I was answering the Hawke + LI prompt âwho made the first moveâ and accidentally turned it into a mini-fic. I donât like putting shipping things on my account so Iâm submitting it to the fenhawke HQđ
Isabela actually made the first move for them. Hawkeâs feelings were known to EVERYONE except for Fenris. Hawke can be an accidental flirt so Fenris didnât pay much attention to his romantic gestures at first. Anders was not subtle in his attraction to Hawke, Isabela was not subtle in her attraction toâŠwell⊠either of the men. Fenris was sure Hawke would give into Andersâ affections, the mage was disgustingly outspoken about how he ânEvER cArEd fOr AnYOnE MorEâ than Hawke. Isabela caught onto Hawkeâs feelings for Fenris from the jump and made it her lifeâs mission to make his life miserable. On quests or while walking through Kirkwall, she made it a point to make alluring comments about Fenrisâs taut body and her intentions to go after it. She would press and press the matter until Garrett was red in the face with steam coming out of his ears, electric magic casting small sparks from his hands. After being desensitized to her constant ogling, Fenris began to jokingly flirt back. Much to Hawkeâs discomfort, she would tut and say ânow now Fenris Iâd hate to make Hawkey jealousâ. Isabela was the closest thing he had to a sister on Earth, so he would brush these comments off with a soft grunt.
What Hawke did not know is that Fenris believed she was making said comments to insinuate her and Hawke were an item, which would explain his lack of reciprocation towards Anders right?! Little did both men know Isabela had some tricks up her sleeve and immediately burst into the Hanged Man to get Varric in on it.
That night, when the group gathered at their usual table for late night drinks and maybe some Wicked Grace. Varric made it a point to comment on the merry traveling band taking position in the corner, looking slightly out of place in the Hanged Manâs grungy environment. Mandolin, drum, and flute began to fill the air in 4/4th time. Bystanders began to stumble towards the floor in a drunken stupor, leaning on their partners as they started to hop and spin along to the song.
âOoh I would love to dance!â Merrill picked up on the beat and began clapping along, âWe donât get much music in the alienage, just people shouting âhey, thatâs my coin purse!ââ Sebastian laughed and obliged the elf, taking her hand and leading her to the center to happily sway and jump around. Aveline was not much of a dancer, but still stood and clapped along with a smile on her face. Even Anders joined other dancers on the floor, taking the arm of one young fisherman. Isabela grabbed Fenrisâs arm and began to pull him towards the crowd despite his polite protests, âDidnât you tell Varric you dance around that mansion all day? I must see those moves!â
âI thought that was an obvious jest.â Hawke took note of the fact that Fenris did not attempt to reclaim his arm, and instead let himself be swept up into the crowd. Jesting or not, he took the pirate by the waist and her other hand in his. He could not suppress his laughter as they spun around. Garrettâs blood boiled as the elf dipped his partner down, quickly pulling her back up and leading her into another turn. âI donât suppose youâd like to try that with me?â Varric nudged Hawke with his mug, only receiving a grunt in return.
âIn the few years Iâve known you, Hawke, I donât think Iâve seen anything get under your skin.â His glance shifted to Fenris and Isabela, then back to his companion. âDonât tell me youâre jealous!â He gasped.
âWhy would I be jealous of him?â Hawke protested, his aggravation apparent. âWho am I to get in between⊠whatever the hell that is?â
Varricâs brows raised as he spoke between sips of ale, âI wasnât talking about Broody, Hawke.â
Garrettâs head snapped in his best friendâs direction. âI donât believe I know what youâre implyingâ
âDonât think I havenât noticed glaring daggers into Rivaini any time she mentions the elf and his sexy voice or his chiseled torso.â
âHow does she know what his torso looks like?!â
âGotcha,â Varric teased, he set his drink down and rested his chin on his fist. âAll Iâm saying is, I know you. You put what you want aside when you feel youâre getting in the way. I think just this once you might find some pay off in going for what you want.â His legs were shorter than the average manâs, but damn they had some power as he kicked Garrett to send him stumbling out of his chair. Catching himself before he reached the ground, he looked sporadically between the dance floor and his friend. Varric simply smiled and gave a âshooâing gesture. The mage weaved through the enthusiastic dancers until he spotted his friendâs outstandingly white hair. He decided to observe how he and Isabela moved so the transition could be as smooth as possible. Which for Garrett, still wouldnât be very smooth. He approached cautiously with a small faux-cough, locking eyes with Isabela who gave him a wicked grin. Fenris took notice and turned to meet the mageâs gaze.
