It took far longer than Dorian anticipated for Maxwell to finally come to have him released. He was starting to lose his sense of time, and perhaps Cullen wasn't sleeping well either as they seemed to only meet in their dreams in passing, never with enough time to really do much of anything beyond short greetings and kissing before one of them invariably woke up.

Not that Dorian minded all too much. He loved how possessive Cullen's kisses were, how heavily he would grab and grope, how intimate it felt when he would just barely pull away, amber eyes dark with desire as he smiled against Dorian's mouth. Although, as much as he enjoyed every minute, Dorian would not object to another utterly draining romp that rivaled his lewdest fantasies.

However, he was becoming a little paranoid that perhaps Cullen was retreating. It wouldn't be the first time he'd had a mind-blowing experience with a man who then lost all interest in the light of day, as all immediate needs had been satisfied.

The fact Cullen had not visited him in his cell again only served to enhance this fear.

So when Maxwell and Leliana came to see him, Dorian honestly had no idea of their intentions until they unlocked the door. Maxwell hugged him, apparently now convinced of his loyalty — though Dorian noted that Leliana was staring at him like a hawk. And then Max had told him to go visit Cullen, claiming the Commander could release him from the collar.

The collar which, of course, was more of a fashion statement now but they didn't need to know that. That did mean he had to go to Cullen, though, and he was not certain how he would be received. Dorian even asked if Max wanted to go with him, but the Inquisitor waved him off and insisted that he needed to see to Erimond — whatever that meant — and that Dorian would be perfectly fine on his own.

If only there was any way to know if Max knew something Dorian didn't, or if he was just pushing the two together because he seemed to think they were an item.

Dorian's heart leapt at the hope that Maxwell may have been right all along.

Cullen was busy when Dorian arrived, deep in conversation with a few officers around a desk that was absolutely littered with papers. He did not take any notice of Dorian lingering at the door, but Dorian chose not to press and let him do his Commander business.

Dorian felt oddly similar to how he had back when they'd first reached Skyhold. He'd linger in the corner until the opportune moment before disrupting Cullen's day and insisting on claiming his attention, no matter the consequences. That was back when it had all been a game, a dangerous one, but a game nevertheless. Pushing to see how far his flirts could go, delighting when Cullen began throwing sharp teases right back, trading hurried and rough kisses in shadowy corners — and somewhere along the way, apparently falling head over heels for a man who always seemed an inch away from killing him.

Cullen wouldn't kill him now; Dorian was at least fairly certain of that, even if the man did choose to leave it as a one-night affair.

He fiddled with one of the buckles on his shoulder, trying to distract from the idea that he dearly, truly hoped it would not be just another casual fling.

Finally finishing up whatever important business he was handling, Cullen ordered the soldiers out. One gave Dorian a curious look as she walked by, but otherwise Dorian was ignored.

Dorian slipped inside and shut the door, daring to lock it and the other two doors with a small wave of his fingers behind his back.

Cullen wasn't looking at him when Dorian used his magic, but oh it was clear that he felt it. The man stiffened, his back straightening as his shoulders rose and fell with a single, shuddering breath.

Dorian couldn't help but sniff the air for any hint of lyrium, and was relieved to detect none.

"Dorian," Cullen greeted, slowly turning around to face him. "So you're finally free, and you choose to darken my doorstep first."

Dorian averted his eyes, swallowing down the pain of the inevitable rejection. Of course Cullen wouldn't want more. He'd just been swept along by the thrill of the game, probably additionally goaded by Dorian's own desires, and now he was sated and probably hating himself for stooping so low as to be intimate with a mage — in the bloody Fade, no less.

Dorian was caught off guard when Cullen's hand grasped his chin, tilting his face to look up at him. Cullen's expression was hard, but his eyes glittered with amusement as they dropped to the collar. "It's a good look. Perhaps you should keep it."

Dorian had entirely forgotten the pretense. He reached to unlatch the collar when Cullen's free hand shot out to stop him, pinning him by the wrist to the door. Cullen's eyes didn't leave his throat, the gaze almost a physical caress with how intently he stared.

Dorian wasn't entirely certain what to make of that attention.

