Computer keeps dying. Crashes and I lose my chapter whether I've saved it or not. -unhappy face- Written this chapter twice now. Sorry if it sound crap repeating myself when writing makes me bored and I kinda lost the love for this one. Just warning.
Chapter 53 – Bluff.
Makatza stretched yawning, they had played a few rounds but now she was getting sleepy. Fenris had kept her glass topped up from one of the bottles that he brought with him; until she shook her head slightly, there was no way she wanted to feel rough the next morning, she had a feeling that it would be a stressful day without a massive hangover. Isabela, Varric and Garrett got more and more drunk as the night went on.
'I think it's time to go home,' Makatza said at the end of her yawn, she clicked her shoulders and moaned happily. Isabela pouted.
'Aww no, we're having fun! C'mon, promise to let you win this time,' she offered flicking a card in her direction, Makatza laughed and shook her head.
'Seriously, I'm really tired, I need my beauty sleep,' she flicked the card back down the table. Garrett shook his head. Isabela swigged from her mug.
'If that's the case maybe you should stay up later, you're starting to look better than me, and that's jus' not allowed.' Fenris and Garrett chuckled earning a death glare from Isabela who dared them to make a comment. Garrett hugged her clumsily and pointed at Makatza.
'N-No way are you, walkong, welken? ...Walking home, on your own,' He slurred, Makatza had to hold back her laughter, he was so out of it. No doubt he would complain about it tomorrow but she wouldn't give him any pity. You'll regret this in the morning dear brother, that's karma bitch! Interrupt Fenris and me again and it won't be so subtle, her mind thought viciously, grinning she spoke.
'Fenris will walk me home, won't you?' She smiled at him, he was leaning back with his chair as she said it but he let it thump forward gently as he nodded. Isabela looked between them looking for underlying messages, but Makatza knew she would be looking and kept her face completely void of any expression. Varric leant across the table gathering up the cards a sly gleam in his eye.
'There's no need to go home, we'll just rent a couple of rooms for the night.' Varric suggested shuffling. Makatza could have shot him, as ideas go it wasn't a bad one; but she had a feeling that the dwarf knew more than he was letting on. Garrett cheered happily.
'Perfec'! Tha' way you don' have to go! Ev'ryone safe!' He said loudly. Makatza rolled her eyes, using her hair as a cover she looked over to Fenris who was watching Hawke with an amused smile. They had both been careful with how they acted around each other while in company, but it was getting tiring, Makatza knew that public affection would be hard for him and she wasn't one for massive displays, but little things would be nice.
'Alright, alright! I'll go ask at the bar,' Makatza threw her hands up in defeat and got out of her seat, Fenris automatically began to move to follow her but realised that they were being watched, so he crossed his legs instead and let her leave without him. It was Varric who was casting the eagle eye over the both of them. Fenris knew how to deal with that, he just let the dwarf's gaze go straight through. Makatza glanced in his direction before shutting the door, in his peripherals he saw the little wave she sent him. Resigned to the scrutiny Varric was determined to use he casually refilled his glass and took a sip. Only a few minutes passed before he heard Makatza returning by the sound of her footsteps she didn't sound happy. She threw open the door and chucked something at Varric. It didn't look painful just a rolled up ball of paper, but it hit him square on the forehead; the force alone sent him sideways off his chair causing his drink to go flying. Isabela choked on the gulp of ale she had just drunk and began to cough, Garrett rubbed her back trying to help.
'You little git!' Makatza ran over to him and tried to give him a kick, Fenris moved from his seat and pulled her back before it connected. 'You little, little, little sod! Interfering old woman!' she seethed unhappily, pulling her arms from Fenris' grip.
'What's going on?' Fenris asked.
Makatza pfffd her hair out of her eyes and shot a dirty look at Varric who was chuckling from the floor. 'That little shit had already booked a room.'
'I don't understand, what's the problem?' Fenris shrugged. 'Wait..a room?'
'Yes, one room.' Makatza clarified, Isabela finally stopped coughing, drinking more beer to compensate for the amount she sprayed across the table. 'That's not the problem, I can deal with one room, with one bed at that, the thing is he didn't book it under his name!' She aimed another kick at him missing by a few centimetres.
