Under Darkness [AU]

[Carver Amell]

"Of course it does," he sighs. "My sister likes you, of course you're witty."

[Tethras Clan]

Andy's smile slips. "...we... we weren't friends. I doubt she actually liked me. She was Seli's friend and wanted to help, I think, sure, but we weren't... we barely knew each other really," he explains softly.

[Carver Amell]

"She liked you," he confirms. "Zevran said she did.  Said she thought you were very pretty. Witty! Very witty."

[Tethras Clan]

Pretty? Wait, did Hawke say that or did you think it? "Umm. Well, maybe," Andy hedges. "We only met a handful of times. We've spent far more time together than I have with her."

[Carver Amell]

"To be honest, I have spent more time with you this week than with her all year," he admits. "I'm not sure I can guess how she felt about you."

[Tethras Clan]

Andy hesitates, then takes the plunge. "Does it make a difference? Will you stop... If we weren't friends, does that mean.."

[Carver Amell]

"It doesn't. I'm doing this for your kids, not you." He shifts a little. "But it's probably for the best anyway. She doesn't have much flattering to say about me, anyway."

[Tethras Clan]

Strangely, that seems to reassure Andy a great deal. "Good. I... I'm glad. They deserve to have someone looking after them. Hells, you'd make a better father than me anyway.. And whatever she says about you, I know you're a good man," he adds almost as an aside.

[Carver Amell]

"Yeah? Tell that to Varric. He's still mad about the sword thing." 

[Tethras Clan]

"...sword thing?" Andy asks with a slight tilt of his head.

[Carver Amell]

His expression darkens. "Nevermind. I think it's time for more practice, don't you?"

[Tethras Clan]

Sore spot, got it. "Sure. Just try not to kill my next stick, yeah?"

[Carver Amell]

"You got it."

The next morning, Carver braces himself for talking the matter over with Isabela and Zevran. He'd agreed before Andy and he had gone to sleep that the pair deserve to know, just in case -- but he wasn't looking forward to the gloating that was sure to follow. At least they didn't see me flat on my ass last night, he thinks, fondling Hunter's ears as he makes beans for breakfast. Their laughter would have been too much.

[Tethras Clan]

After breakfast is served- Seli still in the wagon nursing the twins- Andy gives Carver a nod before clearing his throat. "So... had an interesting spar last night with Carver during watch. Evidently, he's got more tricks up his sleeve than even he realized."

Zevran smirks a little. "Oh? Doesn't that sound interesting... perhaps something he can demonstrate for the class?" he asks with a flirtish wink.

Andy starts to snap at Zevran, then bursts into laughter. "Actually Carver, you should demonstrate. Just be sure to pick a body part you won't miss," the tiefling adds to Zevran with a smirk.

"...request withdrawn," Zevran says quickly.

[Carver Amell]

Carver chuckles, relief causing his shoulders to slump. "It's not that dangerous. Just, apparently I have a bit more magic than I'd thought."