Well, here it is everyone. It may be a little anti-climatic since we've waited for so long, but Hawke finally finds out. You may ask yourselves why I waited so long, but I promise I have my reasons. And hey, it's my story! :P Enjoy!

"I'm glad I caught you two," Hawke said as Cat and Isabela crossed paths with him in front of the Hanged Man. "I'm heading out to collect everyone, we have a lot to talk about."

"I don't know…" Cat said, causing Hawke to look at her in confusion. "Last time you told me we were all meeting, no one showed up," she added with a teasing smile.

Hawke searched his memory, and finally understood as he remembered several weeks ago coming to her house. He grinned as he remembered the look on her face when she realized how little she was wearing when she opened the door.

"Any way…." Cat said, remembering the exact same moment, but in utter embarrassment. Isabela gave her a questioning look, and she quickly shook her head.

"Yes well, sorry about that. Right after I saw you, I was dragged off by Bodahn for some unruly visitors at home. I had forgotten that I even told anyone, so I just figured I would try again another time," Hawke explained. "And that is today. Give me and hour or so, and I'll have everyone there," he said with a small wave and headed off.

"Need help?" Cat called after him.

"No!" He replied without turning back.

"Well, plenty of time to find out what that blush was all about then," Isabela said, opening the door to let Cat in first.

"You probably would have done it on purpose, and definitely wouldn't have been embarrassed," Cat muttered as she walked in.

Isabela laughed. "Oh Kitty, that covers so many things!" she said, pulling her by the arm over towards their usual spot.

"All right everyone, here is what happened," Hawke said, getting their attention. He looked up and down the table, seeing each of his friends looking at him expectantly. "I was called into the viscount's office the other day," he began. "He wanted to talk to me about the Qunari."

"Why?" Aveline voiced, though there were looks and whispers aplenty among the others.

"Apparently, we made a good impression on the Arishok."

Cat and Isabela glanced at each other, then over to Fenris as he spoke up.

"It is not surprising," he said, looking down at his drink. "We've had several skirmishes with his warriors now, and come out the victors each time. The Qunari appreciate strength and skill."

"I suppose," Hawke agreed. "He definitely wants nothing to do with the Viscount. In fact Dumar stated that his own diplomats have been all turned away by the Qunari."

"Could be they don't want to negotiate anything," Isabela muttered. "Are we really buying that they are waiting for a ship?" she asked, a little louder so everyone could hear. "They could have built several and been home by now."

"I think we all agree that there is something else going on," Hawke said grimly. "And apparently I was selected as the go between for the Qunari and the city. I need to go see the Arishok tomorrow, and I was hoping some of you would come with me."

Isabela sat back with a frown, her arms crossed. That's a no, Cat thought. Although I am curious, I shouldn't go either. I have no idea if they know about me, that I was part of the crew of the Siren's Call…

"Cat?"

Cat glanced up, seeing Hawke looking at her. "I'd rather not," she said quietly. "Unless you need me there."

Hawke smiled gently, "I think we have enough of us going, you don't need to worry."

"Thanks."

"So," he said louder, obviously including everyone. "Does anyone else have anything that needs doing?" They all glanced around at each other. "If not, I have a few more things."

"Of course…" Varric teased, even as he got out his quill and ink.

"I've gotten a few letters," Hawke said as he pulled out his own parchment full of notes. "First, from Feynriel. It seems that he's been having a bit of trouble, and is not finding any solutions among the Dalish. I'm not certain how we can help, but perhaps just a visit will do."

"Oh!" Merrill said loudly, causing Hawke to pause and everyone to look at her. "I… uh, would like to go, if you are going to go to the Dalish that is…" she said with a smile. "It won't be pleasant, and I most likely won't be welcomed, but, if I could talk to the Keeper, it would help."

Hawke looked confused, in fact, Cat assumed she was the only one who understood what Merrill was requesting.

"I'm sure that won't be a problem, Merrill," Cat said with a smile.

