Summary:

Lunchtime with Rylen, Dorian, Alistair, and Cullen.
Alistair returns to the bar and leaves Dorian and Cullen to start their investigation at the library.

Notes:

I didn't intend on the library sequence to start off this way, but apparently I had a new character that wanted to make your acquaintance.
I hope you enjoy!

All recognizable content belongs to Bioware/EA Games
All twisted perversions therein, are all on me ~ You're welcome!

Cocktails & Cheese

Cullen and Alistair - A Modern Day AU

Chapter 38

Secrets and Salvation Part 12

Lunch was comfortably productive. At Cullen's request, Mr. Chen put them in a private back room, allowing for discrete discussion. He served them himself and didn't allow anyone else into the room to interrupt or overhear the delicate matter of their meeting.

The privacy of the room—as well as Alistair's close proximity to Cullen—allowed for Rylen to relax and fully participate without too many distractions. He lingered slightly longer on new textures and tastes, but otherwise, was adjusting to his new sensitivities with ease. All in all, they were able to agree on a plan that they felt confident enough in to move forward with.

One of the things they touched on during the meeting, that surprised Alistair most, was Kieran's incredible magical ability. They discussed the amulet's basic purpose and how it was used to mitigate Kieran's magical overload to avoid self-injury. If possible, Alistair looked more stricken at the knowledge, he began to fidget and look longingly at the door. Not only was his son missing, he was missing without his usual fail-safes in place to protect him and keep his magic under control.

Cullen gently pulled Alistair in for a hug. "He's ok, Alistair. He's going to be ok, too. We won't let anything happen to him. I promise you. He's not defenseless. His magical ability far surpasses Morrigan's and you already admitted how powerful she is."

"But, he's alone ," Alistair said forlornly.

"He's not alone; not entirely. And Urthemiel is just as vested in keeping Kieran alive as we are. It won't let anything happen to him as long as it also inhabits Kieran's body."

"But what happens if Flemeth finds a way to extract the entity; what then? What's going to happen to him?"

"From what I understand, Kieran is a very smart and resourceful boy. I think he gets a little of his wily tenacity from his father, actually." Cullen winked while rubbing soothingly over Alistair's back.

"Now you're just trying to distract and placate me." Alistair scoffed.

"Is it working?"

Alistair leaned in for a quick kiss. "Maybe a little? Even though I think you just called me stubborn." He rested his head on Cullen's shoulder. "Doesn't mean I have to like it, though."

"No, but you did say you trusted me with this."

"I do."

"Then do your best to let this go. Nothing we do right now can change anything. We still don't know where he is, but trust me when I say that we will find him."

Dorian cleared his throat to interject. "That is why you brought me in on this little adventure." He smiled reassuringly then laughed at the startled looks he received from Cullen and Alistair. "Did you two really forget that we were here?" Dorian asked affronted.

Rylen leaned toward Dorian and stage whispered, "It wouldn't be the first time and certainly won't be the last. The world around them seems to disappear when they start looking at each other with those mooneyes."

"I do not have moon- eyes." Cullen sputtered.

"You actually do… a little." Alistair smiled affectionately.

Cullen's expression softened. "You must be a terrible influence on me then." He brushed a finger across Alistair's cheek.

"Are you complaining?" Alistair leaned into Cullen's touch, closing his eyes.

Cullen leaned in, his lips barely brushing over Alistair's. "Never," he whispered before leaning in again.

"See what I mean?" Rylen asked Dorian pointedly. "They've totally forgotten us again. It's disgusting." The glint in his eyes showing amusement rather than malice.

"On the contrary," Dorian responded with a fond smile. "I think it's positively enlightening how these two get wrapped up in their moments together. Reminds me a bit of when Bull and I first started courting. Though, there's probably been less furniture destruction involved in their couplings."

Cullen snorted in laughter. "We certainly haven't broken anyone else's bed with our shenanigans."

"Ah, yes, well. Reparations were paid in that instance, though apparently not enough to suit the aggrieved." Dorian winked at Cullen. "So, uh… why don't we, change the subject, shall we? We have a missing child to locate, and I have to be in the library to start my search. With the amulet in our possession, I just need to see the place where he was last known to be, then I should be able to follow his trail easily."

Alistair looked at his watch and sighed pitifully. "I don't suppose you'll let me tag along, will you?"

Checking his own watch, Cullen chuckled. "Nope," he said popping the p sound. "Lana is expecting you to help prep and open the bar tonight. And if you plan on making it on time, you'll have to leave pretty soon."

"I see how it is... trying to get rid of me all ready."

