Under Darkness [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"Ciren, but I know at least the basics of Astea, given your sister. Vangal too," he adds, sounding slightly befuddled at the notion. Even after that first night after the Delve, I never would have thought that Aveline would have ever accepted one such as myself. That a paladin of Vangal, of all people, would allow me into her bed, her body and her heart is... humbling. Enthralling. Healing. And it gives me hope that perhaps one day, the Light of my Heart will be able to take me back as well.

[Carver Amell]

He sighs, shaking his head and raking a hand through his hair. "I'm going about this all backwards," he mutters to himself. "I was raised Astean. Very Astean. With an emphasis on bloodline families, something Varric doesn't understand. So he... suggested you might be better for advice."

[Tethras Clan]

"Ah. I am not... particularly enthralled with my own bloodline," Zevran says with a pained smile. "But I can  see the... allure of such a thing. Even if I do not wish to... breed, I was raised in a mostly human town so I'm familiar with the desire for legacy. I would have thought... well, Merrill, I think, wishes for children the most of us. Normally, I am only asked for sex advice."

[Carver Amell]

"This is--" He takes a deep breath, lets it out. "Andy likes me." 

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran starts to say something, then pauses to edit his wording. "I... was aware." For months now. And also that you are interested in him back. "I... gather you have questions about that?"

[Carver Amell]

"Good, you were." He takes a deep breath, lets it out. "Does Seli?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Does Seli... know what? That Andy is gay, that Andy likes you or that you..." Zevran trails off slowly.

[Carver Amell]

He shakes his head. "Does she like me."

[Tethras Clan]

Zevran purses his lips. "I'll not betray confidences given," he warns Carver. "But I will share what I have guessed, just from observation and casual conversation." He pauses a moment to gather his thoughts. "From the least important, I can with great certainty that she is attracted to you. I've noticed her... admiring you more than once, particularly after your morning run with Hunter."

[Carver Amell]

He rubs the back of his head. "Really? Huh." 

[Tethras Clan]

"You are very handsome," Zevran points out. "Strong build with clean lines. Since you've been honing your shifter gifts, you've developed a subtle grace, a certain... confidence of self. Your deep, warm brown eyes, your full, soft lips... you are attractive."

[Carver Amell]

He stops walking, stumbling a little. "Ah. Oh. I didn't realize you were--"

[Tethras Clan]

"Bisexual?" Zevran supplies. "Or pansexual, depending on who you ask. I prefer bi, simply because it's more commonly understood.  But yes, I enjoy pleasure and care more that all involved enjoy what is done rather than trivial details such as the shape of the bodies involved. But we are starting to wander. More than attraction, I would comfortably say that Seli respects and likes you. And not just for what you've done for Andy, but also the diligence you've put into learning your new talent, your help with building our homes, the care and love you have for Hunter and more."

[Carver Amell]

"It's wrong," he says quietly. "Trying to split yourself between two lovers. Chasing a twisted mirror, another man, instead of a woman designed to compliment you." He takes a deep breath, then lets it out. "No, I know. I don't-- What you and my sister have is... nothing I could have imagined as a boy. Obviously I have more learning to do."

[Tethras Clan]

"...twisted mirror?" Zevran asks curiously, then waves it off. "Everyone has more learning to do, always," he agrees. "I suspect even Aldyra is still studying something. At least, I truly hope so. I would think it would be horrid, to know everything. To have no surprises, no discoveries left."