Under Darkness [AU]

[GamesMaster]

Anders nods, taking a deep breath and letting it out. Varric was right. Of course he was.

"Our relationship must remain professional," he begins. "I have taken measures on my end to ensure such, but I need you to understand that. Alright?"

[Tethras Clan]

And now she looks mulish on top of worried and guilty. "Merrill..." Varric says warningly.

"Rather a new healer than lose Anders," she mutters crossly.

[GamesMaster]

He swallows, touched -- and a little worried. "Merrill. You know better, I think."

[Tethras Clan]

Varric gestures at Anders to wait a moment. "Merrill, what do you think we meant by this rule?"

"...professional means cold. Doesn't care about Merrill, just the patient. Anders is Clan. Love him. Friend."

[GamesMaster]

"I could hardly stop myself from lov-- that is to say, from caring about you a great deal, Merrill. I don't know the right kind of magic that could make that happen. But we cannot have a sexual relationship, not so long as we have a healer relationship."

[Tethras Clan]

And now she's beaming at him. "Oh! That's fine. No sex is fine. And by the time I want sex with you- or anyone- I won't need healer," she says brightly, then giggles. "Kind of like a graduation present."

"Ah... Sure. Well. Just to make it easier, Anders decided to take a precaution on the matter," Varric says, giving Anders some help bringing the geas up.

[GamesMaster]

"quite," he says, faintly. "I've taken precautions, so there's no need to worry. But I would appreciate some... care... in your treatment of my body, if it's possible. To ah... help prevent distraction."

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill stares blankly at Anders, confused. Varric doesn't look all that much more sure what Anders means by that. "So... gentle touches only?" the elf finally tries.

[GamesMaster]

"Ah, no, more like--" He swallows. "Don't touch me in ways you wouldn't touch your Papa?" He shoots a questioning glance to Varric.

[Tethras Clan]

Varric shrugs. "That seems reasonable to me," the dwarf agrees. "Though... she does do kisses on the cheek."

[GamesMaster]

"That's acceptable, barely." He nods. "Given we're working on being physically affectionate, I don't want to remove all of that type of behavior."

[Tethras Clan]

"So treat you like Papa," Merrill confirms. "Until I'm better and you don't have to be my healer anymore."

[GamesMaster]

"At the very least." He sighs. 

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill pouts, then nods. "Right. Because just because I'll be ready doesn't mean you'll be ready."

[GamesMaster]

"Exactly." He smiles, raking a hand through his hair. "Now, let's get you fed."