Summary: It's Garrett's 38th birthday. And Varric shares his latest work with friends and family.

Chapter 13 – Epilogue - Perfect Triangle: The Novel

After Chinese take-out and another round of mind-blowing sex, the three men had a serious conversation about their feelings and the state of their relationships. By the end of that night, they all agreed to try and make things work, to share their love and their lives and to do their very best to have that healthy, three way relationship Garrett suggested.

It turned out to be a lot harder to do than any of them expected, the complicated nature of their various relationships leading to a host of insecurities cropping up over the first few weeks and months of their new arrangement.

Having been best friends for almost 25 years, Andy and Fenris knew each other inside and out and Garrett often felt left out as the other two reminisced about their childhood or shared memories and experiences. He envied the deep bond between his lovers and the way they seemed to have entire conversations sometimes without having to utter a single word.

Comparably, the instant connection that Andy and Garrett made all those months ago at Aveline and Don's wedding had never wavered and in fact, became stronger than ever as they got to know each other over time. Through conversations with their friends, Fenris finally pieced together all the details of Garrett's year long search for Andy and it made him wonder more than once, if he and Garrett would have ever had a chance if Andy hadn't left the country.

And while their families and friends were mostly quite supportive of their new relationship, it was a lot more difficult to figure out how to explain things to people outside their inner circle. In particular, Andy often felt the odd man out, since Garrett and Fenris was an established couple; invitations to Garrett's and Fenris' work functions never included Andy. He didn't let on that it bothered him to be the third wheel - the 'afterthought', and all three men were too busy with their careers and their lives to actually talk to one another about their feelings after that first night.

There were also personality and normal 'couple' issues that made things more complicated.

Andy was an unrepentant flirt, and being in a relationship did nothing to curb his tendencies to be overly friendly with both the men and women attracted to the blond doctor's natural wit and charm. Though Fenris was used to it and just chuckled at his antics, Garrett couldn't help being jealous whenever someone flirted with Andy in front of him, leading to arguments between the two that ended with wild bouts of make-up sex.

Fenris had always been a 'homebody', content to spend his down time reading or working on his motorcycle. Both Garrett and Andy were the opposite, more naturally outgoing and constantly looking for ways to amuse themselves – finding new restaurants, going to concerts, or stalking the vegetable stalls at the farmer's market on weekends. This led to Garrett and Andy spending more time with just the two of them together, making them feel guilty for excluding Fenris (though not on purpose) and feeding into Fenris' insecurities about his lovers not needing his company (an inaccurate assumption).

And finally – even sex became an issue they needed to address.

At first, they spent many nights (and mornings and afternoons) enjoying their new arrangement with wild abandon, always the three of them together sharing a bed. Their respective schedules however made it difficult to find times where all three would be available; more often than not they got together no more than once a week. This led to confusion (Can I see Fenris on my own if Andy is working?) and more guilt (Is it alright to have sex if Garrett's not around?), adding stress to what had always been an incredible but potentially volatile situation.

About 5 months into the relationship they almost called it quits; only Christmas being right around the corner and their desire not to disappoint their families and friends delaying what Garrett thought at the time was inevitable.

But then, two things happened.

As a Christmas present, the Hawkes (Beth and Carver included) gave the three of them an all expenses paid trip to Hawaii to spend New Year's together. Away from the pressures of work and responsibilities they reconnected emotionally and physically, returning home refreshed and vowing to work out the myriad issues between them.

Then two weeks after they got home, Aveline and Don took them to see a townhouse for sale two blocks from where the couple lived. It was a gorgeous three bedroom brownstone with enough room to fit all three of them comfortably, motorcycle, a cat and Garrett's wine collection included.

They bought the house and moved in a month later.

Garrett's 38th Birthday – Hawke Estate

"I should go over there."

Andy snorts with amusement and chuckles, "I'm not sure Beth would appreciate the interruption right now, even from the birthday boy."

They're in his parents' main sitting room, recently transformed by Leandra into a comfortable and intimate space with a large poker table and a veritable buffet of all of Garrett's favorite foods. It's a combination birthday party/poker night for close friends and family and Garrett really can't think of anything that would make him happier.

Well maybe he'd be happier if he didn't have to watch his baby sister throwing herself at some tall, dark and handsome stranger across the room.

