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Chapter Text

This whole day had gone to shit. Neve should have known it wasn't going to go well when Hal's sold out of fish before noon. Of course, even she couldn't have predicted darkspawn in the streets or the Archon's palace literally trying to kill them. But hey, they had tracked down their target. Solas, elven God, hell bent on destroying the world. Or in his mind remaking it. Always the same self-righteous justifications from people who thought they knew best. Never stopping to think of the cost. Of what really mattered in the end. 

The Dock Town cats had more sense than that. At least they could be reasoned with if you brought enough food.  

Of course, the whole ritual blew up in everyone's faces. Probably for the best. Though things definitely could have gone better. 

Now, there were three gods on the loose. And the cost to their group had been considerable. 

The red head, Harding, was injured from causing their distraction. Not bad luckily. But enough. And then there was the new guy, Rook, and her old friend, Varric. Both bleeding from their altercation with Solas and barely dragged out of there in time.

Damn it all. At least everyone in this ragtag team made it out alive. For now. Though things definitely looked bleak as they settled into this new strange place called the Lighthouse. 

She had bandaged Varric’s chest as best she could. Healing magic wasn’t really her metier, but you tended to pick up things like that in Dock Town’s hardened streets. And while Harding had stubbornly refused any assistance, Rook was too out of it to fight her as she stemmed the flow of blood from the gaping hole to the back of his head. 

“Is he going to be alright, Boots?” The old dwarf asked from his cot across the room. Brows drawn in concern as he eyed how pale Rook looked under the cloth wrapped around his head.

“He should pull through,” Neve reassured as she continued to clean blood soaked hair with a wet cloth. Making sure there were no hidden injuries that she had missed. “I think he looks much worse than he is, but he should come around soon.” 

“Good. The Inquisitor might actually kill me if anything happens to him.” Varric chuckled nervously as Neve could sense some truth in those words. Rook being important to Inquisitor Lavellan was an interesting tidbit of information that she would store away for later. Could come in handy.

“So I’m guessing Harding’s gone off somewhere?” His quick subject change also didn’t go unnoticed, but she decided not to point it out. No reason to let on that she had picked up on something. 

“You know scouts,” Neve shrugged before adding. “Said she was going to go check the place out. Wherever this is.” She looked around as she spoke. Still not at ease with this place. She knew they were inside the Fade, which was unsettling enough. And from what else they had gathered, this was once Solas’ lair. 

“Well as long as no one is trying to kill us at the moment, I think I’m going to take a nap.” The old dwarf punctuated his words by laying down and crossing his arms. Only Varric could relax at a time like this. “You think you could do me a favor and keep an eye on Rook for me, Boots?” 

She rolled her eyes as she looked down at her unconscious charge. Like either of them were really giving her a choice. 

It wasn’t long before the dwarf was gently snoring in the corner, and she was left alone with her thoughts. Things were bad this time, probably worse than she had ever seen them. She wasn’t sure how they were going to get out of this one. Hell they didn’t even have a plan or know where to start. 

But then the man beside her stirred. Maybe Rook was dreaming. Restless for a few moments before she ran her fingers through his hair and he quieted once more. 

Yeah things looked desperate. But they saved the world today. She saved him today. And if they could get through today, certainly tomorrow couldn’t be too awful, right? 

And even if it was, Neve was always ready for a little trouble. 

Chapter Text

Getting Lucanis out of the Ossuary wasn’t the hard part. Not really. Even dealing with the mess back in Treviso seemed standard at this point. Out of the frying pan and into the fryer. Or was it the oil? Damn she was hungry. Maybe Rook would want to get Hal’s later. Right after they dealt with the situation currently taking place in the kitchen. 

“You sure you’re alright, Lucanis?” Rook’s brow was drawn in concern. Staring at the other man’s bleeding nose as the Crow waved him off. 

“I’m alright. Spite won’t kill me. He can’t get what he wants that way.” 

“And what the hell does a demon want?” Neve asked. Standing slightly in front of Rook. She liked Lucanis well enough. But ever since that first day, she was a little more than protective of their default leader.