"Thank you Cat."

"Yes, all right then," Hawke said as he nodded to Varric to make a note. "I also received a message from the Prince of Starkhaven. If you remember, we helped him wipe out those that murdered his family. It seems he has some new information, and would like our help once again."

"Definitely," Cat said.

"Cat's become friends with him, while we were gone," Varric said in answer to Hawke's questioning look. He looked over to Cat, who nodded, and he looked annoyed for a moment before continuing.

"I would agree, as part of the Chantry, he doesn't have anyone else to assist him in this."

Hawke continued to speak, but Cat wasn't listening as he pushed a piece of parchment in front of her. She glanced down and saw that it was a letter. Seeing who it was from, she started reading it intently, excited to hear from her.

She obviously was planning on never seeing Cat again, as she had asked Hawke to give her apologies and farewells. But she seemed in a better place, emotionally if not in actuality. She looked up as a few of her friends started standing up. She glanced over wondering if they were taking a break, or if they were done for today.

"Well?" Hawke asked, bringing her attention back to him. "What do you think?"

"First off, thank you for letting me read this. It's not what I would have hoped for, but closure is good all the same. I had wondered where she went, so it's nice to hear from her. At least I know she's okay."

"And the fact that she tried to kill you?" he asked skeptically.

"Idunna was my friend," Cat said simply. "And as you well know, if she had actually tried, I'd be dead."

"And what about these tomes she spoke of?" he asked.

"Idunna never mentioned it to me," she said, thinking that she wasn't exactly lying… "but I believe it. We should definitely keep our eyes out for them, and destroy them."

"All right," he said, making another note on his list. "It seems we will be pretty busy for the foreseeable future."

"Oh?" she asked. "That didn't seem like that long of a list to me."

"Well, you did miss a few things there, at the end. Besides, if the looks I got from Varric, Aveline, and Isabela were any indication, I'll bet they have something to add to it, that they didn't want to talk about in front of everyone."

"Hmm."

"What about you?"

"Huh? What about me?" she asked.

"Do you have anything to add? Or something you want to talk about privately with me?" he asked as he winked at her.

She rolled her eyes at him. "Nah," she said. "Just along for the ride."

Varric turned and nudged Isabela again. "You shouldn't spend all your money Rivaini, you'll owe me a few sovereigns before long."

"Keep dreaming Varric," she answered, following his gaze over to where Hawke and Cat were talking. "You are seeing something that isn't there."

"She makes him happy," Fenris added, as he leaned on the bar. "But she has told me she isn't interested in anyone."

"You know she would be mortified to know what we are discussing, right?" Anders chimed in as he joined them. "Not to mention if she knew you two had a wager."

"It isn't what you might think," Varric answered with a smile as he brought his mug up to his mouth.

"We don't really know where any of this is going, or even if it will," Isabela explained. "Varric seems to think that they are headed for a storybook romance, and soon."

"Two years ago, I might have agreed with you," Anders replied, as he too looked over at his friends. "But Cat has successfully befriended every man even slightly interested in her. At this rate, I'm surprised that Hawke isn't already there as well."

"Are you certain you even see something?" Fenris asked Varric. "Cat looks just as she would if she were speaking to any of us."

"Perhaps he merely wants to have fun with her," Isabela said, causing all three of the others to scowl.

"Rivaini, don't spoil the moment," Varric groused.

"Hawke would regret that, very much, if it were true," Fenris grumbled, and Anders nodded in agreement.

Isabela laughed jovially. "You three, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were jealous! Yes, yes," she said, as they all looked ready to object. "I know, you're just looking out for her. You're not the only ones," she added.

"Oh?" Varric asked with a smirk.

"I haven't missed the way he looks at her," she said, nodding in their direction. "I'm just not certain if it is a good thing or not."

"Oh, come in, Aveline! It's so good to see you again!"

