Summary:

Cullen accepts Alistair's offer for dinner.
The evening doesn't exactly go as planned, but the rewards were far sweeter than either of them expected.


Notes:

This is a prompt fill for the delightful Elfleed on Tumblr (Lumidee here on AO3). After seeing my fill for their prompt to Ponticle, I was tasked for taking this one step further.

I mean, really, how could I refuse!? I did make a few teensy modifications to the original prompt-sometimes the boys have minds of their own- I hope you still approve! :)


~Body Positive~

Part 2

A Modern AU


Dinner

Cullen paced his apartment while watching the clock. His day started the same as so many others: basic, boring, humdrum; but, by the afternoon, everything had changed. It all began with a few extra minutes in front of the mirror pondering his life, health, and overall happiness. In minutes, he'd made some pretty significant decisions about what was truly important to him and where he wanted his path to take him. As it turns out, it was somewhere utterly new.

For so many years, he'd spent his time fulfilling other people's wishes and goals; letting his own fall by the wayside. He'd taken back a little of his autonomy when he acknowledged his sexuality and divorced his ex-wife-a decision that not only rocked the boat, but turned his whole world upside-down. Ostracized from his family and friends back home, he took the opportunity to focus on his career. He became driven and ambitious and he loved his job-he really did-but everything else fell by the wayside.

That all changed this morning.

With a simple desire to be healthier and reconnect with people he cared about—for himself, because he deserved it—he set in motion a series of events that he never could have predicted the outcome of. His first order of business, when he got to the office, was to check in with his assistant, Jim, and arrange for healthier meals and a regular exercise schedule to be built into his workdays.

A simple enough change to orchestrate, and boy did Jim deliver more than he asked for.

He couldn't have known that just that morning, Cullen had made a list of the three people that meant the most to him in the world. Three people he'd lost contact with over the years and still had an actual chance of rebuilding a friendship with. There was no way that Jim would have known that the gentleman downstairs, who was to be Cullen's new personal trainer, was at the top of that list of people he missed most.

Cullen showed up for his appointment that afternoon, expecting to create a lifestyle plan, workout routine, and perhaps a new healthy eating regimen. But, what he got, was a heartwarming reunion and a sense of hope for something more. By the end of their scheduled hour together, they'd agreed on a a few changes to Cullen's routine and lifestyle, but the undeniable spark between them led to an arrangement for a more personal meeting later that evening.

He was going on an actual date… with Alistair.

He was so excited about the potential for his evening that he left work early to take his time showering and getting ready before Alistair arrived to pick him up. He didn't know where Alistair planned on taking him, but he knew he wanted to look his best. After some deliberation, he eventually settled on a pair of casual slacks, a dark v-neck t-shirt, and his favorite blazer to complete the look. Twenty minutes to tame his curls, and a light splash of his favorite cologne later, and he was ready to go.

As hopeful as he was that there could be something romantic between them, Cullen valued their friendship far more. Whatever the outcome of their date tonight, he would be content with whatever Alistair wanted. But, from their brief interaction earlier, he was confident that Alistair wanted to explore this new territory as much as he did.

He couldn't actually remember the last time he went out on a real date. He'd had a few hook-ups since the divorce, but no one that he ever wanted to bring home with him. And certainly no one that meant as much to him as Alistair did. Not that he ever really allowed himself to think of Alistair as anything more than a friend before. But now, after seeing that familiar mischievous glint in his eyes, the soft affectionate smile on his lips, and the lingering looks they shared that afternoon, Cullen certainly felt a growing desire be more than just Alistair's friend.

A soft knock on the door drew Cullen out of his reverie. With one last look at himself to make sure his curls were still behaving, he took a deep breath and opened the door. The sight of Alistair in his form-fitting, dark jeans and crisp button down shirt, had Cullen stuttering and rubbing the back of his neck nervously. But, seeing Alistair fidget with his hands behind his back, looking almost as nervous as he felt, helped Cullen to relax. This was Alistair—his Alistair—he wasn't a stranger. He could do this.

"Hey, Ali," Cullen said, smiling. "Are you ready to go?"

Alistair slowly raised his eyes to meet Cullen's gaze. The nervous smile was slowly replaced with the familiar grin that Cullen missed so much. "Hi, Len. I um… brought you a—" Alistair produced a single red rose from behind his back. "I hope you don't think it's too… cheesy."

