running by your side

[hallarider]

[for pavus_redemit]



It was never difficult to find Dorian. Sometimes, it felt as though the Tevinter mage made a point of making himself as accessible as possible, being out in the open for everyone to see. It was a good idea when Bramen truly thought about it, something to dispel the idea of a cloaked magister working away in secret, researching blood magic and crafting secret potions to control minds - all rumours the Inquisitor had heard in passing about his lover. Thoughts that made Dorian chuckle and roll his eyes, easily dismissing their jeers and accusations. That was one of the things Bramen loved most about him.

Not a day passed that Bramen didn't feel as though there was something new he'd come to appreciate and adore something about Dorian. Perhaps it was foolish, maybe it was a bit silly but he was a foolish and silly elf at times. Dorian often made him feel as such, in the best way possible. That was why Bramen wanted to show appreciation for the man, something to show he cared. He cared, that he listened. Oh, how he listened to the tales the mage had, captivated by the history of Tevinter. There was so much in Dorian's own culture that had parallels within Bramen's own, it was fascinating to uncover. Every time they spoke, he learned a little more.

But one story had stuck with the elf for a long time now. One story he recalled so vividly as he now ascended the stairs towards the library, holding something wrapped in cloth in his hands. He remembered stargazing with the mage, curled up together in his room as they watched stars falling from the sky. He recalled Dorian's words, the feeling of his warm body in the cool night air - and that's why he had this now. He clutched that cloth tightly, reaching the top of the stairs as he made his way over to Dorian's little nook, smiling warmly and fondly as he looked over to the chair his lover so often made himself at home in. He wasn't in that chair now but he was close by, pulling a few books off the shelf - a little evening reading no doubt.

Bramen kept that cloth clutched close, a tender look in his eyes as he watched Dorian for a moment more.

"A bit of light reading?" he asked, letting his mouth crack into a smile. No doubt some of those books were for the morning - or merely to reference a page or two. Though Dorian often got sucked in to more than a few pages. He was always thirsty for knowledge.

Hopefully what was wrapped up in this cloth would fascinate him all the same.

Comments

[pavus_redemit]

There was no point in holding back. They had all night. He pushed them to move harder and faster, driving them both towards the peak of pleasure.

When he felt himself on the edge Dorian grabbed the back of Bramen's head and yanked him into a deep, hard kiss until he came with a heavy moan against his lover's mouth.

He didn't want to stop moving even as he spills between them, even when it starts to feel like too much and he's too sensitive. There's never enough with Bramen.

[hallarider]

Bramen pulled his lover down against the bed, the elf laying on his back and jerking his hips hard, driving over and over into Dorian's body. He hungrily took that mouth against his own, tongue pressing against the mage's lips as his hands grasped at the man's back. He spread his legs, making it easier to thrust up inside of him, feeling the heat of Dorian's arousal pressing against his stomach. He felt the man's seed spill out, not breaking that kiss as he let himself slip off the edge too.

Everything that built up, this heat between them finally growing to be too much. Their mouths parted, enough for Bramen to let out a low moan, hips jerking and thrusting hard as he finally let himself completely lose himself inside of his lover. Shallow, quick thrusts, low grunts and a short cry - he came hard inside of his lover, hips still moving.

His cock slipped out of Dorian's ass as another hot stream of seed spurted from the tip. It spilled across Dorian's opening, dripping down his widened hole, Bramen's hips finally calming, finally settling against the bed. His arms stayed around Dorian's neck, panting against his shoulder.

He could deal with the mess he'd left behind in a moment. Right now, he needed to catch his breath.

[pavus_redemit]

Dorian felt deliciously sore and deeply satisfied. He was also sticky and gross, really, but he cared very little at that moment. He should be exhausted but instead he felt energized, the need still under his skin somewhere.

"Stay put," he murmured to his lover as he pushed up on shaking arms and slid down his body. So, he wasn't quite as fit as he thought but he would not be denied what he wanted.