'I didn't think it would bother you Petal, it was just a joke, besides they are best quarters in this place,' Varric grinned getting to his feet and wiping down his now sodden shirt. Fenris raised a brow, he had a bad feeling about what was to come, he turned to Makatza.
'What has happened?' He said quietly.
Makatza scowled at Varric, 'he has booked the uh, couple's suite. Y'know for those who have just um, got married, under yours and my name, as if we had...' she said quickly, 'it's fine I'll just bunk with Izzy.'
Fenris paled, which was quite a sight. 'Are there no other rooms available?' He said weakly. His head was spinning, he wouldn't mind spending the night with Makatza that was true, but the implications were just too much to bare. Especially in a room like that. Garrett began to laugh loudly, Isabela joined in, her head leaning on his shoulder. They both look like they were about to cry with the force. Varric had sat back down and was currently grinning over his tankard.
'That's another problem, that is the only room. I explained to the barmaid, but she just kept smirking at me, apparently someone's been telling her about.. things.' She sat heavily in a spare chair. This is so embarrassing, still it's a good excuse to be alone with him... all night... alone... mwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa... Come on Katza snap out of it. This could become a serious problem, if someone catches us leaving or entering the room and assumes the worst... Oh shit what would Leandra think? I'll just have to explain what happened, it sounds plausible. Kind of. She shook herself out of her reverie.
'I get bored waiting for people so I tell a few stories, that's all. It's fine. We all know different. It honestly was the only room left when I booked it, so y'know I had to improvise, roll with it.' Varric toasted the imaginary couple. Fenris hadn't moved and was still quite pale, it had only been a few hours ago that he had Makatza in his arms, and now somehow they had been married. It was a fake, unreal thing they all knew, but it still sent his mind reeling. A bit of a shock to the system, slowly he sat back in his chair, Makatza was busy scolding Varric than pay any attention to him, he quickly drank his glass of wine and poured himself another full glass. The reality of the situation sank in and didn't seem so bad after a moment or two, so he would have to spend the night in a badly named room. What was the big deal? Nothing.
'Oh sweetpea, by the way, you can't bunk with me, I already have him staying,' she motioned to where Hawke was fighting Varric for the last mug of beer. 'But you can if you really want,' she winked. Makatza's eyes widened.
'No. Nope that's fine. I'll just sleep with Fenris, I uh, mean next to,' she began to blush deeply, 'I mean in the same room! I,' she sighed, the grin on Isabela's face said it all, 'y'know what I mean.' And here I thought I was done making a fool out of myself. Too much to ask for then. Well done me.
'I don't blame you sweetpea. I wouldn't mind.' Isabela licked her top lip causing Fenris to squirm uncomfortably, Makatza's slip of the tongue was amusing but Isabela's blatant flirting made him uneasy. Isabela cackled with glee.
Still blushing Makatza turned to Varric; who was victorious for the last ale and had sent Hawke for more. The loser having to pay. 'May I have the key? I really just want to go to sleep.'
'What about the sleeping arrangements?' Varric mentioned, fishing a small cast iron key out of his top pocket. He slid it over the table, Makatza picked it out of the spilled puddle and absently wiped her hand on her thin dress.
'What do you mean? There's a bed.' She yawned again.
'One bed Petal.' Varric stated, Fenris rolled his eyes, he was planning to sleep in the armchair that the establishment had placed in every room. No matter how tempting it was. Makatza shrugged.
'So? I've slept next to people before Varric. I lived with Izzy for over a month and her tiny arsed bed. And I currently share my bed with two guys and a girl. Occasionally Garrett drunkly climbs in. Having the bed to myself would be a novelty.' And with that last sentence she walked out the door.
'Two guys and a girl?' Varric asked Isabela.
'Bubble and the pups,' she laughed, 'why got your hopes up?'
'I was just thinking what good materiel that would be. Surprising but not at the same time, she has the looks for it. ' Hawke returned with a tray filled with the order Varric had bestowed to him. He looked around for Makatza who had just left.
'Where she go?'
'Bed, speaking of which I think you might need to go as well,' Isabela prodded him.