"He's hardly a stranger," Fenris arches a brow at Garrett and takes a sip of his beer. Apparently Garrett said that last part out loud. "Nate and Andy were roommates at Harvard; they know each other pretty well."

Now it's Garrett's turn to arch a brow as he looks pointedly at Andy, "Really. And just how well did you two know each other?"

Andy snorts loudly, almost spitting out a mouthful of beer, "You're not serious? Are you jealous? That was like, 15 years ago!" He pats Garrett on the back and continues, "Nate's a good guy. And we were roommates in university and med school so I do know him really well. If he does end up dating Beth he'll be good to her. Don't worry."

"So..." Garrett thinks he should just let it go, but curiosity and all that. "Did you two ever...?"

Now it's Fenris' turn to laugh, which in turn sets Andy off as they look at each other and then at Garrett. "You have met Andy right? You know he can't keep it in his pants, especially with a good looking guy he was living with."

"Hey! Look we did date each other for a while but it didn't work out." Andy shrugs, "But we were too busy with school to try dating other people so...we had an arrangement."

"Oh good lord." Garrett groans, leaning forward and pressing his head against the wall. "Are you telling me Beth is going to date some guy that's had sex with a man I'm sleeping with? That's what, like 2, 3 degrees of separation?"

Andy is still laughing, eyes bright as he wraps an arm around Fenris' shoulder. "That's not even the best part." He looks at Fenris and grins, "Shall we tell him the rest?"

"Andy, you're going to make his head explode." Fenris shakes his head but he's grinning slyly and Garrett can tell he's barely holding himself back from laughing again.

Garrett scowls at them both, "Okay you bastards, just tell me."

"I brought Nate home with me a few times during Christmas holidays and breaks." And now Andy is smirking at Garrett, "So Fenris knows him pretty well too."

"What do you...wait you and Nate?"

Now the look Andy gives him is downright wicked, "No, not just Fen and Nate."

And it takes him about 5 seconds before he says, "Ohhh...the three of you...but I thought..."

I didn't know you've had a threesome before.

I thought our situation was special.

Both Andy and Fenris reach out for Garrett at the same time and Andy says softly, "Hey that was just us being stupid kids. It's nothing like this, what we have..." And he looks at Fen and smiles at them both, "This is it."

Fenris leans against the wall beside Garrett as Andy hands him a fresh beer. "Besides, you're much better in bed."

"This sounds like an interesting conversation. Who's better in bed?"

Varric has somehow snuck in during their conversation, grinning at Garrett as he pats him on the shoulder. "I know there's a story here. Who's going to spill? Blondie?"

Anders chuckles, "It's nothing Varric. We were just watching Beth flirt with Nate over there. And trying to keep Garrett from swooping in to protect his sister's virtue."

"Ah yes, the new cardiologist at Mercy. He's quite the handsome fellow isn't he? Didn't you say you two used to be roommates?" Garrett can practically see the wheels turning in Varric's head, like he knows there's a juicy tale just waiting to be told.

Thankfully, neither of his lovers chooses to indulge his curiosity. "Yes we were." Then Andy looks at the papers in Varric's hands and grins, "Varric! Is that what I think it is?"

And there's a twinkle in Varric's eye as he waves the two bound manuscripts. "Yes, I just got the edits back from Cassandra. Thought I would bring it here and share the good news."

Garrett takes a peek at the cover and reads, "Perfect Triangle – A Modern Love Story by Varric Tethras. Is this your new book?"

"Oh yes, been working on it for 6 months now. And my editor says it's my best work yet! She thinks this is going to be a bigger hit than my last one!"

Varric heads over towards the poker table, Garrett, Fenris and Andy trailing behind him. He drops one of the manuscripts in front of Isabela who squeals with delight and immediately starts rifling through the pages. "Here you go Bela, all finished and you're the first to get a complete draft."

"Oh!" Merrill pops her head up at Varric's words and immediately launches herself off the couch from where she's been snuggling with Carver. "Me too! I want to read it!"

Garrett doesn't understand the excitement; they've all read Varric's other work of course but no one's ever shown this level of interest in one of his stories before. "What's the book about?"

The others are all gathering around the poker table now, drawn by the noises the two women are making as they skim quickly through the pages. Isabela interrupts before Varric can answer, "Oh sweet thing, this is a bloody masterpiece! A romantic tale about three incredibly hot men who find love and happiness despite heartache and misunderstanding. And they have the most spine tingling, toe curling sex." She winks at Garrett and smirks, "Here let me read you something from my favorite passage."