“Trust me, you don’t want to know.” The cryptic answer did little to assuage her worries. But before she could ask any further questions, Varric cut in with one of his usual well timed interruptions.

“Hey Boots, let me take it from here.” He always did have a way of cutting the tension. And the entire room seemed to ease as the old dwarf hobbled forward with his easy grin as he waved them off. “I know a thing or two about spirits trapped in human bodies. Oddly enough, it seems to keep happening a lot around me.” 

Neve knew there was no point trying to argue, especially once she spotted the deck of cards tucked securely in his hands. “Say Wings,” he called as he slid into one of the chairs around the large table. “Don’t suppose you could whip us up some coffee and see if that demon of yours can learn to play Wicked Grace? I struck out with the last two spirits I met, but third time’s the charm.”

Lucanis gave a confused look only for a moment, before he seemed to make up his mind and go after some of the sparse rations of coffee Neve kept around.  Varric just had that effect on people. She could see why he thought he was going to talk Solas out of his mad plan to plunge the world into chaos. 

Rook chuckled beside her as he reached out and gently touched her sleeve. “Come on, let's get out of here. Before he does something really foolish like tell you of the time he convinced me to play Wicked Grace with him.” 

“Oh come on Rook,” Varric called, not bothering to turn around as Lucanis reluctantly sat in a chair opposite of him. Damn, the dwarf really was good. “I will tell that story in good time. Can’t go giving all your secrets away this early now can we?” 

The man beside her grumbled as she couldn’t help but grin. She would definitely have to buy Varric a few beers and get that tale out of him. Later of course. After she tracked down Rook who was currently making his way to the safety outside the kitchen. 

“Trouble, wait up,” she called as she followed after him. “Since the kitchen is occupied, how do you feel about dinner in Dock Town?”

Chapter Text

The world didn’t make sense even before ancient elven gods decided to continue their millennia old feud. Especially in a place like Minrathous. Disappointment and destitution lurked around every corner. Neve learned to take the small wins where she could, which were few and far between.

But the evening she stood there on the beach with Rook? Eating Hal’s and skipping rocks like it was just a regular Tuesday? That was perfection. 

Light breeze through his hair. That scar quirked up in a grin as they talked of everything and nothing at all. Damn, she was going to have to be careful. A girl could get used to that sort of company. 

“I think having Spite and Lucanis around is good for Varric.” Rook’s deep timbre cut through the muddled fabric of her thoughts as she let another stone go. “He’s not used to being sidelined. I, for one, am glad someone else is taking up his attention.” 

The dwarf’s injuries were still healing from their fight with Solas. Which not only made Rook their interim leader, but also the buffer between the team and Varric’s more- interesting quirks. 

“I am not sure who I pity more, Lucanis or us,” she chuckled as she put her hands on her hips. Gazing out at the Minrathous sunset as he came to stand beside her. 

“Well seeing that Lucanis is stuck back at the Lighthouse, and I’m here with you-” 

She blushed as she avoided his gaze. Her heart doing that tiny gallop it was doing more and more often when he was near. “Oh come on, Varric isn’t that bad.” 

“I have known him a long time. And while there’s no finer man to chase gods with, he tries my patience some days.” 

They stood there for several moments as they watched the waves roll in. Rook with his hands behind his back. Toeing the sand as if he was unsure what to say next. The conversation naturally coming to a lull. 

Of course, Neve wasn’t going to let things fizzle out like that.

“Been a pain in your side since the Kirkwall days, huh?” 

Rook froze at her words. Face pale as she grinned and hid her mouth behind her hand. Like she didn’t know exactly what she had done. As if she hadn’t just exposed his greatest secret.  

“How did you-” he didn’t even try to deny that she was right. He had been around her enough to know that would have been futile. Especially when she just patted his arm before leaning down to pick up another stone.  

“Oh come now, Rook. I spent enough time around Dorian and the Inquisitor listening to their stories. Ferelden accent. History with Varric and Harding. Curly blonde hair and nervous handsome grin. You weren't difficult to decipher, Commander.” She wouldn't bother mentioning how his hands shook every time he touched the lyrium dagger. 