Cullen could have kissed those flushed cheeks with how adorable they looked. Taking the rose, he held it to his nose, inhaling deeply. "Thank you, Alistair. No one's ever…" Cullen paused with a smile and opened the door wider. "Please, come on in while I put this in water."

He ushered Alistair inside, who looked around the condo's open floor-plan. "You have a lovely place," Alistair said politely.

"It's not much, but it's home." Cullen chuckled while reaching for a small vase above the stove and filling it with water. "After Icis, I needed a sanctuary to call my own, so I moved here and started over."

"I love it, Lenny; it suits you." Alistair stopped at the large bay window and gaped. "Wow! This view is fantastic! You can see the whole city from here and the sun glinting off the bay is just beautiful!"

"It's part of why I picked a unit this high up. Sometimes the city can feel a bit overwhelming and impersonal. This view helps me keep things in perspective and gives me a modicum of peace." Cullen stepped up beside Alistair and tentatively rested his hand in the small of his back. "If you like it now, just wait until you see it after the sun goes down with the lights reflecting across the water—it's truly breathtaking."

Alistair turned toward Cullen, momentarily lost in his eyes. "I bet it is. I can't wait to see it."

Cullen licked his lips and with a wry smirk, said, "I can't wait to share it with you."

Neither one dared to step into the almost embrace, but neither did they pull apart.

After a long moment, Cullen blinked away the quiet intensity, and—stepping away—placed the small vase containing the rose on the mantle above the gas fireplace. He cleared his throat. "So… how bout you? Do you live far from here?"

"Not terribly, no. It only took me about five minutes to drive here from my house, and another five to find parking." Alistair chuckled. "It's nothing like this though, and you are definitely closer to work." Alistair leaned in and bumped shoulders with Cullen.

"Still not close enough to walk, though." Cullen chuckled. "So, where are we headed this evening?"

"Have you ever been to the Amell's down on fifth?" Alistair asked.

Cullen shook his head. "No. I tried to get in when they first opened, but the waiting list was already six months long. I haven't bothered to try again, why?"

Alistair grinned.

"Wait, you mean…? But how?"

With a small shrug, Alistair said, "I served with one of the owners. Lyna's actually the reason I chose to move here. She was the officer in charge of my rehabilitation after I was shot. I don't know where I'd be without her and her wife, Leliana." Alistair looked distant. "I was in a dark place for so long, but Lyna kept me focused and wouldn't let me wallow. She was a cruel taskmaster…" He chuckled fondly. "…but I owe her… well, everything,actually. She retired from service while I was in school and opened Amell's with her wife, who is a classically trained French chef. When I graduated and started to look for a place to set down roots, they invited me here. I stayed with them for a bit, while I got my bearings, and now they're like family."

Cullen found himself leaning closer to Alistair as he spoke. There was that pull again, beaconing him in. He wanted, more than anything, to lean in and kiss him, but even though they weren't exactly strangers, it had been over ten years since they'd seen each other, so jumping in with both feet probably wasn't the best idea. Before Cullen could do anything that might mess up their evening together, a small alarm sounded on Alistair's watch.

With a nervous cough, Alistair silenced the sound. "Um… that's our queue. If we don't leave now, Lyna will give our table away just to spite me." He placed his hand on Cullen's shoulder and guided him toward the door. "Shall we?"

Grabbing his keys, Cullen opened the door for Alistair. "Lead the way."


They walked the short distance to Amell's. Even though it was still fairly early in the evening, there was already a crowd of people hoping for a cancellation so they could get in. With a shy smile, Alistair took Cullen's hand and led him directly up to the podium where he greeted the host by name. "Hey, Zevran. Table for two tonight; the bosses are expecting us."

With a nod, Zevran checked something off in his book, then looked Cullen up and down as he spoke to Alistair. "Si, mi amore. They have reserved the best table for you this evening. I wondered at first, but now I see why. Very nice." Cullen felt his face flush as Zevran turned his attention to Alistair, speaking quieter. "Should things not work out between the two of you tonight, would you mind too terribly if I got his number?"

With a roll of his eyes, Alistair chuckled. "Not on your life, Zev. No touchy."

"You're no fun!" Zevran bantered. Slipping back into a professional demeanor, he grabbed a couple of menus and directed them to follow him inside. "Right this way, gentlemen."

Cullen got a good look around as they were led to the other side of the restaurant. This place was classy, yet comfortable. It held none of the pretentiousness of the usual higher end restaurants where Cullen attended business meetings. This one was definitely different, but as of yet, he couldn't put his finger on exactly why . Maybe it was the fact that Alistair had yet to release his hold on Cullen's hand and Cullen didn't mind one little bit.

