#i think they deserve to smooch in broom closets

[loserboyfriendrjl]

“hey.” sirius said, once they had been locked in the broom closet and heard the thuds of marlene’s boots sounded farther away from them.

“hi,” remus answered, and thanked merlin that there was no light in there, because if there had been, sirius could have seen how red in the face he had gone.

“so.”

there was some shifting, and sirius pulled the lights open. remus cleared his throat, trying to brush off his hot ears and face with that sorry excuse.

“there. now, i can see you,” sirius said, leaning back, his shoulder brushing against remus’.

remus’ breath hitched in the back of his throat when he reached out to tuck a loose curl behind his ear. their lips were mere inches apart, and remus could see his eyes falling towards his lips. although, he couldn’t complain about it, since his eyes were were fixated on sirius’, too.

they closed the distance between them at the same time. sirius pressed his thumb against remus’ collarbone, whose fingers wrapped around his arm. sirius tasted like cigarettes and stardust and it was addicting, their lips pressed against the other’s, teeth and tongue and so many things unsaid.

they could have been kissing for minutes. days, hours, a bloody eternity, and remus would have lost track of time either way, because it was that easy to lose oneself in sirius black.

“okay,” remus whispered against sirius’ lips, after they broke their kiss. “okay.”

“you’re not a bad kisser.” sirius chuckled. “you need a little bit more practice, though.”

“you could help me?” he suggested, meekly, and then they were kissing again, sirius gently holding remus’ neck, his shirt balled in remus’ fist.

well, it could have certainly gone worse than that.

[lord-woolsley]

Stumbling Steps

Fandom: Dragon Age Inquisition (Dorian Pavus/Cullen Rutherford) Chapters: 1/1 (3105 words) Rating: Teen And Up Summary: Surrounded by at least 12 nobles Cullen had felt quite uncomfortable since they had arrived at the Winter Palace but with the evening progressing and the alcohol flowing his “suitors“ had become bolder. Cullen is in distress, Dorian saves the day. Rant: If you like it, please leave some love on ao3. ��� Ao3: Link

Stumbling Steps

“Smile, Commander, you’re so handsome when you smile.“ “He’s just as handsome when he doesn’t.“

Cullen asked himself if the Maker intended to punish him for something. Maybe for leaving the Order, standing against the Chantry‘s will by supporting the Inquisition or more likely for the disaster that had happened in Kirkwall. That must have been it. The Maker probably blamed him for not seeing through Meredith’s grand scheme earlier or maybe he had done something wrong during his time at the Circle Tower in Ferelden and couldn’t remember anymore. Most of it was a blur anyway.

He had been the Templar recruit who had fled from the Hero of Ferelden after all because she – he still blushed thinking about it - had flirted with him. This here is what happens to guys that run away instead of facing their problems, he thought to himself.

He sometimes should have shown more initiative, he was aware of that. Blindly following orders had been his weakness in the past, one he was happy he had overcome.

Cullen didn’t know for which of these shortcomings he was punished here exactly but he had obviously done something very very wrong to deserve this.

Surrounded by at least 12 nobles he had felt quite uncomfortable since they had arrived at the Winter Palace but with the evening progressing and the alcohol flowing his “suitors“ had become bolder. Cullen was pretty sure someone had squeezed his butt just now.

“Did you grab...my bottom?“, he asked, his face flushed red but his voice angry. “I couldn’t help myself.“, the lady exclaimed, she sounded like she thought she was entitled to do to him whatever she desired. Nobles. He wanted to retch.

The woman didn’t seem to notice it or she just didn’t care. Cullen frowned and feared it was the latter because she was already holding out a hand again, trying to touch the scar on his lip. Cullen used his Templar training and dodged. He was being attacked here after all, not with weapons but with something far worse.

“Are you married, Commander?“ “Not yet... but I‘m already taken.“ It was a blatant lie but he had hoped some of them would show at least some respect considering the prospect of him being in a relationship. "Still single, then.“ Or not.

Why would he even think these people cared about someone being taken, had they harassed him the whole evening without any consent from his side, the opposite even. He doubted even a ring on his finger could have stopped or avoided this.