“Handsome? Well I will take the compliment even if you saw right through me. Guess you really are Minrathous’ greatest detective. Though please, it's just Rook now.” 

He was still rattled, but his tension had eased some. Even more so when she paused her rock skipping to lean closer and add, “Don’t worry, Rook. Your secret’s safe with me. And it was Dorian that called you handsome.” Not that she didn’t agree.

“Ah. I’m sure Cyril loved that.” He rubbed the back of his neck as she chuckled and let another rock skip across the waves.

“I think Inquisitor Lavellan would have been angry if he didn’t have the same opinion.” That just made Rook blush deeper. And she decided to stop teasing him as she changed the subject. No reason to kick the man while he was down. “I was surprised by your reaction to Lucanis. Given your history.” 

Neve knew this was sensitive territory. She had heard the stories. Even seen the haunted look in his eyes when he showed up in the kitchen for coffee at the same ungodly hours as her. 

But she hoped if he could trust her this much, he could trust her a little bit more. 

“Right. After Kinloch, you would expect me to despise abominations. And I do-” There was a hesitation there. His eyes staring off. As if he was in another time. As if he was seeing something else. Before he turned back to her and his face softened. “But maybe my time in the Inquisition changed me. I pity the man. And in a way, maybe the spirit as well. I have seen what a demon bound to a man can do, and they are certainly the exception to the rule.” 

“You are full of surprises, Rook. Varric would call that character development.” She waggled her finger at him as he shook his head before gently catching her wrist with his hand. 

“I'm just getting soft in my old age,” he said in a low voice. Her body going slack against his as he held her close. Staring into his golden eyes as he added, “I blame my hours spent playing chess with Dorian and Cyril. You mages are a bad influence.” 

“I don't know about that. You definitely smile more when I'm around. At least, that's what Varric says.” 

He was so close her lips could almost brush his. Her eyes fluttering closed in anticipation. 

“Maker's breath,” he huffed barely above a whisper. “Varric should stop trying to invent more stories for his publisher.” 

“Then let’s give him something real to write about,” she sighed before she closed the final distance between them. 

*****

Neve stood on the same beach. In the same spot. There was a storm on the horizon. Black clouds against a purple sky.

A single stone in her hand. One she angrily threw in the ocean as she screamed and fell to her knees. 

The dragon was gone. But the Blight remained. Her friends were dead. Ashur was injured. Would die in time. The Venatori were in control of the city.  

And Rook... 

He went to Treviso. He didn’t choose her. When she needed him most, he wasn’t there. 

“I always knew you would be trouble,” she sobbed as she dug her fingers into the wet sand. “I just never knew how much.” 

Chapter Text

Neve didn't expect much out of life. Not like it had gone right so far. What with the gods and the dragon and the rest of the shit in Docktown. Always the detective but never the lead. 

Never more highlighted than in Rook's choice. She… thought she had felt something once. He told her his secrets. Trusted her. And she believed in him. When they should have been the last people in Thedas baring their souls to each other. Their pasts had more scars than Minrathous had mages. A terrible combination to be sure. 

Maybe why he did it. Why he made the choice to leave her fighting alone. Why he let her city fall to the hands of the Venatori. 

Sure, some rational part of Neve knew it wasn't his fault. He had an impossible choice, and he made it. He went right and she was left. Didn't mean it stung any less though. Especially when he fixed her with those golden eyes. Stumbling through apologies and begging for forgiveness. 

Might have been cute if she wasn't so Maker's damn angry. And if they didn't have a mission to complete. 

But then he showed up. For Docktown and for her. Stood at her side against Aelia. Swore he would be there for whatever would come. That he made a mistake once, but never again. 

And Maker damn him, but she believed him. Maybe partly out of want, but mostly out of need. A craving to be important. To matter to someone. 

Especially to him. 

Maybe that's why she smiled when he stepped into her office that evening. A chuckle escaping her when a wisp chittered happily around him and he brushed it away. A blush on his cheeks as he offered her a steaming cup of coffee. 

