"Do you really have to go?"
Garrett turned away from the pack and faced Anders who fidgeted in the doorway. There was a frown and Anders understood it — We've already talked about this.
"Varric needs my help," Garrett argued. "The Inquisition needs my help."
Anders bit his lip and turned away, unable to speak. He could not stop his mind from wandering through the depths. He had to stop Garrett from going, before it was too late.
"I've a bad feeling about this," he finally said. "Hawke — Garrett," he corrected himself. "I don't want you to go."
Garrett's eyes softened. He released the pack, strode away from the bed to his direction and grasped his shoulders.
"Just let me do this one last time," he whispered. "And then we will move again and forget all this. The world is still in danger, and if it helps bring down Corypheus at last, then I need to go and make that happen. I'm not only doing this for the world." His hands found Anders's cheeks. "I'm doing this for you. For us."
Anders closed his eyes and gave in to his touch. He held Garrett's hands which were still holding his face.
They have been through too much, all because of him, and yet, Garrett was still ready to sacrifice a lot for his sake. He did not deserve this, his forgiveness and his love, but he wanted to be selfish again and lock Garrett up somewhere the Inquisition would not reach. He trusted him with all his heart but he did not trust the Inquisitor enough to guarantee Garrett's safety.
He could not help but feel that this might be the last time he holds him, and it haunted him.
What was he to do if Garrett does not —
No, he thought furiously before his mind got anywhere. Don't. Just don't.
"I need to go," Garrett began, breaking his silence. He pulled away just as Anders opened his eyes and felt as if something was falling. Garrett picked up his pack, went back to Anders and kissed him full on the mouth, leaving him breathless. He let go slowly, brushed his fingers on Anders's lips, whispering, "I love you."
"I love you too," Anders said. "Please, you don't have to go."
"I will return. I promise." Garrett made for the front door, opened it and paused. He turned one last time to Anders and smiled. He finally exited the hut, leaving behind an unbearable silence.