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[The text comes a few hours after their run-in at the Rubies safehouse, once Crowley is feeling sufficiently bad about how things went down.
He's spent that entire time imagining Aziraphale's looking at him all disappointed, which has made him more eager to rectify the situation.]
What's the name of that clinic your friend works at?
He's spent that entire time imagining Aziraphale's looking at him all disappointed, which has made him more eager to rectify the situation.]
What's the name of that clinic your friend works at?
[To say he's surprised to see this is understatement. It takes him a while to respond. The blasted little keys are so tiny, and his fingers are so not.]
Haven. It's in the Down.
Haven. It's in the Down.
[Continued from here.]
Pardon me for the cloak and dagger intrigue, but it is unwise to speak too freely in public on these devices.
Neria is my dearest friend. You are her countryman at least, but how do you know her?
Pardon me for the cloak and dagger intrigue, but it is unwise to speak too freely in public on these devices.
Neria is my dearest friend. You are her countryman at least, but how do you know her?
It's all right. I understand.
[But is she telling the truth? Until he can determine that, he decides it best to play it a little close to the vest.]
We lived in the same place for a couple of years, became friends then. After she left, we lost touch. It's not exactly easy to send letters reliably there.
[Not that he'd tried. ]
[But is she telling the truth? Until he can determine that, he decides it best to play it a little close to the vest.]
We lived in the same place for a couple of years, became friends then. After she left, we lost touch. It's not exactly easy to send letters reliably there.
[Not that he'd tried. ]
[Upon his return to the apartment, he finds the gift from Cullen on the bed. The message comes shortly after - ]
You shouldn't have. Really. But thank you.
[Presuming Cullen will know what he's thanking him for.]
Did you test the material yourself?
You shouldn't have. Really. But thank you.
[Presuming Cullen will know what he's thanking him for.]
Did you test the material yourself?
[The answer to the text comes quite a bit later.]
You're welcome.
I tested it in a manner of speaking. I was forced to use a soldier as a shield while another fired at me. Those pieces of lead are from that encounter.
I found you a fresh piece of armor. That one was a bloody mess. They protect against bullets, not against blades. My sword penetrated it easily.
You're welcome.
I tested it in a manner of speaking. I was forced to use a soldier as a shield while another fired at me. Those pieces of lead are from that encounter.
I found you a fresh piece of armor. That one was a bloody mess. They protect against bullets, not against blades. My sword penetrated it easily.
I fucked up
That's all there is to it
I thought I was giving an old friend the benefit of the doubt, but I was actually being taken for a fool
which is my fault. Neria and the others couldn't know what I didn't tell them
You were right. I'm sorry.
- Hawke
That's all there is to it
I thought I was giving an old friend the benefit of the doubt, but I was actually being taken for a fool
which is my fault. Neria and the others couldn't know what I didn't tell them
You were right. I'm sorry.
- Hawke
[He has typed and erased a dozen different responses to this before finally saying sod it and sending what he has.]
I didn't want to answer this at all. I'm still furious with you.
You can send Wuffles up if you want to.
Don't talk to me again until I come to you. It will blow over faster.
Piker.
I didn't want to answer this at all. I'm still furious with you.
You can send Wuffles up if you want to.
Don't talk to me again until I come to you. It will blow over faster.
Piker.
Edited 2019-10-08 15:25 (UTC)
((OOC: this is set after the dom/sub finder posts go up))
[she's sitting in her red velvet chair, but unlike the other times he's seen her, she looks uncertain. nervous. unsure of herself. so something is seriously off with her]
...um. If it's not too much to ask? I know we just met, but. Would you be willing to keep one submissive slot open? In case my current dominant doesn't want to renew?
[she's sitting in her red velvet chair, but unlike the other times he's seen her, she looks uncertain. nervous. unsure of herself. so something is seriously off with her]
...um. If it's not too much to ask? I know we just met, but. Would you be willing to keep one submissive slot open? In case my current dominant doesn't want to renew?
