Summary:

Someone from Alistair's past comes to call and pulls him back into a life he wanted to leave behind.

Notes:

The only warning I have for this chapter... is it's painfully lacking in Cullen. I'm sorry - he needed a break. But we'll catch up to him in chapter 22! So have some Alistair to get you through.

All recognizable content belongs to Bioware/EA Games
All twisted perversions therein,
I will take my own credit for, thank-you very much!

Cocktails & Cheese

Cullen and Alistair - A Modern Day AU

Chapter 21

Warden's Oath Pt. 1

It was almost noon on a Tuesday during the second month of Autumn. Alistair was behind the counter preparing cheese trays, whistling along to a song that was stuck in his head. He looked up from his work-startled-when the front door opened. The bar didn't open for another three hours; the door should have been locked-up tight.

When he heard the telltale creak of the heavy oak door, he half expected it to be Lana coming in early to help him get ready for the day. A familiar, bearded man walked through the door instead. He was dressed nondescriptly in black cargo pants, boots, and a black button down shirt. His hair was pulled back into a low ponytail, its black straggling wisps rivaling Alistair's in their unruliness. The years had been kind to his handsome mentor, he was well muscled and still fit, though his temples were speckled with more silver than black. It was a look that he wore well.

Duncan smiled at Alistair behind the bar. "Long time no see, son. You are looking well."

Setting his knife and towel down on his work surface, Alistair came out from behind the bar. "Duncan!" They grasped forearms and hugged. "You do know that door was locked don't you?"

"There isn't a lock in all of Thedas that can keep me out, or have you forgotten?"

"I remember, it was you who taught me, after all. It's still disconcerting to see you just walk in, though. I didn't hear anything at all, even keys make noise when they hit the tumblers in that mechanism."

Duncan winked. "If it makes you feel any better, it did take me two tries to get through; quiet or not."

"You're lying, but I appreciate you trying to make me feel better." Alistair chuckled. "So what brings you into my humble establishment, Old Man? Would you like something to drink? Are you hungry?" He motioned for Duncan to sit.

"I have been traveling, so whatever you have handy would be appreciated; thank you, Alistair."

Producing a full tray of cheese, crackers, and pretzels, Alistair then added some cold sausage when he saw how quickly Duncan was eating. He pondered what kind of threat he was chasing down-or running from-to leave him so famished. Handing him a glass of water as well as a tumbler of scotch, Alistair let the comfortable silence stretch as Duncan put away his food.

Once the majority of the food was consumed, the glass of water empty and the scotch being slowly sipped; Alistair cut to the chase, "Do I need to call in Lana before we start?"

Duncan chuckled, "Always right to the point. I've missed that. Most people I deal with spend all their time playing The Game and it's bloody tiresome." He smiled affectionately at Alistair, "Yes, call Lana in."

Alistair frowned causing Duncan to reassure him, "Don't worry, son, we will not be taking her with us when we leave. She should know what's going on though."

Alistair nodded; disquiet flittering across his face. He wasn't surprised that Duncan was here now to put him to work; he expected it to happen occasionally. Resigned, he sent a quick text to Lana.

[12:33]

Alistair: Hey, hun. Duncan's here. Wants to speak to both of us.

Alistair: Looks like he's only requiring me again this trip, but says you should be here for the briefing.

Lana: I will be there in ten, Alistair. Don't start without me.

Alistair: Too late, but I'm sure you can catch up.

Alistair: See you soon.

Alistair pocketed his phone again, "Lana's on her way. Is everything ok?"

Duncan shook his head. "You know I wouldn't be here if it was. There's something going on in Orlais. Too many questionable deaths that are starting to spark rumors; and it leads me to believe that something is brewing behind the veil." He smiled apologetically, "I am sorry to have to reactivate you, Alistair. You know that right? If I had any other choice, I would leave you and Lana to your lives. But, right now, I just don't have the manpower available to bring in a proper sized crew for this. If I'm only going to have one person at my back-I'd rather have you. You're the best I've got."

"Now you're just trying to butter me up."

"Flattery is one thing, but this is truth. I should have at least five Warden's for this clean up. Not only are we crossing the veil to deal with the darkspawn, we've got to soothe the general populace of Orlais too. We're stretched pretty thin right now. I need someone who knows the area, who's quick on their toes, not afraid to get their hands dirty, and someone who is just as good at talking circles around people as they are at keeping us both alive. I need- you , Alistair."

Alistair dipped his head at the complement, the tips of his ears flushing pink. "But not Lana?"

