[ But she gasps sharply at the onslaught, thrashing wildly and trying very hard to get away from him. Unfortunately, he's stronger and bigger and hovering over her like a horrible tickle-golemn and she can't speak but for laughing. ]
Cullen - I didn't - Stop that!
[ But his arms are occupied, so despite the horrible sensation he's inflicting on her, she uses the opportunity to smack him in the side of the head with the pillow she'd grabbed before. All the while, she's laughing, writhing, seemingly unable to avoid wandering, mischievous fingers. ]
Remember that I brought you... safely here, I was... only looking out for you!
[ dAMMIT MAN how do you know all of her weak spots?? ]
[ His laughter is bright and warm, genuine as she starts writhing and giggling from beneath him, finally having mercy and relenting in the torture, despite the fact that she'd just hit him in the head. He'll get vengeance for that one later, perhaps. ]
Is that your account on what happened? Safely, is it?
If not - If not for me - [ Cecily has to catch her breath as he lets up, curling a bit beneath him, giving him a scathing look from where she lies ] Then you might be out on the battlements! What if Varric had found you? Or Sera?
[ HE WOULD BE WORSE OFF that's what ]
You are supremely ungrateful. [ OH NO but she's grinning again, expression softening, warming. She reaches up to pluck at his chin, thumb ghosting across the stubble there. ]
[ He doesn't buy that scathing look for even so much as a second, his grin lingering as he lifts a hand to cup it against hers, holding her palm close against his cheek. ]
On the contrary, my lady. I am extremely grateful. Although there's only one thing I can think of that would have made waking up in my own bed of a pillow fort better this morning.
The smile reaches up to her cheeks; it's hard to act aloof with him, teasing or no. In the time she's spent as the Herald, as the Inquisitor, Cecily has found strength and support in a number of places. The others were all brilliant, kept her afloat in their own ways in all of the many times of trouble.
But, Cullen... well, she hadn't expect to find any kind of romantic relationships within the Inquisition, let alone with the Commander.
She clears her throat lightly, feigning ignorance. ]
Could it be reports of successful missions on your desk? Or is it just that you seem to suffer no ill effects of whatever it is that happened last night?
[ He actually is a little hungover, but the ache in his temples is a passing thing, and so much less than what he judges true misery by. He very rarely indulges in anything these days, but last night had been a celebration, and a special occasion.
....That and he suspected Dorian had kept his tankard refilled when he wasn't looking. ]
No, neither of those. Although I am sure, with the position of the sun, my desk may already be well and truly on it's way to buried. The other... you sound jealous of that, my lady. Are you, perhaps, feeling your own ill effects from last night?
Only the ill effect of having slept on the floor. [ To demonstrate, she cracks her neck, wincing. It hadn't been that bad, really; she'd had one of the pillows and most of the experience had been lost to hazy, drunken sleep. What's left of the night's events is a sort of fuzz in her brain and a throb in her head, but both are manageable.
Particularly at this moment, when she's... distracted. ]
Well, then, I have no answer to your question. You may as well just tell me, else I'll be here all day trying to guess.
Because I didn't have the prescence of mind to climb down the ladder... or, really, maybe the reason I didn't try it was because I did have enough...?
[ She blinks, quirking a brow with an intrigued sort of smile, but she acquiesces, lazily moving to her stomach, stretching languidly and casting him a faintly impish look over her shoulder. ]
[ He gives her backside a playful smack for that before shifting to kneel beside her, reaching out with strong hands and calloused fingertips to start kneading gently at her shoulders, working out the knots of tension lingering in her muscles with a steady, practiced hand. ]
There was plenty of room in the bed, you realize. Or there was, until you tried to smother me in pillows, I would assume.
Hey! [ She laughs, but before she can launch a counterattack, he puts his hands against her back, rolling at her tensed shoulders. Cecily hitches her breath, somehow surprised, but melts gradually into his touch. ]
You - mmph. [ Maker. How did he get to be so good at this? ] I - What? Yes, I did, only... I don't know, clearly I didn't know what I was doing.
[ Her mind's a bit far gone right now; she stretches, cat-like, grateful for what he's doing. She clearly keeps enormous tension and it shows in her neck and shoulders, as he'll notice. ]
Honestly, it wasn't much. [ And that's why it's so embarrassing, dammit. ] It's just that I don't... overindulge very often, and I suppose I was caught up in things, and... well, you know. The pillow fort and all that.
[ She inhales sharply as he kneads at a particularly sensitive knot. ]
But it's good to know that if I'm ever out of sorts that I might stay here rather than attempt the climb up to my quarters...
[ His voice is fond and gentle and there's the faintest hint of a chuckle in the sound as he takes care with that knot, attention fully focused on her reactions letting that guide him on where to press and what to focus on.
Having her melt into a puddle in his bed is certainly a nice side effect. ]
I - [ And she casts him a little, demure look over her shoulder. It isn't teasing, really; their relationship is beyond complicated, what with everything going on, and while she's a woman who speaks her mind, she's taken care to tread lightly with all things Commander Cullen. ]
... Yes, well, I'll know from now on. [ There are tiny red spots at the height of her cheeks as she turns again, allowing herself to relax into his touch. ] I may have known before, it's just... you know. I wouldn't want to assume.
