The door shutting feels like another nail in the coffin of his decisions, even though it technically isn't. He can leave at any time, can claim he's actually too drunk after all (he isn't) or he's changed his mind (he hasn't), because for all of Bull's talk he doesn't seem like the kind of person to force anything on anyone. That's all it's ever been: talk. That's partly why Dorian's felt comfortable considering this at all.
That, and he knows he can just set the Qunari's horns on fire if he really needs to. He'd rather avoid that.
Bull steps closer and it really does take some effort for Dorian to look up at him, the man is so bloody tall. And large. And wide. Even now though, he feels the need to hold up some sort of display of pride, to show he isn't giving in because of anything but his own willpower.
"You know to what," he insists, meeting Bull's one eye with a determined expression - more stubborn than anything, probably. "The 'forbidden', as you put it, yes? I'm here to put an end to my curiosity once and for all, but I won't have you gloat about it."
The question is gentle, but pointed. Right now the mage is putting on a show and Bull doesn't mind that at all - it's one of the things Dorian does that he finds attractive. But he also knows that Dorian is, like he once said, inclined to do or want the forbidden. Bull knows he represents that in every way. If Dorian wants to sate his curiosity, that's fine. He wouldn't be the first. Bull said this and not me for a reason.
But he wants to know there is desire there, not just stubbornness or an attempt to prove a point. Because Dorian is right: Bull will not force anything on anyone, whatever their motivations may be.
Arrogance is a trait Dorian hides behind, not quite a mask but a comfortable shield he uses to protect himself from hurt, rejection, or embarrassment. He's used to people having a certain expectation of him, a reputation of his countrymen following him the moment he explains where he's from, despite rejecting the worst of the magisterium. Sometimes he doesn't know how to let that shield slip away even though it would benefit him, even though he knows his defenses are fully up when he's here because he wants to be.
So the fact that Bull asks that question is both insightful and comforting. Giving in is not something Dorian does easily but he doesn't know how else to say it without feeling like too much of that armor is being stripped away.
"Yes," he answers simply after a poignant pause, forcing the tense set of his shoulders to relax some. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I've been thinking about it for some time now, it isn't a decision made after one night of drinking."
"If you were actually drunk, I'd have sent you back down by now." Bull doesn't mind an impulsive decision - those can be fun - but this isn't one he wants to indulge with someone too deep in their cups.
Bull curls his fingers beneath Dorian's chin to tip his head further, then leans down to kiss him. Not all of his partners want it or welcome it, but it's an educated guess with the mage, and this is the only way to really test the waters. He keeps it brief, but doesn't stand to his full height after he breaks the kiss. Just enough to speak; just enough to see Dorian's face, to read his expression.
"This only goes as far as you want it to."
He says it to ever partner, every time. Even if he teases Dorian about wanting to be held down and conquered, it's in the context of fantasy. What makes it possible - what makes it good - is that Dorian can make it stop. Bull is too big to be careless, too conscientious to be mindless. He'll hurt someone if they want it, but he will not allow it to be an accident.
His flirtation may have been in part to get a rise out of the mage, but he did mean it when he said his door is always open. Well, at the very least it's rarely locked.
The kiss is an effective way of shutting Dorian up and calming him down, partly because he didn't see it coming, and also because it's so unexpectedly soft. Naturally, he assumed things would start off hot and heavy without much room to budge, but that's an assumption that came from playful flirtation and nothing more.
Eyes lift to find Bull's once they part and he needs a moment to take this all in, to finally decide that yes, even after being this close to the other, this is indeed what he wants. It's an added comfort to know they aren't rushing into any of it after all.
"Alright," he agrees with far less pomp this time, no longer trying to put on airs. "Fortunately or unfortunately for us, I'm rather impulsive in bed. I'm not sure how far is far."
"I can handle that." The Bull smirks then, a playful expression that belies more serious intent: he'll pay attention, he'll stop if he thinks Dorian needs to, even if the mage doesn't say it himself. He's good at reading people, this is just another application.