Zevran led them to a table next to a window looking over the bay. The view was incredible. After taking their drink orders, Zevran left them to their evening. A few minutes later, a petite brunette approached with a whiskey sour for Alistair and a whiskey neat for Cullen. Alistair's face lit up at her approach. "Slumming it tonight, Lyna? I thought that's why you hired all the help, so you didn't have to work the floor."

"And leave your happiness in the hands of an amateur? I wouldn't hear of it!" She patted his shoulder then turned to Cullen. "You must be the illustrious Cullen Rutherford."

"Illustrious? I'm not sure I like the sound of that. What kinds of lies has Ali been telling about me?"

She laughed warmly. "I've only heard the good ones and I have to say," she looked at Alistair and smiled affectionately. "I'm glad he finally found you. He was such a sour puss when he got back from trying to talk to your parents."

"Hey, we had some laughs after that little shit-show. I can honestly say, I will never forget it. And I will happily never return again." Alistair laughed quietly, then provided the introduction Cullen didn't really need. "Lenny, meet my Commanding Officer, Lyna Amell. Lyna… play nice."

" Former Commanding Officer. Now, I'm just the co-proprietor of this humble little restaurant and slave to the head chef."

"You love her."

"Maker help me; I really do." She said with a smile then held her hand out for Cullen to shake. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Cullen. Or do you prefer, Lenny?"

Cullen laughed. "Truthfully? Alistair's the only person to ever get away with calling me Lenny, or Len. I tried to fight it at first, but he's pretty persistent." Cullen shot Alistair a quick wink. "Eventually, I just started looking at it as a term of endearment. It's when he uses my real name that I start to worry."

"Cullen it is, then." She gestured to the menus before them. "Now, before you dig too far into the selections, Leli wanted me to ask if you would permit her to choose your courses for you this evening?"

Cullen looked at Alistair, who seemed mildly horrified.

Lyna laughed. "What's wrong, Alistair, don't you trust us?"

"About as far as I can throw you," he grumbled, before cracking a smile.

"I've seen what you can bench, and honestly, I don't think I'd like to be thrown that far, thank you very much."

Blushing, Alistair lowered his head and fidgeted with the cloth napkin in his lap, a bashful smile on his face.

How can someone be so hot and so adorable at the same time?

"Don't worry, Ali," Lyna chided. "Leli's excited and wants to do something special for you."

Alistair looked over at Cullen, who nodded his consent. With a quirk of his eyebrow, Alistair handed the menus over. "Fine, I'm going to trust you with this. But… I want something with cheese."

"You always want something with cheese. No fondue fountain tonight, though," she countered.

Alistair pouted.

"Sorry, dear, the boss said no . But she promised that you'll love what she has in mind." Lyna looked at Cullen. "Any food allergies before I give her free reign?"

Cullen shook his head. "But, uh…" He cleared his throat, embarrassed. "…just smaller portions, if you don't mind. I have this new trainer who's going to make me work off every calorie." He winked at Alistair whose blush deepened.

"I'll tell the chef, but you might want to rethink not wanting to work it off. I'm sure your new trainer could make that an enjoyable experience for you both." She chuckled as she walked off.

Cullen caught the double meaning of what she said and his cheeks turned almost as red as Alistair's. He shook his head, chuckling and rubbing the back of his neck.

"So… um… that was Lyna." Alistair said nervously after a few moments of awkward silence.

"I like her." Cullen grinned. "Gotta have someone just as hard headed as you to keep you in line."

" You always did a good job with that too."

Cullen hid his blush behind a sip of his drink. "It wasn't anything you didn't also do for me"

"We were a pretty great team, huh?" Alistair asked.

"That we were." Cullen fidgeted a moment and was about to say more when Lyna appeared at the table's edge with the first course of their meal.

"Bon appetit, boys. I'll be out with your next plates in a few minutes." She looked at Cullen and whispered conspiratorially, "I'd eat yours quick, before Alistair snags it. He can never be trusted around these." She winked and sauntered off again.

Cullen looked down at the small plate with a single gougere on it, then back at Alistair whose face had lit up.

"Cheese puffs! Oh, you've never had true gougeres until you've tried Leliana's." He chuckled darkly. "These are my favorite. This is either going to cost me dearly later, or she's trying to impress you for me. Either way, I'll end up owing her." He wiggled his eyebrows then picked up his little puffed pastry and took a bite, a low moan escaping as he chewed.

