Because you're dedicated to your work. There's no shame in that.
[ Guilt, though... Yes, she can see why he would feel guilty. Cullen has put everyone else first; everything he has done has pushed a cause forward, whether that was the Temple agenda or the Inquisition's. Now he is acting in his own self-interest, something he has very possibly never done before, or has not since he first began training to become a Templar. ]
A shame you were never a Warden. You would have gotten used to some freedoms quickly, even if we are all duty-bound in one way or another.
[ It is a joke in poor taste and Neria's smile does not reach her eyes when she tells it, though she lifts a hand to gently touch the side of his face. Neria almost manages a laugh. ]
You've seen me every day. I don't know how you couldn't have gotten a good look at me.
[ She understands what he is really saying. Since all of...this began, things have changed between them. It's hard to find a moment when she isn't more formally present, geared towards their duties and their respective positions, and seeing Cullen as her partner and comrade-in-arms rather than her lover. And even that is strange to think about, her lover. Her smile broadens just slightly. ]
I wish we could. The few minutes we've had before now somehow aren't enough any longer. Is that strange to say, do you think? I see you often enough but it's-- It's different now, wanting to spend time with you away from work.
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[ Guilt, though... Yes, she can see why he would feel guilty. Cullen has put everyone else first; everything he has done has pushed a cause forward, whether that was the Temple agenda or the Inquisition's. Now he is acting in his own self-interest, something he has very possibly never done before, or has not since he first began training to become a Templar. ]
A shame you were never a Warden. You would have gotten used to some freedoms quickly, even if we are all duty-bound in one way or another.
[ It is a joke in poor taste and Neria's smile does not reach her eyes when she tells it, though she lifts a hand to gently touch the side of his face. Neria almost manages a laugh. ]
You've seen me every day. I don't know how you couldn't have gotten a good look at me.
[ She understands what he is really saying. Since all of...this began, things have changed between them. It's hard to find a moment when she isn't more formally present, geared towards their duties and their respective positions, and seeing Cullen as her partner and comrade-in-arms rather than her lover. And even that is strange to think about, her lover. Her smile broadens just slightly. ]
I wish we could. The few minutes we've had before now somehow aren't enough any longer. Is that strange to say, do you think? I see you often enough but it's-- It's different now, wanting to spend time with you away from work.