The calm before the storm
Dorian woke up to find a heavy body lying half on top of him. An arm was thrown over him which was dangling from his side of the bed and a deep breathing cycle was puffing on to his neck, just below his ear. He lifted his free hand and made a feeble effort to push the dead weight back to his own side. The breathing on his neck hitched for a second, the body wiggled and a leg was wrapped around his own, effectively trapping him even more so than before. He felt like he was in quick sand, the more he fiddled to get out, the stronger the hold on him became.
Finally he cracked open an eye and wasn't surprised to find Trevelyan's resting face and half open mouth an inch away from his head. He looked kind of adorable, Dorian thought but also extremely and very treacherously close to him. Almost as if he was mocking him with what he couldn't have even while he slept.
A horn blew, its screeching noise alerting the people of Skyhold of the lunch hour. He could hear the commotion and the footsteps as people moved from their stations and rooms to get to the dining hall. His own stomach growled at the idea of food but he didn't find it in his heart to wake Trevelyan. Gently he leaned his forehead and touched Trevelyan's, listening to the gentle snoring. It was funny to imagine an Inquisitor while he was snoring, completely passed out and unaware of the world. Yet there he was, snuggling Dorian with a death grip and he felt at peace. Maybe, just maybe being with Trevelyan wasn't such a terrible idea.
The simple way Trevelyan had been looking at him or how he never took off the birthright amulet told Dorian a lot about his loyalty but he didn't feel as confident as the sleeping man. Despite having met someone who lived through it, the future still remained an unknown. How different the Dorian of Trevelyan's time had been, how in the world had they ended up together? He with the Inquisitor... The gossip alone should have been enough to drive the mage away. Yet, he didn't act like it did.
Dorian hadn't felt like Trevelyan had been keeping them a secret. The man wasn't even capable of hiding his emotions when they first met down in the dungeons. He had been calling out to him which had earned Dorian a scowl and an unwarranted interrogation from Leliana and Solas, both and on separate times. That hadn't been nice. Of course, curiosity kills the cat and Dorian had found his way down to the dungeons fast enough to question this mysterious man for himself. With what he had found, he had been pleasantly surprised; The longing and fear of losing something and the wretched hope blooming in his face had been all too real for Dorian to ignore.
From then on, as the speculations in his head and on the tongues of the rest of the Inquisition, Dorian had started to probe and prod anyone and everyone for answers. Solas had gotten fed up with him first and came clean with his theories and possibilities probably just to shut him up. In the retrospect though Dorian's and the elf's arguments and discussions had led them to the definitive conclusion; Yes, Tsion Trevelyan was indeed an Inquisitor of another timeline. To say that the result had gobsmacked Dorian would have been an understatement. The golden goose of a life time had presented itself in their doorsteps and Dorian's researcher persona had been way too intrigued with the possibilities that this odd man had presented before them.
The events happened afterwards had been unpredictable but somehow most welcome. This Inquisitor of another time had charmed his way into his heart and Dorian was suddenly being pulled into his orbit by an unknown force or like a desire demon offering this enchanting man to him in exchange for his sanity. Either way he didn't mind.
His only real concern had been the Iron Bull. The qunari wasn't the most sensitive man around but they had started something. Whatever they may have named it, it was an almost-something and actually made Dorian consider his choices with a diligent mind. The Imperial Ball had been a fantastic diversion for him to take a break from seeing both men and focus on what he wanted, as usual. Seeing Lavellan and Cullen flirting their way through the Ball had been adorable enough and observing Josephine and Blackwall enjoying each other's company in the most respectable way had been a nice change compared to his mess of a love life. But both examples had made him realize that what he wanted laid beyond a few stolen kisses and was more bordering on being cared for and adored for an eternity.
He had no doubt, given time their relationship with the Bull could have evolved and in another time maybe even form a more solid something but in this one, the timeline with the ever so breathtaking Trevelyan and his never ending, timeline skipping and unconditional love, Dorian found himself falling fast and hard. This didn't bode well for him. Especially considering the pending doom which was fast approaching for them both.
A soft knock on the door disrupted his line of thought and Trevelyan grumbled like a cat. Confusing the complaint for an invitation to enter, the poor sod who opened the door almost dropped his tray dish upon seeing the two of them in such a cosy position. "Excuse me, Ser" he stammered and put the tray down on to the desk with utmost care. Trevelyan grumbled some more, hiding his face from the sun light entering through the door. The young boy took his queue and bolted for the exit but instead of leaving he turned to Dorian with a sheepish smile.