"Thank you, Leandra, how are you?" Aveline asked as she stepped into Hawke's home. They had come a long way, in such a short amount of time, and as she followed Leandra into her home, she gazed around in amazement. "It looks wonderful," she said genuinely.

Leandra's quiet, lady-like laugh, echoed through the large room. "Thank you, that's very kind, though I cannot take the credit. This is all Garrett's doing."

"Mostly luck," Hawke added, as he stood above them on the balcony.

"Indeed," Aveline agreed with a small smile. "Still, more work never hurt, right?"

Hawke smiled back, and started down the stairs toward them. "What do you need, Aveline?" he asked.

"Remember Emeric?" she asked, and he shook his head. "Oh that's right, you didn't ever meet him. Well, he's more than aware of you, and insists that he speak to you about the missing women from a few years ago."

Hawke just looked confused, so she explained. "He's the templar that gave the clues that led us to the foundry where that necromancer was," she said, watching the understanding dawn on him. "He's convinced that the killer is still on the loose, and I couldn't exactly tell him that I was there when the bastard was killed, pardon me Leandra," she said in excuse for her language, which Leandra simply waved away.

"So what does he want from me?" Hawke asked, incredulous.

"An ear, I suppose," she answered. "If he has any worthwhile information, then I'll pick it up, but right now, I simply don't have the time, and he refuses to talk to anyone other than you or me."

"All right, I guess I can do that," Hawke replied. "For a friend."

"Thanks Hawke," she replied.

"Speaking of friends," Leandra said, gaining their attention. "Aveline, do you have a few minutes to tell me more about Cat?"

"What?" Aveline asked, looking from Leandra to Hawke and back.

"Garrett tells me all about his group of friends, except for Cat, and I admit, I'm very curious."

"Mother…" Hawke said in exasperation. Aveline smiled, as it was obvious that she had asked repeatedly.

"What? I simply want to know your friends better," she said with an innocent look that made Aveline snicker. "And your apparent lack of information leads me to wonder what it is you are wanting to hide?"

"I would be happy to tell you more about her, though I am sure that just inviting her over would do the trick as well," Aveline commented, seeing Leandra's face light with excitement, as Hawke glared at her. "What?" she muttered quietly.

"That is a wonderful idea," Leandra said. "Now that the house is completed, we'll have to celebrate and invite all of your friends over, Garrett."

"Of course, Mother."

Aveline shook her head, as Leandra left them, murmuring plans for her newest idea. She turned to smirk at Hawke.

"That was fun," she said, and he glowered at her.

"Yes, thank you for that."

"Oh come on, it's nothing," she said. "Just tell Cat about it, and you'll both have a good laugh. Remember when she tried to do the same with Cat and Carver?"

"It's different…" Hawke ground out through clenched teeth.

Aveline then noticed how uncomfortable her friend was, and eased back. "Obviously this is truly upsetting you, but I am at a loss as to why."

Hawke sighed and rolled his eyes. "Because."

"Very succinct," she replied. "You can't help the ideas your mother gets, and Cat will understand. The only reason you'd be upset is if-"

Hawke looked over at her, his arms crossed in front of him. "If?" he asked, eyes narrowing.

"Hawke…" she started, looking much more solemn. "Do you…? I mean, you and Cat?"

"Was that supposed to be a question?" he asked sarcastically.

"Oh, Maker, you do!" Aveline said with wide eyes. "How did I not see this?" she asked herself. "How did none of us see this?" She glanced back up at him. "And?"

"And what?" he asked, aggravated.

"And what have you done about it?" she demanded. "In case you are not aware, our Cat is a most sought after commodity."

"Believe me, I've noticed," he groused.

"So…?"

"So nothing."

"Hawke. I'm not one to pry, but just as Cat was saying the other day, you may find yourself in the friend zone."

"What?" he asked, confused. Aveline tried to explain it as well as Cat had, but felt she probably didn't do it justice.

"The point is, you do not want to wait too long. What if Cat has already decided you are just a friend?" She looked away and muttered, "it seems as if she enjoys doing so."

