Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

"I thought- they were saying- exile," she manages to get out. "B-be-because of- of m-m-me."

[GamesMaster]

"Never," he growls, tail lashing harder. "There's a couple idiots saying that, yes, but nobody who matters. They can get over themselves. I'm never not going to help you if you're in trouble like that, Beth, never. You're a Bandanna."

[Bethany]

The young woman blushes deeply, her heart hearing more than 'Bananda' in his words, intended or not. "I- okay. I just- I guess I... I thought I caused... your Tribe is... your world, if I had..."

[GamesMaster]

"I'm sorry you heard that," he growls, still a bit ticked. "You didn't need that, on top of... all this," he adds, gesturing with his paw. "You just worry about you and your family. Let me worry about my reputation. Trust me, I've got more defenders than detractors. Mriy was... irked, at having to defend me, yes, but I've rebuilt that by... you remember, that garden plan you told Ari about? For after we buy the buildings? We own the 16th street property, so I've been putting in some hours setting one up there. We have seedlings now, Beth. Beans, three types. We can dry those and keep them for a lean winter." 

[Bethany]

"Oh," Bethany says, reaching up to wipe a few tears from her face. "That's... that's wonderful. I..." She takes a deep breath. "I thought I ruined... God, I'm such an idiot. I didn't... I was just so... when I overheard that priest threaten you, I just... couldn't. I've already ruined so many other people's lives, I couldn't face hurting another loved one that way. I'm... I'm glad I was just... being dumb. And that the roof-top garden plan is working."

[GamesMaster]

"You're not dumb," he says quietly, reaching a hand to stroke her cheek. "You're never dumb, Bethany Hawke Tethras. I should have come sooner, I... I thought you might want space, to... for Merrill. I didn't want you dealing with my problems."

[Bethany]

Eyes closing slightly, she leans into his hand. "I'd have made time for you. Having you around is good, Don. And... and speaking of time, do you have some?" Her lips curve under his palm. "...like two hours? I, ah, may have had some more ideas. A lot of them."

[GamesMaster]

His answer is to lean forward and kiss her, gently. 

[Bethany]

Bethany gasps a little, then leans up to kiss back eagerly.

[Carver Amell]

They're interrupted a few minutes later by the sound of breaking china, as a tray drops to the floor, spilling hot tea everywhere. 

[Bethany]

There's a pause, then Bethany huffs a little, still pressed up against Don. "...yes Carver?" she asks, voice sweet and gentle. 

[Carver Amell]

"N-nothing, I, I just-- you're okay? In here? With him?" he stammers. "He's not trying to-- this isn't--?"

[GamesMaster]

Don bristles. "I would never," he snarls.

[Carver Amell]

"Okay. I. Uh. Okay. I'll just. I'll just go, then."

[Bethany]

Kissing his cheek, Bethany turns to look at Carver. "No, it's fine. And thank you for looking after me but this is Don, one of the finest gentlemen either of us know. It's okay, ma'win. I know it's.... atypical but... Don's just... special." She sighs a little. "Buutttt... we should probably focus anyway. On work, I mean. I doubt you have all that much time to spare and I, uh, might have a lot of material to cover." She coughs, embarrassed more about her... over diligence than getting caught making out with a boy by her brother. 

At least some good came from her time as a whore.