Hawke raised his hand, brushing through his hair yet again as his frustration mounted. So far, the only good thing about being named the city's champion was that he no longer had to hide what he was, though he continued to do so- force of habit.
The bad things, however, continued to pile up. He was stuck with all sorts of requests from anyone and everyone. He was more than happy to assist the common people, however most of their requests were things he couldn't do, like give them new housing.
The nobles were bothersome, but some actually had valid concerns for the city, though most of those requests were for his attendance at some dinner or function where they could show him off. No thanks, he thought.
Then there were the city officials. Without a viscount, they had started sending every matter to the guard, and while he couldn't blame Aveline for passing them on, why to him?!
The worst of all, was Meredith. She too, was forwarding every matter to him, with the kind offer to help out attached to every bundle of papers. He wasn't stupid, he could see that she would gladly take over the viscount duties, however he didn't think that was the right thing for their city.
He was constantly trying to get the nobles to choose a new viscount, but they all seemed to enjoy the way things were being handled now. Little did they know, their champion couldn't take this much longer.
Glaring at the stack of papers still in front of him, Hawke ran his hand through his hair again. He had no idea what time it was, the last time he ate, or even where the rest of his household was. He glanced around, looking to the window. There was soft light, but he couldn't tell if it was the sun rising or setting.
Getting to his feet was surprisingly difficult, with how stiff he felt, and he wondered again just how long he had been sitting there. He hoped fervently that he hadn't spent the entire night glaring at the same stack of papers- if he had stayed up that long, he at least should have something to show for it.
He heard a door open, and turned to see his mother coming into the room. "Oh, Garrett, you're wasting away at this desk," she shook her head as she came up to him. "I wish you'd let me find you some help, at least one assistant who can sort all these for you."
"It's my responsibility mother," he said with a sigh. "Even if I didn't ask for it."
"Then you must remember to take breaks," she scolded him. "You've been practically glued to that desk for weeks!"
Hawke stretched, hearing his back pop, which felt oddly satisfying. "That's a slight exaggeration, Mother," he replied with an eye roll.
Her eyes narrowed, "Did you just roll your eyes at me, young man?" she asked, and Hawke swallowed. He wasn't sure if she was teasing him.
"No ma'am," he replied automatically.
"I thought not," she smiled at him, the memories of her little boy swamping her. "You've always been one to take on responsibility, Garrett, even when you were young. I just worry that you'll miss out on other things."
"I'm fine Mother," he said with a smile, giving her arm a squeeze in reassurance.
"Yes, I can tell," she answered drolly, taking in the state of his hair- always a sure sign that he was at his wits end. "I'm not the only one, you know. Your friends have been concerned for you as well."
He gave her a questioning look. "Yes, they have come over several times, and you've been too busy to see them," she said.
His face scrunched up as he thought back. That couldn't be right, I don't recall ever saying that… he mused.
She gave a small smile as he questioned himself. So like his father, getting focused on one thing to the detriment of all others.
"I told them you would come see them, once you resurfaced," she told him, the humor coming out in her voice, and he smiled back sheepishly.
"I suppose," he conceded.
"You know how proud of you I am son, for all you've done for us, and the city. But really, I just want to see you happy."
"Thank you Mother," he replied. "I'm trying."
"I know," she said, giving him a hug. "Now, if the rumors I'm hearing are true, my son is engaged, and I haven't even seen the girl here?"
Hawke started spluttering, even as Leandra laughed. "It was only a kiss Mother," he growled in annoyance.
"I've never known you to be satisfied with a simple kiss before," she teased, "the girls in Lothering were quite descriptive in fact."
Hawke couldn't seem to get out more than strangled sounds, and Leandra laughed heartily at his discomfort, and his red face.
"I thought it odd for you to steal a kiss, then ignore the girl…" she continued. "Did it not go well?" she asked innocently.
