Pot and Kettle

As Sebastian couldn't attest to how far along the research was, he couldn't allay Aoife's thoughts on the matter one way or the other. In the end, she'd need to be willing to talk to them herself and that was that.

Sebastian tried to hold it in, but watching Aoife crack up at her own words led him to laughing along with her. Is that because I'm a... "square" or because you care? he asked, the barest hint of a smirk flitting across his lips. It vanished as quickly as it had come, though, and he was shaking his head as he quieted his laugh.

They'd figure details later. Ideally when she wasn't three sheets to the wind. And after he could ensure no one on his council would breathe a word of her presence. To anyone for any reason.

He couldn't help roll his eyes at her assumption. I'll have you know, no one will spar me. A slight chuckle. We passed the archery targets I practice with on the way here. To that he shrugged. It wasn't much, but it kept his aim sharp. Occasionally he'd convince some of of the city-state's cavalry to play moving target, but not often. They never liked the fact he didn't miss overly often.

Sebastian waited quietly, awkwardly, for Aoife to give him an answer. He narrowed his gaze slightly, growing more suspicious as to why she was here. Why him and why now. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, then opened them and swiped the flagon from her. In good faith, he took a drink and held it back to her. What would you have of me for the answer, then? The logical answer said more liquor, but he'd wait and see what she came up with.

His laugh melding in with hers sent Leaf’s mind back to days long past. Simpler times, where the grandeur scheme was unclear and they were just trying to scrape by and make their way out of a shit situation. Only the shit situations got bigger, and meaner, and more frightening than anyone could hope to brace against. And then he took a play out of the dwarf’s handbook and she groaned, eyes rolling off to another side of the room.

[color=#0074d9]“... Both. I care about the “square” because he’s one of the few friends I have left to protect and… repay for his kindness once.”[/color] And without missing a beat. [color=#0074d9]“Plus the fact you still owe me money.”[/color] The smirk across her face was slight, head bobbing confirming that it was, indeed, true. Who else held sway enough with Varric to spare the incessant prodding for the man’s sordid details?

[color=#0074d9]“Well, when I’m not dying of a hangover… I’ll give you a run for your money, deal?”[/color] A hand stretched forth to shake on it, face serious. [color=#0074d9]“If shit hits the fan we need to be ready. I might not be here to rescue you.”[/color] He did no-one any favours being a fat cat and not putting himself through the paces, not in time of war when the enemy next door was on the move. That meant she too had to buck up and get into it, yet it was significantly better than being dead, Leaf supposed. She’d make better company than the stuffy council members and he could work out some of the frustration in dealing with them.

A shit-eating grin spread across her face. There were many things to be said, all at the tip of her tongue but the mage swallowed them back. This required deeper thought than just a witty retort of an answer. Lips pursed together as she decided, musing over what she could ask seriously of him, leaving him holding the ale to take a turn about the room.

[color=#0074d9]“What are you willing to bargain?”[/color] Hoisting herself up to sit on the desk, a pipe found its way into one hand, the thumb of the other cleaning and repacking the bell with muscle memory. She didn’t blame him for the suspicion, she would have questions if he had come to her out of the blue, without a word. It needed some explanation, but to her own ears it sounded terrible. [color=#0074d9]“... Do you remember the last time you saw me?”[/color]

Owe her money. Ha. He let the commentary slide without further comment. It wasn't worth digging into, not when she was drunk and convinced beyond a reasonable doubt she was - at all times always - correct.

Sebastian chuckled, but nodded. Agreed. And I think we both know it'll be you getting rescued. He flashed a toothy grin as he teased. Not that it mattered. They'd each saved each other plenty of times. Just as he'd saved, and been saved, by others of their mutual friends.

The silence that soon enough fell once he'd closed the door and accepted her earlier offer rattled him. The awkward feeling hard to shake as he watched Aoife move about the room. And that look. He'd seen it before and that, more than anything else, led to further worry. Where in the Maker's name was she going with this?

