[ he echoes the laugh, thinking of reserved commander cullen tripping over his own feet. ] I'll bet he'd get emotional, too. He's so easily flustered as it is. [ at least.. he is in the time mahanon knows him. he has no idea how much he's changed in two years. ]
.. Please. If a demon or darkspawn didn't get most of them, a bear would. It's best if these people stay right here in the comforts of this world. [ though he could do with a little more of their open-mindedness at home.
anyway. ] Their name is Bel! [ actually, he never did ask about bel's pronouns.. it just hadn't come up, exactly. 'their' it is until he knows better. ] They're a.. space-mercenary. They were interested in meeting you, and I think the two of you will get along.
[ he makes a musing noise. ] .. It'd be interesting to see. They're definitely more powerful than a bow. I'm not sure I'd want any of our people to gain any weapon that they could then turn against another person, though. The people of Thedas are already too skilled in killing one another.
[ it's exhausting just thinking about the tangled mess, and how often the inquisition's stepped in to straighten problems out. what's going to happen once the inquisition's outlived its purpose..?
a problem for another time. ]
They just arrived. --Tall, human, short dark hair. Athletic-looking. Very attractive, good smile.
Ugh, shit. You're right. Bad enough with people running around trying to copy gaatlok, and whatever the hell the dwarves've got.
[They really don't need any more creative ways to murder people in Thedas, it's true. As entertaining as seeing one of the little firearms in Sera's grasp would be.]
[His eyebrows raise a bit higher. He keeps his tone even and light. As usual. Because, for once, the great People Reader Iron Bull isn't entirely sure to make of that description.]
[And doesn't like that weird uncertainty.]
Oh? Attractive, huh? That why you're pointing 'em my way?
[ the mention of gaatlok and other weapons is forgotten at the last bit. ] .. Oh! No, I-- [ now he's getting a little flustered. ] I mean, I wouldn't-- If that's what you wanted, I wouldn't.. stop you or anything. It's not as if we're-- At least, I.. [ mother mythal, save him. he's not even sure what he's saying at this point. ]
Um. No. I just.. they're nice, and I think it'd be fun for all of us to go out and have a drink.
[ a longer pause, then he flicks the video on at last, because this feels like it's turning into a conversation that deserves face-to-face. his ears are red, and the blush is starting to stain the rest of his face, but he hopes he doesn't look as weirdly nervous as he feels. ]
.. Do you.. want me to point people your way.. like that?
[Ahhh... shit. This would be a lot easier if they were talking this out in person. Then at least, he could read the situation more clearly. Read the boss more clearly.]
[But it's private, if nothing else.]
Ah, got it. I'd be fine with that.
[And suddenly, there's the question. The one he doesn't know how to answer.]
This is just as much about you as me. [ he shifts in his chair, curling himself into it and reaching up to fussily tuck a few strands of hair behind an ear. ]
I-- I don't just go to bed with anyone, you know. [ he glances back up, face still nearly as bright as his vallaslin, pale eyes a little nervous despite himself. ] .. I suppose.. that is, if you want it to be casual, that's fine with me. But if you want.. something more than casual.. that-- I'd like that, too.
Hey, you know me. I'm Qunari, we're all about casual.
[Hah. You know, one of these days, he's going to stop living up to that name. To Hissrad. It'd be nice.]
[He nods, though, in understanding, his tone shifting to something more serious. And, more importantly, honest.] I didn't figure you for the kind of person who did. I take that seriously.
Which is why I figure... it's best to ask you what you want out of this. Me? I'm the Iron Bull -- casual doesn't bother me any. [There's a hesitation. Sharpened teeth pricking at a lip.]
[Neither does serious is what he wants to say. But that is the problem, isn't it? Because the last time anything got serious, it might as well have scarred as bad as his eye. Because the last time it went beyond a few fun nights, an unopened box wrapped in red paper got buried in the back of his closet.]
[He shakes his head, instead. He knows all the things he should say. That it was nice to just see the great Inquisitor unwind, that it was good to be wit someone from home, and he wants to help in the only way the Iron Bull knows how.]
You'd like it.
But what do you want, boss?
[Because, maybe, in some way, he'd finally fucking figure out what he wants, in return.]
[ firmly: ] You're more than your race, Bull, and you're certainly more than what the Qun made you. [ and that's really part of what confuses him about.. the two of them. bull's been away from the qun long enough to want other things, but he still won't just.. say that. and mahanon knows it's going to take time--maybe he'll never be able to open up completely--but it does make this nerve-wrecking.
he knows what this is going to do.. in the end. in the end, when they go back to their respective versions of thedas, this is going to hurt. if he says right now that he wants anything other than an occasional night, eventually, it's going to hurt him very, very badly, because he's going to go back and watch bull and dorian work things out between them. and even if he doesn't remember, there's always going to be something there that aches.
he glances down at the anchor, rubs his thumb over the mark.
to hell with it. he's used to a little pain. ]
.. I want to try. [ he finally glances back up again, pale eyes serious, determined. ] I want to see where it goes. [ a pause, and more softly: ] I don't want you to agree, though, if you're only doing it because it's what I want.
