#culrian

[andrastesdirtysocks]

MLM!Cullen Fic Rec List

Inspired by this post. Here is my fic rec list of some of my favorite fics with queer Cullen. Happy Pride :)  🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍🌈

Cullen/Dorian

Only True in Fairy Tales by Dragonflies_and_Katydids

Summary:  In which Dorian is a special forces operative, Bull is his partner, and Cullen is the guy they're sent to rescue. Hijinks ensue. // Words: 110150

Modern AU. Dragonflies_and_Katydids makes me read the weirdest stuff. But their work is always captivating. The more ridiculous set up the better outcome, I promise. This one is both ridiculous and absolutely perfect. And somehow one of the very few modern au fics in which Cullen's lyrium addiction is well transfered without making it literal.

Fashionably Late by tsurai

For the tumblr prompt: Cullen/Dorian Soulmates AU? <3 "Maker’s breath, this is absolutely the worst timing, he thinks distantly." // Words: 1038

This is but a tiny thing but I'm a sucker for a soulmate AU. Would I love it more if it was 150,000 words? Yes. But I'm just greedy.

COLD HANDS, WARM HEART by spicyshimmy, stonelions

Summary: Cullen and Dorian's friendship deepens. Cullen is a romantic. Dorian is literally cold. Cullen is no longer certain what he would consider surprising. Mages and Templars working in perfect cooperation, perhaps. Evil and corruption disappearing into the ground along with the blight, blood magic falling so far out of favor it ceased to be. A united Thedas: that would be a surprise. // Words: 25369

I think this is most recced Cullrian fic and for a good reason. Slow burn, drama, all the delights. 

Light In This Darken'd Time Breaks by RamonaDecember

Summary: Cullen wouldn't say he hates mages, not anymore, but he can't see himself ever trusting one again. Dorian is no exception. The mage is off-color, self-important, and all together too much for Cullen to deal with. So why is it that every time Cullen is at his lowest, Dorian seems to be the only person by his side? // Words: 121289

Slow burn with 121289 words, what more do you want?

Cullen/Bull

Jump In by Dragonflies_and_Katydids

Summary: In which Cullen is almost terminally awkward, Bull and Dorian are literally brothers (because why not?), and Bull tries really hard to be good. Or: In which Dorian tries to set up his brother and his roommate, if he can avoid killing them for being so clueless. (You might get cavities from reading it. Don't say I didn't warn you.) // Words: 33700

What did I say about Dragonflies_and_Katydids and ridiculous premises? But if you're as delighted with awkward Cullen as am I - enjoy.

Dragons from Stars in an Empty Sky by Midna_Ronoa

Summary: The one in which Bull takes Cullen dragon-hunting. // Words: 10423

Fluff and smut and dragons!

Stuck on the Puzzle by thespectaclesofthor

Summary: Once, back in Kirkwall, Cullen had an arrangement with a member of the city guard that satisfied his needs. But time changed all things, and he despaired of ever finding a similar arrangement again - that was, until he met The Iron Bull. Problem being that Bull seemed to care far more about sorting out the nitty-gritty of such an arrangement than Cullen ever has. // Words: 235586

No fic rec lists that can involve Bullen canot do without Stuck on the Puzzle. If you haven't read it - please give it a try. As far as I'm concerned - the best fic in the fandom. And definately one of the best fics in general. <3

Cullen/Dorian/Bull

Exit Light by Dragonflies_and_Katydids

Summary: In which Cullen is suicidally depressed, Dorian is a high-functioning alcoholic, and Bull just wants them both to be happy, except when he wants to crack their heads together for being emotionally stunted idiots. // Words: 77427

This premise is actually very close to canon, compared to some other stories by the same author recced here. The angst? Delightful. The smut? Delicious. The exploration of issues? Delectable! Cheff kisses all around.

to burn cool and collected by toomanyhometowns

Summary: Dorian hums. "Here is the function of the spell: Upon invocationne, ye caster's spyryt shal sterte to ye form of whomsoever mofte recently achieved releafe by hys hande." He taps the page in punctuation and looks back up. "And then there's a lot of text about the vast joys we may experience together, et cetera, et cetera." // Words: 16121

Ok, this list shows more than anything that my main delight is issues and angst wrapped in with porn. Anyway - cracky premise (body swap!), and angsty, sexy outcome.