"Maxwell said you could release me," Dorian explained, lifting his other hand, again with the intention of removing the collar. Cullen swiftly grabbed that hand too, though he didn't hold it. Instead he simply pushed it forcefully aside before brushing his fingers up to Dorian's throat and trailing along the leather.

"Indeed," Cullen breathed, rough fingers seeking behind his neck and releasing the collar. "Though unnecessary. I've done that already — and yet here you are." Cullen suddenly smiled wolfishly, his hand slipping into Dorian's hair and tugging him into a brutal kiss.

It took a long moment for Dorian's body to figure out what was happening. His heart was pounding like it meant to escape his chest; his fingers, previously feeling so oddly numb, suddenly itching with the need to grab Cullen in turn; his tongue meeting Cullen's out of pure instinct when it swept between his lips.

Another instant later and Dorian's mind seemed to catch on. Cullen was kissing him. In his office, in the real world, no less passionately for what had happened between them.

Cullen still wanted him.

Dorian could have sobbed with relief — in fact, he might have, but whatever sound tried to escape his throat was eagerly swallowed as Cullen shifted closer, trapping Dorian against the door with his body as he continued devouring him.

And Dorian didn't fight back one bit.

Maybe he should have, considering how Cullen suddenly stopped. He didn't retreat, though he released a definitely bruised wrist in favor of cupping Dorian's cheek while continuing to pull a touch viciously at his hair. "What's wrong?" Cullen asked, brow knitting with evident worry. When Dorian didn't answer, Cullen smiled softly as he slowly released his fingers from Dorian's hair. "Did I hurt you?" he asked, something absurdly playful dancing in his eyes.

Dorian tried to speak but couldn't quite manage it, settling for clearing his throat instead. He'd gone through far too wide a range of emotions to handle playing whatever game Cullen wanted to play just now.

Cullen's thumb gently stroked along Dorian's cheek. "So I finally learned the trick to make the Magister shut up," he muttered. "As much as I appreciate that, I would truly prefer to hear his voice right now," he added in a kinder tone.

"Livius likes to hear himself talk — it wouldn't be difficult," Dorian finally forced out.

Cullen rolled his eyes, but smiled fondly. "That's my mage," he said under his breath.

My mage.

"I thought — well, it wouldn't be out of the question for you to have second thoughts. You know, in the real world," Dorian said with a little wave of his hand, trying hard to be casual when he felt so absurdly fragile.

Cullen chuckled and it was beautiful. "I have," he said with a shrug, fully releasing Dorian and taking a step backward. Dorian's heart plummeted again, only for Cullen to catch it: "I've had quite the number of thoughts. I think the one involving you bent over my desk might be to your liking."

Dorian's body wasn't even certain how to react to that idea, too distracted by his stupid heart feeling things he was now wishing he didn't feel.

"But I understand if you want — if you need — to take a step back." Cullen circled to the other side of the desk, leaning over it and eyeing the plethora of papers in front of him. "It's not the best time for such matters, anyway. The siege won't plan itself."

Did Cullen think Dorian was rejecting him? Dorian opened his mouth to remedy the misunderstanding, only for an entirely different sentence to form on his tongue. "What siege?"

Cullen looked a little surprised. "The Inquisitor didn't tell you?" He stood up straight again, resting his hands on his sword. "Your friend's word checked out. Assuming Leliana is done putting the fear of the Maker into him, he's free now, too."

It took everything for Dorian not to react exactly how he felt about that. He leaned on his confusion concerning the matter. "And his word is that Skyhold is going to be under siege?" He knew that was a very risky thing to say, but in truth he wanted nothing more than for Cullen to take the hint.

He didn't. Tilting his head with what appeared to be honest confusion, Cullen replied, "No. We're going to Adamant Fortress."

Dorian had heard whispers of something going on at the Grey Warden fortress, but as most of the Venatori assumed he was there as a spy, he had no details on the matter. The fact that was what Erimond was using, however…. "We're…I'm sorry, I think I've been left out — we're at war with the Wardens now?"

"Apparently so. Erimond reported that Corypheus was building an army there, though how the Wardens were persuaded was beyond him."

A few details clicked into place, but again Dorian hid the realization. "I heard mention of another army, but I thought they meant the demon army Max and I learned about in that awful future." He let himself shudder at the memory.

"Thanks to Erimond's help, as odd as that is to say, we have a chance to take care of it."

