fantachetic | ic inbox;; drift fleet

[ Dorian huffs, looking annoyed. ] I only meant that I typically don't share.

[ Much of anything, really. With anyone. He only feels close enough to a small number of people enough to trust them with his things that he's worked hard for. ]

[Bull chuckles, smirking.] Is that right? So, I guess I should feel special then, huh?

[But he does reach into the very large pockets of those pants of his and produce the books, which are the reason he flew over here in the first place.]

I guess it's good one of us does, then.

Ah! [ He'd almost forgotten that was why Bull even came over, and Dorian is quick to take them in hand. Choosing one of them, he reads the synopsis on the back before flipping to the first page.

Yes. He's going to start reading right now. Don't judge him. ]

[Bull chuckles at that, but really only because it's kinda cute. Sometimes, he really didn't know what to do with this guy. Well, he hasn't been asked to leave, he still has some pretty damned good brandy to finish, so he settles back on Dorian's bed, reclining. Silence is fine, too. It's sort of...nice to just not be alone, really. He's used to traveling with his boys, or sleeping near a lot of other people. The bunk thing, the distance of space thing? Weird.

He actually doesn't say anything until his glass is empty, unless Dorian remembers he's there, first.]

Do I get another one or is this my cue to leave? I don't want to interrupt or anything.

[ The story was compelling enough that everything around him was muted. Pulled into the mystery and the surrounding.. It wasn't anything like he'd read before, and not the predictable drivel that Varric writes. It's only when Bull speaks again that he remembers that he's not alone and his head shoots up, looking at his guest. ]

My apologies, Bull.

[ He closes the book, setting it on the desk and clearing his throat. He takes both their glasses and refills them before resuming his seat. He casts a sidelong glance at the book, his foot bouncing in impatience. He was getting to a good part. ]

[He laughs.]

Don't sweat it, Dorian. I told you they were good.

[He motions toward the book.]

Go ahead. I'll finish my glass and leave. [Though he does look at the book again before continuing.] You know, if you don't finish it before I finish this.

A challenge, is it?

[ It's one that he'll gladly take. Bull hasn't seen the ferocity with which he reads, yet. He wasn't pushing himself before, simply enjoying the story. ]

This author certainly knows how to titillate.

Sure, big guy. Why not? [ He holds up his glass of brandy. ] This is good shit.

[ He nods. ] Yeah, she does. I think she's dead, though. Sucks. Varric could learn a thing or two from her.

[ Dorian waves a hand dismissively. ] It's passable, but certainly better than the swill the bar has to offer.

[ He opens the book again, finding his place. Humming, he keeps reading. ]

A pity, really. Her composition is lovely, if a bit simplistic.

Passable, he says.

[ Sometimes Dorian's preference for booze was just too much. Of course, Bull had to remind himself the guy was raised in the upper echelon of Tevinter society. If it wasn't gold flavored, it wasn't good enough. ]

You know, I don't think she wrote 'em to be complicated.

[ He has a sophisticated palate, sue him. They both know that as much as he outwardly complains about it, he does have an affinity for Ferelden beer- which he will deny to the grave. ]

Which has worked in her favor. [ He sounds distracted, immersing in the story again now that he is nearing the conclusion. ]

[ Oh, he knows, but he's not going to call him out on it unless it's necessary. Whatever "necessary" situation would call for that. ]

Uh huh.

[ But he withholds any further comment, and instead lets the guy read while he enjoys this brandy. ]

[ Not too long after, Dorian closes the book with a pleased sigh as he hands it back over to Bull. ]

That was a satisfying read.

[ And Bull finishes off that glass of brandy. ]

And that was some satisfying brandy. [ he smiles as he takes his boss's book back. ]

She wrote a lot of books, I'll have to bring some more over. What did you think? Feisty, right, but in a really toned down way.

She was certainly that. I enjoyed her candor more than I anticipated. I'll admit, it was one of the more entertaining reads as of late.

[ Bull probably already knows the academic nature of his attention lately. ]

...have you even read any fiction recently?

Do you include books of magic from other worlds 'fiction'?

No, that's real to people.

Then no. [ Of course it's real, he's seen some of it in action. Hermione really was an amazing mage. ]

[ Bull shakes his head with a chuckle. ]

You work too much.

[ But he stands. ]

Thanks for the company, Dorian. I appreciate it.

[ Dorian can't help but laugh. ] A phrase I've not heard since I was an apprentice.

[ He stands as well, at the very least to see Bull out. ]

You're most welcome. You know where to find me should you need it again.