Work Text:
“Cullen…is today a bad day?”
Endara's voice is soft as she speaks, green eyes pinched in worry as a deep frown crosses her lips. His hands are shaking. And she knows it is more than just the upcoming Exalted Council that plagues his mind on this day.
“Um no… not really.” He stumbles over his words, though the awkward neck rub as he blushes relieves some of her concern. Withdrawal looks like haunted eyes and sweat soaked pale skin. And even his scent is altered when those rare times come now.
But this is something else, though maybe just as concerning. He's hiding something, but not lying. A fact that is a relief and yet not as she steps forward with a slight tilt of her head. They agreed long ago to no secrets between them, and she isn't about to start letting him hold out on her now.
“Then talk to me, ma lath.” Her voice is calm, reassuring as her fingers dance along the buttons of his Inquisition jacket. The fabric creases under her touch. And while she misses the familiarity of his polished armor, this allows her to feel the wild thrumming of his heart under her palm.
This way he can't hide from her, not that he would try. No, Cullen learned long ago such pursuits are foolish. Endara is relentless when it comes to a hunt, and no prey has ever excited her quite as much as her Commander.
Maybe that's why he finally relents without further argument, forehead pressing against hers as he breathes in her air. Grounding. Comforting. A moment's slow peace in the stillness of their shared room.
“Today will change everything. For the Inquisition, and for us.” There's weight to his words, voice full of wavering concern as lion's gaze meets her forest green.
“Such is the way of things, vhenan. But you will always have me.” She knows there is more, she can sense it in the tightening of his strong grip on the slim curve of her side. As if he can hold her in this moment forever, just the two of them standing on the precipice of an uncertain future. But she offers him her comfort anyway, soft brush of her nose against his as the scar on his lip quirks up in the faintest of grins.
“And you have me, my love. I have found certainty in my life now, and the council won't change that.” There's a pause that stretches across a quiet eternity, or maybe just a heartbeat before something is firmly placed in her small palm. Her brow knits in confusion as she looks down to see his lucky coin, the token they have passed back and forth across their many adventures over the years.
“Cullen what–” she isn't sure how to finish her question, what the meaning of the gesture is as his fingers linger against hers. But she knows his hands aren't shaking now, and the affectionate smile he's giving her is the most blissful she has ever seen.
“Marry me.” It isn't a question, not really. He frames it as a promise, as a pledge as he drops to one knee like a knight swearing fealty. And as well as she knows him, this was certainly the last thing she expected.
“Cullen, I–” she whispers on a sharp inhale, hand coming to her mouth as she's too stunned to answer.
For a moment he falters, old fears welling up as his shoulders drop in detection. But she catches the shift, the change spurring her to action when nothing else could.
“Yes. Yes, I will marry you.” The words are barely audible, as if she's afraid speaking them aloud will make the moment disappear. But then she's giggling wildly, arms thrown around his shoulders as he stands to pull her into his tight embrace.
There isn't much time and they know it. The council will meet soon, but some things are more important. So with his lucky coin secure between their joined hands, they leave to start something brand new.