Chapter Text
Elissa was used to the company of Alistair by now. She felt very close to him: she would go to him first for advice, always take him with her on her travels, eat her meals with him. Everyone could see it, but neither of them would consider that there may be something more to their friendship.
The allies had picked up on all these hints. Leliana had noticed all the little things: the way they laughed together, the way they brushed arms when they walked in front, the way Alistair would offer to take a longer watch so that their leader would get more sleep. Zevran, rather than encouraging sexual relations between the two, had decided to talk man-to-man to suggest romantic actions and ideas to “woo” Elissa.
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The group had had a relaxing day, only travelling to check on the Dalish, to make sure they were doing ok after the events with the werewolves. That night at camp, the assassin decided to confront Alistair. He’d seen enough of them dancing around each other. He called the Warden over, beckoning with his hand and patting the space beside his roll mat.
“You must show her how you feel, before she slips away,” he said as Alistair sat next to him, winking at him as he lay back. Alistair rolled his eyes. He always found him so full on and cringey. Sometimes he even worried the elf fancied him, along with everyone else in Thedas. “Make her feel like the only woman in the world. Shower her with gifts, give her what she wants. Compliments are your best friend – use them wisely and she’ll come running to you”. Alistair wasn’t sure. He rubbed his mouth with his hand, taking in what Zevran said. He breathed in deeply.
“But I don’t think she wants that at all. I think she just sees me as a friend, a stupid ally in all this mess.” Zevran rolled his eyes, shaking his head.
“My friend, can you not see? She’s giving you all the signs, but waiting for you to make the move. She can’t lead everything,” he waggled his eyebrows, his husky voice chuckling, “You both need a bit of fun, to take your mind off things. Relax.” He let what the elf said sink in, glancing over at Elissa playing fetch with Baccus. He took in the way she laughed as he brought the stick back, and the way she fussed and petted him. She always showed her Mabari so much affection, and he wished he could receive the same amount. Maker, she was incredible. Amongst everything that was going on, all the chaos, she really lit everything up. She made him feel hopeful. Alistair sighed. Surely she’d prefer Zevran? A silver-tongued, handsome elf: good with his hands no doubt, light and quick. He could make women – or even men – melt at his words, probably.
“She doesn’t want me, she wants you.” Alistair snapped his head back towards Zevran, surprised. How did he do it? He can’t have actually read his mind..? That blighted elf was so frustrating. So smooth and crafty. He made him feel so insecure and silly.
“Ok then, Zevran. I’ll go over right now!” Zevran widened his eyes, sitting up. “If you’re so right about everything, and she does want me, and I want her, then I’ll just waltz over and tell her.”
“Alistair, perhaps not so abruptly. You need to--” Alistair stood up, straightened his back, and started towards the woman. Stupid elf. This was it. He was going to tell her, and he’d be silver-tongued too.
“Hi Ali, are you ok?” Elissa asked, looking up from the dog she was fussing over. His insides always fluttered a little at being called that. It made him feel close to her. That smile…how could someone look so perfect just…stood there? Like that?
“Uh…” His voice caught in his throat, his cheeks slowly growing hot. He rubbed his mouth again, hoping for inspiration, looking down at the floor at his awkward shuffling feet. Elissa straightened, her brows furrowing, Baccus whimpering at the loss of her petting.
“Is something the matter? Are we under attack? Has Morrigan said something to you again?” Her hand started to move towards the dagger she kept on her belt when they were at camp.
“No,” He replied, his hand catching her wrist. Holding it in place where it was. “Everything’s…fine.” Her eyes held his, the frown relaxing. Those beautiful, emerald eyes. They stayed quiet a moment, before he dropped her wrist, running his hand through his hair. Yeah right, definitely smooth and silver-tongued.
“Are you sure?” She crossed her arms.
“Yes, I-I…Elissa I wanted to say something.” Alistair closed his eyes, twiddling his thumbs. “We’re ok, aren’t we? As in we’re good friends and, we like each other, right?” Elissa uncrossed her arms, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
“Yes, Alistair. Why wouldn’t we be ok?”
“Hah…um, yeah I know. I mean, I like you. A lot. As a friend I mean, if you don’t want anything else. I’m just…really glad to be by your side.” Elissa’s smile grew, warm and inviting, and she touched his arm, making it twitch slightly.
“Of course. I like you too, and I’m more than glad to have you with me. I wouldn’t ask for anyone else,” Alistair breathed out the breath he didn’t realise he’d been holding, and brought himself to smile slightly. “And maybe once everything settles down we can…see what happens?” She beamed, her eyes twinkling.
“I’d like that. A lot.” He replied. He held her gaze as intensely as he could, noticing the little tiny wrinkles round her eyes from her smiles and laughs. His feet moved slightly, towards her. He expected her to move back, away from him, but she didn’t. They stayed where they stood, smiling like fools, the dim light from the campfire highlighting Elissa’s beautiful features. He could feel the heat radiating off her body – that lovely body which was just in his grasp. He could hold her right now if he wanted to. His fingers twitched and slowly started to reach towards her sides, when a yell came from the other side of the campsite. Their heads turned immediately to the disruption.
“Ugh! Stupid, mangy, smelly creature!” Morrigan was bent over in front of Baccus, trying to pull what looked like a scrap of clothing out of his growling, drooly mouth. Elissa and Alistair had never realised he had even left them. They looked back at each other and started to laugh. She always covered her mouth whenever she chuckled, the way her mother had taught her. Alistair found it adorable.
“I’d better go tell him off then, I suppose!” Elissa said, with a roll of her eyes.
“Nah, just leave her wrestling him. It’s much more amusing to watch.” He said with a smirk, resulting in a light smack on the arm. Giggling, she started towards her pet. He stayed where he was, watching after her, trying to avert his gaze from her behind. Shoving images out of his mind. A hand clamped on his shoulder, making him jump.
“Agh!”
“Well done, Alistair, you’re finally getting somewhere. A bit more touching next time, I think.” Zevran winked as he walked past him towards Leliana, sat by the fire. Maker, I’d definitely like to have a bit more touching next time he thought. He laughed quietly to himself as he watched Elissa bent down, petting her Mabari. She was stifling her giggles in his fur as Morrigan threw her hands up in the air and stormed away.
He hoped he could man up a little for her, and overcome his foolishness. She could have whoever she wanted, and why would she want him? He’d understand completely if she committed to someone else, but he’d also be devastated. She was the only thing that seemed to make sense in his world, and he didn’t want to let that go.