Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"Neither," they snap. "There is room for compassion, and the unproductive, maladaptive choices that are driven from it."

[Varric]

"And I am saying that I am not simply 'forgiving' you for having certain traits. Yes, you have mental and physical flaws. So the fuck what?" Varric sets his mug down and rests his hands flat on the table. "When you finish adding up all the sums of what you are, the total is very fucking positive. You. Are. Worthy. Valuable. Precious."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene takes a deep, shuddering breath, then lets it out. "I am only a servant. I do not deserve the credit for what I do. But I am flawed, and I am small. I was only trying to prioritize, I was only trying not to... to disrupt your family."

[Varric]

"You are family," Varric replies simply. 

[Helene Dakesh]

"Now," they agree softly. "Now I am family. Now I have the... the right to disrupt... the right to your time and attention."

[Varric]

That's- fine. Can't change the past. "Alright. You've been family for a bit but I suppose we never... confirmed it. So that's on me as well."

[Helene Dakesh]

"I still do not... your children come first. And you yourself come after them. But I will accept the, the time and energy left over."

[Varric]

Varric purses his lips. "I can accept that if your priority order is Aldyra, yourself, the kids, then me."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Acceptable," they confirm, with a nod. "This one was sorely tempted to prioritize Varric over Alydra and the children, but this one did not. Could not."

[Varric]

"Then it appears we have a... deal?" Varric snorts, amused.

[Helene Dakesh]

"Agreed." Helene nods. "What does Varric wish to be called now that we are.... partners?"

[Varric]

"Uhh... good question. I mean..." He coughs a little. "How about... we... hrrrm." He glance upwards. "You... you said earlier, you were looking for long-term. How long-term?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one does not anticipate an end date, barring unforeseen circumstances."

[Varric]

"Then... given the length of our previous association, our intentions, our degree of maturity and general character, would, uh, fiance be out of place?" Varric asks awkwardly.

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene stares at him a moment. "Fiance usually implies an intent to..." they begin, but they know full well he knows what the word means.

They swallow, then, and nod. "This one... no. Ask this one again when the children are safe, when sleep has been had and all has been well for at least twenty four hours. This one will not take advantage of Varric's distress."