"Look, Aveline, I'm not even sure what it is I want. She's beautiful, yes. Fun to be around, and all. But it is not like I want to court her. I'm not looking for marriage here."

Aveline's eyes narrowed this time. "What are you looking for then?"

"I don't know!"

Aveline rolled her eyes. "Get it together Garrett. If all you're wanting is a night of pleasure, may I suggest the brothel."

"That's not what I meant."

"I should hope not."

No one mentioned the change to either Hawke or Cat, but they most definitely mentioned it to each other. They couldn't quite hide their smirks and smiles as Garrett flirted excessively with Cat, who was completely ignorant of what it meant.

Cat, for her part, didn't see any difference between flirting with Hawke, or flirting with Fenris or Anders. It was fun, and harmless, so why not?

Isabela, after hearing about Aveline's talk with Hawke, became more concerned then before, worried that perhaps she hadn't done all she could to ensure her friend wouldn't be hurt. She was responsible for Cat after all.

The others weren't worried, in fact, they were silently cheering them on, but Isabela kept a close watch on Hawke, concerned for the moment when Cat would finally understand.

Several days later, most of the group was in the Hanged Man, spending a rainy with each other in Varric's room. Cat was writing letters to her friends in Ferelden, and talking with Isabela about Zevran's campaign against his former guild.

Varric had several of the others in a game of Wicked Grace, though they never seemed to make it very far, with Merrill constantly giving away her cards by asking what they meant, or if she had a good hand.

Anders and Olivia joined them later, walking in and shaking out their clothes. "Wow, that storm just came out of nowhere!" Olivia exclaimed, and Cat's eyes darted over, and then to the window.

"Storm?" she asked fearfully.

"Yes," Anders agreed. "Nothing like earlier. It's already raining heavily, and it just started a minute ago. With the way the clouds looked, I'm sure we'll have a grand storm."

Cat whimpered quietly, turning to Isabela with wide eyes full of fear. Ever since the storm that had destroyed their ship, Cat had absolutely hated storms, whereas before they were something she enjoyed to witness. Now, they brought back memories of chaos and destruction, and her personal fight for survival.

She ignored it as best she could, trying to act as the others were, but deep down she was quivering.

"It's all right Kitty," Isabela murmured in her ear, rubbing circles on her back. Cat nodded, trying not to flinch as the lighting lit up the room, and the thunder boomed across the sky.

I'm fine, I'm fine… she chanted to herself, focusing on anything, anything other than the storm around her. She tried closing her eyes, but saw the blackness of the ocean as she had jumped in, and she could feel her breathing quicken.

"Stay calm, deep breaths," Isabela murmured, though it wasn't working. She knew the others were looking at her in concern, but she couldn't keep her mind on them, it kept returning to her memories, the faces, the screams of the crew, she and Issy, jumping into the water and becoming separated.

She did her best not to panic, and her anxiety increased as she couldn't seem to succeed.

Hawke opened the door, letting his mother into the house before him.

"Thank you son, I appreciate you spending the day with me," she said.

"Any time, Mother," he replied. "I'm just glad we finished before the rain really started."

"You and your friends don't have plans tonight?" she asked.

"Varric said something about playing cards," he answered. "But nothing essential."

"I'm glad you won't be out then," she said, as she started putting her newest purchases away. "That little shower is turning into quite the storm, and quickly."

"What?" he asked, as he heard the thunder. Racing back over to the door, he threw it open, and looked to the sky.

"We have these types of storms so rarely, it always takes me by surprise," she said as she walked over. "It's as if all of nature were angry."

"I have to go, Mother."

"What?" Leandra looked up in shock as he ran out into the storm. "Garrett!"

Everyone except for Cat looked up as the door banged open. Hawke disregarded everyone as he strode over to Cat, not caring that he was soaked, though she probably would. He plucked her up from her seat, and carried her around the table to the fireplace. Sitting down on the floor, with Cat in his lap, he held her as she shook.

