Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Marian Hawke]

"There's-- I've made a plan. There's only one option. I..." She risks a glance up at him, her face the picture of misery. 

[Bethany]

Bethany huffs, crossing her arms. "It's running away, isn't it?" she asks flatly.

[Varric]

"Called it," Varric sing-songs softly.

[Marian Hawke]

Marian flinches. "I-- Bethany, you wanted to go to Nyra," she reminds her. 

[Bethany]

"And you didn't want to," she reminds Marian right back. "And you were right. I should finish school first and we should wait until Varric is ready to go back."

[Varric]

Varric holds up a hand. "Let Marian speak her piece first, explain why she thinks you both have to run now."

[Marian Hawke]

"You-- Bethany can't lie," she says quietly. "Not to Carver and Mother. They'll-- they'll never accept this, Beth, never. And I promised to stay with you. So-- so we're going to Nyra. I'll get a job, you'll finish school there, and we'll leave Carver a note with the truth. If he still wants us, he can find us in Nyra when he graduates. If not, well... well."

[Bethany]

Bethany can't lie. All my fault. I... "You don't have to leave," Bethany blurts out. "I can..." She cuts off, unable to do it, unable to volunteer to go alone."

[Varric]

"Woah, woah, woah. There's no need for running just yet. Babbles might not be a great liar, but she might not have to be. First things first- was this a one off or are you doing going to be... a thing?"

[Bethany]

"I want-" Bethan blushes. "I want to do it again. I- it was good. It felt... so wonderful. But it would... I can wait. Until we're both adults, with our own place. Or- as long as I have my sister in my life, I'll be content," she finishes softly. "Less than three years to go, right? I can wait that long to feel your hand touching-"

[Varric]

"Okay, got it, thank you. New rule- I don't want to hear any details about...." Varric waves awkwardly. "That. Any of it. Ever. About either of you, with anyone. Ever. Don't need to hear it to help you two, thanks."

[Marian Hawke]

was this a one off or are you doing going to be... a thing?"

I can't. I can't choose not to have magic, and I can't choose not to be Merikos, but this I can choose. I can choose not to ruin Bethany's life, and my own life. I can choose not to be that much of an outcast, a pariah, a freak. I can... I can choose to fit in instead of choosing love. I can become Naugrixi if I have to, if Astea isn't okay with that. The thought pains her, the shock of it keeping her silent.

New rule- I don't want to hear any details about...." 

About me. Fucking anyone. I'm repulsive to him, disgusting. Because I'm an elf? Must be. That hurts her, too, and she can't keep the flinch off her face, nor the guilty look. She turns away, hands fidgeting. 

[Varric]

"Hawke?" Varric prods, studying her worriedly, using her last name out of habit, that being what he calls her during work. Catching himself, he repeats, "Marian? Talk to us, you're getting mindstuck. What're you thinking about?"

[Marian Hawke]

"This is fine," she says quietly. "What Bethany said is fine."

[Varric]

"...right, so the look of torment, hurt and guil were about..?"