'Aaww no fair... don' wanna...' Garrett pouted childishly.
'Alright a few more games, then bed,' Isabela smirked. Varric claimed his prize and began to deal out the cards. Fenris sat thinking how long would look convincing before he could leave, about an hour or so. Depending on what happened.
… … … …
Makatza opened the door and peeked inside the room. It wasn't bad as rooms go, but it was the Hanged Man, so certain things were not to be expected. A half melted candle sat on a dresser it's small flame flickering, picking it up she lit the oil lamp next to the bed. She perched on the side of the bed looking around, there wasn't much. A small wooden dresser, matching vanity and wardrobe. There was an on-suite bathroom and what looked like a balcony. She made herself comfortable and sat toying with the key, making up her mind she went over to the double door and unlocked it. Slowly she opened them and stepped onto the balcony. The stone was cold beneath her feet and the wind whipped her hair over her eyes and face. It was a nice feeling, bit cold but she felt a lot more alive. She could taste and smell the sea, it washed away the horrible ball that sat in her stomach, caused by the storm. She inhaled deeply feeling at home. Looking at the clouds she could see that the storm was far from being over, but she closed her eyes and reminded herself that she was surrounded by people that she loved and they had seen a lot more worse things than a woman overreacting about thunder and lightening. She would be fine. But maybe she should go back inside and lock the door. Just in case. Breathing in the salt air one last time she turned and closed the doors. After turning and leaving the key in the lock she idly looked through the wardrobe. Maybe I should ask Izzy for some pyjamas. A quick mental image of what pyjamas Isabela had to offer flicked through her mind's eye. Then again maybe the dress will be fine, it's cotton after all. A bit thin, but that quilt looks quite thick. She sighed and crawled under the cover. It was like she didn't know what to do with herself, she was tired but she felt wide awake at the same time. She didn't know what to expect when Fenris came in. What the hell am I doing? It's not I'm going to have sex with him or anything, Makatza told herself off. But the little voice at the back of her head said but it would be nice to just be with him. Get to know each other a bit better. If you're serious about this that is. Makatza rubbed her eyes, great my own psyche is turning on me. Fuck this, I'm too tired, I'll just embarrass myself better just to try and sleep. She yawned deeply and turned down the oil lamp. Pulling the covers around her body she closed her eyes.
… … … … …. … …
Fenris paused outside the door. Straining his senses he could hear her move, whether she was asleep or not he had no idea. Sick of the lecherous looks Isabela was sending his way he made his excuses and left. Much to the delight of the pirate, dwarf and apostate. Sighing he leant against the door. The sounds of the inn swamped him relieving his mind of it's turmoil for about a minute, the hardest thing about the situation he had found himself was how much he liked Makatza, he found himself doing things just to see her smile, or give him attention. Even her uncontrolled use of magic didn't irritate him as much as would have, if she were say Hawke or Merrill. It was infuriating. True he had seen her turn down a demon's offer but it still felt wrong feeling comfortable about the fact that she was a mage. It still felt like poison running in his veins whenever he thought about the Magisters or magic, but when he was around her it numbed, became bearable. He brushed his hair out of his eyes, the situation was complicated no doubt about it. Maybe the best thing to do was to not think of repercussions or reasons, just see what happens.
He sighed and opened the door, Makatza stirred opening her eyes, she sat up on her elbow and blinked in the low light. She reached over and turned the lamp up.
'Hey,' she said quietly, voice still hoarse with sleep, 'I thought I smelt you outside, what took you so long?'
Fenris smiled, her hair was tangled and framed her face sweetly. It was an image he could get used to seeing. 'You can smell me?' He deflected.
Her eyes widened, 'oh not in a bad way, like the way a animal does, does that creep you out?' She winced, 'sorry I'll try not to.' Fenris chuckled to himself, out of all the things she would think that she had to apologise for that was the main concern? That she could smell him? This woman's priorities were all wrong. Shaking his head he reached toward the top of the wardrobe where he knew a blanket would be folded.
'Do not worry, you cannot help it, the same way I cannot help but smell your perfume,' pulling the blanket down he turned to face her, she was sitting up, still looking sleepy but more alert then when he had first walked in.