"Would like me to bring you a dish, as well, Master Pavus?"
"That would have been very kind of you but I rather eat at the dining hall."
"Of course, Ser"
Once they were on their own again, Trevelyan spoke into his ear with dissatisfaction dripping from his words "You prefer to eat away from me while I am left all alone in this room, Master Pavus? I am wounded"
"Well, you didn't seem like you were ever going to wake up or let me up so why waste more good food?"
"I am up now. Do you want to leave?" Something behind his voice made Dorian pause and he shook his head as a no. "Let's sleep some more then, shall we?"
"No, you should eat some lunch. You are wasting away" Dorian replied and lifted the heavy arm. Trevelyan complied with his request and retreated backwards to make way for the mage to get up. With the curtains drawn back, his eyes roamed over Dorian's well defined back as the sun light shone on his perfect skin.
"I am not really hungry. We can share if you want. After all your stomach was singing a new tune all on its own."
"It's your fault for hugging and incapacitating me like an overgrown ivy. When was the last time you ate anything? And ale doesn't count."
"Yesterday's supper, I think" Trevelyan replied and decided to help the mage with taking the empty tankards left on the bed table. He balanced his body on his two feet which was more tiring than he realized and put the items on his desk as Dorian dropped the tray on his bed table. "I am fairly certain I should be able to walk without the risk of tripping over."
"Maybe you should try filling your stomach with actual food. I hear it does wonders for the weakened muscles." Trevelyan smiled at that and took his place back on the bed while Dorian opted to pull a chair by his bedside. "Here, eat the stew. I'll be having the soup if you don't mind. I don't understand how you southerners can stomach that garbage dunked in oil and live long enough to tell the tale."
"We have had worse in the Circle and this is pretty decent in comparison to what we usually have on the road."
"I worry about your lot. Life isn't easy around here, is it?" the young mage said and took a spoonful of his meal after making sure that Trevelyan was eating too.
"No, but it is slightly better now" If Dorian had blushed, it wasn't because of the sudden admission but rather because of the sun dancing on his back.
"So," he started hoping to distract Trevelyan who had paused eating was staring at him with a different sort of interest. "Tell me about your life, back in your timeline. How was the life in the circle and so on."
"Not much to tell, I suppose" Trevelyan resumed his meal while he spoke "I hear the events has been too much alike. Same reasons to fight and to rebel..."
As Trevelyan finished delving into his own past, Dorian drank the last sips of his soup and cleaned his mouth with the tissue provided. He put his own plate away, on side of Trevelyan's half eaten stew plate. He didn't comment on it but as he left the tray on the bed table in case he wanted to finish it later.
"As much as I enjoy our conversations" he began while he dressed "I should let you rest some more. In the mean time I'll snoop around and see what the next course of trouble awaits us." Trevelyan nodded and without rising a complaint he laid back down on the bed, his eyes closing almost immediately. "I'll prepare and leave the medicinal tea by your side, Tsion. Drink it if need be."
"Okay" the mage mumbled back and smiled sleepily "I like it when you use my name, you know. It somehow sounds different coming from you"
"Is that so, Tsion. I might just begin using it more often then" he joked and earned a chuckle in return "Now, rest and do try not to die in my absence"
The corridor outside was mostly deserted as he got out of the room in utmost silence. A slow tug and the door creaked closed without disturbing Trevelyan inside. It really wasn't fair then when a gruffly voice snorted behind him and scared him half to death.
"How has your day been, Vint?" teased the Iron Bull from where he was leaning on the stone wall.
"Did you just dissipate out of nowhere? I didn't know warriors possessed such abilities" he responded with as little bite to it as possible. "I have been alright, mostly but I can't say the same for our Herald dearest" Bull frowned and started following Dorian as he walked towards Cullen's office. The sun was up but the mountain breeze was blowing mercilessly which helped clear Dorian's mind.
"What's wrong with Trev?" Bull inquired and Dorian tried not to roll his eyes at the nickname.
"What isn't wrong? He is constantly tired, he isn't eating properly and despite all those muscles he seem to have, he occasionally loses his ability to even lift an arm."