Picking up his own savory treat, Cullen took a bite and had to agree. "I don't care if we have to add an extra hour every day next week to work this off, these are totally worth it!

"Well, I hope so!" Lyna suddenly appeared at their elbows again, whisking away their empty plates and leaving behind a charcuterie board piled high with a variety of meats and cheeses.

As their meal progressed, Lyna brought out one tasty morsel after another. The charcuterie board was the centerpiece while she kept them guessing with mini quiches, cheese souffle, flamiche, and several other dishes Cullen didn't have names for, but they were all more delicious than the last. Their conversation was easy and pleasant, and as Lyna brought out two beautiful tiny lemon cheese tarts with fresh raspberry drizzle for dessert, Cullen could swear that Alistair was about to swoon.

"Hey, Al. Do you need a moment alone with your tart?" Cullen teased.

"Shhhh…" He paused with his finger in the air. "Just… give us a moment alone, then I'll be all yours again, I swear." Alistair lovingly picked up the sweet little bite of heaven and made incredibly obscene sounds while he chewed; his eyes closed in ecstasy."

Cullen watched Alistair swallow, transfixed; his mouth suddenly dry as his mind created several thousand different scenarios where he was the one causing Alistair to make those sounds.

With a terribly tantalizing lick of his lips, Alistair opened his eyes and immediately noticed that Cullen hadn't touched his tart yet. "You didn't eat yours," he accused, almost sounding offended.

Still unable to speak-or blink, hell, even breathing was difficult at this point-Cullen slowly nudged his plate with the tart toward Alistair.

His face lit up like it was christmas. "Are you sure? You really should try these."

Cullen made a vague go ahead motion with his hands while slowly licking his lips. The second tart was consumed, much like the first, only this time Alistair kept his gaze locked on Cullen's. The sounds were only slightly less pornographic, but watching the euphoria dance over Alistair's features, was totally worth passing up his own dessert.

Lyna showed up, shortly thereafter, distracting them from the heated moment. "Leliana is swamped with orders presently, but she asked that you both stick around for a few until she can get freed up to come see how you enjoyed everything this evening." She looked from Cullen, to Alistair, and back again.

Alistair grinned mischievously as he wiped his mouth and stacked the dessert plates for Lyna. "I have no urgent business elsewhere. Cullen, do you mind staying?"

"Everything tonight was absolutely delicious. I would love to opportunity to tell her that myself."

Lyna grinned. "Wonderful! Can I get you some coffee while you wait?"

Alistair nodded while Cullen spoke, "That would be perfect, thank you."

As she busied herself clearing away the their dishes, Cullen found himself reflecting over his day and their evening together. He felt happy-truly happy-which was something he hadn't felt in years.

As Lyna brought them their coffee, Cullen laid his hand gently over the top of Alistair's.

"Hey, Al? Thank you for inviting me out tonight; I'm having a wonderful time."

With a shy smile, Alistair threaded their fingers together. "I am too, Len. Is this… is this okay?"

"It's more than okay." Cullen smiled back sheepishly, savoring the feel of Alistair's skin next to his. "Earlier today, you mentioned the possibility of seeing where this could go." Cullen looked down at their hands clasped together and rubbed his thumb over Alistair's knuckles. "I think… I think I'd really like that… to see where this goes, that is."

Alistair's eyes softened. "I would too, Lenny—" Alistair paused mid sentence, his face visibly paled and his eyes grew wide in surprise while focusing on something behind Cullen. He slowly drew his hand away as two very familiar people stepped up to the side of their table.

"Just look at this disgusting display. It makes me sick," came the venomous voice of Cullen's mother.

Standing at their sudden appearance, Cullen stuttered out an uncomfortable, "M-mother, F-father, what are you doing here?"

"We were trying to have a quiet dinner in the city, but we've lost our appetites because of your flagrant vulgarity. You are in public-have some decency! No one needs your vile homosexual choices flaunted in their face. I'd hoped that the last time we talked, you would have repented your sins and come to your senses. I prayed that you'd give up this—" She waved vaguely at the two of them together. "—this desecration of the sanctity of all that is holy in the Maker's eyes." She sniffed disdainfully as her husband stood tall at her side looking down his nose at the two of them.

Cullen's heart fell, looking at his feet; his fists clenched at his sides. He knew he was probably beet red at such a public shaming of his lifestyle… choices.

