Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one cannot promise that all things will work out, no. This one can promise that a family will be present to return to, no matter how far one may stray. This one can promise that bonds remain as long as any of us remain alive -- and, to some extent, beyond this one's end into the next incarnation."

[Bethany]

Bethany studies Helene for a long moment, then nods slowly. Turning, she licks her lips, grabs her nerve, then asks, "Carver... can we talk? In my room?"

[Carver Amell]

Carver raises his doggy head, blinking at her. Unable -- or unwilling, anyway -- to deny her anything, he gets to his feet, shaking himself a little as he heads for the bedroom.

[Bethany]

Taking a deep breath, Beth starts to follow then pauses. Leans in towards Helene, then pauses again. "Ummm. Kind of late to ask if hugs are okay, but... kisses on the cheek?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"This one is unaccustomed, but willing to try," Helene confirms.

[Bethany]

Smiling, a lot less excitedly but still pleased, and leans in to kiss Helene on the cheek. "Welcome to our crazy band of misfits. We have dogs at least."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene smiles, watching the twins depart, desperately hoping they did the right thing. It seemed to work. May Alydra be kind and allow us to stay together.

[Carver Amell]

When he gets to Beth's room, Carver sits on the rug, patiently waiting for her to catch up, watching her enter. Waiting for her to speak. He seems to be in no hurry to change back.

[Bethany]

"A talk with you," Bethan says quietly as she sits on the bed. "Not at you. Please?"

[Carver Amell]

He whines, his ears pressing back, looking pained. Abruptly, he rolls onto his back, flashing his belly at her the way Hunter might when scolded.

[Bethany]

"Carver, please," Bethany repeats, slipping off the bed to kneel on the ground. "Being literally a dog is actually worse than just... metaphorically being my dog."

[Carver Amell]

He whines, again, rolling back to his feet, shying back from Beth as though afraid to hurt her physically. 

[Bethany]

"I already have a mabari, Carver, I want my brother," Bethany snaps, then takes a deep breath. Ugh. My... my emotions are all over the place. I... No, can't think about- about him. Carver. Right now, focusing on Carver. "Please. I can ready a Calming spell if we start to shout or get nasty, but I really, really n-need to talk with my twin."

[Carver Amell]

He glances at the door, then at the window, as if considering escape. He whines, again, tossing his head, putting his head down onto his paws, anxious, agitated. Finally, with a shudder, his form melts away, leaving Carver in the same soiled clothes he was wearing when she saw him at the bananna hideout several days ago.

"Beth," he whispers, shuddering. "Beth, I just... I can't... Please. Just leave it be."

[Bethany]

Bethany doesn't say anything at first, just moves quickly to hug him. Then wrinkles her nose and starts using muttering cleaning spells.