What are you willing to accept? he countered. Two could play that game. Sebastian wanted a firm, clear answer. Wanting to avoid showing too much of his hand. Especially considering all they'd been through together? He'd do a lot for Aoife, but she didn't need to be reminded of that in the moment.

To the question that came back at him, he paused and considered. Saw... or spoke? Sebastian arched a brow. He'd certainly seen her before the Veil had been torn down, but that had been... perhaps not exactly what she meant.

It was the wisest thing to do. He had seen the arguments between the siblings, the murderous look she tossed when a full fledged imbecile tried to correct the little lady.

Leaf scoffed away his tease, hand reaching and grasping for his in a clumsy warrior's grasp to seal the deal. She tugged him forward a step, gravity weighing her words down an octave. [color=#0074d9]“I’mma be reeeeeally mean to you on them training grounds. Mark my words, Chase,”[/color] Chastity was too long, [color=#0074d9]“You’re gonna beg to be rescued.”[/color] Releasing him, Aoife flashed him a wink before turning away to take the walk.

She did not enjoy asking for help, but with Mikael awol and everyone else scattered to the wind, there were few places she could seek shelter, let her guard drop and be weak, not gawked at. Drink and bravado, the false confidence in herself, all of it was a facade. Leaf was a shadow of the mage she had been. He had reason to be concerned, knowing her as he did.

[color=#0074d9]“Nothing less than some harmless mischief,”[/color] a brow arched. [color=#0074d9]“There’s no Varric, so we’re both safe from losing our respective pants this time.”[/color] Yes. The dwarf was the worst influence amongst them and she’d forever deny that her own mind was equally rebellious under the influence. [color=#0074d9]“The doors shut, no advisors about to give you a headache… indulge yourself a little.” [/color]

His hesitation was valid and Aoife didn’t suppress the chuckle or the shrug of her brows. [color=#0074d9]“Yeah… I could have chosen my words better.”[/color] She could laugh about it now, well, some of it. The nib of the pipe found the corner of her mouth, still stubbornly musing but he was waiting on her answer wasn’t he. [color=#0074d9]“Last time you saw me I wasn’t even… here. I doubt it was pretty.” [/color]

The drunken grasp for his hand caught Sebastian off guard. He tripped slightly when tugged, not expecting her to put so much force into the gesture. The sealing of the deal he'd just agreed to. It lingered, the contact. Far longer than he felt one normally would. Or should. Trying to focus on her words more than any gravity of contact, Sebastian merely nodded with a: Indeed, we shall see. Another slight stumble at the loss of contact, but Sebastian corrected his posture and his thoughts quickly.

But then it came to it.

Harmless mischief. As if that, in and of itself, wasn't a loaded phrase. Especially when a Hawke of any caliber was considered into the equation. It didn't allay any of his concerns on the matter. Mischief was bad enough. The tag of "harmless" did not make it better.

Sebastian arched a brow at her. So... he mused, a smirk threatening to overtake his expression. You didn't whole-heartedly agree to that game thinking you'd see me lose my trousers? If she was going to bring up that one game of strip Grace. He wasn't going to fully let it go when an opportunity presented itself. And, really, was Varric the worst influence of the group? Absolutely not. Definitely a toss between several of them. Easy to blame the one not present to defend himself, though.

The reminder of the door he'd closed caused Sebastian to cast a glance back at it. Aoife was not wrong. This time. Still hesitant, though, he shifted his gaze back to where she'd perched herself. He stood rather awkwardly nearby, not having moved since she settled.

All of that faded as she agreed her words, perhaps, hadn't been the best choice. Sebastian hesitated again, this time to avoid an answer he wasn't sure either of them wanted to hear. An answer he'd ignored for a good portion of his life since they'd met.

I wanted to bring you to Starkhaven then. He finally admitted. Allow you to recover in peace and protection. No one else agreed. And Sebastian, unfortunately, didn't have the best sway for decisions at the best of times. Let alone convince people who often painted him a villain for accepting his fate, for disagreeing with how things had been handled that fateful day in Kirkwall.

