Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

"That was quick," Merrill comments, blinking. "Was it not broken after all?"

[GamesMaster]

"Only a bad sprain," he lies smoothly. "I need to make a delivery -- do you want to fetch us some lunch?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Yessir!" Merrill giggles- it's fun having a boss! "I'll go ask..." She blinks, looking around. "Carver?"

[GamesMaster]

"Hmm? Oh yes, get him something too. I think have a few silver--"

He rummages out the coins, hands them over, pulls on his coat. "I'll lock up, if I'm not back when you return just wait out front for me."

[Tethras Clan]

Maybe... maybe he's outside? Mustering a smile, Merrill takes the coins and Anders's order, then heads out, intending to look for Carver more than get food.

[Carver Amell]

Carver didn't get far -- merely a block away, he's part of a small crowd gathered at the base of a statue. There's a man standing there, speaking and handing out fliers; when he sees Merrill coming, Carver breaks away from the group, taking a flier with him. "Merrill! Did something happen?"

[Tethras Clan]

She doesn't slow or falter, just slams into him, hugging desperately. 

[Carver Amell]

"H-hey! What's-- what's going on? What happened?" He folds his arms around her obligingly, cradling her close. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Y-y-you were g-g-one," she sobs.

[Carver Amell]

"What? No, I just stepped out for a minute. You seemed like you didn't need me. I'm sorry."

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill sniffles softly, hiding her face in his shoulder. Her whole body is trembling as she mumbles an apology, becoming ashamed of her overreaction.

[Carver Amell]

"Hey, it's alright. I should have said something." Guilt twists in Carver's gut -- he knows  Merrill is clingy, he knows he shouldn't just vanish, that was cruel, he should be better than that. "Hey. Do you, do you want to get ice cream?"

[Tethras Clan]

"Okay," Merrill mumbles. "Sorry I'm... like this."

[Carver Amell]

"Don't be. You're perfect."

But clearly something's still wrong. He's quiet, almost broody, as they head for the ice cream shop. Carver hands her the flier as he gets their ice cream, giving her a chance to read it: it's a simple sheet of parchment with the information for a grief support group scribbled on it. 

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill looks puzzled for a moment, then her eyes widen. "Oh. For your sister. Do..." She hesitates, trying to figure how to ask who he wants to go with him, if anyone.