Duncan lowered his eyes and sighed with regret, "No, Alistair. I promised you that I would not reinstate her unless I had no other choice. She has suffered too much in our service, already. Her sensitivities-far greater than any of us could have predicted. I will not do that to her again; she has more than earned her respite."

Alistair choked up remembering how battered and broken Lana became facing off against so much death, destruction, and hatred day after day. She was the reason he fought to break free of the order's chains. To terminate-or rather, pause-their contracts in time. It was for her health and well being that he gave up the only life he'd ever wanted; and he would do it again in a heartbeat.

Lana meant the world to Alistair. She had since the day they met. It'd never been sexual, but he still needed her presence in his life; like oxygen. They were tied at the heart-family. When he was lost and felt alone, she was the one there; leading him forward; comforting him-or kicking him in the ass-depending on what he needed most.

When her health began to decline and her mind began to splinter from the strain of their burden, he could have fought to just have her released. He could have remained behind and continued serving the Wardens himself, but separating from her was as unthinkable as chopping off his own hand. They were a team, two parts of the same whole, and he'd long ago accepted that.

"Thank you, Duncan." He smiled gratefully, "Separating from the order has been so good for her; she is completely different now, more relaxed and genuinely happy. I wouldn't want to take that from her either. Even for a short while."

Duncan nodded in understanding. From the moment he recruited Lana and introduced her to Alistair, there was a connection between the two of them. He used to secretly hope that Alistair and Lana would find a romantic connection together. Sometimes, however, history is doomed to repeat itself. It became apparent early on that Lana and Alistair's relationship was to be as his was with Fiona. A bond in arms; family-by-heart. Content, happy together, and ultimately devoted to each other's safety and well being; but beyond that, there was never anything more.

Duncan would have gladly taken Fiona's place in her final battle if he could have. His Commander, at the time, ordered him to a fight elsewhere when he sent her into the Deep Roads to face a darkspawn invasion. A rare excursion separating the two battle veterans. It turned out to be her last. Duncan often wondered if she would have survived, if he'd been allowed to be where he belonged-fighting at her back. But that was a question that could never be answered.

When she perished, he almost didn't survive himself. He was so broken hearted and lost without her. If it weren't for Alistair still needing him, Duncan would have given up long ago, he owed it to her to carry on. He may not have Fiona any longer, but he still has the closest thing to a son, he's ever known.

Oh, Fiona. You would love the man he's grown into! You'd be so proud of him. He's strong, smart, handsome, and battle bonded to his own headstrong, elven mage.

Alistair could tell that Duncan was traveling down a dark path with his thoughts. Bringing him back to the present, he asked, "So, when will we be leaving?"

"I'd like to leave as soon as possible. Today , actually, if you'd let me tear you away. But I realize you have a business to run and may need to find coverage."

Alistair nodded, "I'm sure I can get Zevran to cover for me and if we're not bringing Lana, that will leave her and Leli here to watch over things while I'm away."

"Will you be ready to leave tonight?" Duncan asked, sounding anxious.

"Actually… I need to say goodbye to someone first. It's- he's- important to me. I would prefer to leave at first light-if we have the time to spare." Alistair was studiously watching Duncan for his reaction. He noticed the surprised expression and raised eyebrow before it was replaced with a genuine smile.

"I hadn't realized that you'd met someone. Does he know what you do when you're not pouring drinks?"

Alistair smiled, "He does, but before you start preaching to me about our oath of secrecy, you should know that he is a true -Templar-or at least was; before he left the order. And, he's had dealings with Wardens before, so our purpose isn't unknown to him either. I'm not sure what happened, but whatever it was, it wasn't pleasant for him." Alistair sighed as he thought about his lover's PTSD; thankful that he had recovered so much from his days of needing Dorian on a daily basis.

"I only know of one former Templar that had the sight. Templars leaving the order are about as rare as Warden's retiring, you know." Duncan winked at Alistair. "Would this new interest of yours happen to be named, Rutherford?"

Alistair's eyes widened, "You've met him?"

Duncan carefully cleared his face to reveal nothing. "I have not. I only know him by reputation and from what I've heard, he is an honorable and good man." It wasn't his place to tell Alistair if Cullen hadn't told him already. As Lana's Commander, Duncan read the full report, but never met the man himself. He found it even more interesting that it seemed Lana was keeping the secret as well. He would have to remember to ask her about it later.

"He's both," Alistair sighed wistfully, "and so much more."