“I- thought you might need this. After today… well it's my way of saying thank you.” He reached up to nervously rub the back of his neck as she took her favorite mug from him. She was surprised he remembered. Then again, she had been noticing things about him as well lately. 

“Don't mention it,” she countered. She had jumped in front of him without thought. Throwing up a shield to protect him had been as natural as breathing. Something she would have done for anyone, but especially for him. “You know, I didn't expect backup for this job. I wasn't looking to drag you in.” 

He winced at her words. A flash of pain that she didn't believe he would have her back. A trust he knew he had broken, but one he hoped to regain in the future. 

“I wanted to go. I will always want to go where you are, Neve.” His voice was soft. That scar on his lip twitching as he gave her the gentlest of smiles. Peeking at her from the corner of his eye in a way that did funny things inside her chest. 

“This time,” she brushed off. 

She had always been a pessimist, and it wasn’t like their track record was the best. But when he touched her arm gently and fixed her with that commanding stare, she couldn’t help the hope that bloomed in her chest when he sternly promised, “Every time.” 

She blushed as she looked down at where his fingers brushed the fabric of her shirt. Fighting for words before she finally blurted out, “I can't say a lot of people show up for me, Rook. Or that it ends well for them when they do. But you came through for Docktown today. Even when I didn't expect it.”

“I want to be someone who shows up for you.” His voice dipped low as he inched closer. Never breaking their connection as he gave her ample time to pull away if his advance was unwelcome. But both held onto this fragile thing as he added, “I don't want to lose… I worry I've lost something.” 

“Maybe you're not that lost,” she chuckled as the corner of her mouth turned up in a grin. “More likely we both are.”

“Then let me find you, Neve. I know our past hasn't been the best, but I'm hoping to make our future better.” There was something so raw and honest in his confession as he leaned close enough for their bodies to almost brush. Eyebrows drawn in concern. Fearful of her rejection as he awaited her reply to the burning question hanging on the air.

One she answered with a brush of her nose down his as she whispered against his lips, “I think I might like that idea, trouble.” 

They stood like that for the count of at least two fluttering heartbeats. Neve trying to remember how to breathe as he simply studied the lines of her face. As if he never wanted to forget how she looked at this moment. A longing so deep it made her chest ache before he moved to capture her in a searing kiss. Something they hadn’t shared since that last fateful day on Dock Town’s shore. 

But they were interrupted. A loud chittering followed by a wisp buzzing between them. Both springing back as Rook grumbled with annoyance. 

“Damn wisps,” he frowned as Neve couldn’t help but giggle. He looked too cute when he was angry like this. And she thought the moment ruined, until he caught her around her waist and pulled her against his chest for a second try. 

“Now before one of your friends decides to barge in again,” he said as he dipped his head low and brought his mouth against hers. “I have missed you, Neve Gallus. Let us never fight again.” 

Chapter Text

Rook really was brilliant. Or an idiot. Neve wasn't sure which. Or that it was particularly important right now as they ran toward Ghilan'nain. 

Both dragons were dead. Slaughtered by their team and a few well aimed shots from the Crows.

Of course aided by the Wardens. So many sacrifices as they trudged through blood slick ground. Darkspawn and death their cloak as they sought to strike a killing blow. 

Their target was wounded. A bolt through her middle struck by the Veilguard leader himself. And now to finish the job as he flashed the lyrium dagger in hand. 

With Neve at his side. Always watching his back. Ready for anything. Her barrier of protection needed when Elgar’nan suddenly appeared. 

Every muscle burning against the force of the God's magic. But she wouldn't falter. Neve never failed. Especially not when Rook was the cost. 

She would have to tell she loved him some day, she mused silently to herself. But for now, her feelings were her own as they somehow made it out alive. The gods disappearing as her magic shattered with her final effort. Knees falling to the ground as exhaustion won out. 

“Neve!” 

Venhedis, it wasn't fair. The way her heart stuttered when he said her name like that. Or when he scrambled to the ground so he could kneel down before her. Frantic hands checking for wounds as golden eyes crinkled in worry. 

