"I don't know if you're aware, but the assumption in some corners is that you and I are… intimate."
It was odd to see Dorian so hesitant. He was usually so confident, particularly when talking to Elden. And he flirted nearly constantly, so why was this any different? Was he more worried about the gossip than he had let on? Or was he worried about how Elden might take this news? They had grown close and Elden had hoped they were friends. Surely Dorian didn't think he'd be offended by the implication. Quite the opposite, Elden was flattered.
"That's not the worst assumption the could have, is it?" Elden replied. Normally he would be bright red at this point. He had never been very good at banter and Dorian was always able to throw him so quickly, but he would do anything to lighten the mood for Dorian.
"I don't know. Is it?" Dorian countered, as smooth as ever and Elden felt slightly better.
"Do you always answer a question with a question?"
"Would you like me to answer in some other fashion?"
"If you're capable," Elden said with a slight laugh. Somehow, even with his teasing, it was so easy to talk to Dorian. And Dorian was smiling again, no longer tense from their conversation with Mother Giselle. He'd do his best to keep up with Dorian's teasing if it meant earning that smile.
Then suddenly Dorian stepped closer and kissed him and all thought left Elden's mind. It was a chaste kiss, simply a press of lips, but Elden was quite certain he had never felt anything so wonderful. He lost himself, simply melting into the gentle touch, forgetting to be nervous for once. When Dorian pulled back slightly Elden realized that one of Dorian's hands was resting on his waist while the other held his hand, fingers twining together, and Elden was intensely grateful for the sustained contact. He never wanted him to let go and he simply reveled in their closeness, overwhelmed and barely able to believe that this was actually happening. He was so caught up in the moment that he didn't even realize that his eyes were still closed until Dorian spoke.
"'If you're capable.' The nonsense you speak."
There was an intense fondness in Dorian's eyes and Elden felt weak, like his legs might give out on him. But there was an uncertainty there as well, so raw and vulnerable and Elden's heart twisted painfully at the sight.
"You realize this makes the rumors somewhat true?" Elden said, again seeking desperately to lighten the mood and bring that smile back.
"Evidently," Dorian said and to Elden's relief his usual confident smile was back. "We might have to explore the full truth of them later. In private."
As Dorian pulled away, Elden couldn't help but miss his warmth. Even though they had only known each other for a few months, feeling him so close had felt like home, like safety. He was rooted to the spot as he watched Dorian leave, overwhelmed and barely able to believe that any of this was happening. He hadn't dared to hope for any of this, it was all just too good to be true.
Eventually Elden managed to get his legs moving again. He descended the stairs, steps light and a dazed smile plastered on his face. It wasn't until he reached the exit to the rotunda that realization struck him. He was a bit out of practice with all of this, what if he'd made a fool of himself? What had he done with his hands? Had they just been dangling awkwardly? And, Maker, what if he wasn't actually any good at kissing? He groaned. Maybe he could talk Cassandra into sparring with him so he could stop agonizing over this. Still, the memory of the kiss, of Dorian's warmth and that beautiful smile tugging at those perfect lips wouldn't leave him any time soon.