[Because it's thirty years under the Qun, versus a year or so here. A lot to undo. A lot to unlearn. And when things start to seem better with those restrictions -- because things hurt less, you don't get attached.]
[He'd like to reach out and catch up that hand. Squeeze it. Like that pressure is going to make the mark or anchor or whatever the fuck it's called fade away. Regardless of whatever this ends up being, he won't deny he cares about the man called the Inquisitor.]
[Maybe he has for a long damn time.]
[The big head ducks.] Shit, this is why I don't do the heart-to-heart crap... [A hand rubbed down his face.] You know if I don't wanna do something, there's nothing on earth or Thedas or the Fade or where the fuck ever that's going to make me.
[ he watches bull duck his head, and has the brief and nearly overwhelming urge to reach out, curl him close to his chest. this is-- whatever it is-- it's hard for bull, isn't it? not just because of his life under the qun, but maybe for a lot of reasons. and he's trying, gods, it's so obvious that he's tangled up and trying to work through.. this.
his chest feels tight, and for a moment, it's all he can do to take in a shuddering breath. after a few moments, he even manages a crooked, teasing smile. ]
I don't know. Sometimes you can be a dummy about things, for all that training of yours. [ his expression softens fondly, then, and he leans in, flicking a finger at the camera as if it's bull's brow. despite himself, his ears are still red at the points. ] It's too bad we're in different cities right now. I'd really like to kiss you.
[Life and sex and romance is always so much easier when the other person is the one getting tied up. When there are clear lines in the sand. Metaphoric and literal. Before he ever got attached.]
[If he never had, then... fuck, this would be easy. This would be so easy. Living in this fucking house with all these fucking memories wouldn't be a problem. Because there wouldn't be any of said memories.]
That's why people seem to like me. I look big and dumb. [Some of the tension in that face eases, something like a smile flickering at the corners of his mouth.] That's why they've got the teleporters, boss.
[ this is slightly more solid ground for him (for both of them). he knows they still have a great deal to talk about and work through, and at some point mahanon really needs to let bull know that he hasn't been with anyone like this in years, but this is weirdly comforting. just because some things are changing doesn't mean that everything is.
the last comment earns a swift grin. ] You just have to be a smartass. [ still, he's unfolding himself from his chair. ] You're not busy, right?
[As he laughs. And it feels good to. After muddling through all that heavy crap -- even a little -- it feels good. He didn't really want to touch all that crap anyway. Nothing good came from it. It never did.]
Is that what it is? [ his brows arch imperiously, amusement threatening his mouth again. ] You seem to have a lot of charming parts.
[ his ears go a little pink again at his own comment, and he clears his throat, disappearing from the frame as he gets his coat and shoes. ] Don't move a muscle, then. [ he ducks half into the frame again, braid and part of his face swinging into view from above. ] .. Well, maybe you can move a little. I'll be there soon. [ a quick smile, and he ends the feed. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Yeah, seriously. Makes you wonder how people would survive in our time.
[His eyebrows raise. Almost audibly.]
Oh? Who would that be? And yeah, I'm good.
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.. Please. If a demon or darkspawn didn't get most of them, a bear would. It's best if these people stay right here in the comforts of this world. [ though he could do with a little more of their open-mindedness at home.
anyway. ] Their name is Bel! [ actually, he never did ask about bel's pronouns.. it just hadn't come up, exactly. 'their' it is until he knows better. ] They're a.. space-mercenary. They were interested in meeting you, and I think the two of you will get along.
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[He likes Cullen. And respects him. But that doesn't mean he's not going to poke a little fun here and there. Maybe more than a little.]
They've got their weapons -- those guns, for one. I'd like to see how darkspawn'd do up against that crap.
[Huh. He's not sure if he's heard that name here before. He rubs a hand down his chin, thoughtfully.] A space mercenary. Huh. What'd they look like?
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[ it's exhausting just thinking about the tangled mess, and how often the inquisition's stepped in to straighten problems out. what's going to happen once the inquisition's outlived its purpose..?
a problem for another time. ]
They just arrived. --Tall, human, short dark hair. Athletic-looking. Very attractive, good smile.
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[They really don't need any more creative ways to murder people in Thedas, it's true. As entertaining as seeing one of the little firearms in Sera's grasp would be.]
[His eyebrows raise a bit higher. He keeps his tone even and light. As usual. Because, for once, the great People Reader Iron Bull isn't entirely sure to make of that description.]
[And doesn't like that weird uncertainty.]
Oh? Attractive, huh? That why you're pointing 'em my way?
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Um. No. I just.. they're nice, and I think it'd be fun for all of us to go out and have a drink.