“I'm alright, really,” she reassured as she put a solid hand against his chest. Pushing against his metal breastplate when what he really wanted to do was pull him closer and never let go. He couldn't worry about her. Neve was just one person, and he was needed by so many others.

“Don't do that,” he warned as the scar across his lip curled in annoyance. A snort of laughter her reply as she rolled her eyes and tried not to stare at the way his mouth moved. 

Damn being so observant. It really was a burden at times. 

“Do what, Trouble?” she asked coyly. Knowing she shouldn't tempt the lion, but unable to stop when his eyes smouldered like that. 

“Act like you aren't important,” he replied in a husky tone as his cheeks tinged pink. His gaze dipping down for the briefest of moments as she watched him lick his lips. 

Neve had to dig her nails into her thighs to stop herself from doing something foolish. And it was only the arrival of Lucanis that saved her from throwing full caution to the wind. 

“Um boss…” The Crow's uncomfortable gaze shifted between them as Rook sighed and stood to face the other man. 

“What is it?” Their leader barely contained his growl as he extended a hand and pulled Neve to her feet. His warm skin lingering against hers just slightly longer than was proper as Lucanis cleared his throat. They had talked about this. Keeping things private. Not that Rook was very good at taking orders. 

“Evka and Viago were requesting a meeting,” the Crow reported before he quickly turned and disappeared. Clearly picking up he had interrupted something. Or maybe it was just Spite whispering in his ear. 

“Maker's breath,” Rook grumbled as he ran an exasperated hand through his curls. “It's always something-” he added as he turned to her with an apologetic look. 

“Rook, I'm really ok. Go-” 

Neve was ready to let him go be the hero and she the quiet support over his shoulder. She was a tough woman. Even more so after what happened in Minrathous. They had their duties, and they would see them through. Hiding behind walls of responsibilities until there was no time for personal desires. 

But he shattered through every defense when he roughly grabbed her shoulders and pulled her in close. Pausing when their lips were just a breath away as her heart hammered in her ears. 

Sure she might have whispered this fantasy to the wisps, but she never imagined this dream would come true. That he would be holding her like this here. In front of everyone to see. Letting all know how he felt as he tucked a stray hair under the cover of her hat. 

“I have made so many mistakes in my life,” he began. Rough voice strained with emotion. Mind finally made up that this was where he would make his stand. That today everyone would know where his heart lay. “But I won't neglect you again. I want to prove to you, Neve Gallus, that there is nothing more important to me than your happiness. Prove to all of Thedas that I can be worthy of you.”

Well, that was certainly unexpected. 

“I knew you would be trouble,” she grinned as the weight of his words sunk in. Not only did he care, but he wanted to build something real. Something lasting. Something she never thought she could have. 

How could she not give him that chance?

She closed the last distance between them as she captured his mouth in the gentlest of kisses. Not caring who saw as her arms slipped around him. She was his, and he was hers. And Maker damn anyone who tried to come between them. 

Chapter Text

Neve was no stranger to the heartache of loss. But as she sat on the green chaise in Rook's room and held the crumpled paper to her chest, this somehow felt more profound. 

Bellara was missing. Harding was… gone. And Rook- 

She hadn't cried. Hadn't allowed herself the tears since Varric dragged her back through the Eluvian. What had settled now was a numbness. Shock, Emmrich had said when he shoved some vile smelling tea in her hands. Patting her shoulder fondly as he shared the same weary look. 

But he couldn't know. None of them could understand the depth of her sorrow. The ache where her heart had once beat and now seemed eerily still. Silent without his smile there to breathe life into the days that lingered on into an endless sea of suffering. 

The parchment in her hands had grown soft with use. From her fingers tracing over his last words to her. Now branded into her very soul. And yet, she read them again as she pressed his lucky coin to her lips. Wishing she had given the trinket back to him. Maybe then, he would now be in her arms. 

My Love,

I won't apologize. I'm not sorry. Not about this. Not about you. You are the single greatest thing that has happened in my life. And I would never wish to walk a different path than the one that has led me to you. 