"You know that's not it, and I promise to make it up to you later." He kissed Alistair on the cheek then addressed the table at large. "We all need to be on the same page here, we're all working toward the same goal. I need one person on the home-front, incase Morrigan comes across anything." He looked pointedly at Alistair. "And while Dorian and I are in the field, I need someone at the station to manage the whole operation and keep everyone in the loop."

"That would be me." Rylen wiped his mouth and laid his napkin on the table. "If we find out anything, I'll let you know."

"If you have any other issues , you let us know too," Cullen said pointedly.

Rylen nodded, then stage whispered at Alistair, "If you haven't noticed yet, he likes to mother hen everyone he thinks he's responsible for."

Alistair chuckled. "I'm getting that impression. I don't suppose we can break him of that habit?"

"If you figure out how, let me know." Rylen winked then stood to go. "Unless there's anything else you need, I'll head back now."

Cullen shook his head, smiling. "No, that's fine. Keep in touch, and we'll do the same. You know the drill."

"Aye, Sir." Rylen gripped Cullen's shoulder briefly and nodded to Dorian and Alistair before heading out the door.

Mr. Chen entered as Rylen left and placed the bill on the table. "Everything to your liking, gentlemen?"

"Everything was wonderful, as always, Mr. Chen. Thank you. And thank you for the use of your back room." Cullen went to reach for the bill and was blocked by Alistair.

"Why don't you let me get it?" Alistair protested.

"Because this was my business lunch and you've already been through enough."

While Alistair and Cullen bickered over the bill, Dorian unobtrusively snatched it from the table and handed it to Mr. Chen with his card. "If we wait for them to solve this matter, we'll be here until your dinner rush. Might as well get it over with while they fight like an old married couple."

Mr. Chen chuckled, then shuffled off, returning a moment later with the receipt for Dorian to sign.

Both Cullen and Alistair looked at him, mouths agape.

Dorian clicked his tongue. "That's what you get when you act like children." He grinned at Mr. Chen, handing him the receipt. "Your hospitality, and cuisine, exceeds expectations, as always."

"Thank you, Dr. Pavus. It's good to see you again and good luck keeping these two in line." Mr. Chen smiled fondly at Cullen and Alistair before taking his leave.

They walked together back to the precinct and Dorian slipped inside to give Cullen a few moments alone with Alistair. When they approached Alistair's mustang, Cullen cupped his face gently pressing their lips together.

"What was that for?" Alistair blinked a bit unsteadily when they pulled apart.

"I couldn't help myself."

"Oh, yeah?"

Cullen grinned bashfully. "Yeah. You're irresistible. I uh… I may also have something else to tell you regarding the meeting with Morrigan this morning."

Alistair groaned. "Oh, no. You led with a kiss; this can't be good."

"On the contrary, I have a feeling you'll like this little bit of information."

"And yet, you waited until we were alone to share it."

Cullen shrugged one shoulder. "I wanted to make sure you had privacy to process it without an audience, but you needn't worry."

"I'm still worried, but you might as well spill the details so I don't drive myself crazy wondering." Alistair chuckled uncomfortably, shifting his weight to the other foot.

"When I talked with Morrigan this morning, I asked her to introduce you to Kieran… as his father."

Alistair's eyes hardened. "And she said?"

Cullen ran his finger over the furrow of Alistair's brow. "She agreed. And from what I understand about the nature of Kieran's magic, they may needus, so there's a very real possibility that you'll get your wish to be a part of his life."

"He may need you, you mean." Alistair's breath caught, his eyes wet with emotion as he leaned into Cullen's embrace.

"Hey, we are a packaged deal. Nothing she says will change that."

Alistair kissed Cullen softly. "You are something else, you know that? What did I ever do to deserve you?"

"When you find out, perhaps I'll find out what I ever did to deserve you . For now, I'm just thankful that you're here to share it all with."

"I love you so much, Cullen."

"I love you too. Now, head to work so Dorian and I can do our jobs." Cullen placed a last kiss on Alistair's lips, then went inside to fetch Dorian.

Alistair entered the bar and chuckled fondly when he found himself with an armful of Lana. "Hello to you too." He squeezed her tightly then tried to tuck the stray wisp of hair behind her ear. It didn't stay; it rarely did.

"I trust you had a pleasant day?" she said, releasing him from her embrace.

"I did, all things considered. It's nice to actually be doing something. Or well, in this case, to know that something is actually being done." He looked around the bar. "Where's Lel?"

"She's helping to distract Morrigan. She's been putting on a good front, but she really is lost without him."

