I decided to go ahead and continue this, but...

This isn't really a story exactly. It's more like random occurrences that show the development of Hawke and Fenris's relationship.


Fenris and I enter the Wounded Coast and I sigh happily. It's good to get out of the city for a while, even if it is unbelievably hot. There's a slight breeze so it's not too bad. I look over at him and see his grim face.

He came to the Estate this morning and told me he'd heard rumors of Slavers using some of the caves here. I know he's hoping to find more clues about Denarius. He didn't want to tell the others just yet. He wanted to scout it out first and see if there's any truth to them.

I think he just didn't want them to see the disappointment on his face again. There have been a few rumors about slavers, but they've never been tied to Denarius. He's more open when it's just the two of us, and it's been better since I went to his house after they took Bethany. I think seeing me so…crazed helped him see in some ways we're the same. I know he's had a tough life, but I just wish he'd smile more.

It's almost as if he's not sure how. He'll occasionally make a joke, laugh, but his smile... It's small, barely more than a twitch of his lip. It almost looks like he's uncomfortable with it. Like he's not sure what it's doing there. I hope with time he'll find out.

I impulsively reach down and grab a flower. I go to stick it behind his ear, but pause. I know he still doesn't like being touched. I don't really blame him after what happened to him. The first memory he has is painful and of receiving those markings. His first memory is of touch and it was excruciating. He could use more happy memories. Memories of touch that don't hurt.

I smile and stick it behind his ear, being careful to barely brush his ear with my hand. He glares at me and I laugh.

His glare softens and I look at him trying to keep a serious face. "Smile," I say in a commanding voice.

"What reason do I have to smile?"

"Well… It's a lovely day. We're strolling on a beach of sorts. You're walking with a girl who just put a flower in your hair."

"Hmm…" The corner of his mouth twitches up.

"Oh no I want a real smile." I jump in front of him.

He sighs. "Hawke…"

He stops when I reach out and push up the corners of his mouth without thinking. His eyes widen. I immediately drop my hands.

"Sorry," I murmur.

I walk off. Maker what was I thinking. I just pushed the lips of the antisocial, can stick his arm through your chest and crush your heart, Elf into a smile. Why did I do that knowing he doesn't like to be touched? He's been warming up to me and this will probably send him running in the other direction. I hear his footsteps behind me and feel a little relieved. At least he didn't leave and go home.

"Hawke wait."

I stop, prepared to see an enraged Elf before me. I start talking before I even turn around. "I just wasn't thinking. I was just trying to cheer you up and…" I trail off when I see his face.

He looks hesitant and maybe a bit confused. Then he reaches out and sticks a flower behind my ear. The same type I placed behind his ear.

I know then he doesn't mind, or least not too much. He opens his mouth to speak but I nod. He closes his mouth and nods back. We continue walking towards the cave in silence, but it's a pleasant silence. After all sometimes words just aren't needed. I look at him and find he's looking back at me. I smile and the corner of his mouth twitches up into a small half smile. No…words aren't needed at all.


Title from the song "She is Love" by Parachute.