A/N: Disclaimer: I own none of the recognized characters. I simply am borrowing them to satisfy my muse.

Chapter 39

CJ didn't remember falling asleep, but as she opened her eyes and saw the early morning light, she knew she must have slept. She was lying beside Iron Bull, her head resting on his chest. Every breath caused her to move, and she could hear the beat of his heart. Strong and steady, just like he was. A movement on her stomach caught her attention. Glancing down, she saw Tommy sleeping soundly, his head pillowed on her stomach, one hand clutching her shirt. His lower half was flopped across Iron Bull, his other hand holding on to a strap of his armor.

CJ smiled. That couldn't be comfortable, with his head resting lower than his legs, but he was apparently sleeping deeply.

"Took him almost fifteen minutes to get situated so he could lay on both of us." Bull's voice rumbled in her ear. "Told him that it'd probably be more comfortable flipped the other way, but he refused. Said he wanted to use his mama as a pillow. And then when I moved, he grabbed hold of my armor. Said I wasn't allowed to go anywhere. Bossy little squirt. Just like his Mama."

"I am not bossy." CJ murmured. "Just stubborn when I know I'm right."

Bull snorted. "You are bossy, Kadan. But that's all right. I like bossy."

It was CJ's turn to snort. "You like a lot of things, Bull. To date, I've found there's very little you don't like."

"There's lots of things I don't like." He retorted. "I just like a lot of things about you." CJ raised an eyebrow at him.

"That's a cop-out, The Iron Bull."

He grinned at her. "But it's the truth."

Tommy murmured and shifted his hold on Bull's armor.

"That can't be comfortable." CJ mused, looking at the boy. "He's practically upside down."

"Using you as a pillow, I'd sleep like the dead."

CJ smiled. "You are a flirt."

"Indeed."

Tommy shifted again, and his face crinkled as he began to wake up. "Mama," He whimpered, and CJ ran a gentle hand over his hair, smoothing it.

"I'm here, Tommy." She said softly.

"How's he doing?"

"He's been having nightmares." CJ answered. "And sucking his thumb."

"Did the bastard hurt him? Or the girl?"

"Scared the hell out of them, some bumps and bruises, but nothing like he could have done."

"Small favors."

Tommy groaned, a small hand coming up to rub at his eyes as he released his hold on CJ's shirt. Slowly, he blinked in the early morning light, squinting. His face scrunched up, and then he yawned.

"Good morning, Tommy." CJ greeted the small boy, who gave her a sleepy grin. He pushed himself into a sitting position, Bull raising a large hand to steady the boy as Tommy sat on his stomach.

"Morning Mama. And Da." He grinned again, his hair tousled from sleep. He was adorable. As CJ looked between them, she decided that she could easily get used to this. Waking up in Bull's arms, Tommy cuddled with them. Her family. And that thought was followed by a surge of resolution. She wasn't going to lose them.

CJ sighed and stretched, groaning as her back cracked. "So where's the army headed?" She asked as she ran a hand through her spiky hair.

"Arbor Wilds." He answered.

"What's there?"

He shrugged, and CJ scoffed.

"Like you really don't know, Bull?" She raised an eyebrow at him. "Are your Ben-Hassrath skills failing you in your old age?"

Bull grinned and caught her chin in his hand. He pulled her down to him and kissed her soundly. CJ grinned against his lips.

"That's what I wanted to do, the last time you told me that." He said, and kissed her again. "Wanted to kiss you right then and there even if the entire army was watching."

Tommy made a gagging noise, and they looked at him. He was still sitting on Bull's stomach, and currently had his small face scrunched up into a disgusted look.

"What, little man?"

"Kissing is gross!" He exclaimed.

CJ laughed and grabbed the boy, pulling him to her. "Kissing is gross, is it?" She demanded, and proceeded to kiss him wetly on the cheek. Tommy squealed and wiggled in her arms, giggling, trying to escape. She kissed his other cheek and then his forehead, Tommy giggling all the while. She didn't release him until they were both breathless from laughter.

"Kissing still gross, Mama!"

CJ didn't want to leave Tommy. But as the army was packing up camp, preparing to march out, she knew that she had to make a decision. She could escort Tommy back to Skyhold, but that would put her at least three days behind the Inquisition. Or, she could leave the boy in one of the scouts' care and they could bring Tommy home. She was torn. She knew what Bull wanted her to do. To take Tommy to Skyhold and stay there. As CJ looked over the soldiers who were tearing down the tents and packing them tightly into bags, how could she? How could she stand aside while these men and women marched into danger? How many children had been left behind by fathers or mothers, older sisters and brothers, who were leaving to fight an ancient evil. These brave people who might never come back.