"I've got you," he whispered to her. "You are safe."

She shuddered, but started breathing deeper. He continued to ignore the others as he spoke to her, running his hands over her hair, or her back, helping to keep her anchored to where she was, and not in the past.

"Do you think they even know we are here?" Varric asked quietly as they all stared unabashedly at them.

"They look so good together," Merrill sighed happily.

"Rivaini?" Varric asked. "You're awfully quiet."

Isabela glanced over, before looking back to the pair in front of the fire. "I didn't think he would remember," she said. "It was back when we first met, he had come over to discuss something, and ended up staying, waiting for an awful storm to blow over. Cat was a wreck, worse than now," she paused, caught up in the memory. "Nothing we did could get her to calm down, all the horrible memories from the shipwreck, and Hawke finally just grabbed onto her, and wouldn't let go. And miraculously, it worked."

They all turned back to Cat, noticing that she was breathing normally again. It seemed Hawke had known what to do after all.

"So, he ran through the storm to find her?" Olivia said quietly. "Knowing she was scared? That's…. really romantic."

"Yeah," Merrill agreed with a sigh.

They continued to watch as Hawke ran his hand over and over through Cat's hair, calming her with his touch. And they watched as she finally turned to look into his eyes, all staring at them as they stared at each other. Not wanting to ruin the moment, they stayed quietly at the other end of the room, now looking down at the table or each other as they tried to give some semblance of privacy.

"You… you came for me?" Cat asked quietly.

"Of course," Hawke replied, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

"You're all wet," she said, as she finally noticed, and he chuckled.

"Running through a storm will do that," he said.

"But… why?" she asked.

He gazed at her, uncertain himself, but the words tumbled out anyway. "I would do anything for you."

Cat's mouth dropped open slightly, shocked at his words.

"I can't stop thinking about you," he murmured softly, coming closer, pulling her hair out of the last of its braid so it tumbled over her shoulders. "I want to be with you all the time… I just… want you. In my arms… in my bed…"

Cat's eyes fluttered, she wanted to close them and revel in the feeling, but she wanted to continue to look into his. She wasn't even remotely prepared for this, and her thoughts all jumbled together. But then, her mind finally understood what he had just said.

"Wait… what?" she asked, pulling back a little.

"Let's stop playing games," Hawke murmured, as he leaned forward.

Cat was alert now, and she backed up even more. "Who's playing?" she asked quietly, aware of the others in the room.

"I'm not like the others, I don't need that innocent routine," he said, which had her looking at him in confusion. The others wanted something innocent? She thought. That doesn't make any sense.

"What are you talking about?" she whispered.

"I'm saying," he replied, just as quietly. "I want you, no matter what you used to do, or how many men, or women, you've been with." He looked at her, confused. "Why that look?" he asked, forgetting to be quiet as he saw her upset. "I'm telling you, I don't care about the past."

She didn't speak as she stood up, and Hawke, unsure of what was happening, helped her do so, standing after she was up.

"Is it the money?" he asked. I know you lost your job because of me… I'll pay you, whatever you want." He turned to the others as he heard several gasps. "What? None of you want her going back to that life anyway, do you?!"

Cat stood there motionless, all the earlier warmth replaced with cold.

"Cat?" "Kitty?' "Little Dove?" she could hear them ask, but she just stared at the floor. So this is what he thought of her.

"Cat?!" Hawke demanded, grabbing her arm, and she finally looked up. "I don't understand," he said.

"I'm trying very hard not to hold that against you," she replied as her eyes filled.

"Hawke…" Varric started, but was cut off by Fenris standing up. He walked over to Cat, and grabbed hold of Hawke's hand, causing him to release her. Then he reared back and punched him in the face.

"Maker's breath…" Anders said under his breath.

Hawke fell to the ground, not expecting to be hit, and he scrambled back up, seeing Fenris leading Cat out of the room. "Wait! Cat!" He started to follow, but found everyone in the room standing suddenly in front of him, blocking his way.