That isn't why you're here, though, is it? he mused aloud. Rather he felt it a surprisingly clever distraction from what he really wanted to know. For whatever reason, it was a topic Aoife seemed to be avoiding.

She’d drunk too much to notice his awkwardness, snickering as he tripped slightly. [color=#0074d9]“Careful there Chase, I’m the drunk one remember. I got this niche.”[/color] A chuckle, tailed off sinisterly. She wouldn’t play fair, they both knew it, but expecting the unexpected came with the territory, especially when in cahoots with a Hawke.

If she had the facilities to argue, Leaf would in fact make clear distinctions between what constituted as “harmless,” and harmless. She had a head start, a pipe now being fanned into life, the advantage was his if he chose to sneak a nip or two. Who was she to say anything?

And then he brought up last time. Her nose wrinkled, the nib of the pipe drawing in an inhale to keep the heat of her face to its minimum. She’d pass it off as the drink if asked, the heat of the room, anything but the unfiltered image that danced across her mind. [color=#0074d9]“Wh- … I would’ve had a better chance at keeping my own dignity with someone else for Varric to torture. Cheating bastard.. He… hehe.” [/color]

[color=#0074d9]I am going to ki-[/color]

[color=#c14700]Can’t. Demon. [/color]

[color=#0074d9]“Yeah,”[/color] for the first time a genuine smile curled at her lips. [color=#0074d9]“Mikael told me. Told me you both nearly fought over it.”[/color] With a slight shake of her head she sighed, elbows leaning to rest on her thighs. [color=#0074d9]“Stupid. But… I think, I think I would’ve preferred it.”[/color] Going back to Kirkwall felt all manner of wrong, it still did in some ways. Be it the magic in the air, the memories or the fucking statue in the Gallows, she only wanted to return when she had to.

After taking in another draw her eyes shifted away. [color=#0074d9]“I.. Obviously I’m better, but…”[/color] she had been out in the wilderness, believing it to be of benefit where it had been nothing but a different form of imprisonment. One of the mind, and alone, with only Korr, Leaf feared what could happen. [color=#0074d9]“... but nothing, drink, Chase. Or I’ll come over there and pry it from your gubby hands.”[/color]

Mmm, whatever you need to tell yourself, Aoife. He shrugged. Though a slight smirk betrayed the otherwise keen look of nonchalance. It was the last bit of comfort he'd been able to take for himself in this whole situation.

All the times they'd spent alone together in the past, this was different. Sebastian couldn't place how or what was so different. Obviously her ordeal with the Nightmare had changed her, drastically, but that couldn't be the only reason. Could it?

Sebastian resisted the urge to curl his lip at the mention of her brother. It did nearly come to blows, but I... He huffed out a sigh, looking down at the flagon she'd never taken back from him. It felt selfish, in the end. Even Varric disagreed.

Another sigh as he continued to stare at the flagon. Everyone had tried to tell him it would be better if she "stayed among friends and family". And from that point, he'd severed contact with all of them. What was he if not family already to Aoife, even if the others never considered him much but a wet blanket. Square. Boring. Choir Boy. Chastity.

With a shake of his head, he looked up again.

You're... something, Aoife. You always have been.

Ah, there it was. Drink more. Blessedly, the flagon didn't feel particularly full. She'd done a damned good job draining it till this point. As much as I should love to see you try... This time, with little complaint, he took another drink. Turned out some of the bitterness he'd felt after his last encounter with, well, everyone... it lingered. And the alcohol made it feel just a smidgen less bad.

But? He prompted once the flagon had left his lips.

[color=#0074d9]Did he just…?[/color]

[color=#c14700]…I think he did. [/color]

[color=#0074d9]NOT. HELPING. [/color]

[color=#0074d9]“... Shut up.”[/color] A terrible comeback, but it was all she could muster, suddenly finding herself on unsure footing. There was something weird about that ale. 