Cullen wanted to escape the Ballroom, run away and leave Halamshiral for good, doing exactly what he had done to the Hero of Ferelden all those years ago. He wanted to be a coward again. Corypheus, the Breach and the assassination attempt on Celene’s life be damned.

“You must dance with me, Commander, you cannot stand about all evening.“ “I‘m afraid not, thank you.“

This was definitely the woman who had grabbed his butt a few second ago. He would rather dance with an archdemon in Haven’s ruins with Solas watching and commenting on his bad posture instead of staying here for one minute longer. But he had to be polite and couldn’t risk to snap, Josephine‘s disappointment would be unbearable if he endangered their plan just because some nobles couldn’t keep it in their pants. Their cause was greater than this and he was the Commander of the Inquisition after all, he wouldn’t bow to some royals behaving abysmal.

The worst disappointment of the evening so far had been that the Inquisitor had witnessed some of the harassing and didn’t do or say anything about it. She had seen mostly the flirting, Cullen supposed. He was pretty sure Herah would have stepped in if she had witnessed someone touching him without his consent. But she hadn’t seen the extent of their actions and probably thought he was the victim of some annoying courting and bickering. No harm in that.

She had given him an apologetic look - pitiful even - and suggested he should talk to Josephine about it or Leliana if he wanted one of them assassinated. Leliana‘s methods were unconventional at least but the thought of an arrow through that horrible woman’s face was lightening his mood. Or maybe Josie could spread a handful of filthy rumors and destroy some reputations.

If he only knew where Lady Montilyet or Leliana were lingering tonight or if these suitors would let him go to search for one of them.

They had zeroed in on him and he couldn’t find the smallest gap to slip through, he was literally glued to the spot. He was being held captive by - it was embarrassing - a flock of noble ladies and their petticoats and even some gentlemen who were at least a bit more discreet, probably because they didn’t want to ruin their reputations.

He was their prey, a piece of meat, and they were hungry wolves that hadn‘t been fed for months, so it seemed.

Cullen was gazing at Herah who would soon leave him here to die - he wished for the sweet release of death at this point - Sera now seemingly glued to her side, chuckling and grinning like an idiot. Nothing unusual about that.

Inquisitor Adaar was red-faced and he was pretty sure Sera had just said something really dirty to her. About an empty broom closet and peaches and breeches. It even rhymed awfully. That must have been Seras attempt at seduction if he wasn’t mistaken completely. Not that he, by any means, was better at creating romantic phrases or paying compliments if they weren’t about the weather. She was definitely more forward than he would ever be.

His thoughts must have jinxed it because in that exact moment Sera started to make loud smooching noises. Cullen wasn’t sure if she intended to mock him or if she wanted to encourage Inquisitor Adaar for whatever awaited her in that broom closet.

Both women left his side eventually, fleeing from strangers approaching them, mostly nobles that thought it would be advantageous to be seen with the Herald of Andraste. He could understand it to an extent. Herah had it hard enough already, most nobles at Halamshiral didn’t treat a Qunari kindly. She deserved to get away from all this for a while.

Cullen could only guess what Sera and Herah were up to after Sera’s remark. The thought made him blush. At least the Inquisitor was having fun while he was suffering. He would rather have all the side effects of his Lyrium withdrawal all at once instead of being touched by strangers without manners.

He longingly stared after them, seeing Sera’s blonde hair disappear in the crowd. He was on his own now.

Cullen wished he could pay an empty broom closet a visit as well until the event was over. Sweet solitude.

"Commander, that woman you‘re in a relationship with, does she really exist?“, another lady asked and he knew he would start to blush and stutter any second in search for an excuse or an inscrutable lie.

But for the first time this evening he was lucky. When he saw Dorian stumbling to the buffet, alone, unoccupied and an empty wine glass in hand he saw his chance.

“Dorian, sweetheart, I‘m here.“ He waved at the mage and really hoped Dorian was either drunk enough not to notice his weird behavior or quick enough to catch up on the situation Cullen was currently trapped in.

The Tevinter shot him a confused look but came closer nevertheless.

“Here he is, my date, the person I told you about, the man I’m in a relationship with.“, Cullen stuttered, pointing at Dorian who was clearly trying to make sense of the situation.

“Ah, my Commander, I thought I had lost you.“ Thank the Maker Dorian was playing along. He was undoubtedly a smart man.

