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[qunari]

[ Leave messages for The Iron Bull here. ]

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[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.

[qunari]

Wouldn't want you getting self-conscious.

[ Haha. That's funny, right? Because everything Zevran does, with few exceptions, is calculated and considered.

But Bull knows a thing or two about that, himself. ]

[ombranera]

[ Zevran crackles a soft laugh. ]

I have other things to feel thus about than my tells, Toro.

[ The eye the new scars, the little cuts in his comfort and control with things that never truly bothered him before. ]

[qunari]

Mmm.

[ That's a valid point. ]

Your ears, for one thing.

[ombranera]

...Really? [ Then again- he should not be quite so surprised. Involuntary as they've ever been and as still as he can make himself to avoid flinching- some things are simply beyond control. ] I would not have called that.

[qunari]

It's not something you often see yourself doing. Too reflexive.

[ Subtle, too, in most cases. ]

[ombranera]

I do not feel it happening. [ Which should worry him more than it actually does. ]