"Mother, I am not talking about this with you," Hawke grumbled. Looking at her as she remained silently looking at him. He didn't last long before he broke. "It went fine," he mumbled.
She laughed merrily, giving him another hug. "Then why have you been too busy for her? Perhaps she's thinking it was merely an impulsive moment?"
Hawke frowned at the thought. "You don't think…"
"It's possible," she warned. "Women can be fickle creatures after all," she smirked at him. "I should know."
"You, Mother, are incorrigible."
"Yes Darling, I know," she replied happily. "Now it's almost sunset, why don't you go see your friends? They are most likely at that fun little pub in Lowtown."
Hawke smiled back, wondering what kind of woman his mother would have been when she was younger. Obviously one that did as she pleased, he thought, since she left her family and everything she knew to be with Father.
"Thank you Mother," he replied. "I think I will do just that."
"Good. Good night Darling."
"Good night Mother."
"You mean we're rid of him? For three whole weeks?" Anders exclaimed excitedly.
Cat turned to glare at him, and he cleared his throat with a cough, and a mumbled apology.
"Yes," she replied. "He said he'll be gone for about two weeks, but more likely three since he's traveling on foot."
"Where did he have to go all of a sudden?" he asked.
"Sorry, that's top secret," she replied, and smiled at his pout. "And not my secret to share," she added.
Anders' face brightened again as he opened the door to the Hanged Man for her, and they walked in. "Who cares? I have you all to myself for three whole weeks!"
"All to yourself, huh?" came Isabela's voice to their left. "Why Kitty, having an affair?"
"Right…" Cat said with a roll of her eyes. "With this guy," she said pointing her thumb over at Anders.
Isabela sauntered up, and did a small circle around Anders, looking him up and down. "Oh, I don't know…" she replied. "He seems the type that would surprise you in bed, in a good way."
"Not thinking about that," Cat muttered.
"Oh we mages have tricks, believe you me," Anders answered with a gleam in his eye.
"Really?" Isabela asked, interested, as they made their way to their friends at their usual table. "Kitty, why haven't you shared any details?" she demanded as they sat down.
"Details about what?" Cat asked, confused. "Like I know what he's talking about."
"Oh?" she asked with a smirk. "So Hawke doesn't have tricks then?"
Cat glared around the table as Anders, Merrill and Varric all chuckled. "How many times do I have to tell you guys?" she asked.
"Hawke and I aren't together!" they all responded in unison.
She grabbed Varric's cup and grumbled,"You'd think since you know, you'd leave me alone," into it before taking a large drink.
"Uh, little dove, that's not wine," he said, even as she made a face, swallowed, and gasped.
"Whoa, that burns," she said putting her hand to her throat.
"You should know by now not to take my drink," he pointed out, and she nodded, handing it back.
"What's wrong Kitten?" Isabela asked from across the table, smiling as though she already knew.
Cat shook her head, but Anders spoke up. "People are still staring, and the gossip is even worse. One girl even threw a rotten fruit at her."
Eyebrows raised around the table. "Whatever for?" Merrill asked.
"Apparently, she wanted to be the object of the Champion's affections," Cat answered sardonically. "It's utterly ridiculous, and twice as exhausting trying to tell the truth to them."
"People believe what they want to believe, little dove," Varric said sympathetically. "You know that."
"Right," she replied. "Hence the drink."
"Where's Broody, by the way?" he asked, changing the subject. They paused to give Norah their drink order, and she gave Cat a saucy wink as she walked away.
"What was that for?" Cat asked, and when the others acted as if nothing had happened, she let it go and continued. "He's working," she finally answered Varric. "He'll be gone for a few weeks following up on some leads."
"Ah," the dwarf replied, understanding dawning. "I did give him a few names, but I thought he would simply write to them."
"He can hardly intimidate them through a letter," Anders said sarcastically.
"He is very good at that," Merrill chimed in.
"Speaking of people missing," Isabela said, "When will Hawke grace us with his presence again?"