"Shit, it wasn't this bad when we left the Storm Coast. He seems to be degrading instead of healing. Anything you can do about it?" Dorian sighed and shook his head.
"Solas left some medicine for him but I believe it's only a temporary solution. I honestly don't know what else to do for him."
"You know what to do" the Iron Bull said with a definitive tone "You are doing it, Dorian and it is helping him"
"Are you- did you...?"
"Yes, I did, Vint. Look, I may have one functioning eye but I am not blind, ok? I can see that you are good for him and somehow he seems to be good for you. I mean, you haven't even insulted anyone since he turned up. It's an improvement. People might actually start liking you"
"A servant boy offered to bring me lunch today and had I accepted it, I am positive that it would have arrived without a drop of spit in it"
"You see! Improvements" the Iron Bull laughed heartedly "We had our fun, Vint and as much as I enjoyed having you burn half my drapes, I think it's time to move on to more serious relationships"
"Hold your horns, Qunari! No one said anything about a relationship." Dorian squeaked and stopped in front of Cullen's door.
"Not yet but you have been thinking about it."
"I- We shall see, assuming that he even survives the next few days."
"He will. Trev's strong and more than capable of kicking death in the ass. Perhaps you should prepare yourself in the mean time, Dorian. That boy's serious about you."
"Thank you for your invaluable input, Bull. May I have a word with our Commander while you finish your snickering?"
"After you, Vint"
...
"So apparently, I am terrible at keeping my facial expressions in check which is ridiculous because I cannot be terrible at anything, period!" Dorian stormed in through Trevelyan's door, expecting to find the man either asleep or tiredly reading a book. What he didn't expect was to find Cole, Josephine and Varric sitting around his bed and playing a hand of Wicked Grace with an overexcited Trevelyan slamming his cards down happily. "So sorry to interrupt your game"
"It's alright, I was just busy sweeping their coins" The mage replied. Dorian narrowed his eyes at Josephine who looked innocent enough but he knew better that if Trevelyan was winning it was because they let him.
"Sounds fun" Dorian nodded "Have you been informed of our next mission?"
"Yes, the Herald is up to date and we'll leave for the Temple of Mythal tomorrow with the first light." answered Varric and started shuffling the deck. "What's this about you being terrible?"
"I am not. That's it"
"Of course not, Master Pavus" Josephine said as she got up from her seat "It's getting late and it will be a long journey. We should leave you to your rest. Lord Trevelyan, Master Pavus"
"Well, Ruffles got a point. I am going to turn in early myself. So don't stay up too late, boys.
"Oh don't forget about Cassandra's book, Varric" Trevelyan called after him. "She will be thrilled about it!
"Wouldn't dream of disappointing my fans, Herald. Come on, Cole."
"Good night, Varric" growled Dorian. Before joining in with the other two at the door, Cole leaned towards Trevelyan suspiciously whispering at him. "You are being protected" was all he heard as he approached them.
He saw Cole to the door as well. As Cole slightly bowed and both Varric and Josephine winked at him, he forced a smile and closed the door, short of slamming it. He wasn't pleased to hear their giggling sounds from beyond the door. "Everyone is in such good moods. It's almost as if we are simply going for a stroll through the wondrous Arbor Wilds and not in search of a mythical Well to cure you of your death sentence."
"Dorian" Trevelyan mused with a small smile playing on his lips. He approached the bed with a straight back and crossed his arms. He noticed that Trevelyan had a fresh tunic on and his hair was glistening with wetness. He had a eased up posture and unlike how Dorian had left him in the afternoon, he looked positively refreshed and healthy. It was a small blessing that the man was feeling good before they set out on another journey.
"Let me guess what you are going to say; you are fine and everything is going to be alright?"
"Yes, it will be" With the ease Trevelyan had said it, Dorian almost believed him.
"Who am I to disagree with the second great Herald and the Oracle of all Thedas" he countered and went to draw the curtains to a close, shutting off the last rays of the day.
"Maker! Is that really catching up?"
"For your reputation's sake, I hope not."
Trevelyan lit the candle on his bedside with a flicker of his finger and along with the anchors green glow all that visible remained was that tiny candle light between them.