'What ya doin'?' She said tilting her head with a questioning look on her face.
'Go to sleep Katza,' he reassured sitting on the armchair. It dawned on her that he planned to try and sleep on the chair. Having fallen asleep while studying a fair few times she knew that it meant a killer backache in the morning and the sensation of have been beaten up. Not pleasant.
'Nu-uh,' she said simply. She scrambled out of bed and took the blanket from him, tried to take it. He held on raising an eyebrow. 'Don't be silly Fenris, I'm not Isabela, you're not going to be pounced on, look I know it's probably way out of your safety zone with the whole contact thing but the bed is huge, please, don't be silly. Come to bed.' She wasn't taking no for an answer. In the end she sat on the floor in front of him and pouted. He scoffed.
'I can not believe you are being this stubborn,' he said.
'Back at ya, come on Fenris I'm tired, suck it up and come to bed.' For fucks sake man! You will sleep in the bed if I have to threaten you with magic so help me.
'Very well,' he said defeated.
'Good, now no-one can say that you didn't try to be all noble,' she smirked, letting go of the blanket. Smiling at his light scowl she climbed back onto the bed and wrapped the quilt around her. Still he looked apprehensive. 'What is it?'
'I, normally I do not wear shirts, to bed. It irritates my markings,' he said apologetically.
'What and you think I haven't seen your bare chest before?' Her mind guiltily slipping back to earlier that evening. 'Be comfortable Fenris, honestly. I'm not judging you in any way. Why would I? I like you as yourself, quirks and all.' Makatza said sleepily pulling her hair from where she was sitting on it quite painfully and plaiting it over her shoulder, countless early hour awakenings of having Isabela wake her up by accidentally yanking it out as she turned in her sleep, had given her a few tips on how to avoid being scalped first thing in the morning. Fenris nodded and in one swift movement pulled the shirt over his head. In the soft lamplight his muscles were wonderfully highlighted, Makatza felt the clench in her lower belly. Maybe she was being to hasty by telling him he wouldn't get pounced on. His dark skin looked irresistible and she longed to follow the curls and swirls of his markings that adorned his chest, and stomach. Along with his snow white hair, he looked like someone that had stepped out of the Greek myths she loved reading. She felt incredibly insignificant next to him, no wonder people stared as he walked past. She swallowed her mouth suddenly very dry.
Almost hesitantly he crossed the room and slid onto the bed next to her. She blinked rapidly trying to get a hold of herself, nervous wasn't the word to describe how she felt. She decided to talk just to try and keep her mind away from dangerous thoughts.
'So um, why do you only call me 'Katza,' when it's just the two of us?' She asked, it was something she had pondered for a while now. When they were playing cards he only ever called her 'Makatza,' she didn't mind as it was her name but still it was weird.
'Makatza is your name, the same way everyone calls your brother Hawke, only you, Carver and Lady Amell call him Garrett, Isabela only does it when she is worried or deadly serious, same with the others.' He shrugged.
'That doesn't explain it,' she said poking him in the arm, oh no, you're not getting away that easily. Come on spill.
Fenris looked like he would give anything to be further away from this conversation, he was already feeling vulnerable being half dressed, but he knew that she would persist. Sighing he spoke quietly, 'I feel that calling you 'Katza' is a very personal thing, it is something to be treasured. Not used frivolously.'
'Oh.' Makatza could feel the blush that dominated her cheeks. She never thought about it like that. It was a nice sentiment. 'Thanks. Y'know for telling me,' she smiled. He looked at her smiling as well, the initial awkwardness had slowly lifted and she could finally relax. The inn had quietened for the night and all she could hear was the oil lamp crackling slightly. The room still smelt of the sea where she had opened the doors earlier, she felt drowsy, the soft pillows and thick quilt wasn't helping. She stifled a yawn, trying to keep her mouth closed. Fenris gave her a small smile.
'Sleep Katza, you have a long day tomorrow.'
'Ugh,' she flumped back ungracefully, laying on her back she groaned, 'I am so not looking forward to this damn party. But at least you're now going.' Fenris chuckled and laid down pulling the quilt over them, propping himself up on his elbow he looked down at her. She had closed her eyes while she spoke.