"With a siege," Dorian muttered. He had never been in such a thing, and had no idea what it would involve — except that, particularly in this case, people were going to die.

Cullen might die. That simply wasn't acceptable.

"I'm sure the Inquisitor would appreciate you coming along," Cullen said suddenly. "And…it won't be pleasant, it's incredibly dangerous in fact, but…." Cullen shyly dropped his gaze. "I would prefer you to come with me. Us. I mean, in general, not like, sharing a tent or, I don't know, I just…." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Your magic is a great asset, and —."

"Of course I'll come," Dorian interrupted in a rush. "I'll come in your tent, if you like," he added with a cheeky wink when Cullen looked up. The blush rising up the man's throat was barely visible over the mantle, but most appreciated all the same. "And here, in your office. Or up there," he said, motioning toward Cullen's cold bedroom. "Anywhere you want."

Cullen bit his lip as he looked away again. "Maker's breath, people are going to die and you're making —."

"Promises," Dorian cut over him. "And one is that I will not allow you to die."

Cullen was still rubbing his neck. "That isn't something you can promise."

"I can certainly try," Dorian countered.

He meant it. Despite how badly he knew this would all go, he really meant it.

It turned out that Cullen was correct. Maxwell came to visit Dorian's new bedroom before he had even settled in, told him about the siege, and then finally asked him to come along.

"Certainly, Inquisitor. It will be my honor to fight alongside you again."

"Stop being so formal!" Max chastised him. "Maker, you weren't even gone that long." Maxwell looked about the room with vague interest. "I was surprised you asked for a room — I am sorry your old one was taken," he added. "But…well, I thought you and the Commander might…?"

Dorian lifted an eyebrow but said nothing, letting Maxwell realize how awkward the suggestion was — at least, how awkward it was to anyone outside Dorian and Cullen's private hideaway in the Fade.

"I know, it was a stupid thought," Max said finally. "I just…he finally seemed to forgive you for the ritual, and I thought that maybe you two would…you know, get reacquainted."

"We weren't together before the ritual, Max," Dorian reiterated, careful that his words weren't quite a lie. "We might have been…I don't know, maybe we were on our way to friendship but I'm not you and Cullen is certainly no Josephine." Dorian grinned, feeling strangely gleeful in keeping this secret.

Cullen would want it to be secret, of course. Dorian was not likely to be invited to his room or even his tent anytime soon. That would be declaring far more than former Knight-Captain Cullen probably ever could. He wasn't even sure if Cullen would want more than kissing in the real world — perhaps Cullen would want to keep it all mostly in the Fade, safely away from potential prying eyes.

And Dorian might just be okay with that. It was probably safer for them both in the long run to keep their…relationship, he could probably call it that now…a secret.

"How are you and our Ambassador?" Dorian asked to distract the Inquisitor from any further probing.

Maxwell giggled. Actually giggled — it suddenly struck Dorian just how young Maxwell truly was. He was hardly a man, still full of the bright hope of youth despite all the insanity that had been thrown his way.

And Dorian was probably going to destroy that.

If Dorian's melancholy showed, Maxwell was too giddy to notice. "We finally…we did it," Maxwell said, flushing brilliantly and covering his mouth as he laughed again. "Josie is…wow. She's so beautiful and kind — and her voice, I could listen to her forever — I can't believe she'd want me. We were on the balcony of my room the first time she —."

"I really don't need —."

"— kissed me. On the lips. And she apologized, but then she did it again!"

Dorian almost slapped a hand over his eyes. Almost. "That's wonderful," he said, forcing a kind smile while inwardly he was entirely baffled at the idea that they had only just finally reached that stage while they'd been making eyes at each other for months. "Really, excellent. You two are adorable." Painfully so, but still the truth.

"I've never kissed anyone before," Maxwell informed Dorian, who was really wishing he hadn't asked about the Inquisitor's shockingly chaste love life. "In Ostwick — well, we were warned not to fraternize," Maxwell lamented as he sat down on the bed. "Not that anyone seemed to like me then," he added. "I was the spoiled noble. I still had family who visited. The others always avoided me if they could."