There was a minute silence as Dorian didn't know what to do with himself. He considered leaving for his own chambers but he had already packed and didn't have much to do but to sleep. He also didn't want to leave Trevelyan alone. The tea he had left had been finished and honestly Trevelyan looked a little lost sitting in that big bed, all alone.
Dorian didn't really need any other motive or convincing to strode towards the tense man, grasping a handful of his wet hair and capturing his lips as he climbed atop of his lap. The kiss was savage. Their teeth grazed each other, someone bit the other's lip and he could taste the blood as it dripped between their mouths. Dorian's arm wrapped itself around Trevelyan's nape and the other one braced the back of his head from hitting the bed frame. His fingers stroked the tense neck until Trevelyan relaxed and moaned into his mouth.
Once he got over his surprise, Trevelyan reciprocated similarly, quickly his hands started caressing Dorian's back and they dropped lower to cup his ass. He pulled him down towards himself while making a quick work of removing Dorian's boots and throwing them aside without much thought. His buckled top followed soon after. With both legs on either side of Trevelyan's hip, Dorian arched for more contact. He tugged on his tunic demanding it to be removed as well. A groan left his lips and had to part from the delicious mouth beneath him as Trevelyan resumed him ministration on his backside, kneading the muscles and teasing Dorian beyond measure.
He risked a glance at the older man's face. Trevelyan's mouth was slightly ajar with anticipation and his eyes were darkened with lust. Even in dim light, Dorian could see the unreserved desire in them. He supposed his own face reflected a similar need because without a warning Trevelyan pushed him down on the bed.
Dorian was sure he was going to get asked what brought his sudden wild assault on the man but his partner knew better than that to ask since the answer was as grim as the destiny he was to face soon enough.
"I am here" he said instead "I'll be here next week and the week after that. We have got time, Dorian."
"You keep saying that" he responded with a low voice "but who are you trying to convince?" Trevelyan swallowed. After what felt like an eternity he straddled Dorian's hips, removed his undershirt and revealed a well toned, albeit scarred torso with his birthright hanging over his heart like it has always belonged there. Though what really got him to stare was Trevelyan's left arm. Starting from the mark in his palm a few, vein like green strings were extending towards his elbow while glowing dangerously. Their glow wasn't as strong as the mark but they were noticeable enough in the dark. Dorian couldn't help but wince as he slid his hand up Trevelyan's rapid pulse and felt the warmth emanating from the green veins.
"Tsion, does it hurt now?" he asked.
"No, not since I woke up" Trevelyan answered and sat on his thighs with a sigh.
"The pain seeps through your sleep?"
"Yes, but it's not constant nor strong enough to disturb me. Small comforts, I guess"
"For now" Dorian added and swallowed thickly. His fingers prodded the green veins, half expecting to hear a cry but all he achieved was making Trevelyan growl, lean down and press their lips together with more force than earlier.
Any other time, Dorian would have countered in a similar fashion, this time though he felt a shift in Trevelyan's movements and only focused on him. The strong almost desperate hold on his hips and the lavishing yet sloppy kisses with teeth biting possessively was so different than the time when Trevelyan first kissed him in front of his door. It spoke of a desperate set of emotions especially when he compared it to Trevelyan's earlier, unrushed ministrations. With a heavy heart he realized that it spoke of fear.
His chest constricted at the revelations but he didn't let that stop him from reaching out and wrapping himself flush against Tsion. A combination of anxiety and need fastened his heart beat and he could also feel Tsion's heart thumping through his chest, too. A primal need rose inside him. Dorian wanted to strip this gorgeous man naked and touch every part of him. Feel him wither under his touch. Make him come undone with his tongue tracing every bit he could reach. This wasn't about him though, not at that moment. He never wanted anyone like he wanted Trevelyan but he wasn't going to force him to go further than he was able to go.
Dorian wasn't a considerate man but he understood the delicate situation Trevelyan was threading on and just him considering to slow down for his sake showed that maybe the Iron Bull was right after all.
He groaned and Trevelyan halted his lips kissing on the side of his chin. A pair of the finest calf eyes stared at him.
"Not you" Dorian tried to explained "I just had an unsettling thought. You may continue and stop acting so coy. If we had been together before than we must have done much more wicked things than humping like teenagers."
"You have no idea, love." A mischief glint appeared in Trevelyan's eyes and Dorian gulped down eagerly. "Let's get your mind back on track, shall we?"