Aoife grinned as he confirmed the story of her bedside. It grew thoughtful as he claimed the idea a selfish one.[color=#0074d9] “It wasn’t. And Varric..”[/color] she scoffed, [color=#0074d9]“he hates climbing the hill to Hightown, of course he said no to going to Starkhaven.” [/color]She loved them, dearly, but Kirkwall held too much pain for her to seek any solace or real peace to recover. The addition of Korr had only escalated a backwards trend, quitting the city and her family entirely after a snap in her control.

As his gaze fixed on the flagon, Leaf’s lips twitched seeing his mind linger on another low point of her life. It amused and comforted her that he always seemed to have a front row seat when disaster befell her. Only sane one among them all. She watched him, eyes tracking over his features and physical state, pleased time and responsibility hadn’t robbed him of his handsomeness. [color=#0074d9]“I know what he said too. You are family Seb. Even if you fall out with them, real family still annoy the fuck out of you.”[/color] She was doing that this very moment.

His comment earned him a snort. Good. And pointing the nib end of the pipe, Leaf corrected him, [color=#0074d9]“A mess… who attracts trouble. Like a magpie to anything shiny.”[/color] Or a magnet, though it wasn’t always intentionally done, things just had the awful, and consistent, habit of sliding that way.

A glow flashed in her eyes, he knew better than to set her a challenge, but watching him partake had them quickly widening instead. Aoife’s jaw dropped and a hand scrambled to catch the pipe slipping out between her lips with a gasp. A hiss was swiftly followed by a muffled giggle. [color=#0074d9]“Oooooh, yes”[/color] she’d grin, attention firmly in the palm of his hands.

And of course, everything was horseshit before ‘but,’ joviality giving way to a huff. Only after wrestling with herself and knowing he wouldn’t let it slide did she continue, remaining vague. [color=#0074d9]“But.. I’m not. Better, I mean.”[/color]

Family to you, perhaps. He fired back with another sigh. He'd been tolerated by the others on her behalf. Or, at least, that seemed to be what it was to him. If any of them cared beyond the surface of "because Aoife", he'd be shocked. It didn't matter, though. She was here and they weren't.

Trouble might just follow your name, he offered with a shrug. It was true. Didn't matter which Hawke it was. Trouble followed each one of them like Blight followed the darkspawn.

Sebastian paused briefly before lowering the flagon, eyeing Aoife. The surprise that overtook her brought an amused twinkle to his eye. It seemed, indeed, she had forgotten how much he'd do for her. He'd already taken the first drink, resigning himself to his fate now. If this was what it took to find the truth, then... she was right. They were alone and no one should come knocking.

Except... a scratch at the door.

After prompting for her to continue, he briefly turned back to the door. That was not a knock of a servant or passerby. That was a very distinct little critter. His distinct little critter. The pandalope didn't generally stray far from him. And, most certainly, hated him being out of her sight.

Aoife spoke. Sebastian stopped short of the door. A brief contemplation and he slid the door only just enough for his companion to slip through. Practice doing do meant he could keep his eyes on his friend. Closing it again, he walked back into the room and closer to her. The pandalope, however, beelined for the bed to curl up on the large, plush pile of pillows

Sebastian ignored his companion. He could move her later when Aoife needed to sleep off the liquor. For now, he focused more closely on her. Now I don't know about that. He finally settled on, studying her carefully. Just because you aren't your old self doesn't mean you aren't better.

He stepped back once now, making a clear show of looking her up and down. Sense of humor, he began, starting a numbered list with his free hand. Proclivity for trouble, desire for mischief... Sebastian moved closer again, now beside her as he leaned against the desk. I'm sure I could find more if you wish. But it has only been, what, an hour back within your company?

[color=#0074d9]“He was wrong to turn you away,”[/color] They’d fought about it, the minute she could muster yelling at him without succumbing to fatigue. She was sick of having people make decisions for her. Nor did she enjoy being front and centre in anything unless it was to beat someone down a peg or two. Between the twins she was the more reasonable, balancing and managing the chaotic and varying personalities of their group. Yet time and their choices had shifted the balance, splitting the twins.