"I went by his house yesterday," Anders replied. "He didn't even look up from his desk, just kept saying, "too busy". I finally just left."
"His mother told me she'll send him our way once he comes up for air," Varric answered. "Though who knows for certain when that will be."
"And here I thought he'd be trying to spend some quality time with Kitty," Isabela said sadly. "The man has definitely gotten his priorities mixed up." She glanced at Cat with a smirk. "He waits too long, and she'll decide nothing can come of it."
"Nothing can come of it," Cat replied tersely.
"See?" Isabela said, gesturing at Cat. "What did I tell you?"
Cat face palmed. "Issy, it was a one time thing! Hawke obviously thought he was going to die, and did what any man would do."
"Steal a kiss?" Varric asked shrewdly. "That's not even in my top five."
"Really?" she asked him. "You about to fight to the death, and there's a cute dwarf next to you, and you don't kiss her?"
"Are you calling yourself cute?" Anders teased.
"You people are impossible," Cat said. Then raising her voice, called, "Where's my drink?!"
"This seems like the wrong time to join in, if Cat is drinking," Sebastian said as he sat down at the table.
"Choir boy, nice to see you," Varric said, grateful for the distraction. "It's been awhile."
"Yes, sorry. There have been many problems in the Chantry since the death of Mother Petrice. Most of the initiates are still terrified, even though the qunari have left, but seem reassured by my presence, or should I say my bow's presence." He gave a short laugh. "But its hard to say no to Hawke."
"Hawke?" several of them asked.
"Yes…" he replied, looking at them in confusion. "He stopped by and asked me to come out. Did he not do the same for you?"
"He's coming then?" Varric asked.
"Yes, he said something about picking up another," he replied. "My guess would be Aveline or Fenris, since they are the only ones missing."
The others were smiling, but Cat just worried. It had been several weeks since she had last seen Hawke, and prayed that she wouldn't act awkward, no matter how awkward she felt.
Her drink came, and she quickly downed it, asking Norah for another before she had left their table. Varric glanced at her in concern, but she didn't notice, too wrapped up in her thoughts.
Norah returned with another glass of wine, and plunked down the bottle in front of her as well. "Anything I can do, just ask," she said suggestively in her ear before sauntering away.
"We've been coming in here for ages," Cat said to Anders quietly. "Why is she suddenly super friendly?"
"Uh, I haven't a clue?" he responded, looking away, and her eyes narrowed.
"Issy?" she turned and asked. "Why is Norah acting like that?" she asked.
"I wouldn't worry Kitty," she replied immediately with a smirk. "Rumors are just rumors."
"And this one is?" she asked.
"Apparently, the Champion used to frequent you at the Blooming Rose," she said with a smile, even as the others glared at her or rolled their eyes. "His pleasure found with you was great enough that he now pays you to be exclusively his."
Cat rolled her eyes. "That's ridiculous." Then thinking it over, she shrugged, "but I can see how that one got started at least." She glanced at the serving girl, before turned back to Isabela with a chuckle. "I'm half tempted to show her just how untrue that rumor is."
"Now Kitty," Isabela chuckled along with her. "I'm sure you'd bring plenty of pleasure, and I would be happy to show you."
Cat looked down at her glass, then over at Isabela's. "What is that you're drinking?" she asked. "It seems far better than mine to have you purring at me like that."
"You'd be the one purring," Isabela replied cheekily.
"Why would you purr?" Merrill asked, interested.
Cat rolled her eyes, and finished off her glass, pouring another. "Anyway… what other rumors are there that you all are shielding me from?" she asked.
She laughed and Isabela smiled, as the rest started looking away and stammering.
Hawke held the door, letting Aveline enter first. He was glad he had decided to ensure that Sebastian and Aveline came out too. If anyone was as busy or as stressed as he was, it was the two of them. They all could use a break.
He heard the laugh, the rich sound going straight to his gut, even as all the other noise faded into the background. He looked over to his friends, seeing them all looking strangely uncomfortable, while Isabela grinned and Cat laughed mirthfully.
