( dorian knows he should let it go. he really, really does. because, there's no future here. there's nothing but heartache. and, he's had enough of that his entire life this far to not want anymore. but, something drives him to not let this go. stupidity, likely. dorian never said he was smart when it came to relationships. selfishness, because he's not as good of a person as alistair seems to think. he's going to have to do some fast talking to try and salvage this before it gets out of hand.

for a second his hand grips tighter against alistair's arm. soon after he thinks better of it. don't need further misunderstandings. a mage grabbing and holding on spells trouble to southerners. so, he lets it slowly fall away. )

Either you have misunderstood, or I have. Or both.

( he shifts into a more comfortable sitting position, but finds he can't really look at alistair. his heart is beating wild, and he feels as if he'll be sick any minute. a deep breath to straighten his posture. he stares at the fire, and feels a heat not from that warming his cheeks. )

If friendship is all you seek from me, so be it. I will give it unquestionably.

( this feels so stupid to say out loud. he feels stupid, and it shows in the way his voice gets lower. )

If there is more...you need to speak plainly. I'll not assume otherwise. Ever.