You are everything to me, Neve Gallus. My protector. From the world, and from myself. From the baser parts of me that I thought broken. You showed me I could be more. I wanted to be more. To make you proud. To see you smile. 

So know that when I departed this world, my last thought was of you. Everything I have, everything I have become. It's because of your inspiration. And I'm glad if one of us had to go, it was me. The world needs you, my brilliant detective. Far more than they could have ever needed me. 

And I wouldn't have survived without you there to hold me together. 

With all my heart, 

Cullen 

The silence of this room had once brought peace. But now was only deafening as she finally allowed a single tear to fall. Smearing his name as it fell on the parchment. As if her pain needed to reach out and touch him in some physical way.

Her grief was palpable, but slowly something else was taking hold. A burning need far greater than any pain she felt. Memories of coffee dates and whispered words flooding her mind as she leaned back against familiar cushions. 

She wouldn't give up. Couldn't as she made to stand and crossed the room. He was still out there. Still needed her. 

Neve Gallus never abandoned a case. Especially not one as important as this. He was Trouble but he was hers. And she sure as hell wasn't letting some gods stand between her and the man she loved. After all they had been through, she would tear the Fade down herself if she had to. But they were getting him back. 

Chapter Text

There were a few facts that Neve Gallus was coming to accept with glaring certainty. 

Firstly, she was tired of the elven gods and their bullshit. She was going to kill Elgar’nan herself if Rook didn't do it first. And Solas… well she had something special planned for him. Especially after the last two weeks. Days stretching into eternity without her love at her side. Only recently returned from the Fade and to the safety of her arms. 

Secondly, Rook was the most handsome man she had ever met. Generally dark hair and eyes were more her thing. Maybe a lifetime in Tevinter had skewed her perspective. But she was definitely starting to understand the Ferelden appeal. Especially when those golden orbs blazed heat across her skin. That scar on his lip quirking up in a grin as her fingers ran through his curls. 

And lastly, that she was truly and deeply in love this time. A feeling that seemed to be returned as Rook leaned up to capture her mouth with his own. Pulling her down onto the chaise as she tumbled into his arms. Resting against his bare chest as she melted into him. 

“I knew I had to get back,” he whispered as he ran his nose down hers in that most intimate way. Stopping to brush a stray hair from her cheek that he tucked behind her ear. Savoring every touch. Every breath. Her heart stuttering when he added, “Of all the regrets I faced in that prison, there was nothing I could have grieved more than never seeing you again.”

“I wouldn't have left you there, Trouble. I would have found a way.” There was still the flicker of pain hidden behind her words, and fear. Even with him back in her arms, it was still too fresh. Too raw. 

“I don't doubt that,” he replied as he simply held her. Content to just be as time lost meaning in their shared love. Running calming fingers through her hair to remind them both he was there, and this was real. 

“I just need you to know,” he said as he caught her wrist. Bringing her fingers to his lips as he kissed each one in turn before adding, “When things were darkest, you were the light that got me through.” 

“Even if I'm still angry with you?” she teased to break the tension as he rolled his eyes. Clearly not in the mood as he huffed out his reply.

“Is this about the wards? Maker's breath Neve-”

She chuckled as she tapped the end of his nose. His annoyance dissolved into softness as he couldn't stay angry. Not after their time apart. Not after all they had endured. 

“I couldn't choose you,” he explained as he kissed her brow. Arms tightening around her as if still haunted by the past they had avoided. “I promise to do all in my power to rescue Bellara, but I couldn't send you from my side. Not after Minrathous. I- was afraid.” 

The admission shattered any anger she might have still held. Hand on his chest as she pushed herself up. Seeing the love in his eyes as she gently smiled. 

“Rook, I'm glad I'm here with you. Despite all that's happened, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.” 

He caught her then. His mouth firmly pressed to hers as she was pulled into his arms. Drowning in each other as he chanted her name. 

“I wouldn't have made it out if I knew I couldn't come back to you, Detective Gallus. And when this is all over, I will gladly follow you wherever you lead.”