“Cullen, you can’t be serious?“, one of the ladies screeched in his ear, a painful noise leaving it ringing for multiple seconds. Leliana‘s ravens could learn a lot from this woman‘s high-pitched exclamation.

“Isn’t this the evil Tevinter Magister everyone was gossiping about the whole night? I know he’s with the Inquisition but we were warned about him, everyone said he should be avoided at all costs. He‘s no suitable company for someone as handsome and heroic as you.“

Hearing the word Magister Dorian rolled his eyes but he didn’t comment on it. Cullen could feel him correcting the term to „Altus“ in his head, followed by "Southerners, can’t recognize the difference between a dog and a cat.“

“That is for me to decide.“, Cullen said. "I‘m glad, Commander, otherwise this relationship would be rather one-sided, wouldn’t it be?“ Dorian was offering Cullen his arm to desperately cling to which to his own shame Cullen did.

“Amatus, you promised me a dance. I couldn’t find you until now but I‘m here to take you up on it.“ “Of course, love.“ Cullen was clearing his throat and was trying to shoot Dorian what he thought was an affectionate gaze.

One of the ladies actually had the indecency to grasp after Dorian‘s arm and was trying to shove him away from Cullen.

“I really wouldn’t do this if I were you.“, the mage said, voice sharp. "There‘s a clear lack of blood magic tonight for my taste. You wouldn’t want to witness some, would you? A real taste of a Tevinter party. I could arrange that.“

Cullen was always surprised how eloquent Dorian was and how he always found a way out of the most horrible situations. Using his status as the evil Tevinter mage everyone was making him out to be was risky but it definitely seemed to work in this case.

The woman - and many others of his suitors - looked shocked and were hiding their disapproval with throwing their hands to their faces to cover their eyes. Like this childish gesture could make Dorian vanish and disappear from the spot if they pressed their eyes shut hard enough.

“Scandalous.“, two were whispering to each other. “What a waste. A man like the Commander..., I didn’t know he shared certain quirks with the empress.“ “I wouldn’t let her hear you.“, Dorian said. "Or should I tell her myself?“ "She wouldn’t believe you, you‘re from Tevinter." "You really wanna try me? I can be pretty persuasive.", Dorian asked, his words a warning.

The lady was silent for a moment before she bowed her head, slowly shaking it.

“Of course not, I apologize.“, the woman said, clearly not meaning it. She was faking a smile which distorted her face into an ugly grimace behind her mask.

“As if these quirks are the only problem here, the evil Magister has clearly enchanted him.“, one of the gentleman said.

“With my charms and wits maybe. Or my handsome face.“, Dorian said smugly. “All assets you people are visibly lacking. And now if you would be so kind to excuse us, the Commander owes me a dance.“ “That I do.“ Cullen would grant Dorian all the dances in the world for saving him.

With their arms locked they left the Ballroom in search of a quiet spot for Cullen to recover. They were in luck, one of the balconies was empty and even had some free benches to rest on.

“What just happened?“, Dorian asked. „Apart from the obvious, of course.“ “I apologize for using you as my escape plan, Dorian, I am deeply sorry.“ “No, no, it‘s fine. Their behavior, horrible that. Reminds me of home. I wouldn’t even wish this on my father or the Venatori. Maybe on Corypheus though. He wouldn’t be able to destroy the world. Those ladies would never let him go. They would tear him to pieces with their prying gazes. Oh, Corypheus, you owe me a dance." Dorian was spinning his empty wine glass in his hand while speaking.

"Oh, I didn’t even let you get a new drink.“, Cullen said, trying to apologize. Again. ”That was obviously why you came inside, wasn’t it? And now you left empty-handed." "I wouldn’t exactly call this empty-handed. I‘ve got quite a handful." Dorian gestured to their linked arms, an amused grin spreading on his lips.

"Well, I had enough to drink for the evening anyway. I’m feeling a bit tipsy already.“, Dorian started "But let’s not change the subject over something so unimportant as an empty glass of wine - as good as the Orlesian stuff might be. I‘m just gonna get the whole bottle later." Dorian placed his empty glass on one of the benches.