Please, Inquisitor. [ His voice is soft and husky as his fingers slide up to the nape of her neck, finding warm skin exposed above her collar. Calloused fingertips brush there a moment before giving her neck a gentle squeeze. ] In this matter, you are welcome to assume.
[ The squeeze bites at the sore muscles in her neck and she winces, but it's for the best and then she relaxes. The contact warms her from the outside while their light-toned, but intimate conversation warms her from the inside. ]
Then, if you insist... [ She curls onto her side, reaching up to wrap her hand around his fingers. ] I'll try and visit more often without the excuse of having smothered you in pillows the night before.
[ When she curls on her side, he stretches out beside her, facing her, letting his arm slide to wrap about her waist as he makes himself comfortable once again. It's rare to see him out of his armor, but he's in a simple tunic and breeches he'd worn to the tavern the night before, meaning he can tuck her in against him. He props his head on his arm as he smiles down at her. ]
Much. [ She agrees, hand ghosting across his chest and over his shoulder to settle at the base of his neck. ] I'm certainly glad you tricked me so thoroughly into coming up here.
[ Har har. Her lip curls into a tight grin and she shifts just so that their foreheads touch gently where they lie. ]
And that was very much appreciated; I hadn't realized how awful my shoulders felt until you ravaged them.
Ravaged? Is that what I just did? [ His smile is fond and indulgent as he bumps his forehead against hers and lifts a hand to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. ] And I'm certainly glad I did as well. How long do you think we can get away with hiding up here?
That's what it felt like. [ She presses her forehead to his in return, eyes fluttering shut briefly, smile growing. ] I... think it rather matters on how badly you'd like to do paperwork.
[ And she knows it'll be on his mind, the worker bee that he is. She admires him for it; his and the others' constant push toward improving the Inquisition, to working for their cause, only adds fuel to the fire of her own determination. ]
I think I would put it somewhere between "longer than a moment" and "not forever?"
How much I like doing paperwork remains about the same on any given day - namely not at all. [ His words are drawled, gentle sarcasm, as he lets his hand continue in its light exploration, tangling lightly in her hair for a moment. ] Unfortunately your other two advisers seem to thrive on the stuff.
[ He leans in then, brushing his lips against hers in a chaste whisper of contact, his eyes dark and warm and locked on her face. ] I see. And what end of the spectrum are we leaning towards?
Well, then, as I prefer for my advisers to be as happy as possible, you may want to stay here for a while, at least.
[ Maybe she'll start sneaking more nightly visits. What are the chances she pulls it off without the entirety of Skyhold seeing?? ]
Josie most of all. [ Writing letters, always writing. When she isn't writing, she's talking. Cecily imagines the woman gets exactly no sleep. And Leliana... is perhaps the most enigmatic of them all and knows everything about anyone with seemingly no effort.
Instigated by his gesture, she chuckles shortly, softly, and then closes the distance again. It's more contact than his kiss, one that lingers and seems to brim with the warmth of everything he's brought to her life. ]
Oh, I really don't like either. They're both so finite.
[ And to put an end to anything between them makes her feel petulant and rebellious, a child unwilling to part with the experiences that make her happiest. Most at peace. ]
[ His self-restraint is only so strong, and the brush of her lips in response to his is what has him sliding his arms around her to draw her closer against his chest. One hand lifts to tangle fingers in her hair, cupping lightly at the back of her head as he kisses her again, deeper this time. His movements are still slow, almost languorous, indulging in this precious few moments of stolen time and just as selfish in refusing to let it go while he has it. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ His smirk turns sly at that, because he's caught her and now there are Consequences to be had.
Namely the fact that he starts seeking out her ticklish spots a moment later. ]
no subject
[ But she gasps sharply at the onslaught, thrashing wildly and trying very hard to get away from him. Unfortunately, he's stronger and bigger and hovering over her like a horrible tickle-golemn and she can't speak but for laughing. ]
Cullen - I didn't - Stop that!
[ But his arms are occupied, so despite the horrible sensation he's inflicting on her, she uses the opportunity to smack him in the side of the head with the pillow she'd grabbed before. All the while, she's laughing, writhing, seemingly unable to avoid wandering, mischievous fingers. ]
Remember that I brought you... safely here, I was... only looking out for you!
[ dAMMIT MAN how do you know all of her weak spots?? ]
no subject
Is that your account on what happened? Safely, is it?
no subject
[ HE WOULD BE WORSE OFF that's what ]
You are supremely ungrateful. [ OH NO but she's grinning again, expression softening, warming. She reaches up to pluck at his chin, thumb ghosting across the stubble there. ]
no subject
On the contrary, my lady. I am extremely grateful. Although there's only one thing I can think of that would have made waking up in my own bed of a pillow fort better this morning.
no subject
The smile reaches up to her cheeks; it's hard to act aloof with him, teasing or no. In the time she's spent as the Herald, as the Inquisitor, Cecily has found strength and support in a number of places. The others were all brilliant, kept her afloat in their own ways in all of the many times of trouble.
