Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Bethany]

Bethany leans over to set her cold tea on the nightstand, a flicker of embarrassment at the lapse of control in her eyes. "Carver..." she says ominously. 

[Carver Amell]

"Look, Dad said to tell him anything that's troubling me, but I have nightmares from time to time, so I figured, if I have them three nights in a row I'll say something. It's fine." He shrugs. "I maybe almost threw up all over Gamlen's front doorstep, it's understandable to have nightmares."

[Bethany]

Beth opens her mouth, then closes it. Counts to ten. I will not be a bitch harpy that's constantly scolding and berating my loved ones I will not be that person. "Carver... I... I understand you not wanting to bother him. Or us. But are you talking to anyone about these nightmares? Are they... is there a theme or... the like?"

[Carver Amell]

"It's about Mother," he snaps. "I.. it was bad, okay?"

[Bethany]

"I know," Beth says gently. "I didn't mean just... the recent ones. You implied you have them a lot. Are they all similar?"

[Carver Amell]

"I had a few after Dad... after Dad. And one or two when Seeker Helene... I don't like the idea of becoming like that. Being helpless, unable to talk to anyone. Or being, being a puppet or a doll for Mother to... Sometimes I have nightmares I can't get to you in time, or that I'm a dog and you need something and I don't have thumbs so you end up suffering for it... It's just a thing that happens. I tell Bright Lelldorin."

[Bethany]

"Alright," Beth says, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "You'll talk to me about them if you think it'll help? Otherwise, it seems like you're doing just fine with it."

[Carver Amell]

Carver nods. "Thank you for trusting me," he says quietly.

[Bethany]

"I'm trying. Not to trust you but to... do it right. To really trust you and not think I know better," she confesses. "I... I can be a little..."

[Carver Amell]

"I know," he laughs. "I love you."

[Bethany]

"Thank you for not quickly filling in the blank," Bethany says, offering a rueful smile. "But... you're okay? Aside from the nightmares? We've... your trip to the Oak was a great idea. I think you and we have been a lot better for it. We've been talking, talking with and not just to each other, but... I just want to double check. You're okay? With... anything?"

[Carver Amell]

He hesitates. "I mean... this thing with Mother is... hard. Really hard. But.. I'm not thinking about running away, or, or anything. So. It should get better now, right? Because we solved it?"

[Bethany]

Bethany nods slowly. "I mean... not right away. Or fast or... completely. But better. Yes. The boil was lanced, so now things can heal. Her too," she forces herself to add. 

[Carver Amell]

He sighs. "I don't know if... Look, I know what I want is impossible. I just... I just want it anyway."

[Bethany]

His twin sighs softly. "Yeah. Sorry. I just can't... maybe I'll get over it. Eventually. When she's... better." If. "But if you want to... try and mend things, I won't stop you. Or hate you. I might fret a bit, because I can't trust her and I love you but I won't... just keep talking to if not me, then dad or Merri. Alright?"