"So, Commander, do tell. Why me? Wasn’t there someone else the Commander of the Inquisition could have faked an romantic involvement with? I‘m pretty sure the Lady Seeker was around somewhere." "... Nevermind, when I think about it now, she would have probably chopped your head off for the idea alone. I was the safer bet, no head chopping here. Even though: you’re aware this is enough for a scandal? You won’t be able to save yourself from the rumors. The evil Tevinter Magister", Dorian mentioned the wrong title with his typical annoyance "... and a man on top of that. We will be the talk of the evening, not even an assassination attempt can change that. In my experience Orlesians are that close-minded."

Cullen hadn’t thought of that, clearly. He had just wanted to get away from these people as far and as quick as possible, not taking the consequences into consideration. He needed to make this right at some point but this wasn’t the time for it neither could he do something about it while being trapped in the Winter Palace. This was Josephine’s strength, not his.

Cullen felt guilty for making Dorian an even bigger victim of Orlesian gossip even though he himself didn’t care too much about their insults if they only kept their physical distance. But maybe Dorian felt different about this.

“I‘m not ashamed of being seen with you, Dorian.“ Cullen said after a long moment of silence. He actually meant it.

“Oh, Commander, you do surprise me.“, Dorian said, faint smile spreading on his face. “It‘s nice having some company after all. You could think I smell of cabbages with everyone trying to stay as far away from me as possible. I was already at my seventh glass of wine when you saw me heading inside. I needed to keep myself entertained somehow. I was feeling rather lonely and a bit drunk now as well to be fair.“ “I‘m still glad you‘re here, Dorian. Can I make it up to you somehow? As a little thank you for saving me. Maybe even with the dance I promised to you earlier. I have to warn you though I‘m a terrible dancer. But one who keeps his word.“ “Are you sure? Dancing with the evil Magister, in full view of every noble in Orlais. How shocking.“ “They‘ll live.“, Cullen said.

He was surprised by his own confidence regarding the gossip. But that was the point, wasn’t it? It was nothing like idle hearsay after all and it wouldn’t bear any real problem for any of them. Especially not if they would manage to save the empress at the end of night. Orlais would be in debt to the Inquisition and only positive word of their members would spread.

“You say that now. If you can find me ten silk scarves, I‘ve got a dance that will really shock them.“ “I-", Cullen started “don’t know what to say to that. I just hope you‘re a better dancer than I am. In dances that don’t involve silk scarves that is.“

A red color was spreading from his cheeks to his throat while he was trying to get that picture of Dorian doing some erotic Tevinter dance out of his head. Without much success, he had to admit. Who would even say a thing like that? Dorian Pavus obviously.

"Oh, I am indeed.“, Dorian said, he didn’t seem to notice how flustered the Commander was at his words. Which was great, Cullen thought. It left him with the last pieces of his dignity still intact.

"Picture me a boy of 15, being forced by his mother to dance with every suitable lady in the room. You learn some things even if you don’t want to. But you see, it‘s of use now. Mother certainly wouldn’t approve of it now, as you can imagine. But enough talk. Let‘s dance.“

Dorian was bowing and offering his hand to Cullen. Every lady would have been envious of the perfection and grace with which Dorian executed that gesture. If it wouldn’t have been the evil Tevinter asking for a dance of course and some noble gentleman instead.

Cullen was certainly blushing because of Dorian’s performance but he took the mages hand in his own anyway and was instantly pulled into Dorian‘s grip whose fingers were placed on Cullen’s waist immediately.

“Is this okay for you, Commander? If this is too much physical contact after what you‘ve just been through, I understand. We can postpone our little dance or leave it be if that‘s more to your liking.“ “I’m good. You decide, Dorian.“

The mage shook his head and made some “Tsk, tsk.“ noises but started with slow and practiced steps even Cullen could follow.

“Thank Godness one of us has a little initiative.“, Dorian chuckled.

Cullen didn’t know if the nobility was actually watching them from inside the Ballroom but he didn’t lie, he couldn’t care less about it. He owed Dorian that dance and it was most definitely more pleasant than being trapped by harassing strangers, noble or not. He actually quite enjoyed himself after the horror of the last hours. A moment of peace with someone he liked.