[He has looked better, a bit disheveled, but the dog is running around in the background and playing with some sort of stick, so maybe it's just that.]
I wish that I could tell you yes, but I believe I already have as much as I can take on at this time. I've made commitments.
It seemed you were in a decent enough situation. Surely you won't be put out?
I wish that I could tell you yes, but I believe I already have as much as I can take on at this time. I've made commitments.
It seemed you were in a decent enough situation. Surely you won't be put out?
How'd you like to grab a drink tonight? Without the charms, I think would be best
No offence, mate, but I'd rather not end up in bed with you
No offence, mate, but I'd rather not end up in bed with you
Believe me, none taken. The feeling is mutual.
Where and when? I'll be there.
Where and when? I'll be there.
Cullen, I, ah...
[There's a long pause before Anderson continues.]
Things with the charms seem to be winding down, so I'm hoping I've caught you at a time you're without one. I wanted to apologise for what occurred while I was wearing the blue charm. I hope I didn't do anything you found too repellent, but I'd understand if you don't wish to maintain our friendship after everything that happened.
[There's a long pause before Anderson continues.]
Things with the charms seem to be winding down, so I'm hoping I've caught you at a time you're without one. I wanted to apologise for what occurred while I was wearing the blue charm. I hope I didn't do anything you found too repellent, but I'd understand if you don't wish to maintain our friendship after everything that happened.
[Fortunately, he has caught him at one of the few times he's not wearing, sitting on the couch scratching his dog and relaxing. He tenses a little, having to think about what he wants to say and how to say it before replying.]
From what I've come to understand of these things, none of us are fully in control of ourselves or what we do when we wear them. It would be...uncharitable of me to hold that against you.
I do think we should talk in person, ah...without charms. I could come to the church when it's convenient.
From what I've come to understand of these things, none of us are fully in control of ourselves or what we do when we wear them. It would be...uncharitable of me to hold that against you.
I do think we should talk in person, ah...without charms. I could come to the church when it's convenient.
[Jon's not one for in-person gifts. Or... telling people that gifts are from him. So, Cullen will simply receive a wrapped package outside his residence that contains fancy paw balm and some dog treats. No note accompanies it. Merry Mysterious Christmas.]
[Cullen and Blade both are delighted with the gift. Cullen has no idea who may have sent it even with wracking his brain for who it seems like. The mabari might have picked out the scent of the giver if Jon touched it, but it's not as though he can tell anyone!]
[ And Cullen will get a gift back, a book. It's one of poetry, and he's annotated some of the poems, writing brief comments after a few about what they make him think of and circling the titles of a few he thinks Cullen will particularly enjoy.
Inside the book, a piece of paper reads "I was planning already to get you something, not as repayment for your gift but because I appreciate your friendship and your kindness. I saw this, and thought you may enjoy it. Rhys."
Inside the book, a piece of paper reads "I was planning already to get you something, not as repayment for your gift but because I appreciate your friendship and your kindness. I saw this, and thought you may enjoy it. Rhys."
[Cullen slips a thank you note under his door that reads, "Thank you. I'm very much enjoying the book. Let us speak of the poems soon, and as I promised, I'll share some passages from the Chant of Light."]
[ There's a package waiting for Cullen outside of his apartment on the 24th and it's lucky it's outside the door, as Blade is probably very upset that he can't get to it.
Inside the bag is a scarf of red for Cullen as well as dark leather gloves, soft to the touch and hardy. But wrapped in paper at the bottom is a large bone for Blade from one of the shops Neria trusts. It looks like it's from a cow? Hard to tell.
There's a note: I haven't been able to keep track of holidays for a while now. Perhaps we'll manage a proper Satinalia next year. Stay warm and well. ]
Inside the bag is a scarf of red for Cullen as well as dark leather gloves, soft to the touch and hardy. But wrapped in paper at the bottom is a large bone for Blade from one of the shops Neria trusts. It looks like it's from a cow? Hard to tell.