[ a longer pause, then he flicks the video on at last, because this feels like it's turning into a conversation that deserves face-to-face. his ears are red, and the blush is starting to stain the rest of his face, but he hopes he doesn't look as weirdly nervous as he feels. ]
.. Do you.. want me to point people your way.. like that?
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[But it's private, if nothing else.]
Ah, got it. I'd be fine with that.
[And suddenly, there's the question. The one he doesn't know how to answer.]
Hm. Isn't that something I should be asking you?
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I-- I don't just go to bed with anyone, you know. [ he glances back up, face still nearly as bright as his vallaslin, pale eyes a little nervous despite himself. ] .. I suppose.. that is, if you want it to be casual, that's fine with me. But if you want.. something more than casual.. that-- I'd like that, too.
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[Hah. You know, one of these days, he's going to stop living up to that name. To Hissrad. It'd be nice.]
[He nods, though, in understanding, his tone shifting to something more serious. And, more importantly, honest.] I didn't figure you for the kind of person who did. I take that seriously.
Which is why I figure... it's best to ask you what you want out of this. Me? I'm the Iron Bull -- casual doesn't bother me any. [There's a hesitation. Sharpened teeth pricking at a lip.]
[Neither does serious is what he wants to say. But that is the problem, isn't it? Because the last time anything got serious, it might as well have scarred as bad as his eye. Because the last time it went beyond a few fun nights, an unopened box wrapped in red paper got buried in the back of his closet.]
[He shakes his head, instead. He knows all the things he should say. That it was nice to just see the great Inquisitor unwind, that it was good to be wit someone from home, and he wants to help in the only way the Iron Bull knows how.]
You'd like it.
But what do you want, boss?
[Because, maybe, in some way, he'd finally fucking figure out what he wants, in return.]
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he knows what this is going to do.. in the end. in the end, when they go back to their respective versions of thedas, this is going to hurt. if he says right now that he wants anything other than an occasional night, eventually, it's going to hurt him very, very badly, because he's going to go back and watch bull and dorian work things out between them. and even if he doesn't remember, there's always going to be something there that aches.
he glances down at the anchor, rubs his thumb over the mark.
to hell with it. he's used to a little pain. ]
.. I want to try. [ he finally glances back up again, pale eyes serious, determined. ] I want to see where it goes. [ a pause, and more softly: ] I don't want you to agree, though, if you're only doing it because it's what I want.
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[Because it's thirty years under the Qun, versus a year or so here. A lot to undo. A lot to unlearn. And when things start to seem better with those restrictions -- because things hurt less, you don't get attached.]
[He'd like to reach out and catch up that hand. Squeeze it. Like that pressure is going to make the mark or anchor or whatever the fuck it's called fade away. Regardless of whatever this ends up being, he won't deny he cares about the man called the Inquisitor.]
[Maybe he has for a long damn time.]
[The big head ducks.] Shit, this is why I don't do the heart-to-heart crap... [A hand rubbed down his face.] You know if I don't wanna do something, there's nothing on earth or Thedas or the Fade or where the fuck ever that's going to make me.
Right?
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[ he watches bull duck his head, and has the brief and nearly overwhelming urge to reach out, curl him close to his chest. this is-- whatever it is-- it's hard for bull, isn't it? not just because of his life under the qun, but maybe for a lot of reasons. and he's trying, gods, it's so obvious that he's tangled up and trying to work through.. this.
his chest feels tight, and for a moment, it's all he can do to take in a shuddering breath. after a few moments, he even manages a crooked, teasing smile. ]
I don't know. Sometimes you can be a dummy about things, for all that training of yours. [ his expression softens fondly, then, and he leans in, flicking a finger at the camera as if it's bull's brow. despite himself, his ears are still red at the points. ] It's too bad we're in different cities right now. I'd really like to kiss you.
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[If he never had, then... fuck, this would be easy. This would be so easy. Living in this fucking house with all these fucking memories wouldn't be a problem. Because there wouldn't be any of said memories.]
That's why people seem to like me. I look big and dumb. [Some of the tension in that face eases, something like a smile flickering at the corners of his mouth.] That's why they've got the teleporters, boss.
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[ this is slightly more solid ground for him (for both of them). he knows they still have a great deal to talk about and work through, and at some point mahanon really needs to let bull know that he hasn't been with anyone like this in years, but this is weirdly comforting. just because some things are changing doesn't mean that everything is.
the last comment earns a swift grin. ] You just have to be a smartass. [ still, he's unfolding himself from his chair. ] You're not busy, right?
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[As he laughs. And it feels good to. After muddling through all that heavy crap -- even a little -- it feels good. He didn't really want to touch all that crap anyway. Nothing good came from it. It never did.]
[His eyebrows waggle.]
Not even a little, boss.
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[ his ears go a little pink again at his own comment, and he clears his throat, disappearing from the frame as he gets his coat and shoes. ] Don't move a muscle, then. [ he ducks half into the frame again, braid and part of his face swinging into view from above. ] .. Well, maybe you can move a little. I'll be there soon. [ a quick smile, and he ends the feed. ]