“After our beautiful dance I’m actually quite sad you‘re not interested in men at all. A shame, that.“ “Yes, a shame.“, Cullen agreed without even thinking about it.

•

Suddenly one of the bushes next to the railing of the balcony Dorian and Cullen were dancing on started to chuckle and when both men followed the noise with their gazes to uncover its origin, they looked straight into the amused faces of Sera and the Inquisitor. Both women were trying to hide behind its leafs while failing miserably. Sera‘s laughter wasn’t exactly subtle either.

“So much for an empty broom closet.“, Cullen stated. Sera was grinning at him. “No, this is so much better." The Inquisitor nodded. “And here I was thinking our dear Commander would be the knight in shining armor tonight. How wrong I was."

[elizabethschoices]

The Royal Romance, Book 2, Chapter One: My Thoughts

I’ve decided to rename my prince his default name, Liam, since the rest of the fandom recognizes him that way. Still think he looks like a Bradley though. :P

YES IT MOST CERTAINLY IS COME TO MAMA BABY

(lmao I’ll be pursuing Drake in this write-up btw)

((also i’m going to try really hard to not lose track of this playthrough as I have with so many others))

We get our ‘Previously On’ as always, and now I get to screen this moment I didn’t get to before. <3

Ugh, I felt all the intense rage come back to me when Liam chose Madeleine.

We're picking up where we left off, and are sitting at an airport with two royal guards. MC is obviously upset, and then our flight is called out to board. Maxwell suddenly runs in, Bertrand with him. They run for MC and for once, Bertrand’s title is used for more than my annoyance.

Bertrand scares the guards off and Maxwell calls our name out again. Did you come here to help me?

While they don’t have anything that can get us out of hot water, they are here for support.

Now PB is just teasing.

Bertrand asks if the rumor is true, and I appreciate that he not only asked, but wanted to hear MC say it herself. I’m NOT with Tariq. But I might be in love with someone else.

Bertrand is shocked by that, and so is Maxwell. But the fact remains the same. We are part of House Beaumont and we need to become queen. Maxwell tries to get us to stay with those damn puppy dog eyes and guilt, but Bertrand plays it smart and says that MC will get to see the other someone she’s in love with if she stays behind.

Both Maxwell and Bertrand declare that the entire situation is going to be met with a war, because no one smears the House Beaumont name.

MC is still distraught because Liam, who is now King, chose Madeleine, but Bertrand simply says nothing is set in stone at the moment. There’s a clause that would allow Liam to change his mind, for the good of the nation, if he needed to.

I mean, what’s a better cause than getting a snake out of the royal family?

He’s a good brother.

He is too BUT DAMMIT I WANNA SMOOCH HIM

For once, Bertrand is being optimistic, even if things are going to be really difficult. There’s apparently an engagement tour, so we’ll be going all around again and basically doing what we did before, only for different reasons.

It’d be funny as shit if you chose the third option and it was like ‘game over’ or if the plane crashed and we got the ‘you have died’ thing.

Bertrand, take my bag! Let’s go!

Because nobody is going to make a fool out of me but me, dammit.

Bertrand agrees, only this once, to take our bag and we head out. You know, despite how much I’d love to have Maxwell as an LI, he’s really not bad in the role he’s already been playing. He’s a good brother-type, and so is Bertrand.

Once back at the house, Bertrand has a talk with MC. He says he’ll figure out how to spin the media, but MC has got to be on her very best behavior and not fuck up at all because the press is having fun tearing her to shreds.

Bertrand promises that this time around, we’ll be prepared and not in the dark all the time. He and Maxwell spend the next few weeks teaching the MC everything she needs to know for the engagement tour.

He’s precious.

He’s even more precious.

Ugh, I hate that Madeleine is of Fydelia, AKA FYDORIA, AKA HOMELAND OF MY SWEET BABY TEVAN DRAMMIR WHO DESERVED MUCH BETTER THAN WHAT HE ENDED UP GETTING FFS I’M SO MAD ABOUT THIS

I feel like the second choice is odd. Who else would Liam choose, if not Madeleine?

I really want to know who set me up.

I feel like if it really is Madeleine, it’ll give all of us salty bitches some satisfaction, but at the same time it’s way too predictable and will be someone else.

He’s super precious.

