Sparkler and the Wolf

41: Revelations

"I'm not averse to imbibing fine spirits Fenris, but isn't it a little early?" Dorian asked as they settled at a table near the back on the second floor.

"No, it's not. And it's one drink." Fenris said quietly.

"Alright. What are we having?"

"Agreggio Pavali."

Dorian's brow shot up. "They have that? Here? A biy pricey isn't it?"

"I have connections." Fenris muttered as the barmaid took his order.

"Be right back Serah Fenris." She said cheerily.

"Connections with whom?"

"Varric. Hawke."

"The dwarf is getting you expensive wine?"

"He owes me."

"Must owe you a lot to have that label shipped here all the way from Tevinter."

"He led us to Corypheus the first time and got us trapped in a Warden prison. Then he got us involved in a Tal-Vashoth, Ben-Hasrath plot involving an Orlesian Duke, a giant wyvern and Empress Celene."

"A giant wyvern? Why haven't I heard this story?" Dorian complained.

"Because Hawke threatened him on pain of death if he breathed one word of it. The last thing she needed was her name attached to the death of a Duke after the qunari thing on top of what Anders did. Though somehow the Seeker knew about it anyway."

The tavern girl returned and set down two glasses of deep red wine. Fenris snatched them up and passed one to his lover. He clinked their glasses together and took a healthy swallow, rolling the liquid over his tongue to savour the fruity, spicy notes before swallowing.

Dorian sighed happily, a small smile on his lips as he savoured the drink. "I had no idea you had such fine taste in wine."

"I used to pour it for Danarius' guests. He said they found me intimidating."

Dorian grunted. "I didn't need a reminder of that man. Though he was right, you are intimidating. Your beauty is breathtaking. No one can compete with it."

Fenris paused to stare at the mage who was still gazing into his glass with fondness. "Delicious." He murmured.

"Are you talking to me or the wine?" Fenris teased.

"Mmm?" Dorian looked up from his glass. "Oh. Both of course." He said, giving him a wink.

Fenris growled. "You're incorrigible."

"No. I just adore you. Even more now that I know about your wine preferences."

"Your adoration increased because of my taste in wine?"

"How could it not? Fine wines are a passion of mine I haven't been able to indulge in for far too long."

Fenris snorted, a smile in his lips. "I see how it is. You want in on my private reserves."

"I resent the implication I only want you for your connections. I'm not that superficial."

Fenris put his hand to Dorian's cheek and swiped his thumb over his lip to wipe a way a drop of wine. Keeping his eyes locked with Dorian's, he put his thumb to his mouth and licked the drop away.

Dorian sucked in a sharp breath at the sight, his pupils dilating. "What... what are you doing? Are you... teasing me? Here?"

"Mmm."

"It's not going to work. Especially not now I'm drinking wine that tastes like actual wine."

"Not even if I kiss you? Run my tongue over your lip? Trail kisses along your jaw?" Fenris whispered, sliding his chair closer and slipping a hand around the mage's waist. His other hand rested on Dorian's thigh, not moving, just laid flat and letting the heat of his skin warm the mage's flesh beneath his clothes. He bent his head close, his breath hot on Dorian's neck. "I want you mage. I want to bend you over and take you. Would you like that? Do you object to such a carnal suggestion?"