Under Darkness [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Seli snorts. "Carver, I'm more than a decade your senior and already a mother. My body isn't... you can do better," she says softly, eyes downcast. "I know at least one person in Raplin Oak that would gladly..."

Andy sighs a little but lets Carver handle this. Not really my place... even if it's a little sad that Seli is still far too... critical I guess, of how she compares. You could never accept that Lovan was just as attracted to your looks as much as he was to mine. That we loved you, yes but...

[Carver Amell]

Carver pulls back a little, going quiet. After a moment, he says softly, a hang-dog expression on his face, his shoulders hunched: "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-- I'm sorry."

[Tethras Clan]

"What?" Seli asks, looking up. "Carver, you didn't- I'm flattered that- I mean, well, it's... you're a very handsome man," she says shyly. "A good man as well. Caring and protective. Loyal and dedicated. I just... you deserve more than a thirty-four year old mother that can't support herself. It's kind of you to... offer. I'm certainly not offended."

[Carver Amell]

"But you're amazing," he says quietly. "Look at all you've been through, and you're still going, still fighting."

[Tethras Clan]

"I don't have a choice, Tomas and Gilly need me," she says simply. Her tone is blunt but not accusing, and she doesn't so much as flick her gaze towards the flinching Andy.

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "You don't see how that's strength? To-- to put your family above your desires, to do the hard thing but the right thing instead of walking away... that's something I admire, something I wish my father had done."

[Tethras Clan]

Andy bows his head a little, accepting the glancing rebuke. "He's right. Your... nurturing spirit, your caring heart... There's a wonder in that, Seli. A very attractive wonder."

"I..." She takes a deep breath, then looks Carver directly in the eye. "Are you attracted to me? Physically? I- I can accept a husband who is there for love and family, but..." She flushes but doesn't avert her gaze. "I want sex again in my life. I want more children some day. I want a husband that will be able to provide that for me."

[Carver Amell]

"Yes," he whispers, his voice husky, his eyes full of longing. 

[Tethras Clan]

Seli's flush deepens a little, then she leans in. "Show me," she whispers.

[Carver Amell]

Carver needs no second invitation; he lunges forward, his hand coming up to tangle in her hair, pressing his lips to hers. The heat of his body warms her: he's warmer than most humans, it seems. There's no denying the passion in his kiss, the forcefulness borne of yearning, the desperate need to be close to her. 

[Tethras Clan]

Seli kisses back, hand coming up to his chest. She grips his shirt but subtly pushes back on him, trying to help him gentle his approach without rejecting him. Pulling back after a moment, she smiles a few inches from his face. "I suppose..." She clears her throat. "I suppose you perhaps do find me a little attractive." Not bad...
 a little... pent up, I think. But he can learn.

On the other end of the table, Andy is smiling at the pair. I wonder if... no, give him time. He's worth waiting for, until he's comfortable with how he feels about me. Him admitting he is interested in me is enough for today.

[Carver Amell]

Carver swallows, trying to quell his feelings just a bit. "Sorry," he says again, ducking his head. "I just-- you're wonderful."

[Tethras Clan]

Seli's smiles grow a little broader, a part of her ego preening just a little. "You..." She rests her forehead against his. "You are very good for my self-confidence," she confesses.

[Carver Amell]

"I'm glad," he whispers, and a boyish grin breaks out across his face. Under the table, sensing his master's happiness, Hunter's tail wags happily.

[Tethras Clan]

"Alright." She leans back, a pleased smile firmly in place. "Alright. So... tomorrow you were coming over to help watch the twins. Perhaps... Andy could come by around lunch so we can... talk more?"