Elden was so tired. He had had an awful day and he knew he should sleep but all he wanted to do was spend some time with Dorian. He found himself wanting to visit the mage in his little alcove in the library more and more each day. Just being in his presence made him feel so much better. Elden felt himself smiling in anticipation even before he reached the top of the stairs and spied Dorian lounging in his usual armchair with a book in his hand.
"Maker, you look terrible," Dorian said with that mischievous grin of his as he lowered his book slightly.
"Thanks," Elden said, smiling in return. "It's been an eventful day. Mind if I join you?"
"I don't see why not," Dorian replied. Elden immediately sat on the floor, resting his back against the side of the chair and he heard Dorian chuckle. "You don't want to, I don't know, sit at that table over there? Or pull up a chair? Look, that one has a lovely red pillow on it, I'm sure it would be very comfortable."
Elden sighed and leaned his head back. "This is fine," he said as he closed his eyes.
"If you say so." Dorian laughed again and his hand came down to rest on Elden's shoulder. "Would you like to talk about it, or–?"
"No, I'm much better now. Please, don't let me interrupt your book."
"It's a bit dry, actually," Dorian said. After a pause he added, "Cassandra loaned me another one of Varric's awful books. Shall I read that to you? You look like you could use a good laugh."
"Could you?"
Elden didn't mean to sound as excited as he did but the fond chuckle he earned from Dorian was worth it. As Dorian read, his hand came to tangle in Elden's hair, weaving through it gently. It was so soothing. Despite how much he wanted to stay awake Elden eventually found himself ushered towards sleep by Dorian's soothing voice.