[Individuals, rather than a group. He has trouble seeing the trees for the forest, sometimes.]
It likely did. You're probably right.
[It's a problem, to always want, almost constantly need, more. He can add it to the list of problems he has, all of his shortcomings. At least Nate seems to love him no matter what. Anders sighs.]
Facing this will not be easy. But I'm not alone, at least.
Never. [Nathaniel ducks down to kiss him softly.] You are the strongest person I have ever met. I know you don't feel it, but I've never known of anyone who came through so much and still longs to help people.
[He doesn't feel it, especially when he's come back to their tent seeking comfort and strength. Gently he kisses back, brushing through Nate's hair again.]
You say, to the man laying here in bed talking about how he's afraid.
[There's a tiny note of amusement in his voice.]
I've a gift. Not using it is a waste, especially considering how much I've paid for having it.
You have paid for it. But I think being afraid has to be part of how you're strong. To feel so much, all the time, and not want it to change. I've spent so many years trying not to hurt, and you're willing to hurt if it lets you help. I'll never understand it, love.
There are too many people out there who no one will help, who no one sees. I can't ignore that.
[He'd been among the unseen. He knows how difficult it is. And he can't ignore people for the sake of his own pain.]
They need someone. Anyone. If it hurts a little to be that person...
[Anders shrugs. With all he's survived, he knows he can make it. They might not be able to. It doesn't feel like strength, but Nate's words help him see how Nate sees it.]
Knowing I'm not alone in it changes everything, too.
[Never alone again. He closes his eyes and lets himself hear those words, turn them over, savor them. They're beautiful. Anders smiles warm and sappily at Nate as he tugs his husband close.]
Never doubt that you are much of the source of that strength either, love, and that I couldn't do this without you.
[He feels whole with Nate, and considering the past decade, that's a huge leap beyond anything he could have expected or asked for.]
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It likely did. You're probably right.
[It's a problem, to always want, almost constantly need, more. He can add it to the list of problems he has, all of his shortcomings. At least Nate seems to love him no matter what. Anders sighs.]
Facing this will not be easy. But I'm not alone, at least.
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You say, to the man laying here in bed talking about how he's afraid.
[There's a tiny note of amusement in his voice.]
I've a gift. Not using it is a waste, especially considering how much I've paid for having it.
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[He'd been among the unseen. He knows how difficult it is. And he can't ignore people for the sake of his own pain.]
They need someone. Anyone. If it hurts a little to be that person...
[Anders shrugs. With all he's survived, he knows he can make it. They might not be able to. It doesn't feel like strength, but Nate's words help him see how Nate sees it.]
Knowing I'm not alone in it changes everything, too.
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Never doubt that you are much of the source of that strength either, love, and that I couldn't do this without you.
[He feels whole with Nate, and considering the past decade, that's a huge leap beyond anything he could have expected or asked for.]
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I've never known a happiness like this. It will withstand what it to come. We will withstand.
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[It's whispered as he cuddles close, feeling some of the knots in his chest and throat ease up.]
That we can withstand, I mean. It's easy to believe never knowing a happiness like this before, especially when there's no one like you.
[Reaching down, he threads his fingers through Nate's as he takes his hand.]
Together we can handle Kirkwall.