There's a note: I haven't been able to keep track of holidays for a while now. Perhaps we'll manage a proper Satinalia next year. Stay warm and well. ]
[Of course he has tried it all on and has it on when he contacts her, making sure Blade is in the frame with the bone partially protruding from his maw.]
Thank you. I'd be happy to help out with that. We need some proper Fereldan spirit in this place.
Thank you. I'd be happy to help out with that. We need some proper Fereldan spirit in this place.
[There's a neatly wrapped box sitting just outside Cullen's door on Christmas morning, and inside is a thick, red winter coat with a fur collar, a matching coat for Blade, and some dog booties.
A card will be found inside the box, with a neatly scrawled 'Merry Christmas, keep warm this winter' on it.]
A card will be found inside the box, with a neatly scrawled 'Merry Christmas, keep warm this winter' on it.]
[Although half of his face is cut off in the frame, Cullen has taken a selfie with Blade dressed in their new winter attire, boots included. Thus the missing half of his head.]
Thank you. We're heading out for a walk now.
Thank you. We're heading out for a walk now.
[He may not know what this holiday is but it's close enough in association with the one he does know. So he'll go for it and send Cullen something too. A huge package of dried meat treats for Blade and a barrel (yes, a BARREL) of ale for Cullen.]
Figured you and Blade could enjoy a good time together. If you need help with the ale though, you know who to call.
The Iron Bull
Figured you and Blade could enjoy a good time together. If you need help with the ale though, you know who to call.
The Iron Bull
[A note arrives in the post for Bull a couple of days later.]
Blade and I both send our gratitude.
You're always welcome, and I'll always find something to crack open for you when you arrive. I'm saving this for our move. Let you know when we have the new address.
Regards,
Cullen
Blade and I both send our gratitude.
You're always welcome, and I'll always find something to crack open for you when you arrive. I'm saving this for our move. Let you know when we have the new address.
Regards,
Cullen
[Hawke was quite crafty this year, it seems! Cullen finds, wrapped on his doorstep, a bottle of spirits spiced with the closest things he could find to a classic Fereldan digestif. There is also a box of baked dog biscuits, and a dried-out beef bone with a bow tied to it.]
Happy Crismas or First Day or Whatever This Is
- Hawke and Wuffles
Happy Crismas or First Day or Whatever This Is
- Hawke and Wuffles
[Not too long afterwards, Blade arrives and scratches on the door with a somewhat slobber soaked cardboard tube clamped in his jaws. Once he finally deigns to turn it over, it contains a thank-you note in Cullen's cramped handwriting. The dog's breath smells suspiciously beef bone-y.]
[Blade is kind enough to help Ivy deliver Cullen's present, and will present him with a wrapped box. Inside is a handsome winter jacket and a small pendant that appears an ordinary orb of glass. When held in palm, it gives off a useful bright light, like a powerful lantern. It's made with alchemy and there seems to be no real magic involved, somehow.]
Merry Christmas and Happy Satinalia
I cherish the time we've spent together and eagerly look forward to more.
Yours,
Isabella
Merry Christmas and Happy Satinalia
I cherish the time we've spent together and eagerly look forward to more.
Yours,
Isabella
[He has the camera set up so that she can see him modeling the coat and pendant, then he comes forward and draws Blade into the frame with an arm around his neck.]
Good form enlisting Blade to help with this.
[He smiles.]
I love my gifts. I don't know how you managed the light, but it's fantastic. I also thought I'd answer the letter in person. I look forward to more, too.
Good form enlisting Blade to help with this.
[He smiles.]
I love my gifts. I don't know how you managed the light, but it's fantastic. I also thought I'd answer the letter in person. I look forward to more, too.
[Cullen's room is quiet, the light is dim, and Ivy is perfectly warm and comfortable. They've both retreated beneath the blankets now, sweaty and satiated, content to rest together in the afterglow.