"I want you so much Gareth." Andy pushes him down on the bed and straddles him, sliding his hands across his chest and pressing his body tight against him, licking Gareth's ear. "I'm so glad you and Ben decided to let me back into your lives and in your bed. I'm going make it so worth it."

"Wait, wait, wait a minute." Garrett feels a little flush and his throat go dry. "Is that...?" He turns to Varric, "Did you write your book about us?"

Varric just grins at him, "Well Hawke, you may have been the inspiration for my story, yes."

Garrett shakes his head, "Oh my god, you can't publish this! Everyone will know it's about us! Gareth? Ben? Andy? You didn't even change Andy's name!"

He looks over at his lovers who, to Garrett's consternation don't actually look that surprised or upset.

Andy shrugs, "I told Varric he could use my name."

"You knew about this?"

"Well sure," Andy grins at him, "How do you think he did his research?"

Beth pipes up next, "It's really very good Garrett. All the characters are rootable and their back stories are really moving. I mean, both men and women are going to love it."

"And the sex scenes are smoking hot." Isabela chimes in. "I helped Varric write a few of the key ones."

Leandra leans over Isabela's shoulder and flips a few of the pages, "Oh did you write the scene with Andy and Ben in the shower? That was really good dear."

Garrett makes a noise that sounds suspiciously like choking.

His mother looks up at him mildly, "Oh don't worry, I don't read any of the scenes with Gareth in them."

He glares at his father who just raises his hands and shakes his head, "Don't look at me. I didn't know about it." He nods at Varric though before he continues, "Though I'm sure the novel is very good Varric. Your last one with the female police captain who falls in love with her sergeant is my favorite."

Aveline mock scowls at Varric as he beams at the compliment. "Thank you Malcolm. Though I think when I write the sequel to Red Steel I'll have to find an exciting way to fit in the new addition to the family."

Don laughs and rubs Aveline's baby bump, "Oh? And are we having a boy or a girl Varric?"

"Too soon to tell my friend. I'll let you know when inspiration strikes."

Varania takes the other manuscript and starts flipping through the pages. "Hey Fenris, why didn't you tell me you were going to be famous?"

Fenris just rolls his eyes at his sister's teasing, "I didn't know about it until a week ago."

"It's really very good you know. I think I've read almost the whole thing by now though it's been in pieces and out of order. But Garrett you're – I mean Gareth's just adorable in the story!" Merrill's gushing is starting to make Carver look a bit homicidal.

"I don't think I want my girlfriend reading about my brother's sex life, inspired by real life or not."

Isabela waves her hand dismissively, "She's just reading a story, it's not like she's watching them do it." Then she perks up and smiles broadly at Garrett. "Speaking of watching..."

"No."

Garrett sighs and turns to Fen and Andy, "You two are okay with this?"

Andy grins at him, "Sure. And it's fun chatting with Varric."

Fenris nods, his lips curled in a soft smile. "It doesn't bother me."

He looks at Varric again, "Just how much is in this story anyway?"

"It doesn't go back that far. Gareth meets Andy then loses him. Then they meet again after Gareth starts dating Ben. Then all three of them get together and they live happily ever after."

Surprisingly, Nate joins in at this point in the conversation. "You know Varric, if you really wanted some crazy stories you should write a novel about Anders when he was in med school."

Andy snorts, "It wasn't that bad Nate."

Then the brunette smirks and shoots Varric an amused look, "Remind me to tell you about Mardi Gras one year where he convinced a set of German twins we were locals and offered to show them around town for free beer."

Varric looks positively giddy at the possibilities. "I'm going to need a great title. The Rebel Doctor? Doctor Without Borders?"

Garrett groans, "Those are awful Varric! Thank god your stories are better than your titles."

They all laugh and Garrett finds it hard to stay mad with his friends and family all gathered around him. He thinks back to his birthday a year ago and chuckles, amazed at how far things have come between him and Andy and Fenris. The journey from there to here has been a long one, full of ups and downs but he knows he wouldn't change it for anything.

Because sometimes there is such a thing as happily ever after.

And it helps that the sex is fucking fantastic.

THE END