Anders grabbed the book from Reiss's hand ignoring his huff of complaint. "Why are you sulking?"

"I do not sulk!"

"Well you are doing a damn fine impression of someone who does."

Reiss glared and snatched back his book. "I am merely reading, leave me be."

Anders settled next to him. "Reiss?" When he received no reply he sighed and left his friend heading to their room. Reiss had been in a bad mood for over a week now and Anders couldn't for the life of him get to the root of the problem. It was rare for Reiss to lose his good humour and rarer still for it to last so long and he was starting to worry. He glanced up as a shadow fell across the doorway hoping it was Reiss, startled to see Ser Thain. He swallowed uneasily as the Templar glared at him before leaving without having spoken a word.

Moments later Reiss entered the room; his eyes dark with anger, his body trembling. He moved to Anders his voice laced with rage. "Did Ser Thain touch you?"

Ander looked to him in alarm. "No, he just looked in and left."

Reiss visibly relaxed and sank onto the bed next to him. "That is … good."

"Reiss please tell me what is going on."

With a deep sigh Reiss rubbed his forehead. "Ser Thain has taken an interest in me of late. An interest I do not wish."

Anders paled. "Has he …"

"No, thankfully he has yet to do anything other than stare at me and follow me around this damned place."

"Maybe you could speak to the First Enchanter; perhaps he could speak to the Knight Commander."

"They would do nothing and perhaps he will keep his distance."

Anders gently clasped his hand. "I won't let him hurt you."

Despite how close they had become in the months since he had returned to the Circle, Reiss was still startled by the sincerity in Anders eyes. "I would not have you endanger yourself for me."

"Hey I like spending time with you; that's all I'm suggesting, not clubbing him over the head with my staff."

Reiss smirked. "Shame, I think I would rather like to see that."

xXx

Now aware of the situation Anders was horrified by the amount of times Ser Thain would be near to Reiss, the Templar had become something of a shadow and Anders did his best to ensure his friend was never alone. He would remain awake long into the night and on several occasions was horrified to realise the Templar was hovering in the doorway simply watching Reiss sleep. Anders watched without drawing attention to himself, prepared to tear out the Templars throat if he so much as took a step towards Reiss's bed. However Ser Thain seemed content simply to watch the sleeping mage. Anders didn't tell Reiss about the nightly visits not wanting to alarm him further, but he found it deeply disturbing.

xXx

"You look exhausted." Reiss commented as Anders yawned loudly at breakfast.

"Wow you really know how to compliment a guy."

Reiss gave a soft chuckle. "Fear not; you remain devastatingly handsome, despite your constant need to yawn."

Anders covered his mouth as another yawn escaped him, his body tensing as he saw Ser Thain focus on Reiss.

Reiss glanced to his friend and raised an eyebrow. "Tell me you are not staying awake at night to watch over me."

Anders flushed and concentrated on his porridge. "Of course not, where would you get an absurd idea like that?"

"Anders you may think you are clever, but you do not fool me."

"He watches you at night." Anders whispered, worrying anxiously at his lower lip. "He just stands there in the doorway."

Reiss paled. "That is … disturbing. Why have you not mentioned it?"

"I figured you were uncomfortable enough as it is without knowing Ser Creepypants over there has taken it to a whole other level."

"And what exactly would you do my dear Anders if the Templar decided to do more than simply watch me sleep."

Anders eyes visibly darkened. "I'd tear out his damned throat."

Reiss felt the uncommon stirring of butterflies in his stomach. "While I appreciate the imagery I think tearing out his throat might be a little difficult." He hesitated as he saw something in Anders eyes, something dark and alarmingly tantalising. "Do not risk yourself for me." He whispered.

Anders glanced to him and smiled, the darkness lifting. "I won't need to as long as he keeps his distance."

xXx

The corridor was dimly lit, shadows flitting around the light cast by the odd torch still lit this late in the evening. Ser Thain hurried to the chapel and knelt before the statue of Andraste. "Maker I beg your forgiveness for my weakness. I have never been tempted by any other than this mage. Why have you returned him to us, is this my test? If so it is a test I am failing. Maker forgive me, but I do not wish to stay away from him." He gave a deep sigh and spent most of his night reciting the Chant of Light until he believed he could control his impulses. Yet he still found himself drawn to the mages room, his breath catching at the soft snores that left such perfect lips. He almost smiled to himself knowing Anders had woken and was watching him while pretending to still be asleep. It was odd that the Maker would have a mage help to keep him from disgracing himself, while another mage was the cause of his struggle. He turned from the room and returned to his own quarters. He knew his will was not strong enough and resolved to confess his difficulty to the Knight Commander come morning.

xXx

Little over a week later Reiss was startled; but profoundly grateful to discover that Ser Thain had been relocated to another Circle. Rumor had it that he was too distracted to perform his duties, whatever the reason he felt safer knowing the Templar was gone. He sought Anders out as soon as he found out the news, pulling him into a darkened corner of the library. He was so elated he forgot himself for a moment and captured Anders lips in a searing kiss. He felt a moment of desperate need from his friend, Anders practically clinging to him before the younger mage pulled away flushed and clearly conflicted. Reiss was startled by the tears in his eyes and alarmed as Anders fled mumbling apologies. He sat in confusion for several moments before he followed him to the room they shared. Anders was already in his bed and he could tell he was trying to muffle sobs. Reiss sat on the edge of the bed and gently rested his hand on Anders shoulder. "I am sorry my friend. I never meant to cause you pain."