Dorian grimaced at this reminder of how, despite whatever shit he'd gone through in the past, he was supremely lucky to have been born in Tevinter. "Speaking as a spoiled noble," he said, forcing a cheerful smile. "I could use my beauty sleep — especially as you're dragging me halfway across Thedas starting tomorrow."

"Oh! Right, that." Maxwell stood, twisting his fingers anxiously. "I…I hope this goes well."

Dorian did not let his smile falter, though inwardly his gut twisted painfully. "We can't know how it will go," he said kindly, putting a hand on Max's shoulder. "That's why sometimes it's best to live like each day is your last."

Maxwell nodded, though he did not seem to understand.

"Spend tonight with Josephine," Dorian said bluntly, and Max's eyes widened.

"Oh, I — I couldn't — I haven't…." Max's cheeks were startlingly flushed now. "I don't know how. I mean, I know how it works, technically, but —."

"It doesn't have to be that," Dorian added quickly, before the Inquisitor started asking him for positions or techniques. "Just…be together. Share a drink, read a book, cuddle in front of a warm fire. The important thing is to enjoy your time together."

Maxwell giggled, a little uncomfortably but with a genuine smile as he started to leave. Before shutting the door behind him, he paused and looked back. "And perhaps you should be with him?"

Dorian dearly wished for that — but Cullen had given no indication that he wanted Dorian to come to his quarters that night and he did not want to push his luck. "Good night, Max."

Maxwell sighed, shaking his head with a sad smile as he shut the door.

Dorian did not, in fact, go to sleep. He wanted to, considering that he was certainly tired and he would not mind visiting Cullen, should the man actually be asleep, but the room just felt wrong.

And there was a part of him that really wanted to do what Maxwell suggested.

Finally giving up, Dorian got up and decided to take a quick walk. That should help exhaust him, and the cold would make the unfamiliar bed much more tempting afterward.

Perhaps he shouldn't have been surprised to find Cullen doing the same.

He spotted Cullen on the battlements first, but before he could decide whether to approach him or retreat, Cullen turned to look at him.

The Commander didn't say anything, just smiled warmly at him before turning to look out at the moonlit mountains.

The invitation was obvious, though Dorian was uncertain of the extent of said invitation. He nodded to the nearby guard as he walked by, also noting the other guard on the far side of Cullen. He did not look, but he knew the castle quite well and was aware that they were within sight of the library and Leliana's office at the top of the tower.

The lack of privacy meant anything decidedly affectionate was off the table, but at least they could speak in confidence. "Commander," Dorian greeted quietly as he came to stand alongside, facing the mountains while his eyes remained focused on the far more appealing view. He was somewhat startled when Cullen's eyes flashed over to him, the man clearly catching the longing look as his lips twitched into a smirk.

"Magister," Cullen purred in return.

His heart skipped a beat. Dorian had never heard Cullen say his title like that before. It was much the same as the very intentional way Dorian would sometimes emphasize Commander. Usually Dorian didn't like his title, but hearing it spoken with such warmth through those lovely scarred lips, along with that penetrating, dark gaze — Dorian suddenly felt quite hot despite the freezing wind.

"I wondered if you would come tonight," Cullen continued, turning to face Dorian while casually leaning against the parapet.

Dorian momentarily remembered his decidedly naughty promises earlier, but Cullen didn't mean it like that. Dorian would have, not Cullen. Or would he?

"Oh?"

Cullen lifted an eyebrow. "Maxwell said you requested a room," Cullen commented. "You do so hate the cold," he added, like that was somehow related.

Dorian shivered, more from the way Cullen was looking at him than from the night air. "I thought a walk would help me sleep," he admitted. "But you are right, I —." He broke off, the strangest thought occurring to him, but before he could try to find out if his completely insane idea could actually be true, Cullen spoke again.

"I had it fixed," Cullen said, nodding in the direction of his tower. "I forgot to tell you."

Dorian's eyebrows jumped, and he forced his teeth together to keep his jaw from dropping. It was like Cullen had read his mind.

He realized the next instant that was a distinct possibility.

"Your roof?" Cullen nodded, his smile growing. "Finally," Dorian said with a little laugh that was unfortunately tremulous. "Just in time to head off to war."

Cullen pushed off the parapet and stepped closer, just enough to invade Dorian's space. "If you find your bed unwelcoming…" he suggested, his eyes glinting, "you have options."