Hold by queeniegalore

Summary: Everyone knows Cullen doesn't trust magic. But he trusts Dorian and Bull, so maybe they can make this work. // Words: 6654

Issues? Trauma? Kink? I'm a one trick pony when it comes to recs.

Cullen/Cole

Okay now that we’ve gotten the obvious out, let’s enjoy the trully unexpected enjoyment.

Into The Light (Cole/Cullen Ficlets) by Sinister_Kid

Summary: A series of what I hope are tasteful Cole/Cullen fics that don't exploit or overly sexualize Cole's developing character. Based on a prompt I filled out of boredom in which I imagined the spirit actually hearing someone's pain like a physical noise in his ears that caused discomfort. Explores the option of making Cole more human, with my own original take on how that affects him as a character, and depicts Cole developing romantic feelings for the Commander as he discovers what it means to be human. // Words: 20454

I admit I don't often read Cole shippy fics but this one stays true to the info in the summary and it is careful and tasteful. Also Cullen learning to speak with Cole properly - <333

Cullen/Varric

Verse & Volley Triptych by boycoffin

Summary: POSSIBLE TITLES: This Shit Was Even Weirder: A Surprisingly Not-Doomed Romance In The Shadow of the Apocalypse The Commander and the Rogue already taken, Antivan maritime smut with an elf girl in it How The Hell I Ended Up With That Guy: A Tale for The People Who Keep Asking Me About It In Bars The Short and Curlies that's just terrible Love Among the tropey garbage A Tale of Two Names pretentious and unclear The Penman's Paramour Memoirs of a Moron (That He's Going to Regret Publishing and Will Never Hear The End Of for As Long As He Lives) // Words: 133354

One of the very few fics in which I can not only accept but love 1st person POV. Crack. Slow-burn. Pennames. Lovable OCs. DELICIOUS. Also a fic that made me start this blog, so love all around.

Cullen/Krem

Last but not least, my delightful fave (maybe, possibly, probably) and involving a shameless self-plug because it’s the month of pride.

Swordplay by orphan_account

Summary: The Bull's Chargers are undisciplined, untested, and unprofessional; but Cullen can't stop thinking about their lieutenant. // Words: 3910

I have a soft spot for whoever Krem being shipped with not knowing he's trans at first. But also oblivious, pining Cullen <3

If you have been starving, a creature of bone by missivesfromghosts

Summary: Cullen is content with where he is. He has a life and a purpose. He’s doing the Maker’s work and he’s cut the Chantry’s leash on him. He barely thinks about the fact that he’s trans anymore. The last person who knew he was born anything different, barring his sister Mia, died during the Blight. This works for him. That is, until he starts falling for Krem. // Words: 769

A tiny thing but I have a soft spot for the idea. Also what's better than a ship with trans character? A ship with two trans characters. Keep that in mind for further recs actually.

Sweet, Merciful Andraste by Tainaron

Summary: PWP. Honestly, Cullen should invest in walls and a ceiling that don't have holes if he's going to keep having such loud sex. Pure, unapologetic smut between trans men who love each other. // Words: 4187

¯\_(ツ)_/¯  What more do you want from me? Sometimes porn is just porn. Enjoy.

Champions of the Just by Tainaron

Summary: En route to Griffin Wing Keep before the battle of Adamant, Cullen falls prey to an injury that reveals a shameful secret about his trauma with magic. As Cullen struggles with his past, his duty to the Inquisition, and his love life, he becomes increasingly uncertain if he’s the target of an assassination attempt or just his own personal demons. // Words: 67885

Well, I also have some plottier and angstier fics in my rec disposal. This one actually explores the problems Krem and Cullen could encounter in their relationship and all within the canon plot line. Plus bonus points of Cullen actually interacting with other Chargers.

cabbage: a love story by psikeval

Summary: Krem’s grin fades into a quiet smirk, his eyes warm and amused, and Cullen does not forget how to move his legs because he is a grown man, a leader of soldiers, commander of the Inquisition’s army. He breaks the silence by coughing loudly, because he is also an imbecile. // Words: 18932

Creme de la creme of Krem/Cullen fics <3 Fluff, crack, porn <3 This delightful series has it all! 

