Under Darkness [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Eyes soft, the Joyous reaches out to take Carver's hand. "Well, that's up to us to make sure it doesn't happen. I'll admit it would be... easier if they're the same race. But if they aren't, then we'll support them, both of them, and make sure neither ever feel less than family, less than Clan."

[Carver Amell]

Carver takes her hand, smiling at her sheepishly. "Just don't... play favorites. Or leave." 

[Tethras Clan]

Unable to stop herself, Seli steps in so she can pull the young man into a soft hug. Being so close, Carver would be able to easily pick up the scent of her, some kind of light floral scent, though Carver likely can't place that it's blue pansy at the base. Of course, there's also the faint scent of talcum powder on her, a common mark of a new mother.

[Carver Amell]

She smells good, he notes, melting into the hug a little. And she's so warm, and soft. He closes his eyes, resting his head on her shoulder and inhaling deeply through his nose. Want, a small part of him barks. 

[Tethras Clan]

Seli had just meant to give him a quick hug, to offer some comfort to someone that's done so much for her and her family. But... It's been so long since I was held. He's bigger, more solid than... than Lovan. More like Jeris, she thinks absently, recalling her first boyfriend, a merikos varana. I've missed this closeness so much. Sighing faintly, she leans into him as well, eyes closing as she snuggles close to Carver's warmth and strength.

[Carver Amell]

Family, says the small, instinctive part of him. Pack. His fingers close a little on her dress, almost protectively. 

A moment later, the rational part of him catches up, and he pulls free, blushing sheepishly. "Ah, sorry." Right, we, uh, we definitely need to talk. What the hells, brain? What do you mean she smells right?

[Tethras Clan]

Seli jolts a little as his sudden movement and she steps back with a blush. "I... no, I... I hugged you, so..." She clears her throat. "I enjoyed it, Carver, there's nothing to be sorry about. At least, not on my account?" she asks, annoyed at the sudden wave of... Am I feeling shy? I'm a mother of two, married for almost five years and a Joyous!

[Carver Amell]

He smiles, then, a warm smile. "Alright. Then there's nothing to worry about." 

His smile falters, a little, a moment later. "Ah. I should probably warn you I had ulterior motives inviting you here. There's... there's something we wanted to talk to you about over dinner."

[Tethras Clan]

To her credit, Seli's mind instantly jumps to, "is something wrong? Is... is Andy doing okay?"

[Carver Amell]

"Everyone's fine," he assures her. "This is a good thing. I think. Probably."  A pause. "Maybe." 

[Tethras Clan]

Seli studies him for a moment, then nods slowly. I... if it's a good thing, but an uncertain thing... Andy. Andy is going to ask if... it probably is time to... to at least let him see the twins. I'm nowhere near ready to let him care for them, certainly not alone but... "Okay," she says quietly, picking her tea back up.

She starts to speak again, but then Andy calls from the kitchen, voice only slightly high-pitched with nerves, "soup's ready!"

[Carver Amell]

"Oh, great, wonderful. Come on," he says, nodding as he leads the way into the little kitchen, through to the little kitchen table. 

[Tethras Clan]

Oh great wonderful indeed. Seli takes a slow breath, a quick sip of tea, then flashes a smile at the patiently watchful Hunter before following Carver to the kitchen, grabbing her basket as she goes. Andy did finish setting the table and has already dished out the soup and salad. Based on the full glass of tea and the partially drunk one already on the table, it's easy to figure out the seating arrangements: Seli and Andy are across from each other, with Carver inbetween. The table is up against the wall due to space issues, though the lack of a fourth chair means that Hunter still has room to curl up underneath once he's finished his own dinner.

Andy is hovering nervously near the stove, having just put out the fish to rest while they start the first course. He offers a wan smile in greeting but can't muster any words, not just yet. "Hello Andy," Seli says gently. They've interacted over the months of course- Carver has made sure that Andy visits at least once a week. Even if he doesn't interact with the twins at all, he at least comes to the house to hand deliver his support payments and ask after them. But this feels different. This isn't about him doing his duty or proving himself as getting better. This... this feels more personal, to me, to the two of us. The... three of us. This feels almost like a date night in a way. Not romantic of course, that would be silly, but intimate perhaps?

[Carver Amell]

Carver pulls out a chair for Seli before taking his own seat. "Please, sit, be comfortable. Andy makes a great squash soup, it turns out. You're going to love it."

[Tethras Clan]

"S-squash and rabbit," Andy says, then clears his throat. "Carver and Hunter are shaping up to be great, well, hunters so I've been learning how to cook game animals of late."

Seli smiles at Carver, touching his arm in silent thanks as she sits. "That sounds lovely," she replies glancing at Andy. "I... I've missed your cooking," she adds then holds up the basket. "I brought some bread- rye rolls and pumpernickel loaf. And fresh butter."

Bread is joined to soup, salad and later baked fish, and the foursome enjoy a lovely dinner- Hunter skips the salad and has a double ration of rabbit, but Carver doesn't see why his mabari shouldn't get rabbit and fish if that's what he's having. Conversation is... awkward at first, but after a little while things settle out and the three just talk. Carver's training (which includes taking a few near-patrols with the rangers), Andy's newfound talent with carpentry, the twins of course, Hunter, Seli evidently getting some side work as a teacher for small children and other light subjects. They avoid speaking of the past for the most part, or Hawke and Merrill, just trying to relax, be social and discover a little about each other. Finally however, dinner starts to wind down...