Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

"Huh. I... well, I guess if you can not like either, then it kinda makes sense you can not be either too..." That's pretty strange though... I wonder what they're attracted to? Both? Neither? Only other, uh, agender-type people?

[Varric]

"Life's a tapestry of many, many colors and materials, all making a design far too complicated for any mortal to even begin to understand," Varric replies. 

[Carver Amell]

Carver blinks. "Uh. I guess?" He shakes his head. "So you found me some little-kid not-male not-female who likes reading to be my teacher? I uh... I'm not sure that's a good idea?"

[Varric]

"Third time- not a little kid. Looks can be very deceiving, especially in Nyra. If it helps, pretend Helene's dressed up for a festival play or something."

[Carver Amell]

"...isn't Helene a girl name?" 

[Varric]

"Isn't Carver a profession? Or a hobby? It's just their name, it doesn't dictate what they are," Varric replies with a shrug. 

[Carver Amell]

Carver makes a face. "Yes." he growls. "I hate my name."

[Varric]

"Could change it if you wanted," Varric suggests idly. "Only costs a few silver to have your records updated. But anyway, even if they don't work out as your tutor- though I'd ask you give it a sincere effort, Helene... they don't have many friends and they're very... Helene really, really wants to be helpful. So they'll take it badly if it goes completely pear-shaped. Give it an honest try, please. As a favor to me. But either way, I want to invite them over for dinner and introduce the three of you."

[Bethany]

Bethany perks up, a gleam in her eyes. He said he doesn't like or want sex and stuff. But... that doesn't mean he can't be a couple, right? Like... just without sex? And if this Helene is in a kid's body.... then maybe they don't want sex either. "That sounds great," she says cheerfully, nudging Carver. "I'm sure it'll go great. I can't wait to me your friend."

[Varric]

I... I am suddenly concerned. 

[Carver Amell]

I could just.. change my name? Like, my name could actually be Carter, like a real person's name, not some bullshit last-name like Carver? Oh man, or it could be something totally badass like, like Deadshot Hawke. Can you imagine? I go up to some chick and introduce myself as Deadshot Hawke? She'd be all over me!

"Huh? Yeah, fine. Dinner. Got it."

[Varric]

"...can you repeat anything I said after the bit about your name?" Varric asks with an eye roll, all while giving Bethany a wary look.

[Carver Amell]

"Your friend -- the tutor -- is coming for dinner and you want us on our best behavior," he recites by rote. 

[Varric]

"And that Helene is very eager to please and doesn't have a lot of friends, so they can be a little awkward. Just... try your best with the tutor thing- if it doesn't work, it doesn't work, but I'd like to avoid it going terrible at least," Varric repeats. 

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "Right. Got it. I'll try." If only because Bethany seems suddenly keen on this going well.