"I'm sorry." Anders gave a choked sob.

"There is no need for you to apologise."

"I … I …"

Reiss wondered if this then was the missing piece from his friend's tale. "You were taken from someone you loved?"

"He was taken from me." Anders gave a strangled moan. "They took everything he was; there was nothing left, he may as well be dead."

Reiss closed his eyes in pain assuming his friends lost love had been made Tranquil. "I am sorry my friend."

Anders turned to him. "I can't think of anyone but him. He … he became my world. I just … I can't accept my life without him."

Reiss gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind his friend's ear. "Anders there is no need to deny yourself the touch of another. I do not ask for love, love is too dangerous." He pressed a cautious kiss to Anders lips. "I offer touch." He trailed his lips down Anders throat. "Warmth." His fingers slowly raked through golden strands drawing a breathy gasp from Anders. "A moment away from this life." He pulled back and smiled. "The choice is yours my friend, but there is no pressure." Reiss moved to his side of the room slipping off his robe, pausing deliberately knowing Anders was watching him before he climbed into bed.

Anders lay back down his heart pounding, his body aching with need. He closed his eyes; Leto was gone, it had been nearly three years since he had felt his touch, since he had felt anyone's touch, but he couldn't move. He turned over and tried to sleep

xXx

Reiss spent the following day discreetly watching his friend; Anders was pale, quiet and clearly exhausted. He cursed his impulsive actions, but he had felt Anders need within their kiss and despite his silence Reiss knew at least on some level Anders wanted more. He put his books back in the library and took his time getting to their room to give Anders the chance to be sleeping or at least pretending when he returned. It was with surprise therefore that as he entered the room he saw Anders perched on his bed clearly waiting for him.

"Can we … can we talk?"

"Of course my friend." Reiss settled on his own bed and waited.

Anders had wanted to tell him what had happened with Leto, but he found he couldn't speak. He closed his eyes attempting to master himself. "He is no longer himself. The man I love … loved is gone, but it feels like a betrayal to even think about … well, being with anyone else, but there are times I feel so alone and dead inside."

Reiss moved from his bed and settled next to Anders. "Tell me what I can do to help you."

Anders lost himself in honey eyes and gave a shuddering breath. "Help me remember what it is to be alive." He whispered.

Reiss gently cupped his cheek, his thumb catching the tears that spilled. "Are you sure?"

"I don't want to be alone anymore Reiss and you're the only one I trust."

Reiss felt his heart pound at the admission and leaned forward pressing his lips tenderly to Anders, feeling a moment of hesitation before the sweetness of his hesitant response. Carefully he moved closer; his fingers tangling in Anders hair as he gently pressed his friend back onto the bed, smiling as a soft pleading moan erupted from Anders lips.

xXx

Slowly opening his eyes Anders glanced over to the other bed where Reiss was still snoring. While he would have given anything to remain in his arms during the night they didn't dare for fear of being caught. He gently touched his lips closing his eyes and still feeling Reiss's attention. It was dangerous he knew that; perhaps a foolish risk, but it was a risk he was willing to take. He sat up carefully, he could have soothed his aching body but he wanted the reminder of what had happened between them. He moved to retrieve his robe from where it had been discarded, a sharp breath leaving his lips as he felt hands on his waist.

"Hush my friend." Reiss purred pulling Anders tight to him. "I am no Templar."

"Well that's a relief." Anders murmured, closing his eyes as Reiss pressed a soft kiss to his neck.

"Are you experiencing discomfort?"

Anders smiled at the concerned tone. "I don't mind, it … it reminds me I'm alive."

Reiss smiled and nuzzled his neck. "Perhaps I can remind you again tonight."

Anders chuckled softly. "Perhaps."

"Ah you intend to tease me." He was startled as Anders turned sharply his eyes filled with concern.

"No. That isn't … that's not what this is."

Reiss gently pressed a kiss to his lips. "I know."

Anders swallowed painfully. "I'm not very good at this."

"I thought you were surprisingly skilled." Reiss teased.

Anders eyes widened, a subtle flush heating his cheeks. "Andraste's knickers!" He muttered shaking his head, unable to stop the slight smile tugging at his lips.

Reiss chuckled softly and claimed another swift kiss.

xXx

While always at risk; Reiss and Anders managed to keep their affair below the radar of not only the Templars, but also their fellow mages, a fact both were rather proud of. Reiss helped Anders to remember what it was to live and Anders gave Reiss something he hadn't realised he had been missing, intimacy that was based on respect and genuine affection, not a moment of lust experienced in a darkened hallway too quick to be fully enjoyed.

Both kept themselves shielded from allowing their feelings to become too deep. Reiss enjoyed their physical moments certainly and he treasured Anders friendship, but he was not so foolish to fall in love, that would put them both in danger. For his part Anders heart remained Leto's and that shielded him from the danger of falling in love with Reiss. They walked a fine line of friendship and intimacy, both knowing if they were caught they could lose everything.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you to everyone reading, following, favouriting and reviewing. I hope you enjoyed.

In the next chapter we will be catching up with some of the others. I've not forgotten about them.