"I get it," Alistair said. "I haven't even met him yet and I feel so hollow. She's spent every day with him for the last 10 years. I just… can't imagine."

Lana nodded her agreement. "I know what you mean. She was… well, she seemed ok earlier. She's very good at hiding her emotions, even from me. Probably, especially from me." Lana chuckled softly. "Last I heard, they were going shopping to keep busy. You know how my Leli loves her shoes." She rolled her eyes affectionately.

Alistair smiled as he made his way behind the bar then pulled out several trays. "That she does. So is it just you and I tonight?"

Lana nodded. "For the most part. She said she'll be back in time for her nine p.m. performance. We wanted to make sure Morrigan wasn't alone all day, so they planned on going to dinner and maybe catching a movie afterward. We didn't think you'd mind."

Slicing up little cubes of cheese, Alistair used the knife he was using to point out the rarely used machine in the corner. "Nah, it's fine. We have the jukebox for a reason, after all."

"To make us realize how much we appreciate Leli's lilting lyrics?" Lana asked with a cheeky grin.

Alistair groaned audibly. "You worked hard on that alliteration, didn't you?"

"Mmmaayyybe." Lana winked, then looked him up and down continuing to grin.

"What?" he asked, looking down at his shirt. "Do I have food on me or something?"

"No, I just." She paused, her smile softening. "You look happier. I'm glad that you and Cullen have reconciled."

Alistair scoffed. "I'm not sure reconciled is the right term. You meddled and forced me to see reason. Thankfully, he's a very forgiving person." His cheeks turned a dusty shade of pink. "Thank you, by the way. I don't know what I was thinking, but I was stupid to push him away."

She patted him affectionately on the cheek. "Yes, you were. I'm glad you've finally accepted how much you need him. He needs you as well. That's what good relationships are all about: give and take, supporting each other through the tough times, not just the easy ones. It may be all champagne and roses in the beginning, but it doesn't stay that way forever. Challenges happen. It's what we do with those challenges, and how we persevere, that not only make us stronger as individuals, but also brings us closer together as couples."

"This little speed bump may make my relationship with Cullen stronger, but that doesn't mean I'm going to be volunteering for more trouble. These last couple of weeks have been hell." Alistair paused putting away the cheese. "I felt so lost, Lana. I didn't realize I could feel so alone or so… unfocused. I missed him so much."

"I know you did, hun." She said softly as she laid her cheek against his back, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He turned in her arms, a frown etched in his brow as he hugged her back. "Why didn't you make me go talk to him sooner?" he whispered softly.

She suddenly laughed long and hard. At his quirked eyebrow and unamused expression, she exclaimed, "Oh, please! Have you met you? Stubborn only begins to scratch the surface of what you are."

Pushing her away playfully, he grabbed the towel from the counter and swatted her with it. "Hey, be nice!"

"I am nice! It's not my fault that sometimes the truth has to come at you like a freight train before you see it."

"Yeah, yeah. You're very wise."

As afternoons and evenings went, it could have been worse. Between customers, Lana kept Alistair suitably distracted; they discussed Kieran and Cullen in equal amounts. When he started to get antsy, she created some meaningless task to keep him occupied. Leliana showed up a little before nine, her music further helping to soothe and distract him.

As much as the girls were trying to help, the evening was still starting to wear on him. Checking his watch just past eleven, Alistair sighed. He hadn't heard from Cullen all day. Come to think of it, he hadn't heard from Rylen either. He hoped that meant that they'd found a trail. He wanted to believe that after only one day, they would have something to go on. Alistair knew that the more time passed before a missing child was found, the more desperate the situation for that child. His heart ached at the possibility.

Dorian and Cullen arrived at the library and did a quick perimeter sweep to see if they could spot anything during the day that Cullen wasn't able to see the night before. Finding nothing of import, they made their way to the front doors where the familiar form of the head librarian was waiting for them on the steps.

As they approached, the librarian's face split into surprised grin. Abandoning his post, he practically ran over and enveloped Dorian in a hug. "Dorian! I didn't know that you would be here."

Dorian returned the hug, warmly. "Felix, it's good to see you, my old friend. I'm not actually here on official business, just helping Cullen out with his case."

"Yes. Sad business this is. I can't believe it happened in my library." He turned to Cullen. "Forgive my terrible manners; it's good to see you again, Commander. Anything you need, I am at your disposal. The second floor has been secured, per your officer's request, and the rest of the staff has been sent home. I will, of course, cooperate fully. Should I find out that the boy has gone missing because of any of my staff's negligence, there willbe consequences I assure you. This is a house of safety for scholars—" Felix doubled over coughing.