"So tell me," Duncan smirked, "does he treat you well? What does he do for a living, now that he has left the order? Is he deserving of you?"

"Are you asking as a Warden? Or as a Friend?" Alistair chuckled.

"I'm asking as someone who cares about your happiness." He smiled affectionately, "I'm also asking because I know that your mother would have wanted me too, as your guardian and as your friend."

"He is a detective now," Alistair began, "and yes, Cullen treats me better than I ever thought I deserved. I can't even begin to put into words how he makes me feel. As for if he's deserving of me? I can't even begin to know, but if it helps, Lana approves."

Chuckling at Alistair's flushed cheeks, Duncan said, "I'm sure she does."

As if on cue, Alistair heard keys jingling in the lock followed by Lana and Leliana walking in.

"They're disgustingly adorable together, I'll give them that." Lana said cheekily. "And you know I would have sent word to you directly if I thought they weren't taking care of each other. Alistair only listens to me so much, after all." She wrapped her arms around the old Warden, hugging him tightly. "It's good to see you, Duncan." Genuine affection heavy in her voice.

"It's good to see you too, Lana. You are looking well. Married life seems to suit you." He looked pointedly at Leliana, embracing her next, "I trust she's not making your life too difficult, little nightingale?"

"Only every day, and worth every minute of it!" Leliana grinned.

Lana sat next to Duncan, getting right down to business. "So, how long are you going to have him for?"

Duncan replied, "I don't see this taking any longer than three weeks. But you never know with these things. I will have him back as soon as possible; I promise you."

"You'll make sure that he behaves himself, takes his vitamins, and eats regularly?"

"Yes, Lana, I will. And I promise not to let him do any of the cooking either."

"You guys do realize that I'm standing right here, don't you? You sound like you're discussing your shared visitation rights and I'm the child in question." He shook his head laughing.

"Well, you are my favorite man-child, Ali." Lana said teasingly. "And you know, Cullen's going to want to make sure you're taking care of yourself as well. So I might as well get it out of the way now. That way you can focus on… other things when you see him." She grinned wickedly, patting him on the cheek, then went about making arrangements to cover the bar while Alistair talked more with Duncan.

"Thank you for allowing me tonight, I really do appreciate it. Cullen and I have discussed me being needed periodically, so this won't come as a complete surprise to him. He's also aware that I won't always have the luxury of being able to say goodbye in person, so… I'm sure he will appreciate this as well."

"Now that I know, I will do my best to be able to give you fair warning. But you know, I'm not the only one that may come claim you."

"I know, but thank you for this time all the same." Alistair smiled and gripped Duncan's shoulder. "You are welcome to my loft tonight. I'm assuming you haven't made other arrangements since you were planning on us leaving straight away. Please make yourself at home. I will be back before first light-I promise."

He started to walk away, then turned back with a smirk, "I'd offer you a key, but as you said, there's not a lock in all of Thedas that can keep you out. Though I would like to see you try to get into Cullen's Jeep… just once." He chuckled then hugged his friend one last time before excusing himself to head upstairs to prepare.

Alistair packed his travel satchel, finished prepping and polishing his armor and long sword, and was working on his daggers when Lana came in and sat next to him.

"You ok, Hun?" she asked tentatively, wrapping one arm around his waist.

He leaned into her. "You know better than anyone how I'm doing. I'm ok enough with the mission. It's never the same without you at my back, but Duncan isn't a bad second choice to work with. He's a bit larger to try to protect though." He grinned and ruffled her hair. "You're so tiny, I could just put you in my pocket to hide you from all the bad guys." He laughed at the old joke they shared as she smacked him in the shoulder. Truth be told, Lana never really needed protecting in battle. She was actually quite fearsome to behold, which always made Alistair grateful that she was on his side.

Knowing that he'd be going into battle without his favorite healer and security blanket, made him realize how much he was going to miss Cullen as well. They'd prepared for the fact that he'd have to cross the veil again at some point, but for the first time, Alistair thought about what that would mean for them logistically. There's no communication across the veil. Alistair wouldn't know if he was safe while he was gone. Nor would Cullen know if something were to happen to him . It was a very lonely feeling and bothered him more than he'd care to admit.

"You're worried about not being able to check in with Cullen while you're away?" It was more of statement than a fact.

Alistair sighed, "I am. I don't want him to worry unnecessarily and you know I'll be worrying about him as well. I just wish there was some way we could communicate while I'm gone."

"The veil plays havoc on electronics; you know that."