His quick and stolen kiss from Cat replayed in his mind, and he suddenly wished he had thought about getting her alone instead of going out with everyone.
But, as he came closer and looked around, he realized that he had missed them, all of them. His mother had been right, he couldn't just waste away at his desk. These people, for all their strange quirks, were his friends, and they made him happy.
He noticed as Anders spotted him, and saying something quickly, he got up, and headed towards the bar, offering his seat to Hawke in the process. Hawke smiled gratefully, and went to take the seat between Cat and Sebastian.
"So Anders," Cat started as he sat, and he felt her jump as she realized who he was. "Hawke!" she exclaimed.
He went with impulse, and gave her cheek a kiss, enjoying the color that spread there.
"Hello everyone," he said, looking around at his friends. "I'm sorry that I've been so busy."
"Are you sure you aren't too important for us little people now?" Isabela teased from across the table. He could tell that a part of her was serious, so he replied seriously, so that they all knew.
"I'm certain," he replied. "You are my friends, and nothing will change that."
"Not even lying or betraying you for a book," Aveline grumbled as she sat.
"No, not even then," Hawke answered with a smile. "But only because you came back," he added with a wink to Isabela.
"So, what have you been up to?" Varric asked. "Champion of Kirkwall has a nice ring to it."
"At first," Hawke agreed. "Things will be much smoother once we have a new viscount."
"Surely there are some nobles that actually want the title?" Sebastian asked. "You yourself would be a good choice."
"Maker's balls, don't even joke like that," Hawke shuddered. "That's the last thing I'd want, especially now that I know what it's like."
"Isn't it fun to be in charge?" Aveline asked sardonically as her drink arrived, and she took the first swallow. "I've heard that a few nobles have actually tried to take the office."
"Yes," Hawke replied. "But Meredith has shot them down. I'm not sure exactly how she has the influence she does, but it's becoming rather frustrating." He looked around again. "Where's Fenris?" he asked, turning to Cat.
"He had some business to take care of," she replied. "He'll be gone for a few weeks." She looked uncomfortable as she continued. "He said he tried to tell you, and eventually stuffed a letter into your stack of papers so you would know."
Hawke winced slightly at the thought. "I am very sorry," he said to all of them. "I just cannot seem to keep up with all the requests. Mother practically shoved me out the door tonight, and while I am glad to be here, I'm already wondering how much bigger the stack has become."
"You obviously need some help," Varric said dryly. "Didn't your mother offer to hire an assistant for you?"
"Did you have something to do with that?" Hawke asked, picking up Cat's sup to take a drink, but she grabbed it back, giving him a glare.
"But of course," Varric replied.
"I don't know, I guess it feels like I'm not doing them justice if I let someone else decide what is important for me," he explained, scooting closer to Cat, so that they were touching.
"Even the viscount has the seneschal," Cat replied, scooting a little away.
"Hmm, that's true, I never thought of that," Hawke replied, scooting closer again.
"You could even have someone read them, and merely tell you what they are requesting, so you don't have to read each one by yourself," she added, trying to scoot away, and finding herself at the end of the bench. She looked up, seeing amused faces around her, and narrowing her eyes.
"That is a wonderful idea!" Hawke said. "Although, it would have to be someone I trust," he replied. "I can't just let some stranger have access to all that information after all."
"Fenris is always looking for more opportunities to practice his reading," Varric said innocently, as Cat glared at him. "He and Little dove both practice with any book they can find, isn't that right?"
They were all looking at her now, and she knew that they knew, that Varric spoke the truth. Oh, if only Fenris were here, I could just push him into it! she lamented to herself.
"Uh, yeah," she replied, gulping down more wine.
Hawke glanced over to Varric with a smile, and a nod in thanks, while wondering why Cat seemed so against the idea.
"And with Fenris gone, she will undoubtedly have time on her hands," Isabela added.