Dorian couldn't help it when he gulped, heated desire already building before he had the chance to stop it. Cullen had never invited Dorian into his bedroom before — their previous arrangement had been a consequence of one of those withdrawal attacks that left Dorian half-carrying Cullen up that stupid ladder to help him to bed. Then a few other nights were simply checking on him, watching over him, helping him through the worst. As a duty to the Inquisition, he'd told himself.

And since Cullen had not specifically requested he stop, well, Dorian hadn't. Not until Cullen left on that fateful trip home.

"I wouldn't think you would appreciate stoking those old rumors back to life," Dorian replied as casually as possible. "Now that we've finally cleared up that misunderstanding."

The Commander tilted his head, eyes shimmering in the moonlight. "Not much of a misunderstanding now."

How could Cullen say such a thing so confidently? Dorian was fairly concerned that his knees would be too weak to hold him up if Cullen kept it up. "I understand the importance of reputation, Commander. Surely it's all the more important now."

"Now that the rumors would be correct?" Cullen grinned, his eyes noticeably dropping to Dorian's neck in that manner that gave the impression that he was seriously contemplating leaving a prominent mark like he had in the Fade.

Cullen would never do such a thing, though, however tempted. He wouldn't want everyone to know about the two of them, particularly now that there actually was a 'two of them.' Their game had been fun, but it was just that — a game — and that had protected them from the consequences of any of it being real.

But now that it was real, Dorian understood his role. "Perhaps sneaking in during the night isn't the wisest choice. What would people think?"

Dorian almost fell over backward when Cullen suddenly stepped even closer. "Who said you had to sneak?"

Dorian's eyes flitted to the guard standing less than ten paces behind Cullen. He was rather obviously watching the two of them. Dorian cleared his throat, quickly glancing over his shoulder to see that the other guard was also eyeing them, not bothering to hide her attention.

It made sense that they would keep their eye on Dorian in particular, being a Tevinter mage who was so recently in Corypheus' camp. They might even be aware of Cullen's previous condition, if they worked with Leliana. That meant they may also be watching for any sign Dorian had taken some sort of control of Cullen.

"Well, I'm freezing my toes off, so I think I'll head back."

"Back?" Cullen smiled invitingly. "But it's a long way. My tower's right there. With a whole roof and everything," he reminded him.

Was he serious? They would be seen, they were probably being watched by the Spymaster herself, not to mention the two guards who were obviously keeping a close eye on them. Cullen was just teasing, surely. It would be far less obvious for Cullen to come to Dorian's new room if he truly wanted to spend the night together in the physical world.

"Don't tease, Commander. It's impolite."

Cullen chuckled, shaking his head. "Very well. Goodnight, Dorian."

Dorian slipped his foot backward, already beginning his retreat as he said, "Good —."

But Cullen stopped him, grabbing Dorian by the arm and tugging him into his chest. Before Dorian could even figure out what was happening, a warm hand cupped his cheek and guided him into a kiss.

It was unhurried, sweet in the way Cullen usually wasn't but whenever he was he held Dorian's heart in his hands.

Dorian didn't even have the wherewithal to respond, not even when Cullen coaxed his mouth open. He still hadn't managed to kiss Cullen back by the time the Commander pulled away. Amber eyes glowed with warmth as Cullen fondly stroked Dorian's cheek, a strange counter to the firm grip he still had on the mage's wrist.

"My offer still stands," Cullen murmured, gently brushing a light kiss against Dorian's lips. "But I understand if you'd prefer your own room."

One of the guards cleared their throat uncomfortably.

One of those guards that had just witnessed the Commander kissing the Magister.

Dorian nearly pinched himself. Cullen had just kissed him in public.

"You kissed me," Dorian gasped.

Cullen's brow furrowed with confusion. "Yes."

Dorian glanced over Cullen's shoulder. The guard was watching unashamedly, though he was quite wide-eyed. "Cullen, we aren't…why did…the guards?" He was making no sense. Cullen had scrambled his mind so much he couldn't manage an actual sentence.

Cullen followed Dorian's line of sight. The guard averted his gaze as Cullen looked at him. "What about them?"

Mouth hanging open, Dorian shook his head with utter bewilderment. His heart was racing so fast he was starting to feel faint. Cullen did not appear at all concerned that he'd just kissed Dorian, lovingly, in front of witnesses.

