Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "This one understands that Varric does not desire a sexual relationship. At this point, with the  modifications this one has made to this one's body, such a relationship would be both impossible and undesirable as well. This one does not know if... This one does not know if a romantic or purely platonic relationship is desired."

[Varric]

Hoo boy. Alright. "Well... Okay. Let's get some... definitions down. What do those mean, to you? What's the difference?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is... uncertain. Does Va-- do you enjoy... kissing?"

[Varric]

The dwarf shudders. "No. Shoulders, arms, upper back, hands. Feet, I suppose. That's it."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Then, it seems, to this one's understanding, that a platonic relationship is the correct option?"

[Varric]

"Well, that depends," Varric muses slowly. "Is kissing a requirement for romance? Where is the boundary line between romance and sex?" Never really thought about it before...

[Helene Dakesh]

"Th... this one is unsure. This one believed that holding hands, kissing, and... dates... are required for romance." 

[Varric]

"That would imply that couple that are long-distance or have a participant that is, say, bed-ridden can't be a romantic pairing," Varric points out. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is... uncertain how long-distance romances work," they admit. 

[Varric]

"...yeah, fair," Varric allows. "Alright. Sex aside, what's the difference between friends and romantic partner? The label, obviously, but labels are important, not only for the participants but also in regards to what others will expect from the labeled individuals."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one... has heard of platonic life partners," they suggest, "in which the parties have both agreed to... to act as a couple, to treat each other as equal partners in all things, and to remain together indefinitely, but not to procreate or to, to be romantic."

[Varric]

"Sounds like... a mix between a business partner and a family member," Varric muses. "Though... still not entirely sure how to define romance exactly."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Nor is this one. This one..."

There's a distinct pause, a bit of blush returning.

"This one enjoyed kissing, when this one was given the opportunity. This one would like to explore this more. This one has no sexual desires left, as far as this one can tell, but kissing, with mouths closed, is... nice. Pleasant. This one enjoyed the feeling of being special, of being seen for what this one was rather than the shell this one bears. This may be related to the feeling of romance."

[Varric]

Varric shudders again. "I... I can't give you that," he says baldly. "I tried. Once. Ruined a good friendship, the best one I'd had until then. Marred both our reputations, let down a lot of people, including myself. If you need that- or just want it even- you'll have to go elsewhere for it."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Understood," they say sadly. "This one wishes this one could make Varric feel as special and as seen as this one felt when this one was kissed, but this one does not know of any way to do so that would not repulse Varric."