'Are you happy that I am joining you?'
'That's a silly question. Let me think, would I rather be with you or forty or so fat, greasy men looking for a baby making machine. A young one at that. It will be like throwing meat into a piranha pool.' She said breathing heavily.
'So I am the better option when it comes to a room of nobles? Thank you,' he teased. Makatza's eyes snapped open.
'You know what I mean,' she scowled, 'you're a better option full stop.' She looked at him, 'I mean I um, like being with you an' stuff.' Oh real eloquent. You can tell that I definitely inherited some brains. Makatza closed her eyes again, she couldn't bare looking at him, she knew that she was beetroot red.
'I like being with you too,' he admitted. 'And stuff,' he repeated fumbling on the unusual sentence structure. Makatza smiled, it was nice hearing her speaking patterns mimicked. Sometimes she felt that she was in an old fashioned movie. But there was no way she was going to try and explain that one.
'Good night Fenris,' she sighed happily, she could feel the pull of the fade.
'Goodnight Katza,' he replied. Fenris laid down next to her, for a while he simply watched her, he could tell that she had fallen asleep. He wished that he could take this moment and simply preserve it for dark times that lingered ahead. Her eyes fluttered as she dreamed her long lashes moving gently over her skin, he rolled over and extinguished the oil lamp, he turned back over and tried to sleep. He couldn't, not when he was so close to her. Slowly he ran his hand down her cheek, her skin felt like satin under his rough fingertips. When he breathed in the smell of honey and jasmine flowed through him, propping himself up on his elbow once more he dipped his head and kissed her soft lips. She wasn't as asleep as he thought she was as she returned his kiss gently, tenderly he cupped the back of her head careful of her plaited hair. She wrapped her arms around him sleepily and moaned lightly into his mouth. He deepened the kiss his tongue running over her bottom lip. Makatza shifted her body so she could feel his long legs entwine hers, her breasts pressed against his chest, the thin material of her dress disguising nothing of her arousal. She ran her hand through his hair causing him to groan quietly. Kissing slowly and sensually Makatza melted into his arms. It was like nothing she had experienced, the clench in her belly turned into fire and roiled around aching. Much to her disappointment common sense kicked in. Although his hand explored the curve of her body, running down the side of her ribs, lingering on her waist and then over the top of her hip coming to a rest on her stomach, she knew that he was being careful. Her arousal banked from the roaring fire to a burning ember, there would be time for that later on. For the time being she simply enjoyed the physical contact he was sharing with her. She kissed the corner of his lips feeling him smile in the dark.
'Ego vester sum, si me tibi. Vultis esse meam?' He whispered nuzzling her neck.
'What does that mean?' She replied pulling away, the moonlight lit the room enough for her to be able to make out his eyes. They glinted in the sliver light, shyly he turned from her burying his head in her hair, clearly he found it easier to talk in Arcanum, but it didn't help that she didn't understand a word.
'I am yours, if you'll have me... Would you be mine?'
Makatza lay in his arms shocked.
'Natürlich.' She replied smiling. It was Fenris' turn to look confused.
'Of course,' she translated. 'Of course I will.'
Fenris smiled his joy breaking through his usually serious demeanour. Happily he kissed her hard, she squealed with the sudden act, but she ended up laughing, she loved hearing his deep chuckle it sent shivers across her skin.
'Oh, do you want to tell everyone or should I?' She asked.
'I think that task should be left to you,' Fenris whispered stroking her cheek. 'I have a horrible feeling that if I tried, they would not take me seriously.'
'When should I do it? Oh and you'll be with me when I do.'
'Whenever you think is best, and I will always be with you, for as long as you will have me,' he muttered into her ear. Makatza felt her eyelids grow heavy, she was being pulled into the fade whether she liked it or not. Sleepily she kissed him again, for the sheer novelty of being able to and rested her head on his chest. His steady breathing and the sound of his heart beating became the thing she longed to hear the most. Entwined in his arms she fell asleep.
Well I hope you liked the soppy chapter, actually had something else entirely planned, but like I said having to rewrite it several times from scratch will do that to you, thank you for reading and please leave a review. (Don't worry this isn't the end)