But, Cullen... well, she hadn't expect to find any kind of romantic relationships within the Inquisition, let alone with the Commander.
She clears her throat lightly, feigning ignorance. ]
Could it be reports of successful missions on your desk? Or is it just that you seem to suffer no ill effects of whatever it is that happened last night?
no subject
....That and he suspected Dorian had kept his tankard refilled when he wasn't looking. ]
No, neither of those. Although I am sure, with the position of the sun, my desk may already be well and truly on it's way to buried. The other... you sound jealous of that, my lady. Are you, perhaps, feeling your own ill effects from last night?
no subject
Particularly at this moment, when she's... distracted. ]
Well, then, I have no answer to your question. You may as well just tell me, else I'll be here all day trying to guess.
[ And that would just be horrible, wouldn't it? ]
no subject
And there you have it. Why in the Maker's name would you have slept on the floor?
Roll over. [ He commands her a moment later, making a circular motion with his finger to accompany the order. ]
no subject
[ She blinks, quirking a brow with an intrigued sort of smile, but she acquiesces, lazily moving to her stomach, stretching languidly and casting him a faintly impish look over her shoulder. ]
Woof. [ She admits, lip curling to a smirk. ]
no subject
There was plenty of room in the bed, you realize. Or there was, until you tried to smother me in pillows, I would assume.
no subject
You - mmph. [ Maker. How did he get to be so good at this? ] I - What? Yes, I did, only... I don't know, clearly I didn't know what I was doing.
[ Her mind's a bit far gone right now; she stretches, cat-like, grateful for what he's doing. She clearly keeps enormous tension and it shows in her neck and shoulders, as he'll notice. ]
no subject
Perhaps I should be asking how much you had to drink last night?
no subject
[ She inhales sharply as he kneads at a particularly sensitive knot. ]
But it's good to know that if I'm ever out of sorts that I might stay here rather than attempt the climb up to my quarters...
no subject
[ His voice is fond and gentle and there's the faintest hint of a chuckle in the sound as he takes care with that knot, attention fully focused on her reactions letting that guide him on where to press and what to focus on.
Having her melt into a puddle in his bed is certainly a nice side effect. ]
no subject
... Yes, well, I'll know from now on. [ There are tiny red spots at the height of her cheeks as she turns again, allowing herself to relax into his touch. ] I may have known before, it's just... you know. I wouldn't want to assume.
no subject
no subject
Then, if you insist... [ She curls onto her side, reaching up to wrap her hand around his fingers. ] I'll try and visit more often without the excuse of having smothered you in pillows the night before.
[ A perfectly good excuse, she thinks. ]
no subject
[ When she curls on her side, he stretches out beside her, facing her, letting his arm slide to wrap about her waist as he makes himself comfortable once again. It's rare to see him out of his armor, but he's in a simple tunic and breeches he'd worn to the tavern the night before, meaning he can tuck her in against him. He props his head on his arm as he smiles down at her. ]
See? Much better.
no subject
[ Har har. Her lip curls into a tight grin and she shifts just so that their foreheads touch gently where they lie. ]
And that was very much appreciated; I hadn't realized how awful my shoulders felt until you ravaged them.
no subject
no subject
[ And she knows it'll be on his mind, the worker bee that he is. She admires him for it; his and the others' constant push toward improving the Inquisition, to working for their cause, only adds fuel to the fire of her own determination. ]
I think I would put it somewhere between "longer than a moment" and "not forever?"
no subject
[ He leans in then, brushing his lips against hers in a chaste whisper of contact, his eyes dark and warm and locked on her face. ] I see. And what end of the spectrum are we leaning towards?
no subject
[ Maybe she'll start sneaking more nightly visits. What are the chances she pulls it off without the entirety of Skyhold seeing?? ]
Josie most of all. [ Writing letters, always writing. When she isn't writing, she's talking. Cecily imagines the woman gets exactly no sleep. And Leliana... is perhaps the most enigmatic of them all and knows everything about anyone with seemingly no effort.
Instigated by his gesture, she chuckles shortly, softly, and then closes the distance again. It's more contact than his kiss, one that lingers and seems to brim with the warmth of everything he's brought to her life. ]
Oh, I really don't like either. They're both so finite.
[ And to put an end to anything between them makes her feel petulant and rebellious, a child unwilling to part with the experiences that make her happiest. Most at peace. ]
no subject
[ His self-restraint is only so strong, and the brush of her lips in response to his is what has him sliding his arms around her to draw her closer against his chest. One hand lifts to tangle fingers in her hair, cupping lightly at the back of her head as he kisses her again, deeper this time. His movements are still slow, almost languorous, indulging in this precious few moments of stolen time and just as selfish in refusing to let it go while he has it. ]
Most things are, my lady.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)