It was a cold morning in Skyhold. Cullen stood up on the battlements with a small group of soldiers, overseeing their training. They were practising with their shields and wooden swords, attacking, blocking, parrying.
They were doing fine the first hour, but then they started fumbling, making stupid mistakes and knocking each other over.
"Maker, what are you doing, you idiots?" Cullen shouted at them. It wasn't until one of the soldiers actually stopped what he was doing altogether and started bowing in his direction that Cullen turned around to see the Inquisitor standing a few steps behind him, watching the soldiers, that he understood. He wasn't the only one who turned into a nervous idiot when she was around. Still, he sighed at the embarrassing display his men made, and greeted her formally, still in earshot of the soldiers.
"Good morning Inquisitor. I beg your pardon for this not so graceful spectacle."
The look on his face made Trevelyan laugh.
"It's quite alright, Commander," she said, then turned to the soldiers. "Looking good men, carry on, don't mind me!" she called to them.
They all nearly tripped on each other bowing, stepping forward and saying thinks like "Thank you, Herald!" and "Oh, your worship, we're don't deserve your praise!" and "I'd do anything for you, Inquisitor!"
She smiled kindly in response while Cullen groaned.
"Back to work, you blabbering fools! Or I'll add two hours of cleaning out the stables on your scheduele this morning!"
That worked reasonably well as they at least started their drills again, although still nervous under the Inquisitor's gaze.
Trevelyan came up and stood beside Cullen, watching, still with an amused smile on her face.
"I'm sorry Trev, but I don't think you should be here," Cullen said in a lower voice so that his men wouldn't hear.
She blinked and seemed a little surprised.
"Oh. I just wanted to see how our soldiers were faring, and to see how you were doing, but if you don't want my company, I understand." She sounded uncharacteristically unsure of herself.
Cullen turned to look at her and couldn't help but smile at her. He loved her ususal confident manner, it made his knees weak that she was so set on what she wanted. But this was a new side of her, and it made him adore her even more.
"You really don't get it, do you?" he said.
She seemed even more confused now. "Have I done something wrong, Cullen?"
"No, you're just being yourself," he said.
A look of hurt passed her face. Cullen looked horrified when he saw it.
"By the Maker, Trev, I didn't mean it like that! You really don't know how you affect these people, do you?" How you affect me, he thought. "You're a hero in every possible way to them. And, I know you don't like to hear it, but it's true, Andraste it's so true, you're most likely the most beautiful woman they've ever seen, Trev. You... make them nervous. So, I just mean that it may not be optimal for you to be here during training sessions when they trip all over themselves just by the sight of you."
There was silence, and Cullen bit his tongue when he thought about what he's just said. He'd practically confessed that he felt the same way his soldiers did. He blushed furiously when she didn't say anything in response. They stood side by side for a minute, not saying anything. Then, she nudged his side with her elbow, still looking straight ahead.
"I don't mind you saying I'm beautiful, Cullen. Do you... think that?"
He swallowed.
"Yes, of course I do. But it's not just that." He couldn't pass this opportunity up, no matter how embarrassed he might feel, confessing to her. "You are amazing in every aspect, Trev. How beautiful you are is just one thing of many."
A short silence. He was fidgeting with his hands now, unsure of wether he'd just complimented or insulted her.
He glanced sideways at her and almost sank to the ground in relief when he saw the beginning of a smile tug at her lips. He dared to turn his head and get a better look at her, and was surprised when he saw that it wasn't her usual cheeky smile. She looked genuinely touched by his words. She looked at him now, and he could almost detect a teary look in her eyes.
She grabbed his hand. "You don't know how much it means to hear you say that. And I know you mean it. You're the most sincere man I've ever come across, Cullen. I knew it the first time I saw you. That's why I've... been so bold with you ever since the beginning. I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable. I want you to know, that I really... I really care about you."
She was the one searching for the right words this time.
"That's why I..." she continued, but Cullen interrupted her.
"You don't have to explain to me, Trev." He pulled her a little closer, daring to rest his forehead against hers. He closed his eyes and breathed her in. "And whatever you're doing, please don't stop being bold with me. It's damned well working," he said, his voice husky and low.
She let out a small sound, so pleasing to his ears. It was so intense, standing so close to her, touching her. He felt more than her forehead against him, her body pressing into his. They both breathed heavily, and he could feel her tilting her head up, her lips so close to his own, he felt her breath on them now.
A sword clattered to the ground, and they both froze, remembering where they were. They looked out and found they had an audience. All the soldiers were watching them with open mouths, and all around the battlements, couriers and servants had stopped to watch them, shock and excitement in their faces.
Cullen groaned as he quickly released Trev from his grip.
"Well, damn. In about five minutes, we're going to be the talk of Skyhold."
She laughed. "Let them talk. See you tonight, Commander?" she asked, her smile beaming at him.
"I'll grant you your every wish, Inquisitor," he said, smiling back at her, gazing at her beautiful face.
"Until tonight then." With that, she walked away, and left him, along with half of Skyhold, looking after her in wonder.