The mess on Bramen's stomach was first. Dorian lapped it up with long, broad strokes of his tongue working his way down to his softening cock. He was more gentle when he cleaned it, keeping in mind how sensitive his lover must be right now.

[hallarider]

It was a fine thing to be sticky and gross, particularly after what they'd just engaged in. Bramen would have been content enough to leave the mess where it was - but he wasn't going to object to Dorian's attentions, especially with that amazing mouth. He brought his hands down to damp hair, stroking his fingers through it as Dorian worked on cleaning him up, licking away sticky cum on his stomach and working down to his soft member. He swallowed and breathed in, wetting his lips a little as he watched his lover, feeling his racing pulse slowly starting to even out.

"I got a little... Eager at the end," he said, in an almost sheepish tone. He sounded tired, drained from the exertion of what they'd just done. He brushed Dorian's hair away from his forehead, sinking back into the mattress.

"I'll have to work on that... Keeping myself under control." Not falling out of his lover, getting too eager with his thrusts. It wasn't the first time it had happened.

[pavus_redemit]

"I don't mind when you're eager," he said gently between licks. Bramen was still learning after all. Things like that were expected. He was still better in bed than half the Tevinter men Dorian had been with.

When he got the last bit cleaned up he placed a tender kiss to the base of Bramen's shaft and climbed back up his body. He collapses happily on him and nuzzled his neck.

"Mmm, I going to feel this tomorrow. I like that."

[hallarider]

With Dorian on top of him now, Bramen's arms comfortably wrapped around the man, stroking along his back. He turned his head to nuzzle his nose against Dorian's temple, shifting a bit as he settled, contented by the weight of his lover's body over him. His fingers stroked in small, circular patterns, a light hum escaping him, content to bask in this bliss.

"Did you want me to clean you up too?" he murmured, half hoping the man didn't want to take him up on that. He was comfortable where he was, enjoying his lover over him - but it was only fair to at least offer. That was the main lesson he'd learned from the beginning, one of the things that separated him from the other man Dorian had been with. Everything was give and take, everything was about pleasure for the both of them. He'd give everything to Dorian in a heartbeat.

[pavus_redemit]

"Not yet," he said softly. "You're still exhausted."

Dorian will give Bramen a few minutes to catch his breath and come down from the high of very, very good sex. He's quite content to stay right where he is with Bramen for a little bit longer.

When he got uncomfortable he would let Bramen know.

[hallarider]

Bramen's eyes closed, keeping his face close to Dorian's own. He'd simply fall asleep here under his lover if he wasn't careful - though Dorian likely wouldn't mind if he did. He nuzzled against his lover, kissing his temple as he exhaled. The heat between them now was purely a pair of warm bodies curled up together, coming down from that blissful high.

"I could stay here all night..." he murmured it quietly, fingers finally going still, hands pressed against Dorian's back, "Probably for half the morning too." It was hard to leave Dorian's embrace. In a perfect world, he'd never have to.

Maybe after all of this was over, he'd have that opportunity.

[pavus_redemit]

He chuckled softly and laid his head down on Bramen's shoulder. "Did you have somewhere you needed to be tonight?" he asked, teasingly.

They should stay here all night, the moment when he had to get up to clean himself not withstanding. They should lounge in bed, tangled together, and trading kisses and touches. It sounded like a perfect evening to him.

"If you do, fine, go. I will wait here for you to return," he said haughtily.

[hallarider]

"I'm staying right here," Bramen smiled as Dorian settled in closer, a hand coming up to stroke the hair at the back of the man's head again. He wasn't going anywhere and he'd be content to kiss and cradle the man in his arms until the morning light. That would be ideal for the both of them.

"Anything that needs my attention can wait until morning," he breathed, kissing Dorian's temple once more. A breach appearing over Skyhold was probably the only thing that could pull him from his lover's hold now. Even them, a part of him would still be loathe to leave him.

