Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Carver Amell]

Carver's smile fades, and he gives her an odd look. "....You're... doing this for Ari, right?"

[Bethany]

Bethany's shoulders hunch and she starts fussing with the papers. "...maybe. Noooo."

[Carver Amell]

"...But... but you're a lesbian," he points out, showing his trademark lack of tact. "You can't have a crush on Don."

[Bethany]

"Yes, well, my heart is dumb," Bethany growls.

[Carver Amell]

Carver stares at her openly for a long moment, then shakes his head. "No. You're sleep deprived. You think you're straight because you're not sleeping. Go to sleep, wake up, fuck a woman, get your head back together."

[Bethany]

Beth glares at him, eyes blazing. "You- you stupid- stupid- ugggh!" 

[Varric]

Wonder how much would the basic primer cost? Varric thinks to himself, hoping Zevran isn't leaving town for a bit. For both of them.

[Carver Amell]

"Fuck you, I'm not stupid," he snaps. "You're the one not sleeping!"

[Bethany]

"Yeah, we'll, you're dumber than stupid, Beth retorts, then winces. "Sorry, I shouldn't... Maybe I am... A bit tired. Or maybe more than a bit. There's no reason you should understand when I don't understand either."

[Carver Amell]

"Go to sleep," he says, his tone dark. "I can't talk to you when you're like this." 

The last word delivered, he heads for the bedroom door, longing for Merrill's warmth. 

[Bethany]

Beth gapes at him, off balance that her apology had evidently gone very, very awry. "W-what? But I..."

[Carver Amell]

"I'm not dumb or stupid, and you'd never say that if you'd gotten enough sleep. We can talk about your, your, Don thing, later. It's not urgent and you're tired." Carver says this without turning to look back, his voice flat with exhaustion. 

[Bethany]

Beth blanches, shame and sick self-directed fury filling her. "Gods, I- I didn't mean... You're right. I... I'm not okay," Beth whispers. "I'll... Sleep. Yes. Sorry, I... Sorry."

[Carver Amell]

"Pleasant dreams, twin mine," he says, running a hand through his hair. Then hes gone, slipping back to his and Merrill's room.

[GamesMaster]

It isn't over yet, of course. Not really. But for now, there's peace, even if it's only the peace of slumber.

When Beth finally wakes, Carver doesn't seem inclined to bring up the fight; he brings her tea and food, sits with her, makes pleasant conversation. Then, as there's a knock on the front door, he casually mentions having sent Ari away earlier, telling her to come back around teatime if she's looking for Beth.