The Chargers were back at Skyhold after a week-long mission that had taken them clear out to the Antivan border, a job separate from the Inquisition's dealings that The Iron Bull had taken for incredibly handsome pay, after making absolutely sure that it wouldn't have any impact on the Inquisition. But now they were home, looking no worse for wear, toting a wagon full of casks that they were telling anyone that would listen were full of whiskey.
But things were amiss. They were short a man, and nothing about the way they conducted themselves made it seem like something bad had happened. They were just suddenly one fewer than normal.
Another week, and still their Lieutenant hadn't come back. None of the Chargers said a damn thing when questioned on the whereabouts of one Cremisius Aclassi, even redirecting the conversation when someone would get insistent. There wasn't much point in poking around in any of their heads either, as none of them knew for sure where he'd gone or why. All they seemed to know was that he would be back sooner or later.
Another week, and the Inquisitor had decided to go to the Frostback Basin to learn what he could about Inquisitor Ameridan. This left Skyhold fairly empty, left the civilians to their own devices, nobody any the wiser save for the occasional reports that the Inquisitor sent back about what he was learning.
Krem's return to the fortress was without fanfare, literal or otherwise. He simply trudged across the bridge that led inside from the mountains, a sack slung over his back with his maul, which looked to have been cleaned, repaired and even upgraded, materials-wise. It was so early in the morning that it was still dark, giving him the chance to get to his quarters without interference, and as he passed through the tavern on his way there, he was entirely focused on finding his way to his bed. He ached all over, a bone-deep soreness that blotted out more specific hurts, and the moment his door was closed and locked behind him, he sank onto his bed with a deep groan, falling slowly onto his side and using one hand to start unbuckling his harness and armor, letting it all clatter on the floor without a single thought regarding the noise. He only sat back up to strip off his leathers, then rolled over to face the wall, blanket pulled over his head, almost instantly asleep.
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Date: 2015-10-04 08:05 am (UTC)From:The walk back to Krem's room was quiet, which suited Cole fine. He listened around him, but there was nothing that needed him so he stayed with Krem.
The nudge and kiss caught Cole by surprise, but he smiled at it and leaned in to give a kiss of his own in return. "I... missed you too."
That was what it was. When he kept going to go find Krem, only to realise Krem wasn't there. That was missing him.
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Date: 2015-10-04 10:17 am (UTC)From:Krem's grin softened some. He was growing to enjoy the way Cole reacted whenever he learned something new. He wasn't a jealous person either, and would encourage Cole's friendships where he could find them. If he could help the other's growth into something more, better than he was, he would absolutely do so.
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Date: 2015-10-04 10:28 am (UTC)From:"I don't kiss other people," Cole clarified suddenly. "I haven't kissed anyone else... ever. Not as this Cole."
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Date: 2015-10-04 10:41 am (UTC)From:"I'm not worried about that. I don't see why you would suddenly start locking lips with other people to begin with." Hell, he could barely see why Cole would do so with him. He wasn't exactly the most inclined being toward physical affection. There was an uncomfortable notion creeping up in the back of his mind that Cole was only doing it because he knew that Krem wanted or liked it.
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Date: 2015-10-04 10:52 am (UTC)From:Krem's lips were slightly rough from the dry, cold weather and eating bread. Cole didn't mind in the slightest. "I kissed you because I wanted to. I don't know why I wanted to. I just thought it would be nice. We're both... disconnected in our own bodies. You're kind, and you have a sweet voice and strong arms. I like those, too.
"But I wouldn't kiss anyone else just because of that. I don't feel the same way about anyone else.
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Date: 2015-10-04 12:02 pm (UTC)From:"I'd apologize for whatever you pick up from me, but it's not something that will change. I want to keep doing this with you, whatever it is. I...I'd like to keep you, with me. Safe. Not in danger of being manipulated or used to some purpose that you don't choose. But I don't want you feeling some kind of obligation toward me either. Not when you're becoming your own person and learning...everything."
Krem's hand ran back through his hair, scratching some at the back of his head as he tried to make his thoughts come out of his mouth coherently, as much for his own benefit as for Cole's. It was weird, and he wasn't used to doing or saying things like this.
"Shit..." Feelings were hard.