[starpawedart]

My friend @forgottencuttlefish is a big ole riot on TikTok and got involved in some Dorian shenanigans, so she commissioned me for some Culrian based on the jokes that ensued!

In other news please give Dorian any other outfit @ Bioware

Commissions are open!

[moonlitmargaritas]

I don't care what you say Cullen and Dorian are meant to be together

[cap-sweet-and-salty-sadness]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Dragon Age: Inquisition, Dragon Age (Video Games) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Dorian Pavus/Cullen Rutherford Characters: Dorian Pavus, Cullen Rutherford, Iron Bull, Solas Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Medieval, lion!cullen, mages are witches, Curses, The Lion of Ferelden Summary:

Aureus was on the bed, which was barely big enough for Dorian’s luxurious tastes already, but froze when he noticed the glare Dorian sent him. He was acting like one of those Mabaris who could kill on sight but begged for affection from their master.

“You want to cuddle?” Aureus, reassured by the calm tone of his voice, continued to crawl closer and sprawled against Dorian, one of his paws resting across his chest and his fur tickling his face. He was also very warm, a furnace against Dorian’s cold limbs. The witch turned on his side with a hum of contentment and returned to sleep, his hand loosely gripping Aureus’ mane.

--

In an universe in which mages are few and viewed as evil witches, Dorian is a secluded necromancer who helps people at his own conditions. He's used to a solitary life until a lion at his door changes everything.

[batwomn]

Dorian/Cullen

Cullen has played chess many times, with many people. Men and women, strong people, proud people, cocky people. Sometimes they were beautiful, or clever, or quick-witted, or cruel. He’d played with his family, with friends, with other templars when the nights felt stretched out and unending.

So what hasn’t ceased to surprise him isn’t anything specific about the game, nor even about who he’s been playing it with -- just about how he feels about the whole thing. Because this is not what he usually thinks of when he thinks of chess.

There’s a hot burn or a buzz or-- there’s something writhing in his chest, something part the anxiety he’d felt when first being given over to the Chantry, something part the excitement he felt when he’d been congratulated by his new brothers and sisters. Something else he’d felt when the Inquisitor had smiled lingeringly at him, or in the snatches of boyhood romance, quick flirtations behind trees and flushed cheeks.

“You seem far away, Commander.” Dorian leaned back, smiling broadly, and yes -- Maker, that was a clever move.

“Hardly,” he protested, but even he heard how distracted he sounded. And yes, Dorian’s smile grew.

He wished it didn’t make him feel more of whatever this was.

[cap-sweet-and-salty-sadness]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Dragon Age (Video Games), Dragon Age: Inquisition Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Dorian Pavus/Cullen Rutherford Characters: Dorian Pavus, Cullen Rutherford, Male Lavellan Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Mentions of Past Torture, Anxiety, Cullen has issues, Fluff, Slow Build/Burn Summary:

Dorian leaned over the table, concerned. He almost placed his hand on Cullen’s before the blond got on his feet. “Are you alright?”

He was shaking, his heart rate fastening. “No. It’s too much.” He pressed his hand against his chest, breathing deeply. “Can you leave, please?”

Dorian opened his mouth, closed it, and rose from his chair as well. “Of course.” His lean frame quickly made it to the door, and Dorian meant to add something, but he didn’t know what, so he simply left.

Eyes tightly shut, Cullen began to pray. He was alive, everything was fine.

-

Cullen is submitted at the Skyhold Psychiatric Clinic, diagnosed with PTSD after the events at Kinloch Hold. He suffers from anxiety and is unable to leave his room. His therapist convinces him to meet a mage on a regular basis to work on his issues. The other therapies didn't work, what could be different about this one after all?

[lingering-nomad]

If you’re more creative than me, plz feel free to add captions

[cullen--rutherford]

Best one: Imagine Dorian, Krem and the Inquisitor taking time off with Cullen to have Cullen explain to Mia that all of them are in a relationship and that he's known he's into men as well since Samson in Kirkwall.