"Yes, please" he smirked and licked Trevelyan's mouth leisurely, focusing on the small cut on its side. "Sorry about that"
He was disappointed to lose contact when Trevelyan pulled away from him but then hot, swollen lips were on his collarbone, sucking and biting. Dorian was glad to feel him move lower without a pause. The green glow approached his chest and he felt a ticklish touch where the fingers closed around his right nipple. The energy surge from the anchor increased as Trevelyan licked at his other nipple and started sucking the skin around it. All the young mage could do was to clutch onto Trevelyan's hair and hope that the noises being torn from his throat was enough to hurry him up.
Thankfully, the older man had enough mercy to move on from his abused nipples and continue licking his way towards his abdomen. His left hand moved to slide down his sides, moving faster than his mouth. Trevelyan took his time reaching the waist line of his trousers, kissing and worshipping every inch of skin under him. The trail of wetness he left behind made Dorian shiver and having had enough of the teasing, he pushed his feet under Trevelyan in order to stroke his crotch. It must have succeeded because Trevelyan let out a groan and retaliated with biting at his side. His playful leg was then captured and spread wide as Trevelyan settled even lower between his legs.
"Let me hear you call my name, Dorian" he whispered with a wolfish grin and mouthed the front of his trousers, teeth grazing playfully and hands caressing his buttocks.
"Ah, you need to better than that" came the challenge and a minute later Dorian was already regretting it.
"Oh, do I now?" Trevelyan's left hand moved to where his mouth was and the unnatural warmness caused him to buck his hips forward. "I bet you are dying to lose the trousers. It's only one layer of clothing separating my mouth and your release." His hand pressed down harder and rubbed his member harshly, eliciting another groan. "Do you really prefer playing instead of feeling me take you all in and stroke you until you forget your own name."
"Such a cruel man" Dorian bit down on his lip but another roll of Trevelyan's energy surging anchor and he let a out a strong moan "Tsion!" He received a dark laugh and was rewarded with sudden removal of his belts and trousers, exposing his hardness for Tsion's gaze. Fully naked and awaiting for his next move, Dorian was extremely grateful for when Tsion dropped the pretence and lowered his lips on his shaft.
Closing his mouth around him, Tsion started out with unhurried, deliberately slow licks. As he got faster his fingers continued to touch Dorian's body wherever he could reach. His own breathing got heavier within seconds. Without a warning, he took Dorian's member into his mouth, sliding down in one smooth motion, making the young man let out a cry with Tsion's name on his lips. He buckled his hips up unsuccessfully as Tsion pressed him down with his unyielding hold and increased his movement speed. He fondled and scratched, sending shivers down his spine. With his knees propped on Tsion's shoulders and hands desperately clutching on his hair, Dorian forgot to breath. Tsion swallow his member with a practised ease and he focused all his undivided attention on making him come undone. A curious finger slid down the crack of his ass and Dorian wasn't sure which way to arch his body.
"Tsion" he called instead and rubbed the soft hair "I am close..." Instead of leaving him, Tsion carefully grabbed his hips and Dorian saw his treacherous left hand move between them. The moment the hand closed around him and the strong energy pumped his shaft, spreading a sudden warmth beneath the mouth, Dorian lost his senses. With all his muscles tensing, his climax came in waves, spending him thoroughly.
Tsion only pulled back once Dorian laid back lax and content. His hand still continuing their exploration on Dorian's lower side, he kissed his way back up with a knowing grin and Dorian was more than happy to open his mouth when his tongue demanded entrance and kissed him with the gentle ministrations, he came to associate Tsion with.
The knuckles of his fingers grazed Tsion's lips once they parted and the open adoration he received was enough reason to kiss him again. "Allow me" He whispered seductively as his hand snaked down to rub on the bulge on Tsion's breeches. Turning him around and climbing on top of his thighs Dorian made a show of playing with the laces. "Keeping your breeches on after such an endeavour is considered rude, you know"
"Endeavour, you say? From the way you have been practically singing my name, I would like to think that was more than just that." Tsion leered and Dorian's own lips stretched into a sly smile.
"Yes, but let me show you how it is done without cheating with that anchor of yours, Herald. Then we'll see who triumphs."
"Do your worse, love"
"Oh, but I intent to do much more than that"