"And just in case... You need to know the word katoh. If for some reason I'm too caught up to notice something, I'll stop. Immediately." It's a Qunlat word, and Bull knows it will get his attention and trigger a quick response. It's not a word he could possibly ignore, even if it's coming from a Tevinter mage instead of a tamassran.
Bull gives Dorian another kiss and he lingers this time. One hand slides up Dorian's back, drawing him closer still. It also makes clear just how much of the other man Bull can touch at once.
While Dorian's had plenty of experience in the bedroom he can already tell this is going to be a different one from his past dalliances, and not only because the person he's with is Qunari. He's heard of such words before but never used them himself, but even if he didn't know what Bull meant, the seriousness of his tone is all the information Dorian needs to understand its importance.
"Katoh," he repeats, as a reminder to himself but also to feel the word against his tongue. "I'd ask what it means but we can get into linguistics later."
This time, Dorian feels more prepared for the oncoming kiss and leans into it with intent, his body pressing closer to Bull's. He has to push up onto his feet a bit for a more comfortable position but the hand at his back is encouraging, and yes - Maker - the realization of how broad said hand is on his body doesn't go unnoticed.
His hands finally reach out to touch as well, not quite hesitant but incredibly curious as they skim over the broadness of Bull's chest - whatever part of him he can reach from this height, anyway. The scarred skin feels as tough as he'd imagined beneath his far smoother fingertips, because despite how many staves Dorian's fought with, and how much magic he's wielded, he's also taken every precaution possible to ensure his hands don't callous. He likes the dichotomy between them.
"I agree," he speaks pressed to Bull's mouth, hands distractedly following a path of scars down one side of his chest. "I'd offer you the opportunity to rip them off my body, but I'm wearing my good leathers." Which is to say: absolutely not. Maybe next time - if there is a next time - he'll wear something far more disposable.
For now, he's content to handle the frustratingly numerous buckles and ties himself, because as complicated as Dorian's outfit seems, it's actually much simpler than meets the eye. He doesn't put too much distance between them but reaches to untie a couple bindings at his exposed shoulder, a buckle or two coming undone as well, until he can slip off the top half of his outfit easily, gloves included. Dorian isn't shy about being naked, but somehow, this scenario is putting him more on edge than usual. Perhaps it's the innate, ingrained fear that was drilled into him since his birth regarding Qunari, though he has no logical reason to fear Bull at all. And he doesn't.
"We can talk about vocabulary later, but you're definitely finding out what I can do with my tongue before the night's out." Bull grins, unable to resist saying it.
While Dorian sets to undressing himself, Bull decides to be the opposite of helpful. He's careful not to impede Dorian's hands, but he does lean lower to kiss along the mage's neck and shoulder once it's bare. He's careful with his horns, aware of where they are despite their size.
"I would, you know," he murmurs at one point. "Unwrap you. Whether I take my time or tear it all off is entirely up to you."
Bull is very open to a next time. As the leathers fall away, he catches a slight but growing tension in Dorian's shoulders. With a last kiss, Bull stands up straight and backs off a bit. He doesn't think Dorian is actually afraid of him, but being naked means being vulnerable. Bull removes the heavy belt he favors; given that he typically foregoes a shirt, there isn't much he has to remove. So rather than stripping entirely, Bull sits down on the edge of his bed. It knocks a few feet off his height, at least, and it gives Dorian the chance to come to him on his own terms. It also gives Bull a very nice view of the mage's newly revealed skin.
He isn't surprised to see how well-kept Dorian is - he can't immediately see any scars, and he has to imagine Dorian is quick to heal them himself if he can or quick to see a healer otherwise. Like his hands, it's not immediately obvious that Dorian is the proficient battle caster that he is. But the muscle in his arms, his shoulders, his back all reveal that he's been twirling that staff for a long time.
"Come here," he urges. "This saves my neck some strain." That's true, but hopefully it makes his physical presence slightly less intimidating for someone who's grown up hearing the absolute worst propaganda about Qunari. He gets it.
A quiet laugh under his breath at that promise with his tongue, Dorian's curiosity endlessly piqued. "I hope to."