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Date: 2015-10-04 12:13 pm (UTC)From:He started petting Krem's hand, watching it instead of Krem's face as he listened, head drifting softly from side to side in a slow motion. "I know when people mean me harm. Or want to manipulate me. It screams from them, from their hearts."
He lifted the hand he held, pressing Krem's knuckles to his own brow, eyes closed. "Feelings are simple. Communication is hard, for mortals. As mortals. Why would I feel obligated towards you?"
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Date: 2015-10-04 12:38 pm (UTC)From:His hand flattened on Cole's cheek, thumb stroking over his temple. "In all honesty, I'd rather you dismiss all this as the paranoia of a man that's never been in a relationship before."
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Date: 2015-10-04 12:43 pm (UTC)From:"I don't know how to lie down with someone, but I can learn." He leaned his face into the hand on his cheek, letting his head go heavy and trusting Krem would support it.
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Date: 2015-10-04 01:06 pm (UTC)From:"It's just like laying down by yourself. Here." He scooted back on the bed to make an open space there for Cole to rest, then eased himself down onto his side, propped up by his elbow. "Now you."
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Date: 2015-10-04 01:24 pm (UTC)From:He leaned forward as he was drawn. "I don't lie down by myself, either. I don't have a bed. I don't need it."
He lay down, then sat up and took off his hat and set is aside before lying down again. And then instinct kicked in and he curled an arm under his head like a pillow, drawing one knee to his chest, the other stretched out.
"Cole lay down."
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Date: 2015-10-04 10:41 pm (UTC)From:As soon as Cole had gotten comfortable, Krem's arm sneaked over him, coming to rest over his middle, fingers curling inward to catch the front of his shirt. His chest still ached like it was bruised, but this was good. He was pleased, and he let out a content little huff against the back of Cole's neck. Sentimental, sappy, Bull's voice laughed in his head. He just stuck his mental tongue at it and squeezed Cole a little bit closer.
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Date: 2015-10-05 01:11 am (UTC)From:"I think... maybe Cole did this before." He couldn't find a specific memory, but that would explain a lot. "I like your breath. It's warm."
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Date: 2015-10-05 03:42 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-05 03:45 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-05 03:59 am (UTC)From:After a couple of seconds he put his head back down.
"Next time there's a chance to go, we can find a bed for you, if you would want one. Somewhere comfortable and warm for you to go when you want quiet."
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Date: 2015-10-05 04:07 am (UTC)From:"But I can come here if I want to lie in a bed. I can't take a bed from someone who needs one."
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Date: 2015-10-05 05:00 am (UTC)From:"Glad you know you can come here whenever you like, but you should still have a space of your own. Everyone I've ever known has had something like that."
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Date: 2015-10-05 05:25 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-05 05:48 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2015-10-05 05:54 am (UTC)From:Anyway. It was nice. Comfortable.
Safe.
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Date: 2015-10-05 08:47 am (UTC)From:He took a seat on one of the low walls around the inner garden, surveying the silent grounds, glancing around when he heard a commotion barreling straight toward him. The Chargers, having been waiting for the right moment to descend upon him, rushed the garden and Krem had to stand and brace himself. He couldn't help the sudden yelp upon being lifted off the ground, kicking at the air and shoving on Bull's face until he was put down again.
Brief words were exchanged, then Krem's shirt pulled to one side to show his bare shoulder, making them all aware of what he'd gone and done. He smacked a few hands that went to poke his tender chest, then shooed them off to the Herald's Rest. On the walk there, he sent out a brief mental missive in case Cole might pick it up, something to let him know where he would be for...probably the rest of the evening. That would give Cole plenty of chance to do whatever he needed to.
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Date: 2015-10-06 12:23 am (UTC)From:When he made it back to the Herald's Rest, Maryden was already singing–Sera was going to break her lute if she sang Sera Never Was again–and the Chargers were in their corner, drinking and talking loudly.
He paused nearby, not sure if he should try and join them.
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Date: 2015-10-06 04:48 am (UTC)From:"No room for wallflowers here," he said with a grin, sneaking an arm around Cole's back and drawing him into the fold. Bull was grinning at the two of them, and there were multiple raised eyebrows from the rest of the Chargers.
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Date: 2015-10-06 08:10 am (UTC)From:(no subject)
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