âYoure getting sloppy Isabela, your feet must be so tired! I wouldnât mind taking over for you.â His quips would usually come out with confidence, but tonight he staggered.
Her hands left Fenrisâs and lifted towards Garrettâs face to give it an adoring pat. âGo ahead handsome, I didnât ware this one out yet. I wasnât aware elves had such⊠stamina.â She gave a flirty wink and hummed as she made her way to the table.
âI may not be as good as Bela, but Iâll do my best.â He extended a hand towards his companion. Fenris looked at the open palm and huffed a small laugh.
Garrettâs breath hitched when an exposed, tattooed hand took his own. It was rare that Fenris was unarmored, the mage couldnât help but stare at his forearms. Though he was slender, he was exceptionally muscular from wielding his great-sword. Lyrium lines rose and fell with his own veins that were faintly raised from years of exertion. His tunic was slightly unbuttoned and his hair messily swept back from dancing, but he eagerly rested his other hand on Garrettâs bicep as they took the first step together. 1. 2. 1. 2. As the pace of the new song quickened, the taller man clutched onto Fenrisâs waist probably a little harder than he should have. Amber eyes watched their feet as they began to take the first turn. Brown leather boots got twisted into Fenrisâs graceful steps, causing the two to stumble into each other.
Expecting Fenris to push him to the side to pursue a new partner, Hawke breathed out a curse. Instead, Fenris steadied the mage and laughed. His hand met his partners cheek and lifted gently so their eyes could meet. His hands were calloused, but still remained soft against Hawkeâs skin, sending a fit of butterflies into his stomach.
âYou are doing just fine. Stop watching your feet and trust me.â Hawkes hand was suddenly lifted towards the ceiling as Fenris circled under his arm and pulled himself back towards Hawke. Temptation to lower his gaze rang through him.
âHawke. Eyes up here.â Suddenly he was staring into the deep green of Fenrisâs gaze. They fell into a steady glide as the lively tune kept time. As Hawkeâs right foot went back, Fenris would follow with his left. Two steps backward, one step forward. Repeat. Easy enough! Whiskey and emerald eyes stayed transfixed on one another as they became drunk on the energy in the room. Hawke became more brave with each step, but was shocked when Fenris took the liberty to spin his taller dance partner. He tripped over his feet and a hearty laugh escaped Garrett as the need for payback arose. With a mischievous wink he took Fenrisâs arms and wrapped them around the back his neck. The elf felt two big hand wrap around his waist as he was hoisted into the air and spun in a quick circle. The laughter that filled the air was contagious as their friends took notice of the scene. As he was lowered back down, he kept a hand on Garrettâs chest for stability while the other remained draped behind his neck. Their quickened breaths mixed together as they became aware of the little space between them. The music faded, but the pair longed to remain.
Fenris felt his cheeks heat as he let out an awkward cough and chuckle. âWell, I must say I have found a preferred dance partner.â
âMaybe after another drink you can teach me a thing or two.â Hawke knew tomorrow they would return to distant, longing glances. So tonight, he drank up the intoxicating conviction to flirt without shame. Fenris nodded and headed towards the bar, his grin still plastered on his face. âI look forward to it.â
Hawke joined his friends at the table while he waited for Fenris to arrive with the drinks. He unlaced his shirt a little more than usual to allow airflow. Isabela bumped his elbow with her own, âI didnât know you had it in you, kitten.â
âYou heard that? He said I was his preferred partner.â He intended it in a teasing manner, but the strain on the word unveiled the inkling of jealousy he was trying to conceal.
âYou can have him, this was all a part of my plan anyway. Right, Varric?â She averted Hawkeâs gaze with a smug smirk and took a sip of her whiskey.
âYour plan? Who do you think spent the coin on this band?â
âI came up with the plan, you implemented it. Thereâs a difference.â
âExcuse m-â Garrettâs question was interrupted by the thunk of a tankard being placed in front of him. The brewâs foam peeked over the top of the cup, just the way he liked it. Fenris slipped into the neighboring chair with his own mug that was undoubtedly filled with wine.
âYou knew my usual?â The mage could not contain the redness that flushed across his bearded face. Fenris nodded with a shy smile and began working on his own beverage.
Varric leaned back in his chair, followed my Isabela who cheersâed her mug to her partner-in-crimeâs.
âYep, all according to plan.â
The fenhawke HQ! omg I feel so honored!!! XD