Reaching a hand to rub the back of his own neck, Cullen lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize — I didn't know that would bother you." He chuckled anxiously. "You've always seemed so…open, with your flirtations and all, I didn't think — I'm sorry."

"No," Dorian breathed. "No, it's…unexpected, I…it's just, people will talk."

"They already were," Cullen pointed out. "I say let them."

Maybe he had truly meant his offer after all. If this was another move of the game, Dorian decided he didn't give a damn. He leaned forward, pressing a quick kiss against Cullen's lips before whispering, "That offer still stand?"

Cullen grinned, a distinctly wicked glint in his eyes. "Yes."

Dorian grabbed his hand and started toward the Commander's tower. "Well, then. Let's get out of the cold."

"I confess, it probably is still cooler than you'd prefer," Cullen warned him.

Dorian flashed Cullen a dazzling grin as they entered his office. "My dear Commander." He waved his hand, carefully forming the most beautiful flickering fire he could create and sending it to float overhead. "You underestimate my abilities."

Cullen didn't even flinch at the show of magic, merely eyeing the fire with interest. "Not at all. I'm well aware of how my mage glows." He locked the door behind them before turning his gaze back to Dorian. "I have a few ideas how I can help," he added, the tone of his voice almost as suggestive as the predatory hunger in his gaze.

Dorian's blood was already running unbearably hot. So this would be something for the real world, after all. "Would one of those ideas have something to do with your desk?"

Cullen arched an eyebrow as he looked at his desk. Papers, inkwells, bottles, and quills covered the surface. When he looked back at Dorian, his eyes were almost black. He didn't say anything, stepping over to the desk and motioning for Dorian to come to him.

Dorian ambled about the room at a distance instead, slowly circling the office. "Is that a yes?"

"Come to me and find out," Cullen commanded, collecting some of the papers from the desk and putting them in a drawer, all while keeping his eyes locked on Dorian.

Dorian hummed noncommittally as he kept a short distance away, all while every item removed from the desk made his anticipation coil tighter. "Make me."

The flash of Cullen's eyes at those words was downright wild, and Cullen's smile became an outright leer. "You'll regret that," he growled, and Dorian was entirely certain he would not.

Cullen moved absurdly fast for someone who should have been weighed down by his armor. Dorian had barely managed to step away before Cullen closed the distance, grabbed his arm, and threw him halfway across the room. Dorian barely caught himself on the edge of the desk, and though he managed to turn around before Cullen pounced on him again, leaving him trapped between Cullen's cold armor and the heavy wood.

Cullen hesitated, though his grasp of Dorian's arm was easily leaving bruises. He searched Dorian's face, seeming to check if this was really all right.

"Seems you caught me," Dorian said as reassurance. "That'll teach me to underestimate the skills of a templar Commander."

"Oh, you've learned nothing yet, mage." Cullen smirked, shoving Dorian slightly to the side to reach behind him and sweep the remainder of his belongings off the desk. "I know your type. You need a firm hand."

Such a hand viciously curled in Dorian's hair as Cullen spun him back around. Dorian was ready to catch himself on the desk, only to instead be surprised by the feeling of Cullen's teeth on his neck. He didn't bite hard enough to break skin — not yet — one hand holding him in place by his hair while the other hand worked at some of the buckles of Dorian's leathers.

Cullen growled, growing impatient and tearing one of the leather straps clean off.

"Cullen!" Dorian protested.

"Dorian," Cullen purred in his ear, sending a pleasant shiver down Dorian's spine even before he tugged at the lobe with his teeth. Cullen's roaming hand found its way down to ground over the aching length straining against Dorian's trousers.

The touch was far more intense than it had been in the Fade, shockingly so as Cullen pressed harder.

Dorian let his head fall back onto Cullen's shoulder, the protest in defense of his wardrobe entirely forgotten. "Fuck," he barely managed to sigh.

Cullen chuckled somewhat breathlessly. "That is the plan."

Dorian hadn't the chance at a witty retort before he found himself bent over, a wonderfully strong hand pinning him down with almost insulting ease.

Dorian decided that he very much liked this plan.

It was almost enough to make him forget what would soon be coming to Skyhold.