Fade Rift: Inbox

[pinprick]

You know what to do.

Comments

Beginning of December, Crystal

[justice_is_blond]

I miss you. And your face. I almost miss the thing that is constantly trying to overtake your chin. Please tell me you haven't lost that battle.

[pinprick]

You're very romantic. I miss you too. I would even shave for you, if you want.

[justice_is_blond]

But then what would Purrelden try to groom? You'd leave her so confused. No, my love, this is a sacrifice we must make. It remains. The rest of you more than makes up for it.

[He pauses for a moment before continuing.]

How's the mission going?

[pinprick]

[Anders can hear the grin in Nathaniel's voice. He knows the soul patch is a guilty pleasure for Anders at worst.]

It's...going. Not very interesting to hear about, I'm afraid, but I'm optimistic. Tell me everything about your day.

[justice_is_blond]

[His bluff has been called and he doesn't mind. Anders is just happy to talk with Nate.]

I've been on the road a short time now. You should know our bed has entirely spoiled me for bedrolls; I'd known the ground was hard but it never felt it. Thankfully I'm a spirit healer and I can cheat.

Which is to say you're probably going to get back while I'm gone and I miss you.

[pinprick]

Poor thing, having to sleep in a comfortable bed most of the time. Alistair had better keep you safe. He is guarding my dearest treasure.

[justice_is_blond]

I like hearing that.

[His voice is very gentle and pleased.]

And he seems to be doing well as the muscle on this trip, but the test will be sometime tomorrow when we arrive.

[pinprick]

I have every confidence that you will have him protected. And fed, and burped. And you'll change his nappy when he needs it.

[justice_is_blond]

Nathaniel.

[Still gentle, but now a little wry.]

You can hardly talk about him protecting me and then how much he needs to be taken care of as if he was an infant in the next breath.

[pinprick]

You can't tell me it's inaccurate.

[justice_is_blond]

I'd suggest it might be; I don't see him the way you do, love. Which is why I'm fine traveling with him and didn't see if they could take Bethany as a Grey Warden healer instead.

[pinprick]

Alistair will look after you, I've no doubt. I've also no doubt you'll be looking after him more than he you.

[justice_is_blond]

Do I want to complicate perfectly good pining after being in your arms again by asking what happened between the two of you?

[pinprick]

Well...nothing happened.

[justice_is_blond]

It's a personality thing?

[pinprick]

Alistair likes getting on my nerves. Not everyone's, apparently--mine, specifically.

[justice_is_blond]

Next time he succeeds, think of him in a dress in a tightrope. And think of me in considerably less.

[pinprick]

...Oh. Well, that's. Fair. And a bit cruel, with you so far away.

[justice_is_blond]

I'm not the one that's been gone from Skyhold for a whole month.

[The protest and despair in his voice is over-exaggerated.]

And now another week on top of that because of some Darkspawn. Now we can talk about cruel.

[pinprick]

Well. Then you'll have to imagine me taking down your hair and running my fingers through it. And kissing you, and pulling you close.

[justice_is_blond]

Mmm.

[It's more exhale than voice.]

I've never had someone as fascinated by my hair as you. I could let you play with it for hours and hours. Except I adore your lips just as much, and fitting myself to you. You'll just have to imagine me kissing you back and sliding a thigh between yours, slowly, because I love the way you say my name when you want me. When you need me.

[pinprick]

Anders. [Nathaniel wants and needs him now, though he cannot have him yet. It's still in his voice, and the way he says his name.] Anders, my darling. I would sweep you up into my arms and carry to our bed. And then...

Then, my love, we would fall asleep.

[BOOM. Anders started the teasing. See how he likes it.]

[justice_is_blond]

[His breath catches and then there's silence for several moments when Nate concludes.]

Remember this when you can't find any of your socks when we're both back. Any of them. Even if you acquire more.

[pinprick]

Consider it a prelude. A tease. The payoff will come when we are reunited.

[justice_is_blond]

Nate. You tell me to imagine things and then you tell me to wait days and days more? Prelude.

[After several, after the amusement and teasing wears away, he sighs.]

I miss you.

[He's said it a few times now, but this time it's delivered seriously.]

It scares me a little, how much I've grown accustomed to having you around and wanting you around. Just... Stay safe and come back to me.