Aoife mulled it over, the option really simple and in true Hawke fashion, took the piss. [color=#0074d9]“Probably should change it then, maybe then I’ll have a bit of luck. How does ‘Smith’ sound?”[/color]  Lips smacked as a ‘tsk’ before her head shook. There would be no point, she may not have done much the few years since quitting Kirkwall, it didn’t mean she was off the hook of trouble finding her.

She would see the action as a win on her part, perhaps in negotiations as ridiculous as it sounded. He could vent here within these walls and while she may only listen, or offered ill-advice that none should entertain, none of it would go beyond them. The actions at the door went unnoticed, brow only furrowing as the creature passed her line of vision, tracking it to her bed with a chuckle. A fondness settled into her smile, another thing that set her mind at ease was that he had a similar companion to she. No doubt her hound had slumped against the wall across, guarding the doorway to anyone who would disturb her mistress.

Her old self?. Lips tugged upwards into a hollow smile with his words. [color=#0074d9]“I.. don’t think she’ll ever come back, Seb. Not fully.”[/color] No. Pieces of her had been scattered to the wind and each carefully gathered one tore open the wound all over again.

Mind mellowed by the herb, or the ale making her warm, the mage slowly let a grin spread across her face. Her head tilted a little over towards him, blue hues finding his and adding, [color=#0074d9]“...You forgot pretty, it’s fine. I am a mess, I’ll let you have that one.” [/color]He couldn’t hold it against her, he named the top three accurately enough. Aoife sighed, absently musing out loud without realising, [color=#0074d9]“I think this is partly why I came… you can always find something good in me, even when I can’t.” [/color]

Sebastian had choice words for her brother, but bit his tongue on them. As he had done for years now. He wasn't worth the waste of breath. Or time spent praying forgiveness for being such a blatant asshole about it. He'd served his time at the matter and, well, mostly was at peace with the outcome. At least Aoife was here now.

Not as good as Vael, he fired back before hesitation and thinking could get the better of his senses. Though better sense found its way in moments later and he let out a slight cough, clearing his throat. As if he hadn't just thrown his own name out there for her.

Almost thankful for being able to snag a drink now, and the brief distraction of Tofa. It allowed Sebastian a chance to let his stomach settle, his nerves fall back in line, and the barely noticeable shake in his hand to disappear. No. He could hide the effect his own stupid comment left upon him. And focus on her.

I... didn't mean to imply she would, he corrected. It wasn't as if his old self had come back. A wild child he'd been, and it's what had sent him packing into the Chantry. His family couldn't handle the what-ifs in dealing with their spare of a spare child. Perhaps, in his case, he'd merely grown up. But being abandoned by your family tended to leave a lasting mark.

Better, he added, doesn't have to be the same.

He'd gone on to list the old qualities that she did retain. Intentionally, he'd left any physical markers out of it. His intent to make a point and not appear shallow. But he couldn't help but chuckle at Aoife. Mm, I might have chosen a different word. A smirk brushed over his lips.

Pausing, again, he took another drink. What was one more. Settle the nerves. Ease the mind.

There will always be good in you, Aoife. But I am forever happy to point it out when you need the reminder. A more warm, genuine smile crossed his features as he looked over at her. A fondness lingered in his gaze before he looked away to the bed where Tofa lay asleep already.

Partly. He then remarked, waiting to see if she'd elaborate.

Bells were sounding off in her head, Leaf was sure of it. Either that or it was Korr laughing and this was how it was when something hysterical happened. Aoife on the other hand leaned into the intoxicants imbued and played it off. Blinking deliberately slowly, her eyes rolled over to him, confusion masked with a deepening furrow then laxing again. [color=#0074d9]“...Who?”[/color] As if she’d simply misheard him and the awkward clench of her gut when he let his name fly out as an alternative.

A joke surely. It seemed so given how calm he appeared to her hazy vision. It caught her off guard, the strangest feeling coming over her before eyes eventually watched Tofa bed herself down. Khali did the same, nuzzling her way under the blankets without a care of how she shoved her mistress.

