( at first, it's only confusion in dorian's expression. so, he has misunderstood somewhere. or, maybe it's just easier to ruin a good thing before it starts. it's easier to get the hurt over with right away than allowing it to fester for too long. as hard as dorian finds it to face alistair, eventually he does. he can't hide forever. or let alistair shoulder the burden of emotion alone. that's not fair.

courage, dorian.

his hand lifts to touch alistair's face. keeps it gentle. his thumb moves in an arc from cheek to the corner of his mouth. )

This is the part where I'm meant to tell you I can protect myself, and don't need such a thing. But, I've always thought that a little silly. Everyone needs help sometimes.

( his hand moves down until he can lightly pinch alistair's chin between his fingers. then, he lets it fall away to settle in his lap. )

You haven't had me yet to lose anything. Trust that you'd find yourself devastated were that the case.

( shrugs. dorian's always gonna be dorian. can't be sorry for it.

before he can change his mind, he leans in to press a lingering kiss at the same corner of alistair's mouth his thumb was just at. )

When we return, I'd like to discuss this more. With as little armor as possible.