Traitor, Cat thought, staring at her, so she knew what Cat was thinking. She simply smiled back.
"Anders!" Cat said loudly, causing Hawke to look at her oddly. "I promised Anders to spend time with him, in the clinic!" she said happily as she pointed across the table at her friend.
Hawke looked over at Anders, who smiled back. "That's not necessary Cat," he replied. "I can always come help Hawke too… ow!" they all turned to look at him, as he rubbed his shin and glared at Aveline, who was pointedly avoiding looking at him.
"Just think Cat," Merrill spoke up. "If you help Hawke, he'll have much more free time, so you can purr all you want!"
The wine in her mouth shot out, and Isabela's quick reflexes were all that kept her from getting wine to the face.
"Andraste's flaming knickers," Cat muttered, wiping off her face with her sleeve. "No one will be purring, Merrill," she said with a grimace.
"If purring is what I think it is, that can be arranged," Hawke said softly in her ear, and Cat pushed him away.
"I said, no purring!" she shouted.
The table was silent, in fact, several tables around her were silent for a few moments, before laughter and talking broke out again around them, and Cat put her head in her hands.
"That one's all on you Kitty," Isabela said with a chuckle.
Cat frowned, and grabbed the bottle to pour herself another glass. It only filled about halfway, before the bottle ran dry.
She glanced at the cup, then turned the bottle to look down the spout and inside. "Issy, did you drink my wine?" she asked.
"No Kitty," came the reply. "That was all you as well."
"I've only had like three glasses," she retorted. "There's no way it can be gone." She turned to glare at Hawke, who lifted his hands in a sign of surrender.
"Not I, my lady," he said with a smile.
"Hmph," she grunted, downing the rest of the wine. "My cue to be done, I suppose."
She was quiet after that, and Hawke would glance over every now and then, to make sure she was still with them. The rest of them caught him up on what had been happening all over the city after the quanri had left. At one point, he felt Cat's hand, and looked down to see it resting on their legs, and he reached over and held it with his own.
She didn't jump or budge at all, and he glanced over to see her eyelids fluttering, as she tried to keep them open. He smiled, as she finally gave in, and her head rolled over to rest on his shoulder.
"Too much wine?" Varric asked. "I thought after staying with Broody all this time, she wouldn't be such a lightweight."
"It was probably that shot of whiskey from your glass that started it," Isabela replied with a grin. "She never could handle the hard stuff."
"I should probably see her home," Hawke said, and he turned so that her head slid onto his chest. He let go of her hand, and picked her up gently, though her eyelids fluttered.
"Where goin?" she asked, her voice slurred by either the drink or sleep, or perhaps both, he wasn't certain.
"I'm taking you home," he answered softly, and the others stood as well.
"I can accompany you," Sebastian offered. "I'm headed the same direction."
"All right," Hawke replied.
"I'll go too," Anders said, and Hawke looked at him in question. "I'm staying there while Fenris is gone," he replied in explanation, picking up Hawke's cloak, and placing it in Cat's lap.
Hawke nodded, and began walking out, seeing that Aveline and Merrill were also leaving. He hated to break up the group, but it was getting pretty late, and Maker knew Cat was needing to sleep.
"So Cat asked you to stay with her?" Sebastian asked Anders. Hawke could see that he wasn't actually interested, he was just making small talk, as he set out at a fairly brisk pace.
"Fenris actually, after she first moved in" Anders replied, looking back over at Cat. "He said it would make him feel more at ease to know she wasn't alone whenever he was gone."
"That seems odd," Sebastian replied bluntly.
"I suppose it may seem that way, to you," Anders said in annoyance.
"I didn't mean any offense," Sebastian retorted. "It was the logical assumption, seeing that the two of you can hardly stand each other."
"I can understand the assumption," Anders replied tersely. "But one thing we can always agree on is Cat's safety and happiness. I may not agree with Fenris on most things, but he is a good friend to Cat, and he feels the same about me."