She had all but given up on reclaiming much of herself from the Nightmare. Some fragments were better left behind, yet they had made her the mage she was… so had the Nightmare, it was confusing.[color=#0074d9] “I.. barely recognise myself. It’s like everythings been scooped out and it’s just this… shell walking around with a parrot I can’t see or beat when it pisses me off.”[/color] It was infuriating this possession business.

The pipe was set aside, resting on the desk, brow quirked in curiosity, [color=#0074d9]“Oh?”[/color] he was not going to say that and leave it there. [color=#0074d9]“Like what? …Tall?”[/color] Lips pursed in mock thought while he drank, [color=#0074d9]“Dazzling? Brilliant?... Charming?” [/color]

Her lips rolled inwards though, the gremlin of alcohol and herb mixing with Korr’s influence snapping back a in me now?. The thought was enough that she’d snort, chuckle softly falling. Brows shrugged again soon enough while she pushed some hair behind an ear, not fully believing the first half of his speech.[color=#0074d9] “A lot of people would disagree with you.”[/color] Herself too on more than one occasion when the path was unclear.[color=#0074d9] “You’ve always been too nice to me.” [/color]

[color=#0074d9]“I can’t stay idle either.”[/color] She admitted bitterly. As much as solitude had protected her, it left her ill informed of the state of things. [color=#0074d9]“World’s grown a lot darker since I took a sebatical. I should be protecting people, but I can’t… I can’t focus on so many…”[/color] eyes fluttered closed. [color=#0074d9]“So I should protect one person, an important person. … I suppose I came looking for a job.”[/color] And some peace, which had been long denied her.

Sebastian was quiet as she explained what it felt like after her ordeal. He couldn't possibly fathom what the experience had been like. Hearing that they'd been in the raw Fade, alone, had been beyond belief. But what happened, specifically, to Aoife was worse yet. In fact, it had angered him when news came his way of what happened. To the point he'd nearly, selfishly, pulled his support of the Inquisition. However, he had advisors to remind him that wasn't the logical move. Or reasonable one.

He still tried to focus on the good, though. Seeing in her what it seemed she could not see for herself. Changed, yes. Of course she was. But in so many ways, she was just the same Aoife he'd known for years. Sebastian had made the mistake of taking a drink as she ran with options for what he might've said. He nearly choked, but managed to keep a minor semblance of composure and clear his throat. Stubborn, perhaps? he offered, painfully obvious in his deflection.

A light chuckle. When have a lot of people ever agreed with me? Only somewhat of a rhetorical question. Some days he was convinced people only agreed with him now because they had to. He was their Prince. Sebastian had never felt like a particularly good leader, after all.

She wasn't wrong about the world seeming to grow only darker lately. Sebastian, however, had focused solely on what he could do to aide others. Like giving Tantervale to the displaced dwarves. Helping rebuild Kirkwall into a better place. But he had a lot more behind him to do such things. Aoife was just one person and protecting one person made sense. Except, perhaps, that it was him.

I assure you I am not that important. He could be as replaced as easily as his family, after all. He'd punctuated his words with a bit of a laugh. An awkward strain behind it. Finishing what was left in the flagon, he set it down on the desk between them. After a pause and some thought, he finally continued. If that's what you wish, I can convince my advisory council that you're to be my body guard. Officially. He looked down at his hands, rubbing them together a moment to ease the want to shake.

Unofficially, he continued, finally looking up and over at her again, you're family. I'll ensure there's staff available to get you whatever you might wish. This room will be yours for as long as you want. And, of course, you're never obligated to stay. He paused, letting out a short, breathy laugh. I'm aware I might be too... dull for you to stick around.

Sebastian couldn't help but wish she'd stay indefinitely. But now was not the time nor the place to express such thoughts. In fact, if his past on the matter were any indication on how he'd handle it... he'd never bring it up. But maybe...

Though I admit I do hope you'll stay for a while, at least. He smiled, genuine and warm, looking down again. I've missed your company.

