Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Varric]

"Well... romantic couples do a lot of... gift-giving. Token, more to show that they were thinking of and feeling appreciative towards the other rather than for the value of the gift. Spend time together for non-practical reasons. Give priority consideration for time and other resources." Varric hums softly, trying to think of other things.

[Helene Dakesh]

"These things are acceptable. This one does not wish to take time away from Varric tending to his children, but this has been noted as acceptable in relationships with prior children. This one... this one would become, perhaps, a parent-electi or step-parent to the children? Secondary to their needs, but above others that are not dependents of Varric?"

[Varric]

"That... seems reasonable," Varric allows, nodding. "I know Beth likes you, so does... Carver. Merrill likes everyone."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Then, it seems, this one would be amenable to embarking on a... romantic relationship."

[Varric]

Forcing his mind back on the conversation at hand, Varric nods. "So it seems. Do you have any... practical concerns? Questions or... requests given the change of the nature of our relationship."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene chews their lower lip for a few moments. "No," they finally say. "But there are things this one should disclose if this one is... of a certain importance to Varric."

[Varric]

"Alright. Go ahead- and let me know if that changes."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. Still, they hesitate for long moments, sipping their chocolate, chewing their lip. Finally, they settle on bluntness: "This one still suffers from hallucinations on occasion. It is harmless, and this one feels no urgency toward repairing the issue, but--"

[Varric]

"Damnit Helene," Varric sighs.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Th-this one apologizes for.. this one merely did not wish to worry Varric, this one..."

[Varric]

"Well, I think that might my first couple request- that you tell me when there are problems. If they affect you, they affect us. You don't have to tell me trivial stuff, like running out of paper and having to run to the shop or whatever, but medical stuff? Yes."

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one... this one felt... selfish," they say quietly. "Varric already suffered due to this one, and, and spent so much time and effort repairing this one's mind, and this one... this one can handle the effects without... this one does not need.. it seemed... it seemed like Varric would do better to spend time with his children than on this unworthy one."

[Varric]

"And there's two- that you try, honestly try, to work on that. You are worthy. I wouldn't have become your friend, much less your family or done this, if you weren't worthy. Saying otherwise implies I'm either a fool or ignorant," Varric says firmly.

[Helene Dakesh]

"You are... kind," they say, softly. "You are compassionate. I am... I am humbled by your desire to remain with me, despite the many flaws. I try to avoid being too much of a burden. That is all."

[Varric]

"Fool or ignorant?" Varric demands. "Which are you calling me?"