Ivy looked a little preoccupied earlier during dinner, though that was quickly gone once they came to the bedroom. Now she's looking that way again as she idly toys with Cullen's hand. Her fingers play with his, rubbing and massaging between the joints until she can feel any tension releasing.
Finally, it seems to bother her enough that she addresses the matter before he has to ask about it.]
You're a smart man, Cullen. Can I ask for your perspective on something?
Ivy looked a little preoccupied earlier during dinner, though that was quickly gone once they came to the bedroom. Now she's looking that way again as she idly toys with Cullen's hand. Her fingers play with his, rubbing and massaging between the joints until she can feel any tension releasing.
Finally, it seems to bother her enough that she addresses the matter before he has to ask about it.]
You're a smart man, Cullen. Can I ask for your perspective on something?
[He had sensed that something was off, at the same time believing that pushing for an answer was the wrong thing to do. It had seemed for a while that the distraction of his bed was enough to dissipate whatever mood clung to her like a second skin.
Now he's aware it didn't, and as relaxed as he is, his focus still sharpens. He strokes a thumb across the center of her palm.]
Of course. I'm at your disposal.
Now he's aware it didn't, and as relaxed as he is, his focus still sharpens. He strokes a thumb across the center of her palm.]
Of course. I'm at your disposal.
[It begins with an unmarked box left on Cullen's stoop. Opening it, Cullen will find a cooler filled with dry ice and a selection of choice meats. There's a note left that's made with letters cut out of magazines and pasted to another sheet.]
For you or your dog.
[Cullen loves his dog, presumably, so why wouldn't he feed him choice meats, and the man is built like a tank, so he probably enjoys meat, himself. This is belated, but Jon's still thinking about that party he crashed and how upset Cullen had been with him. Maybe a few anonymous gifts will make things better?]
For you or your dog.
[Cullen loves his dog, presumably, so why wouldn't he feed him choice meats, and the man is built like a tank, so he probably enjoys meat, himself. This is belated, but Jon's still thinking about that party he crashed and how upset Cullen had been with him. Maybe a few anonymous gifts will make things better?]
Edited 2020-01-20 19:34 (UTC)
[The next gift comes a day later and is substantially larger. It's a pair foam boogie boards in neon colors. Jon has no idea if Cullen would surf, but this, at least, takes little skill. When he'd been forced to go and play in the ocean as a child, he'd always felt a little safer with something like this attached to him. There's another note in the same style as the last one.]
Why not take a swim when it's warmer? It's probably fun.
Why not take a swim when it's warmer? It's probably fun.
Consider me intrigued. Where would you like to meet?
Cullen was his dear friend. He could also not deny that he had an intense attraction for him, one that he felt was mutual. Even so, he would describe their sexual relationship as unusual given that they coupled so rarely, and usually under some kind of influence. Despite that, the wine had flowed freely that night.
Fenris had discovered an entire 'secret' box of wine that had been tucked away by the previous owner, and wanted to celebrate that by having a bottle, or two, or three with his friend while Bull was out. With his collar and armor off, Fenris felt free and light as he passed the bottle between himself and the former Templar. His smile wide and his stories dark- often of grand escapes and slaughtering slavers.
He did not have many of those stories given how short of a time it has been since he escaped from his master, but they were good nonetheless. His mood was pleasant, and he could not help but get increasingly lost in his friend's golden eyes. "Hmm," he hummed to himself as he stood slowly from his seat, only to move over so he could straddle his lap. His fingers sank into Cullen's blonde waves as he murmured, his voice husky.
"Why have you not yet fucked me, my friend?"
Fenris had discovered an entire 'secret' box of wine that had been tucked away by the previous owner, and wanted to celebrate that by having a bottle, or two, or three with his friend while Bull was out. With his collar and armor off, Fenris felt free and light as he passed the bottle between himself and the former Templar. His smile wide and his stories dark- often of grand escapes and slaughtering slavers.
