Iron Bull romance thread

Lucky for me then, since I am no fan of The Iron Bull. 

So... Haven't played Qun-Bull in Trespasser yet and now after glimpsing some of these posts (which I tried not to read) I'm not sure I can bring myself to do that even though I have one or two runs with it... (I haven't even played his (non-qun) romance in Trespasser yet either.)

Imma just say I wasn't keen on Bull's romance at first (not into the "bondage" thing and some typical cringe BioWare dialogue) but it ends on a sweet note that I'm just kinda awww. As it turns out he and my Inq are perfect for each other so that makes it really worthwhile. We may have blinded poor Cullen, but I think it was worth it.

Also, this banter frickin' killed me:

Cole: He almost says the word sometimes. Katoh. He tastes it in his mouth, sweet release a breath away, tongue tying it tenderly like you tie him. But he doesn't. For you, and for him because it makes it mean more. A fuller feeling, a brighter burst.
Iron Bull: Yeah... How's he feel about you saying this in front of everybody?
Inq: Bull and I are consenting adults. There's nothing wrong with what we choose to do in bed.
Cole: Not always in bed. Sometimes against the wall. Once on the War Table.
Dorian: Ha!

If we need to justify it in a more rational, ruthless manner, the mission right off the start is suspicious. Even Bull isn't quite as confident about how well this is arranged. Too many things that can go wrong. The Qunari can't contribute as much resources beyond information and the Inquisition already has a spy organization.
So, is it better to sacrifice specialists that have proven themselves and you know are reliable or let someone else face the consequences of their poor planning? Even if the alliance is null and void, the Qunari still are going to oppose the Venatori. Not the kindest sort of thinking but I can see it going both ways.

Oh no, I was giving reasons for why you would save the Chargers that wouldn't be dependent on emotional attachment. In a way, even if the Inquisition loses the alliance, the Qunari for now, are still going to fight the Venatori. It's not like they're going to war with the Inquisitor if you choose to preserve your own men's lives instead of wasting them on an iffy plan the Qunari cooked up.

IB's romance in Vanilla DA:I is GREAT, but they REALLY drop the ball in Trespasser. And I'm not talking about the betrayal, no, that's pretty great actually if you choose to keep IB in the Qun, well what do you expect really. The biggest problem is how keeping him in the Qun or saving the Chargers has no real effect on the relationship or the character development of Bull in Trespasser, outside of the betrayal/not betraying. 

IB will always be the number one companion I turn to when it comes to romance, but I'm also super critical of it. I love it but I hate it.
He is also super hot so that helps as well 

Oh okay. I see what you mean now. I totally agree with that train of thought. 

True, I agree on everything.
In truth, all the romances are at least decent until you get to Trespasser, where everyone's romance was more or less ignored and sidestepped. 
I know romance isn't the main part of the game, but if you're going to include romancing, you better believe people are going to romance, and expect that you don't half-ass it.

Those moments are great Witchcoktor! It's perfect for Inquisitors who don't want it to be treated like a joke!
There's also that moment when the Inquisitor gives Bull the necklace of the Kadan, Bull looks like he's about to cry. It makes me want to hug him because I wonder how many times did Bull accomodate other people but never had anyone do something special for him after sex without expectations of getting something in return?
Bull definitely has a tender side, it's just hidden behind the casual attitude.

Overall I liked Bull's romance Enough to be okay with making it my canon. Things i would have added/changed though:

1. Make the BDSM optional. In a way I like that it is there, as I learn more and more about Bull's character (and think more and more on him and who he is and where he's come from). But strictly from a game mechanics point of view, if they are going to limit our options, then our choices shouldn't fit such narrow little niches. Perhaps when he first asks if we're okay with it, and we say no, then he would say he's not interested. But eventually he comes around because, you know, he's falling for you. Or perhaps it's part of the relationship initially but the inquisitor has a chance to talk to him about it, how it makes them uncomfortable, but that they care for Bull a lot. Something like that. Then those who enjoy it can certainly keep it.

2. Either remove the joke scene, where all the advisors react to naked Bull or give us a chance to react to it. My inquisitor would have been embarrassed. I mean, it is a pretty embarrassing situation. But mostly we just stand there.

3. A more affectionate greeting after the final battle.

4. Something that shows we're solidifying the relationship, are serious about each other, and ready to fully commit in Trespasser. I think if other characters get to do this, then Bull should, too. Again, game mechanics. I understand making every romanceable character unique - that's important. But if I want to get married, it seems unfair that I have to play a certain gender or race. Basically, if my gay male elf wants to get married, he's SOL. Same for a straight qunari woman. And so on and so on. You should at least be able to have the conversation with your S.O. The S.O. could admit they're not comfortable with the idea, but it would be a serious conversation... not a fly by half-hearted couple of lines.

Overall I think it is a pretty good romance; I think Bull can be quite fluffy, and he really does love you. I just hope next time for a more "serious" relationship and not one so focused on sex. (I am fine with sex playing a part in the relationship; I'm a Zevran- and Fenris- and Isabela-romancer, but romance is way more important for me, and the in-depth discussion on HOW we're having sex [who's on top, how kinky is it, etc.] is so not my cup of tea.)

Heeee   I get butterflies just reading that. Sigh. If only!

Ok, different question then, if there was a chance for marriage, how would you like it to go between Bull and the Inquisitor?

Yes! That's the conversation that I'd want for a serious moment with Bull! And it could be tweaked during Trespasser!