Disclaimer: I own none of the recognized characters. I am merely borrowing them to satisfy my muse
Chapter 43
"So many names." CJ glanced at Cole. They were collecting firewood.
"What?"
"Why do people have so many names? You are CJ. And Fighter. Mama. Kadan. Friend. And many more. Why so many?"
CJ shrugged. "It's just how people are. We give nicknames. To show affection."
"Not just affection." Cole frowned. "Demon is not from affection. It is fear."
Now it was CJ's turn to frown. "Sera called you that again? I'm going to strangle that elf when we get back to camp." But Cole was still looking at her. "All right, so they don't come just from affection. It can be out of fear, or out of condescension. But they aren't all like that. Like how Bull calls you Kid. It's not meant to be offending. It's just what he does. He gives nicknames to everyone."
"Not Vivienne."
"No," CJ laughed. "Not Vivienne. I think she scares him."
"She reminds him of home. Of his Tama."
"You're not supposed to be reading his mind, Cole."
Cole shrugged. "He doesn't mind if you know. You're his Kadan. That's his favorite name, did you know?"
"I didn't."
"He's had a lot of names too. Ashkaari and Hissrad hurt him when he thinks about them. Tal-vashoth. Traitor. Monster. He's proud of The Iron Bull. The name he chose for himself. He made it a joke, so he wouldn't be a thing. A tool. He is more than that. Kadan is his favorite. Never thought he was going to be someone's Kadan. That he didn't deserve it. Who would want him, a traitor to the Qun?" CJ didn't know what to say. "But you did. You do. And he loves you. More than he ever thought he could."
"And I him."
Cole cocked his head. "Love. It is a strange thing, isn't it?"
"That's a massive understatement, Cole." She smiled at him. "Let's go back to camp."
They made their way back and found Bull sitting beside a small fire. Not far away, Krem and Scout Harding were playing chess. Cole looked at them for a moment and then turned to Bull.
"You and Krem say words that hurt, but aren't real, The Iron Bull."
"Yeah." Bull nodded. "We give each other grief. It's a soldier thing. Doesn't mean anything."
"It means friendship. And that you're soldiers. Krem likes it, makes him proud."
Bull grunted. "Guess I can see that. Him, huh?"
Cole tilted his head. "Is that wrong?"
"No, no, I'd just thought, since you're doing your little mind reading thing," Bull paused. "Actually, you're good, Kid. Keep it up."
"The armor is right. The body isn't, but it doesn't hurt him anymore. You make it better." CJ sat down next to Bull and leaned in to him as Cole wandered away.
"Kid's a little strange tonight." Bull said gruffly, but CJ hid a smile. She could see that Cole's words had touched him.
"I think something's on his mind." She said. "He was talking about names earlier."
"Names?" Iron Bull shifted so he could put his arm around CJ.
"Yeah. Wanted to know why I have so many."
"What'd you say?"
"That it's just what people do." She yawned. "He also mentioned that you have a favorite name."
"Kid talks too much." Bull muttered, and CJ laughed.
"It's one of my favorite names too, Bull." She smiled up at him. He leaned down and kissed her gently.
"Good."
