Chapter Text
"Varric."
"Broody? What brings you to my upstanding establishment this morning?" Varric was seated in his usual spot at his table. Papers that made no sense to Fenris spread out in front of him. Fenris has begun learning to read but was still a beginner. Not that Fenris cared what they said even if he could read them.
"I am in need of your assistance and your discretion." This peaked Varric's interest. Fenris has never come to him for anything before. Indicating that Fenris should sit Varric quickly cleared his work from the table then poured the elf some wine. The merchant guild could wait.
"My lips will be sealed tighter than Sebastian's chastity belt. What's up?"
"That is... not... never mind. "Fenris clears his throat and tries again. "I have two problems I need assistance with. I would like to locate my sister with out drawing attention to myself."
"Done. And the second?" Varric figured Fenris would look for her eventually so wasn't surprised by this request. His second "problem" however was a different story.
"I wish to remove the bodies from the mansion. And repair some things inside. I have no interest in the outside appearance."
Varric's drink paused for just a second before resuming its trip to his mouth. About the only thing stranger to hear from the elf would have been that he and Anders were sleeping together. "I can do that too. Might I inquire where this need to clean came from?"
"You may. But I will not answer."
"Ha! Fair enough. Let's discuss the details and cost shall we?"
Fenris left The Hanged Man in a good mood. He did not mind spending the nights at the clinic but his mansion would be a lot more comfortable. Especially the bigger bed. They have yet to do anything more than kissing and cuddling but Anders cot was to small for even one man let alone a tall man and an elf.
On the way back to the clinic Fenris thought about his relationship with his mage. He was glad that Anders was letting him set the pace. It was not that Fenris didn't find the blonde attractive he was just not ready to take the next step. They have also decided not to inform the others of any of this. They were sure the others suspected something was going on. But Fenris and Anders let them think it was nothing more than keeping the peace for Hawke's sake.
Fenris took up his guard post near the door of the clinic once he arrived. So far they have been lucky that Hawke has not needed Anders so didn't know this is where Fenris spent most of his time now. That luck ran out today. Hawke swaggered in Anders name on his lips and came to a stop and stared. At least he was alone today.
"Fenris?!"
"Hawke."
Hawke glanced over to Anders and back to Fenris. Neither man was angry or glowing. "What are you doing? Are you injured?"
"I am guarding."
"Umm, guarding what exactly?"
"Yes."
"Ok you know that's not an answer right?" Fenris smiled at Hawke's confusion but it was mostly all teeth and just a little bit frighting. Anders called out to Hawke getting his attention on to why he was here instead of what Fenris was up to.
"Right, yes, so some workers have gone missing at a mine. Probably just a cave in, figured a healer would be a good thing to have along. I'll grab Varric and Merrill..."
"Bring Varric but I will go as your third." The two men turned toward Fenris but if Hawke thought it odd that he would willingly go on an errand with Anders Hawke didn't say.
"Ok. I'll grab Varric. Meet us at the gates in an hour?"
"Shouldn't be a problem. It's been kind of slow today anyways." Anders bid Hawke farewell and waited until the warrior was out of sight before stepping into Fenris' space. "You know love answers like that will only fuel their curiosity."
Fenris pulled Anders into a quick kiss. "Finish up. I do not wish to be late." Anders snorted and did as he was told. He wondered how long it would take the others to catch on to what was really going on with them.
Nothing was said about Fenris and Anders arriving together and the four of them set out for the mines. The outside of the mines were dismal and devoid of miners. Looters however had made themselves right at home but easily dispatched. "I don't know guys, I expected more from a place called The Bone Pits." Three identical groans sounded behind Hawke. How many times must he be told not to say things like that?
"Dragons enough for you Hawke? Andraste's flaming knickers!" A dragonling swiped at Anders who barely managed to leap out of the way. Before he could cast a spell a glowing blur darted in front of him cleaving off the beasts head. Anders nodded his thanks and Fenris dove back into the fray. Makers Balls! Why did he ever listen to that man? Probably just a cave in my arse.
The four companions stood on the edge of a clearing and watched a mature dragon take flight. "Hawke?"
"Ya Varric?"
"If we make it out of this alive remind me to punch you in the nuts."
They made it out alive, barely. The missing workers were found mostly intact but by the time Anders had finished healing them night had fallen. The miners were generous sharing their food and bed rolls but this seemed to piss off Fenris though Hawke and Varric couldn't figure out exactly why. Anders could only give his boyfriend a sad smile as he settled down on the borrowed bedding. He might have had trouble falling asleep but was to exhausted from pushing himself. Fenris was tired but had had time to rest as Anders was still healing so lay awake long into the night. He was to used to having Anders next to him and for the first time thought that keeping their relationship a secret was a stupid idea.
Fenris was even crankier in the morning and ignored everyone on the way home. Anders thought he knew why and wanted to comfort him but Fenris wouldn't appreciate the public display so resolved to wait until they were alone in the clinic. But when Fenris stormed off to his mansion snapping something about wanting to be alone Anders began to wonder if he had done something wrong.