IC Inbox

[qunari]

[ Leave messages for The Iron Bull here. ]

Comments

[ombranera]

Is that not what it is?

[qunari]

It's aftercare. Cooldown, like after a work-out.

Not something it's a good idea to skip.

[ombranera]

Is it so common a thing? You are the first I've been with that has bothered.

[ He did for those he minded out of some urge to continue minding them, easing them out of that soft, quiet place as he might have wished others to do for him, but never outright demanded. Was that how it was meant to be done? ]

[qunari]

[ There's a noise of discontent there, but it's not meant for Zevran. It's meant for those selfish assholes he's been with in the past who didn't know enough to not abandon him to his own devices the second they got off. ]

Like I said, it's part of it. You could leave it out, in theory. You could also stick your dick in someone without lube and preparation. Doesn't mean you should.

[ombranera]

This, I suppose, is what comes of having this shade of my education come from the Crows.

[ One Crow in particular- but it no longer surprises him that Taliesin failed to do something that required even the barest shades of empathy. ]

[qunari]

Hey.

[ He can't look at Zevran, can't pull his attention that way. But his tone should convey the look he's giving him rather well. ]

It's alright to let someone take care of you, now and then. It's as much for me as it is for the people I sleep with. Trust me.

Whoever skipped out on it? They missed out.

[ombranera]

Which is likely why the Crows skipped that part of the training. If it leaves you vulnerable, it is a weakness.

[ And he is vulnerable like that- and likes being cared for. Not being ashamed of that doesn't take as much work as it should.

In the past- they didn't know better, but that hadn't made it right. Especially when Rinna tried, in her own way. When Zevran tried, with the two of them, as infrequently as he'd allowed to lead. ]

I'm going to have to cover this with the fledglings, make certain they are aware.

[qunari]

You'll do right by them.

[ There's a pause. ]

Do right by him, too, alright? Big guy talks tough, but for all the frills and fancy airs, he's not so different.

[ombranera]

It is a point on my education I didn't quite agree with. [ His voice is wry, as that is something of an understatement. ] I wasn't often in charge, back then- but when I was and when I am now? I...fuss. Mostly because I wished for some fussing myself but it simply was not done and asking-

It was not an option.

I've been kind to him. I mean to continue should he have me again- he seems to need it more than most. I do not think he knows much of this side of things.

[qunari]

You knew better. Even when they tried to tell you otherwise. Says something about you, doesn't it?

[ That scrap of decency they couldn't quite grind out of him. Bull could almost be proud. ]

Yeah. He's still unlearning all that shit he had to look over his shoulder for in Tevinter. That's not gonna happen overnight.

[ombranera]

That I was a terrible Crow!

[ Save in every way he wasn't. Still, Zevran says it with a laugh, pleased and at least a little proud of himself for not being so horrible as all that. ]

Mm. Shame is such a strange thing. Regret I understand, but shame? It is not something I know of well enough to help him through. Making this normal, I suppose, is the best we might do. Making it safe.

[qunari]

That's all we really can do.

[ He's concerned, sure, but Dorian can handle himself. He trusts he'll settle down a bit when he's ready to. ]

[ombranera]

...of course now I can't shake the mental image of you two together.

[ Not that this is a bad thing. At all. ]

[qunari]

I know, right?

[ There's a hearty noise of agreement at that. ]

You two, though. That's nice. Real nice.

[ombranera]

We are terribly pretty, are we not?

[qunari]

Sorry. Still thinking about it.

[ombranera]

Mhmm. I do not blame you- it is not often I meet someone as perfect as I am and they are not an insufferable ass. [ Not that Dorian isn't an ass- he is a charming ass. Quite different. ]

I wonder if he might ever be comfortable enough for a third to settle in and watch?

[qunari]

Wouldn't mind that. Betting what I imagine doesn't do it justice.

It'd be up to him, though. No telling for sure.

[ombranera]

Hence it being a question of sincere comfort. Not that I think he'd sign on with anything he didn't care for but...I have had others attempt things that were not their taste out of a desire to prove something either to themselves or the other party involved.

[qunari]

And I've got no intention of pushing anything on him.

[ You know he respects lines better than most. ]

[ombranera]

I am not saying you would, nor would I. He might. But you are better at reading people than I am, yes? You would know.

[ There is a comfort in that, knowing Bull would catch such things before they became an issue. ]

[qunari]

I'd have a pretty good idea. People have their tells. I'm still working out all of us, but he's not near as subtle as he thinks he is.

[ombranera]

The eyes. [ Specifically the fine skin around them that would crinkle or twitch or remain still to show the truth of a smile or the discomfit of a gesture. ] ...now I am half tempted to ask after my own.

[qunari]

If you think I'd tell you.

[ombranera]

Would you? It is not as though I can train myself out of them at this point.