SS Pathstone Mingle

[heresyandlace]

Who: Crew and visitors of the SS Passive Aggressive Pathstone
Broadcast: Probably not
Action: Aboard the ship
When: All February!

[with how good everyone on this ship is at settling differences, getting along, acting rationally, and sharing their things, this month will go by without any ripples.

the audience will be so bored. there isn't ever any drama on this ship. at all. it's great.]

Comments

[killedwithlove]

[Cole understands. He is as dear to Solas as anyone is ever likely to be, but Solas will break his mind if he think Cole is a danger to him and his quest.

Love has never been without hard costs for Cole, so this is perfectly acceptable.]

I understand. I've always kept your secrets, Solas. I'll keep them now.

[dirth]

[ There is a long, drawn out, sharp moment of pause before Solas nods, holding Cole a little tighter for the barest of moments. He lets himself have that short burst of time before he breathes out and takes a step back, allowing himself some space.

It's a cruel, awful thing he has demanded of Cole, but it would hardly be the first and it will surely not be the last. ]

I am glad to hear it.

[killedwithlove]

[Cole has always known that Solas will do whatever he has to, even to him, to fulfill his mission. That's okay.

Now, he even understands it, rather than just knowing it. And it's still okay.]

I'm glad you're back.

[dirth]

[ The danger is over and Solas breathes out, resisting the urge to hold on to Cole for a little longer. He clings to him like he is a memory, a reminder of the truth of the Fade, and he feels like, perhaps, he might lose it if he legs go.

That is not the case, of course, and so he does. ]

It is good to return to your side, Cole.

[killedwithlove]

You hold me longer if you'd like.

[Because of course he picks up on that, right there, at the front.]

[dirth]

Cole.

[ Solas smiles, shifting and touching his shoulder, almost too careful. ]

Not today.

[killedwithlove]

I won't break if you touch me.

Cullen patted my shoulder, like it might hurt him to touch me, but he did it anyway.

[dirth]

Cullen might have been afraid. I was not.

[ Solas shakes his head. ]

I fear I may be somewhat tired.

[killedwithlove]

No. I know you're not. You haven't suffered at our hands like he did.

[Cole rocks on his feet.]

Go and sleep. Even if there's no Fade, you need sleep.

[dirth]

He did not suffer from your hands. He suffered at the hands of demons, not spirits.

[ Solas frowns, turning his head away. ]

Sleep is not the same here.

[killedwithlove]

I know. But you still need sleep. And if you're tired or weary, it'll help.

[dirth]

And what will you do, Cole, as I slumber my life away?

[killedwithlove]

What I usually do. What I did when you weren't here at all. Talk to people. Talk to Pathstone. Help soothe Elize's dreams.

[dirth]

And you will take care of yourself? [ Because he is concerned, even if he is quiet and careful about it. ]

[killedwithlove]

... I don't understand.

[He didn't eat or sleep. There's nothing to have to fight here. How is he meant to look after himself?]

[dirth]

Make sure you are happy. Entertained. Peaceful. That nothing is worrying or hurting you.

[ Because Solas is protective, and dangerous, and would hurt anyone that harmed Cole. ]

[killedwithlove]

I don't really feel happy often, but I am content here.

I might go back into the station to find someone to help. You still need sleep, pressure behind my eyes, heavy weight behind the neck.

[dirth]

Content is as good a beginning as any, I think. [ Solas watches him, considering, before he nods his head. Even he can admit that he is a little tired, and he already misses the memories and dreams of the Fade - and he wonders, absently, how long it will be this time. ] There are some weights that sleep cannot heal, but I shall try.

[killedwithlove]

I know, Solas.

[His gaze is clear and sharp.]

You changed while you were gone. So did I. I'm not the same person or spirit. I'm more of both.

[dirth]

[ Solas pauses, hesitant for a moment, before he turns his gaze away. ]

I apologise. I was underestimating your strength.

[killedwithlove]

[Cole comes close enough to flutter a brief kiss to Solas's bowed head and then he's at the doorway.]

You don't need to apologise. But thank you.

[And he's gone in another curl of smoke before he can face consequences.]