He did not have many of those stories given how short of a time it has been since he escaped from his master, but they were good nonetheless. His mood was pleasant, and he could not help but get increasingly lost in his friend's golden eyes. "Hmm," he hummed to himself as he stood slowly from his seat, only to move over so he could straddle his lap. His fingers sank into Cullen's blonde waves as he murmured, his voice husky.
"Why have you not yet fucked me, my friend?"
It had been an invitation Cullen was happy to accept. Like every time he went out with Fenris, or met him at his place, before leaving the house, he'd told himself that this time would be different. He wouldn't give in to impulse, wouldn't chase lyrium in the worst kind of dishonesty.
It was harder every time. The more Fenris opened to him and spoke of his past, shared his candor and affection, the worse he felt when things took an inevitable turn. It was why they didn't unless he was intoxicated, and why he avoided getting intoxicated with him most of the time.
Tonight not drinking would have been far more obvious than going with the flow. The wine was good, the stories better, and he in turn told some tales of hunting apostates and blood mages up and down the Wounded Coast. Of everyone he knew, he doubted anyone could appreciate that more. That was pain, too, in its own way.
His head was spinning so much that he was astonished he was still upright. It took longer than it should to fully register what was happening, Fenris warm and taut in his lap, his hand in his hair its own intoxication.
He pressed a sloppy kiss to that damnably perfect mouth and murmured, "I wouldn't want you thinking it's all I'm ever after." Twisted truth. Somehow it felt better than a complete lie.
It was harder every time. The more Fenris opened to him and spoke of his past, shared his candor and affection, the worse he felt when things took an inevitable turn. It was why they didn't unless he was intoxicated, and why he avoided getting intoxicated with him most of the time.
Tonight not drinking would have been far more obvious than going with the flow. The wine was good, the stories better, and he in turn told some tales of hunting apostates and blood mages up and down the Wounded Coast. Of everyone he knew, he doubted anyone could appreciate that more. That was pain, too, in its own way.
His head was spinning so much that he was astonished he was still upright. It took longer than it should to fully register what was happening, Fenris warm and taut in his lap, his hand in his hair its own intoxication.
He pressed a sloppy kiss to that damnably perfect mouth and murmured, "I wouldn't want you thinking it's all I'm ever after." Twisted truth. Somehow it felt better than a complete lie.
[Apropos of nothing, in the middle of the day, Cullen gets a text.]
What do you think?
[Attached is a picture of Ivy in a dress, somewhat lighter and brighter than her usual taste. But her pose, her makeup, the little pin in her hair all exhibit more effort than a random selfie, something closer to an artful pinup specifically taken just for him.]
What do you think?
[Attached is a picture of Ivy in a dress, somewhat lighter and brighter than her usual taste. But her pose, her makeup, the little pin in her hair all exhibit more effort than a random selfie, something closer to an artful pinup specifically taken just for him.]
[It's his lunch break. He's seated on a beam high above the street level eating a sandwich and watching Blade proudly patrol the site perimeter. He carefully sets aside his food and takes out his phone, immediately having to smile.]
I think I'm glad I'm tied off right now. When did you get that? It's a very good look for you.
I think I'm glad I'm tied off right now. When did you get that? It's a very good look for you.
It takes Jamie a long time to send this message in particular. He hovers over the send button, feeling like an utter coward. But Cullen deserves better.
I have something of yours. I need to give it back.
I have something of yours. I need to give it back.
He doesn't like to admit that he has been avoiding Jamie ever since...the incident...something he still doesn't fully understand. It's good he has contacted him, though. Perhaps they'll have a chance to clear the air.
Would you like to come by the house after I get off work?
Would you like to come by the house after I get off work?
[ Fenris sat beside Cullen, seated in a way where his knees were bent and the bottoms of his feet were pressed together. This created a space in his lap where he rested the book he had been slowly reading, with his friend's help, though today he found it difficult to concentrate.
Suddenly, he sighed and tore his eyes from the words to frown, speaking abruptly. ]
I need your advice.