The kisses to his neck and shoulder are very appreciated, albeit a little distracting as he removes some of his garments, kicking off his shoes as well by the time Bull is moving to the bed. He finds he misses the closeness already, though Dorian isn't one to shy away from being watched either. He's very clearly comfortable in his own skin as he works his trousers open next, even if this is entirely new territory. The most he's nervous about is what may come after.
But that's for after. Not now. Future Dorian can be concerned with all of that.
Eyes curiously glance down to those ridiculous pants Bull wears once the belt is off, though they haven't been removed just yet. His own are dropped and kicked off with the rest of his clothes, leaving Dorian naked. He turns to face the other and lingers only a moment before listening to the quiet demand, eyes sweeping over Bull's form before he climbs into his lap easily. He's honestly surprised by his own lack of hesitation.
"Yes, this is much better," he agrees as arms sling across Bull's shoulders, one hand tracing curiously along the very prominent muscle there. It hasn't gone past him how wide his legs have stretched to straggle the Qunari properly either. "You are very large. I suppose you can't help it."
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That, and he knows he can just set the Qunari's horns on fire if he really needs to. He'd rather avoid that.
Bull steps closer and it really does take some effort for Dorian to look up at him, the man is so bloody tall. And large. And wide. Even now though, he feels the need to hold up some sort of display of pride, to show he isn't giving in because of anything but his own willpower.
"You know to what," he insists, meeting Bull's one eye with a determined expression - more stubborn than anything, probably. "The 'forbidden', as you put it, yes? I'm here to put an end to my curiosity once and for all, but I won't have you gloat about it."
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The question is gentle, but pointed. Right now the mage is putting on a show and Bull doesn't mind that at all - it's one of the things Dorian does that he finds attractive. But he also knows that Dorian is, like he once said, inclined to do or want the forbidden. Bull knows he represents that in every way. If Dorian wants to sate his curiosity, that's fine. He wouldn't be the first. Bull said this and not me for a reason.
But he wants to know there is desire there, not just stubbornness or an attempt to prove a point. Because Dorian is right: Bull will not force anything on anyone, whatever their motivations may be.
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So the fact that Bull asks that question is both insightful and comforting. Giving in is not something Dorian does easily but he doesn't know how else to say it without feeling like too much of that armor is being stripped away.
"Yes," he answers simply after a poignant pause, forcing the tense set of his shoulders to relax some. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I've been thinking about it for some time now, it isn't a decision made after one night of drinking."
Just, you know, several.
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Bull curls his fingers beneath Dorian's chin to tip his head further, then leans down to kiss him. Not all of his partners want it or welcome it, but it's an educated guess with the mage, and this is the only way to really test the waters. He keeps it brief, but doesn't stand to his full height after he breaks the kiss. Just enough to speak; just enough to see Dorian's face, to read his expression.
"This only goes as far as you want it to."
He says it to ever partner, every time. Even if he teases Dorian about wanting to be held down and conquered, it's in the context of fantasy. What makes it possible - what makes it good - is that Dorian can make it stop. Bull is too big to be careless, too conscientious to be mindless. He'll hurt someone if they want it, but he will not allow it to be an accident.
His flirtation may have been in part to get a rise out of the mage, but he did mean it when he said his door is always open. Well, at the very least it's rarely locked.
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Eyes lift to find Bull's once they part and he needs a moment to take this all in, to finally decide that yes, even after being this close to the other, this is indeed what he wants. It's an added comfort to know they aren't rushing into any of it after all.
"Alright," he agrees with far less pomp this time, no longer trying to put on airs. "Fortunately or unfortunately for us, I'm rather impulsive in bed. I'm not sure how far is far."
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"And just in case... You need to know the word katoh. If for some reason I'm too caught up to notice something, I'll stop. Immediately." It's a Qunlat word, and Bull knows it will get his attention and trigger a quick response. It's not a word he could possibly ignore, even if it's coming from a Tevinter mage instead of a tamassran.
Bull gives Dorian another kiss and he lingers this time. One hand slides up Dorian's back, drawing him closer still. It also makes clear just how much of the other man Bull can touch at once.
"You're wearing too many clothes."
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"Katoh," he repeats, as a reminder to himself but also to feel the word against his tongue. "I'd ask what it means but we can get into linguistics later."