MC is concerned that she’s heard from no one outside of House Beaumont for weeks, I thought I’d at least have talked with Drake.

Maxwell says it’s not unusual for him to go months without hearing from Drake at a time, as the man is a super loner, and then Bertrand comes in and says we shouldn’t be in contact with anyone at court anyway. He wants us to limit our electronic communications, and while he thinks talking to our friends will actually benefit us, we should try to just do it in person.

The next day we head to Madeleine’s estate, and she’s even given us rooms in the main house to stay in. Maxwell is surprised at how nice the room is and that she hasn’t shoved MC into a broom closet. For all we know, this is what passes for a broom closet around here.

And here’s our premium option. I think I’ll buy this one, if it’s cute. We need to make a splash.

Honestly, I think the pink dress is MUCH cuter!

However...

This one is cheap and we need it.

Midnight Star!

See, I’m not cheap all the time.

Maxwell asks if we’re ready, after complimenting us, and we are. Believe me, I’m more than ready to clear my name.

We take Maxwell’s arm and head to the grand hall, and once we arrive, people start talking. Mostly positive things, it seems, and then who I am assuming is Madeleine’s mother approaches and welcomes us.

That must make you Madeleine’s mother.

Indeed she is, and yes, it really was the resemblance, not her age, that gave her away.

When a stranger believes you more than your ‘friends’ do.

I. LOVE. HER.

She banters with Maxwell a bit about not ever being invited to a Beaumont party and asks to be invited to the next, and then we get the best scene ever without having to spend any diamonds!

Adelaide urges us to pay our respects to her daughter, so that’s what we go do. She seems somewhat happy to see us, even if it is rather condescending.

Lady Madeleine, I just wanted to say congratulations on your engagement.

She makes sure to rub Liam in our face and we finally see the king, who is surprised to see us.

I’ve missed you.

He misses us. :’( Damn you, PB. I want him, Drake, and Maxwell! I only have two devices to play on, you know!

Madeleine whisks Liam away, and Maxwell takes us over to Bertrand, only we’re intercepted by Penelope and Kiara. Penelope is still as great as ever, she even hugs us, but Kiara is being bitchy and declares that they’re on Madeleine’s ‘side’ now.

I thought we were friends!

Ah, so Madeleine has put our friends in her pockets for dirt. Welp, sorry girls, can’t talk to ya anymore.

Well, then I guess, thank you for letting me know.

We finally make it over to Bertrand and inform him of what we just found out.

Hey, what happened to the bright side?!

‘Sides, Olivia will have our backs, right?

So apparently Tariq hasn’t been around to comment on the whole situation. He’s literally useless. What has his purpose in the story been other than this plot device?

Ana de Luca apparently has said that the best at to do it is to make our statement with Tariq, explaining the misunderstanding. He then asks where we stand on Tariq. I think Tariq got set up just like I did. He was just used, after all. I’m sure of it. He seemed really surprised.

Maxwell even agrees with that, saying he’s known Tariq for a long time and doesn’t think he’s ever made the first move. He thinks he was genuinely confused.

Tariq has been absent ever since the night of the misunderstanding. If they wanna get real funky with this, he could be dead! But he’s probably just out somewhere hiding, whether for blackmail purposes or his own.

Point is, he needs to be found.

After dinner, Maxwell knocks on our bedroom door with a bouquet of two dozen red roses! Roses are my favorite flower!

They’re from Liam, clearly.

Skip it. I already spent all I’m spending on this chapter.

In the morning, Liam is at the door instead of Maxwell. He says he couldn’t linger in the hall, and it was already hard to get to our room without being seen, so that’s why he was knocking so incessantly.

I should hug him. Even if I’m not pursuing him in this playthrough, I still love the fuck outta him and want to be close.

MC pulls away, since he’s engaged. But he says he and Madeleine have an understanding. He’s not in love with her, and she knows it. She also doesn’t care. It’s more about the position than the man, I’m sure. He can’t stay long, but he just wanted to tell us that he missed us, even if we already went through this the previous night.

I missed you too.

He’s a real treasure.

Y’all he really loves her.

I understand.

Liam leaves, and then there’s a knock at the door. It’s someone that left but is now back!

Either Olivia or Hana. Kind of hope it’s Olivia, tbh.