Cullen was nervous in matters of romance. It had been bad enough with Belathen, awkward and uncomfortable. Even just approaching Dorian was like the same uncertainty multiplied many times over. Cullen barely had an idea where to begin, much less ask the Tevinter mage for anything along the lines of a tryst. In the end, Cullen simply reminded himself that whatever happened he would still have the elven rogue at his side. The very idea gave him strength to approach Dorian in the library. After all, rejection didn't matter in the face of the greater acceptance. The fact Bel even allowed him to pursue this course of action...
"Commander. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?" Dorian's voice was pleasant enough, albeit possessed of a definite tone of surprise.
"I was rather hoping you might have a moment to spare."
Cullen felt his breath catch as the mage considered the question. Finally, Dorian nodded and shut the book his nose had been in when the former-Templar had arrived. The volume was set on the arm of his favorite chair with two others he had been studying prior as he followed Cullen out on a walk.
The new mage tower had just been completed. Belathen had talked the options over with Cullen before approving the plans, having nearly determined to build a Templar hall instead. In the end both agreed the dedication to the careful study and application was best, and such a hall was best nestled across the hall from her window. If she was needed, the mages would find the Inquisitor close at hand. It would make a sensible apparent destination to Dorian. Before they arrived however, on the untended wall along the way, Cullen stopped.
"Why the pause, Cullen?" Alone, together, Dorian seemed more curious and open- even using Cullen's name.
The blonde leaned against the edge of the battlements, looking to his friend and taking a deep breath. "I have been thinking. A lot. About... well, about you." The blush on his cheeks had to bright red. He definitely felt like they were burning.
" About me?" Dorian sounded a mixture between surprised and amused. "Careful Commander. A lesser man might think you were coming on to him."
Cullen rolled his eyes. "Maker's breath, does everyone think I'm some perfect and innocent Chantry boy?" he muttered. "For curiosity's sake, what if I WAS interested, Dorian?" The last was stronger, and he let the humor enter his eyes. To his enjoyment, the Tevinter had a look of absolute shock and surprise painted on his face.
"I suppose I would have to admit surprise and ask about our Lady Inquisitor. I thought the two of you were quite the item."
"Yes. Well. That's true." The conversation felt easier than Cullen had expected. Even so, the words were more fumbling and stuck than he would have wished. "I love Belathen. That doesn't mean I'm not... That is to say, I do also... I like you as well. I would be interested to see if we couldn't have something more to our friendship than chess."
Dorian smiled widely. "Well! I never thought I'd see the day. What did you have in mind, Cullen?" The mage injected a thick desire into the Commander's name, pulling in close at the same time. Cullen found himself quite pinned to the stonework- though the position did suit him anyway. Cullen couldn't help but lean into Dorian's embrace. He couldn't help how his breath caught, and he practically purred. Dorian chuckled at the sound. "Sounds like you really are the Lion of Skyhold."
Cullen shut his eyes a moment, only to feel himself pulled the last inches and caught up in a kiss. It was completely different from Bel, at once rougher and yet tentative. He was hit by the realization Dorian, for all his talk, wasn't nearly as practiced as he claimed. Cullen pressed closely, completely folding into the kiss. Some part of him feared being found and interrupted like the first kiss with Belathen - but the interruption never came, and the kiss just got deeper.
"That was..."
"Please tell me we get to do that again."
Cullen nodded. "Tonight. I'll be waiting after I'm finished with my reports."
"I shall look forward to our evening together." Dorian pulled away. "Until then."
With Bel, the moment had been quick and unexpected. Cullen found himself quite taken with the idea of having the day to anticipate and consider what the evening would bring.