Ha! Choices they called it. It's not a choice if it's just who I am.

Cullen began to tune them out when Lyna's voice interrupted their tirade. "How dare you! How-dare-you come into my establishment and harrass my customers."

"That is my son!" Cullen's mother shrieked.

"Actually," Cullen interjected, much calmer than he felt. "The last time we spoke, you told me that I was no longer your son. That you were embarrassed by me and could never admit to your precious friends that I was gay. "

"What?!" Alistair shot up, livid, rounding the table and placing himself between Cullen and his parents. "Do you even realize how amazing he is? He's dedicated and devoted, compassionate and kind. He's the type of son you should be proud to talk with your friends about, not ashamed of him for who he is hardwired to love. He is the best person I've ever had the privilege of calling my friend , and you'll be hard pressed to find another man of his integrity and caliber." Alistair's voice escalated in his tirade.

Cullen slipped his fingers back into Alistair's.

Taking a deep breath, Alistair continued with a steely resolve. "Parents should love their children unconditionally. Being a parent doesn't give you the right to take away someone's essence of being or their free will to follow their heart and dreams. Do you think your religion gives you permission to denounce others? It's a crutch for a weak mind."

Cullen watched Alistair's glorious fury in awe. His righteous indignation at their audacity came through in every eloquent word. Glancing at his parents, Cullen watched them quietly retreating back into themselves, away from Alistair's onslaught.

"The Maker teaches-" Cullen's mother started again, only to be cut off by Alistair.

"Let me tell you a little something about the Maker, lady . The Maker is love in its purest form. He teaches acceptance, no matter what a person's gender, race, disability, designation, or sexual orientation. He doesn't teach the hateful slurs that you've been spewing. He teaches pure, unconditional, unadulterated, soul-searingly-beautiful love . And, everyone deserves love. Everyone deserves the chance to love.

Cullen couldn't help staring as Alistair berated his parents and sang Cullen's praises. This man-that he'd spent most of his childhood with, his best friend-was loudly and publicly declaring how proud he was of Cullen's accomplishments, and was currently standing between him and his parents, shielding him from any further hurt. His Alistair, who always had his back. Time and circumstances didn't diminish that; it seemed to only make their bond stronger.

Taking a step forward, Cullen gently gripped Alistair's shoulder, turning him so they stood face to face. Reaching up, Cullen brushed his fingers down Alistair's cheek and smiled brightly at him. All of the appreciation and joy he felt quickly overshadowed the voices still tittering in their periphery-Cullen only transiently registered the french accented woman asking his parents to leave, stating that such archaic views of bigotry and hate would never be welcomed in their establishment.

Alistair's face softened at Cullen's touch, and that was the only invitation he needed.

Closing the distance, Cullen gently pressed their lips together. It was brief and pure and everything he'd hoped it would be, but it was over far too quickly. Pulling back, he searched Alistair's eyes, for his reaction, for permission. With a familiar mischievous grin from Alistair, Cullen kissed him again more ardently.

Gone were his hateful parents, gone was the crowded restaurant surrounding them, gone were the doubts, fears, and loneliness that had been plaguing him for years. All that mattered was Alistair; the feel of their bodies flush together, the feel of fingers carding through his hair, lips against his. In that moment, he let all the rest go. Yes, he still had hopes and dreams for the future, but no longer were they met with a disparaging longing. In its place was a feeling of peace, contentment, and excitement. The future was now a place of hope and the man in his arms was who he wanted to accompany him on his journey.

As their kiss ended, Cullen opened his eyes and gazed lovingly into Alistair's. The same look of hope and reverence, was reflected back at him. As his brain clicked onboard again, he looked around; noticing, for the first time, that the whole restaurant was cheering. He saw Lyna standing there wiping her eyes with a redhead's arms wrapped lovingly around her shoulders.

Cullen's parents were nowhere to be seen.

Embarrassed by their audience, but far from ashamed of his own very public declaration, Cullen started laughing joyfully. He happily buried his face in Alistair's neck and savored the feel of those unconditionally loving arms wrapped so tightly around him.


End Notes:

Thank you Lumidee / Elfleed for the ask and for being patient as I waited for Alistair Appreciation week to post this little nugget. :)

To the ever diligent Ponticle for having my back, and encouraging me to always be a better person.

And thank you to all of you readers for stopping by for a spell. I hope you found a little enjoyment in my little tale. :)