He lazily turned his head a little, catching sight of one of the books Dorian had pulled out over on the table next to them. He hummed a little and just returned to nuzzling the man, wanting every bit of contact he could manage now. "So much for a bit of light reading," he said with a smile, one hand slipping down Dorian's back. There was a smile at the corners of his mouth, audible even in his words now.

"You know I get distracted easily."

[pavus_redemit]

"Good." Dorian snuggled closer to make his point. He didn't want to go anywhere and he didn't want his lover to go anywhere. There was too much on Bramen's shoulders at any given time and he took all the time he could to have their time alone.

He chuckled deeply and began to trail his fingers up and down on Bramen's ribs. "That was much more fun than some light reading. That was much more engaging and satisfying."

It was a bone deep satisfaction that settled in his muscles and around his heart because Bramen loved him. That was the best feeling in the world. He had no sense of worry, no fear that he would be asked to leave one day. He had this, love and sex, and everything he ever wanted.

[hallarider]

Alone time with Dorian was among the most important. Whether they were intimate, whether they simply read together, talked or took a walk, every moment with his lover was precious. He loved feeling Dorian near, he loved the feeling of his hands across his skin - but most of all, he loved him. With Dorian at his side, he often felt as though he could do anything.

"Ma'arlath, ma vhenan," he murmured softly, fondly. The Inquisition wouldn't be the same without this beautiful man. He never wanted to be without him.

[pavus_redemit]

"You still haven't told me what that means." He suspected he knew what it meant thanks to context but he would have liked to hear it.

It would be are for Dorian to say it. Those words still choked him with a bit of fear. It would get easier with time, hopefully because Dorian would get over his fears. He could trust Bramen would stay with him through it.

[hallarider]

Context wasn't hard to guess at but there was something different about saying it out loud, about speaking it in the common tongue. He breathed out through his nose before leaning back a bit, trying to get a better look at the man who curled up so close to him. He wanted to be able to watch his face, look him in the eye as he spoke the words in a way they both would understand.

"I could give you a long explanation," he began, smiling as he looked at Dorian against him, his handsome paramour looking at him almost expectantly, "Break it down, explain each part of it..." he wet his lips a little, leaning in again to kiss Dorian's brow before he shifted beneath him, letting the man settle a bit more against his smaller frame.

"But ultimately, it means I won't go astray. It means I'm here, joining you in all things that you'll allow," he cooed the words softly, stroking through the man's hair again, brushing back dark strands, "It means I love you, my heart."

[pavus_redemit]

There was that momentary clench of his heart at the words because they still scared him. Then he smiled and leaned in to kiss Bramen gently.

"If you go, I will follow," he said softly, his lips brushing against Bramen's with each word. "My heart is yours, always."

He hesitated before the next part. Shifting away from his lover, he sat up enough to pull off one of his rings. He picked up Bramen's hand and slid it on to his finger. "In Tevinter we exchange iron rings as a sign of devotion to someone. I may not always be able to say the words but you will have this."

[hallarider]

Bramen was touched as he felt that ring slip on his finger. He looked down at it - a simple band of iron, a design carved into it but nothing extravagant. Though right now, in this moment, it felt like the most extravagant thing. A ring, a quiet gesture, a small reminder of what they shared. He gazed at it for a moment more before reaching out to take Dorian's hand, lacing their fingers together and squeezing the man's hand.

He hoisted himself up a little, not wanting to break the contact between them for longer than necessary. Bodies close again, Bramen let his forehead rest against Dorian's own.

"You won't need to say it," he murmured quietly, leaning in for a soft kiss against his lover's, "With this, I'll always know."

[pavus_redemit]

"Of course that's the point," he teased, slipping back to the more comfortable sarcasm and jokes than the emotional honesty they were experiencing. "Keep up, amatus."

It was hard for him to be that vulnerable for long and he hoped Bramen understood. Usually, his lover was quick enough to pick up on what Dorian truly meant versus what he said.