Time had worked differently during her imprisonment. Returning to reality had jarred her already fragmented self to the furthest recesses of her mind, the description of a hollow husk was completely accurate. She’d been nothing but a ghost, occupying a body that if moved, feared only more of the torture endured. Only after months of sitting, listening to the inept whining going on around her did terror and trauma give way to irritation. Leaf was done. The snap came in short succession of Korr seeking her out, the logical answer to isolate herself from everything triggering.

She was the one in need of guidance though. On keeping to the right side of the path and not giving in to her destructive nature. Yet she couldn’t think about that now, not with him choking on the drink. A laugh burst forth, head shaking as she chided him, [color=#0074d9]“Don’t waste it!”[/color]. She scoffed too at his deflection, blue, rolling orbs shrugged his excuse away. [color=#0074d9]“Uhuh… that’s not what you were going to say. Tut, tut Sebastian. Lies?”[/color]

Out of loop she was, but that hadn’t meant she’d overheard the talk on the road.  [color=#0074d9]“Um, you’re the Prince of Starkhaven. Kinda does make you the big wig around. Unless you want Antiva to come waltzing through the Marches?”[/color] Hand gestured an imaginary army washing over the region, lifting to an open palm, expression fully questioning with a pointed brow. [color=#0074d9]“Didn’t think so. And I don’t need a whole staff, maybe a body or two. We can… hash out details later.” [/color]

Dull? What was he on about? Ridiculous. Slipping off the desk, Leaf drew closer to him, reaching up to prod his shoulder. [color=#0074d9]“I’m here aren’t I? Bit late, sure, but I said I would, and I will. Unless… well, let’s not manifest me failing shall we?”[/color] the chuckle falling a little awkwardly. It wouldn’t be a good look, nor would she survive the fall out or even forgive herself if anything happened. The grin became a smidgen goofier, a little sheepish at the corners with the way his face softened and warmed her, [color=#0074d9]“Missed you too, Chastity.” [/color]

What possessed her, she wasn’t sure, but in the moment it felt right. Feet lifted to tiptoes and her lips found his, planting a brief press against them before she pulled back entirely. [color=#0074d9]“...Thanks Sebastian… I mean it.”[/color]

He feigned a bemused look, as if he couldn't possibly know what she was talking about. Lies? Hardly. Deflection... absolutely. Details. Totally different things, of course.

Sebastian, barriers dulled slightly by now, couldn't avoid rolling his eyes. And they could replace me faster than my family before me. He shrugged. The throne wasn't something he'd taken because he wanted it. He'd done it because it was the right thing to do. Knowing he could do more for both Starkhaven and the Free Marches as a whole, than some distant cousin that probably couldn't walk and talk at the same time. Didn't make him think himself any more important than others.

After a moment he sighed, nodding in agreement. He couldn't exactly disagree. The people who'd not fled to city-states he'd annexed were not doing well, from what he'd heard so far. Fine, fine. You can coordinate with my military advisor. I'm sure they'd have some suggestions for you to consider.

Offering a bit of a teasing grin, Sebastian chuckled. Failing what? Keeping your nose out of every citizen's business? Wasn't exactly her fault back in the day that every person living in Kirkwall somehow managed to make their business the business of the Hawkes on a regular basis.

Looking up at Aoife's returned sentiment, he smiled again. This time straightening up off the desk he'd been leaning on. She'd moved and he began to consider it might have been time for him to leave her be to settle in. The conversation had gotten heavier than he expected, though perhaps he should have - considering what was asked of him to get to this point.

Briefly, oh so briefly, everything slowed down to a crawl. She'd shifted, moved. Upward and closer until...

Shock crashed over Sebastian when their lips made contact. This wasn't, exactly, the first time she'd given him such a thank you. But this was... different? Not that he was sure what was different. That was, perhaps, a question for later. For now... now he regained his mind fairly quickly in the grand scheme of things.

Hands reaching for either side of her face, he pulled her back into another kiss. More passion lingering behind it, years of unspoken affection for Aoife barely held in check. Even in his current state of mind, he reigned himself back and broke away with a breath. Aoife, I... Crossed a line? Should go? The previous composure started to erode in a slight moment of panic at leading his guard down so far to reach this point.