How could CJ give less than what the soldiers were asked to give? She would never be able to look another soldier in the eye. No, she'd have to go.

"Mama?" CJ turned at the sound of Tommy's voice. Cole was carrying him towards her, with Tommy wearing his hat. CJ smiled at the picture they presented. The tall awkward young man with shaggy blonde hair and solemn eyes carrying the grinning child who had the large droopy hat slipping over his eyes. Her boys. That thought made CJ pause. Her boys. And then her grin widened as she recalled Bull's words. Mother duck indeed. There was no doubt. Her heart had adopted Tommy and Cole. And Talon and Krem. They were hers. And she would protect them with all her strength.

"Hey baby," She greeted, accepting the boy from Cole. "Are you having fun with Cole?"

Tommy nodded eagerly. "Brother's showin' me how to fight!"

Cole blinked at his new title. He mouthed the word behind Tommy's back, looking stunned.

"He is, huh?" CJ smiled at Cole. "Well he's a pretty good fighter, so I'm sure he'll be able to teach you well."

"And Da!" Tommy exclaimed.

"And Da." CJ agreed. "Together, I'm sure they'll turn you into one of Cullen's best soldiers."

"Mama teach too?"

"Mama can teach you too."

Tommy cheered and wrapped his arms around her neck in a tight hug. CJ returned the embrace, hugging him close.

"We're heading out soon." Cole said, and CJ nodded. After returning Cole's hat, she turned, carrying Tommy to find Iron Bull. He'd want to say good bye to the boy.

She found him standing with the Chargers, giving them orders. CJ stood to the side patiently, waiting for him to be done. Tommy played with the collar of her shirt, seeming to find it fascinating.

"So what's the plan?" Bull asked as the Chargers dispersed. He ruffled Tommy's hair, causing the boy to giggle.

"I'll be sending Tommy back to Skyhold with one of Leliana's scouts. And once he's there, he'll stay inside the hold's walls, correct?" This was directed at Tommy, who nodded.

"Will, Mama." He said. "Promise."

"You won't be going with him?" Bull asked, and CJ shook her head.

"My place is with you." She replied. "And Talon."

He frowned, but didn't say anything further.

"You be good, little man."

"Yes sir!" Tommy chirped, saluting him just as the Chargers had done. CJ laughed as Bull huffed.

"He's got your attitude."

"Nonsense." CJ exclaimed. "He's got all his own attitude."

"You are a definite impact on it." CJ grinned.

"It's part of my charm."

"An annoying part." Bull retorted.

"Whatever you say, Bull."

"If that were true, Kadan, Tommy wouldn't be going to Skyhold without a parent."

"I can't do anything less than what these soldiers are doing, Bull." She answered simply and Bull sighed.

"I know Kadan." His hand settled on her shoulder, heavy and warm. "I don't like it, but I know."

CJ stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "I've got to go talk to Leliana."

"See you later, Kadan." He ruffled Tommy's hair again, and CJ turned away.

It took ten minutes of searching before CJ finally caught sight of Leliana's red hair.

"Leliana!" She called, and the older woman turned towards her. "I have a request for you."

"I already know." Leliana said as CJ drew even. "I've sent for Scout Jenma. She's one of my best. She will keep your little one safe."

"And we will help." Aria's voice sounded from behind CJ. She turned to look at the elven woman. She was holding Lia, with her husband behind them. "We owe you and your son a great debt. One we will spend our lives repaying."

CJ flushed slightly at the admiration on their faces.

"You owe me nothing," She tried, but CJ could tell it was pointless.

"We will protect Tommy like he is our own." Aria's husband said firmly.

"Thank you."

It was another twenty minutes before the small group was prepared for Skyhold. It consisted of Jenma, Aria, Aria's husband Mikal, Lia, Tommy, and Danes, a young soldier that Cullen assigned. It shouldn't take them more than two days to reach Skyhold, and then another two for the return journey.

CJ gave Tommy a final hug and then situated him on the horse in front of Mikal. "I'll see you soon, Tommy." She said, and stepped back.

Her gaze followed the small group until they'd crested a hill and left her sight. She sighed heavily.

"Come on, Kadan." Bull's hand on her shoulder drew her away, leading her towards Talon. "Boss has got some orders for us."