"Hmm," Sebastian conceded with a nod, returning to his thoughts. They continued to walk, though the pace had slowed slightly so Hawke could keep up.
"I can take her if you need a break," Anders told Hawke who just shook his head.
"She's hardly a burden, especially without the armor and weapons."
"You'd be surprised," Anders replied with a smirk. "I saw her put at least five daggers on before we left."
Hawke chuckled, and he heard Cat give a sleepy sigh, snuggling closer to him, grabbing his cloak like a pillow. He shifted her weight, readjusting his hold, which brought her higher, her face now in the crook of his neck. He felt her move about a little until she found a spot that didn't put her face into his beard.
"Tickles," he heard her say, and he chuckled again. She gave another mumble, rubbing his chest as she moved her hand up to hold on around his neck, and he groaned inwardly. If he didn't know better, he'd have thought she was trying to torture him.
They continued on in silence, giving farewells near the chantry as Sebastian left them. Hawke needed to readjust every so often, which kept Cat from falling completely asleep, though he enjoyed the little noises of protest she made whenever it seemed she was moving away from him.
"Sorry, but you would have found out eventually how she likes to cuddle," Anders said, as they moved on toward Cat's home.
Hawke glanced at him with a smirk. "Can't say I mind, really."
Anders chuckled. "True, she's pretty good at it."
"How good?" Hawke replied, and Anders looked over in amusement at the tone. He could tell Hawke was trying to keep the question light, but he heard the steel behind it.
"The absolute best," he said with a smile, enjoying the cross look on Hawke's face. "Though you have absolutely nothing to worry about."
"Nothing to worry about?" Hawke replied, a bit sarcastic. "When she sleeps in the same bed with a man that's known to sleep naked? And she likes to cuddle…" he blew a breath out, keeping himself from getting worked up and waking her. "Why would I worry?" he asked.
Anders laughed joyously, only laughing more at Hawke's annoyed glare. Seeing Cat shift again, he put put his hand over his mouth until he could calm down.
"I tried that same move, a long time ago," he finally said, and Hawke looked at him in confusion. "Stealing a kiss," he explained. "I don't know how much you know about her, but our Cat isn't exactly able to read the subtle clues when it comes to others' interest in her."
"I'd say I understand that," Hawke replied with a chuckle.
"Yes well, apparently, Isabela had been telling her for so long that she belonged with Fenris," he continued. "I mean, we all saw how quickly they bonded, which was especially shocking because it was Fenris…"
"The point, Anders?" Hawke asked with a look.
"The point is," he replied with an eye roll, "is that she decided to do something about it, and kissed Fenris."
"Oh really?" Hawke replied hotly.
"Yes, and upon hearing that later, I grabbed her and kissed her."
Hawke stopped, glaring at Anders, who chuckled again. "I can admit freely, that I think nothing but the best of Cat," Anders said, giving Hawke a shrug. "And until the moment that I kissed her, I thought she was the perfect woman for me."
"And then?" Hawke replied, uncertain of how he felt at those words.
"And then I pushed her away," Anders said, and Hawke looked at him in surprise. Anders smiled. "It was like kissing my mother," he said, and Hawke's eyes went wide before he started laughing.
"Needless to say, that my thoughts concerning Cat changed that very moment."
"And what did she say to that?" Hawke asked, as he adjusted his hold and they started walking again.
"Basically threatened me if I ever tried it again," Anders replied with a smirk. "She also told me the experience was similar between her and Fenris."
"Hmm," Hawke murmured in a non-committal manner.
"I watched as she missed interest all around her, until a few weeks ago, someone else stole a kiss…" Anders said, his eyes warm. "And she didn't pull away or threaten bodily harm afterward..." His smile grew. "Just blushed a lot."
He reached out, to open the door as they had reached the mansion. He turned back to look at Hawke, before he could enter. "Don't screw it up this time," he said, and gestured him inside.