He ran the fingers of his free hand down Bramen's cheek gently. He had truly been given a gift with this man.

[hallarider]

Turning his head, Bramen kissed against Dorian's wrist and gazed at the man before him. Never before had he felt like this, around anyone. What he carried for Dorian was real, something he couldn't describe. The way the man made him feel, especially in moments as this. As the two men had proven time and again, however - one didn't always need words.

"We should get you cleaned up," he said, nuzzling against Dorian's hand, leaning into that comforting touch, "So we can relax properly." In each other's arms, safe and warm.

[pavus_redemit]

"A good plan." Dorian kissed him one more time before he slid away and moved towards bathroom to clean up. "Perhaps we should ask fr a bottle of wine to be sent up. We can drink and cuddle."

He would love to lie around, drinking and reading with Bramen cuddled up to him. He picked up the wash cloth and warmed the water with a bit of magic.

"Unless you'd rather keep the servants away."

[hallarider]

With Dorian having excused himself to wash up, Bramen rolled on the bed to pile the pillows up a little more, making it a bit easier to lean back against the headboard. There was a bit of a draft to be had in the large room but nothing his mage couldn't fix. His mage and a set of warm furs, curled up and reading together. Almost a dream come true in that by itself.

He wrapped one of the fur blankets around him, adjusting it around his shoulders as he called back to his lover, "If you want wine, I could put my pants back on and go fetch a bottle," he said, offering a short laugh. He would much rather avoid bothering with the servants right now. In fact, he rarely bothered with them to begin with, often opting to do everything by himself. That included fetching wine.

[pavus_redemit]

Dorian made an annoyed sound. "No wine is worth you putting your pants back on."

He only cleaned what was necessary before he climbed back in to bed, sprawling on the furs. He laid his head in Bramen's lap and sprawled around him.

"I'd much rather you stay here with me. I'll remember to bring the wine next time."

[hallarider]

With his lover now in his lap, Bramen could only smile. His hands came down to smooth through Dorian's hair, pushing back those dark strands, fingers moving down to trace the shape of the man's cheeks, letting him lightly feel the caress of that metal band now around his finger.

"I think I'm happiest here as well," he said, beaming down at the man he loved. "Are you warm enough?" he asked, one hand slipping down to the pelt they were laying on top of and stroking through it. It was a dark pelt, a black wolf - a colour similar enough to Dorian's hair. His lover's hair was, of course, much softer.

"I know you're not a fan of cold nights."

[pavus_redemit]

Dorian stretched into Bramen's fingers and sighed softly with pleasure. He would melt for the simplest of pets. A little attention to his hair and he turned to a puddle of soft, cuddly mage.

"When I get cold I'll get under the fur," he said, brushing his fingers along Bramen's thigh. "I think you like how I look right now."

The fur feels a little rough but not unpleasant. He liked how the texture of the fur felt against his skin each time he moved around.

[hallarider]

"I do rather like the sight," Bramen grinned, and resting now on Dorian's chest. He was perhaps a bit more accustomed to fur beneath him than Dorian was and though the mage might have found the sensation odd, it was nothing short of a comfort to his elven love. It provided enough heat for now, even in the chilly room.

"I don't imagine you had much use for fur in Tevinter," he began, returning to his lover's hair and idly combing through it, something to ease and relax them both. "Well, beyond fashion I suppose..." he didn't stop smiling, twirling a short strand around his finger.

"Fur tends to be a lot more practical when you're Dalish."

I has smoothie

[pavus_redemit]

"Oh, fur and feathers pale in comparison to dragonling and dragon skin," he said as he tilted his head back into his touch. "But I am learning to appreciate it."

He grinned at his love and leaned up to kiss him slowly and softly. "What fur is a luxury for you? I will wrap you up in it."

That would be a great gift for his lover, something softer for them to roll around in. It would be easy enough to find. Ferelden nobility was obsessed with fur and so were the Orlesians. He could have it in days.