This time, Dorian feels more prepared for the oncoming kiss and leans into it with intent, his body pressing closer to Bull's. He has to push up onto his feet a bit for a more comfortable position but the hand at his back is encouraging, and yes - Maker - the realization of how broad said hand is on his body doesn't go unnoticed.
His hands finally reach out to touch as well, not quite hesitant but incredibly curious as they skim over the broadness of Bull's chest - whatever part of him he can reach from this height, anyway. The scarred skin feels as tough as he'd imagined beneath his far smoother fingertips, because despite how many staves Dorian's fought with, and how much magic he's wielded, he's also taken every precaution possible to ensure his hands don't callous. He likes the dichotomy between them.
"I agree," he speaks pressed to Bull's mouth, hands distractedly following a path of scars down one side of his chest. "I'd offer you the opportunity to rip them off my body, but I'm wearing my good leathers." Which is to say: absolutely not. Maybe next time - if there is a next time - he'll wear something far more disposable.
For now, he's content to handle the frustratingly numerous buckles and ties himself, because as complicated as Dorian's outfit seems, it's actually much simpler than meets the eye. He doesn't put too much distance between them but reaches to untie a couple bindings at his exposed shoulder, a buckle or two coming undone as well, until he can slip off the top half of his outfit easily, gloves included. Dorian isn't shy about being naked, but somehow, this scenario is putting him more on edge than usual. Perhaps it's the innate, ingrained fear that was drilled into him since his birth regarding Qunari, though he has no logical reason to fear Bull at all. And he doesn't.
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While Dorian sets to undressing himself, Bull decides to be the opposite of helpful. He's careful not to impede Dorian's hands, but he does lean lower to kiss along the mage's neck and shoulder once it's bare. He's careful with his horns, aware of where they are despite their size.
"I would, you know," he murmurs at one point. "Unwrap you. Whether I take my time or tear it all off is entirely up to you."
Bull is very open to a next time. As the leathers fall away, he catches a slight but growing tension in Dorian's shoulders. With a last kiss, Bull stands up straight and backs off a bit. He doesn't think Dorian is actually afraid of him, but being naked means being vulnerable. Bull removes the heavy belt he favors; given that he typically foregoes a shirt, there isn't much he has to remove. So rather than stripping entirely, Bull sits down on the edge of his bed. It knocks a few feet off his height, at least, and it gives Dorian the chance to come to him on his own terms. It also gives Bull a very nice view of the mage's newly revealed skin.
He isn't surprised to see how well-kept Dorian is - he can't immediately see any scars, and he has to imagine Dorian is quick to heal them himself if he can or quick to see a healer otherwise. Like his hands, it's not immediately obvious that Dorian is the proficient battle caster that he is. But the muscle in his arms, his shoulders, his back all reveal that he's been twirling that staff for a long time.
"Come here," he urges. "This saves my neck some strain." That's true, but hopefully it makes his physical presence slightly less intimidating for someone who's grown up hearing the absolute worst propaganda about Qunari. He gets it.
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The kisses to his neck and shoulder are very appreciated, albeit a little distracting as he removes some of his garments, kicking off his shoes as well by the time Bull is moving to the bed. He finds he misses the closeness already, though Dorian isn't one to shy away from being watched either. He's very clearly comfortable in his own skin as he works his trousers open next, even if this is entirely new territory. The most he's nervous about is what may come after.
But that's for after. Not now. Future Dorian can be concerned with all of that.
Eyes curiously glance down to those ridiculous pants Bull wears once the belt is off, though they haven't been removed just yet. His own are dropped and kicked off with the rest of his clothes, leaving Dorian naked. He turns to face the other and lingers only a moment before listening to the quiet demand, eyes sweeping over Bull's form before he climbs into his lap easily. He's honestly surprised by his own lack of hesitation.
"Yes, this is much better," he agrees as arms sling across Bull's shoulders, one hand tracing curiously along the very prominent muscle there. It hasn't gone past him how wide his legs have stretched to straggle the Qunari properly either. "You are very large. I suppose you can't help it."