"I do. Makes me wish someone would invent a mechanical phone that could pass through. Hey! Why don't you work on that while I'm away? That would be swell, thanks!" He smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. His playful tone put away, replaced with resignation and… sadness, "Will you… keep watch over him for me while I'm gone?"

Lana nodded. "You know that you don't need to ask. I'll even make sure no one sits in his seat at the bar while you're gone." She winked.

"If I… um. Could you do me another favor while I'm gone?" He blushed as he hesitated.

Lana's grin grew wider as she responded before he could finish his question, "Of course I'll continue to send Cullen his weekly rose in your absence. Monday morning deliveries, blessed by yours truly, as if you never left. You are a cheesy romantic, you know that?" she teased. "You need to write the notes yourself though; I don't think I could do your sentiment justice."

He hugged her tightly and whispered into her hair, his voice choked with emotion, "Thanks, hun."

"I'll miss you too, you big sentimental lug. Be safe for me while you're gone, okay? I won't be there to heal you should anything happen. Take your potions with you too- lots of potions, and probably your salve. I don't want to lose you because you've gone and done something stupid like not pack enough healing potions, poultices, and bandages."

"Yes, mother." He replied affectionately, before adding with a sigh, "I know you'll likely be the first to get any word should something happen during my trip. Will you pass on any information you get to him for me? He's not a Warden and we're not… married , so he doesn't technically have any right to the information, but still. I would feel better knowing that he could be reassured somehow."

Lana smiled. "There will be no need for any ominous messages, but you know I will share whatever I hear if it will help ease his heart about you. Speaking of, shouldn't you be finishing up so you can get out of here to go see him? There are only so many hours between now and first light. Only so many positions the two of you can squeeze into such a short period of time. You better get started."

She laughed as Alistair's cheeks turned bright red, then removed the daggers from his grip and shooed him off, "I'll finish these. Go write your notes then spend time with Cullen. I'm sure he'll appreciate getting as much time with you as possible before you have to leave. And Alistair?"

He looked at her expectantly.

"Don't worry; we'll take care of him, just keep yourself safe."

He wrapped his arms around her again and kissed her softly on her forehead. "What would I ever do without you?"

"Let's not find out, shall we? Now scoot!" She chuckled and shoved him.

Alistair left five notes on the credenza, numbered consecutively. Duncan said they'd be gone a maximum of three weeks, but he didn't want there to be a lapse in delivery if his mission ran longer. The spell on the vase, relied on the regular refreshers the roses provided. He knew it was silly, but besides the protection, sending Cullen a weekly rose and a note made him happy. He loved doing little things to let Cullen know that he was always on his mind.

At first, he worried that it was too cheesy or that Cullen wouldn't appreciate these little affections, but one day in his office, Alistair noticed that Cullen had a drawer cleared out and dedicated to all the little things that he'd sent him. There was a bowl filled with all of the dried rose buds from previous weeks' flowers and a box that contained all of the notes that he'd written him, cataloged by date of delivery.

He really is to be too good to be true.

Content that he'd done all that he could to prepare for the journey, Alistair showered quickly, then headed over to the precinct to share the news. He knew Cullen would understand. They'd talked about this eventuality after all, but it still meant that they wouldn't be together for several weeks and they'd become accustomed to seeing each other on a fairly regular basis.

This was new and unknown territory for them.

Alistair was really going to miss him.

End Notes:

In case you haven't gotten the hint yet - this Alistair is not the warrior he is in game. He takes after Duncan, therefor... rogue (with some martial arts and acrobatics thrown in-because I can, damnit!)

I appreciate everyone who's stayed with me this far! Thank you for letting me share this little obsession of mine with you!

There are several dear souls to whom I want to give special love for helping me along my path:
The Keystrokes - My muses and sources of inspiration during my daily writing sprints. You gals are the best at keeping me motivated and getting me over my humps!
Connie Flint - My first guide and conscience. Before I knew I wanted to post my stories, she was there to encourage me!
Ponticle - My own personal trainer-keeping me on task and helping me improve my form every step of the way!

I am beyond grateful to have so much wonderful support-but for the record, I do go back over my work once my beta's have had their way with it (and occasionally change shit anyway), so any and all mistakes within are all my own! Please don't blame them, I don't pay them nearly what they're worth to me!

This story is cross posted on both fanfiction as well as AO3 and the feedback I've gotten from both families has been amazing! I am Aurlyn on Tumblr. Thank you all so much!