won't lie, I was hurt when you left." Hawke said quietly as the rain gained momentum around them, nearly drowning her out.

His eyes had locked with hers they seemed impossibly large. She had forgotten how mesmerizing they were up close. "I remember your touch as if it were yesterday" he said, causing a her stomach to flip.

"I will not excuse my actions, but I will at least attempt to explain myself. That night I was so confused, overwhelmed. Finally having you in my arms, was like a dream, being accepted, desired as an equal...I hadn't thought I needed anyone or even wanted anyone...until I met you." He declared, bringing a knot to her throat.

"Maker, what do I even respond to that?" she thought. But she still had to ask.

"Why did you leave me?" She had to know.

"I was afraid. I was a coward and even as I left, I wanted to come back. I did not know about love, I felt that I was not enough, not worthy to be with you. Why you would be willing to be with someone like me was beyond my ken, so I left. I felt I was losing what little I had of myself. I was selfish and confused"

"In the time in between I've come to realize that meeting you was the most important thing that could have happened to me. You've made me become a whole person. When we met, I was a runaway slave, no more. You've made me see that being free is about asserting yourself and making a life. I would make my life at your side. I know forgiveness is a lot to ask for and if you'd like me to go, I will be gone from Kirkwall by morning."

Hawke was momentarily flabbergasted. It was everything and more that she had ever wanted to hear. She put her hands on the sides of his face and kissed him deeply. "If that's true then you are not allowed to run away from me again."

His eyebrows shot up and his eyes softened to that 'puppy-dog' look that Merrill had so aptly named. "Nothing could be worse than the thought of living without you."

After that he swept her in his arms and they kissed and held each other close for what seemed like hours. By the time Hawke again took stock of her surroundings they were soaked from the rain, as the shoddy awning was not up to the challenge of the rain that had continued to fall. His hair was plastered to his head and they both smelled wet leather and armor oil. Hawke did not care. She laughed out loud and after a moment he joined in.

"Come home with me." She whispered in his ear. She felt his body respond and he nodded, stealing a long kiss before making any move.

"Home is wherever you are Hawke." He groaned.

"Oh Maker, shut up and take me home Fenris!" She gasped.

And before Aveline had to arrest them for public lewdness, they make their way to the Amell estate for the rest of the night.