Under Darkness [AU]

[Isabela]

Isabela says nothing for a moment, walking up to him and stroking his cheek gently with her palm as she looks into his eyes. After a moment, she kisses him, briefly but firmly. "I really do hope the three of you find happiness somehow." 

[Tethras Clan]

"I don't want to lose you either," Zevran whispers, eyes wet. "Why does life have to...

[Isabela]

She pulls away, turning from him to hide the brightness in her own eyes. "It's not like you're really losing me."

[Tethras Clan]

"That depends on whether you come back," Zevran counters softly. A pause. "Or... if we come back."

[Isabela]

You'd still keep my heart anyway. "I might. I think we'll meet again someday, either way. We found each other twice already, right?"

[Tethras Clan]

"I was serious about coming with you for a while." Zevran studies her carefully. "I... you have a point about... me not being okay. Getting... some fresh air, so to speak, might be good. For... multiple people."

[Isabela]

"I don't plan to come back," she informs the wall across the room. "I don't think Hawke's coming back, not really. I don't know if I can be around the rest of them either way."

[Tethras Clan]

"How bad?" Zevran asks gently. "How... how much have you been... protecting me from? How much are you hurting?"

[Isabela]

"Nothing personal, luv." She keeps her voice breezy. "Isabela doesn't do mushy."

[Tethras Clan]

"Still?" The word lingers, filled with regret and... guilt?

[Isabela]

She still won't look at him. "Nothing personal." This time, her voice is softer, more gentle. "It's just how I am. You know that."

[Tethras Clan]

"...I know. I just... I had just hoped that having to leave you wouldn't..." Zevran swallows. Every time.... everyone I love, I abandon them when they need me most. And they suffer for it. Gods. Maybe I should leave, all of them. Just... walk away and...

[Isabela]

"I'm the one leaving," she says, finally looking back at him. 

[Tethras Clan]

"No, not- not now. Then. The sixth of Kaijin," Zevran whispers. "I abandoned you too." Even though she's now looking at him, his eyes are vacant, lost in the regrets of his past.

[Isabela]

"What?" She sounds honestly shocked. "No, I-- Zevran, have you been beating yourself up over that?"