Suddenly, he sighed and tore his eyes from the words to frown, speaking abruptly. ]
I need your advice.
[Cullen has been really pleased with his progress reading. Part of it is how hard he works at it and part that he is intelligent and has an aptitude for anything he sets his mind to.
He shifted forward in his seat, where he had been following along behind to help him with anything particularly difficult.]
Of course. If I can help, I shall.
He shifted forward in his seat, where he had been following along behind to help him with anything particularly difficult.]
Of course. If I can help, I shall.
[On the glorious day of Cullen's birth (Bull's done the math to figure this shit out), a very busty young woman with curves in all the right places comes up to him. She smiles as she clicks her heels, walking right up to him and then pressing her arms together so that the size of her tits is emphasized.
As it the letter sticking between them.]
"A present for you, sugar~ From a very sexy Bull~"
[She winks and waits for him to take it. When he finally does, this is what is written inside.]
Hey there,
So I did the math for it and this is probably your big day. Figured I'd congratulate you on making it this far with giving you a great way to relax and a damn fine pair of tits to go with it. Her name's Bell. Treat her right and have a great time.
The Iron Bull
(Hey, you should flip this letter over, by the way.)
[And when Cullen does...]
Just messing with you. I shipped a huge ass thing of good booze your way. Bell here is just around to report back to me and tell me what shade of red you turned.
Have a great birthday, Cullen. Drinks are on me.
[After he's clearly finished reading the back, she'll bounce up and smooch his cheek to leave a big red kiss mark there before giggling and walking off to go report back to the one who hired her.]
As it the letter sticking between them.]
"A present for you, sugar~ From a very sexy Bull~"
[She winks and waits for him to take it. When he finally does, this is what is written inside.]
Hey there,
So I did the math for it and this is probably your big day. Figured I'd congratulate you on making it this far with giving you a great way to relax and a damn fine pair of tits to go with it. Her name's Bell. Treat her right and have a great time.
The Iron Bull
(Hey, you should flip this letter over, by the way.)
[And when Cullen does...]
Just messing with you. I shipped a huge ass thing of good booze your way. Bell here is just around to report back to me and tell me what shade of red you turned.
Have a great birthday, Cullen. Drinks are on me.
[After he's clearly finished reading the back, she'll bounce up and smooch his cheek to leave a big red kiss mark there before giggling and walking off to go report back to the one who hired her.]
[Plum. He turned vivid plum.
And when he has enough wherewithal, Bull receives a note.]
You are a sneaky bastard.
I'm glad you're on my side. Come over sometime soon and enjoy some of the booze. I'd say you earned it with that prank. (And making that a prank.) Thank you.
Regards,
Cullen
And when he has enough wherewithal, Bull receives a note.]
You are a sneaky bastard.
I'm glad you're on my side. Come over sometime soon and enjoy some of the booze. I'd say you earned it with that prank. (And making that a prank.) Thank you.
Regards,
Cullen
I need to speak with you. In private preferably. I’ve just got a few more questions that may or may not be considered private.
Where would you like to meet?
[ He hopes it will be a good talk or at the very least, informative. ]
Where would you like to meet?
[ He hopes it will be a good talk or at the very least, informative. ]
Of course. Is anything wrong? You're welcome to come out to the house.
[He sends directions to the beach house.]
The weather is nice enough we can sit on the beach if you like. I have some nice lawn chairs.
[He sends directions to the beach house.]
The weather is nice enough we can sit on the beach if you like. I have some nice lawn chairs.
((OOC: Continued from here))
Somehow that doesn't surprise me.
[He knows Dorian well enough for that.]
So it's a plan. I can message you when we get closer to the date.
Somehow that doesn't surprise me.
[He knows Dorian well enough for that.]
So it's a plan. I can message you when we get closer to the date.
Hey pretty boy, it's been awhile. What do you say we get drinks and see who falls on their face first? I'll even drink the hardest stuff to make it a fair fight.
I say you're on. Where would you care to meet?
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