Isabela sighed. She knew he would hurt her, she just hadn't known it would be before they even started. "Sit down, Hawke," she said.

His eyes flashed in anger as he turned to her. "What? No! I need to go after her, I need to fix this!"

"SIT! DOWN!" She had yelled it, but apparently so had a few others, and the force of it caused Hawke to step back in shock. He looked from face to face, seeing the hurt, the anger, and the disappointment on each of them.

"I don't understand," he said miserably.

"Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you home," Fenris answered, and it took a few minutes for her to realize he meant his home, as they headed toward Hightown.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked quietly, and Cat sighed.

"You shouldn't have punched him, though a small part of me is glad you did."

He smirked, but didn't look at her, and she was glad. It somehow made it easier to speak if he wasn't focused on her.

"He deserved it."

"Did he though?" she asked, feeling awful. "I remember everyone was under the same impression at one point."

"And yet we all came to same conclusion, except for Hawke."

"Yes, but to be fair, it's not like we've spent time together as I have with everyone else. He doesn't know me as well as you or Anders do. Besides, he's got a lot on his mind."

Fenris sighed, shaking his head. "How like you, to defend him. The man was trying to take you to bed, Cat."

Cat flushed. "You heard that?" she squeaked.

He nodded, his jaw tense. "We were mere feet away, it was hard to miss."

"Maker's balls!" she swore, rubbing her eyes. "This keeps getting better and better."

"What is there to understand?!" Anders exclaimed, while Olivia tried to hush him. "You just tried to seduce Cat- the most innocent girl we all know- and then offered to PAY HER FOR IT!"

"No, I mean… that's not what I meant," Hawke said, obviously unhappy and still confused.

"What did you mean?" Merrill asked, giving him a smile. She was always one to see the best in people, Hawke thought.

"I was there, when that Madame at the Rose told her she no longer had her job. Cat was very strong, and made it look like she was fine, but even with her making deliveries now, there's no way she's making what she used to," he explained. "It was because of me, always having jobs, and wanting her to join… so now that I have the money, I wanted to help her out."

"Hawke…" Varric said as he slapped a hand to his own forehead.

"What?!" Hawke demanded.

"She didn't act fine, she was fine," Isabela said harshly. "She's making more now than she ever did there."

"Wha-" Hawke started. "But how?" he asked. "She's beautiful and somehow keeps her innocence no matter how many clients she has had." A thought came suddenly and he snarled. "Did that woman not give her the money she earned?!"

Varric hit his forehead again, not understanding how this wasn't sinking in. Isabela, too, had had enough, and she leaned forward putting her hands on the table on either side of Hawke and getting up in his face.

"She didn't have…any…clients." she said quietly. "Yes, she worked at the Rose. She went in late at night and cleaned up the rooms of the workers. She made friends with them, though eventually the Madame had her train her own replacements."

Hawke's eyes were like saucers as her words hit him. "But-"

"And yes," she continued, not allowing him to interrupt. "she was offered several times to be one of the whores, but she wouldn't. However when the Madame asked her to not deny working there in order to bring more clients in- in a vain attempt to be with her- she didn't refuse, because she wanted to help the woman who gave her a job."

"Maker's Breath!" Hawke groaned, letting his head fall into his hands, narrowly avoiding hitting Isabela in the process. She stood back up, still angry, but she could feel herself softening.

"Come on Hawke," she said, grabbing his arm, and helping him to his feet. "I think you need a drink."

"Or twenty," he mumbled, and she smirked slightly. She knew he hadn't meant to hurt Cat, but it had happened all the same.

"Obviously, you knew the entire time," Hawke said, and Isabela nodded. He turned to look behind him. "But it seems I'm the only one who was unaware… so how did you know?" he asked the group behind him, as they followed him out.

"We asked," Varric said, and the others nodded along, looking at him in sympathy. He supposed it was better than the anger, but didn't help him feel better.