Page 69, eh? This calls for some fluff...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anders had insisted that he take Rose Hawke out for a stroll, since the rest of the team were taking their day off. The charming mage tucked Ser Pounce-A-Lot into his robes, setting off for Hawke's house.
Bethany had the goofiest grin on her face, bouncing around her sister's room in search of a proper outfit. "Sissy, you're so lucky!" She giggled, pulling a few ornate silk gowns from her own closet.
"Baby sis, I think I'll be fine with what I'm wearing." Rose said, smiling. She was adorned in black trousers with rips at the knee from constant wear, tall boots that came to just below her knees, and a simple tunic underneath a black bodice that laced in the back. She brushed through her stubborn black waves of hair as Bethany fussed over her makeup. Anders knocked lightly at the door, a sheepish smile on his face. Bethany and Rose both giggled like fools before running to the door. Their mother was out at the moment, but if she had been there she would have interrogated Anders to the extent of an inquisition. Rose opened the door, maybe a little too eager, to see a simply dressed Anders waiting.
"Rosey, Bethany." He greeted, smiling widely.
Bethany nodded, before backing away to probably eavesdrop from the other room. Rose smiled, awkwardly rubbing the back of her neck before nervously clearing her throat.
"Shall we go then?" She managed, stepping outside to greet the chilled air.
"Of course. After you, m'lady." He charmed, a sly smirk playing at his lips.
"Uhm, sure!" She chirped, excited.
The two made small talk on the way to the Common. Anders brushed his hand against her's, entwining his fingers with her own as they walked. Rose didn't refuse, only blushed. Flirt. She thought, smirking. The Common was rather quiet today, without the usual bustle of people. It was cold though. Rose slightly shivered, and her mage counterpart took note of it. He let go of her hand, removing his fur shawl and offering it to her. "Here. Can't have our leader catching a cold, now, can we?" He chuckled. Rose eagerly took it, draping it over her small shoulders. It was much too big for her, but she didn't mind. She took his hand again, stopping at the shady willow tree that she favored.
Anders contemplated when he should confess to her. Do it now, stupid. He thought. "Rosey...I was thinking about you the other day." He mumbled.
"About me?" She asked, a little shy.
"Yes. You're just so..What's the word? Beautiful! And perfect. It's like I can't be without you. Just, your smile, your laugh, your love of cats! Everything, is so perfect." He confessed quickly, stumbling over a few words but managed to get his point across.
"I, uhm...Thank you, Andy." She giggled, cheeks beet red.
Without thinking, Anders took her by the shoulders and bluntly planted a kiss on her lips. She kissed him back, heart fluttering and stomach churning with butterflies.
"You're perfect too." She smiled.