Dorian caught him before he could fall. "Felix, you know better than to let yourself get worked up. It will do you no good and we need you calm so that you can help us." He rubbed Felix's back soothingly as the wracking cough subsided.

Cullen looked on helplessly. "Thank you, Felix. I'm sure this incident had nothing to do with your team's negligence. We believe we know who took him, I just hope we'll be able to find something inside to point us toward where he might have been taken."

Finally having caught his breath, Felix wiped his mouth with a cloth, hiding the blood tinged stains on the inside as he pocketed it once more. Dorian wasn't fooled. "It's getting worse?"

Felix shrugged noncommittally. "Not worse, but not better, either. You were right, I shouldn't have let myself get over excited." At Dorian's pitying gaze he squared his shoulders. "I'm fine , Dorian, don't look at me like this is your fault. You weren't even there when I was exposed to this, but you were the one to halt its progression."

"But I couldn't cure it." Dorian looked away, ashamed.

"No, but I am alive today because of you ." Felix grabbed Dorian by the shoulders and looked into his eyes. "My health hasn't changed, and won't change. So let's move onto something we can impact and try to find Kieran. I'm assuming your impeccable tracking skills are why you were brought in?"

"Damnit, Felix. Only you could make me feel better by stroking my ego." Dorian laughed.

"I'm pretty sure anyone stroking your ego would have worked. All it takes is a couple of well placed compliments and your already over inflated sense of self simply preens at the attention," Cullen teased while winking at Felix.

"All right, you two. We've got work to do and last I checked it was more important than teasing me."

Felix smiled knowingly and led them up the stairs to unlock the door. "I wondered about the nature of the disappearance when I heard about it. We've housed Morrigan and her son several times over the last few years. They've always been respectful in their research and studies. I've never seen a child more thirsty for knowledge."

Cullen raised an eyebrow. "Interesting." He looked at Dorian. "Not a word to Alistair on that until we find him. He's already kicking himself enough over this, he doesn't need to know that his son has been this close to him over the years. I don't know what it would do to him."

Dorian nodded. "He's your boyfriend. I'm just here to add my charm, wit, and unparalleled tracking abilities." Turning to Felix he added, "There is something you may be able to help me with, my friend."

"Anything," Felix answered earnestly as he led them to the second floor.

"I need all the information you're able to dig up on Flemeth."

"The Witch of the Wilds?" he asked incredulously.

"Oh good, you've heard of her. That will make this much easier. Yes, that Flemeth. I've brought a couple of tomes with me as well." He indicated the satchel at his side. "I haven't been able to find anything in them yet, though, but no one is as good at research as you are."

He looked at Cullen. "Felix's talents are geared more toward finding things in the written word. This could be very helpful."

Felix cleared his throat with embarrassment. "I will do what I can, of course. Is there anything specific you wish to know about her?"

Dorian looked at Cullen, who nodded his permission. "Anything regarding children, regeneration, eternal youth; specifically using someone else's soul to do so."

Felix looked horrified, gulped audibly, and nodded. "Um… ok. Anything else?"

"Yes. Not specifically about Flemeth, but if you can find us any information about Urthemiel, that might be helpful too."

"Isn't that one of the old gods? You think it has something to do with the child's abduction?"

"At this point, anything is possible. So please, if you would, your assistance on this matter would be most helpful."

Felix nodded solemnly then showed them the area where Kieran was last seen studying. Once he was sure they didn't need him for the moment, he excused himself to go access the archive computer in the center of the room.

"I trust that you have a good reason for bringing someone else into my investigation, Dorian." Cullen looked skeptical, but open to whatever Dorian had planned.

"If it was anyone other than Felix, I wouldn't have. You know that."

Cullen nodded. "I just don't want anyone else getting hurt for being involved. We're playing with some pretty heavy hitters here."

"I know, and Felix can handle it. He may not be magically skilled, but we practically grew up together. There are less than a handful of people I would trust with my life, Cullen. You, Bull, and Felix hold the top three spots. Now stop wasting time, hand me the amulet, go do your detectiveystuff, and leave me to my tracking."

"Thank you, Dorian." Cullen clapped a hand firmly on his shoulder, holding his gaze.

Waving a hand in the air, Dorian brushed his hand off and grumbled, "Yeah, yeah. You'll owe me one, you big sap. Now get to work, we're burning daylight."

End Notes:

As always, I want to thank the amazing Ponticle for giving me a second set of eyes on this. She keeps me honest, concise, and makes sure my writing doesn't look like my kids wrote it. (She's a damn miracle worker!)